bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Existence and Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions for Compressible Two-Fluid Euler–Maxwell Equation
Authors: Binshati Ismahan , Hattori Harumi
Published: June 2020

We study the global existence and asymptotic behavior of the solutions for two-fluid compressible isentropic Euler–Maxwell equations by the Fourier transform and energy method. We discuss the case when the pressure for two fluids is not identical, and we also add friction between the two fluids. In addition, we discuss the rates of decay of Lp−Lq norms for a linear system. Moreover, we use the result for Lp−Lq estimates to prove the decay rates for the nonlinear systems.
Review on Major Food-Borne Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Abebe Engidaw , Gugsa Getachew , Ahmed Meselu
Published: June 2020

Food-borne microorganisms are major pathogens affecting food safety and cause human illness worldwide as a result of consumption of foodstuff, mainly animal products contaminated with vegetative pathogens or their toxins. Most of these microbes have zoonotic importance resulting in significant impact on both public health and economic sectors. Bacteria are the causative agents of two-thirds of human food-borne diseases worldwide with high burden in developing countries. Hence, the objectives of this review paper are to highlight the background of food-borne bacterial pathogens and to review common major food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens. Food animals are the major reservoirs of many food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens, and food products of animal origin are the main vehicles of transmission. Meat, dairy products, and eggs are the main ways by which people are exposed to zoonotic bacteria.S. aureus,Salmonellaspecies,Campylobacterspecies,L. monocytogenes, andE. coliare the major zoonotic bacterial pathogens which are the causative agents of food-borne illness and death in the world associated with consumption of contaminated animal products. Production of toxins and structural virulent factors are responsible for the pathogenesis of these bacteria. These major zoonotic bacteria cause human infections which are characterized mainly by gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and other agent-specific symptoms. Some bacteria may cause severe complications. Conventional (culturing), serological, and molecular techniques are important for detection of these common zoonotic bacteria and their toxins in food. Good hygiene, GMP, sanitation in operating procedures, and implementation of standardized HACCP and pasteurization procedures are effective methods for the control and prevention. Currently, the emergence of multidrug-resistant zoonotic bacteria associated with consumption of contaminated animal products is a great concern for the public health, and there should be coordinated surveillance and monitoring system for food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia.
B.P.F.C.® Bio-Plasma® with Pure Growth Factors (BioPlasma®) Used for the Treatment of a Persistent Great Periapical Lesion of an Endodontically Treated Tooth: A New Therapeutic Option
Authors: Viganò Raffaello , Disconzi Mirko , Bertini Edoardo , Viganò Luca , Casu Cinzia
Published: June 2020

The aim of this case report was to evaluate the efficacy of a new platelet-rich plasma preparation and its regenerative capacity of bone periapical tissue for the treatment of a very compromised endodontic treated tooth, with a periapical lesion of 1.5 cm in diameter, using a pure platelet concentrate. This is made without the use of anticoagulant or any type of activator, e.g., bovine thrombin, calcium chloride. For this reason, it has been called “Pure”; it is the B.P.F.C.® Bio-Plasma® with Pure Growth Factors (BioPlasma®) designed and developed by Dr. Raffaello Viganò. The patient has read and signed a written consent form. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee for Human Studies, University of Varese. X-ray at 2 and 6 months and 4 years after endodontic surgery demonstrated the success of the treatment.
Integrated Optimization of Sustainable Transportation and Inventory with Multiplayer Dynamic Game under Carbon Tax Policy
Authors: Tang Zhongming , Liu Xingxing , Wang Ying
Published: June 2020

Growth in environmental sustainability has prompted the logistics industry to seek sustainable development, and carbon tax policies are considered an effective approach to reducing carbon emissions. This study investigates the optimization of sustainable transportation and inventory under a carbon tax policy and explores effective methods for coordinating the interests of governments and enterprises. The results can provide insights into sustainable logistics for decision-making by enterprises and policy-making by governments. We first examine a Stackelberg game model and design an iterative solution to optimize sustainable transportation and inventory under the carbon tax policy. We then establish a three-stage dynamic game model to optimize the wholesale price, carbon tax rate, and proportion of sustainable investment shared by the government. Furthermore, we perform a simulation to identify the optimal solution of the three-stage game, and we compare the simulation results with a numerical example. The results indicate that a carbon tax policy can improve social welfare and the sustainability of transportation and inventory but could hinder corporate profits. An appropriate sustainable investment-sharing strategy could compensate for the shortcomings of the carbon tax policy and result in positive outcomes for governments and enterprises.
Putative Genes and Pathways Involved in the Acne Treatment of Isotretinoin via Microarray Data Analyses
Authors: Chen Biao , Li Peishan , Li Jun , Chen Jinping
Published: June 2020

Acne is the eighth most common disease worldwide. Disease burden of acne such as anxiety, reduced self‐esteem, and facial scarring lowers the life quality of acne patients. Isotretinoin is the most potent treatment for moderate‐severe acne. However, the adverse events of isotretinoin especially teratogenicity limit its use. This study aims at investigating the therapeutical mechanisms of isotretinoin using bioinformatics analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered from microarray datasets GSE10432, GSE10433, and GSE11792. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and module analyses were also conducted based on DEGs. Using isotretinoin for 1 week, LCN2, PTGES, and GDF15 were upregulated and might mediate sebocytes apoptosis and thus decreased sebum production; CCL2 originated from activated TNF signaling pathway and S100A7 could be related with “acne‐flare”. While treating with isotretinoin for 8 weeks, key genes were downregulated, including HMGCS1, HMGCR, FDFT1, MVD, IDI1, and FDPS, which may be associated with decreased sebum synthesis; HMGCS1, HMGCR, and FDFT1 also probably associated with apoptosis of sebocytes. There were only two common genes including ACSBG1 and BCAT2 which worked in both 1 week and 8 weeks and could associate with decreased sebum synthesis and apoptosis of sebocytes, respectively. These results indicate potential therapeutics and side effect mechanisms of isotretinoin in the acne treatment and provide a research direction to further investigate the therapeutic mechanism of isotretinoin and thus develop retinoid‐like compounds with similar curative effect and without teratogenicity.
The Blood Gene Expression Signature for Kawasaki Disease in Children Identified with Advanced Feature Selection Methods
Authors: Hu Bing , Li Yun , Wang Guilian , Zhang Yanqing
Published: June 2020

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis, accompanied by coronary artery aneurysm, coronary artery dilatation, arrhythmia, and other serious cardiovascular diseases. So far, the etiology of KD is unclear; it is necessary to study the molecular mechanism and related factors of KD. In this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of 75 DB (identifying bacteria), 122 DV (identifying virus), 71 HC (healthy control), and 311 KD (Kawasaki disease) samples. 332 key genes related to KD and pathogen infections were identified using a combination of advanced feature selection methods: (1) Boruta, (2) Monte‐Carlo Feature Selection (MCFS), and (3) Incremental Feature Selection (IFS). The number of signature genes was narrowed down step by step. Subsequently, their functions were revealed by KEGG and GO enrichment analyses. Our results provided clues of potential molecular mechanisms of KD and were helpful for KD detection and treatment.
The Relationship between Perirenal Fat Thickness and Reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fang Yuan , Xu Yuechao , Yang Yuxian , Liu Chang , Zhao Dong , Ke Jing
Published: June 2020

Background. Obesity has been considered as an important factor in the development and progression of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Perirenal fat, which is surrounding the kidneys, has been reported to be unique in anatomy and biological functions. This study is aimed at assessing the relationship between perirenal fat thickness (PrFT) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods. A total of 171 patients with T2DM were recruited in the study. The basic and clinical characteristics including sex, age, diabetes duration, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), visceral fat area (VFA), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum uric acid (UA), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were collected. PrFT was measured via ultrasound. eGFR was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula.Results. Patients were divided into three groups according to PrFT, and we found patients with higher PrFT had lower eGFR. PrFT was significantly correlated with eGFR in all patientsr=−0.181,P<0.05. Subgroup analysis by sex showed that PrFT still significantly and negatively related to eGFR in menr=−0.264,P<0.05, but not in women (r=−0.199,P=0.062). The association also existed in multivariate analysis after correction for the confounding factorsβ=−0.203,P=0.017.Conclusions. This study confirmed a negative independent relationship between PrFT and eGFR in patients with T2DM, especially in men, suggesting a possible role of perirenal fat in kidney dysfunction in T2DM patients.
Nonlinear Dynamic Constitutive Model of Frozen Sandstone Based on Weibull Distribution
Authors: Wang Lei , Su Hongming , Chen Shiguan , Qin Yue
Published: June 2020

To obtain the dynamic mechanical properties of frozen sandstone at different temperatures (i.e., 20°C, −10°C, −20°C, and −30°C), dynamic uniaxial compression tests of saturated sandstone are conducted using a split‐Hopkinson pressure bar. The experimental results demonstrated that the brittleness of the saturated sandstone increased and its plasticity weakened with a decrease in temperature. The peak strength and dynamic elastic modulus of the sandstone were positively correlated with its strain rate. The peak stress was most sensitive to the strain rate at −10°C, and the elastic modulus was most sensitive to the strain rate at −30°C. According to the evident segmentation characteristics of the obtained stress‐strain curve, a viscoelastic dynamic constitutive model considering the strain rate effect and temperature effect is developed; this model combines a nonlinear (or linear) body and a Maxwell body in parallel with a damage body. The applicability of the constitutive model is also verified using experimental data. The fitting results were demonstrated to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, the fitting results serve as reference for the study of the constitutive model of weakly cemented soft rock and the construction of roadway freezing methods.
Retrospective Analysis of 2019-nCov-Infected Cases in Dongyang, Southeastern China
Authors: Li G. G. , Lv Z. , Wang Y. S. , Li J. F. , Feng L. F. , Wang M. F. , He B. , Pan X. L.
Published: June 2020

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) has caused increasing number of infected cases globally. This study was performed to analyze information regarding the transmission route and presence of viral nucleic acids on several clinical samples. Confirmed 2019-nCov-infected cases were identified in Dongyang and were treated according to guidelines for the diagnosis of 2019-nCov infection released by the National Health Commission. Information regarding the contacts that the infected people had was collected to determine whether it caused clustered cases. A series of successive nucleic acid examination of feces, oropharyngeal swabs, and sputum was also performed, and the results were analyzed. A total of 19 confirmed cases of 2019-nCov infection were identified in Dongyang, Zhejiang Province, China. Five cases showed severe symptoms, and the remaining ones showed mild manifestations. Ten cases infected from two asymptomatic individuals were clustered into two groups. Among 14 cases with consecutive nucleic acid test results, four patients showed positive results in feces after their negative conversion in oropharyngeal swabs. Asymptomatic individuals with the virus could cause 2019-nCov clustered cases, and the clustered cases may differ from sporadic cases on age and length of hospitalization. In addition, nucleic acids in feces last longer than those in oropharyngeal swabs.
Functional Evolving Patterns of Cortical Networks in Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Graph-Based Resting-State fMRI Study
Authors: Li Wei , Wen Wen , Chen Xi , Ni BingJie , Lin Xuefeng , Fan Wenliang ,   The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2020

AD is a common chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder. However, the understanding of the dynamic longitudinal change of the brain in the progression of AD is still rough and sometimes conflicting. This paper analyzed the brain networks of healthy people and patients at different stages (EMCI, LMCI, and AD). The results showed that in global network properties, most differences only existed between healthy people and patients, and few were discovered between patients at different stages. However, nearly all subnetwork properties showed significant differences between patients at different stages. Moreover, the most interesting result was that we found two different functional evolving patterns of cortical networks in progression of AD, named ‘temperature inversion’ and “monotonous decline,” but not the same monotonous decline trend as the external functional assessment observed in the course of disease progression. We suppose that those subnetworks, showing the same functional evolving pattern in AD progression, may have something the same in work mechanism in nature. And the subnetworks with ‘temperature inversion’ evolving pattern may play a special role in the development of AD.
Modeling Traders’ Behavior with Deep Learning and Machine Learning Methods: Evidence from BIST 100 Index
Authors: Hasan Afan , Kalıpsız Oya , Akyokuş Selim
Published: June 2020

Although the vast majority of fundamental analysts believe that technical analysts’ estimates and technical indicators used in these analyses are unresponsive, recent research has revealed that both professionals and individual traders are using technical indicators. A correct estimate of the direction of the financial market is a very challenging activity, primarily due to the nonlinear nature of the financial time series. Deep learning and machine learning methods on the other hand have achieved very successful results in many different areas where human beings are challenged. In this study, technical indicators were integrated into the methods of deep learning and machine learning, and the behavior of the traders was modeled in order to increase the accuracy of forecasting of the financial market direction. A set of technical indicators has been examined based on their application in technical analysis as input features to predict the oncoming (one-period-ahead) direction of Istanbul Stock Exchange (BIST100) national index. To predict the direction of the index, Deep Neural Network (DNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression (LR) classification techniques are used. The performance of these models is evaluated on the basis of various performance metrics such as confusion matrix, compound return, and max drawdown.
Influence of High Water Pressure on Static and Dynamic Compressive Strength of Concrete
Authors: Zhou Jikai , Zhao Xiyao , Nie Yu , Tian Yun
Published: June 2020

In this paper, an experimental study was conducted on the influence of water pressure on concrete strength. Specimens were put in a self‐designed device, applying 0–4 MPa water pressure on concrete, and then taken out for both static and dynamic compressive tests. Results showed that high water pressure caused inevitable damage to concrete, leading to 13.4% reduction in strength under 4 MPa water pressure. Specimens with lower strength grade were damaged more severely while under the same water pressure. Also, as water pressure increased, the moisture content of concrete grew linearly, and the trend for specimens with higher compressive strength was slower. A correlation was established between the water content increment and the reduction rate of strength. Moreover, the dynamic compressive strength decreased as water pressure increased but still higher than the static strength, illustrating an apparent strain rate effect. Meanwhile, water pressure and moisture content increment barely had any influence upon DIF within the testing conditions. Furthermore, equations for calculating both static and dynamic reduction rates of strength were built, based either on water pressure or on moisture content increment caused by that. Equations for strength prediction were also provided.
A Statistical Tool to Generate Potential Future Climate Scenarios for Hydrology Applications
Authors: Collados-Lara Antonio-Juan , Pulido-Velazquez David , Pardo-Igúzquiza Eulogio
Published: June 2020

Global warming associated with greenhouse emissions will modify the availability of water resources in the future. Methodologies and tools to assess the impacts of climate change are useful for policy making. In this work, a new tool to generate potential future climate scenarios in a water resources system from historical and regional climate models’ information has been developed. The GROUNDS tool allows generation of the future series of precipitation, temperature (minimum, mean, and maximum), and potential evapotranspiration. It is a valuable tool for assessing the impacts of climate change in hydrological applications since these variables play a significant role in the water cycle, and it can be applicable to any case study. The tool uses different approaches and statistical correction techniques to generate individual local projections and ensembles of them. The non-equifeasible ensembles are created by combining the individual projections whose control or corrected control simulation has a better fit to the historical series in terms of basic and droughts statistics. In this work, the tool is presented, and the methodology implemented is described. It is also applied to a case study to illustrate how the tool works. The tool was previously tested in different typologies of water resources systems that cover different spatial scales (river basin, aquifer, mountain range, and country), obtaining satisfactory results. The local future scenarios can be propagated through appropriate hydrological models to study the impacts on other variables (e.g., aquifer recharge, chloride concentration in coastal aquifers, streamflow, snow cover area, and snow depth). The tool is also useful in quantifying the uncertainties of the future scenarios by combining them with stochastic weather generators.
Use of a Free Vascularized Medial Femoral Condyle Flap for Revision Surgery in a Pediatric Patient with Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Clavicle
Authors: Murai Atsuro , Tada Kaoru , Nakada Mika , Matsuta Masashi , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

The most common surgical treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle (CPC) is resection of the pseudarthrosis, placement of an autologous bone graft, and Kirschner wire or plate fixation. However, in some cases, bone fusion cannot be achieved at the first surgery, and an additional surgery is required. We present a case report of a boy with a right CPC who failed radiographic bone union after the first surgery. He subsequently underwent revision surgery with resection of the pseudarthrosis, plate fixation, and establishment of a vascularized medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap to ensure bone union. Three months after the revision surgery, a radiographic bone union was achieved, and no symptoms were observed for one year after the operation. There have been no previous reports of the use of a vascularized MFC flap as a treatment for CPC. We believe that this technique effectively ensures bone union during revision surgery for CPC.
Antibacterial Potential of Secondary Metabolites from Indonesian Marine Bacterial Symbionts
Authors: Nofiani Risa , Weisberg Alexandra J. , Tsunoda Takeshi , Panjaitan Ruqiah Ganda Putri , Brilliantoro Ridho , Chang Jeff H. , Philmus Benjamin , Mahmud Taifo
Published: June 2020

Indonesian marine environments are known to house diverse organisms. However, the potential for bacteria from these environments as a source of antibacterial agents has not been widely studied. This study aims to explore the antibacterial potential of secondary metabolites produced by bacterial symbionts from sponges and corals collected in the Indonesian waters. Extracts of 12 bacterial isolates from sponges or corals were prepared by cultivating the bacteria under a number of different media conditions and using agar well diffusion assays to test for antibacterial activity. In addition, the morphology, physiology, and biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequence of each isolate were used to determine their taxonomic classification. All tested bacterial isolates were able to produce secondary metabolites with various levels of antibacterial activity depending on medium composition and culture conditions. Two of the bacteria (RS3 and RC4) showed strong antibacterial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. A number of isolates (RS1, RS3, and RC2) were co-cultured with mycolic acid-containing bacteria, Mycobacterium smegmatis or Rhodococcus sp. However, no improvements in their antibacterial activity were observed. All of the 12 bacteria tested were identified as Streptomyces spp. LC-MS analysis of EtOAc extracts from the most active strains RS3 and RC4 revealed the presence of a number of dactinomycin analogues and potentially new secondary metabolites. Symbiotic Streptomyces spp. from sponges and corals of the Indonesian marine environments have great potential as a source of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents.
Differential Methylation Pattern of Schizophrenia Candidate Genes in Tetrahydrocannabinol-Consuming Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenic Patients Compared to Non-Consumer Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Jahn Kirsten , Heese Astrid , Kebir Oussama , Groh Adrian , Bleich Stefan , Krebs Marie Odile , Frieling Helge
Published: June 2020

Background: Patients suffering from schizophrenic psychosis show reduced synaptic connectivity compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, the use of cannabis often precedes the onset of schizophrenic psychosis. Therefore, we investigated whether consumption of cannabis has an impact on the methylation pattern of schizophrenia candidate genes concerned with the development and preservation of synapses and synaptic function. Methods: Fifty blood samples of outpatients affected by treatment-resistant schizophrenic psychosis were collected in the outpatient department of Ch Ste Anne/INSERM (Paris, France). Extracted DNA was sent to the LMN/MHH (Hanover, Germany) where DNA samples were bisulfite converted. The methylation patterns of the promoter region of neuregulin 1 (NRG1), neurexin (NRXN1), disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), and microtubule-associated-protein tau (MAPT) were then analysed by sequencing according to Sanger. Results: In NRXN1 the group of non-consumer patients showed a methylation rate slightly lower than controls. In patients with preliminary use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the NRXN1 promoter turned out to be methylated almost two times higher than in non-consumer patients. In MAPT, non-consumer patients showed a significant lower mean methylation rate in comparison to controls. In THC-consuming patients the difference compared with controls became less. NRG1 and DISC1 showed no significant differences between groups, whereas DISC1 appeared to be not methylated at all. Conclusion: In MAPT and NRXN1 mean methylation rates were lower in non-consumer patients compared with controls, which seems to be a compensatory mechanism. With consumption of THC, mean methylation rates were increased: in the case of MAPT compared with controls, and in NRXN1 even significantly beyond that. Methylation of NRG1 and DISC1 seems not to be affected by the psychiatric disorder or by consumption of THC.
Caffeine and Its Pharmacological Benefits in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review
Authors: Völker Jörn Michael , Koch Nadine , Becker Maike , Klenk Adolf
Published: June 2020

Caffeine, particularly after ingestion, is well known to exert various pharmacological effects. A growing body of evidence implicates the ingestion of caffeine with beneficial effects on several diseases. The easy penetration of caffeine across the skin barrier and into human skin makes caffeine an ideal compound for topical application. Hair loss is known to negatively affect the quality of life and predispose to depression and anxiety. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in both men and women. To date, only few approved drug-based treatments for AGA exist, and these are inevitably associated with side effects. Therefore, the development of topical treatments based on well-tolerated natural ingredients such as caffeine to alleviate hair loss may provide a much-needed alternative to drug-based approaches.
Retinal Vessel Diameters and Blood Pressure Progression in Children
Authors: Lona Giulia , Endes Katharina , Köchli Sabrina , Infanger Denis , Zahner Lukas , Hanssen Henner
Published: June 2020

The prevalence of high childhood blood pressure (BP) is rising globally and has been associated with subclinical vascular impairments in children. Longitudinal data on the association of microvascular alterations with the development of high BP in children are lacking. We aimed to analyze the association of central retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular (CRVE) diameters with development of higher BP over 4 years in young school children. In 2014, 391 children aged 6 to 8 years were screened for BP and retinal vessel diameters using standardized protocols. Retinal vessel analysis was performed using a retinal vessel analyzer to determine CRAE and central retinal venular equivalent. In the follow-up of 2018, all parameters were assessed in 262 children using the same standardized protocols. During follow-up, systolic and diastolic BP increased significantly (Δ 3.965±8.25 and 1.733±7.63 mm Hg, respectively), while CRAE decreased by Δ −6.325±8.55 µm without significant changes in central retinal venular equivalent (Δ −0.163±7.94 µm). Children with narrower CRAE at baseline developed higher systolic BP after four years (β [95% CI] 0.78 [0.170–1.398] mm Hg per 10 µm decrease,
P
=0.012). Children with increased systolic or diastolic BP at baseline developed narrower CRAE (β [95% CI] −0.154 [−0.294 to −0.014] µm per 1mmHg,
P
=0.031 and β [95% CI] −0.02 [−0.344 to −0.057] µm per 1 mmHg,
P
=0.006, respectively) at follow-up. Narrowing of retinal arterioles predicted evolution of systolic BP. In turn, higher initial systolic and diastolic BP was associated with subsequent development of microvascular impairments. Our results give good evidence for a bivariate temporal relationship between BP and microvascular health in children.
Renin-Expressing Cells Require β1-Integrin for Survival and for Development and Maintenance of the Renal Vasculature
Authors: Mohamed Tahagod H. , Watanabe Hirofumi , Kaur Rajwinderjit , Belyea Brian C. , Walker Patrick D. , Gomez R. Ariel , Sequeira-Lopez Maria Luisa S.
Published: June 2020

Juxtaglomerular cells are crucial for blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte homeostasis. The factors that maintain the life of renin cells are unknown. In vivo, renin cells receive constant cell-to-cell, mechanical, and neurohumoral stimulation that maintain their identity and function. Whether the presence of this niche is crucial for the vitality of the juxtaglomerular cells is unknown. Integrins are the largest family of cell adhesion molecules that mediate cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions. Of those, β1-integrin is the most abundant in juxtaglomerular cells. However, its role in renin cell identity and function has not been ascertained. To test the hypothesis that cell-matrix interactions are fundamental not only to maintain the identity and function of juxtaglomerular cells but also to keep them alive, we deleted
β1-integrin
in vivo in cells of the renin lineage. In mutant mice, renin cells died by apoptosis, resulting in decreased circulating renin, hypotension, severe renal-vascular abnormalities, and renal failure. Results indicate that cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions via β1-integrin is essential for juxtaglomerular cells survival, suggesting that the juxtaglomerular niche is crucial not only for the tight regulation of renin release but also for juxtaglomerular cell survival—a sine qua non condition to maintain homeostasis.
Preparing the Digital Piano: Introducing bitKlavier
Authors: Trueman Dan , Mulshine Michael
Published: June 2020

This article describes a new kind of digital musical instrument, a novel assemblage of the familiar MIDI keyboard with custom interactive software. Inspired by John Cage's prepared piano, our instrument both takes advantage of and subverts the pianist's hard-earned, embodied training, while also inviting an extended configuration stage that “prepares” the instrument to behave in composition-specific, idiosyncratic ways. Through its flexible—though constrained—design, the instrument aims to inspire a playful approach to instrument building, composition, and performance. We outline the development history of our instrument, called bitKlavier, its current design, and some of its musical possibilities.
Rapid Composition for Networked Devices: HappyBrackets
Authors: Fraietta Angelo , Bown Oliver , Ferguson Sam , Gillespie Sam , Bray Liam
Published: June 2020

This article introduces an open-source Java-based programming environment for creative coding of agglomerative systems using Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies. Our software originally focused on digital signal processing of audio—including synthesis, sampling, granular sample playback, and a suite of basic effects—but composers now use it to interface with sensors and peripherals through general-purpose input/output and external networked systems. This article examines and addresses the strategies required to integrate novel embedded musical interfaces and creative coding paradigms through an IoT infrastructure. These include: the use of advanced tooling features of a professional integrated development environment as a composition or performance interface rather than just as a compiler; techniques to create media works using features such as autodetection of sensors; seamless and serverless communication among devices on the network; and uploading, updating, and running of new compositions to the device without interruption.

Furthermore, we examined the difficulties many novice programmers experience when learning to write code, and we developed strategies to address these difficulties without restricting the potential available in the coding environment. We also examined and developed methods to monitor and debug devices over the network, allowing artists and programmers to set and retrieve current variable values to or from these devices during the performance and composition stages. Finally, we describe three types of art work that demonstrate how the software, called HappyBrackets, is being used in live-coding and dance performances, in interactive sound installations, and as an advanced composition and performance tool for multimedia works.
Learning of Hierarchical Temporal Structures for Guided Improvisation
Authors: Déguernel Ken , Vincent Emmanuel , Nika Jérôme , Assayag Gérard , Smaïli Kamel
Published: June 2020

This article focuses on learning the hierarchical structure of what we call a “temporal scenario” (for instance, a chord progression) to perform automatic improvisation consistently over several different time scales. We first present a way to represent hierarchical structures with a phrase structure grammar. Such a grammar enables us to analyze a scenario at several levels of organization, creating a “multilevel scenario.” We then develop a method to automatically induce this grammar from a corpus, based on sequence selection with mutual information. We applied this method to a corpus of transcribed improvisations based on the chord sequence, also with chord substitutions, from George Gershwin's “I Got Rhythm.” From these we obtained multilevel scenarios similar to the analyses performed by professional musicians. We then present a novel heuristic approach, exploiting the multilevel structure of a scenario to guide the improvisation with anticipatory behavior in an improvisation paradigm driven by a factor oracle. This method ensures consistency of the improvisation with regard to the global form, and it opens up possibilities when playing on chords that do not exist in memory. This system was evaluated by professional improvisers during listening sessions and received excellent feedback.
Are Organizations' Religious Exemptions Democratically Defensible?
Authors: Collins Stephanie
Published: June 2020

Theorists of democratic multiculturalism have long defended individuals' religious exemptions from generally applicable laws. Examples include Sikhs being exempt from motorcycle helmet laws, or Jews and Muslims being exempt from humane animal slaughter laws. This essay investigates religious exemptions for organizations. Should organizations ever be granted exemptions from generally applicable laws in democratic societies, where those exemptions are justified by the organization's religion? This essay considers four arguments for such exemptions, which respectively rely on the “transferring up” to organizations of individuals' claims to autonomy or recognition; organizations' own claims to autonomy or recognition; organizations' status in the accountability community; and organizations' procedural constraints. The essay concludes that only the last argument holds up – and then, only with caveats.
Patriotism & Moral Theology
Authors: Hare John E.
Published: June 2020

This essay examines the question of the moral justification of patriotism, given a Kantian view of morality as requiring an equal respect for every human being. The essay considers the background in Kant's moral theology for his cosmopolitanism. It then considers an extreme version of cosmopolitanism that denies a proper place for love of one's country, and it engages with a contemporary atheist cosmopolitan, Seyla Benhabib, suggesting that there are resources in Kant's moral theology to ground the hope that she expresses but does not succeed in grounding. Finally, it considers patriotism as a perfection of cosmopolitanism, in the same way that love of an individual can be a perfection of love of humanity. The essay suggests that defensible versions of cosmopolitanism put constraints on what kind of love of one's own country is morally permissible. But these constraints require the background in a Kantian moral theology.
Communicating Compositional Patterns
Authors: Schulz Eric , Quiroga Francisco , Gershman Samuel J.
Published: June 2020

How do people perceive and communicate structure? We investigate this question by letting participants play a communication game, where one player describes a pattern, and another player redraws it based on the description alone. We use this paradigm to compare two models of pattern description, one compositional (complex structures built out of simpler ones) and one noncompositional. We find that compositional patterns are communicated more effectively than noncompositional patterns, that a compositional model of pattern description predicts which patterns are harder to describe, and that this model can be used to evaluate participants’ drawings, producing humanlike quality ratings. Our results suggest that natural language can tap into a compositionally structured pattern description language.
The impact of J. D. Bernal’s thoughts in the science of science upon China: Implications for today’s quantitative studies of science
Authors: Zhao Yong , Du Jian , Wu Yishan
Published: June 2020

John Desmond Bernal (1901–1970) was one of the most eminent scientists in molecular biology and is also regarded as the founding father of the science of science. His book The social function of science laid the theoretical foundations for the discipline. In this article, we summarize four chief characteristics of his ideas in the science of science: the sociohistorical perspective, theoretical models, qualitative and quantitative approaches, and studies of science planning and policy. China has constantly reformed its scientific and technological system based on research evidence of the science of science. Therefore, we analyze the impact of Bernal’s science-of-science thoughts on the development of China’s science of science, and discuss how they might be usefully taken still further in quantitative studies of science.
Is “the time ripe” for quantitative research on misconduct in science?
Authors: Zuckerman Harriet
Published: June 2020

Misconduct in science is a timely and substantively important problem in the social study of science. But in the absence of comprehensive and reliable data needed for analysis, formidable obstacles stand in the way of its being studied quantitively. Accessible databases, including government data, are flawed, while undertaking new data collection presents its own problems. First, little is known about biases in official government reports. Second, official reports exclude classes of malfeasance other than fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism of evidence (FFP). Third, while drawing on official data is expedient, available official information is thin; it tells little about miscreants and fails to identify potential causes of their actions and the environments in which misconduct occurred. Fourth, it also fails the test of permitting estimates to be made of populations at risk, making it impossible to calculate incidence. A healthy dose of skepticism is in order in evaluating both the findings of current quantitative studies and of proposals for remediation.
Basque Differential Object Marking as a Contact-Induced Phenomenon: How and Why?
Authors: Rodríguez-Ordóñez Itxaso
Published: June 2020

The debate as to whether syntax can be borrowed has spurred much scholarly inquiry among those who argue that syntax cannot be borrowed (Silva-Corvalán, 2008) and those in favor of the ‘anything-goes’ argument (Thomason, 2001). In contribution to this debate, this study examines the contact-induced processes behind the variation of Basque Differential Object Marking (dom). We examine the use of Basque dom in the spontaneous speech of 42 speakers whose variety has been in a long-standing contact with Spanish (Gernika Basque) and 15 speakers of a ‘newly’ standardized variety (Standard Basque). We additionally examine the spontaneous speech of their leísmo in order to make a case that Basque dom is not an example of syntactic borrowing but involves a process of replica grammaticalization (Heine and Kuteva, 2005) whereby speakers replicate their use of leísmo either through matter-borrowing, pattern-borrowing or a combination of both.
Allaeotes niger, a weevil introduced to Cuba and the only known New World Stromboscerini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae)
Authors: GREBENNIKOV VASILY V.
Published: June 2020

Allaeotes niger He, Zhang and Pelsue, a weevil hitherto known only from the type series collected in China, is for the first time reported from Cuba. In addition to three historical Cuban specimens, approximately one hundred adults were observed in 2018 under bark of fallen logs at a plantation of (likely non-native) pines in westernmost Pinar del Río province. This is the only New World record of a member of the monophyletic core of the tribe Stromboscerini, otherwise distributed in a triangle delimited by Japan, Sri Lanka and northern Australia (plus a single mysterious record from Uganda). Phylogenetic analysis of one mitochondrial (COI) and two nuclear (ITS2 and 28S) markers recovered the Cuban specimens nested within the tribe, but not in a clade with two unnamed congeners from Vietnam. Adults of all four known Allaeotes species are illustrated, including both named ones. Remarkably, both Cuban and Ugandan records of extraterritorial Stromboscerini pertain to species associated with dead wood, a biological trait possibly facilitating human-assisted transoceanic dispersal. Cuban populations of A. niger are interpreted as a pre-1990 human-mediated introduction. Two additional specimens of A. niger intercepted at US ports of entry arriving from China and the Dominican Republic, respectively, corroborate this hypothesis and suggest China as a likely origin of the Cuban introduction. All data used herein (specimen images, geographical localities, DNA sequences) are available online in a public dataset dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-VGDS012.
The Benefits of Nonablative Radiofrequency Treatment of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter After Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication
Authors: Fanous Medhat , Jaehne Anja , Simbob Jenna
Published: June 2020

Non-ablative radiofrequency treatment to the lower esophageal sphincter (Stretta) has been shown to be beneficial after failed Nissen fundoplication. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Stretta after transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF). This patient is a 17-year-old female who had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms for 9 years. She presented with heartburn, regurgitation, and epigastric discomfort. She used omeprazole for 9 years. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed a 2 cm sliding hiatal hernia and DeMeester score of 25. The GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) score on omeprazole was 14. Patient underwent a TIF procedure, which was uneventful. Her symptoms resolved, and she discontinued omeprazole. Six months later, she had episodes of repeated violent vomiting followed by recurrence of regurgitation, nausea, bloating, and dysphagia. She resumed omeprazole. Diagnostic workup included gastric emptying scan, which was normal. EGD showed no hiatal hernia and partial disruption of the TIF valve. DeMeester score was 36.3. Esophageal manometry with impedance showed intact peristalsis and normal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The patient underwent Stretta, which was uneventful. The previous TIF did not increase the complexity of the procedure. There were no immediate or postoperative complications. The patient reported gradual improvement of her symptoms with complete resolution 2 months postoperatively. She discontinued omeprazole. The GERD-HRQL score 17 months post-Stretta was 0. This case highlights the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of performing Stretta following TIF. It provides an endoluminal alternative to complex revisional antireflux surgery. Prospective studies with longer follow-up are required to validate this concept.
Prognostic Value of Inflammation Parameters in Patients With Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Guclu Kenan , Celik Mustafa
Published: June 2020

Inflammation parameters can predict the severity of coronary artery disease and predict long-term mortality. However, there is no study in which these parameters were evaluated together. We compared the prognostic values of inflammation parameters in predicting long-term mortality in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS (n = 170) were included in the study. Monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (TC/HDL-C), triglyceride /HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) were measured. Total antioxidant status and TOS variables were significant independent predictors of mortality. When 1.17 value is taken as a cutoff point of TAS values, the sensitivity (70.0%) and specificity (77.39%) values calculated for this value indicate that TAS variable has a predictive value on mortality. Monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, LMR, NLR, PLR, TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, TOS, and IMA levels could not be used alone in the diagnosis, severity assessment, and predicting future mortality of NSTE-ACS. Only TAS levels had a predictive value on mortality.
Identifying Strategies to Reduce Missed Opportunities for HPV Vaccination in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study of Positive Deviants
Authors: Rand Cynthia M. , Concannon Cathleen , Wallace-Brodeur Rachel , Davis Wendy , Albertin Christina S. , Humiston Sharon G. , Szilagyi Peter G.
Published: June 2020

The objectives of this study were to assess the contextual factors, practice strategies, and sustainability of interventions implemented during a national quality improvement (QI) project to raise human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates. We conducted semistructured interviews with positive deviant practices that successfully reduced missed opportunities by ≥20% for HPV vaccination in the prior year. We assessed leadership support, motivators, interventions used, and sustainability. Key themes related to QI teams included strong leadership support, multidisciplinary teams, having a practice champion, and a collaborative environment. Themes related to the interventions included using a presumptive bundled recommendation for all appropriate vaccines at age 11, previsit planning, and reminders for preventive visits, which were sustainable for most practices 1-year postintervention. Both internal practice-level factors (multidisciplinary teams, collaboration, and previsit planning) and organizational factors (institutional support and health system–level reminders for preventive visits) were key to a successful QI intervention to improve HPV vaccination.
Leadership Approaches to Staff Health and Wellness During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Stanz Lauren , Weber Robert J.
Published: June 2020

Background: COVID-19 disease as caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 has taken the world by storm with upwards of 8 million confirmed infections in more than 190 countries. At the writing of this article, over 2 million Americans are confirmed infected and 117,000 have died. Rapid changes to manage COVID-19 care creates significant physical and emotional stress for healthcare employees, including pharmacy staff. Objective: This article provides pharmacy leaders with advice in leading through COVID-19 to promote staff resiliency. Methods: The specific leadership strategies include: (1) identifying and addressing fundamental needs; (2) communicating updated and reliable information; and (3) providing psychological and mental health support. Conclusion: Using various techniques described will help to preserve workforce resilience in providing patient-centered pharmacy services. After reading this article, pharmacy directors will have strategies and resources to maintain employee resiliency during this difficult time.