bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Augmented Hill-Climb increases reinforcement learning efficiency for language-based de novo molecule generation
Authors: Thomas Morgan , O’Boyle Noel M. , Bender Andreas , de Graaf Chris
Published: October 2022

A plethora of AI-based techniques now exists to conduct de novo molecule generation that can devise molecules conditioned towards a particular endpoint in the context of drug design. One popular approach is using reinforcement learning to update a recurrent neural network or language-based de novo molecule generator. However, reinforcement learning can be inefficient, sometimes requiring up to 105 molecules to be sampled to optimize more complex objectives, which poses a limitation when using computationally expensive scoring functions like docking or computer-aided synthesis planning models. In this work, we propose a reinforcement learning strategy called Augmented Hill-Climb based on a simple, hypothesis-driven hybrid between REINVENT and Hill-Climb that improves sample-efficiency by addressing the limitations of both currently used strategies. We compare its ability to optimize several docking tasks with REINVENT and benchmark this strategy against other commonly used reinforcement learning strategies including REINFORCE, REINVENT (version 1 and 2), Hill-Climb and best agent reminder. We find that optimization ability is improved ~ 1.5-fold and sample-efficiency is improved ~ 45-fold compared to REINVENT while still delivering appealing chemistry as output. Diversity filters were used, and their parameters were tuned to overcome observed failure modes that take advantage of certain diversity filter configurations. We find that Augmented Hill-Climb outperforms the other reinforcement learning strategies used on six tasks, especially in the early stages of training or for more difficult objectives. Lastly, we show improved performance not only on recurrent neural networks but also on a reinforcement learning stabilized transformer architecture. Overall, we show that Augmented Hill-Climb improves sample-efficiency for language-based de novo molecule generation conditioning via reinforcement learning, compared to the current state-of-the-art. This makes more computationally expensive scoring functions, such as docking, more accessible on a relevant timescale.
The Mayer-Eymar collection of Cenozoic mollusks
Authors: Etter Walter
Published: October 2022

Karl Mayer (later Karl Mayer-Eymar, 1826–1906) was a stratigrapher and palaeontologist who assembled during his long career a collection of Cenozoic (then “Tertiary”) mollusks that numbers more than 500′000 specimens. He mostly collected them himself at various localities in Europe and Egypt. In more than 175 publications he described more than 1100 new bivalve and gastropod species, the types of which are of paramount importance for mollusk taxonomists. Based on his collection, he furthermore, erected 13 new Cenozoic stages, five of them still in use today. Here the structure and content of this collection is described, along with an explanation of the labels which are at first not so easy to understand. The Mayer-Eymar collection is in the propriety of the “Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule” (ETH) in Zürich. From 1966 until 2020 it was on a permanent loan to the Natural History Museum Basel, where it was also curated. In October 2020 the collection was returned to the ETH.
Right ventricular strain measurements in critically ill patients: an observational SICS sub-study
Authors: Vos Madelon E. , Cox Eline G. M. , Schagen Maaike R. , Hiemstra Bart , Wong Adrian , Koeze Jacqueline , van der Horst Iwan C. C. , Wiersema Renske ,   SICS Study Group
Published: October 2022

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is common in critically ill patients and is associated with poor outcomes. RV function is usually evaluated by Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) which can be obtained using critical care echocardiography (CCE). Myocardial deformation imaging, measuring strain, is suitable for advanced RV function assessment and has widely been studied in cardiology. However, it is relatively new for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and little is known about RV strain in critically ill patients. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of RV strain in critically ill patients using tissue-Doppler imaging (TDI) and explore the association between RV strain and conventional CCE measurements representing RV function.

Methods

This is a single-center sub-study of two prospective observational cohorts (Simple Intensive Care Studies (SICS)-I and SICS-II). All acutely admitted adults with an expected ICU stay over 24 h were included. CCE was performed within 24 h of ICU admission. In patients in which CCE was performed, TAPSE, peak systolic velocity at the tricuspid annulus (RV s’) and TDI images were obtained. RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWSL) and RV global four-chamber longitudinal strain (RV4CSL) were measured during offline analysis.

Results

A total of 171 patients were included. Feasibility of RVFWSL and RV4CSL was, respectively, 62% and 56% in our population; however, when measurements were performed, intra- and inter-rater reliability based on the intraclass correlation coefficient were good to excellent. RV dysfunction based on TAPSE or RV s’ was found in 56 patients (33%) and 24 patients (14%) had RV dysfunction based on RVFWSL or RV4CSL. In 14 patients (8%), RVFWSL, RV4CSL, or both were reduced, despite conventional RV function measurements being preserved. These patients had significantly higher severity of illness scores. Sensitivity analysis with fractional area change showed similar results.

Conclusions

TDI RV strain imaging in critically ill patients is challenging; however, good-to-excellent reproducibility was shown when measurements were adequately obtained. Future studies are needed to elucidate the diagnostic and prognostic value of RV strain in critically ill patients, especially to outweigh the difficulty and effort of imaging against the clinical value.
Bioinformatics analysis of diagnostic biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease in peripheral blood based on sex differences and support vector machine algorithm
Authors: Ji Wencan , An Ke , Wang Canjun , Wang Shaohua
Published: October 2022

Background

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) varies based on gender. Due to the lack of early stage biomarkers, most of them are diagnosed at the terminal stage. This study aimed to explore sex-specific signaling pathways and identify diagnostic biomarkers of AD.

Methods

Microarray dataset for blood was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database of GSE63060 to conduct differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis by R software limma. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted. Immune checkpoint gene expression was compared between females and males. Using CytoHubba, we identified hub genes in a protein–protein interaction network (PPI). Then, we evaluated their distinct effectiveness using unsupervised hierarchical clustering. Support vector machine (SVM) and ten-fold cross-validation were used to further verify these biomarkers. Lastly, we confirmed our findings by using another independent dataset.

Results

A total of 37 female-specific DEGs and 27 male-specific DEGs were identified from GSE63060 datasets. Analyses of enrichment showed that female-specific DEGs primarily focused on energy metabolism, while male-specific DEGs mostly involved in immune regulation. Three immune-checkpoint-relevant genes dysregulated in males. In females, however, these eight genes were not differentially expressed. SNRPG, RPS27A, COX7A2, ATP5PO, LSM3, COX7C, PFDN5, HINT1, PSMA6, RPS3A and RPL31 were regarded as hub genes for females, while SNRPG, RPL31, COX7C, RPS27A, RPL35A, RPS3A, RPS20 and PFDN5 were regarded as hub genes for males. Thirteen hub genes mentioned above was significantly lower in both AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The diagnostic model of 15-marker panel (13 hub genes with sex and age) was developed. Both the training dataset and the independent validation dataset have area under the curve (AUC) with a high value (0.919, 95%CI 0.901–0.929 and 0.803, 95%CI 0.789–0.826). Based on GSEA for hub genes, they were associated with some aspects of AD pathogenesis.

Conclusion

DEGs in males and females contribute differently to AD pathogenesis. Algorithms combining blood-based biomarkers may improve AD diagnostic accuracy, but large validation studies are needed.
Effects of high albumin leakage on survival between online hemodiafiltration and super high-flux hemodialysis: the HISTORY study
Authors: Okada Kazuyoshi , Tashiro Manabu , Michiwaki Hiroyuki , Inoue Tomoko , Shima Hisato , Minakuchi Jun , Kawashima Shu
Published: October 2022

Background

All-cause mortality is lower with a high substitution volume in predilution (pre) and postdilution (post) online hemodiafiltration (OHDF) than with hemodialysis (HD), and mortality does not significantly differ between pre- and post-OHDF groups. Despite the improved survival with a high substitution volume, there may be limitations. On the other hand, either normoalbuminemia or high albumin leakage in HD can reduce mortality, and super high-flux (SHF) membrane dialyzers can reduce mortality compared with low-flux and high-flux membrane dialyzers. Here, we investigated the associations of serum albumin concentration (s-Alb), albumin leakage, and substitution volume with all-cause mortality in OHDF and SHF-HD.

Methods

In a 3-year retrospective observational study of patients receiving dialysis from April 1 to July 1, 2017, we developed a propensity score-matched model using 783 stable patients (SHF-HD, 355; OHDF, 428). We used the log-rank test to compare Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis to calculate hazard ratio (HR). Cox regression analysis was also used to compare the effect of estimated albumin leakage (EAL) and substitution volume on 3-year all-cause mortality.

Results

All-cause mortality was significantly lower with high EAL than with low EAL (SHF-HD: P = 0.012, log-rank test; HR, 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.85; OHDF: P = 0.027, log-rank test; HR, 0.41; 95% CI 0.18–0.93). The mortality of high EAL was not significantly different between high and low s-Alb in SHF-HD (3.5 ± 0.1 and 3.2 ± 0.2 g/dL) and OHDF (3.6 ± 0.2 and 3.2 ± 0.1 g/dL), despite significant differences in s-Alb. Mortality did not significantly differ between SHF-HD and OHDF with higher EAL ranges or a lower difference in EAL. Mortality in pre-OHDF was significantly correlated with EAL (P = 0.007, beta − 0.32) rather than substitution volume, and mortality in post-OHDF was not analyzed because of fewer deaths.

Conclusions

The results suggest that survival is improved more with high EAL than with low EAL in both OHDF and SHF-HD patients, that high EAL with mild-to-moderate hypoalbuminemia does not necessarily worsen survival in OHDF and SHF-HD patients, and that survival is equivalent between OHDF and SHF-HD patients with a similar level of EAL.
Civilization and Its Discontents
Authors: Gilks David
Published: October 2022

This article reinterprets Antoine Quatremère de Quincy's Letters on the Plan to Abduct the Monuments of Italy (1796). In response to official justifications that seizing cultural patrimony was France's civilizing mission, Quatremère argued that civilization required all nations to leave Rome intact and respect eighteenth-century conventions. The article shows how he attempted to make his work acceptable to republican readers by using a language uncharacteristic of his other writings and by mimicking the concept of a singular and secular civilization that was central to the post-Thermidorian Republic's identity. The Letters was part of the broader strategy of the royalist Clichy club to make republicans question the Republic. However, informed contemporaries saw through his conceit: they discerned an attack on the Directory in his description of how the papacy nourished and protected the civilization that the Directory protected in theory but endangered in practice.

Cet article propose une nouvelle lecture des Lettres sur le déplacement des monuments de l'art de l'Italie (1796). Au discours officiel qui justifiait la saisie du patrimoine culturel de l'Italie vaincue au nom de la mission civilisatrice de la France, Quatremère oppose l'idée que c'est justement au nom de la civilisation que Rome doit être protégée et qu'il faut respecter les droits des nations tels qu'on les a définis au XVIIIe siècle. Quatremère s'est efforcé de présenter son texte de manière à le rendre acceptable aux lecteurs républicains : pour ce faire, il a eu recours à un langage très différent de celui de ses autres écrits, et il a fait semblant d'adhérer à l'idée de la civilisation unique et laïque au cœur de l'idéologie de la République post-Thermidorienne. Malgré ces efforts, les lecteurs avertis ont décelé son stratagème qui consiste à attaquer le Directoire tout en faisant de la papauté la vraie protectrice d'une civilisation que la République affirme défendre mais attaque en réalité. Les Lettres apparaissent ainsi comme un des éléments de la stratégie des Clichyens pour amener les républicains à remettre en question la République elle-même.
Yeast U6 snRNA made by RNA polymerase II is less stable but functional
Authors: Lipinski Karli A , Chi Jing , Chen Xin , Hoskins Aaron , Brow David A
Published: October 2022

U6 small nuclear (sn)RNA is the shortest and most conserved snRNA in the spliceosome and forms a substantial portion of its active site. Unlike the other four spliceosomal snRNAs, which are synthesized by RNA polymerase (RNAP) II, U6 is made by RNAP III. To determine if some aspect of U6 function is incompatible with synthesis by RNAP II, we created a U6 snRNA gene with RNAP II promoter and terminator sequences. This “U6-II” gene is functional as the sole source of U6 snRNA in yeast, but its transcript is much less stable than U6 snRNA made by RNAP III. Addition of the U4 snRNA Sm protein binding site to U6-II increased its stability and led to formation of U6-II•Sm complexes. We conclude that synthesis of U6 snRNA by RNAP III is not required for its function and that U6 snRNPs containing the Sm complex can form in vivo. The ability to synthesize U6 snRNA with RNAP II relaxes sequence restraints imposed by intragenic RNAP III promoter and terminator elements and allows facile control of U6 levels via regulators of RNAP II transcription.
Chromatic ultrasonic tracking system
Authors: Λάππας Χαράλαμπος
Published: October 2022

Η διατριβή περιγράφει τον σχεδιασμό και την εφαρμογή ενός νέου συστήματος παρακολούθησης υπερήχων βασισμένο στην τεχνική χρωματικής επεξεργασίας, που αναπτύχθηκε στο Κέντρο Συστημάτων Παρακολούθησης & Πληροφοριών (CIMS) του Πανεπιστημίου του Liverpool, το οποίο μπορεί να αναπτυχθεί σε εσωτερικά περιβάλλοντα όπως γραφεία και σπίτια. Η έρευνα δείχνει πώς αυτή η χρωματική τεχνική μπορεί να μεταφερθεί από τον οπτικό τομέα στο χώρο, διατηρώντας παράλληλα πληροφορίες ενσωματωμένες στις τρεις χρωματικές τιμές:Hue, Lightness και Saturation. Η διατριβή δείχνει επίσης πώς η χρήση της μεθοδολογίας χρωματικής επεξεργασίας μπορεί να αναπτυχθεί με έναν μικρό αριθμό στοιχείων τηλεπισκόπησης για σκοπούς εντοπισμού οντοτήτων, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τα πολύπλοκα χαρακτηριστικά των πηγών, των ανιχνευτών και του περιβάλλοντος. Αυτό παρέχει μια εικόνα για το πώς αυτές επηρεάζουν την ποιότητα των πληροφοριών που εξάγονται και οι οποίες χρησιμοποιούνται για την αξιολόγηση της βασικής απόδοσης μέσω πολλών πειραμάτων σε διαφορετικά εσωτερικά περιβάλλοντα.Το Chromatic Ultrasonic Tracking System (CUTS) μπορεί να παρέχει ακριβείς, τρισδιάστατες πληροφορίες θέσης εξάγοντας συντεταγμένες θέσης (r, θ, z) από πολύπλοκα υπερηχητικά σήματα και πολλούς ανιχνευτές υπερήχων. Τα χαρακτηριστικά του είναι κατάλληλα για τον καθορισμό της θέσης ενός αντικειμένου. Η χρήση της χρωματικής μεθοδολογίας παρέχει μια σαφέστερη ένδειξη για το ποια μέσα διασταυρούμενης συσχέτισης αποδίδουν τα πιο ουσιαστικά και ακριβή αποτελέσματα για συγκεκριμένες υλοποιήσεις του συστήματος. Ο κύριος στόχος είναι η δημιουργία ενός συστήματος παρακολούθησης υπερήχων που μπορεί να εντοπίσει σε πραγματικό χρόνο περισσότερους από δυο πομπούς που εκπέμπουν ταυτόχρονα, χωρίς τη χρήση σημάτων RF. Το σύστημα είναι εύκολο στην εγκατάσταση και οι ανιχνευτές αρκετά μικροί ώστε να εγκαθίστανται διακριτικά στο χώρο χωρίς να χρειάζονται επαναβαθμονόμηση.
Unusual deaths of Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) at the Pudupettai beach, Tamilnadu, India.
Authors: Patra Anweshan , Fulmali Mayur , Annadurai D.
Published: October 2022

We report on deaths of Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) at the Pudupettai beach on the Tamilnadu coast of India. The study was conducted during the period of January 2021 to March 2021. A total of 29 dead Olive Ridley turtle was counted and almost all the deaths caused due to unnatural incidents. Direct evidences of fatal injuries were observed on the body parts. As well as, evidences of pollutants were found on the beach.
To samo słońce: Podręcznik doskonalący sprawność rozumienia ze słuchu dla obcokrajowców na poziomie zaawansowanym
Authors: Lipińska Ewa
Published: October 2022

To samo słońce stanowi dalszy ciąg zbioru zadań zamieszczonych w tomie Księżyc w butonierce (zob. poniżej) doskonalących sprawność rozumienia ze słuchu, przeznaczonego dla obcokrajowców na poziomie zaawansowanym. Kontynuacja polega nie tylko na tym, że proponowane zadania pełnią tę samą co poprzednio rolę, a więc mają rozwijać i ulepszać umiejętność rozumienia ze słuchu, lecz również poszerzyć wiedzę uczących się o kulturze polskiej. Księżyc w butonierce powstał w oparciu o teksty piosenek krakowskiego barda Andrzeja Sikorowskiego oraz grupy Pod Budą, a To samo słońce bazuje na piosenkach innych krakowskich artystów: Marka Grechuty, Leszka Długosza i Grzegorza Turnaua. Są one równie interesujące ze względu na swoją tematykę, jak język ? niekiedy poetycki, niekiedy zaś potoczny.
O QUEBRA-NOZES E OS QUATRO REINOS: DE HOFFMANN PARA OS CINEMAS
Authors: Vidal Fonseca Isis Carolina
Published: October 2022

O tema deste artigo é a tradução do conto “O Quebra-Nozes e o Rei dos Camundongos”, de E. T. A. Hoffmann, e do balé “O Quebra-Nozes”, de Tchaikovsky e Marius Petipa, para o filme “O Quebra-Nozes e os Quatro Reinos”, de Lasse Hallström e Joe Johnston. Uma obra de arte demanda um tradutor e ela pode permitir ou não uma tradução para atingir novos públicos, novas gerações e novas interpretações. Uma tradução não é inferior ao original e sim está relacionada a ele. A tradução garante a sobrevivência da obra ao longo do tempo e expressa a relação íntima entre as linguagens, como a escrita, a corporal e a fílmica. Uma tradução vai muito além de explicitar apenas semelhanças superficiais e sim camadas mais profundas da obra. Cada linguagem transmite o conteúdo de forma diferente e cada uma delas, em sua especificidade, traz à luz efeitos de sentido diferentes. A tradução, portanto, pode encontrar o eco da obra original e transplantá-la para outra linguagem e para outro contexto histórico e cultural. Esses ecos podem ser a atmosfera de uma obra, que ajuda a compreender melhor como ela influencia os efeitos de sentido produzidos. O filme mistura a atmosfera sombria do conto de Hoffmann com a atmosfera alegre e festiva do balé de Tchaikovsky.
Going paper-lite: housebound patient perspectives on the introduction of mobile working
Authors: Hopkins Danielle Frances , Visser Renske Claasje , Armes Jo
Published: October 2022

Healthcare policies promote technology use as a means to modernise healthcare and support seamless, person-centred care. However, despite information technology (IT) use being common practice in clinical settings, its use in patients' homes is still developing. This study explored patients' perspectives on the use of IT and electronic health records (EHR) in their home environment. Semi structured interviews were conducted with housebound patients who received regular care from the district nursing team, and thematic data analysis was undertaken. Participants reported variable knowledge and experiences with mobile working and EHR. Most were positive and identified clear benefits for clinicians. However, few participants reported benefits to themselves. Contrary to popular belief, IT use is expected by older patients and, while barriers were identified, the overall opinion was positive. A digital divide was apparent, with some at risk of being disadvantaged by the increasing use of technology.
Finding the right fit for both you and the practice
Authors: Dixon Sally
Published: October 2022

Sally Dixon discusses the changing landscape of dental recruitment and job seeking with Magda Mol.
Strictly children only!
Authors: Barnes Roxanne
Published: October 2022

Dental practice manager Roxanne Barnes on how to run a kids’ club.
Composite Columns in Building Structure - A Analytical Study
Authors: Fahim Md Tanvir Hasan
Published: October 2022

Present-day construction is greatly influenced by steel-concrete column composites. Steel-concrete composite gained extensive attention around the globe, which made steel-concrete composite utilization in construction more attractive than conventional reinforced cement concrete design. Different architectural culture has introduced inexhaustible diversification of different columns. One of the most widely used is concrete-encased columns. These columns are those in which steel is encased in reinforced concrete. Combining these two materials leads to less cross-sectional area, high rigidity, and improved lateral resistance. However, some construction difficulties are evident. A comprehensive overview of the state of the art of evolution of composite columns in building structures based on experimental numerical and analytical studies is emphasized in the paper. Moreover, replacing concrete with various materials such as cement aggregates, limestones, fly ash, and industrial waste is suggested to deal with the high cost of the construction.
Investigation on the Adsorption Properties of an Engineered Biochar (Fe2o3-Bc) Nano-Composite in Binary and Ternary Aqueous Solutions
Authors: T. Shumba Tobias , Musamirapamwe Bridgette V.
Published: October 2022

The binary and ternary adsorptions of Pb (II), methyl orange (MO) and brilliant blue (BB) on engineered biochar (Fe2O3-BC) nano-composite using pyrolysis and microwave activation were investigated in this work. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the capacity of Fe2O3BC to remove MO, Pb and BB in binary and ternary aqueous solutions. MO removal was higher in MO-Pb binary solution than in ternary MO solution. A large amount of adsorbent dosage, high concentration and longer time were witnessed to achieve maximum removals in ternary solutions as compared to binary solutions. The Langmuir plots indicated that the isotherm can be used to describe sorption studies of both MO dye and Pb2+, while Temkin isotherm was not in agreement with the results. The closeness of R2 value to 1 indicated that the data obtained fits Langmuir Isotherm model of monolayer adsorption kinetics. It was concluded that the Fe2O3-BC nano-composite has a series of distinct homogeneous sites available for binding the MO anions in solution. Therefore, the use of Fe2O3-BC nano-composite for small scale community water purification is a novel cause.
Ultracompact virtual reality system with a Pancharatnam–Berry phase deflector
Authors: Zou Junyu , Luo Zhenyi , Zhao En , Rao Yi , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: October 2022

We propose an ultracompact virtual reality (VR) system with three optical components: a lenslet array, a Pancharatnam-Berry phase deflector (PBD), and a deflector array. The lenslet array aims to collect and collimate the input light from the display panel. The PBD steers the deviated beams after the lenslet array toward the optical axis so that the image uniformity and angular resolution can be enhanced, which plays a key role to enable this ultracompact design. Finally, the deflector array deflects the collimated beam from each lenslet to the exit pupil to widen the field of view. Such an ultracompact design is particularly attractive for next-generation glasses-like, lightweight VR headsets.
Combination of an optical waveguide platform and ultra-thin spectrometer that enables increased surface plasmon resonance sensor compactness
Authors: Xia Guo , Gao Lin , Feng Zhi-wei , Zhang Long , Shi Wen-jie , Li Yan-duo
Published: October 2022

A novel integrated surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor that combines an optical waveguide platform and an ultra-thin spectrometer is proposed. The core of the proposed method is a special-shaped optical waveguide structure that employs a wedge-shaped incident surface, which changes the position of the total reflection of the incident light on the sagittal plane without affecting the direction of propagation on the tangential plane. The parameters of the sensing module with the integrated SPR sensor and spectrometer module were designed and optimized to achieve higher performance in a compact optical waveguide platform. An experimental system was built based on the theoretical model, and the spectral sensitivity of the system was analyzed before sample detection, and the results showed that the spectral resolution in the working range could reach 9.9 nm. The refractive index sensitivity of this novel SPR sensor was 3186 nm/RIU with good stability by detecting different concentrations of sodium chloride samples. This new structure does not require an external spectrometer, thereby enabling an increase in the compactness of the SPR sensing system. The proposed method can provide a novel idea for the miniaturization of SPR sensors.
Cross-scale excitability in networks of quadratic integrate-and-fire neurons
Authors: Avitabile Daniele , Desroches Mathieu , Ermentrout G. Bard
Published: October 2022

From the action potentials of neurons and cardiac cells to the amplification of calcium signals in oocytes, excitability is a hallmark of many biological signalling processes. In recent years, excitability in single cells has been related to multiple-timescale dynamics through canards, special solutions which determine the effective thresholds of the all-or-none responses. However, the emergence of excitability in large populations remains an open problem. Here, we show that the mechanism of excitability in large networks and mean-field descriptions of coupled quadratic integrate-and-fire (QIF) cells mirrors that of the individual components. We initially exploit the Ott-Antonsen ansatz to derive low-dimensional dynamics for the coupled network and use it to describe the structure of canards via slow periodic forcing. We demonstrate that the thresholds for onset and offset of population firing can be found in the same way as those of the single cell. We combine theoretical analysis and numerical computations to develop a novel and comprehensive framework for excitability in large populations, applicable not only to models amenable to Ott-Antonsen reduction, but also to networks without a closed-form mean-field limit, in particular sparse networks.
Not all mosquitoes are created equal: A synthesis of vector competence experiments reinforces virus associations of Australian mosquitoes
Authors: Kain Morgan P. , Skinner Eloise B. , Athni Tejas S. , Ramirez Ana L. , Mordecai Erin A. , van den Hurk Andrew F.
Published: October 2022

The globalization of mosquito-borne arboviral diseases has placed more than half of the human population at risk. Understanding arbovirus ecology, including the role individual mosquito species play in virus transmission cycles, is critical for limiting disease. Canonical virus-vector groupings, such asAedes- orCulex-associated flaviviruses, have historically been defined using virus detection in field-collected mosquitoes, mosquito feeding patterns, and vector competence, which quantifies the intrinsic ability of a mosquito to become infected with and transmit a virus during a subsequent blood feed. Herein, we quantitatively synthesize data from 68 laboratory-based vector competence studies of 111 mosquito-virus pairings of Australian mosquito species and viruses of public health concern to further substantiate existing canonical vector-virus groupings and quantify variation within these groupings. Our synthesis reinforces current canonical vector-virus groupings but reveals substantial variation within them. WhileAedesspecies were generally the most competent vectors of canonical “Aedes-associated flaviviruses” (such as dengue, Zika, and yellow fever viruses), there are some notable exceptions; for example,Aedes notoscriptusis an incompetent vector of dengue viruses.Culexspp. were the most competent vectors of many traditionallyCulex-associated flaviviruses including West Nile, Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses, although someAedesspp. are also moderately competent vectors of these viruses. Conversely, many different mosquito genera were associated with the transmission of the arthritogenic alphaviruses, Ross River, Barmah Forest, and chikungunya viruses. We also confirm that vector competence is impacted by multiple barriers to infection and transmission within the mesenteron and salivary glands of the mosquito. Although these barriers represent important bottlenecks, species that were susceptible to infection with a virus were often likely to transmit it. Importantly, this synthesis provides essential information on what species need to be targeted in mosquito control programs.
Time and labour costs of preventive health care, including vaccinations, in Finnish child health clinics
Authors: Nieminen Heta , Hakulinen Tuovi , Puumalainen Taneli , Sirén Päivi , Palmu Arto A.
Published: October 2022

In Finland all children are entitled to regular health check-up visits at child health clinics (CHC). During the visits public health nurses and physicians follow-up the growth and development of the child, evaluate the welfare of the family, give health counselling and vaccinate the children. The aim of this study was to measure the time used by the nurses and physicians for different tasks during the visits and evaluate the costs of preventive health care procedures. Special emphasis was on time and costs used for administering vaccinations. The study was conducted in four CHCs. Trained observers measured the time used for predefined tasks with a stopwatch application operating on a tablet computer. Labour costs of visits and vaccinations were evaluated by using the gross average salary costs of health care personnel. Time used for vaccine logistics and other administrative tasks was obtained by interviewing the nurses in charge of the vaccine logistics at each CHC. Altogether 325 CHC visits of children <13 months were followed. Public health nurse used for a visit in average 49 (range 12–101) minutes, and the corresponding labour costs were 17 (4–35) Euros. Vaccines were administered at 183 visits. Children got on average 2.4 (1–4) vaccine doses per visit. The observed time used for vaccinations was 10.2 (1.6–25) minutes and the costs 3.58 (0.57–8.62) Euros per visit. The observed time included guidance, preparation, administration, and documentation of vaccinations. Adding one dose into a visit increased the time spent on vaccination on average 2.8 minutes (0.99 Euros). The mean non-observed time used for vaccine logistics outside the visits was 3.4 minutes and cost 1.19 Euros per dose. Administering of the vaccines of the Finnish vaccination programme is relatively simple and inexpensive because Finnish children have regular scheduled visits to CHCs.
A systematic review of resilient performance in defence and security settings
Authors: Jones Marc Vincent , Smith Nathan , Burns Danielle , Braithwaite Elizabeth , Turner Martin , McCann Andy , Walker Lucy , Emmerson Paul , Webster Leonie , Jones Martin
Published: October 2022

A narrative systematic literature review was conducted to explore resilient performance in defence and security settings. A search strategy was employed across a total of five databases, searching published articles from 2001 onwards that assessed performance and optimal function in relation to resilience, in defence and security personnel. Following narrative synthesis, studies were assessed for quality. Thirty-two articles met inclusion criteria across a range of performance domains, including, but not limited to, course selection, marksmanship, land navigation, and simulated captivity. Some of the key findings included measures of mental toughness, confidence, and a stress-is-enhancing mindset being positively associated with performance outcomes. There was mixed evidence for the predictive value of biomarkers, although there was some support for cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and neuropeptide-y (NPY), and vagal reactivity. Interventions to improve resilient performance were focused on mindfulness or general psychological skills, with effects generally clearer on cognitive tasks rather than direct performance outcomes in the field. In sum, no single measure, nor intervention was consistently associated with performance over a range of domains. To inform future work, findings from the present review have been used to develop a framework of resilient performance, with the aim to promote theoretically informed work.
Integrated genome-based assessment of safety and probiotic characteristics of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PMO 08 isolated from kimchi
Authors: Oh Young Joo , Kim Seul-Ah , Yang Soo Hwi , Kim Da Hye , Cheng Ya-Yun , Kang Jung Il , Lee Sang Yun , Han Nam Soo
Published: October 2022

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PMO 08 has been used as a probiotic starter culture for plant-based fermented beverages, with various health-promoting effects such as cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to analyze the genome sequence of Lp. plantarum PMO 08 and identify its safety and probiotic characteristics at the genomic level. For this, complete genome sequencing was conducted to investigate the genes associated with risk and probiotic characteristics by using Pacbio combined with Illumina HiSeq. This bacterial strain has one circular chromosome of 3,247,789 bp with 44.5% G + C content and two plasmids of 50,296 bp with 39.0% G + C content and 19,592 bp with 40.5% G + C content. Orthologous average nucleotide identity analysis showed that PMO 08 belongs to the Lp. plantarum group with 99.14% similarity to Lp. plantarum WCFS1. No deleterious genes were determined in the virulence factor analysis, and no hemolysin activity or secondary bile salt synthesis were detected in vitro test. In the case of antibiotic resistance analysis, PMO 08 was resistant to ampicillin in vitro test, but these genes were not transferable. In addition, the strain showed same carbohydrate utilization with Lp. plantarum WCFS1, except for mannopyranoside, which only our strain can metabolize. The strain also harbors a gene for inositol monophosphatase family protein related with phytate hydrolysis and have several genes for metabolizing various carbohydrate which were rich in plant environment. Furthermore, in probiotic characteristics several genes involved in phenotypes such as acid/bile tolerance, adhesion ability, and oxidative stress response were detected in genome analysis. This study demonstrates that Lp. plantarum PMO 08 harbors several probiotic-related genes (with no deleterious genes) and is a suitable probiotic starter for plant-based fermentation.
Enhanced ZNF521 expression induces an aggressive phenotype in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Scicchitano Stefania , Montalcini Ylenia , Lucchino Valeria , Melocchi Valentina , Gigantino Valerio , Chiarella Emanuela , Bianchi Fabrizio , Weisz Alessandro , Mesuraca Maria
Published: October 2022

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological tumor, that almost inevitably relapses and develops chemo-resistance. A better understanding of molecular events underlying the biological behavior of this tumor, as well as identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets are the prerequisite to improve its clinical management. ZNF521 gene amplifications are present in >6% of OCs and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that it may play an important role in OC. Increased ZNF521 expression resulted in an enhancement of OC HeyA8 and ES-2 cell growth and motility. Analysis of RNA isolated from transduced cells by RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR revealed that several genes involved in growth, proliferation, migration and tumor invasiveness are differentially expressed following increased ZNF521 expression. The data illustrate a novel biological role of ZNF521 in OC that, thanks to the early and easy detection by RNA-Seq, can be used as biomarker for identification and treatment of OC patients.
Globalization and social distance: Multilevel analysis of attitudes toward immigrants in the European Union
Authors: Tsai Ming-Chang , Tzeng Rueyling
Published: October 2022

Attitudes toward immigrants can, to a large extent, be determined by certain macro contextual factors. This paper tests a number of proposed hypotheses to illustrate patterns of influence generated by economic and social globalization on perceived social distance relative to immigrants. The European Union (EU) constitutes an ideal study case as its Member States vary in exposure to globalization and attract immigrants from different countries of origin. We conduct a multilevel analysis combining individual level variables from Eurobarometer’s recent dataset collected in 2017 and country-level variables from KOF of Globalization Index and other major sources. The results show that individuals in countries with higher degrees of social globalization have lower levels of social distance toward immigrants, while relative level of economic globalization has scant influence. Contact factors are also evaluated for their potential effects. Both casual and close contacts, as specified, reduce social distance. This study contributes to migration studies by offering a clearer specification of how social, rather than economic, globalization interact with contact factors to decrease one’s perceived distance from immigrants in the EU.
Unintentional injuries and potential determinants of falls in young children: Results from the Piccolipiù Italian birth cohort
Authors: Culasso Martina , Porta Daniela , Brescianini Sonia , Gagliardi Luigi , Michelozzi Paola , Pizzi Costanza , Ronfani Luca , Rusconi Franca , Vecchi Brumatti Liza , Asta Federica
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Unintentional injuries such as falls, are particularly frequent in early childhood. To date, epidemiological studies in this field have been carried out using routine data sources or registries and many studies were observational studies with a cross-sectional design. The aims of the study are to describe unintentional injuries in the first two years of life in the Piccolipiù birth cohort, and to investigate the association between mother and children characteristics and the First Event of Raised surface Fall (FERF).

Methods

This longitudinal observational study included 3038 children from an Italian birth cohort. Data on socio-demographic factors, socio-economic indicators, maternal health and lifestyle characteristics and child’s sleeping behavior, obtained from questionnaires completed at birth, 12 and 24 months of age, were considered in the analyses as potential risk factors of FERF. Time of occurrence of FERF was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The multivariable analysis for time to event was carried out using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Falls from raised surfaces are the leading cause of unintentional injuries in the cohort with 610 (21.1%) and 577 (20.0%) cases among children during the first and second year of life, respectively. An increased risk of FERF was associated with several risk factors: maternal psychological distress (HR 1.41, 95%CI 1.10–1.81), maternal alcohol intake (HR 1.26, 95%CI 1.10–1.45), and child’s sleeping problems (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.09–1.51). Children with older aged mothers (HR 0.98, 95%CI 0.96–0.99) and living in northern Italy (HR 0.64, 95%CI 0.55–0.75) had a lower risk of FERF.

Conclusion

The results of the study suggest that a higher risk of FERF is associated with socio-demographic factors, maternal characteristics and child sleeping behavior that could hinder parent empowerment.
Quality of endodontic record-keeping and root canal obturation performed by final year undergraduate dental students: An audit during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lin Galvin Sim Siang , Tan Wen Wu , Chan Daryl Zhun Kit , Chua Kah Hoay , Yee Teoh Chai , Lazaldin Mohd Aizuddin Mohd
Published: October 2022

Background

To assess the quality of endodontic record-keeping and root canal obturation performed by undergraduate final year dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

Dental records and dental radiographs of patients who received endodontic treatments between March 2020 and March 2022 by undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. The audit data were collected based on the European Society of Endodontology guidelines retrospectively via assessing the patient’s clinical records and intraoral periapical radiograph. Root canal obturation quality was evaluated based on the following parameters: adaptation, length, taper, and mishap. A root filling is defined as satisfactory only when all four parameters were graded as acceptable. Subsequently, the data were recorded and analysed using Chi-Square test with the level of significance set at p = 0.05.

Results

A total of 111 patient records with 111 root canal-treated teeth were evaluated. The highest percentage of documented evidence was noted in the patient’s general records, while the endodontic treatment records showed the lowest percentage of documented evidence. 78 (70.3%) of root canal-treated teeth were deemed satisfactory with acceptable adaptation, length, taper, and absence of mishap. Moreover, no statistical significance in terms of root canal filling quality was noted between anterior and posterior teeth, and between maxillary and mandibular arch.

Conclusions

Although patient records and root canal fillings quality were deemed satisfactory in most cases, strict documentation requirements and continuing dental education in audit training are necessary for quality assurance.
Eugenola: polimero jasangarrien biomasatik erauzitako lehengaia
Authors: Araiz-Marquez Ane , Sánchez-Bodón Julia , Veloso-Fernández Antonio , Ruiz-Rubio Leire , Moreno Benítez Isabel , Vilas-Vilela José Luis
Published: October 2022

LABURPENA: Azken urteotan, gizartean ingurumenaren kalteaz dagoen kezkak bultzaturik, zientzia -komunitatean baliabide berriztagarrien interesa handitu egin da. Izan ere, karbono-emisioek eta haiek sortzen dituzten hondakinek lehengai jasangarriagoak bilatzera eraman dute. Hortaz, erregai fosilak lehengai naturaletatik ordezkatzea premiazko bihurtu da. Talde aromatikoak eta, bereziki, fenolikoak dituzten monomero naturalak oso desiragarriak dira, sortzen dituzten material polimerikoen propietate termiko, kimiko eta mekaniko nabarmenengatik. Lan honen bidez, eugenola deritzon lehengai naturalaren funtzionalitate bikainaz baliatuz garatu diren polimerizazioak bildu dira. Alde horretatik, erradikal bidezko polimerizazioa eta kationikoa, metatesi olefinikoa, polikondentsazioa, ene erreakzioak eta tiolene erreakzioak erabiliz, eugenol konposatuan oinarritutako polimeroen sintesia aztertu da.
Red de beneficios e incentivos. La Iglesia Católica y la deuda pública en Colombia
Authors: Granados Oscar M. , Pinto Bernal José Joaquín
Published: October 2022

Este artículo estudia la renta nominal a perpetuidad como mecanismo de indemnización ideado por el Estado colombiano para resarcir a la Iglesia como producto de la desamortización y redención de censos de mediados del siglo XIX. El estudio se desarrolló con documentos legislativos, algunos expedientes de reconocimiento y la aplicación de algunas herramientas de la ciencia de redes. Como producto de ello, se pudo constatar que los pagos de renta nominal se mantuvieron hasta entrado el siglo XX, lo que significó un costo para el fisco nacional. No obstante, al involucrar instituciones dedicadas a la educación, la salud y la beneficencia, el Estado colombiano cumplió con regularidad los pagos de los certificados reduciendo el impacto que tenía el no cubrir a cabalidad los gastos sociales en varias regiones del país generando una red de incentivos y beneficios mutuos.
Lecturas e interpretaciones del ciclo huelguístico en Cataluña. El Consulado británico en Barcelona, 1931-1933
Authors: Puigsech Farràs Josep
Published: October 2022

Este artículo analiza la lectura e interpretación que realizó el consulado británico en Barcelona del ciclo huelguístico en Cataluña entre septiembre de 1931 y diciembre de 1933. Norman King, que dirigió un consulado estratégico para Londres, afrontó uno de los principales temas candentes de la trayectoria catalana durante la Segunda República. La reconstrucción factual fue bastante precisa. No obstante, la interpretación quedó condicionada por dos vectores principales. Primero, los intereses de la política exterior británica y su lógica anticomunista. Y, segundo, un ciclo de largo recorrido, tejido por el propio consulado en Barcelona, que interpretó la insurrección obrera en Cataluña como revolucionaria desde 1909. King no sólo presentó un estado de opinión de la primera potencia europea e imperial sobre el conflicto social en Cataluña, sino también una recopilación de argumentos y constataciones que intentaron rectificar la mirada relativamente amable que el Foreign Office proyectó sobre la Segunda República.
La Santa Sede y la fe de los otros. El viaje a Roma de Salvador Rial y la atención pastoral a los católicos catalanes al final de la Guerra Civil
Authors: Navarro de la Fuente Santiago
Published: October 2022

El funcionamiento de la Iglesia en la retaguardia republicana durante la Guerra Civil ha sido parcialmente estudiado en relación con otras claves de la dimensión religiosa del conflicto. La “tolerancia” hacia las actividades religiosas después de la persecución inicial y los posteriores intentos de restauración del culto público han sido elementos clave en su conocimiento. Al respecto, el viaje efectuado por Salvador Rial, vicario general de Tarragona, a Roma en 1938 ha sido presentado como el suceso más relevante de su biografía y de los intentos de restaurar plenamente la vida religiosa en la Cataluña republicana. A su comprensión faltaba incorporar el estudio de las fuentes vaticanas, que muestran cuál fue la atención que la Santa Sede otorgó a los fieles en la zona leal a la República y cuál su papel entre las distintas fuerzas que pretendían condicionar su acción en la guerra. A este propósito responde este trabajo.