bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Evolutionary Algorithm for Solving the Real-Resource-Constrained Scheduling Problem
Authors: Dang Quoc Huu , Nguyen The Loc , Nguyen Doan Cuong , Xiong Naixue
Published: October 2020

This paper defines and introduces the formulation of the Real-RCPSP (Real-Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem), a new variant of the MS-RCPSP (Multiskill Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem). Real-RCPSP is an optimization problem that has been attracting widespread interest from the research community in recent years. Real-RCPSP has become a critical issue in many fields such as resource allocation to perform tasks in Edge Computing or arranging robots at industrial production lines at factories and IoT systems. Compared to the MS-RCPSP, the Real-RCPSP is supplemented with assumptions about the execution time of the task, so it is more realistic. The previous algorithms for solving the MS-RCPSP have only been verified on simulation data, so their results are not completely convincing. In addition, those algorithms are designed only to solve the MS-RCPSP, so they are not completely suitable for solving the new Real-RCPSP. Inspired by the Cuckoo Search approach, this literature proposes an evolutionary algorithm that uses the function Reallocate for fast convergence to the global extremum. In order to verify the proposed algorithm, the experiments were conducted on two datasets: (i) the iMOPSE simulation dataset that previous studies had used and (ii) the actual TNG dataset collected from the textile company TNG. Experimental results on the iMOPSE simulation dataset show that the proposed algorithm achieves better solution quality than the existing algorithms, while the experimental results on the TNG dataset have proved that the proposed algorithm decreases the execution time of current production lines at the TNG company.
An Integrative Gene Expression and Mathematical Flux Balance Analysis Identifies Targetable Redox Vulnerabilities in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Paudel B. Bishal , Lewis Joshua E. , Hardeman Keisha N. , Hayford Corey E. , Robbins Charles J. , Stauffer Philip E. , Codreanu Simona G. , Sherrod Stacy D. , McLean John A. , Kemp Melissa L. , Quaranta Vito
Published: October 2020

Melanomas harboring BRAF mutations can be treated with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi), but responses are varied and tumor recurrence is inevitable. Here we used an integrative approach of experimentation and mathematical flux balance analyses in BRAF-mutated melanoma cells to discover that elevated antioxidant capacity is linked to BRAFi sensitivity in melanoma cells. High levels of antioxidant metabolites in cells with reduced BRAFi sensitivity confirmed this conclusion. By extending our analyses to other melanoma subtypes in The Cancer Genome Atlas, we predict that elevated redox capacity is a general feature of melanomas, not previously observed. We propose that redox vulnerabilities could be exploited for therapeutic benefits and identify unsuspected combination targets to enhance the effects of BRAFi in any melanoma, regardless of mutational status.

Significance:

An integrative bioinformatics, flux balance analysis, and experimental approach identify targetable redox vulnerabilities and show the potential for modulation of cancer antioxidant defense to augment the benefits of existing therapies in melanoma.
The Latest on Uveal Melanoma Research and Clinical Trials: Updates from the Cure Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) Science Meeting (2019)
Authors: Chua Vivian , Mattei Jane , Han Anna , Johnston Lauren , LiPira Kyleigh , Selig Sara M. , Carvajal Richard D. , Aplin Andrew E. , Patel Sapna P.
Published: October 2020

Uveal melanoma is a rare cancer in adults, but its treatment is one of the clinical unmet needs in the melanoma field. Metastatic disease develops in approximately 50% of patients and is associated with poor survival due to the lack of effective treatment options. It provides a paradigm for cancers that show evidence of aberrant G protein–coupled receptor signaling, tumor dormancy, and liver-selective metastatic tropism and are associated with the loss of the BAP1 tumor suppressor. At the Melanoma Research Foundation CURE OM Science Meeting at the Society for Melanoma Research Meeting held in Utah on November 20, 2019, clinicians and researchers presented findings from their studies according to three themes within uveal melanoma: (i) ongoing clinical trials, (ii) molecular determinants, and (iii) novel targets that could be translated into clinical trials. This meeting underscored the high interest in the uveal melanoma research field and the unmet need for effective treatment strategies for late-stage disease. Findings from ongoing clinical trials are promising, and multiple studies show how novel combinatorial strategies increase response rates. Novel targets and tumor vulnerabilities identified bioinformatically or through high-throughput screens also reveal new opportunities to target uveal melanoma. The future directions pursued by the uveal melanoma research field will likely have an impact on other cancer types that harbor similar genetic alterations and/or show similar biological properties.
Clinical Results of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in a Hemodialysis Patient with Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Aomura Daiki , Tachibana Naoki , Komatsu Michiharu , Kobayashi Masakazu
Published: October 2020

A male hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier in his 40s under hemodialysis treatment exhibited chronic hepatitis (alanine aminotransferase: 41 IU/L, HBV-DNA: >9.1 log copies/mL). Following discontinuation of the initial treatment with pegylated interferon-α-2a at 24 weeks due to adverse effects, the administration of tenofovirdisoproxil fumarate (TDF) (300 mg/week) led to a rapid improvement in hepatitis markers: HBV DNA became undetectable at month 34, and seroconversion of hepatitis B envelope antigen was confirmed at 45 months. No side effects were recorded during TDF treatment. TDF is a newly approved nucleoside analogue that may cause severe side effects via proximal tubular injury in patients with renal dysfunction. However, few reports have described its use in hemodialysis patients, whose anuric state may render them less susceptible to side effects including kidney injury. Hepatitis improved remarkably without any adverse drug reactions in the present case. TDF may therefore be considered for chronic hepatitis B patients receiving hemodialysis.
Ascending Colon Schwannoma Surgically Treated after Accurate Preoperative Diagnosis
Authors: Kojima Yohei , Yamaguchi Takashi , Taguchi Satoshi , Kondo Eri , Yokoyama Masaaki , Shirayama Saito , Nikaido Takashi , Yanagida Osamu
Published: October 2020

Colorectal schwannomas are rare and usually benign gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors. However, these tumors are often overtreated, possibly owing to misleading malignant potential. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of ascending colon schwannoma preoperatively diagnosed as benign schwannoma. Herein, we report a case of ascending colon schwannoma accurately diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy and successfully treated by wedge resection. The patient was a 76-year-old woman with complaints of bloody stool. She had no relevant past medical history. Radiological findings revealed a protruded mass in the ascending colon, and colonoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor measuring approximately 3 cm in diameter with a reddish and uneven surface. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis for vimentin and S100 protein of the specimen obtained by endoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Thus, we performed laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection of the ascending colon wall, as appropriate for a benign soft tissue tumor. The postoperative course has been uneventful for 2 years. This case demonstrates that colonic schwannoma can be successfully treated with adequate resection if an accurate preoperative diagnosis is made, thereby avoiding overtreatment, such as surgery for colorectal tumor including lymph node dissection. Preoperatively diagnosed schwannomas should be treated by wedge resection, with postoperative pathological findings confirming the presence or absence of malignancy. Additional resection should be considered for very rare cases of coexisting malignant tissue.
Persistent Interferon Production by Double Negative T Cells and Collapsing Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Lohani Sadichhya , Sadasivam Mohanraj , Rabb Hamid , Atta Mohamed G.
Published: October 2020

Collapsing glomerulopathy has multiple associations, including viral infections, medications like bisphosphonates and interferon, autoimmune diseases, and genetic predisposition. We report a case of collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with persistently high levels of interferon gamma produced by T-cell receptor αβ (+), CD4− CD8− (double negative) T lymphocytes that progressed despite treatment and improvement of other cytokine levels. Double negative T cells are elevated and activated in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Production of elevated interferon gamma levels from double negative T cells in ALPS despite treatment provides insight to the pathophysiology of collapsing glomerulopathy, guiding future research for collapsing glomerulopathy.
Macrophage Biology in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Khoury Mitri K. , Yang Huan , Liu Bo
Published: October 2020

Macrophages have a key functional role in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms. Their accumulation within the vessel wall leads to sustained local inflammatory responses characterized by secretion of chemokines, cytokines, and matrix protein degrading enzymes. Here, we summarize some recent findings on macrophage contribution to cardiovascular disease. We focus on the origin, survival/death, and phenotypic switching of macrophages within vessel walls.
High Admission Glucose Is Associated With Poor Outcome After Endovascular Treatment for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Rinkel Leon A. , Nguyen T. Truc My , Guglielmi Valeria , Groot Adrien E. , Posthuma Laura , Roos Yvo B.W.E.M. , Majoie Charles B.L.M. , Lycklama à Nijeholt Geert J. , Emmer Bart J. , van der Worp H. Bart , Wermer Marieke J.H. , Kruyt Nyika D. , Coutinho Jonathan M. ,   on behalf of the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) Registry Investigators
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose:

High-serum glucose on admission is a predictor of poor outcome after stroke. We assessed the association between glucose concentrations and clinical outcomes in patients who underwent endovascular treatment.

Methods:

From the MR CLEAN Registry, we selected consecutive adult patients with a large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation who underwent endovascular treatment and for whom admission glucose levels were available. We assessed the association between admission glucose and the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and successful reperfusion rates. Hyperglycemia was defined as admission glucose ≥7.8 mmol/L. We evaluated the association between glucose and modified Rankin Scale using multivariable ordinal logistic regression and assessed whether successful reperfusion (extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b-3) modified this association.

Results:

Of 3637 patients in the MR CLEAN Registry, 2908 were included. Median admission glucose concentration was 6.8 mmol/L (interquartile range, 5.9–8.1) and 882 patients (30%) had hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia on admission was associated with a shift toward worse functional outcome (median modified Rankin Scale score 4 versus 3; adjusted common odds ratio, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.44–1.99]), increased mortality (40% versus 23%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.60–2.38]), and an increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (9% versus 5%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.41–2.66]) compared with nonhyperglycemic patients. The association between admission glucose levels and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3–6) was
J
-shaped. Hyperglycemia was not associated with the rate of successful reperfusion nor did successful reperfusion modify the association between glucose and functional outcome.

Conclusions:

Increased admission glucose is associated with poor functional outcome and an increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular treatment.
Converging Evidence That Neural Plasticity Underlies Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation
Authors: Zhao Chong , Woodman Geoffrey F.
Published: October 2020

It is not definitely known how direct-current stimulation causes its long-lasting effects. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the long time course of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) is because of the electrical field increasing the plasticity of the brain tissue. If this is the case, then we should see tDCS effects when humans need to encode information into long-term memory, but not at other times. We tested this hypothesis by delivering tDCS to the ventral visual stream of human participants during different tasks (i.e., recognition memory vs. visual search) and at different times during a memory task. We found that tDCS improved memory encoding, and the neural correlates thereof, but not retrieval. We also found that tDCS did not change the efficiency of information processing during visual search for a certain target object, a task that does not require the formation of new connections in the brain but instead relies on attention and object recognition mechanisms. Thus, our findings support the hypothesis that direct-current stimulation modulates brain activity by changing the underlying plasticity of the tissue.
Data Weighted Training Strategies for Grammatical Error Correction
Authors: Lichtarge Jared , Alberti Chris , Kumar Shankar
Published: October 2020

Recent progress in the task of Grammatical Error Correction (GEC) has been driven by addressing data sparsity, both through new methods for generating large and noisy pretraining data and through the publication of small and higher-quality finetuning data in the BEA-2019 shared task. Building upon recent work in Neural Machine Translation (NMT), we make use of both kinds of data by deriving example-level scores on our large pretraining data based on a smaller, higher-quality dataset. In this work, we perform an empirical study to discover how to best incorporate delta-log-perplexity, a type of example scoring, into a training schedule for GEC. In doing so, we perform experiments that shed light on the function and applicability of delta-log-perplexity. Models trained on scored data achieve state- of-the-art results on common GEC test sets.
Ways of Seeing Nonhuman Animals: Some Likened Zebras to Horses, Others to Asses
Authors: Heywood Peter
Published: October 2020

When Europeans first encountered zebras in South Africa, they variously referred to them as horses, asses, or mules. This type of classification continued into the nineteenth century when mountain zebras were sometimes described as “asinine” and plains zebras as “equine.” Quaggas, a subspecies of the plains zebra with reduced striping and brown coloration that were occasionally used as draft animals, were considered by some observers to be the most equine zebras. This perception seems to have influenced the image of quaggas and led some artists to incorrectly portray them with horse-like tails that they did not possess. This article examines the designations “equine” and “asinine” as applied to plains zebras (including quaggas) and mountain zebras, and connects these terms to their representation by various artists.
Molecular characterization of the ACSS2 gene involved in adaptation to hypoxia in high-altitude cattle breeds
Authors: Zhao Han , Gao Yaping , Jiang Qiang , Wang Jinpeng , Liu Wenhao , Ju Zhihua , Wang Xiuge , Wei Xiaochao , Gao Yundong , Huang Jinming
Published: October 2020

Under extreme environmental conditions such as hypoxia, insufficient nutrition, and glucose deficiency, the acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2)-mediated acetyl-CoA synthesis pathway plays an alternative role to ensure the normal operation of metabolic activities. To investigate the potential effect of the ACSS2 gene on hypoxic adaptation and its regulatory mechanism of gene expression in high-altitude cattle breeds, we analyzed the genetic variations of the ACSS2 gene in five Bos taurus taurus, Bos taurus indicus, hybrid Bos taurus taurus × Bos taurus indicus Chinese cattle breeds, and two Bos grunniens (yak) breeds distributed at different altitudes (95-3850 m). A total of 58 SNPs was detected in seven populations, and abundant genetic variation was found in high-altitude breeds. We identified the bovine ACSS2 core promoter region between g.-682 and g.-264 by using the luciferase assay in FFB and HepG2 cells. We also identified that the high-altitude hypoxia-specific haplotype (CAGTCT) was composed of six highly linked SNPs. The tagSNP g.-473 T>C (rs23) is located in the core promoter of ACSS2 in the Bos taurus taurus and yak breeds. The recombinant plasmid containing rs23 and analyses of luciferase activity of different genotypes showed that the activity of ACSS2 promoter increased significantly when T was mutated to C. We also found a yak-specific SNP rs20 that consists of 12 base insertions (g.-562 ins GAAAGGACCCTA) in the promoter of yak breeds. Luciferase activity analysis showed that the insertion mutant significantly decreased the promoter activity of ACSS2. Hence, ACSS2 may play an important role in the adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia by generating adaptive alleles to influence gene transcription in cattle. These results signify that different genetic variants and haplotypes affect the activity of the core promoter to regulate ACSS2 gene expression and subsequently overcome and adapt to a high-altitude environment within different cattle breeds. Our findings may have important implications for understanding the mechanism of adaptation to high altitude and for application of molecular breeding in Bos species.
Taxonomy of Anotylus nitidifrons group (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) and five new species from China
Authors: WANG LIN-FEI , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: October 2020

The Anotylus nitidifrons group (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) is studied and five new species are described from China: Anotylus sculptifrons Wang & Zhou, sp. nov. (Hubei, Yunnan), A. corrugifrons Wang & Zhou, sp. nov. (Guangxi), A. applanatifrons Wang & Zhou, sp. nov. (Zhejiang), A. declivisculptilis Wang & Zhou, sp. nov. (Guangxi), A. scabrifrons Wang & Zhou, sp. nov. (Sichuan). The taxonomic history of Anotylus nitidifrons group is briefly reviewed and another Chinese species is redescribed. Color plates and line-drawing are provided for all new species and other two species known from China. A key to the Chinese species of Anotylus nitidifrons group is included in the paper.
A new species of Nidirana from the N. pleuraden group (Anura, Ranidae) from western Yunnan, China
Authors: LYU ZHI-TONG , CHEN YANG , YANG JIAN-HUAN , ZENG ZHAO-CHI , WANG JIAN , ZHAO JIAN , WAN HAN , PANG HONG , WANG YING-YONG
Published: October 2020

The Music Frog genus Nidirana was recently resurrected as a distinct genus and contains 14 species distributed in subtropical eastern and southeastern Asia. The species diversity of Nidirana is dramatically underestimated, and half of its species was described in the last five years. In this study, Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov., a new species of Music Frog from western Yunnan, China, is proposed based on morphological and molecular evidences. The new species was previously misidentified as N. pleuraden, but can be distinguished from the true N. pleuraden from eastern Yunnan, and all other congeners, by a combination of morphological characteristics, and significant divergence in the mitochondrial genes (≥ 5.1% in 16S and ≥ 8.9% in CO1). Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. is assigned to the N. pleuraden group on the basis of morphological characters, but its phylogenetic placement remains unresolved due to weak branch support. Geographically, these two species are isolated by the Red River in Yunnan, supporting the hypothesis that the Red River is an important geographical barrier that drives speciation in flora and fauna. Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. represents the second species of N. pleuraden group and the 15th species of the genus.
A correction to a recent review of the genus Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820
(Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Angola, with the description of two additional species
Authors: CERÍACO LUIS M. P. , AGARWAL ISHAN , MARQUES MARIANA P. , BAUER AARON M.
Published: October 2020

A correction to the recent revision of the genus Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 from Angola is presented. The previous revision assigned some historical specimens to H. bayonii and H. nzingae, with one specimen even being considered a paratype of the latter taxon. A review of the morphological data of all of the specimens used in the previous study found that two other undescribed taxa, morphologically similar to H. bayonii and H. nzingae, respectively, were overlooked. We here present a re-description of these specimens and provide the diagnostic characters that allow their recognition as two new species, both endemic to Angola. In order to provide an accurate picture of the diversity of Hemidactylus in the country and to correct our previous misidentifications that could lead to some taxonomic instability, we herein describe H. hannasabinae sp. nov. and H. vernayi sp. nov.
Turbulence and Mixing in the Arctic Ocean’s Amundsen Gulf
Authors: Scheifele Benjamin , Waterman Stephanie , Carpenter Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2020

This study uses CTD and microstructure measurements of shear and temperature from 348 glider profiles to characterize turbulence and turbulent mixing in the southeastern Beaufort Sea, where turbulence observations are presently scarce. We find that turbulence is typically weak: the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate ε has a median value (with 95% confidence intervals in parentheses) of 2.3 [2.2, 2.4] × 10−11 W kg−1 and is less than 1.0 × 10−10 W kg−1 in 68% of observations. Variability in ε spans five orders of magnitude, with indications that turbulence is bottom enhanced and modulated in time by the semidiurnal tide. Stratification is strong and frequently damps turbulence, inhibiting diapycnal mixing. Buoyancy Reynolds number estimates suggest that turbulent diapycnal mixing is unlikely in 93% of observations; however, a small number of strongly turbulent mixing events are disproportionately important in determining net buoyancy fluxes. The arithmetic mean diapycnal diffusivity of density is 4.5 [2.3, 14] × 10−6 m2 s−1, three orders of magnitude larger than that expected from molecular diffusion. Vertical heat fluxes are modest at O(0.1) W m−2, of the same order of magnitude as those in the Canada Basin double-diffusive staircase, however, staircases are generally not observed. Despite significant heat present in the Pacific Water layer in the form of a warm-core mesoscale eddy and smaller, O(1) km, temperature anomalies, turbulent mixing was found to be too low to release this heat to shallower depths.
Fear without Prejudice in the Shadow of Jihadist Threat
Authors: Giani Marco
Published: October 2020

Because the prejudice of the ingroup builds into fear of the outgroup, jihadist terrorism is expected to strengthen the politicized link between security and immigration. I use a causal inference in a clustered cross-country analysis to test the simultaneous short-run causal impact of the jihadist threat on security fear and ethnic prejudice of the public in Israel, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, France, and Germany. In line with common wisdom, jihadist attacks significantly increase security fear. Against it, jihadist attacks non-significantly decrease ethnic prejudice. This empirical pattern holds in across different types of immigration attitudes, ethnic groups, intervals of time and terrorist events, and is robust to placebo treatments, placebo policy preferences, fake and failed terror attacks. These findings challenge extant consensus, and suggest that jihadist attacks, particularly at the local level, induce risk-aversion rather than desire for retaliation.
Does Disruptive Event Affect Supply Base Size: Evidence from an Emerging Economy
Authors: Pant Pushpesh , Vishal Hari , Sarmah S. P.
Published: October 2020

This article examines the effect of disruptive event, namely recession, on supply base management (measured by supply base size) by using a large and longitudinal dataset on Indian manufacturing firms. It is found that the buyer firms have increased their supply base size at the annual rate of 8.23 suppliers per year per manufacturer during the pre-recession (2004–2007) period. The strategy of having a larger supply base is viable, specifically, in an emerging economy (e.g., India) as the probability of disruptions is high due to the inadequacy of basic inputs such as physical infrastructure, logistics services, technology, etc. Therefore, manufacturers tend to have a number of suppliers for the same product group to reduce supplier dependence. Further, we find that buying firms preferred to have a larger supply base even after a recession (2010–2013). However, they have increased their supply base size at the annual rate of just 0.2 (compared to 8.3 during the pre-recession period) suppliers per year per manufacturer during the post-recession. This study highlights the importance of a disruptive event (proxied by recession), by examining its association with supply base size in the emerging economy perspective.

JEL Codes: C1, C5, C8
Political Forgiveness
Authors: Lai Pan-chiu
Published: October 2020

The recent protest in Hong Kong since summer 2019 makes political forgiveness an urgent public issue facing the Christian churches. Through a contextual and multidisciplinary dialogue with Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971), this study argues for a realistic understanding that political forgiveness is possible as well as desirable, which should be based on a dialectical view of human nature, rather than a naïve and optimistic view of human compassion. This realistic understanding of political forgiveness is grounded on Niebuhr’s thought and relevance to the Hong Kong context.
Two success stories in the management of Guillain–Barré syndrome illustrate the challenges of intensive care unit care in Malawi
Authors: Onofrey Lauren , Naus Claire , Thakur Kiran T , Kadyaudzu Clement , Prin Meghan
Published: October 2020

The management of critical illness is especially challenging in low-resource environments, and early recognition and supportive care are essential, regardless of the ability to employ advanced or invasive therapy. In this report, we discuss two patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome who were managed successfully in the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Malawi. Both patients recovered and were discharged home. The management and outcomes of these patients provide case-based lessons for improving intensive care unit medicine in low-resource contexts.
COVID-19 and the importance of space in entrepreneurship research and policy
Authors: Korsgaard Steffen , Hunt Richard A , Townsend David M , Ingstrup Mads Bruun
Published: October 2020

Given the COVID-19 crisis, the importance of space in the global economic system has emerged as critical in a hitherto unprecedented way. Even as large-scale, globally operating digital platform enterprises find new ways to thrive in the midst of a crisis, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nestled in local economies have proven to be fragile to shocks, causing countless local economies to unravel in the face of severe challenges to survival. Here, we discuss the role of entrepreneurship in re-building local economies that are more resilient. Specifically, we take a spatial perspective and highlight how the COVID-19 crisis has uncovered problems in the current tendency for thin contextualisation and promotion of globalisation. Based on this critique, we outline new perspectives for thinking about the relationship between entrepreneurship, resilience and local economies. Here, a particular emphasis is given to resilience building through deeply contextualised policies and research, localised flows of products and labour, and the diversification of local economies.
A Sustainability Interrogation of the Autonomous Vehicle at Its Society-Technology Interface
Authors: Martin George
Published: October 2020

This analysis of the emergent automated vehicle technology focuses on the friction at its interface with society, clouding its future. The sequential focus of development → deployment is reconfigured as reciprocal: society ↔ technology. A best path forward is presented that incorporates environmental and social sustainability factors as they relate to climate change and public health. The path’s signpost is automated electric vehicles deployed in public and private fleets. This course has promise to recover automobility from the damaging, unsustainable legacy of personal internal combustion vehicles—highlighted by their toxic and carbon emissions, and road casualties.
Characterization of Immature Myofibroblasts of Stellate Cell or Mesenchymal Cell Origin in D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Rahman Nahid , Kuramochi Mizuki , Izawa Takeshi , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Yamate Jyoji
Published: October 2020

Lesions of D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced hepatotoxicity resemble those of human acute viral hepatitis. This study investigated hepatic mesenchymal cells including hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and myofibroblasts in D-GalN-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats, injected with D-GalN (800 mg/kg body weight, once, intraperitoneally) were examined on post single injection (PSI) at 8 hours and days 1 to 5. Lesions consisting of hepatocyte necrosis and reparative fibrosis were present diffusely or focally within the hepatic lobules on PSI days 1 and 2, and then the injury recovered on PSI days 3 and 5. Myofibroblasts expressing vimentin, desmin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were present in the lesions. Double immunofluorescence showed that myofibroblasts reacted simultaneously to vimentin/α-SMA, desmin/α-SMA, and desmin/vimentin; furthermore, myofibroblasts reacting to vimentin, desmin, and α-SMA also co-expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of HSCs. Additionally, GFAP-expressing myofibroblasts reacted to nestin and A3 (both are markers of immature mesenchymal cells). Cells reacting to Thy-1, a marker for immature mesenchymal cells, also appeared in fibrotic lesions. In agreement with the myofibroblastic appearance, mRNAs of fibrosis-related factors (TGF-β1, PDGF-β, TNF-α, Timp2, and Mmp2) increased mainly on PSI days 1 and 2. Myofibroblasts with expression of various cytoskeletal proteins were present in diffuse or focal hepatic lesions, and they might be derived partly from immature HSCs and from immature mesenchymal cells.
The Impact of Nighttime on First Pass Success During the Emergent Endotracheal Intubation of Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Fein Daniel G. , Zhao Dawn , Swartz Kyle , Nauka Peter , Andrea Luke , Aboodi Michael , Shiloh Ariel L. , Eisen Lewis A.
Published: October 2020

Background:

While numerous investigations have described worse outcomes for patients undergoing emergent procedures at night, few studies have investigated the impact of nighttime on the outcomes of emergent endotracheal intubation (EEI). We hypothesized that for patients requiring EEI at night, the outcome of first pass success would be lower as compared to during the day.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted to our institution between January 1st, 2016 and July 17st, 2019 who underwent EEI outside of an emergency department or operating room. Nighttime was defined as between 7:00 pm and 6:59 am. The primary outcome was the rate of first pass success. Logistic regression was utilized with adjustment for demographic, morbidity and procedure related covariables.

Results:

The final examined cohort included 1,674 EEI during the day and 1,229 EEI at night. The unadjusted rate of first pass success was not different between the day and night (77.5% vs. 74.6%, unadjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72, 1.0; P = 0.073 though following adjustment for prespecified covariables the odds of first pass success was lower at night (adjusted OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.99; P = 0.042. Obesity was found to be an effect modifier on first pass success rate for day vs. night intubations. In obese patients, nighttime intubations had significantly lower odds of first pass success (adjusted OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.98; P = 0.037).

Discussion:

After adjustment for patient and procedure related factors, we have found that the odds of first pass success is lower at night as compared to the day. This finding was, to some degree, driven by obesity which was found to be a significant effect modifier in this relationship.
“Is It the Message or the Messenger?”: Conspiracy Endorsement and Media Sources
Authors: Mancosu Moreno , Vegetti Federico
Published: October 2020

Public opinion literature on conspiracy theories mainly focuses on individual and contextual factors predicting people’s beliefs in conspiratorial news. However, little research to date has considered the role of the source of the news, and its interaction with the news content, in explaining people’s receptivity to those narratives. By employing a survey experiment on a sample of U.S. citizens, we test whether the conspiratorial/debunking content of a news and the type of media outlet publishing it (mainstream/independent) affect people’s perceptions of the news plausibility. Respondents are asked to evaluate the plausibility of a news headline supporting or debunking a well-known conspiracy theory (chemtrails), attributed to a mainstream media outlet or an independent blog. Results show that (1) conspiracy believers are more likely to believe in the conspiratorial account than in the debunking account and (2) the effect is stronger when the news comes from an independent source rather than a mainstream one.
Fabrication and experimental investigation of arc erosion behavior in W/Cu functionally graded composites
Authors: Mahdavinejad Ramezan Ali , Khajeafzali Mohammad
Published: October 2020

In this study, a functionally graded composite (FGC) technique is proposed to produce an electrical contact material made of W/Cu alloy. The prepared composite was sintered and subjected to high-voltage vacuum arc erosion. The composite properties and microstructure are carefully studied based on SEM images before and after exposure to vacuum arc discharge. According to the necking phenomenon observed in the electron micrographs and the quantitative analysis of the particle size, it is evident that the intermediate layer of W/Cu FGC has been in the final stage of the sintering process. The present porosity of FGC samples was less than mono-layered composite (MLC) samples, and the minimum porosity was observed in the three-layered FGC that composed of W70/Cu30 in the first layer. The average hardness of FGC samples was 4% higher than that of MLC samples with an identical composition. The results of the erosion behavior assessment were used to determine the possible arc erosion mechanism. The weight loss was diminished upon erosion when the W/Cu alloys had more than one layer, especially in four-layered FGC. The result also revealed that FGC samples, especially the four-layered composite, had improved heat transfer and prevented heat concentration on the contact surfaces due to higher content of Cu particles in the successive layers and consequently reduced the surface damage.
Impact of aerosol enclosure barrier to videolaryngoscopic oro-tracheal intubation: A pilot manikin study
Authors: Hui Chun Fai , Li Alex , Wong Chi Keung Gordon
Published: October 2020

Background:

Personal protective equipment used for protection of healthcare workers in the combat against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 pandemic is in limited supply worldwide at present – 2020. Use of barrier enclosure during endotracheal intubation can potentially act as a cost-effective adjunct to minimize risks of transmitting the infection to healthcare workers. However, there is concern that the enclosure itself will act as a barrier to the intubation procedure in the emergency settings.

Objective:

To evaluate the negative effect of barrier enclosure (an aerosol box) on the performance of video-assisted intubation in a manikin

Methods:

A total of 41 Emergency Department doctors from a local hospital were recruited to perform intubation in a manikin simulating normal and more difficult airways (Cormack-Lehane grades I and IIb) with and without the box. The primary outcome was time of successful intubation. The secondary outcomes were first-attempt success rate, number of successful attempts, need of adjuncts, dental injury and ease of intubation as perceived by the participants.

Results:

The aerosol box had no significant negative effect on the time of successful intubation (p = 0.630 (Grade I airway) and p = 0.436 (Grade IIb airway)), first-attempt success rate, number of successful attempts, need of adjuncts or dental injury. Participants subjectively reported extra yet minor challenges during intubation in the presence of the box.

Conclusion:

Within limits of the pilot study, the aerosol box had no statistical significant difference but an increasing trend of prolonged endotracheal intubation interval in the Grade IIb airway and negative impact on first-pass success, and could potentially be used to protect healthcare workers during the aerosol-generating intubation procedure.
Nasal Duplication: A Review of Literature and Case Report
Authors: Shen Chen , Shetye Pradip R. , Flores Roberto L.
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Nasal duplication is a rare congenital deformity with many subtypes including supernumerary nostril. The challenge of surgical correction is to achieve nasal symmetry and restore nasal airflow. However, there is no defined protocol for treatment, especially with regard to presurgical therapy.

Methods:

We performed a review of literature of studies reporting on patients with supernumerary nostril to complete this review. We then report on a patient with supernumerary nostril who was treated with nostril expansion therapy prior to surgical intervention.

Results:

We identified 59 cases of nostril duplication. Because of the rarity of the condition, treatment protocols varied greatly. For our patient, preoperative nasal appliance therapy was implemented for 3 months prior to surgical intervention. Patient was followed-up regularly for 1 year.

Discussion:

Although literature on nasal duplication is scarce, there is a general agreement that early intervention has psychological, anatomic, and functional benefits to the patient. In our case report, nostril expansion therapy was easy to implement and facilitated surgical reconstruction, resulting in aesthetic outcome and expanded airway 1 year postoperatively.
Presurgical Alignment of Bilateral Cleft Segments With 3D Simulation Under Special Consideration of the Vomer: A Technical Note
Authors: Schmidt Gül , Heiland Max , Matuschek Carsten
Published: October 2020

Background:

The main goal of presurgical orthopedics (PSO) for patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate is to correct the protruded and/or twisted premaxilla. However, PSO is associated with the risk of uncontrolled development of the vomer, which has received little attention to date.

Solution:

We present a removable orthodontic device that can be used to keep or align the vomer and the premaxilla in the midline during preoperative molding of cleft segments independently and 3 dimensionally.
Impact of Edoxaban on Thrombin-Dependent Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Sokol Juraj , Nehaj Frantisek , Ivankova Jela , Mokan Michal , Lisa Lenka , Zolkova Jana , Vadelova Lubica , Mokan Marian , Stasko Jan
Published: October 2020

Edoxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor (FXa), is the fourth direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) approved for clinical use. As the main adverse event is bleeding, it is relevant whether edoxaban has additional effects on platelet function. We aimed to assess in vitro aggregation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving edoxaban. We evaluated 20 AF patients treated with edoxaban. We assessed light transmittance platelet aggregation (LTA) with 100 nmol/L γ-thrombin. The LTA was performed at 2 time-points. The thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower 2 hours after edoxaban was taken compared to baseline measurement (27.25% ± 30.8% vs. 60.35% ± 33.3%). In addition, we also performed 16 subanalyses in order to identify the differences in the outcome of different comorbidities, age, dosage, liver and kidney function tests, and concomitant treatment. Results of the subgroup analyses were consistent with the findings of the main analysis; there was no apparent heterogeneity across the prespecified subgroups. The thrombin-induced platelet aggregation is reduced in non-valvular AF patients receiving edoxaban.
‘Stretched thin with little children’ – smoking perceptions and experiences of families seeking help with parenting
Authors: Brown Nicola , Luckett Tim , Davidson Patricia M , DiGiacomo Michelle
Published: October 2020

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of poor pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy is a trigger for smoking cessation yet, up to 50% of parents will relapse in the early years of their child’s life. This study explored the smoking-related perceptions and experiences of 11 parents seeking professional help with the care and parenting of babies and toddlers using semi-structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis identified three themes: parenting as a change catalyst, smoking as a parenting challenge and smoking as a coping strategy. Becoming a parent is a catalyst to reduce the associated risks and stigma associated with smoking, but maintaining rules and boundaries can be perceived as a further burden for parents who are struggling to care for their infant. When faced with difficulties with parenting, parents may revert to smoking as a coping strategy. Based on these study findings, interventions targeting gender norms may be useful in addressing smoking cessation.
Loneliness and housing tenure: Older private renters and social housing tenants in Australia
Authors: Morris Alan , Verdasco Andrea
Published: October 2020

Loneliness is recognised as one the most pressing issues of the contemporary period and, if left untreated, can have serious health implications. We argue that a key determinant of loneliness for older people (65 plus) in Australia dependent on the government Age Pension for their income is their housing tenure. Drawing on semi-structured in-depth interviews, we show that older Australians who are private renters are far more likely than their counterparts in social housing to experience loneliness. The high cost of their accommodation results in private renters having no resources for socialising and the possibility that they can be asked to vacate at any time evokes much anxiety. These features make retaining social ties extremely difficult and many experience loneliness. In contrast, the manageable rent of older social housing tenants and guaranteed security of tenure creates a foundation for social engagement and maintaining strong friendships.
A Narrative Review of Regional Hyperthermia: Updates From 2010 to 2019
Authors: Fiorentini Giammaria , Sarti Donatella , Gadaleta Cosmo Damiano , Ballerini Marco , Fiorentini Caterina , Garfagno Tommaso , Ranieri Girolamo , Guadagni Stefano
Published: October 2020

The role of hyperthermia (HT) in cancer therapy and palliative care has been discussed for years in the literature. There are plenty of articles that show good feasibility of HT and its efficacy in terms of tumor response and survival improvements. Nevertheless, HT has never gained enough interest among oncologists to become a standard therapy in clinical practice. The main advantage of HT is the enhancement of chemotherapy (CHT), radiotherapy (RT), chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and immunotherapy benefits. This effect has been confirmed in several types of tumors: esophageal, gastrointestinal, pancreas, breast, cervix, head and neck, and bladder cancers, and soft tissue sarcoma. HT effects include oxygenation and perfusion changes, DNA repair inhibition and immune system activation as a consequence of new antigen exposure. The literature shows a wide variety of randomized, nonrandomized, and observational studies and both prospective and retrospective data to confirm the advantage of HT association to CHT and RT. There are still many ongoing trials on this subject. This article summarizes the available literature on HT in order to update the current knowledge on HT use in association with RT and/or CHT from 2010 up to 2019.
Society, Her or Me? An Explanatory Model of Intimate Femicide Among Male Perpetrators in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Di Marco Martín Hernán , Evans Dabney P.
Published: October 2020

Intimate femicide perpetrators are rarely studied despite their important role as drivers of violence. This paper analyzes the explanatory narratives of men who intentionally killed their female intimate partners in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Twenty-four interviews were conducted with 12 participants. Data were analyzed using Atlas.Ti and an inductive thematic coding strategy. Two dimensions—frequency of physical violence in the relationship and locus of explanation—were used to identify four narrative archetypes: victim, redemption, extraordinary, and outburst. Greater attention should be paid to perpetrator life trajectories and narratives including the gender and violence discourses that shape explanations for perpetration.
Closed tracheal suctioning systems in the era of COVID-19: is it time to consider them as a gold standard?
Authors: Imbriaco Guglielmo , Monesi Alessandro
Published: October 2020

Tracheal suctioning is one of the most common activities performed in intensive care units (ICU) and is recognised as a high-risk procedure by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Aerosol-generating procedures on critical patients with COVID-19 present an increased risk of contamination for medical workers. In the time of the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic, with a massive number of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU, the open tracheal suction technique (OTST) represents a serious threat for medical workers, even if they are wearing full personal protective equipment. Closed tracheal suction systems (CTSS) allow the removal of tracheobronchial secretions without disconnecting ventilatory circuits, preventing alveolar derecruitment, gas exchange deterioration and hypoxia. CTSS reduce the risk of pathogens entering the respiratory circuit and appear to be a cost-effective solution. CTSS should be considered mandatory for patients in the ICU with an artificial airway, in order to reduce bioaerosol exposure risk for medical workers and contamination of the surrounding environment.