bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic virus on G8 countries’ financial indices based on artificial neural network
Authors: Al-Najjar Hazem , Al-Rousan Nadia , Al-Najjar Dania , Assous Hamzeh F. , Al-Najjar Dana
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic virus has affected the largest economies around the world, especially Group 8 and Group 20. The increasing numbers of confirmed and deceased cases of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide are causing instability in stock indices every day. These changes resulted in the G8 suffering major losses due to the spread of the pandemic. This paper aims to study the impact of COVID-19 events using country lockdown announcement on the most important stock indices in G8 by using seven lockdown variables. To find the impact of the COVID-19 virus on G8, a correlation analysis and an artificial neural network model are adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a Pearson correlation is used to study the strength of lockdown variables on international indices, where neural network is used to build a prediction model that can estimate the movement of stock markets independently. The neural network used two performance metrics including R2 and mean square error (MSE).

Findings

The results of stock indices prediction showed that R2 values of all G8 are between 0.979 and 0.990, where MSE values are between 54 and 604. The results showed that the COVID-19 events had a strong negative impact on stock movement, with the lowest point on the March of all G8 indices. Besides, the US lockdown and interest rate changes are the most affected by the G8 stock trading, followed by Germany, France and the UK.

Originality/value

The study has used artificial intelligent neural network to study the impact of US lockdown, decrease the interest rate in the USA and the announce of lockdown in different G8 countries.
Discouraging gender-biased job seekers by adapting job advertisements
Authors: Mao Jih-Yu , Mu Xinyan , Liu Xin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Socially responsible organizations strive to foster gender diversity values in the workplace. As women, relative to men, tend to fall victim to gender discrimination more frequently, organizations can promote gender diversity in the workplace by either increasing female employment or discouraging job seekers who resist gender diversity from applying for positions. While more attention has been devoted to the former approach, less attention has been given to the latter.

Design/methodology/approach

A between-subjects experiment is conducted to test the hypotheses. Participants are randomly assigned to one of five conditions that feature different numbers of women in job advertisements.

Findings

For male job seekers who hold a male breadwinner ideology, their job pursuit intentions decrease as the number of women in job advertisements increases. Perceived person-organization fit acts as the mediating influence.

Practical implications

Job advertisements are purposed to attract job seekers who share similar values. Men who embrace male-dominant values are likely to resist and thwart the progress of gender diversity in the workplace. This study informs practitioners of how by strategically adapting job advertisements, organizations can discourage individuals who are likely to be a poor fit from applying for vacant jobs.

Originality/value

This study focuses on gender discrimination and resistance in a job seeking context from a social dominance perspective. The study informs organizations of the potential benefits of strategically adapting job advertisements.
Reliability assessment for multi-state automatic ticket vending machine (ATVM) through software and hardware failures
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kumar Pardeep
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper presents the performance analysis of the automatic ticket vending machine (ATVM) through the functioning of its different hardware and software failures.

Design/methodology/approach

Frequent failures in the working of ATVM have been observed; therefore, the authors of the paper intend to analyze the performance measures of the same. Authors have developed a mathematical model based on different hardware and software failures/repairs, which may occur during the operation, with the help of the Markov process. The developed model has been solved for two kinds of failure/repair rates namely variable failures (very much similar to real-time failure) and constant failures. Lagrange's method and Laplace transformation are used for the solution of the developed model.

Findings

Reliability and mean time to failure of the ATVM are determined. Sensitivity analysis for ATVM is also carried out in the paper. Critical components of the ATVM, which affect the performance of the same, in terms of reliability and MTTF are also identified.

Originality/value

A mathematical model based on different hardware and software failures/repairs of ATVM has been developed to analyze its performance, which has not been done in the past.
Does job stress enhance employee creativity? Exploring the role of psychological capital
Authors: Ghafoor Azka , Haar Jarrod
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Using the conservation of resource theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the potentially positive influence of job stress on creativity through the resource caravan approach. The influence of job stress directly and as a moderator of psychological capital (PsyCap) is explored. Finally, the influence of stress on creativity is investigated as a boundary condition that impacts on the PsyCap-creativity relationship via job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Relationships were tested on two samples: (1) an international employee cohort (n = 269) and (2) a New Zealand employee sample (n = 475) and similar effects were found in both studies.

Findings

PsyCap was found to influence job satisfaction and creativity, with job satisfaction partially mediating this direct effect. Job stress has a positive moderation effect with PsyCap toward creativity, supporting Conservation of Resources theory, which suggests that high PsyCap individuals would have the psychological resources to leverage stress beneficially, making their behaviors more creative. Significant moderated mediation effects indicate complex indirect effects with PsyCap on creativity (via job satisfaction) increasing as job stress gets higher.

Practical implications

This study calls for researchers' attention toward potentially positive influences of stress when considered in combination with high psychological resources. Practical implications focus manager's and leader's attention toward the enhancement of employees' psychological resources for its stress and creativity related benefits.

Originality/value

The findings provide new theoretical support for understanding how stress can positively influence creativity. The use of two samples improves confidence in these findings.
TPPP3 inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of endometrial carcinoma targeted with miR‐1827
Authors: Shen Aiqun , Tong Xiaowen , Li Huaifang , Chu Lei , Jin Xia , Ma Hanbo , Ouyang Yiqin
Published: March 2021

Objective and design

Database screening indicated that tubulin polymerization‐promoting protein 3 (TPPP3) was involved in pathogenesis of multiple cancer types. miR‐1827 has a potential role in a variety of human cancers. However, the role of TPPP3 and its underlying molecular mechanism in endometrial cancer (EC) has not been investigated. Herein, we aimed to reveal the role of TPPP3/miR‐1827 in EC progression.

Methods

Tumour tissue and whole blood samples were collected for the detection of TPPP3 expression. TPPP3 shRNAs and pcDNA‐TPPP3 were applied to knockdown or upregulate the TPPP3 expression, and miR‐1827 mimic was used to upregulate miR‐1827 level. CCK‐8 and colony assays were applied to estimate the cell proliferation. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to assess the cell migration and invasion abilities. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay was conducted to validate the putative binding site between TPPP3 and miR‐1827. Expression of TPPP3, miR‐1827 and related proteins in cell lines, tissue and whole blood sample were detected using western blot, RT‐qPCR and immunofluorescence.

Results

TPPP3 was observed markedly elevated in EC patients and cells. TPPP3 knockdown displayed evident suppression in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we identified TPPP3 as a direct and functional target gene of miR‐1827 in EC cells. The miR‐1827 induced regulatory effects on EC cells were partially reversed by TPPP3. Additionally, in vivo study confirmed the findings discovered in vitro.

Conclusion

TPPP3 exerted oncogenic roles in EC progression by sponging miR‐1827. This finding might provide potential targets for EC therapy.
Being More: Stress and Moral Worthiness in an Elite Private School in Ecuador
Authors: Bittencourt Tiago
Published: March 2021

This article examines why a group of elite students assured of their life‐chances willfully engaged with stress‐inducing school experiences. Unlike common portrayals of "stress culture" as being the result of economic uncertainty, I found that stress was viewed as a necessary prerequisite for students’ understandings of moral worthiness. I conclude by discussing how students' affective and evaluative engagements with stress are informative for broader conversations about elite socialization and social reproduction in Ecuador.
Educational environments in Asian medical schools: A cross‐national comparison between Malaysia, Singapore, and China
Authors: Arokiamary Bharathy , Russell Vincent , Lim Haikel Asyraf , Koay Jun Min , Xia Jie , Zhao Xiao‐Hua , Xu Xin , Wu Da‐Xing , Chen Jun‐Xiang , Kua Ee Heok , Mahendran Rathi
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Perceptions of the educational environment (EE) represent an important source of information on medical students' learning experience. Understanding and addressing these perceptions can help inform initiatives designed to improve the learning experience and educational outcomes, while comparison of student perceptions across medical schools can provide an added perspective. The aim of the study was to compare the EEs of three Asian medical schools: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and University College Dublin Malaysia Campus, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore and Xiangya School of Medicine, China.

Methods

Medical students in the clinical years (N = 1063) participated in a cross‐sectional study using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Results

There were significant differences between the three medical schools in the total DREEM scores (F [2, 1059] = 38.29, p < .001), but all were in the category “more positive than negative” (mean score 135.42, range 128.97–142.44). Highest DREEM scores were noted in year 5 at RUMC (139.79 ± 79), year 3 at YLL (145.93 ± 14.52), and year 4 at XSM (138.56 ± 18.91). Variations in total and subscale DREEM scores were also found between clinical years in each medical school.

Discussion

Total DREEM scores at the three medical schools are similar to those reported from other undergraduate settings. However, significant variations occurred in perceptions of the EE, as students progressed through the clinical years. Greater attention to the learning environment and the curriculum may improve students' educational experience.
Preparation of polyurethane acrylate‐based titanium dioxide pigment and its use in blue light‐curable ink
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Yan Kai , Luo Xun , Jin Shulan , Wang Lili , Luo Jun , Zheng Jinhuan
Published: March 2021

Polyurethane acrylate‐based titanium dioxide was used to prepare blue light‐curable inks as both a white pigment to replace the original white pigment and as an oligomer. The polyurethane acrylate‐based titanium dioxide was fabricated using a two‐step method. In the first step, the titanium dioxide was grafted with γ‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane, and the grafting process was studied. Second, amino‐modified titanium dioxide was used to prepare polyurethane acrylate‐based titanium dioxide, which was then used to configure the blue light‐curable polyurethane acrylate‐based titanium dioxide ink. Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy indicated that the amino‐modified titanium dioxide and polyurethane acrylate‐based titanium dioxide were prepared successfully. The content of the amino groups on the surface of the amino‐modified titanium dioxide could be effectively controlled by adjusting the pH value. Moreover, by increasing the content of the amino groups, the viscosity decreased and the photopolymerisation efficiency increased, which was attributed to the formation of branched structures and the promoting effect of the amino groups on the titanium dioxide. The inks with decreased viscosity and branched structures displayed excellent cross‐linking properties: viscoelastic transition was achieved within 10 seconds and the final moduli were in the range of 36‐55 kPa. The cross‐linking degree and rate were more than seven times those of unmodified ink. The ranges of elongation and stress were 95%‐165% and 1.9‐4.3 MPa, respectively, and the amino group content varied from 0% to 0.101%. In general, polyurethane acrylate‐based titanium dioxide was shown to be suitable for blue light‐curable ink.
Experimental validation of the soil fertility hypothesis in a natural Mediterranean tri‐trophic system
Authors: Martinez Jean‐Jacques Itzhak , Jonas‐Levi Adi , Gonzalez‐Karlsson Adrea , Moreno‐González Víctor , Álvarez Rafael
Published: March 2021

Host plant resources are a major issue in gall‐insect ecology. Soil fertilization may affect both plant quality and indirect defenses, as well as the prey quality of herbivores for predators. The soil fertility hypothesis (SFH) claims that gall‐inducing insects infest more plants growing on poor than on fertile soils. Until now this was studied and supported only by observations in natural tropical biomes. We tested its validity in a field experiment in a Mediterranean region, using four aphid species (Hemiptera: Aphididae, Eriosomatinae) that induce galls in wild Pistacia atlantica Desf. (Anacardiaceae) trees, and their main enemies. The impact of fertilization was examined in control trees that were not fertilized (‘poor soil’) and others that were fertilized with NPK for either one or two consecutive growing seasons. Average internode length in apical shoots of fertilized trees was longer than in control trees, following SFH expectations. We did not detect a different number of aphid species in each tree, contrary to SFH predictions. Fertilization lowered the number of galls, the gall survival, and the mean number of aphids inside the galls, as expected by the SFH. All the galls suffered increased attacks by enemies in fertilized trees, as expected by the SFH. In conclusion, following this field experiment, the SFH should not be rejected as a possible framework in research on galling‐insect ecology.
Impact of weekend admission and changes in treating team on patient flow and outcomes in adults admitted to hospital with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Milevski Stefan V. , Lloyd Melanie , Janus Edward , Maguire Graeme , Karunajeewa Harin
Published: March 2021

Background

The effect of workflow factors, such as timing of admission and changes in treating team, on patient outcomes remains inconclusive.

Aims

To investigate the impact of weekend admission and changes in treating team on four pre‐defined outcomes in patients admitted to hospital with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

We performed an observational cohort study by utilising prospective longitudinal data collected during the IMPROVE‐GAP trial, a stepped‐wedge randomised study investigating an evidence‐based bundle of care in the management of CAP. We assessed the effect of two exposure variables, day of admission and change of treating team, on four pre‐specified outcomes: (i) length of stay; (ii) time to clinical stability; (iii) readmission within 30 days; and (iv) mortality at 30 days. Our analysis was restricted to patients with a primary diagnosis of CAP and employed multivariable Cox regression and logistic regression to adjust for potential measured confounders.

Results

Of 753 participants, 224 (29.7%) were admitted on the weekend and 71 (9.4%) changed treating team during admission. Weekend admissions had significantly longer hospital stays than weekday admissions (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval; P‐value) 0.82 (0.70–0.98; 0.03)) and took longer to reach clinical stability (0.80 (0.68–0.95; 0.01)). Change of treating team doubled the odds of readmission at 30 days (odds ratio 1.95 (1.08–3.58; 0.03)).

Conclusions

These results suggest workflow factors can negatively impact both health service and patient outcomes. Systems interventions aimed at improving out of hours service and reducing changes in treating team should be considered.
Invasive versus conservative management in patients aged ≥85 years presenting with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Kunniardy Phelia , Koshy Anoop N. , Meehan Georgie , Murphy Alexandra C. , Ramchand Jay , Clark David J. , Farouque Omar , Yudi Matias B.
Published: March 2021

Background

Guidelines recommend early coronary angiography (CA) in patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) irrespective of age. However, elderly patients are less likely to be treated according to these guidelines due to their perceived high risk and medical comorbidities. Whether an invasive strategy is associated with improved survival in patients aged ≥85 years remains uncertain due to their exclusion from randomised trials.

Aims

Patients were stratified based on whether they underwent invasive management with CA with a view to revascularisation versus conservative management. The primary outcome was long‐term mortality.

Methods

Consecutive patients aged ≥85 years presenting to a tertiary centre with NSTEMI between 2008 and 2018 were included in this retrospective cohort study.

Results

Of 7591 patients with NSTEMI, 1052 patients aged ≥85 years were included. Ninety‐nine (9.4%) patients underwent CA. Those undergoing CA were more likely to be younger, male, live independently, without mobility or cognitive issues (all P < 0.01). Overall, 495 (47%) patients died during a mean follow up of 1.3 ± 1 year. On Cox regression, after adjusting for age, pre‐morbid functional status, cognition and cardiovascular risk factors, invasive management was the strongest predictor for survival (hazard ratio 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.26–0.85; P = 0.01). Invasive management was associated with a trend to increased risk of in‐hospital bleeding (6.1% vs 2.6%; P = 0.054) with no significant difference in stroke (2.0% vs 3.8%; P = 0.37).

Conclusion

In patients aged ≥85 years who presented with NSTEMI, invasive management was associated with improved survival without significant differences in bleeding or stroke. A randomised controlled study assessing the efficacy and safety of invasive management in very elderly patients with NSTEMI is warranted.
Mega‐evolutions in medical education: Helpful or harmful to higher cognitive skill development?
Authors: Chumley Heidi
Published: March 2021

Medicine is practiced in environments of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, and disruption (VUCAD). Medical educators are tasked with providing an education that prepares graduates to successfully practice medicine in those types of environments. While medical education is continually evolving to incorporate new content and educational approaches, there are two mega‐evolutions that have permeated medical education: increased curricular structure and content integration. Structure and integration are assumed to be positive changes; however, they may alter the development of higher cognitive skills such as information management, planning, breadth of approach, strategy, and initiative. As new graduates will practice in VUCAD environments, it seems prudent to consider the effects of medical education’s mega‐evolutions on the development of higher cognitive skills critical to those types of environments. This paper explores the potential consequences of the increased curricular structure and content integration in medical education for learners who will practice in VUCAD environments and proposes a research agenda to better understand the relationship between curricular structure and integration and higher cognitive skill development.
Limits of authenticity: How organizational politics bound the positive effects of authentic leadership on follower satisfaction and performance
Authors: Munyon Timothy P. , Houghton Jeffery D. , Simarasl Nastaran , Dawley David D. , Howe Michael
Published: March 2021

The authentic leadership paradigm has been widely advocated as an effective leadership approach for organizations interested in promoting positive and ethical leader—member relations. Despite accumulating evidence concerning the positive follower effects of authentic leadership, research examining potential boundary conditions remains limited. The political influence theoretical perspective promises to shed new light on the effects of authentic leadership by proposing that authentic leadership may be less effective in political contexts, bounding its positive operation on followers. Specifically, we anticipate that organizational politics will erode the motivational power of authentic leaders on followers, reducing their ability to engender positive performance contributions in followers. We also predict that organizational politics will weaken the positive relationship between authentic leadership and job satisfaction by reducing the ability of employees to realize their goals at work. To explore these theoretical assertions, we incorporated a two‐study functional replication (n1 = 265; n2 = 175) to ascertain how authentic leadership and organizational politics impact follower job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and task performance. We find that organizational politics consistently weaken the positive effects of authentic leadership on follower OCB across two studies. Furthermore, in Study 2, our findings suggest that organizational politics attenuate the positive impact of authentic leadership on follower job satisfaction and task performance. We discuss theoretical and practical implications.
Impact of age on the outcome of cryoballoon ablation as the primary approach in the interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation: Insights from a large all‐comer study
Authors: Hartl Stefan , Dorwarth Uwe , Pongratz Janis , Aurich Florian , Brück Benedikt , Tesche Christian , Ebersberger Ullrich , Wankerl Michael , Hoffmann Ellen , Straube Florian
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The objective was to analyze the impact of patient age on clinical characteristics, procedural results, safety, and outcome of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) as the primary approach in the interventional treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results

The single‐center prospective observational study investigated consecutive patients who underwent initial left atrial ablation for symptomatic paroxysmal (PAF) or persistent AF (persAF). Age groups (A–F) of less than 40, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79 and more than or equal to 80 years were evaluated. Follow‐up (FU) included ECG, Holter monitoring and assessment of AF‐symptoms. From 2012 to 2016, a total of 786 patients (64 ± 11 years, range 21–85) underwent CBA. With advancing age, more cardiovascular comorbidities and larger LA diameter were observed, more females were included (each p < .001). PAF (57%) and persAF (43%, p = .320) were equally distributed over all age groups. Age was neither related to procedural parameters, nor to the complication rate (3.9%, p = .233). Median FU was 38 months. Two non‐procedure related noncardiac deaths occurred late during FU. Freedom from arrhythmia was independent of age at 18 months (p = .210) but decreased for patients more than or equal to 70 years at 24 months (p = .02). At 36 months, freedom from arrhythmia was 66%–74% (groups A–D), 54% (E) and 49% (F), respectively (p = .002). LA diameter and persAF were independent predictors, whereas age was a dependent predictor of recurrence.

Conclusion

CBA as the primary approach in the initial ablation procedure is safe and highly effective in the young, middle aged, and elderly population. LA diameter and persAF, but not ageing, were independent predictors for arrhythmia recurrence.
Sexually antagonistic evolution of mitochondrial and nuclear linkage
Authors: Radzvilavicius Arunas , Layh Sean , Hall Matthew D. , Dowling Damian K. , Johnston Iain G.
Published: March 2021

Across eukaryotes, genes encoding bioenergetic machinery are located in both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, and incompatibilities between the two genomes can be devastating. Mitochondria are often inherited maternally, and theory predicts sex‐specific fitness effects of mitochondrial mutational diversity. Yet how evolution acts on linkage patterns between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes is poorly understood. Using novel mito‐nuclear population‐genetic models, we show that the interplay between nuclear and mitochondrial genes maintains mitochondrial haplotype diversity within populations, and selects both for sex‐independent segregation of mitochondrion‐interacting genes and for paternal leakage. These effects of genetic linkage evolution can eliminate male‐harming fitness effects of mtDNA mutational diversity. With maternal mitochondrial inheritance, females maintain a tight mitochondrial–nuclear match, but males accumulate mismatch mutations because of the weak statistical associations between the two genomic components. Sex‐independent segregation of mitochondria‐interacting loci improves the mito‐nuclear match. In a sexually antagonistic evolutionary process, male nuclear alleles evolve to increase the rate of recombination, whereas females evolve to suppress it. Paternal leakage of mitochondria can evolve as an alternative mechanism to improve the mito‐nuclear linkage. Our modelling framework provides an evolutionary explanation for the observed paucity of mitochondrion‐interacting genes on mammalian sex chromosomes and for paternal leakage in protists, plants, fungi and some animals.
COVID‐19 and gynecological cancers: Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology oncology committee opinion
Authors: Tse Ka Yu , Domingo Efren J. , Konar Hiralal , Kumarasamy Suresh , Pariyar Jitendra , Tjokroprawiro Brahmana A. , Ushijima Kimio , Inthasorn Perapong , Tan Ai Ling , Wilailak Sarikapan ,   The Oncology Committee, Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Published: March 2021

Since the outbreak of COVID‐19, there have already been over 26 million people being infected and it is expected that the pandemic will not end in near future. Not only the daily activities and lifestyles of individuals have been affected, the medical practice has also been modified to cope with this emergency catastrophe. In particular, the cancer services have faced an unprecedented challenge. While the services may have been cut by the national authorities or hospitals due to shortage of manpower and resources, the medical need of cancer patients has increased. Cancer patients who are receiving active treatment may develop various kinds of complications especially immunosuppression from chemotherapy, and they and their carers will need additional protection against COVID‐19. Besides, there is also evidence that cancer patients are more prone to deteriorate from COVID‐19 if they contract the viral infection. Therefore, it is crucial to establish guidelines so that healthcare providers can triage their resources to take care of the most needed patients, reduce less important hospitalization and visit, and to avoid potential complications from treatment. The Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOFOG) hereby issued this opinion statement on the management of gynecological cancer patients during the COVID‐19.
Diagnostic performance of MRI using extracellular contrast agents versus gadoxetic acid for hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Zhichao , Zhao Huafei , Guan Shiwei , Wang Wei , Rong Pengfei
Published: March 2021

Background & Aims

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the first‐line tool for the noninvasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic liver diseases. We performed a meta‐analysis to compare the performance of MRI using extracellular contrast agents (ECA‐MRI) with that using gadoxetic acid (EOB‐MRI) for diagnosing HCC.

Methods

We searched multiple databases for studies comparing the diagnostic performance of ECA‐MRI with that of EOB‐MRI in patients with suspected HCC until 31 May 2020. The bivariate random‐effects model was used to pool the performance and further subgroup analysis was performed.

Results

Eight studies were included evaluating a total of 1002 patients. ECA‐MRI revealed significantly higher per‐lesion sensitivity in the diagnosis of HCC than EOB‐MRI did (0.76 vs 0.63, P = .002). For modified EOB‐MRI (mEOB‐MRI) using extended washout to the transitional phase (TP) or hepatobiliary phase (HBP), the sensitivity increased compared with that of EOB‐MRI using restrictive washout in the portal venous phase (PVP) (0.74 vs 0.63, P = .07). No significant difference among the specificities of ECA‐MRI, EOB‐MRI, and mEOB‐MRI (0.96, 0.98, and 0.93, respectively) was found. The sensitivity for lesions < 20 mm was significantly lower than that for lesions ≥ 20mm (0.66 vs 0.87, P = .01) only for ECA‐MRI, which achieved higher sensitivity in Asian patients or with a 3.0 T scanner.

Conclusions

ECA‐MRI outperforms EOB‐MRI in per‐lesion sensitivity for diagnosing HCC, whereas mEOB‐MRI shows a trend towards improved sensitivity compared with EOB‐MRI with slightly decreased specificity.

Registration: Prospero CRD42020189680.
Epistemic Analyticity Reconsidered
Authors: Teixeira Célia
Published: March 2021

It is nowadays standard to distinguish between epistemic and metaphysical analyticity. Metaphysical analyticity has been widely rejected, while epistemic analyticity has been widely endorsed. I argue that we also have good reason to reject epistemic analyticity. I do so by considering all the plausible ways of characterizing epistemic analyticity and of drawing the epistemic analytic–synthetic distinction. I argue that on all of them, the distinction fails to carve at the semantic joints. I conclude that that there is good reason to think that there is no semantic distinction to be drawn between analytic and synthetic sentences.
The spectrum of pediatric scarring alopecia: A retrospective review of 27 patients seen at Mayo Clinic
Authors: Imhof Reese L. , Cantwell Hafsa M. , Proffer Sydney L. , Tolkachjov Stanislav N. , Torgerson Rochelle R. , Tollefson Megha M.
Published: March 2021

Background/Objective

There are few studies examining pediatric scarring alopecia. The objective of this study is to characterize the clinicopathologic findings, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with scarring alopecia.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients under age 18 diagnosed with scarring alopecia at Mayo Clinic from 01/01/1992 through 02/05/2019.

Results

27 patients met inclusion criteria with a mean age of 11.2 years and a racial breakdown of 85.2% (23) White, 11.1% (3) Black, and 3.7% (1) Multiracial. Clinical scarring was noted in most (23, 85.2%). Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in most (24, 88.9%). The most common diagnoses were folliculitis decalvans (6, 22.2%), lichen planopilaris (6, 22.2%), aplasia cutis congenita (4, 14.8%), tinea capitis (4, 14.8%), and morphea (3, 11.1%). Comorbid depression (6, 22.2%) and anxiety (6, 22.2%) were prevalent. Of the patients who received follow‐up, most who pursued treatment achieved stabilization (55.5%) or slowing of progression (27.8%), with 44.4% of those treated experiencing regrowth. Mean time to stabilization in the treated population was 19.6 months. Two patients did not pursue treatment, but received follow‐up and these untreated patients did not experience hair regrowth.

Conclusions

Most patients presented with clinically evident primary scarring alopecia. Biopsy may confirm the diagnosis. Active treatment should be pursued, and successful treatment often requires combination therapies. Time to stabilization often takes years. Screening for depression and anxiety should be pursued.
Slurs, neutral counterparts, and what you could have said
Authors: Falbo Arianna
Published: March 2021

Recent pragmatic accounts of slurs argue that the offensiveness of slurs is generated by a speaker's free choice to use a slur opposed to a more appropriate and semantically equivalent neutral counterpart. I argue that the theoretical role of neutral counterparts on such views is overstated. I consider two recent pragmatic analyses, Bolinger (Noûs, 51, 2017, 439) and Nunberg (New work on speech acts, Oxford University Press, 2018), which rely heavily upon the optionality of slurs, namely, that a speaker exercises a deliberate lexical choice to use a slur when they could have easily used a neutral counterpart instead. Against such views, I argue that across a range of different offensive uses of slurs, a speaker's choice to use a slur opposed to a neutral counterpart plays little to no role in accounting for why the slur generates offence. Such cases cast serious doubt upon the explanatory depth of these pragmatic analyses, and raise more general concerns for views which draw upon the relationship between a slur and its neutral counterpart. The main upshot is this: theorists should exercise caution in assuming that neutral counterparts play any fundamental or systemic role in explaining why slurs are offensive.
Increased insulin resistance is associated with vascular cognitive impairment in Chinese patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Guo Xiaoming , Zhu Yuting , Li Xinling , Lu Zhenhui , Cao Zhiyong , Yi Xiaoyi , Zhu Xiangyang
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between insulin resistance (IR) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).

Methods

A total of 275 CSVD patients were enrolled in this retrospective case–control study. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was used to measure the index of insulin resistance. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between HOMA‐IR and MoCA score. The variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to detect collinearity between variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to confirm whether HOMA‐IR is an independent risk factor for VCI in CVSD. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of HOMA‐IR in VCI.

Results

Of the 275 patients, 164 displayed VCI. VCI patients showed a significantly higher level of HOMA‐IR compared to non‐VCI patients (P < 0.001). HOMA‐IR was negatively correlated with the MoCA score (r = −0.593, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, using HOMA‐IR quartile 1 (<1.11) as the reference, HOMA‐IR quartile 3 (1.71–2.50) and quartile 4 (≥2.50) were independently associated with the occurrence of VCI; for each one unit increase in the HOMA‐IR, the risk of VCI increased by 177.3% (odds ratio 2.773, 95% confidence interval: 1.050–7.324, P = 0.040) and 444.3% (odds ratio 5.443, 95% confidence interval: 2.109–14.050, P < 0.001), respectively. According to the ROC curve, the optimal cut‐off point of HOMA‐IR in predicting VCI was 1.55, and the area under the curve was 0.744, with a sensitivity of 71.3% and a specificity of 69.4%.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that increased IR is significantly associated with VCI in CSVD patients.
Different antidumping legislations within the WTO: What can we learn from China's varying market economy status?
Authors: Sandkamp Alexander , Yalcin Erdal
Published: March 2021

This paper examines how varying antidumping methodologies applied within the World Trade Organization differ in the extent to which they reduce targeted exports. We show that antidumping duties, on average, hit Chinese exporters harder than those of other targeted countries. This difference can be traced back in part to China's non‐market economy status, which affects the way antidumping duties are calculated. Furthermore, we show that the type of imposed duty matters, as ad‐valorem duties affect exports differently compared to specific duties or duties conditional on the export price. Overall, however, antidumping duties remain effective in reducing imports independent of market economy status.
Optimal Block Designs for Experiments on Networks
Authors: Koutra Vasiliki , Gilmour Steven G. , Parker Ben M.
Published: March 2021

We propose a method for constructing optimal block designs for experiments on networks. The response model for a given network interference structure extends the linear network effects model to incorporate blocks. The optimality criteria are chosen to reflect the experimental objectives and an exchange algorithm is used to search across the design space for obtaining an efficient design when an exhaustive search is not possible. Our interest lies in estimating the direct comparisons among treatments, in the presence of nuisance network effects that stem from the underlying network interference structure governing the experimental units, or in the network effects themselves. Comparisons of optimal designs under different models, including the standard treatment models, are examined by comparing the variance and bias of treatment effect estimators. We also suggest a way of defining blocks, while taking into account the interrelations of groups of experimental units within a network, using spectral clustering techniques to achieve optimal modularity. We expect connected units within closed-form communities to behave similarly to an external stimulus. We provide evidence that our approach can lead to efficiency gains over conventional designs such as randomised designs that ignore the network structure and we illustrate its usefulness for experiments on networks.
The Death of the Seagull: Vera Kommissarzhevskaia and the Search for Transcendence in Late Imperial Russia
Authors: KLOPFENSTEIN MATTHEW
Published: March 2021

Vera Fedorovna Kommissarzhevskaia (1864–1910) was one of the most famous stage performers of late imperial Russia, perhaps best known for debuting the part of Nina Zarechnaia in Chekhov's The Seagull (Chaika). Her unexpected death in 1910 became a major public event and media sensation, prompting an enormous outpouring of mourning throughout the Russian Empire and extensive commentary in the press that demonstrated her significant social resonance and place in debates on pressing concerns animating late imperial Russia. This article examines the meanings ascribed to Kommissarzhevskaia by commentators and mourners alike through the symbol most frequently used to describe her: the seagull. Attention to the seagull motif in press coverage and public mourning reveals that mourners, influenced by Kommissarzhevskaia herself, transformed the seagull from a signifier of tragic, suffering womanhood into a symbol of emotionally sincere selfhood that promised the transcendence of the troubles of the present. For many Russians who viewed the present world as fragmented, inauthentic, and temporally disjointed, Kommissarzhevskaia as the seagull both embodied the troubles of modernity and suggested a model of overcoming them through an unwavering sense of self revealed by the performance of sincere feeling. Reactions to Kommissarzhevskaia's death demonstrate the social importance of ideas of sincere emotion and authentic selfhood as part of a larger search for transcendent individuals in the late imperial public sphere.
Geomorphometric descriptions of archipelagic aprons off the southern flanks of French Frigate Shoals and Necker Island edifices, Northwest Hawaiian Ridge
Authors: Gardner James V. , Calder Brian R. , Armstrong Andrew A.
Published: March 2021

This study describes the geomorphometries of archipelagic aprons on the southern flanks of the French Frigate Shoals and Necker Island edifices on the central Northwest Hawaiian Ridge that are hotspot volcanoes that have been dormant for 10–11 m.y. The archipelagic aprons are related to erosional headwall scarps and gullies on landslide surfaces but also include downslope gravitational features that include slides, debris avalanches, bedform fields, and outrunners. Some outrunners are located 85 km out onto the deep seafloor in water depths of 4900 m. The bedforms are interpreted to be the result of slow downslope sediment creep rather than products of turbidity currents. The archipelagic aprons appear to differ in origin from those off the Hawaiian Islands. The landslides off the Hawaiian Islands occurred because of oversteepening and loading during the constructive phase of the islands whereas the landslides off the French Frigate Shoals and Necker Island edifices may have resulted from vertical tectonics due to the uplift and relaxation of a peripheral bulge or isolated earthquakes long after the edifices passed beyond the hotspot. The lack of pelagic drape in water depths above the 4600 m depth of the local carbonate compensation depth suggests that the archipelagic apron off the French Frigate Shoals edifice is much younger, perhaps Quaternary in age, than that off the Necker Island edifice, which has a 50 m pelagic drape. The pelagic drape off the Necker Island edifice suggests that the landslides may be as old as 9 Ma. The lack of pelagic drape off the French Frigate Shoals edifice suggests that the most recent landslides are more recent, perhaps even Quaternary in age. The presence of a chute-like feature on the mid-flank of the French Frigate Shoals edifice appears to be the result of rejuvenated volcanism that occurred long after the initial volcanism ceased to build the edifice.
Supplemental Material: Small-world dynamics drove Phanerozoic divergence of burrowing behaviors
Authors: Baucon Andrea , al. et
Published: March 2021

Supplemental text, 7 supplemental figures, 3 supplemental tables, and 4 files of Python code.
Bilateral isolated C5 paralysis of the shoulder: Atypical presentation of a transdiscal C4-C5 cervical spine fracture
Authors: Mareddu Elisa , Traverso Aurélien , Laudato Pietro , Bauer Stefan
Published: March 2021

After a low-energy fall, an 83-year-old man presented with bilateral weakness of the upper arms without loss of sensation associated with a rigid cervical spine (ankylosing spinal disorder, ASD). Because of an atypical presentation during history, examination and initial imaging, a late diagnosis of a transdiscal C4-C5 fracture was made by dynamic radiographs. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were performed with delay. Strength improved from grade C to D (American Spinal Injury Association classification) after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a bilateral, isolated upper limb C5 paralysis without any loss of sensation caused by a transdiscal C4-C5 fracture. A high clinical and diagnostic index of suspicion is mandatory to make the diagnosis. We present three clinical ‘Awareness Criteria’ (1: recognition of ASD; 2: high index of fracture suspicion; 3: necessary imaging) helping clinicians to safely and promptly diagnose occult spinal fractures in ASD.
Customised hybrid CT-MRI 3D-printed model for grade V spondylolisthesis in an adolescent
Authors: Parthasarathy Jayanthi , Sribnick Eric A , Ho Mai-Lan , Beebe Allan
Published: March 2021

3D-printed patient-specific models provide added value for initial clinical diagnosis, preoperative surgical and implant planning and patient and trainee education. 3D spine models are usually designed using CT data, due to the ability to rapidly image osseous structures with high spatial resolution. Combining CT and MRI to derive a composite model of bony and neurological anatomy can potentially provide even more useful information for complex cases. We describe such a case involving an adolescent with a grade V spondylolisthesis in which a composite model was manufactured for preoperative and intraoperative evaluation and guidance. We provide a detailed workflow for creating such models and outline their potential benefit in guiding a multidisciplinary team approach.
What obstetricians should be aware of: serious side effects of antibiotic toxoplasmosis treatment in pregnancy
Authors: Ardabili Sara , Kohl Joachim , Gül Gülseven , Hodel Markus
Published: March 2021

Infection withToxoplasma gondiiis usually an asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic, self-limiting disease in immunocompetent individuals. However, during the pregnancy, primary infection can lead to transplacental vertical transmission resulting in congenital toxoplasmosis with possible severe sequelae. The efficacy of systematic screening remains controversial and the effect of antibiotic treatment is unclear. Although main side effects of antibiotic drugs used for toxoplasmosis are well known, mostly from malaria treatment, there is a lack of information about occurrence in pregnant woman treated for toxoplasmosis. We report a case of a healthy pregnant woman with primary toxoplasmosis infection in the second trimester, who developed a severe adverse reaction in form of hypersensitivity pneumonia after antibiotic treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine and discuss the literature.
Senolytic elimination of Cox2-expressing senescent cells inhibits the growth of premalignant pancreatic lesions
Authors: Kolodkin-Gal Dror , Roitman Lior , Ovadya Yossi , Azazmeh Narmen , Assouline Benjamin , Schlesinger Yehuda , Kalifa Rachel , Horwitz Shaul , Khalatnik Yonatan , Hochner-Ger Anna , Imam Ashraf , Demma Jonathan Abraham , Winter Eitan , Benyamini Hadar , Elgavish Sharona , Khatib Areej AS , Meir Karen , Atlan Karine , Pikarsky Eli , Parnas Oren , Dor Yuval , Zamir Gideon , Ben-Porath Ittai , Krizhanovsky Valery
Published: March 2021

Objective

Cellular senescence limits tumourigenesis by blocking the proliferation of premalignant cells. Additionally, however, senescent cells can exert paracrine effects influencing tumour growth. Senescent cells are present in premalignant pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, yet their effects on the disease are poorly characterised. It is currently unknown whether senolytic drugs, aimed at eliminating senescent cells from lesions, could be beneficial in blocking tumour development.

Design

To uncover the functions of senescent cells and their potential contribution to early pancreatic tumourigenesis, we isolated and characterised senescent cells from PanINs formed in a Kras-driven mouse model, and tested the consequences of their targeted elimination through senolytic treatment.

Results

We found that senescent PanIN cells exert a tumour-promoting effect through expression of a proinflammatory signature that includes high Cox2 levels. Senolytic treatment with the Bcl2-family inhibitor ABT-737 eliminated Cox2-expressing senescent cells, and an intermittent short-duration treatment course dramatically reduced PanIN development and progression to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions

These findings reveal that senescent PanIN cells support tumour growth and progression, and provide a first indication that elimination of senescent cells may be effective as preventive therapy for the progression of precancerous lesions.