bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Design of Tied Arch Bridge in High Earthquake Region Based on Friction Pendulum Seismic Isolation Bearing
Authors: Xu Jun , Li Yanfeng , Liu Kunpeng , Qiao Wei
Published: June 2021

Taking the through-type tied arch bridge with a span of 144m as the research object, the working principle of the friction pendulum bearing is introduced; through the finite element simulation analysis, the seismic performance of the Yunnan Nujiang Dukou Bridge is studied, and the seismic safety evaluation is used to give. The three seismic wave time-acceleration time-history curves are respectively analyzed for the seismic performance of the through-type tied arch bridge when the friction pendulum vibration isolation support and the ordinary steel spherical hinge support are used. The research results show that the use of friction pendulum damping and isolation bearings can delay the vibration response of the superstructure from the seismic excitation, thereby achieving the effect of prolonging the vibration period of the structure and reducing the possibility of resonance of the structure under the action of an earthquake. At the same time, when the friction pendulum support swings back and forth, part of the seismic energy can be consumed by the friction between the wear plates. Compared with ordinary steel spherical hinge bearings, the use of friction pendulum vibration isolation bearings can make the piers of the arch bridge participate in the earthquake resistance together, and the internal force distribution of the piers is also more uniform. However, the horizontal displacement of the pier beams increases significantly, and corresponding protection needs to be taken.
Analysis on the Protection and Reuse of Urban Industrial Architecture Heritage
Authors: Dong Minghang , Jin Guanghu
Published: June 2021

Since the reform and opening up, China’s urbanization has developed rapidly. Due to the reorganization of the functional structure of the urban center due to the upgrading and adjustment of the urban industrial structure, many old industrial areas in the city have entered the stage of transformation, integration, and even dismantling. Where should the industrial heritage go is an important topic of current social concern. As a materialized industrial culture, old industrial buildings in cities should not be blindly abandoned or blindly overturned. They should be classified and protected or transformed and reused according to their value attributes, during the renovation process, AHP can be used to evaluate the green renovation of industrial buildings, to seek the rebirth of the industrial architectural heritage in the new era.
Application of supporting construction technology for deep foundation pit in Building Foundation Engineering
Authors: Zhang Zhuan , Zhang Sheng , Lu Siming
Published: June 2021

This paper discusses and analyzes the Construction Technology of deep foundation pit support in foundation engineering. This paper is based on a residential district project in southern Jiangxi Province, this paper expounds the theoretical definition, basic requirements, construction standards, several common construction techniques of deep foundation pit support and the suggestions and ideas of foundation engineering construction. This paper tries to provide a theoretical reference for the enterprises and workers involved in the construction of foundation engineering.
Application and Innovation of BIM Technology in Municipal Projects
Authors: Wu Bei , Liu Hehang , Li Anran , Huang Zhiqiang
Published: June 2021

In this project, BIM Technology is introduced into the design and construction of frame bridge to solve the problems of insufficient bearing strength of row piles outside foundation pit and collision between frame bridge and road. Making full use of the data of physical model, sensor update and operation history, this paper analyzes the project construction and operation, and optimizes the construction scheme with the advantage of “BIM + Digital twin”. Finally, the application of BIM Technology in this project can effectively solve some problems in the design and construction process of frame bridge, improve the design quality and save the cost, which has a certain reference significance for the same type of projects.
Study on the Selection and Application of Environmental Protection Materials in Contemporary Architecture from the Perspective of Phenomenology
Authors: Zhu Xianzhu
Published: June 2021

In order to analyze the selection and application of environmental protection materials in contemporary architecture from the perspective of phenomenology, this article takes advantage of data and theoretical analysis methods to explore the works of three contemporary architects, namely Wang Shu, Steven Holl and Peter Zumthor. This article also makes a comparative analysis of materials. It aims to explain that different types of materials show different ecological characteristics. According to the research, hypotheses can be made: one is to realize the ecology of traditional materials through recycling; the other is to realize the ecology of natural materials through obtaining materials from local sources; the third is to realize the ecology of modern materials through the combination of high technology. Additionally, the application of materials in construction is diversified, and it usually uses a variety of materials and construction methods in the same building. In terms of materials, architectures explored in this paper, on the one hand, reflect the place spirit and perceptual feeling of phenomenology; on the other hand, it is express the concern for the sustainable development of the environment.
Application research on the design of assembled shear wall joint based on BIM technology
Authors: Li Wei , Xiong Long , Liu Yu-Jie , Li Si-Jie
Published: June 2021

In response to the strategic slogan of sustainable development, China has intensified efforts to develop prefabricated buildings, so the node design of prefabricated buildings becomes particularly important. In this paper, a prefabricated residential building project in Shenyang is taken as an example. BIM technology is introduced into the design of prefabricated shear wall joints based on BIM visualization and parameterization features. The main purpose is to optimize the design of partial T-type and L-type shear wall joints, and to conduct optimization analysis through collision detection. The application of BIM technology can greatly improve the efficiency of shear wall joint design, promote the standardization of prefabricated shear wall joint design, further promote the modular design and production of prefabricated components, reduce project cost, ensure project quality, and give full play to the value of BIM technology in prefabricated construction projects.
A Brief Study on the Aesthetics of Modern Financial Architecture in Hankou
Authors: Liu Congru , Lin Mingsen , Li Qing
Published: June 2021

To study the historical evolution and overview of modern financial architecture in Hankou, and to analyze its aesthetic characteristics and aesthetic significance. There are three main styles of modern financial architecture in Hankou: classical revival, eclecticism and modernism. They bring people into the life course and spiritual world preserved by architectural art, and make people understand “existence” in a moment, and “existence” in a philosophical (aesthetic) sense.
Changes in the Gut Microbiota Following Bariatric Surgery Are Associated with Increased Alcohol Intake in a Female Rat Model
Authors: Martin Olivia A , Grant-Beurmann Silvia , Orellana Elise R , Hajnal Andras , Fraser Claire M
Published: June 2021

Aims

We aimed to investigate if differences in gut microbiota diversity and composition are associated with post-operative alcohol intake following bariatric surgery in a rat model.

Methods

Twenty-four female rats were randomized to three treatment groups: sham surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Stool was collected pre- and post-operatively and 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing was performed. Analysis focused on correlating microbial diversity, type of surgery and alcohol (EtOH) intake.

Results

Pre-operative stools samples on regular diet showed similar taxonomic composition and Shannon diversity among the three treatment groups. There was a significant decrease in Shannon diversity and a change in taxonomic composition of the gut microbiota after rats was fed high fat diet. Post-operatively, the RYGB group showed significantly lower taxonomic diversity than the VSG and sham groups, while the VSG and sham groups diversity were not significantly different. Taxonomic composition and function prediction based on PICRUSt analysis showed the RYGB group to be distinct from the VSG and sham groups. Shannon diversity was found to be negatively associated with EtOH intake.

Conclusions

Changes in the taxonomic profile of the gut microbiota following bariatric surgery, particularly RYGB, are associated with increased EtOH intake and may contribute to increased alcohol use disorder risk through the gut-brain-microbiome axis.
Female mate preferences do not predict male sexual signals across populations
Authors: Calabrese Gina M , Pfennig Karin S
Published: June 2021

New species can arise when female preferences and male sexual signals diverge across populations and thereby reduce mating between populations. Under this hypothesized mechanism for speciation, mate preferences and sexual signals should be correlated, but divergent, across populations. We evaluated this prediction using spadefoot toads (Spea multiplicata). We measured a sexually selected male signal (call rate) for which female preferences are known to vary across populations in response to the risk of hybridizing with another species. Contrary to expectation, we found no correlation between male call rate and female preferences across populations. We discuss possible mechanisms of this pattern, including the effect of gene flow from heterospecifics on male call rate. Our results suggest that, even when populations vary in mating traits, the independent evolution of female preferences and male sexual signals might impede reproductive isolation between populations.
The effect of baculum shape and mating behavior on mating-induced prolactin release in female house mice
Authors: André Gonçalo I , Firman Renée C , Simmons Leigh W
Published: June 2021

Male genitalia are subject to rapid divergent evolution, and sexual selection is believed to be responsible for this pattern of evolutionary divergence. Genital stimulation during copulation is an essential feature of sexual reproduction. In mammals, the male intromittent genitalia induces a cascade of physiological and neurological changes in females that promote pregnancy. Previous studies of the house mouse have shown that the shape of the baculum (penis bone) influences male reproductive success and responds to experimentally imposed variation in sexual selection. Here, we test the hypothesis that the baculum is subject to sexual selection due to a stimulatory function during copulation. We selected male and female house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) from families with breeding values at the extremes of baculum shape and performed two series of experimental matings following which we examined the concentration of prolactin in the blood of females either 15 (“early”) or 75 (“late”) min after ejaculation. Our results provide evidence of a mating-induced release of prolactin in the female house mouse early after ejaculation, the level of which is dependent on an interaction between the shape of the baculum and male sexual behavior. Our data thereby provide novel insight into the mechanism(s) of sexual selection acting on the mammalian baculum.
From a different angle: 50 years of cerebral computed tomography
Authors: Lutters Bart , Koehler Peter J
Published: June 2021

Lutters and Koehler mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of CT scanners into clinical practice. By enabling clinicians to perform ‘a living autopsy’ of the brain, the scanners revolutionized neurological care. But concerns over high costs and indiscriminate usage meant that their value did not go entirely undisputed.
Genetic Influence on Nociceptive Processing in the Human Brain—A Twin Study
Authors: Kastrati Gránit , Rosén Jörgen , Thompson William H , Chen Xu , Larsson Henrik , Nichols Thomas E , Tracey Irene , Fransson Peter , Åhs Fredrik , Jensen Karin B
Published: June 2021

Nociceptive processing in the human brain is complex and involves several brain structures and varies across individuals. Determining the structures that contribute to interindividual differences in nociceptive processing is likely to improve our understanding of why some individuals feel more pain than others. Here, we found specific parts of the cerebral response to nociception that are under genetic influence by employing a classic twin-design. We found genetic influences on nociceptive processing in the midcingulate cortex and bilateral posterior insula. In addition to brain activations, we found genetic contributions to large-scale functional connectivity (FC) during nociceptive processing. We conclude that additive genetics influence specific brain regions involved in nociceptive processing. The genetic influence on FC during nociceptive processing is not limited to core nociceptive brain regions, such as the dorsal posterior insula and somatosensory areas, but also involves cognitive and affective brain circuitry. These findings improve our understanding of human pain perception and increases chances to find new treatments for clinical pain.
COVID-19-related cardiac complications from clinical evidences to basic mechanisms: opinion paper of the ESC Working Group on Cellular Biology of the Heart
Authors: Pesce Maurizio , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Bøtker Hans-Erik , Brundel Bianca , Davidson Sean M , Caterina Raffaele De , Ferdinandy Peter , Girao Henrique , Gyöngyösi Mariann , Hulot Jean-Sebastien , Lecour Sandrine , Perrino Cinzia , Schulz Rainer , Sluijter Joost Pg , Steffens Sabine , Tancevski Ivan , Gollmann-Tepeköylü Can , Tschöpe Carsten , Linthout Sophie van , Madonna Rosalinda
Published: June 2021

The pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 is a global threat, causing high mortality, especially in the elderly. The main symptoms and the primary cause of death are related to interstitial pneumonia. Viral entry also into myocardial cells mainly via the angiotensin converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2) receptor and excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, however, also make the heart susceptible to injury. In addition to the immediate damage caused by the acute inflammatory response, the heart may also suffer from long-term consequences of COVID-19, potentially causing a post-pandemic increase in cardiac complications. Although the main cause of cardiac damage in COVID-19 remains coagulopathy with micro- (and to a lesser extent macro-) vascular occlusion, open questions remain about other possible modalities of cardiac dysfunction, such as direct infection of myocardial cells, effects of cytokines storm, and mechanisms related to enhanced coagulopathy. In this opinion paper, we focus on these lesser appreciated possibilities and propose experimental approaches that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular bases of cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients. We first discuss approaches to characterize cardiac damage caused by possible direct viral infection of cardiac cells, followed by formulating hypotheses on how to reproduce and investigate the hyperinflammatory and pro-thrombotic conditions observed in the heart of COVID-19 patients using experimental in vitro systems. Finally, we elaborate on strategies to discover novel pathology biomarkers using omics platforms.
A Crohn’s Disease-associated IL2RA Enhancer Variant Determines the Balance of T Cell Immunity by Regulating Responsiveness to IL-2 Signalling
Authors: Goldberg Rimma , Clough Jennie N , Roberts Luke B , Sanchez Jenifer , Kordasti Shahram , Petrov Nedyalko , Hertweck Arnulf , Lorenc Anna , Jackson Ian , Tasker Scott , Appios Anna , Omer Omer , Parkes Miles , Prescott Natalie , Jenner Richard G , Irving Peter M , Lord Graham M
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Differential responsiveness to interleukin [IL]-2 between effector CD4+ T cells [Teff] and regulatory T cells [Treg] is a fundamental mechanism of immunoregulation. The single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] rs61839660, located within IL2RA [CD25], has been associated with the development of Crohn’s disease [CD]. We sought to identify the T cell immune phenotype of IBD patients who carry this SNP.

Methods

Teff and Treg were isolated from individuals homozygous [TT], heterozygous [CT], or wild-type [CC] for the minor allele at rs61839660, and used for phenotyping [flow cytometry, Cytometry Time Of Flight] functional assays or T cell receptor [TCR] sequencing. Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 [STAT5] was assessed in response to IL-2, IL-7, and in the presence of basiliximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against CD25. Teff pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels were assessed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction after IL-2 and/or TCR stimulation.

Results

Presence of the minor T allele enhances CD25 expression, leading to increased STAT5 phosphorylation and pro-inflammatory cytokine transcript expression by Teff in response to IL-2 stimulation in vitro. Teff from TT individuals demonstrate a more activated gut homing phenotype. TCR sequencing analysis suggests that TT patients may have a reduced clonal capacity to mount an optimal regulatory T cell response.

Conclusions

rs61839660 regulates the responsiveness of T cells to IL-2 signalling by modulating CD25 expression. As low-dose IL-2 is being trialled as a selective Treg modulator in CD, these findings highlight the potential for adverse effects in patients with this genotype.
On the Judge Centredness of the International Legal Self
Authors: Zarbiyev Fuad
Published: June 2021

The judicial representation of international law enjoys a privileged status in international legal discourse. While this state of affairs is often acknowledged in the literature, the power of international adjudication in shaping the discipline of international law is rarely questioned. The objective of this article is to subject the status of the judicial representation of international law to a close scrutiny with a view to identifying its possible explanations and problematizing its epistemic and distributional implications.
Associations between older African academics’ physical activity, walkability and mental health: a social distancing perspective
Authors: Asiamah Nestor , Vieira Edgar Ramos , Kouveliotis Kyriakos , Gasana Janvier , Awuviry-Newton Kofi , Eduafo Richard
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to assess the moderating influence of neighborhood walkability on the association between physical activity (PA) and mental health among older African academics aged 50 years or more in cities with social distancing protocols in response to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 905 volunteer academics participated in the study. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was employed to conduct sensitivity analyses and test the study hypotheses. After controlling for sex, education and age, there was a positive association between PA and mental health. Neighborhood walkability moderated the relationship between PA and mental health, which suggests that during the pandemic PA was associated with higher mental health scores in more walkable neighborhoods. The study concludes that PA was beneficial to mental health in the social distancing context and was associated with higher mental health in more walkable neighborhoods, particularly in a social distancing context.
Thermal Sensitivity of Axolotl Feeding Behaviors
Authors: Panessiti Caitlin , Rull-Garza Mateo , Rickards Gabriella , Konow Nicolai
Published: June 2021

Synopsis

Musculoskeletal movement results from muscle contractions, recoil of elastic tendons, aponeuroses, and ligaments, or combinations thereof. Muscular and elastic contributions can vary both across behaviors and with changes in temperature. Skeletal muscles reach peak contraction speed at a temperature optimum with performance declining away from that optimum by approximately 50% per 10°C, following the Q10 principle. Elastic recoil action, however, is less temperature sensitive. We subjected Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) to changes from warm (23°C), via medium (14°C), to cold (6°C) temperature across most of their thermal tolerance range, and recorded jaw kinematics during feeding on crickets. We sought to determine if suction feeding strikes and food processing chews involve elastic mechanisms and, specifically, if muscular versus elastic contribution vary with temperature for gape opening and closing. Measurements of peak and mean speed for gape opening and closing during strikes and chews across temperature treatments were compared with Q10-based predictions. We found that strike gape speed decreased significantly from warm and medium to cold treatments, indicating low thermal robustness, and no performance-enhancement due to elastic recoil. For chews, peak, and mean gape closing speeds, as well as peak gape opening speed, also decreased significantly from warm to cold treatments. However, peak gape opening and closing speeds for chews showed performance-enhancement, consistent with a previously demonstrated presence of elastic action in the Axolotl jaw system. Our results add to a relatively small body of evidence suggesting that elastic recoil plays significant roles in aquatic vertebrate feeding systems, and in cyclic food processing mechanisms.
Review of Methods for Animal Videography Using Camera Systems that Automatically Move to Follow the Animal
Authors: Straw Andrew D
Published: June 2021

Synopsis

Digital photography and videography provide rich data for the study of animal behavior and are consequently widely used techniques. For fixed, unmoving cameras there is a resolution versus field-of-view tradeoff and motion blur smears the subject on the sensor during exposure. While these fundamental tradeoffs with stationary cameras can be sidestepped by employing multiple cameras and providing additional illumination, this may not always be desirable. An alternative that overcomes these issues of stationary cameras is to direct a high-magnification camera at an animal continually as it moves. Here, we review systems in which automatic tracking is used to maintain an animal in the working volume of a moving optical path. Such methods provide an opportunity to escape the tradeoff between resolution and field of view and also to reduce motion blur while still enabling automated image acquisition. We argue that further development will be useful and outline potential innovations that may improve the technology and lead to more widespread use.
Localization and snaking in axially compressed and internally pressurized thin cylindrical shells
Authors: Groh Rainer M J , Hunt Giles W
Published: June 2021

This paper uncovers new manifestations of the homoclinic snaking mechanism in the post-buckling regime of a pressurized thin cylindrical shell under axial load. These new forms tend to propagate either wholly or partially in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the applied load and so, unlike earlier forms in Woods & Champneys (1999, Heteroclinic tangles in the unfolding of a degenerate Hamiltonian Hopf bifurcation. Phys. D, 129, 147–170), are fundamentally 2D in nature. The main effect of internal pressurization on the snaking mechanism is firstly to transition the circumferential multiplication of buckles from a one-tier pattern to a three-tier pattern. Secondly, internal pressurization can induce oblique snaking, whereby the sequential multiplication of buckles occurs in a helical pattern across the cylinder domain. For low levels of internal pressure, the single dimple remains—as in the unpressurized case—the unstable edge state that forms the smallest energy barrier around the stable pre-buckling equilibrium. For greater levels of pressure, the edge state changes to a single dimple surrounded by four smaller dimples. By tracing the limit point that denotes the onset of these edge states in the parameter space of internal pressure and axial load, we justify and validate the empirically derived design guideline for buckling of pressurized cylinders proposed by Fung & Sechler (1957, Buckling of thin-walled circular cylinders under axial compression and internal pressure. J. Aeronaut. Sci., 24, 351–356).
The Potential of the Singapore Convention on Mediation for Art and Cultural Property Disputes
Authors: Tanzi Attila M , Mason Paul Eric
Published: June 2021

The article focuses on the applicability of the 2019 Singapore Convention (UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation) to art and cultural property disputes. The latter are characterized by highly diversified cultural, commercial, political and legal frameworks, which provide the grounds upon which these disputes have to be addressed. A preliminary analysis tackles the nature of the disputes under consideration, highlighting the potential combinations of disputing parties and the different dispute settlement mechanisms drawn by each international instrument. In the context of art-related disputes, mediation plays a critical role, which is witnessed by a number of case studies in the field. Thus, the settlement of international art and cultural heritage controversies may benefit from the entry into force of the Singapore Convention. The main features and challenges of the Convention are addressed by this contribution, with special regard to the effects that the treaty could have on international art and cultural property transactions and dispute resolution.
Children’s Sleep During COVID-19: How Sleep Influences Surviving and Thriving in Families
Authors: MacKenzie Nicole E , Keys Elizabeth , Hall Wendy A , Gruber Reut , Smith Isabel M , Constantin Evelyn , Godbout Roger , Stremler Robyn , Reid Graham J , Hanlon-Dearman Ana , Brown Cary A , Shea Sarah , Weiss Shelly K , Ipsiroglu Osman , Witmans Manisha , Chambers Christine T , Andreou Pantelis , Begum Esmot , Corkum Penny
Published: June 2021

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to disrupt the lives of families and may have implications for children with existing sleep problems. As such, we aimed to: (1) characterize sleep changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in children who had previously been identified as having sleep problems, (2) identify factors contributing to sleep changes due to COVID-19 safety measures, and (3) understand parents’ and children’s needs to support sleep during the pandemic.

Methods

Eighty-five Canadian parents with children aged 4–14 years participated in this explanatory sequential, mixed-methods study using an online survey of children’s and parents’ sleep, with a subset of 16 parents, selected based on changes in their children’s sleep, participating in semi-structured interviews. Families had previously participated in the Better Nights, Better Days (BNBD) randomized controlled trial.

Results

While some parents perceived their child’s sleep quality improved during the COVID-19 pandemic (14.1%, n = 12), many parents perceived their child’s sleep had worsened (40.0%, n = 34). Parents attributed children’s worsened sleep to increased screen time, anxiety, and decreased exercise. Findings from semi-structured interviews highlighted the effect of disrupted routines on sleep and stress, and that stress reciprocally influenced children’s and parents’ sleep.

Conclusions

The sleep of many Canadian children was affected by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the disruption of routines influencing children’s sleep. eHealth interventions, such as BNBD with modifications that address the COVID-19 context, could help families address these challenges.
Printing Leibniz's Calculus: Dating and Numbering the Editions of the Nova Methodus pro Maximis et Minimis (October 1684)
Authors: Lemley Samuel V
Published: June 2021

The textual history of the first work on infinitesimal calculus and differentiation in print—Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz’s ‘Nova methodus pro maximis et minimis …’ in the October 1684 instalment of the Leipzig scientific journal Acta Eruditorum—remains unstudied. Consequent to this inattention, extant copies of Leibniz’s article have been assigned to a single edition and a single press, despite evidence of substantive variation among them. This article examines the typographic and bibliographical evidence across multiple copies of the October 1684 instalment of the Acta to demonstrate that these extant copies in fact represent three separate editions printed on multiple presses over many years. This evidence, in turn, casts new light on both the complex printing history of the Acta Eruditorum in its first decade of publication (1682–93) and the distribution of learned periodicals in the seventeenth century.
Pericentric passage-driven star formation in satellite galaxies and their hosts: CLUES from local group simulations
Authors: Di Cintio Arianna , Mostoghiu Robert , Knebe Alexander , Navarro Julio F
Published: June 2021

Local Group satellite galaxies show a wide diversity of star formation histories (SFHs) whose origin is yet to be fully understood. Using hydrodynamical simulations from the Constrained Local UniversE project, we study the SFHs of satellites of Milky Way-like galaxies in a cosmological context: while in the majority of the cases the accretion on to their host galaxy causes the satellites to lose their gas, with a subsequent suppression in SF, in about 25 per cent of our sample we observe a clear enhancement of SF after infall. Peaks in SF clearly correlate with the satellite pericentric passage around its host and, in one case, with a satellite–satellite interaction. We identify two key ingredients that result in enhanced SF after infall: galaxies must enter the host’s virial radius with a reservoir of cold gas Mgas, inf/Mvir, inf ≳ 10−2 and with a minimum pericentric distance ≳10 kpc (mean distance ∼50 kpc for the full sample), in order to form new stars due to compression of cold gas at pericentric passage. On the other hand, satellites that infall with little gas or whose pericentric distance is too small, have their gas ram-pressure stripped and subsequent SF quenched. The pericentric passage of satellites likewise correlates with SF peaks in their hosts, suggesting that this mechanism induces bursts of SF in satellites and central galaxies alike, in agreement with recent studies of our Galaxy’s SFH. Our findings can explain the recently reported multiple stellar populations observed in dwarf galaxies such as Carina and Fornax, and should be taken into account in semi-analytic models of galaxy formation and satellite quenching.
The role of human endogenous retroviruses in gliomas: from etiological perspectives and therapeutic implications
Authors: Shah Ashish H , Gilbert Mark , Ivan Michael E , Komotar Ricardo J , Heiss John , Nath Avindra
Published: June 2021

Accounting for approximately 8% of the human genome, human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) have been implicated in a variety of cancers including gliomas. In normal cells, tight epigenetic regulation of HERVs prevent aberrant expression; however, in cancer cells, HERVs expression remains pervasive, suggesting a role of HERVs in oncogenic transformation. HERVs may contribute to oncogenesis in several ways including insertional mutagenesis, chromosomal rearrangements, proto-oncogene formation, and maintenance of stemness. On the other hand, recent data has suggested that reversing epigenetic silencing of HERVs may induce robust anti-tumor immune responses, suggesting HERVs’ potential therapeutic utility in gliomas. By reversing epigenetic modifications that silence HERVs, DNA methyltransferase, and histone deacetylase inhibitors may stimulate a viral-mimicry cascade via HERV-derived dsRNA formation that induces interferon-mediated apoptosis. Leveraging this anti-tumor autoimmune response may be a unique avenue to target certain subsets of epigenetically-dysregulated gliomas. Nevertheless, the role of HERVs in gliomas as either arbitrators of oncogenesis or forerunners of the innate anti-tumor immune response remains unclear. Here, we review the role of HERVs in gliomas, their potential dichotomous function in propagating oncogenesis and stimulating the anti-tumor immune response, and identify future directions for research.
Does Measurement Affect the Gender Gap in Political Partisanship?
Authors: Krupnikov Yanna , Style Hillary , Yontz Michael
Published: June 2021

There is a partisan gender gap in American politics: women are more likely than men to identify as Democrats. Relying on an experiment that randomly assigns measures of partisanship, Burden (2008) finds that part of this gap can be explained by question-wording effects: when partisanship measures prime affect—rather than cognition—women are significantly more likely to identify as Republicans, significantly decreasing the partisan gender gap. Given recent changes in the salience of both gender and partisanship in American politics, we revisit the possibility that measurement can affect the size of the partisan gender gap. Using a pre-registered replication of Burden (2008), we do not find consistent evidence that changes in the wording of the partisanship question can significantly alter the size of the partisan gender gap. Contrary to Burden (2008), our data show that measures of partisanship that prime affect do not lead women to be more likely to identify as Republicans. Rather, these measures lead women of both parties to be more likely to identify as independent—a pattern that leaves the partisan gender gap in place, but suggests that both parties may be losing women.
Comparison and validation of FDG-PET/CT scores for polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: van der Geest Kornelis S M , van Sleen Yannick , Nienhuis Pieter , Sandovici Maria , Westerdijk Nynke , Glaudemans Andor W J M , Brouwer Elisabeth , Slart Riemer H J A
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To compare and validate the diagnostic accuracy of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT scores for PMR; and to explore their association with clinical factors.

Methods

This retrospective study included 39 consecutive patients diagnosed with PMR and 19 PMR comparators. The final clinical diagnosis was established after 6 months follow-up. Patients underwent FDG-PET/CT prior to glucocorticoid treatment. Visual grading of FDG uptake was performed at 30 anatomic sites. Three FDG-PET/CT scores (the Leuven Score, two Besançon Scores) and two algorithms (the Saint-Etienne and Heidelberg Algorithms) were investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with area under the curve (AUC) was performed. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed at predefined cut-off points.

Results

All three FDG-PET/CT scores showed high diagnostic accuracy for a clinical diagnosis of PMR in the ROC analysis (AUC 0.889–0.914). The Leuven Score provided a sensitivity of 89.7% and specificity of 84.2% at its predefined cut-off point. A simplified Leuven Score showed similar diagnostic accuracy to that of the original score. The Besançon Scores showed limited specificity at their predefined cut-off points (i.e. 47.4% and 63.2%), while ROC analysis suggested that substantially higher cut-off points are needed for these scores. The Heidelberg and Saint-Etienne Algorithms demonstrated high sensitivity, but lower specificity (i.e. 78.9% and 42.1%, respectively) for PMR. Female sex and presence of large-vessel vasculitis were associated with lower FDG-PET/CT scores in patients with PMR.

Conclusion

The Leuven Score showed the highest diagnostic utility for PMR. A modified, concise version of the Leuven Score provided similar diagnostic accuracy to that of the original score.
A STUDY ON THE RADIATION DOSE DUE TO DISSOLVED 222RN IN WATER SAMPLES OF MANDYA CITY, KARNATAKA, INDIA
Authors: Narasimhamurthy K N , Ashok G V , Shashi Kumar T S , Nagaiah N , Kumar M B Karthik
Published: June 2021

Measurement of dissolved radon concentrations in the water samples collected from selected borewells (depth ~300 ft), wells (depth ~25 ft) and overhead tanks (height ~30 ft) of Mandya city, Karnataka, India, has been carried out by using Emanometry method. The radon concentrations in the waters of borewell, well and overhead tank ranges from 1.5 ± 0.1 to 102.8 ± 5.1, 1.3 ± 0.1 to 3.8 ± 0.4 and 2.5 ± 0.2 to 9.7 ± 1.1 Bq l−1 with the mean values of 16.8, 2.5 and 6.2 Bq l−1, respectively. Majority of borewell water samples showed higher concentrations of dissolved 222Rn compared to waters of well and overhead tank. The overall mean value of dissolved radon concentration of 12.2 Bq l−1 is found to be close to the maximum contaminant level of 11 Bq l−1 suggested by US Environment Protection Agency. The physicochemical parameters like pH, TDS and conductivity were also measured, and dependence of dissolved 222Rn on these parameters has been studied. Using the mean value of dissolved radon concentration, a new attempt has been made to compute the doses imparted to different organs and tissues of the human body. Dosimetric calculations showed that stomach and small intestine receive greater doses due to dissolved radon compared to other organs.
Quality of Life Changes After Surgery for Metastatic Spinal Disease
Authors: Paulino Pereira Nuno R. , Groot Olivier Q. , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Bongers Michiel E.R. , Twining Peter K. , Kapoor Neal D. , van Dijk Cornelis N. , Schwab Joseph H. , Bramer Jos A.M.
Published: June 2021

Study Design:

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the quality of life (QoL) after open surgery for spinal metastases, and how surgery affects physical, social/family, emotional, and functional well-being.

Summary of Background Data:

It remains questionable to what extent open surgery improves QoL for metastatic spinal disease, it would be interesting to quantify the magnitude and duration of QoL benefits—if any—after surgery for spinal metastases.

Materials and Methods:

Included were studies measuring QoL before and after nonpercutaneous, open surgery for spinal metastases for various indications including pain, spinal cord compression, instability, or tumor control. A random-effect model assessed standardized mean differences (SMDs) of summary QoL scores between baseline and 1, 3, 6, or 9–12 months after surgery.

Results:

The review yielded 10 studies for data extraction. The pooled QoL summary score improved from baseline to 1 month (SMD=1.09, P<0.001), to 3 months (SMD=1.28, P<0.001), to 6 months (SMD=1.21, P<0.001), and to 9–12 months (SMD=1.08, P=0.001). The surgery improved physical well-being during the first 3 months (SMD=0.94, P=0.022), improved emotional (SMD=1.19, P=0.004), and functional well-being (SMD=1.08, P=0.005) during the first 6 months, and only improved social/family well-being at month 6 (SMD=0.28, P=0.001).

Conclusions:

The surgery improved QoL for patients with spinal metastases, and rapidly improved physical, emotional, and functional well-being; it had minimal effect on social/family well-being. However, choosing the optimal candidate for surgical intervention in the setting of spinal metastases remains paramount: otherwise postoperative morbidity and complications may outbalance the intended benefits of surgery. Future research should report clear definitions of selection criteria and surgical indication and provide stratified QoL results by indication and clinical characteristics such as primary tumor type, preoperative Karnofsky, and Bilsky scores to elucidate the optimal candidate for surgical intervention.
Aesthetic Outcomes of Perineal Reconstruction with the Lotus Petal Flap
Authors: Hellinga Joke , Fleer Joke , van der Lei Berend , Werker Paul M.N. , van Etten Boudewijn , Stenekes Martin W.
Published: June 2021

Background:

The lotus petal flap can be applied for reconstruction of extensive defects in the vulvoperineal area. Studies on aesthetic outcomes are lacking. This study aimed to fill this gap.

Methods:

All patients who underwent lotus petal flap reconstruction between October 2011 and December 2015 were asked permission to have their photographs used. Two questionnaires were used: (1) the Strasser score to assess the overall aesthetic results (range 0–15) and (2) the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS; range 6–60). Six plastic surgeons and 6 laymen filled in the Strasser score and the Observer scale of the POSAS. Patients filled in the Strasser score, the Patient scale of the POSAS and scored their overall satisfaction with the aesthetic results on a Likert scale (0–10).

Results:

The photographs of 11 patients were included. The median Strasser score of all observers of 11.9 (range 0.0–75.0) indicated a mediocre aesthetic result. The median total POSAS score of 15.6 (range 6.0–41.0) indicated an aesthetically acceptable scar. Strasser and POSAS scores of the plastic surgeons and laymen did not differ significantly from the patients’ scores. The patient satisfaction score with the aesthetic result was a median of 6.0 of 10.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that, overall, patients were moderately satisfied with the aesthetic results of their lotus petal flap reconstructions, as were the plastic surgeons and laymen. For clinical practice, it is important that the plastic surgeon manages expectations carefully before surgery, as it is possible that patients might experience a rather low aesthetic outcome after perineal reconstruction.
Implant Delivery Technique for Prepectoral Reconstruction after Endoscopic-assisted Nipple-sparing Mastectomy
Authors: Yang Ho Jik , Ko Geonil , Kim Joo-Hak , Lee Jinsun , Oh Sang-Ha
Published: June 2021

Prepectoral breast reconstruction through a small axillary incision during endoscopic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy or robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy is difficult. Cases involving implants covered with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) are particularly difficult. Therefore, a new delivery technique for ADM-covered implants is needed. The ADM pocket for complete coverage of the implant is made with double-crossed ADMs. The pocket end is open and sutured at the funnel entry. After insetting the ADM pocket at the mastectomy site through an axillary incision, the implant is delivered from a funnel to the ADM pocket by squeezing. Prepectoral breast reconstruction with the new delivery technique for implants covered with ADM pockets proved easy and safe. Our new implant delivery technique could be a good option for prepectoral breast reconstruction after minimal breast surgery.
Anterolateral Thigh and Vascularized-tensor Fascia Lata Flaps for Long-gap Achilles Tendon Reconstruction
Authors: Winaikosol Kengkart , Surakunprapha Palakorn
Published: June 2021

We demonstrated our surgical technique of 8-cm segmental loss Achilles tendon reconstruction and repair of posterior heel skin and soft tissue defects with composite anterolateral thigh and 4-layer folding vascularized-tensor fasciae latae flaps of a 15-year-old adolescent boy’s post-traumatic injury and infection after primary repair. This technique highlights the ease of harvesting the flap, short operative time, and facilitation of the strong and sustainable motion of the Achilles tendon after reconstruction.
Characteristics, Risk Factors and Predictors for Candidemia in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb in Croatia
Authors: Matic Toni , Novak Milivoj , Braovac Duje , Vinkovic Maja , Cicak Ana Marija , Milosevic Milan , Galic Slobodan , Cvitkovic Miran , Rubic Filip , Ille Vanja , Plesko Sanja
Published: June 2021

Background:

Candidemia is one of the leading causes of bloodstream infections in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The aim of this study was to define characteristics and risk factors for candidemia in the PICU setting and propose a predictive model to identify the patients at risk.

Methods:

This was a retrospective matched case-control study in the PICU during a 9-year period. Patients with candidemia were studied and matched with control patients without candidemia. Univariate analysis was performed for potential risk factors and multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the prediction score for candidemia.

Results:

Forty-two cases of candidemia were matched with 84 control patients. Candida parapsilosis was the most common (71.4%) species. Risk factors independently associated with candidemia were: the use of >2 antibiotics in a maximum period of 4 weeks before the candidemia (odds ratio [OR]: 10.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.05–54.83), a previous bacterial infection in a maximum period of 4 weeks before the candidemia (OR: 5.56; 95% CI: 1.44–21.5) and the duration of PICU stay of >10 days (OR: 4.22; 95% CI: 1.02–17.41). The proposed predictive scoring system has a sensitivity of 95.24%, specificity of 76.12%, OR 64.0, 95% CI 14.2–288.6, the positive predictive value of 66.67% and the negative predictive value of 96.97%.

Conclusions:

Previously reported risk factors for candidemia have been confirmed and some new have been detected. The presented scoring system can help identify patients who would benefit from prophylactic antifungal therapy.
A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis of apolipoprotein C3 polymorphisms and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Chen Bing-Feng , Chien Yeuh , Tsai Pin-Hsing , Perng Pang-Chung , Yang Yi-Ping , Hsueh Kuan-Chun , Liu Chia-Hung , Wang Yuan-Hung
Published: June 2021

Background:

The relationship between apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) gene polymorphisms and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk has been investigated in many studies, with inconclusive findings. This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of APOC3 promoter region polymorphisms (−455T/C and −482C/T) on NAFLD susceptibility.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of eligible studies up to October 2020 was performed on Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. No restriction was imposed on language, publication date, or publication status. Odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the combined effect sizes. The levels of heterogeneity, sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias were analyzed subsequently.

Results:

This meta-analysis included eight studies, consisting of 1,511 patients with NAFLD and 1,900 controls fulfilling the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The pooled analysis showed significant associations between APOC3 −455T/C polymorphism and NAFLD risk in allelic (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.05-1.67), dominant (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.04-1.72), and recessive (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.06-2.40) models. Ethnicity-based stratification showed that −455T/C polymorphism was significantly associated with NAFLD risk in the non-Asian but not in the Asian population. No association was evident between −482C/T polymorphism and NAFLD risk.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that APOC3 promoter region polymorphism −455T/C may be associated with NAFLD risk in the non-Asian but not in the Asian population. Additional studies with other functional polymorphisms are needed to discover APOC3 gene effects on NAFLD.