bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk and Fear: Restricting Science under Uncertainty
Authors: Pamuk Zeynep
Published: November 2020

The catastrophic risks posed by new technologies such as killer robots and geoengineering have triggered calls for halting new research. Arguments for restricting research typically have a slippery‐slope structure: Researching A will lead to deployment; we have decisive moral reasons against deployment; therefore, we should not research A. However, scientific uncertainty makes it difficult to prove or disprove the conclusion of slippery‐slope arguments. This article accepts this indeterminacy and asks whether and when it would be permissible to restrict research under empirical and normative uncertainty. The argument starts from the ethical framework for the regulation of scientific research with human subjects and offers modifications to adapt it to the purpose of restricting new technologies. Two main questions arise in the process: whether it is permissible to impose restrictions at the research stage to prevent harms that will arise from the use of a technology and whether it is permissible to restrict research preemptively on the grounds of public fear and anxiety, before there is sufficient evidence establishing the risk of harm. I answer both questions in the affirmative and defend this position against objections.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of wind turbine noise effects on sleep using validated objective and subjective sleep assessments
Authors: Liebich Tessa , Lack Leon , Hansen Kristy , Zajamšek Branko , Lovato Nicole , Catcheside Peter , Micic Gorica
Published: November 2020

Little is known about the potential impacts of wind turbine noise (WTN) on sleep. Previous research is limited to cross‐sectional studies reporting anecdotal impacts on sleep using inconsistent sleep metrics. This meta‐analysis sought to comprehensively review studies evaluating the impact of WTN using widely accepted and validated objective and subjective sleep assessments. Search terms included: “wind farm noise”, “wind turbine noise”, “wind turbine sound”, “wind turbine noise exposure” AND “sleep”. Only original articles published in English published after the year 2000 and reporting sleep outcomes in the presence of WTN using polysomnography, actigraphy or psychometrically validated sleep questionnaires were included. Uniform outcomes of the retrieved studies were meta‐analysed to examine WTN effects on objective and subjective sleep outcomes. Nine studies were eligible for review and five studies were meta‐analysed. Meta‐analyses (Hedges’ g; 95% confidence interval [CI]) revealed no significant differences in objective sleep onset latency (0.03, 95%  CI −0.34 to 0.41), total sleep time (−0.05, 95%  CI −0.77 to 0.67), sleep efficiency (−0.25, 95%  CI −0.71 to 0.22) or wake after sleep onset (1.25, 95%  CI −2.00 to 4.50) in the presence versus absence of WTN (all p > .05). Subjective sleep estimates were not meta‐analysed because measurement outcomes were not sufficiently uniform for comparisons between studies. This systematic review and meta‐analysis suggests that WTN does not significantly impact key indicators of objective sleep. Cautious interpretation remains warranted given variable measurement methodologies, WTN interventions, limited sample sizes, and cross‐sectional study designs, where cause‐and‐effect relationships are uncertain. Well‐controlled experimental studies using ecologically valid WTN, objective and psychometrically validated sleep assessments are needed to provide conclusive evidence regarding WTN impacts on sleep.
Association of IL‐10 gene promoter polymorphisms with food allergy susceptibility and serum IL‐10 level in a pediatric Caucasian population
Authors: Nedelkopoulou Natalia , Taparkou Anna , Raftopoulou Sofia , Gidaris Dimos , Xinias Ioannis , Mavroudi Antigoni , Dhawan Anil , Farmaki Evangelia
Published: November 2020

Background

Interleukin 10 has been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of the immune responses in allergic diseases.

Aim

To investigate if genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of the IL‐10 gene are associated with food allergy (FA) susceptibility in Caucasian pediatric patients with concomitant allergic diseases and IL‐10 levels.

Methods

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at ‐1082A > G (rs1800896), ‐819 T > C (rs1800871), and ‐592A > C (rs1800872) of 62 pediatric patients with IgE‐mediated FA were analyzed and correlated with clinical parameters, serum IgE and IL‐10 levels. The results were compared with those of 92 healthy controls without FA, personal and/or family history of atopy.

Results

Analysis and comparison of genotype distributions, allele frequencies, and haplotypes showed that none of the genotypes confers an increased risk of FA. The genotype ‐1082 AA in FA patients was associated with moderate to severe symptoms of FA, the development of atopic asthma, and higher levels of IL‐10. In a linear regression study, we confirmed that the genotype ‐1082 AA acts as an independent factor for the higher levels of IL‐10. A positive association was also observed between ‐819T/C and ‐592 A/C SNPs and later onset of FA.

Conclusion

Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the IL‐10 gene are not associated with FA susceptibility in our cohort. In FA patients, ‐1082 A/G SNPs seem to influence the production of IL‐10, the severity of FA symptoms, and the development of atopic asthma in this population.
Physical Education Teacher Education in Kinesiology: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Solmon Melinda A. , Graber Kim C. , Woods Amelia Mays , Williams Nancy I. , Templin Thomas J. , Price Sarah L. , Weimer Alison
Published: November 2020

This paper evolved from a panel discussion presented at the 2020 American Kinesiology Association Leadership Workshop focused on promoting physical activity through Kinesiology teaching and outreach. The authors consider the role of Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) in promoting physical activity by examining the historical role that PETE has played in what are now Departments of Kinesiology, the status of PETE programs today, and how the future of PETE programs can impact the future of the discipline of Kinesiology. The challenges and barriers that PETE programs face are presented. The role of PETE programs in research institutions is examined, and case studies are presented that demonstrate the complexities the academic units face regarding allocating resources to PETE programs. The consequences of program termination are considered, and the authors then make a case that PETE programs are important to the broader discipline of Kinesiology. The authors conclude by encouraging innovative solutions that can be developed to help PETE programs thrive.
Supplemental Material: Mechanistic insights from emergent landslides in physical experiments
Authors: Beaulieu Olivia , Wickert Andrew , al. et
Published: November 2020

Supplemental methods and figures for landslide experiment analysis.
Preparedness for peer first response to mining emergencies resulting in injuries: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Karlsson Sofia , Saveman Britt-Inger , Hultin Magnus , Björnstig Ulf , Gyllencreutz Lina
Published: November 2020

Objective

Identify factors of preparedness for peer first response to underground mining emergencies with injured victims.

Design

Cross-sectional questionnaire study of Swedish underground mineworkers.

Setting

Seven out of nine Swedish underground mines.

Participants

A total of 741 mineworkers out of 1022 (73%) participated in this study.

Interventions

None.

Outcome measures

Level of preparedness for emergencies with injuries in underground mines.

Results

Three factors influenced the preparedness of mineworkers for a peer first response: (1) familiarity with rescue procedures during emergencies with injuries; (2) risk perception of emergencies with injuries and (3) experience of using self-protective and first aid equipment. Mineworkers who believed that they knew how to handle emergencies with injuries (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.38) and those who were trained in the use of self-protective and first aid equipment (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32) considered themselves to be better prepared for a peer first response than those who were unfamiliar with the rescue procedures or who had not used self-protective and first aid equipment. However, mineworkers who rated the risk for emergencies with injuries as high considered themselves to be less prepared than those who rated the risk as low (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.98).

Conclusion

This study identified three factors that were important for the peer-support preparedness of underground mineworkers. More research is needed to adapt and contextualise first aid courses to the needs of underground peer responders.
NTNU intranasal naloxone trial (NINA-1) study protocol for a double-blind, double-dummy, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial comparing intranasal 1.4 mg to intramuscular 0.8 mg naloxone for prehospital use
Authors: Skulberg Arne Kristian , Tylleskär Ida , Braarud Anne-Cathrine , Dale Jostein , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Mellesmo Sindre , Valberg Morten , Dale Ola
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Intranasal (IN) naloxone is widely used to treat opioid overdoses. The advantage of nasal administration compared with injection lies in its suitability for administration by lay people as it is needless. Approved formulations of nasal naloxone with bioavailability of approximately 50% have only undergone trials in healthy volunteers, while off-label nasal sprays with low bioavailability have been studied in patients. Randomised clinical trials are needed to investigate efficacy and safety of approved IN naloxone in patients suffering overdose. This study investigates whether the administration of 1.4 mg naloxone in 0.1 mL per dose is non-inferior to 0.8 mg intramuscular injection in patients treated for opioid overdose.

Methods and analysis

Sponsor is the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The study has been developed in collaboration with user representatives. The primary endpoint is the restoration of spontaneous respiration≥10 breaths/min based on a sample of 200 opioid overdose cases. Double-dummy design ensures blinding, which will be maintained until the database is locked.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Norwegian Medicines Agency and Regional Ethics Committees (REC: 2016/2000). It adheres to the Good Clinical Practice guidelines as set out by the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use.

Informed consent will be sought through a differentiated model. This allows for deferred consent after inclusion for patients who have regained the ability to consent. Patients who are unable to consent prior to discharge by emergency services are given written information and can withdraw at a later date in line with user recommendations. Metadata will be published in the Norwegian University of Science and Technology Open repository. Deidentified individual participant data will be made available to recipients conditional of data processor agreement being entered.

Trial registration numbers

EudraCT Registry (2016-004072-22) and Clinicaltrials.gov Registry (NCT03518021).
What items should be included in an early warning score for remote assessment of suspected COVID-19? qualitative and Delphi study
Authors: Greenhalgh Trisha , Thompson Paul , Weiringa Sietse , Neves Ana Luisa , Husain Laiba , Dunlop Merlin , Rushforth Alexander , Nunan David , de Lusignan Simon , Delaney Brendan
Published: November 2020

Background

To develop items for an early warning score (RECAP: REmote COVID-19 Assessment in Primary Care) for patients with suspected COVID-19 who need escalation to next level of care.

Methods

The study was based in UK primary healthcare. The mixed-methods design included rapid review, Delphi panel, interviews, focus groups and software development. Participants were 112 primary care clinicians and 50 patients recovered from COVID-19, recruited through social media, patient groups and snowballing. Using rapid literature review, we identified signs and symptoms which are commoner in severe COVID-19. Building a preliminary set of items from these, we ran four rounds of an online Delphi panel with 72 clinicians, the last incorporating fictional vignettes, collating data on R software. We refined the items iteratively in response to quantitative and qualitative feedback. Items in the penultimate round were checked against narrative interviews with 50 COVID-19 patients. We required, for each item, at least 80% clinician agreement on relevance, wording and cut-off values, and that the item addressed issues and concerns raised by patients. In focus groups, 40 clinicians suggested further refinements and discussed workability of the instrument in relation to local resources and care pathways. This informed design of an electronic template for primary care systems.

Results

The prevalidation RECAP-V0 comprises a red flag alert box and 10 assessment items: pulse, shortness of breath or respiratory rate, trajectory of breathlessness, pulse oximeter reading (with brief exercise test if appropriate) or symptoms suggestive of hypoxia, temperature or fever symptoms, duration of symptoms, muscle aches, new confusion, shielded list and known risk factors for poor outcome. It is not yet known how sensitive or specific it is.

Conclusions

Items on RECAP-V0 align strongly with published evidence, clinical judgement and patient experience. The validation phase of this study is ongoing.

Trial registration number

NCT04435041.
Systematic approach to selecting licensed drugs for repurposing in the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cunniffe Nick , Vuong Khue Anh , Ainslie Debbie , Baker David , Beveridge Judy , Bickley Sorrel , Camilleri Patrick , Craner Matthew , Fitzgerald Denise , de la Fuente Alerie G , Giovannoni Gavin , Gray Emma , Hazlehurst Lorraine , Kapoor Raj , Kaur Ranjit , Kozlowski David , Lumicisi Brooke , Mahad Don , Neumann Björn , Palmer Alan , Peruzzotti-Jametti Luca , Pluchino Stefano , Robertson Jennifer , Rothaul Alan , Shellard Lyndsey , Smith Kenneth J , Wilkins Alastair , Williams Anna , Coles Alasdair
Published: November 2020

Objective

To establish a rigorous, expert-led, evidence-based approach to the evaluation of licensed drugs for repurposing and testing in clinical trials of people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

We long-listed licensed drugs with evidence of human safety, blood–brain barrier penetrance and demonstrable efficacy in at least one animal model, or mechanistic target, agreed by a panel of experts and people with MS to be relevant to the pathogenesis of progression. We systematically reviewed the preclinical and clinical literature for each compound, condensed this into a database of summary documents and short-listed drugs by scoring each one of them. Drugs were evaluated for immediate use in a clinical trial, and our selection was scrutinised by a final independent expert review.

Results

From a short list of 55 treatments, we recommended four treatments for immediate testing in progressive MS: R-α-lipoic acid, metformin, the combination treatment of R-α-lipoic acid and metformin, and niacin. We also prioritised clemastine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, nimodipine and flunarizine.

Conclusions

We report a standardised approach for the identification of candidate drugs for repurposing in the treatment of progressive MS.
Conscientious participants and the ethical dimensions of physician support for legalised voluntary assisted dying
Authors: Rutherford Jodhi
Published: November 2020

The Australian state of Victoria legalised voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in June 2019. Like most jurisdictions with legalised VAD, the Victorian law constructs physicians as the only legal providers of VAD. Physicians with conscientious objection to VAD are not compelled to participate in the practice, requiring colleagues who are willing to participate to transact the process for eligible applicants. Physicians who provide VAD because of their active, moral and purposeful support for the law are known as conscientious participants. Conscientious participation has received scant attention in the bioethics literature. Patient access to VAD is contingent on the development of a sufficient corpus of conscientious participants in permissive jurisdictions. This article reports the findings of a small empirical study into how some Victorian physicians with no in-principle opposition towards the legalisation of VAD, are ethically orientating themselves towards the law, in the first 8 months of the law’s operation. It finds that in-principle-supportive physicians employ bioethical principles to justify their position but struggle to reconcile that approach with the broader medical profession’s opposition. This study is part of the first tranche of empirical research emerging from Australia since the legalisation of VAD in that country for the first time in over 20 years.
Early-life risk factors for reversible and irreversible airflow limitation in young adults: findings from the BAMSE birth cohort
Authors: Wang Gang , Kull Inger , Bergström Anna , Hallberg Jenny , Bergström Petra Um , Guerra Stefano , Pershagen Goran , Gruzieva Olena , van Hage Marianne , Georgelis Antonios , Janson Christer , Lindén Anders , Melén Erik
Published: November 2020

We aimed to determine prevalence and early-life risk factors for reversible and irreversible airflow limitation in young adults from the general population. Among young adults in their 20s, the prevalence was 5.3% for reversible airflow limitation and 2.0% for irreversible airflow limitation. While parental asthma was the only risk factor for development of reversible airflow limitation, the risk factors for development of irreversible airflow limitation were current asthma, childhood respiratory tract infections and asthma, and exposure to air pollution.
Planar algebras, quantum information theory and subfactors
Authors: Kodiyalam Vijay , Sruthymurali  , Sunder V. S.
Published: November 2020

We define generalized notions of biunitary elements in planar algebras and show that objects arising in quantum information theory such as Hadamard matrices, quantum Latin squares and unitary error bases are all given by biunitary elements in the spin planar algebra. We show that there are natural subfactor planar algebras associated with biunitary elements.
The spread of epidemic under voluntary vaccination with heterogeneous infection rates
Authors: Wang Jingrui , Jin Xing , Yang Yixuan , Chen Qingfang , Wang Zhen , Ding Hong
Published: November 2020

Epidemics usually spread widely and can cause a great deal of loss to humans. In the real world, vaccination is the principal method for suppressing the spread of infectious diseases. The Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible (SIS) model suggests that voluntary vaccination may affect the spread of an epidemic. Most studies to date have argued that the infection rates of nodes in the SIS model are not heterogeneous. However, in reality, there exist differences in the neighbor network structure and the number of contacts, which may affect the spread of infectious diseases in society. As a consequence, it can be reasonably assumed that the infection rate of the nodes is heterogeneous because of the amount of contact among people. Here, we propose an improved SIS model with heterogeneity in infection rates, proportional to the degree of nodes. By conducting simulations, we illustrate that almost all vaccinated nodes have high degrees when the infection rate is positively correlated with the degree of a node. These vaccinated nodes can divide the whole network into many connected sub-graphs, which significantly slows down the propagation of an epidemic; the heterogeneity of infection rates has a strong inhibitory effect on epidemic transmission. On the other hand, when the infection rate is negatively related to the degrees of the infection rate nodes, it is difficult for most nodes to meet the inoculation conditions, and the number of inoculations is close to zero.
A generalized q growth model based on nonadditive entropy
Authors: Rondón Irving , Sotolongo-Costa Oscar , González Jorge A. , Lee Jooyoung
Published: November 2020

We present a general growth model based on nonextensive statistical physics. We show that the most common unidimensional growth laws such as power law, exponential, logistic, Richards, Von Bertalanffy, Gompertz can be obtained. This model belongs to a particular case reported in (Physica A 369, 645 (2006)). The new evolution equation resembles the “universality” revealed by West for ontogenetic growth (Nature 413, 628 (2001)). We show that for early times the model follows a power law growth as [Formula: see text], where the exponent [Formula: see text] classifies different types of growth. Several examples are given and discussed.
CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL RESULTS OF TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT USING PATIENT-SPECIFIC POSITIONING GUIDES WITH AT LEAST 5 YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP
Authors: Foruria Xabier , Moreta Jesús , Jaramillo Carlos , Anton Ane , Calvo Isidoro , Guerrero José Antonio , de losMozos José Luis Martínez
Published: November 2020

Objective: Patient-specific positioning guides have been designed to improve precision in total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to evaluate the medium-term clinical and radiological outcomes with magnetic resonance imaging-based patient-specific positioning guides. Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients from two centers treated with total knee arthroplasty performed with patient-specific positioning guides. We enrolled patients operated on between January 2011 and December 2013, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Preoperative and postoperative hip knee angle (HKA) and position of each component in the coronal plane were assessed. Overall malalignment was defined as an outlier of more than [Formula: see text] from the neutral mechanical axis and specific malalignment as when any component showed more than [Formula: see text] of deviation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee Score. Results: This study included 68 patients with a mean age of 72 years. The mean postoperative alignment (HKA) was [Formula: see text] and 26.5% of patients showed coronal malalignment [Formula: see text]. Regarding femoral components, 19.1% showed specific malalignment [Formula: see text], while 11.7% of tibial components were classified as outliers. The mean HSS Knee Score at final follow up was 89.2. Patients whose implants were mechanically aligned did not obtain better functional outcomes ([Formula: see text]). Conclusion: In our series, the use of patient-specific positioning guides resulted in a range of mechanical malalignment, similar to conventional instrumentation results reported in the literature.
FINANCIAL CONTAGION IN A STOCHASTIC BLOCK MODEL
Authors: DETERING NILS , MEYER-BRANDIS THILO , PANAGIOTOU KONSTANTINOS , RITTER DANIEL
Published: November 2020

One of the most characteristic features of the global financial network is its inherently complex and intertwined structure. From the perspective of systemic risk it is important to understand the influence of this network structure on default contagion. Using sparse random graphs to model the financial network, asymptotic methods turned out to be powerful for the purpose of analytically describing the contagion process and making statements about resilience. So far, however, such methods have been limited to so-called rank-one models in which, informally speaking, the only parameter for the skeleton of the network is the degree sequence and the contagion process can be described by a one-dimensional fixed-point equation. Such networks fail to account for the possibility of a pronounced block structure such as core/periphery or a network composed of different connected blocks for different countries. We present a much more general model here, where we distinguish vertices (institutions) of different types and let edge probabilities and exposures depend on the types of both, the receiving and the sending vertex, plus additional parameters. Our main result allows one to compute explicitly the systemic damage caused by some initial local shock event, and we derive a complete characterization of resilient and nonresilient financial systems. This is the first instance that default contagion is rigorously studied in a model outside the class of rank-one models and several technical challenges arise. In contrast to previous work, in which networks could be classified as resilient or nonresilient independently of the distribution of the shock, information about the shock becomes important in our model and a more refined resilience condition arises. Among other applications of our theory we derive resilience conditions for the global network based on subnetwork conditions only.
Structural evolution and related implications for uranium mineralization in the Patterson Lake corridor, southwestern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Johnstone Dillon D. , Bethune Kathryn M. , Card Colin D. , Tschirhart Victoria
Published: November 2020

The Patterson Lake corridor is situated along the SW margin of the Athabasca Basin and contains several basement-hosted uranium deposits and prospects. Drill core investigations during this study have determined that granite, granodiorite, mafic and alkali intrusive basement rocks are entrained in a deep-seated NE-striking subvertical heterogeneous high-strain zone defined by anastomosing ductile to semi-brittle shears and brittle faults. The earliest phases of ductile deformation (D
1
/D
2
), linked with Taltson (1.94–1.92 Ga) orogenesis, involved interference between early fold sets (F
1
/F
2
) and development of an associated ductile transposition foliation (S
1
/S
2
). During subsequent Snowbird (
c.
1.91–1.90 Ga) tectonism, this composite foliation was re-folded (D
3
) by NE-trending buckle-style folds (F
3
), including a regional fold centred on the Clearwater aeromagnetic high. In continuum with D
3
, a network of dextral-reverse chloritic-graphitic shears, with C–S geometry, formed initially (D
4a
) and progressed to more discrete, spaced semi-brittle structures (D
4b
;
c.
1.900–1.819 Ga). Basin development (D
5a
; <
c.
1.819 Ga) was marked by a set of north-striking normal faults and related east- and NE-striking transfer faults that accommodated subsidence. Primary uranium mineralization (D
5b
;
c
. 1.45 Ga) was facilitated by brittle reactivation of NE-striking basement shears in response to WSW–ENE-directed compressional stress (
σ
1
). Uraninite was emplaced along
σ
1
-parallel extension fractures and dilational zones formed at linkages between NE- and ENE-striking dextral strike-slip faults. Uranium remobilization (D
5c
) occurred after
σ
1
shifted to WNW–ESE, giving rise to regional east- and SE-striking conjugate faults, along which mafic dykes (1.27 and 1.16 Ga) intruded.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Uranium Fluid Pathways collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/uranium-fluid-pathways
Theoretical Study on the Mechanism for the Formation of Nitro Compounds in Red Oil
Authors: Tian Meng-Ke , Tang Shuang-Ling , Tang Hong-Bin , Ju Xue-Hai
Published: November 2020

The mechanisms involved in reactions between methane, n-hexane, n-butanol, cyclohexane, and nitric acid were explored by density functional theory calculations. All the calculations in gas phase and n-tributyl phosphate (TBP) solvent were performed at the B3LYP/6–311++G

∗
∗

and CCSD(T)/6–311++G

∗
∗

levels of theory. The results showed that TBP has an important effect on the reactions between nitric acid and alkanes or butanol. The reactions were considered as that the radicals (·NO2 and ·NO3 radicals are formed via the HNO3 decomposition under irradiation) initiate the H-atom depletion of the reactants (R), and the produced radicals in red oil combine with ·NO2 radical to form the nitro compounds spontaneously. The rate constants of reactions R + ·NO2 and R + ·NO3 differ substantially, the rate constants of the latter being much larger than those of the former. In the reactions of R + ·NO3, the transition states and products are 20 kJ/mol and 100 kJ/mol or more stable than the reactants, respectively, but the reactions of R + ·NO2 need to overcome energy barriers over 25 kJ/mol. The formations of products mainly depend on the reactions of R + ·NO3. For the same type of alkanes (either chain or cyclic ones), the lower the relative stabilities of carbon-centered radicals are, the more reactive the alkanes are. Cyclohexane is the most competitive species, followed by n-butanol, n-alkanes, and methane which are the least competitive.
Reefing Viability Index for Rigs-to-Reefs (R2R) in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Mohd Hairil , Rahman Mohd Asamudin A. , Nazri Muhammad Nadzrin , Tan Chun Hong , Mohamad Yuzwan , Lim Chuin Siew , Mustapa Baharim , Shaari Hasrizal , Hii Yii Siang , Kim Do Kyun
Published: November 2020

Decommissioning of the offshore platform as an artificial reef, known as Rigs-to-Reefs (R2R), has become a sustainable approach for oil companies. The platform was reused to serve the underwater ecosystem as an artificial reef for a new marine ecosystem which helps to tackle food security issue. This paper presents the findings of the formulation of the reefing viability index to recognize an offshore region that can be used for R2R projects within the South China Sea. The combined effects of spatial data, numerical modelling, and geographic system (GIS) are proposed to study the relationship of spawning ground coral reefs, diversity, and planula larvae in the process of colonization to establish a map of the reef potential environment. Coral connectivity and spawning behaviour were studied to determine the possible source of coral seedling released during the spawning season, twice a year. A geographic reef viability index was established consisting of seven parameters which are coral larval density, pelagic larval length, sea currents, temperature, chlorophyll-a, depth, and substrate availability. The ocean hydrodynamic model was designed to resemble the pattern of larval scattering. By using the simulations and rankings, there were 95 (21%) sites which could probably be used for in situ reefing, whereas 358 (79%) sites were likely ideal for ex situ reefing. Validation of the viability index was carried out using media footage assessment of remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
Existence and Uniqueness of Mild Solutions to Impulsive Nonlocal Cauchy Problems
Authors: Hannabou Mohamed , Hilal Khalid , Kajouni Ahmed
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a class of nonlocal impulsive differential equation with conformable fractional derivative is studied. By utilizing the theory of operators semigroup and fractional derivative, a new concept on a solution for our problem is introduced. We used some fixed point theorems such as Banach contraction mapping principle, Schauder’s fixed point theorem, Schaefer’s fixed point theorem, and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, and we derive many existence and uniqueness results concerning the solution for impulsive nonlocal Cauchy problems. Some concrete applications to partial differential equations are considered. Some concrete applications to partial differential equations are considered.
A Rare Cause of Pulmonary Hypertension in a 4-Year-Old Toddler: Association of Cor Triatriatum Sinister and Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Yozgat Can Yilmaz , Cakir Erkan , Yazan Hakan , Temur Hafize Otcu , Yakut Kahraman , Yozgat Yilmaz
Published: November 2020

Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly. The anomaly is caused by a fibromuscular membrane that divides the left atrium into two cavities. This membrane can lead to the obstruction of left atrial flow and also create pulmonary venous hypertension. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is notorious for its aberrant blood flow between the pulmonary arteries and veins. Herein, we report a case of a 4-year-old toddler who had a unique form of pulmonary hypertension presenting with cor triatriatum sinister and diffuse PAVM. After the surgical treatment of cor triatriatum sinister, both pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and pulmonary hypertension disappeared.
Influence of the Steel Fiber Content on the Flexural Fatigue Behavior of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Tan Yan , Zhou Chenxu , Zhou Jinzhi
Published: November 2020

Steel fiber recycled aggregate concrete (SFRAC) is mainly used in roads, bridges, and railways that are subjected to bear wheel load. This paper presents a comparative experimental study on the flexural fatigue behavior of the SFRAC, the natural aggregate concrete (NAC), and the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). The results show that, with the use of 1.0% volume fraction steel fiber, the flexural strength of SFRAC exceeds the flexural strength of NAC (around 0.3%), and the fatigue lives of RAC have been found to be lower by 19.9% and 53.4% compared to SFRAC at stress levels S = 0.9 and S = 0.7. The fatigue strain of SFRAC follows the three‐stage law, and the fatigue strain of SFRAC develops more slowly than that of RAC at the same stress level. Two‐parameter Weibull distribution is fitted to the test data to generate fatigue models at different survival probabilities, and fatigue life can be accurately predicted using the developed model. Therefore, it is feasible to replace the natural concrete with the recycled aggregate concrete with appropriate steel fiber content in some aspects, which is of great significance to green development.
Heterogeneity of Green TFP in China’s Logistics Industry under Environmental Constraints
Authors: Liu Fan , Xu Han
Published: November 2020

In the context of China’s supply-side structural reform and the concept of green development, we introduce the energy and environmental factors into the analytical framework of the total factor productivity (TFP) of the logistics industry and use the Global Malmquist–Luenberger index method to analyze the evolution trend and heterogeneity of green TFP in the logistics industry of 30 provinces (cities and districts) in China from 2003 to 2017. The results show that, firstly, the green TFP and traditional TFP of China’s logistics industry are both on the rise and the absence of energy and environmental factors will lead to the overestimation of TFP of the logistics industry. Whether it is green TFP or traditional TFP, the main source of its growth is technical progress. Secondly, there is obvious regional heterogeneity in green TFP of logistics industry. Under the three regional division standards, the average annual growth rate of green TFP is from high to low in the order of eastern, western, and central regions. Under the eight regional classification standards, the eastern coastal economic zone, the southern coastal zone, the northern coastal zone, the northeast region, the middle reaches of the Yellow River, the southwest region, the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and the northwest region are in order from high to low. Thirdly, there is obvious interprovincial heterogeneity in green TFP of the logistics industry. The highest growth rate of green TFP is in Zhejiang, followed by Jiangsu and Guangdong, and the slowest growth rate is in Chongqing. The technical progress of logistics industry in most provinces contributes more to the growth of green TFP. Fourthly, the differences of green TFP in the three regions of the east, center, and west are shrinking, which may be

σ

convergence, but the differences among the three regions are expanding. Compared with the existing literature, this paper applies the measurement framework of green TFP to China’s logistics industry and investigates the regional and provincial heterogeneity of green TFP in logistics industry. The conclusions are significant to understand and grasp the heterogeneity of green TFP growth in China’s logistics industry under environmental constraints and how to promote the development of green logistics in China.
Beacon Transmission Rate Allocation Optimization under Synchronized P-Persistent Repetition MAC Protocol for Platooning
Authors: Hu Lin , Xiao Yindong , Dai Zhijian
Published: November 2020

Platooning, which is enabled by vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, is one of the most potential frameworks in the intelligent transport system (ITS) to enhance driving safety and improve traffic capacity. In a platoon, vehicles interact with each other by broadcasting beacons via Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC). In this work, we explore the impact of beacon transmission rate allocation on the network utility which involves not only network performance but also traffic safety and efficiency for the vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) composing of a single platoon. An optimization problem aiming at searching for an optimal beacon transmission rate allocation for platoon management is developed based on a network utility maximization framework. Particularly, adopting a synchronized P-persistent repetition (SPR) medium access control (MAC) protocol, an optimal beacon transmission rate allocation to achieve the network utility maximization, is obtained for a platoon at a certain cruise velocity. In the simulation, the correctness of the proposed approach is validated, and its advantages over the benchmark are demonstrated by comparisons.
[Retracted] Influence of Al Content on Degradation Behavior of Cu‐Doped Mg‐Al Alloys for Drill‐Free Plugging Applications
Authors: Kang Li , Shi Yixuan , Luo Xiaoping , Liu Baosheng
Published: November 2020

Herein, we report low‐cost and rare‐earth‐free Cu‐doped Mg‐Al alloys for drill‐free plugging applications and present the influence of Al content on degradation behavior. The phase composition and microstructure of fabricated alloys were characterized by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD). Also, degradation properties were investigated using hydrogen evolution tests and the electrochemical measurements. The results reveal that the Al content is directly related to the proportion of secondary phases, such as Mg2Cu, Mg17Al12, and MgAlCu. Moreover, the Mg17Al12 and MgAlCu phases are distributed at α‐Mg grain boundaries, whereas the MgAlCu phase is distributed within the Mg matrix. Acceleration of degradation rate is found due to microgalvanic corrosion in Mg‐xAl‐2Cu (in wt.%, named as ACx2, x = 0, 3, 5, and 9) alloys. In this regard, Mg2Cu, Mg17Al12, and MgAlCu phases act as a microgalvanic cathode against anodic magnesium matrixes. As such, the degradation rate of ACx2 alloys in 3.5% NaCl solution is ranked from AC02, AC32, AC52, to AC92. In this context, the AC02 alloy shows the fastest degradation rate, 46 times higher than the AC92 alloy. This may provide a practical solution to develop good alternatives for drill‐free plugging materials.
Estrogen Receptor Alpha Mutations in Breast Cancer Cells Cause Gene Expression Changes through Constant Activity and Secondary Effects
Authors: Arnesen Spencer , Blanchard Zannel , Williams Michelle M. , Berrett Kristofer C. , Li Zheqi , Oesterreich Steffi , Richer Jennifer K. , Gertz Jason
Published: November 2020

While breast cancer patients with tumors that express estrogen receptor α (ER) generally respond well to hormone therapies that block ER activity, a significant number of patients relapse. Approximately 30% of these recurrences harbor activating mutations in the ligand binding domain (LBD) of ER, which have been shown to confer ligand-independent function. However, much is still unclear regarding the effect of mutant ER beyond its estrogen independence. To investigate the molecular effects of mutant ER, we developed multiple isogenic ER-mutant cell lines for the most common LBD mutations, Y537S and D538G. These mutations induced differential expression of thousands of genes, the majority of which were mutant allele specific and were not observed upon estrogen treatment of wild-type (WT) cells. These mutant-specific genes showed consistent differential expression across ER-mutant lines developed in other laboratories. WT cells with long-term estrogen exposure only exhibited some of these transcriptional changes, suggesting that mutant ER causes novel regulatory effects that are not simply due to constant activity. While ER mutations exhibited minor effects on ER genomic binding, with the exception of ligand independence, ER mutations conferred substantial differences in chromatin accessibility. Mutant ER was bound to approximately a quarter of mutant-enriched accessible regions that were enriched for other DNA binding factors, including FOXA1, CTCF, and OCT1. Overall, our findings indicate that mutant ER causes several consistent effects on gene expression, both indirectly and through constant activity.

Significance:

This study demonstrates the multiple roles of mutant ER in breast cancer progression, including constant ER activity and secondary regulatory effects on gene expression and chromatin accessibility.
Lacune and Large Perivascular Space: Two Kinds of Cavities Are of Different Risk Factors and Stroke Risk
Authors: Zhang Jiangtao , Han Fei , Liang Xinyu , Li Mingli , Zhang Dingding , Zhai Feifei , Zhou Lixin , Ni Jun , Yao Ming , Zhang Shuyang , Cui Liying , Jin Zhengyu , Zhu Yi-cheng
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose: To compare the risk factors and risk of stroke between lacune and large perivascular spaces (PVSs) in a community-based sample. Methods: Large PVSs were assessed using 3.0T MRI in a population-based cohort consisting of 1,204 participants. The relationship between cardiovascular risk factors, neuroimaging changes, and incidental stroke risk and the presence of lacune or large PVSs was assessed with univariate and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 1,204 study participants (55.7 ± 9.3 years, 37.0% men), a total of 347 large PVSs were detected in 235 (19.5%) subjects, while a total of 219 lacunes were detected in 183 subjects (15.2%). The presence of lacunes was found to be significantly associated with age, male gender, hypertension, and diabetes, whereas only age (p < 0.01) and ApoEε4 carrier status (p < 0.01) were related to the presence of large PVSs. Those who had lacunes detected on MRI at baseline had a significant increased risk of stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 4.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–19.07) during the 3-year follow-up independent of age, gender, and other vascular risk factors. However, there was no significant relationship between the presence of large PVSs and incident stroke (HR 3.84; 95% CI, 0.82–18.04). Conclusions: The lack of association between large PVSs and cardiovascular risk factors or risk of stroke indicated a nonvascular pathogenic mechanism underlying large PVSs, suggesting the importance of distinguishing large PVSs from lacunes in clinical practice.
Rare Case of Late-Onset Narcolepsy Type 1
Authors: Kovalská Petra , Dostálová Simona , Machová Hana , Nytrová Petra , Maurovich Horvat Eszter , Šonka Karel
Published: November 2020

A 69-year-old male developed symptoms typical of the diagnosis of narcolepsy type 1 without any previous triggering events. First, daytime sleepiness occurred, soon followed by cataplexy. Nocturnal polysomnography revealed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, a apnea-hypopnea index of 25.8 events/h, and no sleep-onset REM. Multiple Sleep Latency Test showed a mean sleep latency of 2.1 min and REM sleep in 3 tests. HLA DQB1*06:02 was positive and hypocretin-1 in cerebrospinal fluid unmeasurable. A treatment with 50 mg clomipramine controlled the cataplexy; excessive daytime sleepiness was sufficiently managed by repeated naps. The administration of 0.25 mg of clonazepam subjectively improved REM sleep behavior disorder. Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure improved the apnea-hypopnea index without important influence on sleepiness. Our unique case demonstrates that even elderly subjects can develop narcolepsy type 1.
Cotidiano e facticidade: contribuições para uma geografia da escala mínima
Authors: Araújo Gilvan Charles Cerqueira de
Published: November 2020

Este artigo tem como proposta principal tratar do cotidiano e da facticidade, tendo como aporte teórico e metodológico a análise da escala mínima dos recortes ônticos da realidade objetiva como via de alcance à epifania dos entes. Há dois momentos distintos e complementares que fazem parte deste texto, o primeiro deles apresenta e propõe uma reflexão sobre a facticidade e a ocasionalidade cotidiana, tendo a expressão literária como uma das principais formas de captação destes detalhes da trivialidade fenomênica em sua miríade de recortes fáticos; posteriormente a atenção se volta à escala mínima como metodologia analítica havendo, inclusive, ilustrações aplicativas para este método da diferença ontológica em extensão. Espera-se com estas contribuições que haja um fomento tanto teórico como metodológico ao âmbito dos estudos espaciais (e literários, principalmente) com vistas a esmiuçar o detalhe e nuance escalar das representações fáticas do cotidiano que nos cerca.
Vidas Secas de Graciliano Ramos: suas e outras paisagens pelas tintas naturais de solo
Authors: Sales Gabriela Sabatini Barros , Silva Jeferson Rosa da , Kede Maria Luiza Felix Marques , Sacramento Ana Claudia Ramos
Published: November 2020

A oficina “Retratando o conceito de paisagem a partir da Geografia, da Literatura e de atividade prática com tinta natural” objetivou trabalhar as interpretações das imagens construídas com uso de tintas naturais de solo a partir do conceito de paisagem. Inspirando-se em pequenos trechos de Vidas Secas de Graciliano Ramos, o material desenvolvido foi produzido por estudantes do ensino fundamental e médio numa escola no município de São Gonçalo (RJ) por docentes e discentes do curso de Licenciatura em Geografia da UERJ-FFP. Os resultados mostram a percepção de como a forma interdisciplinar de ensinar amplia a capacidade de reflexão e construções de saberes tanto escolares quanto cotidiano do aluno.
Corpo e espaço: uma reflexão dialética acerca do objeto de estudo da geografia
Authors: Bragioni Guido Lins Lopes , Araújo Marina
Published: November 2020

Este ensaio se propõe a refletir, através da arte,  sobreo conceito de espaço e suas relações dialéticas com a paisagem, o território, o lugar e o corpo. Neste sentido, pensar as relações entre a Geografia e o corpo significa conceber que o espaço geográfico é constituído por uma materialidade animada, misturada e marcada nos corpos e, ao mesmo tempo, que esses corpos se aportam no espaço e no tempo, atravessados pelas intensidades com as quais experimentam o mundo.
 
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Espaço; Paisagem; Território; Lugar, Corpo.