bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily Branched‐Chain Amino Acid Intake and Risks of Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Children: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Lu Jun , Gu Yuying , Liu Huikun , Wang Leishen , Li Wei , Li Weiqin , Leng Junhong , Zhang Shuang , Qi Lu , Yang Xilin , Hu Gang
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association of daily branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) intake with the risks of obesity and insulin resistance in children of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

Daily BCAA intake was calculated by using a validated food frequency questionnaire in 996 children of mothers with GDM. The odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) of childhood obesity and insulin resistance were obtained using logistic regression models.

Results

The multivariable‐adjusted ORs for overweight and insulin resistance increased across quartiles of daily BCAA intake (P < 0.05 for trend). Multivariable‐adjusted ORs for each 1‐SD increase in BCAA intake were 1.37 (1.16‐1.62) for overweight and 1.19 (1.02‐1.38) for insulin resistance. After additional adjustment of children’s daily total energy intake, the OR was still significant for overweight risk but no longer significant for insulin resistance. There were positive associations of daily leucine, isoleucine, and valine intake with the risks for overweight and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Daily BCAA intake was associated with increased risks for overweight and insulin resistance in children of mothers with GDM, but this association was not fully independent of children’s daily energy intake. Restriction in dietary BCAA may help prevent childhood obesity and insulin resistance.
Variations in Proteins Dielectric Constants
Authors: Amin Muhamed , Küpper Jochen
Published: June 2020

Using a new semi‐empirical method for calculating molecular polarizabilities and the Clausius−Mossotti relation, we calculated the static dielectric constants of dry proteins for all structures in the protein data bank (PDB). The mean dielectric constant of more than 150,000 proteins is
with a standard deviation of 0.04, which agrees well with previous measurement for dry proteins. The small standard deviation results from the strong correlation between the molecular polarizability and the volume of the proteins. We note that non‐amino acid cofactors such as Chlorophyll may alter the dielectric environment significantly. Furthermore, our model shows anisotropies of the dielectric constant within the same molecule according to the constituents amino acids and cofactors. Finally, by changing the amino acid protonation states, we show that a change of pH does not have a significant effect on the dielectric constants of proteins.
Morality in advertising: An fMRI study on persuasion in communication
Authors: Simmank Fabian , Avram Mihai , Fehse Kai , Sander Tilmann , Zaytseva Yuliya , Paolini Marco , Bao Yan , Silveira Sarita
Published: June 2020

Advertising slogans serve the function of persuasive communication by presenting catchy phrases. To decide whether a slogan is convincing or not, cognitive reasoning is assumed to be complemented by a more implicit and intuitive route of information processing, presumably similar to evaluating normative judgments in moral statements. We employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while Western male subjects judged advertising slogans and moral statements as another decision task with subjective nature. Compared to a neutral control condition that targeted declarative memory and to an aesthetic‐related condition, the evaluation processes in both domains engaged the anterior medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which is associated with decision‐making incorporating personal value. Conjoint activations were also observed in the left temporoparietal junction (TPJ) when compared to the aesthetics condition. Results are discussed with reference to domain‐independence, a suspected difference to aesthetic‐like appreciations, and functional organization in the mPFC and the TPJ.
Discovery of TBC1D7 as a Potential Driver for Melanoma Cell Invasion
Authors: Qi Tianyu F. , Guo Lei , Huang Ming , Li Lin , Miao Weili , Wang Yinsheng
Published: June 2020

Metastasis is the leading cause for mortality in melanoma patients. Here, an unbiased mass spectrometry‐based quantitative proteomic method is utilized to assess differential protein expression in a matched pair of primary/metastatic melanoma cell lines (i.e., WM‐115/WM‐266‐4) derived from the same patient. It is found that TBC1D7 is overexpressed in metastatic over primary melanoma cells, and elevated expression of TBC1D7 promotes the invasion of these melanoma cells in vitro, partly through modulating the activities of secreted matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9. Additionally, interrogation of publicly available data show that higher mRNA expression of TBC1D7 predicts poorer survival in melanoma patients. Together, the results suggest TBC1D7 as a driver for melanoma cell invasion, which is an important element in melanoma metastasis. The proteomic data generated from this study may also be useful for exploring the roles of other proteins in melanoma metastasis.
Coupling experiment and simulation analysis to investigate physical parameters of CO2 methanation in a plasma‐catalytic hybrid process
Authors: Wang Bo , Mikhail Maria , Galvez Maria Elena , Cavadias Simeon , Tatoulian Michael , Da Costa Patrick , Ognier Stéphanie
Published: June 2020

This study focuses on the use of a heterogeneous catalyst Ni/Ce0.58Zr0.42O2 to study the Sabatier reaction in conventional catalytic thermal heating and the dielectric barrier discharge plasma‐catalytic process. Its aim is to study the threshold temperature of the Sabatier reaction in plasma conditions. A set of experiments with different inlet flow rates is carried out in a plasma reactor to investigate the steady‐state temperature of the reaction. To estimate the threshold temperature of the Sabatier reaction more accurately, the temperature difference between the catalytic bed and the external surface of the reactor is calculated and simulated in COMSOL Multiphysics® software. Finally, the threshold temperature of the Sabatier reaction during plasma processing is assumed to be 116°C, based on the experimental data and simulation analysis.
GDF11 enhances therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells for myocardial infarction via YME1L-mediated OPA1 processing
Authors: Zhao Yun , Zhu Jinyun , Zhang Ning , Liu Qi , Wang Yingchao , Hu Xinyang , Chen Jinghai , Zhu Wei , Yu Hong
Published: June 2020

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has been shown to promote stem cell activity, but little is known about the effect of GDF11 on viability and therapeutic efficacy of cardiac mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cardiac injury. To understand the roles of GDF11 in MSCs, mouse heart-derived MSCs were transduced with lentiviral vector carrying genes for both GDF11 and green fluorescent protein (GFP) (MSCsLV-GDF11) or cultured with recombinant GDF11 (MSCsrGDF11). Either MSCsrGDF11 or MSCs LV-GDF11 displayed less cell apoptosis and better paracrine function, as well as preserved mitochondrial morphology and function under hypoxic condition as compared with control MSCs. GDF11 enhanced phosphorylation of Smad2/3, which upregulated expression of YME1L, a mitochondria protease that balances OPA1 processing. Inhibitors of TGF-β receptor (SB431542) or Smad2/3 (SIS3) attenuated the effects of GDF11 on cell viability, mitochondrial function, and expression of YME1L. Transplantation of MSCsGDF11 into infarct heart resulted in improved cell survival and retention, leading to more angiogenesis, smaller scar size, and better cardiac function in comparison with control MSCs. GDF11 enhanced viability and therapeutic efficiency of MSCs by promoting mitochondrial fusion through TGF-β receptor/Smad2/3/YME1L-OPA1 signaling pathway. This novel role of GDF11 may be used for a new approach of stem cell therapy for myocardial infarction.
Hyperboloid‐Drum Microdisk Laser Biosensors for Ultrasensitive Detection of Human IgG
Authors: Guo Zhihe , Qin Yingchun , Chen Peizong , Hu Jinliang , Zhou Yi , Zhao Xuyang , Liu Zhiran , Fei Yiyan , Jiang Xiaoshun , Wu Xiang
Published: June 2020

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) microresonators have been used as optical sensors in fundamental research and practical applications. The majority of WGM sensors are passive resonators that require complex systems, thereby limiting their practicality. Active resonators enable the remote excitation and collection of WGM‐modulated fluorescence spectra, without requiring complex systems, and can be used as alternatives to passive microresonators. This paper demonstrates an active microresonator, which is a microdisk laser in a hyperboloid‐drum (HD) shape. The HD microdisk lasers are a combination of a rhodamine B‐doped photoresist and a silica microdisk. These HD microdisk lasers can be utilized for the detection of label‐free biomolecules. The biomolecule concentration can be as low as 1 ag mL−1, whereas the theoretical detection limit of the biosensor for human IgG in phosphate buffer saline is 9 ag mL−1 (0.06 aM). Additionally, the biosensors are able to detect biomolecules in an artificial serum, with a theoretical detection limit of 9 ag mL−1 (0.06 aM). These results are approximately four orders of magnitude more sensitive than those for the typical active WGM biosensors. The proposed HD microdisk laser biosensors show enormous detection potential for biomarkers in protein secretions or body fluids.
Coordinative similitude method considering overturning effect for scale model testing of structures with rubber bearings
Authors: Ren Xiangxiang , Lu Wensheng , Zhu Yuhua , Günay Selim
Published: June 2020

Generally, when a prototype is scaled down to a scale model, all parameters of the scale model should be designed to satisfy the similitude criteria. For a base‐isolated structure with rubber bearings, however, it is technically difficult to obtain small‐sized rubber bearings with the first shape factor satisfying the similitude criteria. This distortion affects the similitude ratio of the vertical stiffness of the bearings and, thus, influences the similitude ratio of the horizontal response of the structure because of the overturning effect. To solve this problem, a coordinative similitude method is proposed for scale model testing of structures with rubber bearings by adjusting configuration of the isolators to match the similitude ratio of the overturning stiffness of the isolation layer. A full‐scale and two 1/3 scaled bearings were designed and tested, and their similitude relations were evaluated. Test results of the model bearings were extrapolated to the OpenSEES model of a conventional model building and a coordinative building designed based on the conventional similitude method and the coordinative similitude method, respectively. A comparison between seismic responses of two model buildings against the prototype building indicates that the coordinative similitude method has significantly larger accuracy than the traditional similitude method.
Water Policy on SDG6.5 implementation: Progress in Integrated & Transboundary Water Resources Management Implementation
Authors: Ladel Julie , Mehta Mahendra , Gulemvuga Georges , Namayanga Lemmy
Published: June 2020

This article discusses the implementation progress of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 globally and the Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6 by the United Nations. It was noticed that more than 80% of countries have laid solid foundations to achieve at least medium‐low levels of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) implementation. The basin management instruments were not properly implemented in 56% of the surveyed countries; and that Transboundary data sharing was also quite low. Benefits of these programmes in terms of IWRM and Transboundary Water Resource Management progresses are discussed for the Congo Basin, India and Zambia as a case study.
Shared Reading for Valuing Diversity and Fostering Language Acquisition
Authors: Quiring Johanna , Vogt Franziska
Published: June 2020

It is not unknown that children with a migration background often have fewer chances for a successful school career. Traditionally, a lack of skills in the common language is considered the cause of this inequality. Current discussions however offer multidimensional approaches and emphasise the fact that there are many more factors that account for this development. Nonetheless, good knowledge of the common language does support school success and thus remains an important factor. From an early childhood education perspective, the approach of incorporating language acquisition into it in everyday activities seems to be auspicious. Specific strategies to foster language skill acquisition in children that can be incorporated into everyday activities have been discerned. Among other methods, dialogic book reading is widely accepted as an evidence-based method to support children in enhancing their language skills. As important as the development of a conductive environment for the acquisition of language skills in institutions is the inclusion of the children’s parents into this discussion. One possibility is to encourage parents to invest in the children’s first language.
Trochleaplastik: Operationstechnik
Authors: Wurm Alexander , Riechelmann Felix , Dammerer Dietmar , Putzer David , Lair Julian , Liebensteiner Michael
Published: June 2020

Ein 29-jähriger, sportlich aktiver Patient stellt sich mit einer mehrfach rezidivierenden Patellaluxation rechts vor. Die klinische und radiologische Untersuchung zeigt eine Patellainstabilität bei stabilen Kreuz- und Seitenbändern, eine Innenrotation des rechten Oberschenkels sowie eine Trochleadysplasie. Die Therapie erfolgt mittels Trochleaplastik in Kombination mit einer MPFL-Rekonstruktion.
Eye-tracking methodology in mathematics education research: A systematic literature review
Authors: Strohmaier Anselm R. , MacKay Kelsey J. , Obersteiner Andreas , Reiss Kristina M.
Published: June 2020

Eye tracking is an increasingly popular method in mathematics education. While the technology has greatly evolved in recent years, there is a debate about the specific benefits that eye tracking offers and about the kinds of insights it may allow. The aim of this review is to contribute to this discussion by providing a comprehensive overview of the use of eye tracking in mathematics education research. We reviewed 161 eye-tracking studies published between 1921 and 2018 to assess what domains and topics were addressed, how the method was used, and how eye movements were related to mathematical thinking and learning. The results show that most studies were in the domain of numbers and arithmetic, but that a large variety of other areas of mathematics education research was investigated as well. We identify a need to report more methodological details in eye-tracking studies and to be more critical about how to gather, analyze, and interpret eye-tracking data. In conclusion, eye tracking seemed particularly beneficial for studying processes rather than outcomes, for revealing mental representations, and for assessing subconscious aspects of mathematical thinking.
Ecological impact and cost-effectiveness of wildlife crossings in a highly fragmented landscape: a multi-method approach
Authors: Sijtsma Frans J. , van der Veen Eelke , van Hinsberg Arjen , Pouwels Rogier , Bekker Renée , van Dijk René E. , Grutters Mark , Klaassen Raymond , Krijn Margriet , Mouissie Maarten , Wymenga Eddy
Published: June 2020

Context

Road infrastructure construction is integral to economic development, but negatively affects biodiversity. To mitigate the negative impacts of infrastructure, various types of wildlife crossings are realized worldwide, but little is known about their effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness.

Objective

The paper contributes to the methodological and empirical discussion on the effectiveness of wildlife crossings for enhancing the quality of surrounding nature and its cost-effectiveness by analyzing a large-scale wildlife-crossings program in the Netherlands.

Method

A multi-criteria cost–benefit analysis is applied, comprised of monetary and non-monetary measures, and a mixed-method approach is used to determine ecological effects. Ecological effects are expressed in the standardized weighted hectare measurement of threat-weighted ecological quality area (1 T-EQA = 1 ha of 100% ecological quality, averagely threatened). Cost-effectiveness is calculated comparing the monetary costs of intervention with ecological benefits (Euro costs/T-EQA), for different types of wildlife crossings and for two other nature policies.

Results

The Dutch habitat defragmentation program has induced an increase in nature value of 1734 T-EQA at a cost of Euro 283 million. Ecological gains per hierarchically ordered groups of measures differ strongly: The most effective are ecoducts (wildlife crossing bridges) followed by shared-use viaducts and large fauna tunnels. Ecoducts generated the largest gain in nature value, but were also the most costly measures. In terms of cost-effectiveness, both large fauna tunnels and shared-use viaducts for traffic and animals outperformed ecoducts.

Conclusions

Ecoducts deliver ecologically, but their cost-effectiveness appears modest. Purchasing agricultural land for restoration of nature appears more cost-effective than building wildlife crossings. Yet, reducing environmental pressures or their effects on existing nature areas is likely to be most cost-effective.
Algorithmic Fairness in Mortgage Lending: from Absolute Conditions to Relational Trade-offs
Authors: Lee Michelle Seng Ah , Floridi Luciano
Published: June 2020

To address the rising concern that algorithmic decision-making may reinforce discriminatory biases, researchers have proposed many notions of fairness and corresponding mathematical formalizations. Each of these notions is often presented as a one-size-fits-all, absolute condition; however, in reality, the practical and ethical trade-offs are unavoidable and more complex. We introduce a new approach that considers fairness—not as a binary, absolute mathematical condition—but rather, as a relational notion in comparison to alternative decisionmaking processes. Using US mortgage lending as an example use case, we discuss the ethical foundations of each definition of fairness and demonstrate that our proposed methodology more closely captures the ethical trade-offs of the decision-maker, as well as forcing a more explicit representation of which values and objectives are prioritised.
Skepticism and the principle of sufficient reason
Authors: Koons Robert C. , Pruss Alexander R.
Published: June 2020

The Principle of Sufficient Reason must be justified dialectically: by showing the disastrous consequences of denying it. We formulate a version of the Principle that is restricted to basic natural facts, which entails the obtaining of at least one supernatural fact. Denying this principle results in extreme empirical skepticism. We consider six current theories of empirical knowledge, showing that on each account we cannot know that we have empirical knowledge unless we all have a priori knowledge of the PSR. We consider objections based on Neo-Humeanism and the essentiality of origins, and we consider the possibility that we have empirical knowledge without knowing it.
1H, 13C, and 15N backbone chemical shift assignments of m7GTP cap-bound Leishmania initiation factor 4E-1
Authors: Belfetmi Anissa , Léger-Abraham Mélissa
Published: June 2020

Most of the translational control of gene expression in higher eukaryotes occurs during the initiation step of protein synthesis. While this process is well characterized in mammalian cells, it is less defined in parasites, including the ones that cause human Leishmaniasis. The Leishmania cap-binding isoform 1 (LeishIF4E-1) is the only isoform that binds the specific trypanosomatids-specific hypermethylated 5′ cap, called cap-4, in the human stage of the parasite life cycle. We report here the extensive NMR resonance assignment of LeishIF4E-1 bound to a cap analog, m7GTP. The chemical shift data constitute a prerequisite to understanding specific translation initiation mechanisms used in Leishmania parasites and to developing antiparasitic drugs targeting their translation initiation factors.
Seismic amplitudes and spectral attribute analysis in reservoir characterisation, ‘MUN’ onshore Niger delta field
Authors: Munyithya J. M. , Ehirim C. N. , Dagogo T. , K’orowe M. O.
Published: June 2020

Integrating seismic amplitudes and spectral attribute analysis has successfully mapped, validated and characterised hydrocarbon-saturated channel sands by high-amplitude low-frequency anomaly. The aim of the study was targeted at using these novel geophysical tools to improve characterisation of tertiary clastic reservoir in the field. These attributes were extracted along H4 seismic horizon and analysed independently for structure, lithology and hydrocarbon saturation. The result of the analysis shows that both attributes complimented each other in mapping the hydrocarbon-saturated reservoir channel sands. However, the spectral attributes in combination with spectral-based Red, Blue and Green (RGB) colour blending attribute map reveal finer and subtle details of the channel structure and stratigraphy which hitherto were not apparent in the seismic amplitude maps. The channel sands trend NE–SW, broadening towards the southwest and bounded by major growth faults to the northeast and southwest, respectively. It is thick to the southwest and thins to the northeast. By-passed hydrocarbon prospect was delineated to the northeast of the existing wells, and as such, infill wells can be drilled in these areas to recover hydrocarbons.
The ReCAP Project
Authors: Bergmann Ralph , Biertz Manuel , Dumani Lorik , Lenz Mirko , Ludwig Anna-Katharina , Neumann Patrick J. , Ollinger Stefan , Sahitaj Premtim , Schenkel Ralf , Witry Alex
Published: June 2020

Argumentation Machines search for arguments in natural language from information sources on the Web and reason with them on the knowledge level to actively support the deliberation and synthesis of arguments for a particular user query. The recap project is part of the Priority Program ratio and aims at novel contributions to and confluence of methods from information retrieval, knowledge representation, as well as case-based reasoning for the development of future argumentation machines. In this paper we summarise recent research results from the project. In particular, a new German corpus of 100 semantically annotated argument graphs from the domain of education politics has been created and is made available to the argumentation research community. Further, we discuss a comprehensive investigation in finding arguments and argument graphs. We introduce a probabilistic ranking framework for argument retrieval, i.e. for finding good premises for a designated claim. For finding argument graphs, we developed methods for case-based argument retrieval considering the graph structure of an argument together with textual and ontology-based similarity measures applied to claims, premises, and argument schemes.
Is there low maternal genetic variation in West Asian populations of leopard?
Authors: Farhadinia Mohammad S. , Ashrafzadeh Mohammad Reza , Senn Helen , Ashrafi Sohrab , Farahmand Hamid , Ghazali Muhammad , Hunter Luke T. B. , Macdonald David W.
Published: June 2020

Persian leopards Panthera pardus saxicolor have been extirpated from over 84% of their historic range and are now limited to rugged landscapes of West Asia and the Caucasus. Understanding and maintaining genetic diversity and population connectivity is important for preventing inbreeding and genetic drift, both of which can threaten population viability. All previous analyses of intraspecific genetic variation of West Asian leopards based on the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene have reported low mitogenomic diversity. In the current study, we sequenced 959 bp of the mtDNA cytochrome b gene to describe the spatial genetic structure of 22 wild Persian leopards across Iran, which hosts most of the subspecies extant range. The findings based on phylogenetic trees and median-joining network indicated that leopards from Iran formed a distinct subclade, i.e., P. p. saxicolor. The AMOVA analysis showed significant differentiation (88.55%) between the subclades of Persian leopards and other Asian leopards. The lowest levels of haplotype (0.247) and nucleotide (0.00078) diversity were estimated in Persian leopards from Iran. Mitochondrial genome sequencing revealed only two closely related haplotypes. There was no evidence for recent sudden demographic expansion scenario in Persian leopards. The low diversity in cytochrome b gene could potentially be brought about by selective pressure on mitochondria to adapt to oxidative stress and higher metabolic rates in cold environments.
Platform and fine chemicals from woody biomass: demonstration and assessment of a novel biorefinery
Authors: Nitzsche Roy , Gröngröft Arne , Köchermann Jakob , Meisel Kathleen , Etzold Hendrik , Verges Marlen , Leschinsky Moritz , Bachmann Julian , Saake Bodo , Torkler Sandra , Patzsch Katja , Rößiger Björn , Pufky-Heinrich Daniela , Unkelbach Gerd
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was the experimental demonstration and assessment of a novel lignocellulose biorefinery (LCB) for the integration of beech wood-based products as platform and fine chemicals. The process sequence included organosolv pulping followed by pulp bleaching, hydrothermal conversion of hemicellulose to xylose and its purification, fermentation of xylose to malic acid, and base-catalyzed lignin depolymerization (BCD). The resulting products were dissolving pulp, phenolic BCD-oligomers, and malic acid. The state of the art for these technologies is their experimental proof of concept and validation at a laboratory- and pilot-scale and has a technology readiness level (TRL) of 3–4. By integrating and optimizing the single-process steps into one LCB, the TRL could be increased to 5. Based on the findings of the experimental studies, a LCB converting 50,000 dry metric tonnes ($$ \hat{=} $$

=
̂

38.7 MW) of beech wood annually was simulated with Aspen Plus. Mass and energy balances showed that 14,616 dry metric tonnes of dissolving pulp, 5174 dry metric tonnes of BCD-oligomers, and 4077 dry metric tonnes of malic acid annually could be produced. The total energy efficiency is 40.3%. The calculation of specific production costs demonstrated the marketability of dissolving pulp (1350 €/t) and BCD-oligomers (2180 €/t), whereas malic acid (4750 €/t) is not yet competitive. Environmental assessment showed reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the production of BCD-oligomers and malic acid and higher GHG emissions from the production of dissolving pulp compared with the reference products. In total, the examined LCB would contribute to the mitigation of global warming.
An evaluation of low-level automation navigation functions upon vessel traffic services work practices
Authors: Aylward Katie , Johannesson Anders , Weber Reto , MacKinnon Scott N. , Lundh Monica
Published: June 2020

The Sea Traffic Management (STM) Validation Project is a European-based initiative with ambitions to improve maritime safety and efficiency through information sharing in real time. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the “STM services,” which can be categorized as low-level automated functions designed to improve information exchange between ship and shore. Full-scale simulated scenarios were developed and tested on 16 professional vessel traffic service (VTS) operators comparing VTS operations as they are today with the added STM functionality. Data collection involved observations which assessed the frequency and type of interactions between ships and VTS, followed by questionnaires to provide an overall assessment of the user experience. The results indicate that the frequency and method of communication patterns between VTS operators and ships will be affected by the integration of the STM services. Additional access to navigational information could change the role of VTS operators in traffic situations compared with traditional operations. This paper discusses the findings from a socio-technical systems perspective while also addressing the individual STM services and their potential impact on VTS operations. This research provides valuable information for European VTS centers that could be affected by the implementation of e-Navigation and, specifically, the STM services.
The Intergenerational Impact of Terror: Did the 9/11 Tragedy Impact the Initial Human Capital of the Next Generation?
Authors: Brown Ryan
Published: June 2020

Given the unexpected nature of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, a specific cohort of children were exogenously exposed to increased maternal psychological stress in utero. Rich administrative data and the precise timing of the event allow this study to uniquely provide insights into the health effects of exposure to maternal psychological stress across gestation. Results suggest that children exposed in utero were born significantly smaller and earlier than previous cohorts. The timing of the effect provides evidence that intrauterine growth is specifically restricted by first trimester exposure to stress; reductions in gestational age and increases in the likelihood of being born at low (<2,500 grams) or very low (<1,500 grams) birth weight are induced by increased maternal psychological stress mid-pregnancy. This study also documents a positively selected post-attack fertility response, which would bias an evaluation that includes cohorts conceived after September 11, 2001, in the control group.
Hic sunt dracones? Mapping the Legal Framework of China’s Innovation Policy: Standardization and IPRs
Authors: Pusceddu Piergiuseppe
Published: June 2020

China’s economy has been growing at a rapid rate over the past 30 years. Initially, economic development was pursued through leveraging the supply of cheap labour for export purposes. After China joined the World Trade Organization, the Chinese government realized the importance of cultivating innovation capabilities. As such, Chinese policymakers formulated what is known as an “indigenous innovation” policy, emphasizing the importance of Chinese-owned technology, standards, and intellectual property rights (IPRs). Academic scholars have studied China’s innovation policy from different disciplinary angles, in particular from the perspective of its political economy. Important contributions have analyzed the connections between China’s standardization regime and its IPR regime – especially in the area of information and communications technology. Although these contributions provide a valuable account of the dynamics within the regime(s), this phenomenon has not been analyzed from a legal perspective. This article aims to fill this gap by tracking the evolution of the legal framework of China’s innovation policy since the 1950s, including recent developments. More specifically, it seeks to determine how China’s innovation policy has resulted in the development and adoption of laws, rules, and regulations regarding standardization and IPRs with the aim of realizing China’s innovative potential and economic prosperity.
Do you trade with your friends or become friends with your trading partners? A case study in the $\breve {G}1$ cryptocurrency
Authors: Gensollen Nicolas , Latapy Matthieu
Published: June 2020

We study the interplay between social ties and financial transactions made through a recent cryptocurrency called $\breve {G}1$Ğ1. It has the particularity of combining the usual transaction record with a reliable network of identified users. This gives the opportunity to observe exactly who sent money to whom over a social network. This social network is a key piece of this cryptocurrency, which therefore puts much effort in ensuring that nodes correspond to unique, well identified, real living human users, linked together only if they met at least once in real world. Using this data, we study how social ties impact the structure of transactions and conversely. We show that users make transactions almost exclusively with people they are connected with in the social network. Instead, they tend to build social connections with people they will never make transactions with.
Near field modelling of dust emissions caused by drilling and crushing
Authors: Sairanen M. , Pursio S.
Published: June 2020

This study compares modelling results to measured concentrations near dust sources in a natural stone quarry and in two aggregate quarries. In the natural stone quarry, the dust source was drilling and in the aggregate quarries, it was crushing. Aim is to evaluate performance of model BREEZE AERMOD under 200 m from the dust source, and to estimate AERMOD’s applicability to represent short time dust dispersion events. If the model can capture the short-term variation of dust dispersion, it is usable in evaluation of weather conditions, when dust prevention should be enhanced, or production even paused, if there are critical objects near the quarry. The comparison between the measured and the modelled concentrations showed, that the model reacted more severely to changes in weather conditions, whereas the measurements showed no significant changes. AERMOD was not able to predict hourly concentration fluctuation, which is assumed to result from the lack of on-site meteorological data. The emission factors (EFs) determined for drilling either overestimated or underestimated the dust concentration. Therefore, the EF for drilling needs further research to obtain results reflecting the measured concentration levels better. The EF for crushing predicted well the dust dispersion near the dust source during the summer, but the model was unable to predict the dust concentration increase during the wintertime caused by the ground inversion, trapping the dust particles to remain near the ground. Modelling is applicable to aggregate quarries operating during unstable (non-inversion) meteorological conditions. Usage of on-site weather parameters is recommended.
Penile Implant Infection: Experience With Expanded Salvage Criteria and a Shortened Course of Postoperative Antibiotics
Authors: Chandrapal Jason , Harper Shelby , Davis Leah G. , Lentz Aaron C.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The preferred treatment for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) infection includes antibiotic therapy, device removal, and immediate replacement. While this is an accepted procedure, the delivery and length of postoperative antibiotics are not standardized. Furthermore, historical salvage criteria may be overly restrictive given the new salvage techniques.

Aim

Our aim is to determine if an expanded salvage criteria and shorter course of antibiotics demonstrate acceptable IPP infection rates.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 466 consecutive IPP cases from a single surgeon between March 2014 and March 2019. Salvage and reinfection were determined by current procedural terminology codes, and the final cohort was individually reviewed for integrity. Demographic, operative, and culture data from each patient were obtained. All patients were discharged on oral antibiotics after initial salvage. Patients were not excluded for exposed hardware, immunosuppression, tissue necrosis, severe diabetes, or corporal purulence. Owing to the small sample size, only descriptive statistics were used to describe the final cohort.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were classification of microorganisms cultured at the time of salvage and salvage failure rate.

Results

A total of 26 cases of IPP infections (6%) were identified. The median (interquartile ratio) age and body mass index were 62 (58–66) and 32 (28–34), respectively. During initial salvage, gross purulence was noted in 9 patients (35%), and 22 patients (84%) had a malleable prosthesis placed. The most prescribed postoperative antibiotic was Bactrim/Augmentin with a median (interquartile ratio) antibiotic duration of 14 days (11–14). After IPP salvage, 2 patients (8%) developed a reinfection while on oral antibiotics. One of those patients was immunosuppressed, and the other was infected with Candida glabrata.

Conclusion

Expanded salvage criteria and postoperative oral antibiotic duration of at least 14 days demonstrated an acceptable infection rate. This suggests that a longer antibiotic therapy may not be necessary.
Measurement of the peripheral aberrations of human eyes: A comprehensive review
Authors: Zhao Yanbo , Fang Fengzhou
Published: June 2020

It has been nearly 50 years since the first glimpse of the relationship between myopia and peripheral refractive errors. According to experiments on both animals and humans, the eyes with hyperopic peripheral vision appear to be at higher risk of developing myopia than those with myopic peripheral refractive errors. Despite the first measurement of peripheral refraction being achieved by a modified manual optometer, the concept of emmetropization triggered a rapidly increasing number of studies on peripheral aberrations. Not only the horizontal off-axis aberrations but also the meridional aberrations at different angles are measured by researchers during the development of peripheral aberrations measuring techniques. According to the differences among the working principles, a variety of techniques have been adopted for performing such measurements. The methods developed to realize the high-performance measurement involve the subject cooperating actively by rotating the head or eyes, the rotation of the whole optical path, and the combination of measurements of many light paths. This paper provides a review of the peripheral aberrations measuring techniques and their current status. This article also highlights the development trend of the measuring techniques of peripheral aberrations and practical applications of peripheral aberration measurements, such as the control of the accommodation, the measuring time, and the dynamic range problem of the wavefront sensor. Although wavefront sensing peripheral measurement is widely recognized for its capability to reveal both lower-order aberrations and higher-order aberrations, the efficiency of an autorefractometer is incomparable. The current study reveals that the most widely used peripheral aberration measurement methods are the use of an open field autorefractometer and Hartman-shack wavefront sensor-based techniques.
Characteristics of vomiting as a predictor of intracranial injury in pediatric minor head injury
Authors: Harper Jessica A. , Klassen Terry P. , Balshaw Robert , Dyck Justin , Osmond Martin H. ,   for the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada Head Injury Study Group
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Vomiting is common in children after minor head injury. In previous research, isolated vomiting was not a significant predictor of intracranial injury after minor head injury; however, the significance of recurrent vomiting is unclear. This study aimed to determine the value of recurrent vomiting in predicting intracranial injury after pediatric minor head injury.

Methods

This secondary analysis of the CATCH2 prospective multicenter cohort study included participants (0–16 years) who presented to a pediatric emergency department (ED) within 24 hours of a minor head injury. ED physicians completed standardized clinical assessments. Recurrent vomiting was defined as ≥ four episodes. Intracranial injury was defined as acute intracranial injury on computed tomography scan. Predictors were examined using chi-squared tests and logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 855 (21.1%) of the 4,054 CATCH2 participants had recurrent vomiting, 197 (4.9%) had intracranial injury, and 23 (0.6%) required neurosurgical intervention. Children with recurrent vomiting were significantly more likely to have intracranial injury (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7–3.1), and require neurosurgical intervention (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.5–7.9). Recurrent vomiting remained a significant predictor of intracranial injury (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9–3.9) when controlling for other CATCH2 criteria. The probability of intracranial injury increased with number of vomiting episodes, especially when accompanied by other high-risk factors, including signs of a skull fracture, or irritability and Glasgow Coma Scale score < 15 at 2 hours postinjury. Timing of first vomiting episode, and age were not significant predictors.

Conclusions

Recurrent vomiting (≥ four episodes) was a significant risk factor for intracranial injury in children after minor head injury. The probability of intracranial injury increased with the number of vomiting episodes and if accompanied by other high-risk factors, such as signs of a skull fracture or altered level of consciousness.
Judicial Discretion as a Result of Systemic Indeterminacy
Authors: Reyes Molina Sebastián A.
Published: June 2020

The topic of ‘judicial discretion’ has been at the center of the debate on legal interpretation in the philosophy of law.1 In a general sense, ‘discretion’ here refers to the exercise of a judgment by a decision-maker due to the lack of legal constraints affecting one’s ability to decide a case. The most fundamental question on this topic is ‘do judges have discretion when interpreting the law?’ There are three kinds of answers to this query. One kind of answer states that judges never have discretion.2 Another kind of answer states that judges always have discretion in interpretation.3 The third kind of answer states that judges sometimes have discretion when interpreting the law, and sometimes they do not.4
The impact of leprosy on the mental wellbeing of leprosy-affected persons and their family members – a systematic review
Authors: Somar PMW , Waltz MM , van Brakel WH
Published: June 2020

Leprosy has long-term consequences related to impairment and stigma. This includes a major impact on mental health. This study aims to consolidate current evidence regarding the mental health impact of leprosy on affected persons and their family members. In addition, determinants influencing mental health outcomes among leprosy-affected persons and effective interventions are examined. A keyword-based search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, Infolep and InfoNTD; additional literature was also considered. Articles presenting primary data involving leprosy-affected persons or their family members experiencing mental conditions were included. Independent extraction of articles was executed using predefined data fields. Articles were sorted according to relevance. In total, 65 studies were included in this systematic review. Multiple psychiatric morbidities have been identified among leprosy-affected persons, including depression, anxiety disorders and suicide (attempts). Additional factors were found that may impact mental health. Moreover, studies found that demographic factors, lifestyle and disease-specific factors and stigma and discrimination impact mental health. Depressive symptoms and low self-esteem were identified among children of leprosy-affected persons. In addition, interventions were identified that could improve the mental wellbeing of leprosy patients. Depressive disorders and anxiety disorders were found to be very common among persons affected by leprosy. Feelings such as fear, shame and low self-esteem are also experienced by those affected, and their children. Further research is necessary to ensure that mental health impact is included when determining the burden of disease for leprosy, and to relieve this burden.
Commentary: 'It was "year one"'
Authors: Salisbury Chris
Published: June 2020

The thirtieth anniversary of the election of Wayne Goss's Labor Party to government in Queensland was marked on 2 December 2019. Considered a landmark political event, the 1989 state election saw the once-dominant National Party dispatched from office after thirty-two years of conservative government in this state. The election of an energetic new premier kick-started a period of purposeful public administration reform and public accountability renewal that many have described since as 'the birth of modern Queensland'. Yet the end of the divisive Bjelke-Petersen era, as Goss's ascent was characterised, was for some an uneasy time of accelerated transformational change. From these varied perspectives, and through the recorded recollections of public figures and senior administrators of the time, this article looks back at a modern benchmark for 'historic' state elections in Queensland.
The Longman by-election of 2018
Authors: Mickel John , Wanna John
Published: June 2020

This article sets out to explain how the relatively unremarkable 2018 by-election result in which a sitting Labor candidate held her seat with a mediocre swing towards her resulted in the panicked removal of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull from office and his immediate resignation from the parliament. The combined Queensland state Coalition party, the Liberal National Party, convinced itself that it could win the marginal outer-metropolitan seat of Longman in Queensland but when its expectations were dashed, it became spooked and set in train a chain of events that ousted Turnbull and installed Scott Morrison as prime minister. Turnbull was widely seen by the Coalition party room as having run a lack-lustre campaign in the 2016 federal election, and not having performed well in the 2018 by-election campaigns. Perhaps unwisely, Turnbull made the Longman by-election a direct leadership contest between himself and opposition leader Bill Shorten. However, Labor’s tactics in the by-election ‘outmanned, outspent and out-campaigned’ the Coalition’s faltering campaign in the seat, causing the relatively unremarkable outcome in Longman to become a catalyst for a challenge to Turnbull’s leadership. When parliament reconvened, Peter Dutton became the ‘stalking horse’ who resulted in the rise of Scott Morrison to the top office.
Quasi-parallel propagation of solitary waves in magnetised non-relativistic electron–positron plasmas
Authors: Ruderman Michael S.
Published: June 2020

We study the propagation of nonlinear waves in non-relativistic electron–positron plasmas. The waves are assumed to propagate at small angles with respect to the equilibrium magnetic field. We derive the equation describing the wave propagation under the assumption that the waves are weakly dispersive and also can weakly depend on spatial variables orthogonal to the equilibrium magnetic field. We obtain solutions of the derived equation describing solitons. Then we study the stability of solitons with respect to transverse perturbations.
Light intensity and spectral distribution affect chytrid infection of cyanobacteriaviamodulation of host fitness
Authors: Tao Yile , Wolinska Justyna , Hölker Franz , Agha Ramsy
Published: June 2020

Light gradients are an inherent feature in aquatic ecosystems and play a key role in shaping the biology of phytoplankton. Parasitism by chytrid fungi is gaining increasing attention as a major control agent of phytoplankton due to its previously overlooked ubiquity, and profound ecological and evolutionary consequences. Despite this interest, if and how light conditions modulate phytoplankton chytridiomycosis remains poorly studied. We investigated life-history traits of a chytrid parasite,Rhizophydium megarrhizum, under different light intensities and spectral compositions when infecting two closely related planktonic cyanobacteria with different light-harvesting strategies:Planktothrix rubescensandP. agardhii. In general, parasite transmission was highest under light conditions (both intensity and quality) that maximized growth rates for uninfected cyanobacteria. Chytrid encystment on hosts was significantly affected by light intensity and host strain identity. This likely resulted from higher irradiances stimulating the increased discharge of photosynthetic by-products, which drive parasite chemotaxis, and from strain-specific differences at the cell-surface. Comparisons of parasite transmission and host growth rates under different light conditions suggest the potential for epidemic development at higher irradiances, whereas host and parasite could coexist without epidemic outbreaks at lower light levels. These results illustrate the close relationship between parasite transmission and host fitness, which is ultimately modulated by the external environment.