bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Operational Ocean Forecast and Reanalysis System for the Indian Ocean
Authors: Francis P. A. , Jithin A. K. , Effy J. B. , Chatterjee A. , Chakraborty K. , Paul A. , Balaji B. , Shenoi S. S. C. , Biswamoy P. , Mukherjee A. , Singh P. , Deepsankar B. , Reddy S. Siva , Vinayachandran P. N. , Kumar M. S. Girish , Bhaskar T. V. S. Udaya , Ravichandran M. , Unnikrishnan A. S. , Shankar D. , Prakash A. , Aparna S. G. , Harikumar R. , Kaviyazhahu K. , Suprit K. , Shesu R. V. , Kumar N. Kiran , Rao N. Srinivasa , Annapurnaiah K. , Venkatesan R. , Rao A. S. , Rajagopal E. N. , Prasad V. S. , Gupta M. D. , Nair T. M. Balakrishnan , Rao E. P. R. , Satyanarayana B. V.
Published: May 2020

A good understanding of the general circulation features of the oceans, particularly of the coastal waters, and ability to predict the key oceanographic parameters with good accuracy and sufficient lead time are necessary for the safe conduct of maritime activities such as fishing, shipping, and offshore industries. Considering these requirements and buoyed by the advancements in the field of ocean modeling, data assimilation, and ocean observation networks along with the availability of the high-performance computational facility in India, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services has set up a “High-Resolution Operational Ocean Forecast and Reanalysis System” (HOOFS) with an aim to provide accurate ocean analysis and forecasts for the public, researchers, and other types of users like navigators and the Indian Coast Guard. Major components of HOOFS are (i) a suite of numerical ocean models configured for the Indian Ocean and the coastal waters using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) for forecasting physical and biogeochemical state of the ocean and (ii) the data assimilation based on local ensemble transform Kalman filter that assimilates in situ and satellite observations in ROMS. Apart from the routine forecasts of key oceanographic parameters, a few important applications such as (i) Potential Fishing Zone forecasting system and (ii) Search and Rescue Aid Tool are also developed as part of the HOOFS project. The architecture of HOOFS, an account of the quality of ocean analysis and forecasts produced by it and important applications developed based on HOOFS are briefly discussed in this article.
Factor Effects in Numerical Simulations
Authors: Cleveland Judah L. , Smith Jeffrey A. , Collins James P.
Published: May 2020

Numerical simulations allow users to adjust factor settings in experimental runs to understand how changes in those factors affect the output. However, it is not straightforward to analyze these outputs when multiple input factors are changed, especially simultaneously. For the atmospheric sciences, Stein and Alpert introduced a method they termed “factor separation” in order to separate the “pure contribution” of a factor from “pure interactions” of combinations of factors. Although factor separation appears to be used exclusively within the atmospheric sciences, other communities achieve a similar result by computing “main effects” via design of experiments methods. While both methods yield different estimates for the factor effects or contributions, we show that factor separation effects are identical to “simple effects” in the design of experiments literature. We demonstrate how both factor separation effects and design of experiments main effects correspond to multiple linear regression coefficients with different coding methods; thus, effect estimates produced by each method are equivalent through a variable transformation. We illustrate the application of both methods using a shallow-water simulation. This connection between factor separation and the design of experiments discipline extends factor separation to more applications by making available design of experiments methods for decreasing the computational cost and calculating effects for factors with more than two settings, both of which are limitations of factor separation.
Spatial Bias in Medium-Range Forecasts of Heavy Precipitation in the Sacramento River Basin: Implications for Water Management
Authors: Brodeur Zachary P. , Steinschneider Scott
Published: May 2020

Forecasts of heavy precipitation delivered by atmospheric rivers (ARs) are becoming increasingly important for both flood control and water supply management in reservoirs across California. This study examines the hypothesis that medium-range forecasts of heavy precipitation at the basin scale exhibit recurrent spatial biases that are driven by mesoscale and synoptic-scale features of associated AR events. This hypothesis is tested for heavy precipitation events in the Sacramento River basin using 36 years of NCEP medium-range reforecasts from 1984 to 2019. For each event we cluster precipitation forecast error across western North America for lead times ranging from 1 to 15 days. Integrated vapor transport (IVT), 500-hPa geopotential heights, and landfall characteristics of ARs are composited across clusters and lead times to diagnose the causes of precipitation forecast biases. We investigate the temporal evolution of forecast error to characterize its persistence across lead times, and explore the accuracy of forecasted IVT anomalies across different domains of the North American west coast during heavy precipitation events in the Sacramento basin. Our results identify recurrent spatial patterns of precipitation forecast error consistent with errors of forecasted synoptic-scale features, especially at long (5–15 days) leads. Moreover, we find evidence that forecasts of AR landfalls well outside of the latitudinal bounds of the Sacramento basin precede heavy precipitation events within the basin. These results suggest the potential for using medium-range forecasts of large-scale climate features across the Pacific–North American sector, rather than just local forecasts of basin-scale precipitation, when designing forecast-informed reservoir operations.
Control of Bering Strait Transport by the Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Cessi Paola
Published: May 2020

It is well established that the mean transport through Bering Strait is balanced by a sea level difference between the North Pacific and the Arctic Ocean, but no mechanism has been proposed to explain this sea level difference. It is argued that the sea level difference across Bering Strait, which geostrophically balances the northward throughflow, is associated with the sea level difference between the North Pacific and the North Atlantic/Arctic. In turn, the latter difference is caused by deeper middepth isopycnals in the Indo-Pacific than in the Atlantic, especially in the northern high latitudes because there is deep water formation in the Atlantic, but not in the Pacific. Because the depth of the middepth isopycnals is associated with the dynamics of the upper branch of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC), a model is formulated that quantitatively relates the sea level difference between the North Pacific and the Arctic/North Atlantic with the wind stress in the Antarctic Circumpolar region, since this forcing powers the MOC, and with the outcropping isopycnals shared between the Northern Hemisphere and the Antarctic circumpolar region, since this controls the location of deep water formation. This implies that if the sinking associated with the MOC were to occur in the North Pacific, rather than the North Atlantic, then the Bering Strait flow would reverse. These predictions, formalized in a theoretical box model, are confirmed by a series of numerical experiments in a simplified geometry of the World Ocean, forced by steady surface wind stress, temperature, and freshwater flux.
Stereotypes in the Work–Family Interface as an Obstacle to Social Change? Evidence Form a Hungarian Vignette Study
Authors: Dallos Andrea , Kovács Judit
Published: May 2020

The current study approaches gender in a frame of social and biological dimensions. A vignette study was conducted in Hungary in which we explored people’s perceptions regarding male or female actors behaving in a modern or in a traditional way in a work–family conflict (caring for a sick child). Respondents ( N = 297) evaluated the femininity and masculinity of the actor and the appropriateness of his/her choice. We found that modern gender role behavior triggers approval. Biological sex (male or female actor) and social role of the actor influenced perceptions regarding femininity, but masculinity evaluations were solely based on social role. Thus, our results confirmed the existence of asymmetries in the perceptions of female and male gender role vanguards: modern males are seen similar to traditional females, but similar conflation is not present in the case of modern females. As a consequence, strict gender role expectations toward males work against social changes to a fairer share of family labor.
Reaching Adulthood: Persistent Beliefs about the Importance and Timing of Adult Milestones
Authors: Cepa Kennan , Furstenberg Frank F.
Published: May 2020

Since 2000, transition to adulthood behaviors changed across gender and social class. Yet it is unclear whether these changes reflect a corresponding shift in beliefs. In particular, widening inequality and changes to higher education may differentially alter the opportunities available to young adults across gender and socioeconomic status, potentially changing attitudes about entering adulthood. Using the General Social Survey’s 2002 and 2012 waves, this paper explores beliefs about the importance and timing of six adult milestones, completing education, becoming financially independent, working full-time, living independently, getting married, and having children, across age, gender, and social class. We find that similarities in beliefs across gender and age groups persisted. In contrast, even though Americans from different social class backgrounds report similar beliefs about milestone importance, we continue to find social class differences in timing beliefs. Our findings highlight the continued need for institutional supports for disadvantaged youth moving towards adulthood.
Resource Utilization and Billing in a Resident‐Managed Inpatient Consult Service
Authors: Chiao Jonathan , Dowdall Jayme R. , Pate Samuel K.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Patient care delivered by residents is an educational opportunity to foster autonomy. These services, however, may not be billed without direct faculty supervision. This quality improvement project analyzes descriptive data, procedures, and billing from an academic otolaryngology–head and neck surgery department’s inpatient consult service.

Methods

This prospective cohort study collected descriptive and billing data on all consults over 30 consecutive days. Data collected described bedside procedures and operative interventions. Encounters were Current Procedural Terminology coded and equivalent work relative value unit (wRVU) calculated. Codes submitted for billing were reviewed to identify opportunities for inpatient billing improvement.

Results

Ninety‐eight new consults were included, and 105 bedside procedures were performed. Flexible laryngoscopy (n = 27), I&D (incision and drainage; n = 11), and suturing (n = 11) were the most performed bedside procedures. Operative intervention was required in 15 encounters. The inpatient consult team provided the equivalent of 391.39 wRVU. Seventy‐three percent of operative compared to 3% of bedside procedures were submitted for billing.

Discussion

The productivity of our team approximated 61.8% of a full‐time general otolaryngologist but with decreased billing submissions. Balance between resident autonomy, education, quality patient care, and the ability to capture service revenue is complex. Strategies other institutions have used to capture missed billing opportunities have included a hospitalist model, mid‐level providers, and resident billing.

Implications for Practice

This study characterizes an academic inpatient consult service. Results describe a case for improving the structure of the inpatient consult service, caution that studies collecting data via department billing may underrepresent services, and suggest alternative service structures to overcome identified billing limitations.
Algorithm‐Based Pediatric Otolaryngology Management During the COVID‐19 Global Pandemic: A Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Clinical Consensus
Authors: Chorney Stephen R. , Elden Lisa M. , Giordano Terri , Kazahaya Ken , Rizzi Mark D. , Zur Karen B. , Dedhia Kavita
Published: May 2020

Objective

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic requires clinicians to explore alternatives to routine patient management. Otolaryngologists caring for children commonly depend on physical examination, laboratory data, and ambulatory surgical procedures. Limiting patient care, mindful allocation of resources, and concern for safety have challenged all aspects of our health care system. This evidence‐based clinical consensus is designed to guide practitioners of pediatric otolaryngology for common scenarios during this time.

Data Sources

Peer‐reviewed literature, published reports, institutional guidelines, and expert consensus.

Review Methods

A clinical consensus on 6 common scenarios in pediatric otolaryngology developed with evidence‐based strategies.

Conclusions

Providers should suspend all in‐person nonessential office visits and elective surgical procedures. An emphasis on medical management and caregiver education will provide reasonable approaches to many of the common outpatient concerns. Surgery for chronic otitis media, obstructive sleep apnea, and acute rhinosinusitis should occur only in response to severe complications or failure of medical regimens. The approach to the pediatric neck mass focuses on timely management for oncologic etiologies and cautious surgical intervention for abscess drainage or tissue sampling. Finally, epistaxis and otorrhea must be triaged and addressed without the usual ambulatory procedures.

Implications for Practice

Adaptation of practice patterns during this unprecedented moment for our health care system requires thoughtful planning. The strategies described allow for safe handling of common pediatric otolaryngology diagnoses. Ultimately, otolaryngologists must be stewards of our global health community while advocating for the care of individual pediatric patients.
Weight Gain in Infants With Pierre Robin Sequence in the First Year of Life
Authors: Li Leo , Scott Andrew R.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To compare growth trends among infants with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) to normal World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐four infants with syndromic and nonsyndromic PRS (54% male) treated at an urban academic medical center between 2009 and 2017 were included. Infants with symptomatic hypoventilation underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis (71%). Weights were recorded at roughly 1‐ to 3‐month intervals from birth to 12 months, with ages adjusted for prematurity. The 50th percentile (P50) for this cohort was calculated and compared to WHO standards.

Results

In total, 135 weight entries for 24 subjects were included. The birth weight P50 was similar to the WHO standard (females: 0.09 kg above WHO [95% CI, –0.25 to +0.43; z score = 0.19]; males: 0.38 kg below WHO [95% CI, –0.77 to 0.00; z score = −0.79]). A slower growth rate was noted among female and male infants with PRS: in month 5, the PRS P50 among females was 1.42 kg below the WHO standard (95% CI, –1.77 to −1.07; z score = −1.64). Among males in month 3, the PRS P50 was 1.68 kg below the WHO standard (95% CI, –2.12 to −1.24; z score = −2.19). By month 12, weight deficiencies had resolved in both groups.

Conclusion

Newborns with and without PRS may have similar birth weights, but the growth rate among male and female infants with PRS may lag behind that of unaffected infants, even when upper airway obstruction has been addressed in early infancy.
Impact of AAO‐HNS Guideline on Obtaining Polysomnography Prior to Tonsillectomy for Pediatric Sleep‐Disordered Breathing
Authors: Banik Grace L. , Empey Rebecca M. , Lam Derek J.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To assess the impact of the 2011 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) guideline on practice patterns in obtaining preadenotonsillectomy (AT) polysomnography (PSG) for pediatric sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary children’s hospital.

Subject and Methods

The study population included all patients referred to our pediatric otolaryngology clinic for consideration of AT for SDB during two 12‐month time periods: before (2010‐2011) and after (2015‐2016) publication of the 2011 AAO‐HNS guideline. Demographic, insurance, comorbidity, and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) variables were assessed for association with pre‐AT PSG using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

A greater percentage of patients underwent pre‐AT PSG in 2015‐2016 vs 2010‐2011 (30% vs 22%, P =. 001). On multivariate analysis, presence of neuromuscular disorder was the only predictor associated with pre‐AT PSG in 2010 to 2011 (odds ratio [OR], 3.00; 95% CI, 1.10, 8.06; P =. 03). Presence of neuromuscular disorder (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.51, 4.29; P <. 0001), craniofacial anomaly (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.20, 4.50; P =. 013), or Down syndrome (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.54, 7.72; P =. 003) was associated with pre‐AT PSG in 2015 to 2016. Positive PSQ screen was significantly associated with decreased odds of pre‐AT PSG in both time periods.

Conclusion

After publication of the 2011 AAO‐HNS guideline, there was a significant but modest increase in pre‐AT PSG utilization in children with SDB and high‐risk comorbidities at our institution, consistent with AAO‐HNS guideline recommendations. However, overall guideline adherence remains low and may reflect limitations in PSG testing capacity.
Effects of COVID‐19 Pandemic on Otolaryngology Surgery in Italy: The Experience of Our University Hospital
Authors: Ralli Massimo , Minni Antonio , Candelori Francesca , Cialente Fabrizio , Greco Antonio , de Vincentiis Marco
Published: May 2020

Otolaryngology and head and neck surgery underwent drastic changes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Since March 10, the first day of the lockdown in Italy, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were limited to emergency and oncology cases, while outpatient procedures and clinical examinations were temporarily suspended to limit virus diffusion and to reallocate personnel into wards dedicated to COVID‐19. In our otolaryngology unit, between March 10 and April 28, 2020, we performed 96 surgical procedures; they mainly consisted in diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors of the head and neck (77%), management of acute upper airway obstruction in adults and children (14.7%), drainage of abscesses of the head and neck (6.2%), and treatment of nasal bone fractures (2.1%). When comparing these data with those of the same period in 2019 for emergency and oncology procedures, we noticed a drastic reduction of head and neck abscesses and nasal bone fractures, while oncology surgery remained stable.
Subjective Changes in Smell and Taste During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A National Survey—Preliminary Results
Authors: Coelho Daniel H. , Kons Zachary A. , Costanzo Richard M. , Reiter Evan R.
Published: May 2020

Since the COVID‐19 pandemic began, many individuals have noted acute loss of smell and/or taste, although not all patients with these symptoms are tested for COVID‐19. To better characterize all patients with these rare symptoms, a national survey was created. Over 13 days in April 2020, a total of 220 people completed the survey in its entirety, representing a wide geographic distribution across the United States. Of the 220 respondents, 93 (42%) were diagnosed with COVID‐19, and 127 (58%) were not. A total of 37.7% of respondents reported changes in smell/taste as the initial or sole presentation of their condition. Most but not all patients had other symptoms suggestive of COVID‐19 at the time of chemosensory loss. Despite its inclusion as a major symptom of COVID‐19 by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), respondents with additional CDC‐defined symptoms associated with COVID‐19 were statistically more likely to be tested/diagnosed than those without.
Whatever Happened to Evidence‐Based Practice During COVID‐19?
Authors: Krouse Helene J.
Published: May 2020

Contemporary medical practice is grounded in rigorous scientific evidence in concert with best clinical practices and informed shared decision making with patients. During these times of uncertainty, disruption, and even anxiety, it becomes critical that we engage with our patients and communities in thoughtful dialogue and realistic expectations regarding treatments surrounding COVID‐19. The hope for a “miracle” cure and urgency to return back to normal times can stimulate irrational thought and behavior and even desperate measures by individuals or groups. It becomes especially important that we continue to use reasonable, informed clinical judgment in discussing the various options with patients.
Cadaveric Simulation of Otologic Procedures: An Analysis of Droplet Splatter Patterns During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Sharma Dhruv , Rubel Kolin E. , Ye Michael J. , Campiti Vincent J. , Carroll Aaron E. , Ting Jonathan Y. , Illing Elisa A. , Burgin Sarah J.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The otolaryngology community has significant concerns regarding the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 through droplet contamination and viral aerosolization during head and neck examinations and procedures. The objective of this study was to investigate the droplet and splatter contamination from common otologic procedures.

Study Design

Cadaver simulation series.

Setting

Dedicated surgical laboratory.

Methods

Two cadaver heads were prepped via bilateral middle cranial fossa approaches to the tegmen (n = 4). Fluorescein was instilled through a 4‐mm burr hole drilled into the middle cranial fossa floor, and presence in the middle ear was confirmed via microscopic ear examination. Myringotomy with ventilation tube placement and mastoidectomy were performed, and the distribution and distance of resulting droplet splatter patterns were systematically evaluated.

Results

There were no fluorescein droplets or splatter contamination observed in the measured surgical field in any direction after myringotomy and insertion of ventilation tube. Gross contamination from the surgical site to 6 ft was noted after complete mastoidectomy, though, when performed in standard fashion.

Conclusion

Our results show that there is no droplet generation during myringotomy with ventilation tube placement in an operating room setting. Mastoidectomy, however, showed gross contamination 3 to 6 ft away in all directions measured. Additionally, there was significantly more droplet and splatter generation to the left of the surgeon when measured at 1 and 3 ft as compared with all other measured directions.
Biomechanics and hemodynamics of stent-retrievers
Authors: Kühn Anna Luisa , Vardar Zeynep , Kraitem Afif , King Robert M , Anagnostakou Vania , Puri Ajit S , Gounis Matthew J
Published: May 2020

In 2015, multiple randomized clinical trials showed an unparalleled treatment benefit of stent-retriever thrombectomy as compared to standard medical therapy for the treatment of a large artery occlusion causing acute ischemic stroke. A short time later, the HERMES collaborators presented the patient-level pooled analysis of five randomized clinical trials, establishing class 1, level of evidence A for stent-retriever thrombectomy, in combination with intravenous thrombolysis when indicated to treat ischemic stroke. In the years following, evidence continues to mount for expanded use of this therapy for a broader category of patients. The enabling technology that changed the tide to support endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke is the stent-retriever. This review summarizes the history of intra-arterial treatment of stroke, introduces the biomechanics of embolus extraction with stent-retrievers, describes technical aspects of the intervention, provides a description of hemodynamic implications of stent-retriever embolectomy, and proposes future directions for a more comprehensive, multi-modal endovascular approach for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
Types of Childhood Exposure to Violence and Association With Caregiver Trauma in Peru
Authors: Guzmán Danice B. , Miller-Graff Laura E. , Scheid Caroline R.
Published: May 2020

This study examined typologies of childhood polyvictimization and the associations of profiles with demographic characteristics at the levels of child, household, and primary caregiver. This study evaluated a sample of children aged 4 to 17 years residing in San Juan de Lurigancho District, an urban setting on the edge of Lima, Peru ( n = 384). An in-person interview of the primary caregiver of each child was conducted in June 2018, assessing the victimization of the child, the caregiver’s exposure to trauma and abuse, and general socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the household. Latent class analysis was used to identify typologies of child victimization. Follow-up analysis was conducted to quantify differences between the classes which emerged, in terms of the child, caregiver, and household. Five classes emerged: High Peer victimization, Moderate Community victimization; High Community victimization; Verbal Abuse; High victimization across domains; and Low victimization across domains. Caregiver exposure to trauma was positively associated with membership in the high-exposure classes. This study offers a unique opportunity to more deeply understand childhood exposure to violence in Latin America, specifically in an urban setting in Peru, and to further understand how childhood victimization is associated with various characteristics of the child, caregiver, and household. These findings could inform interventions supporting children and families at risk of exposure to violence in Peru or globally.
Mycobacterium septicum associated peritonitis: A case report
Authors: Klomjit Nattawat , Chewcharat Api , D’Uscio Margaret , Kattah Andrea G
Published: May 2020

Although peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis secondary to mycobacterium is rare, the treatment is challenging and outcomes remain poor. We report the first case of PD-associated peritonitis secondary to Mycobacterium septicum. The patient is a 53-year-old Caucasian man who developed end-stage kidney disease due to systemic sclerosis. He was initially started on intermittent hemodialysis and was then switched to PD 10 months later. He presented with generalized abdominal pain and an increase in the number of nucleated cells and neutrophils in the dialysate effluent sample (854 total nucleated cells/µL and 512 neutrophils/µL). Ten days later, the fluid grew M. septicum, a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). Once the organism was identified, he was treated with moxifloxacin and doxycycline, and the PD catheter was removed. Antibiotics were adjusted due to sensitivities profile and side effects, and he completed 4 months of antibiotic treatment with decreasing cell counts and negative PD fluid cultures. This case highlights the growing list of organisms responsible for NTM peritonitis and complexity of care in the patient with NTM peritonitis.
CircUBAP2 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma via Targeting miR-148a-3p/FOXK2 Pathway
Authors: Sun Jiping , Yin Aiping , Zhang Wenjing , Lv Jia , Liang Yu , Li Huixian , Li Yan , Li Xudong
Published: May 2020

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the prominent histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with high incidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis. It has been documented that circular ribonucleic acids (circRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of cancers; however, study on exploring the role of circRNAs in ccRCC still remains limited. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the biological function of a novel circRNA UBAP2 (circUBAP2) in ccRCC and the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that circUBAP2 expression was significantly down-regulated in ccRCC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of circUBAP2 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ccRCC cells. MiR-148a-3p was a target miRNA of circUBAP2 in ccRCC cells, and its expression levels in ccRCC tissues and cell lines were negatively correlated with circUBAP2 levels. Moreover, miR-148a-3p reversed the inhibitory effects of circUBAP2 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in ccRCC cells. Additionally, forkhead box K2 (FOXK2) was found to be a target gene of miR-148a-3p and regulated by miR-148a-3p in ccRCC cells. Furthermore, knockdown of FOXK2 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-148a-3p inhibitor on ccRCC cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that circUBAP2 functioned as a novel tumor suppressor in ccRCC through regulating the miR-148a-3p/FOXK2 axis. Therefore, circUBAP2 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ccRCC.
Punitive Welfare on the Margins of the State: Narratives of Punishment and (In)Justice in Masiphumelele
Authors: Super Gail
Published: May 2020

While there is an established literature on the relationship between political economy and state punishment, there is less work on how punishment is constituted from below in contexts of inequality. This article analyses the discourse around incidents of lethal collective violence that occurred in 2015 in a former black township in South Africa. I use this as a lens for examining how punitive forms of popular justice interact with state punishment. Whether via the slow violence of structural inequality or the viscerally corporeal high rates of interpersonal violence, my interviewees were intimately acquainted with violence. Although they supported long-term imprisonment, none of them came across as stereotypical right-wing populists. Instead, they adopted complex positions, calling for a type of punitive welfarism, which combined harsh solutions to crime with explicit recognition of the importance of dealing with ‘root causes’. I argue that when the state is perceived to be failing to both impose punishment and provide welfare, violence becomes a technology of exchange, which simultaneously seeks both more punishment and more welfare. The result is an assemblage of exclusionary penal forms.
Local PEComatosis of the Appendix: New Insights Into the Histogenesis of Nodular Granular Muscle Degeneration and Granular Cells/Granular Cell Lesions of the Appendix
Authors: Tran Tien Anh N. , Fanaian Na’im
Published: May 2020

Nodular granular muscle degeneration (NGMD) of the appendix is a rare histologic curiosity characterized by distinctive nests of polygonal epithelioid cells with abundant pale-pink eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, mostly distributed in the inner layer of the muscularis propria or submucosa of the appendix. Although the nature of the cells of interest in NGMD of the appendix has not been completely elucidated, it is believed that they denote degenerative smooth muscle cells of the appendiceal muscularis propria, a histologic finding described as granular cells/granular cell lesions of the appendix in the 1960s. In this article, we described a new case of NGMD of the appendix and documented for the first time that this peculiar lesion actually represents a form of perivascular epithelioid cell proliferation based on its dual immunopositivity for myogenic and melanocytic markers. We also analyzed the old medical literature on granular cells/granular cell lesions of the appendix to shed some light on this ill-defined morphologic finding and its relationship to NGMD of the appendix. Since NGMD of the appendix is a lesion of perivascular epithelioid cells, the term NGMD is a misnomer, and hence, the designation “local PEComatosis of the appendix” is proposed for this unusual phenomenon.
On the buckling of advanced composite sandwich rectangular plates
Authors: Sayyad Atteshamuddin S , Ghugal Yuwaraj M
Published: May 2020

In this paper, higher order closed-formed analytical solutions for the buckling analysis of functionally graded sandwich rectangular plates are obtained using a unified shear deformation theory. Three-layered sandwich plates with functionally graded skins on top and bottom; and isotropic core in the middle are considered for the study. The material properties of skins are varied through the thickness according to the power-law distribution. Two types of sandwich plates (hardcore and softcore) are considered for the detail numerical study. A unified shear deformation theory developed in the present study uses polynomial and non-polynomial-type shape functions in terms of thickness coordinate to account for the effect of shear deformation. In the present theory, the in-plane displacements consider the combined effect of bending rotation and shear rotation. The parabolic shear deformation theory of Reddy and the first-order shear deformation theory of Mindlin are the particular cases of the present unified formulation. The governing differential equations are evaluated from the principle of virtual work. Closed-formed analytical solutions are obtained by using the Navier’s technique. The non-dimensional critical buckling load factors are obtained for various power-law coefficients, aspect ratios and skin-core-skin thickness ratios.
Experimental study of the changes in thermal expectation during simulated flights in a civil aircraft cabin mockup
Authors: Pang Liping , Li Pei , Cao Xiaodong , Wanyan Xiaoru
Published: May 2020

Aircraft cabin thermal environment is a key issue on flight selection by passengers, especially for long-haul flights. Currently, there have been some studies on the passengers’ thermal comfort in civil aircraft cabins. However, information is still limited on the changes in passenger thermal expectation with flight time. In this study, an aircraft cabin mockup was built, and three experiments involving human subjects were carried out in order to study the in-flight thermal environment in winter, summer and autumn, respectively. The cabin temperatures during the experiments were controlled according to the thermal neutral temperature model derived from our previous study on actual flights. The thermal neutral temperature model was checked by experimental results. The changes in thermal expectation were investigated based on physical measurement and questionnaire survey. In each experiment, the changes in the mean thermal sensation votes of passengers were less than 1, while the cabin temperature increased by 2.8°C, 1.8°C and 2°C from the beginning to the end during the three experiments, respectively. With the increase in the simulated flight time, passengers gradually expected a slightly higher cabin temperature. This trend would become very obvious when the simulated flight time was longer than 2 h.
Design and implementation of LED lighting intelligent control system for expressway tunnel entrance based on Internet of things and fuzzy control
Authors: Lu Ying , Wang Jin , Bai Xiaojun , Wang Hehan
Published: May 2020

Due to the special characteristics of highway tunnels and vehicles, the interior of the tunnel is required to provide appropriate lighting to ensure the safety of driving vehicles, especially at the entrance section of the tunnel. At present, most of the tunnel entrance lighting control system only considers one single factor, the brightness outside the tunnel. However, in practice, the required lighting brightness in the tunnel is also related to traffic flow, speed, and other factors. Comprehensively utilizing these factors to improve the control strategy is urgently needed. To deal with this problem, this article has designed a multi-source information acquisition system for tunnel lighting based on the Internet of things technology, which combined with fuzzy control theory in order to develop an intelligent control system for LED lighting at the entrance section of the tunnel. The designed system was implemented and long-term tested in a real highway tunnel. The experimental results have shown that the system designed in this article can automatically control the brightness of the lighting inside the tunnel according to the real-time measurements of the brightness outside the tunnel, traffic flow, speed, and so on. Furthermore, the utilizations of the system can minimize the human and power consumption of tunnel lighting while ensuring the safety of tunnel traffic.
High BMPR2 expression leads to enhanced SMAD1/5/8 signalling and GDF6 responsiveness in human adipose-derived stem cells: implications for stem cell therapies for intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Hodgkinson Tom , Wignall Francis , Hoyland Judith A , Richardson Stephen M
Published: May 2020

Stem cell–based regenerative strategies are promising for intervertebral disc degeneration. Stimulation of bone-marrow- and adipose-derived multipotent stem cells with recombinant human growth differentiation factor 6 (rhGDF6) promotes anabolic nucleus pulposus like phenotypes. In comparison to mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived multipotent stem cells exhibit greater NP-marker gene expression and proteoglycan-rich matrix production. To understand these response differences, we investigated bone morphogenetic protein receptor profiles in donor-matched human mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived multipotent stem cells, determined differences in rhGDF6 signalling and their importance in NP-like differentiation between cell populations. Bone morphogenetic protein receptor expression in mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived multipotent stem cells revealed elevated and less variable expression of BMPR2 in adipose-derived multipotent stem cells, which corresponded with increased downstream pathway activation (SMAD1/5/8, ERK1/2). Inhibitor studies demonstrated SMAD1/5/8 signalling was required for rhGDF6-induced nucleus-pulposus-like adipose-derived multipotent stem cell differentiation, while ERK1/2 contributed significantly to critical nucleus pulposus gene expression, aggrecan and type II collagen production. These data inform cell regenerative therapeutic choices for intervertebral disc degeneration regeneration and identify further potential optimisation targets.
Obesity: novel and unusual predisposing factors
Authors: Hanson Petra , Weickert Martin O. , Barber Thomas M.
Published: May 2020

To tackle the complexity of the global obesity epidemic, it is important to consider the many predisposing factors that underlie progressive and sustained weight gain. Some of the biological drivers for weight gain following initial weight loss include persistent changes in appetite hormones [including ghrelin and postprandial plasma peptide YY (PYY)], and ‘persistent metabolic adaptation’. However, many factors within our busy, stressful modern-day environment seem to conspire towards promotion of weight gain. These include the effects of sleep deprivation on appetite regulation, and the effects of modern-day technology on ‘attention competition’. These factors, combined with cultural and societal factors can result in a ‘mindless’ attitude regarding eating-related behaviour that is likely to predispose to weight gain. In addition to the external environment, our internal environment within the gut has also changed radically within the last few decades, resulting from changes in fibre intake, and increased ingestion of highly refined, sterilised and processed foods. Although contentious, these dietary changes have implications for our gut microbiota, and possible downstream effects on control of appetite and metabolism. In this brief review, we consider some of the novel predisposing factors for weight gain within our modern-day 21st century environments (both external and internal), and explore how legal terminology can help to conceptualise the numerous factors that contribute towards weight gain, and, ultimately the global obesity epidemic.
Effect of coronavirus infection on the human heart: A scoping review
Authors: Ho Jamie SY , Tambyah Paul A , Ho Andrew FW , Chan Mark YY , Sia Ching-Hui
Published: May 2020

Background

The global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has highlighted the importance of understanding the cardiovascular implications of coronavirus infections, with more severe disease in those with cardiovascular co-morbidities, and resulting cardiac manifestations such as myocardial injury, arrhythmias, and heart failure.

Design

A systematic review of the current knowledge on the effects of coronavirus infection on the cardiovascular system in humans was performed and results were summarized.

Methods

Databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, Chinese Knowledge Resource Integrated Database and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched on 20 March 2020.

Results

In total, 135 studies were included, involving severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, coronavirus disease 2019 and other coronaviruses. Most were case reports, case series and cohort studies of poor to fair quality. In post-mortem examinations of subjects who died from infection, around half had virus identified in heart tissues in severe acute respiratory syndrome, but none in Middle East respiratory syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019. Cardiac manifestations reported include tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmias, and myocardial injury, secondary to both systemic infection and treatment. Cardiac injury and arrhythmias are more prevalent in coronavirus disease 2019, and elevated cardiac markers are associated with intensive care unit admission and death. In severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and coronavirus disease 2019, comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease are associated with intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality. There were cases of misdiagnosis due to overlapping presentations of cardiovascular diseases and coronavirus infections, leading to hospital spread and delayed management of life-threatening conditions.

Conclusion

This review highlighted the ways in which coronaviruses affect cardiovascular function and interacts with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases.
Total hip arthroplasty for high-riding hips: A retrospective analysis of 79 cases and proposal of a new classification
Authors: Demirkale İsmail , Yaradılmış Yüksel Uğur , Ateş Ahmet , Altay Murat
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for high-riding hips is a complex procedure and the requirement for subtrochanteric osteotomy (STO) is an important decision that needs to be taken preoperatively. STO renders this complex surgery even more complicated and there are no guidelines to determine the STO requirement. In this study, the outcomes of THA for patients with high-riding hips were evaluated and a practical classification system is proposed to predict any osteotomy requirement.

Methods:

A retrospective evaluation was made of 79 hips of 76 patients who underwent THA for high-riding hip dysplasia. The amount of shortening in patients with STO and in patients without STO was compared. All patients were evaluated in respect of Harris hip score, operating time, erythrocyte suspension need, and actual limb length discrepancy. Preoperative radiographs were classified into four types according to the ratio of the distance between the lesser trochanter and the ischial tuberosity with pelvic height (LT-IT/P) to grade the degree of dislocation.

Results:

The mean follow-up was 30 ± 6.54 months. STO was applied to 47 (60%) hips and not to 32 (40%). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in respect of the functional scores. STO prolonged the operating time and increased the need for blood transfusion ( p = 0.026, p < 0.001, respectively). When the LT-IT/P index was <0.19 (type 1), no additional surgical approach was required for reduction, at 0.19–0.29 (type 2), the head can be safely reduced with additional reduction methods, and when >0.3 (type 3), a shortening osteotomy will most likely be required. The rate of complications is increased if LT-IT/P is >0.4 (type 4).

Conclusion:

STO adjunct to THA increases the rate of complications. This practical classification system may guide the surgeon in the decision of whether an STO should be added to the procedure or not.

Level of evidence:

Level III, clinical trial
How the World’s Children Hear: A Narrative Review of School Hearing Screening Programs Globally
Authors: Yong Michael , Panth Neelima , McMahon Catherine M. , Thorne Peter R. , Emmett Susan D.
Published: May 2020

Objective

School hearing screening may mitigate the effects of childhood hearing loss through early identification and intervention. This study provides an overview of existing school hearing screening programs around the world, identifies gaps in the literature, and develops priorities for future research.

Data Sources

A structured search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases.

Review Methods

A total of 65 articles were included according to predefined inclusion criteria. Parameters of interest included age groups screened, audiometric protocols, referral criteria, use of adjunct screening tests, rescreening procedures, hearing loss prevalence, screening test sensitivity and specificity, and loss to follow‐up.

Conclusions

School hearing screening is mandated in few regions worldwide, and there is little accountability regarding whether testing is performed. Screening protocols differ in terms of screening tests included and thresholds used. The most common protocols included a mix of pure tone screening (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz), otoscopy, and tympanometry. Estimates of region‐specific disease prevalence were methodologically inaccurate, and rescreening was poorly addressed. Loss to follow‐up was also a ubiquitous concern.

Implications for Practice

There is an urgent need for standardized school hearing screening protocol guidelines globally, which will facilitate more accurate studies of hearing loss prevalence and determination of screening test sensitivity and specificity. In turn, these steps will increase the robustness with which we can study the effects of screening and treatment interventions, and they will support the development of guidelines on the screening, diagnostic, and rehabilitation services needed to reduce the impact of childhood hearing loss.
Bilateral retinal detachment after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy
Authors: Denton Christopher C. , Gange William S. , Abdel-Azim Hisham , Jodele Sonata , Kapoor Neena , Oberley Matthew J. , Wong Kenneth , Kim Jonathan , Vercio Abby , Moghaddampour Parisah , Chalam K. V. , Sierpina David , Gardner Rebecca A. , Pulsipher Michael A. , Jensen Michael C. , Nagiel Aaron
Published: May 2020

Key Points

CAR T-cell targeting of leukemic infiltrates in the optic nerve and retina caused retinal detachment as a presentation of pseudoprogression. Treatment of this intraocular inflammation with intravitreal triamcinolone and orbital radiation led to marked improvement in visual acuity.
Repetitive DNA profile of the amphibian mitogenome
Authors: Cabañas Noel , Becerra Arturo , Romero David , Govezensky Tzipe , Espinosa-Aguirre Jesús Javier , Camacho-Carranza Rafael
Published: May 2020

Background

Repetitive DNA elements such as direct and inverted repeat sequences are present in every genome, playing numerous biological roles. In amphibians, the functions and effects of the repeat sequences have not been extensively explored. We consider that the data of mitochondrial genomes in the NCBI database are a valuable alternative to generate a better understanding of the molecular dynamic of the repeat sequences in the amphibians.

Results

This work presents the development of a strategy to identify and quantify the total amount of repeat sequences with lengths from 5 to 30 base pairs in the amphibian mitogenomes. The results show differences in the abundance of repeat sequences among amphibians and bias to specific genomic regions that are not easily associated with the classical amphibian ancestry.

Conclusions

Derived from these analyses, we show that great variability of the repeat sequences exists among amphibians, demonstrating that the mitogenomes of these organisms are dynamic.