bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Ups and Downs of Camera-Monitor Systems: The Effect of Camera Position on Rearward Distance Perception
Authors: Bernhard Christoph , Hecht Heiko 
Published: February 2020

Objective This study investigates the effects of different positions of side-mounted rear-view cameras on distance estimation of drivers. Background Camera-monitor systems bring advantages as compared to conventional rear-view mirrors, such as improved aerodynamics and enlarged field-of-view. Applied research has mainly focused on the comparison between cameras and mirrors or on positioning of in-vehicle monitors. However, the positioning of the exterior camera awaits investigation given that the perspective of the observer at does affect depth perception at large. Method In two experiments, a total of 50 students estimated metric distances to static vehicles presented in realistic or 3D-rendered pictures. The pictures depicted the rearward scene of a car following the driver as viewed through a camera at varying vertical and horizontal positions. The following vehicle’s size and environmental information varied among conditions and experiments. Results Lower camera positions led to distance overestimation and higher positions to underestimation. The effect increased as the distance to the following vehicle decreased. Moreover, larger vehicles led to stronger distance underestimation, especially in low camera positions. Interestingly, the main effect of camera position disappeared when the ego-vehicles’ back was visible. Conclusion Different rearward viewpoints affect distance estimation of drivers, especially in close distances. However, a visible reference of one’s own vehicle seems to mostly compensate this effect. Application In general, the rear-view camera should be mounted rather higher and to the front of the vehicle. Also, the vehicle’s back should always be visible. Low camera positions are not recommended.
How can governance support collaborative innovation in the public sector? A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lopes André Vaz , Farias Josivania Silva 
Published: February 2020

Collaborative innovation has been increasingly adopted by the public sector to address complex issues and improve its efficiency. Despite the developments in the literature on this subject, recent studies still indicate the need to investigate how public governance could be organized to support collaborative processes of innovation. Through a systematic review of 36 empirical studies, this article aims to contribute to bridging this gap by identifying the characteristics that should form governance in order to support the collaborative innovation process in the public sector. The results show that the establishment of relationships of trust, supported by technology tools and promoted by leaders committed to well-established goals, is a characteristic of governance that has a positive influence on collaborative innovation processes. However, there is still a need to develop more studies that indicate the characteristics of governance that may contribute to the implementation of innovation and not just to its creation processes. Points for practitioners Collaboration has been shown to be a more positive strategy for innovation in the public sector in comparison with strategies that seek isolation or competition. However, it is necessary to establish governance mechanisms that contribute to the involvement of stakeholders and to the achievement of the intended results so that this strategy becomes successful. By reviewing the results of prior empirical experiences, this article identifies that in order for collaborative innovation processes in the public sector to be successful, governance must predict: the participation of top management and managers with decision-making power; the setting of clear goals and needs; the generation of useful innovation that benefits stakeholders; and the establishment of tools that facilitate communication, interaction, and the sharing of information and knowledge. This information provides managers and public policymakers with key indicators, learned from prior mistakes and accomplishments, for the implementation of this innovation strategy in their organizations.
Atopy and allergic diseases among Saudi young adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alqahtani Jobran Miree 
Published: February 2020

Objective In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases among a homogenous group of students attending the health colleges of a Saudi university and to investigate the relationship between their atopy profile and associated clinical symptoms of allergic diseases. Methods A total of 222 students completed the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and underwent skin prick testing (SPT) using a standardized panel of allergenic extracts. Results Overall prevalence of physician-diagnosed allergic diseases was 27% for bronchial asthma (BA), 13.1% for atopic dermatitis (AD), and 5% for allergic rhinitis (AR). Atopy was present in 90 (40.5%) students. Students with atopic disease were more likely to have physician-diagnosed BA, AR, and AD. Atopy and polysensitization was more frequent among male than female students. SPT results were positive in 20.8% of participants for Bermuda grass, 18.9% for cat fur, and 12.7% for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Conclusion The prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases in Saudi young adults is high and worrisome. Comorbid allergic diseases were more prevalent among our participants with atopic disease. Determination of allergen sensitization patterns in patients with atopic disease is crucial for selecting proper preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Does cytoreductive surgery followed by adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy decrease the risk of recurrence and death in stage III endometrial cancer?
Authors: Verrengia Apollonia , Sigismondi Cristina , Iannacone Eva , Bellia Adriano , Busci Luisa , Trezzi Gaetano , Malandrino Chiara , Gianatti Andrea , Frigerio Luigi 
Published: February 2020

Introduction: The optimal postoperative adjuvant treatment for stage III endometrial cancer (EC) is controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in stage III EC. Methods: Data on 36 patients with stage III EC were reviewed. A review of the literature was performed. Results: Median follow-up was 31 months (range 3–195). All patients underwent radical surgery with lymph nodes assessment in 29 (80.6%). The histologic specimen revealed 27 (75%) type I and 9 (25%) type II cancers staged IIIA, IIIB, IIIC1, and IIIC2 in 9 (25%), 3 (8.3%), 17 (47.2%), and 7 (19.5%) patients, respectively. At the end of surgery, 32 (88.9%) had no residual tumor. Eighteen (50%) patients were treated with CRT (50% with sandwich approach, 50% with concurrent chemotherapy [CT]), 4 (11.1%) patients received radiotherapy (RT), and 14 (38.9%) had multiagent CT. Four patients (11.1%) with a residual tumor larger than 1 centimeter after surgery died of disease. The 5-year median recurrent free survival (RFS) for CRT, RT, and CT was 69.1%, 37.5%, and 23.8%, respectively ( p = 0.05); the 5-year OS for CRT, RT, and CT was 83%, 35.7%, and 25%, respectively ( p = 0.023). Multivariate analyses showed residual tumor as independent predictor for recurrence and death. CRT showed a borderline significance on OS. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that optimal cytoreduction is the most significant prognostic factor and adjuvant CRT seems to be associated with a significant decreased risk of recurrence in stage III EC.
Determination of thallium in urine, blood, and hair in illicit opioid users in Iran
Authors: Molavi N , Ghaderi A , Banafshe HR 
Published: February 2020

Context: Heavy metals, including thallium and lead, are introduced to illicit drug users’ body as a result of using drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Objective: This study aimed to determine urine, blood, and hair thallium (Tl) concentrations in illicit opioid users along with the relevant clinical signs and symptoms consistent with thallotoxicosis and to compare them with the corresponding variables in the control non-opioid user group. Materials and Methods: This case–control study was conducted on 50 illicit opioid users who had abused opioids continuously for more than a year, referred to Amirie Drug Abuse Treatment Clinic in Kashan, Iran. The control group included 50 non-opioid users. Thallium concentrations in urine, blood, and hair were assessed in both groups ( n = 100) using electrothermal (graphite furnace) atomic absorption spectrometry (ET AAS, GF AAS). Results: In the studied group, the median (interquartile range) concentrations of thallium in urine, blood, and hair were 54.8 ± 79.9 μg/L, 14.5 ± 11.1 μg/L, and 5.4 ± 3.7 µg/g, respectively; these values were 4.8 ± 5.2 μg/L, 2.5 ± 2.4 μg/L, and 1.4 ± 1.1 µg/g, respectively, in the control group. There were significant differences in urine, blood, and hair thallium concentrations between the study group and the control group ( p < 0.001). There were significant correlations between duration of illicit opioid use and urine thallium concentrations ( r = 0.394, p = 0.005) and hair thallium concentrations ( r = 0.293, p = 0.039), but not with blood thallium concentrations ( r = 0.246, p = 0.085). Urine and blood thallium concentrations of illicit opioid users with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with thallotoxicosis of weakness ( p = 0.01), depression ( p = 0.03), and headache ( p = 0.03) were higher than users without these problems. Discussion and conclusion: The results of the study showed that thallium concentrations in urine, blood, and hair in illicit opioid users were significantly higher than the comparable concentrations in the control group. This can be due to the use of illicit opioids adulterated with thallium. Also, this study showed long-term illicit opioid use may lead to thallium exposure. In addition, cigarette smoking was associated with increased thallium exposure.
Peripapillary choroidal thickness in patients with vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Vural Esra , Hazar Leyla , Çağlayan Mehtap , Şeker Ömer , Çelebi Ali Rıza Cenk 
Published: February 2020

Aim: To investigate the effects of vitamin D deficiency on peripapillary choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Materials and methods: Patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency but not yet treated for it (Group 1) and patients with normal vitamin D levels (Group 2) were included in this study. Subjects with any kind of eye disease and/or systemic disease were excluded from this study. Demographic characteristics of the patients were collected, and the subfoveal choroidal thickness, central foveal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and peripapillary choroidal thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography. Results: The mean ages in Groups 1 and 2 were 30.5 ± 6.7 and 28 ± 5.78 years (p = 0.12), respectively, and female to male ratios were 19/11 and 17/13, respectively (p = 0.59). The mean vitamin D levels were 8.2 ± 2.5 and 28 ± 4.9 ng/mL in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p <0.001). In Group 1, subfoveal choroidal thickness and nasal and inferior peripapillary choroidal thicknesses at 500 µm were 327.5 ± 81.4, 142.9 ± 40, and 140.66 ± 38.74 µm, respectively. For Group 2, these values were 407.1 ± 85.5, 189.3 0 ± 57.18, and 195.93 ± 67.58 µm, respectively (p <0.001, p = 0.001, and p <0.001, respectively). In addition, a positive correlation was found between vitamin D levels and the subfoveal choroidal thickness and nasal and inferior peripapillary choroidal thicknesses in all patients (r = 0.365, p = 0.005; r = 0.341, p = 0.008; and r = 0.370, p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Subfoveal choroidal thickness and inferior and nasal peripapillary choroidal thicknesses decreased in patients with vitamin D deficiency.
Can a Smartphone App for Cannabis Cessation Gain a Broader User Group than Traditional Treatment Services?
Authors: Vederhus John-Kåre , Rørendal Malin , Bjelland Cathrine , Skar Anja Kristin Solheim , Kristensen Øistein 
Published: February 2020

Background: Treatment demand for cannabis use disorders is increasing in Europe. Mobile phone– and internet-based interventions for cannabis users can possibly help meet the need. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a recently developed Norwegian Cannabis Cessation app reaches a broader or different user group compared to community-based Cannabis Cessation programs (CCP, Nordic abbreviation: HAP). Method: The app respondents (n = 148) were recruited through an online link in the app. A comparative sample (n = 102) was recruited in three municipally based CCPs in Norway. We examined whether app users differed from the CCP population in sociodemographics, substance use, mental health, and well-being. Result: The app group included more women than the CCP group (46% versus 26%, χ2 = 10.9, P = .001), but otherwise the groups were similar for sociodemographic variables. Severity of cannabis use did not differ between groups, but the app sample exhibited a higher depressiveness score on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (mean difference, 0.24; 95% CI 0.04–0.44; P = .018) and lower perceived well-being (3.4 point lower score on the Outcome Rating Scale; 95% CI −5.7 to −1.2; P = .003). Well-being was negatively associated with being in the app group, being older, and having higher levels of mental distress, and was positively associated with the perceived ability to make changes (‘self-efficacy of quitting’). Conclusion: The higher proportion of women in the app group indicated that the app did capture an expanded segment of the cannabis-using population. The app can be an alternative for those who are not yet prepared to seek treatment in formal healthcare services. The high level of depressive symptoms and lower levels of well-being among the app respondents suggest that some app users might need additional support.
Hydrogen sulfide alleviates cigarette smoke-induced COPD through inhibition of the TGF-β1/smad pathway
Authors: Wang Liang , Meng Jing , Wang Caicai , Yang Chao , Wang Yuan , Li Yamei , Li Yujing 
Published: February 2020

Smoking has become a major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through weakening of the respiratory mucus-ciliary transport system, impairing cough reflex sensitivity, and inducing inflammation. Recent researches have indicated that hydrogen sulfide is essential in the development of various lung diseases. However, the effect and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide on cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have not been reported. In this study, rats were treated with cigarette smoke to create a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model followed by treatment with a low concentration of hydrogen sulfide. Pulmonary function, histopathological appearance, lung edema, permeability, airway remodeling indicators, oxidative products/antioxidases levels, inflammatory factors in lung, cell classification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured to examine the effect of hydrogen sulfide on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model. The results showed that hydrogen sulfide effectively improved pulmonary function and reduced histopathological changes, lung edema, and permeability. Airway remodeling, oxidative stress, and inflammation were also reduced by hydrogen sulfide treatment. To understand the mechanisms, we measured the expression of TGF-β1, TGF-βIand TGF-βII receptors and Smad7 and phosphorylation of Smad2/Smad3. The results indicated that the TGF-β1 and Smad were activated in cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model, but inhibited by hydrogen sulfide. In conclusion, this study showed that hydrogen sulfide treatment alleviated cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Impact statement COPD has become a severe public health issue in the world and smoking has become a major cause of COPD. As a result, it is a demandingly needed to explore new potential therapy for cigarette smoke-associated COPD. The present study suggested that H2S treatment improved pulmonary function and reduced histopathological changes, lung edema, permeability, inflammation, airway remodeling and oxidative injury in a COPD model induced by cigarette smoke. Although additional studies are required to elucidate the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology of H2S in the cigarette smoke-associated COPD, our findings provide an experimental basis for the potential clinical application of H2S in COPD treatment.
The influence of binders for the pelletization of fly ash zeolites on sulfur dioxide sorption properties
Authors: Czuma Natalia , Panek Rafał , Baran Paweł , Zarębska Katarzyna 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFly ash zeolites are economically and ecologically attractive alternatives to synthetic and natural zeolites. Their use as sulfur dioxide sorbents is one of the possible applications of these materials. During the process of fly ash zeolite synthesis, a light powder is formed, which is not acceptable in practical applications due to technical problems, such as a marked drop in pressure, diffusion limits, hydraulic resistance, clogging in the packed beds and the possibility of losing a bed. It is therefore necessary to perform a pelletization process. Thickening of the material during pelletization influences sorption capacity negatively due to diffusing limitations, while the lack of an additional binder may result in a material of low mechanical durability. In this study, pressure pelletization experiments with fly ash zeolite were performed. Binders were selected on the basis of economic considerations as well as their potential to exert a positive influence on the sorption properties of the produced pellets. Cyclic sorption experiments were conducted (on sulfur dioxide) in which one zeolite powder sample was subjected to pelletization without a binder and another sample was subjected to the process with selected binders added. The results of the experiments were then analysed to ascertain the influence of the pelletization process on sulfur dioxide sorption capacity.
Interplay between the tyrosine kinases Chk and Csk and phosphatase PTPRJ is critical for regulating platelets in mice
Authors: Nagy Zoltan , Mori Jun , Ivanova Vanesa-Sindi , Mazharian Alexandra , Senis Yotis A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The Src family kinases (SFKs) Src, Lyn, and Fyn are essential for platelet activation and also involved in megakaryocyte (MK) development and platelet production. Platelet SFKs are inhibited by C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), which phosphorylates a conserved tyrosine in their C-terminal tail, and are activated by the receptor-type tyrosine phosphatase PTPRJ (CD148, DEP-1), which dephosphorylates the same residue. Deletion of Csk and PTPRJ in the MK lineage in mice results in increased SFK activity, but paradoxically hypoactive platelets resulting from negative feedback mechanisms, including upregulation of Csk homologous kinase (Chk) expression. Here, we investigate the role of Chk in platelets, functional redundancy with Csk, and the physiological consequences of ablating Chk, Csk, and PTPRJ in mice. Platelet count was normal in Chk knockout (KO) mice, reduced by 92% in Chk;Csk double KO (DKO) mice, and partially rescued in Chk;Csk;Ptprj triple KO (TKO) mice. Megakaryocyte numbers were significantly increased in both DKO and TKO mice. Phosphorylation of the inhibitory tyrosine of SFKs was almost completely abolished in DKO platelets, which was partially rescued in Src and Fyn in TKO platelets. This residual phosphorylation was abolished by Src inhibitors, revealing an unexpected mechanism in which SFKs autoinhibit their activity by phosphorylating their C-terminal tyrosine residues. We demonstrate that reduced inhibitory phosphorylation of SFKs leads to thrombocytopenia, with Csk being the dominant inhibitor in platelets and Chk having an auxiliary role. PTPRJ deletion in addition to Chk and Csk ameliorates the extent of thrombocytopenia, suggesting targeting it may have therapeutic benefits in such conditions.
Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of recurrent ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis
Authors: van Dam Lisette F. , Dronkers Charlotte E. A. , Gautam Gargi , Eckerbom Åsa , Ghanima Waleed , Gleditsch Jostein , von Heijne Anders , Hofstee Herman M. A. , Hovens Marcel M. C. , Huisman Menno V. , Kolman Stan , Mairuhu Albert T. A. , Nijkeuter Mathilde , van de Ree Marcel A. , van Rooden Cornelis J. , Westerbeek Robin E. , Westerink Jan , Westerlund Eli , Kroft Lucia J. M. , Klok Frederikus A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The diagnosis of recurrent ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is challenging, because persistent intravascular abnormalities after previous DVT often hinder a diagnosis by compression ultrasonography. Magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging (MRDTI), a technique without intravenous contrast and with a 10-minute acquisition time, has been shown to accurately distinguish acute recurrent DVT from chronic thrombotic remains. We have evaluated the safety of MRDTI as the sole test for excluding recurrent ipsilateral DVT. The Theia Study was a prospective, international, multicenter, diagnostic management study involving patients with clinically suspected acute recurrent ipsilateral DVT. Treatment of the patients was managed according to the result of the MRDTI, performed within 24 hours of study inclusion. The primary outcome was the 3-month incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after a MRDTI negative for DVT. The secondary outcome was the interobserver agreement on the MRDTI readings. An independent committee adjudicated all end points. Three hundred five patients were included. The baseline prevalence of recurrent DVT was 38%; superficial thrombophlebitis was diagnosed in 4.6%. The primary outcome occurred in 2 of 119 (1.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-5.9) patients with MRDTI negative for DVT and thrombophlebitis, who were not treated with any anticoagulant during follow-up; neither of these recurrences was fatal. The incidence of recurrent VTE in all patients with MRDTI negative for DVT was 1.1% (95% CI, 0.13%-3.8%). The agreement between initial local and post hoc central reading of the MRDTI images was excellent (κ statistic, 0.91). The incidence of VTE recurrence after negative MRDTI was low, and MRDTI proved to be a feasible and reproducible diagnostic test. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02262052.