bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informal Property Rights as Relational and Functional: Unravelling the Relational Contract in China's Informal Housing Market
Authors: Zhang Mengzhu , He Shenjing
Published: August 2020

In the face of state‐led land grabs, enterprising Chinese peasants have started a revolution in the ambiguous and insecure rural tenure system by developing an extralegal property system known as the small property right (SPR). Using the SPR, peasants are able to capitalize on their property through the sale of houses built on collectively owned land. Little is known, however, about the specific process behind the development of the SPR by the peasants, or how this extralegal property system functions in terms of securing the use and transfer of property without the backing of law. This article aims to clarify the situation through the lenses of the Endogenous Nature of Institutions and Relational Contract Theory, aiming to understand the socially constructed, endogenous and relational nature of the property rights that make SPR functional. Based on an ethnographic investigation of Beijing's largest SPR housing settlement, we show how enterprising peasants develop long‐term relational contracts with urban households for the provision of housing services, secured on the basis of the common interests and symbiosis of the two parties and a reputation system that serves to deter defaults. The discretionary treatment of SPR housing by local states serves as a further motivation for the village and the informal homeowners to preserve a stable property arrangement, with such a specific institutional setting being an exemplar of China's pragmatic state entrepreneurialism.
Climate politics in hard times: How local economic shocks influence MPs attention to climate change
Authors: FINSERAAS HENNING , HØYLAND BJØRN , SØYLAND MARTIN G.
Published: August 2020

Most countries struggle to implement CO2 reducing policies. Implementation is politically difficult since it typically forces politicians to trade‐off different concerns. The literature on how parties and members of parliament (MPs) handle these trade‐offs is sparse. We use structural topic models to study how MPs in an oil dependent environment responded to a shock in the oil price that created spatially concentrated costs of climate policies. We leverage the rapid oil price drop between parliamentary sessions and MPs’ constituency adherence in a difference‐in‐differences framework to identify if MPs respond differently to variation in the salience of trade‐offs. We find that MPs facing high political costs of climate policies tried to avoid environmental topics, while less affected MPs talked more about investments in green energy when the oil price declined. Our results suggest that the oil price bust created a ‘window of opportunity’ for advocates of the ‘ green shift’.
Pembrolizumab‐induced pancytopenia in a patient with squamous cell lung cancer
Authors: Ueki Yuriko , Suzuki Manabu , Horikawa Yuriko , Watanabe Hiromu , Yamaguchi Yoh , Morita Chie , Tsukada Akinari , Takumida Hiroshi , Kusaba Yusaku , Katsuno Takashi , Tsujimoto Yoshie , Sakamoto Keita , Hashimoto Masao , Terada Junko , Ishii Satoru , Takasaki Jin , Naka Go , Iikura Motoyasu , Izumi Shinyu , Takeda Yuichiro , Hojo Masayuki , Sugiyama Haruhito
Published: August 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are reportedly effective against many kinds of neoplasm, but may be responsible for several kinds of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). Among these irAEs, the incidence of myelosuppression due to ICIs is relatively low. Corticosteroids are needed to control most cases of myelosuppression. Here, we report an 88‐year‐old woman with squamous cell lung cancer who was administered pembrolizumab. After five cycles of pembrolizumab, she developed severe pancytopenia. The pancytopenia improved under observation without steroid administration after cessation of pembrolizumab. During recovery from this irAE, the patient also maintained long‐term antitumor efficacy.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

There are several kinds of immune‐related adverse events. We encountered a case of pembrolizumab‐induced pancytopenia with squamous cell lung cancer.

What this study adds

Corticosteroids are needed to control most cases of myelosuppression induced by ICIs, but pancytopenia induced by pembrolizumab in our case improved without steroids.
A New Metric of Market Underreaction to Earnings Announcements: An Empirical Test*
Authors: Chung Kee H. , Kim Oliver , Lim Steve C. , Yang Sean
Published: August 2020

This paper provides empirical evidence that the squared correlation coefficient between order imbalance and earnings surprise (COE) measures market underreaction and predicts the post‐earnings announcement drift. We find strong evidence that COE during the announcement period predicts price movements (returns) during the post‐announcement period in the expected direction. We find qualitatively similar results using risk‐adjusted returns (i.e., Fama‐French, Carhart, and Pastor‐Stambaugh factor alphas), suggesting that well‐known risk factors do not explain the profitability of trading strategy based on COE.
Optical coherence tomography‐based determination of ischaemia onset – the temporal dynamics of retinal thickness increase in acute central retinal artery occlusion
Authors: Wenzel Daniel A. , Kromer Robert , Poli Sven , Steinhorst Nils Alexander , Casagrande Maria K. , Spitzer Martin S. , Schultheiss Maximilian
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Acute central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) induces ischaemic retinal oedema. The purpose of this study was to define sensitivity and specificity of optical coherence tomography (OCT) based retinal thickness analysis in determining ischaemia onset in CRAO.

Methods

The relative retinal thickness increase (RRTI) in comparison with the fellow eye was analysed retrospectively in OCT scans of 66 patients diagnosed with CRAO between January 2010 and December 2019 within 48 hr of ischaemia onset. The natural course of RRTI and the sensitivity and specificity of OCT‐based determination of ischaemia onset in identifying CRAO within 4.5 hr using the RRTI were evaluated.

Results

Relative retinal thickness increase (RRTI) in acute CRAO follows a hyperbolic curve with a steep incline within the early phase after which it reaches a plateau. Optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐based retinal thickness analysis in CRAO allows to differentiate patients with ischaemia onset within the past 4.5 hr or thereafter with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.3%.

Conclusion

Relative retinal thickness increase (RRTI) allows to identify CRAO patients that are eligible for a potentially beneficial reperfusion therapy within a therapeutic window of 4.5 hr with a high accuracy. Especially in patients with unknown ischaemia onset, this diagnostic tool could be of major importance in the future clinical management.
Ceramic productions and human interactions during the Early Bronze Age in northern Iberia
Authors: Vega Maeso C. , Gallello G. , Palmero S. , Ferrari B. , Sánchez Carro M. Á. , González Morales M. R. , Gutiérrez Zugasti I. , Ramacciotti M. , Pastor A.
Published: August 2020

The Early Bronze Age ceramic collection found into the caves of La Llana and El Toral III in Asturias (Spain) presents common decoration such as that found in the centre of Cantabrian Spain from the same period, which resembles others found in the Ebro Valley and Atlantic Europe. Therefore, the main objective of this study it is to identify the raw material origin and understand the pottery production process during the Early Bronze Age in the Cantabrian region. A methodological approach based on the chemical and mineralogical analysis of vessels and experimentally fired clay samples collected all over the centre of this region was developed. Furthermore, the post‐depositional processes affecting the sherds’ composition was evaluated by employing the rare earth elements as markers. The results showed that the studied assemblage has important similarities with the raw materials of the surrounding area, which supports the hypothesis of a regional mobility.
Care leaver needs and accessibility: Findings from the first large‐scale project in Switzerland
Authors: Jarczok Marion , Knecht Krüger Beatrice , Mitrovic Tanja , Gérard Gomera , Jud Andreas
Published: August 2020

Leaving out‐of‐home care is a challenging situation not only for young people leaving care but also for the child welfare system. However, systematic and multiorganizational transitional programmes are often lacking. This study investigated Switzerland's first large‐scale care leaver programme and analysed associations between care leavers' needs and contactability in a sample of 459 care leavers. A first track compared the characteristics of successfully contacted care leavers and of not contactable care leavers (‘dropouts’). The second track analysed the association between need for support and self‐rated or proxy‐rated quality of life in the subsample of 235 successfully contacted care leavers. Odds for indicators of lower educational attainment were substantially increased for dropouts. Additionally, self‐reported need for support was significantly associated with lower self‐ratings of quality of life in seven areas. Care leavers who accepted the programme's offer of coaching rated their quality of life lower than participants who reported no need for support and participants who reported a need for support but turned down coaching. For successfully contacted care leavers, the programme gave access to coaching sessions to the young people the most in need. However, dropouts appeared more vulnerable and might therefore benefit even more from aftercare support.
The impact of workplace exclusion on the humanitarian response to the refugee crisis in Lebanon
Authors: Haddad Gloria , BouChabke Soha
Published: August 2020

A contemporary issue of major concern is the millions of people fleeing homelands owing to political and socioeconomic challenges and seeking assistance elsewhere throughout the world. An effective response to this crisis includes support models that meet the various needs of refugee populations. In the complex system of humanitarian action, aid workers, among a multiplicity of actors, are the most important assets. This study utilised an inclusion–exclusion theoretical lens to examine the impact of their workplace experiences on activities in the context of the refugee crisis in Lebanon. In‐depth interviews were held with 36 humanitarian practitioners, representing five international organisations that are involved in refugee aid programmes in the country. The study led to a new understanding of the link between inclusion and exclusion and the effectiveness of the humanitarian response to emergencies. In addition, it yielded new insights into apprehension about the national–international divide and its consequences for humanitarian assistance.
Perinatal and childhood predictors of general cognitive outcome at 28 years in a very‐low‐birthweight national cohort
Authors: Darlow Brian A , Woodward Lianne J , Levin Karelia J , Melzer Tracy , Horwood L John
Published: August 2020

Aim

To determine IQ at 26 to 30 years in very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) adults compared with term‐born controls; and to examine the stability of IQ in VLBW individuals between 7 to 8 years and 26 to 30 years, identify perinatal and social predictors of IQ, and assess the contribution of brain volume to IQ.

Method

At 26 to 30 years, 229 VLBW adults (71% survivors of prospectively enrolled national cohort) and 100 term‐born controls were tested on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. For VLBW, IQ at 7 to 8 years, perinatal and social data were extracted from the data set, and 150 adults underwent volumetric cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

At 26 to 30 years, the mean adjusted difference between VLBW and controls for total IQ was 9.4 (95% CI 6.5–12.4) points. In VLBW individuals the correlation between IQ scores at 7 to 8 years and 26 to 30 years was 0.78. On multiple regression analysis, parental education was the strongest predictor of verbal and total IQ at both ages. Birthweight was a strong predictor of perceptual and total IQ. In VLBW individuals with MRI scans, the addition of brain volume as a variable increased the variance explained for perceptual and total IQ.

Interpretation

VLBW adults have mean IQ scores 9 to 11 points below controls. Parental education and birthweight are the strongest predictors of IQ.
BENIGN NEGLECT OF COVENANT VIOLATIONS: BLISSFUL BANKING OR IGNORANT MONITORING?
Authors: Colonnello Stefano , Koetter Michael , Stieglitz Moritz
Published: August 2020

Theoretically, bank's loan monitoring activity hinges critically on its capitalization. To proxy for monitoring intensity, we use changes in borrowers' investment following loan covenant violations, when creditors can intervene in the governance of the firm. Exploiting granular bank‐firm relationships observed in the syndicated loan market, we document substantial heterogeneity in monitoring across banks and through time. Better capitalized banks are more lenient monitors that intervene less with covenant violators. Importantly, this hands‐off approach is associated with improved borrowers' performance. Beyond enhancing financial resilience, regulation that requires banks to hold more capital may thus also mitigate the tightening of credit terms when firms experience shocks. (JEL G21, G32, G33, G34)
Physicochemical properties, α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory effects of the polysaccharide from leaves of Morus alba L. under simulated gastro‐intestinal digestion and its fermentation capability in vitro by human gut microbiota
Authors: Wang Chunli , Ma Qiqi , Xue Zihan , Li Ruilin , Wang Qirou , Li Nannan , Zhang Min , Panichayupakaranant Pharkphoom , Chen Haixia
Published: August 2020

The investigation aimed at determining the impact of sequential simulated digestion on the physicochemical properties and digestive enzymes inhibitory effects of the polysaccharides fraction (MLP‐2) of Morus alba L. leaves as well as its in vitro fermentation behaviours. After artificial salivary, gastric and intestinal digestions, the chemical components and microstructure of MLP‐2 were altered with significantly (P < 0.05) decreased molecular weight. The α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of MLP‐2 were significantly (P < 0.05) improved throughout simulated digestion. MLP‐2I, the intestinal digested fraction of MLP‐2, could significantly (P < 0.05) decrease the pH value of fermented culture and increase the short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations, especially acetic, propionic and butyric acids. In conclusion, MLP‐2 could be gradually degraded under simulated digestion with altered physicochemical properties and enhanced α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory effects, and further utilised by human gut microbiota to decrease pH value and promote SCFA production.
Focal bipolar radiofrequency ablation for localized prostate cancer: Safety and feasibility
Authors: Aydin Ahmet Murat , Gage Kenneth , Dhillon Jasreman , Cheriyan Salim K , Poch Michael A , Manley Brandon J , Li Roger , Sexton Wade J , Spiess Philippe E , Gilbert Scott M , Pow‐Sang Julio M
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of focal bipolar radiofrequency ablation in men with localized prostate cancer.

Methods

A review of 10 patients treated with a novel bipolar radiofrequency ablation probe integrated in a coil design (Encage; Trod Medical, Bradenton, FL, USA) between 2011 and 2017 in two prospective pilot trials. All men had clinical stage T1c prostate cancer, prostate‐specific antigen <10 ng/mL and Gleason score ≤7. Ablation was carried out under general anesthesia, and bipolar probes were inserted transperineally under transrectal ultrasound guidance. Treatment‐related adverse events, quality of life and negative biopsy rate were evaluated at 6 months after ablation. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare baseline and post‐treatment symptom scores.

Results

The median age was 58 years (range 50–64 years) and the median prostate volume was 49.65 cc (range 21–68 cc). Prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 6 (3 + 3) and 7 (3 + 4) was noted in seven and three patients, respectively. The median number of radiofrequency ablation cycles was 2.5 (range 2–5). All patients were catheter‐free and able to void the day of surgery. Within 6 months after ablation, all adverse events were low grade, with the exception of one grade 3 hematuria that required cystoscopy without coagulation. Six months after ablation bowel, urinary and hormonal functions, and overall satisfaction remained stable. Erectile dysfunction occurred in two out of four patients who had normal sexual function before the procedure. Neither urinary incontinence nor urinary infection was noted.

Conclusions

This first report on focal bipolar radiofrequency ablation documents a safe and feasible treatment option for selected patients with localized prostate cancer.
Utilisation of the Australian government initiative MyHealth Record to support the clinical approach to factitious disorder
Authors: Alchin David R. , Overton Kristen , George Duncan , Murphy Michael , Wand Anne P. F.
Published: August 2020

Recently, the Australian Digital Health Agency launched MyHealth Record to the public. As of July 2019, 90.1% of Australians hold records with this service, allowing 16 400 health organisations access to >28 million clinical documents. The streamlining of patient data was intended to facilitate sharing of information and improve communication between medical providers, while promoting efficiency in clinical practice. We have identified a hitherto unrecognised application of this infrastructure in the identification and management of factitious disorder, a rare yet highly diagnostically challenging condition involving intentional feigning of illness, which presents a significant resource burden to the Australian health system.
Nivolumab‐associated myositis myocarditis and myasthenia and anti‐striated muscle antibodies
Authors: Fazal Marium , Prentice David A. , Kho Lay K. , Fysh Edward
Published: August 2020

An 82‐year‐old man was treated with neo‐adjuvant nivolumab (programmed cell death protein 1 or PD‐1 inhibitor) for local recurrence of melanoma developed myositis, myocarditis and a myasthenic‐like syndrome with a fatal outcome. The occurrence of these three conditions may constitute a new immune checkpoint‐induced syndrome. The relevance of the clinical features and the immunology is discussed. This case highlights the special role of anti‐striated muscle antibodies as a predictor of mortality.
Heterospecific mating interactions as an interface between ecology and evolution
Authors: Kyogoku Daisuke , Wheatcroft David
Published: August 2020

Reproductive interference (costly interspecific sexual interactions) is well‐understood to promote divergence in mating‐relevant traits (i.e. reproductive character displacement: RCD), but it can also reduce population growth, eventually leading to local extinction of one of the species. The ecological and evolutionary processes driven by reproductive interference can interact with each other. These interactions are likely to influence whether the outcome is coexistence or extinction, but remain little studied. In this paper, we first develop an eco‐evolutionary perspective on reproductive interference by integrating ecological and evolutionary processes in a common framework. We also present a simple model to demonstrate the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of reproductive interference. We then identify a number of factors that are likely to influence the relative likelihoods of extinction or RCD. We discuss particularly relevant factors by classifying them into four categories: the nature of the traits responding to selection, the mechanisms determining the expression of these traits, mechanisms of reproductive interference and the ecological background. We highlight previously underappreciated ways in which these factors may influence the relative likelihoods of RCD and local extinction. By doing so, we also identify questions and future directions that will increase our holistic understanding of the outcomes of reproductive interference.
Description and Morphogenesis of a Chinese Population of Bakuella granulifera Foissner, Agatha and Berger, 2002 (Ciliophora, Hypotricha)
Authors: Chen Lingyun , Lyu Jing , Lyu Zhao , Warren Alan , Jiang Jiamei
Published: August 2020

In this study, the morphology and morphogenesis of Bakuella granulifera Foissner, Agatha, and Berger, 2002, isolated from soil in the Chanba National Wetland Park, Xi’an, China, were studied based on in vivo observations and protargol staining. The Chinese population is distinctly smaller than the type population from Namibia. Details of the ontogenetic process are provided for the first time and are summarized as follows: (1) the parental adoral zone is partly retained; (2) the left of the endoral forms a rather wide anlage and the proximal adoral membranelles are renewed; (3) the parental midventral complex contributes to the formation of the FVT cirral anlagen; (4) the marginal rows anlagen and dorsal kineties anlagen develop intrakinetally; (5) no caudal cirri are produced; and (6) the macronuclear nodules fuse to a single mass. In combination with previous studies, these findings suggest that the genus Bakuella is ontogenetically diverse.
Effects of reducing dietary crude protein concentration and supplementation with laminarin or zinc oxide on the faecal scores and colonic microbiota in newly weaned pigs
Authors: Rattigan Ruth , Sweeney Torres , Vigors Stafford , Rajauria Gaurav , O'Doherty John V.
Published: August 2020

A 2 × 3 factorial design experiment was conducted to examine the effects of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) concentration and/or supplementation with zinc oxide (ZnO) or laminarin on faecal scores (FS) and the large intestinal microbiota post‐weaning (PW). One hundred and forty‐four pigs were assigned to (T1) 21% standard CP diet (SCP); (T2) SCP + ZnO (SCP ZnO); (T3) SCP + laminarin (SCP LAM); (T4) 18% low CP diet (LCP); (T5) LCP + ZnO (LCP ZnO); and (T6) LCP + laminarin (LCP LAM; n = 8 replicates/treatment). The LCP diet had no effect on FS (p > .05), it increased two measures of alpha diversity, reduced Bacteroidetes and increased Enterobacteriaceae and Helicobacteraceae in the colon relative to the SCP diet (p < .05). ZnO supplementation reduced FS and increased Ruminococcaceae compared with unsupplemented pigs (p < .05). ZnO supplementation increased the genera Frisingicoccus (p < .001), Lachnoclostridium (p < .05) and Peptoclostridium (p < .05) in the colon and reduced total caecal volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations compared with the unsupplemented and laminarin‐supplemented pigs. Laminarin supplementation reduced FS compared with unsupplemented pigs but had no major effect on the microbiota compared with the unsupplemented pigs. There were CP concentration × additive interactions on both Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Firmicutes were increased in the LCP ZnO group compared with the LCP group, but there was no difference between the SCP groups. Proteobacteria were reduced in the LCP ZnO group compared with the LCP and LCP LAM groups (p < .05), but there was no difference between the SCP groups. In conclusion, reducing CP did not improve FS; it increased the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae; however, it also increased bacterial diversity. Supplementation with ZnO and laminarin improved FS, although all groups had scores within the healthy range. ZnO altered the large intestinal microbiota and VFA concentrations; however, laminarin did not enhance these parameters, suggesting these compounds have differing modes of action.
Childhood adaptation: Perception of the parenting style and the anxious‐depressive symptomatology
Authors: Schoeps Konstanze , Valero‐Moreno Selene , Perona Ana B. , Pérez‐Marín Marián , Montoya‐Castilla Inmaculada
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Childhood adaptation is essential for proper social‐emotional development. Children growing up in a family context where they feel supported and protected are less vulnerable in the presence of psychopathology. The aim of this study is analysing the impact of parenting styles and the anxious‐depressive symptoms on child adaptation.

Design and Setting

A total of 367 children between the ages of 10 and 12, following a similar distribution by sex. The children completed self‐reports assessing parenting styles, child adaptation, and depressive‐anxiety symptomatology.

Methods

The data were analysed using two complementary methodologies: linear regressions and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Results

Both methodologies indicated that the main predictors explaining child adaptation were depression and an authoritative parenting style. The fsQCA models explained a greater amount of variance and included more variables in their prediction than the regression models.

Conclusion

Identifying family and emotional aspects when working with children may help professionals to improve childhood adaptation. Consequently, well‐adapted children are less likely to suffer the negative consequences of emotional symptoms in later evolutionary stages.
Internal morphological changes during metamorphosis in the sheep nasal bot fly, Oestrus ovis
Authors: Martín‐Vega D. , Clark B. , Ferrer L. M. , López‐Tamayo S. , Colwell D. D. , Hall M. J. R.
Published: August 2020

During the larval stage, oestrid flies (Diptera: Oestridae) are obligate parasites, whereas during the adult stage they are free‐living and do not feed. Like other cyclorrhaphous flies, oestrids undergo metamorphosis inside an opaque puparium, formed by the contracted and hardened cuticle of the third‐instar larva. The present study documents the internal morphological changes taking place during metamorphosis of the sheep nasal bot fly, Oestrus ovis L., using non‐invasive, micro‐CT‐based virtual histology and provides quantitative data of volumetric changes in specific organs. Virtual histological sections allowed visualisation of the progression and completion of the apolyses, which delimit the different intra‐puparial stages, and the connection to the tracheal system of a large gas bubble, which plays an essential role during early metamorphosis. Overall, our results show that the sequence of morphological and volumetric changes in tissues and organs is similar to those found in other cyclorrhaphous flies, but they also reveal developmental differences that result in an adult vestigial digestive tract. Future studies could develop non‐invasive, reliable methods for aging the intra‐puparial forms of different oestrid species of veterinary importance, based on both qualitative and quantitative markers, thus improving our knowledge of their development and the efficiency of control strategies.
Effect of Feru‐guard 100M on amyloid‐beta deposition in individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Matsuyama Kenichi , Yamamoto Yasuji , Sora Ichiro
Published: August 2020

Aim

Many researchers argue that Alzheimer's disease is at least partly caused by deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the brain. Ferulic acid (FA) and Angelica archangelica (AA) are candidate agents for reducing Aβ and improving cognitive function. Feru‐guard 100M is a supplement containing FA and AA extract. Using this supplement, we planned to assess the effect of FA and AA on Aβ deposition in the human brain.

Methods

This was an open‐label, interventional multi‐institutional joint study of Kobe University and the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation (Kobe, Japan). Seventeen subjects diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment were divided into two groups: the intervention group (n = 10) and the control group (n = 7). The subjects in the intervention group used Feru‐guard 100M every day for 48 weeks, whereas the subjects in the control group did not use the supplement. We assessed the differences between the two groups by examining Aβ deposition and brain atrophy at 48 weeks and cognitive function every 24 weeks. We used carbon‐11‐labelled Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography to evaluate Aβ deposition.

Results

There were no significant differences in Aβ deposition, brain atrophy, and cognitive function between the two groups. Specifically, differences in Aβ deposition change in seven regions of interest examined with PiB positron emission tomography, brain atrophy change in four indicators of voxel‐based morphometry, and cognitive impairment measured by five psychological tests were not significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

Treatment with Feru‐guard 100M, a supplement containing FA and AA extract, for 48 weeks did not reduce cortical PiB retention, which reflects Aβ deposition. It also did not suppress the aggravation of brain atrophy or decline in cognitive function.
Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PPARγ expression in porcine uteroplacenta for regulating of placental angiogenesis through VEGF‐mediated signalling
Authors: Zhang Juzuo , Xue Liqun , Nie Ang , Yang Qing , Peng Xuan , Chen Zhilong , Yang Lisha , Xie Yang , Yuan Anwen , Xu Junfei
Published: August 2020

Non‐infectious prenatal mortality severely affects the porcine industry, with pathological placentation as a likely key reason. Previous studies have demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) deficiency causes defects in the uteroplacental vasculature and induces embryonic losses in mice. However, its role in porcine placental angiogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, PPARγ expression was investigated in porcine uteroplacental tissues at gestational day (GD) 25, GD40 and GD70 via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Moreover, the roles of PPARγ in porcine placental angiogenesis were investigated using a cell model of porcine umbilical vein endothelial cells (PUVECs) to conduct proliferation, migration and tube formation assays in vitro and a mouse xenograft model to assess capillary formation in vivo. The results showed that PPARγ was mainly located in the glandular epithelium, trophoblast, amniotic chorion epithelium and vascular endothelium, as indicated by the higher expression levels at GD25 and GD40 than at GD70 in endometrium and by higher expression levels at GD40 and GD70 than at GD25 in placenta. Moreover, PPARγ expression was significantly downregulated in placenta with dead foetus. In PUVECs, knocking out PPARγ significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation in vitro and inhibited capillary formation in mouse xenografts in vivo by blocking S‐phase, promoting apoptosis and downregulating the angiogenic factors of VEGF and its receptors. Overall, the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PPARγ expression in porcine uteroplacental tissue suggests its vital role in endometrial remodelling and placental angiogenesis, and PPARγ regulates placental angiogenesis through VEGF‐mediated signalling.
Effects of a Lifestyle Intervention Based on Type D Personality in Overweight and Obese Middle‐Aged Women: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Kim Sung Reul , Nho Ju‐Hee , Kim Ji Young , Hur Joon
Published: August 2020

Background

Obesity is an important public health problem, particularly among middle‐aged women. Type D personality, characterized by negative affectivity and social inhibition, is prevalent among obese and overweight middle‐aged women and has been linked to maladaptive health‐related behaviors and unhealthy lifestyle. Lifestyle interventions based on type D personality could be a first step in combatting obesity in middle‐aged women.

Aim

To identify the effects of a lifestyle intervention based on type D personality on health‐promoting lifestyle behaviors, psychological distress, type D personality, and body composition in overweight and obese middle‐aged women.

Methods

A total of 36 overweight and obese middle‐aged women participated in a quasi‐experimental design using a non‐equivalent control group pretest‐posttest. The experimental group received a total of eight sessions of a lifestyle intervention program based on type D personality over the course of four weeks. Outcomes were measured health‐promoting lifestyle behaviors, psychological distress, type D personality, and body composition (body weight, body mass index, body fat, and abdominal fat).

Results

Following the intervention, the experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group for health‐promoting lifestyle behaviors, and significantly lower than the control group for psychological distress and type D personality. Body weight and body mass index decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Linking Evidence to Action

Further research on various intervention programs for overweight and obese middle‐aged women is warranted, including lifestyle interventions based on type D personality.
Experimental Investigation on Heating Performance of Newly Designed Air Source Heat Pump System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Li Kang , Yu Jun , Yu Rong , Su Lin , Fang Yidong , Yang Zhongcheng
Published: August 2020

Utilizing the heat from air source with heat pump system in electric vehicles shows a significant advantage from thermoelectric heat source for heat supply in cold climate. It could improve the driving range of electric vehicles considerably in winter and replace the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater with an acceptable cost and reliability. In this work, a newly designed heat pump system was first introduced with less components and cost. Second, experiments were conducted to investigate its cooling performance, and subsequent heating performance from −10 to 10 °C. The typical heat transfer and flow characteristics of refrigerant were recorded, and the behavior of each component including compressor, evaporator, condenser, and outside heat exchanger were analyzed and interpreted. The results showed that the heating and cooling performance of the new heat pump system could almost remain the same with traditional air-conditioning system in automobile and surely satisfy with the heat requirement of electric vehicles. In the heating mode, the maximum heating capacity increases by 13% at 400 m3/h air volume from 300 m3/h at the ambient temperature −10 °C, while the outlet air temperature decreases by 4–6%. In addition, using a heat pump system showed an increase in the driving range of electric vehicles by 25–31% as compared to PTC heaters.
Lymphatic Valves Separate Lymph Flow Into a Central Stream and a Slow-Moving Peri-Valvular Milieu
Authors: Pujari Akshay , Smith Alexander F. , Hall Joshua D. , Mei Patrick , Chau Kin , Nguyen Duy T. , Sweet Daniel T. , Jiménez Juan M.
Published: August 2020

The lymphatic system plays a pivotal role in the transport of fats, waste, and immune cells, while also serving as a metastatic route for select cancers. Using live imaging and particle tracking, we experimentally characterized the lymph flow field distal from the inguinal lymph node in the vicinity of normal bileaflet and malformed unileaflet intraluminal valves. Particle tracking experiments demonstrated that intraluminal lymphatic valves concentrate higher velocity lymph flow in the center of the vessel, while generating adjacent perivalvular recirculation zones. The recirculation zones are characterized by extended particle residence times and low wall shear stress (WSS) magnitudes in comparison to the rest of the lymphangion. A malformed unileaflet valve skewed lymph flow toward the endothelium on the vessel wall, generating a stagnation point and a much larger recirculation zone on the opposite wall. These studies define physical consequences of bileaflet and unileaflet intraluminal lymphatic valves that affect lymph transport and the generation of a heterogeneous flow field that affects the lymphatic endothelium nonuniformly. The characterized flow fields were recreated in vitro connecting different flow environments present in the lymphangion to a lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) pro-inflammatory phenotype. Unique and detailed insight into lymphatic flow is provided, with potential applications to a variety of diseases that affect lymph transport and drug delivery.
Submicrometer ultrananocrystalline diamond films processed in oxygen and hydrogen plasma and analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy: Thickness and optical constant results
Authors: Chen Gongxiaohui , Spentzouris Linda , Kovi Kiran Kumar , Baryshev Sergey V.
Published: August 2020

Results of UV-vis spectroscopy (spectrophotometry) of highly conductive submicrometer nitrogen-incorporated ultrananocrystalline diamond, (N)UNCD, processed in technologically important oxygen and hydrogen plasmas are presented for the spectral range of 200–1200 nm. The (N)UNCD films feature high contrast interference. As-grown and etched samples were analyzed using a simple practical analytical optics methodology that allowed for accurate evaluation of film thicknesses and (N)UNCD etching rates. The obtained results were cross-validated using scanning electron microscopy. Reflection simulations based on the Fresnel equations and using the optical constants of the Si substrate provided for evaluation of spectral dependencies of the refractive index and extinction coefficient of (N)UNCD. It was found that the presence of grain boundary sp2 phase causes noticeable extinction (zero for diamond) and slightly changes the refractive index, making its behavior nonmonotonic.
Positive dielectrophoresis–based Raman-activated droplet sorting for culture-free and label-free screening of enzyme function in vivo
Authors: Wang Xixian , Xin Yi , Ren Lihui , Sun Zheng , Zhu Pengfei , Ji Yuetong , Li Chunyu , Xu Jian , Ma Bo
Published: August 2020

We introduce a novel, high-speed Raman-activated cell sorter (pDEP-RADS) that screens enzymes in vivo.
The Twin-Arginine Translocation System Is Important for Stress Resistance and Virulence of Brucella melitensis
Authors: Yan Xin , Hu Sen , Yang Yan , Xu Da , Li Huoming , Liu Wenxing , He Xijun , Li Ganwu , Cai Wentong , Bu Zhigao
Published: August 2020

Brucella
, the causative agent of brucellosis, is a stealthy intracellular pathogen that is highly pathogenic to a range of mammals, including humans. The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway transports folded proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane and has been implicated in virulence in many bacterial pathogens. However, the roles of the Tat system and related substrates in
Brucella
remain unclear. We report here that disruption of Tat increases the sensitivity of
Brucella melitensis
M28 to the membrane stressor sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), indicating cell envelope defects, as well as to EDTA.
Medical student education for injury prevention: closing the gap
Authors: Zosel Amy , Kohlbeck Sara , Davis Christopher S , Meurer Linda , Hargarten Stephen
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Injury is a major public health issue in the USA. In 2017, unintentional injury was the leading cause of death for ages 1 through 44. Unfortunately, there is evidence that the sciences of injury prevention and control may not fully and widely integrated into medical school curriculum. This paper describes a novel injury prevention and control summer programme that was implemented in 2002 and is ongoing.

Methods

The main component of the Series includes at least seven injury-related lectures and discussions designed to provoke students’ interest and understanding of injury as a biopsychosocial disease. These lectures are organised in a seminar fashion and are 2–4 hours in duration. Kirkpatrick’s four-part model guides evaluation specific to our four programme objectives. Trainee satisfaction with the programme, knowledge and outcome (specific to career goals) is evaluated using several mixed-methods tools.

Results

A total of 318 students have participated in the Series. Evaluation findings show an increase in knowledge of injury-related concepts as well as an increase in interest in pursuing injury-related research topics in the future.

Implications

The Series is a novel and innovative programme that provides training in injury and injury prevention and control-related topics to medical students, as well as undergraduate, graduate and pharmacy students. We hope that by increasing students’ knowledge and understanding of injury prevention and control we are contributing to a physician workforce that understands the importance of a public health approach to injury prevention, that implements public health principles in practice and that advocates for policies and practices that positively impact injury prevention and control to help make our communities healthier and safer.
Ethical framework for adult social care in COVID-19
Authors: Elves Charlotte Bryony , Herring Jonathan
Published: August 2020

In March 2020, the Government produced a document entitled “Responding to COVID-19: The Ethical Framework for Adult Social Care”(‘The Ethical Framework’). In this article, we summarise the key features of the proposed ethical framework and subject it to critical analysis. We highlight three primary issues. First, the emphasis placed on autonomy as the primary ethical principle. We argue if ever there was a context in which autonomy should dominate the ethical analysis, this is not it. Second, we examine the interface between ethics and law which is largely overlooked in the document. Finally, we explore the surprising lack of attention paid to the concept of responsibility and communal obligations within the framework.
Transradial approach for diagnostic cerebral angiograms in the elderly: a comparative observational study
Authors: Sweid Ahmad , Das Somnath , Weinberg Joshua H , E l Naamani Kareem , Kim Julie , Curtis Darcy , Joffe Daniel , Hiranaka Cannon Greco , Vijaywargiya Darshana , Sioka Chrissa , Oneissi Mazen , El Hajjar Abdel Hadi , Gooch Michael Reid , Herial Nabeel , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I , Rosenwasser Robert H , Jabbour Pascal
Published: August 2020

Background

The transradial approach (TRA) reduces mortality, morbidity, access site complications, hospital cost, and length of stay while maximizing patient satisfaction. We aimed to assess the technical success and safety of TRA for elderly patients (aged ≥75 years).

Methods

A retrospective chart review and comparative analysis was performed for elderly patients undergoing a diagnostic cerebral angiogram performed via TRA versus transfemoral approach (TFA). Also, a second comparative analysis was performed among the TRA cohort between elderly patients and their younger counterparts.

Results

Comparative analysis in the elderly (TRA vs TFA) showed no significant differences for contrast dose per vessel (43.7 vs 34.6 mL, P=0.106), fluoroscopy time per vessel (5.7 vs 5.2 min, P=0.849), procedure duration (59.8 vs 65.2 min, P=0.057), conversion rate (5.8% vs 2.9%, P=0.650), and access site complications (2.3% vs 2.9%, P=1.00). Radiation exposure per vessel (18.9 vs 51.9 Gy cm2, P=0.001) was significantly lower in the elderly TRA group.

The second comparison (TRA in elderly vs TRA in the young) showed no significant differences for contrast dose per vessel (43.7 vs 37.8 mL, P=0.185), radiation exposure per vessel (18.9 vs 16.5 Gy cm2, P=0.507), procedure duration (59.8 vs 58.3 min, P=0.788), access site complication (2.3% vs 1.7%, P=0.55), and conversation rate (5.8% vs 1.8%, P=0.092). A trend for prolonged fluoroscopy time per vessel (5.7 vs 4.7 min, P=0.050) was observed in the elderly TRA group.

Conclusions

TRA is a technically feasible and safe option for diagnostic neurointerventional procedures in the elderly. Our small elderly cohort was not powered enough to show a significant difference in terms of access site complications between TRA and TFA.
Modelling the impact of a sex work crackdown on syphilis transmission among female sex workers and their clients in South China
Authors: Wong Ngai Sze , Powers Kimberly A , Tucker Joseph D , Lee Shui Shan , Goh Beng Tin , Zhao Peizhen , Chen Lei , Wang Cheng , Yang Li Gang , Yang Bin , Zheng Heping , Huang Shujie , Mitchell Kate M
Published: August 2020

Objective

To estimate the potential effects of an intense sex work crackdown on syphilis transmission in Guangdong Province, China.

Methods

We developed a deterministic compartmental model of syphilis transmission among female sex workers (FSW) and their male clients in Guangdong Province, China. We based model assumptions on census data and scientific literature, and we fitted the model to sentinel surveillance estimates of syphilis prevalence (positive results in both treponemal and non-treponemal tests) among FSW between 2009 and 2013. We estimated the impact of an intense sex work crackdown in 2014 by comparing the number of new syphilis infections between 2014 and 2020 in crackdown versus basecase (no crackdown) scenarios. In modelling scenarios, we examined main crackdown mechanisms of impact, including changed number of FSW engaging in sex work, reduction of weekly transactions, condom usage rate and syphilis diagnosis rate.

Results

In the basecase, predicted syphilis prevalence in FSW decreased from 2% in 2014 to 0.4% in 2020. In crackdown scenarios, syphilis incidence was predicted to transiently decrease and then to rebound relative to basecase levels a few years later. Shorter crackdowns led to higher, faster rebounds.

Conclusions

Short-term intense crackdowns may exacerbate syphilis transmission among FSW and further marginalise an already vulnerable group. This study provides a quantitative, infection-related basis for changing sex work policies to reduce harms.
Investigating factors affecting injury severity in bicycle–vehicle crashes: a day-of-week analysis with partial proportional odds logit models
Authors: Liu Shaojie , Fan Wei (David)
Published: August 2020

Cyclists are vulnerable road users and prone to experience severe injury when accidents occur. Both driving and riding behaviors of drivers and cyclists could vary in different days of week, which further influences the injury severity of crashes involving cyclists. This study aims to investigate the factors that affect injury severity in crashes involving cyclists on weekdays and weekends separately using police-reported data ranging from 2007 to 2018 in North Carolina. The impact of cyclist, driver, vehicle, road, environment, and crash characteristics on injury severities are explored. Ordered logit model and partial proportional odds logit models are developed respectively for the injury severities of crashes on weekdays and weekends. Different sets of significant factors are identified for weekdays and weekends. For the common factors identified for both weekdays and weekends, the influencing extent of significant variables varies significantly between weekdays and weekends. Older-aged cyclists, riding direction, pickup, older-aged drivers, male drivers and periods of 0–5:59 and 10–14:59 are only found significant on weekdays while speed limits of 45–55 mph, piedmont areas, commercial development, head-on, and non-roadway locations are only found significant for injury severities of crashes on weekends. Speed limits, time of day, alcohol usage are found to have different or even opposite impacts on the injury severities of crashes on weekdays and weekends.
A remark on convolution products for quiver Hecke algebras
Authors: Kim Myungho , Park Euiyong
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we investigate a connection between convolution products for quiver Hecke algebras and tensor products for quantum groups. We give a categorification of the natural projection [Formula: see text] sending the tensor product of the highest weight vectors to the highest weight vector in terms of convolution products. When the quiver Hecke algebra is symmetric and the base field is of characteristic [Formula: see text], we obtain a positivity condition on some coefficients associated with the projection [Formula: see text] and the upper global basis, and prove several results related to the crystal bases. We then apply our results to finite type [Formula: see text] using the homogeneous simple modules [Formula: see text] indexed by one-column tableaux [Formula: see text].