bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different Acupuncture Therapies for Allergic Rhinitis: Overview of Systematic Reviews and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jinhuan , Zhang Yanying , Huang Xingxian , Lan Kai , Hu Liyu , Chen Yirong , Yu Haibo
Published: April 2020

Objective. To evaluate the quality of methodologies used in previous systematic reviews (SRs) and compare efficacy of different acupuncture therapies for allergic rhinitis. Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched for systematic reviews (SRs) performed on different acupuncture therapies for allergic rhinitis from inception to 15 November 2019. The AMSTAR2 instrument was employed to assess the methodological quality of included SRs. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected from the included systematic reviews. We also included recent RCTs published by 15 November 2019. Cochrane risk of bias tool was utilized to determine risk of bias of the included RCTs. Pairwise meta‐analyses were performed using the random‐effects model. Network meta‐analysis of the included RCTs was carried out using frequentist framework. Results. We identified 2 SRs with low quality and 18 SRs with very low quality, both of which contained 33 eligible RCTs (n = 3769). Most of these studies had unclear risk of bias. On the basis of ranking probability, NMA analysis showed that acupuncture at the sphenopalatine ganglion acupoint (OR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.61) had the highest probability of improving global allergic rhinitis symptoms, followed by San‐Fu‐Tie (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.27), manual acupuncture (OR:1.15, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.24) compared with conventional western medicine treatment. Moreover, direct comparison of the follow‐up period showed that the clinical outcomes of acupuncture and related therapies at three‐month (OR:1.34, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.55), six‐month (OR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.57), and twelve‐month (OR: 1.30, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.53) follow‐up were better than those of traditional western medicine. Conclusion. These results indicate that for patients with allergic rhinitis who are unresponsive to conventional western medicine or cannot tolerate the side effects, acupuncture at the sphenopalatine ganglion acupoint is an effective alternative therapy. Further studies are advocated to deeply explore methodological quality of SRs by incorporating high‐quality RCTs.
Petrologia e idade do Stock Fazenda Lagoas, Domínio Macururé, Sistema Orogênico Sergipano, NE-Brasil
Authors: Fernandes Diego Melo , Lisboa Vinícius Anselmo Carvalho , Rosa Maria De Lourdes da Silva , Conceição Herbet
Published: April 2020

O Stock Fazenda Lagoas (SFL), com 20 km2, tem idade de cristalização de 623 ± 4 Ma e é intrusivo nas rochas metassedimentares do Domínio Macururé (DM). O seu contato ao norte é afetado pela Zona de Cisalhamento Belo Monte-Jeremoabo (ZCBMJ), que imprime estrutura gnáissica às rochas desse stock. O SFL é essencialmente constituído de quartzo monzonitos, tendo monzogranitos e granodioritos subordinados. Os enclaves microgranulares são abundantes e correspondem a dioritos e gabros. As rochas apresentam dominantemente textura porfirítica e a mineralogia, deformação no estado sólido, a qual foi associada ao cisalhamento regional (kinks em plagioclásio e biotita, rotação de feldspatos e biotita, ribbon em quartzo). Os cristais de plagioclásio exibem zonações cíclicas normal e inversa, e o feldspato alcalino, zonação inversa. A composição do plagioclásio varia de oligoclásio a andesina nos monzonitos, e nos enclaves, de oligoclásio a labradorita. A composição da biotita marrom indica origem a partir de magma orogênico. Os anfibólios ígneos correspondem a pargasita e edenita, a barometria com alumínio total indicou pressões que variam entre 6,7 e 7,8 kbar (15‒25 km) para os monzonitos e entre 7,2 e 9,8 kbar (20‒30 km) para os enclaves. A geoquímica evidenciou afinidades shoshonítica e cálcio-alcalina de alto K para os magmas formadores do SFL. Os elementos-traço em diagramas multielementares apresentam anomalias negativas para Ta, Nb, Ti e P, e apontam que o SFL tenha se formado em ambiente colisional. Texturas e evolução geoquímica indicam cristalização fracionada, e misturas entre magmas félsico (monzonito) e máfico (gabróicos) foram importantes na formação das rochas do SFL.
Bmal1 Deletion in Myeloid Cells Attenuates Atherosclerotic Lesion Development and Restrains Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Hyperlipidemic Mice
Authors: Yang Guangrui , Zhang Jiayang , Jiang Tingting , Monslow James , Tang Soon Yew , Todd Leslie , Puré Ellen , Chen Lihong , FitzGerald Garret A.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Although the molecular components of circadian rhythms oscillate in discrete cellular components of the vasculature and many aspects of vascular function display diurnal variation, the cellular connections between the molecular clock and inflammatory cardiovascular diseases remain to be elucidated. Previously we have shown that pre- versus postnatal deletion of Bmal1 (brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like 1), the nonredundant core clock gene has contrasting effects on atherogenesis. Here we investigated the effect of myeloid cell Bmal1 deletion on atherogenesis and abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in mice.

Approach and Results:

Mice lacking Bmal1 in myeloid cells were generated by crossing Bmal1 flox/flox mice with lysozyme 2 promoter-driven Cre recombinase mice on a hyperlipidemic low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient background and were fed on a high-fat diet to induce atherosclerosis. Atherogenesis was restrained, concomitant with a reduction of aortic proinflammatory gene expression in myeloid cell Bmal1 knockout mice. Body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol were unaltered. Similarly, myeloid cell depletion of Bmal1 also restrained Ang II (angiotensin II) induced formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm in hyperlipidemic mice. In vitro, RNA-Seq analysis demonstrated a proinflammatory response in cultured macrophages in which there was overexpression of Bmal1.

Conclusions:

Myeloid cell Bmal1 deletion retards atherogenesis and restrains the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm and may represent a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory cardiovascular diseases.
Intracellular and Intercellular Aspects of Macrophage Immunometabolism in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Tabas Ira , Bornfeldt Karin E.
Published: April 2020

Macrophage immunometabolism, the changes in intracellular metabolic pathways that alter the function of these highly plastic cells, has been the subject of intense interest in the past few years, in part because macrophage immunometabolism plays important roles in atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. In this review article, part of the
Compendium on Atherosclerosis
, we introduce the concepts of (1) intracellular immunometabolism—the canonical pathways of intrinsic cell activation leading to changes in intracellular metabolism, which in turn alter cellular function; and (2) intercellular immunometabolism—conditions in which intermediates of cellular metabolism are transferred from one cell to another, thereby altering the function of the recipient cell. The recent discovery that the metabolite cargo of dead and dying cells ingested through efferocytosis by macrophages can alter metabolic pathways and downstream function of the efferocyte is markedly changing the way we think about macrophage immunometabolism. Metabolic transitions of macrophages contribute to their functions in all stages of atherosclerosis, from lesion initiation to formation of advanced lesions characterized by necrotic cores, to lesion regression following aggressive lipid lowering. This review article discusses recent advances in our understanding of these different aspects of macrophage immunometabolism in atherosclerosis. With the increasing understanding of the roles of macrophage immunometabolism in atherosclerosis, new exciting concepts and potential targets for intervention are emerging.
South American Fieldwork/Cytogenetic Knowledge: The Cytogenetic Research Program of Sally Hughes-Schrader and Franz Schrader
Authors: Richmond Marsha L.
Published: April 2020

The marriage of Sally Peris Hughes (1895–1984) and Franz Schrader (1891–1962) in November 1920 launched a highly successful scientific collaboration that lasted over four decades. The Schraders were avid naturalists, adroit experimentalists, and keen theoreticians, and both had long, productive, and fruitful careers in zoology. They offer an extraordinarily rich case study that provides an insightful view of the work carried out in several areas of the life sciences from the 1920s to the 1960s—fieldwork, cytology, cytogenetics, and entomology—as well as critical aspects of the social world of contemporary science. By focusing on the fieldwork the couple carried out in Mexico and Central America in the late 1920s and early 1930s, this paper seeks to illuminate how this collaborative scientific marriage embodies a collective, complex, and integrated personal and social arrangement that served to enhance both knowledge production and disciplinary development in several areas of science. It also reveals ways in which marriage could serve as a means to help both parties navigate and negotiate restrictive sociocultural norms and institutional arrangements in science involving gender, power, and authority in the early twentieth century.
Women and Partnership Genealogies inDrosophilaPopulation Genetics
Authors: Velasco Martín Marta
Published: April 2020

Drosophila flies began to be used in the study of species evolution during the late 1930s. The geneticists Natasha Sivertzeva-Dobzhansky and Elizabeth Reed pioneered this work in the United States, and María Monclús conducted similar studies in Spain. The research they carried out with their husbands enabled Drosophila population genetics to take off and reveals a genealogy of women geneticists grounded in mutual inspiration. Their work also shows that women were present in population genetics from the beginning, although their contributions have previously remained unacknowledged. The similarities between their research biographies also illustrate their position in a genealogy of partnerships working on Drosophila genetics.
From Darkness to Gloom: The Feminine Presence in the Teaching of Human Evolution in Mexico
Authors: Rojas Erica Torrens
Published: April 2020

The main objective of this paper was to analyze gender representation in Mexican elementary education materials from 1960 to the present, particularly on the topic of human evolution, as this is a fundamental subject for the understanding of our ancestry as a species, and for its relationship with questions about human nature. Using gender as a category and an approach that included both qualitative and quantitative methods, a comparison of three generations of textbooks for elementary school and “monographs” was carried out. The results show a deeply entrenched and systemic problems of gender representation in Mexican pedagogical tools past and present.
Africa’s Miracle? Assessing Political Stability in Botswana
Authors: Nehrbass Alexander
Published: April 2020

Botswana has defied typical predictions scholars assign to countries that are wholly dependent on natural resources. Indeed, the country has succeeded in maintaining control of its natural wealth in diamonds, while effectively using this financial boon to establish a stable society. But how did Botswana succeed where so many other resource-rich African states have failed? I argue that the most prominent factors in Botswana’s success were astute leadership capable of garnering legitimacy through strategic economic and social management; Botswana’s ethnic homogeneity and the effective construction of a national identity; as well as the overall growth in standards of living promoted by the government’s sound financial and economic decisions. Despite identifying these accomplishments, I will introduce several looming concerns for Botswana’s political situation – including the country’s high unemployment rate, over-dependence on diamonds, as well as foreign policy dynamics that could provoke tumult in the nation. In the end, this paper should provide a snapshot of Botswana’s trajectory, and the elements that contributed to its impressively peaceful political climate, as well as a note of caution regarding possible dangers on the horizon.
Reestablishment and recircumscription of Paepalanthus elatus (Eriocaulaceae, Poales), a threatened micro-endemic species from northern Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Authors: ECHTERNACHT LIVIA , SOLDEVILA AMBAR , BEIRÃO MARINA
Published: April 2020

Although described as a distinct species, Paepalanthus elatus is currently considered as a variety of P. argenteus and known only from the type collection. Here, we perform the most comprehensive morphological analysis of P. elatus to date, derived from field and herbaria observations, including morphometry of vegetative and reproductive characters. The results support reestablishment of the taxon at species level. A recircumscription of the taxon is provided based on a complete description. The pistillate flowers are described in detail for the first time. We present notes on phenology, conservation status, and taxonomy, including a second-step lectotypification of the name Paepalanthus elatus, together with detailed photographs of living plants and a distribution map. Paepalanthus elatus is micro-endemic to a district called Fechados, Santana do Pirapama municipality, northern Serra do Cipó, in the Campo Rupestre vegetation of the Espinhaço Range, and should be considered critically endangered according to IUCN criteria. Our recognition of P. elatus as an accepted species raises the number of species of P. subg. Xeractis to 29.
Calcium-Assisted Regulation of the Structures of Porous Carbons at the Micro-Nano Scale
Authors: Li Ming , Han Kuihua , Gao Yang , Teng Zhaocai , Li Jinxiao , Wang Meimei
Published: April 2020

Here a facile and effective method was investigated to regulate the microstructures of porous carbons by adjusting the contents of calcium in precursors. The carbonization characteristics of precursors were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermogravimetric
(DTG), and the results show that the weight loss rates of precursors decrease with the increases of calcium contents. The structures of carbonized samples and their derived porous carbons at the micrometer scale were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results show
that the structures of carbonized samples change regularly with the increases of calcium contents in precursors, and porous carbons can inherit the structures from their corresponding carbonized samples. The pore characteristics of porous carbons at the nanometer scale were characterized by
N2 adsorption and desorption, Barrett Joyner and Halenda (BJH) method and Horvath-Kawazoe (HK) method, and the results show that the existence of calcium in precursors can greatly increase the total pore volumes and specific surface areas of porous carbons derived from precursors,
and interestingly it can be noticed that the micropore size distributions of porous carbons in the range of 0.58–10 nm are quite similar.
Electrochemical Properties of Nanoflower-Like NiCo2O4 Electrode Material
Authors: Song Shiwei , Zhao Yan , Zhang Dong , Li Yucai , Wang Jian , Ke Yunjie , Ding Yanbo , Wang Han , Xu Yue , Song Xuguang
Published: April 2020

A nanoflower-like NiCo2O4 was successfully synthesized on Ni foam by a facile hydrothermal process with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by annealing in air atmosphere. The special architecture consists of uniform ultra-thin layers with a lateral size of several hundred
nanometers intercrossed with each other, which promote the surface Faraday reaction and relive the volume expansion. The as-fabricated NiCo2O4 nanoflower delivers a specific capacitance of 752 F g–1 at 1 A g–1, and 78.6% retainable capacitance
after 5000 cycles.
MoO3/CNTs Loading in Separator for Performance-Improving Current-Collector-Free Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Peng Peng , Chen Jiewei , Niu Kai , Liu Zhuohai , Huang Hao , Zheng Yupeng , Liu Lehao , Chu Lihua , Li Meicheng
Published: April 2020

A novel strategy for structural design of current-collector-free lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has been proposed, MoO3/CNTs loading on the single side of a separator by a simple spin-coating method. LIBs with such a MoO3-based composite separator eliminate the need
for metal current collectors and exhibit an extra high specific capacity (0.2C, ∼1200 mA h g–1). Faster ion transport and lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the composite separator were proved compared with the traditional MoO3-based
electrode, which results in the increased special capacity. In addition, the pseudocapacitive effect caused by vacancies and narrow interval in the MoO3/CNTs materials also contributes to the high specific capacity of the batteries. The highly efficient ion and electron transport
ability of the composite separator were proved in this study, and such a novel design strategy would be an alternative for low-cost LIBs.
The God That Won: Eugen Kogon and the Origins of Cold War Liberalism
Authors: Chappel James
Published: April 2020

Eugen Kogon (1903–87) was one of the most important German intellectuals of the late 1940s. His writings on the concentration camps and on the nature of fascism were crucial to West Germany’s fledgling transition from dictatorship to democracy. Previous scholars of Kogon have focused on his leftist Catholicism, which differentiated him from the mainstream. This article takes a different approach, asking instead how Kogon, a recovering fascist himself, came to have so much in common with his peers in West Germany and in the Cold War West. By 1948, he fluently spoke the new language of Cold War liberalism, pondering how human rights and liberal democracy could be saved from totalitarianism. He did not do so, the article argues, because he had decided to abandon his principles and embrace a militarized anti-Communist cause. Instead, he transitioned to Cold War liberalism because it provided a congenial home for a deeply Catholic thinker, committed to a carceral understanding of Europe’s fascist past and a federalist vision for its future. The analysis helps us to see how European Catholics made the Cold War their own – an important phenomenon, given that Christian Democrats held power almost everywhere on the continent that was not controlled by Communists. The analysis reveals a different portrait of Cold War liberalism than we usually see: less a smokescreen for American interests, and more a vessel for emancipatory projects and ideals that was strategically employed by diverse actors across the globe.
GPR39 Overexpression in OSCC Promotes YAP-Sustained Malignant Progression
Authors: Jiang Y. , Li T. , Wu Y. , Xu H. , Xie C. , Dong Y. , Zhong L. , Wang Z. , Zhao H. , Zhou Y. , Li J. , Ji N. , Zeng X. , Feng X. , Chen Q.
Published: April 2020

The clinical outcome of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not improved in recent years, mainly due to the limited effective targeted therapy that has been applied. Recently, a transcriptional coactivator, YAP, has been shown to have a key regulatory role in malignant progression in multiple cancers, including OSCC. But pharmacologically targeting YAP or the Hippo pathway, which is the main signaling pathway regulating YAP, has been proven to be challenging. Therefore, uncovering YAP upstream regulators in cancer would identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment of YAP-sustained cancers. Here, we showed that YAP was overactivated in OSCC and that high YAP activity in patients with OSCC was associated with malignant progression and poor survival. We uncovered that GPR39 (a G protein–coupled receptor) was overexpressed in OSCC, that the expression level of GPR39 was correlated with the activity level of YAP, and that the high GPR39 expression was associated with malignant progression and poor survival in patients with OSCC. Moreover, we found that GPR39 regulated YAP through a Gαq/11-RhoA–dependent signaling pathway. Importantly, inhibition of GPR39 resulted in YAP-sustained OSCC growth inhibition. Our findings suggest that GPR39 is a potential therapeutic target for OSCC treatment with itself as a biomarker.
Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults
Authors: Marchesan J.T. , Byrd K.M. , Moss K. , Preisser J.S. , Morelli T. , Zandona A.F. , Jiao Y. , Beck J.
Published: April 2020

The effect of preventive oral habits is largely unexplored in older individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between home use of flossing and prevalence of periodontal disease and caries in older adults. Five-year incident tooth loss was also evaluated. Data on 686 individuals ≥65 y-old from the Piedmont 65+ Dental Study were examined including: 1) interproximal clinical attachment level (iCAL), 2) interproximal probing depth (iPD), 3) numbers of caries, and 4) missing teeth. Flossing behavior was evaluated according to the Periodontal Profile Class (PPC) system. Five-year follow-up data ( n = 375) was evaluated for incident tooth loss. Dichotomous and categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson chi-square tests as well as covariate-adjusted Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests. Multiple linear regression compared clinical parameters based on flossing behavior. Elderly flossers had lower (mean, SE) %iCAL≥3 mm (38.2, 2.38 vs. 48.8, 1.56) and %iPD≥4 mm (8.70, 1.41 vs. 14.4, 0.93) compared to nonflossers ( P ≤ 0.005). Flossers showed less coronal caries compared to nonflossers ( P = 0.02). Baseline number of missing teeth (mean, SE) was 11.5 (0.35) in nonflossers compared to 8.6 (0.53) in flossers ( P < 0.0001). Regular dental visitors had lower oral disease levels compared to episodic dental users. The majority of flossers classified into PPC-Stage I (health) whereas nonflossers classified as PPC-Stages V, VI, and VII (disease). At the 5-y follow-up visit, the average tooth loss for flossers was ~1 tooth compared to ~4 teeth lost for nonflossers ( P < 0.0001). Among all teeth, molars showed the highest benefit (>40%) for flossing behavior ( P = 0.0005). In conclusion, the extent of oral disease for older individuals was significantly less in flossers than in nonflossers. Flossers showed less periodontal disease, fewer dental caries, and loss of fewer teeth over a 5-y period. These findings further support flossing as an important oral hygiene behavior to prevent oral disease progression in older adults.
Examining Reliability and Validity of the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test Among Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Tofani M. , Castelli E. , Sabbadini M. , Berardi A. , Murgia M. , Servadio A. , Galeoto G.
Published: April 2020

Manual dexterity has strongly predicted functional independence for daily life activities among children with cerebral palsy (CP). The Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) is the most widely used assessment tool for exploring manual dexterity in the CP population, though no research has yet examined its psychometric properties for this use. This cross-sectional study explored the validity and internal consistency of the JTHFT in an Italian sample of inpatient and outpatient children with CP aged between 6-18 years (35 girls and 49 boys). We calculated internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha and tested validity against the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. To better understand how the JTHFT compares with different levels of the MACS, we performed dominant hand timing variability for each test item. Results showed excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of .944 and .911, respectively, for nondominant and dominant hands. There was also a statistically significant positive linear Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the JTHFT and the MACS ( p <  .01). We observed high variability in writing performance (Item 1 of the JTHFT) within this sample for each level of the MACS. This study confirms that the JTHFT is a valid assessment tool when used in children with CP aged 6-18 years.
Conceptual Metaphors and Image Schemas: A Corpus Analysis of the Development of the On Track/Off Track Idiom Pair
Authors: Liu Dilin , Mo Qiyang
Published: April 2020

Using the theoretical constructs of “image schema” and “conceptual metaphor,” this study examines the use and historical development of on track and off track as a pair of metaphorical idioms in American English. Specifically, this article is concerned with usage patterns and semantic changes of the expressions over the past two centuries in three American English corpora. We study the semantic features of the subject nouns as the “trajectors” and the diverse verbs used with the on/ off track metaphors in order to uncover the main cognitive mechanisms underlying the use of the two idioms. The results of the study delineate how the development of the metaphorical idiom pair was largely motivated by PATH/FORCE conceptual metaphors based on image schemas and licensed by the Event-Structure Complex Metaphor; this demonstrates the important role of image schemas and conceptual metaphor in language use and development. The results also reveal that, in using metaphors based on image schemas, speakers/writers may activate very specific embodied images, and that context influences the use of the metaphorical idiom pair. Our results also support findings from previous corpus-linguistic theory-guided corpus studies of lexical/syntactical constructions, confirming again the vitality of this research.
Perceived quality of parent–child relationships by Chinese primary school students: The role of parents’ education and parent–child literacy activities
Authors: Li Shifeng , Nan Nan , Xu Qiongying , Li Jiayue
Published: April 2020

Previous studies have revealed that the perceived quality of the parent–child relationship is essential for both physical health and psychological well-being. However, most studies have treated the perceived quality of this relationship as an independent variable. In this study, we considered it a dependent variable and examined the role of parents’ education and parent–child literacy activities on children’s perceived quality of the parent–child relationship. One hundred and eighty-six Chinese primary school students and their parents from low socioeconomic backgrounds participated in this study. Parents’ educational level and the parent–child literacy activity status were assessed based on parents’ reports, whereas parent–child relationships were assessed based on children’s reports. Results showed that parents’ educational level positively correlated with the frequency of parent–child literacy activities and children’s perceptions of the quality of the parent–child relationship. There was also a significant positive correlation between the frequency of parent–child literacy activities and children’s perceptions of the quality of the parent–child relationship. Further analyses showed that the frequency of parent–child literacy activities mediated the connection between parents’ educational level and children’s perceived quality of the parent–child relationship. These results suggest that boosting the frequency of parent–child literacy activities may be a useful strategy for facilitating the parent–child relationship.
Repeatability of parametric methods for [18F]florbetapir imaging in Alzheimer’s disease and healthy controls: A test–retest study
Authors: Verfaillie Sander CJ , Golla Sandeep SV , Timmers Tessa , Tuncel Hayel , van der Weijden Chris WJ , Schober Patrick , Schuit Robert C , van der Flier Wiesje M , Windhorst Albert D , Lammertsma Adriaan A , van Berckel Bart NM , Boellaard Ronald
Published: April 2020

Accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) is one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which can be visualized using [18F]florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET). The aim of this study was to evaluate various parametric methods and to assess their test-retest (TRT) reliability. Two 90 min dynamic [18F]florbetapir PET scans, including arterial sampling, were acquired ( n = 8 AD patient, n = 8 controls). The following parametric methods were used; (reference:cerebellum); Logan and spectral analysis (SA), receptor parametric mapping (RPM), simplified reference tissue model2 (SRTM2), reference Logan (rLogan) and standardized uptake value ratios (SUVr(50–70)). BPND+1, DVR, VT and SUVr were compared with corresponding estimates (VT or DVR) from the plasma input reversible two tissue compartmental (2T4k_VB) model with corresponding TRT values for 90-scan duration. RPM ( r2 = 0.92; slope = 0.91), Logan ( r2 = 0.95; slope = 0.84) and rLogan ( r2 = 0.94; slope = 0.88), and SRTM2 ( r2 = 0.91; slope = 0.83), SA ( r2 = 0.91; slope = 0.88), SUVr ( r2 = 0.84; slope = 1.16) correlated well with their 2T4k_VB counterparts. RPM (controls: 1%, AD: 3%), rLogan (controls: 1%, AD: 3%) and SUVr(50–70) (controls: 3%, AD: 8%) showed an excellent TRT reliability. In conclusion, most parametric methods showed excellent performance for [18F]florbetapir, but RPM and rLogan seem the methods of choice, combining the highest accuracy and best TRT reliability.
Natural growth pattern of sporadic renal angiomyolipoma
Authors: Courtney Michael , Mulholland Douglas , O’Neill Damien , Redmond Ciaran , Ryan James , Geoghegan Tony , Torreggiani William , Lee Michael
Published: April 2020

Background

Surveillance of sporadic renal angiomyolipomas is a growing issue for physicians and radiologists. Current treatment recommendations favor active surveillance. However, the evidence underlying these is based on small case series, which also typically include angiomyolipomas associated with tuberous sclerosis.

Purpose

To evaluate the natural growth pattern of sporadic renal angiomyolipomas in patients without tuberous sclerosis.

Material and Methods

A retrospective review was performed in three separate tertiary referral centers. A keyword search of each institutions PACS history was performed. Inclusion criteria were angiomyolipomas > 1 cm in size, three years of follow-up, and lesions requiring treatment before reaching three years of follow-up. Exclusion criteria included a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis, pregnancy, prior treatment with embolization without any prior imaging, and lesions which were treated on presentation. Growth of the angiomyolipomas was evaluated on the basis of maximum dimension on initial and follow-up images.

Results

Sixty-three patients were identified in total, with 64 lesions eligible for inclusion. The majority of patients were women (55/63). The mean age at which the angiomyolipomas discovered was 56.4 years. Mean total growth was 0.085 mm and mean follow-up was 65.5 months. At initial measurement, the mean maximum dimension of the lesions in our cohort was 2.08 cm. After follow-up, this was 2.16 cm. The average rate of growth was 0.015 cm per year.

Conclusion

Sporadic angiomyolipomas exhibit minimal, if any, natural growth. Current surveillance strategies could be relaxed.
Measuring Pavement Permanent Deformation in Accelerated Pavement Testing
Authors: Xue Wenjing , Flintsch Gerardo W. , Diefenderfer Brian K.
Published: April 2020

Permanent deformation is an essential criterion for evaluating pavement performance. In an accelerated pavement testing (APT) experiment at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, a laser profiler, multi-depth deflectometer (MDD), and forensic investigation were used to measure the permanent deformation of a pavement system. This paper analyzes the permanent deformation measured via the three methods during the APT experiment. The major concern among the three methods is applicability rather than accuracy. To measure surface deformation, the laser profiler is a more practical method than MDD in APT, as it can scan the whole surface instead of just one point. To measure the deformation within a pavement structure, MDD provides deformation development throughout the whole experiment, which is helpful for a deeper understanding of pavement materials and structures. However, MDD is also more expensive and requires significant installation effort and maintenance during the experiment compared with forensic investigation, which also needs to be considered.
Field Performance of Low-Cracking Concretes for the Closure Pours and Overlays of Bridge Decks
Authors: Ozyildirim H. Celik , Nair Harikrishnan , Sharifi Mary
Published: April 2020

Joints, wide cracks, and poor quality concretes facilitate the intrusion of chlorides, causing corrosion in bridge decks and substructures that limit the service lives. Distress in deck concretes can adversely affect ride quality and structural integrity. The objective of this study was to eliminate the joints in existing bridges and to improve the surface conditions of the decks by overlays. Two parallel bridges in Virginia were selected for study. The performance of the closure pours and overlays was observed for 4–5 years. Joints were replaced with closure pours (also known as link slabs) consisting of fiber-reinforced concretes resistant to wide cracking and intrusion of solutions. Polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene, and steel fibers were used in the closure pours; a compressive strength of 3,000 psi (pounds per square inch) at 24 h was sought. In the overlays, silica fume concrete alone and with shrinkage reducing admixture, lightweight coarse aggregate, and lightweight fine aggregate was investigated for crack control and low permeability, and compared with the control of latex-modified concrete with rapid set cement. A compressive strength of 3,000 psi at 3 days was sought. Test results and surveys showed that satisfactory strengths and permeability were achieved; the closure pours containing steel and polyvinyl alcohol fibers had tight cracks (most less than 0.1 mm with a few up to 0.2 mm). All overlays were performing well except for one section placed in adverse weather conditions and exposed to a truck fire. There were a few areas patched where poor surface preparation had led to delamination.
The Gray Digital Divide in Social Networking Site Use in Europe: Results From a Quantitative Study
Authors: Sala Emanuela , Gaia Alessandra , Cerati Gabriele
Published: April 2020

Social networking sites (SNSs) might be important tools to contrast social exclusion in old age. However, the so-called gray digital divide (GDD) may undermine the potentialities of SNSs. Despite its relevance, there is very little research, which documented the characteristics of the digital divide in SNS use among the old-age population in Europe. Drawing on the “ material access in resources and appropriation” theory developed by van Dijk, this work contributes to consolidate the body of research, documenting the nature of the GDD in SNS use in Europe and evaluating the role that older people’s categorical, personal, and positional characteristics together with ICT characteristics play in gaining access to digital technologies. We analyze data from the 2013–2016 Eurostat Community Statistics on Information Societies (CSIS) survey and perform bivariate and multilevel regression analysis. Key findings are (i) the persistence of the intergeneration digital divide in old age together with the marked cross-countries differences in SNS use across European countries and over time and (ii) the stability over old-age generations, countries, and time of the positional categories associated with SNS use in old age, providing further empirical support to van Dijk’s theory.
Use of locally prepared peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid for acute PD in children and infants in Africa
Authors: McCulloch Mignon I , Nourse Peter , Argent Andrew C
Published: April 2020

Background:

In less well-resourced countries, the high cost of commercially available peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid limits its use. The major concerns regarding bedside-prepared PD fluid is peritonitis as well as electrolyte disorders. The aim of this study was to review our experience with the use of PD fluids prepared at the bedside using the intravenous infusion solution Balsol (Fresenius Kabi).

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of all patients who received PD for acute kidney injury (AKI) using a bedside-prepared PD solution adapted from the intravenous solution Balsol in our intensive care unit.

Results:

In total, 49 cases of acute PD were performed. Of the 49 children, 21 (43%) were male. The ages of the patients ranged from newborn to 10.2 years (median 0.33 years). The weight of children ranged from 1.3 kg to 50 kg (median 4.1 kg). The type of PD catheters used: Cook catheters, 41 patients; Kimal peel-away, 10 patients; and surgical inserted Tenckhoff type of catheter, 2 patients. The duration of PD was 1–17 days (median 3 days) Complications included peritonitis in 2 of 49 patients and blocked catheter in 6 of 49 patients. There were no electrolyte disturbances as a result of the PD. Overall survival was 43% of patients.

Conclusions:

Locally prepared PD solutions at the bedside adapted from intravenous solutions can be used safely and effectively. This has important relevance for centres in less well-resourced countries, where commercially produced PD fluid is not available for the management of AKI.
An analytical approach to determine coefficients of thermal expansion of CNT/polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Abbasi A , Mondali M
Published: April 2020

In this study, thermo-mechanical properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposite were investigated. Semi-continuum analytical method was used to simulate thermal behavior of CNT-reinforced polymers. CNT was modeled in an atomistic scale, whereas polymer was modeled as a continuum. Interfacial effects or the Van Der Waals interactions between matrix and CNT were simulated employing cohesive strength. The results indicate that using the cohesive law for CNT/polymer interface could provide very close results to the available experimental data. Also, adding a small quantity of CNTs to polymer leads to a slight decrease in the radial and axial thermal expansion coefficients of polymer matrix depending on temperature, volume fraction, aspect ratio, and also diameter of CNTs.
Accuracy analysis and synthesis of asymmetric parallel mechanism based on Sobol-QMC
Authors: Wu Mengli , Yue Xianqu , Chen Weibin , Nie Qi , Zhang Yue
Published: April 2020

Aiming at the aircraft composite skin grinding, a new three degree-of-freedom (DOF) parallel mechanism with asymmetrical structure (TAM) is proposed to replace manual grinding. The TAM is achieved by integrating one of active limbs into the passive limb while keeping the required DOF unchanged, which is divided into two closed-loop chains: telescopic rod and parallelogram. The inverse kinematics models of the two chains are established according to closed-loop vector method. Thus, the actuation and the constraint Jacobian matrix are obtained. Based on the perturbation principle, the error modeling of the TAM is built. Adopting the constraint Jacobian matrix, 15 uncompensated errors are distinguished from the error model. In order to improve the working accuracy of the TAM, accuracy analysis and synthesis are necessary for all the uncompensated errors. The mapping function reflects the influence of uncompensated errors on the pose accuracy. The global sensitivity evaluation indexes are established by mapping function. Since Sobol sequences are superior in uniformity and convergence, the Quasi-Monte Carlo method based on Sobol sequences (Sobol-QMC) is introduced for sensitivity analysis. Taking the minimum manufacturing and installation costs as the optimization target, the objective function of accuracy synthesis is constructed. Ultimately, the reasonable tolerance zone of each uncompensated error is calculated by genetic algorithm. Simulation is performed by Sobol-QMC to verify the rationality of the optimization. The results show the probability is above 97% where most pose errors are in [[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]] within the workspace. Therefore, accuracy synthesis is correct and practical.
Comparative Efficacy and Clinical Outcomes of Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation to Other Stem Sources for Treatment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kunacheewa Chutima , Ungprasert Patompong , Phikulsod Ployploen , Issaragrisil Surapol , Owattanapanich Weerapat
Published: April 2020

The use of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is recommended during the first complete remission of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, only 30% of these cases have fully matched sibling donors (MSDs). Alternatively, matched unrelated donors (MUDs) and haploidentical (haplo) donors from first-degree relatives increase the access to transplantation, with some reported differences in outcomes. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with the aim of summarizing the results of those studies to compare the efficacy and toxicity of MSD-HSCT and MUD-HSCT versus haplo-HSCT for patients with AML or MDS. Articles published before September 15, 2018, were individually searched for in two databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) by two investigators. The effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from each eligible study were combined using the Mantel–Haenszel method. A total of 14 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The overall survival rates were not significantly different between the groups, with pooled odds ratios of the chance of surviving at the end of the study when comparing haplo-HSCT to MSD-HSCT and comparing haplo-HSCT to MUD-HSCT of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.70 to 1.04; I 2 = 0%) and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.89 to 1.41; I 2 = 33%), respectively. The pooled analyses of other outcomes also showed comparable results, except for the higher grade 2 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) for patients who received haplo-HSCT than those who received MSD-HSCT, and the better GvHD-free, relapse-free survival and the lower chronic GvHD than the patients in the MUD-HSCT group. These observations suggest that haplo-HSCT is a reasonable alternative with comparable efficacy if MSD-HSCT and MUD-HSCT cannot be performed. Nonetheless, the primary studies included in this meta-analysis were observational in nature, and randomized-controlled trials are still needed to confirm the efficacy of haplo-HSCT.
From Expression to Expulsion: Digital Public Spaces as Theatres of Operations in Nepal
Authors: Sha Sohan , Quet Mathieu
Published: April 2020

On 2 May 2016, Robert Penner, Canadian national residing in Nepal with a working visa, was arrested and then deported to Canada and his visa being cancelled. Based upon an analysis of the documentation related to his arrest and expulsion, this article analyses the articulation of different operations of control. A chain of public interventions and governmental actions makes the substance of the management of digital expression in Nepal and this has to be analysed with tools from media studies and science and technology studies. We present different operative regimes: Twitter accounts and discussions, police action and arrests, and court petitions. We analyse how operational levels are connected and how their interconnections lead to the criminalisation of one individual, most notably through the reformulations of the accusations by different groups of people via different devices. This in turn shows how specific technical interventions determine the control of the public space. These analyses then add to the debate upon the ‘digital public sphere’ by offering a critique of its spatial metaphor from a view focused on its performative stakes—public spaces not as sites of discussion, but as theatres of operations.
Police Officers’ Perceptions of Body-Worn Video Cameras in Beijing
Authors: Jiang Feng , Xie Chuanyu , Ellis Tom
Published: April 2020

The Chinese police started using body-worn video cameras (BWVCs) from 2010 in some cities and provinces. On July 1, 2016, shortly after the death of Lei Yang during arrest by police, the Ministry of Public Security ( Gong’anbu) introduced BWVCs as mandatory for all the Chinese frontline police officers through issuing Regulations on Audio and Video Recording of Onsite Law Enforcement for Public Security Units (RAVR). However, despite the nationwide use of BWVCs, the research literature on BWVCs in China remains sparse. Studies from the United States and the United Kingdom provide evidence of the importance of officers’ buy-in to the new technology. It is, therefore, essential to know Chinese officers’ views and evaluations of using BWVCs. Using an anonymized online questionnaire, adapted from published international prior studies, this article reports and evaluates the views of 255 Beijing officers of the Beijing Police Department. Our analysis suggests that, overall, there was a high level of support and a high level of self-reported use for BWVCs among respondents not only because they are required to use them but also because they wanted to. Officers perceived more benefits than disadvantages of using BWVCs and most thought BWVCs would help them in their daily work without reducing their enthusiasm for law enforcement. Some differences were found between officers from different working units and between male and female officers. There were also weak negative correlations between length of service as a police officer and supportive attitudes toward BWVCs. Most criticisms were about technical issues such as higher expectations on the battery life and BWVC reliability.
Improvement of Autism Symptoms After Comprehensive Intensive Early Interventions in Community Settings
Authors: Haglund Nils , Dahlgren SvenOlof , Råstam Maria , Gustafsson Peik , Källén Karin
Published: April 2020

Background:

Preschool children with autism in southern Sweden participated in a comprehensive Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) program.

Aims:

To evaluate the ongoing NDBI program by comparing the pre- and postintervention outcomes in terms of improved autism symptom severity.

Method:

The improvement of Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-R) test results between baseline and evaluation among children participating in the NDBI program ( n = 67) was compared with the results among children receiving community treatment as usual ( n = 27) using analysis of covariance.

Results:

The study showed that children in the NDBI group improved their ADOS-R total scores between baseline and evaluation (−0.8 scores per year; 95% CI [−1.2, −0.4]), whereas no improvement was detected in the comparison group (+0.1 scores per year; 95% CI [−0.7, +0.9]). The change in the NDBI group versus the change in the comparison group was statistically significant after adjusting for possible confounders as well. Children in the NDBI group also significantly improved their ADOS severity scores, but the scores were not significantly different from those of the comparison group.

Conclusions:

The results from the current naturalistic study must be interpreted cautiously, but they do support earlier studies reporting on improvement of autism symptoms after early intensive interventions. Results from observational studies are difficult to interpret, but it is nevertheless of uttermost importance to evaluate costly autism intervention programs. The results do indicate that children with autism benefit from participating in early comprehensive intensive programs.