bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐mortem Iris Decomposition and its Dynamics in Morgue Conditions
Authors: Trokielewicz Mateusz , Czajka Adam , Maciejewicz Piotr
Published: June 2020

With increasing interest in employing iris biometrics as a forensic tool for identification by investigation authorities, there is a need for a thorough examination and understanding of postmortem decomposition processes that take place within the human eyeball, especially the iris. This can prove useful for fast and accurate matching of antemortem with postmortem data acquired at crime scenes or mass casualties, as well as for ensuring correct dispatching of bodies from the incident scene to a mortuary or funeral homes. Following these needs of forensic community, this paper offers an analysis of the coarse effects of eyeball decay done from a perspective of automatic iris recognition. We analyze postmortem iris images acquired for a subject with a very long postmortem observation time horizon (34 days), in both visible light and near‐infrared light (860 nm), as the latter wavelength is used in commercial iris recognition systems. Conclusions and suggestions are provided that may aid forensic examiners in successfully utilizing iris patterns in postmortem identification of deceased subjects. Initial guidelines regarding the imaging process, types of illumination, and resolution are also given, together with expectations with respect to the iris features decomposition rates. Visible iris features possible for human, expert‐based matching persists even up to 407 h postmortem, and near‐infrared illumination is suggested for better mitigation of corneal opacity while imaging cadaver eyes (Post‐mortem iris decomposition and its dynamics in morgue conditions. ArXiv pre‐print, 2019).
Attenuation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated signalling mitigates age‐associated intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Han Yingchao , Zhou Chao‐Ming , Shen Hongxing , Tan Jun , Dong Qing , Zhang Lei , McGowan Sara J. , Zhao Jing , Sowa Gwendolyn A. , Kang James D. , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Robbins Paul D. , Vo Nam N.
Published: June 2020

Previously, we reported that persistent DNA damage accelerates ageing of the spine, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a protein kinase involved in the DNA damage response, which controls cell fate, including cell death. To test the role of ATM in the human intervertebral disc, we exposed human nucleus pulposus (hNP) cells directly to the DNA damaging agent cisplatin. Cisplatin‐treated hNP cells exhibited rapid phosphorylation of ATM and subsequent increased NF‐κB activation, aggrecanolysis, decreased total proteoglycan production and increased expression of markers of senescence, including p21, γH2AX and SA‐ß‐gal. Treating cisplatin‐exposed hNP cells with an ATM‐specific inhibitor negated these effects. In addition, genetic reduction of ATM reduced disc cellular senescence and matrix proteoglycan loss in the progeroid Ercc1−/∆ mouse model of accelerated ageing. These findings suggest that activation of ATM signalling under persistent genotoxic stress promotes disc cellular senescence and matrix homeostatic perturbation. Thus, the ATM signalling pathway represents a therapeutic target to delay the progression of age‐associated spine pathologies.
A Pilot Trial of Topical Capsaicin Cream for Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Authors: Dean Diana J. , Sabagha Noor , Rose Kaitlin , Weiss Alexander , France John , Asmar Timothy , Rammal Jo‐Ann , Beyer Margaret , Bussa Rebecca , Ross Jacob , Chaudhry Kaleem , Smoot Thomas , Wilson Kathleen , Miller Joseph
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) present frequently to the emergency department. Previous case studies suggest dramatic symptomatic improvement with topical capsaicin treatment. This exploratory study examined the potential effectiveness of topical capsaicin in patients with nausea and vomiting due to a suspected CHS exacerbation.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled pilot trial. Adults who presented with vomiting suspected to be from CHS were eligible for enrollment. We excluded pregnant women and those with resolution of symptoms. Following randomization, topical 0.1% capsaicin or placebo cream was applied to the anterior abdomen in a uniform manner. The primary outcome was the severity of nausea on a visual analog scale (VAS) of 0 to 10 cm assessed at 30 minutes. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, occurrence of posttreatment vomiting, nausea by VAS at 60 minutes, and hospital admission.

Results

This pilot trial enrolled 30 patients, 17 in the capsaicin arm and 13 in the placebo arm. One patient in the capsaicin arm did not tolerate treatment due to skin irritation. Mean ± SD nausea severity at 30 minutes was 4.1 ± 2.3 cm in the capsaicin arm and 6.1 ± 3.3 cm in the placebo arm (difference = −2.0 cm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2 to −4.2 cm). At 60 minutes, mean ± SD nausea severity was 3.2 ± 3.2 cm versus 6.4 ± 2.8 cm (difference = −3.2 cm, 95% CI = −0.9 to −5.4 cm). The percent reduction in nausea at 60 minutes from baseline was 46.0% in the capsaicin arm and 24.9% in the placebo arm (difference = 21.1%, 95% CI = −5.6% to 47.9%). A higher proportion of capsaicin group patients (29.4% vs. 0%) had complete resolution of nausea (relative risk = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.6 to 7.1).

Conclusion

In this pilot trial, the application of topical capsaicin cream was associated with a significant reduction in nausea at 60 minutes but not at 30 minutes and provided more complete relief of nausea.
Baby boomers’ attitudes to maintaining sexual and intimate relationships in long‐term care
Authors: Rahn Alison , Jones Tiffany , Bennett Cary , Lykins Amy
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Australian aged care policy is wholly focused on individual “consumers” and consequently neglects the needs of dyadic partners. This paper highlights partnered baby boomers’ attitudes to maintaining sexual and intimate relationships in residential care.

Methods

In 2016, cross‐sectional data were collected using an online survey of partnered baby boomers recruited using social media. Qualitative data were analysed using word frequency, keywords‐in‐context and thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics were generated from quantitative data.

Results

There were 168 participants (85% female), aged 51‐71 years. Many reported that remaining together and continuing physical and sexual contact were important in aged care contexts—necessitating private couple's suites, shared beds, access to condoms, lubricants and sexual health professionals.

Conclusions

Considerable cultural change will be required to raise residential aged care to the standard expected by some partnered baby boomers. Shifting to a more couple‐centred approach may benefit partnered residents’ health and well‐being.
Time‐sequential correlations between diabetic kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes – an 8‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Hsieh Yi‐Ting , Hsieh Ming‐Chia
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To investigate the time‐sequential correlations between progression/remission of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) or diabetic macular oedema (DME) in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

This was an 8‐year prospective cohort study in which 576 patients with T2D and microalbuminuria from one medical centre in Taiwan were recruited. Progression of microalbuminuria was defined as shift of urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) into 300 mg/g or more; remission of microalbuminuria was defined as having a urinary ACR less than 30 mg/g in at least two of three tests over a period of 6 months. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the hazard ratios (HRs) for progression or remission of microalbuminuria on development of any DR, proliferative DR (PDR) and DME.

Results

After adjusting for baseline characteristics

, remission of microalbuminuria was a significant protecting factor for development of PDR (HR = 0.290, 95% CI: 0.102–0.826, p = 0.020) and DME (HR = 0.404, 95% CI: 0.188–0.864, p = 0.020). After further adjustment for the mean follow‐up HbA1c and systolic blood pressure, remission of microalbuminuria was still a significant protecting factor for development of PDR (HR = 0.348, 95% CI: 0.122–0.992, p = 0.048).

Conclusions

Remission of microalbuminuria was an independent protecting factor for development of PDR and DME. Aggressive treatment for DKD might help prevent the progression of DR.
Serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration predicts polyneuropathy and overall survival in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Szudy‐Szczyrek Aneta , Mlak Radosław , Bury‐Kamińska Magdalena , Mielnik Michał , Podgajna Martyna , Kuśmierczuk Kinga , Mazurek Marcin , Homa‐Mlak Iwona , Szczyrek Michał , Krawczyk Janusz , Małecka‐Massalska Teresa , Hus Marek
Published: June 2020

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein with a potent influence on several aspects of neuronal and blood vessel functions. However, its prognostic potential and functional role in multiple myeloma (MM) remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the influence of BDNF on the risk of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and clinical outcome. Study group consisted of 91 newly‐diagnosed MM patients treated with bortezomib and/or thalidomide‐based chemotherapy. Detection of BDNF in serum was performed using ELISA. Polyneuropathy was assessed according to the CTCAE Criteria v5. We observed that BDNF concentration correlated with the severity of polyneuropathy (P = 0·0463). Higher BDNF values were noted in patients who responded to treatment (P = 0·0326), and BDNF proved to be a useful marker to predict lack of response after eight cycles of treatment (sensitivity – 100%, specificity – 61·5%, P = 0·0142). Moreover this marker showed significant diagnostic usefulness in diagnosis of CIPN (sensitivity – 76%, specificity – 71·43%; area under the curve (AUC)= 0·77, 95%, confidence interval (CI): 0·64–0·88; P < 0·0001). Low BDNF was an independent, unfavourable prognostic factor associated with reduced overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio (HR) = 2·79, P = 0·0470). In conclusion, BDNF level may play a prognostic role and constitute a useful biomarker in predicting CIPN in MM patients.
Overproduced bone marrow neutrophils in collagen‐induced arthritis are primed for NETosis: An ignored pathological cell involving inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Xu Danyi , Lin Yiming , Shen Jinming , Zhang Jie , Wang Jinghua , Zhang Yuwei , Zhang Hong , Ning Longgui , Liu Peihao , Li Sha , Zeng Hang , Lin Jin , Yu Chaohui
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Bone marrow edema is a universal manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and its pathological essence is a bone marrow lesion (BML) formed by various bone marrow (BM) immune cells. Neutrophils play an important role in inflammatory arthritis, but the role and mechanism of neutrophils in BML are not clear.

Materials and methods

Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) −/− mice and wild type (WT) C57BL/6 mice were immunized for collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Histological scores of arthritis were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry staining with anti‐Ly6G was conducted. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in joint sections were determined by immunofluorescence staining. BM neutrophils were isolated for flow cytometry and NETosis induction in vitro.

Results

Histological study showed significant neutrophil infiltrations in BML of CIA mice. Inhibition of BM neutrophil production by G‐CSF knock out can obstruct the induction of BML and CIA. In addition to abundant infiltrated NETs intra‐articular, remarkable NETosis primed BM neutrophils were infiltrated in BML of CIA mice, which was positively related to bone erosion. Neutrophils derived from G‐CSF−/− mice have diminished ability of NETs formation in vitro, while G‐CSF induction can enhance its capacity of NETs formation.

Conclusions

We propose for the first time that the overproduced BM neutrophils in CIA mice are primed for NETosis in a G‐CSF dependent manner, and these pathogenic cells may have an important role in inflammatory arthritis. Blocking this pathological process could be a potential strategy for the treatment of RA.
Truth, hope, compassion in a time of corona virus and a presidential election
Authors: Childs James M.
Published: June 2020

Despite signs of public unity in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the pandemic has also highlighted our divisions, disparities, and racism. The churches can have a voice for greater harmony and community if their public theology flows from their core beliefs and practices and is marked by engagement with truth, and a vision of hope acted out with compassion.
Small Is Beautiful or Big Is Better: How Much Do Industry and Family Ownership Matter in Firms of Different Sizes?
Authors: Wu Ning
Published: June 2020

Drawing on a national survey – the 2011 British Workplace Employment Relations Study (WERS 2011) – this paper examines whether the associations between industry sectors, family ownership and calculative human resource management (CHRM) vary between firms of different sizes. The analysis of 1,293 establishments in the UK suggests that the associations between service industries and CHRM are stronger in smaller than in large firms, whereas family ownership (primarily family‐owned and ‐managed businesses) is significantly and negatively associated with the prevalence of CHRM in large organisations compared to smaller businesses. Overall, the study suggests that: (1) smaller businesses tend to be more coerced to take on CHRM for legitimacy recognition than large organisations; and (2) extending an academically long‐held wisdom, owner‐management among family businesses has a significantly deleterious effect on the uptake of CHRM in large organisations than in smaller firms.
Are plant community responses to wildfire contingent upon historical disturbance regimes?
Authors: Miller Jesse E. D. , Safford Hugh D.
Published: June 2020

Background

Ecological disturbance is a major driver of ecosystem structure and evolutionary selection, and theory predicts that the frequency and/or intensity of disturbance should determine its effects on communities. However, adaptations of species pools to different historical disturbance regimes are rarely considered in the search for generalizable community responses to disturbance. To explore how the severity of disturbance affects plant diversity patterns, we review studies of understorey plant community responses to wildfire in conifer forests of western North America across a gradient of departure from historical fire regimes.

Review findings

We find that post‐fire plant species richness may generally be maximized at disturbance severities that match the predominant historical disturbance regime in a given ecosystem. Studies that examined multiple spatial scales indicate that plant community responses to fire are likely to be scale dependent, suggesting that post‐disturbance monitoring should consider community responses at multiple scales.

Synthesis

Our review highlights that consideration of historical disturbance regimes might improve the ability to predict the effects of disturbance on communities. We discuss future research needs; quantitative studies that compare community responses to fire at multiple scales across different historical fire regimes would be particularly useful. Ultimately, consideration of disturbance as a multivariate problem is likely to lead to greater inference than traditional bivariate approaches.
Postponement Strategies for Global Downstream Supply Chains: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Prataviera Lorenzo Bruno , Perotti Sara , Melacini Marco , Moretti Emilio
Published: June 2020

Postponement is a well‐known organizational concept and usually relates to the deferment in time of manufacturing and/or logistics operations. In the current global competitive landscape, situations where postponement can be applied are rapidly increasing. Faced with the wide range of customs duties and free‐trade agreements currently in place, companies need to (re)design their postponement strategies to customize their products appropriately, and to the proper degree, in each market. As the actual location where operations take place has a major impact on a company’s overall performance, the spatial perspective must also be taken into account when designing global postponement strategies, alongside the conventional temporal perspective. Heretofore, the academic literature does not offer any comprehensive framework on a global scale either for handling what is known as the postponement boundary problem, or for conceptualizing the related postponement strategies. Building on previous research, the aim of the present study was to investigate the postponement concept in a global environment with a downstream focus. The intended purpose is twofold: first, to review and expand previous studies on the subject and, second, to provide some guidelines for conceptualizing global postponement strategies. A structured literature review was first conducted, followed by the development of a framework that combines both the temporal and the spatial dimensions. Finally, the framework was applied to a group of 28 business cases taken from the literature, to act as a bridge between academic theories and practitioners’ current business operations.
Effects of acute sleep deprivation on H reflex and V wave
Authors: D. Gonçalves André , Teodosio Carolina , Pezarat‐Correia Pedro , Vila‐Chã Carolina , V. Mendonca Goncalo
Published: June 2020

The impact of sleep deprivation on muscular strength and power remains poorly understood. We aimed to determine the acute effects of 24 hr of sleep deprivation on H‐reflex and V‐wave excitability. Fourteen healthy young adults (eight men, six women) were included. Participants visited the laboratory on two different occasions, without and with 24 hr of sleep deprivation. In each session, participants were tested for maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors, soleus H‐ and M‐recruitment curves, and evoked V wave, as well as tibialis anterior/soleus electromyographic co‐activation. Twenty‐four hours of sleep deprivation did not affect either plantarflexion MVC or soleus electromyographic normalized amplitude (p > .05). Moreover, H‐reflex and V‐wave peak‐to‐peak normalized amplitude did not change with sleep deprivation (p > .05). Conversely, we obtained a significant increase in antagonist/agonist level of co‐activation during MVC post‐sleep deprivation (6.2 ± 5.2%,p < .01). In conclusion, we found that H‐reflex and V‐wave responses are well preserved after 24 hr of sleep deprivation, revealing that descending neural drive and/or modulation in Ia afferent input remains largely unaffected under these circumstances. Yet, sleep deprivation affects motor control by exacerbating the magnitude of antagonist/agonist co‐activation during forceful muscle contractions and this is novel.
Interventions to control children's screen use and their effect on sleep: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Martin Katie B. , Bednarz Jana M. , Aromataris Edoardo C.
Published: June 2020

Prolonged viewing of screen‐based media is associated with poor sleep in children. Previous systematic reviews have analysed the effectiveness of interventions that aim to limit children's screen use; however, none have evaluated its effect on sleep. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of interventions that incorporate strategies to control children's screen use on screen use and sleep. The databases Pubmed, Embase, Eric, Scopus and PsycInfo were searched during October 2017 and updated in February 2019 for experimental studies with a control that assessed interventions to control screen use in children aged 2–14 years and reported both screen use and sleep outcomes. From 3,872 initial records, 11 studies (six randomized control [RCT], four cluster RCT and one cluster, quasi‐experimental) were eligible for inclusion. A total of 4,656 children aged 2–13 years were included in the studies. The mean reduction in screen time was 0.56 hr (33 min)/day (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92, 0.20) and the mean sleep duration increased by 0.19 hr (11 min)/day (95% CI, 0.05, 0.33). Bedtime was advanced by 0.16 hr (10 min) on weekdays and by 1.0 hr at the weekend. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger intervention effects for interventions of shorter duration (<3 months), which specifically targeted screen use or sleep, and those with direct participant contact. In conclusion, small improvements in screen time and sleep duration can be achieved in children. It is not possible to determine if a reduction in screen time directly improves sleep, due to the limited number of studies, the presence of co‐interventions, issues with studies' methodological quality and heterogeneity.
Numeral semantics
Authors: Bylinina Lisa , Nouwen Rick
Published: June 2020

Words for numbers, numerals, are a special lexical class, halfway between natural and mathematical language. One would expect them to have a relatively straightforward semantics. However, during the last several decades, numerals proved to be a rich source of debate in linguistics, especially in semantics and pragmatics. The reason is that the study of numerals requires taking into account core issues such as plurality, quantification, implicature/exhaustivity, degree, modality, imprecision and cross‐linguistic variation. In this article, we provide a thorough introduction to the issues connected to numeral semantics and pragmatics. We gradually develop analyses of meanings of numerals in natural language using a multitude of analytical tools. We evaluate the competing proposals in terms of empirical coverage and predictions.
Amorphous silicates as a record of solar nebular and parent body processes—A transmission electron microscope study of fine‐grained rims and matrix in three Antarctic CR chondrites
Authors: Vollmer Christian , Pelka Mandy , Leitner Jan , Janssen Arne
Published: June 2020

Renazzo‐type (CR) carbonaceous chondrites belong to one of the most pristine meteorite groups containing various early solar system components such as matrix and fine‐grained rims (FGRs), whose formation mechanisms are still debated. Here, we have investigated FGRs of three Antarctic CR chondrites (GRA 95229, MIL 07525, and EET 92161) by electron microscopy techniques. We specifically focused on the abundances and chemical compositions of the amorphous silicates within the rims and matrix by analytical transmission electron microscopy. Comparison of the amorphous silicate composition to a matrix area of GRA 95229 clearly shows a compositional relationship between the matrix and the fine‐grained rim, such as similar Mg/Si and Fe/Si ratios. This relationship and the abundance of the amorphous silicates in the rims strengthen a solar nebular origin and rule out a primary formation mechanism by parent body processes such as chondrule erosion. Moreover, our chemical analyses of the amorphous silicates and their abundance indicate that the CR rims experienced progressive alteration stages. According to our analyses, the GRA 95229 sample is the least altered one based on its high modal abundance of amorphous silicates (31%) and close‐to‐chondritic Fe/Si ratios, followed by MIL 07525 and finally EET 92161 with lesser amounts of amorphous silicates (12% and 5%, respectively) and higher Fe/Si ratios. Abundances and chemical compositions of amorphous silicates within matrix and rims are therefore suitable recorders to track different alteration stages on a submicron scale within variably altered CR chondrites.
Randomized Pragmatic Pilot Trial Comparing Perpendicular Thin Electrode Versus Parallel Thick Electrode Approaches for Lumbar Medial Branch Neurotomy in Facetogenic Low Back Pain
Authors: De Andrés Ares Javier , Gilsanz Fernando
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Although there are different ways of performing medial branch neurotomy on facetogenic low back pain, few studies have compared clinical outcomes of a parallel technique over the medial branch vs. a perpendicular technique. We investigated differences in pain outcome with both techniques.

Design

This was a prospective, pilot, randomized, pragmatic trial (double blinded in the diagnostic phase).

Setting

A comparative pilot trial was conducted at an academic pain center.

Methods

Patients who did not respond to conservative medications and had severe lumbar pain for more than 3 months (VAS score ≥ 65) were included. A double diagnostic block with local anesthetic and placebo was performed, double blinded. Patients who had 80% relief from the local anesthetic and no substantial relief from placebo were randomized to undergo medial branch neurotomy under fluoroscopy, placing an electrode parallel or perpendicular to the medial branch. The primary outcome was differences in the VAS score at 1, 3, and 6 months. The secondary outcomes were Oswestry Disability Index score, Roland Morris Questionnaire score, and other functional Likert scale scores.

Results

Forty‐three consecutive patients were randomized to parallel (n = 20) or perpendicular (n = 23) neurotomy. There were no significant differences in VAS, Oswestry Disability Index, or Roland Morris Questionnaire scores at 1, 3, or 6 months between groups. Statistically significant differences were found in the categorical analysis at 6 months in the evolution of pain, Oswestry Disability Index score, Roland Morris Questionnaire score, and some Likert scale scores in favor of the parallel group.

Conclusions

There were differences at 6 months in the categorical analysis of the evolution of pain, Oswestry Disability Index score, Roland Morris Questionnaire score, and some functional Likert scale scores, all in favor of the parallel group.
Dissecting the phenotypic components and genetic architecture of maize stem vascular bundles using high‐throughput phenotypic analysis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Jinglu , Du Jianjun , Zhao Yanxin , Lu Xianju , Wen Weiliang , Gu Shenghao , Fan Jiangchuan , Wang Chuanyu , Wu Sheng , Wang Yongjian , Liao Shengjin , Zhao Chunjiang , Guo Xinyu
Published: June 2020

High‐throughput phenotyping is increasingly becoming an important tool for rapid advancement of genetic gain in breeding programmes. Manual phenotyping of vascular bundles is tedious and time‐consuming, which lags behind the rapid development of functional genomics in maize. More robust and automated techniques of phenotyping vascular bundles traits at high‐throughput are urgently needed for large crop populations. In this study, we developed a standard process for stem micro‐CT data acquisition and an automatic CT image process pipeline to obtain vascular bundle traits of stems including geometry‐related, morphology‐related and distribution‐related traits. Next, we analysed the phenotypic variation of stem vascular bundles between natural population subgroup (480 inbred lines) based on 48 comprehensively phenotypic information. Also, the first database for stem micro‐phenotypes, MaizeSPD, was established, storing 554 pieces of basic information of maize inbred lines, 523 pieces of experimental information, 1008 pieces of CT scanning images and processed images, and 24 192 pieces of phenotypic data. Combined with genome‐wide association studies (GWASs), a total of 1562 significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were identified for 30 stem micro‐phenotypic traits, and 84 unique genes of 20 traits such as VBNum, VBAvArea and PZVBDensity were detected. Candidate genes identified by GWAS mainly encode enzymes involved in cell wall metabolism, transcription factors, protein kinase and protein related to plant signal transduction and stress response. The results presented here will advance our knowledge about phenotypic trait components of stem vascular bundles and provide useful information for understanding the genetic controls of vascular bundle formation and development.
Qualified Advocacy for JustPeace: The Popes’ World Day of Peace Messages (1968–2020) in Historical and Ethical Perspective
Authors: Power Maria , Hrynkow Christopher
Published: June 2020

During the past half century, the Catholic popes have promulgated World Day of Peace Messages. This article takes those messages as a corpus and critically examines them for their content that supports or detracts from a JustPeace ethic. The authors define JustPeace as combining two elements, peace and social justice, in a creative and mutually enhancing tension. The present article surveys three recurring themes that are particularly relevant to supporting a JustPeace ethic, namely the value of strong global systems and governance, ecological health, and the embrace of cultures of encounter and dialogue. Through these means, the authors demonstrate streams of support for a JustPeace ethic in Catholic Social Teaching while illustrating that such support is not provided without qualification by the popes. The article concludes that such an essential recovery is not a subservient or fundamentalist appropriation of either the ethical content of papal teaching or of the past, but the bringing forward of important concepts, in locally sensitive and meaningful ways, that have the potential to help establish a vital future.
Secular trends in longevity among people with Down syndrome in Japan, 1995–2016
Authors: Motegi Narumi , Morisaki Naho , Suto Maiko , Tamai Hiroshi , Mori Rintaro , Nakayama Takeo
Published: June 2020

Background

Life expectancy in Japan has increased dramatically and is one of the longest in the world. However, the changes in lifespan in Japanese individuals with congenital diseases remain unknown. We investigated secular changes in the lifespan of people with Down syndrome over the last 20 years.

Methods

We observed secular trends in the number of stillbirths, deaths and the mortality rates at ages 20, 40, and 60 among all deaths registered with Down syndrome as the cause of death (ICD10 code: Q90) in the Japan national death registry database between 1995 and 2016. Changes in the median age at death between 1995–2005 and 2006–2016 were investigated based on sex and history of surgery.

Results

We identified 240 stillbirths and 1,099 deaths in this period. The annual number of stillbirths and deaths above the age of 1 year increased, whereas the number of deaths below 1 year did not change. The proportional mortality indicator at ages 20, 40, and 60 increased from 21.7%, 11.7%, and 1.7% in 1995 to 69.9%, 66.7%, and 36.6% in 2016, respectively. The median age at death was higher in females, individuals without a surgical history, and deaths occurring in 2006–2016. The median age at death increased over the period in those without a surgical history.

Conclusions

The age at death among people with Down syndrome has increased over the last 20 years, with currently 1 in 3 persons living over 60 years, necessitating adequate social welfare services in this aging population.
The Influence of Identity Salience on Framing Effectiveness: An Experiment
Authors: Diamond Emily P.
Published: June 2020

Efforts to influence attitudes on highly polarizing issues, such as climate change, often fail because individuals interpret political messages through the lens of their partisan identities. However, shifting the identity lens through which an individual interprets a message may result in more effective political communication. Through a preregistered survey experiment (n = 978), this study tested how priming either a partisan or a nonpartisan (parental) identity influenced the effectiveness of a climate change frame on several attitudinal outcomes. Findings suggest that identity salience—specifically partisan identity salience—can influence the effectiveness of a frame. Among Republican parents, receiving a message about the impact of climate change on future generations increased climate change concern and intended proclimate political behaviors, but this framing effect disappeared when a partisan identity was first primed. Among Democrat parents, framing had no significant effect until a partisan identity was first primed. The findings offer important insight into the role that identity salience plays in framing effectiveness and suggest that political communication on polarized issues is likely to be more effective at building bipartisan agreement when nonpartisan identities are salient.
The Volatility of Collective Action: Theoretical Analysis and Empirical Data
Authors: Louis Winnifred , Thomas Emma , McGarty Craig , Lizzio‐Wilson Morgana , Amiot Catherine , Moghaddam Fathali
Published: June 2020

Collective action is volatile: characterized by swift, unexpected changes in intensity, target, and forms. We conduct a detailed exploration of four reasons that these changes occur. First, action is about identities which are fluid, contested, and multifaceted. As the content of groups’ identities change, so do the specific norms for the identities. Second, social movements adopt new tactics, or forms of collective action. Tactical changes may arise from changes in identity, but also changes in the target or opponent groups, and changes in the relationships with targets and with other actors. Factions or wings of a group in conflict may in turn form identities based on opposition or support for differing tactics. Third, social movements change because participant motivation ebbs, surges, and also changes in quality (e.g., becoming more subjectively autonomous, or self‐determined). Finally, political social change occurs within socio‐political structures; these structures implicate higher‐level norms, which both constrain and emerge from actions (e.g., state openness or repression). Our analysis presents idealized and descriptive models of these relationships, and a new model to examine tactical changes empirically, the DIME model. This model highlights that collective actors canDisidentify after failure (giving up and walking away); they canInnovate, or try something new; and they can commit harder, convinced that they are right, with increased moral urgency (Moralization) and redoubled efforts (Energization).
The association between health‐related factors, physical and mental diseases, social activities, and cognitive function in elderly Koreans: a population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bae Sung‐Man
Published: June 2020

Aim

The purpose of this study was to verify the association of cognitive function with health‐related variables, diseases, and social activities.

Methods

Data from the 2016 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. The participants of that study were 5678 adults aged 60 years or older living in 17 major Korean regions nationwide.

Results

Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that gender, age, education, marital status, depressive symptoms, body mass index, regular exercise, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, hand grip strength, and social activities were all significantly associated with cognitive function in elderly Koreans. However, socioeconomic status, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, attendance at school reunions, volunteer work, and participation in political or civic organizations had no impact on cognitive function. First, the results indicated that men had better cognitive function than women; likewise, married individuals and those with a higher level of education also had better cognitive function. As age increased, cognitive function declined. Second, higher body mass index was related to poorer cognitive function, whereas regular exercise was positively associated with better cognitive function. In addition, higher activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living scores were associated with poorer cognitive function. Third, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with cognitive function. Finally, religious activities, social activities, and participation in leisure activities, cultural events, and sports were associated with better cognitive functioning. The possibility of reverse association exists between some of the variables (e.g. religious activity and cognitive function), and it is necessary to verify this possibility through a longitudinal study. The biggest limitation is that this is a cross‐sectional study, which made it unfeasible to investigate the causal pathways.

Conclusions

This study suggests that regularly exercising and attending social activities each help to improve cognitive function in the elderly.
Framing a Needed Discourse on Health Disparities and Social Inequities: Drawing Lessons from a Pandemic
Authors: Martin‐Howard Simone , Farmbry Kyle
Published: June 2020

COVID‐19 provides numerous opportunities for policy makers to consider matters of social equity in relation to the field of public health. Specifically, by reflecting on health disparities in relation to the disproportionate impact of COVID‐19 on minority and historically underserved populations, we can leverage a needed discourse on health outcomes for many communities. Grounded in the social determinants of health conceptual framework, this essay explores the application of the disproportionate impact of COVID‐19 to vulnerable populations and communities of color for a discussion of strategies for minimizing health disparities.
Effective enzymatic debridement of burn wounds depends on the denaturation status of collagen
Authors: Kwa Kelly A. A. , van Haasterecht Ludo , Elgersma Anouk , Breederveld Roelf S. , Groot Marie Louise , van Zuijlen Paul P. M. , Boekema Bouke K. H. L.
Published: June 2020

The treatment of burn wounds by enzymatic debridement using bromelain has shown promising results in our burn center. However, inadequate debridement occurred in a few cases in which the etiology of the burn was attributed to relatively low temperature burns. We hypothesized that bromelain is ineffective in burns in which collagen denaturation, which occurs approximately at 65°C, has not taken place. Our objective was to assess whether there is a relationship between the denaturation of collagen and the ability of bromelain to debride acute scald burn wounds of different temperatures. Ex vivo human skin from four different donors was cut into 1x1 cm samples, and scald burns were produced by immersion in water at temperatures of 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, and 100°C for 20 minutes. Denaturation of collagen was assessed with histology, using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and a fluorescently labeled collagen hybridizing peptide (CHP), and with second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. Burned samples and one control sample (room temperature) were weighed before and after application of enzymatic debridement to assess the efficacy of enzymatic debridement. After enzymatic debridement, a weight reduction of 80% was seen in the samples heated to 70°C and 100°C, whereas the other samples showed a reduction of 20%. Unfolding of collagen, loss of basket‐weave arrangement, and necrosis was seen in samples heated to 60°C or higher. Evident CHP fluorescence, indicative of collagen denaturation, was seen in samples of 60°C, 70°C and 100°C. SHG intensity, signifying intact collagen, was significantly lower in the 70°C and 100°C group (P <.05) compared to the lower temperatures. In conclusion, denaturation of collagen in skin samples occurred between 60°C and 70°C and strongly correlated with the efficacy of enzymatic debridement. Therefore, enzymatic debridement with the use of bromelain is ineffective in scald burns lower than 60°C.
A Sensitivity-Based Approach for Reliability Analysis of Randomly Excited Structures With Interval Axial Stiffness
Authors: Sofi Alba , Muscolino Giuseppe , Giunta Filippo
Published: June 2020

Reliability assessment of linear discretized structures with interval parameters subjected to stationary Gaussian multicorrelated random excitation is addressed. The interval reliability function for the extreme value stress process is evaluated under the Poisson assumption of independent up-crossing of a critical threshold. Within the interval framework, the range of stress-related quantities may be significantly overestimated as a consequence of the so-called dependency phenomenon, which arises due to the inability of the classical interval analysis to treat multiple occurrences of the same interval variables as dependent ones. To limit undesirable conservatism in the context of interval reliability analysis, a novel sensitivity-based procedure relying on a combination of the interval rational series expansion and the improved interval analysis via extra unitary interval is proposed. This procedure allows us to detect suitable combinations of the endpoints of the uncertain parameters which yield accurate estimates of the lower bound and upper bound of the interval reliability function for the extreme value stress process. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis enables to identify the most influential parameters on structural reliability. A numerical application is presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method as well as its usefulness in view of decision-making in engineering practice.
Development and Application of a Thin Flat Heat Pipe Design Optimization Tool for Small Satellite Systems
Authors: Isaacs Steven A. , Lapointe Caelan , Hamlington Peter E.
Published: June 2020

With easier access to space and the growing integration of power-dense components, small-scale thermal management solutions are increasingly in demand for small satellite systems. Due to the strict mass and volume requirements commanded by such power-dense small spacecraft, heat pipes with thin and flat architectures provide nearly ideal solutions for the efficient transfer and dissipation of heat. Unlike traditional heat pipes, however, the performance of thin heat pipes is heavily dependent on details of the internal heat pipe structure, including the vapor core geometry and structural mechanical characteristics. In this study, the development and testing of a new computational modeling and optimization tool are presented for the design of thin flat heat pipes. The computational model is described in detail and includes parameters that define properties of the liquid wick, vapor core, and structural case. The model is coupled to a gradient-based optimization procedure that minimizes a multi-objective cost function for a range of operating conditions. The cost function is expressed as the weighted sum of the total temperature drop, the liquid/vapor pressure ratio, the total mass of the heat pipe, and the structural deflection of the heat pipe during operation. The combined computational modeling and optimization tool is then used to design a copper-methanol flat heat pipe for a small satellite mission, where the optimization is performed with respect to both cold and hot orbital conditions. Validation of the optimized heat pipe is performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the initial and final designs.
Relationships Among Children’s Independent Mobility, Active Transportation, and Physical Activity: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Larouche Richard , Barnes Joel D. , Blanchette Sébastien , Faulkner Guy , Riazi Negin A. , Trudeau François , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: Children’s independent mobility (IM) may facilitate both active transportation (AT) and physical activity (PA), but previous studies examining these associations were conducted in single regions that provided limited geographical variability. Method: We recruited 1699 children (55.0% girls) in 37 schools stratified by level of urbanization and socioeconomic status in 3 regions of Canada: Ottawa, Trois-Rivières, and Vancouver. Participants wore a SC-StepRx pedometer for 7 days and completed a validated questionnaire from which we derived a 6-point IM index, the number of AT trips over a week, and the volume of AT to/from school (in kilometer per week). We investigated relationships among measures of IM, AT, and PA employing linear mixed models or generalized linear mixed models adjusted for site, urbanization, and socioeconomic status. Results: Each unit increase in IM was associated with 9% more AT trips, 19% higher AT volume, and 147 more steps per day, with consistent results across genders. Both measures of AT were associated with marginally higher PA when pooling boys’ and girls’ data. Children in Vancouver engaged in more AT. PA did not vary across site, urbanization, or socioeconomic status. Conclusion: IM was associated with more AT and PA regardless of where children lived, underscoring a need for IM interventions.
Applying Statistical Design of Experiments To Understanding the Effect of Growth Medium Components on Cupriavidus necator H16 Growth
Authors: Azubuike Christopher C. , Edwards Martin G. , Gatehouse Angharad M. R. , Howard Thomas P.
Published: June 2020

Chemically defined media (CDM) for cultivation of
C. necator
vary in components and compositions. This lack of consensus makes it difficult to optimize new processes for the bacterium. This study employed statistical design of experiments (DOE) to understand how basic components of defined media affect
C. necator
growth. Our growth model predicts that
C. necator
can be cultivated to high cell density with components held at low concentrations, arguing that CDM for large-scale cultivation of the bacterium for industrial purposes will be economically competitive. Although existing CDM for the bacterium are without amino acids, addition of a few amino acids to growth medium shortened lag phase of growth. The interactions highlighted by our growth model show how factors can interact with each other during a process to positively or negatively affect process output. This approach is efficient, relying on few well-structured experimental runs to gain maximum information on a biological process, growth.
Supplemental Material: Neoproterozoic Amdo and Jiayuqiao microblocks in the Tibetan Plateau: Implications for Rodinia reconstruction
Authors: Liu Yiming , Wang Yuhua , al. et
Published: June 2020

The data of Neoproterozoic granitic gneisses from Amdo and Jiayuqiao microblocks, Tibet.
Developing the infrastructure to support the optimisation of antibiotic prescribing using the learning healthcare system to improve healthcare services in the provision of primary care in England
Authors: Palin Victoria , Tempest Edward , Mistry Chirag , van Staa Tjeerd P
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The learning healthcare system (LHS) underpinned by data analysis and feedback to clinical care providers is thought to improve quality of care. The work aimed to implement an LHS for antibiotic prescribing in primary care in England.

Method

Deidentified patient-level data from general practices were processed and analysed at regular intervals (fortnightly increments). A dashboard application was developed and implemented displaying analytical graphics to give periodic feedback to clinicians, tailored to each clinical site. Benchmarking parameters were established by the analysis of two large national primary care datasets allowing peer-to-peer comparisons. To date, the dashboard is available to 70 English practices.

Conclusions

Successful implementation and uptake of the secure technical LHS infrastructure for the analysis and feedback to clinicians of their antibiotic prescribing demonstrate a great appetite for this type of frequent prescribing review in primary care, combining advanced data analytics with tailored feedback.