bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Nanoencapsulation of Lectin from Lepidium sativum on Chitosan‐Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticle and Their Cytotoxicity against Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells (HepG2)
Authors: Yasin Unzila , Bilal Muhammad , Bashir Hamid , Amirzada Muhammad Imran , Sumrin Aleena , Asad Muhammad Hassham Hassan Bin
Published: October 2020

Lectins are the oligomeric sugar‐specific glycoprotein of nonimmune origin, are involved in the multiple biological recognition process, and have the capacity to perform a wide variety of physiological functions including antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, and cell agglutination. The main objective of the current study was to prepare lectin protein‐loaded chitosan‐TPP nanoparticles via ionic gelation methods with different CS/TPP ratios and to investigate anticancer potential against HepG2 cells. The best ratio showed the mean particle size (298.10 ± 1.9 nm, 21.05 ± 0.95 mv) with optimal encapsulation efficiencies of 52.435 ± 0.09%. The cytotoxicity was evaluated against HepG2 cells, and IC50 values obtained were 265 μg/ml for lectin protein and 105 μg/ml for lectin‐loaded chitosan‐TPP nanoparticles, respectively. The mRNA expression of proliferation markers like GPC3 was significantly decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) during lectin protein‐loaded chitosan‐TPP nanoparticle treatment. Apoptotic genes that indicating a marked increase in expression are Caspase 3, p53, and Bax, while Bcl2 and AFP showed a downregulation of expression after treatment of HepG2 cells with lectin‐loaded chitosan‐TPP nanoparticles. The preliminary findings of our study highlighted that lectin protein‐loaded chitosan‐TPP nanoparticles could be a promising anticancer agent.
Combined Single-Source and Multi-source Capacitated Facility Location Problems with Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Jamalian Ali , Salahi Maziar
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we incorporate an efficiency criterion using data envelopment analysis into the single-source and multi-source capacitated facility location problems. We develop two bi-objective integer programs to find optimal and efficient location patterns, simultaneously. The proposed models for these capacitated facility location problems have fewer variables and constraints compared to existing models presented in the literature. We use the LP-metric procedure to solve the proposed models on two numerical examples. Results show that new models give better solutions, based on cost and efficiency criteria.
Prevention Technology for Strong Mine Pressure Disaster in the Hard-Roof Large-Mining-Height Working Face
Authors: Duan Hongfei , Zhao Lijuan
Published: October 2020

The movement and destruction of the hard roof in a stope is an important reason for the occurrence of strong ground pressure disasters at the working face. Considering Tongxin Coal Mine as the engineering background, the stress distribution law of the surrounding rock and the overburden rock damage characteristics of a large-mining-height working face under the hard roof were investigated. To solve the problem whereby the stope’s hard roof is difficult to collapse, the hard rock key stratum of the roof was hydraulically fractured to weaken the mechanical properties of the roof rock stratum. Additionally, microseismic monitoring technology was used to monitor the cracking effect of the rock stratum. The theoretical calculation and numerical simulation results reveal that, after hydraulic fracturing, a crack with a more consistent trend formed inside the hard rock stratum and a large area of the rock stratum was damaged. According to the monitoring results of the stope stress after hydraulic fracturing, the law governing the occurrence of the leading bearing pressure was in effect. In contrast, the influence range and peak strength of the leading bearing pressure were considerably reduced at the working face after hydraulic fracturing. After performing hydraulic fracturing on the roof of the working face, the bearing pressure of the working face can satisfy the production requirements better. Finally, the results obtained through this study can be used as a reference for determining the width of coal pillars under similar mining conditions.
Spatiotemporal Characterization of Land Subsidence in Guandu (China) Revealed by Multisensor InSAR Observations
Authors: Zhu Wu , Zhang Xue-qi , Liu Zhan-ke , Zhu Qian
Published: October 2020

Excessive groundwater exploitation has brought about severe ground subsidence in Guandu (China), threatening the stability of urban infrastructure. Mapping of the spatiotemporal variations of ground deformation is urgently needed for disaster prevention and mitigation. In this study, multisensor interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) observations were applied to Guandu to derive the time series deformation from 2007 to 2019. The annual deformation velocity revealed three severe subsiding regions in Guandu. Based on the ascending and descending Sentinel-1 images with overlapping temporal and spatial coverage, two-dimensional vertical and horizontal east–west deformation was calculated and indicated that the deformation in Guandu was dominated by vertical direction. After connecting the multisensor results, long-term ground deformation spanning from January 9, 2007, to September 1, 2019, was produced and showed that the north subsiding region experienced fast followed by slow subsidence, whereas the south subsiding region experienced slow followed by fast subsidence. This difference was due to the changes of groundwater pumping centers and rates. The cumulative maximum subsidence reached 400 mm during the period of 2007–2019. The similar variations in temporal domain between the change of groundwater level and ground deformation suggested that groundwater exploitation accounted for the severe subsidence in Guandu. Our results may provide scientific evidence regarding the sound management of groundwater exploitation to mitigate potential damage to infrastructure and the environment.
Perception of Smile Aesthetics of Patients with Anterior Malocclusions and Lips Influence: A Comparison of Dental Professionals’, Dental Students,’ and Laypersons’ Opinions
Authors: Khalaf Khaled , Seraj Zahra , Hussein Hesham
Published: October 2020

Objectives. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perception of smile aesthetics in patients with varying degrees of anterior crowding and spacing among dental specialists, dentists, dental students, and laypersons and to assess the effect of the lips position. Materials and Methods. Clinical photos of cases of anterior crowding (mild, moderate, and severe) and spacing (mild, moderate, and severe) with and without the associated lips were used. The images were evaluated by 250 persons including dental specialists, dentists, dental students, and laypersons using the rating scale method, (extremely unaesthetic to extremely aesthetic, 1 to 5, respectively). Nonparametric tests were used to analyse the data on SPSS version 24. Results. According to the 250 responses, the aesthetic perception of all severities of anterior crowding and mild and moderate spacing was found to be more aesthetic when displayed with the lips (

p
<
0.05

). Additionally, the higher the level of dental education, the lower the aesthetic perception with and without the lips (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusions. The lips play a significant role in improving the aesthetics of crowded anterior teeth and spaced anterior teeth. Dental educational level influences the aesthetic perception of anterior crowding and spacing. This may have an impact on treatment planning and need for orthodontic intervention.
SQUID-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Ultra-Low Field Using the Backprojection Method
Authors: Guo Qingqian , Ma Changyu , Zhang Xin , Xu Yajie , Fan Meisheng , Yu Peng , Hu Tao , Chang Yan , Yang Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

Ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF MRI) is an effective imaging technique that applies the ultrasensitive detector of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensor to detect the MR signal at a microtesla field range. In this work, we designed and developed a SQUID-based ULF MRI system with a frequency-adjustable measurement field, the performance of which was characterized via water phantoms. In order to enhance the MR signals, a 500 mT Halbach magnet was used to prepolarize the magnetization of the sample prior to excitation. The signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of the spin-echo- (SE-) based pulse sequence can reach up to 70 in a single scan. The images were then reconstructed successfully by using the maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) algorithm based on the backprojection imaging method. It was demonstrated that an in-plane resolution of 1.8 × 1.8 mm2 can be achieved which indicated the feasibility of SQUID-based MRI at the ULF.
A Time-Varying Multivariate Noncentral Contaminated Normal Copula Model and Its Application to the Visualized Dependence Analysis of Hong Kong Stock Markets
Authors: Xiao Zhenyu , Wang Jie , Cheng Teng Yuan , Shi Kuiran
Published: October 2020

Financial data usually have the features of complexity and interdependence structure, such as asymmetric, tail, and time-varying dependence. This study constructs a new multivariate skewed fat-tailed copula, namely, noncentral contaminated normal (NCCN) copula, to analyze the dependent structure of financial market data. The dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) model is also incorporated into constructing the time-varying NCCN copula model. This study comprehensively examines the effects of the DCC-NCCN copula and related models on fitting dependence structures of Hong Kong stock markets. The results show that the DCC-NCCN copula model can better depict the dependence structures of returns. Considering the flexibility and complexity, the DCC-NCCN copula model is a relatively ideal, time-varying, multivariate skewed fat-tailed copula model.
Epidemiology of Basal-like and Luminal Breast Cancers among Black Women in the AMBER Consortium
Authors: Benefield Halei C. , Zirpoli Gary R. , Allott Emma H. , Shan Yue , Hurson Amber N. , Omilian Angela R. , Khoury Thaer , Hong Chi-Chen , Olshan Andrew F. , Bethea Traci N. , Bandera Elisa V. , Palmer Julie R. , Ambrosone Christine B. , Troester Melissa A.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Evidence suggests etiologic heterogeneity among breast cancer subtypes. Previous studies with six-marker IHC classification of intrinsic subtypes included small numbers of black women.

Methods:

Using centralized laboratory results for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, HER2, proliferation marker, Ki-67, EGFR, and cytokeratin (CK)5/6, we estimated case-only and case–control ORs for established breast cancer risk factors among cases (n = 2,354) and controls (n = 2,932) in the African American Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Risk (AMBER) consortium. ORs were estimated by ER status and intrinsic subtype using adjusted logistic regression.

Results:

Case-only analyses by ER status showed etiologic heterogeneity by age at menarche, parity (vs. nulliparity), and age at first birth. In case–control analyses for intrinsic subtype, increased body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were associated with increased risk of luminal A subtype, whereas older age at menarche and parity, regardless of breastfeeding, were associated with reduced risk. For basal-like cancers, parity without breastfeeding and increasing WHR were associated with increased risk, whereas breastfeeding and age ≥25 years at first birth were associated with reduced risk among parous women. Basal-like and ER−/HER2+ subtypes had earlier age-at-incidence distribution relative to luminal subtypes.

Conclusions:

Breast cancer subtypes showed distinct etiologic profiles in the AMBER consortium, a study of more than 5,000 black women with centrally assessed tumor biospecimens.

Impact:

Among black women, high WHR and parity without breastfeeding are emerging as important intervention points to reduce the incidence of basal-like breast cancer.
Exogenous Thyroid Hormone Is Associated with Shortened Survival and Upregulation of High-Risk Gene Expression Profiles in Steroid Receptor–Positive Breast Cancers
Authors: Wahdan-Alaswad Reema S. , Edgerton Susan M. , Salem Hiba , Kim Hyun Min , Tan Aik Choon , Finlay-Schultz Jessica , Wellberg Elizabeth A. , Sartorius Carol A. , Jacobsen Britta M. , Haugen Bryan R. , Liu Bolin , Thor Ann D.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Thyroid disease is a frequent comorbidity in women with breast cancer, and many require thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT). We postulated that THRT has a deleterious clinical effect mechanistically through hormonal interactions, nuclear receptor cross-talk, and upregulation of high-risk breast cancer genes.

Experimental Design:

Observational studies of patients with lymph node–negative (LN−) breast cancer (n = 820 and n = 160) were performed to test interactions between THRT and clinical, histologic, outcome, and treatment variables. Differences between the two cohorts include but are not limited to patient numbers, decades of treatment, duration of follow-up/treatment, tumor sizes, incidence, and type and dose/regimen of antihormonal and/or chemotherapeutic agents. In vivo and vitro models, in silico databases, and molecular methods were used to study interactions and define mechanisms underlying THRT effects.

Results:

THRT significantly and independently reduced disease-free and breast cancer–specific overall survival of only the steroid receptor (SR)-positive (as compared with SR-negative) node-negative patients in both long-term observational studies. Patients with SR+ LN− breast cancer who received THRT and tamoxifen experienced the shortest survival of all treatment groups. A less potent interaction between THRT and aromatase inhibitors was noted in the second patient cohort. Using in vivo and in vitro models, TH administration enhanced estrogen and TH-associated gene expression and proliferation, nuclear colocalization of estrogen receptor and thyroid hormone receptor, and activation of genes used clinically to predict tumor aggression in SR+ breast cancer, including the IGF-IR, WNT, and TGFβ pathways.

Conclusions:

We show clinically significant adverse interactions between THRT, estrogenic, and oncogenic signaling in patients with SR+ LN− breast cancer.
Multifokale Neoplasien der Haut: Biologie, Ätiologie und zielgerichtete Therapien von nicht-melanozytärem Hautkrebs
Authors: Fernandes Ana R. , Santos Ana C. , Sanchez-Lopez Elena , Kovačević Andjekla B. , Espina Marta , Calpena Ana C. , Veiga Francisco J. , Garcia Maria L. , Souto Eliana B.
Published: October 2020

Neoplastische Hautläsionen sind multifokal auftretende, diffuse Hautinfiltrationen, die besonders in der Differentialdiagnose ulzerativer, nodulärer oder verkrustender Hautläsionen von Bedeutung sind. Nicht-melanozytäre Hautkrebsformen (nonmelanoma skin cancers, NMSC) wie das Basalzellkarzinom (basal cell carcinoma, BCC), das Plattenepithelkarzinom (squamous cell carcinoma, SCC) und die aktinische Keratose (AK) sind die häufigsten malignen Tumoren beim Menschen. BCC wachsen langsam und bilden meist keine Metastasen, wohingegen SCC ein stärker infiltrierendes, destruierendes Wachstum zeigen und Metastasen bilden. AK sind Vorstufen des kutanen SCC. Bei der klassischen NMSC-Therapie kommt die photodynamische Therapie in Verbindung mit Chemotherapeutika zur Anwendung. Das zunehmende Verständnis der Pathomechanismen, die bei der Tumorentstehung, -progression und -differenzierung eine Rolle spielen, stützt die Anwendung zielgerichteter Chemotherapien zur Verringerung der Zytotoxizität klassischer Therapien. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit beschreibt den aktuellen Wissensstand über NMSC, einschließlich der Risikofaktoren, Onkogene und Karzinogenese von Hautkrebs und erörtert die herkömmliche Behandlung im Vergleich zu neuartigen therapeutischen Optionen. Übersetzung aus Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2018;31:59-73 (DOI: 10.1159/000479529)
The Impact of Recent Advances in Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Tissue Acquisition on the Management of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Marques Susana , Bispo Miguel , Rio-Tinto Ricardo , Fidalgo Paulo , Devière Jacques
Published: October 2020

Over the last few decades, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition has become the method of choice for the pathological diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions. Due to its high diagnostic yield and low complication rate, EUS-guided tissue acquisition has surpassed percutaneous sampling techniques. For many years, EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was traditionally used to obtain cytological aspirates of solid pancreatic lesions, with sensitivity values ranging from 80 to 90% for the diagnosis of malignancy. Nevertheless, despite numerous technical advances, EUS-FNA still presents some limitations. Therefore, EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) has been introduced to provide tissue core biopsies, allowing histological assessment. A newly developed generation of FNB needles has demonstrated an outstanding diagnostic accuracy of over 95% for solid pancreatic lesions and provides samples appropriate for ancillary testing, such as immunohistochemistry and tumour molecular profiling. As a result, EUS-FNB is rapidly replacing EUS-FNA and is now the recommended technique for EUS-guided tissue acquisition in pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, with the recent expansion of neoadjuvant treatment criteria and with the advent of novel and personalised anti-cancer therapies, EUS-FNB is gaining a pivotal role in pancreatic cancer management and might soon be generalised to all patients, independent of disease stage. In this article, the authors present an updated review of the role of EUS-guided tissue acquisition in pancreatic cancer. Current indications, several technical aspects and new applications of EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB are discussed.
English Nasalance Values of Chinese Learners of English
Authors: Liu Yilan , Lee Sue Ann S.
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Although a number of studies have been conducted to investigate nasalance scores of speakers of different languages, little research has examined the nasalance characteristics of second language learners. Objective: The goal of the current study was to examine whether English nasalance values of Mandarin Chinese speakers are similar to those of native English speakers, examining the potential effect of the first language on the nasalance scores of the second language production. Methods: Thirty-two adults (16 Mandarin Chinese speakers and 16 native English speakers) with a normal velopharyngeal anatomy participated. Nasalance scores of various speech stimuli were obtained using a nasometer and compared between the 2 groups. Results and Conclusions: Chinese learners of English produced higher nasalance scores than native English speakers on prolonged vowel /i/ and /a/, the syllable “nin,” and non-nasal sentences and passages. The first language effect on nasalance of the second language found in the current study suggests the importance of linguistic consideration in the clinical evaluation of resonance.
Das Visual-Snow-Syndrom in der augenärztlichen Praxis
Authors: Göbel Katja
Published: October 2020

Our aim was to examine the symptoms and clinical characteristics of visual snow in a group of 6 patients from a Department of Ophthalmology and a Department of Neurology. Visual snow is now recognized as a true physiological disorder. Previously, physicians unaware of this syndrome may have misinterpreted its symptoms as a persistent visual aura. By promoting awareness of this syndrome, greater quantitative and qualitative research may expand our understanding and treatment of this disorder.
Retinale «Karatopathie»: Diamantenstaubrückstände nach vitreoretinaler Chirurgie
Authors: Treder Maximilian
Published: October 2020

Diamond dust particles were identified within patients’ eyes both during vitrectomy procedures using diamond-dusted membrane scrapers and in postoperative clinical examinations. The particles had no impact on the patients’ vision and caused no apparent sequelae. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the average particle size to be 23.4 μm and an unequal surface area for particle adhesion onto the soft tip. It was determined that diamond dust particles can dislodge from the silicone tip of the Tano diamond-dusted membrane scrapers during the insertion into valve trocars throughout vitrectomy operations and deposit on the retinal surface or within macular holes. Ophthalmologists should be aware of residual diamond particles during procedures and consider diamond dust retinopathy in the differential diagnosis of crystalline retinopathies. Understanding the appearance of residual particles on the retina allows for future studies revealing the long-term impact on patient’s visual performance.
Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rates in Slovenia in the Period from 2017 to 2019: Data from the European Registry on H. pylori Management
Authors: Tepes Bojan , Brglez Jurecic Natasa , Tepes Katja , Espada Sanchez Marta , Perez Nyssen Olga , O’Morain Colm , Mégraud Francis , Gisbert Javier
Published: October 2020

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common chronic bacterial infection in the world, affecting over 50% of the world’s population. H. pylori is a grade I carcinogen, responsible for the development of 89% of noncardia gastric cancers. In the present study, we analyzed the data for H. pylori eradication treatments in Slovenia after the 3rd national recommendations were implemented. Patients and Methods: Slovenia is part of the European Registry on H. pylori Management since the Registry was launched in 2013. Data were collected at Asociación Española de Gastroenterología-Research Electronic Data Capture electronic case report form from September 2017 to December 2019. H. pylori eradication treatment was assessed by modified intention-to-treat (mITT) and per-protocol analyses. Results: Overall, 853 patients from 3 medical institutions were included. Effectiveness with first-line 14-day triple therapy with a proton-pomp-inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin 500 mg, amoxicillin 1,000 mg, all BID, was 93% by mITT (714 patients). In patients allergic to penicillin, first-line 14-day triple therapy with PPI-clarithromycin-metronidazole achieved 83% effectiveness by mITT (35 patients). Second-line 14-day triple therapy with a PPI-amoxicillin-levofloxacin achieved 89% mITT eradication rate (51 patients). Second-line therapy with the 10-day three-in-one single capsule containing bismuth-tetracycline-metronidazole achieved optimal effectiveness (100% mITT) in 10 patients (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Slovenia is a country with <15% H. pylori resistance to clarithromycin. Triple therapy with a PPI plus 2 antibiotics during 14 days reported optimal effectiveness (over 90%). Ten-day quadruple-bismuth second-line therapy had better results than 14-day triple therapy with levofloxacin.
Mir-30d Regulates Cardiac Remodeling by Intracellular and Paracrine Signaling
Authors: Li Jin , Salvador Ane M. , Li Guoping , Valkov Nedyalka , Ziegler Olivia , Yeri Ashish , Yang Xiao Chun , Meechoovet Bessie , Alsop Eric , Rodosthenous Rodosthenis S. , Kundu Piyusha , Huan Tianxiao , Levy Daniel , Tigges John , Pico Alexander R. , Ghiran Ionita , Silverman Michael G. , Meng Xiangmin , Kitchen Robert , Xu Jiahong , Van Keuren-Jensen Kendall , Shah Ravi , Xiao Junjie , Das Saumya
Published: October 2020

Rationale:

Previous translational studies implicate plasma extracellular microRNA-30d (miR-30d) as a biomarker in left ventricular remodeling and clinical outcome in heart failure (HF) patients, although precise mechanisms remain obscure.

Objective:

To investigate the mechanism of miR-30d–mediated cardioprotection in HF.

Methods and Results:

In rat and mouse models of ischemic HF, we show that miR-30d gain of function (genetic, lentivirus, or agomiR-mediated) improves cardiac function, decreases myocardial fibrosis, and attenuates cardiomyocyte (CM) apoptosis. Genetic or locked nucleic acid–based knock-down of miR-30d expression potentiates pathological left ventricular remodeling, with increased dysfunction, fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte death. RNA sequencing of in vitro miR-30d gain and loss of function, together with bioinformatic prediction and experimental validation in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts, were used to identify and validate direct targets of miR-30d. miR-30d expression is selectively enriched in cardiomyocytes, induced by hypoxic stress and is acutely protective, targeting MAP4K4 (mitogen-associate protein kinase 4) to ameliorate apoptosis. Moreover, miR-30d is secreted primarily in extracellular vesicles by cardiomyocytes and inhibits fibroblast proliferation and activation by directly targeting integrin α5 in the acute phase via paracrine signaling to cardiac fibroblasts. In the chronic phase of ischemic remodeling, lower expression of miR-30d in the heart and plasma extracellular vesicles is associated with adverse remodeling in rodent models and human subjects and is linked to whole-blood expression of genes implicated in fibrosis and inflammation, consistent with observations in model systems.

Conclusions:

These findings provide the mechanistic underpinning for the cardioprotective association of miR-30d in human HF. More broadly, our findings support an emerging paradigm involving intercellular communication of extracellular vesicle–contained miRNAs (microRNAs) to transregulate distinct signaling pathways across cell types. Functionally validated RNA biomarkers and their signaling networks may warrant further investigation as novel therapeutic targets in HF.
Occurrence of the largetooth sawfish Pristis pristis (Linneaus, 1758) in northern Peru
Authors: CABANILLAS-TORPOCO MARIANO , CASTILLO DEYSY , SICCHA-RAMÍREZ RAQUEL , FORSBERG KERSTIN , PURIZACA WILMER , MACEDA MARTÍN
Published: October 2020

The largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List (Kyne et al. 2013). This species has been recorded in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, where its range has been described as extending from Mazatlan, Mexico, to northern Peru (Chirichigno & Cornejo 2001). Recent research efforts suggest that largetooth sawfish are now extremely rare or locally extinct on Mexico’s Pacific coast (Bonfil et al. 2018). There is no current information on the status of largetooth sawfish in Panama or Colombia; the most recent record of a largetooth sawfish captured on Colombia’s Pacific coast occurred in 2007 (Chasqui et al. 2017). In Ecuador, the species had been considered extirpated. However, in 2014, a large largetooth sawfish was captured by local fisherman in southern Ecuador, taken to the fishing port of Salinas and then released by the environmental agency (Barriga 2012; Rosas-Luis 2014). In Peru, recent reports of largetooth sawfish have been rare, but two captures of largetooth sawfish by fishermen (2014 and 2015) in northern Peru were reported (Mendoza et al. 2017). This confirms that the species is still occasionally encountered in this region.
New early Pleistocene Alligator (Eusuchia: Crocodylia) from Florida bridges a gap in Alligator evolution
Authors: STOUT JEREMY B.
Published: October 2020

The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is one of two species of Alligator in the modern world. It is only distantly related to the other extant species (A. sinensis), with much closer relatives known from the geologic past of North America. A disparity exists, though, in the fossil record between A. mississippiensis and its close relative, the late Miocene (?)—early Pliocene A. mefferdi. While A. mississippiensis is known from the mid-Pleistocene and later, few Alligator remains were known from the earliest Pleistocene of North America until the discovery of the Haile 7C and 7G early Pleistocene (Blancan Land Mammal Age) sites from Alachua County, Florida. The Haile alligators exhibit a suite of characters from both A. mississippiensis and A. mefferdi, displaying intermediate morphology in time. The Haile alligators are distinct from either of the aforementioned taxa, and a new species, Alligator hailensis is suggested, bridging an important gap in the evolution of the American Alligator.
Regional Frequency Analysis at Ungauged Sites with Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines
Authors: Msilini A. , Masselot P. , Ouarda T. B. M. J.
Published: October 2020

Hydrological systems are naturally complex and nonlinear. A large number of variables, many of which not yet well considered in regional frequency analysis (RFA), have a significant impact on hydrological dynamics and consequently on flood quantile estimates. Despite the increasing number of statistical tools used to estimate flood quantiles at ungauged sites, little attention has been dedicated to the development of new regional estimation (RE) models accounting for both nonlinear links and interactions between hydrological and physio-meteorological variables. The aim of this paper is to simultaneously take into account nonlinearity and interactions between variables by introducing the multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) approach in RFA. The predictive performances of MARS are compared with those obtained by one of the most robust RE models: the generalized additive model (GAM). Both approaches are applied to two datasets covering 151 hydrometric stations in the province of Quebec (Canada): a standard dataset (STA) containing commonly used variables and an extended dataset (EXTD) combining STA with additional variables dealing with drainage network characteristics. Results indicate that RE models using MARS with the EXTD outperform slightly RE models using GAM. Thus, MARS seems to allow for a better representation of the hydrological process and an increased predictive power in RFA.
Evaluation of Precipitation Vertical Profiles Estimated by GPM-Era Satellite-Based Passive Microwave Retrievals
Authors: Utsumi Nobuyuki , Turk F. Joseph , Haddad Ziad S. , Kirstetter Pierre-Emmanuel , Kim Hyungjun
Published: October 2020

Precipitation estimation based on passive microwave (MW) observations from low-Earth-orbiting satellites is one of the essential variables for understanding the global climate. However, almost all validation studies for such precipitation estimation have focused only on the surface precipitation rate. This study investigates the vertical precipitation profiles estimated by two passive MW-based retrieval algorithms, i.e., the emissivity principal components (EPC) algorithm and the Goddard profiling algorithm (GPROF). The passive MW-based condensed water content profiles estimated from the Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager (GMI) are validated using the GMI + Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar combined algorithm as the reference product. It is shown that the EPC generally underestimates the magnitude of the condensed water content profiles, described by the mean condensed water content, by about 20%–50% in the middle-to-high latitudes, while GPROF overestimates it by about 20%–50% in the middle-to-high latitudes and more than 50% in the tropics. Part of the EPC magnitude biases is associated with the representation of the precipitation type (i.e., convective and stratiform) in the retrieval algorithm. This suggests that a separate technique for precipitation type identification would aid in mitigating these biases. In contrast to the magnitude of the profile, the profile shapes are relatively well represented by these two passive MW-based retrievals. The joint analysis between the estimation performances of the vertical profiles and surface precipitation rate shows that the physically reasonable connections between the surface precipitation rate and the associated vertical profiles are achieved to some extent by the passive MW-based algorithms.
Human–Autonomy Teaming: A Review and Analysis of the Empirical Literature
Authors: O’Neill Thomas , McNeese Nathan , Barron Amy , Schelble Beau
Published: October 2020

Objective

We define human–autonomy teaming and offer a synthesis of the existing empirical research on the topic. Specifically, we identify the research environments, dependent variables, themes representing the key findings, and critical future research directions.

Background

Whereas a burgeoning literature on high-performance teamwork identifies the factors critical to success, much less is known about how human–autonomy teams (HATs) achieve success. Human–autonomy teamwork involves humans working interdependently toward a common goal along with autonomous agents. Autonomous agents involve a degree of self-government and self-directed behavior (agency), and autonomous agents take on a unique role or set of tasks and work interdependently with human team members to achieve a shared objective.

Method

We searched the literature on human–autonomy teaming. To meet our criteria for inclusion, the paper needed to involve empirical research and meet our definition of human–autonomy teaming. We found 76 articles that met our criteria for inclusion.

Results

We report on research environments and we find that the key independent variables involve autonomous agent characteristics, team composition, task characteristics, human individual differences, training, and communication. We identify themes for each of these and discuss the future research needs.

Conclusion

There are areas where research findings are clear and consistent, but there are many opportunities for future research. Particularly important will be research that identifies mechanisms linking team input to team output variables.
Rebel Rivalry and the Strategic Nature of Rebel Group Ideology and Demands
Authors: Tokdemir Efe , Sedashov Evgeny , Ogutcu-Fu Sema Hande , Leon Carlos E. Moreno , Berkowitz Jeremy , Akcinaroglu Seden
Published: October 2020

How does the presence of multiple combatants affect rebel groups’ ideological and demand positioning? Although violent forms of inter-group conflict have been widely studied in the civil war literature, rebel groups’ strategic use of ideology and demands has received scarce scholarly attention. We argue that the pressure of competition forces rebel groups to differentiate themselves ideologically and demand-wise from their rivals to maximize their chances of survival and success. Rebel groups strive to set themselves apart by offering unique products to their supporters and recruits. Thus, we contend that rebel groups are more likely to modify their ideologies and demands from the government in the face of competition from rival groups. We test this theory using novel data collected from rebel group manifestos and public statements. Our findings suggest that groups are more likely to shift their ideology and modify their demands as the number of rival groups increases.
Nurses’ Opinions on Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders
Authors: Gül Şenay , Bağcivan Gülcan , Aksu Miray
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to determine nurses’ opinions on Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. This is a descriptive study. A total of 1250 nurses participated in this study. The mean age of participants was 34.5 ± 7.7 years; 92.6% were women; 56.4% had bachelor’s degrees, and 28.8% were intensive care, oncology, or palliative care nurses. Most participants (94.3%) agreed that healthcare professionals involved in DNR decision-making processes should have ethical competence, while they were mostly undecided (43%) about the statement whether or not DNR should be legal. More than half the participants (60.2%) disagreed with the idea that DNR implementation causes an ethical dilemma. Participants’ opinions on DNR decisions significantly differed according to the number of years of employment and unit of duty. The results showed that most of the nurses had positive attitudes towards DNR orders despite it being illegal. Future studies are needed to better understand family members’ and decision makers’ perceptions of DNR orders for patients.
Weight Selection Attempts of Elite Classic Powerlifters
Authors: Travis S. Kyle , Zourdos Michael C. , Bazyler Caleb D.
Published: October 2020

This study provides the first comparison of weight selection attempt strategies used by powerlifters competing at the international level. We observed attempts selected by elite male and female classic powerlifters and compared weight selection attempts between sexes. Male (n = 66) and female (n = 43) powerlifters who completed all lifts successfully at an International Powerlifting Federation Classic World Championship between 2012-2019 were included in the analysis. We calculated the percentage weight increase from first attempts (A1) to second attempts (A2) and from A2 to third attempts (A3). For purposes of comparison, A1 values were expressed as a percentage of A3 values. We calculated non-parametric statistics with effect sizes for between and within-group comparisons. Relative to A3, males selected greater A1s compared to females for bench press (η2 = 0.16; p = 0.004) and deadlift (η2 = 0.06; p = 0.036) for each lift. Alternatively, females selected greater A1 to A2 and A2 to A3 progressions for bench press (η2 = 0.06; p = 0.026; η2 = 0.21; p = 0.005, respectively), and A2 to A3 for deadlift (η2 = 0.04; p = 0.035) compared to males. Within-group comparisons showed that males selected greater A1s on bench press compared to deadlift (η2 = 0.06; p = 0.046), whereas females selected greater A1s on squat compared to deadlift (η2 = 0.13; p = 0.038) relative to A3. Males also selected greater A2 to A3 progressions on deadlift compared to bench press (η2 = 0.10; p = 0.044), whereas females selected greater A2 to A3 progressions for bench press (η2 = 0.15; p = 0.039) and deadlift compared to squat (η2 = 0.10; p = 0.041). In conclusion, selecting an opener of ∼91% of the expected A3 weight, followed by ∼5% increase from A1 to A2, and ∼3% increase from A2 to A3 represent the typical weight selection attempts used across lifts by elite classic powerlifters competing in the World Championships. The results of this study provide novel insight into the weight selection attempts of elite classic powerlifters.
Drones are no mala in se: responding to Norris
Authors: Braun Christian Nikolaus
Published: October 2020

This short essay responds to Kristopher Norris’s reply to my article entitled ‘The Catholic Presumption against War Revisited’. It engages with Norris’s three main points of critique.
Pre- Versus Post-Tonsillectomy Intraoperative Bupivacaine Injection in the Pediatric Population: An Age- and Surgical Indication-Stratified Analysis
Authors: Ji Keven S.Y. , Greene Nathan H. , Eapen Rose J. , Commesso Emily , Raynor Eileen M.
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

Postoperative respiratory depression is of concern in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy receiving postoperative opioids and may be mitigated with intraoperative bupivacaine. This study aims to compare the impact of bupivacaine on postoperative pain and sedation in various pediatric age and surgical indication subgroups.

Methods:

This is a case series with chart review of 181 patients <18 years old undergoing adenotonsillectomy at a tertiary care center (2013-2016). Postoperative outcomes were compared between those who received intraoperative bupivacaine before (pre-tonsillectomy) or after (post-tonsillectomy) tonsil removal and those who did not (none) using χ2 test and analysis of variance. Subanalysis was performed after stratifying into age and surgical indication subgroups.

Results:

Ninety-eight patients were included in the pre-tonsillectomy group, 47 in the post-tonsillectomy group, and 36 in the none group. The number of postanesthesia care unit opioid doses ( P = .159) and pain scores at arrival ( P = .362) or discharge ( P = .255) were not significantly different between treatment groups overall. Among 0- to 5-year-olds, pre-tonsillectomy injection was associated with lowest mean (SD) discharge pain score of 0.55 (1.29) pre-tonsillectomy versus 0.71 (1.37) post-tonsillectomy versus 2 (1.63) none group ( P = .004). Among 12- to 17-year-olds, no injection was associated with lowest mean (SD) discharge pain score of 2.33 (0.52) pre-tonsillectomy versus 5 (2.65) post-tonsillectomy versus 1.63 (1.60) none group ( P = .020). Injection in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and/or sleep-disordered breathing did not improve postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative bupivacaine may improve pain scores in younger pediatric populations, though it may not impact the amount of postoperative opioid use. Prospective analysis with a larger sample size is warranted to better outline opioid usage and pain control in this group.
Congenital Inner Ear Abnormalities and COVID-19-Related Ear Infections
Authors: Maharaj Shivesh , Hari Kapila
Published: October 2020

Congenital deformities of the labyrinth of the inner ear may be associated with an increased risk of infection and varying degrees of otologic and vestibular dysfunction. Lateral semicircular canal abnormalities specifically can be associated with either normal hearing or hearing loss (conductive or sensorineural). In our patient, the acute symptoms of vertigo and tinnitus coincided with the diagnosis of COVID-19. It is unlikely that the symptomatology was related to the acute infection, even in the face of the underlying congenital abnormality. It has been shown that there is no correlation between the severity of the radiological abnormality and vestibular symptomatology in patients with isolated abnormalities of the semicircular canals. The abnormality can be asymptomatic.
Taxes and tithes: The organizational foundations of bolsonarismo
Authors: McKenna Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

This article examines three types of organizations – the party, the labor union, and the church – to help explain how right-wing authoritarianism returned to power in Brazil, once the largest social democracy in the Americas. Drawing on four decades of time series data from three government organs and a multi-year qualitative study of political terrain shifts, the author shows that Pentecostal churches eclipsed left-leaning civic organizations as the primary settings in which large segments of the population experienced politics. As the evangelical electorate grew – eventually forming one of the most powerful (albeit heterogeneous) social movements in the country – political and clerical leaders constructed and articulated this new identity around specific projects. In 2018, this project was bolsonarismo, marking a shift away from evangelicals’ historic support for lulismo. The implication of this argument is that even in an age of diffuse media, atomized protest, and fragmented party systems, the political labor of group-making that happens inside organizations can critically affect the conditions that give rise to (or protect against) illiberal politics.
ALFA: A dataset for UAV fault and anomaly detection
Authors: Keipour Azarakhsh , Mousaei Mohammadreza , Scherer Sebastian
Published: October 2020

We present a dataset of several fault types in control surfaces of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for use in fault detection and isolation (FDI) and anomaly detection (AD) research. Currently, the dataset includes processed data for 47 autonomous flights with 23 sudden full engine failure scenarios and 24 scenarios for 7 other types of sudden control surface (actuator) faults, with a total of 66 minutes of flight under normal conditions and 13 minutes of post-fault flight time. It additionally includes many hours of raw data of fully autonomous, autopilot-assisted and manual flights with tens of fault scenarios. The ground truth of the time and type of faults is provided in each scenario to enable evaluation of the methods using the dataset. We have also provided the helper tools in several programming languages to load and work with the data and to help the evaluation of a detection method using the dataset. A set of metrics is proposed to help to compare different methods using the dataset. Most of the current fault detection methods are evaluated in simulation and, as far as we know, this dataset is the only one providing the real flight data with faults in such capacity. We hope it will help advance the state of the art in AD or FDI research for autonomous aerial vehicles and mobile robots to enhance the safety of autonomous and remote flight operations further. The dataset and the provided tools can be accessed from https://doi.org/10.1184/R1/12707963 .
Simulation Environment for Visualizing Connected Ground and Air Traffic
Authors: Dowd Garrett , Kavas-Torris Ozgenur , Guvenc Levent , Aksun-Guvenc Bilin
Published: October 2020

Cameras are the most popular sensors deployed on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and many studies since 2000 have shown their ability to track vehicles and monitor traffic. At the same time, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) and cellular vehicle to everything (C-V2X) communication technologies are gaining momentum in both standardization and implementation. In this work, we create a simulation environment that provides capabilities to simulate connected ground and air traffic in a single application. This environment is built alongside PTV Vissim and has the goal of being one of the default tools used by transportation professionals to simulate air vehicles and communication for ground traffic use cases. Vissim event-based scripts and a custom Python package called PyPTV form the foundation of this simulation environment. This work first discusses the simulation capabilities, software architecture, and techniques used to improve simulation speed. The results then show that this simulation environment can be used in many different cases. Videos are given to show example simulations.
Functional Outcome of Sesamoid Excision in Athletes
Authors: Dean Robert S. , Coetzee J. Chris , McGaver Rebecca Stone , Fritz Jacquelyn E. , Nilsson Lawrence J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Sesamoid injuries can have a significant effect on the ability of athletes to return to play. The literature shows mixed results with sesamoid excisions and the ability to return to sports.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose was to describe patient-reported outcomes and return to sports in athletes after sesamoidectomy with a proper surgical technique and a well-structured rehabilitation protocol. It was hypothesized that sesamoid excision would demonstrate reproducible and encouraging long-term patient outcomes.

Study design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All patients from a single surgeon’s practice who underwent sesamoidectomy between January 2006 and September 2015 were identified. Medial sesamoids were excised through a medial approach, and lateral sesamoids were excised through a plantar approach. The plantar structures were adequately repaired after excision. The Foot Function Index–Revised (FFI-R), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) were collected preoperatively and at subsequent follow-up appointments. A patient satisfaction survey and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) questionnaire were also collected. Athletes were defined as those who participated in sports at a high school level or higher.

Results:

Of the 108 feet that met the inclusion criteria, 26 werelost to follow-up, leaving 82 feet for analysis at a mean 31.3 ± 26.0 months. There were 72 female patients and 10 male patients included in the final analysis, with a mean age of 44.9 ± 20.2 years. There were 54 medial, 18 lateral, and 10 medial and lateral sesamoid excisions. There were 26 competitive athletes with follow-up appointments (dancer, n = 12; pivot sport athlete, n = 8; runner, n = 6). Both the entire study population and the athletes demonstrated a significant improvement in SF-12, SANE, VAS, and FFI-R cumulative at the latest available follow-up ( P < .05). Among the athletes, 80% were able to return to competitive sports at a mean 4.62 ± 1.01 months after surgery. The median satisfaction score among all patients was 97.5%. There was no difference in the success rate between the different etiologies at any of the follow-up intervals.

Conclusion:

Chronic sesamoid pain is difficult to treat, but this study confirms that with a meticulous surgical technique and a dedicated postoperative rehabilitation program, encouraging patient-reported outcomes can be expected with a minimal risk of complications. Moreover, in the current study, 80% of competitive athletes were able to return to sports at a mean of 4.62 months after surgery.