bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Propelled Rods: Insights and Perspectives for Active Matter
Authors: Bär Markus , Großmann Robert , Heidenreich Sebastian , Peruani Fernando
Published: December 2019

A wide range of experimental systems including gliding, swarming and swimming bacteria, in vitro motility assays, and shaken granular media are commonly described as self-propelled rods. Large ensembles of those entities display a large variety of self-organized, collective phenomena, including the formation of moving polar clusters, polar and nematic dynamic bands, mobility-induced phase separation, topological defects, and mesoscale turbulence, among others. Here, we give a brief survey of experimental observations and review the theoretical description of self-propelled rods. Our focus is on the emergent pattern formation of ensembles of dry self-propelled rods governed by short-ranged, contact mediated interactions and their wet counterparts that are also subject to long-ranged hydrodynamic flows. Altogether, self-propelled rods provide an overarching theme covering many aspects of active matter containing well-explored limiting cases. Their collective behavior not only bridges the well-studied regimes of polar self-propelled particles and active nematics, and includes active phase separation, but also reveals a rich variety of new patterns.
Evaluation of the associations between circulating microRNAs and kidney function in coronary angiography patients
Authors: Muendlein Axel , Geiger Kathrin , Leiherer Andreas , Saely Christoph H. , Fraunberger Peter , Drexel Heinz
Published: December 2019

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to chronic kidney disease. Little is known about the association between circulating miRNAs and kidney function in patients at high cardiovascular risk. We therefore investigated the association between a panel of candidate miRNAs and kidney function, based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), in two independent cohorts of patients undergoing coronary angiography. The present study totally included 438 patients undergoing coronary angiography, who were divided into a discovery cohort ( n = 120) and a validation cohort ( n = 318). A candidate miRNA panel comprising 50 renal miRNAs was selected from the literature, and expression levels of circulating miRNAs were determined by real-time PCR. Out of the initially tested candidate miRNAs, 38 miRNAs were sufficiently detectable in plasma. Their association with kidney function was evaluated in the discovery cohort. Associations of seven of these miRNAs with eGFR were significant after multiple testing correction via false discovery rate estimation. To verify obtained results, miRNAs with significant false discovery rates were further analyzed in the validation cohort. miR-106b-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-25-3p, and miR-451a proved to be significantly associated with eGFR also in the validation cohort (all P < 0.001). Association between the identified renal miRNAs and kidney function was confirmed by analysis of covariance adjusting for age, sex, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio. In conclusion, our study showed that miR-16-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-25-3p, miR-106b-5p, and miR-451a are significantly linked to kidney function in patients undergoing coronary angiography.
Research on the Disintegration Characteristics of Carbonaceous Mudstone and Properties of Modified Materials
Authors: Liu Xinxi , Li Yu , Li Shengnan , Zhou Yanming
Published: December 2019

This work presents the results of an experimental investigation aimed to study the disintegration of carbonaceous mudstone and properties of modified materials. The mineralogical composition of carbonaceous mudstone was determined with X‐ray diffraction. The microscopic characteristics of carbonaceous mudstone disintegration were determined with scanning electron microscopy. The surface modification effect of carbonaceous mudstone was researched by comparative tests on coatings’ hydrophobic property, fastness, and waterproof before and after modification, and the modification mechanism of polymer‐cement composite modified carbonaceous mudstone was analyzed. The results show that the mineral composition of carbonaceous mudstone mainly contains illite, quartz, and kaolinite. It is found that the disintegration of carbonaceous mudstone can be divided into external factors and internal factors. External factors are water and temperature difference, and internal factors are the swelling of the kaolinite and illite mineral particles. There are differences in the modification effects under different cement dosage. When the cement dosage is 30%, the modification effect is the best. The results may provide a reference for the prevention and control of soft rock slopes.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Corneal Wound Repair
Authors: Tao Hongyan , Chen Xiaoniao , Cao Hongmei , Zheng Lingyue , Li Qian , Zhang Kaiyue , Han Zhibo , Han Zhong-Chao , Guo Zhikun , Li Zongjin , Wang Liqiang
Published: December 2019

With the immunoregulation potential, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used for tissue regeneration by relieving inflammation in the injured tissues. When this repair process is interfered by immune disorders or pathological angiogenesis, the delays in corneal epithelial wound healing can lead to a persistent epithelial defect. Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), which carry abundant bioactive molecules from stem cells, have provided an alternative to regeneration therapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate if EVs from human placenta-derived MSCs (hP-MSCs) could ameliorate alkali injury of the cornea in the mouse model. 33.33 μg/μL EVs in 10 μL PBS were applied to the cornea. Repeat application three times, and 100 μg EVs (in 30 μL PBS) in total were administrated per day for two weeks. Our results revealed that EVs from hP-MSCs had preferable functions including enhancing proliferation and anti-inflammation and suppressing apoptosis of corneal epithelial cells. Furthermore, hP-MSC-derived EVs ameliorated mouse corneal wound healing by inhibiting angiogenesis and inflammation. Taken together, our current data suggested that hP-MSC-derived EVs have the beneficial effects of corneal wound healing, which provide alternative cell-free therapy with great practical value.
A Tumor-in-Host DEB-Based Approach for Modeling Cachexia and Bevacizumab Resistance
Authors: Tosca Elena M. , Rocchetti Maurizio , Pesenti Enrico , Magni Paolo
Published: December 2019

Adequate energy intake and homeostasis are fundamental for the appropriate growth and maintenance of an organism; the presence of a tumor can break this equilibrium. Tumor energy requests can lead to extreme weight loss in animals and cachexia in cancer patients. Angiogenesis inhibitors, acting on tumor vascularization, counteract this tumor–host energy imbalance, with significant results in preclinical models and more limited results in the clinic. Current pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic models mainly focus on the antiangiogenic effects on tumor growth but do not provide information about host conditions. A model that can predict energetic conditions that provide significant tumor growth inhibition with acceptable host body weight reduction is therefore needed. We developed a new tumor-in-host dynamic energy budget (DEB)–based model to account for the cytostatic activity of antiangiogenic treatments. Drug effect was implemented as an inhibition of the energy fraction subtracted from the host by the tumor. The model was tested on seven xenograft experiments involving bevacizumab and three different tumor cell lines. The model successfully predicted tumor and host body growth data, providing a quantitative measurement of drug potency and tumor-related cachexia. The inclusion of a hypoxia-triggered resistance mechanism enabled investigation of the decreased efficacy frequently observed with prolonged bevacizumab treatments. In conclusion, the tumor-in-host DEB-based approach has been extended to account for the effect of bevacizumab. The resistance model predicts the response to different administration protocols and, for the first time, the impact of tumor-related cachexia in different cell lines. Finally, the physiologic base of the model strongly suggests its use in translational human research.

Significance:

A mathematical model describes tumor growth in animal models, taking into consideration the energy balance involving both the growth of tumor and the physiologic functions of the host.
Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Eckman Peter M. , Katz Jason N. , El Banayosy Aly , Bohula Erin A. , Sun Benjamin , van Diepen Sean
Published: December 2019

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has evolved, from a therapy that was selectively applied in the pediatric population in tertiary centers, to more widespread use in diverse forms of cardiopulmonary failure in all ages. We provide a practical review for cardiovascular clinicians on the application of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult patients with cardiogenic shock, including epidemiology of cardiogenic shock, indications, contraindications, and the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit. We also summarize cannulation techniques, practical management and troubleshooting, prognosis, and weaning and exit strategies, with attention to end of life and ethical considerations.
Blood Pressure Variability and Neurologic Outcome After Endovascular Thrombectomy
Authors: Mistry Eva A. , Mehta Tapan , Mistry Akshitkumar , Arora Niraj , Starosciak Amy K. , De Los Rios La Rosa Felipe , Siegler James Ernest , Chitale Rohan , Anadani Mohammad , Yaghi Shadi , Khatri Pooja , de Havenon Adam
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Although higher blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with worse functional outcome after stroke, this association is not as well established in large vessel occlusion strokes treated with endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods—

In this post hoc analysis of BEST (Blood Pressure after Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke), a prospective, multicenter cohort study of anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing EVT, we determined the association of BPV with poor outcome or death (90-day modified Rankin Scale, 3–6). We calculated BPV during the first 24 hours after EVT for systolic and diastolic BP using 5 methodologies, then divided BPV into tertiles and compared the highest to lowest tertile using logistic regression.

Results—

Of the 443 patients included in our analysis, 259 (58.5%) had a poor outcome, and 79 (17.8%) died. All measures of BPV were significantly higher in patients with poor outcome or death, but the difference was more pronounced for systolic than diastolic BPV. In the logistic regression, the highest tertile of systolic BPV consistently predicted poor outcome (odds ratio, 1.8–3.5, all
P
<0.05). The rate of death within 90 days was 10.1% in the tertile with the lowest systolic BPV versus 25.2% in the tertile with the highest BPV (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

In EVT-treated stroke patients, higher BPV in the first 24 hours is associated with worse 90-day outcome. This association was more robust for systolic BPV. The mechanism by which BPV may exert a negative influence on neurological outcome remains unknown, but the consistency of this association warrants further investigation and potentially intervention.
The Financial Crisis and a Crisis of Expertise: A Chinese Genealogy of Neoliberalism
Authors: Dal Maso Giulia
Published: December 2019

The paper investigates the distinctly Chinese intertwining of expertise and state & financial capital to enrich the current understanding of neoliberalism as a hegemonic governing rationale. Since the summer of 2015, China has been experiencing one of its most severe financial crises since the adoption of a ‘socialist market economy’ in 1978. However, globally circulating narratives have failed to look beyond a Western-centric corollary, rehashing a critique of the Chinese one-party system and its lack of a ‘genuine’ free market. By exploring the specific genealogy of Chinese capitalism, and the distinctive Chinese financial-market structure, the article will show how the scientific authority of experts formulated amongst neoliberal thinkers never permeated the Chinese idea of knowledge. In the Chinese variety of financial capitalism, expertise is seen to lie not so much in the wisdom of individual experts as in their socio-political support, which legitimises their economic interventions.
Youngia jiulongshanensis (Asteraceae: Liguliflorae), a new species from Zhejiang, East China

Authors: CAI XIN , XU YUE-LIANG , LIU JU-LIAN , ZHOU HUI-LONG , JIN XIAO-FENG
Published: December 2019

A new species of Asteraceae, Youngia jiulongshanensis, is described and illustrated from Mount Jiulong, south-western Zhejiang Province of East China. It most closely resembles Youngia heterophylla, but differs in having smaller oblong basal leaves (vs. basal leaves oblanceolate), lateral lobes of leaves 1–2 pairs (vs. 1‒8 pairs), 5‒7(8) florets in each capitula (vs. 11‒25 florets in each capitula), involucre 5‒6 mm long (vs. 6‒7.5 mm long), inner phyllaries 5 (vs. 8). Observations on pollen grains of Youngia jiulongshanensis and Y. heterophylla detect the pollen grains of the new species are significantly larger than those of Y. heterophylla. Sequences of ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) and cp DNA demonstrate Youngia heterophylla as the closest extant relative of the new species.
First report of Gieysztoria falx Brusa, Damborenea & Noreña, 2003 (Platyhelminthes: Rhabdocoela) in southern Brazil
Authors: REYES JHOE , BINOW DANIELA , VIANNA ROGÉRIO T. , MARTINS SAMANTHA E.
Published: December 2019

Within Dalyelliidae Graff, 1905, Gieysztoria Ruebush & Hayes, 1939 is the most widely distributed and speciose genus, members of which live in marine, brackish, or freshwater habitats (Van Steenkiste et al., 2012). Gieysztoria is composed by ~97 free-living species (Tyler et al. 2016), and species identification is mainly made on the male copulatory system, which has an armed penis (stylet) with different configurations of spines (Noreña et al., 2016). The stylet configuration of Gieysztoria species is traditionally split into two groups: Aequales (spines of similar shape and size) and Inaequales (spines of different shape and size) (Luther, 1955). In the neotropics, specimens of Gieysztoria belong to both the Aequales and Inaequales group   and are well represented (Damborenea et al., 2005; Noreña et al., 2003). According to Braccini et al. (2016, 2017), there are 16 species of Gieysztoria in Brazil, mainly distributed in the southern region. South Brazil harbours a mosaic of wetlands that are considered hot spots of biodiversity, including the Taim Ecological Station (ESEC Taim) protected area that was designated as a Ramsar site (Ramsar, 2017). In the present study, Gieysztoria falx Brusa, Damborenea & Noreña, 2003 is registered in the ESEC Taim, located in Rio Grande do Sul. It represents the first record of G. falx in Brazil. Illustrations and comments on stylet configuration are given.
Microperla qinlinga Chen reviewed with supplementary illustrations and the description of the nymph
Authors: HUO QING-BO , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: December 2019

Microperla qinlinga Chen, 2019 was recently described, but details of the aedeagus were not included in the original description. In this paper, the male aedeagus and nymph of M. qinlinga are described for the first time. Additional information concerning the genus Microperla Chu, 1928 is discussed.
A new species of Ophthalmoblysis Scoble, 1995 (Geometridae: Ennominae) from México with ‘sleepy’ eyespots
Authors: GARZÓN-ORDUÑA IVONNE J.
Published: December 2019

A new species of Ophthalmoblysis Scoble, 1995 from Mexico is described and illustrated: O. ibarrai Garzón-Orduña, sp.n. The species is known only from Los Tuxtlas (Veracruz, Mexico), and is distinguished by the shape and pattern of the hindwing eyespot. Unlike the eyespot of other species in Ophthalmoblysis, that of O. ibarrai has a smaller and not fully circular inner black disc. In addition, O. ibarrai can be distinguished from a similar, undescribed species from Costa Rica by the presence of a sclerotized extension at the tip of the male valva and by the shape of the cornutus in the vesica. Ophthalmoblysis ibarrai represents the northernmost member of the genus.
Exploration on the adsorption mechanism of aminopyrimidines and quinazoline compounds on graphene oxide: Hydrophobicity and structure-controlled release process
Authors: Li Li , Pan Chunjiao , Guo Zhongqiu , Liu Bingmi , Pan Hao , Wu Haotian , Liu Yu
Published: December 2019

In this study, graphene oxide was synthesized using the Hummers method, and stable and homogeneous graphene oxide aqueous solutions were obtained through mechanical stirring and ultrasonic stripping. In conjunction with our previous studies, graphene oxide-loaded insoluble compound
delivery systems were prepared to verify the in vivo release profiles of the graphene oxide delivery system. Several insoluble compounds including imatinib, nilotinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib were selected for loading and in vitro graphene oxide release assays to study
the non-covalent adsorption mechanisms. Computer simulations were employed for validation processes. For in vivo release assays, the T1/2 values of the poorly water soluble groups were 1.104 ± 0.18 h and the Cmax was 2.600 ± 2.06 mg/L.
In previous assays, compounds with high water solubility supported by graphene oxide were released and detected in vivo. The solubility of the compound and its binding force with the carrier played a crucial role in release. The results of graphene oxide loading experiments showed that
the maximum loading and entrapment efficiencies of the insoluble model compounds with similar aromatic rings were comparable. Under basic conditions, the in vitro release rates and maximum release levels of amino pyrimidine were elevated. In contrast, quinazoline release declined. Combined
with computer simulations, π–π stacking was identified as the dominant mechanism for adsorption onto graphene oxide. Both hydrogen bonding and cation-π bonds played an auxiliary reinforcing role, and the two were regarded as antagonistic.
Characteristics of prepared fenpropathrin nano-emulsion and research on glutathione S-transferase enzymatic activity and penetration performance on T. cinnabarinus
Authors: Yang Ni , Tang Tao , Yu Huan , Xue Fei , Li Chuanzhen , Rong Shuang , He Lin , Qian Kun
Published: December 2019

In this study, fenpropathrin nano-emulsion (NE) was prepared by phase inversion emulsification method. 8% xylene and 2% solvent oil 150 (The main component is 1,2,4,5-Tetramethylbenzene) were used as solvent, styrylphenolpolyoxyethylene and calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate were used
as surfactants. The particle size, zeta potential, conductivity and contact angle were detected to evaluate the characteristic of the nano-emulsion. Toxicity of fenpropathrin nano-emulsion on the pest mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus, was analyzed. The particle sizes of 8% fenpropathrin
nano-emulsion and 20% fenpropathrin emulsion concentrates (EC) were 31.53 nm and 459.00 nm, zeta potentials were –22 mV and 5.762 mV, respectively, which showed that the size of nanoemulsion was much smaller and its stability was higher than that of EC. The contact angles of these two
formulations were tested in concentrations of 500 mg/L to 2000 mg/L. We found that the contact angle of NE at the same concentration was 32% lower than that of EC averagely. The results indicated that the wettability and adhesion ability of nano-emulsion droplets were better than those of
EC on the biological targets. According to determination of penetration performance to T. cinnabarinus, it was found that the penetration performance of NE to T. cinnabarinus is 4–6 times higher than that of EC. With the characteristics above, the NE has exhibited higher
biological activity on the T. cinnabarinus. The results of Glutathione-S-transferase (GSTs) enzymatic activity of T. cinnabarinus showed nano-emulsion had higher effects than EC. In conclusion, compared with EC, nano-emulsion has better penetration, biological activity and a
great application prospect in pesticide field in the future.
Effect of extrusion treatment on mechanical, thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys
Authors: Zhang Bo , Jia Huichao , Lian Quanyong , Jiang Lianyu , Wu Guangxin
Published: December 2019

The effect of extrusion treatment on the mechanical, thermal and corrosion resistance of Mg–La–Zn–Zr alloys were presented. It is suggested that the amount of recrystallized grains played a major role in both mechanical properties and thermal properties. It should
be noted the as-cast alloy shows the best thermal conductivity reached the value about 137.507 W/(m · K), however, the mechanical performance of magnesium alloys does not reach the expected results. The thermal properties of extruded alloys have slightly decreased and then increased
with the increase of extrusion temperature. Then the tensile properties of Mg–La–Zn–Zr were significantly improved after extrusion treatment. Furthermore, with the increase of extrusion temperature, the elongation-to-fracture increased substantially. After extrusion treatment,
the corrosion driving force of the alloy decreases, which reduces the corrosion tendency of the magnesium alloy. The alloy presented in this paper is expected to be applied in industry.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties in nanowires of InAs modulated with multiple-stub structures
Authors: Pan Changning , He Jun , Liu Zhiming , Shi Kaixing
Published: December 2019

The thermoelectric properties of InAs nanowires modulated with the multiple-stub structures are studied using the scattering-matrix method. Owing to the very large surface-to-volume ratio, both the phonon and electron transport sensitively depend on the geometric structure. Carrier
energy filtering which locally distorts electronic density of states strongly enhances the thermopower. Thus optimized thermopower, together with the significant reduction of the phonon thermal conductance, yields the high thermoelectric figure of merit ZT to 0.3∼1.9.
Seasonal Variability of the Transport through the Yucatan Channel from Observations
Authors: Athié Gabriela , Sheinbaum Julio , Candela Julio , Ochoa José , Pérez-Brunius Paula , Romero-Arteaga Angelica
Published: December 2019

The seasonal cycle of transport through the Yucatan Channel is estimated from 59 months of direct mooring measurements and 23 years of a transport proxy from AVISO sea level across the channel. Both exhibit a seasonal cycle with a maximum in summer (July–August) but have a minimum in March for the mooring and in November for AVISO data. The annual and semiannual harmonics explain respectively 19% (~32%) and 6% (~4%) of the subinertial variance of the moored (proxy) transports. Seasonal variations of zonal wind stress and anticyclonic wind stress curl over the Cayman Sea appear to be positively correlated with transport in Yucatan Channel and the northward extension of the Loop Current during the summer, agreeing to some extent with modeling results previously reported. Transport increments during summer coincide with enhanced regional easterly winds and anticyclonic wind stress curl in 60% of the cases (of 23 years). However, this connection is not as tight as model results suggest during winter. The summer correlation only appears to be valid in a broad statistical sense since it is modulated by large interannual and higher-frequency variability. Moored time series confirm previous results that the transport signal on the western side of the channel is quite different from the total Yucatan Channel transport and that eddy kinetic energy at higher frequencies (50–100 days) dominates the variability and is characterized by a relatively low net transport signal, with flow of opposite signs on each side of the channel.
Aortic cannula orientation and flow impacts embolic trajectories: computational cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Ho Raymond , McDonald Charles , Pauls Jo P , Li Zhiyong
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Emboli events are associated with the aortic cannula insertion and final position in the ascending aorta. However, the impact of subtle changes in aortic cannula movement and flow influencing embolic transport throughout the aortic arch is not well understood. The present study evaluated the aortic cannula’s outflow and orientation effect on emboli entering the aortic branch arteries.

Methods:

A simplified aortic computational model was anteriorly cannulated in the distal ascending aorta with a 21-French straight aortic cannula, and two orientations were analysed by injecting gaseous and solid emboli at pump flows 2, 3 and 5 L/minute. The first aortic cannula orientation (forward flow cannula) was directed towards the lesser curvature. The second aortic cannula orientation (rear flow cannula) was tilted slightly backwards by 15°, providing flow in the retrograde direction.

Results:

Forward flow cannula produced a primary arch flow, whereas rear flow cannula produced a secondary arch flow resulting in four times longer emboli arch resident times than forward flow cannula. The rear flow cannula had the highest percentage of gaseous emboli entering the brachiocephalic artery of 8%, 12% and 36% (at 2, 3 and 5 L/minute, respectively). Rear flow cannula provided a positive aortic branch arterial flow at all pump flows, whereas at forward flow cannula, the brachiocephalic artery experienced retrograde flows of −1.0% (3 L/minute) and −4.0% (5 L/minute), with the left common carotid −0.23% (5 L/minute). No significant number of solid emboli entered the aortic branch arteries.

Conclusion:

This numerical study illustrated distinct trajectory behaviours between gaseous and solid emboli where slight changes in aortic cannula orientation influenced idealised emboli direction with higher pump flows magnifying the effects.
An unusual thrombus location in a Heartmate 3TM device with fatal outcome
Authors: Banfi Carlo , Rigamonti Fabio , Ahmadov Kamran , Meyer Philippe , Hachulla Anne-Lise , Craviari Cecilia , Fontana Pierre , Bendjelid Karim , Giraud Raphaël
Published: December 2019

Even if the HeartMate 3TM left ventricular assist device is associated with excellent outcomes, complications, such as pump thrombosis continue to affect patients on hemodynamic support. We report the history of a 68-year-old man who underwent implantation of an HeartMate 3TM as a bridge to transplantation. Nineteen months later, he developed signs of heart failure leading to cardiogenic shock. Neither clinical examination nor parameters from the device allowed a clear-cut diagnosis. Only surgical exploration revealed the presence of clots between the polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron®) and polytetrafluoroethylene tubes. This constitutes a weakness of this device for which we propose to the manufacturer for minimal modifications to overcome the problem.
Hyperbaric oxygen suppresses stemness-associated properties and Nanog and oncostatin M expression, but upregulates β-catenin in orthotopic glioma models
Authors: Song Kun , Chen Junrui , Ding Jianbo , Xu Hao , Xu Hongzhi , Qin Zhiyong
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aimed to explore whether initial hyperbaric oxygen treatment affects the stemness of glioma stem cells using an in vivo basal ganglia glioma model.

Methods

A basal ganglia glioma rat model was established. Rats were exposed to normal oxygen or hyperbaric oxygen on days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. After 16 days of glioma cell inoculation, western blot, ELISA, and flow cytometry were performed to examine stemness-associated properties by examining the expression of CD133, A2B5, Nanog, oncostatin M, β-catenin, Oct-3/4, Sox2, and Nestin.

Results

Initial hyperbaric oxygen treatment began to affect glioma stemness-associated properties. The proportion of CD133+A2B5+ cells was significantly reduced after initial hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Additionally, the expression of stemness-related genes such as Nanog and oncostatin M was reduced, while TGF-β and β-catenin were increased.

Conclusions

Initial hyperbaric oxygen treatment not only alters the hypoxic microenvironment but also affects the stemness-associated properties of cancer stem cells.
Opportunities for participation, inclusion and recreation in school-aged children with disability influences parent occupations and family quality of life: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Bhopti Anoo , Brown Ted , Lentin Primrose
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Parents of children with disabilities experience long-term loss of occupations and increased caregiving responsibilities, which affect their individual and family quality of life. There is limited knowledge about the factors that influence the family quality of life of families when their child with disability is at school. This study examined the relationships between family quality of life, disability-related supports provided and parental occupations, and identified factors influencing family quality of life.

Method

A mixed-methods approach was utilised using the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Survey, a demographic questionnaire ( n = 50) and 12 qualitative interviews. Descriptive analyses and Spearman’s Rho correlations were conducted. Both sets of data were analysed and triangulated.

Findings

Participants reported high satisfaction with their family quality of life, with strong associations between parental occupations and family quality of life. Four qualitative themes highlighted that their family quality of life was hard, challenging and fluctuating; however, there were positives about having a child with disability, and receiving services and supports (formal and informal) for their child with disability helped family quality of life. In spite of this, caregiving was long-term and impacted their everyday occupations, challenging their family quality of life.

Conclusion

This study concludes that even though parents of a school-aged child with disability are happy to adopt the caregiver role and appreciate the positives of having a child with disability, lack of support within the mainstream schooling system and prolonged caregiving has a detrimental impact on the parents’ occupations, their health and wellbeing, and consequently on their family quality of life. Inadequate opportunities for recreation and lack of resources to manage persistent behaviours of concern highlight unequal participation opportunities for school-aged children with disabilities.
Shape optimization of joined cantilever beams as aeroelastic flutter energy harvester
Authors: Shakouri M , Outokesh M
Published: December 2019

In this study, flutter frequency of two joined cantilever beams used for energy harvesting has been investigated and optimized. Since there is a strong connection between the output power of the harvester and the system flutter frequency, maximizing flutter frequency increases the output energy significantly. The governing equations are developed using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, and series method as an analytical approach is used for the solution. The obtained results were compared with the previous investigations, and effects of change in geometrical parameters are studied. The maximum flutter frequency is obtained using shape optimization for the tail beam. It is concluded that the optimized shape of the tail beam with constant length and volume causes significant increase in the flutter frequency, which improves the output power.
Malleable Masculinity: Fashioning Male Identity in Teding van Berkhout’s Travel Letters (1739–1741)
Authors: Verhoeven Gerrit
Published: December 2019

Drawing evidence from the letters and travel journal of Jan Teding van Berkhout—scion of a wealthy regenten family from Delft—this article scrutinizes how elite masculinity and wellevendheid (politeness) were constructed, perceived, experienced, and contested in the eighteenth-century Dutch Republic. Berkhout’s correspondence not only hints at some important differences in the Netherlandish and British interpretation of polite masculinity but also evidences that ideas about what a “true man” was and how he should behave could differ substantially within one and the same family. Differences in age, gender, and the unequal balance of power created a set of—coexisting, competing, or clashing—multiple masculinities. Whether masculinity was performed front- or backstage also mattered, as politeness was frequently put on hold and replaced by intimate bawdiness. In fact, the spectrum of masculinities available in Berkhout’s correspondence casts some serious doubt on Connell’s idea of hegemonic masculinity.
Primary Care Practitioner Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (PTCAP): A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Espinet Stacey D. , Gotovac Sandra , Knight Sommer , Wissow Larry , Zwarenstein Merrick , Lingard Lorelei , Steele Margaret
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Rural primary care practitioners (PCPs) have a pivotal role to play in frontline pediatric mental health care, given limited options for referral and consultation. Yet they report a lack of adequate training and confidence to provide this care. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of the Practitioner Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (PTCAP) program, which was designed to enhance PCPs’ pediatric mental health care confidence. The program includes brief therapeutic skills and practice guidelines PCPs can use to address both subthreshold concerns and diagnosable conditions, themselves.

Methods

The study design was a pilot, cluster-randomized, multicenter trial. Practices were randomly assigned to intervention ( n practices = 7; n PCPs = 42) or to wait-list control ( n practices = 6; n PCPs = 34). The intervention involved 8 hr of training in practice guidelines and brief therapeutic skills for depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and behavioral disorders with case discussion and video examples, while the control practiced as usual. A linear random-effects model controlling for clustering and baseline was carried out on the individual-level data to examine between-group differences in the primary (i.e., confidence) and secondary (i.e., attitude and knowledge) outcomes at 1-week follow-up.

Results

Findings were a statistically significant difference in the primary outcomes. Compared to the control group, the intervention group indicated significantly greater confidence in managing diagnosable conditions ( d = 1.81) and general concerns ( d = 1.73), as well as in making necessary referrals ( d = 1.27) and obtaining consults ( d = 0.74). While the intervention did not significantly impact secondary outcomes (attitudes and knowledge), regression analysis indicated that the intervention may have increased confidence, in part, by ameliorating the adverse impact of negative mental health care attitudes.

Conclusion

PTCAP enhances PCPs’ child/youth mental health care confidence in managing both general and diagnosable concerns. However, an 8-hr session focused on applying brief therapeutic skills was insufficient to significantly change attitudes and knowledge. Formal testing of PTCAP may be warranted, perhaps using more intensive training and including outcome assessments capable of determining whether increased PCP confidence translates to more effective management and better patient outcomes.
Spiritual Care in Holistic Nursing Education: A Spirituality and Health Elective Rooted in T.R.U.S.T. and Contemplative Education
Authors: Scott Barss Karen
Published: December 2019

Research to date demonstrates that spiritual care as an integral part of holistic nursing can be hampered if nurses experience insufficient preparation or organizational cultures that fail to prioritize spiritual well-being. In response, the author has developed a three-credit spirituality and health elective in an undergraduate nursing program to help participants address spiritual needs and mobilize spiritual strengths within themselves, patients, and workplaces. Using the T.R.U.S.T. Model for Inclusive Spiritual Care as its framework, the six-unit course draws on contemplative education practices in hopes of preparing a critical mass of nurses with the ability and confidence to foster safe, relevant spiritual care and promote a holistic, patient-centered health care culture. Course participants regularly demonstrate and report deeper self-awareness, skills development, and confidence in relation to spiritual care; the course also has been positively evaluated and fully subscribed over its seven offerings to date, validating its effectiveness in relation to short-term outcomes. Research is needed to evaluate its long-term effectiveness in helping alumni integrate spiritual care into their holistic practice and workplace culture.
Effect of compression ratio variation and waste cooking oil methyl ester on the combustion and emission characteristics of an engine
Authors: Hojati Abbas , Shirneshan Alireza
Published: December 2019

In this research, a thermodynamic zero-dimensional model has been done to predict performance characteristics (in-cylinder pressure, heat released, and the thermal efficiency) of a diesel engine with the use of biodiesel–diesel fuel blends (B0, B20, B50, B80, and B100) at different compression ratios (14, 15, 16, 17, and 18). The corresponding mathematical and thermodynamic relationships have been solved in MATLAB. Based on the experimental tests, it was found that the developed model can predict the engine variables sufficiently. According to the results, the heat release rate and the cylinder pressure increased for all fuel blends by an increase in the compression ratio. Moreover, with the increasing biodiesel amount in the fuel blend (up to 50%) heat release rate and the cylinder pressure increased but these variables have a reduction when biodiesel percentage increases from 50 to 100 due to the lower heating value of waste cooking oil methyl ester in comparison with neat diesel fuel. Moreover, according to the experimental tests, carbon monoxide emission was reduced when biodiesel proportion increased in the fuel blend but the nitrogen oxides emitted from the engine enhanced when biodiesel amount in the fuel mixture increased. According to the results, it can be concluded that B50 has better combustion characteristics among all fuel blends.
Flexible modeling of ratio outcomes in clinical and epidemiological research
Authors: Berger Moritz , Schmid Matthias
Published: December 2019

In medical studies one frequently encounters ratio outcomes. For modeling these right-skewed positive variables, two approaches are in common use. The first one assumes that the outcome follows a normal distribution after transformation (e.g. a log-normal distribution), and the second one assumes gamma distributed outcome values. Classical regression approaches relate the mean ratio to a set of explanatory variables and treat the other parameters of the underlying distribution as nuisance parameters. Here, more flexible extensions for modeling ratio outcomes are proposed that allow to relate all the distribution parameters to explanatory variables. The models are embedded into the framework of generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS), and can be fitted using a component-wise gradient boosting algorithm. The added value of the new modeling approach is demonstrated by the analysis of the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio, which is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events, using data from the German Chronic Kidney Disease Study. Particularly, our results confirm various important findings on risk factors for cardiovascular events.
Sectoral Loan Portfolio Concentration and Bank Stability: Evidence from an Emerging Economy
Authors: Kusi Baah Aye , Adzobu Lydia , Abasi Alex Kwame , Ansah-Adu Kwadjo
Published: December 2019

In this study, the effect of sectoral loan portfolio concentration on bank stability is investigated in the Ghanaian banking sector between 2007 and 2014. Specifically, we investigate the linearity and non-linearity effects of sectoral loan concentration on bank stability given the limited exploration of this nexus. Employing a two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) robust random and fixed effects panel models of 30 banks, the study provides evidence showing that sectoral loan concentration weakens the stability of banks. This confirms the concentration-fragility hypothesis and the diversification theory of traditional banking but may promote bank stability beyond a certain threshold point. This implies that bank sectoral loan concentrate has a direct non-linear U-shape effect on bank stability in Ghana. We argue that although sectoral loan concentration may weaken stability of banks in the short run, it may however enhance the stability of banks in the long run through prolonged expert knowledge, experience and understanding of sectors. From these findings, policymakers, regulators and bank managers must not only develop and design policies and regulations that prohibit sectoral loan concentration but should also incorporate plans and policies that encourage banks to develop core competence and competitive advantage to take advantage of advancing bank stability through sectoral loan concentration.

JEL Codes: G10; G18; G41
Has China’s Investment Pattern in Sub-Saharan Africa Been Driven by Natural Resource Quest?
Authors: Nuetah J. Alexander , Xin Xian
Published: December 2019

We assess China’s investment patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using total investment data separated into foreign direct investment (FDI) and infrastructure investment in four separate groups of countries covering the period from 2005 to 2017. Answering four questions based on arguments by scholars on China’s involvement in the region, we find that: (a) FDI constitutes only about 27 percent of China’s total financial flows into SSA; (b) only 30 percent of the total financial flows from China to SSA have gone into the natural resource sector; (c) mineral-related investments in mineral-resource-endowed countries constitute less than one-third of the total investment; and (d) less than one-third of China’s total investment in the region is allocated to natural resource extraction. These findings seem to refute arguments that Chinese investments in Africa are directed at natural resource extraction and that only countries endowed with natural resources attract Chinese investments.
Primary Cutaneous Adenomyoepithelioma Ex Spiradenoma With Malignant Histologic Features, Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma Type: A First Case Report With Molecular Studies
Authors: Tran Tien Anh N. , Bridge Julia A. , Deharvengt Sophie J. , Green Donald C. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: December 2019

Adenomyoepithelioma is an extremely rare primary cutaneous neoplasm. Although there is ample evidence on the existence of malignant adenomyoepithelioma in the breast, a malignant counterpart in the skin has not been documented. We report a primary cutaneous adenomyoepithelioma (pcAME) with malignant features arising from a spiradenoma in a 39-year-old female patient. The tumor was solid-cystic in appearance and entirely located in the subcutaneous tissue. Histologically, the tumor displayed foci of adenomatous changes and adenomyoepitheliomatous hyperplasia adjacent to a minute spiradenoma. Gradual increase of architectural complexity, cytologic atypia, mitotic activity, and infiltrative growth were observed in a significant portion of the neoplasm, indicative of transformation to adenomyoepithelioma and subsequently low- to high-grade salivary-type epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMCA). The intimate dual populations of ductal and myoepithelial cells were highlighted by a panel of immunohistochemical stains in all different components of the tumor. Molecular studies revealed a PIKCA3 mutation, a genetic aberration that has been documented in EMCA, particularly of breast origin. The current case documents for the first time a pcAME with malignant features arising from a spiradenoma and suggests adenomyoepithelioma ex spiradenoma as a possible tumorigenesis pathway of this rare cutaneous tumor.
Comparing face-to-face and videoconference completion of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in community-based survivors of stroke
Authors: Chapman Jodie E , Cadilhac Dominique A , Gardner Betina , Ponsford Jennie , Bhalla Ruchi , Stolwyk Renerus J
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Videoconferencing may help address barriers associated with poor access to post-stroke cognitive screening. However, the equivalence of videoconference and face-to-face administrations of appropriate cognitive screening tools needs to be established. We compared face-to-face and videoconference administrations of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in community-based survivors of stroke. We also evaluated whether participant characteristics (e.g. age) influenced equivalence.

Methods

We used a randomised crossover design (two-week interval). Participants were recruited through community advertising and use of a stroke-specific database. Both sessions were conducted by the same researcher in the same location. Videoconference sessions were conducted using Zoom. A repeated-measures t-test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland–Altman plot and multivariate regression modelling were used to establish equivalence.

Results

Forty-eight participants (26 men, Mage = 64.6 years, standard deviation ( SD) = 10.1; Mtime since stroke = 5.2 years, SD = 4.0) completed the MoCA face-to-face and via videoconference on average 15.8 ( SD = 9.7) days apart. Participants did not perform systematically better in a particular condition, and no participant variable predicted difference in MoCA performance. However, the ICC was low (0.615), and the Bland–Altman plot indicated wide limits of agreement, indicating variability between sessions.

Discussion

Our findings provide preliminary evidence to support the use of videoconference to administer the MoCA following stroke. However, further research into the test–retest reliability of scores derived from the MoCA is needed in this population. Administering the MoCA via videoconference holds potential to ensure that all stroke survivors undergo cognitive screening, in line with recommended clinical practice.
Emotional intelligence impairments in women with fibromyalgia: Associations with widespread pain
Authors: Luque-Reca Octavio , Pulido-Martos Manuel , Gavilán-Carrera Blanca , García-Rodríguez Inmaculada C , McVeigh Joseph G , Aparicio Virginia A , Estévez-López Fernando
Published: December 2019

This study aimed at testing the differences in emotional intelligence ability between women with fibromyalgia (cases) and their age-matched counterparts not with fibromyalgia from the general population (controls) and analysing the association between emotional intelligence ability and widespread pain in women with fibromyalgia. A total of 133 cases and 77 controls participated in this cross-sectional study. Controls performed better than cases on emotion understanding. Higher emotion perception and management were significantly associated with lower widespread pain. Therefore, women with fibromyalgia may experience difficulties in understanding emotional information. In fibromyalgia, higher emotion perception and management abilities are independently related to lower widespread pain.