bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epac1 (Exchange Protein Directly Activated by cAMP 1) Upregulates LOX-1 (Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor 1) to Promote Foam Cell Formation and Atherosclerosis Development
Authors: Robichaux William G. , Mei Fang C. , Yang Wenli , Wang Hui , Sun Hua , Zhou Zhen , Milewicz Dianna M. , Teng Ba-Bie , Cheng Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The cAMP second messenger system, a major stress-response pathway, plays essential roles in normal cardiovascular functions and in pathogenesis of heart diseases. Here, we test the hypothesis that the Epac1 (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1) acts as a major downstream effector of cAMP signaling to promote atherogenesis and represents a novel therapeutic target.

Approach and Results:

To ascertain Epac1’s function in atherosclerosis development, a triple knockout mouse model (
LTe
) was generated by crossing
Epac1
−/−
mice with atherosclerosis-prone
LDb
mice lacking both
Ldlr
and
Apobec1
. Deletion of Epac1 led to a significant reduction of atherosclerotic lesion formation as measured by postmortem staining, accompanied by attenuated macrophage/foam cell infiltrations within atherosclerotic plaques as determined by immunofluorescence staining in
LTe
animals compared with
LDb
littermates. Primary bone marrow–derived macrophages were isolated from Epac1-null and wild-type mice to investigate the role of Epac1 in lipid uptake and foam cell formation. ox-LDLs (oxidized low-density lipoproteins) stimulation of bone marrow–derived macrophages led to elevated intracellular cAMP and Epac1 levels, whereas an Epac-specific agonist, increased lipid accumulation in wild-type, but not Epac1-null, bone marrow–derived macrophages. Mechanistically, Epac1 acts through PKC (protein kinase C) to upregulate LOX-1 (ox-LDL receptor 1), a major scavenger receptor for ox-LDL uptake, exerting a feedforward mechanism with ox-LDL to increase lipid uptake and propel foam cell formation and atherogenesis.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates a fundamental role of cAMP/Epac1 signaling in vascular remodeling by promoting ox-LDL uptake and foam cell formation during atherosclerosis lesion development. Therefore, Epac1 represents a promising, unexplored therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
Targeting Transcription Factor Nrf2 (Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2) for the Intervention of Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Yang Tuo , Zhang Feng
Published: October 2020

Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is an age-related, mild to severe mental disability due to a broad panel of cerebrovascular disorders. Its pathobiology involves neurovascular dysfunction, blood-brain barrier disruption, white matter damage, microRNAs, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota alterations, etc. Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is the master regulator of redox status and controls the transcription of a panel of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory genes. By interacting with NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), Nrf2 also fine-tunes the cellular oxidative and inflammatory balance. Aging is associated with Nrf2 dysfunction, and increasing evidence has proved the role of Nrf2 in mitigating the VCID process. Based on VCID pathobiologies and Nrf2 studies from VCID and other brain diseases, we point out several hypothetical Nrf2 targets for VCID management, including restoration of endothelial function and neurovascular coupling, preservation of blood-brain barrier integrity, reduction of amyloidopathy, promoting white matter integrity, and mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Collectively, the Nrf2 pathway could be a promising direction for future VCID research. Targeting Nrf2 would shed light on VCID managing strategies.
Association of Visceral Adipose Tissue and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in US‐Born Mexican Americans but not First Generation Immigrants
Authors: Gill Clarence , Lee Miryoung , Vatcheva Kristina P. , Rianon Nahid , Smulevitz Beverly , McPherson David D. , McCormick Joseph B. , Fisher‐Hoch Susan P. , Laing Susan T.
Published: October 2020

Background

Excess visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a primary driver for the cardiometabolic complications of obesity; VAT‐associated cardiovascular disease risk varies by race, but most studies have been done on Non‐Hispanics. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and metabolic correlates of VAT, its association with subclinical atherosclerosis, and the factors affecting this association in Mexican Americans.

Methods and Results

Participants (n=527) were drawn from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC), on whom a carotid ultrasound to assess carotid intima media thickness and a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan to assess for VAT were obtained. Those in the highest quartiles of VAT were more likely to have hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, low high‐density lipoprotein, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. Increased carotid intima media thickness was more prevalent in those in the highest quartile for VAT (57.4% versus 15.4% for the lowest quartile;
P
<0.001). There was a graded increase in mean carotid intima media thickness with increasing VAT, after adjusting for covariates; for every 10 cm
2
increase in VAT, there was an increase of 0.004 mm (SE=0.002;
P
=0.0299) in mean carotid intima media thickness. However, this association was only seen among second or higher generation US‐born Mexican Americans but not among first generation immigrants (
P
=0.024).

Conclusions

Excess VAT is associated with indicators of metabolic disorders and subclinical atherosclerosis in Mexican Americans regardless of body mass index. However, acculturation appears to be an important modulator of this association. Longitudinal follow‐up with targeted interventions among second or higher generation Hispanics to lower VAT and improve cardiometabolic risk may help prevent premature cardiovascular disease in this cohort.
College Students’ Experiences of Nonhuman Animal Harm in the United States and The Bahamas
Authors: Fielding William J. , Cronin Travis W. , Risley-Curtiss Christina
Published: October 2020

This study compares and contrasts experiences of harm to nonhuman animals in the lives of 830 college students in The Bahamas and the United States. Overall, students in The Bahamas were more likely to have been exposed to seeing animals harmed (65%) than those in the United States (16%), and they were more likely to have seen an animal killed (22% in The Bahamas and 12% in the United States). Bahamian students reported a higher rate of participation in harming animals than United States students. Stray animals were at greater risk of harm than animals designated as companion animals. The occurrence of coerced harm to animals including zoophilia was low. Participants were indirect victims of animal harm at older ages than the ages at which they had first witnessed or participated in harming animals. Cross-societal implications of harming animals are discussed in the context of teaching animal welfare.
Anthropomorphized Nonhuman Animals in Mass Media and Their Influence on Human Attitudes Toward Wildlife
Authors: Grasso Chiara , Lenzi Christian , Speiran Siobhan , Pirrone Federica
Published: October 2020

Anthropomorphic figures of nonhuman animals are omnipresent in various forms of mass media (e.g., movies, books, and advertising). The depiction of companion and wild animals, including nonhuman primates (e.g., chimpanzees), as possessing human characteristics or behaviors can influence these animals’ desirability as companions. Ultimately, this can distort general public perception of what constitutes “normal” wild behavior, as well as the conservation status of these animals. Therefore, anthropomorphic animal representations can contribute to the spread of misleading messages that may have highly unpredictable effects. In the present review, we have highlighted various articles from the academic literature which focus on anthropomorphised animals, noting the main thematic issues. We suggest that further studies on this topic are needed to deepen such a complex and not yet clarified topic.
A review of the Iranian species of the family Onychiuridae (Collembola, Poduromorpha), with description of five new species from Hyrcanian Forests in Iran
Authors: YAHYAPOUR ELIYE , SHAYANMEHR MASOUMEH , VAFAEI-SHOUSHTARI REZA , ARBEA JAVIER I.
Published: October 2020

Five new species from different tribes of the family Onychiuridae, namely Heteraphorura kaprusi sp. nov. (Hymenaphorurini), Deuteraphorura dashtenazensis sp. nov. and Onychiuroides mazandaranensis sp. nov. (Onychiurini), Protaphorura hyrcanica sp. nov. and P. iranica sp. nov. (Protaphorurini), from different Caspian Hyrcanian Mixed Forests in the Northern Iranian province of Mazandaran are described and illustrated. H. kaprusi sp. nov. belongs to the oriental species-group of the genus characterized by granulated vesicles in PAO, D. dashtenazensis sp. nov.—to the group of Deuteraphorura species with 1+1 pso on Th. I, and with 3+3 pso on the posterior part of head and Th. II–Abd. III tergites, O. mazandaranensis sp. nov.—to the group of Onychiuroides with 4 papillae and 5 chaetae on AIIIO, P. hyrcanica sp. nov. and P. iranica sp. nov.—to the group of Protaphorura species with 3 pso on Ant. base, 2+2 pso on Th. II and subcoxae 1 of legs II–III without pso. In addition two other species have been found in the same forests: Protaphorura sakatoi (Yosii, 1966) and Protaphorura golestanica Kaprus’, Shayanmehr & Kahrarian, 2017 (second record of the species). An identification key of the 30 species of Onychiuridae recorded so far from Iran is given.
The genus Cryptogonus Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Pakistan, with description of a new species and a new record
Authors: AZAD RASHID , FARID ABID , HUO LIZHI , ALI HABIB , WANG XINGMIN
Published: October 2020

The new species of a ladybird beetle, Cryptogonus bhalwalnensis Azad & Wang sp. nov. is described from Pakistan. Cryptogonus nepalensis bhutanensis Bielawski is recorded for the first time from Pakistan. Both species of Cryptogonus from Pakistan are diagnosed and illustrated; a distribution map is also presented.
Redescription of Promecostethus unifalculatus, the only known harvestman from Crozet Islands (Opiliones: Triaenonychidae)
Authors: PORTO WILLIANS , PÉREZ-GONZÁLEZ ABEL
Published: October 2020

Promecostethus unifalculatus Enderlein, 1909, is the only representative of the order Opiliones from the Crozet Islands. The species belongs to the family Triaenonychidae and is biogeographically interesting because it is a candidate for transoceanic dispersal, a very rare event in this ancient family. Despite this significance, P. unifalculatus is taxonomically still poorly known, and a redescription of this species using modern taxonomic standards is urgently needed. Here we redescribe the species, offer the first description and illustrations of the male genitalia and provide a full exomorphological survey of the species using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, we provide an emended diagnosis for the genus Promecostethus and discuss its relationship with some morphologically similar genera.
Description of a new species, Actus hagiangensis (Mononchida, Mylonchulidae) from Ha Giang province, Vietnam
Authors: VU TAM T.T.
Published: October 2020

Actus hagiangensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Vietnam. Females of the new species are characterized by medium body size (L = 1.1–1.4 mm), barrel shaped buccal cavity of medium size (26–31 x 13–15 µm) with dorsal tooth apex located 75–81% of buccal cavity length from base and two longitudinal subventral rows, each with four rasp-like denticles; reproductive system didelphic-amphidelphic, vagina short with distinct par refringens vaginae, sclerotized pieces globular in optical section; tail elongate-conoid, slightly ventrally arcuate, with three caudal glands and prominent spinneret. Male with spicules 46 µm in length, and slender, slightly curved gubernaculum, 12 µm long, without accessory piece. This is the first report of a male specimen of the genus Actus. The new species is close to A. salvadoricus but differs by the larger buccal cavity, more anterior position of the dorsal tooth apex and more rounded vaginal sclerotized pieces.
Hydrometeorological Characteristics of Ice Jams on the Pemigewasset River in Central New Hampshire
Authors: Sanders Matthew C. , Cordeira Jason M. , Metz Nicholas D.
Published: October 2020

Ice jams that occurred on the Pemigewasset River in central New Hampshire resulted in significant localized flooding on 26 February 2017 and 13 January 2018. Analyses of these two case studies shows that both ice jam events occurred in association with enhanced moisture transport characteristic of atmospheric rivers (ARs) that resulted in rain-on-snow, snowpack ablation, and rapid increases in streamflow across central New Hampshire. However, while the ice jams and ARs that preceded them were similar, the antecedent hydrometeorological characteristics of the region were different. The February 2017 event featured a “long melting period with low precipitation” scenario, with several days of warm (~5°–20°C) maximum surface temperatures that resulted in extensive snowmelt followed by short-duration, weak AR that produced ~10–15 mm of precipitation during a 6-h period prior to the formation of the ice jam. Alternatively, the January 2018 event featured a “short melting period with high precipitation” scenario with snowmelt that occurred primarily during a more intense and long-duration AR that produced >50 mm of rainfall during a 30-h period prior to the formation of the ice jam. Composite analysis of 20 ice jam events during 1981–2019 illustrates that 19 of 20 events were preceded by environments characterized by ARs along the U.S. East Coast and occur in association with a composite corridor of enhanced integrated water vapor > 25 mm collocated with integrated water vapor transport magnitudes > 600 kg m−1 s−1. Additional analyses suggest that most ice jams on the Pemigewasset River share many common synoptic-scale antecedent meteorological characteristics that may provide situational awareness for future events.
Assessment of Sampling Sufficiency for Low-Cost Satellite Missions: Application to PREFIRE
Authors: Kahn Brian H. , Drouin Brian J. , L’Ecuyer Tristan S.
Published: October 2020

The Polar Radiant Energy in the Far Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE) mission will, for the first time, systematically document the far-infrared (15–54 µm) spectral region from space. The environmental sampling characteristics of the PREFIRE CubeSats, defined in terms of surface temperature (Tsfc) and column water vapor (CWV) are evaluated for a range of possible orbit scenarios for both clear-sky and all-sky conditions over a variety of surface types (land, ocean, sea ice, snow, glacier ice) at both poles. Using NASA Aqua’s Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) retrievals to define the climatological ranges of Tsfc and CWV, the fraction of environmental regimes observed by distinct PREFIRE configurations are evaluated. The sampling rates within any single year for two-orbit CubeSat launches spanning both polar regions are ~75% for clear-sky and ~85% for all-sky compared to the AIRS/AMSU climatology. Decreasing mission duration from 12 to 3 months decreases sampling much more (10%–20%) than decreasing the swath width from 15 to 8 footprints (6%–9%). For a single CubeSat launch, a 98° orbital inclination provides slightly better sampling than either 93° or 103°. For a two-orbit CubeSat launch, a combination of 93° + 98° is somewhat preferable to 103° + 98°. Finally, a 50% data loss rate simulated by dropping out every other orbit leads to only a modest 7%–8% reduction in sampling from full data coverage. This statistical analysis demonstrates that low-cost platforms could offer similar coverage as present-day flagship missions for sampling wide-ranging Tsfc and CWV states over polar regions.
Characteristics of General Surgery Social Media Influencers on Twitter
Authors: Elson Nora C. , Le Diana T. , Johnson Mark D. , Reyna Chantal , Shaughnessy Elizabeth A. , Goodman Michael D. , Lewis Jaime D.
Published: October 2020

Background

The influence of social media and Twitter in general surgery research, mentorship, networking, and education is growing. Limited data exist regarding individuals who control the dialogue. Our goal was to characterize influencers leading the discussion in general surgery.

Methods

Right Relevance Insight API was searched for “general surgery,” and individual influencers were ranked by a comprehensive assessment of connections (followers/following) and engagement (likes, retweets, and comments). Profession, specialty, gender, and location were collected utilizing Twitter, Doximity, LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and institutional websites. American Board of Surgery and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada were queried for board certification and academic h-index scores were acquired from Scopus.

Results

Eighty-eight individual influencers in general surgery were identified, with 73 holding positions in general surgery. Attending level general surgeons comprised 50%, of which 91% are board certified, and 94% completed a fellowship (surgical oncology, laparoscopic surgery, critical care/trauma, and colorectal surgery). Residents comprised 31%; 11% were nonsurgeons and 3% were not physicians. The majority of residents and fellow influencers were female (72%). Many general surgery influencers were international (51%), particularly Canadian (28% overall). The academic h-indices for these influencers (n = 73) ranged from 0 to 73 (mean 14.5 ± 8.2; median 9.5).

Discussion

Our data describe the positions, backgrounds, and research contributions of the top Twitter influencers in general surgery. Those engaged in social media should consider the background, expertise, and motivation of these influencers as the utilization and impact of this platform grows.
Lane line recognition based on improved 2D-gamma function and variable threshold Canny algorithm under complex environment
Authors: Zhang Houzhong , Liang Jiasheng , Jiang Haobin , Cai Yingfeng , Xu Xing
Published: October 2020

The visual guidance of AGV (automated guided vehicle) has gradually become one of the most important perception methods. Aiming at the problem that it is difficult to extract lane line accurately when AGV is running in complex working environment (such as uneven illumination, overexposure, lane line is not obvious, etc.), a scheme of lane line recognition under complex environment is proposed. Firstly, the variable scale image correction is carried out for the uneven illumination area in ROI (region of interest), and the threshold of Canny algorithm is adjusted adaptively according to the luminance of ROI region by Fuzzy-Canny algorithm; Secondly, the edge points matching the lane width feature are extracted by the way of aerial view. Finally, the curve fitting method based on RANSAC (Random Sample Consensus) is used to fit a curve with the lowest error rate and then get the lane center curve. The experimental results show that the processing algorithm used in this paper is feasible and effective, has strong robustness and fast computing performance, and can meet the requirements of intelligent AGV in various complex environments.
Dental Research Waste in Design, Analysis, and Reporting: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pandis N. , Fleming P.S. , Katsaros C. , Ioannidis J.P.A.
Published: October 2020

Research waste is highly prevalent across biomedical investigations. We aimed to assess the evidence on the extent of research waste in dental research. We performed a scoping review of empirical evaluations of dental studies assessing the prevalence and impact of limitations in design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of research. PubMed was searched using specific terms to retrieve studies dealing with design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of studies in dentistry, with no year or language restrictions. Of the 1,807 publications identified from the search and from manual searches, 71 were included in this review. The topic and article selection was based on the expert opinion of the authors. The existing evidence suggests that, although there are improvements over time, substantial deficiencies in all areas (design, conduct, analysis, reporting) were prevalent in dental research publications. Waste in research is a multifaceted problem without a simple solution. However, an appreciation of optimal research design and execution is a prerequisite and should be underpinned by policies that include appropriate training in research methods and properly aligned incentives.
Still “People of the Book”?
Authors: Douglass Robert Bruce
Published: October 2020

Protestants have long been known not only for the special authority they have accorded the Bible but also for the encouragement they have given to laity to read the Bible and make sense of it for themselves. But for much of their history they have assumed this would be done in the context of worshipping communities, where believers could interpret the Bible together, guided by the results of these communities' ongoing deliberations as codified in creeds, confessions and catechisms. In recent times, however, this has been breaking down because of the rise of increasingly radical forms of individualism. The resulting turn away from creedal religion is celebrated by some as an advance, but it is not without problems. This article identifies some of those problems, and briefly considers how they might be addressed.
My Friend Johann Baptist Metz
Authors: Moltmann Jürgen , Lösel (Translator) Steffen
Published: October 2020

Johann Baptist Metz died on December 2, 2019. He and Jürgen Moltmann shared a theological and personal friendship marked by affection and respect. It was an honest friendship and it lasted for over fifty years. It started when two texts met: Metz’s essay “God before Us” and Moltmann’s essay “The Category of Novum in Christian Theology.” Both were published in the volume To Honor Ernst Bloch (1965). This article is a personal reminiscence.
Book review: Haley Duschinski, Mona Bhan, Ather Zia, and Cynthia Mahmood, eds. 2018. Resisting Occupation in Kashmir
Authors: Arif Yasmeen
Published: October 2020

Haley Duschinski, Mona Bhan, Ather Zia, and Cynthia Mahmood, eds. 2018. Resisting Occupation in Kashmir. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, vi + 302 pp. Maps, Figures, Notes, References, Index. $79.95(hardback).
Interrelations between Attachment Styles, Emotional Contagion and Loneliness
Authors: Borawski Dominik , Wajs Tomasz , Sojka Konstancja , Misztal Urszula
Published: October 2020

The main purpose of this study was to examine the roles of parental attachment styles and emotional contagion in predicting the level of loneliness. Based on the theoretical and empirical premises, we have decided to investigate whether emotional contagion can be associated with loneliness, when the attachment styles are controlled for, and whether emotional contagion can function as a mediator in the relationship between attachment avoidance and loneliness. The Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, and the Emotional Contagion Scale were applied to the research. In our results, attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were demonstrated to be positive predictors, while positive emotional contagion was shown to be a negative predictor of loneliness. Moreover, our data revealed that catching the positive (but not negative) emotions of others was a mediator in the relationship between attachment avoidance and loneliness.
Real-time PCR, the best approaches for rapid testing for Mycobacterium chimaera detection in heater cooler units and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Ditommaso Savina , Giacomuzzi Monica , Memoli Gabriele , Zotti Carla M
Published: October 2020

According to recent investigations, the risk of M. chimaera contamination of heater-cooler units (HCUs) has reached global proportions. Our aim was to field evaluate a protocol for early detection of M. chimaera contamination. We assessed the presence of viable M. chimaera in 395 water samples obtained from 48 devices (HCUs and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) by Real Time PCR. Thirty devices were NTM positive, of which 14 were contaminated with M. chimaera. The most frequently contaminated devices were the Stockert 3T. Noteworthy, Stockert 3T devices were positive for M. chimaera. In conclusion, this study introduces novel PMA-PCR designed to specifically detect M. chimaera in HCUs and ECMO devices; this method can replace the culture method for continuous microbiological surveillance. The timely detection of M. chimaera contamination can then be used to improve effective management of the devices.
Living beyond cancer: Adolescent and young adult perspectives on choice of and participation in meaningful occupational roles
Authors: Wallis Amy , Meredith Pamela , Stanley Mandy
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Whilst it is recognised that cancer may present numerous challenges for the adolescent or young adult during treatment, experiences after this stage as the young person transitions to life without cancer have received little attention. The purpose of this study is to understand the implications of having survived cancer for the young person’s choice of, and participation in, meaningful occupational roles.

Method

In this qualitative descriptive study, four participants were interviewed on two occasions using semi-structured interviews, with the subsequent interview supplemented with photo elicitation. Participants were male and female, aged 19 and 24 years, and medically cleared of (living beyond) cancer. Thematic analysis was used.

Results

Three main themes emerged: changes in relationships; moving beyond; and future perspectives. Adolescents and young adults identified the impact of the cancer experience on interpersonal relationships and related occupational roles (for example parenthood), and described how cancer affected their participation in, and the meaning of, occupational roles, and altered present and future occupational priorities.

Conclusion

Having cancer as an adolescent or young adult has lasting impacts on occupational roles. Understanding the opportunities and challenges this population may face when living beyond cancer can assist in providing enhanced age-aware occupational therapy, potentially optimising outcomes for young people.
Conspiracy theories and UFOs
Authors: Karbovnik Damien
Published: October 2020

Ever since UFOs were first spotted in the sky in 1947, many theories have sought to explain these apparitions that defy science. Some of them lend weight to conspiracy theories. Even though there is a wide spectrum of conspiracies involving a certain amount of people and organizations, the purpose of this article will be to follow one particular author's point of view, Jimmy Guieu's, namely because of the global approach that he favors. Guieu, a pioneer of ufology, followed its evolution up until his death in 2000 and tried, through his many works, to offer some enlightening information on UFOs. Ranging from Black-out to the secret government embodied by the MJ-12, he patiently assembled the pieces of a puzzle whose final product takes the form of “romans-vérité”. Although he remains a rather marginal author, some approaches similar to Jimmy Guieu's can be seen on television in widely distributed productions; this will allow us to put forward the existence of a recurrent narrative structure in the alien conspiracy theory.
Predicting Community Adoption of Collective Impact in the United States: A National Scan
Authors: Boyer Anne-Marie , Cooper Katherine R. , Dougherty Shaun M. , Wang Rong , Shumate Michelle
Published: October 2020

Collaborative governance research examines the role of individuals, organizations, and partnerships within a community to understand why particular interorganizational networks emerge. We take a different tact, arguing that communities adopt collaborative governance models based upon exposure to the models and the individual and organizational resources in a community. We conducted a web-based national-level scan of communities in the United States ( N = 1,162) for the presence of one model of collaborative governance, education-focused collective impact. We found that spatial proximity, poverty rate, and individual resources each predicted the existence of collective impact in a U.S. county. Implications for collaborative governance research are drawn from the results.
A comprehensive damage criterion in tube hydroforming
Authors: Pourhamid Reza , Shirazi Ali
Published: October 2020

In the present study, the Johnson-Cook damage model is proposed as a comprehensive damage criterion to predict all types of probable failures in tube hydroforming process. Also, the Johnson-Cook material model is used to predict the profile of hydroformed tubes and their dimensions. The validity of numerical results was verified using experimental results obtained in this study. Moreover, because of the importance of friction force in this process, existing between the tube and die, the friction coefficient is determined using the ring compression test, separately. The comparison of experimental and numerical results shows that Johnson-Cook damage model can predict all of the possible failures in tube hydroforming process correctly, both in terms of location and loading conditions. And this model does not predict any failure if, the tube is hydroformed perfectly. Additionally, it was cleared that the Johnson-Cook material model is a proper model to predict the profile of hydroformed tubes with remarkable accuracy. Also, it was found that the loading path and creation of a proper wrinkling have a determinative and vital role in the prosperity of the process.
The effect of continuously varying wind speed on high-speed train overturning safety
Authors: Liu Dongrun , Li Tian , Tao Yu , Wang Zhongang , Zhong Mu , Lu Zhaijun
Published: October 2020

Changing topography will affect wind speed variations along railway lines in local areas. When the distance from one wind speed abrupt change location to other is narrow, a continuous variation in wind speed will occur. However, few studies have focused on this topic. In this study, a continuous wind speed variation model is developed based on measured wind speed curves, the interval time of continuous wind speed changes, the wind speed amplitude variation, the wind speed change rate and peak wind speed duration on the train dynamics are investigated. The results show that continuous wind speed variations have a significant impact on the overturning safety of trains compared to a single wind speed change. When the interval time between two adjacent wind speed changes is less than 6 s, it is necessary to consider the influence of continuous wind speed variations. In addition, the influence of the wind speed amplitude changes on train overturning safety is much greater than other factors.
Reference range: Which statistical intervals to use?
Authors: Liu Wei , Bretz Frank , Cortina-Borja Mario
Published: October 2020

Reference ranges, which are data-based intervals aiming to contain a pre-specified large proportion of the population values, are powerful tools to analyse observations in clinical laboratories. Their main point is to classify any future observations from the population which fall outside them as atypical and thus may warrant further investigation. As a reference range is constructed from a random sample from the population, the event ‘a reference range contains [Formula: see text] of the population’ is also random. Hence, all we can hope for is that such event has a large occurrence probability. In this paper we argue that some intervals, including the P prediction interval, are not suitable as reference ranges since there is a substantial probability that these intervals contain less than [Formula: see text] of the population, especially when the sample size is large. In contrast, a [Formula: see text] tolerance interval is designed to contain [Formula: see text] of the population with a pre-specified large confidence γ so it is eminently adequate as a reference range. An example based on real data illustrates the paper’s key points.
Preclinical Evaluation of a Single Intravenous Infusion of hUC-MSC (BX-U001) in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Liu Linan , Farhoodi Henry P. , Han Menglu , Liu Guangyang , Yu Jingxia , Nguyen Lily , Nguyen Brenda , Nguyen Agnes , Liao Wenbin , Zhao Weian
Published: October 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease of the joints, which causes severe pain and excessive systemic circulation of harmful inflammatory cytokines. Current treatments are limited, with some patients not responding well, and some experiencing severe and detrimental side effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are cell-based therapeutics being evaluated as potent immunomodulators in RA and may provide relief to patients not responding well to drug-based treatments. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of BX-U001 human umbilical cord tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC) to treat RA, in support of a successful investigational new drug application. A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model of RA was established in DBA/1 J mice. Mice from the treatment assessment group were given a tail vein infusion of hUC-MSC 24 days after primary RA induction, while control assessment (CA) group mice were given cell-free carrier solution. All animals were evaluated daily for RA symptoms via clinical scoring, blood was taken periodically for cytokine analysis, and mice were dissected at end point for histological analysis. A linear mixed model was used to compare the rate of change among groups. The clinical scores of TA group were significantly reduced compared with CA group ( P < 0.01), indicating therapeutic effects. The histological scores of the joints in TA group were significantly lower than those in the CA group ( P < 0.05), but had no significant difference compared with Healthy groups ( P > 0.05). The concentration of (interleukin) IL-6 in TA group was significantly reduced by 80.0% ( P < 0.0001) 2 days after treatment and by 93.4% at the experimental endpoint compared with levels prior to hUC-MSC injection. A single intravenous infusion of hUC-MSC (2 × 106 cells/mouse), to CIA-induced DBA/1 J mice, resulted in significant alleviation of RA symptoms and may provide significant therapeutic benefits in humans.
Single‐day and cumulative effects of ambient particulate matter exposure on emergency department visits for respiratory disease in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hakjung , Yu Woosung
Published: October 2020

Background:

Along with the industrialization, the air pollutants have gained more attention and studies especially about respiratory diseases were conducted. Emergency visit reflects acute aggravation of disease rather than chronic exacerbation.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the ambient particulate matter and the emergency visits with respiratory disease in South Korea.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with respiratory disease in the emergency department in 2018 were enrolled. The data of meteorological factors and air pollutants between 4 December 2017 and 31 December 2018 were acquired. Poisson regression was used with daily emergency visits as the response variable and single‐day particulate matter concentration as the explanatory variable.

Results:

A total of 4207 patients were enrolled. In Poisson regression analysis of all respiratory diseases, the effects of and were strongest at day before 8 and 26. Age older than 65 group and chronic respiratory disease group had earlier lag effect than the all‐diseases group. Cumulative effect was peaked at 14 lag day. The split point of prediction was 87 µg/m3 before 3 days for and 37 µg/m3 before 8 days for .

Conclusion:

The results can be used to predict the increase of emergency visits and need for medical resources when the ambient particulate matter concentration rises.
Psychometric Properties of Parent Ratings on the Inventory of Callous–Unemotional Traits in a Nationally Representative Sample of 5- to 12-Year-Olds
Authors: Bansal Pevitr S. , Babinski Dara E. , Waxmonsky James G. , Waschbusch Daniel A.
Published: October 2020

The psychometric properties of the parent-report version of the Inventory of Callous–Unemotional Traits (ICU) in school-aged children requires further examination. In a nationally representative sample of U.S. children ( N = 1,064, M age = 8.42, 51.7% boys), the current study examined the factor structure, measurement invariance, and the moderating role of parent rated ICU scores on conduct problems. Results supported (a) a two-factor model consisting of a CU factor and a limited prosocial emotions (LPE) factor; (b) an invariant structure of the ICU across child sex, as well as (to a lesser extent) across child age and parent sex; and (c) the moderating role of the LPE factor on the relationship between conduct problems and relevant outcomes (i.e., impairment, need for treatment). Normative data on the parent-report version of the ICU for elementary-aged school children in the United States were also presented. Clinical implications regarding use of the parent-report version of the ICU for school-aged children are discussed.
Research Advances in the Subtype of Sepsis-Associated Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Wu Xinghui , Li Yue , Tong Huasheng
Published: October 2020

The incidence and mortality of sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) are extremely high. Thrombocytopenia, one of the most common laboratory abnormalities, is correlated with prognosis in sepsis. The pathophysiology of sepsis-associated thrombocytopenia (SAT) remains unclear and may be associated with several factors such as platelet activation due to vascular injury and pathogen, suppression of bone marrow, platelet-targeted antibodies and desialylation. This review summarized all these possible mechanisms in the 3 subtypes of SAT: increased platelet consumption, reduced platelet production and increased platelet destruction. Based on the clinically available platelet parameters, the evidence for identifying SAT subtypes and the recent progress in treatments according to these subtypes are proposed to provide new prospects for the management of SAT.
Robust control of active magnetic bearing systems with an add-on controller to cancel gyroscopic effects: Is it worth it?
Authors: Sahinkaya Alican , Sawicki Jerzy T
Published: October 2020

One of the performance-limiting factors in the design of robust controllers for active magnetic bearing systems is the fact that the controller needs to be robust to the gyroscopic effects, that is rotational speed-dependent dynamics of the system. Studies in the literature show that better performance and stability can be achieved when gyroscopic effects are explicitly handled by a cross-feedback control for rigid rotor-active magnetic bearing systems. For flexible rotor-active magnetic bearing systems, gyroscopic effects are mainly dealt by defining the rotational speed as an uncertain parameter of the model or with linear parameter-varying controllers. This study explores the novel idea of compensating gyroscopic effects of a flexible rotor-active magnetic bearing system with an add-on controller and investigates its effects on the achieved performance of μ-controllers. The study is carried out on an experimental active magnetic bearing test rig with relatively high gyroscopic effects. An add-on controller is designed to compensate the gyroscopic effects of the first and second flexible modes of the rotor. Two μ-controllers are designed for the system: (1) benchmark controller that is designed using a standard control approach for active magnetic bearing systems and (2) controller designed with a modified model of the system in which the gyroscopic effects for the first and second flexible modes are reduced because of the presence of the add-on controller. Both controllers are implemented, and their performances are compared for initial levitation, run-up test from 0 to 10,000 r/min, orbit sizes at various speeds, and the computational cost of implementing each controller. The results suggest that better performance is potentially possible at the cost of significant increase in the computational complexity of the controller.
Evaluation of clinical examination location on stress in cats: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Griffin Francesca C , Mandese Wendy W , Reynolds Penny S , Deriberprey Alexis S , Blew Alyssa C
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of owner separation and physical examination location on fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) behavioral indicators in cats.

Methods

The study was a prospective, non-blinded, randomized, two-period, two-treatment crossover trial. Healthy adult cats presenting for wellness or dental evaluations at a single veterinary teaching hospital received three physical examinations: a baseline assessment (owner present) followed by physical examinations in both a treatment area (owner absent [TAOA]) and an examination room (owner present [EROP]). The physical examination sequence order was randomized. Low-stress handling techniques were used for all examinations. The primary endpoints were heart rate (HR; beats per min [bpm]) and total FAS scores. HR was measured by auscultation, and FAS by five specific behaviors scored as 0/1 and summed for each assessment period.

Results

Twenty-one healthy cats were enrolled. HR measured at entry (baseline) was a significant determinant of subsequent HR readings. HR measured during examinations conducted in both EROP and TAOA were elevated to levels indicative of stress (>180 bpm). HR was significantly higher for TAOA relative to EROP (30 bpm, 95% confidence interval 18–43; P <0.001). Behavioral FAS scores showed no statistically significant effects of sequence or room. FAS scores for TAOA assessments were clinically elevated relative to baseline (1.5 FAS, SE 0.7; P = 0.05); EROP FAS scores relative to baseline did not differ statistically (0.5 units, SE = 0.5; P = 0.43).

Conclusions and relevance

Owner separation coupled with physical examination location can result in clinically significant increases in perceived stress in cats, and compromise vital sign assessments. Whenever possible, physical examinations and procedures should take place with the owner present with separation from unfamiliar dogs and cats.
The Association Between Dietary Habits and Other Lifestyle Indicators and Dysglycemia in Saudi Adults Free of Previous Diagnosis of Diabetes
Authors: Jambi Hanan , Enani Sumia , Malibary Manal , Bahijri Suhad , Eldakhakhny Basmah , Al-Ahmadi Jawaher , Al Raddadi Rajaa , Ajabnoor Ghada , Boraie Anwar , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Study the association of dietary habits and other indicators of lifestyle with dysglycemia in Saudi adults.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional design, data were obtained from 1403 Saudi adults (⩾20 years), not previously diagnosed with diabetes. Demographics, lifestyle variables and dietary habits were obtained using a predesigned questionnaire. Fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin and 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test were used to identify dysglycemia. Regression analysis was performed to determine the associations of dietary factors and other indicators of lifestyle with dysglycemia.

Results:

A total 1075 adults (596 men, and 479 women) had normoglycemia, and 328 (195 men, and 133 women) had dysglycemia. Following adjustment for age, BMI and waist circumference, in men the weekly intake of 5 portions or more of red meat and Turkish coffee were associated with decreased odds of having dysglycemia odds ratio (OR) 0.444 (95% CI: 0.223, 0.881; P = .02) and 0.387 (95% CI: 0.202, 0.74; P = .004), respectively. In women, the intake of fresh juice 1 to 4 portions per week and 5 portions or more were associated with OR 0.603 (95% CI: 0.369, 0.985; P = .043) and OR 0.511 (95% CI: 0.279, 0.935; P = .029) decreased odds of having dysglycemia, respectively compared with women who did not drink fresh juice. The intake of 5 times or more per week of hibiscus drink was associated with increased odds of having dysglycemia, OR 5.551 (95% CI: 1.576, 19.55, P = .008) compared with women not using such a drink. Other lifestyle factors were not associated with dysglycemia.

Conclusion:

Dietary practices by studied Saudis have some impact on risk of dysglycemia, with obvious sex differences.
Optical coherence tomography outcomes from SPRINT-MS, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial of ibudilast in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bermel Robert A , Fedler Janel K , Kaiser Peter , Novalis Cindy , Schneebaum Jeff , Klingner Elizabeth A , Williams Dawn , Yankey Jon W , Ecklund Dixie J , Chase Marianne , Naismith Robert T , Klawiter Eric C , Goodman Andrew D , Coffey Christopher S , Fox Robert J
Published: October 2020

Background:

The SPRINT-MS trial demonstrated benefit of ibudilast on brain atrophy over 96 weeks in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed in all trial participants.

Objective:

Report the OCT results of the SPRINT-MS trial.

Methods:

OCT was obtained at baseline and every 6 months using spectral domain OCT and analyzed by an OCT reading center. Change in each OCT outcome measure by treatment group was estimated using linear mixed models.

Results:

Change in pRNFL thickness was +0.0424 uM/year (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.3091 to 0.3939) for ibudilast versus −0.2630 uM (95% CI: −0.5973 to 0.0714) for placebo ( n = 244, p = 0.22). Macular volume change was −0.00503 mm3/year (−0.02693 to 0.01688) with ibudilast versus −0.03659 mm3/year (−0.05824 to −0.01494) for placebo in the Spectralis cohort ( n = 61, p = 0.044). For the Cirrus cohort, macular volume change was −0.00040 mm3/year (−0.02167, 0.020866) with ibudilast compared to −0.02083 mm3/year (−0.04134 to −0.00033) for placebo ( n = 183, p = 0.1734). Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness change, available from Cirrus, was −0.4893 uM/year (−0.9132, −0.0654) with ibudilast versus −0.9587 uM/year (−1.3677, −0.5498) with placebo ( n = 183, p = 0.12).

Conclusion:

Retinal thinning in MS may be attenuated by ibudilast. Sample size estimates suggest OCT can be a viable outcome measure in progressive MS trials if a therapy has a large treatment effect.

Trial registration:

NN102/SPRINT-MS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01982942.
How challenger parties can win big with frozen cleavages: Explaining the landslide victory of the Servant of the People party in the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary elections
Authors: Chaisty Paul , Whitefield Stephen
Published: October 2020

In the Ukrainian parliamentary elections of July 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky’s new party, Servant of the People (SN) won a majority of seats in the context of what had been a ‘frozen cleavage’ dividing party voters along a single geo-cultural dimension: pro-West/anti-Soviet versus anti-West/pro-Russian positions. Analysing a unique set of surveys of public and expert opinion, we find that its unprecedented success stems from the extreme weaknesses of the existing and often discredited parties rather than ideological shifts. Our findings also question whether challenger parties in other contexts, including consolidated democracies, must compete on new issue dimensions in order to succeed electorally.