bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Paths in First Passage Percolation on the Complete Graph II. Global Branching Dynamics
Authors: Eckhoff Maren , Goodman Jesse , van der Hofstad Remco , Nardi Francesca R.
Published: August 2020

We study the random geometry of first passage percolation on the complete graph equipped with independent and identically distributed positive edge weights. We consider the case where the lower extreme values of the edge weights are highly separated. This model exhibits strong disorder and a crossover between local and global scales. Local neighborhoods are related to invasion percolation that display self-organised criticality. Globally, the edges with relevant edge weights form a barely supercritical Erdős–Rényi random graph that can be described by branching processes. This near-critical behaviour gives rise to optimal paths that are considerably longer than logarithmic in the number of vertices, interpolating between random graph and minimal spanning tree path lengths. Crucial to our approach is the quantification of the extreme-value behavior of small edge weights in terms of a sequence of parameters $$(s_n)_{n\ge 1}$$

(

s
n

)

n
≥
1

that characterises the different universality classes for first passage percolation on the complete graph. We investigate the case where $$s_n\rightarrow \infty $$

s
n

→
∞

with $$s_n=o(n^{1/3})$$

s
n

=
o

(

n

1
/
3

)

, which corresponds to the barely supercritical setting. We identify the scaling limit of the weight of the optimal path between two vertices, and we prove that the number of edges in this path obeys a central limit theorem with mean approximately $$s_n\log {(n/s_n^3)}$$

s
n

log

(
n
/

s
n
3

)

and variance $$s_n^2\log {(n/s_n^3)}$$

s
n
2

log

(
n
/

s
n
3

)

. Remarkably, our proof also applies to n-dependent edge weights of the form $$E^{s_n}$$

E

s
n

, where E is an exponential random variable with mean 1, thus settling a conjecture of Bhamidi et al. (Weak disorder asymptotics in the stochastic meanfield model of distance. Ann Appl Probab 22(1):29–69, 2012). The proof relies on a decomposition of the smallest-weight tree into an initial part following invasion percolation dynamics, and a main part following branching process dynamics. The initial part has been studied in Eckhoff et al. (Long paths in first passage percolation on the complete graph I. Local PWIT dynamics. Electron. J. Probab. 25:1–45, 2020. 10.1214/20-EJP484); the current paper focuses on the global branching dynamics.
Compliance to “Unpleasant” actions of crisis management: some remarks from a management control perspective
Authors: Wall Friederike
Published: August 2020

In managing the Covid-16 pandemic, policy makers took actions which require the cooperation of individual citizens to succeed while the actions partially come at remarkable costs for individuals. The brief paper employs a thought experiment to identify factors which affect individuals’ propensity to cooperate in the public goods game. These factors reasonably comprise, for example, risk perception and attitude towards risk, embeddedness in a social network or the desire for social approval and may differ remarkably among the individuals of a collective. The paper adopts a management control perspective which appears to be particularly helpful to identify how to implement policy makers’ actions with respect to the diverse individuals in a collective. In order to predict the overall outcome of “unpleasant” actions, an approach is required which allows to capture the heterogeneity of individuals within a collective which makes agent-based modelling a promising candidate.
Renalase and hypertension—demographic and clinical correlates in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Martynowicz Helena , Czerwińska Karolina , Wojakowska Anna , Januszewska Lidia , Markiewicz-Górka Iwona , Więckiewicz Mieszko , Mazur Grzegorz , Pawlas Krystyna , Poręba Rafał , Gać Paweł
Published: August 2020

Background

Renalase plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common respiratory disorder associated with hypertension and cardiovascular complications. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between sleep apnea and renalase concentration.

Material and methods

Adult patients (n = 113) were evaluated for OSA in a sleep laboratory using polysomnography. The respiratory events were scored according to the standards developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The blood renalase concentration was determined by the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test.

Results

OSA (AHI ≥ 5) was diagnosed in 71% (n = 80) of the studied population. Renalase concentration was statistically significantly lower in the group with moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI ≥ 15) compared with the group without OSA (AHI < 5) (139.56 ± 175.72 ng/ml vs. 230.97 ± 240.50 ng/ml, p = 0.042). We have found statistically significant negative correlation between renalase and AHI in hypertensives, but not in normotensives. The statistically significant negative correlation was observed between AHI and renalase in the whole studied group, in males, and in the group of age < 60 years old. There was not such a correlation in females and in the group > 60 years old. Based on the regression model, it was shown that lower renalase concentration, hypertension, higher BMI, and male gender are independently associated with higher AHI.

Conclusions

There is a relationship between the blood renalase concentration and the severity of OSA, which may influence hypertension development in OSA.
Vom Erlebnis zum Ergebnis: Zur Wirkungsweise abenteuer- und erlebnispädagogischer Jugendfreizeiten
Authors: Mutz Michael , Müller Johannes
Published: August 2020

Die Forschung über abenteuer- und erlebnispädagogische Programme hat vielfach auf positive Effekte z. B. für Selbstwirksamkeit, Kompetenzerwerb oder psychosoziale Gesundheit hingewiesen. Weniger gut erforscht ist hingegen die Frage, unter welchen Bedingungen diese Effekte zu Stande kommen bzw. welche Erfahrungen mit welchen Veränderungen assoziiert sind. Anknüpfend an erlebnispädagogische Theorien gehen wir davon aus, dass a) die Neuartigkeit der Erfahrungen, b) die erfolgreiche Selbstüberwindung, c) das Kompetenzerleben und d) die Qualität der Einbindung in die Gruppe zentrale Erfolgsbedingungen darstellen. Empirisch prüfen wir die Bedeutung dieser Bedingungen in einem Prätest-Posttest-Design bei Jugendlichen (N = 76; 63 % männlich, 37 % weiblich) im Alter von 13 bis 20 Jahren, die an einer 10-tägigen erlebnispädagogischen Ferienfreizeit teilnahmen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen zunächst, dass sich im Durchschnitt positive Veränderungen in der Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung, im Selbstwertgefühl und im emotionalen Wohlbefinden im Verlauf des Programms ergeben haben. Diese Effekte sind besonders bei den Jugendlichen zu beobachten, die sich bei den Programmaktivitäten als sehr kompetent erlebten. Punktuell hängen positive Veränderungen auch mit der Neuartigkeit der Aktivität und der Qualität des Gemeinschaftserlebens zusammen. Der oft in der Theoriedebatte fokussierte Aspekt der Selbstüberwindung scheint weniger relevant zu sein.
Zielorientierungen und Leistungsmotivation angehender Lehrkräfte zu Studienbeginn – eine Profilanalyse
Authors: Glutsch Nina , König Johannes , Rothland Martin
Published: August 2020

Im Vergleich zu den vielfach untersuchten Leistungsmotiven und Zielorientierungen von Schülerinnen und Schülern sind diese bei Lehramtsstudierenden bisher eher selten zum Gegenstand empirischer Forschung gemacht worden, obwohl sie für die Kompetenzentwicklung und das Leistungsstreben angehender Lehrpersonen im Studium eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersucht der vorliegende Beitrag Zielorientierungen und die Leistungsmotive Hoffnung auf Erfolg und Angst vor Misserfolg von 1365 Studierenden der Lehrämter für die Sekundarstufen I und II in ihrem ersten Fachsemester mittels einer latenten Profilanalyse. Die Profile werden anhand weiterer motivationaler Merkmale und dem pädagogischen Wissen der Studierenden validiert sowie auf ihre Zusammensetzung hinsichtlich verschiedener Fächerkombinationen analysiert. Die Ergebnisse legen eine Dreiklassenlösung nahe, wobei sich die Profile nicht nach Fächerdomänen unterscheiden. Die Hälfte der Studierenden lässt sich einem sowohl lern- als auch leistungszielorientierten Profil zuordnen. Am zweithäufigsten ist ein stark lernzielorientiertes Profil vertreten. Die kleinste Profilgruppe umfasst Studierende mit einer ausgeprägt arbeitsvermeidenden Haltung.
Failure Analysis of Pharmaceutical Clamp Ferrules
Authors: Feng Jian
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this case study is to determine the cause of failure of DIN 1.4435 BN2 (AISI 316L with very low ferrite contents) clamp ferrules applied in pharmaceutical systems. Leakage was observed during operation in the clamp pipe connections of the ultra-pure fluid delivery systems. The surface of clamp ferrules showed remarkable discoloration and cracking. It was identified that the failure was caused by defects related to the autogenous laser conduction welding procedures. The intragranular cellular welded structures, which solidified with austenite as the primary product of solidification, showed a complete absence of hot cracks, minor delta ferrite, and minimum microsegregation. The welded components failed eventually owing to unstable welding profiles and significant porosity. Recommendations were given to prevent the recurrence of similar failures.
High-Dose Aluminum Exposure Further Alerts Immune Phenotype in Aplastic Anemia Patients
Authors: Zuo Yao , Lu Xiang , Wang Xiaochao , Sooranna Suren R. , Tao Liju , Chen Shiqiang , Li Hongwen , Huang Dan , Nai Guanye , Chen Hong , Pan Chunfeng , Huang Caihong , Pang Yanmin
Published: August 2020

This study explored the relationship between immunological status and clinical characteristics of aplastic anemia (AA) patients to plasma aluminum levels, which were increased after constant exposure to high levels of this metal. Sixty-two AA patients (33 cases with high and 29 cases with low or no exposure to aluminum) and 30 healthy controls were selected for this study. Aluminum in human albumin solution was measured by inductivity coupled plasma mass spectrometry. IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, and INF-γ levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution of lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry. The expression levels of immunoglobulins and complement C3 and C4 were also measured. Exposure to high aluminum raised the levels of serum aluminum in AA patients (P < 0.01). The levels of hemoglobin and complement C4 were lower in AA patients with high aluminum exposure (P < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively). The percentage of CD4+ T cells and the ratio of CD4+/ CD8+T cells in peripheral blood in AA patients with high aluminum exposure were higher compared with control AA patients (P < 0.05 in both cases), while the percentage of CD8+ T cells was significantly lower than that in non-aluminum–exposed AA patients (P < 0.05). Compared with non-aluminum–exposed AA patients, the level of IL-10 in the high aluminum–exposed AA group was significantly higher (P < 0.05 in both cases). The immunological and clinical characteristics of AA patients from regions of high aluminum exposure are different to those in from non-aluminum areas. These results suggest that high aluminum exposure alters the immune system in patients suffering from AA.
A psychometric evaluation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale in ethnically and culturally heterogeneous South African samples
Authors: May Andrew K. , Norris Shane A. , Richter Linda M. , Pitman Michael M.
Published: August 2020

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait that describes highly neurosensitive individuals who, for better and for worse, are permeable to their environmental context. Recently, these individuals have been noted for their amenability to positive intervention efforts - an observation that may have important psychosocial value. SPS is currently assessed through the 27-item Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS). However, this instrument has not been adequately scrutinised in cross-cultural samples, and has generated varied factor solutions that lack consistent support. We assessed the HSPS in South African university student samples which were ethno-culturally diverse, across four academic years (n = 750). The HSPS demonstrated strong reliability across samples (α > .84). Factor analysis revealed a novel five-factor solution (Negative Affect, Neural Sensitivity, Propensity to Overwhelm, Careful Processing and Aesthetic Sensitivity). As per previous reports, latent class analysis suggested a three class solution. We validated these findings in a general population sample that was part of the longitudinal Birth to Twenty Plus cohort (n = 1400). In conclusion, we found the HSPS to be reliable in culturally diverse samples. The instrument remains a robust tool for identifying sensitive individuals and may be an important addition to psychosocial studies in low-to-middle income countries.
Associations between School Readiness and Student Wellbeing: A Six-Year Follow Up Study
Authors: Gregory T. , Dal Grande E. , Brushe M. , Engelhardt D. , Luddy S. , Guhn M. , Gadermann A. , Schonert-Reichl K.A. , Brinkman S.
Published: August 2020

It is well established that children’s school readiness is associated with their later academic achievement, but less is known about whether school readiness is also associated with other measures of school success, such as students’ social and emotional wellbeing. While some previous research has shown a link between early social and emotional development and student wellbeing, results are mixed and the strength of these relationships vary depending on whether data is based on child, teachers or parents ratings and which specific student wellbeing outcomes are measured. The present study explored the association between teacher-rated school readiness (Mage = 5.6 years) across five developmental domains (physical, social, emotional, language and cognitive, and communication and general knowledge) and four aspects of student wellbeing (life satisfaction, optimism, sadness and worries) in Grade 6 (Mage = 11.9 years) in a sample of 3906 Australian children. After adjustment for background child and family-level factors, children’s early physical, social and emotional development were associated with all four wellbeing outcomes in Grade 6, but early language and cognitive skills and communication and general knowledge skills were only associated with internalising behaviours (sadness and worries). Mechanisms through which these different aspects of development might influence later wellbeing are discussed, as well as ways that schools and governments can support students’ social and emotional wellbeing.
Consumer food stockpiling behavior and willingness to pay for food reserves in COVID-19
Authors: Wang Erpeng , An Ning , Gao Zhifeng , Kiprop Emmanuel , Geng Xianhui
Published: August 2020

Consumer behavior changes differently in emergencies. Understanding consumer food stockpiling behavior during COVID-19 pandemic can provide critical information for governments and policymakers to adjust inventory and response strategies. This paper analyzed consumer food stockpiling behavior, including the change of food reserve scale and willingness to pay for fresh food reserves in COVID-19. Our paper shows that the scale of food reserve extends from 3.37 to 7.37 days after the outbreak of COVID-19; if available, consumers on average are willing to pay 18.14 yuan (60.47%) premium for fresh products reserves. The result shows that food stockpiling behavior is fueled by a set of multiple motivations and subjective risk perception. Female, high education level and high-income consumers were more likely to reserve larger scale food reserves, but consumers’ willingness to pay for fresh food reserves is determined by income. This study was conducted when new infection cases continued to rise in the world. The story of food stockpiling during the COVID-19 pandemic in China is similar with the rest of world. Consumer stockpiling behavior in China can also be expanded to other countries to predict the change of food demand and understand more about consumer preferences in emergencies.
Insight into Medicinal Chemistry Behind Traditional Chinese Medicines: p-Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol-Derived Dimers and Trimers from Gastrodia elata
Authors: Wang Yanan , Zhang Min , Zhou Xue , Xu Chengbo , Zhu Chenggen , Yuan Yuhe , Chen Naihong , Yang Yongchun , Guo Qinglan , Shi Jiangong
Published: August 2020

From an aqueous extract of “tian ma” (the steamed and dried rhizomes ofGastrodia elata), ten new compounds gastrodibenzins A−D (1−4) and gastrotribenzins A−F (5−10), along with known analogues (11−20), having structure features coupling between two and threep-hydroxybenzyl-derived units via carbon- and/or ether-bonds, were isolated and characterized by spectroscopic data analysis. Meanwhile, the new compounds5a,6a,8a,22, and23, as well as the known derivatives13a,14a,15,17−21,24,25, andp-hydroxybenzyl aldehyde were isolated and identified from a refluxed aqueous solution ofp-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. Methylation of5aand6ain methanol and ethylation of6a,8a,13a, and14ain ethanol produced5and6and7,8,13, and14, respectively. using ultra-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRESIMS) analysis of the refluxed solutions ofp-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and the refluxed extracts of the freshG. elatarhizome and “tian ma” extracts indicated consistent production and variation of the dimeric and trimeric derivatives ofp-hydroxybenzyl alcohol upon extracting solvents and refluxing time. In various assays, the dimeric and trimeric derivatives showed more potent activities thanp-hydroxybenzyl alcohol itself and gastrodin, which are the main known active constituents of “tian ma”. These results revealed for the first time that the more effective dimers and trimers can be produced through condensation of the co-occurringp-hydroxybenzyl alcohol during processing and decocting of theG. elatarhizomes, demonstrating insights into medicinal chemistry behind application protocols of traditional Chinese medicines.

Graphic Abstract
The statistical practice of the GTEx Project: from single to multiple tissues
Authors: Liao Xu , Chai Xiaoran , Shi Xingjie , Chen Lin S. , Liu Jin
Published: August 2020

Background

The Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project has collected genetic and transcriptome profiles from a wide spectrum of tissues in nearly 1,000 ceased individuals, providing an opportunity to study the regulatory roles of genetic variants in transcriptome activities from both cross‐tissue and tissue‐specific perspectives. Moreover, transcriptome activities ( e.g., transcript abundance and alternative splicing) can be treated as mediators between genotype and phenotype to achieve phenotypic alteration. Knowing the genotype associated transcriptome status, researchers can better understand the biological and molecular mechanisms of genetic risk variants in complex traits.

Results

In this article, we first explore the genetic architecture of gene expression traits, and then review recent methods on quantitative trait locus (QTL) and co‐expression network analysis. To further exemplify the usage of associations between genotype and transcriptome status, we briefly review methods that either directly or indirectly integrate expression/splicing QTL information in genome‐wide association studies (GWASs).

Conclusions

The GTEx Project provides the largest and useful resource to investigate the associations between genotype and transcriptome status. The integration of results from the GTEx Project and existing GWASs further advances our understanding of roles of gene expression changes in bridging both the genetic variants and complex traits.
Group processes and creative components in a problem-solving task with modular robotics
Authors: Cassone Laura , Romero Margarida , Basiri Esfahani Shirin
Published: August 2020

Group process assessment is one of the methodological challenges in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). The aim of this study is to analyze the group process dimensions in a problem-solving task with modular robotics in which creative components of fluidity, flexibility and innovation can be observed. The analysis of group process dimensions in relation to the creative components aims to understand the way group processes can support the creativity process in a problem-solving task. For this objective, 24 dyads of in-service teachers in a creative problem-solving task with modular robotics were engaged. The group process dimensions of conversation, social interaction and problem-solving was identified based on a CSCL coding schema developed for the Virtual Math Team environment. The creative components of fluidity, flexibility and innovation are operationalized based on Guilford’s Alternate Uses Test’s components. The results show the creative component of innovation is related to interactions of support within the dyad. Moreover, the participants dedicating more time to solve the task are engaged not only in more problem-solving interactions with their dyad but also in building more innovative figures, and they also make more figures together. Those results lead us to consider the importance of a positive emotional environment in the context of collaborative creation.
Wundts genetische Religionspsychologie als kulturelles Zeitzeugnis
Authors: Allolio-Näcke Lars
Published: August 2020

Der vorliegende Text geht der Frage nach, wie die genetische Religionspsychologie von Wilhelm Wundt als Zeitzeugnis verstanden werden kann. Dabei wird zunächst das Gesamtwerk der Völkerpsychologie betrachtet, in das die Wundtsche Religionspsychologie eingebettet ist. Die Völkerpsychologie erweist sich einerseits als ein Kind ihrer Zeit, da sie völkerpsychologische Gedanken zweier verschiedener Strömungen miteinander verknüpft. Dies führt aber andererseits dazu, dass Wundts Ansatz einzigartig ist. Insbesondere im letzten Kapitel der Völkerpsychologie wird auch Wundt als Kind seiner Zeit sichtbar, indem er sich zur politischen Lage und zur Zukunft der Kultur äußert. Wundts Religionspsychologie lässt sich ebenso als Kind ihrer Zeit lesen. Sie verbindet die damals dominierende Religionsgeschichte mit der Psychologie, scheitert aber meines Erachtens daran, den Phänomenen gerecht zu werden, indem er sie doch teleologisch hierarchisiert und vom Heute in die Geschichte projiziert.
Numerical Study of Density-Driven Convection in Laminated Heterogeneous Porous Media
Authors: Li Qian , Cai Wei Hua , Li Bing Xi , Chen Ching-Yao
Published: August 2020

In the present study, we use direct numerical simulation to investigate the density-driven convection in a two-dimensional anisotropic heterogeneous porous media associated with significant laminated formation. At first, the heterogeneous porous media are randomly generated to represent laminated structure, in which the horizontal correlation length of permeability field is much longer than the vertical counterpart. Then, a highly accurate pseudo-spectral method and compact finite difference scheme with higher order of accuracy are employed to numerically reproduce the convection flow in the laminated porous media. The results show that the laminated structures restrict interactions among the downward plumes of heavier fluid. The plumes tend to descend more straightly in a laminated porous medium associated with a slower growth rate. As a result, the laminated distribution of permeability is considered having an inhibiting effect on the convection flow.
Proposal of Novel Icing Simulation Using a Hybrid Grid- and Particle-Based Method
Authors: Toba D. , Fukudome K. , Mamori H. , Fukushima N. , Yamamoto M.
Published: August 2020

Icing on aircraft can drastically reduce aerodynamic performance and lead to serious accidents. Therefore, prediction of the accreted ice shape and area and its effects on aerodynamic performance is crucial during the design phase of an aircraft. However, numerical simulations based on conventional grid-based methods such as the finite volume method cannot accurately reproduce the complex ice shapes, which involve horn growth, feather growth, air voids, and severe surface roughness. In the present study, instead of the grid-based method, a hybrid grid- and particle-based method was newly proposed and applied to the icing problem on a NACA0012 airfoil. The explicit moving particle semi-implicit method was employed as the particle-based method due to its short computing time. The numerical simulations effectively reproduced feather-shaped ice, air voids, and surface roughness. Finally, by computing the flow around the iced airfoil, it was confirmed that flow separation around the leading edge occurred due to the ice layer, which resulted in a thicker boundary layer and wake and an increase in the drag coefficient of approximately 70% after a residence time of only 60 seconds.
Study on Electromechanical Behavior of Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Composite Beams
Authors: Ma Xiao , Wang Shuai , Zhou Bo , Xue Shifeng
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the electromechanical behavior of functionally graded piezoelectric composite beams containing axially functionally graded (AFG) beam and piezoelectric actuators subjected to electrical load. The mechanical properties of the AFG beam are assumed to be graded along the axial direction. Employing the electromechanical coupling theory and load simulation method, the expression for the simulation load of the piezoelectric actuators is obtained. Based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and the obtained simulation load, the differential governing equation of the piezoelectric composite beams subjected to electrical load is derived. The integration-by-parts approach is utilized to solve the differential governing equation, and the expression for the deflection of the piezoelectric composite beams is obtained. The accuracy of the proposed method is validated by the finite element method. The bending response of the functionally graded piezoelectric composite beams is investigated through the proposed method. In the numerical examples, the effects of electrical load, actuator thickness, AFG beam thickness and AFG beam length on the electromechanical behavior of the functionally graded piezoelectric composite beams are studied.
Social cohesion emerging from a community-based physical activity program: A temporal network analysis
Authors: Jaramillo Ana María , Montes Felipe , Sarmiento Olga L. , Ríos Ana Paola , Rosas Lisa G. , Hunter Ruth F. , Rodríguez Ana Lucía , King Abby C.
Published: August 2020

Community-based physical activity programs, such as the Recreovía, are effective in promoting healthy behaviors in Latin America. To understand Recreovías’ challenges and scalability, we characterized its social network longitudinally while studying its participants’ social cohesion and interactions. First, we constructed the Main network of the program’s Facebook profile in 2013 to determine the main stakeholders and communities of participants. Second, we studied the Temporal network growth of the Facebook profiles of three Recreovía locations from 2008 to 2016. We implemented a Time Windows in Networks algorithm to determine observation periods and a scaling model of cities’ growth to measure social cohesion over time. Our results show physical activity instructors as the main stakeholders (20.84% nodes of the network). As emerging cohesion, we found: (1) incremental growth of Facebook users (43–272 nodes), friendships (55–2565 edges), clustering coefficient (0.19–0.21), and density (0.04–0.07); (2) no preferential attachment behavior; and (3) a social cohesion super-linear growth with 1.73 new friendships per joined user. Our results underscore the physical activity instructors’ influence and the emergent cohesion in innovation periods as a co-benefit of the program. This analysis associates the social and healthy behavior dimensions of a program occurring in natural environments under a systemic approach.
Anomalous Salt Dependence Reveals an Interplay of Attractive and Repulsive Electrostatic Interactions in α-synuclein Fibril Formation
Authors: Gaspar Ricardo , Lund Mikael , Sparr Emma , Linse Sara
Published: August 2020

α-Synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein with a highly asymmetric charge distribution, whose aggregation is linked to Parkinson’s disease. The effect of ionic strength was investigated at mildly acidic pH (5.5) in the presence of catalytic surfaces in the form of α-syn seeds or anionic lipid vesicles using thioflavin T fluorescence measurements. Similar trends were observed with both surfaces: increasing ionic strength reduced the rate of α-syn aggregation although the surfaces as well as α-syn have a net negative charge at pH 5.5. This anomalous salt dependence implies that short-range attractive electrostatic interactions are critical for secondary nucleation as well as heterogeneous primary nucleation. Such interactions were confirmed in Monte Carlo simulations of α-syn monomers interacting with surface-grafted C-terminal tails, and found to be weakened in the presence of salt. Thus, nucleation of α-syn aggregation depends critically on an attractive electrostatic component that is screened by salt to the extent that it outweighs the screening of the long-range repulsion between negatively charged monomers and negative surfaces. Interactions between the positively charged N-termini of α-syn monomers on the one hand, and the negatively C-termini of α-syn on fibrils or vesicles surfaces on the other hand, are thus critical for nucleation.
The Political Economy of Bureaucratic Overload: Evidence from Rural Development Officials in India
Authors: DASGUPTA ADITYA , KAPUR DEVESH
Published: August 2020

Government programs often fail on the ground because of poor implementation by local bureaucrats. Prominent explanations for poor implementation emphasize bureaucratic rent-seeking and capture. This article documents a different pathology that we term bureaucratic overload: local bureaucrats are often heavily under-resourced relative to their responsibilities. We advance a two-step theory explaining why bureaucratic overload is detrimental to implementation as well as why politicians under-invest in local bureaucracy, emphasizing a lack of electoral incentives. Drawing on a nationwide survey of local rural development officials across India, including time-usage diaries that measure their daily behavior, we provide quantitative evidence that (i) officials with fewer resources are worse at implementing rural development programs, plausibly because they are unable to allocate enough time to managerial tasks and (ii) fewer resources are provided in administrative units where political responsibility for implementation is less clear. The findings shed light on the political economy and bureaucratic behavior underpinning weak local state capacity.
Selenium and viral infection: are there lessons for COVID-19?
Authors: Bermano Giovanna , Méplan Catherine , Mercer Derry K. , Hesketh John E.
Published: August 2020

Se is a micronutrient essential for human health. Sub-optimal Se status is common, occurring in a significant proportion of the population across the world including parts of Europe and China. Human and animal studies have shown that Se status is a key determinant of the host response to viral infections. In this review, we address the question whether Se intake is a factor in determining the severity of response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Emphasis is placed on epidemiological and animal studies which suggest that Se affects host response to RNA viruses and on the molecular mechanisms by which Se and selenoproteins modulate the inter-linked redox homeostasis, stress response and inflammatory response. Together these studies indicate that Se status is an important factor in determining the host response to viral infections. Therefore, we conclude that Se status is likely to influence human response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and that Se status is one (of several) risk factors which may impact on the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in populations where Se intake is sub-optimal or low. We suggest the use of appropriate markers to assess the Se status of COVID-19 patients and possible supplementation may be beneficial in limiting the severity of symptoms, especially in countries where Se status is regarded as sub-optimal.
Fermentation profile and nutritional quality of silages composed of cactus pear and maniçoba for goat feeding
Authors: Matias A. G. S. , Araujo G. G. L. , Campos F. S. , Moraes S. A. , Gois G. C. , Silva T. S. , Emerenciano Neto J. V. , Voltolini T. V.
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation profile and nutritional quality of silages composed of cactus pear and maniçoba. Two experiments were performed: the first evaluated the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition and determined the organic acids in cactus pear silages with the inclusion of five levels of maniçoba (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) in six opening times (1, 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days). The second experiment determined the nutrient intake, digestibility, water balance and nitrogen balance in Canindé goats fed diets based on cactus pear silage with the inclusion of four levels of maniçoba (25, 50, 75 and 100%), with six animals per treatment. The increase in maniçoba levels in cactus pear silage provided a linear increase in the butyric acid, dry matter (DM), ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, water intake via drinking fountain and metabolic water, and reduced the pH, lactic acid, acetic acid, mineral matter, total carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrates, water intake via food, total water intake, water excreted in the faeces, water excreted in the urine, total water excretion and water balance. Quadratic behaviour was observed for N-NH3, DM recovery and propionic acid, with an increase in maniçoba levels in cactus pear silages. Regarding the different opening times, there was a significant effect in pH, N-NH3, acetic acid, lactic acid and butyric acid (P< 0.050). The inclusion of maniçoba in cactus pear silage improved the fermentation characteristics and nutritional quality to be used in diets for goats.
The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on head and neck cancer services: a UK tertiary centre study
Authors: Taylor R , Omakobia E , Sood S , Glore R J
Published: August 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has necessitated almost exclusive National Health Service focus on emergency work and cancer care. There are concerns that increased hospital and community pressures will lead to decreased referrals and worse outcomes for head and neck cancer patients.

Method

This is a retrospective review of all cases referred for suspected head and neck cancer to our institution in January and April 2020.

Results

There was a 55 per cent decrease in referrals but diagnostic yield rose from 2.9 per cent in January to 8.06 per cent in April. In both months, 100 per cent of patients met the 31- and 62-day targets, with similar 14-day wait time success (97.83 per cent for January vs 98.33 per cent for April). Referrals for laryngopharyngeal reflux rose from 27.5 per cent to 41.9 per cent. Referrals for those aged over 60 years fell from 42 per cent to 26 per cent.

Conclusion

It is suggested that further research be conducted into the reasons why fewer patients were referred, particularly elderly patients, and why laryngopharyngeal reflux is so prevalent in fast-track referrals.
The UK national registry of ENT surgeons with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Stephenson K , Sowerby LJ , Hopkins C , Kumar N
Published: August 2020

Background

ENT surgeons are likely to be at high risk of coronavirus disease 2019 exposure.

Methods

A national registry of UK ENT surgeons with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 was created with the support of ENT UK. Voluntary entry was made by either the affected individual or a colleague, using a web-based platform.

Results

A four-month data collection period is reported, comprising 73 individuals. Coronavirus disease 2019 was test-confirmed in 35 respondents (47.9 per cent). There was a need for hospitalisation in two cases (2.7 per cent) and tragically one individual died. Symptom onset peaked in March. The majority suspected their exposure to have been in the workplace, with a significant proportion attributing their disease to a lack of personal protective equipment at a time before formal guidance had been introduced.

Conclusion

The registry suggests that a significant number of ENT clinicians in the UK have contracted coronavirus disease 2019, and supports the need for tailored personal protective equipment guidance and service planning.
Polygenic risk for schizophrenia and schizotypal traits in non-clinical subjects
Authors: Nenadić Igor , Meller Tina , Schmitt Simon , Stein Frederike , Brosch Katharina , Mosebach Johannes , Ettinger Ulrich , Grant Phillip , Meinert Susanne , Opel Nils , Lemke Hannah , Fingas Stella , Förster Katharina , Hahn Tim , Jansen Andreas , Andlauer Till F. M. , Forstner Andreas J. , Heilmann-Heimbach Stefanie , Hall Alisha S. M. , Awasthi Swapnil , Ripke Stephan , Witt Stephanie H. , Rietschel Marcella , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Nöthen Markus M. , Dannlowski Udo , Krug Axel , Streit Fabian , Kircher Tilo
Published: August 2020

Background

Schizotypy is a putative risk phenotype for psychosis liability, but the overlap of its genetic architecture with schizophrenia is poorly understood.

Methods

We tested the hypothesis that dimensions of schizotypy (assessed with the SPQ-B) are associated with a polygenic risk score (PRS) for schizophrenia in a sample of 623 psychiatrically healthy, non-clinical subjects from the FOR2107 multi-centre study and a second sample of 1133 blood donors.

Results

We did not find correlations of schizophrenia PRS with either overall SPQ or specific dimension scores, nor with adjusted schizotypy scores derived from the SPQ (addressing inter-scale variance). Also, PRS for affective disorders (bipolar disorder and major depression) were not significantly associated with schizotypy.

Conclusions

This important negative finding demonstrates that despite the hypothesised continuum of schizotypy and schizophrenia, schizotypy might share less genetic risk with schizophrenia than previously assumed (and possibly less compared to psychotic-like experiences).
What Factors Shape Self-Reported Health Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults? A Scoping Review
Authors: Whitmore Carly , Markle-Reid Maureen , Fisher Kathryn , McAiney Carrie , Ploeg Jenny
Published: August 2020

Self-reported health is a predictive measure of morbidity and mortality across populations. A comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape self-reported health among community-dwelling older adults, a growing population globally, is lacking. The aim of this review was to summarize the factors that are associated with self-reported health among this population and identify key areas for future research. Accordingly, we conducted a scoping review using the stage-wise framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. We summarized 42 factors, as identified in 30 publications, and organized them into four categories. Key factors shaping self-reported health included the presence of chronic conditions and depressive symptoms. As the population of community-dwelling older adults continues to increase, there remains a need to understand how these identified factors shape self-reported health. To date, empirical research has been limited to observational and cross-sectional designs. There is a need to further explore these factors in longitudinal data.
Approximately counting bases of bicircular matroids
Authors: Guo Heng , Jerrum Mark
Published: August 2020

We give a fully polynomial-time randomized approximation scheme (FPRAS) for the number of bases in bicircular matroids. This is a natural class of matroids for which counting bases exactly is #P-hard and yet approximate counting can be done efficiently.
Supporting parenting during infant hospitalisation for CHD
Authors: Gramszlo Colette , Karpyn Allison , Christofferson Jennifer , McWhorter Linda G. , Demianczyk Abigail C. , Lihn Stacey L. , Tanem Jena , Zyblewski Sinai , Boyle Elizabeth Lucey , Kazak Anne E. , Sood Erica
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To characterise the parenting priorities of mothers and fathers of infants hospitalised with CHD and generate recommendations to support parenting during infant hospitalisation.

Study design:

Through online crowdsourcing, an innovative research methodology to create an online community to serve as a research sample, 79 parents of young children with CHD responded to questions about parenting during hospitalisation via private social networking site. Responses were analysed using qualitative research methods.

Results:

Three broad themes were identified: (1) establishing a bond with my baby, (2) asserting the parental role, and (3) coping with fear and uncertainty. Parents value provider support in restoring normalcy to the parenting experience during infant hospitalisation.

Conclusions:

Care teams can support parenting during infant hospitalisation by promoting parents’ roles as primary caretakers and decision-makers and attending to the emotional impact of infant hospitalisation on the family.
Using a Sonic Time-Lapse Method as a Compositional Tool
Authors: Otondo Felipe , Poblete Victor
Published: August 2020

This article describes an innovative compositional method based on the use of a sonic time-lapse algorithm to create soundscape audio montages. The method is based on the superposition of short audio samples of 24-hour continuous field recordings carried out in various kinds of wildlife sonic environments. The optimisation of the algorithm focused on the enhancement of gradual crossfade transitions between recorded samples and the use of variable sample durations as a way of recreating a natural sense of evolution of sonic events in time. Future developments of the project will integrate virtual reality interfaces and environmental education projects as part of the time-lapse algorithm machine-learning techniques and also creative tools suitable for multimedia installations.
Food processing and risk of hypertension: Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais, Brazil (CUME Project)
Authors: Rezende-Alves Katiusse , Hermsdorff Helen Hermana Miranda , Miranda Aline Elizabeth da Silva , Lopes Aline Cristine Souza , Bressan Josefina , Pimenta Adriano Marçal
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To analyse the association between food consumption according to the degree of processing and incidence of hypertension in CUME project participants.

Design:

Longitudinal study in which food consumption was evaluated according to the percentage contribution of daily energetic intake (%/d) of each NOVA classification group (unprocessed/minimally processed foods and culinary preparations (U/MPF&CP); processed foods and ultra-processed foods (UPF)). Hypertension was defined according to American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) criteria. Adjusted relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95 % CI) were estimated by Poisson regression models with robust variances.

Setting:

Brazil.

Participants:

1221 graduates classified as non-hypertensive at baseline and monitored for 2 years.

Results:

Daily energetic percentage from each group according to degree of processing was 64·3 (sd12) % for U/MPF&CP; 9·9 (sd5·8) % for processed foods and 25·8 (sd11) % for UPF. Incidence of hypertension was high (152/1000 person-years;n113, 193/1000 person-years in males andn257, 138/1000 person-years in females). After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the upper quintile of daily energetic intake of U/MPF&CP presented a reduced risk of hypertension (RR: 0·72; 95 % CI 0·52, 0·98), while those in the upper quintile of daily energetic intake of UPF presented an increased risk of the outcome (RR: 1·35; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·81).

Conclusions:

In this prospective cohort of Brazilian middle-aged adult university graduates, the highest consumptions of U/MPF&CP and UPF were associated with, respectively, reduced and increased risk of hypertension. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our results.
How to protect both health and food system sustainability? A holistic ‘global health’-based approach via the 3V rule proposal
Authors: Fardet A , Rock E
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To define a generic diet to protect human health and food system sustainability based on three dimensions: animal:plant ratio, degree of food processing and food diversity.

Design/setting:

The percentages of maximum animal and ultra-processed energy content were evaluated from scientific papers (Web of Science database) and reports from international scientific institutions. Then, a weekly French standard diet, including these percentages and food diversity (≥42 different foods), was designed to calculate adequacy to nutritional needs.

Results:

Based on traditional and scientifically based healthy diets, and on foresight scenarios for sustainable diets at horizon 2050, a median daily animal energy content intake of 15 % was found to be protective towards both human health and environment. Based on epidemiological studies associating ultra-processed energy consumption with increased overweight/obesity risk, a precautionary threshold of approximately 15 % ultra-processed energy content was observed. The French diet allows addressing all nutritional needs and other nutritional indicators such as maximum salt and simple sugar consumption,α-linolenic acid:linoleic acid ratio and essential amino acids. This diet was named the ‘3V rule’ for Végétal (plant), Vrai (real) and Varié (varied, if possible organic, local and seasonal). This generic diet can be adapted according to regional traditions and environmental characteristics. Excluding only one dimension of it would threaten both health and food system sustainability.

Conclusions:

Tending towards a 3V-based diet, while respecting local constraints, should allow preserving human health, environment (greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, deforestation, etc.), small farmers, animal welfare and biodiversity, culinary traditions and socioeconomics (including an alleviation of public health cost).