bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terminalia (Combretaceae) in northern tropical Africa: Priority and typification of T. schimperiana and T. glaucescens; typification of other synonyms of T. schimperiana and of T. avicennioides
Authors: Friis Ib , Demissew Sebsebe
Published: February 2020

Since M.E. Griffiths in 1959 published a revision of the African species of Terminalia, it has been accepted that a species referred to as T. glaucescens occurs across the continent from the Atlantic coast of West Africa to Ethiopia, and our study confirms this. However, the nomenclatural history of a name competing for priority, T. schimperiana, has not been sorted out. Terminalia glaucescens is used for plants in West and Central Africa, while T. schimperiana is used for plants in the Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia. According to the Code, T. schimperiana was effectively and validly published on printed labels with the Schimper exsiccata Iter Abyssinicum III 1638, which was distributed between March and December, 1844, while T. glaucescens was published in 1849. Terminalia schimperiana therefore has priority and should be used for the species throughout its range. The history of the type collection of T. schimperiana is outlined. Lectotypes are selected for both names and for other synonyms. Terminalia avicennioides is also dealt with, as the two species were initially confused. The type of T. avicennioides is lost; the name is lectotypified with the original illustration, which, even in combination with the original description, does not show sufficient characters to distinguish the species from other Terminalia in the region. An epitype agreeing with the current delimitation of T. avicennioides is therefore also selected.
Youth perceptions of climate change: A narrative synthesis
Authors: Lee Katharine , Gjersoe Nathalia , O'Neill Saffron , Barnett Julie
Published: February 2020

Despite the scale of the predicted impact of climate change on future generations, most of the academic literature investigating perceptions of climate change relates to adults or young adults rather than children and adolescents. In this review, we synthesize literature relating to 8‐ to 19‐year‐old's perceptions and understandings of climate change, in order to identify trends and inconsistencies, potential gaps in knowledge, and directions for future research. A comprehensive search strategy identified 51 international studies, using quantitative (n = 36), qualitative (n = 9), and mixed methods (n = 6). The included studies date from 1993 to 2018. The analysis outlines levels of reported belief and concern about climate change and perceptions of its causes and consequences. It also details reported perceptions of viable solutions to climate change and notions of responsibility for implementing these. Scientifically accurate knowledge generally increased with age, although misconceptions persisted across the age range. In some studies, younger children expressed greater concern and were more willing to take action than older adolescents. Levels of belief, concern, and willingness to take action were lower in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia than in other countries. In conclusion, we discuss potential explanations for these age and place‐related differences, examining the age‐related findings in the context of concepts and theories in developmental psychology. We outline the limitations of our review and the reviewed studies, and note potential avenues for future research and implications for educational policy and practice.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change
Coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering at the European Spallation Source
Authors: Baxter D. , Collar J. I. , Coloma P. , Dahl C. E. , Esteban I. , Ferrario P. , Gomez-Cadenas J. J. , Gonzalez-Garcia M.C. , Kavner A. R. L. , Lewis C. M. , Monrabal F. , Vidal J. Munõz , Privitera P. , Ramanathan K. , Renner J.
Published: February 2020

Abstract

The European Spallation Source (ESS), presently well on its way to completion, will soon provide the most intense neutron beams for multi-disciplinary science. Fortuitously, it will also generate the largest pulsed neutrino flux suitable for the detection of Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering (CEνNS), a process recently measured for the first time at ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source. We describe innovative detector technologies maximally able to profit from the order-of-magnitude increase in neutrino flux provided by the ESS, along with their sensitivity to a rich particle physics phenomenology accessible through high-statistics, precision CEνNS measurements.
Geometric actions and flat space holography
Authors: Merbis Wout , Riegler Max
Published: February 2020

Abstract

In this paper we perform the Hamiltonian reduction of the action for three- dimensional Einstein gravity with vanishing cosmological constant using the Chern-Simons formulation and Bondi-van der Burg-Metzner-Sachs (BMS) boundary conditions. An equivalent formulation of the boundary action is the geometric action on BMS3 coad- joint orbits, where the orbit representative is identified as the bulk holonomy. We use this reduced action to compute one-loop contributions to the torus partition function of all BMS3 descendants of Minkowski spacetime and cosmological solutions in flat space. We then consider Wilson lines in the ISO(2, 1) Chern-Simons theory with endpoints on the boundary, whose reduction to the boundary theory gives a bilocal operator. We use the expectation values and two-point correlation functions of these bilocal operators to compute quantum contributions to the entanglement entropy of a single interval for BMS3 invariant field theories and BMS3 blocks, respectively. While semi-classically the BMS3 boundary theory has central charges c1 = 0 and c2 = 3/GN, we find that quantum corrections in flat space do not renormalize GN, but rather lead to a non-zero c1.
How service users and carers understand, perceive, rephrase, and communicate about “depressive episode” and “schizophrenia” diagnoses: an international participatory research
Authors: Roelandt Jean-Luc , Baleige Antoine , Koenig Marie , Demassiet Vincent , Agoub Mohamed , Barikova Victoria , Benmessaoud Dalila , Brunet Floriane , Carta Mauro-Giovanni , Castelpietra Giulio , Crepaz-Keay David , Daumerie Nicolas , Fontaine Audrey , Grigutyte Neringa , Kishore Jugal , Kiss Marta , Laporta Marc , Layoussif Elkhansaa , Limane Youssouf , Lopez Marcelino , Mura Gioia , Pelletier Jean-François , Raharinivo Mbolatiana , Richa Sami , Robles-Garcia Rebecca , Stona Anne-Claire , Skourteli Marina , Thévenon Catherine , Triantafyllou Michel , Vasilopoulos Fotis , Wooley Stéphanie , Reed Geoffrey , Guernut Mathilde , Saxena Shekhar , Askevis-Leherpeux Françoise
Published: February 2020

Background

For ICD-11, the WHO emphasized the clinical utility of communication and the need to involve service users and carers in the revision process.

Aims

The objective was to assess whether medical vocabulary was accessible, which kinds of feelings it activated, whether and how users and carers would like to rephrase terms, and whether they used diagnosis to talk about mental health experiences.

Method

An innovative protocol focused on two diagnoses (depressive episode and schizophrenia) was implemented in 15 different countries. The same issues were discussed with users and carers: understanding, feelings, rephrasing, and communication.

Results

Most participants reported understanding the diagnoses, but associated them with negative feelings. While the negativity of “depressive episode” mostly came from the concept itself, that of “schizophrenia” was largely based on its social impact and stigmatization associated with “mental illness”.

When rephrasing “depressive episode”, a majority kept the root “depress*”, and suppressed the temporal dimension or renamed it. Almost no one suggested a reformulation based on “schizophrenia”. Finally, when communicating, no one used the phrase “depressive episode”. Some participants used words based on “depress”, but no one mentioned “episode”. Very few used “schizophrenia”.

Conclusion

Data revealed a gap between concepts and emotional and cognitive experiences. Both professional and experiential language and knowledge have to be considered as complementary. Consequently, the ICD should be co-constructed by professionals, service users, and carers. It should take the emotional component of language, and the diversity of linguistic and cultural contexts, into account.
Chronic harmine treatment has a delayed effect on mobility in control and socially defeated rats
Authors: Giacobbo Bruno Lima , Doorduin Janine , Moraga-Amaro Rodrigo , Nazario Luiza Reali , Schildt Anna , Bromberg Elke , Dierckx Rudi A.J.O. , de Vries Erik F.J.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Depression is characterized by behavioral, cognitive and physiological changes, imposing a major burden on the overall wellbeing of the patient. Some evidence indicates that social stress, changes in growth factors (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)), and neuroinflammation are involved in the development and progression of the disease. The monoamine oxidase A inhibitor drug harmine was suggested to have both antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties and may, therefore, be a potential candidate for treatment of depression.

Aim

The goal of this study was to assess the effects of harmine on behavior, brain BDNF levels, and microglia activation in control rats and a rat model of social stress.

Material and methods

Rats were submitted to 5 consecutive days of repeated social defeat (RSD) or control conditions. Animals were treated daily with harmine (15 mg/kg) or vehicle from day 3 until the end of the experiment. To assess the effects of harmine treatment on behavior, the sucrose preference test (SPT) was performed on days 1, 6, and 15, the open field test (OFT) on days 6 and 14, and the novel object recognition test (NOR) on day 16. Brain microgliosis was assessed using [11C]PBR-28 PET on day 17. Animals were terminated on day 17, and BDNF protein concentrations in the hippocampus and frontal cortex were analyzed using ELISA.

Results

RSD significantly decreased bodyweight and increased anxiety and anhedonia-related parameters in the OFT and SPT on day 6, but these behavioral effects were not observed anymore on day 14/15. Harmine treatment caused a significant reduction in bodyweight gain in both groups, induced anhedonia in the SPT on day 6, and significantly reduced the mobility and exploratory behavior of the animals in the OFT mainly on day 14. PET imaging and the NOR test did not show any significant effects on microglia activation and memory, respectively. BDNF protein concentrations in the hippocampus and frontal cortex were not significantly affected by either RSD or harmine treatment.

Discussion

Harmine was not able to reverse the acute effects of RSD on anxiety and anhedonia and even aggravated the effect of RSD on bodyweight loss. Moreover, harmine treatment caused unexpected side effects on general locomotion, both in RSD and control animals, but did not influence glial activation status and BDNF concentrations in the brain. In this model, RSD-induced stress was not strong enough to induce long-term effects on the behavior, neuroinflammation, or BDNF protein concentration. Thus, the efficacy of harmine treatment on these delayed parameters needs to be further evaluated in more severe models of chronic stress.
From cracked polytopes to Fano threefolds
Authors: Prince Thomas
Published: February 2020

We construct Fano threefolds with very ample anti-canonical bundle and Picard rank greater than one fromcracked polytopes—polytopes whose intersection with a complete fan forms a set of unimodular polytopes—using Laurent inversion; a method developed jointly with Coates–Kasprzyk. We also give constructions of rank one Fano threefolds from cracked polytopes, following work of Christophersen–Ilten and Galkin. We explore the problem of classifying polytopes cracked along a given fan in three dimensions, and classify the unimodular polytopes which can occur as ‘pieces’ of a cracked polytope.
Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus activation of the innate immune response and priming of antitumor adaptive responses in vitro
Authors: Burke Shannon , Shergold Amy , Elder Matthew J. , Whitworth Justine , Cheng Xing , Jin Hong , Wilkinson Robert W. , Harper James , Carroll Danielle K.
Published: February 2020

Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy is an emerging approach with the potential to redefine treatment options across a range of cancer indications and in patients who remain resistant to existing standards of care, including immuno-oncology (IO) drugs. MEDI5395, a recombinant Newcastle disease virus (NDV), engineered to express granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), exhibits potent oncolytic activity. It was hypothesized that activation of immune cells by MEDI5395, coupled with its oncolytic activity, would enhance the priming of antitumor immunity. Using MEDI5395 and recombinant NDVs encoding fluorescent reporter genes, we demonstrated preferential virus uptake and non-productive infection in myeloid cells, including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs). Infection resulted in immune-cell activation, with upregulation of cell surface activation markers (e.g., CD80, PD-L1, HLA-DR) and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-α2a, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α). Interestingly, in vitro M2-polarized macrophages were more permissive to virus infection than were M1-polarized macrophages. In a co-culture system, infected myeloid cells were effective virus vectors and mediated the transfer of infectious NDV particles to tumor cells, resulting in cell death. Furthermore, NDV-infected DCs stimulated greater proliferation of allogeneic T cells than uninfected DCs. Antigens released after NDV-induced tumor cell lysis were cross-presented by DCs and drove activation of tumor antigen-specific autologous T cells. MEDI5395 therefore exhibited potent immunostimulatory activity and an ability to enhance antigen-specific T-cell priming. This, coupled with its tumor-selective oncolytic capacity, underscores the promise of MEDI5395 as a multimodal therapeutic, with potential to both enhance current responding patient populations and elicit de novo responses in resistant patients.
Development and validation of a prediction model for failed shockwave lithotripsy of upper urinary tract calculi using computed tomography information: the S3HoCKwave score
Authors:   the Okayama-Ehime S.W.L. Study Group, Yoshioka Takashi , Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi , Hashimoto Hideaki , Otsuki Hideo , Oeda Tadashi , Ishito Noritaka , Watanabe Ryuta , Saika Takashi , Araki Motoo , Fukuhara Shunichi , Yamamoto Yosuke
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To develop and validate a new clinical prediction model that accurately predicts the failure of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) using information obtained from non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT).

Methods

This multicentre retrospective cohort study consecutively enrolled patients diagnosed with upper urinary tract calculi by NCCT at five hospitals in Japan from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016. Among the candidate predictors, we selected the six most significant predictors a priori. The main outcome was SWL failure after three sessions. Model calibration was evaluated by the calibration slope and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. Discrimination was evaluated by the receiver-operating characteristic curves and the area under the curve (AUC). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed; based on the estimated β coefficients, predictive scores were generated.

Results

Of 2695 patients, 2271 were included. Patients were divided into the development cohort (1666 patients) and validation cohort (605 patients) according to geographical factors. We developed a clinical prediction model with scores ranging from 0 to 49 points. We named the prediction model the S3HoCKwave score based on the initials of the predictors (sex, skin-to-stone distance, size, Hounsfield units, colic, and kidney or ureter). As a result of internal validation, the optimism-corrected AUC was 0.72. In the validation cohort, the Hosmer–Lemeshow test did not show statistical significance (P = 0.33), and the AUC was 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.65–0.76).

Conclusions

The S3HoCKwave score is easy to understand, has a relatively high predictive value, and allows clinicians to make appropriate treatment selections.
Real-life multidisciplinary treatment for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases including hepatic artery infusion with chemo-filtration and liquid biopsy precision oncotherapy: observational cohort study
Authors: Guadagni Stefano , Clementi Marco , Mackay Andrew R. , Ricevuto Enrico , Fiorentini Giammaria , Sarti Donatella , Palumbo Paola , Apostolou Panagiotis , Papasotiriou Ioannis , Masedu Francesco , Valenti Marco , Giordano Aldo Victor , Bruera Gemma
Published: February 2020

Background

Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) and drug selection by liquid biopsy precision oncotherapy are under investigation for the multidisciplinary treatment of unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRCLM) in progression after systemic therapy. Here, we compare the safety and efficacy of third-line HAI followed by target therapy with drug regimes selected by liquid biopsy precision oncotherapy to third-line systemic therapy with drug regimes selected partly by tissue biopsy precision oncotherapy, in a retrospective real-life study of 106 unresectable CRCLM patients.

Methods

Drug regimens for HAI/target therapy were selected by assessing the sensitivity of purified circulating tumor cell (CTCs) to 5-fluorouracil, carboplatin, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, doxorubicin, mitomycin, raltitrexed, and melphalan in-vitro and by real-time qRT-PCR gene expression assays, and for the Systemic therapy cohort were selected by age, comorbidity, performance status, and absence of RAS mutations. Therapeutic responses, adverse events, and quality of life were evaluated by RECIST 1.1, CTCAE 4.03, and ECOG criteria, respectively, and chemo-filtration performed following HAI to reduce systemic toxic effects.

Results

HAI/target therapy with drugs selected by liquid biopsy precision oncotherapy (44 patients), resulted in 2.27% CRs, 38.63% PRs, 56.81% SD,s and 2.27% PDs; ECOG 2 to 1 improvement, but no infusion-related technical or vascular complications, or deaths. Systemic therapy (62 patients) resulted in 1.6% CRs, 17.74% PRs, 37.09% SDs, and 45.16% PDs; more grade 1–2 adverse events and 4.84% ECOG 1 to 2 worsening. The median 5 month PFS in the HAI/target therapy cohort was significantly longer than 3 months in the systemic cohort (P < 0.007) and the median 14 month survival in the HAI/target therapy cohort was longer than 8.5 months in the systemic therapy cohort but not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis identified ECOG grade 2 as the most unfavourable survival prognostic factor in both cohorts.

Conclusions

HAI plus chemo-filtration followed by target therapy, with drug regimens selected by liquid biopsy precision oncotherapy, is a safe and efficacious alternative therapeutic strategy for unresectable CRCLM in progression after two lines of systemic therapy and should be considered for a multicentre prospective phase III study, to fully confirm this potential.
Cross-talk signaling in the trigeminal ganglion: role of neuropeptides and other mediators
Authors: Messlinger Karl , Balcziak Louis K. , Russo Andrew F.
Published: February 2020

The trigeminal ganglion with its three trigeminal nerve tracts consists mainly of clusters of sensory neurons with their peripheral and central processes. Most neurons are surrounded by satellite glial cells and the axons are wrapped by myelinating and non-myelinating Schwann cells. Trigeminal neurons express various neuropeptides, most notably, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP). Two types of CGRP receptors are expressed in neurons and satellite glia. A variety of other signal molecules like ATP, nitric oxide, cytokines, and neurotrophic factors are released from trigeminal ganglion neurons and signal to neighboring neurons or satellite glial cells, which can signal back to neurons with same or other mediators. This potential cross-talk of signals involves intracellular mechanisms, including gene expression, that can modulate mediators of sensory information, such as neuropeptides, receptors, and neurotrophic factors. From the ganglia cell bodies, which are outside the blood–brain barrier, the mediators are further distributed to peripheral sites and/or to the spinal trigeminal nucleus in the brainstem, where they can affect neural transmission. A major question is how the sensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglion differ from those in the dorsal root ganglion. Despite their functional overlap, there are distinct differences in their ontogeny, gene expression, signaling pathways, and responses to anti-migraine drugs. Consequently, drugs that modulate cross-talk in the trigeminal ganglion can modulate both peripheral and central sensitization, which may potentially be distinct from sensitization mediated in the dorsal root ganglion.
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)–mediated coregulator binding and gene expression discriminates the toxic ERα agonist diethylstilbestrol (DES) from the endogenous ERα agonist 17β-estradiol (E2)
Authors: Adam Aziza Hussein Bakheit , de Haan Laura H. J. , Estruch Ignacio Miro , Hooiveld Guido J. E. J. , Louisse Jochem , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M.
Published: February 2020

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen and proven human teratogen and carcinogen reported to act via the estrogen receptor α (ERα). Since the endogenous ERα ligand 17β-estradiol (E2) does not show these adverse effects to a similar extent, we hypothesized that DES’ interaction with the ERα differs from that of E2. The current study aimed to investigate possible differences between DES and E2 using in vitro assays that detect ERα-mediated effects, including ERα-mediated reporter gene expression, ERα-mediated breast cancer cell (T47D) proliferation and ERα-coregulator interactions and gene expression in T47D cells. Results obtained indicate that DES and E2 activate ERα-mediated reporter gene transcription and T47D cell proliferation in a similar way. However, significant differences between DES- and E2-induced binding of the ERα to 15 coregulator motifs and in transcriptomic signatures obtained in the T47D cells were observed. It is concluded that differences observed in binding of the ERα with several co-repressor motifs, in downregulation of genes involved in histone deacetylation and DNA methylation and in upregulation of CYP26A1 and CYP26B1 contribute to the differential effects reported for DES and E2.
Testing for hybridisation of the Critically Endangered Iguana delicatissima on Anguilla to inform conservation efforts
Authors: Pounder Kieran C. , Mukhida F. , Brown R. P. , Carter D. , Daltry J. C. , Fleming T. , Goetz M. , Halsey L. G. , Hughes G. , Questel K. , Saccheri I. J. , Williams R. , Soanes L. M.
Published: February 2020

The Caribbean Island of Anguilla in the north-eastern Lesser Antilles is home to one of the last populations of the Critically Endangered Lesser Antillean iguanaIguana delicatissima. This population is highly threatened primarily because of hybridisation with non-nativeIguana iguana. This study assesses the degree of hybridisation between Anguilla’sIguanaspecies firstly using morphological characteristics and then genetic analysis to validate the genetic integrity of morphologically identifiedI. delicatissima. We also examined the genetic diversity of Anguilla’sI. delicatissimapopulation, and that of a population on the nearby island of Îlet Fourchue, St Barthélemy. Forty-five iguanas were captured in Anguilla and 10 in St Barthélemy, and sequences from 3 nuclear and 1 mtDNA genes were obtained for each. Of the 45 iguanas captured in Anguilla, 22 were morphologically identified asI. delicatissima, 12 asI. iguanaand the remainder were identified as hybrids. Morphological assignments were all confirmed by genetic analyses except for oneI. iguanaand one hybrid individual. These two individuals appeared likely to have originated following ancestral hybridisation events several generations ago. A significant paucity of genetic diversity was found within Anguillan and St BarthélemyI. delicatissimapopulations, with a single haplotype being identified for each of the three nuclear genes and the mtDNA sequence. This study highlights the urgency for immediate action to conserve Anguilla’s remnantI. delicatissimapopulation. Protection from hybridisation will require translocation toI. iguana-free offshore cays, with supplementary individuals being sourced from neighbouring islands to enhance the genetic diversity of the population.
Normative metaphysics for accountants
Authors: Maguire Barry , Snedegar Justin
Published: February 2020

We use normative reasons in a bewildering variety of different ways. And yet, as many recent theorists have shown, one can discern systematic distinctions underlying this complexity. This paper is a contribution to this project of constructive normative metaphysics. We aim to bring a black sheep back into the flock: the balancing model of weighing reasons. This model is threatened by a variety of cases in which distinct reasons overlap, in the sense that they do not contribute separate weight for or against an option. Our response is to distinguish between derivative reasons and load-bearing reasons, only the latter of which contribute non-overlapping weight to an option. This distinction is close at hand for analyses of reasons in terms of the promotion of significant outcomes. But we also develop an account of this distinction for fundamentalist theories of normative reasons.
Saponins as cytotoxic agents: an update (2010–2018). Part I—steroidal saponins
Authors: Sobolewska Danuta , Galanty Agnieszka , Grabowska Karolina , Makowska-Wąs Justyna , Wróbel-Biedrawa Dagmara , Podolak Irma
Published: February 2020

Steroidal saponins are a group of glycosides widely distributed among monocotyledonous families. They exert a wide spectrum of biological effects including cytotoxic and antitumor properties which are the most studied. This review is an update of our previous paper—Saponins as cytotoxic agents(Podolak et al. in Phytochem Rev 9:425–474, 2010) and covers studies that were since published (2010–2018). In this paper we refer to steroidal saponins presenting results of cytotoxicity studies, mechanisms of action and structure–activity relationships.
Polyphenols from waste streams of food industry: valorisation of blanch water from marzipan production
Authors: Hellwig Veronika , Gasser Johanna
Published: February 2020

Waste fractions of food processing are promising sources of polyphenols, which are of high demand because of their favourable bioactivities. More recently, also wastewater and process water fractions are in focus of research and technologies for downstream processing, which is reviewed here. Adsorption as well as membrane technologies are widely used to achieve selective recovery of polyphenols from waste water. For technical implementation the processing of waste fractions must be separated from the primary food production process. Therefore, the key step is the efficient transfer of the waste fractions into a storable and transportable form of polyphenol-enriched fractions. This strategy is shown exemplarily for the marzipan production. Almond skin and blanch water are waste fractions containing catechin and procyanidins, for which a recycling concept has been developed. The polyphenolic ingredients of the blanch water can be specifically adsorbed by means of Amberlite resins or zeolites with high yield followed by ultrafiltration.
Acceptance of Biological Evolution by First-Year Life Sciences University Students
Authors: Betti Lia , Shaw Peter , Behrends Volker
Published: February 2020

Lack of acceptance of biological evolution, despite the overwhelming evidence that supports it, can be very problematic in higher education courses that have a strong biological basis. We investigated acceptance of biological evolution in 344 first-year Life Sciences undergraduate students across five programmes at the University of Roehampton, UK. In line with previous findings in British universities, we found that 9% of the students did not accept evolution by natural selection, with an increase to 16% for human evolution. Both religiosity and programme of study were significantly related to acceptance levels in our students (p < 0.001). In particular, lower acceptance was associated with Muslim or Christian beliefs, and with Biomedical Sciences and Nutrition and Health programmes (compared with Anthropology, Zoology and Biological Sciences). We suggest embedding an evolutionary perspective in the teaching of biomedical and health programmes and creating space for explicit discussion of perceived conflicts with religious beliefs.
Relationship between greenhouse gas emission, energy consumption, and economic growth: evidence from some selected oil-producing African countries
Authors: Yusuf Abdulmalik M. , Abubakar Attahir Babaji , Mamman Suleiman O.
Published: February 2020

This paper investigates the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and output growth among African OPEC countries (Libya, Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon) using the panel autoregressive distributed lag model (PARDL) estimated by means of mean group (MG) and pooled mean group (PMG) for the period 1970–2016. The paper estimated three panel models comprising the components of greenhouse gasses which includes nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane and examined their relationship with economic growth and energy consumption. The findings of the study showed evidence of a positive impact of economic growth on both CO2 and methane emissions in the long run. Its impact on nitrous oxide emissions although positive was found to be statistically insignificant. Energy consumption was also found to produce an insignificant positive impact on CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions in the long run. In the short run, economic growth exerts a significant positive effect on methane emissions; however, its effect on CO2 and nitrous oxide emissions although positive was found to be statistically insignificant. Energy consumption produces an insignificant impact on all components of greenhouse gasses in the short run. In addition, our empirical results showed the presence of a non-linear relationship between methane emissions and economic growth, confirming the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) only in the case of methane emissions model.
Cognitive Enhancement and Network Effects: how Individual Prosperity Depends on Group Traits
Authors: Anomaly Jonathan , Jones Garett
Published: February 2020

A central debate in bioethics is whether parents should try to influence the genetic basis of their children’s traits. We argue that the case for using mate selection, embryo selection, and other interventions to enhance heritable traits like intelligence is strengthened by the fact that they seem to have positive network effects. These network effects include increased cooperation in collective action problems, which contributes to social trust and prosperity. We begin with an overview of evidence for these claims, and then argue that if individual welfare is largely a function of group traits, parents should try to preserve or enhance cognitive traits that have positive network effects.
A computational model of task allocation in social insects: ecology and interactions alone can drive specialisation
Authors: Chen Rui , Meyer Bernd , Garcia Julian
Published: February 2020

Social insects allocate their workforce in a decentralised fashion, addressing multiple tasks and responding effectively to environmental changes. This process is fundamental to their ecological success, but the mechanisms behind it are not well understood. While most models focus on internal and individual factors, empirical evidence highlights the importance of ecology and social interactions. To address this gap, we propose a game theoretical model of task allocation. Our main findings are twofold: Firstly, the specialisation emerging from self-organised task allocation can be largely determined by the ecology. Weakly specialised colonies in which all individuals perform more than one task emerge when foraging is cheap; in contrast, harsher environments with high foraging costs lead to strong specialisation in which each individual fully engages in a single task. Secondly, social interactions lead to important differences in dynamic environments. Colonies whose individuals rely on their own experience are predicted to be more flexible when dealing with change than colonies relying on social information. We also find that, counter to intuition, strongly specialised colonies may perform suboptimally, whereas the group performance of weakly specialised colonies approaches optimality. Our simulation results fully agree with the predictions of the mathematical model for the regions where the latter is analytically tractable. Our results are useful in framing relevant and important empirical questions, where ecology and interactions are key elements of hypotheses and predictions.
In Vivo Assessment of Cortical Bone Fragility
Authors: Bowman Lyn , Loucks Anne B.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of Review

This review updates readers on recent developments in the assessment of cortical bone fragility in vivo. The review explains the clinical need that motivated the development of Cortical Bone Mechanics Technology™ (CBMT) as a scientific instrument, its unique capabilities, and its necessary further development as a medical device.

Recent Findings

Clinical experience with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry has led to calls for new clinical methods for assessing bone health. CBMT is a noninvasive, dynamic 3-point bending test that makes direct, functional measurements of the mechanical properties of cortical bone in ulnas of living people. Its technical validity in accurate measurements of ulna flexural rigidity and its clinical validity in accurate estimations of quasistatic ulna bending strength have been demonstrated.

Because CBMT is a whole bone test, its measurements reflect the influences of bone quantity and bone quality at all hierarchical levels.
The Selected Erratic Boulders in the Świętokrzyskie Province (Central Poland) and Their Potential to Promote Geotourism
Authors: Górska-Zabielska Maria , Witkowska Kinga , Pisarska Małgorzata , Musiał Rafał , Jońca Beata
Published: February 2020

In the present paper, ten erratic boulders in the Świętokrzyskie Province (Central Poland) are described in detail, indicating their Scandinavian origin area, location, form of protection, petrographic type and morphology. In particular, special attention is placed on an evaluation of these boulders’ current and potential significance for geotourism with the aim of promoting geotourism. The Devil’s Stone from Kamienna Wola has a very high potential for promoting geotourism. Two other erratic boulders in Radoszyce and Wilków can promote geotourism to a lesser degree. The potential of the remaining boulders to promote nature-based tourism is medium or low. Some solutions are proposed to increase the importance of these erratic boulders in the sustainable development of the research area.
Low genetic polymorphism in the re-introduced Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) population in Finland: implications for conservation
Authors: Iso-Touru Terhi , Huitu Otso , Tapio Miika , Kučinskienė Jūratė , Ulevičius Alius , Bukelskis Egidijus , Tirronen Konstantin , Fyodorov Fyodor , Panchenko Danila , Saarma Urmas , Valdmann Harri , Kauhala Kaarina
Published: February 2020

Background

Reduction of genetic diversity can lead to reduced fitness of species, such as the loss of adaptability to changing environments. The native Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) was hunted to extinction from Finland and many other countries in Europe in the nineteenth century. In Finland, the species was re-introduced in the 1930s with only a few individuals from Norway. Re-introductions were performed also in other countries of northern Europe and as a result, Eurasian beaver populations have undergone population bottlenecks leading to low levels of genetic diversity.

Materials and Methods

Here, 200 Eurasian beaver samples from Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Russian Karelia were investigated using 12 microsatellite markers to examine the level of genetic diversity and relationship between the populations.

Results

While Russian and Estonian populations were genetically the closest, the Finnish population was clearly distinct from all others and had the lowest genetic variability among the study populations. This may be deleterious to the population especially in a changing environment.

Conclusions

Genetic rescue could be the best solution to increase the genetic diversity and improve the future prospects of the population, although more studies are required to resolve the optimal source population.
Running-in friction of hip joint replacements can be significantly reduced: The effect of surface-textured acetabular cup
Authors: Nečas David , Usami Hatsuhiko , Niimi Tatsuya , Sawae Yoshinori , Křupka Ivan , Hartl Martin
Published: February 2020

Hip joint replacements represent the most effective way of treatment for patients suffering from joint diseases. Despite the rapid improvement of implant materials over the last few decades, limited longevity associated with wear-related complications persists as the main drawback. Therefore, improved tribological performance is required in order to extend the service life of replacements. The effect of surface texturing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cup was investigated in the present study. Unique tilling method was utilized for manufacturing the dimples with controlled diameter and depths on the contact surface of the cup. The experiments with four commercial femoral components and two model lubricants were realized. The main attention was paid to a coefficient of friction considering the differences between the original and the dimpled cups. Results showed remarkable lowering of friction, in general. Focusing on the simulated human synovial fluid, friction was reduced by 40% (alumina ceramic), 38.8% (zirconia toughened ceramic), 25.5% (metal), and 9.9% (oxinium). In addition, the dimples helped to keep the friction stable without fluctuations. To conclude, the paper brings a new insight into frictional behaviour of the hip replacements during running-in phase which is essential for overall implant lifespan. It is believed that proper surface texturing may rapidly improve the life quality of millions of patients and may lead to considerable financial savings.
Capturing heat transfer for complex-shaped multibody contact problems, a new FDEM approach
Authors: Joulin Clément , Xiang Jiansheng , Latham John-Paul , Pain Christopher , Salinas Pablo
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a new approach for the modelling of heat transfer in 3D discrete particle systems. Using a combined finite–discrete element (FDEM) method, the surface of contact is numerically computed when two discrete meshes of two solids experience a small overlap. Incoming heat flux and heat conduction inside and between solid bodies are linked. In traditional FEM (finite element method) or DEM (discrete element method) approaches, to model heat transfer across contacting bodies, the surface of contact is not directly reconstructed. The approach adopted here uses the number of surface elements from the penetrating boundary meshes to form a polygon of the intersection, resulting in a significant decrease in the mesh dependency of the method. Moreover, this new method is suitable for any sizes or shapes making up the particle system, and heat distribution across particles is an inherent feature of the model. This FDEM approach is validated against two models: a FEM model and a DEM pipe network model. In addition, a multi-particle heat transfer contact problem of complex-shaped particles is presented.
Ultra-sensitive Nanoprobe Modified with Tumor Cell Membrane for UCL/MRI/PET Multimodality Precise Imaging of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Fang Hanyi , Li Mengting , Liu Qingyao , Gai Yongkang , Yuan Lujie , Wang Sheng , Zhang Xiao , Ye Min , Zhang Yongxue , Gao Mingyuan , Hou Yi , Lan Xiaoli
Published: February 2020

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer in which the estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor are not expressed, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 is not amplified or overexpressed either, which make the clinical diagnosis and treatment very challenging. Molecular imaging can provide an effective way to diagnose TNBC. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), are a promising new generation of molecular imaging probes. However, UCNPs still need to be improved for tumor-targeting ability and biocompatibility. This study describes a novel probe based on cancer cell membrane-coated upconversion nanoparticles (CCm-UCNPs), owing to the low immunogenicity and homologous-targeting ability of cancer cell membranes, and modified multifunctional UCNPs. This probe exhibits excellent performance in breast cancer molecular classification and TNBC diagnosis through UCL/MRI/PET tri-modality imaging in vivo. By using this probe, MDA-MB-231 was successfully differentiated between MCF-7 tumor models in vivo. Based on the tumor imaging and molecular classification results, the probe is also expected to be modified for drug delivery in the future, contributing to the treatment of TNBC. The combination of nanoparticles with biomimetic cell membranes has the potential for multiple clinical applications.
Comparison of Vaginal Penetration Cognitions and Metacognitions Between Women with Genito-Pelvic Pain and Penetration Disorder and Healthy Controls
Authors: Teksin Ünal Gülşen , Şahmelikoğlu Onur Özge , Erten Evrim
Published: February 2020

Background

Investigation of vaginal penetration cognitions and metacognitive beliefs in genito-pelvic pain and penetration disorder (GPPPD) could be important for understanding the underlying mechanisms of sexual disorders.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare healthy controls and GPPPD women for vaginal penetration cognitions and metacognitions.

Methods

Outpatients with GPPPD (n = 135) and healthy controls (n = 136) were evaluated with Sociodemographic Data Form, Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (SCID-I), SCID nonpatient version, Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction Female Form (GRISS), Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire, Metacognitions Questionnaire (MQ), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), SCID and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D).

Outcomes

The relationship between metacognitions and vaginal penetration cognitions was detected, and patients with GPPPD and healthy controls were compared for metacognitions.

Results

The MQ total score and all MQ subdimension scores other than positive beliefs about worry of GPPPD were found to be significantly higher in the GPPPD group than in controls. All Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire subdimension scores except positive cognitions for penetration score were significantly higher in patients with GPPPD than in controls. The total and frequency of sexuality, sexual communication between partners, avoidance of sexuality, nonsensuality, vaginismus, satisfaction, and anorgasmia subscores of the GRISS were significantly higher in the GPPPD group. Cognitive self-consciousness, need for controlling thoughts, and HAM-D values had a significant and independent effect on distinguishing the patients with GPPPD from the controls.

Clinical Implications

Our results may be important to address the metacognitions in the treatment of women with GPPPD.

Strengths & Limitations

The strengths are large-sample case and control groups, comparison with the control group using both clinical interviews and scale evaluations, diagnosis of GPPPD using clinical interviews and with 2 validated scales, exclusion of patients with depression and anxiety disorders, and evaluation of metacognitions not affected by concomitant disorders. The cross-sectional nature of our study and the fact that it was performed only in treatment-seeking groups and recruitment of hospital workers' relatives as a control group were limitations of the study.

Conclusion

In addition to the behavioral components of GPPPD treatment, the emphasis on metacognitions especially in the treatment process may have a positive effect on treatment.
A Mechanism for the Midwinter Minimum in North Pacific Storm‐Track Intensity From a Global Perspective
Authors: Park Mingyu , Lee Sukyoung
Published: February 2020

The midwinter minimum in North Pacific storm‐track intensity is a perplexing phenomenon because the associated local baroclinity in the North Pacific is maximum during midwinter. Here, a new mechanism is proposed wherein the midwinter minimum occurs in part because global planetary‐scale waves consume the zonal available potential energy, limiting its availability for storm‐track eddy growth. During strong midwinter suppression years, the midwinter minimum is preceded by anomalously large planetary‐scale eddy kinetic energy and subsequent reduction in zonal available potential energy and global baroclinity. Consistent with previous studies, this large planetary‐scale eddy kinetic energy takes place after enhanced Pacific warm pool convection, which peaks during winter. These results indicate that the midwinter minimum is in part caused by heightened warm pool convection, which, through excitation of planetary‐scale waves, leads to a weaker storm‐track. This finding also helps explain the existence of the midwinter North Atlantic storm‐track minimum.
Stable Existence of Tropical Endorheic Lakes on Titan
Authors: Tokano Tetsuya
Published: February 2020

Cassini detected numerous hydrocarbon seas/lakes in the polar region of Titan and wide areas of sand seas in the tropical region, which initially led to the perception that Titan's tropical region may be too dry for lakes. Yet, a few tropical lakes were possibly seen on Cassini's near‐infrared images, while they were not seen by other imaging instruments. This study shows by a lake balance model in combination with a global climate model and global topography map that a few lakes can perennially exist in Titan's tropical drainage basins of Shangri‐La, Tui Regio, and Hotei Regio. This is possible because the lakes are fed by precipitation in a huge catchment area, while efficient lake evaporation occurs only in a small area inside of deep topographic depressions. However, tropical lakes may occasionally desiccate due to orbitally forced changes in tropical precipitation.
The Brewer‐Dobson Circulation During the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Fu Qiang , White Rachel H. , Wang Mingcheng , Alexander Becky , Solomon Susan , Gettelman Andrew , Battisti David S. , Lin Pu
Published: February 2020

The Brewer‐Dobson circulation during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is investigated in simulations using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model version 6. We examine vertical mass fluxes, age of stratospheric air, and the transformed Eulerian mean stream function and find that the modeled annual‐mean Brewer‐Dobson circulation during the LGM is almost everywhere slower than that in the modern climate (with or without anthropogenic ozone depleting substances). Compared to the modern climate, the annual‐mean tropical upwelling in the LGM is 11.3–16.9%, 11.2–15.8%, and 4.4–10.2% weaker, respectively, at 100, 70, and 30 hPa. Simulated decreases in annual‐mean mass fluxes at 70 and 100 hPa are caused by a weaker parameterized orographic gravity wave drag and resolved wave drag, respectively.