bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unmet spiritual needs in palliative care: psychometrics of a screening checklist
Authors: Michael Natasha G , Bobevski Irene , Georgousopoulou Ekavi , O'Callaghan Clare C , Clayton Josephine M , Seah Davinia , Kissane David
Published: December 2020

Background

While studies in palliative care use measures of spirituality and religious belief, there have been few validation studies of a screening tool that identifies unmet spiritual needs.

Methods

A multidisciplinary research team developed and examined the usefulness, reliability and validity of a 17-item Spiritual Concerns Checklist (SCC) as a screening tool for unmet spiritual needs. A cohort of patients recruited from three palliative care services in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia completed anonymous questionnaires. Factor structure and item response theory were used to examine its properties; concurrent validity employed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12).

Results

Among 261 patients, while only 15% directly sought spiritual care, nearly 62% identified at least one spiritual concern. Existential needs (fear of the dying process 32%; loss of control 31%), regret (20%), need for forgiveness (17%), guilt (13%), loss of hope (13%) and meaning (15%) were prominent concerns. Eleven concerns were present for more than 10% of the participants and 25% of religiously orientated participants expressed >4 concerns. The 17-item SCC was unidimensional, with satisfactory reliability. Concurrent validity was evident in the reduced sense of meaning and peace on the FACIT-Sp-12.

Conclusion

This preliminary Rasch analysis of the newly developed SCC has demonstrated its usefulness, reliability and validity. Our findings encourage refinement and ongoing development of the SCC with further investigation of its psychometric properties in varying populations.
High-affinity neoantigens correlate with better prognosis and trigger potent antihepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity by activating CD39+CD8+ T cells
Authors: Liu Ting , Tan Jizhou , Wu Minhao , Fan Wenzhe , Wei Jialiang , Zhu Bowen , Guo Jian , Wang Shutong , Zhou Penghui , Zhang Hui , Shi Liangrong , Li Jiaping
Published: December 2020

Objective

It remains controversial whether tumour mutational burden (TMB) or neoantigens are prognostic markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to define the function of TMB or neoantigens in antitumour immunotherapy.

Design

Neoantigens of patients (n=56) were analysed by pVAC tools with major histocompatibility complex-1 (MHC-I) algorithms based on whole exome sequencing and neoantigens with mutant type IC50 <50 nM were defined as high-affinity neoantigens (HANs). Patients were segregated into HAN-high/low groups by median of HAN value, and overall survival (OS) was analysed. Autologous organoid killing model was developed to clarify the antitumour activity of HANs.

Results

The value of HAN showed a better correlation with OS (p=0.0199) than TMB (p=0.7505) or neoantigens (p=0.2297) in patients with HCC and positively correlated with the frequency of CD39+CD8+ tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Furthermore, HAN-specific CD8+ T cells were identified in CD39+CD8+ TILs, which showed better antitumour activity in HAN-high versus HAN-low group. In addition, more effective HAN peptides were identified in HAN-high versus HAN-low group. Besides, flow cytometry data showed that in fresh tumour, CD39+PD-1intCD8+ TILs displayed an effector phenotype and stronger antitumour activity in HAN-high versus HAN-low group. More importantly, patients in HAN-high versus HAN-low group showed a better prognosis after anti-PD-1 therapy.

Conclusions

Our study first demonstrates that HAN value positively correlates with better OS in patients with HCC. HANs trigger antitumour activity by activating tumour-reactive CD39+CD8+ T cells, and patients in HAN-high group benefited more from anti-PD-1 therapy than HAN-low group. These findings may provide a novel strategy for personalised antitumour therapies for HCC.
Determinants of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Persistence in a High-Risk Population in Central Florida
Authors: Keyes Jonathan , Crouse Eloisa Catherine , DeJesus Edwin , Rolle Charlotte-Paige
Published: December 2020

Orlando has the second highest HIV incidence in the USA. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine is approved as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to minimize HIV transmission. Our study describes the PrEP care continuum and factors impacting PrEP persistence during the first year of PrEP care at a sexual health clinic in Orlando. Patients initiating PrEP between 2014 and 2017 with at least 1 year of follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Demographic and clinical factors were extracted from medical records. At the end of the first year of PrEP care, patients seen within the last 6 months were defined as ‘persistent’ whereas patients lost to follow-up for ≥6 months were defined as ‘not persistent’. We evaluated factors associated with PrEP persistence with Firth's multivariable logistic regression. Of 300 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 96% were male, 59% were ≥30 years old, 59% identified as men who have sex with men and 57% endorsed recent condomless anal intercourse. Of PrEP initiators, 133 (44.3%) were persistent in the first year, whereas 167 (55.7%) were not persistent. PrEP persistence was positively associated with age ≥30 years (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.08) and negatively associated with non-white race (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.83). There were no HIV seroconversions among persistent patients. In our study, younger and minority patients were less likely to persist in PrEP care and persistence was poor despite many being insured and ‘high-risk’. Further research is needed to identify and address barriers that hinder PrEP persistence, specifically among younger, minority patients.
Antibiotic resistance genes in the aquaculture sector: global reports and research gaps
Authors: Kemp Justin O.G. , Taylor Jessica J. , Kelly Lisa A. , Larocque Renée , Heriazon Armando , Tiessen Kevin H.D. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: December 2020

Aquaculture has been one of the fastest-growing food production systems over the last decade and increased intensification of production has created conditions that favour disease outbreaks. Antibiotics are commonly applied in the food animal sector to fight against bacterial infections; however, their inappropriate use contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Investment in research and capacity-strengthening, in parallel with enforcing existing regulations around antimicrobial use, are potentially powerful tools in tackling the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emanating from animal producing systems such as aquaculture. However, directing investment effectively is challenging due to the limited data available that hinder the identification of risk areas for current and future AMR emergence. Here, we aim to partially fill this gap by analyzing the current peer-reviewed literature reporting antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquaculture food production systems and combining the data in a systematic map. Systematic searches of three bibliographic databases, a search engine, and 120 reviews returned 10 699 articles that were screened at title and abstract and then by full text (n = 1100). Two hundred and eighteen articles, spanning 39 countries and six continents, met all inclusion criteria and were coded to retrieve bibliographic, methodology, and study outcome data. ARG detections were associated with 44 families of fish and crustaceans and 75 genera of bacteria, with most studies employing primer-based methods to detect ARGs. A narrative synthesis explores implications for future research and policy as well as limitations of the systematic mapping methodology.
Einstein-aether theory in Weyl integrable geometry
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos , Leon Genly , Barrow John D.
Published: December 2020

We study the Einstein-aether theory in Weyl integrable geometry. The scalar field which defines the Weyl affine connection is introduced in the gravitational field equation. We end up with an Einstein-aether scalar field model where the interaction between the scalar field and the aether field has a geometric origin. The scalar field plays a significant role in the evolution of the gravitational field equations. We focus our study on the case of homogeneous and isotropic background spacetimes and study their dynamical evolution for various cosmological models.
Holographic subregion complexity in metal/superconductor phase transition with Born–Infeld electrodynamics
Authors: Shi Yu , Pan Qiyuan , Jing Jiliang
Published: December 2020

We investigate the holographic subregion complexity (HSC) and compare it with the holographic entanglement entropy (HEE) in the metal/superconductor phase transition for the Born–Infeld (BI) electrodynamics with full backreaction. Based on the subregion CV conjecture, we find that the universal terms of HSC remain finite during phase transitions, and the HSC is a good probe to the critical temperature in the holographic superconducting system. Furthermore, we observe that for the operator $$\mathcal {O}_{+}$$

O
+

, the HSC of the superconducting phase decreases first and then increases as the BI parameter increases, which is completely different from that of HEE, and the value of the BI parameter corresponding to the inflection point of HSC is larger than that of HEE. But for the operator $$\mathcal {O}_{-}$$

O
-

, the HSC increases monotonically as the BI parameter increases, which is similar to that of HEE.
Ceramics, materials, microelectronics and graph theory new frontiers
Authors: Randjelović Branislav M. , Mitić Vojislav V. , Ribar Srdjan , Lu Chun-An , Radovic Ivana , Stajcic Aleksandar , Novakovic Igor , Vlahovic Branislav
Published: December 2020

This research is focused on further developing of application and use of graph theory in order to describe relations between grains and to establish control over layers. We used functionalized BaTiO3nanoparticles coated with Yttrium-based salt. The capacitance change results on super-microstructure levels are the part of the measured values on the bulk samples. The new idea is graph theory application for determination of electronic parameters distribution at the grain boundary and to compare them with the bulk measured values. We present them with vertices in graph, corresponding with grains, connected with edges. Capacitance change with applied voltage was measured on samples sintered in air and nitrogen, up to 100 V. Using graph theory, it has been shown that capacitance change can be successfully calculated on the layers between grains. Within the idea how to get parameters values at microlevel between the grains and pores, mathematical tool can be developed. Besides previously described 1D case, some original calculations for 2D cases were performed in this study, proving successful graph theory use for the calculation of values at nanolevel, leading to a further minituarization in micropackaging.
Colorimetric Detection of Hg2+ Based on the Promotion of Oxidase-Like Catalytic Activity of Ag Nanowires
Authors: Cao Leigang , Fang Yumeng , Zhang Yue , Yang Jianzheng , He Junhui
Published: December 2020

A portable Hg[Formula: see text]nanosensor was developed based on the colorimetric reaction by using the unmodified Ag nanowires (Ag NWs). Ag NWs were synthesized by a solvothermal method, with the length longer than 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and the diameter of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm. The colorimetric assay can be affected by pH, temperature and the amount of Ag NWs, with the optimum parameters being 5, [Formula: see text]C and 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]L, respectively. The developed nanosensor presents excellent selectivity for Hg[Formula: see text]. The dynamic detection range is 25[Formula: see text]5000 ppb, and the limit of detection (LOD) for Hg[Formula: see text] is 19.9[Formula: see text]ppb. The developed Hg[Formula: see text] sensor shows great potentials in environmental monitoring and onsite analysis of Hg[Formula: see text].
On Almost Convergent of Complex Uncertain Sequences
Authors: Saha Sangeeta , Tripathy Binod Chandra , Roy Santanu
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we define almost convergence concepts of complex uncertain sequences: almost sure convergent, almost convergent in measure, almost convergent in mean and almost convergent in distribution and relationship among them are discussed. We also define Cesàro summable for complex uncertain sequence space. In addition, we derive relationships between convergent, Cesàro summable and almost convergent.
Textual Analysis in Finance
Authors: Loughran Tim , McDonald Bill
Published: December 2020

Textual analysis, implemented at scale, has become an important addition to the methodological toolbox of finance. In this review, given the proliferation of papers now using this method, we first provide an updated survey of the literature while focusing on a few broad topics—social media, political bias, and detecting fraud. We do not attempt to survey the various statistical methods and instead initially focus on the construction and use of lexicons in finance. We then center the discussion on readability as an attribute frequently incorporated in contemporaneous research, arguing that its use begs the question of what we are measuring. Finally, we discuss how the literature might build on the intent of measuring readability to measure something more appropriate and more broadly relevant—complexity.
A Critical Review of the Social and Behavioral Contributions to the Overdose Epidemic
Authors: Cerdá Magdalena , Krawczyk Noa , Hamilton Leah , Rudolph Kara E. , Friedman Samuel R. , Keyes Katherine M.
Published: December 2020

More than 750,000 people in the United States died from an overdose between 1999 and 2018; two-thirds of those deaths involved an opioid. In this review, we present trends in opioid overdose rates during this period and discuss how the proliferation of opioid prescribing to treat chronic pain, changes in the heroin and illegally manufactured opioid synthetics markets, and social factors, including deindustrialization and concentrated poverty, contributed to the rise of the overdose epidemic. We also examine how current policies implemented to address the overdose epidemic may have contributed to reducing prescription opioid overdoses but increased overdoses involving illegal opioids. Finally, we identify new directions for research to understand the causes and solutions to this critical public health problem, including research on heterogeneous policy effects across social groups, effective approaches to reduce overdoses of illegal opioids, and the role of social contexts in shaping policy implementation and impact.
Reducing Dendrite Growth in Lithium Metal Batteries by Creeping Poiseuille and Couette Flows
Authors: Parekh Mihir N. , Rahn Christopher D.
Published: December 2020

Dendrites in lithium metal batteries grow due to instabilities during metal electrodeposition. This paper derives analytical models for electrodeposition with creeping Poiseuille and Couette flows parallel to the two electrodes. The models predict that creeping electrolyte flow parallel to the surface of metal electrode increases the stability of lithium plating by reducing the dendrite growth rate. Moreover, parallel flow reduces the curvature of dendrites leading to flatter electrodeposits, so the dendrites are less likely to penetrate the separator or fracture the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI). For the same average flow rate, Poiseuille flow can be upto two times more stabilizing than Couette flow. However, parallel flows must be many orders of magnitude higher than normal flows for similar reduction in instability. It is also not possible to completely stabilize the metal electrode with creeping parallel flows.
Respirometric in Situ Methods for Real-Time Monitoring of Corrosion Rates: Part II. Immersion
Authors: Strebl Michael , Bruns Mark , Schulze Ghina , Virtanen Sannakaisa
Published: December 2020

With the aim to open a new window into corrosion processes this paper presents respirometric methods for real-time in situ monitoring of corrosion rates under immersion conditions. With these techniques, sensitive, non-destructive corrosion rate measurements are possible on basically all metals and alloys. Different methods are presented that enable to monitor HER, ORR or both reactions simultaneously based on the amount of evolved H2 or the amount of consumed O2 by volumetric, manometric and sensor-based approaches. Various research examples are presented, demonstrating the benefits and limitations of the different approaches. For Mg alloys, besides HER, ORR plays a role in the cathodic reactions and a good correlation of the total cathodic charge with mass loss was obtained. H2 dissolution into the electrolyte was identified as an important factor. The results obtained for Zn immersion corrosion in intermittent-flow and flow-through respirometric experiments suggest that the ORR mechanism leads to the generation of stable H2O2 under these conditions. As a result, the effective number of exchanged electrons for one O2 molecule was found to be in between two and four. The here introduced respirometric techniques allow new insights into corrosion mechanisms, in addition to enabling real-time monitoring of corrosion.
Analysis of Arrhenius Kinetics on Multiphase Flow between a Pair of Rotating Circular Plates
Authors: Arain M. B. , Bhatti M. M. , Zeeshan A. , Saeed Tareq , Hobiny Aatef
Published: December 2020

In this study, we aim to deal with the flow behavior betwixt a pair of rotating circular plates filled with Carreau fluid under the suspension of nanoparticles and motile gyrotactic microorganisms in the presence of generalized magnetic Reynolds number. The activation energy is also contemplated with the nanoparticle concentration equation. The appropriate similarity transformations are used to formulate the proposed mathematical modeling in the three dimensions. The outcomes of the torque on both plates, i.e., the fix and the moving plate, are also contemplated. A well-known differential transform method (DTM) with a combination of Padé approximation will be implemented to get solutions to the coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The impact of different nondimensional physical aspects on velocity profile, temperature, concentration, and motile gyrotactic microorganism functions is discussed. The shear-thinning fluid viscosity decreases with shear strain due to its high velocity compared to the Newtonian and shear-thickening case. The impact of Carreau ﬂuid velocity for shear-thinning

n
<
1

, Newtonian case

n
=
0

, and shear-thickening

n
>
1

cases on axial velocity distribution

f

′

λ

has been discussed in tabular form and graphical figures. For the validation of the current methodology, a comparison is made between DTM-Padé and the numerical shooting scheme.
A Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Competition Mechanism and Gaussian Variation
Authors: Yu Hongli , Gao Yuelin , Wang Jincheng
Published: December 2020

In order to solve the shortcomings of particle swarm optimization (PSO) in solving multiobjective optimization problems, an improved multiobjective particle swarm optimization (IMOPSO) algorithm is proposed. In this study, the competitive strategy was introduced into the construction process of Pareto external archives to speed up the search process of nondominated solutions, thereby increasing the speed of the establishment of Pareto external archives. In addition, the descending order of crowding distance method is used to limit the size of external archives and dynamically adjust particle parameters; in order to solve the problem of insufficient population diversity in the later stage of algorithm iteration, time-varying Gaussian mutation strategy is used to mutate the particles in external archives to improve diversity. The simulation experiment results show that the improved algorithm has better convergence and stability than the other compared algorithms.
Calculation of Soil Deformation Caused by Shield Tunneling through the Sludge Layer with Plastic Drainage Plates
Authors: Zhang Fan , Huang Linchong , Liang Yu
Published: December 2020

Due to a lack of engineering experience, research on ground deformation during shield machine tunneling in sludge layers is limited, especially in areas with plastic drainage plates installed for ground stabilization. When the shield passes through this area, the shield cutterhead may be jammed by the drainage plates, resulting in excavation surface instability, excess ground deformation, and schedule delay. In this work, a Mindlin solution for ground deformation in such a layer is obtained, considering four factors: the frontal additional pressure generated by the shield cutterhead due to the soil squeezing effect, the uneven lateral friction between the shield shell and the soil, the frontal friction generated by the shield cutterhead when cutting through the drainage plate, and the shield machine restart after shutdown. The results show that the theoretical curve is in good agreement with the measured values. The maximum settlement was approximately 10 m behind the excavation surface, and the maximum uplift was approximately 5 m in front of the excavation surface. The most influential factor among all the studied factors was the additional pressure on the shield cutter, which accounted for approximately 56% of the maximum settlement and 60% of the maximum uplift. The soil settlement mainly occurred within 12 m on both sides of the tunnel axis. The maximum settlements at the different soil depths tested were all directly below the tunnel axis.
Cultural Beliefs and Infant Mortality in Nigeria
Authors: Bolu-Steve F. N. , Adegoke A. A. , Kim-Ju G. M.
Published: December 2020

Rationale. Nearly half of all deaths prior to the age of five years globally occur in five nations: China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan, with almost a third of these deaths in India and Nigeria (Lawson et al., 2014). Methods. This study investigated the cultural beliefs about infant mortality among working mothers in Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to sample (N = 2400) working mothers on their cultural beliefs in relation to infant mortality. The present study uses an indigenous questionnaire, “Cultural Beliefs of Infant Mortality Questionnaire (CBIMQ).” A series of hierarchical regressions and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were employed to test the hypotheses that cultural beliefs about infant mortality would vary by geography, ethnicity, age, income, education, and marital status. Results. Findings revealed that age, education, and mothers’ monthly income significantly predicted working mothers’ cultural beliefs of infant mortality. Furthermore, results showed differences in marital status, urban vs. rural locality, ethnicity, and religious affiliation on working mothers’ cultural beliefs of infant mortality. Conclusion. We discuss the implications to address health issues and provide recommendations for targeted programs such as seminars and workshops to be organized by counselors on the scientific causes of infant mortality.
Integrated Scheduling Problem on a Single Bounded Batch Machine with an Unavailability Constraint
Authors: Fan Jing
Published: December 2020

We consider a scheduling problem where a set of jobs are first processed on a machine with an unavailability interval and, then, delivered to the customer directly. We focus on an integrated schedule of production and distribution such that the sum of the maximum delivery time and total delivery cost is optimized. We study two classes of processing machines in the production part. In the first class, the serial-batch machine, the processing time of a batch is the sum of the processing times of its jobs. In the second class, the parallel-batch machine, the processing time of a batch is the maximum processing time of the jobs contained in the batch. The machine has a fixed capacity, and the jobs are processed in batches under the condition that the total size of the jobs in a batch cannot exceed the machine capacity. Two patterns of job’s processing, i.e., resumable and non-resumable, are considered if it is interrupted by the unavailability interval on the machine. In the distribution part, there are sufficient vehicles with a fixed capacity to deliver the completed jobs. The total size of the completed jobs in one delivery cannot exceed the vehicle capacity. We show that these four problems are NP-hard in the strong sense in which the jobs have the same processing times and arbitrary sizes, and we propose an approximation algorithm for solving these four problems. Moreover, we show that the performance ratio of the algorithm is 2 for the serial-batch machine setting, and the error bound is 71/99 for the parallel-batch machine setting. We also evaluate the performance of the approximation algorithm by the computational results.
A Case Study of Combined Drainage Consolidation‐Preloading Methods for a Highway Subgrade on Peat Soils
Authors: Gui Yue , Liu Shengjun , Qin Xiaqiang , Wang Jianfei
Published: December 2020

A highway project of up to 100 km/h is currently being constructed between Colombo and Katunayake International Airport across a Sri Lankan muskeg area. At this site, peat deposit was initially 0.8∼15.3 m thick and was underlain by sand, clay, or gneiss. The ground improvement methods adopted in the project were combined drainage consolidation‐preloading methods, pipe pile foundation, and geogrids. This paper provides a detailed insight into the implementation of combined drainage consolidation‐preloading methods used in the project, including sand pile, gravel pile, and plastic drainage plate as the prefabricated vertical drains. Periodical field‐level observations were taken during the ten years, including the construction and postconstruction periods. The results show that peat soils’ consolidation coefficient has been increased several times to tens of times due to ground improvement. After removing the temporary surcharge, the highway embankments did not heave and was followed by long‐term settlements totaling 1.3∼7.4 cm over the following seven years of observations. Analysis of the settlement records shows that combined drainage consolidation‐preloading methods have helped accelerate drainage consolidation and reduce postconstruction settlement.
Measures of Spatial and Demographic Disparities in Access to Urban Green Space in Harbin, China
Authors: Xie Qian , Lu Ming
Published: December 2020

Access to urban green space (UGS) is associated with the enhancement of health and disparities in access generate issues of spatial equity and socioenvironmental justice. The aim of this study is to measure spatial accessibility and investigate access disparities to UGSs in urban areas of Harbin, China. A Gaussian-based two-step floating catchment area method and spatial autocorrelation analysis were used to measure the accessibility and evaluate its distribution patterns in residential tracts. Bivariate correlation was employed to examine the statistical relations between demographic characteristics of residential tracts and green space access. The results show that most residential tracts have minimal green space access within walking distance, while a few have limited access within cycling distance. Additionally, spatial disparities were found with low-accessibility tracts clustering in the center of the city, while high-accessibility tracts were located in northern and southern suburbs. Demographic disparities were also identified in the study: females have less access to UGS than males, areas with a high birth rate generally have more access, and population density is negatively associated with UGS access. The findings not only indicate that Harbin has an uneven distribution and disproportionate provision of UGS for urban residents but also identify which areas and population groups within the city are disadvantaged in access to UGS and thus provide suggestions for future construction and provision of UGS.
Analysis of WOFDM over LTE 1.25 MHz Band
Authors: Sarowa Sandeep , Kumar Naresh , Singh Ram Sewak
Published: December 2020

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is the one of the most preferred multiplexing technique for realizing high-speed wireless communication, like Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Adv. In the era of digital wireless communication, applications of wavelet theory have been favorably applied in many areas of signal processing. Orthogonality, flexible time-frequency analysis, and the ability to characterize signals accurately have attracted the attention of the telecommunication community to use wavelet as a basis function for OFDM. In this paper, discrete wavelet transform (DWT) has been proposed as an alternative signal analysis with multiple merits such as support high-speed applications, immune to distortion, wavelet diversity, better error performance, and efficient bandwidth utilization. A simulative analysis of various wavelets, at different modulation techniques, over OFDM has been presented to demonstrate the improvement in BER performance. Further, in accordance with the LTE parameterization over 1.25 MHz band, the performance of wavelet-based OFDM (WOFDM) is found significantly higher in terms of maximum achievable data rate and system spectral efficiency.
Intravenous Administration of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster-Associated Pain: Two Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Yao , Wang Mi , Xiong Miao-Miao , Zhang Xue-Guang , Fang Ming
Published: December 2020

Background. Herpes zoster (HZ) is an acute inflammatory neurocutaneous disease caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus. It is estimated that the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia following HZ is 10–20%. The leading risk factors of the prognosis are aging and immunity dysfunction. Vitamin C plays a pivoted role in enhancing white blood cell function. Epidemiological evidence and clinical studies have indicated an association between pain and suboptimal vitamin C status. At present, vitamin C has been used as an additional option in the treatment of HZ-associated pain. Despite the current controversy, case reports and randomized controlled studies have indicated that both acute- and postherpetic neuralgia can be dramatically alleviated following intravenous vitamin C infusions. Case Presentation. Two patients (male aged 72 and female 78 years) with HZ did not respond well to antiviral therapy and analgesics. Skin lesions in the right groin and front thigh healed after early antiviral therapy, but the outbreak of pain persisted in the male patient. The female patient presented to our clinic with clusters of rashes in the right forehead with severe edema of her right upper eyelid. Because nerve blockade could not be conducted for both patients, intravenous infusion of vitamin C was applied and resulted in an immediate remission of the breakthrough pain in the male patient and cutaneous lesions in the female patient. Conclusions. The use of vitamin C appears to be an emerging treatment alternative for attenuating HZ and PHN pain. Hence, we recommend the addition of concomitant use of intravenously administered vitamin C into therapeutic strategies in the treatment of HZ-associated pain, especially for therapy-resistant cases. Furthermore, animal studies are required to determine analgesic mechanisms of vitamin C, and more randomized clinical trials are essential to further determine the optimal dose and timing of administration of vitamin C.
An Integrated Consensus Improving Strategy Based on PL-Wasserstein Distance and Its Application in the Evaluation of Network Public Opinion Emergencies
Authors: Zhang Shitao , Ma Zhenzhen , Liu Xiaodi , Wang Zhiying , Jiang Lihui
Published: December 2020

In real life, multiple network public opinion emergencies may break out in a certain place at the same time. So, it is necessary to invite emergency decision experts in multiple fields for timely evaluating the comprehensive crisis of the online public opinion, and then limited emergency resources can be utilized to give priority to respond to the one with the highest crisis. Due to the complexity of network public opinion emergencies and the limited cognition of experts, most of the decision problems for evaluating the network public opinion emergencies are highly uncertain. Also, prior to the selection of the highest crisis, it is preferable that experts reach a high degree of consensus among their assessments or opinions. To address such problems, this paper presents a novel adaptive consensus reaching model for multiattribute group decision making (MAGDM) with probabilistic linguistic decision matrices (PLDMs). First, to quantify the difference between any two probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) accurately and efficiently, we define a novel distance measure between PLTSs based on the Wasserstein metric. Then, by integrating the defined PLTSs-based Wasserstein (PL-Wasserstein) distance measure into the classical CCSD method, we construct an optimization model for objectively determining attribute weights. Subsequently, we develop the individual cumulative consensus contribution (ICCC) measure and the group consensus measure, respectively, following which is to present an integrated consensus improving strategy that considers both weight-updating (i.e., dynamic weights of experts and attributes) and assessment-adjusting. Finally, the feasibility and the applicability of the proposed approach are illustrated via a real evaluation of network public opinion emergencies. Through comparing with existing probabilistic linguistic MAGDM approaches, the proposed approach offers the advantages in terms of the accurate measurement of information difference and the integrated improvement of consensus efficiency.
EZ-ALBI Score for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Kariyama Kazuya , Nouso Kazuhiro , Hiraoka Atsushi , Wakuta Akiko , Oonishi Ayano , Kuzuya Teiji , Toyoda Hidenori , Tada Toshifumi , Tsuji Kunihiko , Itobayashi Ei , Ishikawa Toru , Takaguchi Koichi , Tsutsui Akemi , Shimada Noritomo , Kudo Masatoshi , Kumada Takashi ,   RELPEC Study Group and HCC 48 Group
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The ALBI score is acknowledged as the gold standard for the assessment of liver function in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unlike the Child-Pugh score, the ALBI score uses only objective parameters, albumin (Alb) and total bilirubin (T.Bil), enabling a better evaluation. However, the complex calculation of the ALBI score limits its applicability. Therefore, we developed a simplified ALBI score, based on data from a large-scale HCC database.We used the data of 5,249 naïve HCC cases registered in eight collaborating hospitals. Methods: We developed a new score, the EZ (Easy)-ALBI score, based on regression coefficients of Alb and T.Bil for survival risk in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. We also developed the EZ-ALBI grade and EZ-ALBI-T grade as alternative options for the ALBI grade and ALBI-T grade and evaluated their stratifying ability. Results: The equation used to calculate the EZ-ALBI score was simple {[T.Bil (mg/dL)] – [9 × Alb (g/dL)]}; this value highly correlated with the ALBI score (correlation coefficient, 0.981; p < 0.0001). The correlation was preserved across different Barcelona clinic liver cancer grade scores (regression coefficient, 0.93–0.98) and across different hospitals (regression coefficient, 0.98–0.99), indicating good generalizability. Although a good agreement was observed between ALBI and EZ-ALBI, discrepancies were observed in patients with poor liver function (T.Bil, ≥3 mg/dL; regression coefficient, 0.877). The stratifying ability of EZ-ALBI grade and EZ-ALBI-T grade were good and their Akaike’s information criterion values (35,897 and 34,812, respectively) were comparable with those of ALBI grade and ALBI-T grade (35,914 and 34,816, respectively). Conclusions: The EZ-ALBI score, EZ-ALBI grade, and EZ-ALBI-T grade are useful, simple scores, which might replace the conventional ALBI score in the future.
Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome as a Differential Diagnosis of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Using Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing: A Case Report
Authors: Demir Selma , Gürkan Hakan , Öz Veysel , Yalçıntepe Sinem , Atlı Emine İ. , Atlı Engin
Published: December 2020

Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WDSTS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with a variable clinical phenotype including synophrys, hypertelorism, thick eyebrows, long eyelashes, wide nasal bridge, long philtrum, hypertrichosis, growth retardation, and intellectual disability. Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare disease characterized by synophrys, long eyelashes, limb abnormalities, generalized hirsutism, growth retardation, and intellectual disability. In both WDSTS and CdLS, the malformations are due to transcriptome disturbance caused by defects in the genes encoding the components of chromatin regulation and transcription process. The overlapping features in these two syndromes may complicate the original diagnosis of a patient. Here, we report on a Wiedemann-Steiner patient found to have a de novo pathogenic KMT2A variation who had been clinically suspected as CdLS. We suggest that targeted next-generation sequencing is a feasible tool for the precise diagnosis of patients who have phenotypically and clinically overlapping features of CdLS and WDSTS.
Re-envisioning the Evil Eye: Magic, Optical Theory, and Modern Supernaturalism in Jewish Thought
Authors: Chajes J. H.
Published: December 2020

This essay is a case study in the modern emergence of the “supernatural.” I argue that pre-modern understandings of the evil eye were predominantly naturalistic, based on extramissionist, haptic concepts of vision. The need to believe in the evil eye first arises when sight becomes universally understood as the result of light entering rather than emerging from the eyes. In the Jewish context, rabbis then begin to develop alternative explanations for its existence and efficacy. These novel etiologies were, for the first time, supernatural. Furthermore, an under-appreciated consequence of the emergence of the modern category of the supernatural is here revealed: rather than signifying the opprobrium of rejected knowledge, for certain religious communities, its embrace has come to represent spiritual conviction.
A Behavioral Economics Study of How US Trade Deficits with Asia Result in Hare Crimes in the US
Authors: Mirjkitani John
Published: December 2020

Free trade is a sacred shibboleth to economists, but this paper is a behavioural economic analysis which points out a psychological flaw based on the phenomenon of Frustration-Aggression. Illustrating how US trade deficits with Asia-Japan, Korea and China-cause generalized economic frustration in the US and hence are significant related to all types of hate crimes. This is similar to the history of pre-WWII Germany. However, Japanese companies, by location substantial production facilities to the US, have been able to significantly reverse this phenomenon. China’s trade defict, largest vis-à-vis the US, shows a strong relationship with hate crimes in the US. In contrast, Korea was an ally of the US unlike Japan and China, with a relatively small trade deficit with the US, and so does not suffer from the stigma of other Asian Countries.
The Factors Affecting Overall Performance in Japanese Firms: An Analysis among Environment, Strategy, Structure and Performance
Authors: Jun In Woo
Published: December 2020

This Study examined factors affecting overall performance in Japanese trading conglomerates by analysing the relationships among business environment, competitive strategy. organizational structure, and performance.

As in the previous literature. this research also found that a form’s performance is not determined by a single factor, bur can be achieved through a combination of all elements such as strategy and organizational structure. However, contrary to our general understanding, one notable finding is that the environmental variables are not deemed as main obstacles for Japanese trading firms that hinder their overall performance. Although in the past, environmental uncertainty and complexity were regarded as a barrier char had to be overcome, they seem to be considered an essential prerequisite for Japanese trading conglomerates to attain their goals at present.

This study also investigated the competitive strategy which Japanese trading firms are pursuing at this moment. Against Porter’s original approach, they can in some cases adopt more than one strategy at a rime from the generic strategies. This implies that Japanese trading firms may not create and sustain competitive advantage with a single specific strategy in today’s highly competitive business environment. For this reason, they mix two or more competitive strategies at once in order to respond against a highly competitive business environment.
A Global Leadership Model and Its Empirical Applicability
Authors: Cho Kisuk , Sohn Minam , Hong Jisook
Published: December 2020

This study attempts to present a global leadership model, which incorporates effective global leadership competencies and makes empirical assessments possible. This global leadership model captures the dynamic interaction of five dimensions of leadership competencies based on common denominators effective: global leadership extracted from former research. The study also explores empirical applicability of the model in Korean companies and the results confirm some assumptions of the model by illustrating that there exists tension between task-orientation and relationship-orientation in the organizations.
Corynoneura Winnertz (Diptera, Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae) from Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: FU YUE , WANG XIN-HUA , FANG XIANG-LIANG , XIAO YUN-LI , FU JUN , LIN XIAO-LONG
Published: December 2020

The genus Corynoneura Winnertz, 1846 from Zhejiang Province in Oriental China is reviewed. Corynoneura aggeris Fu, sp. n., Corynoneura lateralis Fu, sp. n., Corynoneura petitspectabilis Fu, sp. n., Corynoneura prolata Fu, sp. n., and Corynoneura recta Fu, sp. n. are described and illustrated based on adult males. Corynoneura lobata Edwards, 1924 and Corynoneura tokarapequea Sasa et Suzuki, 1995 are redescribed and illustrated based on newly collected material. A key to known adult males of Corynoneura from Zhejiang Province is given.
Introduction of a new generic synonymy and three newly recorded species of Nolinae (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) from India
Authors: JOSHI RAHUL , SINGH NAVNEET , KUNI NIKHIL
Published: December 2020

A monotypic genus Purenola Qi, László, Ronkay, Bae & Han, 2013 is proposed here as a synonym of the genus Membranola Pellinen (2012). In addition, Leucobaeta hemiphea (Hampson, 1905), Nola infralba Inoue, 1976 and Nola atrocinta Inoue, 1998 are reported for the first time from India. With 13 colour illustrations of adults and genitalia images.
Pseudanthias vizagensis, a junior synonym of Pseudanthias pillai Heemstra & Akhilesh, 2012 (Perciformes: Serranidae)
Authors: AKHILESH K.V. , KISHORE T.G. , MUKTHA M. , LISHER M.W. , AMBARISH GOP P. , ANULEKSHMI C.
Published: December 2020

Pseudanthias vizagensis Krishna, Rao and Venu, 2017 was described from 44 specimens, collected from Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), on the Bay of Bengal coast of India, but without clear designation of a holotype. The characters used for differentiating the species from its nearest congener Pseudanthias pillai Heemstra & Akhilesh, 2012, a species currently known only from the northern Indian Ocean, were limited, poor and substantially overlapping. Examination of additional material of P. pillai from the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and comparison with the original description and images of P. vizagensis revealed that the latter is a junior synonym of P. pillai. Diagnostic characters are reviewed, additional morphological details and fresh colouration, including sexual dimorphic characters not covered in previous works are provided.
Assessing the Quality of Regional Climate Information
Authors: Pacchetti Marina Baldissera , Dessai Suraje , Bradley Seamus , Stainforth David A.
Published: December 2020

There are now a plethora of data, models, and approaches available to produce regional and local climate information intended to inform adaptation to a changing climate. There is, however, no framework to assess the quality of these data, models, and approaches that takes into account the issues that arise when this information is produced. An evaluation of the quality of regional climate information is a fundamental requirement for its appropriate application in societal decision-making. Here, an analytical framework is constructed for the quality assessment of science-based statements and estimates about future climate. This framework targets statements that project local and regional climate at decadal and longer time scales. After identifying the main issues with evaluating and presenting regional climate information, it is argued that it is helpful to consider the quality of statements about future climate in terms of 1) the type of evidence and 2) the relationship between the evidence and the statement. This distinction not only provides a more targeted framework for quality, but also shows how certain evidential standards can change as a function of the statement under consideration. The key dimensions to assess regional climate information quality are diversity, completeness, theory, adequacy for purpose, and transparency. This framework is exemplified using two research papers that provide regional climate information and the implications of the framework are explored.
Enhanced Large-Scale Validation of Satellite-Based Land Rainfall Products
Authors: Chen F. , Crow W. T. , Ciabatta L. , Filippucci P. , Panegrossi G. , Marra A. C. , Puca S. , Massari C.
Published: December 2020

Satellite-based precipitation estimates (SPEs) are generally validated using ground-based rain gauge or radar observations. However, in poorly instrumented regions, uncertainty in these references can lead to biased assessments of SPE accuracy. As a result, at regional or continental scales, an objective basis to evaluate SPEs is currently lacking. Here, we evaluate the potential for large-scale, spatially continuous evaluation of SPEs over land via the application of collocation-based techniques [i.e., triple collocation (TC) and quadruple collocation (QC) analyses]. Our collocation approach leverages the Soil Moisture to Rain (SM2RAIN) rainfall product, derived from the time series analysis of satellite-based soil moisture retrievals, in combination with independent rainfall datasets acquired from ground observations and climate reanalysis to validate four years of the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) Satellite Application Facility on Support to Operational Hydrology and Water Management (H-SAF) H23 daily rainfall product. Large-scale maps of the H23 correlation metric are generated using both TC and QC analyses. Results demonstrate that the SM2RAIN product is a uniquely valuable independent product for collocation analyses, because other available large-scale rainfall datasets are often based on overlapping data sources and algorithms. In particular, the availability of SM2RAIN facilitates the large-scale evaluation of SPE products like H23—even in areas that lack adequate ground-based observations to apply traditional validation approaches.