bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Strategies for Dry Mouth Management with Emphasis on Electrostimulation as a Treatment Option
Authors: Tulek Amela , Mulic Aida , Hogset Martine , Utheim Tor Paaske , Sehic Amer
Published: October 2021

Objectives. Xerostomia is a subjective sensation of dry mouth. It is commonly associated with salivary gland hypofunction. Both changes in the composition of the saliva and a reduction in the quantity secreted may be an objective finding of dry mouth. Although there are no currently available cures for the conditions resulting in dry mouth, there are several treatment options that give hope for patients who suffer from xerostomia. Individuals with some residual salivary gland function, which are contraindicated to pharmacological therapies, would benefit the most from identifying novel, alternative effective methods for stimulating production of saliva. The aim of this study was to give an overview of the latest and most relevant data related to treatment modalities for the management of dry mouth conditions. Data Resources and Study Selection. The present review was prepared by searching the National Library of Medicine database using the relevant medical terms and their combinations. A total of thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted by one author and verified by another. Conclusion. A number of patients showed positive treatment outcomes, and the adverse effects of both electrical stimulation (ES) and acupuncture have been reported as mild and transient. In patients who have undergone radiotherapy, acupuncture is shown to increase salivation. However, in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome, the effects of ES devices seem to be elusive. Moreover, due to the instability of the findings in relation to longevity of clinical effect, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and clinical effectiveness of such treatments, the results remain vague.
Queue Size Distribution on a New ND Policy Geo/G/1 Queue and Its Computation Designs
Authors: Wang Rongxiu
Published: October 2021

This paper examines a new ND policy in the discrete-time Geo/G/1 queue. Under this ND policy, the idle server restarts its service when the N and D policies are simultaneously satisfied. By two classifications of the customers, the probability-generating function and the probabilistic analysis, the steady-state queue size distributions at a departure time and an arbitrary time

t

+

are studied. Finally, the theoretical results are applied to the power-saving problem of a wireless sensor network. To improve model universality and numerical slowness, some computation designs are carried out. Under the N, D, and two ND policies, the numerical experiments are presented to obtain the optimal policy thresholds and the corresponding minimum power consumptions are compared.
A Novel Hybrid Model for Predicting Traffic Flow via Improved Ensemble Learning Combined with Deep Belief Networks
Authors: Rui Yikang , Lu Wenqi , Yi Ziwei , Wu Renfei , Ran Bin
Published: October 2021

The intelligent transportation system (ITS) plays an irreplaceable role in alleviating urban traffic congestion and realizing sustainable urban development. Accurate and efficient short-term traffic state forecasting is a significant issue in ITS. This study proposes a novel hybrid model (ELM-IBF) to predict the traffic state on urban expressways by taking advantage of both deep learning models and ensemble learning framework. First, a developed bagging framework is introduced to combine several deep belief networks (DBNs) that are utilized to capture the complicated temporal characteristic of traffic flow. Then, a novel combination method named improved Bayesian fusion (IBF) is proposed to replace the averaging method in the bagging framework since it can better fuse the prediction results of the component DBNs by assigning the reasonable weights to DBNs at each prediction time interval. Finally, the proposed hybrid model is validated with ground-truth traffic flow data captured by the remote traffic microwave sensors installed on the multiple road sections of 2nd Ring Road in Beijing. The experimental results illustrate that the ELM-IBF method can effectively capture sharp fluctuations in the traffic flow. Compared with several benchmark models (e.g., artificial neural network, long short-term memory neural network, and DBN), the ELM-IBF model reveals better performance in forecasting single-step-ahead traffic volume and speed. Additionally, it is proved that the ELM-IBF model is capable of providing stable and high-quality results in multistep-ahead traffic flow prediction.
Discovery of a Novel Variant of SEMA3A in a Chinese Patient with Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Dai Wenting , Li Jia-Da , Wang Xinying , Zeng Wang , Jiang Fang , Zheng Ruizhi
Published: October 2021

Semaphorin (SEMA) has an important role in nerve development, organ formation, immune response, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. SEMA can regulate the growth and branching of axons, the morphology of dendrites, and the migration of neurons. The loss-of-function in SEMA and its receptors PLXNs and NRP affect the migration of GnRH neurons, leading to idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). As a member of the SEMA family, SEMA3A has an important role in axonal rejection, dendritic branching, synaptic formation, and neuronal migration. There are more and more SEMA3A variants identified in IHH patients. In this study, we identified a novel SEMA3A variant (c.1369A > G (p.T457A)) in a male nIHH patient. Functional studies indicated that the T457A SEMA3A variant led to the defect of FAK phosphorylation and GN11 cell migration, which strongly argued in favor of its pathogenic effect in the nIHH patient. Our findings substantiated that the 435–457 position of SEMA3A might be very important for the secretion of SEMA3A. Haploin-sufficiency of SEMA3A in humans was sufficient to cause the IHH phenotype. SEMA3A variants might have a role in modifying the IHH phenotype, according to the variants at different positions of SEMA3A. SEMAs and its receptors formed a complex network, and other members of the SEMA-signaling pathway might also be involved in the pathogenesis of IHH.
Effects of Level 3 Automated Vehicle Drivers’ Fatigue on Their Take-Over Behaviour: A Literature Review
Authors: Guo Hanying , Zhang Yuhao , Cai Shanshan , Chen Xin
Published: October 2021

With advancements in automated driving technology, Level 3 vehicle automation has been proliferating. In Level 3, drivers can turn their attention to things unrelated to driving and only takeover in cases of emergency. However, the transition to the main driving task can be affected by different physical and psychological changes in drivers such as fatigue and distraction. Although existing research in the field of manual driving has demonstrated the effects of fatigue on driver performance, there have been relatively few studies on fatigue in the field of automated driving. Fatigue decreases drivers’ alertness, which can prevent drivers from conducting necessary emergency takeover manoeuvres in a safe and timely manner. This systematic literature review was conducted to establish relationships between driving fatigue and takeover behaviour in the existing literature on Level 3 automated driving systems. Different from existing reviews of driving fatigue, this paper focuses on the commonly used and most effective evaluation indicators of driving fatigue and further discusses the methods to improve the takeover efficiency of fatigued drivers. This is the first detailed systematic review of general relationships between fatigue in automated driving and drivers’ takeover behaviours when the vehicle sends a takeover request. Researchers are invited to expand on the findings here to further clarify the findings on the associations between driver fatigue indicators in automated vehicle driving and drivers’ takeover response times.
Deep Learning-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features in Diagnosis of Perianal Abscess and Fistula Formation
Authors: Yang Jun , Han Song , Xu Jihua
Published: October 2021

There was an investigation of the diagnostic and prognostic effect of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on multimodal feature fusion algorithm for impotence of perianal abscess. In this study, the second to fifth convolution blocks of the visual geometric group network were applied to extract the depth features in the way of transfer learning, and a multimode feature fusion algorithm was constructed. The whole network was trained by maximizing the energy proportion of the feature layers, which was compared with the fully convolutional neural network (FCN) algorithm. Then, this algorithm was adopted to the imaging diagnosis of 50 patients with anorectal diseases admitted to our hospital, and it was found that the similarity coefficient (85.37%), accuracy (80.02%), and recall rate (79.38%) of the improved deep learning algorithm were higher markedly than those of the FCN algorithm (70.18%, 67.82%, and 66.92%) (

P
<
0.05

). As the number of convolutional layers increased, the segmentation accuracy of the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm was also improved. The detection rate of the observation group (84%) rose hugely compared with the control group (64%), and the difference was statistically obvious (

P
<
0.05

). Besides, the detection accuracy of abscess location (84%), impotent tract location (80%), and internal orifice location (92%) in patients from the observation group was higher substantially than the accuracy of abscess location (60%), impotent tract location (68%), and internal orifice location (72%) from the control group (

P
<
0.05

). In conclusion, the performance of the multimodal feature fusion algorithm was better, and the MRI image feature analysis based on this algorithm had a higher diagnostic accuracy, which had a positive effect on improving the detection rate, detection accuracy, and disease classification.
Association of PD-1/PD-L1 Co-location with Immunotherapy Outcomes in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gavrielatou Niki , Liu Yuting , Vathiotis Ioannis , Zugazagoitia Jon , Aung Thazin Nwe , Shafi Saba , Fernandez Aileen , Schalper Kurt , Psyrri Amanda , Rimm David L.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) interaction suppresses local T-cell responses and promotes peripheral tolerance. In the current study, we focus on PD-1/PD-L1 co-location as a surrogate for this interaction and assess its association with immunotherapy outcomes in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design:

Pretreatment biopsies from a retrospective cohort of 154 immunotherapy-treated patients with advanced NSCLC were analyzed. Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 was assessed by multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) and PD-1 expression in the same pixels as PD-L1 (called a co-location score) was measured using an algorithm to define overlapping expression areas. Co-location scores were correlated with immunotherapy outcomes and PD-L1 tumor proportion score.

Results:

PD-1/PD-L1 co-location score was associated with best overall response (P = 0.0012), progression-free survival (P = 0.0341), and overall survival after immunotherapy (P = 0.0249). The association was driven by patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors in the second or subsequent line of treatment. PD-L1 tumor proportion score by IHC was also correlated with best overall response and progression-free survival. PD-L1 measured within the tumor compartment by QIF did not show any significant association with either best overall response or overall survival. Finally, co-location score was not associated with PD-L1 expression by either method.

Conclusions:

On the basis of our findings, co-location score shows promise as a biomarker associated with outcome after immunotherapy. With further validation, it could have value as a predictive biomarker for the selection of patients with NSCLC receiving treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Successful Treatment of Imatinib-Induced DRESS Syndrome Using Reslizumab without Cessation of Imatinib: A Case Report
Authors: Park Hyerin , Choi Gil-Soon , Lee Eun Mi
Published: October 2021

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe cutaneous adverse drug reaction; reported cases are sometimes imatinib mesylate induced. The main treatment is the withdrawal of the causative drug, and most cases with imatinib-induced DRESS syndrome required withdrawal of imatinib. However, in such cases involving anticancer drugs, this may compromise cancer treatment. Herein, we report a patient with imatinib-induced DRESS syndrome that was successfully treated with reslizumab while continuing imatinib treatment. A 65-year-old female presented with facial edema and generalized skin rash after being given 400 mg imatinib 2 weeks ago for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor. After stopping imatinib, the clinical symptoms improved. Imatinib desensitization was performed, and it was administered again. However, the clinical symptoms reappeared more severely 2 months after restart of imatinib, and the peripheral absolute eosinophil count increased to 1,690/μL. A diagnosis of imatinib-induced DRESS syndrome was made, based on the Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (RegiSCAR) criteria. Imatinib desensitization was repeated, but the clinical symptoms reappeared, and the peripheral eosinophilia persisted. We administered reslizumab, an interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, without cessation of imatinib. The absolute eosinophil count decreased immediately, and the clinical symptoms improved gradually. After 2 weeks, the clinical symptoms reappeared mildly, but after administering reslizumab again, these disappeared completely. Reslizumab can be considered in the management of DRESS syndrome in cases wherein the causative medication needs to be continued.
Association SOD2 and PON1 Gene Polymorphisms with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Saudi Women
Authors: Alkhuriji Afrah F. , AlOmar Suliman Y. , Babay Zainb A. , El-khadragy Manal F. , Alsharidah Amani R. , Hanan Alharbi , Alnafjan Alaa A. , Mansour Lamjed
Published: October 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a considered one of the most common female disorders associated with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological problems. The etiology of PCOS is still not yet disclosed; however, evidence for a genetic basis has been reported. In this study, we investigate the associations between superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) (rs4880) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) (rs705379) polymorphisms in PCOS in Saudi women. The study included 99 females with PCOS and 98 healthy women as a control. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of promoter regions were determined using TaqMan genotyping assays. Regarding the polymorphism at SOD2 (rs4880), the CC, CT, and TT genotypes were present at rates of 32, 61, and 7% in PCOS patients, and 47, 43, and 10% in controls, respectively. The frequency of the CT genotype in PCOS patients (0.61) was significantly higher than in controls (0.43) (OR = 2.05, CI: 1.16–3.61; p = 0.015). The wild homozygous genotype (CC) with the phenotype alanine appears to confer protection against the disease compared to molecules sharing at least one valine (genotypes, CT + TT). Regarding the polymorphism at PON1 (rs705379), the rates of CC, CT, and TT genotypes were 34, 50, and 16% in PCOS patients and 33, 63, and 2% in controls, respectively. The rate of the TT genotype in PCOS patients was significantly higher than that in controls (p = 0.0058). SOD2 and PON1 polymorphisms may be genetic factors that affect the occurrence of PCOS in Saudi females.
Epineural Methylene Blue Injection May Aid Localization of Digital Nerves in Dupuytren’s Surgery
Authors: Szabó Tamás , Kormos Viktória , Rékási Zoltán , Gaszner Balázs
Published: October 2021

Background: In Dupuytren’s surgery, limited fasciectomy is still the gold-standard treatment. A relatively high risk of iatrogenic nerve injury has been observed especially when the spiral cords of the Dupuytren’s tissue pull digital nerves away from their normal anatomical location. Intraoperative neural marking could facilitate locating the potentially displaced nerves. Hence, surgery could be undertaken more quickly with a lower risk of iatrogenic nerve injury. Objectives: We hypothesize that digital nerves may be stained with methylene blue (MB) in vivo providing a visual aid to distinguish them from Dupuytren’s tissue. We aim to (a) test an in vivo nerve staining technique using MB in a rat sciatic nerve model and to (b) assess the safety of epineural MB injection. Methods: Three experiments were performed: first, the effects of (a) sham surgery, (b) epineural needle insertion, and (c) 40 μL epineural saline injection were tested in the rat sciatic nerve. Second, we determined the (a) histoanatomical localization of the epineurally injected 40 µL 1 m/m% MB stock solution and (b) we tested which saline dilution (i.e., 1:40, 1:80, and 1:160) of the stock solution does provide optimal blue color upon 40 µL epineural injection. Third, the functional and morphological effect of 40 µL 1:80 diluted MB injection was compared with that of saline, injected into the contralateral sciatic nerve. The functional effects were tested by assessing the pain threshold by using a dynamic plantar esthesiometer (DPA) and by examination of the animal’s gate and paw posture. Sciatic nerves were subjected to histological examination and morphometry to test structural damage. Results: Neither epineural needle insertion nor saline injection caused any functional or morphological changes. Histological examination revealed that the MB stained the epineural compartment. Epineural injection of 40 μL 1:80 diluted MB into the sciatic nerve stained an 18.18-mm segment of the nerve distal to the puncture point. DPA revealed unchanged pain threshold values on the plantar surface of the limbs. Normal gait and foot posture suggested normal motor functions in all groups. No histological changes were seen in the stained nerves, and the nerve fiber density remained unchanged. Conclusion: We demonstrated that in vivo nerve staining with MB is a suitable method to mark nerves without causing detectable negative effect to the stained nerve. Human trials are required to prove the efficacy of the technique in Dupuytren’s disease.
Association of Hyper-Polypharmacy With Clinical Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Minamisawa Masatoshi , Claggett Brian , Suzuki Kota , Hegde Sheila M. , Shah Amil M. , Desai Akshay S. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Sweitzer Nancy K. , Fang James C. , Anand Inder S. , O’Meara Eileen , Rouleau Jean-Lucien , Pitt Bertram , Pfeffer Marc A. , Solomon Scott D. , Vardeny Orly
Published: October 2021

Background:

Polypharmacy is associated with a poor prognosis in the elderly, however, information on the association of polypharmacy with cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is sparse. This study sought to investigate the relationship between polypharmacy and adverse cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods:

Baseline total number of medications was determined in 1758 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction enrolled in the Americas regions of the TOPCAT trial (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist), by 3 categories: nonpolypharmacy (<5 medications), polypharmacy (5–9), and hyper-polypharmacy (≥10). We examined the relationship of polypharmacy status with the primary outcome (cardiovascular death, HF hospitalization, or aborted cardiac arrest), hospitalizations for any reason, and serious adverse events.

Results:

The proportion of patients taking 5 or more medications was 92.5% (inclusive of polypharmacy [38.7%] and hyper-polypharmacy [53.8%]). Over a 2.9-year median follow-up, compared with patients with polypharmacy, hyper-polypharmacy was associated with an increased risk for the primary outcome, hospitalization for any reason and any serious adverse events in the univariable analysis, but not significantly associated with mortality. After multivariable adjustment for demographic and comorbidities, hyper-polypharmacy remained significantly associated with an increased risk for hospitalization for any reason (hazard ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.05–1.41];
P
=0.009) and any serious adverse events (hazard ratio, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.07–1.42];
P
=0.005), whereas the primary outcome was no longer statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Hyper-polypharmacy was common and associated with an elevated risk of hospitalization for any reason and any serious adverse events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. There were no significant associations between polypharmacy status and mortality.
SOS—The Space Option Star: Addressing the Energy Dilemma
Authors: Woods Arthur R. , Bernasconi Marco C.
Published: October 2021

Humanity is facing an imminent energy dilemma in that limited proven reserves of fossil fuels could be exhausted at mid-century, and no current alternative terrestrial energy options can be sufficiently scaled to achieve the goal of divesting from fossil fuels by 2050, as called for by many governments and international organizations to address the climate emergency. Energy from space is the only near-term, technically feasible and scalable alternative currently available to humanity, but it is seldom mentioned as a potential solution. The Space Option Star (SOS) is proposed as an orbital artwork to alert the world population to the imminent energy dilemma and to the space energy option, as well as being an in situ demonstration of space-to-space wireless power transmission.
Citizen Surgery: A Framework for Uncanny Operations
Authors: Koski Kaisu
Published: October 2021

This paper introduces an idea for emerging practices of “citizen surgery” in which individuals without surgical training engage with techniques, instruments and language of professional surgery. These activities may take place as participatory events as well as gallery or online performances, typically involving food or craft-based simulators and revolving around skills acquisition and dissection of surgical culture.
Begonia lanuzaensis (sect. Petermannia, Begoniaceae) a new species from Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines
Authors: BLASCO FREDDIE A. , RUBITE ROSARIO R. , CORTES JUNELITO C. , ALEJANDRO GRECEBIO JONATHAN D.
Published: October 2021

Begonia lanuzaensis from Mt. Nabuywang, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, is described as a new species endemic to the Philippines. B. lanuzaensis is allied to B. mindanaensis and B. agusanensis in having oblanceolate leaves with short petioles and four-tepalled staminate flowers but is distinct in having glabrous stems and petioles; bigger, triangular and glabrous stipules and larger leaves.
Citrus × pubinervia, a new natural hybrid species from central China
Authors: WU YU , LIU QUN , XIANG ZU-HENG , ZHANG DAI-GUI
Published: October 2021

Citrus × pubinervia D. G. Zhang & Z. H. Xiang, Y. Wu, a new hybrid species is described and illustrated from central China. This new species is closely related to C. × polytrifolia in evergreen treelets and petiole with narrow wings but mainly differs from the latter by glabrous petals and glabrous fruits. The molecular phylogenetic analysis which based on four cpDNA (matK, rbcL-atpB, trnL-trnF, psbA-trnH) verifies the results of morphological analysis.
Rohdea wangiana (Asparagaceae), a new species from southwestern Sichuan, China
Authors: FENG HUI ZHE , LU ZHI QIANG , HAN QINGXIANG , SHEN HENGLUN
Published: October 2021

Rohdea wangiana is described as a new species from SW Sichuan, China. It is somewhat similar to R. pachynema in based on spikes without a marked terminal tuft of sterile bracts and deltoid filaments, but differs based on a combination of the following characters: leaf blades marginally serrulate; peduncle ebracteate; one bract per flower; perianth externally angulate, perianth segments distally denticulate or three-lobed, small lobe present between adjacent filaments, filaments inserted to base of perianth segments; stigma obviously lower than stamens; lack of slender stolons.
Lattice Deformation-Induced Enhancement in Thermoelectric Properties ofp-Type Bismuth Telluride-Based Alloys
Authors: Park Min Soo , Ha Gook-Hyun , Park Yong Ho , Koo Hye Young
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTThe properties of a thermoelectric device depend on the thermoelectric material. Bi-Te-based thermoelectric materials consist ofp-type andn-type semiconductors are characterized by an excellent dimensionless figure of merit (ZT). In this study, we investigated the effect of the Bi/Sb compositional ratio on the thermoelectric properties inp-type Bi–Sb–Te alloys. Bi–Sb–Te powders were prepared by melting-grinding process. The sintered bodies were fabricated by the spark plasma sintering method, which allows short time sintering for controlling the growth of particles. By controlling the Bi/Sb ratio, the carrier concentration could be optimized. An increase in the Bi concentration led to a decrease in the carrier concentration and thermal conductivity, whereas the See-beck coefficient and specific resistance were increased due to phonon scattering. The thermoelectricZTvalue was found to be dependent on changes in the thermal and electrical properties. The best carrier concentration value (2.46 x 1019/cm2) and the highestZTvalue (1.3) were achieved forx= 0.4 in BixSb2−xTe3.
Disrupted daily routines mediate the socioeconomic gradient of depression amid public health crises: A repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Lai Francisco Tsz Tsun , Chan Vivien Kin Yi , Li Tsz Wai , Li Xue , Hobfoll Stevan E , Lee Tatia Mei-Chun , Hou Wai Kai
Published: October 2021

Objective:

There is a socioeconomic gradient to depression risks, with more pronounced inequality amid macroenvironmental potential traumatic events. Between mid-2019 and mid-2020, the Hong Kong population experienced drastic societal changes, including the escalating civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the change of the socioeconomic gradient in depression and the potential intermediary role of daily routine disruptions.

Method:

We conducted repeated territory-wide telephone surveys in July 2019 and July 2020 with 1112 and 2034 population-representative Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong citizens above 15 years old, respectively. Stratified by year, we examined the association between socioeconomic indicators (education attainment, household income, employment status and marital status) and probable depression (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] ⩾ 10) using logistic regression. Differences in the socioeconomic gradient between 2019 and 2020 were tested. Finally, we performed a path analysis to test for the mediating role of daily routine disruptions.

Results:

Logistic regression showed that higher education attainment in 2019 and being married in 2020 were protective against probable depression. Interaction analysis showed that the inverse association of higher education attainment with probable depression attenuated in 2020 but that of being married increased. Path analysis showed that the mediated effects through daily routine disruptions accounted for 95.9% of the socioeconomic gradient of probable depression in 2020, compared with 13.1% in 2019.

Conclusion:

From July 2019 to July 2020, the mediating role of daily routine disruptions in the socioeconomic gradient of depression in Hong Kong increased. It is thus implied that infection control measures should consider the relevant potential mental health impacts accordingly.
“This changes things”: Children, targeting, and the making of precision
Authors: Beier J Marshall
Published: October 2021

Avoidance of civilian casualties increasingly affects the political calculus of legitimacy in armed conflict. “Collateral damage” is a problem that can be managed through the material production of precision, but it is also the case that precision is a problem managed through the cultural production of collateral damage. Bearing decisively on popular perceptions of ethical conduct in recourse to political violence, childhood is an important site of meaning-making in this process. In pop culture, news dispatches, and social media, children, as quintessential innocents, figure prominently where the dire human consequences of imprecision are depicted. Children thus affect the practical “precision” of even the most advanced weapons, perhaps precluding a strike for their presence, potentially coloring it with their corpses. But who count as children, how, when, where, and why are not at all settled questions. Drawing insights from what the 2015 film, Eye in the Sky, reveals about a key social technology of governance we have already internalized, I explore how childhood is itself a terrain of engagement in the (un)making of precision.
The Epidemiology and Geographic Patterns of Natural Disaster and Extreme Weather Mortality by Race and Ethnicity, United States, 1999-2018
Authors: Sharpe J. Danielle , Wolkin Amy F.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The adverse effects that racial and ethnic minority groups experience before, during, and after disaster events are of public health concern. The objective of this study was to examine disparities in the epidemiologic and geographic patterns of natural disaster and extreme weather mortality by race and ethnicity.

Methods

We used mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2018. We defined natural disaster and extreme weather mortality based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes X30-X39. We calculated age-adjusted mortality rates by race, ethnicity, and hazard type, and we calculated age-adjusted mortality rate ratios by race, ethnicity, and state. We used geographic mapping to examine age-adjusted mortality rate ratios by race, ethnicity, and state.

Results

Natural disasters and extreme weather caused 27 335 deaths in the United States during 1999-2018. Although non-Hispanic White people represented 68% of total natural disaster and extreme weather mortality, the mortality rate per 100 000 population among non-Hispanic Black people was 1.87 times higher (0.71) and among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people was 7.34 times higher (2.79) than among non-Hispanic White people (0.38). For all racial and ethnic groups, exposure to extreme heat and cold were the 2 greatest causes of natural disaster and extreme weather mortality. Racial and ethnic disparities in natural disaster and extreme weather mortality were highest in the South, Southwest, Mountain West, and Upper Midwest.

Conclusions

Racial and ethnic minority populations have a greater likelihood of mortality from natural disaster or extreme weather events than non-Hispanic White people. Our study strengthens the current knowledge base on these disparities and may inform and improve disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Preparation and characterization of an electromagnetic composite polypyrrole/polyethylene short filament geotextile
Authors: Yang Yanfeng , Liu Yuanjun , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: October 2021

In this paper, firstly, polypyrrole was prepared by in situ polymerization using pyrrole as the monomer, hexahydrate ferric chloride as the oxidizer and dopant, and polyethylene geotextile as the substrate to prepare a polypyrrole/polyethylene short filament geotextile composite; secondly, the electromagnetic microwave absorption property and shielding property of the polypyrrole/polyethylene short filament geotextile composite were investigated; finally, the chemical structure of the polypyrrole/polyethylene short filament geotextile composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman test methods. The results show that the reflection loss value is up to the minimum value of –17.53 dB in the frequency range of 0–3 GHz and the best absorbing performance is obtained at the frequency of 1.12 GHz. In the frequency range of 0.95–1.25 GHz, the reflection loss value is less than –10 dB, and the electromagnetic wave is effectively absorbed. The shielding effectiveness value is up to the maximum value of 16.07 dB at the frequency of 1.19 GHz, that is, the shielding ability becomes strongest at the frequency of 1.19 GHz; otherwise, the shielding effectiveness is higher than 14 dB in the frequency range of 0.17–3.0 GHz. The FTIR, Raman, XRD, and DSC tests result show that polypyrrole has been successfully loaded on the polyethylene geotextile, improving the crystallinity and thermal stability property of the composite.
Law Enforcement Perceptions of Cannabis Legalization Effects on Policing: Challenges of Major Policy Change Implementation at the Street Level
Authors: Stanton Duane L. , Makin David , Stohr Mary , Lovrich Nicholas P. , Willits Dale , Hemmens Craig , Meize Mikala , Bowers Oliver , Snyder John
Published: October 2021

This paper presents qualitative findings associated with the experiences of those tasked with enforcing laws within a novel environment of cannabis legalization. Research partner agencies and participants included local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies in Washington and bordering areas of Idaho. Semi-structured interviews explored the pre- and post-legalization experiences of 92 police professionals (ranging from first-line officers to agency leadership). Findings suggest that law enforcement authorities in Washington felt insufficiently prepared for cannabis legalization, are now concerned about greater exposure of youth to cannabis as a result of legalization, and broadly believe that cannabis-related impaired driving has increased markedly and poses a major public safety problem for them. These issues, alongside pressing needs in the areas of agency staffing, training, and equipment related directly to dealing with cannabis legalization outcomes, necessitate attention by policymakers to mitigate major operational challenges. These same or similar issues are likely to arise in other states moving toward the commercialization and regulation of cannabis.
Microscopic analysis on dimensional capability of fused filament fabrication three-dimensional printing process
Authors: Al Rashid Ans , Abdul Qadir Sikandar , Koç Muammer
Published: October 2021

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) has been the most widely used three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology due to its cost-effectiveness, easy application, and material readiness. FFF, to date, has been used to fabricate polymer components for rapid prototyping and increasingly for some end-user applications. Thus, there is a pressing need to optimize 3DP process parameters for FFF materials to achieve higher dimensional accuracy, especially in functional components for final use applications. Therefore, to ensure desired geometries with reasonable accuracy, precise measurements are required to validate the FFF process’s dimensional capability under different process conditions. This study presents the dimensional measurement and statistical analysis to evaluate the effect of printing materials, speed, and layer heights on dimensional accuracy and repeatability of the commercial FFF process. A benchmark part model was designed with different external and internal features commonly used in manufacturing processes. Taguchi’s design of experiments (DOE) was employed to obtain the experiments scheme, followed by the 3DP, dimensional measurement, and analysis of 3DP samples. Results revealed polylactic acid (PLA) material provided better dimensional control in most of the features. Higher printing speeds and layer heights were found optimum for external features/protrusions, whereas lower-to-medium speeds and layer heights were more appropriate for the fabrication of internal features.
Fuzzy impedance-based control with fast terminal sliding mode force control loop for a series elastic actuator system
Authors: Moafi Seyed Ali , Najafi Farid
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a robust control scheme to accomplish the interaction control problem between a series elastic actuator (SEA) and a flexible environment. The adaptability of the controller to unknown variations and robustness of the controller during interaction of the system with environment are the main aims. The control scheme is based on a fuzzy impedance control approach and consists of an inner fast terminal sliding mode force control loop. An experimental setup is designed to prove the efficiency of the developed controller. The experimental results confirm that the proposed fuzzy logic controller guarantees the sensitivity of the controlled system to unpredictable variations. Moreover, by applying the fast terminal sliding mode algorithm for the inner force control loop, the system has faster convergence to the reference path compared with similar control methods found in the literature.
Responses to health risk and suffering: ‘China’ in the Italian media discourses during the early stage of the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Pofi Maria Paola , Leung Wing-Fai
Published: October 2021

Italy was one of the first European countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic after the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020. Applying critical discourse analysis and theories of the mediation of suffering, this article explores the discursive strategies used by the Italian media to represent China and Chinese people in relation to the outbreak in the early stage of the pandemic. Employing the theoretical frameworks of Mary Douglas, Michel Foucault, and other thinkers on biopolitics, racism, and emergency, the results bring to light the persistent ideologies behind the media representations of an imagined Other, which reflect existing discourses toward the Chinese community in Italy. In this study, the contentious discourses around China and the Chinese amidst the pandemic reveal the role of the Italian media in presenting risks, mediating suffering as a distant event and, later, as a national concern.
Mobile Phone Network and Migration: Evidence From Myanmar
Authors: Hombrados Jorge G. , Ciacci Riccardo , Zainudeen Ayesha
Published: October 2021

This International Migration Review research note explores the effect of the expansion of mobile phone networks on migration decisions in Myanmar. Building on the work of scholars in economics, the empirical strategy uses variation in lightning frequency across space as an instrumental variable for the expansion of mobile phone networks. Our results suggest that villages with longer exposure to mobile phone networks exhibit reductions in out-migration. Specifically, an increase of one standard deviation in the time exposed to mobile phone networks diminishes the probability that household members migrate by 17 percent. We find empirical evidence suggesting that such findings are driven by the positive effects of mobile phone networks on labor market outcomes and the perceived well-being of individuals.
Systematic object-invariant in-hand manipulation via reconfigurable underactuation: Introducing the RUTH gripper
Authors: Lu Qiujie , Baron Nicholas , Clark Angus B. , Rojas Nicolas
Published: October 2021

We introduce a reconfigurable underactuated robot hand able to perform systematic prehensile in-hand manipulations regardless of object size or shape. The hand utilizes a two-degree-of-freedom five-bar linkage as the palm of the gripper, with three three-phalanx underactuated fingers, jointly controlled by a single actuator, connected to the mobile revolute joints of the palm. Three actuators are used in the robot hand system in total, one for controlling the force exerted on objects by the fingers through an underactuated tendon system, and two for changing the configuration of the palm and, thus, the positioning of the fingers. This novel layout allows decoupling grasping and manipulation, facilitating the planning and execution of in-hand manipulation operations. The reconfigurable palm provides the hand with a large grasping versatility, and allows easy computation of a map between task space and joint space for manipulation based on distance-based linkage kinematics. The motion of objects of different sizes and shapes from one pose to another is then straightforward and systematic, provided the objects are kept grasped. This is guaranteed independently and passively by the underactuated fingers using a custom tendon routing method, which allows no tendon length variation when the relative finger base positions change with palm reconfigurations. We analyze the theoretical grasping workspace and grasping and manipulation capability of the hand, present algorithms for computing the manipulation map and in-hand manipulation planning, and evaluate all these experimentally. Numerical and empirical results of several manipulation trajectories with objects of different size and shape clearly demonstrate the viability of the proposed concept.
In vitro CT visualization of the biopsy location by filling the core biopsy needle with contrast media
Authors: Thunswärd Per , Eksell David , Ahlström Håkan , Magnusson Anders
Published: October 2021

Background

When performing computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy procedures with non-disposable, automatic biopsy instruments, the actual course of the biopsy needle is not registered.

Purpose

To evaluate the ability to visualize the sampling location after CT-guided biopsy in vitro using a novel method, where the space between the inner needle and the outer cannula in a core biopsy needle is filled with contrast media; and to compare the grade of visibility for two different concentrations of contrast media.

Material and Methods

Core needle biopsies were performed in a tissue phantom using biopsy needles primed with two different iodine contrast media concentrations (140 mg I/mL and 400 mg I/mL). Commercially available needle-filling contraptions with sealing membranes were used to fill the needles. Each biopsy was imaged with CT, and the visibility was evaluated twice by three senior radiologists in a randomized order.

Results

The presence of traces was confirmed after biopsy, almost without exception for both concentrations. The visibility was sufficient to determine the biopsy location in all observations with the 400 mg I/mL filling, and in 7/10 observations with the 140 mg I/mL filling. The grade of visibility of the trace and the proportion of the biopsy needle course outlined were higher with the 400 mg I/mL filling.

Conclusion

With CT-guided biopsy in vitro, the sampling location can be visualized using a novel method of priming the biopsy needle with iodine contrast media, specifically highly concentrated contrast media.
Curative treatments for colon cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Petrelli Fausto , Labianca Roberto , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: October 2021

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, to protect patients with cancer, reduction in hospital access, reduction in myelosuppression risk, and postponing/withholding unnecessary treatments were important in order to reduce risk of infection. Little is known about the risk burden for patients with resected colorectal cancer (CRC). Use of an oral chemotherapy regimen represents a convenient, safe, and manageable therapy for both fit and elderly patients. In the metastatic setting, treatment of solitary metastases may be performed, omitting postresection chemotherapy due to lack of literature data. In case of unresectable CRC, short induction chemotherapy, followed by a maintenance phase, may improve compliance and reduce toxicity. In the adjuvant setting, a shorter duration (3 months) may be discussed with patients except in very high-risk cases. Clinical judgment may reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure in patients with CRC. Oral regimens, treatment delay, and chemotherapy holiday are ways to minimize the global risk for patients during the COVID-19 era.
Vasopressin-Induced Hyponatremia in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Subba Hilamber , Riker Richard R. , Dunn Susan , Gagnon David J.
Published: October 2021

Objective: Vasopressin may be administered to treat vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The objectives of this study were to describe five cases of suspected vasopressin-induced hyponatremia after aSAH and to review the literature. Design: Single-center, observational case series of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Settings: Ten-bed neurological ICU at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. Patients: Convenience sample of patients with aSAH treated with a vasopressin for symptomatic, radiologically confirmed vasospasm. Results: A total of five patients were included in the case series with a median age of 57 (51, 65) years and all were women. The median Glasgow coma scale score was 15 (11, 15) on admission, and the Hunt and Hess scale score was 3, (3, 4). All patients were treated with endovascular coiling of their aneurysm. Vasopressin was administered to treat symptomatic, radiographically confirmed vasospasm on median post-bleed day (PBD) 10 (10, 15) at a fixed-dose of .03 units/min. Serum sodium at baseline was 140 (140, 144) mEq/L and decreased to 129 (126, 129) mEq/L within 26 (17, 83) hours of vasopressin initiation for a median change of −16 (−10, −16) mEq/L. Serum sodium returned to baseline within 18 (14, 22) hours of stopping the infusion. Conclusions: Vasopressin use in vasospasm after aSAH may be associated with clinically significant hyponatremia within 24 hours of starting the infusion. Hyponatremia appears to resolve within 24 hours of stopping the infusion. Additional study in a larger sample size is needed to determine if a causal relationship exist.
Triple site sexually transmitted infection testing as a crucial component of surveillance for men who have sex with men: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zucker Roy , Gaisa Michael , Sigel Keith , Singer Ilan , Adler Amos , Turner Dan , Ben Ami Ronen , Nissan Israel , Chan Courtney , Halperin Tamar
Published: October 2021

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections are common among men who have sex with men (MSM). Many oropharyngeal and anorectal infections remain asymptomatic. We aimed to evaluate triple-site screening following PrEP introduction. We enrolled a prospective cohort study including 210 asymptomatic MSM during 2019–2020, analyzed by groups: HIV positive (HIV+), HIV−uninfected using PrEP (HIV−/PrEP+), or HIV-uninfected not using PrEP (HIV−/PrEP−). A self-administered questionnaire captured demographic information and sexual risk-taking behaviors. CT/NG testing results were compared between study groups and predictors of infection were evaluated. We included 59 HIV+, 70 HIV−/PrEP+, and 81 HIV−/PrEP− subjects. 30% ( n = 62) of participants tested positive for CT/NG. HIV−/PrEP+ group had highest proportion of infections ( n = 33, 47%) followed by HIV−/PrEP− ( n = 16, 22%) and HIV+ ( n=13, 20%; p < .001). Importantly, 98% (80/82) of pharyngeal/anorectal CT/NG infections were missed in genitourinary tract screening alone. PrEP use and previous syphilis infection were the strongest risk factor for CT/NG. Extra-genital asymptomatic CT/NG infections were prevalent among MSM. These data highlight the importance of routine extra-genital CT/NG testing in asymptomatic sexually active MSM. The study describes the consequences for three-site testing lack of implementation in the PrEP era.
Begging and Stigma: Life and Experiences of Children From the Boom Boom Maatukarar Community in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Sukumar Vardini M.
Published: October 2021

The experiences of people from marginalised communities have always been different in all shared social spaces. This article attempts to unpack the experiences of children from marginalised Boom Boom Maatukarar community of Tamil Nadu inside the classroom. It sheds light on the stigma and discrimination faced by children from this community in order to access school and attain education, which is supposed to have an equalising effect on unequal societies. It also explores the power of stigma and how it acts as an abstract and concrete factor that affects the life and experiences of children from this community.