bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers of the Outer Blood—Retina Barrier in Patients with Diabetic Macular Oedema
Authors: Damian Ioana , Nicoara Simona Delia
Published: October 2020

Background. Numerous studies confirmed the main role of the inner blood-retinal barrier in the development of Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO). Lately, the focus of research shifted towards the external retinal barrier with potential involvement in the pathogenesis of DMO. Objective. We aim to identify the OCT changes of the external blood-retinal barrier in patients with DMO and to define them as biomarkers with predictive value. Materials and method. We set up retrospectively 3 groups of patients diagnosed with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and DMO, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and DMO, and controls. We compared the RPE thickness in every quadrant between groups and performed correlations between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the thickness of the retinal layers. The Social Science Statistics platform was used for statistical tests. Results. The NPDR-DMO group consisted of 18 eyes, the PDR-DMO group consisted of 19 eyes, and the control group included 36 eyes. In the PDR-DMO group, RPE thickness was decreased in almost all quadrants (

p
<
0.001

); in the NPDR-DMO group, only the central minimum and central maximum values of the RPE thickness were significantly different from the control group. We did not find any strong correlation between BCVA and the thickness of the retinal layers. Conclusion. The thickness of the RPE layer is an OCT biomarker able to predict the functioning of the outer BRB. Eyes with PDR-DMO exhibited decreased thickness of the RPE layer in almost all quadrants, highlighting the degenerative changes occurring in a hypoxic environment. The thickness of a specific layer could not be identified as a biomarker to correlate significantly with BCVA, most likely because we did not analyze specific morphologic features, such as continuity and reflectivity. The analysis of the RPE thickness could clarify the unexplained decrease of BCVA and predict early the evolution of DR.
Mechanical Model of Underground Shaft Coal Pocket and Deformation of Silo Wall in Coal Mines
Authors: Wu Yongping , Liu Mingyin , Lv Wenyu , Hu Bosheng
Published: October 2020

In order to provide a theoretical basis for the design of underground shaft coal pocket and support parameters in coal mines, a mechanical model and a dynamic analysis of the silo wall are established based on the engineering background of Ganhe Coal Mine. The numerical calculation is carried out by using the new model. The back analysis of the silo wall damage in the actual project is carried out, and the deformation law and fracture mechanism of the silo wall affected by different lateral pressure coefficients are analyzed and studied research. Based on the Mohr–Coulomb strength criterion, five sets of orthogonal simulation experiments were carried out for lateral pressure coefficients of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4, respectively. The results show that the lateral pressure coefficient is the main factor affecting the deformation of the silo wall, the radial displacement of the silo wall increases gradually with the increase of the lateral pressure coefficient, and the displacement follows the quadratic polynomial function distribution. The maximum tensile stress area of the silo wall is located in the middle and lower part of the shaft coal pocket, which better explains the engineering phenomenon that the actual fracture location of the silo wall is mostly concentrated in the middle and lower part of the underground shaft coal pocket. The targeted repair technology can be used for reference in engineering.
Energy Saving in Flow-Shop Scheduling Management: An Improved Multiobjective Model Based on Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Yin Lvjiang , Zhuang Meier , Jia Jing , Wang Huan
Published: October 2020

Currently, energy saving is increasingly important. During the production procedure, energy saving can be achieved if the operational method and machine infrastructure are improved, but it also increases the complexity of flow-shop scheduling. Actually, as one of the data mining technologies, Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm is widely applied to various mathematical problems in engineering. However, due to the immaturity of this algorithm, it still has some defects. Therefore, we propose an improved multiobjective model based on Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm related to Kalman filter and reinforcement learning operator, where Kalman filter is introduced to make the solution set closer to the Pareto optimal front end. By means of reinforcement learning operator, the convergence speed and solving ability of the algorithm can be improved. After testing six benchmark functions, the results show that it is better than that of the original algorithm and other comparison algorithms in terms of search accuracy and solution set diversity. The improved multiobjective model based on Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm proposed in this paper is conducive to solving energy saving problems in flow-shop scheduling problem, and it is of great practical value in engineering and management.
[Retracted] lncRNA MRUL Suppressed Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Proliferation and Invasion by Targeting miR‐17‐5p/SRSF2 Axis
Authors: Chen Ying , Shen Tianle , Ding Xuping , Ma Cui , Cheng Lei , Sheng Liming , Du Xianghui
Published: October 2020

The two broad histological subtypes of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which are the leading causes of cancer‐related death in the world. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been verified to be critical in the regulation of cancer development. The present study identified and elucidated the regulatory roles of a novel lncRNA MRUL in NSCLC. The results showed that MRUL was overexpressed in NSCLC samples and correlated with the poor prognosis of patients who had NSCLC. Moreover, this research has for the first time demonstrated that MRUL acted as an oncogenetic lncRNA in NSCLC. Knockdown of MRUL considerably repressed NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. The bioinformatics analysis showed that MRUL was involved in regulating multiple RNA splicing and proliferation‐related biological processes, such as mRNA splicing, RNA splicing, mRNA processing, mRNA 3 ′‐end processing, mRNA splice site selection, and DNA replication. By combining bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we found that MRUL regulated NSCLC progression through promoting SRSF2 by sponging miR‐17 in NSCLC cells. The discoveries indicated that MRUL could be a therapeutic target and a potential diagnostic for NSCLC.
Epigenetics/Epigenomics and Prevention of Early Stages of Cancer by Isothiocyanates
Authors: Hudlikar Rasika , Wang Lujing , Wu Renyi , Li Shanyi , Peter Rebecca , Shannar Ahmad , Chou Pochung Jordan , Liu Xia , Liu Zhigang , Kuo Hsiao-Chen Dina , Kong Ah-Ng
Published: October 2020

Cancer is a complex disease and cancer development takes 10–50 years involving epigenetics. Evidence suggests that approximately 80% of human cancers are linked to environmental factors impinging upon genetics/epigenetics. Because advanced metastasized cancers are resistant to radiotherapy/chemotherapeutic drugs, cancer prevention by relatively nontoxic chemopreventive “epigenetic modifiers” involving epigenetics/epigenomics is logical. Isothiocyanates are relatively nontoxic at low nutritional and even higher pharmacologic doses, with good oral bioavailability, potent antioxidative stress/antiinflammatory activities, possess epigenetic-modifying properties, great anticancer efficacy in many in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models. This review summarizes the latest advances on the role of epigenetics/epigenomics by isothiocyanates in prevention of skin, colon, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. The exact molecular mechanism how isothiocyanates modify the epigenetic/epigenomic machinery is unclear. We postulate “redox” processes would play important roles. In addition, isothiocyanates sulforaphane and phenethyl isothiocyanate, possess multifaceted molecular mechanisms would be considered as “general” cancer preventive agents not unlike chemotherapeutic agents like platinum-based or taxane-based drugs. Analogous to chemotherapeutic agents, the isothiocyanates would need to be used in combination with other nontoxic chemopreventive phytochemicals or drugs such as NSAIDs, 5-α-reductase/aromatase inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways would be logical for the prevention of progression of tumors to late advanced metastatic states.
Maintaining Hair Inductivity in Human Dermal Papilla Cells: A Review of Effective Methods
Authors: Taghiabadi Ehsan , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Aghdami Nasser
Published: October 2020

The dermal papilla comprises mesenchymal cells in hair follicles, which play the main role in regulating hair growth. Maintaining the potential hair inductivity of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and dermal sheath cells during cell culture is the main factor in in vitro morphogenesis and regeneration of hair follicles. Using common methods for the cultivation of human dermal papilla reduces the maintenance requirements of the inductive capacity of the dermal papilla and the expression of specific dermal papilla biomarkers. Optimizing culture conditions is therefore crucial for DPCs. Moreover, exosomes appear to play a key role in regulating the hair follicle growth through a paracrine mechanism and provide a functional method for treating hair loss. The present review investigated the biology of DPCs, the molecular and cell signaling mechanisms contributing to hair follicle growth in humans, the properties of the dermal papilla, and the effective techniques in maintaining hair inductivity in DPC cultures in humans as well as hair follicle bioengineering.
Magnetic Seed (Magseed) Localisation in Breast Cancer Surgery: A Multicentre Clinical Trial
Authors: Žatecký Jan , Kubala Otakar , Coufal Oldřich , Kepičová Markéta , Faridová Adéla , Rauš Karel , Lerch Milan , Peteja Matúš , Brát Radim
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the Magseed magnetic marker in breast cancer surgery. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with 41 implanted Magseeds undergoing surgical treatment in 3 surgical oncology departments were included in the retrospective trial to study pilot use of the Magseed magnetic marker in the Czech Republic for localisation of breast tumours or pathological axillary nodes in breast cancer patients. Results: Thirty-four breast cancer and 7 pathological lymph node localisations were performed by Magseed implantation. No placement failures, or perioperative detection failures of Magseeds were observed (0/41, 0.0%), but one case of Magseed migration was present (1/41, 2.4%). All magnetic seeds were successfully retrieved (41/41, 100.0%). Negative margins were achieved in 29 of 34 (85.3%) breast tumour localisations by Magseed. Conclusion: Magseed is a reliable marker for breast tumour and pathological axillary node localisation in breast cancer patients. Magseed is comparable to conventional localisation methods in terms of oncosurgical radicality and safety.
Characteristics of Individuals Who Converted to Dementia during a 5-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Yun Seok-Ho , Jo So-Hye , Jung Hyun-Seok , Koo Bon-Hoon , Kim Hye-Geum
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Early diagnosis of dementia is important; however, the diagnostic criteria for the preclinical stage of dementia, including biomarkers and pathophysiological markers, are not suitable for application in patients in real-world clinical settings. One potential noninvasive method to predict the risk of dementia conversion is the neuropsychological test. Therefore, in this study, we examined the results of various assessments, such as comprehensive neuropsychological tests, and the daily function of participants who were evaluated periodically for 5 years. Methods: All participants were outpatients or inpatients with subjective cognitive complaints, who visited a local university hospital for neuropsychiatric evaluation, between January 2011 and January 2019. Of a total of 1,652 subjects who underwent initial screening during this period, 107 were nondemented individuals. These participants underwent periodic comprehensive cognitive tests for up to 5 years. Survival and factors affecting dementia conversion were analyzed using the time-dependent Cox regression analysis. Assessment items included demographic information, including age, sex, and education; 5 cognitive domains of a comprehensive neuropsychological test including memory, language, attention, visuospatial functions, and frontal (executive) function; Barthel’s activities of daily living; the mini-mental state examination findings; and clinical dementia rating (CDR) scores. Results: This study included 61 participants (21 women and 40 men) who developed dementia during the study period. Verification of the cognitive variables affecting dementia conversion revealed that better memory was associated with a lower risk of conversion (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.614, p = 0.005) and higher attention was associated with a higher risk of conversion (HR = 1.602, p = 0.023). In the analysis of the subscales of the CDR, a higher community affairs score (i.e., less social activities) was associated with a higher risk of conversion (HR = 10.814, p = 0.028). Conclusion: Individuals with prominent memory decline or problems with social activities should be carefully observed for dementia conversion. Cognitive intervention techniques for cognitive stimulation, such as social and leisure activities, as well as cognitive training need to be actively used for patients in whom dementia is a concern.
Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young
Authors: Ha Francis J. , Han Hui-Chen , Sanders Prashanthan , Fendel Kim , Teh Andrew W. , Kalman Jonathan M. , O’Donnell David , Leong Trishe , Farouque Omar , Lim Han S.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young is devastating. Contemporary incidence remains unclear with few recent nationwide studies and limited data addressing risk factors for causes. We aimed to determine incidence, trends, causes, and risk factors for SCD in the young.

Methods and Results:

The National Coronial Information System registry was reviewed for SCD in people aged 1 to 35 years from 2000 to 2016 in Australia. Subjects were identified by the
International Classification of Diseases
,
Tenth Revision
code relating to circulatory system diseases (I00–I99) from coronial reports. Baseline demographics, circumstances, and cause of SCD were obtained from coronial and police reports, alongside autopsy and toxicology analyses where available. During the study period, 2006 cases were identified (median age, 28±7 years; men, 75%; mean body mass index, 29±8 kg/m
2
). Annual incidence ranged from 0.91 to 1.48 per 100 000 age-specific person-years, which was the lowest in 2013 to 2015 compared with previous 3-year intervals on Poisson regression model (
P
=0.001). SCD incidence was higher in nonmetropolitan versus metropolitan areas (0.99 versus 0.53 per 100 000 person-years;
P
<0.001). The most common cause of SCD was coronary artery disease (40%), followed by sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (14%). Incidence of coronary artery disease–related SCD decreased from 2001–2003 to 2013–2015 (
P
<0.001). Proportion of SCD related to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome increased during the study period (
P
=0.02) although overall incidence was stable (
P
=0.22). Residential remoteness was associated with coronary artery disease–related SCD (odds ratio, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.24–1.67];
P
<0.001). For every 1-unit increase, body mass index was associated with increased likelihood of SCD from cardiomegaly (odds ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.05–1.11];
P
<0.001) and dilated cardiomyopathy (odds ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01–1.06];
P
=0.005).

Conclusions:

Incidence of SCD in the young and specifically coronary artery disease–related SCD has declined in recent years. Proportion of SCD related to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome increased over the study period. Geographic remoteness and obesity are risk factors for specific causes of SCD in the young.
Recommendations for Reporting Machine Learning Analyses in Clinical Research
Authors: Stevens Laura M. , Mortazavi Bobak J. , Deo Rahul C. , Curtis Lesley , Kao David P.
Published: October 2020

Use of machine learning (ML) in clinical research is growing steadily given the increasing availability of complex clinical data sets. ML presents important advantages in terms of predictive performance and identifying undiscovered subpopulations of patients with specific physiology and prognoses. Despite this popularity, many clinicians and researchers are not yet familiar with evaluating and interpreting ML analyses. Consequently, readers and peer-reviewers alike may either overestimate or underestimate the validity and credibility of an ML-based model. Conversely, ML experts without clinical experience may present details of the analysis that are too granular for a clinical readership to assess. Overwhelming evidence has shown poor reproducibility and reporting of ML models in clinical research suggesting the need for ML analyses to be presented in a clear, concise, and comprehensible manner to facilitate understanding and critical evaluation. We present a recommendation for transparent and structured reporting of ML analysis results specifically directed at clinical researchers. Furthermore, we provide a list of key reporting elements with examples that can be used as a template when preparing and submitting ML-based manuscripts for the same audience.
Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on Patients With Congenital Heart Disease Across the Lifespan: The Experience of an Academic Congenital Heart Disease Center in New York City
Authors: Lewis Matthew J. , Anderson Brett R. , Fremed Michael , Argenio Melissa , Krishnan Usha , Weller Rachel , Levasseur Stéphanie , Sommer Robert , Lytrivi Irene D. , Bacha Emile A. , Vincent Julie , Chung Wendy K. , Rosenzweig Erika B. , Starc Thomas J. , Rosenbaum Marlon , Barry Oliver , Choudhary Tarif , Cheung Eva , Farooqi Kanwal , Ferris Anne , Kalfa David , Krishnamurthy Ganga , LaPar Damien , Liberman Leo , Rhee Diane , Shah Amee , Silver Eric , Suh Sangee , Woo Joyce
Published: October 2020

Background

We sought to assess the impact and predictors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection and severity in a cohort of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) at a large CHD center in New York City.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective review of all individuals with CHD followed at Columbia University Irving Medical Center who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 between March 1, 2020 and July 1, 2020. The primary end point was moderate/severe response to COVID‐19 infection defined as (1) death during COVID‐19 infection; or (2) need for hospitalization and/or respiratory support secondary to COVID‐19 infection. Among 53 COVID‐19‐positive patients with CHD, 10 (19%) were <18 years of age (median age 34 years of age). Thirty‐one (58%) had complex congenital anatomy including 10 (19%) with a Fontan repair. Eight (15%) had a genetic syndrome, 6 (11%) had pulmonary hypertension, and 9 (17%) were obese. Among adults, 18 (41%) were physiologic class C or D. For the entire cohort, 9 (17%) had a moderate/severe infection, including 3 deaths (6%). After correcting for multiple comparisons, the presence of a genetic syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 35.82;
P
=0.0002), and in adults, physiological Stage C or D (OR, 19.38;
P
=0.002) were significantly associated with moderate/severe infection.

Conclusions

At our CHD center, the number of symptomatic patients with COVID‐19 was relatively low. Patients with CHD with a genetic syndrome and adults at advanced physiological stage were at highest risk for moderate/severe infection.
China and Japan in Pursuit of Infrastructure Investment Leadership in Asia
Authors: Katada Saori N. , Liao Jessica
Published: October 2020

Powerful states often use tools of economic statecraft, such as foreign aid and other financial policy instruments, in a bid to “purchase” influence as well as establish regional leadership among their neighbors. How and why do these states undertake similar economic statecraft strategies and policies? The article examines the evolution of infrastructure financing policy of China and Japan and identifies the ever changing and, yet at the same time, mirroring interaction between the two countries’ development finance practices. We argue that emulation and competition have led to the process of policy diffusion between these two countries. The competition between these two foreign aid leaders in East Asia especially after China’s Belt and Road Initiative has shaped the region’s infrastructure development dynamics as they strive to move the equilibrium outcome to their advantage. Such equilibrium through the policy diffusion process has important implications on global development governance.
Institutional Reflections on Organizational Corruption Control
Authors: Heaston William R. , Mitchell Matthew C. , Kappen Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2020

This article applies and expands on a typology of organizational corruption control to analyze the various mechanisms used to address corruption within the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It uses case study evidence in tandem with insights from neo-institutional theory to construct a conceptual framework in which corruption control types are more completely examined within their broader institutional context. Using this framework, the article shows how the persistence of corruption in FIFA and its checkered reform process are attributable to an organizational filtering phenomenon that has limited the operation of internal and external corruption controls. Finally, it discusses some implications of this framework for transnational organizational governance reform.
On the hydroid genus Sibogella Billard, 1911 (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Plumulariidae), with descriptions of two new species
Authors: GALEA HORIA R. , MAGGIONI DAVIDE , DI CAMILLO CRISTINA G.
Published: October 2020

The so far monotypic genus Sibogella Billard, 1911 is revised based on literature data. Its type species, S. erecta Billard, 1911, is thoroughly redescribed and illustrated, and accounts on two new congeners, S. flabellata sp. nov. from shallow waters of Indonesia and S. spissa sp. nov. from deep waters of New Caledonia, are provided. Single- (16S rRNA) and multi-locus (concatenated 16S, 18S, and 28S rRNA) phylogenetic assessments of the Plumulariidae, including newly-sequenced Sibogella material, supplement the alpha-taxonomical study.
A new species of Aphantolana Moore & Brusca, 2003 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cirolanidae) from the Andaman Islands, northern Indian Ocean
Authors: ANIL PATHAN , JAYARAJ K.A.
Published: October 2020

Aphantolana wandoor sp. nov. is described from intertidal algae in South Andaman, Andaman Islands. Aphantolana wandoor sp. nov. is characterized by the uropodal exopod posterolateral margin with a slight concavity, mesial margin evenly convex with 2 robust setae, pleotelson posterolateral lateral margin concave, weakly sinuate.
Description of a new species of Hisonotus (Loricariidae: Siluriformes) from rio Araguaia basin
Authors: RIBEIRO-SILVA LUÍS R. , SILVA GABRIEL S. C. , VENERE PAULO C. , DA SILVA HUGMAR PAINS , ROXO FÁBIO F.
Published: October 2020

A new species of Hisonotus is described from headwaters of rio Araguaia basin, municipality of Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a V-shaped spinelet, yellowish teeth, absence of unpaired platelets at typical adipose fin position, the caudal-fin color hyaline with three transverse dark bars, one abdominal median plate series, and by morphometric and meristic characters.
A new unusual Anabropsis species from Mexico, with notes on the identity of A. rehni Griffini from Africa (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae)
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , WEISSMAN DAVID B. , GONZÁLEZ-CASTILLO NÉDIKER STIVEN , CASTILLO-AVILA CAMILO , ARIAS-PINEDA JULIÁN YESSID
Published: October 2020

Anabropsis homerogomezi n. sp. from the state of Michoacán, Mexico, is described in memory of Homero Gómez, the defender of the monarch butterfly who disappeared in Mexico and whose work “affected the interests” of illegal loggers. Pteranabropsis rehni (Griffini, 1909) n. comb. the only Anabropsis species reported for Africa, is proposed as a new combination, restricting the distribution of Anabropsis to the New World. Finally, the taxonomic debates and organization of the subfamily Anabropsinae and the peculiarities of the new species are discussed in contrast to the other Anabropsis species.
Influences of Atmospheric Rivers on North Pacific Winter Precipitation: Climatology and Dependence on ENSO Condition
Authors: Xiong Yating , Ren Xuejuan
Published: October 2020

The atmospheric river (AR) is a unique mover of moisture from the low latitudes to mid- and high latitudes and a potential cause for regional flooding. This study explores the ARs’ influence on wintertime precipitation (including extreme precipitation) over the pan-North Pacific during 1996–2018 from the climatological perspective and during the ENSO condition, via distinguishing precipitation and moisture transport between the AR-group and the non-AR-group. Climatologically, the AR-group contributes 30%–45% of total winter precipitation, and up to 70% of total extreme precipitation over the eastern Pacific and along the North American west coast between 25° and 45°N. The above area is the core region of the ARs’ influence on precipitation. The AR-group’s precipitation in the core region is mostly determined by AR-produced in situ moisture convergence, while the non-AR-group’s precipitation is attributed to evaporation from Earth’s surface. The AR frequency is increased (decreased) in the core region during El Niño (La Niña) winters. As a result, the AR-group contributes more than half of the positive (negative) anomalies in total precipitation in the core region, due to AR-related moisture convergence anomalies. Besides, during El Niño winters, the AR-group also contributes almost half of negative anomalies in total precipitation over the middle basin between 40° and 55°N. An anomalous moisture sink (source) always acts to increase (decrease) in situ precipitation for both the AR-group and the non-AR-group. It is also shown that the moisture transport and its divergence anomalies are primarily decided by changes in wind fields and second by moisture. Furthermore, changes in moisture can cause asymmetric features of anomalies in moisture transport and its divergence between El Niño and La Niña but with limited effects.
Diversity of the Global Teleconnections Associated with the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Chen Guosen
Published: October 2020

A recent study has revealed that the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) during boreal winter exhibits diverse propagation patterns that consist of four archetypes: standing MJO, jumping MJO, slow eastward propagating MJO, and fast eastward propagating MJO. This study has explored the diversity of teleconnection associated with these four MJO groups. The results reveal that each MJO group corresponds to distinct global teleconnections, manifested as diverse upper-tropospheric Rossby wave train patterns. Overall, the teleconnections in the fast and slow MJO are similar to those in the canonical MJO constructed by the real-time multivariate MJO (RMM) indices, while the teleconnections in the jumping and standing MJO generally lose similarities to those in the canonical MJO. The causes of this diversity are investigated using a linearized potential vorticity equation. The various MJO tropical heating patterns in different MJO groups are the main cause of the diverse MJO teleconnections, as they induce assorted upper-level divergent flows that act as Rossby-wave sources through advecting the background potential vorticity. The variation of the Asian jet could affect the teleconnections over the Pacific jet exit region, but it plays an insignificant role in causing the diversity of global teleconnections. The numerical investigation with a linear baroclinic model shows that the teleconnections can be interpreted as linear responses to the MJO’s diabatic heating to various degrees for different MJO groups, with the fast and slow MJO having higher linear skill than the jumping and standing MJO. The results have broad implications in the MJO’s tropical–extratropical interactions and the associated impacts on global weather and climate.
Evaluating Thunderstorm Gust Fronts in New Mexico and Arizona
Authors: Luchetti Nicholas T. , Friedrich Katja , Rodell Christopher E.
Published: October 2020

Strong winds generated by thunderstorm gust fronts can cause sudden changes in fire behavior and threaten the safety of wildland firefighters. Wildfires in complex terrain are particularly vulnerable as gust fronts can be channeled and enhanced by local topography. Despite this, knowledge of gust front characteristics primarily stems from studies of well-organized thunderstorms in flatter areas such as the Great Plains, where the modification of gust fronts by topography is less likely. Here, we broaden the investigation of gust fronts in complex terrain by statistically comparing characteristics of gust fronts that are pushed uphill and propagate atop the Mogollon Rim in Arizona to those that propagate down into and along the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. Using operational WSR-88D data and in situ observations from Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) stations, 122 gust fronts in these regions are assessed to quantify changes in temperature, wind, relative humidity, and propagation speed as they pass over the weather stations. Gust fronts that propagated down into and along the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico were generally associated with faster propagation speeds, larger decreases in temperature, and larger increases in wind speeds compared to gust fronts that reached the crest of the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. Gust fronts atop the Mogollon Rim in Arizona behaved less in accordance with density current theory compared to those in the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. The potential reasons for these results, and their implications for our understanding of terrain influence on gust front characteristics, are discussed.
Community Response to Hurricane Threat: Estimates of Warning Issuance Time Distributions
Authors: Sorensen John H. , Lindell Michael K. , Baker Earl J. , Lehman William P.
Published: October 2020

Hurricane evacuation warnings from local officials are one of the most significant determinants of households’ evacuation departure times. Consequently, it is important to know how long after the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues a hurricane watch or warning that local officials wait to issue evacuation warnings. The distribution of local evacuation warning issuance delays determined from poststorm assessment data shows a wide range of warning issuance delay times over an 85-h time span, although the vast majority of times fall within a 40-h window. Nearly 30% of the jurisdictions issued evacuation warnings before an NHC hurricane warning. Only 5% delayed the decision for more than 25 h after the NHC hurricane warning. The curves for warning issuance delays, using both the NHC watch and NHC warning issuance times as reference points, are very different from the warning issuance curves observed for the rapid-onset events. The hurricane data exhibit much more of an “S shape” than the exponential shape that is seen for rapid-onset data. Instead, curves for three different types of storm tracks, defined by a perpendicular/parallel dimension and a straight/meandering dimension, follow three noticeably different logistic distributions. The data also indicate that warnings were issued significantly earlier for coastal counties than for inland counties. These results have direct practical value to analysts that are calculating evacuation time estimates for coastal jurisdictions. Moreover, they suggest directions for future research on the reasons for the timing of local officials’ hurricane evacuation decisions.
The Monocyte/High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (MHR) as an Indicator of the Need for Amputation in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease Developing Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Ceyhun Gökhan , Engin Muhammed Çağatay
Published: October 2020

The monocyte/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) reflects the proatherogenic and antiatherogenic balance, and a high ratio is associated with the severity of atherosclerosis. We measured the MHR of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) due to peripheral artery disease (PAD) requiring amputation. Patients diagnosed with PAD were divided into 2 groups; those who underwent an amputation due to CLI without any sign of infection and those treated with surgical or percutaneous revascularization or followed up medically. A healthy control group was also included. In patients diagnosed with PAD (n = 563), the MHR value was higher for the control group (n = 200), (12.4 ± 0.42 vs 11.5 ± 0.28, P < .001). In the amputation group, the MHR was significantly higher for the group treated by other methods (15.7 ± 1.52 vs 12.8 ± 1.45, P < .001). Possible confounding factors affecting the MHR value were determined by the univariate regression analysis, and the multiple regression analysis revealed that MHR was an independent predictor of amputation in patients with PAD ( P < .001). This study suggests that the MHR may be the predictor of amputation risk in patients with PAD and CLI.
Safety and Feasibility of a Novel Esophageal Balloon for Circumferential Cytologic Sampling
Authors: Kohli Nikita , Blitzer Andrew , Jahn Anthony , Cho Youngnan Jenny , Budrewicz Jay , Enos Karyn , Strome Marshall
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

A prior publication introduced the Strome-Blitzer balloon’s ability to obtain circumferential esophageal cytologic sampling. This GLP study was requisite for FDA approval to determine if equivalent cell capture and cellularity was observed with the balloon compared to surface sampling brushes and to determine the balloon’s usability for naive otolaryngologists.

Methods:

Three naïve users tested the Hobbs brush and Strome-Blitzer balloon on 4 Yorkshire swine. Four anatomical sites were sampled, beginning distally and ending proximally. In 2 animals, the balloon was used first distally and in the remaining 2, 4 new Hobbs brushes were used distally first. Moving proximally, the balloon and brushes were sequentially alternated. In follow-the-leader fashion, the balloon was introduced trans-orally followed by an endoscope to the desired site. The balloon was inflated exposing the abrasive strips to contact the esophageal mucosa. Moving the balloon 1 to 2 cm superiorly and inferiorly effected circumferential cell capture. The balloon was collapsed and removed, preserving the cellularity. The Hobbs brush was passed through the scope’s channel. Four brushes, 1 per quadrant, obtained the samples at an anatomical site. The balloon was rated as pass/fail on the following: delivery, kinking, usability, and malfunction. A blinded veterinary pathologist evaluated the cytology.

Results:

There was no device malfunction, mucosal trauma, or difficulty with device use. Balloon cytologic samples were comparable in cellularity and quality to the brush.

Conclusion:

A single balloon sampling was comparable to 4 brushes in capturing diagnostically relevant cellular volumes and architecture. Naïve users easily performed the procedures after reading the guidelines.

Level of Evidence:

3
Fissured Employment and Network Bargaining: Emerging Employment Relations Dynamics in a Contingent World of Work
Authors: Anner Mark , Fischer-Daly Matthew , Maffie Michael
Published: October 2020

For decades, direct employment relationships have been increasingly displaced by indirect employment relationships through networks of firms and layers of managerial control. The firm strategies driving these changes are organizational, geographic, and technological in nature and are facilitated by state policies. The resulting weakening of traditional forms of collective bargaining and worker power have led workers to counter by organizing broader alliances and complementing structural and associational power with symbolic power and state-oriented strategies through what the authors term “network bargaining.” These dynamics point to the limitations of dominant theories and frameworks for understanding employment relations and suggest a new approach that focuses on a range of direct and indirect work relationships, evolving forms of worker power, and networked patterns of worker–employer interactions.
I’ve got you under my skin: Tattoos and religion in three Latin American cities
Authors: Morello SJ Gustavo
Published: October 2020

In this article, the author argues that some contemporary tattoos might be considered ‘sacralization practices’, that is, processes whereby the subjects distinguish some reality they deem special from the rest. The author studied Latin Americans’ tattoos in a context of mainstream life, while paying attention to designs, meanings, and the interaction of tattoos with religious membership. Based on a non-random sample of 21 subjects from three different cities, socio-economic statuses, gender, and religious affiliation, this article explores what realities are sacralized by urban Latin Americans in contexts of daily life by getting them under their skin. The findings show that tattoos are a preferred way for Non-Affiliated persons to express their inner realm, that tattoos sacralize some experiences that are different from the profane giving them permanence, and finally that tattoos even when they are very personal and intimate, involve a connection with a community.
How do HRM practices improve employee satisfaction?
Authors: Hauret Laetitia , Martin Ludivine , Omrani Nessrine , Williams Donald R
Published: October 2020

Using employer–employee data, this article studies the relationships between the bundle of human resource management (HRM) practices and job satisfaction. By simultaneously integrating employee HRM exposure and HRM perception, which remains scarce in the literature, the authors find that a high HRM exposure is not sufficient to improve job satisfaction when employee HRM perception is taken into account. Moreover, the study highlights that differences in the level of employee HRM perception, contrary to the level of exposure, influence the way employees react to their personal, job and workplace characteristics. The results suggest a role for managers to strengthen employee positive HRM perception to improve job satisfaction.
The Eames Office, the Cold War and the Avant-Garde: Making the Lab of Tomorrow
Authors: Bishop Ryan
Published: October 2020

The design office of Charles and Ray Eames was a collaborative, interdisciplinary, multimedia affair linking Hollywood, the State Department, universities, the corporate sector and international fairs during the height of the Cold War. Bringing together design, furniture, cutting-edge technology and experimental, avant-garde informed-multiscreen projections, the Eames Office operated as a humanities/IT/media/arts lab. For the 1964 World’s Fair, the Eameses created ‘The Information Machine’ for IBM. The techniques of display and experimental juxtaposition of images, sound and new media capacities later migrated to the many ‘happenings’ following in the wake of Allan Kaprow’s medial and performative experiments. The Eames Office crafted for the 1964 World’s Fair a vision of global change and possibility grounded in avant-garde visual techniques and aesthetics that continue to constitute a specific globe crafted by the US Cold War military-industrial-university-entertainment complex that remains the grounds for our current collective nomos.
The Time Capsule and the Cut-Up: Negotiating Temporality, Anticipating Catastrophe
Authors: Beck John , Dorrian Mark
Published: October 2020

The first feature film made about the design and deployment of the atomic bomb, The Beginning or the End (1947), begins with fake newsreel footage depicting the burial in a time capsule of a copy of the film and a projector to show it on. The scene, with its funereal overtones yet grim optimism that, even in the face of catastrophic destruction, the germ of civilization will endure, recalls the ceremonies surrounding the interment of the Westinghouse time capsule at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. Time capsules, this article argues, stand in a complex relation to war and temporality, seeking to at once anticipate and work through the challenge posed to futurity by the threat of global conflict. As a container, the capsule attempts to deliver and control the reception of a legible inventory of the present, yet the principle of selection and the impossibility of predicting how information might be received in the deep future – if it is received at all – threatens this aim. The dilemma faced by time capsule curators is, we argue with reference to William Burroughs’ and Brion Gysin’s so-called cut-up method of writing, one of control. By reading the time capsule through the cut-up, anticipated catastrophe can be seen to be functioning proleptically in the present and already active as a challenge to the capsule as proof against disaster.
Effects of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on intraoperative endothelial cell function in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Fan Yu , Wang Hao , Ma Qi
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To investigate the effects of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

Patients undergoing LC (n = 23) were divided into sevoflurane (S) (n = 11) and propofol (P) (n = 12) anesthesia groups. A blood sample was taken before induction (T0), after induction but before pneumoperitoneum (T1), 15 minutes after pneumoperitoneum (T2), immediately after extubation (T3), and 30 minutes after extubation (T4). P-selectin-positive platelets and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)-positive lymphocytes, and plasma P-selectin, ICAM-1 and thrombomodulin (TM) levels were analyzed.

Results

Sevoflurane significantly increased P-selectin expression in platelets at T2, T3, and T4 and in plasma at T1, T2, T3, and T4, but it did not affect ICAM-1 and TM. Propofol had no significant effects on P-selectin, ICAM-1, and TM expression during anesthesia and surgery. P-selectin, ICAM-1, and TM expression was higher in the S compared with P group at T1, T2, and T3 for platelet P-selectin; T2 and T4 for plasma P-selectin; T1 and T2 for lymphocyte ICAM-1; and T1, T2, and T3 for plasma TM.

Conclusions

Propofol anesthesia can delay the inflammatory reactions during laparoscopic surgery and better maintain the structure stability and function in vascular endothelial cells.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the mesentery: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Liu Jing-Ni , Liu Zhao , Ji Peng-Yu , Zhang Hong , Guo Shun-Lin
Published: October 2020

Solitary fibrous tumors are rare mesenchymal tumors that typically arise from the pleura and rarely originate from the mesentery. We herein report a case involving a 66-year-old patient who presented with a mass on the left abdomen. This mass had been incidentally noticed 10 years earlier. The patient sometimes experienced abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed an irregular mass, which was resected. A biopsy of the mass revealed that it was a solitary fibrous tumor originating from the mesentery of the small intestine. The patient was discharged 1 week after surgery and had an uneventful clinical course throughout the 4-month postoperative follow-up.
Splenic infarction associated with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome: a case report
Authors: Li Yuhong , Liu Hanyun , Shi Yingqing
Published: October 2020

Splenic infarction is rare, resulting from occlusion of the splenic artery or its branches. Its aetiology is complex and multifactorial involving various vascular and thrombotic diseases, thus, misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis is common. Here, the case of a 45-year old male patient diagnosed with splenic infarction caused by secondary erythrocytosis associated with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is reported. The patient presented with 10 days of abdominal distension and pain that worsened after eating, and had developed to include nausea, vomiting and fever. The patient had a history of night snoring for over 10 years without treatment, a diagnosis of chronic pulmonary heart disease and secondary polycythaemia 5 years previously, and diagnosis of OSAHS 1 year previously. He had not received previous non-invasive ventilation or oxygen therapy. Enhanced upper abdomen computed tomography (CT) showed splenic infarction, bone marrow cytology suggested secondary polycythaemia, and sleep polysomnography revealed severe OSAHS. Low molecular-weight heparin, ceftriaxone, fluid and oxygen treatment gradually relieved abdominal distension and pain. Enhanced CT showed splenic infarction improvement. The present case highlights that splenic embolism should not be ignored as a potential complication of OSAHS.
Highly sensitive nucleic acid detection and transaminase level in treatment decisions for Chinese patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis
Authors: Zhang Yue-Rong , Wang Hui , Zhang Yao-Di , Lin Yan , Wu Li-Yang , Wei Shi-Fang , Ma Yan-Yun , Wang Chun-Xia
Published: October 2020

Objective

To explore the usefulness of highly sensitive nucleic acid detection for assisting with the accurate antiviral treatment of patients with cirrhosis that was caused by hepatitis.

Methods

There were 377 patients with hepatitis B with cirrhosis and 119 patients with hepatitis C with cirrhosis, either as hospitalized patients and outpatients, who were enrolled into the study. Among them, 299 were men and 197 were women between 23 and 82 years of age. All patients were examined using a domestic HBV DNA/HCV RNA test, which was negative in 162 cirrhosis with hepatitis B and 54 cirrhosis with hepatitis C patients (HBV DNA/HCV RNA <500 IU/mL). Prediction and analysis of the HBV DNA load using alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

For patients with hepatitis C with cirrhosis, after the antiviral therapy, ALT, HCV RNA, and Child–Pugh grade were significantly improved compared with before treatment. ROC analysis results showed that an ALT level of 29 IU/mL was the most sensitive cutoff value to judge a positive HBV DNA load (sensitivity 1.0, specificity 0.237, Youden index 0.763).

Conclusion

Precise detection for patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis is required for accurate therapy.
Treatment of massive iliac chondrosarcoma with personalized three-dimensional printed tantalum implant: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Zhong , Chen Ge , Xiang Yi , Muheremu Aikeremujiang , Wu Xianzhe , He Peng , Fan Huaquan , Liu Juncai , Chen Chang , Yang Liu , Wang Fuyou
Published: October 2020

Although customized three-dimensional tantalum implants have been used to treat a large variety of diseases, few reports have described the application of such implants to reconstruct large pelvic bone defects after the removal of massive tumors. We herein describe a 30-year-old woman with a 9-year history of a massive low-grade chondrosarcoma in the pelvic bone. After removal of a solid 12- × 8- × 6-cm tumor with clear margins, we used a customized three-dimensional printed tantalum implant to fill the large pelvic bone defect and performed hip arthroplasty in a one-step surgery. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful. She started walking 1 month after surgery, and she developed no tumor recurrence, instrumentation failure, or implant loosening during the 12-month follow-up period. This report describes the successful application of a customized three-dimensional printed implant to reconstruct a massive pelvic bone defect. Satisfactory functional recovery was achieved with no apparent complications. The methodology of the current case may benefit orthopedic and oncologic surgeons in designing treatment strategies for similar cases.