bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of theOnchocerca volvulusmitochondrial genome for delineation of parasite transmission zones
Authors: Crawford Katie E , Hedtke Shannon M , Doyle Stephen R , Kuesel Annette C , Armoo Samuel , Osei-Atweneboana Mike , Grant Warwick N
Published: August 2019

In 2012, the reduction inOnchocerca volvulusinfection prevalence through long-term mass ivermectin distribution in African meso- and hyperendemic areas motivated expanding control of onchocerciasis (river blindness) as a public health problem to elimination of parasite transmission. Given the large contiguous hypo-, meso- and hyperendemic areas with an estimated population of 204 million, sustainable elimination requires an understanding of the geographic, and in turn genetic, boundaries of different parasite populations to ensure interventions are only stopped where the risk of re-introduction of the parasite through vector or human migration from areas with ongoing transmission is acceptable. These boundaries, which define the transmission zones of the parasite, may be delineated by characterising the parasite genetic population structure within and between potential zones. We analysed whole mitochondrial genome sequences of 189O. volvulusadults to determine the pattern of genetic similarity across three West African countries: Ghana, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. Population structure measures indicate that parasites from the Pru, Daka and Black Volta/Tombe river basins in central Ghana belong to one parasite population, showing that different river basins cannot be assumed to constitute independent transmission zones. This research forms the basis for developing tools for elimination programs to delineate transmission zones, to estimate the risk of parasite re-introduction via vector or human movement when mass ivermectin administration is stopped in one area while transmission is ongoing in others, to identify the origin of infections detected post-treatment cessation, and to investigate whether migration contributes to persisting prevalence levels during interventions.
Sleep’s impact on emotional memory: A meta-analysis of whole-night, nap, and REM sleep effects
Authors: Schäfer Sarah K. , Wirth Benedikt E. , Staginnus Marlene , Becker Nicolas , Michael Tanja , Sopp M. Roxanne
Published: August 2019

Numerous studies have shown that sleep enhances the consolidation of episodic memory. However, it remains unclear whether this consolidation benefit is moderated by the emotional valence of the learned material. To clarify whether sleep selectively enhances the consolidation of emotional material, we conducted a meta-analysis including N = 1,059 observations. Overall, our results do not support this hypothesis. When only studies with a sleep-group wake-group comparison were included in the analysis (k = 22), the retention advantage for emotional over neutral material was not significantly different between sleep and wake groups. When studies initially lacking a wake-control group were included in the analysis after statistical estimation of wake-group parameters, the retention advantage for emotional material was significantly larger in wake-groups than in sleep-groups (k = 34). Interestingly, however, an additional analysis of k = 8 studies investigating the selective effects of rapid-eye-movement sleep and slow-wave sleep on emotional memory consolidation provided evidence for a selective enhancement of emotional over neutral memory consolidation after rapid-eye-movement sleep compared to slow-wave sleep. These results suggest that sleep does not generally enhance emotional memory consolidation over neutral memory consolidation. However, specific sleep stages might preferentially enhance consolidation of emotional and neutral material, respectively.
Telomere length covaries with age across an elevational gradient in a Mediterranean lizard
Authors: Burraco Pablo , Comas Mar , Reguera Senda , Zamora-Camacho Francisco Javier , Moreno-Rueda Gregorio
Published: August 2019

The timing of organisms’ senescence is developmentally programmed but also shaped by the interaction between environmental inputs and life-history traits. In ectotherms, ageing dynamics are still poorly understood despite their particularities concerning thermoregulation, regeneration capacity, or growth trajectory. Here, we investigate the role of life-history traits such as age, sex, body size, body condition, and tail autotomy (i.e self-amputation) in shaping telomere length of six populations of the Algerian sand lizard (Psammodromus algirus) distributed across an elevational gradient from 300 to 2500 meters above the sea level. Additionally, we show in a review table the available information on reptiles’ telomere length. We found that telomeres elongated with lizards’ age. We also observed that body size and age class showed a positive relationship, suggesting that cell replication did not shorten lizards’ telomeres by itself. Elevation affected telomere length in a non-linear way, a pattern that mirrored the variation in age structure across elevation. Telomere length was unaffected by tail autotomy, and was sex-independent, but positively correlated with body condition. Our results show that telomeres elongate throughout the first four years of lizards’ lifetime, a process that stress the role of telomerase in maintaining ectothermic telomeres, and, likely, in extending lifespan in organisms with indeterminate growth. Regarding the non-linear impact that elevation had on telomere length of lizards, our results suggest that habitat (mainly temperature) and organisms’ condition might play a key role in regulation ageing rate. Our findings emphasize the relevance of understanding species’ life histories (e.g. age and body condition) and habitat characteristics for fully disentangling the causes and consequences of lifespan trajectory.
Folding RNA in mixtures of monovalent and divalent cations: Theory and simulations
Authors: Nguyen Hung T. , Hori Naoto , Thirumalai D.
Published: August 2019

RNA molecules cannot fold in the absence of counter ions. Experiments are typically performed in the presence of monovalent and divalent cations. How to treat the impact of a solution containing a mixture of both ion types on RNA folding has remained a challenging problem for decades. By exploiting the large concentration difference between divalent and monovalent ions used in experiments, we develop a theory based on the Reference Interaction Site Model (RISM), which allows us to treat divalent cations explicitly while keeping the implicit screening effect due to monovalent ions. Our theory captures both the inner shell and outer shell coordination of divalent cations to phosphate groups, which we demonstrate is crucial in an accurate calculation of RNA folding thermodynamics. The RISM theory for ion-phosphate interactions when combined with simulations based on a transferable coarse-grained model allows us to accurately predict the folding of several RNA molecules in a mixture containing monovalent and divalent ions. The calculated folding free energies and ion-preferential coefficients for RNA molecules (pseudoknots, a fragment of the ribosomal RNA, and the aptamer domain of the adenine riboswitch) are in excellent agreement with experiments over a wide range of monovalent and divalent ion concentrations. Because the theory is general, it can be readily used to investigate ion and sequence effects on DNA properties.

Significance Statement

RNA molecules require ions to fold. The problem of how ions of differing sizes and valences drive the folding of RNA molecules is unsolved. Here, we take a major step in its solution by creating a method, based on the theory of polyatomic liquids, to calculate the potential between divalent ions and the phosphate groups. The resulting model, accounting for inner and outer sphere coordination of Mg2+ and Ca2+ to phosphates, when used in coarse-grained molecular simulations predicts folding free energies for a number of RNA molecules in the presence of both divalent and monovalent ions that are in excellent agreement with experiments. The work sets the stage for probing sequence and ion effects on DNA and synthetic polyelectrolytes.
Creating public value through smart technologies and strategies
Authors: Criado J. Ignacio , Gil-Garcia J. Ramon
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue about generation of public value through smart technologies and strategies. The key argument is that smart technologies have the potential to foster co-creation of public services and the generation of public value in management processes, based on the collaborative, social and horizontal nature of these smart technologies. Understanding these processes from a public management perspective is the purpose of this paper and the rest of the special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach to this paper is a theoretical and conceptual review, whereas practical implications both for scholars and practitioners arise from the review of the literature and the conceptual approximation to the notion of smartness in technologies and government. This approach is rooted in the potential of the latest smart technologies and strategies to transform public administrations and to better understand and cope societal problems.

Findings

The conceptual and theoretical perspective of this paper offers ideas for future developments. The content of this paper shows that new smart technologies and strategies will shape, and will be shaped by, the future of public organizations and management. This paper illustrates the process of change in public value generation over time, as a result of different public management paradigms (from traditional public administration to new public management), but also different types of technologies (from mainframes to websites and social media and beyond). The empirical evidence of the articles of this special issue supports this conclusion; that open and collaborative innovation processes developed under this emergent technological wave could become encouraging transformative practices in the public sector.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical and conceptual nature of this paper needs further empirical research to validate some of the discussed assumptions and ideas.

Originality/value

Although this paper is oriented to present the main contents of the special issue, it also provides an original approach to the theme of public value generation using smart technologies and strategies in public sector management.
The syllabus as a student privacy document in an age of learning analytics
Authors: Jones Kyle M.L. , VanScoy Amy
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal how instructors discuss student data and information privacy in their syllabi.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected a mixture of publicly accessible and privately disclosed syllabi from 8,302 library and information science (LIS) courses to extract privacy language. Using privacy concepts from the literature and emergent themes, the authors analyzed the corpus.

Findings

Most syllabi did not mention privacy (98 percent). Privacy tended to be mentioned in the context of digital tools, course communication, policies and assignments.

Research limitations/implications

The transferability of the findings is limited because they address only one field and professional discipline, LIS, and address syllabi for only online and hybrid courses.

Practical implications

The findings suggest a need for professional development for instructors related to student data privacy. The discussion provides recommendations for creating educational experiences that support syllabi development and constructive norming opportunities.

Social implications

Instructors may be making assumptions about the degree of privacy literacy among their students or not value student privacy. Each raises significant concerns if privacy is instrumental to intellectual freedom and processes critical to the educational experience.

Originality/value

In an age of educational data mining and analytics, this is one of the first studies to consider if and how instructors are addressing student data privacy in their courses, and the study initiates an important conversation for reflecting on privacy values and practices.
Bead chain structure RFC/ACF by electrospinning for supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Lei , Zhu Lien , Ma Lei , Zhang Jian , Meng QiuYu , Jin Zheng , Liu Meihua , Zhao Kai
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare a spherical modifier-modified activated carbon fiber of high specific capacitance intended for electrode materials of supercapacitor.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, phenolic-based microspheres are taken as modifiers to prepare PAN-based fiber composites by electrospinning, pre-oxidation and carbonization. Pearl-chain structures appear in RFC/ACF composites, and pure polyacrylonitrile fibers show a dense network. The shape and cross-linking degree are large. After the addition of the phenolic-based microspheres, the composite material exhibits a layered pearlite chain structure with a large porosity, and the RFC/ACF composite material is derived because of the existence of a large number of bead chain structures in the composite material. The density increases, the volume declines and the mass after being assembled into a supercapacitor as a positive electrode material decreases. The specific surface area of RFC/ACF composites is increased as compared to pure fibers. The increase in specific surface area could facilitate the diffusion of electrolyte ions in the material. Owing to the large number of bead chains, plenty of pore channels are provided for the diffusion of electrolyte ions, which is conducive to enhancing the electrochemical performance of the composite and improving the RFC/ACF composite and the specific capacitance of the material. The methods of electrochemical testing on symmetric supercapacitors (as positive electrodes) are three-electrode cyclic voltammetry, alternating current impedance and cycle stability.

Findings

The specific capacitance value of the composite material was found to be 389.2 F/g, and the specific capacitance of the electrode operating at a higher current density of 20 mA/cm2 was 11.87 F/g (the amount of the microsphere modifier added was 0.3 g). Using this material as a positive electrode to assemble into asymmetrical supercapacitor, after 2,000 cycles, the specific capacitance retention rate was 87.46 per cent, indicating excellent cycle stability performance. This result can be attributed to the fact that the modifier embedded in the fiber changes the porosity between the fibers, while improving the utilization of the carbon fibers and making it easier for electrolyte ions to enter the interior of the composites, thereby increasing the capacitance of the composites.

Originality/value

The modified PAN-based activated carbon fibers in the study had high specific surface area and significantly high specific capacitance, which makes it applicable as an efficient and environment-friendly absorbent, as well as an advanced electrode material for supercapacitor.
Preparation and characterisation of modified reclaimed asphalt using nanoemulsion acrylate terpolymer
Authors: Naser Abdelrahman Moukhtar , Abd El - Wahab Hamada , Moustafa El Nady Mohamed Abd El Fattah , E.A. Mostafa Abdelzaher , Lin Long , Sakr Ahmed Galal
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the best methods of utilisation of reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) in Egypt, to determine the effect of using 100% RAP instead of using virgin aggregates and asphalt; investigate the effect of thermoplastic elastomer polymer as asphalt modifier; and also improve the mechanical and physical characteristics and consequently improving the quality of asphalt paving, increasing service life of asphalt-paving and reducing costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Nano acrylate terpolymers were prepared with different % (Wt.) of and were characterised by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), for molecular weight (Mw), by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A 4% (Wt.) of the prepared nanoemulsion terpolymer was mixed with virgin asphalt as a polymer modifier, to improve and reuse of the RAP. The modified binder was tested. The tests conducted include penetration, kinematic viscosity, softening point and specific gravity. Application of Marshall mix design types; hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA) and cold in place recycled (CIR). Four different mix designs used; control mix contained virgin asphalt by HMA, and the other three mix designs were polymermodified asphalt sample by HMA, WMA and CIR.

Findings

The research results showed that using 4 Wt.% of the prepared nanoemulsion terpolymer to produce hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA) achieved higher stability compared to the control mix and cold in place recycled (CIR).

Research limitations/implications

This paper discusses the preparation and the characterisation of nanoemulsion and its application in RAPs to enhance and improve the RAP quality.

Practical implications

Nano-acrylate terpolymer can be used as a new polymer to modify asphalt to achieve the required specifications for RAP.

Originality/value

According to the most recent surveys, Europe produced 265 tonnes of asphalt for road applications in 2014, while the amount of available RAP was more than 50 tonnes. The use of RAP in new blended mixes reduces the need of neat asphalt, making RAP recycling economically attractive.
The plasma-chemical formation of polysorbate 80-coated silver nanoparticles and composite materials for water treatment
Authors: Skiba Margarita Ivanovna , Vorobyova Viktoria
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a simple, eco-friendly method for obtaining colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by using of contact non-equilibrium low-temperature plasma in presents polysorbate-80 and to assess their antibacterial activity in composite materials (beads) for water treatment process.

Design/methodology/approach

Silver nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous AgNO3 solution by using of contact non-equilibrium low-temperature plasma in the present of nonionic surfactant polysorbate-80 (Tween 80) as capping agent. Ultraviolet–visible (UV) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and zeta potential analysis were used to study the formation and properties of silver nanoparticles.

Findings

The formation of silver colloidal solutions in the presence of capping agent under plasma discharge is characterized by the presence of peak λmax = 380 – 402 nm in the spectra. The addition of sodium alginate into the reaction mixture allows synthesizing stable colloidal silver solutions. The average size of formed silver particles is up to 50 nm. Ag NPs exhibited an excellent bactericidal activity against both gram-positive and gram- negative bacteria. Composite beads prepared using nonionic surfactant were found to be effective in disinfecting the Staphylococcus aureus to different extents.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies are necessary for confirmation of the practical application, especially of the toxicity of Ag NPs, as well as the sorption properties of the alginate beads with Ag NPs.

Practical implications

The method provides a simple and practical solution to improving the synthesis of colloidal solutions of Ag NPs for water treatment process.

Originality/value

Contact nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma can be used as an effective technique for synthesis of nanomaterials.
Development of an enzyme-based fiber optic biosensor for detection of haloalkanes
Authors: Daud Nurul Hazwani , Oslan Siti Nurbaya , Leow Thean Chor , Salleh Abu Bakar
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the development of an enzyme-based sensor for haloalkane detection. Haloalkane is a toxic compound that is found as genotoxic impurities in pharmaceutical products and contaminants in waste. The need to investigate the genotoxic level in pharmaceutical manufacturing is very crucial because of its toxicity effects on human health. The potential of mini protein as an alternative bioreceptor was explored with the aim to be more effective and stable under extreme conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Mini proteins of haloalkane dehalogenase (HLD) were computationally designed and experimentally validated. Tapered multimode fiber (TMMF) was bio-functionalized with a bioreceptor either native (positive control) or mini protein. The absorbance-based sensor resulting from the binding interaction of mini protein with haloalkane was monitored through a wavelength range of 200-1,300 nm.

Findings

An increment of the UV absorption is observed at 325 nm when haloalkane interacted with the immobilized bioreceptors, native or mini protein. Both biosensors displayed a continuous response over the range of 5-250 µM haloalkane. They also had the capability to detect haloalkanes below 1 min and with an operational stability of up to seven days without significant loss of sensitivity.

Practical implications

The results indicate the potential viability of the enzyme HLD-based sensor to monitor the existence of haloalkane in both pharmaceutical and environmental products.

Originality/value

The paper describes an outcome of experimental work on TMMF-based biosensor coated with HLD for label-free haloalkane detection. Mini protein can be used as an effective bioreceptor with some structural modification to improve functionality and stability.
Optimization of electrostatic sensor based on sensor separation
Authors: Heydarianasl Mozhde
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Electrostatic sensors are applied to measure velocity of solid particles in many industries because controlling the velocity particles improves product quality and process efficiency. The purpose of current paper is optimization of these sensors which is required to achieve maximum spatial sensitivity and minimum statistical error.

Design/methodology/approach

Different electrode of electrostatic sensors with different length, thickness and sensor separations were experimentally applied in laboratory. Then, correlation velocity, signal bandwidth and statistical error were calculated.

Findings

High sensor separation is a crucial factor because it would lead to increase signal similarity and decrease statistical error. This paper focuses on the effect of sensor separation on optimization of electrostatic sensors.

Originality/value

From observations, the optimal value for length, thickness and sensor separations was 0.6, 0.5 and 15 cm, respectively. Consequently, statistical error has improved by about 17 per cent. These results provided a significant basis of optimization of electrostatic sensors.
Study on the electromagnetic fields of a novel small-angle transducer used in high-precision inertial sensors
Authors: Chen Zongyu , Dong Jiuzhi , Li Xingfei
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Microsyn signal generators have been used in high-precision inertial sensors for their good structural stiffness and high sensitivity. However, as the stator and the rotor of the microsyn are both constructed of silicon-steel laminations with high permeability, an extremely small non-concentricity between the stator and rotor of microsyn will cause two random reaction torques acting on the output axis. As a result, difficulty arises in compensating for these random reaction torques. This study aims to investigate the electromagnetic fields of a novel angular transducer characterized by high sensitivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the operation principles of the new transducer, the output voltage is decided by the time rate of change of the net magnetic flux of each output pole. The transient analysis of the electromagnetic field of the transducer is carried out by ANSYS Maxwell-3D.

Findings

The distributions of the magnetic flux of the transducer’s interior and eddy current on the rotor are consistent with the results of theory analysis. Moreover, the leakage flux mainly distributes nearby the excitation poles. The novel small-angle transducer also possesses a remarkably low reaction torque and power loss.

Practical implications

Study on the electromagnetic fields of the new transducer not only provides a powerful basis to further improve the precision of the new transducer but also expands the scope of applications of the new transducer.

Originality/value

This new transducer is not only characterized by a high sensitivity, high linearity and fast response but also extremely low reaction torque and power losses. Thus, the new transducer is suitable for high-precision inertial sensors.
Development of omics‐based protocols for the microbiological characterization of multi‐strain formulations marketed as probiotics: the case of VSL#3
Authors: Mora Diego , Filardi Rossella , Arioli Stefania , Boeren Sjef , Aalvink Steven , de Vos Willem M.
Published: August 2019

The growing commercial interest in multi‐strain formulations marketed as probiotics has not been accompanied by an equal increase in the evaluation of quality levels of these biotechnological products. The multi‐strain product VSL#3 was used as a model to setup a microbiological characterization that could be extended to other formulations with high complexity. Shotgun metagenomics by deep Illumina sequencing was applied to DNA isolated from the commercial VSL#3 product to confirm strains identity safety and composition. Single‐cell analysis was used to evaluate the cell viability, and β‐galactosidase and urease activity have been used as marker to monitor the reproducibility of the production process. Similarly, these lots were characterized in detail by a metaproteomics approach for which a robust protein extraction protocol was combined with advanced mass spectrometry. The results identified over 1600 protein groups belonging to all strains present in the VSL#3 formulation. Of interest, only 3.2 % proteins showed significant differences mainly related to small variations in strain abundance. The protocols developed in this study addressed several quality criteria that are relevant for marketed multi‐strain products and these represent the first efforts to define the quality of complex probiotic formulations such as VSL#3.
Paediatric in vitro models showed significant variations in fluticasone proprionate output from valved holding chambers
Authors: Häselbarth Julie , Svedmyr Jan
Published: August 2019

Aim

We compared potential differences in drug delivery between different valved holding chambers (VHCs) used by asthma patients, with and without facemasks.

Methods

An in vitro study design was created using a fluticasone propionate (FP) pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) connected to a VHC. VHCs without facemasks and with sealed and unsealed facemasks were placed against face models that mimicked the features of a 1‐year‐old infant and a 4‐year‐old child. We analysed the amount of FP deposited on the filter in the face model after five breaths with a tidal volume of 75 mL.

Results

Our measurements showed significant differences in the amounts of FP deposited on the filters, even without facemasks. The amount of FP delivered through the VHC and facemask combinations differed significantly, depending on the degree of the lack of facemask to face seal. All the tested VHCs showed significantly better drug output without a facemask.

Conclusion

The VHC and facemasks chosen had a considerable and significant impact on FP delivery. The facemask seal should be checked whenever a VHC facemask combination is used. Young children should be taught to use the VHC mouthpiece as early as possible to optimise FP delivery and achieve more effective asthma therapy.
Nuclear expression of β‐catenin in endometrial hyperplasia as marker of premalignancy
Authors: Travaglino Antonio , Raffone Antonio , Saccone Gabriele , Mascolo Massimo , D'Alessandro Pietro , Arduino Bruno , Mollo Antonio , Insabato Luigi , Zullo Fulvio
Published: August 2019

We aimed to assess (1)‐whether nuclear β‐catenin is a marker of endometrial precancer, and (2)‐the diagnostic accuracy of β‐catenin immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis between benign and premalignant endometrial hyperplasia (EH), defining criteria for its use. Electronic databases were searched for studies evaluating β‐catenin immunohistochemistry in normal endometrium (NE), benign and/or premalignant EH, and endometrioid carcinoma (EC). Odds ratio (OR; p < 0.05), sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic OR (DOR), positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+, LR−) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were based on the classification system used (WHO or EIN) and criteria to define aberrant β‐catenin expression (only nuclear or cytoplasmic/nuclear). Twelve studies with 1510 specimens were included. Nuclear β‐catenin rate significantly increased from NE to benign EH (OR = 26.01; p = 0.0002, only in WHO subgroup), and from benign EH to premalignant EH (OR = 3.89; p = 0.0002; more markedly in EIN subgroup), but not from premalignant EH to EC (OR = 0.78; p = 0.29). Nuclear β‐catenin accuracy was very low in WHO subgroup (sensitivity = 0.40, specificity = 0.76, LR+ = 1.85, LR− = 0.72; DOR = 2.89) and moderate in EIN subgroup (sensitivity = 0.19, specificity = 1.00, LR+ = 14.80, LR− = 0.83; DOR = 18.14). Cytoplasmic/nuclear β‐catenin accuracy was absent in WHO subgroup (sensitivity = 0.45, specificity = 0.54, LR+ = 1.01, LR− = 1.01; DOR = 0.99) and low in EIN subgroup (sensitivity = 0.57, specificity = 0.86, LR+ = 3.63, LR− = 0.51; DOR = 8.30). Considering nuclear expression and using EIN system, β‐catenin immunohistochemistry might be reliable as rule‐in test for diagnosis of endometrial precancer, with perfect specificity and moderate overall accuracy.
Acetaminophen toxicity induces mitochondrial complex I inhibition in human liver tissue
Authors: Chrøis Karoline Maise , Larsen Steen , Pedersen Julie Steen , Rygg Marte Opseth , Boilsen Astrid Elisabeth Bruun , Bendtsen Flemming , Dela Flemming
Published: August 2019

Acetaminophen (APAP) is used worldwide and is regarded as safe in therapeutic concentrations but can cause acute liver failure in higher doses. High doses of APAP have been shown to inhibit complex I and II mitochondrial respiratory capacity in mouse hepatocytes, but human studies are lacking. Here, we studied mitochondrial respiratory capacity in human hepatic tissue ex vivo with increasing doses of APAP. Hepatic biopsies were obtained from 12 obese patients who underwent a Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or a sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Mitochondrial respiration was measured by high‐resolution respirometry. Therapeutic concentrations (≤0.13 mmol/L) of APAP did not inhibit state 3 complex I‐linked respiration. APAP concentrations of ≥2.0 mmol/L in the medium significantly reduced hepatic mitochondrial respiration in a dose‐dependent manner. Complex II‐linked mitochondrial respiration was not inhibited by APAP. We conclude that the mitochondrial respiratory capacity is affected by a hepato‐toxic effect of APAP, which involved complex I, but not complex II.
What really helps? Divergent implications of talking to someone with an empathic mindset versus similar experience for shame and self‐evaluation in the wake of an embarrassing event
Authors: Vorauer Jacquie D. , Petsnik Corey
Published: August 2019

What kinds of social interactions help individuals recover from an embarrassing experience? The present experiment examined the possibility that whereas individuals do not benefit from interacting with someone who is merely trying to understand and empathize, they do benefit from interacting with someone who has undergone the same experience and thus accurately understands their feelings. The ‘target’ member of 142 dyads performed an embarrassing task in front of the ‘perceiver’, after which they had a face‐to‐face discussion. Unbeknownst to targets, some perceivers did the task themselves beforehand, and some perceivers adopted an empathic mindset during the exchange. Perceivers’ previous experience predicted improvements in targets’ self‐evaluations that were mediated by more accurate perceptions of targets’ feelings. In contrast, perceivers’ empathic mindset had no benefits for targets, alone or in concert with prior experience. The only apparent benefits of perceivers’ empathic mindset were that perceivers felt more empathy and liking for targets (both undetected by targets), and felt viewed more favourably by targets (not corroborated by targets). These results suggest greater efficacy of perceiver experience over empathic concern in facilitating targets’ recovery from embarrassing events. Perceivers’ dispositional empathy, involving a different type of experience accumulated over time, also predicted benefits to targets.
Consistent Shape Matching via Coupled Optimization
Authors: Azencot Omri , Dubrovina Anastasia , Guibas Leonidas
Published: August 2019

We propose a new method for computing accurate point‐to‐point mappings between a pair of triangle meshes given imperfect initial correspondences. Unlike the majority of existing techniques, we optimize for a map while leveraging information from the inverse map, yielding results which are highly consistent with respect to composition of mappings. Remarkably, our method considers only a linear number of candidate points on the target shape, allowing us to work directly with high resolution meshes, and to avoid a delicate and possibly error‐prone up‐sampling procedure. Key to this dimensionality reduction is a novel candidate selection process, where the mapped points drift over the target shape, finalizing their location based on intrinsic distortion measures. Overall, we arrive at an iterative scheme where at each step we optimize for the map and its inverse by solving two relaxed Quadratic Assignment Problems using off‐the‐shelf optimization tools. We provide quantitative and qualitative comparison of our method with several existing techniques, and show that it provides a powerful matching tool when accurate and consistent correspondences are required.
Structured Regularization of Functional Map Computations
Authors: Ren Jing , Panine Mikhail , Wonka Peter , Ovsjanikov Maks
Published: August 2019

We consider the problem of non‐rigid shape matching using the functional map framework. Specifically, we analyze a commonly used approach for regularizing functional maps, which consists in penalizing the failure of the unknown map to commute with the Laplace‐Beltrami operators on the source and target shapes. We show that this approach has certain undesirable fundamental theoretical limitations, and can be undefined even for trivial maps in the smooth setting. Instead we propose a novel, theoretically well‐justified approach for regularizing functional maps, by using the notion of the resolvent of the Laplacian operator. In addition, we provide a natural one‐parameter family of regularizers, that can be easily tuned depending on the expected approximate isometry of the input shape pair. We show on a wide range of shape correspondence scenarios that our novel regularization leads to an improvement in the quality of the estimated functional, and ultimately pointwise correspondences before and after commonly‐used refinement techniques.
A Family of Barycentric Coordinates for Co‐Dimension 1 Manifolds with Simplicial Facets
Authors: Yan Z. , Schaefer S.
Published: August 2019

We construct a family of barycentric coordinates for 2D shapes including non‐convex shapes, shapes with boundaries, and skeletons. Furthermore, we extend these coordinates to 3D and arbitrary dimension. Our approach modifies the construction of the Floater‐Hormann‐Kós family of barycentric coordinates for 2D convex shapes. We show why such coordinates are restricted to convex shapes and show how to modify these coordinates to extend to discrete manifolds of co‐dimension 1 whose boundaries are composed of simplicial facets. Our coordinates are well‐defined everywhere (no poles) and easy to evaluate. While our construction is widely applicable to many domains, we show several examples related to image and mesh deformation.
Unsupervised cycle‐consistent deformation for shape matching
Authors: Groueix Thibault , Fisher Matthew , Kim Vladimir G. , Russell Bryan C. , Aubry Mathieu
Published: August 2019

We propose a self‐supervised approach to deep surface deformation. Given a pair of shapes, our algorithm directly predicts a parametric transformation from one shape to the other respecting correspondences. Our insight is to use cycle‐consistency to define a notion of good correspondences in groups of objects and use it as a supervisory signal to train our network. Our method combines does not rely on a template, assume near isometric deformations or rely on point‐correspondence supervision. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach by using it to transfer segmentation across shapes. We show, on Shapenet, that our approach is competitive with comparable state‐of‐the‐art methods when annotated training data is readily available, but outperforms them by a large margin in the few‐shot segmentation scenario.
On evaluating consensus in RANSAC surface registration
Authors: Hruda L. , Dvořák J. , Váša L.
Published: August 2019

Random Sample Consensus is a powerful paradigm that was successfully applied in various contexts, including Location Determination Problem, fundamental matrix estimation and global 3D surface registration, where many previously proposed algorithms can be interpreted as a particular implementation of this concept. In general, a set of candidate transformations is generated by some simple procedure, and an aligning transformation is chosen within this set, such that it aligns the largest portion of the input data.

We observe that choosing the aligning transformation may also be interpreted as finding consensus among the candidates, which in turn involves measuring similarity of candidate rigid transformations. While it is not difficult to construct a metric that provides reasonable results, most approaches come with certain limitations and drawbacks. In this paper, we investigate possible means of measuring distances in SE(3) and compare their properties both theoretically and experimentally in a model RANSAC registration algorithm. We also propose modifications to existing measures and propose a novel method of locating the consensus transformation based on Vantage Point Tree data structure.
Limit Shapes – A Tool for Understanding Shape Differences and Variability in 3D Model Collections
Authors: Huang Ruqi , Achlioptas Panos , Guibas Leonidas , Ovsjanikov Maks
Published: August 2019

We propose a novel construction for extracting a central or limit shape in a shape collection, connected via a functional map network. Our approach is based on enriching the latent space induced by a functional map network with an additional natural metric structure. We call this shape‐like dual object the limit shape and show that its construction avoids many of the biases introduced by selecting a fixed base shape or template. We also show that shape differences between real shapes and the limit shape can be computed and characterize the unique properties of each shape in a collection – leading to a compact and rich shape representation. We demonstrate the utility of this representation in a range of shape analysis tasks, including improving functional maps in difficult situations through the mediation of limit shapes, understanding and visualizing the variability within and across different shape classes, and several others. In this way, our analysis sheds light on the missing geometric structure in previously used latent functional spaces, demonstrates how these can be addressed and finally enables a compact and meaningful shape representation useful in a variety of practical applications.
Threatened and endangered mammals of Chile: Does research align with conservation information needs?
Authors: Gaulke Sarah , Martelli Enzo , Johnson Luke , Letelier Carlos G. , Dawson Natalie , Nelson Cara R.
Published: August 2019

Across the globe, mammalian faunal extinctions are poorly understood. Despite increasing risk of extinction, data are lacking on the causes of population declines, as well as ecological and biological considerations for conservation. Although the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides a catalog of global species status, many species are ranked as data deficient, due to this lack of information. We used Chile—a biodiversity hot‐spot, with 1,569 endemic species and several endemic species lineages—as a case study to assess trends in available ecological and biological information relevant to conservation planning for threatened and endangered terrestrial mammals. Specifically, we assessed the amount of research by topic and taxonomic group for 22 IUCN Red‐listed species. Although the number of published articles has been increasing over the last 19 years, we found that 7 species (31%), including the one critically endangered species, had little available research (less than 10 articles), and over 25% of species were missing critical information regarding basic biological and life history characteristics. Our finding of substantial gaps in information for at‐risk Chilean mammals highlights the importance of developing strategic research agendas for at‐risk species in Chile, as well as across the globe.
Making the most of general education foreign language requirements
Authors: Barski Ewelina , Wilkerson‐Barker Donna
Published: August 2019

Given that most postsecondary institutions have recognized the need to prepare interculturally competent undergraduates, this study used the Intercultural Development Inventory to measure the extent to which one group of undergraduate learners demonstrated increased intercultural competence after taking a first‐semester foreign language (FL) course. Drawing on research on the role of culture in the FL curriculum and on intercultural competence development, the findings illustrate that (a) beginner‐level language courses contribute minimally to students’ intercultural competence development, and (b) FL departments need to substantially redesign their beginner‐level curriculum if they hope to contribute in meaningful ways to their institution's intercultural, diversity, global learning, and/or 21st‐century goals. The data suggest that in addition to re‐envisioning the beginner and intermediate FL instructional sequence, universities need more robust FL requirements for general education.
Relationship of thromboelastography and conventional clotting test values with severe bleeding in critically ill patients with coagulopathy: A prospective study
Authors: Casado‐Méndez Manuel , Fernandez‐Pacheco José , Arellano‐Orden Victoria , Rodríguez‐Martorell Francisco J. , Díaz‐Martín Ana , Pastor de las Heras Álvaro , Dusseck‐Brutus Reginald , Pérez‐Torres Ignacio , Leal‐Noval Santiago R.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

This study aimed to ascertain the associations of thromboelastography (TEG®) and standard laboratory test (SLTs) values with the presence of bleeding in critically ill patients with known coagulopathy.

Methods

Three groups of coagulopathic patients with (a) hepatic failure, (b) postoperative period after prolonged cardiac surgery, and (c) complex abdominal surgery with sepsis were prospectively included in this study. On intensive care unit (ICU) admission, patients were stratified into two groups according to whether they had major bleeding (MB) (evident overt bleeding, important bleeding apparent on imaging studies, and/or need for moderate‐massive blood transfusion and hemodynamic instability). Blood samples were drawn for the SLTs (international normalized ratio [INR], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], platelet count, and fibrinogen level [Clauss]) and TEG whole blood coagulation assays. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the efficiency of TEG and SLTs for detecting bleeding. The correlations between SLTs and TEG parameters with similar coagulation profiles were evaluated by Spearman rank‐order analysis.

Results

Eighty‐three patients were included, and bleeding was confirmed in 45 (54%). The fibrinogen level demonstrated the best accuracy for detecting bleeding with an area under the curve and 95% confidence intervals [AUC (95% CI)] of 0.74 (0.63‐0.85) with the best cutoff value of ≤ 2 g/L. Regarding TEG‐MA, the AUC (CI) obtained with the optimal cutoff value of ≤ 51 mm was 0.68 (0.56‐0.80).

Conclusions

Both conventional clotting tests and TEG values were poorly associated with bleeding in this critically ill cohort of patients with coagulopathy.
Management of neutropenic fever in a private hospital oncology unit
Authors: Skiba Rohen , Sikotra Nisha , Ball Timothy , Arellano Astrid , Gabbay Eli , Clay Timothy D.
Published: August 2019

Background

Neutropenic fever is a medical emergency, which poses a significant morbidity and mortality risk to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. National guidelines recommend that patients presenting with suspected neutropenic fever receive appropriate intravenous antibiotics within 60 min of admission.

Aim

We aimed to investigate the management of neutropenic fever in a large private oncology centre.

Methods

A retrospective audit of all patients who presented to St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, in the 2017 calendar year, with a known solid organ malignancy and a recorded diagnosis of neutropenic fever was conducted. Patients were identified through the hospitals Patient Administration System and ICD‐10 codes. Information was collected from the hospital medical records using a standardised data collection tool.

Results

There were 98 admissions relating to 88 patients with neutropenic fever during the study period. The median age was 64 years (range: 23–85 years) with 57 (65%) females. Antibiotic selections consistent with the Australian guidelines were made in 88 (89%) admissions. The mean time to antibiotic administration was 279 min, with a median of 135 min (range: 15–5160 min). Antibiotics were administered within the recommended time frame in only eight (11%) admissions.

Conclusion

Clinicians prescribed antibiotics in accordance with national guidelines; however, there were systemic inefficiencies which resulted in delayed antibiotic initiation. This has resulted in implementation of strategies to minimise delay.
Electrostatic interactions: From immune receptor assembly to signaling
Authors: Connolly Audrey , Gagnon Etienne
Published: August 2019

Our ability to mount a long‐lasting and protective immune response relies on a variety of immune receptors that enable the recognition of ongoing infections, which triggers the adaptation of a myriad of immune cells. The organization of several immune receptors, such as the T cells receptor and several natural killer cell receptors, utilizes different modules for ligand recognition and signaling. These receptors require specific recognition mechanisms between the different modules in order to ensure proper assembly and function. Once assembled, immune receptors must remain inactive in the absence of ligand to prevent the onset of unwanted immune response. Indeed, several mechanisms exist to prevent aberrant immune receptor signaling in the absence of ligand to avert the initiation of uncontrolled autoimmunity. However, once a ligand is recognized, immune receptors must rapidly and specifically engage kinases to initiate highly regulated signaling cascades that lead to the initiation of transcriptional programs that dictate the immune response. Over the last decade, compelling evidence have been presented which suggest that electrostatic interactions are critical for many aspects of immune receptor functions. In the work that follows, we present an overview of the literature that have provided evidence that illustrate how electrostatic interactions regulate immune receptor assembly, inactive state, triggering, and signaling.