bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cn and Cn‐1B Fullerenes as Potential Nanovehicles for Piribedil Neuroprotective Drug (n=20, 36 and 60)
Authors: Reina Miguel , Celaya Christian A. , Muñiz Jesús
Published: December 2019

Pristine and boron‐doped fullerenes have been widely investigated for their possible use in medical applications, as drug delivery nanovehicles. In this study, we investigate bare and B‐doped C20, C36 and C60 fullerenes and their interaction with piribedil drug molecule, based on density functional theory (DFT). Calculations were performed using the functional PBE of general gradient approximation, empirical dispersion correction by Grimme under vacuum conditions, pentylethanoate and water media. In this article, we examine optimized geometries, binding energies, theoretical IR spectra and the plots of Molecular Electrostatic Potential, as well as HOMO and LUMO orbitals, density of states (DOS) and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), in order to truly comprehend the interaction between various fullerenes and piribedil. Findings suggest that C36, C60 and C35B fullerenes might be used as drug delivery vehicles for piribedil because of their moderately high adsorption energies with piribedil.
Exploring dynamic capabilities: A systems thinking approach
Authors: Dutta Koushik
Published: December 2019

This research examines the nature of dynamic capabilities and the organizational conditions that enhance the dynamic capabilities of the organization. The analysis is carried out by using cybernetics theory and specifically the viable system model. It highlights the critical role played in the creation and maintenance of dynamic capabilities by three constructs at the organization level—organizational identity, organizational mindfulness, and organizational fragmentation. The research uses the concept of embedded case studies and focuses on three airlines in the Indian civil aviation sector from 2007 to 2017, a period that was highly competitive and turbulent for the domestic aviation sector, with the three airlines showing markedly differing growth trajectories through this period.
Thinking beyond the score: Multidimensional analysis of student performance to inform the next generation of science assessments
Authors: Cardozo‐Gaibisso Lourdes , Kim Seohyun , Buxton Cory , Cohen Allan
Published: December 2019

Conventional assessment analysis of student results, referred to as rubric‐based assessments (RBA), has emphasized numeric scores as the primary way of communicating information to teachers about their students’ learning. In this light, rethinking and reflecting on not only how scores are generated but also what analyses are done with them to inform classroom practices is of utmost importance. Informed by Systemic Functional Linguistics and Latent Dirichlet Allocation analyses, this study utilizes an innovative bilingual (Spanish–English) constructed response assessment of science and language practices for middle and high school students to perform a multilayered analysis of student responses. We explore multiple ways of looking at students’ performance through their written assessments and discuss features of student responses that are made visible through these analyses. Findings from this study suggest that science educators would benefit from a multidimensional model which deploys complementary ways in which we can interpret student performance. This understanding leads us to think that researchers and developers in the field of assessment need to promote approaches that analyze student science performance as a multilayered phenomenon.
Neuronal diversity and reciprocal connectivity between the vertebrate hippocampus and septum
Authors: Iyer Archana , Tole Shubha
Published: December 2019

A hallmark of the nervous system is the precision with which myriad cell types are integrated into functional networks that control complex behaviors. The limbic system governs evolutionarily conserved processes essential for survival. The septum and the hippocampus are central to the limbic system, and control not only emotion‐related behaviors but also learning and memory. Here, we provide a developmental and evolutionary perspective of the hippocampus and septum and highlight the neuronal diversity and circuitry that connects these two central components of the limbic system.

This article is categorized under:

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles

Comparative Development and Evolution > Regulation of Organ Diversity
Ge4Cl4[MCp(CO)3]4 (M = Cr, Mo, W): A Series of Transition Metal Substituted Four‐membered Cyclogermanes
Authors: Preißing Lars , Schrenk Claudio , Schnepf Andreas
Published: December 2019

The reaction of GeCl2·dioxane with the sodium salts NaMCp(CO)3 (M = Cr, Mo, W) leads to new four‐membered ring compounds Ge4Cl4[MCp(CO)3]4, where the remaining chlorine atom cannot be substituted by another MCp(CO)3 substituent. A large excess of the sodium salts only leads to some minor side‐reactions. All Ge4‐compounds exhibit a non‐planar four‐membered Ge4 ring, which can be traced back to electrostatic effects as shown by quantum chemical calculations. Furthermore, cluster build‐up reactions might be possible due to the halide substituents in the new ring compounds of germanium, showing that GeCl2·dioxane is an excellent starting material for the synthesis of cluster compounds of germanium.
A vector leptoquark for the B-physics anomalies from a composite GUT
Authors: Da Rold Leandro , Lamagna Federico
Published: December 2019

Abstract

A vector leptoquark at the TeV scale, mostly coupled to the fermions of the third generation, is the preferred option to explain the hints of lepton flavor universality violation in the decays of B-mesons. It seems interesting to assume that this leptoquark belongs to the same beyond the Standard Model sector that solves the hierarchy prob- lem, since the third generation of fermions play the leading role in the instability of the Higgs potential. We present a composite Grand Unified Theory with resonances at the TeV that contains the required vector leptoquark and develops the Higgs as a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson. We show that anarchic partial compositeness of the Standard Model fermions can accommodate the couplings of Left-handed currents required by the B-anomalies, predicting very small couplings to the Right-handed currents without any additional hypothesis. By making use of an effective theory description of the strong dy- namics, in terms of weakly coupled resonances, we are able to compute the corrections to B-physics, as well as the one-loop potential for the pseudo Nambu-Goldstone bosons. The theory has a rich phenomenology and a candidate for dark matter.
Mixed field theory
Authors: Gubser Steven S. , Jepsen Christian , Ji Ziming , Trundy Brian
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We consider scalar field theory defined over a direct product of the real and p-adic numbers. An adjustable dynamical scaling exponent z enters into the microscopic lagrangian, so that the Gaussian theories provide a line of fixed points. We argue that at z = 1/3, a branch of Wilson-Fisher fixed points joins onto the line of Gaussian theories. We compute standard critical exponents at the Wilson-Fisher fixed points in the region where they are perturbatively accessible, including a loop correction to the dynamical critical exponent. We show that the classical propagator contains oscillatory behavior in the real direction, though the amplitude of these oscillations can be made exponentially small without fine-tuning parameters of the theory. Similar oscillatory behavior emerges in Fourier space from two-loop corrections, though again it can be highly suppressed. We also briefly consider compact p-adic extra dimensions, showing in non-linear, classical, scalar field theories that a form of consistent truncation allows us to retain only finitely many Kaluza-Klein modes in an effective theory formulated on the non-compact directions.
MR scan evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse mesh complications and agreement with intra-operative findings
Authors: Mahoney Charlotte , Hindle Adam , Rajashanker Balashanmugam , Kearney Rohna
Published: December 2019

Introduction

An increasing number of women are presenting with symptoms after the placement of mesh implants for prolapse which may be attributable to a mesh implant complication. MRI imaging can be used to evaluate abdominally placed mesh but there is no published research evaluating the use of MRI in this group of women. The objective of our study was to report our experience as a tertiary centre in evaluating abdominal mesh with MR imaging and the agreement of MR reports with surgical findings.

Study design

A retrospective observational cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2) of all women referred to our tertiary unit who underwent an MR scan for investigation of symptoms of mesh complication following an abdominally placed mesh implant between June 2006 and September 2018 was performed. The reports of MR images were compared with the findings at surgery.

Results

MR scan was performed in 87 with suspected mesh complications. MR scan detected mesh failure in 42.1% of women (37/87), infection in 12.6% (11/87), compression in 2.3% (2/87), exposure in 12.6% (11/88), bowel extrusion in 2.3% (2/87) and inflammation in 11.5% (10/87). Agreement between MR scan report and surgical diagnosis was almost perfect for mesh failure, infection and compression, whilst agreement was only moderate for mesh erosion and signs of inflammation (failure κ = 0.97, infection κ = 0.94, compression κ = 1.0, exposure κ = 0.58 and inflammation κ = 0.24).

Conclusion

These data provide information on the role of MR imaging in the investigation of women presenting with suspected intra-abdominal POP mesh complications including recurrence.
Risk factors of short-term survival in the aged in elective colon cancer surgery: a population-based study
Authors: Niemeläinen Susanna , Huhtala Heini , Ehrlich Anu , Kössi Jyrki , Jämsen Esa , Hyöty Marja
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Patients aged > 80 years represent an increasing proportion of colon cancer diagnoses. Selecting patients for elective surgery is challenging because of possibly compromised health status and functional decline. The aim of this retrospective, population-based study was to identify risk factors and health measures that predict short-term mortality after elective colon cancer surgery in the aged.

Methods

All patients > 80 years operated electively for stages I–III colon cancer from 2005 to 2016 in four Finnish hospitals were included. The prospectively collected data included comorbidities, functional status, postoperative surgical and medical outcomes as well as mortality data.

Results

A total of 386 patients (mean 84.0 years, range 80–96, 56% female) were included. Male gender (46% vs 35%, p = 0.03), higher BMI (51% vs 37%, p = 0.02), diabetes mellitus (51% vs 37%, p = 0.02), coronary artery disease (52% vs 36%, p = 0.003) and rheumatic diseases (67% vs 39%, p = 0.03) were related to higher risk of complications. The severe complications were more common in patients with increased preoperative hospitalizations (31% vs 15%, p = 0.05) and who lived in nursing homes (30% vs 17%, p = 0.05). The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 6.0% and 15% for all the patients compared with 30% and 45% in patients with severe postoperative complications (p < 0.001). Severe postoperative complications were the only significant patient-related variable affecting 1-year mortality (OR 9.60, 95% CI 2.33–39.55, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

The ability to identify preoperatively patients at high risk of decreased survival and thus prevent severe postoperative complications could improve overall outcome of aged colon cancer patients.
Correction to: Metabolites of the alkyl pyrrolidone solvents NMP and NEP in 24-h urine samples of the German Environmental Specimen Bank from 1991 to 2014
Authors: Ulrich Nadin , Bury Daniel , Koch Holger M. , Rüther Maria , Weber Till , Käfferlein Heiko-Udo , Weiss Tobias , Brüning Thomas , Kolossa-Gehring Marike
Published: December 2019

The article Metabolites of the alkyl pyrrolidone solvents NMP and NEP in 24-h urine samples of the German Environmental Specimen Bank from 1991 to 2014.
Identification of the NADH-oxidase gene in Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Lamien-Meda Aline , Leitsch David
Published: December 2019

The microaerophilic human parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes infections in the urogenital tract and is one of the most often sexually transmitted pathogens worldwide. Due to its anaerobic metabolism, it has to quickly remove intracellular oxygen in order to avoid deactivation of essential metabolic enzymes such as oxygen-sensitive pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR). Two major enzyme activities which are responsible for the removal, i.e. reduction, of molecular oxygen have been identified in T. vaginalis flavin reductase, formerly designated NADPH oxidase, which indirectly reduces oxygen to hydrogen peroxide via flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and NADH oxidase which reduces oxygen to water. Flavin reductase has been identified and characterized at the gene level as well as enzymatically, but NADH oxidase has so far only been characterized enzymatically with enzyme isolated from T. vaginalis cell extracts. In this study, we identified NADH oxidase by mass spectrometry after isolation of the enzyme from gel bands positively staining for NADH oxidase activity. In strain C1 (ATCC 30001) which is known to lack NADH oxidase activity completely, the NADH oxidase gene has a deletion at position 1540 of the open reading frame leading to a frame shift and, as a consequence, to premature termination of the encoded polypeptide.
Hydrogen Uptake of Duplex 2205 at H2 Partial Pressures up to 100 bar
Authors: Trautmann Anton , Mori Gregor , Siegl Wolfgang , Truschner Mathias , Pfeiffer Josefine , Kapp Marianne , Keplinger Andreas , Oberndorfer Markus , Bauer Stephan
Published: December 2019

Microbiological methanation is investigated in an underground natural gas reservoir. Since H2 is involved in the process, hydrogen embrittlement of steel must inevitably be considered. Therefore, a routine for testing has been developed and a unique autoclave test bench was designed to simulate field conditions. The 2205 duplex stainless steel (UNS S31803) was investigated. Constant load tests (CLTs) and immersion tests with subsequent hydrogen analyses were performed. The specimens were exposed to different partial pressures of H2 under both dry and wet conditions (with brine). Additionally, the influence of CO2 under wet conditions was covered. Tests were performed at two different temperatures (25 °C and 80 °C) and lasted for 30 days. In general, the duplex stainless steel shows a good resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, but a significantly higher hydrogen uptake was obtained compared to other steel grades.
Real-time diameter of the fetal aorta from ultrasound
Authors: Savioli Nicoló , Grisan Enrico , Visentin Silvia , Cosmi Erich , Montana Giovanni , Lamata Pablo
Published: December 2019

The automatic analysis of ultrasound sequences can substantially improve the efficiency of clinical diagnosis. This article presents an attempt to automate the challenging task of measuring the vascular diameter of the fetal abdominal aorta from ultrasound images. We propose a neural network architecture consisting of three blocks: a convolutional neural network (CNN) for the extraction of imaging features, a convolution gated recurrent unit (C-GRU) for exploiting the temporal redundancy of the signal, and a regularized loss function, calledCyclicLoss, to impose our prior knowledge about the periodicity of the observed signal. The solution is investigated with a cohort of 25 ultrasound sequences acquired during the third-trimester pregnancy check, and with 1000 synthetic sequences. In the extraction of features, it is shown that a shallow CNN outperforms two other deep CNNs with both the real and synthetic cohorts, suggesting that echocardiographic features are optimally captured by a reduced number of CNN layers. The proposed architecture, working with the shallow CNN, reaches an accuracy substantially superior to previously reported methods, providing an average reduction of the mean squared error from 0.31 (state-of-the-art) to 0.09$$\mathrm{mm}^2$$mm2, and a relative error reduction from 8.1 to 5.3%. The mean execution speed of the proposed approach of 289 frames per second makes it suitable for real-time clinical use.
Pattern of pulmonary vasculitis and major vascular involvement in Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS): brief report of eight cases
Authors: Emad Yasser , Ragab Yasser , Ibrahim Ossama , Saad Ahmed , Rasker Johannes J.
Published: December 2019

To describe the pattern of pulmonary artery vasculitis and the characteristic computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) signs in patients with Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS). In a retrospective study, the medical records of eight HSS patients (six men), seen between February 2008 and January 2018, were reviewed regarding history, disease characteristics, laboratory investigations, imaging, and treatments. The mean (SD) age was 37.375 ± 8.65 years (range 30–55) and mean (SD) follow-up 30 ± 41.60 months (range 9–132). In all patients, routine laboratory investigations and complete coagulation profile were done. In all, CTPA studies were performed as well as and Doppler ultrasound for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Four patients had a history of thrombophlebitis, and DVT was observed in all, in two cases bilateral. Arterial thromboses involving popliteal, tibial, common iliac, and femoral arteries were observed in one patient. All patients had mild to moderate hemoptysis, and one had massive hemoptysis. None of the patients had a history of recurrent mouth and/or genital ulcers, uveitis, or arthritis. In all patients, CTPA identified bilateral pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) with adherent in situ thrombosis and mural enhancement in all patients. Lobar PA branches were involved in all patients, segmental in six and main PA in five patients. Proper immunomodulators were initiated early, with favorable outcome; none was treated with TNF-α antagonists. HSS is a systemic vasculitis that may affect virtually all major veins and arteries in patients with normal coagulation profile. PAAs, adherent in situ thrombosis, and mural wall enhancement are characteristic CTPA signs. Early treatment with immunomodulators is essential.Key Points• Hughes Stevin syndrome (HSS) is a systemic vasculitis that may affect virtually all major veins and arteries in patients. It has a normal coagulation profile.• Computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography is considered to be the most important diagnostic tool to assess the degree and the extent of the characteristic pulmonary artery aneurysms, and in situ thrombosis, and mural wall enhancement.• It is likely that HSS syndrome is often not recognized and misdiagnosed as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) with pulmonary thromboembolism.• Early treatment with combined immunomodulators is essential to ensure favorable outcome.
Outcomes of a Care Coordination Guardianship Intervention for Adults with Severe Mental Illness: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Levine Eliot , Jett Catherine , Johnson Jeremiah , Connors Heather
Published: December 2019

This study investigates the impacts of an intensive care coordination intervention for adults with severe mental illness who have guardians. Program impacts on medical and legal outcomes were assessed using interrupted time series analysis. Program participation was associated with statistically significant reductions in the level and trend of psychiatric hospitalizations, number of days in psychiatric hospitals, emergency room visits, and arrests. Days incarcerated did not change significantly. The decrease in medical and legal outcomes may be associated with decreased spending on these services. The program and other intensive care coordination interventions for this population warrant further replication and research.
Genetic relationships and hybridization among three western Atlantic sparid species: sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), sea bream (A. rhomboidalis) and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides)
Authors: Seyoum Seifu , Adams Douglas H. , Matheson Richard E. , Whittington James A. , Alvarez Alicia C. , Sheridan Nancy E. , Panzner Kaitlin , Puchulutegui Cecilia
Published: December 2019

Three species of sparids in the western Atlantic, sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), sea bream (A. rhomboidalis), and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), share overlapping habitats, spawning seasons, and spawning grounds, providing opportunities for interaction among these species. Three regions of mitochondrial DNA and three nuclear DNA intron sequences were used to construct the genetic relationships among these species. The results showed that these species are closely related, suggesting the presence of soft polytomy with sheepshead and western Atlantic sea bream as sister species. However, western Atlantic sea bream and pinfish are equally divergent from sheepshead. We used a suite of 18 microsatellite markers to verify the occurrence of hybridization, identify the parental types, and evaluate the filial-generation status of 36 individuals morphologically identified as hybrids from the Indian River Lagoon system, in Florida. The 36 putative hybrids were analyzed with a reference group of 172 western Atlantic sea bream, 232 pinfish, and 157 sheepsheads and were all genetically determined to be F1of sheepshead and western Atlantic sea bream with very little indication or no introgressive hybridization among the 172 reference specimens of western Atlantic sea bream. Hybridization was asymmetric, with western Atlantic sea bream males crossing with sheepshead females. Hybrids were first observed in the Indian River Lagoon in 2005, after the western Atlantic sea bream had become common there, in the 1990s. Their occurrence could be associated with unique features of the Indian River Lagoon that bring the two species together or with recent anthropogenic changes in this system. Further study is needed to determine the causes and long-term effects of the recurrent production of F1hybrids and the degree of their sterility in the Indian River Lagoon.
Attentive or Not? Toward a Machine Learning Approach to Assessing Students’ Visible Engagement in Classroom Instruction
Authors: Goldberg Patricia , Sümer Ömer , Stürmer Kathleen , Wagner Wolfgang , Göllner Richard , Gerjets Peter , Kasneci Enkelejda , Trautwein Ulrich
Published: December 2019

Teachers must be able to monitor students’ behavior and identify valid cues in order to draw conclusions about students’ actual engagement in learning activities. Teacher training can support (inexperienced) teachers in developing these skills by using videotaped teaching to highlight which indicators should be considered. However, this supposes that (a) valid indicators of students’ engagement in learning are known and (b) work with videos is designed as effectively as possible to reduce the effort involved in manual coding procedures and in examining videos. One avenue for addressing these issues is to utilize the technological advances made in recent years in fields such as machine learning to improve the analysis of classroom videos. Assessing students’ attention-related processes through visible indicators of (dis)engagement in learning might become more effective if automated analyses can be employed. Thus, in the present study, we validated a new manual rating approach and provided a proof of concept for a machine vision-based approach evaluated on pilot classroom recordings of three lessons with university students. The manual rating system was significantly correlated with self-reported cognitive engagement, involvement, and situational interest and predicted performance on a subsequent knowledge test. The machine vision-based approach, which was based on gaze, head pose, and facial expressions, provided good estimations of the manual ratings. Adding a synchrony feature to the automated analysis improved correlations with the manual ratings as well as the prediction of posttest variables. The discussion focuses on challenges and important next steps in bringing the automated analysis of engagement to the classroom.
Pathology-confirmed versus non pathology-confirmed cancer diagnoses: incidence, participant characteristics, and survival
Authors: van der Willik Kimberly D. , Rojas-Saunero Liliana P. , Labrecque Jeremy A. , Ikram M. Arfan , Schagen Sanne B. , Stricker Bruno H. , Ruiter Rikje
Published: December 2019

Cancer diagnoses which are not confirmed by pathology are often under-registered in cancer registries compared to pathology-confirmed diagnoses. It is unknown how many patients have a non pathology-confirmed cancer diagnosis, and whether their characteristics and survival differ from patients with a pathology-confirmed diagnosis. Participants from the prospective population-based Rotterdam Study were followed between 1989 and 2013 for the diagnosis of cancer. Cancer diagnoses were classified into pathology-confirmed versus non pathology-confirmed (i.e., based on imaging or tumour markers). We compared participant characteristics and the distribution of cancers at different sites. Furthermore, we investigated differences in overall survival using survival curves adjusted for age and sex. During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 10.7 (6.3–15.9) years, 2698 out of 14,024 participants were diagnosed with cancer, of which 316 diagnoses (11.7%) were non pathology-confirmed. Participants with non pathology-confirmed diagnoses were older, more often women, and had a lower education. Most frequently non pathology-confirmed cancer sites included central nervous system (66.7%), hepato-pancreato-biliary (44.5%), and unknown primary origin (31.2%). Survival of participants with non pathology-confirmed diagnoses after 1 year was lower compared to survival of participants with pathology-confirmed diagnoses (32.6% vs. 63.4%; risk difference of 30.8% [95% CI 25.2%; 36.2%]). Pathological confirmation of cancer is related to participant characteristics and cancer site. Furthermore, participants with non pathology-confirmed diagnoses have worse survival than participants with pathology-confirmed diagnoses. Missing data on non pathology-confirmed diagnoses may result in underestimation of cancer incidence and in an overestimation of survival in cancer registries, and may introduce bias in aetiological research.
British Neolithic Axehead Distributions and Their Implications
Authors: Schauer Peter , Bevan Andrew , Shennan Stephen , Edinborough Kevan , Kerig Tim , Pearson Mike Parker
Published: December 2019

Neolithic stone axeheads from Britain provide an unusually rich, well-provenanced set of evidence with which to consider patterns of prehistoric production and exchange. It is no surprise then that these objects have often been subject to spatial analysis in terms of the relationship between particular stone source areas and the distribution of axeheads made from those stones. At stake in such analysis are important interpretative issues to do with how we view the role of material value, supply, exchange, and demand in prehistoric societies. This paper returns to some of these well-established debates in the light of accumulating British Neolithic evidence andviathe greater analytical power and flexibility afforded by recent computational methods. Our analyses make a case that spatial distributions of prehistoric axeheads cannot be explained merely as the result of uneven resource availability in the landscape, but instead reflect the active favouring of particular sources over known alternatives. Above and beyond these patterns, we also demonstrate that more populated parts of Early Neolithic Britain were an increased pull factor affecting the longer-range distribution of these objects.
State of the art: leadless ventricular pacing
Authors: Steinwender C. , Lercher P. , Schukro C. , Blessberger H. , Prenner G. , Andreas M. , Kraus J. , Ammer M. , Stühlinger M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Cardiac pacing has been shown to improve quality of life and prognosis of patients with bradycardia for almost 60 years. The latest innovation in pacemaker therapy was miniaturization of generators to allow leadless pacing directly in the right ventricle. There is a long history and extensive experience of leadless ventricular pacing in Austria. However, no recommendations of national or international societies for indications and implantation of leadless opposed to transvenous pacing systems have been published so far.

Results

A national expert panel of skilled implanters gives an overview on the two utilized leadless cardiac pacing systems and highlights clinical advantages as well as current knowledge of performance and complication rates of leadless pacing. Furthermore, a national consensus for Austria is presented, based on recent studies and current know-how, specifically including indications for leadless pacing, management of infection, suggestions for qualification, and training of the operators and technical standards.

Conclusions

Leadless pacing systems can be implanted successfully with a low complication rate, if suggestions for indications and technical requirements are followed.

Condensed abstract

An overview of the two utilized leadless cardiac pacing systems is given, specifically highlighting clinical advantages as well as current knowledge of performance and complication rates. Furthermore, a national consensus for Austria is presented, specifically including indications for leadless pacing, management of infection, and suggestions for qualification and technical standards.
Time/sequence-dependent scheduling: the design and evaluation of a general purpose tabu-based adaptive large neighbourhood search algorithm
Authors: He Lei , de Weerdt Mathijs , Yorke-Smith Neil
Published: December 2019

In intelligent manufacturing, it is important to schedule orders from customers efficiently. Make-to-order companies may have to reject or postpone orders when the production capacity does not meet the demand. Many such real-world scheduling problems are characterised by processing times being dependent on the start time (time dependency) or on the preceding orders (sequence dependency), and typically have an earliest and latest possible start time. We introduce and analyze four algorithmic ideas for this class of time/sequence-dependent over-subscribed scheduling problems with time windows: a novel hybridization of adaptive large neighbourhood search (ALNS) and tabu search (TS), a new randomization strategy for neighbourhood operators, a partial sequence dominance heuristic, and a fast insertion strategy. Through factor analysis, we demonstrate the performance of these new algorithmic features on problem domains with varying properties. Evaluation of the resulting general purpose algorithm on three domains—an order acceptance and scheduling problem, a real-world multi-orbit agile Earth observation satellite scheduling problem, and a time-dependent orienteering problem with time windows—shows that our hybrid algorithm robustly outperforms general algorithms including a mixed integer programming method, a constraint programming method, recent state-of-the-art problem-dependent meta-heuristic methods, and a two-stage hybridization of ALNS and TS.
On Photographing Artists’ Books
Authors: Čiricaitė Egidija
Published: December 2019

Artists’ books are challenging to photograph. They function as a unit of tightly conceptually-bound visual, textual and material elements in addition to a heightened self-awareness of the work's booksness. Binding, size, weight, and shape of the book, translucency, texture, thickness of paper, placement of images and/or text on the page or off the page interact with other graphic elements; they control, and direct the reader towards the expressive components of meaning which arise from pace, haptic experience, and visual or structural stylistic choices. Most of such information gets sacrificed in the process of documentation. Here I discuss some of such issues of photographing artists books for this journal and my solutions to replicating each artists’ book within the physical and thematic constraints of this publication: I tried not only to visualize the books’ content but also to translate some of the experience of how that content makes itself meaningful to the reader.
Testing the ‘Fear of Floating’ Hypothesis: A Statistical Analysis for Eight African Countries
Authors: Ahmad Ahmad Hassan , Pentecost Eric J.
Published: December 2019

This paper revisits the fear of floating hypotheses for eight African countries from the collapse of the Bretton Woods fixed exchange rate system in the early 1970s up until December 2017. This long period of calendar time allows us to extend previous studies by examining the fear of floating hypotheses in two distinct ways. First, we look at a set of descriptive statistics to compare the degree of exchange rate flexibility under alternative de jure exchange rate regimes. We find no statistical difference between exchange volatility between declared floaters and fixers, but greater reserve volatility between the floaters, which is suggestive of fear of floating. Second, we use a non-linear, threshold VAR model, estimated for each country, to test for a relationship between exchange rate changes and reserve changes. The results suggest some evidence of a fear of floating for countries which have declared a de jure floating regime, with the regime-dependent impulse responses indicating that exchange rate appreciation due to positive reserve shocks is more prevalent in the high reserve regimes, indicative that level of foreign reserves available are important for their exchange rate policies. In general, although the countries with de jure floating regimes have a lower threshold than those with pegged regimes, reserves adjust by more than the exchange rates showing a fear of floating.
Realism, perspectivism, and disagreement in science
Authors: Massimi Michela
Published: December 2019

This paper attends to two main tasks. First, I introduce the notion of perspectival disagreement in science. Second, I relate perspectival disagreement in science to the broader issue of realism about science: how to maintain realist ontological commitments in the face of perspectival disagreement among scientists? I argue that often enough perspectival disagreement is not at the level of the scientific knowledge claims but rather of the methodological and justificatory principles. I introduce and clarify the notion of ‘agreeing-whilst-perspectivally-disagreeing’ with an episode from the history of modern physics: namely, how we came to agree about the electric charge as a minimal natural unit despite different scientific perspectives and associated data-to-phenomena inferences available for it in the period 1897–1906.
“A Cancer in the Minds of Youth?” A Qualitative Study of Problematic Smartphone Use among Undergraduate Students
Authors: Yang Zeyang , Asbury Kathryn , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: December 2019

There is empirical evidence to suggest that problematic smartphone use (PSU) is associated with mental health problems including anxiety in educational settings. This qualitative study explored attitudes towards—and self-reported impacts of—smartphone use among British young adult students, as well as perceived causes of PSU. Free-response written accounts were gathered from 265 British undergraduates at an English university. Open-ended questions were asked about their attitudes towards smartphone use, their reasons for using their smartphones, and what they perceived as the consequences of their smartphone use. Narratives were analyzed using framework analysis and a thematic framework was identified. The three main consequences of PSU described by participants were (1) uncontrolled frequent checking of smartphones, (2) using smartphones late at night, and irrelevant use of smartphones in class. The main reported explanations for PSU were fear of missing messages, boredom in class, poor self-regulation, and external reasons (e.g., boring lectures). Smartphone use was reported to have both positive and negative impacts on young adults’ life satisfaction, social relationships, physical health, and study. Many participants reported that they need to develop better self-regulation to address their PSU. Findings suggest that smartphone use can have benefits as well as potentially causing harm among university students. PSU can—in some cases—be understood as reflecting mental well-being issues, poor self-regulation, and social problems.
Bariatric Surgery in Cirrhotic Patients: Is It Safe?
Authors: Younus Hafsa , Sharma Amit , Miquel Rosa , Quaglia Alberto , Kanchustambam Subba Rao , Carswell Kirstin A , Patel Ameet G.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Ten percent of cirrhotic patients are known to have a high risk of postoperative complications. Ninety percent of bariatric patients suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and 50% of them may develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which can progress to cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether the presence of cirrhosis at the time of bariatric surgery is associated with an increased rate and severity of short- and long-term cirrhotic complications.

Methods

A cohort of 110 bariatric patients, between May 2003 and February 2018, who had undergone liver biopsy at the time of bariatric surgery were reassessed for histological outcome and divided into two groups based on the presence (C, n = 26) or absence (NC, n = 84) of cirrhosis. The NC group consisted of NASH (n = 49), NAFLD (n = 24) and non-NAFLD (n = 11) liver histology. Medical notes were retrospectively assessed for patient characteristics, development of 30-day postoperative complications, severity of complications (Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification) and length of stay. The C group was further assessed for long-term cirrhosis-related outcomes.

Results

The C group was older (52 years vs 43 years) and had lower BMI (46 kg/m2 vs 52 kg/m2) and weight (126 kg vs 145 kg) compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). The C group had significantly higher overall complication rate (10/26 vs 14/84, p < 0.05) and severity of complications (CD class ≥ III, 12% vs 7%, p < 0.05) when compared to the NC group. The length of stay was similar between the two groups (5 days vs 4 days). The C group had significant improvement in model end-stage liver disease scores (7 vs 6, p < 0.01) with median follow-up of 4.5 years (range 2–11 years). There were no long-term cirrhosis-related complications or mortality in our studied cohort (0/26).

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery in cirrhotic patients has a higher risk of immediate postoperative complications. Long-term cirrhosis-related complications or mortality was not increased in this small cohort. Preoperative identification of liver cirrhosis may be useful for risk stratification, optimisation and informed consent. Bariatric surgery in well-compensated cirrhotic patients may be used as an aid to improve long-term outcome.
Parties, Civil Society, and the Deterrence of Democratic Defection
Authors: Bernhard Michael , Hicken Allen , Reenock Christopher , Lindberg Staffan I.
Published: December 2019

The third wave of democratization has given way to a reverse wave of autocratization. A critical question is what can be done to prevent democratic breakdowns and make democracy endure. A large body of historical-narrative and small-N comparative scholarship has suggested that an active mobilized civil society and institutionalized political parties can be mobilized to protect democracy from authoritarian takeovers. We provide the first rigorous set of empirical analyses to test this argument using data from the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project for the period from 1900 to 2010. We find that both exert a robust, independent, and substantial effect on the survival of democracies. These findings have important policy implications for the international community.
Diplycosia papuana (Ericaceae: Vaccinioideae: Gaultherieae): a new endemic species from central New Guinea
Authors: Mustaqim Wendy A. , Utteridge Timothy M. A. , Heatubun Charlie D.
Published: December 2019

Diplycosia papuana (Ericaceae: Vaccinioideae: Gaultherieae), a new endemic species from central New Guinea, is described and illustrated here. Notes on the distribution, ecology and conservation status of the new species, as well as a consideration of closely related species, are provided.
Multiple novel hepatocellular carcinoma signature genes are commonly controlled by the master pluripotency factor OCT4
Authors: Ye Chao , Zhang Xiaoqian , Chen Xinyu , Cao Qingyi , Zhang Xiaobing , Zhou Yanwen , Li Wenxin , Hong Liangjie , Xie Haiyang , Liu Xiaoli , Cao Hongcui , Wang Ying-Jie , Kang Bo
Published: December 2019

Background

Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common solid tumor with a poor prognosis. HCC is often due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. As yet, efficacious HCC treatment regimens for late-stage HCC patients are lacking. Therefore, the identification of more specific and sensitive biomarkers for its early diagnosis and treatment remains an urgent need.

Methods

Total RNAs from paired HBV-derived HCC tumors and adjacent peritumor tissues (APTs) were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC tumors and APTs were selected and verified.

Results

We identified 166 DEGs and found that eight top-ranked and verified DEGs (TK1, CTTN, CEP72, TRIP13, FTH1, FLAD1, CHRM2, AMBP) all contained putative OCT4 binding motifs in their promoter regions. TK1, TRIP13 and OCT4 were found to exhibit concurrent higher expression levels in HCC tumors than in APTs. The mRNA levels of TK1, TRIP13 and OCT4 in a cohort of 384 HCC samples from the TCGA database were all found to be negatively correlated with patient overall survival, relapse-free survival and progression-free survival, underscoring the HCC biomarker status of TK1 and TRIP13 on one hand, and implicating their association with OCT4 on the other hand. Furthermore, OCT4 proteins were found to bind to the promoters of both genes in vitro and in vivo. Knocking out OCT4 in HCC-derived cell lines reduced the expression of TK1 and TRIP13 and significantly decreased their tumorigenicity.

Conclusions

Using RNA-seq, we identified several novel HCC signature genes that may serve as biomarkers for its diagnosis and prognosis. Their common transcriptional regulation by OCT4 suggests key roles in the development of HCC, and indicates that OCT4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Radiofrequency identification (RFID) reveals long-distance flight and homing abilities of the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata
Authors: Nunes-Silva Patrícia , Costa Luciano , Campbell Alistair John , Arruda Helder , Contrera Felipe Andres Leon , Teixeira Juliana Stephanie Galaschi , Gomes Rafael Leandro Corrêa , Pessin Gustavo , Pereira Daniel Santiago , de Souza Paulo , Imperatriz-Fonseca Vera Lucia
Published: December 2019

Determining bee flight capacity is crucial for developing management strategies for bee conservation and/or crop pollination and purposes. In this study, we determined the flight distance of the stingless beeMelipona fasciculatausing the radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology. For this, we conducted two translocation experiments using workers equipped with RFID microsensors: (1) release of bees at seven distances between 100 and 3000 m from experimental colonies in Belém, Brazil, and (2) at six distances between 1500 and 10,000 m at Carajás National Forest Reserve. Return rates of workers were negatively correlated to release distance, with typical flight distances of 2 km, but a maximum homing distance of 10 km. Use of RFID tags revealed how past experiments may have greatly underestimated homing abilities of stingless bees.
Parallel Causation in Oncogenic and Anthropogenic Degradation and Extinction
Authors: DeGregori James , Eldredge Niles
Published: December 2019

We propose that the onset and progressive destructive action of cancer within an individual bears a profound and striking similarity to the onset and progressive human-engendered destruction of global ecosystems and the extinction of entire species. Cancer in the human body and our human role in planetary, especially biotic, degradation are uncannily similar systems. For starters, they are the only two known complex systems where a discrete component changes its normal ecological role and function—turning on and potentially killing its host, and in so doing, itself. Both are “hostile takeovers.” Clearly, humans are integral to both systems. With cancer we are the host and victims of the rogue behavior of what starts out as a normal, healthy, and functionally important part of our bodies. With the biodiversity crisis, we are the part of the system that has changed, expanded, and proven so destructive to the system in which we live. We argue that given that these threats to our bodies and Earth are both essentially ecological diseases, understanding the critical role of ecological interdependencies for avoiding both cancer’s and humankind’s destruction of their respective homes should hopefully promote better stewardship of both by the only animal capable of recognizing the problems—us.