bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Frege Have a Metalinguistic Truth-Predicate in Begriffsschrift?
Authors: Kim Junyeol
Published: April 2021

In the explanations of logical laws and inference rules of the mature version of Begriffsschrift in Grundgesetze, Frege uses the predicate “… is the True.” Scholars like Greimann maintain that this predicate is a metalinguistic truth-predicate for Frege. This paper examines an argument for this claim that is based on the “nominal reading” of Frege’s conception of sentences—the claim that for Frege a sentence “$ p $” is equivalent to a nonsentential phrase like “the truth-value of the thought that $ p $.” In particular, this paper attempts to establish two points concerning this argument based on the nominal reading. First, the argument implies a claim about the nature of assertion which Frege repeatedly denies in his mature works. Secondly, the nominal reading on which the argument depends is false. A sentence “$ p $” is not equivalent to a nonsentential phrase like “the truth-value of the thought that $ p $” for Frege. Our discussion will lead to an important lesson about Frege’s conception of sentences and of assertion.
Marking Time, Making Community in Medieval Schools
Authors: Lynch Sarah B.
Published: April 2021

This article examines the nature of school days and school years in later medieval Western Europe and considers the societal functions of the temporal cultures that emerged. The forms of the school day and year in elementary and grammar schools—alongside school- and youth-centered festivals—were replete with meaning and possessed utility beyond simple responses to environmental factors such as seasonal and meteorological changes. School authorities—whether ecclesiastical or municipal—saw the temporal cultures of medieval schools as a means to socialize children and to create and maintain collective community identities. By exploring a range of different traditions and regional variations, it is clear that the experience of the passage of time was imbued with meaning and social significance for medieval schoolchildren and their communities.
Homogenised and pasteurised human milk: lipid profile and effect as a supplement in the enteral diet of Wistar rats
Authors: Correa Kely de Paula , Silva Monique E. T. , Ribeiro Otávio S. , Matta Sérgio L. P. , Peluzio Maria do Carmo G. , Oliveira Eduardo B. , Coimbra Jane S. dos R.
Published: April 2021

The retention of human milk (HM) fat in nasogastric probes of infusion pumps can be observed during the feed of infants unable to suck at the mother’s breast. The lack of homogenisation of HM could contribute to the fat holding. Therefore, the present study evaluated (i) the influence of homogenisation on milk fat retaining in infant feeding probes and (ii) the in vivo effect of the homogenisation on lipid absorption by Wistar rats. The animals were fed with HM treated following two processing conditions, that is, pasteurised and homogenised–pasteurised. The animals were randomly subdivided into four experimental groups: water-fed (control), pasteurised milk, homogenised–pasteurised milk and pasteurised–skimmed milk. The results of food consumption, mass body gain, corporate metrics and plasma blood levels of total cholesterol did not show any difference (P < 0·05) among the three types of HM used in the experiments. The liver, intestine and intra-abdominal adipose tissue of the four groups of animals presented normal and healthy histology. The composition of fatty acids in the brain tissue of animals fed with homogenised HM increased when compared with the groups fed with non-homogenised HM. These values were 11·08 % higher for arachidonic acids, 6·59 % for DAH and 47·92 % for nervous acids. The ingestion of homogenised HM promoted higher absorption of milk nutrients. Therefore, the addition of the homogenisation stage in HM processing could be an alternative to reduce fat retention in probes and to improve the lipids’ absorption in the body.
Revisiting the Habsburg Mausoleum in St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague
Authors: Palmitessa James
Published: April 2021

The Habsburg Mausoleum in St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, designed and constructed in the second half of the sixteenth century by Alexander Colin from Mecheln in the Low Countries, is often noted in modern scholarship as an early manifestation of the influence in Bohemia of the Habsburg dynasty, which had ascended the Bohemian throne in 1527 and ruled without interruption until 1918. Bridging both art historical and social cultural scholarship, this article explores the location and spatial features of the mausoleum, as well as its reception by contemporaries. It argues that while the style and size of the mausoleum is modest, its central location changed the dynastic symbolism in the cathedral, placing the Habsburgs at its center. And while it is less visible than other Habsburg cultural projects of its day, it—more than any single cultural project of the early Habsburg dynasty—demonstrates and symbolizes Habsburg ambitions in and commitment to Bohemia and is an important element in both the transformation of Prague into a Habsburg residential city and in long-term Catholic renewal efforts.
Toward a computational theory of social groups: A finite set of cognitive primitives for representing any and all social groups in the context of conflict
Authors: Pietraszewski David
Published: April 2021

We don't yet have adequate theories of what the human mind is representing when it represents a social group. Worse still, many people think we do. This mistaken belief is a consequence of the state of play: Until now, researchers have relied on their own intuitions to link up the conceptsocial groupon the one hand and the results of particular studies or models on the other. While necessary, this reliance on intuition has been purchased at a considerable cost. When looked at soberly, existing theories of social groups are either (i) literal, but not remotely adequate (such as models built atop economic games), or (ii) simply metaphorical (typically a subsumption or containment metaphor). Intuition is filling in the gaps of an explicit theory. This paper presents a computational theory of what, literally, a group representation is in the context of conflict: It is the assignment of agents to specific roles within a small number of triadic interaction types. This “mental definition” of a group paves the way for acomputational theory of social groups– in that it provides a theory of what exactly the information-processing problem of representing and reasoning about a group is. For psychologists, this paper offers a different way to conceptualize and study groups, and suggests that a non-tautological definition of a social group is possible. For cognitive scientists, this paper provides a computational benchmark against which natural and artificial intelligences can be held.
Developing a quality management system for the European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA): toward European HTA collaboration
Authors: Luhnen Miriam , Ormstad Sari Susanna , Willemsen Anne , Schreuder-Morel Chaienna , Helmink Catharina , Ettinger Sabine , Erdos Judit , Fathollah-Nejad Reza , Rehrmann Maike , Hviding Krystyna , Rüther Alric , Chalon Patrice X.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) was established in 2006 and comprises over eighty organizations from thirty European countries. In its fifth project phase (Joint Action 3), EUnetHTA set up a quality management system (QMS) to improve the efficiency and standardization of joint work. This article presents EUnetHTA's new QMS and outlines experiences and challenges during its implementation.

Methods

Several working groups defined processes and methods to support assessment teams in creating high-quality assessment reports. Existing guidelines, templates, and tools were refined and missing parts were newly created and integrated into the new QMS framework. EUnetHTA has contributed to Health Technology Assessment (HTA) capacity building through training and knowledge sharing. Continuous evaluation helped to identify gaps and shortcomings in processes and structures.

Results

Based on a common quality management concept and defined development and revision procedures, twenty-seven partner organizations jointly developed and maintained around forty standard operating procedures and other components of the QMS. All outputs were incorporated into a web-based platform, the EUnetHTA Companion Guide, which was launched in May 2018. Concerted efforts of working groups were required to ensure consistency and avoid duplication.

Conclusions

With the establishment of a QMS for jointly produced assessment reports, EUnetHTA has taken a significant step toward a sustainable model for scientific and technical collaboration within European HTA. However, the definition of processes and methods meeting the numerous requirements of healthcare systems across Europe remains an ongoing and challenging task.
Seigneurial governance and the state in late medieval Guelders (14th–16th century)
Authors: van der Meulen Jim
Published: April 2021

This article charts the long-term development of seigneurial governance within the principality of Guelders in the Low Countries. Proceeding from four quantitative cross-sections (c. 1325, 1475, 1540, 1570) of seigneurial lordships, the conclusion is that seigneurial governance remained stable in late medieval Guelders. The central argument is that this persistence of seigneurial governance was an effect of active collaboration between princely administrations, lords, and local communities. Together, the princely government and seigneuries of Guelders formed an integrated, yet polycentric, state. The article thereby challenges the narrative of progressive state centralisation that predominates in the historiography of pre-modern state formation.
Exacerbating factors in elderly patients with Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease
Authors: Kodaka Norio , Nakano Chihiro , Oshio Takeshi , Watanabe Kayo , Niitsuma Kumiko , Imaizumi Chisato , Shimada Nagashige , Morita Hirotsugu , Matsuse Hiroto
Published: April 2021

No previous studies have examined Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) in only elderly patients ⩾75 years old. Here, we investigated the exacerbating factors of MAC-PD in elderly patients and clarified cases that can be followed up without MAC medication. From April 2011 to March 2019, 126 advanced aged patients at our institute were newly diagnosed with MAC-PD, and could be observed based on radiological findings for over a year. Their medical records were retrospectively examined for clinical and radiological findings at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later. To identify the predictors of exacerbation, clinical characteristics of 109 treatment-naïve patients were compared between exacerbated and unchanged groups. Additionally, the unchanged group was followed for one more year. In the current study, positive acid-fast bacilli smears from the sputum test, the presence of cavitary lesions and extensive radiological findings, particularly abnormal shadows in ⩾3 lobes, were predictive of exacerbation among treatment-naïve elderly MAC-PD patients. In the unchanged group, <10% showed exacerbation of radiological findings within the subsequent year. In conclusion, if the sputum smear is negative, no cavitary lesions are present, and abnormal shadows are restricted to ⩽2 lobes, elderly patients with MAC-PD may remain untreated for a few years.
Prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Irish hospital healthcare workers
Authors: Allen Niamh , Riain Una Ni , Conlon Niall , Ferenczi Annamaria , Carrion Martin Antonio Isidro , Domegan Lisa , Walsh Cathal , Doherty Lorraine , O'Farrelly Cliona , Higgins Eibhlin , Kerr Colm , McGrath Jonathan ,   PRECISE Study Steering Group, Fleming Catherine , Bergin Colm
Published: April 2021

Hospital healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 infection. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in HCWs in Ireland. Two tertiary referral hospitals in Irish cities with diverging community incidence and seroprevalence were identified; COVID-19 had been diagnosed in 10.2% and 1.8% of staff respectively by the time of the study (October 2020). All staff of both hospitals (N = 9038) were invited to participate in an online questionnaire and blood sampling for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. Frequencies and percentages for positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody were calculated and adjusted relative risks (aRR) for participant characteristics were calculated using multivariable regression analysis. In total, 5788 HCWs participated (64% response rate). Seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was 15% and 4.1% in hospitals 1 and 2, respectively. Thirty-nine percent of infections were previously undiagnosed. Risk for seropositivity was higher for healthcare assistants (aRR 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–3.0), nurses (aRR: 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.2), daily exposure to patients with COVID-19 (aRR: 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.1), age 18–29 years (aRR: 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.9), living with other HCWs (aRR: 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5), Asian background (aRR: 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.6) and male sex (aRR: 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.4). The HCW seroprevalence was six times higher than community seroprevalence. Risk was higher for those with close patient contact. The proportion of undiagnosed infections call for robust infection control guidance, easy access to testing and consideration of screening in asymptomatic HCWs. With emerging evidence of reduction in transmission from vaccinated individuals, the authors strongly endorse rapid vaccination of all HCWs.
Construction of a non-contact community treatment centre for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kim Si Hyun , Kim Youn Jeong , Jeong Yeon Jeong , Park Ji Hye , Lee Shin Young , Choi Mi Sun , Kim Sang Yong
Published: April 2021

The explosive outbreak of COVID-19 led to a shortage of medical resources, including isolation rooms in hospitals, healthcare workers (HCWs) and personal protective equipment. Here, we constructed a new model, non-contact community treatment centres to monitor and quarantine asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients who recorded their own vital signs using a smartphone application. This new model in Korea is useful to overcome shortages of medical resources and to minimise the risk of infection transmission to HCWs.
‘Saving Our Order’: Becket and the Law
Authors: Williams Rowan
Published: April 2021

The conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket was often seen in the past as a collision between the first stirrings of real legal universalism (the same law for all) and claims to exemptions and immunities. Recent scholarship has seriously qualified this picture, recognising the degree to which Henry sought an unfettered authority for the Crown, overriding traditional patterns of obligation and mutuality. Becket's resistance to this was intelligible, but he was increasingly driven to oppose to it a controversial account of clerical immunity, in which the person of the cleric was sacrosanct and all punishment meted out to the cleric must be essentially reformatory in purpose. The origins of this are explored, and contemporary implications in regard to conscientious religious liberties and also to persisting high-risk cultures of clerical immunity are discussed.
Marital Problems: The Law Commission's ‘Getting Married’ Consultation Paper and Non-Qualifying Wedding Ceremonies
Authors: Sandberg Russell
Published: April 2021

This article explores the Law Commission's proposals on how and where people can get married in England and Wales as found in their ‘Getting Married’ Consultation Paper. It examines the extent to which the Commission's proposals will deal with or mitigate concerns expressed about two types of non-qualifying wedding ceremonies: ‘unregistered religious marriages’ where the couple undergo a religious ceremony that does not comply with the requirements of the Marriage Act 1949, and ‘non-religious marriages’ where the ceremony is conducted by celebrants representing a belief organisation (such as Humanists UK) or by independent celebrants and so is also outside the Marriage Act 1949 and not currently legally binding. The article largely welcomes the Commission's proposals but expresses concern about the proposed officiant system and how it defines belief organisation; the proposed changes to the law on validity; and the creation of a new criminal offence. The article develops these three points further and contends that, while a transformed weddings law could recognise non-religious marriages and reduce the number of unregistered religious marriages, the introduction of statutory cohabitation rights upon separation is needed to truly deal with concerns over unregistered religious marriages.
Legal Issues Involving Succession Disputes among South African Churches: Some Lessons
Authors: Akinloye Idowu A
Published: April 2021

South African Christian churches have been widely recognised as major civil institutions that play a role in the provision of social services to complement the state effort. But the concern is there has been an increase in the number of disputes involving leadership succession in these churches that have had to be adjudicated by the civil courts in the last decade. These disputes impact on the governance, growth, reputation and sustainability of churches. The South African Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) identifies weak or lack of effective succession planning in the governing policies of churches as the major cause of these disputes. Against this backdrop, this article analyses some specific cases to explore how church policies influence succession disputes in South African churches. It further explores how the courts engage and interpret the governance policies of churches in the resolution of these disputes. The article reveals that the findings of the CRL Rights Commission are justified. It observes that, among other issues, some churches lack effective and workable succession planning in their governing policies. The policies on leadership succession of these churches are poorly drafted, thereby creating significant lacunae and vacuums leading to conflicts. The article concludes by identifying some lessons that churches can learn from the judicial approach in the resolution of disputes in order to enhance the quality of church policies, thereby reducing their exposure to succession disputes.
Introduction
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: April 2021

The impact of COVID-19 on the capacity to hold face-to-face meetings meant that the normal pattern of synods and assemblies in 2020 was almost totally disrupted. The Church of England's General Synod met in the normal way from 10 to 13 February, but the July group of sessions, which is normally held in York, was reduced to an ‘informal virtual meeting’ on 11 July. A socially distanced special session was held on 24 September at Church House and the November group of sessions was held remotely from 23 to 25 November.
Governing Body of the Church in Wales
Authors: Chinery Matthew
Published: April 2021

The Governing Body had been due to meet in April 2020 in Llandudno but, like so much else, this meeting was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown imposed by the Welsh Government.
General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church
Authors: Stuart John F
Published: April 2021

The 2020 meeting of the General Synod had originally been planned to take place in June. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a change in plans and the meeting was postponed. It ultimately took place as a one-day virtual meeting in December 2020. Owing to the fact that the meeting was limited to a single day, rather than the usual two and half days, the business programme was restricted to those items regarded as essential.
On Beauty of Touch and Tone: An Inquiry Into the Physiological and Mechanical Principles Involved in Their Cultivation
Authors: Steed A. Orlando
Published: April 2021

The subject of this paper, “Beauty of Touch and Tone,” is one which however admirably it may be exemplified in the public performances of many—unhappily not all—of our leading artists, however conscientiously it may be inculcated by our most eminent teachers, is, in the playing and singing of too many of our amateurs, conspicuous only by its absence; and I can but think that, from the generality of the members of the musical profession, it does not receive that amount of attention which its importance demands, and which the rapid extension of musical education in some other directions might lead us to expect.
On Quality of Tone in Wind Instruments
Authors: Blaikley D. J.
Published: April 2021

It may be in the remembrance of some now present, that about two years ago I had the honour of bringing before the Musical Association a short paper on brass wind instruments, in which I endeavoured to demonstrate the effects produced by variations in the forms of tubes upon the positions of the nodes of sound-waves generated in such tubes, and consequently upon the sequence of proper tones and correctness of intonation. The summary of the matter then brought forward was this: that a brass instrument is a tube closed at one end, of such a form as to give the series of intervals producible from an open, and not from a closed cylindrical tube, such form being neither a common cone, nor a conic frustrum combined with cylindrical tube. At the conclusion, attention was drawn to the fact that quality of tone was intimately associated with the points then under consideration; and it is to this subject of quality of tone that I have ventured to ask your attention this afternoon.
Myocardial infarct late after Fontan-type surgery in pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum: a must-know complication! About a case report
Authors: Wilkin Marie , Rauzier Jean Michel , Ovaert Caroline
Published: April 2021

Coronary abnormalities are frequent in pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum, mainly in patients with a very diminutive right ventricle. They severely impact on early and late prognosis. We describe an 8-year-old girl who presented with myocardial ischaemia, late after uneventful Fontan completion. The importance of precise delineation of the coronary anatomy upon initial assessment and during follow-up is emphasised.
The impact of tectonic-style on marine transgression and evolution
Authors: Stevenson D. S.
Published: April 2021

Plate tectonics drives variation in sea-level, over intervals of approximately107–108years. These variations may have significant effects on the pace of (biological) evolution through the elimination of terrestrial niches and the expansion of shallow-water marine niches. However, within the solar system, only the Earth experiences this kind of tectonism. Venus displays regional tectonism, characterized by rising diapirs within the plastic mantle. Impinging on the lithosphere, these plumes produce a range of structures of varying dimensions; the uplift of which would raise sea-level, were Venus to have oceans. Using Magellan observations of Venus, we model the impact of regional tectonism on sea-level for given areas of Venusian ocean, then compare the effect with terrestrial tectonic processes for similar oceanic area. We show that despite variation in the geographical extent of Venusian-style tectonic processes, the styles of regional tectonism on Venus can produce the same order of magnitude changes in sea-level, for a given area of ocean, as plate tectonics. Consequently, we examine some of the impacts of marine transgression on habitability and the evolution of life.
Linking Sub‐Tropical Evaporation and Extreme Precipitation Over East Antarctica: An Atmospheric River Case Study
Authors: Terpstra Annick , Gorodetskaya Irina V. , Sodemann Harald
Published: April 2021

We investigate an intense snowfall event between 15 and 18 February 2011 over the East Antarctic coastal region which contributed to roughly 24% of the annual snow accumulation. The event was previously associated with an atmospheric river, and here we use both Eulerian and Lagrangian analysis to gain an understanding of the processes contributing to the atmospheric river signature. The planetary‐scale configuration during the event consisted of a persistent blocking situation resulting in a sustained meridional flow from the sub‐tropics to the Antarctic ice sheet between 20 and 50°E. Within this configuration, synoptic‐scale cyclogenesis contributed to slantwise ascent of moisture loaded air parcels toward Antarctica. Landfall of this cyclone’s warm sector coincided with the onset of Antarctic precipitation. Subsequently, a secondary cyclone developed along a pre‐existing baroclinic zone. The rapid intensification and propagation speed of this mesoscale cyclone alongside the warm, moist air mass resulted in strong moisture flux convergence ahead of the cyclone, providing additional poleward moisture transport. The poleward progression of warm moist air and a corresponding decrease of sea‐surface temperatures implied downward surface sensible and latent heat fluxes throughout the region of intense poleward moisture, roughly between 40 and 60°S. Hence, moisture uptake via surface evaporation was suppressed between the sub‐tropics and the polar continent, favoring long‐range transport. Identification of the surface moisture uptake region by tracing changes in moisture in air parcels confirmed the limited uptake of moisture during the poleward transport in this case study, with the primary moisture source for Antarctic precipitation located in the sub‐tropics.
What Happens When Six Sea Turtles Go Rogue
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: April 2021

In a study of more than 200 sea turtles, researchers were surprised by six turtles that went their own way.
FtsZ treadmilling is essential for Z-ring condensation and septal constriction initiation in Bacillus subtilis cell division
Authors: Whitley Kevin D. , Jukes Calum , Tregidgo Nicholas , Karinou Eleni , Almada Pedro , Cesbron Yann , Henriques Ricardo , Dekker Cees , Holden Séamus
Published: April 2021

Despite the central role of division in bacterial physiology, how division proteins work together as a nanoscale machine to divide the cell remains poorly understood. Cell division by cell wall synthesis proteins is guided by the cytoskeleton protein FtsZ, which assembles at mid-cell as a dense Z-ring formed of treadmilling filaments. However, although FtsZ treadmilling is essential for cell division, the function of FtsZ treadmilling remains unclear. Here, we systematically resolve the function of FtsZ treadmilling across each stage of division in the Gram-positive model organism Bacillus subtilis using a combination of nanofabrication, advanced microscopy, and microfluidics to measure the division-protein dynamics in live cells with ultrahigh sensitivity. We find that FtsZ treadmilling has two essential functions: mediating condensation of diffuse FtsZ filaments into a dense Z-ring, and initiating constriction by guiding septal cell wall synthesis. After constriction initiation, FtsZ treadmilling has a dispensable function in accelerating septal constriction rate. Our results show that FtsZ treadmilling is critical for assembling and initiating the bacterial cell division machine.
Automatic synchronisation of the cell cycle in budding yeast through closed-loop feedback control
Authors: Perrino Giansimone , Napolitano Sara , Galdi Francesca , La Regina Antonella , Fiore Davide , Giuliano Teresa , di Bernardo Mario , di Bernardo Diego
Published: April 2021

The cell cycle is the process by which eukaryotic cells replicate. Yeast cells cycle asynchronously with each cell in the population budding at a different time. Although there are several experimental approaches to synchronise cells, these usually work only in the short-term. Here, we build a cyber-genetic system to achieve long-term synchronisation of the cell population, by interfacing genetically modified yeast cells with a computer by means of microfluidics to dynamically change medium, and a microscope to estimate cell cycle phases of individual cells. The computer implements a controller algorithm to decide when, and for how long, to change the growth medium to synchronise the cell-cycle across the population. Our work builds upon solid theoretical foundations provided by Control Engineering. In addition to providing an avenue for yeast cell cycle synchronisation, our work shows that control engineering can be used to automatically steer complex biological processes towards desired behaviours similarly to what is currently done with robots and autonomous vehicles.
Three dimensional band-filling control of complex oxides triggered by interfacial electron transfer
Authors: Meng Meng , Sun Yuanwei , Li Yuehui , An Qichang , Wang Zhenzhen , Lin Zijian , Yang Fang , Zhu Xuetao , Gao Peng , Guo Jiandong
Published: April 2021

The d-band-filling of transition metals in complex oxides plays an essential role in determining their structural, electronic and magnetic properties. Traditionally, at the oxide heterointerface, band-filling control has been achieved via electrostatic modification in the structure of field-effect transistors or electron transfer, which is limited to the quasi-two-dimension at the interface. Here we report a three-dimensional (3D) band-filling control by changing the local lattice coordination in a designed oxide heterostructure. At the LaCoO3/LaTiO3 heterointerface, due to the Fermi level mismatch, electrons transfer from LaTiO3 to LaCoO3. This triggers destabilisation of the CoO6 octahedrons, i.e. the formation of lattice configurations with a reduced Co valence. The associated oxygen migration results in the 3D topotactic phase transition of LaCoO3. Tuned by the thickness of LaTiO3, different crystalline phases and band-fillings of Co occur, leading to the emergence of different magnetic ground states.
Climate and the spread of COVID-19
Authors: Chen Simiao , Prettner Klaus , Kuhn Michael , Geldsetzer Pascal , Wang Chen , Bärnighausen Till , Bloom David E.
Published: April 2021

Visual inspection of world maps shows that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is less prevalent in countries closer to the equator, where heat and humidity tend to be higher. Scientists disagree how to interpret this observation because the relationship between COVID-19 and climatic conditions may be confounded by many factors. We regress the logarithm of confirmed COVID-19 cases per million inhabitants in a country against the country’s distance from the equator, controlling for key confounding factors: air travel, vehicle concentration, urbanization, COVID-19 testing intensity, cell phone usage, income, old-age dependency ratio, and health expenditure. A one-degree increase in absolute latitude is associated with a 4.3% increase in cases per million inhabitants as of January 9, 2021 (p value < 0.001). Our results imply that a country, which is located 1000 km closer to the equator, could expect 33% fewer cases per million inhabitants. Since the change in Earth’s angle towards the sun between equinox and solstice is about 23.5°, one could expect a difference in cases per million inhabitants of 64% between two hypothetical countries whose climates differ to a similar extent as two adjacent seasons. According to our results, countries are expected to see a decline in new COVID-19 cases during summer and a resurgence during winter. However, our results do not imply that the disease will vanish during summer or will not affect countries close to the equator. Rather, the higher temperatures and more intense UV radiation in summer are likely to support public health measures to contain SARS-CoV-2.
Geriatric nutritional risk index predicts prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Kanno Hiroki , Goto Yuichi , Sasaki Shin , Fukutomi Shogo , Hisaka Toru , Fujita Fumihiko , Akagi Yoshito , Okuda Koji
Published: April 2021

The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is widely used for nutritional assessment in older inpatients and is associated with postoperative complications and cancer prognosis. We investigated the use of GNRI to predict long-term outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma of all etiologies after hepatectomy. Overall, 346 patients were examined after propensity score matching. We dichotomized the GNRI score into high GNRI (> 98: N = 173) and low GNRI (≤ 98: N = 173) and evaluated recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between both groups. Clinicopathological characteristics between the low- and high-GNRI groups were similar after propensity score matching except for the components of the GNRI score (body mass index and serum albumin level), Child–Pugh score (comprising serum albumin level), and preoperative alpha-fetoprotein level (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0030, and p = 0.0007, respectively). High GNRI was associated with significantly better RFS and OS (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0211, respectively; log-rank test). Multivariate analysis revealed that GNRI is an independent prognostic factor of RFS and OS (low vs. high; hazard ratio [HR], 1.8284; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3598–2.4586; p < 0.0001, and HR, 1.5452; 95% CI 1.0345–2.3079; p = 0.0335, respectively). GNRI is an objective, inexpensive, and easily calculated assessment tool for nutritional status and can predict prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy.
Cytotoxic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of colchicine and its C-10 sulfur containing derivatives
Authors: Kurek Joanna , Myszkowski Krzysztof , Okulicz-Kozaryn Irena , Kurant Agnieszka , Kamińska Ewa , Szulc Michał , Rubiś Błażej , Kaczmarek Mariusz , Mikołajczak Przemysław Ł. , Murias Marek
Published: April 2021

10-Alkylthiocolchicines have been obtained and characterized by spectroscopic methods and their biological activities as: cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities have been tested. Cytotoxic activity against SKOV-3 ovarian cell line for 10-alkylthiocolchicine analogues was reported and tested compounds showed to be more active than commonly used doxorubicin. Some of tested C-10 alkylthiolated colchicines have been found to exhibit cytotoxicity at levels comparable to that of the natural product—colchicine. 10-Methylthiocolchicine has IC50 = 8 nM and 10-ethylthiocolchicine has IC50 = 47 nM in comparison to colchicine IC50 = 37 nM. Moreover for 10-alkylthioderivatives apoptosis test, cyclin B1 and cell cycle tests were performed. 10-n-Butylthiocolchicine was tested for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities it showed to produce analgesic rather than anti-inflammatory effect.
Subunit vaccine protects against a clinical isolate of Mycobacterium avium in wild type and immunocompromised mouse models
Authors: Larsen Sasha E. , Reese Valerie A. , Pecor Tiffany , Berube Bryan J. , Cooper Sarah K. , Brewer Guy , Ordway Diane , Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Podell Brendan K. , Baldwin Susan L. , Coler Rhea N.
Published: April 2021

The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)Mycobacterium aviumis a clinically significant pathogen that can cause a wide range of maladies, including tuberculosis-like pulmonary disease. An immunocompromised host status, either genetically or acutely acquired, presents a large risk for progressive NTM infections. Due to this quietly emerging health threat, we evaluated the ability of a recombinant fusion protein ID91 combined with GLA-SE [glucopyranosyllipidadjuvant, a toll like receptor 4 agonist formulated in an oil-in-waterstable nano-emulsion] to confer protection in both C57BL/6 (wild type) and Beige (immunocompromised) mouse models. We optimized an aerosol challenge model using a clinical NTM isolate:M. avium2-151 smt, observed bacterial growth kinetics, colony morphology, drug sensitivity and histopathology, characterized the influx of pulmonary immune cells, and confirmed the immunogenicity of ID91 in both mouse models. To determine prophylactic vaccine efficacy against thisM. aviumisolate, mice were immunized with either ID91 + GLA-SE or bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG).Immunocompromised Beige mice displayed a delayed influx of innate and adaptive immune cells resulting in a sustained and increased bacterial burden in the lungs and spleen compared to C57BL/6 mice. Importantly, both ID91 + GLA-SE and BCG vaccines significantly reduced pulmonary bacterial burden in both mouse strains. This work is a proof-of-concept study of subunit vaccine-induced protection against NTM.
Human WRN is an intrinsic inhibitor of progerin, abnormal splicing product of lamin A
Authors: Kang So-mi , Yoon Min-Ho , Lee Su-Jin , Ahn Jinsook , Yi Sang Ah , Nam Ki Hong , Park Soyoung , Woo Tae-Gyun , Cho Jung-Hyun , Lee Jaecheol , Ha Nam-Chul , Park Bum-Joon
Published: April 2021

Werner syndrome (WRN) is a rare progressive genetic disorder, caused by functional defects in WRN protein and RecQ4L DNA helicase. Acceleration of the aging process is initiated at puberty and the expected life span is approximately the late 50 s. However, a Wrn-deficient mouse model does not show premature aging phenotypes or a short life span, implying that aging processes differ greatly between humans and mice. Gene expression analysis of WRN cells reveals very similar results to gene expression analysis of Hutchinson Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) cells, suggesting that these human progeroid syndromes share a common pathological mechanism. Here we show that WRN cells also express progerin, an abnormal variant of the lamin A protein. In addition, we reveal that duplicated sequences of human WRN (hWRN) from exon 9 to exon 10, which differ from the sequence of mouse WRN (mWRN), are a natural inhibitor of progerin. Overexpression of hWRN reduced progerin expression and aging features in HGPS cells. Furthermore, the elimination of progerin by siRNA or a progerin-inhibitor (SLC-D011 also called progerinin) can ameliorate senescence phenotypes in WRN fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes, derived from WRN-iPSCs. These results suggest that progerin, which easily accumulates under WRN-deficient conditions, can lead to premature aging in WRN and that this effect can be prevented by SLC-D011.
Phase evolution and structural modulation during in situ lithiation of MoS2, WS2 and graphite in TEM
Authors: Ghosh Chanchal , Singh Manish Kumar , Parida Shayani , Janish Matthew T. , Dobley Arthur , Dongare Avinash M. , Carter C. Barry
Published: April 2021

Li-ion batteries function by Li intercalating into and through the layered electrode materials. Intercalation is a solid-state interaction resulting in the formation of new phases. The new observations presented here reveal that at the nanoscale the intercalation mechanism is fundamentally different from the existing models and is actually driven by nonuniform phase distributions rather than the localized Li concentration: the lithiation process is a ‘distribution-dependent’ phenomena. Direct structure imaging of 2H and 1T dual-phase microstructures in lithiated MoS2 and WS2 along with the localized chemical segregation has been demonstrated in the current study. Li, a perennial challenge for the TEM, is detected and imaged using a low-dose, direct-electron detection camera on an aberration-corrected TEM and confirmed by image simulation. This study shows the presence of fully lithiated nanoscale domains of 2D host matrix in the vicinity of Li-lean regions. This confirms the nanoscale phase formation followed by Oswald ripening, where the less-stable smaller domains dissolves at the expense of the larger and more stable phases.
Altered neural oscillations and behavior in a genetic mouse model of NMDA receptor hypofunction
Authors: Aguilar David D. , Radzik Leana K. , Schiffino Felipe L. , Folorunso Oluwarotimi O. , Zielinski Mark R. , Coyle Joseph T. , Balu Darrick T. , McNally James M.
Published: April 2021

Abnormalities in electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers occur in patients with schizophrenia and those clinically at high risk for transition to psychosis and are associated with cognitive impairment. Converging evidence suggests N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction plays a central role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and likely contributes to biomarker impairments. Thus, characterizing these biomarkers is of significant interest for early diagnosis of schizophrenia and development of novel treatments. We utilized in vivo EEG recordings and behavioral analyses to perform a battery of electrophysiological biomarkers in an established model of chronic NMDAR hypofunction, serine racemase knockout (SRKO) mice, and their wild-type littermates. SRKO mice displayed impairments in investigation-elicited gamma power that corresponded with reduced short-term social recognition and enhanced background (pre-investigation) gamma activity. Additionally, SRKO mice exhibited sensory gating impairments in both evoked-gamma power and event-related potential amplitude. However, other biomarkers including the auditory steady-state response, sleep spindles, and state-specific power spectral density were generally neurotypical. In conclusion, SRKO mice demonstrate how chronic NMDAR hypofunction contributes to deficits in certain translationally-relevant EEG biomarkers altered in schizophrenia. Importantly, our gamma band findings suggest an aberrant signal-to-noise ratio impairing cognition that occurs with NMDAR hypofunction, potentially tied to impaired task-dependent alteration in functional connectivity.
Colorimetric RT-LAMP SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic sensitivity relies on color interpretation and viral load
Authors: Aoki Mateus Nóbrega , de Oliveira Coelho Bruna , Góes Luiz Gustavo Bentim , Minoprio Paola , Durigon Edison Luiz , Morello Luis Gustavo , Marchini Fabricio Klerynton , Riediger Irina Natassja , do Carmo Debur Maria , Nakaya Helder I. , Blanes Lucas
Published: April 2021

The use of RT-LAMP (reverse transcriptase—loop mediated isothermal amplification) has been considered as a promising point-of-care method to diagnose COVID-19. In this manuscript we show that the RT-LAMP reaction has a sensitivity of only 200 RNA virus copies, with a color change from pink to yellow occurring in 100% of the 62 clinical samples tested positive by RT-qPCR. We also demonstrated that this reaction is 100% specific for SARS-CoV-2 after testing 57 clinical samples infected with dozens of different respiratory viruses and 74 individuals without any viral infection. Although the majority of manuscripts recently published using this technique describe only the presence of two-color states (pink = negative and yellow = positive), we verified by naked-eye and absorbance measurements that there is an evident third color cluster (orange), in general related to positive samples with low viral loads, but which cannot be defined as positive or negative by the naked eye. Orange colors should be repeated or tested by RT-qPCR to avoid a false diagnostic. RT-LAMP is therefore very reliable for samples with a RT-qPCR Ct < 30 being as sensitive and specific as a RT-qPCR test. All reactions were performed in 30 min at 65 °C. The use of reaction time longer than 30 min is also not recommended since nonspecific amplifications may cause false positives.
Reburial potential and survivability of the striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina) in hydraulic dredge fisheries
Authors: Bargione Giada , Petetta Andrea , Vasapollo Claudio , Virgili Massimo , Lucchetti Alessandro
Published: April 2021

The striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina) is the main edible bivalve living in Italian waters. According to Regulation (EU) 2020/2237, undersized specimens (total length of the shell, < 22 mm) must be returned to the sea. C. gallina specimens of different size classes that had undergone hydraulic dredging and mechanized sorting were analysed for reburial ability in a laboratory tank and for survivability in the laboratory (135 clams, 21 days) and at sea (320 clams, 15 days). In the tank experiments, the reburial times (T50 and T90) and the upper (+) and lower (−) confidence intervals (CIs) of the whole sample were about 4 h (CI+ 4.4, CI− 3.6) and 8 h (CI+ 8.2, CI− 7.7), respectively, and were significantly shorter for the medium-sized clams (22–24.9 mm) than for the smallest (< 21.9 mm) and the largest (> 25 mm) specimens. For the field survivability experiments, clams under and above the minimum conservation reference size were placed in separate metal cages. Survival rates were 94.8% and 96.2% respectively in the laboratory and at sea, without significant differences between the two experiments or among size classes. These findings conclusively demonstrate that C. gallina specimens returned to the sea have a very high survival probability and that they can contribute to mitigate the overexploitation of natural populations.
Engineering nanoparticle features to tune Rayleigh scattering in nanoparticles-doped optical fibers
Authors: Fuertes Victor , Grégoire Nicolas , Labranche Philippe , Gagnon Stéphane , Wang Ruohui , Ledemi Yannick , LaRochelle Sophie , Messaddeq Younès
Published: April 2021

Rayleigh scattering enhanced nanoparticles-doped optical fibers are highly promising for distributed sensing applications, however, the high optical losses induced by that scattering enhancement restrict considerably their sensing distance to few meters. Fabrication of long-range distributed optical fiber sensors based on this technology remains a major challenge in optical fiber community. In this work, it is reported the fabrication of low-loss Ca-based nanoparticles doped silica fibers with tunable Rayleigh scattering for long-range distributed sensing. This is enabled by tailoring nanoparticle features such as particle distribution size, morphology and density in the core of optical fibers through preform and fiber fabrication process. Consequently, fibers with tunable enhanced backscattering in the range 25.9–44.9 dB, with respect to a SMF-28 fiber, are attained along with the lowest two-way optical losses, 0.1–8.7 dB/m, reported so far for Rayleigh scattering enhanced nanoparticles-doped optical fibers. Therefore, the suitability of Ca-based nanoparticles-doped optical fibers for distributed sensing over longer distances, from 5 m to more than 200 m, becomes possible. This study opens a new path for future works in the field of distributed sensing, since these findings may be applied to other nanoparticles-doped optical fibers, allowing the tailoring of nanoparticle properties, which broadens future potential applications of this technology.
Development of a stable transgenic Theileria equi parasite expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein/blasticidin S deaminase
Authors: Tuvshintulga Bumduuren , Nugraha Arifin Budiman , Mizutani Tomoka , Liu Mingming , Ishizaki Takahiro , Sivakumar Thillaiampalam , Xuan Xuenan , Yokoyama Naoaki , Igarashi Ikuo
Published: April 2021

Theileria equi, an intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite, causes equine piroplasmosis, a disease which negatively impacts the global horse industry. Genetic manipulation is one of the research tools under development as a control method for protozoan parasites, but this technique needs to be established for T. equi. Herein, we report on the first development of a stable transgenic T. equi line expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein/blasticidin S deaminase (eGFP/BSD). To express the exogenous fusion gene in T. equi, regulatory regions of the elongation factor-1 alpha (ef-1α) gene were identified in T. equi. An eGFP/BSD-expression cassette containing the ef-1α gene promoter and terminator regions was constructed and integrated into the T. equi genome. On day 9 post-transfection, blasticidin-resistant T. equi emerged. In the clonal line of T. equi obtained by limiting dilution, integration of the eGFP/BSD-expression cassette was confirmed in the designated B-locus of the ef-1α gene via PCR and Southern blot analyses. Parasitaemia dynamics between the transgenic and parental T. equi lines were comparable in vitro. The eGFP/BSD-expressing transgenic T. equi and the methodology used to generate it offer new opportunities for better understanding of T. equi biology, with the add-on possibility of discovering effective control methods against equine piroplasmosis.