bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transketolase-Like Protein 1 and Glucose Transporter 1 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ahopelto Kaisa , Laitinen Alli , Hagström Jaana , Böckelman Camilla , Haglund Caj
Published: May 2020

Background: The glucose metabolism of cancer cells differs from that of noncancerous cells. Transketolase-like protein 1 (TKTL1) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) both play a role in this process. These biochemical tumor markers are overexpressed in several types of human cancer. Objective: We sought to determine if TKTL1 and/or GLUT1 expression predicts prognosis in gastric cancer. Methods: In this retrospective study, we selected 284 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer at the Helsinki University Hospital. We used immunohistochemistry to assess the expression of TKTL1 and GLUT1, combined with clinicopathological data. Results: Positive expression of TKTL1 was associated with positive expression of GLUT1, age over 65 years, male gender, advanced stage (II–IV), and advanced tumors (T2–T4). Patients with a positive expression of TKTL1 had a poorer prognosis than those with no expression (p = 0.042, Breslow test). GLUT1 positivity was associated with higher age and with the intestinal type of gastric cancer but did not carry any prognostic value. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study showed that positive expression of TKTL1 correlates with a poor prognosis in gastric cancer.
Announcement: The International System for Reporting Lymph Node Cytopathology
Authors: Zeppa Pio , Cozzolino Immacolata , Caraway Nancy P. , Al-Abbadi Mousa A. , Barroca Helena , Bode-Lesniewska Beata , Calaminici Maria , Chhieng David F. , Ehinger Mats , Geddie William R. , Katz Ruth L. , Lin Oscar , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Monaco Sara E. , Rajwanshi Arvind , Schmitt Fernando C. , Vielh Philippe , Field Andrew S.
Published: May 2020

Fine needle aspiration biopsy cytopathology (FNAC) of lymph nodes is a very common, inexpensive, and rapid diagnostic procedure and can lead to the accurate and timely diagnosis of one of the wide range of pathological processes that involve lymph nodes. These diagnoses include specific reactive processes, specific infections such as tuberculosis, metastatic carcinomas and melanomas, and some lymphomas. The FNAC effectively triages the lymph node material, but the initial diagnosis often requires ancillary testing as a second diagnostic step to make a specific diagnosis, such as the particular infectious agent, the type of lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma, or the specific type of metastatic malignancy. An international group of cytopathologists have begun the process of developing a system for the standardized reporting of lymph node FNAC. The group is addressing the pre-analytical issues related to the FNAC, including the role of clinical information and the use of ultrasound, and developing a structure of reporting categories based on the cytopathological findings linked to management recommendations. The basis of the system is the integration of the FNAC with the clinical setting, imaging, and ancillary tests that utilize the FNAC material, to produce a final report that will enhance patient care.
The First Report on Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Study of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole against Staphylococcus aureus with a Neutropenic Murine Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Hagihara Mao , Kato Hideo , Uchida Shinya , Yamashita Rieko , Tanaka Shimako , Sakanashi Daisuke , Shiota Arufumi , Asai Nobuhiro , Koizumi Yusuke , Suematsu Hiroyuki , Yamagishi Yuka , Namiki Noriyuki , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: May 2020

Introduction: With an increase in the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infections in the healthcare settings and in the community, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) has been suggested as a convenient treatment option. However, the appropriate dosage regimen of TMP/SMX is unclear. Objective: This study aimed to examine the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of TMP/SMX against S. aureus using a neutropenic murine thigh infection model. Methods: Five S. aureus isolates with TMP/SMX (1:5 fixed ratio) minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.032–64 μg/mL were tested. The antimicrobial efficacy of TMP/SMX (1–689 mg/kg/day: dose shown as SMX dosage) was calculated as the change in bacterial density after 24 h of treatment. The plasma concentrations of TMP/SMX were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: After TMP/SMX single dose (130 mg/kg), the half-life, area under the blood concentration curve (AUC0–∞), and the protein binding ratio of SMX were 1.5 h, 718.2 μg h/mL, and 73.0 ± 8.3%, respectively. The free AUC/MIC and free %time (%T) above the MIC of SMX were better correlated with the in vivo antimicrobial activity than Cmax/MIC (free AUC/MIC, R2 = 0.69; free %T > MIC, R2 = 0.71; free Cmax/MIC, R2 = 0.53). The distributed doses (2–3 times per day) of TMP/SMX (130, 260, and 390 mg/kg/day) showed higher antimicrobial activity than the single dosage. However, TMP/SMX did not show its antimicrobial activity at <100% free %T > MIC. Conclusions: The TMP/SMX treatment demonstrated that the free AUC/MIC of SMX was the better predictor of the PK/PD index of TMP/SMX.
Altered IL-32 Signaling in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Bengts Sophy , Shamoun Levar , Kunath Anne , Appelgren Daniel , Welander Martin , Björck Martin , Wanhainen Anders , Wågsäter Dick
Published: May 2020

Introduction and Objective: Interleukin (IL)-32 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine not previously studied in relation to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression and localization of IL-32 in AAA. Methods: Expression and localization of IL-32 in human aortic tissue was studied with immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot (AAA: n = 5; controls: n = 4). ELISA was used to measure IL-32 in human plasma samples (AAA: n = 140; controls: n = 37) and in media from cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 3 healthy donors. IL-32 mRNA in PBMCs, endothelial cells, aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and aortic tissue samples of AAA (n = 16) and control aortas (n = 9) was measured with qPCR. Results: IL-32 was predominantly expressed in SMCs and T-cell-rich areas. Highest mRNA expression was observed in the intima/media layer of the AAA. A weaker protein expression was detected in non-aneurysmal aortas. Expression of IL-32 was confirmed in isolated T cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, and SMCs, where expression was also inducible by cytokines such as interferon-γ. There was no difference in IL-32 expression in plasma between patients and controls. Conclusion: IL-32 signaling is altered locally in AAA and could potentially play an important role in aneurysm development. Further studies using animal models would be helpful to study its potential role in AAA disease.
Contribuições da Ergonomia à Avaliação Coletiva do Trabalho
Authors: Ferreira Leda Leal , Moita Dímitre , Aquino Cássio Adriano Braz de
Published: May 2020

Esta entrevista é motivada pelo interesse em debater o impacto e os desdobramentos das contribuições da ergonomia de Alain Wisner para a análise do trabalho. A entrevistada, Leda Leal Ferreira, médica do trabalho e ergonomista aposentada pela Fundacentro, faz parte de um grupo de pesquisadores brasileiros que empreenderam formação em ergonomia com Wisner na França e, em seguida, contribuíram para o desenvolvimento dessa disciplina no Brasil. A entrevistada fala sobre sua formação na Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP) e no Conservatório Nacional das Artes e Ofícios (CNAM, na sigla em francês), e trata da relevância do médico francês para o desenvolvimento da ergonomia brasileira. Explica, resumidamente, as semelhanças e distinções entre a Análise Coletiva do Trabalho, método por ela desenvolvido, e a Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho, desenvolvido por Wisner. Observando o contexto político em que se deu a entrevista, fala dos desafios enfrentados pelas abordagens que visam à melhoria das condições de trabalho diante de um quadro de crescente fragilização das relações laborais e das reformulações das políticas de segurança e saúde no trabalho.
Triggered Ca
2+
Waves Induce Depolarization of Maximum Diastolic Potential and Action Potential Prolongation in Dog Atrial Myocytes
Authors: Gussak Georg , Marszalec William , Yoo Shin , Modi Rishi , O’Callaghan Caitlin , Aistrup Gary L. , Cordeiro Jonathan M. , Goodrow Robert , Kanaporis Giedrius , Blatter Lothar A. , Shiferaw Yohannes , Arora Rishi , Zhou Junlan , Burrell Amy R. , Wasserstrom J. Andrew
Published: May 2020

Background:

We have identified a novel form of abnormal Ca
2+
wave activity in normal and failing dog atrial myocytes which occurs during the action potential (AP) and is absent during diastole. The goal of this study was to determine if triggered Ca
2+
waves affect cellular electrophysiological properties.

Methods:

Simultaneous recordings of intracellular Ca
2+
and APs allowed measurements of maximum diastolic potential and AP duration during triggered calcium waves (TCWs) in isolated dog atrial myocytes. Computer simulations then explored electrophysiological behavior arising from TCWs at the tissue scale.

Results:

At 3.3 to 5 Hz, TCWs occurred during the AP and often outlasted several AP cycles. Maximum diastolic potential was reduced, and AP duration was significantly prolonged during TCWs. All electrophysiological responses to TCWs were abolished by SEA0400 and ORM10103, indicating that Na-Ca exchange current caused depolarization. The time constant of recovery from inactivation of Ca
2+
current was 40 to 70 ms in atrial myocytes (depending on holding potential) so this current could be responsible for AP activation during depolarization induced by TCWs. Modeling studies demonstrated that the characteristic properties of TCWs are potentially arrhythmogenic by promoting both conduction block and reentry arising from the depolarization induced by TCWs.

Conclusions:

Triggered Ca
2+
waves activate inward NCX and dramatically reduce atrial maximum diastolic potential and prolong AP duration, establishing the substrate for reentry which could contribute to the initiation and maintenance of atrial arrhythmias.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 is Related to Atherosclerosis Independent of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Predicts Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Wu Liang , Qian Lingling , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jing , Zhou Jia , Li Yuehua , Hou Xuhong , Fang Qichen , Li Huating , Jia Weiping
Published: May 2020

Background

FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21), a novel hepatokine regulating lipid metabolism, has been linked to atherosclerotic disease. However, whether this relationship exists in patients without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is unclear. We assessed the association between serum
FGF
21 levels and atherosclerosis in patients without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and investigated whether baseline
FGF
21 could predict incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a 7‐year prospective cohort.

Methods and Results

Baseline serum
FGF
21 was measured in a cross‐sectional cohort of 371 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (determined by hepatic magnetic resonance spectroscopy), and in a population‐based prospective cohort of 705 patients from the Shanghai Diabetes Study. In the cross‐sectional study,
FGF
21 was significantly higher in patients with than in those without subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (
P
<0.01). The association remained significant after adjusting for demographic and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In the prospective cohort, 80 patients developed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during follow‐up. Baseline
FGF
21 was significantly higher in those who developed ischemic heart disease or cerebral infarction than in those who did not. Using a cutoff serum concentration of 232.0 pg/mL, elevated baseline
FGF
21 independently predicted incident total atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events, ischemic heart disease, and cerebral infarction in a nondiabetic population (all
P
<0.05), and significantly improved the discriminatory and reclassifying abilities of our prediction model after adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

This study provides the first evidence that
FGF
21 levels are elevated in patients without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with subclinical atherosclerosis. Baseline
FGF
21 is an independent predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and represents a novel biomarker for primary prevention in the general population.
Fremdes Erbe: Nelisiwe Xaba and German Dance Heritage
Authors: Wittrock Eike
Published: May 2020

Nelisiwe Xaba’s Fremde Tänze opens up questions of contemporary implications of dance history. Situated within the cultural politics of dance in Germany, especially funding programs such as Tanzfonds Erbe (dance funds heritage), Xaba’s work and the curatorial frame of the Julius-Hans-Spiegel-Zentrum project contest the notion of “cultural heritage” from a postcolonial perspective.
Generation of Scale-Invariant Sequential Activity in Linear Recurrent Networks
Authors: Liu Yue , Howard Marc W.
Published: May 2020

Sequential neural activity has been observed in many parts of the brain and has been proposed as a neural mechanism for memory. The natural world expresses temporal relationships at a wide range of scales. Because we cannot know the relevant scales a priori, it is desirable that memory, and thus the generated sequences, is scale invariant. Although recurrent neural network models have been proposed as a mechanism for generating sequences, the requirements for scale-invariant sequences are not known. This letter reports the constraints that enable a linear recurrent neural network model to generate scale-invariant sequential activity. A straightforward eigendecomposition analysis results in two independent conditions that are required for scale invariance for connectivity matrices with real, distinct eigenvalues. First, the eigenvalues of the network must be geometrically spaced. Second, the eigenvectors must be related to one another via translation. These constraints are easily generalizable for matrices that have complex and distinct eigenvalues. Analogous albeit less compact constraints hold for matrices with degenerate eigenvalues. These constraints, along with considerations on initial conditions, provide a general recipe to build linear recurrent neural networks that support scale-invariant sequential activity.
Static and dynamic aspects of cerebro-cerebellar functional connectivity are associated with self-reported measures of impulsivity: A resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Abdallah Majd , Farrugia Nicolas , Chirokoff Valentine , Chanraud Sandra
Published: May 2020

Human and animal brain studies bring converging evidence of a possible role for the cerebellum and the cerebro-cerebellar system in impulsivity. However, the precise nature of the relation between cerebro-cerebellar coupling and impulsivity is far from understood. Characterizing functional connectivity (FC) patterns between large-scale brain networks that mediate different forms of impulsivity, and the cerebellum may improve our understanding of this relation. Here, we analyzed static and dynamic features of cerebro-cerebellar FC using a highly sampled resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) dataset and tested their association with two widely used self-reports of impulsivity: the UPPS-P impulsive behavior scale and the behavioral inhibition/approach systems (BIS/BAS) in a large group of healthy subjects ( N = 134, ≈ 1 hr of rs-fMRI/subject). We employed robust data-driven techniques to identify cerebral and cerebellar resting-state networks and extract descriptive summary measures of static and dynamic cerebro-cerebellar FC. We observed evidence linking BIS, BAS, sensation seeking, and lack of premeditation to the total strength and temporal variability of FC within networks connecting regions of the prefrontal cortex, precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus with the cerebellum. Overall, our findings improve the existing knowledge of the neural correlates of impulsivity and the behavioral correlates of the cerebro-cerebellar system.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Telotylenchus tamariscus n. sp. (Nematoda: Telotylenchinae) recovered from Khuzestan, south-western Iran
Authors: Hosseinvand Manouchehr , Eskandari Ali , Ghaderi Reza
Published: May 2020

An undescribed species from the rhizosphere of tamarisk, Tamarix passerinoides, Telotylenchus tamariscus n. sp., is illustrated and described based on morphological, morphometric and molecular approaches. The new species is characterised by female characters including body size of ca 1 mm, areolated lateral fields, cephalic region rounded, distinctly set off from the body contour, stylet 19.5 (18.5-20.5) μm long with posteriorly directed basal knobs, pharyngeal glands overlapping intestine dorso-laterally, subcylindrical tail bearing 32 (25-37) cuticular annuli and ending in an annulated terminus, and male spicules and gubernaculum 27 (25-29) and 13 (12.5-14.5) μm long, respectively. Morphologically, our population comes close to several known species of the genus, including T. avaricus, T. aerolatus, T. indicus, T. ventralis, T. paaloofi and T. namibiensis. In the 18S rRNA phylogenetic tree, it occupied a phylogenetic position in close affinity with two sequences of T. ventralis. In the 28S rRNA tree, the genus Telotylenchus did not form a monophyletic group, our isolate clustering with an unknown population of Histotylenchus and four isolates of Tylenchorhynchus mediterraneus in a clade well separated from another clade that included three other isolates tentatively named as Telotylenchus sp.
The Role of the State in the Exercise of Transnational Public and Private Authority over Labour Standards
Authors: Diller Janelle M.
Published: May 2020

Interdependence among States in an era of globalization exacerbates the increasing emphasis on competing claims of national interest in the global arena. Rising nationalism is a symptom of the weakness of conception of transnational governance that insufficiently coordinates public and private interactions across multiple systems of governance which overlap on matters of common interest such as labour standards. The State-centric system of world governance lacks effective structures to bridge the gap between transnational labour governance (‘TLG’) and national, interstate, and international governance. However, emerging evidence suggests that the State is capable of facilitating inclusive and consensual action with non-state bodies of collective interest at national and transnational levels that helps connect TLG with national and international governance. This review compares differing degrees and methods of State action in selected TLG prototypes and their outcomes relevant to public and private policy choices affecting decent work and equal opportunity for well-being. Particular focus is placed on the State’s role in attributing private authority to non-state bodies of collective interest, facilitating consensual decision-making and regulatory action, aligning TLG with international norms and relevant national law and institutions, and cooperating in TLG with other States, including with or through international organizations. Challenges to effective TLG, such as opting-out, competing structures, and difficulty in leveraging short-term initiatives for longer-term capacity, are examined within the context of the legitimacy and coherence of TLG systems and across phases of governance, including agenda setting, norm development, implementation, oversight, evaluation, correction and revision. Preliminary conclusions call for further theoretical and empirical research to evaluate factors that influence such innovations and the extent to which they lead to durable and effective TLG within and across States that advances decent work and equal opportunity for well-being in globalized markets.
Rethinking Play, Diversity and Belonging in Early Childhood Education
Authors: ARNDT Sonja
Published: May 2020

We might say that children’s play is the foundation of all learning. Often play is recognized as integral to childhood, but children’s abilities to engage in play are complex and these complexities can be easily overlooked. This paper elevates children’s play as critical for their learning, particularly in support of their sense of belonging. The paper argues for an openness to the complexities of children’s play as a crucial practice of their cultural identity, through a critical conceptualization of some of the nuances and uncertainties of children’s subject formation.

Drawing on concerns of cultural difference in early childhood education, Julia Kristeva’s foreigner lens and her theory on the subject in process are used to theorise children’s play as an ongoing process of belonging. Through the notions of the semiotic, abjection, love and revolt, the notion of the subject in process is elaborated to reconceptualize play as also in-process and ongoing. Rethinking play as a vital process within the sometimes difficult, often unpredictable experiences of becoming part of a centre community is elevated as crucial for a sense of belonging in early childhood education.
The Distinguished Teacher Workshop Mode of Professional Learning Communities in Guangxi
Authors: Maoqing YANG , Xiaoli DENG , Tian LIU
Published: May 2020

Distinguished Teacher Workshops are important ways for teacher professional development. Through questionnaires and interviews with over 1,000 participants, this paper reports the implementation of the Distinguished Teacher Workshops in Guangxi, China, covering their operational mechanism and initial outcomes: The empowerment of members; the strengthened internal motive of the community; and the enhanced vitality of professional development and a more sustainable development community for teachers. It is concluded that the Distinguished Teacher Workshops have shown that distinguished teachers play a leading role in teacher development in Guangxi.
Dendrobium rubrostriatum, A New Species of Dendrobium section Aporum from West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo

Authors: METUSALA DESTARIO , O’BYRNE PETER
Published: May 2020

Dendrobium rubrostriatum (section Aporum) is described and illustrated from West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. It is morphologically close to Dendrobium lobulatum, but differs in having strongly reflexed petals and dorsal sepal, linear-acute petals, a different shape lateral sepals, a mentum which is only 1.5 times longer than the column, lip that has a straight claw lacking an abrupt bend near the base, a different shape of lobules of mid-lobe, and the disc that has a glabrous callus that in the natural position considerably exceeds the column.
1. The Creative Power of Metaphor
Authors: Kohl Katrin , Bolognesi Marianna , Werkmann Horvat Ana
Published: May 2020

Chapter 1 looks at processes of figurative language in the interplay between thought and language from the vantage point of cognitive linguistics, exploring how different languages give their speakers different perspectives on the world through the way metaphors shape even the most fundamental concepts, such as time.
5. Multilingualism and Creativity in World Literature
Authors: Ouyang Wen-chin
Published: May 2020

Chapter 5 explores multilingual literatures to critique current theories of world literature using the idea of travel within the literary text, and investigates how drawing on more than one language in writing and reading generates new ways of seeing and understanding.
6. Prismatic Translation
Authors: Reynolds Matthew , Park Sowon S. , Clanchy Kate
Published: May 2020

Chapter 6 develops an innovative theory of translation that captures its creative dimension. The metaphor of the ‘prism’ enables translation to be seen not in terms of functional equivalence but as a release of multiple signifying possibilities. This idea is put into practice through literary critical research into the many translations of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, and into the importance of different scripts (e.g. Chinese, Arabic, alphabetic) as a factor in translation; we also use the approach to inspire creative writing in schools.
8. Inspiring Language Learners
Authors: Hiddleston Jane , Lonsdale Laura , Cappellaro Chiara , Tyler-McTighe Daniel
Published: May 2020

Chapter 8 showcases work with schools in creative writing workshops and the Multilingual Performance Project (MPP), exploring the energy languages can bring to classroom work when they provide a context in which it’s OK just to have fun with languages, encourage experimentation with new expressive resources, and build confidence with linguistic diversity.
Study on the Kinetics of Salmon Skin Proteolysis
Authors: Xia Yiping , Yu Hao , Zhong Yaoguang
Published: May 2020

In this study, in order to study the kinetic mechanism of enzymatic hydrolysis of salmon protein, the kinetic model of enzymatic hydrolysis of salmon skin protein by papain was established. The skin protein of salmon was hydrolyzed by papain under the following conditions: the mass
concentration of salmon skin protein is 55 g/L, the initial papain concentration is 2.0 g/L, the pH of enzymatic solution is 7.2 and the temperature of enzymatic hydrolysis is 55 °C. Finally, the kinetic model of hydrolysis was established as follows: Hydrolysis rate R =(27.217E0–0
0357S0exp[–0.2587(DH)]; Degree of hydrolysis DH = 3.879 ln[1 + 7.0165E0/S0 –0.0092t]. The reaction rate constant k3 = 27.217 min–1 and the enzyme deactivation constant kd
= 7.0752 min–1 were deduced to control the enzymatic hydrolysis process. Further verification tests showed that the theoretical value of the degree of hydrolysis of the model was basically consistent with the actual value, and the kinetic model had certain practical value,
indicating that the established salmon skin protease kinetic model could be used to guide and optimize the enzymatic hydrolysis process.
Effects of Different Types of Nano-Carbon Biological Fertilizers on the Growth and Quality of Crops
Authors: Zhao Ying , Zhao Ping , Luo Junjie , Tian Li , Tian Zhenji , Ndayambaje Jean Pierre
Published: May 2020

In order to save fertilizers and improve the utilization rate of fertilizers, the effect of nano-carbon materials and fertilizers on the quality and growth of crops was studied, and the significance of nano-carbon to promote nutrient absorption was expounded. In this review, the mechanism
of the influence of nano-carbon materials on plants is summarized. Nano-carbon fertilizers can significantly improve the yield and quality of crops, and have a significant impact on the utilization rate of fertilizer. The existing research shows that nano-carbon synergist fertilizers, nano-carbon
biocompound fertilizers and nano-carbon bio-bacterial fertilizers have been applied in crop planting and have a good effect of increasing crop yield.
Unpacking the Levels of Household and Individual Climate Change Adaptation: Empirical Evidence from Leeds, United Kingdom
Authors: Otum Ume Chukwuma , Onah Ogochukwu , Adeosun Kehinde Paul , Nnamdi Onyekwe Chris , Ihedioha Nice Nneoma , Onyia Chukwuemeka , Orie Idika Ezinne
Published: May 2020

This study set out to empirically determine the current state of individual and household adaptation to climate change in the United Kingdom and how policy makers can improve on it. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed method). For the quantitative aspect of the study, a quota-sampling technique was employed in the selection of 650 respondents for the study using a well-structured questionnaire. The quota representation was based on age and gender. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logit regression. In addition, qualitative content/topic analysis of an in-depth interview of the respondents was employed in further analyzing why and how policy makers can improve climate change adaptation. Findings from the study indicate the dire need for continued government support in household and individual adaptation in Leeds, and this support should also be encouraged in other cities where government intervention is low. Interventions in the form of subsidies, direct regulations, and public awareness are needed. The implementation of these measures is expected to generate a wide range of additional benefits to most vulnerable groups who should be central to the rapidly expanding climate change research and policy agenda in the United Kingdom.
Community police academies: Assessing the effect of education on public perceptions of police
Authors: Perez Nicholas M , Nguyen Trinh , Vogel Brenda
Published: May 2020

Citizens often have misconceptions about law enforcement. This misinformation may contribute to distrust and heightened concerns about force and misconduct. Agencies attempt to address this by promoting procedural justice and providing community education on police practices. Thus far, past research has not been clear on the actual utility of community education on changing public perceptions. Recent funding has allowed one department to host 14 one-day community police academies (CPAs) to educate residents about policing topics to enhance trust and improve public perceptions of the department. The current project analyzes data collected CPA events to determine the effects on citizen knowledge of police procedures and the effect of this knowledge on attitudes toward the police. Results indicate that while CPAs were effective at educating citizens about practices and improving trust in law enforcement, the increased knowledge was not associated with improvements to public trust. The knowledge obtained at the CPA was, however, predictive of lower concerns about use of force. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Book review: Fernandes Walter, et al., Displacement and Marginalisation in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana 1951–2010
Authors: Wagh Anurekha Chari
Published: May 2020

Fernandes Walter, et al., Displacement and Marginalisation in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana 1951–2010. NESRC Displacement Series6. North Eastern Social Science Research Centre, Guwahati and Laya Resource Centre, Visakhapatnam 2019, ₹700; $30; €25, 528 pp. (hardback). ISBN 978-81-938785-3-8.
Mitigating Selection Bias: A Bayesian Approach to Two-stage Causal Modeling With Instrumental Variables for Nonnormal Missing Data
Authors: Shi Dingjing , Tong Xin
Published: May 2020

This study proposes a two-stage causal modeling with instrumental variables to mitigate selection bias, provide correct standard error estimates, and address nonnormal and missing data issues simultaneously. Bayesian methods are used for model estimation. Robust methods with Student’s t distributions are used to account for nonnormal data. Ignorable missing data are handled by multiple imputation techniques, while nonignorable missing data are handled by an added-on selection model structure. In addition to categorical treatment data, this study extends the work to continuous treatment variables. Monte Carlo simulation studies are conducted showing that the proposed Bayesian approach can well address common issues in existing methods. We provide a real data example on the early childhood relative age effect study to illustrate the application of the proposed method. The proposed method can be easily implemented using the R software package "ALMOND" (Analysis of Local Average Treatment Effect for missing or/and Nonnormal Data).
Towards Agile Public Sector: Analysing the Effects of IM and EM on WP
Authors: Manoj M.  , Sabu V. G.
Published: May 2020

Most of the public managers are of the firm belief that extrinsic monetary rewards predominantly contribute to employee productivity and that the motivational strategies shall be aligned to sustain extrinsic motivation (EM) rather than intrinsic motivation (IM). A substantial body of literature on motivation does not endorse this perspective. A relook of the present motivational strategies in central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) in India and an evaluation of the suitability of these strategies as drivers of agility are quite appropriate at this juncture. The purpose of this article is to examine the effects of IM and EM on work performance (WP) in CPSEs, in the context of workforce agility. This article also analyses the relationship between EM and IM in public sector settings. Data collected from 371 employees of five selected CPSEs were analysed. We found that the effect of IM on WP is stronger than the effect of EM on WP in CPSEs. We also found that EM influences IM positively. The study offers insights to public managers to review the existing motivation strategies and to focus on enhancing the IM for an inevitable agile transformation.
Acute mediastinitis associated with tracheobronchial tuberculosis and aspergillosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liang Chao-nan , Zhao Hong-wen , Kang Jian , Hou Gang , Yin Yan
Published: May 2020

Acute mediastinitis (AM) is a rare but life-threatening disease. Here, we report a case of AM secondary to endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) and pseudomembranous Aspergillus tracheobronchitis (PMATB) co-infection. EBTB was confirmed by tissue culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) detection (simultaneous detection of M. tuberculosis and resistance to rifampin) using endobronchial biopsies; PMATB was confirmed by histopathology. Even with antibiotic treatment and systemic support treatment, the patient died of massive hemoptysis on day 10 after admission. When immunocompromised hosts have AM, especially with central airway involvement, EBTB and aspergillosis should be considered potential causes. Bronchoscopy is helpful for rapid diagnosis and administering precise treatment.
Optimization of constructal T-shaped porous fins under convective environment using Swarm Intelligence Algorithms
Authors: Deshamukhya Tuhin , Bhanja Dipankar , Nath Sujit
Published: May 2020

Constructal T-shaped porous fins transfer better heat compared to the rectangular counterparts by improving the heat flow through the low resistive links. This type of fins can be used in aerospace engines which demand faster removal of heat without adding extra weight of the overall assembly. Here, in this study, three powerful nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms such as particle swarm optimization, gravitational search algorithm, and Firefly algorithm have been used to optimize the dominant thermo physical as well as geometric parameters which are responsible for transferring heat at faster rates from the fin body satisfying a volume constraint. The temperature distribution along the stem and the flange has been plotted, and the effect of important parameters on the efficiency has been determined. Three different volumes are selected for the analysis, and the results have shown marked improvement in the optimized heat transfer rate. Particle swarm optimization has reported an increase of 0.81%, while Firefly algorithm reports 0.83% improvement as we increase the fin volume from 500 to 1000 and 0.19% (by PSO) and 0.4% (by FA) as the volume increases from 1000 to 1500. The paper also presents a scheme of reducing the computational effort required by the algorithms to converge around the optimum point. While a reduction of 14.36% computational effort has been achieved in particle swarm optimization’s convergence time, Firefly algorithm took 24.64% less time to converge at the near-optimum point. While particle swarm optimization has converged at better optimal points compared to Firefly algorithm and Gravitational search algorithm, Gravitational search algorithm has outperformed the two algorithms in terms of computational time. Gravitational search algorithm took 61.72 and 29.33% less time to converge as compared to particle swarm optimization and Firefly algorithm, respectively.
Linkage between Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth: An Empirical Study of the Emerging Indian Economy
Authors: Dahiya Suman , Kumar Manoj
Published: May 2020

Inclusive financial system is a key to sustainable development and growth of a nation wherein all segments of the society have timely access to financial services at an affordable cost. It facilitates safe custody of savings, availability of loan for multiple purposes, diversification of risk through investment in different avenue, coverage of risk through various insurance products, etc., which make the life of people easier and comfortable. Therefore, inclusive finance leads to prosperity and economic growth by eliminating or minimizing poverty, unequal distribution of income and dominance of indigenous bankers. Financial inclusion is not a single dimension that can be achieved directly; rather, it is a process which completes after different dimensions such as access to and usage of financial services and banking penetration are accomplished. The present study considers three main dimensions of financial inclusion: usage, penetration and accessibility. The purpose is to observe how financial inclusion is linked with economic growth in India. Spread over 2005 to 2017, the study uses Bayesian vector auto-regression model to explore the linkage of economic growth with financial inclusion and its different dimensions (accessibility, penetration, and usage). The findings show a considerable relationship between economic growth and the usage dimension of financial inclusion in India. As far as financial inclusion index is concerned, it does not explain economic growth significantly. This study is based on recent data extracted from IMF and World Bank databases. The study is useful for policymakers and banks to frame appropriate policies to achieve complete financial inclusion that would lead to a robust growth of an economy.
Controlling the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam: Lessons From a Limited Resource Country
Authors: Duong Duc Minh , Le Vui Thi , Ha Bui Thi Thu
Published: May 2020

The lessons learned from Vietnam, a country that the world acclaimed for its management of the fight against COVID-19, could stand out as an example of how to do more with less. The Vietnamese government has acted swiftly at the very early stage of the pandemic with a focus on containment efforts and extensive public health measures, particularly (1) the commitment from the government with a multisectoral approach; (2) a timely, accurate, and transparent risk communication; (3) active surveillance and intensive isolation/quarantine operation, case management with tracing all new arrivals and close contact up to three clusters; and (4) suspension of flights, shutting schools, and all nonessential services.
Early Integrated Palliative Care Bundle Impacts Location of Death in Interstitial Lung Disease: A Pilot Retrospective Study
Authors: Archibald Nathan , Bakal Jeffrey A. , Richman-Eisenstat Janice , Kalluri Meena
Published: May 2020

Background:

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of fibrotic, progressive pulmonary diseases characterized by poor end-of-life care and hospital deaths. In 2012, we launched our Multidisciplinary Collaborative (MDC) ILD clinic to deliver integrated palliative approach throughout disease trajectory to improve care. We sought to explore the effects of palliative care and other factors on location of death (LOD) of patients with ILD.

Methods:

The MDC-ILD clinic implemented a palliative care bundle including advance care planning (ACP), opiates use, allied health home care engagement, and use of supplemental oxygen and early caregiver engagement in care. Data from patients with ILD who attended the clinic and died between 2012 and 2019 were used to generate scores representing the components and duration of palliative care (palliative care bundle score) and caregiver involvement (caregiver engagement score). We examined the impact of these scores on patients’ LOD.

Results:

A total of 92 MDC-ILD clinic patients were included, 57 (62%) had home or hospice deaths. Patients who died at home or hospice had higher palliative care bundle scores (10.0 ± 4.0 vs 7.8 ± 3.9, P = .01) and caregiver engagement scores (1.7 ± 0.6 vs 1.3 ± 0.7, P = .01) compared to those who died in hospital. Patients were 1.13 times more likely to die at home or hospice following a 1-point increase in palliative care bundle score (95% CI: 1.01-1.29, P = .04) and 2.38 times more likely following a 1-point increase in caregiver engagement score (95% CI: 1.17-5.15, P = .02).

Conclusions:

Home and hospice deaths are feasible in ILD. Early initiation of palliative care bundle components such as ACP discussions, symptom self-management, caregiver engagement, and close collaboration with allied health home care supports can promote adherence to patient preference for home or hospice deaths.
How Coerced Municipal Amalgamations Thwart the Values of Local Self-Government
Authors: Erlingsson Gissur Ó. , Ödalen Jörgen , Wångmar Erik
Published: May 2020

Arguments invoking increased functional efficiency have had a profound impact on local government reforms in advanced democracies during the past 60 years. Consequently, most mature democracies have implemented municipal amalgamation reforms, often through top-down coercion. In this article, we demonstrate how far central governments have been willing to go, in terms of coercion, by providing an in-depth historical account of Swedish municipal amalgamations between 1952 and 1974. Debates on amalgamation reforms have typically revolved around pros and cons of mergers. But very few discussions have addressed the more fundamental moral problem of enforcing amalgamations through coercion. Often, large-scale mergers are carried through against the expressed will of municipalities who wish to remain self-governing. In this article, we present a normative defense of strong local self-government, based partly on values of individual autonomy, and partly on group-based human rights, and we show how coerced amalgamations are at odds with these values.
Short-term outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone in relation to biomarkers in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Narnaware Shilpi Harshal , Bawankule Prashant Keshao , Raje Dhananjay
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dexamethasone implant (0.7 mg) on biomarkers such as hyper-reflective dots, external limiting membrane integrity and disorganization of retinal inner layers in treatment-naïve patients, patients who received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and non-responder cases with diabetic macular edema and its effects on edema and visual acuity.

Methods:

This is a prospective study of treatment-naïve patients, patients who received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and non-responder patients with diabetic macular edema, treated with single dexamethasone implant. Pre- and post-injection-based best-corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness, hyper-reflective dots, external limiting membrane integrity and disorganization of retinal inner layers were assessed.

Results:

A total of 27 diabetic macular edema eyes, including 9 non-responder eyes, 9 eyes which received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and 9 treatment-naïve eyes, were included in this study. Baseline hyper-reflective dots were 22.22 ± 11.76, 30 ± 7.91 and 19.44 ± 8.82 which reduced to 3.33 ± 1.32, 9 ± 8.35 and 8.78 ± 2.53 four months after implant in treatment-naïve patients, patients who received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and non-responder cases, respectively. Baseline central macular thickness was 589.44 ± 175.37, 537 ± 181.81 and 673.11 ± 138.24 and the central macular thickness after dexamethasone implant was 272.11 ± 39.00, 336.44 ± 132.88 and 524.00 ± 200.39 in treatment-naïve patients, patients who received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and non-responder cases, respectively. External limiting membrane integrity was restored in two patients in each group, whereas two patients with disorganization of retinal inner layers in treatment-naïve group showed reorganization of retinal structures after treatment with dexamethasone implant.

Conclusion:

Better response to dexamethasone implant in cases with more hyper-reflective dots shows that these hyper-reflective dots can be used as a predictive biomarker. Dexamethasone implant might help in restoring external limiting membrane integrity and resolution of disorganization of retinal inner layers.
RNA-Seq Reproducibility Assessment of the Sequencing Quality Control Project
Authors: Yu Lianbo
Published: May 2020

With the widespread RNA-seq applications of different sequencing platforms in biomedical science research in recent years, a systematic evaluation of RNA-seq data quality is crucial and timely. The Sequencing Quality Control (SEQC) project is a large-scale community effort for assessing the performance of RNA-seq technology across different platforms and multiple laboratories, where reference RNA samples with multiple replicates were sequenced at 12 laboratories using 3 sequencing platforms. Different from the SEQC project, we performed an independent and comprehensive analysis of RNA-seq data of the SEQC project to assess sequencing reproducibility across platforms, sequencing sites, sample replicates, and FlowCells, respectively. With the employment of graphical tools and statistical models, our systemic analysis supports a distinctive conclusion that reproducibility across platforms and sequencing sites are not acceptable, whereas reproducibility across sample replicates and FlowCells are acceptable.
Formative study of non-credit students at Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York
Authors: Davaasambuu Sarantsetseg , Zagari Christine
Published: May 2020

The study examined students’ needs and satisfaction at the Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, NY. Purposive sampling method was used to examine the needs and satisfaction of the allied healthcare programme and the English as a Second Language programme students. Results of the focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with students and faculty members demonstrate that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to assist non-credit students to complete their programmes. By learning the perceptions of the non-credit students, the college can make necessary changes for improvements, which ultimately will bring a higher return on investments and engagement of the non-credit student population. The needs and satisfactions of this population have to be taken seriously; whereby providing students by access to credit programmes, generating meaningful outcomes for a range of their needs, and facilitating the long-term pursuit of degree in connection to the academic departments.
Effects of Astaxanthin on Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in a Mouse Model of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Feng Weihong , Wang Yanxia , Guo Na , Huang Pu , Mi Yang
Published: May 2020

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition in which a hormone made by the placenta prevents the body from using insulin effectively. It is important to find an effective treatment. A mouse model of GDM was used to testify the effects of astaxanthin on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Production of inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation and insulin-related signaling were measured in the presence of astaxanthin both in vivo and in vitro. It was found that astaxanthin improved insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and litter size of offspring and reduced birth weight of offspring and inflammation in GDM mouse. Moreover, astaxanthin increased GLUT4 translocating to membrane without altering its secretion/expression and glucose uptake and consumption in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Furthermore, ROS generation and insulin-related signaling inhibited by tumor necrosis factor α was restored by astaxanthin. It is concluded that astaxanthin has the potential to attenuate GDM symptoms by regulating inflammation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of pregnant mice. Our findings suggest that astaxanthin could be a promising and effective molecule to treat GDM.