bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat-Associated Mortality in a Hot Climate
Authors: Iverson Sally Ann , Gettel Aaron , Bezold Carla P. , Goodin Kate , McKinney Benita , Sunenshine Rebecca , Berisha Vjollca
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Maricopa County, Arizona (2017 population about 4.3 million), is located in the Sonoran Desert. In 2005, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) established a heat-associated mortality surveillance system that captures data on circumstances of death for Maricopa County residents and visitors. We analyzed 2006-2016 surveillance system data to understand the characteristics and circumstances of heat-associated deaths.

Methods

We classified heat-associated deaths based on International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes (X30, T67.X, and P81.0) and phrases (heat exposure, environ, exhaustion, sun, heat stress, heat stroke, or hyperthermia) in part I or part II of the death certificate. We summarized data on decedents’ demographic characteristics, years lived in Arizona, location of death (indoors vs outdoors), presence and functionality of air conditioning, and whether the decedent had been homeless. We examined significant associations between variables by using the Pearson χ2 tests and logistic regression.

Results

During 2006-2016, MCDPH recorded data on 920 heat-associated deaths, 912 of which included location of injury. Of 565 (62%) heat-associated deaths that occurred outdoors, 458 (81%) were among male decedents and 243 (43%) were among decedents aged 20-49. Of 347 (38%) heat-associated deaths that occurred indoors, 201 (58%) were among decedents aged ≥65. Non-Arizona residents were 5 times as likely as Arizona residents to have a heat-associated death outdoors ( P < .001). Of 727 decedents with data on duration of Arizona residency, 438 (60%) had resided in Arizona ≥20 years.

Conclusions

Ongoing evaluation of interventions that target populations at risk for both outdoor and indoor heat-associated deaths can further inform refinement of the surveillance system and identify best practices to prevent heat-associated deaths.
Fibroepithelial Polyp of the External Auditory Canal in a 2-Year-Old Child
Authors: Formánek Martin , Zeleník Karol , Židlík Vladimír , Komínek Pavel
Published: July 2020

Here, we report a unique case in which a fibroepithelial polyp was found in the cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal of a 2-year-old child. The polyp was successfully treated by excision using an endaural approach and healed without complications. This is the very first report of a fibroepithelial polyp in the external auditory canal in the pediatric population. Although fibroepithelial polyp is an extremely rare diagnosis, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child’s external auditory canal polyp.
Do voters punish noncompliance with high courts? A cross-national analysis
Authors: Krehbiel Jay N
Published: July 2020

Understanding how high courts successfully constrain the state poses a puzzle central to the study of constitutional review. An increasingly popular answer to this puzzle is that voters electorally punish governments for noncompliance with judicial decisions. This article conducts a cross-national analysis of the relationship between noncompliance and an incumbent government’s electoral success. Using data from the Varieties of Democracy Project on noncompliance with the national high courts of 74 countries from 2007 to 2017, I examine whether voters systematically punish or reward noncompliance. The analysis of a series of hierarchical linear models reveals that engaging in more noncompliance decreases an incumbent government’s vote share in contexts with a strong pre-existing norm of compliance. This result is robust to both the inclusion of potential confounding variables and alternative model specifications.
A neuropsychologically-based intervention with increased follow-up support for employed women with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stimmel Marnina B , Cohen Jenna N , Schneider Shonna J , Portnoy Jeffrey G , Seng Elizabeth K , Foley Frederick W
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a neuropsychologically-based vocational intervention with increased follow-up support for women with multiple sclerosis.

Design:

Single-blinded parallel-group randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up.

Setting:

Tertiary-care multiple sclerosis center.

Participants:

Forty-nine employed women with multiple sclerosis meeting criteria on measures of cognitive dysfunction (Symbol Digit Modalities Test), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), and/or depression (Beck Depression Inventory/Patient Health Questionnaire).

Interventions:

Participants received either neuropsychological testing and phone feedback regarding findings and tailored recommendations (standard-care treatment), or testing, in-person feedback, and two calls from a care-coordinator (experimental treatment).

Measures:

Feasibility measures included enrollment and attrition rates, and compliance to recommendations at 12-months between groups. Acceptability was evaluated by participants’ report of benefit from interventions. Secondary analyses included evaluation of symptom changes (cognition, fatigue, depression) from baseline to 12-months.

Results:

Of 49 women meeting screening measure thresholds, 44 were randomized to treatment groups (attrition: standard-care = 8, experimental = 6), and 30 completed the study (standard-care = 14, experimental = 16). Recommendation adherence rates did not significantly differ between standard-care and experimental groups (31% vs 49%). However, 16/16 experimental participants at least partially completed given recommendations as compared to 8/14 in the standard-care group. Participants across groups (97%) reported benefit from participation. No significant differences in symptom outcomes between groups at 12-months.

Conclusion:

In-person feedback and care-coordinator calls were feasible and acceptable additions to a neuropsychological intervention and may serve to increase recommendation adherence. Given high drop-out rate, particularly prior to testing, future research may explore avenues to improve completion rates and maximize benefits of such interventions.
Lithium exposure during pregnancy increases fetal growth
Authors: Poels Eline MP , Sterrenburg Karin , Wierdsma André I , Wesseloo Richard , Beerthuizen Annemerle , van Dijke Laura , Lau Condon , Hoogendijk Witte JG , Marroun Hanan El , van Kamp Inge L , Bijma Hilmar H , Bergink Veerle
Published: July 2020

Background:

Lithium is an effective treatment in pregnancy and postpartum for the prevention of relapse in bipolar disorder, but there is a lack of knowledge about the potential adverse impact on fetal development.

Aims:

To investigate the impact of lithium exposure on early fetal growth.

Methods:

In this retrospective observational cohort study, we included all singleton pregnancies of women using lithium and referred for advanced fetal ultrasound scanning between 1994 and 2018 to the University Medical Centers in Leiden and Rotterdam, the Netherlands ( n=119). The Generation R study, a population-based cohort, served as a non-exposed control population from the same geographic region ( n=8184). Fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and transcerebellar diameter were measured by ultrasound at 18–22 weeks of gestation.

Results:

Lithium use during pregnancy was associated with an average increase in head circumference of 1.77 mm (95% confidence interval: 0.53, 3.01), in abdominal circumference of 5.54 mm (95% confidence interval: 3.95, 7.12) and in femur length of 0.59 mm (95% confidence interval: 0.22, 0.96) at 18–22 weeks gestation. Furthermore, lithium use during pregnancy was associated with an average increase in birth weight of 142.43 grams (95% confidence interval: 58.01, 226.89), whereas it was associated with an average decrease of 1.41 weeks in gestational duration (95% confidence interval: −1.78, −1.05).

Conclusions:

Lithium use during pregnancy was associated with increased fetal growth parameters at 18–22 weeks gestational age and increased birth weight. Further research is needed to evaluate both short- and long-term implications, as well as the mechanisms driving this difference in growth.
Robust and efficient forward, differential, and inverse kinematics using dual quaternions
Authors: Dantam Neil T
Published: July 2020

Modern approaches for robot kinematics employ the product of exponentials formulation, represented using homogeneous transformation matrices. Quaternions over dual numbers are an established alternative representation; however, their use presents certain challenges: the dual quaternion exponential and logarithm contain a zero-angle singularity, and many common operations are less efficient using dual quaternions than with matrices. We present a new derivation of the dual quaternion exponential and logarithm that removes the singularity, we show an implicit representation of dual quaternions offers analytical and empirical efficiency advantages compared with both matrices and explicit dual quaternions, and we derive efficient dual quaternion forms of differential and inverse position kinematics. Analytically, implicit dual quaternions are more compact and require fewer arithmetic instructions for common operations, including chaining and exponentials. Empirically, we demonstrate a 30–40% speedup on forward kinematics and a 300–500% speedup on inverse position kinematics. This work relates dual quaternions with modern exponential coordinates and demonstrates that dual quaternions are a robust and efficient representation for robot kinematics.
Tissue damage in herniated brain parenchyma into giant arachnoid granulations: demonstration with high resolution MRI
Authors: Gozgec Elif , Ogul Hayri , Izgi Emine , Kantarci Mecit
Published: July 2020

Background

Brain herniation (BH) into arachnoid granulation has been remarkable in recent years.

Purpose

To evaluate the damage in herniated parenchyma into the giant arachnoid granulation (GAG) and to investigate the clinical–demographic importance of this damage.

Material and Methods

Patients with BH into GAG were retrospectively included in the study. Each of the patients had at least one high-resolution 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence. The arachnoid granulation dimensions, locations, and origin of herniated parenchyma were evaluated by two experienced radiologists. The demographic and symptomatic features of the patients were recorded from the hospital database.

Results

A total of 27 patients (21 females, 6 males; age range 6–71 years; mean age 41.3 years) were found to contain BH into GAG. It was most commonly seen in the transverse sinus (67%); the origin was most common in the cerebellar parenchyma (56%). Abnormal signal and morphology were detected in herniated parenchyma in 11 (47%) patients, atrophy in six, and atrophy and gliosis in five. The most common complaints were headache (47%), while other frequent symptoms were vertigo (15%) and blurred vision (11%). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between frequency of damage in herniated brain parenchyma and the maximal size of GAG ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

In patients with BH into GAG, parenchymal damage may be associated with various symptoms, such as headache and vertigo, although they have not been statistically proven. It is important to carefully evaluate hernia tissue, as the risk of tissue damage may increase in larger GAGs.
Analysis of false-negative findings of breast cancer on previous magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kim Young Eun , Cha Joo Hee , Kim Hak Hee , Shin Hee Jung , Chae Eun Young , Choi Woo Jung
Published: July 2020

Background

Despite the excellent contribution of contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there are variable false-negative cases on MRI.

Purpose

To evaluate the false-negative findings of breast cancer on previous MRI.

Material and Methods

Between 2012 and 2016, we collected 132 patients who underwent surgery for a second primary cancer and had both current and previous MRI at an interval of <3 years. We included 45 patients; we excluded 38 patients who could not find a second cancer in the previous MRI and 49 patients who had a second cancer near to the original cancer and within within the same quadrant. Compared with current MRI, we retrospectively assessed the second primary cancer on previous MRI according to BI-RADS and analyzed the reasons of misinterpretation.

Results

Analysis of previous MRI revealed 26 (57.8%) masses (mean size 7.7 ± 2.25 mm), 12 (26.7%) non-mass enhancements (mean size 14.7 ± 4.76 mm), and 7 (15.5%) foci. At first reading, 24 (53.3%) were missed, 17 (37.8%) were assessed as BI-RADS category 2 or 3, and 4 (8.9%) were assessed as category 4. On current MRI, 39 (86.7%) lesions showed an increase in size and 22 (48.9%) showed a change in kinetics to wash-out pattern.

Conclusion

On previous MRI, missed or misinterpreted cancers show variable findings of mass and non-mass enhancements with any types of kinetics. Careful application of BI-RADS is necessary as well as an appropriate biopsy. Any lesion that increases in size and changes in kinetics should not be underestimated.
Technical writing improvements through engineering lab courses
Authors: Wright Kamau , Slaboch Paul E , Jamshidi Reihaneh
Published: July 2020

Improving assessment of engineering students’ technical communication skills is a good way to monitor and improve teaching of these skills, and positively impact associated learning. The present study reports on a method used to assess students’ technical writing abilities, while also evaluating the impact of technical writing-related instruction and associated curricular and pedagogical approaches. In this way, students’ improvements can be mapped to instruction methods. The strategies for enhancing the delivery of technical writing-related instruction are discussed in terms of the proposed assessment method. This method has three main parts: 1) Sample Generation Procedure – the strategic establishment of a pair of written reports, serving as BEFORE-Labs and AFTER-Labs, and similar enough in topic to justify comparison after assessment, but unexpected to students so that reports are not simply replicated; 2) A Rubric for Technical Writing – encompassing major features of technical writing requirements of engineering lab courses and developed to be both descriptive (having descriptions in each category, to make expectations explicit for evaluators and students) and holistic (having short summarizing narratives for different levels of work, to capture overall quality quickly); and 3) an Evaluation Demonstration – in which a matrix of faculty instructors from sections of different engineering lab courses used the rubric to retroactively assess the samples. Together, these efforts are used not only to assess improvements in students’ technical writing, but by effect also gauge teaching and effectiveness of curricular and pedagogical interventions. In two engineering lab courses, a thermo-fluid lab course and a solid mechanics lab course, BEFORE-Labs and AFTER-Labs were generated using either a method of impromptu “one-hour labs”, with experiments conducted and reports submitted all within an hour at the beginning and end of one semester, or comparison of full lab reports from consecutive semesters of students. Evaluation results clearly show that there were aggregate improvements in students’ technical writing skills, and as such it is concluded that the teaching methods were effective.
A hybrid model of modified constraint induced movement therapy to improve upper extremity performance in children with unilateral upper extremity paresis: Retrospective case series
Authors: Lee Gina Kim , Pascual Marielle , Rethlefsen Susan A
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The study aims were to assess impact of an intensive camp-based intervention using a hybrid model of modified constraint induced movement therapy with bimanual therapy in children with upper extremity impairment, and to see if improvements persisted over time.

Method

Twenty subjects participated. Eight subjects attended camp 2 years in a row, and 12 subjects attended camp only 1 year. The Assisting Hand Assessment and Children’s Hand-use Experience Questionnaire were administered before and after camp. Assisting Hand Assessment and Children’s Hand-use Experience Questionnaire scores were compared between assessments using linear mixed effects models, adjusting for covariates (age and Manual Ability Classification System level) and the repeated measures within subjects.

Results

Assisting Hand Assessment score improved during the intervention phase for subjects at all Manual Ability Classification System levels ( p ≤ 0.0001). Improvement was maintained long-term at 1 year post. Children’s Hand-use Experience Questionnaire scores for grasp efficacy and time taken were significantly improved during intervention but not maintained at 1 year post. The feeling bothered dimension showed no significant change over time.

Conclusion

A hybrid model of modified constraint induced movement therapy and bimanual therapy was effective in improving bimanual function for children with varying levels of neurologic hemiparesis, with changes maintained long-term.
Still in the shadow of the wall? The case of the Berlin biotechnology cluster
Authors: Abbasiharofteh Milad , Broekel Tom
Published: July 2020

The evolution of knowledge networks has recently received a lot of attention from researchers. Empirical studies have shown that different types of proximities and network structural properties play a decisive role in tie formation. The present paper contributes to this literature by arguing that while these are crucial, they do not capture the full range of localities’ influence on the evolution of knowledge networks. We support our argument with an empirical study on the development of the biotechnology knowledge network of Berlin from the early 1990s till 2016. The network was created by combining data on co-patenting, co-authorship and joint R&D projects. Forces driving the evolution of the network were identified with separable temporal exponential random graph models (STERGM). In addition to the ‘usual suspects’ (main proximity dimensions and structural factors), we found that the network is still developing in the ‘shadow of the wall’. The different social contexts in the different parts of the city of Berlin still hamper the establishment of collaborative ties between the former East and the former West Germany even 30 years after reunification.
Proposed Rotor Field - Oriented Maximum Power Point Tracking Polices for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator - Based Wind Turbine
Authors: Elsonbaty Nadia A , Enany Mohamed A , Elymany Mahmoud
Published: July 2020

This article proposes three new maximum power point tracking control schemes for permanent magnet synchronous generators in variable-speed wind energy conversion systems. Unlike previously control methods based on traditional voltage source fed equivalent circuit, a current source fed equivalent circuit is proposed where an efficient maximum power point tracking–based load angle control can simply be achieved. The three new control strategies are based on concurrent load angle control–rotor field–oriented method at desired speeds. Each strategy has its own load angle methodology. The first strategy applies constant flux control technique. The second one is based on keeping constant 90° torque angle (zero d-axis current control) method. Finally, the third strategy presents an optimum maximum power point tracking at unity power factor with achieving the favorite linear relationship between the generator stator current and optimum torque. A unified detailed phasor diagram is provided from which the phasor diagram for any of the aforementioned control techniques is produced. Mathematical analysis and MATLAB Simulink model results are presented for each control pattern. Effective validation for the proposed mathematical models is approved.
Rasch Measurement of the Brief Situational Test of Emotional Management in a Large Portuguese Sample
Authors: da Motta Carolina , Carvalho Célia B. , Pato Michele T. , Castilho Paula
Published: July 2020

Emotional management (EM) is a crucial skill for achieving relevant biopsychosocial goals, and there has been an increased demand for the effective measurement of EM ability. The current study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the brief Situational Test of Emotional Management (STEM-B) using the item response theory in a sample of 899 participants. The global fit indicated the model had a good adjustment, with most items aligning vertically across the logit scale and presenting an adequate range of item difficulty and fit. Differential item functioning analysis showed no differences in difficulty between genders, but some items differed according to the education level and age-groups. Overall, findings suggest the STEM-B is a psychometrically sound measure for specific testing of EM skills that has the potential to be used across cultures and fields.
Vaping Cannabis Butane Hash Oil Leads to Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome—A Case of EVALI in a Teenager With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ahmed Aziez , Shapiro Douglas , Su Jennifer , Nelson Lara P.
Published: July 2020

A 17-year-old with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) presented to the emergency department with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and tactile fevers. She was initially admitted to the cardiac floor, and later transferred to the cardiothoracic intensive care unit on day 5 of illness with deterioration over the next week from BiLevel positive airway pressure to endotracheal intubation. The patient met criteria for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Standard ARDS lung-protective strategies were refined in consideration of complications caused by her HCM. Such complications included dynamic cardiac outflow obstruction, myocardial ischemia with tachycardia, elevated pulmonary vascular resistance from diastolic dysfunction, and narrow fluid balance window to reduce pulmonary edema while maintaining adequate left ventricular preload. The patient remained refractory despite broad-spectrum antibiotics requiring multiple vasoactive medications, aggressive ventilator management, and inhaled nitric oxide. Social history revealed “vaping” cannabis with butane hash oil prior to symptom onset. Corticosteroids were initiated 2 weeks after initial presentation (day 9 of mechanical ventilation) with rapid recovery and resolution of illness. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is an aggressive disease in the intensive care unit. E-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury is increasingly recognized as a cause of ARDS in adolescents and adults. A complete social history is essential and must be obtained early in all such patients presenting with symptoms of acute respiratory distress and revisited throughout the hospital stay if no other reason for the ARDS is discovered. Disease progression may be subacute with a long interval between onset of symptoms and peak symptoms. The risk of barotrauma is high despite lung-protective ventilation strategies. Management is supportive with resolution over days to weeks. However, other clinical factors may considerably complicate management in cases of underlying comorbidities.
The UN at 75: Human rights and global pandemic
Authors: Goodale Mark
Published: July 2020

This column reflects on the continuing relevance of human rights in the 75th anniversary year of the founding of the United Nations. Despite the background circumstances, which included the catastrophe of a recent world war, ongoing colonial violence, and the dawn of the nuclear age, the new international body adopted the language and ideology of human rights as the moral foundation for the new world order. 75 years later, amidst a global pandemic, and in light of other pressing problems that include economic inequality, the return of pervasive ethno-nationalism, and the inevitable consequences of human-induced climate change, how well has this moral foundation stood the test of time?
Working in cases: British psychiatric social workers and a history of psychoanalysis from the middle, c.1930–60
Authors: Broad Juliana
Published: July 2020

Histories of psychoanalysis largely respect the boundaries drawn by the psychoanalytic profession, suggesting that the development of psychoanalytic theories and techniques has been the exclusive remit of professionally trained analysts. In this article, I offer an historical example that poses a challenge to this orthodoxy. Based on extensive archival material, I show how British psychiatric social workers, a little-studied group of specialist mental hygiene workers, advanced key organisational, observational, and theoretical insights that shaped mid-century British psychoanalysis. In their daily work compiling patient histories, conducting home visits, and interviewing the parents of ‘maladjusted’ children, psychiatric social workers were uniquely positioned to expose the importance of family relationships in the development of childhood neuroses. As this article details, their analytic attention to these dynamics not only influenced, but fundamentally constituted the innovative research on maternal-child relationships and family therapy pioneered by eminent psychoanalyst John Bowlby. In addition, psychiatric social workers produced and published independent psychoanalytic research, and fiercely debated the limitations of analytic concepts such as transference. In presenting the relationship between British psychiatric social work and psychoanalysis, this article suggests a new way of telling the history of both.
Human body activity recognition using wearable inertial sensors integrated with a feature extraction–based machine-learning classification algorithm
Authors: Yen Chih-Ta , Lin Jia-De
Published: July 2020

This study employed wearable inertial sensors integrated with an activity-recognition algorithm to recognize six types of daily activities performed by humans, namely walking, ascending stairs, descending stairs, sitting, standing, and lying. The sensor system consisted of a microcontroller, a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis gyro; the algorithm involved collecting and normalizing the activity signals. To simplify the calculation process and to maximize the recognition accuracy, the data were preprocessed through linear discriminant analysis; this reduced their dimensionality and captured their features, thereby reducing the feature space of the accelerometer and gyro signals; they were then verified through the use of six classification algorithms. The new contribution is that after feature extraction, data classification results indicated that an artificial neural network was the most stable and effective of the six algorithms. In the experiment, 20 participants equipped the wearable sensors on their waists to record the aforementioned six types of daily activities and to verify the effectiveness of the sensors. According to the cross-validation results, the combination of linear discriminant analysis and an artificial neural network was the most stable classification algorithm for data generalization; its activity-recognition accuracy was 87.37% on the training data and 80.96% on the test data.
Improving the energy-absorbing properties of hybrid aluminum-composite tubes using nanofillers for crashworthiness applications
Authors: Kumar A Praveen , Maneiah D , Sankar L Ponraj
Published: July 2020

Thin-walled tubular configurations with hybridization concept have been gained special consideration in recent years owing to their substantial balance between light-weight characteristics and crashworthiness performance. In this context, some research studies have been concentrated on the feasibility of a thin-walled metal-composite hybrid tube. It is also eminent that the impact energy absorption capability of such hybrid tubes can further be enhanced through modification of the epoxy matrix by adding nanofillers. In this research article, aluminum-based multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy composite cylindrical tubes are introduced, and their corresponding quasi-static crushing behavior, subjected to lateral loading is examined experimentally. The influence of the number of fabric plies (2, 3, and 4) and type of fabric (basalt, glass) of the composite part on the crashworthiness characteristics was evaluated. The overall outcomes revealed that the proposed hybrid tube samples showed outstanding energy absorption characteristics, comprising a stable crush force–deformation response and better specific energy absorption. It is also noted that the deformation behavior and energy absorption capability of the aluminum tubes could be considerably improved by applying a nanocomposite-wrapped plies.
Biomechanical comparison of implantation approaches for the treatment of mandibular total edentulism
Authors: Arslan Yunus Ziya , Karabulut Derya , Kahya Songul , Cansiz Erol
Published: July 2020

Applying four anterior implants placed vertically or tilted in the mandible is considered to provide clinically reasonable results in the treatment of mandibular posterior edentulism. It is also reported that a combination of four anterior and two short posterior implants can be an alternative approach for the rehabilitation of severe atrophy cases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biomechanical responses of three different implant placement configurations, which represent the clinical options for the treatment of mandibular edentulism. Three-dimensional models of the mandible, prosthetic bar, dental implant, abutment, and screw were created. Finite element models of the three implant configurations (Protocol 1: Four anterior implants, Protocol 2: Four anterior and two short posterior implants, Protocol 3: Two anterior and two tilted posterior implants: All-on-4™ concept) were generated for 10 patients and analyzed under different loading conditions including chewing, biting, and impact forces. Protocol 2 led to the lowest stress concentrations over the mandible among the three protocols ( p < 0.016). Protocol 2 resulted in significantly lower stresses than Protocol 3 and Protocol 1 over prosthetic bars under chewing forces ( p < 0.016). None of the implant placement protocols consistently exhibited the lowest stress distribution over abutments. The lowest stresses over dental implants under the chewing, biting, and impact forces were obtained in Protocol 1, Protocol 2, and Protocol 3, respectively ( p < 0.016). Protocol 3 was the best option to obtain the lowest stress values over the screws under all types of loading conditions ( p < 0.016). In conclusion, Protocol 2 was biomechanically more ideal than Protocol 1 and Protocol 3 to manage the posterior edentulism.
The impact of international sanctions on energy security
Authors: Wen Jun , Zhao Xinxin , Wang Quan-Jing , Chang Chun-Ping
Published: July 2020

This study first investigates different types of sanctions on energy security by employing data from a panel of target countries covering the period 1996–2014 and using the panel fixed effect model. Our evidence indicates that international sanctions do significantly negatively influence the energy security of target countries in some cases. Specifically, unilateral sanctions, U.S. sanctions, economic sanctions, and the intensity of sanctions have a significantly negative impact on energy security. However, plurilateral sanctions, EU sanctions, UN sanctions, and non-economic sanctions have no significant impact on the energy security of target countries. The results of endogeneity concerns are also consistent with the results of the basic regression analysis. Overall, our empirical findings merit particular attention from policy makers of target countries to ensure their energy security when facing international sanctions.
Haemoptysis in a toddler: An uncommon presentation of unusual foreign body ingestion
Authors: Muniandy Sadesvaran , Mohd Shukri Mohd Faiz , Ghazali Nur Izzah , Ishak Mohd Saiful Adli , Mohamad Irfan , Baharuddin Kamarul Aryffin
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Haemoptysis is uncommon in toddler. Lower respiratory tract infections and foreign body are among the common causes.

Case Presentation:

We are reporting a case of a child presented to emergency department with complaint of mild haemoptysis, whom was later found to have a piece of broken satay skewer at the tonsillar region. The foreign body was removed during the procedure without any complication.

Discussion:

Foreign body ingestion, particularly a piece of broken satay skewer, is difficult to suspect without a proper history and eyewitness. Therefore, parent's supervision is important. Emergency residents should have a high index of suspicion of foreign body ingestion in a child with vague symptoms.

Conclusion:

Foreign body is among the commonest cause of haemoptysis in an afebrile toddler. Acute haemoptysis in otherwise healthy toddler should alert the emergency residents about foreign body ingestion. History of food intake should be more thorough even if trivial.
Sarcocystis gigantea infection associated with granulomatous eosinophilic myositis in a horse
Authors: Veronesi Fabrizia , Di Palma Stefano , Gabrielli Simona , Morganti Giulia , Milardi Giovanni L. , Middleton Bruce , Lepri Elvio
Published: July 2020

The only Sarcocystis species currently known to inhabit the fibers of skeletal and cardiac muscles in horses are S. fayeri, S. bertrami, and S. asinus. We describe herein the invasion of myofibers in a horse by S. gigantea, a sheep-specific species with low virulence in the original host. A hunter gelding was referred to a veterinary surgeon in Newmarket (UK). The anamnestic data reported that the horse had an initial history of swelling of the right forelimb with fluid on the front of the carpus and edema spreading up the forearm. Subsequently, 2 firm lumps were found on the left pectoral muscle adjacent to the axilla of the left forelimb. Histologic examination of biopsies from the lumps revealed multifocal granulomatous eosinophilic myositis associated with intact and degenerate encysted parasites, consistent with Sarcocystis spp. Based on amplification and DNA sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene obtained from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, S. gigantea was identified. The presence of sarcocysts in equine skeletal muscles has been considered an incidental finding, and there are only sporadic associated reports of myositis. Our finding suggests that some Sarcocystis spp. have a wider intermediate host range than believed previously, and that Sarcocystis of other species (not considered horse-associated) can invade the muscle fibers of equids, leading to myositis.
A shape memory alloy–actuated soft crawling robot based on adaptive differential friction and enhanced antagonistic configuration
Authors: Liang Chen , Wang Yongquan , Yao Tao , Zhu Botao
Published: July 2020

This article presents a soft crawling robot prototype with a simple architecture inspired by inchworms. The robot functionally integrates the torso (body) and feet in a monolithic curved structure that only needs a single shape memory alloy coil and differential friction to actuate it. A novel foot configuration is proposed, which makes the two feet, with an anti-symmetrical friction layout, can be alternately anchored, to match the contraction–recovery sequence of the body adaptively. Based on the antagonistic configuration between the shape memory alloy actuator and the elastic body, a vertically auxiliary spring was adopted to enhance the interaction mechanism. Force and kinematic analysis was undertaken, focusing on the parametric design of the special foot configuration. A miniature robot prototype was then 3D-printed (54 mm in length and 9.77 g in weight), using tailored thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer as the body material. A series of experimental tests and evaluations were carried out to assess its performance under different conditions. The results demonstrated that under appropriate actuation conditions, the compact robot prototype could accomplish a relative speed of 0.024 BL/s (with a stride length equivalent to 27% of its body length) and bear a load over five times to its own weight.
Does Moral Identity Matter in Situational Action Theory? Some Evidence of Iranian Fans’ Cyberbullying Perpetration
Authors: Kabiri Saeed , Shadmanfaat Seyyedeh Masoomeh (Shamila) , Samuels-Wortley Kanika , Gallupe Owen
Published: July 2020

Situational action theory (SAT) posits that morality plays a core role in determining whether situations are viewed as suitable for crime. However, little attention has been paid to moral identity, the degree to which a person considers morality to occupy a central position in their view of themselves. Using a convenience sample of Iranian soccer fans ( N = 374), we test both the direct and moderated role of moral identity in explaining cyberbullying, an outcome that differs from most SAT research focusing on violent/property crime. We find that fans with a weaker moral identity tend to engage in more cyberbullying and that moral identity significantly interacts with a number of SAT-derived predictors (moral emotions, self-control, perceptual deterrence, and situational morality) in expected ways.
Are Rates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridioides difficile Associated With Quality and Clinical Outcomes in US Acute Care Hospitals?
Authors: Garcia Reeves Alessandra B. , Trogdon Justin G. , Stearns Sally C. , Lewis James W. , Weber David J. , Weinberger Morris
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)/Clostridioides difficile and quality and clinical outcomes in US acute care hospitals. The population was all Medicare-certified US acute care hospitals with MRSA/C difficile standardized infection ratio (SIR) data available from 2013 to 2017. Hospital-level data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services were used to estimate hospital and time fixed effects models for 30-day hospital readmissions, length of stay, 30-day mortality, and days in the intensive care unit. The key explanatory variables were SIR for MRSA and C difficile. No association was found between MRSA or C difficile rates and any of the 4 outcomes. The null results add to the mixed evidence in the field, but there are likely residual confounding factors. Future research should use larger samples of patient-level data and appropriate methods to provide evidence to guide efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Optimum preliminary design of ion thrusters in concurrent design facility
Authors: García-Pérez Andrés
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the development of new satellites has accelerated, especially for small satellites like university-class Cubesats, due to low design and manufacturing costs. The preliminary design of these spacecraft requires the utilization of new tools that improve the interrelation among the different subsystems and optimize the design. One of the most suitable approaches is the concurrent design facility, which connects specialists of each subsystem in the same room to facilitate the communication among them. This method provides different preliminary designs for the complete system by an iterative process in a reduced time, taking into account the simultaneity with the designs of the subsystems. One of the main subsystems of a spacecraft is the propulsion system, which plays a key role in the success of a mission by allowing the spacecraft to reach the final destination. Electric propulsion has become an interesting option due to the high value of the specific impulse, which provides the necessary velocity increment with a lower propellant mass compared to the traditional chemical rockets. The purpose of this paper is to present the equations implemented in the propulsion module of the concurrent design facility to obtain optimum designs of ion thrusters, which supposes a novelty compared to the traditional design approach of these systems, where there is no interaction with the design of the rest of subsystems. The objective is to help the designer to select the best options in a fast and easy way and improve the efficiency of the iterative work of the concurrent design facility.
Elite Messaging and Partisan Consumerism: An Evaluation of President Trump’s Tweets and Polarization of Corporate Brand Images
Authors: Endres Kyle , Panagopoulos Costas , Green Donald P.
Published: July 2020

One of the hallmarks of the Trump Administration has been the president’s frequent use of Twitter to express his approval of or disdain for firms such as L.L. Bean or Macy’s. The suddenness with which corporations have come into the political spotlight presents a research opportunity to scholars interested in opinion leadership and partisan polarization. To what extent do presidential tweets lead to polarization of Democrats’ and Republicans’ opinions about the firms that are praised or excoriated? Are these effects especially strong among co-partisans? How long-lasting are they? Using weekly evaluations of firms that came under fire from President Trump’s tweets, we model the net brand ratings of Democratic and Republican respondents. Our time-series results suggest that presidential criticism via Twitter typically has strong immediate effects on net ratings that subside after a few months. One noteworthy exception is presidential criticism of Apple, which coincided with criticism from prominent Democrats as well. Overall, the magnitude of the immediate effect demonstrates the role of elite opinion leadership in precipitating polarized assessments of firms that were previously evaluated similarly across the political spectrum.
Effect of hydrocortisone versus methylprednisolone on clinical outcomes in oncology patients with septic shock
Authors: McDonnell Emily , Collins Reagan , Hernandez Mike , Brown Anne Rain T.
Published: July 2020

Background

Corticosteroids are used as adjunctive treatment of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in patients with septic shock. This study aims to compare the impact of hydrocortisone versus methylprednisolone on duration of septic shock in critically ill oncology patients.

Methods

Single-center, retrospective cohort study of adult patients receiving hydrocortisone ≥200 mg/day or methylprednisolone ≥40 mg/day with septic shock. The primary outcome was time to shock reversal defined as time to systolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg without vasopressors for ≥24 h.

Results

Eighty-eight patients were included, 49 patients received hydrocortisone and 39 patients received methylprednisolone. Solid tumor malignancy was more common in the hydrocortisone group, while hematological malignancy was more common in the methylprednisolone group (p = 0.009). Time to shock reversal was similar between hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone groups (72.4 versus 70.4 h; p = 0.825). Intensive care unit mortality occurred in 51.02% versus 53.85% of patients in hydrocortisone versus methylprednisolone, respectively (p = 0.792). Patients who received methylprednisolone had higher rates of mechanical ventilation (89.74% versus 55.1%, p < 0.001) and longer intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay (4.2 versus 11.4 days and 14.3 versus 25.7 days; p < 0.001) compared to hydrocortisone. No differences were seen in incidence of steroid-related adverse effects between groups.

Conclusions

In oncology patients with septic shock, the use of hydrocortisone versus methylprednisolone does not appear to affect time to shock reversal.
LOPH: a novel chemotherapeutic protocol for feline high-grade multicentric or mediastinal lymphoma, developed in an area endemic for feline leukemia virus
Authors: Horta Rodrigo S , Souza Larissa M , Sena Bruna V , Almeida Isabella O , Jaretta Tâmara A , Pimenta Marcela M , Reche Júnior Archivaldo
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish the safety and efficacy of a novel multidrug lomustine-based chemotherapeutic protocol for cats with high-grade multicentric or mediastinal lymphoma, in an area endemic for feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

Methods

This prospective study included owned cats, diagnosed (cytologically) with multicentric or mediastinal lymphoma and treated with the LOPH (lomustine, vincristine [Oncovin; Antibióticos do Brasil], prednisolone and hydroxydaunorubicin [doxorubicin]) protocol. A complete blood count was performed before every chemotherapy session and any significant abnormalities recorded as possible related toxicities. Median survival time (MST) and disease-free interval were estimated by Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

Twenty-one cats were included in this study. Nineteen (90.5%) tested positive for FeLV and were therefore considered to have persistent viremia. Complete response was reported in 81% (n = 17/21), while three had partial remission and one had no response. Seven cats finished the induction protocol within 20–31 weeks (23.1 ± 4.5; median 20) and all seven received a maintenance protocol. The MST (lymphoma-related survival) for the 21 cats was 214 days. The MST was 214 days for cats with mediastinal lymphoma (n = 13), but it was not reached for multicentric lymphoma (n = 8; P = 0.9). The MST of cats with persistent FeLV antigenemia was 171 days. Grade I anorexia and vomiting occurred in 19% of the cats (n = 4/21). Hematologic toxicity was found in 100% of the cats at some point during their treatment, but it was mostly grade I or II. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia occurred in 16/21, 21/21 and 15/21 cats, respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

The LOPH protocol was well tolerated by cats with lymphoma and persistent FeLV viremia, and resulted in a better MST than similar studies with other protocols. Novel studies and controlled trials are necessary in order to evaluate the efficacy of different protocols according to the lymphoma subtype, anatomic form and FeLV status.
Bone mineralisation adjacent to cemented and uncemented acetabular cups: analysis by [18F]-fluoride-PET in a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Ullmark Gösta , Sörensen Jens , Nilsson Olle , Maripuu Enn
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

We present a randomised clinical trial using F-PET/CT to analyse new bone metabolic mineralisation adjacent to acetabular cups following total hip arthoplasty (THA).

Patients and methods:

THA was performed on 26 patients (26 cases) with hip OA. Patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) were randomly assigned to operations with cemented or uncemented acetabular components. The contralateral, healthy acetabulum was used as referent for normal bone metabolism. The patients were analysed with radiography, clinical scoring, and F-PET/CT preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

No major complications were recorded, and clinical results were good in all patients. Radiography showed all cups to be stable. The bone-forming activity, as measured by F-PET/CT, was quantified as standardised uptake values (SUV). The mean SUV was 4.6 (6 weeks) and 3.5 (6 months) around the uncemented cups, and 4.8 and 4.0, respectively, for the cemented cups. Normal healthy bone metabolism in the referent was 2.8 and 2.7 SUV at 6 weeks and 6 months, respectively. P < 0.01 for the cemented group at 6 weeks and 6 months, for the uncemented group only at 6 weeks.

Interpretation:

An acetabulum affected by OA has elevated SUV activity. Both cemented and uncemented cups had elevated bone metabolic activity at 6 weeks. The raised activity was interpreted as an effect from bone mineralisation secondary to surgical trauma and healing, and to the OA. At 6 months, activity was more normalised for the uncemented group than for the cemented, suggesting healing may terminate faster in the uncemented group. Postoperative bone metabolic activity can be analysed in detail by F-PET/CT. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01623687