bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers’ Resilience: Conceived, Perceived or Lived-in
Authors: Boon Helen J.
Published: August 2020

Schools in Western countries are places where work-related conditions lead to teacher disaffection and attrition. To mitigate this employers and scholars advocate fostering teacher resilience. This chapter presents a critical examination of teacher resilience. Originally conceived as a personal trait, later research showed human resilience is an attribute that can be developed. Resilience is one’s ability to manage stressors and maintain adaptive functioning across all domains of life. Latterly, scholars investigated resilience in teachers, mainly through qualitative or quantitative self-report studies. This research constitutes perceived teacher resilience, because as formulated, teacher resilience is conceptually flawed, limited in scope, based on teachers’ functioning within their professional lives. We do not know what constitutes long-serving teachers’ actual, lived-in resilience: what enables teachers to maintain their wellbeing and effectiveness in the classroom, reflecting human resilience as originally conceived. For an accurate profile of teacher resilience we must study those still teaching, and teachers who have exited the profession to determine why they left. Perhaps exiting the profession signals a resilient person who does not accept working conditions that do not support wellbeing or teaching effectiveness. Perhaps ‘teacher resilience’ is inaccurately used in the context of teacher attrition and disaffection.
Navigating Changing Times: Exploring Teacher Educator Experiences of Resilience
Authors: McDonough Sharon , Papatraianou Lisa , Strangeways Al , Mansfield Caroline F. , Beutel Denise
Published: August 2020

While there exists notable research in Australia and internationally on the ways pre-service and early career teachers develop and maintain resilience, there is a paucity of literature examining the resilience of teacher educators. The teacher education landscape has a dynamic nature, and in the Australian context, there have been multiple changes to policy and accreditation that have impacted on the work of teacher educators, including: the introduction of literacy and numeracy testing and a teaching performance assessment for teacher education students; and strict regulatory controls for providers. This context, combined with the intensification of academic work in higher education settings, has led us to investigate the personal and contextual factors that enable or constrain teacher educators’ resilience. In this chapter, we draw on a social ecological model of resilience to explore the factors that sustain and challenge teacher educators in their work, and use the findings to highlight implications for the field of teacher education.
Transcending the ensemble: baby universes, spacetime wormholes, and the order and disorder of black hole information
Authors: Marolf Donald , Maxfield Henry
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In the 1980’s, work by Coleman and by Giddings and Strominger linked the physics of spacetime wormholes to ‘baby universes’ and an ensemble of theories. We revisit such ideas, using features associated with a negative cosmological constant and asymptotically AdS boundaries to strengthen the results, introduce a change in perspective, and connect with recent replica wormhole discussions of the Page curve. A key new feature is an emphasis on the role of null states. We explore this structure in detail in simple topological models of the bulk that allow us to compute the full spectrum of associated boundary theories. The dimension of the asymptotically AdS Hilbert space turns out to become a random variable Z , whose value can be less than the naive number k of independent states in the theory. For k > Z , consistency arises from an exact degeneracy in the inner product defined by the gravitational path integral, so that many a priori independent states differ only by a null state. We argue that a similar property must hold in any consistent gravitational path integral. We also comment on other aspects of extrapolations to more complicated models, and on possible implications for the black hole information problem in the individual members of the above ensemble.
Hairy black-holes in shift-symmetric theories
Authors: Creminelli Paolo , Loayza Nicolás , Serra Francesco , Trincherini Enrico , Trombetta Leonardo G.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Scalar hair of black holes in theories with a shift symmetry are constrained by the no-hair theorem of Hui and Nicolis, assuming spherical symmetry, time-independence of the scalar field and asymptotic flatness. The most studied counterexample is a linear coupling of the scalar with the Gauss-Bonnet invariant. However, in this case the norm of the shift-symmetry current J
2 diverges at the horizon casting doubts on whether the solution is physically sound. We show that this is not an issue since J
2 is not a scalar quantity, since J

μ
is not a diffinvariant current in the presence of Gauss-Bonnet. The same theory can be written in Horndeski form with a non-analytic function G
5
∼ log X . In this case the shift-symmetry current is diff-invariant, but contains powers of X in the denominator, so that its divergence at the horizon is again immaterial. We confirm that other hairy solutions in the presence of non-analytic Horndeski functions are pathological, featuring divergences of physical quantities as soon as one departs from time-independence and spherical symmetry. We generalise the no-hair theorem to Beyond Horndeski and DHOST theories, showing that the coupling with Gauss-Bonnet is necessary to have hair.
Generalized entanglement entropy, charges, and intertwiners
Authors: Furuya Keiichiro , Lashkari Nima , Ouseph Shoy
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The entanglement theory in quantum systems with internal symmetries is rich due to the spontaneous creation of entangled pairs of charge/anti-charge particles at the entangling surface. We call these pair creation operators the bi-local intertwiners because of the role they play in the representation theory of the symmetry group. We define a generalized measure of entanglement entropy as a measure of information erased under restriction to a subspace of observables. We argue that the correct entanglement measure in the presence of charges is the sum of two terms; one measuring the entanglement of charge- neutral operators, and the other measuring the contribution of the bi-local intertwiners. Our expression is unambiguously defined in lattice models as well in quantum field theory (QFT). We use the Tomita-Takesaki modular theory to highlight the differences between QFT and lattice models, and discuss an extension of the algebra of QFT that leads to a factorization of the charged modes.
Targeting Dysregulation of Metalloproteinase Activity in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Wilkinson David , Bou-Gharios George
Published: August 2020

Metalloproteinases were first identified as collagen cleaving enzymes and are now appreciated to play important roles in a wide variety of biological processes. The aberrant activity and dysregulation of the metalloproteinase family are linked to numerous diseases including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, chronic wounds, cancer, fibrosis and arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent age-related joint disorder that causes pain and disability, but there are no disease-modifying drugs available. The hallmark of OA is loss of articular cartilage and elevated activities of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases are responsible. These enzymes do not exist in isolation and their activity is tightly regulated by a number of processes, such as transcription, proteolytic activation, interaction with their inhibitors, cell surface and extracellular matrix molecules, and endocytic clearance from the extracellular milieu. Here, we describe the functions and roles of metalloproteinase family in OA pathogenesis. We highlight recent studies that have illustrated novel mechanisms regulating their extracellular activity and impairment of such regulations that lead to the development of OA. We also discuss how to stop or slow down the degenerative processes by targeting aberrant metalloproteinase activity, which may in future become therapeutic interventions for the disease.
Loss of Ventricular Function After Bidirectional Cavopulmonary Connection: Who Is at Risk?
Authors: Vincenti Marie , Qureshi M. Yasir , Niaz Talha , Seisler Drew K. , Nelson Timothy J. , Cetta Frank
Published: August 2020

Decline of single ventricle systolic function after bidirectional cavopulmonary connection (BDCPC) is thought to be a transient phenomenon. We analyzed ventricular function after BDCPC according to ventricular morphology and correlated this evolution to long-term prognosis. A review from Mayo Clinic databases was performed. Visually estimated ejection fraction (EF) was reported from pre-BDCPC to pre-Fontan procedure. The last cardiovascular update was collected to assess long-term prognosis. A freedom from major cardiac event survival curve and a risk factor analysis were performed. 92 patients were included; 52 had left ventricle (LV) morphology and 40 had right ventricle (RV) morphology (28/40 had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)). There were no significant differences in groups regarding BDCPC procedure or immediate post-operative outcome. EF showed a significant and relevant decrease from baseline to discharge in the HLHS group: 59 ± 4% to 49 ± 7% or − 9% (p < 0.01) vs. 58 ± 3% to 54 ± 6% or − 4% in the non-HLHS RV group (p = 0.04) and 61 ± 4% to 60 ± 4% or − 1% in the LV group (p = 0.14). Long-term recovery was the least in the HLHS group: EF prior to Fontan 54 ± 2% vs. 56 ± 6% and 60 ± 4%, respectively (p < 0.01). With a median follow-up of 8 years post-BDCPC, six patients had Fontan circulation failure, four died, and three had heart transplantation. EF less than 50% at hospital discharge after BDCPC was strongly correlated to these major cardiac events (HR 3.89; 95% Cl 1.04–14.52). Patients with HLHS are at great risk of ventricular dysfunction after BDCPC. This is not a transient phenomenon and contributes to worse prognosis.
Totally Mechanical Collard Technique for Cervical Esophagogastric Anastomosis Reduces Stricture Formation Compared with Circular Stapled Anastomosis
Authors: Hirano Yuki , Fujita Takeo , Sato Kazuma , Kurita Daisuke , Sato Takuji , Ishiyama Koshiro , Fujiwara Hisashi , Oguma Junya , Daiko Hiroyuki
Published: August 2020

Background

The optimal technique for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis in esophagectomy has not yet been established. Using circular stapled (CS) technique effectively reduces the incidence of anastomotic leakage and shortens the operating time; however, anastomotic stricture has been reported to be more common. The present study was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of the recently developed totally mechanical Collard (TMC) and CS anastomosis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive esophageal cancer cases who are undergoing transthoracic extended esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction using cervical CS or TMC anastomosis from December 2013 to December 2016. Propensity score matching and multivariate regression were used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics.

Results

Among 313 patients, 93 underwent CS anastomosis and 220 underwent TMC anastomosis. Stricture formation occurred in 59 patients (18.8%), significantly more often with the CS than TMC anastomosis (30.1% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the refractory stricture rate (9.7% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.134) or the anastomotic leakage rate (11.8% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.845) between the two groups. The propensity score matching cohort study including 86 pairs of patients confirmed a significantly lower stricture formation rate with the TMC than CS technique (27.9% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.038). In the multivariable analysis, anastomotic leakage, the CS technique, and a body mass index of ≥25 mg/m2 were independently associated with a risk of stricture formation.

Conclusion

TMC technique contributed to a reduced rate of stricture formation compared with CS technique in cervical esophagogastric anastomosis.
Functional Voice and Swallowing Outcome Analysis After Thyroid Lobectomy: Transoral Endoscopic Vestibular Versus Open Approach
Authors: Han Sungjun , Kwon Tack‐Kyun , Chai Young Jun , Park Jina , Lee Doh Young , Lee Kyu Eun , Kim Hoon Yub , Hwang Ki‐Tae , Yi Ka Hee
Published: August 2020

Background

The transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a scarless remote‐access thyroidectomy technique. This study compared subjective and objective voice outcomes and swallowing outcomes of patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy using the TOETVA versus conventional open thyroidectomy (OT).

Methods

In addition to questionnaires, acoustic and aerodynamic analyses were performed to compare subjective and objective voice outcomes of the two groups. Swallowing outcome analyses were conducted using Swallowing Impairment Index‐6 (SIS‐6) scores. Assessments were performed preoperatively and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Propensity score matching was performed to compare the outcomes of the two groups.

Results

One hundred and two patients were included in this study (52 TOETVA and 50 OT). Excluding two patients who had vocal cord palsy and open conversion in the TOETVA group, 100 patients completed 3‐month postoperative surveys. There were no significant differences between the groups in VAS, GRBAS, or VHI‐10 scores at the preoperative and 3‐ and 6‐month assessments. For both groups, there were no significant changes in acoustic or aerodynamic parameters during the 3–6‐month postoperative period. The TOETVA group had lower SIS‐6 scores at the postoperative 6‐month assessment, but the SIS‐6 scores after 12 months were similar between groups before and after propensity score matching.

Conclusions

Following TOETVA lobectomy, there were no significant changes in voice outcomes 3 and 6 months after surgery, and the outcomes were comparable with those of OT. The TOETVA group also had swallowing outcomes that were comparable with the OT group.
Effects of life history stage and climatic conditions on fecal egg counts in plains zebras (Equus quagga) in the Serengeti National Park
Authors: Seeber Peter A. , Kuzmina Tetiana A. , Greenwood Alex D. , East Marion L.
Published: August 2020

In wildlife, endoparasite burden can be affected by host life history stage, environmental conditions, host abundance, and parasite co-infections. We tested the effects of these factors on gastrointestinal parasite infection in plains zebras (Equus quagga) in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania, using fecal egg counts of two nematode families (Strongylidae and Ascarididae) and the presence/absence of cestode (Anoplocephalidae) eggs. We predicted higher egg counts of Strongylidae and Ascarididae, and increased likelihood of Anoplocephalidae infection in individuals (1) during energetically costly life history stages when resource allocation to immune processes may decrease and in young zebras after weaning because of increased uptake of infective stages with forage, (2) when climatic conditions facilitate survival of infective stages, (3) when large zebra aggregations increase forage contamination with infective stages, and (4) in individuals co-infected with more than one parasite group as this may indicate reduced immune competence. Strongylidae egg counts were higher, and the occurrence of Anoplocephalidae eggs was more likely in bachelors than in band stallions, whereas Ascarididae egg counts were higher in band stallions. Strongylidae and Ascarididae egg counts were not increased in lactating females. Strongylidae egg counts were higher in subadults than in foals. Regardless of sex and age, Ascarididae infections were more likely under wet conditions. Co-infections did not affect Strongylidae egg counts. Ascarididae egg counts in adult females were higher when individuals were co-infected with Anoplocephalidae. We present evidence that parasite burdens in plains zebras are affected by life history stage, environmental conditions, and co-infection.
The critical view of safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Strasberg Yes or No? An Italian Multicentre study
Authors: Sgaramella Lucia Ilaria , Gurrado Angela , Pasculli Alessandro , de Angelis Nicola , Memeo Riccardo , Prete Francesco Paolo , Berti Stefano , Ceccarelli Graziano , Rigamonti Marco , Badessi Francesco Giuseppe Aldo , Solari Nicola , Milone Marco , Catena Fausto , Scabini Stefano , Vittore Francesco , Perrone Gennaro , de Werra Carlo , Cafiero Ferdinando , Testini Mario ,   SYoN Italian Collaborative Group, Baiocchi Gian Luca , Baldazzi Gianandrea , Battocletti Mario , Bertoglio Sergio , Bianco Paolo , Bugiantella Walter , Ciaccio Giovanni , Cobianchi Lorenzo , Conzo Giovanni , Crespi Michele , De Rosa Michele , Di Meo Giovanna , Docimo Ludovico , Fabris Luca , Feleppa Cosimo , Ferraro Valentina , Fontana Tommaso , Gambardella Claudio , Gennai Andrea , Guida Francesco , Invernizzi Laura , Massobrio Andrea , Medas Fabio , Monaco Luigi , Muntoni Gianfranco , Musella Mario , Palombo Denise , Perinotti Roberto , Pertile Davide , Pezzolla Angela , Piccirillo Gianluca , Polastri Roberto , Ruggiero Roberto , Scatizzi Marco , Somaglino Carlo , Tolone Salvatore , Traverso Enrico , Tutino Roberta , Valduga Carlo , Zuolo Michele
Published: August 2020

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the gold standard for the treatment of gallbladder lithiasis; nevertheless, the incidence of bile duct injuries (BDI) is still high (0.3–0.8%) compared to open cholecystectomy (0.2%). In 1995, Strasberg introduced the "Critical View of Safety" (CVS) to reduce the risk of BDI. Despite its widespread use, the scientific evidence supporting this technique to prevent BDI is controversial.

Methods

Between March 2017 and March 2019, the data of patients submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 30 Italian surgical departments were collected on a national database. A survey was submitted to all members of Italian Digestive Pathology Society to obtain data on the preoperative workup, the surgical and postoperative management of patients and to judge, at the end of the procedure, if the isolation of the elements was performed according to the CVS. In the case of a declared critical view, iconographic documentation was obtained, finally reviewed by an external auditor.

Results

Data from 604 patients were analysed. The study population was divided into two groups according to the evidence (Group A; n = 11) or absence (Group B; N = 593) of BDI and perioperative bleeding.

The non-use of CVS was found in 54.6% of procedures in the Group A, and 25.8% in the Group B, and evaluating the operator-related variables the execution of CVS was associated with a significantly lower incidence of BDI and intraoperative bleeding.

Conclusions

The CVS confirmed to be the safest technique to recognize the elements of the Calot triangle and, if correctly performed, it significantly impacted on preventing intraoperative complications. Additional educational programs on the correct application of CVS in clinical practice would be desirable to avoid extreme conditions that may require additional procedures.
Advanced spatial network metrics for cognitive management of 5G networks
Authors: Sanchez-Navarro Ignacio , Bernal Bernabe Jorge , Alcaraz-Calero Jose M. , Wang Qi
Published: August 2020

The emerging fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks are empowered by softwarization and programmability, leading to the huge potentials of unprecedented flexibility and capability in cognitive network management such as self-reconfiguration and self-optimization. To help unlock such potentials, this paper proposes a novel framework that is able to monitor and calculate 5G network topological information in terms of advanced spatial metrics. These metrics, together with enabling and optimization algorithms, are purposely designed to address the complexity of 5G network topologies introduced by network virtualization and infrastructure sharing among operators (multi-tenancy). Consequently, this new framework, centred on a topology monitoring agent (TMA), enables on-demand 5G networks’ spatial knowledge and topological awareness required by 5G cognitive network management in making smart decisions in various autonomous network management tasks including but not limited to virtual network function placement strategies. The paper describes several technical use cases enabled by the proposed framework, including proactive cache allocation, computation offloading, node overloading alerting, and load balancing. Finally, a realistic 5G testbed is deployed with the central component TMA, together with the new spatial metrics and associated algorithms, implemented. Experimental results empirically validate the proposed approach and demonstrate the scalability and performance of the TMA component.
Neurosurgical simulator for training aneurysm microsurgery—a user suitability study involving neurosurgeons and residents
Authors: Joseph Fredrick Johnson , Weber Stefan , Raabe Andreas , Bervini David
Published: August 2020

Background

Due to its complexity and to existing treatment alternatives, exposure to intracranial aneurysm microsurgery at the time of neurosurgical residency is limited. The current state of the art includes training methods like assisting in surgeries, operating under supervision, and video training. These approaches are labor-intensive and difficult to fit into a timetable limited by the new work regulations. Existing virtual reality (VR)–based training modules lack patient-specific exercises and haptic properties and are thus inferior to hands-on training sessions and exposure to real surgical procedures.

Materials and methods

We developed a physical simulator able to reproduce the experience of clipping an intracranial aneurysm based on a patient-specific 3D-printed model of the skull, brain, and arteries. The simulator is made of materials that not only imitate tissue properties including arterial wall patency, thickness, and elasticity but also able to recreate a pulsatile blood flow. A sample group of 25 neurosurgeons and residents (n = 16: early residency with less than 4 years of neurosurgical exposure; n = 9: late residency and board-certified neurosurgeons, 4–15 years of neurosurgical exposure) took part to the study. Participants evaluated the simulator and were asked to answer questions about surgical simulation anatomy, realism, haptics, tactility, and general usage, scored on a 5-point Likert scale. In order to evaluate the feasibility of a future validation study on the role of the simulator in neurosurgical postgraduate training, an expert neurosurgeon assessed participants’ clipping performance and a comparison between groups was done.

Results

The proposed simulator is reliable and potentially useful for training neurosurgical residents and board-certified neurosurgeons. A large majority of participants (84%) found it a better alternative than conventional neurosurgical training methods.

Conclusion

The integration of a new surgical simulator including blood circulation and pulsatility should be considered as part of the future armamentarium of postgraduate education aimed to ensure high training standards for current and future generations of neurosurgeons involved in intracranial aneurysm surgery.
Citation recommendation: approaches and datasets
Authors: Färber Michael , Jatowt Adam
Published: August 2020

Citation recommendation describes the task of recommending citations for a given text. Due to the overload of published scientific works in recent years on the one hand, and the need to cite the most appropriate publications when writing scientific texts on the other hand, citation recommendation has emerged as an important research topic. In recent years, several approaches and evaluation data sets have been presented. However, to the best of our knowledge, no literature survey has been conducted explicitly on citation recommendation. In this article, we give a thorough introduction to automatic citation recommendation research. We then present an overview of the approaches and data sets for citation recommendation and identify differences and commonalities using various dimensions. Last but not least, we shed light on the evaluation methods and outline general challenges in the evaluation and how to meet them. We restrict ourselves to citation recommendation for scientific publications, as this document type has been studied the most in this area. However, many of the observations and discussions included in this survey are also applicable to other types of text, such as news articles and encyclopedic articles.
Obstacle avoidance in bumblebees is robust to changes in light intensity
Authors: Baird Emily
Published: August 2020

Flying safely and avoiding obstacles in low light is crucial for the bumblebees that forage around dawn and dusk. Previous work has shown that bumblebees overcome the limitations of their visual system—typically adapted for bright sunlight—by increasing the time over which they sample photons. While this improves visual sensitivity, it decreases their capacity to resolve fast motion. This study investigates what effect this has on obstacle avoidance in flight, a task that requires the bees to reliably detect obstacles in the frontal visual field and to make a timely diversion to their flight path. In both bright and dim light, bumblebees avoided the 5 cm diameter obstacle at a consistent distance (22 cm) although in dim light they approached it more slowly from a distance of at least at least 80 cm. This suggests that bumblebees have an effective strategy for avoiding obstacles in all light conditions under which they are naturally active, and it is hypothesised that this is based on a time-to-contact prediction.
Association Between Prescribed Hypnotics in Infants and Toddlers and Later ADHD: A Large Cohort Study from Norway
Authors: Holdø Ingvild , Bramness Jørgen G. , Handal Marte , Hansen Berit Hjelde , Hjellvik Vidar , Skurtveit Svetlana
Published: August 2020

As previously indicated an association may exist between early sleep problems in infants and toddlers, and a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to study if this association could be replicated in a complete nationwide cohort of children. Prospective cohort study using national registries. All children born in Norway from January 2004 to December 2010 were included (N = 410,555). Information on hypnotic drugs dispensed to children 0–3 years of age outside of institutions was collected from the Norwegian Prescription Database and used as a proxy for sleep problems. The outcome ADHD (ICD-10), as diagnosed by specialists in the Child Mental Health Service, was obtained from the Norwegian Patient Registry. Data were analysed using weighted estimation in Cox regression. The unadjusted weighted hazard ratio (wHR) for a later diagnosis of ADHD in children dispensed two or more prescriptions for any hypnotic drug, compared to zero prescriptions, was 2.30 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63–3.23] for girls and 1.75 (95% CI 1.48–2.07) for boys. For the sedative antihistamine trimeprazine the corresponding wHR was 3.71 (95% CI 1.83–7.52) for girls and 2.78 (95% CI 2.04–3.80) for boys. After adjusting for parental ADHD and parental education the wHR for trimeprazine users was 2.81 (95% CI 1.34–5.88) for girls and 2.33 (95% CI 1.70–3.20) for boys. Infants and toddlers who were dispensed hypnotics had an increased risk of ADHD at school age. This association was most pronounced with the use of trimeprazine, a drug traditionally prescribed to toddlers for sleep problems in Norway. After adjusting for parental ADHD and educational level the risk for ADHD among the trimeprazine users was still more than twice the risk among controls.
Transnationalism: current debates and new perspectives
Authors: Tedeschi Miriam , Vorobeva Ekaterina , Jauhiainen Jussi S.
Published: August 2020

This article provides evidence-based results regarding current debates on transnationalism. It draws on the content analysis of the 50 most cited (according to the major academic databases and search engines in 2020) and the 50 most recent (published or forthcoming in 2019–2020) articles and/or books on transnationalism. The study analysed the main definitions of transnationalism, identified classification criteria for transnational experience, and reviewed the concept of transnationalism in the studied articles and books. In transnationalism, a broad range of economic, sociocultural, and political cross-border activities and practices, and their various combinations, modify people’s sense of belonging to places; affect their citizenship and nationality; change their aspirations, imagination and decisions in everyday life; and influence their identity. In the studied academic literature, transnationalism was often associated with globalisation, migration, cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism, diaspora, post-migration studies, and internationalism. Transnationalism has an inner processual and in-becoming character, leading to difficulty in giving it a precise and clear theoretical definition. Many studies have shown the need for conceptual academic clarity regarding transnationalism, whether considering it from narrow or broad perspectives. Transnationalism is transformative, and powerful enough to trigger changes in contemporary societies. This article suggests a number of particularly intriguing research fields regarding transnationalism: telecommunications (ICT—Information and Communication Technology/the internet/social media), return migration (aspirations to return, and in relation to telecommunications), as well as the connection between bodies and the law (the incorporation of the body into transnational practices and in relation to the law).
Heat and salinity transport between the permanent pycnocline and the mixed layer due to the obduction process evaluated from a gridded Argo dataset
Authors: Kawai Yoshimi , Hosoda Shigeki , Uehara Kazuyuki , Suga Toshio
Published: August 2020

It is necessary for air–sea interaction and climate research to evaluate heat and salinity transport between the mixed layer (ML) and the permanent pycnocline and its contribution to the ML properties. The authors have calculated the obduction and subduction rates with the Eulerian definition using a 1°-grid Argo dataset and incorporated the obduction rate into the ML budget analysis in order to assess the impact of the entrained permanent pycnocline water on the ML temperature and salinity. They have successfully separated the effect of obduction on the ML from the entrainment of the seasonal pycnocline, and specified the regions where the obduction impact is noticeable. The ML heating rate due to obduction was smaller than ± 0.1 K/yr on average over most of the domain, but it was larger than − 0.5 K/yr in places around the Circumpolar Current, in the northeastern tropical Pacific, the southwestern tropical Indian Ocean, and the northeastern North Atlantic. The salinizing rate due to obduction exceeded ± 0.02 psu/yr in these areas, and in the subarctic North Pacific and the eastern South Pacific. The waters entrained from the permanent pycnocline warm and salinize the ML in the high latitudes due to the dichothermal structure. The method applied in this study also enabled us to assess the residence time and route of obducted and subducted water parcels below the ML. Furthermore, the authors examined the changes of obduction and subduction related with the marine heatwave that occurred in the northeastern North Pacific around 2014.
Glycan-Based Near-infrared Fluorescent (NIRF) Imaging of Gastrointestinal Tumors: a Preclinical Proof-of-Concept In Vivo Study
Authors: Houvast Ruben D. , Baart Victor M. , Bhairosingh Shadhvi S. , Cordfunke Robert A. , Chua Jia Xin , Vankemmelbeke Mireille , Parsons Tina , Kuppen Peter J. K. , Durrant Lindy G. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Sier Cornelis F. M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Aberrantly expressed glycans in cancer are of particular interest for tumor targeting. This proof-of-conceptin vivostudy aims to validate the use of aberrant Lewis glycans as target for antibody-based, real-time imaging of gastrointestinal cancers.

Procedures

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with monoclonal antibody FG88.2, targeting Lewisa/c/x, was performed on gastrointestinal tumors and their healthy counterparts. Then, FG88.2 and its chimeric human/mouse variant CH88.2 were conjugated with near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) IRDye 800CW for real-time imaging. Specific binding was evaluatedin vitroon human gastrointestinal cancer cell lines with cell-based plate assays, flow cytometry, and immune-fluorescence microscopy. Subsequently, mice bearing human colon and pancreatic subcutaneous tumors were imagedin vivoafter intravenous administration of 1 nmol (150 μg) CH88.2-800CW with the clinical Artemis NIRF imaging system using the Pearl Trilogy small animal imager as reference. One week post-injection of the tracer, tumors and organs were resected and tracer uptake was analyzedex vivo.

Results

IHC analysis showed strong FG88.2 staining on colonic, gastric, and pancreatic tumors, while staining on their normal tissue counterparts was limited. Next, human cancer cell lines HT-29 (colon) and BxPC-3 and PANC-1 (both pancreatic) were identified as respectively high, moderate, and low Lewisa/c/x-expressing. Using the clinical NIRF camera system for tumor-bearing mice, a mean tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) of 2.2 ± 0.3 (Pearl: 3.1 ± 0.8) was observed in the HT-29 tumors and a TBR of 1.8 ± 0.3 (Pearl: 1.9 ± 0.5) was achieved in the moderate expression BxPC-3 model. In both models, tumors could be adequately localized and delineated by NIRF for up to 1 week.Ex vivoanalysis confirmed full tumor penetration of the tracer and low fluorescence signals in other organs.

Conclusions

Using a novel chimeric Lewisa/c/x-targeting tracer in combination with a clinical NIRF imager, we demonstrate the potential of targeting Lewis glycans for fluorescence-guided surgery of gastrointestinal tumors.
Mapping the multicausality of Alzheimer’s disease through group model building
Authors: Uleman Jeroen F. , Melis René J. F. , Quax Rick , van der Zee Eddy A. , Thijssen Dick , Dresler Martin , van de Rest Ondine , van der Velpen Isabelle F. , Adams Hieab H. H. , Schmand Ben , de Kok Inge M. C. M. , de Bresser Jeroen , Richard Edo , Verbeek Marcel , Hoekstra Alfons G. , Rouwette Etiënne A. J. A. , Olde Rikkert Marcel G. M.
Published: August 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex, multicausal disorder involving several spatiotemporal scales and scientific domains. While many studies focus on specific parts of this system, the complexity of AD is rarely studied as a whole. In this work, we apply systems thinking to map out known causal mechanisms and risk factors ranging from intracellular to psychosocial scales in sporadic AD. We report on the first systemic causal loop diagram (CLD) for AD, which is the result of an interdisciplinary group model building (GMB) process. The GMB was based on the input of experts from multiple domains and all proposed mechanisms were supported by scientific literature. The CLD elucidates interaction and feedback mechanisms that contribute to cognitive decline from midlife onward as described by the experts. As an immediate outcome, we observed several non-trivial reinforcing feedback loops involving factors at multiple spatial scales, which are rarely considered within the same theoretical framework. We also observed high centrality for modifiable risk factors such as social relationships and physical activity, which suggests they may be promising leverage points for interventions. This illustrates how a CLD from an interdisciplinary GMB process may lead to novel insights into complex disorders. Furthermore, the CLD is the first step in the development of a computational model for simulating the effects of risk factors on AD.
Blood lactate predicts survival after percutaneous implantation of extracorporeal life support for refractory cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock complicating acute coronary syndrome: insights from the CareGem registry
Authors: Porto Italo , Mattesini Alessio , D’Amario Domenico , Sorini Dini Carlotta , Della Bona Roberta , Scicchitano Marco , Vergallo Rocco , Martellini Antonio , Caporusso Simona , Trani Carlo , Burzotta Francesco , Bruno Piergiorgio , Di Mario Carlo , Crea Filippo , Valente Serafina , Massetti Massimo
Published: August 2020

Refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) or refractory cardiac arrest (RCA) complicating acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with extremely high mortality rate. Veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS) represents a valuable therapeutic option to stabilize patients’ condition before or at the time of emergency revascularization. We analyzed 29 consecutive patients with RCS or RCA complicating ACS, and implanted with VA-ECLS in two centers who have adopted a similar, structured approach to ECLS implantation. Data were collected from January 2010 to December 2015 and ECLS had to be percutaneously implanted either before (within 48 h) or at the time of attempted percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCI). We investigated in-hospital outcome and factors associated with survival. Twenty-one (72%) were implanted for RCA, whereas 8 (28%) were implanted on ECLS for RCS. All RCA were witnessed and no-flow time was shorter than 5 min in all cases but one. All patients underwent attempted emergency PCI, using radial access in ten cases (34.5%), whereas in three patients a subsequent CABG was performed. Overall, ten patients (34.5%) survived, nine of them with a good neurological outcome. Life threatening complications, including stroke (4 pts), leg ischemia (4 pts), intestinal ischemia (5 pts), and deep vein thrombosis 2 pts), occurred frequently, but were not associated with in-hospital death. Main cause of death was multi-organ failure. PCI variables did not predict survival. Survivors were younger, with shorter low-flow time, and with ECLS mainly implanted for RCS. At multivariate analysis, levels of lactate at ECLS implantation (OR 4.32, 95%CI 1.01–18.51, p = 0.049) emerged as the only variable that independently predicted survival. In patients with RCA or RCS complicating ACS who are percutaneously implanted with ECLS before or at the time of coronary revascularization, in hospital survival rate is higher than 30%. Level of lactate at ECLS implantation appears to be the most important factor to predict survival.
Digital customization of consumer investments in multiple funds: virtual integration improves risk–return decisions
Authors: Lim Sesil , Donkers Bas , van Dijl Patrick , Dellaert Benedict G. C.
Published: August 2020

Digital technology in financial services is helping consumers gain wider access to investment funds, acquire these funds at lower costs, and customize their own investments. However, direct digital access also creates new challenges because consumers may make suboptimal investment decisions. We address the challenge that consumers often face complex investment decisions involving multiple funds. Normative optimal asset allocation theory prescribes that investors should simultaneously optimize risk–returns over their entire portfolio. We propose two behavioral effects (mental separation and correlation neglect) that prevent consumers from doing so and a new choice architecture of virtually integrating investment funds that can help overcome these effects. Results from three experiments, using general population samples, provide support for the predicted behavioral effects and the beneficial impact of virtual integration. We find that consumers’ behavioral biases are not overcome by financial literacy, which further underlines the marketing relevance of this research.
Optimization and in Vitro Evaluation of Injectable Sustained-Release of Levothyroxine Using PLGA-PEG-PLGA
Authors: Kamali Hossein , Khodaverdi Elham , Kaffash Ehsan , Saffari Amir Sarem , Shiadeh Seyedeh Nesa Rezaeian , Nokhodchi Ali , Hadizadeh Farzin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In situ-forming gels (semi-solid state) (ISFGs) are widely used as sustained drug delivery, but they show a high burst release as well. The purpose of the current study is to make triblock that can make a quick gel on injection with a minimum burst release.

Methods

In this study, to control the release of levothyroxine from ISFG, PLGA-PEG-PLGA (triblock) polymer was used. The melting method was employed to synthesize the triblock via ring-opening polymerization (ROP). Different weight percentages of triblock in the formulation were investigated to reach the minimum initial burst release of levothyroxine from ISFGs.Furthermore, the results of the in-situ forming implant (solid-state) (ISFI) of levothyroxine prepared from PLGA 504 H polymers were compared with ISFG.

Results

The melting method employed in this study showed a successful ROP of the triblock. As the % triblock concentration was increased from 30 to 50%, the initial burst release decreased significantly. The initial burst release levothyroxine from ISFG (6.52 ± 0.30%) was much lower than the amount of levothyroxine released from ISFI (14.15 ± 0.79%). No cytotoxicity was observed for the sustained-release formulation containing ISFG 50% according to the MTT assay.

Conclusion

The results indicated that this formulation was safe to be administered subcutaneously. As the synthesized triblock has thermosensitive properties, and also has the hydrogen bonding between the N-methyl pyrrolidone molecules and PEG, therefore, these properties make ISFG formulation to have a smaller initial burst release compared to ISFI formulation.
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Historical perspective and new horizons
Authors: Zijlstra F. , Suryapranata H. , de Boer M.-J.
Published: August 2020

After a brief history of the emergence of modern therapy for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, we discuss the issues that dominate ongoing studies and are the focus of intense debates. The role of angiography, pharmacotherapy, thrombus aspiration, management of multi-vessel disease, mechanical complications and cardiogenic shock and the quest for myocardial salvage are discussed.
Cardiogenetics, 25 years a growing subspecialism
Authors: Wilde A. A. M. , Nannenberg E. , van der Werf C.
Published: August 2020

The cardiology and clinical genetics subspecialty of cardiogenetics has experienced a tremendous growth in the past 25 years. This review discusses examples of the progress that has been made as well as new challenges that have arisen within this field, with special focus on the Netherlands. A significant number of Dutch founder mutations, i.e. mutations shared by a number of individuals who have a common origin and all share a unique chromosomal background on which the mutation occurred, have been identified and have provided unique insights into genotype-phenotype correlations in inherited arrhythmia syndromes and inherited cardiomyopathies.

Cardiological and genetic screening of family members of young victims of sudden cardiac death combined with genetic testing in the deceased individual have turned out to be rewarding. However, the interpretation of the results of genetic testing in this setting and in the setting of living patients with a (suspected) phenotype is now considered more challenging than previously anticipated, because the introduction of high-throughput sequencing technologies has resulted in the identification of a significant number of variants of unknown significance. Interpretation of genetic and clinical findings by experienced multidisciplinary teams are key to ensure a high quality of care to the patient and the family.
Young@Heart: empowering the next generation of cardiovascular researchers
Authors: Hoes M. F. , te Riele A. S. J. M. , Gladka M. M. , Westenbrink B. D. , van Hout G. P. J. , van den Hoogenhof M. M. G. , Ghigo A. , Bollini S. , Purcell N. H. , Sohaib S. M. A. , Kardys I. , Kuster D. W. D.
Published: August 2020

In recognition of the increasing health burden of cardiovascular disease, the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance (DCVA) was founded with the ambition to lower the cardiovascular disease burden by 25% in 2030. To achieve this, the DCVA is a platform for all stakeholders in the cardiovascular field to align policies, agendas and research. An important goal of the DCVA is to guide and encourage young researchers at an early stage of their careers in order to help them overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Young@Heart is part of the DCVA that supports the young cardiovascular research community. This article illustrates the challenges and opportunities encountered by young cardiovascular researchers in the Netherlands and highlights Young@Heart’s vision to benefit from these opportunities and optimise collaborations to contribute to lowering the cardiovascular disease burden together as soon as possible.
Land-Use Changes Associated with Oil Palm Plantations Impact PLFA Microbial Phenotypic Community Structure throughout the Depth of Tropical Peats
Authors: Dhandapani Selvakumar , Ritz Karl , Evers Stephanie , Cooper Hannah , Tonks Amanda , Sjögersten Sofie
Published: August 2020

Tropical peatlands are complex and globally-important ecosystems that are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances, primarily via agricultural development. Microbes in peatlands play important roles in governing overall ecosystem functions and sustenance, with specific population dynamics governing carbon sink or source dynamics. We determined phenotypic microbial community structures under forest, drained, burned and oil palm plantation peatlands, using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiling. Communities were distinct under each land-use type, varied consistently with depth down to two metres, but with a distinct characteristic shift at circa one metre depth. There was bacterial dominance across all land-use types and depths. The burnt peatland showed the greatest contrast relative to forest, possibly due to the difference in water table level. Gram-positive bacteria was the most dominant group in surface layers under all land-use types except burnt, and their relative abundance decreased with depth, replaced by Gram-negative groups in deeper layers. Fungal relative abundance remained low across both land-use types and depth ranges. Our results shed light on a hitherto virtually unknown tropical peat microbial phenotypic community structure and indicate that anthropogenic disturbance in tropical peatlands severely alter microbial communities.
Laboratory investigation of coal characteristics from Tikak Parbat formation of North-East India for coal bed methane study
Authors: Banik Prasun
Published: August 2020

The increasing demand for cleaner source of energy forces India to explore various energy sources, and in this process, coal bed methane gas attracts lot of attention for its favourable characteristics including abundance of coal, clean gas, mitigation of greenhouse gases, reduction in hazard in mines, etc. However, the challenge faced during exploration and production varies from depth of seam, heterogeneity in coal characteristics, rank, sorption capacity, saturation, etc. So the detail analysis of various properties is important for economical extraction of gas. The present paper investigates coal properties and their influence on coal bed methane potentiality. Samples from core wells have been analysed in laboratory using proximate and ultimate analyser. Linear correlations between coal constituents and vitrinite reflectance as well as sorption capacity of coal have been established statistically. Mutual relations among proximate parameters are developed.