bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparse Sampling of Intermittent Turbulence Generated by Breaking Surface Waves
Authors: Derakhti Morteza , Thomson Jim , Kirby James T.
Published: February 2020

We examine how Eulerian statistics of wave breaking and associated turbulence dissipation rates in a field of intermittent events compare with those obtained from sparse Lagrangian sampling by surface following drifters. We use a polydisperse two-fluid model with large-eddy simulation (LES) resolution and volume-of-fluid surface reconstruction (VOF) to simulate the generation and evolution of turbulence and bubbles beneath short-crested wave breaking events in deep water. Bubble contributions to dissipation and momentum transfer between the water and air phases are considered. Eulerian statistics are obtained from the numerical results, which are available on a fixed grid. Next, we sample the LES/VOF model results with a large number of virtual surface-following drifters that are initially distributed in the numerical domain, regularly or irregularly, before each breaking event. Time-averaged Lagrangian statistics are obtained using the time series sampled by the virtual drifters. We show that convergence of statistics occurs for signals that have minimum length of approximately 1000–3000 wave periods with randomly spaced observations in time and space relative to three-dimensional breaking events. We further show important effects of (i) extent of measurements over depth and (ii) obscuration of velocity measurements due to entrained bubbles, which are the two typical challenges in most of the available in situ observations of upper ocean wave breaking turbulence. An empirical correction factor is developed and applied to the previous observations of Thomson et al. Applying the new correction factor to the observations noticeably improves the inferred energy balance of wind input rates and turbulence dissipation rates. Finally, both our simulation results and the corrected observations suggested that the total wave breaking dissipation rates have a nearly linear relation with active whitecap coverage.
The Impact of Parameterized Lateral Mixing on the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in a Coupled Climate Model
Authors: Ragen Sarah , Pradal Marie-Aude , Gnanadesikan Anand
Published: February 2020

This study examines the impact of changing the lateral diffusion coefficient ARedi on the transport of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). The lateral diffusion coefficient ARedi is poorly constrained, with values ranging across an order of magnitude in climate models. The ACC is difficult to accurately simulate, and there is a large spread in eastward transport in the Southern Ocean (SO) in these models. This paper examines how much of that spread can be attributed to different eddy parameterization coefficients. A coarse-resolution, fully coupled model suite was run with ARedi = 400, 800, 1200, and 2400 m2 s−1. Additionally, two simulations were run with two-dimensional representations of the mixing coefficient based on satellite altimetry. Relative to the 400 m2 s−1 case, the 2400 m2 s−1 case exhibits 1) an 11% decrease in average wind stress from 50° to 65°S, 2) a 20% decrease in zonally averaged eastward transport in the SO, and 3) a 14% weaker transport through the Drake Passage. The decrease in transport is well explained by changes in the thermal current shear, largely due to increases in ocean density occurring on the northern side of the ACC. In intermediate waters these increases are associated with changes in the formation of intermediate waters in the North Pacific. We hypothesize that the deep increases are associated with changes in the wind stress curl allowing Antarctic Bottom Water to escape and flow northward.
Exploring Kernberg’s Model of Personality Functioning as a Moderator of Traits: Focus on DSM-5’s Section III Alternative Model of Personality Disorder
Authors: Sexton James , Hilton Margaret , Benson Stephanie , Rosen Adam
Published: February 2020

A current trend emphasizes simplified models of traits and personality functioning that would reduce individuals to as few as five potential traits and one dimension of personality functioning. However, the evidence behind those models is based on linear methods of analysis that authors from Cattell to Kernberg (2016) believe do not capture the potential moderating interaction effects of personality. Using models of traits and functioning from the DSM-5, this study demonstrates not only that traits and functioning interact, but that they do so in a rich and meaningful way that points up the dangers of collapsing these concepts. Without taking the interaction into account, satisfaction in romantic or work relationships often could not be predicted or understood. If we cannot predict satisfaction in these relationships with precision, honest confusion arises over how to guide others toward these goals. Low Detachment depends on high levels of Self-Definition, just as low Antagonism relies on high levels of Empathy to be successful. Most interestingly, negative traits and low functioning can actually lead to individual satisfaction, suggesting not only that interaction is key but that nonlinear effects may also be present.
Why are male students less likely to opt for social science courses? A theory-driven analysis
Authors: Haunberger Sigrid , Hadjar Andreas
Published: February 2020

In this article, we discuss the question of why only a few men decide to study social science courses such as social work. While the conceptual base of our analysis includes the theory of planned behaviour and theories centring on gender role orientations, the empirical base is a random cluster sample of high-school graduates in Switzerland. The results show different gender effects, as well as direct and indirect effects, for all the theory of planned behaviour factors. Gender role orientations and the question of how a social science profession fits one’s own gender identity appear to be of particular importance only among male students.
Seeing the Whole Picture? Avoided Negative Affect and Processing of Others’ Suffering
Authors: Koopmann-Holm Birgit , Bartel Kathryn , Bin Meshar Maryam , Yang Huiru Evangeline
Published: February 2020

Noticing someone’s pain is the first step to a compassionate response. While past research suggests that the degree to which people want to avoid feeling negative (“avoided negative affect”; ANA) shapes how people respond to someone’s suffering, the present research investigates whether ANA also predicts how people process others’ suffering. In two studies, using complex photographs containing negative aspects (i.e., suffering), we found that the higher people’s ANA, the fewer details of negative aspects they correctly recognized, and the fewer negative words they used in their image descriptions. However, when asked to process negative content, the higher people’s ANA, the more negatively they rated that content. In Study 3, we report cultural differences in people’s sensitivity to notice suffering in an ambiguous image. ANA mediated these cultural differences. Implications for research on compassion are discussed.
Patterns of Care and Survival of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Chang Clifford , Wu S. Peter , Hu Kenneth , Li Zujun , Schreiber David , Oliver Jamie , Givi Babak
Published: February 2020

Objective

To analyze the patterns of care and survival of cutaneous angiosarcomas of the head and neck.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National Cancer Database.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried to select patients with cutaneous angiosarcoma of the head and neck between 2004 and 2015. For survival analysis, patients were included only if they received definitive treatment and complete data. Prognostic factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariable Cox regression.

Results

We identified 693 patients diagnosed with head and neck angiosarcomas during the study period. The majority were male (n = 489, 70.6%) and elderly (median, 77 years). A total of 421 patients (60.8%) met the criteria for survival analyses. These patients were treated with surgery and radiation (n = 178, 42.3%), surgery alone (n = 138, 32.8%), triple‐modality therapy (n = 48, 11.4%), surgery and chemotherapy (n = 29, 6.9%), and chemoradiation (n = 28, 6.7%). With a median follow‐up of 29 months, the 3‐year survival was 50.1%. Patients undergoing surgery had better median survival than those who did not (38.1 vs 21.0 months, P =. 04). Age, comorbidity, tumor size, and surgical margins were significant factors in univariate analyses. On multivariable analysis, age ≥75 years (hazard ratio, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.80‐3.88; P <. 001) and positive margins (hazard ratio, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.44‐2.51; P <. 001) predicted worse overall survival.

Conclusion

Angiosarcoma of head and neck is a rare malignancy that affects the elderly. Surgical treatment with negative margins is associated with improved survival. Even with curative‐intent multimodality treatment, the survival of patients aged ≥75 years is limited.
Post hoc analyses of response rates to pharmacological treatments in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Coghill David R , Newcorn Jeffrey H , Chen Jie , Werner-Kiechle Tamara , Banaschewski Tobias
Published: February 2020

Introduction and objectives:

Lack of consensus regarding how best to define treatment response hinders translation from trials to the clinic. These post hoc analyses examine three commonly used response criteria in six trials of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods:

Data from four short-term randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and two long-term open-label studies were analysed. Children and adolescents with ADHD received either dose-optimised (30–70 mg/day) or fixed-dose (70 mg/day) LDX. The RCTs included osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) or atomoxetine (ATX) as a head-to-head comparator or as a reference treatment. Three definitions of response were used in these analyses: reductions of ⩾30% or ⩾50% in ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total score plus a Clinical Global Impressions – Improvement (CGI-I) score of 1 or 2, or an ADHD-RS-IV total score of ⩽18.

Results:

At the end point, LDX response rates for the least stringent criterion of ⩾30% reduction in ADHD-RS-IV total score plus a CGI-I score of 1 or 2 ranged from 69.6% to 82.6%. The proportion achieving the more stringent criterion of a reduction in ADHD-RS-IV total score of ⩾50% plus a CGI-I score of 1 or 2 at the end point ranged from 59.8% to 74.8%. An ADHD-RS-IV total score of ⩽18 at the end point was achieved by 56.7–79.9% of participants. Response rates remained stable throughout the long-term open-label studies.

Conclusions:

Response rates were similar for the two more stringent response criteria. The less stringent criterion resulted in higher response rates and may include partial responders.
Intravenous transfusion of iron sucrose reduces blood transfusions and improves postoperative anaemia after a second thoracotomy: a propensity-score matching study
Authors: Luo Chentao , Shi Yunqing , Lin Yi , Ma Runhua , Xia Qi , Ding Wenjun
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous iron sucrose (IS) in the perioperative period of a second thoracotomy after open-heart surgery.

Methods

This study enrolled patients that underwent a second thoracotomy after previous open-heart surgery. Propensity-score matching was used to match patients that received oral iron therapy with those that received IS after admission. The baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, perioperative data and adverse outcomes were compared between these two matched groups.

Results

The study enrolled 447 patients: of these, 148 received oral iron therapy and effective dietary guidance; and 299 patients received 300 mg IS per week. After matching the propensity scores, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, sex, smoking history, incidence of major cardiac adverse events, Euro-score, time between the two thoracotomies, application of recombinant erythropoietin, haemoglobin (Hb) on admission and red blood cell (RBC) count on admission. The differences between the two groups after propensity-score matching in terms of the amount of RBC input and Hb after the operation were significant.

Conclusion

The administration of IS might be useful for improving postoperative Hb levels and reducing intraoperative RBC input in patients undergoing a second thoracotomy.
‘I have so little time […] I got shit I need to do’: Critical perspectives on making and sharing in Manchester’s FabLab
Authors: Johns Jennifer , Hall Sarah Marie
Published: February 2020

This paper argues for rethinking the economic geography of sharing and making in light of the recent proliferation of open innovation, makerspaces and maker movements. Using empirical research from an example of one such makerspace – Manchester’s FabLab – and engaging with a range of geographical literatures on making, sharing economies, and digital fabrication, we develop a critical account of sharing in principle and in practice. The portrayal of open innovation spaces, such as FabLabs, as novel makerspaces of alterity and sharing is a common and underpinning theme in both academic and marketing literature (Aldrich, 2014; Anderson, 2012; Doherty, 2012; Fab Foundation, 2012; Gershenfeld, 2005; Suire, 2019). However, our findings suggest that the values espoused by the FabLab, of involvement, connection and affinity, are quite literally being revised and rejected by makers who use the space. Time, labour and knowledge were for the most part described by participants as precious commodities to be savoured rather than shared. Thus, while sharing is an ordinarily economic practice, this does not mean it is always, inevitably or evenly employed by economic actors and communities, especially within counter-cultural networks. If these are to be the economies of the future, we implore economic geographers to critically engage further with the complexities of and within maker spaces.
Precarization of work and employment in the light of competitive Europeanization and the fragmented and flexible regime of European production
Authors: Hürtgen Stefanie
Published: February 2020

In current debates on precarization in Europe, a transnational and more class-based perspective is demanded. While fully supporting this request, this article nevertheless notices that, often, when it comes to the economic logic of current Europeanization, scholars have only taken a one-sided look at financial capital and financialization. What is needed is a deeper conceptual understanding of European labour and production processes and how their transnational organization is interwoven with both the European integration project and rising precarization. In an inter-disciplinary approach, combining critical political economy, economic and social geography, and the sociology of work and industry, this article seeks to tackle the problem and develops three main arguments. The first is that, long before the 2008ff. crisis, a mode of Europeanization as multi-scalar competitive integration developed, one that, basically, takes socio-spatial unevenness as a competitive advantage. The second argument is that the backbone of this competitive Europeanization mode is a transnationalized European regime of fragmented and flexible production. This regime particularizes labour and labour processes on all social scales, within and beyond nation-states, by putting them in a competitive relation to each other. The third argument is that due to permanent transnational restructuring and technological (digital) modernization, no stable socio-spatial division of labour within and among the European countries arises. Instead, permanently changing forms of labour’s social polarization occur, a finding that questions classic ideas of social development through economic and technological modernization. Precarization, defined as the detachment of dependent labour working conditions from the means of integrative social participation, hereby describes a specific concentration of a nevertheless wider structural uncertainty that is inherent to both the mode of European integration and the regime of European production.
The Occurrence of Increased Intraperitoneal Volume Events in Automated Peritoneal Dialysis in the US: Role of Programming, Patient/User Actions and Ultrafiltration
Authors: Čižman Borut , Lindo Steve , Bilionis Brian , Davis Ira , Brown Aaron , Miller Jennifer , Phillips Gerald , Kriukov Alex , Sloand James A.
Published: February 2020

Background, objectives and methods

Increased intraperitoneal volume (IIPV) can occur during automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). The contribution of factors such as cycler programming and patient/user actions to IIPV has not been previously explored. The relationship between IIPV and cycler programming, patient/user actions, and ultra-filtration over a two-year period was investigated using US data from Baxter cyclers. Drain/fill volume ratios of > 1.6 to ≤ 2.0 and > 2.0 were defined as Level I and Level II IIPV events, respectively.

Results

Level I IIPV events occurred in 2.39% of standard and 4.73% of small fill volume therapies, while Level II IIPV events occurred in 0.26% and 1.33% of therapies, respectively. IIPV events occurred significantly more often in association with tidal peritoneal dialysis (PD) compared to non-tidal PD therapies. In tidal therapies, IIPV events were primarily related to suboptimal programming of total ultrafiltration volume. Factors that increased the odds of IIPV events during standard therapies included programming the initial drain volume target to < 70% of the last fill, and setting minimum drain volumes to < 85% of the fill volume. Bypass of initial drain by patients/users was also associated with a significant increase in the odds of IIPV events in non-tidal, but not tidal PD. An increase in the odds for IIPV was also seen for standard therapies within the highest (> 1,245 mL) versus the lowest (< 427 mL) quartile of ultrafiltration. Similar trends were seen in small fill volume therapies. Clinical presentations associated with IIPV events were not assessed.

Conclusions

IIPV events are more frequent in tidal and small fill volume therapies. The greatest potential for IIPV occurred when the total ultrafiltration was set too low for the patient's UF requirements during tidal therapy. Patient/user bypass of drains without reaching the target drain volume contributes significantly to IIPV events in non-tidal PD therapies. Poorly functioning PD catheters may be central to the cycler programming and patient/user actions that lead to IIPV.
Synthesis and thermal properties of phenol- and amine-capped main-chain benzoxazine oligomers with multiple methyl substitutions
Authors: Zhang Lei , Mao Jiale , Wang Shuang , Zheng Yiting
Published: February 2020

A series of main-chain benzoxazine oligomers with different methyl substitutions are successfully synthesized. Chemical structures are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. Effects of methyl substitutions on chemical shifts of protons in oxazine ring and thermal properties, including glass transition temperature, thermal stability, and char yield, are discussed. The influences of methyl substitutions on different positions are demonstrated: (i) substitution on phenols induces obvious increase in curing temperature while substitution on amine does not show apparent impact; (ii) substitution at different positions results in T g variation, following the sequence of none-substitution > substitution at end-capping > substitution on diamines in main-chain > substitution on bisphenols in main-chain; and (iii) substitution at end-capping would cause apparent deterioration in thermal stability while substitution on diamines in main-chain would benefit thermal stability and char yield. Experimental results and related explanations are provided in detail.
Serum and urine TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as biomarkers of disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mirioglu S , Cinar S , Yazici H , Ozluk Y , Kilicaslan I , Gul A , Ocal L , Inanc M , Artim-Esen B
Published: February 2020

Objectives

TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines that are considered as potential biomarkers reflecting disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of serum (s) and urine (u) levels of TWEAK, MCP-1 and NGAL with disease activity in both renal and extra-renal SLE.

Methods

Thirty active patients with SLE (15 renal and 15 extra-renal) were recruited. Thirty-one inactive patients with SLE (16 renal and 15 extra-renal), 14 patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) all of whom had active renal involvement and 20 healthy volunteers were selected as control groups. Serum and urine levels of TWEAK, MCP-1 and NGAL were tested using ELISA.

Results

Serum and urine levels of TWEAK and NGAL were significantly higher in the active SLE group compared to the inactive SLE group (sTWEAK p = 0.005; uTWEAK p = 0.026; sNGAL p < 0.001; uNGAL p = 0.002), whilst no significant differences regarding serum and urine MCP-1 levels were observed ( p = 0.189 and p = 0.106, respectively). uTWEAK ( p = 0.237), sMCP-1 ( p = 0.141), uMCP-1 ( p = 0.206), sNGAL ( p = 0.419) and uNGAL ( p = 0.443) levels did not differ between patients with active renal and extra-renal SLE. Serum TWEAK was higher in patients with active renal SLE ( p = 0.006). There were no differences between active renal SLE and active renal AAV. Levels of all biomarkers were correlated with the SLE Disease Activity Index.

Conclusion

sTWEAK, uTWEAK, sNGAL and uNGAL are biomarkers showing disease activity in SLE. However, our results implicate that these biomarkers may not be specific for SLE, and can be elevated in patients with active renal involvement of AAV.
Wire-loop lesion is associated with serological immune abnormality, but not renal prognosis, in lupus nephritis
Authors: Zoshima T , Hara S , Mizushima I , Nishioka R , Ito K , Fujii H , Yamada K , Nomura H , Kawano M
Published: February 2020

Background

Wire-loop lesion (WL) is one of the active lesions of lupus nephritis (LN). However, few reports have focused on the clinicopathological relationships of WL to serological immune abnormality and renal prognosis.

Methods

We enrolled 126 Japanese LN patients subjected to renal biopsy in 11 hospitals from 2000 to 2018. In patients with class III or IV of the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification, we retrospectively compared clinicopathological findings between those with WL (WL+ group) and without WL (WL– group) to detect factors associated with WL. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73m2 for more than three months. We also compared these findings between those with CKD (CKD+ group) and without CKD (CKD– group) at the last visit to investigate factors associated with renal prognosis.

Results

Of 126 patients, 100 (79.4%) were classified as class III or IV. WL was found in 36 (36.0%) of them. Although the renal function did not differ, the WL+ group had a higher titre of serum anti-dsDNA antibodies and lower serum complement 3 levels than the WL– group. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant association only between anti-dsDNA antibodies and WL (β = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.001–0.100, p = 0.01). Of these patients, 69 were tracked for 59.6 ± 55.1 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no difference in renal prognosis between these groups. Next, the CKD+ group included 15 (22.1%) patients. They were older and had higher frequencies of hypertension and hyperuricaemia, serum creatinine (Cr) level, glomerulosclerosis, interstitial inflammation, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy than the CKD– group at the time of renal biopsy. The frequency of WL was not significantly different. Cox regression analysis revealed significant associations of CKD with hypertension, hyperuricaemia, serum Cr level at the time of renal biopsy clinically and with tubular atrophy histologically.

Conclusions

WL was associated with serum anti-dsDNA antibodies but not with renal prognosis, suggesting that WL reflects immune abnormality but is not an independent factor predictive of renal prognosis in LN.
Attachments to Victimhood: Anti-Trafficking Narratives and the Criminalization of the Sex Trade
Authors: Sibley Marcus A
Published: February 2020

Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Canada (Attorney General) v. Bedford to strike down criminal law provisions related to the regulation of sex work, the government passed Bill C-36, ultimately reaffirming the project of criminalizing prostitution. Also known as the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA), Bill C-36 is part of a global trend that shifts the state’s attention away from regulating sex work as a societal nuisance, and instead, puts forth a carceral agenda which situates sex workers as victims of an inherently exploitative and coercive sex trade – pivoting the punitive elements of criminal law onto clients and mythologized profiteers of the sex trade. Focusing on the testimonies of neo-abolitionists leading up to the implementation of Bill C-36, this article critically explores the ways sex work is constituted as a problem of ‘trafficking’ and how attachments to victimhood allow for renewed criminalization within this new regulatory framework.
Pharmacological issues concerning olaparib capsule and tablet formulations in treating ovarian cancer: Are they really the same drug?
Authors: Perego Gianluca , Nozza Renata , Oggionni Emanuela , Cabiddu Mary , Scolari Cinzia , Omati Elena , Castelli Emanuela A , Petrelli Fausto
Published: February 2020

Olaparib is a first-in-class PARP inhibitor that has demonstrated efficacy as maintenance therapy in patients with ovarian cancer. It has been approved as a capsule formulation and after the publication of data from SOLO2 study became available also as tablet formulation. Due to different pharmacokinetic properties, these different formulations cannot be considered bioequivalent nor interchangeable. The tablet formulation has improved bioavailability, reducing pill burden and offering a more convenient dosage regimen. Furthermore, olaparib tablet formulation had a manageable tolerability profile if compared to capsule one, with most of adverse events of mild or moderate severity. Under this light, olaparib tablet formulation is a useful maintenance strategy for recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer, providing a more convenient dosing option than the capsule formulation.
Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung and the review of the literature
Authors: Tonyali Onder , Gonullu Onur , Ozturk Mehmet Akif , Kosif Aysun , Civi Ozlenen Gonca
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung is an extremely rare type of the non-small cell lung cancer. Treatment principles and prognosis are similar to that of lung adenocarcinoma.

Case report

A 62-year-old female smoker presented with a huge mass in the left upper lobe. After diagnostic biopsy, she underwent left pneumonectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. A diagnosis of stage T4N1M0 hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung with positive surgical margins was made.

Management and outcome

After the operation, the level of serum alpha fetoprotein was 9010 ng/ml (N: <10). The level of serum alpha fetoprotein was decreased with concurrent chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy. Disease progression was detected at 11 months after diagnosis. No response was obtained to other therapies. The patient died at 14 months from the time of diagnosis.

Discussion

Usually, patients with hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung are male smokers. Hepatoid adenocarcinoma tends to settle in the upper lobes of the lung. The most important prognostic factor of the hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung is the disease stage at the diagnosis and patients with metastatic disease have poor survival.
How firms risk through entrepreneurial innovations: Behavioural patterns and implications
Authors: Ahworegba Akiebe Humphrey , Omoloba Joseph Olugbenga , Estay Christophe
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual framework clarifying how firms behaviourally venture or risk through entrepreneurial innovation (EI), in the ‘contexts’ of globalisation, society, innovation users or public perceptions; we methodologically coined these ‘contexts’ as ‘4-GSIP variables’ and applied them in that order. We then examined EI literature and built on variants of its theoretical insights to describe conceptual frameworks of how innovation focus firms behaviourally deal with the contextual implications of the variables. Our frameworks also show how firms contextually and behaviourally venture through EI in line with the variables. Findings indicate that firms’ EI behaviour varies or differs across contexts (the variables) yet shared to an extent. Also, firms’ innovation behaviour is shaped by its external environment (the variables). We concluded that firms behaviourally risk through innovation by collaborating with the external variables to ensure responsible or sustainable innovations.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with recombinant mutant human TNF-α and raltitrexed in mice with colorectal-peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Gong Qianyi , Song Changfeng , Wang Xiaotong , Wang Renjie , Cai Guoxiang , Liang Xin , Liu Jianwen
Published: February 2020

Peritoneum is one of the most common metastatic sites of colorectal cancer (CRC). It has been reported that cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) prolongs the lifespan of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin (CRC-PC), while the drugs used for HIPEC are limited. We investigated the application of recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor-α (rmhTNF) combined with raltitrexed in the HIPEC treatment in a mice model with CRC-PC. In vitro, we detected the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells by 3–(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Western blot, and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay. In vivo, we established xenograft models of CRC-PC and assessed the antitumor effect by in vivo imaging, peritoneal cancer index scoring, and TUNEL assay. The results showed that the combination of rmhTNF and raltitrexed under hyperthermia with a temperature of 42°C inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells significantly in vitro, and after HIPEC treatments with rmhTNF and raltitrexed, peritoneal tumor growth was prohibited in vivo. Our findings about the efficacy of rmhTNF and raltitrexed used for HIPEC to treat CRC-PC will provide experimental data and basis for their potential clinical application.

Impact statement

Colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis exhibits poor prognosis and presents a treatment challenge. At present, the main treatment is surgery, supplemented by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), but the drugs used for HIPEC are limited. Our study found that the combination of recombinant mutant human TNF-α (rmhTNF) and raltitrexed (RTX) under hyperthermia with a temperature of 42°C had antitumor effect both in vitro and vivo. The findings will provide experimental data and basis for the potential clinical application of rmhTNF and RTX, which might offer patients a new choice of therapeutic drugs.
NANOG expression in human development and cancerogenesis
Authors: Grubelnik Gašper , Boštjančič Emanuela , Pavlič Ana , Kos Marina , Zidar Nina
Published: February 2020

NANOG is an important stem cell transcription factor involved in human development and cancerogenesis. Its expression is complex and regulated on different levels. Moreover, NANOG protein might regulate hundreds of target genes at the same time. NANOG is crucial for preimplantation development phase and progressively decreases during embryonic stem cells differentiation, thus regulating embryonic and fetal development. Postnatally, NANOG is undetectable or expressed in very low amounts in the majority of human tissues. NANOG re-expression can be detected during cancerogenesis, already in precancerous lesions, with increasing levels of NANOG in high grade dysplasia. NANOG is believed to enable cancer cells to obtain stem-cell like properties, which are believed to be the source of expanding growth, tumor maintenance, metastasis formation, and tumor relapse. High NANOG expression in cancer is frequently associated with advanced stage, poor differentiation, worse overall survival, and resistance to treatment, and is therefore a promising prognostic and predictive marker. We summarize the current knowledge on the role of NANOG in cancerogenesis and development, including our own experience. We provide a critical overview of NANOG as a prognostic and diagnostic factor, including problems regarding its regulation and detection.

Impact statement

NANOG has emerged as a key stem cell transcription factor in normal development and cancerogenesis. It is generally regarded as a good prognostic and predictive factor in various human cancers. It is less known that it is expressed already at precancerous stages in various organs, suggesting that finally an ideal candidate diagnostic marker has been discovered, enabling to distinguish between true dysplasia and reactive atypia. NANOG regulation is complex, and new insights into our understanding of its regulation might provide important information for future development in a broad field of two entirely different processes, i.e. normal development and cancerogenesis, showing how a physiologic mechanism can be used and abused, transforming itself into a key mechanism of disease development and progression.
Triple-Negative Lobular Breast Cancer Causing Hydronephrosis
Authors: Chahin Michael , Chhatrala Hardik , Krishnan Nithya , Brow Darren , Zuberi Lara
Published: February 2020

Breast cancer is the leading malignancy and the second most common cause of mortality in women. Although there have been advances in identifying biomarkers as potential targets for therapy, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) continues to have a poorer prognosis than the other receptor subtypes. The most common sites of metastasis are bone, liver, lung, and brain. We present a patient with known TNBC presenting with nausea and vomiting in whom computed tomography revealed a right-side pelvic mass causing hydronephrosis. Biopsy was consistent with TNBC of the ureter, an unusual site for breast cancer involvement. She required ureteral stent placement to relieve obstruction and has had good response to paclitaxel. Hydronephrosis due to malignancy presents significant risk of morbidity and mortality due to compromised renal function and must be resolved promptly to avoid compromise of renal function.
Microstructure and corrosion resistance of Al3(Zr, Ti)/Al composite prepared by powder metallurgy
Authors: Xu Daobing , Long Wei , Zhou Xiaoping
Published: February 2020

In the automotive and aviation fields, the complex use environment is critical to the performance requirements of materials, the corrosion resistance of materials severely limits the service life of materials, and improving the corrosion resistance of materials is of great significance in industrial production. In this article, in situ synthesis of powder metallurgy was used to prepare Al-Zr-Ti composites, and the effects of the addition of different amounts of Ti elements on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Al-Zr-Ti composites were studied. The results show that Ti atoms form Al3(Zr, Ti) compounds by substituting Zr atoms in Al3Zr in composite materials to form substituted solid solutions to improve the properties of composite materials. With the addition of Ti, the corrosion resistance of the composites is improved compared with Al-Zr binary; when the Ti content is 10% (wt), the corrosion resistance of the composites reaches the best value, the corrosion potential is −0.67211 V, and the corrosion current is 1.4804 × 10−7 A cm−2.
Mineralogy of slags: A key approach for our understanding of ancient copper smelting processes
Authors: BOURGARIT David
Published: February 2020

Copper was the first metal to have been smelted (extracted from its ore) some seven thousands year ago in the ancient Near East. For most pre-industrial periods, the documentation of copper smelting chaine operatoire relies mainly on investigations by archaeometallurgists of the metallurgical waste recovered during archaeological excavations, namely the copper slags. Copper slags are mostly an assemblage of crystals of oxides (iron, manganese, etc.), olivine (fayalite, etc.) and/or pyroxenes embedded in a polymetallic more-or-less glassy matrix. The mineralogy of the slags is directly related to the initial charge and the working conditions prevailing in the pyrometallurgical reactor. This chapter aims to give an overview of how copper slag mineralogy is investigated and the type of information it yields in order to help our understanding of past metallurgies and societies.
Side-effects profile and outcomes of ponatinib in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chan Onyee , Talati Chetasi , Isenalumhe Leidy , Shams Samantha , Nodzon Lisa , Fradley Michael , Sweet Kendra , Pinilla-Ibarz Javier
Published: February 2020

Ponatinib is associated with cardiovascular adverse events (CAEs), and its frequency in the real world is limited. In this retrospective study, we examined the survival outcomes and associated toxicities in 78 consecutive ponatinib-treated patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) at the Moffitt Cancer Center from January 2011 through December 2017. The most common non-CAE was thrombocytopenia (39.7%), occurring in a dose-dependent fashion. Eighteen patients (23.1%) experienced some form of CAE, with the most common being arrhythmia (9%) and hypertension (7.7%), whereas 3 patients experienced myocardial infarction (3.8%). Before 2014, most patients were started on ponatinib 45 mg daily. There was an inverse correlation between cardio-oncology referral and the number of CAEs (P = .0440); however, a lower ponatinib starting dose, more frequent dose reduction, and increased cardio-oncology referral all were likely to have contributed to the observed decrease in CAEs after 2014. The response rate and 5-year overall survival (OS) were higher than those observed in the Ponatinib Ph+ ALL and CML Evaluation (PACE) trial (major molecular response, 58.7% vs 40% and OS, 76% vs 73%; median follow-up of 32.5 months). Ponatinib-treated patients with chronic phase–CML did not show a significant improvement with allogeneic stem cell transplantation, whereas those with accelerated phase/blast phase–CML had a much better outcome (median OS of 32.9 months vs 9.2 months; P = .01). These results demonstrate that ponatinib is highly effective. Dose adjustments and increased awareness of the cardiotoxicities associated with ponatinib may help maximize its benefits.
D-allose alleviates ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in skin flap via MKP-1
Authors: Ju Jihui , Hou Ruixing , Zhang Ping
Published: February 2020

Background

D-allose was promising in the protection of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We intended to investigate the function of D-allose in skin flap of rat followed by the injury of I/R and whether ERK signal pathway was involved in.

Methods

The back flap of Wistar rats was picked up with a vascular bundle of the lateral chest wall. I/R model was made by the venous clamp for 6 h. Rats received D-allose and PD-98059, the inhibitor of ERK1/2, 30 min before modeling. Morphology of tissue was observed by HE staining. Nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in skin flap were determined by ELISA kits. mRNA and protein levels were determined by qPCR and Western blot respectively.

Results

D-allose alleviated the condition of pathological changes and raised the survival rate of skin flap injured by I/R. Moreover, D-allose suppressed NO, MPO and MDA while elevated SOD levels during I/R status. Furthermore, D-allose decreased MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in skin flap injured by I/R. In addition, D-allose inhibited MKP-1 expression and activated ERK1/2 pathway in skin flap injured by I/R. PD-98059 partially counteracted D-allose effects on I/R injury.

Conclusions

D-allose exerted its protective function via inhibiting MKP-1expression and further activated ERK1/2 pathway to suppress the progress of oxidative stress, inflammation and necrosis, contributing to the survival of skin flap injured by I/R. Thus, D-allose was promising in the transplantation of skin flap.
Research Review of Principles and Methods for Ultrasonic Measurement of Axial Stress in Bolts
Authors: Pan Qinxue , Pan Ruipeng , Shao Chang , Chang Meile , Xu Xiaoyu
Published: February 2020

Bolts are important fasteners indispensable in the manufacturing field for their advantages, which include convenient assembly and disassembly, easy maintenance, refastenability to prevent looseness, and the avoidance of a phase change in the connected material composition. The precise control of the tightening force in bolts is closely related to the safety and reliability of the connected equipment or structure. Although there are many methods for estimating the tightening force applied to a bolt during assembly, poor accuracy in controlling the preload during the tightening process and a lack of monitoring to determine the residual axial force in service remain issues in evaluating the safety of bolted assemblies. As a nondestructive testing technology, ultrasonic measurement can be applied to successfully address these issues. In order to help researchers understand the theoretical basis and technological development in this field and to equip them to conduct further in-depth research, in this review, the basic knowledge describing the state of stress and deformation of bolts, as well as conventional testing methods are summarized and analyzed. Then, through a review of recent research of the ultrasonic measurement of the axial stress in bolts, the influence of the effective stressed length and temperature are analyzed and proposed methods of calibration and compensation are reviewed. In order to avoid coupling errors caused by traditional piezoelectric transducers, two newly proposed ultrasonic coupling technologies, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) and the permanent mounted transducer system (PMTS), are reviewed. Finally, the new direction of research of the detection of residual axial stress in in-service bolts that have been assembled to yield is discussed.
Comparative study of hyperpolarization-activated currents in pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes isolated from rat, guinea pig, and rabbit
Authors: Takagi Daichi , Okamoto Yosuke , Ohba Takayoshi , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Ono Kyoichi
Published: February 2020

Pulmonary vein (PV) cardiomyocytes have the potential to generate spontaneous activity, in contrast to working myocytes of atria. Different electrophysiological properties underlie the potential automaticity of PV cardiomyocytes, one being the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (Ih), which facilitates the slow diastolic depolarization. In the present study, we examined pharmacological characteristics of the Ih of PV cardiomyocytes in rat, guinea pig and rabbit. The results showed that guinea pig and rat PV cardiomyocytes possessed sizeable amplitudes of the Ih, and the Ih of guinea pig was suppressed by Cs+, a blocker of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current. However, the Ih of rat was not suppressed by Cs+, but by Cd2+, a blocker of the Cl− current. The current density of the Ih of rabbit PV cardiomyocytes was significantly smaller than those of other species. This suggests that the ion channels that carry the Ih of PV cardiomyocytes differ among the animal species.
GARS: Genetic Algorithm for the identification of a Robust Subset of features in high-dimensional datasets
Authors: Chiesa Mattia , Maioli Giada , Colombo Gualtiero I. , Piacentini Luca
Published: February 2020

Background

Feature selection is a crucial step in machine learning analysis. Currently, many feature selection approaches do not ensure satisfying results, in terms of accuracy and computational time, when the amount of data is huge, such as in ‘Omics’ datasets.

Results

Here, we propose an innovative implementation of a genetic algorithm, called GARS, for fast and accurate identification of informative features in multi-class and high-dimensional datasets. In all simulations, GARS outperformed two standard filter-based and two ‘wrapper’ and one embedded’ selection methods, showing high classification accuracies in a reasonable computational time.

Conclusions

GARS proved to be a suitable tool for performing feature selection on high-dimensional data. Therefore, GARS could be adopted when standard feature selection approaches do not provide satisfactory results or when there is a huge amount of data to be analyzed.
Characterizing lineage-specific evolution and the processes driving genomic diversification in chordates
Authors: Northover David E. , Shank Stephen D. , Liberles David A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Understanding the origins of genome content has long been a goal of molecular evolution and comparative genomics. By examining genome evolution through the guise of lineage-specific evolution, it is possible to make inferences about the evolutionary events that have given rise to species-specific diversification. Here we characterize the evolutionary trends found in chordate species using The Adaptive Evolution Database (TAED). TAED is a database of phylogenetically indexed gene families designed to detect episodes of directional or diversifying selection across chordates. Gene families within the database have been assessed for lineage-specific estimates of dN/dS and have been reconciled to the chordate species to identify retained duplicates. Gene families have also been mapped to the functional pathways and amino acid changes which occurred on high dN/dS lineages have been mapped to protein structures.

Results

An analysis of this exhaustive database has enabled a characterization of the processes of lineage-specific diversification in chordates. A pathway level enrichment analysis of TAED determined that pathways most commonly found to have elevated rates of evolution included those involved in metabolism, immunity, and cell signaling. An analysis of protein fold presence on proteins, after normalizing for frequency in the database, found common folds such as Rossmann folds, Jelly Roll folds, and TIM barrels were overrepresented on proteins most likely to undergo directional selection. A set of gene families which experience increased numbers of duplications within short evolutionary times are associated with pathways involved in metabolism, olfactory reception, and signaling. An analysis of protein secondary structure indicated more relaxed constraint in β-sheets and stronger constraint on alpha Helices, amidst a general preference for substitutions at exposed sites. Lastly a detailed analysis of the ornithine decarboxylase gene family, a key enzyme in the pathway for polyamine synthesis, revealed lineage-specific evolution along the lineage leading to Cetacea through rapid sequence evolution in a duplicate gene with amino acid substitutions causing active site rearrangement.

Conclusion

Episodes of lineage-specific evolution are frequent throughout chordate species. Both duplication and directional selection have played large roles in the evolution of the phylum. TAED is a powerful tool for facilitating this understanding of lineage-specific evolution.