bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Legacy of Austerity
Authors: Irving Zoë
Published: December 2020

In considering the impact of austerity, much attention has been focused on the immediate effects of public spending cuts and on documenting the resulting increase in hardship and unmet needs. However, in calculating the consequences of austerity for the welfare state, it is its enduring legacy that is equally important. This article examines the proposition that the indirect effects of austerity on social, economic and political relations are as significant for the welfare of future generations as the ‘decade of austerity’ has been for contemporary welfare. The analysis draws on the approach adopted by Paul Wilding (1992) reflecting on the 1980s as the ‘decade of Thatcherism’. Wilding’s ten legacies are recategorised across four dimensions: normalising a non-commitment to welfare, societal scarring, refuelling the race to the bottom and diminishing the political capacity for change. The conclusions suggest that austerity will abide in the social and political relations of welfare long after austerity measures have ceased.
Narrowband Magnetosonic Waves Near the Lower Hybrid Resonance Frequency in the Inner Magnetosphere: Wave Properties and Excitation Conditions
Authors: Ouyang Zhihai , Yuan Zhigang , Yu Xiongdong , Yao Fei
Published: December 2020

In this study, the excitation of narrowband fast magnetosonic (MS) waves near the lower hybrid resonance frequency (fLHR) has been investigated with observations from Van Allen Probes mission and linear growth theory. A typical wave event is first examined to show that these waves can be excited through linear instabilities driven by partial shell distributions of protons. Then it is found that these narrowband MS waves from 188 wave events observed by the Van Allen Probe A between January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 have central frequencies around 0.7fLHR with a bandwidth of 0.2fLHR. In addition, these waves are observed mainly in the dayside and dusk sectors outside the plasmapause, which is different from previously reported results. Moreover, the simultaneously observed energetic protons during wave activities show that the ratios of the ring speed Vr to the Alfvén speed VA mainly fall into the range of 0.8 < Vr/VA < 1, and this preferred condition for excitations of narrowband MS waves near fLHR is also verified by a parameter analysis of calculating linear wave growth rates combined with wave observations.
Van Allen Belt Punctures and Their Correlation With Solar Wind, Geomagnetic Activity, and ULF Waves
Authors: Joseph J. , Jaynes A. N. , Baker D. N. , Li X. , Kanekal S. G.
Published: December 2020

We investigate the rare events of sudden appearances of relativistic electrons (>700 keV), which are normally confined to the Van Allen belts, in the slot region. The frequency of occurrence of these events is on average 1–2 per year. To cope with the scarcity of events, in this study, we examine 21 years of trapped relativistic electron fluxes available from the POES and MetOp Space Environment Monitor (SEM‐2). Our statistical analysis shows that these events can occur even during moderate geomagnetic activity. Occurrence of these events correlates with high‐speed solar winds or interplanetary coronal mass ejections depending on the phase of the solar cycle. A strong correlation of these events is found with ultra‐low frequency (ULF) wave activity, which can be used to predict these events with more than 75% accuracy.
Capability of Superspheroids for Modeling PARASOL Observations Under Dusty‐Sky Conditions
Authors: Lin W. , Bi L. , Weng F. , Li Z. , Dubovik O.
Published: December 2020

A comprehensive dust‐particle geometry model is highly required for accurate computations of optical parameters in radiative transfer simulations and relevant remote sensing applications. In this study, a superspheroidal model is proposed for simulating polarized radiation at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) under dusty‐sky conditions. The superspheroidal model has one more degree of freedom than the spheroidal model. Sensitivity studies are first conducted to investigate how the additional freedom in the superspheroidal dust model affects the polarized signals at the TOA followed by an examination of the impact of particle size, complex refractive index, and surface properties on these polarized signals. The applicability of the superspheroidal model is then assessed for 11 selected dust events in three main dust source regions (namely, North Africa, Middle East, and the Taklamakan Desert). Specifically, the normalized polarized radiance as observed by the Polarization and Anisotropy of Reflectances for Atmospheric Sciences coupled with Observations from a Lidar (PARASOL) are compared with simulations from an adding‐doubling vector radiative transfer model. It is found that the concave superspheroidal model with large roundness parameters achieves favorable performances in fitting the angular distribution of the PARASOL polarized radiance. The optimal roundness parameter is found to be 2.6–3.0 and is consistent with recent comparison of the simulated scattering matrices and their laboratory measurement counterparts. These findings support the potential applicability of the superspheroidal model for polarized remote sensing applications.
Characteristics Analysis and Synoptic Features of Event‐Based Regional Heatwaves Over China
Authors: Yu Yue , Shao Quanxi , Lin Zhaohui , Kang In‐Sik
Published: December 2020

Extreme weather is a global challenge due to its severe impact on environment and society. Existing studies focus on specific extreme events or long‐term characteristics of individual indices. Event‐based concept was proposed to more accurately understand features of extreme events and achieve results closer to realistic extreme processes. In this study, the event‐based concept was extended to spatial dimension to simultaneously investigate multiple features in space and time. After homogeneous regions were identified, extreme events in each region were clustered into different types and then subsequent statistical analyses were conducted. The event‐based concept provides further insight into potential driving mechanisms by synoptic features analysis. To evaluate our framework, heatwave in China was chosen as a case study due to its severe impact on socioeconomy and China's complex topography and climate. The results revealed details about the regional features in northwest China and vast spatial extent along the middle and lower Yangtze River. Different heatwave types showed different characteristics in different regions. Severer heatwaves generally had larger magnitude in various features. Synoptic feature analysis revealed that heatwave events in northwest China were influenced by the Iranian Subtropical High and surface temperature advection from the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The western Pacific subtropical high impacts the heatwave events in eastern China. The western spread of the subtropical high and cold waves from north spawn and finish heatwaves in Sichuan Basin. The correlation analysis between circulation anomalies at the start of heatwaves and the overall features of events was concluded in the most heat‐impacted region.
Planetary‐Scale Wave Impacts on the Venusian Upper Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere
Authors: Brecht A. S. , Bougher S. W. , Shields D. , Liu H.‐L. , Lee C.
Published: December 2020

This work examines the planetary wave‐induced variability within the upper mesosphere/lower thermosphere of Venus by utilizing the Venus Thermospheric General Circulation Model (VTGCM). Rossby and Kelvin wave perturbations are driven by variations in the geopotential height of the VTGCM lower boundary (∼70 km). A suite of simulations was conducted to examine the impact of the individual and combined waves propagating from two different lower boundary conditions (uniform and varying). The Kelvin wave is the more dominant wave which produces the most variability. The combination of the Kelvin and Rossby waves provides a maximum temperature amplitude of 13 K at 92 km and maximum zonal wind amplitude of 23 m/s at 102 km. The combined waves overall are able to propagate up to 125 km. Most of the variation within the temperature, winds, and composition occurs between 70 and 110 km. The varying lower boundary increases the magnitude of the wave deposition and atmospheric responses, but weakly changes the propagation altitude. The thermal variation due to the planetary waves does not reproduce most observed variations. The simulated O2 IR nightglow emission is sensitive to the waves with respect to intensity and local time, but lacks latitudinal variation. The integrated intensity ranges from 1.2 MR to 1.65 MR and the local time ranges from 0.33 local time to 23.6 local time. Overall, planetary waves do affect the atmospheric structure, but there are still large observed variations that planetary waves alone cannot explain (i.e., thermal structure).
Dielectric Properties of the Medusae Fossae Formation and Implications for Ice Content
Authors: Campbell Bruce A. , Watters Thomas R. , Morgan Gareth A.
Published: December 2020

The extensive Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) along the dichotomy boundary on Mars has geologic features indicative of wind erosion of low‐density material. There is evidence suggesting a water ice component, but with considerable uncertainty linked to the unknown MFF porosity and compaction behavior. We use SHARAD radar sounder data to estimate the real permittivity and loss tangent of MFF deposits, and compare these to a model for sediment compaction and to the properties of ice in mid‐latitude glaciers. In areas along the margins of Eumenides Dorsum, between Gordii Dorsum and Amazonis Mensa, and in northwest Zephyria Planum, the loss tangent is about 0.001 at 170 m and plateaus at about 0.003 for 310–550 m thickness. The real dielectric constant across the study areas ranges from 2 to 3. We propose that the MFF is a two‐layer deposit, with 300–600 m of fine‐grained, self‐compacting material above up to 2 km of minimally compacting, low‐loss material. The lower unit could be ice‐free and very coarse‐grained, but we see no evidence of extensive sand exposed by erosion. The lower layer might instead be ice‐rich and protected from sublimation by the dry cover. The volume of cover relative to a high ice content in the lower layer implies hybrid MFF formation as glacial or polar layered deposits capped by a dry, perhaps pyroclastic ash, component.
Recent advances in the direct O-arylation of carbohydrates
Authors: Dimakos Victoria , Taylor Mark S.
Published: December 2020

An emerging approach for the synthesis of O-aryl glycosides and carbohydrate-derived aryl ethers via C(sp2)–O bond formation is reviewed.
Strukturierte Übergabe nach dem SBAR-Konzept für mehr Sicherheit in der Geburtshilfe
Authors: Koldehoff Andreas , von Dossow Vera
Published: December 2020

Stellt man sich den klinischen Behandlungsverlauf von Frauen, Paaren und Familien als Zugstrecke vor, so gibt es während des Krankenhausaufenthaltes viele Situationen, in denen die Weichen richtig zu stellen sind, um das Ziel zu erreichen. Von herausragender Bedeutung ist die Qualität der interprofessionellen Kommunikation zwischen den Fachkräften, die Schwangere und Gebärende betreuen. Das SBAR-Konzept strukturiert die Patientenübergabe.
Praxisanleitung – ein Instrument für einen gelungenen Theorie-Praxis-Transfer
Authors: Agel Lena
Published: December 2020

Studierende des Hebammenwesens müssen künftig von Praxisanleiter/-innen in der Berufspraxis begleitet werden (§ 13 HebG). Aus diesem Grund ist die Praxisanleitung ein wichtiges Bindeglied zwischen theoretischem und praktischem Lernort. Die praxisanleitenden Hebammen sollten sowohl pädagogische als auch fachliche Kompetenzen besitzen, um den Studierenden den Erwerb der beruflichen Handlungskompetenz in der Praxis zu ermöglichen. Hierzu ist es besonders wichtig, den Lernprozess strukturiert zu gestalten.
Right Mini-Thoracotomy for Aortic Plus Mitral with or without Tricuspid Valve Surgery
Authors: Faerber Gloria , Tkebuchava Sophie , Scherag André , Bley Maximilian , Kirov Hristo , Diab Mahmoud , Doenst Torsten
Published: December 2020

Objectives Minimally invasive surgery is increasingly performed for isolated aortic or mitral valve procedures. However, combined minimally invasive aortic and mitral valve surgery is rare. We report our initial experience performing multiple valve procedures through a right-sided mini-thoracotomy (RMT) compared with sternotomy.

Methods A total of 264 patients underwent aortic and mitral with or without tricuspid valve surgery through RMT (n = 25) or sternotomy (n = 239). Propensity score matching was used for outcome comparisons.

Results Of the 264 patients, 25 (age: 72 ± 10 years; 72% male) underwent double (n = 19) and triple valve surgery (n = 6) through RMT and 239 (age: 71 ± 11 years; 54% male) underwent double (n = 176) and triple valve surgery (n = 63) through sternotomy. Sternotomy patients had more co-morbidities and preoperative risk factors (EuroSCORE II 10.25 ± 10.89 vs. RMT 3.58. ± 4.98; p < 0.001). RMT procedures were uneventful without intraoperative complications or conversions to sternotomy. After propensity score matching, surgical procedures were comparable between groups with a higher valve repair rate in RMT. Despite longer cardiopulmonary bypass times in RMT, there was no evidence for differences in 30-day mortality (RMT: n = 2 vs. sternotomy: n = 2) and there were no significant differences in other outcomes. During 5-year follow-up, reoperation was required in sternotomy patients only (n = 2). Follow-up echocardiography showed durable results after valve surgery. RMT patients showed higher survival probability compared with sternotomy, although this difference was not significant (hazard ratio = 0.33; 95% confidence interval: 0.06–1.65; p = 0.18).

Conclusion Combined aortic plus mitral with or without tricuspid valve surgery can safely be performed through a RMT with a trend toward better mid-term outcomes.
Evaluation of the Clinical Features of 81 Patients with COVID-19: An Unpredictable Disease in Children
Authors: Temel Hayrettin , Gündüz Mehmet , Arslan Hüseyin , Ünal Füsun , Atağ Emine , Cömert Murat , Doğan Mehmet Sait , Erkesim Remzi , Okur Mesut , Öktem Sedat , Tosun Ayşe İstanbullu
Published: December 2020

Objective Data on the prognosis of clinical features of pediatric patients affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is insufficient. This study aimed to examine the clinical, laboratory, and radiology findings of pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Methods A total of 81 pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 who were admitted to the pediatric clinics of our tertiary care hospital in Istanbul between March 22 and May 1, 2020, were included in the study.

Results Of the patients, 40 (49.6%) were boys and 41 (50.6%) were girls. The mean age of the patients was 9.3 ± 5.5 years (range: 1 month–16 years). The most common symptoms were cough (28.4%) and fever (25.9%). A total of 26 patients (32.1%) had pharyngeal erythema. There was no significant difference between age groups in terms of symptoms, findings, clinical picture, history of contact, and clinical course (p > 0.001 for each). Abnormal findings were observed in seven (8.6%) patients on chest X-ray, and in four patients (4.9%) on thorax computed tomography. Only three of the patients were hospitalized and all of them discharged with healing.

Conclusion The present study is the most comprehensive study on children diagnosed with COVID-19 in our country, which showed that the COVID-19 picture was mild in pediatric patients, but the signs and symptoms in children were not specific to the disease. Our findings also showed that the rate of asymptomatic infection in children was high and that it was difficult to recognize COVID-19 in children.
Genetic factors associated with favourable pollinator traits in the wheat cultivar Piko
Authors: Okada Takashi , Jayasinghe J. E. A. Ridma M. , Eckermann Paul , Watson-Haigh Nathan S. , Warner Patricia , Williams Mark E. , Albertsen Marc C. , Baumann Ute , Whitford Ryan
Published: December 2020

Hybrid breeding in wheat has the potential to boost yields. An efficient hybrid seed production system requires elite pollinators; however, such germplasm is limited among modern cultivars. Piko, a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar, has been identified as a superior pollinator and has been used in Europe. Piko has favourable pollinator traits for anther extrusion, anther length, pollen mass and hybrid seed set. However, the genetic factors responsible for Piko’s favourable traits are largely unknown. Here, we report on the genetic analysis of a Piko-derived F2 mapping population. We confirmed that Piko’s Rht-D1a allele for tall stature is associated with large anthers and high anther extrusion. However, Rht-D1 was not found to be associated with anther filament length, confirmed by near isogenic lines. Piko’s photoperiod sensitive Ppd-B1b allele shows an association with increased spike length, more spikelets and spike architecture traits, while the insensitive Ppd-B1a allele is linked with high anther extrusion and larger anthers. We identified an anther extrusion quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 6A that showed significantly biased transmission of the favourable Piko allele amongst F2 progenies. The Piko allele is completely absent in the distal 6AS region and the central 6A region revealed a significantly lower ratio (<8%) of F2 with homozygous Piko alleles. Our study provided further evidence for the effects of Rht-D1 and Ppd-B1 loci on multiple pollinator traits and a novel anther extrusion QTL that exhibits segregation distortion.
Elementary excitations in fractional quantum Hall effect from classical constraints
Authors: Yang Bo , Balram Ajit C
Published: December 2020

Classical constraints on the reduced density matrix of quantum fluids in a single Landau level termed as local exclusion conditions (LECs) (Yang 2019 Phys. Rev. B
100 241302), have recently been shown to characterize the ground state of many fractional quantum Hall (FQH) phases. In this work, we extend the LEC construction to build the elementary excitations, namely quasiholes and quasielectrons, of these FQH phases. In particular, we elucidate the quasihole counting, categorize various types of quasielectrons, and construct their microscopic wave functions. Our extensive numerical calculations indicate that the undressed quasielectron excitations of the Laughlin state obtained from LECs are topologically equivalent to those obtained from the composite fermion theory. Intriguingly, the LEC construction unveils interesting connections between different FQH phases and offers a novel perspective on exotic states such as the Gaffnian and the Fibonacci state.
Platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome induced by short-term weight loss: a case series
Authors: Tamura Yudai , Sakamoto Tomohiro
Published: December 2020

Background

Platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is an uncommon condition characterized by dyspnoea and arterial desaturation in the standing or sitting position that improves in the supine position.

Case summary

We report two cases of POS caused by an atrial septal defect (ASD) and a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Both cases reported a recent decrease in body weight of more than 10 kg in a short time period. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) with agitated saline bubble study revealed and a large amount of contrast bubble through the ASD (Patient 1) or the PFO (Patient 2) from the right atrium to the left atrium in the sitting position. Both patients were diagnosed by the finding of positional dyspnoea and the results of TOE using agitated saline bubble contrast.

Discussion

Taken together, their presentations suggest that weight loss in a short time period could be a pathogenic factor for POS.
Social Relationships and Self-Perceptions of Aging
Authors: Skoblow Hanamori , Proulx Christine
Published: December 2020

Recent research has demonstrated that social relationships are positively associated with self-perceptions of aging (SPA; Santini et al., 2019), although to date, this evidence is cross-sectional. The current study builds on previous work and explores the longitudinal relation between social relationships and SPA, and whether these associations might be buffered by perceived mastery. Using repeated measures data from three waves (2008, 2012, and 2016) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we examined how relationship quality (i.e., support and strain) influenced self-perceptions of aging among adults aged 65+ (n = 1477). Greater support from friends in 2008 was significantly associated with better SPA in 2016, and this effect was amplified by high levels of mastery in 2012. That is, older adults with high mastery and high friend support reported more positive SPA than individuals with less mastery or friend support, controlling for gender, age, race, education, income, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and baseline SPA. Relationship quality with spouse, children, and other family members were not significant predictors of SPA, nor did mastery moderate the association between these relationships and SPA. These results provide evidence for the importance of interpersonal factors such as friendship quality and individual factors in understanding older adults’ perceptions of the aging process.
Chinese American Caregivers of Older Adults With Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hu Mengyao , Grunin Laura , Wu Bei
Published: December 2020

With the rapid growth of aging populations, the number of older adults with dementia is increasing worldwide. While there is a significant amount of research on dementia caregivers, we know very little about Chinese American (the largest subgroup of the Asian American population in America) caregivers. Therefore, the aims of this study are to 1) conduct a scoping review by identifying existing studies on Chinese American dementia caregivers, 2) present the current state of the science on Chinese American dementia caregiving, and 3) provide direction for future research. Twenty-one studies were included in the final review with 3 main themes synthesized (care experience, utilization of programs/services, and recruitment for caregivers). Care experience included illness perception towards Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia (ADRD) such as stigma and normalization of the disease process. Filial piety was another important cultural belief underpinning care experience. An underutilization of supportive programs/services among this population was identified. Additionally, the few existing programs/services for Chinese American caregivers as well as the barriers encountered when seeking these programs/services were seen in the literature. The strategies and barriers of the included research articles for recruitment of Chinese American caregivers are also discussed in this study. These findings provide an overview of the current knowledge about Chinese American caregivers and serve as a stepping stone for future studies on similar populations in promoting caregiver’s health and developing culturally sensitive caregiver support services.
Optimal definition of contemporary groups for crossbred pigs in a joint purebred and crossbred genetic evaluation
Authors: Steyn Yvette , Lourenco Daniela A , Chen Ching-Yi , Valente Bruno D , Holl Justin , Herring William O , Misztal Ignacy
Published: December 2020

In the pig industry, purebred animals are raised in nucleus herds and selected to produce crossbred progeny to perform in commercial environments. Crossbred and purebred performances are different, correlated traits. All purebreds in a pen have their performance assessed together at the end of a performance test. However, only selected crossbreds are removed (based on visual inspection) and measured at different times creating many small contemporary groups (CGs). This may reduce estimated breeding value (EBV) prediction accuracies. Considering this sequential recording of crossbreds, the objective was to investigate the impact of different CG definitions on genetic parameters and EBV prediction accuracy for crossbred traits. Growth rate (GP) and ultrasound backfat (BFP) records were available for purebreds. Lifetime growth (GX) and backfat (BFX) were recorded on crossbreds. Different CGs were tested: CG_all included farm, sex, birth year, and birth week; CG_week added slaughter week; and CG_day used slaughter day instead of week. Data of 124,709 crossbreds were used. The purebred phenotypes (62,274 animals) included three generations of purebred ancestors of these crossbreds and their CG mates. Variance components for four-trait models with different CG definitions were estimated with average information restricted maximum likelihood. Purebred traits’ variance components remained stable across CG definitions and varied slightly for BFX. Additive genetic variances (and heritabilities) for GX fluctuated more: 812 ± 36 (0.28 ± 0.01), 257 ± 15 (0.17 ± 0.01), and 204 ± 13 (0.15 ± 0.01) for CG_all, CG_week, and CG_day, respectively. Age at slaughter (AAS) and hot carcass weight (HCW) adjusted for age were investigated as alternatives for GX. Both have potential for selection but lower heritabilities compared with GX: 0.21 ± 0.01 (0.18 ± 0.01), 0.16 ± 0.02 (0.16 + 0.01), and 0.10 ± 0.01 (0.14 ± 0.01) for AAS (HCW) using CG_all, CG_week, and CG_day, respectively. The predictive ability, linear regression (LR) accuracy, bias, and dispersion of crossbred traits in crossbreds favored CG_day, but correlations with unadjusted phenotypes favored CG_all. In purebreds, CG_all showed the best LR accuracy, while showing small relative differences in bias and dispersion. Different CG scenarios showed no relevant impact on BFX EBV. This study shows that different CG definitions may affect evaluation stability and animal ranking. Results suggest that ignoring slaughter dates in CG is more appropriate for estimating crossbred trait EBV for purebred animals.
Conceptualising ‘Undue Influence’ in Decision-Making Support for People with Mental Disabilities
Authors: Craigie Jillian
Published: December 2020

A crucial question in relation to support designed to enable the legal capacity of people with mental disabilities concerns when support constitutes undue influence. This article addresses this question in order to facilitate the development of law and policy in England and Wales, by providing a normative analysis of the different approaches to undue influence across decisions about property, contracts, health, finances, and accommodation. These are all potential contexts for supporting legal capacity, and, in doing so, the article compares approaches to undue influence that are rarely considered together.

Drawing on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, third sector and public body documents, and law in England and Wales, the analysis identifies six models that conceptualise undue influence in terms of: modes of influence; an overborne will; an inference from the situation; an overborne will understood as a mental incapacity; an overborne will in connection with vulnerability; and impaired discursive control. This final approach is a novel proposal for understanding undue influence. The analysis highlights key policy-relevant issues that distinguish the models, and generates a deliberative framework for navigating them, with the ‘overborne will’, ‘inference-based’, and ‘discursive control’ models identified as potentially fitting for the support context.
Small molecules inhibitors of the heterogeneous ribonuclear protein A18 (hnRNP A18): a regulator of protein translation and an immune checkpoint
Authors: Solano-Gonzalez Eduardo , Coburn Katherine M , Yu Wenbo , Wilson Gerald M , Nurmemmedov Elmar , Kesari Santosh , Chang Elizabeth T , MacKerell Alexander D , Weber David J , Carrier France
Published: December 2020

We have identified chemical probes that simultaneously inhibit cancer cell progression and an immune checkpoint. Using the computational Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS) technology, structural biology and cell-based assays, we identify small molecules that directly and selectively bind to the RNA Recognition Motif (RRM) of hnRNP A18, a regulator of protein translation in cancer cells. hnRNP A18 recognizes a specific RNA signature motif in the 3′UTR of transcripts associated with cancer cell progression (Trx, VEGF, RPA) and, as shown here, a tumor immune checkpoint (CTLA-4). Post-transcriptional regulation of immune checkpoints is a potential therapeutic strategy that remains to be exploited. The probes target hnRNP A18 RRM in vitro and in cells as evaluated by cellular target engagement. As single agents, the probes specifically disrupt hnRNP A18–RNA interactions, downregulate Trx and CTLA-4 protein levels and inhibit proliferation of several cancer cell lines without affecting the viability of normal epithelial cells. These first-in-class chemical probes will greatly facilitate the elucidation of the underexplored biological function of RNA Binding Proteins (RBPs) in cancer cells, including their effects on proliferation and immune checkpoint activation.
A Bayesian approach for diagnostic accuracy of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Martin Enrico , Geitenbeek Ritchie T J , Coert J Henk , Hanff David F , Graven Laura H , Grünhagen Dirk J , Verhoef Cornelis , Taal Walter
Published: December 2020

Background

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) carry a dismal prognosis and require early detection and complete resection. However, MPNSTs are prone to sampling errors and biopsies or resections are cumbersome and possibly damaging in benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor (BPNST). This study aimed to systematically review and quantify the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive tests for distinguishing MPNST from BPNST.

Methods

Studies on accuracy of MRI, FDG-PET (fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography), and liquid biopsies were identified in PubMed and Embase from 2000 to 2019. Pooled accuracies were calculated using Bayesian bivariate meta-analyses. Individual level-patient data were analyzed for ideal maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) threshold on FDG-PET.

Results

Forty-three studies were selected for qualitative synthesis including data on 1875 patients and 2939 lesions. Thirty-five studies were included for meta-analyses. For MRI, the absence of target sign showed highest sensitivity (0.99, 95% CI: 0.94-1.00); ill-defined margins (0.94, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98); and perilesional edema (0.95, 95% CI: 0.83-1.00) showed highest specificity. For FDG-PET, SUVmax and tumor-to-liver ratio show similar accuracy; sensitivity 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.97 and 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.97, respectively, specificity 0.81, 95% CI: 0.76-0.87 and 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70-0.86, respectively. SUVmax ≥3.5 yielded the best accuracy with a sensitivity of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.93-1.00) and specificity of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.56-0.90).

Conclusions

Biopsies may be omitted in the presence of a target sign and the absence of ill-defined margins or perilesional edema. Because of diverse radiological characteristics of MPNST, biopsies may still commonly be required. In neurofibromatosis type 1, FDG-PET scans may further reduce biopsies. Ideal SUVmax threshold is ≥3.5.
Management of fatigue with physical activity and behavioural change support in vasculitis: a feasibility study
Authors: Harper Lorraine , Hewitt Catherine A , Litchfield Ian , Morgan Matthew D , Chanouzas Dimitrios , Caulfield Hollie K , Coughlan Linda , Dean Caroline , Fletcher Kate , Cramp Fiona , Greenfield Sheila , Ives Natalie J , Jowett Sue , Kodabuckus Shalela , Tearne Sarah , Sehmi Sukhwant , Edwardson Charlotte , Dawkins Nathan P , Daley Amanda J
Published: December 2020

Objective

Patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) experience high levels of fatigue, despite disease remission. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a definitive randomized controlled trial of a behavioural-based physical activity intervention to support fatigue self-management in AAV patients.

Methods

AAV patients in disease remission with fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 general fatigue domain ≥14) were randomly allocated to intervention or standard care in this single-centre open-label randomized controlled feasibility study. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and comprised eight face-to-face physical activity sessions with a facilitator and 12 weekly telephone calls. Participants were encouraged to monitor their physical activity using a tracker device (Fitbit). Standard care involved sign-posting to fatigue websites. The primary outcome was feasibility of a phase III trial assessed against three stop/go traffic light criteria, (recruitment, intervention adherence and study withdrawal). A qualitative study assessed participant views about the intervention.

Results

A total of 248 patients were screened and 134 were eligible to participate (54%). Stop/go criteria were amber for recruitment; 43/134 (32%, 95% CI: 24, 40) eligible participants randomized, amber for adherence; 73% of participants attended all eight physical activity sessions, but only 11/22 (50%, 95% CI: 29, 71%) completed the intervention as per the intended schedule, and green for study withdrawal; 2/43 participants withdrew before 24 weeks (5%, 95% CI: 0, 11). Qualitative results suggested the intervention was acceptable.

Conclusion

This study suggests a behavioural-based physical activity intervention targeting fatigue self-management was acceptable to patients with AAV, although recruitment and protocol adherence will need modification prior to a definitive trial.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

ISRCTN11929227.
The Pornography Industry
Authors: Tarrant Shira
Published: December 2020

We may know pornography when we see it, but the business of pornography is a surprisingly elusive subject. Reliable figures about the industry are difficult to come by and widely disputed, but one matter that is hardly debatable is that pornography is a major and ubiquitous enterprise. Porn allegedly accounts for one-third of all internet traffic currently, though the data about actual consumption is unclear. Reports in recent years have suggested that 70 million individuals visit porn sites every week; that among viewers aged 18-24, women watch more porn than men; and that among middle-aged, white-collar workers, three-quarters of men and half of women have admitted to looking at pornography websites while at work. While debates and emotions around porn can run high, there is a crucial need for reliable information and rational conversation. In this book, Shira Tarrant parses the wide range of statistics that we have on the pornography industry, sorting myth from reality in an objective, fascinating and knowledgeable fashion. She looks at ongoing political controversies around the industry, the feminist porn wars, the views of the religious right, the history of pornography, landmark legal cases, and the latest in medical research. The Pornography Industry also explains the industry basics -who works in porn, why people become performers, how much they earn, and what happens on a porn set. It further delves into important questions such as: how many teenagers watch porn and should we worry about it? What is porn piracy and can it be stopped? What can the industry do about sexist and racist pornography? Does porn cause violence against women? Can people become addicted to porn? Is watching porn the same as infidelity? By presenting competing perspectives in an even-handed way, The Pornography Industry will enable readers to explore these provocative issues and make their own best decisions about the debates.
Atheism
Authors: Ruse Michael
Published: December 2020

Over the last decade, "New Atheists" such as Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, and Christopher Hitchens have pushed the issue of atheism to the forefront of public discussion. Yet very few of the ensuing debates and discussions have managed to provide a full and objective treatment of the subject. Atheism: What Everyone Needs to Know provides a balanced look at the topic, considering atheism historically, philosophically, theologically, sociologically and psychologically. Written in an easily accessible style, the book uses a question and answer format to examine the history of atheism, arguments for and against atheism, the relationship between religion and science, and the issue of the meaning of life-and whether or not one can be a happy and satisfied atheist. Above all, the author stresses that the atheism controversy is not just a matter of the facts, but a matter of burning moral concern, both about the stand one should take on the issues and the consequences of one's commitment.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA reverse-transcribed and integrated into the human genome
Authors: Zhang Liguo , Richards Alexsia , Khalil Andrew , Wogram Emile , Ma Haiting , Young Richard A. , Jaenisch Rudolf
Published: December 2020

Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding and recurrence of PCR-positive tests have been widely reported in patients after recovery, yet these patients most commonly are non-infectious1–14. Here we investigated the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 RNAs can be reverse-transcribed and integrated into the human genome and that transcription of the integrated sequences might account for PCR-positive tests. In support of this hypothesis, we found chimeric transcripts consisting of viral fused to cellular sequences in published data sets of SARS-CoV-2 infected cultured cells and primary cells of patients, consistent with the transcription of viral sequences integrated into the genome. To experimentally corroborate the possibility of viral retro-integration, we describe evidence that SARS-CoV-2 RNAs can be reverse transcribed in human cells by reverse transcriptase (RT) from LINE-1 elements or by HIV-1 RT, and that these DNA sequences can be integrated into the cell genome and subsequently be transcribed. Human endogenous LINE-1 expression was induced upon SARS-CoV-2 infection or by cytokine exposure in cultured cells, suggesting a molecular mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 retro-integration in patients. This novel feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection may explain why patients can continue to produce viral RNA after recovery and suggests a new aspect of RNA virus replication.
Conformational Shannon entropy of mRNA structures from force spectroscopy measurements predicts the efficiency of −1 programmed ribosomal frameshift stimulation
Authors: Halma Matthew T.J. , Ritchie Dustin B. , Woodside Michael T.
Published: December 2020

−1 Programmed ribosomal frameshifting (−1 PRF) is stimulated by structures in mRNA, but the factors determining −1 PRF efficiency are unclear. We show that −1 PRF efficiency varies directly with the conformational heterogeneity of the stimulatory structure, quantified as the Shannon entropy of the state occupancy, for a panel of stimulatory structures with efficiency ranging from 2–80%. The correlation is force-dependent and vanishes at forces above those applied by the ribosome. This work supports the hypothesis that heterogeneous conformational dynamics are a key factor in stimulating −1 PRF.
Generation of a SARS-CoV-2 Replicon as a Model System to Dissect Virus Replication and Antiviral Inhibition
Authors: He Xi , Quan Shuo , Xu Min , Rodriguez Silveria , Goh Shih Lin , Wei Jiajie , Fridman Arthur , Koeplinger Kenneth A. , Carroll Steve S. , Grobler Jay A. , Espeseth Amy S. , Olsen David B. , Hazuda Daria J. , Wang Dai
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2 research and antiviral discovery are hampered by the lack of a cell-based virus replication system that can be readily adopted without biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) restrictions. Here, the construction of a non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 reporter replicon and its application in deciphering viral replication mechanisms and evaluating SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors are presented. The replicon genome is replication competent but does not produce progeny virions. Its replication can be inhibited by RdRp mutations or by known SARS-CoV-2 antiviral compounds. Using this system, a high-throughput antiviral assay has also been developed. Significant differences in potencies of several SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in different cell lines were observed, which highlights the challenges of discovering antivirals capable of inhibiting viral replicationin vivoand the importance of testing compounds in multiple cell culture models. The generation of a SARS-CoV-2 replicon provides a powerful platform to expand the global research effort to combat COVID-19.
The use of internal control systems and codes of conduct as anti-corruption practices: evidence from Vietnamese firms
Authors: Le Ngoc T.B. , Vu Lien T.P. , Nguyen Thang V.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Drawing from fraud triangle theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether the use of internal control systems and codes of conduct, as a specific element of internal control, helps firms to reduce law violations and bribery payments to public officials.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data of Vietnamese firms, conducted between September and December 2018. The authors run logistic and ordinary least squares regressions to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study showed that the use of internal control systems has a negative and significant relationship with law violation but not with bribes paid to public officials. By contrast, the use of codes of conduct appears to reduce bribe payments but not law violations.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional data do not allow us to confirm causal relationships. The self-reported measures of the use of codes of conduct and internal control systems may suffer from social desirability biases and should be further validated with different samples of firms. Finally, the relatively modest number of firms that participated in the survey raises a concern of sample representativeness.

Practical implications

For businesses, the application of codes of conduct and internal control systems enhances the reliability and certainty of the firm's operations as well as its integrity, contributing to the firm's long-term development. For policymakers, encouraging businesses to use internal control systems and codes of conduct would contribute meaningfully to the anti-corruption effort.

Originality/value

Businesses in emerging economies face a dilemma of how to participate in an anti-corruption agenda while staying profitable. This study shows that the use of internal control systems and codes of conduct would serve both purposes, contributing to businesses' sustainable development.
Clinical impact of musculoskeletal ultrasound on rheumatoid arthritis in routine care
Authors: Molina Collada Juan , Castrejón Isabel , Pérez María , Nieto‐González Juan Carlos , González Teresa , Rivera Javier , González Carlos , Álvaro‐Gracia José María
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the impact of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to investigate factors affecting treatment strategy by the referring rheumatologist.

Methods

Prospective study of RA patients evaluated at a MSUS clinic over a 6‐month period. Data extraction included demographics, current treatment and MSUS findings. Pre‐ and post‐MSUS follow‐up of 3 months data were analyzed. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on the decision of the referring rheumatologist to change the treatment after the MSUS examination. Comparisons between groups were performed in a univariate analysis. We used logistic regression models to investigate factors associated with changes in clinical management.

Results

A total of 64 RA patients were included. Mean age was 61.9 years and 83.6% were female. Main referral indication was assessment of disease activity (89%). Overall, MSUS led to subsequent therapeutic actions by the referring rheumatologist in 41 (64.1%) patients, and to a change in the clinical impression of the complaint that generated the referral in 7 (11.5%) patients. The detection of power Doppler (PD), the 28 swollen joint count and the presence of radiographic erosions were significantly associated with a subsequent clinical action. In the multivariate analysis only PD remained significant (odds ratio = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.05‐10.26).

Conclusion

Disease activity evaluation is the most common indication for MSUS examination, with the presence of PD the factor most frequently associated with changes in therapeutic management. This study highlights the impact of MSUS, especially the use of PD, to support treatment decisions in RA routine care.
The impact of internal and external factors on the relationship between information opacity and open‐market repurchases
Authors: Wang Chih‐Wei , Peng Jing‐Yu
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the linkage between information opacity and open‐market share repurchases in emerging markets. We measure information opacity by accruals quality and find that firms with higher levels of information opacity experience more positive market reactions following repurchase announcements, which remain after controlling for some firm characteristics. We document that information opacity is positively related to announcement returns only in firms with strong corporate governance, controlled by a single family, or with a low level of foreign ownership. Our results reveal that the positive relationship between information opacity and announcement returns still exists even during the global financial crisis.
Foot disease and physical function in older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Iseli Rebecca K. , Lee Elton K , Lewis Ellen , Duncan Gregory , Maier Andrea B.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To systematically assess the literature examining the association between foot disease (foot ulceration, infection, critical ischaemia and/or Charcot neuroarthropathy) and physical function in older adults.

Methods

Literature search of MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL was performed. Studies were included if foot disease and physical function were assessed in participants of mean or median age ≥ 65 years.

Results

Of 2,574 abstracts screened, 19 studies (13 longitudinal, 6 cross‐sectional) reporting on 5634 participants, 43% female, were included. Diabetes‐related foot disease and critical ischaemia were most studied (n = 5017, 40% female). In 8 studies with control groups, foot disease was associated with poorer physical function. Meta‐analysis of 5 studies (n = 1503, 45% female) found an association between foot disease and poorer physical function (SMD (95% CI): 1.00 (0.40, 1.62), P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Foot disease is associated with poorer physical function in older adults. Future research should include broader study populations and intervention strategies.