bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic behavior of superimposed reinforced concrete shear walls with X‐shaped steel plate bracings under different axial load ratios
Authors: Wang Mengfu , Guo Shengqi
Published: August 2021

In order to improve the seismic performance of traditional superimposed reinforced concrete shear walls, a kind of superimposed reinforced concrete shear wall with X‐shaped steel plate bracings (labeled as SRCXSW) was proposed in this paper. And seismic behaviors of three 1/2‐scale shear walls including two SRCXSWs with different axial load ratios (ALRs) and one cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete shear wall with X‐shaped steel plate bracings (labeled as CRCXSW) were investigated by the quasi‐static loading test. Experimental results indicated that SRCXSW and CRCXSW with the same ALR exhibited the similar seismic behaviors, different ALRs applied in SRCXSW greatly affected the seismic behaviors in terms of load‐bearing capacity, deformation, lateral stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity and slightly affected the failure mode and cooperative mechanism between the precast and cast‐in‐place concrete layers. In particular, a high ALR applied on SRCXSW had little effect on the stiffness degradation before yielding, but accelerated the post‐yield stiffness degradation. Then, based on the discussion conclusion about the contribution of three mechanisms to the load‐bearing capacity varying with aspect ratio, a modified strut‐and‐tie model for predicting the maximum strength of specimens was proposed, and good predictive ability under different ALRs was verified by experimental and finite element analysis (FEA) results. Besides, FEA based on OpenSees was implemented to further investigate the effect of critical parameters, FEA results showed that ALR and longitudinal reinforcement ratio in boundary element had a significant influence on the load‐bearing capacity and deformation capacity of SRCXSW. And a higher volumetric ratio of X‐shaped steel plate bracings and longitudinal reinforcement ratio in boundary element led to a greater load‐bearing capacity but their contribution decrease with the increase of ALR.
Comparing the clinical presentation and outcomes of dogs receiving medical or surgical treatment for osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Poad Lydia , Smith Megan , De Decker Steven
Published: August 2021

Background: This study aimed to compare the clinical presentation, short and long term outcomes of dogs treated surgically or medically for Osseous associated cervical spondylomyelopathy.

Methods: Information collected retrospectively from medical records included signalment, neurological status and treatment type. Surgical treatment consisted of dorsal laminectomy. Medical treatment involved restricted exercise and medication. Improvement or deterioration in neurological status was determined at discharge, re‐examination 4–8 weeks post‐treatment and by telephone interview with the referring veterinary surgeon or owner at the time of the study, which ranged from 8–54 months following the discharge (median, 16 months).

Results: Twenty‐four dogs were treated surgically and 30 medically. Neurological grade at clinical presentation was significantly higher in surgically treated dogs (p = 0.004). Transient early postoperative neurological deterioration occurred in 73.1% of surgically treated dogs. For medical cases, long term improvement was seen in 15% of cases, remained static in 40% and deterioration in 45%. Surgical treatment resulted in long term improvement in 67% of cases, remained static in 29% and deterioration in 4% of cases.

Conclusion: This study suggests that surgery is a favourable treatment option, however, requires intensive post‐operative care. Medical treatment was associated with a guarded prognosis but could be a viable treatment option for selected dogs.
Luminescent nanostructures for the detection of latent fingermarks: A review
Authors: Shahbazi Sorour , Becker Thomas , Jia Guohua , Lewis Simon W.
Published: August 2021

Multicolored, multipatterned, and luminescent substrates remain significant challenges for successful detection of latent fingermarks. One effective way to overcome issues with these substrates when visualizing latent fingermarks is the elimination of any background interference through the use of approaches based on luminescence. Luminescent nanoparticles with their unique characteristics including tunable size, high surface energy, and capability of being surface engineered, have sparked great interest in their potential to be utilized for the detection of latent fingermarks on these challenging substrates. These nanoparticles can be inherently luminescent, engineered to luminesce, possibly over specific wavelength ranges, or combined with luminescent agents. This article discusses the reported luminescence‐based nanotechnology applied for enhanced visualization of latent fingermarks to cast light on future possibilities.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Fingermarks and Other Marks

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Emerging Technologies and Methods
Shedding light on dark matter with recent muon (g − 2) and Higgs exotic decay measurements
Authors: Lu Chih-Ting , Ramos Raymundo , Tsai Yue-Lin Sming
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Recently, we have witnessed two hints of physics beyond the standard model: a 3.3σ local excess ($$ {M}_{A_0} $$

M

A
0

= 52 GeV) in the search for H0 → A0A0 → b$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

μ+μ− and a 4.2σ deviation from the SM prediction in the (g − 2)μ measurement. The first excess was found by the ATLAS collaboration using 139 fb−1 data at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 13 TeV. The second deviation is a combination of the results from the Brookhaven E821 and the recently reported Fermilab E989 experiment. We attempt to explain these deviations in terms of a renormalizable simplified dark matter model. Inspired by the null signal result from dark matter (DM) direct detection, we interpret the possible new particle, A0, as a pseudoscalar mediator connecting DM and the standard model. On the other hand, a new vector-like muon lepton can explain these two excesses at the same time while contributing to the DM phenomenology.
Anomaly detection with convolutional Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Atkinson Oliver , Bhardwaj Akanksha , Englert Christoph , Ngairangbam Vishal S. , Spannowsky Michael
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We devise an autoencoder based strategy to facilitate anomaly detection for boosted jets, employing Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to do so. To overcome known limitations of GNN autoencoders, we design a symmetric decoder capable of simultaneously reconstructing edge features and node features. Focusing on latent space based discriminators, we find that such setups provide a promising avenue to isolate new physics and competing SM signatures from sensitivity-limiting QCD jet contributions. We demonstrate the flexibility and broad applicability of this approach using examples of W bosons, top quarks, and exotic hadronically-decaying exotic scalar bosons.
Kaluza-Klein from colour-kinematics duality for massive fields
Authors: Momeni Arshia , Rumbutis Justinas , Tolley Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We consider a broad class of massive four dimensional effective theories describing an infinite tower of charged massive spin 1 states, interacting with massless spin 1 and spin 0. The spectrum is chosen to be the same as that appears in the Kaluza-Klein theory reduction of 5d Yang-Mills to ensure the absence of any spurious poles in a possible double copy formulation. The effective theories are characterized by multiple different couplings between different fields which are unconstrained by symmetries and low energy criteria. Remarkably, by demanding that the scattering amplitudes preserve colour-kinematics duality for different scattering processes, required for the existence of a massive double copy, we find that our 4d Lagrangian is fixed uniquely to the Kaluza-Klein compactification of 5d Yang-Mills theory together with its known double copy consistent higher derivative operators.
Is the EMI model a QFT? An inquiry on the space of allowed entropy functions
Authors: Agón César A. , Bueno Pablo , Casini Horacio
Published: August 2021

Abstract

The mutual information I(A, B) of pairs of spatially separated regions satisfies, for any d-dimensional CFT, a set of structural physical properties such as positivity, monotonicity, clustering, or Poincaré invariance, among others. If one imposes the extra requirement that I(A, B) is extensive as a function of its arguments (so that the tripartite information vanishes for any set of regions, I3(A, B, C ) ≡ 0), a closed geometric formula involving integrals over ∂A and ∂B can be obtained. We explore whether this “Extensive Mutual Information” model (EMI), which in fact describes a free fermion in d = 2, may similarly correspond to an actual CFT in general dimensions. Using the long-distance behavior of IEMI(A, B) we show that, if it did, it would necessarily include a free fermion, but also that additional operators would have to be present in the model. Remarkably, we find that IEMI(A, B) for two arbitrarily boosted spheres in general d exactly matches the result for the free fermion current conformal block $$ {G}_{\Delta =\left(d-1\right),J=1}^d $$

G

∆
=

d
−
1

,
J
=
1

d

. On the other hand, a detailed analysis of the subleading contribution in the long-distance regime rules out the possibility that the EMI formula represents the mutual information of any actual CFT or even any limit of CFTs. These results make manifest the incompleteness of the set of known constraints required to describe the space of allowed entropy functions in QFT.
Exceptional complex structures and the hypermultiplet moduli of 5d Minkowski compactifications of M-theory
Authors: Tennyson David , Waldram Daniel
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We present a detailed study of a new mathematical object in E6(6)ℝ+ generalised geometry called an ‘exceptional complex structure’ (ECS). It is the extension of a conventional complex structure to one that includes all the degrees of freedom of M-theory or type IIB supergravity in six or five dimensions, and as such characterises, in part, the geometry of generic supersymmetric compactifications to five-dimensional Minkowkski space. We define an ECS as an integrable U*(6) × ℝ+ structure and show it is equivalent to a particular form of involutive subbundle of the complexified generalised tangent bundle L1 ⊂ Eℂ. We also define a refinement, an SU*(6) structure, and show that its integrability requires in addition a vanishing moment map on the space of structures. We are able to classify all possible ECSs, showing that they are characterised by two numbers denoted ‘type’ and ‘class’. We then use the deformation theory of ECS to find the moduli of any SU*(6) structure. We relate these structures to the geometry of generic minimally supersymmetric flux backgrounds of M-theory of the form ℝ4,1 × M, where the SU*(6) moduli correspond to the hypermultiplet moduli in the lower-dimensional theory. Such geometries are of class zero or one. The former are equivalent to a choice of (non-metric-compatible) conventional SL(3, ℂ) structure and strikingly have the same space of hypermultiplet moduli as the fluxless Calabi-Yau case.
Bubble wall velocity at strong coupling
Authors: Bigazzi Francesco , Caddeo Alessio , Canneti Tommaso , Cotrone Aldo L.
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Using the holographic correspondence as a tool, we determine the steady-state velocity of expanding vacuum bubbles nucleated within chiral finite temperature first-order phase transitions occurring in strongly coupled large N QCD-like models. We provide general formulae for the friction force exerted by the plasma on the bubbles and for the steady-state velocity. In the top-down holographic description, the phase transitions are related to changes in the embedding of $$ Dq\hbox{-} \overline{D}q $$
Dq
‐

D
¯

q
flavor branes probing the black hole background sourced by a stack of N Dp-branes. We first consider the Witten-Sakai-Sugimoto $$ D4\hbox{-} D8\hbox{-} \overline{D}8 $$
D
4
‐
D
8
‐

D
¯

8
setup, compute the friction force and deduce the equilibrium velocity. Then we extend our analysis to more general setups and to different dimensions. Finally, we briefly compare our results, obtained within a fully non-perturbative framework, to other estimates of the bubble velocity in the literature.
Transcriptional enhancers and their communication with gene promoters
Authors: Ray-Jones Helen , Spivakov Mikhail
Published: August 2021

Transcriptional enhancers play a key role in the initiation and maintenance of gene expression programmes, particularly in metazoa. How these elements control their target genes in the right place and time is one of the most pertinent questions in functional genomics, with wide implications for most areas of biology. Here, we synthesise classic and recent evidence on the regulatory logic of enhancers, including the principles of enhancer organisation, factors that facilitate and delimit enhancer–promoter communication, and the joint effects of multiple enhancers. We show how modern approaches building on classic insights have begun to unravel the complexity of enhancer–promoter relationships, paving the way towards a quantitative understanding of gene control.
Incongruences between nuclear and plastid phylogenies challenge the identification of correlates of diversification in Gentiana in the European Alpine System
Authors: Favre Adrien , Paule Juraj , Ebersbach Jana
Published: August 2021

Mountains are reservoirs for a tremendous biodiversity which was fostered by a suite of factors acting in concert throughout evolutionary times. These factors can be climatic, geological, or biotic, but the way they combine through time to generate diversity remains unknown. Here, we investigate these factors as correlates of diversification of three closely related sections ofGentianain the European Alpine System. Based upon phylogenetic approaches coupled with divergence dating and ancestral state reconstructions, we attempted to identify the role of bedrock preferences, chromosome numbers coupled with relative genome sizes estimates, as well as morphological features through time. We also investigated extant climatic preferences using a heavily curated set of occurrence records individually selected for superior precision, and quantified rates of climatic niche evolution in each section. We found that a number of phylogenetic incongruences derail the identification of correlates of diversification, yet a number of patterns persist regardless of the topology considered. All the studied correlates are likely to have contributed to the diversification ofGentianain Europe, however, their respective importance varied through time and across clades. Chromosomal variation and divergence of climatic preferences appear to correlate with diversification throughout the evolution of EuropeanGentiana(Oligocene to present), whereas shifts in bedrock preferences appear to have been more defining during recent diversification (Pliocene). Overall, a complex interaction among climatic, geological and biotic attributes appear to have supported the diversification ofGentianaacross the mountains of Europe, which based upon phylogenetic as well as other evidence, was probably also bolstered by hybridization.
Socially robotic: making useless machines
Authors: Yolgormez Ceyda , Thibodeau Joseph
Published: August 2021

As robots increasingly become part of our everyday lives, questions arise with regards to how to approach them and how to understand them in social contexts. The Western history of human–robot relations revolves around competition and control, which restricts our ability to relate to machines in other ways. In this study, we take a relational approach to explore different manners of socializing with robots, especially those that exceed an instrumental approach. The nonhuman subjects of this study are built to explore non-purposeful behavior, in an attempt to break away from the assumptions of utility that underlie the hegemonic human–machine interactions. This breakaway is accompanied by ‘learning to be attuned’ on the side of the human subjects, which is facilitated by continuous relations at the level of everyday life. Our paper highlights this ground for the emergence of meanings and questions that could not be subsumed by frameworks of control and domination. The research-creation projectMachine Ménagerieserves as a case study for these ideas, demonstrating a relational approach in which the designer and the machines co-constitute each other through sustained interactions, becoming attuned to one another through the performance of research.Machine Ménagerieattempts to produce affective and playful—if not unruly—nonhuman entities that invite interaction yet have no intention of serving human social or physical needs. We diverge from other social robotics research by creating machines that do not attempt to mimic human social behaviours.
Mixed variational formulations for structural topology optimization based on the phase-field approach
Authors: Marino Michele , Auricchio Ferdinando , Reali Alessandro , Rocca Elisabetta , Stefanelli Ulisse
Published: August 2021

We propose a variational principle combining a phase-field functional for structural topology optimization with a mixed (three-field) Hu–Washizu functional, then including directly in the formulation equilibrium, constitutive, and compatibility equations. The resulting mixed variational functional is then specialized to derive a classical topology optimization formulation (where the amount of material to be distributed is an a priori assigned quantity acting as a global constraint for the problem) as well as a novel topology optimization formulation (where the amount of material to be distributed is minimized, hence with no pre-imposed constraint for the problem). Both formulations are numerically solved by implementing a mixed finite element scheme, with the second approach avoiding the introduction of a global constraint, hence respecting the convenient local nature of the finite element discretization. Furthermore, within the proposed approach it is possible to obtain guidelines for settings proper values of phase-field-related simulation parameters and, thanks to the combined phase-field and Hu–Washizu rationale, a monolithic algorithm solution scheme can be easily adopted. An insightful and extensive numerical investigation results in a detailed convergence study and a discussion on the obtained final designs. The numerical results clearly highlight differences between the two formulations as well as advantages related to the monolithic solution strategy; numerical investigations address both two-dimensional and three-dimensional applications.
Current state of and need for enzyme engineering of 2-deoxy-D-ribose 5-phosphate aldolases and its impact
Authors: Rouvinen Juha , Andberg Martina , Pääkkönen Johan , Hakulinen Nina , Koivula Anu
Published: August 2021

Deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolases (DERAs, EC 4.1.2.4) are acetaldehyde-dependent, Class I aldolases catalyzing in nature a reversible aldol reaction between an acetaldehyde donor (C2 compound) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate acceptor (C3 compound, C3P) to generate deoxyribose-5-phosphate (C5 compound, DR5P). DERA enzymes have been found to accept also other types of aldehydes as their donor, and in particular as acceptor molecules. Consequently, DERA enzymes can be applied in C–C bond formation reactions to produce novel compounds, thus offering a versatile biocatalytic alternative for synthesis. DERA enzymes, found in all kingdoms of life, share a common TIM barrel fold despite the low overall sequence identity. The catalytic mechanism is well-studied and involves formation of a covalent enzyme-substrate intermediate. A number of protein engineering studies to optimize substrate specificity, enzyme efficiency, and stability of DERA aldolases have been published. These have employed various engineering strategies including structure-based design, directed evolution, and recently also machine learning–guided protein engineering. For application purposes, enzyme immobilization and usage of whole cell catalysis are preferred methods as they improve the overall performance of the biocatalytic processes, including often also the stability of the enzyme. Besides single-step enzymatic reactions, DERA aldolases have also been applied in multi-enzyme cascade reactions both in vitro and in vivo. The DERA-based applications range from synthesis of commodity chemicals and flavours to more complicated and high-value pharmaceutical compounds.

Key points

• DERA aldolases are versatile biocatalysts able to make new C–C bonds.

• Synthetic utility of DERAs has been improved by protein engineering approaches.

• Computational methods are expected to speed up the future DERA engineering efforts.

Graphical abstract
Outcomes of conduction system pacing compared to right ventricular pacing as a primary strategy for treating bradyarrhythmia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdin Amr , Aktaa Suleman , Vukadinović Davor , Arbelo Elena , Burri Harran , Glikson Michael , Meyer Christian , Munyombwe Theresa , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , Ukena Christian , Vernooy Kevin , Gale Chris P.
Published: August 2021

Background

Right ventricular pacing (RVP) may cause electrical and mechanical desynchrony leading to impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We investigated the outcomes of RVP with His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) for patients requiring a de novo permanent pacemaker (PPM) for bradyarrhythmia.

Methods and results

Systematic review of randomized clinical trials and observational studies comparing HBP or LBP with RVP for de novo PPM implantation between 01 January 2013 and 17 November 2020 was performed. Random and fixed effects meta-analyses of the effect of pacing technology on outcomes were performed. Study outcomes included all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization (HFH), LVEF, QRS duration, lead revision, atrial fibrillation, procedure parameters, and pacing metrics. Overall, 9 studies were included (6 observational, 3 randomised). HBP compared with RVP was associated with decreased HFH (risk ratio [RR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.94), preservation of LVEF (mean difference [MD] 0.81, 95% CI − 1.23 to 2.85 vs. − 5.72, 95% CI − 7.64 to -3.79), increased procedure duration (MD 15.17 min, 95% CI 11.30–19.04), and increased lead revisions (RR 5.83, 95% CI 2.17–15.70, p = 0.0005). LBBP compared with RVP was associated with shorter paced QRS durations (MD 5.6 ms, 95% CI − 6.4 to 17.6) vs. (51.0 ms, 95% CI 39.2–62.9) and increased procedure duration (MD 37.78 min, 95% CI 20.04–55.51).

Conclusion

Of the limited studies published, this meta-analysis found that HBP and LBBP were superior to RVP in maintaining physiological ventricular activation as an initial pacing strategy.
Mucosal and faecal neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as potential biomarkers for collagenous colitis
Authors: Bakke Ingunn , Walaas Gunnar Andreas , Bruland Torunn , Røyset Elin Synnøve , van Beelen Granlund Atle , Escudero-Hernández Celia , Thorsvik Silje , Münch Andreas , Sandvik Arne Kristian , Østvik Ann Elisabet
Published: August 2021

Background

Collagenous colitis (CC) is an inflammatory bowel disease where chronic diarrhoea is the main symptom. Diagnostic markers distinguishing between CC and other causes of chronic diarrhoea remain elusive. This study explores neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and its mRNA lipocalin2 (LCN2) as histological and faecal disease markers in CC.

Methods

NGAL/LCN2 were studied in colonic biopsies from CC patients before and during budesonide treatment using RNA sequencing (n = 9/group), in situ hybridization (ISH) (n = 13–22/group) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) (n = 14–25/group). Faecal samples from CC (n = 3–28/group), irritable bowel syndrome diarrhoea (IBS-D) (n = 14) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 15) were assayed for NGAL and calprotectin.

Results

NGAL/LCN2 protein and mRNA expression were upregulated in active CC vs HC, and vs paired samples of treated CC in clinical remission. IHC and ISH localized increased NGAL/LCN2 mainly to epithelium of active CC, compared to almost absence in HC and treated CC. In contrast, calprotectin was solely expressed in immune cells. Despite great individual differences, faecal NGAL was significantly increased in active CC compared to HC, IBS-D and treated CC and had high test sensitivity. Faecal calprotectin levels were variably increased in active CC, but the values remained below usual clinical cut-offs.

Conclusion

NGAL/LCN2 is upregulated in the epithelium of active CC and reduced during budesonide-induced clinical remission to the level of HC and IBD-S. This was reflected in NGAL faecal concentrations. We propose NGAL as an IHC marker for disease activity in CC and a potential faecal biomarker discriminating CC from HC and IBS-D.
Rapid improvement of psychiatric stigmata after IFN-free treatment in HCV patients with and without cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
Authors: Gragnani Laura , Lorini Serena , Martini Lorenzo , Stasi Cristina , Visentini Marcella , Petraccia Luisa , Marello Niccolò , Monti Monica , Marri Silvia , Madia Francesco , Ricca Valdo , Zignego Anna Linda
Published: August 2021

Objective

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes neuropsychiatric disorders and quality of life impairment, especially in patients with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV). Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) are effective in most extrahepatic HCV diseases, but limited information exists regarding the outcome of psychiatric disorders in patients with and without CV, after therapy. We aimed to evaluate psychiatric outcomes, in HCV-patients with and without CV, before and after successful DAA therapy.

Methods

We prospectively studied DAA-treated HCV-patients, stratified into presence (CV) or absence of CV (NON-CV). Four psychometric scales were administered to assess depression (HAM-D and MADRS), anxiety (HAM-A), and mania (MRS). Short-Form-36 questionnaires evaluated quality of life.

Results

Seventy-six patients were recruited, and 47 CV and 29 NON-CV were treated with antivirals. At baseline, depression and anxiety, from mild to severe, were frequently shown, with the most advanced cases in thee CV group; no patients achieved the scores for mania. A significant improvement emerged for all the psychometric scales in the entire population and in the subgroups, after viral eradication even in the short-term outcome. The Short-Form-36 summary components showed benefits.

Conclusions

After HCV eradication, the depression and anxiety scores significantly improved and severity grade generally lowered. DAA-positive effects on mental disorders should be considered part of the therapy outcome, being beneficial especially in CV patients who usually have worse baseline mental scores.

Key Points• HCV frequently causes psychiatric disorders and an often-invalidating autoimmune/lymphoproliferative disease called cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.• The new direct acting antivirals (DAAs) are very effective and well tolerated by HCV-patients.• This study shows DAA-induced benefits on depression and anxiety in HCV-patients that are especially evident in CV patients who usually have worse baseline mental scores.• DAA-induced benefits are observed in the short-term post-therapy follow-up, in contrast with data previously obtained in HCV patients treated with IFN-based anti-HCV therapy.
Cross-section instability in financial markets: impatience, extrapolation, and switching
Authors: Dieci Roberto , He Xue-Zhong
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a stylized model of interaction among boundedly rational heterogeneous agents in a multi-asset financial market to examine how agents’ impatience, extrapolation, and switching behaviors can affect cross-section market stability. Besides extrapolation and performance based switching between fundamental and extrapolative trading documented in single asset market, we show that a high degree of ‘impatience’ of agents who are ready to switch to more profitable trading strategy in the short run provides a further cross-section destabilizing mechanism. Though the ‘fundamental’ steady-state values, which reflect the standard present-value of the dividends, represent an unbiased equilibrium market outcome in the long run (to a certain extent), the price deviation from the fundamental price in one asset can spill-over to other assets, resulting in cross-section instability. Based on a (Neimark–Sacker) bifurcation analysis, we provide explicit conditions on how agents’ impatience, extrapolation, and switching can destabilize the market and result in a variety of short and long-run patterns for the cross-section asset price dynamics.
Inhibitory effects of ultrasound irradiation on Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm
Authors: Koibuchi Harumi , Fujii Yasutomo , Sato’o Yusuke , Mochizuki Takashi , Yamada Toshiyuki , Cui Longzhu , Taniguchi Nobuyuki
Published: August 2021

Purpose

We aimed to investigate whether low-intensity continuous and pulsed wave ultrasound (US) irradiation can inhibit the formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms, for potential application in the treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI).

Methods

S. epidermidis biofilms that formed on the bottom surfaces of 6-well plates were irradiated on the bottom surface using the sound cell incubator system for different intervals of time.

Results

US irradiation with continuous waves for 24 h notably inhibited biofilm formation (p < 0.01), but the same US irradiation for 12 h had no remarkable effect. Further, double US irradiation with pulsed waves for 20 min inhibited biofilm formation by 33.6%, nearly two-fold more than single US irradiation, which reduced it by 17.9%.

Conclusion

US irradiation of a lower intensity (ISATA = 6–29 mW/cm2) than used in a previous study and lower than recommended by the Food and Drug Administration shows potential for preventing CRBSI caused by bacterial biofilms.
K-80003 Inhibition of Macrophage Apoptosis and Necrotic Core Development in Atherosclerotic Vulnerable Plaques
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Sun Zhe , Yuan Ruosen , Zhang Weifeng , Shen Yejiao , Yin Anwen , Li Yanjie , Ji Qingqi , Wang Xia , Li Yi , Zhang Min , Pan Xin , Shen Linghong , He Ben
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Macrophage apoptosis coupled with a defective phagocytic clearance of the apoptotic cells promotes plaque necrosis in advanced atherosclerosis, which causes acute atherothrombotic vascular disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sulindac derivative K-80003 treatment was previously reported to dramatically attenuate atherosclerotic plaque progression and destabilization. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to determine the role of K-80003 on macrophage apoptosis and elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The mouse model of vulnerable carotid plaque in ApoE−/− mice was developed in vivo. Consequently, mice were randomly grouped into two study groups: the control group and the K-80003 group (30 mg/kg/day). Samples of carotid arteries were collected to determine atherosclerotic necrotic core area, cellular apoptosis, and oxidative stress. The effects of K-80003 on RAW264.7 macrophage apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagic flux were also examined in vitro.

Results

K-80003 significantly suppressed necrotic core formation and inhibited cellular apoptosis of vulnerable plaques. K-80003 can also inhibit 7-ketocholesterol-induced macrophage apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, K-80003 inhibited intraplaque cellular apoptosis mainly through the suppression of oxidative stress, which is a key cause of advanced lesional macrophage apoptosis. Mechanistically, K-80003 prevented 7-ketocholesterol-induced impairment of autophagic flux in macrophages, evidenced by the decreased LC3II and SQSTM1/p62 expression, GFP-RFP-LC3 cancellation upon K-80003 treatment.

Conclusion

Inhibition of macrophage apoptosis and necrotic core formation by autophagy-mediated reduction of oxidative stress is one mechanism of the suppression of plaque progression and destabilization by K-80003.
The Histopathology of Severe Graded Compression in Lower Thoracic Spinal Cord Segment of Rat, Evaluated at Late Post-injury Phase
Authors: Fedorova Jana , Kellerova Erika , Bimbova Katarina , Pavel Jaroslav
Published: August 2021

Spontaneous recovery of lost motor functions is relative fast in rodent models after inducing a very mild/moderate spinal cord injury (SCI), and this may complicate a reliable evaluation of the effectiveness of potential therapy. Therefore, a severe graded (30 g, 40 g and 50 g) weight-compression SCI at the Th9 spinal segment, involving an acute mechanical impact followed by 15 min of persistent compression, was studied in adult female Wistar rats. Functional parameters, such as spontaneous recovery of motor hind limb and bladder emptying function, and the presence of hematuria were evaluated within 28 days of the post-traumatic period. The disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier, measured by extravasated Evans Blue dye, was examined 24 h after the SCI, when maximum permeability occurs. At the end of the survival period, the degradation of gray and white matter associated with the formation of cystic cavities, and quantitative changes of glial structural proteins, such as GFAP, and integral components of axonal architecture, such as neurofilaments and myelin basic protein, were evaluated in the lesioned area of the spinal cord. Based on these functional and histological parameters, and taking the animal’s welfare into account, the 40 g weight can be considered as an upper limit for severe traumatic injury in this compression model.
Prospective assessment of AR splice variant and PSMA detection on circulating tumor cells of mCRPC patients: preliminary analysis of patients enrolled in PRIMERA trial (NCT04188275)
Authors: Francolini G. , Loi M. , Salvestrini V. , Mangoni M. , Detti B. , Di Cataldo V. , Aquilano M. , Pinzani P. , Salvianti F. , Desideri I. , Mariotti M. , Garlatti P. , Stocchi G. , Ciccone L. P. , Lucidi S. , Salvatore G. , Sottili M. , Meattini I. , Livi L.
Published: August 2021

In our institution, a prospective observational trial testing micro-RNA (miRNA) and ARV7 mutational status in metastatic, castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), is currently recruiting (PRIMERA trial, NCT04188275). A pre-planned interim analysis was performed when 50% of the planned accrual was reached. In this report, we explored the predictive value of Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) detection in mCRPC patients undergoing 1st line therapy. Moreover, ARV7, ARFL, PSMA and PSA expression on CTC was reported to explore potential correlation with patient prognosis and response to therapy. PRIMERA is a prospective observational trial enrolling mCRPC patients undergoing standard treatment (ARTA + ADT) after I line ADT failure. Clinical and pathological features were collected. Outcomes selected for this preliminary analysis were time to castration resistance (TTCR), PSA at 8 weeks after ARTA therapy start, PSA drop at 8 weeks, Overall PSA drop, PSA nadir. Correlation between these outcomes and CTC detection was tested. Expression of ARV7, ARFL, PSA and PSMA was explored in CTC+ patients to assess their prevalence in this cohort and their impact on selected outcomes. Median TTCR was significantly shorter in CTC+ vs CTC− patients (32.3 vs 75 months, respectively, p = 0.03) and in ARFL+ vs ARFL− patients (30.2 vs 51.1 months, respectively, p = 0.02). ARV7, PSMA and PSA expression on CTC had no impact on median TTCR, nor on biochemical response to therapy. Patients in whom CTC and ARFL expression were detected had significant reduced TTCR. However, PSA response was not influenced by CTCs detection and specific biomarkers expression.
Economic elites and the constitutional design of sharing political power
Authors: Paniagua Victoria , Vogler Jan P.
Published: August 2021

What explains the emergence and persistence of institutions aimed at preventing any ruling group from using the state apparatus to advance particularistic interests? To answer this recurring question, a burgeoning literature examines the establishment of power-sharing institutions in societies divided by ethnic or religious cleavages. Going beyond existing scholarly work focused on these specific settings, we argue that political power-sharing institutions can also be the result of common disputes within the economic elite. We propose that these institutions are likely to emerge and persist when competition between elite factions with dissimilar economic interests is balanced. To address the possibility of endogeneity between elite configurations and public institutions, we leverage natural resource diversity as an instrument for elite configurations. We show that, where geological resources are more diverse, competition between similarly powerful economic groups is more likely to emerge, leading ultimately to the establishment of power-sharing mechanisms that allow elite groups to protect their diverging economic interests.
Land Use Changes Assessment using a triangulated framework: Perception Interviews, Land-Use/Land Cover Observation, and Spatial Planning Analysis in Tanjung Batu and Derawan Island, Indonesia
Authors: Lukman Kevin Muhamad , Uchiyama Yuta , Quevedo Jay Mar D. , Harding Diana , Kohsaka Ryo
Published: August 2021

Understanding land-use change is imperative in the management of Indonesian coastal ecosystems with numerous environmental impacts generated from land-use conversion. To assess these impacts in holistic perspective, we use three sources of data, land cover change, policy maps, and interviews, to triangulate the main issues. Combining these sources, we analyze land-use changes in the past based on perception interviews and secondary data from the government spatial plan policy map and observable land-cover. In Tanjung Batu and Derawan Island we found that local populations were more aware of the changes related to infrastructure development, but that there are discrepancies between assigned and actual land-use, illustrating the value of a triangulated framework.
Experiences of Students, Teachers, and Parents Participating in an Inclusive, School-Based Informal Engineering Education Program
Authors: Chen Yu-Lun , Murthi Kavitha , Martin Wendy , Vidiksis Regan , Riccio Ariana , Patten Kristie
Published: August 2021

Many youth on the autism spectrum possess interests and strengths for STEM-related postsecondary pathways, yet there are few research-based programs to support those interests and competencies including complex problem solving and social communication. This qualitative study explored the experiences and perceived outcomes of students, teachers, and parents participating in an inclusive, strength-based, extracurricular engineering design program entitled the IDEAS Maker Club. Twenty-six students, 13 parents, and nine teachers in the program completed interviews and program logs while researchers conducted classroom observations over 2 years. Thematic analysis identified five common themes: (1) positive student experience and engagement, (2) skills acquisition, (3) development of interest in STEM and related careers, (4) social relationships and community, and (5) safe spaces that supported self-determination.
Child Psychological Adjustment to War and Displacement: A Discriminant Analysis of Resilience and Trauma in Syrian Refugee Children
Authors: Veronese Guido , Pepe Alessandro , Giordano Francesca
Published: August 2021

The ongoing war in Syria has led to the displacement of 12 million people since 2011, with minors representing 40% of all refugees. Syrian children living in refugee camps are at risk of developing a wide range of mental health problems, given their previous and ongoing exposure to episodes of violence, disruption of family ties, and discontinuous access to education. In this study, we drew on the salutogenic paradigm to investigate whether, and to what extent, high/low levels of resilience were associated with other indicators of mental health and post-traumatic response in Syrian children living in refugee camps. The sample was composed of 311 Syrian children living in Jordanian refugee camps as a consequence of the war in Syria. We administered quantitative self-report measures to assess participants’ exposure to trauma, individual levels of resilience, and mental health, performing discriminant analysis to examine the association between resilience and trauma/mental health. Syrian children living in Jordanian refugee camps reported intense exposure to traumatic events. The linear discriminant equation supported adoption of the function [Wilk’s Lambda (Λ = 0.827)]: lower levels of resilience were associated with trauma symptoms (re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal) and emotional problems, while higher levels of resilience were associated with pro-social behaviours. The findings of the present study suggest that resilience acts as a protective factor buffering children from the consequences of trauma and challenging life conditions. We discuss the implications for interventions designed to promote the wellbeing and mental health of children living in refugee camps.
Identification of TIA1 mRNA targets during human neuronal development
Authors: Byres Loryn P. , Mufteev Marat , Yuki Kyoko E. , Wei Wei , Piekna Alina , Wilson Michael D. , Rodrigues Deivid C. , Ellis James
Published: August 2021

Background

Neuronal development is a tightly controlled process involving multi-layered regulatory mechanisms. While transcriptional pathways regulating neurodevelopment are well characterized, post-transcriptional programs are still poorly understood. TIA1 is an RNA-binding protein that can regulate splicing, stability, or translation of target mRNAs, and has been shown to play critical roles in stress response and neurodevelopment. However, the identity of mRNAs regulated by TIA1 during neurodevelopment under unstressed conditions is still unknown.

Methods and Results

To identify the mRNAs targeted by TIA1 during the first stages of human neurodevelopment, we performed RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (RIP-seq) on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs), and cortical neurons under unstressed conditions. While there was no change in TIA1 protein levels, the number of TIA1 targeted mRNAs decreased from pluripotent cells to neurons. We identified 2400, 845, and 330 TIA1 mRNA targets in hESCs, NPC, and neurons, respectively. The vast majority of mRNA targets in hESC were genes associated with neurodevelopment and included autism spectrum disorder-risk genes that were not bound in neurons. Additionally, we found that most TIA1 mRNA targets have reduced ribosomal engagement levels.

Conclusion

Our results reveal TIA1 mRNA targets in hESCs and during human neurodevelopment, indicate that translation repression is a key process targeted by TIA1 binding and implicate TIA1 function in neuronal differentiation.
Correction to: Coping with climatic shocks: local perspectives from Haiti’s rural mountain regions
Authors: Staub Caroline , Gilot Anne , Pierre Molene , Murray Gerald , Koenig Rosalie
Published: August 2021

The article Coping with climatic shocks: local perspectives from Haiti’s rural mountain regions, written by Caroline Staub, Anne Gilot, Molene Pierre, Gerald Murray, Rosalie Koenig was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 12 June 2020 without open access.
Non-accidental piety: reliable reasoning and modally robust adherence to the divine will
Authors: Auvinen Joona
Published: August 2021

In this article I formulate a skeptical argument against the possibility of adhering to the divine will in a non-accidental way. In particular, my focus in the article is on a widely embraced modal condition of accidentality, according to which non-accidentality has to do with a person manifesting dispositions that result in a given outcome in a modally robust way. The skeptical argument arises from two observations: first, various authors in the epistemology of religion have argued that it is often not possible to reason reliably about religious matters, and second, non-accidentally adhering to a given norm is often associated with reasoning about the requirements of the norm in question in a reliable way. In addition to pointing out the existence of the argument, I outline strategies in which religious thinkers could reasonably challenge it by denying that reliable reasoning about the requirements of divine will is necessary for adhering to it in a non-accidental manner. Hence, I argue that the possibility of non-accidental adherence to the divine will does not depend solely on whether it is possible to reliably reason about what it requires one to do.
A Binary Quantifier for Definite Descriptions for Cut Free Free Logics
Authors: Kürbis Nils
Published: August 2021

This paper presents rules in sequent calculus for a binary quantifierIto formalise definite descriptions:Ix[F, G] means ‘TheFisG’. The rules are suitable to be added to a system of positive free logic. The paper extends the proof of a cut elimination theorem for this system by Indrzejczak by proving the cases for the rules ofI. There are also brief comparisons of the present approach to the more common one that formalises definite descriptions with a term forming operator. In the final section rules forIfor negative free and classical logic are also mentioned.
Alternative matrices in forensic toxicology: a critical review
Authors: de Campos Eduardo Geraldo , da Costa Bruno Ruiz Brandão , dos Santos Fabiana Spineti , Monedeiro Fernanda , Alves Marcela Nogueira Rabelo , Santos Junior Wilson José Ramos , De Martinis Bruno Spinosa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The use of alternative matrices in toxicological analyses has been on the rise in clinical and forensic settings. Specimens alternative to blood and urine are useful in providing additional information regarding drug exposure and analytical benefits. The goal of this paper is to present a critical review on the most recent literature regarding the application of six common alternative matrices, i.e., oral fluid, hair, sweat, meconium, breast milk and vitreous humor in forensic toxicology.

Methods

The recent literature have been searched and reviewed for the characteristics, advantages and limitations of oral fluid, hair, sweat, meconium, breast milk and vitreous humor and its applications in the analysis of traditional drugs of abuse and novel psychoactive substances (NPS).

Results

This paper outlines the properties of six biological matrices that have been used in forensic analyses, as alternatives to whole blood and urine specimens. Each of this matrix has benefits in regards to sampling, extraction, detection window, typical drug levels and other aspects. However, theses matrices have also limitations such as limited incorporation of drugs (according to physical–chemical properties), impossibility to correlate the concentrations for effects, low levels of xenobiotics and ultimately the need for more sensitive analysis. For more traditional drugs of abuse (e.g., cocaine and amphetamines), there are already data available on the detection in alternative matrices. However, data on the determination of emerging drugs such as the NPS in alternative biological matrices are more limited.

Conclusions

Alternative biological fluids are important specimens in forensic toxicology. These matrices have been increasingly reported over the years, and this dynamic will probably continue in the future, especially considering their inherent advantages and the possibility to be used when blood or urine are unavailable. However, one should be aware that these matrices have limitations and particular properties, and the findings obtained from the analysis of these specimens may vary according to the type of matrix. As a potential perspective in forensic toxicology, the topic of alternative matrices will be continuously explored, especially emphasizing NPS.