bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Odd connections on supermanifolds: existence and relation with affine connections
Authors: Bruce Andrew James , Grabowski Janusz
Published: September 2020

The notion of an odd quasi-connection on a supermanifold, which is loosely an affine connection that carries non-zero Grassmann parity, is examined. Their torsion and curvature are defined, however, in general, they are not tensors. A special class of such generalised connections, referred to as odd connections in this paper, have torsion and curvature tensors. Part of the structure is an odd involution of the tangent bundle of the supermanifold and this puts drastic restrictions on the supermanifolds that admit odd connections. In particular, they must have equal number of even and odd dimensions. Amongst other results, we show that an odd connection is defined, up to an odd tensor field of type (1, 2), by an affine connection and an odd endomorphism of the tangent bundle. Thus, the theory of odd connections and affine connections are not completely separate theories. As an example relevant to physics, it is shown that

N
=
1

super-Minkowski spacetime admits a natural odd connection.
Intensification of the processes of preparation of drilling and cement mortars using vibration jet activation methods
Authors: Rikkonen S V , Dmitrieva M A , Leitsin V N , Ponomarev C V , Azin A V
Published: September 2020

The article presents the results of laboratory and field tests of vibro-jet magnetic activation (VJMA) technology in the technological processes of preparation of drilling and cement mortars. Studies have shown a significant improvement in the quality of the mortars, reducing the preparation time and energy intensity of the process. The use of VJMA technology for processing grouting mortar allows increasing the fluidity of the solution and increasing the strength of the cement stone. This facilitates the filling of cement mortar.
Approach to evaluating the change of properties of the geosynthetic material used to stabilize the marine landscape slopes
Authors: Leitsin V N , Tovpinets A O , Chubarenko B V , Domnin D A , Esiukova E E , Burnashov E M
Published: September 2020

Changes in the properties of geosynthetic materials (geomats) used in coastal protection structures that protect the high coast from erosion, landslide and talus processes are analyzed. The proposed approach includes the selection of a representative set of sampling points for geomats, which takes into account various exposure conditions, conditions for the extraction of groundwater or in dry places, under the direct influence of the wind or in continuous grass cover, and other local operating features. In the process of cameral work with samples of the geomat, taken at the sampling points, it was proposed to assess the degree of degradation of the geomat, used to keep the slope from breaking, by the value of the breaking load of individual polymer filaments, while assessing the degree of microdamage of the material under study. Objective monitoring of microdamage of filaments is carried out by computed X-ray tomography. Using two geomat sampling as an example, the effectiveness of the approach is shown. Regular monitoring of the properties of geosynthetic material will provide an estimate of the residual life of the shore protection structure, a selection of recommendations for its repair and optimization.
Algorithm for designing building constructions expressed by nonlinear functions
Authors: Volkova S N , Shleenko A V , Sivak E E
Published: September 2020

The aim of the work is to develop an algorithm for designing building constructions, namely their geometric construction (the geometrical location of points) in the form of an expression using the formula (equation) of geometric property of construction expressed in the projection by nonlinear functions. The article gives an algorithm for finding analytical dependencies of nonlinear functions used in applications. You must select a coordinate system before composing the curve equation. The type of the desired equation depends on the choice of the coordinate system. There are no rules that could guide one in choosing a coordinate system, and the ability to make the most rational choice is given only by experience. In this paper, the examples of the choice of coordinate systems show the form of functions, namely, their simplification. In some cases, geometric construction is the only way to present a graphic image of the building structure itself, no matter how complex it may be in the Cartesian coordinate system. The polar coordinate system is presented here as an alternative for unique structures and structures of increased complexity in the Cartesian coordinate system. This is achieved by establishing a relationship between the current coordinates of the point located on the projection of the construction and constants characterizing the properties of this construction, called a function on the plane and a surface in space in researches. The prospect of this approach has proven itself: in the construction of exquisite palace temples, beautiful architectural ensembles that make the space surrounding a person comfortable.
Simulation of the strain diagram of a slag-concrete element subject to bending
Authors: Chernousov N , Bondarev B , Sturova V
Published: September 2020

In the modern world of information technology personal computers considerably dominate our everyday life. All real, field experiments and tryouts replace computer-aided simulations as they often save a lot of time. It is much easier to make the multiple calculations related inter alia to reinforced concrete structures using strain diagrams for the concrete and rebars. This is the method ensuring the results similar to the field tests and the only challenge is that many equation parameters have to be reduced. Therefore, the objective of the work is to propose a simplified mathematical model for describing the strain diagram of a bended slag-concrete element based on air-cooled slag (ACS) and the aggregate made of sieves (0…5 mm fraction) from crashed ACS originating from NLMK’s Blast Furnace Operations, while implementation of the model helps to avoid complicated equilibrium experiments. As a result of the research and mathematical simulation of the bended element diagram a model capable of reflecting the sample behavior at any loading stage using maximum load and initial modulus of elasticity was proposed.
Vacuum filtration on a thin vertical filtering baffle
Authors: Kurochkin E Yu , Kurochkina N Yu
Published: September 2020

The article considers the design issue of vacuum filtering apparatuses from the point of view of minimizing filtering costs, provided that the maximum performance of vacuum filtration apparatuses is ensured. In the paper, the Darcy equation was considered. Based on it, the equations of filtration apparatus productivity were determined by filtrate and by dry sediment. It was determined that the maximum productivity of both filtrate and dry sludge in vacuum filtration apparatuses is observed with a maximum difference in free surfaces on the vertical filter baffle.
Quality ecological assessment of the urbanized territories’ environment
Authors: Kaverzina L A , Nikiforova V A , Dorofeeva V V
Published: September 2020

This article shows the results of a socially significant research, the relevance of which is constantly growing in current conditions, due to the impending global crisis. Research objectives are to develop theoretical knowledge in sphere of quality ecological assessment of the urbanized territories and identification of opportunities for their practical use in certain regions. Authors have systemized factors that affect on the quality of urban environment and identified main approaches, which are used in implementing of the quality ecological assessment of the urbanized territories’ environment. Results of ecological and hygienic assessment of air quality of Irkutsk Region’s (Russia) cities have been introduced as a part of the author’s methodology. Main sources of pollution and their impact on atmospheric pollutant emissions have been identified. Urban areas with high level of air pollution have been revealed. Based on the findings, set of measures has been proposed to restore ecological balance in Irkutsk region, the implementation of which will improve the environmental conditions of atmospheric air as one of the criteria of quality assessment of urban territories. Methods of systemic and comparative analysis, expert opinions and social polls as well as ecological monitoring of the environment have been used during the research.
Risk assessment of investment projects implemented on the basis of project financing
Authors: Bryantseva I V , Voronina N V
Published: September 2020

Risk assessment of investment projects still remains a difficult problem in the real investment practice. The development of project financing techniques and methods complicated this task, because new subjects of investment activity, participating in the implementation of the project and requiring consideration of their interests appeared. This, in turn, is seen in the redistribution of common project risks. In addition, new forms of financing create new risks. In this article the authors systematized the risks of project financing which exist for every participant of the investment process throughout the project lifecycle. This approach has been tested on a real investment project. Taking risk into account and risk assessment should allow all interested parties to make an informed decision about the advisability of participating in the project.
Analysis of the requirements of normative and technical documentation for piling equipment
Authors: Plekhanova S , Vinogradova N
Published: September 2020

The article is about piling equipment. Piling equipment is a type of construction equipment that is used to drive piles, drill holes, build a pile foundation and perform other construction work. This concept includes several types of equipment. It is classified by appointment, by power, on attachments and basic equipment, on performance. Pile driving technology is used in modern construction to carry out a wide range of construction works. Depending on the destination, it is worth choosing a piling machine of a certain power and performance.
A ray-trace analysis of x-ray multilayer Laue lenses for nanometer focusing
Authors: Chapman H N , Bajt S
Published: September 2020

Thick diffractive optical elements offer a promising way to achieve focusing or imaging at a resolution approaching 1 nm for x-ray wavelengths shorter than about 0.1 nm. Efficient focusing requires that these are fabricated with structures that vary in period and orientation so that rays obey Bragg’s law over the entire lens aperture and give rise to constructive interference at the focus. Here the analysis method of ray-tracing of thick diffractive optical elements is applied to such lenses to optimise their designs and to investigate their operating and manufacturing tolerances. Expressions are provided of the fourth-order series expansions of the wavefront aberrations and transmissions of both axi-symmetric lenses and pairs of crossed lenses that each focuses in only one dimension like a cylindrical lens. We find that aplanatic zone-plate designs, whereby aberrations are corrected over a large field of view, can be achieved by axi-symmetric lenses but not the crossed lenses. We investigate the performance of 1 nm-resolution lenses with focal lengths of about 1 mm and show their fields of view are mainly limited by the acceptance angle of Bragg diffraction, and that aberrations can limit the performance of lenses with longer focal lengths. We apply the ray-tracing formalism for a tolerancing analysis of imperfect lenses and examine some strategies for the correction of their aberrations.
The Impact of Temporal Trajectories of Emotional Experience on Blood Donor Return
Authors: van Dongen Anne , Williams Lisa A , Masser Barbara M , Briggs Nancy , Thijsen Amanda , Davison Tanya E
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite recognition that blood donation is an affectively poignant process, many aspects of donors’ emotional experiences and their consequences remain unexamined.

Purpose

This study tracked the donor’s experience of several positive and negative emotions live as they arose during the donation process and tracked the impact of that experience on donor return.

Methods

New whole blood donors (N = 414) reported their experience of 10 positive and 10 negative discrete emotions before, during, and after donation. Return behavior of these donors and a business-as-usual control group was tracked over the next 6 months.

Results

In total, 46.4% of participants and 43.2% of the control group returned to donate within 6 months. On the basis of established relevance to blood donation and statistical considerations, group-based latent trajectories of three emotions (joy, calm, and stress) were modeled over time, revealing five classes of emotion trajectories. A trajectory of low/increasing joy and calm and high/decreasing stress was associated with significantly lower probability of return (preturn = .28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.20, 0.38) relative to all but one other trajectory group and the control group. A trajectory of medium-high/increasing joy, high calm, and low/decreasing stress was associated with a significantly greater probability of return (preturn = .59, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.69) relative to two other trajectory classes and the control group.

Conclusions

By identifying blood donors’ emotion trajectories over time and the impact of those trajectories on return behavior, this research paves the way for the development of effective emotion-focused interventions to boost retention.
One size doesn’t fit all: the General Data Protection Regulation vis-à-vis international commercial arbitration
Authors: Natarajan Ramani Gaurav
Published: September 2020

This article outlines potential issues posed by the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to international commercial arbitration proceedings and international arbitral institutions. The GDPR seeks to protect a natural person’s fundamental right against unlawful data processing. It applies widely and covers the processing of personal data in almost all types of services, irrespective of the nature of such service. The circumstances under which the GDPR allows for processing of personal data is limited to six categories. This article delves into the question of whether processing of personal data in an international commercial arbitration would be covered under this exhaustive list of lawful purposes. The analysis highlights how the application of the GDPR would present hurdles to commercial arbitration proceedings and global arbitral institutions, and argues that data protection laws must not be applied in a blanket manner without regard to the unique purposes of processing. The author also proposes necessary amendments to make room for the processing of personal data in private dispute resolution services such as arbitrations, and emphasizes on the need for special exemptions to allow administrative functions of arbitral institutions such as the ICC-Court of Arbitration as well. These exemptions are key to the functioning of private dispute resolution within Europe, and the expansion of arbitration as a form of private dispute resolution on a global scale.
Community-acquired Pneumonia Guideline Recommendations—Impact of a Consensus-based Process versus Systematic Reviews
Authors: Wilson Kevin C , Schoenberg Noah C , Cohn David L , Crothers Kristina , Fennelly Kevin P , Metlay Joshua P , Saukkonen Jussi J , Strange Charlie , Waterer Grant , Dweik Raed
Published: September 2020

Background

The American Thoracic Society (ATS)/Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP) guidelines were developed using systematic reviews to inform every recommendation, as suggested by the Institute of Medicine Standards for Trustworthy Guidelines. Recent studies suggest that an expert consensus-based approach, called the Convergence of Opinion on Recommendations and Evidence (CORE) process, can produce recommendations that are concordant with recommendations informed by systematic reviews.

Purpose

The goal of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the CORE process had it been used to develop the ATS/IDSA CAP guidelines.

Methods

Experts in CAP who were not on the guideline panel and had no knowledge of the guideline’s systematic reviews or recommendations were recruited to participate in the CORE process, addressing the same questions asked by the guideline panel. Recommendations derived from the CORE process were compared to the guideline recommendations. Concordance of the course of action, strength of recommendation, and quality of evidence were determined.

Results

Using a threshold of 70% of experts selecting the same course of action to make a recommendation, the CORE process yielded a recommendation for 20 of 31 (65%) questions. Among the 20 CORE-derived recommendations, 19 (95%) were concordant with the guideline recommendations (kappa agreement 0.88, 95% CI .64–1.00). There was less agreement among the strength of recommendations (58%) and quality of evidence (42%).

Conclusions

If the CORE process had been used, 11 systematic reviews would have been necessary rather than 31, with minimal impact on the recommended courses of action.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Scientific Opportunities and Priorities for Future Research
Authors: Lerner Andrea M , DeRocco Amanda J , Yang Linda , Robinson Daphne A , Eisinger Robert W , Bushar Nicholas D , Nath Avindra , Erbelding Emily
Published: September 2020

Since 2014, cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) have been reported in the United States in increasing numbers biennially, occurring in the late summer and early fall. Although there is unlikely to be a single causative agent of this syndrome, non–polio enteroviruses, including enterovirus D-68 (EV-D68), have had epidemiological and laboratory associations with AFM. Much remains to be known about AFM and AFM-associated enteroviruses, including disease pathogenesis and the best strategies for development of therapeutics or preventive modalities including vaccines. To catalyze research that addresses these scientific and clinical gaps, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases convened a workshop entitled “AFM Preparedness: Addressing EV-D68 and Other AFM-Associated Enteroviruses” on 19–20 February 2020.
Semantic Analysis to Identify Students’ Feedback
Authors: Masood Khalid , Khan Muhammad Adnan , Saeed Usman , Al Ghamdi Mohammed A , Asif Muhammad , Arfan Muhammad
Published: September 2020

In this research, an automated analysis is performed on students’ chat and text data generated by social media platforms over the course of one semester and thoroughly analyzed for potential feedback about teaching, exams, and course contents. A data crawler is developed that performs horizontal and vertical samplings of the data. After data crawling, a few preprocessing steps are performed including text extraction, noise removal, stop-word removal, word stemming, text classification, and feature extraction. The intensity of a review is determined using four measures containing knowledge and understanding, course contents, teaching style, and assessment procedures for a specific course. The proposed system contains features from text mining and web mining to automatically identify a review whenever a user writes comments on their studies. This system aims to provide curriculum development committees with valuable online student feedback and assist in curriculum improvements. By comparing these automated reviews to results obtained from manual student survey forms, we found that the automated system yields the same output but at a fraction of the cost and time typically spent on collecting and analyzing manual student surveys.
Mapping catheter-related mitral valve injury: a case report
Authors: Shergill Simran , Clarke Nigel R A
Published: September 2020

Background

An increasing number of catheter ablations are performed for symptomatic tachyarrhythmias and commonly involve the left atrium, increasing the risk of catheter interaction with the mitral valve (MV) complex. Mitral valve trauma at the time of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablations remains a rare yet emergent situation that requires prompt diagnosis and management to prevent the long-term sequelae of heart failure secondary to MV dysfunction.

Case summary

We present a case of a 69-year-old female with symptomatic paroxysmal AF and atrial flutter who underwent a combined ablation procedure. During the pulmonary vein isolation procedure, the mapping catheter became entangled within the MV apparatus but was freed. She presented to our hospital 2 weeks later with dyspnoea, lethargy, and a cough. Clinical examination revealed a pansystolic murmur and right moderate pleural effusion. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) demonstrated a flail posterior MV leaflet with severe eccentric mitral regurgitation (MR). She underwent urgent valve repair at the regional cardiothoracic centre. Upon review 2 months later, she was symptom free with surveillance TTE demonstrating a preserved left ventricular systolic function with a trace of MR.

Discussion

Mitral valve injury secondary to catheter entrapment at the time of left-sided ablations is a rare yet serious complication and can present as an emergent situation requiring prompt recognition and early surgical management to salvage valve and cardiac function.
Clinical outcomes and programming strategies of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator devices in paediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a UK National Cohort Study
Authors: Norrish Gabrielle , Chubb Henry , Field Ella , McLeod Karen , Ilina Maria , Spentzou Georgia , Till Jan , Daubeney Piers E F , Stuart Alan Graham , Matthews Jane , Hares Dominic , Brown Elspeth , Linter Katie , Bhole Vinay , Pillai Krishnakumar , Bowes Michael , Jones Caroline B , Uzun Orhan , Wong Amos , Yue Arthur , Sadagopan Shankar , Bharucha Tara , Yap Norah , Rosenthal Eric , Mathur Sujeev , Adwani Satish , Reinhardt Zdenka , Mangat Jasveer , Kaski Juan Pablo
Published: September 2020

Aims

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most common mode of death in paediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This study describes the implant and programming strategies with clinical outcomes following implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) insertion in a well-characterized national paediatric HCM cohort.

Methods and results

Data from 90 patients undergoing ICD insertion at a median age 13 (±3.5) for primary (n = 67, 74%) or secondary prevention (n = 23, 26%) were collected from a retrospective, longitudinal multi-centre cohort of children (<16 years) with HCM from the UK. Seventy-six (84%) had an endovascular system [14 (18%) dual coil], 3 (3%) epicardial, and 11 (12%) subcutaneous system. Defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing was performed at implant in 68 (76%). Inadequate DFT in four led to implant adjustment in three patients. Over a median follow-up of 54 months (interquartile range 28–111), 25 (28%) patients had 53 appropriate therapies [ICD shock n = 45, anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) n = 8], incidence rate 4.7 per 100 patient years (95% CI 2.9–7.6). Eight inappropriate therapies occurred in 7 (8%) patients (ICD shock n = 4, ATP n = 4), incidence rate 1.1/100 patient years (95% CI 0.4–2.5). Three patients (3%) died following arrhythmic events, despite a functioning device. Other device complications were seen in 28 patients (31%), including lead-related complications (n = 15) and infection (n = 10). No clinical, device, or programming characteristics predicted time to inappropriate therapy or lead complication.

Conclusion

In a large national cohort of paediatric HCM patients with an ICD, device and programming strategies varied widely. No particular strategy was associated with inappropriate therapies, missed/delayed therapies, or lead complications.
Dementia, Sexuality, and the Law: The Case for Advance Decisions on Intimacy
Authors: Sorinmade Oluwatoyin , Ruck Keene Alex , Peisah Carmelle
Published: September 2020

Some individuals develop dementia and the invariable consequence of dementia is a decline in cognition and level of functioning. Despite the effects of this illness, people with dementia still seek intimacy and companionship as part of their expression of basic human instincts and have the right to equal enjoyment of relationships and privacy for such. At the same time, they have the right to be safeguarded against abuse. The law in England and Wales, in common with the majority, if not all, jurisdictions around the world is clear on the requirement for contemporaneous consent to sexual activity, thereby creating unmet needs for people with dementia who no longer have the capacity to consent to intimacy/sexuality. This creates an impetus to find ways to empower individuals with dementia to enjoy intimacy in a safe and lawful way and enable them to live well despite dementia. This article proposes an instrument known as the Advance Decision on Intimacy, in pursuit of the concept of precedent autonomy, to empower individuals to make decisions about how they would wish to express their sexuality at a material time in future when they would have lost the capacity to consent to such acts. While the article is framed by reference to English law, the principles are of wider relevance.
The mechanistic role of alpha-synuclein in the nucleus: impaired nuclear function caused by familial Parkinson’s disease SNCA mutations
Authors: Chen Vivian , Moncalvo Malik , Tringali Dominic , Tagliafierro Lidia , Shriskanda Ahila , Ilich Ekaterina , Dong Wendy , Kantor Boris , Chiba-Falek Ornit
Published: September 2020

Alpha-synuclein SNCA has been implicated in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, the normal function of alpha-synuclein protein and the pathway that mediates its pathogenic effect is yet to be discovered. We investigated the mechanistic role of SNCA in the nucleus utilizing isogenic human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived neurons from PD patients with autosomal dominant mutations, A53T and SNCA-triplication, and their corresponding corrected lines by genome- and epigenome-editing. Comparisons of shape and integrity of the nuclear envelope and its resistance to stresses found that both mutations result in similar nuclear envelope perturbations that were reversed in the isogenic mutation-corrected cells. Further mechanistic studies showed that SNCA mutation has adverse effects on the nucleus by trapping Ras-related nuclear protein (RAN) and preventing it from transporting key nuclear proteins such as, DNMT3A, for maintaining normal nuclear function. For the first time, we proposed that α-syn interacts with RAN and normally functions in the nucleocytoplasmic transport while exerts its pathogenic effect by sequestering RAN. We suggest that defects in the nucleocytoplasmic transport components may be a general pathomechanistic driver of neurodegenerative diseases.
FKBP8 variants are risk factors for spina bifida
Authors: Tian Tian , Cao Xuanye , Kim Sung-Eun , Lin Ying Linda , Steele John W , Cabrera Robert M , Karki Menuka , Yang Wei , Marini Nicholas J , Hoffman Ethan N , Han Xiao , Hu Cindy , Wang Linlin , Wlodarczyk Bogdan J , Shaw Gary M , Ren Aiguo , Finnell Richard H , Lei Yunping
Published: September 2020

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of severe congenital malformations caused by a failure of neural tube closure during early embryonic development. Although extensively investigated, the genetic etiology of NTDs remains poorly understood. FKBP8 is critical for proper mammalian neural tube closure. Fkbp8−/− mouse embryos showed posterior NTDs consistent with a diagnosis of spina bifida (SB). To date, no publication has reported any association between FKBP8 and human NTDs. Using Sanger sequencing on genomic DNA samples from 472 SB and 565 control samples, we identified five rare (MAF ≤ 0.001) deleterious variants in SB patients, while no rare deleterious variant was identified in the controls (P = 0.0191). p.Glu140* affected FKBP8 localization to the mitochondria and created a truncated form of the FKBP8 protein, thus impairing its interaction with BCL2 and ultimately leading to an increase in cellular apoptosis. p.Ser3Leu, p.Lys315Asn and p.Ala292Ser variants decreased FKBP8 protein level. p.Lys315Asn further increased the cellular apoptosis. RNA sequencing on anterior and posterior tissues isolated from Fkbp8−/− and wildtype mice at E9.5 and E10.5 showed that Fkbp8−/− embryos have an abnormal expression profile within tissues harvested at posterior sites, thus leading to a posterior NTD. Moreover, we found that Fkbp8 knockout mouse embryos have abnormal expression of Wnt3a and Nkx2.9 during the early stage of neural tube development, perhaps also contributing to caudal specific NTDs. These findings provide evidence that functional variants of FKBP8 are risk factors for SB, which may involve a novel mechanism by which Fkbp8 mutations specifically cause SB in mice.
Associations of staple food consumption and types of cooking oil with waist circumference and body mass index in older Chinese men and women: a panel analysis
Authors: Lee Yen-Han , Chang Yen-Chang , Ang Ting Fang Alvin , Chiang Timothy , Shelley Mack , Liu Ching-Ti
Published: September 2020

Background

The dietary landscape has changed rapidly in China in the past few decades. This research investigates the associations of older adults’ choices and consumption of staple foods and cooking oils with obesity-related measurements.

Methods

Panel data were extracted from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey from 3253 older participants with 6506 observations. Ordinary least squares and ordered logistic regression models were estimated with the outcomes of obesity determined by waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI), respectively.

Results

Older men who consumed wheat had wider WCs (β=2.84 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.55 to 4.13], p<0.01) and higher BMIs (adjusted odds ratio 1.74 [95% CI 1.40 to 2.17], p<0.01) than those who preferred rice. Female participants who used animal-based cooking oil had lower WCs and BMIs than their counterparts who consumed vegetable-based cooking oil. Increased consumption of staple foods was associated with increased rates of obesity in both sexes.

Conclusion

Dieticians and nutritionists should design appropriate dietary plans to help reduce obesity and chronic diseases among older Chinese adults. Further clinical trials are needed to continue investigating this topic.
Trading Arguments: Opinion Updating in the Context of International Trade Agreements
Authors: Spilker Gabriele , Nguyen Quynh , Bernauer Thomas
Published: September 2020

Public opinion can often become a key challenge to international cooperation efforts. In their attempt to garner support for their position, stakeholders fight for the hearts and minds of the public based on arguments about the consequences of different policy options. But to what extent do individuals’ preferences change when exposed to such information? And how does this depend on the information being congruent or contradictory to pre-existing preferences? We address these questions in the context of the negotiations on the potentially largest regional trade agreement in history: the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Based on a two-waves-panel-survey-experiment fielded in Germany and the United States, we examine how individuals’ prior opinion influences the way they process new information. We argue that individuals’ existing priors about how they generally think about economic openness interact with new information to inform their opinion about the specific policy proposal at hand. Our experimental results show that while prior opinion constrains opinion updating to some degree, overall, citizens update their existing beliefs in line with new information. This updating process can even result in respondents changing their opinion, although only in one direction: namely to turn from a TTIP supporter to a TTIP opponent.
Reputation Shocks and Recovery in Public-Serving Organizations: The Moderating Effect of Mission Valence
Authors: Willems Jurgen , Faulk Lewis , Boenigk Silke
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the impacts of negative and positive signals on public-serving organizations’ reputations. We draw on sociocognitive perspectives to test how organizations’ breaches of stakeholders’ trust are repairable over time as well as the moderating effect of organizational mission valence on this forgiveness process. Multilevel data from two slope-shift experiments (n = 304; n = 582) show that mission valence, or individuals’ affinity with an organization’s mission, intensifies the effects of both negative and positive signals in organizations’ reputation building processes. Negative signals have stronger negative effects on intentions to support the organization for individuals with high mission valence. However, the effect of successive positive signals is also stronger for individuals with high mission valence, suggesting greater forgiveness following a stronger breach of trust among these stakeholders.
The Last Gift: Advanced Healthcare Directives and the Family Members of Incapacitated Patients
Authors: Collins Eunice
Published: September 2020

This article will provide an overview of the law related to the withdrawal of treatment from incapacitated adult patients in Ireland and the role of family members in such decisions. This overview will touch on the best interests test, how the wishes of an incapacitated patient may be assessed, and the tension that may arise between medical assessments and the views of the family of the patient. Cases arising in the UK and the USA will be discussed where relevant. It will be argued that family members should be provided with more information, particularly with respect to Do Not Attempt Resuscitation orders. The article calls for greater discussion about death and dying, and greater use of advance healthcare directives.
The distance from the Sun to the centre and the shape of the old bulge in the Galaxy: 16 221 OGLE RR Lyrae stars
Authors: Griv Evgeny , Gedalin Michael , Pietrukowicz Pawel , Majaess Daniel , Jiang Ing-Guey
Published: September 2020

A statistical method is used to determine both the Sun’s distance r0 from the Galactic Centre and the 3D structure of the old stellar population of the Galactic bulge. The space distribution of 16 221 high latitude type-RRab RR Lyrae stars from the optical OGLE survey located towards the bulge is explored. An estimate by using RR Lyraes leads to a mean r0 = 8.28 ± 0.14 kpc within the effective bulge radius of rbulge = 2–3 kpc. The distribution of RR Lyraes within rbulge has the shape of an ellipsoid slightly elongated almost towards the Sun with a major axis of its symmetry a and two minor axes b and c of about the same length. The axial ratio is a: b: c ≈ 1: 0.7: 0.7. These age-old, metal-poor, and kinematically hot stars do not trace a strong bar-like structure in the direction of the bulge at distances >1 kpc from the Galactic Centre, as b/a ∼ 1.
SDSS-IV MaNGA: The link between bars and the early cessation of star formation in spiral galaxies
Authors: Fraser-McKelvie Amelia , Merrifield Michael , Aragón-Salamanca Alfonso , Peterken Thomas , Kraljic Katarina , Masters Karen , Stark David , Fragkoudi Francesca , Smethurst Rebecca , Fraser Boardman Nicholas , Drory Niv , Lane Richard R
Published: September 2020

Bars are common in low-redshift disc galaxies, and hence quantifying their influence on their host is of importance to the field of galaxy evolution. We determine the stellar populations and star formation histories of 245 barred galaxies from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA) galaxy survey, and compare them to a mass- and morphology-matched comparison sample of unbarred galaxies. At fixed stellar mass and morphology, barred galaxies are optically redder than their unbarred counterparts. From stellar population analysis using the full spectral fitting code starlight, we attribute this difference to both older and more metal-rich stellar populations. Dust attenuation however, is lower in the barred sample. The star formation histories of barred galaxies peak earlier than their non-barred counterparts, and the galaxies build up their mass at earlier times. We can detect no significant differences in the local environment of barred and unbarred galaxies in this sample, but find that the H i gas mass fraction is significantly lower in high-mass ($\rm {M}_{\star } \gt 10^{10}~\rm {M}_{\odot }$) barred galaxies than their non-barred counterparts. We speculate on the mechanisms that have allowed barred galaxies to be older, more metal-rich and more gas-poor today, including the efficient redistribution of galactic fountain byproducts, and a runaway bar formation scenario in gas-poor discs. While it is not possible to fully determine the effect of the bar on galaxy quenching, we conclude that the presence of a bar and the early cessation of star formation within a galaxy are intimately linked.
Which stars can see Earth as a transiting exoplanet?
Authors: Kaltenegger L , Pepper J
Published: September 2020

Transit observations have found the majority of exoplanets to date. Also spectroscopic observations of transits and eclipses are the most commonly used tool to characterize exoplanet atmospheres and will be used in the search for life. However, an exoplanet’s orbit must be aligned with our line of sight to observe a transit. Here, we ask, from which stellar vantage points would a distant observer be able to search for life on Earth in the same way? We use the TESS Input Catalog and data from Gaia DR2 to identify the closest stars that could see Earth as a transiting exoplanet: We identify 1004 main-sequence stars within 100 parsecs, of which 508 guarantee a minimum 10-h long observation of Earth’s transit. Our star list consists of about 77 percent M-type, 12 percent K-type, 6 percent G-type, 4 percent F-type stars, and 1 percent A-type stars close to the ecliptic. SETI searches like the Breakthrough Listen Initiative are already focusing on this part of the sky. Our catalogue now provides a target list for this search. As part of the extended mission, NASA’s TESS will also search for transiting planets in the ecliptic to find planets that could already have found life on our transiting Earth .
Host–Endosymbiont Genome Integration in a Deep-Sea Chemosymbiotic Clam
Authors: Ip Jack Chi-Ho , Xu Ting , Sun Jin , Li Runsheng , Chen Chong , Lan Yi , Han Zhuang , Zhang Haibin , Wei Jiangong , Wang Hongbin , Tao Jun , Cai Zongwei , Qian Pei-Yuan , Qiu Jian-Wen
Published: September 2020

Endosymbiosis with chemosynthetic bacteria has enabled many deep-sea invertebrates to thrive at hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, but most previous studies on this mutualism have focused on the bacteria only. Vesicomyid clams dominate global deep-sea chemosynthesis-based ecosystems. They differ from most deep-sea symbiotic animals in passing their symbionts from parent to offspring, enabling intricate coevolution between the host and the symbiont. Here, we sequenced the genomes of the clam Archivesica marissinica (Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae) and its bacterial symbiont to understand the genomic/metabolic integration behind this symbiosis. At 1.52 Gb, the clam genome encodes 28 genes horizontally transferred from bacteria, a large number of pseudogenes and transposable elements whose massive expansion corresponded to the timing of the rise and subsequent divergence of symbiont-bearing vesicomyids. The genome exhibits gene family expansion in cellular processes that likely facilitate chemoautotrophy, including gas delivery to support energy and carbon production, metabolite exchange with the symbiont, and regulation of the bacteriocyte population. Contraction in cellulase genes is likely adaptive to the shift from phytoplankton-derived to bacteria-based food. It also shows contraction in bacterial recognition gene families, indicative of suppressed immune response to the endosymbiont. The gammaproteobacterium endosymbiont has a reduced genome of 1.03 Mb but retains complete pathways for sulfur oxidation, carbon fixation, and biosynthesis of 20 common amino acids, indicating the host’s high dependence on the symbiont for nutrition. Overall, the host–symbiont genomes show not only tight metabolic complementarity but also distinct signatures of coevolution allowing the vesicomyids to thrive in chemosynthesis-based ecosystems.
PML nuclear bodies and chromatin dynamics: catch me if you can!
Authors: Corpet Armelle , Kleijwegt Constance , Roubille Simon , Juillard Franceline , Jacquet Karine , Texier Pascale , Lomonte Patrick
Published: September 2020

Eukaryotic cells compartmentalize their internal milieu in order to achieve specific reactions in time and space. This organization in distinct compartments is essential to allow subcellular processing of regulatory signals and generate specific cellular responses. In the nucleus, genetic information is packaged in the form of chromatin, an organized and repeated nucleoprotein structure that is a source of epigenetic information. In addition, cells organize the distribution of macromolecules via various membrane-less nuclear organelles, which have gathered considerable attention in the last few years. The macromolecular multiprotein complexes known as Promyelocytic Leukemia Nuclear Bodies (PML NBs) are an archetype for nuclear membrane-less organelles. Chromatin interactions with nuclear bodies are important to regulate genome function. In this review, we will focus on the dynamic interplay between PML NBs and chromatin. We report how the structure and formation of PML NBs, which may involve phase separation mechanisms, might impact their functions in the regulation of chromatin dynamics. In particular, we will discuss how PML NBs participate in the chromatinization of viral genomes, as well as in the control of specific cellular chromatin assembly pathways which govern physiological mechanisms such as senescence or telomere maintenance.
Hypoxia-induced TGF-β–RBFOX2–ESRP1 axis regulates human MENA alternative splicing and promotes EMT in breast cancer
Authors: Ahuja Neha , Ashok Cheemala , Natua Subhashis , Pant Deepak , Cherian Anna , Pandkar Madhura R , Yadav Pooja , Narayanan S.S. Vishnu , Mishra Jharna , Samaiya Atul , Shukla Sanjeev
Published: September 2020

Hypoxic microenvironment heralds epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis in solid tumors. Deregulation of alternative splicing (AS) of several cancer-associated genes has been instrumental in hypoxia-induced EMT. Our study in breast cancer unveils a previously unreported mechanism underlying hypoxia-mediated AS of hMENA, a crucial cytoskeleton remodeler during EMT. We report that the hypoxia-driven depletion of splicing regulator ESRP1 leads to skipping of hMENA exon 11a producing a pro-metastatic isoform, hMENAΔ11a. The transcriptional repression of ESRP1 is mediated by SLUG, which gets stimulated via hypoxia-driven TGF-β signaling. Interestingly, RBFOX2, an otherwise RNA-binding protein, is also found to transcriptionally repress ESRP1 while interacting with SLUG. Similar to SLUG, RBFOX2 gets upregulated under hypoxia via TGF-β signaling. Notably, we found that the exosomal delivery of TGF-β contributes to the elevation of TGF-β signaling under hypoxia. Moreover, our results show that in addition to hMENA, hypoxia-induced TGF-β signaling contributes to global changes in AS of genes associated with EMT. Overall, our findings reveal a new paradigm of hypoxia-driven AS regulation of hMENA and insinuate important implications in therapeutics targeting EMT.
Managing Liquidity in Production Networks: The Role of Central Firms
Authors: Gao Janet
Published: September 2020

Firms in the US economy are closely interconnected in a production network and are subject to shocks that propagate within the network. This study examines the liquidity management of firms centrally connected in the network. I show that, while central firms are more exposed to aggregate swings, they maintain higher cash holdings to protect themselves and connected firms against such exposure. Central firms’ cash holding motives are alleviated by firm diversification but are aggravated by industry competition. Such motives are not explained by alternative determinants of cash policies. My findings suggest that systematically important firms proactively dampen the propagation of shocks in the production network.
Windowed multiscale synchrony: modeling time-varying and scale-localized interpersonal coordination dynamics
Authors: Likens Aaron D , Wiltshire Travis J
Published: September 2020

Social interactions are pervasive in human life with varying forms of interpersonal coordination emerging and spanning different modalities (e.g. behaviors, speech/language, and neurophysiology). However, during social interactions, as in any dynamical system, patterns of coordination form and dissipate at different scales. Historically, researchers have used aggregate measures to capture coordination over time. While those measures (e.g. mean relative phase, cross-correlation, coherence) have provided a wealth of information about coordination in social settings, some evidence suggests that multiscale coordination may change over the time course of a typical empirical observation. To address this gap, we demonstrate an underutilized method, windowed multiscale synchrony, that moves beyond quantifying aggregate measures of coordination by focusing on how the relative strength of coordination changes over time and the scales that comprise social interaction. This method involves using a wavelet transform to decompose time series into component frequencies (i.e. scales), preserving temporal information and then quantifying phase synchronization at each of these scales. We apply this method to both simulated and empirical interpersonal physiological and neuromechanical data. We anticipate that demonstrating this method will stimulate new insights on the mechanisms and functions of synchrony in interpersonal contexts using neurophysiological and behavioral measures.
Biology and Management of Bacterial Spot of Peppers in Oklahoma
Authors: Damicone John , Cevallos Felipe , Trent Mark , Diaz Claudia , Johnson Brett , Hubhachen Zhaorigetu
Published: September 2020

Bacterial spot, an important disease of bell and chili peppers grown in Oklahoma, is caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. We evaluated isolates from 1995 to 2015 (n = 72) for avirulence alleles and race by assessing hypersensitive responses (HRs) on differentials with resistance genes Bs1, Bs2, Bs3, or Bs4. Most isolates (96%) expressed AvrBs2 (races 1, 3, 7, 8), and only three were virulent on Bs2 (race 6). Chili cultivars, grown locally for capsaicin production, were susceptible to all races. Copper-based spray programs were evaluated on bell pepper hybrids with and without Bs2 resistance from 2008 to 2010 and on bell and jalapeño hybrids with Bs2 or Bs1-2-3 from 2017 to 2018. Bs2 and Bs1-2-3 hybrids generally had lower disease and higher yields (≤21 t/ha) than susceptible entries. Copper reduced disease by 20 to 40% and increased yield by an average of 4 t/ha, but yield responses were not always significant (P = 0.05). In August 2018, disease increased to >50% on Bs2 hybrids but remained low on the Bs1-2-3 hybrid. Despite the breakdown of Bs2 resistance, yields of the Bs2 hybrids were not reduced. Avirulence alleles and race of isolates from susceptible, Bs2, and Bs1-2-3 hybrids at the end of the 2018 trial depended on source plant genetics. AvrBs2 was expressed in 86% of isolates from a susceptible hybrid but not in any isolates from the Bs2 and Bs1-2-3 hybrids. HR resistances effectively protected yield, but their deployment may not be sustainable without cultural practices such as crop rotation that limit pathogen survival and transmission to subsequent crops.