bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Modulation in Lung Cancer: Current Concepts and Future Strategies
Authors: Gaissmaier Lena , Christopoulos Petros
Published: December 2020

Cancer immunotherapy represents the most dynamic field of biomedical research currently, with thoracic immuno-oncology as a forerunner. PD-(L)1 inhibitors are already part of standard first-line treatment for both non-small-cell and small-cell lung cancer, while unprecedented 5-year survival rates of 15–25% have been achieved in pretreated patients with metastatic disease. Evolving strategies are mainly aiming for improvement of T-cell function, increase of immune activation in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and supply of tumor-reactive lymphocytes. Several novel therapeutics have demonstrated preclinical efficacy and are increasingly used in rational combinations within clinical trials. Two overarching trends dominate: extension of immunotherapy to earlier disease stages, mainly as neoadjuvant treatment, and a shift of focus towards multivalent, individualized, mutatome-based antigen-specific modalities, mainly adoptive cell therapies and cancer vaccines. The former ensures ample availability of treated and untreated patient samples, the latter facilitates deeper mechanistic insights, and both in combination build an overwhelming force that is accelerating progress and driving the greatest revolution cancer medicine has seen so far. Today, immune modulation represents the most potent therapeutic modality in oncology, the most important topic in clinical and translational cancer research, and arguably our greatest, meanwhile justified hope for achieving cure of pulmonary neoplasms and other malignancies in the next future.
Frailty in Elderly Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Gastrectomy
Authors: Kim Guowei , Min Sa-Hong , Won Yongjoon , Lee Kanghaeng , Youn Sang Il , Tan Bo Chuan , Park Young Suk , Ahn Sang-Hoon , Park Do Joong , Kim Hyung-Ho
Published: December 2020

Introduction: There is a dearth of literature on frailty specifically in elderly (aged ≥65 years) gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy. We aim to assess the effects of frailty on postoperative outcomes. Methods: A review of a prospective database was performed from November 2011 to April 2019. Frailty was assessed by multidimensional frailty score (MFS). Outcomes assessed were early postoperative complications and mortality, and length of stay. Results: 289 patients were included. The mean age was 77.3 (range 66–94) years. 183 (63.3%) were males and 172 (59.5%) had early cancer. 275 (95.2%) underwent minimally invasive gastrectomy. 79 (27.3%) patients suffered early postoperative complications, with 47 (16.3%) suffering from Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 complications. One-year, 90-day, 30-day, and inhospital mortality were 6.6, 1.4, 0.7, and 0%, respectively. 111 (38.4%) of patients were classified as “frail” based on MFS > 5. “Frail” patients were associated with higher 1-year mortality (odds ratio (OR) 4.51, 95% CI 1.57–12.98, p = 0.005) on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, “frail” patients did not have significantly increased 1-year mortality. However, when definition of “frail” was changed from MFS > 5 to MFS > 6, frailty was significantly associated with increased 1-year mortality (OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.11–12.53, p = 0.033). Conclusions: Elderly gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy with MFS > 5 do not have increased mortality risk. The influence of frailty on postoperative outcomes may vary based on the risk of the surgical procedure.
Processo, precedentes e as novas formas de justificação da Administração Pública brasileira
Authors: Barros Marco Antonio Loschiavo Leme de
Published: December 2020

O artigo apresenta o instituto do precedente administrativo como maneira de justificação das decisões administrativa a partir da Lei federal n° 9.784/99. Para tanto, são apresentados os elementos principais da Lei federal, revelando a estrutura interna, e o contexto da transformação da administração pública brasileira na década de 1990. Após, discute-se como o tema da processualização contribuiu para a aplicação de precedentes administrativos e como o Novo Código de Processo Civil se relaciona com o ponto. Na ocasião, características e fundamentos são indicados para justificar a aplicação deste novo instituto no ordenamento pela administração pública, bem como são ressaltadas as dificuldades de operação com precedentes num país sem uma tradição igual à do common law. No final, são apresentados alguns apontamentos de um direito administrativo em transformação.
O Estado Regulador e Garantidor em tempos de crise e o Direito Administrativo da Regulação
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Augusto de
Published: December 2020

O estudo tem por objetivo analisar o atual intervencionismo estatal na ordem econômica, sobretudo após a crise econômico-financeira, iniciada em 2008 e de consequências universais. Busca-se, primeiramente, a compreensão das bases e finalidades do Estado Regulador e Garantidor dos Serviços Públicos. Em sequência, a identificação de mecanismos e instrumentos do direito administrativo da regulação que tenham o condão de possibilitar o aperfeiçoamento e a concretização desse modelo estatal e, como isso, a concretização do interesse publico.
Chamamento público para parcerias sociais – comentários à Lei n. 13.019/2014
Authors: Marrara Thiago , Cesário Natália de Aquino
Published: December 2020

As parcerias com as organizações da sociedade civil ganham crescente importância no contexto brasileiro atual, em que o Estado não logra suprir sozinho todas as demandas por ações de interesse público e, por conseguinte, passa fomentar, por instrumentos contratuais, o setor público não estatal. Para disciplinar essas relações, editou-se a Lei n. 13.019/2014, prevendo-se um importante mecanismo para a seleção impessoal das entidades privadas que se beneficiarão das parcerias com o Poder Público, qual seja, o chamamento público. Como funciona esse mecanismo? Quais são os seus principais aspectos? Quais os obstáculos encontrados para a sua eficácia e funcionamento? Esse artigo propõe-se a responder tais indagações ao apontar os aspectos centrais da fase de planejamento, abertura, classificação e habilitação do chamamento público.
Da atuação da Defensoria Pública para Promoção e Defesa dos Direitos da Mulher
Authors: Lewin Ana Paula de Oliveira Castro Meirelles , Prata Ana Rita Souza
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo pretende tratar da atuação da Defensoria Pública Estadual, sobretudo a Defensoria Pública paulista, em favor das mulheres, especialmente aquelas vítimas de violência doméstica e familiar, considerando as vulnerabilidades que permeiam as relações de gênero.
Patrimônio cultural em risco
Authors: Gomes Camila Paula de Barros
Published: December 2020

O tombamento, principal instituto para proteção e preservação do patrimônio histórico e cultural, não tem conseguido evitar a deterioração e perda de bens de extrema importância para a memória nacional. Vários fatores contribuem para essa ineficiência. Na busca por alternativas que contribuam para uma efetiva conservação dos bens de valor histórico e cultural, destaca-se a necessidade de uma participação mais efetiva da sociedade civil. Incentivos precisam ser criados para que investimentos privados sejam destinados ao patrimônio. A Lei Rouanet poderia ter esse objetivo, mas somente uma pequena parcela de seus recursos é destinada a essa finalidade. Recentemente aprovou-se a Lei que permite os endowments no Brasil e pode ser um caminho interessante a ser trilhado.
Ventilation With Argon Improves Survival With Good Neurological Recovery After Prolonged Untreated Cardiac Arrest in Pigs
Authors: Fumagalli Francesca , Olivari Davide , Boccardo Antonio , De Giorgio Daria , Affatato Roberta , Ceriani Sabina , Bariselli Simone , Sala Giulia , Cucino Alberto , Zani Davide , Novelli Deborah , Babini Giovanni , Magliocca Aurora , Russo Ilaria , Staszewsky Lidia , Salio Monica , Lucchetti Jacopo , Maisano Antonio Marco , Fiordaliso Fabio , Furlan Roberto , Gobbi Marco , Luini Mario Vittorio , Pravettoni Davide , Scanziani Eugenio , Belloli Angelo , Latini Roberto , Ristagno Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

Background

Ventilation with the noble gas argon (Ar) has shown neuroprotective and cardioprotective properties in different in vitro and in vivo models. Hence, the neuroprotective effects of Ar were investigated in a severe, preclinically relevant porcine model of cardiac arrest.

Methods and Results

Cardiac arrest was ischemically induced in 36 pigs and left untreated for 12 minutes before starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Animals were randomized to 4‐hour post‐resuscitation ventilation with: 70% nitrogen–30% oxygen (control); 50% Ar–20% nitrogen–30% oxygen (Ar 50%); and 70% Ar–30% oxygen (Ar 70%). Hemodynamic parameters and myocardial function were monitored and serial blood samples taken. Pigs were observed up to 96 hours for survival and neurological recovery. Heart and brain were harvested for histopathology. Ten animals in each group were successfully resuscitated. Ninety‐six‐hour survival was 60%, 70%, and 90%, for the control, Ar 50%, and Ar 70% groups, respectively. In the Ar 50% and Ar 70% groups, 60% and 80%, respectively, achieved good neurological recovery, in contrast to only 30% in the control group (
P
<0.0001). Histology showed less neuronal degeneration in the cortex (
P
<0.05) but not in the hippocampus, and less reactive microglia activation in the hippocampus (
P
=0.007), after Ar compared with control treatment. A lower increase in circulating biomarkers of brain injury, together with less kynurenine pathway activation (
P
<0.05), were present in Ar‐treated animals compared with controls. Ar 70% pigs also had complete left ventricular function recovery and smaller infarct and cardiac troponin release (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions

Post‐resuscitation ventilation with Ar significantly improves neurologic recovery and ameliorates brain injury after cardiac arrest with long no‐flow duration. Benefits are greater after Ar 70% than Ar 50%.
Risk Factor Burden and Long‐Term Prognosis of Patients With Premature Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Zeitouni Michel , Clare Robert M. , Chiswell Karen , Abdulrahim Jawan , Shah Nishant , Pagidipati Neha P. , Shah Svati H. , Roe Matthew T. , Patel Manesh R. , Jones W. Schuyler
Published: December 2020

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing among young adults. We aimed to describe the cardiovascular risk factors and long‐term prognosis of premature CAD.

Methods and Results

Using the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease, we evaluated 3655 patients admitted between 1995 and 2013 with a first diagnosis of obstructive CAD before the age of 50 years. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or revascularization, were ascertained for up to 10 years. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess associations with the rate of first recurrent event, and negative binomial log‐linear regression was used for rate of multiple event recurrences. Past or current smoking was the most frequent cardiovascular factor (60.8%), followed by hypertension (52.8%) and family history of CAD (39.8%). Within a 10‐year follow‐up, 52.9% of patients had at least 1 MACE, 18.6% had at least 2 recurrent MACEs, and 7.9% had at least 3 recurrent MACEs, with death occurring in 20.9% of patients. Across follow‐up, 31.7% to 37.2% of patients continued smoking, 81.7% to 89.3% had low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels beyond the goal of 70 mg/dL, and 16% had new‐onset diabetes mellitus. Female sex, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, multivessel disease, and chronic inflammatory disease were factors associated with recurrent MACEs.

Conclusions

Premature CAD is an aggressive disease with frequent ischemic recurrences and premature death. Individuals with premature CAD have a high proportion of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, but failure to control them is frequently observed.
Comparison of Early Surgical or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Conservative Management in Low‐Flow, Low‐Gradient Aortic Stenosis Using Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting: Results From the TOPAS Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Annabi Mohamed‐Salah , Côté Nancy , Dahou Abdellaziz , Bartko Philipp E. , Bergler‐Klein Jutta , Burwash Ian G. , Orwat Stefan , Baumgartner Helmut , Mascherbauer Julia , Mundigler Gerald , Fukui Miho , Cavalcante Joao , Ribeiro Henrique B. , Rodès‐Cabau Josep , Clavel Marie‐Annick , Pibarot Philippe
Published: December 2020

Background

No randomized comparison of early (ie, ≤3 months) aortic valve replacement (AVR) versus conservative management or of transcatheter AVR (TAVR) versus surgical AVR has been conducted in patients with low‐flow, low‐gradient (LFLG) aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and Results

A total of 481 consecutive patients (75±10 years; 71% men) with LFLG AS (aortic valve area ≤0.6 cm
2
/m
2
and mean gradient <40 mm Hg), 72% with classic LFLG and 28% with paradoxical LFLG, were prospectively recruited in the multicenter TOPAS (True or Pseudo Severe Aortic Stenosis) study. True‐severe AS or pseudo‐severe AS was adjudicated by flow‐independent criteria. During follow‐up (median [IQR] 36 [11–60] months), 220 patients died. Using inverse probability of treatment weighting to address the bias of nonrandom treatment assignment, early AVR (n=272) was associated with a major overall survival benefit (hazard ratio [HR], 0.34 [95% CI, 0.24–0.50];
P
<0.001). This benefit was observed in patients with true‐severe AS but also with pseudo‐severe AS (HR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.18–0.81];
P
=0.01), and in classic (HR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.22–0.49];
P
<0.001) and paradoxical LFLG AS (HR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.20–0.92];
P
=0.03). Compared with conservative management in the conventional multivariate model, trans femoral TAVR was associated with the best survival (HR, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.12–0.43];
P
<0.001), followed by surgical AVR (HR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.23–0.56];
P
<0.001) and alternative‐access TAVR (HR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.31–0.82];
P
=0.007). In the inverse probability of treatment weighting model, trans femoral TAVR appeared to be superior to surgical AVR (HR [95% CI] 0.28 [0.11–0.72];
P
=0.008) with regard to survival.

Conclusions

In this large prospective observational study of LFLG AS, early AVR appeared to confer a major survival benefit in both classic and paradoxical LFLG AS. This benefit seems to extend to the subgroup with pseudo‐severe AS. Our findings suggest that TAVR using femoral access might be the best strategy in these patients.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01835028.
Associations Between Atrial Cardiopathy and Cerebral Amyloid: The ARIC‐PET Study
Authors: Johansen Michelle C. , Mosley Thomas H. , Knopman David S. , Wong Dean F. , Ndumele Chiadi , Shah Amil M. , Solomon Scott D. , Gottesman Rebecca F.
Published: December 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a risk factor for cognitive decline, possibly from silent brain infarction. Left atrial changes in structure or function (atrial cardiopathy) can lead to AF but may impact cognition independently. It is unknown if AF or atrial cardiopathy also acts on Alzheimer disease–specific mechanisms, such as deposition of β‐amyloid.

Methods and Results

A total of 316 dementia‐free participants from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study underwent florbetapir positron emission tomography, electrocardiography, and 2‐dimensional echocardiography. Atrial cardiopathy was defined as ≥1: (1) left atrial volume index >34 mL/m
2
; (2) P‐wave terminal force >5000 µV×ms; and (3) serum NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) >250 pg/mL. Cross‐sectional associations between global cortical β‐amyloid (>1.2 standardized uptake value ratio) and adjudicated history of AF and atrial cardiopathy, each, were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Participants (mean age, 76 years) were 56% women and 42% Black individuals. Odds of elevated florbetapir standardized uptake value ratio were significantly increased among those with atrial cardiopathy (odds ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.02–3.22) and doubled for those with enlarged left atrial volume index after adjustment for demographics/risk factors (95% CI, 1.04–4.61). There was no association between P‐wave terminal force or NT‐proBNP and elevated florbetapir standardized uptake value ratio, nor between AF and elevated standardized uptake value ratio.

Conclusions

Among healthy, nondemented community‐dwelling older individuals, we report an association between atrial cardiopathy, left atrial volume index, and elevated brain amyloid, by positron emission tomography, without a similar association in individuals with AF. Potential limitations include reverse causation and survival bias. Ongoing work will help determine if changes in cardiac structure and function precede or occur simultaneously with amyloid deposition.
Loculosulcatispora thailandica gen. et sp. nov. (Sulcatisporaceae), saprobic on woody litter in Thailand

Authors: REN GUANG-CONG , WANASINGHE DHANUSHKA N. , WEI DE-PING , MONKAI JUTAMART , YASANTHIKA ERANDI , GUI HENG , MORTIMER PETER E. , XU JIAN-CHU , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: December 2020

A new monotypic coelomycetous genus, Loculosulcatispora (type species L. thailandica) is introduced in Pleosporales from woody litter in Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis of combined non-translated loci (SSU, LSU, ITS) and protein-coding regions (tef1-α, rpb2) shows the genus is a distinct lineage in Sulcatisporaceae. Loculosulcatispora is distinguished from other genera in the family, by having 1-celled, oblong, hyaline, smooth-walled conidia with guttules. Comprehensive morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided for the new genus and species.
Morphological and molecular analyses reveal two new species of Guepinia from China

Authors: SHEN YANG , FAN LI
Published: December 2020

Guepinia alba sp. nov. and G. shanxiense sp. nov. are described and illustrated from Northern China in this paper. Morphologically, G. alba is distinguished from other Guepinia species by whitish basidiomata and 4-spored basidia while G. shanxiense is diagnosed by reddish orange basidiomata and ellipsoid to oblong ellipsoid basidiospores. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and nrLSU sequences support the establishment of the two new species.
Kalanchoe ×edwardii (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a nothospecies derived from K. beharensis and K. tomentosa
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , SHTEIN RONEN
Published: December 2020

The recently described Kalanchoe ×gildenhuysii Smith & Figueiredo (2020: 43) and K. ×hummeliae Smith (2020a: 91) both have K. millotii Hamet & Perrier de la Bâthie (1912: 374) as one parent, with the other parent being K. tomentosa Baker (1882: 110) and K. beharensis Drake del Castillo (1903: 41), respectively. These three species are shrubby or arborescent; virtually throughout densely tomentose, although to a much lesser extent on the adaxial surfaces of the petal lobes; have prominent calyces that in some cases obscure much of the corolla tube; and rather dull coloured flowers, except in K. tomentosa that can have strongly purple-infused to purple corollas. These species of Kalanchoe Adanson (1763: 248) all originate from Madagascar, a present-day and likely historic centre of high species diversity for the genus (Gehrig et al. 2001, Descoings 2003, Smith & Figueiredo 2018).
Distribution status of the Western Burrowing Frog, Sphaerotheca pashchima in India
Authors: DEEPAK P. , DINESH K.P. , PRASAD VISHAL KUMAR , DAS ABHIJIT , ASHADEVI J.S.
Published: December 2020

In a recent study, Hortal et al. (2015) recognized seven shortfalls of knowledge that hamper our understanding of biodiversity. Three of these are of particular importance for drawing conservation strategies for ecological indicator species, among which we can count the amphibians (Simon et al. 2011): the Linnean shortfall describes ‘the knowledge incongruity between the described species and the remaining species yet to be described’ (Brown & Lomolino 1998); the Wallacean shortfall defines ‘paucity of knowledge about the actual distribution range of the species’ (Lomolino 2004); and the Darwinian shortfall refers to ‘lack of knowledge about the tree of life and evolution of lineages, species and traits’ (Diniz-Filho et al. 2013).
Alburnus nasreddini, a synonym of A. escherichii (Teleostei: Leuciscidae)
Authors: BAYÇELEBİ ESRA , TURAN DAVUT , KAYA CÜNEYT , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: December 2020

Alburnus nasreddini described from Lake Eber in Central Anatolia is a junior synonym of A. escherichii, a widespread species in adjacent Sakarya River drainage. We found no morphological characters to distinguish Alburnus nasreddini from A. escherichii and both are poorly distinguished on a molecular level also.
Comparison of the Circulation Anomalies Associated with Wet and Dry Extreme Heat in South Korea and Southern–Central Japan
Authors: Xu Ke , Lu Riyu , Na Ying , Kim Baek-Jo , Mao Jiangyu , Byon Jae-Young , Pang Bo
Published: December 2020

This study indicates a significant variation of humidity on extreme heat (EH) days over South Korea and southern–central Japan during the period 1979–2018. EH is therefore classified into three categories: type-A wet EH, type-B wet EH, and dry EH. Their statistical characteristics and formation mechanisms are investigated and compared. Our results suggest that the type-A wet EH is the most destructive, with the highest intensity, longest duration, and broadest spatial scale covering most of midlatitude East Asia. By contrast, type-B wet EH and dry EH are weaker, shorter, and mostly confined to northeast Asia. Despite these differences in characteristics, both types of wet EH are caused by the poleward advance of tropical warm and humid air masses as a result of the northward displacement of the Asian westerly jet. By contrast, dry EH is primarily induced by an increase in adiabatic heating and solar radiation resulting from anomalous subsidence. The three types of EH are associated with distinct large-scale teleconnections over Eurasia. A stable and persistent tripole wave pattern is responsible for type-A wet EH. The activity of atmospheric blocking over northern Europe, where the pattern originates, plays a crucial role in maintaining this pattern. By contrast, type-B wet EH and dry EH are related to a quadrupole pattern and a Silk Road pattern–like teleconnection, respectively, both lasting for a shorter time. These results highlight the diversity of EH, which suggests that multiple local and large-scale circulations should be considered to improve the forecast skills for EH.
The Grounding of Floating Objects in a Marginal Sea
Authors: Pawlowicz R.
Published: December 2020

Beaches, especially at or above the high tide line, are often covered in debris. An obvious approach to understanding the source of this debris elsewhere in the ocean is to use Lagrangian methods (observationally or in numerical simulations). However, the actual grounding of these floating objects, that is, the transition between freely floating near the coast and motionless on land, is poorly understood. Here, 800 groundings from a recent circulation project using expendable tracked drifters in the Salish Sea are statistically analyzed. Although the grounding process for individual drifters can be complex and highly variable, suitable analyses show that the complications of coastlines can be statistically summarized in meaningful ways. The velocity structure approaching the coastline suggests a quasi-steady “log-layer” associated with coastline friction. Although groundings are marginally more likely to occur at higher tides, there are many counterexamples and the preference is not overwhelming. The actual grounding process is then well modeled as a stationary process using a classical eddy-diffusivity formulation, and the eddy diffusivity that best matches observations is similar to that appearing in open waters away from the coast. A new parameter in this formulation is equivalent to a mean shoreward velocity for floating objects, which could vary with beach morphology and also (in theory) be measured offshore. Finally, it appears that currently used ad hoc beaching parameterizations should be reasonably successful in qualitative terms, but are unlikely to be quantitatively accurate enough for predictions of grounding mass budgets and fluxes.
ARPEGE Cloud Cover Forecast Postprocessing with Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Dupuy Florian , Mestre Olivier , Serrurier Mathieu , Burdá Valentin Kivachuk , Zamo Michaël , Cabrera-Gutiérrez Naty Citlali , Bakkay Mohamed Chafik , Jouhaud Jean-Christophe , Mader Maud-Alix , Oller Guillaume
Published: December 2020

Cloud cover provides crucial information for many applications such as planning land observation missions from space. It remains, however, a challenging variable to forecast, and numerical weather prediction (NWP) models suffer from significant biases, hence, justifying the use of statistical postprocessing techniques. In this study, ARPEGE (Météo-France global NWP) cloud cover is postprocessed using a convolutional neural network (CNN). CNN is the most popular machine learning tool to deal with images. In our case, CNN allows the integration of spatial information contained in NWP outputs. We use a gridded cloud cover product derived from satellite observations over Europe as ground truth, and predictors are spatial fields of various variables produced by ARPEGE at the corresponding lead time. We show that a simple U-Net architecture (a particular type of CNN) produces significant improvements over Europe. Moreover, the U-Net outclasses more traditional machine learning methods used operationally such as a random forest and a logistic quantile regression. When using a large number of predictors, a first step toward interpretation is to produce a ranking of predictors by importance. Traditional methods of ranking (permutation importance, sequential selection, etc.) need important computational resources. We introduced a weighting predictor layer prior to the traditional U-Net architecture in order to produce such a ranking. The small number of additional weights to train (the same as the number of predictors) does not impact the computational time, representing a huge advantage compared to traditional methods.
The Impact of Enhancements to Weather-Forecasting Services on Agricultural Investment Behavior: A Field Experiment in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsuan , Lin Hen-I , Wen Fang-I , Sheu Sheng-Jang
Published: December 2020

A better understanding of farmers’ investment strategies associated with climate and weather is crucial to protecting farming and other climate-exposed sectors from extreme hydrometeorological events. Accordingly, this study employed a field experiment to investigate the investment decisions under risk and uncertainty by 213 farmers from four regions of Taiwan. Each was asked 30 questions that paired “no investment,” “investment with crop insurance,” “investment with subsidized crop insurance,” and “investment” as possible responses. By providing imperfect information and various probabilities of certain states occurring, the experimental scenarios mimicked various types of weather-forecasting services. As well as their socioeconomic characteristics, the background information we collected about the participants included their experiences of natural disasters and what actions they take to protect their crops from weather damage. The sampled farmers became more conservative in their decision-making as the weather forecasts they received became more precise, except when increases in risk were associated with high returns. The provision of insurance subsidies also had a conservatizing effect. However, considerable variation in investment preferences was observed according to the farmers’ crop types. For those seeking to create comprehensive policies aimed at helping the agricultural sector deal with the costs of damage from extreme events, this study has important implications. This approach could be extended to research on the perceptions of decision-makers in other climate-exposed sectors such as the construction industry.
Fault prognostics of rolling element bearing based on feature extraction and supervised machine learning: Application to shaft wind turbine gearbox using vibration signal
Authors: Gougam Fawzi , Chemseddine Rahmoune , Benazzouz Djamel , Benaggoune Khaled , Zerhouni Noureddine
Published: December 2020

Renewable energies offer new solutions to an ever-increasing energy demand. Wind energy is one of the main sources of electricity production, which uses winds to be converted to electrical energy with lower cost and environment saving. The major failures of a wind turbine occur in the bearings of high-speed shafts. This paper proposes the use of optimized machine learning to predict the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of bearing based on vibration data and features extraction. Significant features are extracted from filtered band-pass of the squared raw signal where the health indicators are automatically selected using relief technique. Optimized Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) by Partical Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to model the non linear degradation of the extracted indicators. The proposed approach is applied on experimental setup of wind turbine where the results show its effectiveness for RUL estimation.
Aerothermal and aerodynamic performance of turbine blade squealer tip under the influence of guide vane passing wake
Authors: Zhang Bo , Qiang Xiaoqing
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the performance of the turbine blade squealer tip has been studied detailed aimed to highlight the impact of the upstream guide vane passing wake. The first stage of GE-E3 high-pressure turbine has been employed to perform the three-dimensional simulation and the computational domain has been scaled based on the domain scaling method. Boundary conditions are consistent with operating conditions of the annular cascade testing. Circumferential averaged and realistic non-uniform interface conditions have been used to obtain steady and unsteady characteristics respectively. The validation of the turbulent model and mesh independent test has been conducted detailed in previous work. Three squealer tips, including two widths and heights, have been designed and investigated to understand its influence.

Results show that the aerothermal performance of the squealer tip is remarkably influenced by the upstream passing wake. Although steady and time-averaged results have a good agreement, the variation of instantaneous heat transfer coefficient (HTC) would be over 30%, especially on the Cavity Floor region. Changing the geometry of the squealer also has different impacts on both steady and unsteady performance. The unsteady aerodynamic has relatively small fluctuation within 10%, and the distribution of steady and time-averaged leakage flow as well as total pressure loss coefficient still have a satisfactory agreement.
Generating axial compressor maps to zero speed
Authors: Ferrer-Vidal Luis E , Pachidis Vassilios , Tunstall Richard J
Published: December 2020

Gas turbine performance models typically rely on component maps to characterize engine component performance throughout the operational regime. For the sub-idle case, the lack of reliable rig test data or inability to run design codes far from design conditions entails that component maps have to be generated from the extrapolation of existing data at higher speeds. This undermines the accuracy of whole-engine sub-idle performance models, at times impacting engine development and certification of aviation engines and the accuracy of start-up performance prediction in industrial gas turbines. One of the main components driving this issue is the core compression system, which can present operability concerns during light-up and which also sets the combustor airflow required for ignition. This paper presents, discusses, and draws on previous approaches to describe a method enabling the creation of sub-idle compressor maps from analytical and physical grounds. The method relies on the calculation of zero-speed and torque-free lines to generate a map down to zero speed along with analytical interpolation. A method for the interpolation process is described. A sensitivity study is carried out to assess the effects that different elements of the map generation process may have on the accuracy of the resulting performance calculation. Overall, a method for the generation of accurate, consistent maps from limited geometry data is identified.
Strengthening policy coding methodologies to improve COVID-19 disease modeling and policy responses: a proposed coding framework and recommendations
Authors: Lane Jeff , Garrison Michelle M. , Kelley James , Sarma Priya , Katz Aaron
Published: December 2020

Background

In recent months, multiple efforts have sought to characterize COVID-19 social distancing policy responses. These efforts have used various coding frameworks, but many have relied on coding methodologies that may not adequately describe the gradient in social distancing policies as states “re-open.”

Methods

We developed a COVID-19 social distancing intensity framework that is sufficiently specific and sensitive to capture this gradient. Based on a review of policies from a 12 U.S. state sample, we developed a social distancing intensity framework consisting of 16 domains and intensity scales of 0–5 for each domain.

Results

We found that the states with the highest average daily intensity from our sample were Pennsylvania, Washington, Colorado, California, and New Jersey, with Georgia, Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas having the lowest. While some domains (such as restaurants and movie theaters) showed bimodal policy intensity distributions compatible with binary (yes/no) coding, others (such as childcare and religious gatherings) showed broader variability that would be missed without more granular coding.

Conclusion

This detailed intensity framework reveals the granularity and nuance between social distancing policy responses. Developing standardized approaches for constructing policy taxonomies and coding processes may facilitate more rigorous policy analysis and improve disease modeling efforts.
Hand injuries in sports – a retrospective analysis of 364 cases
Authors: Stögner Viola A. , Kaltenborn Alexander , Laser Hans , Vogt Peter M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Hand injuries are common in sports and associated with high dropout rates and costs.

Hence, efforts should strive for further risk prevention measures in order to increase safety in sports. This implies knowledge of sports injury risk profiles. So far, major surveillance programs exist mainly in Anglo-American countries, reflecting the specific concerns of sports in this part of the world. Data on sports injuries within Europe are scarce. As sports behaviour appears to vary demographically, we hypothesised that risk injury profiles differ as well.

Methods

To assess whether the described sports injuries of the hand are applicable to the German population, we performed a five-year retrospective, single-centre analysis of sports-related hand injuries, using data from the Enterprise Clinical Research Data Warehouse of the Hannover Medical School.

Results

Notable differences in comparison to other data were observed. Ball sports, cycling and equestrian sports caused most of the recorded hand injuries, which were predominantly fractures of the wrist and hand. Hand injuries in equestrian sports were associated with significantly higher operation and hospitalisation rates as well as a significantly longer inpatient treatment.

Conclusion

Risk profiles for sports-related hand injuries appear to differ not only in terms of age- and sex, but also geographically. Nation- and Europe-wide hand trauma registries as well as a broad registry participation are necessary in order to accurately assess the risk patterns in Europe; henceforth reducing hand injuries and their sequelae.
Quality indicators for the evaluation of end-of-life care in Germany – a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of statutory health insurance data
Authors: van Baal Katharina , Schrader Sophie , Schneider Nils , Wiese Birgitt , Stahmeyer Jona Theodor , Eberhard Sveja , Geyer Siegfried , Stiel Stephanie , Afshar Kambiz
Published: December 2020

Background

The provision and quality of end-of-life care (EoLC) in Germany is inconsistent. Therefore, an evaluation of current EoLC based on quality indicators is needed. This study aims to evaluate EoLC in Germany on the basis of quality indicators pertaining to curative overtreatment, palliative undertreatment and delayed palliative care (PC). Results were compared with previous findings.

Methods

Data from a statutory health insurance provider (AOK Lower Saxony) pertaining to deceased members in the years 2016 and 2017 were used to evaluate EoLC. The main indicators were: chemotherapy for cancer patients in the last month of life, first-time percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for patients with dementia in the last 3 months of life, number of hospitalisations and days spent in inpatient treatment in the last 6 months of life, and provision of generalist and specialist outpatient PC in the last year of life. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results

Data for 64,275 deceased members (54.3% female; 35.1% cancer patients) were analysed. With respect to curative overtreatment, 10.4% of the deceased with cancer underwent chemotherapy in the last month and 0.9% with dementia had a new PEG insertion in the last 3 months of life. The mean number of hospitalisations and inpatient treatment days per deceased member was 1.6 and 16.5, respectively, in the last 6 months of life. Concerning palliative undertreatment, generalist outpatient PC was provided for 28.0% and specialist outpatient PC was provided for 9.0% of the deceased. Regarding indicators for delayed PC, the median onset of generalist and specialist outpatient PC was 47.0 and 24.0 days before death, respectively.

Conclusion

Compared to data from 2010 to 2014, the data analysed in the present study suggest an ongoing curative overtreatment in terms of chemotherapy and hospitalisation, a reduction in new PEG insertions and an increase in specialist PC. The number of patients receiving generalist PC remained low, with delayed onset. Greater awareness of generalist PC and the early integration of PC are recommended.

Trial registration

The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00015108; 22 January 2019).
Nurses’ perception about posttraumatic growth (PTG) after natural disasters
Authors: Wijoyo Eriyono Budi , Susanti Herni , Panjaitan Ria Utami , Putri Arcellia Farosyah
Published: December 2020

Background

Natural disasters have become the most common, profound, and universal type of catastrophes over decades. Natural disasters can lead to both negative and positive impacts on survivors. Nurses have an important role in fostering posttraumatic growth (PTG) as a positive psychological adjustment amongst the survivors. However, nurses may have different perceptions of their roles in PTG. Such differences may result in various approaches in supporting PTG as best as possible. Therefore, nurses’ perception regarding PTG needs to be explored.

Method

This study used a descriptive qualitative approach. A total of fourteen nurse participants were included across five different cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed with a thematic method.

Results

The study revealed three themes, as follows (1) PTG is a new concept for nurses, (2) PTG is a condition that needs to be sought by volunteers, and (3) PTG means human-God and human-human positive relationships.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of improving nurses’ understanding regarding PTG so that they can deliver appropriate strategies or interventions to support survivors in gaining positive changes after experiencing a natural disaster. The study recommends that knowledge and skills related to PTG should be introduced in undergraduate nursing program.
Baby names in Japan, 2004–2018: common writings and their readings
Authors: Ogihara Yuji
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To conduct empirical research on Japanese names, actual name data including both writings and readings are necessary. However, there was no database available that met these conditions. Therefore, in the present article, I provided raw data of approximately 8000 names of Japanese babies born between 2004 and 2018.

Data description

The data include common writings of baby names and their readings generated from annual surveys on baby names conducted by a Japanese private company. The data have advantages: (1) they include both writings and readings of baby names, (2) they were collected under the same conditions over 15 years, (3) their sample sizes are relatively large, and (4) they are open to the public. In contrast, the data have limitations: their samples are neither highly representative nor very large. Overall, this article will be useful for empirical research on Japanese names and people in general (especially for medical and educational service workers).
Effects of psychological interventions on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing major elective abdominal surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Villa Gianluca , Lanini Iacopo , Amass Timothy , Bocciero Vittorio , Scirè Calabrisotto Caterina , Chelazzi Cosimo , Romagnoli Stefano , De Gaudio A. Raffaele , Lauro Grotto Rosapia
Published: December 2020

A maladaptive response to surgical stress might lead to postoperative complications. A multidisciplinary approach aimed at controlling the surgical stress response may reduce procedural complications and improve patients’ quality of life in the short and long term. Several studies suggest that psychological interventions may interact with the pathophysiology of surgical stress response, potentially influencing wound repair, innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, perception of pain, and patients’ mood. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the effects of perioperative psychological interventions on surgical pain and/or anxiety in adult patients scheduled for elective general abdominal and/or urologic surgery.

We conducted a systematic review of controlled clinical trials and observational studies involving psychological interventions for adult patients scheduled for elective general abdominal and/or urologic surgery. Only studies reporting pain and/or anxiety among outcome measures were included in the systematic review. The following psychological interventions were considered: (1) relaxation techniques, (2) cognitive-behavioural therapies, (3) mindfulness, (4) narrative medicine, (5) hypnosis and (6) coping strategies.

We examined 2174 papers. Among these, 9 studies were considered eligible for inclusion in this systematic review (1126 patients cumulatively): 8 are randomised controlled trials and 1 is an observational prospective pre/post study.

Psychological characteristics widely influence the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the neuroendocrine and inflammatory response to surgical stress, potentially interfering with surgical outcomes. Psychological interventions are technically feasible and realistically applicable perioperatively during abdominal and/or urologic surgery; they influence the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying maladaptive surgical stress response and might have positive effects on patients’ surgical outcomes, such as pain and anxiety.
Lophira lanceolata protects testicular and spermatological damages induced by cisplatin in male Wistar rats
Authors: Agu Solomon Tsekohol , Ezihe Christian Okechukwu , Itodo Paul Friday , Abu Hyacinth Adakole
Published: December 2020

Abstracts

Background

Chemotherapy is associated with male infertility. Cisplatin (CP), an antineoplastic agent has been successfully used for the treatment of diverse kinds of malignancies, however, the use of this effective agent could induce oxidative stress injury, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and testicular damage. Combined CP chemotherapy with plant extracts can diminish the toxicity and enhance the antitumor efficacy of the drug. The objective of the study was to determine the protective effect Lophira lanceolata leaf extract (LLLE) on CP-induced toxicity on male reproductive organs.

Methods

The study was carried out with 30 (n = 30) male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Rats in group 1 (Control) were administered distilled water per os. Rats in group 2 were administered 5 mg/kg of CP intraperitoneally (i.p). Rats in groups 3 and 4 were administered per os LLLE at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight and rats in groups 5 and 6 were administered 5 mg/kg body weight of CP + LLLE at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively.

Results

The results showed a significant decrease in the sperm parameters in the group treated with CP alone when compared with the control and there in the sperm parameters in the groups administered CP + LLLE. The body and organ weights of the rats were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the CP treated group relative to the control. However, there was an increase in the weight of the organs in the LLLE pretreated groups. The photomicrographs showed degenerative changes in the testicular tissues of the rats administered CP alone whereas the group pretreated with the LLLE showed amelioration induced by the CP. Our study revealed that CP treatment has deleterious effects on sperm parameters and testicular tissues and the accessory sex organs (Epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles) of the rats. Oral administration of LLLE at 200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight for 26 days conferred protective effects against testicular damage induced by CP.

Conclusion

This study revealed that pretreatment with LLLE protected against CP-induced testicular toxicity.
Population genomics of East Asian ethnic groups
Authors: Pan Ziqing , Xu Shuhua
Published: December 2020

East Asia constitutes one-fifth of the global population and exhibits substantial genetic diversity. However, genetic investigations on populations in this region have been largely under-represented compared with European populations. Nonetheless, the last decade has seen considerable efforts and progress in genome-wide genotyping and whole-genome sequencing of the East-Asian ethnic groups. Here, we review the recent studies in terms of ancestral origin, population relationship, genetic differentiation, and admixture of major East- Asian groups, such as the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese populations. We mainly focus on insights from the whole-genome sequence data and also include the recent progress based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome data. We further discuss the evolutionary forces driving genetic diversity in East-Asian populations, and provide our perspectives for future directions on population genetics studies, particularly on underrepresented indigenous groups in East Asia.
Cerebral sterile inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Otani Kento , Shichita Takashi
Published: December 2020

Therapeutic strategies for regulating neuroinflammation are expected in the development of novel therapeutic agents to prevent the progression of central nervous system (CNS) pathologies. An understanding of the detailed molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuroinflammation in each CNS disease is necessary for the development of therapeutics. Since the brain is a sterile organ, neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is triggered by cerebral cellular damage or the abnormal accumulation of inflammatogenic molecules in CNS tissue through the activation of innate and acquired immunity. Inflammation and CNS pathologies worsen each other through various cellular and molecular mechanisms, such as oxidative stress or the accumulation of inflammatogenic molecules induced in the damaged CNS tissue. In this review, we summarize the recent evidence regarding sterile immune responses in neurodegenerative diseases.