bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Autism Symptoms From 6 to 18 Months of Age Using the Autism Observation Scale for Infants in a Prospective High‐Risk Cohort
Authors: Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Bryson Susan E. , Brian Jessica , Smith Isabel M. , Sacrey Lori , Armstrong Vickie , Roberts Wendy , Szatmari Peter , Garon Nancy , Vaillancourt Tracy , Roncadin Caroline
Published: December 2020

The objectives were to characterize behavioral signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in younger siblings of diagnosed children (high‐risk; HR) and examine classification features of the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI). Participants (501 HR and 180 low‐risk [LR]) were assessed between 6 and 18 months using the AOSI and at age 3 for ASD diagnoses. Total AOSI scores differentiated HR infants later diagnosed with ASD starting at 12 months. ROC analyses identified 12‐ and 18‐month cutoff scores associated with 0.52 sensitivity and 0.74 specificity and 0.73 sensitivity and 0.65 specificity, respectively. Although classification accuracy does not support use as a standalone screen, the AOSI identifies features associated with ASD starting at 6 months and differentiates HR infants with ASD by 12 months.
Associated positive patch test reactions to standard contact allergens: 10‐year data from the Slovenian E‐Surveillance System
Authors: Dugonik Aleksandra , Dugonik Bogdan , Podgorelec Vili , Brezočnik Lucija
Published: December 2020

Background

A considerable share of patients tested with a baseline patch test series respond with a positive reaction to more than one allergen, and some associations between synchronous positive reactions to distinct baseline patch allergens have been described in the literature.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of sensitization to haptens of the European baseline series as well as the prevalence of oligosensitization and polysensitization and the most significant associated positive patch test reactions in Slovenia.

Methods

Patch testing data collected by the Slovenian E‐Surveillance System from January 2008 to December 2017 were retrospectively analysed.

Results

Of a total of 15 171 patients analysed, 39.29% showed at least one positive reaction. The highest prevalences were noted for metals (nickel[II]sulfate hexahydrate: 16.33%) and fragrances (fragrance mix I: 6.70%). The correlation analysis showed the strongest correlation between mercapto mix and 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole (61.2%), fragrance Mix II and hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (50.5%), and potassium dichromate and cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate (33.3%).

Conclusions

Sensitization prevalences to the most common haptens were described, and their strongest correlations on a national level quantified. A comparison with other European results confirms already known associations between allergens in terms of cross‐reactivity.
Built to last a day: The function and benefits of spider mound nests
Authors: Raboin Maggie , Elias Damian O.
Published: December 2020

Nests are crucial to the survival of offspring and reproductive success of the animals that build them. These benefits are subject to change over time due to fluctuating conditions inside and outside of nests. For many species, nests are assumed to benefit offspring until they disperse and therefore, nest destruction prior to offspring dispersal results in reduced reproductive success for parents. However, the consequences of nest destruction to reproductive success, or lack thereof, remain largely unstudied across diverse taxa. Here, we experimentally investigate the function and benefits of nests of a mound‐building spider. Mason spiders (Castianeirasp.) are wandering spiders that build intricate nests (mounds) on top of their egg sacs. Their offspring inhabit egg sacs at nest sites for up to 7 months, including through winter. We find that despite requiring hundreds of collecting trips and many hours to construct, mason spider nests remain for a small portion of time that offspring occupy nest sites. Our study finds that nest benefits change over time, likely explaining this dynamic. Nests greatly reduce the rate of predation and parasitism of egg sacs by 19.1% and offspring mortality within egg sacs due to abiotic factors by 19.9%. These effects are only present the few days following nest construction. Our study illuminates the idea that nest destruction does not always result in reduced reproductive success for nest builders. We suggest that nest durability, the ability of a nest to withstand environmental conditions, may be subject to natural selection and a critical, yet understudied, aspect of parental care.
The influence of rider skill on ridden horse behaviour, assessed using the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, and gait quality
Authors: Dyson S. , Martin C. , Bondi A. , Ellis A. D.
Published: December 2020

Background

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed to facilitate identification of musculoskeletal pain.

Objectives

To determine the influence of rider skill on ridden horse performance and behaviour, the latter using the RHpE. It was hypothesised that gait quality at trot and canter would improve with a more skilled rider compared with a less skilled rider, but the RHpE scores would be similar.

Study design

Repeated measures investigation.

Methods

Forty horses, in regular work and presumed by their riders to be nonlame, were ridden by their normal rider (N) and a skilled professional rider (P), performing a dressage‐type test over 8.5 min. Twenty horses were ridden first by rider P, and 20 were ridden first by rider N. The presence of lameness or gait abnormalities in canter was recorded. Standardised video recordings were acquired. All videos were anonymised and presented in random order to the assessors. Rider skill and horse gait quality were graded (Fédération Equestre Internationale scale, 1–10), and the RHpE was applied to each horse using the video recordings.

Results

Rider P had a higher median skill score (6/10) compared with the N riders (4.5/10) (P<0.001). There was a correlation between rider skill scores and gait quality scores (P<0.001). The presence of lameness or gait abnormalities in canter, when ridden by riders N and P, varied among horses. The median RHpE score for all horses was 9/24 (range 3–14). There was no difference in mean or median RHpE scores between the N riders and rider P. There was some variance in the frequency of occurrence of specific behaviours between the N riders and rider P.

Main limitations

The identity of rider P could not be concealed.

Conclusions

There was no direct relationship between rider skill level and the RHpE score, but riders did alter the manifestations of some behaviours.
Barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of severely immunosuppressed patients with HIV‐1 infection: A quantitative and qualitative study
Authors: Liu JY , Sun LQ , Hou YY , Wang LF , He Y , Zhou Y , Xu LM , Wang H , Wang FS
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To explore the barriers to early diagnosis of HIV infection and timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

We assessed the annual number and proportion of ART‐naïve people living with HIV infection (PLWH) with severe immunosuppression in Shenzhen, China, from 2008 to 2019. Selected ART‐naïve PLWHs with severe immunosuppression who were seeking treatment for the first time in the hospital in 2019 were subjected to an in‐depth interview.

Results

The proportion of severely immunosuppressed, ART‐naïve PLWH decreased from 36.73% in 2008 to 8.94% in 2015, and then plateaued at approximately 10% from 2015 to 2019. Overall, 55 patients, 70% of whom were men who had sex with men, participated in the qualitative interviews. Ten of them delayed treatment after diagnosis, with a median [interquartile range (IQR)] interval of 5.83 (3.98–8.54) years between diagnosis and ART. More than 80% of the patients reported casual sexual contact within a median period of 6 years and with a median (IQR) of nine (4–20) casual sex partners. The major barriers to HIV testing and diagnosis included lack of knowledge about HIV and high‐risk behaviours, low awareness about HIV testing, and resistance to HIV testing. The major barriers to ART initiation included lack of knowledge about the importance of ART and change of national ART eligibility policy, and HIV‐related stress.

Conclusions

The number of PLWHs with severe immunosuppression who seek treatment remains high in Shenzhen, China. Thus, current HIV‐related care programmes targeting access to early diagnosis and treatment need to be improved.
The efficacy of voxelotor, 900 mg in patients with sickle cell anaemia: A meta‐analysis of the randomised controlled trials
Authors: Tanriverdi Lokman Hekim , Sarici Ahmet , Erkurt Mehmet Ali , Parlakpinar Hakan
Published: December 2020

Objective

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA), an inherited chronic hematological disease affecting hundreds of thousand people worldwide, causes significant morbidity and reduced life expectancy about two or three decades. This study aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis of the efficacy of voxelotor, 900 mg in patients with SCA.

Methods

The research protocol was registered at the International Register of Prospective Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), under the registration number: CRD42020147796. ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Conference Abstracts, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library from 2015 through July 25, 2019, and bibliographies of review articles and eligible studies. Eleven eligible studies that evaluated the effectiveness of voxelotor, 900 mg in SCA. Based on pre‐specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2 randomized, placebo‐controlled studies were included in the meta‐analysis.

Results

The primary outcome measured was hemoglobin elevation, assessed in a highly similar fashion in both trials. There was a significant difference between voxelotor and placebo in haemoglobin change from baseline (mean difference [MD]: 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67‐1.06). Voxelotor also reduced markers of haemolysis, MD: −36.79, 95% CI: (−75.05) to 1.48 for unconjugated bilirubin that changes from baseline; MD: −19.09, 95% CI: (−44.06) to 5.88 for the percentage of reticulocytes that change from baseline and MD: −23.29, 95% CI: (−65.14) to 18.55 for LDH that change from baseline) but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

As a conclusion, voxelotor, 900 mg use significantly increased hemoglobin levels which of 1 g/dL elevation predicts a reduced risk of stroke (41%), albuminuria (53%), pulmonary arterial hypertension (57%), and mortality (64%) in recent studies. Voxelotor also reduced markers of hemolysis but failed to reach statistically significance in current evidence. Multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled studies are on the way and will provide more evidence to see the potential of disease‐modifying effects of voxelotor.
The relative importance of household norms for energy efficient behavior
Authors: Kleinschafer Jodie , Morrison Mark , Oczkowski Edward
Published: December 2020

Household norms have been shown to influence energy efficiency behaviors, but little is known about the relative influence of household norms when compared to other established drivers of household efficiency behaviors, such as comfort‐seeking, environmental concern and cost sensitivity. This paper unpacks the nature of the influence of household norms on household efficiency behaviors, whether as antecedents, mediating the influence of other drivers or a direct influence on efficiency behaviors. Responses from 775 households in regional Australia were analyzed to test six hypotheses. Results suggest that household norms are among the most important variables influencing household efficiency behaviors. They have a strong and significant influence on curtailment and investment behaviors, mediate the relationship between established drivers of efficiency and efficiency behaviors and influence the drivers of efficiency. These findings demonstrate the importance of household norms for improving the energy efficiency of households.
Consumer financial education and risky financial asset holding in China
Authors: Zhu Ting , Xiao Jing Jian
Published: December 2020

Risky financial asset holding is arguably a desirable financial behaviour that contributes to consumer financial well‐being. However, studies about associations between consumer financial education and risky financial asset holding in China remain limited. To fill this gap, using data from the 2015 China Household Finance Survey, this study examined the association between financial education and risky financial asset holdings and explored its mediators. Results from Probit regressions showed that financial education was positively associated with the household risky financial asset holding. Further analyses based on the mediating model found that financial literacy, economic and financial information search and risk tolerance were mediating factors in the association between financial education and risky financial asset holding. The results have policy implications for improving consumer financial education and financial market participation.
Dowling‐Degos disease: a review
Authors: Stephan Carla , Kurban Mazen , Abbas Ossama
Published: December 2020

Dowling‐Degos disease is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis. It is characterized by acquired reticulate hyperpigmentation over the flexures, comedone‐like follicular papules, and pitted perioral scars that usually develop during adulthood. Mutations in genes affecting melanosome transfer, and melanocyte and keratinocyte differentiation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. These genes include KRT5, POFUT1, POGLUT1 and, most recently, PSENEN. Dowling‐Degos disease can be found in isolation or with other associated findings, most notably hidradenitis suppurativa. This condition belongs to a spectrum of conditions that all result in reticulate hyperpigmentation that at times are hard to distinguish from each other. The most closely linked entity is Galli‐Galli, which is clinically indistinguishable from Dowling‐Degos disease and can only be distinguished by the presence of acantholysis on microscopy. Unfortunately, Dowling‐Degos disease is generally progressive and recalcitrant to treatment.
Independent and combined effects of hypertension and diabetes on clinical outcomes in patients with COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study of Huoshen Mountain Hospital and Guanggu Fangcang Shelter Hospital
Authors: Sun Yuhui , Guan Xizhou , Jia Lijing , Xing Ning , Cheng Liuquan , Liu Bo , Zhang Sibing , He Kunlun
Published: December 2020

It is widely recognized that hypertension is one of the major risk factor for disease severity and mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are frequent comorbid conditions, complicating the assessment of hypertension's individual contribution to the risk. The aims of this study were to evaluate the contributions of hypertension alone, T2DM alone, or their combination to the risk of death, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)/respiratory failure, and severe COVID‐19 infection. Additionally, we assessed risks associated with elevated blood pressure and fasting blood glucose on the same three clinical outcomes. Multivariate logistic models were used for these analyses. Among the 3400 patients, 3327(97.9%) survived and 73(2.1%) died. Compared to patients having neither hypertension nor T2DM (n = 1392), the risk of mortality was significantly higher in patients with T2DM alone (n = 226, OR 5.26 [95% CI: 2.39–11.58]) or with T2DM in combination with hypertension (n = 507, OR 3.02, [95% CI: 1.48–6.15]). Similarly, T2DM was a risk factor for development of ARDS/respiratory failure and severe infection. Hypertension alone (n = 1275) only conferred additional risk for the development of severe infection (OR 1.22 [95% CI: 1.00–1.51]). In conclusion, neither hypertension nor elevated blood pressure was independent risk factors for death or ARDS/respiratory failure but hypertension marginally increased the risk of severe COVID‐19 infection. The risk associated with hypertension is accentuated through its confounding effect on T2DM.
Impact of a Swiss pressure ulcer prevention breakthrough collaborative
Authors: Staines Anthony , Amherdt Isabelle , Burnand Bernard , Rotzetter Murielle , Currat Philippe , Roux Stéphane , Lécureux Estelle
Published: December 2020

Rationale, aims and objectives

Pressure ulcers may have severe impacts on the quality of life of patients, including pain, low mood and restrictions in performing daily life and social life activities. In Switzerland, 4% of patients develop hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers.

Six hospitals teamed up with the Vaud Hospital Federation (Switzerland) in a Breakthrough Collaborative, with the goal of reducing hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers by 50%. The aim of this study was to assess the actual reduction.

Methods

A multimodal set of interventions was deployed in all wards except obstetrics and gynaecology, over 18 months starting in October 2016, including systematic risk assessment, use of a prevention bundle, education through e‐learning, measurement and feedback, patient engagement and promotion of a safety culture. All six hospitals monitored compliance with the use of the risk assessment, bundle application and patient involvement aspects. A safety calendar was implemented in all wards, for recording and visually displaying the numbers of new patients with pressure ulcers, as well as the presence of such ulcers upon admission and their category.

Results

Compliance with performing Braden risk assessments rose from 39% at baseline to 61% by the end of the collaborative (P < .001), prevention bundle compliance from 2% to 30% (P < .001%) and documented patient engagement from 2% to 21% (P < .001%).

The percentage of days where one or more patient was reported as having developed one or more pressure ulcers in the ward decreased from 8.21% to 4.18%, a 49% reduction (P < .001) which amounts to preventing 1124 new patients from developing one or more pressure ulcers during the collaborative.

Conclusions

The Breakthrough Collaborative using a multimodal improvement approach combined with measurement and feedback was associated with a statistically and clinically significant improvement in compliance to best practice and with a reduction of hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers by half.
The potential use of artificial intelligence in the therapy of borderline personality disorder
Authors: Szalai Judit
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the possibility of AI‐based addendum therapy for borderline personality disorder, its potential advantages and limitations. Identity disturbance in this condition is strongly connected to self‐narratives, which manifest excessive incoherence, causal gaps, dysfunctional beliefs, and diminished self‐attributions of agency. Different types of therapy aim at boosting self‐knowledge through self‐narratives in BPD. The suggestion of this paper is that human‐to‐human therapy could be complemented by AI assistance holding out the promise of making patients' self‐narratives more coherent through improving the accuracy of their self‐assessments, reflection on their emotions, and understanding their relationships with others. Theoretical and pragmatic arguments are presented in favour of this idea, and certain technical solutions are suggested to implement it.
A systematic approach to contouring and polishing anterior resin composite restorations: A checklist manifesto
Authors: Vargas Marcos A. , Margeas Robert
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This article presents a systematic, step‐by‐step checklist approach to be used for contouring and polishing anterior resin composite restorations to achieve maximum esthetics efficiently.

Clinical considerations

This checklist is intended to be used to take the guesswork out and streamline the process to predictably, practically, and repeatedly contour and polish anterior resin composite restorations. The practitioner's knowledge of basic dental anatomy combined with this step‐by‐step checklist facilitates identifying and modifying the final restoration to an anatomically correct form, thus satisfying the most esthetically demanding patients. This approach is demonstrated with case presentation of direct resin veneers in a young female, which resulted in an improved smile that satisfied her esthetic desires.

Conclusions

The use of standardized protocols facilitates and expedites daily procedures in dentistry. Specifically, this checklist protocol, which is geared towards contouring and polishing anterior direct resin composite restorations.

Clinical significance

The clinical technique presented in this article shows the advantages of using a step‐by‐step checklist approach to predictably and efficiently obtain ideal esthetics when performing anterior resin composite restorations.
Review of nano‐technology applications in resin‐based restorative materials
Authors: Bastos Natalia Almeida , Bitencourt Sandro Basso , Martins Emerson Alves , De Souza Grace Mendonca
Published: December 2020

Objective

Nanotechnology has progressed significantly and particles as small as 3 nm are being employed in resin‐based restorative materials to improve clinical performance. The goal of this review is to report the progress of nanotechnology in Restorative Dentistry by reviewing the advantages, limitations, and applications of resin‐based restorative materials with nanoparticles.

Materials and Methods

A literature review was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Embase databases. In vitro, in vivo and in situ research studies published in English between 1999 and 2020, and which focused on the analysis of resin‐based restorative materials containing nanoparticles were included.

Results

A total of 140 studies were included in this review. Studies reported the effect of incorporating different types of nanoparticles on adhesive systems or resin composites. Mechanical, physical, and anti‐bacterial properties were described. The clinical performance of resin‐based restorative materials with nanoparticles was also reported.

Conclusions

The high surface area of nanoparticles exponentially increases the bioactivity of materials using bioactive nanofillers. However, the tendency of nanoparticles to agglomerate, the chemical instability of the developed materials and the decline of rheological properties when high ratios of nanoparticles are employed are some of the obstacles to overcome in the near future.

Clinical significance

In spite of the recent advancements of nanotechnology in resin‐based restorative materials, some challenges need to be overcome before new nano‐based restorative materials are considered permanent solutions to clinical problems.
Catastrophising, pain self‐efficacy and acceptance in patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Chana Pavneet , Smith Jared G. , Karamat Aalia , Simpson Anna , Renton Tara
Published: December 2020

Background

Little is known about pain catastrophising, pain self‐efficacy and chronic pain acceptance in burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and their effect on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders.

Objectives

To describe pain catastrophising, pain self‐efficacy and pain acceptance in BMS patients and explore associations with affective function and HRQoL.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 36 BMS patients (31 female) referred to an Orofacial Pain Clinic completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire and the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire‐8 in addition to standardised self‐reported questionnaires measuring mood and oral and generic HRQoL.

Results

Pain catastrophising levels were markedly higher than (non‐clinical) population norms, with 32.0% of patients reporting clinically relevant levels. Pain self‐efficacy and chronic pain acceptance varied widely; 24.0% evidenced low confidence to cope with pain, and 53.8% reported low activity engagement and/or low pain willingness. Catastrophising showed moderate‐to‐strong associations with measures of anxiety (r = 0.63), depression (r = 0.80), and oral (r = 0.61) and generic HRQoL (rho=−0.84). Self‐efficacy and acceptance were also closely related to levels of depression (r/rho=−0.83 to −0.73) and generic HRQoL (r/rho = 0.74 to 0.75). These associations were stronger than those between pain severity and affective function/HRQoL and persisted after controlling for pain severity.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of BMS patients evidence maladaptive beliefs about personal effectiveness in managing pain, which is closely related to affective disorders and impaired HRQoL. As such, treatment approaches targeting catastrophising, pain self‐efficacy and acceptance may prove beneficial in improving mood and quality of life in BMS patients.
Embodied relational praxis in intersectional organizing: Developing intersectional solidarity
Authors: Ellison Erin Rose , Langhout Regina Day
Published: December 2020

This qualitative study examines the development of intersectional solidarity among organizers of an academic workers’ union. Participants were 12 union organizers who participated in semistructured, in‐depth interviews. This research is value‐driven, examining in context how community organizers address the reproduction of systems of oppression (e.g., racism, sexism) in order to build power and make socially just change. Respectful and supportive relationships were required for participants to understand and make sense of their complicity in systems of oppression in proactive and potentially transformative ways. Additionally, individuals’ understanding of their complicity with oppressive structures occurred in a visceral, embodied manner. Thus, two overlapping practices, supportive relational labor and corporeal literacy, form the basis of a praxis model for intersectional solidarity. This study concludes with implications for organizing practices and organizations, which focus on accountability practices and praxis among group members.
Evaluating the effect of cooking temperature and time on collagen characteristics and the texture of hog maw
Authors: Zheng Yan‐Yan , Zhou Chang‐Yu , Wang Chong , Ding Da‐Ming , Wang Juan‐Juan , Li Chun‐Bao , Zhou Guang‐Hong
Published: December 2020

This study evaluated the texture of hog maw and the degradation of Types I and III collagen in the intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) of hog maw at different cooking temperatures (75–95°C) and times (50–130 min). The cooking loss, shear force, collagen content, collagen solubility, and IMCT strength of hog maw cooked in water baths were measured. The instrumental texture profile analysis showed that the brittleness, springiness, chewiness and hardness of the cooked hog maw significantly increased with the increase of cooking temperature, while the hardness, springiness and chewiness increased first and then decreased with increasing cooking time. Cooking loss exhibited a 38% increase between the raw meat and meat cooked at 95°C. The collagen solubility significantly increased from 5.5 mg/g for raw meat to 8.6 mg/g for meat cooked at 95°C, accompanied by decreases in the shear force and IMCT strength associated with the increase in cooking temperature and time. These results show that the texture and collagen characteristics of hog maw are dramatically affected by the cooking temperature and time. Sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis and immunofluorescence staining further showed that collagen degradation occurred after cooking, and the degradation of Type I collagen was higher than that of Type III collagen. These results indicated that the degradation of Type I collagen was mainly responsible for the sensory and textural improvements of the cooked hog maw.
Temporal variability in tree responses to elevated atmospheric CO2
Authors: Lauriks Fran , Salomón Roberto Luis , Steppe Kathy
Published: December 2020

At leaf level, elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (eCO2) results in stimulation of carbon net assimilation and reduction of stomatal conductance. However, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of eCO2 at larger temporal (seasonal and annual) and spatial (from leaf to whole‐tree) scales is still lacking. Here, we review overall trends, magnitude and drivers of dynamic tree responses to eCO2, including carbon and water relations at the leaf and the whole‐tree level. Spring and early season leaf responses are most susceptible to eCO2 and are followed by a down‐regulation towards the onset of autumn. At the whole‐tree level, CO2 fertilization causes consistent biomass increments in young seedlings only, whereas mature trees show a variable response. Elevated CO2‐induced reductions in leaf stomatal conductance do not systematically translate into limitation of whole‐tree transpiration due to the unpredictable response of canopy area. Reduction in the end‐of‐season carbon sink demand and water‐limiting strategies are considered the main drivers of seasonal tree responses to eCO2. These large temporal and spatial variabilities in tree responses to eCO2 highlight the risk of predicting tree behavior to eCO2 based on single leaf–level point measurements as they only reveal snapshots of the dynamic responses to eCO2.
Getting a Grip on the Performance of Collaborations: Examining Collaborative Performance Regimes and Collaborative Performance Summits
Authors: Douglas Scott , Ansell Chris
Published: December 2020

Collaborative governance is popular among practitioners and scholars, but getting a grip on the performance of collaborations remains a challenge. Recent research has made progress by identifying appropriate performance measures, yet managing performance also requires appropriate performance routines. This article brings together insights from collaborative governance and performance management to conceptualize collaborative performance regimes; the collection of routines used by actors working together on a societal issue to explicate their goals, exchange performance information, examine progress, and explore performance improvement actions. The concept of regimes is made concrete by focusing on the specific routine of organizing a collaborative performance summit; a periodic gathering where partners review their joint performance. Such summits are both manifestations of the performance regime and potential turning points for regime change. Using three local public health collaborations as illustration, this article offers a framework for understanding collaborative performance regimes, summits, and the dynamics between them.
Co‐creating ambitious climate change mitigation goals: The Copenhagen experience
Authors: Sørensen Eva , Torfing Jacob
Published: December 2020

Recent research argues that complex problems such as climate change are best tackled through co‐creation, which brings together public and private actors, including citizens, neighborhoods, and civil society organizations, in collaborative processes that define problems and design and implement solutions that produce innovative public value outcomes. This article explores the viability of co‐creation as a strategy for achieving ambitious CO2 emissions reductions in the City of Copenhagen, Denmark. It analyses the starting conditions, the co‐creation processes, the drivers and barriers, the positive results and outcomes, and the role of institutional design and leadership in an effort to understand the actual use of co‐creation in city‐level climate governance. The main finding is that institutional, discursive, and political barriers create a discrepancy between the commitment to and actual use of co‐creation, but also that a new focus on consumption and transport among citizens may lead to stronger future waves of co‐creation.
Single Point Mutation from E22-to-K in Aβ Initiates Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease by Binding with Catalase
Authors: Jiang Wenjing , YanYu  , Yao Dandan , Fei Xuechao , Ai Li , Di Yalan , Zhang Jingnan , Yue Xiangpei , Zhao Shengjie , He Rongqiao , Lyu Jihui , Tong Zhiqian
Published: December 2020

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) is a critical etiological factor for late-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, an early-onset AD has been found to be related with an Aβ mutation in glutamic acid 22-to-lysine (Italian type E22K). Why only one single point mutation at E22 residue induces AD remains unclear. Here, we report that a Chinese familial AD pedigree with E22K mutation was associated with higher levels of serum hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lower activity of catalase (a H2O2 degrading enzyme) than controls. Further, we found that E22K binding with catalase caused more severe H2O2 accumulation in the brains of E22K-injected rats than Aβ-injected rats. Unexpectedly, H2O2 bound with the mutation site 22K residue of E22K and elicited more rapid aggregation of E22K than Aβ in vitro. Moreover, H2O2 acted with E22K synergistically to induce higher cellular toxicity than with Aβ. Notably, intrahippocampal infusion of E22K led to more severe plaque deposition, neuron death, and more rapid memory decline than Aβ-injected rats. However, L-cysteine, a H2O2 scavenger, not only prevented self-aggregation of E22K but also reduced H2O2-promoted E22K assembly in vitro; subsequently, it alleviated Alzheimer-related phenotypes. Hence, E22K binding with catalase promotes the early onset of familial AD, and L-cys may reverse this disease.
Link Budget Analysis for 5G Communication in the Tropical Regions
Authors: Patra Trilochan , Mitra Swarup Kumar
Published: December 2020

In the tropical regions, when a signal is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver, the signal gets highly attenuated because of heavy rainfall. By using different diversity techniques, this signal attenuation is minimized. The multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system is an antenna diversity technique, and in this paper, this technique has been applied to the proposed communication link model designed for 5G communication in the tropical regions. Here, a proposed link budget has been set down to enhance the signal power and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver. In this paper, an experimental data sheet has also been adopted to achieve the desired result of the proposed link budget. In fine, a comparison of assumption values of the proposed link budget with practical values obtained from the experimental data sheet has been displayed in the result analysis part.
iRoot SP Promotes Osteo/Odontogenesis of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Activation of NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wu Xiao , Yan Ming , Lu Jiamin , Ge Xingyun , Li Yuzhi , Bian Minxia , Fu Lin , Yu Jinhua
Published: December 2020

The regeneration of bone and tooth tissues, and related cellular therapies, has attracted widespread attention. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are potential candidates for such regeneration. iRoot SP is a premixed bioceramic root canal sealer widely used in clinical settings. However, the effect of iRoot SP on the biological features of BMSCs has not been elucidated. In the present study, we found that 0.2 mg/ml iRoot SP conditioned medium promoted osteo/odontogenic differentiation and enhanced mineralization of BMSCs without affecting the proliferative ability. Mechanistically, the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways were activated in SP-treated BMSCs, and differentiation was inhibited when cultured with the specific inhibitor. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that iRoot SP promotes osteo/odontogenic differentiation of BMSCs via the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, which could provide a new theoretical basis for clinical applications of iRoot SP and a new therapeutic target for the regeneration of bone and tooth tissue in the future.
Evaluating Lateral Spreading Using Newmark Method Based on Liquefaction Triggering
Authors: Yang Yanxin , Chen Junhua , Zhang Zhenqiang , Ma Jianlin
Published: December 2020

The prediction of liquefaction‐induced lateral spreading is an important geotechnical engineering problem. In this paper, a simplified prediction method based upon Newmark sliding block analysis was proposed to predict the liquefaction‐induced lateral spreading. The acceleration time history beneath the liquefied soil (starting from the triggering time of liquefaction) and the postliquefaction yield acceleration corresponding with the residual shear strength of liquefiable soil were used in the Newmark sliding block analysis. One‐dimensional effective stress analysis was conducted to obtain the motion beneath the liquefied soil and the liquefaction time. Limit equilibrium analysis was employed to determine the postliquefaction yield acceleration using the residual shear strength of liquefied soil, which correlated with the equivalent clean sand SPT blow count of the liquefied sand. This method was evaluated against five well‐documented case histories and the predicted displacements of lateral spreading were subsequently compared with the observed displacements. In addition, the lateral spreading predicted by the rigorous Newmark sliding block method and numerical difference analysis was presented. Based on the statistical analysis of the displacement ratios, it suggested that the method proposed in this paper identified the triggering time of liquefaction and provided a reasonable prediction of the liquefaction‐induced lateral spreading with an RMSE (root mean square error) of 0.63, a standard deviation of 0.40, and a CV (coefficient of variance) of 0.60, respectively.
Diospyros kaki and Citrus unshiu Mixture Improves Disorders of Lipid Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Shin Mi-Rae , Shin Sung Ho , Roh Seong-Soo
Published: December 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been a major cause of a chronic liver disease over recent decades and increasing worldwide in parallel with the remarkable growth of obesity. In the present study, we investigate the ameliorative effects of PCM, a combination of Diospyros kaki fruit and Citrus unshiu peel mixture, on high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced NAFLD and clarify the potential mechanisms. PCM in HFD-fed mice was orally administered at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg subsequently for 2 months. Thereafter, lipid metabolism parameters and fat synthesis-related genes in the mouse liver were evaluated. Subsequently, body weight changes, liver weight, serum liver function and lipid profiles, and liver pathology were examined, and the relative levels of fatty acid synthesis and β-oxidation gene expression were evaluated by western blot. Serum AST, ALT, and TG levels in the HFD control mice were significantly higher than those of normal mice. Compared with HFD control mice, PCM supplementation increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α was significantly increased by PCM administration. Continuously, the activation of PPARα significantly elevated carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), a key enzyme in fatty acid β-oxidation, and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2), thermogenic regulatory genes, in PCM-treated mice compared with those of HFD control mice. Moreover, PCM inhibits lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis via suppression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and SREBP-2 and its target genes such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR). Taken together, these effects were mediated through activation of AMPK. In the conclusion, PCM improved liver damage in HFD-fed mice and attenuated NAFLD by the activation of PPARα and the inhibition of SREBPs expression via AMPK-dependent pathways.
Area under the Curve-Based Dosing of Vancomycin in Critically Ill Patients Using 6-Hour Urine Creatinine Clearance Measurement
Authors: Shahrami Bita , Najmeddin Farhad , Ghaffari Saeideh , Najafi Atabak , Rouini Mohammad Reza , Mojtahedzadeh Mojtaba
Published: December 2020

Background. The area under the curve- (AUC-) guided vancomycin dosing is the best strategy for individualized therapy in critical illnesses. Since AUC can be calculated directly using drug clearance (CLvan), any parameter estimating CLvan will be able to achieve the goal of 24-hour AUC (AUC24 h). The present study was aimed to determine CLvan based on 6-hour urine creatinine clearance measurement in critically ill patients with normal renal function. Method. 23 adult critically ill patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min who received vancomycin infusion were enrolled in this pilot study. Vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for each patient using serum concentration data and a one-compartment model provided by MONOLIX software using stochastic approximation expectation-maximization (SAEM) algorithm. Correlation of CLvan with the measured creatinine clearance in 6-hour urine collection (CL6 h) and estimated creatinine clearance by the Cockcroft–Gault formula (CLCG) was investigated. Results. Data analysis revealed that CL6 h had a stronger correlation with CLvan rather than CLCG (r = 0.823 vs. 0.594;

p
<
0.001

vs. 0.003). The relationship between CLvan and CL6 h was utilized to develop the following equation for estimating CLvan: CLvan (mL/min) = ─137.4 + CL6 h (mL/min) + 2.5 IBW (kg) (R2 = 0.826,

p
<
0.001

). Regarding the described model, the following equation can be used to calculate the empirical dose of vancomycin for achieving the therapeutic goals in critically ill patients without renal impairment: total daily dose of vancomycin (mg) = (─137.4CL6-h (mL/min) + 2.5 IBW (kg)) × 0.06 AUC24 h (mg.hr/L). Conclusion. For AUC estimation, CLvan can be obtained by collecting urine in a 6-hour period with good approximation in critically ill patients with normal renal function.
Frightening Complex Visual Hallucinations in an Elderly Patient with Ophthalmological Pathology and Vascular Dementia
Authors: Hill Francesca , Spurr Matthew , Stratford Joseph
Published: December 2020

A lady in her 90s was referred to the Later Life Team (LLT) in a rural area of the United Kingdom with complex visual hallucinations (VH). She had significant ophthalmological pathology, including cataracts, a branch retinal vein occlusion, and vitreous haemorrhage. The hallucinations included seeing monkeys ripping the heads off of her cats and lions prowling the garden. The patient was distressed by the hallucinations and believed them to be real events. Her management involved low dose olanzapine and requesting that her ophthalmological surgery be expedited. The surgery resulted in a significant reduction in VH. A diagnosis of vascular dementia went on to be made following cognitive testing and imaging. The cognitive impairment may have contributed to the patient’s inability to identify her experiences as hallucinations and thus render her without insight. A review of the computed tomography (CT) scans performed prior to the patient’s presentation to our service confirmed significant vascular pathology including small vessel disease and lacunar infarcts. Cognitive testing confirmed a cognitive impairment which had gone unnoticed by her family. This case leads to an interesting discussion regarding diagnosis in complex VH in cases of significant ophthalmological pathology but a lack of insight. Various authors have proposed theories to explain VH; cortical release and the Perception and Attention Deficit (PAD) model are explored as possible explanations for the experiences of this patient.
Deadbeat Control of a Modified Single-Phase Five-Level Photovoltaic Inverter with Reduced Number of Switches
Authors: Afjeh Mohsen Ghorbanali , Babaei Mojtaba , Bidgoli Mohsen Alizadeh , Ahmarinejad Amir
Published: December 2020

In this article, a modified single-phase five-level photovoltaic inverter is proposed with a single DC voltage source and six semiconductor switches. Compared with the presented inverters, the introduced topology has the advantage of decreased device count and the first switching frequency for high blocking voltage switches. The proposed PV inverter is implemented without clamping diodes and transformers, which leads to a decrement in size and, consequently, the weight of the converter. In addition, for the proposed topology, space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) is deployed that reduces the complexity of multilevel modulation. In order to obtain the optimal output voltage of the inverter, the deadbeat controller is suggested as a rapid dynamic, low-computation digital control method. This closed-loop inverter is implemented in TMS320f28335 digital signal controller to evaluate the performance of the proposed inverter under nonlinear and linear loads. Simulation and laboratory prototype results show that IEC 62040-3 harmonic constraints is met for the proposed photovoltaic inverter in standalone applications.
Compaction and Breakage Characteristics of Crushed Stone Used as the Backfill Material of Urban Pavement Subsidence
Authors: Cai Zhongbing , Zhang Dan , Shi Lang , Chen Zhong , Chen Biao , Sun Suyang
Published: December 2020

The subsidence of urban pavement is becoming frequent accidents, and backfill is the primary means of remedy. Crushed stone is a commonly used aggregate for backfill material in engineering, and its compaction behavior under load needs to be well understood. In this work, a series of compaction tests were carried out on the same batch of crushed stone samples with the same gradation. The content changes of particles with different sizes were analyzed, the particle breakage characteristics during the compaction process were discussed, and the difference in particle breakage caused by loading speed and loading mode was examined. It shows the following: (1) For all samples, the content of particles that were crushed during compaction was always less than 40%. The particles with the strongest breakage varied with sample gradation. (2) The particle breakage could be divided into four categories: complete fragmentation, complete rupture, local fragmentation, and surface grinding. They affected the particle size distribution after compaction to varying degrees. (3) The particle breakage could be expressed as a cubical parabola of loading speed, whose coefficients are related to the sample gradation. (4) Stepwise loading rendered stronger particle breakage than direct loading, and the increase of particle breakage due to loading mode was more evident for continuous grading samples than discontinuous grading samples. This study will provide an experimental basis and reference for the selection and use of backfill aggregate in urban subsidence areas.