bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of serum intact parathyroid hormone concentration 1 day after total thyroidectomy to assess risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Zheng Jianwei , Cai Shuyan , Song Huimin , Wang Yunlei , Han Xiaofeng , Han Gang , Wu Haoliang , Gao Zhigang
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study was performed to assess the clinical value of measuring the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration 1 day after total thyroidectomy to estimate the occurrence of permanent hypoparathyroidism (pHPP).

Methods

Data of 546 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy from February 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Calcium and iPTH concentrations were collected preoperatively and at 1 day and 6 months postoperatively. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between clinical indexes and postoperative pHPP.

Results

Of the 546 patients, 22 (4.03%) developed pHPP. Multivariate analysis showed that the iPTH and serum calcium concentrations measured 1 day after surgery were independent predictors of the risk of pHPP. An iPTH concentration of 5.51 pg/mL measured 1 day postoperatively was used as the cut-off value, and the area under the curve was 0.956. The risk of pHPP was identified with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 85.1%, positive predictive value of 22%, and negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusions

The iPTH concentration measured 1 day after total thyroidectomy is closely related to the occurrence of pHPP postoperatively and is an independent predictive risk factor. The postoperative iPTH concentration can be helpful in identifying patients at risk for developing pHPP.
Clinicopathological features of isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis in HIV-negative patients
Authors: Wu Huan-Huan , Chen Yan-Xiao , Fang Shuang-Yan
Published: June 2020

Objective

To analyse the clinicopathological features of isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative patients.

Methods

This retrospective study analysed the following data from HIV-negative patients diagnosed with pulmonary cryptococcosis: demographics, underlying diseases, clinical manifestations on admission, laboratory tests, imaging data, results of histopathology, treatment options and outcomes. Sputum samples from all patients were collected and assessed for the presence of yeast or fungi. Cryptococcal antigen testing was performed for some patients. Histopathological analysis was also undertaken for some samples of lung tissue.

Results

The study analysed 37 patients (22 males). Thirteen (35.14%) patients were asymptomatic, 24 (64.86%) were symptomatic and 17 (45.95%) patients had no underlying disease. Out of 25 tested patients, 23 (92.00%) tested positive on the serum cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide antigen test. During 6 to 24 months of follow-up, all 37 patients that were either treated with or without antifungal therapy alone or combined with surgical resection showed complete recovery. One patient made a full recovery without any treatment.

Conclusion

Early identification of pulmonary cryptococcosis in HIV-negative patients and timely detection of cryptococcal antigens in serum or respiratory specimens may help to improve diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of the disease.
Digital psychotherapy as an effective and timely treatment option for depression and anxiety disorders: Implications for rural and remote practice
Authors: Weightman Michael
Published: June 2020

Patients in regional, rural and remote communities experience perennial difficulties accessing mental health treatments in a timely manner, which contributes to inequitable outcomes when compared with their metropolitan counterparts. This situation frequently stems from a shortage of specialised face-to-face psychotherapy services available in local areas. The recent development of digital psychotherapy as an alternative treatment delivery method provides an opportunity to address this healthcare gap and to avoid the challenges related to workforce maldistribution. This article provides a targeted narrative review of the relevant evidence base, and discusses the potential applications within the rural and remote context. Multiple randomised controlled trials and a large meta-analysis demonstrate that digital psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy, is as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy. Its use has consequently been endorsed across international clinical practice guidelines as an efficacious and practical way to provide mental healthcare. Despite this, the adoption of digital psychotherapeutic options has been limited to date. Increased awareness of the available options may improve access to psychological treatments in rural and remote populations. Digital psychotherapy should be considered an option for patients with depressive or anxiety disorders of mild-to-moderate severity.
Bioinformatics analysis of the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cai Xueying , Lin Lixuan , Zhang Qiuhua , Wu Weixin , Su An
Published: June 2020

Objective

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 80% of all lung cancers, but its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, it is valuable to explore the pathogenesis of NSCLC to improve diagnosis and identify novel treatment biomarkers.

Methods

Circular (circ)RNA, micro (mi)RNA, and gene expression datasets of NSCLC were analyzed to identify those that were differentially expressed between tumor and healthy tissues. Common genes were found and pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Survival analysis was used to identify hub genes, and their level of methylation and association with immune cell infiltration were analyzed. Finally, an NSCLC circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network was constructed.

Results

Eight miRNAs and 211 common genes were identified. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses revealed that cell projection morphogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis, muscle cell proliferation, and synapse organization were enriched. Ten hub genes were found, of which the expression of DTL and RRM2 was significantly related to NSCLC patient prognosis. Significant methylation changes and immune cell infiltration correlations with DTL and RRM2 were also detected.

Conclusions

hsa_circ_0001947/hsa-miR-637/RRM2 and hsa_circ_0072305/hsa-miR-127-5p/DTL networks were constructed, and identified molecules may be involved in the occurrence and development of NSCLC.
Clinical outcomes of epidural and intradural decompression for treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Jiao Genlong , Li Zhizhong , Zhou Pan , Yang Jinpei , Li Xueshi
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study was performed to examine the clinical outcomes of epidural and intradural decompression for degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Methods

The data for 13 patients who underwent epidural and intradural decompression for treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy (study group) and 20 patients who underwent only cervical laminoplasty, fusion, and epidural decompression (historical control group) were retrospectively reviewed. The preoperative and postoperative neurological status was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score.

Results

All patients’ neurological symptoms were significantly improved at the final follow-up. In the study group, the patients’ mean preoperative JOA score was 8.07 ± 1.80, and the final score improved by 70.88% ± 21.18%. The blood loss and operation time were significantly greater in the study group than control group. The recovery time was shorter in the study group than control group. The improvement rate was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

A pia mater incision with separation of the arachnoid adhesion can significantly improve the cerebrospinal fluid flow and spinal blood flow in degenerative cervical myelopathy. Arachnoid adhesion can lead to intradural spinal scar compression. The surgical intervention described herein can achieve satisfactory neurological outcomes and shorten the recovery time.
High glycine content in TDP-43: a potential culprit in limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy
Authors: An Shanshan , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Shi Yunfan , Zhang Jiaming , Wan Yulin , Wang Yuchuan , Zhang Ying , Liu Qiuyun
Published: June 2020

Numerous risk factors for heart disease or dementia harbor over 10% valine plus glycine content. Interestingly, TDP-43 contains 6.0% valine and 13.3% glycine, and the buildup of this protein in the brains of patients with limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy has dire consequences. The two γ-methyl groups in valine enable hyperconjugation, which enhances the van der Waals interaction between its side group and the carbonyl carbon. This extends the C=O bond length, and this weakened C=O bond augments the secondary chemical bonding of the carbonyl oxygen atom to cations. This, in turn, promotes the formation and buildup of insoluble and rigid salts such as calcium oxalate, which is postulated to be a major cause of heart disease. Similarly, the long C=O bond length in glycine results in a weakened C=O bond with an enhanced affinity toward cations and the formation of insoluble salts. Further, several prion proteins possess a high glycine content of approximately 20%. The insoluble calcium salts produced may promote aggregate formation via secondary chemical bonding between calcium and glycine, as well as between calcium and valine. Chemical and biochemical insights will help us to better understand the etiology of disorders linked to protein aggregates.
Comparison of outcomes of central venous catheters in patients with solid and hematologic neoplasms: an Italian real-world analysis
Authors: Corti Francesca , Brambilla Marta , Manglaviti Sara , Di Vico Laura , Pisanu Maria Neve , Facchinetti Claudia , Dotti Katia Fiorella , Lanocita Rodolfo , Marchianò Alfonso , de Braud Filippo , Ferrari Laura Anna Maria
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Although many reports have analyzed the outcomes of central venous catheters (CVCs) in oncologic and oncohematologic patients, current guidelines do not routinely recommend a specific type of CVC over the other.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 178 patients with CVCs referred to an Italian specialized cancer center between January 2016 and December 2018. The analysis compares midterm peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) with long-term centrally inserted catheters, including totally implanted ports and tunneled catheters with central insertion (tCVCs).

Results:

A total of 130 PICCs (73%) and 48 tCVCs (27%) were analyzed. The overall complication rate was significantly increased in the PICC cohort compared to the tCVC cohort (43.1% vs 25%, respectively; p = 0.037), leading to complication-related device removal in 30.8% of PICCs vs 12.5% of tCVCs ( p = 0.013). No significant differences in terms of catheter-related thromboses ( p = 0.676) or catheter-related infections ( p = 0.140) were detected. Nonthrombotic obstructions were significantly higher in the PICC group compared to the tCVC cohort ( p = 0.006). Overall complication-free survival was significantly longer for tCVCs compared to PICCs (hazard ratio [HR], 0.262; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.128–0.536; p < 0.0001), as well as obstruction-free survival (HR, 0.082; 95% CI, 0.018–0.372; p < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, the type of CVC was independently correlated with the occurrence of any complication (HR, 0.273; 95% CI, 0.135–0.553; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

This Italian real-world experience suggests that PICCs are associated with a higher risk of overall complications compared with tCVCs. Catheter choice in oncologic patients should be guided by treatment type and duration, risk–benefit assessment, patient preferences, and compliance.
Enterospora nucleophila (Microsporidia) in Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata): Pathological Effects and Cellular Immune Response in Natural Infections
Authors: Picard-Sánchez Amparo , Piazzon M. Carla , Ahmed Nahla Hossameldin , Del Pozo Raquel , Sitjà-Bobadilla Ariadna , Palenzuela Oswaldo
Published: June 2020

Enterospora nucleophila is a microsporidian responsible for an emaciative disease in gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata). Its intranuclear development and the lack of in vitro and in vivo models hinder its research. This study investigated the associated lesions, its detection by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the cellular immune response of naturally infected fish. The intensity of infection in the intestine was correlated with stunted growth and reduced body condition. At the beginning of the outbreaks, infection prevalence was highest in intestine and stomach, and in subsequent months, the prevalence decreased in the intestine and increased in hematopoietic organs and stomach. In heavy infections, the intestine had histologic lesions of enterocyte hypercellularity and proliferation of rodlet cells. Infected enterocytes had E. nucleophila spores in the cytoplasm, and a pyknotic nucleus, karyorhexis or karyolysis. Lymphocytes were present at the base of the mucosa, and eosinophilic granule cells were located between the enterocytes. In intestinal submucosa, macrophage aggregates containing spores were surrounded by lymphocytes and granulocytes, with submucosal infiltration of granulocytes. Macrophage aggregates appeared to develop into granulomata with necrotic areas containing parasite remnants. Immunohistochemistry revealed mast cells as the main type of granulocyte involved. Abundant IgM+ and IgT+ cells were identified by in situ hybridization in the submucosa when intracytoplasmic stages were present. This study describes the lesions of E. nucleophila in gilthead sea bream, an important aquaculture species.
Coercion and compliance: the politics of the ‘hostile environment’
Authors: Fekete Liz
Published: June 2020

A roundtable discussion on the UK’s ‘hostile environment’ policy (on making life so difficult and unpleasant for certain groups, they would ‘choose’ to leave) from new angles: the weaponisation of deterrence; how the psy-complex is helping to obscure the consideration of material conditions shaping human desperation; the exploitation of and life and death conditions for workers without rights; the difficult questions for BAME and other professionals in ‘caring’ jobs, now tasked with controlling and punishing the rightless; the ways in which immigration control has now become monetarised with money-making targets; organising resistance both from inside and outside to the new human brutalising regimens of state racism and hostility.
A Correlated Random Parameters Model with Heterogeneity in Means to Account for Unobserved Heterogeneity in Crash Frequency Analysis
Authors: Huo Xiaoyan , Leng Junqiang , Hou Qinzhong , Yang Hao
Published: June 2020

Unobserved heterogeneity induced by omitted variables is a major challenge in developing reliable road safety models. In recent years, the random parameters negative binomial (RPNB) model has been used frequently in crash frequency analysis to account for unobserved heterogeneity. However, the majority of past studies of the RPNB model assumed that there was no correlation between different sources of unobserved heterogeneity, which is not always true given the complex interactions of safety factors. Compared with the RPNB model, a more flexible random parameters model that is the correlated random parameters negative binomial with heterogeneity in means (CRPNBHM) model was proposed in this study. Results indicate that the CRPNBHM model could not only capture the otherwise unobserved heterogeneity, but also track the underlying correlation among different sources of unobserved heterogeneity, thus outperforming the RPNB model. In addition, new insights into the interactions of safety factors (e.g., the joint safety effects of heavy trucks and pavement rutting depth) were obtained from the CRPNBHM model and these are expected to be beneficial in developing effective safety countermeasures. Results from this study demonstrated the CRPNBHM model to be a good alternative for crash frequency analysis, particularly when unobserved heterogeneity was detected.
Demonstrative Case of a Pedestrian Network Design Model Considering Effects on Motorized Traffic
Authors: Iliopoulou Christina , Tseliou Maria , Kepaptsoglou Konstantinos , Papadimitriou Stratos
Published: June 2020

The transformation of urban roadways into pedestrian streets is a popular measure for reshaping city parts and enhancing their livability. Nevertheless, pedestrianization schemes are expected to have some impact on the performance of the neighboring road network, especially if these are established ad-hoc or solely based on non-transport criteria. This study introduces a methodological tool for supporting decisions on implementing pedestrianization schemes in urban networks. A bi-level network design model variant is developed for that purpose, whose design objective is to maximize the extent of pedestrian streets in an urban network, while maintaining acceptable impacts to the performance of the road network. Alternative decisions on pedestrianization are considered for each network segment; these include partial (one-directional) or complete (bi-directional) pedestrianization under physical and operational criteria and constraints. The model is applied for a mid-sized urban network in Greece and solved using a genetic algorithm. Results show that the pedestrianization of almost 7% of the road network in relation to length leads to a 40% increase in total network travel time, while a higher ratio of complete versus partial pedestrianization is more advantageous. Outcomes also reveal that that rigid design guidelines should be examined in a case-by-case approach, as superior results may be attained if some constraints, such as those related to the overall street width, are relaxed. Reasonably, policy priorities significantly impact generated solutions and are expected to play a decisive role in the design of pedestrianization schemes.
Distinct Components of Photoperiodic Light Are Differentially Encoded by the Mammalian Circadian Clock
Authors: Tackenberg Michael C. , Hughey Jacob J. , McMahon Douglas G.
Published: June 2020

Seasonal light cycles influence multiple physiological functions and are mediated through photoperiodic encoding by the circadian system. Despite our knowledge of the strong connection between seasonal light input and downstream circadian changes, less is known about the specific components of seasonal light cycles that are encoded and induce persistent changes in the circadian system. Using combinations of 3 T cycles (23, 24, 26 h) and 2 photoperiods per T cycle (long and short, with duty cycles scaled to each T cycle), we investigate the after-effects of entrainment to these 6 light cycles. We measure locomotor behavior duration (α), period (τ), and entrained phase angle (ψ) in vivo and SCN phase distribution (σφ), τ, and ψ ex vivo to refine our understanding of critical light components for influencing particular circadian properties. We find that both photoperiod and T-cycle length drive determination of in vivo ψ but differentially influence after-effects in α and τ, with photoperiod driving changes in α and photoperiod length and T-cycle length combining to influence τ. Using skeleton photoperiods, we demonstrate that in vivo ψ is determined by both parametric and nonparametric components, while changes in α are driven nonparametrically. Within the ex vivo SCN, we find that ψ and σφ of the PER2∷LUCIFERASE rhythm follow closely with their likely behavioral counterparts (ψ and α of the locomotor activity rhythm) while also confirming previous reports of τ after-effects of gene expression rhythms showing negative correlations with behavioral τ after-effects in response to T cycles. We demonstrate that within-SCN σφ changes, thought to underlie α changes in vivo, are induced primarily nonparametrically. Taken together, our results demonstrate that distinct components of seasonal light input differentially influence ψ, α, and τ and suggest the possibility of separate mechanisms driving the persistent changes in circadian behaviors mediated by seasonal light.
Preparation and characterization of composites based on poly(lactic acid)/poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix and sisal fiber bundles: The effect of annealing process
Authors: Orue Ander , Anakabe Jon , Zaldua-Huici Ane Miren , Eceiza Arantxa , Arbelaiz Aitor
Published: June 2020

The interest on poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends has increased during the last years due to their promising properties. The novelty of the current work focuses on the preparation and characterization of biocomposites based on PLA/PMMA matrix and NaOH-treated sisal fibers. The effect of the addition of treated sisal fibers on the physico-mechanical properties of high polylactide content composites was studied. For this purpose, PLA/PMMA blend (80/20 wt%) was prepared by melt-blending and reinforced with different fiber contents. Although composites showed interesting specific tensile properties, the estimated heat deflection temperature (HDT), that is, the maximum temperature at which a polymer system can be used as a rigid material, barely increased 4°C respect to unreinforced system. After the annealing process, the HDT of the unreinforced polymer blend increased around 25°C, whereas the composites showed an increase of at least 38°C. Nonetheless, the specific tensile strength of composite decreased approximately 48% because the adhesion between fiber and polymer matrix was damaged and cracks were formed during annealing process.
Fabrication and investigation of the mechanical properties of PVC/carbon fiber/graphene nanocomposite pipes for oil and gas applications
Authors: Kiani Mehdi , Parvaneh Vali , Abbasi Mohammad , Dadrasi Ali
Published: June 2020

This article presents a novel plastic injection molding method for industrial manufacturing of polyvinyl chloride/carbon fiber/graphene (PVC/CF/Gr) nanocomposite pipes. In this method, the reprocessing cycles in the screw cylinder barrel and the fiber (embedded as the material) passes through the extruder lead to enhance Gr dispersion and orientation within the matrix. The mechanical properties of the manufactured nanocomposite pipes are evaluated through three standard tests, namely axial tension, axial compression, and transverse compression. From the experimental results, it is concluded that the second reprocessed PVC/CF/Gr composite demonstrates superior mechanical properties in comparison with the virgin composites. The results indicate an increase of 179% and 154% for Young’s modulus, along with an ultimate tensile strength at 2-wt% Gr with two reprocessing iterations in the cylinder barrel, respectively. Improvement in the mechanical properties of the PVC/CF/Gr composite produced by melt reprocessing could be due to strong interfacial interactions between the polymer matrix and the fibers.
Nanocarbon and macrocarbonaceous filler–reinforced epoxy/polyamide: A review
Authors: Kausar Ayesha
Published: June 2020

Epoxy is a thermosetting polymer and an engineering material for structural and composite applications. However, pure epoxy has disadvantages of stiffness and low toughness properties, so limiting its practical uses. Polyamide is an important thermoplastic polymer for commercial uses. Epoxy has been blended with polyamide (thermoplastic polymer) to enhance the toughness and mechanical properties. Consequently, epoxy/polyamide blend matrix has been developed for composite applications. Incorporation of carbonaceous nanoparticles in epoxy/polyamide blend has been used to improve the morphological and physical properties of these materials. This review describes scientific development in the field of epoxy/polyamide-based nanocomposite and composites. Epoxy/polyamide materials have been reinforced with micro- and macroscale carbonaceous fillers such as graphene, carbon nanotube, nanodiamond, carbon black, carbon fiber, and hybrid fillers. The strength, modulus, toughness, electrical, conductivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability properties of epoxy/polyamide have been influenced through the incorporation of nanofillers. The fundamentals and applications (coatings, adhesives, electronics, radiation shielding, automotive/aerospace) of these materials have been discussed. Toward the end, applications, future, and challenges of epoxy/polyamide-based nanocomposites have been comprehended.
Evaluating the Data Quality of a National Sample of Young Sexual and Gender Minorities Recruited Using Social Media: The Influence of Different Design Formats
Authors: Stern Michael J. , Fordyce Erin , Carpenter Rachel , Viox Melissa Heim , Michaels Stuart , Harper Christopher , Johns Michelle M. , Dunville Richard
Published: June 2020

Social media recruitment is no longer an uncharted avenue for survey research. The results thus far provide evidence of an engaging means of recruiting hard-to-reach populations. Questions remain, however, regarding whether the data collected using this method of recruitment produce quality data. This article assesses one aspect that may influence the quality of data gathered through nonprobability sampling using social media advertisements for a hard-to-reach sexual and gender minority youth population: recruitment design formats. The data come from the Survey of Today’s Adolescent Relationships and Transitions, which used a variety of forms of advertisements as survey recruitment tools on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Results demonstrate that design decisions such as the format of the advertisement (e.g., video or static) and the use of eligibility language on the advertisements impact the quality of the data as measured by break-off rates and the use of nonsubstantive responses. Additionally, the type of device used affected the measures of data quality.
Validation case for supersonic boundary layer and turbulent aero-optical investigation in high-Reynolds-number freestream by WCNS-E-5
Authors: Sun Xi-Wan , Liu Wei
Published: June 2020

Turbulent flat-plate boundary layer flows have been widely employed for numerical validation in the aero-optical field. In present study, the laminar-to-turbulent evolution induced by wavy roughness in high-Reynolds-number supersonic freestream is investigated using a numerical technique based on the fifth-order weighted compact nonlinear scheme (WCNS-E-5). The computational procedure and post-processing method are described in detail, and the acquired instantaneous flow structure and statistical data are compared with other theoretical, experimental, and numerical results to demonstrate the feasibility of predicting turbulence using WCNS-E-5. Further, to reduce the computational resources required to simulate turbulent flow, a velocity correlation function is introduced to decrease the computational domain in the spanwise direction. Additionally, the effects of different grid sizes on the simulation results are examined by reducing the number of cells in the streamwise, wall-normal, and spanwise directions. Finally, the authors conduct a tentative investigation into the aero-optical effects of the laminar-to-turbulent flowfield using a ray-tracing method, considering both the feasibility of aero-optical detection and the effect of grid scale on the time-averaged imaging quality, as well as a deeper probe into the characteristic structures reflected by aero-optical frequency spectrum. The results elucidated that the wall-normal grid number has the strongest influence on the transitional location, and undoubtedly affects wavefront aberrations. However, different gird scales lead to similar aero-optical spectrum, and revealed the Kolmogorov-type turbulence at small-scale regime. As a prelude to further aero-optical simulations of wall-bounded flows, the current study provides some reference for the code validation process and aero-optical interrogation.
Holocene fish assemblages provide baseline data for the rapidly changing eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Agiadi Konstantina , Albano Paolo G
Published: June 2020

The eastern Mediterranean marine ecosystem is undergoing massive modification due to biological invasions, overfishing, habitat deterioration, and climate warming. Our ability to quantify these changes is severely hindered by the lack of an appropriate baseline; most ecological datasets date back a few decades only and show already strong signatures of impact. Surficial death assemblages (DAs) offer an alternative data source that provides baseline information on community structure and composition. In this study, we reconstruct the marine fish fauna of the southern shallow Israeli shelf before the opening of the Suez Canal based on fish otoliths. We quantify the age of the otolith DAs by radiocarbon dating, and describe its taxonomic composition, geographic affinity, and trophic structure. Additionally, we test by radiocarbon dating the hypothesis that Bregmaceros, a presumed Lessepsian invader with continuous presence in the Mediterranean throughout the late Cenozoic, is a relict species. The otolith DA dates back to the mid-Holocene because 75% of the dated otoliths of the native species are older than the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, suggesting that the DA is a proper baseline for quantifying modern impacts. Consistently, 97% of the otoliths and 88% of the species we collected belong to native Mediterranean species. The native anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus dominates the DAs, although gobiids are the most diverse group (14 species, 28%). The DAs show similar trophic structure to present-day pristine Mediterranean coastal fish assemblages. Two non-indigenous species are recorded here for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, Amblygobius albimaculatus and Callogobius sp., highlighting the importance of DAs for detecting non-indigenous species. Finally, Bregmaceros otoliths are modern, not supporting the previous hypothesis that the taxon is a Pleistocene relict.
Evaluation in the age of evidence-based policymaking: Promises, pitfalls and paths forward
Authors: VanLandingham Gary
Published: June 2020

Evaluators have long sought a world in which our work makes a tangible difference to society, but that goal has often seemed out of reach. However, in recent years, advocates have proclaimed an era of evidence-based policymaking in which the What Works data generated by evaluations will be increasingly used to inform programme and policy choices. Four primary factors have been critical to the rise of this approach – attaining a critical mass of curated What Works’ evidence, growing interest among political leaders in considering this information when making choices, new budgetary mechanisms for using these data and new tools that facilitate rigorous outcome studies. However, the movement also faces critical challenges including the growing distrust of empirical data among some political factions, leaks in the evaluation pipeline that generates data to identify What Works and the replication failure of many evidence-based interventions. The evaluation field should support this movement through efforts to plug leaks in the evidence pipeline, stronger efforts to assess implementation challenges, training students in evidence-based approaches and assisting in outreach to policymakers.
Design and experimental study of rotary-type energy harvester
Authors: Narolia Tejkaran , Gupta Vijay K , Parinov IA
Published: June 2020

A rotary-type energy harvester for the applications having space restrictions has been designed and developed to harvest the energy from rotary motion system. The rotation kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy through a lead zirconate titanate patch, which is strained by magnetic force. Most of the researchers used d31 mode of the piezoelectric material of such conversion. Some researchers have explored d33 mode harvester with piezo patch along the circumferential direction. In this article, d33 mode of harvesting with radial direction piezo patch has been proposed. Mathematical and finite element models are developed to calculate the harvested energy. The results are experimentally verified. The average output power of 14.48 nW is generated corresponding to the magnetic force of 0.3126 N and rotational speed of 2100 r/min. The results from the mathematical and finite element models are observed to be consistent with the experimental results. Such harvester will be useful for the applications having space limitations such as self-power generation in an artillery shell and rotary projectile.
Computational study on aerodynamically coupled piezoelectric harvesters
Authors: Roccia Bruno A , Verstraete Marcos L , Ceballos Luis R , Balachandran Balakumar , Preidikman Sergio
Published: June 2020

In this work, the authors present a two-dimensional computational model for predicting the aeroelastic response as well as the output power of vertically arranged harvesters by taking into account all aerodynamic interactions. The piezo-aeroelastic framework consists of the following: (1) an aerodynamic model based on the unsteady vortex-lattice method to compute the aerodynamic forces; (2) a discrete parameter model for each harvester with 3 degrees of freedom (plunge motion, pitch motion, and the voltage generated by the piezoelectric effect); (3) an inter-model connection to exchange information between models at each time step; and (4) a numerical scheme based on the Hamming’s fourth-order predictor–corrector method to integrate all the governing equations in the time domain. The results obtained allow us to infer new insights into the flutter onset as well as the post-critical behavior of harvester arrangements. An interesting finding is that the flutter speed is significantly decreased as the distance between the harvesters is reduced. The results suggest the strong possibility of effective energy extraction at low flow speeds using properly distributed harvester arrangements. However, in post-critical conditions, the output power is significantly enhanced as the free-stream speed is increased.
Aggressive multiple sclerosis (2): Treatment
Authors: Arrambide Georgina , Iacobaeus Ellen , Amato Maria Pia , Derfuss Tobias , Vukusic Sandra , Hemmer Bernhard , Brundin Lou , Tintore Mar ,   for the 2018 ECTRIMS Focused Workshop Group, Berger Joseph , Boyko Alexey , Brinar Vesna , Brownlee Wallace , Ciccarelli Olga , Coles Alasdair , Correale Jorge , Cutter Gary , Edan Gilles , Evangelou Nikolaos , Fernandez Oscar , Frederiksen Jette , Gold Ralf , Hacohen Yael , Hartung Hans-Peter , Hellwig Kerstin , Hillert Jan , Imitola Jaime , Kalincik Tomas , Kappos Ludwig , Khoury Samia , Kim Ho Jin , Havrdová Eva Kubala , Liblau Roland , Lycke Jan , Montalban Xavier , Muraro Paolo , Reingold Stephen , Schmierer Klaus , Sellebjerg Finn , Sørensen Per Soelberg , Solari Alessandra , Sormani Maria Pia , Thompson Alan , Trapp Bruce , Tremlett Helen , Trojano Maria , Tur Carmen , Uccelli Antonio , van Pesch Vincent , Waubant Emmanuelle
Published: June 2020

The natural history of multiple sclerosis (MS) is highly heterogeneous. A subgroup of patients has what might be termed aggressive MS. These patients may have frequent, severe relapses with incomplete recovery and are at risk of developing greater and permanent disability at the earlier stages of the disease. Their therapeutic window of opportunity may be narrow, and while it is generally considered that they will benefit from starting early with a highly efficacious treatment, a unified definition of aggressive MS does not exist and data on its treatment are largely lacking. Based on discussions at an international focused workshop sponsored by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), we review our current knowledge about treatment of individuals with aggressive MS. We analyse the available evidence, identify gaps in knowledge and suggest future research needed to fill those gaps. A companion paper details the difficulties in developing a consensus about what defines aggressive MS.
Race matters in criminology: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Parmar Alpa , Earle Rod , Phillips Coretta
Published: June 2020

As race scholars and criminologists we are attuned to Du Bois’s (2007: 106) still meaningful injunction to ‘oppose this national racket of railroading to jails and chain gangs the poor, the friendless and the Black’. Yet we have become concerned that criminology seems rather inured to the long-standing and deeply entrenched patterns of race and criminal justice which characterize many high-income countries, and certainly England and Wales and Australia, which are the geographical focus of this Special Issue of Theoretical Criminology.
Addiction stigma and the production of impediments to take-home naloxone uptake
Authors: Fomiatti Renae , Farrugia Adrian , Fraser Suzanne , Dwyer Robyn , Neale Joanne , Strang John
Published: June 2020

Opioid overdose deaths are a major health issue in Australia and around the world. Programmes to provide opioid consumers with ‘take-home’ naloxone to reverse overdose exist internationally, but uptake by mainstream health services and consumers remains inconsistent. Researchers have identified a range of important educational, training and logistical impediments to take-home naloxone uptake and distribution, yet they have focused less on the social dynamics that can enhance or limit access, such as stigma. In this article, we also explore impediments to uptake, drawing on qualitative interview data gathered for an Australian research project on take-home naloxone. Mobilising a performative approach to stigma, we argue that overdose and prevention are shaped by the social dynamics of stigma and, as such, responsibility for dealing with overdose, as with take-home naloxone, should also be considered social (i.e. shared among peers, the public, communities and governments). Our interview data illuminate the various ways in which addiction stigma limits the possibilities and capacities of take-home naloxone and overdose prevention. First, we focus on how stigma may impede professional information provision about take-home naloxone by limiting the extent to which it is presented as a matter of interest for all opioid consumers, not just those who consume opioids illicitly. Second, we explore how stigma may limit the scale-up and expansion of programmes and access points. From here, we focus on how stigma co-constitutes the politics of overdose and prevention, rendering take-home naloxone ill-suited to many social settings of overdose. In closing, we point out that stigma is not just a post hoc impediment to access to and use of take-home naloxone but is central to opioid overdose production itself, and to effective prevention. While take-home naloxone is an excellent life-saving initiative, uncritically valorising it may divert attention from broader goals, such as the de-stigmatisation of drug consumption through decriminalisation, and other ambitious attempts to reduce overdose.
How ordinary child language acquisition processes can lead to the unusual outcome of a mixed language
Authors: O’Shannessy Carmel
Published: June 2020

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study is to examine the language processing mechanisms involved when young children bring structural innovations into their community way of speaking, as part of conventionalising code-switching practices to become a mixed language.

Approach:

The study takes a qualitative approach to the analysis of child language acquisition and adult speech data in two contexts.

Data and Analysis:

The study analyses naturalistic and spontaneous speech data of children and adults speaking the mixed language, Light Warlpiri, and adults older than that age group who do not speak the new mixed language. It compares an innovative auxiliary form in Light Warlpiri to child non-target speech in English with data taken from the Child Language Data Exchange System corpus.

Findings:

The findings are that the Light Warlpiri-speaking children used processes of re-analysis that are commonly found in child first language acquisition in other contexts to re-analyse elements of the verbal input, but because of the sociolinguistic context they created an innovative structure.

Originality:

The study is the first to directly compare processes of innovation in language contact with those of non-target structures in monolingual child language acquisition, identifying the same processes in each. It is also the first to show that a dramatic structural change from a linguistic perspective may be a small, incremental change from a child learner’s perspective.

Significance/Implications:

The significance of the study is that until now processes of innovation in language contact situations have been thought by many to differ in quality from those in monolingual child language acquisition contexts. This study shows that the child language acquisition processes are the same in each situation, but different sociolinguistic contexts lead to different outcomes for the communities’ ways of speaking. It also shows that children do not bring in new structure that is not motivated by their input; rather, they make small changes to the input they receive.
Dynamic performances of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete–strengthened concrete columns subjected to blast impacts
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Yuan Wancheng , Feng Ruiwei , Guo Junjun , Dang Xinzhi
Published: June 2020

Normal functionality of common concrete structures such as bridges and buildings relies heavily on the structural resistance under accidental or anthropogenic blast events. As one of the widely used structural types, reinforced concrete columns need to be highly considered when blast events occur to avoid severe socio-economic losses. To improve the blast–impact resistance of conventional reinforced concrete columns, this article makes the following contributions: (1) proposes to adopt the advanced ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete to strengthen the columns as a protective layer; (2) validates the superiority of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete–strengthened columns through comparative study and specifies the controlling design parameters through sensitivity analysis; (3) implements and compares various ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete reinforcement methods; and (4) develops a numerical formula to predict the residual capacity of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete–strengthened columns under blast impacts as a suitable alternate of the complicated and time-consuming finite element simulations.
Gatekeeping, ideological affinity and journalistic translation
Authors: Valdeón Roberto A
Published: June 2020

This article studies the role of translation as a first-level gatekeeping mechanism in news production. Contrary to previous views that translation was secondary for the selection and dissemination of news events, it is posited that the translational activity reflects the decisions made by news media, particularly, in the case of services in languages aimed at non-native audiences. The article is structured as follows. First, it surveys the concepts of gatekeeping and ideological affinity with regard to news translation. Then a research question concerning the reporting of the Catalan secessionist crisis in Spain is presented. This will serve to examine how translation functions as a gatekeeping mechanism. The corpus selected for the analysis comprises the Spanish articles and English versions posted by El País in the 3 months prior and the 3 months posterior to the simultaneous appointments of Spain’s new Prime Minister and of the new editor of El País. This coincidence constitutes a unique opportunity to delve into the relationship between translation and gatekeeping. The findings show that the ideological affinity between the political leader and the editor may have prompted a significant change in the way the Catalan crisis was reported, particularly in the translated versions.
Children and Crime: In the Moment
Authors: Haines Kevin , Case Stephen , Smith Roger , Joe Laidler Karen , Hughes Nathan , Webster Colin , Goddard Tim , Deakin Jo , Johns Diana , Richards Kelly , Gray Patricia
Published: June 2020

Traditional approaches to understanding and responding to children and crime are fundamentally based on ‘miniaturised’ adult models. The assumption appears to be that children are adults in the making, essentially just smaller, developing versions of grown-ups. This view of children is increasingly being challenged. Children are not simply putative adults, they are different, distinct and developing. This article sets out to explore the notion that children essentially think and behave ‘in the moment’. The implications of this for our understanding of children and crime are also explored.
Method for removing temperature effect in impedance-based structural health monitoring systems using polynomial regression
Authors: Gianesini Bárbara M , Cortez Nicolás E , Antunes Rothschild A , Vieira Filho Jozue
Published: June 2020

Structural health monitoring systems are employed to evaluate the state of structures to detect damage, bringing economical and safety benefits. The electromechanical impedance technique is a promising damage detection tool since it evaluates structural integrity by only measuring the electrical impedance of piezoelectric transducers bonded to structures. However, in real-world applications, impedance-based damage detection systems exhibit strong temperature dependence; therefore, variations associated with temperature changes may be confused as damage. In this article, the temperature effect on the electrical impedance of piezoelectric ceramics attached to structures is analyzed. Besides, a new methodology to compensate for the temperature effect in the electromechanical impedance technique is proposed. The method is very general since it can be applied to nonlinear (polynomial) temperature and/or frequency dependences observed on the horizontal and vertical shifts of the impedance signatures. A computer algorithm that performs the compensation was developed, which can be easily incorporated into real-time damage detection systems. This compensation technique is applied successfully to two aluminum beams and one steel pipe, minimizing the effect of temperature variations on damage detection structural health monitoring systems in the temperature range from −40°C to 80°C and the frequency range from 10 to 90 kHz.
MicroRNA-96-5p Facilitates the Viability, Migration, and Invasion and Suppresses the Apoptosis of Cervical Cancer Cells byNegatively Modulating SFRP4
Authors: Zhang Huiling , Chen Ruxin , Shao Jinyan
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

The current study was intended to research the functional role and regulatory mechanism of microRNA-96-5p in the progression of cervical cancer.

Methods:

MicroRNA-96-5p expression in cervical cancer tissues was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The association between microRNA-96-5p expression and clinicopathological features of patients with cervical cancer was analyzed. MTT, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assay were performed to evaluate the viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of Hela and SiHa cells. Targetscan, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, and RNA pull-down analysis were constructed to evaluate the target relationship between microRNA-96-5p and secreted frizzled-related protein 4.

Results:

MicroRNA-96-5p was overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues, and microRNA-96-5p expression was markedly associated with the clinical stage and lymph node metastasis of patients with cervical cancer. Overexpressed microRNA-96-5p facilitated the viability, migration, invasion, and inhibited the apoptosis of Hela and SiHa cells, whereas suppression of microRNA-96-5p exerted the opposite trend. Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 was proved to be a target of microRNA-96-5p. Silencing of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 eliminated the anti-tumor effect of microRNA-96-5p on cervical cancer cells.

Conclusions:

MicroRNA-96-5p facilitated the viability, migration, and invasion and inhibited the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells via negatively regulating secreted frizzled-related protein 4.