bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of the Endorsement Heuristic in Swiss Popular Votes
Authors: Milic Thomas
Published: August 2020

There already exists an impressive body of literature studying the use of voting recommendations in elections and popular votes. The main shortcoming of most of these observational studies is the measurement of voting recommendations. There is rarely any direct evidence to show that voters did indeed follow a recommendation when making a vote decision. Thus, it is not clear how widespread the use of such voting endorsements is. We measured the use of endorsements by evaluating the voting motives reported by the voters themselves. Employing this measure, we could show that endorsements have an impact on Swiss referendum votes. Depending on the issue at stake, between 2 and 27 percent of the voters admitted that they based their decision on recommendations. Moreover, the use of endorsements heavily depends on motivation, project‐specific knowledge level, and degree of ambivalence towards the issue at stake.
A Systematic Review of Factors Influencing Condom Use among Female Sex Workers
Authors: McLachlan Caitlin , Dune Tinashe
Published: August 2020

A systematic review of research published in English was conducted across seven electronic databases in public health, social and psychological sciences. The aim was to ascertain the factors that influence condom use among female sex workers in the commercial sex industry globally. The perspectives and experiences of 29,112 female sex workers (FSWs) and 1,792 male clients of FSWs with regards to condom use are represented across the 47 studies included in this review. Key themes comprised of Perceived self-efficacy, Relationship Types, Condom use and Attitudes, Violence and Abuse, Location and Support, Knowledge and Perceived Risk, Perception and Perspectives of Male Clients, Drug and Alcohol use, Criminalisation and Price and Payment. Female sex workers are defined as a high-risk population for HIV/AIDS. Condoms were used less frequently in situations where structural and cultural determinants heavily impacted the experiences and decisions of FSWs. Cultural contextual factors also heavily impacted on the perspectives and perceptions of male clients and their attitudes towards condom use. Criminalization and anti-sex work legislation in many of the countries where these studies were conducted meant that FSWs were a socially marginalised and ostracized population. Recommendations are explored for theory, practice and education and future research.
Ageing augments β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation differently in men and women, with no effect on β‐adrenergic sweating
Authors: Fujii Naoto , McGarr Gregory W. , Amano Tatsuro , Sigal Ronald J. , Boulay Pierre , Nishiyasu Takeshi , Kenny Glen P.
Published: August 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

β‐Adrenergic receptor activation modulates cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating in young adults. In this study, we assessed whether age‐related differences in β‐adrenergic regulation of these responses exist and whether they differ between men and women.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We showed that ageing augmented β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation, although the pattern of response differed between men and women. Ageing had no effect on β‐adrenergic sweating in men or women. Our findings advance our understanding of age‐related changes in the regulation of cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating and provide new directions for research on the significance of enhanced β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation in older adults.

β‐Adrenergic receptor agonists, such as isoprenaline, can induce cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating in young adults. Given that cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating responses to whole‐body heating and to pharmacological agonists, such as acetylcholine, ATP and nicotine, can differ in older adults, we assessed whether ageing also modulates β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating and whether responses differ between men and women. In the context of the latter, prior reports showed that the effects of ageing on cutaneous vasodilatation (evoked with ATP and nicotine) and sweating (stimulated by acetylcholine) were sex dependent. Thus, in the present study, we assessed the role of β‐adrenergic receptor activation on forearm cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating in 11 young men (24 ± 4 years of age), 11 young women (23 ± 5 years of age), 11 older men (61 ± 8 years of age) and 11 older women (60 ± 8 years of age). Initially, a high dose (100 µm) of isoprenaline was administered via intradermal microdialysis for 5 min to induce maximal β‐adrenergic sweating. Approximately 60 min after the washout period, three incremental doses of isoprenaline were administered (1, 10 and 100 µm, each for 25 min) to assess dose‐dependent cutaneous vasodilatation. Isoprenaline‐mediated cutaneous vasodilatation was greater in both older men and older women relative to their young counterparts. Augmented cutaneous vasodilatory responses were observed at 1 and 10 µm in women and at 100 µm in men. Isoprenaline‐mediated sweating was unaffected by ageing, regardless of sex. We show that ageing augments β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation differently in men and women, without influencing β‐adrenergic sweating.
MiR‐92b‐3p regulates oxygen and glucose deprivation–reperfusion‐mediated apoptosis and inflammation by targeting TRAF3 in PC12 cells
Authors: Liu Enyu , Sun Haodong , Wu Jianping , Kuang Yongqin
Published: August 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

MiR‐92b‐3p was found to be reduced in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion: what are the functions of miR‐92b‐3p in oxygen and glucose deprivation–reperfusion (OGD/R)?

What is the main finding and its importance?

MiR‐92b‐3p abated apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation caused by OGD/R via targeting TRAF3, suggesting that miR‐92b‐3p may serve as a potential therapeutic target in ischaemic stroke treatment.

Stroke is the most common cause of human neurological disability. MiR‐92b‐3p has been shown to be decreased in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion, but its effects in cerebral ischaemic insult are unknown. In this study, PC12 cells were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation–reperfusion (OGD/R) to establish cerebral ischaemic injuryin vitro. Quantitative real time‐PCR analysis demonstrated that OGD/R exposure led to down‐regulation of miR‐92b‐3p and increased mRNA and protein levels of tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 3 (TRAF3). Gain of miR‐92b‐3p expression facilitated cell survival; attenuated lactate dehydrogenase leakage, cell apoptosis, caspase 3 activity and cleaved‐caspase 3 (c‐caspase 3) expression; and decreased the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Furthermore, miR‐92b‐3p repressed mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, reactive oxygen species production, cytochromecprotein expression, inflammatory cytokine production and the reduction of ATP content. MiR‐92b‐3p directly targeted the 3ʹ‐untranslated region of TRAF3 and decreased TRAF3 expression. Reinforced expression of TRAF3 partly abrogated the biological activity of miR‐92b‐3p during OGD/R. Hence, miR‐92b‐3p abated apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammatory responses induced by OGD/R by targeting TRAF3.
An Experimental Investigation on the Fluid Distribution in a Two-Phase Cooled Rack Under Steady and Transient Information Technology Loads
Authors: Khalili Sadegh , Rangarajan Srikanth , Gektin Vadim , Alissa Husam , Sammakia Bahgat
Published: August 2020

Increasing power densities in data centers due to the rise of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and machine learning compel engineers to develop new cooling strategies and designs for high-performance information technology (IT) equipment. Two-phase cooling is a promising technology that exploits the latent heat of the coolant which is significantly more effective in removing high heat fluxes than when using the sensible heat of the fluid. Also, utilizing the latent heat allows operating at lower coolant flow rates and implies more uniformity in the temperature of heated surfaces. Despite the benefits of two-phase cooling, the phase change adds complexities to a system when multiple evaporators (exposed to different heat fluxes potentially) are connected to a single coolant distribution unit. In this article, a commercial coolant distribution unit is used to investigate pumped two-phase cooling in rack scale. Seventeen two-rack unit servers from two distinct models are retrofitted with 34 impinging jet evaporators and deployed in a rack. Four case studies are presented to provide insights into the complex behavior of a pumped two-phase cooling system with several evaporators. The flow rates and pressure distribution across the rack are studied in various filling ratios. Also, investigated is the transient behavior of the cooling system due to a step change in the IT workload. Finally, a control system is designed to regulate the temperature of the supplied coolant in response to the step change in the IT workload and is tested.
Integrated single photon emitters
Authors: Lee Junyi , Leong Victor , Kalashnikov Dmitry , Dai Jibo , Gandhi Alagappan , Krivitsky Leonid A.
Published: August 2020

The realization of scalable systems for quantum information processing and networking is of utmost importance to the quantum information community. However, building such systems is difficult because of challenges in achieving all the necessary functionalities on a unified platform while maintaining stringent performance requirements of the individual elements. A promising approach that addresses this challenge is based on the consolidation of experimental and theoretical capabilities in quantum physics and integrated photonics. Integrated quantum photonic devices allow efficient control and read-out of quantum information while being scalable and cost effective. Here, the authors review recent developments in solid-state single photon emitters coupled with various integrated photonic structures, which form a critical component of future scalable quantum devices. Their work contributes to the further development and realization of quantum networking protocols and quantum logic on a scalable and fabrication-friendly platform.
Validating Accelerometers for the Assessment of Body Position and Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Giurgiu Marco , Bussmann Johannes B.J. , Hill Holger , Anedda Bastian , Kronenwett Marcel , Koch Elena D. , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W. , Reichert Markus
Published: August 2020

There is growing evidence that sedentary behavior is a risk factor for somatic and mental health. However, there is still a lack of objective field methods, which can assess both components of sedentary behavior: the postural (sitting/lying) and the movement intensity part. The purpose of the study was to compare the validity of different accelerometers (ActivPAL [thigh], ActiGraph [hip], move [hip], and move [thigh]). 20 adults (10 females; age 25.68 ± 4.55 years) participated in a structured protocol with a series of full- and semistandardized sessions under laboratory conditions. Direct observation via video recording was used as a criterion measure of body positions (sitting/lying vs. nonsitting/lying). By combining direct observation with metabolic equivalent tables, protocol activities were also categorized as sedentary or nonsedentary. Cohen’s kappa was calculated as an overall validity measure to compare accelerometer and video recordings. Across all conditions, for the measurement of sitting/lying body positions, the ActivPAL ([thigh], ĸ = .85) and Move 4 ([thigh], ĸ = .97) showed almost perfect agreement, whereas the Move 4 ([hip], ĸ = .78) and ActiGraph ([hip], ĸ = .67) showed substantial agreement. For the sedentary behavior part, across all conditions, the ActivPAL ([thigh], ĸ = .90), Move 4 ([thigh], ĸ = .95) and Move 4 ([hip], ĸ = .84) revealed almost perfect agreement, whereas the ActiGraph ([hip], ĸ = .69) showed substantial agreement. In particular, thigh-worn devices, namely the Move and the ActivPAL, achieved up to excellent validity in measuring sitting/lying body positions and sedentary behavior and are recommended for future studies.
Targeting CARD9 with Small-Molecule Therapeutics Inhibits Innate Immune Signaling and Inflammatory Response to Pneumocystis carinii β-Glucans
Authors: Kottom Theodore J. , Carmona Eva M. , Limper Andrew H.
Published: August 2020

Pneumocystis jirovecii
, the opportunistic fungus that causes
Pneumocystis
pneumonia (PCP) in humans, is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Given the profound deleterious inflammatory effects of the major β-glucan cell wall carbohydrate constituents of
Pneumocystis
through Dectin-1 engagement and downstream caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (CARD9) immune activation, we sought to determine whether the pharmacodynamic activity of the known CARD9 inhibitor BRD5529 might have a therapeutic effect on macrophage innate immune signaling and subsequent downstream anti-inflammatory activity.
Applicability of Outpatient Quality Indicators for Appropriate Antibiotic Use in a Primary Health Care Area: a Point Prevalence Survey
Authors: March-López Pablo , Madridejos Rosa , Tomas Rosa , Boix-Palop Lucía , Arcenillas Paula , Gómez Lucía , Padilla Emma , Xercavins Mariona , Martinez Laura , Massats Úrsula , Badia Cristina , Lledó Joan Manuel Sánchez , Casino Alberto Domingo , Nicolás Jordi , Calbo Esther
Published: August 2020

The ability to measure the quality of antibiotic prescriptions is a critical element in all antimicrobial stewardship programs. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the clinimetric properties of 32 recently developed outpatient quality indicators (OQIs) and to identify potential room for improvement in antibiotic use in a primary health care (PHC) area. The study was performed in a PHC area in Barcelona, Spain with 260,657 inhabitants, nine PHC centers, and a 400-bed acute-care teaching hospital.
Multiple Drug-Induced Stress Responses Inhibit Formation of Escherichia coli Biofilms
Authors: Teteneva Nataliya A. , Mart’yanov Sergey V. , Esteban-López María , Kahnt Jörg , Glatter Timo , Netrusov Alexander I. , Plakunov Vladimir K. , Sourjik Victor
Published: August 2020

The prevention of bacterial biofilm formation is one of the major current challenges in microbiology. Here, by systematically screening a large number of approved drugs for their ability to suppress biofilm formation by
Escherichia coli
, we identified a number of prospective antibiofilm compounds. We further demonstrated different mechanisms of action for individual compounds, from induction of replicative stress to disbalance of cation homeostasis to inhibition of bacterial attachment to the surface. Our work demonstrates the potential of drug repurposing for the prevention of bacterial biofilm formation and suggests that also for other bacteria, the activity spectrum of antibiofilm compounds is likely to be broad.
Unique Features of Tandem Repeats in Bacteria
Authors: Subirana Juan A. , Messeguer Xavier
Published: August 2020

DNA tandem repeats, or satellites, are well described in eukaryotic species, but little is known about their prevalence across prokaryotes. Here, we performed the most complete characterization to date of satellites in bacteria. We identified 121,638 satellites from 12,233 fully sequenced and assembled bacterial genomes with a very uneven distribution. We also determined the families of satellites which have a related sequence. There are 85 genomes that are particularly satellite rich and contain several families of satellites of yet unknown function. Interestingly, we only found two main types of noncoding satellites, depending on their repeat sizes, 22/44 or 52 nucleotides (nt). An intriguing feature is the constant size of the repeats in the genomes of different species, whereas their sequences show no conservation. Individual species also have several families of satellites with the same repeat length and different sequences. This result is in marked contrast with previous findings in eukaryotes, where noncoding satellites of many sizes are found in any species investigated. We describe in greater detail these noncoding satellites in the spirochete Leptospira interrogans and in several bacilli. These satellites undoubtedly play a specific role in the species which have acquired them. We discuss the possibility that they represent binding sites for transcription factors not previously described or that they are involved in the stabilization of the nucleoid through interaction with proteins.

IMPORTANCE We found an enigmatic group of noncoding satellites in 85 bacterial genomes with a constant repeat size but variable sequence. This pattern of DNA organization is unique and had not been previously described in bacteria. These findings strongly suggest that satellite size in some bacteria is under strong selective constraints and thus that satellites are very likely to play a fundamental role. We also provide a list and properties of all satellites in 12,233 genomes, which may be used for further genomic analysis.
Cryo-electron Microscopy Structure of the Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus Spike Glycoprotein Provides Insights into Evolution of Unique Coronavirus Spike Proteins
Authors: Guan Hongxin , Wang Youwang , Perčulija Vanja , Saeed Abdullah F. U. H. , Liu Yichang , Li Jinyu , Jan Syed Sajid , Li Yu , Zhu Ping , Ouyang Songying
Published: August 2020

In this article, we report the atomic-resolution prefusion structure of the spike protein from swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV). SADS-CoV is a pathogenic alphacoronavirus that was responsible for a large-scale outbreak of fatal disease in pigs and that was reported to be capable of interspecies transmission. We describe the overall structure of the SADS-CoV spike protein and conducted a detailed analysis of its main structural elements. Our results and analyses are consistent with those of previous phylogenetic studies and suggest that the SADS-CoV spike protein is evolutionarily related to the spike proteins of betacoronaviruses, with a strong similarity in S1-NTDs and a marked divergence in S1-CTDs. Moreover, we discuss the possible immune evasion strategies used by the SADS-CoV spike protein. Our study provides insights into the structure and immune evasion strategies of the SADS-CoV spike protein and broadens the understanding of the evolutionary relationships between coronavirus spike proteins of different genera.
Supplemental Material: Experimental evidence supports early silica cementation of the Ediacara Biota
Authors: Slagter Silvina , al. et
Published: August 2020

Detailed methods, supplemental tables, and acid-base titration curves.
Height of fever and invasive bacterial infection
Authors: Michelson Kenneth A , Neuman Mark I , Pruitt Christopher M , Desai Sanyukta , Wang Marie E , DePorre Adrienne G , Leazer Rianna C , Sartori Laura F , Marble Richard D , Rooholamini Sahar N , Woll Christopher , Balamuth Fran , Aronson Paul L
Published: August 2020

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the association of height of fever with invasive bacterial infection (IBI) among febrile infants <=60 days of age.

Methods

In a secondary analysis of a multicentre case–control study of non-ill-appearing febrile infants <=60 days of age, we compared the maximum temperature (at home or in the emergency department) for infants with and without IBI. We then computed interval likelihood ratios (iLRs) for the diagnosis of IBI at each half-degree Celsius interval.

Results

The median temperature was higher for infants with IBI (38.8°C; IQR 38.4–39.2) compared with those without IBI (38.4°C; IQR 38.2–38.9) (p<0.001). Temperatures 39°C–39.4°C and 39.5°C–39.9°C were associated with a higher likelihood of IBI (iLR 2.49 and 3.40, respectively), although 30.4% of febrile infants with IBI had maximum temperatures <38.5°C.

Conclusions

Although IBI is more likely with higher temperatures, height of fever alone should not be used for risk stratification of febrile infants.
Prevalence and incidence rates of atrial fibrillation in Norway 2004–2014
Authors: Kjerpeseth Lars Jøran , Igland Jannicke , Selmer Randi , Ellekjær Hanne , Tveit Arnljot , Berge Trygve , Kalstø Silje Madeleine , Christophersen Ingrid Elisabeth , Myrstad Marius , Skovlund Eva , Egeland Grace Margrethe , Tell Grethe Seppola , Ariansen Inger
Published: August 2020

Objective

To study time trends in incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the entire Norwegian population from 2004 to 2014, by age and sex, and to estimate the prevalence of AF at the end of the study period.

Methods

A national cohort of patients with AF (≥18 years) was identified from inpatient admissions with AF and deaths with AF as underlying cause (1994–2014), and AF outpatient visits (2008–2014) in the Cardiovascular Disease in Norway (CVDNOR) project. AF admissions or out-of-hospital death from AF, with no AF admission the previous 10 years defined incident AF. Age-standardised incidence rates (IR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated. All AF cases identified through inpatient admissions and outpatient visits and alive as of 31 December 2014 defined AF prevalence.

Results

We identified 175 979 incident AF cases (30% primary diagnosis, 69% secondary diagnosis, 0.6% out-of-hospital deaths). AF IRs (95% confidence intervals) per 100 000 person years were stable from 2004 (433 (426–440)) to 2014 (440 (433–447)). IRs were stable or declining across strata of sex and age with the exception of an average yearly increase of 2.4% in 18–44 year-olds: IRR 1.024 (1.014–1.034). In 2014, the prevalence of AF in the adult population was 3.4%.

Conclusions

We found overall stable IRs of AF for the adult Norwegian population from 2004 to 2014. The prevalence of AF was 3.4% at the end of 2014, which is higher than reported in previous studies. Signs of an increasing incidence of early-onset AF (<45 years) are worrying and need further investigation.
Frameshift mutation of Timm8a1 gene in mouse leads to an abnormal mitochondrial structure in the brain, correlating with hearing and memory impairment
Authors: Song Pingping , Guan Yuqing , Chen Xia , Wu Chaochen , Qiao An , Jiang Haishan , Li Qi , Huang Yingwei , Huang Wei , Xu Miaojing , Niemtiah Ouattara , Yuan Chao , Li Wei , Zhou Liang , Xiao Zhongju , Pan Suyue , Hu Yafang
Published: August 2020

Background

Deafness-dystonia-optic neuronopathy (DDON) syndrome is a progressive X-linked recessive disorder characterised by deafness, dystonia, ataxia and reduced visual acuity. The causative gene deafness/dystonia protein 1 (DDP1)/translocase of the inner membrane 8A (TIMM8A) encodes a mitochondrial intermembrane space chaperon. The molecular mechanism of DDON remains unclear, and detailed information on animal models has not been reported yet.

Methods and results

We characterized a family with DDON syndrome, in which the affected members carried a novel hemizygous variation in the DDP1 gene (NM_004085.3, c.82C>T, p.Q28X). We then generated a mouse line with the hemizygous mutation (p.I23fs49X) in the Timm8a1 gene using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats /Cas9 technology. The deficient DDP1 protein was confirmed by western blot assay. Electron microscopic analysis of brain samples from the mutant mice indicated abnormal mitochondrial structure in several brain areas. However, Timm8a1I23fs49X/y mutation did not affect the import of mitochondria inner member protein Tim23 and outer member protein Tom40 as well as the biogenesis of the proteins in the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system and the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD / SOD-2). The male mice with Timm8a1I23fs49X/y mutant exhibited less weight gain, hearing impairment and cognitive deficit.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that frameshift mutation of the Timm8a1 gene in mice leads to an abnormal mitochondrial structure in the brain, correlating with hearing and memory impairment. Taken together, we have successfully generated a mouse model bearing loss-of-function mutation in Timm8a1.
Psychotherapy, placebos, and informed consent
Authors: Leder Garson
Published: August 2020

Several authors have recently argued that psychotherapy, as it is commonly practiced, is deceptive and undermines patients’ ability to give informed consent to treatment. This ‘deception’ claim is based on the findings that some, and possibly most, of the ameliorative effects in psychotherapeutic interventions are mediated by therapeutic common factors shared by successful treatments (eg, expectancy effects and therapist effects), rather than because of theory-specific techniques. These findings have led to claims that psychotherapy is, at least partly, likely a placebo, and that practitioners of psychotherapy have a duty to ‘go open’ to patients about the role of common factors in therapy (even if this risks negatively affecting the efficacy of treatment); to not ‘go open’ is supposed to unjustly restrict patients’ autonomy. This paper makes two related arguments against the ‘go open’ claim. (1) While therapies ought to provide patients with sufficient information to make informed treatment decisions, informed consent does not require that practitioners ‘go open’ about therapeutic common factors in psychotherapy, and (2) clarity about the mechanisms of change in psychotherapy shows us that the common-factors findings are consistent with, rather than undermining of, the truth of many theory-specific forms of psychotherapy; psychotherapy, as it is commonly practiced, is not deceptive and is not a placebo. The call to ‘go open’ should be resisted and may have serious detrimental effects on patients via the dissemination of a false view about how therapy works.
Completeness and quality of text paging for subspecialty consult requests
Authors: Chu Chi D , Tuot Delphine S , Harrison James D , Duong Jonathan , Luxenberg Adam , Khanna Raman R
Published: August 2020

It is unclear whether previously developed frameworks for effective consultation apply to requests initiated by alphanumeric text page. We assessed a random sample of 210 text paged consult requests for communication of previously described ‘essential elements’ for effective consultation: reason for consult, level of urgency and requester contact information. Overall page quality was evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale. Over 90% of text paged consult requests included contact information and reason for consult; 14% indicated level of urgency. In ordinal logistic regression, reason for consult was most strongly associated with quality (OR 22.4; 95% CI 8.1 to 61.7), followed by callback number (OR 6.2; 95% CI 0.8 to 49.5), caller’s name (OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.9 to 13.1) and level of urgency (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.6 to 6.7). Results suggest that text paged consult requests often include most informational elements, and that urgency, often missing, may not be as ‘essential’ for text pages as it was once thought to be.
High-resolution (centimetre-scale) GPS/GIS-based 3D mapping and spatial analysis of in situ fossils in two horned-dinosaur bonebeds in the Dinosaur Park Formation (Upper Cretaceous) at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Brown Caleb M. , Herridge-Berry Sean , Chiba Kentaro , Vitkus Allison , Eberth David A.
Published: August 2020

Mapping of fossil sites represents an important aspect of palaeontology, because the data collected are required for interpreting the taphonomic and depositional history of the site, as well as the palaeoecology and behavior of the organisms. Methods for mapping and documenting certain vertebrate fossil sites, such as trackways, have drastically changed in recent years, with the integrated technologies of photogrammetry, laser scanning, and geographic information systems becoming standard practice, and providing digital, three-dimensional, and georeferenced data for analyses. Contrasting this technological revolution, the methods for mapping vertebrate bone accumulations, such as bonebeds, have changed little in recent decades, and are largely limited to two dimensions, are non-georeferenced, and produce static maps. Here, we present a novel test case in the mapping of two ceratopsid (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) monodominant bonebeds (mass death assemblages) that are documented digitally, fully georeferenced, and in three dimensions, using a combination of high-resolution (at centimetre-scale) global positioning system, photogrammetry, and geographic information systems. Importantly, accompanying spatial data (i.e., size and orientation) are collected in the field in the traditional manner and directly compared with values calculated from the digital map. Parameters describing bone length and orientation exported from the digital map are largely reflective of measured field data, with both size and orientation distributions being statistically indistinguishable, but with disproportionate error for elements smaller than 10 cm. Protocols and methods tested here will hopefully add to the discussion about the future of fossil bonebed mapping, specifically incorporating digital, three-dimensional, and fully georeferenced data into a powerful analytical tool.
Return and Volatility Transmissions between Metals and Stocks: A Study of the Emerging Asian Markets by Using the VAR-AGARCH Approach
Authors: Yousaf Imran , Ali Shoaib , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: August 2020

This study examines the return and volatility transmission/spillover between (Precious and Industrial) metals and stocks in the emerging Asian markets in the entire studying period and the two crisis sub-periods: the global financial crisis (GFC) and the Chinese Stock market crash sub-periods, and the normal sub-period that does not have any crisis. In addition, we estimate the optimal weights and hedge ratios for both metals and stocks. Employing the VAR-AGARCH model to estimate spillover, the results reveal the unidirectional return spillover from both precious and industrial metals to most of the Asian equity markets in the entire period as well as in the GFC and normal sub-periods but not the sub-period of the Chinese stock market crash. Besides, we reveal that there are unidirectional or bidirectional volatility transmissions between most of the precious metals and the Asian stock markets during the entire period and all the sub-periods. In contrast, the volatility spillover is not significant between most of the industrial metals and Asian stock markets during the entire period and all the sub-periods. On the other hand, our analysis on both optimal weight and hedge ratios suggests that adding nearly any metal to a portfolio of emerging Asian stocks improves its risk-adjusted return and helps to effectively hedge against stock risk exposure over both crisis and non-crisis sub-periods. Overall, these findings provide useful insights for portfolio diversification, asset pricing, and risk management.
Computing subschemes of the border basis scheme
Authors: Kreuzer Martin , Long Le Ngoc , Robbiano Lorenzo
Published: August 2020

A good way of parameterizing zero-dimensional schemes in an affine space [Formula: see text] has been developed in the last 20 years using border basis schemes. Given a multiplicity [Formula: see text], they provide an open covering of the Hilbert scheme [Formula: see text] and can be described by easily computable quadratic equations. A natural question arises on how to determine loci which are contained in border basis schemes and whose rational points represent zero-dimensional [Formula: see text]-algebras sharing a given property. The main focus of this paper is on giving effective answers to this general problem. The properties considered here are the locally Gorenstein, strict Gorenstein, strict complete intersection, Cayley–Bacharach, and strict Cayley–Bacharach properties. The key characteristic of our approach is that we describe these loci by exhibiting explicit algorithms to compute their defining ideals. All results are illustrated by nontrivial, concrete examples.
Finite unitary rings with a single subgroup of prime order of the group of units
Authors: Amini Mostafa , Amiri Mohsen
Published: August 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a unitary ring of finite cardinality [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a prime number and [Formula: see text]. We show that if the group of units of [Formula: see text] has at most one subgroup of order [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a finite ring of order [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a ring of cardinality [Formula: see text] which is one of the six explicitly described types.
Offline Navigation (Homing) of Aerial Vehicles (Quadcopters) in GPS Denied Environments
Authors: Mondal Mainak , Poslavskiy Sergey
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on offline navigation in quadcopters (Return-to-Home), autonomously in GPS Denied Areas or in cases that the aircraft loses GPS Signal by using the Haversine’s Great circle formula to calculate distance and direction. The internal sensors are used to estimate offsets for distance and direction. A control system modification is proposed, resulting in a high success rate with the several tests using a quadcopter with a Pixhawk flight controller, equipped with PX4FLOW.
Electrochromic Textile Composites Based on Polyaniline-Coated Metallized Conductive Fabrics
Authors: Gicevicius Mindaugas , Cechanaviciute Ieva Agne , Ramanavicius Arunas
Published: August 2020

Functional properties of flexible reflective electrochromic composites comprised of polyaniline-coated metallized textile were investigated in this study. Polyaniline was deposited electrochemically onto metal-plated textile fabric and the resulting composites were investigated by electrochemical means as well as by optical-digital colour analysis. Surface morphology and microstructure were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Electrochromic performance of the conducting textile and polyaniline composites was optimized by tuning the applied electrochemical switching parameters. Electrochromic textile composites exhibited reversible colour change with good visual contrast between the coloured and bleached states. Functional stability of electrochromic metal-plated textile/polyaniline composite was evaluated by continuous switching between the colored states for 100 cycles. Herein presented concepts might find future use in the development of flexible, colour changing visual interfaces and/or wearable technology, the Internet of things (IoT) devices and optical sensors.
Reliability Improvement and Remaining Issues on Photovoltaic Cells and Modules
Authors: Masuda Atsushi
Published: August 2020

Degradation phenomena of photovoltaic cells and modules were systematically and in detail studied by observing those exposed outdoors and subjecting those to various indoor acceleration tests. Those degradation phenomena were roughly classified into three categories; less incident light into photovoltaic cells, less collection of photogenerated carriers, and less photovoltaic ability itself. Degradation mechanisms of photovoltaic cells and modules were clarified by microscopic physical and chemical analyses. Based on the mechanisms, it was found that key materials for improving reliability are encapsulants and electrodes. Improvement methods of reliability for photovoltaic cells and modules were also proposed. Prediction of lifetime by indoor acceleration test methods is also important although the prediction is quite difficult using the artificial test methods with only one or two degradation factor(s). Remaining issues of reliability and durability will be also presented.
Protonic conductor: better understanding neural resting and action potential
Authors: Lee James Weifu
Published: August 2020

The newly formulated action potential equation provides biophysical insights for neuron electrophysiology, which may represent a complementary development to the classic Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz equation. The nonlinear curve of the localized protons/cations charge density in the real-time domain of an action potential spike appears as an inverse mirror image to the action potential. The biological significance of axon myelination is now elucidated as to provide protonic insulation and prevent any ions from interfering with action potential signal.
Comparison of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization-Radiofrequency Ablation and Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Alone for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Macrovascular Invasion Using Propensity Score Analysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Yao , Li Yuxin , Gao Fangyuan , Zhang Qun , Yang Xue , Zhu Bingbing , Niu Shuaishuai , Huang Yunyi , Hu Ying , Li Wei , Wang Xianbo
Published: August 2020

Background. To compare the efficacies of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (TACE + RFA) and TACE alone in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and macrovascular invasion (MVI). Methods. In total, 664 patients having HCC with MVI were included. Of these patients, 141 were treated with TACE + RFA, 254 with TACE alone, and 269 with supportive therapy (control group). The overall survival (OS) was compared among these groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed for balancing the characteristics of the three groups. Results. After one-to-one PSM, the 12-month OS rates were higher in the TACE and TACE + RFA groups than in the control group (p=0.0009 and p=0.0017, respectively). Furthermore, higher 12-month OS rates were observed in the TACE + RFA group than in the TACE group (p=0.0192). The 12-month OS rates of patients were remarkably higher in α-fetoprotein (AFP) < 400 ng/ml, tumor < 3, tumor diameter < 5 cm, or portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) group who were treated with TACE + RFA than in those who were treated with TACE (p=0.0122, p=0.0090, p=0112, and p=0.0071, respectively). Conclusions. TACE + RFA provides a superior survival outcome than TACE alone in HCC patients, especially in AFP <400 ng/ml, tumor <3, tumor diameter <5 cm, or PVTT group.
Numerical Analysis of Temperature Influence on Transverse Cracks in Concrete Box-Girder Bridges
Authors: Xu Hanzheng , Yan Xiaofeng
Published: August 2020

Concrete box-girder bridges are widely used in China. During several routine inspections of two-year-old highway bridges of this type in the China Central Plains region, we found that transverse cracks are widespread on the bottom flanges of those box girders, mainly distributed in the area of 1/4L to 3/4L of the span. Selected cracks were then monitored continuously for one year. Our results showed that there had been no change in the widths of the cracks, but their lengths had increased and new cracks had formed. Taking into consideration factors like hydration reaction, relative humidity difference, shrinkage and creep, sunlight thermal differential effect, sudden temperature change, vehicle load, and their combined efforts, we have developed spatial structural models and conducted stress analyses on the reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete box-girder bridges, respectively. Our numerical analysis results indicated that the hydration reaction is the main reason for the initial bottom flange crack and the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the box girders caused the crack developments at the later stage.
Methods of 10-Meter Walk Test and Repercussions for Reliability Obtained in Typically Developing Children
Authors: de Baptista Cyntia R. J. A. , Vicente Amanda M. , Souza Mariana A. , Cardoso Juliana , Ramalho Vanessa M. , Mattiello-Sverzut Ana C.
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Research and clinical settings use the 10-meter walk test (10MWT) to measure locomotor capacity with considerable methodological diversity. Comparison between healthy and disabled children is frequent; however, the reproducibility of 10MWT using different methods is unknown. Objectives. This study analysed intrasubject, test-retest reliability, and agreement of four methods of 10MWT, exploring the influence of pace, acceleration-deceleration phases, and anthropometric measurements when calculating mean velocity. Methods. This cross-sectional study evaluated 120 typical children, both sexes, aged 6, 8, 10, and 12 (n=30 for each age). The mean times and velocities of the path (10 m) and middle path (6 m) obtained at a self-selected and fast pace were analysed. Initial assessment and another after seven days recorded three measurements per method (sV6 = self-selected pace and 6 m; sV10 = self-selected pace and 10 m; fV6 = fast pace and 6 m; fV10 = fast pace and 10 m). Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), multiple regression, and Snedecor-F test (5% significance level) were used. Results. The fV10 method had high intrasubject reliability for all tested ages (0.700.89); sV10 exhibited high intrasubject reliability for ages 6, 8, and 12 (0.700.89) and moderate for age 10 (0.50<ICC<0.69).Test-retest reliability at sV6 and fV6 did not reach high ICC in any tested ages. The test-retest reliability at sV10 and fV10 was moderate for ages 6, 8, and 12 (0.500.69) and poor for age 10 (0.250.49). There was no agreement between methods: sV6 versus sV10 (mean difference=0.91 m/s; SEM=0.036); fV6 versus fV10 (mean difference=1.70; SEM=0.046). The fV6 method versus fV10 overestimated the velocity (bias=1.70 m/s). Conclusions. For typical children, the method that ensured the highest intrasubject reliability used fast pace and 10 m. Moreover, test-retest reliability increased when adopting 10 m at both self-selected and fast pace. The methods were not equivalent but were related, and those that did not compute the entire pathway overestimated the results.
Relationship between Urban Economic Connections and Geoeconomic Relations in Northeast China
Authors: Zhu Zhenghui , Wang Li , Liu Wanbo , Qi Dewei
Published: August 2020

Using Northeast China as the research area and three time nodes (2007, 2012, and 2017), the gravitational model and Euclidean distance method were used to measure the spatial economic connections and geoeconomic relations between four regional central cities and other small- and medium-sized cities. The complexity of urban economic relations was systematically analyzed based on matching urban economic connections and geoeconomic relations. This paper provides suggestions on how to strengthen and build a benign and sustainable urban economic relations system in Northeast China. The results of the study show that, from 2007 to 2017, the economic links between the four central cities and other cities continued to strengthen. Shenyang had the highest total of economic links, and Changchun, the fastest growth rate. From 2007 to 2017, the geoeconomic relations between the four central and other cities generally improved, shifting from competitiveness to complementarity. Competition intensified for Shenyang and Dalian with cities in Liaoning province, and their complementarity strengthened with cities outside the province. The relationship between the four central cities with other cities is to strengthen cooperation and complementarity. Therefore, the cities in Northeast China need to strengthen economic ties and the complementarity of geoeconomic relations and optimize the matching relationship. They should focus on the role of regional central cities in promoting the economic integration of the entire Northeast China and jointly promote the orderly urban niche system and full coordination. The formation and stability of the developing regional cooperative community are discussed.
Descriptive Investigation of Strongyloidiasis Infection and Characterization of Strongyloides stercoralis Using Morphological and Molecular-Based Methods
Authors: Gunathilaka Nayana , Chandrasena Nilmini , Wijerathna Tharaka , Fuji Yoshito , Gunasekara Deepa , Gunatilaka Ruwan Prasanna , Premaratna Ranjan
Published: August 2020

Strongyloidiasis is caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis which has the unique ability to reproduce and complete its entire life cycle within the human host through its autoinfection cycle. Diagnosis of this infection is important because of its potential to cause fatal hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated infections in those with defective cellular immunity. Parasitological methods based on faecal microscopy and culture often fail to detect low-intensity infections. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for the detection of S. stercoralis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Enterobius vermicularis by designing primers specific for the ITS1 region of ribosomal DNA of S. stercoralis and A. lumbricoides and 18S region of rRNA of E. vermicularis. A 61-year-old patient presented with chronic gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms and weight loss with a stool microscopy positive for helminth larvae. Stool cultures with the Harada–Mori technique yielded L3 larvae which were identified as S. stercoralis based on morphology. The multiplex PCR performed on DNA extracted from stool elicited the expected band at 129 bp on gel electrophoresis of the PCR yield providing molecular evidence of intestinal strongyloidiasis. The patient’s gastrointestinal symptoms improved with a six-day course of albendazole (400 mg twice daily). Negative posttreatment stool microscopy, culture, and PCR confirmed successful clearance of infection. Molecular-based PCR assay is a promising tool to diagnose and assess the therapeutic efficacy of anthelmintics in intestinal helminthiases such as strongyloidiasis.
Decreased ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 in Peripheral Blood Are as Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Luo Qing , Gao Yujie , Zhang Lu , Rao Jiayue , Guo Yang , Huang Zikun , Li Junming
Published: August 2020

ALKBH5 (alkylation repair homolog protein 5), FTO (fat mass and obesity‐associated protein), and RNA N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase, are essential for the m6A mRNA modification. YTHDF2 (YT521‐B homology domains 2) called m6A “readers” can recognize m6A modification. As the key enzymes of m6A methylation modification, ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 have been implicated in many diseases. However, little is known about the role of ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We measured the mRNA expression of ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 in RA patients and controls by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and the global m6A content was detected by an ELISA‐like format. The mRNA expression of ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 in RA patients was further analyzed to investigate its correlations with disease activity. And, multivariate analysis (logistic regression) was used to analyze the risk factors. The mRNA expression of ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 in RA patients was significantly decreased compared to controls. The mRNA expression of ALKBH5 was significantly increased in RA patients that received regular treatment. The mRNA expression of FTO was associated with disease activity score 28 (DAS28), complement 3 (C3), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR), some common markers for RA disease activity. The mRNA expression of YTHDF2 was associated with RBC, L%, N%, NLR, and LMR. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased expression of ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 in peripheral blood was a risk factor for RA. Moreover, the peripheral blood global m6A content was significantly increased in patients with RA compared to CON, and increased m6A contents negatively correlated with decreased mRNA expression of FTO. In conclusion, this study firstly demonstrates the critical role of ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 in RA, which provides novel insights into recognizing the pathogenesis of RA and a promising biomarker for RA.