bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of debt-to-equity ratio in project investment valuation, assessing risk and return in capital markets
Authors: Nukala Vasishta Bhargava , Prasada Rao S. S.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a case study was performed with an aim to analyze the asset returns for two different companies and the risk and returns from capital projects using standard capital asset pricing method. To demonstrate how the present values of future cash flows are influenced by discount rates when the debt-to-equity capital structure ratio is varied between 0 and 2.5 debt-to-equity. The breakeven sensitivity was also conducted in relation to different gross margin ratios of company. It was found that high value of debt-to-equity ratio yielded a flatter net present value with increase in gross margins. Capital appraisal techniques were applied to illustrate the project returns and annual cash flows and its relationship with change in cost of capital. Analysis showed that when average cost of capital is increased beyond threshold value, the net present value from the firm’s project investments reduced significantly. A covariance analysis was performed to determine individual returns from two stocks traded in BSE Sensex and S&P 500 indices using the beta values. Comparing the individual and total returns of two stocks revealed that returns not only increased with increasing beta values–but also varied with earnings potential, growth rate of firm, dividend payout ratios and trading stock price. The standard deviation on portfolio of two stocks has been computed for varying asset weight ratios. It has been found that positive correlation between two stocks increased equity risk when weight ratios are not balanced in portfolio, while a negative correlation reduced equity risk.
Retrospective Analysis of Presentation, Treatment, and Outcomes of Multiple Myeloma at a Large Public Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya
Authors: Manyega Kelvin M. , Lotodo Teresa C. , Oduor Mercy A. , Namaemba Diana F. , Omondi Austin A. , Oyolo Yvette L. , Oguda John , Loehrer Patrick J. , Vik Terry A. , Asirwa Fredrick C.
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE

Treatment patterns and survival outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in Kenya have not been adequately characterized. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings at diagnosis, to describe the treatment offered, and to determine the survival outcomes of patients with MM over an 11-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was carried out for all patients who were diagnosed and treated for MM at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital from 2009 to 2019. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. Factors affecting survival were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 221 patient charts were analyzed of which 124 belonged to male patients (56.1%). The median age at diagnosis was 61 years. Bone pain was the most common presenting complaint observed in 69.6% of 194 patients assessed. Out of 102 patients who received imaging studies, 60 (58.8%) had lytic lesions, 30 (29.4%) had fractures, whereas 30 (29.4%) had spinal cord compression. Anemia, renal failure, and hypercalcemia were observed in 87/187 (46.5%), 22/161 (13.7%), and 23/42 (54.8%) patients, respectively. Thalidomide and dexamethasone (65.2%); bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (14.6%); and melphalan and prednisolone (11.9%) were the most prescribed initial chemotherapy regimens among 219 patients analyzed. Overall survival at 1 and 5 years was 70% and 21%, respectively; median overall survival was 29.0 months. In multivariate analysis, male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 1.9), baseline anemia (HR 1.8), and baseline renal failure (HR 3.2) were associated with significantly shorter survival.

CONCLUSION

Survival outcomes were poor despite increased use of multiagent-based chemotherapy regimens. Greater access to available diagnostics and treatments is required to achieve rational treatment and increased survival.
AMH Highly Correlates With Cumulative Live Birth Rate in Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve Independent of Age
Authors: Tal Reshef , Seifer David B , Tal Renana , Granger Emily , Wantman Ethan , Tal Oded
Published: March 2021

Context

Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) level is strongly associated with ovarian response in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles but is a poor predictor of live birth. It is unknown whether AMH is associated with cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

Objective

To examine the association between serum AMH and CLBR among women with DOR undergoing ART.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database 2014-16. A total of 34 540 index retrieval cycles of women with AMH <1 ng/mL. The main outcome measure was cumulative live birth.

Results

A total of 34 540 (25.9%) cycles with AMH <1 ng/mL out of 133 442 autologous index retrieval cycles were analyzed. Cycles with preimplantation genetic testing or egg/embryo banking were excluded. Data were stratified according to AMH and, age and regression analysis of AMH and CLBR was performed for each age stratum. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that AMH is an independent predictor of CLBR (odds ratio [OR] 1.39, 95% CI 1.18-1.64). Serum AMH was strongly associated with number of oocytes retrieved, embryos cryopreserved, mean number of cumulative embryos transferred, and percentage of cycles that had an embryo transfer. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that AMH highly correlated with CLBR in each age stratum.

Conclusion

Serum AMH is highly correlated with CLBR in women with DOR independent of age. The addition of AMH to current age-based prognostication counseling particularly in women with DOR would provide more informative and personalized CLBR prediction prior to ART.
Two-Year Treatment With Metformin During Puberty Does Not Preserve β-Cell Function in Youth With Obesity
Authors: Kelsey Megan M , Hilkin Allison , Pyle Laura , Severn Cameron , Utzschneider Kristina , Van Pelt Rachael E , Zeitler Philip S , Nadeau Kristen J
Published: March 2021

Context

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is a disease of pubertal onset, associated with additional burden of pubertal insulin resistance on the β-cell.

Objective

Evaluate the impact of metformin treatment during puberty, a critical window of cardiometabolic change, on insulin sensitivity (Si) and compensatory β-cell response in youth with obesity.

Setting

Pediatric academic hospital clinical translational research center.

Participants

Healthy youth in early puberty [Tanner stage (T) 2-3] with normoglycemia and obesity (n = 44).

Intervention

Double-blinded placebo-control trial of metformin during puberty (until T5).

Main Outcome Measures

Insulin sensitivity (Si), insulin response [acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg)], and disposition index (DI), estimated from frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance testing; body fat (dual X-ray absorptiometry); and other laboratory parameters, collected at baseline, T4, and T5. Placebo-subtracted treatment effect was calculated using linear mixed models.

Results

At T5, metformin treatment, adjusting for sex, race, and baseline value, was associated with improved BMI z-score (−0.44 ± 0.16, P = 0.02), percentage body fat (%body fat; −3.4 ± 1.2%, P = 0.06), and waist circumference (−11.3 ± 3.2cm, P = 0.003). There were no significant treatment effects at T5 on Si or secretion: Si (0.85 ± 0.87 × 10−4/min−1/μIU/mL, P = 0.34), AIRg (−259 ± 386 μIU/mL, P = 0.51), or DI (508 ± 802 × 10−4/min−1, P = 0.53). High baseline DI predicted longitudinal decline in DI.

Conclusions

Two years of metformin treatment in obese youth during puberty improved BMI and body fat, but not Si or β-cell function. Of note, high DI in early puberty may be predictive of later decline in DI. Further studies are needed to develop strategies for preservation of β-cell function in youth at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Activation of Vasopressin System During COVID-19 is Associated With Adverse Clinical Outcomes: An Observational Study
Authors: Gregoriano Claudia , Molitor Alexandra , Haag Ellen , Kutz Alexander , Koch Daniel , Haubitz Sebastian , Conen Anna , Bernasconi Luca , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Fux Christoph A , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp
Published: March 2021

Background

Activation of the vasopressin system plays a key role for the maintenance of osmotic, cardiovascular, and stress hormone homeostasis during disease. We investigated levels of copeptin, the C-terminal segment of the vasopressin prohormone, that mirrors the production rate of vasopressin in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Methods

We measured levels of copeptin on admission and after days 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 in 74 consecutive hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients and compared its prognostic accuracy to that of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (n = 876) and acute or chronic bronchitis (n = 371) from a previous study by means of logistic regression analysis. The primary endpoint was all-cause 30-day mortality.

Results

Median admission copeptin levels in COVID-19 patients were almost 4-fold higher in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (49.4 pmol/L [iterquartile range (IQR) 24.9–68.9 pmol/L] vs 13.5 pmol/L [IQR 7.0–26.7 pmol/L]), resulting in an age- and gender-adjusted odds ratio of 7.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–40.3), p < 0.03 for mortality. Higher copeptin levels in nonsurvivors persisted during the short-term follow-up. Compared with the control group patients with acute/chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, COVID-19 patients did not have higher admission copeptin levels.

Conclusions

A pronounced activation of the vasopressin system in COVID-19 patients is associated with an adverse clinical course in COVID-19 patients. This finding, however, is not unique to COVID-19 but similar to other types of respiratory infections.
Management of a Fragmented Angiocatheter During Central Venous Cannulation: A Case Report and Important Lessons
Authors: John Litty , Sripada Ramaprasad , Prielipp Richard C.
Published: March 2021

Complications during central venous catheter (CVC) insertion are infrequent with an incidence of 0.1%–1%. We experienced a rare CVC complication with fragmentation of the angiocatheter at its hub during central venous cannulation while utilizing the modified Seldinger technique (ie, wire through the catheter technique). Vascular surgery was emergently required to remove the catheter fragment from the neck. Clinicians must remain vigilant during all aspects of CVC insertion, including awareness of the potential for fragmentation of the angiocatheter during its removal over the in situ guidewire. Prompt recognition and appropriate management included leaving the guidewire in place (to stabilize the distal fragmented segment) and promptly consulting vascular surgery for removal before potential vascular embolization of the angiocatheter fragment. We further recommend that all components of the insertion kit be inspected before and after patient use.
Not So Phenomenal!
Authors: Hawthorne John , Lasonen-Aarnio Maria
Published: March 2021

The main aims in this article are to discuss and criticize the core thesis of a position that has become known as phenomenal conservatism. According to this thesis, its seeming to one that p provides enough justification for a belief in p to be prima facie justified (a thesis the article labels Standard Phenomenal Conservatism). This thesis captures the special kind of epistemic import that seemings are claimed to have. To get clearer on this thesis, the article embeds it, first, in a probabilistic framework in which updating on new evidence happens by Bayesian conditionalization, and second, a framework in which updating happens by Jeffrey conditionalization. The article spells out problems for both views, and then generalizes some of these to nonprobabilistic frameworks. The main theme of the discussion is that the epistemic import of a seeming (or experience) should depend on its content in a plethora of ways that phenomenal conservatism is insensitive to.
Life after Debt
Authors: Appadurai Arjun
Published: March 2021

Beginning from Weber’s claim that pursuit of capitalist profit developed out of the uncertainty of Calvinists about their salvational status, this article argues that the horizon of salvation remains essential to the apparatus of finance today. Often characterized as the zenith of rationality, capitalism—motored by speculation and dependent on fantasy—should instead be thought of as the dream-work of industrial modernism. Indeed, this article contends, capitalism in its current form—in which ordinary citizens are connected to capital primarily as bearers of risk—depends on the collective reimagining of debt as a salvational technology, a feat accomplished by a complex network of media and financial elites. In this soteriology of Capital, debt is about the ever receding tomorrow and depends on on the eternal life of Capital and the promise that the day of reckoning can be indefinitely postponed.
The Debt Chronotope
Authors: Tygstrup Frederik
Published: March 2021

When literature engages in portraying the contemporary rule of finance and its impact on our lives, it also entails a transformation of the forms through which literature represents our lives. Over the last decades, as debt has become an ever more important motive in contemporary literature, we have thus also seen the contours of a new debt chronotope: a particular organization of narrative time and space that can gauge and expound on the working of debt-driven financial capitalism. This essay’s argument hinges partly on an analysis of the spatiotemporal logic of contemporary financial capitalism and partly on the historical transformation of representations of debt from nineteenth-century realism to European literature of the present.
Nigerian Writings (Fragments)
Authors: Federici Silvia , Austin Arlen
Published: March 2021

This collection of texts is drawn from the Silvia Federici Papers, recently donated to the Feminist Theory Archives at the Pembroke Center for Teaching and Research on Women. The works presented here date from Federici’s teaching work in Nigeria from 1984 to 1987 and include subsequent scholarship and activism as a member of the Committee for Academic Freedom in Africa in the early 1990s. Consisting of journal entries, short articles, and drafts, the writings provide first-hand accounts of the effects of structural adjustment and military government repression on Nigeria’s economy, environment, and education system with emphasis on the accompanying repression of women. A final draft article from circa 1993 unfolds a broad critique of an international capitalist discourse on structural adjustment in Africa and Latin America. A brief introduction by Arlen Austin contextualizes these works in relation to Federici’s oeuvre and the history they address.
Measurements of Acute Affective Responses to Resistance Exercise: A Narrative Review
Authors: Beaumont Cory , Ferrara Paula-Marie M. , Strohacker Kelley
Published: March 2021

Exercise-related affect should be measured in task to avoid rebound effects (i.e., immediate increases of positive valence, likely due to the relief of exercise cessation), but the general timing and frequency of affect measurement is unclear with respect to resistance exercise, which has a discontinuous nature (i.e., the entirety of the bout is broken up by periods of rest). This narrative review aims to synthesize literature regarding the affect measurement protocols during acute resistance exercise. A systematic search of three databases yielded 28 articles, 26 describing total-body sessions, one focused on lower-body exercise, and one focused on upper body exercise. In-task ratings were recorded in only 12 studies, based on either set completion (e.g., after every, or every third set) or time (e.g., after the midpoint exercise, every 10 min). All ratings occurred during rest intervals, but prompt specificity was reported in only two studies and framed as “right now” rather than “during exercise.” Overall, protocols varied and raise concerns that rebound effects cannot be ruled out because ratings were not taken during physical exertion. Conversely, a higher standard of reporting is necessary to determine that prompts were designed to capture accurate in-task affective responses. Specifically, researchers should indicate the precise verbiage used to obtain in-task ratings, especially if prompts are given postset. Future research should also seek to identify the peak (i.e., most salient point) of a set to represent the in-task affective responses.
Changes in Metabolism and Caloric Intake after Sport Concussion: A Case Series
Authors: Daniell Brooke , Bernitt Candace , Walton Samuel R. , Malin Steven K. , Resch Jacob E.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) changes as a result of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury in humans. However, the effect of sport concussion (SC) on RMR and subsequent food intake is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine how SC affected energy expenditure, caloric intake (CI), and energy balance (EBal) in student-athletes.

Methods

In this case series, 10 student-athletes (3 high school males, 3 high school females, 2 collegiate males, and 2 collegiate females) were assessed ≤72 h after SC (T1), 7 d after T1 (T2), and 7 d after T2 (T3) by undergoing indirect calorimetry and recording diet and step count for 3 d around each assessment. RMR, total energy expenditure (TEE), CI, and EBal were evaluated across time using repeated-measures ANOVA. Main outcomes were related to symptoms using Spearman’s ρ correlations.

Results

RMR (F(2)= 1.52,P= 0.24, η2= 0.15) and TEE (F(2)= 2.29,P= 0.13, η2= 0.20) were not statistically different over time. However, males experienced increased RMR (mean difference, T3 − T1 = 206 kcal·d−1) compared with a decline for females (T3 − T1 = −32 kcal·d−1). CI decreased from T2 to T3 by approximately 385 kcal in both males and females (F(2)= 4.73,P= 0.02, η2= 0.35). EBal changed (F(2)= 4.35,P= 0.03, η2= 0.33) from overeating (T1 = 593 kcal surplus) to relative balance (T3 = 61 kcal surplus).

Conclusions

Although overall energy expenditure was not altered over time after concussion, a pattern suggesting sex differences was present. Participants initially overconsumed calories relative to TEE; however, this disparity declined over time to the point of EBal by the third assessment.
Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study of a Coordinated Parent/Child Weight Loss Intervention: Dyad Plus
Authors: Dilley Joshua R. , Singletary Camelia R. , Ard Jamy D. , Giles Steven , Skelton Joseph A. , Heboyan Vahé , Jake-Schoffman Danielle E. , Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle , McGrievy Matthew , Ip Edward H. , Moore Justin B.
Published: March 2021

The prevalence of youth with overweight and obesity is a global health concern, necessitating clinical interventions to treat obesity effectively through lifestyle modification. Interventions in adolescents have demonstrated improvements in healthy eating and physical activity with only modest weight loss outcomes. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing strategies to enhance the effectiveness of clinical interventions in adolescents. Targeting the family system can be an effective approach, but existing studies have failed to examine the impact of coenrolling both the adolescent and the adult in individually tailored weight loss programs and coordinating the adolescent/adult weight loss efforts. This article reports on the design and conceptual framework of the Dyad Plus study, which uses two weight loss clinics of the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center: Brenner Families in training (Brenner FIT®; adolescents) and By Design (adults). Dyad Plus is a coordinated program designed to facilitate self-monitoring, positive communication, joint problem solving, and social support to increase physical activity, healthy eating, and weight loss relative to Brenner FIT alone. A total of 45 parent/adolescent dyads are randomized to one of three conditions (n= 15 for each): Brenner FIT only, Dyad (adolescent and parent both enroll simultaneously in the age-appropriate program), and Dyad Plus (both parent and adolescent enroll simultaneously, but with a coordinated component for adolescent and caregiver). This study aims to develop and pilot the coordinated intervention, establish feasibility of the intervention, and determine costs associated with implementation. The results of the study are expected in winter of 2021. If proven feasible and acceptable, Dyad Plus will be tested for effectiveness in a large-scale implementation-effectiveness clinical trial.
ДИАГНОСТИКА РАННЕГО РАКА ЖЕЛУДКА ВЗРОСЛОГО НАСЕЛЕНИЯ КРАСНОЯРСКОГО КРАЯ ПО КЛИНИКО-АНАМНЕСТИЧЕСКИМ И ЛАБОРАТОРНЫМ ДАННЫМ
Authors: Smirnova O. V. , Tsukanov V. V. , Sinyakov A. A. , Moskalenko O. L. , Elmanova N. G. , Ovcharenko E. S.
Published: March 2021

В РФ ежегодно регистрируется более 600 тысяч новых случаев рака, из них рак желудка составляет 7,3%. К сожалению, большинство  из них пока диагностируют на поздних стадиях. Это связано с тем, что жители страны недостаточно информированы о наличии бесплатных скрининговых программ.

Цель нашего исследования – анализ клинико-анамнестических показателей и данных «ГастроПанели» среди взрослого населения Красноярского края для неинвазивной диагностики  гастрита и скрининга раннего рака желудка.

Материал и методы исследования: В работе приведены результаты комплексного клинико-лабораторного исследования практически здоровых добровольцев, пациентов с хроническим атрофическим гастритом (ХАГ) и раком желудка (РЖ) I-II ст. Исследование проводилось с июня 2019 г. по сентябрь 2019 г., с разрешения локального этического комитета ФИЦ КНЦ СО РАН.  

Результаты нашего исследования выявили, что больные в возрасте 45 лет и старше, страдающие от болей в эпигастральной области и диспепсии, имеющие в анамнезе болезни желудка, с признаками атрофии по результатам сывороточного пепсиногенового теста входят в группу риска развития раннего рака желудка. Данный подход позволит выявить значительную часть предраковых состояний среди населения для их дальнейшего тщательного обследования.
Periprosthetic infection in hip arthroplasty: features of modern etiology, problems and prospects of diagnosis
Authors: Sheraliev T.U. , Fedorov E.A. , Golnik V.N. , Pavlov V.V.
Published: March 2021

В монографии на основании данных современной российской и зарубежной литературы, а также результатов собственных исследований авторов, представлена характеристика перипротезной инфекции при эндопротезировании крупных суставов, актуальные в настоящее время классификации, пациент – ассоциированные и имплантат-ассоциированные факторы риска ППИ, особенности этиологии данной инфекции в эпоху антибактериальной мультирезистентности микроорганизмов, ключевые аспекты роста бактериальных биопленок. Сделан акцент на анализе диагностической значимости ряда биомаркеров перипротезной инфекции. Монография предназначена для специалистов в области ортопедической хирургии, врачей других специальностей, курирующих пациентов с дегенеративно-дистрофическими, посттравматическими, аутоиммунными заболеваниями суставов; научных работников, интересующихся проблемами перипротезной инфекции суставов, а также студентов, ординаторов и магистрантов высших учебных заведений по специальности «Медицина», «Биология», «Фармакология».
Dynamics of suicidal frequency changes on the railways in Poland - an attempt of epidemiological analyzes
Authors: Makara-Studzińska Marta , Załuski Maciej , Jagielski Paweł , Czabański Adam , Cyranka Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

Cel pracy

Wyniki analizy zaprezentowane w artykule są doniesieniem z badań poświęconych samobójstwom na torach kolejowych.

Metoda

Przeprowadzono analizę epidemiologiczną serii przypadków z wykorzystaniem danych pochodzących z Komendy Głównej Policji. Wskaźniki samobójstw na kolei w Polsce w latach 2007-2018 porównano z ogólną liczbą samobójstw w Polsce i krajach UE.

Wyniki

Wyniki: W latach 2007-2018 średni odsetek zgonów w wyniku samobójstwa na kolei w ogólnej liczbie samobójstw popełnionych w Polsce wyniósł 2,06%. W latach: 1999–2018 zwiększała się liczba prób samobójczych na kolei w ogóle oraz prób samobójczych nie zakończonych zgonem. Od roku 2012 obserwuje się wzrost liczby prób samobójczych na torach kolejowych oraz utrzymującą się liczbę zgonów samobójczych. W latach 2017-2018 rzucenie się pod pociąg, aby zakończyć życie, było trzecią najczęściej wybieraną metodą popełnienia samobójstwa w Polsce. Chociaż stanowi jedynie niewielki procent wśród wszystkich metod samobójczych, w Polsce była wybierana stosunkowo częściej w porównaniu do innych krajów europejskich.

Wnioski

Polska należy do niewielkiej grupy krajów europejskich, w których liczba zgonów samobójczych, w ciągu ostatnich 20 lat, cechowała się tendencję wzrostową. Rośnie liczba nieudanych prób samobójczych na kolei. Wskaźnik zgonów na torach kolejowych w Polsce był znacznie wyższy niż średni wskaźnik dla krajów UE.
Crítica a la interpretación heideggeriana de la sustancia aristotélica.
Authors: Segura Peraita Carmen
Published: March 2021

Estas breve estudio pretender profundizar en la comprensión que de la ουσία-ενέργεια ofrece Heidegger en el capítulo VIII del Nietzsche. Una comprensión cuyo objeto no es otro que dar cuenta de la historia del ser. Aquella que lo habría entendido inicialmente como physis, pero enseguida como ουσία, actualitas y finalmente como Wirklichkeit. De lo que se trata es de valorar la pertinencia de los análisis heideggerianos y también de sus conclusiones. Al hacerlo, la cuestión específica que aquí se plantea es si en su trazado esquemático de esa historia del ser Heidegger procede con coherencia fenomenológicohermenéutica en su manera de realizar la investigación histórica.
Archaeological research in the Petra Valley: preliminary remarks from the excavation at the Corinthian Tomb
Authors: Ranieri Raffaele , Cheli Francesca
Published: March 2021

Archaeological research in the Petra Valley: preliminary remarks from the excavation at the Corinthian Tomb The Italian Archaeological Mission ‘Medieval Petra’: archaeology of Crusader-Ayyubid Settlement in Transjordan started an archaeological excavation within the site of Petra, in the Corinthian Tombarea, during the 2015 and 2016 campaigns. The main aim was to clarify the presence and the nature of a potential medieval structure whose evidences were identified during the surveys of 2012 and 2013. This brief paper intend sto present some preliminary remarks on the excavation data coming from the stratigraphic analyses and from the ongoing study of the pottery findings related to the context.
Data Pooling in Stochastic Optimization
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Kallus Nathan
Published: March 2021

Managing large-scale systems often involves simultaneously solving thousands of unrelated stochastic optimization problems, each with limited data. Intuition suggests that one can decouple these unrelated problems and solve them separately without loss of generality. We propose a novel data-pooling algorithm called Shrunken-SAA that disproves this intuition. In particular, we prove that combining data across problems can outperform decoupling, even when there is no a priori structure linking the problems and data are drawn independently. Our approach does not require strong distributional assumptions and applies to constrained, possibly nonconvex, nonsmooth optimization problems such as vehicle-routing, economic lot-sizing, or facility location. We compare and contrast our results to a similar phenomenon in statistics (Stein’s phenomenon), highlighting unique features that arise in the optimization setting that are not present in estimation. We further prove that, as the number of problems grows large, Shrunken-SAA learns if pooling can improve upon decoupling and the optimal amount to pool, even if the average amount of data per problem is fixed and bounded. Importantly, we highlight a simple intuition based on stability that highlights when and why data pooling offers a benefit, elucidating this perhaps surprising phenomenon. This intuition further suggests that data pooling offers the most benefits when there are many problems, each of which has a small amount of relevant data. Finally, we demonstrate the practical benefits of data pooling using real data from a chain of retail drug stores in the context of inventory management.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, Management Science Special Section on Data-Driven Prescriptive Analytics.
A new therapeutic protocol for the treatment of keloid scars: a retrospective study
Authors: Boccara David , Serror Kevin , Chatelain Sarah , Chaouat Marc , Mimoun Maurice , Azoulay Laura
Published: March 2021

Objective:

There are few means to treat large keloid scars, as exeresis—even if partial—impedes direct closure without tension in the absence of a flap or a skin graft. This study evaluates the efficacy, indications for use and limitations of a new therapeutic protocol, combining an extralesional keloid excision left to heal by secondary intention with a paraffin dressing and glucocorticoid ointment, followed by monthly intrascar injections of corticosteroids upon full re-epithelialisation.

Method:

A retrospective study of patients treated for keloid scars by using the new therapeutic protocol. Scars were categorised as either healed or recurring. Their recurrence was scored according to the changes in functional signs and the scar volume.

Results:

A total of 36 scars were studied. The mean follow-up was 14.1 months. Healing occurred in a mean of 6.8 weeks. The mean surface area was 21.6cm2. Healing rate was 30.5%. Scar volume was improved in 60% of recurrent cases and functional signs in 56%. Based on adherence with the corticotherapy, two patient groups could be discerned. For patients in the ‘adherent’ group, the healing rate was 40%, and scar volume was improved in 75% of recurrent cases and the functional signs in 83% of cases.

Conclusions:

The healing rate in this study was close to that reported in the literature. Excision-healing by secondary intention could therefore be offered to patients for whom adherence is uncertain. The protocol in this study offers a straightforward, fast, accessible solution that does not appear to entail any risk of additional keloids. It could potentially offer a treatment option in case of failure of other treatments, large keloid scars or scalp keloids.
Topical oxygen treatment relieves pain from hard-to-heal leg ulcers and improves healing: a case report
Authors: Palin Lena , Nordgren Maria , Lingemark Annika , Jebril William , Wikstrom Jakob D
Published: March 2021

Pain from hard-to-heal wounds is common and challenging to manage with current therapies. Most hard-to-heal wounds show some degree of hypoxia that impairs healing and contributes to pain. Regular oxygen therapy is given in hyperbaric oxygen chambers and is costly, time-consuming and cannot be offered to most patients. Moreover, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) only increases tissue oxygen for a short time and is given only for a few hours per week. Topical oxygen therapy (TOT) was introduced as an alternative and in this report we focus on topical continuous oxygen therapy (TCOT), which has been shown to be associated with healing of hard-to-heal ulcers. We report on a patient with type 1 diabetes with a painful hard-to-heal lower leg ulcer that failed to heal with standard wound dressings and that had insufficient response to pharmacological analgesia. The patient was on three different analgesics before treating the wound with TCOT. As the wound was considered hypoxic, due to longstanding diabetes and probable microangiopathy, TCOT was commenced. Within one week of treatment starting, the patient spontaneously ceased all his analgesics as he was free of pain; and after 2.5 months, the ulcer healed. The patient reported no adverse effects. In addition to promoting healing, TCOT may also be considered for its potential analgesic effects in hard-to-heal wound management.
Non-cancer-related lower limb lymphoedema in complex decongestive therapy: the patient experience
Authors: Costello Mary , Moore Zena , Avsar Pinar , Nugent Linda , O'Connor Tom , Patton Declan
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Lymphoedema is a debilitating condition that results in the swelling of one or more limbs, leading to a significant impairment of mobility. From a psychosocial perspective, body image and quality of life (QoL) are also adversely affected. To date, non-cancer lymphoedema has been under-researched. The primary objectives of this study were to explore QoL and limb volume in patients with primary and secondary non-cancer-related lower limb lymphoedema during the intensive, maintenance and self-care phases of complex decongestive therapy over a 24-week period. Secondary objectives included exploring patients' experiences of living with lymphoedema and the challenges of self-care maintenance.

Method:

A sequential mixed methodology, using quantitative and qualitative methods, was used. The quantitative part of the study involved the use of tape measurements at 4cm intervals to ascertain limb volume alterations. Measurements were taken during the intensive phase at weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4; and during the maintenance phase at weeks 8, 16 and 24. QoL was measured using the lymphoedema QoL (LYMQOL) leg, at baseline and weeks 8 and 24. The qualitative part of the study involved the use of semi-structured interviews with patients at week 8. Interviews explored the experiences of patients living with lymphoedema and their experiences of complex decongestive therapy.

Results:

A total of 20 patients were recruited, two male and 18 female, with a mean age of 58.8 years (standard deviation (SD): 16 years), and all receiving complex decongestive therapy. At baseline, for all patients, the mean QoL score was 4.3 (SD: 2.4); and 8 (SD: 1.5) after 8 weeks of complex decongestive therapy. Mean difference was 4.00 (95% confidence interval: 2.76–5.24; p=0.00001) indicating a positive treatment effect. Limb volume measurements demonstrated a reduction in oedema from baseline to week 8. However, there were fluctuations in limb volume over the maintenance period of four months after treatment as the patients endeavoured to engage in self-care. Analysis of the interviews identified themes pertaining to lack of knowledge of lymphoedema among health professionals, a negative impact of living with lymphoedema and the positive therapeutic effect of complex decongestive therapy.

Conclusion:

Lower limb lymphoedema is a chronic condition that impacts negatively on the individual. Complex decongestive therapy improves QoL and reduces oedema. However, given the fluctuations in oedema post-treatment, individuals need greater support to maintain active engagement in effective self-care strategies.
Ptiloneura baiana (Silva Neto, García Aldrete & Rafael) (Psocodea, ‘Psocoptera’, Ptiloneuridae): description of the male, update of the diagnosis and variation of forewing venation

Authors: SILVA-NETO ALBERTO MOREIRA , GARCÍA ALDRETE ALFONSO N. , REATEGUI NATÁLIA SOARES , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO
Published: March 2021

The unknown male of Ptiloneura baiana (Silva Neto, García Aldrete & Rafael) is described and illustrated, variation in the forewings venation and an update of the diagnosis are presented. Key words: Taxonomy, Neotropics, Epipsocetae
Gendered Islamophobia in the Case of the Returning ISIS Women: A Canadian Narrative
Authors: Jiwani Yasmin
Published: March 2021

In February 2019, the case of Shamima Begum, hit the headlines. Begum, one of the three East London girls who had left the UK for Syria in 2015, was located in a refugee camp in Syria. Tagged as an “ISIS bride,” Begum's case raised the profile of Muslim women who had voluntarily left their home countries to join the Islamic State and were now seeking to return. In this paper, I focus on the Canadian women returnees who were and, in some cases, remain wives of ISIS soldiers. I pay particular attention to how they are framed in the Canadian media and the audience response to their portrayals. Against a backdrop of the media's representation of these women, I examine the comments that audience members posted after a three-part series on the returning ISIS members was broadcast on the Global Television Network during the month of October 2018. Global TV is a 24/7 news channel that can be streamed online on various platforms. I contend that the construction of the returning wives and the responses the series elicited are reflective of the larger currents of racism and Islamophobia that circulate within Canadian society and that have become amplified since the inception of the War on Terror. However, they take on a distinct hue with respect to the framing of gendered agency and critically heighten the affective charge around the issue of returning ISIS fighters and the women who joined the movement. In this sense, the technology making online commenting possible has escalated the extent and intensity of Islamophobia. This article also seeks to demonstrate how Islamophobia is yoked to and animates an anti-government discourse. Thus, in contrast to Canada's projected national image as a benign, multicultural nation, the user-generated comments paint a picture of a white nation that is overrun with and taken advantage of by racialized minorities.
Footprints of Fascism in India: Implications for Local Muslims
Authors: Hameed Usama
Published: March 2021

Fascism, a twentieth century Eurocentric phenomenon, seems to be knocking at the world's doors through a number of populist regimes. Distinguished among them is that of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) led Narendra Modi government in India, which shares many characteristics with classical fascist regimes of Italy and Germany. Under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, India is steadfastly moving from its secular constitutional values to a rigid and fascist future which is exclusive of everything disliked by the Hindutva forces. The Indian minorities—Muslims, Christians and Dalits—have the same status in a Hindu India which Jews had in ‘Nazi Germany’ and Communists in ‘Fascist Italy.‘ This paper, while explaining the theoretical aspects of classical fascism, attempts to draw a comparison between classical fascist regimes and the present day India under the BJP's rule. It also examines the argument that the institutional mechanism of the state is not only supporting this fascist agenda but is actively involved in it. The paper then goes on to briefly analyze the response by different segments of the society to this form of fascism prevailing in India.
China-Iran Relations: Prospects and Complexities
Authors: Belal Kulsoom
Published: March 2021

China-Iran relations have steadily evolved and expanded in the domains of geopolitics, economics and diplomacy since the Iranian revolution. Presently, being increasingly isolated from the world under Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign, Iran has been further drawn towards China, which, in the long term, can significantly alter the existing regional security architecture of the Persian Gulf. The recent agreements and partnership between the two countries, which is reflected in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as the draft 25-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) will pave the way for a long term strategic cooperation between the two countries. In this context, the paper analyzes various factors that have systemically fostered friendly ties between the two countries. The paper also explores historical and contemporary trends that can impact the future of bilateral relations. Further, it evaluates the economic relations between the two countries outlining the trade in the oil sector as well as other sectors. Lastly, the paper examines the plausible challenges to the future of bilateral relations. For this, the paper relies on three variables: the internal dynamics and perception in Iran about its relations with China; the major power-middle power dynamics that can prove to be a barrier in the relations; and the outlook and responses of the regional countries that may scuttle the process of strategizing bilateral relationship.
Muslims' Share of the Waves: Law, War and Tradition
Authors: Azeem Tuba
Published: March 2021

The Muslim jurists opted for a balanced, equitable approach in water resources, particularly the oceans, held and taken care of as a collective, shared, and common asset. They devoted several writings on the humane conduct of hostilities, safety of civilians, seaworthiness of ships and shipwrecks with the help of original sources of Islam and the commandments of Muslim governors. Their principles and practices had remarkably contributed to the law of the sea much before the development of the modern Western international law concerning the oceans. Numerous military expeditions undertaken by Muslims for naval warfare in the Mediterranean Sea (MS) and the Indian Ocean (IO) inspired intellectual engagement of these jurists vis-à-vis port cities and maritime trade routes. The coastal settings even caused differences in opinions among popular schools of thought in Islam. This paper discusses such events in history and outlines issues and principles that emphasized the utility of oceans and shaped the conceptual debate on freedom of navigation in the Muslim world. It tends to suggest that international bodies recognize the customary practices of Muslim littoral states to further refine and develop the modern law of the seas. It recommends that the Muslim countries should develop and promote comprehensive codes in accordance with the maritime principles and practices developed by early Muslim jurists for sustainable exploitation of the marine resources without discrimination.
Lessons on opportunity hoarding and gender binarism: building an alliance of women’s, trans and intersex movements
Authors: von Wahl Angelika
Published: March 2021

When do social movements support policies that do not benefit them directly? Which factors help build stronger feminist alliances? To answer these questions, this article traces the coalition behind the emergence of the third sex in Germany. This legal recognition cracks open the categorical male–female pair and sheds light on a path-breaking feminist alliance among women’s, trans and intersex groups. Case-study methodology and interviews provide insights into the weakening power of categorical pairs, add nuance to the concept of opportunity hoarding and provide important organisational, social and discursive lessons about when and how groups cooperate productively.
Role of each step in the combined treatment of reactive ion etching and dynamic chemical etching for improving the laser-induced damage resistance of fused silica
Authors: Shao Ting , Shi Zhaohua , Sun Laixi , Ye Xin , Huang Jin , Li Bo , Yang Liming , Zheng Wanguo
Published: March 2021

We investigate the role of each step in the combined treatment of reactive ion etching (RIE) and dynamic chemical etching (DCE) for improving the laser-induced damage resistance of fused silica optics. We employ various surface analytical methods to identify the possible damage precursors on fused silica surfaces treated with different processes (RIE, DCE, and their combination). The results show that RIE-induced defects, including F contamination, broken Si-O bonds, luminescence defects (i.e., NBOHCs and ODCs), and material densification, are potential factors that limit the improvement of laser-induced damage resistance of the optics. Although being capable of eliminating the above factors, the DCE treatment can achieve rough optical surface with masses of exposed scratches and pits which might serve as reservoirs of the deposits such as inorganic salts, thus limiting the further improvement in damage resistance of fused silica. The study guides us to a deep understanding of the laser-induced damage process in achieving fused silica optics with enhanced resistance to laser-induced damage by the combined treatment of RIE and DCE.
Superresolved polarization-enhanced second-harmonic generation for direct imaging of nanoscale changes in collagen architecture
Authors: Johnson Peter B. , Karvounis Artemios , Singh H. Johnson , Brereton Christopher J. , Bourdakos Konstantinos N. , Lunn Kerry , Roberts James J. W. , Davies Donna E. , Muskens Otto L. , Jones Mark G. , Mahajan Sumeet
Published: March 2021

Superresolution (SR) optical microscopy has allowed the investigation of many biological structures below the diffraction limit; however, most of the techniques are hampered by the need for fluorescent labels. Nonlinear label-free techniques such as second-harmonic generation (SHG) provide structurally specific contrast without the addition of exogenous labels, allowing observation of unperturbed biological systems. We use the photonic nanojet (PNJ) phenomena to achieve SR-SHG. A resolution of

∼

λ

/

6

with respect to the fundamental wavelength, that is, a

∼

2.3

-fold improvement over conventional or diffraction-limited SHG under the same imaging conditions is achieved. Crucially we find that the polarization properties of excitation are maintained in a PNJ. This is observed in experiment and simulations. This may have widespread implications to increase sensitivity by detection of polarization-resolved SHG by observing anisotropy in signals. These new, to the best of our knowledge, findings allowed us to visualize biological SHG-active structures such as collagen at an unprecedented and previously unresolvable spatial scale. Moreover, we demonstrate that the use of an array of self-assembled high-index spheres overcomes the issue of a limited field of view for such a method, allowing PNJ-assisted SR-SHG to be used over a large area. Dysregulation of collagen at the nanoscale occurs in many diseases and is an underlying cause in diseases such as lung fibrosis. Here we demonstrate that pSR-SHG allows unprecedented observation of changes at the nanoscale that are invisible by conventional diffraction-limited SHG imaging. The ability to nondestructively image SHG-active biological structures without labels at the nanoscale with a relatively simple optical method heralds the promise of a new tool to understand biological phenomena and drive drug discovery.
Single-cell longitudinal analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human airway epithelium identifies target cells, alterations in gene expression, and cell state changes
Authors: Ravindra Neal G. , Alfajaro Mia Madel , Gasque Victor , Huston Nicholas C. , Wan Han , Szigeti-Buck Klara , Yasumoto Yuki , Greaney Allison M. , Habet Victoria , Chow Ryan D. , Chen Jennifer S. , Wei Jin , Filler Renata B. , Wang Bao , Wang Guilin , Niklason Laura E. , Montgomery Ruth R. , Eisenbarth Stephanie C. , Chen Sidi , Williams Adam , Iwasaki Akiko , Horvath Tamas L. , Foxman Ellen F. , Pierce Richard W. , Pyle Anna Marie , van Dijk David , Wilen Craig B.
Published: March 2021

There are currently limited Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs and vaccines for the treatment or prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Enhanced understanding of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and pathogenesis is critical for the development of therapeutics. To provide insight into viral replication, cell tropism, and host–viral interactions of SARS-CoV-2, we performed single-cell (sc) RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of experimentally infected human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) in air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures over a time course. This revealed novel polyadenylated viral transcripts and highlighted ciliated cells as a major target at the onset of infection, which we confirmed by electron and immunofluorescence microscopy. Over the course of infection, the cell tropism of SARS-CoV-2 expands to other epithelial cell types including basal and club cells. Infection induces cell-intrinsic expression of type I and type III interferons (IFNs) and interleukin (IL)-6 but not IL-1. This results in expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in both infected and bystander cells. This provides a detailed characterization of genes, cell types, and cell state changes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the human airway.