bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Rizzo Alicia N. , Schmidt Eric P.
Published: February 2023

The alveolar epithelial glycocalyx is a dense anionic layer of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans that lines the apical surface of the alveolar epithelium. In contrast to the pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx, which has well-established roles in vascular homeostasis and septic organ dysfunction, the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx is less understood. Recent preclinical studies demonstrated that the epithelial glycocalyx is degraded in multiple murine models of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), particularly those that result from inhaled insults (so-called “direct” lung injury), leading to shedding of GAGs into the alveolar airspaces. Epithelial glycocalyx degradation also occurs in humans with respiratory failure, as quantified by analysis of airspace fluid obtained from ventilator heat moisture exchange (HME) filters. In patients with ARDS, GAG shedding correlates with the severity of hypoxemia and is predictive of the duration of respiratory failure. These effects may be mediated by surfactant dysfunction, as targeted degradation of the epithelial glycocalyx in mice was sufficient to cause increased alveolar surface tension, diffuse microatelectasis, and impaired lung compliance. In this review, we describe the structure of the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx and the mechanisms underlying its degradation during ARDS. We additionally review the current state of knowledge regarding the attributable effect of epithelial glycocalyx degradation in lung injury pathogenesis. Finally, we address glycocalyx degradation as a potential mediator of ARDS heterogeneity, and the subsequent value of point-of-care quantification of GAG shedding to potentially identify patients who are most likely to respond to pharmacological agents aimed at attenuating glycocalyx degradation.
Adrenal gene expression dynamics support hibernation in 13-lined ground squirrels
Authors: Gillen Austin E. , Epperson L. Elaine , Orlicky David J. , Fu Rui , Martin Sandra L.
Published: February 2023

This pioneer study of adrenal gland gene expression dynamics in hibernating ground squirrels leverages the power of RNA-seq on multiple precisely timed samples to demonstrate: 1) steroidogenesis is seasonally reorganized to preserve aldosterone at the expense of glucocorticoids and androgens throughout winter hibernation; 2) a serial gene expression program unfolds during each short arousal whereby immediate early response genes induce the gene expression machinery that restores proteostasis and the cell-specific expression profile before torpor reentry.
Intramuscular Ketamine Effect on Postnasal Surgery Agitation: A Prospective Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Almajali Husam A. , Abu Dalo Ali M. , Al-Soud Nidal M. , Almajali Ali , Alrfooh Abdelrazzaq , Alawamreh Thani , Al-Wreikat Hamza
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the effect of intramuscular ketamine on emergence agitation (EA) following septoplasty and open septorhinoplasty (OSRP) when administered at subanesthetic doses at the end of surgery. A random sample of 160 ASA I-II adult patients who underwent septoplasty or OSRP between May and October, 2022, was divided into two groups of eighty patients each: ketamine (Group K) and saline (Group S) with the latter serving as the control group. At the end of surgery immediately after turning off the inhalational agent, Group K was administered with intramuscular 2 ml of normal saline containing 0.7 mg/kg ketamine and Group S with 2 ml of intramuscular normal saline. Sedation and agitation scores at emergence from anesthesia were recorded after extubation using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS). The incidence of EA was higher in the saline group than in the ketamine group (56.3% vs. 5%; odds ratio (OR): 0.033; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.010–0.103;

p
<
0.001

). Variables associated with a higher incidence of agitation were ASA II classification (OR: 3.286; 95% (CI): 1.359–7.944;

p
=
0.008

), longer duration of surgery (OR: 1.010; 95% CI: 1.001–1.020;

p
=
0.031

), and OSRP surgery (OR: 2.157; CI: 1.056–5.999;

p
=
0.037

). The study concluded that the administration of intramuscular ketamine at a dose of 0.7 mg/kg at the end of surgery effectively reduced the incidence of EA in septoplasty and OSRP surgery.
Optimizing Decision Making on Business Processes Using a Combination of Process Mining, Job Shop, and Multivariate Resource Clustering
Authors: Prasetyo Hanung Nindito , Sarno Riyanarto , Wijaya Dedy Rahman , Budiraharjo Raden , Waspada Indra , Sungkono Kelly Rossa , Septiyanto Abdullah Faqih
Published: February 2023

The current business environment has no room for inefficiency as it can cause companies to lose out to their competitors, to lose customer trust, and to experience cost overruns. Business processes within the company continue to grow and cause them to run more complex. The large scale and complexity of business processes pose a challenge in improving the quality of process model because the effectiveness of time and the efficiency of existing resources are the biggest challenges. In the context of optimizing business processes with a process mining approach, most current process models are optimized with a trace clustering approach to explore the model and to perform analysis on the resulting process model. Meanwhile, in the event log data, not only the activities but also the other resources, such as records of employee or staff working time, process service time, and processing costs, are recorded. This article proposes a mechanism alternative to optimize business processes by exploring the resources that occur in the process. The mechanism is carried out in three stages. The first stage is optimizing the job shop scheduling method from the generated event log. Scheduling the time becomes a problem in the job shop. Utilizing the right time can increase the effectiveness of performance in order to reduce costs. Scheduling can be defined as the allocation of multiple jobs in a series of machines, in which each machine only does one job at a time. In general, scheduling becomes a problem when sequencing the operations and allocating them into specific time slots without prolonging the technical and capacity constraints. The second stage is generating the resource value that is recorded in the event log from the results of analysis of the previous stage, namely, job shop scheduling. The resource values are multivariate and then clustered to determine homogeneous clusters. The last stage is optimizing the nonlinear multipolynomials in the homogeneous cluster formed by using the Hessian solution. The results obtained are analyzed to get recommendations on business processes that are appropriate for the company’s needs. The impact of long waiting times will increase service costs, but by improving workload, costs can be reduced. The process model and the value of service costs resulting from the mechanism in the research can be a reference for process owners in evaluating and improving ongoing processes.
Gradual Sets: An Approach to Fuzzy Sets
Authors: García Josefa M. , Jara Pascual
Published: February 2023

In the fuzzy theory of sets and groups, the use of α-levels is a standard to translate problems from the fuzzy to the crisp framework. Using strong α-levels, it is possible to establish a one to one correspondence which makes possible doubly, a gradual and a functorial treatment of the fuzzy theory. The main result of this paper is to identify the class of fuzzy sets, respectively, fuzzy groups, with subcategories of the functorial categories Set (0, 1], resp., Gr (0, 1]. In this line, the algebraic potential of this theory will be reached, in forthcoming papers.
Study on Identification and Prevalence of Ixodid Ticks Genera Infestation in Cattle in the Case of Areka District, Wolaita Zone, and Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Fentahun Gizachew , Bizuayehu Fanuel , Dubie Teshager
Published: February 2023

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to July 2022 to determine the prevalence and identify major ixodid ticks of cattle and associated risk factors in the case of Areka District, Woliata Zone, and Southern Ethiopia. Standard physical and direct stereomicroscopy techniques were employed for identification of tick genera. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared test analyses were used for data analysis and

P
<
0.05

was considered as significant. During the study period, a sample of 384 local breed cattle’s were taken by random selection and a total of 683 adult ixodid ticks were collected from different body parts of infested animals. Among 384 examined animals, 275 (71.6%; 95% CI: 62.8–80.4) animals were infested with one or more ixodid tick genera. In current study, the major ixodid tick genera infesting cattle were Ambylomma (32.2%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) (30%), Haylomma (16.8%), and Rhipicephalus (21%), and most of the genera preferred dewlap and sternum body part of animal for attachment. Out of 184 male and 200 female cattle examined, 144 males (78.3%) and 131 females (65.5%) were positive for one or more adult ixodid tick genera. The difference also found statically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The overall prevalence of hard tick’s infestation was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

) across the age, origin, and body condition of cattle. In conclusion, the high level of prevalence of hard ticks infestation in the present study represent the most important problems of cattle and detrimental to production. According to this finding, it is recommended that owners who keep cattle should practice good management and regular deworming using acaricides and it is also important to create awareness among livestock owners about the veterinary importance of ticks for the integrated tick control.
Sodium-Glucose Transport Protein 2 Inhibitors Association with Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Wojtas Caroline , Rasarmos Alex P. , Naddaf Naja
Published: February 2023

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here, we describe the case of a 49 year-old male patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented to the emergency department with complaints of epigastric abdominal pain and intractable vomiting. He had been on sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for 7 months. Considering the clinical exam and lab findings with a glucose level of 229, a diagnosis of euglycemic DKA was made. He was treated according to DKA protocol and discharged. The relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and euglycemic DKA remains to be explored; given the absence of clinically significant hyperglycemia during the presentation, a delay in diagnosis may be observed. After an extensive literature review, we introduce our case presentation in the setting of gastroparesis in comparison to previous reports and suggest future improvements in terms of early clinical suspicion for euglycemic DKA.
Evaluation of Real-World Fuel Consumption of Hybrid-Electric Passenger Car Based on Speed-Specific Vehicle Power Distributions
Authors: Peng Fei , Zhang Ye , Song Guohua , Huang Jianchang , Zhai Zhiqiang , Yu Lei
Published: February 2023

Fuel consumption differs between the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and the conventional vehicle (CV). However, traditional fuel consumption models developed for CVs are commonly applied to HEVs, which leads to uncertainties in the quantitative evaluation of energy consumption for passenger cars in traffic road networks. Considering the internal combustion engine (ICE) operating modes of hybrid vehicles among varying vehicle specific power (VSP) demand, we present a method to incorporate the HEV ICE speed to develop speed-specific VSP distributions for real-world driving conditions. Using vehicle trajectory and fuel consumption data in real traffic conditions, the results of this study show that the application of methods developed for CVs leads to a significant underestimation of fuel consumption for HEVs when the average speed is in the high-speed range (over 50 km/h) and a significant overestimation of fuel consumption when the average speed is in the low-speed range (below 30 km/h). The average relative error of the measured fuel consumption factor in each speed bin is 7.1% compared with real-world observations, which is an unacceptably large error. This paper proposes a method to develop the speed-specific VSP distribution, considering whether the internal combustion engine (ICE) of HEVs is on or off. This approach reduces the average relative error of the obtained fuel consumption compared with real-world observations to 2.2%, and the measuring accuracy at different average speeds is significantly improved. This method enhances the functionality and applicability of the VSP theory-based traffic energy model for HEVs.
Coping Patterns in Advanced Old Age: Findings from the Fordham Centenarian Study
Authors: Uittenhove Kim , Jopp Daniela S , Lampraki Charikleia , Boerner Kathrin
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Research on coping in advanced old age is scarce. In the present study, we explored coping patterns in near-centenarians and centenarians, and characteristics associated to using a specific coping pattern. Methods: We analyzed the frequency with which participants (N = 87, MAge = 99.05; SDage = 2.6; age range 95–107) reported using specific coping strategies (i.e., coping strategy use) and the relative preference for specific strategies (i.e., relative coping preferences) in data from the Fordham Centenarian Study. Moreover, we applied cluster analysis to detect coping patterns, and we compared cluster characteristics. Results: Very old individuals reported using emotion control and acceptance the most. Cluster analysis further revealed two distinct groups: The high coping group reported significantly higher coping strategy use than the low coping group (p < 0.001). The two groups also favored different strategies (p < 0.001), with the high coping group showing significantly higher relative preferences than the low coping group for active problem-solving, proactive prevention, and strategic planning (all ps < 0.05). The groups furthermore differed significantly in psychological strengths (i.e., personality, self-efficacy, ps < 0.001) and well-being outcomes (i.e., life satisfaction, p = 0.05). Discussion: This study provides evidence for a general preference for acceptance and emotion control in very old individuals, supporting theories of a developmental coping shift in old age, yet our findings also document the existence of groups with different coping patterns. More frequent coping use, and particularly continued use of active problem-solving and proactive prevention, may enable well-being in very old age.
Adverse Maternal and Infant Outcomes in Women With Chronic Hypertension in France (2010–2018): The Nationwide CONCEPTION Study
Authors: Lailler Grégory , Grave Clémence , Gabet Amélie , Regnault Nolwenn , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine , Kretz Sandrine , Mounier‐Vehier Claire , Tsatsaris Vassilis , Plu‐Bureau Geneviève , Blacher Jacques , Olié Valérie
Published: February 2023

Background

It has been suggested that chronic hypertension is a risk factor for negative maternal and fetal outcomes during pregnancy and postpartum. We aimed to estimate the association of chronic hypertension on adverse maternal and infant outcomes and assess the impact of antihypertensive treatment and these outcomes.

Methods and Results

Using data from the French national health data system, we identified and included in the CONCEPTION cohort all women in France who delivered their first child between 2010 and 2018. Chronic hypertension before pregnancy was identified through antihypertensive medication purchases and by diagnosis during hospitalization. We assessed the incidence risk ratios (IRRs) of maternofetal outcomes using Poisson models. A total of 2 822 616 women were included, and 42 349 (1.5%) had chronic hypertension and 22 816 were treated during pregnancy. In Poisson models, the adjusted IRR (95% CI) of maternofetal outcomes for women with hypertension were as follows: 1.76 (1.54–2.01) for infant death, 1.73 (1.60–1.87) for small gestational age, 2.14 (1.89–2.43) for preterm birth, 4.58 (4.41–4.75) for preeclampsia, 1.33 (1.27–1.39) for cesarean delivery, 1.84 (1.47–2.31) for venous thromboembolism, 2.62 (1.71–4.01) for stroke or acute coronary syndrome, and 3.54 (2.11–5.93) for maternal death postpartum. In women with chronic hypertension, being treated with an antihypertensive drug during pregnancy was associated with a significantly lower risk of obstetric hemorrhage, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome during pregnancy and postpartum.

Conclusions

Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor of infant and maternal negative outcomes. In women with chronic hypertension, the risk of pregnancy and postpartum cardiovascular events may be decreased by antihypertensive treatment during pregnancy.
Sex‐Specific Reproductive Factors Augment Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Ardissino Maddalena , Slob Eric A. W. , Carter Paul , Rogne Tormod , Girling Joanna , Burgess Stephen , Ng Fu Siong
Published: February 2023

Background

Observational studies suggest that reproductive factors are associated with cardiovascular disease, but these are liable to influence by residual confounding. This study explores the causal relevance of reproductive factors on cardiovascular disease in women using Mendelian randomization.

Methods and Results

Uncorrelated (
r
2
<0.001), genome‐wide significant (
P
<5×10
−8
) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were extracted from sex‐specific genome‐wide association studies of age at first birth, number of live births, age at menarche, and age at menopause. Inverse‐variance weighted Mendelian randomization was used for primary analyses on outcomes of atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure, ischemic stroke, and stroke. Earlier genetically predicted age at first birth increased risk of coronary artery disease (odds ratio [OR] per year, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.28–1.74],
P
=3.72×10
−7
) heart failure (OR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.06–1.53],
P
=0.009), and stroke (OR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.00–1.56],
P
=0.048), with partial mediation through body mass index, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol traits. Higher genetically predicted number of live births increased risk of atrial fibrillation (OR for <2, versus 2, versus >2 live births, 2.91 [95% CI, 1.16–7.29],
P
=0.023), heart failure (OR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.28–2.82],
P
=0.001), ischemic stroke (OR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.03–3.37],
P
=0.039), and stroke (OR, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.22–3.52],
P
=0.007). Earlier genetically predicted age at menarche increased risk of coronary artery disease (OR per year, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.06–1.14],
P
=1.68×10
−6
) and heart failure (OR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.07–1.17],
P
=5.06×10
−7
); both associations were at least partly mediated by body mass index.

Conclusions

These results support a causal role of a number of reproductive factors on cardiovascular disease in women and identify multiple modifiable mediators amenable to clinical intervention.
Research Opportunities in Stroke Prevention for Atrial Fibrillation: A Report From a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Virtual Workshop
Authors: Go Alan S. , Al-Khatib Sana M. , Desvigne-Nickens Patrice , Bansal Nisha , Bushnell Cheryl D. , Fang Margaret C. , Freeman James V. , Gage Brian F. , Hanke Thorsten , Hylek Elaine M. , Lopes Renato D. , Noseworthy Peter A. , Reddy Vivek Y. , Singer Daniel E. , Thomas Kevin L. , True Hills Mellanie , Turakhia Mintu P. , Zieman Susan J. , Cooper Lawton S. , Benjamin Emelia J.
Published: February 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the strongest risk factors for ischemic stroke, which is a leading cause of disability and death. Given the aging population, increasing prevalence of AF risk factors, and improved survival in those with cardiovascular disease, the number of individuals affected by AF will continue increasing over time. While multiple proven stroke prevention therapies exist, important questions remain about the optimal approach to stroke prevention at the population and individual patient levels. Our report summarizes the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute virtual workshop focused on identifying key research opportunities related to stroke prevention in AF. The workshop reviewed major knowledge gaps and identified targeted research opportunities to advance stroke prevention in AF in the following areas: (1) improving risk stratification tools for stroke and intracranial hemorrhage; (2) addressing challenges with oral anticoagulants; and (3) delineating the optimal roles of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion and surgical left atrial appendage closure/excision. This report aims to promote innovative, impactful research that will lead to more personalized, effective use of stroke prevention strategies in people with AF.
Mobilizing in the Interest of Others
Authors: Levi Margaret , Ugolnik Zachary
Published: February 2023

A new moral political economy will revise capitalist democracy to ensure flourishing for all. Its principles derive from the recognition that humans are social animals who benefit from reciprocity and cooperation. We argue for attention to mobilizing strategies and governance arrangements that facilitate prosocial behavior and overcome the divisions-racial, political, and otherwise-that block awareness of common interests. We advocate for an expanded and inclusive community of fate whose members see their interests and destines as intertwined.
Caregiving in Philosophy, Biology & Political Economy
Authors: Gopnik Alison
Published: February 2023

Caring for the young and the old, the fragile and the ill, is central to human thriving, and has played a fundamental role in human evolution. Yet care has been largely invisible in political economy and it does not fit the prevailing philosophical, political, and economic frameworks. Care typically emerges in the context of close personal relationships, and it is not well suited to either utilitarian or Kantian accounts of morality, or to “social contract” accounts of cooperation. Markets and states both have difficulty providing and supporting care, and as a result, care is overlooked and undervalued. I sketch alternative ways of thinking about the morality and politics of care and present alternative policies that could help support carers and those they care for.
Making Decent Jobs
Authors: Ahlquist John S.
Published: February 2023

On both normative and pragmatic grounds, I make a case for “decent jobs” over the current discourse around “good jobs.” I define decent jobs as ones that reflect sustained worker influence over the terms and conditions of work. Making decent jobs necessarily entails groups of workers capable of engaging strategically with firms and governments. Where will these groups come from? Changes in technology, the structure of production, and boundaries of the firm all point to profound difficulties in sustaining collective action centered on workplace relationships and identities. Networks of workers organized around mutual aid show some promise, but connecting these groups to concerted action on the shop floor implies numerous organizational and governance challenges.
Eudaimonic Jobs
Authors: Naidu Suresh
Published: February 2023

John Ahlquist's essay proposes a notion of “decent jobs” that is multidimensional, context-dependent, and dynamic. I suggest a simple test for “decent work”: work that the worker thinks is valued by people whom the worker values (a measure of exemplary virtue, hence eudaimonic). High pay in a cash society is but one such signal of value, and much labor is provided without that signal. I advocate making relationship-building, decision-making, and sheer time and care required by democratic self-government part of what we consider “decent work,” a democratic corvée we impose on ourselves.
Reducing the Transactional Value of Identity & Race
Authors: Farrell Henry , Levi Margaret
Published: February 2023

Grieve Chelwa, Darrick Hamilton, and Avi Green explain how existing accounts of capitalism systematically neglect racial identity group stratification. Their approach points to an important comparative dimension and two significant research agendas that could supplement their arguments. First would be to inquire into the role that equal respect plays in pushing back against stratification. Second would be to investigate how other aspects of social norms may have consequences too, perhaps drawing insights from a new body of research on racial stratification that draws upon Marxian and neoclassical economics.
How Should We Govern Housing Markets in a Moral Political Economy?
Authors: Thurston Chloe
Published: February 2023

Building on Debra Satz's argument that we can design our way out of noxious markets, this essay shifts toward questions of process, paying particular attention to the constraints posed when noxious markets generate supportive political constituencies. Using the case of U.S. housing policy, I make two claims. First, even intentional efforts at using market design to harness the capacities Satz identifies can produce cross-cutting effects, strengthening democracies on some dimensions and weakening them on others. Second, noxious markets can generate supportive constituencies that may undermine reform efforts. Ultimately, a moral housing market requires political supports that can help to broaden communities of fate, build political capacities of those who are persistently underrepresented in local deliberations, and encourage participants to reflect on the consequences of market design.
Moral Firms?
Authors: Henderson Rebecca
Published: February 2023

Building a new political economy requires transforming our markets, our institutions, and our policy and regulatory regimes. In this essay, I argue that it also requires transforming the purpose of the firm: from a singular focus on maximizing financial returns to the recognition that firms exist to support human flourishing, with profits merely a means to an end. I suggest that this transformation is already under way and indeed that it may help support fundamental change in the wider society, but that significant shifts in law, policy, and in the social and normative context are almost certainly essential if this new model is to become the norm.
Can Firms Act Morally?
Authors: O'Mara Margaret
Published: February 2023

The firm is a critical actor in the formation of a new moral political economy, but firm structure, culture, and profits can be an obstacle to change. The case of the American technology industry demonstrates the limits of relying on firms to change from within. The widespread practice of awarding stock ties white-collar compensation to corporate performance and curtails employee activism. The high-tech venture capital model measures success using rapid return on investment and acquisition of market share. Corporate governance practices and dual-class shares give founder-CEOs outsized control and entrench existing business models, even when they have damaging downstream consequences. The trajectory of these purportedly purpose-driven companies indicates that, as in the past, regulation may be the most effective path to meaningful corporate reform.
The Structuring Work of Algorithms
Authors: boyd danah
Published: February 2023

Algorithms reflect how power is arranged within our society while also producing power dynamics themselves. Algorithmic systems configure power by engaging in network-making, thereby shaping society and entrenching existing logics into infrastructure. To understand the moral economy of high-tech modernism, we must explore how algorithmic systems contribute to ongoing social, political, and economic structuring. This essay reflects on the importance of algorithmic systems’ positions within our political, economic, and social arrangements.
Taking Responsibility for Tomorrow: Remaking Collective Governance as Political Ancestors
Authors: Tsai Lily L.
Published: February 2023

In learning from older and past collective governance practices, we must design new institutions with an ethos that underscores our roles not only as descendants from past innovators but also as ancestors who have a responsibility to provide such legacies for the future. Governance archaeology can only realize its full moral and generative potential when it is practiced in a way that acknowledges our responsibility to future humans as well as past ones. This essay thus argues for the need to include future humans in the “we” of collective governance for distributive equity as well as procedural justice.
A Cambridge University Greek Textbook at Harvard College in 1642
Authors: Vozar Thomas Matthew
Published: February 2023

This paper considers a Homeric paraphrase of the Book of Job by James Duport, Regius Professor of Greek at the University of Cambridge, as the earliest known Greek textbook in use at the newly founded Harvard College, as recorded in New England's First Fruits (1643).
Archemezira nuoxichenae gen. et sp. nov. from Burmese amber (Heteroptera, Aradidae)
Authors: HEISS ERNST , CHEN HUA-RONG
Published: February 2023

The mid-Cretaceous amber deposits of Kachin State in Northern Myanmar have yielded to date a plethora of biological inclusions (Ross, 2019, 2021, 2022). Among them, the heteropteran flat bug family Aradidae is represented by ten genera and 13 species: Aradoleptus Heiss, 2016 (one sp.); Archeaneurus Heiss, 2019 (one sp.); Archearadus Heiss & Grimaldi, 2001 (two sp.); Archecalisius Heiss, 2019 (one sp.); Calisiomorpha Heiss 2016 (one sp.); Cretopiesma Grimaldi & Engel, 2008 (four sp.); Ellenbergeria Heiss, 2016 (one sp.); Kachinocoris Heiss, 2012 (one sp.); Myanmezira Heiss & Poinar, 2012 (one sp.); Pachytylaradus Heiss, 2022 (one sp.) (Heiss & Grimaldi, 2001; Grimaldi & Engel, 2008; Heiss, 2012, 2016, 2019a, b, 2022; Heiss & Poinar, 2012; Azar et al., 2020).
Synopsis of the Neotropical Premnobiina (Coleoptera: Curculonidae: Scolytinae: Ipini) with descriptions of new species, new synonymy and keys to species
Authors: ATKINSON THOMAS H. , FLECHTMANN CARLOS A. H. , PETROV ALEXANDER V.
Published: February 2023

One new species of Neotropical Premnobius Eichhoff is described: P. brownei Atkinson & Flechtmann from Brazil. The presence of the related genus Premnophilus Browne is confirmed from South America and six new species are described: P. bertii Atkinson & Flechtmann from Brazil, P. jordali Petrov from Peru, P. maiai Atkinson & Flechtmann from Brazil, P. pedrosai Atkinson & Flechtmann from Brazil, P. sarahsmithae Atkinson & Flechtmann from Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago, and P. wilsoni Atkinson & Flechtmann from Brazil. French Guiana, and Peru. Gnathotrupes megapunctatus Bright, 2019 is recognized as a synonym of Premnobius perezdelacruceii Petrov & Atkinson, 2018. A synopsis of previously described Premnobius species and keys to species in both genera are presented. Generic characters for the three genera of Neotropical Ipini are discussed.
The intraspecific morphological variability of Styloperla Wu, 1935 (Plecoptera: Styloperlidae)
Authors: HUO QING-BO , ZHAO MENG-YUAN , DU YU-ZHOU , MURÁNYI DÁVID , ZHU BIN-QING , YU LEI
Published: February 2023

Intraspecific morphological variability of four Styloperla Wu, 1935 species are described and discussed in this paper. The males of each species have variable specializations present at their basal cercal process, including the variable number of branches or differing degrees of curvature at the apical spines. A generalization on the species definition of Plecoptera, especially a new concept of conspecificity is also provided herein.
Impact of Global Warming on U.S. Summertime Mesoscale Convective Systems: A Simple Lagrangian Parcel Model Perspective
Authors: Yang Qiu , Leung L. Ruby , Feng Zhe , Chen Xingchao
Published: February 2023

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are the dominant rainfall producer over the United States during the warm season, causing natural disasters and severe weather every year. Global climate models have large uncertainty in projecting precipitation changes in the future climate. Here, a simple Lagrangian parcel model is used to investigate the impact of global warming on MCS initiation and growth. The single-column parcel model projects a mean precipitation decrease over the central United States and an increase to its east, in agreement with the CMIP5 model projection. It also highlights the crucial role of current climate mean-state model bias in exaggerating the change in future mean precipitation projection by 25%. As for convective population, the model captures the decreased occurrence frequency of weak to moderate convection and increased frequency of strong convection due to the increased CAPE and CIN, in agreement with convection-permitting regional simulations. Novel parameterizations of gust-front propagation speed and subsidence strength are developed as guided by cloud-resolving simulations. The multicolumn parcel model employing those parameterizations captures readily the cold pool–induced upscale growth feature. It simulates smaller mesoscale clusters over the central United States under global warming due to gust-front slowdown and subsidence strength enhancement, which are further attributed to land aridity–induced weakening of initial accumulated precipitation and strengthening of updraft speed, respectively. That said, mesoscale clusters could become bigger under more favorable conditions in future climate, including boundary layer moistening, convection lifetime lengthening, and cold pool mechanical-lifting enhancement, which require further investigations to improve mechanistic understanding of future MCS changes.
Saildrone Direct Covariance Wind Stress in Various Wind and Current Regimes of the Tropical Pacific
Authors: Reeves Eyre J. E. Jack , Cronin Meghan F. , Zhang Dongxiao , Thompson Elizabeth J. , Fairall Christopher W. , Edson James B.
Published: February 2023

High-frequency wind measurements from Saildrone autonomous surface vehicles are used to calculate wind stress in the tropical east Pacific. Comparison between direct covariance (DC) and bulk wind stress estimates demonstrates very good agreement. Building on previous work that showed the bulk input data were reliable, our results lend credibility to the DC estimates. Wind flow distortion by Saildrones is comparable to or smaller than other platforms. Motion correction results in realistic wind spectra, albeit with signatures of swell-coherent wind fluctuations that may be unrealistically strong. Fractional differences between DC and bulk wind stress magnitude are largest at wind speeds below 4 m s−1. The size of this effect, however, depends on choice of stress direction assumptions. Past work has shown the importance of using current-relative (instead of Earth-relative) winds to achieve accurate wind stress magnitude. We show that it is also important for wind stress direction.

Significance Statement

We use data from Saildrone uncrewed oceanographic research vehicles to investigate the horizontal forces applied to the surface of the ocean by the action of the wind. We compare two methods to calculate the forces: one uses several simplifying assumptions, and the other makes fewer assumptions but is error prone if the data are incorrectly processed. The two methods agree well, suggesting that Saildrone vehicles are suitable for both methods and that the data processing methods work. Our results show that it is important to consider ocean currents, as well as winds, in order to achieve accurate magnitude and direction of the surface forces.
Locked In and Locked Out: How COVID-19 Is Making the Case for Digital Inclusion of Incarcerated Populations
Authors: Reisdorf Bianca C.
Published: February 2023

Digital inequalities have been exacerbated for many marginalized populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is no different for one of the most marginalized populations in the United States, incarcerated people. Due to the pandemic, in-person visitations as well as educational and vocational programming were, and in many cases remain, suspended across numerous correctional facilities, leaving incarcerated people even more socially isolated than before the pandemic. Although an increasing number of facilities provide prison tablets for entertainment and communication purposes, high prices for electronic messages, video visitations, books, and entertainment content leave incarcerated people and their families unable to pay for these services. As best practice examples from California, Maine, New York City, and Pennsylvania demonstrate, connecting prisons to the internet and allowing incarcerated people secure access to the internet is possible, and long overdue. The pandemic has highlighted these issues and provides an opportunity to overhaul outdated ideas about prison communication.
The Effect of Descending Resources Reform on Reallocating Healthcare Resources: An Analysis Based on the Difference-in-Differences Method
Authors: Yang Chenyi , Sun Zesheng , Wang Shuyun , Shen Yuqing , Wang Shuhong
Published: February 2023

Since 2010, China has been exploring descending resources reform in order to correct the imbalanced allocation of healthcare resources and promote coordinated economic development among regions. This paper for the first time estimates the impact this reform has had on the reallocation of healthcare resources by using prefecture-level cities panel data from Zhejiang Province, China, which implemented the reform province-wide in 2013. The time-varying difference-in-differences (DID) method was used to estimate the reform’s policy effects. The data used in this paper is from published statistical yearbooks and local governments, which include panel data from 11 prefecture-level and higher cities in Zhejiang Province as the treated group and 46 prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu, Henan, and Sichuan Province as the control group. The entropy weight method was used to construct the supply index and demand index to incorporate multiple inputs and outputs, and efficiency indicators were constructed using the ratio method. This research found that the reform has had a positive effect on outpatient visits in different prefecture-level cities with vast rural areas. However, this reform exerted no significant impact on inpatient services or supply-side or resource allocation efficiency. Several robust tests support the above conclusions, and one theoretical explanation is provided. The descending health resources reform can be a valuable reform path in promoting more balanced healthcare resource allocation; however, the resultant disparities in its effects should be considered when implementing it.
Migration and Demos in the Democratic Firm: An Extension of the State-Firm Analogy
Authors: Cockburn Patrick J. L. , Preminger Jonathan
Published: February 2023

Debates around the state-firm analogy as a route to justifying workplace democracy tend toward a static view of both state and firm and position workplace democracy as the objective. We contend, however, that states and firms are connected in ways that should alter the terms of the debate, and that the achievement of workplace democracy raises a new set of political issues about the demos in the democratic firm and “worker migration” at the boundaries of the firm. Our argument thus contains two key steps: first, drawing on an empirical case study of a worker-owned firm, we enrich the state-firm analogy by developing a more dynamic view of both, focusing on the creation of workplace democracies, worker movement in and out of them, the dynamic meanings of “citizenship” within them, and the status of the unemployed in a world of democratic workplaces. Second, we then argue that in moving to a more sociological view of the state, the things we were comparing begin to show their real-world connections to one another. By going beyond the idealized view of states that has distorted the state-firm analogy debates, we arrive at a more robust view of how widespread workplace democracy might reconfigure basic political relationships in society.
Trade unions, stigma and legitimacy: A case study about academic wages in British universities
Authors: Black Nicholas
Published: February 2023

This article applies the concept of legitimacy to reinterpret collective bargaining as a war of words instead of an institutional arrangement of negotiations and power struggles between employers and trade unions. The case study investigates trade union discourse by collecting and analysing campaign materials about academic wages across British universities over 18 years. The results suggest trade unions tried to stigmatize British universities for not engaging in consultation and negotiation; acting with honesty and good faith; or being transparent and equitable. However, none of these management practices puts economic framing at the forefront, which is at odds with financialization and the essence of wages being about money and performance. This article concludes that embracing economics and reducing plurality within trade union discourse may help legitimize academic wages to match economic growth in the sector.
Myocardial protection using single dose del Nido Cardioplegia with and without topical cooling
Authors: Malinowski Marcin , Solarewicz Monica , Farley Ryan , Salcido Jose Rios , Bush Jared , MacDoughall Brian , Bromberg-White Jennifer , Timek Tomasz A
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Del Nido cardioplegia (DN) is gaining acceptance in adult cardiac surgery but there is paucity of experimental data regarding its efficacy. We set out to assess the safety and efficacy of single-dose DN with and without topical cooling (TC) versus multi-dose blood cardioplegia (BC).

Methods

Thirty-two healthy adult sheep had pressure-volume (PV) catheters placed in the left (LV) and right (RV) ventricle. Animals were assigned to receive cold (4°C) antegrade solution for a 60-min arrest using: (1) multi-dose (every 20 min) BC with TC ( n = 11), (2) single-dose DN with TC (DN-C, n = 10), or (3) single-dose DN without TC (DN-H, n = 11). LV and RV PV-derived indexes, epicardial echocardiographic strains, and blood samples were acquired before CPB and at 1, 2, and 3 h of reperfusion. Dobutamine bolus (2.5 μg) was given after 3 h to test for myocardial reserve.

Results

Time to rhythm restoration was shortest (54 ± 29 s, 118 ± 167 s, and 172 ± 170 s for DN-H, DN-C, and BC, respectively; p = 0.024) and number of shocks lowest (1.7 ± 1.8, 3.6 ± 2.8, and 5.6 ± 4.6 for DN-H, DN-C, and BC, respectively; p = 0.020) in DN-H group. Hemodynamic, load-independent myocardial function, echocardiographic, and metabolic data revealed only slight differences between groups. Troponin I levels did not differ between groups. With dobutamine, preload-recruitable stroke work of both LV (136 ± 50%, 131 ± 31%, 142 ± 58% for BC, DN-C and DN-H, respectively; p = 0.993) and RV (161 ± 67%, 185 ± 45%, 166 ± 75% for BC, DN-C and DN-H respectively; p = 0.580) increased similarly.

Conclusions

Single-dose DN cardioplegia with or without topical cooling offered comparable biventricular myocardial protection to multi-dose BC for a 60-min arrest in sheep.
“Beyond waking and walking. Intensive rehabilitation in patients requiring extended durations of advanced mechanical circulatory support: A case series”
Authors: Whitlock Katelyn , Rzewnicki Daniel , Krieger Briana , Miller Casey , Creel-Bulos Christina
Published: February 2023

Physical therapy (PT) utilization in patients requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been reported; however, little is known about intensive rehabilitation and associated outcomes in patients requiring extended complex MCS and/or ECMO support.

Authors sought to explore safety, feasibility and outcomes associated with active rehabilitation in patients requiring prolonged advanced MCS/ECMO support.

Single-center retrospective series evaluated functional, clinical, and longitudinal outcomes of sample of eight critically ill, adult (≥18 years of age) patients who underwent a intensive rehabilitation while receiving prolonged MCS/ECMO through advanced configurations including: venovenous (VV-ECMO), venoarterial (VA-ECMO), oxygenator with right ventricular assist device (Oxy-RVAD) and right ventricular assist device (RVAD).

406 sessions were conducted; 246 during provision of advanced MCS/ECMO support.

Incidence of major adverse events-accidental decannulation, migration of cannulas, circuit failure, hemorrhage, major flow limitations, and major hemodynamic instability-was 1.2 events per 100 sessions. None of reported major adverse events impeded longitudinal ability to participate in PT. Increased time to PT initiation was associated with a statistically significant increase in intensive care unit (ICU) length-of-stay (β1 1.93, CI 0.55–3.30) and reduced ambulatory distance during last session on MCS/ECMO (β1 -47.64, CI - 93.93, −1.66). All patients survived to hospital discharge and 12 months from sentinel hospitalization. Amongst those patients discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation center ( n = 4), all were discharged home within 3 months.

Findings support the safety and feasibility of active rehabilitational PT in patients requiring extended durations of advanced MCS/ECMO support. Moreover, it highlights potentially associated benefits of this degree of intensive rehabilitation for these unique patients. Further investigation is needed to identify associations with longitudinal clinical outcomes, as well as predictors of success in this population.
Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) for assessment of response to high-dose-rate CT-guided brachytherapy (HDR-BT) of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Karim Homeira , Thormann Maximilian , Omari Jazan , Surov Alexey , Schinner Regina , Seidensticker Ricarda , Ingenerf Maria , Ricke Jens , Schmid-Tannwald Christine
Published: February 2023

Background

High-dose-rate computed tomography (CT)-guided brachytherapy (HDR-BT) has shown promising results in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While growing evidence shows clear limitations of mRECIST, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has relevant potential in improving the response assessment.

Purpose

To assess whether DWI allows evaluation of short- and long-term tumor response in patients with HCC after HDR-BT.

Material and Methods

A total of 22 patients with 11 non-responding HCCs (NR-HCC; local tumor recurrence within two years) and 24 responding HCCs (R-HCC; follow-up at least two years) were included in this retrospective bi-center study. HCCs were treated with HDR-BT and patients underwent pre- and post-interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Analyses of DWI were evaluated and compared between pre-interventional MRI, 1.follow-up after 3 months and 2.follow-up at the time of the local tumor recurrence (in NR-HCC) or after 12 months (in R-HCC).

Results

ADCmean of R-HCC increased significantly after HDR-BT on the first and second follow-up (ADCmean: 0.87 ± 0.18 × 10−3 mm2/s [pre-interventional]: 1.14 ± 0.23 × 10−3 mm2/s [1. post-interventional]; 1.42 ± 0.32 × 10−3 mm2/s [2. post-interventional]; P < 0.001). ADCmean of NR-HCC did not show a significant increase from pre-intervention to 1. post-interventional MRI (ADCmean: 0.85 ± 0.24 × 10−3 mm2/s and 1.00 ± 0.30 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively; P = 0.131). ADCmean increase was significant between pre-intervention and 2. follow-up (ADCmean: 1.03 ± 0.19 × 10−3 mm2/s; P = 0.018). There was no significant increase of ADCmean between the first and second follow-up. There was, however, a significant increase of ADCmin after 12 months (ADCmin: 0.87 ± 0.29 × 10−3 mm2/s) compared to pre-interventional MRI and first follow-up ( P < 0.005) only in R-HCC.

Conclusion

The tumor response after CT-guided HDR-BT was associated with a significantly higher increase in ADCmean and ADCmin in short- and long-term follow-up.