bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure Complexity Discriminates Pathological Beat‐to‐Beat Variability as a Marker of Vascular Aging
Authors: Lee Yun‐Kai , Mazzucco Sara , Rothwell Peter M. , Payne Stephen J. , Webb Alastair J. S.
Published: January 2022

Background

Beat‐to‐beat blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with an increased risk of stroke but can be driven by both healthy physiological processes and failure of compensatory mechanisms. Blood pressure (BP) complexity measures structured, organized variations in BP, as opposed to random fluctuations, and its reduction may therefore identify pathological beat‐to‐beat BPV.

Methods and Results

In the prospective, population‐based OXVASC (Oxford Vascular Study) Phenotyped Cohort with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke, patients underwent at least 5 minutes of noninvasive beat‐to‐beat monitoring of BP (Finometer) and ECG to derive the following: BPV (coefficient of variation) and complexity (modified multiscale entropy) of systolic BP and diastolic BP, heart rate variability (SD of R‐R intervals), and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS; Welch's method), in low‐ (0.04–0.15 Hz) and high‐frequency (0.15–0.4 Hz) bands. Associations between BPV or BP complexity with autonomic indexes and arterial stiffness were determined (linear regression), unadjusted, and adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. In 908 consecutive, consenting patients, BP complexity was inversely correlated with BPV coefficient of variation (
P
<0.001) and was similarly reduced in patients with hypertension or diabetes (
P
<0.001). However, although BPV coefficient of variation had a U‐shaped relationship with age, BP complexity fell systematically across age quintiles (quintile 1: 15.1 [14.0–16.1] versus quintile 5: 13.8 [12.4–15.1]) and was correlated with markers of autonomic dysfunction (heart rate variability SD of R‐R intervals:
r
 = 0.20; BRS low frequency: 0.19; BRS high frequency: 0.26) and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity: −0.21; all
P
<0.001), even after adjustment for clinical variables (heart rate variability SD of R‐R intervals: 0.12; BRS low frequency and BRS high frequency: 0.13 and 0.17; and pulse wave velocity: −0.07; all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

Loss of BP complexity discriminates BPV because of pathological failure of compensatory mechanisms and may represent a less confounded and potentially modifiable risk factor for stroke.
Bacteriophages Combined With Subtherapeutic Doses of Flucloxacillin Act Synergistically Against
Staphylococcus aureus
Experimental Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Save Jonathan , Que Yok‐Ai , Entenza José M. , Kolenda Camille , Laurent Frédéric , Resch Grégory
Published: January 2022

Background

The potential of phage therapy for the treatment of endovascular
Staphylococcus aureus
infections remains to be evaluated.

Methods and Results

The efficacy of a phage cocktail combining
Herelleviridae
phage vB_SauH_2002 and
Podoviriae
phage 66 was evaluated against a methicillin‐sensitive
S. aureus
strain in vitro and in vivo in a rodent model of experimental endocarditis. Six hours after bacterial challenge, animals were treated with (1) the phage cocktail. (2) subtherapeutic flucloxacillin dosage, (3) combination of the phage cocktail and flucloxacillin, or (4) saline. Bacterial loads in cardiac vegetations at 30 hours were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were phage loads at 30 hours in cardiac vegetations, blood, spleen, liver, and kidneys. We evaluated phage resistance 30 hours post infection in vegetations of rats under combination treatment. In vitro, phages synergized against
S. aureus
planktonic cells and the cocktail synergized with flucloxacillin to eradicated biofilms. In infected animals, the phage cocktail achieved bacteriostatic effect. The addition of low‐dose flucloxacillin elevated bacterial suppression (∆ of −5.25 log
10
colony forming unit/g [CFU/g] versus treatment onset,
P
<0.0001) and synergism was confirmed (∆ of −2.15 log
10
CFU/g versus low‐dose flucloxacillin alone,
P
<0.01). Importantly, 9/12 rats given the combination treatment had sterile vegetations at 30 hours. In vivo phage replication was partially suppressed by the antibiotic and selection of resistance to the
Podoviridae
component of the phage cocktail occurred. Plasma‐mediated inhibition of phage killing activity was observed in vitro.

Conclusions

Combining phages with a low‐dose standard of care antibiotic represents a promising strategy for the treatment of
S. aureus
infective endocarditis.
Risks and Benefits of Early Rhythm Control in Patients With Acute Strokes and Atrial Fibrillation: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Study (the RAFAS Trial)
Authors: Park Junbeom , Shim Jaemin , Lee Jung Myung , Park Jin‐Kyu , Heo JoonNyung , Chang Yoonkyung , Song Tae‐Jin , Kim Dong‐Hyeok , Lee Hye Ah , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Uhm Jae‐Sun , Kim Young Dae , Nam Hyo Suk , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon‐Hyoung , Heo Ji Hoe , Pak Hui‐Nam ,   for the RAFAS Investigators*
Published: January 2022

Background

The purpose of the RAFAS (Risk and Benefits of Urgent Rhythm Control of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Acute Stroke) trial was to explore the risks and benefits of early rhythm control in patients with newly documented atrial fibrillation (AF) during an acute ischemic stroke (IS).

Method and Results

An open‐label, randomized, multicenter trial design was used. If AF was diagnosed, the patients in the early rhythm control group started rhythm control within 2 months after the occurrence of an IS, unlikely the usual care. The primary end points were recurrent IS within 3 and 12 months. The secondary end points were a composite of all deaths, unplanned hospitalizations from any cause, and adverse arrhythmia events. Patients (n=300) with AF and an acute IS (63.0% men, aged 69.6±8.5 years; 51.2% with paroxysmal AF) were randomized 2:1 to early rhythm control (n=194) or usual care (n=106). A total of 273 patients excluding those lost to follow‐up (n=27) were analyzed. The IS recurrences did not differ between the groups within 3 months of the index stroke (2 [1.1%] versus 4 [4.2%]; hazard ratio [HR], 0.257 [log‐rank
P
=0.091]) but were significantly lower in the early rhythm control group at 12 months (3 [1.7%] versus 6 [6.3%]; HR, 0.251 [log‐rank
P
=0.034]). Although the rates of overall mortality, any cause of hospitalizations (25 [14.0%] versus 16 [16.8%]; HR, 0.808 [log‐rank
P
=0.504]), and arrhythmia‐related adverse events (5 [2.8%] versus 1 [1.1%]; HR, 2.565 [log‐rank
P
=0.372]) did not differ, the proportion of sustained AF was lower in the early rhythm control group than the usual care group (60 [34.1%] versus 59 [62.8%],
P
<0.001) in 12 months.

Conclusions

The early rhythm control strategy of an acute IS decreased the sustained AF and recurrent IS within 12 months without an increase in the composite adverse outcomes.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT 02285387.
Fractional Flow Reserve and Instantaneous Wave‐Free Ratio Predict Pathological Wall Shear Stress in Coronary Arteries: Implications for Understanding the Pathophysiological Impact of Functionally Significant Coronary Stenoses
Authors: Wong Christopher C. Y. , Javadzadegan Ashkan , Ada Cuneyt , Lau Jerrett K. , Bhindi Ravinay , Fearon William F. , Kritharides Leonard , Ng Martin K. C. , Yong Andy S. C.
Published: January 2022

Background

The pathophysiological mechanism behind adverse outcomes associated with ischemia‐inducing epicardial coronary stenoses and microcirculatory dysfunction remains unclear. Wall shear stress (WSS) plays an important role in atherosclerotic plaque progression and vulnerability. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between WSS, functionally significant epicardial coronary stenoses, and microcirculatory dysfunction.

Methods and Results

Patients undergoing invasive coronary physiology testing were included. Fractional flow reserve, instantaneous wave‐free ratio, and the index of microcirculatory resistance were measured. Quantitative coronary angiography was used to obtain the lesion percentage diameter stenosis. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed to calculate WSS parameters. Multiple regression analysis was performed to calculate the standardized regression coefficient (β) for the coronary physiology indices.

A total of 107 vessels from 88 patients were included. Fractional flow reserve independently predicted the total area of low WSS (β=−0.44; 95% CI, −0.62 to −0.25;
P
<0.001) and maximum lesion WSS (β=−0.53; 95% CI, −0.70 to −0.36;
P
<0.001) after adjusting for percentage diameter stenosis and index of microcirculatory resistance. Similarly, instantaneous wave‐free ratio also independently predicted the total area of low WSS (β=−0.45; 95% CI, −0.62 to −0.28;
P
<0.001) and maximum lesion WSS (β=−0.58; 95% CI, −0.73 to −0.43;
P
<0.001). The index of microcirculatory resistance did not predict either low or high WSS.

Conclusions

Fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave‐free ratio independently predicted the total burden of low WSS and maximum lesion WSS in coronary arteries. No relationship was found between microcirculatory dysfunction and WSS.
Updated checklist of the fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) of Mexico
Authors: PÉREZ-HERNÁNDEZ CISTEIL X. , ZARAGOZA-CABALLERO SANTIAGO , ROMO-GALICIA ALBERTO
Published: January 2022

An updated checklist of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) from Mexico is presented. The checklist includes the following valid taxa: the subfamilies Amydetinae Olivier in Wytsman, 1907, Chespiritoinae Ferreira, Keller and Branham, 2020, Photurinae Lacordaire, 1857, Pterotinae LeConte, 1861, and Lampyrinae Rafinesque, 1815, in addition to 8 tribes (including incertae sedis), 2 subtribes, 25 genera, and 232 species. We also propose Photinus cubilguitzi Pérez-Hernández & Zaragoza-Caballero nom. nov. as a replacement name for Photinus moestus (Gorham, 1884) nec Photinus moestus (Perty, 1830). At least 152 documented species (65.6% of the total) are restricted to Mexico, another 21 have also been recorded in Canada and the United States of America, and 59 in different Latin American countries. Remarkably, Photinini contains 64.6% (150 species) of the Mexican lampyrid fauna, and at least 54.7% (127 species) belong to the Photinus genus. The Mexican Transition Zone had higher Lampyridae species richness and endemism than the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic regions in the country, while the Transmexican Volcanic Belt, Veracruzan and Balsas Basin biogeographic provinces harbor the highest overall species richness and endemism. Veracruz and Oaxaca are the richest states in terms of lampyrid genera and species, while Aguascalientes, Querétaro and Zacatecas have only one or no species recorded each. To date, 10% of the global firefly fauna has been recorded in Mexico, and the country has a large number of endemic species. It is essential to intensify the study and fieldwork throughout the country to increase our knowledge of the group, with special focus on poorly explored regions and endemic species, and from other perspectives in addition to taxonomy.
Two new species in the orb-weaving spider genus Larinia Simon, 1874 (Araneae, Araneidae) from Western Australia
Authors: FRAMENAU VOLKER W. , CASTANHEIRA PEDRO DE S.
Published: January 2022

Two new species in the orb-weaving spider genus Larinia Simon, 1874 are described, L. sexta n. sp. and L. tumulus n. sp. This elevates the Australian number of described species in the genus to seven. With the exception of two females of L. sexta n. sp. recorded from mainland Western Australia, both species have so far exclusively been found on Barrow Island, 50 km off the north-western Western Australian coast where a third species, L. montagui Hogg, 1914, also occurs. Both new species appear to favour spinifex (Triodia spp.) grassland, but specimen numbers in collections are too low to accurately characterize life history patterns and habitat preferences.
Revalidation and redescription of a gobionine species Microphysogobio bicolor (Nichols, 1930) (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: SUN ZHIXIAN , ZHAO YAHUI
Published: January 2022

Microphysogobio bicolor (Nichols, 1930), a species which has long been synonymized with Microphysogobio fukiensis (Nichols, 1926), is revalidated in this study, based on morphological comparison and molecular phylogenetic analysis. The species can be distinguished from congeners by the following characters: mouth horseshoe-shaped, central portion of anterior papillae arranged in one row, tightly contact with each other, equal or slightly larger than all other papillae on upper lip; lateral-line scales 36–38; branched anal-fin rays 5; posterior chamber of air-bladder length equal to eye diameter; vertebrae 4+32; body usually sharply bicolored. The significant Cyt b gene sequence divergence between M. bicolor and its congeners also strongly support that it is a valid species which represents an individual clade sister to the M. luhensis–M. kachekensis–M. yunnanensis clade. A redescription of M. bicolor and a diagnostic key to all valid Microphysogobio in the Yangtze River Basin are also provided in this study.
Where does the moisture for North Atlantic tropical cyclones come from?
Authors: Pérez-Alarcón Albenis , Sorí Rogert , Fernández-Alvarez José C. , Nieto Raquel , Gimeno Luis
Published: January 2022

In this study, we identified the origin of the moisture associated with the tropical cyclones (TCs) precipitation in the North Atlantic Ocean basin during their three well-differentiated life stages between 1980 and 2018. The HURDAT2 database was used to detect the location of 598 TCs during their genesis, maximum intensification peak, and dissipation phases. The global outputs of the Lagrangian FLEXPART model were then used to determine the moisture sources. Using a K-means cluster analysis technique, seven different regions were identified as the most common locations for the genesis and maximum intensity of the TC phases, while six regions were found for the dissipation points. Our results showed that the origin of moisture precipitating was not entirely local over the areas of TC occurrence. The North Atlantic Ocean to the north of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone at 10°N (NATL) -especially from tropical latitudes, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico- provides most of the moisture for TCs (∼87%). The Atlantic Ocean basin southward the ITCZ (SATL) played a non-negligible role (∼11%), with its contribution being most pronounced during the TC genesis phase, while the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean made the smallest contribution (∼2%). The moisture supported by TCs varied depending on their category, being higher for hurricanes than for major hurricanes or tropical storms. Additionally, the approach permitted to estimate the mean residence time of the water vapour uptake that produce the precipitation during TC activity, which ranged between 2.6 and 2.9 days.
Air contamination of therapeutic drug monitoring assay reagents results in falsely high plasma ammonia levels
Authors: Tsukushi Tomoaki , Shinohara Ryota , Adachi Yuzuru , Kurosaki Yoshifumi , Ishii Naohito , Katagiri Masato , Munekata Shinichi , Kanoh Yuhsaku
Published: January 2022

Background

Accumulating evidence shows that contamination of blood samples by atmospheric ammonia affects blood ammonia test levels; however, reports on the effect of ammonia contamination of assay reagents are limited. Here, we aimed to clarify the effect of ammonia contamination of assay reagents, particularly the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) reagents, on the detection levels of blood ammonia using enzymatic assays.

Methods

Ammonia gas was measured in the refrigerator compartment of the automatic analyser and the reaction tank water, probe wash water and drain outlets connected to the automatic analyser. At different time points following the closure of the cold storage, ammonia levels in quality control plasma samples were measured using three commercial assay reagents to evaluate the effect of air contamination. The distribution of evaporated ammonia in the reagent was measured using the CicaLiquid NH3 assay kit containing the assay reagent most affected by air contamination.

Results

It was confirmed that ammonia gas was generated in the cold storage of the automatic analyser. More than half of the reagents detected >0.25 ppm ammonia, and the highest concentration was detected in the TDM reagent. The ammonia levels obtained using all three reagents increased significantly after 3 h of air contamination. The effect was resolved by measuring a ‘dummy’ sample or mixing the reagents by inversion.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that air contamination by TDM reagents placed in cold storage could result in significantly falsely high ammonia measurements. Preventing this effect would improve the accuracy of ammonia measurements.
Trimester-specific reference intervals for cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin during pregnancy
Authors: Schmitz Ellen MH , Langelaan Marloes LP , de Groot Monique JM , Ermens Ton AM , Joosen Annemiek MCP
Published: January 2022

Background

During normal pregnancy, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increases dramatically. Failure to obtain this physiological increase is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality for both mother and child. The estimated GFR (eGFR) using serum creatinine levels is unsuitable for accurate measurement of renal function during pregnancy. Therefore, new biomarkers have been proposed. Elevated levels of Cystatin C (CysC) and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) are associated with renal failure and preeclampsia (PE). In this study, we determined reference intervals for CysC and NGAL during pregnancy.

Methods

Healthy pregnant women were recruited and blood samples were collected at 9–13 weeks (T1), 27–29 weeks (T2), and 36–39 weeks (T3) of gestation and at 4–13 weeks postpartum (PP). The samples from women with uncomplicated pregnancy were analyzed to determine median values and upper reference limits (URLs, 97.5 percentiles) of creatinine, CysC, and NGAL.

Results

A total of 175 women were included. Longitudinal changes and median values of creatinine, CysC, and NGAL were determined using only complete data sets ( n=59). URLs were determined using all available data. The URL at T1, T2, T3, and PP were 60, 63, 74, 93 μmol/L for creatinine; 0.93, 1.04, 1.61, 1.23 mg/L for CysC; and 87, 84, 88, 95 ng/mL for NGAL.

Conclusions

CysC concentrations are highly dynamic and increase during pregnancy. NGAL concentrations are less dynamic, but well below the URL specified by the manufacturer for non-pregnant women. It is therefore recommended to use trimester-specific reference values for both CysC and NGAL.
Receipt of evidence-based care for children and adolescents with anxiety in Australia
Authors: Gandhi Esther , OGradey-Lee Maddison , Jones Alana , Hudson Jennifer L
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is recommended as the first-line treatment for children and adolescents with anxiety. Despite its efficacy, a recent United Kingdom study indicated that few children with anxiety disorders receive cognitive-behavioural therapy. The primary aim of this study was to examine the receipt of cognitive-behavioural therapy for children and adolescents with elevated anxiety symptoms in Australia. Second, this study also examined whether there was a difference in the type of treatment received based on socioeconomic status and geographical location.

Method:

Using self-reported questionnaires, parents of children aged 4–18 years and children aged 12–18 years ( N = 784; elevated anxiety symptom sample n = 169) were recruited from four samples: community ( n = 164), school ( n = 177), clinic ( n = 16) and online panel provider ( n = 427). Participants reported on the child’s anxiety symptoms and the type of treatment (if any) the child received for their anxiety symptoms.

Results:

Results indicated that 19.5% of children and adolescents with elevated anxiety symptoms received evidence-based treatment (e.g. cognitive-behavioural therapy). Of those families who did seek help for anxiety in Australia, the majority (66.3%) did not receive cognitive-behavioural therapy. In addition, neither socioeconomic status (which was based on the Australian Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage [ICSEA]) nor location (metropolitan vs regional/remote) affected whether individuals received evidence-based care or non-evidence-based care.

Conclusion:

Overall, children and adolescents in this study seeking support for their anxiety symptoms were not receiving adequate evidence-based care, regardless of socioeconomic status and location. These findings indicate there is a need to increase the receipt of cognitive-behavioural therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety symptoms. The findings should tentatively be interpreted, given data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coping strategies among middle-aged and older cancer survivors in Japan: A qualitative study
Authors: Yi Xiaohe , Kase Hiroko
Published: January 2022

We investigated the coping strategies used in everyday life by middle-aged and older cancer survivors in Japan. Sixteen Japanese volunteers participated in one-to-one semi-structured interviews. The interviews focused on the respondents’ descriptions of how they felt and what they did after having been diagnosed with cancer. Although having been diagnosed with cancer, many survivors reported having made identifiable positive adjustments in lifestyle and ways of thinking, such as turning to family and friends for psychosocial support, as well as visiting shrines to find spiritual peace. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to social work practice.
Examining the Interplay between Economic Development and Local Women Vulnerability to Flood Impacts in Selected Local Areas in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Udo Fidelis , Naidu Maheshvari
Published: January 2022

This article probes the rural economic development approach in selected informal settlements in Durban and how such approach affects the vulnerability of local Black women to flood impacts within the areas. Qualitative data for the study were gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 25 local Black women from Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu and Umlazi. Five key informants from the eThekwini (Durban) metropolitan municipality were also interviewed. Findings from the study showed that although there is improved economic development in the selected settlements, which constitute informal settlements designated for Black South Africans during the apartheid era, such an economic development approach has not significantly improved the livelihoods and adaptive capacity of the local women. The article suggests a multidimensional approach to development that is practical, inclusive and equitable, and addresses local women’s challenges associated with climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods.
Beyond invisibility: Landscapes of intersubjective recognition experienced by cleaners in Australian schools
Authors: Flanagan Frances
Published: January 2022

Dominant approaches to researching cleaners’ experiences of invisibility and recognition have tended to focus on either the structural determinants of invisibility, such as outsourcing or ‘dirty work’ status, or the ways in which workers seek recognition as a strategy for managing taint. This article uses Honneth's concept of intersubjective recognition as a basis for bringing together structure- and agency-oriented approaches through a focus on the ways in which cleaners’ recognition experiences arise from historically specific contexts that are both found and made by cleaners. The article illustrates the usefulness of Honneth's theory through a comparison of the intersubjective recognition experiences of Australian school cleaners working in different work paradigms in two historical periods, public service cleaners in the 1910s–1990s and outsourced cleaners in the 2000s–2020s. The case studies contribute new empirical findings concerning patterns of cleaner recognition across all three dimensions theorised by Honneth – love, rights and solidarity – and the significance of shared horizons of purpose between cleaners and other workplace actors for enabling intersubjective recognition. Theoretically, the paper advances the concept of ‘dense’ and ‘sparse’ intersubjective recognition landscapes as a lens for understanding the changing nature and sources of cleaner invisibility and recognition over time.
Political polarization: Radicalism and immune beliefs
Authors: Almagro Manuel
Published: January 2022

When public opinion gets polarized, the population’s beliefs can experience two different changes: they can become more extreme in their contents or they can be held with greater confidence. These two possibilities point to two different understandings of the rupture that characterizes political polarization: extremism and radicalism. In this article, I show that from the close examination of the best available evidence regarding how we get polarized, it follows that the pernicious type of political polarization has more to do with radicalism than with extremism. Reinforcing the confidence in the core beliefs of the group we identify with makes our beliefs immune to the reasons coming from the other political side. Finally, I also suggest that the rise of political polarization is not necessarily the result of an irrational process.
Traffic Noise Impact Prediction Based on Road Service Level
Authors: Su Kai , Liao Mingxu , Li Linxiao , He Yulong , Deng Shaoqi , Deng Xingquan
Published: January 2022

In this study, noise measurement was carried out on a section of Third Ring Road of Chengdu in China and the environmental parameters around the measuring point were collected besides the actual measurement. Coupled with the satellite map, the section was modeled and the noise impact prediction was employed using Cadna/A software, and the noise impact from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. of a working day of in a week was evaluated based on the prediction of road service level. Results showed that evaluating only the overall level of the road service should be enough for predicting the noise impact based on the road service level. When using road service level to predict road noise, the relationship between road speed and traffic volume should be verified. If there is a conflict between reality and theory, the actual data should prevail in the prediction. Additionally, relevant road parameters should be collected when determining the road service level. The longer the duration of collecting evaluation parameters, the more accurate the determination of service level and the more accurate and applicable the prediction results.
Asymmetric Gasoline Price Effects on Public Transit Ridership: Evidence from U.S. Cities
Authors: Chi Junwook
Published: January 2022

Using a nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag framework, the paper examines the dynamic effects of gasoline price, gasoline price volatility, income, and transit service coverage and frequency on public transit ridership in six U.S. cities (New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, and Cleveland). The results indicate that, in the long run, rising gasoline prices increase transit ridership in all cities. More importantly, transit riders react differently, depending on the direction of gasoline price movements. The variable corresponding to price increases is found to have a larger elasticity than that for price decreases in five out of six cases, supporting gasoline price asymmetry. In Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and Cleveland, a small but statistically significant long-run effect of gasoline price volatility on transit ridership was found, suggesting that gasoline price uncertainty is an important factor affecting transit ridership in these cities. In the short run, transit service coverage is found to be the key determinant of transit ridership, implying that expanding transit service coverage can boost public transit ridership in the short term.
High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Concretes in Virginia
Authors: Ozyildirim H. Celik , Sharifi Mary
Published: January 2022

High-performance fiber reinforced concretes (HPFRCs) provide high workability, high compressive and tensile strengths, high ductility, and high durability. They exhibit strain and deflection hardening. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), U.S., has been experimenting with various types of HPFRC, including high early strength versions, to control cracking in transverse and longitudinal connections, shear keys, blockouts that connect adjacent members, overlays, and inverts of corrugated metal pipe culverts.

This paper presents laboratory and field work using three classes of HPFRC for different VDOT applications. They have high ductility and very low permeability. In addition, Class I has normal compressive strength, Class II has high compressive strength, and Class III has high early compressive strength. Laboratory work consisted of preparing and testing of in-house or prepackaged HPFRC with varying ingredients and proportions using compression, indirect tension, flexure, and pull-out tests. Synthetic and steel fibers were added in different amounts. Mixtures were prepared in the mortar or pan mixers that produce good fiber dispersion. Laboratory and field testing indicated that all three classes of HPFRC had high ductility; strengths varied according to the class. Engineered cementitious composite in Class I had normal strength, ultra-high-performance concrete in Class II had the highest strength, and concretes in Class III had high early strength, enabling minimal traffic interruption. HPFRC selected from an appropriate class can be used successfully to enable early opening to traffic, provide a short splice length, achieve satisfactory adjacent member connections, and restrict crack width for a longer service life.
Poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)-based celecoxib extended-release microspheres for the local treatment of traumatic heterotopic ossification
Authors: Lin Jialiang , Huang Junchao , Wu Jiang , Tang Bo , Li Congbin , Xiao Haijun
Published: January 2022

Traumatic heterotopic ossification (THO) is a serious and common clinical post-traumatic complication for which there is no effective and safe drug treatment. Routine administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after injury is extensively used approach for THO. However, serious adverse events can occur in the event of an overdose of NSAIDs. In our study, we have developed a poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microsphere by emulsifying solvent volatilization for the prolonged slow delivery of celecoxib (CLX). Three groups of celecoxib-poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) microspheres (CLX–PLGA MPs) were prepared with particle sizes of 3.75±1.28 μm, 49.56±17.15 μm, and 94.98±42.53 μm. Meanwhile, related parameters of microspheres in each group were studied: drug loading (DL), encapsulation rate (EE), and slow-release behavior. The DL and EE of the 3 CLX–PLGA MPs did not vary significantly, and subsequently, we selected the second drug loading microspheres with a retardation period of about 70 days for subsequent experiments. Moreover, cellular and animal experiments suggest that the microspheres are biocompatible and can be safely applied to localized trauma tissue. Finally, it is demonstrated that CLX–PLGA MPs have an effect on inhibiting the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and have the potential to inhibit ectopic bone formation of the THO model in Sprague-Dawley rat. Therefore, this study suggests that CLX–PLGA MPs are expected to be applied topically in the early post-traumatic period to prevent the development of THO.
Does Diversity of Social Ties Really Matter More for Health and Leisure Activity than Number of Social Ties? Evidence from Later Adulthood
Authors: Brown Colette J. , Rook Karen S.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Claims that the diversity of social ties matters more for health than the sheer number of ties have largely gone untested. This study accordingly compared the unique associations of number versus diversity of social ties with key health-related outcomes: functional limitations and leisure activities. Additionally, positive and ambivalent ties were distinguished.

Methods

Social networks, health, and leisure activities were assessed in a national sample of older adults ( N = 874; ages 65–91).

Results

Regression analyses revealed that number of ties related to each outcome at a magnitude comparable to, or exceeding, that of diversity in most models. For positive ties, number related more strongly than diversity to greater leisure activities. For ambivalent ties, number related more strongly than diversity to worse functional limitations.

Discussion

Contrary to prevailing views, diversity of ties is not necessarily more important than number of ties. Findings extend scientific understanding and approaches to interventions.
Comparative analysis on path planning of ATR using RRT*, PSO, and modified APF in CG-Space
Authors: Katiyar Shubhi , Dutta Ashish
Published: January 2022

Path planning of All-Terrain Rover over 3D terrains is one of the most challenging robotics problems. Prior research has been carried out over 2D static and dynamic configuration space. Currently, all available algorithms for 3D path planning of articulated rover require optimization for wheel-terrain interaction. In this comparative analysis, the path planning is carried out over the 10 degrees of freedom Rover CG-Space instead of ground. CG-Space is the collection of all possible center of gravity locations of the Rover while traversing on terrain. The introduction of preobtained CG-Space eliminates the need for optimization during the planning stage. In this work, a comprehensive path planning comparison has been obtained among modified artificial potential field (APF) method, sampling-based technique (RRT*), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm based on path length, path smoothness, and computational time. All algorithms are applied over CG-Space associated with two categories of terrains: even and uneven. Even terrains have a well-defined surface equation, while uneven terrains are generated using Kinect V2 sensor mounted over the sand arena. A continuous surface from CG-Space is generated using cubic spline interpolation. The simulation results show that all three algorithms generate obstacle-free paths in a different time span. Although sampling-based and APF-based techniques take about five times lesser time, the obtained paths have moderate smoothness. PSO performs better than RRT* and modified APF for the requirements of optimal path length and smoothness. Thus, PSO is the optimal way to plan the path if the computational cost associated is acceptable. On the other hand, if time is the major planning concern, then RRT* is the best because the path smoothening takes very little time when using separate cubic spline techniques after obtaining the path nodes. This comparative analysis is useful in selecting an appropriate algorithm depending on the terrain complexity and obstacle conditions.
Pulmonary thromboembolism and alveolar hemorrhage as initial manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jiménez-Zarazúa O. , Vélez-Ramírez L. N. , Ramírez-Casillas C. A. , Mondragón J. D.
Published: January 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs. SLE can affect the lung, the pulmonary vasculature, and the pleura. A 38-year-old female with limb pain and ecchymosis who later developed pulmonary thromboembolism and alveolar hemorrhage is presented here. Clinical, imaging, laboratory, and histopathological evidence is presented. The patient met the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE. Furthermore, the patient had a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score of 35; thus, indicating severe disease. This case is an example of concomitant venous and arterial lung complications in an SLE patient.
The precariat pandemic: Exploitation overshadowed by COVID-19 and workers’ strategies in Poland
Authors: Żuk Paweł , Żuk Piotr
Published: January 2022

Based on the material obtained from focus group interviews conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the article analyses the mechanisms used by employers towards employees, as well as the adaptation strategies applied by those in precarious employment in Poland. The authors’ considerations refer to anti-worker changes introduced under the pretext of the pandemic in the capitalist labour market: layoffs and cuts in wages, manifestations of discrimination against precarious workers and the potential attitudes of employee self-defence. The authors conclude that it is almost certain that under the conditions of post-pandemic capitalism, the number of the precariat will grow and the neoliberal system will want to retain as many of the anti-worker solutions introduced in the shadow of the pandemic as possible.
“Doing Something”: African American Male Adolescent/Parent Experiences and Perceptions About Bullying
Authors: Cronin Travis W. , Lateef Husain , Jayasundara Dheeshana S.
Published: January 2022

This was an exploratory phenomenological study regarding experiences and perceptions about bullying among African American male adolescents (AAMAs) and their parents. The sample for this study included 16 AAMAs and 16 parents (one AAMA and one matched parent per family; N = 32). This study was designed to understand what AAMAs and their parents gleaned from their experiences with bullying. The findings were organized into three themes: interpersonal and structural barriers that hindered responses to bullying, intentional systemic approaches to prevent and respond to bullying, and taking direct action when bullying occurred.
Risk Factors for Pulmonary Embolism in ICU Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study from the MIMIC-III Database
Authors: Huang Cheng-bin , Hong Chen-xuan , Xu Tian-hao , Zhao Ding-yun , Wu Zong-yi , Chen Liang , Xie Jun , Jin Chen , Wang Bing-zhang , Yang Lei
Published: January 2022

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially lethal form of venous thromboembolic disease in ICU patients. A limited number of risk factors have been associated with PE in ICU patients. In this study, we aimed to screen the independent risk factors of PE in ICU patients that can be used to evaluate the patient's condition and provide targeted treatment. We performed a retrospective cohort study using a freely accessible critical care database Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-III. The ICU patients were divided into two groups based on the incidence of PE. Finally, 9871 ICU patients were included, among which 204 patients (2.1%) had pulmonary embolism. During the multivariate logistic regression analysis, sepsis, hospital_LOS (the length of stay in hospital), type of admission, tumor, APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) and platelet were independent risk factors for patients for PE in ICU, with OR values of 1.471 (95%CI 1.001-2.162), 1.001 (95%CI 1.001-1.001), 3.745 (95%CI 2.187-6.414), 1.709 (95%CI 1.247-2.341), 1.014 (95%CI 1.010-1.017) and 1.002 (95%CI 1.001-1.003) ( Ps < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the composite indicator had a higher predictive value for ICU patients with PE, with a ROC area under the curve (AUC) of 0.743 (95%CI 0.710 −0.776, p < 0.001). Finally, sepsis, tumor, platelet count, length of stay in the hospital, emergency admission and APTT were independent predictors of PE in ICU patients.
Social Dreaming: Fabulating Ecologies
Authors: Goodman Andrew , Manning Erin
Published: January 2022

What is activated at that joint where time is at once toofast and tooslow? What is felt? Propositions for Social Dreaming, a quilt-based project by Andrew Goodman and Erin Manning, explores this active interval of time in the making by inquiring into the dreams that fissure it. Thoughts swirl from algorithmic potential to the disorder of beds of unmade. Living otherwise is the problematic that moves the thinking, living in modes neurodiverse, in an ethos of minor sociality.
North Carolina LGBTQ Domestic Violence Response Initiative: Building Capacity to Provide Safe, Affirming Services
Authors: Sechrist Stacy M. , Laplace Danielle T. , Smith Paige Hall
Published: January 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is as prevalent or more so as reported by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals compared with non-LGBTQ individuals. Yet largely due to prior harmful and nonaffirming experiences with service providers, they are reluctant to seek services from domestic violence service providers (DVSP). These factors, combined with the reality that those who do seek services may not be provided with safe, affirming, and effective responses, exacerbate the impact of IPV on LGBTQ health and recovery. The North Carolina (NC) LGBTQ Domestic Violence Response Initiative (NC Initiative) was developed to increase DVSP capacity to serve LGBTQ survivors. This article describes the first four phases of the Initiative’s development: (1) formative focus group research with DVSPs statewide, identifying agencies’ interest in improving their responses to LGBTQ survivors; (2) Initiative launch, including funding and identification of partners; (3) development of capacity assessment tools; and (4) review of baseline capacity assessment findings. The development of tools, specifically designed to assess capacity of DVSPs to serve LGBTQ survivors, is a unique contribution as no tools existed to do so. The common capacity-building needs and data-informed recommendations identified provide a starting point for agencies expanding into LGBTQ-focused work, who may not have the benefit of grant funding, tools, or evaluators to assist. Our findings, lessons learned, and tools may be used by agencies to evaluate and inform their own practices, thereby creating safer, more affirming agencies that are capable provide effective care to meet unique needs of LGBTQ survivors.
Evaluation of a Prognostic Epigenetic Classification System in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients
Authors: Grimm Christina , Herling Carmen Diana , Komnidi Anastasia , Hussong Michelle , Kreuzer Karl-Anton , Hallek Michael , Schweiger Michal R.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Methylation at 5 CpG sites was previously shown to classify chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) into 3 prognostic subgroups. Here, we aimed to validate the marker set in an additional cohort and to evaluate its clinical utility for CLL patient stratification.

Methods:

We evaluated this epigenetic marker set in 79 German patients using bisulfite treatment followed by pyrosequencing and classification using a support vector machine-learning tool.

Results:

The n-CLL, i-CLL, and m-CLL classification was detected in 28 (35%), 10 (13%), and 41 (51%) patients, respectively. Epigenetic grouping was associated with IGHV mutational status ( P = 2 × 10−12), isolated del13q ( P = 9 × 10−6), del17p ( P = .015), complex karyotype ( P = .005), VH-usage, and clinical outcome as time to first treatment ( P = 1.4 × 10−12) and overall survival ( P = .003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified n-CLL as a factor for earlier treatment hazard ratio (HR), 6.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-16.4; P = .0002) compared to IGHV mutational status (HR 4.6, 95% CI 1.9-11.3, P = .0008). In addition, when comparing the prognostic value of the epigenetic classification system with the IGHV classification, epigenetic grouping performed better compared to IGHV mutational status using Kaplan-Meier estimation and allowed the identification of a third, intermediate (i-CLL) group. Thus, our study confirmed the prognostic value of the epigenetic marker set for patient stratification in routine clinical diagnostics.
Friction model of elastic-plastic line contact in mixed lubrication regime with non-Newtonian lubricant
Authors: Li Ling , Li Ganghua , Wang Jingjing , Fan Chongqing , Xie Miaoxia
Published: January 2022

The friction characteristics of the lubricated rough surfaces are of great significance for the lubrication design of mechanical structures. To study the behaviour of friction coefficient in the rolling-sliding coexisting line contact rough surfaces under mixed lubrication regime, the Kogut-Etsion elastic-plastic model and the Carreau rheological model are utilized to describe the dry rough contact and the non-Newtonian characteristics of the lubricant film, respectively. A mixed lubrication model for predicting friction coefficient is proposed based on the load-sharing concept at which the normal load is shared by the lubricant film and the asperity component. The effects of normal load, surface roughness and lubricant inlet viscosity on hydrodynamic scaling factor, film thickness parameter and the coefficient of friction were analyzed. The dimensionless predictive expression for the critical sliding velocity is derived by nonlinear regression. The research results provide theoretical guidance for the lubrication design and optimization of mechanical structures.
Radical hope and processes of becoming: Examining short-term prisoners’ imagined futures in England & Wales and Norway
Authors: Laursen Julie
Published: January 2022

Prisoners’ hopes for a life without suffering—without causing and experiencing harm—are embedded in practices of ethical becoming and ideas of transcendence. These hopes are somehow both more banal and complex than the literature on hope generally suggests; they emerge because of lack and are signs of despair, rather than realistic prospects or opportunities. Based on longitudinal interview data ( N = 452) with short-term prisoners in Norway and England & Wales, this article shows how hope functions as an orientation through different phases of a prison sentence as well as post-release regardless of whether it materializes. With inspiration from Lear’s idea of ‘radical hope’, I describe prisoners’ hopes as a mode of living with more emphasis on where hope comes from rather than what it leads to, thus following recent prompts to distinguish between hopes derived from opportunities from deeper hopes grounded in despair. I outline prisoners’ pain upon entry into custody and show how their ‘ground projects’—the things without which they would not care to go on with their lives—become clear when they are taken away. In this conceptualization, short-term prisoners’ hopes are in many ways a manifestation of despair fused with ethical deliberations on what kind of person one wishes to become and to whom one owes something.
A narrative exploration of identity in adults with de novo scoliosis
Authors: Tweedlie Lucy , Simonds Laura , Hanna Paul , Lui Darren F
Published: January 2022

Adult de novo scoliosis is a chronic health condition characterised by a curvature in the ageing spine. It can cause debilitating back pain and significant visible differences. Yet there has been very limited research on the psychological effects of this condition, particularly around identity. Therefore, we undertook semi-structured interviews to explore the ways in which individuals with scoliosis understood their identity. Findings from narrative analysis highlight the ways in which individuals negotiate their identity in relation to their social roles, their ability to control their condition and things around them, the extent to which their condition is visible and the extent to which they experienced physical pain from their condition. This article concludes by highlighting the relationship between identity and scoliosis and offers practical implications and suggestions for future research.