bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning from others: A low‐cost–high‐impact risk/opportunity identification technique
Authors: Williams Brendan E. , Williams Anne S. , Williams Katherine M.
Published: July 2020

News for risk/opportunity identification (NfROI) is a tool for practitioners to leverage the journey from a risk management mindset to an enterprise risk management approach. NfROI unleashes the power of storytelling and provides a standardized format to enhance the existing practice of gleaning information from sources such asJHRM, news outlets, social media, and the ASHRM Exchange. A series of 3 examples highlight the advantages of learning from others as a complement to retrospective internal data. The stories have implications across the ASHRM's ERM Framework domains and thereby provide bridges across the pillars in the organizational chart. Learning from others can reduce costs and reveal emerging risks before the direct impact on the organization.
Exploring the carbohydrate‐binding ability of Canavalia bonariensis lectin in inflammation models
Authors: Cavada Benildo S. , Silva Mayara T. L. , Osterne Vinicius J. S. , Pinto‐Junior Vanir R. , Lossio Claudia F. , Madeira Juliana C. , Pereira Maria G. , Leal Rodrigo B. , Ferreira Wandemberg P. , Nascimento Kyria S. , Assreuy Ana M. S.
Published: July 2020

Lectins are a group of proteins of non‐immune origin recognized for their ability to bind reversibly to carbohydrates. Researchers have been intrigued by oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates for their involvement as mediators of complex cellular events and then many biotechnological applications of lectins are based on glycocode decoding and their activities. Here, we report a structural and biological study of a ConA‐like mannose/glucose‐specific lectin from Canavalia bonariensis seeds, CaBo. More specifically, we evaluate the binding of CaBo with α‐methyl‐D‐mannoside (MMA) and mannose‐1,3‐α‐D‐mannose (M13) and the resultant in vivo effects on a rat model of acute inflammation. A virtual screening was also carried out to cover a larger number of possible bindings of CaBo. In silico analysis demonstrated the stability of CaBo interaction with mannose‐type ligands, and the lectin was able to induce acute inflammation in rats with the participation of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) and histamine release. These results confirm the ability of CaBo to interact with hybrid and high‐mannose N‐glycans, supporting the hypothesis that CaBo's biological activity occurs primarily through its interaction with cell surface glycosylated receptors.
Is it possible to fit extreme climate change indices together seamlessly in the era of accelerated warming?
Authors: Yosef Yizhak , Aguilar Enric , Alpert Pinhas
Published: July 2020

This study examines the problematic impact of selecting a different base period (colder 1961–1990 vs. warmer 1988–2017), on the trend magnitude of widely used percentile‐based extreme temperature indices (e.g., warm/cold spells, warm/cold days and nights). The percentile‐based indices are part of a core set of indices (27 in total) that have become a common standard for monitoring climate change, as recommended by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). The indices were designed to be comparable across regions provided that similar analyses are employed. Unfortunately, the use of different base periods and periods of interest to explore local and global climate change undermines the comparability of findings across regions. When utilizing “day‐count” indices with fixed thresholds, the use of different base/reference periods changes the intercept without influencing the slope (for a given period length). However, this assertion does not hold with percentile‐based indices. Our analyses show that percentile‐based temperature indices (e.g., days with temperature below the 10th or above the 90th percentiles) are particularly susceptible to the problematic use of different base periods. Hence, using percentile‐based indices may have adverse effects on researchers' conclusions. The current paper reports the results of a comparative study that used different base periods for the most commonly used percentile‐based extreme temperature indices. It was found that the (negative) trend magnitude of the cold percentile‐based indices (frequency of cold days and nights and cold spells) is strongly amplified while the (positive) trend magnitude of the warm indices (frequency of warm days and nights and warm spells) is dramatically diminished when percentiles were derived from a base period that included records from the last two decades (e.g., 1981–2010, 1988–2017). These features are even more pronounced when the study period covers only the last 30–40 years.
The role of luxury gastronomy in culinary tourism: An ethnographic study of Michelin‐Starred restaurants in France
Authors: Batat Wided
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the role of Michelin‐starred chefs as change‐makers and advocates of tourism activities in both rural and urban areas. We conducted a longitudinal ethnographic study in 35 French Michelin‐starred restaurants (1, 2, and 3 Michelin stars) in France from 2014 to 2018. Our results show that there are four significant forms of activities implemented by luxury restaurants to enhance destination attractiveness: (a) designing unique luxury gastronomic experience offerings, (b) promoting terroir products and rural food tourism, (c) gastronomization of rural destinations, and (d) augmenting the media capital of the destination.
Paternal gender specificity and mild phenotypes in Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A patients with de novo 17p12 rearrangements
Authors: Lee Ah J. , Nam Da E. , Choi Yu J. , Noh Seung W. , Nam Soo H. , Lee Hye J. , Kim Seung J. , Song Gyun J. , Choi Byung‐Ok , Chung Ki W.
Published: July 2020

Background

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) are developed by duplication and deletion of the 17p12 (PMP22) region, respectively.

Methods

De novo rates were determined in 211 CMT1A or HNPP trio families, and then, analyzed gender‐specific genetic features and clinical phenotypes of the de novo cases.

Results

This study identified 40 de novo cases (19.0%). Paternal origin was highly frequent compared to maternal origin (p = .005). Most de novo CMT1A rearrangements occurred between non‐sister chromatids (p = .003), but it was interesting that three of the four sister chromatids exchange cases were observed in the less frequent maternal origin. Paternal ages at the affected child births were slightly higher in the de novo CMT1A group than in the non‐de novo CMT1A control group (p = .0004). For the disability score of CMTNS, the de novo CMT1A group had a slightly lower value compared to the control group (p = .005). Electrophysiological studies showed no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study suggests that de novo CMT1A patients tend to have milder symptoms and that the paternal ages at child births in the de novo group are higher than those of the non‐de novo group.
MH company develops DNA test for mental health, wellness
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2020

Observing an underlying genetic component as to why people behave the way they do and recognizing that people have a genetic predisposition to certain behaviors, a Pennsylvania‐based mental health genetics company has developed the first consumer DNA‐focused mental health and wellness test.
Delivery systems with crowd‐sourced drivers: A pickup and delivery problem with transfers
Authors: Sampaio Afonso , Savelsbergh Martin , Veelenturf Lucas P. , Van Woensel Tom
Published: July 2020

Rapid urban growth, the increasing importance of e‐commerce and high consumer service expectations have given rise to new and innovative models for freight delivery within urban environments. Crowdsourced solutions—where drivers are not employed by a carrier but occasionally offer their services through on‐line platforms and are contracted as required by carriers—are receiving growing attention from industry. We consider a crowdsourced system where drivers express their availability to perform delivery tasks for a given period of time and the platform communicates a schedule with requests to serve. We investigate the potential benefits of introducing transfers to support driver activities. At transfer locations, drivers can drop off packages for pick up by other drivers at a later time. We frame the problem as a multidepot pickup and delivery problem with time windows and transfers, and propose an adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm that effectively identifies beneficial transfer opportunities and synchronizes driver operations. Computational experiments indicate that introducing transfer options can significantly reduce system‐wide travel distance as well as the number of drivers required to serve a given set of requests, especially when drivers have short availability and requests have high service requirements.
An observation on the uniform preconditioners for the mixed Darcy problem
Authors: Bærland Trygve , Kuchta Miroslav , Mardal Kent‐Andre , Thompson Travis
Published: July 2020

When solving a multiphysics problem one often decomposes a monolithic system into simpler, frequently single‐physics, subproblems. A comprehensive solution strategy may commonly be attempted, then, by means of combining strategies devised for the constituent subproblems. When decomposing the monolithic problem, however, it may be that requiring a particular scaling for one subproblem enforces an undesired scaling on another. In this manuscript we consider the H(div)‐based mixed formulation of the Darcy problem as a single‐physics subproblem; the hydraulic conductivity, K, is considered intrinsic and not subject to any rescaling. Preconditioners for such porous media flow problems in mixed form are frequently based on H(div) preconditioners rather than the pressure Schur complement. We show that when the hydraulic conductivity, K, is small the pressure Schur complement can also be utilized for H(div)‐based preconditioners. The proposed approach employs an operator preconditioning framework to establish a robust, K‐uniform block preconditioner. The mapping property of the continuous operator is a key component in applying the theoretical framework point of view. As such, a main challenge addressed here is establishing a K‐uniform inf‐sup condition with respect to appropriately weighted Hilbert intersection‐ and sum spaces.
H∞ tracking control of two‐dimensional fuzzy networked systems
Authors: Li Lizhen , Tanaka Kazuo , Chai Yuan , Liu Qiong
Published: July 2020

In this article, the H∞ tracking control problem is first considered for two‐dimensional fuzzy networked control systems. The system is described by fuzzy blending of the so‐called second Fornasini‐Marchesini local linear state‐space model. Based on the fuzzy model, an observer‐based state feedback controller is employed to guarantee the H∞ tracking performance. The separation property is established in the case of observer‐based H∞ tracking control framework, that is, the controller gains and observer gains can be simultaneously obtained by solving two sets of linear matrix inequalities. A simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Impact of variable look‐back periods on the incidence rates of chronic diseases using real world data
Authors: Rosenlund Mats , Ekström Nils , Törnblom Michael , Wintzell Viktor , Stark James H. , Titievsky Lina
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Estimating disease incidence based on secondary data requires a look‐back period to exclude patients with pre‐existing disease from the incidence risk set. However, the optimal length of the look‐back period and its impact on incidence rates are often unknown. We studied the impact of the length of the look‐back period on incidence rates of 24 different chronic diseases.

Methods

Everyone residing in Sweden between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2013 were identified from national registries and followed up to 2 years (through December 31, 2015). Outcome events were identified from inpatient and outpatient hospital contacts and incidence rates were calculated per 100 000 person‐years. The length of the look‐back period was varied with 6‐month increments, starting at 6 months. The maximum look‐back period of 9 years was used as reference period.

Results

There were 7 943 807 individuals with a look‐back period of at least 9 years (mean age 46.5 years) and a mean follow‐up time of 1.97 years. Incidence rates were higher across all diseases when restricting the look‐back to 1 year compared to 9 years, with a magnitude of overestimation of the incidence rates between 13% (temporal arteritis) and 174% (type 1 diabetes). However, for most diseases the effect of extending the look‐back period beyond 3‐5 years appeared comparably small.

Conclusions

This study illustrates how short look‐back periods cause overestimation of the incidence rates of chronic diseases, suggesting that sensitivity analyses with respect to look‐back period are considered, particularly using data sources with limited information on past medical history.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data extrapolation models for improved pediatric efficacy and toxicity estimation, with application to secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Basu Cynthia , Ma Xiaoye , Mo May , Xia Hong Amy , Brundage Richard , Al‐Kofahi Mahmoud , Carlin Bradley P.
Published: July 2020

In most drug development settings, the regulatory approval process is accompanied by extensive studies performed to understand the drug's pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties. In this article, we attempt to utilize the rich PK/PD data to inform the borrowing of information from adults during pediatric drug development. In pediatric settings, it is especially crucial that we are parsimonious with the patients recruited for experimentation. We illustrate our approaches in the context of clinical trials of cinacalcet for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in pediatric and adult patients with chronic kidney disease, where we model both parathyroid hormone (efficacy endpoint) and corrected calcium levels (safety endpoint). We use population PK/PD modeling of the cinacalcet data to quantitatively assess the similarity between adults and children, and use this information in various hierarchical Bayesian adult borrowing rules whose statistical properties can then be evaluated. In particular, we simulate the bias and mean square error performance of our approaches in settings where borrowing is and is not warranted to inform guidelines for the future use of our methods.
Uveitis developing in tuberculous lymphadenitis‐associated Behçet's disease during anti‐tuberculosis therapy
Authors: Takahashi Saeko , Otomo Kotaro , Kawakami Yoko , Nakamura Morio
Published: July 2020

Behçet's disease (BD) is thought to be elicited by triggers such as tuberculosis (TB) infection in individuals with genetically aberrant immune activity, although the exact pathogenesis remains unknown. Seven cases of BD thought to be triggered by TB have been reported to date. In all cases, Behçet's symptoms improved smoothly after starting TB treatment. We present the first report of uveitis developing two months after starting TB treatment in a 46‐year‐old woman with tuberculous lymphadenitis presenting with oral and genital ulcers and erythema nodosum‐like lesions on diagnosis of TB. The appearance of uveitis was attributed to a paradoxical reaction in TB because of simultaneous relapse of lymphadenopathy and retinal findings on fluorescein angiography. Although rare, physicians should be aware that ocular involvement can occur during anti‐TB therapy, most likely with extrapulmonary TB, because ocular involvement may decrease patient quality of life if visual symptoms become irreversible with delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Public relations and legitimacy: A study of new ventures on the corporate life cycle
Authors: Ma Qiang , Li Xueling , Chaudhry Peggy E. , Chaudhry Sohail S.
Published: July 2020

In 2013, Germany, a world leading industrialized nation published its Industry 4.0 strategic plan. The term Industry 4.0 has been referred to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In this paper, in the era of Industry 4.0, we studied the importance of three types of legitimacy related to the different stages of new ventures. A framework was designed using the concept of guanxi to better understand its relationship to the corporate life cycle. In this study, two different kinds of guanxi, business and political, affect the legitimacy of a company.
Applying system archetypes in real estate development crises
Authors: Abdel‐Latif Amr , Saad‐Eldien Ahmed , Marzouk Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Real estate development organizations are working in an environment that is associated with uncertainties due to the complexity of their structure and operation systems, which make them more prone to crises events. Therefore, a proactive approach for crisis management should be integrated with their long‐term strategies. System archetypes have the ability to unfold the complexity within these organizations and to provide them with an effective aiding tool in this management process. Identifying crises' scenarios and deploying them on system archetypes are essential in order to make the archetypes functional and operative. The standard archetypes in their qualitative form clarify crises' symptoms, characteristics, root causes and consequences. While in their quantitative form demonstrate with numbers the positive impact of the adopted containment strategy. The outcome of the deployment process provides a comprehensive knowledge about crises' scenarios and their containment policies that enhances the decision‐making process within the organizations.
Effect of Strain Rate on the Hot Ductility Behavior of a Continuously Cast Ti–Nb Microalloyed Steel
Authors: Gontijo Marina , Hoflehner Christian , Estermann Paul , Ilie Sergiu , Six Jakob , Sommitsch Christof
Published: July 2020

During the continuous casting process, alloys may be more susceptible to crack initiation under some conditions due to lower ductility. A Ti–Nb microalloyed steel is subjected to in situ melted hot tensile tests to evaluate its hot ductility behavior. The ductility is examined at different strain rates and temperatures. The samples are heated with an induction coil to the melting temperature in a vacuum atmosphere. Afterward, they are cooled to the desired test temperatures. Hot tensile tests are conducted by a thermomechanical simulator with strain rates varying from 10−5 to 10−2 s−1. The results show a ductility minimum around 800 °C for the standard strain rate of 10−3 s−1 and a significant influence of the changes in strain rate in the behavior of the alloy for all the tested temperatures. The fracture surfaces are compared for 700, 800, and 900 °C at 10−4, 10−3, and 10−2 s−1, as well as the microstructure. Computer simulations are done for the determination of the transformation temperatures, Scheil–Gulliver solidification simulation, and analysis of the precipitation kinetics during the tests. The results from simulations are discussed in comparison with the ones seen experimentally.
Correct use of non-indexed eGFR for drug dosing and renal drug-related problems at hospital admission
Authors: Seiberth Sarah , Bauer Dominik , Schönermarck Ulf , Mannell Hanna , Stief Christian , Hasford Joerg , Strobach Dorothea
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Two to seven percent of the German adult population has a renal impairment (RI) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. This often remains unrecognized and adjustment of drug therapy is lacking. To determine renal function in clinical routine, the CKD-EPI equation is used to calculate an indexed eGFR (ml/min/1.73m2). For drug dosing, it has to be individualized to a non-indexed eGFR (ml/min) by the patient’s body surface area. Here, we investigated the number of patients admitted to urological wards of a teaching hospital with RI between July and December 2016. Additionally, we correctly used the eGFRnon-indexedfor drug and dosage adjustments and to analyse the use of renal risk drugs (RRD) and renal drug-related problems (rDRP).

Methods

In a retrospective observational study, urological patients with pharmacist-led medication reconciliation at hospital admission and eGFRindexed(CKD-EPI) of 15–59 ml/min/1.73m2were identified. Indexed eGFR (ml/min/1.73m2) was recalculated with body surface area to non-indexed eGFR (ml/min) for correct drug dosing. Medication at admission was reviewed for RRD and based on the eGFRnon-indexedfor rDRP, e.g. inappropriate dose or contraindication.

Results

Of 1320 screened patients, 270 (20.5%) presented with an eGFRindexedof 15–59 ml/min/1.73m2. After readjustment, 203 (15.4%) patients had an eGFRnon-indexedof 15–59 ml/min. Of these, 190 (93.6%) used ≥ 1 drugs at admission with 660 of 1209 (54.7%) drugs classified as RRD. At least one rDRP was identified in 115 (60.5%) patients concerning 264 (21.8%) drugs.

Conclusion

Renal impairment is a common risk factor for medication safety in urologic patients admitted to a hospital. Considerable shifts were seen in eGFR-categories when correctly calculating eGFRnon-indexedfor drug dosing purposes. The fact that more than half of the study patients showed rDRP at hospital admission underlines the need to consider this risk factor appropriately.
Der Übergabeprozess in der zentralen Notaufnahme
Authors: Gräff I. , Ehlers P. , Seidel M. , Schacher S. , Fimmers R. , Jerusalem K. , Pin M.
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund

Die Weitergabe von Informationen in einer stressbesetzten, hoch dynamischen Arbeitsumgebung wie der zentralen Notaufnahme (ZNA) stellt eine Risikoquelle für die Entstehung von Behandlungsfehlern dar und ist somit mortalitätsbeeinflussend.

Ziel der Arbeit

In der Arbeit wird untersucht, welchen Stellenwert dem Übergabeprozess durch die beteiligten Berufsgruppen beigemessen wird und welche strukturellen Merkmale bzw. Rahmenbedingungen dem Übergabeprozess von diesen zugeschrieben werden.

Material und Methoden

Bei der vorliegenden Studie handelte es sich um eine anonyme, freiwillige, webbasierte (Online‑)Umfrage, die mittels eines strukturierten elektronischen Fragebogens durchgeführt wurde.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt haben 2728 Teilnehmer an der Onlineumfrage teilgenommen. Nahezu alle Teilnehmer-/innen benennen die Übergabe als outcomerelevanten Parameter für die Patienten, allerdings sehen 3 von 4 Teilnehmern den Übergabeprozess als verbesserungswürdig an. Bei der Selbsteinschätzung meinen 4 von 5 Teilnehmer-/innen, die Übergabe zu beherrschen. Es lässt sich unter den Teilnehmern kein favorisiertes Übergabeschema erkennen, die Mehrheit benutzt entweder ein eigenes oder gar kein Übergabeschema. Eine hohe Übereinstimmung zwischen Rettungsdienst und ZNA-Mitarbeitern liegt in Bezug auf Kerninhalte und Rahmenbedingungen der Übergabe vor. Mit großer Mehrheit zeigt sich der Wunsch nach einem einheitlichen Übergabeschema sowie nach Integrierung in Aus- und Fortbildungskonzepte.

Diskussion

Als Konsequenz der Umfrage sollte zügig auf nationaler Ebene mit allen an der Übergabe beteiligten Strukturen ein standardisiertes Übergabeverfahren etabliert werden. Die Bereitstellung entsprechender finanzieller und personeller Ressourcen für die Umsetzung dieses gesundheitspolitischen Ziels ist allerdings Voraussetzung.
Hydraulic stress parameters of a cased caddis larva (Drusus biguttatus) using spatio-temporally filtered velocity measurements
Authors: Waringer Johann , Vitecek Simon , Martini Jan , Zittra Carina , Handschuh Stephan , Vieira Ariane , Kuhlmann Hendrik C.
Published: July 2020

By studying hydraulic stress parameters of larvae of the cased caddisfly Drusus biguttatus (Pictet, 1834) in a tributary of the Schwarze Sulm (Carinthia, Austria), we aimed on (1) detecting the flow properties of the spatio-temporally filtered velocity measurements taken, and (2) on defining the hydraulic niche of this caddisfly larva. For this, we took 31 measurement series lasting 30 to 300 s, yielding 2176 single velocity measurements. The probability density functions of the 31 data series were Gaussian or sub-Gaussian, and the mean recurrent interval between velocity maxima within a data series was only 15.00 s. As a consequence, the Trichoptera larvae studied have to face strong flow accelerations in short intervals which is a much higher stress than conventional mean velocity measurements would suggest. The hydraulic niche of Drusus biguttatus is defined by instantaneous flow velocities ranging from 0.04 to 0.69 m s−1, by drag forces from 13 × 10−6 to 3737 × 10−6 N, by Froude numbers from 0.13 to 1.20, and mostly by Reynolds numbers > 2000. Under such conditions, only 5.1% of the drag force is compensated by submerged weight, whereas the remainder has to be counterbalanced by the active efforts of the larvae to remain attached to the substrate.
The role of sterols in plant response to abiotic stress
Authors: Rogowska Agata , Szakiel Anna
Published: July 2020

Sterols are integral components of the membrane lipid bilayer and they are involved in many processes occurring in plants, ranging from regulation of growth and development to stress resistance. Maintenance of membrane homeostasis represents one of the principal functions of sterols in plant cells. Plant cell membranes are important sites of perception of environmental abiotic factors, therefore, it can be surmised that sterols may play an important role in the plant stress response. The aim of this review was to discuss the most representative trends in recent studies regarding the role of sterols in plant defense reactions to environmental factors, such as UV radiation, cold and drought stress. Some correlations were observed between changes in the sterol profile, referring to the ratios of individual compounds (including 24-methyl/ethyl sterols and sitosterol/stigmasterol) as well as the relative proportions of conjugated sterols (ASGs, SGs and SEs) and the nature of the stress response. Diversity of sterols and their conjugated forms may allow sessile plants to adapt to environmental stress conditions.
Food systems for resilient futures
Authors: Kahiluoto Helena
Published: July 2020

In this time of the pandemic, nothing is as it used to be. This change creates space for new narratives towards resilience. The resilience perspective implies preparing for shocks as well as various futures that might evolve. Thus, more sustainable food systems cannot only be built to be pandemic proof. This preparation can be facilitated by co-designing contrasting future narratives, identifying means for developing capacity to adapt to those futures and developing tools to enhance that capacity, such as demonstrated here. The capacity of food systems to adapt and transform is enhanced by dialogue, transparency and collective learning in food value chains and networks, sovereignty over resources, and built-in diversity in response to change. In market-led global food chains, supplier-buyer diversity is important, while in public-led regions with some market protection, farm and crop diversity might matter more in response to variability in weather, price and policies. During, for example, an international conflict, or the time of a pandemic, diverse food sourcing from local producer-consumer cooperatives to community-supported and urban agriculture could secure food for citizens. Assessments of critical diversity in response to shocks and volatility can help actors to tailor effective diversity to manage resilience while avoiding the long-feared trade-off between diversity and resource-use efficiency. The interdependence of humanity deserves attention, as food systems are only as resilient as their weakest actor. A truly resilient global food system implies not only preparedness for coming shocks and changes but also a foundation that makes shocks less probable and critical.
Perioperative Management of Elderly patients (PriME): recommendations from an Italian intersociety consensus
Authors: Aceto Paola , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Bettelli Gabriella , Carron Michele , Chiumiento Fernando , Corcione Antonio , Crucitti Antonio , Maggi Stefania , Montorsi Marco , Pace Maria Caterina , Petrini Flavia , Tommasino Concezione , Trabucchi Marco , Volpato Stefano ,   Società Italiana di Anestesia Analgesia Rianimazione e Terapia Intensiva (SIAARTI), Società Italiana di Gerontologia e Geriatria (SIGG), Società Italiana di Chirurgia (SIC), Società Italiana di Chirurgia Geriatrica (SICG) and Associazione Italiana di Psicogeriatria (AIP)
Published: July 2020

Background

Surgical outcomes in geriatric patients may be complicated by factors such as multiple comorbidities, low functional performance, frailty, reduced homeostatic capacity, and cognitive impairment. An integrated multidisciplinary approach to management is, therefore, essential in this population, but at present, the use of such an approach is uncommon. The Perioperative Management of Elderly patients (PriME) project has been established to address this issue.

Aims

To develop evidence-based recommendations for the integrated care of geriatric surgical patients.

Methods

A 14-member Expert Task Force of surgeons, anesthetists, and geriatricians was established to develop evidence-based recommendations for the pre-, intra-, and postoperative care of hospitalized older patients (≥ 65 years) undergoing elective surgery. A modified Delphi approach was used to achieve consensus, and the strength of recommendations and quality of evidence was rated using the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force criteria.

Results

A total of 81 recommendations were proposed, covering preoperative evaluation and care (30 items), intraoperative management (19 items), and postoperative care and discharge (32 items).

Conclusions

These recommendations should facilitate the multidisciplinary management of older surgical patients, integrating the expertise of the surgeon, the anesthetist, the geriatrician, and other specialists and health care professionals (where available) as needed. These roles may vary according to the phase and setting of care and the patient’s conditions.
Perspectives on the Intracellular Bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae in Late-Onset Dementia
Authors: Balin Brian J. , Hudson Alan P.
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

Chronic diseases remain a daunting challenge for clinicians and researchers alike. While difficult to completely understand, most chronic diseases, including late-onset dementias, are thought to arise as an interplay between host genetic factors and environmental insults. One of the most diverse and ubiquitous environmental insults centers on infectious agents. Associations of infectious agents with late-onset dementia have taken on heightened importance, including our investigations of infection by the intracellular respiratory bacterium, Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn), in late-onset dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.

Recent Findings

Over the last two decades, the relationship of this infection to pathogenesis in late-onset dementia has become much clearer. This clarity has resulted from applying contemporary molecular genetic, biochemical, immunochemical, and cell culture techniques to analysis of human brains, animal models, and relevant in vitro cell culture systems. Data from these studies, taken in aggregate form, now can be applied to evaluation of proof of concept for causation of this infection with late-onset disease. In this evaluation, modifications to the original Koch postulates can be useful for elucidating causation.

All such relevant studies are outlined and summarized in this review, and they demonstrate the utility of applying modified Koch postulates to the etiology of late-onset dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Regardless, it is clear that even with strong observational evidence, in combination with application of modifications of Koch’s postulates, we will not be able to conclusively state that Cpn infection is causative for disease pathogenesis in late-onset dementia. Moreover, this conclusion obtains as well for the putative causation of this condition by other pathogens, including herpes simplex virus type 1, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Effects of Improvisation Training on Student Teachers’ Behavioral, Neuroendocrine, and Psychophysiological Responses during the Trier Social Stress Test
Authors: Seppänen Sirke , Toivanen Tapio , Makkonen Tommi , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Anttonen Mikko , Tiippana Kaisa
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Teaching involves multiple performance situations, potentially causing psychosocial stress. Since the theater-based improvisation method is associated with diminished social stress, we investigated whether improvisation lessened student teachers’ stress responses using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST; preparatory phase, public speech, and math task). Moreover, we studied the influence of interpersonal confidence (IC) – the belief regarding one’s capability related to effective social interactions – on stress responses.

Methods

The intervention group (n = 19) received a 7-week (17.5 h) improvisation training, preceded and followed by the TSST. We evaluated experienced stress using a self-report scale, while physiological stress was assessed before (silent 30-s waiting period) and during the TSST tasks using cardiovascular measures (heart rate, heart rate variability [HRV]), electrodermal activation, facial electromyography (f-EMG), and EEG asymmetry. Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA-axis) reactivity was assessed through repeated salivary cortisol sampling.

Results

Compared to the control group (n = 16), the intervention group exhibited less f-EMG activity before a public speech and higher HRV before the math task. The low IC intervention subgroup reported significantly less stress during the math task. The controls showed a decreased heart rate before the math task, and controls with a low IC exhibited higher HRV during the speech. Self-reported stress and cortisol levels were positively correlated during the post-TSST preparatory phase.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that improvisation training might diminish stress levels, specifically before a performance. In addition, interpersonal confidence appears to reduce stress responses. The decreased stress responses in the control group suggest adaptation through repetition.
A novel microfluidic flow-cytometry for counting numbers of single-cell β-actins
Authors: Liu Lixing , Fan Beiyuan , Yang Hongyu , Chen Deyong , Zhang Shuang , Wang Junbo , Chen Jian
Published: July 2020

As a house keeping protein with stable expressions, β-actin is used as a loading control in normalization of western blotting. However, the actual numbers of β-actins at the single-cell level remain elusive. Based on a home-developed flow cytometry, single-cell numbers of β-actin from 8 cell types (subtypes) and 2 tumour patient samples were quantified as 9.62 ± 4.29 × 105 (A549, Ncell = 14,242), 6.46 ± 3.34 × 105 (Hep G2, Ncell = 35,932), 1.58 ± 0.90 × 106 (MCF 10A, Ncell = 16,650), 1.08 ± 0.48 × 106 (HeLa, Ncell = 26,151), 7.60 ± 4.34 × 105 (PC3, Ncell = 11,922), 1.10 ± 0.72 × 106 (SACC-83, Ncell = 13,616), 8.58 ± 4.54 × 105 (CAL 27, Ncell = 7271), 9.00 ± 4.69 × 105 (CAL 27-LN2, Ncell = 6222), 8.26 ± 4.48 × 105 (Oral Tumour Patient I, Ncell = 359), and 8.19 ± 5.12 × 105 (Oral Tumour Patient II, Ncell = 175), and were analyzed by statistical approaches including one-way analysis of variance, neural network based pattern recognition and Bayesian estimation, with varied expressions of β-actins among different cell types located. The dataset reported in this study may serve as a reference in future studies of quantitative protein analysis.
DUALIZING INVOLUTIONS ON THE METAPLECTIC GL(2) à la TUPAN
Authors: BALASUBRAMANIAN KUMAR , TIWARI EKTA
Published: July 2020

Let F be a non-Archimedean local field of characteristic zero. Let G = GL(2, F) and
$3\widetildeG = \widetilde{GL}(2,F)$
be the metaplectic group. Let τ be the standard involution on G. A well-known theorem of Gelfand and Kazhdan says that the standard involution takes any irreducible admissible representation of G to its contragredient. In such a case, we say that τ is a dualizing involution. In this paper, we make some modifications and adapt a topological argument of Tupan to the metaplectic group
$\widetildeG$
and give an elementary proof that any lift of the standard involution to
$\widetildeG$
; is also a dualizing involution.
A cross-language study on feedforward and feedback control of voice intensity in Chinese–English bilinguals
Authors: Cai Xiao , Yin Yulong , Zhang Qingfang
Published: July 2020

Speech production requires the combined efforts of feedforward and feedback control, but it remains unclear whether the relative weighting of feedforward and feedback control is organized differently between the first language (L1) and the second language (L2). In the present study, a group of Chinese–English bilinguals named pictures in their L1 and L2, while being exposed to multitalker noise. Experiment 1 compared feedforward control between L1 and L2 speech production by examining intensity increases in response to a masking noise (90 dB SPL). Experiment 2 compared feedback control between L1 and L2 speech production by examining intensity increases in response to a weak (30 dB SPL) or strong noise (60 dB SPL). We also examined a potential relationship between L2 fluency and the relative weighting of feedforward and feedback systems. The results indicated that L2 speech production relies less on feedforward control relative to L1, exhibiting attenuated Lombard effects to the masking noise. In contrast, L2 speech production relies more on feedback control than L1, producing larger Lombard effects to the weak and strong noise. The relative weighting of feedforward and feedback control is dynamically changed as second language learning progresses.
Viability and vigour loss during storage of Rudbeckia mollis seeds having different mass: an intra-specific perspective
Authors: Genna Nicholas G. , Walters Christina , Pérez Héctor E.
Published: July 2020

Recent evidence points to relationships between intra-specific seed mass variation and viability loss in response to ageing stress. However, little is known about how seed quality may change temporally in response to such stress. Here we examined seed–water relations of mass-separated Rudbeckia mollis seeds to better understand physiological status among mass classes. We then evaluated seed viability and vigour changes in response to various storage conditions or post-storage vigour tests (a 41°C, 75% RH stress for up to 45 d). We found similar pre-storage physiology among mass classes. However, seeds of lower mass deteriorated up to 1.5-fold faster than heavier seeds under certain conditions. Stressing seeds after storage resulted in distinct vigour differences among mass classes. For example, vigour in lower mass seeds tended to decline more compared to heavier seeds following storage in a climate-controlled room. Alternatively, vigour loss varied among mass classes following storage in a non-climate-controlled shed. Our results highlight the importance of distinguishing between pre-sowing storage and post-storage vigour effects when quantifying relative levels of viability loss among seeds of different mass. Furthermore, differential responses to storage and ageing stress among mass classes may have important implications for post-storage regeneration and subsequent population dynamics.
Gender Attitudes, Support for Teachers’ Strikes, and Legislative Elections
Authors: Bracic Ana , Israel-Trummel Mackenzie , Rhinehart Sarina , Shortle Allyson F.
Published: July 2020

In the past 25 years, education funding in Oklahoma has stagnated. In some schools, students learn about American politics from tattered textbooks in which George W. Bush is listed as the current president (Hendry and Pasquantonio 2018). Across the board, teachers are grossly underpaid, yet many are compelled to buy school supplies with their own funds (Felder 2018a). Moreover, in one out of five schools, students come to class only four days a week (Carlson 2018). After the state legislature failed to pass a funding package to sufficiently increase spending on schools and salaries in early 2018, teachers across Oklahoma walked out on their jobs to protest at the Capitol for nine days. In addition to sharing their grievances, the hundreds of protesting educators had something else in common: many were women.
Introduction to Women's Political Involvement in the 100 Years since the Nineteenth Amendment
Authors: Ondercin Heather L. , Key Ellen M.
Published: July 2020

August 19, 2020, marks the centennial of ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which guaranteed that the right to vote could not be denied on the basis of sex. The Nineteenth Amendment did not radically transform women’s political activism; rather, it was aproductof women’s political activism. Women won the franchise in a 72-year battle fought at both the state and national levels. By the time the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, women had been voting for almost 50 years in localities where they already had secured the right to vote.1The 100th anniversary is an opportune time to reflect on women’s continued involvement in politics.
Low intakes of vitamins C and A are associated with obesity in early adulthood
Authors: Correa-Rodríguez María , Luis Gómez-Urquiza Jose , Medina-Martínez Irene , González-Jiménez Emilio , Schmidt-RioValle Jaqueline , Rueda-Medina Blanca
Published: July 2020

Abstract. To evaluate the relationships between the intake of individual antioxidants as well as the dietary antioxidant quality score and obesity-related measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 562 young adults. Fat mass, fat-mass percentage, and fat-free mass were measured using a body composition analyzer. The intake of antioxidant nutrients including vitamins C, E, and A, selenium, zinc, and magnesium were calculated based on a 72-hour diet recall interview. We observed significant differences in the vitamin C (88.6 ± 72.6 mg/day vs. 70.7 ± 60.6 mg/day, p = 0.010), vitamin A (635.8 ± 519.8 μg/day vs. 492.6 ± 318.9 μg/day, p = 0.014), and selenium (135.3 ± 88.7 μg/day vs. 139.3 ± 79.3 μg/day, p = 0.034) intake between normal-weight and overweight or obese young adults. When the Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score (DAQS) was analyzed, there were no significant differences between normal-weight versus overweight or obese young adults after adjusting for confounders. Logistic regression analysis revealed that vitamin C intake (odds ratio (OR) 0.995, 95% CI 0.992–0.999, p = 0.013) and vitamin A intake (OR 0.999, 95% CI 0.999–1.000, p = 0.016) were independent predictors of overweight/obesity after adjusting for age, sex and energy intake. In contrast, a higher selenium intake was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.000–1.006, p = 0.034). Future longitudinal investigations of dietary antioxidant intake in relation to the development of obesity would be of interest to better understand the effect of dietary antioxidants on obesity.
Phlegmasia cerulea dolens – an uncommon but alarming manifestation of deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Nickler Manuela , Haubitz Sebastian , Méndez Adriana , Gissler Martin , Stierli Peter , Kieback Arne
Published: July 2020

Summary: In phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD), immediate diagnosis and prompt treatment is crucial for limb salvage. Aggressive treatment options including venous intervention, thrombolysis and/or surgical thrombectomy should be considered. Due to the lack of data, the most appropriate intervention depends upon etiology of PCD, clinical presentation and patient’s bleeding risk.
Layering Structures in the Porous Material Beneath the Chang'e‐3 Landing Site
Authors: Ding Chunyu , Li Chunlai , Xiao Zhiyong , Su Yan , Xing Shuguo , Wang Yichen , Feng Jianqing , Dai Shun , Xiao Yuan , Yao Meijuan
Published: July 2020

The lunar penetrating radar (LPR) onboard the Chinese Chang'e‐3 (CE‐3) mission obtained high‐resolution profile data for the continuous ejecta deposits of the Ziwei crater. Geological background suggests that the continuous ejecta deposits contain few large boulders, and the ejecta deposits were largely originated from the pre‐impact regolith. Using the top ~50 ns of radar data, we estimate the bulk density and porosity for the ejecta deposits based on hyperbolic echo patterns in the radargram that are caused by subsurface boulders. The physical properties are close to those of typical lunar regolith. Numerous subparallel and discontinuous short layers are visible in the radargram of the continuous ejecta deposits. The dielectric coefficients of the layering structures are estimated, and their permittivity is slightly larger than that of typical lunar regolith and less than that of basaltic rocks. Cratering physics together with the geological context of this area suggest that the layering structures are most likely ground gravels and/or melt‐welded breccias that were sheared due to the horizontal momentum of the impact ejecta. This interpretation is indicative of the origin of the enigmatic layering structures in regolith core samples returned by the Apollo and Luna missions. The results also highlight the importance of ejecta emplacement in shaping the structure of lunar regolith.
Ionospheric F Layer Scintillation Weakening as Observed by COSMIC/FORMOSAT‐3 During the Major Sudden Stratospheric Warming in January 2013
Authors: Yu Tao , Ye Hailun , Liu Huixin , Xia Chunliang , Zuo Xiaomin , Yan Xiangxiang , Yang Na , Sun Yangyi , Zhao Biqiang
Published: July 2020

Sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events in Northern Hemisphere winter atmosphere play a significant effect on large ionospheric disturbances. Nevertheless, the SSW effects on small‐scale structure in ionosphere, that is, the ionospheric F layer irregularities, are generally lack of understanding. This work carefully studied the equatorial F layer scintillation during the SSW event extending from 4 January to 5 February in 2013 by using the data of COSMIC/FORMOSAT‐3 (a Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate mission). The occurrence rate of ionospheric F layer scintillation was found to be apparently decreased by about 30% during the SSW period. This phenomenon was obviously seen in American sector (90°W–0°) and African sector (0°–90°E). Another prominent feature was the ~0.5 local time hour delay of maximum scintillation occurrence rate associated with the suppression of equatorial F layer irregularities in the first 2 hr after the sunset during the SSW event in January 2013.