bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Practice Patterns and Evidence-Based Medicine in Secondary Cleft Rhinoplasty: A 14-Year Review of Maintenance of Certification Tracer Data From the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Authors: Rokni Alex M. , Kearney Aaron M. , Brandt Keith E. , Gosain Arun K.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To evaluate evolving practice patterns in secondary cleft rhinoplasty.

Design:

Retrospective review of data submitted during Maintenance of Certification (MOC).

Setting:

Evaluation of MOC data from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Participants:

Tracer data for secondary cleft rhinoplasty were reviewed from August 2006 through March 2020, and the data subdivided from 20062012 and 20132020 to evaluate changes in practice patterns.

Interventions:

Practice patterns in tracer data were compared to those from evidence-based medicine (EBM) literature over this time period.

Main Outcome Measures:

Practice patterns were compared to EBM trends during the study period.

Results:

A total of 90 cases of secondary cleft rhinoplasty were identified. The average age at operation was 13 years (range 4-77). Cumulative data demonstrated 61% to present with nasal airway obstruction and 21% to have undergone primary nasal correction at the time of cleft lip repair; 72% of patients experienced no complications, with the most common complications being asymmetry (10%) and vertical asymmetry of alar dome position (6%). Cartilage graft was used in 68% of cases, with 32% employing septal cartilage. Change in practice patterns between 2006 to 2012 and 2013 to 2020 demonstrated increase in dorsal nasal surgery (26% vs 43%, P = .034), use of osteotomies (14% vs 38%, P = .010), septal resection and/or straightening (26% vs 48%, P = .034), and turbinate reduction (8% vs 30%, P = .007).

Conclusions:

These tracer data provide long-term data by which to evaluate evolving practice patterns for secondary cleft rhinoplasty. When evaluated relative to EBM literature, future research to further improve outcomes can be better directed.
Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Analysis of Clinicopathologic Features
Authors: Efared Boubacar , Kadi Mohamed , Tahiri Laila , Lahmidani Nada , Hassani Karim Ibn Majdoub , Bouhaddouti Hicham El , Benbrahim Zineb , Adil Ibrahimi Sidi , Chbani Laila
Published: December 2020

Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC) is a distinct histological subtype of gastric carcinoma. Our aim is to investigate differential characteristics between gastric SRC and other non SRC carcinomas (nSRC). It was a retrospective study including 183 patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma over a period of 5 years at our pathology department. We performed statistical comparison of clinicopathological features between patients with SRC and those with nSRC. 127 patients (69.4%) had nSRC, 56 had SRC (30.6%), the mean age was 56.67 ± 14.03 years. Patients with SRC were younger than those with nSRC (mean age of 49.66 versus 59.76, P = 0.030). Patients with SRC tend to have more diffuse tumors in the stomach ( P = 0.005), with flat macroscopic appearance ( P = 0.001). Patients with SRC present more often with pT3 tumors ( P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis ( P = 0.024) and perineural invasion ( P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between SRC and nSRC in gender, vascular invasion or distant metastasis ( P > 0.05). The median survival time was 42.82 ± 1.70 months. Patients with nSRC live longer than those with SRC, but the difference was not significant ( P = 0.28). SRC is a histological subtype of gastric carcinoma with distinctive clinicopathologic features. The clinical management of patients should take into account these particular features.
Development of a Predictive Immune-Related Gene Signature Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patient Prognosis
Authors: Lei Jiasheng , Zhang Dengyong , Yao Chao , Ding Sheng , Lu Zheng
Published: December 2020

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the third leader cancer-associated cause of death globally, but the etiological basis for this complex disease remains poorly clarified. The present study was thus conceptualized to define a prognostic immune-related gene (IRG) signature capable of predicting immunotherapy responsiveness and overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC.

Methods:

Five differentially expressed IRG associated with HCC were established the immune-related risk model through univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses. Patients were separated at random into training and testing cohorts, after which the association between the identified IRG signature and OS was evaluated using the “survival” R package. In addition, maftools was leveraged to assess mutational data, with tumor mutation burden (TMB) scores being calculated as follows: (total mutations/total bases) × 106. Immune-related risk term abundance was quantified via “ssGSEA” algorithm using the “gsva” R package.

Results:

HCC patients were successfully stratified into low-risk and high-risk groups based upon a signature composed of 5 differentially expressed IRGs, with overall survival being significantly different between these 2 groups in training cohort, testing cohort and overall patient cohort ( P = 1.745e-06, P = 1.888e-02, P = 4.281e-07). No association was observed between TMB and this IRG risk score in the overall patient cohort ( P = 0.461). Notably, 19 out of 29 immune-related risk terms differed substantially in the overall patient dataset. These risk terms mainly included checkpoints, human leukocyte antigens, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and major histocompatibility complex class I.

Conclusion:

In summary, an immune-related prognostic gene signature was successfully developed and used to predict survival outcomes and immune system status in patients with HCC. This signature has the potential to help guide immunotherapeutic treatment planning for patients affected by this deadly cancer.
Chemotherapy-Induced Reduction of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Associated With Better Survival in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Xin , Yu Bo , Jiang Nan , Du Qiong , Ye Xuan , Li Huan , Wang Wen-Quan , Zhai Qing
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

Numerous studies have suggested that an increase in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) before treatment is associated with worse survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of treatment-induced NLR change among PAC patients so as to better identify the characteristics of those who can benefit more from treatment.

Methods:

This meta-analysis was undertaken using the PRISMA statement. Previously published studies between the correlation of NLR change and patients’ survival were searched in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. RevMan 5.3 was used to conduct statistical analysis.

Results:

A total of 1213 patients with PAC from 6 retrospective studies were included in this meta-analysis. Four studies investigated the HR of pre-treatment NLR, demonstrating its prognostic impact on overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.45-3.36). One study reported that an elevated post-treatment NLR was associated with poorer OS (HR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.08-1.52). Pooled analysis indicated that NLR reduction might predict favorable survival in both the overall population (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.34–1.73) and the subgroup treated with chemotherapy (HR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.32-1.70).

Conclusion:

Treatment-induced NLR change can act as an early predictor for PAC. Patients with reduced NLR after chemotherapy are expected to have better survival.
The Impact of Renal Impairment on Survival Outcomes in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Zhang Xingming , Zhu Xudong , Ni Yuchao , Dai Jindong , Zhu Sha , Sun Guangxi , Wang Zhipeng , Chen Junru , Zhao Jinge , Zeng Hao , Li Zi , Shen Pengfei
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

It remained unclear whether tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) related renal impairment had impact on the survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Methods:

Clinicopathological parameters of patients with mRCC treated with TKIs were retrospectively reviewed. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline and during TKIs treatment were recorded. BUN > 7.1mol/L, eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 and/or proteinuria level > 0.3 g/L were defined as renal impairment. eGFR and proteinuria were furtherly classified into different levels. Treatment outcomes were defined as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

At baseline, the presence of abnormal BUN, eGFR and proteinuria level were observed in 25 (22.7%), 27 (25.5%) and 30 (27.3%) patients, which increased to 46 (41.8%), 55 (50.0%) and 64 (58.2%) respectively after TKIs treatment. In the whole cohort (N = 110), survival analysis suggested that only post-treatment renal impairment was related to survival outcomes. Interestingly, sub-analysis showed that post-treatment eGFR level (p = 0.004), proteinuria (p = 0.014) and eGFR decrease >10% (p = 0.012) and elevated proteinuria compared with baseline (p = 0.006) were statistically correlated with OS among patients without RI at baseline (N = 51). On the contrary, deterioration of renal impairment after TKIs treatment in patients with renal impairment at baseline (N = 59) had no relationship with either PFS or OS. Furthermore, eGFR (p = 0.020) and eGFR decrease >10% (p = 0.016) within 1 year after TKIs therapy were potential biomarkers for OS.

Conclusion:

Dynamic changes of TKI-induced RI during TKIs treatment, especially eGFR and proteinuria level, could be considered as potential biomarkers predicting survival outcomes of mRCC patients.
Oncogenic Roles of RAD51AP1 in Tumor Tissues Related to Overall Survival and Disease-Free Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhuang Liping , Zhang Yuan , Meng Zhiqiang , Yang Zongguo
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the associations between RAD51AP1 and the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:

RAD51AP1 expression levels were compared in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. The Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA, Provisional) and GSE36376 datasets were used for survival analysis. RAD51AP1 associations with clinicopathological features were determined with the GSE36376 dataset.

Results:

RAD51AP1 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in advanced liver fibrosis samples (S3-4 vs. S0-2 and G3-4 vs. G0-2) from hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver fibrosis patients and in tumor tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HCC patients (all P < 0.05). HCC patients with high RAD51AP1 expression had significantly worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than those with low RAD51AP1 expression ( P = 0.0034 and P = 0.0012, respectively) in the TCGA dataset, and these findings were validated with the GSE36376 dataset ( P = 0.0074 and P = 0.0003, respectively). A Cox regression model indicated that RAD51AP1 was a risk factor for OS and DFS in HCC patients in GSE36376 (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.02-2.32, P = 0.04 and HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.22-2.39, P = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, RAD51AP1 mRNA expression increased gradually with increasing tumor stage, including stratification by American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages and Edmondson grades. In addition, RAD51AP1 was overexpressed in HCC patients with intrahepatic metastasis, major portal vein invasion, vascular invasion and/or an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level > 300 ng/ml.

Conclusions:

Contributing to an advanced tumor stage, intrahepatic metastasis, vascular invasion and AFP level elevation, RAD51AP1 upregulation was significantly associated with OS and DFS in HCC patients.
Linking Motivation, Emotional Labor, and Service Performance From a Self-Determination Perspective
Authors: Hur Won-Moo , Shin Yuhyung , Moon Tae Won
Published: December 2020

Drawing on self-determination theory, which suggests that individuals’ autonomous and controlled motivations determine their behavior and performance, our research examined the relationship between motivation, emotional labor, and service performance. We predicted that autonomous motivation will be positively associated with service performance through deep acting and that controlled motivation will be negatively associated with service performance through surface acting. To test these hypotheses, we collected three-wave data from 282 hotel employees and 21 general managers over a 15-month period. As predicted, autonomous motivation was positively related to deep acting and negatively related to surface acting 1 year later, whereas controlled motivation was positively related to surface acting 1 year later. Deep acting was positively associated with supervisor-rated service performance 3 months later. Further, the indirect effect of autonomous motivation on service performance through deep acting was significant. The robustness of these findings was established by reanalyzing the data without controlling for potential confounds and conducting a validation study among 70 flight attendants across 5 consecutive days. The findings highlight the importance of service employees’ autonomous motivation in effective emotion regulation and resulting service performance.
Long-term effect of neutering on plasma luteinising hormone concentration in cats
Authors: Aguiar Joana , Crossley Victoria J , Davison Lucy J , Fowkes Robert C , Syme Harriet M
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to validate a commercially available luteinising hormone (LH) cat ELISA, to determine whether the increases in plasma LH concentration that occur after neutering are maintained throughout cats’ lives and if other factors such as calendar seasons in both intact and neutered cats, and neutering age in neutered cats, influence plasma LH concentrations.

Methods

Stored plasma samples from client-owned cats were used for the measurement of LH concentrations. Clinical data, including age, sex, age at neutering and medical history, were reviewed. Two populations were included in this study: (1) a senior and geriatric cat population (⩾9 years old), including 18 intact and 18 neutered cats matched for age, sex and month of sample collection; and (2) an adult cat population (2–8 years old), including 45 neutered cats. LH concentrations were measured using a commercially available feline ELISA.

Results

Senior and geriatric neutered cats had higher plasma LH concentrations than age-matched intact cats ( P <0.001). Calendar season did not influence plasma LH concentrations in the adult ( P = 0.727) or senior/geriatric ( P = 0.745) cats included in this study. No influence of age at neutering was observed on plasma LH concentrations ( P = 0.296).

Conclusions and relevance

Neutering causes a significant long-term increase in LH concentrations in cats and further studies are required to determine the consequences on feline health.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Breastfeeding Duration Influence the Composition and Dynamics of Gut Microbiota in Young Children Aged 0–2 Years
Authors: Xie Tianqu , Wang Yuchen , Zou Zhijie , He Jing , Yu Yun , Liu Yanqun , Bai Jinbing
Published: December 2020

The colonization characteristics of infant gut microbiota are influenced by many factors at various stages, but few studies have explored the longitudinal effects of environmental tobacco smoke exposure and quantitative breastfeeding duration on young children’ gut microbiota. We explored the effects of smoke exposure and breastfeeding duration on gut microbiota by following 37 maternal and children pairs in China for 2 years. We collected the demographic information, frequency of smoke exposure, breastfeeding duration, and fecal samples (mothers in the late pregnancy and infants at 6, 12, and 24 months), and analyzed the microbiota results using the V3-V4 gene sequence of 16S rRNA. The diversity of gut microbiota in children was the highest at 24 months and most similar to that in mothers. Breastfeeding duration was positively correlated with Lactobacillus and negatively correlated with Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. The α diversity of microbiota and the relative abundance of [Ruminococcus]_gnavus_group was higher in the non-smoke exposed group. The higher the smoke exposure, the higher the relative abundance of Megasphaera. Prolonged breastfeeding and reduced smoke exposure are beneficial to the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in young children.
Evaluation of the Serological Point-of-Care Testing of Infectious Mononucleosis by Data of External Quality Control Samples
Authors: Kiiskinen Salla J , Luomala Oskari , Häkkinen Teija , Lukinmaa-Åberg Susanna , Siitonen Anja
Published: December 2020

Timely and reliable laboratory diagnostics is a necessity for patient safety and good patient management. Success in external quality assessment (EQA) reflects on the everyday work in a clinical laboratory. This study evaluated the reliability of serological point-of-care (POC) testing for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes infectious mononucleosis (IM). Data from the results of 95 external quality control (EQC) samples, altogether 18 885 results during an eight-year period (2010-2017) were collected from 273 Finnish testing sites. Diagnosing acute infectious mononucleosis (EBV IM) is based on clinical, haematological and serological findings. Heterophile antibody tests are used for this purpose because they can be carried out at POC and are cheap and robust to perform. In this study, the data showed that the testing sites used 3 test methods and 17 different test kits; of the kits, 4 were used during the whole study period. The most commonly used test methods were immunochromatographic assays (12 test kits, 17 959 EQC results). Latex agglutination (4 test kits, 504 results) and immunofiltration test methods (one kit, 422 results) were also used. The overall success rate was 99.3% (for positive samples 99.6%, for negative samples 99.1%). The success rates of the different test methods varied from 94.3% for the immunofiltration method to 99.6% for the latex agglutination method. The lowest success rates were found for negative samples: 82.0% (QuickVue, Quidel [immunochromatographic method]), 91.3% (RDT EBV IgM Assay, Bio-Rad [immunofiltration method]). The results of the negative samples that represented old EBV immunity were the most difficult to interpret with a success rate of 98.9% compared to success rates of clearly positive (99.6%) and negative (99.5%) samples ( P < .001). Especially the immunofiltration method (RDT EBV IgM Assay) produced 13.7% false positive results for samples of old immunity. The data showed that 42 of the studied 95 EBV IM EQA rounds were reported as expected (true positive or true negative) by all testing sites.
Taking racism beyond Dutch innocence
Authors: Ghorashi Halleh
Published: December 2020

Explicit racism’s increased presence in Dutch public space did not lead to public recognition of the existence of structural forms of racism in the Netherlands until recently. Previously, I argued this denial was historically rooted in the construction of the Dutch self-image as charitable and open versus the framing of migrants as “weak”, “disadvantaged” others who need help from the majority group. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement changed this denial of structural racism in the Netherlands. Never before have structural forms of racism been addressed so widely and cross-racially in the Dutch public space and within institutions. Additionally, awareness of structural racism is growing among non-White young professionals, who previously thought their exclusion from or marginalisation within Dutch society was due to personal inability and lack of strategies to “adapt”. The increasing calls against institutional racism in the Netherlands mean unsettling the status quo and creating inclusionary spaces and practices.
Enjoying nature, exercise, social interaction, and affect: A daily diary study
Authors: Anderson Austen R
Published: December 2020

This study investigated the pathways linking daily nature enjoyment to affect by testing whether the associations would be fully explained by exercise and social interaction. Participants ( N = 782; 55.6% female; age 25–74, Mage = 47.9) from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) refresher study completed surveys across 8 days. Multilevel models indicated that enjoying nature with others tended to predict affect at the within-person level, while enjoying nature alone did not. However, enjoying nature alone did predict affect at the between-person level. Lastly, many of these associations remained, even while controlling for exercise and social interaction.
The imagination effect when using textual or diagrammatic material to learn a second language
Authors: Ignatova Olga , Kalyuga Slava , Sweller John
Published: December 2020

The imagination effect occurs when students learn better from imagining concepts and procedures rather than from studying them. Cognitive load theory explains the effect by better use of available working memory resources and increased productive, intrinsic cognitive load. The effect has been found in numerous empirical studies. However, in the majority of studies demonstrating the effect, visual/spatial information has been used: the type of information that is believed to be easy for imagining. The reported two experiments investigated if an imagination effect could be obtained using verbal information in the area of learning a second language. The results indicated that while textual material was expectedly more difficult for learning than diagrammatic material, asking learners to imagine textual material did improve performance. Cognitive load theory has been used as a theoretical framework to interpret the results.
Exploring a pathway to radicalization: The effects of social exclusion and rejection sensitivity
Authors: Renström Emma A. , Bäck Hanna , Knapton Holly M.
Published: December 2020

This article aims to explore if social exclusion can constitute a pathway to radicalization, and if individual level of sensitivity of rejection moderates the effect of social exclusion. Humans innately seek belonging and meaning, and strive for re-establishing a sense of value and belongingness if faced with social exclusion. One way to achieve this is by adherence to a new and inviting group. In four studies, we test to what extent individuals who face social exclusion adapt to a radical including group. In Studies 1 ( n = 104) and 2 ( n = 308), we use a social media-like paradigm to manipulate social exclusion. In Study 3 ( n = 1041), we use the so-called Cyberball paradigm, and in Study 4 ( n = 40) we use a real-life manipulation. All studies show that rejected individuals who are sensitive to rejection are more prone to identify with, engage with and endorse an extreme group. The results hold over both ideological (Studies 1–3) and non-ideological (Study 4) content. Only the last study showed a main effect of social exclusion. We discuss the results in reference to the significance loss model of radicalization.
Persistent beliefs: Political extremism predicts ideological stability over time
Authors: Zwicker Maria V. , van Prooijen Jan-Willem , Krouwel André P. M.
Published: December 2020

Previous research suggests that political extremists have stronger convictions in their beliefs than moderates. The present research examines the relationship between political extremism and belief stability, defined as the extent to which people change their ideological beliefs over time. Studies 1 ( N = 397) and 2 ( N = 291) revealed that participants at the left and right extremes report more stable beliefs than political moderates. We then reanalyzed a longitudinal study that tracked actual ideological changes over time during a referendum (Study 3, N = 5812). Results indicated that for ideological orientation measured at three time points, politically extreme respondents had lower standard deviations—and hence, more stable ideologies over time—than moderates. Furthermore, the effect appeared more pronounced among people at the left than people at the right. We discuss implications of these insights for political extremism in society and the malleability of political ideology.
Power distance orientation as an antecedent of individuals’ intentions to engage in radical political action
Authors: Travaglino Giovanni A. , Moon Chanki
Published: December 2020

The cultural dimension of power distance refers to individuals’ acceptance of power inequalities in society. Countries characterized by high power distance at the collective level face more domestic extremism. However, research has yet to examine how individual differences in power distance orientation may affect individuals’ intentions to engage in radical and violent political action. In this research, we test the hypothesis that stronger endorsement of power distance values makes people more prone to express their intentions to engage in radical and violent political action. To test the hypothesis’ generalizability across contexts, we sample from 2 countries characterized by different levels of power distance at the collective level, South Korea (higher power distance) and the United States (lower power distance). Studies 1a and 1b were surveys ( N = 1,214) demonstrating an association between power distance orientation and radical political action over and beyond other known predictors of political participation, including political efficacy, perceived justice, emotions of anger and contempt, political orientation, and social dominance orientation. In Studies 2a–2c ( N = 430; 2c preregistered), priming a higher (vs. lower) power distance orientation heightened individuals’ propensity to express the intentions to engage in radical political action. Theoretical implications of the findings, and future research directions, are discussed.
Group membership and radicalization: A cross-national investigation of collective self-esteem underlying extremism
Authors: Ozer Simon , Obaidi Milan , Pfattheicher Stefan
Published: December 2020

Uncertainty, perceived threats, and a generally insecure life attachment have been associated with endorsement of extremism. Furthermore, salient identification with a group can influence radicalized ways of addressing insecure life attachment through an established and sometimes extreme worldview and ideology. In the present study, we replicated the finding that an insecure life attachment is associated with a higher degree of extremism endorsement. Furthermore, we found similarities and differences in how this association was influenced by various aspects of group membership across dissimilar contexts and among majority and minority groups (e.g., Muslims and non-Muslims) from Denmark ( n = 223), India ( n = 147), and the United Kingdom ( n = 225). Consequently, our results indicate that general social psychological processes underlie radicalization and that different aspects of collective self-esteem can be central promoting or mitigating factors. Overall, our findings suggest an important interplay among life attachment, collective self-esteem, and extremism across Western and non-Western majority and minority groups.
Optimization of a neuro-human thermal model using a genetic algorithm
Authors: El Kadri Mohamad , Oliveira Fabrice De , Inard Christian , Demouge François
Published: December 2020

A neuro-human thermal model was optimized to increase the prediction accuracy of the physiological variables of a group of 15 healthy male students exposed to transient environmental conditions. The effect of both the passive and active systems parameters was studied using a sensitivity analysis, and the parameters that had the most influence on the neuro-human thermal model outputs were established. A genetic algorithm was then used to optimize the model in order to determine the parameters that corresponded to the studied population. The results showed that the optimization increased the precision of the neuro-human thermal model. The mean absolute error and the maximum error between the experimental data and the numerical results for mean skin temperature were 0.13°C and 0.56°C, respectively, and we obtained 0.03°C and 0.11°C, respectively, for rectal temperature. These results show that the neuro-human thermal model can be accurately adjusted for the rectal, mean and local skin temperatures of a targeted population by using a genetic algorithm to determine the values of the parameters that correspond to this population.
In-plane nonlinear postbuckling analysis of circular arches using absolute nodal coordinate formulation with arc-length method
Authors: Shaukat Abdur Rahman , Lan Peng , Wang Jia , Wang Tengfei
Published: December 2020

In this study, Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF) in conjunction with Crisfield’s arc-length method is utilized in order to predict the nonlinear postbuckling behaviour of circular arches. The whole primary equilibrium path in load-displacement space of circular arches under central concentrated load is obtained. Three ANCF based approaches, i.e., the conventional two-dimensional fully parameterized shear deformable ANCF beam element based on the General Continuum Mechanics (GCM) approach, the same element modified by the Strain Split Method (SSM) approach and the ANCF planar Higher Order Beam Element (HOBE) with GCM approach are used. Circular arches with various geometric configurations and boundary conditions such as clamped-clamped, hinged-hinged, clamped-hinged and three-hinged arches are studied which exhibit nonlinear response in the form of snap-through, snap-back and looping phenomenon. The obtained results are compared with the analytical solutions, experimental result (where available in the literature) and numerical approximations (by using the commercially available FEM package). In this paper, the recently proposed ANCF based approaches are successfully implemented which validate and verify the utility of ANCF in nonlinear postbuckling analysis. The characteristics of the three approaches with regard to the adoptability of arc-length method are compared and discussed.
The electron beam freeform fabrication of NiTi shape memory alloys. Part I: Microstructure and physical–chemical behavior
Authors: Guimarães RPM , Pixner F , Trimmel G , Hobisch J , Rath T , Fernandez F , Enzinger N , Amancio-Filho ST
Published: December 2020

Nickel–titanium alloys are the most widely used shape memory alloys due to their outstanding shape memory effect and superelasticity. Additive manufacturing has recently emerged in the fabrication of shape memory alloy but despite substantial advances in powder-based techniques, less attention has been focused on wire-based additive manufacturing. This work reports on the preliminary results for the process-related microstructural and phase transformation changes of Ni-rich nickel–titanium alloy additively manufactured by wire-based electron beam freeform fabrication. To study the feasibility of the process, a simple 10-layer stack structure was successfully built and characterized, exhibiting columnar grains and achieving one-step reversible martensitic–austenitic transformation, thus showing the potential of this additive manufacturing technique for processing shape memory alloys.
Neoliberal ideology, discursive paradox and communicative language teaching
Authors: Angelo Ria
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with the relationship between neoliberalism and communicative language teaching in language-in-education policy. Neoliberalism, or the deregulation of state based on meritocracy, or equal competition, gives rise to paradoxical discourses. On the one hand, sociolinguistic superdiversity shows us the unprecedented mixing and switching of languages by transnational migrants. On the other, language commodification requires us to use standard or monolingual language forms to access high-paying jobs in the global market. Parallel discourses in communicative language teaching pedagogy that distinguish between weak and strong forms also give rise to monolingual and multilingual language practices, respectively. This paper examines how language commodification and sociolinguistic superdiversity relate to the method-related problem of identity, a tension in the literature between the monolingual language practices of weak communicative language teaching, and post-structuralist language learner identities that are delineated by language. By drawing discursive and epistemic links between language commodification and sociolinguistic superdiversity and weak and strong communicative language teaching, I argue that language commodification emerges as a hegemonic discourse in weak communicative language teaching policy precepts, responsible for the method-related problem of identity. I attribute the discursive hegemony to a positivist epistemic framework that imposes preconceived language structures and identities on post-structuralist language learners in second and foreign language learning through monolingualism. This paper discusses important implications of sociolinguistic superdiversity as a counter-hegemonic discourse in superdiverse communicative language teaching contexts, as well as directions for future research.
The Natural History Museum Fossil Porifera Collection
Authors: Sendino Consuelo
Published: December 2020

This article provides updated information about the Porifera Collection at The Natural History Museum (NHM), London. With very little information available regarding fossil sponge digitization or any similar initiative, this paper covers the type and figured specimens and drawer label content data of the Porifera Collection and also describes the collection and its research potential. With approximately 71,000 specimens, of which more than 60% are Mesozoic, the NHM holdings offer the best Mesozoic sponge collection in the world and one of the most important due to its breadth and depth. The Porifera Collection covers all stratigraphic periods and all taxonomic groups and includes almost 3000 cited and figured specimens including types. Although most of the specimens come from the British Isles, worldwide samples are also present, with abundant specimens from other Commonwealth countries and from Antarctica.
Wait! I Need to Take Care of School Safety: A Novice Principal’s Experience With Elopement and Novice Special Education Teachers’ Support
Authors: Viloria Maria de Lourdes , Ramirez Alfredo
Published: December 2020

This case focuses on one novice school principal’s experience with an elopement incident. School elopement sets the background for this case, and in this situation, the principal sees the need to take action to increase school safety and special needs students’ teacher support. The authors enumerate leadership practices and organizational strategies that can assist novice school principals increase school safety for all students. In this principal’s case, the authors will focus on preventive leadership practices that prevent elopement as it relates to a novice school principal’s organizational practices, organization climate, and culture. To fill the literature gap, this case identifies critical novice school principals’ challenges related to students with special needs’ instruction, placement, and safety, in correlation to novice special education teachers’ induction and support.
Prevalence, prognosis, and treatment of atherosclerotic intracranial stenosis in Caucasians
Authors: Hurford Robert , Rothwell Peter M
Published: December 2020

Background

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis is a highly prevalent cause of stroke worldwide with important ethnic disparities. Widely considered to be a common cause of stroke in Asian and Afro-Caribbean populations, relatively less is known about the burden and significance of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in Caucasians.

Aims

We aim to highlight recent insights and advances into the prevalence, prognosis, and treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in Caucasian patients.

Summary of review

We identified 48 articles studying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in Caucasian patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Most studies were on hospital-based cohorts of consecutive patients and half were graded as “fair” quality. There was significant variation between studies in the definition of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and in the imaging modalities used to detect intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Overall, 12.1% of Caucasian patients were found to have any intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, 6.4% symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and 11.1% asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, with higher rates at older ages. In studies reporting prognosis, there were 61 and 10 same-territory ischemic strokes in 1000 person-years in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, respectively. Percutaneous stenting and angioplasty have not proven superior to intensive medical management in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

Conclusions

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis has previously been neglected as a cause of stroke in Caucasians but is highly prevalent at older ages and frequently discovered with the growing use of noninvasive angiography. Intensive medical therapy is the treatment of choice, but there is a need to develop novel treatments or therapeutic approaches to lower the risk of stroke in higher risk patients.
The Broadband Cost Reduction Directive: A legal primer in cross-sector regulation of infrastructures
Authors: Ducuing Charlotte
Published: December 2020

Infrastructures have mostly developed and have also been regulated in silo, especially in the liberalization phase. As economic, societal and technological patterns toward convergence of infrastructure sectors can now be observed, how to regulate such phenomena obviously raises many questions. In this context, the cross-sector regulation laid down by the Directive 2014/61/EU on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks constitutes an interesting legal primer in EU law, although little discussed. Six years after the adoption of the Directive, the present paper aims to draw lessons from it, from its transposition and from the related dispute-settlement practice in the Member States, with the perspective of cross-sector regulation. What type of cross-sector regulation does the Directive bring about? What are the factors having an influence on the (im)balance between the sectors and/or sectoral regulations? It seems all the more necessary that the newly appointed European Commission (“EC”) announced its willingness to revise the Directive within the next 5 years. The study of the BCR Directive may also contribute to inform how to regulate the phenomenon of increasing convergence between network industries. The paper refers to “cross-sector regulation” as, broadly, a type of regulation where several sectors, traditionally subject to specific regulations, are brought together, irrespective of the mode of interaction between them. Particularly, “cross-sector regulation” does not assume that the sectors and/or the sectoral regulations would be placed on an equal footing.
Quercetin: Antiviral Significance and Possible COVID-19 Integrative Considerations
Authors: Agrawal Pawan K. , Agrawal Chandan , Blunden Gerald
Published: December 2020

Quercetin, a naturally occurring dietary flavonoid, is well known to ameliorate chronic diseases and aging processes in humans, and its antiviral properties have been investigated in numerous studies. In silico and in vitro studies demonstrated that quercetin can interfere with various stages of the coronavirus entry and replication cycle such as PLpro, 3CLpro, and NTPase/helicase. Due to its pleiotropic activities and lack of systemic toxicity, quercetin and its derivatives may represent target compounds to be tested in future clinical trials to enrich the drug arsenal against coronavirus infections. There is evidence that quercetin in combination with, for example, vitamins C and D, may exert a synergistic antiviral action that may provide either an alternative or additional therapeutic/preventive option due to overlapping antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. This review summarizes the antiviral significance of quercetin and proposes a possible strategy for the effective utilization of natural polyphenols in our daily diet for the prevention of viral infection.
From Patient to Procedure: The Process of Creating a Custom 3D-Printed Medical Device for Foot and Ankle Pathology
Authors: Kadakia Rishin J. , Wixted Colleen M. , Kelly Cambre N. , Hanselman Andrew E. , Adams Samuel B.
Published: December 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has advanced greatly over the past decade and is being used extensively throughout the field of medicine. Several orthopaedic surgery specialties have demonstrated that 3D printing technology can improve patient care and physician education. Foot and ankle pathology can be complex as the 3D anatomy can be challenging to appreciate. Deformity can occur in several planes simultaneously and bone defects either from previous surgery or trauma can further complicate surgical correction. Three-dimensional printing technology provides an avenue to tackle the challenges associated with complex foot and ankle pathology. A basic understanding of how these implants are designed and made is important for surgeons as this technology is becoming more widespread and the clinical applications continue to grow within foot and ankle surgery.

Levels of Evidence: Level V
Early Childhood Antecedents of Dehumanization Perpetration in Adult Romantic Relationships
Authors: Pizzirani Bengianni , Karantzas Gery C. , Roisman Glenn I. , Simpson Jeffry A.
Published: December 2020

Data from the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (MLSRA) were utilized to provide the first investigation into the early childhood antecedents of dehumanization (i.e., treating another as less than human) in adult romantic relationships. Drawing on a sample of 109 MLSRA participants, multiple assessments of maternal care and empathy were collected during infancy and early childhood. In adulthood, MLSRA participants and their romantic partners engaged in video recorded conflict discussions in which dehumanization perpetration was coded. Maternal hostility was a significant and unique predictor of dehumanization perpetration. This longitudinal association remained even when controlling for the partner’s displays of dehumanization and several demographic covariates. This study provides the first evidence of early childhood antecedents of dehumanization and highlights how experiences during the first few years of life can have enduring downstream consequences for people’s romantic relationships 20–30 years later.
Self-care practice and associated factors among hypertensive patients in public health facilities in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hussen Feysal Mohammed , Adem Hassen Abdi , Roba Hirbo Shore , Mengistie Bezatu , Assefa Nega
Published: December 2020

Background:

Self-care practice is the activity that a hypertensive patient undertakes intending to improve their health. Poor self-care practice leads to uncontrolled hypertension. Therefore, strategies designed to prevent and control hypertension-related death, disability, and morbidity should consider the level of the patient’s self-care practice and risk factors. This study assessed self-care practice and associated factors among hypertensive patients in public health facilities of Harar Town in eastern Ethiopia.

Method:

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 randomly selected hypertensive patients from 25 March 2019 to 16 April 2019. Pretested structured questionnaires adapted from validated tools were used to collect data from participants using electronic Open Data Kit software through face-to-face exit interview. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 24. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with self-care practice. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to report association and the significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.

Results:

Level of good self-care practice was 29.9% (95% confidence interval: 25.3% and 34.7%). Age ⩾ 60 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.2 and 9.3), formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.3 and 4.2), absence of comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.1 and 3.1), adequate knowledge about hypertension (adjusted odds ratio = 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.5 and 8.8), good social support (adjusted odds ratio = 2.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.6 and 4.7), and being khat abstainer (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.1 and 3.5) were significantly associated with good self-care practice.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of good self-care practice was low. In this study, good self-care practice was significantly associated with age, formal education, comorbidities, knowledge about hypertension, social support, and current khat chewing condition. Regular check-up and follow-up of patients’ compliance with self-management protocol, and more emphasis should be given to identify factors that potentially impeding patients’ adherence to hypertension self-management protocol.
Graduating With Honors in Resilience: Creating a Whole New Doctor
Authors: Mikhaiel John Paul , Pollack Jack , Buck Emory , Williams Matt , Lott Aisha , Penner John C , Ann Cary Margaret
Published: December 2020

Background

Although coaching programs have become a prominent piece of graduate medical education, they have yet to become an integral part of undergraduate medical education. A handful of medical schools have utilized longitudinal coaching experiences as a method for professional identity formation, developing emotional intelligence and leadership.

Objective

We developed A Whole New Doctor (AWND), a medical student leadership development and coaching program at Georgetown University, with the aim of fostering resilience, leadership, and emotional intelligence at the nascent stage of physician training. To our knowledge, ours is the only program that is largely student-managed and uses certified executive coaches in the medical student population.

Methods

Cohort 1 of AWND started in October 2016. For each cohort, we hold a kickoff workshop that is highly interactive, fast-paced and covers coaching, complex thinking, reflective writing, and a coaching panel for Q&A. Following the workshop, students work with coaches individually to address self-identified weaknesses, tensions, and areas of conflict. We believe the program’s student-driven nature provides a new structural approach to professional development and leadership programs, offering students a simultaneously reflective and growth-oriented opportunity to develop essential non-technical skills for physician leaders.

Results

Of the 132 students in the program, 107 have worked with one of our coaches (81%). Student testimonials have been uniformly positive with students remarking on an increased sense of presence, improvements in communication, and more specific direction in their careers.

Conclusion

Our pilot coaching program has received positive feedback from students early in their medical training. It will be important to further scale the program to reach an increasing number of students and quantitatively evaluate participants for the long-term effects of our interventions.