bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Veracity judgement, not accuracy: Reconsidering the role of facial expressions, empathy, and emotion recognition training on deception detection
Authors: Zloteanu Mircea , Bull Peter , Krumhuber Eva G , Richardson Daniel C
Published: November 2020

People hold strong beliefs about the role of emotional cues in detecting deception. While research on the diagnostic value of such cues has been mixed, their influence on human veracity judgements is yet to be fully explored. Here, we address the relationship between emotional information and veracity judgements. In Study 1, the role of emotion recognition in the process of detecting naturalistic lies was investigated. Decoders’ veracity judgements were compared based on differences in trait empathy and their ability to recognise microexpressions and subtle expressions. Accuracy was found to be unrelated to facial cue recognition and negatively related to empathy. In Study 2, we manipulated decoders’ emotion recognition ability and the type of lies they saw: experiential or affective (emotional and unemotional). Decoders received either emotion recognition training, bogus training, or no training. In all scenarios, training did not affect veracity judgements. Experiential lies were easier to detect than affective lies; however, affective unemotional lies were overall the hardest to judge. The findings illustrate the complex relationship between emotion recognition and veracity judgements, with abilities for facial cue detection being high yet unrelated to deception accuracy.
Time perception in human movement: Effects of speed and agency on duration estimation
Authors: Allingham Emma , Hammerschmidt David , Wöllner Clemens
Published: November 2020

While the effects of synthesised visual stimuli on time perception processes are well documented, very little research on time estimation in human movement stimuli exists. This study investigated the effects of movement speed and agency on duration estimation of human motion. Participants were recorded using optical motion capture while they performed dance-like movements at three different speeds. They later returned for a perceptual experiment in which they watched point-light displays of themselves and one other participant. Participants were asked to identify themselves, to estimate the duration of the recordings, and to rate expressivity and quality of the movements. Results indicate that speed of movement affected duration estimations such that faster speeds were rated longer, in accordance with previous findings in non-biological motion. The biasing effects of speed were stronger for watching others’ movements than for watching one’s own point-light movements. Duration estimations were longer after acting out the movement compared with watching it, and speed differentially affected ratings of expressivity and quality. Findings suggest that aspects of temporal processing of visual stimuli may be modulated by inner motor representations of previously performed movements, and by physically carrying out an action compared with just watching it. Results also support the inner clock and change theories of time perception for the processing of human motion stimuli, which can inform the temporal mechanisms of the hypothesised separate processor for human movement information.
Synthesis of a potential bendamustine deschloro dimer impurity
Authors: Yuan Jie , Zhu Hai-Bin
Published: November 2020

Bendamustine deschloro dimer was considered as a potential impurity in bendamustine hydrochloride resulting from the hydrolysis of bendamustine followed by intermolecular esterification. An efficient synthesis of bendamustine deschloro dimer was achieved from 4-(5-amino-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)butanoate involving nine sequential steps including benzyl-protection/deprotection of the amine and carboxylic acid groups, saponification, ring-opening reaction of oxirane as well as Fischer/Steglish esterfication and so on. The target bendamustine deschloro dimer was obtained using a high-performance liquid chromatography in a purity of 95.63%.
Quantum mechanical investigations of base-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction between phenylacetylene and azidobenzene
Authors: Badawi Mohammad Abd Al-Hakim , Abu-Orabi Sultan T
Published: November 2020

In this study, the mechanism for both the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and the base-catalyzed cycloaddition reactions between phenylacetylene and azidobenzene has been investigated with density functional theory, namely at the M06-2X/6-31G(d) computational level. Later, the reaction has been modeled with a representative simple alkyne and a simple azide to concentrate solely on how the difference bases affect the mechanism of the reaction between phenylacetylene and azidobenzene as charged components. In this study, another mechanism of this reaction with uncharged components has been proposed to compare the calculated thermodynamic and kinetic properties for charged and uncharged systems. The calculated activation barrier differences between the catalyzed and the uncatalyzed reactions are consistent with the faster and the regioselective synthesis of the triazole product in the presence of solvents. The calculated barrier of the rate-determining step in the base-catalyzed mechanism with the uncharged system is lower than that with charged systems. Finally, the reaction leading to final product formation in uncharged system is more spontaneous than that in the charged system, and the same applies to the total reaction in the presence of solvents.
A photoelectrochemical biofuel cell based on a TiO2 nanotube array fluorine-doped tin oxide photoanode
Authors: Xiao Chunping , Ji Lili , Li Dehui , Wang Louqun , Yang Jing
Published: November 2020

Photoelectrochemical biofuel cells can convert light and chemical energy into electrical energy using a dye-sensitized titania (TiO2) fluorine-doped tin oxide photoanode and a platinum-coated fluorine-doped tin oxide cathode. TiO2 of the photoanode serves both as a support for dyes and as an electron-transporting medium, the structure of which can limit electron trapping and charge transporting and then affect the performance of the photoelectrochemical biofuel cells. TiO2 nanotube array films have been shown to enhance the efficiencies of both charge collection and electron injection, and hence a vertically aligned TiO2 nanotube array is investigated as a conductor for the tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin dye to construct a new two-compartment photoelectrochemical biofuel cell. The photoelectrochemical biofuel cell containing the TiO2 nanotube array photoanode yields a short-circuit (Isc) current of 110 μA and an open-circuit (Voc) potential of 1010 mV. In contrast, the photovoltaic parameters, Isc and Voc of the photoelectrochemical biofuel cell with the mesoporous TiO2 nanocrystal fluorine-doped tin oxide photoanode, are 96.96 μA and 740 mV, respectively. Photovoltaic measurements show that the maximum incident photon-to-collected electron conversion efficiency was 58% at 430 nm through the spectral range (400–800 nm) for the photoelectrochemical biofuel cell with the TiO2 nanotube array fluorine-doped tin oxide photoanode. These results revealed that the TiO2 nanotube array had great potential for the photoelectrochemical biofuel cells.
The Postmortem Features of Mucormycosis
Authors: Halvorson Tracy S. , Isaacson Alexandra L. , Ford Bradley A. , Firchau Dennis J.
Published: November 2020

Mucormycosis is a rare and severe invasive fungal infection caused by ubiquitous fungi of the order Mucorales. Infection often occurs in immunocompromised hosts and includes cutaneous, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, rhinocerebral, and disseminated forms of disease. Although the clinical characteristics of mucormycosis are well established, infection can be difficult to diagnose antemortem, resulting in frequent postmortem diagnoses. Despite this, the gross appearance of mucormycosis at autopsy has not been well described. In the present report we illustrate the gross and histologic findings in four autopsy cases of mucormycosis, including one case of pulmonary disease and three cases of disseminated mucormycosis with cerebral, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal involvement. In all cases autopsy examination demonstrated characteristic hemorrhagic infarcts with a targetoid appearance in the affected organs. These findings are secondary to fungal angioinvasion with subsequent thrombosis and tissue necrosis. Mucormycosis should be suspected at autopsy when these characteristic infarcts are identified within the proper clinical context, and a high suspicion for atypical infections should be maintained postmortem in immunosuppressed patients.
Case Study as a Research Method in Hospitality and Tourism Research: A Systematic Literature Review (1974–2020)
Authors: Çakar Kadir , Aykol Şehmus
Published: November 2020

This systematic literature review aimed to investigate the use of case study method in hospitality and tourism research to increase the awareness about the use of case study as a research method. Data were collected ( n = 871) from 10 leading hospitality and tourism journals published between 1974 and 2020. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted using Leximancer as a computer-aided analysis software. The study findings reveal an overall mislabel and misuse of the case study method. Suggestions are provided to improve case study method applications and increase case study research for more theory development in hospitality and tourism research.
‘Rechtsstaat’ and European criminal law – From the end of sovereignty
Authors: Braum Stefan
Published: November 2020

Whoever punishes is sovereign.

Those who punish fairly – or legitimately – are sovereign.

At least that is how it was yesterday. But is it still the case today?

Sovereignty is not what it used to be. Neither are punishments. What is the result? We do not know.

I will try to explain the change of sovereignty in criminal law through the draft Regulation on the collection of electronic evidence. I am going to discuss three axes to set the framework for a critique.

- What we know

- What changes

- What we can hope for or fear.
Scent and the Cinema
Authors: Spence Charles
Published: November 2020

From the very earliest days of public cinema (moving pictures), there has been consideration about how odors and scents might influence the viewer’s experience. While initially this was primarily a concern with how to eliminate the malodor of the cinema-goers themselves, in more recent times, there have been a number of well-publicized attempts to add synchronized pleasant (and, on occasion, also unpleasant) scents to “enhance” the cinema experience. While early solutions such as AromaRama and Smell-O-Vision were beset by technical challenges, low-tech scratch and sniff ( Odorama) and, more recently, Edible Cinema-type solutions (where the audience get to consume flavourful, and often aromatic, morsels in time with the events on screen) have proved somewhat more successful. Nevertheless, there are a number of key psychological factors that will likely inhibit the uptake of scented cinema in the future, even should the technical and financial issues (associated with retrofitting cinemas, and providing the appropriate fragrances) one day be satisfactorily resolved. These include the phenomenon of “inattentional anosmia” as well as the “fundamental misattribution error,” whereby people (who are, by-and-large, visually-dominant) tend to attribute their enjoyment to the action seen on screen, rather than to smell, and hence are unlikely to pay a premium for the latter.
Complications in Patients With Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Undergoing Ureteroscopy: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kalatharan Vinusha , Welk Blayne , Nash Danielle M. , McArthur Eric , Slater Justin , Sarma Sisira , Pei York , Garg Amit X.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive treatment option for upper tract stones. The distorted kidney anatomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) may place them at higher risk for ureteroscopic complications.

Objective:

To compare the 30-day risk of ureteroscopic complications between patients with and without ADPKD.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Ontario, Canada

Patients:

Seventy three patients with ADPKD and 81 445 patients without ADPKD who underwent ureteroscopy for upper urinary tract stones between April 1, 2002, and March 1, 2018.

Measurements:

A 30-day risk of (1) hospital presentation with ureteroscopic complications (which was a composite outcome of either emergency department visit or hospital admission with acute kidney injury, urinary tract infection, or sepsis); (2) all-cause hospital presentation; (3) all-cause hospital admission; and (4) all-cause emergency department visit.

Methods:

We regressed outcomes on demographic variables, health care use in the prior 1-year, various procedures and comorbidities related to the outcome in the prior 5 years, and prescribed medications filled in the past 120 days using modified Poisson regression to compare the risk ratio (RR) of each outcome between patients with and without ADPKD.

Results:

The median (interquartile, IQR) age was 44 (38-60 years) in the ADPKD group and 53 (42-64) in the control group. About 40% were women in both groups. The risk of ureteroscopic complications was not significantly different in patients with versus without ADPKD (8.2% vs 4.3%; adjusted RR = 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7-3.2). Patients with versus without ADPKD were more likely to present to hospital after their procedure (35.6% vs. 20.0%; adjusted RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.2), which included a statistically significant increase in the risk of presenting to the emergency department (32.9% vs. 19.0%; adjusted RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.2) but not hospital admissions (10.9% vs. 5.0%; adjusted RR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.9-3.4).

Limitations:

The low numbers of events led to imprecision around the estimates.

Conclusion:

Patients with ADPKD have a higher risk of return to the hospital within 30 days of ureteroscopy for stone disease.

Trial registration:

We did not register this study.
The impact of psychological aspects, age, and BMI on eating disorder psychopathology among adult males and females with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wisting Line , Siegwarth Cecilie , Skrivarhaug Torild , Dahl-Jørgensen Knut , Rø Øyvind
Published: November 2020

This study investigated correlates of eating disorder (ED) psychopathology among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A total of 282 males ( n = 112) and females ( n = 170) with T1D (18–79 years) participated. Overall, psychological aspects (i.e. illness perceptions, coping strategies, insulin beliefs, anxiety, and depression) were associated with ED psychopathology. Associations were generally stronger among females than males. In a regression model, age, BMI, personal control, and anxiety explained 51% of the variance in ED psychopathology among females, whereas BMI, personal control, and anxiety explained 47% of the variance among males. Greater clinical awareness of health psychological aspects may contribute to reduce the risk of developing ED.
Reversible myelosuppression suspected to be secondary to linezolid in a cat with infected subcutaneous ureteral bypass systems
Authors: Hedgespeth Barry A , Tefft Karen M , Kendall Allison R
Published: November 2020

Case summary

A 5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented for a multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium urinary tract infection within its bilateral subcutaneous ureteral bypass systems. After considerable consultation, the cat was treated with oral linezolid (10 mg/kg q12h) for two separate 2-week courses over 5 weeks. Over this time period, the cat became progressively neutropenic and thrombocytopenic, but was otherwise clinically stable. Upon cessation of the linezolid, the bicytopenia resolved within 12 days.

Relevance and novel information

The reversible myelosuppression in this case is suspected to be secondary to linezolid administration. While previously reported in people, this effect has not been reported at therapeutic doses in veterinary species. This report demonstrates the potential for adverse drug reaction development in cats treated with prolonged linezolid therapy and highlights the need for extreme caution when utilizing linezolid in patients with renal insufficiency. Linezolid is the only drug currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections in people; however, resistance to this antibiotic appears to be increasing. Multidrug-resistant organisms continue to be a real global public health threat in both human and veterinary medicine. Third-tier antibiotics should only be considered under extreme circumstances and after considerable consultation with a specialist. Please note that the authors of this manuscript followed American Veterinary Medical Association policies on stewardship and International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases guidelines, and do not promote or encourage the use in daily practice.
Candesartan modulates microglia activation and polarization via NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Qie Shuyan , Ran Yuanyuan , Lu Xiaosheng , Su Wei , Li Wei , Xi Jianing , Gong Weijun , Liu Zongjian
Published: November 2020

Microglia are diverse cells that acquire different functional phenotypes in response to microenvironment in which they reside. Several transcriptional regulators have been identified that regulate different microglia phenotypes. They are mainly stimulated into two opposing phenotypes, classically (M1) and alternatively (M2) phenotype. Regulating microglia polarization from M1 to M2 state has been suggested as a potential therapeutic approach in treatment of CNS disorders. Candesartan, an angiotensin II type I receptors antagonist, exerts beneficial effects for antioxidant, anti-inflammation, neurotrophic, and anti-apoptotic function. However, the effect of candesartan on microglia polarization and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the resting microglia were stimulated to M1 microglia with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and then treated with vehicle or candesartan for 24 h. RT-PCR was utilized to detect the mRNA expression of microglia phenotype markers and inflammatory cytokines. Microglia phenotype markers and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were determined by western blot. A neuron-microglia co-culture system was used to determine whether candesartan could ameliorate the neurotoxic effect of M1 microglia to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) neuron. Candesartan treatment reduced the expression of M1 markers, and increased M2 markers. Meanwhile, candesartan reduced fluorescence intensity and protein level of M1 marker and enhanced M2 marker. Candesartan also regulated the neuroinflammatory response via reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines in LPS + IFN-γ stimulated BV2 cells. Candesartan markedly inhibited the protein level of TLR4, the phosphorylation of IKBα and p65, and suppressed nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. BAY 11-7085, a NF-κB inhibitor, remarkably enlarged the inhibitory effect of candesartan on NF-κB pathway. In addition, M1 phenotype microglia exacerbated post-OGD N2a cells death and LDH release, whereas candesartan reversed such neurotoxic effect. Candesartan treatment may ameliorate stroke-induced neuronal damage through shifting microglia to M2 phenotype in a TLR4/NF-κB-dependent manner.
On the Hazards of the Technology Age: How Using Emojis Affects Perceptions of Leaders
Authors: Riordan Monica A. , Glikson Ella
Published: November 2020

Work-from-home and remote work arrangements are increasingly common. As a result, much business communication is taking place via computer-mediated means. In two experiments, the effect of emojis in business email is explored: their effect on perceptions of the leader who sends the email, perceptions of the email itself, and the email within the communication context. Study 1 found that emails with emojis led to positive perceptions of a leader’s likability and effectiveness, but only on the part of male recipients; female recipients rated a leader using emojis as less effective, with no difference in likability. In study 2, females perceived emails with emojis as more positive but also less appropriate for the workplace, although those who worked in informal workplaces showed a less pronounced effect of appropriateness. It is clear that leaders should consider both the audience and the workplace communication climate before using emojis in emails.
Medicine Residents are Unprepared to Effectively Treat Patients with Obesity: Results from a U.S. Internal Medicine Residency Survey
Authors: Butsch W Scott , Robison Kathryn , Sharma Ranita , Knecht Julianne , Smolarz B. Gabriel
Published: November 2020

Background:

In an obesity epidemic, physicians are unprepared to treat patients with obesity. The objective of this study was to understand how obesity is currently addressed in United States (U.S.) Internal Medicine (IM) residency programs and benchmark the degree to which curricula incorporate topics pertaining to the recently developed Obesity Medicine Education Collaborative (OMEC) competencies.

Methods:

Invitations to complete an online survey were sent via postal mail to U.S IM residency programs in 2018. Descriptive analyzes were performed.

Results:

Directors/associate directors from 81 IM residencies completed the online survey out of 501 programs (16.2%). Although obesity was an intentional educational objective for most programs (66.7%), only 2.5% of respondents believed their residents are “very prepared” to manage obesity. Formal rotation opportunities in obesity are limited, and at best, only one-third (34.6%) of programs reported any one of the core obesity competencies are covered to “a great extent.” Many programs reported psychosocial components of obesity (40.7%), weight stigma (44.4%), etiological aspects of obesity (64.2%) and pharmacological treatment of obesity (43.2%) were covered to “very little extent” or “not at all.” Lack of room in the curriculum and lack of faculty expertise are the greatest barriers to integrating obesity education; only 39.5% of residency programs have discussed incorporating or expanding formal obesity education.

Conclusions:

Our study found the current obesity curricula within U.S. IM residency programs do not adequately cover important aspects that address the growing obesity epidemic, suggesting that obesity education is not enough of a priority for IM residency programs to formalize and implement within their curricula.
Clinical usefulness of Edinburgh CT criteria in patients with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Ornello Raffaele , Colangeli Enrico , Tommasino Emanuele , Tiseo Cindy , Perrotta Giulia , Scarpato Ciro , Gentile Martina , Mammarella Leondino , Marini Carmine , Pistoia Francesca , Splendiani Alessandra , Sacco Simona
Published: November 2020

Background

Identifying the cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is relevant to optimize its management. We aimed to assess the applicability and utility of the Edinburgh CT criteria for cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in an unselected cohort of hospitalized patients.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively applied the Edinburgh criteria to the first available brain CTs of patients hospitalized for a first-ever lobar ICH in the district of L’Aquila from 2011 to 2017. ICH characteristics and outcomes were compared according to the presence of the Edinburgh CT criteria, including associated subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and finger-like projections (FLPs). The outcome of ICH in-hospital mortality was assessed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. We adopted the Edinburgh criteria, age, NIHSS and Glasgow Coma Scale scores, systolic blood pressure, antiplatelet treatment, ICH volume, and intraventricular extension on admission as covariates.

Results

Of 178 patients with lobar ICH, 52 (29.2%) had aSAH+FLPs, 60 (33.7%) aSAH only, 1 (0.6%) FLPs, and 65 (36.5%) none. Patients with aSAH+FLPs were older (79.0 ± 9.2 years) than those with only one criterion or none (74.0 ± 15.3 and 72.2 ± 13.8 years, respectively; P = 0.020). Patients with aSAH+FLPs also had more severe ICH at onset, higher in-hospital case-fatality (log rank test P = 0.003) and higher mRS scores at discharge (P < 0.001) as compared to those fulfilling one or none of the Edinburgh criteria. Low Glasgow Coma Scale score was the only factor independently associated to in-hospital case-fatality (odds ratio per point increase 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.91; P = 0.021).

Discussion

Our data suggest the applicability of the Edinburgh CT criteria in a hospital setting. The presence of those criteria reflects ICH clinical severity.

Conclusions

Applying the Edinburgh CT criteria might help refining the diagnosis and improving the management of patients with lobar ICH.
Experimental and numerical investigation of difference in diameter enlargement and circularity of micro-holes drilled by flexural spindle head
Authors: Shinde Sachin Manohar , Lekurwale Ramesh R.
Published: November 2020

The flexural bearing or the flexural cartridge allows very nano-meter axial displacement movement, which is frictionless and noiseless. The repeatability of the mechanism obtained is achieved by bending of the load element. The bearing can operate under stringent conditions such as vacuum, elevated temperatures (0–40 °C), and moist conditions. Hence, due to these indigenous properties, these bearings are observed in applications such as linear bearing of linear compressor, flexural bearing electromagnetic linear actuator, and parasitic error-free mechanism. The endorsed capability of obtaining high-level positional accuracy along with repeatability leads to design and development of low-cost flexural cartridge for micro-drilling spindle head. This flexural cartridge provides a linear guideway while feeding inside the test specimen (in micro-drilling operation). The designed head dampens and nullifies the force, acting on the shaft carrying the micro-tool. The designed spindle head carrying the three-leg spiral flexural stack is assembled on the designed machine tool. The run out measured on the spindle shaft is 50 µm. Four test specimens, namely aluminum, brass, acrylic and mild steel, are drilled by three drills of diameter 1 mm, 0.8 mm, and 0.5 mm each. The main objective of the article is to understand the differential analysis of diameter enlargement and circularity between the experimental method and the numerical method. The answers predicted by the experimental method may have second possible value as it depends upon judgment of inscribing the circle/points in the computer-aided design (CAD) environment. This ambiguity is excluded by the MATLAB code, which gives one specific answer. The maximum difference in diameter enlargement for aluminum, brass, acrylic, and mild steel specimens are 3.8 µm, 11 µm, 24.6 µm, and 16.1 µm, respectively, whereas the maximum difference in circularity for the same specimens is 11.8 µm, 1.3 µm, 8.2 µm, and 16.8 µm, respectively. This difference is termed as the |error|.
Nanoparticles containing boron and its compounds—synthesis and applications: A review
Authors: Tatiya Shreyansh , Pandey Mohit , Bhattacharya Shantanu
Published: November 2020

Nanomaterials have already contributed to many innovative products in the consumer markets. Constant efforts are directed at attaining unique morphologies and reduction in size. Exponential growth in research is thus involved in the synthesis of the novel nanomaterials. Boron and its compounds with distinct functional and structural properties find extensive usage in a variety of fields ranging from nuclear technology to electronics, ceramics, etc. Also, due to their non-toxicity, they are considered an attractive intermediate in the healthcare and cosmetic industry. The majority of reviews on boron and its compounds are focused on morphologies and the structure of the boron compound obtained. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of the unique properties of the major boron compounds: boron carbide (B4C), boron nitride (BN), and heterostructures with metals and organic compounds. In each section, we also describe the subsequent synthesis routes and the challenges associated with them. We have also summarized the various morphologies and shapes reported to be associated with boron and its compounds. In recent years, however, primary research on boron nanoparticle (BNP) has focused on non-toxic/greener and energy-efficient synthesis routes. The usage and production of pure BNPs in the industry are very scarce and are often associated with nanoclusters of boron and other elements. The intricate structural design and low purity of the nanoproducts formed make BNP synthesis challenging. Thus, in the last section, we summarize the challenges and outlook of the current research with future prospects in the area of BNP research.
Stathis Kalyvas on 20 years of studying political violence
Authors: Kalyvas Stathis , Straus Scott
Published: November 2020

Stathis Kalyvas is one of the pioneers of social science research on political violence. In this interview with Scott Straus, Kalyvas reflects critically on the state of the field, on the risks of welding scholarly research to policy, on speaking to histories of violence in particular places, on defining key terms such as violence and terrorism, and on moving up and down the ladder of abstraction. He also speaks about his ambitious new book that seeks to synthesize the field of political violence. He ends with a stinging critique of research that privileges method over substance and with some reflections for graduate students entering the field.
Influenza as a Measure of Maternal Immune Activation and Its Effects on the Incidence of Encephalocele and Microtia
Authors: Momin Arsh , Grogan Dayton , Carroll William , Linder Daniel , Yu Jack C.
Published: November 2020

Objective: Activation of the maternal immune (MIA) system while pregnant can have significant effects on fetal development. Here, the authors sought to examine MIA and its effects on fetal craniofacial formation. As a measure of MIA, data on maternal influenza infection was used, as influenza occurs in a predictive fashion, is not vertically transmitted, and is found to generate a robust maternal immune response. Thus, this study measures the association of the incidence of influenza infection in the United States with the incidence of craniofacial congenital deficits—specifically encephalocele and microtia. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample Database (NIS) was referenced to identify national estimates of infants born with each disease from 2004 to 2013. The gross monthly disease incidences were adjusted based on the number of newborns each month. The National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System’s FluView database from the CDC was used to obtain influenza data from 2003 to 2013. Mixed effect logistic regression analyses were conducted to find the association between influenza occurrence and each disease, specifically an odds ratio (OR). Results: There were 2858 infants born with encephalocele and 3371 born with microtia from January 2004 to December 2013. Microtia showed no statistically significant correlation with influenza rates and served as a methodologic control. Encephalocele, however, showed a strong correlation with influenza infection specifically during the eighth month of pregnancy (OR = 34.538, 95% confidence interval: 3.815-312.681). Conclusion: This study shows a strong correlation between maternal influenza infection during the eighth month of pregnancy and encephalocele incidence. This suggests that there is an additional trigger for encephalocele development towards the end of the pregnancy not currently understood in the literature. Although there appears to be a connection between MIA and encephalocele formation, more research is needed to confirm this theory.
Jeankempite, Ca5(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2(H2O)7, a new arsenate mineral from the Mohawk Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan, USA
Authors: Olds Travis A. , Kampf Anthony R. , Dal Bo Fabrice , Burns Peter C. , Guo Xiaofeng , McCloy John S.
Published: November 2020

Jeankempite, Ca5(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2(H2O)7, is a new mineral species (IMA2018-090) discovered amongst coatings of arsenate minerals on oxidised copper arsenides from the Mohawk No. 2 mine, Mohawk, Keweenaw County, Michigan, USA. The new mineral occurs as lamellar bundles of colourless to white plates up to 1 mm wide and is visually indistinguishable from guérinite, with which it forms intergrowths. Jeankempite is transparent to translucent with a waxy lustre and white streak, is non-fluorescent under longwave and shortwave ultraviolet illumination, has a Mohs hardness of ~1.5 and brittle tenacity with uneven fracture. Crystals are flattened on {01$\bar{1}$} and exhibit perfect cleavage on {01$\bar{1}$}. Optically, jeankempite is biaxial (+), α = 1.601(2), β = 1.607(2), γ = 1.619(2) (white light); 2Vmeas.= 72(2)° and 2Vcalc.= 71.0°. The empirical formula is (Ca4.97Na0.013Mg0.017)(As3.99S0.01)4O23H16, based on 23 O and 16 H atoms per formula unit. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that jeankempite undergoes four weight losses totalling 16.82%, close to the expected loss of 16.30%, corresponding to eight H2O. Jeankempite is triclinic,P$\bar{1}$,a= 6.710(6),b= 14.901(14),c= 15.940(15) Å, α = 73.583(12)°, β = 81.984(12)°, γ=82.754(12)°,V= 1507(2) Å3andZ= 3. The final structure was refined toR1= 0.0591 for 2781 reflections withIobs> 3σI. The crystal structure of jeankempite is built from a network of edge- and vertex-sharing CaO6, CaO7and AsO4polyhedra, and we hypothesise that the new mineral has formed due to a topotactic reaction brought on by dehydration of preexisting guérinite.
Clinical insights into the origins of thrombosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Moliterno Alison R. , Ginzburg Yelena Z. , Hoffman Ronald
Published: November 2020

Philadelphia chromosome–negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis, are hematopoietic stem cell disorders that are defined by activating mutations in signal transduction pathways and are characterized clinically by the overproduction of platelets, red blood cells, and neutrophils, significant burden of disease-specific symptoms, and high rates of vascular events. The focus of this review is to critically reevaluate the clinical burden of thrombosis in MPNs, to review the clinical associations among clonal hematopoiesis, JAK2V617F burden, inflammation, and thrombosis, and to provide insights into novel primary and secondary thrombosis-prevention strategies.
Fundamentals of immunology for understanding immunotherapy for lymphoma
Authors: Ansell Stephen M.
Published: November 2020

An effective antitumor immune response in patients with lymphoma would eradicate the malignant B cells and cure the patient of the disease. This, however, does not occur, and a suboptimal antitumor response results in persistence and subsequent progression of the patient’s disease. The goals of immunotherapy are therefore to restore an effective antitumor immune response by promoting immune recognition, optimizing immune activation, and supporting persistence of the immune response resulting in subsequent immunological memory. Multiple mechanisms, however, are present within the tumor microenvironment that account for an inadequate immune response. These include loss of major histocompatibility complex expression on tumor cells and subsequent inadequate antigen presentation, increased expression of immunosuppressive ligands on malignant cells, populations of immune cells with suppressive function present in the tumor, and cytokines secreted by the malignant cell or other cells in the microenvironment that promote immune exhaustion or suppress the immune response. Successful immunotherapeutic strategies are specifically addressing these issues by promoting antigen presentation, improving recognition of the malignant cell, directly activating T cells and natural killer cells, and blocking immune checkpoint signaling that would suppress the immune response. Many of these approaches have proven highly successful in patients with various subtypes of lymphoma and are now being incorporated into standard clinical practice.
MiR-128-3p inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by repressing FOXO4/MMP9 signaling pathway
Authors: Qu Chuan , Liu Xin , Guo Yan , Fo Yuhong , Chen Xiuhuan , Zhou Jining , Yang Bo
Published: November 2020

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as important participants in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). The present study explored the role of miR-128-3p in the dysfunction of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Human VSMCs and ApoE knockout (ApoE−/−) C57BL/6J mice were used to establish AS cell and animal models, respectively. Expression levels of miR-128-3p, forkhead box O4 (FOXO4) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. CCK-8, BrdU, and Transwell assays as well as flow cytometry analysis were performed to detect the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of VSMCs. Levels of inflammatory cytokines and lipids in human VSMCs, mice serum and mice VSMCs were also determined. The binding site between miR-128-3p and 3′UTR of FOXO4 was confirmed using luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

MiR-128-3p was found to be decreased in AS patient serum, ox-LDL-treated VSMCs, AS mice serum and VSMCs of AS mice. Transfection of miR-128-3p mimics suppressed the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, accompanied by the promoted apoptosis and the decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines. Further experiments confirmed the interaction between miR-128-3p and FOXO4. Augmentation of FOXO4 or MMP9 reversed the effects of miR-128-3p. Besides, miR-128-3p inhibited triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) but increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the serum of AS mice.

Conclusion

MiR-128-3p repressed the proliferation and migration of VSMCs through inhibiting the expressions of FOXO4 and MMP9.
Expediting rare disease diagnosis: a call to bridge the gap between clinical and functional genomics
Authors: Hartin Samantha N. , Means John C. , Alaimo Joseph T. , Younger Scott T.
Published: November 2020

Approximately 400 million people throughout the world suffer from a rare disease. Although advances in whole exome and whole genome sequencing have greatly facilitated rare disease diagnosis, overall diagnostic rates remain below 50%. Furthermore, in cases where accurate diagnosis is achieved the process requires an average of 4.8 years. Reducing the time required for disease diagnosis is among the most critical needs of patients impacted by a rare disease. In this perspective we describe current challenges associated with rare disease diagnosis and discuss several cutting-edge functional genomic screening technologies that have the potential to rapidly accelerate the process of distinguishing pathogenic variants that lead to disease.
A Sensitivity Mapping Technique for Tensile Force and Case Depth Characterization Based on Magnetic Minor Hysteresis Loops
Authors: He Cunfu , Dou Wenqiao , Liu Xiucheng , Yang Meng , Zhang Ruifang
Published: November 2020

In the nondestructive testing and evaluation area, magnetic major hysteresis loop measurement technology are widely applied for ferromagnetic material evaluation. However the characterization ability of major hysteresis loop measurement technology greatly varies as the evaluated target properties. To solve this limitation, magnetic minor hysteresis loops, which reflect the responses of ferromagnetic material magnetization in a systematic way, is recommend. Inspired by plenty of information carried by the minor loops, the sensitivity mapping technique was developed to achieve the highest sensitivity of minor-loop parameters to the nondestructively evaluated targets. In this study, for the first time, the sensitivity mapping technique is used to measure the tensile force in a steel strand and evaluate the effective case depth in induction-hardened steel rods. The method and procedures for the sensitivity mapping technique are given before experimental detection. The obtained experimental results indicate that the linear correlation between the induced voltage (or the magnetic induction intensity) and the tensile force (or effective case depth) exists at most of the locations in the cluster of minor loops. The obtained sensitivity maps can be used to optimize the applied magnetic field (or excitation current) and the analyzed locations at the minor loops for achieving the highest sensitivity. For the purpose of tensile force measurement, it is suggested that the strand should be firstly magnetized to the near-saturation state and then restored to the remanent state. In this way, the highest sensitivity is obtained as about 15.26 mV/kN. As for the induction-hardened steel rods, the highest sensitivity of magnetic induction intensity to the effective case depth occurs under low magnetic field conditions and the absolute value of the highest sensitivity is about 0.1110 T/mm. This indicates that if the highest sensitivity is required in the case depth evaluation, the induction-hardened steel rods are only required to be weakly magnetized. The proposed sensitivity mapping technique shows the good performance in the high-sensitivity evaluation of tensile force and case depth in ferromagnetic materials and its application scope can be extended to other nondestructive detection fields.
Gray and white matter abnormalities in primary trigeminal neuralgia with and without neurovascular compression
Authors: Wu Min , Jiang Xiaofeng , Qiu Jun , Fu Xianming , Niu Chaoshi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Previous researches have reported gray and white matter microalterations in primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN) with neurovascular compression (NVC). The central mechanism underlying TN without NVC are unknown but may include changes in specific brain regions or circuitries. This study aimed to investigate abnormalities in the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) of the whole brain and the possible pathogenetic mechanism underlying this disease.

Methods

We analyzed brain morphologic images of TN patients, 23 with NVC (TN wNVC) and 22 without NVC (TN wNVC) compared with 45 healthy controls (HC). All subjects underwent 3T-magnetic resonance imaging and pain scale evaluation. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface-based morphometry (SBM) were used to investigate whole brain grey matter quantitatively; graph theory was applied to obtain network measures based on extracted DTI data based on DTI data of the whole brains. Sensory and affective pain rating indices were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ).

Results

The VBM and SBM analyses revealed widespread decreases in GM volume and cortical thickness in TN wNVC compared to TN woNVC, and diffusion metrics measures and topology organization changes revealed DTI showed extensive WM integrity alterations. However, above structural changes differed between TN wNVC and TN woNVC, and were related to specific chronic pain modulation mechanism.

Conclusion

Abnormalities in characteristic regions of GM and WM structural network were found in TN woNVC compared with TN wNVC group, suggesting differences in pathophysiology of two types of TN.
Vitamin D receptor Bsm I polymorphism and osteoporosis risk in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis from 42 studies
Authors: Liao Jun Long , Qin Qiang , Zhou Yong Sheng , Ma Ru Ping , Zhou He Chao , Gu Mao Rong , Feng Yun Ping , Wang Bo Yuan , Yang Ling
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aimed to quantitatively summarize the evidence for VDR BsmI gene polymorphism and osteoporosis risk in postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, Weipu, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for eligible studies. Case-control studies containing available genotype frequencies of B/b were chosen, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of this association.

Results

4485 osteoporosis and 5490 controls were identified in our meta-analysis. In the stratified analysis, a significant association was observed between VDR BsmI gene polymorphism and osteoporosis susceptibility in Caucasians (additive model: OR = 0.809, 95% CI 0.678~0.965,p= 0.019; recessive model: OR = 0.736, 95% CI 0.568~0.955,p= 0.021; and co-dominant model: bb vs. BB OR = 0.701, 95% CI 0.511~0.962p= 0.028), and we failed to find any significant relationship in Asians.

Conclusion

The present meta-analysis suggests that VDR BsmI genotype is associated with increased risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Caucasians but not in Asians. To draw comprehensive and true conclusions, further prospective studies with larger numbers of participants worldwide are needed to examine associations between VDR BsmI polymorphism and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Urolithiasis treatment options during COVID-19 pandemic: review of current recommendations and triage systems
Authors: Abdel Raheem Ali , Alowidah Ibrahim , Soliman Mohamed , Haresy Mefarrih , Almozeni Ali , Althagafi Sultan , Almousa Mohamed , Alturki Mohamed
Published: November 2020

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed healthcare systems and limited access to surgical care. Urolithiasis can lead to emergencies and affect renal function during long-term follow-up. Therefore, timely and appropriate treatment is essential.

Main text

This is a non-systematic review of the recently published recommendations regarding urolithiasis treatment options during COVID-19. Fourteen publications were the basis of our review. Regarding anesthesia methods, the optimal methods are still unknown. During COVID-19, most of the endo-urologists changed their routine clinical practice and elective surgical treatment approaches. Despite decreasing number of emergency visits and admissions for stone disease, patients tend to have leukocytosis, higher creatinine levels, increased grade 3 and 4 hydronephrosis, and higher incidence of complications compared to non-COVID-19 time. Several alarming indications if present, intervention should be performed within 24 h to prevent irreversible kidney damage, disease progression, or even death. Some endo-urologists prefer definitive stone treatment over temporarily drainage to reduce the number of emergency room visits and hospital admissions, except if infection is present or staged treatment is planned. Several clinical scenarios of non-emergency and non-urgent urinary stones are present; thus, endo-urologists should appropriately weigh patient’s risk and surgery benefit to decide to the proper intervention time. If risks outweighed benefits to the patient, postpone the surgery. Renal colic should be managed with medical expulsive therapy and proper pain control with close follow-up just in case it becomes an emergency. Indwelling JJ stent removal or exchange is a matter of debate; some endo-urologists recommend removing, while others recommend postponing.

Conclusion

Treatment options for urinary stones have markedly changed during COVID-19 pandemic. The optimal anesthesia methods are still unknown. Emergency intervention is a must if any alarming indications exist. Emergency cases tend to have higher incidence of complications compared to non-COVID-19 time. For non-emergency and non-urgent urolithiasis, endo-urologists should make judicious treatment decision to prioritize urolithiasis treatment, and they should weigh benefits and risks before surgery.