bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-scale modeling of macrophage—T cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Cess Colin G. , Finley Stacey D.
Published: December 2020

Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages exist in an immunosuppressive state, preventing T cells from eliminating the tumor. Due to this, research is focusing on immunotherapies that specifically target macrophages in order to reduce their immunosuppressive capabilities and promote T cell function. In this study, we develop an agent-based model consisting of the interactions between macrophages, T cells, and tumor cells to determine how the immune response changes due to three macrophage-based immunotherapeutic strategies: macrophage depletion, recruitment inhibition, and macrophage reeducation. We find that reeducation, which converts the macrophages into an immune-promoting phenotype, is the most effective strategy and that the macrophage recruitment rate and tumor proliferation rate (tumor-specific properties) have large impacts on therapy efficacy. We also employ a novel method of using a neural network to reduce the computational complexity of an intracellular signaling mechanistic model.
Interplay between UNG and AID governs intratumoral heterogeneity in mature B cell lymphoma
Authors: Delgado Pilar , Álvarez-Prado Ángel F. , Marina-Zárate Ester , Sernandez Isora V. , Mur Sonia M. , de la Barrera Jorge , Sanchez-Cabo Fátima , Cañamero Marta , de Molina Antonio , Belver Laura , de Yébenes Virginia G. , Ramiro Almudena R.
Published: December 2020

Most B cell lymphomas originate from B cells that have germinal center (GC) experience and bear chromosome translocations and numerous point mutations. GC B cells remodel their immunoglobulin (Ig) genes by somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR) in their Ig genes. Activation Induced Deaminase (AID) initiates CSR and SHM by generating U:G mismatches on Ig DNA that can then be processed by Uracyl-N-glycosylase (UNG). AID promotes collateral damage in the form of chromosome translocations and off-target SHM, however, the exact contribution of AID activity to lymphoma generation and progression is not completely understood. Here we show using a conditional knock-in strategy that AID supra-activity alone is not sufficient to generate B cell transformation. In contrast, in the absence of UNG, AID supra-expression increases SHM and promotes lymphoma. Whole exome sequencing revealed that AID heavily contributes to lymphoma SHM, promoting subclonal variability and a wider range of oncogenic variants. Thus, our data provide direct evidence that UNG is a brake to AID-induced intratumoral heterogeneity and evolution of B cell lymphoma.
Using multivariate statistical methods to assess the urban smartness on the example of selected European cities
Authors: Hajduk Sławomira
Published: December 2020

The growing importance of maturity smart cities is currently observed worldwide. The vast majority of smart city models focus on hard domains such as communication and technology infrastructure. Scientists emphasize the need to take into account social capital and the knowledge of residents. The smart cities invest in enhanced openness and transparency data. Mature smart cities use real-time evidences and information to citizens, businesses and visitors. The smart cities are characterized by bottom-down management and civil government. The paper aims to assess the urban smartness of selected European cities based on the ISO 37120 standard. Several research methods including the Multidimensional Statistical Analysis (MSA) were applied. Using the statistical analysis of European smart cities with the implemented ISO 37120 standard, the author tried to fill gaps in the knowledge and to evaluate maturity smart cities. The results of the research have shown that the smart city concept is a viable strategy which contributes to the urban sustainability. The author also found out that urban sustainability frameworks contain a large number of indicators measuring environmental sustainability, the smart city frameworks lack environmental indicators while highlighting social and economic aspects.
Proton-dependent inhibition, inverted voltage activation, and slow gating of CLC-0 Chloride Channel
Authors: Kwon Hwoi Chan , Yu Yawei , Fairclough Robert H. , Chen Tsung-Yu
Published: December 2020

CLC-0, a prototype Cl-channel in the CLC family, employs two gating mechanisms that control its ion-permeation pore: fast gating and slow gating. The negatively-charged sidechain of a pore glutamate residue, E166, is known to be the fast gate, and the swinging of this sidechain opens or closes the pore of CLC-0 on the millisecond time scale. The other gating mechanism, slow gating, operates with much slower kinetics in the range of seconds to tens or even hundreds of seconds, and it is thought to involve still-unknown conformational rearrangements. Here, we find that low intracellular pH (pHi) facilitates the closure of the CLC-0’s slow gate, thus generating current inhibition. The rate of low pHi-induced current inhibition increases with intracellular H+concentration ([H+]i)—the time constants of current inhibition by low pHi= 4.5, 5.5 and 6 are roughly 0.1, 1 and 10 sec, respectively, at room temperature. In comparison, the time constant of the slow gate closure at pHi= 7.4 at room temperature is hundreds of seconds. The inhibition by low pHiis significantly less prominent in mutants favoring the slow-gate open state (such as C212S and Y512A), further supporting the fact that intracellular H+enhances the slow-gate closure in CLC-0. A fast inhibition by low pHicauses an apparent inverted voltage-dependent activation in the wild-type CLC-0, a behavior similar to those in some channel mutants such as V490W in which only membrane hyperpolarization can open the channel. Interestingly, when V490W mutation is constructed in the background of C212S or Y512A mutation, the inverted voltage-dependent activation disappears. We propose that the slow kinetics of CLC-0’s slow-gate closure may be due to low [H+]irather than due to the proposed large conformational change of the channel protein. Our results also suggest that the inverted voltage-dependent opening observed in some mutant channels may result from fast closure of the slow gate by the mutations.
Is consumer neural response to visual merchandising types different depending on their fashion involvement?
Authors: Kim Hyoung-Sukh , Lee Jin-Hwa , Yoo So-Hyeon
Published: December 2020

This study investigated consumers' responses to fashion visual merchandising (VM) from a neuroscientific perspective. The brain activations of 20 subjects differently involved in fashion were recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in response to three different fashion VM types. According to the types of fashion VM, significant differences were observed, which were significantly higher for the creative VM. Moreover, highly fashion-involved subjects showed activation of the orbital frontal cortex region in response to the creative VM. Based on these results, it is suggested that marketing strategies should be devised explicitly for the brand's targeted audience and goals.
Fluorescent indolizine derivative YI-13 detects amyloid-β monomers, dimers, and plaques in the brain of 5XFAD Alzheimer transgenic mouse model
Authors: Kim DaWon , Lee Jeong Hwa , Kim Hye Yun , Shin Jisu , Kim Kyeonghwan , Lee Sejin , Park Jinwoo , Kim JinIkyon , Kim YoungSoo
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the aberrant production and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain. Accumulated Aβ in soluble oligomer and insoluble plaque forms are considered to be a pathological culprit and biomarker of the disorder. Here, we report a fluorescent universal Aβ-indicator YI-13, 5-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-7,8-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinolin-9(6H)-one, which detects Aβ monomers, dimers, and plaques. We synthesized a library of 26 fluorescence chemicals with the indolizine core and screen them through a series of in vitro tests utilizing Aβ as a target and YI-13 was selected as the final imaging candidate. YI-13 was found to stain and visualize insoluble Aβ plaques in the brain tissue, of a transgenic mouse model with five familial AD mutations (5XFAD), by a histochemical approach and to label soluble Aβ oligomers within brain lysates of the mouse model under a fluorescence plate reader. Among oligomers aggregated from monomers and synthetic dimers from chemically conjugated monomers, YI-13 preferred the dimeric Aβ.
Climate change and primary production: Forty years in a bunchgrass prairie
Authors: Belovsky Gary E. , Slade Jennifer B.
Published: December 2020

Over the past 109 years, a Montana intermountain bunchgrass prairie annually became warmer (0.7°C) and drier (27%). The temperature and precipitation trends continued since 1978, as we studied nitrogen availability, annual aboveground primary production (ANPP), plant phenology and species composition. Given the annual increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation, ANPP might be expected to decline; however, it increased by 110%, as the period of greatest production (late-May–June) became wetter and cooler, counter to the annual pattern, and this was strongest at lower elevations. Grass production increased by 251%, while dicot production declined by 65%, which increased grass relative abundance by 54%. Summer temperatures increased 12.5% which increased plant senescence by 119% and decreased fall plant regrowth by 68%. More intense summer senescence changed plant species composition in favor of more drought tolerant species. The greater ANPP and summer senescence may increase susceptibility for fire, but fire tolerance of the plant species composition did not change. Invasive plant species increased 108% over the study with annual grasses accounting for >50% of this increase, which further increased summer plant senescence. Therefore, seasonal climate changes at a smaller geographical scale (local), rather than average annual climate changes over a larger geographical scale (regional), may better reflect plant community responses, and this makes ecological forecasting of climate change more difficult.
MeshCut data augmentation for deep learning in computer vision
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Kai , Wang Nan , Yu Miao
Published: December 2020

To solve overfitting in machine learning, we propose a novel data augmentation method called MeshCut, which uses a mesh-like mask to segment the whole image to achieve more partial diversified information. In our experiments, this strategy outperformed the existing augmentation strategies and achieved state-of-the-art results in a variety of computer vision tasks. MeshCut is also an easy-to-implement strategy that can efficiently improve the performance of the existing convolutional neural network models by a good margin without careful hand-tuning. The performance of such a strategy can be further improved by incorporating it into other augmentation strategies, which can make MeshCut a promising baseline strategy for future data augmentation algorithms.
A Neolithic mega-tsunami event in the eastern Mediterranean: Prehistoric settlement vulnerability along the Carmel coast, Israel
Authors: Shtienberg Gilad , Yasur-Landau Assaf , Norris Richard D. , Lazar Michael , Rittenour Tammy M. , Tamberino Anthony , Gadol Omri , Cantu Katrina , Arkin-Shalev Ehud , Ward Steven N. , Levy Thomas E.
Published: December 2020

Tsunami events in antiquity had a profound influence on coastal societies. Six thousand years of historical records and geological data show that tsunamis are a common phenomenon affecting the eastern Mediterranean coastline. However, the possible impact of older tsunamis on prehistoric societies has not been investigated. Here we report, based on optically stimulated luminescence chronology, the earliest documented Holocene tsunami event, between 9.91 to 9.29 ka (kilo-annum), from the eastern Mediterranean at Dor, Israel. Tsunami debris from the early Neolithic is composed of marine sand embedded within fresh-brackish wetland deposits. Global and local sea-level curves for the period, 9.91–9.29 ka, as well as surface elevation reconstructions, show that the tsunami had a run-up of at least ~16 m and traveled between 3.5 to 1.5 km inland from the palaeo-coastline. Submerged slump scars on the continental slope, 16 km west of Dor, point to the nearby “Dor-complex” as a likely cause. The near absence of Pre-Pottery Neolithic A-B archaeological sites (11.70–9.80 cal. ka) suggest these sites were removed by the tsunami, whereas younger, late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B-C (9.25–8.35 cal. ka) and later Pottery-Neolithic sites (8.25–7.80 cal. ka) indicate resettlement following the event. The large run-up of this event highlights the disruptive impact of tsunamis on past societies along the Levantine coast.
Children’s emotion inferences from masked faces: Implications for social interactions during COVID-19
Authors: Ruba Ashley L. , Pollak Seth D.
Published: December 2020

To slow the progression of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recommended wearing face coverings. However, very little is known about how occluding parts of the face might impact the emotion inferences that children make during social interactions. The current study recruited a racially diverse sample of school-aged (7- to 13-years) children from publicly funded after-school programs. Children made inferences from facial configurations that were not covered, wearing sunglasses to occlude the eyes, or wearing surgical masks to occlude the mouth. Children were still able to make accurate inferences about emotions, even when parts of the faces were covered. These data suggest that while there may be some challenges for children incurred by others wearing masks, in combination with other contextual cues, masks are unlikely to dramatically impair children’s social interactions in their everyday lives.
Predicting suitable coastal habitat for sei whales, southern right whales and dolphins around the Falkland Islands
Authors: Baines Mick , Weir Caroline R.
Published: December 2020

Species distribution models (SDMs) are valuable tools for describing the occurrence of species and predicting suitable habitats. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) and MaxEnt models to predict the relative densities of four cetacean species (sei whaleBalaeanoptera borealis, southern right whaleEubalaena australis, Peale’s dolphinLagenorhynchus australis, and Commerson’s dolphinCephalorhynchus commersonii) in neritic waters (≤100 m depth) around the Falkland Islands, using boat survey data collected over three seasons (2017–2019). The model predictor variables (PVs) included remotely sensed environmental variables (sea surface temperature, SST, and chlorophyll-aconcentration) and static geographical variables (e.g. water depth, distance to shore, slope). The GAM results explained 35 to 41% of the total deviance for sei whale, combined sei whales and unidentified large baleen whales, and Commerson’s dolphins, but only 17% of the deviance for Peale’s dolphins. The MaxEnt models for all species had low to moderate discriminatory power. The relative density of sei whales increased with SST in both models, and their predicted distribution was widespread across the inner shelf which is consistent with the use of Falklands’ waters as a coastal summer feeding ground. Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins were largely sympatric across the study area. However, the relative densities of Commerson’s dolphins were generally predicted to be higher in nearshore, semi-enclosed, waters compared with Peale’s dolphins, suggesting some habitat partitioning. The models for southern right whales performed poorly and the results were not considered meaningful, perhaps due to this species exhibiting fewer strong habitat preferences around the Falklands. The modelling results are applicable to marine spatial planning to identify where the occurrence of cetacean species and anthropogenic activities may most overlap. Additionally, the results can inform the process of delineating a potential Key Biodiversity Area for sei whales in the Falkland Islands.
Semiquantitative single-photon-emission computed tomography /computed tomography study to evaluate concomitant ulnar impaction syndrome in patients presenting with triangular fibrocartilage complex tears
Authors: Lee Yohan , Oh Dongkyu , Han Jeong Hee , Gong Hyun Sik , Lee Won Woo
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Patients presenting with tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can have ulnar positive variance, for which the clinical relevance to concomitant ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) may be unclear. We hypothesized that maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), a semiquantitative single-photon-emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) value, would distinguish between the traumatic TFCC tear and degenerative TFCC tear associated with the UIS. This study aimed to compare SUVmax between patients with TFCC tear only and patients with TFCC tear and UIS.

Methods

A total of 26 patients presenting with TFCC tears on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) underwent semiquantitative SPECT/CT examinations. The diagnosis of concomitant UIS was made based on positive ulnar impaction tests and MRI findings. We compared the SUVmax between patients with and without concomitant UIS. We also calculated the cutoff value for the diagnosis of UIS using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Of 26 patients, 14 had concomitant UIS, and 12 had TFCC tears only. The SUVmax was significantly higher in patients with concomitant UIS than in those without UIS (p = 0.048). With a SUVmax cutoff value of 4.09 for UIS, sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 82% were obtained.

Conclusions

In the semiquantitative SPECT/CT examinations of patients with TFCC tears, those with concomitant UIS had a higher SUVmax than those without UIS. Semiquantitative SPECT/CT can be helpful in confirming concomitant UIS in patients with TFCC tears.
Gene and protein expression of mTOR and LC3 in hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal liver metastasis and “normal” liver tissues
Authors: Bortolami Marina , Comparato Alessandra , Benna Clara , Errico Andrea , Maretto Isacco , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Cillo Umberto , Farinati Fabio
Published: December 2020

The physiological role of autophagy in the progression of liver diseases is still debated. To understand the clinical relevance of autophagy in primary e secondary hepatic tumors, we analyzed the expression of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), a key regulator of autophagy; Raptor (regulatory-associated protein of mTOR); ULK1 (Unc-51 like kinase 1) determinant in the autophagy initiation; LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3), a specific marker of autophagosomes; and p62, a selective autophagy receptor. Samples from subjects with chronic hepatitis (n.58), cirrhosis (n.12), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n.56), metastases (n.48) from colorectal cancer and hyperplasia or gallbladder stones (n.7), the latter considered as controls, were examined. Gene expression analysis was carried out in n.213 tissues by absolute q-PCR, while protein expression by Western Blot in n.191 lysates, including tumoral, surrounding tumoral and normal tissues. Nonparametric statistical tests were used for comparing expression levels in the above-mentioned groups. Subgroup analysis was performed considering viral infection and chemotherapy treatment. The mTOR transcriptional level was significantly lower in metastases compared to HCC (P = 0.0001). p-mTOR(Ser2448) and LC3II/LC3I protein levels were significantly higher in metastases compared to HCC (P = 0.008 and P<0.0001, respectively). ULK(Ser757) levels were significantly higher in HCC compared to metastases (P = 0.0002) while the HCV- and HBV- related HCC showed the highest p62 levels. Chemotherapy induced a down-regulation of the p-mTOR(Ser2448) in metastases and in non-tumor surrounding tissues in treated patients compared to untreated (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively).Conclusions:the different expression of proteins considered, owning their interaction and diverse tissue microenvironment, indicate an impairment of the autophagy flux in primary liver tumors that is critical for the promotion of tumorigenesis process and a coexistence of autophagy inhibition and activation mechanisms in secondary liver tumors. Differences in mTOR and LC3 transcripts emerged in tumor-free tissues, therefore particular attention should be considered in selecting the control group.
A cost/benefit analysis of clinical trial designs for COVID-19 vaccine candidates
Authors: Berry Donald A. , Berry Scott , Hale Peter , Isakov Leah , Lo Andrew W. , Siah Kien Wei , Wong Chi Heem
Published: December 2020

We compare and contrast the expected duration and number of infections and deaths averted among several designs for clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidates, including traditional and adaptive randomized clinical trials and human challenge trials. Using epidemiological models calibrated to the current pandemic, we simulate the time course of each clinical trial design for 756 unique combinations of parameters, allowing us to determine which trial design is most effective for a given scenario. A human challenge trial provides maximal net benefits—averting an additional 1.1M infections and 8,000 deaths in the U.S. compared to the next best clinical trial design—if its set-up time is short or the pandemic spreads slowly. In most of the other cases, an adaptive trial provides greater net benefits.
Incidence of intoxication events and patient outcomes in Taiwan: A nationwide population-based observational study
Authors: Chen Chun-Kuei , Chan Yi-Ling , Su Tse-Hsuan
Published: December 2020

Background

Intoxicated patients were frequently managed in the emergency departments (ED) with few studies at national level. The study aimed to reveal the incidence, outcomes of intoxications and trend in Taiwan.

Methods

Adults admitted to an ED due to an intoxication event between 2006 and 2013 were identified using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The rate of intoxication and severe intoxication events, mortality rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), and daily medical costs of these patients were analyzed. Changes over time were analyzed using Joinpoint models. Multivariable generalized regressions with GEE were used to assess the effect of sex, age, and presence of prior psychiatric illness.

Results

A total of 20,371 ED admissions due to intoxication events were identified during the study period, and the incidence decreased with annual percentage change of 4.7% from 2006 to 2013. The mortality rate, hospital LOS, and daily medical costs were not decreased over time. Males and geriatric patients had more severe intoxication events, greater mortality rates, and greater daily medical costs. Patients with psychiatric illnesses had higher mortality rates and a longer hospital LOS, but lower daily medical expenses.

Conclusion

From 2006 to 2013, there was a decline in the incidence of ED admission for intoxication events in Taiwan. Males, geriatric patients, and those with psychiatric illnesses had greater risks for severe intoxication and mortality.
Does sustainable development have a causal relationship with environmental development? Evidence from a country-wise panel data analysis
Authors: Singh Ajay K. , Singh B. Jyoti , Negi Vijay
Published: December 2020

This study contributes to the development of global sustainable development index (GSDI) as an integration of environmental sustainability development index (ESDI), socio-economic development index (SEDI) and science and technological progress index (STPI) for selected 39 countries during 2000–16. It uses the composite Z-score method, while ESDI, SEDI and STPI are the assimilation of 33, 19 and 9 factors, respectively. Subsequently, it examines the association of sustainable development (SD) with ESD and vice versa using linear, log-linear and non-linear regression models. Descriptive results show that there is a significant variation in SD due to a high diversity in environmental development, socio-economic development and science and technological progress-associated factors in selected countries. Empirical results imply that SD has a positive and significant association with ESD, socio-economic development and science and technological progress-related factors. This study emphasizes that global economies are desired to adopt conducive policies towards environmental, socio-economic and science and technological development to attain SD. Also, it advises that the protection of forest area, use of environmental and green technologies in production activities, creation of more jobs in all sectors and strong IPR regimes would be effective for sustainable, socio-economic, environmental development and science and technological expansion worldwide.
Assessing the role of evidence of mechanisms in causal extrapolation
Authors: Pérez-González Saúl , Iranzo Valeriano
Published: December 2020

Extrapolation of causal claims from study populations to other populations of interest is a problematic issue. The standard approach in experimental research, which prioritises randomized controlled trials and statistical evidence, is not devoid of difficulties. Granted that, it has been defended that evidence of mechanisms is indispensable for causal extrapolation. We argue, contrarily, that this sort of evidence is not indispensable. Nonetheless, we also think that occasionally it may be helpful. In order to clarify its relevance, we introduce a distinction between a positive and a negative role of evidence of mechanisms. Our conclusion is that the former is highly questionable, but the latter may be a trustworthy resource for causal extrapolation.
Mujeres que caminan a través de la adversidad. La posibilidad resiliente frente a casos violentos complejos vinculados con las desapariciones en México
Authors: Salazar Serna Karla , Castro Pérez Roberto
Published: December 2020

México enfrenta actualmente uno de los más grandes retos en materia humanitaria debido a la violencia y a la desaparición de personas, lo cual ha cobrado una alta relevancia tanto por su cuantificación como por su rápida proliferación. El propósito del presente es compartir los hallazgos de un estudio cualitativo donde se expone cómo la violencia vinculada con el combate al narcotráfico ha posicionado a los ciudadanos bajo una constante vulnerabilidad y cómo las mujeres a través de procesos resilientes se han organizado en colectivos para demandar justicia, buscar personas desaparecidas y acompañarse frente a las diferentes situaciones de adversidad.
Poner el cuerpo»: sentidos que adquiere la universidad en una cárcel para «mujeres» de la ciudad de Córdoba
Authors: Cravero Bailetti Carolina
Published: December 2020

El presente artículo se desprende de una investigación etnográfica realizada entre 2009 y 2012 en la Ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, y en la experiencia adquirida en posteriores proyectos de intervención. El objetivo principal fue abordar desde una perspectiva cualitativa y de género cómo es efectivizar el derecho a la educación a través de las propuestas de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba para las «mujeres presas». El artículo pone en evidencia las tecnologías y bio-poderes que operan sobre los cuerpos y los clasifican, haciendo que la universidad en la cárcel adquiera un sentido sacrificial para las «mujeres» en comparación con la dependencia para «varones».
Contactos entre policía y ciudadanía. Tipos, distribución social y valoraciones específicas y generales
Authors: Sozzo Máximo , Montero Augusto , Puyol María Victoria , Bulgarella Esteban
Published: December 2020

Desde el año 2008, el Programa Delito y Sociedad de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral lleva adelante una Encuesta sobre Delito, Sensación de Inseguridad y Sistema Penal a una muestra representativa de ciudadanos mayores de 15 años que residen en la ciudad de Santa Fe, Argentina. Entre otras problemáticas sociales, esta Encuesta indaga sobre los contactos de las/los ciudadanas/os con la institución policial y las actitudes públicas con respecto a la policía.
El presente artículo describe una serie de observaciones empíricas surgidas de las diferentes ondas de la Encuesta, a lo largo del período 2008 a 2019. En primer lugar, detalla los distintos tipos de experiencias de contacto, diferenciando si han sido iniciados por la policía (involuntarios) o por las/los ciudadanas/os (voluntarios). En segundo lugar, expone las valoraciones generales y específicas que las/los ciudadanas/os producen a partir de dichas experiencias. Finalmente, analiza el vínculo entre ambos temas, esto es, si los distintos tipos de contacto impactan o no en las valoraciones específicas y generales que la ciudadanía construye con respecto a la policía.
Sobre estos dos objetos —y su relación—, se explora simultáneamente su evolución a lo largo del tiempo como sus particularidades en torno las variables género, edad, nivel educativo y haber atravesado o no una experiencia de victimización.
Corneal Graft Success Rates in HSV Keratitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Skarentzos Konstantinos , Chatzimichael Eleftherios , Panagiotopoulou Eirini-Kanella , Taliantzis Sergios , Konstantinidis Aristeidis , Labiris Georgios
Published: December 2020

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) has worldwide prevalence. The primary objective of this systematic review was to compare penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) regarding the efficacy and complications of the treatment of corneal scarring caused by herpes simplex keratitis. Out of the 469 articles identified during the combined search of the literature based on the PubMed and Cochrane libraries, 10 retrospective and 2 prospective studies published from January 2010 to December 2019 were included. The study outcomes indicated that both surgical approaches resulted in a comparable improvement of visual acuity (VA). However, DALK demonstrated fewer complications in the majority of studies. Higher graft survival rates were associated with higher acyclovir (ACV) doses (above 800 mg/day), topical steroid and antibiotic drops. In conclusion, in terms of postoperative VA, both PK and DALK demonstrate comparable efficacy. However, DALK, which is applied in less severe HSK cases, is associated with fewer complications and better graft survival rates. High dosages of ACV, topical steroids and antibiotics contribute significantly to improved postoperative outcomes.
Evaluation of genotype × environment relationship in silage maize genotypes using biplot analysis and stability index
Authors: Ozata Erkan
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted to evaluate the adaptability and stability of silage maize hybrids determing herbage and dry matter yield using Biplot analysis and some stability indexes. The studies were carried out using five registered corn varieties under irrigated conditions for six years (2013-2018) in Çarşamba plain of Samsun province, Turkey. The experimental layout was a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Finlay and Wilkenson's regression and Eberhart and Russel's deviation from regression (S2d) coefficients were used in statistical analysis. Genotype (G) x environment (E) interactions were studied using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and G + GE (GGE) biplot models. The combined analysis of variance revealed significant (P<0.01) effects of G, E and G × E interaction on herbage and dry matter yields. The analysis of variance indicated that 62.70% of variation in the herbage yield explained by E, 29.79% by the differences in G and 7.49% by the GE interaction. The analysis of variance indicated that 62.80% of the total variation in the dry matter yield accounted for E, 30.20% of the total variation by G and G × E interaction explained only 7.00% of the total variation in the data. The results of AMMI and GGE biplot models and stability analyses (R2, bi and S2di) revealed that PR31Y43 and Burak hybrids were stable in both herbage yield and dry matter yield.
Effect of Suction and Confining Pressure on Shear Strength and Dilatancy of Highly Compacted Silty Sand: Single-Stage versus Multistage Triaxial Testing
Authors: Rivera-Hernandez Xavier A. , Vahedifard Farshid , Ellithy Ghada S.
Published: December 2020

Evaluating short- and long-term performance of engineered earthen structures and slopes requires proper understanding of the behavior of compacted and highly compacted soils. However, limited studies exist in the literature of unsaturated soil mechanics experimentally testing highly compacted soils, which often possess complex shear strength and dilatancy characteristics. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of suction and confining pressure on shear strength and dilatancy of a highly compacted silty sand through multistage and single-stage triaxial testing. Multistage triaxial testing offers a time and cost efficient approach that can reasonably represent field conditions where soils experience fluctuations in external loading conditions (e.g., flood loading/unloading). This article presents the results of consolidated drained multistage and single-stage triaxial tests on highly compacted silty sand under saturated and unsaturated conditions. Soil specimens were isotropically consolidated at a constant matric suction of 0 (saturated), 20, 50, and 95 kPa under net confining pressures of 50, 100, and 200 kPa. Unsaturated specimens consistently exhibited higher shear strength in multistage and single-stage tests compared to saturated specimens. Peak state lines for all unsaturated tests were plotted and found to be near parallel to the saturated peak state line. All tested specimens exhibited dilatancy following a small initial contraction. Although the dilatancy during shearing in multistage tests was comparable to that in the single-stage tests, the cumulative volumetric strain resulted in a net increase in the specimen volume in the case of unsaturated tests, and a net decrease in the case of saturated tests. This difference in volumetric strain behavior resulted in a lower peak shear strength of the saturated specimens tested using multistage testing compared to single stage but a higher peak shear strength in the case of the unsaturated specimens.
Trace DNA: A Review, Discussion of Theory, and Application of the Transfer of Trace Quantities of DNA Through Skin Contact
Authors: Wickenheiser RA
Published: December 2020

Advances in STR PCR DNA profiling technology allow for the analysis of minute quantities of DNA. It is frequently possible to obtain successful DNA results from cellular material transferred from the skin of an individual who has simply touched an object. Handling objects, such as weapons or other items associated with a crime, touching surfaces, or wearing clothing, may represent sufficient contact to transfer small numbers of DNA bearing cells, or trace DNA, which can be successfully analyzed. With this minimal amount of contact required to yield a suspect profile comes tremendous crime solving potential, and a number of considerations for prudent application, and the maximization of evidentiary value. Evidentiary materials not previously considered must be recognized and preserved, and the resulting DNA type profiles interpreted in their proper forensic context.
In Vivo Facial Tissue Depth Measurements for White British Children
Authors: Wilkinson CM
Published: December 2020

This paper reports the results of a study of facial tissue depth measurement in White British children of both sexes, aged between 11 and 18 years. The purpose of this research was to increase the information available upon tissue depth data for children, primarily for use in forensic facial reconstruction. Facial tissue depths were measured at 21 anatomical points using ultrasonic echo-location. The mid-philtral, upper lip border and lower lip border points showed consistently larger tissue depths in the males than the females, and the zygomatic attachment showed consistently larger tissue depths in the females than the males. The males showed a general increase in tissue depth with an increase in age at all the mid-line facial points and the cheek points. The females showed increased tissue depth with age at all the points except the infra-orbital, lateral orbital, mid-zygomatic arch and mid-mandibular points. A table of mean tissue depths was developed for males and females divided into two-yearly age groups.
Experiments in the Combustibility of the Human Body
Authors: Christensen AM
Published: December 2020

This paper provides possible explanations for two previously misunderstood circumstances surrounding cases of socalled “spontaneous human combustion”—the nearly complete cremation of human bone, and the failure of such fires to spread to nearby combustibles. Two experiments were conducted. The first involved the cremation of “healthy” and “osteoporotic” human bone and observing the resulting fragmentation and color change. Osteoporotic elements consistently displayed more discoloration and a greater degree of fragmentation than healthy ones. The second experiment involved the combustion of a sample of human tissue and observation of the flame height and burning area in order to calculate the effective heat of combustion. The resulting heat was 17kJ/g indicating a fire that is unlikely to spread. These results, which are among the first obtained for human samples, lend further support and credence to previous scientific explanations for “spontaneous human combustion.”
Decomposition Chemistry of Human Remains: A New Methodology for Determining the Postmortem Interval
Authors: Vass AA , Barshick S-A , Sega G , Caton J , Skeen JT , Love JC , Synstelien JA
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted to characterize the chemistry associated with the decomposition of human remains with the objective of identifying time-dependent biomarkers of decomposition. The purpose of this work was to develop an accurate and precise method for measuring the postmortem interval (PMI) of human remains. Eighteen subjects were placed within a decay research facility throughout a four-year time period and allowed to decompose naturally. Field autopsies were performed and tissue samples were regularly collected until the tissues decomposed to the point where they were no longer recognizable (encompassing a cumulative degree hour (CDH) range of approximately 1000 (3 weeks)). Analysis of the biomarkers (amino acids, neurotransmitters, and decompositional by-products) in various organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain, muscle) revealed distinct patterns useful for determining the PMI when based on CDHs. Proper use of the methods described herein allow for PMIs so accurate that the estimate is limited by the ability to obtain correct temperature data at a crime scene rather than sample variability.
The Identification of Stolen Paintings Using Comparison of Various Marks
Authors: Shor Y , Novoselsky Y , Klein A , Lurie DJ , Levi JA , Vinokurov A , Levin N
Published: December 2020

Several oil paintings, suspected of being stolen, were found in the possession of an art dealer in Tel-Aviv, Israel. The authors were asked to determine if these paintings were the stolen ones, based on photographs, stretchers, and frames submitted by the alleged owners in France. A physical match was found between two of the questioned paintings and two stretchers. Another painting was identified as being previously affixed to the original frame by several nails. The fourth painting was identified as being the one photographed by the alleged owner. This identification was done by comparing micro-topography marks revealed by the illumination conditions of that photograph and of the questioned painting.
Review of: Questioned Documents: A Lawyer's Handbook
Authors: McKasson S
Published: December 2020

The author has a diverse background in document examination with proficiency in English, Hebrew, and Arabic alphabets. Working with the Israel police has given him a familiarity with other writing systems from all over the world, and judging by his reference citations, his multi-lingual abilities extend to French, German, and Spanish as well.
Review of: Forensic DNA Typing
Authors: Sensbaugh GF
Published: December 2020

The forensic potential of DNA profiling for human identification burst upon the scene in late 1985. Since then, forensic DNA testing has gone through several phases of technological and operational advance resulting in more rapid analysis, extension of testing to ever smaller biological samples, and a de facto international standardization based on use of commercial kits. We appear now to have arrived at an operational plateau centered on the typing of short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms according to standardized protocols using electrophoresis instrumentation. STR markers are used worldwide for forensic identification purposes and are the core markers in virtually all national identification databases; the U.S. national DNA database system (CODIS) is based on a consensus set of 13 STR markers.
Review of: Advances in Fingerprint Technology, Second Edition
Authors: Sinke MJ
Published: December 2020

The first edition of this book was published as a volume in the Elsevier Series in Forensic and Police Science. Due to the many advances in the fingerprint field a second edition was warranted to give a complete overview of these advances.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Mass Casualty Incidents on Forensic Odontologists
Authors: Webb DA , Sweet D , Pretty IA
Published: December 2020

Motivated by the findings of a previous research project, 38 forensic odontologists with known occupational experience of mass casualty incidents completed a questionnaire designed to elicit both quantitative and qualitative data. The questionnaire sought to provide an insight into the psychological and emotional impact of conducting work of this nature. Two psychometric scales were included in the questionnaire, The Positive and Negative Affect scale (PANAS) and the Impact of Events Scale (IOE). In addition, a number of open-ended questions relating to the personal experiences of the respondent during the mass casualty incident were also included. Quantitative findings indicate that on the whole mass casualty incidents resulted in a positive experience for the respondents, although over a third reported being distressed, upset or irritable at some time during the event. Sense of achievement and camaraderie were among the qualitative themes elicited that help explain the positive reactions. Working conditions, politics and the victims were cited as sources of negativity.
Review of: The Robert F. Borkenstein International Symposium on Alcohol and Forensic Science—The Influence of Alcohol and Drugs on Transportation Safety
Authors: Caplan YH
Published: December 2020

This is an important contribution to the field of forensic alcohol testing and a testament to its historical development with a focus on one of its stalwarts, Dr. Robert F. Borkenstein. The nine chapters may be classified into three sections. First, the life and work of Dr. Borkenstein (one chapter), second, a review of principles and the development of alcohol testing and programs (six chapters), and third, clinical aspects (two chapters). The appreciation of history is fundamental to the advancement of science and this publication uniquely combines science with history and allows the reader to review the current status of alcohol testing while tracing the path of such knowledge.
Review of: Forensic Engineering Investigation
Authors: Batterman S
Published: December 2020

This book appears to be a sequel, or expanded version, of Mr. Noon's previous book, Introduction to Forensic Engineering, which was previously reviewed in JFS, Vol. 40, No. 1, p. 152. The current book is divided into 23 chapters, and is arranged as follows: Chapter 1—Introduction Chapter 2—Wind Damage to Residential Structures Chapter 3—Lightning Damage to Well Pumps Chapter 4—Evaluating Blasting Damage Chapter 5—Building Collapse Due to Roof Leakage Chapter 6—Putting Machines and People Together Chapter 7—Determining the Point of Origin of a Fire Chapter 8—Electrical Shorting Chapter 9—Explosions Chapter 10—Determining the Point of Ignition of an Explosion Chapter 11—Arson and Incendiary Fires Chapter 12—Simple Skids Chapter 13—Simple Vehicular Falls Chapter 14—Vehicle Performance Chapter 15—Momentum Methods Chapter 16—Energy Methods Chapter 17—Curves and Turns Chapter 18—Visual Perception and Motorcycle Accidents Chapter 19—Interpreting Lamp Filament Damages Chapter 20—Automotive Fires Chapter 21—Hail Damage Chapter 22—Blaming Brick Freeze-Thaw Deterioration on Hail Chapter 23—Management's Role in Accidents and Catastrophic Events
Human Remains Sold to the Highest Bidder! A Snapshot of the Buying and Selling of Human Skeletal Remains on eBay®, an Internet Auction Site
Authors: Huxley AK , Finnegan M
Published: December 2020

Internet auction sites have become increasingly popular, with diverse items up for sale to the public worldwide. The purposes of this paper are to inform the forensic community that human skeletal remains, old and new, are for sale on the eBay® internet auction site, and to advise forensic scientists that eBay® does not use a forensic anthropologist to assess photographs of these materials. Over the last few years, this website was “surfed,” with numerous auctions during this period. After contacting eBay® by email, representatives responded that they adhere to Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and that their website indicates that auctions must state that sale of human remains is for instructional purposes only. Based on the photographs, the remains appear to be of prehistoric and modern origin. An unfortunate consequence of such sale may generate interest in stealing remains from graves, mortuaries, hospitals, or county morgues worldwide.
Exploring the Psychological and Somatic Impact of Identity Theft
Authors: Sharp T , Shreve-Neiger A , Fremouw W , Kane J , Hutton S
Published: December 2020

Identity theft is a new and growing form of white-collar crime. This exploratory study examined the psychological and somatic impact of identity theft and coping methods utilized by victims. Thirty-seven victims of identity theft participated in regional victim focus groups. Participants completed a victim impact questionnaire designed by the authors and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18). The majority of participants expressed an increase in maladaptive psychological and somatic symptoms post victimization. Results on the BSI indicated that identity theft victims with unresolved cases, in contrast to those with resolved cases, were more likely to have clinically elevated scores when compared with a normative sample. Relatively similar coping mechanisms were utilized across victims. The results from this study suggest that victims of identity theft do have increased psychological and physical distress, and for those whose cases remain unresolved, distress is maintained over time.