bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-contrast computed tomography characteristics in a large cohort of cystinuria patients
Authors: Warren Hannah , Poon Daniel , Srinivasan Rohit , Thomas Kerushan , Rottenberg Giles , Bultitude Matthew , Thomas Kay
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Cystine stones are widely considered hard and difficult to treat. Hounsfield Units (HU) are used in other stone types to estimate ‘hardness’ and treatments based on that finding. Our objective was to report mean HU of cystine stones in vivo in a large case series of cystinuria patients and assess for differences in genotype.

Methods

A prospective case series of cystinuria patients referred to a specialist centre was analysed. CT imaging was assessed by two independent radiologists to determine in vivo attenuation of cystine calculi. Mean HU was compared for both cystinuria genes (SLC3A1 and SLC7A9) using an independent t-test.

Results

164 adult cystinuric patients were identified (55% male), median age 43 years (range 18–80). Median follow up was 31 months (IQR 10–62). Genetic data available for 153/164 (93%) demonstrated 97 SLC3A1 (63%) and 55 (36%) SLC7A9 mutations (39 homozygous, 16 heterozygous) and one heterozygous for both SLC3A1/SLC7A9. 107 patients had CT images available demonstrating calculi. Median HU across the cohort was 633 (5th to 95th centile 328–780). There was no difference in mean HU between SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 genotypes (p = 0.68) or homo and heterozygous SLC7A9 (p = 0.70). Mean HU correlated with stone size (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.51, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this large single centre cystinuria cohort, mean HU was low for stones that are difficult to treat. Calculi of < 800 HU should prompt consideration of a cystinuria diagnosis. Attenuation was not associated with genotype, and distinct ‘smooth’ and ‘rough’ stones were not observed. Calculi with HU > 1000 are unlikely pure cystine, and in a known cystinuric would suggest conversion to another stone type.
Assessing mean climate change signals in the global CORDEX-CORE ensemble
Authors: Teichmann Claas , Jacob Daniela , Remedio Armelle Reca , Remke Thomas , Buntemeyer Lars , Hoffmann Peter , Kriegsmann Arne , Lierhammer Ludwig , Bülow Katharina , Weber Torsten , Sieck Kevin , Rechid Diana , Langendijk Gaby S. , Coppola Erika , Giorgi Filippo , Ciarlo` James M. , Raffaele Francesca , Giuliani Graziano , Xuejie Gao , Sines Taleena Rae , Torres-Alavez Jose Abraham , Das Sushant , Di Sante Fabio , Pichelli Emanuela , Glazer Russel , Ashfaq Moetasim , Bukovsky Melissa , Im Eun-Soon
Published: November 2020

The new Coordinated Output for Regional Evaluations (CORDEX-CORE) ensemble provides high-resolution, consistent regional climate change projections for the major inhabited areas of the world. It serves as a solid scientific basis for further research related to vulnerability, impact, adaptation and climate services in addition to existing CORDEX simulations. The aim of this study is to investigate and document the climate change information provided by the CORDEX-CORE simulation ensemble, as a part of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) CORDEX community. An overview of the annual and monthly mean climate change information in selected regions in different CORDEX domains is presented for temperature and precipitation, providing the foundation for detailed follow-up studies and applications. Initially, two regional climate models (RCMs), REMO and RegCM were used to downscale global climate model output. The driving simulations by AR5 global climate models (AR5-GCMs) were selected to cover the spread of high, medium, and low equilibrium climate sensitivity at a global scale. The CORDEX-CORE ensemble has doubled the spatial resolution compared to the previously existing CORDEX simulations in most of the regions (25$$\,\mathrm {km}$$

km

(0.22$$^{\circ }$$

∘

) versus 50$$\,\mathrm {km}$$

km

(0.44$$^{\circ }$$

∘

)) leading to a potentially improved representation of, e.g., physical processes in the RCMs. The analysis focuses on changes in the IPCC physical climate reference regions. The results show a general reasonable representation of the spread of the temperature and precipitation climate change signals of the AR5-GCMs by the CORDEX-CORE simulations in the investigated regions in all CORDEX domains by mostly covering the AR5 interquartile range of climate change signals. The simulated CORDEX-CORE monthly climate change signals mostly follow the AR5-GCMs, although for specific regions they show a different change in the course of the year compared to the AR5-GCMs, especially for RCP8.5, which needs to be investigated further in region specific process studies.
Good mid-term results with the trident peripheral self-locking cup: a clinical evaluation and migration measurement with EBRA
Authors: Dammerer Dietmar , Blum Philipp , Putzer David , Tscholl Andreas , Liebensteiner Michael C. , Thaler Martin
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The most common cause of failure in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is aseptic loosening. Uncemented cup migration analysis by means of Einzel–Bild–Roentgen–Analyse (EBRA) has shown to be a good predictive indicator for early implant failure if the cup migrates more than 2 mm within 4 years after surgery. In this study, we performed a migration analysis of an uncemented peripheral self-locking (PSL) press-fit cup after 4 years follow-up.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who received a trident PSL press-fit cup at our department between 2004 and 2017. A total of 636 patients were identified. As inclusion criteria for radiological analysis, a minimum follow-up of 2 years was defined. We reviewed medical histories and performed radiological analysis using EBRA software. EBRA measurements and statistical investigations were performed by two independent investigators.

Results

A total of 149 cups in 146 patients (female 82; male 64) met our inclusion criteria. Mean age at surgery was 65 years (33–89). We found a significant improvement in the WOMAC score pre- to postoperative (p < 0.0001). EBRA migration analysis showed a mean total migration of 0.6 mm (0.0–8.2) over our follow-up period of 4 years. Of the investigated cups, 69.8% showed a migration rate smaller than 2 mm in the investigated follow-up.

Conclusion

The acetabular cup used in our study provides low migration at final follow-up. Therefore, a good long-term outcome can be expected for the PSL cup.

Trial registration

Trial registration number is 20181024-1875 and date of registration is 2018-10-24.
White matter dissection with the Klingler technique: a literature review
Authors: Dziedzic Tomasz A. , Balasa Artur , Jeżewski Mateusz P. , Michałowski Łukasz , Marchel Andrzej
Published: November 2020

The aim of this literature review is to present a summary of the published literature relating the details of the different modifications of specimen preparation for white matter dissection with the Klingler technique. For this review, 3 independent investigators performed an electronic literature search that was carried out in the Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databses up to December 2019. Furthermore, we performed citation tracking for the articles missed in the initial search. Studies were eligible for inclusion when they reported details of at least the first 2 main steps of Klingler’s technique: fixation and freezing. A total of 37 full-text articles were included in the analysis. We included original anatomical studies in which human white matter dissection was performed for study purposes. The main three steps of preparation are the same in each laboratory, but the details of each vary between studies. Ten percent formalin is the most commonly used (34 studies) solution for fixation. The freezing time varied between 8 h and a month, and the temperature varied from − 5 to − 80 °C. After thawing and during dissections, the specimens were most often kept in formalin solution (13), and the concentration varied from 4 to 10%. Klingler’s preparation technique involves three main steps: fixation, freezing and thawing. Even though the details of the technique are different in most of the studies, all provide subjectively good quality specimens for anatomical dissections and studies.
Class II resin composite restorations—tunnel vs. box-only in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Preusse Peter J. , Winter Julia , Amend Stefanie , Roggendorf Matthias J. , Dudek Marie-Christine , Krämer Norbert , Frankenberger Roland
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In a combined in vitro/in vivo approach, tunnel vs. box-only resin composite restorations should be evaluated using thermomechanical loading (TML) in vitro and a restrospective clinical trial in vivo.

Materials and methods

For the in vitro part, box-only and tunnel cavities were prepared in 32 extracted human third molars under simulated intraoral conditions in a phantom head. Specimens were randomly assigned to four groups (n= 8; 16 box-only/16 tunnel) and received bonded resin composite restorations with Amelogen Plus (box A/tunnel A) or lining with Ultraseal and Amelogen plus (box B/tunnel B) both bonded using PQ1 (all Ultradent). Specimens were subjected to a standardized aging protocol, 1-year water storage (WS) followed by TML (100,000 × 50 N; 2500 × + 5/+ 55 °C). Initially and after aging, marginal qualities were evaluated using replicas at × 200 magnification (SEM). For the corresponding in vivo observational study, 229 patients received 673 proximal resin composite restorations. From 371 tunnel restorations, 205 cavities were filled without flowable lining (tunnel A), and 166 tunnels were restored using UltraSeal as lining (tunnel B). A total of 302 teeth received conventional box-only fillings. Restorations were examined according to modified USPHS criteria during routine recalls up to 5 years of clinical service.

Results

In vitro, all initial results showed 100% gap-free margins when a flowable lining was used. Tunnels without lining exhibited some proximal shortcomings already before TML and even more pronounced after TML (p< 0.05). After TML, percentages of gap-free margins dropped to 87–90% in enamel with lining and 70–79% without lining (p< 0.05). In vivo, annual failure rates for box-only were 2.2%, for tunnel A 6.1%, and for tunnel B 1.8%, respectively (p< 0.05). Tunnels had significantly more sufficient proximal contact points than box-only restorations (p< 0.05). Flowable lining was highly beneficial for clinical outcome of tunnel-restorations (p< 0.05).

Conclusions

With a flowable lining, tunnel restorations proved to be a good alternative to box-only resin composite restorations.

Clinical relevance

Class II tunnel restorations showed to be a viable alternative for box-only restorations, however, only when flowable resin composite was used as adaptation promotor for areas being difficult to access.
A systematic review of risk and protective factors of mental health in unaccompanied minor refugees
Authors: Höhne Edgar , van der Meer Anna Swantje , Kamp-Becker Inge , Christiansen Hanna
Published: November 2020

In recent years, there has been a rising interest in the mental health of unaccompanied minor refugees (UMR), who are a high-risk group for mental disorders. Especially the investigation of predictive factors of the mental health of young refugees has received increasing attention. However, there has been no review on this current issue for the specific group of UMR so far. We aimed to summarize and evaluate the existing findings of specific risk and protective factors to identify the most verified influences on the mental health of UMR. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature search. Study designs were limited to quantitative cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Eight databases were searched in four different languages and article reference lists of relevant papers were screened. 27 studies were included (N = 4753). Qualitative synthesis revealed the number of stressful life events to be the most evaluated and verified risk factor for mental health of UMR. A stable environment and social support, on the other hand, can protect UMR from developing poor mental health. Besides that, several other influencing factors could be pointed out, such as type of accommodation, family contact, gender and cultural competences. Because of the large heterogeneity of outcome measures, quantitative synthesis was not possible. This review helps to improve our understanding of determinants of UMRs mental health and thus to provide more targeted treatment. Furthermore, it provides information on how to prevent the development of mental health problems by specifying factors that can be modified by different health and immigration sectors in advance. Further research is needed focusing on the interaction between the various predictive factors.
Construction of a new plant expression vector and the development of maize germplasm expressing the Aspergillus ficuum phytase gene PhyA2
Authors: Jiao Peng , Yuan Wen-Ya , Zhao Han-Dan , Qu Jing , Wang Pi-Wu , Guan Shu-Yan , Ma Yi-Yong
Published: November 2020

Phytases, which belong to a special category of orthophosphoric monoester phosphohydrolases, degrade inositol hexaphosphate to produce lower-grade inositol phosphate derivatives and inorganic phosphate. Thus, phytases may improve phosphorus utilization, eliminate the anti-nutrient properties of phytic acid, and mitigate environmental pollution due to phosphorus contamination. In this study, we constructed a new root-specific expression vector by inserting the Aspergillus ficuum phytase gene PhyA2 into pCAMBIA3301-ZmGLU1P-Nos. The subsequent molecular analysis confirmed that six T4 generation transgenic plants carried and expressed PhyA2. A quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated PhyA2 was highly expressed in the transgenic roots. Additionally, the phytase activity was 10.9-fold higher in the transgenic roots (peak activity of 5.432 U/g) than in the control roots. Moreover, compared with the control rhizosphere, the organic phosphorus content in the rhizosphere of the transgenic plants decreased significantly (by up to 5.21 mg/kg). An agronomic trait analysis indicated that PhyA2 expression can increase maize seed weight by up to 25.8 g. Therefore, the integration of PhyA2 into the maize genome can enhance the ability of maize plants to use the phosphorus compounds in soil, while also improving the plant growth status and increasing the seed yield.
The history of the Purine Club: a tribute to Prof. Geoffrey Burnstock
Authors: Abbracchio Maria P.
Published: November 2020

The international purinergic scientific community has lost its pioneer. Geoffrey Burnstock, born on the 10th of May 1929 in London, died on the 2nd of June 2020, aged 91, in Melbourne (Australia). Geoff was one of the most highly regarded scientists of his generation. In the 1960s and 1970s, he developed a radical and somehow heretical new theory and opened an entire new field of science, signalling via extracellular nucleotides (the “purinergic theory”), which revolutionized our understanding of how cells communicate between each other. Initially, his unconventional theory found a lot of resistance in the scientific community. Once, one scientist even threatened to devote his entire life to disproving Burnstock’s theory. Undeterred, Geoff went further on, and continued to accumulate evidence in favour of his hypothesis, and led the field ever since. He struggled to attract new scientists to this new field of research and, in the early 1990s, due to new molecular biology techniques making it possible to isolate and identify cell surface receptors for ATP and its breakdown product adenosine, did evidence emerge that eventually convinced the doubters. The number of spontaneous obituaries and messages honouring Geoff’s memory that have appeared on specialized Journals and in the public press throughout the world since last June indicates that many people are clearly affected by his death. Besides being a rigorous, ethical and extremely brilliant scientist, Geoff was an extraordinary human being, always eager to collaborate and share data, never jealous of his findings and capable of learning things even from young people. He was known for his enthusiasm, empathy and ability to motivate young scientists and promote their careers. After the establishment of the Purine Club back in the 1990s, numerous Purine Club Chapters have been formed around the world with Geoff’s help and encouragement. He has obviously also been the inspirator and founder of our Journal, Purinergic Signalling (PUSI). For this reason, Charles Kennedy, the current Editor of the Journal, and myself thought that it might be nice to invite representatives from all known Purine Clubs to send a few notes to be published in PUSI on the history of their club and how Geoff inspired, aided or supported them. Here, I have collected all their contributions and I share with the entire purinergic community my personal memories on how the Purine Club was born and developed thanks to the invaluable mentoring of Geoffrey Burnstock. I apologize in advance if I am missing some information or forgot to mention somebody, and I strongly encourage all readers to submit memories and additional information that I shall gather for future writing. Keeping alive the history of how the field developed will be the best tribute that we can play to celebrate Geoff’s work along the years.
Validating the VR-12 Physical Function Instrument after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with SF-12, PROMIS, and NDI
Authors: Jenkins Nathaniel W. , Parrish James M. , Nolte Michael T. , Hrynewycz Nadia M. , Brundage Thomas S. , Singh Kern
Published: November 2020

Background

Development and validation of Veterans RAND 12-item (VR-12) physical component survey (PCS) has been established among civilian and veteran populations but it has not been examined among anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) patients.

Purposes/Questions

We sought to validate legacy patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with VR-12 PCS among patients undergoing ACDF procedures.

Methods

A prospectively collected surgical registry was retrospectively evaluated for elective single or multi-level ACDFs performed for degenerative spinal pathologies from January 2014 to August 2019. Exclusion criteria included missing pre-operative surveys and surgery for trauma, metastasis, or infection. Demographic variables, baseline pathologies, and peri-operative variables were collected. A paired t test evaluated the change from the pre-operative score to each post-operative timepoint for VR-12 PCS, the 12-item Short-Form Survey (SF-12) PCS, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function (PROMIS-PF), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement was calculated at each timepoint. Correlation was evaluated with a Pearson's correlation coefficient and time-independent partial correlation.

Results

Of the 202 patients who underwent ACDF, 41.1% were female and the average age was 49.5 years. All PROMs had statistically significantly increased from baseline when compared with post-operative timepoints (12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years). MCID achievement rates increased through 2 years. All timepoints revealed strong VR-12 PCS correlations with SF-12 PCS, PROMIS-PF, and NDI scores.

Conclusion

VR-12 PCS was strongly correlated with the well-validated SF-12 PCS and NDI metrics as well as with the more recent PROMIS-PF. All PROMs demonstrated statistically significant improvement in patients post-operatively. VR-12 PCS is a valid measure of physical function among patients undergoing ACDF.
Hispidopannaria and Phormopsora, two new and small, but evolutionary old Pannariaceae lichen genera from southern South America
Authors: Elvebakk Arve , Hong Soon Gyu , Park Chae Haeng
Published: November 2020

Based on phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, nuclear large subunit rRNA, mitochondrial small subunit rRNA, and MCM7 genes, species previously treated asPannaria hispidulaandP.isabellinaare shown to represent two new Pannariaceae genera,HispidopannariaandPhormospsora. Each genus forms monophyletic clades, both in multilocus phylogeny and in single gene phylogenies. In the multilocus phylogeny, both genera together formed a monophyletic clade as a sister group to the genusPannaria, whereas this monophyly was not maintained in single gene phylogenies.Hispidopannariadiffers fromPannariain having large, geotropically arranged, hispid squamules, IKI+ internal ascus structures, and perispores with irregular pulvinate verrucae and apical extensions. The southern South American, TLC-negative speciesH.hispidulais generitype and is concentrated to trunks in the evergreenNothofagusforests of south-central Chile.Psoroma dasycladum, a similar endemic species from the Juan Fernández Archipelago, is also transferred toHispidopannaria.Phormopsorais monospecific and is the only member of Pannariaceae which contains norstictic and connorstictic acids. Its thallus of large, branched squamules with large, foliose cephalodia and its bullate perispores with long-apiculate apical extensions also separate it fromPannaria. Its species,Phormopsora isabellina, has a similar distribution asH.hispidulaon the South American mainland, but is more widespread. The position of these two small genera as a sister group to the large and diverse genusPannaria, indicates a long period of slow evolutionary rate, with the island endemicHispidopannaria dasycladaas an exception. Reproductive isolation and photobiont specialization are partly suggested to explain their slow evolution and lack of surviving speciation.
Healthcare Professional Standards in Pandemic Conditions: The Duty to Obtain Consent to Treatment
Authors: Devaney Sarah , Miola Jose , Cave Emma , Purshouse Craig , Heywood Rob
Published: November 2020

In the United Kingdom, the question of how much information is required to be given to patients about the benefits and risks of proposed treatment remains extant. Issues about whether healthcare resources can accommodate extended shared decision-making processes are yet to be resolved. COVID-19 has now stepped into this arena of uncertainty, adding more complexity. U.K. public health responses to the pandemic raise important questions about professional standards regarding how the obtaining and recording of consent might change or be maintained in such emergency conditions, particularly in settings where equipment, medicines, and appropriately trained or specialized staff are in short supply. Such conditions have important implications for the professional capacity and knowledge available to discuss the risks and benefits of and alternatives to proposed treatment with patients. The government’s drive to expedite the recruitment to wards of medical students nearing the end of their studies, as well as inviting retired practitioners back into practice, raises questions about the ability of such healthcare providers to engage fully in shared decision-making.

This article explores whether the legal duty on healthcare practitioners to disclose the material risks of a proposed medical treatment to a patient should be upheld during pandemic conditions or whether the pre-eminence of patient autonomy should be partly sacrificed in such exceptional circumstances. We argue that measures to protect public health and to respect autonomous decision-making are not mutually exclusive and that there are good reasons to maintain professional standards in obtaining consent to treatment even during acute pressures on public health systems.
mTOR-targeted cancer therapy: great target but disappointing clinical outcomes, why?
Authors: Sun Shi-Yong
Published: November 2020

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) critically regulates several essential biological functions, such as cell growth, metabolism, survival, and immune response by forming two important complexes, namely, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and complex 2 (mTORC2). mTOR signaling is often dysregulated in cancers and has been considered an attractive cancer therapeutic target. Great efforts have been made to develop efficacious mTOR inhibitors, particularly mTOR kinase inhibitors, which suppress mTORC1 and mTORC2; however, major success has not been achieved. With the strong scientific rationale, the intriguing question is why cancers are insensitive or not responsive to mTOR-targeted cancer therapy in clinics. Beyond early findings on induced activation of PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK, and Mnk/eIF4E survival signaling pathways that compromise the efficacy of rapalog-based cancer therapy, recent findings on the essential role of GSK3 in mediating cancer cell response to mTOR inhibitors and mTORC1 inhibition-induced upregulation of PD-L1 in cancer cells may provide some explanations. These new findings may also offer us the opportunity to rationally utilize mTOR inhibitors in cancer therapy. Further elucidation of the biology of complicated mTOR networks may bring us the hope to develop effective therapeutic strategies with mTOR inhibitors against cancer.
The Role of Pelvic Neurophysiology Testing in the Assessment of Patients with Voiding Dysfunction
Authors: Malladi Prasad , Simeoni Sara , Panicker Jalesh N.
Published: November 2020

Purpose of Review

The role of pelvic neurophysiology testing in the evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms is explored in this review.

Recent Findings

Different neurophysiology tests such as sphincter EMG and pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials are useful in evaluating the sacral somatic afferent and efferent innervation. S2 and S3 dermatomal evoked potentials assess individual sacral roots and are feasible to perform using standard neurophysiology machines.

The innervation of the LUT has a substantial contribution from splanchnic and somatic nerves arising from the sacral segments. Pelvic neurophysiology tests, which assess somatic nerve functions, are therefore a useful tool in assessing sacral nerve functions in patients presenting with unexplained voiding dysfunction. In this review, the commonly performed neurophysiology studies that assess the S2, S3 and S4 sacral afferent and efferent pathways are outlined, and their clinical applications reviewed.
Contraception for the Cardiac Patient: a Cardiologist’s Primer
Authors: Florio Karen L. , Kao Monica , Johnson Traci , Tuttle Heidi A. , White Darcy , Nelson Lynne , Patel Neil , Ramaeker Devon , Kendig Sue , Schmidt Laura , Grodzinsky Anna , Economy Katherine
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of maternal mortality in the USA. There are many cardiac conditions which pose significant risk to maternal health, and these women should be offered options to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Individualized contraceptive counseling focusing on woman’s desire for future pregnancy, comorbid conditions, and desire for hormone or non-hormonal (contraceptive) options is paramount to avoid adverse or unwanted side effects. The purpose of this review is to give general guidance on prescribing both hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives for providers caring for women with heart disease.

Recent findings

Specific recommendation for the use of either non-hormonal or hormonal contraception requires knowledge of the types of contraceptive options available, cost, failure rates, and contraindications to use. Newer progestin-only options have become available and should be considered first-line therapy for women with cardiovascular disease.

The physiologic burden of pregnancy on the cardiovascular system can cause significant maternal morbidity and mortality for women with underlying CVD. These women should be offered safe and effective options for birth control, and both cardiology and obstetrical providers alike should possess fundamental knowledge of appropriate options.
Vav1 Sustains the In Vitro Differentiation of Normal and Tumor Precursors to Insulin Producing Cells Induced by all-Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA)
Authors: Brugnoli Federica , Grassilli Silvia , Cardinale Vincenzo , Carpino Guido , Gaudio Eugenio , Alvaro Domenico , Capitani Silvano , Bertagnolo Valeria
Published: November 2020

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) promotes the development and the function of insulin producing cells and induces partial differentiation of pancreatic tumor cells. A number of evidences clearly indicate that the ATRA mediated signaling may have a substantial role in therapeutic approaches based on restoration of functional β-cells. Among the proteins up-regulated by ATRA, Vav1 is involved in maturation and function of haematopoietic cells and is essential for retinoids induced differentiation of tumor promyelocytes. The presence of Vav1 in solid tissues, including pancreas, is considered ectopic and no role in the differentiation of human epithelial cells has so far been described. We demonstrated here that Vav1 sustains the maturation to β-cells of the normal precursors human Biliary Tree Stem/progenitor Cells (hBTSCs) induced by a differentiation medium containing ATRA and that, in the mature normal pancreas, insulin-producing cells express variable levels of Vav1. Using pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-derived cells, we also revealed that the ATRA induced up-modulation of Vav1 is essential for the retinoid-induced trans-differentiation of neoplastic cells into insulin producing cells. The results of this study identify Vav1 as crucial molecule in ATRA induced maturation of insulin producing cells and suggest this protein as a marker for new strategies ended to restore functional β-cells.
Effects of Different Extraction Solvents on Oil Extracted from Jatropha Seeds and the Potential of Seed Residues as a Heat Provider
Authors: Keneni Yadessa Gonfa , Bahiru Legesse Adane , Marchetti Jorge Mario
Published: November 2020

The present study focuses on the determination of oil contents of thirteen different jatropha seed collections from Ethiopia. The oil was extracted with a Soxhlet extractor using n-hexane which was selected out of four different solvents: diethyl ether, ethanol, n-heptane, and n-hexane. Cotton and thimble were used as filter for the extractions. Some properties of the oil of Chali seed collection and a sample of mixed oils (a mixture of equal volume of oils from thirteen different seed collections) were determined. The energy contents of selected de-oiled jatropha seed residues were also estimated. In the extraction with cotton and thimble, the largest percentage of oil yield was obtained from Dana seed (48.29%) and Chali seed (45.79) collections, respectively. The acid value (1.32 mg KOH/g) and percentage of free fatty acids (%FFA) (0.66%) of Chali seed oil were lower than the acid value (2.12 mg KOH/g) and %FFA (1.06%) of the mixed oil, and thus, the former oil is more suitable for alkaline-catalyzed biodiesel production. The iodine values of both Chali seed oil (116.02 g/100 g) and mixed oil (109.24 g/100 g) did not exceed the maximum standard for biodiesel according to the European EN 14214 specification, and the oils could be used for biodiesel production. The gross calorific values of de-oiled jatropha seed residues after oil extraction were found to range from 18.57 to 24.03 MJ/kg, and with the average value of 19.64 MJ/kg. Thus, the de-oiled seed residues can be used as the source of heat.
Sea, sickness and cautionary tales: a multi-isotope study from a post-mediaeval hospital at the city-port of Gibraltar (AD 1462–1704)
Authors: Lightfoot Emma , Pomeroy Emma , Grant Jennifer , O’Connell Tamsin C. , le Roux Petrus , Zakrzewski Sonia , Inskip Sarah , Benady Sam , Finlayson Clive , Finlayson Geraldine , Lane Kevin
Published: November 2020

During the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, Spanish ships sailed around the globe connecting Spain to its colonies. While documentary records offer rich details concerning life on board ship, archaeological information is essential to generating a full picture of the past. The cemetery at Old St Bernard’s Hospital, Gibraltar, provides an opportunity to study the skeletal remains of sailors. Following previous osteological research, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and strontium isotope analyses were undertaken on thirty-three of these individuals. The results show that the, largely male, individuals had various different diets during life and came from several different places. Diets were largely based on C3food chains; some individuals consumed C3foods with low δ13C values; others consumed some marine foods, and a few individuals had a high trophic level diet, through the consumption of either freshwater resources or a high proportion of animal protein. The individuals spent their childhoods in several different places, although these homelands do not correlate simply with dietary variation. This variety in diets and homelands is consistent with our expectations for this hospital site given its location in a post-mediaeval entrepôt. The interpretation of these results are greatly helped by the available historical information and this has broader implications for the interpretation of isotope data elsewhere where the historical context of the site and the mobility patterns of the individuals are less well known.
Diversity in Shade and Light Leaf Morphology in Beech Populations of South Rodopi Mountains
Authors: Boutsios Stefanos , Vidalis Amaryllis , Adamidis George C. , Hatziskakis Seraphim , Varsamis Georgios , Tsiripidis Ioannis , Karanikola Paraskevi , Papageorgiou Aristotelis C.
Published: November 2020

The size and shape of tree leaves and their variation within the canopy are the result of both physiological plasticity and an overall adaptive strategy against unfavourable environmental conditions. In this study, diversity patterns at leaf morphological traits will be described within and among populations of trees with different phylogenetic background. Beech (Fagus sp.) is a widespread tree in Eurasia, represented by two species; F. sylvatica in Europe and F. orientalis in eastern Europe and Asia. Both species appear in the Rodopi mountains, in southeast Balkans. Five beech populations were sampled in the southern slopes of Rodopi along a west–east gradient representing an established transitional zone between the two beech species. The diversity of six leaf traits was examined in shade leaves and leaves exposed to direct irradiation. Significant differences appeared among populations and among the two shading classes. Western beech populations consisted of trees with smaller leaves and fewer veins and were morphologically closer to F. sylvatica, while eastern populations seemed to be closer to F. orientalis. Shade leaves were constantly larger and less round than light leaves, probably due to different light harvesting strategies. The differences between populations were larger for shade leaves than for light leaves and presented a clear east–west trend, consistent to the differentiation pattern provided by previous genetic studies in the same region. Our results indicate that shade leaves probably maintain their size and shape independent from light irradiation and therefore may better express genetic differences among populations.
Correction to: Early Treatment of COVID-19 Disease: A Missed Opportunity
Authors: Forrest Jamie I. , Rayner Craig R. , Park Jay J. H. , Mills Edward J.
Published: November 2020

In the Original Publication of the article, Copyright license type was erroneously published.
Life above water: small-scale fisheries as a human experience
Authors: Jentoft Svein
Published: November 2020

“Life under water” is UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 14, under which small-scale fisheries fall. Yet, most of what is happening in small-scale fisheries, and certainly those things that are interesting to social scientists, are taking place above water—on the water and by the water. Small-scale fishers make their living off the fish that swims in the ocean, but they do so with the lives they construct for themselves and with others on land. Therefore, small-scale fishers depend on their communities as much as they depend on the fish, their boats, and gear. It is as members of communities that fishers acquire the knowledge, energy, motivation, and meaning they need to carry out their work. For fisheries social scientists, the community is a unit of analysis. However, fisheries communities are not isolated from what is happening outside them. Consequently, social scientists focus on forces at higher scales. Still, I argue that it is important that they do not lose sight of local communities, because if they do they also lose the sight of small-scale fisheries.
Promoting austenite formation in laser welding of duplex stainless steel—impact of shielding gas and laser reheating
Authors: Baghdadchi Amir , Hosseini Vahid A. , Hurtig Kjell , Karlsson Leif
Published: November 2020

Avoiding low austenite fractions and nitride formation are major challenges in laser welding of duplex stainless steels (DSS). The present research aims at investigating efficient means of promoting austenite formation during autogenous laser welding of DSS without sacrificing productivity. In this study, effects of shielding gas and laser reheating were investigated in welding of 1.5-mm-thick FDX 27 (UNS S82031) DSS. Four conditions were investigated: Ar-shielded welding, N2-shielded welding, Ar-shielded welding followed by Ar-shielded laser reheating, and N2-shielded welding followed by N2-shielded laser reheating. Optical microscopy, thermodynamic calculations, and Gleeble heat treatment were performed to study the evolution of microstructure and chemical composition. The austenite fraction was 22% for Ar-shielded and 39% for N2-shielded as-welded conditions. Interestingly, laser reheating did not significantly affect the austenite fraction for Ar shielding, while the austenite fraction increased to 57% for N2-shielding. The amount of nitrides was lower in N2-shielded samples compared to in Ar-shielded samples. The same trends were also observed in the heat-affected zone. The nitrogen content of weld metals, evaluated from calculated equilibrium phase diagrams and austenite fractions after Gleeble equilibrating heat treatments at 1100 °C, was 0.16% for N2-shielded and 0.11% for Ar-shielded welds, confirming the importance of nitrogen for promoting the austenite formation during welding and especially reheating. Finally, it is recommended that combining welding with pure nitrogen as shielding gas and a laser reheating pass can significantly improve austenite formation and reduce nitride formation in DSS laser welds.
Postheroische Perspektiven oder Die Signifikanz des Verkennens im Hildebrandslied
Authors: Petersen Christoph
Published: November 2020

Der Beitrag stellt zum einen die These auf, dass das Hildebrandslied den erzählten Vater-Sohn-Kampf aus Hildebrands heroischer Exorbitanz ableitet, die im Figurendialog analytisch vorgeführt wird. Die darin zum Ausdruck kommende Reflexionsdistanz des Liedes zu seinem Gegenstand kann als postheroische Perspektive stricto sensu bezeichnet werden. Da diese Perspektive somit bereits in einem frühesten Zeugnis europäischer Heldenepik konstitutiv für die narrative Sinngebung ist, schlägt der Beitrag zum anderen vor, die postheroische Perspektive als ein heuristisches Instrument zu gebrauchen, mit dem nicht nur Erscheinungsweisen und Entwicklungen der europäischen Heldenepik neu beurteilt werden können, sondern auch das gesellschaftliche Relevanzpotenzial von ›Heldentum‹ bis heute im Rückbezug auf jene Heldenepik erklärt werden kann.
Should liberal government regulate male circumcision performed in the name of Jewish tradition?
Authors: Cohen-Almagor Raphael
Published: November 2020

The word "circumcision" comes from Latin circum (meaning "around") and cædere (meaning "to cut"). Cultural and religious justifications are employed to convince members of the community as well as outsiders that circumcision is reasonable and just. The purpose of the discussion is to suggest some cardinal changes to the practice of male circumcision in order to make it more humane and less painful to its subjects. Balancing between group rights and the rights of the child, it is essential to avoid unnecessary suffering. It is one of the liberal state’s obligations to protect the best interests of vulnerable third parties. The article opens with some preliminary data about male circumcision and then explains its importance in Judaism. It examines the medical reasons for male circumcision and the risks involved in the practice; subsequently, it discusses the critique of male circumcision. The article also highlights the points of agreement and disagreement between those supporting and opposing the ritual and insists that male circumcision should be performed by using anaesthesia. The final part of the article includes a proposal for humane male circumcision that considers religious sentiments and the rights of the child, aiming to strike a reasonable balance between competing interests. I hope the proposal will be debated in parliaments in the western world.
Peacekeeping, Policing, and the Rule of Law after Civil War
Authors: Blair Robert A.
Published: November 2020

The rule of law is indispensable for sustained peace, good governance, and economic growth, especially in countries recovering from civil war. Yet despite its importance, we know surprisingly little about how to restore the rule of law in the wake of conflict. In this book, Robert A. Blair proposes a new theory to explain how the international community can help establish the rule of law in the world's weakest and most war-torn states, focusing on the crucial but often underappreciated role of the United Nations. Blair tests the theory by drawing on original household surveys in Liberia, highly disaggregated data on UN personnel and activities across Africa, and hundreds of interviews with UN officials, local leaders, citizens, and government and civil society representatives. The book demonstrates that UN intervention can have a deeper, more lasting, and more positive effect on the rule of law than skeptics typically believe.
Homeward Bound? Global Mobility and the Role of the State of Nationality During the Pandemic
Authors: Mégret Frédéric
Published: November 2020

The international law of mobility has by and large been focused on the question of immigration. Its emphasis has therefore been on what I will call, for convenience's sake, the host state. It is there that some of the most intense dilemmas around the question of mobility have arisen in a context of populism, xenophobia, and racism. The state of nationality is not invisible in that context, but this has not typically been the primary variable in trying to understand and assess the normative challenges of global mobility. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has refocused attention on distinct patterns of mobility, particularly return mobility, of nationals to their country of origin as well as limitations on leaving that country in the first place. The state of nationality has increasingly been asked to mediate demands for security and public health that are extra-territorial and that implicate its nationals in sometimes far-flung locations. I argue that the pandemic is a further opportunity to shift attention onto the state of nationality as a locus of key decisions concerning transnational mobility and thus to rebalance our sense of what goes into the global “mobility equation.”
Suboptimal Outcome with Endovascular Thrombectomy: Will Acute Stroke Unit Help?
Authors: Trivedi Reva , Alcock Susan , Trivedi Anurag , Ghrooda Esseddeeg , McEachern James , Shankar Jai
Published: November 2020

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has revolutionized the care of patients with acute ischemic stroke. The efficacy of EVT is dependent on the optimal setup of a stroke system. Extrapolating the results of clinical trials to any individual stroke center should be done with caution. This is more important for centers with suboptimal stroke systems of care. The Canadian registry has helped highlight the suboptimal outcome post EVT in Manitoba. This could potentially be optimized with the addition of an acute stroke unit in the near future. Our study will serve as a baseline for future improvement in acute stroke care.
Post-nasal voicing in Japanese classifiers as exceptional triggering: implications for Indexed Constraint Theory
Authors: Burness Phillip , McMullin Kevin
Published: November 2020

Indexed constraints are often used in constraint-based phonological frameworks to account for exceptions to generalizations. A point of contention in the literature on constraint indexation revolves around indexed markedness constraints. While some researchers argue that only faithfulness constraints should be indexed, others argue that markedness constraints should be eligible for indexation as well. This article presents data from Japanese for which a complete synchronic analysis requires indexed markedness constraints but argues that such constraints are only necessary in cases where a phonological repair applies across a morpheme boundary. We then demonstrate that algorithms for learning grammars with indexed constraints can be augmented with a bias towards faithfulness indexation and discuss the advantages of incorporating such a bias, as well as its implications for the debate over the permissibility of indexed markedness constraints.
Bounds for twisted symmetric square L-functions via half-integral weight periods
Authors: Nelson Paul D.
Published: November 2020

We establish the first moment bound

$$\begin{align*}\sum_{\varphi} L(\varphi \otimes \varphi \otimes \Psi, \tfrac{1}{2}) \ll_\varepsilon p^{5/4+\varepsilon} \end{align*}$$

for triple product L-functions, where

$\Psi $

is a fixed Hecke–Maass form on

$\operatorname {\mathrm {SL}}_2(\mathbb {Z})$

and

$\varphi $

runs over the Hecke–Maass newforms on

$\Gamma _0(p)$

of bounded eigenvalue. The proof is via the theta correspondence and analysis of periods of half-integral weight modular forms. This estimate is not expected to be optimal, but the exponent

$5/4$

is the strongest obtained to date for a moment problem of this shape. We show that the expected upper bound follows if one assumes the Ramanujan conjecture in both the integral and half-integral weight cases.

Under the triple product formula, our result may be understood as a strong level aspect form of quantum ergodicity: for a large prime p, all but very few Hecke–Maass newforms on

$\Gamma _0(p) \backslash \mathbb {H}$

of bounded eigenvalue have very uniformly distributed mass after pushforward to

$\operatorname {\mathrm {SL}}_2(\mathbb {Z}) \backslash \mathbb {H}$

.

Our main result turns out to be closely related to estimates such as

$$\begin{align*}\sum_{|n| < p} L(\Psi \otimes \chi_{n p},\tfrac{1}{2}) \ll p, \end{align*}$$

where the sum is over those n for which

$n p$

is a fundamental discriminant and

$\chi _{n p}$

denotes the corresponding quadratic character. Such estimates improve upon bounds of Duke–Iwaniec.
The construction problem for Hodge numbers modulo an integer in positive characteristic
Authors: van Dobben de Bruyn Remy , Paulsen Matthias
Published: November 2020

Letkbe an algebraically closed field of positive characteristic. For any integer$m\ge 2$, we show that the Hodge numbers of a smooth projectivek-variety can take on any combination of values modulom, subject only to Serre duality. In particular, there are no non-trivial polynomial relations between the Hodge numbers.