bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bearing Repair and Monitoring for Poyanghu Cable‐Stayed Bridge
Authors: Cheng X. X. , Ma F. B. , Chen J. Q. , Dong B. , Wu G.
Published: December 2020

Currently, the bearings of Poyanghu Bridge, a 636‐meter long cable‐stayed bridge, have been damaged. According to numerical analyses, the mechanical state of the damaged bridge unfavorably deviates from the ideal design state, and the bridge should be repaired in time to restore its safety and serviceability. However, compared with the bearing repair of beam bridges, much less scientific and engineering endeavors have been made in the history to direct the bearing repair of cable‐stayed bridges. This article proposes two innovative bearing repair schemes for cable‐stayed bridges and reports the numerical validations, the on‐location applications, and the monitoring of the proposed repair schemes under the engineering backgxround of Poyanghu Bridge. Through these works, it is found that the proposed repair schemes are effective in practical use.
Innovation Efficiency of High-Tech SMEs Listed in China: Its Measurement and Antecedents
Authors: Liu Lixia , Hou Yaming , Zhan Xueli , Wang Zongxian
Published: December 2020

Innovation efficiency is an important index to measure the innovation performance of high-tech enterprises. Numerous researches have been conducted on innovation efficiency at national, regional, and sectoral levels, while there are comparatively few studies on the innovation efficiency of high-tech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from a micro perspective. Therefore, innovation efficiency of 251 high-tech SMEs listed in China from 2012 to 2015 is measured with the super-SBM model in this paper. The results suggest that the overall innovation efficiency is low but shows an upward trend. In addition, the antecedents of innovation efficiency are explored using the panel regression model and the conclusions are as follows: (1) government subsidies, ownership concentration, and market competition deter enterprise innovation efficiency, and the impact of ownership concentration is found to be the most significant; (2) firm size and asset-liability ratio bear positively on enterprise innovation efficiency, with the effect of asset-liability ratio being greater; (3) firm age has significantly positive effects on scale efficiency but not on innovation efficiency and pure technical efficiency.
Bisphenol A and Its Analogues in Chinese Total Diets: Contaminated Levels and Risk Assessment
Authors: Yao Kai , Zhang Jing , Yin Jie , Zhao Yunfeng , Shen Jianzhong , Jiang Haiyang , Shao Bing
Published: December 2020

Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues (BPs) are suspected posing potential endocrine disrupting properties. They might migrate into foodstuffs through food packaging materials or contaminated water and soil. Dietary exposure is of paramount importance way for human health. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) lowered the value of tolerable daily intake (TDI) from 50 μg/kg bw/day (d) to a temporary (t) TDI (t-TDI) of 4 μg/kg bw/d. In this study, the Chinese total dietary samples were analyzed for assessing the exposure risk of BPs by diets. BPA, bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol AF (BPAF) were found in 12 kinds of food samples except for bisphenol B (BPB). A deterministic approach was used to calculate the dietary intakes of 4 kinds of compounds. For different age and gender groups, the exposure levels of BPA (178.440-403.672 ng/kg bw/d) was the highest, followed by BPS (21.372-52.112 ng/kg bw/d), BPF (20.641-50.507 ng/kg bw/d), and BPAF (0.434-1.210 ng/kg bw/d). Based on the t-TDI set by EFSA (4 μg/kg bw/d for BPA), the BPs through dietary intake pose low risks on the Chinese general population even summarization exposure levels of different BPs. However, human can be exposed to multiple endocrine disrupting chemicals rather than BPs alone; combined exposure risks should be further considered.
De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Combined CBFB-MYH11 and BCR-ABL1 Gene Rearrangements: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Sethapati Venkata Rakesh , Jabr Ra’ed , Shune Leyla , El Atrouni Wissam , Gonzales Patrick R. , Cui Wei , Golem Shivani
Published: December 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with inv(16)(p13.1q22) resulting in CBFB-MYH11 fusion is associated with a favorable prognosis. The presence of a KIT mutation modifies it to an intermediate prognosis. Additionally, inv(16) can cooperate with other genetic aberrations to further increase cell proliferation. Coexistence of inv(16) and t(9;22) is extremely rare (20 cases). We present a case of a 55-year-old male with elevated white blood cell count. Bone marrow evaluation and flow cytometry analysis were compatible with AML with monocytic features. Cytogenetic studies revealed two-related clones, a minor clone with inv(16) and a major clone with concurrent inv(16) and t(9;22) rearrangements. Fluorescent in situ hybridization studies confirmed these rearrangements. Molecular analysis detected a p190 BCR-ABL1 transcript protein. KIT mutations were negative. The patient was initially treated with standard induction regimen; 7 daily doses of cytarabine from day 1–day 7, 3 daily doses of daunorubicin from day 1–day 3, and 1 dose of Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) on day 1. The detection of t(9;22) led to the addition of daily doses of dasatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) from day 7 onwards. The patient achieved complete remission on day 45. During his treatment course, he acquired disseminated Fusarium infection. Day 180 bone marrow evaluation revealed florid relapse with 64% blasts. Cytogenetic study showed clonal evolution of the inv(16) clone with no evidence of the t(9;22) subclone. Eventually, bone marrow transplantation was contraindicated, and the patient was transferred to palliative care. Literature review revealed that AML with co-occurrence of CBFB-MYH11 and BCR-ABL1 gene rearrangements was involved by only a small number of cases with de novo and therapy-related AML. Most cases were in myeloid blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Treatment and prognosis among the de novo AML cases varied and majority of them achieved clinical remission. In contrast, these cytogenetic abnormalities in the blast phase of CML had a poor prognosis. As the prognosis and management of AML is dependent upon the underlying genetic characteristics of the neoplasm, it is imperative to include clinical outcome with such rare combinations of genetic alterations.
Service Recommendation with High Accuracy and Diversity
Authors: Wu Shengqi , Kou Huaizhen , Lv Chao , Huang Wanli , Qi Lianyong , Wang Hao
Published: December 2020

In recent years, the number of web services grows explosively. With a large amount of information resources, it is difficult for users to quickly find the services they need. Thus, the design of an effective web service recommendation method has become the key factor to satisfy the requirements of users. However, traditional recommendation methods often tend to pay more attention to the accuracy of the results but ignore the diversity, which may lead to redundancy and overfitting, thus reducing the satisfaction of users. Considering these drawbacks, a novel method called DivMTID is proposed to improve the effectiveness by achieving accurate and diversified recommendations. First, we utilize users’ historical scores of web services to explore the users’ preferences. And we use the TF-IDF algorithm to calculate the weight vector of each web service. Second, we utilize cosine similarity to calculate the similarity between candidate web services and historical web services and we also forecast the ranking scores of candidate web services. At last, a diversification method is used to generate the top-

K

recommended list for users. And through a case study, we show that DivMTID is an effective, accurate, and diversified web service recommendation method.
Experimental Study on the Soil Conditioning Materials for EPB Shield Tunneling in Silty Sand
Authors: Cheng Chi-Hao , Liao Shao-Ming , Huo Xiao-Bo , Chen Li-Sheng
Published: December 2020

Earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunneling in a silty sand stratum is frequently faced with the wear of rotary cutter disc, clogging, or even collapse of workface due to its noncohesive and discrete properties of silty sand material. Soil conditioning is an effective way to reduce the discrete and friction properties of silty sand and to increase its rheology and fluidity, thus improving the cutting performance of EPB machines. However, soil conditioning materials were generally prepared and injected based on past limited field experiences or lab tests which were far from reality. In this article, a ground suitability test system for simulating shield tunneling in a conditioned ground was specially developed and used in a series of tests to investigate the influences of key factors of soil conditioning on the shield cutting performance. In addition, a field experiment of shield tunneling in silty sand of Wuhan Metro was conducted for verification. The major findings were obtained as follows. (1) The proposed test system performed well in simulating and assessing the cutting performance of EPB shield in conditioned soils, and the test results agreed well with the field test. (2) The soil conditioning materials can significantly reduce the cutting torque of shield tunneling in silty sand by up to 60%–70%. (3) The optimal foam and slurry parameters are suggested in the paper for shield tunneling in silty sand, respectively. (4) The test results reveal that the slurry conditioning is better than the foam in decreasing the cutter torque in silty sand. To achieve the same effect of soil conditioning, the injection ratios of foam and slurry should be 45% and 10%, respectively, to achieve the torque reduction ratio of 60%. These findings can provide a practical reference for engineers to determine the best‐fit conditioning materials and construction parameters in the silty sand stratum.
Static and Dynamic Brazilian Tests on Layered Slate considering the Bedding Directivity
Authors: Ou Xuefeng , Zhang Xuemin , Feng Han , Zhang Cong , Zhou Xianshun , Wang Lei
Published: December 2020

A layered rock usually exhibits strong anisotropy due to its layered structure. In order to study the anisotropic effect on its static and dynamic tensile properties, a medium strength anisotropy slate is chosen and tested in five groups of bedding plane dip angles. The dynamic tests were carried out by a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB), and the failure process of rock samples is recorded by a high‐speed camera. The failure mode and strength characteristic of the slate are analyzed. The static test results show that layered structure significantly affects the failure mode, and the influence of the bedding plane depends on the degree of anisotropy. The static and dynamic “tensile strength” exhibit the “U” type strength anisotropy. For samples in the same dip angle group, the “tensile strength” shows clear dynamic strengthening effect, and the growth rate is most significant at θ = 45°.
High Expression of COL17A1 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes the Tumor Progression via NF-κB Pathway in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mao Feiyu , Li Duguang , Xin Zechang , Du Yan , Wang Xiaodong , Xu Peng , Li Zhennan , Qian Jianjun , Yao Jie
Published: December 2020

COL17A1 (collagen type XVII alpha 1 chain) is known to be upregulated and has a prognostic role in many malignancies, as well as contributing to cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. However, little knowledge is available on the expression and prognostic value of COL17A1 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In our study, we searched the public database and found that mRNA and protein levels of COL17A1 are commonly upregulated in PDAC tissues. The immunohistochemical analysis conducted by us revealed enhanced expression of COL17A1 protein in 169 PDAC samples compared with that in 67 adjacent normal tissues. We also observed a significantly positive correlation between COL17A1 expression and lymph node metastasis (

p
<
0.0001

), TNM clinical stage (

p
<
0.0001

), and pathology differentiation (

p
<
0.01

). The KM-plot results indicated that PDAC patients with a high COL17A1 expression have a poorer overall survival (

p
<
0.001

) than those with a low COL17A1 expression. The result of the Cox regression analysis of multivariate data suggested COL17A1 is an independent prognostic indicator of PDAC patients’ overall survival. CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell assays suggested that COL17A1 knockdown markedly inhibited tumor proliferation and invasion in PDAC cells, and cells with COL17A1 overexpression had a prominently higher proliferative and invasive capacity. Knockdown of COL17A1 significantly upregulated the apoptosis rate. We deduce that upregulated COL17A1 activated the NF-κB pathway in PDAC cells. In summary, our studies showed the prognostic value of COL17A1 in PDAC and that COL17A1 may act as a molecular therapeutic target for PDAC treatment.
Characterization of the Dynamic Imbibition Displacement Mechanism in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs Using the NMR Technique
Authors: Dou Liangbin , Yang Min , Gao Hui , Jiang Dongxing , Liu Chenglu
Published: December 2020

An experimental technique is developed to investigate the dynamic imbibition displacement mechanism in tight sandstone formations of the Yanchang group of the Ordos basin. By combining the dynamic imbibition core flooding experiments and NMR technique, the effects of the injection volume and rate on displacement efficiency are investigated. Moreover, the displacement efficiency of dynamic imbibition is compared with that of static imbibition. This study gains insights into the micromechanisms of dynamic imbibition in tight sandstone formations. It is found that the relative displacement efficiency of dynamic imbibition increases with the increase of injection volume. But the increment amplitude decreases with the increase of injection volume. With the same injection volume, the core displacement efficiency of dynamic imbibition with high permeability is obviously improved. However, the core displacement efficiency decreases rapidly with the increase of injection volume. Optimal injection volumes are recommended for tight sandstone formations with different permeabilities. With the increase of the displacement rate, the core displacement efficiency of dynamic imbibition shows a trend of first rising and then declining. There exists an optimal displacement rate in dynamic imbibition displacement, and the optimal displacement rate almost linearly increases with the increase of core permeability. The static imbibition displacement efficiency increases with the increase of soaking time, but the increment amplitude slows down obviously. The displacement efficiency of static imbibition in small pores is higher than that of dynamic imbibition. The displacement efficiency of dynamic imbibition in large pores or microcracks is significantly higher than that of static imbibition. This study provides theoretical support for the optimization and improvement of the waterflooding recovery process in tight sandstone reservoirs.
Gengnianchun Recipe Protects Ovarian Reserve of Rats Treated by 4-Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide via the AKT Pathway
Authors: Zhao Fangui , Wang Wenjun
Published: December 2020

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) refers to a decrease in the number and quality of oocytes. Western treatment of DOR does not improve the ovarian reserve fundamentally, and the effect is limited. Gengnianchun recipe (GNC) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula originally applied to treat menopausal syndrome but is also found to be effective in treating clinical DOR patients. Here we aim to examine the effect of GNC in a DOR rat model induced by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), a chemical that selectively destroys ovarian small preantral follicles, and further investigate the possible mechanisms. Female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (C), model group (M), high-dose GNC group (H), and low-dose GNC group (L). Rats in M, H, and L were administered with VCD and normal saline, high-dose GNC, and low-dose GNC separately. Rat ovaries were harvested either to conduct HE staining for follicle count, immunohistochemistry, or western blot. We found that high dose of GNC significantly increased the ovarian index and sustained the number of primordial follicles and primary follicles in VCD treated rats. Moreover, high dose of GNC significantly increased the ovarian protein expression of mouse vasa homologue (MVH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) compared with that in the model group. Besides, high-dose GNC significantly increased ovarian AKT phosphorylation and the expression of downstream forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a). Proapoptosis proteins of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) were significantly decreased after high-dose GNC treatment compared with those in the model group. Taken together, these findings suggest that high-dose GNC could protect ovarian reserve against VCD-induced toxicity via the activation of the AKT signaling pathway and reduced cell apoptosis in SD Rats. This effect could either be induced by the increased FSHR signaling or by the nontranscriptional activation of ERβ, which requires further investigation.
In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidative Activity against Radiation‐Induced Damage and the Systematic Chemical Components of Different Extracts of Lagotis brevituba Maxim
Authors: Zhang Dan , Tan Lihong , Yao Ling , Tao Wei , Gong Ruixue , LuoRong Quji , Cao Weiguo
Published: December 2020

Lagotis brevituba Maxim is a perennial species distributed in the highlands of China, which has been used for more than 2000 years as a traditional Tibetan medicinal plant. However, no attention has been paid to the antioxidant activities of Lagotis brevituba Maxim in vitro or in vivo. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of Lagotis brevituba Maxim against radiation‐induced damage as well as the systematic chemical components. To explore the relationship between the antioxidant activity and extraction solvent, Lagotis brevituba Maxim was extracted with three different solvents: methanol, water, and acetone. In antioxidant assays in vitro, the water extract had the strongest reducing power, 2,2‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical, and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity compared with the methanol and acetone extracts. However, the methanol extract was more potent in the β‐carotene/linoleic acid cooxidation assay. In antioxidant assays in vivo, mice that were exposed to 6.0 Gy60Co γ‐ray whole‐body radiation on day 15 after administration of Lagotis brevituba Maxim decreased their level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in a dose‐dependent manner compared with the control group, indicating that Lagotis brevituba Maxim had favorable antioxidant activities in vivo. In addition, a total of 44 compounds were tentatively identified by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS), including 19 flavonoids, 14 phenols, 8 phenylethanoid glycosides, 2 iridoid glycosides, and 1 carbohydrate. We obtained 25 compounds from plants in the genus Lagotis for the first time. These results suggested that Lagotis brevituba Maxim had potent antioxidant activity and could be explored as a novel natural antioxidant.
Comparison between Two Inspiratory Muscle Training Protocols, Low Loads versus High Loads, in Institutionalized Elderly Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Martin-Sanchez Carlos , Barbero-Iglesias Fausto José , Amor-Esteban Victor , Martin-Nogueras Ana María
Published: December 2020

Background: Aging results in a decline in the function of the respiratory muscles. Inspiratory muscle training is presented as a possible solution to attenuate the loss of respiratory function in the elderly. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 2 protocols with inspiratory muscle training (IMT), low loads and high loads, to improve respiratory strength, functional capacity and dyspnea in institutionalized elderly women, over 65 years. Methods: The study was a controlled, randomized, double-blind trial and with allocation concealment performed on 26 institutionalized elderly women distributed in 2 groups, the high-intensity group (HIG) and low-intensity group (LIG). Over an 8-week period an IMT protocol was followed 5 days/week, 15 min/day. The HIG trained with a load of 40% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and the LIG with 20%. MIP, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), functional capacity and dyspnea were evaluated. Results: After training, in the HIG MIP, MEP and functional capacity increased 52, 16 and 7%, respectively (p = 0.000, p = 0.001, p = 0.001) and in the LIG 30, 18 and 9%, respectively (p = 0.002, p = 0.014, p = 0.001). The improvement in MIP was significantly higher in the HIG than in the LIG (p = 0.042). Conclusion: IMT with low and high loads improves respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in institutionalized elderly women. In addition, high loads were significantly more effective to improve MIP.
Association of Serotonin Transporter Gene (5-HTTLPR/rs25531) Polymorphism with Comorbidities of Panic Disorder
Authors: Tanahashi Shunsuke , Tanii Hisashi , Konishi Yoshiaki , Otowa Takeshi , Sasaki Tsukasa , Tochigi Mamoru , Okazaki Yuji , Kaiya Hisanobu , Okada Motohiro
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Panic disorder (PD) has many comorbidities such as depression, bipolar disorder (BPD), and agoraphobia (AG). PD is a moderately heritable anxiety disorder whose pathogenesis is not well understood. Recently, a tri-allelic serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR/rs25531) polymorphism was reported to be more sensitive to personality traits compared to the bi-allelic 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. We hypothesized that the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphism may lead to a pathological anxious state depending on the presence or absence of a comorbidity in PD. Methods: In this study, we investigated the relationship between comorbidities in PD and tri-allelic 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms. A total of 515 patients with PD (148 males, 367 females) were genotyped, and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory as well as anxiety-related psychological tests were administered. Depression, BPD, and AG were diagnosed as comorbidities. Results: For the tri-allele 5-HTTLPR genotype, a significant interaction effect was found between openness to experience and comorbid depression. Examination of the interaction between AG and the tri-allelic 5-HTTLPR genotype revealed that L’ allele carriers are associated with higher trait anxiety than the S’S’ genotype group in PD without AG. Conclusion: Some anxiety and personality traits can be characterized by the tri-allelic gene effect of 5-HTTLPR. These results suggest that tri-allelic 5-HTTLPR genotypes have genetic effects on the presence of comorbidities of PD.
TSP-1 (Thrombospondin-1) Deficiency Protects ApoE
−/−
Mice Against Leptin-Induced Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ganguly Rituparna , Khanal Saugat , Mathias Amy , Gupta Shreya , Lallo Jason , Sahu Soumyadip , Ohanyan Vahagn , Patel Aakaash , Storm Kyle , Datta Sujay , Raman Priya
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Hyperleptinemia, hallmark of obesity, is a putative pathophysiologic trigger for atherosclerosis. We previously reported a stimulatory effect of leptin on TSP-1 (thrombospondin-1) expression, a proatherogenic matricellular protein implicated in atherogenesis. However, a causal role of TSP-1 in leptin-driven atherosclerosis remains unknown.

Approach and Results:

Seventeen-weeks-old ApoE
−/−
and TSP-1
−/−
/ApoE
−/−
double knockout mice, on normocholesterolemic diet, were treated with or without murine recombinant leptin (5 µg/g bwt, IP) once daily for 3 weeks. Using aortic root morphometry and en face lesion assay, we found that TSP-1 deletion abrogated leptin-stimulated lipid-filled lesion burden, plaque area, and collagen accumulation in aortic roots of ApoE
−/−
mice, shown via Oil red O, hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson trichrome staining, respectively. Immunofluorescence microscopy of aortic roots showed that TSP-1 deficiency blocked leptin-induced inflammatory and smooth muscle cell abundance as well as cellular proliferation in ApoE
−/−
mice. Moreover, these effects were concomitant to changes in VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein)-triglyceride and HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol levels. Immunoblotting further revealed reduced vimentin and pCREB (phospho-cyclic AMP response element-binding protein) accompanied with augmented smooth muscle-myosin heavy chain expression in aortic vessels of leptin-treated double knockout versus leptin-treated ApoE
−/−
; also confirmed in aortic smooth muscle cells from the mice genotypes, incubated ± leptin in vitro. Finally, TSP-1 deletion impeded plaque burden in leptin-treated ApoE
−/−
on western diet, independent of plasma lipid alterations.

Conclusions:

The present study provides evidence for a protective effect of TSP-1 deletion on leptin-stimulated atherogenesis. Our findings suggest a regulatory role of TSP-1 on leptin-induced vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transition and inflammatory lesion invasion. Collectively, these results underscore TSP-1 as a potential target of leptin-induced vasculopathy.
CXCR4-Binding Positron Emission Tomography Tracers Link Monocyte Recruitment and Endothelial Injury in Murine Atherosclerosis
Authors: Baba Osamu , Huang Li-Hao , Elvington Andrew , Szpakowska Martyna , Sultan Deborah , Heo Gyu Seong , Zhang Xiaohui , Luehmann Hannah , Detering Lisa , Chevigne Andy , Liu Yongjian , Randolph Gwendalyn J.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

vMIP-II (viral macrophage inflammatory protein 2)/vCCL2 (viral chemotactic cytokine ligand 2) binds to multiple chemokine receptors, and vMIP-II-based positron emission tomography tracer (
64
Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II: vMIP-II tracer) accumulates at atherosclerotic lesions in mice. Given that it would be expected to react with multiple chemokine receptors on monocytes and macrophages, we wondered if its accumulation in atherosclerosis lesion-bearing mice might correlate with overall macrophage burden or, alternatively, the pace of monocyte recruitment.

Approach and Results:

We employed a mouse model of atherosclerosis regression involving adenoassociated virus 8 vector encoding murine Apoe (AAV-mApoE) treatment of
Apoe
−/−
mice where the pace of monocyte recruitment slows before macrophage burden subsequently declines. Accumulation of
64
Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II at
Apoe
−/−
plaque sites was strong but declined with AAV-
mApoE
-induced decline in monocyte recruitment, before macrophage burden reduced. Monocyte depletion indicated that monocytes and macrophages themselves were not the only target of the
64
Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II tracer. Using fluorescence-tagged vMIP-II tracer, competitive receptor blocking with CXCR4 antagonists, endothelial-specific Cre-mediated deletion of CXCR4, CXCR4-specific tracer
64
Cu-DOTA-FC131, and CXCR4 staining during disease progression and regression, we show endothelial cell expression of CXCR4 is a key target of
64
Cu-DOTA-vMIP-II imaging. Expression of CXCR4 was low in nonplaque areas but strongly detected on endothelium of progressing plaques, especially on proliferating endothelium, where vascular permeability was increased and monocyte recruitment was the strongest.

Conclusions:

Endothelial injury status of plaques is marked by CXCR4 expression and this injury correlates with the tendency of such plaques to recruit monocytes. Furthermore, our findings suggest positron emission tomography tracers that mark CXCR4 can be used translationally to monitor the state of plaque injury and monocyte recruitment.
Ambient Air Pollution and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bevan Graham H. , Al-Kindi Sadeer G. , Brook Robert D. , Münzel Thomas , Rajagopalan Sanjay
Published: December 2020

Ambient air pollution due to particulate matter ≤2.5 μ is the leading environmental risk factor contributing to global mortality, with a preponderant majority of these deaths attributable to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) causes such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Epidemiological studies in humans have provided refined estimates of exposure risk, with evidence suggesting that risk association with particulate matter ≤2.5 levels and ASCVD continues at levels well below air quality guidelines in North America and Europe. Mechanistic studies in animals and humans have provided a framework of understanding of the duration and pathways by which air pollution exposure may predispose to atherosclerosis. Although acute exposure to particulate matter ≤2.5 is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, system transmission of signals from the lungs to extrapulmonary sites may involve direct translocation of components, biologic intermediates, and autonomic nervous system activation. End-organ effector pathways such as endothelial barrier disruption/dysfunction, thrombosis, vasoconstriction/increased blood pressure, and plaque instability, may contribute to ASCVD. The strength of the association of air pollution with ASCVD offers an opportunity to mitigate its consequences. Although elimination of anthropogenic sources of air pollution with a switch to clean energy provides the ultimate solution, this may not be possible in the interim and may require personal protection efforts and an integrated approach to managing risk posed by air pollution for ASCVD.
Emulating Randomized Clinical Trials With Nonrandomized Real-World Evidence Studies
Authors: Franklin Jessica M. , Patorno Elisabetta , Desai Rishi J. , Glynn Robert J. , Martin David , Quinto Kenneth , Pawar Ajinkya , Bessette Lily G. , Lee Hemin , Garry Elizabeth M. , Gautam Nileesa , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Background:

Regulators are evaluating the use of noninterventional real-world evidence (RWE) studies to assess the effectiveness of medical products. The RCT DUPLICATE initiative (Randomized, Controlled Trials Duplicated Using Prospective Longitudinal Insurance Claims: Applying Techniques of Epidemiology) uses a structured process to design RWE studies emulating randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and compare results. We report findings of the first 10 trial emulations, evaluating cardiovascular outcomes of antidiabetic or antiplatelet medications.

Methods:

We selected 3 active-controlled and 7 placebo-controlled RCTs for replication. Using patient-level claims data from US commercial and Medicare payers, we implemented inclusion and exclusion criteria, selected primary end points, and comparator populations to emulate those of each corresponding RCT. Within the trial-mimicking populations, we conducted propensity score matching to control for >120 preexposure confounders. All study measures were prospectively defined and protocols registered before hazard ratios and 95% CIs were computed. Success criteria for the primary analysis were prespecified for each replication.

Results:

Despite attempts to emulate RCT design as closely as possible, differences between the RCT and corresponding RWE study populations remained. The regulatory conclusions were equivalent in 6 of 10. The RWE emulations achieved a hazard ratio estimate that was within the 95% CI from the corresponding RCT in 8 of 10 studies. In 9 of 10, either the regulatory or estimate agreement success criteria were fulfilled. The largest differences in effect estimates were found for RCTs where second-generation sulfonylureas were used as a proxy for placebo regarding cardiovascular effects. Nine of 10 replications had a standardized difference between effect estimates of <2, which suggests differences within expected random variation.

Conclusions:

Agreement between RCT and RWE findings varies depending on which agreement metric is used. Interim findings indicate that selection of active comparator therapies with similar indications and use patterns enhances the validity of RWE. Even in the context of active comparators, concordance between RCT and RWE findings is not guaranteed, partially because trials are not emulated exactly. More trial emulations are needed to understand how often and in what contexts RWE findings match RCTs.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT03936049, NCT04215523, NCT04215536, NCT03936010, NCT03936036, NCT03936062, NCT03936023, NCT03648424, NCT04237935, NCT04237922.
Towards a Standard Model of the Cognitive Science of Nationalism – the Calendar
Authors: Fux Michal , Barreto Amílcar Antonio
Published: December 2020

The Cognitive Science of Nationalistic Behavior (CSNB), presented in this paper, integrates the political sciences of nationalities as invented communities with an evolutionary cognitive analysis of social forms as products of the human mind. The framework is modeled after the Cognitive Science of Religion, where decades of cross-disciplinary work has generated standards, predictions, and data about the role of individual cognitive tendencies in shaping societies. We study the nationalistic calendar as a cultural attractor and draw on cue-based behavioral motivation and differential autobiographical memory systems to explain its appeal to the human mind. Calendrical elements are analyzed in the context of essentialist thought patterns and action representation systems. We conclude with the implications of calendrical thinking on the control of elites who aim to forge and reinforce national identities. This paper lays the groundwork for applying a similar approach to the study of other nationalistic elements.
Futuwwa as the Noblest Character Traits (Makārim al-Akhlāq) in Anṣārī’s Manāzil al-Sāʾirīn with al-Kāshānī’s Commentary
Authors: Ali Mukhtar H.
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the Sufi concept of futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) in ʿAbdallāh Anṣārī al-Harawī’s (d. 481/1089) classic manual of spiritual wayfaring, Manāzil al-Sāʾirīn (“Stations of the Wayfarers”). After briefly taking stock of the earliest statements on futuwwa cited in al-Qushayrī’s (d. 465/1073) Risāla, we take a closer look at the Manāzil’s commentarial tradition, offering a complete translation of both Anṣārī’s chapter on the subject and ʿAbd al-Razzāq al-Kāshānī’s (d. 731/1330) commentary. In Anṣārī’s view, there are three aspects to futuwwa. The first aspect is in relation to oneself, the second is in relation to others, and the third is in relation to God. Futuwwa in relation to oneself is to accept trials and tribulations in stride. With respect to others, it is to hold oneself but not others accountable, seeing outward injuries as inward blessings. With respect to one’s relation to God, it is to abandon means and ends, relying on God alone through the heart’s reception, not the intellect’s endeavour. The discussion section offers an ontological-ethical investigation through a close reading of the text and its commentary, then offers a broader perspective on futuwwa, which is tantamount to the noblest character traits (makārim al-akhlāq). In the final analysis, futuwwa symbolises the quality of the spiritual warrior who conquers his lower self to attain the makārim al-akhlāq.
Embodying Asceticism: Masculinity, Manliness, and the Male Body in Muḥammad al-ʿArabī al-Darqāwī’s Majmūʿ Rasā⁠ʾil
Authors: Landorf Brittany
Published: December 2020

This study examines the logics of masculinity, manliness, and the corporeal male body in shaykh Muḥammad al-ʿArabī ibn Aḥmad al-Darqāwī al-Ḥasanī’s (d. 1239/1823) Majmūʿ Rasā⁠ʾil (“Collection of Epistles”). It argues that al-Darqāwī’s Rasā⁠ʾil constructed a prescriptive pious masculinity defined by mastery of the body and self, practical acts of ascetic devotion and humility, the hierarchical relationship between a Sufi master and his disciples, and the denigration of normative masculine virtues and behaviours. While al-Darqāwī instructed his followers to practice tajrīd, or divestment from the material world, and to eschew the habits of the men of murūʾa, this act did not seek to completely transcend the masculine body. Rather, his understanding of prescriptive pious masculinity was centred in embodied ascetic acts which created an analogous relationship between the physical act of purifying the corporeal body with the disciplining of the self (nafs). Mastering the body and the self, al-Darqāwī wrote, would lead to both growing near to God as well as, importantly, his Sufi followers’ mastery over other men, their wives and children, and even the natural environment. Al-Darqāwī’s Rasā⁠ʾil highlight the tension between Sufism as a spiritual and mystical path that seems to transcend gender hierarchies with its imbrication in epistemologies, ontologies, and cosmologies shaped by a masculine way of being in the world.
Five new species of Phaonia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Muscidae) from China
Authors: XUE WANQI , DU JING
Published: December 2020

Five new species of Phaonia are described from China, namely P. sunqiia Xue & Du sp. nov., P. zhangjunyui Xue & Du sp. nov., P. liujiayui Xue sp. nov., P. wangpingga Xue sp. nov. and P. tianmushanensis Xue sp. nov. The available keys to the three species-groups where the new species belong were updated.
On the Methodological Difficulty of Identifying Implicit Racial Beliefs and Stereotypes
Authors: Bursell Moa , Olsson Filip
Published: December 2020

In “Status Characteristics, Implicit Bias, and the Production of Racial Inequality,” Melamed, Munn, Barry, Montgomery, and Okuwobi present an innovative and intriguing study on social influence, status beliefs, and implicit racial bias. To capture status-based expectancies, the authors measure implicit racial status beliefs using an Implicit Association Test (IAT) with words related to high and low status. We identify an important flaw in the study’s analytic approach that severely limits the conclusions that can be drawn based on the study. We argue that the authors neglected to separate the valence of the words included in the racial status IAT with the stereotype content of these words. It is therefore possible that the study’s racial IAT only captures implicit racial evaluations, and not status-based implicit racial beliefs.
Infrared Spectroscopy of Blood
Authors: Kochan Kamila , Bedolla Diana E. , Perez-Guaita David , Adegoke John A. , Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil Thulya , Martin Miguela , Roy Supti , Pebotuwa Savithri , Heraud Philip , Wood Bayden R.
Published: December 2020

The magnitude of infectious diseases in the twenty-first century created an urgent need for point-of-care diagnostics. Critical shortages in reagents and testing kits have had a large impact on the ability to test patients with a suspected parasitic, bacteria, fungal, and viral infections. New point-of-care tests need to be highly sensitive, specific, and easy to use and provide results in rapid time. Infrared spectroscopy, coupled to multivariate and machine learning algorithms, has the potential to meet this unmet demand requiring minimal sample preparation to detect both pathogenic infectious agents and chronic disease markers in blood. This focal point article will highlight the application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to detect disease markers in blood focusing principally on parasites, bacteria, viruses, cancer markers, and important analytes indicative of disease. Methodologies and state-of-the-art approaches will be reported and potential confounding variables in blood analysis identified. The article provides an up to date review of the literature on blood diagnosis using infrared spectroscopy highlighting the recent advances in this burgeoning field.
Precarious Work, Health, and African-American Men: A Qualitative Study on Perceptions and Experiences
Authors: Mullany Anna , Valdez Luis , Gubrium Aline , Buchanan David
Published: December 2020

Precarious work has steadily grown in the United States since the rise of neoliberal policies. The continued expansion of this type of work has led to precarious employment as a recognized category within social determinants of health work and to a growing literature within public health research. African-American men are disproportionately vulnerable to precarious work, which in turn contributes to adverse health effects. Nevertheless, African-American men’s experiences of employment and the perceived impact on their well-being remain underexplored. This study was part of the formative exploratory phase of a 5-year community-based participatory research project to examine the biopsychosocial determinants of stress among low/no-income, African-American men. Through thematic analysis of 42 semi-structured interviews, 3 themes emerged: ( a) occupational hazards and health, ( b) internalization of neoliberal ideology, and ( c) constraints of structural factors. Neoliberal economic policies cause material deprivation and exacerbate systemic injustices that disproportionately affect communities of color. The accompanying neoliberal ideology of personal responsibility shapes men’s perceptions of success and failure. Public health research must continue to push against health promotion practices that predominantly focus on individual behavior. Rather than exploring only the granularities of individual behaviors, health problems must be examined through prolonged historical, political, economic, and social disenfranchisement.
Loneliness and depression among adults living on MS Gulf Coast: Individual, interpersonal and community predictors
Authors: Choi Hwanseok , Brazeal Michelle , Duggirala Likhitha , Lee Joohee
Published: December 2020

Loneliness and depression are mental health problems prevailing in United States as well as the world. The primary goal of this study was to identify risk and protective factors associated with loneliness and depression at the individual, interpersonal and community levels among adults living on Mississippi Gulf Coast. Survey data on 310 adults from three coastal counties was analysed. Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine correlates and predictors of loneliness and depression. Bivariate analyses showed that loneliness was correlated with marital status, insurance, income, perceived social support and community resilience. Depression was found to be correlated with marital status, insurance, education, income, perceived social support and community resilience. As expected, a significant correlation was found between loneliness and depression. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that race, marital status, income, perceived social support and community resilience predicted loneliness, while income and perceived social support served as predictors of depression. Results make it clear that in addition to addressing individual and interpersonal factors, community is important in reducing the incidence of loneliness.
Front-of-Package Food Labeling to Reduce Caries: Economic Evaluation
Authors: Jevdjevic M. , Wijn S.R.W. , Trescher A.L. , Nair R. , Rovers M. , Listl S.
Published: December 2020

Front-of-package food labeling (FoPFL) is increasingly advocated as an effective intervention to facilitate behavior changes toward healthier food purchasing and consumption, particularly in relation to products with added sugar. The present study assessed the potential caries-related impacts of FoPFL, using Germany as an example. The outcomes of interest were caries lesions prevented, dental treatment costs avoided, productivity loss reductions, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted. The baseline consumption of added sugar was derived from the German National Nutrition Survey. The reduction in sugar intake due to FoPFL was modeled according to estimates from a recent meta-analysis. Microsimulations were performed for 500,000 individuals and over a time horizon of 10 y. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to check the robustness of results. For the period from 2017 to 2027, FoPFL was identified to prevent 2,370,715 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2,062,730–2,678,700) caries lesions and avert 677.62 (95% CI, 589.59–765.65) DALYs. Treatment cost savings amounted to €175.67 million (95% CI, €152.85–€198.49), and productivity losses reduced by €27.33 million (95% CI, €23.78–€30.88). Sensitivity analyses showed that the magnitude of the effects is highly dependent on consumers’ response to FoPFL. Our findings suggest that FoPFL has the potential to substantially reduce caries increment, caries-related morbidity, and economic burden. In addition, our study allows for the inclusion of oral health estimates in overall health estimates for sugar-related food labeling. Before prioritizing a strategy to tackle sugar consumption, decision makers should carefully consider all relevant context-specific factors and implementation costs.
Mechanisms of Atomization from Rotary Dental Instruments and Its Mitigation
Authors: Sergis A. , Wade W.G. , Gallagher J.E. , Morrell A.P. , Patel S. , Dickinson C.M. , Nizarali N. , Whaites E. , Johnson J. , Addison O. , Hardalupas Y.
Published: December 2020

Since the onset of coronavirus disease 2019, the potential risk of dental procedural generated spray emissions (including aerosols and splatters), for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission, has challenged care providers and policy makers alike. New studies have described the production and dissemination of sprays during simulated dental procedures, but findings lack generalizability beyond their measurements setting. This study aims to describe the fundamental mechanisms associated with spray production from rotary dental instrumentation with particular focus on what are currently considered high-risk components—namely, the production of small droplets that may remain suspended in the room environment for extended periods and the dispersal of high-velocity droplets resulting in formites at distant surfaces. Procedural sprays were parametrically studied with variables including rotation speed, burr-to-tooth contact, and coolant premisting modified and visualized using high-speed imaging and broadband or monochromatic laser light–sheet illumination. Droplet velocities were estimated and probability density maps for all laser illuminated sprays generated. The impact of varying the coolant parameters on heating during instrumentation was considered. Complex structured sprays were produced by water-cooled rotary instruments, which, in the worst case of an air turbine, included droplet projection speeds in excess of 12 m/s and the formation of millions of small droplets that may remain suspended. Elimination of premisting (mixing of coolant water and air prior to burr contact) resulted in a significant reduction in small droplets, but radial atomization may still occur and is modified by burr-to-tooth contact. Spatial probability distribution mapping identified a threshold for rotation speeds for radial atomization between 80,000 and 100,000 rpm. In this operatory mode, cutting efficiency is reduced but sufficient coolant effectiveness appears to be maintained. Multiple mechanisms for atomization of fluids from rotatory instrumentation exist, but parameters can be controlled to modify key spray characteristics during the current crisis.
Why Do We Have Such Dilemmas?—An Reflection on Shadowing a PBL Mentor Teacher
Authors: Clark Ni
Published: December 2020

The author reflects on six dilemmas that teachers and mentors may face during the implementation of project-based learning (PBL): (a) the conflict between student autonomy and teacher control, (b) the belief incongruence between a mentor and a mentee, (c) the gap between an advanced pedagogy and novice teachers, (d) the gap between a mentee’s need for more support and a mentor’s limited support, (e) the conflict between a mentor’s excessive modeling and a mentee’s need for practice, and (f) the problem that a mentor focuses more on student performance than on teacher growth. Understanding these dilemmas may improve PBL training.