bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
18
F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Detects Response to Therapeutic Intervention and Plaque Vulnerability in a Murine Model of Advanced Atherosclerotic Disease—Brief Report
Authors: Jarr Kai-Uwe , Ye Jianqin , Kojima Yoko , Nanda Vivek , Flores Alyssa M. , Tsantilas Pavlos , Wang Ying , Hosseini-Nassab Niloufar , Eberhard Anne V. , Lotfi Mozhgan , Käller Max , Smith Bryan R. , Maegdefessel Lars , Leeper Nicholas J.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

This study sought to determine whether
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography could be applied to a murine model of advanced atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability to detect response to therapeutic intervention and changes in lesion stability.

Approach and Results:

To analyze plaques susceptible to rupture, we fed ApoE
−/−
mice a high-fat diet and induced vulnerable lesions by cast placement over the carotid artery. After 9 weeks of treatment with orthogonal therapeutic agents (including lipid-lowering and proefferocytic therapies), we assessed vascular inflammation and several features of plaque vulnerability by
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography and histopathology, respectively. We observed that
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography had the capacity to resolve histopathologically proven changes in plaque stability after treatment. Moreover, mean target-to-background ratios correlated with multiple characteristics of lesion instability, including the corrected vulnerability index.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the application of noninvasive
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography to a murine model can allow for the identification of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and their response to therapeutic intervention. This approach may prove useful as a drug discovery and prioritization method.
Local M-CSF (Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor) Expression Regulates Macrophage Proliferation and Apoptosis in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Sinha Satyesh K. , Miikeda Aika , Fouladian Zachary , Mehrabian Margarete , Edillor Chantle , Shih Diana , Zhou Zhiqiang , Paul Manash K. , Charugundla Sarada , Davis Richard C. , Rajavashisth Tripathi B. , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Previous studies have shown that deficiency of M-CSF (macrophage colony-stimulating factor; or CSF1 [colony stimulating factor 1]) dramatically reduces atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice. We characterize the underlying mechanism and investigate the relevant sources of CSF1 in lesions.

Approach and Results:

We quantitatively assessed the effects of CSF1 deficiency on macrophage proliferation and apoptosis in atherosclerotic lesions. Staining of aortic lesions with markers of proliferation, Ki-67 and bromodeoxyuridine, revealed around 40% reduction in CSF1 heterozygous (Csf1
+/–
) as compared with WT (wild type; Csf1
+/+
) mice. Similarly, staining with a marker of apoptosis, activated caspase-3, revealed a 3-fold increase in apoptotic cells in Csf1
+/–
mice. Next, we determined the cellular sources of CSF1 contributing to lesion development. Cell-specific deletions of Csf1 in smooth muscle cells using SM22α-Cre (smooth muscle protein 22-alpha-Cre) reduced lesions by about 40%, and in endothelial cells, deletions with Cdh5-Cre (VE-cadherin-Cre) reduced lesions by about 30%. Macrophage-specific deletion with LysM-Cre (lysozyme M-Cre), on the other hand, did not significantly reduce lesions size. Transplantation of Csf1 null (Csf1
−/
−
) mice bone marrow into Csf1
+/+
mice reduced lesions by about 35%, suggesting that CSF1 from hematopoietic cells other than macrophages contributes to atherosclerosis. None of the cell-specific knockouts affected circulating CSF1 levels, and only the smooth muscle cell deletions had any effect on the percentage monocytes in the circulation. Also, Csf1
+/–
mice did not exhibit significant differences in Ly6C
high
/Ly6C
low
monocytes as compared with Csf1
+/+
.

Conclusions:

CSF1 contributes to both macrophage proliferation and survival in lesions. Local CSF1 production by smooth muscle cell and endothelial cell rather than circulating CSF1 is the primary driver of macrophage expansion in atherosclerosis.
Potential Consequences of the Red Blood Cell Storage Lesion on Cardiac Electrophysiology
Authors: Reilly Marissa , Bruno Chantal D. , Prudencio Tomas M. , Ciccarelli Nina , Guerrelli Devon , Nair Raj , Ramadan Manelle , Luban Naomi L. C. , Posnack Nikki Gillum
Published: October 2020

Background

The red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion is a series of morphological, functional, and metabolic changes that RBCs undergo following collection, processing, and refrigerated storage for clinical use. Since the biochemical attributes of the RBC unit shifts with time, transfusion of older blood products may contribute to cardiac complications, including hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. We measured the direct effect of storage age on cardiac electrophysiology and compared it with hyperkalemia, a prominent biomarker of storage lesion severity.

Methods and Results

Donor RBCs were processed using standard blood‐banking techniques. The supernatant was collected from RBC units, 7 to 50 days after donor collection, for evaluation using Langendorff‐heart preparations (rat) or human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes. Cardiac parameters remained stable following exposure to “fresh” supernatant from red blood cell units (day 7: 5.8±0.2 mM K
+
), but older blood products (day 40: 9.3±0.3 mM K
+
) caused bradycardia (baseline: 279±5 versus day 40: 216±18 beats per minute), delayed sinus node recovery (baseline: 243±8 versus day 40: 354±23 ms), and increased the effective refractory period of the atrioventricular node (baseline: 77±2 versus day 40: 93±7 ms) and ventricle (baseline: 50±3 versus day 40: 98±10 ms) in perfused hearts. Beating rate was also slowed in human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes after exposure to older supernatant from red blood cell units (−75±9%, day 40 versus control). Similar effects on automaticity and electrical conduction were observed with hyperkalemia (10–12 mM K
+
).

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate that “older” blood products directly impact cardiac electrophysiology, using experimental models. These effects are likely caused by biochemical alterations in the supernatant from red blood cell units that occur over time, including, but not limited to hyperkalemia. Patients receiving large volume and/or rapid transfusions may be sensitive to these effects.
A systematic revision of Draculoides (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) of the Pilbara, Western Australia, Part I: the Western Pilbara
Authors: ABRAMS KYM M. , HUEY JOEL A. , HILLYER MIA J. , DIDHAM RAPHAEL K. , HARVEY MARK S.
Published: October 2020

The schizomid fauna of mainland Australia currently comprises 60 species within seven named genera, of which five are endemic to the continent: Attenuizomus Harvey, 2000, Brignolizomus Harvey, 2000, Draculoides Harvey, 1992, Julattenius Harvey, 1992, Notozomus Harvey, 2000. Most Australian schizomids have been described from eastern and northern Australia, but there is also a significant subterranean fauna that has been found in hypogean habitats in the semi-arid Pilbara region of Western Australia. The vast majority of these species can be assigned to the genus Draculoides and this study is the first in a proposed series to revise this highly diverse genus. We treat the species found in the western Pilbara region, which includes 13 new species and 13 previously named species, using morphological characters and multi-locus sequence data. We also incorporate a molecular “mini-barcode” approach for COI, 12S and ITS2 to diagnose the new species. The new species are named: Draculoides akashae Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. belalugosii Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. carmillae Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. christopherleei Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. claudiae Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. immortalis Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. karenbassettae Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. mckechnieorum Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. minae Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. noctigrassator Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. nosferatu Abrams and Harvey, n. sp., D. piscivultus Abrams and Harvey, n. sp. and D. warramboo Abrams and Harvey, n. sp. We also provide the first descriptions of males of D. anachoretus (Harvey, Berry, Edward and Humphreys, 2008) and D. gnophicola (Harvey, Berry, Edward and Humphreys, 2008). All of the new species are subterranean-dwelling, short-range endemic species that occur in regions subject to mining activities, rendering them of high conservation significance.
Bees of the genus Anthidium Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Megachilidae: Anthidiini) from China
Authors: NIU ZE-QING , YUAN FENG , ASCHER JOHN S. , KASPAREK MAX , ORR MICHAEL C. , GRISWOLD TERRY , ZHU CHAO-DONG
Published: October 2020

The Chinese bees of the genus Anthidium Fabricius, 1804, are reviewed. Twenty-one species are confirmed to occur in China, five of which are described and illustrated as new Chinese endemics: Anthidium (Anthidium) pseudomontanum Niu & Zhu, sp. nov., A. (A.) pseudophilorum Niu & Zhu, sp. nov., A. (A.) tasitiense Niu & Zhu, sp. nov., A. (A.) xuezhongi Niu & Zhu, sp. nov., and A. (Proanthidium) qingtaoi Niu & Zhu, sp. nov.. The previously unknown female of A. (A.) kashmirense Mavromoustakis, 1937 and male of A. (P.) kashgarense (Cockerell, 1911) are described for the first time. Anthidium (A.) furcatum Wu, 2004 (junior primary homonym, nec Anthidium furcatum Ducke, 1908) is replaced with its valid and available synonym A. (A.) striatum Wu, 2004. New synonymies are also established for A. (A.) kashmirense Mavromoustakis, 1937 = A. (A.) nigroventrale Wu, 1982, syn. nov., and A. (A.) florentinum (Fabricius, 1775) = A. (A.) helianthinum Wu, 2004, syn. nov. The non-Chinese Anthidium amabile Alfken, 1933 (junior primary homonym, nec Anthidium porterae var. amabile Cockerell, 1904) is unavailable and the available name Anthidium (Proanthidium) minimum Pasteels, 1969, is valid for this species. Updated synonymies and distributional data are provided for some widespread Palaearctic species including two now adventive in the New World. For Chinese species, the distribution and floral associations of each are provided along with illustrations and a key to the known species.
Intercomparison of Precipitation Estimates over the Southern Ocean from Atmospheric Reanalyses
Authors: Boisvert Linette N. , Webster Melinda A. , Petty Alek A. , Markus Thorsten , Cullather Richard I. , Bromwich David H.
Published: October 2020

Precipitation is a major component of the hydrologic cycle and plays a significant role in the sea ice mass balance in the polar regions. Over the Southern Ocean, precipitation is particularly uncertain due to the lack of direct observations in this remote and harsh environment. Here we demonstrate that precipitation estimates from eight global reanalyses produce similar spatial patterns between 2000 and 2010, although their annual means vary by about 250 mm yr−1 (or 26% of the median values) and there is little similarity in their representation of interannual variability. ERA-Interim produces the smallest and CFSR produces the largest amount of precipitation overall. Rainfall and snowfall are partitioned in five reanalyses; snowfall suffers from the same issues as the total precipitation comparison, with ERA-Interim producing about 128 mm less snowfall and JRA-55 about 103 mm more rainfall compared to the other reanalyses. When compared to CloudSat-derived snowfall, these five reanalyses indicate similar spatial patterns, but differ in their magnitude. All reanalyses indicate precipitation on nearly every day of the year, with spurious values occurring on an average of about 60 days yr−1, resulting in an accumulation of about 4.5 mm yr−1. While similarities in spatial patterns among the reanalyses suggest a convergence, the large spread in magnitudes points to issues with the background models in adequately reproducing precipitation rates, and the differences in the model physics employed. Further improvements to model physics are required to achieve confidence in precipitation rate, as well as the phase and frequency of precipitation in these products.
COVID-19’s Impact on the 2020-2021 Resident Match: A Survey of Otolaryngology Program Directors
Authors: Kasle David A. , Torabi Sina J. , Izreig Said , Rahmati Rahmatullah W. , Manes R. Peter
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To determine the impact coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) will have on the 2020-2021 otolaryngology (OTO-HNS) resident application cycle.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey targeting OTO-HNS program directors (PD) was created and disseminated via email to PDs on May 28th 2020. Descriptive analyses of the 19-question survey was performed, and free text responses for certain suitable questions were thematically categorized into groups determined to be relevant during analysis.

Results:

Twenty-nine of 123 solicited PDs (23.6%) completed the survey. Nineteen (65.5%) respondents indicated they would not host away rotations (AR) in 2020, and 9 (31.0%) reported that they would consider away rotators without home programs. Regarding the historical importance of AR, 21 (72.4%) PDs stated they were either “extremely” or “very” important in evaluating candidates. Sixteen (55.2%) PDs stated that virtual interviews would impact their ability to properly gauge candidates and 12 (41.4%) were unsure. Eight PDs (27.6%) stated their evaluation of candidates will likely change, with a shift toward an increased reliance on letters of recommendation, research involvement, and clerkship grades. The large majority of PDs—25 (86.2%)—were not worried that the COVID-19 pandemic would affect the abilities of new interns beginning in 2021.

Conclusion:

Virtual interviews and engagement activities will mostly supplant sub-Is and AR for the 2020-2021 OTO-HNS application cycle. Surveyed PDs largely believe these will be insufficient in providing a comprehensive assessment of candidates, and will similarly limit applicants’ ability to gauge residency programs. Criteria utilized to evaluate students is expected to change.
Do text messages about health and development in young children affect caregiver behaviour and child outcomes? A systematic review
Authors: Richardson Brittany Paige , van der Linde Jeannie , Pillay Bhavani , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Inadequate caregiving conditions interfere with successful health and development outcomes. Access to appropriate information can result in improved health and development outcomes in children. Health promotion text messaging, a primary mHealth strategy, has been implemented in various countries to reach communities where the majority of the population may be living in poverty and lacks access to information and health services. This systematic review investigated what effect the provision of information regarding health and development in young children, using text messages, has on caregiver behaviour and child outcomes.

Method:

The review was conducted according to the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines. Studies were retrieved from Scopus, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane library using primary search phrases. The search was not limited to a specific period. Thematic analysis was used to organise and synthesise the information extracted from selected studies into main and sub-themes.

Results:

In total, 19 studies were identified, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs) ( n = 13, 68.42%), observational studies ( n = 3, 15.79%) and non-RCTs ( n = 3, 15.79%). Message content included educational information regarding health and development (89.47%), reminders (36.84%) and caregiver support (52.63%). The majority of studies ( n = 17; 89.47%) found statistically significant positive effects of text message intervention on caregiver behaviour. Text messages also affected child outcomes, with 15.79% ( n = 3) of studies reporting a positive effect.

Conclusion:

Text messaging is an effective tool to influence caregiver behaviour and child outcomes in health. There is however limited evidence regarding text message intervention effectiveness on child development, both in quality and in quantity. More research, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is necessary.
Effect of IDT position parameters on SAW yarn tension sensor sensitivity
Authors: Lei Bingbing , Lu Wenke , Mian Zhibao , Bao Wenxing
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the effect of the interdigital transducer (IDT) position parameters on the surface acoustic wave (SAW) yarn tension sensor sensitivity is investigated. The stress–strain characteristic of substrate was studied by the combination of finite element simulation and regression analysis method. According to this characteristic, the function relationship between the SAW yarn tension sensor sensitivity and the IDT position parameters was built using the regression analysis method. The monotonicity of the regression function was also given. On this basis, a novel sensitivity optimal scheme was proposed and solved by the quadratic programming method. Its solution demonstrates that the optimum sensitivity can be obtained when the IDT is 8.9 mm to the left side of the substrate and the IDT is 0.3 mm to the top edge of the substrate within a domain of the IDT position parameters. The SAW yarn tension sensor with corresponding IDT position parameters was fabricated to validate the correctness of the sensitivity optimal scheme. The measured results indicate that the SAW yarn tension sensor sensitivity can reach 813.69 Hz/g, which confirms that the novel scheme is effective.
Social work with a person in the crisis of homelessness in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland: Problems and challenges
Authors: Wasilewska-Ostrowska Katarzyna M
Published: October 2020

The text addresses the problems and needs of people experiencing homelessness crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Poland. It presents the challenges that social assistance is currently facing, especially employees directly involved in working with the socially excluded or those threatened with such exclusion. Examples of actions undertaken for the homeless as well as recommendations in this area are also indicated.
Static analysis of FG plates using T-splines based isogeometric approach and a refined plate theory
Authors: Liu Zhenyu , Wang Chuang , Duan Guifang , Tan Jianrong
Published: October 2020

In this study, a novel refined plate theory (RPT) is developed for the geometrically linear static analysis of FG plates, which is a simplification of the higher-order shear deformation theories (HSDTs). It improves the computational efficiency while preserving the accuracy advantage of HSDTs. The C1-continuity problem is overcome by isogeometric analysis (IGA), which shows more advantages than the C0 elements based finite element analysis. By T-splines, the computational cost is effectively reduced, since compared to NURBS based IGA, T-splines can achieve local refinement and improve the utilization of control points. The rule of mixture with power-law and Mori–Tanaka scheme are adopted to calculate the material properties of the plate. Several numerical experiments are given to prove the efficiency of the proposed method
Carcinogenesis of Male Oral Submucous Fibrosis Alters Salivary Microbiomes
Authors: Chen M.Y. , Chen J.W. , Wu L.W. , Huang K.C. , Chen J.Y. , Wu W.S. , Chiang W.F. , Shih C.J. , Tsai K.N. , Hsieh W.T. , Ho Y.H. , Wong T.Y. , Wu J.H. , Chen Y.L.
Published: October 2020

Most oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumors arise from oral premalignant lesions. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), usually occurring in male chewers of betel quid, is a premalignant stromal disease characterized by a high malignant transformation rate and high prevalence. Although a relationship between the inhabited microbiome and carcinogenesis has been proposed, no detailed information regarding the oral microbiome of patients with OSF exists; the changes of the salivary microbiome during cancer formation remain unclear. This study compared the salivary microbiomes of male patients with OSCC and a predisposing OSF background (OSCC-OSF group) and those with OSF only (OSF group). The results of high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene indicated that OSF-related carcinogenesis and smoking status significantly contributed to phylogenetic composition variations in the salivary microbiome, leading to considerable reductions in species richness and phylogenetic diversity. The microbiome profile of OSF-related malignancy was associated with increased microbial stochastic fluctuation, which dominated the salivary microbiome assembly and caused species co-occurrence network collapse. Artificial intelligence selection algorithms consistently identified 5 key species in the OSCC-OSF group: Porphyromonas catoniae, Prevotella multisaccharivorax, Prevotella sp. HMT-300, Mitsuokella sp. HMT-131, and Treponema sp. HMT-927. Robust accuracy in predicting oral carcinogenesis was obtained with our exploratory and validation data sets. In functional analysis, the microbiome of the OSCC-OSF group had greater potential for S-adenosyl-l-methionine and norspermidine synthesis but lower potential for l-ornithine and pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotide synthesis and formaldehyde metabolism. These findings indicated that the salivary microbiome plays important roles in modulating microbial metabolites during oral carcinogenesis. In conclusion, our results provided new insights into salivary microbiome alterations during the malignant transformation of OSF.
Evolution of Consumption: A Psychological Ownership Framework
Authors: Morewedge Carey K. , Monga Ashwani , Palmatier Robert W. , Shu Suzanne B. , Small Deborah A.
Published: October 2020

Technological innovations are creating new products, services, and markets that satisfy enduring consumer needs. These technological innovations create value for consumers and firms in many ways, but they also disrupt psychological ownership––the feeling that a thing is “MINE.” The authors describe two key dimensions of this technology-driven evolution of consumption pertaining to psychological ownership: (1) replacing legal ownership of private goods with legal access rights to goods and services owned and used by others and (2) replacing “solid” material goods with “liquid” experiential goods. They propose that these consumption changes can have three effects on psychological ownership: they can threaten it, cause it to transfer to other targets, and create new opportunities to preserve it. These changes and their effects are organized in a framework and examined across three macro trends in marketing: (1) growth of the sharing economy, (2) digitization of goods and services, and (3) expansion of personal data. This psychological ownership framework generates future research opportunities and actionable marketing strategies for firms aiming to preserve the positive consequences of psychological ownership and navigate cases for which it is a liability.
Police officers’ awareness of the speech, language and communication needs of young offenders
Authors: MacRae AnneMarie , Clark Ann
Published: October 2020

Around 60% of young people in conflict with the law experience speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). This study investigates Police Scotland officers’ awareness of the SLCN of young offenders, strategies officers use to support SLCN and their interest in further training on SLCN. A majority had worked with young offenders with SLCN and were fairly confident in recognising these needs. The most common support strategy was to involve outside agencies, specifically Appropriate Adults. Increased speech and language therapy services are needed to train Police Officers to recognise and support SLCN without reliance on other agencies.
Is Gender-Based Violence a Social Norm? Rethinking Power in a Popular Development Intervention
Authors: Piedalue Amy , Gilbertson Amanda , Alexeyeff Kalissa , Klein Elise
Published: October 2020

Changing social norms has become the preferred approach in global efforts to prevent gender-based violence (GBV). In this article, we trace the rise of social norms within GBV-related policy and practice and their transformation from social processes that exist in the world to beliefs that exist in the minds of individuals. The analytic framework that underpins social norms approaches has been subject to ongoing critical revision but continues to have significant issues in its conceptualisation of power and its sidelining of the political economy. These issues are particularly apparent in the use of individualised measures of social norms that cannot demonstrate causation, and conflation of social norms with culture. Recognising that the pressure to measure may be a key factor in reducing the complexity of the social norms approach, we call for the use of mixed methods in documenting the factors and processes that contribute to GBV and the effectiveness of interventions. As social norms approaches are increasingly prioritised over addressing the non-normative contributors to GBV (such as access to and control over productive resources), awareness of the limitations of social norms approaches is vital.
A multi-objective operation strategy optimization for ice storage systems based on decentralized control structure
Authors: Ren Yanhuan , Yu Junqi , Zhao Anjun , Jing Wenqiang , Ran Tong , Yang Xiong
Published: October 2020

Improving the operational efficiency of chillers and science-based planning the cooling load distribution between the chillers and ice tank are core issues to achieve low-cost and energy-saving operations of ice storage air-conditioning systems. In view of the problems existing in centralized control architecture applied in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, a distributed multi-objective particle swarm optimization improved by differential evolution algorithm based on a decentralized control structure was proposed. The energy consumption, operating cost, and energy loss were taken as the objectives to solve the chiller’s hourly partial load ratio and the cooling ratio of ice tank. A large-scale shopping mall in Xi’an was used as a case study. The results show that the proposed algorithm was efficient and provided significantly higher energy-savings than the traditional control strategy and particle swarm optimization algorithm, which has the advantages of good convergence, high stability, strong robustness, and high accuracy.

Practical application: The end equipment of the electromechanical system is the basic component through the building operation. Based on this characteristic, taken electromechanical equipment as the computing unit, this paper proposes a distributed multi-objective optimization control strategy. In order to fully explore the economic and energy-saving effect of ice storage system, the optimization algorithm solves the chillers operation status and the load distribution. The improved optimization algorithm ensures the diversity of particles, gains fast optimization speed and higher accuracy, and also provides a better economic and energy-saving operation strategy for ice storage air-conditioning projects.
Policy Diffusion Results: A New Database for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mallinson Daniel J.
Published: October 2020

This research note presents a new database of policy diffusion research results useful for research synthesis. This database is a compilation of the results from every event history analysis model of policy diffusion in the American states published between 1990 and 2018. The result is 507 models with 6,641 variables. The database is publicly available and can be used to answer numerous questions regarding the veracity of policy diffusion research claims. It also provides a systematic understanding of where there are gaps in diffusion research that can be filled by scholars from many subfields. This article briefly discusses the data collection and coding processes, what is available in the database, and how it can be used. It also provides an illustrative meta-analysis of the effect of legislative professionalism on innovation adoption.
Gandhi’s Spiritual Politics: Austerity, Fasting and Secularism
Authors: Farooqui Amar
Published: October 2020

This article attempts to explore the connection between Gandhi’s spiritual quest, of which abstinence was a major component, and his politics. Gandhi was a deeply religious person. His politics, however, was secular in that it had little to do with the politics of religious identity. He would have found the notion of engaging in the politics of religious identity revolting, something that is borne out by his political practice. It was at the moment of the greatest crisis during the final phase of the anti-colonial struggle that he articulated his position with great clarity, and then went on to give it meaning through his presence in the countryside of Noakhali, and the refugee camps of Delhi.

The influences of the social milieu of his early life in Saurashtra, and the colonial condition, shaped his world view in significant ways. The concrete everyday experiences of his early life are useful for comprehending his ideas about austerity as a moral ideal. There was a close link between austerity and the endeavour to achieve control over the palate. Besides, the story of his long association with his childhood friend Sheikh Mehtab is revisited, in the light of recent research, to see how it might allow a better understanding of this link.
Neuroinflammatory responses of microglia in central nervous system trauma
Authors: Shields Donald C , Haque Azizul , Banik Naren L
Published: October 2020

Although relatively few in number compared to astrocytes and neurons, microglia demonstrate multiple, varied neuroimmunological functions in the central nervous system during normal and pathological states. After injury to the brain or spinal cord, microglia express beneficial pro- and anti-inflammatory phenotypes at various stages of recovery. However, prolonged microglial activation following injury has been linked to impaired parenchymal healing and functional restoration. The nature and magnitude of microglial response to injury relates in part to peripheral immune cell invasion, extent of tissue damage, and the local microenvironment.
Prevention of platelet aggregation and arterial thrombosis using a modified Shenzhu Guanxin Formula
Authors: Huang Manting , Wu Huanlin , Wu Jianping , Chen Qiuxiong , Zou Dezhi , Xu Danping
Published: October 2020

Objective

Modified Shenzhu Guanxin Formula (mSGF) has beneficial effects in coronary artery disease. Previously, we found that mSGF inhibited platelet aggregation in rats. In the present study we further investigated the antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of mSGF in rats.

Methods

Rats were orally administered mSGF (4.2, 8.4, or 16.8 g crude drug/kg), the adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) receptor antagonist clopidogrel (7.875 mg/kg), or saline once a day for 7 days. The effects of mSGF on platelet aggregation were measured. Levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling were analyzed by ELISA and western blotting, respectively. The antithrombotic effect of mSGF was investigated using a FeCl3-induced carotid arterial thrombosis model and effects on bleeding time were assessed in a rat tail transection model.

Results

mSGF significantly inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner, elevated cAMP levels and inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt). Moreover, mSGF dose-dependently inhibited thrombosis in a FeCl3-induced carotid arterial thrombus model and had a significantly smaller effect on bleeding time compared with clopidogrel.

Conclusions

mSGF represents a potent and safe antithrombotic agent whose antiplatelet activity is probably mediated through blockade of PI3K/Akt signaling and increased cAMP generation.
Risk factors and prognosis of nosocomial pneumonia in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Jianrong , Huang Jinyu , Hu Wei , Cai Xueying , Hu Weihang , Zhu Ying
Published: October 2020

Objective

We aimed to examine the risk factors and prognosis of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who received ECMO at the Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2013 and August 2019. The primary outcome was the survival-to-discharge rate.

Results

Sixty-nine patients who received ECMO were enrolled, median age 42 years and 26 (37.7%) women; 14 (20.3%) patients developed NP. The NP incidence was 24.7/1000 ECMO days. Patients with NP had a higher proportion receiving veno-venous (VV) ECMO (50% vs. 7.3%); longer ECMO support duration (276 vs. 140 hours), longer ventilator support duration before ECMO weaning (14.5 vs. 6 days), lower ECMO weaning success rate (50.0% vs. 81.8%), and lower survival-to-discharge rate (28.6% vs. 72.7%) than patients without NP. Multivariable analysis showed independent risk factors that predicted NP during ECMO were ventilator support duration before ECMO weaning (odds ratio [OR] = 1.288; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111–1.494) and VV ECMO mode (OR = 10.970; 95% CI: 1.758–68.467).

Conclusion

NP during ECMO was associated with ventilator support duration before ECMO weaning and VV ECMO mode. Clinicians should shorten the respiratory support duration for patients undergoing ECMO to prevent NP.
An Arendtian geopolitics: Action, power and the deferral of work
Authors: Tillotson Matthew , Mustafa Daanish
Published: October 2020

This article conceptualises a mode of geopolitical ‘action’ based on the writings of Hannah Arendt. It does so to issue challenges to a hegemonic ‘artificial’ geopolitics characterised by the logics of ‘work’, and the material relations mistrusted by Arendt, which has marginalised ‘action’ as a basis for politics. While recognising that action and work are entwined, we draw attention to action-based geopolitical alternatives and the possibilities for new geopolitical publics to emerge which may defend speech, deeds and the places of human lives against the depredations of a geopolitics steeped in the material.
Asymmetric Logistic Model for Estimation of Mileage-Related Vehicle Depreciation Function of Roadway Characteristics
Authors: Chkaiban Rami , Hajj Elie Y. , Sime Muluneh , Bailey Gary , Sebaaly Peter E.
Published: October 2020

This paper describes an approach for the development of prediction models for the estimation of mileage-related vehicle depreciation that can be used in the estimation of the benefits derived from transportation network improvements. The approach takes advantage of published online data for vehicle valuations. A new asymmetric logistic prediction model for total vehicle depreciation, including initial and mileage-related depreciations, is proposed and fitted to collected valuations data. The added benefit of this prediction model is that it takes into consideration both vehicle age (i.e., years since manufacture) and vehicle usage (i.e., miles of travel). Six small light-duty vehicles (SLDVs), five large light-duty vehicles (LLDVs), three two-axle trucks, one single-unit truck, and two combination trucks were considered in this study. Vehicle fuel sources included gasoline, diesel, gasoline-ethanol blend of up to 85% ethanol (E85), and hybrid-electric, resulting in 26 combinations of vehicle type and fuel source. Additionally, the developed models were adjusted to account for the effects of average speed of vehicle and roadway characteristics (e.g., grade, curvature) on vehicle depreciation. The practicality of the developed models for large sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and midsize cars was illustrated using select examples highlighting the models’ sensitivity to vehicle average speed and roadway characteristics.
Comparative Analysis of Freeway Exit Ramp Terminal Design Practices to Deter Wrong-Way Driving in Different States
Authors: Atiquzzaman Md , Zhou Huaguo
Published: October 2020

Although wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes are rare compared with other crashes, the severe outcomes resulting from these crashes make them an important traffic safety issue, especially on freeways. The initial point of origin for the majority of WWD crashes is the exit ramp terminal. During 2009–2013, the exit ramp terminals of full diamond and partial cloverleaf interchanges in Alabama experienced considerably higher frequency of wrong-way entries compared with those in Illinois. In this study, a comparative analysis is conducted between these two states to compare the differences in exit ramp terminal design practices and determine the differences that might have caused the relatively higher frequency of wrong-way entries at the exit ramp terminals in Alabama. The comparative analysis revealed that there is relatively higher usage of certain geometric design features and traffic control devices in Illinois, which contributed to deterring WWD. The lessons learned from this study can potentially benefit the 4E community (i.e., enforcement, education, emergency response, and engineering) in further understanding the best practices on off-ramp terminal design and traffic control devices features that have the potential to reduce WWD crashes on freeways.
Tinnitus and Its Association With Mental Health and Health-Related Quality of Life in an Older Population: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Park Hye-Min , Jung Jinsei , Kim Jong-Koo , Lee Yong-Jae
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the relationship of tinnitus with mental health and health-related quality of life (QoL) in older people. Data source included 5,129 community-dwelling men and women ≥60 years old from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Tinnitus was categorized into three groups: normal, tolerable tinnitus, and annoying tinnitus. Mental health and health-related QoL were assessed according to three dimensions (depressive mood, psychological distress, and suicidal ideation) and five domains (impaired mobility, impaired self-care, impaired usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of mental health and health-related QoL were calculated using multiple logistic regression analyses. Annoying tinnitus was positively and independently associated with deteriorated mental health and health-related QoL, suggesting comprehensive care is needed in older people with annoying tinnitus.
More than a Feeling: The Influence of Emotions in Learning and Implications for Church Ministry
Authors: Adams John David
Published: October 2020

Historically, educators have taken a reticent and measured approach in engaging the affective domain in learning, particularly as it relates to human emotions. By default, the cognitive and psycho-motor domains have tended to receive a greater level of attention and care. The same imbalance, by and large, characterizes learning environments in church ministry, perhaps due to an overly cautious fear of crossing professional and ethical boundaries. Yet, emerging research and science on the brain reveal that the emotions play an essential role in the learning process. Through basic measures such as acknowledgment of the presence of emotions, the practice of empathy, and evoking emotion through story, educators in church ministry contexts can account for the vital contribution that emotions make to the process of learning and formation.
A novel model of care in anticoagulation management
Authors: Woodill Lisa , Bodnar Allison
Published: October 2020

For over 60 years, warfarin has been the treatment of choice in the prevention of strokes and other thromboembolic events. In recent years, a new class of Novel Oral Anticoagulant (NOAC) medication has become available, leaving clinicians and health system payors to question whether warfarin continues to have a place in therapy. This article argues that it may not be the medication that should be in question but instead the systems in place to manage anticoagulation for the patients who need it. Usual Care (UC) for warfarin management has traditionally required multiple healthcare visits, blood collection visits, and laboratory analysis of International Normalized Ratio (INR) with results to then later be relayed to the patient along with dosage adjustments. The article reviews a new model of care, Community Pharmacist-led Anticoagulation Management Service (CPAMS), in which patients receive a point-of-care INR test along with a pharmacist assessment at a pharmacy and results within minutes. Pharmacists then prescribe dosage adjustments immediately, counsel patients, and provide supporting adherence tools such as a colourful picture-based dosing calendar, created by the decision support tool, INR Online. The Nova Scotia CPAMS Demonstration Project shows that this model will result in efficiencies for healthcare providers and optimal anticoagulation with improved time in therapeutic range outcomes for patients. In addition, the CPAMS Costing Study finds the model to be a cost-effective solution for health systems when compared to UC for warfarin as well as NOAC patients.
Feasibility and Quality of a National RDD Smartphone Web Survey: Comparison With a Cell Phone CATI Survey
Authors: Kim Sunwoong , Couper Mick P.
Published: October 2020

Internet-enabled smartphones and wireless communication technologies are opening new ways to conduct web-based self-administered data collection for academic or nonacademic research. Considering the relative advantages of self-administration such as the low cost, overall convenience, and collection of better data about sensitive topics, survey researchers are eager to explore conducting national web surveys of the general population via smartphones, especially if they can use probability-based random-digit-dialing (RDD) sampling methods. But questions about the feasibility of such surveys remain. We conducted an experiment using national samples drawn from an RDD wireless sampling frame to compare two administration methods: a smartphone web survey using SMS (text messages) invitations and a cell phone (smartphone or feature phone) survey through computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). This study was conducted using the National Survey of Smoking and Health in South Korea, a country with a very high rate of smartphone ownership. The geographic and demographic representativeness of respondents in the smartphone web mode (self-administered mode) was similar to that of the cell phone CATI survey (interviewer-administered mode), although the completion rate in the former was nearly half that of the latter. A majority of demographic variables and measures of experiences, attitudes, and perceptions of cigarettes or smoking showed significant mode differences for both unweighted and weighted estimates. The total cost of the web survey was about one fifth that of the telephone survey. The results demonstrate the potential of a smartphone web survey as a stand-alone or primary mode of data collection, if carefully designed and implemented.
Inclusive recycling movements: a green deep democracy from below
Authors: José zapata Campos María , Carenzo Sebastián , Kain Jaan-Henrik , Oloko Michael , Reynosa Jessica Pérez , Zapata Patrik
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the multiple strategies articulated by grassroots recycler networks to bring about socioenvironmental change. The paper shows how these networks are an emblematic case of grassroots governmentality, whereby urban poor communities contribute to building more inclusive environmental regimes by developing technologies of power more typical of the powerful. These technologies include enumeration, with its resulting self-knowledge; the production of discourses and rationalities of social inclusion and environmental sustainability; and engagement in open and diverse alliances, at times with actors holding apparently antagonistic interests. The paper also reveals how recycling networks are a representative case of deep and green democracy. It is deep democracy, as grassroots networks strive to gain deep and true representativeness in their territories. It is green democracy, as it illustrates alternative pathways to environmental governance that is not limited to state and global organizations, but that also includes a range of control techniques emanating from the communities themselves.
Portal vein thrombosis, livedo reticularis, polymicrobial sepsis and high antiphospholipid antibody titers in a newborn: A clinicopathological conference of antiphospholipid-associated neonatal syndrome
Authors: Chaudhary Himanshi , Jindal Pooja , Pandiarajan Vignesh , Kumar Jogender , Sudhakar Murugan , Ezhumalai Gopalakrishnan , Nada Ritambhra , Gupta Kirti
Published: October 2020

Neonatal Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare disease related to transplacental passage of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies from the mother or de novo production of aPL in a newborn. Neonatal aPL antibodies have rarely been associated with thrombosis. We describe a 5-week-old infant who developed fever, portal vein thrombosis and livedo reticularis like skin rash. Evaluation for thrombosis revealed high titers of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (dual positive) in the child without any evidence of aPL antibodies in the mother, suggesting a de novo production in the child. Autopsy findings revealed umbilical vein sepsis with thrombosis of portal vein secondary to gram positive cocci which led to multiple liver and lung abscesses. Additionally, the baby had disseminated Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease (acquired postnatally) involving walls of umbilical and portal vein, liver, lungs, adrenals, pancreas, thymus, and kidneys. Our case highlights the need for testing of aPL in every neonate with arterial or venous thrombosis even when the mother may have no features suggestive of an autoimmune disease.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ Performance; Does ‘Access to Finance’ Moderate the Relation in Emerging Economies?
Authors: Khan Rizwan Ullah , Salamzadeh Yashar , Kawamorita Hiroko , Rethi Gabor
Published: October 2020

The main objective of the underline study is to examine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on financial and non-financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the moderating role of access to finance. Because SMEs—due to fair reasons such as lack of resources and lack of managerial skill—are often unable to succeed in their mission, the managers look for much less risky and convenience factors to compete in the market. A variety of factors has been tested but the role of finance in this perspective has received minor attention. Hence, the underline study tested finance as a moderator between firm resources and their performance. To test the model, a structured questionnaire is used to collect data from 326 Pakistani SMEs. Structural equation modelling in AMOS is used to test the hypotheses. Our finding suggests that EO significantly enhances SME’s financial and non-financial performance in emerging economies. On the other hand, access to finance significantly moderates the relationship between EO and SME’s financial performance while it is not significantly moderating between EO and non-financial performance.

This research recommends policymakers and practitioners to focus on accessing adequate finance while Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development Authority encourages banks and financial institutions to facilitates SMEs. Furthermore, the possible implications have been discussed.