bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between Cell-Free Mitochondrial DNA and Inflammation, and Their Clinical Implications for Patients on Hemodialysis: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Kipyo , Jung Su Woong , Cho Won-Hee , Moon Haena , Jeong Kyung Hwan , Kim Jin Sug , Lee Sang-Ho , Ahn Shin Young , Yang Dong Ho , Lee Hong Joo , Lee Dong-Young , Moon Ju-Young , Kim Yang Gyun
Published: August 2020

Background: Cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) has recently been in the spotlight as an endogenously produced danger molecule that can potentially elicit inflammation. However, its clinical and prognostic implications are uncertain in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: We examined the association of baseline cf-mtDNA categorized as tertiles with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), inflammatory cytokines, and mortality in a multicenter prospective cohort of 334 patients on hemodialysis. To better understand cf-mtDNA-mediated inflammation, we measured cytokine production after in vitro stimulation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with mtDNA. Results: The higher cf-mtDNA tertile had a longer dialysis vintage, a greater comorbidity burden, and increased levels of inflammatory markers, including high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, CXCL16, and osteoprotegerin. In particular, mtDNA augmented inflammatory cytokine release from BMDMs by lipopolysaccharide, the levels of which are reported to be increased in hemodialysis patients. Although the patients with higher levels of cf-mtDNA generally had lower (poorer) scores for HRQOL, cf-mtDNA was not associated with all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients. Conclusion: cf-mtDNA was correlated with poor clinical status and modestly associated with impaired quality of life in patients on hemodialysis. In proinflammatory milieu in end-stage renal disease, these associations may be attributed to the boosting effects of cf-mtDNA on inflammation.
Factor VII Activating Protease Expression in Human Platelets and Accumulation in Symptomatic Carotid Plaque
Authors: Parahuleva Mariana S. , Worsch Michael , Euler Gerhild , Choukeir Maryana , Mardini Amar , Parviz Behnoush , Kanse Sandip M. , Portig Irene , Khayrutdinov Evgeny , Schieffer Bernhard , Markus Birgit
Published: August 2020

Background

Factor VII activating protease (FSAP) is of interest as a marker for vascular inflammation and plaque destabilization. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression profile of FSAP in endarterectomy specimens that were taken from patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques and to compare them with circulating FSAP levels.

Methods and Results

Plasma FSAP concentration, activity, and mRNA expression were measured in endarterectomy specimens and in monocytes and platelets. Plaque and plasma FSAP levels were higher in symptomatic patients (n=10) than in asymptomatic patients (n=14). Stronger FSAP immunostaining was observed in advanced symptomatic lesions, in intraplaque hemorrhage‐related structures, and in lipid‐rich areas within the necrotic core. FSAP was also colocalized with monocytes and macrophages (CD11b/CD68‐positive cells) and platelets (CD41‐positive cells) of the plaques. Moreover, human platelets expressed FSAP in vitro, at both the mRNA and protein levels. Expression is stimulated by thrombin receptor‐activating peptide and ADP and reduced by acetylsalicylic acid.

Conclusions

Plasma FSAP levels were significantly increased in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis and thus may be involved in plaque development This plaque‐associated FSAP may be produced by platelets or macrophages or may be taken up from the circulation. To establish FSAP’s utility as a circulating or plaque biomarker in patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques, further studies are needed.
Two new Peperomia species (Piperaceae) from southwest Mexico

Authors: MATHIEU GUIDO , VICCON-ESQUIVEL JOSÉ
Published: August 2020

Peperomia pasionana Trelease ex G.Mathieu and Peperomia tancitaroana Trelease ex J.Viccon & G.Mathieu, two new species, endemic to southwest Mexico (Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán), are described, illustrated and compared with morphologically similar taxa. Both were already recognized as novelties by William Trelease more than 70 years ago, but never published. They belong to subgenus Oxyrhynchum (Dahlst.) Samain.
Geckos in the granite: two new geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from rocky, scrub habitats in Rishi Valley, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: AGARWAL ISHAN , THACKERAY TEJAS , KHANDEKAR AKSHAY
Published: August 2020

Two new species of geckos from the genera Cnemaspis and Hemidactylus are described from a granite outcrop in the Rishi Valley, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Cnemaspis rishivalleyensis sp. nov. and Hemidactylus rishivalleyensis sp. nov. are presently known only from their type locality and are 8.7 % and 10.9 % divergent from their closest known sister species, respectively. The new species are allied to the mysoriensis and murrayi clades of South Asian Cnemaspis and the brookii group of Indian Hemidactylus, respectively. The two new species can be diagnosed from regional congeners by the number and arrangement of femoral and precloacal pores and poreless scales separating these series, body size, the number of tubercles in paravertebral rows, the number of enlarged tubercles around mid-body, the number of ventral scales across mid-body, the number of lamellae beneath digit IV of pes and manus, and subtle differences in colour pattern. Four endemic geckos now have their type localities within 10 km of each other, Cnemaspis graniticola and Cyrtodactylus rishivalleyensis from Horsley Hills and the two new species from Rishi valley. The two new species are also the third endemic species each of Cnemaspis and Hemidactylus from Andhra Pradesh.
Laparoscopic-Assisted Abdominal Wall Pexy of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter
Authors: Wei Wei , Fanous Medhat
Published: August 2020

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) for rural patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is convenient, efficient, and durable. However, patients with a history of previous abdominal surgeries or peritonitis are at an increased risk of PD malfunction. This case highlights the impact of securing the catheter to the abdominal wall laparoscopically to keep the PD catheter in an adhesion-free area to maintain patency and function in a patient with extensive intraperitoneal adhesions.

Subject

A 76-year-old white male was on PD which later was complicated with peritonitis and sepsis and subsequent catheter removal. A year later, the patient desired replacement of the PD catheter. Intraoperatively, diagnostic laparoscopy revealed significant intraperitoneal adhesions mainly located at the left side of the abdomen with the right side of the abdomen spared. The Tenckhoff PD catheter, which was straightened by a steel stylet, was inserted via a 5-mm trocar. The stylet was removed. The pig tail of the PD catheter was navigated away from the adhesion and directed to the right side of the abdomen for internal fixation. The catheter at 9 cm from the PD catheter cuff was attached to the right paramedian peritoneum.

Results

PD started 1 week after placement. The patient had excellent inflow and outflow for 14 months to date without complication or need for revision.

Conclusion

The laparoscopic pexy of the PD catheter to the abdominal wall to keep the catheter in an adhesion-free compartment is beneficial in selected patients. A future study with a larger number of patients is needed to further validate this strategy.
Determinants of Agricultural Productivity in Ethiopia: ARDL Approach
Authors: Shita Aynalem , Kumar Nand , Singh Seema
Published: August 2020

This study analyses factors affecting agricultural productivity in Ethiopia for the period of 1990–2016 by using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. Both the bounds test and the error correction model confirmed the existence of co-integration (long-run relationship) between the variables included in the model. The results revealed that cereal productivity is positively influenced by use of fertiliser and real gross domestic product (GDP) both in the long run and in the short run. While size of arable land influences productivity positively in the long run, its short-run effect was found to be negative. Hence, the government and other concerned authorities should work to enhance farmers’ use of improved technologies, such as fertiliser, by ensuring its timely availability at an affordable price, encouraging farmers to participate on alternative sources of income such as off-farm activities and bringing additional area under cereal production to improve agricultural productivity.
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: What lessons for social work education and practice?
Authors: Amadasun Solomon
Published: August 2020

Social work is challenged in Africa, given the colonial heritage of the remedial or casework model. Drawing on the fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this article considers how social work could be well positioned to effectively respond to Africa’s social problems. Although recent evidence illustrates that the profession is generally viewed in a positive light among many African people, there are calls for practitioners to be more assertive in responding to Africa’s perennial social problems, aggravated by the current pandemic. Strategies for strengthening the quality of social work education and practice in Africa are explored.
Caregivers’ Expectations, Reflected Appraisals, and Arrests among Adolescents Who Experienced Parental Incarceration
Authors: Noel Melissa E. , Najdowski Cynthia J.
Published: August 2020

This research sought to identify a potential process by which intergenerational crime occurs, focusing on the effect of parental incarceration on adolescents’ subsequent arrests. We drew from Matsueda’s work on reflected appraisals as an explanatory mechanism for this effect. Thus, the present research examined whether caregivers’ and adolescents’ expectations for adolescents’ future incarceration sequentially mediated the effect of parental incarceration on adolescents’ actual arrest outcomes. Propensity score matching was used to examine this effect in a sample of 1,735 15- to 16-year-olds using NLSY97 data. Parental incarceration was positively related to caregivers’ expectations of adolescents’ future arrest. Moreover, caregivers’ expectations were strongly associated with adolescents’ expectations. Finally, the effect of parental incarceration on adolescents’ actual future arrest likelihood was partially mediated by caregivers’ and adolescents’ expectations for this outcome. This study revealed support for the proposition that the experience of parental incarceration may influence adolescents’ negative outcomes through reflected appraisals.
Information Type Influences Students’ Perceptions of Faculty Self-Disclosures
Authors: Hill Katherine Grace , Martischewsky Macy Jayne , Erickson Cynthia Ann
Published: August 2020

Background:

Faculty might disclose personal information in order to illustrate a concept related to course material. However, the impact of self-disclosing potentially personal information (e.g., medical or mental health) is unclear.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine how students perceive professors who self-disclose personal information during lectures, given that some conditions may be viewed negatively.

Method:

Introductory psychology students ( N = 137) completed an online survey in which they rated female professors in vignettes describing course lectures. Each lecture was one of the following topics: bipolar disorder, opioid addiction, breast cancer, brain tumor, and animal learning (control). At the end of each vignette, the professor self-disclosed personal information related to that lecture.

Results:

Overall, students perceived professors who disclosed physical (breast cancer and brain tumor) conditions more positively compared to psychological (bipolar and opioid addiction) conditions. Highest approval ratings were given to the professor with breast cancer.

Conclusion:

Students’ perceptions of self-disclosure depended on the type of personal information, providing a springboard for future studies on this topic.

Teaching Implications:

Given the different levels of approval for each professor, we cannot make a blanket recommendation as to whether personal information should be shared in the classroom.
Religiosity Moderates the Link Between Environmental Beliefs and Pro-Environmental Support: The Role of Belief in a Controlling God
Authors: Eom Kimin , Saad Carmel S. , Kim Heejung S.
Published: August 2020

The current research examines differences in what motivates environmentally sustainable behavior between more and less religious people in the United States. We found that religiosity moderates the extent to which environmental beliefs predict pro-environmental support. Specifically, environmental beliefs predicted pro-environmental support less strongly among more religious people than less religious people (Studies 1 and 2). Using a correlational (Study 2) and an experimental (Study 3) design, we further found that one particular aspect of religiosity—believing in a controlling god—reduced the importance of personally held environmental beliefs in shaping one’s support for pro-environmental actions. Our findings suggest that motivation to act based on personal beliefs may be attenuated among people who are religious because they believe in an external source of control. Sociocultural factors, such as religion, shape the psychological underpinnings of social actions, and the present research underscores the importance of understanding psychological diversity in promoting support toward environmental sustainability.
“The Person I Dislike Is Myself”: How Narratives of Individualism Shape Justice-involved Youth’s Identity Construction
Authors: Eisen Daniel B. , VanderPyl Taryn
Published: August 2020

Since the vast majority of incarcerated youth will one day be released back to their home communities, juvenile corrections facilities are required to adopt programming that attempts to reduce reoffending and recidivism. Although evidence-based programs have been deemed effective, most are predicated upon getting youth to assimilate into dominant cultural norms, a practice that can have negative unintended consequences. This research examines youth narratives from a writing program in a long-term juvenile corrections facility. The findings demonstrate how individualism and abstract liberalism infuse the youths’ writings about themselves, their previous behavior, and their path upon reentry. By drawing upon these frames, the youth ignore structures that constrain individual agency and construct successful reentry as an individual endeavor to “make good choices.” In doing so, they construct themselves as problems to be fixed. Overall, this research engages the voices of incarcerated youth to examine how they socially construct themselves through narratives and how these narratives are informed by dominant and marginalizing ideologies.
Multi-Dimensional Social Relations and Mental Health among Rural Older Adults
Authors: Park Sojung , Shin Oejin , Lee Sangchul , Baek Jihye
Published: August 2020

To date, knowledge of the association between social-relational patterns and health among rural elders in non-Western social and cultural contexts is scant. Using regional population data in rural South Korea, this study examines comprehensive social relations among rural elders, and the extent to which heterogeneous patterns of social relations were associated with cognitive impairment and depression. Using comprehensive social-relational indicators with (a) the structure of social relations (b) the quality of social relations, we applied latent class analysis identified four subgroups of social relations among rural older adults: Restricted, Spouse Focused-Ambivalent, Community Engaged-Positive, and Diverse. We found that the Community-Engaged group was less likely to be depressed as well as have co-ocurring problems of cognitive impairment and depression.
Culturally Responsive Mindfulness Interventions for Perinatal African-American Women: A Call for Action
Authors: Garfield Lindsey , Watson-Singleton Natalie N.
Published: August 2020

Perinatal African-American women experience perinatal health disparities with increased levels of stress. Stress includes exposure to racism and sexism for African-American women. African-American perinatal women need a culturally tailored intervention to decrease stress and improve health. Culturally tailored interventions are more effective than non-adapted interventions. Mindfulness can reduce stress and improve health and may be an ideal intervention to culturally modify for perinatal African-American women. We will first discuss stress and its impact on perinatal health. Second, we will present stress and intersectionality for perinatal African-American women. Third, we will describe the existing research on mindfulness and its proposed benefits for perinatal women. Finally, we will highlight culturally responsive mindfulness approaches and how these may be uniquely suited to target and mitigate perinatal stress outcomes and promote healthy behaviors.
State anxiety and alcohol choice: Evidence from experimental and online observational studies
Authors: Dyer Maddy L , Board Alexander G , Hogarth Lee , Suddell Steph F , Heron Jon E , Hickman Matthew , Munafò Marcus R , Attwood Angela S
Published: August 2020

Background:

Experimental studies have investigated the effects of physical, psychological and pharmacological stressors (that induce state anxiety) on alcohol outcomes. However, no study has investigated the effects of state anxiety on alcohol outcomes, and the moderating role of drinking to cope (DTC) motives, using the 7.5% carbon dioxide (CO2) challenge.

Aims:

We aimed to investigate the relationships between state anxiety and alcohol-related outcomes (primarily alcohol choice). We also explored whether DTC motives moderated these relationships.

Methods:

We conducted two experiments using the 7.5% CO2 challenge (Studies 1 and 2) and an observational study (Study 3) ( ns = 42, 60 and 219, respectively), to triangulate findings.

Results:

In Study 1, experimentally induced state anxiety increased alcohol choice ( p < .001, ηp2 = .29). This finding was replicated in Study 2, but the effect was weaker ( p = .076, ηp2 = .06). Furthermore, DTC moderated the effect ( p = .013, ηp2 = .11). However, in Study 3 there was no clear evidence of an association between naturally occurring state anxiety and alcohol choice ( b = 0.05, p = .655), or a moderating role of DTC ( b = 0.01, p = .852).

Conclusions:

Experimentally induced, but not naturally occurring, state anxiety increases alcohol choice, although state anxiety levels were lower in the non-manipulated sample.
Lumbosacral spinal compression device with the use of a cushion back support in supine MRI
Authors: Sungkarat Witaya , Laothamatas Jiraporn , Worapruekjaru Ladawan , Hooncharoen Boonthida , Charoensuk Jarruwat , Chousangsuntorn Khaisang
Published: August 2020

Background

We hypothesized that axial-loaded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), modified with the use of a cushion placed behind the lower back (i.e. BS-MRI method), would simulate the standing position more accurately than an axial-loaded MRI without a cushion back support (BS).

Purpose

To determine whether the BS-MRI method demonstrated similar morphologies on intervertebral disc (IVD), dural sac, and spinal curvature as those detected on 90° standing MRIs in individuals with suspected spinal stenosis.

Material and Methods

Twenty-five subjects underwent a BS-MRI, as well as axial-loaded and standing MRI studies. Outcome measures were four radiographic parameters of the lumbar spine: IVD height (DH); dural sac cross-sectional area (DCSA); and spinal curvature (i.e. lumbar lordosis [LL] and L1-L3-L5 angle [LA]).

Results

Major differences (>5%) between standing MRI and BS-MRI methods were observed in DCSA, DH, and LL. Major differences between standing and axial loaded MRIs were observed only in DCSA and LA. Although BS-MRIs demonstrate an image of the lumbar spine curvature (i.e. LA) which is closer to that when standing than axial-loaded MRIs, it is likely to overestimate both narrowing of dural sac and extent of LL.

Conclusion

Using a compression device with a BS to simulate weight-bearing on the lumbar spine is not recommended due to: (i) overestimation of the narrowing of the dural sac and extent of LL; and (ii) underestimation of loss of disc height. Supine axial-loading produced DCSA and DH which were strongly correlated with those detected with standing MRIs. Exceptions were that LL and LA were underestimated.
Superselective vesical artery embolization for intractable bladder hemorrhage related to pelvic malignancy
Authors: Kim Myung Sub , Hong Hyun Pyo , Kang Kyung A , Lee Young Rae , Joo Kwan Joong , Cho Young-Sam , Lee Yun-Gyoo
Published: August 2020

Background

Intractable bladder hemorrhage from pelvic malignancy can be potentially life-threatening and its management can be a challenging clinical problem.

Purpose

To evaluate safety, efficacy, and clinical outcome of superselective vesical artery embolization for the control of intractable bladder hemorrhage from pelvic malignancy.

Material and Methods

Between January 2010 and September 2018, 20 patients underwent superselective vesical artery embolization for intractable hematuria secondary to pelvic malignancy arising from or invading the bladder. Treatment details and clinical outcomes were obtained.

Results

There were 12 men and 8 women (mean age = 77 years). Bilateral embolization was performed in 10 patients and unilateral approach in 10 patients. Two patients died within four days after embolization due to underlying heart failure and systemic metastasis, respectively. The remaining 18 patients had a follow-up of >30 days. Bleeding was controlled after the first embolization in 17/18 patients and after a repeat embolization in the remaining one patient. The mean follow-up period of 18 patients was 10.6 months (range = 1–77 months). Late recurrent hemorrhage (≥ 30 days after embolization) was reported in 6 (33.3%) patients. Five of these six patients underwent repeat embolization. There were no major complications related to embolization.

Conclusion

Palliative superselective vesical artery embolization is a feasible, effective, and safe procedure to control intractable hematuria in patients with pelvic malignancy.
Hydration and Early Age Properties of Cement Pastes Modified with Cellulose Nanofibrils
Authors: Haddad Kolour Hosain , Ashraf Warda , Landis Eric N.
Published: August 2020

In this work, the effects of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) on workability, hydration reaction, microstructure, early age shrinkage, fracture properties, flexural strength, and compressive strength of cement paste were investigated. Six batches with variable CNF concentrations with the same water-to-cement (w/c) ratio (0.35) were tested. Flow table test showed a reduction in the workability as CNF dosage increased. Isothermal calorimetry (IC) tests showed that after 3 days, degree of hydration (DOH) improved up to 8% because of the addition of CNFs. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests at 7 and 28 days showed no significant changes in DOH for all pastes. After 7 days, mixture with 0.15% CNF resulted in up to 31% improvement in compressive strength. For 0.09% CNF addition, cement paste showed 26% increase in compressive strength after 28 days. Tests revealed that adding a small quantity of CNF (0.06%) along with entraining 0.05 extra water reduces autogenous shrinkage by 49% at a cement paste with w/c = 0.30. For interpreting the results, a tunnels, reservoirs, and bridges (TR&B) model is proposed. This model suggests that, as proposed by others, CNFs can modify microstructure by providing tunnels for transporting water to unhydrated cement grain. Because of their hydrophilicity, CNFs retain water and work as reservoirs (internal curing), which explains the improvement in properties at low w/c ratios. Significant increases in fracture energy (up to 60%) and flexural strength (up to 116%) suggest that CNFs are an effective toughening mechanism, acting as bridges that increase the energy required for crack propagation.
Geometry optimization of the rolling tool for gear roll-forming process
Authors: Peng Bo , Luo Yang , Luo Yuanxin , Ma Ziyong
Published: August 2020

Gear roll forming process is an innovative near-net-shape gear manufacturing technology for efficient manufacturing, high material utilization rate, high products strength, and outstanding surface quality. The profile of the Tooth of the Rolling Tool (TRT) has a direct impact on its strength/stiffness which further affects its life duration and the accuracy of the formed products. Research has been carried out to design the involute curve of TRT, however, the transaction curve of TRT which also has a significant impact on tooth strength and service durability remains to be designed and optimized in order to further improve the rolling performance. In this paper, an elliptical gear tooth root transaction curve is proposed to replace the traditional fillet curve for the enhancement of tooth bending performance. The maximum root stress and stiffness of the gear tooth with elliptical transaction curve are calculated and compared to the standard profile with different parameters (modulus, pressure angle, and coefficient of bottom clearance). The results show that proposed elliptical tooth reduces the maximum root stress and increase the strength and stiffness of TRT especially significant for rolling tools with small number of teeth and coefficient of bottom clearance.
An analysis method to determine how changes in dynamic complexity impact on rotor-bearing systems
Authors: Jiang Mian , Liu Shuangqi , Wang Yuhua
Published: August 2020

Condition monitoring performance and diagnosis of rotor-bearing systems depend not only on the methods used, but also on the dynamic complexity of the system itself. Thus, it is important to analyze how changes in parameters under various working conditions impact on dynamic complexity. Most of previous research efforts on this topic have been focused on the analysis of nonlinear dynamics of rotor-bearing systems with different parameters. In this paper, a nonlinearity quantification based analysis method is presented to determine how parameter dynamics impact the complexity of rotor-bearing systems. The dynamic complexity of rotor system is estimated using defined nonlinearity measures. To validate this method, a sliding rotor-bearing system with a loose pedestal is used. The estimates (nonlinearity degrees) and the states of motion are matched with increasing rotational speeds. It is then investigated, how the eccentricities, lubricating oil viscosities, and bearing clearances impacted the dynamic complexity at several critical rotational speeds. These results can guide methodological choices for condition monitoring and diagnosis of rotor systems.
Multi-scale traffic sign detection model with attention
Authors: Fan Bei Bei , Yang He
Published: August 2020

The current traffic sign detection technology is disturbed by factors such as illumination changes, weather, and camera angle, which makes it unsatisfactory for traffic sign detection. The traffic sign data set usually contains a large number of small objects, and the scale variance of the object is a huge challenge for traffic indication detection. In response to the above problems, a multi-scale traffic sign detection algorithm based on attention mechanism is proposed. The attention mechanism is composed of channel attention mechanism and spatial attention mechanism. By filtering the background information on redundant contradictions with channel attention mechanism in the network, the information on the network is more accurate, and the performance of the network to recognize the traffic signs is improved. Using spatial attention mechanism, the proposed method pays more attention to the object area in traffic recognition image and suppresses the non-object area or background areas. The model in this paper is validated on the Tsinghua-Tencent 100K data set, and the accuracy of the experiment reached a higher level compared to state-of-the-art approaches in traffic sign detection.
A decentralized method for collision detection and avoidance applied to civil aircraft
Authors: Niu Haotian , Ma Cunbao , Han Pei
Published: August 2020

With the increasing density level of airspace, the flawed logic of resolution in air conflict has become a potential hazard to keep flight safety for civil aviation. A powerful decision-support system is needed to identify and resolve potential conflicts on planned trajectory in advance. Existing studies on this subject mainly focus on the centralized means, but seldom consider the decentralized approaches. In this paper, a decentralized method is proposed so that each aircraft can generate the collision-free Reference Business Trajectory (RBT) autonomously, and resolve potential conflicts while conforming to the unified rules. Firstly, a Synchronous Discrete-Time-Discrete-Space trajectory modeling is developed to divide the continuous planned trajectory into multiple trajectory segments according to motion state. Thus, the collision can be accurately located at one certain risky segment, and the corresponding collision time can be acquired precisely. Through a weight analysis of collision time, the critical trajectory segment is determined to implement the task of conflict resolution. Then, the Optimal Reciprocal Collision Avoidance (ORCA) algorithm is adopted and extended to determine the collision-free maneuver with the consideration of direction selectivity. At last, the Trajectory Change Points (TCPs) are achieved by the quadratic program for each aircraft. The proposed method can help aircraft generate collision-free RBT in decentralized way successfully. Several simulations are conducted to confirm the validity and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Clinical Application Potential of Small Molecules that Induce Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis by Improving Fat Metabolism
Authors: Lu Kang-Yun , Primus Dass Kingsley Theras , Tsai Sheng-Feng , Chuang Hong-Meng , Lin Shinn-Zong , Liu Shih-Ping , Harn Horng-Jyh
Published: August 2020

Mammalian fat comprises white and brown adipose tissue (WAT and BAT, respectively). WAT stores energy, whereas BAT is used for thermogenesis. In recent years, the incidence of obesity and its associated disorders have increased tremendously. Considering the thermogenic capacity and decreased levels of BAT with increasing age, BAT can be used as a suitable therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. In several studies, using positron emission tomography and computed tomography images, adult humans have been shown to have functional BAT in interscapular fat. Results of these basic research studies on BAT have shed light on the new components of transcriptional regulation and the role of hormones in stimulating BAT growth and differentiation. In this review article, we have summarized the thermogenic regulators identified in the past decades by focusing on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma/uncoupling protein 1 activators, branched-chain amino acids, fatty acids (lipokine), and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase mediators. We have also presented the progress of a few ongoing clinical trials aimed at the treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. The main purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive introduction to the latest knowledge of the representative thermogenic regulators for the treatment of obesity. The fat combustion capacity of BAT may have great potential and can be considered as a suitable target for the therapeutic application of drugs from bench-to-bed treatment of obesity and the associated diseases.
A global pandemic is not a good time to introduce ‘opt-out’ for organ donation
Authors: Parsons Jordan A. , Moorlock Greg
Published: August 2020

Following several international examples, England introduced a system of deemed consent for organ donation in May 2020. This had been planned for over a year. However, the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic raise issues that make the timing of this change unfortunate. The planned public awareness campaign has thus far been overshadowed by media coverage of the pandemic, and will likely continue to be, creating a situation in which a significant portion of the population may be unaware of having become potential organ donors. Further, the immediate impact of the new policy is likely to be significantly weakened by the suspension of the majority of organ donation and transplant activity. In this article, we first outline the details of the new model introduced in England, before considering the impact of the pandemic on transplantation services. We put forward three ethical reasons why, given the unprecedented circumstances, the change should have been postponed. We argue that (1) COVID-19 dominating headlines will prevent widespread awareness of the change, thereby undermining the autonomy of those who do not wish to be donors; (2) a lack of transplant activity during the pandemic will make the impact of the change difficult to measure; and (3) trust in the new system may be damaged given controversial decisions regarding Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation orders and the allocation of scarce intensive care resources. These reasons combined make for a shaky start at best and present a risk of the new system failing to achieve its desired and essential effect of increasing the number of voluntary organ donors.
Hedonic Shopping Motivations and Obsessive–Compulsive Buying on the Internet
Authors: Ali Ayaz , Li Chen , Hussain Ashfaque , Bakhtawar
Published: August 2020

This article examines the relationship between online hedonic shopping motivations and obsessive–compulsive buying of online buyers. The useable data of 503 respondents are analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM). The results indicate that online buyers exhibit adventure seeking and idea shopping, which have a positive effect on obsessive–compulsive buying, whereas role shopping and value shopping are found to be negatively significant to obsessive–compulsive buying. Surprisingly, gratification seeking and social shopping are found to be insignificant. The implications of the study for researchers and managers are discussed.
Does Father’s Social Capital Matter to Child Undernutrition in Myanmar?
Authors: Win Thida , Tun Sein Than , Ikeda Wakaha , Morita Akemi , Sokejima Shigeru
Published: August 2020

This article examined the association between social capital of fathers and child undernutrition using a community-based survey in Myanmar in 2018. The anthropometric measurements of 1546 children aged 6 to 59 months and face-to-face interviews of 1546 respective biological fathers were performed. The three social capital indicators (institutional trust, social supports, and collective action) were included in 2-level logistic regression models for child wasting and child stunting. Social supports from fathers’ social networks were protective measures for child wasting and child stunting at individual and community levels, respectively. The collective action of fathers was positively associated with child stunting at individual level. No association was found between institutional trust and both indicators of child undernutrition at all levels. The individual-level collective action on child stunting was conditional on the community-level social supports. Our findings suggest that existing nutritional strategies in Myanmar may be strengthened by targeting fathers to increase their support in child nutrition and by targeting the community to engage in the nutritional programs with their full support.
Prefiguration, Apocalypse, Tragedy: Three Trajectories of Patristic Interpretation of the Adamic Fall
Authors: Blowers Paul M.
Published: August 2020

This essay examines three major (and to some degree overlapping) trajectories of patristic interpretation of the Adamic Fall in Genesis 3, all of which have considerable representation in early Christian writers. Following on the Pauline treatment of Adam especially in Romans 5, a first interpretive trajectory sketches the Fall principally as a prefigurative event, a lapse that, modeled in the protoplasts Adam and Eve, human beings have continued to imitate and prolong transgenerationally. A second whole interpretive approach interprets it as an “apocalyptic” event within the larger divine economy, taking account of questions of theodicy and divine wisdom, of how allegedly perfect creatures could fall in the first place, and of the ontological and moral repercussions of the Fall for the human race. Still a third trajectory enhances the “dramatic” dimension of the Fall and plays up the features of tragedy which characterize the protoplasts’ fateful miscalculation and the divine intervention to save the day. This essay seeks to demonstrate the interpretive latitude within all three trajectories, which, though not necessarily exhaustive, are certainly representative in late ancient and early medieval Christianity.
Consensus on Indications for Medial Cuneiform Opening Wedge (Cotton) Osteotomy in the Treatment of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey E. , Sangeorzan Bruce J. , de Cesar Netto Cesar , Deland Jonathan T. , Ellis Scott J. , Hintermann Beat , Schon Lew C. , Thordarson David B. , Myerson Mark S.
Published: August 2020

Recommendation:

Forefoot varus is a physical and radiographic examination finding associated with the Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD). Varus position of the forefoot relative to the hindfoot is caused by medial midfoot collapse with apex plantar angulation of the medial column. Some surgeons use the term forefoot supination to describe this same deformity (see Introduction section with nomenclature). Correction of this deformity is important to restore the weightbearing tripod of the foot and help resist a recurrence of foot collapse. When the forefoot varus deformity is isolated to the medial metatarsal and medial cuneiform, correction is indicated with an opening wedge medial cuneiform (Cotton) osteotomy, typically with interposition of an allograft bone wedge from 5 to 11 mm in width at the base. When the forefoot varus is global, involving varus angulation of the entire forefoot and midfoot relative to the hindfoot, other procedures are needed to adequately correct the deformity.

Level of Evidence:

Level V, consensus, expert opinion.
The Power of Being Transported: Efficacy Beliefs, Risk Perceptions, and Political Affiliation in the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Bieniek-Tobasco Ashley , Rimal Rajiv N. , McCormick Sabrina , Harrington Cherise B.
Published: August 2020

We evaluated the short-term effects of transportation on efficacy beliefs and risk perceptions after exposure to a climate change documentary. Data were collected in randomized laboratory ( N = 624) and online ( N = 1,391) experiments. Participants watched one episode of Years of Living Dangerously or a control video. Regression analyses assessed whether narrative transportation and/or political affiliation were predictive of outcomes. Transportation and political affiliation were significantly associated with efficacy beliefs and risk perceptions ( p < .001). A significant transportation by political party interaction for efficacy beliefs ( p < .01) and risk perceptions (p < .01) indicated that cross-party differences could be mitigated by higher levels of transportation.
Extended enzymatic stability of reconstituted lyophilized PEG-asparaginase in vials
Authors: Viña-Romero María M , Ramos Díaz Ruth , González García Jónathan , Nazco-Casariego Gloria , Díaz-Vera Jésica , Gutiérrez-Nicolás Fernando
Published: August 2020

Asparaginase (ASNase) use as a tumour-inhibitor drug has changed completely the natural course of paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in such a way that it represents a paradigm shift in ALL management. ASNase treatment emergence has significantly improved pathologic responses and increased survival rates of ALL patients. Although different ASNase forms are currently available, only the pegylated form (PEG-ASNase) is recommended by relevant clinic guides. PEG-ASNase form shows longer elimination half-life, reducing the number of administrations, along with an enhanced safety profile. In spite of all of these advantages, PEG-ASNase elevated cost limits enormously its use. PEG-ASNase is commercialised as a lyophilised powder which according to the manufacturer it is stable for 24 hours once reconstituted, as a result, the leftover is usually discarded. In this study we analysed the enzymatic stability of reconstituted PEG-ASNase after conservation in three different temperature conditions for 5 and 14 days, aiming to take advantage of the remaining leftover for the subsequent administration.

 Our results have shown that PEG-ASNase is stable at 4°C, −20°C and −80°C for at least 14 days, retaining the 95% from the initial enzymatic activity in all three storage temperatures. According to our results, it is feasible to reuse the remaining content of PEG-ASNase vial after reconstitution, which means a 50% reduction of its cost for paediatric patient treatment and, consequently, removes the main barrier to use this drug in a wider population.
What Drives Risky Behavior in ADHD: Insensitivity to its Risk or Fascination with its Potential Benefits?
Authors: Shoham Rachel , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Yaniv Ilan , Pollak Yehuda
Published: August 2020

Objective:

ADHD is linked to increased engagement in risky behavior (ERB). Recent work suggests that this link is mediated by the perceived benefits of the behaviors, but not by the perceived risks or the attitudes toward the risks. Here we examine this hypothesis, using the psychological risk-return and psychometric multidimensional measurement models.

Method:

Adults with or without ADHD completed questionnaires measuring the likelihood of different risky behaviors and the perceived risks and benefits ascribed to these behaviors. Participants’ ratings of 25 characteristics of various risky behaviors allowed us to derive two factors corresponding to perceived risk and perceived benefit of ERBs. Overall attitudes toward the perceived risks and benefits were extracted.

Results:

Perceived benefit mediated the link between ADHD and ERB, in both models. Attitudes toward the perceived risks mediated that link in the psychometric model only.

Conclusion:

Perceived benefit plays an important role in the link between ADHD and ERB.
A case of unilateral acute hypertensive uveitis in a child
Authors: Marrani Edoardo , Venturini Elisabetta , Danti Gioia , Galli Luisa , Caputo Roberto , de Martino Maurizio , de Libero Cinzia
Published: August 2020

A 6-year-old boy was referred to our hospital for sudden blurring vision in the left eye. An ophthalmological evaluation showed white endothelial keratic precipitates and increased intra-ocular pressure. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hypertensive uveitis in children under 10 years of age and we also discuss the role of Epstein-Barr virus as a possible infectious trigger.
The ontological threat of foreign fighters
Authors: Leduc Raphaël
Published: August 2020

The threat represented by foreign fighters to their home state has rarely materialised, yet states have increasingly legislated against foreign fighters over the course of the last 300 years. This observation points to the act of legislating as fulfilling some function other than the protection of the state against a physical threat presented by foreign fighter returnees. This paper asks what is problematic about foreign-fighter returnees from the point of view of lawmakers if they do not represent a physical threat? It argues that returnees generate ontological insecurity on the part of lawmakers. Consequently, the act of legislating against them serves to reify the identity of individual lawmakers. This argument is supported using historical case comparison of Westminster parliamentary debates on foreign fighting. This paper finds that what is at stake in foreign-fighter legislation is not the physical security of the national state but the ontological security of lawmakers. These findings point to the need for a shift of the research on foreign fighters that moves beyond the potential terrorist threat they represent to an understanding of what they mean for International Relations.
The contribution of peer trainers to the Tree of Life project for young people living with Type 1 Diabetes: Building community
Authors: Casdagli Lucy , Fredman Glenda , Huckle Ellie , Mahony Ella , Christie Deborah
Published: August 2020

This paper describes the involvement of peer trainers in Tree of Life groups for young people living with Type 1 Diabetes. The approach is informed by narrative therapy and collective narrative practice and principles, where people are seen as separate from problems and the focus is on creating opportunities for people to tell and witness one another’s preferred identity stories. Young people who have participated in a Tree of Life day are invited to join the project as peer trainers who help facilitate, engage group participants, witness their stories and consult to the project. Involving peer trainers also aims to create a community where preferred identity stories can be lived and witnessed. This paper describes the training for peer trainers and the building of community.
Preliminary evaluations on development and material selection of high temperature vacuum casted marble dust-reinforced silicon-bronze alloy material for bearing applications
Authors: Gangwar Swati , Pathak Vimal Kumar
Published: August 2020

Development and selection of an adequate bearing material with distinct characteristics for wear resistant applications is one of the most crucial tasks. Inappropriate selection of material may cause hindrance and result in failure of components during its functioning. To this end, this research focusses on fabrication of bearing materials reinforced with varying weight percentages of industrial waste, i.e. marble dust, and the physical, mechanical and tribological characteristics were determined. The proportions of marble dust were varied from 0 wt. % to 10 wt. % with a gap of 2.5 wt. % and filled in a silicon-bronze alloy. The physical and mechanical properties were realized by the Archimedean principle, micro-hardness tester and Instron 3369 universal testing machine respectively. The tribological properties such as friction and wear behaviour were determined utilizing pin-on-disk tribometer under different condition at normal room temperature. Due to the conflicting nature of desired properties in a bearing material, the Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenjemeaning under fuzzy environment was applied to rank and select the optimal composite among available alternatives because it can obtain compromise solution considering overall satisfaction and regret of the selection of the wrong provinces. From the analysis of the results, it was found that silicon-bronze-3 marble dust bearing material containing 7.5 wt. % marble dust achieved the best possible set of the properties for wear resistant applications.