bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Same‐day discharge after cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation: A multicenter experience
Authors: Kowalski Marcin , Parikh Valay , Salcido Jose R. , Chalfoun Nagib , Albano Alfred , O'Neill Padraig G. , Bowers Mark R. , Gauri Andre , Braegelmann Kendra M. , Lim Hae W. , Akhrass Philippe , Shah Rina , Bekheit Soad , Epstein Laurence M. , Aryana Arash
Published: December 2020

Background

It is common practice to observe patients during an overnight stay (ONS) following a catheter ablation procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objectives

To investigate the safety and economic impact of a same‐day discharge (SDD) protocol after cryoballoon ablation for treatment of AF in high‐volume, geographically diverse US hospitals.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 2374 consecutive patients (1119 SDD and 1180 ONS) who underwent cryoballoon ablation for AF at three US centers. Baseline characteristics, acute procedure‐related complications, and longer‐term evaluations of safety were recorded during routine clinical follow‐up. The mean cost of an ONS was used in a one‐way sensitivity analysis to evaluate yearly cost savings as a function of the percentage of SDD cases per year.

Results

The SDD and ONS cohorts were predominately male (69% vs. 67%; p = .3), but SDD patients were younger (64 ± 11 vs. 66 ± 10; p < .0001) with lower body mass index (30 ± 6 vs. 31 ± 61; p < .0001) and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores (1.4 ± 1.0 vs. 2.2 ± 1.4; p < .0002). There was no difference between SDD and ONS in the 30‐day total complication rate (n = 15 [1.26%] versus n = 24 [2.03%]; p = .136, respectively). The most common complication was hematoma in both the SDD (n = 8; 0.67%) and ONS (n = 11; 0.93%) cohorts. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that when 50% of every 100 patients treated were discharged the same day, hospital cost savings ranged from $45 825 to $83 813 per year across US hospitals.

Conclusions

SDD following cryoballoon ablation for AF appears to be safe and is associated with cost savings across different US hospitals.
Recombinant human thyrotropin stimulation test in 114 dogs with suspected hypothyroidism: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Corsini A. , Faroni E. , Lunetta F. , Fracassi F.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the performance and define cut‐offs for the interpretation of a thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation test with a recombinant human TSH dose of 75 μg/dog administered intravenously in dogs with suspected hypothyroidism.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Medical records of dogs presented for suspected hypothyroidism were retrospectively reviewed. Animals were included if a TSH stimulation test with a recombinant human TSH dose of 75 μg/dog was performed and follow‐up was available. Dogs with a post‐TSH serum total thyroxine (T4) level of ≥2.2 μg/dL were considered euthyroid. Dogs with a post‐TSH T4 level of <2.2 μg/dL were classified as hypothyroid or euthyroid based on follow‐up, including response to levothyroxine supplementation. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to define the performance of the test.

Results

One hundred and fourteen dogs were included. Forty were classified as hypothyroid and 74 as euthyroid. Post‐TSH T4 cut‐offs of 1.3 and 1.7 μg/dL showed sensitivities of 92.5 and 100% and specificities of 97.3 and 93.2%, respectively. Post‐TSH T4 levels of >1.7 μg/dL had a negative predictive value of 100%. Post‐TSH T4 levels of <1.3 μg/dL showed a positive predictive value of 94.9%. Area under the ROC curve for post‐TSH T4 was 0.99.

Clinical Significance

A TSH stimulation test performed with a recombinant human TSH dose of 75 μg/dog is highly reliable to discriminate between hypothyroid and euthyroid dogs, even in cases of concurrent non‐thyroidal illness or administration of medications. A post‐stimulation T4 concentration of >1.7 μg/dL is suggestive of normal thyroid function.
Comprehensive comparison of upper and lower endoscopic small intestinal biopsy in cats with chronic enteropathy
Authors: Chow Betty , Hill Steve L. , Richter Keith P. , Marsilio Sina , Ackermann Mark R. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Cocker Sarah , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Integrating immunohistochemistry (IHC) and clonality testing with histopathology may improve the ability to differentiate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and alimentary small cell lymphoma (LSA) in cats.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the utility of histopathology, IHC, and clonality testing to differentiate between IBD and LSA and agreement of diagnostic results for endoscopic biopsy (EB) samples from the upper (USI) and lower small intestine (LSI).

Animals

Fifty‐seven cats with IBD or LSA.

Methods

All cases were categorized as definitive IBD (DefIBD), possible LSA (PossLSA), probable LSA (ProbLSA), or definitive LSA (DefLSA) based on histopathology alone. Results from IHC and clonality testing were integrated.

Results

Based on histopathology alone, 24/57 (42.1%), 15/57 (26.3%), and 18/57 (31.6%) cats were diagnosed with DefIBD, PossLSA or ProbLSA, and DefLSA, respectively. After integrating IHC and clonality testing, 11/24 cases (45.8%) and 15/15 cases (100%) previously categorized as DefIBD and PossLSA or ProbLSA, respectively, were reclassified as LSA. A final diagnosis of IBD and LSA was reported in 13/57 (22.8%) and 44/57 (77.2%) cats, respectively. Agreement between USI and LSI samples was moderate based on histopathology alone (κ = 0.66) and after integrating IHC and clonality testing (κ = 0.70). However, only 1/44 (2.3%) of the LSA cases was diagnosed based on LSI biopsy alone.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Integrating IHC and clonality testing increased the number of cases diagnosed with LSA, but the consequence for patient outcome is unclear. There was moderate agreement between USI and LSI samples. Samples from the LSI rarely changed the diagnosis.
Expansion of frozen hybrids in the guppy ectoparasite,Gyrodactylus turnbulli
Authors: Konczal Mateusz , Przesmycka Karolina J. , Mohammed Ryan S. , Hahn Christoph , Cable Jo , Radwan Jacek
Published: December 2020

Hybridization is one of the major factors contributing to the emergence of highly successful parasites. Hybrid vigour can play an important role in this process, but subsequent rounds of recombination in the hybrid population may dilute its effects. Increased fitness of hybrids can, however, be frozen by asexual reproduction. Here, we identify invasion of a ‘frozen hybrid’ genotype in natural populations ofGyrodactylus turnbulli, a facultatively sexual ectoparasitic flatworm that causes significant damage to its fish host. We resequenced genomes of these parasites infecting guppies from six Trinidad and Tobago populations, and found surprisingly high discrepancy in genome‐wide nucleotide diversity between islands. The elevated heterozygosity on Tobago is maintained by predominantly clonal reproduction of hybrids formed from two diverged genomes. Hybridization has been followed by spread of the hybrids across the island, implying a selective advantage compared with native genotypes. Our results thus highlight that a single outcrossing event may be independently sufficient to cause pathogen expansion.
Inhibition of Ultraviolet‐B Radiation Induced Photodamage by Trigonelline Through Modulation of Mitogen Activating Protein Kinases and Nuclear Factor‐κB Signaling Axis in Skin
Authors: A. Nazir Lone , Tanveer Malik A. , Umar Sheikh A. , Love Sharma , Divya Gupta , Tasduq Sheikh A.
Published: December 2020

Cutaneous photodamage is incited via exposure of ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation to skin, characterized by the manifestation of oxidative stress, inflammation, collagen degradation and apoptosis which translates to external aging signs such as wrinkle formation and leathery skin appearance. Meanwhile, it increases cellular susceptibility to photocarcinogenesis. Several studies have accumulated evidence regarding the usage of natural agents in reversing the clinical signs of photoaging as well as preventing photo‐toxicity at molecular level. In this study, we have explored the therapeutic potential of natural agent Trigonelline (TG) against UV‐B radiation mediated skin photodamage. Various parameters modulated by the exposure of UV‐B radiation were investigated in human skin cells and chronic photodamage mice model (Balb/c). We found that TG alleviates UV‐B radiation induced photodamage in human skin cells and Balb/c skin mice. TG treatment in UV‐B irradiated skin cells abates UV‐B radiation mediated phototoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. At molecular level, we observed TG treatment significantly prevents the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation, restores collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) levels. The in vitro findings were replicated in the in vivo model. We found that the TG acts potentially via modulation of ROS‐MAPKs‐NF‐κB axis. Collectively, we propose that TG acts antagonistically against UV‐B mediated skin damage and has strong potential to be developed as a therapeutic and cosmetical agent against photodamage disorders.
The Popular Basis of the State’s Monopoly on Legitimate Violence: How American Voters Use Political Values to (De)Legitimate Gun Rights
Authors: Vila‐Henninger Luis
Published: December 2020

Stemming from Max Weber (1946 [1919]), many sociologists understand legitimate violence as monopolized by the state. The literature has established that for the state to maintain legitimacy it must either demonstrate sustained efficacy or have its legitimacy based on the values of its citizens (Lipset 1963a). The statistics on gun control in the United States (Giffords Law Center 2020) and sociological literature (e.g., Hill et al. 2020a, 2020b) demonstrate the sustained inefficacies of gun rights. Thus, this article investigates the legitimacy of these rights in terms of voters’ political values. I use a case set (Small 2009) of 120 voters interviewed in Arizona from 2013 to 2015. My analysis is an example of qualitative secondary analysis (Duchesne 2017; Belot and Van Ingelgom 2017; Davidson et al. 2019). My findings confirm and extend the literature on the bases of legitimate violence in the United States (e.g., Shapira and Simon 2018; Carlson 2019). Furthermore, my findings provide evidence of voter socialization into a political culture that uses public, declarative, and non‐declarative forms of culture in conjunction (e.g., Lizardo 2017). These findings also bridge the sociological literature on values (Wuthnow 2008), political sociology (Lipset 1963a), the sociology of culture (Miles 2015), and moral psychology (Haidt 2012).
Host Range of Influenza A Virus H1 to H16 in Eurasian Ducks Based on Tissue and Receptor Binding Studies
Authors: Verhagen Josanne H. , Eriksson Per , Leijten Lonneke , Blixt Ola , Olsen Björn , Waldenström Jonas , Ellström Patrik , Kuiken Thijs
Published: December 2020

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) circulate in wild birds worldwide. From wild birds, the viruses can cause outbreaks in poultry and sporadically and indirectly infect humans.
Exometabolite Dynamics over Stationary Phase Reveal Strain-Specific Responses
Authors: Chodkowski John L. , Shade Ashley
Published: December 2020

Nongrowth states are common for bacteria that live in environments that are densely populated and predominantly nutrient exhausted, and yet these states remain largely uncharacterized in cellular metabolism and metabolite output. Here, we investigated and compared stationary-phase exometabolites and RNA transcripts for each of three environmental bacterial strains.
Reduction of Feynman integrals in the parametric representation III: integrals with cuts
Authors: Chen Wen
Published: December 2020

Phase space cuts are implemented by inserting Heaviside theta functions in the integrands of momentum-space Feynman integrals. By directly parametrizing theta functions and constructing integration-by-parts (IBP) identities in the parametric representation, we provide a systematic method to reduce integrals with cuts. Since the IBP method is available, it becomes possible to evaluate integrals with cuts by constructing and solving differential equations.
Network Pseudohealth Information Recognition Model: An Integrated Architecture of Latent Dirichlet Allocation and Data Block Update
Authors: Zhang Jie , Sun Pingping , Zhao Feng , Guo Qianru , Zou Yue
Published: December 2020

The wanton dissemination of network pseudohealth information has brought great harm to people’s health, life, and property. It is important to detect and identify network pseudohealth information. Based on this, this paper defines the concepts of pseudohealth information, data block, and data block integration, designs an architecture that combines the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) algorithm and data block update integration, and proposes the combination algorithm model. In addition, crawler technology is used to crawl the pseudohealth information transmitted on the Sina Weibo platform during the “epidemic situation” from February to March 2020 for the simulation test on the experimental case dataset. The research results show that (1) the LDA model can deeply mine the semantic information of network pseudohealth information, obtain the features of document-topic distribution, and classify and train topic features as input variables; (2) the dataset partitioning method can effectively block data according to the text attributes and class labels of network pseudohealth information and can accurately classify and integrate the block data through the data block reintegration method; and (3) considering that the combination model has certain limitations on the detection of network pseudohealth information, the support vector machine (SVM) model can extract the granularity content of data blocks in pseudohealth information in real time, thus greatly improving the recognition performance of the combination model.
Carbon Tax, Subsidy, and Emission Reduction: Analysis Based on DSGE Model
Authors: Li Haoran , Peng Wei
Published: December 2020

Carbon emission has negative externalities, which will cause severe natural and social problems. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to carbon emission reduction issue both in academic and application fields. This paper aims to explore the impact of punitive carbon tax and incentive carbon emission reduction subsidy on economy and environment through the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) framework. The results show that both carbon tax and carbon emission reduction subsidy policies can help to reduce carbon emissions and to improve environment quality. In addition, carbon emission reduction subsidy has a positive impact on economy, while carbon tax has the opposite impact. It follows that the incentive carbon emission reduction policy is more conducive to the coordinated development of economy and environment. This research can be a guideline for the government to formulate carbon emission abatement policies from the perspective of coordinated development.
Infrared Temperature Law and Deformation Monitoring of Layered Bedding Rock Slope under Static Load
Authors: Tao Zhigang , Liu Kuiming , Cui Xuebin , Qiao Xiaobing , Sun Xiaoming
Published: December 2020

China is a mountainous and hilly country with frequent large‐scale landslides with complicated mechanisms and serious damage. The layered rock slopes have the worst stability, undergo the most serious damage, and have been rarely investigated due to limitations of measurement methods and instruments. Taking the Nanfen open‐pit iron mine as an example, a physical large‐model similarity ratio test system is used to simulate the landslide remote monitoring process. The development of the sliding surface, stress‐strain characteristics, and infrared law of the bedded rock slope are analyzed. Results show that the anchor cable with constant resistance and large deformation plays a significant role in the stability of the slope, and its maximum slip force is 420 N and 630 N, respectively. Slip and crack are the main mechanisms of energy release in layered rock slope. Some scheme improvement measures for this kind of test are put forward, which provides basis and optimization scheme for the subsequent study of layered rock slope.
The Stress Calculation Methods of Antislide Structures with Continuous Ladders
Authors: Chen Gong , Xu Qiang
Published: December 2020

In antislide structures with continuous ladders (ASCLs), horizontal and vertical reinforced concrete antislide members connected in continuous ladders, head to tail, are set along the slip surfaces of slopes. The antislide members are connected with each other and anchored in the solid bedrock from the sliding mass to the sliding zone to resist the landslide thrust and replace the soft materials in the sliding zone. The effects of ASCLs, which are complex and hyperstatic mechanical systems, are calculated by using different numerical simulation software programs and compared with engineering practice experience. However, these effects are uncertain and the use of other analysis methods is required to verify them. In this paper, first, the antislide mechanism of these structures was proposed. Second, the slip surfaces were taken as boundaries, and the ASCL of the Houzishi landslides was taken as an example. Third, the stress models of the structures and load effects were simplified, and then, an ASCL stress calculation method was established to obtain the expressions for structural stress analysis by using the displacement method of structural mechanics, elastic foundation beam method, and boundary constraints. A comparison of the results of the structural stress from the analytical methods and numerical simulation methods indicated that the whole displacement of the structures exhibited a domino effect, which was downwards to the right. The trends of the structural stress determined with the analytical methods and numerical simulation methods were similar. The ultimate results of the analytical methods and the ultimate results of the numerical simulation methods were also similar. The conclusions proposed that the ultimate results of the analytical methods exhibited a hysteretic effect, unlike the ultimate results of the numerical simulation methods. The ultimate results of the analytical methods and numerical simulation methods were adopted for the design of structural stress based on the principle of internal stress envelope diagrams.
Between Pricing and Investment, What Mobility Policies Would Be Advantageous for Île-de-France?
Authors: Leurent Fabien , Li Sheng
Published: December 2020

This article provides a prospective study of mobility policies for the private car and public transit (PT) modes of transportation in the Paris Ile-de-France region. Different economic instruments are considered: pricing of car traffic or transit service, subsidizing PT, and investment in PT  to improve service quality. Policy scenarios are defined and assessed according to multiple criteria: users’ benefits, PT  production costs and fare revenues, public subsidies, and environmental damage both local (air pollution) and global (carbon emissions). The social, economic, and environmental impacts are monetized and aggregated in a wellbeing function. While a first set of scenarios are specified directly, two other sets of scenarios are calculated by optimizing the wellbeing function with respect to action variables on the transit mode in the medium or long run. The regional mobility system is modeled in a structural way: concentric subregions, travel demand segmented by geographical and behavioral conditions, environmental impacts based on road and rail traffic, and car mode and transit mode depicted each as a set of technical components involving 1 to 3 structural factors that can make action levers. This model-based methodology allows for trading between different kinds of impacts and identifying performance-oriented policy packages.
Clinical Outcomes of Myocarditis after Moderate-Dose Steroid Therapy in Systemic Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pussadhamma Burabha , Tipparot Thapanee , Chaosuwannakit Naruemol , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Nanagara Ratanavadee , Foocharoen Chingching
Published: December 2020

Background. Myocarditis is reported in systemic sclerosis (SSc); however, treatment options and outcomes are limited. Our objective was to define cardiac outcomes after moderate-dose steroid therapy in SSc patients with myocarditis. Method. An open-label study was conducted among SSc patients with myocarditis—as defined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), disease onset <5 years, and a NYHA functional class ≥II. All enrolled patients received prednisolone (30 mg/d) which would be tapered off by week 24, and CMR was followed up at the end of treatment. Results. A total of 20 SSc patients were enrolled which 12 patients completed the study. At week 24, 8 of the 12 cases experienced improvement of myocarditis. Compared to those with no improvement, these 8 patients had significantly longer disease duration (

p
=
0.03

), higher heart rate at baseline (

p
=
0.049

) and week 24 (

p
=
0.04

), lower left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) stroke volume at baseline (

p
=
0.002

and

p
=
0.01

) and week 24 (

p
=
0.01

and

p
=
0.02

), and lower LV and RV cardiac output at week 24 (

p
=
0.01

and

p
=
0.01

). Four cases died during follow-up (3 due to cardiac complications, 1 due to renal crisis). The two who died from heart failure had very high NT-prohormone-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and impaired LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and the one who died from arrhythmia had very high sensitivity of cardiac Troponin-T (hs-cTnT). Conclusions. Moderate-dose steroid therapy may improve myocarditis in SSc. A proportion of patients died due to cardiac complications during treatment, particularly those with high hs-cTnT, high NT-proBNP, and impaired LVEF. This trial is registered with NCT03607071.
Analysis of the Influence of Renewable Generator Frequency Endurance Capability on Low-Frequency Load Shedding: A Hunan Case Study
Authors: Shen Yang-Wu , Wang Ding , Chen Hao , Zuo Jian , Xu Min , Cao Wei
Published: December 2020

With the rapid development of renewable generators such as distributed photovoltaic and profound changes of the power structure, this paper analyzes the frequency characteristics of the power system with high penetration of renewable generations in the process of low-frequency load shedding and discusses the influence of the distributed renewable generator frequency endurance capabilities on the implementation effect of low-frequency load shedding in detail. Finally, the influences of the distributed renewable generator frequency endurance capability and the capacities of the distributed renewable generator on frequency response characteristics of an actual Hunan power grid are simulated. The simulation results show that more distributed photovoltaic capacity without frequency endurance capability leads to deeper frequency drops after the disturbance and requires more basic rounds of load shedding. When the penetration rate of distributed photovoltaic is too high, it may cause load shedding, resulting in power grid load losses and, at the same time, leading to an overshoot phenomenon in the process of frequency recovery. Therefore, the influence of distributed photovoltaic on the control of low-frequency load shedding should be considered when designing low-frequency load shedding schemes for the power grid with high penetration of distributed photovoltaic.
Thrombectomy for Treatment of Acute Stroke in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Parrilla Guillermo , Pettigrew L. Creed
Published: December 2020

This commentary will focus on the role of thrombectomy for the treatment of embolic stroke during the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We will begin with review of recently promulgated guidelines for use of thrombectomy in COVID-19-associated stroke. We will then survey the reported experience of thrombectomy applied to treatment of large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke in COVID-19. We will conclude by discussing unusual challenges confronted by neuro-interventionalists seeking to perform thrombectomy in COVID-19 patients with acute LVO stroke.
A Descriptive Analysis of Cream Skimming and Pushout in Choice versus Traditional Public Schools
Authors: Kho Adam , Zimmer Ron , McEachin Andrew
Published: December 2020

One of the controversies surrounding charter schools is whether these schools may either “cream skim” high-performing students from traditional public schools or “pushout” low-achieving students or students with discipline histories, leaving traditional public schools to educate the most challenging students. In this study, we use longitudinal statewide data from Tennessee and North Carolina and linear probability models to examine whether there is evidence consistent with these selective enrollment practices. Because school choice programs managed by districts (magnet and open enrollment programs) have a similar ability to cream skim and pushout students, we also examine these outcomes for these programs. Across the various school choice programs, magnet schools have the most evidence of cream skimming, but this might be expected as they often have selective admissions. For charter schools, we do not find patterns in the data consistent with cream skimming, but we do find evidence consistent with pushout behaviors based on discipline records. Finally, some have raised concerns that students may be pushed out near accountability test dates, but our results suggest no evidence consistent with this claim.
Drivers of Eurasian Spring Snow-Cover Variability
Authors: Zhang Taotao , Wang Tao , Zhao Yutong , Xu Chaoyi , Feng Yingying , Liu Dan
Published: December 2020

The variability of spring snow cover over Eurasia can have notable impacts on the current and following season climate, but the causes of it are poorly understood. This study investigates the potential drivers and the associated physical processes for the first two empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes of the Eurasian spring snow-cover variability during 1967–2018, which are characterized by a continent-wide coherent pattern and a west–east dipole structure, respectively. Analyses show that the spring surface air temperature and snowfall are the direct factors influencing the two modes. We further examined the contributions to the snow-cover variability of atmospheric teleconnection patterns, sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, and variations of Arctic sea ice during spring. The results indicate that circulation anomalies associated with the Arctic Oscillation, Polar–Eurasian pattern, and West Pacific pattern can partly explain the formation of the EOF1 mode, while the EOF2 mode has a close relationship with the East Atlantic–Western Russia pattern. In addition, a horseshoe-like monopole structure of SST anomalies over the North Atlantic plays an important role in regulating the EOF2 mode by inducing a wave train circulation. Moreover, the EOF2 mode is also affected by anomalous circulations induced by the sea ice anomalies in the Barents–Kara Seas. An empirical model using these drivers satisfactorily reproduced the temporal variations of the two EOF modes, implying that our results can substantially improve comprehension of the variability of Eurasian spring snow cover.
Advances in the Ocean Color Component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC)
Authors: Zibordi Giuseppe , Holben Brent N. , Talone Marco , D’Alimonte Davide , Slutsker Ilya , Giles David M. , Sorokin Mikhail G.
Published: December 2020

The Ocean Color Component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC) supports activities related to ocean color such as validation of satellite data products, assessment of atmospheric correction schemes, and evaluation of bio-optical models through globally distributed standardized measurements of water-leaving radiance and aerosol optical depth. In view of duly assisting the AERONET-OC data user community, this work (i) summarizes the latest investigations on a number of scientific issues related to above-water radiometry, (ii) emphasizes the network expansion that from 2002 until the end of 2020 integrated 31 effective measurement sites, (iii) shows the equivalence of data product accuracy across sites and time for measurements performed with different instrument series, (iv) illustrates the variety of water types represented by the network sites ensuring validation activities across a diversity of observation conditions, and (v) documents the availability of water-leaving radiance data corrected for bidirectional effects by applying a method specifically developed for chlorophyll-a-dominated waters and an alternative one that is likely suitable for any water type.
Characteristics of Vascular Phenotype in Fabry Patients
Authors: Vujkovac Andreja Cokan , Vujkovac Bojan , Novaković Srdjan , Števanec Milan , Šabovič Mišo
Published: December 2020

Fabry disease is a rare X-linked lysosomal disorder. Alpha-galactosidase A deficiency caused by mutation leads to accumulation of glycosphingolipids predominantly in endothelial cells, leading to impairment of vascular wall morphology and function. We assessed vascular wall hypertrophy (carotid artery intima-media thickness, cIMT), endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, FMD), presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries, and levels of endothelial adhesion and inflammatory biomarkers in 33 Fabry patients compared with 66 healthy matched controls. Fabry patients had thicker cIMT (0.07 ± 0.02 vs 0.06 ± 0.02 cm; P = .021), as well as dilated common carotid arteries (0.80 ± 0.12 vs 0.70 ± 0.06 cm; P < .001), and aortic annulus than controls (3.07 ± 0.48 vs 2.7 ± 0.48 cm; P = .001). Flow-mediated dilation was reduced (4.48 ± 8.80 vs 10.67 ± 8.72%; P = .001) and atherosclerotic plaques were less present in Fabry patients (9.10% vs 43.94%; P < .001). Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and high-sensitivity CRP were significantly higher and E-selectin lower in Fabry patients. Our results suggest that a complex vascular phenotype is present in Fabry patients. This represents a challenge for further research that could have important clinical applications.
Mental maps and Canada’s post-war Asian policy
Authors: Webster David
Published: December 2020

This article takes up the concept of mental maps as lens through which to survey Canada–Asia relations. Before Canadians could embrace Asia politically and economically, they had to stop imagining Asia as culturally distant. Their mental maps—the way they imagined the world—formed the invisible background to policy-making. Through an engagement with Greg Donaghy’s work on Canadian relations with Asia, this article makes the case for using mental maps to understand trans-Pacific relations.
Carbon nanotube/polyetheretherketone nanocomposites: mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua
Published: December 2020

High-temperature engineering thermoplastics are gaining growing interests as they not only provide a lightweight solution but also affect the manufacturing processes and efficiencies. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline one to meet such requirement, and has been widely used as the matrix for fiber-reinforced plastics and nanocomposites. Owing to their superior physical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be introduced into PEEK matrix in order to further improve the performances. This article reviews the state of the art of CNT/PEEK nanocomposites, by focussing on the preparation method and their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The enhanced stiffness, thermal stability, and conductive properties provide PEEK and its family members richer opportunities toward high-performance applications.
Nano-Layering Adds Strength to the Adhesive Interface
Authors: Yoshihara K. , Nagaoka N. , Nakamura A. , Hara T. , Yoshida Y. , Van Meerbeek B.
Published: December 2020

X-ray diffraction (XRD) surface analysis and ultrastructural interfacial characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the functional monomer 10–methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) self-assembles into nano-layers at adhesive-tooth interfaces. Self-assembled nano-layering is thought to contribute to the durability of bonding to tooth dentin, although this has not been proven yet. In order to disclose this potential bond-durability contribution of nano-layering, we observed the 3-dimensional (3D) spreading of nano-layering by a series of focused-ion-beam (FIB) milled cross sections by scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and examined the mechanical properties of self-assembled nano-layering using scanning probe microscopy (SPM). A commercial 10-MDP-containing 3-step self-etch adhesive partially demineralized dentin up to submicron depth, forming a submicron hydroxyapatite-rich hybrid layer. TEM chemically and ultrastructurally confirmed the formation of interfacial nano-layering. FIB-SEM 3D reconstructions disclosed a 3D network of self-assembled nano-layering extending from the hybrid layer up to within the adjacent adhesive-resin layer. SPM revealed that nano-layering within the adhesive-resin layer possessed a higher elastic modulus than that of the surrounding adhesive resin, hereby suggesting that nano-layering contributes to the mechanical strength of adhesives like filler particles do. Nano-layering’s 3D expanded structure is expected to strengthen the surrounding resin, as well to better interconnect the adhesive-resin layer to the hybrid layer. In conclusion, this exploratory study demonstrated that nano-layering constitutes a strong phase at the adhesive interface, which may contribute to the clinical longevity of the 10-MDP-based bond to dentin.
Women Faculty in STEM Disciplines: Experiences with the Tenure Process and Departmental Practices
Authors: Lisnic Rodica , Zajicek Anna , Kerr Brinck
Published: December 2020

Using data from a national survey of tenure-track faculty job satisfaction, the purpose of the study is to explore predictors of perceptions of tenure clarity for faculty in STEM and non-STEM fields. We build on extant studies and use the gendered organization framework as the conceptual lens to examine whether for four groups of faculty (women and men in STEM, and women and men in non-STEM) assessment of fairness in tenure decisions and evaluations, messages about tenure requirements, mentoring, and relationships with peers have a similar effect on their assessment of tenure clarity. Bivariate findings reveal that compared to all other faculty, women in STEM fields are less likely to perceive the expectations for tenure as clear, and the messages about tenure requirements as consistent. Compared to men in both STEM and non-STEM fields, women in STEM are less likely to assess tenure decisions and evaluations as fair, mentoring as effective, and relationships with peers as satisfactory. Multivariate results show that for women in STEM, except for relationships with peers, all other independent variables significantly influence their assessment of tenure clarity. Policy and practice recommendations are discussed.
Choking under pressure: Does it get easier with age? How loneliness affects social monitoring across the life span
Authors: Pearce Ellie , Barreto Manuela , Victor Christina , Hammond Claudia , Eccles Alice M. , Richins Matthew T. , O’Neil Alisha , Knowles Megan L. , Qualter Pamela
Published: December 2020

Previous experimental work showed that young adults reporting loneliness performed less well on emotion recognition tasks (Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy [DANVA-2]) if they were framed as indicators of social aptitude, but not when the same tasks were framed as indexing academic aptitude. Such findings suggested that undergraduates reporting loneliness possessed the social monitoring skills necessary to read the emotions underlying others’ facial expressions, but that they choked under social pressure. It has also been found that undergraduates reporting loneliness have better recall for both positive and negative social information than their non-lonely counterparts. Whether those effects are evident across different age groups has not been examined. Using data from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Loneliness Experiment that included participants aged 16–99 years ( N = 54,060), we (i) test for replication in a larger worldwide sample and (ii) extend those linear model analyses to other age groups. We found only effects for participants aged 25–34 years: In this age group, loneliness was associated with increased recall of negative individual information, and with choking under social pressure during the emotion recognition task; those effects were small. We did not find any such effects among participants in other age groups. Our findings suggest that different cognitive processes may be associated with loneliness in different age groups, highlighting the importance of life-course approaches in this area.
Lifestyle intervention to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lin Xueyan , Yang Ting , Zhang Xueqin , Wei Wei
Published: December 2020

Objective

We assessed the effects of a lifestyle intervention on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence and risk of adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant women at high risk for GDM.

Methods

From July to December 2018, we enrolled 1822 eligible pregnant women; of these, 304 had at least one risk factor for GDM. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Usual prenatal care was offered to both groups; the intervention group also received individually modified education on diet, physical activity, and weight control. The GDM diagnosis was based on an oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 gestational weeks. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of the lifestyle intervention on risk of GDM and adverse maternal outcomes.

Results

A total of 281 women (139 in the intervention group and 142 controls) were included. Incidences of GDM and adverse maternal outcomes were all significantly lower in the intervention than in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that women in the intervention group had a lower risk of GDM and adverse maternal outcomes, after adjusting potential confounding factors.

Conclusion

The present lifestyle intervention was associated with lower risks of GDM and adverse maternal outcomes.
Feasibility of using Mastic for Performance Grading in Place of Extraction using SPS10 Mixtures
Authors: Azari Haleh , Mohseni Alaeddin , Steger Richard , Muncy Dennis
Published: December 2020

Because of the increased use of reclaimed asphalt pavement, reclaimed asphalt shingles, rejuvenators, and other additives, performance of asphalt mixtures can no longer be guaranteed by controlling properties of the binder. To determine the effect of additives on asphalt performance, the current procedure is to extract the binder from the mixture using solvents and recover the binder by removing the solvent. This is a two-step procedure, which can be time consuming and costly and which requires chemicals considered hazardous unless used with special care. Another issue is the quality of the extracted binder, as the process of dissolving the binder and recovering it from chemicals may affect the properties of the extracted binder. In this study, we suggest the use of mastic separated from the mixture, in place of extraction. The fine portion of the mixture (particles less than 0.25 mm) is physically separated from the mixture without use of solvents. This material is called composite mastic since it includes effects from all additives on the binder. The process of preparing composite mastic is significantly faster and less costly than extracting the binder. The separated mastic is tested following the Unified Performance Tests by incremental Method (UPTiM) using a dynamic shear rheometer to determine the high-, low-, and intermediate-temperature performance grades, similar to those of asphalt binder. This study shows strong correlations between properties of composite mastic, extracted asphalt, and asphalt mixture. Therefore, testing mastic could be a reliable alternative to testing extracted binder and compacted mixture.
Influence of fluid distributors on the performance of the industrial cold box with a plate-fin heat exchanger: A numerical study
Authors: Zargoushi A , Talebi F , Hosseini SH
Published: December 2020

The cold box, which comprises of several plate-fin heat exchangers (PFHE), is largely utilized in different industries. In this research, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique has been used for investigating the impact of different fluid distributors on the rates of heat and mass transfer, in an industrial complex cold box equipped with plate-fins. While inlet and outlet fluid distributors and channels were taken into account in the computational domain, the porous media technique was applied to the channels as an alternative to the fins in the original cold box. The mass transfer model including the phase change was accounted for by the flash calculations. Local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) between the porous medium and fluid flow with a mass transfer was used in the simulations. Three principal side distributors, i.e. diagonals A, B, and C, were used, and their performance was evaluated by CFD. It was found that using each of these types of distributors led to different CFD results in the cold box. The heat transfer rate in the case of the diagonal C was 73% more than that of the diagonal A. The flow uniformity index in the case of the diagonal C was 11.6% greater than that of the diagonal A in the stream C.
Philosophy of science and the formalization of psychological theory
Authors: Eronen Markus I. , Romeijn Jan-Willem
Published: December 2020

One of the original aims of this journal was to promote theory in psychology. Nowadays more and more psychological researchers are calling for more theory development, and articles on the “theory crisis” have also found their way into mainstream journals. In this article, we provide a further perspective to this theory debate. Over the past century, philosophy of science has staged extensive discussions on the mathematization of nature and on the role of mathematics in the development of theory and the connection of theory to empirical facts. We show that these discussions are highly relevant for the current debate in psychology. In particular, we emphasize the importance of conceptual work in the process of mathematization, and the role of mathematics in co-ordinating theory and observations. We then discuss the implications that these points have for statistically oriented psychology in general and for the recent theory debate in psychology.
Multiple-case Research on University: Enterprise Innovation Chain ‘Fractures Repair’ in China
Authors: Xiaolan Lin
Published: December 2020

University-enterprise (U-E) innovation chain fractures hinder the commercialisation of knowledge. However, few contributions in the academic field have uncovered how certain mechanisms repair U-E innovation fractures and commercialise their research results. In order to bridge the research gap in the repair mechanism of U-E innovation chain fractures, a multiple-case study of U-E innovation fractures was conducted by proposing a ‘behaviour-process-outcomes’ repair model. The results are as follows: motivation coordination mechanism is the driving force that converges the goals of different organisations; organisation coordination mechanism is the platform that provides the basic support for the weak links and makes up for the defects of a single organisation; capability development and coordination is the element of U-E cooperation through a combination of basic and applied research capability, technological innovation capability and product commercialisation capability; policy coordination mechanism is the vehicle of U-E innovation chain that strengthens U-E cooperation with various preferential policies. The conclusion shows the ‘coordinated innovation’ repair model for U-E innovation chain fractures provides important insights for practitioners and policymakers involved in developing an innovation chain in U-E cooperation.
Identification of the Determinants of Rural Workforce Migration: A Study of Construction Segments in Udupi District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Bellampalli Praveen Naik , Kaushik Roopesh
Published: December 2020

The article critically examines the migration process and the manner in which it affects the livelihood of migrants. Based on a survey in Udupi district of Karnataka, it identifies the status of migrant labourers in the construction sector. It presents evidence on labour market segmentation and the resulting unequal wage distribution between migrants in this segment. Migrants, at their destination, have poor living and working conditions, lack entitlements, have low level of consumption and endure hardship. Migrant households reported higher expenditure on food and non-food consumption and temporary residential housing. Children of migrants have limited access to education in the destination place. The article maps informal practices that violate the legal provisions for these work segments.
Identification of Key Modules and Hub Genes Involved in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tumorigenesis Using WCGNA
Authors: Chen Nanzheng , Zhang Guangjian , Fu Junke , Wu Qifei
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

The mechanistic basis for the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains poorly understood. The goal of the present study was thus to characterize mRNA and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression profiles associated with ESCC in order to identify key hub genes associated with the pathogenesis of this cancer.

Materials and Methods:

The GSE26866 and GSE45670 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to conduct a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), after which Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted. Cytoscape was additionally used to construct lncRNA-mRNA networks, after which hub genes were identified and validated through the assessment of TCGA datasets and clinical samples.

Results:

Two gene modules were found to be closely linked to ESCC tumorigenesis. These genes were enriched in cell cycle, MAPK signaling, JAK-STAT signaling, pyrimidine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and P53 signaling pathway activity, all of which are directly linked with the development of cancer. In total, we identified and validated 9 hub genes associated with ESCC (DDX18, DNMT1, NCAPG, WDHD1, PRR11, VOPP1, ZKSCAN5, LC35C2, and PHACTR2).

Conclusion:

In summary, we identified key gene modules and hub genes associated with ESCC development, and we constructed a lncRNA-mRNA network pertaining to this cancer type. These results provide a foundation for future research regarding the mechanistic basis of ESCC.