bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mesoscale Response to Global Warming over the Pacific Northwest Evaluated Using a Regional Climate Model Ensemble
Authors: Mass Clifford F. , Salathé Eric P , Steed Richard , Baars Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

This paper describes the downscaling of an ensemble of 12 general circulation models (GCMs) using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model at 12-km grid spacing over the period 1970–2099, examining the mesoscale impacts of global warming as well as the uncertainties in its mesoscale expression. The RCP8.5 emissions scenario was used to drive both global and regional climate models. The regional climate modeling system reduced bias and improved realism for a historical period, in contrast to substantial errors for the GCM simulations driven by lack of resolution. The regional climate ensemble indicated several mesoscale responses to global warming that were not apparent in the global model simulations, such as enhanced continental interior warming during both winter and summer as well as increasing winter precipitation trends over the windward slopes of regional terrain, with declining trends to the lee of major barriers. During summer there is general drying, except to the east of the Cascades. The 1 April snowpack declines are large over the lower-to-middle slopes of regional terrain, with small snowpack increases over the lower elevations of the interior. Snow-albedo feedbacks are very different between GCM and RCM projections, with the GCMs producing large, unphysical areas of snowpack loss and enhanced warming. Daily average winds change little under global warming, but maximum easterly winds decline modestly, driven by a preferential sea level pressure decline over the continental interior. Although temperatures warm continuously over the domain after approximately 2010, with slight acceleration over time, occurrences of temperature extremes increase rapidly during the second half of the twenty-first century.

Significance Statement

This paper provides a unique high-resolution view of projected climate change over the Pacific Northwest and does so using an ensemble of regional climate models, affording a look at the uncertainties in local impacts of global warming. The paper examines regional meteorological processes influenced by global warming and provides guidance for adaptation and preparation.
Money and Household Consumption Expenditure in Developing Asia: Some Panel ARDL Evidence
Authors: Mahanty Ghanashyama , Rout Himanshu Sekhar , Mishra Swayam Prava
Published: December 2021

The role of money in influencing real economic activities has been a long-standing debate in macroeconomics. As per the Keynesian theory, household consumption expenditure plays a significant role in promoting economic growth. Given the rapid consumption-led growth pattern in the emerging Asia Pacific region, in this article, we attempt to assess the role of money in influencing household consumption expenditure, which propels economic growth. We employ a panel data set from 2005–2018 for 10 emerging Asian economies, covering Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Given the region’s heterogeneous nature, we employ a variant of the popular St Louise equation model with autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) panel framework based on pooled mean group (PMG) and dynamic fixed effect (DFE) models developed by Pesaran and Shin to study the underlying relationships. Both PMG and DFE models suggest a strong positive relationship between money and household consumption expenditure both in the long run and short run. After allowing for control variables such as government final consumption expenditure and interest rate, the relationships continue to hold steady. Further, the relationship holds true across both narrow (M1) and broad money (M3) measures. The government final consumption expenditure and interest rates do not have influence on household consumption expenditure in the long run, but they have an influence in the short run.

JEL Codes: C23, O16, O47, E51, E31, E21
Economic Growth and Electricity Consumption in India: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Aneja Ranjan , Mathpal Megha
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyse the long-run causal relationship among the per capita electricity consumption ( PCEC) and per capita gross domestic product ( PCGDP), urban population ( UP) and employment ( EMP) pattern in India over the period of 1991–2018. To analyse the long-run association Johansen co-integration test has been used. The results of the Granger-causality test imply that there exists a bidirectional causal relationship between the PCEC and PCGDP whereas there exist unidirectional causality from EMP and UP to PCGDP.

Jel Codes: L52, C53, P1
Thermal conduction characteristics of silicone composites including ultrasonic-treated graphite
Authors: Oh Weontae , Bae Jong-Seong , Moon Hyoung-Seok
Published: December 2021

The microstructural change of graphite was studied after ultrasonic treatment of the graphite. When the graphite solution was treated with varying ultrasonic power and time, the microstructure changed gradually, and accordingly, the thermal conductivity characteristics of the composite containing the as-treated graphite was also different with each other. Thermal conductivity showed the best result in the silicone composite containing graphite prepared under the optimum condition of ultrasonic treatment, and the thermal conductivity of the composite improved proportionally along with the particle size of graphite. When the silicone composite was prepared by using a mixture of inorganic oxides and graphite rather than graphite alone, the thermal conductivity of the silicone composite was further increased. A silicone composite containing graphite was used for LED (light emitting diode) lighting system as a thermal interface material (TIM), and the temperature elevation due to heat generated, while the lighting was actually operated, was analyzed.
Processing Adipose Tissue to Make it More Stable When Used for Refilling: A Morphologic and Immunohistochemistry Evaluation
Authors: Sabbatini Maurizio , Faruggio Serena , Verna Giovanni , Magnelli Valeria , Dondero Francesco , Boldorini Renzo , Cannas Mario , Grossini Elena
Published: December 2021

Breast reconstruction has gained from lipofilling the possibility to recover the aesthetic outcome of anatomical profile in a more natural appearance. However, until today, the long-term graft survival remains unpredictable, and sometimes it does not guarantee a well-adequate aesthetic result. In the present work, the morphological changes, occurring in fat mass used for refilling, harvested by the Coleman’s procedure or through the washing/fragmenting procedure were analysed. Adipocyte size; immunohistochemistry against CD8, CD31, CD68 and M2-type macrophages and catalase enzyme, were analysed in vitro on fat mass cultured for 4 weeks. Our observation reveals an increase of connective tissue around the mass and a high number of immune cells occurrence in fat mass harvested by the Coleman’s procedure. Instead, the washing/fragmented procedure would reduce the number of immune cells within the fat mass, increase the size of adipocytes, and cause a wider presence of active vessels profile and greater catalase expression. We hypothesize that the fat mass processed by the Coleman’s procedure would remain more reactive due to a higher number of immune and macrophages cells, prone to develop cystic formation, leading to a suboptimal integration in the recipient site. On the other hand, the conditions more prone to realize an optimal integration would occur in the fat mass processed by the washing/fragmenting procedure: a reduced number of immune cells, low amount of connective tissue, presence of larger adipocytes. Follow-up monitoring did support our conclusion, as we observed a reduction of re-intervention for refilling procedure in patients treated with the washing/fragmenting procedure.
Preliminary report of sexual assaults at Ekiti Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Ado-Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria (Moremi Clinic)
Authors: Okunola Temitope O , Olofinbiyi Babatunde A , Aduloju Olusola P , Aduloju Tolulope , Obadeji Abiodun , Ajiboye Adedotun S , Ilevbare Rita , Adeleye-Fayemi Olabisi
Published: December 2021

There has been a surge in the incidence and severity of sexual assaults globally with the insurgence of COVID-19 owing to lockdown restrictions. Ekiti Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Ado-Ekiti also known as Moremi Clinic was established in June 2020 as a multisectoral response centre to this surge. Seventy-four survivors accessed medical services from June 2020 to May 2021. Adolescents made up 54.1% while the median age was 14.5 years. Only seven survivors were seen within 24 h of the event and around a quarter had follow-up visits. A quarter of survivors reported repeat episodes of sexual assault. Complications documented were sexually transmitted infections (13.5%), depression (4.1%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (5.4%). There was a failure of contraception in 4.5% of survivors who had taken emergency contraceptive pills. For improvements in quality of care, strategies to ensure early presentation and encourage follow-up visits must be introduced.
Selection of the optimal first ear for sequential bilateral cochlear implantation in children
Authors: Kim Hantai , Ha Jungho , Gil Eun Sol , Jang Jeong Hun , Park Hun Yi , Choung Yun-Hoon
Published: December 2021

Objectives

When there is a difference in hearing on both ears, where to perform the first cochlear implantation (CI) becomes an important issue. The purpose of the study was to evaluate which ear should be chosen for the first implantation in sequential bilateral CI with a long inter-implant period.

Methods

The study population consisted of 34 severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss pediatrics with the inter-implant period of ≥3 years between the first CI (CI-1) and the second CI (CI-2) before the age of 19 (mean of inter-implant period: 7.1-year). The patients were classified into Group A (CI-1 was performed on the ear with better hearing), Group B (CI-1 on the ear with worse hearing), or Group C (symmetrical hearing in both ears). Speech intelligibility test results were compared between the groups.

Results

The monosyllabic word scores of CI-1 were excellent in Groups A (91.7±7.9%) and B (92.5±3.6%) but slightly lower in Group C (85.7±14.9%) before the second implantation ( P = .487). At 3 years after the second implantation, all groups demonstrated excellent scores in the bilateral CI condition (95.9±3.0% in Group A; 99.1±.8% in Group B; 97.5±2.9% in Group C, P = .600). However, when the patients were tested in using CI-2 only in Groups A and B after using bilateral CI for 3 years, the scores were inconsistent in Group A (79.6±23.9%; range: 22.2-94.4%), while those were higher and more constant in Group B (92.9±4.8%; 86.8-100.0%).

Conclusions

The first CI is strongly recommended to perform on a worse hearing ear if they had different hearing levels between ears. Even with the first CI on a worse hearing ear, its performance never deteriorates. In addition, if they receive the second CI several years later, it will be likely that the second one functions better.
Associations between level of interest in nutrition, knowledge of nutrition, and prevalence of orthorexia traits among undergraduate students
Authors: King Elizabeth , Wengreen Heidi J.
Published: December 2021

Background: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an unhealthy obsession wit “proper”, “clean”, or “healthful” eating that can potentially lead to serious physical, psychological, and social impairments. Aim: We aimed to examine associations between level of interest in nutrition, knowledge of nutrition, and prevalence of orthorexia traits in a population of college students enrolled in a general education nutrition course. Methods: Of the 579 students enrolled in the class during Spring semester of 2018, 221 (38%) completed an online survey. The survey was completed during weeks 8–9 of the 15-week semester. Results: The average nutrition knowledge score was 8.7 out of 12 (standard deviation (SD) 1.4, range 0–12). The average of the summed 29 orthorexia traits was 63.4 (SD 12.4; range = 41–102); lower scores indicated less agreeance with practicing ON behaviors. The degree of interest in the subject of nutrition was positively associated with prevalence of orthorexia traits (r = 0.43, p < 0.0001), but not nutrition knowledge ( p > 0.05). Nutrition knowledge was inversely associated with prevalence of orthorexia traits (r = −0.19, p = 0.005). No associations were found between age, sex, year in school, or BMI and orthorexia traits. Conclusions: Interest in nutrition is associated with increased prevalence of orthorexia traits, however, higher levels of nutrition knowledge are associated with decreased prevalence of orthorexia traits. Additional studies should further examine these associations in prospective studies of nutrition/dietetics students as they progress in their programs and gain additional knowledge of nutrition.
The destructive establishment in groups
Authors: Roth Bennett
Published: December 2021

In this article I apply the concept of the internal establishment proposed by Hoggett (1998) composed of the positive and destructive narcissistic elements to group therapy. Hoggett’s concept extends the notions of ‘Me-ness’ put forward by Lawrence (Lawrence et.al., 1996) into positive and negative component parts. Clinical examples illustrate the rapidity with which such destructive narcissistic elements appear. This structure likely exists in all groups and this is an initial attempt to distinguish the distinctive dynamics of creative and destructive groups.
Design optimization of hopper cars employing functionally graded honeycomb sandwich panels
Authors: Al-Sukhon Ayman , ElSayed Mostafa SA
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a novel multiscale and multi-stage structural design optimization procedure is developed for the weight minimization of hopper cars. The procedure is tested under various loading conditions according to guidelines established by regulatory bodies, as well as a novel load case that considers fluid-structure interaction by means of explicit finite elements employing Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics. The first stage in the design procedure involves topology optimization whereby optimal beam locations are determined within the design space of the hopper car wall structure. This is followed by cross-sectional sizing of the frame to concentrate mass in critical regions of the hopper car. In the second stage, hexagonal honeycomb sandwich panels are considered in lower load regions, and are optimized by means of Multiscale Design Optimization (MSDO). The MSDO drew upon the Kreisselmeier–Steinhausser equations to calculate a penalized cost function for the mass and compliance of a hopper car Finite Element Model (FEM) at the mesoscale. For each iteration in the MSDO, the FEM was updated with homogenized sandwich composite properties according to four design variables of interest at the microscale. A cost penalty is summed with the base cost by comparing results of the FEM with the imposed constraints. Efficacy of the novel design methodology is compared according to a baseline design employing conventional materials. By invoking the proposed methodology in a case study, it is demonstrated that a mass savings as high as 16.36% can be yielded for a single hopper car, which translates into a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 13.09% per car based on available literature.
A piezoelectric micro gas compressor with parallel-serial hybrid chambers
Authors: Chen Song , He Zhen , Qian Chaoping , Li Jianping , Zhang Zhonghua , Kan Junwu
Published: December 2021

A piezoelectric micro gas compressor with parallel-serial hybrid chambers (PMGCPS) is presented, which consists of two compression stages of stage I and stage II. The stage I is composed of two piezoelectric driving units connected in parallel, while stage II is composed of a piezoelectric driving unit, forming an integral tower compression structure. Based on the tower compression structure, the PMGCPS owns the dual advantages of large flow rate and high output pressure. The prototype of PMGCPS is designed and manufactured. The driving frequency and voltage characteristics of PMGCPS are experimented. Under the driving frequency of 300 Hz and the driving voltage of 300 Vpp, the maximum flow rate and output pressure of PMGCPS is 795.6 mL/min and 13.4 kPa, respectively. PMGCPS provides new ideas for the further development of piezoelectric micro gas compressor.
Promoting Case-Based Learning in Business Higher Education in the Middle East and North Africa Region
Authors: Becheikh Nizar , Mourad Maha , Tolba Ahmed
Published: December 2021

The case method has made inroads as a pedagogical tool that can sharpen students’ analytical skills and better prepare them for the reality awaiting them professionally. Despite its deep-seated origins in the West, the case method remains underused in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The purpose of this study is to explore the main challenges that MENA business higher education institutions face in effecting case-based learning and the key initiatives that may help in addressing them. Building on our extensive experience with case studies production and teaching in the MENA context, and a pioneering exploratory research involving 40 instructors, students, and administrators from three leading business schools in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, we shed new light on the skills and contextual challenges that MENA business higher education institutions encounter when implementing the case method. We also propose a framework that integrates a wide range of initiatives to promote case-based learning in MENA. At the heart of this framework is the “community building” effort advocated as a catalyst to support case writing, teaching, solving, and publishing, as well as the development of a culture conducive to an effective deployment of the case method in the specific MENA context.
Service-Learning Exchange in Developed Cities: Dissonances and Civic Outcomes
Authors: Camus Rina Marie , Lam Cindy H. Y. , Ngai Grace , Chan Stephen C. F.
Published: December 2021

Background: The context of learning, which includes the host country, is an important variable of service-learning. Since international service-learning programs often take place in developing countries, studies about their impact and outcomes commonly draw from experiences in developing countries. Purpose: We investigate service-learning experience in developed, urban settings focusing on dissonances and civic outcomes, key areas of service-learning pedagogy. Methodology/Approach: This an instrumental case study based on a small group sample of 12 Asian student participants of a service-learning exchange to partner universities in the USA. Findings/Conclusions: Findings suggest that developed cities can be fertile grounds for impactful dissonances and civic learning. “First-world expectations” increased or intensified dissonances students experienced. Confronting urban poverty and other social issues in cities similar to their own led students to see domestic problems with fresh eyes. Implications: Service-learning exchange in developed cities can facilitate understanding social problems particularly in the way these occur in developed countries and promises transferability of learning. However, students need prompting to connect experiences overseas to home contexts and draw practical consequences. Faculty or staff assistance is necessary to help students constructively cope with powerful dissonances.
Why Does Psychological Capital Foster Subjective and Objective Career Success? The Mediating Role of Career-Specific Resources
Authors: Kauffeld Simone , Spurk Daniel
Published: December 2021

The present study investigates the relationship of PsyCap with objective and subjective career success. Based on conservation of resources theory (COR Theory) and psychological capital theory (PsyCap Theory), we assume that career-specific resources, in particular protean career attitude, career planning, and internal and external networking, are important mechanisms that mediate the relationship between PsyCap and both outcomes. We tested our assumptions by means of time-lagged path analysis with R and the lavaan package in a sample of 1110 German academic scientists. Our results indicate a positive relationship between PsyCap and career success. However, we found differential effects regarding the assumed mediation for subjective and objective career success. The effect of PsyCap on subjective career success is mediated by protean career attitude and career planning. The effect of PsyCap on objective career success is mediated by external networking. Our results strengthen the research of PsyCap as a predictor of career success. However, the results also imply that the relationship between PsyCap, career-specific resources, and both aspects of career success is more complex than expected.
Exploratory Evaluation of Rhythm Control by Dronedarone in Combination With Low-Dose Rivaroxaban, Warfarin, Antiplatelet, or None of the Antithrombotic Therapy in High-Risk Patients With Non-Permanent Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Po-Lin , Chiou Wei-Ru , Su Min-I , Huang Chun-Che , Liao Feng-Ching , Liu Lawrence Yu-Min , Chuang Jen-Yu , Chen Chun-Yen , Tsai Cheng-Ting , Kuo Jen-Yuan , Yang Ten-Fang , Wu Yih-Jer , Lee Ying-Hsiang
Published: December 2021

The emerging data supports rhythm control to prevent major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Limited data demonstrated rivaroxaban 10 mg combining dronedarone seemed feasible. This study aimed at investigating clinical events in a dronedarone-treated cohort. This exploratory, retrospective chart review was conducted in nonpermanent AF patients receiving dronedarone for ≥ 3 months between 2009/1 and 2016/2. In Taiwan, dronedarone's labeled indication was strict to age ≥ 70 or 65 to 70 years with either hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke, or left atrium >50 mm. We divided all into 4 groups using antithrombotic strategies to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and MACE endpoints. A total of 689 patients (mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 3.8 ± 1.4) were analyzed: rivaroxaban 10 mg (n = 93, 13.5%), warfarin (n = 89, 12.9%), antiplatelet (n = 331, 48.0%), and none (n = 176, 25.5%). During the follow-up period (mean 946 ± 493.8 days), the rivaroxaban group did not report any stroke or thromboembolism (ishcmeic stroke rate: antiplatelet [0.6%], none [1.1%]; hemorrahgic stroke rate: warfarin [2.2%]; thromboembolism rate: warfarin [2.2%]). There was no significant difference in safety, effectiveness, and MACE endpoints between groups. Also, >104 weeks of dronedarone use was the independent predictor for MACE after adjusting the strategy and other covariates (hazard ratio 0.14 [95% confidence interval 0.04-0.44], P = .001). Our findings warrant concomitant rivaroxaban 10 mg and dronedarone for further investigation. Regardless of antithrombotic strategies, a more extended persistence of dronedarone was associated with fewer MACE.
Combining flanged intrascleral IOL fixation with Glaucoma Surgery: Initial experience
Authors: Pathak-Ray Vanita , Bansal Aashish K , Malhotra Varun
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To report the initial clinical outcomes of combining glaucoma surgery with flanged intrascleral intraocular lens (F-SFIOL) fixation as a single stage procedure.

Methods

Retrospective, non-comparative case-series of eyes which underwent combined surgery for glaucoma with F-SFIOL and had at least 6-months of follow-up. A fellowship-trained senior glaucoma surgeon managed all the cases.

Results

Twelve-eyes of 10 glaucoma patients (8 males, 2 females) underwent F-SFIOL; only 8 of these eyes were combined with a glaucoma procedure. Mean age of patients was 55.1 ± 16.1 years (95%CI [44.4,73.2], median 61 years) and were followed-up for a mean of 21.0 ± 9.5 months, 95% CI [13.1,28.9], median 18 months. F-SFIOL was combined with trabeculectomy ± Mitomycin C in 4 eyes, Ahmed Glaucoma Valve in 3 eyes and needling of a pre-existing bleb in 1. Each eye had controlled intraocular pressure (IOP) at last follow-up (pre-procedure 29.1 ± 13.4 mmHg, 95% CI [17.9, 40.3], median 27 mmHg to 14.5 ± 3.2 mmHg, 95% CI [11.8, 17.1], median 13 mmHg, p = 0.006) and decreased need for number of anti-glaucoma medication (AGM) (pre-procedure 3.7 ± 1.1, 95% CI [2.8,4.6], median 4 to 0.7 ± 0.7, 95% CI [0.1,1.3] median 1, p < 0.001). In all the eyes, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was either stable or improved; only 1 eye had astigmatism worse than that pre-existing. In 1 eye IOL was explanted, with an additional procedure to control IOP. No serious long-term complications occurred in any subject.

Conclusion

The initial experience of single-stage F-SFIOL along with glaucoma surgery, both being performed by the same anterior-segment surgeon, is promising, thereby avoiding the cost, specialised skill, and potential complications of a posterior approach. Glaucoma surgery combined with and adapted to suture-less, flap-less, glue-less intra-scleral IOL fixation is hitherto unreported.
Recounting coup as the recirculation of Indigenous vitality: A narrative alternative to historical trauma
Authors: Gone Joseph P.
Published: December 2021

Contemporary American Indians suffer from disproportionately high degrees of psychiatric distress. Mental health researchers and professionals, as well as American Indian community members, have consistently associated these disproportionate rates of distress with Indigenous historical experiences of European and Euro-American colonization. This emphasis on the impact of colonization and associated historical consciousness within tribal communities has occasioned increasingly widespread professional consideration of historical trauma among Indigenous peoples. In contrast to personal experiences of a traumatic nature, the discourse of Indigenous historical trauma (IHT) weds the concepts of “historical oppression” and “psychological trauma” to explain community-wide risk for adverse mental health outcomes originating from the depredations of past colonial subjugation through intergenerational transmission of vulnerability and risk. Long before the emergence of accounts of IHT, however, many American Indian communities prized a markedly different form of narrative: the coup tale. By way of illustration, I explore various historical functions of this speech genre by focusing on Aaniiih-Gros Ventre war narratives, including their role in conveying vitality or life. By virtue of their recognition and celebration of agency, mastery, and vitality, Aaniiih war stories functioned as the discursive antithesis of IHT. Through comparative consideration of the coup tale and the trauma narrative, I propose an alternative framework for cultivating Indigenous community “survivance” rather than vulnerability based on these divergent discursive practices.
Recurrence of Breast Cancer After Primary Treatment: A Matched Comparison Study of Disease-Free Survival in Women Who Do and Do Not Receive Adjunctive Naturopathic Oncology Care
Authors: Standish L. J. , Sweet E. , Kim Eunjung , Dowd F. , McLaughlin Ryan , Chiang P. , Dale L. , Gaul M. , Andersen M. R.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To compare disease free survival experienced by women who received usual oncologic care compared to a cohort of women who received naturopathic oncology care in addition to usual care.

Methods:

Women with breast cancer who received naturopathic oncology (NO) care in Western Washington State (WA) (N = 176) were recruited to a prospective study of clinical health-related quality of life outcomes and then matched to women who received usual care (UC) only (N = 334).

Results:

Among 510 women with breast cancer stages 1 to 3, a total of 50 women (10%) experienced a disease-free survival (DFS) ending event within the observation period; 23 (6.8% of those in the UC cohort, and 27 (15.3% of those in the NO cohort ( P < .05). Although, women in the 2 cohorts received similar surgical, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, women with breast cancer who received naturopathic oncology adjunctive care were less likely to use anti-estrogen therapy, and experienced poorer DFS (logrank test, P < .05). However, differences in DFS could not be shown to be due to cohort differences in anti-estrogen therapy, baseline HRQOL, or naturopathic oncology therapies prescribed. The stage 3 women in the naturopathic oncology group had more advanced disease at diagnosis. They were more likely to have 5 or more metastatic lymph nodes at baseline (18.5%) compared to their usual care matched control group (13%). Women in the naturopathic oncology group also had higher grade tumors at diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Results show that recurrence of breast cancer was associated with more advanced malignant lymph node involvement; and that naturopathic oncology services provided in 2009-2015 did not improve disease-free survival in these high-risk breast cancer patients.
Modeling and proving dynamic behaviors of a routing protocol: A tutorial
Authors: Paszkowska Agnieszka , Iwanicki Konrad
Published: December 2021

With the increasing adoption of Internet of Things technologies for controlling physical processes, their dependability becomes important. One of the fundamental functionalities on which such technologies rely for transferring information between devices is packet routing. However, while the performance of Internet of Things–oriented routing protocols has been widely studied experimentally, little work has been done on provable guarantees on their correctness in various scenarios. To stimulate this type of work, in this article, we give a tutorial on how such guarantees can be derived formally. Our focus is the dynamic behavior of distance-vector route maintenance in an evolving network. As a running example of a routing protocol, we employ routing protocol for low-power and lossy networks, and as the underlying formalism, a variant of linear temporal logic. By building a dedicated model of the protocol, we illustrate common problems, such as keeping complexity in control, modeling processing and communication, abstracting algorithms comprising the protocol, and dealing with open issues and external dependencies. Using the model to derive various safety and liveness guarantees for the protocol and conditions under which they hold, we demonstrate in turn a few proof techniques and the iterative nature of protocol verification, which facilitates obtaining results that are realistic and relevant in practice.
The PKCγ neurons in anterior cingulate cortex contribute to the development of neuropathic allodynia and pain-related emotion
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Liu Peng , He Xiaolan , Jiang Zhenhua , Wang Qun , Gu Nan , Lu Yan
Published: December 2021

Background

While the PKCγ neurons in spinal dorsal horn play an indispensable part in neuropathic allodynia, the exact effect of PKCγ neurons of brain regions in neuropathic pain remains elusive. Mounting research studies have depicted that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is closely linked with pain perception and behavior, the present study was designed to investigate the contribution of PKCγ neurons in ACC to neuropathic allodynia and pain-related emotion in newly developed Prkcg-P2A-Tdtomato mice.

Methods

The c-fos expression in response to innocuous stimulation was used to monitor the activity of PKCγ in CCI (chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve) induced neuropathic pain condition. Activating or silencing ACC PKCγ neurons by chemogenetics was applied to observe the changes of pain behavior. The excitability of ACC PKCγ neurons in normal and CCI mice was compared by patch-clamp whole-cell recordings.

Results

The PKCγ-Tdtomato neurons were mainly distributed in layer III-Vof ACC. The Tdtomato was mainly expressed in ACC pyramidal neurons demonstrated by intracellular staining. The c-fos expression in ACC PKCγ neurons in response to innocuous stimulation was obviously elevated in CCI mice. The patch clamp recordings showed that ACC PKCγ-Tdtomato neurons were largely activated in CCI mice. Chemogenetic activation of ACC PKCγ neurons in Prkcg-icre mice induced mechanical allodynia and pain-related aversive behavior, conversely, silencing them in CCI condition significantly reversed the mechanical allodynia and pain-related place aversive behavior.

Conclusion

We conclude that the PKCγ neurons in ACC are closely linked with neuropathic allodynia and pain-related emotional behaviors.
Do TJ policies cause backlash? Evidence from street name changes in Spain
Authors: Villamil Francisco , Balcells Laia
Published: December 2021

Memories of old conflicts often shape domestic politics long after these conflicts end. Contemporary debates about past civil wars and/or repressive regimes in different parts of the world suggest that these are sensitive topics that might increase political polarization, particularly when transitional justice policies are implemented and political parties mobilize discontentment with such policies. One such policy recently debated in Spain is removing public symbols linked to a past civil war and subsequent authoritarian regime (i.e., Francoism). However, the empirical evidence on its impact is still limited. This article attempts to fill this gap by examining the political consequences of street renaming. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we show that the removal of Francoist street names has contributed to an increase of electoral support for a new far-right party, Vox, mainly at the expense of a traditional right-wing conservative party, PP. Our results suggest that revisiting the past can cause a backlash among those ideologically aligned with the perpetrator, and that some political parties can capitalize on this.
Long-term efficacy and safety of three times weekly dosing regimen of glatiramer acetate in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients: Seven-year results of the Glatiramer Acetate Low-frequency Administration (GALA) open-label extension study
Authors: Rieckmann Peter , Zivadinov Robert , Boyko Alexey , Selmaj Krzysztof , Alexander Jessica K. , Kadosh Shaul , Rubinchick Svetlana , Bernstein-Hanlon Emily , Stark Yafit , Ashtamker Natalia , Davis Mat D. , Khan Omar
Published: December 2021

Objective

Describe the long-term outcomes of early-start (ES) and delayed-start (DS) glatiramer acetate 40 mg/mL treatment three times weekly (GA40) for up to seven years in the Glatiramer Acetate Low-frequency Administration (GALA) study in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).

Methods

Patients were evaluated every three to six months. The primary efficacy endpoint was annualized relapse rate (ARR); additional endpoints were exploratory or post hoc. For efficacy, data from the entire exposure period were used for the ES and DS cohorts. For safety, exposure only under GA40 was considered.

Results

Of the patients who continued into the open-label extension (OLE), 580/834 (70%) ES and 261/419 (62%) DS completed the OLE. For the entire placebo-controlled and OLE study period, ARR was 0.26 for ES and 0.31 for DS patients (risk ratio = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70–0.99). ES prolonged median time to first relapse versus DS (4.9 versus 4.3 years; hazard ratio = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.6–0.96). OLE-only results showed DS patients experienced similar efficacy for relapse and disability outcomes as ES patients. Adverse events were consistent with the well-established GA safety profile.

Conclusions

GA40 treatment conferred clinical benefit up to seven years, resulting in sustained efficacy and was generally well tolerated in RMS patients.
Neutrophil extracellular traps are associated with altered human pulmonary artery endothelial barrier function
Authors: Mori Hisatake , Huq Muhammad Aminul , Islam Md. Monirul , Takeyama Naoshi
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Acute respiratory response syndrome (ARDS) leads to increased permeability of the endothelial-epithelial barrier, which in turn promotes edema formation and hypoxemic respiratory failure. Although activated neutrophils are thought to play a significant role in mediating ARDS, at present the contribution of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to lung endothelial barrier function is unclear. Methods: To clarify their role, we co-cultured in vitro NETs induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)–activated neutrophils with lung endothelial cell monolayers and examined the barrier function of lung endothelial cells by immunofluorescence microscopy and albumin permeability in a double-chamber culture method. Results: Co-culture with stimulated neutrophils increased the albumin permeability of the human pulmonary artery endothelial cell (HPAEC) monolayer and altered cytoskeleton F-actin and vascular endothelial-cadherin in cell-cell junctions. Hyperpermeability to albumin and histological alterations were prevented by inhibition of NET formation with peptidyl arginine deiminase inhibitor or a neutrophil elastase inhibitor and were also prevented by increased degradation of NET structure with DNase. Conclusion: This in vitro experiment shows that altered HPAEC barrier function and increased albumin permeability are caused by the direct effect of PMA-induced NETs and their components. NET formation may be involved in the increased vascular permeability of the lung, which is a common feature in ARDS of various etiologies. These insights may help generate novel approaches for medical interventions.
Determinants and Potential of Agri-Food Trade Using the Stochastic Frontier Gravity Model: Empirical Evidence From Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Nazir Muhammad , Huo Xuexi , Zhang Qiangqiang , Bolanle Azeez Aminah
Published: December 2021

Considering the importance of agri-food exports for Nigeria in the face of dwindling revenue from its oil exports. Therefore, this study provides empirical insights on the determinants and potential of agri-food exports from Nigeria to 70 major trading countries between 1995 and 2019 by applying a Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) on a gravity model. We also estimate a variety of techniques, including the fixed effects, Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Pseudo Poisson Maximum Likelihood (PPML), and Heckman models to confirm the robustness of our results. We show that the economic size (GDP) of Nigeria and its trading countries, importers’ population, EU membership, ECOWAS membership and contiguity stimulate agri-food export. Also, we show that bilateral distance, domestic population, exchange rate, language, and landlocked adversely affect agri-food exports. The potential for agri-food trade expansion exists with mostly world biggest economies (including China, the USA, Brazil, India, Russia, Japan, and EU countries) and Nigeria’s border countries. Policy directions for agri-food export expansion are provided.
Admission of a Terminally Ill Lung Cancer Patient With the Accidental Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 to a Palliative Care Unit Resulting in a SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak
Authors: Roch Carmen , Vogel Ulrich , Smol Katharina , Pörner Steffen , van Oorschot Birgitt
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic poses challenges for palliative care. Terminal patients cannot wear masks and may demonstrate unspecific symptoms reminiscent of those caused by COVID-19. This report is about a terminally ill patient with lung cancer who displayed fever, cough, and fatigue. During hospital admission screening, the patient tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. When admitting his wife to stay with him, she also had to test for SARS-CoV-2 and displayed a positive test result. Until the positive results were reported, six staff members were infected with SARS-CoV-2, even though they were routinely wearing respirators. This resulted in the palliative care unit having to be closed. Hospitals need strict and adequate testing and re-testing strategies even for intra-hospital transfers. Workers must strictly adhere to recommended respirator practices. Ventilation of patient rooms is essential due to the possible enrichment of particle aerosols containing viruses, as negative pressure rooms are not recommended in all countries.
The Role of Authentic Leadership in Shaping Performance Feedback Reactions: The Mediating Role of Trust in Leader
Authors: Asad Muhammad , Dastgeer Ghulam , Uz Zaman Nadeem , Khalid Zeeshan , Brohi Manzoor Ali , Bibi Asia
Published: December 2021

In this study we attempted to explore the effect of authentic leadership on followers’ feedback reactions in the performance appraisal context using trust in leader as the mediating variable. We collected data from a sample of 183 employees working in the information technology sector of Pakistan using a self-administered questionnaire, employing a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling technique. The study provided empirical evidence about the effect of authentic leadership on performance feedback reactions and the associated mediating mechanism. It drew on authentic leadership theory and investigated why such a leadership style was important in making the performance appraisal process successful and effective. As hypothesized, authentic leadership significantly predicted perceived feedback accuracy and utility (two feedback reactions in performance appraisal). Our findings confirmed that there was a significant mediating effect of trust in leaders between authentic leadership and performance feedback reactions. The inferences drawn based on the results suggested that raters’ authenticity in performance appraisal context creates a trusting situation and leads to ratees’ perception of feedback accuracy and utility.
Mining the air: Political ecologies of the circular carbon economy
Authors: Buck Holly Jean
Published: December 2021

Can fossil-based fuels become carbon neutral or carbon negative? The oil and gas industry is facing pressure to decarbonize, and new technologies are allowing companies and experts to imagine lower-carbon fossil fuels as part of a circular carbon economy. This paper draws on interviews with experts, ethnographic observations at carbontech and carbon management events, and interviews with members of the public along a suggested CO2 pipeline route from Iowa to Texas, to explore: What is driving the sociotechnical imaginary of circular fossil carbon among experts, and what are its prospects? How do people living in the landscapes that are expected to provide carbon utilization and removal services understand their desirability and workability? First, the paper examines a contradiction in views of carbon professionals: while experts understand the scale of infrastructure, energy, and capital required to build a circular carbon economy, they face constraints in advocating for policies commensurate with this scale, though they have developed strategies for managing this disconnect. Second, the paper describes views from the land in the central US, surfacing questions about the sustainability of new technologies, the prospect of carbon dioxide pipelines, and the way circular carbon industries could intersect trends of decline in small rural towns. Experts often fail to consider local priorities and expertise, and people in working landscapes may not see the priorities and plans of experts, constituting a “double unseeing.” Robust energy democracy involves not just resistance to dominant imaginaries of circular carbon, but articulation of alternatives. New forms of expert and community collaboration will be key to transcending this double unseeing and furthering energy democracy.
Invasive Plant Relations in a Global Pandemic: Caring for a “Problematic Pesto”
Authors: Doiron Gabrielle
Published: December 2021

In Spring 2020, amidst a COVID-19 state of emergency, the City of Toronto's Parks & Urban Forestry department posted signs in the city's remaining Black Oak Savannahs to announce the cancellation of the yearly ‘prescribed burn’ practice, citing fears it would exacerbate pandemic conditions. With this activity and other nature management events on hold, many invasive plants continued to establish and proliferate. This paper confronts dominant attitudes in invasion ecology with Indigenous epistemologies and ideas of transformative justice, asking what can be learned from building a relationship with a much-maligned invasive plant like garlic mustard. Written in isolation as the plant began to flower in the Black Oak savannahs and beyond, this paper situates the plant's abundance and gifts within pandemic-related ‘cancelled care’ and ‘cultivation activism’ as a means of exploring human-nature relations in the settler-colonial city. It also asks what transformative lessons garlic mustard can offer about precarity, non-linear temporalities, contamination, multispecies entanglements, and the impacts of colonial property regimes on possible relations. Highlighting the entanglements of historical and ongoing violences with invasion ecology, this paper presents ‘caring for invasives’ as a path toward more liveable futures.
Paramarkeyite, a new calcium–uranyl–carbonate mineral from the Markey mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Olds Travis A. , Plášil Jakub , Burns Peter C. , Škoda Radek , Marty Joe
Published: December 2021

The new mineral paramarkeyite (IMA2021-024), Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3⋅5H2O, was found in the Markey mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA, where it occurs as a secondary phase on gypsum-coated asphaltum in association with andersonite, calcite, gypsum and natromarkeyite. Paramarkeyite crystals are transparent, pale green-yellow, striated tablets, up to 0.11 mm across. The mineral has white streak and vitreous lustre. It exhibits moderate bluish-white fluorescence (405 nm laser). It is very brittle with irregular, curved fracture and a Mohs hardness of 2½. It has an excellent {100} cleavage and probably two good cleavages on {010} and {001}. The measured density is 2.91(2) g cm–3. Optically, the mineral is biaxial (–) with α = 1.550(2), β = 1.556(2), γ = 1.558(2) (white light); 2V = 60(2)°; strong r > v dispersion; orientation: Y = b; nonpleochroic. The Raman spectrum exhibits bands consistent with UO22+, CO32– and O–H. Electron microprobe analysis provided the empirical formula (Ca1.83Na0.20Sr0.03)Σ2.05(UO2)(CO3)3⋅5H2O (+0.07 H). Paramarkeyite is monoclinic, P21/n, a = 17.9507(7), b = 18.1030(8), c = 18.3688(13) Å, β = 108.029(8)°, V = 5676.1(6) Å3 and Z = 16. The structure of paramarkeyite (R1 = 0.0647 for 6657 I > 2σI) contains uranyl tricarbonate clusters that are linked by Ca–O polyhedra to form heteropolyhedral layers. The structure of paramarkeyite is very similar to those of markeyite, natromarkeyite and pseudomarkeyite.