bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the scalar $$\varvec{\pi K}$$ form factor beyond the elastic region
Authors: von Detten L. , Noël F. , Hanhart C. , Hoferichter M. , Kubis B.
Published: May 2021

Pion–kaon ($$\pi K$$

π
K

) pairs occur frequently as final states in heavy-particle decays. A consistent treatment of $$\pi K$$

π
K

scattering and production amplitudes over a wide energy range is therefore mandatory for multiple applications: in Standard Model tests; to describe crossed channels in the quest for exotic hadronic states; and for an improved spectroscopy of excited kaon resonances. In the elastic region, the phase shifts of $$\pi K$$

π
K

scattering in a given partial wave are related to the phases of the respective $$\pi K$$

π
K

form factors by Watson’s theorem. Going beyond that, we here construct a representation of the scalar $$\pi K$$

π
K

form factor that includes inelastic effects via resonance exchange, while fulfilling all constraints from $$\pi K$$

π
K

scattering and maintaining the correct analytic structure. As a first application, we consider the decay $${\tau \rightarrow K_S\pi \nu _\tau }$$

τ
→

K
S

π

ν
τ

, in particular, we study to which extent the S-wave $$K_0^*(1430)$$

K
0
∗

(
1430
)

and the P-wave $$K^*(1410)$$

K
∗

(
1410
)

resonances can be differentiated and provide an improved estimate of the CP asymmetry produced by a tensor operator. Finally, we extract the pole parameters of the $$K_0^*(1430)$$

K
0
∗

(
1430
)

and $$K_0^*(1950)$$

K
0
∗

(
1950
)

resonances via Padé approximants, $$\sqrt{s_{K_0^*(1430)}}=[1408(48)-i\, 180(48)]\,\text {MeV}$$

s

K
0
∗

(
1430
)

=

[
1408

(
48
)

-
i

180

(
48
)

]

MeV

and $$\sqrt{s_{K_0^*(1950)}}=[1863(12)-i\,136(20)]\,\text {MeV}$$

s

K
0
∗

(
1950
)

=

[
1863

(
12
)

-
i

136

(
20
)

]

MeV

, as well as the pole residues. A generalization of the method also allows us to formally define a branching fraction for $${\tau \rightarrow K_0^*(1430)\nu _\tau }$$

τ
→

K
0
∗

(
1430
)

ν
τ

in terms of the corresponding residue, leading to the upper limit $${\text {BR}(\tau \rightarrow K_0^*(1430)\nu _\tau )<1.6 \times 10^{-4}}$$

BR

(
τ
→

K
0
∗

(
1430
)

ν
τ

)

<
1.6
×

10

-
4

.
Economics of Pollination
Authors: Baylis Kathy , Lichtenberg Elinor M. , Lichtenberg Erik
Published: May 2021

Many food crops rely on pollination by animals. Historically, wind and wild organisms provided pollination as an ecosystem service that varied across agroecological zones, cropping systems, and time. The value of these pollination services is likely substantial but has not been estimated reliably. More recently, pollination services in major crop-producing regions have been provided through organized markets, primarily the rental of honey bees. The sustainability of commercially provided pollination services is being challenged by parasites, diseases, pesticide exposures, poor nutrition, and Colony Collapse Disorder. Economic analyses indicate that honey bee rental markets have been able to adjust to those challenges, at least to date. Understanding the future sustainability of rental markets requires greater knowledge of the contributions of wild pollinators, optimal management of pollination services from wild and managed organisms, and the value of pollination services provided by wild and managed organisms.
Mechanistic insights into cell-free hemoglobin-induced injury during septic shock
Authors: Wang Jeffrey , Applefeld Willard N. , Sun Junfeng , Solomon Steve B. , Feng Jing , Couse Zoe G. , Risoleo Thomas F. , Danner Robert L. , Tejero Jesús , Lertora Juan , Alipour Elmira , Basu Swati , Sachdev Vandana , Kim-Shapiro Daniel B. , Gladwin Mark T. , Klein Harvey G. , Natanson Charles
Published: May 2021

Cell-free hemoglobin (CFH) elevations are a known consequence of clinical sepsis. Using a two-by-two factorial design and extensive physiological and biochemical evidence, we found a direct mechanism of injury related to nitric oxide scavenging leading to pulmonary hypertension increasing right heart afterload, depressed cardiac function, worsening circulatory failure, and death, as well as an indirect mechanism related to iron toxicity. These discoveries alter conventional thinking about septic shock pathogenesis and provide novel therapeutic approaches.
The Failure Mechanism of Concrete Gravity Dams considering Different Nonlinear Models under Strong Earthquakes
Authors: Yan Chunli , Tu Jin , Li Deyu , Guo Shengshan , Liang Hui
Published: May 2021

The paper focuses on the failure process and mechanism of the concrete gravity dam considering different nonlinear models under strong earthquakes. By taking a typical monolith of a concrete gravity dam as a case study, a comparative analysis of the failure process and mechanism of the dam considering the plastic damage model and the dynamic contact model, respectively, is performed using the seismic overload method. Moreover, the ultimate seismic capacity of the dam is evaluated for both of the nonlinear models. It is found that the ultimate seismic capacity of the dam is slightly different, but the failure process has significant distinctions in each model. And, the damage model is recommended when the conditions permit.
Application of an Improved CHI Feature Selection Algorithm
Authors: Cai Liang-jing , Lv Shu , Shi Kai-bo
Published: May 2021

Text classification is the critical content of machine learning, and it is widely applied in information filtering, sentimental analysis, and text review. It is very important to improve the accuracy of classification results, and this is also the main research purpose of researchers in this field in recent years. Feature selection plays an important role in text classification, which has the functions of eliminating irrelevant features, reducing dimensionality, and improving classification accuracy. So, this paper studies the CHI feature selection algorithm, and the main work and innovations are as follows: firstly, this paper analyzed the CHI algorithm’s flaws, determined that the introduction of new parameters will be the improvement direction of the CHI algorithm, and thus proposed a new algorithm based on variance and coefficient of variation. Secondly, experiment to verify the effectiveness of the new algorithm. In terms of language, the experiment in this paper includes two text classification systems, which were Chinese and English. In terms of classifiers, two classifier algorithms were used, which included the KNN classifier and the Naive Bayes classifier. In terms of data types, two distribution types of data were used: balanced datasets and unbalanced datasets. Finally, experiment and result analysis. This paper has conducted 3 comparative experiments and analyzed the results of each experiment. The experimental results obtained are all significantly improved compared to the results before the improvement.
Doxorubicin-Dexrazoxane from Day 1 for Soft-tissue Sarcomas: The Road to Cardioprotection
Authors: Benjamin Robert S. , Minotti Giorgio
Published: May 2021

Doxorubicin cardiac toxicity is widely misunderstood, largely preventable, and starts with the first dose. This article reviews the history of doxorubicin cardiac toxicity and strategies for minimizing it. Dexrazoxane cardioprotection can safely be initiated on day 1 without compromising antitumor activity, allowing doxorubicin administration beyond the reported maximum lifetime dose.

See related articles by Van Tine et al., p. 3854 and Jones et al., p. 3861
Mechanisms Driving Neutrophil-Induced T-cell Immunoparalysis in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Emmons Tiffany R. , Giridharan Thejaswini , Singel Kelly L. , Khan ANM Nazmul H. , Ricciuti Jason , Howard Kaitlyn , Silva-Del Toro Stephanie L. , Debreceni Ivy L. , Aarts Cathelijn E.M. , Brouwer Mieke C. , Suzuki Sora , Kuijpers Taco W. , Jongerius Ilse , Allen Lee-Ann H. , Ferreira Viviana P. , Schubart Anna , Sellner Holger , Eder Jörg , Holland Steven M. , Ram Sanjay , Lederer James A. , Eng Kevin H. , Moysich Kirsten B. , Odunsi Kunle , Yaffe Michael B. , Zsiros Emese , Segal Brahm H.
Published: May 2021

T-cell activation and expansion in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are critical for antitumor immunity. Neutrophils in the TME acquire a complement-dependent T-cell suppressor phenotype that is characterized by inhibition of T-cell proliferation and activation through mechanisms distinct from those of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In this study, we used ascites fluid supernatants (ASC) from patients with ovarian cancer as an authentic component of the TME to evaluate the effects of ASC on neutrophil function and mechanisms for neutrophil-driven immune suppression. ASC prolonged neutrophil life span, decreased neutrophil density, and induced nuclear hypersegmentation. Mass cytometry analysis showed that ASC induced 15 distinct neutrophil clusters. ASC stimulated complement deposition and signaling in neutrophils, resulting in surface mobilization of granule constituents, including NADPH oxidase. NADPH oxidase activation and phosphatidylserine signaling were required for neutrophil suppressor function, although we did not observe a direct role of extracellular reactive oxygen species in inhibiting T-cell proliferation. Postoperative surgical drainage fluid also induced a complement-dependent neutrophil suppressor phenotype, pointing to this effect as a general response to injury. Like circulating lymphocytes, ASC-activated neutrophils caused complement-dependent suppression of tumor-associated lymphocytes. ASC-activated neutrophils adhered to T cells and caused trogocytosis of T-cell membranes. These injury and signaling cues resulted in T-cell immunoparalysis characterized by impaired NFAT translocation, IL2 production, glucose uptake, mitochondrial function, and mTOR activation. Our results demonstrate that complement-dependent priming of neutrophil effector functions in the TME induces a T-cell nonresponsiveness distinct from established checkpoint pathways and identify targets for immunotherapy.

See related Spotlight by Cassatella, p. 725.
Antihypertensives and Statin Therapy for Primary Stroke Prevention: A Secondary Analysis of the HOPE-3 Trial
Authors: Bosch Jackie , Lonn Eva M. , Dagenais Gilles R. , Gao Peggy , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Zhu Jun , Pais Prem , Avezum Alvaro , Sliwa Karen , Chazova Irina E. , Peters Ron J.G. , Held Claes , Yusoff Khalid , Lewis Basil S. , Toff William D. , Khunti Kamlesh , Reid Christopher M. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Yusuf Salim , Hart Robert G. ,   for the HOPE-3 Investigators
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose:

The HOPE-3 trial (Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation–3) found that antihypertensive therapy combined with a statin reduced first stroke among people at intermediate cardiovascular risk. We report secondary analyses of stroke outcomes by stroke subtype, predictors, treatment effects in key subgroups.

Methods:

Using a 2-by-2 factorial design, 12 705 participants from 21 countries with vascular risk factors but without overt cardiovascular disease were randomized to candesartan 16 mg plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg daily or placebo and to rosuvastatin 10 mg daily or placebo. The effect of the interventions on stroke subtypes was assessed.

Results:

Participants were 66 years old and 46% were women. Baseline blood pressure (138/82 mm Hg) was reduced by 6.0/3.0 mm Hg and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; 3.3 mmol/L) was reduced by 0.90 mmol/L on active treatment. During 5.6 years of follow-up, 169 strokes occurred (117 ischemic, 29 hemorrhagic, 23 undetermined). Blood pressure lowering did not significantly reduce stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 0.80 [95% CI, 0.59–1.08]), ischemic stroke (HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.55–1.15]), hemorrhagic stroke (HR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.34–1.48]), or strokes of undetermined origin (HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.41–2.08]). Rosuvastatin significantly reduced strokes (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.52–0.95]), with reductions mainly in ischemic stroke (HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.37–0.78]) but did not significantly affect hemorrhagic (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.59–2.54]) or strokes of undetermined origin (HR, 1.29 [95% CI, 0.57–2.95]). The combination of both interventions compared with double placebo substantially and significantly reduced strokes (HR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.36–0.87]) and ischemic strokes (HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.23–0.72]).

Conclusions:

Among people at intermediate cardiovascular risk but without overt cardiovascular disease, rosuvastatin 10 mg daily significantly reduced first stroke. Blood pressure lowering combined with rosuvastatin reduced ischemic stroke by 59%. Both therapies are safe and generally well tolerated.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00468923.
Fazliddin Muhammadiev’s Journey to the “Other World”: The History of a Cold War Ḥajjnāma
Authors: Bobrovnikov Vladimir , Kalinovsky Artemy M.
Published: May 2021

Fazliddin Muhammadiev’s Dar on dunyo (“In the other world”), first published in Tajik in 1965 and later translated to Russian, Uzbek, and many other languages, is the only known fictionalized account of the ḥajj produced in the Soviet Union. Based on a trip made by the author in 1963, the novel provided the Soviet reader a rare glimpse into this sacred rite. Drawing on archival sources, contemporary responses, and the text itself, this article traces the origins and publication history of the novel, situates it within Soviet domestic and foreign policy goals, and analyzes the text to see how the author tried to reconcile competing ideological priorities.
Stenochironomus zhengi sp. nov. from Dawei Mountain National Park, Yunnan, China (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: LIN XIAO-LONG , YAO YUAN , YAN CHUN-CAI , LIU WEN-BIN
Published: May 2021

A new species, Stenochironomus zhengi Lin & Liu sp. nov., is described and illustrated as adult males. An updated key to males of Stenochironomus from China is presented.
The first record of the water mite genus Ljania Thor, 1898 (Acari, Hydrachnidiae, Aturidae) from China, with description of two new species
Authors: AO MIN , YI TIAN-CI , GUO JIAN-JUN
Published: May 2021

This is the first record of the genus Ljania Thor, 1898 (Axonopsinae, Aturidae, Hydrachnidiae, Acari) from China. Two new species, Ljania jini sp. nov. and Ljania guangxiensis sp. nov., are described from Guangxi Province, P. R. China. The new detections bring the total number of Chinese aturid mites to eleven species, representing seven genera.
Life History of Epuraea (Haptoncus) ocularis Fairmaire, 1849 in Kolkata area, India and descriptions of the immature stages (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Epuraeinae)
Authors: DASGUPTA J. , PAL T. K.
Published: May 2021

Sap beetle, Epuraea ocularis Fairmaire usually lays eggs and breeds on fermenting overripe fruits, and larvae pass through different instars before pupating on soil. In laboratory condition, mating pairs of adults copulated and females laid eggs in clusters; larva hatched out in 1 to 2 days, passed through four instars; mature larva migrated to soil for pupation. Larval development took about 12 to 17 days; and adult hatched out of pupa in about 4 to 5 days. Detailed morphology of egg, larva and pupa is presented herein, and significance of larva in taxonomy of beetles has been indicated.
Four new Scopalina from Southern California: the first Scopalinida (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the temperate Eastern Pacific
Authors: TURNER THOMAS L.
Published: May 2021

Sponges (phylum Porifera) are common inhabitants of kelp forest ecosystems in California, but their diversity and ecological importance are poorly characterized in this biome. Here I use freshly collected samples to describe the diversity of the order Scopalinida in California. Though previously unknown in the region, four new species are described here: Scopalina nausicae sp. nov., S. kuyamu sp. nov., S. goletensis sp. nov., and S. jali sp. nov.. These discoveries illustrate the considerable uncharacterized sponge diversity remaining in California kelp forests, and the utility of SCUBA-based collection to improve our understanding of this diversity.
Using Local Dynamics to Explain Analog Forecasting of Chaotic Systems
Authors: Platzer P. , Yiou P. , Naveau P. , Tandeo P. , Filipot J.-F. , Ailliot P. , Zhen Y.
Published: May 2021

Analogs are nearest neighbors of the state of a system. By using analogs and their successors in time, one is able to produce empirical forecasts. Several analog forecasting methods have been used in atmospheric applications and tested on well-known dynamical systems. Such methods are often used without reference to theoretical connections with dynamical systems. Yet, analog forecasting can be related to the dynamical equations of the system of interest. This study investigates the properties of different analog forecasting strategies by taking local approximations of the system’s dynamics. We find that analog forecasting performances are highly linked to the local Jacobian matrix of the flow map, and that analog forecasting combined with linear regression allows us to capture projections of this Jacobian matrix. Additionally, the proposed methodology allows us to efficiently estimate analog forecasting errors, an important component in many applications. Carrying out this analysis also makes it possible to compare different analog forecasting operators, helping us to choose which operator is best suited depending on the situation. These results are derived analytically and tested numerically on two simple chaotic dynamical systems. The impact of observational noise and of the number of analogs is evaluated theoretically and numerically.
Realization of Self-Preserving Size Distribution Theory for the Evolution of Tropospheric Atmospheric Aerosols Through an Inverse Gaussian Distribution
Authors: Shen J. , Yu M. , Koivisto A. J. , Jiang H. , Liu Y. , Wang L. , Hussein T.
Published: May 2021

The inverse Gaussian distributed method of moments (IGDMOM; J. Atmospheric Sci. 77 (9): 3011-3031, 2020) was developed to analytically solve the kinetic collection equation (KCE) for the first time. Using the IGDMOM, we obtained both new analytical and asymptotic solutions to the KCE. This is shown for both the free molecular and continuum regime collision frequency functions. The new analytical solutions are highly suitable for demonstrating the self-preserving size distribution (SPSD) theory. The SPSD theory is considered one of the most elegant research works in atmospheric science for aerosols or small cloud droplets. It was initially discovered by Friedlander (J. Meteorology 17 (5): 479-483, 1960) and then developed by Lee (J. Colloid Interface Sci. 92 (2): 315-325, 1983) with an assumption of the time-dependent lognormal size distribution function. In this study, we demonstrate that the SPSD theory of coagulating atmospheric aerosols can be presented in a simpler and more rigorous theoretical way, which is realized through the introduction of the IGDMOM for describing aerosol size distributions. Using the IGDMOM, the new formulas for the SPSD, as well as the time required for aerosols to reach the SPSD, are analytically provided and verified. Furthermore, we discover that the SPSD of atmospheric aerosols undergoing coagulation is only determined using a shape factor variable, 𝛺, which is composed of the first three moments at an initial stage. This study has critical implications for developing tropospheric atmospheric aerosol or small cloud droplet dynamics models and further verifies the SPSD theory from the viewpoint of theoretical analysis.
Indigenous-Settler Climate Change Boundary Organizations Contending With U.S. Colonialism
Authors: Dhillon Carla M.
Published: May 2021

Indigenous peoples who are taking actions on climate change issues have formed networks that intersect between Indigenous knowledges and various environmental science fields. These climate organizations work across many boundaries in science, politics, and culture. This article asks how large-scale U.S. climate boundary organizations that convene Indigenous and non-Indigenous climate practitioners contend with ongoing colonialism. Analysis indicates that Indigenous-settler networks offer avenues for Indigenous values to be practiced in collaborative climate science. Such organizations also provide limited opportunities to utilize climate science in tribal climate adaptation. While these boundary organizations aim to build meaningful cross-cultural and mentoring relationships, uneven power dynamics and resources permeate the partnerships. These structural inequalities cause tensions to arise. Tensions further arise from the uses of new terminology to navigate longstanding struggles over places, political sovereignties, and human relationships to natural worlds. I argue that a decolonial environmental framework discerns roles for Indigenous governance in attending to anthropogenic climate change. The approach broadens sociological understandings of climate change by examining the attempts of Indigenous and non-Indigenous actors to build climate networks.
Vibrational Spectroscopy for Detection of Diabetes: A Review
Authors: Ralbovsky Nicole M. , Lednev Igor K.
Published: May 2021

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by chronically elevated glucose caused by insulin resistance. Although T2DM is manageable through insulin therapy, the disorder itself is a risk factor for much more dangerous diseases including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, retinopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. T2DM affects 450 million people worldwide and is attributed to causing over four million deaths each year. Current methods for detecting diabetes typically involve testing a person’s glycated hemoglobin levels as well as blood sugar levels randomly or after fasting. However, these methods can be problematic due to an individual’s levels differing on a day-to-day basis or being affected by diet or environment, and due to the lack of sensitivity and reliability within the tests themselves. Vibrational spectroscopic methods have been pursued as a novel method for detecting diabetes accurately and early in a minimally invasive manner. This review summarizes recent research, since 2015, which has used infrared or Raman spectroscopy for the purpose of developing a fast and accurate method for diagnosing diabetes. Based on critical evaluation of the reviewed work, vibrational spectroscopy has the potential to improve and revolutionize the way diabetes is diagnosed, thereby allowing for faster and more effective treatment of the disorder.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor as a potential novel biomarker for cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Yu Jian-Jin , Zhao Qing , Li Hong-Na , Song Jia-Qi , Chen Da-Chun
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Cognitive impairment is prevalent in schizophrenia. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor which is released into the circulation under stress or inflammation, is associated with cognition and also plays an important role in immunity. However, no study has investigated the relationship between macrophage migration inhibitory factor and cognitive function in first-episode schizophrenia patients at baseline or after treatment. This study investigated the pre- and post-risperidone treatment correlations between serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels and cognitive function in first-episode schizophrenia patients.

Methods:

A total of 83 first-episode schizophrenia patients who received risperidone monotherapy and 57 healthy controls – matched for sex, age, smoking status, education (years), marital status and waist-to-hip ratio – were included. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels were measured before and 10 weeks after treatment in the patient group and at baseline in the controls. Pre- and post-treatment cognitive functions in patients were assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery.

Results:

At baseline, macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels were significantly higher in first-episode schizophrenia patients than those in healthy controls ( p < 0.01) and decreased in patients after 10 weeks of risperidone treatment compared with baseline ( p < 0.05). The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery total score and the sub-scores for the Trail Making Test, Symbol Coding, Letter Number Sequence, Maze and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised improved significantly after risperidone treatment. After controlling for age, sex, education, waist-to-hip ratio and smoking status, partial correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between baseline macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels and patients’ baseline MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery verbal memory scores ( r = 0.29, p = 0.01). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor changes correlated negatively with verbal memory changes ( r = −0.26, p = 0.04). Multiple linear regression analysis identified a definite correlation between the changes in word memory test score and macrophage migration inhibitory factor level (β = −0.09, p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor may be involved in the process of cognitive impairment in first-episode schizophrenia and repair mechanisms following risperidone treatment.
Settlements and Resolutions Under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code: Assessing the Impact of Covid-19
Authors: Singh Ram , Thakkar Hiteshkumar
Published: May 2021

In this study, we develop a model to examine the dynamics of the insolvency and bankruptcy code (IBC) processes in the aftermath of Covid-19. We use the model to study the impact of the pandemic on the following aspects of the financial disputes and their implications: number of disputes between debtors and their creditors in the aftermath of Covid-19; frequency of these disputes coming to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT); impact of the pandemic on the frequency of ‘out of court’ settlements; the nature of disputes settled amicably and those adjudicated under the corporate insolvency resolution process of the NCLT; and the recovery rates in the settled versus litigated disputes. We show that while the number of disputes will go up, the frequency of settlements will come down in the post-Covid world. Moreover, the post-pandemic legal changes made to the IBC are detrimental to the interest of the micro, small and medium enterprises and also for the formal and informal sector employees. We offer suggestions for promoting out-of-court settlements to save time and costs of the parties involved. Our suggestions related to public policy can help mitigate the macroeconomic costs of the pandemic.

JEL Classification Codes: K00, K22, K41, G21
When and Where Residential Racial Segregation Matters for the Black Self-employment Rate
Authors: Bento Asia
Published: May 2021

Scholars debate whether residential racial segregation associates positively, negatively, or at all with the Black self-employment rate in the United States. This study engages that debate using data from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) 1980, 1990, and 2000 5% sample and 2006–2010 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year sample. Specifically, I investigate the county-level association between residential racial segregation and the Black self-employment rate, and whether this association varied by region in 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010. Using fractional logit models and net of control variables, I find that residential racial segregation positively predicts Black self-employment in the South. Implications for understanding how time and region condition Black self-employment opportunities are discussed.
The Future of American Blackness: On Colorism and Racial Reorganization
Authors: Reece Robert L.
Published: May 2021

This manuscript leverages the plethora of research on colorism and skin tone stratification among Black Americans to consider how the “Black” racial category may change going forward. I build on ideas about path dependence, racial and ethnic boundary formations, racial reorganization, and a case study on race and body size to explore how extant group-level differences in social outcomes and emerging differences in political attitudes between lighter skinned and darker skinned Black Americans may lead to a schism between the two groups that forces us to question what it means to identify or be identified as “Black.” The idea that “Black is Black” has become thoroughly engrained in the American imagination, facilitated by the history of “one-drop rules” and encouraged by racial segregation. This drives our racial categorization and fuels resistance to many public discussions of colorism. However, we may have reached an even more important crossroads in our examination of colorism that forces us to reckon with the question “what is a racial group?”
Publications and retracted articles of COVID-19 pharmacotherapy-related research: A systematic review
Authors: El-Menyar Ayman , Mekkodathil Ahammed , Asim Mohammad , Consunji Rafael , Rizoli Sandro , Abdel-Aziz Bahey Ahmed , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: May 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic situation has stimulated an unplanned clinical research paradigm which is evident from the surge of clinical trial registrations and the increasing number of COVID-related publications. We aimed to explore the standards for research conduction, publications and retraction of articles related to COVID-19 pharmacotherapy research during the pandemic. We analysed data from the contemporary literatures on studies reporting pharmacological agents for COVID-19 using MEDLINE, PubMed, WHO database and Google Scholar between January 01, 2020 and March 20, 2021. The initial search revealed a total of 61,801 articles. Based on the inclusion criteria, a total of 124 studies related to various pharmacological agents were included in the final analysis. Most of the studies were reported from the United States ( n = 30, 24%). Of the 124 studies, 50 (40%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Immunomodulatory drugs-related ( n = 17, 34%) and COVID-19 vaccine-related studies ( n = 14, 28%) were the main topics in the relevant RCTs. The median days for dissemination of findings in journals were 114 days (IQR 61–189). A comparative analysis revealed that RCTs were disseminated earlier (median 79 days; IQR 52–131) when compared to observational studies (median = 144 days; IQR 69–206) ( p = 0.003). Six papers were retracted from high impact journals; in which the average period till publication was 33 days. Retraction of papers occurred within 10–48 days. Expedited reviews, research approval and early publications of COVID-19 related pharmaceutical studies could have an impact on the quality of publications. However, the huge number of publications in short time creates confusion for readers during the early phases of the pandemic. Retraction of papers is alarming but ensures research integrity and correctness of scientific information. These abbreviated processes could affect patient care and public awareness. It is imperative to follow rapid but rigours ethical standards for research approval and peer-review process for publications during health pandemics.
The Rise of a New Public Bureaucracy in New Zealand?
Authors: Löfgren Karl , Darrah-Morgan Ben , Hall Patrik , Alamaa Linda
Published: May 2021

One recurrent narrative in the discussion about managerial public sector reforms is the growth in organizational professionals as a response to new accountability regimes. New Zealand has experienced modest growth rates in the general public sector workforce. Less studied, though, is whether the composition of the public sector workforce has changed, with an increase in organizational functions supportive to management. Based on descriptive workforce data, followed by follow-up interviews, this article presents a multifaceted and complex picture of a growing new public bureaucracy with the main task of managing chains of accountability.
A novel scheme of domain transfer in document-level cross-domain sentiment classification
Authors: Lei Yueting , Li Yanting
Published: May 2021

The sentiment classification aims to learn sentiment features from the annotated corpus and automatically predict the sentiment polarity of new sentiment text. However, people have different ways of expressing feelings in different domains. Thus, there are important differences in the characteristics of sentimental distribution across different domains. At the same time, in certain specific domains, due to the high cost of corpus collection, there is no annotated corpus available for the classification of sentiment. Therefore, it is necessary to leverage or reuse existing annotated corpus for training. In this article, we proposed a new algorithm for extracting central sentiment sentences in product reviews, and improved the pre-trained language model Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) to achieve the domain transfer for cross-domain sentiment classification. We used various pre-training language models to prove the effectiveness of the newly proposed joint algorithm for text-ranking and emotional words extraction, and utilised Amazon product reviews data set to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed domain-transfer framework. The experimental results of 12 different cross-domain pairs showed that the new cross-domain classification method was significantly better than several popular cross-domain sentiment classification methods.
The ongoing impact of COVID-19 on adult cardiac surgery and suggestions for safe continuation throughout the pandemic: a review of expert opinions
Authors: Kirkley Kirstie , Benedetto Umberto , Caputo Massimo , Angelini Gianni D , Vohra Hunaid A
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To establish the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult cardiac surgery by reviewing current data and use this to establish methods for safely continuing to carry out surgery.

Methods:

Conduction of a literature search via PubMed using the search terms: ‘(adult cardiac OR cardiothoracic OR surgery OR minimally invasive OR sternotomy OR hemi-sternotomy OR aortic valve OR mitral valve OR elective OR emergency) AND (COVID-19 or coronavirus OR SARS-CoV-2 OR 2019-nCoV OR 2019 novel coronavirus OR pandemic)’. Thirty-two articles were selected.

Results:

Cardiac surgery patients have an increased risk of complications from COVID-19 and require vital finite resources such as intensive care beds, also required by COVID-19 patients. Thus reducing their admission and potential hospital-acquired infection with COVID-19 is paramount. During the peak, only emergencies such as acute aortic dissections were treated, triaging patients according to surgical priority and cancelling all elective procedures. Screening and 2-week quarantine prior to admission were essential changes, alongside additional levels of PPE. Focus was on reducing length of stay and switching to day-cases to reduce post-operative transmission risk, whilst several hospitals adopted ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ operating theatres for covid-confirmed and covid-negative patients.

Conclusions:

This paper suggests a ‘CARDIO’ approach for reintroducing elective procedures: ‘Care, Assess, Re-Evaluate, Develop, Implement, Overcome’; prioritising the mental and physical health of the workforce, learning from and sharing experiences and objectively prioritising patients to improve case load.
A modified damping model of vector form intrinsic finite element method for high-speed spiral bevel gear dynamic characteristics analysis
Authors: Hou Xiangying , Zhang Yuzhe , Zhang Hong , Zhang Jian , Li Zhengminqing , Zhu Rupeng
Published: May 2021

The vector form intrinsic finite element (VFIFE) method is springing up as a new numerical method in strong non-linear structural analysis for its good convergence, but has been constricted in static or transient analysis. To overwhelm its disadvantages, a new damping model was proposed: the value of damping force is proportional to relative velocity instead of absolute velocity, which could avoid inaccuracy in high-speed dynamic analysis. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method proved under low speed; dynamic characteristics and vibration rules have been verified under high speed. Simulation results showed that the modified VFIFE method could obtain numerical solutions with good efficiency and accuracy. Based on this modified method, high-speed vibration rules of spiral bevel gear pair under different loads have been concluded. The proposed method also provides a new way to solve high-speed rotor system dynamic problems.
Factors Associated With Mental Health Service Use Among Black, Latinx, and Asian Older Adults in Community-Based Organizations
Authors: Zhang Liao , O’Malley Isabel , Cruz-Gonzalez Mario , Sánchez González Mayra L. , Alegría Margarita
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Older adults of color face systemic obstacles in seeking mental health care. Unaddressed late-life mental health issues can challenge independent living and increase disability and mortality risk. This study examined factors associated with mental health service use among community-dwelling older adults.

Method:

This cross-sectional analysis used data from the Positive Minds-Strong Bodies trial ( N= 1,013).

Results:

Higher anxiety, depressive, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms increased odds of service use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05–2.11). Asian and Latinx, but not Black, older adults had lower odds of service use than Whites (OR = 0.15–0.35). Yet Asian and Latinx older adults with higher anxiety and depression symptoms and Asians with at least one PTSD symptom had higher odds of service use than Whites with the same symptomatology (OR = 1.16–2.88).

Conclusion:

White older adults might be more likely to seek mental health care at lower levels of need, while Asian and Latinx older adults might seek services when they perceive greater need.
Environmental effects on reliability and accuracy of MFCC based voice recognition for industrial human-robot-interaction
Authors: Birch B , Griffiths CA , Morgan A
Published: May 2021

Collaborative robots are becoming increasingly important for advanced manufacturing processes. The purpose of this paper is to determine the capability of a novel Human-Robot-interface to be used for machine hole drilling. Using a developed voice activation system, environmental factors on speech recognition accuracy are considered. The research investigates the accuracy of a Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients-based feature extraction algorithm which uses Dynamic Time Warping to compare an utterance to a limited, user-dependent dictionary. The developed Speech Recognition method allows for Human-Robot-Interaction using a novel integration method between the voice recognition and robot. The system can be utilised in many manufacturing environments where robot motions can be coupled to voice inputs rather than using time consuming physical interfaces. However, there are limitations to uptake in industries where the volume of background machine noise is high.
Investigation of the effect of the angle between femoral and prosthesis mechanical axes on bone remodeling of femur in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hadizadeh Hasan , Hadizadeh Hossein , Ganjiani Mehdi , karimpour Morad , Hosseinpour Abolfazl
Published: May 2021

The bone remodeling is the process in which the bone adapts its structure to the variation of environmental loads. The joint might be broken or damaged as a result of aging or an accident. To remedy this situation, Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and prosthesis implantation is recommended. The main goal of this research is to investigate the effects of femur implanting angle on the bone remodeling process after TKA in the Coronal, Sagittal and horizontal planes over seven years. First, the 3D CAD model from CT images is created then the bone behavior is simulated using a model with a USDFLD subroutine. The results show that as the implant rotates in one direction, the stress and density distribution increases in the same direction whereas the load and consequently the bone density decrease substantially in the opposite direction. Consequently, the bone density might even decrease 77 and 31 percent in the coronal and sagittal plane respectively, so in the total knee arthroplasty, the mechanical axes of prosthesis and femur should be parallel. The active bone which occurs as a result of mechanical axes of prosthesis and femur parallelism and consequently uniform load distribution, can protect the implant from prosthesis loosening and fracture.
A Test of the Revised Minkov-Hofstede Model of Culture: Mirror Images of Subjective and Objective Culture across Nations and the 50 US States
Authors: Minkov Michael , Kaasa Anneli
Published: May 2021

Various models of subjective culture (measures of self-reports) have been proposed since Hofstede’s original work but none of them have been validated by showing that they have analogs in objective culture (measures of societal practices). Inspired by Bardi and Schwartz’s discovery that Schwartz’s individual-level circumplex values model has an exact equivalent in a model of behaviors, we develop a test for the purpose of validating models of culture. We apply this test to Minkov’s revised two-dimensional variant of Hofstede’s subjective-culture model, consisting of individualism-collectivism (IDV-COLL) and flexibility-monumentalism (FLX-MON) (formerly “long-term orientation”), as Fog recently found that an analog to this model incorporates and summarizes all major validated models and dimensions of national culture. We analyze national measures of important social practices associated empirically and theoretically with IDV-COLL and FLX-MON: transparency-corruption, gender equality, political freedom, road death tolls, homicide rates, family structures, innovation rates, and educational effort and achievement. These yielded close analogs to IDV-COLL and FLX-MON, with similar factor structures across nations and across the 50 US states, explicable in terms of IDV-COLL, FLX-MON, and life-history strategy (LHS) theories. Thus, subjective culture structures have mirror images in objective culture structures. This provides validation for our test, for the Minkov-Hofstede two-dimensional model of culture, for the use of nations and some sub-national political entities as units of cultural analysis, as well as for IDV-COLL, FLX-MON, and LHS theories.
Effect of raw and encapsulated policosanol on lipid profiles, blood biochemistry, activity, energy expenditure and macronutrient metabolism of adult cats
Authors: Templeman James R , Hogan Kylie , Blanchard Alexandra , Marinangeli Christopher PF , Camara Alexandra , Verbrugghe Adronie , Shoveller Anna K
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The objective of this study was to verify the safety of policosanol supplementation for domestic cats. The effects of raw and encapsulated policosanol were compared with positive (L-carnitine) and negative (no supplementation) controls on outcomes of complete blood count, serum biochemistry, energy expenditure, respiratory quotient and physical activity in healthy young adult cats.

Methods

The study was a replicated 4 × 4 complete Latin square design. Eight cats (four castrated males, four spayed females; mean age 3.0 ± 1.0 years; mean weight 4.36 ± 1.08 kg; mean body condition score 5.4 ± 1.4) were blocked by sex and body weight then randomized to treatment groups: raw policosanol (10 mg/kg body weight), encapsulated policosanol (50 mg/kg body weight), L-carnitine (200 mg/kg body weight) or no supplementation. Treatments were supplemented to a basal diet for 28 days with a 1-week washout between periods. Food was distributed equally between two offerings to ensure complete supplement consumption (first offering) and measure consumption time (second offering). Blood collection (lipid profile, complete blood count, serum biochemistry) and indirect calorimetry (energy expenditure, respiratory quotient) were conducted at days 0, 14 and 28 of each period. Activity monitors were worn 7 days prior to indirect calorimetry and blood collection. Data were analyzed using a repeated measures mixed model (SAS, v.9.4).

Results

Food intake and body weight were similar among treatments. There was no effect of treatment on lipid profile, serum biochemistry, activity, energy expenditure or respiratory quotient ( P >0.05); however, time to consume a second meal was greatest in cats fed raw policosanol ( P <0.05).

Conclusions and relevance

These data suggest that policosanol is safe for feline consumption. Further studies with cats demonstrating cardiometabolic risk factors are warranted to confirm whether policosanol therapy is an efficacious treatment for hyperlipidemia and obesity.
Viscoelastic-assisted inverted cover and free ILM flap techniques
Authors: Romano Mario R , Borgia Alfredo , Raimondi Raffaele
Published: May 2021

Summary statement:

Surgical technique: an innovative way of using cohesive viscoelastic to stabilize the ILM flap during the cover inverted-flap and free-flap procedures.

Summary statement:

Surgical technique: an innovative way of using cohesive viscoelastic to stabilize the ILM flap during the covering step in the inverted-flap and free-flap procedures.
Leptomeningeal enhancement on post-contrast FLAIR images for early diagnosis of Susac syndrome
Authors: Bellanger Guillaume , Biotti Damien , Adam Gilles , Darcourt Jean , Roques Margaux , Patsoura Sofia , Savatovsky Julien , Obadia Michael , Menjot de Champfleur Nicolas , Charif Mahmoud , Labauge Pierre , Cotton Francois , Durand Dubief Françoise , Tourdias Thomas , Dulau Cecile , Kremer Stéphane , De Sèze Jérôme , Ciron Jonathan , Varenne Fanny , Viguier Alain , Lerebours Fleur , Larrue Vincent , Cognard Christophe , Bonneville Fabrice
Published: May 2021

Background:

Leptomeningeal enhancement (LME) is a key feature of Susac syndrome (SuS) but is only occasionally depicted on post-contrast T1-weighted images (T1-WI).

Objective:

As post-contrast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) may be more sensitive, our aim was to assess LME in SuS on this sequence.

Methods:

From 2010 to 2020, 20 patients with definite SuS diagnosis were retrospectively enrolled in this multicentre study. Two radiologists independently assessed the number of LME on post-contrast FLAIR and T1-WI acquisitions performed before any treatment. A chi-square test was used to compare both sequences and the interrater agreement was calculated.

Results:

Thirty-five magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) were performed before treatment, including 19 post-contrast FLAIR images in 17 patients and 25 post-contrast T1-WI in 19 patients. In terms of patients, LME was observed on all post-contrast FLAIR, contrary to post-contrast T1-WI (17/17 (100%) vs. 15/19 (79%), p < 0.05). In terms of sequences, LME was observed on all post-contrast FLAIR, contrary to post-contrast T1-WI (19/19 (100%) vs. 16/25 (64%), p < 0.005). LME was disseminated at both supratentorial (19/19) and infratentorial (18/19) levels on post-contrast FLAIR, contrary to post-contrast T1-WI (3/25 and 9/25, respectively). Interrater agreement was excellent for post-contrast FLAIR (κ = 0.95) but only moderate for post-contrast T1-WI (κ = 0.61).

Conclusion:

LME was always observed and easily visible on post-contrast FLAIR images prior to SuS treatment. In association with other MRI features, it is highly indicative of SuS.
Capital investment in telecommunications infrastructure and tourist arrivals in developing countries: Does the public–private sectors relationship matter?
Authors: Gholipour Hassan F , Andargoli Amirhossein Eslami , Arjomandi Amir , Foroughi Behzad
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the relationship between capital investment in telecommunications infrastructure (TELCOM) and tourist arrivals in developing countries. Additionally, it examines whether the public–private sectors relationship moderates the effect of TELCOM on inbound tourism. The model is empirically tested for 46 developing countries for the years 2005–2019. Applying system generalized method of moments and dynamic fixed-effects estimators, the results show there is a positive and significant relationship between TELCOM and tourist arrivals. We also find that a stronger relationship between the public and private sectors magnifies the positive effect of TELCOM on inbound tourism. The moderating effect of quality of regulations on TELCOM-tourism nexus is a novel finding, highlighting the important role of governments in creating and implementing sound policies and regulations that permit and promote private sector development.