bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Particle swarm optimization algorithm for the optimization of rescue task allocation with uncertain time constraints
Authors: Geng Na , Chen Zhiting , Nguyen Quang A. , Gong Dunwei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper focuses on the problem of robot rescue task allocation, in which multiple robots and a global optimal algorithm are employed to plan the rescue task allocation. Accordingly, a modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, referred to as task allocation PSO (TAPSO), is proposed. Candidate assignment solutions are represented as particles and evolved using an evolutionary process. The proposed TAPSO method is characterized by a flexible assignment decoding scheme to avoid the generation of unfeasible assignments. The maximum number of successful tasks (survivors) is considered as the fitness evaluation criterion under a scenario where the survivors’ survival time is uncertain. To improve the solution, a global best solution update strategy, which updates the global best solution depends on different phases so as to balance the exploration and exploitation, is proposed. TAPSO is tested on different scenarios and compared with other counterpart algorithms to verify its efficiency.
Single-stage and two-stage total failure-based group-sampling plans for the Weibull distribution under neutrosophic statistics
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Srinivasa Rao G. , Khan Nasrullah 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIf the sample or population has vague, inaccurate, unidentified, deficient, indecisive, or fuzzy data, then the available sampling plans could not be suitable to use for decision-making. In this article, an improved group-sampling plan based on time truncated life tests for Weibull distribution under neutrosophic statistics (NS) has been developed. We developed improved single and double group-sampling plans based on the NS. The proposed design neutrosophic plan parameters are obtained by satisfying both producer’s and consumer’s risks simultaneously under neutrosophic optimization solution. Tables are constructed for the selected shape parameter of Weibull distribution and various combinations of neutrosophic group size. The efficiency of the proposed group-sampling plan under the neutrosophic statistical interval method is also compared with the crisp method grouped sampling plan under classical statistics.
“Paz sí, pero no así”?Voter Profiles and Attitudes Toward the 2016 Colombian Peace Agreement
Authors: Muñoz Manuela , Pachón Mónica 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTIn October 2016, the proposed peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was narrowly defeated in a referendum that sought its public approval. This article examines how previous structured political predispositions and attitudes shape voters’ preferences in a referendum. In a combined survey—a face-to-face sample in Bogotá and an online sample—conducted before the plebiscite, it identifies voter cleavages using principal component analysis (PCA). It finds three consistent components with profiles reflecting whether an individual is a progovernment citizen, a right-conservative voter, and a citizen with an evangelical religious identity. The findings suggest that voters are heterogeneous and that different predispositions and attitudes cluster in specific types of voters, which shaped these voters’ willingness to endorse the proposed peace agreement.
Obesity is associated with severe COVID-19 but not death: a dose−response meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Linyan , Zhang Jiaoyue , Wang Mengyuan , Chen Lulu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is spreading globally. Studies revealed that obesity may affect the progression and prognosis of COVID-19 patients. The aim of the meta-analysis is to identify the prevalence and impact of obesity on COVID-19. Studies on obese COVID-19 patients were obtained by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library databases and Web of Science databases, up to date to 5 June 2020. And the prevalence rate and the odds ratio (OR) of obesity with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as comprehensive indicators for analysis using a random-effects model. A total of 6081 patients in 11 studies were included. The prevalence of obesity in patients with COVID-19 was 30% (95% CI 21–39%). Obese patients were 1.79 times more likely to develop severe COVID-19 than non-obese patients (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.52–2.11, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). However obesity was not associated with death in COVID-19 patients (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.65–1.71, P = 0.84, I2 = 66.6%). In dose−response analysis, it was estimated that COVID-19 patients had a 16% increased risk of invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10–1.23, P < 0.0001) and a 20% increased risk of admission to ICU (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11–1.30, P < 0.0001) per 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI. In conclusion, obesity in COVID-19 patients is associated with severity, but not mortality.
AMA Issues Statement on Anencephalics as Living Organ Donors
Authors: R.B.  
Published: January 2021

On May 24, 1995, the American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs issued a rather controversial opinion that it is ethically permissible to use anencephalic infants as living organ donors. Approximately 1,000 to 2,000 infants are born each year in the United States with anencephaly, a congenital birth defect whereby the infant has no forebrain and cerebrum. Without higher brain functions, the infants can never experience consciousness, thoughts, emotions, or pain. Fewer than half survive more than a day, and more than 90 percent die within one week. However, by the time brain death occurs in anencephalic infants, their organs are no longer suitable for donor purposes because they have deteriorated beyond use.In 1988, the AMA Council declared that it is ethical to use the infants as organ donors only after they have died. Now the Council has revised that opinion, and it proposes to allow removal of organs before death, as long as the parents consent and two doctors concur in the diagnosis of anencephaly.
Third and Eighth Circuits Rule on Medicaid-Funded Abortions
Authors: A.S.  
Published: January 2021

The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has followed the prevailing view in the federal courts by holding that state Medicaid funds must cover the same kinds of abortions as provided for under the 1994 Hyde Amendment. On July 25, 1995, the court held that a Pennsylvania law was preempted to the extent that it restricted Medicaid funding for abortions beyond the limits set by federal law (Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center for Women v. Knoll, No. 94-1954 (3d Cir. July 25, 1995)) by imposing additional procedures not prescribed by the Hyde Amendment.Particularly, the court held that the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Acts (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. §§ 3201-20 (1983 & Supp. 1994)), whch requires victims of rape and incest to report the crime to law enforcement officials before Medicaid abortion funding is made available, exceeded the reporting requirements set by the Hyde Amendment, which provides a waiver for patients who are physically or mentally unable to comply with the reporting requirement.
Seventh Circuit Allows Informed Consent Claim Under FTCA
Authors: W.M.S.  
Published: January 2021

The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit held, in Murrey v. United States (73 F.3d 1448 (7th Cir. 1996)), that claims for a physician's failure to obtain a patient's informed consent are not barred by the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) as a species of misrepresentation. The court further held that the claim was not barred by the failure to include the issue of informed consent in the administrative claim. This decision reduces the burden on plaintiffs to state every cognizable claim consistent with the facts in an administrative proceeding; the failure to do so would prevent them from raising the claim in court.The patient, Thomas Murrey, a sixty-eight-year-old U.S. veteran, sought treatment at a Veteran's Administration (VA) hospital in North Chicago, Illinois. VA doctors diagnosed him with prostate cancer, and advised him to undergo surgery to remove his entire prostate.
Challenges in the Federal Regulation of Pain Management Technologies
Authors: Noah Lars 
Published: January 2021

Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) play a role in regulating pain management technologies, including pharmaceutical products and medical devices indicated for analgesic use. Yet, as things stand, these two key federal entities, with their distinctly different missions and cultures, contribute to the persistent undertreatment of pain through both overregulation and duplicative regulation. The solution lies in refining pain regulation so that a better balance is created between the need to ensure patient access to pain relief and the need to prevent and reduce drug diversion.Various federal regulatory mechanisms — such as limits on supplies and distribution channels — have created barriers that ultimately affect access to pain management technologies for legitimate users. As the FDA and DEA focus their attention on the misuse of legitimate pain technologies, patients ultimately may be deprived of valuable analgesic agents.
Monitoring and Investigating Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners in Pain Management
Authors: Lazarus Jean B. , Downing Belinda (Wendy) 
Published: January 2021

Nurses are on the front lines of pain management, yet in Alabama and eleven other states they are not legally authorized to prescribe any controlled pain medications. In this survey of certified registered nurse practitioners in Alabama, 83 percent of the nurses responding to a question about the connection between prescriptive authority and pain management said that the lack of prescriptive authority for controlled substances delays pain management treatment, and 88 percent of those proffering an opinion about the importance of prescriptive authority said that expanding their prescriptive authority to include those medications would improve patient outcomes.At the same time, however, many nurses indicated that they are not adequately prepared to prescribe and manage pain medications. Fifty-five percent of the nurses responding to a question about whether they were prepared to make decisions when working under protocols related to controlled substances answered no. And 44 percent of the respondents to a question about the nurse practitioner educational curricula said that they did not feel their education had adequately prepared them for prescribing controlled pain medications.
A novel UBE2T inhibitor suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling hyperactivation and gastric cancer progression by blocking RACK1 ubiquitination
Authors: Yu Zeyuan , Jiang Xiangyan , Qin Long , Deng Haixiao , Wang Jianli , Ren Wen , Li Hongbin , Zhao Lei , Liu Huanxiang , Yan Hong , Shi Wengui , Wang Qi , Luo Changjiang , Long Bo , Zhou Huinian , Sun Hui , Jiao Zuoyi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is critically involved in gastric cancer (GC) progression. However, current Wnt pathway inhibitors being studied in preclinical or clinical settings for other cancers such as colorectal and pancreatic cancers are either too cytotoxic or insufficiently efficacious for GC. Thus, we screened new potent targets from β-catenin destruction complex associated with GC progression from clinical samples, and found that scaffolding protein RACK1 deficiency plays a significant role in GC progression, but not APC, AXIN, and GSK3β. Then, we identified its upstream regulator UBE2T which promotes GC progression via hyperactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through the ubiquitination and degradation of RACK1 at the lysine K172, K225, and K257 residues independent of an E3 ligase. Indeed, UBE2T protein level is negatively associated with prognosis in GC patients, suggesting that UBE2T is a promising target for GC therapy. Furthermore, we identified a novel UBE2T inhibitor, M435-1279, and suggested that M435-1279 acts inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway hyperactivation through blocking UBE2T-mediated degradation of RACK1, resulting in suppression of GC progression with lower cytotoxicity in the meantime. Overall, we found that increased UBE2T levels promote GC progression via the ubiquitination of RACK1 and identified a novel potent inhibitor providing a balance between growth inhibition and cytotoxicity as well, which offer a new opportunity for the specific GC patients with aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
C-terminal truncated HBx initiates hepatocarcinogenesis by downregulating TXNIP and reprogramming glucose metabolism
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yan Qian , Gong Lanqi , Xu Hang , Liu Beilei , Fang Xiaona , Yu Dandan , Li Lei , Wei Ting , Wang Ying , Wong Ching Ngar , Lyu Zhaojie , Tang Ying , Sham Pak Chung , Guan Xin-Yuan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is strongly associated with the initiation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the genetic alterations and pathogenesis mechanisms remain significantly unexplored, especially for HBV-induced metabolic reprogramming. Analysis of integration breakpoints in HBV-positive HCC samples revealed the preferential clustering pattern within the 3′-end of X gene in the HBV genome, leading to the production of C-terminal truncated X protein (Ct-HBx). In this study, we not only characterized the oncogenic role of two Ct-HBx (HBx-120 and HBx-134) via in vitro and in vivo functional assays but also deciphered their underlying molecular mechanisms. Gene expression profiling by transcriptome sequencing identified potential targets of Ct-HBx and novel malignant hallmarks such as glycolysis, cell cycle, and m-TORC1 signaling in Ct-HBx-expressing cells. TXNIP, a well-established regulator of glucose metabolism, was shown to be downregulated by Ct-HBx and play a pivotal role in Ct-HBx-mediated HCC progression. Suppression of TXNIP is frequently observed in HCC patients with Ct-HBx expression and significantly (P = 0.015) correlated to a poorer prognosis. Re-introduction of TXNIP attenuated the metabolic reprogramming induced by the Ct-HBx and inhibited the tumor growth in the mice model. Further study suggested that Ct-HBx could downregulate TXNIP via a transcriptional repressor nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFACT2). Collectively, our findings indicate that TXNIP plays a critical role in Ct-HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis, serving as a novel therapeutic strategy in HCC treatment.
Somatostatin receptor 2 expression in nasopharyngeal cancer is induced by Epstein Barr virus infection: impact on prognosis, imaging and therapy
Authors: Lechner Matt , Schartinger Volker H. , Steele Christopher D. , Nei Wen Long , Ooft Marc Lucas , Schreiber Liesa-Marie , Pipinikas Christodoulos P. , Chung Grace Tin-Yun , Chan Yuk Yu , Wu Feng , To Ka-Fai , Tsang Chi Man , Pearce Wayne , Morelli Daniele , Philpott Martin , Masterson Liam , Nibhani Reshma , Wells Graham , Bell Christopher G. , Koller Julia , Delecluse Susanne , Yip Yim Ling , Liu Jacklyn , Forde Cillian T. , Forster Martin D. , Jay Amrita , Dudás József , Krapp Annika , Wan Simon , Uprimny Christian , Sprung Susanne , Haybaeck Johannes , Fenton Tim R. , Chester Kerry , Thirlwell Christina , Royle Gary , Marafioti Teresa , Gupta Rajeev , Indrasari Sagung Rai , Herdini Camelia , Slim Mohd Afiq Mohd , Indrawati I. , Sutton Liam , Fles Renske , Tan Bing , Yeong Joe , Jain Amit , Han Shuting , Wang Haitao , Loke Kelvin S. H. , He Wan , Xu Ruilian , Jin Hongtao , Cheng Zhiqiang , Howard David , Hwang Peter H. , Le Quynh-Thu , Tay Joshua K. , West Robert B. , Tsao Sai Wah , Meyer Tim , Riechelmann Herbert , Oppermann Udo , Delecluse Henri-Jacques , Willems Stefan M. , Chua Melvin L. K. , Busson Pierre , Lo Kwok Wai , Wollmann Guido , Pillay Nischalan , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Lund Valerie J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), endemic in Southeast Asia, lacks effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Even in high-income countries the 5-year survival rate for stage IV NPC is less than 40%. Here we report high somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) expression in multiple clinical cohorts comprising 402 primary, locally recurrent and metastatic NPCs. We show that SSTR2 expression is induced by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) via the NF-κB pathway. Using cell-based and preclinical rodent models, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of SSTR2 targeting using a cytotoxic drug conjugate, PEN-221, which is found to be superior to FDA-approved SSTR2-binding cytostatic agents. Furthermore, we reveal significant correlation of SSTR expression with increased rates of survival and report in vivo uptake of the SSTR2-binding 68Ga-DOTA-peptide radioconjugate in PET-CT scanning in a clinical trial of NPC patients (NCT03670342). These findings reveal a key role in EBV-associated NPC for SSTR2 in infection, imaging, targeted therapy and survival.
Benchmarking joint multi-omics dimensionality reduction approaches for the study of cancer
Authors: Cantini Laura , Zakeri Pooya , Hernandez Celine , Naldi Aurelien , Thieffry Denis , Remy Elisabeth , Baudot Anaïs 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHigh-dimensional multi-omics data are now standard in biology. They can greatly enhance our understanding of biological systems when effectively integrated. To achieve proper integration, joint Dimensionality Reduction (jDR) methods are among the most efficient approaches. However, several jDR methods are available, urging the need for a comprehensive benchmark with practical guidelines. We perform a systematic evaluation of nine representative jDR methods using three complementary benchmarks. First, we evaluate their performances in retrieving ground-truth sample clustering from simulated multi-omics datasets. Second, we use TCGA cancer data to assess their strengths in predicting survival, clinical annotations and known pathways/biological processes. Finally, we assess their classification of multi-omics single-cell data. From these in-depth comparisons, we observe that intNMF performs best in clustering, while MCIA offers an effective behavior across many contexts. The code developed for this benchmark study is implemented in a Jupyter notebook—multi-omics mix (momix)—to foster reproducibility, and support users and future developers.
Regular exercise counteracts circadian shifts in core body temperature during long-duration bed rest
Authors: Mendt Stefan , Gunga Hanns-Christian , Felsenberg Dieter , Belavy Daniel L. , Steinach Mathias , Stahn Alexander C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWith NASA’s plans for the human exploration of Mars, astronauts will be exposed to mission durations much longer than current spaceflight missions on the International Space Station. These mission durations will increase the risk for circadian misalignment. Exercise has gained increasing interest as a non-pharmacological aid to entrain the circadian system. To assess the potential of exercise as a countermeasure to mitigate the risk for circadian disorders during spaceflight, we investigated the effects of long-term head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR) with and without exercise on the circadian rhythm of core body temperature. Core body temperature was recorded for 24 h using a rectal probe in sixteen healthy men (age: 30.5 ± 7.5 years (mean ± SD)) after 7 days and 49 days of HDBR. Five participants underwent HDBR only (CTR), five participants underwent HDBR and performed resistive exercises (RE), and six participants underwent HDBR and performed resistive exercises superimposed with vibrations (RVE). The exercise was scheduled three times per week. CTR showed a phase delay of 0.69 h. In contrast, both exercise groups were characterized by a phase advance (0.45 h for RE and 0.45 h for RVE; p = 0.026 for interaction between time and group). These findings suggest that resistive exercise (with or without vibration) may also serve as a countermeasure during spaceflight to mitigate circadian misalignments. The results could also be important for increasing awareness about the role of circadian disorders in long-term bedridden patients.
The band-edge excitons observed in few-layer NiPS3
Authors: Ho Ching-Hwa , Hsu Tien-Yao , Muhimmah Luthviyah Choirotul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBand-edge excitons of few-layer nickel phosphorous trisulfide (NiPS3) are characterized via micro-thermal-modulated reflectance (μTR) measurements from 10 to 300 K. Prominent μTR features of the A exciton series and B are simultaneously detected near the band edge of NiPS3. The A exciton series contains two sharp A1 and A2 levels and one threshold-energy-related transition (direct gap, E∞), which are simultaneously detected at the lower energy side of NiPS3. In addition, one broadened B feature is present at the higher energy side of few-layer NiPS3. The A series excitons may correlate with majorly d-to-d transition in the Rydberg series with threshold energy of E∞ ≅ 1.511 eV at 10 K. The binding energy of A1 is about 36 meV, and the transition energy is A1 ≅ 1.366 eV at 300 K. The transition energy of B measured by μTR is about 1.894 eV at 10 K. The excitonic series A may directly transit from the top of valence band to the conduction band of NiPS3, while the B feature might originate from the spin-split-off valence band to the conduction band edge. The direct optical gap of NiPS3 is ~1.402 eV at 300 K, which is confirmed by μTR and transmittance experiments.
Controllability over stressor decreases responses in key threat-related brain areas
Authors: Limbachia Chirag , Morrow Kelly , Khibovska Anastasiia , Meyer Christian , Padmala Srikanth , Pessoa Luiz 
Published: January 2021

AbstractControllability over stressors has major impacts on brain and behavior. In humans, however, the effect of controllability on responses to stressors is poorly understood. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated how controllability altered responses to a shock-plus-sound stressor with a between-group yoked design, where participants in controllable and uncontrollable groups experienced matched stressor exposure. Employing Bayesian multilevel analysis at the level of regions of interest and voxels in the insula, and standard voxelwise analysis, we found that controllability decreased stressor-related responses across threat-related regions, notably in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and anterior insula. Posterior cingulate cortex, posterior insula, and possibly medial frontal gyrus showed increased responses during control over stressor. Our findings support the idea that the aversiveness of stressors is reduced when controllable, leading to decreased responses across key regions involved in anxiety-related processing, even at the level of the extended amygdala.
Tailoring the magnetic ordering of the Cr4O5/Fe(001) surface via a controlled adsorption of C60 organic molecules
Authors: Orlando Federico , Fratesi Guido , Onida Giovanni , Achilli Simona 
Published: January 2021

We analyze the spinterface formed by C60 on Cr4O5/Fe(001) surface showing that the controlled adsorption of C60 molecules can induce FM or AFM magnetic patterning of the Cr atoms in the oxide layer.