bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QoS Provision in a Dynamic Channel Allocation Based on Admission Control Decisions
Authors: Rattaro Claudina , Aspirot Laura , Mordecki Ernesto , Belzarena Pablo
Published: April 2020

Cognitive Radio Networks have emerged in the last decades as a solution of two problems: spectrum underutilization and spectrum scarcity. In this work, we propose a dynamic spectrum sharing mechanism, where primary users have strict priority over secondary ones in order to improve the mean spectrum utilization with the objective of providing to secondary users a satisfactory grade of service with a small interruption probability. We study a stochastic model for Cognitive Radio Networks with fluid limits techniques. Our main findings consist in a Gaussian limit theorem in the sub-critical case, and a non-Gaussian limit theorem, under a different scaling scheme, in the critical case. These results provide us practical QoS criteria for sharing policies. We support our analysis with representative simulated examples in both scenarios.
The Limit of Horizontal Scaling in Public Clouds
Authors: Jiang Qingye , Lee Young Choon , Zomaya Albert Y.
Published: April 2020

Public cloud users are educated to practice horizontal scaling at the application level, with the assumption that more processing capacity can be achieved by adding nodes into the server fleet. In reality, however, applications—even those specifically designed to be horizontally scalable—often face unpredictable scalability issues when running at scale. In this article, we study the limit of horizontal scaling in public clouds by identifying sources of such limitations and quantitatively measuring their impact on processing capacity. To this end, we develop
ScaleBench
as a distributed and parallel cloud-scale testing framework and propose a capacity degradation index (CDI) to describe the level of capacity degradation observed in our benchmark studies. We have conducted extensive experiments in four real public clouds to identify possible bottlenecks in compute, block storage, networking, and object storage. Further, we carry out large-scale experiments with a real-life video transcoding application on worker fleets with up to 3200 vCPU cores. Our experimental results provide the quantitative evidence on the limit of horizontal scaling in public clouds. This helps cloud users make better design decisions on horizontally scalable applications.
Three-Dimensional Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy in Whole-Cell and Tissue Specimens
Authors: Liu Sheng , Huh Hyun , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Huang Fang
Published: April 2020

Super-resolution microscopy techniques are versatile and powerful tools for visualizing organelle structures, interactions, and protein functions in biomedical research. However, whole-cell and tissue specimens challenge the achievable resolution and depth of nanoscopy methods. We focus on three-dimensional single-molecule localization microscopy and review some of the major roadblocks and developing solutions to resolving thick volumes of cells and tissues at the nanoscale in three dimensions. These challenges include background fluorescence, system- and sample-induced aberrations, and information carried by photons, as well as drift correction, volume reconstruction, and photobleaching mitigation. We also highlight examples of innovations that have demonstrated significant breakthroughs in addressing the abovementioned challenges together with their core concepts as well as their trade-offs.
Carbon-Decorated Fe3S4-Fe7Se8 Hetero-Nanowires: Interfacial Engineering for Bifunctional Electrocatalysis Toward Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Le Thanh-Tung , Huang Shoushuang , Ning Ping , Wang Wenwen , Wang Qing , Jiang Yong , He Qingquan , Feng Jialiang , Hu Zhangjun , Chen Zhiwen
Published: April 2020

The design and synthesis of complex multi-component heterostructures is an effective strategy to fabricate cost-efficient catalysts for electrochemical water splitting. Herein, one-dimensional porous Fe3S4-Fe7Se8 heterostructured nanowires confined in carbon (Fe3S4-Fe7Se8@C) were synthesized via the selenization of Fe-based organic-inorganic nanowires. Benefiting from the merits of morphology, composition and surface structure characteristics, i.e., the high structural void porosity, the direct electrical pathways of nanowire topology and the conductive carbon layer coating, the titled catalyst not only offered a larger accessible electrocatalytic interface but also facilitated diffusion of the electrolyte and gas. Moreover, the electron redistribution at the Fe3S4-Fe7Se8 heterojunction interfaces reduced the adsorption free-energy barriers on the active sites, endowing the catalysts with faster reaction kinetics and improved electrocatalytic activity. Accordingly, the optimal Fe3S4-Fe7Se8@C produced a low hydrogen evolution reaction overpotential of 124 mV at 10 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 111.2 mV dec−1, and an ultralow oxygen evolution reactions overpotential of 219 mV at 20 mA cm−2, respectively. When applied as both anode and cathode for overall water splitting, a low battery voltage of 1.67 V was achieved along with excellent stability for at least 12 h. The work presented here offered a feasible scheme to fabricate non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for water splitting.
Metal-Free Graphene Modified Nitrogen-Doped Ultra-Thin Hollow Carbon Spheres as Superior Cathodic Catalysts of Zn-Air Battery
Authors: Sheng Kuang , Yi Qingfeng , Hou Lifeng , Chen Alin
Published: April 2020

Developing efficient, low-cost and resource-abundant cathode catalysts plays a meaningful role for the practical application of some novel electrochemical power devices like zinc-air battery. Herein, poly-dopamine@SiO2 precursor adsorbed with graphene oxide (GO) was subjected to pyrolysis to obtain reduced GO (rG) modified ultra-thin nitrogen-doped hollow carbon sphere (NHCS) composites (2.5rG@NHCS, 5rG@NHCS and 10rG@NHCS) with different GO loadings. Among them, 5rG@NHCS performs the most efficient electroactivity for ORR in both alkaline and neutral conditions. The ORR half-wave potential are around −0.17 V for the 5rG@NHCS in 0.1 mol·l−1 KOH solution, while they are around 0.17 V for the 5rG@NHCS in a quasi-neutral solution of 4 mol·l−1 NH4Cl and 1 mol·l−1 KCl, respectively. In addition, home-made zinc-air battery with the prepared 5rG@NHCS as air electrode (cathode) catalyst performs excellent discharge capability and stability consistent with ORR results. Our work is expected to synthesize a novel metal-free catalyst with outstanding activity in both alkaline and neutral electrolytes by a versatile synthesis strategy.
A peer evaluation training results in high-quality feedback, as measured over time in nutritional sciences graduate students
Authors: Anderson Olivia S. , El Habbal Noura , Bridges Dave
Published: April 2020

Peer evaluation skills are not typically taught to students, yet they are expected to provide high-quality feedback to their peers. Gameful learning, a pedagogy supporting student-driven learning, can further reinforce the development of peer evaluation skills, if students are motivated to improve upon them. To better understand the effects of a peer evaluation training on the quality of student-generated peer evaluations, we scored peer evaluations from two cohorts taking a graduate-level nutritional sciences class using gameful learning pedagogy. The intervention group completed a peer evaluation training before engaging in peer reviews, while the control group did not. The training included two readings, a video, and reflection questions. The peer evaluations submitted by both the intervention and control groups were assessed on a validated rubric. The peer evaluation training had a positive effect on the quality of the submitted peer evaluations. The intervention group had a 10.8% higher score on its first submitted peer evaluation compared with controls ( P = 0.003). The intervention group improved the quality of its future submissions by a further 8.9%, whereas the controls did not continue to improve substantially ( P < 0.001). Overall, peer review training enhanced the quality of peer evaluations and allowed students to develop professional skills that they can utilize in any biomedical profession. Our results highlight the importance of peer evaluation training in combination with repeated practice and student-driven learning brought forth by gameful learning pedagogy in improving the quality of evaluations and developing professional skills.
Crossing signals: bioactive lipids in the microvasculature
Authors: Chabowski Dawid S. , Cohen Katie E. , Abu-Hatoum Ossama , Gutterman David D. , Freed Julie K.
Published: April 2020

The primary function of the arterial microvasculature is to ensure that regional perfusion of blood flow is matched to the needs of the tissue bed. This critical physiological mechanism is tightly controlled and regulated by a variety of vasoactive compounds that are generated and released from the vascular endothelium. Although these substances are required for modulating vascular tone, they also influence the surrounding tissue and have an overall effect on vascular, as well as parenchymal, homeostasis. Bioactive lipids, fatty acid derivatives that exert their effects through signaling pathways, are included in the list of vasoactive compounds that modulate the microvasculature. Although lipids were identified as important vascular messengers over three decades ago, their specific role within the microvascular system is not well defined. Thorough understanding of these pathways and their regulation is not only essential to gain insight into their role in cardiovascular disease but is also important for preventing vascular dysfunction following cancer treatment, a rapidly growing problem in medical oncology. The purpose of this review is to discuss how biologically active lipids, specifically prostanoids, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, sphingolipids, and lysophospholipids, contribute to vascular function and signaling within the endothelium. Methods for quantifying lipids will be briefly discussed, followed by an overview of the various lipid families. The cross talk in signaling between classes of lipids will be discussed in the context of vascular disease. Finally, the potential clinical implications of these lipid families will be highlighted.
Photoaging Protective Effects of Ranunculus bulumei Methanol Extract
Authors: Hong Yo Han , Kim Ji Hye , Cho Jae Youl
Published: April 2020

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the main cause of photoaging processes including cellular senescence, skin drying, collagen degradation, melanogenesis, and inflammation. These responses occur because UVB induces a change in expression of aging‐related genes through regulation of signal pathways such as that of mitogen‐activated protein kinases‐ (MAPKs‐) activator protein 1 (AP‐1). Ranunculus bulumei, which is used as an herb in Indonesia, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, which has been reported to perform various physiological effects including antioxidant and anti‐inflammation. However, data on the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical utility of Ranunculus bulumei have not been reported. Therefore, we evaluated the antiaging efficacy of RB‐ME, a methanol extract of Ranunculus bulumei. Rb‐ME attenuated MMP9 and COX‐2 gene expression but enhanced SIRT1 and type‐1 collagen in UVB‐irradiated HaCaT cells. Rb‐ME regulated these gene expressions through inhibition of p38 phosphorylation and inactivation of AP‐1. In addition, mRNA expression of HAS‐2 and ‐3, which are involved in skin hydration, was elevated in Rb‐ME‐treated HaCaT cells. Rb‐ME also inhibited melanogenesis by suppression of tyrosinase, MITF, and TYRP‐1 mRNA in B16F10 cells under α‐MSH treatment. Taken together, these results indicate that Rb‐ME has a protective effect on some UVB‐induced skin photoaging events such as inflammation, collagen degradation, cellular senescence, skin drying, and melanin production through inhibition of the p38‐AP‐1 signal cascade, indicating that Rb‐ME can be used as an active ingredient for antiaging cosmetics.
Vitamin C Treatment Rescues Prelamin A-Induced Premature Senescence of Subchondral Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Qu Yan-Nv , Zhang Li , Wang Ting , Zhang He-Yang , Yang Ze-Ji , Yuan Fang-Fang , Wang Yan , Li Si-Wei , Jiang Xiao-Xia , Xie Xiao-Hua
Published: April 2020

Aging is a predominant risk factor for many chronic conditions. Stem cell dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the aging process. Prelamin A, an abnormal processed form of the nuclear lamina protein lamin A, has been reported to trigger premature senescence. However, the mechanism driving stem cell dysfunction is still unclear. In this study, we found that while passaging subchondral bone mesenchymal stem cells (SCB-MSCs) in vitro, prelamin A accumulation occurred concomitantly with an increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) expression. Unlike their counterparts, SCB-MSCs with prelamin A overexpression (MSC/PLA) demonstrated decreased proliferation, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis but increased production of inflammatory factors. In a hind-limb ischemia model, MSC/PLA also exhibited compromised therapy effect. Further investigation showed that exogenous prelamin A triggered abnormal nuclear morphology, DNA and shelterin complex damage, cell cycle retardation, and eventually cell senescence. Changes in gene expression profile were also verified by microarray assay. Interestingly, we found that ascorbic acid or vitamin C (VC) treatment could inhibit prelamin A expression in MSC/PLA and partially reverse the premature aging in MSC/PLA, with reduced secretion of inflammatory factors and cell cycle arrest and resistance to apoptosis. Importantly, after VC treatment, MSC/PLA showed enhanced therapy effect in the hind-limb ischemia model. In conclusion, prelamin A can accelerate SCB-MSC premature senescence by inducing DNA damage. VC can be a potential therapeutic reagent for prelamin A-induced aging defects in MSCs.
Effects of Compound Active Peptides on Protecting Liver and Intestinal Epithelial Cells from Damages and Preventing Hyperglycemia
Authors: Xu Xiaoxiang , Wei Yingjia , Shah Mian Khaqan , Wang Xiaoyu , Lin Junting , Wan Peng , Cui Li , Yin Qingqiang
Published: April 2020

Active peptides have good effectiveness in controlling or preventing many diseases. Compound active peptides (CAP) obtained from animal, plant, and sea food proteins were used in this study to explore their effects on antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antihyperglycemia in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrated that 10 μg/mL CAP could increase cell viability (P<0.05) and decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cell apoptosis (P<0.05) when WRL68 cells were induced by H2O2 for 6 h. Moreover, incubation with 20 μg/mL CAP for 6 h significantly increased cell viability and Bcl-2 expression level (P<0.05) and decreased expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, Bax, and Caspase 3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 (P<0.05) when swine jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were induced by deoxynivalenol (DON). In addition, adding CAP individually or combined with Liuweidihuang pills (LDP, Chinese medicine) and low-dose glibenclamide could lower blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic model mice. These results suggested that CAP was probably a beneficial ingredient for alleviating H2O2-induced oxidative stress and DON-induced cell inflammation and apoptosis and preventing hyperglycemia.
Protein Phosphorylation in Serine Residues Correlates with Progression from Precancerous Lesions to Cervical Cancer in Mexican Patients
Authors: Padilla-Mendoza Juan Ramón , Contis-Montes de Oca Arturo , Rodríguez Mario Alberto , López-Casamichana Mavil , Bolaños Jeni , Quintas-Granados Laura Itzel , Reyes-Hernández Octavio Daniel , Fragozo-Sandoval Fabiola , Reséndiz-Albor Aldo Arturo , Arellano-Gutiérrez Claudia Vanessa , López-Reyes Israel
Published: April 2020

Protein phosphorylation is a posttranslational modification that is essential for normal cellular processes; however, abnormal phosphorylation is one of the prime causes for alteration of many structural, functional, and regulatory proteins in disease conditions. In cancer, changes in the states of protein phosphorylation in tyrosine residues have been more studied than phosphorylation in threonine or serine residues, which also undergo alterations with greater predominance. In general, serine phosphorylation leads to the formation of multimolecular signaling complexes that regulate diverse biological processes, but in pathological conditions such as tumorigenesis, anomalous phosphorylation may result in the deregulation of some signaling pathways. Cervical cancer (CC), the main neoplasm associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is the fourth most frequent cancer worldwide. Persistent infection of the cervix with high‐risk human papillomaviruses produces precancerous lesions starting with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), progressing to high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) until CC is generated. Here, we compared the proteomic profile of phosphorylated proteins in serine residues from healthy, LSIL, HSIL, and CC samples. Our data show an increase in the number of phosphorylated proteins in serine residues as the grade of injury rises. These results provide a support for future studies focused on phosphorylated proteins and their possible correlation with the progression of cervical lesions.
Reliability of the Lateral Step‐Up Test and Its Correlation with Motor Function and Activity in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Authors: Kwong Patrick W. H. , Ng Shamay S. M.
Published: April 2020

Background. The Lateral Step‐Up Test (LSUT) has been used to evaluate the closed kinetic chain functional muscle strength in people with orthopaedic or neurological conditions. No study has systematically investigated the intrarater, interrater, and test‐retest reliabilities of this measure in stroke survivors. In addition, correlations of the LSUT count with other stroke‐specific impairment and function measurements remain unidentified. Objectives. This study was aimed at investigating (1) the interrater, intrarater, and test‐retest reliability of the LSUT; (2) minimum detectable change in LSUT counts; and (3) correlation between LSUT counts and stroke‐specific impairment and function measurements. Methods. Thirty‐three stroke survivors were assessed with LSUT and a battery of stroke‐specific impairment and function measurements, including Fugl‐Meyer assessment of lower extremity (FMA‐LE), lower limb muscle strength, Five Times Sit‐to‐Stand Test (FTSTS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Activities‐specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, by two assessors. Their performance on LSUT was reassessed 1 week later to establish the test‐retest reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the reliability of LSUT, and Spearman’s rho was used to quantify the strength of correlations between LSUT counts and secondary outcomes. Results. The LSUT counts exhibited good to excellent intrarater, interrater, and test‐retest reliability (ICC: 0.869–0.991). The minimum detectable change in the average LSUT count was 1 step. LSUT counts correlated significantly with the FMA‐LE score, lower limb muscle strength (except for the hip abductors), FTSTS time, BBS score, TUG time, and ABC score. Conclusions. The LSUT is a reliable, valid, and easily administered measure of the closed kinetic chain functional muscle strength of stroke survivors.
Uma reflexão sobre o papel das preposições na distinção entre complementos nominais de substantivos e adjuntos adnominais preposicionados
Authors: Pinho Anya Karina Campos D'almeida e , Coelho Sueli Maria
Published: April 2020

A forma pela qual se apresentam os complementos nominais de substantivos e os adjuntos adnominais preposicionados é similar, o que, normalmente, causa algum embaraço na distinção desses termos oracionais para fins de categorização. Os manuais normativos e pedagógicos tendem a ancorar essa distinção na concretude/abstração do nome que antecede a preposição e na agentividade do termo preposicionado, o que decorre de uma analogia com o emprego de determinadas preposições junto aos casos genitivo e dativo do latim. Assim, este trabalho buscou, a partir de uma análise comparativa de cunho intertextual empreendida entre manuais do latim e do português, tentar elucidar a distinção entre esses dois termos e propor um critério prioritariamente sintático para distingui-los. Delimitou-se a análise aos termos preposicionados que se ligam a nomes substantivos e explorou-se a hipótese de que o tipo de preposição pudesse ser relevante para se determinar a função sintática, levando-se em conta a classificação das preposições em essenciais e acidentais. Os resultados obtidos indicam que existe distinção entre os dois termos, mas que esta decorre não do tipo de preposição que o encabeça, mas da propriedade do nome substantivo de exigir ou de apenas admitir um termo preposicionado.
Um estudo semântico sobre o léxico do português falado pelos gurutubanos
Authors: Coelho Maria do Socorro Vieira
Published: April 2020

O intento deste artigo é discorrer sobre o vocabulário do português falado cotidianamente pelos moradores da comunidade quilombola do Vale do Gurutuba, Minas Gerais, focando, especificamente, os casos de manutenção linguística, através da análise semântica das unidades lexicais. Investigou-se, no vernáculo em questão, a possibilidade da presença de aspectos lexicais detectados na língua portuguesa utilizada entre os séculos XIII e XV, apontando, além das questões estruturais, fatores históricos, sociais e geográficos como motivadores de tal conservação. O estudo fundamentou-se nos pressupostos teórico-metodológicos da Lexicologia, Lexicografia e da Linguística Histórica. Discutidas as estreitas relações entre o léxico do português falado pelos gurutubanos e seu universo natural, sócio-histórico e cultural, 254 (duzentas e cinquenta e quatro) unidade lexicais foram selecionadas e sistematizadas em fichas lexicográficas. A partir disso, investigou-se a presença daquelas unidades e das suas acepções em dicionários e pesquisas lexicográficas selecionados para o estudo comparativo desenvolvido. Com base na organização dos dados, as análises foram feitas e seus resultados revelaram que predomina a conservação de unidades lexicais no vocabulário do português falado pelos habitantes do Vale do Gurutuba.
Right Ventricular Strain Predicts Structural Disease Progression in Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Malik Nitin , Win Sithu , James Cynthia A. , Kutty Shelby , Mukherjee Monica , Gilotra Nisha A. , Tichnell Crystal , Murray Brittney , Agafonova Julia , Tandri Harikrishna , Calkins Hugh , Hays Allison G.
Published: April 2020

Background

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited condition associated with ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial dysfunction; however, limited data exist on identifying patients at highest risk. The purpose of the study was to determine whether measures of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction on echocardiogram including RV strain were predictive of structural disease progression in ARVC.

Methods and Results

A retrospective analysis of serial echocardiograms from 40 patients fulfilling 2010 task force criteria for ARVC was performed to assess structural progression defined by an increase in proximal RV outflow tract dimensions (parasternal short or long axis) or decrease in RV fractional area change. Echocardiograms were analyzed for RV free‐wall peak longitudinal systolic strain using 2‐dimensional speckle tracking. Risk of structural progression and 5‐year change in RV outflow tract measurements were compared with baseline RV strain. Of the 40 ARVC patients, 61% had structural progression with an increase in the mean parasternal short‐axis RV outflow tract dimension from 36.2 to 38.5 mm (
P
=0.022) and 68% by increase in parasternal long‐axis RV outflow tract dimension from 36.1 to 39.2 mm (
P
=0.001). RV fractional area change remained stable over time. Baseline RV strain was significantly associated with the risk of structural progression and 5‐year rate of change. Patients with an RV strain more positive than −20% had a higher risk (odds ratio: 18.4; 95% CI, 2.7–125.8;
P
=0.003) of structural progression.

Conclusions

RV free wall strain is associated with the rate of structural progression in patients with ARVC. It may be a useful marker in determining which patients require closer follow‐up and treatment.
Wie rauh war Caesar?
Authors: Riesenweber Thomas
Published: April 2020

This article reviews Cynthia Damon’s OCT of Caesar’s Bellum ciuile and her Studies on the Text of Caesar‘s Bellum ciuile.
“And she took off her clothes …”. Agathonice’s Nudity in Acta Carpi 44
Authors: Kozlowski Jan M.
Published: April 2020

In Acta Carpi, a woman named Agathonice spontaneously takes off her clothes before being burned at the stake. The aim of the article is to show that her gesture has a symbolic meaning. Firstly, in light of the reference to Matth 22:1-14, Agathonice’s nakedness should be interpreted as a paradoxical “wedding robe”: the martyr’s nudity suggests that the author wanted the reader to see Christian martyrdom as the surest way to salvation. Secondly, the interpretation of Agathonice’s nakedness as a “wedding robe” attributes to her martyrdom a possible baptismal connotation. Thirdly, arguments are advanced that Agathonice’s nudity evokes Eve’s paradisiacal, shameless nudity.
“They [the Jews] Show Me a Nation Full of Flaws.” The Political Use of Jewish Stereotypes by Jews and Non-Jews in the Netherlands (1796–1798)
Authors: Rädecker Tsila
Published: April 2020

This article investigates the political use of pejorative images of the Jews during the debates on granting the Jews Dutch citizenship and in the polemical writings of the newly founded maskilic Ashkenazi community in Amsterdam. It will demonstrate that pejorative images of the Jews were used to demarcate the boundaries of identity, not only by the non-Jewish Dutch inhabitants, but also by the Dutch maskilim. This article sheds light on the interplay between politics, stereotyping and identity construction.
Correction for Systematic Errors in the Global Dataset of Temperature Profiles from Mechanical Bathythermographs
Authors: Gouretski Viktor , Cheng Lijing
Published: April 2020

A homogeneous, consistent, high-quality in situ temperature dataset covering some decades in time is crucial for the detection of climate changes in the ocean. For the period from 1940 to the present, this study investigates the data quality of temperature profiles from mechanical bathythermographs (MBT) by comparing these data with reference data obtained from Nansen bottle casts and conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) profilers. This comparison reveals significant systematic errors in MBT measurements. The MBT bias is as large as 0.2°C before 1980 on the global average and reduces to less than 0.1°C after 1980. A new empirical correction scheme for MBT data is derived, where the MBT correction is country, depth, and time dependent. Comparison of the new MBT correction scheme with three schemes proposed earlier in the literature suggests a better performance of the new schemes. The reduction of the biases increases the homogeneity of the global ocean database being mostly important for climate change–related studies, such as the improved estimation of the ocean heat content changes.
Constrained Consumers: Middle-Class Parents’ Resistance of School Closure and Consolidation in Chicago
Authors: Wright-Costello Beth , Phillippo Kate
Published: April 2020

Many urban districts use a portfolio management model, hoping to promote school choice and improve school performance. This model requires school closure, which has predominantly impacted lower income families. In 2013, Chicago Public Schools relocated Granger Elementary into one of 48 schools it closed, placing its middle-class parents in the unusual position of resisting a school closure-related decision. Our case study explores parents’ resistance from a perspective of capital use and parental agency. Interview participants leveraged extensive capital in response to the proposed closure–relocation. When their efforts failed to halt the directive, they used their resources as consumers, largely finding their children spaces in other schools. Parents were unable to effectively exercise agency to influence district-level policy, but they secured educational advantages for their own children by leveraging their capital. Findings inform implications for market-based policy theory, equity, and democratic control of public schools.
Microstructure, hardness, and tribology properties of the (Cu/MoS2)/graphene nanocomposite via the electroless deposition and powder metallurgy technique
Authors: Yehia Hossam M , Abu-Oqail A , Elmaghraby Maher A , Elkady Omayma A
Published: April 2020

To increase the strength and to reduce the wear rate of the copper composite that used as a solid self-lubricant materials, Cu/10MoS2/ (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 wt.% graphene nanosheets) hybrid matrix nanocomposites were fabricated using the electroless copper precipitation process followed by the cold pressing and sintering in a hydrogen atmosphere furnace with a double-heating rate cycle. The microstructure of the as-received powders, as well as the produced samples, was examined using the scanning electron microscope. The chemical composition of the fabricated composites was evaluated by the energy dispersive spectrometry analysis. The effect of the graphene nanosheets (wt.%) addition on the densification, the hardness, the adhesive wear rate, the wear mechanism, and the coefficient of friction was investigated. The low heating rate of 5℃/min was the best for the fabrication process. The microstructure of the composites reveals the good distribution of the (graphene nanosheets and MoS2) in the copper matrix and good adhesion between graphene nanosheets and the (Cu-10MoS2) matrix as well. The 0.4 wt.% graphene nanosheets composite exhibits the highest hardness, the lowest wear rate, and the lowest coefficient of friction. The adhesive regions were dissipated by increasing the graphene nanosheets up to 0.6 wt.% then increased.
Students from Portuguese Africa in the Soviet Union, 1960–74: Anti-colonialism, Education, and the Socialist Alliance
Authors: Katsakioris Constantin
Published: April 2020

A major ally of the Marxist-inspired liberation movements, which fought against Portuguese colonialism in Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, the Soviet Union provided them with not only military, but also civil aid in the form of scholarships. This paper focuses on the training of students from Portuguese Africa in the USSR. While it provides data and analyzes the importance and the complexities of educational assistance in the context of anti-colonial revolutions, it also sheds light on the tensions and serious conflicts that cast a shadow over the relationships between students and leaders. Students who created opposition groups and were accused of plotting against the leaders, criticizing the USSR, or trying to postpone their return to the motherland were repatriated and punished. Others managed to migrate and pursued their opposition from the West. Confronted with these phenomena, the party leaders grew disillusioned and reduced the number of students studying in the Soviet Union.
The Jury Is Being Killed by the Internet
Authors: Samuels Alec
Published: April 2020

Jurors are supposed impartially to consider the evidence, and only the evidence. Because of the seeming artificial rules of evidence, the jurors often feel that relevant information is being withheld from them. So they are tempted to browse the Internet, and pass the information on to their colleagues. The judge warns the jurors, but the practice is difficult to stop. Electronic devices can be surrendered during the trial, but there can be no control at home. If the abuse does come to light, then the trial will have to be restarted afresh, and the offending juror punished.
Exploring the Accessibility of Child-Centered Play Therapy for Australian Muslim Children
Authors: Casey Samantha , Moss Simon A. , Wicks Joanne
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the accessibility of child-centered play therapy with Australian Muslim children. Eleven Australian Muslim parents participated in semi-structured interviews that explored three broad topics of play, counseling, and play therapy. Thematic analysis indicated that, despite several barriers to accessing counseling, child-centered play therapy may be accessible to this population. Specifically, several key insights emanated from the interviews. For example, Muslim adults tend to prefer Muslim health practitioners; however, when seeking a therapist to assist their child, these parents are not as concerned about the religious beliefs of health practitioners. In addition, despite cultural stigma against mental health services, Muslim parents invoke religious tenets to justify the importance of therapy. Furthermore, although play may be regarded as being indulgent in the Islamic community, Australian Muslim parents in this study appreciated the benefits of play to the development and progress of children and indicated the Islamic literature embrace play, especially before the age of 7 years. Implications for developing culturally responsive practice of play therapy and directions for future research are discussed.
Upright and Honorable: People Use Space to Understand Honor, Affecting Choice and Perception
Authors: Lin Ying , Oyserman Daphna
Published: April 2020

Honor is abstract. We predict that people make sense of honor metaphorically as an up–right position in space and that endorsing honor values makes this metaphor more accessible. Supporting our prediction, people in China (Study 1) and the United States (Studies 1–4) associate honor with up and right and dishonor with down and left, controlling for the association of positive with up–right (Studies 3, 4). We document downstream consequences for choice and perception of this metaphoric representation. Regarding choice, Americans who endorse honor values and voted for then-candidate Trump prefer photographs in which President Trump is positioned in the up–right quadrant (Study 5). Images from conservative news websites position the President’s face in the up–right quadrant more than nonconservative ones (Study 6). Regarding perception, Americans who rate President Trump as honorable are more likely to perceive him as facing up and to the right in news website images (Study 7).
How Outsourcing May Enhance Job Satisfaction in the U.S. Federal Bureaucracy: Exploring the Role of Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Lee Gyeo Reh , Lee Shinwoo
Published: April 2020

Previous studies reveal that outsourcing practices generally have negative consequences for employee job satisfaction. As employee job satisfaction is a precursor of employee withdrawal, which is an expensive loss to organizations, it is important to design appropriate policies and environment to reduce such threats. In particular, scholars and practitioners alike highlight the importance of learning new knowledge and ideas as the main benefits of government outsourcing. Therefore, this study develops and tests a model that estimates the effect of government outsourcing on employee job satisfaction at the organizational level while exploring the possibility that encouraging knowledge sharing among employees in an organization can result in alleviating the anti-outsourcing sentiment among employees. The findings of this study relying on U.S. federal agency data from 2010 to 2017 suggest that government outsourcing can improve employee job satisfaction through internal management practices, such as promoting knowledge sharing among employees.
Contrast reflux into the inferior vena cava on computer tomographic pulmonary angiography is a predictor of 24-hour and 30-day mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Bailis Nikolaos , Lerche Marianne , Meyer Hans Jonas , Wienke Andreas , Surov Alexey
Published: April 2020

Background

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common disease with a high mortality. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) represents the current gold standard for the evaluation of patients with suspected PE.

Purpose

To search possible CTPA predictors of 24-h and 30-day mortality in PE.

Material and Methods

Overall, 224 patients with PE (46.4% women, mean age 64.7 ± 16.7 years) were acquired. CTPA was performed on a multi-slice CT scanner. The following radiological parameters were estimated: thrombotic obstruction index; diameter of the pulmonary trunk (mm); short axis ratio of right ventricle/left ventricle; diameter of the azygos vein (mm); diameter of the superior and inferior vena cava (mm); and reflux of contrast medium into the inferior vena cava (IVC).

Results

Patients who died within the first 24 h after admission (n = 32, 14.3%) showed a reflux grade 3 into IVC more often than survivors (odds ratio [OR] 7.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3–17.7; P < 0.001). Other relevant CTPA parameters were diameter of IVC (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01–1.21; P = 0.034) and diameter of the pulmonary trunk (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.82–1.01, P = 0.074), whereas the Mastora score showed nearly no influence (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.02, P = 0.406). Furthermore, 61 (27.2%) patients died within the first 30 days after admission. These patients showed a reflux grade 3 into IVC more often than survivors (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.7–7.0; P = 0.001). Other CTPA parameters, such as diameter of IVC (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.97–1.12; P = 0.277) and diameter of the pulmonary trunk (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.89–1.04; P = 0.291), seem to have no relevant influence, whereas Mastora score did (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.976–0.999, P = 0.045).

Conclusion

Subhepatic contrast reflux into IVC is a strong predictor of 24-h and 30-day mortality in patients with acute PE.
Protective effects of luteolin on nephrotoxicity induced by long-term hyperglycaemia in rats
Authors: Xiong Cui , Wu Qilong , Fang Mingling , Li Hui , Chen Bin , Chi Tingting
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether luteolin delays the progress of diabetic nephropathy (DN) induced by streptozotocin.

Methods

Fifty-three healthy, 8-week-old, male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control (n = 6), model (n = 23), and experimental groups (n = 24). The rat model of diabetic nephropathy was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Rats in the experimental group were administered luteolin suspension of 80 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose levels and body weight were recorded until the fourth week. After intragastric administration, blood flow and the protective effect of luteolin on diabetic nephropathy were evaluated.

Results

The degree of renal apoptosis and fibrosis in the experimental group was milder, and glomerular structure was more complete compared with the model group. Nphs2 staining suggested that luteolin delayed apoptosis and deletion and fusion of podocytes under high glucose levels, and protected the filtration function of the basement membrane by upregulating Nphs2 protein expression. Time intensity curve results suggested that luteolin delayed deterioration of renal haemodynamics under hyperglycaemia.

Conclusions

This study shows that luteolin delays progression of diabetic nephropathy. This drug has potential wide applicability in future clinical application.
A patient with maculopapular rash and lichenoid skin damage caused by ponatinib
Authors: Teigen Ingrid Anna , Sæle Anna Kristine Myrmel , Reikvam Håkon
Published: April 2020

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are invaluable for the treatment of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Although TKIs are generally better tolerated than traditional chemotherapy, dermatologic side effects are common and present a significant cause of concern for both patients and physicians. Ponatinib is a third-generation TKI and the only kinase inhibitor effective in patients with certain BCR-ABL1 mutations, including the T315I mutation. However, ponatinib is associated with an increased risk of serious side effects, and severe cutaneous reactions have increasingly been reported. We present a patient who developed a cutaneous lichenoid eruption following the initiation of ponatinib, which resolved after treatment with a topical retinoid. This case demonstrates that cutaneous side effects caused by ponatinib can be managed relatively easily, allowing patients to continue treatment with ponatinib. This is important considerting the limited alternative treatment approaches available for BCR-ABL1 T315I chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Implementation Outcomes Following Participation in a Large-Scale Healthy Workplace Program Conducted Across Multiple Worksites
Authors: Talati Zenobia , Grapes Carly , Davey Emily , Shilton Trevor , Pettigrew Simone
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

To measure implementation outcomes of a freely available workplace health promotion program (Healthier Workplace Western Australia [HWWA]) that provides employees with services and supports to make changes in their workplaces.

Setting:

Western Australian workplaces.

Subjects:

Employees accessing HWWA services.

Intervention:

A range of services (training sessions, tailored advice, grant schemes, online resources) were offered relating to nutrition, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and mental health.

Design/Measures:

Of the 1627 individuals e-mailed 6 months after participation in HWWA, 345 (21%) individuals who recalled accessing one or more services completed a survey assessing the number and type of changes they had implemented and the perceived barriers to doing so.

Analysis:

Negative binomial regressions and one-way analysis of variances assessed whether respondent characteristics or number of services used was associated with the number and types of changes made. A qualitative analysis of the perceived barriers was also conducted.

Results:

The majority of respondents (86%) reported implementing one or more changes. Greater perceived responsibility/authority to make change (β = .56, P < .01), perceived support from coworkers (β = .23, P < .05), and number of HWWA services used (β = .04, P < .05) were positive predictors of the number of changes made. Frequently reported barriers included cost/budget restrictions, lack of management support, and resistance from staff.

Conclusion:

The HWWA program facilitated implementation of various healthy workplace initiatives across the organizations represented in the evaluation.
High-Frequency External Muscle Stimulation Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Older Male Veterans: A Pilot Study
Authors: Liu Mu-N , Yeh Heng-Liang , Kuan Ai Seon , Tsai Shih-Jen , Liou Ying-Jay , Walsh Vincent , Lau Chi-Ieong
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Late-life depression (LLD) is a severe public health problem. Given that pharmacological treatments for LLD are limited by their side effects, development of efficient and tolerable nonpharmacological treatment for LLD is urgently required. This study investigated whether high-frequency external muscle stimulation could reduce depressive symptoms in LLD.

Methods:

Twenty-two older male veterans with major depression were recruited and randomized into a treatment (n = 9) or sham control group (n = 13). The groups received high-frequency external muscle stimulation or sham intervention 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Clinical symptoms and muscle strength were evaluated at baseline and every 2 weeks.

Results:

The 2 groups were homogeneous in age, baseline clinical symptoms, and muscle strength. The treatment group showed significant improvement in depression and anxiety scores and muscle strength (all P < .01), whereas the control group showed no significant change after the 12-week follow-up. Compared to the control group, the treatment group showed significant improvements in depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, P = .009; Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, P = .007) and anxiety scores (HAMA, P = .008) and muscle strength (all P < .001). Changes in depression and anxiety levels were significantly correlated with changes in muscle strength after the study. In the treatment group, we observed a trend of correlation between the reduction in depression and muscle strength gains.

Conclusion:

High-frequency external muscle stimulation appears to be an effective treatment for older patients with LLD. Large studies with more tests and/or conducted in different populations are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.
Design of a double-optimized lattice structure using the solid isotropic material with penalization method and material extrusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Kim Han-Wool , Kim Young-Seong , Lim Joong Yeon
Published: April 2020

The development of additive manufacturing technology has facilitated the production of cellular structures such as lattices. Topology optimization is a tool for computing the optimal geometry of an object within certain conditions, and it can be used to increase the stiffness and decrease the weight. In this study, a “double-optimized lattice structure” was designed by applying the solid isotropic material with penalization method for topology optimization twice, first to optimize the unit cell of the lattice and then to grade and insert the cells into a global model. This design was applied to a Messerschmitt–Bölkow–Blohm beam and produced via material extrusion additive manufacturing. Subsequently, it was evaluated by a three-point bending test, and the results indicated that the double-optimized lattice beam had a 1.6–1.9 fold greater effective stiffness and a 2 fold higher ultimate load than the values obtained for the beam designed with conventional methods. Thus, the double-optimized lattice structure developed herein can be an effective material with regard to its low weight and high stiffness. Contrarily, the penalty factor p of the solid isotropic material with penalization did not affect the properties. This finding suggests that p can control homogeneity while maintaining the strength of the structure.
FRM17 decision allows offshore detainee cases to fight on in the Federal Court
Authors: Newhouse George , Talbot Anna , Dorostkar Keyvan
Published: April 2020

On 28 August 2019, the Full Federal Court of Australia handed down its decision in four test cases selected by the Court as representative of over 50 cases brought on behalf of asylum seekers on Nauru and Papua New Guinea against the Minister for Home Affairs (the test cases). The test cases confirmed that the Federal Court does have the jurisdiction to hear negligence claims brought by immigration transferees offshore, but that the jurisdiction of the Federal Court has limits.
Cerebrospinal nematodosis caused by Parelaphostrongylus species in an adult bull
Authors: MacKay Evelyn E. , Fratzke Alycia P. , Gerhold Richard W. , Porter Brian F. , Washburn Kevin E.
Published: April 2020

A 2-y-old Brahman bull was presented with progressive hindlimb ataxia and paraparesis that led to recumbency. Postmortem examination revealed scattered pinpoint, red-brown foci within the brainstem and gray matter of the spinal cord, and a larger lesion within the spinal cord at the level of T13. Histology of the section of T13 contained cross-sections of nematodes consistent with Parelaphostrongylus tenuis. Evidence of inflammation was present in other affected areas of the spinal cord and brain. DNA extraction and nested PCR were performed, which demonstrated 98% identity and 100% coverage to both P. tenuis and P. andersoni. Our case highlights the utility of DNA sequencing in parasite identification.