bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to silver nanoparticles induces immunological dysfunction in pregnant mice
Authors: Chen Ling , Wu Haifang , Le Lulu , Yang Pengfei , Fu Fen , Liu Wenting , Xu Hengyi
Published: June 2020

The adverse outcomes of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on pregnancy have been studied in murine animals. However, the potential toxicity of AgNPs to immune balance, which is essential for maintaining a normal pregnancy, still requires further exploration. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of AgNPs on the immune balance during gestation time. Pregnant mice were given a dose of 1 mg/kg of AgNPs and silver ion on gestation days 3.5 to 9.5 by tail vein injection. Results showed that the AgNPs and silver ion decreased the number of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells which were the important cells in the immune system, thereby disrupting the balance of normal immune tolerance function, activated the inflammatory responses, together with the reductive production of placental immunoregulatory genes, and the expression of inflammatory factors in the placenta in the Ag‐treated groups increased. These effects increased the absorption rate. Furthermore, the inflammatory signaling pathway p38MAPK/AP‐1/MMP‐9 in the placenta was activated, indicating that Ag induced inflammation through this signaling pathway. All results indicated that undesirable pregnancy outcome caused by AgNPs could be happened by stimulating immunological dysfunction. Therefore, the potential risks to embryogenesis exposure to AgNPs that caused immune imbalance should be given sufficient attention.
STED Nanoscopy
Authors: Egner Alexander , Geisler Claudia , Siegmund René
Published: June 2020

This chapter provides an introduction to the fundamentals of STED nanoscopy. The first section starts with a discussion of the field and intensity distribution in the vicinity of the geometric focus by means of vectorial diffraction theory. In a next step, we introduce the fluorescence microscope, deduce the formulas for the classical resolution limit for incoherent image formation and discuss the implications for confocal fluorescence microscopy. In the second section, the principle underlying STED nanoscopy is introduced and the fundamentals necessary for its further understanding are discussed. First, we cover the basic photophysical interactions between fluorophores and the excitation and STED light. On this basis, we derive boundary conditions for the light sources to be used. We then discuss the dependence of fluorescence suppression on the relevant photophysical and experimental parameters. Finally, we explain the mode of operation of the phase patterns used for shaping the STED beam and discuss the achievable resolution. Lastly, we show in the third section examples of applying STED microscopy to cell imaging.
Constrained Reconstructions in X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging: Uniqueness, Stability and Algorithms
Authors: Maretzke Simon , Hohage Thorsten
Published: June 2020

This chapter considers the inverse problem of X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI), as introduced in Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-34413-9_2. It is analyzed how physical a priori knowledge, e.g. of the approximate size of the imaged sample (support knowledge), affects the inverse problem: uniqueness and—for a linearized model—even well-posedness are shown to hold under support constraints, ensuring stability of reconstruction from real-world noisy data. In order to exploit these theoretical insights, regularized Newton methods are proposed as a class of reconstruction algorithms that flexibly incorporate constraints and account for the inherent nonlinearity of XPCI. A Kaczmarz-type variant of the approach is considered for 3D image-recovery in tomographic XPCI, which remains applicable for large-scale data. The relevance of constraints and the capabilities of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated by numerical reconstruction examples.
Laboratory-Scale Soft X-ray Source for Microscopy and Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Müller Matthias , Mann Klaus
Published: June 2020

Soft X-ray microscopy and absorption spectroscopy are extremely useful tools for high-resolution imaging and chemical analysis of samples in various scientific fields. However, due to the required high photon flux of soft X-ray radiation, up to now, both methods are almost exclusively performed at synchrotron sources. Thus, great efforts have been made to develop table-top sources emitting in the soft X-ray spectral range ($$\lambda =$$

λ
=

1–5 nm). Here, the development of a laser-produced plasma source from a pulsed gas jet is presented, enabling the construction of an almost debris-free, compact and long-term stable X-ray source. Based on this source a compact soft X-ray microscope (spatial resolution 50 nm) operating at a wavelength of $$\lambda = 2.88$$

λ
=
2.88

nm was built and applied for imaging of various test and biological objects. In addition, a laboratory-scale NEXAFS spectrometer has been established, allowing for reliable analysis of different absorption edges at photon energies between 250 and 1250 eV.
Metal-Induced Energy Transfer Imaging
Authors: Chizhik Alexey I. , Enderlein Jörg
Published: June 2020

Super-resolution microscopy has seen a tremendous development over the last two decades. It has opened new perspectives for the application of fluorescence microscopy in the life sciences. Achieving a spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limit of light allowed one to observe many biological structures that are not resolvable in conventional fluorescence microscopy. However, despite recent development of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques that allowed for squeezing the lateral resolution down to tens of nanometers, the much less axial resolution remains a key limiting factor for applications where z-sectioning of a sample is needed. In this chapter, we present the recently developed fluorescence imaging method that is called metal-induced energy transfer. It combines unprecedented nanometer resolution with technical simplicity that allows life science researchers to use it with standard microscopes. We discuss basic principle of the method, its theoretical background, and its applications for imaging of various sub-cellular structures.
History in the Now: Asserting Indigenous Difference in “Top End” Higher Education Using Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Authors: Willsher Michele , Oldfield Janine
Published: June 2020

Recent changes to curriculum and course design by schools and universities signal their agreement that the teaching of intercultural communication skills and cultural competencies is vital for a sustainable world future. The importance of being culturally competent has reached an international status, with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) including cultural competence in their Programme for International Student
Reflecting on a Way of Being: Anchor Principles of Cultural Competence
Authors: Russell Gabrielle
Published: June 2020

A critical self-reflective practice is essential to cultural competence development. Importantly, critical self-reflection must facilitate intimate knowledge about who you are and how you are positioned in the world, and the consequences of that positioning. Within institutional settings, each of us, as employees, is inevitably bounded by the policies, structures and values of the institution. However, our individual identities, socialisation and worldviews will inform how we interpret those institutional boundaries, and how we embody and perform our personal values and boundaries.
Indigenist Leadership in Academia: Towards an Aspirational Model of Mindful Servant Leadership
Authors: Doyle Kerrie E. , Hungerford Catherine , Pitt Chris , Saunders Paul , Wilkey Kyar
Published: June 2020

The tertiary education landscape in Australia has changed over the past decade, in line with developments in other occupational settings and environments across the western world.
Racism a Social Determinant of Indigenous Health: Yarning About Cultural Safety and Cultural Competence Strategies to Improve Indigenous Health
Authors: Sherwood Juanita , Mohamed Janine
Published: June 2020

This chapter includes a record of the opening session of the first National Centre for Cultural Competence (NCCC) conference held in Australia in 2018 and is a yarn between the two of us. We are both Aboriginal women with qualifications in nursing and are members of Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM).
Superconformal surfaces in four dimensions
Authors: Bianchi Lorenzo , Lemos Madalena
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We study the constraints of superconformal symmetry on codimension two defects in four-dimensional superconformal field theories. We show that the one-point function of the stress tensor and the two-point function of the displacement operator are related, and we discuss the consequences of this relation for the Weyl anomaly coefficients as well as in a few examples, including the supersymmetric Rényi entropy. Imposing consistency with existing results, we propose a general relation that could hold for sufficiently supersymmetric defects of arbitrary dimension and codimension. Turning to

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= (2, 2) surface defects in

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

≥ 2 superconformal field theories, we study the associated chiral algebra. We work out various properties of the modules introduced by the defect in the original chiral algebra. In particular, we find that the one-point function of the stress tensor controls the dimension of the defect identity in chiral algebra, providing a novel way to compute it, once the defect identity is identified. Studying a few examples, we show explicitly how these properties are realized.
On even spin $$ {\mathcal{W}}_{\infty } $$
Authors: Procházka Tomáš
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We study the even spin

$$ {\mathcal{W}}_{\infty } $$

W
∞

which is a universal W -algebra for orthosymplectic series of

$$ \mathcal{W} $$

W

-algebras. We use the results of Fateev and Lukyanov to embed the algebra into

$$ {\mathcal{W}}_{1+\infty } $$

W

1
+
∞

. Choosing the generators to be quadratic in those of

$$ {\mathcal{W}}_{1+\infty } $$

W

1
+
∞

, we find that the algebra has quadratic operator product expansions. Truncations of the universal algebra include principal DrinfeǏd -Sokolov reductions of BC D series of simple Lie algebras, orthogonal and symplectic cosets as well as orthosymplectic Y -algebras of Gaiotto and Rapčák. Based on explicit calculations we conjecture a complete list of co-dimension 1 truncations of the algebra.
Unruh-like effects: effective temperatures along stationary worldlines
Authors: Good Michael , Juárez-Aubry Benito A. , Moustos Dimitris , Temirkhan Maksat
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We study the detailed balance temperatures recorded along all classes of stationary, uniformly accelerated worldlines in four-dimensional Minkowski spacetime, namely along (i) linear uniform acceleration, (ii) cusped, (iii) circular, (iv) catenary, and (v) helix worldlines, among which the Unruh temperature is the particular case for linear uniform acceleration. As a measuring device, we employ an Unruh-DeWitt detector, modeled as a qubit that interacts for a long time with a massless Klein-Gordon field in the vacuum state. The temperatures in each case (i) - (v) are functions of up to three invariant quantities: curvature or proper acceleration, κ, torsion, b, and hypertorsion, ν, and except for the case (i), they depend on the transition frequency difference of the detector, ω. We investigate numerically the behavior of the frequency-dependent temperatures for different values of κ, b, and ν along the stationary worldlines (ii) - (v) and evaluate analytically the regimes where the temperatures recorded along the different worldlines coincide with each other in terms of relevant asymptotic limits for κ, b, or ν, and discuss their physical meaning. We demonstrate that the temperatures in cases (ii) - (v) dip under the Unruh temperature at low frequencies and go above the Unruh temperature for large |ω|. It is our hope that this study will be relevant to the design of experiments seeking to verify the Unruh effect or generalizations thereof.
Collinear drop
Authors: Chien Yang-Ting , Stewart Iain W.
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We introduce collinear drop jet substructure observables, which are unaffected by contributions from collinear radiation, and systematically probe soft radiation within jets. These observables can be designed to be either sensitive or insensitive to process-dependent soft radiation originating from outside the jet. Such collinear drop observables can be exploited as variables to distinguish quark, gluon, and color neutral initiated jets, for testing predictions for perturbative soft radiation in Monte Carlo simulations, for assessing models and universality for hadronization corrections, for examining the efficiency of pileup subtraction methods, and for any other application that leaves an imprint on soft radiation. We discuss examples of collinear drop observables that are based both on clustering and on jet shapes. Using the soft-collinear effective theory we derive factorization expressions for collinear drop observables from QCD jets, and carry out a resummation of logarithmically enhanced contributions at next-to-leading-logarithmic order. We also identify an infinite class of collinear drop observables for which the leading double logarithms are absent.
Higher-spin initial data in twistor space with complex stargenvalues
Authors: Yin Yihao
Published: June 2020

Abstract

This paper is a supplement to and extension of arXiv:1903.01399. In the internal twistor space of the 4D Vasiliev’s higher-spin gravity, we study the star-product eigenfunctions of number operators with generic complex eigenvalues. In particular, we focus on a set of eigenfunctions represented by formulas with generalized Laguerre functions. This set of eigenfunctions can be written as linear combinations of two subsets of eigenfunctions, one of which is closed under the star-multiplication with the creation operator to a generic complex power — and the other similarly with the annihilation operator. The two subsets intersect when the left and the right eigenvalues differ by an integer. We further investigate how star-multiplications with both the creation and annihilation operators together may change such eigenfunctions and briefly discuss some problems that we are facing in order to use these eigenfunctions as the initial data to construct solutions to Vasiliev’s equations.
Stable and causal relativistic Navier-Stokes equations
Authors: Hoult Raphael E. , Kovtun Pavel
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Relativistic Navier-Stokes equations express the conservation of the energy-momentum tensor and the particle number current in terms of the local hydrodynamic variables: temperature, fluid velocity, and the chemical potential. We show that the viscous-fluid equations are stable and causal if one adopts suitable non-equilibrium definitions of the hydrodynamic variables.
The association between informal caregiving and behavioral risk factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gottschalk Sophie , König Hans-Helmut , Brettschneider Christian
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to compare informal caregivers/dementia caregivers to non-caregivers regarding alcohol consumption, smoking behavior, obesity, and insufficient physical activity and to identify caregiving-related factors (caregiving intensity, length of caregiving, relationship to the care recipient, and type of caregiving task) which are associated with behavioral risk factors in caregivers/dementia caregivers.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we performed the statistical analyses applying logistic regression models and accounted for confounding using the entropy balancing approach.

Results

For caregivers (n = 12,044), the odds of overweight/obesity and smoking were higher (OR = 1.14/1.34, p < 0.05) and the odds of binge drinking and insufficient physical activity were lower (OR = 0.86/0.83, p < 0.05) than for non-caregivers (n = 45,925). For dementia caregivers, results point in the same direction. Caregiving-related variables tend to influence the likelihood of behavioral risk factors, but depending on the kind of factor considered, in different directions.

Conclusions

Being a caregiver is associated with risky and health-promoting behavior. However, the effects are relatively low. Future studies should study potential pathways between caregiving characteristics, psychological impacts of caregiving, health behavior, and mental or physical health.
Efficient Estimation for Varying-Coefficient Mixed Effects Models with Functional Response Data
Authors: Cai Xiong , Xue Liugen , Pu Xiaolong , Yan Xingyu
Published: June 2020

In this article, we focus on the estimation of varying-coefficient mixed effects models for longitudinal and sparse functional response data, by using the generalized least squares method coupling a modified local kernel smoothing technique. This approach provides a useful framework that simultaneously takes into account the within-subject covariance and all observation information in the estimation to improve efficiency. We establish both uniform consistency and pointwise asymptotic normality for the proposed estimators of varying-coefficient functions. Numerical studies are carried out to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed procedure. An application to the white matter tract dataset obtained from Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study is also provided.
Monocrotaline-induced liver toxicity in rat predicted by a combined in vitro physiologically based kinetic modeling approach
Authors: Suparmi Suparmi , Wesseling Sebastiaan , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M.
Published: June 2020

The aim of the present study was to use an in vitro–in silico approach to predict the in vivo acute liver toxicity of monocrotaline and to characterize the influence of its metabolism on its relative toxic potency compared to lasiocarpine and riddelliine. In the absence of data on acute liver toxicity of monocrotaline upon oral exposure, the predicted dose–response curve for acute liver toxicity in rats and the resulting benchmark dose lower and upper confidence limits for 10% effect (BMDL10 and BMDU10) were compared to data obtained in studies with intraperitoneal or subcutaneous dosing regimens. This indicated the predicted BMDL10 value to be in line with the no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) derived from availabe in vivo studies. The predicted BMDL10–BMDU10 of 1.1–4.9 mg/kg bw/day also matched the oral dose range of 1–3 mg PA/kg bw/day at which adverse effects in human are reported. A comparison to the oral toxicity of the related pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) lasiocarpine and riddelliine revealed that, although in the rat hepatocytes monocrotaline was less toxic than lasiocarpine and riddelliine, due to its relatively inefficient clearance, its in vivo acute liver toxicity was predicted to be comparable. It is concluded that the combined in vitro-PBK modeling approach can provide insight in monocrotaline-induced acute liver toxicity in rats, thereby filling existing gaps in the database on PA toxicity. Furthermore, the results reveal that the kinetic and metabolic properties of PAs can vary substantially and should be taken into account when considering differences in relative potency between different PAs.
“Black bone”: the new backbone in CAD/CAM-assisted craniosynostosis surgery?
Authors: Lethaus Bernd , Gruichev Dimitar , Gräfe Daniel , Bartella Alexander K. , Hahnel Sebastian , Yovev Tsanko , Pausch Niels Christian , Krause Matthias
Published: June 2020

Background

Computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques have been implemented in craniosynostosis surgery to facilitate cranial remodeling. However, until now, computed tomography (CT) scans with ionizing radiation were necessary to plan the procedure and create guiding templates. The purpose of this study was to present our series using CAD/CAM techniques in planning and conducting fronto-orbital advancement surgery in patients with trigonocephaly with datasets acquired only by “black bone” magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Six consecutively operated cases from 2019 were included in this study. All patients suffered from non-syndromic trigonocephaly with no primary surgeries. All patients underwent cranial MRI including black bone sequences. Preoperative planning and guides were created based on the DICOM datasets. We analyzed demographic data, clinical data, and outcome measured by Whitaker score.

Results

In all cases, precise frontobasal advancement was possible with the CAD/CAM guides created by black bone MRI. The mean operation time and planning time were 222 and 32 min. The time on intensive and intermediate care unit (ICU/IMC) time was 4.5 days, respectively. All but one case were classified as Whitaker I.

Conclusion

In trigonocephaly treatment by frontobasal advancement, black bone MRI-based CAD/CAM craniosynostosis surgery is safe and feasible. It offers the major advantage of completely avoiding CT scans and ionizing radiation with superior imaging quality of intracranial structures. Thus, it improves intraoperative safety and—at the same time—has the potential to reduce operating room (OR) time.
A multicenter retrospective study of nivolumab monotherapy in previously treated metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients: interim analysis of Japanese real-world data
Authors: Hinata Nobuyuki , Yonese Junji , Masui Satoru , Nakai Yasutomo , Shirotake Suguru , Tatsugami Katsunori , Inamoto Teruo , Nozawa Masahiro , Ueda Kosuke , Etsunaga Toru , Osawa Takahiro , Uemura Motohide , Kimura Go , Numakura Kazuyuki , Yamana Kazutoshi , Miyake Hideaki , Fukasawa Satoshi , Ochi Kenya , Kaneko Hirokazu , Uemura Hirotsugu
Published: June 2020

Background

In a phase III clinical trial, CheckMate 025, treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) with nivolumab demonstrated superior efficacy over everolimus. However, as the clinical trial excluded patients with specific complications and poor performance status (PS), the effectiveness and safety of nivolumab in clinical practice, in which patients with various clinical complications are treated, is unclear. This study explored real-world nivolumab treatment in Japanese mRCC patients.

Methods

This is an interim analysis of a multicenter, non-interventional, medical record review study (minimum follow-up: 9 months). All eligible Japanese mRCC patients who first received nivolumab between February and October 2017 were included; data cut-off was April 2019. We analyzed nivolumab treatment patterns, efficacy (including overall survival, progression-free survival, objective response rate, and duration of response) and safety (including immune-related adverse events).

Results

Of 208 evaluable patients, 31.7% received nivolumab as fourth- or later line of treatment. At data cut-off, 26.9% of patients were continuing nivolumab treatment. The major reason for discontinuation was disease progression (n = 100, 65.8%). Median overall survival was not reached; the 12-month survival rate was 75.6%. Median progression-free survival was 7.1 months, the objective response rate was 22.6%, and median duration of response was 13.3 months. Patients who were excluded or limited in number in CheckMate 025, such as those with non-clear cell RCC or poor PS, also received benefits from nivolumab treatment. Immune-related adverse events occurred in 27.4% of patients (grade ≥ 3, 10.1%).

Conclusion

Nivolumab was effective and well-tolerated in real-world Japanese mRCC patients.

Trial registration

UMIN000033312
Consistent Flow Structure Evolution in Accelerating Flow Through Hexagonal Sphere Pack
Authors: Sakai Yoshiyuki , Manhart Michael
Published: June 2020

Direct numerical simulation based on incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with an immersed boundary method is used to simulate accelerating porous media flow through a bed of uniform spheres arranged in hexagonal close packing order. The transient flow is realised by driving initially resting fluid by a constant pressure gradient. A wide spectrum of Reynolds number based on the sphere diameter and volume-averaged velocity is considered, which ranges from creeping flow up to a Reynolds number of approximately 350, where turbulent flow structures are evident inside the pores. It is found that nonlinear dependence of the volume-averaged velocity with respect to the applied pressure gradient is the consequence of emergence of streamwise jets and the accompanying streamwise vortices, as previously observed for other sphere pack arrangements. Furthermore, two distinct flow modes are identified in the steady flow regime which satisfy full geometric symmetries. The flow then becomes unsteady around Reynolds number of 90 which coincides with a partial breaking of the symmetries, and pore-scale turbulence emerges once all the symmetries vanish when Reynolds number is larger than 200. For all the considered unsteady flow, independent of being turbulent or not, we observe a consistent sequence of flow structure evolution during the flow development with progressively broken symmetries albeit at widely varying instantaneous Reynolds numbers. Moreover, we show that the symmetry breaking takes place in larger pore spaces first, then propagate into smaller pores located in downstream.
Influence of pulp characteristics on the properties of alkali cellulose
Authors: Fechter Catharina , Fischer Steffen , Reimann Felix , Brelid Harald , Heinze Thomas
Published: June 2020

Alkali extraction of cellulose material is a common treatment for several industrial processes—especially the viscose process, which produces fibers for textile applications. This study investigated different generic dissolving wood pulps by means of alkali extraction (10–18 wt% aq. NaOH at 20–50 °C). The regenerated residue of the pulps was characterized for its chemical composition, molecular structure, and cellulose conformation. The investigated pulps had in common that glucan was most intensely extracted at low temperature and low concentration of aqueous alkali, xylan was most intensely extracted at high temperature and high concentration of aqueous alkali, and mannan was most intensely extracted at a concentration of aqueous alkali > 14 wtwt% at all temperatures applied. The degree of transformation via alkali cellulose to cellulose II as determined with Raman spectroscopy was found to be maximized for all pulps at high alkali concentration and temperature had no major influence. Maximum yield for all investigated pulps was found when extraction was done with 18 wt% aq. NaOH. The importance of temperature differed for the investigated pulps. The reason for the differences in extraction behavior or different absolute levels of resulting properties was found to be related to differences in the homogeneity and purity of the pulps. A conclusion of interest for industrial applications was that extracting the pulps with 18 wt% aq. NaOH led to an optimal alkalization result for yield, purity, and conversion. The steeping temperature chosen was found to be important to balance the yield and the purity of xylan-containing pulps.

Graphic abstract
Analytical ultracentrifugation for measuring drug distribution of doxorubicin loaded liposomes in human serum
Authors: Mehn Dora , Capomaccio Robin , Gioria Sabrina , Gilliland Douglas , Calzolai Luigi
Published: June 2020

The potential of analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) in the analysis of the drug distribution of liposomal doxorubicin formulation (with nominal diameter of 85 nm) in the presence of human serum proteins is demonstrated using the absorbance detection function of the instrument. Based on the AUC measurement (and model fitting for molecular mass calculation), we show that in a single experiment, it is possible to measure the relative amounts of the free drug, of the liposome-encapsulated drug, and of the serum protein-bound drug. In addition, the same data provides both the accurate particle size distribution of the liposomal formulation in human serum and information on the protein that binds doxorubicin in the drug-protein fraction (in this case, human serum albumin). Thus, a single experiment (that requires only minimal sample preparation) provides several critical physical-chemical attributes of liposomal drug formulations. This innovative approach will greatly help in the development of improved methods for the challenging problem of characterizing nanomedicine in relevant biological matrices.
How scientific research reacts to international public health emergencies: a global analysis of response patterns
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhao Wenjing , Sun Beibei , Huang Ying , Glänzel Wolfgang
Published: June 2020

As of the middle of April 2020, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has claimed more than 137,000 lives (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html). Because of its extremely fast spreading, the attention of the global scientific community is now focusing on slowing down, containing and finally stopping the spread of this disease. This requires the concerted action of researchers and practitioners of many related fields, raising, as always in such situations the question, of what kind of research has to be conducted, what are the priorities, how has research to be coordinated and who needs to be involved. In other words, what are the characteristics of the response of the global research community on the challenge? In the present paper, we attempt to characterise, quantify and measure the response of academia to international public health emergencies in a comparative bibliometric study of multiple outbreaks. In addition, we provide a preliminary review of the global research effort regarding the defeat of the COVID-19 pandemic. From our analysis of six infectious disease outbreaks since 2000, including COVID-19, we find that academia always responded quickly to public health emergencies with a sharp increase in the number of publications immediately following the declaration of an outbreak by the WHO. In general, countries/regions place emphasis on epidemics in their own region, but Europe and North America are also concerned with outbreaks in other, developed and less developed areas through conducting intensive collaborative research with the core countries/regions of the outbreak, such as in the case of Ebola in Africa. Researches in the fields of virology, infectious diseases and immunology are the most active, and we identified two characteristic patterns in global science distinguishing research in Europe and America that is more focused on public health from that conducted in China and Japan with more emphasis on biomedical research and clinical pharmacy, respectively. Universities contribute slightly less than half to the global research output, and the vast majority of research funding originates from the public sector. Our findings on how academia responds to emergencies could be beneficial to decision-makers in research and health policy in creating and adjusting anti-epidemic/-pandemic strategies.
Perithyroidal Salivary Gland Acinic Cell Carcinoma: Morphological and Molecular Attributes of a Unique Lesion
Authors: Juhlin C. Christofer , Asa Sylvia L. , Jatta Kenbugul , Naserhojati Rodsari Homeyra , Shabo Ivan , Haglund Felix , Delahunt Brett , Samaratunga Hemamali , Egevad Lars , Höög Anders , Zedenius Jan
Published: June 2020

Rarely, salivary gland tumors such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, mammary analogue secretory carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma arise as primary tumors from ectopic or metaplastic salivary gland tissue adjacent to or within the thyroid gland. We report for the first time a case of primary salivary acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC) adjacent to the thyroid gland in a 71-year-old female patient with Crohns disease and a previous history of malignant melanoma. Following the development of a nodule adjacent to the left thyroid lobe, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy was reported as consistent with a follicular lesion of undetermined significance (Bethesda III). A left-sided hemithyroidectomy was performed. A circumscribed lesion measuring 33 mm was noted adjacent to the thyroid and trapping parathyroid, it was composed of solid nests and glands with microcystic and follicular patterns. The tumor was negative for thyroid, parathyroid and paraganglioma markers, but positive for pan-cytokeratins, CK7, CD10, CD117, androgen receptor and HNF-beta. A metastasis of a thyroid-like renal cell carcinoma was suspected but ruled out, and the patient had no evident lesions on extensive radiology of the urogenital, pulmonary and GI tracts. Based on the morphology, a diagnosis of AcCC was suggested, and confirmed with DOG1 and PAS-diastase staining. Molecular analyses pinpointed a constitutional ASXL1 variant of uncertain significance, but no fusion events. The patient had no radiological or clinical evidence of parotid, submandibular or sublingual tumors postoperatively, and the excised lesion was therefore assumed to be a primary tumor. We here detail the morphological and immunophenotypic profile of this previously undescribed perithyroidal tumor.
Telling Stories from the Sea: Facilitating Professional Learning in Maritime Post-Simulation Debriefings
Authors: Sellberg Charlott , Wiig Astrid Camilla
Published: June 2020

This study examines storytelling episodes in 13 video-recorded and fully transcribed post-simulation debriefings from a maritime navigation course. The aim is to scrutinize the facilitators’ practice of telling stories from the sea during debriefings, to explore the organization and inner function of storytelling in debriefing. A combination of dialogical-performative analysis and a structural narrative model was conducted to analyze and contextualize stories from working at sea in the debriefing practice. The analysis shows how storytelling in debriefing frequently occurred, and was mainly occasioned by critical discussions about students’ mistakes during the simulated scenario. In such a critical debriefing practice, the results show how telling stories about lived experiences of professional dilemmas and mistakes serves multiple functions. In line with research results from previous studies on storytelling in higher education, this study demonstrates how storytelling connects the simulated event to the professional responsibilities on board seagoing ships. In addition, storytelling might also serve face-saving purposes in this critical debriefing practice, which raises important questions regarding psychological safety and the debriefing climate.
Geriatric oncology: questions, answers and guidelines
Authors: Unseld Matthias , Marosi Christine
Published: June 2020

Background

With the aging of populations, the number of elderly persons with cancer will increase. Due to the high individuality of elderly persons and their varying patterns of resources and disabilities, cancer treatment for elderly cancer patients needs to be individually adapted. To achieve this, geriatric medicine has established the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). This short review presents the evidence of feasibility and impact of CGA on cancer treatment in elderly patients, as recommended by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in 2018.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature and a Delphi Consensus with a panel of experts cooperated to compile the evidence for choosing the most adequate treatment for elderly cancer patients.

Results

There is evidence that CGA makes it possible to predict the occurrence of complications of chemotherapy and of health deterioration, as well as death within 1 year.

Conclusion

The ASCO has recognized the optimization of cancer therapy for elderly patients as a priority.
Militarization, factionalism and political transitions: an inquiry into the causes of state collapse
Authors: Lambach Daniel , Johais Eva , Bayer Markus
Published: June 2020

Why do some fragile states collapse while others do not? This article presents results from a comparative analysis of the causes of state collapse. Using a dataset of 15 cases of state collapse between 1960 and 2007, we conduct both synchronic and diachronic comparisons with two different control groups of fragile states using crisp-set QCA. The results support our hypothesis that state collapse has multiple causes. The militarization of political groups, when combined with other conditions, plays a major part in the process. Other causal factors are political transition, extreme poverty, declining government resources or external aid, factionalist politics, repression and pre-colonial polities. This challenges structuralist explanations focusing on regime types and the resource curse, among other things, and opens up avenues for further research.
Genotype by environment interaction for area under the disease-progress curve (AUDPC) value in spring barley using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model
Authors: Bocianowski Jan , Tratwal Anna , Nowosad Kamila
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to assess genotype by environment interaction for area under disease progress curve values in spring barley grown in South-West Poland by the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model. The study comprised of 25 spring barley genotypes (five cultivars: Basza, Blask, Antek, Skarb and Rubinek as well as all possible 10 two-way mixtures and 10 three-way mixtures combinations), evaluated at two locations in 4 years (eight environments) in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) value of the tested genotypes ranged from 75.3 to 614.3, with an average of 175.3. In the AMMI analyses, 13.43% of the AUDPC value variation was explained by environment, 37.85% by differences between genotypes, and 18.20% by genotype by environment interaction. The mixture Basza/Skarb is recommended for further inclusion in the breeding program due to its low average AUDPC value (98.8) and is stable (AMMI stability value = 6.65).
A Bayesian Reconstruction of a Historical Population in Finland, 1647–1850
Authors: Voutilainen Miikka , Helske Jouni , Högmander Harri
Published: June 2020

This article provides a novel method for estimating historical population development. We review the previous literature on historical population time-series estimates and propose a general outline to address the well-known methodological problems. We use a Bayesian hierarchical time-series model that allows us to integrate the parish-level data set and prior population information in a coherent manner. The procedure provides us with model-based posterior intervals for the final population estimates. We demonstrate its applicability by estimating the long-term development of Finland’s population from 1647 onward and simultaneously place the country among the very few to have an annual population series of such length available.
Seeing thought: a cultural cognitive tool
Authors: Morais José , Kolinsky Régine
Published: June 2020

The present paper, which is the first of two twin opinion papers, offers a theoretical approach of literacy and critical literacy in relation to language, thought, and reasoning. Literacy acquisition and practice proceed through two stages, which partially overlap in terms of processing abilities: the first is achieved when the learner becomes a skilled reader and writer, characterized by automatic word processing; the second, when reading comprehension and written production become expert instruments in the communication of progressively more abstract and sophisticated, but always linguistically-mediated, knowledge and ideas. The destiny of literacy, depending on educational and social factors, is thus to be to fused with language, thought and reasoning. Oral language becomes literate language; and our cognitive activity becomes—as indicated in the title—“seeing thought”, which paves the way, we will argue, for reasoning skills. Making of literacy an epistemic and social tool of our own collective history requires a critical stance that raises itself and ourselves to a stage calledcritical literacy. In this paper we focus on some of the favorable and unfavorable factors influencing this achievement. The main challenge is to bring literate cognition up to the capacity of choosing between accept and verify, between belief and disbelief, by weighting evidence and reasoning, by arguing and debunking errors and falsities. Accordingly, our objective is essentially to narrate how literacy gives birth to critical literacy and explain why, at the end of this process, critical literacy becomes hard to distinguish from thinking and reasoning.
Automated Text Classification of News Articles: A Practical Guide
Authors: Barberá Pablo , Boydstun Amber E. , Linn Suzanna , McMahon Ryan , Nagler Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Automated text analysis methods have made possible the classification of large corpora of text by measures such as topic and tone. Here, we provide a guide to help researchers navigate the consequential decisions they need to make before any measure can be produced from the text. We consider, both theoretically and empirically, the effects of such choices using as a running example efforts to measure the tone ofNew York Timescoverage of the economy. We show that two reasonable approaches to corpus selection yield radically different corpora and we advocate for the use of keyword searches rather than predefined subject categories provided by news archives. We demonstrate the benefits of coding using article segments instead of sentences as units of analysis. We show that, given a fixed number of codings, it is better to increase the number of unique documents coded rather than the number of coders for each document. Finally, we find that supervised machine learning algorithms outperform dictionaries on a number of criteria. Overall, we intend this guide to serve as a reminder to analysts that thoughtfulness and human validation are key to text-as-data methods, particularly in an age when it is all too easy to computationally classify texts without attending to the methodological choices therein.
The effect of 12 weeks of euenergetic high-protein diet in regulating appetite and body composition of women with normal-weight obesity: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Haghighat Neda , Ashtary-Larky Damoon , Bagheri Reza , Mahmoodi Marzieh , Rajaei Majdadin , Alipour Meysam , Kooti Wesam , Aghamohammdi Vahideh , Wong Alexei
Published: June 2020

Normal-weight obesity (NWO) syndrome is associated with metabolic diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of a high-protein (HP) v. a standard protein (SP) diet on appetite, anthropometry and body composition in NWO women. In this clinical trial, fifty NWO women were randomly allocated to HP (n 25) or SP (n 25) diet groups. Women in the HP and SP groups consumed 25 and 15 % of their total energy intake from protein for 12 weeks. Weight, fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM), waist circumference (WC) and appetite were evaluated at baseline and following their 3-month intervention. After 12 weeks, the LBM was higher in HP compared with no significant changes in the SP group (mean between-group difference = 1·5 kg; 95 % CI 3·1, 0·01; effect size (d) = 0·4). Furthermore, the HP group had lower FM (mean between-group difference –1·1 kg; 95 % CI 1, –3·3; d = –0·2), body fat percentage (BFP) (mean between-group difference –2 %; 95 % CI 0·7, –5·2; d = –0·3) and WC (mean between-group difference –1·4 cm; 95 % CI 0·6, –3·6; d = –0·2) at the end of the study in comparison with the SP group. In both groups, weight and appetite were unchanged over time without significant differences between groups. Twelve weeks of euenergetic diets with different dietary protein contents resulted in no significant weight loss in women with NWO. However, an HP diet significantly improved body composition (LBM, FM, BFP and WC) in this population.
Cracker shape modifiesad libitumsnack intake of crackers with cheese dip
Authors: van Eck Arianne , van Stratum Anouk , Achlada Dimitra , Goldschmidt Benoît , Scholten Elke , Fogliano Vincenzo , Stieger Markus , Bolhuis Dieuwerke
Published: June 2020

Food and energy intake can be effectively lowered by changing food properties, but little is known whether modifying food shape is sufficient to influence intake. This study investigated the influence of cracker shape and cheese viscosity onad libitumintake of cracker–cheese combinations. Forty-four participants (thirteen males, 23 (sd3) years, BMI 21 (sd2) kg/m2) participated in four late afternoon snack sessions (2 × 2 randomised crossover design). Iso-energetic crackers were baked into flat squares and finger-shape cylindrical sticks and combined with a cheese dip varying in viscosity. Approximately eighty crackers and 500 g cheese dip were served in separate large bowls. Participants consumed crackers with cheese dipad libitumwhile watching a movie of 30 min. Dipping behaviour and oral processing behaviour were measured simultaneously by hidden balances under the cheese bowls and video recordings. Cracker intake (28 (sem1) crackers) of cracker–cheese combinations was not influenced by cracker shape. Cheese intake of cracker–cheese combinations was 15 % higher for flat-squared than finger-shape crackers (131 kJ,P= 0·016), as a larger amount of cheese was scooped with flat-squared crackers (2·9 (sem0·2)v. 2·3 (sem0·1) g cheese per dip,P< 0·001) and showed higher eating rate and energy intake rate (P< 0·001). Eating rate over snacking time decreased by reducing bite frequency (P< 0·001) while cheese dip size remained fairly constant (P= 0·12). Larger energy intake from condiments was facilitated by increased cracker surface, and this did not trigger earlier satiation. Changing food carrier surface may be a promising approach to moderate energy intake of often high energy dense condiments, sauces and toppings.
Exact analytical calculation and numerical modelling by finite-difference time-domain method of the transient transmission of electromagnetic waves through cold plasmas
Authors: Pavlenko Ivan V. , Girka Igor O. , Trush Oleksandr V. , Melnyk Daria O.
Published: June 2020

The transient transmission of an electromagnetic wave through cold, unmagnetized and collisionless plasmas is described both analytically and numerically for its normal incidence from vacuum upon a plasma half-space. Exact formulas for the electromagnetic field are written in integral forms, which are convenient for approximate analysis and comparison with the results of direct numerical simulations. The time when the plasma particle oscillations become self-consistent with the electromagnetic field can be calculated from the simplified formulas for an arbitrary distance from the plasma–vacuum interface. Special attention is paid to the formation of the electrostatic oscillation in the case when the frequency of the incident wave is equal to the plasma frequency. The amplitudes of the vanishing magnetic field and the forming electrostatic oscillation are calculated as functions of time and the distance from the plasma–vacuum interface. The formation of the electrostatic oscillation is a slow process because the electromagnetic power penetrating into the plasma tends to zero with time. The transmitted plasma electromagnetic field is also simulated by the a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) code. The difficulties of the numerical simulation of the quasi-electrostatic field are discussed. The analytical results can be used for the validation of the FDTD codes for plasma waves.