bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Identity Principles at the Core of Comparative Economic Development Management: Lessons for Emerging African Nations
Authors: Michel Louicius
Published: April 2021

The aim of this article is to investigate the role of national or social identity at different stages of the industrialized nations’ economic development models in order to draw some actionable lessons for emerging markets and developing African economies. The main assumption is that social identity is at the core of the economic management process industrialized nations implement with regard to achieving sustainable development goals. In order to detect actionable information with practical or methodological relevance, national identity was identified as the independent variable, and economic development as the dependent variable. Although the concept of identity is diversely defined in scholarly literature, it is commonly understood as the lens through which an individual perceives himself/herself or how a group of individuals perceive themselves, and their role in finding a way to cope with environmental challenges. Therefore, there is a double level of identity: at the individual level, and collectively as a nation. This identity is at the core of social reflexivity, which is used to envision, manage, and structure the institutional actions that are conducive to economic development. National and international development agencies have been experimenting with different models to achieve economic development in the emerging countries since the creation of the Bretton Woods Institutions at the end of the Second World War. The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of the United Nations remain the last major multilateral management framework in a series of trial-and-errors over the last sixty years. Using an exploratory and descriptive approach, this article systematically compares the core of the economic development models of the Western nations and that of the newly emerging countries. The results of this analysis show that to achieve their economic development goals, industrialized and emerging countries built the managerial core of their development models on three major foundations: a political system that stems from their own idiosyncrasies, a belief system that comes from their own history and traditions, and a unique but non-exclusive mode of production and resource allocation. These three pillars form a tryptic management principle of sustainable economic development ready for adaptation and adoption.
Asymmetric Volatility in the Nepalese Stock Market
Authors: Gajurel Dinesh
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates the asymmetric volatility behavior of the Nepalese stock market including spillover effects from the US and Indian equity markets. I modeled asymmetric volatility within a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskdasticy framework using comprehensive data for the Nepal stock market index. The results reveal a very different asymmetry compared to the results in other international equity markets: positive shocks increase volatility by more than negative shocks. The results further suggest that uninformed investors play a significant role in the Nepalese stock market. The spillover effect from the Indian stock market to the Nepalese stock market is negative. Overall, I conclude that a “fear of missing out” (FOMO) of noise traders as well as the deployment of pump and dump schemes are inherent features of the Nepalese stock market. The findings are very useful to policy makers and investors alike.
Voyeurisme et impasse morale dans l’oeuvre de Pascale Kramer
Authors: Collani Tania
Published: April 2021

La vue est un sens très sollicité dans l’oeuvre de la romancière franco-suisse Pascale Kramer née à Genève en 1961 : plus spontanée que le regard, la vue survole une multitude de scènes intimes et rechigne à en prendre conscience. Les personnages des romans de Kramer sont des spectateurs passifs de tableaux sociaux variés, frappés par tout type de pulsion (scopique, érotique, de répétition) et victimes de précarité morale. Les oeuvres publiées par Kramer depuis vingt-trois ans, de Manu (1995) à Une famille (2018), constituent une mise en scène stylistiquement savante du voyeurisme contemporain, dans laquelle les personnages (et les lecteurs avec eux) sont condamnés à une suspension de leur jugement éthique. En ayant recours à Derrida, Freud, Jankélévitch, Lipovetsky, Pontalis et Vaneigem, notre étude montre, chez Kramer, l’inconstance du paradigme « voir c’est savoir », ainsi que sa poétique délibérée de l’impasse morale.
Personality, Analytical, and Emotional Intelligence Among Top and Middle Managers
Authors:   Kozminski University, Baczyńska Anna , Rowiński Tomasz ,   Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To explore the differences between top and middle managers’ selection profiles. To that end, we assessed three important criteria: analytical intelligence, emotional intelligence, and personality. Methodology: The study compared two groups of managers (N=383): top managers (N=98) and middle managers (N=285). To measure the three factors, we used reliable, validated tools. Using discriminant analysis, we defined the strongest differentiating factors of the two groups. Results: Significant differences were obtained in the areas of the three factors, i.e. in general mental ability, some aspects of the personality dimension, and some facets of emotional intelligence. Discriminant analysis showed that facets of emotional intelligence most strongly differentiate the two groups. Implications: We describe and explain the typical profiles of top and middle managers with the three factors. Originality/value: These results are useful in the selection and development process of the organizatio
Structuring Corporate Boards: Some Facts and Determinants from the Macedonian Setting
Authors:   Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Suklev Bobek , Debarliev Stojan ,   Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Drakulevsk Ljubomir ,   Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Knowing the factors that might affect board structure is an important step in understanding boards and their role in corporate governance. This research aims to examine the effect of firm characteristics closely related to corporate governance mechanisms, such as the model of corporate governance, shareholder capital concentration, and stock exchange listing on board structure variables (size, independence, and gender diversity). Methodology: The sample of this study stems from large Macedonian joint-stock companies. We run a hierarchical linear regression of board characteristics on common demographic firm characteristics as control variables and contextual firm characteristics related to corporate governance mechanisms as independent variables. Findings: Joint-stock companies in the Republic of North Macedonia have relatively small boards, which provide no positive effects that would originate from the larger number of board members. Moreover, the number of outside independent members is small, insufficient to influence the boards with greater objectivity, independence, and quality. Larger companies with a one-tier model have statistically significant larger corporate boards and a larger number of independent directors. Implications: The best corporate governance practices worldwide must be used as a basis for future improvements of corporate governance in joint-stock companies in developing economies.
State Autonomy in Shaping Tax Policies: Facts and Myths Based on the Situation in OECD Countries
Authors:   Kozminski University, Tomkiewicz Jacek , Marta Postuła ,   University of Warsaw
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Capital flows, tax competition, multinational companies and tax havens weakens governments’ ability to lead independent tax policy. This race to the bottom, especially in the case of CIT rate, seems to work. Aim of the text is to show that the governments are not as powerless as it is often claimed. Despite common opinion, nation-states retain a relatively significant autonomy in creating their own fiscal policies, including tax instruments. Size of funds kept in tax havens have not been growing for few years and international cooperation of tax authorities is more and more efficient in dealing with the tax fraud. Methodology: The study uses desk research method for theoretical reasoning to verify the research hypothesis. Moreover, the study seeks answering if the application of EU tax policies determines national tax policy. To that end, the authors utilize time series and cause-effect analysis, as well as quantitative research for the systematization of statistical information and regression analysis for the examination of statistical dependencies. Tax competition or the functioning of tax havens naturally limits the realization of the fundamental functions of fiscal policies, although the taxation remains one of the most crucial instruments of macroeconomic and income policy of national authorities. Findings: The most important data on public revenues structure in different OECD countries indicate that taxation remains one of the most crucial instruments of macroeconomic and income policy of national authorities. We also show that impact of FDI on hosting economy is not as positive as it is said to be. There is no relation between FDI and R&D spending and level of wages in hosting country is even affected in the negative way by the FDI inflow. Irrespective of the regulatory details introduced at the EU level – the basic factor affecting jets coordination in the field of cooperation between tax services brings effects both in terms of the current collection of tax liabilities and the creation of regulations that hinder tax avoidance and under statement assessment. Originality/value: The study focuses on an analysis of tax policy. The view that taxation of international corporations is fraught with difficulties finds support in the undeniable reality of tax competition.Moreover, a large and growing share of profits is transferred to low-tax places. The prospects for taxing international companies with positive rates seem unoptimistic. Therefore, it is essential to check how the national economy is affected by the FDI inflow in OECD countries.
Um sabiá sujo: a aventura científica sobre a descoberta de uma ave e de um continente
Authors: Rodrigues Marcos
Published: April 2021

Este livro é uma viagem pela América do Sul sob a luz de uma espécie de ave que só foi descoberta em 2007 e formalmente descrita em 2012. Inicialmente a ave mais parecia um sabiá sujo, mas hoje é conhecida como pedreiro-do-espinhaço. Existem mais de dez mil espécies de aves no planeta. Qual seria a importância de mais uma nesse contexto de milhares? A descoberta do pedreiro-do-espinhaço suscitou um enigma biogeográfico, pois ele pertence a um grupo de espécies que se originou e evoluiu nas altas montanhas da Cordilheira dos Andes e nos frios campos da Patagônia. Como poderia ter surgido nas montanhas de Minas Gerais, local tão distante dessas regiões? O livro é sobre esse paradoxo biogeográfico explicado à luz das mais recentes descobertas da biologia evolutiva em linguagem que lembra um thriller investigativo.
Pérolas negras – primeiros fios: experiências artísticas e culturais nos fluxos entre África e Brasil
Authors: Conduru Roberto
Published: April 2021

Aborda as diversas ideias e realizações da arte, da história da arte e da cultura vinculadas às questões da africanidade e da afro-brasilidade, com cortes espaciais e temporais heterogêneos, resultando em uma abordagem de caráter multidisciplinar, com incursões na antropologia, na sociologia e em outras áreas do conhecimento humano. Em 42 ensaios, tece reflexões sobre o legado africano para a sociedade brasileira, observando aspectos como a religião, o artesanato e as representações da arte africana nos museus, além de outros tópicos.
All-optical Thomson scattering
Authors: Yan Wen-Chao , Zhu Chang-Qing , Wang Jin-Guang , Feng Jie , Li Yi-Fei , Tan Jun-Hao , Chen Li-Ming ,   Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China,   Collaborative Innovation Center of IFSA (CICIFSA), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China,   Key Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Scineces, Beijing 100049, China
Published: April 2021

With the development of laser and accelerator technology, and improvement of the particle energy and field intensity, the scattering process between electron and photon will reach the highly nonlinear regime, where the multi-photon process takes place and the quantum electrodynamics starts to play a role. In the near future, with the commissioning of the multi-PW laser facilities, these effects will be available. In this article, we review the recent progress of electron-photon scattering experiments, from single or few-photon regime to high-order multi-photon regime. In the scattering process, collimated bright X/gamma-energy photons are generated, making it possible to realize a compact top-table bright light source, which is also known as inverse Compton scattering source. Finally, the prospects and challenges of scattering experiments are discussed.
Converting endogenous genes of the malaria mosquito into simple non-autonomous gene drives for population replacement
Authors: Hoermann Astrid , Tapanelli Sofia , Capriotti Paolo , Del Corsano Giuseppe , Masters Ellen KG , Habtewold Tibebu , Christophides George K , Windbichler Nikolai
Published: April 2021

Gene drives for mosquito population replacement are promising tools for malaria control. However, there is currently no clear pathway for safely testing such tools in endemic countries. The lack of well-characterized promoters for infection-relevant tissues and regulatory hurdles are further obstacles for their design and use. Here we explore how minimal genetic modifications of endogenous mosquito genes can convert them directly into non-autonomous gene drives without disrupting their expression. We co-opted the native regulatory sequences of three midgut-specific loci of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae to host a prototypical antimalarial molecule and guide-RNAs encoded within artificial introns that support efficient gene drive. We assess the propensity of these modifications to interfere with the development of Plasmodium falciparum and their effect on fitness. Because of their inherent simplicity and passive mode of drive such traits could form part of an acceptable testing pathway of gene drives for malaria eradication.
Microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids modulate microglia and promote Aβ plaque deposition
Authors: Colombo Alessio Vittorio , Sadler Rebecca Katie , Llovera Gemma , Singh Vikramjeet , Roth Stefan , Heindl Steffanie , Sebastian Monasor Laura , Verhoeven Aswin , Peters Finn , Parhizkar Samira , Kamp Frits , Gomez de Aguero Mercedes , MacPherson Andrew J , Winkler Edith , Herms Jochen , Benakis Corinne , Dichgans Martin , Steiner Harald , Giera Martin , Haass Christian , Tahirovic Sabina , Liesz Arthur
Published: April 2021

Previous studies have identified a crucial role of the gut microbiome in modifying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. However, the mechanisms of microbiome–brain interaction in AD were so far unknown. Here, we identify microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFA) as microbial metabolites which promote Aβ deposition. Germ-free (GF) AD mice exhibit a substantially reduced Aβ plaque load and markedly reduced SCFA plasma concentrations; conversely, SCFA supplementation to GF AD mice increased the Aβ plaque load to levels of conventionally colonized (specific pathogen-free [SPF]) animals and SCFA supplementation to SPF mice even further exacerbated plaque load. This was accompanied by the pronounced alterations in microglial transcriptomic profile, including upregulation of ApoE. Despite increased microglial recruitment to Aβ plaques upon SCFA supplementation, microglia contained less intracellular Aβ. Taken together, our results demonstrate that microbiota-derived SCFA are critical mediators along the gut-brain axis which promote Aβ deposition likely via modulation of the microglial phenotype.
Cell competition removes segmental aneuploid cells from Drosophila imaginal disc-derived tissues based on ribosomal protein gene dose
Authors: Ji Zhejun , Chuen Jacky , Kiparaki Marianthi , Baker Nicholas
Published: April 2021

Aneuploidy causes birth defects and miscarriages, occurs in nearly all cancers and is a hallmark of aging. Individual aneuploid cells can be eliminated from developing tissues by unknown mechanisms. Cells with ribosomal protein (Rp) gene mutations are also eliminated, by cell competition with normal cells. BecauseRpgenes are spread across the genome, their copy number is a potential marker for aneuploidy. We found that elimination of imaginal disc cells with irradiation-induced genome damage often required cell competition genes. Segmentally aneuploid cells derived from targeted chromosome excisions were eliminated by the RpS12-Xrp1 cell competition pathway if they differed from neighboring cells inRpgene dose, whereas cells with normal doses of theRpandeIF2γgenes survived and differentiated adult tissues. Thus, cell competition, triggered by differences inRpgene dose between cells, is a significant mechanism for the elimination of aneuploid somatic cells, likely to contribute to preventing cancer.
Global Demands – Local Practices
Authors: Kreitz-Sandberg Susanne , Lahelma Elina
Published: April 2021

Gender equality is a global aim that has been presented in numerous documents. However, teacher education programs in many countries still lack sustainable strategies for working towards gender equality in education. Working successfully in this area may promote more sustainable practices in schools to reach gender-fair societies. The Nordic countries are known for pro-active gender policies and they provide interesting cases for investigating achievements and struggles in the field. The purpose of this article is, from an international comparative perspective, to explore the rationales and practices when working with issues of gender equality in Finnish and Swedish teacher education and to reflect on related concepts. We describe, analyse and compare local practices, theoretical frameworks and challenges by revisiting gender and teacher education research and equality projects from the 1980s up to today. The comparative methodology chosen facilitates understanding examples from two neighbouring countries, illustrating different ways to develop policies and strategies. Local actors not only follow global claims to work with gender and equality in teacher education but also play an active role and contribute to these discourses. Our study suggests that gender equality cannot be achieved overnight; appropriate strategies need to be negotiated constantly in specific national and institutional contexts at universities and teacher education institutions.
Multi-level aspect based sentiment classification of Twitter data: using hybrid approach in deep learning
Authors: Janjua Sadaf Hussain , Siddiqui Ghazanfar Farooq , Sindhu Muddassar Azam , Rashid Umer
Published: April 2021

Social media is a vital source to produce textual data, further utilized in various research fields. It has been considered an essential foundation for organizations to get valuable data to assess the users’ thoughts and opinions on a specific topic. Text classification is a procedure to assign tags to predefined classes automatically based on their contents. The aspect-based sentiment analysis to classify the text is challenging. Every work related to sentiment analysis approached this issue as the current research usually discusses the document-level and overall sentence-level analysis rather than the particularities of the sentiments. This research aims to use Twitter data to perform a finer-grained sentiment analysis at aspect-level by considering explicit and implicit aspects. This study proposes a new Multi-level Hybrid Aspect-Based Sentiment Classification (MuLeHyABSC) approach by embedding a feature ranking process with an amendment of feature selection method for Twitter and sentiment classification comprising of Artificial Neural Network; Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) is used to attain improved results. In this study, different machine learning classification methods were also implemented, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Classifier (SVC), and seven more classifiers to compare with the proposed classification method. The implementation of the proposed hybrid method has shown better performance and the efficiency of the proposed system was validated on multiple Twitter datasets to manifest different domains. We achieved better results for all Twitter datasets used for the validation purpose of the proposed method with an accuracy of 78.99%, 84.09%, 80.38%, 82.37%, and 84.72%, respectively, compared to the baseline approaches. The proposed approach revealed that the new hybrid aspect-based text classification functionality is enhanced, and it outperformed the existing baseline methods for sentiment classification.
Observer based robust H∞ fuzzy tracking control: application to an activated sludge process
Authors: Khallouq Abdelmounaim , Karama Asma , Abyad Mohamed
Published: April 2021

The design of an observer-based robust tracking controller is investigated and successfully applied to control an Activated Sludge Process (ASP) in this study. To this end, the Takagi–Sugeno (TS) fuzzy modeling is used to describe the dynamics of a nonlinear system with disturbance. Since the states of the system are not fully available, a fuzzy observer is designed. Based on the observed states and a reference state model, a reduced fuzzy controller for trajectory tracking purposes is then proposed. While the controller and the observer are developed, the design goal is to achieve the convergence and a guaranteed H∞ performance. By using Lyapunov and H∞ theories, sufficient conditions for synthesis of a fuzzy observer and a fuzzy controller for TS fuzzy systems are derived. Using some special manipulations, these conditions are reformulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) problem. Finally, the robust and effective tracking performance of the proposed controller is tested through simulations to control the dissolved oxygen and the substrate concentrations in an activated sludge process.
X-architecture Steiner minimal tree algorithm based on multi-strategy optimization discrete differential evolution
Authors: Liu Genggeng , Yang Liliang , Xu Saijuan , Li Zuoyong , Chen Yeh-Cheng , Chen Chi-Hua
Published: April 2021

Global routing is an important link in very large scale integration (VLSI) design. As the best model of global routing, X-architecture Steiner minimal tree (XSMT) has a good performance in wire length optimization. XSMT belongs to non-Manhattan structural model, and its construction process cannot be completed in polynomial time, so the generation of XSMT is an NP hard problem. In this paper, an X-architecture Steiner minimal tree algorithm based on multi-strategy optimization discrete differential evolution (XSMT-MoDDE) is proposed. Firstly, an effective encoding strategy, a fitness function of XSMT, and an initialization strategy of population are proposed to record the structure of XSMT, evaluate the cost of XSMT and obtain better initial particles, respectively. Secondly, elite selection and cloning strategy, multiple mutation strategies, and adaptive learning factor strategy are presented to improve the search process of discrete differential evolution algorithm. Thirdly, an effective refining strategy is proposed to further improve the quality of the final Steiner tree. Finally, the results of the comparative experiments prove that XSMT-MoDDE can get the shortest wire length so far, and achieve a better optimization degree in the larger-scale problem.
Evaluating spatial patterns of seasonal ozone exposure and incidence of respiratory emergency room visits in Dallas-Fort Worth
Authors: Northeim Kari , Marks Constant , Tiwari Chetan
Published: April 2021

Background

In urban environments, environmental air pollution poses significant risks to respiratory health. Moreover, the seasonal spatial variability of the air pollutant ozone, and respiratory illness within Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is not well understood. We examine the relationships between spatial patterns of long-term ozone exposure and respiratory illness to better understand impacts on health outcomes. We propose that this study will establish an enhanced understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics of ozone concentrations and respiratory emergency room visits (ERV) incidence.

Methods

Air pollution data (ozone) and ERV incidence data from DFW was used to evaluate the relationships between exposures and outcomes using three steps: (1) develop a geostatistical model to produce quarterly maps of ozone exposure for the DFW area; (2) use spatial analysis techniques to identify clusters of zip codes with high or low values of ozone exposure and respiratory ERV incidence; and (3) use concentration-response curves to evaluate the relationships between respiratory ERV incidence and ozone exposure.

Results

Respiratory ERV incidence was highest in quarters 1 and 4, while ozone exposure was highest in quarters 2 and 3. Extensive statistically significant spatial clusters of ozone regions were identified. Although the maps revealed that there was no regional association between the spatial patterns of high respiratory ERV incidence and ozone exposure, the concentration-response analysis suggests that lower levels of ozone exposure may still contribute to adverse respiratory outcomes.
Influence of hunting strategy on foraging efficiency in Galapagos sea lions
Authors: Blakeway Jessica-Anne , Arnould John P.Y. , Hoskins Andrew J. , Martin-Cabrera Patricia , Sutton Grace J. , Huckstadt Luis A. , Costa Daniel P. , Páez-Rosas Diego , Villegas-Amtmann Stella
Published: April 2021

The endangered Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) exhibits a range of foraging strategies utilising various dive types including benthic, epipelagic and mesopelagic dives. In the present study, potential prey captures (PPC), prey energy consumption and energy expenditure in lactating adult female GSLs (n = 9) were examined to determine their foraging efficiency relative to the foraging strategy used. Individuals displayed four dive types: (a) epipelagic (<100 m; EP); or (b) mesopelagic (>100 m; MP) with a characteristic V-shape or U-shape diving profile; and (c) shallow benthic (<100 m; SB) or (d) deep benthic (>100 m; DB) with square or flat-bottom dive profiles. These dive types varied in the number of PPC, assumed prey types, and the energy expended. Prey items and their energetic value were assumed from previous GSL diet studies in combination with common habitat and depth ranges of the prey. In comparison to pelagic dives occurring at similar depths, when diving benthically, GSLs had both higher prey energy consumption and foraging energy expenditure whereas PPC rate was lower. Foraging efficiency varied across dive types, with benthic dives being more profitable than pelagic dives. Three foraging trip strategies were identified and varied relative to prey energy consumed, energy expended, and dive behaviour. Foraging efficiency did not significantly vary among the foraging trip strategies suggesting that, while individuals may diverge into different foraging habitats, they are optimal within them. These findings indicate that these three strategies will have different sensitivities to habitat-specific fluctuations due to environmental change.
Identification of a ferroptosis-related gene signature (FRGS) for predicting clinical outcome in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Sheng , Wu Chunlei , Ma Dehua , Hu Quanteng
Published: April 2021

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common pathological subtype of lung cancer. Ferroptosis, an oxidative, iron-dependent form of necrotic cell death, is highly associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the prognostic value of ferroptosis progress in LUAD was still rarely be investigated.

Methods

Herein, we collected three mRNA expression profiles and 85 ferroptosis-related genes from public databases. The “limma” package was used to identify ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis were applied to screen and develop a ferroptosis-related gene signature (FRGS) and a formula to calculate the risk score. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was implemented to determine independent prognostic predictors of overall survival (OS). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plot were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the FRGS and nomogram.

Results

We developed a FRGS with five genes (CYBB, CISD1, FADD, SAT2, VDAC2). The AUC of the FRGS in TCGA cohort was 0.777 at 1-year, 0.721 at 3-year and 0.725 at 5-year, significantly superior to the AUC of TNM stage (1-year: 0.701, 3-year: 0.691, 5-year: 0.686). A similar phenomenon was observed in GEO cohort 1 and 2. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicted TNM stage and risk score were independent prognostic predictors. Finally, we built a nomogram with TNM stage and FRGS, the AUCs of which markedly higher than that of FRGS or TNM stage alone.

Conclusion

We constructed a prognostic FRGS with five ferroptosis-related genes and a nomogram for predicting the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate of LUAD patients, which may provide a new understanding of the prognostic value of ferroptosis progress in LUAD and will benefit prognosis assessment of LUAD patients.
Assessment of hand function in women with lymphadenopathy after radical mastectomy
Authors: Mistry Subham , Ali Taimul , Qasheesh Mohammed , Beg Rashid Ali , Shaphe Mohammad Abu , Ahmad Fuzail , Kashoo Faizan Z. , Shalaby Amr S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Breast cancer related upper limb lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication in post-mastectomy patients. It is known to cause upper limb disability, which subsequently may affect the grip strength and hand function. There is little evidence on the objective assessment of functional activities particularly hand function in women with BCRL. Therefore, this study objectively assesses the handgrip strength and hand functions in women with BCRL.

Method

A cross-sectional study design was conducted on a sample of women with (n = 31) and without (n = 31) BCRL. The Handgrip strength and hand functions were measured using a dynamometer and Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, respectively.

Results

The results showed a significantly reduced handgrip strength in women with BCRL as compared to age-matched healthy adult women for both right and left hands (p < 0.05). Similarly, hand functions were significantly impaired in women with BCRL as compared to healthy adult women (p < 0.05). Reduction in handgrip strength and hand function in women with BCRL were clinically meaningful as indicated by moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.61 to 0.99 and 0.54 to 3.02, respectively) in all outcomes except power handgrip strength in left hand (Cohen’s d = 0.38).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate a significant reduction of hand grip strength and hand function in women with BCRL. Our findings suggest that objective measures of grip strength and function be included in the assessment of women with BCRL to better guide clinical decision making and patient care, which may include management of impairment associated with hand strength and function. Future studies that evaluate hand grip strength and function in a larger sample which includes a more diverse age group of women with BCRL are warranted to confirm the current findings.
A Prospective, Longitudinal Study on Effectiveness of King Vision® Video Assisted Laryngoscope and McCoy Laryngoscope in Patients with Simulated Restricted Neck Mobility
Authors: Dey Amit Kumar , Pandit Paramita , Roy Sankar , Biswas Arunava , Bhattacharya Dipasri
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Successful airway management in patients with restricted cervical spine movement is always very challenging as there is no consensus regarding management of difficult airway in such patients with limited or no cervical spine mobility. Aim: To assess whether the King Vision® Video Laryngoscope (KVVL) provides a better view of the glottis and has higher success rate of tracheal intubation than McCoy laryngoscope in patients with simulated difficult airway. Materials and Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, comparative study was conducted with prior approval from Institutional Ethics Committee, 100 patients were divided equally (n=50) into group V {Video Laryngoscope (VL)} and group M (McCoy laryngoscope). Time required for laryngoscopy and intubation, any damage to teeth or soft tissue injury was noted and view of the glottis was graded using a modified classification reported by Cormack and Lehane. Qualitative data (sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, Mallampati classification, Cormack and Lehane glottis view grade, number of laryngoscopic attempts, number of optimisation maneuver required etc.,) were compared between the groups. Chi-square test (χ2) and Fisher-exact test were used. Results: The success on first attempt of laryngoscopy was significantly greater (p=0.014), time taken to do the procedure of laryngoscopy (p<0.001) and duration of intubation (p<0.001) was significantly lesser in the group V patients as compared to group M. Incidence of procedural dental injury was totally absent in group V, whereas four cases were recorded in group M. Optimisation maneuver was required in 50% of the group M patients as compared to 10% of group V (p<0.001). Changes in baseline parameters like pulse, Blood Pressure (BP) was noted more in group M (p<0.01) probably owing to the greater mean duration of intubation. Conclusion: KVVL appears to possess more advantages over the McCoy laryngoscope in respect to ease of viewing glottis, reduced duration of laryngoscopy and intubation, lesser complications and haemodynamic instability.
Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section of Primigravida with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Mehta Malini , Chandini D , Mehta Jigisha , Sharma Tejash
Published: April 2021

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a rare auto-immune disorder that causes low platelet levels. In this condition, platelets are prematurely destroyed by reticuloendothelial system. Here, authors report a case of 27-year-old primigravida of 38 weeks pregnancy with history of ITP was posted for elective caesarean section. Her platelet count was 25000/mm3 which increased to 78000/mm3, after treatment with 30 gm Intravenous (IV). immunoglobulin for three days and three units of pooled platelet suspension. Thereafter, caesarean section was conducted under general anaesthesia without any complication. Regional anaesthesia is a relative contraindication in obstetric patients with thrombocytopenia. To avoid the complications of neuraxial blockade, general anaesthesia was preferred and is safer in a patient with ITP during pregnancy with low platelet count.
Физика высоких энергий в атмосфере Земли, "Природа"
Authors: Чилингарян А.
Published: April 2021

Новая методология физики высоких энергий в атмосфере характеризуется последовательным применением методов физики элементарных частиц и ядерной спектроскопии для выявления деталей работы ускорителей электронов, возникающих прямо над нашими головами в грозовых облаках. Совместно с потоками высокоэнергетических электронов и -лучей от лавины релятивистских убегающих электронов продолжительностью в несколько минут на исследовательской станции Арагац зарегистрированы также часовые изотропные потоки низкоэнергетических -лучей от изотопов Rn. Каждый вид космических лучей приносит свои особые признаки, позволяющие оценить структуру и силу атмосферного электрического поля. Эффект торможения мюонов, наблюдаемый одновременно с крупнейшим зарегистрированным увеличением потока электронов и -лучей на горе Ломницкий Штит, позволяет оценить максимальное значение атмосферного электрического поля. Измеряя энергетические спектры естественного -излучения, мы обнаружили новый эффект циркуляции дочерних продуктов радона во время гроз. Сравнение энергетических спектров электронов и -лучей грозовых наземных превышений позволяет исследовать возникающие электрические структуры в атмосфере, которые ускоряют затравочные электроны космических лучей до 70 МэВ. Измеряя одновременно потоки нейтронов и -лучей нейтронным монитором и гибридным детектором частиц SEVAN, мы смогли доказать фотоядерное происхождение атмосферных нейтронов.
Микробиологические исследования на озере Могильном, "Природа"
Authors: Беленкова В.В. , Саввичев А.С.
Published: April 2021

Уникальный природный объект — реликтовое озеро Могильное на о.Кильдин в Баренцевом море — известен давно. В научной и популярной литературе есть немало публикаций о многослойности его водной толщи, а также о его необычных обитателях. Статья посвящена истории микробиологических исследований и микробиологам, уже более века работающим на оз.Могильном, а также тем удивительным микроорганизмам, ради которых ученые стремятся на суровый остров Кильдин.
Lycopene‐Based Bionic Membrane for Stable Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Dong Chong , Li Xiao‐Mei , Ma Chang , Yang Wen‐Fan , Cao Jun‐Jie , Igbari Femi , Wang Zhao‐Kui , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: April 2021

Perovskite (PVSK) photovoltaics have been a promising field in the exploitation of renewable energy due to the fascinating performances of PVSK materials and devices. Although the efficiency is gradually approaching that of traditional solar cells, the stability is still a challenge. Hence, tomato lycopene, a botanic antioxidant, is introduced as a modification layer on the PVSK absorber layer to prevent moisture and oxygen erosion, for enhanced both intrinsic and environmental stabilities. This inserted protection layer can also interact with the PVSK material through carbon‐halogen bonds and influence its crystallinity. Therefore, PVSK films are obtained with less defects and better intrinsic stability. The device achieved a champion outdoor efficiency at AM 1.5G more than 21% and its indoor efficiency at 1000 lux can reach 40.24%. In addition, the efficiency can keep almost 90% of the original value after exposure to wet oxygen ambience for 1000 h. The antioxidant gives a unique perspective towards enhancing the stability of solar cells
NiMoO4 Nanosheets Anchored on NS Doped Carbon Clothes with Hierarchical Structure as a Bidirectional Catalyst toward Accelerating Polysulfides Conversion for LiS Battery
Authors: Sun Tingting , Zhao Xiaomei , Li Bo , Shu Hongbo , Luo Lipan , Xia Wenlong , Chen Manfang , Zeng Peng , Yang Xiukang , Gao Ping , Pei Yong , Wang Xianyou
Published: April 2021

The serious shuttle effect, sluggish reduction kinetics of polysulfides and the difficult oxidation reaction of Li2S have hindered LiS battery practical application. Herein, a 3D hierarchical structure composed of NiMoO4 nanosheets in situ anchored on NS doped carbon clothes (NiMoO4@NSCC) as the free‐standing host is creatively designed and constructed for LiS battery. Dual transitional metal oxide (NiMoO4) increases the electrons density near the Fermi level due to the contribution of the incorporating molybdenum (Mo), leading to the smaller bandgap, and thus stronger metallic properties compared with NiO. Furthermore, as a bidirectional catalyst, NiMoO4 is proposed to facilitate reductions of polysulfides through lengthening the SS bond distance of Li2S4 and reducing the free energy of polysulfides conversion, meanwhile promote critical oxidation of insulative discharge product (Li2S) via lengthening LiS bond distance of Li2S and decreasing Li2S decomposition barrier. Therefore, after loading sulfur (2 mg cm−2), NiMoO4@NSCC/S as the self‐supporting cathode for the LiS battery exhibits impressive long cycle stability. This study proposes a concept of a bidirectional catalyst with dual metal oxides, which would supply a novel vision to construct the high‐performance LiS battery.
Genome‐scale data resolves the timing of divergence in Joshua trees
Authors: Smith Christopher Irwin , McKain Michael R. , Guimond Austin , Flatz Ramona
Published: April 2021

Premise

Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia and Y. jaegeriana) and their yucca moth pollinators (Tegeticula synthetica and T. antithetica) are a model system for studies of plant–pollinator coevolution and, they are thought to be one of the only cases in which there is compelling evidence for cospeciation driven by coevolution. Previous work attempted to evaluate whether divergence between the plant and their pollinators was contemporaneous. That work concluded that the trees diverged more than 5 million years ago—well before the pollinators. However, clear inferences were hampered by a lack of data from the nuclear genome and low genetic variation in chloroplast genes. As a result, divergence times in the trees could not be confidently estimated.

Methods

We present an analysis of whole chloroplast genome sequence data and RADseq data from >5000 loci in the nuclear genome. We developed a molecular clock for the Asparagales and the Agavoideae using multiple fossil calibration points. Using Bayesian inference, we produced new estimates for the age of the genus Yucca and for Joshua trees. We used calculated summary statistics describing genetic variation and used coalescent‐based methods to estimate population genetic parameters.

Results

We find that the Joshua trees are moderately genetically differentiated, but that they diverged quite recently (~100–200 kya), and much more recently than their pollinators.

Conclusions

The results argue against the notion that coevolution directly contributed to speciation in this system, suggesting instead that coevolution with pollinators may have reinforced reproductive isolation following initial divergence in allopatry.
Heterozygous variants in SPTBN1 cause intellectual disability and autism
Authors: Rosenfeld Jill A. , Xiao Rui , Bekheirnia Mir Reza , Kanani Farah , Parker Michael J. , Koenig Mary K. , van Haeringen Arie , Ruivenkamp Claudia , Rosmaninho‐Salgado Joana , Almeida Pedro M. , Sá Joaquim , Pinto Basto Jorge , Palen Emily , Oetjens Kathryn F. , Burrage Lindsay C. , Xia Fan , Liu Pengfei , Eng Christine M. ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Yang Yaping , Posey Jennifer E. , Lee Brendan H.
Published: April 2021

Spectrins are common components of cytoskeletons, binding to cytoskeletal elements and the plasma membrane, allowing proper localization of essential membrane proteins, signal transduction, and cellular scaffolding. Spectrins are assembled from α and β subunits, encoded by SPTA1 and SPTAN1 (α) and SPTB, SPTBN1, SPTBN2, SPTBN4, and SPTBN5 (β). Pathogenic variants in various spectrin genes are associated with erythroid cell disorders (SPTA1, SPTB) and neurologic disorders (SPTAN1, SPTBN2, and SPTBN4), but no phenotypes have been definitively associated with variants in SPTBN1 or SPTBN5. Through exome sequencing and case matching, we identified seven unrelated individuals with heterozygous SPTBN1 variants: two with de novo missense variants and five with predicted loss‐of‐function variants (found to be de novo in two, while one was inherited from a mother with a history of learning disabilities). Common features include global developmental delays, intellectual disability, and behavioral disturbances. Autistic features (4/6) and epilepsy (2/7) or abnormal electroencephalogram without overt seizures (1/7) were present in a subset. Identification of loss‐of‐function variants suggests a haploinsufficiency mechanism, but additional functional studies are required to fully elucidate disease pathogenesis. Our findings support the essential roles of SPTBN1 in human neurodevelopment and expand the knowledge of human spectrinopathy disorders.
Adiposity and pathogen exposure: An investigation of response to iron supplementation and hypothesized predictors in anemic pre‐school‐aged children living in a dual burden environment
Authors: Dorsey Achsah F. , Penny Mary E. , Thompson Amanda L.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Peruvians are experiencing rapid dietary and lifestyle changes, resulting in a phenomenon known as the “dual burden of disease.” A common manifestation of the dual burden in individuals is the co‐occurrence of overweight and anemia. Despite recent initiatives introduced to address these concerns, rates continue to be public health concerns. This study investigates the relationship between immune activation and lack of response to iron supplementation after 1 month of treatment and explores variation in body fat stores as a potential moderator between immune function and response to treatment.

Methods

Data come from children, aged 2–5 years (n = 50) from a peri‐urban community in Lima, Peru. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the associations between response to treatment (Hb > =11.0 g/dl) after 1 month of treatment), markers of immune activation (C‐reactive protein [CRP] and reported morbidity symptoms), and measures of body fat (waist‐to‐height ratio, triceps skinfold thickness, and body mass index [BMI]).

Results

We found that high CRP is associated with a lack of response to iron supplementation after 1 month of treatment and that BMI z‐score may moderate this association. Generally, larger body size is associated with response to iron supplementation whether or not the children in this sample have high immune activation. However, the probability of anemic children responding to iron supplementation treatment differed across adiposity measures.

Conclusions

Our finding suggesting that adiposity and CRP influence response to iron supplementation, furthers our understanding of the relationship between inflammation and anemia treatment in children and has both theoretical and public health implications.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Remote C−H Phosphonylation of Indoles at the C4 and C6 Positions by a Radical Approach
Authors: Shi Xiaolin , Wang Zemin , Li Yuxiu , Li Xiaowei , Li Xiangqian , Shi Dayong
Published: April 2021

Palladium‐catalyzed direct C−H activation of indole benzenoid moiety has been achieved in the past decade. However, palladium‐catalyzed remote C−H activation of indoles is rare. Herein, we report a challenging palladium‐catalyzed remote C4‐H phosphonylation of indoles by a radical approach. The method provides access to a series of C4‐phosphonylated indoles, including tryptophan and tryptophan‐containing dipeptides, which are typically inaccessible by direct C4‐H activation due to its heavy reliance on C3 directing groups. Notably, unexpected C6‐phosphonylated indoles were obtained through blocking of the C4 position. The preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the reactions may proceed via a C7‐palladacycle/remote‐activation process. Based on the strategy, examples of remote C4‐H difluoromethylation with BrCF2COOEt are also presented, suggesting that the strategy may offer a general blueprint for other cross‐couplings.