bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-dimensional quantum key distribution using polarization-phase encoding: security analysis
Authors: Mehri-Toonabi Ali , Darareh Mahdi Davoudi , Janbaz Shahrooz
Published: October 2020

In this work, we introduce a high-dimensional polarization-phase (PoP)-based quantum key distribution protocol, briefly named PoP[Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the dimension of a hybrid quantum state including polarization and phase degrees of freedom of the same photon, and [Formula: see text] is the number of mutually unbiased bases. We present a detailed description of the PoP[Formula: see text] protocol as a special case, and evaluate its security against various individual and coherent eavesdropping strategies, and in each case, we compare it with the BB84 and the two-dimensional (TD)-PoP protocols. In all the strategies, the error threshold and the effective transmission rate of the PoP[Formula: see text] protocol are far greater than the other two protocols. Unlike most high-dimensional protocols, the simplicity of producing and detecting the qudits and the use of conventional components (such as traditional single-photon sources and quantum channels) are among the features of the PoP[Formula: see text] protocol.
Increased pulse wave velocity in persons with spinal cord injury: the effect of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
Authors: Katzelnick Caitlyn G. , Weir Joseph P. , Pinto Zipp Genevieve , LaFountaine Michael F. , Bauman William A. , Dyson-Hudson Trevor A. , Wecht Jill M.
Published: October 2020

Our novel findings suggest that increased arterial stiffness in individuals with SCI may be due to greater dependency on the RAAS to maintain hemodynamic stability during an orthostatic challenge. Asymptomatic orthostatic hypotension can occur in persons with SCI during transition from the supine to the seated position and during other upright activities of daily living; however, it is seldom addressed by clinicians.
Platelet‐Rich Plasma (PRP) in Breast Cancer Patients: An Application Analysis of 163 Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsies
Authors: Eichler C. , Baucks C. , Üner J. , Pahmeyer C. , Ratiu D. , Gruettner B. , Malter W. , Warm M.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Literature shows platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) to improve overall outcomes in orthopedics, dermatology, ophthalmology, gynecology, and plastic surgery. Data on oncological patients is very limited. Only one publication is available on PRP in breast cancer patients. This work evaluated PRP in sentinel node biopsy procedures for breast cancer patients in terms of complication rates and oncological short‐term follow‐up. Methods. The evaluated PRP was ACP®, i.e., autologous conditioned plasma by Arthrex®. Between 2015 and 2018, 163 patients were offered to receive an ACP®/PRP injection in their lymph node biopsy site. Recruitment resulted in an approximate one‐to‐one ratio for analysis. Endpoints were major (revision) and minor (seroma, hematoma, and infection) complications rates as well as distant metastases, local recurrence, and overall survival. Median follow‐up was 30 months. Results. Complication rates and oncological follow‐up showed PRP to be applicable to use in a sentinel node biopsy scenario in breast cancer patients. There were 0 revisions in the ACP®/PRP group and 1.2% revisions in the control group (not significant). Oncological follow‐up showed zero (0) distant metastases and local recurrences as well as a 100% 30‐month overall survival. Conclusions. This is the first analysis of ACP®/PRP used in breast cancer patients in a sentinel node biopsy setting worldwide. PRP does not seem to increase rates of local recurrence within this 30‐month follow‐up time frame. Also, trend towards decreasing complication rates could be shown.
Characterization of Synovial Cytokine Patterns in Bucket-Handle and Posterior Horn Meniscal Tears
Authors: Turati Marco , Maggioni Davide , Zanchi Nicolò , Gandolla Marta , Gorla Massimo , Sacerdote Paola , Franchi Silvia , Rizzi Laura , Pedrocchi Alessandra , Omeljaniuk Robert J. , Zatti Giovanni , Torsello Antonio , Bigoni Marco
Published: October 2020

The specific etiology of meniscal tears, including the mechanism of lesion, location, and orientation, is considered for its contribution to subsequent joint cytokine responsiveness, healing outcomes, and by extension, appropriate lesion-specific surgical remediation. Meniscal repair is desirable to reduce the probability of development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) which is strongly influenced by the coordinate generation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by the injured cartilage. We now present biochemical data on variation in cytokine levels arising from two particular meniscal tears: bucket-handle (BH) and posterior horn (PH) isolated meniscal tears. We selected these two groups due to the different clinical presentations. We measured the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in knee synovial fluid of 45 patients with isolated meniscal lesions (BH tear,n=12; PH tear,n=33). TNF-α levels were significantly (p<0.05) greater in the BH group compared with the PH group, whereas IL-1β levels were significantly greater (p<0.05) in the PH group compared with the BH group. Both BH and PH groups were consistent in presenting a positive correlation between concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1β. A fundamental difference in IL-10 responsiveness between the two groups was noted; specifically, levels of IL-10 were positively correlated with IL-6 in the BH group, whereas in the PH group, levels of IL-10 were positively correlated with IL-1β. Collectively, our data suggest a possible influence of the meniscal tear pattern to the articular cytokine responsiveness. This differential expression of inflammatory cytokines may influence the risk of developing PTOA in the long term.
Prediction of the Bending Strength of Boltless Steel Connections in Storage Pallet Racks: An Integrated Experimental‐FEM‐SVM Methodology
Authors: Lyu Zhi-Jun , Zhao PeiCai , Lu Qi , Xiang Qian , Li HongLiang
Published: October 2020

Due to many differences in the material, geometry, and assembly method of the commercially available beam‐end‐connectors in steel storage pallet racks (SPR), no common numerical model has been universally accepted to accurately predict the M–θ behavior of complex semirigid connections so far. Despite the fact that the finite element method (FEM) and physical experiment have been used to obtain the mechanical performance of beam‐to‐column connections (BCCs), those methods have the disadvantages of high computational complexity and test cost. Taking, for example, the boltless steel connections, this paper proposes a data‐driven simulation model (DDSM) that combines the experimental test, FEM, and support vector machine (SVM) techniques to determine the bending strength of BCCs by means of data mining from the engineering database. First, a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model was generated and calibrated against the experimental results. Subsequently, the validated FE model was further extended to perform parametric analysis and enrich the engineering case base of structural characterization of BCCs. Based on the M–θ curve of the FE simulation, support vector machines (SVMs) were trained to predict the flexural rigidity of beam‐to‐column joints. The predictive power of the SVM algorithms is estimated by comparison with traditional ANN models via the root mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and the correlation coefficient R. The results obtained indicate that the SVM algorithms slightly outperform the ANN algorithms, although both of them are in good agreement with FEM and physical test. From the point of view of engineering application, DDM is able to provide much more effective help for structural engineers to make rapid decisions on steel members design.
Long Cycle Life TiC Anode Fabricated via High-Energy Ball Mill for Li-Ion Battery
Authors: Ren Yuduo , Zhang Shiting
Published: October 2020

Nano-TiC and nano-WC anodes for Li-ion battery were manufactured by high-energy ball milling. Pure titanium powder and toluene are mixed with a high-energy ball mill to prepare TiC powder. The powder is calcined at 750°C/1 h and secondary ball milled to make a negative electrode for lithium-ion battery. The phase composition and micromorphology of TiC powder are analyzed and observed, and the charge-discharge cycle performance of TiC anode material is tested. The results show that there are TiH2 and WC impurities in the product after primary ball milling. After calcination and secondary ball milling, TiH2 impurities are removed and the TiC grain size is refined, and TiC powder is obtained with a grain size of 12.5 nm. The specific discharge capacity of the TiC anode is stable during the long cycle discharge. When the current density is 1 A/g, the specific discharge capacity can still be maintained at 110 mAh/g after 3000 cycles. The results show that TiC anode materials have excellent long-cycle performance and could be used as the frame material of Si anode materials. Nano-WC powders are prepared by a ball milling method to investigate the effect of WC impurities on the performance of TiC lithium batteries. The charge and discharge capacity at 0.5 A/g current density is similar to that of TiC anode. After 2000 cycles, the discharge-specific capacity is about 100 mA/g, which is slightly lower than TiC, and the final capacity is maintained at 230 mA/g, but its low discharge capacity affects the performance of the TiC battery after a long ball milling. The results show that the performance of the TiC anode after the first 50 h of ball milling is poor. The main reason is the agglomeration of TiC nanoparticles.
Polarization Filtering and WFRFT-Based Secure Transmission Scheme for Wireless Communications
Authors: Luo Zhangkai , Pei Zhongmin , Wang Xinmin , Li Yinan , Zou Bo
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a transmission scheme based on polarization filtering and weighted fractional Fourier transform (PF-WFRFT) is proposed to enhance the transmission security in wireless communications. Indeed, the distribution of the transmit signals processed by WFRFT can be close to Gaussian, which can significantly improve the low detection probability. However, through scanning the WFRFT order with small step size, an eavesdropper can restore a regular constellation and crack the information. To overcome the problem, in the PF-WFRFT scheme, two polarized signals with mutually orthogonal polarization state are utilized to convey the information, which are processed by WFRFT separately and added up linearly before being transmitted by dual-polarized antennas. In this manner, even by scanning the WFRFT order, recovered signals are composite ones, which make the WFRFT order and the signals’ PSs difficult to crack, thus improving the security. In addition, the polarization-dependent loss (PDL) effect on the proposed scheme is discussed and a proprocessing matrix based on the channel information is constructed to eliminate this effect. Finally, numerical results are given to demonstrate the security performance of the proposed scheme in wireless communications.
Analysis of Combining Ability for Early Maturity and Yield in Rice (Genus: Oryza) at the Kenyan Coast
Authors: Dianga Al-Imran , Joseph Kamau W. , Musila Ruth N.
Published: October 2020

The main challenges facing rain-fed rice farming in Kilifi County at the Kenyan coast are inadequate and erratic rainfall, inadequate skills, and poorly developed infrastructure. Of great importance is erratic rainfall that tends to depress towards the end of long rain season, leading to crop failure. Combining ability analysis is one of the most valuable tools used to ascertain gene action effects and help in selecting desirable parents for making crosses and coming up with high yielding and early maturing lines. Combining ability for early maturity and yield has not been studied at the Kenyan coast. This study aimed at determining and identifying good, general, and specific combiners for selecting better parents and better cross combinations in rice crops for developing high yield and short duration lines in rain-fed rice farming. Seven lines were subjected to half-diallel mating design at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Mtwapa, and at Bahari in Kilifi town. Evaluation for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) analysis was done. Combining ability variance and GCA and SCA effects were determined. Based on GCA effects, best parent for early maturity was Dourado Precoce, while for yield, Supaa, Komboka, and NERICA 10. SCA estimates indicated that best crosses for yield were D/S, D/N1, and K/N10, while the best performing cross for early maturity was D/N1.
Influence of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors on Semen Quality in Ghanaian Men
Authors: Blay Richard Michael , Pinamang Abigail Duah , Sagoe Augustine E. , Owusu Ewurama Dedea Ampadu , Koney Nii Koney-Kwaku , Arko-Boham Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Male infertility is known to contribute about half of all infertility cases. In Ghana, the prevalence of male infertility is higher (15.8%) than in females (11.8%). Sperm quality is associated with the likelihood of pregnancy and known to be the cause of male fertility problems 90% of the time. Exposure to certain environmental factors reduces semen quality in men. The study examined the effects of environmental and lifestyle factors on semen quality in Ghanaian men. Materials and Methods. This was a cross-sectional study involving 80 apparent healthy adult males in their reproductive age. Participants were males referred to the laboratory (Immunology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital) for semen analysis test and/or culture and sensitivity. Participants were made to fill out a questionnaire which entailed selected environmental factors (accidents or trauma, exposure to chemicals, radiation, and heat) and lifestyle habits (including alcohol consumption, smoking, and whether participants sat more or less than 4 hours per day). Semen samples were then collected by masturbation into sterile containers and analysed in accordance with WHO guidance for semen analysis within 60 minutes after ejaculation and collection. Results. About 69% of participants had semen pH within the normal range compared to 15% whose pH were lower than 7.2. There was a significantly high number of immotile sperm cells (

p

value = 0.017) in participants who sat for more than 4 hours as compared to those that sat for less than 4 hours in a day. Active sperm motility and viability showed significant increase (

p

value = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively) in participants who kept their cell phones in their side pockets. Smoking produced a twofold decrease in sperm count as smokers had a significantly lower sperm count (

12.28
±
10.95
×

10

6

/ml) compared to the smoke-free (

23.85
±
22.14
×

10

6

/ml). For exposure to STDs, no significant differences were recorded among study groups concerning semen quality. Conclusion. Sperm quality in Ghanaian men is associated with lifestyle habits. Smoking and sitting for long hours influenced sperm motility and count, respectively. Knowledge of the factors that influence sperm quality in this geographical region can contribute to informed decisions on effective management of infertility in Ghanaian men.
Shear Slip Instability Behavior of Rock Fractures under Prepeak Tiered Cyclic Shear Loading
Authors: Zhai Minglei , Bai Haibo , Wu Luyuan
Published: October 2020

In this paper, shear displacement properties of rock fractures were studied, and the energy evolution process was analyzed before sliding instability under complex shear loading paths. The artificial prefabrication method was used to simulate the natural rock fractures, which are difficult to obtain in the natural environment. The prepeak tiered cyclic loading tests under constant normal loading were performed on six rock specimens with fractures by rock direct shear apparatus (RDS‐200). To obtain the stress difference of adjacent cycles, the direct shear test was conducted on the other six rock specimens with fractures before the prepeak tiered cyclic shear loading test. The variation trend of residual shear displacement (RSD) and the similarity of loading and unloading curves before slip instability were obtained by analyses of prepeak tiered cyclic shear loading test data. Energy evolution laws of rock fractures were analyzed with the consideration of the hysteresis characteristics, according to the hysteresis effect of shear displacement behind shear stress. This paper provides guidance for the study on shear instability of rock fractures under complex loading paths.
Myxedema Coma: A Life-Threatening Condition in Patients Using Pembrolizumab
Authors: Gummalla Sangeetha , Manjunath Madhura , Phillips Brian
Published: October 2020

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with advanced malignancies. As we begin to understand these medications, multiple immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) have been found with these drugs, including endocrinopathies. Understanding the treatment-related adverse events of these medications is critical for clinical practice. Thyroid-related adverse effects usually occur within the first three months of treatment and rarely after eight months. It can manifest as an early onset of thyrotoxicosis, which is largely asymptomatic, followed by a rapid transition to hypothyroidism, requiring long-term levothyroxine substitution. We present a case in which our patient was found unresponsive, hypothermic, and with respiratory failure almost after completing a year of treatment with pembrolizumab. He had an initial mild elevation in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) of 6.52, although with normal free thyroxine (T4) of 1.06, in his first three months of starting treatment which then rapidly progressed to a true myxedema coma. The infrequency with which this occurs makes it a diagnostic challenge.
Study on the Optimal Production Pressure of Different Types of Natural Gas Hydrate Based on Formation Stability
Authors: Sun Ting , Chen Yuan , Yang Jin , Li Qingping , Pang Weixin
Published: October 2020

Natural gas hydrate is an ice-like crystal formed by methane and water, which is a new type of strategic energy with huge reserves. The exploitation of deep-sea hydrate will cause a large amount of decomposition of hydrate, which will decrease the sediment strength. In this paper, production models of different types of hydrate reservoirs under different BHP (bottom hole pressure) were established. Then, sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine parameters which have the most significant influence on formation subsidence. After that, hydrate formation failure was discussed using two different criteria: formation subsidence and stress-strain curve. Then, critical production pressure was determined. Through comparison, it was found that the criterion of formation subsidence is more suitable. Finally, based on this criterion, the optimal production pressure of different types of hydrate reservoir was determined. The work of this paper will provide a certain reference value for the efficient and safe production of hydrate in the future.
sFRP2 Supersedes VEGF as an Age-related Driver of Angiogenesis in Melanoma, Affecting Response to Anti-VEGF Therapy in Older Patients
Authors: Fane Mitchell E. , Ecker Brett L. , Kaur Amanpreet , Marino Gloria E. , Alicea Gretchen M. , Douglass Stephen M. , Chhabra Yash , Webster Marie R. , Marshall Andrea , Colling Richard , Espinosa Olivia , Coupe Nicholas , Maroo Neera , Campo Leticia , Middleton Mark R. , Corrie Pippa , Xu Xiaowei , Karakousis Giorgos C. , Weeraratna Ashani T.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Angiogenesis is thought to be critical for tumor metastasis. However, inhibiting angiogenesis using antibodies such as bevacizumab (Avastin), has had little impact on melanoma patient survival. We have demonstrated that both angiogenesis and metastasis are increased in older individuals, and therefore sought to investigate whether there was an age-related difference in response to bevacizumab, and if so, what the underlying mechanism could be.

Experimental Design:

We analyzed data from the AVAST-M trial of 1,343 patients with melanoma treated with bevacizumab to determine whether there is an age-dependent response to bevacizumab. We also examined the age-dependent expression of VEGF and its cognate receptors in patients with melanoma, while using syngeneic melanoma animal models to target VEGF in young versus old mice. We also examined the age-related proangiogenic factor secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2) and whether it could modulate response to anti-VEGF therapy.

Results:

We show that older patients respond poorly to bevacizumab, whereas younger patients show improvement in both disease-free survival and overall survival. We find that targeting VEGF does not ablate angiogenesis in an aged mouse model, while sFRP2 promotes angiogenesis in vitro and in young mice. Targeting sFRP2 in aged mice successfully ablates angiogenesis, while the effects of targeting VEGF in young mice can be overcome by increasing sFRP2.

Conclusions:

VEGF is decreased during aging, thereby reducing response to bevacizumab. Despite the decrease in VEGF, angiogenesis is increased because of an increase in sFRP2 in the aged tumor microenvironment. These results stress the importance of considering age as a factor for designing targeted therapies.
An Immune-Related Gene Prognostic Index for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yue , Li Zhi-Yong , Zhou Guan-Qun , Sun Ying
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

To construct an immune-related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and clarify the molecular and immune characteristics and the benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in IRGPI-defined subgroups of HNSCC.

Experimental Design:

On the basis of The Cancer Genome Atlas HNSCC immune dataset (n = 546), 22 immune-related hub genes were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Three genes were identified to construct an IRGPI by using the Cox regression method and validated with the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset (n = 270). Afterward, the molecular and immune characteristics and the benefit of ICI therapy in IRGPI-defined subgroups were analyzed.

Results:

The IRGPI was constructed on the basis of SFRP4, CPXM1, and COL5A1 genes. IRGPI-high patients had a better overall survival than IRGPI-low patients, consistent with the results in the GEO cohort. The comprehensive results showed that a high IRGPI score was correlated with DNA repair–related pathways; low TP53 mutation rate; high infiltration of CD8 T cells, CD4 T cells, and M1 macrophages; active immunity and less aggressive phenotypes; and more benefit from ICI therapy. In contrast, a low IRGPI score was associated with cancer and metastasis-related pathways; high TP53 and PIK3CA mutation rate; high infiltration of B cells, M0 macrophages, and M2 macrophages; suppressive immunity and more aggressive phenotypes; and less benefit from ICI therapy.

Conclusions:

IRGPI is a promising biomarker to distinguish the prognosis, the molecular and immune characteristics, and the immune benefit from ICI therapy in HNSCC.
A Role for the Autophagic Receptor, SQSTM1/p62, in Trafficking NF-κB/RelA to Nucleolar Aggresomes
Authors: Lobb Ian T. , Morin Pierre , Martin Kirsty , Thoms Hazel C. , Wills Jimi C. , Lleshi Xhordi , Olsen Karl C.F. , Duncan Rory R. , Stark Lesley A.
Published: October 2020

Elevated NF-κB activity is a contributory factor in many hematologic and solid malignancies. Nucleolar sequestration of NF-κB/RelA represses this elevated activity and mediates apoptosis of cancer cells. Here, we set out to understand the mechanisms that control the nuclear/nucleolar distribution of RelA and other regulatory proteins, so that agents can be developed that specifically target these proteins to the organelle. We demonstrate that RelA accumulates in intranucleolar aggresomes in response to specific stresses. We also demonstrate that the autophagy receptor, SQSTM1/p62, accumulates alongside RelA in these nucleolar aggresomes. This accumulation is not a consequence of inhibited autophagy. Indeed, our data suggest nucleolar and autophagosomal accumulation of p62 are in active competition. We identify a conserved motif at the N-terminus of p62 that is essential for nucleoplasmic-to-nucleolar transport of the protein. Furthermore, using a dominant-negative mutant deleted for this nucleolar localization signal (NoLS), we demonstrate a role for p62 in trafficking RelA and other aggresome-related proteins to nucleoli, to induce apoptosis. Together, these data identify a novel role for p62 in trafficking nuclear proteins to nucleolar aggresomes under conditions of cell stress, thus maintaining cellular homeostasis. They also provide invaluable information on the mechanisms that regulate the nuclear/nucleolar distribution of RelA that could be exploited for therapeutic purpose.

Implications:

The data open up avenues for the development of a unique class of therapeutic agents that act by targeting RelA and other aberrantly active proteins to nucleoli, thus killing cancer cells.
Difficulty Diagnosing a Brain Tumor during Clinical Maintenance of a Complete Response to anti-HER2 Treatments for Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Semba Ryoko , Horimoto Yoshiya , Arakawa Atsushi , Edahiro Yoko , Takaku Tomoiku , Iijima Kotaro , Saito Mitsue
Published: October 2020

A 46-year-old woman with erythema of the right breast presented to our hospital and was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer (HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma). She received 4 courses of anthracycline-based regimens and 4 courses of trastuzumab + pertuzumab + docetaxel (Tmab + Pmab + DTX). Since she responded well to these therapies, only Tmab + Pmab was continued thereafter. Twenty-three months after starting treatment, she developed a headache. A tumor was identified in the right temporal lobe. Craniotomy was performed for definitive diagnosis. Intraoperative pathological assessment suggested the tumor to be brain metastasis of breast cancer. However, the final pathological diagnosis was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of central nervous system (DLBCL-CNS) based on re-assessment with immunohistochemical examinations. Therefore, the Tmab + Pmab was discontinued, and 6 courses of high-dose methotrexate therapy were administered. This case highlights the importance of considering rare entities, such as DLBCL, when diagnosing a solitary brain tumor in a patient with a primary cancer, based on imaging and pathological findings.
Transatlantic Lipid Guideline Divergence: Same Data But Different Interpretations
Authors: Orringer Carl E. , Tokgozoglu Lale , Maki Kevin C. , Ray Kausik K. , Saseen Joseph J. , Catapano Alberico L.
Published: October 2020

Despite consensus that excessive circulating concentrations of apoB‐lipoproteins is a key driver for the atherosclerotic process and that treatments that low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering by up‐regulation of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor expression reduces that risk, divergent viewpoints on interpretation of study data have resulted in substantial differences in European and American lipid guideline recommendations. This article explores those differences and highlights the importance of understanding guideline‐based lipid management to improve patient care and reduce the risk of clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Statin Use and In‐Hospital Mortality in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and COVID‐19
Authors: Saeed Omar , Castagna Francesco , Agalliu Ilir , Xue Xiaonan , Patel Snehal R. , Rochlani Yogita , Kataria Rachna , Vukelic Sasa , Sims Daniel B. , Alvarez Chikezie , Rivas‐Lasarte Mercedes , Garcia Mario J. , Jorde Ulrich P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is characterized by a proinflammatory state with high mortality. Statins have anti‐inflammatory effects and may attenuate the severity of COVID‐19.

Methods and Results

An observational study of all consecutive adult patients with COVID‐19 admitted to a single center located in Bronx, New York, was conducted from March 1, 2020, to May 2, 2020. Patients were grouped as those who did and those who did not receive a statin, and in‐hospital mortality was compared by competing events regression. In addition, propensity score matching and inverse probability treatment weighting were used in survival models to examine the association between statin use and death during hospitalization. A total of 4252 patients were admitted with COVID‐19. Diabetes mellitus modified the association between statin use and in‐hospital mortality. Patients with diabetes mellitus on a statin (n=983) were older (69±11 versus 67±14 years;
P
<0.01), had lower inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein, 10.2; interquartile range, 4.5–18.4 versus 12.9; interquartile range, 5.9–21.4 mg/dL;
P
<0.01) and reduced cumulative in‐hospital mortality (24% versus 39%;
P
<0.01) than those not on a statin (n=1283). No difference in hospital mortality was noted in patients without diabetes mellitus on or off statin (20% versus 21%;
P
=0.82). Propensity score matching (hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83–0.94;
P
<0.01) and inverse probability treatment weighting (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.84–0.92;
P
<0.01) showed a 12% lower risk of death during hospitalization for statin users than for nonusers.

Conclusions

Statin use was associated with reduced in‐hospital mortality from COVID‐19 in patients with diabetes mellitus. These findings, if validated, may further reemphasize administration of statins to patients with diabetes mellitus during the COVID‐19 era.
Prisoners of the Wrong Dilemma: Why Distributive Conflict, Not Collective Action, Characterizes the Politics of Climate Change
Authors: Aklin Michaël , Mildenberger Matto
Published: October 2020

Climate change policy is generally modeled as a global collective action problem structured by free-riding concerns. Drawing on quantitative data, archival work, and elite interviews, we review empirical support for this model and find that the evidence for its claims is weak relative to the theory’s pervasive influence. We find, first, that the strongest collective action claims appear empirically unsubstantiated in many important climate politics cases. Second, collective action claims—whether in their strongest or in more nuanced versions—appear observationally equivalent to alternative theories focused on distributive conflict within countries. We argue that extant patterns of climate policy making can be explained without invoking free-riding. Governments implement climate policies regardless of what other countries do, and they do so whether a climate treaty dealing with free-riding has been in place or not. Without an empirically grounded model for global climate policy making, institutional and political responses to climate change may ineffectively target the wrong policy-making dilemma. We urge scholars to redouble their efforts to analyze the empirical linkages between domestic and international factors shaping climate policy making in an effort to empirically ground theories of global climate politics. Such analysis is, in turn, the topic of this issue’s special section.
Typification of some Oncocyclus (Iris, Iridaceae) names related to the Turkish flora

Authors: BOLTENKOV EUGENY V. , GÜNER ADİL
Published: October 2020

In view of the forthcoming treatment of Turkish irises for Resimli Türkiye Florasi (The Illustrated Flora of Turkey), twenty names belonging to Iris sect. Oncocyclus are typified, or nomenclatural notes provided. Lectotypes are designated here for I. chrysantha, I. maculata, I. manissadjianii, I. medwedewii, I. paradoxa var. choschab, and I. sprengeri. A second-step lectotypification for I. heylandiana is provided. Neotypes for the names I. elisabethae, I. gatesii, I. lupina, I. polakii, I. speciosissima, and I. urmiensis are designated. Epitypes for the names I. maculata, I. paradoxa var. choschab, I. sprengeri, and I. sari are designated. For the previously typified names, the lectotypes of I. barnumiae, I. elegantissima, I. iberica, I. lycotis and I. paradoxa, and the holotypes of I. kirkwoodiae and I. sari, are indicated. Authorships of the names for I. iberica and I. urmiensis are corrected.
Diversispora valentina (Diversisporaceae), a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from the Mediterranean sand dunes of Spain

Authors: GUILLÉN ALBERTO , SERRANO-TAMAY FERNANDO JAVIER , PERIS JUAN BAUTISTA , ARRILLAGA ISABEL
Published: October 2020

A new arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species, Diversispora valentina, is described and illustrated. In the field, this species is associated with marine dunes located along the Mediterranean coast in eastern Spain. Spores of D. valentina occurred in sporocarps, in clusters, and singly in the soil or inside the roots of Ammophila arenaria (Poaceae), Elymus farctus (Poaceae), Otanthus maritimus (Asteraceae), and Echinophora spinosa (Apiaceae) in the six locations studied. A single-species culture of D. valentina was obtained using Trifolium repens as a host plant. The small subunit internal transcribed spacer and large subunit (SSU-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-LSU) nrDNA sequences place the new species in the genus Diversispora and suggest that it differs from any previously described species. The novelty of this species is supported by morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses.
Report on species of the genus Tumicla Wallengren, 1863 in Gabon (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: DURANTE ANTONIO , APINDA-LEGNOUO EMELIE ARLETTE
Published: October 2020

The Tumicla species of Gabon are reviewed and eight new species described: Tumicla bongorum n. sp., Tumicla falcata n. sp., Tumicla globosa n. sp., Tumicla latipunctata n. sp., Tumicla minima n. sp., Tumicla pallida n. sp., Tumicla parvipunctata n. sp. and Tumicla whitensis n. sp. A key and an updated checklist of world Tumicla are also provided.
A new species of the genus Eirenis Jan, 1863 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Kerman Province in South-central Iran
Authors: AKBARPOUR MORTEZA , RASTEGAR-POUYANI NASRULLAH , FATHINIA BEHZAD , RASTEGAR-POUYANI ESKANDAR
Published: October 2020

A new species of Dwarf Snakes, Eirenis rafsanjanicus sp. n., is described from south-central Iran. This species is well distinguished from other congeners in both molecular and morphological characters, and its description increases the number of described Eirenis species to 26. Eirenis rafsanjanicus sp. n. is genetically closest (6% in Cytb) to the recently described E. yassujicus, which inhabits high habitats in southern Iran. Morphologically, E. rafsanjanicus sp. n. is more similar to E. modestus than to other congeners. A revised key to the genus is presented.
Middle East Climate Response to the Saharan Vegetation Collapse during the Mid-Holocene
Authors: Sun Weiyi , Wang Bin , Zhang Qiong , Chen Deliang , Lu Guonian , Liu Jian
Published: October 2020

Understanding climate change in the Middle East (ME) is crucial because people’s living environment depends on rain-fed crop systems. It remains unclear whether the ME climate would be affected by the Saharan vegetation collapse at the end of the mid-Holocene (MH). Proxy data suggest a transition from humid to more arid ME conditions during the period of 6.5–5 kyr BP. Using a set of idealized sensitivity experiments with an Earth system model (EC-Earth), we infer that the shift of Saharan vegetation plays a role in this wet-to-dry transition over the ME. The experimental results show that the Saharan greening can significantly increase the late winter and early spring precipitation over the ME. The reason is that the vegetation decreases the surface albedo, which induces a warming in North Africa and generation of an anomalous low-level cyclonic flow, which transports moisture from tropical North Africa and the Red Sea to the ME. The moisture also flows from the Mediterranean Sea region to the ME through the enhanced mid- to upper-level westerlies. The enhanced moisture carried by westerly and southwesterly flows is lifted upon reaching Mesopotamia and the Zagros Mountains, substantially increasing the precipitation there. When the Sahara greening is removed, a drier condition happens in the ME. The crop model simulation further shows a substantial decrease in wheat yield in Mesopotamia with the reduction of Saharan vegetation, which is consistent with paleoclimatic reconstructions. These results imply that future changes in Saharan land cover may have climatic and agricultural impacts in the Middle East.
Switch Off Totally or Switch Off Strategically? The Consequences of Thinking About Work on Job Performance
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Weihe , Ma Hongyu , Smith Andrew P.
Published: October 2020

As a universal workplace phenomenon, the impact of work-related rumination on job performance is attracting scholars’ attention. In the current study, the relationship between two types of work-related rumination, counterproductive behavior, and creativity at work were examined, as well as the mechanism of this association. Participants were 1109 employees from a variety of jobs in mainland China. The results showed that affective rumination was negatively associated with employees’ work creativity and positively associated with counterproductive behavior. On the contrary, problem-solving pondering was positively related to creativity and negatively related to counterproductive behavior. The loss of self-control resource partially mediated the link between affective rumination and counterproductive behavior. Problem-solving pondering had no significant impact on self-control resource. Results suggest the significant effects of problem-solving pondering may be positive in the workplace and clarify the self-control resource is the internal mechanism linking rumination and job performance.
Energy-saving potential of intermittent heating system: Influence of composite phase change wall and optimization strategy
Authors: Li Yanru , Long Enshen , Zhang Lili , Dong Xiangyu , Wang Suo
Published: October 2020

In the Yangtze River zone of China, the heating operation in buildings is mainly part-time and part-space, which could affect the indoor thermal comfort while making the thermal process of building envelope different. This paper proposed to integrate phase change material (PCM) to building walls to increase the indoor thermal comfort and attenuate the temperature fluctuations during intermittent heating. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of this kind of composite phase change wall (composite-PCW) on the indoor thermal environment and energy consumption of intermittent heating, and further develop an optimization strategy of intermittent heating operation by using EnergyPlus simulation. Results show that the indoor air temperature of the building with the composite-PCW was 2–3°C higher than the building with the reference wall (normal foamed concrete wall) during the heating-off process. Moreover, the indoor air temperature was higher than 18°C and the mean radiation temperature was above 20°C in the first 1 h after stopping heating. Under the optimized operation condition of turning off the heating device 1 h in advance, the heat release process of the composite-PCW to the indoor environment could maintain the indoor thermal environment within the comfortable range effectively. The composite-PCW could decrease 4.74% of the yearly heating energy consumption compared with the reference wall. The optimization described can provide useful information and guidance for the energy saving of intermittently heated buildings.
Characterization of Spontaneous Vascular Findings in the Papillary Muscles of Beagle Dogs
Authors: Kohnken Rebecca , Weber Angella
Published: October 2020

Standard histology trimming practices for toxicity studies in dogs include preparation of a section of the papillary muscle associated with the left ventricular free wall—the anteriolateral or anterior muscle. In contrast, the posteromedial or posterior papillary muscle, associated with the interventricular septum, is not commonly evaluated. In humans, the posterior papillary muscle is more often affected in ischemic myocardial disease, in large part due to the absence of collateral circulation, in contrast to the anterior muscle. Due to the differential vascular supply to the papillary muscles, we sought to determine whether there is a higher incidence of spontaneous coronary vascular changes in the posterior papillary muscle versus the anterior muscle in dogs. The hearts of 30 vehicle-treated or untreated beagle dogs that were euthanized for other purposes were collected and sectioned in a consistent manner to include both papillary muscles for histologic evaluation. The posterior muscle consistently had higher incidences of intramural coronary arteries affected by vascular medial hypertrophy, medial arteriosclerosis, intimal hyperplasia, and/or disruption or loss of the internal elastic lamina. This observation may have significant implications for the evaluation and characterization of spontaneous and xenobiotic-induced cardiovascular lesions in dogs.
Toward a Century of Language Attitudes Research: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Authors: Dragojevic Marko , Fasoli Fabio , Cramer Jennifer , Rakić Tamara
Published: October 2020

The study of language attitudes is concerned with the social meanings people assign to language and its users. With roots in social psychology nearly a century ago, language attitudes research spans several academic disciplines and draws on diverse methodological approaches. In an attempt to integrate this work and traverse disciplinary boundaries and methodological proclivities, we propose that language attitudes—as a unified field—can be organized into five distinct—yet interdependent and complementary—lines of research: documentation, explanation, development, consequences, and change. After highlighting some of the key findings that have emerged from each area, we discuss several opportunities and challenges for future research.
Concomitant cardiac surgery and liver transplantation: an alternative approach in patients with end stage liver failure?
Authors: Chaubey Sanjay , Hussain Azhar , Zakai Saad Badar , Butt Salman , Punjabi Prakash , Desai Jatin
Published: October 2020

Background:

The results of cardiac surgery in patients with end-stage-liver-disease (ESLD) are poor. Concomitant cardiac surgery and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) may be an alternative treatment strategy in these patients.

Methods:

Between 2001 and 2018, eight patients underwent concomitant cardiac surgery and OLT (Conc_OLT) in our institution. We analyzed their preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data and compared them to seven high risk patients with ESLD who underwent isolated cardiac surgery (Iso_Surg).

Results:

The two groups were not significantly different in terms of gender and age (Conc_OLT: 5 males, 55 ± 15 years, Iso_Surg: 4 males, 60 ± 10 years). Causes for ESLD were primary biliary cirrhosis (Conc_OLT = 1, Iso_Surg = 1), alcoholism (Conc_OLT = 2, Iso_Surg = 2), viral hepatitis (Conc_OLT = 2, Iso_Surg = 2), cryptogenic (Conc_OLT = 2, Iso_Surg = 1), ischemic (Conc_OLT = 1) and hepatocellular carcinoma (Iso_Surg = 1). Model for End-stage-Liver-Disease (MELD) Score (Conc_OLT = 14, Iso_Surg = 13) and Child-Pugh Score (Conc_OLT = 9.5, Iso_Surg = 8) were not significantly different between the two groups. Median logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) was 9.5% (Conc_OLT) and 7.1% (Iso_Surg). Cardiac procedures undertaken were aortic valve replacement (Conc_OLT = 6, Iso_Surg = 3), coronary bypass grafting (Conc_OLT = 1,Iso_Surg = 2), tricuspid valve repair (Conc_OLT = 1), combined aortic and mitral valve replacement (Iso_Surg = 1) and excision of atrial myxoma (Iso_Surg = 1). Median length of in-hospital-stay was longer in the Conc_OLT group (73 vs. 42 days; p = 0.11). At 3 months, in-hospital mortality was 25% in the Conc_OLT group (n = 2) and lower compared to 71% observed in the Iso_Surg group (n = 5, p = 0.13).

Conclusion:

Concomitant cardiac surgery and OLT is a promising alternative compared to isolated cardiac surgery in high risk patients with ESLD. Given the high operative mortality of cardiac surgery in patients with ESLD, the complex peri-operative management of these patients should be performed in an interdisciplinary team with an expert team of liver specialists involved.
Risk factors for biopsy complications in initial versus subsequent biopsies in native and transplant kidneys
Authors: Peters Björn , Afghahi Henri , Maitlo Salar , Hadimeri Henrik
Published: October 2020

Background

Few studies exist about risk factors for complications in subsequent biopsies.

Purpose

To explore risk factors for complications in initial versus subsequent biopsies in native and transplant kidneys, which may predict biopsy complications.

Material and Methods

In a multicenter study, 2830 native kidney biopsies (4.3% subsequent) were analyzed for major complications (1251 of these were also analyzed for minor) and 667 transplant kidney biopsies (29% subsequent) were analyzed for major and minor complications. No death or nephrectomy were described. Fisher’s exact test, Student’s t-test, chi-square analyses, and univariate and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were employed; P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

In initial native kidney biopsies, the frequency of major complications was higher in women compared to men (odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.2), in younger patients (50 vs. 54 years, P = 0.007), and in patients with lower weight (78 vs. 82 kg, P = 0.005). In subsequent native kidney biopsies, patients with major complications had a higher systolic blood pressure (145 vs. 132 mmHg, P = 0.03). In initial transplant kidney biopsies, biopsies with major complications had less glomeruli in the biopsy (17 vs. 24, P = 0.046). In subsequent transplant kidney biopsies, patients with major complications had a higher mean arterial pressure (112 vs. 98 mmHg, P = 0.002). In subsequent native kidney biopsies, there was a higher number of SLE-nephritis (12% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.001) compared to initial biopsies.

Conclusion

The different types of risk factors for complications in initial versus subsequent renal biopsies could be important for the clinicians to improve patients’ safety.