bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiologic MR imaging of the tumor microenvironment revealed switching of metabolic phenotype upon recurrence of glioblastoma in humans
Authors: Stadlbauer Andreas , Oberndorfer Stefan , Zimmermann Max , Renner Bertold , Buchfelder Michael , Heinz Gertraud , Doerfler Arnd , Kleindienst Andrea , Roessler Karl
Published: February 2019

Treating recurrent glioblastoma (GB) is one of the challenges in modern neurooncology. Hypoxia, neovascularization, and energy metabolism are of crucial importance for therapy failure and recurrence. Twenty-one patients with initially untreated GB who developed recurrence were examined with a novel MRI approach for noninvasive visualization of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Imaging biomarker information about oxygen metabolism (mitochondrial oxygen tension) and neovascularization (microvascular density and type) were fused for classification of five different TME compartments: necrosis, hypoxia with/without neovascularization, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. Volume percentages of these TME compartments were compared between untreated and recurrent GB. At initial diagnosis, all 21 GB showed either the features of a glycolytic dominant phenotype with a high percentage of functional neovasculature (N = 12) or those of a necrotic/hypoxic dominant phenotype with a high percentage of defective tumor neovasculature (N = 9). At recurrence, all 21 GB revealed switching of the initial metabolic phenotype: either from the glycolytic to the necrotic/hypoxic dominant phenotype or vice-versa. A necrotic/hypoxic phenotype at recurrence was associated with a higher rate of multifocality of the recurrent lesions. Our MRI approach may be helpful for a better understanding of treatment-induced metabolic phenotype switching and for future studies developing targeted therapeutic strategies for recurrent GB.
Elevated brain oxygen extraction fraction measured by MRI susceptibility relates to perfusion status in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Fan Audrey P , Khalil Ahmed A , Fiebach Jochen B , Zaharchuk Greg , Villringer Arno , Villringer Kersten , Gauthier Claudine J
Published: February 2019

Recent clinical trials of new revascularization therapies in acute ischemic stroke have highlighted the importance of physiological imaging to identify optimal treatments for patients. Oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) is a hallmark of at-risk tissue in stroke, and can be quantified from the susceptibility effect of deoxyhemoglobin molecules in venous blood on MRI phase scans. We measured OEF within cerebral veins using advanced quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI reconstructions in 20 acute stroke patients. Absolute OEF was elevated in the affected (29.3 ± 3.4%) versus the contralateral hemisphere (25.5 ± 3.1%) of patients with large diffusion–perfusion lesion mismatch ( P = 0.032). In these patients, OEF negatively correlated with relative CBF measured by dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI ( P = 0.004), suggesting compensation for reduced flow. Patients with perfusion–diffusion match or no hypo-perfusion showed less OEF difference between hemispheres. Nine patients received longitudinal assessment and showed OEF ratio (affected to contralateral) of 1.2 ± 0.1 at baseline that normalized (decreased) to 1.0 ± 0.1 at follow-up three days later ( P = 0.03). Our feasibility study demonstrates that QSM MRI can non-invasively quantify OEF in stroke patients, relates to perfusion status, and is sensitive to OEF changes over time.

Clinical trial registration: Longitudinal MRI examinations of patients with brain ischemia and blood brain barrier permeability; clinicaltrials.org : NCT02077582
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of low-dose craniocervical computed tomography angiography with a lower tube voltage protocol
Authors: Chen Po-An , Chen Chih-Wei , Chou Chiung-Chen , Fu Jui-Hsun , Wang Po-Chin , Hsu Shuo-Hsiu , Lai Ping-Hong
Published: February 2019

Background

Craniocervical computed tomography angiography (CCCTA) is widely used for the clinical assessment of craniocervical vessels.

Purpose

To investigate and compare the image quality and radiation doses associated with lower-dose (100 and 80 kVp) CCCTA protocols versus the conventional 120-kVp protocol.

Material and Methods

This study enrolled 120 patients and randomly divided them into three groups: group A = 120 kVp; group B = 100 kVp; and group C = 80 kVp. Patients in all three groups were scanned in a 256-slice CT machine at a slice thickness of 0.625 mm. We compared the quantitative and qualitative image quality and radiation doses among the groups. The κ test was used to estimate the inter-observer reliability of image quality evaluations performed independently by two experienced radiologists.

Results

Arterial attenuation of the head, neck, and shoulder regions was significantly higher in both groups B and C than in group A. In addition, no significant inter-group differences were observed in the signal-to-noise ratio or contrast-to-noise ratio in the head and neck regions. Both groups B and C had a lower CT dose index and dose-length product relative to group A. Regarding subjective image quality, group B yielded significantly better image quality than group A and C, while groups A and C did not differ significantly. The subjective quality analysis had good inter-observer reliability (κ = 0.785).

Conclusion

In CCCTA, the 100-kVp protocol increased arterial enhancement, reduced the radiation dose, and would not cause prominent streak artifacts. This protocol should be considered for CCCTA.
Clinical prognostic significance of serum high mobility group box-1 protein in patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Lu Huasong , Zeng Nengyong , Chen Quanfang , Wu Yanbin , Cai Shuanqi , Li Gengshen , Li Fei , Kong Jinliang
Published: February 2019

Objective

To investigate the relationship between serum high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB-1) levels and prognosis in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

This prospective study included 35 patients who attended our hospital from January 2016 to December 2016. Pneumonia severity was defined by pneumonia severity index (PSI). Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol, and HMGB-1 were analyzed in relation to disease severity and clinical outcome.

Results

High HMGB-1 levels were associated with high cortisol levels. High HMGB-1 and high cortisol were both significantly associated with high white blood cell count and high serum CRP, compared with low HMGB-1 and low cortisol, respectively. PSI score and 30-day mortality were also significantly higher in patients with high HMGB-1 or high cortisol levels compared with patients with low HMGB-1 or cortisol levels, respectively. CRP, cortisol, and HMGB-1 levels were all significantly higher in patients who died compared with survivors.

Conclusion

HMGB-1 was associated with clinical outcomes and was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality in patients with CAP. Serum HMGB-1 levels were also positively correlated with serum levels of cortisol. These results demonstrate a role for HMGB-1 in CAP, and suggest possible new therapeutic targets for patients with CAP.
Relationship between intercondylar notch angle and anterior cruciate ligament injury: a magnetic resonance imaging analysis
Authors: Huang Mengquan , Li Yubiao , Guo Naiming , Liao Chunlai , Yu Bin
Published: February 2019

Objectives

This study was performed to compare the intercondylar notch angle (INA) and tibial slope in patients with and without anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and determine the risk factors and influence of these anatomic variations on ACL injury.

Methods

Participants with and without non-contact ACL injuries were included in the patient and control groups, respectively. The INA (formed by the femoral axis and Blumensaat line), lateral tibial slope (LTS), and medial tibial slope (MTS) were measured on magnetic resonance images. Comparisons were performed between the two groups. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the influence of the variables on ACL injury.

Results

Fifty-two participants were included in each group. The INA was significantly smaller and the LTS was significantly greater in the patients than in the controls. No difference was found in the MTS between the two groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the combination of the INA and LTS was 0.776 (95% confidence interval, 0.688–0.864).

Conclusions

The INA was smaller and the LTS was greater in patients with than without ACL tears. The INA in combination with the LTS could be used to predict ACL injury.
The Neon Fruit Illusion: A Fresh Recipe for Colour Science Demonstrations
Authors: Harvey Joshua , Morimoto Takuma , Spitschan Manuel
Published: February 2019

At this year’s European Conference on Visual Perception, we debuted a novel colour science demonstration—and visual illusion—for the Un mare di illusioni exhibition. Under carefully curated lighting conditions, cycling through different illuminant spectra, certain fruits and vegetables appear to glow and dim in an unchanging environment. Encouraged by the positive reactions it received, and the numerous and specific questions from conference delegates, we here describe what this illusion is, why we believe it may work, and how this particular low-cost setup may be assembled and demonstrated for the amazement of your friends, students, and members of the public.
Personality Disorder Traits, Trauma, and Risk in Perpetrators of Domestic Violence
Authors: Green Kathleen , Browne Kevin
Published: February 2019

Crimes committed against partners and family members have devastating effects on victims. Unfortunately, recidivism rates for offenders are high, and there is a need to establish risk factors that may be potential treatment targets. This study aimed to investigate childhood maltreatment, symptoms of trauma, and personality disorder (PD) traits in males convicted of domestic violence (DV) offences. Data were extracted from the files of 40 males under the supervision of the probation service in the United Kingdom. Actual return to custody was recorded after a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Self-reported childhood maltreatment was associated with increases in PD traits, posttraumatic symptoms, and assessed risk. However, maltreatment did not predict return to custody. Tension-reducing behaviours and depressive symptoms predicted return to custody as did antisocial PD. These preliminary findings highlight important areas of future research, in particular, factors which may be relevant treatment targets in reducing the risk of recidivism.
Predictors of allodynia in persons with migraine: Results from the Migraine in America Symptoms and Treatment (MAST) study
Authors: Dodick David W , Reed Michael L , Fanning Kristina M , Munjal Sagar , Alam Aftab , Buse Dawn C , Schwedt Todd J , Lipton Richard B
Published: February 2019

Background

Cutaneous allodynia is a common clinical feature of migraine that has been associated with reduced efficacy of acute migraine treatments and an increased risk of disease progression.

Objective

Identify factors associated with allodynia in a sample of adults with migraine.

Methods

An online survey panel was used to identify adults with migraine who averaged at least 1 monthly headache day over the previous 3 months. Data on sociodemographics, headache frequency, headache pain intensity, migraine symptom severity, medication use, depression and anxiety, and cutaneous allodynia (via the Allodynia Symptom Checklist) were obtained. Binary logistic modeling predicted the presence of allodynia. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

In total, 15,133 individuals with migraine met the eligibility criteria. Mean age was 43.1 years, 73.0% were female, and 81.0% were Caucasian. Allodynia was present in 39.9%. The fully adjusted model, controlling for sociodemographics and headache features, demonstrated that allodynia was significantly associated with a higher migraine symptom severity score (odds ratio 1.17, confidence interval 1.15, 1.19) and more severe pain intensity (odds ratio 1.11, confidence interval 1.08, 1.14); probable depression and/or anxiety (odds ratio 1.83, confidence interval 1.67, 2.00); and overuse of acute medication (odds ratio 1.23, confidence interval 1.09, 1.38). A higher number of monthly headache days increased the likelihood of allodynia, but the effect was attenuated in the fully adjusted model.

Conclusion

In a representative sample of US adults with migraine, there were significant associations between allodynia and headache frequency and intensity, anxiety and/or depression, symptom severity, and acute medication overuse.
When to Engage the Contractor for Pre-Construction Services in New Zealand
Authors: van der Walt Jacobus Daniel , Botha Paul Stephanus , Scheepbouwer Eric
Published: February 2019

Large and complex projects have become commonplace, increasing the need to engage contractors in pre-construction services (PCS). Clients now have a range of procurement options that can involve a contractor in any phase of the pre-construction process. This research investigated what factors are important when deciding how soon to engage the contractor. Furthermore, it investigated the issues of engaging the contractor too early or too late. This study collected results through structured explorative interviews with senior staff from client, consultant, and contractor organizations in New Zealand. The results are presented, compared, and discussed for each respective viewpoint. The results show that cost (scale) and complexity of the project, the reputation of the involved parties, and the nature of the relationships are the most crucial factors. However, the parties differ on the best timing for PCS. The contractor argued that PCS should occur in the concept design phase. The client opined that for some projects they would prefer involvement by the contractor in the project definition phase, while for others this should occur later, in the detailed design phase. Consultants recommended that the contractor should be included in the later phases before construction commences. It is interesting to note that the contractor does not always want to be involved early. Generally, the contractor does not want to be involved when the award of the project is still uncertain. Finally, it became apparent that a significant number of issues stem from the contractual arrangements of PCS, which poorly dictates who controls the design process.
Editorial Patterns in Bicyclist and Pedestrian Crash Reporting
Authors: Ralph Kelcie , Iacobucci Evan , Thigpen Calvin G. , Goddard Tara
Published: February 2019

The World Health Organization characterizes traffic deaths as a preventable health epidemic. Despite the scale of the problem, this issue has not led to a concerted call to action. Why not? The field of media studies offers potential insight. Not only does media coverage help determine which issues merit attention, coverage also shapes how issues are framed. The aim of this paper is to examine local news coverage of vehicle crashes involving someone walking or biking. To that end, this paper used content analysis of 200 local news articles to answer the research questions: (1) How do articles apportion blame between vulnerable road users (VRUs) and drivers?; (2) To what extent do articles frame crashes as a public health issue? The results reveal that local news coverage tends to shift blame toward VRUs and away from drivers. Coverage almost always treats crashes as isolated incidents, obscuring the public health nature of the problem. This pattern of coverage likely contributes to the limited public outcry about pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities. Journalists can counteract these patterns by subtly altering their coverage. Planners can assist these efforts by making their expertise readily available to journalists. These simple changes would help the public identify links between seemingly isolated events and increase public pressure to reduce road deaths.
Identification of Critical Intersection Angle through Crash Modification Functions
Authors: Kumfer Wesley , Harkey David , Lan Bo , Srinivasan Raghavan , Carter Daniel , Patel Nujjetty Anusha , Eigen Ana Maria , Tan Carol
Published: February 2019

A significant portion of both fatal and total crashes occurs at intersections in the United States. Skew angle may be a significant contributor to these crashes. This paper examines the effects of intersection angle on intersection safety performance. With seven years of crash data from Minnesota and five years of crash data from Ohio, random forest regression data mining and negative binomial regression models were developed to estimate crash modification functions at three-leg and four-leg stop-controlled intersections with two-lane and multilane major legs. Where possible, the results were compared between the two states and used to develop average crash modification function curves. This study shows that over half of the intersection types experience the highest number of predicted crashes when the intersection angle between roadway legs is between 50 degrees and 65 degrees. These results have practical implications for engineers and safety professionals. First, the crash modification function curves supplement and revise the guidance for intersection angle in the Highway Safety Manual and Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. Second, the functions offer new guidance to agencies planning intersection improvements. Third, the crash modification functions can be used to determine the safety effect of changes in intersection angle.
Teaching Academic Vocabulary to Sixth-Grade Students With Disabilities
Authors: O’Connor Rollanda E. , Beach Kristen D. , Sanchez Victoria M. , Kim Joyce J. , Knight-Teague Kerri , Orozco Guadalupe , Jones Brian T.
Published: February 2019

Adolescents with disabilities have great difficulty with academic content in middle school, and their teachers have difficulty teaching them to understand and use academic language. We taught teachers of sixth-grade students with learning disabilities, more than half of whom were also English language learners (ELLs), to implement about 15 min of daily interactive vocabulary instruction in their intact special education English/language arts classes. Three schools were assigned randomly to treatment (two schools) or control conditions (one school, 52 students total). We developed instructional routines to introduce four new words per week in three 4-week units to test for replicability. ANCOVAs (with each cycle’s pretest and intelligence quotient as covariates) were conducted on taught vocabulary, all of which favored the treatment condition with effect sizes ranging .6 to .7 per cycle. Near-transfer effects to vocabulary usage were weaker, with significant effects in the last two cycles. Effects were similar for students with disabilities who were ELLs and native English speakers. Treated students maintained their knowledge of words 4 to 24 weeks following the close of treatment.
Data-driven Online Learning Engagement Detection via Facial Expression and Mouse Behavior Recognition Technology
Authors: Zhang Zhaoli , Li Zhenhua , Liu Hai , Cao Taihe , Liu Sannyuya
Published: February 2019

Online learning engagement detection is a fundamental problem in educational information technology. Efficient detection of students’ learning situations can provide information to teachers to help them identify students having trouble in real time. To improve the accuracy of learning engagement detection, we have collected two aspects of students’ behavior data: face data (using adaptive weighted Local Gray Code Patterns for facial expression recognition) and mouse interaction. In this article, we propose a novel learning engagement detection algorithm based on the collected data (students’ behavior), which come from the cameras and the mouse in the online learning environment. The cameras were utilized to capture students’ face images, while the mouse movement data were captured simultaneously. In the process of image data labeling, we built two datasets for classifier training and testing. One took the mouse movement data as a reference, while the other did not. We performed experiments on two datasets using several methods and found that the classifier trained by the former dataset had a better performance, and its recognition rate is higher than that of the latter one (94.60% vs. 91.51%).
Incorporation of Collaborative Problem Solving and Cognitive Tools to Improve Higher Cognitive Processing in Online Discussion Environments
Authors: Wu Sheng-Yi
Published: February 2019

During collaborative learning in online learning communities, teachers usually guide their students through the learning process by means of discussion-based didactics. According to relevant research, an uncontrolled, nonintrusive discussion environment is usually insufficient for promoting higher cognitive processing (HCP). To address this insufficiency, we adopted a collaborative problem solving approach as a teaching strategy to tutor students in online discussion activities using concept maps as a cognitive tool and using Facebook for communication within the learning community. We examined the system using quantitative content analysis and lag sequential analysis to verify the feasibility of the system for improving HCP. The results of this study indicate that the system is capable of guiding cognition and improving HCP. However, the results with respect to improvement must be evaluated after taking into account the appropriateness and difficulty of the questions that were posed to the learners. Moreover, by incorporating a scaffolding function as a teaching strategy and through the application of cognitive tools, learners were better able to concentrate on the learning activities.
Current Use and Impact on 30-Day Mortality of Pulmonary Artery Catheter in Cardiogenic Shock Patients: Results From the CardShock Study
Authors: Sionis Alessandro , Rivas-Lasarte Mercedes , Mebazaa Alexandre , Tarvasmäki Tuukka , Sans-Roselló Jordi , Tolppanen Heli , Varpula Marjut , Jurkko Raija , Banaszewski Marek , Silva-Cardoso Jose , Carubelli Valentina , Lindholm Matias Greve , Parissis John , Spinar Jindrich , Lassus Johan , Harjola Veli-Pekka , Masip Josep
Published: February 2019

Background:

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most life-threatening manifestation of acute heart failure. Its complexity and high in-hospital mortality may justify the need for invasive monitoring with a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC).

Methods:

Patients with CS included in the CardShock Study, an observational, prospective, multicenter, European registry, were analyzed, aiming to describe the real-world use of PAC, evaluate its impact on 30-day mortality, and the ability of different hemodynamic parameters to predict outcomes.

Results:

Pulmonary artery catheter was used in 82 (37.4%) of the 219 patients. Cardiogenic shock patients who managed with a PAC received more frequently treatment with inotropes and vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and mechanical assist devices ( P < .01). Overall 30-day mortality was 36.5%. Pulmonary artery catheter use did not affect mortality even after propensity score matching analysis (hazard ratio = 1.17 [0.59-2.32], P = .66). Cardiac index, cardiac power index (CPI), and stroke volume index (SVI) showed the highest areas under the curve for 30-day mortality (ranging from 0.752-0.803) and allowed for a significant net reclassification improvement of 0.467 (0.083-1.180), 0.700 (0.185-1.282), 0.683 (0.168-1.141), respectively, when added to the CardShock risk score.

Conclusions:

In our contemporary cohort of CS, over one-third of patients were managed with a PAC. Pulmonary artery catheter use was associated with a more aggressive treatment strategy. Nevertheless, PAC use was not associated with 30-day mortality. Cardiac index, CPI, and SVI were the strongest 30-day mortality predictors on top of the previously validated CardShock risk score.
Sexual and Physical Violence in Childhood Is Associated With Adult Intimate Partner Violence and Nonpartner Sexual Violence in a Representative Sample of Rural South African Men and Women
Authors: Treves-Kagan Sarah , El Ayadi Alison M. , Morris Jessica L. , Graham Laurie M. , Grignon Jessica S. , Ntswane Lebogang , Gilvydis Jennifer M. , Barnhart Scott , Lippman Sheri A.
Published: February 2019

Intimate partner violence, nonpartner sexual violence, and physical and sexual violence against children are significant public health issues in South Africa. Theory suggests that experiencing violence in childhood plays a role in propensity to perpetrate violence or vulnerability to violence in adulthood. Most research to date on this topic has been conducted in high-resource countries or within urban or high-risk populations. We explore the relationship between violence in childhood and violence in adulthood in a community-based sample of 18- to 49-year-old adults in rural South Africa using data from a population-based survey ( N = 1,044) in North West province in 2014. We measured childhood violence before age 15 years, experience of nonpartner sexual violence in adulthood, and IPV victimization and perpetration in the last 12 months. We conducted multivariate logistic regression; gender was tested as an effect modifier. All estimates are weighted to the subdistrict population. More women (2.7%) than men (0.8%) reported childhood forced sex, whereas fewer women (2.0%) than men (7.9%) reported childhood physical violence. Women and men reported similar rates of IPV victimization (6.8% vs. 5.4%), IPV perpetration (3.3% vs. 4.8%), and forced sex by a nonpartner (1.6% vs. 1.2%). We found that men and women who experienced childhood violence (combined physical and/or sexual) were significantly more likely to experience forced sex by a nonpartner (men: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.27, 24.0], p < .05; women: aOR = 51.1, 95% CI = [10.58, 246.3], p < .01) compared with those who did not experience childhood violence. They were also 2.5 times as likely to perpetrate recent IPV (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI = [0.97, 6.7], p = .06) or experience recent IPV (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI = [0.9, 6.9], p = .07), although this finding was marginally significant. These results align with the literature from other settings and population groups.
Catholic Perspectives on Human Biotechnological Enhancement
Authors: Pinsent Andrew , Biggins Sean
Published: February 2019

Although there is some consonance in the language of transcendence between proponents of the Catholic faith and of human biotechnological enhancement (HBE), their goals are incommensurate. Nevertheless, consistent with the valuation of the body as integral to the human person, Catholic culture has in fact proven to be a fruitful context for developing external therapeutic HBEs. Catholic perspectives on internal HBEs, especially in the context of ‘transhumanism’, are, by contrast, neither clear-cut nor easy to establish. A prerequisite for progress is to understand what is meant by flourishing in a Catholic worldview, the root metaphor of which is second-person relatedness to God, culminating in divine friendship. Hence important measures of success of internal HBEs will include sustaining, or at least not impeding, thoughtful attention and the capacity to receive experiences that can sanctify the mind.
Combustion and emissions of gasoline, anhydrous ethanol, and wet ethanol in an optical engine with a turbulent jet ignition system
Authors: Bureshaid Khalifa , Feng Dengquan , Zhao Hua , Bunce Mike
Published: February 2019

Turbulent jet ignition is a pre-chamber ignition system for an otherwise standard gasoline spark ignition engine. Turbulent jet ignition works by injecting chemical active turbulent jets to initiate combustion in a premixed fuel/air mixture. The main advantage of turbulent jet ignition is its ability to ignite and burn completely very lean fuel/air mixtures in the main chamber charge. This occurs with a very fast burn rate due to the widely distributed ignition sites that consume the main charge rapidly. Rapid combustion of lean mixtures leads to lower exhaust emissions due to more complete combustion at lower combustion temperature. The purpose of the paper is to study the combustion characteristics of gasoline, ethanol, and wet ethanol when operated with the pre-chamber combustion system and the ability of the pre-chamber ignition to extend the lean-burn limits of such fuels. The combustion and heat release process was analyzed and exhaust emissions measured. Results show that the effect of turbulent jet ignition system on the lean-burn limit and exhaust emissions varied with fuels. The lean limit was extended by using fueled pre-chamber furthest, to λ = 1.71 with gasoline, followed by λ = 1.77 with wet ethanol and λ = 1.9 with ethanol. NOx emissions were significantly reduced with increased lambda for each fuel under stable combustion conditions. For ethanol, at maximum lean limit lambda 1.9, the NOx emissions were almost negligible due to lower combustion temperature.
Piston dynamics analysis considering skirt-liner dynamic clearance
Authors: Tian Jingyi , Feng Huihua , Feng Yuanjie , Yang Zhengwei , Zhu Chengjun , Li Jiegui
Published: February 2019

Piston slap force is one of the main sources of mechanical engine noise. To obtain a more accurate determination of the piston slap force and minimize piston slap noise, a new simulation model that considers dynamic clearance of the piston skirt and liner has been established in this study. The skirt-liner dynamic clearance is caused mainly by the elastic deformation and thermal deformation of the piston. Comparing three different models, it was found that the impact of dynamic clearance on the piston slap force is reflected mainly in the medium-high frequency, which is the sensitive frequency of the slap noise. Therefore, it is necessary to consider dynamic clearance in the simulation model. In addition, the mechanisms behind the dynamic clearance effect on fluid lubrication, piston dynamics, and piston slap noise were observed. In particular, three typical structural parameters in piston dynamics (the piston pin offset, piston-liner clearance, and piston skirt profile) were studied. The analyses provide guidance for the design of low-noise engines.
Effects of vehicle front-end safety countermeasures on pedestrian head injury risk during ground impact
Authors: Shi Liangliang , Han Yong , Huang Hongwu , He Wei , Wang Fang , Wang Bingyu
Published: February 2019

Pedestrian safety countermeasures such as pop-up bonnets and exterior pedestrian airbags have been shown to decrease the pedestrian injury risk caused by vehicle impacts (primary impact). However, it is still unknown whether these devices could prevent or mitigate pedestrian injuries resulting from ground impacts (secondary impact). In order to understand how the vehicle safety countermeasures prevent pedestrian head injuries caused by primary and secondary impacts, a total of 252 vehicle-to-pedestrian impact simulations were conducted using the MADYMO code. The simulations accounted for three types of vehicle configurations (a baseline vehicle and vehicles with the two aforementioned vehicle safety countermeasures) along with five front-end structural parameters at three vehicle impact velocities (30, 40, and 50 km/h). The simulation results show that the bonnet leading edge height was the most sensitive parameter affecting the head-to-vehicle impact location and that caused different head injuries resulting from the local stiffness in the location impacted. Moreover, the bonnet leading edge height was the leading governing factor on the pedestrian rotation angle in the secondary impact. The vehicle equipped with a pop-up bonnet and an external airbag could cause a larger pedestrian rotation angle at 30 km/h than that in the other two vehicle types, but conversely could cause a smaller pedestrian rotation angle at 40 and 50 km/h. Also, the vehicle equipped with pop-up bonnet and external airbag systems could lead a higher pedestrian flight altitude than that of the baseline type. A vehicle equipped with a pop-up bonnet and external airbag systems provide improved protection for the pedestrian’s head in the primary impact, but may not prevent the injury risk and/or even cause more severe injuries in secondary impacts.
The gendered nature of self-help
Authors: Riley Sarah , Evans Adrienne , Anderson Emma , Robson Martine
Published: February 2019

Self-help promises the chance of being “better”. Across multifarious platforms, including books, apps and television shows, it offers hope that we can be our own agents of change for a happier life. Critical research troubles this premise, arguing that the recurring trope of the individualistic ideal-self found in self-help literature is at the expense of seeking solutions in collective, feminist, or otherwise politicised activism. Self-help is also problematically gendered, since women are often positioned as particularly in need of improvement, an understanding further intensified by postfeminist sensibility. These issues are examined conceptually before introducing 10 articles on self-help published in Feminism & Psychology across three decades and brought together as a Virtual Special Issue to offer a significant body of work for scholars and students alike.
What Is IQ? Life Beyond “General Intelligence”
Authors: Kovacs Kristof , Conway Andrew R. A.
Published: February 2019

For more than a century, the standard view in the field of human intelligence has been that there is a “general intelligence” that permeates all human cognitive activity. This general cognitive ability is supposed to explain the positive manifold, the finding that intelligence tests with different content all correlate. Yet there is a lack of consensus regarding the psychological or neural basis of such an ability. A recent account, process-overlap theory, explains the positive manifold without proposing general intelligence. As a consequence of the theory, IQ is redefined as an emergent formative construct rather than a reflective latent trait. This implies that IQ should be interpreted as an index of specific cognitive abilities rather than the reflection of an underlying general cognitive ability.
‘I’ll just Google that!’ Online searches and the post-separation family law information experience
Authors: Crowe Jonathan , Field Rachael , Toohey Lisa , Partridge Helen , McAllister Lynn
Published: February 2019

We are living in the age of online information. Knowledge and information are increasingly accessed through the internet, and the catch-cry ‘I’ll just Google that!’ now has a firm place in the vernacular. Founded in 1998, Google.com has had unprecedented success in changing the way we look for and find online information. This article discusses results of qualitative research on how people experience the process of accessing family law information in a post-separation context. It discusses three important elements of this experience revealed in the data, which are analysed in the context of the impact and use of Google and other search engines as an information source. The article offers some insights about how best to make useful legal information available to non-lawyers.
Dermoid sinus type VI associated with spina bifida and tethered cord syndrome in a French Bulldog
Authors: Kopke Matthew A. , Jack Malcolm W. , Baltzer Wendy I. , Wightman Paul F. , Gal Arnon
Published: February 2019

A 4-mo-old French bulldog was presented with acute onset pain and reluctance to move. A tubular structure arising in the dorsal thoracic midline and extending from a cutaneous orifice into deeper tissues was palpated on physical examination. Computed tomography with sinography revealed a dermoid sinus associated with spina bifida at the level of T3-T4. On surgical exploration, the dermoid sinus was found to communicate with the dura. Histology confirmed the diagnosis and classification as a type VI dermoid sinus. The pain response and hyperesthesia were suspected to be the result of tethered cord syndrome. Complete resolution of clinical signs was appreciated post-surgery, with the patient still free of clinical signs 3 mo later.
Anaplasma ovis as the suspected cause of mortality in a neonatal elk calf
Authors: Hendrix G. Kenitra , Brayton Kelly A. , Burcham Grant N.
Published: February 2019

Anaplasma ovis infection is known to occur in elk experimentally, but without clinical signs or significant clinicopathologic changes. An elk farm in southern Indiana experienced the death of 3 neonates. Gross findings suggested hemolytic anemia as the cause of death. Splenic impression smears revealed numerous intra-erythrocytic parasites compatible with Anaplasma spp. Products of a semi-nested PCR targeting the msp4 gene of A. ovis were sequenced and had 100% identity with published A. ovis sequences. Given the clinical presentation, vertical transmission of A. ovis was suspected. Pathologic and molecular findings confirmed that natural A. ovis infection occurred in an elk calf.
Probabilistic evaluation of the one-dimensional Brinson model’s sensitivity to uncertainty in input parameters
Authors: Karadoğan Ernur
Published: February 2019

Brinson model is one of the most widely used shape memory alloy models due to its prediction power over a wide range of operating temperatures and inclusion of measurable engineering variables. The model involves parameters that are determined based on experimental data specific to a particular alloy. Therefore, it is subject to both experimental uncertainty and natural random variability in its parameters that propagate throughout the loading/unloading of the material. In this article, we analyse the sensitivity of the Brinson model to its parameters using a probabilistic approach, and present how the uncertainties in these parameters at different operating temperatures propagate as evidenced by the resulting stress–strain curves. The analyses were performed for isothermal loading/unloading and at various operating temperatures representing possible phase changes between martensite–austenite and martensite–martensite variants. The results show that the sensitivity of the model varies considerably based on the operating temperature and loading conditions. In addition, the variability in the model’s output is amplified after phase transitions during loading, and loading the material above the critical stress for martensite transition reduces variability during unloading. Based on the results of the sensitivity analysis, recommendations as to which parameters affect the variability of the model-predicted stress–strain curves are presented.
Effects of Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia on Overall Survival in Patients With Unresectable or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma to Gemcitabine Plus Cisplatin Combination Chemotherapy
Authors: Yamamoto Keisuke , Sasano Tomomi , Tsuji Daiki , Ishizuka Yuichi , Tokou Umi , Nakamichi Hidenori , Yoneda Tatsuaki , Shiokawa Mitsuru , Yabe Katsushige
Published: February 2019

Background: Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) is an important dose-limiting toxicity of chemotherapy. However, evidence suggests that the occurrence of CIN may be predictive of treatment outcome. Indeed, studies have revealed that the onset of CIN is associated with a good chemotherapeutic response. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the onset of CIN and overall survival in patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) who received a combination regimen of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC). Methods: Medical records from 56 patients with unresectable or metastatic UC who were treated with a combination GC regimen between December 2005 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the association between CIN development and survival. Results: The median duration of survival was 521 days (95% CI = 147-193 days) for patients with severe CIN and 287 days for patients without CIN. Additional multivariate analysis revealed that both the presence of severe CIN (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.399; 95% CI = 0.180-0.880, P = 0.023) and baseline hemoglobin (HR = 2.167; 95% CI = 1.170-4.014, P = 0.014) represented independent prognostic factors for the survival of patients with unresectable or metastatic UC receiving GC treatment. Conclusion and Relevance: CIN onset was associated with longer survival in patients receiving GC therapy for unresectable or metastatic UC, suggesting that neutropenia monitoring during GC chemotherapy may be predictive of treatment efficacy.
Improved Generalizability Through Improved Recruitment: Lessons Learned From a Large-Scale Randomized Trial
Authors: Tipton Elizabeth , Matlen Bryan J.
Published: February 2019

Randomized control trials (RCTs) have long been considered the “gold standard” for evaluating the impacts of interventions. However, in most education RCTs, the sample of schools included is recruited based on convenience, potentially compromising a study’s ability to generalize to an intended population. An alternative approach is to recruit schools using a stratified recruitment method developed by Tipton. Until now, however, there has been limited information available about how to implement this approach in the field. In this article, we concretely illustrate each step of the stratified recruitment method in an evaluation of a college-level developmental algebra intervention. We reflect on the implementation of this process and conclude with five on-the-ground lessons regarding how to best implement this recruitment method in future studies.
The Turtle Lodge: sustainable self-determination in practice
Authors: Cameron Laura , Courchene Dave , Ijaz Sabina , Mauro Ian
Published: February 2019

The Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba, is leading the way in exemplifying and cultivating sustainable self-determination. This is a holistic concept and process that recognizes the central role that land and culture play in self-determination, and the responsibility to pass these teachings on to future generations. This article links theory and practice in the emerging scholarship on sustainable self-determination and examines how Turtle Lodge embodies sustainable self-determination through traditional governance and laws, respectful and reciprocal relationships, cultivation of cultural revitalization and community well-being, and efforts to inspire earth guardianship. Turtle Lodge’s experience underscores the importance of understanding sustainable self-determination as a flexible, community-based process. This case study fits within recent calls in the literature for a shift from a rights-based to responsibility-based self-determination discourse and demonstrates some of the challenges and lessons learned that might support other communities pursuing similar actions.
The Role of Religion in Suicidal Behavior, Attitudes and Psychological Distress Among University Students: A Multinational Study
Authors: Eskin Mehmet , Poyrazli Senel , Janghorbani Mohsen , Bakhshi Seifollah , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Moro Maria Francesca , Tran Ulrich S. , Voracek Martin , Mechri Anwar , Aidoudi Khouala , Hamdan Motasem , Nawafleh Hani , Sun Jian-Min , Flood Chris , Phillips Louise , Yoshimasu Kouichi , Tsuno Kanami , Kujan Omar , Harlak Hacer , Khader Yousef , Shaheen Amira , Taifour Shahama
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between religion, suicidal behavior, attitudes and psychological distress in 5572 students from 12 countries by means of a self-report questionnaire. Our results showed that an affiliation with Islam was associated with reduced risk for suicide ideation, however affiliating with Orthodox Christianity and no religion was related to increased risk for suicide ideation. While affiliating with Buddhism, Catholic religion and no religion was associated with lowered risk for attempting suicide, affiliation with Islam was related to heightened risk for attempting suicide. Affiliation with Hinduism, Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, other religions and with no religion was associated with decreased risk for psychological distress but those reported affiliating with Islam evinced greater risk for psychological distress. The associations of the strength of religious belief to suicidal ideation and attempts were in the expected direction for most but had a positive relation in respondents affiliating with Catholicism and other religions. Students reporting affiliation with Islam, the Christian Orthodox religion and Buddhism were the least accepting of suicide but they displayed a more confronting interpersonal style to an imagined peer with a suicidal decision. It was concluded that the protective function of religion in educated segments of populations (university students) and in university students residing in Muslim countries where freedom from religion is restricted or religion is normative and/or compulsory is likely to be limited. Our findings suggest that public policies supporting religious freedom may augment the protective function of religion against suicide and psychological distress.
Is it unjust that elderly people suffer from poorer health than young people? Distributive and relational egalitarianism on age-based health inequalities
Authors: Lippert-Rasmussen Kasper
Published: February 2019

In any normal population, health is unequally distributed across different age groups. Are such age-based health inequalities unjust? A divide has recently developed within egalitarian theories of justice between relational egalitarians focusing on the egalitarian nature of social relations and luck egalitarians focusing on the distribution of goods such as welfare or resources. I argue that the most plausible versions of these two theories – ‘whole lives’ luck egalitarianism and time-relative relational egalitarianism – imply conflicting answers to the opening question. Under realistic conditions, the former implies that, from the perspective of luck egalitarian justice, it is better that old people are disadvantaged by bad health than that they are not, whereas the latter theory implies that many age-based health inequalities involve unjust, non-egalitarian social relations and are therefore unjust. Hence, I contend that different egalitarian concerns must be balanced against one another, suggesting that the relational concern has greater weight in this particular case. Along the way, I propose a social model of old age analogous to the social model of disability and suggest that a whole lives version of relational egalitarianism might also be attractive.
Shifting epistemologies for discipline and rigor in educational research: Challenges and opportunities from digital humanities
Authors: Priem Karin , Fendler Lynn
Published: February 2019

This article historicizes “rigor,” discipline,” and “systematic” as inventions of a certain rational spirit of Enlightenment that was radicalized during the 19th century. These terms acquired temporary value in a transition during the 19th century when a culture of research was established within a modern episteme. Beginning in the 20th century, this development was perceived as problematic, triggering criticism from philosophy and the arts, and even within the sciences. “Discipline,” “rigor,” and “systematic” have changed meanings over time, and recent contributions from digital humanities are promising for a renewed critical debate about rigor in research. Both digital humanities and quantitative research deal with big data sets aimed at providing a large-scale analysis. However, unlike most quantitative research, digital humanities explore uncertainties as their main focus. Attention to the human-machine collaboration has led to more expansive thinking in scientific research. Digital humanities go further by advancing a metaperspective that deals with the material hermeneutics of data accumulation itself.