bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of import competition on product diversification revisited
Authors: Becerra Manuel , Markarian Garen , Santalo Juan
Published: June 2020

Research summary

Bowen and Wiersema, Strategic Management Journal, 2005, 26, 1153–1171, provide empirical evidence that U.S. firms decreased their degree of product diversification as a response to the increase in import competition in their 1985–1994 study. After replicating their study, we expand it with alternative econometric analyses and a larger data set. While we obtain nearly identical results using their Tobit regressions, the negative impact of imports on diversification disappears when we control for firm fixed‐effects. Furthermore, using tariffs as instrument for imports, we find that import competition may even lead domestic firms to increase their diversification. The negative relationship between import penetration and diversification seems to result from the endogeneity of imports, which grew more in industries dominated by firms with low diversification at the turn of the previous century.

Managerial summary

Previous research by Bowen and Wiersema, Strategic Management Journal, 2005, 26, 1153–1171 showed that when import penetration grew in the 1985–1994 period in the U.S., firms seemed to reduce their diversification across industries and refocus on their core business, presumably to increase their competitiveness against foreign imports. We replicate their study and reach the opposite conclusion regarding firms' response to greater pressure from imports, using enhanced statistical methods and also a larger database. We conclude that diversified firms are more likely to switch their focus to other industries when import competition increases in their main line of business, and this greater flexibility of switching industries seems to give them an advantage over specialized firms.
Is GSH Chelated Pt Molecule Inactive in Anti‐Cancer Treatment? A Case Study of Pt6GS4
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Gao Liang , Yuan Qing , Zhao Lina , Niu Wenchao , Cai Pengju , Li Jiaojiao , Han Xu , He Zhesheng , Gao Fuping , Wang Yaling , Jiang Huaidong , Chai Zhifang , Gao Xueyun
Published: June 2020

Platinum (Pt) drugs are widely used in anti‐cancer treatment although many reports advocated that tumor cells could inactivate Pt drugs via glutathione‐Pt (GSH‐Pt) adducts formation. To date, GSH chelated Pt molecules have not been assessed in cancer treatment because GSH‐Pt adducts are not capable of killing cancer cells, which is widely accepted and well followed. In this report, endogenous biothiol is utilized to precisely synthesize a GSH chelated Pt molecule (Pt6GS4). This Pt6GS4 molecule can be well taken up by aggressive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Subsequently, its metabolites could enter nuclei to interact with DNA, finally the DNA‐Pt complex triggers TNBC cell apoptosis via the p53 pathway. Impressively, high efficacy for anti‐cancer treatment is achieved by Pt6GS4 both in vitro and in vivo when compared with traditional first‐line carboplatin in the same dosage. Compared with carboplatin, Pt6GS4 keeps tumor bearing mice alive for a longer time and is non‐toxic for the liver and kidneys. This work opens a route to explore polynuclear Pt compound with accurate architecture for enhancing therapeutic effects and reducing systemic toxicity.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Chitosan‐Heparin‐Minocycline Composite Membranes for Potential Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Wu Linfeng , Lu Xiao , Morrow Brian R. , Li Feng , Hong Liang
Published: June 2020

In this study, novel antibacterial composite membranes, namely Chitosan‐Heparin‐Minocycline composite membranes, are prepared from chitosan, heparin, minocycline, and CaCl2 via ion pairing and complexation. These membranes are characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Release kinetics of minocycline from these membranes is evaluated in vitro. Their antibacterial activities are assessed using agar disk diffusion and biofilm assays in vitro. The chemical and physical characterization confirms the successful synthesis of composite membranes. The two types of minocycline‐containing membranes achieve sustained release of minocycline for 17 days and 4 weeks in simulated body fluid, respectively. They demonstrate sustained potent antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in agar disk diffusion assays. Biofilm assays reveal that both minocycline‐containing composite membranes significantly reduce viability of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in 7‐day biofilms. These results suggest that these minocycline‐containing composite membranes can be exploited for antibacterial applications in medicine and dentistry.
Does gist drive NASA experts’ design decisions?
Authors: Marti Deniz , Broniatowski David A.
Published: June 2020

As engineers retire from practice, they must transfer their expertise to new recruits. Typically, this is accomplished using decision‐support systems that communicate precise probabilities. However, Fuzzy‐Trace Theory (FTT) predicts that the most experts prefer to rely on “gist” representations of risk over “verbatim” representations. We conducted a survey of 41 NASA employees (whose mathematical abilities are a prerequisite for their jobs) and 233 nonexperts. We tested whether experts designing space missions under the micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) impact – rely more on qualitative or quantitative risk representations. We tested three hypotheses: gist and verbatim representations of MMOD risk are distinct for both experts and nonexperts; gist representations are more predictive of decisions than are verbatim representations; and providing nonexperts with a bottom‐line meaning change their gists more than verbatim information does. Results support FTT's predictions: gist and verbatim representations were distinct, and gist representations were associated with decisions for both experts and nonexperts. We did not observe an association between quantitative risk estimates and decisions for either experts or nonexperts. We observed that exposing a nonexpert to an expert's gist modified that nonexpert's gist yet exposing quantitative risk information did not. Implications for expertise transfer are discussed.
Raman spectroscopy of lymphocytes for the identification of prostate cancer patients with late radiation toxicity following radiotherapy
Authors: Cullen Daniel , Bryant Jane , Maguire Adrian , Medipally Dinesh , McClean Brendan , Shields Laura , Noone Emma , Bradshaw Shirley , Finn Marie , Dunne Mary , Shannon Aoife M. , Armstrong John , Howe Orla , Meade Aidan D. , Lyng Fiona M.
Published: June 2020

The success of radiotherapy in tumour control depends on the total dose given. However, the tolerance of the normal tissues surrounding the tumour limits this dose. It is not known why some patients develop radiation toxicity and, currently, it is not possible to predict before treatment which patients will experience adverse effects. Thus, there is an unmet clinical need for a new test to identify patients at risk of radiation toxicity. Here, we report a new approach based on Raman spectroscopy. Blood samples were collected from 42 patients who had undergone radiotherapy for prostate cancer and had shown either severe or no/minimal late radiation toxicity in follow up. Radiation response was assessed following in vitro irradiation using Raman spectroscopy in addition to the G2 chromosomal radiosensitivity assay and the γH2AX DNA damage assay. A partial least squares discriminant analysis model was developed to classify patients using known radiation toxicity scores. A sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 92% and overall accuracy of 93% was achieved. In the future, this technology may have potential to lead to individualized patient radiotherapy by identifying which patients are at risk of radiation toxicity.
No significant histological or ultrastructural tendinosis changes in the hamstring tendon in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee?
Authors: Ibrahim Mustafa , Meknas Khaled , Steigen Sonja E. , Olsen Randi , Sernert Ninni , Ejerhed Lars , Kartus Jüri-Toomas
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To investigate the periarticular degenerative changes of the knee joint in association with osteoarthritis (OA). More tendinosis was expected to be found in the semitendinosus tendon in patients with knee OA than in patients without knee OA.

Methods

Samples from 41 patients were included between January 2016 and October 2017. Twenty-one patients median age 53 (33–63) years with mild to moderate OA underwent high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and 20 patients median age 38 (31–57) years without OA underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Biopsies from the semitendinosus tendon were obtained at the time of surgery and examined histologically, morphologically and ultrastructurally using light and electron microscope.

Results

The histological evaluation of the semitendinosus tendon revealed the presence of more hemosiderin in the ACLR group. No significant morphological or ultrastructural differences were shown between patients in the HTO and ACLR group.

Conclusion

Patients with mild and moderate medial compartment knee OA displayed no more degenerative changes in their semitendinosus tendon than patients without OA, as seen in both the light and the electron microscope.

Level of evidence

III.
Portosystemic shunt surgery in the era of TIPS: imaging-based planning of the surgical approach
Authors: Fehrenbach Uli , Gül-Klein Safak , de Sousa Mendes Miguel , Steffen Ingo , Stern Julienne , Geisel Dominik , Puhl Gero , Denecke Timm
Published: June 2020

Purpose

With the spread of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS), portosystemic shunt surgery (PSSS) has decreased and leaves more complex patients with great demands for accurate preoperative planning. The aim was to evaluate the role of imaging for predicting the most suitable PSSS approach.

Material and methods

Forty-four patients who underwent PSSS (2002 to 2013) were examined by contrast-enhanced CT (n = 33) and/or MRI (n = 15) prior to surgery. Imaging was analyzed independently by two observers (O1 and O2) with different levels of experience (O1 > O2). They recommended two shunting techniques (vessels and anastomotic variant) for each patient and ranked them according to their appropriateness and complexity. Findings were compared with the actually performed shunt procedure and its outcome.

Results

The first two choices taken together covered the performed PSSS regarding vessels in 88%/100% (CT/MRI, O1) and 76%/73% (O2); and vessels + anastomosis in 79%/73% (O1) and 67%/60% (O2). The prediction of complex surgical procedures (resection of interposing structures, additional thrombectomy, use of a collateral vessel, and use of a graft interposition) was confirmed in 87%, resulting in 80% sensitivity and 96% specificity. Larger shunt vessel distances were associated with therapy failure (p = 0.030) and a vessel distance of ≥ 20 mm was identified as optimal cutoff, in which a graft interposition was used. There was no significant difference between MRI and CT in predicting the intraoperative decisions (p = 0.294 to 1.000).

Conclusion

Preoperative imaging and an experienced radiologist can guide surgeons in PSSS. CT and MRI provide the information necessary to identify technically feasible variants and complicating factors.
Influence of antigen density and immunosuppressive factors on tumor-targeted costimulation with antibody-fusion proteins and bispecific antibody-mediated T cell response
Authors: Sapski Sabrina , Beha Nadine , Kontermann Roland E. , Müller Dafne
Published: June 2020

Target expression heterogeneity and the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment can hamper severely the efficiency of immunotherapeutic approaches. We have analyzed the potential to encounter and overcome such conditions by a combinatory two-target approach involving a bispecific antibody retargeting T cells to tumor cells and tumor-directed antibody-fusion proteins with costimulatory members of the B7 and TNF superfamily. Targeting the tumor-associated antigens EpCAM and EGFR with the bispecific antibody and costimulatory fusion proteins, respectively, we analyzed the impact of target expression and the influence of the immunosuppressive factors IDO, IL-10, TGF-β, PD-1 and CTLA-4 on the targeting-mediated stimulation of T cells. Here, suboptimal activity of the bispecific antibody at diverse EpCAM expression levels could be effectively enhanced by targeting-mediated costimulation by B7.1, 4-1BBL and OX40L in a broad range of EGFR expression levels. Furthermore, the benefit of combined costimulation by B7.1/4-1BBL and 4-1BBL/OX40L was demonstrated. In addition, the expression of immunosuppressive factors was shown in all co-culture settings, where blocking of prominent factors led to synergistic effects with combined costimulation. Thus, targeting-mediated costimulation showed general promise for a broad application covering diverse target expression levels, with the option for further selective enhancement by the identification and blockade of main immunosuppressive factors of the particular tumor environment.
Hearing rehabilitation after subtotal cochleoectomy using a new, perimodiolar malleable cochlear implant electrode array: a preliminary report
Authors: Plontke Stefan K. , Fröhlich Laura , Cozma Sebastian , Koitschev Assen , Reimann Katrin , Weiß Rainer , Götze Gerrit , Seiwerth Ingmar , Kösling Sabrina , Rahne Torsten
Published: June 2020

Purpose

We here report about the first surgical experience and audiological outcome using a new, perimodiolar malleable cochlear implant electrode array for hearing rehabilitation after subtotal cochleoectomy for intralabyrinthine schwannoma (ILS).

Method

Based on a cochlear implant with MRI compatibility of the magnet in the receiver coil up to 3 T, a cochlear implant electrode array was developed that is malleable and can be placed perimodiolar after tumor removal from the cochlea via subtotal cochleoectomy. Malleability was reached by incorporating a nitinol wire into the silicone of the electrode array lateral to the electrode contacts. The custom-made device was implanted in four patients with intracochlear, intravestibulocochlear or transmodiolar schwannomas. Outcome was assessed by evaluating the feasibility of the surgical procedure and by measuring sound field thresholds and word recognition scores.

Results

After complete or partial tumor removal via subtotal cochleoectomy with or without labyrinthectomy, the new, perimodiolar malleable electrode array could successfully be implanted in all four patients. Six months after surgery, the averaged sound field thresholds to pulsed narrowband noise in the four patients were 36, 28, 41, and 35 dB HL, and the word recognitions scores for monosyllables at 65 dB SPL were 65, 80, 70, and 25% (one patient non-German speaking).

Conclusion

The surgical evaluation demonstrated the feasibility of cochlear implantation with the new, perimodiolar malleable electrode array after subtotal cochleoectomy. The audiological results were comparable to those achieved with another commercially available type of perimodiolar electrode array from a different manufacturer applied in patients with ILS.
Progress in Cooling Nanoelectronic Devices to Ultra-Low Temperatures
Authors: Jones A. T. , Scheller C. P. , Prance J. R. , Kalyoncu Y. B. , Zumbühl D. M. , Haley R. P.
Published: June 2020

Here we review recent progress in cooling micro-/nanoelectronic devices significantly below 10 mK. A number of groups worldwide are working to produce sub-millikelvin on-chip electron temperatures, motivated by the possibility of observing new physical effects and improving the performance of quantum technologies, sensors and metrological standards. The challenge is a longstanding one, with the lowest reported on-chip electron temperature having remained around 4 mK for more than 15 years. This is despite the fact that microkelvin temperatures have been accessible in bulk materials since the mid-twentieth century. In this review, we describe progress made in the last 5 years using new cooling techniques. Developments have been driven by improvements in the understanding of nanoscale physics, material properties and heat flow in electronic devices at ultralow temperatures and have involved collaboration between universities and institutes, physicists and engineers. We hope that this review will serve as a summary of the current state of the art and provide a roadmap for future developments. We focus on techniques that have shown, in experiment, the potential to reach sub-millikelvin electron temperatures. In particular, we focus on on-chip demagnetisation refrigeration. Multiple groups have used this technique to reach temperatures around 1 mK, with a current lowest temperature below 0.5 mK.
Neighbourhood character affects the spatial extent and magnitude of the functional footprint of urban green infrastructure
Authors: Andersson Erik , Haase Dagmar , Scheuer Sebastian , Wellmann Thilo
Published: June 2020

Context

Urban densification has been argued to increase the contrast between built up and open green space. This contrast may offer a starting point for assessing the extent and magnitude of the positive influences urban green infrastructure is expected to have on its surroundings.

Objectives

Drawing on insights from landscape ecology and urban geography, this exploratory study investigates how the combined properties of green and grey urban infrastructures determine the influence of urban green infrastructure on the overall quality of the urban landscape.

Methods

This article uses distance rise-or-decay functions to describe how receptive different land uses are to the influence of neighbouring green spaces, and does this based on integrated information on urban morphology, land surface temperature and habitat use by breeding birds.

Results

Our results show how green space has a non-linear and declining cooling influence on adjacent urban land uses, extending up to 300–400 m in densely built up areas and up to 500 m in low density areas. Further, we found a statistically significant declining impact of green space on bird species richness up to 500 m outside its boundaries.

Conclusions

Our focus on land use combinations and interrelations paves the way for a number of new joint landscape level assessments of direct and indirect accessibility to different ecosystem services. Our early results reinforce the challenging need to retain more green space in densely built up part of cities.
The Austrians’ expectations for the future
Authors: Prandner Dimitri , Aschauer Wolfgang , Moosbrugger Robert
Published: June 2020

Building on the knowledge that Europe is currently experiencing a high level of pessimism about the future, this article seeks to explain why Austrians view their own future as well as the country’s future with either pessimism or optimism. Both “futures” are often framed differently: A personal one that still seems to be under control and a societal one, which is perceived to be uncontrollable. Thus, social unease is higher than personal unease. Using structural equation modelling and data from the “Sozialer Survey Österreich”, indicators of social integration were found to be influential predictors. Results furthermore indicate an underlying explanation, tied to perceptions of societal malaise vs societal wellbeing, driving the opinions on the future in specific directions.
Distribution and clinical relevance of phospholipids in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhirong , Zhang Zhen , Mei Hao , Mao Jinghe , Zhou Xinchun
Published: June 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer and featured with prominent disparity in incidence and mortality rate between male and female. It remains unclear whether alterations of phospholipids (PL) in hepatic tissues contribute to the pathogenesis, progression, and disparity of HCC.

Methods

Using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS), PL profiles including 320 individual phospholipid species in 13 PL classes were determined in paired samples from HCC and adjacent benign hepatic tissues (BHT).

Results

(1) Concentrations of PLs in most of individual species, in subgroups and in total were decreased in HCC than in BHT in all studied population; (2) the number of individual PL species significantly different between HCC and BHT, and the number of PLs in six subgroups and in total decreased in HCC were more in male population than in female population; (3) panels of PL parameters (more in male population than in female population) were identified as biomarkers in differentiation of HCC from BHT, and in the prediction of pathological grade and clinical stage of HCC with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Conclusion

It is concluded that alterations of PLs in hepatic tissues play important roles in pathogenesis, progression, and gender disparity of HCC.
YAP1-MAML2-Rearranged Poroid Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Squamoid Porocarcinoma) Presenting as a Primary Parotid Gland Tumor
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Stoehr Robert , Tögel Lars , Hartmann Arndt , Cramer Thomas
Published: June 2020

Porocarcinoma (synonym: malignant eccrine poroma) is a rare aggressive carcinoma type with terminal sweat gland duct differentiation. The squamous variant of porocarcinoma is even less frequent and might be indistinguishable from conventional squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We herein describe the first case of a carcinoma presenting as a primary parotid gland malignancy in a 24-year-old male without any other primary tumor. Total parotidectomy and neck dissection were performed followed by adjuvant chemoradiation. The patient remained alive and well 10 months after diagnosis. Histology showed keratinizing SCC infiltrating extensively the parotid gland with subtle poroid cell features. Oncogenic HPV infection was excluded by DNA-based testing. NGS analysis using the TruSight RNA fusion panel (Illumina) revealed a novel YAP1-MAML2 gene fusion. This gene fusion was reported recently in a subset of cutaneous porocarcinoma and poroma. This case of poroid SCC (or squamoid porocarcinoma) adds to the differential diagnosis of SCC presenting as parotid gland tumor and highlights the value of molecular testing in cases with unusual presentation.
Vertex-facet assignments for polytopes
Authors: Jahn Thomas , Winter Martin
Published: June 2020

Motivated by the search for reduced polytopes, we consider the following question: For which polytopes exists a vertex-facet assignment, that is, a matching between vertices and non-incident facets, so that the matching covers either all vertices, or all facets? We provide general conditions for the existence of such an assignment. We conclude that such exist for all simple and simplicial polytopes, as well as all polytopes of dimension $$d\le 6$$

d
≤
6

. We construct counterexample in all dimensions $$d\ge 7$$

d
≥
7

.
Energy storage properties of 0.87BaTiO3-0.13Bi(Zn2/3(Nb0.85Ta0.15)1/3)O3 multilayer ceramic capacitors with thin dielectric layers
Authors: Wang Hongxian , Zhao Peiyao , Chen Lingling , Li Longtu , Wang Xiaohui
Published: June 2020

Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) for energy storage applications require a large discharge energy density and high discharge/charge efficiency under high electric fields. Here, 0.87BaTiO3-0.13Bi(Zn2/3(Nb0.85Ta0.15)1/3)O3(BTBZNT) MLCCs with double active dielectric layers were fabricated, and the effects of inner electrode and sintering method on the energy storage properties of BTBZNT MLCCs were investigated. By using the pure Pt as inner electrode instead of Ag0.6Pd0.4alloys, an alternating current (AC) breakdown strength (BDS) enhancement from 1047 to 1500 kV/cm was achieved. By investigating the leakage current behavior of BTBZNT MLCCs, the Pt inner electrode and two-step sintering method (TSS) were confirmed to enhance the Schottky barrier and minimize the leakage current density. With relatively high permittivity, dielectric sublinearity, and ultra-highBDS, the Pt TSS BTBZNT MLCCs exhibited a surprisingly discharge energy density (Udis) of 14.08 J/cm3. Moreover, under an operating electric field of 400 kV/cm, the MLCCs also exhibited thermal stability withUdisvariation < ±8% over a wide temperature (t) range from -50 to 175 °C and cycling reliability withUdisreduction < 0.3% after 3000 charge-discharge cycles. These remarkable performances make Pt TSS BTBZNT MLCCs promising for energy storage applications.
High entropy defective fluorite structured rare-earth niobates and tantalates for thermal barrier applications
Authors: Zhao Zifan , Chen Heng , Xiang Huimin , Dai Fu-Zhi , Wang Xiaohui , Xu Wei , Sun Kuang , Peng Zhijian , Zhou Yanchun
Published: June 2020

Rare-earth tantalates and niobates (RE3TaO7 and RE3NbO7) have been considered as promising candidate thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials in next generation gas-turbine engines due to their ultra-low thermal conductivity and better thermal stability than yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). However, the low Vickers hardness and toughness are the main shortcomings of RE3TaO7 and RE3NbO7 that limit their applications as TBC materials. To increase the hardness, high entropy (Y1/3Yb1/3Er1/3)3TaO7, (Y1/3Yb1/3Er1/3)3NbO7, and (Sm1/6Eu1/6Y1/6Yb1/6Lu1/6Er1/6)3(Nb1/2Ta1/2)O7 are designed and synthesized in this study. These high entropy ceramics exhibit high Vickers hardness (10.9–12.0 GPa), close thermal expansion coefficients to that of single-principal-component RE3TaO7 and RE3NbO7 (7.9×10−6-10.8×10−6C−1 at room temperature), good phase stability, and good chemical compatibility with thermally grown Al2O3, which make them promising for applications as candidate TBC materials.
Polymer-derived SiBCN ceramic pressure sensor with excellent sensing performance
Authors: Shao Gang , Jiang Junpeng , Jiang Mingjie , Su Jie , Liu Wen , Wang Hailong , Xu Hongliang , Lit Hongxia , Zhang Rui
Published: June 2020

Pressure measurement with excellent stability and long time durability is highly desired, especially at high temperature and harsh environments. A polymer-derived silicoboron carbonitride (SiBCN) ceramic pressure sensor with excellent stability, accuracy, and repeatability is designed based on the giant piezoresistivity of SiBCN ceramics. The SiBCN ceramic sensor was packaged in a stainless steel case and tested using half Wheatstone bridge with the uniaxial pressure up to 10 MPa. The SiBCN ceramic showed a remarkable piezoresistive effect with the gauge factor (K) as high as 5500. The output voltage of packed SiBCN ceramic sensor changes monotonically and smoothly versus external pressure. The as received SiBCN pressure sensor possesses features of short response time, excellent repeatability, stability, sensitivity, and accuracy. Taking the excellent high temperature thermo-mechanical properties of polymer-derived SiBCN ceramics (e.g., high temperature stability, oxidation/corrosion resistance) into account, SiBCN ceramic sensor has significant potential for pressure measurement at high temperature and harsh environments.
Iterative learning of human partner’s desired trajectory for proactive human–robot collaboration
Authors: Xia Jingkang , Huang Deqing , Li Yanan , Qin Na
Published: June 2020

A period-varying iterative learning control scheme is proposed for a robotic manipulator to learn a target trajectory that is planned by a human partner but unknown to the robot, which is a typical scenario in many applications. The proposed method updates the robot’s reference trajectory in an iterative manner to minimize the interaction force applied by the human. Although a repetitive human–robot collaboration task is considered, the task period is subject to uncertainty introduced by the human. To address this issue, a novel learning mechanism is proposed to achieve the control objective. Theoretical analysis is performed to prove the performance of the learning algorithm and robot controller. Selective simulations and experiments on a robotic arm are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed method in human–robot collaboration.
Are There Extended Cognitive Improvements from Different Kinds of Acute Bouts of Physical Activity?
Authors: Haeger Mathias , Bury Nils , Endres Christian , Klatt Stefanie
Published: June 2020

Acute bouts of physical activity of at least moderate intensity have shown to enhance cognition in young as well as older adults. This effect has been observed for different kinds of activities such as aerobic or strength and coordination training. However, only few studies have directly compared these activities regarding their effectiveness. Further, most previous studies have mainly focused on inhibition and have not examined other important core executive functions (i.e., updating, switching) which are essential for our behavior in daily life (e.g., staying focused, resisting temptations, thinking before acting), as well. Therefore, this study aimed to directly compare two kinds of activities, aerobic and coordinative, and examine how they might affect executive functions (i.e., inhibition, updating, and switching) in a test-retest protocol. It is interesting for practical implications, as coordinative exercises, for example, require little space and would be preferable in settings such as an office or a classroom. Furthermore, we designed our experiment in such a way that learning effects were controlled. Then, we tested the influence of acute bouts of physical activity on the executive functioning in both young and older adults (young 16–22 years, old 65–80 years). Overall, we found no differences between aerobic and coordinative activities and, in fact, benefits from physical activities occurred only in the updating tasks in young adults. Additionally, we also showed some learning effects that might influence the results. Thus, it is important to control cognitive tests for learning effects in test-retest studies as well as to analyze effects from physical activity on a construct level of executive functions.
The Current Status of European and National Financial Sources for Clinical Research and Their Impact on Paediatric Non-commercial Clinical Trials: A Case Study of the Czech Republic
Authors: Horavova L. , Nebeska K. , Souckova L. , Demlova R. , Babula P.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Paediatric non-commercial interventional clinical trials (NICTs) are crucial for healthcare provision. In spite of the fact that current regulations and initiatives try to enhance the quantity and quality of paediatric NICTs, there are still shortcomings that need to be addressed in order to accelerate the conduct of relevant clinical trials in children. To improve the current landscape of paediatric clinical research, it is necessary to identify and analyse the main trends and shortcomings, along with their impact on national performance in paediatric NICTs and this is the aim of this work.

Method

A retrospective systematic search of paediatric NICTs was performed on four international clinical trials registries. Entries were filtered by date from 01/01/2004 to 31/12/2017. Each identified paediatric NICT was screened and analysed for sponsors, funders, type of intervention, therapeutic area, design characteristics and associated publications.

Results

The search identified 439 unique NICTs. When stratifying the trials by enrolment ages, 86 trials were found involving the paediatric population. Most trials investigated the use of medicinal products and were focused on cancer or cardiovascular diseases. The most common sources of the funding were non-profit organizations. Furthermore, from the total number of completed trials, only half of them already published their results.

Conclusion

The main shortcomings—specifically, ethical, methodological and, in particular, economic obstacles were identified. There is a continual need for greater support and collaboration between all major stakeholders including health policymakers, grant agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical industries and healthcare providers at the national and international level.
Successful Management of Glioblastoma Chemotherapy-Associated Dysgeusia with Gabapentin
Authors: Turcotte Karen , Touchette Charles Jean , Iorio-Morin Christian , Fortin David
Published: June 2020

Dysgeusia is a frequent, yet underreported side effect of chemotherapy for cancer. We report here the first use of gabapentin in two glioblastoma patients who developed dysgeusia following intra-arterial administration of carboplatin or oral administration of lomustine, respectively. Treatment initiation was followed by resolution of taste alteration within weeks. Both patients reported significant improvement in their quality of life and regained weight, allowing further chemotherapy cycles. We hypothesized that in these two cases, chemotherapy impeded gustatory cells turnover and function, resulting in a gustatory “deafferentation-like” syndrome which was successfully addressed by the medication.
Role of Pharmacists in COVID-19 Disease: A Jordanian Perspective
Authors: Abdel Jalil Mariam , Alsous Mervat M , Abu Hammour Khawla , Saleh Mais M , Mousa Rimal , Hammad Eman A
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

The novel 2019 coronavirus outbreak that first appeared in Wuhan has quickly gained global attention, due to its high transmissibility and devastating clinical and economic outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the possible roles of Jordanian pharmacists in minimizing the stage of community transmission.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey using Google forms targeting Jordanian pharmacists was conducted during March 2020 and distributed electronically by means of social media. Using the survey tool, we measured the pharmacists’ knowledge, the educative activities they perform, and their perceptions regarding undertaking traditional and untraditional roles during the COVID-19 outbreak, as specified by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Collected data were analyzed using SPSS version-19.

Results:

Jordanian pharmacists (n = 449) reported performing various educative activities, and in general, they were knowledgeable about various aspects of the COVID-19 disease (median knowledge score: 20 [range, 13-25]), but certain gaps in knowledge were detected that must be addressed. Pharmacists had positive perceptions about both their traditional and untraditional roles specified by the FIP, the median perceptions score was 4 (range, 1-5).

Conclusions:

Jordanian pharmacists can be used to reduce community transmission of the outbreak. However, more actions are required to keep pharmacists knowledgeable with recent disease updates to enable them to perform their tasks effectively during times of crisis.
Hegel and the Problem of Beginning
Authors: Dunphy Robb
Published: June 2020

In this article I develop an interpretation of the opening passages of Hegel's essay ‘With what must the beginning of science be made?’ I suggest firstly that Hegel is engaging there with a distinctive problem, the overcoming of which he understands to be necessary in order to guarantee the scientific character of the derivation of the fundamental categories of thought which he undertakes in the Science of Logic. I refer to this as ‘the problem of beginning’. I proceed to clarify the nature of the problem, which I understand to be motivated by a concern to avoid arbitrariness, and then to detail the nature of Hegel's proposed solution, which turns on understanding how the concept of ‘pure being’, understood in a specific sense to be both mediated and immediate, avoids the concerns about arbitrariness which accompany attempts to begin merely with something mediated, or merely with something immediate. On this basis, I offer a number of criticisms of alternative approaches to the beginning of Hegel's Logic.
Open thermal convection dolomitization: an example from East Yunnan (China)
Authors: Zhang Jing-Qi , Jin Zhen-Kui , Zhu Xiao-Er , Li Yang , Guo Qi-Heng , Shi Shu-Ting
Published: June 2020

Dolostones are widely developed in the middle Permian rocks of East Yunnan, China, mainly in the shoal-facies Maokou Formation. The previously reported dolostone formation mechanisms cannot explain the distribution and geochemical characteristics of these dolostones, in particular their strontium, magnesium and oxygen isotope signatures. To help predict the distribution of dolostone reservoirs and reduce the exploration risk and cost, this study proposes a new model of dolomitization: open thermal convection dolomitization. In this new dolomitization model, Mg2+in dolomitizing fluids originates mostly from seawater, with a minor component coming from deep hydrothermal fluids. Elevated heat flux (in this case due to the nearby Emei mantle plume) causes spatial temperature variations in the fluid along the circulation flow pathways, resulting in fast and pervasive dolomitization of limestone. The proposed model not only explains the characteristics and distribution of dolostones in the study area but also serves as a reference for predicting the distribution of dolostones in other areas subjected to thermal convection.
Developmental multi-trajectory of irritability, anxiety, and hyperactivity as psychological markers of heterogeneity in childhood aggression
Authors: Dugré Jules R. , Potvin Stéphane
Published: June 2020

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that child aggression is likely to be driven by multiple developmental pathways. However, little is known about the complex interactions between developmental trajectories of child psychological factors (such as anxiety, irritability, and hyperactivity/impulsivity dimensions) and their associations with aggression from childhood to adolescence. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify clusters of individuals with different developmental multi-trajectory, investigate their early risk factors, and describe their longitudinal associations with physical aggression.

Method

The sample comprised 4898 children derived from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. A parallel process growth mixture model was used to identify developmental multi-trajectory groups at 5, 9 and 15 years old. Associations between multi-trajectory group membership and physical aggression were examined with Generalized Estimating Equations models. Finally, multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess perinatal and early risk factors for multi-trajectory groups.

Results

Multi-trajectory groups differed in the magnitude of risk for exhibiting physical aggression, compared to typically developing children. The risk for physical aggression was the most prominent in children who were hyperactive/impulsive and irritable [odds ratio (OR) 6.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.44–7.70] and hyperactive/impulsive, irritable, and anxious (OR 7.68; CI 6.62–8.91). Furthermore, maternal cigarette and alcohol use during pregnancy and maternal depression consistently predicted multi-trajectory groups characterized by problematic levels of at least two co-occurrent psychological symptoms.

Conclusions

Identified combinations of developmental trajectories of psychological characteristics were associated with different magnitude in risk for exhibiting physical aggression. These results may highlight the heterogeneity of developmental trajectories associated with childhood aggression.
NOVELTIES IN MALPIGHIACEAE FROM SOUTH AMERICA
Authors: Anderson W. R. , Anderson C.
Published: June 2020

Nine new species in four genera of Neotropical Malpighiaceae are described and illustrated: Banisteriopsis rostrata W.R.Anderson (Brazil: Minas Gerais), Bunchosia andina W.R.Anderson (Colombia: Antioquia, Caldas, Nariño, Putomayo, Quindío, Tolima, Valle; Ecuador: Azuay, Napo, Pichincha, Tungurahua); Bunchosia parrae W.R.Anderson (Peru: Loreto, San Martín, Ucayali), Bunchosia phaeocarpa W.R.Anderson (Ecuador: Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos; Peru: Loreto), Byrsonima anisophylla W.R.Anderson (Brazil: Bahia), Byrsonima cardenasii W.R.Anderson (Colombia: Antioquia, Nariño, Riseralda, Santander, Valle del Cauca), Byrsonima goiana W.R.Anderson (Brazil: Goiás), Byrsonima nana W.R.Anderson (Colombia: Meta) and Tetrapterys catarinensis W.R.Anderson (Brazil: Santa Catarina).
Ivabradine in children with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a retrospective study
Authors: Towheed Arooge , Nesheiwat Zeid , Mangi Muhammad A , Karabin Beverly , Grubb Blair P
Published: June 2020

Background:

Ivabradine is a unique medication that reduces the intrinsic heart rate by specifically blocking the inward funny current that controls the pacemaker activity of the sinus node. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to assess the efficacy of ivabradine in children suffering from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

Methods:

A chart review was conducted of patients less than 18 years of age who were diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome who had received ivabradine as treatment from January 2015 to February 2019 at our institution. Twenty-seven patients (25 females, 92.5%) were identified for the study. The outcomes which were assessed included a change in the severity and frequency of symptoms, heart rate, and blood pressure before and after starting ivabradine.

Results:

There was an improvement in the symptoms of 18 (67%) out of 27 patients. The most notable symptom affected was syncope/presyncope with a reduction in 90%, followed by lightheadedness (85%) and fatigue (81%). The vital signs of the patients showed an overall significant lowering of the heart rate during sitting (89.7 ± 17.9 versus 73.2 ± 12.1; p-value <0.05) and standing (100.5 ± 18.1 versus 80.9 ± 10.1; p-value <0.05) without a significant change in the blood pressure. Two patients had visual disturbances (luminous phenomena). Severe bradycardia and excessive flushing were seen in two patients, respectively. Another one patient reported joint pain and fatigue.

Conclusion:

This study indicates that 67% of children treated with ivabradine report an improvement in symptoms.
Razpor: On Slavoj Žižek’s First Break
Authors: Tucker Sorenson Kaitlyn
Published: June 2020

This article examines some of Slavoj Žižek’s very first texts, beginning with the poem-treatises he first published in the journal Problemi in May, 1968. It analyses how the imagery of rupture – born out of the spirit of ’68 – emerged as a key spatial metaphor that would go on to shape the theoretical topography of the philosophical platform of the now world-renowned Ljubljana School of Lacanian Psychoanalysis. Beginning with Žižek’s usage of the term ‘razpor’ (‘break’) in his first poem-treatises, the article traces how this early concept is refined into the notion of ‘razdor’ in his first book, Bolečina razlike (The Pain of Difference, 1972), and finally into the later usage of ‘razcep’, which would go on to become a central concept for the entire Ljubljana School. Ultimately, the article documents the intellectual history of the notion of the ‘break’ in Žižek’s early work, thereby providing the genealogy of a concept that would later become a key component of the Ljubljana School’s theoretical platform.
Richard Hooker and Mission and Ministry in Covenant
Authors: Hobday Philip P.
Published: June 2020

Drawing on the theological method of one of Anglicanism’s foremost theologians, this article defends key proposals of the recent Church of England-Methodist report, Mission and Ministry in Covenant. Some Anglicans have argued that it would be inconsistent with Anglican order to accept the proposed temporary period where Methodist ministers who had not been ordained by a bishop could serve in presbyteral Church of England roles. It finds clear theological rationale for the move in Hooker’s understanding of the episcopate which is matched in Anglicanism’s official formularies and its recent ecumenical dialogues. Highlighting clear historic and recent precedents for such a move, it demonstrates that bishops have never been considered so essential for Anglican order that they could never be dispensed with. Proposals like those in MMC can therefore be conscientiously accepted as consistent with Anglican self-understanding by the Church of England and other provinces considering such steps.
In Situ Measurements of Circulation Features Influencing Cross‐Shelf Transport Around Northwest Cuba
Authors: Le Hénaff Matthieu , Kourafalou Vassiliki H. , Androulidakis Yannis , Smith Ryan H. , Kang HeeSook , Hu Chuanmin , Lamkin John T.
Published: June 2020

We analyzed circulation processes sampled in the Gulf of Mexico in May 2016 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ship Nancy Foster. This data set is one of the first in situ surveys in Cuban waters available to the international community. Along northwest Cuba, these data suggested coastal upwelling and revealed, for the first time, a ~50 km diameter Cuban ANticyclonic (CubAN) eddy and a ~25 km diameter cyclonic eddy, which together advected upwelled waters offshore. The CubAN eddy was associated with downwelling, and the cyclonic eddy with upwelling. At the western tip of Cuba, local currents were predominantly anticyclonic, presumably due to the proximity of the retracted Loop Current, with limited export of coastal waters. Conversely, additional data from two cruises when the Loop Current was extended showed cyclonic circulation within upwelling filaments extending far offshore. These processes are important, as they can potentially entrain marine organism larvae from local reefs into the Loop Current system and to other reef ecosystems of the region. They might also affect the transport of pollutants, as hydrocarbons in case of a spill in Cuban waters. The 2016 cruise took place after the shedding of a Loop Current Ring, which involved an unusually large (~250 km) cyclonic frontal eddy. The eddy signature was observed down to 1,200 m depth, deeper than the Loop Current. A surface drifter revealed a low relative vorticity (0.19 f) inside the eddy. Along its southern edge, filaments exported from the Campeche Bank were associated with high relative chlorophyll a at 3,060 m depth.
Long‐Term Changes of Carbonate Chemistry Variables Along the North American East Coast
Authors: Xu Yuan‐Yuan , Cai Wei‐Jun , Wanninkhof Rik , Salisbury Joseph , Reimer Janet , Chen Baoshan
Published: June 2020

Decadal variability of carbonate chemistry variables has been studied for the open ocean using observations and models, but less is known about the variations in the coastal ocean due to observational gaps and the more complex environments. In this work, we use a Bayesian‐neural‐network approach to reconstruct surface carbonate chemistry variables for the Mid‐Atlantic Bight (MAB) and the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) along the North American East Coast from 1982 to 2015. The reconstructed monthly time series data suggest that the rate of fCO2 increase in the MAB (18 ± 1 μatm per decade) is faster than those in the SAB (14 ± 1 μatm per decade) and the open ocean (14 ± 1 μatm per decade). Correspondingly, pH decreases faster in the MAB. The observed stagnation in the aragonite saturation state, Ωarag decrease during 2005–2015 in the MAB, is attributed to the intrusion of water from southern and offshore regions with high Ωarag, which offsets the decrease expected from anthropogenic CO2 uptake. Furthermore, seasonal asymmetry in the evolution of long‐term change leads to the faster change in the amplitudes of the seasonal cycle in carbonate chemistry variables in coastal waters than those in the open ocean. In particular, the increase in the seasonal‐cycle amplitude of dissolved inorganic carbon in the MAB is 2.9 times larger than that of the open ocean. This leads to the faster increase in the season‐cycle amplitude of Ωarag and earlier occurrence of undersaturation in coastal waters as acidification continues.