bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of local anesthetics with an epinephrine additive on fingers and penis – dogma and reality
Authors: Schnabl Saskia Maria , Ghoreschi Franziska Carola , Scheu Alexander , Kofler Lukas , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Breuninger Helmut 
Published: February 2021

SummaryEpinephrine supplements in local anesthetics are regularly used for surgery in areas with terminal vessels. According to the pharmaceutical guidelines, the use of epinephrine as an additive to local anesthetics is contraindicated for these areas. This review provides an overview of the current scientific data as well as new clinical developments in various fields. It also reviews the current legal situation.A literature research was carried out to survey the current status of relevant data. Written inquiries to several German institutions (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Center for Clinical Studies Tübingen, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) were made to determine the legal situation.No evidence was found in the literature for a causal relationship between the use of epinephrine as a vasoconstrictor and necrosis of the finger or penis. Studies and reviews show that the use of local anesthetics with epinephrine on the fingers or penis is a safe procedure with many clinical and economic advantages. In routine clinical practice, the WALANT method (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) as well as the increasing incidence of skin tumors in acral areas has led to a tendency towards increasing use. However, its use is still legally contraindicated, and the pharmaceutical companies show no interest in supporting a drug study. Further clinical trials – regardless of the strength of the evidence – would not change the current legal contraindication.
Culture and the demand for non‐life insurance: Empirical evidences from middle‐income and high‐income economies*
Authors: Trinh Cong Tam , Nguyen Xuan , Sgro Pasquale 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of culture on non‐life insurance expenditure using a panel dataset covering 27 middle‐income countries and 40 high‐income countries in the period 1980–2014. Based on the two‐step system GMM estimator, it is found that several cultural dimensions such as masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and power distance significantly explain the spending on non‐life insurance in middle‐income countries, while masculinity is the only cultural factor that significantly explains spending on non‐life insurance in high‐income countries. Traditional drivers of the demand for non‐life insurance, such as per capita income, economic freedom and urbanization, also behave differently comparing between the two income‐based groups of countries. These findings provide useful recommendations for business firms and policymakers around the world, especially transitional economies, to promote and sustain the development of the non‐life insurance sector, which is an important engine for growth and prosperity.
Sex differences in symptom severity, cognition and psychosocial functioning among individuals with at‐risk mental state for psychosis
Authors: Chan Kwun Nam , Chang Wing Chung , Ng Chung Mun , Lee Hoi Ching , Chan Suet In , Chiu San Yin , Wong Cheuk Fei , Wo Sui Fung , Lee Ho Ming , Chan Kit Wa , Wong Ming Cheuk , Chan Kwok Ling , Yeung Wai Song , Chan Charles Wai Hong , Choy Lam Wai , Chong Shiu Yin , Siu Man Wa , Lo Tak Lam , Yan Wai Ching , Ng Man Kin , Poon Lap Tak , Pang Pui Fai , Lam Wai Chung , Wong Yip Chau , Chung Wai Sau , Mo Yi Man , Lui Sai Yu , Hui Lai Ming , Chen Eric Yu Hai 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimSex differences are well documented in schizophrenia, but have been much less studied in at‐risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis. We aimed to examine sex differences in symptomatology, cognition, social and role functioning in individuals with ARMS, with specific focus on clarifying relationships between sex, negative symptoms and functioning.MethodsOne hundred and seventy‐seven Chinese participants aged 15–40 years with ARMS were recruited from a specialized early intervention service in Hong Kong. ARMS status was verified by Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental State. Assessments encompassing symptom profiles, a brief battery of cognitive tests and social and role functioning were conducted. Brief Negative Symptom Scale was adapted to measure negative symptoms at the level of five core domains.ResultsMales with ARMS exhibited significantly poorer social functioning and more severe asociality of negative symptoms than female counterparts. Mediation analysis revealed that sex difference in social functioning became statistically insignificant when asocality was included in the model, indicating that asociality mediated the relationship between sex and social functioning. No sex differences were observed in other core domains of negative symptoms, other symptom dimensions, cognitive measures and role functioning.ConclusionsThis study suggests that sex differences in ARMS may be less pronounced that those observed in established psychotic disorders. Our findings of differential pattern of asociality between sexes and its mediating role on sex difference in social functioning underscore the importance in investigating negative symptoms at a separable domain‐level. Further research is required to identify sex‐specific predictors of longitudinal outcomes in at‐risk populations.
An efficient adaptive genetic algorithm for energy saving in the hybrid flow shop scheduling with batch production at last stage
Authors: Lu Hong , Qiao Fei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article deals with energy saving in the hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with batch production at last stage, which has important application in energy‐intensive steelmaking‐continuous casting (SCC) process. We first establish a mixed integer programming model to reduce extra energy consumption, and then adopt genetic algorithm to solving the scheduling problem. Based on traditional genetic algorithm (TGA), the calculation of the fitness function as well as adaptive crossover and mutation are designed. Due to the complexity of the problem in this article, we then propose an efficient adaptive genetic algorithm (EAGA) to improve the search ability of TGA. The EAGA has new features including layered strategies and enhanced adaptive adjustment method. To evaluate the proposed model and algorithm, we conduct computational experiments under practical background and compare the EAGA with the several algorithms presented previously. The results illustrate that scheduling with our model can greatly reduce the extra energy consumption. Meanwhile, the proposed EAGA is very efficient in comparison.
Applications of artificial intelligence‐based modeling for bioenergy systems: A review
Authors: Liao Mochen , Yao Yuan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBioenergy is widely considered a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. However, large‐scale applications of biomass‐based energy products are limited due to challenges related to feedstock variability, conversion economics, and supply chain reliability. Artificial intelligence (AI), an emerging concept, has been applied to bioenergy systems in recent decades to address those challenges. This paper reviewed 164 articles published between 2005 and 2019 that applied different AI techniques to bioenergy systems. This review focuses on identifying the unique capabilities of various AI techniques in addressing bioenergy‐related research challenges and improving the performance of bioenergy systems. Specifically, we characterized AI studies by their input variables, output variables, AI techniques, dataset size, and performance. We examined AI applications throughout the life cycle of bioenergy systems. We identified four areas in which AI has been mostly applied, including (1) the prediction of biomass properties, (2) the prediction of process performance of biomass conversion, including different conversion pathways and technologies, (3) the prediction of biofuel properties and the performance of bioenergy end‐use systems, and (4) supply chain modeling and optimization. Based on the review, AI is particularly useful in generating data that are hard to be measured directly, improving traditional models of biomass conversion and biofuel end‐uses, and overcoming the challenges of traditional computing techniques for bioenergy supply chain design and optimization. For future research, efforts are needed to develop standardized and practical procedures for selecting AI techniques and determining training data samples, to enhance data collection, documentation, and sharing across bioenergy‐related areas, and to explore the potential of AI in supporting the sustainable development of bioenergy systems from holistic perspectives.
Review: Gastric cancer: Basic aspects
Authors: Resende Carlos , Gomes Carla Pereira , Machado Jose Carlos 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGastric cancer is still one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers in the world. Although our knowledge about the disease has progressed extraordinarily, this has not been accompanied by our capacity to effectively treat the disease. In the last years, immunotherapy made its way into the cancer field and was responsible for major changes in the treatment success rates for several cancer types. Although gastric cancer was not among the first successful targets of this type of therapy, the relationship between this type of cancer, immunosurveillance and immunotherapy is now being actively researched. In this article, we review the literature of the past year regarding the relationship between gastric cancer, its immune microenvironment and response to immunotherapy. Published data indicate that the immune microenvironment influences the clinical behaviour of gastric cancer, and is correlated with its histologic and molecular subtypes with an emphasis on the microsatellite‐ and EBV‐positive tumour subgroups. Although the literature regarding response to immunotherapy is scarce, there is good evidence that patient stratification for immunotherapy is going to become a reality in gastric cancer.
Non‐metamorphosed autochthonous Kuncha‐Naudanda‐Heklang Formations and their differences from those of the Kuncha nappe: A multichronological approach
Authors: Kobayashi Wataru , Sakai Harutaka , Iwano Hideki , Danhara Tohru , Hirata Takafumi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNon‐metamorphosed, autochthonous Lesser Himalayan sediments (LHS), which are correlated to the Kuncha and Naudanda Formations, were found in a narrow belt between the Main Boundary Thrust and the Lesser Himalayan Thrust at the base of the Kuncha nappe in southeastern Nepal. The autochthonous Naudanda Formation is comprised of cross‐bedded and rippled orthoquartzite and yielded a maximum depositional age of 1795.1 Ma ±5.1 Ma using detrital zircons. Low‐grade metamorphosed quartzite in the Kuncha nappe yielded a maximum depositional age of 1867.4 Ma ±3.4 Ma, although it is totally recrystallized. These ages and age distribution patterns of detrital zircon grains indicate that the meta‐quartzite of the nappe is originally Naudanda Formation. A zircon fission‐track age of the autochthonous Naudanda Formation shows partially annealed age of 864 Ma ±56 Ma, in contrast, that of the Kuncha nappe shows a totally annealed age of 11.9 Ma ±1.6 Ma. These results suggest that the autochthonous LHS have never undergone metamorphism during the Himalayan orogeny. We also discovered a non‐metamorphosed Heklang Formation that rests on the Naudanda Formation, and designated it as a sub‐type section on the basis of detailed lithostratigraphic study. It is characterized by black and light green slate with dolerite sills and ill‐sorted quartzose sandstone, and correlated to the metamorphosed Dandagaon Phyllites in the Kathmandu area. Non‐metamorphosed autochthonous formations distributed to the south of the nappe front suggest that they escaped from thermal metamorphism by hot nappe.
Low‐level red plus near infrared lights combination induces expressions of collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro
Authors: Li Wen‐Hwa , Seo InSeok , Kim Brian , Fassih Ali , Southall Michael D. , Parsa Ramine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveLight therapy has attracted medical interests as a safe, alternative treatment for photo‐ageing and photo‐damaged skin. Recent research suggested the therapeutic activity of red and infrared (IR) lights may be effective at much lower energy levels than those used clinically. This study was to evaluate the efficacy of low‐level red plus near IR light emitting diode (LED) combination on collagen and elastin and ATP production.MethodsHuman dermal fibroblasts or skin tissues were irradiated daily by red (640 nm) plus near IR (830 nm) LED lights combination at 0.5 mW/cm2 for 10 minutes (0.3 J/cm2). qPCR, ELISAs or histology were used to determine the gene and protein expressions. Fluorescent measurement was used to assess crosslinks of collagen and elastic fibres. ATP production was evaluated by ATP assay.ResultsTreatment of human fibroblast cell cultures with low‐level red plus near IR lights combination was found to significantly increase LOXL1, ELN and COL1A1 and COL3A1 gene expressions as well as the synthesis of the procollagen type I and elastin proteins. Treating human skin explants with low‐level red plus near IR lights combination similarly induced significant increases in the same gene expressions, type III collagen and elastic fibre formation and crosslinks. ATP production was increased in human dermal fibroblasts after red plus near IR lights combination treatment.ConclusionLow‐level red plus near IR lights combination stimulated the production of collagen and elastin production associated with anti‐ageing benefits. These findings suggest that low‐level red plus near IR LED light combination may provide an effective treatment opportunity for people with photo‐aged skin.
In vitro antibacterial response of ZnO‐MgO nanocomposites at various compositions
Authors: Amir Aqsa , Bibi Saira , Nawaz Ahmad , Ibrahim Ather , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Saeed Muhammad Qamar , Hamza Mashhood , Rasheed Hafiz Muhammad Zubair , Islam Bilal 
Published: February 2021

AbstractZnO‐MgO nanocomposites were prepared by a co‐precipitation method and afterward compared with pristine ZnO and MgO accordingly. XRD and EDX spectra were used to confirm the crystal structure and crystallite size of these materials. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that antibacterial activity of ZnO:MgO composite enhances with crystallite size reduction ~1.34 times in comparison to pristine ZnO or MgO specimens, accompanied by domination of defect generation over defect annihilation activity. Besides, average particle sizes also reduce to ~2 times at 1:3 MgO/ZnO composite in comparison to MgO. The particle size of ZnO was substantially higher due to rod‐like morphology. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration outcomes also show that ZnO‐MgO composites are more effective against gram‐negative pathogens in appropriate ratios (ZnO:MgO) of 1:3 and 3:1 with the concentration of 15,000 µg/ml. Similarly, gram‐positive pathogens were In contrast, ZnO and MgO separately or in 1:1 composite ratio does not prove considerably effective on all the five microbes (required higher >25,000 µg/ml) MIC to counter gram‐negative pathogens. Additionally, lower doses of 3ZnO:1MgO and 1ZnO:3MgO ~5000 µg/ml composite nanoparticles are effective on gram‐positive pathogens. Similarly, 3ZnO:1MgO composition proved highly productive at a much lower concentration, that is, 12500 ≤ X ≤ 15000 to counter gram‐negative pathogens. Besides, 1ZnO:3MgO is effective against gram‐negativepathogens at MIC ranging from 12500 ≤ X ≤ 15000 µg/ml.
Solution growth of millimeter‐scale Na2SiF6 single crystals for Mn4+‐doping as red phosphor
Authors: Wang Zhaowu , Ji Haipeng , Zhang Zongtao , Xu Jian , Chen Deliang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe cation exchange method has been demonstrated to be efficient in doping Mn4+ ions into various fluorides to synthesize the red‐emitting LED phosphors. This paper, however, reports the challenge in using this method to dope Mn4+ into the Na2SiF6 single crystals, to prepare the fluoride phosphor in single‐crystal form, a state‐of‐the‐art study in the white LED lighting field. The millimeter‐sized Na2SiF6 single crystals with a uniform columnar morphology (2–3 mm in length) were successfully grown in solution by a slow cooling process after optimizing the precursors. Then, the crystals were soaked in the HF solution dissolved with K2MnF6 to implement Mn4+‐doping via the cation exchange process. Evaluation of the Mn4+‐doping behavior reveals that the Mn4+ ↔ Si4+ cation exchange is less efficient in the case of single crystal host compared with the polycrystalline powdery ones and by‐reactions also occur which generates new phases. The Na2SiF6 single crystals doped with Mn4+ exhibit a series of discrete sharp peaks with intense zero phonon line emission at 617 nm under 450 nm blue irradiation. This study may trigger the exploration of new single crystal fluoride phosphor.
Inscrutable Processes: Algorithms, Agency, and Divisions of Deliberative Labour
Authors: Ferreira Marinus 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs the use of algorithmic decision‐making becomes more commonplace, so too does the worry that these algorithms are often inscrutable and our use of them is a threat to our agency. Since we do not understand why an inscrutable process recommends one option over another, we lose our ability to judge whether the guidance is appropriate and are vulnerable to being led astray. In response, I claim that guidance being inscrutable does not automatically make its guidance inappropriate. This phenomenon is not restricted to algorithms, and there are many social processes which we should conform to but are similarly unable to judge for ourselves. I provide a framework for how we can depend on inscrutable processes by introducing a distinction between knowing conformity (where I understand what justifies the guidance) from mere conformity (where I merely do what I am told) and showing how mere conformity is often positively valuable because it allows for extended processes that in turn allow us to accomplish more than we could on our own. This is in effect a division of deliberative labour, which I argue is something commonplace but not often recognised, of which algorithmic guidance can be an example.
Effect of obesity and epicardial fat/fatty infiltration on electrical and structural remodeling associated with atrial fibrillation in a novel canine model of obesity and atrial fibrillation: A comparative study
Authors: Otsuka Naoto , Okumura Yasuo , Arai Masaru , Kurokawa Sayaka , Nagashima Koichi , Watanabe Ryuta , Wakamatsu Yuji , Yagyu Seina , Ohkubo Kimie , Nakai Toshiko , Hao Hiroyuki , Takahashi Rie , Taniguchi Yoshiki , Li Yxin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundHow obesity and epicardial fat influence atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown.MethodsTo investigate the effect of obesity/epicardial fat on the AF substrate, we divided 20 beagle dogs of normal weight into four groups (n = 5 each): one of the four groups (Obese‐rapid atrial pacing [RAP] group) served as a novel canine model of obesity and AF. The other three groups comprised dogs fed a standard diet without RAP (Control group), dogs fed a high‐fat diet without RAP (Obese group), or dogs fed a standard diet with RAP (RAP group). All underwent electrophysiology study, and hearts were excised for histopathologic and fibrosis‐related gene expression analyses.ResultsLeft atrial (LA) pressure was significantly higher in the Obese group than in the Control, RAP, and Obese‐RAP groups (23.4 ± 6.9 vs. 11.4 ± 2.1, 11.9 ± 6.4, and 13.5 ± 2.9 mmHg; p = .005). The effective refractory period of the inferior PV was significantly shorter in the RAP and Obese‐RAP groups than in the Control group (p = .043). Short‐duration AF was induced at greatest frequency in the Obese‐RAP and Obese groups (p < .05). Epicardial fat/Fatty infiltration was greatest in the Obese‐RAP group, and greater in the Obese and RAP groups than in the Control group. %interstitial fibrosis/fibrosis‐related gene expression was significantly greater in the Obese‐RAP and RAP groups (p < .05).ConclusionsVulnerability to AF was associated with increased LA pressure and increased epicardial fat/fatty infiltration in our Obese group, and with increased epicardial fat/fibrofatty infiltration in the RAP and Obese‐RAP groups. These may explain the role of obesity/epicardial fat in the pathogenesis of AF.
COVID‐19 and the generation of novel scientific knowledge: Research questions and study designs
Authors: Perillat Lucie , Baigrie Brian S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesOne of the sectors challenged by the COVID‐19 pandemic is medical research. COVID‐19 originates from a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the scientific community is faced with the daunting task of creating a novel model for this pandemic or, in other words, creating novel science. This paper is the first part of a series of two papers that explore the intricate relationship between the different challenges that have hindered biomedical research and the generation of scientific knowledge during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsDuring the early stages of the pandemic, research conducted on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was chaotic and sparked several heated debates with respect to the scientific methods used and the quality of knowledge generated. Research on HCQ is used as a case study in both papers. The authors explored biomedical databases, peer‐reviewed journals, pre‐print servers, and media articles to identify relevant literature on HCQ and COVID‐19, and examined philosophical perspectives on medical research in the context of this pandemic and previous global health challenges.ResultsThis paper demonstrates that a lack of prioritization among research questions and therapeutics was responsible for the duplication of clinical trials and the dispersion of precious resources. Study designs, aimed at minimising biases and increasing objectivity, were, instead, the subject of fruitless oppositions. The duplication of research works, combined with poor‐quality research, has greatly contributed to slowing down the creation of novel scientific knowledge.ConclusionsThe COVID‐19 pandemic presented challenges in terms of (1) finding and prioritising relevant research questions and (2) choosing study designs that are appropriate for a time of emergency.
Consistency changes of potential lipid markers in acne patients of different ages and their role in acne pathogenesis
Authors: Chen Feng , Hu Xueqing , Dong Kun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundWith the development of studies on skin lipid profile changes in acne patients, changes of skin surface lipidome are considered to be another important factor in acne pathogenesis. However, the studies of skin surface lipidome in acne patients of different ages have not been precisely discussed.AimsThe mechanism of potential lipid markers in acne patients with different ages was further discussed.MethodsOn the basis of our previous studies, the changes of skin surface lipidome in acne patients of different ages were analyzed by comprehensive statistics.ResultsBy counting the skin lipid markers of acne patients of different ages, it is found that seven lipid indexes are dominant in acne patients and play a vital role in the pathogenesis of acne.ConclusionsThe analysis found that there was potential consistency in the changes of skin surface lipidome in acne patients of different ages. Moreover, the main lipid markers play an important role in the pathogenesis of acne.