bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Approach for the Evaluation of the Performance of a Satellite Module in the CanSat Form Factor for In Situ Monitoring and Remote Sensing Applications
Authors: Rodríguez Juan Sebastián , Botero Andrés Yarce , Valle Diego , Serna Julián Gálvez- , Botero Francisco
Published: April 2021

This article includes the phases of conceptualization and validation of a picosatellite prototype named Simple-2 for remote sensing activities using COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) components and the modular design methodology. To evaluate its performance and ensure the precision and accuracy of the measurements made by the satellite prototype, a methodology was designed and implemented for the characterization and qualification of CanSats (soda can satellites) through statistical tests and techniques of DoE (Design of Experiments) based on CubeSat aerospace standards and regulations, in the absence of official test procedures for these kinds of satellite form factor. For the above, two experimental units were used, and all the performance variables of the different satellite subsystems were discriminated. For the above, two experimental units were used, and all the performance variables of the different satellite subsystems were discriminated against. These were grouped according to the dependence of the treatments formulated in thermal and dynamic variables. For the tests of the first variables, a one-factor design was established using dependent samples on each of the treatments. Then, hypothesis tests were performed for equality of medians, using nonparametric analysis of the Kruskal-Wallis variance. Additionally, multivariate analysis of variance was carried out for nonparametric samples (nonparametric multivariate tests), and the application of post hoc multiple-range tests to identify the treatments that presented significant differences within a margin of acceptability. To know the dynamic response and ensure the structural integrity of the satellite module, shock, oscillation, and sinusoidal tests were applied through a shaker. Having applied the experimental methodology to the different units, the results of a real experiment are illustrated in which a high-altitude balloon was used through the application of nonparametric regression methods. This experiment’s interest measured thermodynamic variables and the concentration of pollutants in the stratosphere to corroborate the operating ranges planned in the above experiments using on-flight conditions and estimate the TLR (technology readiness level) of future prototypes.
Contribution of Thrombospondin-1 and -2 to Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Li Qiang , Fu Xiaoxiao , Yuan Jiang , Han Shu
Published: April 2021

Thrombospondin (TSP) proteins have been shown to impact T-cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is specifically upregulated in several inflammatory diseases and can effectively promote lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced inflammation. In contrast, thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) has been associated with activation of “anti-inflammatory” T-regulatory cells (Tregs). In this study, we investigated the effects of both TSP-1 and TSP-2 overexpression on macrophage polarization and activation in vitro and in vivo. We analyzed the effects of TSP-1 and TSP-2 on inflammation, vascular endothelial permeability, edema, ultrastructural morphology, and apoptosis in lung tissues of an ARDS mouse model and cultured macrophages. Our results demonstrated that TSP-2 overexpression effectively attenuated LPS-induced ARDS in vivo and promoted M2 macrophage phenotype polarization in vitro. Furthermore, TSP-2 played a role in regulating pulmonary vascular barrier leakage by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Overall, our findings indicate that TSP-2 can modulate inflammation and could therefore be a potential therapeutic target against LPS-induced ARDS.
H2S Pretreatment Is Promigratory and Decreases Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zicola Elisa , Arrigo Elisa , Mancardi Daniele
Published: April 2021

Endothelial cell injury and vascular function strongly correlate with cardiac function following ischemia/reperfusion injury. Several studies indicate that endothelial cells are more sensitive to ischemia/reperfusion compared to cardiomyocytes and are critical mediators of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury. H2S is involved in the regulation of cardiovascular system homeostasis and can act as a cytoprotectant during ischemia/reperfusion. Activation of ERK1/2 in endothelial cells after H2S stimulation exerts an enhancement of angiogenesis while its inhibition significantly decreases H2S cardioprotective effects. In this work, we investigated how H2S pretreatment for 24 hours prevents the ischemia/reperfusion injury and promotes angiogenesis on microvascular endothelial cells following an ischemia/reperfusion protocol in vitro, using a hypoxic chamber and ischemic buffer to simulate the ischemic event. H2S preconditioning positively affected cell viability and significantly increased endothelial cell migration when treated with 1 μM H2S. Furthermore, mitochondrial function was preserved when cells were preconditioned. Since ERK1/2 phosphorylation was extremely enhanced in ischemia/reperfusion condition, we inhibited ERK both directly and indirectly to verify how H2S triggers this pathway in endothelial cells. Taken together, our data suggest that H2S treatment 24 hours before the ischemic insult protects endothelial cells from ischemia/reperfusion injury and eventually decreases myocardial injury.
Single-Machine Scheduling with Fixed Periodic Preventive Maintenance to Minimise the Total Weighted Completion Times
Authors: Zhou Hongming , Tsai Ya-Chih , Huang Shenquan , Chen Yarong , Chou Fuh-Der
Published: April 2021

The single-machine scheduling problem with fixed periodic preventive maintenance, in which preventive maintenance is implemented periodically to maintain good machine operational status and decrease the cost caused by sudden machine failure, is studied in this paper. The adopted objective function is to minimise the total weighted completion time, which is representative of the minimisation of the global holding/inventory cost in the system. This problem is proven to be NP-hard; a position-based mixed integer programming model and an efficient heuristic algorithm with local improvement strategy are developed for the total weighted completion time problem. To evaluate the performances of the proposed heuristic algorithms, two new lower bounds are further developed. Computational experiments show that the proposed heuristic can rapidly achieve optimal results for small-sized problems and obtain near-optimal solutions with tight average relative percentage deviation for large-sized problems.
Weight Loss Outcomes following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy in an Ethnically Diverse Bariatric Population: Which Is More Effective?
Authors: Saeed Saqib , Ahmed Leaque , Khan Khuram , Gray Sanjiv , Saeed Kashif , DePaz Hector , Persaud Amrita , Passos-Fox Bianca , Zhang Kevin C.J. , Alothman Sara , Suman Paritosh
Published: April 2021

Background. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) have comparable weight loss outcomes in a general bariatric population. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate whether similar outcomes can be observed in Hispanic and African American population. Settings. Community Hospital in New York, New York, United States. Methods. The 5-year prospective data of patients who underwent LRYGB and LSG at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. The long-term weight loss outcomes between patients who had LRYGB and LSG were compared after adjusting for age, sex, race, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension with the linear mixed-effects or logistic regression model. Results. Most patients were Hispanic (59.2%) and African American (22.7%). The mean% total weight loss (%TWL) values of patients with BMI <45 kg/m2 who underwent LRYGB and LSG were 73% and 62% after 1 year, 69% and 56% after 2 years, and 71% and 54% after 5 years, respectively. In patients with a BMI of 45–50 kg/m2 who underwent LRYGB and LSG, the mean %TWL values were 69% and 56% after 1 year, 75% and 58% after 2 years, and 57% and 45% after 5 years, respectively. Meanwhile, the %TWL values of patients with BMI >50 kg/m2 who had LRYGB and LSG were 53% and 42% after 1 year, 53% and 45% after 2 years, and 49% and 36% after 5 years, respectively. All results were statistically significant

p
<
0.0001

and remained valid after adjusting for cofactors. Conclusion. Thus, LRYGB had consistent and sustained long-term weight loss outcomes compared with LSG in a predominantly ethnically diverse patient population with different BMI. Our study had several limitations in that it is retrospective in nature and some patients were lost to follow-up during the study period.
Collaboration Strategy Based on Conflict Resolution for Flatness Actuator Group
Authors: Yan Zhu-Wen , Wang Bao-Sheng , Bu He-Nan , Pan Long , Hong Lei , Zhang Dian-Hua , Wang Hong-Yu , Lv Dong-Sheng
Published: April 2021

During the flatness control process, there are frequently some uncoordinated regulating behaviors in the flatness actuator group. This has a bad influence on the flatness control accuracy and the flatness control efficiency. Therefore, a collaboration strategy based on conflict resolution for the flatness actuator group has been proposed in this paper. First of all, the feature of flatness measurement value is extracted through establishing the actual flatness condition discriminating factor. After that, the coordination cooperation that is appropriate to the actual flatness condition is developed for the flatness actuator group. Finally, the optimal adjustment of the actuator population is solved by the coordinated algorithm of Topkis-Veinott and genetic algorithm collaborative optimization. The collaboration strategy proposed in this paper has been successfully applied to a flatness control system of a 1450 mm five-stand cold rolling mill.
A Study on the Mechanical Properties and Bursting Liability of Coal‐Rock Composites with Seam Partings
Authors: Xu Dong , Gao Mingshi , He Yongliang , Yu Xin
Published: April 2021

Geological tectonic movements, as well as complex and varying coal‐forming conditions, have led to the formation of rock partings in most coal seams. Consequently, the coal in coal‐rock composites is characterised by different mechanical properties than those of pure coal. Uniaxial compression tests were performed in this study to determine the mechanical properties and bursting liability of specimens of coal‐rock composites (hereinafter referred to as “composites”) with rock partings with different dip angles θ and thicknesses D. The results showed that as θ increased, the failure mode of the composite changed from tensile and splitting failure to slip and shear failure, which was accompanied by a decrease in the brittleness of the composite and an increase in its ductility as well as a decrease in the extent of fragmentation of the coal in the composite. Additionally, as θ increased, the uniaxial compressive strength σu, elastic modulus E, and bursting energy index Ke of the composite decreased. The rock parting in the composite was the key area in which elastic energy accumulated. As D increased, σu, E, and Ke of the composite increased. In addition, as D increased, the ductility of the composite decreased, and the brittleness and extent of coal fragmentation in the composite increased. Notably, the curve for the cumulative acoustic emission (AE) counts of the composite corresponding to the stress‐strain curve could be divided into four regimes: pore compaction and closure, a slowly ascending linear elastic section, prepeak steady crack propagation, and peak unsteady crack propagation. The experimental results were used to propose two technologies for controlling the stability of coal‐rock composites to effectively ensure safe and efficient production at working faces.
Durability Analysis of Sludge Solidified with Soda Residue Subjected to Dry‐Wet and Freeze‐Thaw Cycles
Authors: He Jun , Zhang Lei , Zhang Chi
Published: April 2021

Soda residue (SR), ground‐granulated blast‐furnace slag (GGBS), and quicklime (QL) were employed for solidifying sewage sludge, which is a technique for sustainable development by transforming industrial solid waste and sludge into engineering fill material such as backfill material in mine or abandoned caverns. The durability of solidified sludge against dry‐wet and freeze‐thaw cycles was investigated by unconfined compressive strength (UCS), X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance tests. The results demonstrated that the SR‐GGBS‐QL solidified sludge had good dry‐wet and freeze‐thaw durability. In general, UCS increased at first, but then it decreased to some degree with the increase in dry‐wet and freeze‐thaw cycles. The cycle number for peak UCS depended on the durability test types and SR content. The UCS values after seven dry‐wet cycles or ten freeze‐thaw cycles were higher than the initial values before cycles. The main products detected in SR‐GGBS‐QL solidified sludge were ettringite, hydroaluminite, and calcium silicate hydrate (C‐S‐H). In addition, some pollutants such as copper, arsenic, and chromium were stabilized. The weakening effect on the microstructure of the solidified sludge occurred after dry‐wet or freeze‐thaw cycles. However, the hydration reaction continued with the increase of dry‐wet and freeze‐thaw cycles, leading to an increase in the amount of hydration products (especially C‐S‐H) and compact microstructure. These contributed to high UCS values and good dry‐wet and freeze‐thaw durability. The strength and failure strain of solidified sludge still met the requirement of filling materials after dry‐wet or freeze‐thaw cycles.
Target Recognition of SAR Images Based on Azimuthal Constraint Reconstruction
Authors: Miao Xinying , Liu Yunlong
Published: April 2021

A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) target classification method has been developed, in the study, based on dynamic target reconstruction. According to SAR azimuthal sensitivity, the truly useful training samples for the reconstructing the test sample are those with approaching azimuths and same labels. Hence, the proposed method performs linear presentation of the test sample on the local dictionary established by several training samples selected from each class under the azimuthal correlation. By properly adjusting the azimuthal correlation constraint, the test sample can be reconstructed at different levels by different scales of training samples. During the classification phase, the reconstruction error vectors from different levels are combined by linear fusion and the label of the test sample is determined based on the fused errors. Experimental conditions are setup on the moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition (MSTAR) dataset to evaluate the proposed method. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Series of N-of-1 Trials for Traditional Chinese Medicine Using a Bayesian Method: Study Rationale and Protocol
Authors: Lu Lizhi , An Jiaqi , Chen Huijia , Yang Peilan , Xu Minhua , Wu Yingen , Wang Zhenwei , Shen Lihua , Chen Xinlin , Huang Haiyin
Published: April 2021

Background. Our previous studies showed that N-of-1 trials could reflect the individualized characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation with good feasibility, but the sensitivity was low. Therefore, this study will use hierarchical Bayesian statistical method to improve the sensitivity and applicability of N-of-1 trials of TCM. Methods/Design. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-pair crossover trial for a single subject, including 4–8 weeks of run-in period and 24 weeks of formal trial. In this study, we will recruit a total of 30 participants who are in the stable stage of bronchiectasis. The trial will be divided into three pairs (cycles), and one cycle contains two observation periods. The medications will be taken for three weeks and stopped for one week in the last week of each observation period. The order of syndrome differentiation decoction and placebo will be randomly determined. Patient self-reported symptom score (on a 7-point Likert scale) is the primary outcome. Discussion. Some confounding variables (such as TCM syndrome type and potential carryover effect of TCM) will be introduced into hierarchical Bayesian statistical method to improve the sensitivity and applicability of N-of-1 trials of TCM, and the use of prior available information (e.g., “borrowing from strength” of previous trial results) within the analysis may improve the sensitivity of the results of a series of N-of-1 trials, from both the individual and population level to study the efficacy of TCM syndrome differentiation. It is the exploration of improving the objective evaluation method of the clinical efficacy of TCM and may provide reference value for clinical trials of TCM in other chronic diseases. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04601792).
Comprehensive Analysis of Multiple Cohort Datasets Deciphers the Utility of Germline Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Wensheng , Dong Yan , Sartor Oliver , Zhang Kun
Published: April 2021

Prostate cancer susceptibility is a polygenic trait. We aimed to examine the controversial diagnostic utility of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for prostate cancer. We analyzed two datasets collected from Europeans and one from Africans. These datasets were generated by the genome-wide association studies, that is, CGEMS, BPC3, and MEC-Africans, respectively. About 540,000 SNPs, including 61 risk markers that constitute a panel termed MK-61, were commonly genotyped. For each dataset, we augmented the MK-61 panel to generate an MK-61+ one by adding several thousands of SNPs that were moderately associated with prostate cancer occurrence in external dataset(s). We assessed the diagnostic utility of both panels by measuring their predictive strength for prostate cancer occurrence with AUC statistics. We calculated the theoretical AUCs using quantitative genetics model-based formulae and obtained the empirical estimates via 10-fold cross-validation using statistical and machine learning techniques. For the MK-61 panel, the 95% confidence intervals of the theoretical AUCs (AUC-CI.95) were 0.578–0.655, 0.596–0.656, and 0.539–0.596 in the CGEMS, BPC3, and MEC-Africans cohorts, respectively. For the MK-61+ panels, the corresponding AUC-CI.95 were 0.617–0.663, 0.527–0.736, and 0.547–0.565. The empirical AUCs largely fell within the theoretical interval. A promising result (AUC = 0.703, FNR = 0.354, FPR = 0.353) was obtained in the BPC3 cohort when the MK-61+ panel was used. In the CGEMS cohort, the MK-61+ panel complemented PSA in predicting the disease status of PSA ≥ 2.0 ng/mL samples. This study demonstrates that augmented risk SNP panels can enhance prostate cancer prediction for males of European ancestry, especially those with {\rm{PSA}} \ge 2.0\ $ng/mL.

Prevention Relevance:

This study demonstrates that augmented risk SNP panels can enhance prostate cancer prediction for males of European ancestry, especially those with PSA ≥ 2 ng/mL.
Preoperative Right Ventricular Free‐Wall Longitudinal Strain as a Prognosticator in Isolated Surgery for Severe Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Kim Minkwan , Lee Hyun‐Jung , Park Jun‐Bean , Kim Jihoon , Lee Seung‐Pyo , Kim Yong‐Jin , Chang Sung‐A , Kim Hyung‐Kwan
Published: April 2021

Background

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) should be intervened before the development of irreversible right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. However, current guidelines do not provide criterion related to RV systolic function to guide optimal surgical timing. We investigated the prognostic value of RV longitudinal strain in patients undergoing isolated surgery for severe functional TR.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 115 consecutive patients (aged 62±10 years; 23.5% men; 62.6% [n=72] with previous left‐sided valve surgery) who underwent isolated surgery for severe functional TR at 2 tertiary centers. Preoperative clinical and echocardiographic parameters, including RV free‐wall longitudinal strain (RVFWSL), were collected. The primary end point was a composite of cardiac death and unplanned readmission attributable to cardiovascular causes 5 years after surgery. Forty patients (34.8%) reached the primary end point during 333 person‐years of follow‐up. There were 11 cardiac deaths and 34 unplanned readmissions attributable to cardiovascular causes, with 5 patients experiencing both. An absolute preoperative RVFWSL <24% was associated with the primary end point (hazard ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.22–4.36;
P
=0.011), independent of clinical risk factors, including European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II and hemoglobin levels. Meanwhile, other conventional echocardiographic measures of RV systolic function were not significant. The addition of an absolute RVFWSL <24% provided incremental prognostic value to the clinical model for predicting the primary end point.

Conclusions

Preoperative RVFWSL as an indicator of RV dysfunction was an independent prognosticator in patients undergoing isolated surgery for severe functional TR. Thus, preoperative RVFWSL could help determine the optimal surgical timing for severe functional TR.
Associations of Visceral Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle Density With Incident Stroke, Myocardial Infarction, and All‐Cause Mortality in Community‐Dwelling 70‐Year‐Old Individuals: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ballin Marcel , Nordström Peter , Niklasson Johan , Nordström Anna
Published: April 2021

Background

Aging leads to increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and reduced skeletal muscle density. To which extent these are associated with the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and all‐cause mortality in older adults is unknown.

Methods and Results

A total of 3294 70‐year‐old individuals (49.6% women) underwent a health examination in Umeå, Sweden, during 2012 to 2018. VAT and muscle density were measured using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Cases of stroke, MI, and all‐cause mortality were collected through national registers. Cox regressions were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs per SD greater VAT and per SD lower muscle density. During a mean follow‐up of 3.6 years, there were 108 cases of stroke or MI, and 97 deaths. Greater VAT (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.09–2.22), but not lower muscle density (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.97–1.34), was associated with increased risk of stroke or MI. Neither VAT (aHR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.65–1.41) nor muscle density (aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.92–1.34) was associated with all‐cause mortality. The association of VAT with stroke or MI was only significant in men (aHR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.19–2.91) but not women (aHR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.25–1.42) (
P
interaction
=0.038).

Conclusions

With the limitation of being an observational study, these findings suggest that VAT is an important obesity‐related predictor of cardiovascular risk in 70‐year‐old men, and by implication, that decreasing VAT may potentially reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Role of the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex and Basal Forebrain in Relational Memory and Inference
Authors: Wing Erik A. , D'Angelo Maria C. , Gilboa Asaf , Ryan Jennifer D.
Published: April 2021

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is involved in diverse cognitive operations, from inhibitory control to processing of semantic schemas. When accompanied by damage to the basal forebrain, vmPFC lesions can also impair relational memory, the ability to form and recall relations among items. Impairments in establishing direct relations among items (e.g., A is related to B, B is related to C) can also hinder the transitive processing of indirect relationships (e.g., inferring that A and C are related through direct relations that each contain B). Past work has found that transitive inference improves when the direct relations are organized within an existing knowledge structure, or schema. This type of semantic support is most effective for individuals whose relational memory deficits are mild (e.g., healthy age-related decline) rather than pronounced (e.g., hippocampal amnesia, amnestic mild cognitive impairment). Given that vmPFC damage can produce both relational memory and schema processing deficits, such damage may pose a particular challenge in establishing the type of relational structure required for transitive inference, even when supported by preexisting knowledge. To examine this idea, we tested individuals with lesions to the mPFC on multiple conditions that varied in pre-experimental semantic support and explored the extent to which they could identify both previously studied (direct) and novel transitive (indirect) relations. Most of the mPFC cases showed marked transitive inference deficits and even showed impaired knowledge of preexisting, direct, semantic relations, consistent with disruptions to schema-related processes. However, one case with more dorsal mPFC damage showed preserved ability to identify direct relations and make novel inferences, particularly when pre-experimental knowledge could be used to support performance. These results suggest that damage to the mPFC and basal forebrain can impede establishment of ad hoc relational schemas upon which transitive inference is based, but that appealing to prior knowledge may still be useful for those neurological cases that have some degree of preserved relational memory.
Spatial Relations Trigger Visual Binding of People
Authors: Adibpour Parvaneh , Hochmann Jean-Rémy , Papeo Liuba
Published: April 2021

To navigate the social world, humans must represent social entities and the relationships between those entities, starting with spatial relationships. Recent research suggests that two bodies are processed with particularly high efficiency in visual perception, when they are in a spatial positioning that cues interaction, that is, close and face-to-face. Socially relevant spatial relations such as facingness may facilitate visual perception by triggering grouping of bodies into a new integrated percept, which would make the stimuli more visible and easier to process. We used EEG and a frequency-tagging paradigm to measure a neural correlate of grouping (or visual binding), while female and male participants saw images of two bodies face-to-face or back-to-back. The two bodies in a dyad flickered at frequency F1 and F2, respectively, and appeared together at a third frequency Fd (dyad frequency). This stimulation should elicit a periodic neural response for each body at F1 and F2, and a third response at Fd, which would be larger for face-to-face (vs. back-to-back) bodies, if those stimuli yield additional integrative processing. Results showed that responses at F1 and F2 were higher for upright than for inverted bodies, demonstrating that our paradigm could capture neural activity associated with viewing bodies. Crucially, the response to dyads at Fd was larger for face-to-face (vs. back-to-back) dyads, suggesting integration mediated by grouping. We propose that spatial relations that recur in social interaction (i.e., facingness) promote binding of multiple bodies into a new representation. This mechanism can explain how the visual system contributes to integrating and transforming the representation of disconnected body shapes into structured representations of social events.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulates Connectivity of Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex with Distributed Cortical Networks
Authors: Kim Kamin , Sherwood Matthew S. , McIntire Lindsey K. , McKinley R. Andy , Ranganath Charan
Published: April 2021

Studies have shown that transcranial direct current stimulation increases neuronal excitability of the targeted region and general connectivity of relevant functional networks. However, relatively little is understood of how the stimulation affects the connectivity relationship of the target with regions across the network structure of the brain. Here, we investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on the functional connectivity of the targeted region using resting-state fMRI scans of the human brain. Anodal direct current stimulation was applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC; cathode on the right bicep), which belongs to the frontoparietal control network (FPCN) and is commonly targeted for neuromodulation of various cognitive functions including short-term memory, long-term memory, and cognitive control. lDLPFC's connectivity characteristics were quantified as graph theory measures, from the resting-state fMRI scans obtained prior to and following the stimulation. Critically, we tested pre- to poststimulation changes of the lDLPFC connectivity metrics following an active versus sham stimulation. We found that the stimulation had two distinct effects on the connectivity of lDLPFC: for Brodmann's area (BA) 9, it increased the functional connectivity between BA 9 and other nodes within the FPCN; for BA 46, net connectivity strength was not altered within FPCN, but connectivity distribution across networks (participation coefficient) was decreased. These findings provide insights that the behavioral changes as the functional consequences of stimulation may come about because of the increased role of lDLPFC in the FPCN.
Is It Dangerous to Live in Neighborhoods with More Immigrants? Assessing the Effects of Immigrant Concentration on Crime Patterns
Authors: Han Sungil , Piquero Alex R.
Published: April 2021

The immigration-crime nexus has been the subject of much empirical attention and research findings consistently indicate that neighborhoods with large immigrant populations exhibit comparatively lower crime rates. However, it is still imperative to explain how these effects take place in different contexts of structural circumstances of communities. This study aims to examine the effects of immigrant concentration as well as its conditioning effects for racial/ethnic segregation and concentrated disadvantage in Dallas, Texas. Results show that immigrant concentration is negatively associated with crime counts and, most importantly, that immigrant concentration moderates the effect of structural conditions on crime. Generally, immigration has crime-reducing effects and helps ameliorate the negative effects of structural conditions on crime.
Undergraduate students’ perspectives on the impact of a prison health course
Authors: Cameron Rose B , McLeod Katherine E , Donnelly Leeann , Buxton Jane A , Elwood Martin Ruth
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The stigmatisation of incarceration has significant negative effects on the health and well-being of individuals and communities. At the University of British Columbia in Canada, an undergraduate course on prison health included instruction by people with lived experience of incarceration as part of a teaching approach aimed to reduce stigma. In this study, we sought to understand the impact of this course as described by students.

Design:

Qualitative interviews with students who completed the course in 2017 were conducted by another former student of the course. Interviews were transcribed and interpretive descriptive methods were used to elucidate findings.

Results:

Nine former students participated in the study, eight (89%) were women and the median age was 23 years. Analysis yielded the following themes: (1) learning from people with lived experience, (2) de-mystifying through knowledge and understanding, (3) broadened perspectives and self-reflection, (4) future choices and actions and (5) changing views on incarceration.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that approaches to address stigma in teaching prison health in an undergraduate course provided students with a deepened understanding of health inequities and determinants of health; increased feelings of compassion and interest in health equity for populations impacted by incarceration; and fostered opportunities for reflection, critical thinking and broadened perspectives.
Psychological influence of Chinese film and television works in teaching Chinese as a foreign language
Authors: Fang Ning
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this article is to study the psychological impact of Chinese film and television works in the teaching of Chinese as a foreign language at intermediate and advanced levels, analyze the role of Chinese film and television works in teaching Chinese as a foreign language at intermediate and advanced levels, and to understand the basic situation and influence of Chinese film and television works in teaching Chinese as a foreign language at intermediate and advanced levels, as well as their use this method contrasts before and after the study of the influence of Chinese film and television works in teaching Chinese as a foreign language at intermediate and advanced levels. Using the method of this article, through the analysis of experimental data, I understand the role of Chinese film and television works in teaching Chinese as a foreign language at intermediate and advanced levels, and find that Chinese film and television works play an important role in teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Based on the combination of theory and experimental data, it is analyzed that the effect of Chinese film and television works on teaching Chinese as a foreign language is very good. The research results show that Chinese film and television works have an important role in teaching Chinese as a foreign language at intermediate and advanced levels. Contemporary Chinese film and television not only impresses foreigners with vivid stories and vivid characters.
At home or in hospital: Home treatment and mental health stigma
Authors: Hubbeling Allerdiena A , Smith Jared G
Published: April 2021

Background:

Stigmatized attitudes towards people with mental illness may influence treatment choice for oneself and others.

Aim:

To gauge the attitudes of the UK general public towards treatment at home for mental illness and to assess the extent to which non-acceptability was related to stigmatized attitudes.

Methods:

Two hundred and two (101 female) people living in the UK completed an online (vignette) questionnaire in which we asked demographic details and personal experience of mental illness. To measure stigma, we used an adapted version of the Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) with vignettes asking about treatment at home and using scales for social distance and poor expectations; participants also filled in the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS).

Results:

Participants did not evidence overall agreement with treatment at home for mental illness (i.e. >0; range = −16-to-+16, Mean ( M) = 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.08, 1.80, p = .073), although they showed significant agreement with treatment at home should they experience mental illness themselves (range = −8-to-+8, M = 1.36, CI = 0.82, 1.89, p < .001). Acceptability for treatment at home differed according to specific mental illness considered (range = −4-to-+4); depression ( M = 0.47, CI = 0.13, 0.81, p = .006) and alcohol abuse ( M = 1.46, CI = 1.14,1.77, p < .001) were considered suitable for being treated at home but schizophrenia was not ( M = −0.78, CI = −1.13,−0.43, p < .001). Multivariate analyses revealed that older age and attitudes indicating comfort with less social distance from people with mental illness were independently associated with treatment at home agreeability.

Conclusions:

Public acceptability of home treatment for mental illness remains ambivalent in the UK, most obviously when considering treatment approaches for individuals other than themselves and for people with schizophrenia. Disagreement with home treatment is particularly evident in younger people and those who prefer less social contact with people with mental illness.
The Effect of Money Denomination on Prosocial Behavior: Through the Perspective of Metaphorical Cognitive Theory
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Xu Tao , Hou Yanhui , Monczynski Emily C. , Jiang Xiaochuan
Published: April 2021

Based on metaphorical cognitive theory, this research did four experiments to examine whether and how one important feature of money, denomination, could influence prosocial behavior. Study 1 was an experiment with a sample size of 209 undergraduates ( Mage = 18.97) showed that a larger denomination enhanced the probability of participants engaging in prosocial behavior rather than with a smaller denomination. Study 2 collecting data from 269 undergraduates ( Mage = 18.50) further showed that larger denominations condition inspired more prosocial behavior than the control condition; and the small denominations condition produced similar levels of prosocial behavior to the control condition. Study 3 used single factor design with a sample size of 192 undergraduates ( Mage = 20.49) repeated the results of Study 2. Furthermore, Study 3 excluded an important alternative explanation that the value rather than the denomination influenced prosocial behavior. Last, Study 4 applied a factorial design experiment with a sample size of 132 undergraduates ( Mage = 20.92) which demonstrated that generosity mediated the effect of denomination on prosocial behavior; the effect of denomination on prosocial behavior did not depend on money priming methods. Finally, theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of cyanoacrylate ablation over endovenous thermal ablation for treating incompetent saphenous veins
Authors: Guo Julong , Zhang Fan , Guo Jianming , Guo Lianrui , Gu Yongquan , Huang Ying
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to systemically review and analyze the efficacy of cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) in comparison with endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) for the treatment of incompetent saphenous veins.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using databases of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the times of their inception to April 2020. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria after assessing the risk of bias in comparative studies with Cochrane and rating quality of evidence with the GRADE methodology. The meta-analysis was carried out using the Review Manager 5.4 program to conduct homogeneity tests.

Results

One cohort study and three randomized controlled trials (RCT), including a total of 1457 participants were included in the meta-analysis. ETA included endovenous laser ablation (ELVA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the selected studies. Comparison between CA and a combination of EVLA and RFA or RFA alone were carried out in two of RCTs, while comparison between CA with EVLA was conducted in one RCT and the cohort study. There was no statistical difference in closure rates between CA and ETA after pooled analysis. Similar symptom alleviation observed between different groups. However, the CA group showed a lower ecchymosis rate than RFA and a significantly lower incidence of adverse events, such as ecchymosis, phlebitis and paresthesia, than EVLA. Compared with ETA, the patients received CA treatment exhibited lower pain scores in a shorter procedure duration without needing compression stocking, returned to normal life sooner, and had significantly better quality of care. There was no significant difference in the number needed to treat for additional therapy after three months of follow-up between groups.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that CA has better overall outcomes than ETA and offers superior clinical benefits in the treatment of incompetent saphenous veins.
Culture in the spotlight—cultural adaptation and content validity of the integrated palliative care outcome scale for dementia: A cognitive interview study
Authors: Hodiamont Farina , Hock Helena , Ellis-Smith Clare , Evans Catherine , de Wolf-Linder Susanne , Jünger Saskia , Diehl-Schmid Janine , Burner-Fritsch Isabel , Bausewein Claudia
Published: April 2021

Background:

Dementia is a life-limiting disease with high symptom burden. The Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale for Dementia (IPOS-Dem) is the first comprehensive person-centered measure to identify and measure palliative care needs of people with dementia. However, such a measure is missing in the German health care system.

Aim:

To develop a culturally adapted German version of the IPOS-Dem and determine its content validity as a foundation for comprehensive psychometric testing.

Design:

Cognitive interview study with intermittent analysis and questionnaire adaptation. Interview guide and coding frame followed thematic analysis according to Willis complemented by Tourangeau’s model of cognitive aspects of survey methodology: comprehension, retrieval, judgment, response.

Participants:

Purposive sample with professionals ( n = 29) and family carers ( n = 6) of people with advanced dementia in seven nursing homes and person’s own home care in four interview rounds ( n = 11; 10; 7; 7).

Results:

IPOS-Dem was regarded as comprehensive and accessible. Cultural adaption pertained to issues of comprehension and judgment. Comprehension challenges referred to the person-centered concept of “being affected by” used in the POS-measures. Judgment problems related to persons with limited communication causing challenges in assessment.

Conclusion:

Most issues of cultural adaptation could be addressed by questionnaire modifications. However, interviews unveiled fundamental challenges for using proxy reported person-centered assessments. Continuous training on how to use the instrument is imperative to integrate the person-centered approach of palliative care into nursing homes as a key provider of generalist palliative care for people with dementia. The refined version is ready for psychometric testing.
Automated Asphalt Pavement Raveling Detection and Classification using Convolutional Neural Network and Macrotexture Analysis
Authors: Hsieh Yung-An , Tsai Yichang (James)
Published: April 2021

Raveling is one of the most common asphalt pavement distresses. The survey of its condition is required for transportation agencies to ensure roadway safety and appropriately apply preservation and rehabilitation treatments. However, the traditional raveling condition survey, including the determination of the raveling severity, is typically manually conducted by in-field visual inspection methods that are time consuming, labor intensive, and error prone. Although automated raveling detection and severity classification models have been developed, these existing models have shortcomings. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a more accurate and reliable model to automatically detect and classify raveling. This study proposes the first convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model for automated raveling detection and classification. Compared with general CNNs, the proposed model combines the data-driven features learned from training data and macrotexture features of 3D pavement surface data to achieve better performance. The proposed model was evaluated and compared with existing machine learning models using real-world 3D pavement surface data collected from the state of Georgia, U.S. By combining data-driven features with macrotexture features, the proposed model achieved the highest accuracy of 90.8% on raveling classification. The proposed model also achieved classification precision and recall higher than 85% for all raveling severity levels, which is more accurate and robust than existing models. It is concluded that, with multi-type features extraction and proper model design, the proposed model can provide more accurate and reliable predictions for raveling detection and classification.
Optimization of a decellularization protocol of porcine tracheas. Long-term effects of cryopreservation. A histological study
Authors: Milian Lara , Sancho-Tello María , Roig-Soriano Joan , Foschini Giovanna , Martínez-Hernández Néstor J , Más-Estellés Jorge , Ruiz-Sauri Amparo , Zurriaga Javier , Carda Carmen , Mata Manuel
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to optimize a decellularization protocol in the trachea of Sus scrofa domestica (pig) as well as to study the effects of long-term cryopreservation on the extracellular matrix of decellularized tracheas.

Methods:

Porcine tracheas were decellularized using Triton X-100, SDC, and SDS alone or in combination. The effect of these detergents on the extracellular matrix characteristics of decellularized porcine tracheas was evaluated at the histological, biomechanical, and biocompatibility level. Morphometric approaches were used to estimate the effect of detergents on the collagen and elastic fibers content as well as on the removal of chondrocytes from decellularized organs. Moreover, the long-term structural, ultrastructural, and biomechanical effect of cryopreservation of decellularized tracheas were also estimated.

Results:

Two percent SDS was the most effective detergent tested concerning cell removal and preservation of the histological and biomechanical properties of the tracheal wall. However, long-term cryopreservation had no an appreciable effect on the structure, ultrastructure, and biomechanics of decellularized tracheal rings.

Conclusion:

The results presented here reinforce the use of SDS as a valuable decellularizing agent for porcine tracheas. Furthermore, a cryogenic preservation protocol is described, which has minimal impact on the histological and biomechanical properties of decellularized porcine tracheas.
The Development of Critical Consciousness in Adolescents of Color Attending “Opposing” Schooling Models
Authors: Seider Scott , Graves Daren , El-Amin Aaliyah , Kelly Lauren , Soutter Madora , Clark Shelby , Jennett Pauline , Tamerat Jalene
Published: April 2021

Critical consciousness refers to the ability to analyze and take action against oppressive social forces shaping society. This longitudinal, mixed methods study compared the critical consciousness development of adolescents of color (n = 453) attending two sets of high schools featuring schooling models that represent “opposing” approaches to education. The participating adolescents were 13-15 years old at the start of the study; the majority identified as African American or Latinx; and nearly 80% came from low-SES households. They attended public charter high schools located in five different northeastern cities. Analyses of longitudinal survey data revealed that the adolescents attending these two sets of high schools demonstrated greater rates of growth on different dimensions of critical consciousness over their four years of high school. Qualitative interviews with youth attending these two sets of schools(n = 70) offered evidence of the long-theorized relationship between critical consciousness and problem-posing education, but also that effective practices supporting youth critical consciousness can be found embedded in schools featuring a broader range of pedagogies. These findings offer support for ethnic studies and action civics programming that several state departments of education have recently added to secondary school curricula.
Kinship and Gender in Family Firms: New Insights Into Employees’ Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Madison Kristen , Eddleston Kimberly A. , Kellermanns Franz W. , Powell Gary N.
Published: April 2021

We extend relational demography theory by introducing kinship as a new demographic characteristic of categorization. We theorize that family firm employees’ kinship similarity (family vs. nonfamily), kinship tie (child vs. other familial relationship), and gender (female vs. male) uniquely affect their organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Data collected from 209 family CEO–employee dyads indicate that male family employees, especially sons of the CEO, display the highest OCB when altruistic leadership behavior is high, whereas daughters and other female family employees display consistently high OCB, confirming that employees’ experiences in family firms are simultaneously shaped by their kinship characteristics and gender.