bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generalized decoupling numerical framework for polymeric gels and its element‐free implementation
Authors: Li D. M. , Kong Ling‐Hao , Liu Jia‐Hui
Published: February 2020

Coupled diffusion of solvent molecules and mechanical stretching of polymeric networks induced swelling/deswelling in polymeric gels contributes to the ability of its “smart response” and “environmental sensitivity.” In this article, the coupled diffusion and large deformation of polymeric gels are clarified into three kinds of deformation conditions which all involve swelling/deswelling. The real numerical challenge is identified for simulating swelling/deswelling induced deformation of gels by solving the partial deferential control equation of a popular monophase model for gels in steady equilibrium state with a standard process of numerical discretization. To address the numerical challenge, a generalized decoupling numerical framework is developed based on a multiplicative decomposition of deformation gradient. The proposed framework is more flexible and works for almost all cases of deformation of gels no matter involving swelling/deswelling or not. Its element‐free implementation is also developed using the element‐free IMLS‐Ritz method and is validated through analyzing the three‐dimensional stable and unstable large deformation of the constrained gel cube and
tube.
Increase respect, funding opportunities for your department
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2020

CHICAGO — In a session at the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning annual conference called “More Than Just Basket‐Weaving,” Jennie Harrop, Ph.D., Department Chair, Professional Studies, and Associate Professor of Adult Degree Programs; and Rae Casey, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership, both at George Fox University, shared strategies for helping other departments on campus better recognize the value of adult and professional education.
What to look for in 2020: 5 areas of marketing growth
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: February 2020

Now that we're into the first quarter of 2020, I thought I'd share a few marketing‐related “trends” that could impact higher education and how we build our strategies this year.
Adult learner weighs potential benefits of career change in pursuit of education
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2020

Tiffany Sheik landed the career of her dreams a few years ago, as a cell therapy specialist for pharmaceutical companies that provide cancer therapy for patients who have tried all other, more traditional routes of treatment. It's a job that affords her plenty of meaning in her life.
Mechanisms of Sperm Oxidation: Breaking Down the Origins of Oxidative Activity
Authors: Bertolla Ricardo P.
Published: February 2020

Oxidative stress has been long considered an important cause of male infertility, and sperm‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been considered one of the major sources. In article number 1900205, Issue 2, Netherton et al. have improved upon current technologies for detection of true ROS‐derived oxidative events from those originated by mitochondrial compounds. Moreover, the authors have isolated proteins that bear lipid aldehyde adducts, in order to verify their origin. In their paper, Netherton et al. demonstrate that sperm‐derived ROS do not contribute to sperm oxidative stress, which is an important finding, given that most studies consider altered sperm a major source of seminal ROS. Moreover, adducted proteins are mostly of prostatic origin, which leads to questions regarding how and where the oxidative events occur. Under the light of this study and the methodological improvements it has brought, it may be important to revisit some foundation studies in semen and sperm oxidative stress.
Back Cover
Authors: Wang Jin‐Yan , Zhang Hao , Siemann Evan , Ji Xiang‐Yun , Chen Yi‐Juan , Wang Yi , Jiang Jie‐Xian , Wan Nian‐Feng
Published: February 2020

The back cover image is based on the Research Article Immunity of an insect herbivore to an entomovirus is affected by different host plants by Jin‐Yan Wang et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5609.

image
Compensated Quantum and Topological Hall Effects of Electrons in Polyatomic Stripe Lattices
Authors: Göbel Börge , Mook Alexander , Henk Jürgen , Mertig Ingrid
Published: February 2020

The quantum Hall effect is generally understood for free electron gases, in which topologically protected edge states between Landau levels (LLs) form conducting channels at the edge of the sample. In periodic crystals, the LLs are imprinted with lattice properties; plateaus in the transverse Hall conductivity are not equidistant in energy anymore. Herein, crystals with a polyatomic basis are considered. For a stripe arrangement of different atoms, the band structure resorts nontrivially and exhibits strong oscillations that form a salient pattern with very small bandgaps. The Hall conductivity strongly decreases for energies within these bands, and only sharp peaks remain for energies in the gap. These effects are traced back to open orbits in the initial band structure; the corresponding LLs are formed from states with positive and negative effective mass. The partial cancellation of transverse charge conductivity also holds for different polyatomic stripe lattices and even when the magnetic field is replaced by a topologically nontrivial spin texture. The topological Hall effect is suppressed in the presence of magnetic skyrmions. The discussion is complemented by calculations of Hofstadter butterflies and orbital magnetization.
Notes on Reproducibility of Ge2Sb2Te5 Properties
Authors: Tanaka Keiji
Published: February 2020

Sputtered Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) films are utilized in phase‐change devices, whereas the quantitative reproducibility of fundamental properties such as refractive index and electrical conductivity remains unsatisfactory. Herein, it is exemplified that the properties are considerably affected by sputter conditions. It seems that high‐quality amorphous films are deposited with slow dc sputtering at high voltages and low Ar pressures. It is also discussed whether the cubic GST is a degenerate or a nondegenerate semiconductor.
A distribution‐free CUSUM chart for joint monitoring of location and scale based on the combination of Wilcoxon and Mood statistics
Authors: Tercero‐Gómez Víctor , Aguilar‐Lleyda Victor , Cordero‐Franco Alvaro , Conover William
Published: February 2020

We propose a distribution‐free cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart for joint monitoring of location and scale based on a Lepage‐type statistic that combines the Wilcoxon rank sum and the Mood statistics. Monte Carlo simulations were used to obtain control limits and examine the in‐control and out‐of‐control performance of the new chart. A direct comparison of the new chart was made with the original CUSUM Lepage based on Wilcoxon rank sum and Ansari‐Bradley statistics. The result is a more powerful chart in most of the considered scenarios and thus a more useful CUSUM chart. An example using real data illustrates how the proposed control chart can be implemented.
A statistical approach to optimizing paper spray mass spectrometry parameters
Authors: Skaggs Christine , Kirkpatrick Lindsey , Wichert William R.A. , Skaggs Nicole , Manicke Nicholas E.
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Paper spray mass spectrometry (PS‐MS) was used to analyze and quantify ampicillin, a hydrophilic compound and frequently utilized antibiotic. Hydrophilic molecules are difficult to analyze via PS‐MS due to their strong binding affinity to paper substrates and low ionization efficiency, among other reasons.

Methods

Solvent and paper parameters were optimized to increase the extraction of ampicillin from the paper substrate. After optimizing these key parameters, a Resolution IV 1/16 fractional factorial design with two center points was employed to screen eight different design parameters simultaneously.

Results

Pore size, sample volume, and solvent volume were the most significant factors affecting average peak area under the curve (AUC) and the signal‐to‐blank (S/B) ratio for the 1 μg/mL ampicillin calibrant. After optimizing the key parameters, a linear calibration curve with a range of 0.2 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL was generated (R2 = 0.98) and the limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were calculated to be 0.07 μg/mL and 0.25 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusions

The statistical optimization procedure undertaken here increased the mass spectral signal intensity by more than a factor of 40. This statistical method of screening followed by optimization experiments proved faster and more efficient, and produced more drastic improvements than typical one‐factor‐at‐a‐time experiments.
A systematic approach toward security in Fog computing: Assets, vulnerabilities, possible countermeasures
Authors: Farhadi Mozhdeh , Lanet Jean‐Louis , Pierre Guillaume , Miorandi Daniele
Published: February 2020

Fog computing is an emerging paradigm in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, consisting of a middle computation layer, sitting between IoT devices and Cloud servers. Fog computing provides additional computing, storage, and networking resources in close proximity to where data is being generated and/or consumed. As the Fog layer has direct access to data streams generated by IoT devices and responses/commands sent from the Cloud, it is in a critical position in terms of security of the entire IoT system. Currently, there is no specific tool or methodology for analysing the security of Fog computing systems in a comprehensive way. Generic security evaluation procedures applicable to most information technology products are time consuming, costly, and badly suited to the Fog context. In this article, we introduce a methodology for evaluating the security of Fog computing systems in a systematic way. We also apply our methodology to a generic Fog computing system, showcasing how it can be purposefully used by security analysts and system designers.
Network structure of depression symptomology in participants with and without depressive disorder: the population-based Health 2000–2011 study
Authors: Hakulinen Christian , Fried Eiko I. , Pulkki-Råback Laura , Virtanen Marianna , Suvisaari Jaana , Elovainio Marko
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Putative causal relations among depressive symptoms in forms of network structures have been of recent interest, with prior studies suggesting that high connectivity of the symptom network may drive the disease process. We examined in detail the network structure of depressive symptoms among participants with and without depressive disorders (DD; consisting of major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymia) at two time points.

Methods

Participants were from the nationally representative Health 2000 and Health 2011 surveys. In 2000 and 2011, there were 5998 healthy participants (DD−) and 595 participants with DD diagnosis (DD+). Depressive symptoms were measured using the 13-item version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Fused Graphical Lasso was used to estimate network structures, and mixed graphical models were used to assess network connectivity and symptom centrality. Network community structure was examined using the walktrap-algorithm and minimum spanning trees (MST). Symptom centrality was evaluated with expected influence and participation coefficients.

Results

Overall connectivity did not differ between networks from participants with and without DD, but more simple community structure was observed among those
with DD compared to those without DD. Exploratory analyses revealed small differences between the samples in the order of one centrality estimate participation coefficient.

Conclusions

Community structure, but not overall connectivity of the symptom network, may be different for people with DD compared to people without DD. This difference may be of importance when estimating the overall connectivity differences between groups with and without mental disorders.
A pricing problem with unknown arrival rate and price sensitivity
Authors: Avramidis Athanassios N.
Published: February 2020

We study a pricing problem with finite inventory and semi-parametric demand uncertainty. Demand is a price-dependent Poisson process whose mean is the product of buyers’ arrival rate, which is a constant $$\lambda $$
λ
, and buyers’ purchase probability $$q(p)$$

q
(
p
)

, where p is the price. The seller observes arrivals and sales, and knows neither $$\lambda $$
λ
nor $$q$$
q
. Based on a non-parametric maximum-likelihood estimator of $$(\lambda ,q)$$

(
λ
,
q
)

, we construct an estimator of mean demand and show that as the system size and number of prices grow, it is asymptotically more efficient than the maximum likelihood estimator based only on sale data. Based on this estimator, we develop a pricing algorithm paralleling (Besbes and Zeevi in Oper Res 57:1407–1420, 2009) and study its performance in an asymptotic regime similar to theirs: the initial inventory and the arrival rate grow proportionally to a scale parameter n. If $$q$$
q
and its inverse function are Lipschitz continuous, then the worst-case regret is shown to be $$O((\log n / n)^{1/4})$$

O
(

(
log
n
/
n
)

1
/
4

)

. A second model considered is the one in Besbes and Zeevi (2009, Section 4.2), where no arrivals are involved; we modify their algorithm and improve the worst-case regret to $$O((\log n / n)^{1/4})$$

O
(

(
log
n
/
n
)

1
/
4

)

. In each setting, the regret order is the best known, and is obtained by refining their proof methods. We also prove an $$\Omega (n^{-1/2})$$

Ω
(

n

-
1
/
2

)

lower bound on the regret. Numerical comparisons to state-of-the-art alternatives indicate the effectiveness of our arrivals-based approach.
Recovery to Usual Activity After Outpatient Anorectal Surgery
Authors: Djafarrian Reza , Hübner Martin , Vuagniaux Aurélie , Duvoisin Céline , Martin David , Demartines Nicolas , Hahnloser Dieter
Published: February 2020

Background

Most elective anorectal procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, and the supposed recovery time is short. The aim of the present study was to assess return to usual physical activity (UPA), return to work and quality of life (QOL).

Methods

This prospective single‐center cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing outpatient anorectal procedures. Physical and work activities were assessed using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire 7 days before surgery and 7, 14 and 30 days thereafter. In addition, patients were inquired daily on their postoperative QOL until postoperative day (POD)10 on a visual analogue scale (0–10). Patients were stratified by their preoperative physical activity score (POPAS; low, moderate and high).

Results

Out of 379 patients, 100 (63 men) were included with a median age of 40 years [interquartile range (IQR) 27]. General QOL was rated at a median of 8/10 (IQR 3.5) at POD10. On POD30, only 69% and 71% of patients had returned to UPA and work, respectively. Patients who returned to UPA at POD30 had a better median QOL at POD10 than those who did not (9 vs. 7/10, p = 0.015). Patients with low POPAS and moderate POPAS returned to UPA earlier than patients with high POPAS (83%, 86% and 44% on POD30, respectively, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Return to UPA and work after outpatient anorectal surgery took longer than expected despite a good QOL 10 days after surgery. High physical activity was associated with longer recovery time. These elements should be emphasized during preoperative counseling.
Non-infectious rhinitis is more strongly associated with early—rather than late—onset of COPD: data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS)
Authors: Bergqvist Joel , Andersson Anders , Schiöler Linus , Olin Anna-Carin , Murgia Nicola , Bove Mogens , Janson Christer , Abramson Michael J. , Leynaert Bénédicte , Nowak Dennis , Franklin Karl A. , PIN Isabelle , Storaas Torgeir , Schlünssen Vivi , Heinrich Joachim , Hellgren Johan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with several co-morbidities and non-infectious rhinitis (NIR) has emerged as a new possible co-morbidity. The primary aim of this study is to confirm a previously reported association between NIR and COPD in a multicentre population over time. The secondary aim is to investigate the course over time of such an association through a comparison between early- and late-onset COPD.

Methods

This study is part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). A random adult population from 25 centres in Europe and one in Australia was examined with spirometry and answered a respiratory questionnaire in 1998–2002 (ECRHS II) and in 2008–2013 (ECRHS III). Symptoms of non-infectious rhinitis, hay fever and asthma, and smoking habits were reported. Subjects reporting asthma were excluded. COPD was defined as a spirometry ratio of FEV1/FVC < 0.7. A total of 5901 subjects were included.

Results

Non-infectious rhinitis was significantly more prevalent in subjects with COPD compared with no COPD (48.9% vs 37.1%, p < 0.001) in ECRHS II (mean age 43) but not in ECHRS III (mean age 54). In the multivariable regression model adjusted for COPD, smoking, age, BMI, and gender, non-infectious rhinitis was associated with COPD in both ECRHS II and III.

Conclusion

Non-infectious rhinitis was significantly more common in subjects with COPD at a mean age of 43. Ten years later, the association was weaker. The findings indicate that NIR could be associated with the early onset of COPD.
Viel Beweisen, kaum Rechnen? Gestaltungsmerkmale mathematischer Übungsaufgaben im Studium
Authors: Weber Birke-Johanna , Lindmeier Anke
Published: February 2020

Übungsaufgaben erfüllen im Mathematikstudium zentrale Funktionen. Allerdings ist bisher kaum systematisch untersucht, welche Gestaltungsmerkmale sie aufweisen und welche Ziele Dozierende mit ihren Übungsaufgaben verfolgen. In einem kontrastierenden Ansatz wurden 277 Übungsaufgaben aus vier Lehrveranstaltungen hinsichtlich ihrer Gestaltungsmerkmale untersucht und klassifiziert. Ergänzend wurden in einer Interviewstudie die zugehörigen Lernziele der Dozierenden ermittelt und mit den Ergebnissen verglichen. Es zeigt sich, dass es systematische Lücken gibt, sodass sich nicht alle Lernziele gleichermaßen in den Aufgaben spiegeln. Auf Basis der Ergebnisse werden Vorschläge für die Gestaltung von Aufgaben formuliert.
Viral metagenomics reveals sapoviruses of different genogroups in stool samples from children with acute gastroenteritis in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Li Wang , Dong Surong , Xu Juan , Zhou Xiaobin , Han Junling , Xie Zhaqing , Gong Qin , Peng Hailin , Zhou Chenglin , Lin Mei
Published: February 2020

Sapoviruses (SAVs), including several genogroups (GI to GV), are one of the causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). In this study, viral metagenomics revealed the presence of sapoviruses of different genogroups in stool from children with AGE. Eight different complete SAV genomes were determined, of which five belonged to GI and the other three belonged to GII, GIV and GV, respectively. Although they were highly similar to published sequences, the GIV and GV were the first complete genome sequences of these SAVs found in China. In a prevalence investigation, 19% of subjects with AGE were positive for SAVs, while none of the control group was positive.
Precise evaluation of tissue culture-induced variation during optimisation of in vitro regeneration regime in barley
Authors: Orłowska Renata , Bednarek Piotr Tomasz
Published: February 2020

Key message

The Taguchi method and metAFLP analysis were used to optimise barley regenerants towards maximum and
minimum levels of tissue culture-induced variation. The subtle effects of symmetric and asymmetric methylation
changes in regenerants were identified.

Plant tissue cultures (PTCs) provide researchers with unique materials that accelerate the development of new breeding cultivars and facilitate studies on off-type regenerants. The emerging variability of regenerants derived from PTCs may have both genetic and epigenetic origins, and may be desirable or degrade the value of regenerated plants. Thus, it is crucial to determine how the PTC variation level can be controlled. The easiest way to manipulate total tissue culture-induced variation (TTCIV) is to utilise appropriate stress factors and suitable medium components. This study describes the optimisation of in vitro tissue culture-induced variation in plant regenerants derived from barley anther culture, and maximizes and minimizes regenerant variation compared with the source explants. The approach relied on methylation amplified fragment length polymorphism (metAFLP)-derived TTCIV characteristics, which were evaluated in regenerants derived under distinct tissue culture conditions and analysed via Taguchi statistics. The factors that may trigger TTCIV included CuSO4, AgNO3 and the total time spent on the induction medium. The donor plants prepared for regeneration purposes had 5.75% and 2.01% polymorphic metAFLP loci with methylation and sequence changes, respectively. The level of TTCIV (as the sum of all metAFLP characteristics analyzed) identified in optimisation and verification experiments reached 7.51 and 10.46%, respectively. In the trial designed to produce a minimum number of differences between donor and regenerant plants, CuSO4 and AgNO3 were more crucial than time, which was not a significant factor. In the trial designed to produce a maximum number of differences between donor and regenerant plants, all factors had comparable impact on variation. The Taguchi method reduced the time required for experimental trials compared with a grid method and suggested that medium modifications were required to control regenerant variation. Finally, the effects of symmetric and asymmetric methylation changes on regenerants were identified using novel aspects of the metAFLP method developed for this analysis.
Daphnane Diterpenoids from Trigonostemon lii and Inhibition Activities Against HIV-1
Authors: Tan Cheng-Jian , Li Shi-Fei , Huang Ning , Zhang Yu , Di Ying-Tong , Zheng Yong-Tang , Hao Xiao-Jiang
Published: February 2020

Natural products are the important source for the discovery of more potent anti-HIV agents. In this study, six daphnane diterpenoids including three unreported structures were isolated from Trigonostemon lii, which showed significant activities against HIV-1 strains replication in the nanomolar/picomolar range. Meanwhile, these diterpenoids significantly inhibited the fusion of H9/HIV-1 IIIB cells with uninfected C8166 cells, with the EC50s from 1.06 to 8.73 ng/mL, and did not show any inhibition activities against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Moreover, all of the diterpenoids shows significant inhibitions against T20-resistan HIV-1 strains, PNL4-3gp41(36G)V38E, N42S and pNL4-3gp41(36G)V38A, N42T. The results revealed that the six diterpenoids could be a new type of potential lead candidate as an HIV entry inhibitor, particularly for those infected by T20-resistant variants.

Graphic Abstract
Animal models of transient ischemic attack: a review
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Zhang Ping , Tang Zhouping
Published: February 2020

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined as a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal cerebral ischemia. TIA is a critical early warning signal of stroke. Patients with TIA may have long-term cognitive decline. The pathogenesis and pathological changes of TIA have not been fully elucidated. Animal models can simulate the process of human diseases and are essential tools to investigate injury mechanisms and therapeutic approaches of TIA. Most TIA animal models are based on ischemic stroke models and the definition of TIA. Each model has unique strengths and weaknesses. The establishment of a successful and reliable TIA model should follow three criteria: (1) objective evidence of cerebral arteries occlusion and reperfusion, (2) no permanent neurological deficit, and (3) no acute cerebral infarction. However, experimental animal models are impossible to be completely consistent with human TIA, because TIA itself is a heterogeneous disease. In the present review, the selection of animals, methodological development, and evaluation of cerebral blood flow of animal models of TIA are comprehensively evaluated.
Flush Drowning as a Cause of Whitewater Deaths
Authors: Farstad David J. , Luttrell J. Matthew
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Most recreational whitewater fatalities are caused by fixed underwater entrapment or by “flush drowning,” an obscure term frequently associated with high-volume rivers, continuous rapids, cold water, and a lack of prolonged underwater entrapment. Although entrapment drowning is typically associated with submersion hypoxia, flush drownings likely involve diverse mechanisms of death; as such, a concise definition is elusive. This said, certain risk factors may be predictively associated with flush drownings. We attempt to further characterize causes of fatal river accidents and possible effects of water temperature on injury pattern.

Methods

We reviewed river mortality data collected from the American Whitewater Association accident database comparing fatal whitewater accident trends in the Rocky Mountain region versus the Southeastern United States. We limited data from the Southeast to the months of June through August to create a warm water cohort. We then divided lethal accidents into flush drowning, entrapment submersion, or miscellaneous events, defining each category in specific terms.

Results

Flush drownings were more common in the Rocky Mountains than in the Southeast subgroup and involved older victims on average than entrapment drowning or miscellaneous events. Entrapment drownings were common in both regions, primarily occurring at fallen trees or rock formations.

Conclusions

Flush drownings appear to occur more frequently in older persons. Although hypothetical, the relative increase in flush drowning in the Rocky Mountains might partly be the result of colder water temperatures. If the cause of flush drowning is better understood, safety in whitewater recreation may be improved.
Point prevalence data on antimicrobial usage in Italian acute-care hospitals: Evaluation and comparison of results from two national surveys (2011–2016)
Authors: Vicentini Costanza , Quattrocolo Francesca , D’Ambrosio Angelo , Corcione Silvia , Ricchizzi Enrico , Moro Maria Luisa , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe , Zotti Carla Maria
Published: February 2020

Objectives and design:

Data from the Italian national point-prevalence survey (PPS) of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) were used to evaluate antimicrobial usage (AMU) in Italy and to identify targets for future interventions.

Methods:

The second Italian PPS was conducted in 2016 as part of the European PPS initiated by the ECDC. We compared these results with those of the first national survey, conducted in 2011.

Results:

An overall AMU prevalence of 44.5% (95% CI, 43.7–45.3) was estimated in 2016. No significant change in AMU prevalence was detected when comparing data with the first survey. In both surveys, the most prevalent indication for AMU was the treatment of infections. Considering all indications, penicillins plus β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) were the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial group in 2016; they were used significantly more than in 2011, and piperacillin plus BLI was the most frequently used agent. Broad-spectrum agents accounted for >60% of all antimicrobials for systemic use. No significant increase in the use of carbapenems occurred in 2016. Stable or decreasing carbapenem-resistance levels were identified in this study, although these levels remain alarmingly high for both Klebsiella pneumoniae (50%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (>75%).

Conclusions:

These results can be used to identify priorities and targets for interventions that promote more prudent use of antimicrobials, improve healthcare quality and patient safety, and combat the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
Poor Relief, Welfare, and Community Building
Authors: Lynch Katherine A.
Published: February 2020

This review introduces the broad themes and methods of Maarten Prak's Citizens without Nations and focuses on the author's portrait of actual practices of citizenship in early modern cities of Europe. It highlights the strengths of Prak's study in formidable archival work and broad comparative reading. It points out the central place of practices of poor relief to the building of urban networks of citizenship, drawing out the importance of women in participating in these informal yet critical practices of citizenship. Taking the relationship between provisioning for the poor and community building seriously, and building on Prak's view of Britain's relatively smooth transition from early modern to modern practices of citizenship, the essay speculates on whether England's unusual nationwide poor law (born in the early modern period and exemplifying ideals of citizenship usually associated with “urban republicanism”) played its own critical role in the rise of an integrated nation there.
A cross-linguistic comparison of Spanish and English semantic norms: Looking at core features
Authors: Vivas Jorge , Kogan Boris , Romanelli Sofía , Lizarralde Francisco , Corda Luis
Published: February 2020

It has been suggested that human communities that share their basic cultural foundations evince no remarkable differences concerning the characterization of core concepts. However, the small but existing differences among them reflect their sociocultural diversity. This study compares 219 concrete concepts common to both Spanish and English semantic feature norms in order to assess whether core features of concepts follow a universal or cultural language-specific pattern. Concepts were compared through a geometric technique of vector comparison in the Euclidean n-dimensional space alongside the calculation of the network’s degree of centrality. The role of cognate status was also explored by repeating the former analysis separating cognate from noncognate words. Taken together, our data show that languages are structurally similar independent of the cognate status of words, further suggesting that there are some sort of core features common to both languages.
Remote care technologies, older people and the social care crisis in the United Kingdom: a Multiple Streams Approach to understanding the ‘silver bullet’ of telecare policy
Authors: Eccles Andrew
Published: February 2020

The policy announcement in November 2018 by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care that: ‘from today, let this be clear: tech transformation is coming’ indicates that confidence in care technologies, so apparent over the past decade in policy circles, remains unabated. This article suggests, based on evidence of significant limitations in technological solutions to care needs, that this confidence is misplaced. The focus is on remote care technologies – primarily telecare – which involve the passive or real-time monitoring of recipients, the majority of whom will be older people. These information and communication technologies (ICT) have been heralded by politicians, policy makers and industry interests alike as a solution to the challenges of demographic change and social care demand. While the research evidence suggests telecare works well for some people, in some circumstances, there are also significant complexities in its use, challenges presented to care relationships, and conflicting interpretations around its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. These critical issues have been marginalised in the mainstream discourse around telecare policy. This article explores the dissonance between this policy and the available evidence, drawing on a Multiple Streams Approach to analyse the emergence of, and continued confidence in, telecare policy based on a congruence of views across policy interests. To the extent that social care for older people is now in crisis, the article argues that the discourse around telecare represents an example of ‘silver bullet’ thinking: that is, too much focus on a single policy solution to address complex problems. Accordingly, the crisis in social care has deepened, without alternative policy proposals being available to address it. The renewed push for ICT-based solutions to this crisis in social care ought therefore to be viewed with some concern.
Snow Mechanics Near the Ductile‐Brittle Transition: Compressive Stick‐Slip and Snow Microquakes
Authors: Löwe H. , Zaiser M. , Mösinger S. , Schleef S.
Published: February 2020

The rate‐dependent mechanical response of snow is commonly believed to directly inherit the ductile‐to‐brittle transition (DBT) from the viscoplastic ice matrix. Recent work has however stressed the impact of microstructure evolution by rapid sintering during deformation. To understand these phenomena we have conducted deformation‐controlled compression experiments in an X‐ray tomography stage. By varying the strain rate over 3 orders of magnitude, we find an intermediate regime where the stress response changes from smooth to serrated behavior. This regime is accompanied by microstructure quakes associated with strain localization bands in the sample interior. To interpret the results we developed a minimal, scalar model with a rate‐dependent, elastoplastic constitutive law and healing which falls into the general class of rate‐and‐state models. The model correctly predicts the range of the instability as well as amplitude and frequency of the serrations and reveals a formal equivalence of the observed (compressive) stick‐slip with seismic faults.
Logarithmic Growth of Dikes From a Depressurizing Magma Chamber
Authors: Grossman‐Ponemon Benjamin E. , Heimisson Elías R. , Lew Adrian J. , Segall Paul
Published: February 2020

Dike propagation is an intrinsically multiphase problem, where deformation and fluid flow are intricately coupled in a fracture process. Here we perform the first fully coupled simulations of dike propagation in two dimensions, accounting for depressurization of a circular magma chamber, dynamic fluid flow, fracture formation, and elastic deformation. Despite the complexity of the governing equations, we observe that the lengthening is well explained by a simple model
, where
is the dike length,
is time, and
and
are constants. We compare the model to seismic data from eight dikes in Iceland and Ethiopia, and, in spite of the assumption of plane strain, we find good agreement between the data and the model. In addition, we derive an approximate model for the depressurization of the chamber with the dike length. These models may help forecast the growth of lateral dikes and magma chamber depressurization.
Electrically controlled white laser emission through liquid crystal/polymer multiphases
Authors: Adamow Alina , Szukalski Adam , Sznitko Lech , Persano Luana , Pisignano Dario , Camposeo Andrea , Mysliwiec Jaroslaw
Published: February 2020

White lasers are becoming increasingly relevant in various fields since they exhibit unprecedented properties in terms of beam brightness and intensity modulation. Here we introduce a white laser based on a polymer matrix encompassing liquid crystals and multiple organic chromophores in a multifunctional phase-separation system. The separation of the hydrophilic matrix and the hydrophobic liquid crystals leads to the formation of a complex optically active layer, featuring lasing emission tuneable from blue to red. White laser emission is found with an optical excitation threshold of approximately 12 mJ/cm2. Importantly, an external electric field can be used to control the device emission intensity. White lasers with low-voltage (≤10 V) controllable emission might pave the way for a new generation of broadband light sources for analytical, computational, and communication applications.
Chemopreventive targeted treatment of head and neck precancer by Wee1 inhibition
Authors: van Harten Anne M. , de Boer D. Vicky , Martens-de Kemp Sanne R. , Buijze Marijke , Ganzevles Sonja H. , Hunter Keith D. , Leemans C. René , van Beusechem Victor W. , Wolthuis Rob M. F. , de Menezes Renée X. , Brakenhoff Ruud H.
Published: February 2020

HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) develop in precancerous changes in the mucosal lining of the upper-aerodigestive tract. These precancerous cells contain cancer-associated genomic changes and cause primary tumors and local relapses. Therapeutic strategies to eradicate these precancerous cells are very limited. Using functional genomic screens, we identified the therapeutic vulnerabilities of premalignant mucosal cells, which are shared with fully malignant HNSCC cells. We screened 319 previously identified tumor-lethal siRNAs on a panel of cancer and precancerous cell lines as well as primary fibroblasts. In total we identified 147 tumor-essential genes including 34 druggable candidates. Of these 34, 13 were also essential in premalignant cells. We investigated the variable molecular basis of the vulnerabilities in tumor and premalignant cell lines and found indications of collateral lethality. Wee1-like kinase (WEE1) was amongst the most promising targets for both tumor and precancerous cells. All four precancerous cell lines were highly sensitive to Wee1 inhibition by Adavosertib (AZD1775), while primary keratinocytes tolerated this inhibitor. Wee1 inhibition caused induction of DNA damage during S-phase followed by mitotic failure in (pre)cancer cells. In conclusion, we uncovered Wee1 inhibition as a promising chemopreventive strategy for precancerous cells, with comparable responses as fully transformed HNSCC cells.
Outcome of facial contour asymmetry after conventional two-dimensional versus computer-assisted three-dimensional planning in cleft orthognathic surgery
Authors: Hsu Po-Jung , Denadai Rafael , Pai Betty C. J. , Lin Hsiu-Hsia , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: February 2020

Computer-assisted 3D planning has overcome the limitations of conventional 2D planning-guided orthognathic surgery (OGS), but difference for facial contour asymmetry outcome has not been verified to date. This comparative study assessed the facial contour asymmetry outcome of consecutive patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent 2D planning (n = 37)- or 3D simulation (n = 38)-guided OGS treatment for correction of maxillary hypoplasia and skeletal Class III malocclusion between 2010 and 2018. Normal age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched individuals (n = 60) were enrolled for comparative analyses. 2D (n = 60, with 30 images for each group) and 3D (n = 43, with 18 and 25 images for 2D planning and 3D simulation groups, respectively) photogrammetric-based facial contour asymmetry-related measurements were collected from patients and normal individuals. The facial asymmetry was further verified by using subjective perception of a panel composed of 6 blinded raters. On average, the facial contour asymmetry was significantly (all p < 0.05) reduced after 3D virtual surgery planning for all tested parameters, with no significant differences between post-OGS 3D simulation-related values and normal individuals. No significant differences were observed for pre- and post-OGS values in conventional 2D planning-based treatment, with significant (all p < 0.05) differences for all normal individuals-related comparisons. This study suggests that 3D planning presents superior facial contour asymmetry outcome than 2D planning.
Effects of a solid lipid curcumin particle formulation on chronic activation of microglia and astroglia in the GFAP-IL6 mouse model
Authors: Ullah Faheem , Asgarov Rustam , Venigalla Madhuri , Liang Huazheng , Niedermayer Garry , Münch Gerald , Gyengesi Erika
Published: February 2020

Chronic glial activation is characterized by increased numbers of activated glial cells, secreting free radicals and cytotoxic cytokines, subsequently causing neuronal damage. In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Longvida® Optimised Curcumin (LC), we fed 500 ppm of LC to 2-month-old wild type and GFAP-IL6 mice for 6 months. LC feeding led to a significant reduction in the number of Iba-1+ microglia by 26% in the hippocampus and by 48% in the cerebellum, GFAP+ astrocytes by 30%, and TSPO+ cells by 24% in the hippocampus and by 31% in the cerebellum of the GFAP-IL6 mice. The morphology of the cells was assessed and LC significantly decreased the dendritic length of microglia and the convex area, convex perimeter, dendritic length, nodes and number of processes of astrocytes in the hippocampus while decreasing the soma area and perimeter in the cerebellum, in LC-fed GFAP-IL6 mice. In addition, LC feeding increased pre- and postsynaptic protein levels and improved balance measured by Rotarod. Together, these data suggest that LC is able to attenuate the inflammatory pathology and ameliorate neurodegeneration and motor deficits in GFAP-IL6 mice. For patients with neuro-inflammatory disorders, LC might potentially reverse the detrimental effects of chronic glial activation.
Bacterial dominance is due to effective utilisation of secondary metabolites produced by competitors
Authors: Morgan Benjamin G. , Warren Paul , Mewis Ryan E. , Rivett Damian W.
Published: February 2020

Interactions between bacteria govern the progression of respiratory infections; however, the mechanisms underpinning these interactions are still unclear. Understanding how a bacterial species comes to dominate infectious communities associated with respiratory infections has direct relevance to treatment. In this study, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus species were isolated from the sputum of an individual with Cystic Fibrosis and assembled in a fully factorial design to create simple microcosms. Measurements of growth and habitat modification were recorded over time, the later using proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectra. The results showed interactions between the bacteria became increasingly neutral over time. Concurrently, the bacteria significantly altered their ability to modify the environment, with Pseudomonas able to utilise secondary metabolites produced by the other two isolates, whereas the reverse was not observed. This study indicates the importance of including data about the habitat modification of a community, to better elucidate the mechanisms of bacterial interactions.
Early decrease in erector spinae muscle area and future risk of mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Nakano Akiko , Ohkubo Hirotsugu , Taniguchi Hiroyuki , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Matsuda Toshiaki , Yagi Mitsuaki , Furukawa Taiki , Kanemitsu Yoshihiro , Niimi Akio
Published: February 2020

Computed tomography (CT) assessment of the cross-sectional area of the erector spinae muscles (ESMCSA) can be used to evaluate sarcopenia and cachexia in patients with lung diseases. This study aimed to confirm whether serial changes in ESMCSA are associated with survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Data from consecutive patients with IPF who were referred to a single centre were retrospectively reviewed. We measured the ESMCSA at the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra on CT images at referral and 6 months later (n = 119). The follow-up time was from 817–1633 days (median, 1335 days) and 59 patients (49.6%) died. A univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the decline in % predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) (Hazard ratios [HR] 1.041, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.013–1.069, P = 0.004), the decline in body mass index (BMI) (HR 1.084, 95% CI 1.037–1.128; P < 0.001) and that in ESMCSA (HR 1.057, 95% CI 1.027–1.086; P < 0.001) were prognostic factors. For multivariate analyses, the decline in ESMCSA (HR 1.039, 95% CI 1.007–1.071, P = 0.015) was a significant prognostic factor, while those in % FVC and BMI were discarded. Early decrease in ESMCSA may be a useful predictor of prognosis in patients with IPF.
High pressure inhibits signaling protein binding to the flagellar motor and bacterial chemotaxis through enhanced hydration
Authors: Hata Hiroaki , Nishihara Yasutaka , Nishiyama Masayoshi , Sowa Yoshiyuki , Kawagishi Ikuro , Kitao Akio
Published: February 2020

High pressure below 100 MPa interferes inter-molecular interactions without causing pressure denaturation of proteins. In Escherichia coli, the binding of the chemotaxis signaling protein CheY to the flagellar motor protein FliM induces reversal of the motor rotation. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and parallel cascade selection MD (PaCS-MD), we show that high pressure increases the water density in the first hydration shell of CheY and considerably induces water penetration into the CheY-FliM interface. PaCS-MD enabled us to observe pressure-induced dissociation of the CheY-FliM complex at atomic resolution. Pressure dependence of binding free energy indicates that the increase of pressure from 0.1 to 100 MPa significantly weakens the binding. Using high-pressure microscopy, we observed that high hydrostatic pressure fixes the motor rotation to the counter-clockwise direction. In conclusion, the application of pressure enhances hydration of the proteins and weakens the binding of CheY to FliM, preventing reversal of the flagellar motor.
Track and dose-average LET dependence of Gafchromic EBT3 and MD-V3 films exposed to low-energy photons
Authors: Massillon-JL G.
Published: February 2020

Gafchromic films are widely used in radiotherapy using photons, electrons and protons. Dosimetric characteristics of the films in terms of beam-quality is of great importance for a better evaluation of the absorbed-dose in the clinic. In proton-therapy, film’s response has been reported in terms of track-average, LΔ,T, or dose-average, LΔ,D, linear energy transfer (LET), concluding that LΔ,D is a more reliable parameter than LΔ,T. Nonetheless, in photon-beams, the film’s response is generally scrutinised in terms of photon-energy. This work aimed at investigating, the total (TEF) and secondary (SE) electron fluence produced in EBT3 and MD-V3 films exposed to 20 kV-160 kV x-ray and 60Co beams and their corresponding LΔ,T and LΔ,D to determine their influence on the film’s relative-efficiency, REFilm. Regardless the film-model, at energies below 100 keV, LΔ,D for TEF are about 1.7 to 2.5 times those of LΔ,T while for SE they are relatively similar (8–29%). For 60Co-gamma, LΔ,D for TEF and SE are approximately 9 and 4 times LΔ,T, respectively, which implies that LΔ,D is more important for high-photon energies. Independent of the electron-fluence and film-model, REFilm is almost constant at low average-LET, rapidly increases and thereafter steadily rises with average-LET. The REFilm−LET curve indicated that LΔ,D is more sensitive to small change than LΔ,T and if it is evaluated for SE, it would even be more appropriate to better describing the dosimeter response induced by photons in terms of ionization-density instead of LΔ,T for TEF, as generally done. Based on these results, once can conclude that the effect of the average-LET on the film’s response should be considered when use for clinical-dosimetry using photons and not only the energy.
TRPM7 contributes to progressive nephropathy
Authors: Suzuki Sayuri , Penner Reinhold , Fleig Andrea
Published: February 2020

TRPM7 belongs to the Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin family of ion channels and is a divalent cation-conducting ion channel fused with a functional kinase. TRPM7 plays a key role in a variety of diseases, including neuronal death in ischemia, cancer, cardiac atrial fibrillation, malaria invasion. TRPM7 is aberrantly over-expressed in lung, liver and heart fibrosis. It is also overexpressed after renal ischemia-reperfusion, an event that induces kidney injury and fibrosis. However, the role of TRPM7 in kidney fibrosis is unclear. Using the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model, we examined whether TRPM7 contributes to progressive renal damage and fibrosis. We find that TRPM7 expression increases in UUO kidneys. Systemic application of NS8593, a known TRPM7 inhibitor, prevents kidney atrophy in UUO kidneys, retains tubular formation, and reduces TRPM7 expression to normal levels. Cell proliferation of both tubular epithelial cells and interstitial cells is reduced by NS8593 treatment in UUO kidneys, as are TGF-β1/Smad signaling events. We conclude that TRPM7 is upregulated during inflammatory renal damage and propose that pharmacological intervention targeting TRPM7 may prove protective in progressive kidney fibrosis.