bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canadian Research Ethics Board Leadership Attitudes to the Return of Genetic Research Results to Individuals and Their Families
Authors: Fernandez Conrad V. , O'Rourke P. Pearl , Beskow Laura M.
Published: January 2021

The return of individual genetic results to research participants has been widely discussed in the context of an explosion of genetic research utilizing an ever more rapid and inexpensive array of sequencing and bioinformatics platforms. To date, a number of consensus statements guide researchers as to the breadth and limits of their obligations for offering genomic research results to participants. Typically these recommendations are rooted in the result’s clinical validity, actionability, and potential health consequences, and are predicated on the informed consent of the participant. An emerging discussion is the challenging question of the degree to which researchers may additionally have responsibility for offering results to family members of the research participant. Some have argued that ethical obligations to relatives intensify as the significance and actionability of the result increase, while others claim that obligations to next of kin should follow the clinical model where the decision to share genetic results falls to the patient. A detailed reflection on the many ethical issues that arise in considering whether such a responsibility exists, and if so how to honor it, is presented in this issue of JLME by Wolf et al.
Physician Dismissal of Families Who Refuse Vaccination: An Ethical Assessment
Authors: Diekema Douglas S.
Published: January 2021

Childhood vaccination has made an important contribution to the health of children, preventing millions of deaths worldwide each year,1 yet thousands of U.S. parents choose to refuse or delay the administration of selected vaccines to their children. Some choose not to vaccinate their children at all. This can be frustrating for physicians, especially for those who have personally witnessed the positive impact of vaccines on child health during their lifetime. While most physicians continue to care for these families over time, using each visit as an opportunity to educate and encourage vaccination, an increasing number of physicians report dismissing these families from their practice unless they agree to vaccinate their children. This paper will examine this emerging trend along with the reasons given by those who advocate such an approach. I will argue that the strategy of refusing to allow families into a clinic unless they agree to vaccinate their children is misguided, and the arguments for adopting such a policy fail to stand up to close scrutiny.
Genomic Databases and Biobanks in Denmark
Authors: Hartlev Mette
Published: January 2021

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy resting on the founding Constitution of 1849 and later amendments. The 179 members of parliament are democratically elected, and the government is formed on the basis of parliamentary principles. The queen functions as head of state without any power to intervene in legislative or executive matters. Greenland and the Faroe Islands are part of the kingdom, but self-governing. In total, the population is around 5.6 million. The country is divided into five regions and 98 municipalities. Members of both regional and municipal councils are democratically elected.
Genomic Databases and Biobanks in Israel
Authors: Siegal Gil
Published: January 2021

In addressing the creation and regulation of biobanks in different countries, a short descriptive introduction to the social and cultural backgrounds of each country is mandatory. The State of Israel is relatively young (established in 1948), and can be characterized as a multi-religious (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druz, and others), multi-ethnic (more than 14), multi-cultural (Western “Ashkenazi” Jewry, Oriental “Sfaradi” Jewry, Soviet Jewry, Israeli Arabs, Palestinian Arabs) society, somewhat similar to the American melting pot. The current population is 8.3 million, a sharp rise resulting from a 1.2 million influx of immigrants from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s. Seventyfive percent are Jewish, 20% Arabs (the majority of whom are Muslims), and several other minorities. The birth rate is 3.8 per family, the highest in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Spanish Regulation of Biobanks
Authors: Nicolás Pilar
Published: January 2021

Spain occupies an area of 504.645 km, and it has a population of 46.5 million people, out of which 4,538,503 are immigrants. Life expectancy is 82.5 years (85.5 for females and 79.5 for males). Its economy grew 1.4 % in 1014. Its current Constitution was enacted in 1978. It has been part of the European Union since 1986.

Spain is a social and democratic state subject to the rule of law. Liberty, justice, equality, and political pluralism are the highest values of the legal order of the rule of law. Spain is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The legislative power rests upon two chambers: the Congress and Senate. The government exercises the executive powers and the regulatory powers. There have been six presidents since 1978 from all parties, socialist, centrist, and conservative. The judicial power rests upon the courts and tribunals established by law.
Free in the mountains or home in the vineyard: Institutional changes in agriculture and negotiating between contract farm labour and valuable fungi collection in Tibet
Authors: Galipeau Brendan A.
Published: January 2021

This paper evaluates how Tibetan farming communities choose between two methods of livelihood production: working as labourers on vineyard land they have leased to a French winery or collecting valuable fungi. I argue new transnational land and labour management, as part of institutional rearrangements in land tenure, are leading to significant changes with mixed benefits for rural farming communities. These communities respond by seasonally seeking freedom from capitalist labour and returning to communal forms of income production based around community land tenure and common‐pool resources. Although villagers have become contracted labour, they choose to escape this new agricultural work in the mountains, collecting fungi together as a community. The common‐pool land on which fungi are collected is also managed for access in a specific way by and for the community. Contrary to agricultural labour for the winery, fungi collection creates a chance for people to interact once again more as a cohesive community as they once did in their fields by collecting a commodity from land controlled by the community. The disembedding of one section of the economy has thus in a way reinforced the embeddedness of social relations in another as a coping mechanism for the former.
Nonresident Fathers' and Grandparents' Early Years Support and Middle Childhood Socio‐Emotional Adjustment
Authors: Parkes Alison , Chambers Stephanie , Buston Katie
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study investigates how different patterns of nonresident father support for children and mothers in the early years predict middle childhood adjustment, and whether grandparent support has compensating effects.

Background

Nonresident fathers' involvement in children's lives benefits socio‐emotional adjustment, but it is unclear whether support directed at children is compromised by interparental tensions, or whether other factors may compensate for weaker patterns of father support.

Method

Latent class analyses identified patterns of nonresident father support for single mothers and their 34‐month‐old child (None 35%, Low 16%, Moderate 21%, High 28%) and grandparent support (Low 15%, Moderate Maternal 33%, High Maternal 43%, High Maternal and Paternal 9%), using a sample of 648 families from the Growing Up in Scotland cohort. Effects of father support on children's internalizing and externalizing problems from age 46 to 122 months were explored (n = 352), together with moderating effects of grandparent support.

Results

Low, Moderate and No father support had similar estimated effects on higher externalizing and internalizing problem levels, and steeper increases in internalizing problems. Compared to Low grandparent support, High Maternal and Paternal grandparent support reduced effects of weaker father support on both types of problem; and was more protective than High Maternal grandparent support against internalizing problems.

Conclusion

Weaker patterns of nonresident father support in early childhood, characterized by low involvement and interparental tensions or by no contact, were associated with poorer middle childhood adjustment. Support from both sets of grandparents offered children most protection against the effects of weaker father support.
Self‐construal priming modulates the influence of receptacles on food perception
Authors: Huang Jianping , Wang Chujun , Wan Xiaoang
Published: January 2021

We conducted a study to investigate how self‐construal priming can modulate the influence of receptacles on people's food perception. Self‐construal refers to how an individual views the self, with interdependent or independent self‐construal describing the self as a context‐embedded or context‐independent entity, respectively. After reading an essay containing either interdependent or independent pronouns, each of 112 Chinese participants viewed photos of Asian noodles served on plates of different sizes and colors and rated their feelings about and willingness to pay for these foods. Compared to independent self‐construal priming, priming with the interdependent self‐construal elicited a greater influence of plate size on the participants' willingness to pay for the noodles as well as the pleasantness ratings of the noodles served on red plates. Collectively, these findings suggest that the consumers' processing of and sensitivity to contextual information can be modulated by self‐construal priming when they are evaluating food products.

Practical applications

Previous research demonstrated that people from varied cultural backgrounds are differently susceptible to the influence of contextual cues, such as the receptacles in which foods or drinks are served. The results of this study suggested that priming with the interdependent self‐construal could strengthen the influence of plate size on the participants' judgments and decisions about foods. These findings provide insights into how the nudging effects of contextual cues may vary as a function of the consumers' self‐construal. Moreover, the findings of this study suggest that consumers' susceptibility to immediate contextual cues may be temporarily modulated via presenting verbal materials, which has direct implications in the practice of sensory nudging in the process of selling or serving foods. For example, advertisements or menus may be skillfully designed to contain cues that can prime self‐construal in customers to subtly modulate the influence of contextual cues on their judgment and decisions about foods.
Prevalence of mineralisation of the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle in non‐lame dogs
Authors: Abbey R. , Pettitt R.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Mineralisation of the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle has been reported as a common finding in dogs with thoracic limb lameness. It is not clear if the mineralisation is a clinically significant cause, or a secondary effect, of lameness. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of mineralisation of the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle in dogs presented to the clinic for reasons other than lameness and where lameness was not evident at the time of presentation.

Materials and Methods

Dogs undergoing CT of the thorax were identified from the clinical records. The dogs selected were those presented for clinical issues other than lameness and with no history of lameness. The CT scans were screened to identify the presence or otherwise of supraspinatus mineralisation. Signalment was recorded on all the cases.

Results

Supraspinatus mineralisation was detected in four out of 99 dogs (4%) with all four cases found in male dogs. Medium to large breed dogs were most frequently affected, with a mean age of 9 years. Unilateral mineralisation of the left thoracic limb only was identified.

Clinical Significance

The prevalence of supraspinatus mineralisation was low in this population of non‐lame dogs. This low level when compared to the higher prevalence level found in lame dogs, suggests that supraspinatus mineralisation could be associated with lameness in dogs either as an indirect result of lameness or as a primary cause.
Flexibility in thermal physiology and behaviour allows body mass maintenance in hibernating hazel dormice
Authors: Pretzlaff I. , Radchuk V. , Turner J. M. , Dausmann K. H.
Published: January 2021

Studying animals under natural or semi‐natural conditions is essential to better understand the implications of a warming climate on species survival. Here, we provide evidence of the effects of increasing winter ambient temperature (Ta) on the thermal physiology, feeding behaviour and body mass (BM) of a small mammalian hibernator, the hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius. We collected skin temperature, metabolic rate (MR) and BM data from captive, hibernating dormice exposed to two winters of differing intensity in outdoor aviaries. Additionally, we obtained skin temperature data from one free‐ranging individual during the hibernation period. Statistical modelling showed that Ta and time since the start of hibernation both had significant non‐linear effects on the probability of arousal from torpor. During the warmer winter (Ta<0°C on 26 days), foraging resulted in higher BMs for some individuals, despite more frequent arousals, than during the colder winter (Ta<0°C on 86 days). As expected, Ta had a non‐linear effect on MR during torpor, with the lowest energy expenditure at intermediate Ta, and normothermic MR was minimal when Ta was warmer. The negative effect of increased arousal frequency on BM was counteracted by the positive effect of foraging on BM. Conforming with the accumulating body of evidence on high flexibility in physiological responses in many small mammals, we found that the thermoregulatory and behavioural responses of dormice during hibernation were more flexible than previously observed for this temperate, fat‐storing species. The ability to respond to prevailing environmental conditions might help M. avellanarius cope with increasing winter Ta predicted for ongoing global warming.
A review of the breeding biology of Chiroptera
Authors: Ocampo‐González Paola , López‐Wilchis Ricardo , Espinoza‐Medinilla Eduardo E. , Rioja‐Paradela Tamara M.
Published: January 2021

Since 2000, no reviews or analyses have been carried out on scientific studies regarding bat reproductive biology. Such reviews might contribute towards identifying information gaps and global research focus and trends.

The objective of this work was to review and analyse scientific studies on different aspects of bat reproduction published in the last two decades (2000–2019), in order to provide perspective for future research.

Using 19 key words, we searched for literature on the reproduction of bats published as book chapters and articles in scientific research journals globally. We analysed 36 chapters in 14 books and 276 scientific articles, from 41 countries, identifying publishing trends throughout the years, preferred journals, countries in which studies have been carried out, and most‐studied species and topics.

The number of studies increased over the last decade, resulting from the consolidation of research lines in countries such as Brazil, India, Mexico, and USA. The studies covered 125 species, of whichScotophilus heathiandCynopterus sphinxwere the most recurrent, each appearing in 23 studies (7.4%,n = 312). The most common subject was anatomy (61 studies, 20%,n = 312), and the rarest was assisted reproduction techniques (11 studies, 3.5%,n = 312).

In the last decade, there has been a trend to increase the study of male anatomy. The application of new techniques for the study of reproduction contributed to more complex studies that favour the understanding of the reproductive process. There is an evident lack of reproductive studies for most species, and there is an information gap regarding research in prenatal development and assisted reproduction techniques. These two topics are greatly significant for future research, because of their direct usefulness for species conservation.
Oscillatory connectivity as a mechanism of auditory sensory gating and its disruption in schizophrenia
Authors: Popov Tzvetan , Rockstroh Brigitte , Miller Gregory A.
Published: January 2021

Although innumerable studies using an auditory sensory gating paradigm have confirmed that individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) show less reduction in brain response to the second in a pair of clicks, this large literature has not yielded consensus on the circuit(s) responsible for gating nor for the gating difference in SZ. Clinically stable adult inpatients (N = 157) and matched community participants (N = 90) participated in a standard auditory sensory gating protocol. Responses to paired clicks were quantified as peak‐to‐peak amplitude from a response at approximately 50 ms to a response at approximately 100 ms in MEG‐derived source waveforms. For bilateral sources in each of four regions near Heschl's gyrus, the gating ratio was computed as the response to the second stimulus divided by the response to the first stimulus. Spectrally resolved Granger causality quantified effective connectivity among regions manifested in alpha‐band oscillatory coupling before and during stimulation. Poorer sensory gating localized to A1 in SZ than in controls confirmed previous results, here found in adjacent brain regions as well. Spontaneous, stimulus‐independent effective connectivity within the hemisphere from angular gyrus to portions of the superior temporal gyrus was lower in SZ and correlated with gating ratio. Significant involvement of frontal and subcortical brain regions previously proposed as contributing to the auditory gating abnormality was not found. Findings point to endogenous connectivity evident in a sequence of activity from angular gyrus to portions of superior temporal gyrus as a mechanism contributing to normal and abnormal gating in SZ and potentially to sensory and cognitive symptoms.
Teaching health care innovation to medical students
Authors: Chen Petty Pin Yu , Chou Andrew Chia Chen
Published: January 2021

Background

To identify the efficacy of a design thinking and health care innovation course in improving medical students’ self‐awareness regarding design thinking metrics.

Methods

The assessment of the design thinking mindset was measured pre‐ and post‐course. The target population included medical students at our institution participating in the Innovation & Design Thinking (IDT) course. A paired t‐test was used to compare scores from before and after taking the course with p‐value set at <0.05.

Results

Students reported significantly improvements in the domains of tolerance for uncertainty, embracing risk, human‐centeredness, mindfulness and awareness of process, team knowledge, experimentation, transforming in something tangible, abductive thinking, envisioning new things, and creative confidence (p < 0.05). The greatest improvements were in tolerance for uncertainty (0.48), mindfulness and awareness of process (0.47), and creative confidence (0.40). No significant change was observed in constructs such as empathy, problem reframing, team member's interaction, multidisciplinary collaborative teams, openness to diversity, being learning oriented, learning from mistakes, bias for action, critical thinking, desire to make a difference, and optimism to have an impact.

Discussion

Instructing medical students on the principles of design thinking and their applications in health care improves their self‐awareness regarding the design thinking mindset.
Is there an optimal trade‐off between anaemia and red blood cell transfusion in surgical critically ill patients after oncologic surgery?
Authors: Chapalain Xavier , Ozier Yves , Le Niger Catherine , McQuilten Zoe , Huet Olivier , Aubron Cécile
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives

Equipoise remains on the optimal transfusion strategy in surgical oncologic patients. The primary objective of our study was to determine the impact of anaemia and red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion on severe postoperative complications in surgical oncologic critically ill patients.

Materials and methods

Retrospective single‐centre study. Adults admitted to intensive care unit after major oncologic surgery were eligible. Analyses to determine the independent risk factors, including anaemia or RBC transfusion, for postoperative complications and/or hospital mortality were performed.

Results

Of the 283 patients included, 246 patients (86.9%) had anaemia. Fifty‐five patients (19·4%) were transfused. Patients exposed to moderate‐to‐severe anaemia or RBC transfusion had more often severe complications, especially acute kidney injury and infectious complications. Multivariate analysis found an independent association between moderate and severe anaemia and severe postoperative complications (moderate anaemia: OR 14·02 [2·52–264]; severe anaemia: OR 16·25 [2·62–318·5]; P < 0·05). Elderly, obese patients and patients operated from abdominal surgery appeared to be more vulnerable to anaemia than other patients. Transfusion was also an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (OR 4·19 [2·12–8·39]; P < 0·001). When considering moderate‐to‐severe anaemic patients, RBC transfusion was no longer associated with postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Anaemia was associated with severe postoperative complications, and this association was stronger in elderly, obese patients and after abdominal surgery. RBC transfusion also negatively impacts on patients’ prognosis. However, this association was not found in case of moderate‐to‐severe anaemia exposure (haemoglobin < 10 g/dl).
The Army Basing Programme, Stonehenge and the Emergence of the Sacred Landscape of Wessex
Authors: Leivers Matt
Published: January 2021

Recent excavations for the Army Basing Programme on the periphery of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site have revealed extensive evidence of Early, Middle and Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age activity, including a causewayed enclosure, burials, occupation, pit groups, henges, post alignments and circles. Several of these either incorporate or refer to features of the landscape such as solution hollows, dry valleys, hilltops and rivers, as well as to astronomical phenomena. An appraisal of this evidence alongside other recent programmes of research around Stonehenge suggest an accreting pattern of development of this landscape that begins in the 38th century BC, and which throws new light on the location and meaning of several of the ceremonial earthworks, including Stonehenge itself.
Memorias de un sueño: autobiografía visual de un pasado reciente en Colombia
Authors: Cuéllar Tatiana
Published: January 2021

Esta investigación en artes es asumida como parte de un proceso de transformación cultural, porque relaciona el yo con el nosotros en el campo de las artes vivas y visuales para ampliar la mirada sobre las diferentes visiones que se tienen de la guerra, la violencia y el conflicto armado en el imaginario colectivo colombiano. El objetivo principal es la creación de un dispositivo poético-político que contribuya a las acciones críticas actuales y trabaje con la noción de desaparición forzada en el conflicto armado colombiano en la década de los ochenta. En este dispositivo, se recogen el relato de vida de un exactivista del M-19 en Colombia, documentos institucionales y testimonios familiares a través de entrevistas narrativas, abordados desde el género de la autobiografía dentro de un proceso creativo propio de la producción artística contemporánea. Esta puesta en escena relaciona tres actos de un sujeto político en conflicto: el acto de la memoria, el acto político en sí y el acto artístico. Además de la exposición de dos vectores de la invisibilidad y la desaparición forzada, enmarcados en la realidad social de la violencia en Colombia en el contexto familiar y de las guerrillas armadas. Los resultados esperados son el retorno al testimonio de un acontecimiento familiar para remontar la memoria desde un territorio flexible que dé lugar a un desplazamiento en el discurso histórico y artístico sobre la violencia en Colombia.
New species and new records of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Cape Verde archipelago

Authors: Ferragut Francisco , Baumann Julia
Published: January 2021

The phytoseiid mites of the Cape Verde archipelago are scarcely known. We report the results of a survey conducted on the islands of Santiago and Santo Antão, where phytoseiids were collected from native, cultivated and invasive plants. Fourteen species were collected, four of which represent new records for the islands. One new species, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) macrodactylus Ferragut sp. nov., is described and illustrated. We describe the unknown male of Amblyseius neolargoensis van der Merwe, provide a redescription of the male of Euseius fustis (Pritchard & Baker) and additional morphological information for all examined species.
The Compact Macronuclear Genome of the Ciliate Halteria grandinella: A Transcriptome-Like Genome with 23,000 Nanochromosomes
Authors: Zheng Weibo , Wang Chundi , Lynch Michael , Gao Shan
Published: January 2021

How to achieve protein diversity by genome and transcriptome processing is essential for organismal complexity and adaptation. The present work identifies that the macronuclear genome of
Halteria grandinella
, a cosmopolitan unicellular eukaryote, is composed almost entirely of gene-sized nanochromosomes with extremely short nongenic regions.
In Vivo
Transcriptome of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Colonization Impact on Murine Host Intestinal Gene Expression
Authors: Goh Yong Jun , Barrangou Rodolphe , Klaenhammer Todd R.
Published: January 2021

To date, our basis for comprehending the probiotic mechanisms of
Lactobacillus acidophilus
, one of the most widely consumed probiotic microbes, was largely limited to
in vitro
functional genomic studies. Using a germfree murine colonization model,
in vivo
-based transcriptional studies provided the first view of how
L. acidophilus
survives in the mammalian gut environment, including gene expression patterns linked to survival, efficient nutrient acquisition, stress adaptation, and host interactions.
Pangenome Analytics Reveal Two-Component Systems as Conserved Targets in ESKAPEE Pathogens
Authors: Rajput Akanksha , Seif Yara , Choudhary Kumari Sonal , Dalldorf Christopher , Poudel Saugat , Monk Jonathan M. , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: January 2021

The ESKAPEE pathogens are the leading cause of health care-associated infections worldwide. Two-component systems (TCSs) can be used as effective targets against pathogenic bacteria since they are ubiquitous and manage various vital functions such as antibiotic resistance, virulence, biofilms, quorum sensing, and pH balance, among others.
Stability analysis of double V-shaped gully embankment: dimension-reduced calculation method
Authors: Que Yun , Chen Xianyong , Chen Yanyu , Jiang Zhenliang , Qiu Yonghui , Easa Said
Published: January 2021

Slope stability is generally analyzed by a two-dimensional (2D) method, ignoring the spatial effect (SE), which no longer meets the evaluation accuracy requirement. This problem is particularly prominent for embankments built on double V-shaped gullies (E-DVSG), which is a typical but unique topography in mountainous areas. Moreover, the technical requirements for engineers will increase sharply if a three-dimensional (3D) slope stability calculation method is adopted. To tackle this issue, pragmatically, a dimension-reduced slope stability analysis method (DR-SSAM) considering the SE of the E-DVSG was proposed and verified by a case study. Specifically, the DR-SSAM obtained the 3D safety factor of the E-DVSG by using the spatial effect curves and the safety factor from the 2D model. The results showed that this method was rational and efficient for engineering applications. In addition, the SE generation mechanism and condition, along with the influences resulting from the major factors, were addressed thoroughly.
No radiative corrections to the Carroll–Field–Jackiw term beyond one-loop order
Authors: Brito L. C. T. , Felipe J. C. C. , Petrov A. Yu. , Scarpelli A. P. Baêta
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate explicitly the absence of the quantum corrections to the Carroll–Field–Jackiw (CFJ) term beyond one-loop within the Lorentz-breaking CPT-odd extension of QED. The proof holds within two prescriptions of quantum calculations, with the axial vector in the fermion sector treated either as a perturbation or as a contribution in the exact propagator of the fermion field.
A POWERFUL ITERATIVE APPROACH FOR QUINTIC COMPLEX GINZBURG–LANDAU EQUATION WITHIN THE FRAME OF FRACTIONAL OPERATOR
Authors: YAO SHAO-WEN , ILHAN ESIN , VEERESHA P. , BASKONUS HACI MEHMET
Published: January 2021

The study of nonlinear phenomena associated with physical phenomena is a hot topic in the present era. The fundamental aim of this paper is to find the iterative solution for generalized quintic complex Ginzburg–Landau (GCGL) equation using fractional natural decomposition method (FNDM) within the frame of fractional calculus. We consider the projected equations by incorporating the Caputo fractional operator and investigate two examples for different initial values to present the efficiency and applicability of the FNDM. We presented the nature of the obtained results defined in three distinct cases and illustrated with the help of surfaces and contour plots for the particular value with respect to fractional order. Moreover, to present the accuracy and capture the nature of the obtained results, we present plots with different fractional order, and these plots show the essence of incorporating the fractional concept into the system exemplifying nonlinear complex phenomena. The present investigation confirms the efficiency and applicability of the considered method and fractional operators while analyzing phenomena in science and technology.
The Fourth ACM SIGSPATIAL Workshop on Location-Based Recommendations, Geosocial Networks and Geoadvertising
Authors: Bouros Panagiotis , Dasu Tamraparni , Kanza Yaron , Renz Matthias , Sacharidis Dimitris
Published: January 2021

The amount of publicly available geo-referenced data has seen a dramatic increase over the last years. Many user activities generate data that are annotated with location and contextual information. Moreover, it has become easier to collect and combine rich and diverse location information. In the context of geoadvertising, the use of geosocial data for targeted marketing is receiving significant attention from a wide spectrum of companies and organizations. With the advent of smartphones and online social networks, a multi-billion dollar industry that utilizes geosocial data for advertising and marketing has emerged. Geotagged social-media posts, GPS traces, data from cellular antennas and WiFi access points are used widely to directly access people for advertising, recommendations, marketing, and group purchases. Exploiting this torrent of geo-referenced data provides a tremendous potential to materially improve existing recommendation services and offer novel ones, with numerous applications in many domains, including social networks, marketing, and tourism.
Efficient downscaling of satellite oceanographic data with convolutional neural networks
Authors: Saxena Nikita
Published: January 2021

Space-borne satellite radiometers measure Sea Surface Temperature (SST), which is pivotal to studies of air-sea interactions and ocean features. Under clear sky conditions, high resolution measurements are obtainable. But under cloudy conditions, data analysis is constrained to the available low resolution measurements. We assess the efficiency of Deep Learning (DL) architectures, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to downscale oceanographic data from low spatial resolution (SR) to high SR. With a focus on SST Fields of Bay of Bengal, this study proves that Very Deep Super Resolution CNN can successfully reconstruct SST observations from 15 km SR to 5km SR, and 5km SR to 1km SR. This outcome calls attention to the significance of DL models explicitly trained for the reconstruction of high SR SST fields by using low SR data. Inference on DL models can act as a substitute to the existing computationally expensive downscaling technique: Dynamical Downsampling. The complete code is available on this Github Repository.
Quantum-State Control and Manipulation of Paramagnetic Molecules with Magnetic Fields
Authors: Heazlewood Brianna R.
Published: January 2021

Since external magnetic fields were first employed to deflect paramagnetic atoms in 1921, a range of magnetic field–based methods have been introduced to state-selectively manipulate paramagnetic species. These methods include magnetic guides, which selectively filter paramagnetic species from all other components of a beam, and magnetic traps, where paramagnetic species can be spatially confined for extended periods of time. However, many of these techniques were developed for atomic—rather than molecular—paramagnetic species. It has proven challenging to apply some of these experimental methods developed for atoms to paramagnetic molecules. Thanks to the emergence of new experimental approaches and new combinations of existing techniques, the past decade has seen significant progress toward the manipulation and control of paramagnetic molecules. This review identifies the key methods that have been implemented for the state-selective manipulation of paramagnetic molecules—discussing the motivation, state of the art, and future prospects of the field. Key applications include the ability to control chemical interactions, undertake precise spectroscopic measurements, and challenge our understanding of chemical reactivity at a fundamental level.
Who Enters Politics and Why?
Authors: Gulzar Saad
Published: January 2021

Despite the importance of politicians, empirical work rarely examines who decides to enter politics and why. This survey presents conceptual issues in measuring political entry; reviews work on individual, organizational, and institutional determinants of political entry; and summarizes the main findings and puzzles related to the representation/competence trade-off in recent microcensus studies on who runs for office. Fruitful directions for future work are highlighted throughout the article.
Poly(Vinylidene Difluoride) Soft Dendritic Colloids as Li-Ion Battery Separators
Authors: Luiso Salvatore , Williams Austin H. , Petrecca Michael J. , Roh Sangchul , Velev Orlin D. , Fedkiw Peter S.
Published: January 2021

As an alternative to Li-ion battery (LIB) microporous membrane separators that are typically comprised of polyolefins, other materials and separator morphologies may yield increased cell performance. Here, we present a new class of LIB separators comprising poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF)-based and highly branched, colloidal polymer particulates, called soft dendritic colloids, that are produced by shear-driven polymer precipitation within a turbulent nonsolvent flow followed by filtration. We show the morphology of the resulting PVDF particulates may be varied from fibrous dendritic colloids to thin and highly porous sheet-like particles. The use of PVDF leads to low thermal shrinkage (5% at 90 °C) and high tensile strength (<0.7% offset at 1000 psi), while the high porosity (up to 80%) and high particle surface area are responsible for high conductivity (1.2 mS cm−1) and electrolyte uptake (325%), and good cell capacity (112 mAh g−1 in Li/LiCoO2 cell) with <10% loss after 50 cycles. Because shear-driven precipitation with filtration is a facile and versatile process to make a new class of polymeric LIB separators, soft dendritic colloids are promising candidates as separators for next-generation batteries.
Characterization of one anastomosis gastric bypass and impact of biliary and common limbs on bile acid and postprandial glucose metabolism in a minipig model
Authors: Marciniak Camille , Chávez-Talavera Oscar , Caiazzo Robert , Hubert Thomas , Zubiaga Lorea , Baud Gregory , Quenon Audrey , Descat Amandine , Vallez Emmanuelle , Goossens Jean François , Kouach Mostafa , Vangelder Vincent , Gobert Mathilde , Daoudi Mehdi , Derudas Bruno , Pigny Pascal , Klein André , Gmyr Valéry , Raverdy Violeta , Lestavel Sophie , Laferrère Blandine , Staels Bart , Tailleux Anne , Pattou François
Published: January 2021

Common limb mediates postprandial glucose metabolism change after gastric bypass whereas biliary limb contributes to weight loss.
A new view of macula densa cell microanatomy
Authors: Gyarmati Georgina , Shroff Urvi Nikhil , Riquier-Brison Anne , Kriz Wilhelm , Kaissling Brigitte , Neal Christopher R. , Arkill Kenton P. , Ahmadi Nariman , Gill Inderbir S. , Moon Ju-Young , Desposito Dorinne , Peti-Peterdi János
Published: January 2021

This study illuminated a physiologically regulated dense network of basal cell major and minor processes (maculapodia) in macula densa (MD) cells. The newly identified dynamic and secretory features of these microanatomical structures suggest the presence of novel functional and molecular pathways of cell-to-cell communication in the juxtaglomerular apparatus between MD and other target cells. Detailed characterization of the function and molecular details of MD cell intercellular communications and their role in physiology and disease warrant further studies.
Unusual Myoid Differentiation in a Canine Benign Mixed Mammary Tumour
Authors: Brunetti Barbara , Muscatello Luisa Vera , DeTolla Louis J. , Avallone Giancarlo
Published: January 2021

This report describes an unusual mesenchymal differentiation in a canine benign mixed mammary tumour. A 13-year-old crossbreed female dog was submitted to surgery to remove an inguinal mammary nodule. The tumour was composed of mammary epithelium and mesenchymal populations, not only of cartilage and bone but also of myoid cells. PTAH demonstrated cross striation of striated muscle, and immunohistochemistry highlighted striated muscle expressing desmin and calponin, and smooth muscle expressing desmin, SMA, and calponin. The tumour was diagnosed as a benign mixed tumour with leio- and rhabdomyoid differentiation. There was no tumour recurrence after one year of clinical follow-up. In conclusion, the well-differentiated features of leiomyocytes and rhabdomyocytes and the growth pattern define the benign origin of the mesenchymal component, which has been confirmed by a benign outcome; therefore, the knowledge of this kind of differentiation is helpful to avoid misdiagnoses.
Influence of Salts on the Adsorption of Lysozyme on a Mixed-Mode Resin
Authors: Kreusser Jannette , Jirasek Fabian , Hasse Hans
Published: January 2021

Mixed-mode chromatography (MMC), which combines features of ion exchange chromatography (IEC) and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), is an interesting method for protein separation and purification. The design of MMC processes is challenging as adsorption equilibria are influenced by many parameters, including ionic strength and the presence of different salts in solution. Systematic studies on the influence of those parameters in MMC are rare. Therefore, in the present work, the influence of four salts, namely, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, ammonium chloride, and ammonium sulfate, on the adsorption of lysozyme on the mixed-mode resin Toyopearl MX-Trp-650M at pH 7.0 and 25°C was studied systematically in equilibrium adsorption experiments for ionic strengths between 0 mM and 3000 mM. For all salts, a noticeable adsorption strength was observed over the entire range of studied ionic strengths. An exponential decay of the loading of the resin with increasing ionic strength was found until approx. 1000 mM. For higher ionic strengths, the loading was found to be practically independent of the ionic strength. At constant ionic strength, the highest lysozyme loadings were observed for ammonium sulfate, the lowest for sodium chloride. A mathematical model was developed that correctly describes the influence of the ionic strength as well as the influence of the studied salts. The model is the first that enables the prediction of adsorption isotherms of proteins on mixed-mode resins in a wide range of technically interesting conditions, accounting for the influence of the ionic strength and four salts of practical relevance.
In Vitro Investigation of the Cytotoxic Activity of Emodin 35 Derivative on Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines
Authors: Zheng Jing , Chen Yingyu , Zheng Zhihong , Chen Yanxin , Chai Yujuan , Wang Wenfeng , Asakawa Tetsuya , Hu Jianda
Published: January 2021

Background. Bortezomib is used for treating multiple myeloma (MM); however, it has considerable adverse effects. Emodin has been reported to exhibit inhibitory effects on MM cell lines. We investigated the efficacy of emodin 35 (E35), an emodin derivative, using U266 and MM1s cell lines in treating MM and the efficacy of combining bortezomib and E35. Methods. MTT assays were used to observe the effects of E35 on MM cell growth. The effects on cellular apoptosis were then observed using Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining assay. The expression of apoptosis-related genes, including the caspase family, was examined. The efficacy of combining bortezomib and E35 was investigated by examining the expression of the Akt/mTOR/4EBP1 signaling pathway-related proteins. Results. We report that E35 inhibited the growth of U266 and MM1s cells by inducing cellular apoptosis. Moreover, E35 downregulated the expression of apoptosis-related genes and suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt/mTOR/4EBP1 signaling pathway-related genes, thus exhibiting synergistic effects with bortezomib. All observed effects were dose-dependent. Conclusion. The results showed that E35 exhibited cytotoxic effects in MM cell lines in protein levels. Thus, E35, particularly in combination with bortezomib, may be considered as a promising treatment for MM; however, this requires further investigation in vivo.
A Novel Approach to the Symptomatic Management of Chronic Megacolon
Authors: Ward Michelle J.
Published: January 2021

Background. Chronic megacolon is a rare condition which primarily occurs in patients with autonomic dysfunction of a variety of causes. Its management is often challenging and people with chronic megacolon often suffer from abdominal distension, pain, and malabsorption. Given the struggles clinicians experience in managing these patients long term, this case study provides an example of an alternate strategy for the symptomatic management of chronic megacolon. Case Description. An 80-year-old male with early Parkinson’s disease developed megacolon following a basal ganglia stroke. He had a protracted hospital stay over 6 months due to malabsorption requiring total parenteral nutrition and electrolyte disturbances. A trial of subcutaneous neostigmine was unsuccessful, so patient underwent a trial of intermittent rectal tube decompression which improved his symptoms and malabsorption. This technique was then taught to the patient’s wife until she was confident performing this herself. With continuation of decompression approximately every three days, the patient was able to return to oral nutrition and no longer required ongoing electrolyte replacement. He was able to be discharged into the community with significant improvement in his quality of life. Conclusion. This is the first report to suggest the benefit of intermittent rectal tube decompression in the community for the long-term management of chronic megacolon. Further prospective studies should evaluate the potential for this strategy to be implemented in a wider cohort of patients who are not responsive to existing treatments for chronic megacolon.
Does Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Increase the Incidence of Anastomotic Leakage after Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Yu , Li Yuxuan , Du Xiaohui
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To identify and evaluate the influence of intraperitoneal chemotherapy without hyperthermia (ICwh) to the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal cancer surgery. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in order to review all studies investigating the relationship between ICwh and AL in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. The primary outcome was overall incidence rate of anastomotic leakage. Results. Four studies were included in the final review. ICwh was associated with an overall increased risk of anastomotic leakage [OR 2.05 (1.06, 3.98),

P
=
0.03

]. But there was no significant increased incidence rate when fluorouracil was implanted into the abdominal cavity for ICwh [OR 2.48 (0.55, 11.10),

P
=
0.24

]. Conclusions. This meta-analysis provides some evidence to suggest ICwh may increase the incidence of postoperative AL in colorectal cancer. However, fluorouracil implantation for ICwh does not increase the risk of AL, which seems to be a relatively safe method of ICwh.
State of charge estimation by using extended Kalman filter based on improved open circuit voltage model
Authors: Souaihia Maamar , Belmadani Bachir , Taleb Rachid , Tounsi Kamel
Published: January 2021

This paper focuses on the state of charge estimation (SOC) for battery Li-ion. By modeling a battery based on the equivalent circuit model, the extended Kalman filter approach can be applied to estimate the battery SOC. An electrical battery model is developed in Matlab, Where the structure of the model is detailed by equations and blocks. The battery model has been validated from the experiment results. The comparison shows a good agreement in predicting the voltage, SOC estimation and the model performs better in SOC estimation.
Synchonizing phasor measurement and STATCOM controller in power system stability enhancement
Authors: Mondal Debasish
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the concepts of Synchronizing Phasor Measurement (SPM) and its application in addition with a STATCOM controller in order to enhance dynamic stability of a multi-machine power system. The bus voltage under consideration is estimated in the form of digital signal by a Synchronizing Phasor Measurement Unit (SPMU). The DSP based output of the SPMU is then applied to a fixed structure PI type lead-lag digital STATCOM controller. The performance of this discrete-time digital controller is compared with its analog counterpart. The parameters of the analog controller are first tuned with a popular soft computation technique, Particle Swarm optimization (PSO) and later this controller is converted to digital one for simulation with DSP based outputs received from SPMU. The effectiveness of the design of the proposed control scheme is illustrated through time domain simulation of a proposed 3-machine, 9-bus test power system. The simulation results established that the Synchronizing Phasor Measurement based digital control system is more effective and resulting better performance than the continuous-time analog control system in power system stability improvement.