bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decimation of Delta-Sigma-Modulated Signals Using a Low-Cost Microcontroller
Authors: Fishta Markeljan , Fiori Franco
Published: July 2021

$$\varDelta \varSigma $$

Δ
Σ

analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are largely used in sensor acquisition applications. In the last few years, standalone $$\varDelta \varSigma $$

Δ
Σ

modulators have become increasingly available as off-the-shelf parts. To build a complete ADC, a standalone modulator has to be paired with some advanced elaboration unit, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a digital signal processor (DSP), which is needed for the implementation of the decimation filter. This work investigates the use of low-cost, general-purpose microcontrollers for the decimation of $$\varDelta \varSigma $$

Δ
Σ

-modulated signals. The main challenge is given by the clock frequency of the modulator, which can be in the range of a few $$\hbox {MHz}$$
MHz
. The proposed technique deals with this limitation by employing two serial peripheral interface (SPI) modules in a time-interleaved configuration. This approach allows for continuous acquisition and elaboration of relatively high-speed, digital signals. The technique has been applied to a case study, and a data conversion system has been practically realized. The performance of the proposed filter is compared to that of a digital filter, present on board a commercial microcontroller, and the results of experimental tests are provided.
Onlinepsychotherapie in Zeiten der Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Beck-Hiestermann Franziska Marie Lea , Kästner Denise , Gumz Antje
Published: July 2021

Theoretischer Hintergrund

In Reaktion auf die durch die „coronavirus disease 2019“ (COVID-19) verursachte Pandemie konnte Psychotherapie im Einzelsetting in Deutschland unbegrenzt online durchgeführt werden. Haltungen und Erfahrungen von Psychotherapeuten (PT) bezüglich Onlinetherapie (OT) wurden jedoch allgemein und besonders mit Blick auf die Pandemiesituation bislang wenig untersucht.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziele der Studie waren, 1) die Nutzungshäufigkeit von OT während des ersten Lockdowns, 2) die Zufriedenheit mit OT vs. „Face-to-face“-Therapie sowie 3) die Technologieakzeptanz und -erfahrung insgesamt und in Abhängigkeit vom Richtlinienverfahren zu untersuchen.

Material und Methode

Deutsche PT (approbiert und in Ausbildung; verhaltenstherapeutisch [VT, 45,6 %], tiefenpsychologisch [TP, 34,5 %], analytisch [AP, 14 %], systemisch [SYS, 5,8 %]) wurden mithilfe einer Onlineerhebung zu demografischen und therapeutischen Daten, durchgeführter OT, Zufriedenheit mit OT vs. Face-to-face-Therapie (Zufriedenheitsfragebogens für Therapeuten, ZUF-THERA) und Technologieakzeptanz (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 Questionnaire, UTAUT) befragt.

Ergebnisse

Die 174 teilnehmenden Therapeuten (Alter M = 44,73 Jahre, SD ± 12,79; 81,6 % Frauen) gaben an, dass der durchschnittliche Anteil von OT an der gesamten therapeutischen Tätigkeit während des Lockdowns 43,09 % betrug, wobei sich signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Richtlinienverfahren zeigten (TP, VT > AP). Die Zufriedenheit mit OT erwies sich als signifikant niedriger als mit Face-to-face-Therapien und unterschied sich zwischen den Verfahren nicht. Vorerfahrungen mit OT hatten insgesamt 23,6 % der Therapeuten und vermehrt systemisch arbeitende im Vergleich zu VT- oder AP-Therapeuten. Verhaltenstherapeuten gaben häufiger an, Spaß an der OT zu haben, als TP- und APler. Auch nahmen sie einen stärkeren sozialen Einfluss (beispielsweise durch Kollegen) bei der Nutzung von OT wahr als die TPler.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Nutzungshäufigkeit von OT nahm während des ersten Lockdowns (März bis Mai 2020) sprunghaft zu (43 %, zum Vergleich das frühere Abrechnungslimit der Krankenkassen: 20 %). Die Zufriedenheit mit der OT war prinzipiell hoch, jedoch signifikant niedriger als mit Face-to-face-Therapien. Weiterführende Untersuchungen, die die Gründe im Detail analysieren, werden dringend angeraten.
Some properties of the unified skew-normal distribution
Authors: Arellano-Valle Reinaldo B. , Azzalini Adelchi
Published: July 2021

For the family of multivariate probability distributions variously denoted as unified skew-normal, closed skew-normal and other names, a number of properties are already known, but many others are not, even some basic ones. The present contribution aims at filling some of the missing gaps. Specifically, the moments up to the fourth order are obtained, and from here the expressions of the Mardia’s measures of multivariate skewness and kurtosis. Other results concern the property of log-concavity of the distribution, closure with respect to conditioning on intervals, and a possible alternative parameterization.
Increased susceptibility of human endothelial cells to infections by SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Wagner Julian U. G. , Bojkova Denisa , Shumliakivska Mariana , Luxán Guillermo , Nicin Luka , Aslan Galip S. , Milting Hendrik , Kandler Joshua D. , Dendorfer Andreas , Heumueller Andreas W. , Fleming Ingrid , Bibli Sofia-Iris , Jakobi Tobias , Dieterich Christoph , Zeiher Andreas M. , Ciesek Sandra , Cinatl Jindrich , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spawned a global health crisis in late 2019 and is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to elevated markers of endothelial dysfunction associated with higher risk of mortality. It is unclear whether endothelial dysfunction is caused by direct infection of endothelial cells or is mainly secondary to inflammation. Here, we investigate whether different types of endothelial cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Human endothelial cells from different vascular beds including umbilical vein endothelial cells, coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), cardiac and lung microvascular endothelial cells, or pulmonary arterial cells were inoculated in vitro with SARS-CoV-2. Viral spike protein was only detected in HCAECs after SARS-CoV-2 infection but not in the other endothelial cells tested. Consistently, only HCAEC expressed the SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), required for virus infection. Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.2 resulted in significantly higher levels of viral spike protein. Despite this, no intracellular double-stranded viral RNA was detected and the supernatant did not contain infectious virus. Analysis of the cellular distribution of the spike protein revealed that it co-localized with endosomal calnexin. SARS-CoV-2 infection did induce the ER stress gene EDEM1, which is responsible for clearance of misfolded proteins from the ER. Whereas the wild type of SARS-CoV-2 did not induce cytotoxic or pro-inflammatory effects, the variant B.1.1.7 reduced the HCAEC cell number. Of the different tested endothelial cells, HCAECs showed highest viral uptake but did not promote virus replication. Effects on cell number were only observed after infection with the variant B.1.1.7, suggesting that endothelial protection may be particularly important in patients infected with this variant.
Vorbereitung auf eine differenzierte Hämotherapie nach Trauma – Ergebnisse einer Befragung deutscher Kliniken
Authors: Jänig C. , Schmidbauer W. , Willms A. G. , Maegele M. , Matthes G. , Grübl T. , Jaekel C. , Kollig E. , Bieler D. ,   Sektion Notfall‑, Intensivmedizin und Schwerverletztenversorgung der DGU (Sektion NIS)
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund

Die unkontrollierte Blutung ist weiterhin eine führende potenziell vermeidbare Todesursache im Rahmen schwerer Verletzungen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die vorliegende Arbeit hat zum Ziel, die Vorbereitung für eine differenzierte Hämotherapie im Rahmen der Schwerstverletztenbehandlung in Kliniken verschiedener Versorgungsstufen innerhalb der Struktur des TraumaNetzwerks der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (DGU)® zu evaluieren.

Material und Methoden

Anhand einer Online-Umfrage wurden gezielt Diagnose- und Therapiestrategien sowie vorhandene Ressourcen innerhalb der Kliniken erfragt. Im Rahmen einer Subgruppenanalyse sollte festgestellt werden, ob es Unterschiede in Bezug auf infrastrukturelle Voraussetzungen und diagnostisches bzw. therapeutisches Vorgehen innerhalb der Versorgungsstufen des TraumaNetzwerks DGU® gibt.

Ergebnisse

Massivtransfusionsprotokolle (MTP) bestehen in 75 % der Kliniken. Die Aktivierung erfolgt i. d. R. durch den Trauma-Leader (62 %). In 63 % erfolgt die Aktivierung aufgrund einer Anforderung aus der Präklinik. Als Transfusionstrigger werden ein positives FAST (80 %) und ein Pulsdruck < 45 mm Hg (60 %) angegeben. In 50 % der Kliniken existiert kein starres Transfusionsverhältnis der einzelnen Blutkomponenten. Überregionale Traumazentren (ÜTZ) bekommen im Vergleich zu regionalen Traumazentren (RTZ) und lokalen Traumazentren (LTZ) angeforderte Blutprodukte frühzeitiger (p 0,025).

Diskussion

Der massive Blutverlust ist ein seltenes Ereignis, welches mit einer hohen Letalität vergesellschaftet sein kann. MTP bilden die Grundlage für eine frühe Therapie der traumainduzierten Koagulopathie und tragen zur Verbesserung der Überlebenschancen der Patienten bei. Es existiert ein deutlicher Unterschied in den diagnostischen und therapeutischen Möglichkeiten in den einzelnen Versorgungsebenen. ÜTZ verfügen mehrheitlich über die umfangreichsten Optionen, gefolgt von RTZ und LTZ.
Association between plasmatic oxidative stress and thrombosis in primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Vaz Camila O. , Mazetto Bruna M , Vasconcelos Pedro Eduardo N. S. , Bastos Larissa B. , Cursino Maria Aparecida , Quintanilha Júlia Coelho França , Mesquita Gabriela Lisiane Tripiquia Vechiatt , Santos Ana Paula R. , Jacintho Bruna Cardoso , Oliveira José Diogo , Annichino-Bizzachi Joyce , Orsi Fernanda A.
Published: July 2021

Antiphospholipid antibodies induce a pro-inflammatory and hypercoagulable state that lead to increased risk of thrombosis. Whether oxidative damage contributes thrombosis risk is a matter of debate. We evaluated the association between oxidative stress and thrombosis in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (t-PAPS). Plasma total antioxidant capacity and the levels of malondialdehyde (TBARs), carbonyl protein, and 8-isoprostane in plasma were determined in a group of patients with t-PAPS and in individuals without a history of thrombosis (controls) using commercial ELISA assays. The levels of these plasma markers of oxidative stress were compared between t-PAPS and controls using Mann–Whitney test. A total of 70 patients with t-PAPS and 74 controls were included. Overall, measurements of all plasma oxidative stress markers were similar between t-PAPS patients and controls. In a subgroup analysis, patients with t-PAPS and arterial thrombosis had a higher antioxidant capacity as compared to controls. Thrombotic PAPS was not associated with increased levels of oxidative stress markers, in comparison with individuals without thrombosis. Even though it is not possible to rule out that a mild oxidative damage, not detected by plasma markers, occurs in t-PAPS, our results suggest that measuring plasma oxidative stress markers has limited clinical relevance in t-PAPS.
Can Local Comparative Judgements Justify Moderate Perfectionism?
Authors: Kugelberg Henrik D.
Published: July 2021

A common objection to political liberalism is that since reasonable citizens agree that some ways of life are worse than others – for instance that the life of a drug addict is less worthwhile than the life of a person who spends her time with family and philosophy – political liberals must concede that the state can sometimes permissibly use perfectionist reasons. I argue in this paper that this challenge is mistaken, because the comparison only tells us something about relative, not absolute, value. And because the real question concerns what the right justificatory constituency looks like, not what counts as reasonable in some other sense, the implication is that perfectionists and political liberals could construct equally plausible idealised constituencies. This stalemate gives us reason to develop arguments in favour of our preferred justificatory constituency. We cannot view local comparative judgements in isolation.
A new lineage of mazaediate fungi in the Eurotiomycetes: Cryptocaliciomycetidae subclass. nov., based on the new species Cryptocalicium blascoi and the revision of the ascoma evolution
Authors: Prieto M. , Etayo Javier , Olariaga I.
Published: July 2021

The class Eurotiomycetes (Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina) comprises important fungi used for medical, agricultural, industrial and scientific purposes. Eurotiomycetes is a morphologically and ecologically diverse monophyletic group. Within the Eurotiomycetes, different ascoma morphologies are found including cleistothecia and perithecia but also apothecia or stromatic forms. Mazaediate representatives (with a distinct structure in which loose masses of ascospores accumulate to be passively disseminated) have evolved independently several times. Here we describe a new mazaediate species belonging to the Eurotiomycetes. The multigene phylogeny produced (7 gene regions: nuLSU, nuSSU, 5.8S nuITS, mtSSU, RPB1, RPB2 and MCM7) placed the new species in a lineage sister to Eurotiomycetidae. Based on the evolutionary relationships and morphology, a new subclass, a new order, family and genus are described to place the new species: Cryptocalicium blascoi. This calicioid species occurs on the inner side of loose bark strips of Cupressaceae (Cupressus, Juniperus). Morphologically, C. blascoi is characterized by having minute apothecioid stalked ascomata producing mazaedia, clavate bitunicate asci with hemiamyloid reaction, presence of hamathecium and an apothecial external surface with dark violet granules that becomes turquoise green in KOH. The ancestral state reconstruction analyses support a common ancestor with open ascomata for all deep nodes in Eurotiomycetes and the evolution of closed ascomata (cleistothecioid in Eurotiomycetidae and perithecioid in Chaetothyriomycetidae) from apothecioid ancestors. The appropriateness of the description of a new subclass for this fungus is also discussed.
Distributed Simulation Platforms and Data Passing Tools for Natural Hazards Engineering: Reviews, Limitations, and Recommendations
Authors: Xu Lichao , Lin Szu-Yun , Hlynka Andrew W. , Lu Hao , Kamat Vineet R. , Menassa Carol C. , El-Tawil Sherif , Prakash Atul , Spence Seymour M. J. , McCormick Jason
Published: July 2021

There has been a strong need for simulation environments that are capable of modeling deep interdependencies between complex systems encountered during natural hazards, such as the interactions and coupled effects between civil infrastructure systems response, human behavior, and social policies, for improved community resilience. Coupling such complex components with an integrated simulation requires continuous data exchange between different simulators simulating separate models during the entire simulation process. This can be implemented by means of distributed simulation platforms or data passing tools. In order to provide a systematic reference for simulation tool choice and facilitating the development of compatible distributed simulators for deep interdependent study in the context of natural hazards, this article focuses on generic tools suitable for integration of simulators from different fields but not the platforms that are mainly used in some specific fields. With this aim, the article provides a comprehensive review of the most commonly used generic distributed simulation platforms (Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), High Level Architecture (HLA), Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA), and Distributed Data Services (DDS)) and data passing tools (Robot Operation System (ROS) and Lightweight Communication and Marshalling (LCM)) and compares their advantages and disadvantages. Three specific limitations in existing platforms are identified from the perspective of natural hazard simulation. For mitigating the identified limitations, two platform design recommendations are provided, namely message exchange wrappers and hybrid communication, to help improve data passing capabilities in existing solutions and provide some guidance for the design of a new domain-specific distributed simulation framework.
Deep ice drilling, bedrock coring and dust logging with the Rapid Access Ice Drill (RAID) at Minna Bluff, Antarctica
Authors: Goodge John W. , Severinghaus Jeffrey P. , Johnson Jay , Tosi Delia , Bay Ryan
Published: July 2021

Rapid Access Ice Drill is a new drilling technology capable of quickly accessing the glacial bed of Antarctic ice sheets, retrieving ice core and rock core samples, and providing boreholes for downhole logging of physical properties. Scientific goals include searching for old ice near the glacial bed and sampling subglacial bedrock. During field trials near McMurdo Station on a piedmont glacier at Minna Bluff in the 2019–20 austral summer, we successfully completed a ‘top-to-bottom’ operational sequence in three boreholes by (1) augering through firn, (2) creating a borehole packer seal in non-porous ice, (3) establishing fluid circulation, (4) quickly drilling a borehole in ice at penetration rates up to 1.2 m min−1, (5) acquiring a short ice core at depth, (6) penetrating the glacial bed at a depth of ~677 m, (7) recovering a 3.2 m core of ice, basal till and subglacial bedrock, (8) optically logging the borehole on wireline, (9) testing hydrofracture potential by overpressuring the borehole fluid and (10) operating in an environmentally benign yet rapid field mode. Minna Bluff testing, therefore, demonstrates the effectiveness of this integrated system to drill rapidly through thick ice and penetrate across the glacial bed to take cores of bedrock.
Teaching for implementation: A framework for building implementation research and practice capacity within the translational science workforce
Authors: Leppin Aaron L. , Baumann Ana A. , Fernandez Maria E. , Rudd Brittany N. , Stevens Kathleen R. , Warner David O. , Kwan Bethany M. , Shelton Rachel C.
Published: July 2021

Implementation science offers a compelling value proposition to translational science. As such, many translational science stakeholders are seeking to recruit, teach, and train an implementation science workforce. The type of workforce that will make implementation happen consists of both implementation researchers and practitioners, yet little guidance exists on how to train such a workforce. We—members of the Advancing Dissemination and Implementation Sciences in CTSAs Working Group—present the Teaching For Implementation Framework to address this gap. We describe the differences between implementation researchers and practitioners and demonstrate what and how to teach them individually and in co-learning opportunities. We briefly comment on educational infrastructures and resources that will be helpful in furthering this type of approach.
Diamond Raman laser: a promising high-beam-quality and low-thermal-effect laser
Authors: Li Yulan , Ding Jie , Bai Zhenxu , Yang Xuezong , Li Yuqi , Tang Jingling , Zhang Yu , Qi Yaoyao , Wang Yulei , Lu Zhiwei
Published: July 2021

Stimulated Raman-scattering-based lasers provide an effective way to achieve wavelength conversion. However, thermally induced beam degradation is a notorious obstacle to power scaling and it also limits the applicable range where high output beam quality is needed. Considerable research efforts have been devoted to developing Raman materials, with diamond being a promising candidate to acquire wavelength-versatile, high-power, and high-quality output beam owing to its excellent thermal properties, high Raman gain coefficient, and wide transmission range. The diamond Raman resonator is usually designed as an external-cavity pumped structure, which can easily eliminate the negative thermal effects of intracavity laser crystals. Diamond Raman converters also provide an approach to improve the beam quality owing to the Raman cleanup effect. This review outlines the research status of diamond Raman lasers, including beam quality optimization, Raman conversion, thermal effects, and prospects for future development directions.
Senatorial signatures
Authors: Segal Nancy L. , Niculae Francisca J.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

A greater frequency of left-handedness among males than females has been observed in general populations. Past studies have explained this difference with reference to males’ greater susceptibility to adverse birth events, while more recent studies have identified other contributing factors. On January 16, 2020, U.S. senators signed an oath to act impartially during the president’s impeachment trial. This televised event allowed direct comparison of the proportion of right-handedness and left-handedness in a professionally accomplished sample of males and females. As expected, no sex difference in the proportion of left-handed senators was found, although the small sample size offered low statistical power. Replicating this finding with a larger sample would support the view that left-handedness among select groups of males is linked to genetic factors.
The effect of honey on lipid profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Gholami Zohreh , Sohrabi Zahra , Zare Morteza , Pourrajab Behnaz , Nasimi Nasrin
Published: July 2021

Honey is known not only as a natural food but also as complementary medicine. According to the controversial evidence about the effects of honey on blood lipids, this meta-analysis was performed to investigate the potential effects of honey on lipid profiles. Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane databases. All human controlled clinical trials (either with a parallel or a crossover design) published in English that reported changes in serum lipid markers (total cholesterol (TC), TAG, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio) following honey consumption were considered. Standardised mean differences and their respective 95 % CI were calculated to assess the changes in lipid profiles following honey consumption by random effects model. Statistical heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, publication bias and quality of the included studies were assessed, as well. The meta-analysis of twenty-three trials showed that honey had no significant effects on TC, TAG, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio. Significant heterogeneity was seen among the studies for all the studied factors (I2index > 50 %). Subgroup analysis based on the lipid profile status, types of honey and intervention duration revealed no significant effect on TC, TAG, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. Quality of the evidences varied from very low to moderate according to various parameters. In conclusion, honey consumption did not affect serum lipid profiles (TC, TAG, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio).
Trypanosoma(Megatrypanum)pestanaiin Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and Ixodidae ticks, Italy
Authors: Sgroi Giovanni , Iatta Roberta , Paolo Lia Riccardo , Latrofa Maria Stefania , Samarelli Rossella , Camarda Antonio , Otranto Domenico
Published: July 2021

Trypanosomes are haemoflagellate protozoa transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods causing infections in a wide range of mammals, including humans. Adult badgers (Meles meles,n= 2), displaying severe paralysis, ataxia and severe ectoparasite infestation, were rescued from a peri-urban area of Bari (southern Italy). Blood samples and ectoparasites were screened forTrypanosomaspp. by the combined PCR/sequencing approach, targeting a fragment of 18S rRNA gene. Smears of haemolymph, guts and salivary glands of the alive ticks were microscopically observed. No haematological alterations, except thrombocytopenia, were found. Trypomastigotes and epimastigotes were observed in the blood smears of both badgers andTrypanosoma pestanaiwas molecularly identified. Out of 33 ticks (i.e.n= 31Ixodes canisuga,n= 2Ixodes ricinus) and two fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), 11 specimens (n= 5I. canisugaengorged nymphs,n= 4 engorged females andn= 2I. ricinusengorged females) tested positive only forT. pestanaiDNA. All smears from ticks were negative. The present study firstly revealedT. pestanaiin Ixodidae and badgers from Italy, demonstrating the occurrence of the protozoan on the peninsula. Further studies are needed to clarify the occurrence of the only known vector of this parasite,Paraceras melisflea, as well as other putative arthropods involved in the transmission ofT. pestanai.
Effects of methylphenidate on mismatch negativity and P3a amplitude of initially psychostimulant-naïve, adult ADHD patients
Authors: le Sommer Julijana , Low Ann-Marie , Møllegaard Jepsen Jens Richardt , Fagerlund Birgitte , Vangkilde Signe , Habekost Thomas , Glenthøj Birte , Oranje Bob
Published: July 2021

Background

Deficient information processing in ADHD theoretically results in sensory overload and may underlie the symptoms of the disorder. Mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a amplitude reflect an individual's detection and subsequent change in attention to stimulus change in their environment. Our primary aim was to explore MMN and P3a amplitude in adult ADHD patients and to examine the effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on these measures.

Methods

Forty initially psychostimulant-naïve, adult ADHD patients without comorbid ASD and 42 matched healthy controls (HC) were assessed with an MMN paradigm at baseline. Both groups were retested after 6 weeks, in which patients were treated with MPH.

Results

Neither significant group differences in MMN nor P3a amplitude were found at baseline. Although 6-week MPH treatment significantly reduced symptomatology and improved daily functioning of the patients, it did not significantly affect MMN amplitude; however, it did significantly reduce P3a amplitude compared to the HC. Furthermore, more severe ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with larger MMN amplitudes in the patients, both at baseline and follow-up.

Conclusion

We found no evidence for early information processing deficits in patients with ADHD, as measured with MMN and P3a amplitude. Six-week treatment with MPH decreased P3a but not MMN amplitude, although more severe ADHD-symptoms were associated with larger MMN amplitudes in the patients. Given that P3a amplitude represents an important attentional process and that glutamate has been linked to both ADHD and MMN amplitude, future research should investigate augmenting MPH treatment of less responsive adults with ADHD with glutamatergic antagonists.
The Historical Significance of Economic Voting, 1872–1996
Authors: Lin Tse-min
Published: July 2021

Ever since the publication ofVoting(Berelson et al. 1954), individual-level electoral studies have underscored the predictive utility of attitudes on voting behavior. More recently, developments in social psychology have led political scientists to examine closely the process by which attitudes guide behavior (Fazio 1986; Aldrich et al. 1989). Findings in this research generally suggest that attitudes must be available and accessible if they are to exert any influence on perceptions, judgments, or behavior.
Cloperastine inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma proliferation in vivo and in vitro by suppressing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
Authors: Li Bo , Yu Yin , Jiang Yanan , Zhao Lili , Li Ang , Li Mingzhu , Yuan Baoyin , Lu Jing , Dong Ziming , Zhao Jimin , Liu Kangdong
Published: July 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a major type of esophageal cancer. The prognosis of patients with ESCC remains poor because of the high morbidity and mortality of the disease. One strategy for drug discovery for ESCC treatment or prevention is screening FDA-approved drugs. In the present study, we found that the antitussive agent cloperastine can inhibit the proliferation of ESCC cells. However, the underlying mechanism was unclear. To determine the mechanism of this inhibitory effect, we performed proteomic analysis using KYSE150 cells treated with cloperastine and DMSO. The results identified several down-regulated signaling pathways included those of three key proteins (NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex 1, NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S5, and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 6B1) involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Meanwhile, we observed that oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria was inhibited by the drug. Importantly, cloperastine suppressed ESCC growth in a xenograft mouse model in vivo. Our findings revealed that cloperastine inhibits the proliferation of ESCC in vivo and in vitro by suppressing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
Long noncoding RNA LINC00284 facilitates cell proliferation in papillary thyroid cancer via impairing miR-3127-5p targeted E2F7 suppression
Authors: Zhou Bin , Ge Yugang , Shao Qing , Yang Liyi , Chen Xin , Jiang Guoqin
Published: July 2021

Accumulating evidence has suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert crucial modulation roles in the biological behaviors of multiple malignancies. Nonetheless, the specific function of lncRNA LINC00284 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains not fully understood. The objective of this research was to explore the influence of LINC00284 in PTC and elucidate its potential mechanism. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets were used to analyze LINC00284 expression differences in thyroid cancer and normal samples, followed by the verification of qRT-PCR in our own PTC and adjacent non-tumor tissues. The impacts of LINC00284 on PTC cell growth were detected in vitro via CCK-8, colony formation, EdU assays, and in vivo via a xenograft tumor model. Bioinformatics analyses and biological experiments were conducted to illuminate the molecular mechanism. We found that LINC00284 expression was remarkably increased in PTC tissues and its overexpression was closely correlated with larger tumor size. In addition, silencing LINC00284 could effectively attenuate PTC cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and G1 arrest in vitro, as well as suppress tumorigenesis in mouse xenografts. Mechanistic investigations showed that LINC00284 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-3127-5p, thus resulting in the disinhibition of its endogenous target E2F7. In short, our findings indicated that LINC00284–miR-3127-5p–E2F7 axis exerted oncogenic properties in PTC and may offer a new promising target for the diagnosis and therapy of PTC.
Rhamnan sulphate from green algae Monostroma nitidum improves constipation with gut microbiome alteration in double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Shimada Yasuhito , Terasawa Masahiro , Okazaki Fumiyoshi , Nakayama Hiroko , Zang Liqing , Nishiura Kaoru , Matsuda Koichi , Nishimura Norihiro
Published: July 2021

Rhamnan sulphate (RS), a sulphated polysaccharide from Monostroma nitidum, possesses several biological properties that help in treating diseases such as viral infection, thrombosis, and obesity. In the present study, we first administered RS (0.25 mg/g food volume) orally to high-fat diet-treated mice for 4 weeks. RS increased the faecal volume and calorie excretion with decreased plasma lipids, which was in accordance with the results of our previous zebrafish study. Notably, as the excretion amount by RS increased in the mice, we hypothesised that RS could decrease the chance of constipation in mice and also in human subjects because RS is considered as a dietary fibre. We administrated RS (100 mg/day) to subjects with low defaecation frequencies (3–5 times/week) for 2 weeks in double-blind placebo-controlled manner. As a result, RS administration significantly increased the frequency of dejection without any side effects, although no effect was observed on the body weight and blood lipids. Moreover, we performed 16s rRNA-seq analysis of the gut microbiota in these subjects. Metagenomics profiling using PICRUSt revealed functional alternation of the KEGG pathways, which could be involved in the therapeutic effect of RS for constipation.
Epidemiology of 40 blood biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism, vitamin status, inflammation, and renal and endothelial function among cancer-free older adults
Authors: Zahed Hana , Johansson Mattias , Ueland Per M. , Midttun Øivind , Milne Roger L. , Giles Graham G. , Manjer Jonas , Sandsveden Malte , Langhammer Arnulf , Sørgjerd Elin Pettersen , Grankvist Kjell , Johansson Mikael , Freedman Neal D. , Huang Wen-Yi , Chen Chu , Prentice Ross , Stevens Victoria L. , Wang Ying , Le Marchand Loic , Wilkens Lynne R. , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Albanes Demetrius , Cai Qiuyin , Blot William J. , Arslan Alan A. , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Shu Xiao-Ou , Zheng Wei , Yuan Jian-Min , Koh Woon-Puay , Visvanathan Kala , Sesso Howard D. , Zhang Xuehong , Gaziano J. Michael , Fanidi Anouar , Muller David , Brennan Paul , Guida Florence , Robbins Hilary A.
Published: July 2021

Imbalances of blood biomarkers are associated with disease, and biomarkers may also vary non-pathologically across population groups. We described variation in concentrations of biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism, vitamin status, inflammation including tryptophan metabolism, and endothelial and renal function among cancer-free older adults. We analyzed 5167 cancer-free controls aged 40–80 years from 20 cohorts in the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3). Centralized biochemical analyses of 40 biomarkers in plasma or serum were performed. We fit multivariable linear mixed effects models to quantify variation in standardized biomarker log-concentrations across four factors: age, sex, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI). Differences in most biomarkers across most factors were small, with 93% (186/200) of analyses showing an estimated difference lower than 0.25 standard-deviations, although most were statistically significant due to large sample size. The largest difference was for creatinine by sex, which was − 0.91 standard-deviations lower in women than men (95%CI − 0.98; − 0.84). The largest difference by age was for total cysteine (0.40 standard-deviation increase per 10-year increase, 95%CI 0.36; 0.43), and by BMI was for C-reactive protein (0.38 standard-deviation increase per 5-kg/m2increase, 95%CI 0.34; 0.41). For 31 of 40 markers, the mean difference between current and never smokers was larger than between former and never smokers. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) association with time since smoking cessation was observed for 8 markers, including C-reactive protein, kynurenine, choline, and total homocysteine. We conclude that most blood biomarkers show small variations across demographic characteristics. Patterns by smoking status point to normalization of multiple physiological processes after smoking cessation.
A unifying nonlinear probabilistic epidemic model in space and time
Authors: Beneduci Roberto , Bilotta Eleonora , Pantano Pietro
Published: July 2021

Covid-19 epidemic dramatically relaunched the importance of mathematical modelling in supporting governments decisions to slow down the disease propagation. On the other hand, it remains a challenging task for mathematical modelling. The interplay between different models could be a key element in the modelling strategies. Here we propose a continuous space-time non-linear probabilistic model from which we can derive many of the existing models both deterministic and stochastic as for example SI, SIR, SIR stochastic, continuous-time stochastic models, discrete stochastic models, Fisher–Kolmogorov model. A partial analogy with the statistical interpretation of quantum mechanics provides an interpretation of the model. Epidemic forecasting is one of its possible applications; in principle, the model can be used in order to locate those regions of space where the infection probability is going to increase. The connection between non-linear probabilistic and non-linear deterministic models is analyzed. In particular, it is shown that the Fisher–Kolmogorov equation is connected to linear probabilistic models. On the other hand, a generalized version of the Fisher–Kolmogorov equation is derived from the non-linear probabilistic model and is shown to be characterized by a non-homogeneous time-dependent diffusion coefficient (anomalous diffusion) which encodes information about the non-linearity of the probabilistic model.
A Ru-anthraquinone dyad with triple functions of PACT, photoredox catalysis and PDT upon red light irradiation
Authors: Zhang Chao , Guo Xusheng , Da Xuwen , Wang Zhanhua , Wang Xuesong , Zhou Qianxiong
Published: July 2021

A Ru-anthraquinone dyad with triple functions of PACT, photoredox catalysis and PDT upon red light irradiation was reported.
Enhancement of NO release from S-nitrosoalbumin by pollution derived metal ions
Authors: Wądołek Anna , Oszajca Maria , Pęcak Wiktoria , Brindell Małgorzata , Stochel Grażyna
Published: July 2021

S-Nitrosoalbumin stability is affected by pollution derived metal ions. An inorganic aqueous soluble urban PM fraction might disturb the S-nitrosylation/denitrosylation balance.
In situformation of grain boundaries on a supported hybrid to boost water oxidation activity of iridium oxide
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Zhiqiang , Tian Xinlong , Deng Hui , Liao Jianjun , Ma Chenglong , Yang Ji , Gong Xueqing , Huang Weiwei , Ge Chengjun
Published: July 2021

GB formation between ultrafine NPs plays a critical role in enhancing OER activity.
Synthesis of homochiral sulfanyl- and sulfoxide-substituted naphthyltriazoles and study of the conformational stability
Authors: Vroemans Robby , Ribone Sergio R. , Thomas Joice , Van Meervelt Luc , Ollevier Thierry , Dehaen Wim
Published: July 2021

Novel homochiral sulfanyl-substituted naphthyltriazoles are synthesized via the triazolization reaction, and their rotational stability is studied in detail.
Ouzo phase occurrence with alternating lipo/hydrophilic copolymers in water
Authors: Trevisan Henrique , Nishimori Kana , Aime Stefano , Guigner Jean-Michel , Ouchi Makoto , Tournilhac Francois
Published: July 2021

AB-alternating copolymers based on vinyl phenol and n-alkyl (C12 or C18) maleimide self-assemble into nanoparticles via ouzo effect. Size and structure are determined by copolymer lipo/hydrophilicity, solvent/water affinity and solvent diffusivity.
Genome survey and microsatellite motif identification ofPogonophryne albipinna
Authors: Jo Euna , Cho Yll Hwan , Lee Seung Jae , Choi Eunkyung , Kim Jinmu , Kim Jeong-Hoon , Chi Young Min , Park Hyun
Published: July 2021

The genus Pogonophryne is a speciose group that includes 28 species inhabiting the coastal or deep waters of the Antarctic Southern Ocean. The genus has been divided into five species groups, among which the P. albipinna group is the most deep-living group and is characterized by a lack of spots on the top of the head. Here, we carried out genome survey sequencing of P. albipinna using the Illumina HiSeq platform to estimate the genomic characteristics and identify genome-wide microsatellite motifs. The genome size was predicted to be ∼883.8 Mb by K-mer analysis (K = 25), and the heterozygosity and repeat ratio were 0.289 and 39.03%, respectively. The genome sequences were assembled into 571624 contigs, covering a total length of ∼819.3 Mb with an N50 of 2867 bp. A total of 2217422 simple sequence repeat (SSR) motifs were identified from the assembly data, and the number of repeats decreased as the length and number of repeats increased. These data will provide a useful foundation for the development of new molecular markers for the P. albipinna group as well as for further whole-genome sequencing of P. albipinna.
3D cell aggregate printing technology and its applications
Authors: Jeon Seunggyu , Lee Se-Hwan , Ahmed Saeed B. , Han Jonghyeuk , Heo Su-Jin , Kang Hyun-Wook
Published: July 2021

Various cell aggregate culture technologies have been developed and actively applied to tissue engineering and organ-on-a-chip. However, the conventional culture technologies are labor-intensive, and their outcomes are highly user dependent. In addition, the technologies cannot be used to produce three-dimensional (3D) complex tissues. In this regard, 3D cell aggregate printing technology has attracted increased attention from many researchers owing to its 3D processability. The technology allows the fabrication of 3D freeform constructs using multiple types of cell aggregates in an automated manner. Technological advancement has resulted in the development of a printing technology with a high resolution of approximately 20 μm in 3D space. A high-speed printing technology that can print a cell aggregate in milliseconds has also been introduced. The developed aggregate printing technologies are being actively applied to produce various types of engineered tissues. Although various types of high-performance printing technologies have been developed, there are still some technical obstacles in the fabrication of engineered tissues that mimic the structure and function of native tissues. This review highlights the central importance and current technical level of 3D cell aggregate printing technology, and their applications to tissue/disease models, artificial tissues, and drug-screening platforms. The paper also discusses the remaining hurdles and future directions of the printing processes.
Global optimization control for nonlinear full‐car active suspension system with multi‐performances
Authors: Chen Chung‐Cheng , Chen Yen‐Ting
Published: July 2021

In this article, based on feedback linearized approach and linear quadratic regulator optimization control approach using particle swarm optimization, the almost disturbance decoupling, input amplitude reduction, tuning parameter optimization, controllable convergence rate, improved suspension and globally exponential stability multi‐performances of highly nonlinear multi‐input multi‐output full‐car uncertain system are simultaneously achieved without applying any nonlinear function approximator including neural network approach and fuzzy logic approach. The article proposes a new method to achieve the optimal control matrices of LQR such that the composite controller can reduce the amplitudes of system control inputs. Determination of the LQR tuning parameters is conventionally determined via trial and error approach. In addition to being very troublesome, it is difficult to find the globally best tuning matrices with LQR method. This study has first proposed the convergence rate formula of the nonlinear system response as the fitness function of LQR approach by using PSO optimization algorithm to take the place of the conventional trial and error method and locally Jacobian linearized approach under the guarantee of globally exponential stability. The simulation results show how the full‐car system can be controlled optimally and satisfactorily and confirm the superiority of the proposed method.
Deep multi‐agent Reinforcement Learning for cost‐efficient distributed load frequency control
Authors: Rozada Sergio , Apostolopoulou Dimitra , Alonso Eduardo
Published: July 2021

The rise of microgrid‐based architectures is modifying significantly the energy control landscape in distribution systems, making distributed control mechanisms necessary to ensure reliable power system operations. In this article, the use of Reinforcement Learning techniques is proposed to implement load frequency control (LFC) without requiring a central authority. To this end, a detailed model of power system dynamic behaviour is formulated by representing individual generator dynamics, generator rate and network constraints, renewable‐based generation, and realistic load realisations. The LFC problem is recast as a Markov Decision Process, and the Multi‐Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient algorithm is used to approximate the optimal solution of all LFC layers, that is, primary, secondary and tertiary. The proposed LFC framework operates through centralised learning and distributed implementation. In particular, there is no information interchange between generating units during operation. Thus, no communication infrastructure is necessary and information privacy between them is respected. The proposed framework is validated through numerical results and it is shown that it can be used to implement LFC in a distributed and cost‐efficient manner.
Generative domain adaptation for chest X‐ray image analysis
Authors: Yin Baocai , Liu Wenchao , Fu Zhonghua , Zhang Jing , Liu Cong , Wang Zengfu
Published: July 2021

Chest X‐ray images taken under different conditions follow different distributions, preventing the models trained on a domain from generalising well on the other domain. In this paper, a generative domain adaptation (GDA) method is proposed to address this issue and facilitate the learning process for downstream analysis. GDA adapts different domains to a virtual common one where images are aligned at the appearance level. To this end, a domain shared generator is used to transform the input images and two competitive discriminators are used to adversarially supervise the transforming process. The domain discriminator drives the generator to narrow the domain gap while the fidelity discriminator forces the generator to keep the inherent information. Moreover, a specific classification or detection network is attached to the generator to supervise it in a task‐oriented manner. Experiment results on a large‐scale dataset containing 46k chest X‐ray images demonstrate that GDA outperforms representative domain adaptation methods by a large margin for both disease classification and lesion detection as well as provides useful transformed images to assist experts for diagnosis.
Infrared spectra of complex organic molecules in astronomically relevant ice mixtures
Authors: Rachid M. G. , Brunken N. , de Boe D. , Fedoseev G. , Boogert A. C. A. , Linnartz H.
Published: July 2021

Context. In the near future, high spatial and spectral infrared (IR) data of star-forming regions obtained by the James Webb Space Telescope may reveal new solid-state features of various species, including more intriguing classes of chemical compounds. The identification of complex organic molecules (COMs) in the upcoming data will only be possible when laboratory IR ice spectra of these species under astronomically relevant conditions are available for comparison. For this purpose, systematic series of laboratory measurements are performed, providing high-resolution IR spectra of COMs. Here, spectra of pure methylamine (CH3NH2) and methylamine-containing ices are discussed.

Aims. The work is aimed at characterizing the mid-IR (500–4000 cm−1, 20–2.5 μm) spectra of methylamine in pure and mixed ices to provide accurate spectroscopic data of vibrational bands that are most suited to trace this species in interstellar ices.

Methods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to record spectra of CH3NH2 in the pure form and mixed with H2O, CH4, and NH3, for temperatures ranging from 15 to 160 K. The IR spectra in combination with HeNe laser (632.8 nm) interference data of pure CH3NH2 ice was used to derive the IR band strengths of methylamine in pure and mixed ices.

Results. The refractive index of amorphous methylamine ice at 15 K was determined as being 1.30 ± 0.01. Accurate spectroscopic information and band strength values are systematically presented for a large set of methylamine-containing ices and different temperatures. Selected bands are characterized and their use as methylamine tracers is discussed. The selected bands include the following: the CH3 antisymmetric stretch band at 2881.3 cm−1 (3.471 μm), the CH3 symmetric stretch band at 2791.9 cm−1 (3.582 μm), the CH3 antisymmetric deformation bands, at 1455.0 and 1478.6 cm−1 (6.873 and 6.761 μm), the CH3 symmetric deformation band at 1420.3 cm−1 (7.042 μm), and the CH3 rock at 1159.2 cm−1 (8.621 μm). Using the laboratory data recorded in this work and ground-based spectra of ices toward YSOs (Young Stellar Objects), upper-limits for the methylamine ice abundances are derived. In some of these YSOs, the methylamine abundance is less than 4% relative to H2O.