bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
World Class Aspirations, Urban Informality, and Poverty Politics: A North–South Comparison
Authors: Sheppard Eric , Sparks Tony , Leitner Helga
Published: January 2020

Under the influence of the discourses and practices of global neoliberal urbanism, municipal administrations worldwide aspire to make their cities world class spaces, where informality is an anachronism and poverty can be made history. In this essay, drawing on fieldwork conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia, San Francisco (California), and Seattle (Washington), we address the question of how a geographic relational poverty approach can help us understand, or at least expand ways of thinking about these processes by attending to urban informality and the politics of poverty. Informality, a pervasive feature of the global South and North, functions as a survival strategy whereby the monetarily poor can compensate for their lack of income through commoning. Market‐driven, state underwritten urban development initiatives for housing those with wealth is limiting the conditions of possibility for the monetarily poor, and informality. This is compounded by emergent political discourses rendering informality as inappropriate, and the monetarily poor as undeserving of a right to the city. Yet long‐standing more‐than‐capitalist and communal informal practices pursued by the urban poor remain effective and necessary survival strategies, supporting residents whose presence is necessary to the city and whose practices challenge capitalist norms.
Cellular plasticity: A mechanism for homeostasis in the kidney
Authors: Assmus Adrienne M. , Mullins John J. , Brown Cara M. , Mullins Linda J.
Published: January 2020

Cellular plasticity is a topical subject with interest spanning a wide range of fields from developmental biology to regenerative medicine. Even the nomenclature is a subject of debate, and the underlying mechanisms are still under investigation. On top of injury repair, cell plasticity is a constant physiological process in adult organisms and tissues, in response to homeostatic challenges. In this review we discuss two examples of plasticity for the maintenance of homeostasis in the renal system—namely the renin‐producing juxtaglomerular cells (JG cells) and cortical collecting duct (CCD) cells. JG cells show plasticity through recruitment mechanisms, answering the demand for an increase in renin production. In the CCD, cells appear to have the ability to transdifferentiate between principal and intercalated cells to help maintain the highly regulated solute transport levels of that segment. These two cases highlight the complexity of plasticity processes and the role they can play in the kidney.
Immediate implant placement and provisionalization: Aesthetic outcome 1 year after implant placement. A prospective clinical multicenter study
Authors: Groenendijk Edith , Staas Tristan Ariaan , Bronkhorst Ewald , Raghoebar Gerry Max , Meijer Gert Jacobus
Published: January 2020

Background

Prospective aesthetic outcomes on a high number of patients after immediate implant placement and provisionalization (IIPP) are lacking.

Purpose

To analyze the aesthetic outcome after IIPP.

Materials and Methods

One hundred consecutive patients with a failing maxillary incisor were provided with an immediately placed and provisionalized nonloaded implant using a flapless procedure and palatal implant positioning. The remaining gap buccally was filled with a bone substitute. Preoperatively (T0), 2 weeks postoperatively (T1), direct after placement of the permanent crown (T2), and 1 year after IIPP (T3), standardized light photographs were made. Change in aesthetic score was the primary outcome measure. Both the white aesthetic score (WES) and pink aesthetic score (PES) were used.

Results

In the first year postsurgery, the mean total‐WES and total‐PES scores raised from 4.5 to 8.2, and from 9.9 to 12.1, respectively. The mean PES scores for mesial and distal papilla, soft tissue marginal level, contour, color, and texture, raised significantly (P < .05), while the alveolar process contour, on average, remained stable from T0 to T3.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this 1‐year research, it may be concluded that, following this minimal invasive IIPP procedure, a high aesthetic outcome was achieved.
Sinus floor elevation or referral for further diagnosis and therapy: A comparison of maxillary sinus assessment by ENT specialists and dentists using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Janner Simone F. M. , Dubach Patrick , Suter Valerie G. A. , Caversaccio Marco D. , Buser Daniel , Bornstein Michael M.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To compare ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists and dentists assessing health or pathology of maxillary sinuses using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Material and methods

Two ENT specialists and two oral surgeons assessed 100 CBCT datasets of healthy patients referred for dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla and decided on the possibility of sinus floor elevation or the necessity for further diagnostic examinations based solely on radiographic findings. Inter‐rater agreements within the same specialty were calculated with Cohen's kappa and overall agreements with Fleiss kappa, and factors influencing the decisions taken were evaluated using regression analyses.

Results

The correlation between all four raters was generally fair to moderate. The intra‐specialty comparison showed a lower correlation between dentists than between ENT specialists. Absence of membrane thickening and total or subtotal sinus opacification showed the highest predictive value for a consensus in favor of sinus floor elevation and ENT referral, respectively. Flat membrane thickening with an irregular surface morphology was associated with disagreement between the examiners. Dome‐shaped membrane thickenings were often considered as to be referred by dentists but not by ENTs.

Conclusion

The assessment of maxillary sinuses using CBCT imaging exhibited unsatisfactory agreement between ENT specialists and oral surgeons. Referral guidelines based on accidental CBCT findings that aim to diagnose relevant sinus pathologies early and avoid unnecessary diagnostics and/or therapies are needed, and an initial proposal for such recommendations is provided. Further research on correct interpretation of sinus findings and a validation of the present recommendations are required.
Intelligent document‐filling system on mobile devices by document classification and electronization
Authors: Lu Jing , Wu Shihong , Xiang Zhiyu , Cheng Hanlei
Published: January 2020

Both of an automatic classification method for original documents based on image feature and a layout analysis method based on rule hypothesis tree are proposed. Then an intelligent document‐filling system by electronizing the original documents, which can be applied to cellphones and pads is designed. When users are filling documents online, information can be automatically input to the financial information system merely by taking photos of the original documents. By this means can not only save time but also ensure the accuracy between the data online and that on the original documents. Experiments show that the accuracy of document classification is 88.38%, the accuracy of document‐filling is 87.22%, and it takes 5.042 seconds dealing with per document. The system can be applied to financial, government, libraries, electric power, enterprises and many other industries, which has high economic and application value.
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy: Insights on pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: Lee Felicity , Nair Vidhya , Chih Sharon
Published: January 2020

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a unique accelerated form of coronary vascular disease affecting heart transplant recipients. This complication is a significant contributor to medium‐ to long‐term post‐transplant morbidity and mortality. There is a high prevalence of CAV with approximately one in three patients developing CAV by 5 years post‐transplant. Morphologically, CAV is characterized by concentric coronary intimal hyperplasia in both the epicardial arteries and intramural microvasculature. Although several immune and non‐immune factors have been identified, their precise pathogenic mechanisms, interactions, and relative importance in the development of CAV are not well defined. The advent of improved imaging surveillance modalities has resulted in earlier detection during the disease process. However, overall management of CAV remains challenging due to paucity of treatment. This review aims to discuss key concepts on the pathogenesis of CAV and current management strategies, focusing on the use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors.
Could vaping help lower smoking rates in Australia?
Authors: Mendelsohn Colin , Hall Wayne , Borland Ron
Published: January 2020

In this brief article, we review the evidence on whether easier access to vaping could help lower smoking rates in Australia. To make a convincing case for vaping the following conditions need to be met: that vaping assists in smoking cessation; that the prevalence of vaping is high enough to produce measurable effects at a population level; and that the decline in smoking prevalence is slower in countries where vaping is less common. The evidence suggests that these criteria are satisfied.
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO? CAREER CHOICES FOR YOUNG WORKERS IN LATIN AMERICA
Authors: Rucci Graciana , Saltiel Fernando , Urzúa Sergio
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the first estimates of the returns to formal labor market experience and tenure in a developing country context. We take advantage of rich matched employer–employee data from Brazil and Chile, exploiting job displacement as a source of identification. We find positive returns to both dimensions in these countries, with larger returns to tenure in Brazil and larger returns to experience in Chile. Our findings suggest the more rigid Brazilian labor legislation may encourage firms to invest in young workers' specific skills. Chile's institutions, on the contrary, might promote the acquisition of general skills. (JEL J24, J31, M50)
Can simple physicochemical studies predict the effects of molecules on epidermal water‐impermeable barrier function?
Authors: Denda Mitsuhiro , Umino Yuki , Kumazawa Noriyuki , Nakata Satoshi
Published: January 2020

Improvement of the water‐impermeable barrier function of skin is clinically important, because barrier abnormality is associated with various skin diseases, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. We have shown that topical application of fatty acids, sex hormones, hexoses, polyols and polymers influences barrier homeostasis, but the effects are highly dependent on even small variations of molecular structure. Moreover, the effects appear within one hour after application and thus are likely to be non‐genomic (physicochemical) phenomena. Secretion of lipids from lamellar bodies into the intercellular space between stratum granulosum and stratum corneum is a crucial step in epidermal water‐impermeable barrier homeostasis, especially at the early stage of barrier recovery after damage, and phase transition of the lipid lamellar structure in the epidermis is an important part of this process. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of the above molecules on the physicochemical properties of phospholipid monolayers and liposomes as models of the lamellar body membrane and cell membrane. Molecules that influenced the barrier recovery process also altered the stability of liposomes and the air‐water surface pressure of phospholipid monolayers. Studies using attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT‐IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry suggested that molecules influencing barrier recovery interact specifically with phospholipids. The idea that molecules interacting with phospholipids may influence barrier homeostasis should open up new approaches to the treatment of a variety of skin diseases.
Checking the pulse of the major commercial fisheries of lake Victoria Kenya, for sustainable management
Authors: Aura Christopher Mulanda , Nyamweya Chrisphine S. , Owili Monica , Gichuru Nicholas , Kundu Rodrick , Njiru James M. , Ntiba Micheni Japhet
Published: January 2020

The present study demonstrates the declining state of the major commercial fisheries of Lake Victoria, Kenya, a situation threatening sustainability of the lake's fishery. Data in the present study were derived from resource monitoring programmes that included hydro‐acoustics (2009–2018), trawl net fishing (2011–2018), frame surveys (2000–2016) and catch assessment surveys (2000–2015). The activities provided information on fish stocks and supported advice for fisheries management. The average fish stock densities for Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya of 8.92, 8.25 and 8.19 t/km2, respectively, were relatively similar. Diplomatic and sustainable efforts for harmony in fish harvesting among the fishers of the riparian countries are encouraged given the interdependence of the lake. The Kenyan and River Kagera regions had a higher proportion (≈ 4% each) of big‐sized Nile perch (≥50 cm total length) in 2018, signifying the critical breeding areas for Nile perch. To sustain the fishery, there is need to enforce a 36%–44% effort reduction for all the major fisheries, and enforcement of gear limits to avoid harvesting of immature fish and destruction of the lake ecosystem.
FGFR1 is associated with c‐MYC and proangiogenic molecules in metastatic renal cell carcinoma under anti‐angiogenic therapy
Authors: Park Jee Young , Kim Pil‐Jong , Shin Su‐Jin , Lee Jae‐Lyun , Cho Yong Mee , Go Heounjeong
Published: January 2020

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological significance of FGFR1 and c‐MYC expression, particularly in relation to angiogenesis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC).

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation were conducted with tissue microarrays from 91 metastatic CCRCC patients who received VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR‐TKIs). The expression of angiogenic molecules, FGFR1 and c‐MYC, and tumoral vascular density (TVD) and mRNA expression and TVD of 533 CCRCCs in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analysed. FGFR1, pFGFR1 and c‐MYC expression was observed in 29.1, 74.4 and 30.8% of tumours, respectively. FGFR1high was an independent worse prognostic factor for overall (HR = 1.871, P = 0.032) and progression‐free (HR = 1.976, P = 0.016) survival. FGFR1high was significantly related to VEGFR‐TKI responsiveness (P = 0.011). The presence of FGFR1high/c‐MYChigh showed a positive correlation with proangiogenic markers, including VEGF (P = 0.018) and HIF‐1α (P < 0.0001). FGFR1high/c‐MYChigh tumours showed higher TVDs together with higher VEGFR2 and PDGFR‐β expression (both P < 0.0001). FGFR1 and c‐MYC expression was also positively correlated with the expression of hypoxia‐related and proangiogenic‐related genes in the TCGA data.

Conclusions

FGFR1 and c‐MYC may be involved in tumour angiogenesis and FGFR1 may represent a promising therapeutic target in metastatic CCRCC.
Greater caries‐free survival of first permanent molars: Findings from a 7‐year follow‐up evaluation of a community‐based oral health preventive program
Authors: Escobar‐Rojas Alfonso , Rojas‐Gualdrón Diego Fernando , Martínez Cecilia María , Santos‐Pinto Lourdes , Restrepo Manuel
Published: January 2020

Background

The occlusal surface of the first permanent molar is the most frequently affected site by dental caries.

Aim

To assess the caries‐free survival of first permanent molars in children participating in a community‐based oral health preventive program.

Design

This was a retrospective study conducted on 426 children under 12 years of age, beneficiaries of a preventive program from 2009 to 2015, in El Cedro, Colombia. The program offered oral health care education, supervised brushing and mouth washing, and application of topical fluoride. By using parametric survival models for interval‐censored data, primary and secondary caries‐free survival of any first permanent molar was estimated and analyzed.

Results

Before program implementation, dental caries lesions presented at an average age, adjusted by age of eruption, of 8.3 years for primary caries lesion and 9.3 years for secondary caries lesion. After 7 years of the program, the estimated average age for presenting primary dental caries lesion was delayed by 4.6 years and by 5.3 years for secondary caries.

Conclusion

The implementation of the oral health program led to improved caries‐free survival of first permanent molars.
Unpredictable times: the extent, characteristics and correlates of insecure hours of work in Britain
Authors: Felstead Alan , Gallie Duncan , Green Francis , Henseke Golo
Published: January 2020

This article presents new British evidence that suggests that cutting working hours at short notice is twice as prevalent as zero‐hours contracts and triple the number of employees are very anxious about unexpected changes to their hours of work. The pay of these employees tends to be lower, work intensity higher, line management support weaker and the threat of dismissal and job loss greater. In addition, the well‐being of these employees is lower and they are less committed to the organisations that employ them. However, the prevalence of insecure working hours is reduced by workplace level employee involvement exercised individually or through collective representation.
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of nanoscale coatings on SrAl2O4‐based phosphor powders to prevent aqueous degradation
Authors: Karacaoglu Erkul , Öztürk Esra , Uyaner Mesut , Losego Mark D.
Published: January 2020

The aqueous degradation of Eu2+‐activated and Dy3+‐codoped strontium aluminate (SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+, SA2‐Green) long afterglow phosphors synthesized from solid‐state reaction and coated with nanoscale metal oxide protective layers (≤12 nm) via atomic layer deposition (ALD) is investigated. Uncoated phosphor powders degrade rapidly upon water immersion and lose their green phosphorescence within 48 hours of water exposure. Postmortem investigations reveal hydration and decomposition of the SrAl2O4 phase. ALD of ~10 nm Al2O3 or ~12 nm TiO2 is found to significantly improve the powder's resistance to aqueous degradation. All ALD‐coated powders show minimal structural and chemical degradation and retain phosphoresence after 48 hours of water immersion. This enhanced durability offers a new pathway for applying long afterglow phosphors to outdoor applications like roadway markings or safety signage and for their incorporation into more eco‐friendly waterborne coatings.
Thermal properties and performance of carbon fiber‐based ultra‐high temperature ceramic matrix composites (Cf‐UHTCMCs)
Authors: Rubio Virtudes , Ramanujam Prabhu , Cousinet Sylvain , LePage Giles , Ackerman Terry , Hussain Azad , Brown Peter , Dautremonte Isabelle , Binner Jon
Published: January 2020

The thermophysical properties of carbon fiber‐based ultra‐high temperature ceramic matrix composites have been determined to aid designers who need these properties when considering using the composites in ultra‐high temperature aerospace applications. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and thermal diffusivity of the composites were measured parallel and perpendicular to the ply direction; the thermal conductivity was measured using the laser‐flash method and the heat capacity calculated from the relationship between the thermal diffusivity, density, and thermal conductivity. Both the CTE and thermal conductivity showed higher values across the ply and increased with increasing temperature as expected, whilst the thermal diffusivity showed higher values parallel to the ply and increased smoothly with temperature. In addition, two different but related oxyfuel torch tests, based on oxyacetylene and oxypropane, were used to evaluate the thermo‐ablation behavior of the composites. The tests showed how good the composites were at withstanding the ultra‐high temperatures, high heat fluxes, and gas velocities involved.
Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate protects against Aβ‐induced cell toxicity through regulating Aβ process
Authors: Zhang Da‐Peng , Lu Xin‐Yi , He Si‐Chen , Li Wan‐Yan , Ao Ran , Leung Feona Chung‐Yin , Zhang Zhi‐Min , Chen Qu‐Bo , Zhang Shi‐Jie
Published: January 2020

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) has been reported to prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanism is still unknown. In this study, two in vitro models, Aβ‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells and SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells transfected with APPsw (SH‐SY5Y‐APPsw cells), were employed to investigate the neuroprotective of STS. The results revealed that pretreatment with STS (1, 10 and 100 µmol/L) for 24 hours could protect against Aβ (10 µmol/L)‐induced cell toxicity in a dose‐dependent manner in the SH‐SY5Y cells. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate decreased the concentrations of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, NO and iNOS, while increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the SH‐SY5Y cells. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate decreased the levels of inflammatory factors (IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α) in the SH‐SY5Y cells. In addition, Western blot results revealed that the expressions of neprilysin and insulin‐degrading enzyme were up‐regulated in the SH‐SY5Y cells after STS treatment. Furthermore, ELISA and Western blot results showed that STS could decrease the levels of Aβ. ELISA and qPCR results indicated that STS could increase α‐secretase (ADAM10) activity and decrease β‐secretase (BACE1) activity. In conclusion, STS could protect against Aβ‐induced cell damage by modulating Aβ degration and generation. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate could be a promising candidate for AD treatment.
Acral lentiginous melanoma: a single‐centre retrospective review of four decades in East‐Central Europe
Authors: Csányi I. , Houshmand N. , Szűcs M. , Ócsai H. , Kemény L. , Oláh J. , Baltás E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) occurs on the palms, soles and subungual surface and has poor prognosis. It is uncommon in the Caucasian population and has remained unreported in East‐Central Europe.

Objectives

Our aim was to collect data from East‐Central Europe by analysing the demographic and clinicopathologic features of patients with ALM and comparing data with the reports in literature.

Methods

We conducted a single‐centre, retrospective review between 1976 and 2016 at one of the largest melanoma referral centres in Hungary.

Results

We identified 176 patients with ALM (3.83%) from 4593 patients with melanoma (mean age: 66.2 years). The tumours were mainly located on the lower extremities (88.63%). The mean Breslow tumour thickness was 3.861 mm, 37.50% of the tumours were thicker than 4.00 mm, and 71.6% exhibited microscopic ulceration. Nearly one‐third of the patients underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, and 60.3% of the biopsies were positive for metastasis. The positive SLN status was associated with significantly thick tumours and reduced survival. Patients with ALM had 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates of 60.5% and 41.6%, respectively. The mean delay in diagnosis was 18 months after the discovery of skin tumours. In multivariate analyses, age, tumour thickness and distant metastasis were independent risk factors for poor survival (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study, which is the first single‐centre report in East‐Central Europe focusing on ALM, confirms that patient and tumour characteristics and prognostic factors are similar with previous literature data involving Caucasians; however, tumour thickness and survival suggest even worse prognosis.
Evolution of specialized microbial cooperation in dynamic fluids
Authors: Uppal Gurdip , Vural Dervis Can
Published: January 2020

Here, we study the evolution of specialization using realistic computer simulations of bacteria that secrete two public goods in a dynamic fluid. Through this first‐principles approach, we find physical factors such as diffusion, flow patterns and decay rates are as influential as fitness economics in governing the evolution of community structure, to the extent that when mechanical factors are taken into account, (a) generalist communities can resist becoming specialists despite the invasion fitness of specialization; (b) generalist and specialists can both resist cheaters despite the invasion fitness of free‐riding; and (c) multiple community structures can coexist despite the opposing force of competitive exclusion. Our results emphasize the role of spatial assortment and physical forces on niche partitioning and the evolution of diverse community structures.
“Rapid actions of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone on ovarian and hypothalamic steroidogenesis: Central and peripheral modulation”
Authors: Cáceres Antonella Rosario Ramona , Vega Orozco Adriana Soledad , Cabrera Ricardo Jorge , Laconi Myriam Raquel
Published: January 2020

The present study aimed to determine whether an i.c.v. administration of allopregnanolone (ALLO) rapidly modifies the hypothalamic and ovarian 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) enzymatic activity and gene expression in in vivo and ex vivo systems in pro‐oestrus (PE) and dioestrus I (DI) rats. Animals were injected with vehicle, ALLO, bicuculline or bicuculline plus ALLO and were then killed. In the in vivo experiment, the hypothalamus, ovaries and serum were extracted and analysed. In the ex vivo experiment, the superior mesenteric ganglion ‐ ovarian nerve plexus ‐ ovary system was extracted and incubated during 120 minutes at 37 ºC. The serum and ovarian compartment fluids were used to determine progesterone by radioimmunoanalysis. In the in vivo experiments, ALLO caused a decrease in hypothalamic and ovarian 3β‐HSD enzymatic activity during PE. During DI, ALLO increased hypothalamic and ovarian 3β‐HSD activity and gene expression. The ovarian 3β‐HSD activity increased in both stages in the ex vivo system; gene expression increased only during DI. ALLO induced an increase in serum progesterone only in D1 and in the ovarian incubation liquids in both stages. All findings were reversed by an injection of bicuculline before ALLO. Ovarian steroidogenic changes could be attributed to signals coming from ganglion neurones, which are affected by the acute central neurosteroid stimulation. The i.c.v. administration of ALLO via the GABAergic system altered 3β‐HSD activity and gene expression, modulating the neuroendocrine axis. The present study reveals the action that ALLO exerts on the GABAA receptor in both the central and peripheral nervous system and its relationship with hormonal variations. ALLO is involved in the “fine tuning” of neurosecretory functions as a potent modulator of reproductive processes in female rats.
Treatment of dermatosis papulosa nigra using a carbon dioxide laser
Authors: Furukawa Fumina , Mizawa Megumi , Shimizu Tadamichi
Published: January 2020

Background

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is characterized by the presence of multiple, small, hyperpigmented, warty papules affecting the face, neck, and trunk that bear to histological semblance to seborrheic keratosis. Although the lesions are benign tumors, they can cause distress for cosmetic reasons.

Objective

We, herein, report the cases of three female Japanese patients (mean age, 46 years) with DPN who were treated using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser with a computerized scanner. The patients were all suffering from an increased number of brown asymptomatic papules (size, 1‐5 mm), which were located all over the trunk. Histological examinations revealed acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and horn cyst formation in the epidermis.

Methods

We performed CO2 laser (LASER 30C; Lumenis Inc) treatment (settings: 8‐10 W; pulse duration, 0.05‐seconds; rest duration, 0.36 seconds; laser spot size, 1.2 mm) for 5‐10 months.

Results

With CO2 laser treatment, were could completely remove the lesions and achieve excellent cosmetic results without scar formation in all cases. The treated lesions did not relapse for more than 1 year.

Conclusion

In our opinion, CO2 laser treatment with a computerized scanner is an effective therapeutic option for DPN.
Effects of anthropogenic activities on macroinvertebrate assemblages in the littoral zone of Lake Hawassa, a tropical Rift Valley Lake in Ethiopia
Authors: Wondmagegn Tarekegn , Mengistou Seyoum
Published: January 2020

In developing tropical countries, the littoral region of lakes is exposed to high human pressures, and the degradation effects are more evident on riparian vegetation and macrophytes. Human impacts on other biological entities, such as plankton and macroinvertebrates, are rarely investigated and reported. The present study focuses on assessing the effects of habitat disturbance on the littoral macroinvertebrate assemblages in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia. Samples were taken from February to November 2015/16 from 12 sampling sites purposefully selected on the basis of percentage disturbance score (PDS) and categorized into minimally disturbed (four sites), moderately disturbed (five sites) and highly disturbed (three sites). Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from each site using a D‐frame net of 500 µm, with both in situ measurement and laboratory analysis of the environmental variables being conducted. A total of 23,051 macroinvertebrates belonging to 43 families were identified. Analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analyses revealed significantly different macroinvertebrate assemblages among the disturbance levels (ANOSIM: p = .004, R = .55). Variables such as Biological Monitoring Working Party, Shannon diversity index, Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera (ET) family richness, and family richness exhibited a flawless pattern of decrease with increasing human disturbances and a negative correlation with nutrients. The reduction of these metrics for highly disturbed sites was attributable to the deterioration of vegetation and bottom substrate qualities, increasing stormwater inputs, lack of buffer zones and well‐planned land use induced by human interventions. It was evident anthropogenic activities in and around the littoral zone of the lake contributed to the degradation of habitat quality and decreased macroinvertebrate richness and abundance. Thus, effective lake management practices are recommended to rehabilitate the degraded littoral habitat quality in order to realize the sustainable use of this natural resource.
FIB‐TEM analysis of cometary material in 10 Stardust foil craters
Authors: Haas Brendan A. , Floss Christine , Stroud Rhonda M. , Ogliore Ryan C.
Published: January 2020

Aluminum foils from the Stardust cometary dust collector contain impact craters formed during the spacecraft's encounter with comet 81P/Wild 2 and retain residues that are among the few unambiguously cometary samples available for laboratory study. Our study investigates four micron‐scale (1.8–5.2 μm) and six submicron (220–380 nm) diameter craters to better characterize the fine (<1 μm) component of comet Wild 2. We perform initial crater identification with scanning electron microscopy, prepare the samples for further analysis with a focused ion beam, and analyze the cross sections of the impact craters with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All of the craters are dominated by combinations of silicate and iron sulfide residues. Two micron‐scale craters had subregions that are consistent with spinel and taenite impactors, indicating that the micron‐scale craters have a refractory component. Four submicron craters contained amorphous residue layers composed of silicate and sulfide impactors. The lack of refractory materials in the submicron craters suggests that refractory material abundances may differentiate Wild 2 dust on the scale of several hundred nanometers from larger particles on the scale of a micron. The submicron craters are enriched in moderately volatile elements (S, Zn) when normalized to Si and CI chondrite abundances, suggesting that, if these craters are representative of the Wild 2 fine component, the Wild 2 fines were not formed by high‐temperature condensation. This distinguishes the comet's fine component from the large terminal particles in Stardust aerogel tracks which mostly formed in high‐temperature events.
Examining the associations between smartphone use and mother–infant bonding and family functioning: A survey design
Authors: Ali Reem A. , Alnuaimi Karimeh M. , Al‐Jarrah Imteyaz A.
Published: January 2020

Excessive smartphone use has been found to be associated with dysfunctional social and family relations. While most studies of this phenomenon have focused on adolescent and adult addiction, none has yet to focus on mothers with infants. This study examined the association of excessive smartphone use with mother–infant bonding, maternal mental health, and family functioning in Jordan. The predictive value of the study variables with respect to the level of smartphone use was evaluated. A descriptive correlational cross‐sectional survey design was used. A sample of 114 mothers with infants was interviewed in person and completed a web‐based questionnaire. Approximately 16% reported using smartphones 5 to 14 hours per day; 6.7% described themselves as smartphone addicts. The results suggest that excessive smartphone use may be linked to unhealthy family functioning. No associations were found between smartphone use and mother–infant bonding or maternal mental health. Raising awareness of this linkage and limiting smartphone use are recommended as precautionary measures. Although this study failed to find any association between smartphone use and mother–infant bonding, further studies using empirical methods might have better success.
Triosephosphate isomerase, carbonic anhydrase, and creatinine kinase‐brain isoform are possible antigen targets in patients with achalasia
Authors: Hernández‐Ramírez Diego F. , Olivares‐Martínez Elizabeth , Nuñez‐Álvarez Carlos A. , Coss‐Adame Enrique , Valdovinos Miguel A. , López‐Verdugo Fidel , Furuzawa‐Carballeda Janette , Torres‐Villalobos Gonzalo
Published: January 2020

Background

Idiopathic achalasia is an uncommon esophageal motor disorder. The disease involves interaction between inflammatory and autoimmune responses. However, the antigens related to the disease are still unknown.

Aim

To identify the possible antigen targets in muscle biopsies from lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of achalasia patients.

Methods

Esophageal biopsies of patients with type I and type II achalasia and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) were analyzed. Lower esophageal sphincter muscle biopsy from a Healthy organ Donor (HD) was included as control for two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Immunoblotting of muscle from LES lysate with sera of type I, type II achalasia, or type III achalasia, sera of EGJOO and sera of healthy subjects (HS) was performed. The target proteins of the serum were identified by mass spectrometry Matrix‐assited laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF).

Key Results

The proteomic map of muscle from LES tissue lysates of type I, and type II achalasia, EGJOO, and HD were analyzed and divided into three important regions. We found a difference in the concentration of certain spots. Further, we observed the serum reactivity of type I achalasia and type II achalasia against 45 and 25 kDa bands of type I achalasia tissue. Serum of type III achalasia and EGJOO mainly recognized 25 kDa band. Bands correspond to triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) (25 kDa), carbonic anhydrase (CA) (25 kDa) and creatinine kinase‐brain (CKB) isoform (45 kDa).

Conclusions and Inferences

We identify three antigen targets, TPI, CA, and CKB isoform, which are recognized by sera from patients with achalasia.
Prevalence of cannabis use has significantly increased in patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Siddiqui Mohamed Tausif , Bilal Mohammad , Singh Amandeep , Olivier‐Cabrera Sarah , Lebovics Edward , Schorr‐Lesnick Beth , Dworkin Brad , Kirby Donald F
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder which leads to multiple hospitalizations and causes significant impairment of quality of life. Cannabis use is common in patients with CVS, and there are limited data on the national trends in the prevalence of its use in the United States.

Methods

We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2005 to 2014 and identified hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of CVS by utilizing the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision Clinical Modification (ICD‐9 CM) coding system. The primary objective of the study was to analyze the prevalence and trends in cannabis use in CVS patients. We also assessed healthcare resource utilization associated with cannabis use.

Results

A total of 129 090 hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of CVS were identified and included in the study. In the United States, the overall rate of cannabis use among these patients was 104 per 1000 hospitalizations (N = 13 460). Over the last decade, the prevalence of cannabis use increased by 10‐fold, from 2.2% in 2005 to 21.2% in 2014.

Conclusion

Our analysis of the national database suggests that nearly 1 in 5 CVS hospitalizations have concurrent cannabis use. This prevalence is significantly rising over the last decade, perhaps due to changing legislation and increased utilization of cannabis. Age younger than 35, male gender, African American and Native American race, personal history of alcohol abuse and tobacco use were some of the strongest predictors of cannabis use.
Cost‐effectiveness of basic vision rehabilitation (The basic VRS‐effect study): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hernández‐Moreno Laura , Senra Hugo , Lewis Peter , Moreno Natacha , Linhares João , Santana Rui , Ramos Pedro Lima , Marques Ana Patrícia , Macedo Antonio Filipe
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To investigate the cost‐effectiveness of a basic vision rehabilitation service (basic‐VRS) in Portugal. We designed a parallel group, randomised controlled trial whose aim is to compare the effects and costs of ‘usual low vision care’ with a ‘basic‐VRS intervention’ on self‐reported visual ability and other psychosocial and health‐related quality‐of‐life outcomes.

Methods

The trial will recruit participants that meet the following inclusion criteria: (1) visual acuity between 0.4–1.0 logMAR in the better‐seeing eye, (2) cause of vision loss is diabetic retinopathy or age‐related macular degeneration, (3) 18 years or older and iv) live in the community (not in nursing homes or other type of institution). Participants will be randomised to one of the study arms consisting of immediate intervention and delayed intervention. The delayed intervention group will receive ‘usual care’ or no intervention in the first 12 weeks. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and retinal structure will be assessed during the study.

Results

The primary outcome measure is visual ability, which will be evaluated with the Massof Activity Inventory, we expect that the intervention will raise the overall person measure or visual ability. Reading, health‐related quality‐of‐life, anxiety and depression and social support will be also assessed. The analysis will be undertaken on an intention‐to‐treat basis. A cost‐effectiveness analysis will be performed to provide information about the cost per unit of utility. To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of the intervention we will adopt the perspective of the healthcare system.

Conclusion

This study will provide additional evidence about the effects of basic‐VRS on self‐reported visual ability. Findings from this study should also contribute to better planning of low vision provision and, consequently, may contribute to reduce barriers to basic‐VRS.
Can Pragmatists Be Moderate?
Authors: Worsnip Alex
Published: January 2020

In discussions of whether and how pragmatic considerations can make a difference to what one ought to believe, two sets of cases feature. The first set, which dominates the debate about pragmatic reasons for belief, is exemplified by cases of being financially bribed to believe (or withhold from believing) something. The second set, which dominates the debate about pragmatic encroachment on epistemic justification, is exemplified by cases where acting on a belief rashly risks some disastrous outcome if the belief turns out to be false. Call those who think that pragmatic considerations make a difference to what one ought to believe in the second kind of case, but not in the first, ‘moderate pragmatists’. Many philosophers – in particular, most advocates of pragmatic and moral encroachment – are moderate pragmatists. But moderate pragmatists owe us an explanation of exactly why the second kind of pragmatic consideration makes a difference, but the first kind doesn’t. I argue that the most promising of these explanations all fail: they are either theoretically undermotivated, or get key cases wrong, or both. Moderate pragmatism may be an unstable stopping point between a more extreme pragmatism, on one hand, and an uncompromising anti‐pragmatism on the other.
Inoculation with remnant prairie soils increased the growth of three native prairie legumes but not necessarily their associations with beneficial soil microbes
Authors: Grman Emily , Allen Jamie , Galloway Emily , McBride Justin , Bauer Jonathan T. , Price Paul A.
Published: January 2020

Restoring the diversity of plant species found in remnant communities is a challenge for restoration practitioners, in part because many reintroduced plant species fail to establish in restored sites. Legumes establish particularly poorly, perhaps because they depend on two guilds of soil microbial mutualists, rhizobial bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, that may be absent from restored sites. We tested the effect of soil microorganisms from remnant and restored prairies on legume growth by inoculating seedlings of Lespedeza capitata, Amorpha canescens, and Dalea purpurea with soil from 10 restored prairies and 6 remnant (untilled) prairies from southwest Michigan. We generally found support for the hypothesis that restored prairie soils lack microbes that enhance prairie plant growth, although there was variation across species and mutualist guilds. All three legumes grew larger and two legumes (Lespedeza and Amorpha) produced more nodules when inoculated with soil from remnant prairies, suggesting that low quantity and/or quality of rhizobial partners may limit the establishment of those species in restored prairies. In contrast, no legume experienced greater root colonization by AM fungi in remnant prairie soils, suggesting equivalent quantity (but not necessarily quality) of fungal partners in remnant and restored prairie soils. We detected no evidence of spontaneous recovery of the community of beneficial soil microbes in restorations. These results suggest that the absence of rhizobia, a largely overlooked component of prairie soils, could play a strong role in limiting restored prairie diversity by hindering legume establishment. Active reintroduction of appropriate rhizobial strains could enhance prairie restoration outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Building Functionality for Weather Hazards
Authors: Kim Amy A. , Reed Dorothy A.
Published: January 2020

It is estimated that in the United States, people spend 90% of their time in buildings. In order to ensure quality of life for communities, we propose a human‐centric design approach to building “functionality.” “Functionality” is defined as the set of “essential services” to meet occupant needs for safety and well‐being. These services include lighting, heating and cooling, ventilation, water supply, and wastewater management. At present, a multidisciplinary top‐down approach exists where owners dictate the building operations to architects. Our central thesis is that a bottom‐up approach based on occupant safety and well‐being should drive the functionality design process. Research on occupant well‐being conducted by social scientists should be considered by architects in creating the building functionality layout. One of the results of this research should be a set of the type and level of services required for well‐being. Architects and engineers should work together to design physical systems to ensure that the derived acceptable levels of the services not be exceeded for various frequencies of occurrence tied to the weather conditions at the site. In order to make this approach viable, minimal amounts of continuous electric power must be made available such as through building integrated photovoltaic panels. The corresponding onsite power generation and storage needs are therefore a critical aspect of the proposed formulation. It is anticipated that significant interactions during the iterative building design process among the architects and social scientists with the engineering disciplines will change an existing multidisciplinary approach into an interdisciplinary one.
Chronic lung disease in children and adolescents with HIV: a case–control study
Authors: McHugh Grace , Rehman Andrea M. , Simms Victoria , Gonzalez‐Martinez Carmen , Bandason Tsitsi , Dauya Ethel , Moyo Brewster , Mujuru Hilda , Rylance Jamie , Sovershaeva Evgeniya , Weiss Helen A. , Kranzer Katharina , Odland Jon , Ferrand Rashida A. ,   the BREATHE Clinical Trial Team
Published: January 2020

Objective

To describe the features of HIV‐associated chronic lung disease (CLD) in older children and adolescents living with HIV and to examine the clinical factors associated with CLD. This is a post hoc analysis of baseline data from the BREATHE clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02426112).

Methods

Children and adolescents aged 6–19 years were screened for CLD (defined as a FEV1 z‐score <−1 with no reversibility post‐bronchodilation with salbutamol) at two HIV clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe, and Blantyre, Malawi. Eligible participants with CLD (cases) were enrolled, together with a control group without CLD [frequency‐matched by age group and duration on antiretroviral therapy (ART)] in a 4:1 allocation ratio. A clinical history and examination were undertaken. The association between CLD and a priori‐defined demographic and clinical covariates was investigated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Of the 1585 participants screened, 419 (32%) had a FEV1 z‐score <−1, of whom 347 were enrolled as cases [median age 15.3 years (IQR 12.7–17.7); 48.9% female] and 74 with FEV1 z‐score >0 as controls [median age 15.6 years (IQR 12.1–18.2); 62.2% female]. Among cases, current respiratory symptoms including cough and shortness of breath were reported infrequently (9.3% and 1.8%, respectively). However, 152 (43.8%) of cases had a respiratory rate above the 90th centile for their age. Wasting and taking second‐line ART were independently associated with CLD.

Conclusions

The presence of CLD indicates the need to address additional treatment support for youth living with HIV, alongside ART provision, to ensure a healthier adulthood.
An algebraic stability test for fractional order time delay systems
Authors: Özyetkin Münevver Mine , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: January 2020

In this study, an algebraic stability test procedure is presented for fractional order time delay systems. This method is based on the principle of eliminating time delay. The stability test of fractional order systems cannot be examined directly using classical methods such as Routh-Hurwitz, because such systems do not have analytical solutions. When a system contains the square roots of s, it is seen that there is a double value function of s. In this study, a stability test procedure is applied to systems including sqrt(s) and/or different fractional degrees such as s^alpha where 0 < ? < 1, and ? include in R. For this purpose, the integer order equivalents of fractional order terms are first used and then the stability test is applied to the system by eliminating time delay. Thanks to the proposed method, it is not necessary to use approximations instead of time delay term such as Pade. Thus, the stability test procedure does not require the solution of higher order equations.