bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microvascular Anatomy and Intrinsic Gene Expression of Menisci From Young Adults
Authors: Crawford Matthew D. , Hellwinkel Justin E. , Aman Zachary , Akamefula Ramesses , Singleton J. Thomas , Bahney Chelsea , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Meniscal vascular supply is an important determinant of its healing potential. It has been reported that only the peripheral 30% of the meniscus is vascularized in cadavers aged 53 to 94 years; however, the vascularity in young patients, in whom meniscal repair is more often performed, is unknown.

Purpose:

The primary objective was to analyze and measure the microvascular anatomy of the meniscus in adult cadaveric specimens <35 years old. The secondary objective was to assess angiogenic potential by quantifying regional gene expression in a meniscal allograft cohort <45 years old.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

In part 1 of this study, 13 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (age range, 22-34 years; mean, 28.5 years) underwent popliteal artery India ink injection and tissue clearing using a Spalteholz technique, followed by microvascular vascular measurement. In part 2, mRNA was isolated from 13 meniscal allografts (age range, 17-43 years; mean, 27.2 years), and expression of angiogenic genes, vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 ( FLT1) was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The maximal depth of vascular penetration into the periphery of the medial and lateral menisci ranged from 0% to 42% and 0% to 48%, respectively. There was variation in the degree of vascular penetration within the medial meniscus, with the posterior horn having a significantly smaller depth of penetration (median, 8.7%) than that of the anterior horn (median, 17.4%; P < .0001) or midbody (median, 17.5%; P = .0003). There were no differences in angiogenesis gene expression ( VEGF/ FLT1) based on circumferential or radial meniscal locations.

Conclusion:

The vascular supply of the medial and lateral menisci in specimens from adults <35 years of age extended farther than what was reported in specimens from older individuals; however, median values remained consistent. Gene expression of the angiogenic marker VEGF was low throughout all regions of uninjured menisci from young adults, which is consistent with reports in older specimens.

Clinical Relevance:

Improved understanding of meniscal vascular supply in young adults is critical to informing clinical treatment decisions.
Sleep Problems Are Related to a Worse Quality of Life and a Greater Non-Motor Symptoms Burden in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Santos-García Diego , Castro E. Suárez , de Deus Fonticoba T. , Panceiras M. J. Feal , Enriquez J. G. Muñoz , González J. M. Paz , Bartolomé C. Cores , Planellas L. L. , Caldentey J. García , Caballol N. , Legarda I. , López I. Cabo , Manzanares L. López , Rivera M. A. Ávila , Catalán M. J. , Nogueira V. , Borrué C. , Sauco M. Álvarez , Vela L. , Cubo E. , Castrillo J. C. Martínez , Alonso P. Sánchez , Losada M. G. Alonso , Ariztegui N. López , Gastón M. I. , Kulisevsky J. , Pagonabarraga J. , Seijo M. , Martínez J. Ruíz , Valero C. , Kurtis M. , Ardura J. González , Prieto C. , Mir P. , Martinez-Martin P.
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency of self-reported sleep problems and their associated factors in a large cohort of PD patients.

Methods:

PD patients and controls, recruited from 35 centers of Spain from the COPPADIS cohort were included in this cross-sectional study. Sleep problems were assessed by the Spanish version of the Parkinson’s disease Sleep Scale version 1 (PDSS-1). An overall score below 82 or a score below 5 on at least 1 item was defined as sleep problems.

Results:

The frequency of sleep problems was nearly double in PD patients compared to controls: 65.8% (448/681) vs 33.5% (65/206) (p < 0.0001). Mean total PDSS score was lower in PD patients than controls: 114.9 ± 28.8 vs 132.8 ± 16.3 (p < 0.0001). Quality of life (QoL) was worse in PD patients with sleep problems compared to those without: PDQ-39SI, 19.3 ± 14 vs 13 ± 11.6 (p < 0.0001); EUROHIS-QoL8, 3.7 ± 0.5 vs 3.9 ± 0.5 (p < 0.0001). Non-motor symptoms burden (NMSS; OR = 1.029; 95%CI 1.015–1.043; p < 0.0001) and impulse control behaviors (QUIP-RS; OR = 1.054; 95%CI 1.009–1.101; p = 0.018) were associated with sleep problems after adjustment for age, gender, disease duration, daily equivalent levodopa dose, H&Y, UPDRS-III, UPDRS-IV, PD-CRS, BDI-II, NPI, VAS-Pain, VAFS, FOGQ, and total number of non-antiparkinsonian treatments.

Conclusion:

Sleep problems were frequent in PD patients and were related to both a worse QoL and a greater non-motor symptoms burden in PD. These findings call for increased awareness of sleep problems in PD patients.
Adaptive compliant controller for space robot stabilization in post-capture phase
Authors: Xia Pengcheng , Luo Jianjun , Wang Mingming
Published: October 2020

Safety and reliability are the primary prerequisites of space robotic manipulation. Due to the inaccurate inertial parameters of the tumbling target, tracking the desired trajectory directly will lead to the build up of large contact force and torque and damage the grasping point. The measurement noise in the contact wrenches will disturb the application of compliant stabilization strategy, and lead to mission failure. In order to coordinate the desired motion and contact, a compliant stabilization is required for realistic application. However, the measurement noise in the measured contact will disturb the application of compliant control scheme. According to these facts, herein, an adaptive compliant stabilization control scheme is proposed for a safe and reliable stabilization process. With the reference of the unsafe desired motion, a safe admittance motion is generated with an adaptive stiffness virtual spring. In consideration of the parameter selection and the presence of the contact wrenches measurement noise, a neural network-based coordinated adaptive impedance tracking controller is designed to track the safe motion and consume the transmitted energy from the tumbling target at the same time. With the benefit of the combination of the admittance motion and the coordinated adaptive impedance tracking controller, interactions at the grasping point can be controlled and the target can be stabilized under the influence of the measurement noise in the contact wrenches. Furthermore, safety and reliability of the proposed control scheme are validated via digital simulations.
C1q/TNF-related Protein 9 Inhibits High Glucose–Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Through the Activation of AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cheng Yuhong , Qi Yun , Liu Siwei , Di Rong , Shi Qiang , Li Jiayu , Pei Cheng
Published: October 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the common complications of diabetes mellitus. C1q/TNF-related protein 9 (CTRP9) has been demonstrated to be associated with the progression of diabetes and relative complications. However, its role in DR and underlying action of mechanism are not yet well understood. In the present study, human retinal pigment epithelial ARPE-19 cells were cultured under high concentration of glucose to simulate hyperglycemia condition in vitro. Our results showed that the expression of CTRP9 was significantly decreased in high glucose (HG)–stimulated ARPE-19 cells. CTRP9 overexpression improved HG-caused reduction in cell viability of ARPE-19 cells. CTRP9 overexpression significantly attenuated HG-induced oxidative stress, as proved by decreased levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and increased superoxide dismutase activity. Moreover, CTRP9 also prevented apoptosis in ARPE-19 cells in response to HG stimulation with decreased caspse-3 activity and bax expression, as well as increased bcl-2 expression. In contrast, knockdown of CTRP9 aggravated HG-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, CTRP9 significantly induced the activation of AMPK/Nrf2 pathway in HG-induced ARPE-19 cells. Notably, inhibiting AMPK or Nrf2 blocked the protective effect of CTRP9 on ARPE-19 cells exposed to HG stimulation. Taken together, our findings suggested a protective effect of CTRP9 on HG-induced ARPE-19 cells and a putative mechanism involving the activation of AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Restorative Justice, Crime Victims and Penal Welfarism. Mapping and Contextualising Restorative Justice Policy in Scotland
Authors: Maglione Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

While the criminological literature is abundant in studies on the functioning and effectiveness of restorative justice, there is a lack of engagement with policy on this subject, in spite of the increasing incorporation of restorative justice into policy frameworks. This paper contributes towards addressing this gap by mapping and discussing Scottish policy on restorative justice. The focus is placed on how policy frames restorative justice around certain problems, subjects and objects, reconstructing their underlying assumptions. Additionally, the paper analyses the cultural and political context within which those representations have emerged. From this perspective, it enhances the legibility of the particularly slow and fragmentary development of restorative justice in Scotland, compared to the rest of the UK. More generally, the paper provides an original (and relevant beyond British borders) case study on the interplay between cross-national and local, cultural and political factors in influencing policy change.
Perception of Climate Change and Farmers' Adaptation: An Analysis for Effective Policy Implementation
Authors: Gnanasubramaniam Sharunya , Hemachandra Dilini
Published: October 2020

Divergence in the actual practices and policy goals often leads to ineffective policy implementation. Shedding light on this issue, this study intends to enrich the debate on the adaptation to climate change, which includes farm-level adaptation practices in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka and enabled policies. The study involved analysing the farm level adaptation practices and the factors influencing actual adaptation practices adopted by employing a Multinomial Logit Model. The study used primary data collected from Sri Lanka Environmental and Agricultural Decision-Making Survey. The impact of perception of climate change on adaptation techniques was measured by developing an index on Climate Change Perception. The index was generated as a composite of multiple statements related to climate change by utilising Multiple Correspondence Analysis. The results revealed that cultivating other field crops and short duration seed varieties increased with climate change awareness. Further income, education, age, cost, and irrigation scheme affect choosing the adaptation practices. A comparison of climate change adaptation practices adopted by farmers with the program goals shows a mismatch between farmers’ perceptions and the adaptation practices promoted by the government. This study proposes to consider the grassroots level scenario before developing policies and that programs have to be developed and implemented based on adaptation practices preferred at the ground level.
Commemorating, Celebrating, and Rededicating to the Fight for Environmental Justice: National Environmental Justice Game Changers
Authors: Mohai Paul , Bryant Bunyan , Slatin Craig
Published: October 2020

On 13 February 2020, the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability held the Michigan Environmental Justice Summit 2020: Commemorating the Thirtieth Anniversary of Michigan’s 1990 Conference on Race and the Environment and Looking Toward the Future. The Summit hosted a dynamic panel of national leaders, individuals who became game changers in the Environmental Justice movement. The panel featured Dr. Robert Bullard, known as the “Father of Environmental Justice”; Rhiana Gunn-Wright, Policy Director of New Consensus; Charles Lee, Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Regina Strong, Environmental Justice Public Advocate for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. This article includes an edited transcript of the panel discussion. The panelists detail the history of the U.S. environmental justice movement and directions for its future.
What Can We Learn From Trustworthy Data? An Interview With John Wills Lloyd
Authors: Sayeski Kristin L.
Published: October 2020

John Wills Lloyd is a professor emeritus at the University of Virginia and co-editor of Exceptional Children. He earned his PhD from the University of Oregon and spent most of his career at the University of Virginia. Dr. Lloyd has been an integral part of many professional organizations, including the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division for Learning Disabilities, where he served as president and later as the executive director, and the Division for Research. Dr. Lloyd’s work has focused on the identification of effective instructional practices, best-practice in single-case design research methodology, and facilitating a deeper understanding of learning disabilities. He has produced numerous scholarly articles, foundational textbooks, and web-based materials that continue to inform readers about effective practice in special education.
Depression and Cognitive Levels in Health Workers With Night Shifts
Authors: Micali Elvira
Published: October 2020

The study aims to analyse the presence of depressive symptoms correlated to memory and cognitive deficits in night-shift healthcare personnel working in the emergency wards of a Sicilian hospital, and examines the repercussions on health and safety in the workplace. A psycho-diagnostic protocol including a subtest of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale/WAIS-IV (PRI, WMI, PSI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered to the sample of 50 subjects (25 doctors and 25 nurses) selected by taking inclusion and exclusion criteria into account. The results showed that the whole sample displayed normal levels in terms of perceptual reasoning index, image perception, the ability to isolate figures from the background, eye-motor coordination and non-verbal reasoning. Working memory index and processing speed index – indicative of concentration, manipulation, short-term memory, processing speed, selective attention and spatial orientation – were meanwhile found to be compromised to a higher percentage among nurses. The Beck Depression Inventory denoted a greater presence of depressive symptoms in nurses than doctors, associated with lower levels of WMI and PSI.
Culturally sensitive conceptualization of resilience: A multidimensional model of Chinese resilience
Authors: Xie Qiuyuan , Wong Daniel Fu Keung
Published: October 2020

Cultural sensitivity is missing in the widely researched construct of resilience. The assumption that resilience takes the same form in all cultures fails to acknowledge that culture shapes the interpretation and instantiation of resilience. Examining how suffering and adversity are perceived and dealt with in Chinese contexts, can identify cultural concepts related to resilience. In this paper, we examine the ways in which Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, the three main belief systems that have influenced Chinese people's perception of the nature of life, can serve as sources of strength to individuals facing adversity. We summarise three culturally inflected elements of dealing with adversities and compare them with existing, widely researched notions of resilience. Taking a socio-ecological perspective to explore resilience, this paper proposes a multidimensional model that can improve understanding of culturally embedded resilience.
Investigation on linear quadratic Gaussian control of semi-active suspension for three-axle vehicle
Authors: Li Shaohua , Zhao Junwu , Zhang Zhida
Published: October 2020

An 8-DOF three-axle vehicle model with semi-active suspension is built in this paper, of which the accuracy is verified through simulations and experiments. Based on the optimal control theory, the linear quadratic Gaussian controller for semi-active suspension is designed with 10 evaluation indicators. Considering the deficiency of linear quadratic Gaussian control weight coefficients based on experience, analytic hierarchy process is employed to determine the weight coefficients of each indicator. The control effect is analyzed through MATLAB/Simulink. The adaptability of proposed control strategy under 25 driving conditions is analyzed with different road grades and speeds. The driving condition of “70 km/h travel speed on the road of grade B” is selected, under which the comparison of vehicle responses between semi-active suspension and passive suspension is made. Results show that the vertical vibration is effectively diminished by using semi-active suspension with linear quadratic Gaussian controller. Compared with passive suspension, the riding comfort is improved and the adverse effect on handling stability is eliminated. The three-axle vehicle with semi-active suspension has good adaptability to various working conditions.
Barriers to Access to Care in Hispanics With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Titus Sharon K. , Kataoka-Yahiro Merle
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major cause of death in the United States. Hispanics living in America suffer disproportionally with diabetes and is the fifth cause of death for them. A systematic review was conducted that highlighted barriers to access to care for Hispanics with T2D during the early years of the Affordable Care Act.

Method:

PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched (2010-2015) using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. From 84 studies, seven qualitative/mixed methods studies were reviewed based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Barriers were placed into three categories set a priori.

Results:

All study samples were from different states, representing barriers across the United States. Persistent barriers were self (100%), provider (100%), and environment (71%). Covariates (culture and genetics), individual resources (cost factors, time, and social support), lack of providers or providers specializing in T2D, and environmental factors (lack of diabetes education, nutrition, and exercise programs) were found to affect Hispanics with T2D access to care.

Conclusion:

Cost factors, time, lack of social support, providers, and relevant programs remain prevalent barriers. As the Hispanic population increases and changes in the health care system are evolving, additional barriers to access to care are likely to emerge and must be explored.
The coronavirus in the MENA region: Enhancing turbulence or mitigating conflicts?
Authors: Norell Magnus
Published: October 2020

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in different ways, and the varying political structures, economic conditions and civil-crisis preparedness of the states in this region have resulted in it being handled in a variety of ways too. Even if it is difficult to assess how the crisis has affected the MENA region in more detail due to the region’s general volatility and ongoing conflicts in Libya and Syria, current trends have so far not shown a diminution in regional conflicts. Nor have the pandemic’s consequences in the Middle East lessened Europe’s problems with the region. Thus the article argues that COVID-19 has not really led to a decrease in the conflicts and wars plaguing the MENA region, and that, therefore, the effects for Europe—both short- and long-term—will still be felt, as existing problems will continue to affect Europe.
Association between non-typhoidal Salmonella urinary tract infection and Klebsiella pneumoniae lung empyema
Authors: Goh Samuel Zheng Fong , Tan Boon Hian , Stacey Simon
Published: October 2020

Non-typhoidal Salmonella is a known but rare cause of urinary tract infections (UTI). It has been associated with the elderly, urological abnormalities and immunocompromised states. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of lung empyema, and is typically associated with diabetes and malignancy. Here, we report a patient who was found to have a Salmonella enteritidis bacteriuria as well as a lung empyema secondary to K. pneumoniae.
Rates, risks and routes to reduce vascular dementia (R4vad), a UK-wide multicentre prospective observational cohort study of cognition after stroke: Protocol
Authors: Wardlaw Joanna M , Doubal Fergus , Brown Rosalind , Backhouse Ellen , Woodhouse Lisa , Bath Philip , Quinn Terence J , Robinson Thompson , Markus Hugh S , McManus Richard , O’Brien John T , Werring David J , Sprigg Nikola , Parry-Jones Adrian , Touyz Rhian M , Williams Steven , Mah Yee-Haur , Emsley Hedley ,   the R4VaD Investigators
Published: October 2020

Background

Stroke commonly affects cognition and, by definition, much vascular dementia follows stroke. However, there are fundamental limitations in our understanding of vascular cognitive impairment, restricting understanding of prevalence, trajectories, mechanisms, prevention, treatment and patient-service needs.

Aims

Rates, Risks and Routes to Reduce Vascular Dementia (R4VaD) is an observational cohort study of post-stroke cognition. We aim to recruit a wide range of patients with stroke, presenting to geographically diverse UK hospitals, into a longitudinal study to determine rates of, and risk factors for, cognitive and related impairments after stroke, to assess potential mechanisms and improve prediction models.

Methods

We will recruit at least 2000 patients within six weeks of stroke with or without capacity to consent and collect baseline demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, lifestyle, cognitive, neuropsychiatric and informant data using streamlined patient-centred methods appropriate to the stage after stroke. We will obtain more detailed assessments at four to eight weeks after the baseline assessment and follow-up by phone and post yearly to at least two years. We will assess diagnostic neuroimaging in all and high-sensitivity inflammatory markers, genetics, blood pressure and diffusion tensor imaging in mechanistic sub-studies. Planned outputs: R4VaD will provide reliable data on long-term cognitive function after stroke, stratified by prior cognition, stroke- and patient-related variables and improved risk prediction. It will create a platform enabling sharing of data, imaging and samples. Participants will be consented for re-contact, facilitating future clinical trials and providing a resource for the stroke and dementia research communities.
Qualifikation und Ausbildung von Führungskräften - empirische Befunde und Implikationen
Authors: Meffert Heribert , Wagner Helmut
Published: October 2020

Angesichts dynamischer Entwicklungen im Umfeld der Unternehmungen ändern sich die Anforderungsprofile für Führungskräfte. Die systematische Planung, Durchführung und Kontrolle der Managementausbildung setzt die Kenntnis der strategisch relevanten Qualifikationen voraus. Die Wandlungen im Anforderungsprofil und die vielfältigen Ansätze zur Führungskräfteentwicklung werden gegenwärtig intensiv diskutiert. Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist es, die Relevanz von Managementqualifikationen und -ausbildung für die Unternehmensführung zu untersuchen. Im Rahmen einer literaturgestützten und empirischen Bestandsaufnahme werden gegenwärtige und zukünftige Problemfelder identifiziert und analysiert.
Die “Kultur des Intervenierens”
Authors: Zauner Alfred
Published: October 2020

Der Beitrag diskutiert das sog. Intervenieren als eine faktische Ergänzung der Leitungsbeziehung zwischen einem für Universitäten zuständigen Ministerium und den Beschlußgremien einer Universität. Im Sinne der systemischen Beratung wird die Perspektive umgedreht. Intervention als Unterlaufen formeller Entscheidungsprozesse wird nicht als zu eliminierendes Problem der Organisation angemessener Entscheidungsprozesse im Hochschulbereich verstanden, sondern stattdessen als “Lösung” tieferliegender, weitgehend unbeachteter Probleme gedeutet, die durch diesen Kunstgriff als Ansatzpunkte einer Veränderung von Verhaltensweisen in der Wissenschaftsadministration und einer Reform der Organisation von Entscheidungsprozessen im Rahmen der Hochschulautonomie aufgedeckt werden.
Long-term effects of mixed planting on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in the roots and soils of Juglans mandshurica plantations
Authors: Ji Li , Zhang Yan , Yang Yuchun , Yang Lixue , Yang Na , Zhang Depeng
Published: October 2020

Background

Establishing mixed plantations is an effective way to improve soil fertility and increase forest productivity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are obligate symbiotic fungi that can promote mineral nutrient absorption and regulate intraspecific and interspecific competition in plants. However, the effects of mixed plantations on the community structure and abundance of AM fungi are still unclear. Illumina MiSeq sequencing was used to investigate the AM fungal community in the roots and soils of pure and mixed plantations (Juglans mandshurica×Larix gmelinii). The objective of this study is to compare the differential responses of the root and rhizosphere soil AM fungal communities ofJuglans mandshuricato long-term mixed plantation management.

Results

GlomusandParaglomuswere the dominant genera in the root samples, accounting for more than 80% of the sequences. Compared with that in the pure plantation, the relative abundance ofGlomuswas higher in the mixed plantation.Glomus,DiversisporaandParaglomusaccounted for more than 85% of the sequences in the soil samples. The relative abundances ofDiversisporaand an unidentified genus of Glomeromycetes were higher and lower in the pure plantation, respectively. The Root_P samples (the roots in the pure plantation) had the highest number of unique OTUs (operational taxonomic units), which belonged mainly to an unidentified genus of Glomeromycetes,Paraglomus,GlomusandAcaulospora. The number of unique OTUs detected in the soil was lower than that in the roots. In both the root and soil samples, the forest type did not have a significant effect on AM fungal diversity, but the Sobs value and the Shannon, Chao1 and Ace indices of AM fungi in the roots were significantly higher than those in the soil.

Conclusions

Mixed forest management had little effect on the AM fungal community ofJuglans mandshuricaroots and significantly changed the community composition of the soil AM fungi, but not the diversity.
Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy for uterus weighing ≥1 kg
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Li Junwei , Hua Keqin , Chen Yisong
Published: October 2020

Background

The transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) applied in gynecology has been developed recent years and been evolving. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effect of the vNOTES hysterectomy for uterus ≥1 kilogram (kg).

Methods

From January 2019 to March 2020, patients with benign indications in cases of uterus weighing ≥1 kg, underwent vNOTES hysterectomy were studied retrospectively. The patients’ demographics, indications for surgery, operation outcomes and follow-up details were recorded.

Results

39 patients were performed vNOTES hysterectomy for large uterus (mean weight 1141.8 gram, range from 1000 to 1720), indications for surgery included bulky uterine myomas or adenomysosis. The mean age was 48 years (range 42–66) and mean BMI was 24 kg/m2 (range 18.4–38). Mean operating time was 123.3 min (rang 40–400) and the mean estimated blood loss was 206.7 milliliters  (range 10–1300). The mean pain assessment was 2.1 (range 0–5). The mean length of stay was 2.4 nights (1–11). 1 patient experienced ureteral injury and was performed ureteral anastomosis. 3 patients were converted to vaginal-assisted trans-umbilicus single-port laparoscopy. The learning curve was analyzed to show that 20 cases were needed to achieve proficiency in vNOTES hysterectomy for large uterus ≥1 kg.

Conclusion

Our preliminary experience suggested that vNOTES hysterectomy for large uterus weighing ≥1 kg was feasible and safe, meanwhile this procedure had the advantages of all the minimal invasive approach such as fast recovery and aesthetic advantage.
Retraction Note: LncRNA TUG1 was upregulated in osteoporosis and regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoclasts
Authors: Han Ye , Liu Chunying , Lei Ming , Sun Shaosong , Zheng Wenkui , Niu Yanan , Xia Xi
Published: October 2020

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: 10.1186/s13018-020-02000-1.
RNA virus-encoded microRNAs: biogenesis, functions and perspectives on application
Authors: Zhan Shoubin , Wang Yanbo , Chen Xi
Published: October 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and play a crucial role in development and many diseases. The discovery of miRNAs has greatly expanded our understanding of the intricate scenario of genome-wide regulation. Over the last two decades, hundreds of virus-encoded miRNAs have been identified, most of which are from DNA viruses. Although the number of reported RNA virus-derived miRNAs is increasing, current knowledge of their roles in physiological and pathological processes has remained lacking. In this review, we discuss the biogenesis and biological functions of RNA virus- encoded miRNAs and their proposed roles in virus-host interactions and further underscore their potential value in the diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases.
Accurate prediction of different forecast horizons wind speed using a recursive radial basis function neural network
Authors: Madhiarasan M.
Published: October 2020

Environmental considerations have prompted the use of renewable energy resources worldwide for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. An accurate prediction of wind speed plays a major role in environmental planning, energy system balancing, wind farm operation and control, power system planning, scheduling, storage capacity optimization, and enhancing system reliability. This paper proposes an accurate prediction of wind speed based ona Recursive Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RRBFNN) possessing the three inputs of wind direction, temperature and wind speed to improve modern power system protection, control and management. Simulation results confirm that the proposed model improves the wind speed prediction accuracy with least error when compared with other existing prediction models.
Severe pneumonia with formation of a pulmonary cavity associated with long-term rituximab therapy in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schwake Carolin , Gold Ralf
Published: October 2020

Nowadays B-cell depletion via anti-CD20 antibodies is commonly applied in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Yet, not much is known about infection risks associated with long-term B-cell depletion in the specific context of MS.

We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient who developed severe pneumonia following 6 years of rituximab treatment for highly active relapsing-remitting MS. The patient had no additional chronic disease as well as no history of foreign travel. Although the unusual formation of a pulmonary cavity raised suspicion for tuberculosis, repeated testing via bronchoscopy and sputum remained negative. Prolonged antibiotic therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam and amoxicillin/ clavulanate led to complete recovery from symptoms.

This case shows the potential risk of serious infections following continuous B-cell depletion in MS and illustrates the importance of future vigilance.
Benzodiazepines: it's time to return to the evidence
Authors: Silberman Edward , Balon Richard , Starcevic Vladan , Shader Richard , Cosci Fiammetta , Fava Giovanni A. , Nardi Antonio E. , Salzman Carl , Sonino Nicoletta
Published: October 2020

We propose that discussions of benzodiazepines in the current psychiatric literature have become negatively biased and have strayed from the scientific evidence base. We advocate returning to the evidence in discussing benzodiazepines and adhering to clear definitions and conceptual rigour in commentary about them.
The Han’gŭl Crisis and Language Standardization: Clashing Orthographic Identities and the Politics of Cultural Construction
Authors: Kim Michael
Published: October 2020

The first attempt at spelling reform in South Korea took place in the early 1950s as the Korean War (1950–53) drew to a close. The subsequent Han’gŭl Crisis is often interpreted as an example of the authoritarianism of President Syngman Rhee (Yi Sŭngman), yet the event also represents a clash of generations between the supporters of the Unified Orthography of 1933 and the previous spelling standard. During the han’gŭl simplification debates, the legacies of Chu Sigyŏng (1876–1914) and Pak Sŭngbin (1880–1943) reemerged as their followers continued a contentious linguistic debate that stretched back into the colonial period. The event ended as a victory for the Unified Orthography of 1933, but several ambiguous questions remain for further investigation. Ultimately, behind the claims of “scientific rationalism” in the current han’gŭl spelling are the forgotten memories of linguistic activism and the difficulties in uniting divergent linguistic practices in post-Liberation Korean society.
A Monocationic Zn(II) Acetate Complex of a Chiral Bisamidine Dioxolane Ligand, Naph-diPIM-dioxo-R, for the Asymmetric 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Tridentate α-Substituted α-Imino Esters and Acrylates to Multi-Substituted Prolines: Importance of an n-π* Interaction for High Enantioselectivity
Authors: Kiran Indukuru Naga Chaithanya , Fujita Kazuki , Kobayashi Kazuki , Tanaka Shinji , Kitamura Masato
Published: October 2020

A monocationic Zn(II) acetate complex of a C2-chiral bisamidine-type sp2N bidentate ligand (LR) possessing two dioxolane oxygen n orbitals in the reaction site catalyzes, without the use of an external base, a highly efficient asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (1,3-DC) of tridentate α-substituted α-imino esters with acrylates, attaining up to >99:1 enantiomeric ratio with perfect regio- and diastereo-selectivities. A catalyst loading of 0.1 mol% is generally acceptable to furnish various chiral multi-substituted prolines. Both (S)-α-imino ester and the R enantiomer show a high level of enantioselectivity. An overall picture of the present 1,3-DC has been revealed via analyses of substrate structure/reactivity/selectivity relationships, NMR, MS, X-ray diffraction, 12C/13C isotope effects, rate law, and kinetics. The first success in the high performance 1,3-DC is ascribed to i) a Brønsted base/Lewis acid synergistic effect of [Zn(OAc)LR]OTf (R cat); ii) the existence of the n orbital, which determines the position of the intermediary N,O-cis-Zn enolate (dipole) by an n-π* non-bonding attractive interaction between the oxygen atom in LR and the C=N moiety of the dipole; and iii) utilization of chelatable α-imino esters capturing Zn(II) as a tridentate ligand. A 12C/13C analysis has clarified that a stepwise 1,3-DC mechanism is operating.
Cellular agriculture in the UK: a review
Authors: Stephens Neil , Ellis Marianne
Published: October 2020

This review details the core activity in cellular agriculture conducted in the UK at the end of 2019, based upon a literature review by, and community contacts of the authors. Cellular agriculture is an emergent field in which agricultural products—most typically animal-derived agricultural products—are produced through processes operating at the cellular level, as opposed to (typically farm-based) processes operating at the whole organism level. Figurehead example technologies include meat, leather and milk products manufactured from a cellular level. Cellular agriculture can be divided into two forms: ‘tissue-engineering based cellular agriculture’ and ‘fermentation-based cellular agriculture’. Products under development in this category are typically valued for their environmental, ethical, and sometimes health and safety advantages over the animal-derived versions.

There are university laboratories actively pursuing research on meat products through cellular agriculture at the universities of Bath, Newcastle, Aberystwyth, and Aston University in Birmingham. A cellular agriculture approach to producing leather is being pursued at the University of Manchester, and work seeking to produce a palm oil substitute is being conducted at the University of Bath. The UK cellular agriculture companies working in the meat space are Higher Steaks, Cellular Agriculture Ltd, CellulaRevolution, Multus Media and Biomimetic Solutions. UK private investors include CPT Capital, Agronomics Ltd, Atomico, Backed VCs, and Breakoff Capital. The UK also has a strong portfolio of social science research into diverse aspects of cellular agriculture, with at least ten separate projects being pursued over the previous decade. Three analyses of the environmental impact of potential cellular agriculture systems have been conducted in the UK. The first dedicated third-sector group in this sector in the UK is Cultivate (who produced this report) followed by Cellular Agriculture UK. International groups New Harvest and the Good Food Institute also have a UK presence.
Energy-Saving Household Behavior as an Object of Research and Projects
Authors: Burganov Rais , Urazbahtina Liliya
Published: October 2020

The energy-saving behavior of households has a huge and obvious role in the development of the economy and society. However, the theoretical approaches of economists on this topic are developing more slowly than its applied aspects. The aim of this work is to consider the energy-saving behavior of households from the angle of the main directions of economic theory. The research methodology is based on the principles of the implementation of areas of economic theory, as well as on the use of total energy, consisting of electric, thermal, solar, mechanical and other types of energy. The article proposes a classification of factors (main and secondary, main and auxiliary) that affect household behavior in the field of energy conservation and which should be taken into account when drawing up its mono and polyparametric mathematical models. Moreover, each variable can be positively or negatively reflected in the rational or irrational behavior of households in energy conservation. The paper gives the results of the consideration of problems in shaping the behavior of households from the point of view of the neoclassical direction of economic theory and institutionalism, as well as on the basis of its moral-educational and technological concepts. The current state of introducing the development of energy-saving and nature-friendly technologies into the everyday activities of households will transform the behavior of households in the field of consumption of any type of energy.
Forms of Self-Organization of Groups and Communities in Project Management: Practice and Development Prospects
Authors: Apen'ko Svetlana , Bazhin K. , Halimon E. , Kizeev V. , Vinokurov I.
Published: October 2020

Global trends in the development of project management are characterized by the transformation of the project approach in the direction of its human orientation and the acquisition of special values by subjects of project management. In this regard, the article considers various forms of self-organization of groups and communities — from youth groups to associations of professionals — in the field of project management in Russia and in the world, identifies and analyzes the reasons for self-organization, presents the advantages, disadvantages, degree of stability, areas of application of various forms of self-organization, as well as describes practical experience and offers prospects for the development of some of them. Special attention should be paid to the characteristics of external and internal factors (from the macro environment to the internal state of individuals) that contribute to the process of integration and cooperation of people to solve joint tasks and achieve goals. The results of the research can be used by scientific, professional and youth communities of project management to select appropriate forms of joint interaction in order to obtain certain values for the subjects of project management — self-development, self-learning, self-realization — to solve the tasks.
Students’ Concept Image and Its Impact on Reasoning towards the Concept of the Derivative
Authors: Nurwahyu Budi , Tinungki Georgina Maria , Mustangin Mustangin
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to identify and classify the student’s concept image and its influence on the reasoning of the problem-solving of the derivative. The research used a qualitative description approach and used eight research subjects. From the answers collected upon the given problems, we obtained several variations of students’ concept images, thus it showed how students’ concept image influenced the reasoning. In order to clarify and classify the characteristic of the obtained answers, we summarized there were three categories of the concept image of the derivative, namely symbolically related to a basic formula of the derivative of a function, limit of the ratio of difference value of the functions, and the properties of the derivative of the functions. Furthermore, our study suggested that each student’s concept image affecting the reasoning of the derivative. In addition, we found some misperceptions in answering the problem and misconception in the use of the basic formula of the derivative of the functions among the students’ answers.
Choreic Movements as Manifestation of Hyperthyroidism in an Adolescent at the Onset of Graves’ Disease
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Burrone Marco , Dilillo Dario , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo
Published: October 2020

Objective; Nervous system dysfunction, including irritability, emotional lability and hyperkinesia are the signs and symptoms frequently observed in hyperthyroidism; chorea and/or choreoathetosis have also been reported in adults and rarely in pediatric age.
Case report; We described the case of a 12-year-old boy with bilateral choreiform movements of the arms at the onset of the Graves’ disease. The patient was treated with metimazole and chorea disappeared with euthyroidism.
Discussion; Hyperthyroidism is to be considered an unusual cause of chorea in childhood. Every child and adolescent with choreiform movements should be examined also for thyroid function.
Airborne validation of the general image quality equation 5
Authors: Lemaster Daniel A.
Published: October 2020

The general image quality equation (GIQE) maps imaging system parameters to performance in terms of common detection and recognition tasks. Changes to the National Imagery Interpretation Rating Scale led to the development of GIQE version 5 in 2015. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of GIQE 5 applications in the literature, a tutorial on its use, and, for the first time , an independent validation of the new model along with comparisons to GIQEs 3 and 4.
Propagation characteristics of the perfect vortex beam in anisotropic oceanic turbulence
Authors: Hu Zonghua , Liu Huilong , Xia Jing , He Aga , Li Hongbo , Du Zhenhua , Chen Tingting , Li Zeyu , Lü Yanfei
Published: October 2020

The propagation model of orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes carried by the perfect vortex (pv) beam through anisotropic oceanic turbulence links is established and the factors influencing the OAM propagation are discussed. The findings show that the self-focusing property of pv beams is beneficial to the propagation of OAM modes: a smaller topological charge, a smaller initial radius, and an optimized half-ring width can alleviate degrading effects of turbulence on the pv beam. Additionally, the pv beam with a longer wavelength is more resistant to turbulent interference. The oceanic conditions with a higher dissipation rate of kinetic energy per unit mass of seawater, larger values of anisotropy and inner-scale factor, a smaller temperature–salinity contribution ratio, or a lower mean-squared temperature dissipation rate can improve the signal mode detection probability. The results are expected to further optimize the design of OAM-based underwater wireless communication systems.
Quantization of dynamic speckle patterns with spatially varying statistics
Authors: Stoykova Elena , Nazarova Dimana , Nedelchev Lian , Blagoeva Blaga , Berberova Nataliya , Hong Keehoon , Park Joongki
Published: October 2020

Raw data compression is mandatory for monitoring of processes by
dynamic speckle analysis when two-dimensional activity maps are built
by pointwise statistical processing of correlated speckle patterns
formed on the surface of diffusely reflecting objects under laser
illumination. Coarse quantization of speckle patterns enables storage
and transfer of a huge amount of images, but it may be inefficient at
spatially varying speckle statistics, such as for patterns recorded at
non-uniform illumination or reflectivity. We prove efficacy of coarse
quantization of the raw speckle data with varying statistics for a
normalized algorithm by simulation and a polymer drop drying
experiment. Both uniform and non-uniform quantization are proposed for
treating such data. Decreasing the bit depth from 8 to 3 is possible
without worsening the quality of the activity map.
INFLUENCE OF THE USE OF GRAVITY SETS IN A PRESSURE VOLUMETRIC INFUSION PUMP WITH AN IMPACT ON THE ACCURACY OF INFUSION SOLUTION FLOWS
Authors: Fiedorova Klara , Augustynek Martin , Penhaker Marek
Published: October 2020

The subject of the work was the experimental verification of the negative influence of gravity sets in a pressure volumetric infusion pump with an impact on the accuracy of infusion solution dosing. The quality criterion for gravity sets was the accuracy of the flow versus the reference set by the volumetric infusion pump. The solution consisted of 14-hour measurements with two types of gravity sets, Intrafix® Primeline sets were used as universal sets and Standardline IS‑103 gravity sets. The insulin pump flow rate was set at 300 ml/h and 50 ml/h, and the actual flow rate of the infusion solution was recorded every hour using a graduated cylinder. Used gravity sets were also processed by mechanical tests, unused sets were subjected to these tests and the obtained data were compared with each other. Experiments carried out showed that at the set flow rate of 300 ml/h, the flow error with the universal set was -3% and at a set flow rate of 50 ml/h the error was +2.3%. Flow accuracy using gravity sets was worse, a flow error of -7.2% was detected for a flow rate of 50 ml/h and a flow error of -7.7% was measured for 300 ml/h. The volumetric pump used declares a tolerated inaccuracy of ± 3% when used with standard infusion sets. Based on the data, it can be concluded that the replacement of set types has an influence on the dosage of infusion solutions.