bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas Expansion Energy Model and Numerical Simulation of Outburst Coal Seam under Multifield Coupling
Authors: Cao Jie , Hu Qianting , Gao Yanan , Li Minghui , Sun Dongling
Published: April 2021

Due to the insufficient understanding of the outburst mechanism, the coal and gas outburst disasters in China are more serious. Gas expansion energy is the main source of energy that causes outburst. In order to explore the distribution law of gas expansion energy in outburst coal seams, a gas-solid coupling equation of outburst coal seams was established. The distribution law of coal stress field, deformation field, gas flow field, and gas expansion energy were simulated and analyzed by using COMSOL Multiphysics. The results showed that from the excavation face to the deep part of coal seam, the stress presented unloading zone, stress concentration zone, and original stress zone. The volumetric strain and permeability reached the minimum, while the gas pressure reached the maximum at the peak value of vertical stress. As time goes on, the gas pressure in the fracture near the working face gradually decreased and was less than the pressure in coal matrix. The total gas expansion energy consists of free gas and desorption gas expansion energy. Affected by the excavation, free gas expansion energy maintained a constant value in the original coal seam and gradually decreased in the area close to the working face. The expansion energy provided by desorption gas was zero in the original coal seam. And it first increased and then decreased rapidly near the working face. Compared with stress and coal seam thickness, gas pressure and initial diffusion coefficient had significant influence on gas expansion energy of coal seam. When the diffusion coefficient was greater than 1e-9 m2/s, the gas expansion energy of the coal seam near the working face was significantly higher than that of the original coal seam, which had the risk of inducing outburst.
A Parametric Design Method for Hybrid Airfoils for Icing Wind Tunnel Test
Authors: Li Zhao , Yang Guang-jun , Tong Xiao-yan , Jiang Feng
Published: April 2021

The size of aircraft models that can be tested in icing wind tunnels is limited by the dimensions of the facilities in present; it is an effective method to replace the large model with a hybrid airfoil to carry out the experiment. A design method of multiple control points for hybrid airfoil based on the similarity of flow field in the leading edge of airfoil is proposed. Aiming at generating the full-scale flow field and ice accretion on the leading edge, multiobjective genetic optimization algorithm is used to design the hybrid airfoil under different conditions by combining the airfoil parameterization and solution of spatial constraint. Pressure tests of hybrid airfoils are carried out and compared with the leading edge pressure of the corresponding full-scale airfoils. The design and experimental results show that the pressure coefficient deviation between the hybrid airfoils designed and the corresponding full-scale airfoil in the 15% chord length range of the leading edge is within 4%. Finally, the vortex distribution and ice accretion process of the two airfoils were simulated by the unsteady Reynolds-averaged-Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations and multistep ice numerical method; it is shown that the hybrid airfoil can provide the same vortex distribution and ice accretion with the full-scale airfoil.
Using DEMATEL Technique to Identify the Key Success Factors of Shared Decision-Making Based on Influential Network Relationship Perspective
Authors: Liu Wen-Yi , Tung Tao-Hsin , Chuang Yen-Ching , Chien Ching-Wen
Published: April 2021

In the field of medicine, shared decision-making (SDM) is an important issue primarily aimed at resolving the problem of information asymmetry between clinicians and patients in the selection of treatment options and follow-up nursing plans. Most previous studies on this topic have focused on key elements and the development and implementation of SDM scales. This study used the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to establish a network of influence relationships among factors that are keys to the success of the SDM process. Survey data were obtained from a well-known brain hospital in China. The key factors of success included tailor information, flexibility approach, check understanding patient, document (discussion about) decision, present evidence, make or explicitly defer decision, and patient values and preferences. We determined that clinicians should provide a series of treatment options and follow-up care plans based on a patientʼs conditions and preferences. Clinicians should also actively communicate with patients and their families to ensure a thorough understanding of the entire treatment and nursing process. This study also highlights the academic value of the cross-disciplinary integration of medical decision issues and multiple attribute decision-making methodologies.
Particle Flow Simulation of Failure Characteristics of Deep Rock Influenced by Sample Height-to-Width Ratios and Initial Stress Level under True-Triaxial Unloading
Authors: Rong Haoyu , Li Guichen , Xu Jiahui , Bi Ruiyang , Sun Yuantian , Hu Yaqiao , Bai Guoliang
Published: April 2021

The micromechanism of the effects of different height/width ratios (H/W) and initial stress levels on unloading characteristics of deep rock was investigated based on PFC3D true-triaxial unloading simulation. The results show that the increase of H/W will increase the movement speed of rock particles and intensify the acoustic emission (AE) activity inside the rock. With the increase of H/W, the failure mode of rock changes from splitting failure to tensile-shear failure. With increasing initial stress level, the particle velocity and overall fragmentation degree of rock increase. However, the increase of lateral stress will limit the coalescence of microfractures and weaken AE activity in the rock. Under unloading condition, the bonds between particles generally crack along the unloading direction, and the tensile effect is more pronounced under the condition of low initial stress level and high H/W. Under unloading condition, the variable energy of rock increases with increasing H/W and initial stress level, and the kinetic energy of rock particles increases with increasing H/W. The increase of initial stress level will increase the kinetic energy of rock particles when H/W is high.
Study on the Influence of Sand Production on Seepage Capacity in Natural Gas Hydrate Reservoirs
Authors: Hao Yongmao , Liang Jikai , Kong Chuixian , Fan Mingwu , Xu Hongzhi , Yang Fan , Yang Shiwei
Published: April 2021

Sand production has become a common phenomenon in the exploitation of unconsolidated natural gas hydrate reservoirs, which will hinder the long-term production of natural gas hydrate reservoirs. However, there are few literatures reported on the influences in reservoir physical properties such as permeability and porosity, and production laws caused by sand production. This paper provides a numerical model, coupled with reservoir sand-gas-water multiphase flow processes, which is capable to simulate the process of sand production in natural gas hydrate reservoirs. The simulation results indicate that sand settlement is mainly concentrated near the wellbore due to the high concentration of migrated sand. The decrease in reservoir porosity and permeability caused by sand settlement has a significant impact on production. The impact of sand production on reservoir fluid fluidity shows that fluid flow is inhibited near the wellbore, while fluid flow performance increases far away from the wellbore. The numerical model and analysis presented here could provide useful insight into changes in reservoir physical properties and production laws caused by sand production in the natural gas hydrate-bearing marine sediments using depressurization method.
Ovarian Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Revealed by Bone Metastasis: A Rare Pediatric Case
Authors: Elbaz M. , Hiroual S. , Boukis F. , Raiss H. , Matrane A. , Elhoudzi J.
Published: April 2021

Ovary involvement of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is rare. We report a rare case of ovarian NHL during adolescence revealed by bone metastasis. The diagnosis of malignant lymphoma was established after adnexectomy and histological study of the excised tissue. The tumor was classified as a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient has been treated according to the LMB French protocol with good outcome after two years. Although NHL is a rare ovarian neoplasm, it is essential to establish an accurate diagnosis as early as possible for therapeutic purposes.
Reattempt Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusions after Prior Failures: A Single-Center Analysis of Strategies and Outcomes
Authors: Fu Mingqiang , Chang Shufu , Ge Lei , Huang Dong , Yao Kang , Zhang Feng , Qin Qing , Ma Jianying , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo
Published: April 2021

Objective. The initial recanalization rate of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) is >85% when performed by experienced operators, but only 10% of prior failed CTO patients receive reattempted recanalization. This retrospective study analyzed the success rate and strategies used in reattempt percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of CTOs after prior failures. Methods. Overall, 206 patients with 212 CTOs were enrolled. All patients with prior recanalization failures received reattempt PCIs from January 2015 to March 2019 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Data on clinical factors (age, sex, comorbidities, left ventricular ejection fraction, history of cigarette usage, and revascularization), angiographic characteristics of CTOs (target lesion, Japanese Chronic Total Occlusion (J-CTO) score, the morphology of CTO lesions, and collateral channel scale), strategies (procedural approach and use of devices), and major adverse events were obtained and analyzed. Results. The mean age of enrolled patients was 60.96 ± 12.36 years, with a male predominance of 90.3%. Of the patients, 47.1% had a prior myocardial infarction and 70.4% underwent stent implantation previously, while the in-stent occlusion rate was 6.6%. CTOs were primarily localized in the left anterior descending artery (43.9%) and the right coronary artery (43.9%). 80.7% of lesions were classified as very difficult (J-CTO score ≥3), and the overall success rate was 81.1%. In multivariable regression analysis, J-CTO score, collateral channel scale, application of coronary multispiral computed tomography angiography, dual injection, intravascular ultrasound, active greeting technique, parallel wiring, and CTO morphology were predictors of recanalization success. There were no significant differences in rates of procedural complications between the final recanalization success and failure groups. Conclusions. Recanalization of complex CTOs is associated with high success rate and low complication rates when performed by high-volume CTO operators and after multiple reattempts.
The Use of Multiple Primary Outcomes in Randomized Controlled Trials of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Authors: Hu Jing , Feng Shuo , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Huina , Ha Yanxiang , Wei Chongyang , Wang Xuejiao , Zhang Rui , Liao Xing , Li Bo
Published: April 2021

Background. Multiple primary outcomes are commonly used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). Analysis and interpretation of the results of CHM RCTs with many outcomes are not clear. No previous studies have systematically assessed the use of multiple primary outcomes in this area. This study aimed to assess the reporting of multiple primary outcomes and the statistical methods used to adjust multiplicity in RCTs of CHM. Methods. Search for RCTs of CHM published in English between January 2010 and December 2019 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was undertaken. We randomly selected 20% of the included RCTs as the analyzing sample of this study. The number of multiple primary outcomes, the methods used to adjust the multiplicity in statistical analysis and sample size estimate, and the trial information were collected. For RCTs that adopted multiple primary outcomes without the multiplicity adjustment, we used Bonferroni correction to adjust. Results. 227 CHM RCTs were included in our study. 92 (40.5%) failed to report what their primary outcome was. Of 135 (59.5%) RCTs that reported primary outcome, 93 (68.9%) reported one and 42 (31.1%) reported more than one primary outcome (range 2–5). Of 42 RCTs that reported multiple primary outcomes, only 5 adjusted for multiple outcomes. If multiplicity had been accounted for using Bonferroni correction, 10 (37.0%) RCTs that reported a significant result had demonstrated a nonsignificant result, giving the adjusted P value. Only one of the 42 RCTs calculated sample size based on multiple primary outcomes. Adopting multiple primary outcomes showed a slow growth trend with the publication year. The proportion of primary outcome reported explicitly in RCTs was different in terms of the nationality of the first author (

P
=
0.004

), in which mainland China has the lowest proportion (55.8%). The highest percentage of the studies with primary outcome reporting explicitation was mental and behavioural disorders (83.3%), and the most frequently adopting multiple primary outcomes were studies on the disease of the nervous system (66.7%). The percentage of reporting primary outcome explicitly was associated with sample size (

P
<
0.001

); for the percentage of RCTs adopting multiple primary outcomes, there was no statistically significant difference (

P
=
0.739

). Conclusions. Multiple primary outcomes are prevalent in CHM RCTs. However, appropriate methods are not usually taken in most of the analyses to safeguard the inferences against multiplicity. Sample size estimation based on multiple primary outcomes is still lacking. These issues complicate the interpretability of trial results and can lead to spurious conclusions. Guidelines to improve analyzing and reporting for multiple primary outcomes in CHM RCTs are warranted.
The microRNA-210/Casp8ap2 Axis Alleviates Hypoxia-Induced Myocardial Injury by Regulating Apoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Wu Ting-Yu , Leng Qin , Tian Li-Qun
Published: April 2021

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a serious condition comprising atherosclerosis-mediated ischaemic and hypoxic myocardial injury. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the miR-210/Casp8ap2 signalling pathway in hypoxic myocardial cells. mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. MTT was used to evaluate cell survival, and flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis and the cell cycle distribution. The interaction between miR-210 and ­Casp8ap2 was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay. As a result, overexpression of miR-210 significantly inhibited apoptosis and reduced the proportion of cells in G1 phase. Moreover, miR-210 suppressed autophagy by upregulating p62 levels and reducing the LC3-II/I ratio in hypoxic cardiomyocytes. miR-210 regulated apoptosis and autophagy by directly targeting Casp8ap2. Furthermore, the expression levels of Casp8ap2, Cleaved caspase 8, Cleaved caspase 3and Beclin-1 were all decreased in response to miR-210. In short, our results suggest that miR-210 exerts anti-apoptotic and anti-autophagic effects in hypoxic cardiomyocytes, which alleviates myocardial injury in response to hypoxia.
Accelerated Phase of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Shahin Omar A. , Chifotides Helen T. , Bose Prithviraj , Masarova Lucia , Verstovsek Srdan
Published: April 2021

Background: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can transform into blast phase MPN (leukemic transformation; MPN-BP), typically via accelerated phase MPN (MPN-AP), in ∼20–25% of the cases. MPN-AP and MPN-BP are characterized by 10–19% and ≥20% blasts, respectively. MPN-AP/BP portend a dismal prognosis with no established conventional treatment. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the sole modality associated with long-term survival. Summary: MPN-AP/BP has a markedly different mutational profile from de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In MPN-AP/BP, TP53 and IDH1/2 are more frequent, whereas FLT3 and DNMT3A are rare. Higher incidence of leukemic transformation has been associated with the most aggressive MPN subtype, myelofibrosis (MF); other risk factors for leukemic transformation include rising blast counts above 3–5%, advanced age, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, increasing bone marrow fibrosis, type 1 CALR-unmutated status, lack of driver mutations (negative for JAK2, CALR, or MPL genes), adverse cytogenetics, and acquisition of ≥2 high-molecular risk mutations (ASXL1, EZH2, IDH1/2, SRSF2, and U2AF1Q157). The aforementioned factors have been incorporated in several novel prognostic scoring systems for MF. Currently, elderly/unfit patients with MPN-AP/BP are treated with hypomethylating agents with/without ruxolitinib; these regimens appear to confer comparable benefit to intensive chemotherapy but with lower toxicity. Retrospective studies in patients who acquired actionable mutations during MPN-AP/BP showed positive outcomes with targeted AML treatments, such as IDH1/2 inhibitors, and require further evaluation in clinical trials. Key Messages: Therapy for MPN-AP patients represents an unmet medical need. MF patients, in particular, should be appropriately stratified regarding their prognosis and the risk for transformation. Higher-risk patients should be monitored regularly and treated prior to progression to MPN-BP. MPN-AP patients may be treated with hypomethylating agents alone or in combination with ruxolitinib; also, patients can be provided with the option to enroll in rationally designed clinical trials exploring combination regimens, including novel targeted drugs, with an ultimate goal to transition to transplant.
Outcomes following Craniosynostosis Surgery at a Tertiary Care Center in the Middle East
Authors: Najjar Omar , AbouChebel Naji , Zeeni Carine , Najjar Marwan W.
Published: April 2021

Background: Despite advancements in craniosynostosis surgery, open surgical approaches remain crucial for the management of infants >6 months of age and in those with complex synostosis. The clinical features of craniosynostosis remain poorly characterized in the Middle East. This study sought to assess the clinical features and outcomes of infants undergoing craniosynostosis surgery at a tertiary care center in Lebanon. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent craniosynostosis surgery from December 2006 to December 2018 at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon. Clinicodemographic characteristics, complications, and recurrence outcomes were recorded and evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results: Thirty-five infants met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 9.0 ± 4.0 months. The most common site of suture involvement was metopic (28.6%), followed by unilateral coronal (25.7%), sagittal (20.0%), bicoronal (8.6%), and multiple sites (17.1%). Five patients (14.3%) had syndromic synostosis. Median estimated blood loss was 200 mL, and median volume of transfused packed red blood cells was 180 mL. Two patients (5.7%) experienced postoperative complications, including postoperative blood transfusion (n = 1)and wire protrusion requiring removal (n = 1). Three patients (8.6%) required reoperation: 2 (5.7%) for resynostosis and 1 for traumatic fracture repair. Caregivers of all patients reported high satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes 4 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions: With appropriate perioperative precautions, open craniosynostosis surgery can be performed with minimal complications, low recurrence rates, and satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. Additional population-level data are needed to better characterize craniosynostosis patterns and outcomes in the Middle East.
Perivascular Macrophages Regulate Blood Flow Following Tissue Damage
Authors: Vågesjö Evelina , Parv Kristel , Ahl David , Seignez Cédric , Herrera Hidalgo Carmen , Giraud Antoine , Leite Catarina , Korsgren Olle , Wallén Håkan , Juusola Greta , Hakovirta Harri H. , Rundqvist Helene , Essand Magnus , Holm Lena , Johnson Randall S. , Thålin Charlotte , Korpisalo Petra , Christoffersson Gustaf , Phillipson Mia
Published: April 2021

Rationale:

Ischemic injuries remain a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and restoration of functional blood perfusion is vital to limit tissue damage and support healing.

Objective:

To reveal a novel role of macrophages in reestablishment of functional tissue perfusion following ischemic injury that can be targeted to improve tissue restoration.

Methods and Results:

Using intravital microscopy of ischemic hindlimb muscle in mice, and confocal microscopy of human tissues from amputated legs, we found that macrophages accumulated perivascularly in ischemic muscles, where they expressed high levels of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide [NO] synthase). Genetic depletion of iNOS specifically in macrophages (Cx3cr1-CreERT2;Nos2
fl/fl
or LysM-Cre;Nos2
fl/fl
) did not affect vascular architecture but highly compromised blood flow regulation in ischemic but not healthy muscle, which resulted in aggravated ischemic damage. Thus, the ability to upregulate blood flow was shifted from eNOS (endothelial)-dependence in healthy muscles to completely rely on macrophage-derived iNOS during ischemia. Macrophages in ischemic muscles expressed high levels of CXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4) and CCR2 (C-C chemokine receptor type 2), and local overexpression by DNA plasmids encoding the corresponding chemokines CXCL12 (stromal-derived factor 1) or CCL2 (chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 2) increased macrophage numbers, while CXCL12 but not CCL2 induced their perivascular positioning. As a result, CXCL12-overexpression increased the number of perfused blood vessels in the ischemic muscles, improved functional muscle perfusion in a macrophage-iNOS-dependent manner, and ultimately restored limb function.

Conclusions:

This study establishes a new function for macrophages during tissue repair, as they regulate blood flow through the release of iNOS-produced NO. Further, we demonstrate that macrophages can be therapeutically targeted to improve blood flow regulation and functional recovery of ischemic tissues.
Cage for the Birds: On the Social Transformation of Chinese Law, 1999–2019
Authors: Liu Sida
Published: April 2021

In his book on legal reform in China after Mao, Stanley B. Lubman adopted the metaphor “bird in a cage” to describe the status of Chinese law at the turn of the twenty-first century. This article offers some general reflections on the social transformation of Chinese law since 1999, with the objective of explaining (1) how the legal bird has become a cage, and (2) how this new legal cage has been used to trap birds in Chinese society. It first traces the transformation of the legal bird into a cage in China’s reform era and then tells the stories of four species of birds currently confined in the legal cage, namely, hawks (state officials), crows (rights activists), sparrows (netizens), and ostriches (ordinary citizens). Laws related to the four species are concerned with combating corruption, political stability, internet control, and everyday life, respectively. By focusing on the four species of birds in the legal cage, this article offers a fresh understanding of how law interacts with various individuals and social groups in Chinese society and a sociolegal explanation of the social transformation of China’s legal system from 1999 to 2019.
Performance Statistics of a Real-Time Pacific Ocean Weather Sensor Network
Authors: Houghton I. A. , Smit P. B. , Clark D. , Dunning C. , Fisher A. , Nidzieko N. J. , Chamberlain P. , Janssen T. T.
Published: April 2021

A distributed sensor network of over 100 free-drifting, real-time marine weather sensors was deployed in the Pacific Ocean beginning in early 2019. The Spotter buoys used in the network represent a next-generation ocean weather sensor designed to measure surface waves, wind, currents, and sea surface temperature. Large distributed sensor networks like these provide much needed long-dwell sensing capabilities in open-ocean regions. Despite the demand for better weather forecasts and climate data in the oceans, direct in situ measurements of marine surface weather (waves, winds, currents) remain exceedingly sparse in the open oceans. Because of the large expanse of Earth’s oceans, distributed paradigms are necessary to create sufficient data density at global scale, similar to advances in sensing on land and in space. Here we discuss initial findings from this long-dwell open-ocean distributed sensor network. Through triple-collocation analysis, we determine errors in collocated satellite-derived observations and model estimates. The correlation analysis shows that the Spotter network provides wave height data with lower errors than both satellites and models. The wave spectrum was also further used to infer wind speed. Buoy drift dynamics are similar to established drogued drifters, particularly when accounting for windage. We find a windage correction factor for the Spotter buoy of approximately 1%, which is in agreement with theoretical estimates. Altogether, we present a completely new open-ocean weather dataset and characterize the data quality against other observations and models to demonstrate the broad value for ocean monitoring and forecasting that can be achieved using large-scale distributed sensor networks in the oceans.
Mechanical characterization of a woven multi-layered hyperelastic composite laminate under uniaxial loading
Authors: Khajamoinuddin Shaikbepari Mohmmed , Chatterjee Aritra , Bhat MR , Harursampath Dineshkumar , Gundiah Namrata
Published: April 2021

We characterize the material properties of a woven, multi-layered, hyperelastic composite that is useful as an envelope material for high-altitude stratospheric airships and in the design of other large structures. The composite was fabricated by sandwiching a polyaramid Nomex® core, with good tensile strength, between polyimide Kapton® films with high dielectric constant, and cured with epoxy using a vacuum bagging technique. Uniaxial mechanical tests were used to stretch the individual materials and the composite to failure in the longitudinal and transverse directions respectively. The experimental data for Kapton® were fit to a five-parameter Yeoh form of nonlinear, hyperelastic and isotropic constitutive model. Image analysis of the Nomex® sheets, obtained using scanning electron microscopy, demonstrate two families of symmetrically oriented fibers at 69.3°± 7.4° and 129°± 5.3°. Stress-strain results for Nomex® were fit to a nonlinear and orthotropic Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden (HGO) hyperelastic model with two fiber families. We used a linear decomposition of the strain energy function for the composite, based on the individual strain energy functions for Kapton® and Nomex®, obtained using experimental results. A rule of mixtures approach, using volume fractions of individual constituents present in the composite during specimen fabrication, was used to formulate the strain energy function for the composite. Model results for the composite were in good agreement with experimental stress-strain data. Constitutive properties for woven composite materials, combining nonlinear elastic properties within a composite materials framework, are required in the design of laminated pretensioned structures for civil engineering and in aerospace applications.
APLN: A potential novel biomarker for cervical cancer
Authors: Chen Yusha , Lin Xiaoqian , Zheng Jinwen , Chen Jiancui , Xue Huifeng , Zheng Xiangqin
Published: April 2021

Apelin (APLN) is recently demonstrated a direct association with many malignant diseases. However, its effects on cervical cancer remain unclear. This study therefore aims to evaluate the association between APLN expression and cervical cancer using publicly available data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The Pearson χ2 test and Fish exact test, as well as logistic regression, were used to evaluate the relationship between clinicopathological factors in cervical cancer and the expression of APLN. Additionally, the Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods were conducted to analyze the Overall Survival (OS) of cervical cancer patients in TCGA. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to establish its biological functions. High expression of APLN in cervical cancer was significantly associated with a more advanced clinical stage (OR = 1.91 (1.21–3.05) for Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV vs Stage I, p = 0.006). Additionally, it was associated with poor outcome after primary therapy (OR = 2.14 (1.03–4.59) for Progressive Disease (PD), Stable Disease (SD), and Partial Response (PR) vs Complete Remission (CR), p = 0.045) and high histologic grade (OR = 1.67 (1.03–2.72) for G3 and G4 vs G1 and G2, p = 0.037). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that high expression of APLN was associated with a shorter OS. GSEA demonstrated that six KEGG pathways, including PPAR signaling, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, MAPK signaling, TGF-beta signaling, and Gap junction pathways were differentially enriched in the high expression APLN phenotype. The recent study suggests that APLN plays an important role in the progression of cervical cancer and might be a promising prognostic biomarker of the disease.
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Australia: A church of non-Brazilian migrants
Authors: Openshaw Kathleen
Published: April 2021

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) is a Brazilian neo-Pentecostal megachurch. Over the past 40 years, it has established branches in over 100 countries among the economically and socially marginalised. This holds true in Australia, where congregants are disenfranchised migrants from diverse ethnic backgrounds and (former) refugees. Drawing on 2 years of ethnographic research in the UCKG’s Australian headquarters, this article explores why a Brazilian church, with a seemingly disagreeable character, attracts a multicultural migrant congregation in Australia. I argue that the UCKG is attractive to these congregants because it provides a space where its followers’ ethnicity is accepted; its cosmovision is easily translated to its congregation’s diverse spiritual sensibilities; and it offers ‘pioneering techniques’ to overcome life obstacles for those on the margins of Australian society. This work contributes to scholarly literature concerning Brazilian religiosity outside of Brazil, and the role religion plays in migrant settlement.
Modernity, postmodernity, and late modernity: A review of sociological theories in contemporary Japan
Authors: Sato Shigeki
Published: April 2021

This article reviews three Japanese sociological theorists, who explore the nature of modernity, or late modernity, in relation to the postmodern assumption that modernization, or late modernization, is far from a single-track evolutionary process. In his criticism of viewing the modernization theory via an indigenous perspective, Yosuke Koto considers the exogenous impacts of advanced countries to illuminate the hybrid nature of modernity. Based on cognitive sociology, Masataka Katagiri explores the transformation of the self during individualization since the 19th century to illuminate several aspects of individualization in late modernity. In contrast to the symbolic model of modern sociological theories since Durkheim, Takeshi Mikami develops a diabolic theory that reveals a new perspective on the connection between individuals and society in late modernity. Referring to Japan as an important case study, these three sociological theorists provide theoretical insights on some of the complex aspects of late modernity.
Local Calibration of Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Faulting Reliability using Pavement Management Data
Authors: de Salles Lucio Salles , Khazanovich Lev
Published: April 2021

The Pavement ME transverse joint faulting model incorporates mechanistic theories that predict development of joint faulting in jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP). The model is calibrated using the Long-Term Pavement Performance database. However, the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) encourages transportation agencies, such as state departments of transportation, to perform local calibrations of the faulting model included in Pavement ME. Model calibration is a complicated and effort-intensive process that requires high-quality pavement design and performance data. Pavement management data—which is collected regularly and in large amounts—may present higher variability than is desired for faulting performance model calibration. The MEPDG performance prediction models predict pavement distresses with 50% reliability. JPCP are usually designed for high levels of faulting reliability to reduce likelihood of excessive faulting. For design, improving the faulting reliability model is as important as improving the faulting prediction model. This paper proposes a calibration of the Pavement ME reliability model using pavement management system (PMS) data. It illustrates the proposed approach using PMS data from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Results show an increase in accuracy for faulting predictions using the new reliability model with various design characteristics. Moreover, the new reliability model allows design of JPCP considering higher levels of traffic because of the less conservative predictions.
Negative Energy Balance Enhances Ultradian Rhythmicity in Spring-Programmed Voles
Authors: van Rosmalen Laura , Hut Roelof A.
Published: April 2021

Voles are small herbivorous rodents that can display both circadian activity rhythms (~24-h periodicity) and ultradian activity rhythms (~1- to 6-h periodicity). Ultradian rhythms are observed on an individual level, but also in synchronized populations. Ultradian rhythm period has been suggested to be influenced by energy balance, but the underlying mechanisms of ultradian rhythmicity are poorly understood. We manipulated energy balance by implementing the “work-for-food” paradigm, in which small rodents are exposed to increasing levels of food scarcity at different ambient temperatures in the laboratory. Photoperiodical spring-programmed voles on high workload changed their nocturnal circadian activity and body temperature rhythm to ultradian patterns, indicating that a negative energy balance induces ultradian rhythmicity. This interpretation was confirmed by the observation that ultradian patterns arose earlier at low temperatures. Interestingly, a positive relationship between ultradian period length and workload was observed in tundra voles. Spectral analysis revealed that the power of ultradian rhythmicity increased at high workload, whereas the circadian component of running wheel activity decreased. This study shows that the balance between circadian and ultradian rhythmicity is determined by energy balance, confirming flexible circadian and ultradian rhythms in females and males of 2 different vole species: the common vole ( Microtus arvalis) and the tundra vole ( Microtus oeconomus).
A self-learning lane change motion planning system considering the driver’s personality
Authors: Gao Zhenhai , Zhu Naixuan , Gao Fei , Mei Xingtai , Yang Bin
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, with more and more attention being paid to the characteristics and experience of drivers, a large number of driver classification algorithms have emerged. However, these methods basically cannot be adjusted independently to each driver. Therefore, this paper proposes a self-learning lane change motion planning system considering the driver’s personality. Firstly, the method of driver data acquisition and processing is determined to obtain and extract the lane change data. Then, the planning system built in this paper is explained from two aspects: lane change trigger and lane change trajectory. According to the artificial potential field theory, an obstacle driving risk field is established to evaluate the acceptance of environmental risks of different drivers, and to achieve personalized lane change triggers through online statistics. At the same time, the safety of lane change is ensured by establishing the safety distance model of the target lane. On the other hand, the driver characteristic coefficient Jc and the driver reaction and operation time td are introduced into the traditional Gaussian-distributed model to establish a personalized lane change trajectory planning model, in which the parameters are obtained from offline and online learning. Offline learning is based on DTW for trajectory matching, and uses AP clustering to obtain the generalized parameters; Online learning uses LSTM to achieve personalized updates. Finally, this paper selected 15 drivers for verification, and the results show that the motion planning system can well reproduce the lane change behavior of the driver.
Accelerated aging behavior and life prediction of low-temperature vulcanizable CR–BIIR blend based encapsulant material for undersea sensors
Authors: Mohanadas PN , Santhanakrishnan T , Manoj NR , Mukundan T
Published: April 2021

Blends of chloroprene rubber (CR) and bromobutyl rubber (BIIR) with low-temperature vulcanization (LTV) technology were found suitable for the encapsulation of temperature-sensitive undersea sensors. Polymeric blends are susceptible to the aging process due to external environments such as heat, oxygen, ozone, light, and mechanical stresses, etc. Hence, the longevity of these blends for hostile seawater applications is a great concern. The marine aging of rubber blends was not investigated much. In this study, the LTV blends with a curing system based on lead and zinc oxides were subjected to accelerated aging in a 3.5% aqueous solution of NaCl from 40°C to 70°C. The retention of tensile strength, % elongation and modulus properties were estimated. It was observed that aging could lead to an initial increase in the modulus and a considerable decrease in ultimate tensile strength and elongation values with an increase in the aging period. Reduction in elongation at break showed a gradual decrease with an increase in both temperature and exposure time. It was observed that the blends with lead oxide cure system were prone to more degradation than ZnO-based blend. A life of 6.5 years and 5.3 years at 25°C for blends based on ZnO and lead oxide cure systems was estimated. The water diffusion coefficient was found to be of the order of 10−12 mm2 s−1 for both blends.
Scott Joplin: A Guide for Music Educators PART I—A Ragtime Life
Authors: Friar Kendra Kay
Published: April 2021

Scott Joplin was an African American composer and pianist of singular merit and influence. Academic interest in Joplin has increased in recent years, leading to new discoveries about the composer’s activities, yet teaching materials have not been updated at the same pace as 21st-century findings. Joplin was an entrepreneur, a performer, and a teacher, yet his biography is often reduced to a “celebratory” narrative of a composer creating toe-tapping music for the masses. “A Ragtime Life,” the first article in a three-part series, presents a modern understanding of the biographical context which shaped Scott Joplin's music, thought, and practice. It also provides suggested classroom activities for exploring Joplin’s life and works written in accordance with NAfME’s 2014 National Music Standards.
Examining the Feasibility and Fit of Family Implemented TEACCH for Toddlers in Rural Settings
Authors: Coleman Heather , Hume Kara , Fanning Leslie , Scott Samantha
Published: April 2021

Many autism-focused early intervention (EI) models have not yet been adopted by community-based providers in rural settings due to fit and feasibility when working within the Part C model. Family Implemented TEACCH for Toddlers (FITT, based on the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program) is a research-based, Part-C compatible, EI model incorporating parent-coaching and naturalistic strategies with early evidence of efficacy in rural communities. Its use by rural community providers has not yet been examined. Thus, in this multiple baseline study, rural EI professionals ( n = 3) working with caregivers and their toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were provided training and weekly coaching on the use of the FITT model and parent-coaching strategies. The implementation of FITT and parent-coaching strategies were measured, and social validity information was gathered from participants. Results indicate that FITT is both feasible to implement, as demonstrated by provider implementation, and acceptable to both EI providers and caregivers.
A Narrative Review of the Recent ‘Ice’ Epidemic: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Pisarski Konrad
Published: April 2021

Background:

The use of methamphetamine or amphetamine stimulant drugs has been identified by authoritative public health bodies as a global health issue, with a worrying trend towards production and consumption of a higher purity crystalline form methamphetamine (ice) over the past decade. This trend has been well documented within Australia, resulting in a public perception of there being an ‘ice’ epidemic in regional/rural areas. Considering the illicit nature of ice, monitoring it is challenging and as such little information is available regarding the actual extent of methamphetamine use, harms and patterns in regional/remote Australia.

Aim:

To collate the available literature regarding methamphetamine use in regional/rural Australia and identify gaps in the literature.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted by searching 6 databases (PUBMED, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO and SCOPUS) following which exclusion/inclusion criteria were applied. Included papers were appraised with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical appraisal tools and synthesised in light of the sociocultural, ethnic and geographic differences in methamphetamine use in Australia.

Results:

Regarding rural/regional Australia there is a significant lack of research into methamphetamine use, patterns and epidemiology since the rise of crystalline methamphetamine in 2013. The existing literature available suggests great variability in methamphetamine harms in rural communities. This can be a double-edged sword however, as the introduction of ice into a remote/rural community may result in greater harms if it becomes ingrained in local customs. Similarly, there is a lack of research into the specific factors within Indigenous communities leading to an increased rate of methamphetamine use amongst members.

Recommendation:

Future research should address the causes of variance in methamphetamine harms in rural/remote regions. Although the scope of this paper was the Australian context, a wider international approach may yield useful information.
Shoulder Arthrodesis for Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries: Functional Outcomes and Complications
Authors: Cho Alvaro Baik , Choi Helio Jiseok , Ferreira Carlos Henrique Vieira , Yoshinobu Kiyohara Leandro , Bersani Silva Gustavo , Sorrenti Luiz
Published: April 2021

Background

The external rotation and abduction of shoulder are considered one of the priorities of reconstruction in brachial plexus injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results and complications of shoulder arthrodesis in patients with brachial plexus injury to better comprehend the benefits of this procedure.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2019, 15 shoulder arthrodesis were performed in patients with long-standing brachial plexus injury. The main indication for arthrodesis was absent or poor recovery of shoulder abduction and external rotation. Patients presented different levels of injury. Shoulder measurements of active abduction and external rotation were made based on image records of the patients. A long 4.5-mm reconstruction plate was fit along the scapular spine, acromion, and lateral proximal third of the humerus. Structured bone graft was fit into the subacromial space.

Results

The mean preoperative abduction was 16°, and the mean postoperative abduction was 42°. The mean preoperative external rotation was −59°, and the mean postoperative external rotation was −13°. The mean increase in abduction and external rotation was 25° and 45°, respectively. Bone union was achieved in all cases at an average time of 5.23 months. We experienced humeral fractures in 26.66% of the cases, which were all successfully treated nonoperatively.

Conclusions

Shoulder arthrodesis is a rewarding procedure for patients with brachial plexus injuries. A marked improvement in the upper limb positioning was observed in all patients. It should be considered as the main therapeutic option in cases where nerve reconstruction is no longer possible.
Planetary Health, Climate Change, and Lifestyle Medicine: Threats and Opportunities
Authors: Pathak Neha , McKinney Amanda
Published: April 2021

Global environmental degradation and climate change threaten the foundation of human health and well-being. In a confluence of crises, the accelerating pace of climate change and other environmental disruptions pose an additional, preventable danger to a global population that is both aging and carrying a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Climate change and environmental disruption function as “threat multipliers,” especially for those with NCDs, worsening the potential health impacts on those with suboptimal health. At the same time, these environmental factors threaten the basic pillars of health and prevention, increasing the risk of developing chronic disease. In the face of these threats, the core competencies of lifestyle medicine (LM) present crucial opportunities to mitigate climate change and human health impacts while also allowing individuals and communities to build resilience. LM health professionals are uniquely positioned to coach patients toward climate-healthy behavior changes that heal both people and the planet.
Finnish early childhood education and care leaders’ perceptions of pedagogical leadership and assessment of the implementation of the National Core Curriculum in times of change
Authors: Ahtiainen Raisa , Fonsén Elina , Kiuru Laura
Published: April 2021

Finnish early childhood education and care (ECEC) experienced system-wide changes in legislation, curriculum, and teachers’ and centre leaders’ qualification requirements between 2013 and 2018. Through these changes, the Finnish ECEC follows the global trends shifting the focus of ECEC from care towards education. The data are leaders’ ( N = 41) written responses to three open-ended questions in a survey completed in 2018. The analytical framework draws on the models of educational change and human capital of pedagogical leadership. The framework directs focus on leaders’ understanding about and realisation of these new policies in their ECEC centres. Results indicate that leaders have the capacity to interpret and lead the curriculum process. However, to secure the coherence in and quality of ECEC, guidance that is more systematic and instruments (e.g. for development of pedagogy) that support the implementation of the curriculum and its assessment are needed.