bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Search of Master Negotiators: A Negotiation Competency Model
Authors: Smolinski Remigiusz , Xiong Yun
Published: July 2020

Over the last four decades, the field of negotiation has become a fully recognized academic discipline around the world and negotiation courses and competitions have become increasingly popular. Although it is believed that negotiators may be trained and that negotiation is a skill that can be taught and evaluated, the question of how to assess negotiation performance systematically and comprehensively remains largely unanswered. This article proposes a negotiation competency model for evaluating negotiation performance. The model includes a set of selected negotiation competencies together with proficiency levels and their behavioral indicators. Our goal is to help scholars design more effective negotiation courses and fairer negotiation competitions, improve negotiation pedagogy, and train negotiators who are well prepared to handle conflicts in our increasingly complex society.
Aridity drives coordinated trait shifts but not decreased trait variance across the geographic range of eight Australian trees
Authors: Anderegg Leander D. L. , Loy Xingwen , Markham Ian P. , Elmer Christina M. , Hovenden Mark J. , HilleRisLambers Janneke , Mayfield Margaret M.
Published: July 2020

Large intraspecific functional trait variation strongly impacts many aspects of communities and ecosystems, and is the medium upon which evolution works. Yet intraspecific trait variation is inconsistent and hard to predict across traits, species and locations.

We measured within‐species variation in leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), branch wood density (WD), and allocation to stem area vs leaf area in branches (branch Huber value (HV)) across the aridity range of seven Australian eucalypts and a co‐occurring Acacia species to explore how traits and their variances change with aridity.

Within species, we found consistent increases in LMA, LDMC and WD and HV with increasing aridity, resulting in consistent trait coordination across leaves and branches. However, this coordination only emerged across sites with large climate differences. Unlike trait means, patterns of trait variance with aridity were mixed across populations and species. Only LDMC showed constrained trait variation in more xeric species and drier populations that could indicate limits to plasticity or heritable trait variation.

Our results highlight that climate can drive consistent within‐species trait patterns, but that patterns might often be obscured by the complex nature of morphological traits, sampling incomplete species ranges or sampling confounded stress gradients.
Effect of combined renal denervation and pulmonary vein isolation in atrial fibrillation recurrence in hypertensive patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Mujer Mark Terence , Al‐Abcha Abdullah , Saleh Yehia , Nerusu Lakshmi Akhila , Boumegouas Manel , Herzallah Khader , Chen Kai
Published: July 2020

Background

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and hypertension is the most common risk factor associated with AF. The addition of renal sympathetic nerve denervation (RSDN) to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in AF patients with hypertension has been reported to improve clinical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search was performed for studies on patients with AF and hypertension that compared RSDN with PVI versus PVI‐alone. Risk ratio (RR) for categorical variables and mean difference (MD) for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals were used.

Results

Seven studies with a total of 734 patients were included. A total of 340 patients were in the RSDN + PVI group (46.32%) and 394 (53.67%) in the PVI group. A total of 608 patients had paroxysmal AF (83%) while 126 patients had persistent AF (17%). At 12 months follow‐up, RSDN + PVI decreased the overall risk of AF recurrence in hypertensive patients with RR 0.60 [95% CI 0.50‐0.72, P < .00001]. A subgroup analysis performed in patients with drug‐resistant hypertension showed a similar reduction in AF recurrence with RR 0.61 [95% CI: 0.47‐0.79, P = .0002). Procedure duration MD + 28.05 min [95% CI: 18.88‐37.23, P < .00001] and fluoroscopy duration MD + 5.59 min [95% CI: 3.31‐8.19, P < .00001] were significantly longer with the RSDN + PVI group. There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups.

Conclusion

The addition of RSDN to PVI in patients with AF and hypertension appears safe and decreases AF recurrence. Similar results were observed in patients with drug‐resistant hypertension. Larger trials are needed to confirm these results.
Initial posaconazole dosing to achieve therapeutic serum posaconazole concentrations among children, adolescents, and young adults receiving delayed‐release tablet and intravenous posaconazole
Authors: Bernardo Valeria , Miles Alyssa , Fernandez Alfred J. , Liverman Rochelle , Tippett Ashley , Yildirim Inci
Published: July 2020

Posaconazole is a broad‐spectrum antifungal used for prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal diseases. There are limited data on the optimal dosing, safety, and efficacy of the DRT and IV formulations in immunocompromised pediatric and adolescent patients. We describe our experience including dosing, plasma trough concentrations, safety, and tolerability. Plasma concentrations ≥.7 µg/mL were considered therapeutic for prophylaxis and ≥1.0 µg/mL for treatment. Fifty‐four patients (median age of 16 years) received DRT or IV formulations of posaconazole. Thirty‐one (57%) patients received posaconazole for treatment and 23 (43%) for prophylaxis. Overall, 36 (67%) patients achieved targeted initial plasma trough concentrations (median 1.3 µg/mL) (Figure 1). The median daily dose among patients <13 years of age who achieved the targeted initial concentrations was 7.3 mg/kg/day for the DRT formulation and 9.8 mg/kg/day for the IV formulation. The median daily dose among patients ≥13 years of age who achieved the targeted initial concentrations was 4.9 mg/kg/day for the DRT formulation and 5.6 mg/kg/day for the IV formulation. Thirty‐six patients (67%) developed transaminitis, mostly grade 1. Our observations show that DRT and IV formulations are safe and effective in immunocompromised children, adolescents, and young adults. Higher dosing per body weight of DRT and IV posaconazole may be required in patients <13 years of age compared with patients 13 years of age and older to achieve therapeutic plasma concentrations.

Distribution of posaconazole plasma trough levels by indication groups

image
Association of Community Health Nursing Educators', 2020 evidence‐based project priorities: A national blueprint for unifying research and evidence‐based practice priorities
Authors: Smith Stephanie D. , Stalter Ann M. , McElroy Kathleen G.
Published: July 2020

The Association of Community Health Nursing Educators (ACHNE) Research Committee Subcommittee on Evidence‐Based Practice (EBP) presents a paper on the state of translation of science into public health nursing education practice. The paper builds from the integrative research review completed by the ACHNE Research Priorities Subcommittee (McElroy et al., Public Health Nursing, 2020) offering updated research priorities and a Research in Action model. Four EBP Project Priorities were established using the Johns Hopkins EBP Model guided by Dang and Dearholt's (Johns Hopkins nursing evidence‐based practice: Model and guidelines, 2018) 19‐step process. The EBP Project Priorities emphasize the need for EBP projects to align ACHNE strategic plans and research priorities. The authors recommend that the Research in Action model guide deliberate unification of both the Research and EBP Project Priorities. Standards and criteria for essential effort unifying collaborative effort between PhD and Doctorate in Nursing Practice scholars, coordination of research efforts, and innovative practice partnerships is provided.
Education and Public Service Motivation: A Longitudinal Study of High School Graduates
Authors: Kim Sangmook
Published: July 2020

Prior studies examined an individual's level of education as one of the antecedents of public service motivation (PSM). Despite having the same level of education, why are the levels of PSM different among individuals? This study investigates the various components of high school education that may influence graduates' levels of PSM by analyzing longitudinal data (3,592 cases in four waves) of the Korean Education Longitudinal Study. It shows that leadership experience, volunteering satisfaction, peer collaboration, and constructive self‐assessment on achievement in high school Social Studies courses have positive influences on graduates' PSM. This study provides support for the institutional perspective that PSM can be cultivated through processes of institutional socialization, and suggests that the self‐determination theory and the social interdependence theory are useful for understanding the effects of extracurricular activities and peer collaboration on PSM, and that collaborative learning and service‐learning will be valuable in cultivating PSM.
Metabolic optimization of adoptive T cell transfer cancer immunotherapy: A historical overview
Authors: Forsdyke Donald R.
Published: July 2020

After prolonged extracorporeal multiplication in physiological culture media, there can be curative infusions of a cancer patient's own cytotoxic T cells (adoptive T cell transfer; ACT), which must achieve efficient activation in potentially adverse tumour microenvironments. With spectacular, yet irregular, success, improvements are needed. Developing lymphoid cells are biologically selected, not only for ‘near‐self’ reactivity (positive selection), but also to avoid self‐reactivity (negative selection). Thus, success requires harnessing near‐self cells while avoiding extreme autoimmune phenomena. Abrupt metabolic changes accompanying T cell activation to leave the G0 stage and enter the G1 stage of the cell cycle (eg enhanced glycolysis) are accompanied by increased transcription of the G0S9 gene that mediates salvage synthesis of NAD+ from nicotinamide; the latter has recently been shown to increase the efficiency of ACT. Despite theoretical and experimental advances, there has not been parallel progress in simulating in vivo conditions with culture media that were initially formulated for their positive benefits for tumour cell lines (cell survival and proliferation). Yet for lymphoid cells, inhibition or death (ie immunological tolerance) is as important as their activation and proliferation (immunological response). Thus, use of media optimized for the latter may mask the former. The resilience of established culture protocols may have been partly politically driven. However, unphysiological conditions have sometimes yielded fortuitous insights. Optimization of culture media for specific tissues must consider the nature of problems addressed in research settings and the need to avoid mishaps in clinical settings.
Types of White Identification and Attitudes About Black Lives Matter
Authors: Cole Geneva
Published: July 2020

Objective

Until recently, whiteness was not considered a politically significant social identity. This study builds on recent work and explores empirically the different ways in which white people understand their whiteness with the objective of recognizing how variations in white identification shape attitudes about the Black Lives Matter movement.

Methods

I use qualitative analysis of in‐depth semistructured interviews to develop a theoretical framework for understanding how white Americans understand and identify with their whiteness and apply this typology to expressed attitudes about Black Lives Matter.

Results

I find three distinct patterns of white identification that characterize how white people understand their own race and privilege. These patterns subsequently affect how white Americans understand the experiences of minorities, specifically analyzed through opinions about Black Lives Matter.

Conclusion

Variations in the way that white Americans understand their whiteness have tangible effects on the way they approach racial politics, with this article focused specifically on white attitudes about the Black Lives Matter movement. As the movement engages a broad multiracial coalition it is very possible that those who were previously unaware of their whiteness will come to see it as important, with potentially wide‐ranging impacts on the future of racial politics in the United States.
Summands of theta divisors on Jacobians
Authors: Krämer Thomas
Published: July 2020

We show that the only summands of the theta divisor on Jacobians of curves and on intermediate Jacobians of cubic threefolds are the powers of the curve and the Fano surface of lines on the threefold. The proof only uses the decomposition theorem for perverse sheaves, some representation theory and the notion of characteristic cycles.
Three-dimensional sound scattering from transversely symmetric surface waves in deep and shallow water using the equivalent source method
Authors: He Tengjiao , Humphrey Victor F. , Mo Shiqi , Fang Erzheng
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a propagation model to calculate the three-dimensional (3-D) sound scattering from transversely symmetric sea surface waves in both deep and shallow water using the equivalent source method (ESM). The 3-D sound field is calculated by integrating an assembly of two-dimensional (2-D) transformed fields with different out-of-plane wavenumbers through a cosine transform. Each 2-D solution is calculated using the ESM incorporating a complex image method that can efficiently and accurately solve the 2-D water/seabed Green's function. The oscillatory cosine integral is accurately calculated using a segmented integral scheme requiring relatively few 2-D solutions, which can be further improved through the use of parallel computation. The model is validated by comparison with a 3-D Helmholtz-Kirchhoff method for deep water and a finite element method for a shallow water wedge with both a fluid and an elastic seabed. The model is as accurate as the finite element approach but more numerically efficient, which enables Monte Carlo simulations to be performed for random rough surfaces in order to study the scattering effects at a reasonable computational cost. Also, 3-D pulse propagation in the shallow water wedge is demonstrated to understand the out-of-plane scattering effects further.
Characteristic boundaries associated with three-dimensional twins in hexagonal metals
Authors: Wang Shujuan , Gong Mingyu , McCabe Rodney J. , Capolungo Laurent , Wang Jian , Tomé Carlos N.
Published: July 2020

The 3D facets controlling the growth of the most common twin in magnesium have been identified.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals profibrotic roles of distinct epithelial and mesenchymal lineages in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Habermann Arun C. , Gutierrez Austin J. , Bui Linh T. , Yahn Stephanie L. , Winters Nichelle I. , Calvi Carla L. , Peter Lance , Chung Mei-I , Taylor Chase J. , Jetter Christopher , Raju Latha , Roberson Jamie , Ding Guixiao , Wood Lori , Sucre Jennifer M. S. , Richmond Bradley W. , Serezani Ana P. , McDonnell Wyatt J. , Mallal Simon B. , Bacchetta Matthew J. , Loyd James E. , Shaver Ciara M. , Ware Lorraine B. , Bremner Ross , Walia Rajat , Blackwell Timothy S. , Banovich Nicholas E. , Kropski Jonathan A.
Published: July 2020

Single-cell RNA sequencing provides new insights into pathologic epithelial and mesenchymal remodeling in the human lung.
Self-powered user-interactive electronic skin for programmable touch operation platform
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Zhang Zheng , Liao Qingliang , Xun Xiaochen , Gao Fangfang , Xu Liangxu , Kang Zhuo , Zhang Yue
Published: July 2020

We report a self-powered user-interactive electronic skin with seamless integration of visual and electrical mapping of pressure.
Cooperation between passive and active silicon transporters clarifies the ecophysiology and evolution of biosilicification in sponges
Authors: Maldonado M. , López-Acosta M. , Beazley L. , Kenchington E. , Koutsouveli V. , Riesgo A.
Published: July 2020

Molecular mechanisms for Si transport constrain the evolution and ecological adaptability of sponges.
Transient structures in rupturing thin films: Marangoni-induced symmetry-breaking pattern formation in viscous fluids
Authors: Shen Li , Denner Fabian , Morgan Neal , van Wachem Berend , Dini Daniele
Published: July 2020

A transient pattern formation on the top of a soap bubble induced by surface tension gradients is examined via asymptotics.
Chemical identification through two-dimensional electron energy-loss spectroscopy
Authors: Yu Renwen , García de Abajo F. Javier
Published: July 2020

A disruptive approach to molecular sensing is presented based on ballistic electron energy loss analysis in 2D semiconductors.
Screening Repurposing Libraries for Identification of Drugs with Novel Antifungal Activity
Authors: Wall Gina , Lopez-Ribot Jose L.
Published: July 2020

Fungal organisms are ubiquitous in nature, and progress of modern medicine is creating an expanding number of severely compromised patients susceptible to a variety of opportunistic fungal infections. These infections are difficult to diagnose and treat, leading to high mortality rates. The limited antifungal arsenal, the toxicity of current antifungal drugs, the development of resistance, and the emergence of new multidrug-resistant fungi, all highlight the urgent need for new antifungal agents.
Sequencing and Annotation of Duggie and Hocus, Two Subcluster B1 Mycobacteriophages
Authors: Doyle Erin L. , Burke Alexis N. , Coy Samuel J. , Miller Haley R. , Shatford-Adams Lilly M. , Petersen Reagan M. , Wehrs Kade B. , Bowder Dane M.
Published: July 2020

Two mycobacteriophage genomes were newly sequenced and annotated. Duggie and Hocus were discovered, enriched, and isolated from soil using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155. The bacteriophages are lytic Siphoviridae and belong to the B1 subcluster. The Hocus and Duggie genomes are highly similar to one another in both nucleotide sequence and gene content.
Architecture and Evolution of the Crust during Continental Arc Magmatism: A Transect through the Coast Mountains Batholith, British Columbia
Authors: Woodsworth* Glenn J. , Rusmore* Margaret E. , Stowell* Harold H. , Hollister* Lincoln S.
Published: July 2020

The Coast Mountains batholith (CMB) is one of the largest continental margin batholiths in the world. It is nearly continuously exposed for >1700 km along the west coast of North America in British Columbia through southeastern Alaska into southwestern Yukon Territory. This guide, prepared for the GSA Thompson Field Forum held in August 2018, describes the geology along the readily accessible Skeena River transect of the CMB in British Columbia. At this latitude, the CMB is bounded on the east by generally low-grade stratified rocks and subordinate Jurassic to Eocene plutons. These rocks are bounded on the west by a Paleogene, low-angle, top-to-the northeast detachment (the Eastside detachment). West of the detachment, the Central Gneiss Complex (CGC), which forms the lower plate of the detachment, consists of amphibolite to granulite-facies schist, gneiss, and orthogneiss, intruded by Late Cretaceous to Paleogene plutons. The CGC is characterized by regionally consistent Eocene 40Ar/39Ar and K-Ar cooling dates. This core belt is bounded on the west by the Paleogene Coast shear zone, a steep crustal-scale structure. Paleogene plutons do not occur west of this belt. West of the Coast shear zone, schists of the Western metamorphic belt show evidence for southwest-verging thrusting, and form an inverted metamorphic sequence with grade dramatically decreasing to the west. These rocks are intruded by Jurassic to Late Cretaceous plutons. We use this transect as a basis to examine the growth of the CMB as a whole, emphasizing commonalities and variations with the batholith and how these traits may reflect magmatic processes that create this and other convergent-margin batholiths. We conclude by highlighting a few of the many open questions regarding the evolution of this complex batholith.
Therapeutic use of intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet as an alternative treatment for type 2 diabetes in a normal weight woman: a 14-month case study
Authors: Lichtash Charlene , Fung Jason , Ostoich Katherine Connor , Ramos Megan
Published: July 2020

This case demonstrates the effective and sustainable use of intermittent fasting (IF) and ketogenic diet (KD) in a normal weight patient with type 2 diabetes, who did not attain glycaemic control with a standard care approach. A 57-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin and strict adherence to a standard diabetic diet presented with a haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 9.3%. Within 4 months of transitioning to KD, combined with IF, she achieved glycaemic control off pharmacotherapy, with HbA1c of 6.4. IF regimens started as 24 hours three times per week, followed by 42 hours three times per week, then 42 hours two times per week and 16 hours once per week. A maintenance phase was then begun at 8 months; IF was reduced to 16 hours per day, with 24 hours three times per month, and metformin was restarted. At 14 months, HbA1c reached 5.8%, and body mass index was minimally changed.
Atezolizumab in patients with renal insufficiency and mixed variant histology: analyses from an expanded access program in platinum-treated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Hoffman-Censits Jean , Pal Sumanta , Kaiser Constanze , Ding Beiying , Bellmunt Joaquim
Published: July 2020

Background

Atezolizumab is a treatment for locally advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC). However, its use in patients with renal insufficiency or UC with mixed variant histology (MVH) is not well characterized.

Objective

To report efficacy and safety of atezolizumab in these special subpopulations from an expanded access program (EAP).

Design, setting, and participants

A total of 218 patients were enrolled at 36 US study sites (November 2015–August 2016), and the trial ended following the approval of atezolizumab by the US Food and Drug Administration. This post hoc analysis investigated outcomes in specific study subgroups.

Intervention

Atezolizumab 1200 mg was administered intravenously every 3 weeks until loss of clinical benefit, unacceptable toxicity, death, consent withdrawal, decision to discontinue, commercial availability, or study closure.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1 responses and safety were evaluated by baseline renal function and histology.

Results and limitations

Objective responses occurred in 0/6 (0%), 4/19 (21%), 1/27 (3.7%), and 12/62 (19%) of evaluable patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <30, 30–45, 45–60, and ≥60 mL/min, respectively, and stable disease was seen in three patients with CrCl <30 mL/min. Objective responses were seen in 13/102 patients (13%) with urothelial carcinoma (UC) histology only and in 4/12 patients (33%) with UC with MVH. Treatment-related adverse event frequencies ranged from 35% to 54% across the earlier indicated CrCl subgroups and they were also similar in patients with pure UC or UC with MVH (46%).

Conclusions

In this EAP mUC subgroup analysis, clinical benefit of atezolizumab occurred in patients with compromised renal function or MVH UC tumors. Safety was comparable across subgroups.

Patient summary

We examined the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab for UC in certain patients participating in an EAP. We found that responses to atezolizumab occurred, and safety was similar, in most patient subgroups with varying levels of kidney functioning or less common types of tumor tissue histology.
Bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein targeting TGF-β and PD-L1, in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: results from a phase I cohort
Authors: Cho Byoung Chul , Daste Amaury , Ravaud Alain , Salas Sébastien , Isambert Nicolas , McClay Edward , Awada Ahmad , Borel Christian , Ojalvo Laureen S , Helwig Christoph , Rolfe P Alexander , Gulley James L , Penel Nicolas
Published: July 2020

Background

We report the clinical activity and safety of bintrafusp alfa, a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)RII receptor (a TGF-β ‘trap’) fused to a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody blocking programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), in patients with heavily pretreated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Methods

In this phase I dose-expansion cohort, patients with advanced SCCHN not amenable to curative therapy that progressed/recurred after platinum therapy in the recurrent/metastatic setting, or <6 months after platinum therapy in the locally advanced setting, received bintrafusp alfa 1200 mg intravenously every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was confirmed best overall response (BOR; Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1) per independent review committee (IRC); other endpoints included BOR per investigator and safety.

Results

As of August 24, 2018, 32 patients had received bintrafusp alfa (median follow-up 86.4 weeks; range 2–97). Per IRC, the confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 13% (95% CI 4% to 29%; 4 partial responses (PR)); 4 patients had stable disease (SD) (disease control rate 25%; 95% CI 12% to 43%). Per investigator, there were 5 PRs (ORR, 16%), including 2 patients who developed delayed PRs after initial disease increase (total clinical response rate 22%). Responses (ORRs) were observed in patients with PD-L1-positive (12%), PD-L1-negative (17%; 73-10 antibody for immunohistochemistry), human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive (33%) and HPV-negative tumors (5%). Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 11 patients (34%), with no grade 4 TRAEs or treatment-related deaths.

Conclusions

Bintrafusp alfa showed clinical activity across subgroups of PD-L1 expression and in HPV-positive tumors and had a manageable safety profile in patients with heavily pretreated advanced SCCHN. Activity in HPV-positive tumors is favorable compared with historical data from PD-L1 inhibitors and is being further investigated in an ongoing study of HPV-associated tumors.

Trial registration number

NCT02517398.
Efficacy of high-flow nasal prong therapy in trauma patients with rib fractures and high-risk features for respiratory deterioration: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hsu Jeremy Ming , Clark Peter Telford , Connell Laura Elizabeth , Welfare Matthew
Published: July 2020

Background

Patients with rib fractures require analgesia, oxygen supplementation and physiotherapy. This combination has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality due to rib fractures. There has been movement towards the use of high-flow nasal prong (HFNP) oxygen. However there are no studies demonstrating the effectiveness of HFNP in this population. The aim of this study was to compare HFNP to venturi mask (VM) in rib fracture patients.

Methods

Randomized controlled trial. Patient population included patients with rib fractures and high-risk features (three or more rib fractures, flail segment, bilateral rib fractures, smoker or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Exclusion criteria included initial mechanical ventilation and contraindications to HFNP. Patients were randomized to HFNP or VM. Primary outcome was deterioration requiring mechanical invasive/non‐invasive ventilation, or unplanned admission to intensive care unit. Secondary outcomes included mortality, length of stay, high dependency length of stay, comfort levels, breathing exertion levels (as measured by Borg Scale), oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, chest X-ray and arterial blood gas parameters.

Results

220 patients (average age 60 years and average of four rib fractures each) were randomized to HFNP (n=113) and VM (n=107). There was no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome comparing HFNP and VM (6.2% vs. 6.5%, p=1.0). There were also no statistically significant differences in the secondary outcomes except for PaCO2(43.6 vs. 45.5, p=0.039)

Conclusion

HFNP oxygen supplementation does not appear to be more effective than VM oxygen supplementation in patients with rib fractures.
Long-lasting exercise involvement protects against decline in V̇O2max and V̇O2 kinetics in moderately active women
Authors: Zubac Damir , Ivančev Vladimir , Valić Zoran , Šimunič Boštjan
Published: July 2020

We studied the effects of age on different physiological parameters, including those derived from (i) maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), (ii) moderate-intensity step transitions, and (iii) tensiomyography (TMG)-derived variables in moderately active women. Twenty-eight women (age, 19 to 53 years), completed 3 laboratory visits, including baseline data collection, TMG assessment, maximal oxygen uptake test via CPET, and a step-transition test from 20 W to a moderate-intensity cycling power output (PO), corresponding to oxygen uptake at 90% gas exchange threshold. During the step transitions, breath-by-breath pulmonary oxygen uptake, near infrared spectroscopy derived muscle deoxygenation (ΔHHb), and beat-by-beat cardiovascular response were continuously monitored. There were no differences observed between the young and middle-aged women in their maximal oxygen uptake and peak PO, while the maximal heart rate (HR) was 12 bpm lower in middle-aged compared with young (p = 0.016) women. Also, no differences were observed between the age groups in τ pulmonary oxygen uptake, ΔHHb, and τHR during on-transients. The first regression model showed that age did not attenuate the maximal CPET capacity in the studied population (p = 0.638), while in the second model a faster τ pulmonary oxygen uptake, combined with shorter TMG-derived contraction time (Tc) of the vastus lateralis (VL), were associated with a higher maximal oxygen uptake (∼30% of explained variance, p = 0.039). In conclusion, long lasting exercise involvement protects against a maximal oxygen uptake and τpulmonary oxygen uptake deterioration in moderately active women.

Novelty: Faster τ pulmonary oxygen uptake and shorter Tc of the VL explain 33% of the variance in superior maximal oxygen uptake attainment. No differences between age groups were found in τ pulmonary oxygen uptake, τΔHHb, and τHR during on-transients.
Mechanical and electronic properties of Ti-7333 alloy under tension: First-principles calculations
Authors: Hong Dan , Zeng Wei , Liu Fu-Sheng , Tang Bin , Liu Qi-Jun
Published: July 2020

The first-principles calculations are used to investigate the effects on mechanical and electronic properties of Ti-7333 alloy under the tension stress along [001], [100] and [110] directions. First, we study the structure and elastic properties of Ti-7333 alloy with 2, 16, 54 and 128 atoms, finding that the structural parameters of four models are comparative due to the approximate value of c/a and the elastic properties are also similar. Hence, we choose Ti-7333 alloy with 16 atoms to study the effects on mechanical and electronic properties under tension stress along [001], [100] and [110] directions. The changes of independent elastic constants, Debye temperature and anisotropic behavior under different tension stress along all the three directions can reflect that the tensile strength of Ti-7333 alloy may exist between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] GPa and also find that it is easier to change the resistance to deformation of Ti-7333 alloy under the tension stress along [100] direction compared with [001] and [110] directions. What’s more, the calculated mechanical parameters show that the Ti-7333 alloy is brittle and the tendency of variations is small with the increase in tension stress. The effects on electronic properties including metallic and covalent properties are not obvious due to the approximate height of TDOS, pseudogap and charge density.
The concealed intelligent switch based on 4D printed shape-memory polymers
Authors: Fu Yanjun , Chen Kejian , Li Shihao , Zhang Xiaofan , Wei Yao
Published: July 2020

Concealed intelligent switches have significant potential for use in security and encryption applications. Recently, several four-dimensional (4D) printed intelligent devices have been designed and fabricated using 3D printing technologies and intelligent materials. These devices have demonstrated stupendous capabilities in smart switches and actuators. In this study, a concealable smart switch that combines a double spiral structure and smart materials is proposed. To achieve the desired performances, the fixity ratio is optimized to values more than 88% by comparing selected structures printed with common shape-memory materials. Furthermore, applications for non-contact circumstances without any control electric circuits (for example, hidden water valves) are also proposed. Results demonstrate that the outputs of the intelligent switches are related to their different input conditions, and the implementation rules can be further used as black box rules for security and encryption applications. Thus, intelligent devices manufactured using 4D printed shape-memory polymers can be applied in various fields such as in intelligent actuators and soft robots.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FINTECH INDUSTRY
Authors: CHEMMANUR THOMAS J. , IMERMAN MICHAEL B. , RAJAIYA HARSHIT , YU QIANQIAN
Published: July 2020

In this article, we review some recent developments in the field of Financial Technology or “FinTech.” We begin with an overview of what FinTech is and why it has become an important growth industry in the financial services area and therefore an important research topic in finance. In the next section, we review some of the academic literature in the FinTech area. In the subsequent section, we characterize the financing of FinTech startups, especially by venture capital firms. In the following section, we characterize innovation by FinTech firms as well as by incumbent financial intermediaries. In the next section, we move on to discuss potential sources of value creation by FinTech start-up firms relative to existing incumbent firms: we conjecture that one source of value creation may arise from FinTech startups being able to provide a superior customer experience relative to incumbent firms in various areas of consumer finance. In the following section, we discuss the regulatory environment facing FinTech firms, in their banking as well as in their financial market activities. In the penultimate section, we analyze the buy-versus-build decision facing firms choosing to enter the FinTech sector and discuss the trade-offs that may drive such decisions in practice. We conclude with some remarks about the future directions that may be taken by the FinTech industry.
Big Data Applications in Medical Field: A Literature Review
Authors: Khan Ibrahim Haleem , Javaid Mohd
Published: July 2020

Digital imaging and medical reporting have acquired an essential role in healthcare, but the main challenge is the storage of a high volume of patient data. Although newer technologies are already introduced in the medical sciences to save records size, Big Data provides advancements by storing a large amount of data to improve the efficiency and quality of patient treatment with better care. It provides intelligent automation capabilities to reduce errors than manual inputs. Large numbers of research papers on big data in the medical field are studied and analyzed for their impacts, benefits, and applications. Big data has great potential to support the digitalization of all medical and clinical records and then save the entire data regarding the medical history of an individual or a group. This paper discusses big data usage for various industries and sectors. Finally, 12 significant applications for the medical field by the implementation of big data are identified and studied with a brief description. This technology can be gainfully used to extract useful information from the available data by analyzing and managing them through a combination of hardware and software. With technological advancement, big data provides health-related information for millions of patient-related to life issues such as lab tests reporting, clinical narratives, demographics, prescription, medical diagnosis, and related documentation. Thus, Big Data is essential in developing a better yet efficient analysis and storage healthcare services. The demand for big data applications is increasing due to its capability of handling and analyzing massive data. Not only in the future but even now, Big Data is proving itself as an axiom of storing, developing, analyzing, and providing overall health information to the physicians.
How does a monzogranite turn into a trachydacitic extrusion mantled by basinal volcaniclastics and peperites? The case of South-Ouessant, Armorican Variscides (France)
Authors: Caroff Martial , Le Gall Bernard , Authemayou Christine
Published: July 2020

How many volcanic bodies are being confused with plutonic ones worldwide? The purpose of this study is not to provide an answer to this question, but rather to illustrate this issue through an example from the French Armorican Variscides. It concerns a magmatic body cross-cutting highly strained terranes in the Ouessant Island, regarded for decades as a granitoid (monzogranite) on the basis of both its coarse-grained texture and its mineralogy. However, the volcanic origin of the metamorphosed series flanking this foliated body is here recognized by pillow lavas, deposit layers, and fiamme-bearing volcaniclastics, all emplaced onto the soft-substrate floor of a fault-bounded basin. Among other things, similarities between feldspar megacrysts/porphyrocrysts in both the volcaniclastics and the adjoining (formerly) monzogranitic massive body lead us to reinterpret the latter as a trachydacitic extrusion. In our model, the corresponding viscous lava progressively flowed in the basin, recovering the earlier volcanic formations and inducing load effects on the underlying soft sediments, along with compaction of the previously deposited pumices, to produce fiamme. The interpretation of the South-Ouessant area as a Visean transtensional volcano-sedimentary basin provides a new perspective on the distribution of the Variscan pull-apart basins in the Armorican Massif.
Dual-specificity phosphatase 29 is induced during neurogenic skeletal muscle atrophy and attenuates glucocorticoid receptor activity in muscle cell culture
Authors: Cooper Lisa M. , West Rita C. , Hayes Caleb S. , Waddell David S.
Published: July 2020

Skeletal muscle atrophy is caused by a decrease in muscle size and strength and results from a range of physiological conditions, including denervation, immobilization, corticosteroid exposure and aging. Newly named dual-specificity phosphatase 29 ( Dusp29) has been identified as a novel neurogenic atrophy-induced gene in skeletal muscle. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that Dusp29 expression is significantly higher in differentiated myotubes compared with proliferating myoblasts. To determine how Dusp29 is transcriptionally regulated in skeletal muscle, fragments of the promoter region of Dusp29 were cloned, fused to a reporter gene, and found to be highly inducible in response to ectopic expression of the myogenic regulatory factors (MRF), MyoD and myogenin. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis of conserved E-box elements within the proximal promoter of Dusp29 rendered a Dusp29 reporter gene unresponsive to MRF overexpression. Dusp29, an atypical Dusp also known as Dupd1/Dusp27, was found to attenuate the ERK1/2 branch of the MAP kinase signaling pathway in muscle cells and inhibit muscle cell differentiation when ectopically expressed in proliferating myoblasts. Interestingly, Dusp29 was also found to destabilize AMPK protein while simultaneously enriching the phosphorylated pool of AMPK in muscle cells. Additionally, Dusp29 overexpression resulted in a significant increase in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein and elevation in GR phosphorylation. Finally, Dusp29 was found to significantly impair the ability of the glucocorticoid receptor to function as a transcriptional activator in muscle cells treated with dexamethasone. Identifying and characterizing the function of Dusp29 in muscle provides novel insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms for skeletal muscle atrophy.
Protective Effects of Intravitreal Injection of the Rho-Kinase Inhibitor Y-27632 in a Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (rAION)
Authors: Yi Zuohuizi , Chen Liao , Wang Xiaoling , Chen Changzheng , Xing Yiqiao
Published: July 2020

Purpose. We sought to explore the effects of intravitreal injection of the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 in a rodent model of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rAION). Methods. The rAION model was established by using laser-induced photoactivation of intravenously administered Rose Bengal in rats. The rats received intravitreal injections of Y-27632 or PBS 1, 3, and 6 days after rAION induction. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at 2 days and 4 weeks after induction. Visual evoked potential (VEP) was used to evaluate the visual function at 4 weeks. Brn3a immunofluorescence staining of surviving RGCs and apoptosis assays of RGCs were performed at 4 weeks. Results. Optic nerve head (ONH) width was significantly reduced in the Y-27632 group compared with that in the PBS group at 2 days after induction (p<0.05). At 4 weeks, the P1 amplitude of flash-VEP (FVEP) in the Y-27632 group was significantly higher than that of the PBS group (p<0.05). The RGC densities in the central and midperipheral retinas in the Y-27632 group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in apoptotic RGCs in the Y-27632 group than in the PBS group (p<0.05). Conclusions. Intravitreal injection of Y-27632 had neuroprotective effects on ONH edema, RGC survival, and visual function preservation in rAION.
Molecular Mechanisms Contributing Bacterial Infections to the Incidence of Various Types of Cancer
Authors: Sheweita Salah A. , Alsamghan Awad S.
Published: July 2020

Cancer causes a major health concern worldwide due to high incidence and mortality rates. To accomplish this purpose, the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched using the keywords bacteria and cancer. Most of published research addressed several different factors that induced cancer, such as toxins, medications, smoking, and obesity. Nonetheless, few studies are dealing with cancer induction via bacterial infection. In addition, mechanisms of cancer induction via bacterial infections are not well understood. Therefore, in this review, we will shed light on different bacteria that induced cancer via different molecular mechanisms. Among the bacterial infection that induced cancer, Helicobacter pylori was the first recognized bacteria which caused gastric cancer and might be also linked to extragastric cancer in humans. H. pylori has been associated with adenocarcinoma in the distal stomach by its ability to cause severe inflammations. It has been found that inflammations induced cancer via different mechanisms including induction of cell proliferation and production of high levels of free radicals. Recently, free radicals were found to induce and cause various types of cancer. Salmonella typhi has been found to be associated with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). Also, intercellular infection of lungs with Chlamydia pneumoniae was found to contribute as one of the ethological factors of lung cancer. Moreover, infection of the urinary tract with Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., and Proteus mirabilis has been found to cause bladder cancer. These microorganisms produce a high level of N-nitrosamines which are metabolically activated leading to the generation of alkylating agents that damage DNA and other macromolecules. It is concluded that a certain bacterium is linked with induction of a specific type of cancer via different molecular and biochemical mechanisms as discussed in the text in details. This infection could potentially affect human health in different ways. In addition, it is important to know the possible factors involved in cancer induction for better treatment of cancer patients.
Cyclist Endofibrosis (Exercise-Induced Arterial Endofibrosis) Treated by Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty
Authors: Zugail Ahmed S. , Shaabi Hossam I. , Idir Slimane , Becquemin Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2020

Exercise-induced arterial endofibrosis is an uncommon entity that is most frequently identified in high-performance athletes, especially cyclists. We present this disease in a male professional cyclist of 22 years of age. The course of his condition, clinical manifestations, modalities of investigation, and a nonprecedent treatment plan are demonstrated.
Corneal Perforation during Combination Chemotherapy including Cetuximab in a Patient with a History of Herpetic Keratitis
Authors: Aomatsu Keiichi , Sugioka Koji , Kodama-Takahashi Aya , Fukuda Masahiko , Mishima Hiroshi , Kusaka Shunji
Published: July 2020

Purpose. To report a case of corneal perforation, in a patient with a history of herpetic keratitis, during combination chemotherapy including cetuximab. Case. We report the case of a 71-year-old man who was diagnosed with a hypopharyngeal carcinoma and received radiation therapy combined with cetuximab, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor monoclonal antibody. He was referred to us because of ocular hyperemia and corneal perforation in his left eye. In spite of conservative therapy, his corneal perforation was exacerbated, with iris incarceration into the wound site and exposure to the surface of the cornea. He therefore discontinued treatment with the combination chemotherapy and underwent lamellar keratoplasty using a preserved donor cornea. After treatment with cetuximab resumed, there was no recurrence of the corneal perforation. Conclusion. We have presented the first case of cetuximab-related corneal perforation in a patient who had a history of recurrent herpetic keratitis. EGFR inhibitors, such as cetuximab, can induce corneal perforation in cases with a history of herpetic stromal keratitis.
Trotting Control of Load-Carrying Quadruped Walking Vehicle with Load Variations Based on the Centroidal Dynamics and Adaptive Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Tan Yongying , Chao Zhiqiang , Han Shousong , Li Huaying , Liu Xiangbo
Published: July 2020

Aiming at the control problems for load variations of the load-carrying quadruped walking vehicle, the method combining centroidal dynamics and adaptive sliding mode control is proposed to ensure the weight adaptation and improve the tracking accuracy of forward speed and lateral speed. The motion control of the walking vehicle is divided into two parts: torso motion control and swinging legs motion control. The control methods of centroidal dynamics and task space PD are applied to the motion control of the torso, and the virtual model control method is applied to the motion control of swinging legs. Then, the adaptive sliding mode control algorithm is applied in the height direction of the vehicle to realize the adaptation to weight change and the weight identification, and the tracking accuracy of forward speed and lateral speed is improved by combining the centroidal dynamics. Adams and Simulink are used to simulate the trotting gait on the flat ground and slope when the weight of walking vehicle changes, and comparisons are made with the virtual model control method. The results show that the method combining centroidal dynamics and adaptive sliding mode control can realize the adaptability to load variations and reduce the forward speed and lateral speed tracking error, which proves the effectiveness of the proposed control method.