bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S100A9-RAGE Axis Accelerates Formation of Macrophage-Mediated Extracellular Vesicle Microcalcification in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kawakami Ryo , Katsuki Shunsuke , Travers Richard , Romero Dayanna Carolina , Becker-Greene Dakota , Passos Livia Silva Araujo , Higashi Hideyuki , Blaser Mark C. , Sukhova Galina K. , Buttigieg Josef , Kopriva David , Schmidt Ann Marie , Anderson Daniel G. , Singh Sasha A. , Cardoso Luis , Weinbaum Sheldon , Libby Peter , Aikawa Masanori , Croce Kevin , Aikawa Elena
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Vascular calcification is a cardiovascular risk factor and accelerated in diabetes mellitus. Previous work has established a role for calcification-prone extracellular vesicles in promoting vascular calcification. However, the mechanisms by which diabetes mellitus provokes cardiovascular events remain incompletely understood. Our goal was to identify that increased S100A9 promotes the release of calcification-prone extracellular vesicles from human macrophages in diabetes mellitus.

Approach and Results:

Human primary macrophages exposed to high glucose (25 mmol/L) increased S100A9 secretion and the expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) protein. Recombinant S100A9 induced the expression of proinflammatory and osteogenic factors, as well as the number of extracellular vesicles with high calcific potential (alkaline phosphatase activity,
P
<0.001) in macrophages. Treatment with a RAGE antagonist or silencing with S100A9 siRNA in macrophages abolished these responses, suggesting that stimulation of the S100A9-RAGE axis by hyperglycemia favors a procalcific environment. We further showed that an imbalance between Nrf-2 (nuclear factor 2 erythroid related factor 2) and NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) pathways contributes to macrophage activation and promotes a procalcific environment. In addition, streptozotocin-induced diabetic Apoe
−/−
S100a9
−/−
mice and mice treated with S100a9 siRNA encapsulated in macrophage-targeted lipid nanoparticles showed decreased inflammation and microcalcification in atherosclerotic plaques, as gauged by molecular imaging and comprehensive histological analysis. In human carotid plaques, comparative proteomics in patients with diabetes mellitus and histological analysis showed that the S100A9-RAGE axis associates with osteogenic activity and the formation of microcalcification.

Conclusions:

Under hyperglycemic conditions, macrophages release calcific extracellular vesicles through mechanisms involving the S100A9-RAGE axis, thus contributing to the formation of microcalcification within atherosclerotic plaques.
A gender equality paradox in academic publishing: Countries with a higher proportion of female first-authored journal articles have larger first-author gender disparities between fields
Authors: Thelwall Mike , Mas-Bleda Amalia
Published: May 2020

Current attempts to address the shortfall of female researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have not yet succeeded, despite other academic subjects having female majorities. This article investigates the extent to which gender disparities are subject-wide or nation-specific by a first-author gender comparison of 30 million articles from all 27 Scopus broad fields within the 31 countries with the most Scopus-indexed articles 2014–2018. The results show overall and geocultural patterns as well as individual national differences. Almost half of the subjects were always more male (seven; e.g., Mathematics) or always more female (six; e.g., Immunology & Microbiology) than the national average. A strong overall trend (Spearman correlation 0.546) is for countries with a higher proportion of female first-authored research to also have larger differences in gender disparities between fields (correlation 0.314 for gender ratios). This confirms the international gender equality paradox previously found for degree subject choices: Increased gender equality overall associates with moderately greater gender differentiation between subjects. This is consistent with previous United States-based claims that gender differences in academic careers are partly due to (socially constrained) gender differences in personal preferences. Radical solutions may therefore be needed for some STEM subjects to overcome gender disparities.
A longitudinal analysis of university rankings
Authors: Selten Friso , Neylon Cameron , Huang Chun-Kai , Groth Paul
Published: May 2020

Pressured by globalization and demand for public organizations to be accountable, efficient, and transparent, university rankings have become an important tool for assessing the quality of higher education institutions. It is therefore important to assess exactly what these rankings measure. Here, the three major global university rankings—the Academic Ranking of World Universities, the Times Higher Education ranking and the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings—are studied. After a description of the ranking methodologies, it is shown that university rankings are stable over time but that there is variation between the three rankings. Furthermore, using principal component analysis and exploratory factor analysis, we demonstrate that the variables used to construct the rankings primarily measure two underlying factors: a university’s reputation and its research performance. By correlating these factors and plotting regional aggregates of universities on the two factors, differences between the rankings are made visible. Last, we elaborate how the results from these analysis can be viewed in light of often-voiced critiques of the ranking process. This indicates that the variables used by the rankings might not capture the concepts they claim to measure. The study provides evidence of the ambiguous nature of university rankings quantification of university performance.
Proposal success in Horizon 2020: A study of the influence of consortium characteristics
Authors: Wanzenböck Iris , Lata Rafael , Ince Doga
Published: May 2020

This study draws on evaluation data to investigate the success of collaborative R&D project proposals submitted to Horizon 2020, the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP). Data on project status and evaluation score are used to identify successful and rejected project proposals. We hypothesize that the social or institutional composition of the project consortium explains the outcome of an early-stage R&D collaboration. Using regression analysis, we identify “success factors” at the consortium level, related to (a) the network visibility; (b) level of experience and degree of acquaintance; and (c) the research capabilities and excellence or reputation of consortium members. We show that consortia with high levels of experience and reputation, involving a large share of Western European partners and engaged in more application-oriented consortia, have greater chances of success in acquiring H2020 project funding. This result has implications for the scientific community, as well as for the direction of EU research policy.
The valid scientific names of the barred grass snake and its subspecies from mainland Italy and Sicily
Authors: Fritz Uwe , Razzetti Edoardo , Schmidtler Josef Friedrich
Published: May 2020

To stabilize current nomenclature, Coluber helveticus Lacepède, 1789 and Coluber siculus Cuvier, 1829 are qualified as nomina protecta to ensure the usage of the established names Natrix helvetica (Lacepède, 1789) and Natrix helvetica sicula (Cuvier, 1829) for the barred grass snake. For the same reason, Coluber bipes Gmelin, 1789, Coluber tyrolensis Gmelin, 1789 and Coluber scopolianus Daudin, 1803, all with type locality Dolomiti di Fiemme (Italy), are declared as nomina oblita according to Article 23.9 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (1999). Coluber helveticus Lacepède, 1789 was originally introduced as a replacement name for Coluber vulgaris Razoumowsky, 1789 (type locality: Jorat, Switzerland). However, the latter name becomes a junior secondary homonym of Natrix vulgaris Laurenti, 1768 when transferred to the genus Natrix and thus, according to Articles 57 and 59 of the Code, invalid and does not threaten the usage of Natrix helvetica for the barred grass snake.
Taxonomy, ecology and distribution of the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of the Dutch Leeward Islands, with a key to the adults and fourth instar larvae
Authors: van der Beek Jordy G. , Dijkstra Klaas-Douwe B. , van der Hoorn Berry B. , Boerlijst Sam P. , Busscher Loes , Kok Maud L. , Braks Marieta A.H. , Schaffner Francis , Davelaar Gerald J. , Henry Maria , Hulshof Koen , Leslie Teresa E. , Schrama Maarten
Published: May 2020

Assessing mosquito biodiversity is important for disease surveillance and ecosystem health assessments. Such studies are particularly needed in regions like the Caribbean, which have experienced a series of recent mosquito borne disease outbreaks but received little attention regarding its invertebrate biodiversity. Here, we report on results from a mosquito survey on the Dutch Leeward Islands (Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and Saba), carried out in April and October 2018, which is the first integrative survey since those conducted by Van der Kuyp (1947) and Wagenaar Hummelinck (1949). Moreover, we present a novel key for adults and fourth instar larvae of the mosquitoes of the Dutch Leeward Islands. Overall, eleven species were recorded, eight on Sint Maarten, five on Saba and two on Sint Eustatius. Two new potential disease vectors, Culex nigripalpus and Aedes taeniorhynchus, were recorded on Sint Maarten. One previously recorded species, Cx. habilitator, was not retrieved from any of the islands, which is further discussed in the paper. Species indicative of natural forest which previously occurred on all three islands were absent from Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten but still present on Saba. In contrast, species indicative of human inhabitation, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus, were highly abundant on Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius and present in low numbers on Saba. Overall, the results of this study emphasize the importance of biodiversity surveys and indicate that frequent mosquito inventories may contribute to a better understanding of mosquito community composition and distribution of potential vector species.
Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of gum arabic surface modified cadmium telluride quantum dots
Authors: Edwina Uzunuigbe O. , Kiplagat Ayabei , Sibuyi Nicole R. S. , Meyer Mervin , Kappo Abidemi Paul , Onani Martin O.
Published: May 2020

Water-soluble cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots (QDs) were capped with gum Arabic (GA) is a non-toxic, water-soluble glycoprotein polymer commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The GA was used to stabilise cadmium telluride quantum dots (GA-QDs) and provides functional
groups for other molecules such as nucleic acids, peptides and antibodies to be attached to the QDs for biological and biomedical appli- cations. In this study, the GA was used to cap and stabilise QDs using two different methods. These QDs were characterised using Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis)
and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-powder ray diffraction (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential and particle size distribu- tions. Cytotoxicity of these QDs was also investigated using four different human cell lines; HeLa, MCF-7, PC-3 and U87 cancer
cells. The QDs-MPA was capped with 3-mercaptopropionic acid, QDs-GA2 was stabilized and capped with GA at 60 °C for two hours, and QDs-GA12 was stabilized and capped with GA for twelve hours at room temperature (25 °C) with continuous stirring; These QDs were found to be highly luminescent
with PL values of 675 nm, 678 nm and 677 nm respectively. The average polydispersity index (PDI) were 0.36 ± 0.02, 0.27 ± 0.02, 0.35 ± 0.01 for QDs-MPA, QDs-GA2 and QDs-GA12, respectively. The average particles size from HRTEM, XRD and hydrodynamic size showed that the
QDs-GA have bigger particles sizes; (56.12 nm ± 1.14), (68.69 nm ± 2.08) and (77.85 nm ± 1.69) for QDs-MPA, QD-GA2 and QD-GA12 respectively. Cytotoxicity studies of these QDs were carried out using WST-1 cell proliferation assay on four different tumour cell line. The
results showed that these cells were over 50 per cent viable and the QDs-GA capped had higher cell percentage viability.
Enhanced desalination process using a Cu–ZnO-polyvinyl chloride-nylon nanofiltration membrane as a calcite antiscalant in reverse osmosis
Authors: Fathy Mahmoud , El Shahawy Abeer , Moghny Th. Abdel , Nafady Ayman
Published: May 2020

Treatment and cleaning of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes saturated with CaCO3/brine is a main issue in RO desalination processes. Herein, a Cu–ZnO-polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-nylon nanofiltration membrane was synthesized and utilized to minimize and/or eliminate CaCO3/brine
during RO, along with probing the effects of Cu–ZnO antiscalant on calcite precipitation in normal aqueous and supersaturated CaCO3/brine solutions. Moreover, decreases in Ca2+ content over time were evaluated by electrical conductivity and pH measurements. Results
revealed that Cu–ZnO nanocomposite substantially increases induction time and stimulates the formation of aragonite rather than calcite. A 2 mg/L dose of Cu–ZnO nanocomposite suppressed CaCO3 in both unsaturated and supersaturated solutions. In natural water sources
(containing ∼500 mg/L calcium and ≈300 mg/L bicarbonate content), complete removal of CaCO3 blockage was achieved by using 2.5 mg/L of Cu–ZnO antiscalant, while in supersaturated water solutions (1000 mg/L calcium and ≈500 mg/L bicarbonate content), only 2
mg/L of Cu–ZnO antiscalant was required to fully remove the blockage. Importantly, addition of 2 mg/L of Cu–ZnO antiscalant to RO brine showed no apparent deposition on the membrane surface after 6 h, with a minimal flux decrease to 86.5%. Thus, Cu–ZnO-PVC-nylon nanofiltration
membranes with low concentrations (2 mg/L) of Cu–ZnO antiscalant can play a significant role in the treatment of supersaturated CaCO3/brine water discharge.
Study of prednisolone and rituximab in nephrotic syndrome based on novel nanomaterials
Authors: Liang Yuqin , Xu Hongzhen
Published: May 2020

In the search for a more reasonable yet effective treatment method, this study explores the application of nanometer magnetic particles and prednisolone combined with rituximab in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS). According to the diagnostic criteria of children with hormone sensitivity
and frequent recurrence of primary NS from the nephrology group of the Chinese Academy of Pediatrics, 40 children with NS diagnosed in our hospital from January 2018 to October 2019 were selected. Nanomagnetic α-Fe2O3 particles were prepared by chemical reaction
synthesis. Before and after treatment, urine protein, oral hormone dosage, changes in peripheral blood CD19 + B lymphocyte levels, changes in plasma immunoglobulin levels, and patient general improvement were observed, along with the recurrence of renal disease after treatment. Immunoglobulin
was measured by the immunoturbidimetric method, and the endpoint of the follow-up was the first relapse after administration. This study shows that the use of nanomagnetic particles and prednisolone in combination with rituximab in the treatment of pediatric NS has a significant effect, improving
the renal function indicators of children and effectively controlling the condition of children while maintaining a higher level of safety.
Controllable function equation of silicone elastic materials through MATLAB and its tribological properties
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Lu , Yang Qingxing , Hu Liguang , Lu Lirong
Published: May 2020

The precise controllability of the elastic abrasive tool has always been a major problem in the engineering field. Based on the previous experiments, the objectives and scope of the research fit the compression controllability function equation of the elastic abrasive tool based on
MATLAB software. The compression mechanics characteristics of elastic abrasives were analyzed. The reliability of the equations and the tribological properties of elastic abrasives were studied. The results show that the cell size and density of the foamed composite have a great influence
on the compressive mechanical properties and tribological properties of the material. The thickness of the matrix among the holes will determine the elastic resistance of the material and the surface quality of the workpiece to be processed.
Basinwide Hydroclimatic Drought in the Colorado River Basin
Authors: McCabe Gregory J. , Wolock David M. , Woodhouse Connie A. , Pederson Gregory T. , McAfee Stephanie A. , Gray Stephen , Csank Adam
Published: May 2020

The Colorado River basin (CRB) supplies water to approximately 40 million people and is essential to hydropower generation, agriculture, and industry. In this study, a monthly water balance model is used to compute hydroclimatic water balance components (i.e., potential evapotranspiration, actual evapotranspiration, and runoff) for the period 1901–2014 across the entire CRB. The time series of monthly runoff is aggregated to compute water-year runoff and then used to identify drought periods in the basin. For the 1901–2014 period, eight basinwide drought periods were identified. The driest drought period spanned years 1901–04, whereas the longest drought period occurred during 1943–56. The eight droughts were primarily driven by winter precipitation deficits rather than warm temperature anomalies. In addition, an analysis of prehistoric drought for the CRB—computed using tree-ring-based reconstructions of the Palmer drought severity index—indicates that during some past centuries drought frequency was higher than during the twentieth century and that some centuries experienced droughts that were much longer than those during the twentieth century. More frequent or longer droughts than those that occurred during the twentieth century, combined with continued warming associated with climate change, may lead to substantial future water deficits in the CRB.
Observational Analysis of Extratropical Cyclone Interactions with Northeast Pacific Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies
Authors: Phillips Briana , O’Neill Larry
Published: May 2020

This study examines the interaction between a northeast Pacific upper-ocean thermal anomaly and individual fall storm events between 2013 and 2016. In 2013, a large upper-ocean thermal anomaly formed in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) with sea surface temperatures (SST) warmer than 4°C above the climatological norm. Formation of the anomaly was associated with a persistent atmospheric ridge in the GOA that produced a lull in storm activity in the boreal winter of 2013/14. While reduced storm activity was the apparent cause of this SST anomaly, we present cases where extratropical cyclones significantly eroded its mixed layer heat content on synoptic time scales. Case studies during the 4-yr period 2013–16 using satellite and Argo hydrographic observations show that early fall storms produced the largest surface heat fluxes and the greatest cooling of SST. The magnitude of thermal energy transfer from the ocean to the atmosphere during individual storm events was then determined using vertically integrated heat budgets based on Argo temperature profiles and reanalysis surface heat fluxes. Storm-induced surface heat flux anomalies accounted for approximately 50% of the warm anomaly cooling observed by Argo profiles. This rapid heat loss occurred over time scales of approximately 3–5 days. The decay of the warm SST anomaly (SSTa) occurred much more quickly than expected from classic thermal damping by SST-induced turbulent heat fluxes, which may be attributed here at least partly to much shallower mixed layers during early fall. Analysis of the individual surface flux terms indicated that the latent heat flux was the dominant contributor to storm-induced heat exchange across the air–sea interface.
Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation Related to Frequent Rossby Wave Breaking near Japan in Boreal Summer
Authors: Takemura Kazuto , Mukougawa Hitoshi , Maeda Shuhei
Published: May 2020

Rossby wave propagation along the Asian jet during boreal summer, such as the Silk Road pattern, frequently causes wave breaking near the Asian jet exit region. This study examines the statistical relationship between interannual variability of the Rossby wave breaking frequency near Japan and large-scale atmospheric circulation during the boreal summer. The Rossby wave breaking frequency in the midlatitudes climatologically shows its maximum near Japan, and significantly increases during La Niña years. The upper-tropospheric circulation regressed onto the Rossby wave breaking frequency near Japan in August shows large-scale anomalous convergence from the tropical central to eastern Pacific and divergence around the Indian Ocean. The consequent northward anomalous divergent wind over Eurasia contributes to enhancement and northward shift of the Asian jet. The Asian jet also shows meridional meandering with a phase of anomalous anticyclonic circulation near Japan accompanied by the frequent Rossby wave breaking, which is associated with the Silk Road pattern. The frequent Rossby wave breaking is related to southwestward intrusion of anomalous low potential temperature air mass toward the subtropical western North Pacific associated with an enhanced mid-Pacific trough. West of the southwestward cold-air intrusion, enhanced cumulus convection is seen around the northern Philippines, and the Pacific–Japan pattern is significantly seen in the lower troposphere. This result is consistent with a previous study that revealed a linkage mechanism between the Rossby wave breaking near Japan and the Pacific–Japan pattern through dynamically induced ascent resulting in an intrusion of high potential vorticity associated with the Rossby wave breaking.
Psychological interventions for people with psychotic experiences: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled and uncontrolled effectiveness and economic studies
Authors: Soneson Emma , Russo Debra , Stochl Jan , Heslin Margaret , Galante Julieta , Knight Clare , Grey Nick , Hodgekins Joanne , French Paul , Fowler David , Lafortune Louise , Byford Sarah , Jones Peter B , Perez Jesus
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Many people with psychotic experiences do not develop psychotic disorders, yet those who seek help demonstrate high clinical complexity and poor outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of psychological interventions for people with psychotic experiences.

Method:

We searched 13 databases for studies of psychological interventions for adults with psychotic experiences, but not psychotic disorders. Our outcomes were the proportion of participants remitting from psychotic experiences (primary); changes in positive and negative psychotic symptoms, depression, anxiety, functioning, distress, and quality of life; and economic outcomes (secondary). We analysed results using multilevel random-effects meta-analysis and narrative synthesis.

Results:

A total of 27 reports met inclusion criteria. In general, there was no strong evidence for the superiority of any one intervention. Five studies reported on our primary outcome, though only two reports provided randomised controlled trial evidence that psychological intervention (specifically, cognitive behavioural therapy) promoted remission from psychotic experiences. For secondary outcomes, we could only meta-analyse trials of cognitive behavioural therapy. We found that cognitive behavioural therapy was more effective than treatment as usual for reducing distress (pooled standardised mean difference: −0.24; 95% confidence interval = [−0.37, −0.10]), but no more effective than the control treatment for improving any other outcome. Individual reports indicated that cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, sleep cognitive behavioural therapy, systemic therapy, cognitive remediation therapy, and supportive treatments improved at least one clinical or functional outcome. Four reports included economic evaluations, which suggested cognitive behavioural therapy may be cost-effective compared with treatment as usual.

Conclusion:

Our meta-analytic findings were primarily null, with the exception that cognitive behavioural therapy may reduce the distress associated with psychotic experiences. Our analyses were limited by scarcity of studies, small samples and variable study quality. Several intervention frameworks showed preliminary evidence of positive outcomes; however, the paucity of consistent evidence for clinical and functional improvement highlights a need for further research into psychological treatments for psychotic experiences.

PROSPERO protocol registration number:

CRD42016033869
Sex Differences in Relationships Between Perceived Coach-Induced Motivational Climates, Basic Psychological Needs, and Behavior Regulation Among Young Swimmers
Authors: Rodrigues F. , Macedo R. , Cid L. , Teixeira D. S. , Marinho D. A. , Monteiro D.
Published: May 2020

This study analyzed independent and codependent effects of task- and ego-involving motivational climates on basic psychological need satisfaction and behavioral regulation (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivation) among young athletes. Participants were young Portuguese female ( n = 114) and male ( n = 324) swimmers, nested within four different clubs. Participants completed a multisection survey, assessing motivational climates, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and behavioral regulation. We used polynomial regression analysis with surface response methodology to analyze the interactions between these constructs. We found that perceived task- and ego-involving motivational climates were not mutually exclusive; rather, their relationship depended on how athletes perceived coaches’ behaviors and how coaches emphasized one or both climates. Coaches who fostered both motivational climates promoted positive outcomes among male (but not female) athletes.
Reducing Customer-Directed Deviant Behavior: The Roles of Psychological Detachment and Supervisory Unfairness
Authors: Song Young Ho , Skarlicki Daniel P. , Shao Ruodan , Park Jungkyu
Published: May 2020

Conservation of resources (COR) theory proposes that mistreatment by customers (termed “customer mistreatment”) can deplete employees’ resources, lessen their ability to regulate their behaviors, and result in them engaging in customer-directed deviant behavior. However, COR has been criticized for its lack of precision regarding how this process unfolds. Integrating the person-situation interactionist perspective with COR theory, the present paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of COR theory by explicating how individual characteristics and work context—namely, psychological detachment and supervisory unfairness—can combine to attenuate/exacerbate the relationship between customer mistreatment and employees’ customer-directed deviant behavior. Using a multilevel field study with 1,092 daily-based surveys among 157 Korean call-center representatives, our results show that frontline employees’ emotional exhaustion mediates the relationship between customer mistreatment and customer-directed deviant behavior that occurs on the next working day. When faced with customer mistreatment, employees with lower (vs. higher) psychological detachment were more likely to be emotionally exhausted and engage in customer-directed deviant behavior on the next working day. Moreover, their emotional exhaustion predicted customer-directed deviant behavior more so when their supervisors treated them unfairly (vs. fairly). Taken together, the results show that the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion was strongest among employees with low (vs. high) psychological detachment and who reported more (vs. less) supervisory unfairness. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications as well as directions for future research are discussed.
Using Iterative Experimentation to Accelerate Program Improvement: A Case Example
Authors: Maynard Rebecca A. , Baelen Rebecca N. , Fein David , Souvanna Phomdaen
Published: May 2020

Background:

This article offers a case example of how experimental evaluation methods can be coupled with principles of design-based implementation research (DBIR), improvement science (IS), and rapid-cycle evaluation (RCE) methods to provide relatively quick, low-cost, credible assessments of strategies designed to improve programs, policies, or practices.

Objectives:

This article demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of blending DBIR, IS, and RCE practices with embedded randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to improve the pace and efficiency of program improvement.

Research design:

This article describes a two-cycle experimental test of staff-designed strategies for improving a workforce development program. Youth enrolled in Year Up’s Professional Training Corps (PTC) programs were randomly assigned to “improvement strategies” designed to boost academic success and persistence through the 6-month learning and development (L&D) phase of the program, when participants spend most of their program-related time in courses offered by partner colleges.

Subjects:

The study sample includes 317 youth from three PTC program sites.

Measures:

The primary outcome measures are completion of the program’s L&D phase and continued college enrollment beyond the L&D phase.

Results:

The improvement strategies designed and tested during the study increased program retention through L&D by nearly 10 percentage points and increased college persistence following L&D by 13 percentage points.

Conclusion:

Blending DBIR, IS, and RCE principles with a multi-cycle RCT generated highly credible estimates of the efficacy of the tested improvement strategies within a relatively short period of time (18 months) at modest cost and with reportedly low burden for program staff.
Thrombotic risk in central venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation post cardiac surgery
Authors: Pieterse John , Valchanov Kamen , Abu-Omar Yasir , Falter Florian
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock is an accepted indication for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The true incidence and risk factors for the development of thrombosis in this setting remain unclear.

Methods:

Patients supported with central venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to ventricular dysfunction precluding weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass were retrospectively identified. Electronic records from a single institution spanning a 4-year period from January 2015 to December 2018 were interrogated to assess the incidence of thrombosis. The relationship to exposures including intracardiac stasis and procoagulant usage was explored.

Results:

Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria and six suffered major intracardiac thrombosis. All cases of thrombosis occurred early, and none survived to hospital discharge. The lack of left ventricular ejection conferred a 46% risk of developing thrombosis compared to 0% if ejection was maintained (p = 0.0093). Aprotinin use was also associated with thrombus formation (p = 0.035). There were no significant differences between numbers of patients receiving other procoagulants when grouped by thrombosis versus no thrombosis.

Conclusion:

Stasis is the predominant risk factor for intracardiac thrombosis. This occurs rapidly and the outcome is poor. As a result, we suggest early left ventricular decompression. Conventional management of post-bypass coagulopathy seems safe if the aortic valve is opening.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in processed yard trash
Authors: Guo Ying , Laux Steven J , Burdier Melissa , Gao Peng , Ma Lena Q , Townsend Timothy G
Published: May 2020

This work examines polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in yard trash at various stages of the yard trash management cycle of collection, stockpiling, grinding and screening into mulch, and composting. Total extractable PAH concentrations were measured in yard trash at various management stages from 10 locations in Florida. The concentrations of 16 PAH compounds in processed yard trash ranged from 0.38 to 14 mg kg-1. PAH concentrations were detected in vegetative material harvested from a residential neighborhood, but were below the United States Environmental Protection Agency residential regional screening levels (RSLs). PAH concentrations near or above the RSLs were common in both unprocessed and processed yard trash collected at waste management facilities. PAH concentrations were amongst the highest in newly ground yard trash samples and were amongst the lowest in composted yard trash samples. These findings are important because land application of some waste materials, such as construction and demolition debris fines and street sweepings, are sometimes limited due to PAH. If processed yard trash, which is commonly land applied in residential settings, possesses similar PAH concentrations, evaluation of current risk assessment practices for land-applied wastes may require further examination.
Evaluation of vehicles’ active seat suspension system using wavelet analysis
Authors: Błażejewski Andrzej , Głowiński Sebastian
Published: May 2020

In this work, the dedicated test stand was applied to investigate the human body–vehicle seat system. The particular signals were measured by accelerometers placed on the seat and the human head. The horizontal vibrations were applied as the input to the system. As an alternative to the classical Fourier approach, the wavelet transfer function was introduced to describe the effectiveness of particular seat suspension. The human head reaction was investigated as the system output.
Optimal bounded control of stochastically excited strongly nonlinear vibro-impact system
Authors: Gu Xudong , Deng Zichen , Hu Rongchun
Published: May 2020

An optimal bounded control strategy for strongly nonlinear vibro-impact systems under stochastic excitations with actuator saturation is proposed. First, the impact effect is incorporated in an equivalent equation by using a nonsmooth transformation. Under the assumption of light damping and weak random perturbation, the system energy is a slowly varying process. By using the stochastic averaging of envelope for strongly nonlinear systems, the partially averaged Itô stochastic differential equation for system energy can be derived. The optimal control problem is transformed from the original optimal control problem for the state variables to an equivalent optimal control problem for the system energy, which decreases the dimensions of the optimal control problem. Then, based on stochastic maximum principle, an adjoint equation for the adjoint variable and the maximum condition of partially averaged control problem are established. For infinite time-interval ergodic control, the adjoint variable is assumed to be a stationary process and the adjoint equation can be further simplified. Finally, the probability density function of the system energy and other statistics of the optimally controlled system are derived by calculating the associated Fokker–Plank–Kolmogorov equation. For comparison, the bang–bang control is also investigated and the control results are compared to show the advantages of the developed control strategy.
Large deformation of corrugated sandwich panels under three-point bending
Authors: Xia Fukun , Durandet Yvonne , Yu T X , Ruan Dong
Published: May 2020

Corrugated sandwich panels are widely used in engineering applications for their excellent energy absorption and lightweight. In this research, the mechanical response of aluminum corrugated sandwich panels subjected to three-point bending is investigated experimentally, numerically, and theoretically. In the experiments, the sandwich panels were loaded under two conditions, namely base indentation and node indentation. A parametric study is conducted by ABAQUS/explicit to investigate the effects of geometric configurations (corrugation angle, core height, and core thickness) on the deformation mode, peak force, and energy absorption. Both peak force and specific energy absorption vary with the geometric parameters. Theoretical models are further developed to predict the force–displacement curves of the panels under the two loading conditions. The theoretically predicted crushing force is in good agreement with both the experimental and simulated results. Finally, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II is adopted to optimize the geometric configuration to improve the specific energy absorption and reduce the weight of corrugated sandwich panels.
Preprocessing Breast Cancer Data to Improve the Data Quality, Diagnosis Procedure, and Medical Care Services
Authors: Sajjadnia Zeinab , Khayami Raof , Moosavi Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2020

In recent years, due to an increase in the incidence of different cancers, various data sources are available in this field. Consequently, many researchers have become interested in the discovery of useful knowledge from available data to assist faster decision-making by doctors and reduce the negative consequences of such diseases. Data mining includes a set of useful techniques in the discovery of knowledge from the data: detecting hidden patterns and finding unknown relations. However, these techniques face several challenges with real-world data. Particularly, dealing with inconsistencies, errors, noise, and missing values requires appropriate preprocessing and data preparation procedures. In this article, we investigate the impact of preprocessing to provide high-quality data for classification techniques. A wide range of preprocessing and data preparation methods are studied, and a set of preprocessing steps was leveraged to obtain appropriate classification results. The preprocessing is done on a real-world breast cancer dataset of the Reza Radiation Oncology Center in Mashhad with various features and a great percentage of null values, and the results are reported in this article. To evaluate the impact of the preprocessing steps on the results of classification algorithms, this case study was divided into the following 3 experiments:

Breast cancer recurrence prediction without data preprocessing

Breast cancer recurrence prediction by error removal

Breast cancer recurrence prediction by error removal and filling null values

Then, in each experiment, dimensionality reduction techniques are used to select a suitable subset of features for the problem at hand. Breast cancer recurrence prediction models are constructed using the 3 widely used classification algorithms, namely, naïve Bayes, k-nearest neighbor, and sequential minimal optimization. The evaluation of the experiments is done in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, F-measure, precision, and G-mean measures. Our results show that recurrence prediction is significantly improved after data preprocessing, especially in terms of sensitivity, F-measure, precision, and G-mean measures.
Alienation and the task of geo-social critique
Authors: Choquet Pierre-Louis
Published: May 2020

In this article, I argue that the concept of alienation should be mobilized to develop a ‘geo-social’ critique of the generic forms of life that sustain contemporary capitalist societies, in a time when the stability of the Earth system is increasingly at risk. I contend that retrieving the full heuristic potential of the concept demands engaging the fields where it has been traditionally discussed (notably social philosophy and environmental philosophy) to demonstrate how their insights on alienation can be fruitfully combined. By putting greater emphasis on how society and nature are mutually embedded, this new approach to alienation highlights the anthropocentrism that critical theory has long conveyed and indicates how it could be at least partially corrected.
Reconsidering the reciprocity objection to unconditional basic income
Authors: Lister Andrew
Published: May 2020

This article reconsiders the reciprocity objection to unconditional basic income based on the idea that reciprocity is not only a duty but a limiting condition on other duties. If the objection were that unconditionality invites people to neglect contributory obligations arising from a duty of reciprocity, people could ask to opt out of eligibility for the benefit so as to avoid liability to contribution. While market failure provides a reason for mandatory participation in social insurance, it will not justify the generous (if conditional) income support egalitarians favour. To sustain the objection, we need to think of reciprocity a limit on duties of assistance and fair-sharing. In this form, the objection resists the inherited assets response, which holds that we can’t have a duty reciprocate benefits we receive from nature or from previous generations.
Research of 3D weft-knitted fabrics designed to protect against mechanical risks and suitable for contact with skin
Authors: Krauledaitė Julija , Ancutienė Kristina , Krauledas Sigitas , Urbelis Virginijus , Sacevičienė Virginija
Published: May 2020

Eight different 3D weft-knitted fabrics, consisting of outer, binding, and inner layers, were designed and produced on E20 and E28 circular weft-knitting machines. First, in the outer layer, high molecular weight polyethylene multifilament yarns and steel wire (0.05 mm diameter), twisted with high molecular weight polyethylene multifilament yarns, were used because of their exceptional properties to resist the mechanical risks. Second, in the inner layer, hydrophobic polyester spun yarns were chosen for their suitability to be used in contact with skin. Finally, in the binding layer, synthetic elastic textured polyamide yarns were used to connect the outer and inner layers. Following the standard EN 388, diverse tests were conducted to determine the resistance of the developed 3D weft-knitted fabrics to mechanical risks, i.e., circular blade cut, puncture, abrasion, and tear. The analysis showed that the quantity of steel wire in knitted structure highly influences circular blade cut and abrasion resistance, and moderately influences tear resistance for all the investigated knitted fabrics. While a strong positive correlation between the quantity of steel wire and the puncture force was defined only for 3D fabrics knitted on an E20 circular weft-knitting machine. The findings of the research lead to the conclusion that the designed 3D weft-knitted fabric structures, where the outer layer ensures protection against mechanical risks, while the inner layer is designed for contact with skin, provide complex protection against diverse mechanical risks.
PYGB Promoted Tumor Progression by Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Xia Boning , Zhang Ke , Liu Chang
Published: May 2020

Gastric cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancy with high mortality in East Asia. Investigation of pathogenic mechanisms of gastric cancer is crucial to develop novel therapeutic strategies and identify new therapeutic candidates. Brain-type glycogen phosphorylase is a glycogen phosphorylase involved in glycogen metabolism, which participates in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Overexpression of brain-type glycogen phosphorylase has been reported in various types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, however, the potential role of brain-type glycogen phosphorylase in gastric cancer remains unclear. Herein, we observed brain-type glycogen phosphorylase expression was significantly elevated in human gastric cancer tissues and positively correlated with the clinical-pathological features including tumor size, lymph node involvement, and tumor, node, metastasis stage of patients with gastric cancer. We further reported brain-type glycogen phosphorylase depletion suppressed the growth of gastric cancer, weakened the epithelial–mesenchymal transformation, and reduced the migration and invasion ability in cell models. We further confirmed brain-type glycogen phosphorylase depletion inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in mice. Importantly, we found brain-type glycogen phosphorylase regulated the progression of gastric cancer via Wnt/β-catenin pathway, shedding lights on brain-type glycogen phosphorylase as a promising therapeutic target for drug design and development targeting gastric cancer.
The amount of cytokine-release defines different shades of Sars-Cov2 infection
Authors: Bindoli S , Felicetti M , Sfriso P , Doria A
Published: May 2020

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID 19), spreading from China all around the world in early 2020, has led scientists to investigate the immuno-mediated mechanisms underlying the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection. Depending on the amount of cytokines released as the result of the immunological activation induced by SARS-CoV2, three major clinical phenotypes can be identified: “mild”,symbolized as a “drizzle” of cytokines, severe as a “storm”, and critical as a “hurricane”. In patients with mild symptoms, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines is balanced to obtain a defense response against the virus which is often self-limiting and overcomes without tissue damage. In severe phenotype, resembling a “cytokine-release syndrome”, SARS-CoV2 causes the lysis of the immune-mediators leading to a cytokine storm able to induce lung epithelium damage and acute respiratory distress syndrome. In critical patients, the immune response may become uncontrolled, thus the cytokine burst resembles a form of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis which may result in a multi organ failure. In addition to the standard of care, an immune-modulatory therapy tailored to each one of the different phenotypes should be used in order to prevent or reduce the release of cytokines responsible for organ damage and disease progression.
Modelling militarized interstate disputes using data mining techniques: Prevention and prediction of conflicts
Authors: Stodola Petr , Vojtek Jozef , Kutěj Libor , Neubauer Jiří
Published: May 2020

The use of modern data mining techniques on large datasets has become a recent phenomenon across a broad range of applications. One of the most frequent tasks is to build statistical models using historical data and utilize them to predict new, so far unclassified, cases. This article examines the problem of predicting a military interstate dispute between two states (dyad) by employing selected data mining techniques. Suitable methods are identified and applied to the existing dataset of politically relevant dyads. The result is the building of statistical models for the classification of potential dyadic conflicts. The overall performance of these models is verified and cost analysis is done based on the different impacts of incorrect classification. The results are compared with those of other published research studies in the field of conflict prediction; the models created by data mining techniques significantly outperform all rival algorithms and approaches. Finally, the last part of the article presents the results of applying data mining techniques to association, i.e. to discovering relationships and dependencies in the data.