bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the semantic properties of mass and count nouns in Guajajára (Tenetehára)
Authors: Chamorro Pilar , Bonfim Duarte Fábio
Published: May 2020

In this paper we show that Guajajára has grammaticalized the distinction between mass and count nouns, but that the coding
of this distinction is different from the systems of coding in classifier languages, number-marking languages, and number-neutral languages
(Chierchia 1998a, 1998b, 2010; Wilhelm 2008). As a result, we conclude that Guajajára presents a
challenge to the tripartite classification of languages proposed in Chierchia’s work, since Guajajára number marking is non-inflectional and
optional when plural is already expressed by other quantificational expressions. Furthermore, in Guajajára notional mass nouns can pluralize
and directly combine with numerals without the mediation of container or measure constructions in contexts where conventional and
non-conventional container and units of measurement are implied. This last observation suggests that coercion is not a mechanism that
operates in this language.
“Pero… y las caritas esas, ¿cómo se ponen?”
Authors: Maíz-Arévalo Carmen
Published: May 2020

Using a netnographic approach, the present study aims to find out whether age plays a role in the realization of the speech act of complimenting as performed by a Facebook community of Peninsular Spanish users. To that purpose, a corpus of a hundred compliments was collected. Fifty of these compliments were performed by users in the age range of 18–25 and the other fifty by users in the age range of 60–75. To control for the gender variable, only compliments produced by female users were gathered. Results show that age plays a role in the way compliments are produced, especially with regards to the use of non-verbal elements (e.g., emoji). Verbal realization strategies also show interesting differences in relation to age.
“Tu masssss ❤ te amo”
Authors: Placencia María Elena , Powell Hebe
Published: May 2020

Complimenting behavior within a group of Ecuadorian teenage girls on Instagram was examined by Placencia (2019). Using the same corpus, in the present study we consider the responses to compliments offered. These responses, while short, are remarkably complex, containing both text and images (emojis) and indeed textual stand-ins for paralinguistic cues such as laughter. Responses were grouped according to Holmes’s (1986) taxonomy and the data shows a distinct preference for accepting compliments given (97.7%), with fewer sub-strategies used compared to other studies. These results are considered in the context of the type of photos examined and the overall function that Instagram appears to fulfil for the group of teenagers in this study. Beyond what might be termed the basic strategies of accepting or rejecting compliments, we also look at the rich and varied sub-strategies used by the girls in this Instagram community, which they employ to express solidarity and show modesty when accepting compliments.
#Lovely country, #wonderful people
Authors: Danziger Roni , Kampf Zohar
Published: May 2020

Considering the popularity of Twitter in digital diplomacy, this paper explores how international politicians enhance sociability by performing online compliments and praise. Drawing on 480 amicable actions collected from 14 accounts of foreign-affair actors, we analyze the prevalence, content, form, and functions of diplomatic expressions of positive evaluation. Our findings indicate that although having important functions on interpersonal, national, and international levels, compliments and praise are uncommon actions in digital diplomacy. We suggest that the lack of diplomatic “approbation protocol” and the perils of context collapse on Twitter encourage international actors to perform solidarity by other means. We also propose that the mediated and diplomatic contexts extend the traditional definition of compliments and blur differences in cultural speaking styles.
Healthy lifestyle, dieting, fitness and bodybuilding
Authors: Baczkowska Anna
Published: May 2020

This paper studies compliments that occur in selected Polish online discussion forums devoted to topics related to a healthy lifestyle, dieting, fitness and bodybuilding. The aim of the investigation is to find out which syntactic structures, topics and functions are prevalent, and whether the Corpus Query Language is an adequate tool to analyze compliments in data retrieved from Internet forums. The study has shown that (1) the most frequent structures differ from those identified in previous studies, (2) the predominant topics identified in this study only partially overlap with previous studies, and (3) the most common function is expressing solidarity and establishing rapport. The corpus-based methodology and CQL, with some limitations, proved useful and allowed effective examination of a large database of ca. six million words.
Compliments in congratulatory tweets to Spanish Olympic athletes
Authors: Hernández Toribio María Isabel , Mariottini Laura
Published: May 2020

In this chapter we examine the form and function of compliments in congratulatory tweets sent to Spanish athletes during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The study is based on a corpus of 500 tweets taken from the profiles of 14 Spanish athletes (5–21 August 2016). Compliments play an important role in congratulatory remarks as they serve to either realize congratulations or to support them. Findings show that congratulatory acts supported by compliments or stand-alone compliments acting as congratulatory acts exceed tweets of congratulatory remarks alone. The use of direct compliments is found more frequently within the corpus than indirect ones, with elliptical and vocative constructions being the most prominent. It is suggested that this may be a consequence of the tendency to conciseness of Twitter and other social networks.
The association between Truth Commissions evaluation, emotional climate and institutional trust: comparison and meta-analysis of surveys in six South American countries (La relación entre la evaluación de las Comisiones de la verdad, el clima emocional y la confianza institucional: comparación y metanálisis en seis países de Sudamérica)
Authors: Mathias Anderson , Páez Darío , Espinosa Agustín , Sandoval Salvador , Alzugaray Carolina , Arnoso Maitane , Cárdenas Manuel , da Costa Silvia , Reyes Carlos , Rimé Bernard , Zubieta Elena
Published: May 2020

This article analyses the assessments of Truth Commissions (TCs) and their association with positive socio-emotional climate and trust in institutions in six South American countries The sample consisted of 4,442 participants (53.3% women), 13 to 90-years-old ( M = 37.4, SD = 15.7). Participants answered a questionnaire comprised of scales that evaluated their knowledge, evaluation, emotions and social sharing about the TC, as well as the socio-emotional climate and the trust in institutions. Comprehensive Meta-analysis procedure and multiple linear regression were carried out. Positive evaluation of the TCs was related to trust in institutions ( r̅ = .23, random model) and a positive socio-emotional climate ( r̅ = .31, random model). Political positioning and age showed limited effects. Finally, the associations of positive TC evaluation with social climate and trust in institutions were found to be positively moderated by contextual factors.
I’ve changed my mind. The intentions to be childless, their stability and realisation
Authors: Albertini Marco , Brini Elisa
Published: May 2020

Childlessness has been increasing over the last decades in most European societies. Previous studies have mostly focused on the ‘involuntary’ component of childlessness, and factors affecting voluntary childlessness remained poorly understood. This article presents an analysis of the factors associated with the intention to be childless, and the realisation and stability of this intention in the short-term. The theory of planned behaviour is applied to relate childlessness intentions with their realisation and to explore the role of ideational factors on the variability of possible fertility outcomes. Results show that more than 90% of the respondents realised their desire to remain childless. Childlessness intentions, however, tend to be less stable than parenthood ones, at all ages with the exception of individuals aged 40 years or more. Individuals’ attitudes towards childbearing and perceived social pressure toward parenthood strongly correlate with the stability of the intentions toward childlessness or parenthood, whereas socio-economic characteristics and factors connected with individuals’ perceived control count for little. The study sheds light on people who voluntarily live without children and suggests that being childless is not always the result of opportunities and external constraints, but it could be a choice originating from personal and intimate domains of life.
A scintillator-based range telescope for particle therapy
Authors: Kelleter Laurent , Radogna Raffaella , Volz Lennart , Attree Derek , Basharina-Freshville Anastasia , Seco Joao , Saakyan Ruben , Jolly Simon
Published: May 2020

The commissioning and operation of a particle therapy centre requires an extensive set of detectors for measuring various parameters of the treatment beam. Among the key devices are detectors for beam range quality assurance. In this work, a novel range telescope based on a plastic scintillator and read out by a large-scale CMOS sensor is presented. The detector is made of a stack of 49 plastic scintillator sheets with a thickness of 2–3 mm and an active area of 100 × 100 mm2, resulting in a total physical stack thickness of 124.2 mm. This compact design avoids optical artefacts that are common in other scintillation detectors. The range of a proton beam is reconstructed using a novel Bragg curve model that incorporates scintillator quenching effects. Measurements to characterise the performance of the detector were carried out at the Heidelberger Ionenstrahl-Therapiezentrum (HIT, Heidelberg, GER) and the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC, Bebington, UK). The maximum difference between the measured range and the reference range was found to be 0.41 mm at a proton beam range of 310 mm and was dominated by detector alignment uncertainties. With the new detector prototype, the water-equivalent thickness of PMMA degrader blocks has been reconstructed within ± 0.1 mm. An evaluation of the radiation hardness proves that the range reconstruction algorithm is robust following the deposition of 6,300 Gy peak dose into the detector. Furthermore, small variations in the beam spot size and transverse beam position are shown to have a negligible effect on the range reconstruction accuracy. The potential for range measurements of ion beams is also investigated.
Ab initio investigation of electronic and magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic/ferroelectric LaMnO3/BaTiO3 interface
Authors: Kabanov V V , Piyanzina I I , Lysogorskiy Yu V , Tayurskii D A , Mamin R F
Published: May 2020

We investigate the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of LaMnO3/BaTiO3 heterostructure by means of ab initio calculations within the GGA+U approach. We consider the heterostructure when ferroelectric polarization in the BaTiO3 film is oriented perpendicular to the LaMnO3 substrate. We present atom and spin-resolved density of states calculations for LaMnO3/BaTiO3 heterostructure with different number of BaTiO3 overlayers as well as layer-resolved spectra for the conducting heterostructure. We found that the LaMnO3/BaTiO3 heterostructure becomes conducting with a significant spin polarization indicating that the interface becomes ferromagnetically ordered. The propose concept of a ferroelectrically controlled interface ferromagnetism that offers the possibility to design novel electronic devices.
Phosphorylation of multiple proteins involved in ciliogenesis by Tau Tubulin kinase 2
Authors: Bernatik Ondrej , Pejskova Petra , Vyslouzil David , Hanakova Katerina , Zdrahal Zbynek , Cajanek Lukas
Published: May 2020

Our findings expand current knowledge of TTBK2 substrates and provide insight into extent of TTBK2-mediated phosphorylations in the context of basal body proteins and PC initiation. We further show that phosphorylation of CEP164 N-term by TTBK2 regulates ciliogenesis.
The Rho-guanine nucleotide exchange factor Solo decelerates collective cell migration by modulating the Rho-ROCK pathway and keratin networks
Authors: Isozaki Yusuke , Sakai Kouki , Kohiro Kenta , Kagoshima Katsuhiko , Iwamura Yuma , Sato Hironori , Rindner Daniel , Fujiwara Sachiko , Yamashita Kazunari , Mizuno Kensaku , Ohashi Kazumasa
Published: May 2020

Collective cell migration is crucial for tissue remodeling and cancer invasion. A RhoA-targeting guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Solo, localizes to the cell–cell contact sites in collectively migrating cells and acts as a brake for collective cell migration via promoting the RhoA-ROCK pathway and regulating the keratin-8/keratin-18 networks.
Abundances of transcripts, proteins, and metabolites in the cell cycle of budding yeast reveal coordinate control of lipid metabolism
Authors: Blank Heidi M. , Papoulas Ophelia , Maitra Nairita , Garge Riddhiman , Kennedy Brian K. , Schilling Birgit , Marcotte Edward M. , Polymenis Michael
Published: May 2020

In several systems, including budding yeast, cell cycle-dependent changes in the transcriptome are well studied. In contrast, few studies queried the proteome during cell division. There is also little information about dynamic changes in metabolites and lipids in the cell cycle. Here, the authors present such information for dividing yeast cells.
Differential dephosphorylation of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase upon translocation to nuclear membranes and lipid droplets
Authors: Yue Lambert , McPhee Michael J. , Gonzalez Kevin , Charman Mark , Lee Jonghwa , Thompson Jordan , Winkler Dirk F. H. , Cornell Rosemary B. , Pelech Steven , Ridgway Neale D.
Published: May 2020

The translocation of CCTα, the rate-limiting enzyme for phosphatidylcholine synthesis, to nuclear membranes and nuclear lipid droplets results in reversible dephosphorylation of S319 and sustained phosphorylation of Y359+S362. Independent regulation of these phosphosites in the P-domain of CCTα is required for activation on nuclear membranes.
DYRK kinase Pom1 drives F-BAR protein Cdc15 from the membrane to promote medial division
Authors: Bhattacharjee Rahul , Mangione MariaSanta C. , Wos Marcin , Chen Jun-Song , Snider Chloe E. , Roberts-Galbraith Rachel H. , McDonald Nathan A. , Presti Libera Lo , Martin Sophie G. , Gould Kathleen L.
Published: May 2020

Phosphorylation by the DYRK kinase Pom1 is one of two major signals for proper division site placement in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Pom1 phosphorylation of F-BAR protein Cdc15 inhibits its membrane and protein binding, thus inhibiting scaffolding of the cytokinetic ring and preventing mislocalized division.
Mind–Body Therapy via Videoconferencing in Patients With Neurofibromatosis: Analyses of 1-Year Follow-up
Authors: Lester Ethan G , Gates Melissa V , Vranceanu Ana-Maria
Published: May 2020

Background

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a rare genetic disorder associated with substantial deficits in quality of life (QoL). We have previously shown that in this population the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NF (3RP-NF) delivered via live videoconferencing is associated with sustained improvement in QoL from baseline through 6-month follow-up over and above an attention placebo control..

Purpose

To examine between- and within-group changes in QoL domains from baseline to 1-year follow-up and 6-month to 1-year follow-up.

Methods

We enrolled and randomized 63 adults with NF. Of these, 52 completed the 6-month follow-up and 53 completed 1-year follow-up. We assessed QoL with the World Health Organization Quality of Life—Brief.

Results

Participation in the 3RP-NF was associated with sustained improvement from baseline to 1 year in physical health QoL (12.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.76 to 23.59; p =.024) and social relations QoL (16.81; 95% CI: 3.03 to 30.59; p =.018) but not psychological and environmental QoL, over and above the control (between group changes). Participants in the 3RP-NF improved from baseline to 1 year in psychological (8.16; 95% CI: 1.17 to 15.14; p =.023) and social relations QoL (9.93; 95% CI: 1.10 to 18.77; p = .028; within-group changes). There were no other significant differences between or within groups from baseline/6 months to 1 year.

Conclusions

The live video 3RP-NF shows promise in improving QoL dimensions over the course of 1 year. Results should be replicated in a fully powered randomized controlled trial.

Clinical Trial information

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03406208.
Ethnic Differences in Experimental Pain Responses Following a Paired Verbal Suggestion With Saline Infusion: A Quasiexperimental Study
Authors: Letzen Janelle E , Dildine Troy C , Mun Chung Jung , Colloca Luana , Bruehl Stephen , Campbell Claudia M
Published: May 2020

Background

Ethnic differences in placebo and nocebo responses are an important, yet underresearched, patient factor that might contribute to treatment disparities.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine ethnic differences in pain trajectories following a verbal suggestion paired with a masked, inert substance (i.e., saline).

Methods

Using a quasiexperimental design, we examined differences between 21 non-Hispanic Black (NHB) participants and 20 non-Hispanic White (NHW) participants in capsaicin-related pain rating trajectories following a nondirectional verbal suggestion + saline infusion. All participants were told that the substance would “either increase pain sensation, decrease it, or leave it unchanged.” A spline mixed model was used to quantify the interaction of ethnicity and time on ratings.

Results

There was a significant Ethnicity × Time interaction effect (β = −0.28, p = .002); NHB individuals reported significantly greater increases in pain following, but not before, the verbal suggestion + saline infusion. Sensitivity analyses showed no change in primary results based on differences in education level, general pain sensitivity, or condition order.

Conclusions

The present results showed ethnic differences in pain response trajectories following a verbal suggestion + saline infusion and suggest that future research rigorously examining possible ethnic differences in placebo/nocebo responses is warranted.
Metals and Particulates Exposure from a Mobile E-Waste Shredding Truck: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ceballos Diana , Zhou Michael , Herrick Robert
Published: May 2020

The US electronics recycling industry has introduced a novel mobile electronic waste (e-waste) shredding truck service to address increasing needs for secure data destruction of e-waste. These trucks can shred small electronics with data security concerns at remote locations for a wide variety of clients. Shredding jobs usually involve hand-feeding electronic waste (e-waste) for 4–10 h day−1, 1–5 days. Shredding of e-waste has been documented as a source of high metal exposures, especially lead and cadmium. However, no studies have been done to assess exposures on mobile e-waste shredding trucks. We conducted a pilot cross-sectional exposure assessment on a mobile e-waste shredding truck performing a 65-min shredding job (truck back door open and no local exhaust ventilation) in the Greater Boston area in 2019. We collected area air and surface wipe samples for metals along with real-time particulate measurements from different locations. The highest metal air concentrations (e.g. 2.9 µg-lead m−3) were found next and 1.8 m away from the shredder operator inside the semi-trailer. Metal surface contamination was highest near the shredder (e.g. 1190 µg-lead 100 cm−2) and extended to other parts of the truck. Near the shredder, the concentration of ultrafine particles was up to 250 000 particles cm−3 and particulate matter 2.5 mm or less in diameter (PM2.5) was up to 171 µg m−3, and neither returned to background levels after 40 min of inactivity. A diesel-electric generator was used to power the shredder and could have contributed to some of the particulate emissions. We found that mobile e-waste shredding trucks are a source of metals and particulates emissions. We recommend the industry adopts better controls for shredding inside trucks, such as local exhaust ventilation with proper filtration and use of personal protective equipment, to protect workers’ health and the environment.
Meeting report: There's something in the air
Authors: Fletcher Leigh N
Published: May 2020

Leigh N Fletcher shares the research success and future prospects discussed at the UK Solar System Planetary Atmospheres Community Meeting 2020.
Close binaries and common envelopes
Authors: Jones David , García-Rojas Jorge , Pejcha Ondřej , Wesson Roger
Published: May 2020

David Jones, Jorge García-Rojas, Ondřej Pejcha and Roger Wesson report on their RAS Specialist Discussion Meeting exploring “Common envelope evolution and post-common-envelope systems”.
Vinesh Maguire-Rajpaul: RAS Norman Lockyer Fellow
Authors: Johnson Paul
Published: May 2020

On his journey from Cape Town to Oxford and now Cambridge, the exoplanet hunter has also been responsible for disproving a spurious detection. Interview by Paul Johnson.
Plasma adenosine and neurally mediated syncope: ready for clinical use
Authors: Brignole Michele , Groppelli Antonella , Brambilla Roberto , Caldara Gianluca L , Torresani Erminio , Parati Gianfranco , Solari Diana , Ungar Andrea , Rafanelli Martina , Deharo Jean Claude , Marlinge Marion , Chefrour Mohamed , Guieu Regis
Published: May 2020

Either central or peripheral baroreceptor reflex abnormalities and/or alterations in neurohumoral mechanisms play a pivotal role in the genesis of neurally mediated syncope. Thus, improving our knowledge of the biochemical mechanisms underlying specific forms of neurally mediated syncope (more properly termed ‘neurohumoral syncope’) might allow the development of new therapies that are effective in this specific subgroup. A low-adenosine phenotype of neurohumoral syncope has recently been identified. Patients who suffer syncope without prodromes and have a normal heart display a purinergic profile which is the opposite of that observed in vasovagal syncope patients and is characterized by very low-adenosine plasma level values, low expression of A2A receptors and the predominance of the TC variant in the single nucleotide c.1364 C>T polymorphism of the A2A receptor gene. The typical mechanism of syncope is an idiopathic paroxysmal atrioventricular block or sinus bradycardia, most often followed by sinus arrest. Since patients with low plasma adenosine levels are highly susceptible to endogenous adenosine, chronic treatment of these patients with theophylline, a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, is expected to prevent syncopal recurrences. This hypothesis is supported by results from series of cases and from observational controlled studies.
Persistent westward drift of the geomagnetic field at the core–mantle boundary linked to recurrent high-latitude weak/reverse flux patches
Authors: Nilsson Andreas , Suttie Neil , Korte Monika , Holme Richard , Hill Mimi
Published: May 2020

Observations of changes in the geomagnetic field provide unique information about processes in the outer core where the field is generated. Recent geomagnetic field reconstructions based on palaeomagnetic data show persistent westward drift at high northern latitudes at the core–mantle boundary (CMB) over the past 4000 yr, as well as intermittent occurrence of high-latitude weak or reverse flux patches. To further investigate these features, we analysed time-longitude plots of a processed version of the geomagnetic field model pfm9k.1a, filtered to remove quasi-stationary features of the field. Our results suggest that westward drift at both high northern and southern latitudes of the CMB have been a persistent feature of the field over the past 9000 yr. In the Northern Hemisphere we detect two distinct signals with drift rates of 0.09° and 0.25° yr−1 and dominant zonal wavenumbers of m = 2 and 1, respectively. Comparisons with other geomagnetic field models support these observations but also highlight the importance of sedimentary data that provide crucial information on high-latitude geomagnetic field variations. The two distinct drift signals detected in the Northern Hemisphere can largely be decomposed into two westward propagating waveforms. We show that constructive interference between these two waveforms accurately predicts both the location and timing of previously observed high-latitude weak/reverse flux patches over the past 3–4 millennia. In addition, we also show that the 1125-yr periodicity signal inferred from the waveform interference correlates positively with variations in the dipole tilt over the same time period. The two identified drift signals may partially be explained by the westward motion of high-latitude convection rolls. However, the dispersion relation might also imply that part of the drift signal could be caused by magnetic Rossby waves riding on the mean background flow.
Document analysis in health policy research: the READ approach
Authors: Dalglish Sarah L , Khalid Hina , McMahon Shannon A
Published: May 2020

Document analysis is one of the most commonly used and powerful methods in health policy research. While existing qualitative research manuals offer direction for conducting document analysis, there has been little specific discussion about how to use this method to understand and analyse health policy. Drawing on guidance from other disciplines and our own research experience, we present a systematic approach for document analysis in health policy research called the READ approach: (1) ready your materials, (2) extract data, (3) analyse data and (4) distil your findings. We provide practical advice on each step, with consideration of epistemological and theoretical issues such as the socially constructed nature of documents and their role in modern bureaucracies. We provide examples of document analysis from two case studies from our work in Pakistan and Niger in which documents provided critical insight and advanced empirical and theoretical understanding of a health policy issue. Coding tools for each case study are included as Supplementary Files to inspire and guide future research. These case studies illustrate the value of rigorous document analysis to understand policy content and processes and discourse around policy, in ways that are either not possible using other methods, or greatly enrich other methods such as in-depth interviews and observation. Given the central nature of documents to health policy research and importance of reading them critically, the READ approach provides practical guidance on gaining the most out of documents and ensuring rigour in document analysis.
How correlation risk in basket credit derivatives might be priced and managed?
Authors: Zhu Dong-Mei , Gu Jia-wen , Yu Feng-Hui , Ching Wai-Ki , Siu Tak-Kuen
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we construct quantitative models in which the dependence structure of the firms’ default times is incorporated. Such models serve as the underlying frameworks in our proposed approach to price and hedge basket credit derivatives. Through the Gaussian copula-based method, we model the default correlation risk and develop valuation formulas for credit derivatives. Using single-name derivatives in a hedging strategy for basket credit derivatives, the utility of the delta and delta-gamma hedging techniques are examined. This enables the management of risk attributed to the changes in correlation without the need for a large number of hedging instruments. Our research contributions provide insights on how dependent risks in basket credit derivatives could be dealt with effectively.
On BMO and Carleson Measures on Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Brazke Denis , Schikorra Armin , Sire Yannick
Published: May 2020

Let $\mathcal{M}$ be a Riemannian $n$-manifold with a metric such that the manifold is Ahlfors regular. We also assume either non-negative Ricci curvature or the Ricci curvature is bounded from below together with a bound on the gradient of the heat kernel. We characterize BMO-functions $u: \mathcal{M} \to \mathbb{R}$ by a Carleson measure condition of their $\sigma $-harmonic extension $U: \mathcal{M} \times (0,\infty ) \to \mathbb{R}$. We make crucial use of a $T(b)$ theorem proved by Hofmann, Mitrea, Mitrea, and Morris. As an application, we show that the famous theorem of Coifman–Lions–Meyer–Semmes holds in this class of manifolds: Jacobians of $W^{1,n}$-maps from $\mathcal{M}$ to $\mathbb{R}^n$ can be estimated against BMO-functions, which now follows from the arguments for commutators recently proposed by Lenzmann and the 2nd-named author using only harmonic extensions, integration by parts, and trace space characterizations.
Hereditary and breastfeeding factors are positively associated with the aetiology of mammary gland hyperplasia: a case–control study
Authors: Gao Hanlu , Yang Chao , Fan Jinqing , Lan Li , Pang Da
Published: May 2020

Background

Hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) has become a common disorder in women. A family history of breast cancer and female reproductive factors may work together to increase the risk of HMG. However, this specific relationship has not been fully characterized.

Methods

A total of 1881 newly diagnosed HMG cases and 1900 controls were recruited from 2012 to 2017. Demographic characteristics including female reproductive factors and a family history of breast cancer were collected. A multi-analytic strategy combining unconditional logistic regression, multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) and crossover approaches were applied to systematically identify the interaction effect of family history of breast cancer and reproductive factors on HMG susceptibility.

Results

In MDR analysis, high-order interactions among higher-level education, shorter breastfeeding duration and family history of breast cancer were identified (odds ratio [OR] 7.07 [95% confidence interval {CI} 6.08 to 8.22]). Similarly, in crossover analysis, HMG risk increased significantly for those with higher-level education (OR 36.39 [95% CI 11.47 to 115.45]), shorter duration of breastfeeding (OR 27.70 [95% CI 3.73 to 205.70]) and a family history of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Higher-level education, shorter breastfeeding duration and a family history of breast cancer may synergistically increase the risk of HMG.
Evaluation of Synthetic Cannabinoid Metabolites in Human Blood in the Absence of Parent Compounds: A Stability Assessment
Authors: Krotulski Alex J , Bishop-Freeman Sandra C , Mohr Amanda L A , Logan Barry K
Published: May 2020

Synthetic cannabinoids represent a chemically diverse class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) responsible for large analytical and interpretative challenges for forensic toxicologists. Between 2016 and 2019, the three most prevalent synthetic cannabinoids in the United States were MMB-FUBINACA (FUB-AMB), 5F-MDMB-PINACA (5F-ADB) and 5F-MDMB-PICA, based on results from seized drug and toxicology testing. In 2018, accurate determination of synthetic cannabinoid positivity was brought into question as it was determined that the metabolites of these drug species were present in the absence of parent compounds in forensically relevant blood samples. During this study, the stability of MMB-FUBINACA, 5F-MDMB-PINACA and 5F-MDMB-PICA was evaluated, as well as the characterization of breakdown products. A liquid–liquid extraction method was assessed for recovery of basic parent compounds and acidic metabolites and deemed fit for use in this study. Analysis was performed by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF-MS) using a SCIEX TripleTOF® 5600+. All three synthetic cannabinoids were found to be unstable when stored in blood at either room temperature or refrigerated; all analytes were considerably more stable when stored in the freezer. All three synthetic cannabinoids degraded to their respective butanoic acid metabolites: MMB-FUBINACA 3-methylbutanoic acid, 5F-MDMB-PINACA 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid and 5F-MDMB-PICA 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid. All three of these metabolites were studied and determined to be stable in blood at all storage conditions. Considering these results, our laboratory continued testing for synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in blood samples and found 83 positives (21%) for only a synthetic cannabinoid metabolite. A case report is presented herein where 5F-MDMB-PINACA 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid was identified in the absence of 5F-MDMB-PINACA. Forensic toxicologists should be aware of the results of this study as they directly impact analytical consideration for test development and implementation, as well as interpretation of findings.
Behind the State: Domestic Mechanisms and Procedures for the Implementation of Human Rights Judgments and Decisions
Authors: Murray Rachel , De Vos Christian
Published: May 2020

It is the state to whom the supranational body directs its decision on a human rights violation, and it is the state who is found in violation and must provide the appropriate remedies. The state, however, is not a single entity: it is composed of the executive (and a web of different ministries and departments), the legislature, and the judiciary, including administrative bodies and tribunals. Depending on the type of reparations ordered, one, several, or all of these actors may be implicated. By tracking the mechanics of what happens in practical terms at the national level after decisions from UN treaty bodies and the regional human rights commissions and courts are adopted, findings from a three-year research project underscore that implementation is a multi-faceted process and whether implementation and ultimately compliance occurs can be explained, in part at least, by the regulatory, practical and technical processes in place to respond to those supranational decisions. By examining the role of these state actors and the procedures by which reparations are implemented and complied with at the national level, this article attempts to dissect the concept of ‘political will’. We conclude by providing some further thoughts on how litigators, states and supranational bodies themselves can adjust their methods accordingly.
Severity of emphysema as a prognosticator of resected early lung cancer: an analysis classified by Goddard score
Authors: Kagimoto Atsushi , Mimura Takeshi , Miyamoto Tatsuya , Nakashima Chika , Yamashita Yoshinori
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether the severity of emphysema as classified by Goddard score influences the prognosis of patients with early lung cancer, there are few reports about that.

Methods

From April 2009 to December 2016, we recruited 412 consecutive patients with completely resected clinical stage 0/IA/IB non-small cell lung cancer. The Goddard score assessed on preoperative computed tomography scan was retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between the Goddard score and early lung cancer prognosis.

Results

The patients were classified into two groups: Goddard score ≤ 4 points and ≥5 points according to the results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for recurrence events. The 3-year relapse-free survival rate of emphysema with Goddard score ≤ 4 points (88.6%) was higher than that of emphysema with Goddard score ≥ 5 points (60.8%) (P < 0.001). There was a higher proportion of cancer-related deaths in the group with Goddard score ≥ 5 points compared with the group with Goddard score ≤ 4 points (50% and 32.1%, respectively) (P = 0.082). A Goddard score ≥ 5 points was a significant prognostic factor for relapse-free survival in the univariate (P < 0.001) and multivariate (P = 0.022) analyses. A Goddard score ≥ 5 points was also a significant prognostic factor for overall survival in the univariate (P < 0.001) and multivariate (P = 0.041) analyses.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that emphysema with a Goddard score of ≥5 points may be a factor that can influence the prognosis of patients with primary lung cancer.
The ultraviolet colour component enhances the attractiveness of red flowers of a bee-pollinated plant
Authors: Chen Zhe , Liu Chang-Qiu , Sun Hang , Niu Yang
Published: May 2020

Aims

Bee-pollinated flowers are rarely red, presumably because bees (which lack red receptors) have difficulty detecting red targets. Although the response of bees to red colour has been investigated in lab experiments, most stimuli have been pure red, while the subtle diversity of red as perceived by humans (human-red) has received very limited attention. Here we test the hypothesis that ultraviolet (UV) reflected from human-red flowers enhances their attractiveness to bees, through increased chromatic contrast.

Methods

Using Onosma confertum (Boraginaceae), a plant with UV-reflecting red flowers that are pollinated by bumblebees, we investigated the effects of UV reflection on pollinator responses by conducting phenotypic manipulation experiments in the field. Colour preferences of flower-naïve bumblebees were also examined. Colour perception by bumblebees was estimated in terms of chromatic and achromatic contrast, based on two different colour perception models.

Important Findings

We found that both natural and flower-naïve bumblebees strongly preferred visiting UV-reflecting targets compared with UV-absorbing ones. Colour models show that the UV-reflecting flowers exhibit higher spectral purity and higher chromatic contrast against the foliage background, whereas they have similar achromatic contrast in terms of green receptor contrast. These results indicate that the component of UV reflection increases chromatic contrast in O. confertum, enhancing the visual attractiveness of these red flowers to bumblebees. We further infer that the secondary reflectance might be a necessary component in human-red flowers that are primarily pollinated by animals without red receptors, such as bees.
Surgical creation of microphallus for cis-gender female desire for intersex condition
Authors: Salgado Christopher J , Lalama Maria , Navas Genesis
Published: May 2020

As the desire for an intersex phenotypic condition increases, surgeons need to become aware of the surgical possibilities there are realistic expectations and a sound mind. A 43-year-old married cis-gender female, on testosterone desired conversion of her enlarged clitoris into a micropenis or metoidioplasty without scrotoplasty or urethral lengthening to increase the size and accentuate her orgasmic response. Following clearance by mental health, a diamond perineoplasty and metoidioplasty using her labia minora was performed. At 1 year her Arizona Sexual Experience Scale increased and she was happy with the operation. Creation of a micropenis, in a cis-gender patient for an intersex state and heightened orgasmic response is surgically feasible.
CALCIUM-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE 32-mediated phosphorylation is essential for the ammonium transport activity of AMT1;1 in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Qin De-Bin , Liu Meng-Yuan , Yuan Lixing , Zhu Yun , Li Xi-Dong , Chen Li-Mei , Wang Yi , Chen Yi-Fang , Wu Wei-Hua , Wang Yang
Published: May 2020

Protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation modulates the absorption of many nutrients in plants. CALCIUM-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASES (CPKs) are key players in plant signaling to translate calcium signals into diverse physiological responses. However, the regulatory role of CPKs in ammonium uptake remains largely unknown. Here, using methylammonium (MeA) toxicity screening, CPK32 was identified as a positive regulator of ammonium uptake in roots. CPK32 specifically interacted with AMMONIUM TRANSPORTER 1;1 (AMT1;1) and phosphorylated AMT1;1 at the non-conserved serine residue Ser450 in the C-terminal domain. Functional analysis in Xenopus oocytes showed that co-expression of CPK32 and AMT1;1 significantly enhanced the AMT1;1-mediated inward ammonium currents. In transgenic plants, the phosphomimic variant AMT1;1S450E, but not the non-phosphorylatable variant AMT1;1S450A, fully complemented the MeA insensitivity and restored high-affinity 15NH4+ uptake in both amt1;1 and cpk32 mutants. Moreover, in the CPK32 knockout background, AMT1;1 lost its ammonium transport activity entirely. These results indicate that CPK32 is a crucial positive regulator of ammonium uptake in roots and the ammonium transport activity of AMT1;1 is dependent on CPK32-mediated phosphorylation.
KRAB domain of ZFP568 disrupts TRIM28-mediated abnormal interactions in cancer cells
Authors: Kumar Janani , Kaur Gundeep , Ren Ren , Lu Yue , Lin Kevin , Li Jia , Huang Yun , Patel Anamika , Barton Michelle C , Macfarlan Todd , Zhang Xing , Cheng Xiaodong
Published: May 2020

Interactions of KRAB (Krüppel-associated box)-associated protein KAP1 [also known as TRIM28 (tripartite motif containing protein 28)] with DNA-binding KRAB zinc finger (KRAB-ZF) proteins silence many transposable elements during embryogenesis. However, in some cancers, TRIM28 is upregulated and interacts with different partners, many of which are transcription regulators such as EZH2 in MCF7 cells, to form abnormal repressive or activating complexes that lead to misregulation of genes. We ask whether a KRAB domain—the TRIM28 interaction domain present in native binding partners of TRIM28 that mediate repression of transposable elements—could be used as a tool molecule to disrupt aberrant TRIM28 complexes. Expression of KRAB domain containing fragments from a KRAB-ZF protein (ZFP568) in MCF7 cells, without the DNA-binding zinc fingers, inhibited TRIM28–EZH2 interactions and caused degradation of both TRIM28 and EZH2 proteins as well as other components of the EZH2-associated polycomb repressor 2 complex. In consequence, the product of EZH2 enzymatic activity, trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 level, was significantly reduced. The expression of a synthetic KRAB domain significantly inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells (MCF7) but has no effect on normal (immortalized) human mammary epithelial cells (MCF10a). Further, we found that TRIM28 is a positive regulator of TRIM24 protein levels, as observed previously in prostate cancer cells, and expression of the KRAB domain also lowered TRIM24 protein. Importantly, reduction of TRIM24 levels, by treatment with either the KRAB domain or a small-molecule degrader targeted to TRIM24, is accompanied by an elevated level of tumor suppressor p53. Taken together, this study reveals a novel mechanism for a TRIM28-associated protein stability network and establishes TRIM28 as a potential therapeutic target in cancers where TRIM28 is elevated. Finally, we discuss a potential mechanism of KRAB-ZF gene expression controlled by a regulatory feedback loop of TRIM28–KRAB.
Transition to Radial Approach for Neurovascular Procedures is Safe and Convenient: Characterization of a Learning Experience
Authors: Vergara-Garcia David , Gomez-Paz Santiago , Robinson Timothy M , Moore Justin , Ogilvy Christopher S , Thomas Ajith J
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The transradial access for endovascular procedures has become a popular access point of preference for both patients and for many neuro-endovascular practitioners.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a single-center experience on the transition to a radial-first approach for neurovascular procedures, focused on diagnostic angiographies, and to compare the differences in terms of length of procedure within the first 5 mo of its execution.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of a prospective maintained cerebrovascular registry at an academic institution within the United States, to identify the expected adoption curve required to transition to a transradial route first approach focused mainly on diagnostic procedures. The 5 mo of experience were divided into 4 quartiles evenly distributed in time. The primary outcome was the total length of procedure. Secondary outcomes were access failure, radiation dose, the usefulness of ultrasound assistance and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 121 transradial procedures were performed: 113 diagnostic angiographies (93%) and 8 therapeutic interventions (7%). We identified 6 access failures (5%) and 1 complication (1%). The mean length for diagnostic angiographies was 24 ± 10 min, and for therapeutic procedures was 58 ± 19 min. A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in the total length of procedures after the first quartile.

CONCLUSION

The transradial route shows to be a safe and convenient approach. The total length of procedure starts decreasing as providers gain experience and become more confident with this route, as seen in our 5-mo experience.
Prorogation: Comparative Context and Scope for Reform
Authors: Fleming Thomas G , Schleiter Petra
Published: May 2020

In August 2019, the UK government’s attempt to prorogue parliament for five weeks raised the question whether the UK’s prorogation rules ought to be reformed. We place this discussion in comparative perspective by contrasting the UK’s prorogation rules with (i) equivalent procedures in 26 European democracies and (ii) recent changes in other areas of UK executive–legislative relations. These comparisons suggest that the UK’s current prorogation rules are increasingly anomalous. They give governments significantly more power to suspend parliament than comparable European democracies, and are at variance with recent efforts to counterbalance the executive’s wide ranging discretion in the UK.
Brief Self-Compassion Training Alters Neural Responses to Evoked Pain for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study
Authors: Berry Michael P , Lutz Jacqueline , Schuman-Olivier Zev , Germer Christopher , Pollak Susan , Edwards Robert R , Gardiner Paula , Desbordes Gaelle , Napadow Vitaly
Published: May 2020

Objective

Self-compassion meditation, which involves compassion toward the self in moments of suffering, shows promise for improving pain-related functioning, but its underlying mechanisms are unknown. This longitudinal, exploratory pilot study investigated the effects of a brief (eight contact hours, two weeks of home practice) self-compassion training on pain-related brain processing in chronic low back pain (cLBP).

Methods

We evaluated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response to evoked pressure pain and its anticipation during a self-compassionate state and compared altered brain responses following training with changes on self-reported measures of self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale [SCS]), interoceptive awareness (Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness [MAIA]), and clinical pain intensity.

Results

In a sample of participants with cLBP (N = 20 total, N = 14 with complete longitudinal data) who underwent self-compassion training, we observed reduced clinical pain intensity and disability (P < 0.01) and increased trait self-compassion and interoceptive awareness (all P < 0.05) following training. Evoked pressure pain response in the right temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) was reduced following training, and decreases were associated with reduced clinical pain intensity. Further, increased fMRI responses to pain anticipation were observed in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and ventral posterior cingulate cortex (vPCC), and these increases were associated with mean post-training changes in SCS scores and scores from the body listening subscale of the MAIA.

Discussion

These findings, though exploratory and lacking comparison with a control condition, suggest that self-compassion training supports regulation of pain through the involvement of self-referential (vPCC), salience-processing (TPJ), and emotion regulatory (dlPFC) brain areas. The results also suggest that self-compassion could be an important target in the psychotherapeutic treatment of cLBP, although further studies using controlled experimental designs are needed to determine the specificity of these effects.