bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher Haantjes Brackets and Integrability
Authors: Tempesta Piergiulio , Tondo Giorgio
Published: November 2021

We propose a new, infinite class of brackets generalizing the Frölicher–Nijenhuis bracket. This class can be reduced to a family of generalized Nijenhuis torsions recently introduced. In particular, the Haantjes bracket, the first example of our construction, is relevant in the characterization of Haantjes moduli of operators. We also prove that the vanishing of a higher-level Nijenhuis torsion of an operator field is a sufficient condition for the integrability of its eigen-distributions. This result (which does not require any knowledge of the spectral properties of the operator) generalizes the celebrated Haantjes theorem. The same vanishing condition also guarantees that the operator can be written, in a local chart, in a block-diagonal form.
The effect of visually manipulating back size and morphology on back perception, body ownership, and attitudes towards self-capacity during a lifting task
Authors: Themelis Kristy , Ratcliffe Natasha , Nishigami Tomohiko , Wand Benedict M. , Newport Roger , Stanton Tasha R.
Published: November 2021

Body re-sizing illusions can profoundly alter perception of our own body. We investigated whether creating the illusion of a muscled and fit-looking back (Strong) influenced perceived back size, body ownership, and attitudes towards self-capacity during a lifting task. Twenty-four healthy male volunteers performed a standardised lifting task while viewing real-time (delay < 20 ms) video of their own back through a head-mounted display under four different conditions (Normal size, Strong, Reshaped, Large; order randomised). The MIRAGE-mediated reality system was used to modify the shape, size, and morphology of the back. Participants were poor at recognizing the correct appearance of their back, for both implicit (perceived width of shoulders and hips) and explicit (questionnaire) measures of back size. Visual distortions of body shape (Reshaped condition) altered implicit back size measures. However, viewing a muscled back (Strong condition) did not result in a sense of agency or ownership and did not update implicit perception of the back. No conditions improved perceptions/attitudes of self-capacity (perceived back strength, perceived lifting confidence, and perceived back fitness). The results lend support for the importance of the embodiment of bodily changes to induce changes in perception. Further work is warranted to determine whether increased exposure to illusory changes would alter perceptions and attitudes towards self-capacity or whether different mechanisms are involved.
Energetischer Aufwand der Bereitstellung von Primärkupfer für Deutschland
Authors: Rötzer Nadine
Published: November 2021

Die geologisch verfügbare Menge an Metallen wie Kupfer wird kontrovers diskutiert. Die Rohstoffpolitik sollte sich besser am eigentlich einschränkenden Faktor, der erforderlichen Energie zur Rohstoffbereitstellung, statt an dieser spekulativen Diskussion orientieren. Dazu ist ein Verständnis des energetischen Aufwands und seiner Einflussfaktoren unerlässlich. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird ein generisches Modell der Kupfergewinnung vorgestellt und der kumulierte Energieaufwand (KEA) sowie das Treibhausgaspotential (GWP) der Primärkupferbereitstellung für Deutschland ermittelt. Der mittels des Modells berechnete KEA beträgt 40 MJ/kg Cu, das GWP 3,3 kg CO2-Äq/kg Cu. Eine detaillierte Betrachtung zeigt, dass KEA und GWP des importierten Kupfers abhängig von der Bezugsquelle deutlich variieren. Die Bezugsquelle und die mit ihr einhergehenden geologischen und technischen Parameter stellen somit wichtige Einflussfaktoren hinsichtlich des energetischen Aufwands und der Emission von Treibhausgasen dar. Neben den Bezugsquellen spielt auch die Art des importierten Guts, d. h. Kupferkonzentrat oder Kupferkathode, eine Rolle. Der Transportaufwand ist beim Import von Kupferkonzentrat aufgrund dessen geringen Metallgehalts deutlich höher. Unter gleichen technischen Voraussetzungen ist es daher sinnvoll, dass die metallurgische Behandlung möglichst in der Nähe der Minen stattfindet. Dies gilt es jedoch im Einzelfall und unter Berücksichtigung weiterer z. B. rohstoffpolitischer Aspekte zu prüfen.
The cost-effectiveness of unilateral cochlear implants in UK adults
Authors: Cutler Henry , Gumbie Mutsa , Olin Emma , Parkinson Bonny , Bowman Ross , Quadri Hafsa , Mann Timothy
Published: November 2021

Objective

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updated its eligibility criteria for unilateral cochlear implants (UCIs) in 2019. NICE claimed this would not impact the cost-effectiveness results used within its 2009 technology appraisal guidance. This claim is uncertain given changed clinical practice and increased healthcare unit costs. Our objective was to estimate the cost-effectiveness estimates of UCIs in UK adults with severe to profound hearing loss within the contemporary NHS environment.

Methods

A cost–utility analysis employing a Markov model was undertaken to compare UCIs with hearing aids or no hearing aids for people with severe to profound hearing loss. A clinical pathway was developed to estimate resource use. Health-related quality of life, potential adverse events, device upgrades and device failure were captured. Unit costs were derived mostly from the NHS data. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis further assessed the effect of uncertain model inputs.

Results

A UCI is likely to be deemed cost-effective when compared to a hearing aid (£11,946/QALY) or no hearing aid (£10,499/QALY). A UCI has an 93.0% and 98.7% likelihood of being cost-effective within the UK adult population when compared to a hearing aid or no hearing aid, respectively. ICERs were mostly sensitive to the proportion of people eligible for cochlear implant, discount rate, surgery and device costs and processor upgrade cost.

Conclusion

UCIs remain cost-effective despite changes to clinical practice and increased healthcare unit costs. Updating the NICE criteria to provide better access UCIs is projected to increase annual implants in adults and children by 70% and expenditure by £28.6 million within three years. This increased access to UCIs will further improve quality of life of recipients and overall social welfare.
Multi-objective dynamic programming with limited precision
Authors: Mandow L. , Perez-de-la-Cruz J. L. , Pozas N.
Published: November 2021

This paper addresses the problem of approximating the set of all solutions for Multi-objective Markov Decision Processes. We show that in the vast majority of interesting cases, the number of solutions is exponential or even infinite. In order to overcome this difficulty we propose to approximate the set of all solutions by means of a limited precision approach based on White’s multi-objective value-iteration dynamic programming algorithm. We prove that the number of calculated solutions is tractable and show experimentally that the solutions obtained are a good approximation of the true Pareto front.
Tracking the behavior of rocky coastal cliffs in northwestern Spain
Authors: Gómez-Pazo Alejandro , Pérez-Alberti Augusto , Trenhaile Alan
Published: November 2021

Rocky coastal regions are often inaccessible due to steep slopes and high relief. Remotely sensed data can, therefore, be useful, but they often have low spatial and temporal resolution and, in the case of airborne LiDAR, if not publically available, are costly to obtain. This paper reports on the use of high-resolution images from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetric techniques, supplemented by a series of orthophotos and aerial LiDAR, to examine changes in rocky coastal cliffs from 2002 to 2018. The study was conducted over an 800 m-long, orthogneiss-dominated coastal section in northwestern Galicia, Spain. Cliff changes are due, primarily, to rockfalls, resulting from weathering and wave undercutting, which cause talus deposits to accumulate at the cliff foot. These deposits provide temporary protection to the cliff from wave action, until destabilized and removed by wave erosion and shallow landslides. Cliff recession rates are affected by changing conditions within a cycle and are dependent, in part, on when a survey is conducted. The data suggest that rates of cliff recession are increasing in this region and that the plan shape of the coast, which consists of headlands and bays, is continuing to evolve. Most coastal landslides in this region help to transport and dispose of talus fallen from the cliff. In contrast to landslides that remove intact materials from the cliff face, and are, therefore, primary erosional mechanisms, talus landslides are triggered by wave erosion and probably simultaneously, by storm wave spray and splash, rather than by heavy rainfall.
Processes and evolution of the Pleistocene coastal sedimentary succession of Es Codolar (Southern Eivissa, Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean): insights from soft-sediment deformation structures
Authors: del Valle Laura , Pomar Francesc , Fornós Joan J. , Gelabert Bernadí , Timar-Gabor Alida
Published: November 2021

We analyze the evolution of the undeformed Middle to Late Pleistocene deposits of Es Codolar (Southern Eivissa, Western Mediterranean). The outcrop records a succession characterized by the alternation of aeolian, colluvial and alluvial fan deposits and palaeosols that result in a complex stratigraphic architecture. In this area, aeolian beds, colluvial deposits and palaeosols are exposed along sea-cliffs for almost 500 m, allowing detailed descriptions both of the general sedimentological and geomorphological features of the Middle to Late Pleistocene deposits. Several different types of soft-sediment deformation structures are described (load-casts structures, injection structures, water-scape structures, rizoconcretions), which will help us in the understanding of the climatic evolution and the syn- post-depositional processes. In this way, main processes triggering the formation of these structures seem to be sea level changes together with a wetter environment during warmer climatic episodes.
Impact of Virtual Disaster Collaboration Exercises on Disaster Leadership at Hospitals in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sultan Mohammed Ali Salem , Khorram-Manesh Amir , Carlström Eric , Berlin Johan , Sørensen Jarle Løwe
Published: November 2021

This study measured the impact of virtual three-level collaboration (3LC) exercises on participants’ perceived levels of collaboration, learning, and utility (CLU) at hospitals in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Our 3LC exercise is a tabletop training tool used to facilitate disaster education and document CLU. This model enables the practitioner to acquire new knowledge and promotes active learning. An English version of the CLU scale, the validated Swedish survey tool, was applied to 100 healthcare managers or leaders in various positions at both the operational and tactical levels after conducting the 3LC exercises. The response rate was 100%, although not all questions were answered in some cases. The results show that most participants strongly agreed that the exercises focused on collaboration (r2= 0.767) and that they had acquired new knowledge during the exercises. There was a statistically significant association between participation in the collaboration exercises and perceived learning (r2= 0.793), as well as between perceived learning and utility (r2= 0.811). The collaboration exercises enhance the perceived effects of CLU. They also improve the ability of participants to adapt situational strategies to achieve a safer society. Although exercises were conducted virtually, they were well received by the participants and achieved a value M = 4.4 CLU score, which opens up new dimensions in collaboration simulation exercises.
Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice in Healthcare Simulation: a Scoping Review
Authors: Ng Carly , Primiani Nadia , Orchanian-Cheff Ani
Published: November 2021

Rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP) is a type of simulation-based medical education (SBME) where learners cycle between deliberate practice and directed feedback until skill mastery is achieved before progressing to subsequent learning objectives. This scoping review examines and summarizes the literature on RCDP, compares RCDP to other modes of instruction, and identifies knowledge gaps for future research. Of the 1224 articles identified, 23 studies met inclusion criteria. The studies varied in design, RCDP technique implementation strategies, and outcome measures. RCDP is associated with positive outcomes in immediate learner performance. It is unclear if RCDP is superior to traditional simulation.
Atrial fibrillation: a geriatric perspective on the 2020 ESC guidelines
Authors: Polidori M. Cristina , Alves Mariana , Bahat Gulistan , Boureau Anne Sophie , Ozkok Serdar , Pfister Roman , Pilotto Alberto , Veronese Nicola , Bo Mario ,   on behalf of the Special Interest Group “Cardiovascular Diseases” of the EuGMS
Published: November 2021

Background

The Task Force for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) published in 2020 the updated Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation with the contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC and the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS).

Methods and results

In this narrative viewpoint, we approach AF from the perspective of aging medicine and try to provide the readers with information usually neglected in clinical routine, mainly due to the fact that while the large majority of AF patients in real life are older, frail and cognitively impaired, these are mostly excluded from clinical trials, and physicians’ attitudes often prevail over standardized algorithms.

Conclusions

On the basis of existing evidence, (1) opportunistic AF screening by pulse palpation or ECG rhythm strip is cost-effective, and (2) whereas advanced chronological age by itself is not a contraindication to AF treatment, a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) including frailty, cognitive impairment, falls and bleeding risk may assist in clinical decision making to provide the best individualized treatment.
Leistungsentwicklung in jahrgangsgemischten und jahrgangshomogenen dritten und vierten Klassen
Authors: Munser-Kiefer Meike , Martschinke Sabine , Lindl Alfred , Hartinger Andreas
Published: November 2021

In einer quasi-experimentellen Längsschnittstudie wurde die Leistungsentwicklung jahrgangsgemischt und jahrgangshomogen unterrichteter Schüler*innen des dritten und vierten Schuljahres (N = 1644) aus 125 Klassen (njahrgangsgemischt = 68,njahrgangshomogen = 57) zu drei Messzeitpunkten miteinander verglichen. Die Ergebnisse der gematchten Gesamtstichprobe zeigen – bei vergleichbaren Ausgangswerten zu Beginn der dritten Jahrgangstufe – am Ende der vierten Jahrgangsstufe keine Unterschiede. Die Leistungsentwicklung bis zum Ende der dritten Jahrgangsstufe belegt hingegen insgesamt einen kleinen Effekt zugunsten jahrgangsgemischter Klassen. Zusätzlich werden differenzielle Effekte für verschiedene Leistungsgruppen geprüft: Hier sind am Ende der dritten Klasse signifikante kleine bis mittlere positive Effekte der Jahrgangsmischung in den oberen drei Leistungsquartilen zu erkennen. Am Ende der vierten Klasse finden sich nur für Kinder aus dem untersten Leistungsquartil tendenziell Vorteile durch die Jahrgangsmischung. Die Studie weist somit auf die Bedeutung differenzieller Effekte in Abhängigkeit von der Altersgruppe bzw. vom Leistungsstand hin, die dahinterliegende Änderungen in der Tiefenstruktur von Unterricht vermuten lassen und Anregungen für die Weiterentwicklung des jahrgangsgemischten Unterrichts geben können.
The impact of COVID-19 on health of the older persons in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammad Mainul , Sultan Shafayat , Hossain Mohammad Bellal
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 is impacting the health of the population, including older persons. Available evidence shows that older people are highly vulnerable and more likely to have adverse health outcomes. In Bangladesh, the older population is rapidly increasing, living with various disadvantaged socio-economic conditions, including inadequate access and healthcare services. These disparities are likely to increase during the COVID-19, resulting in high morbidity and mortality among them. Thus, we have examined the health vulnerabilities of older persons due to the COVID-19 pandemic using content analysis. We have analyzed 102 content collected from various online and printed articles published in newspapers, journals, and other relevant sources. The study has found increased health risks, deteriorated mental health, and poor health system functioning during the pandemic and its impact on older persons in Bangladesh. Strengthening health systems through an integrated model with capacity development of existing health care providers to deal with elderly health problems, including mental health and psychosocial wellbeing; promoting preventive measures, facilitating access to healthcare is required. Bangladesh can learn the Chinese experience to adopt innovative, specialized, and advanced systems to efficiently fight against the COVID-19.
Charged particle tracking with quantum annealing optimization
Authors: Zlokapa Alexander , Anand Abhishek , Vlimant Jean-Roch , Duarte Javier M. , Job Joshua , Lidar Daniel , Spiropulu Maria
Published: November 2021

At the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC), traditional track reconstruction techniques that are critical for physics analysis will need to be upgraded to scale with track density. Quantum annealing has shown promise in its ability to solve combinatorial optimization problems amidst an ongoing effort to establish evidence of a quantum speedup. As a step towards exploiting such potential speedup, we investigate a track reconstruction approach by adapting the existing geometric Denby-Peterson (Hopfield) network method to the quantum annealing framework for HL-LHC conditions. We develop additional techniques to embed the problem onto existing and near-term quantum annealing hardware. Results using simulated annealing and quantum annealing with the D-Wave 2X system on theTrackMLopen dataset are presented, demonstrating the successful application of a quantum annealing algorithm to the track reconstruction challenge. We find that combinatorial optimization problems can effectively reconstruct tracks, suggesting possible applications for fast hardware-specific implementations at the HL-LHC while leaving open the possibility of a quantum speedup for tracking.
Towards responsible media recommendation
Authors: Elahi Mehdi , Jannach Dietmar , Skjærven Lars , Knudsen Erik , Sjøvaag Helle , Tolonen Kristian , Holmstad Øyvind , Pipkin Igor , Throndsen Eivind , Stenbom Agnes , Fiskerud Eivind , Oesch Adrian , Vredenberg Loek , Trattner Christoph
Published: November 2021

Reading or viewing recommendations are a common feature on modern media sites. What is shown to consumers as recommendations is nowadays often automatically determined by AI algorithms, typically with the goal of helping consumers discover relevant content more easily. However, the highlighting or filtering of information that comes with such recommendations may lead to undesired effects on consumers or even society, for example, when an algorithm leads to the creation of filter bubbles or amplifies the spread of misinformation. These well-documented phenomena create a need for improved mechanisms for responsible media recommendation, which avoid such negative effects of recommender systems. In this research note, we review the threats and challenges that may result from the use of automated media recommendation technology, and we outline possible steps to mitigate such undesired societal effects in the future.
Resilience of Communities in Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria: Community-Based Preparedness and Communication Strategies
Authors: Andrade Elizabeth L. , Barrett Nicole D. , Edberg Mark C. , Seeger Matthew W. , Santos-Burgoa Carlos
Published: November 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to examine factors that may have contributed to community disaster resilience following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

Methods:

In April 2018, qualitative interviews (n = 22) were conducted with stakeholders in 7 Puerto Rican municipalities (9% of total). Transcripts were deductively and inductively coded and analyzed to identify salient topics and themes, then examined according to strategic themes from the Federal Emergency Management Association’s (FEMA) Whole Community Approach.

Results:

Municipal preparedness efforts were coordinated, community-based, leveraged community assets, and prioritized vulnerable populations. Strategies included (1) multi-sectoral coordination and strategic personnel allocation; (2) neighborhood leader designation as support contacts; (3) leveraging of community leader expertise and social networks to protect vulnerable residents; (4) Censuses of at-risk groups, health professionals, and first responders; and (5) outreach for risk communication and locally tailored protective measures. In the context of collapsed telecommunications, communities implemented post-disaster strategies to facilitate communication with the Puerto Rican Government, between local first responders, and to keep residents informed, including the use of: (1) police radios; (2) vehicles with loudspeakers; (3) direct interpersonal communication; and (4) solar-powered Internet radio stations.

Conclusions:

Adaptive capacities and actions of Puerto Rican communities exemplify the importance of local solutions in disasters. Expanded research is recommended to better understand contributors to disaster resilience.
Transmission risk of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to healthcare personnel following unanticipated exposure to aerosol-generating procedures: Experience from epidemiologic investigations at an academic medical center
Authors: Fawcett Sharon E. , Madhusudhan Meghan S. , Gaddam Emily N. , Almario Matthew J. , Masih Shawna R. , Klute-Evans Dee Dee , Johnson Julie C. , Stroud Clarise D. , Dolan-Caren Judy A. , Ben-Aderet Michael A. , Luria Jeffery , Morgan Margie A. , Vail Eric , Grein Jonathan D.
Published: November 2021

Healthcare personnel (HCP) with unprotected exposures to aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) on patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at risk of infection with severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A retrospective review at an academic medical center demonstrated an infection rate of <1% among HCP involved in AGPs without a respirator and/or eye protection.
Transient instability in long, tilted water columns with fast-settling, particle-laden layers
Authors: Chang Yu-Jen , Chern Ruey-Lin , Chou Yi-Ju
Published: November 2021

We study the stability of unsteady particle-laden flows in long, tilted water columns in batch settling mode, where the quasi-steady assumption of base flow no longer holds for the fast settling of particles. For this purpose, we introduce a settling time scale in the momentum and transport equations to solve the unsteady base flow, and utilise non-modal analysis to examine the stability of the disturbance flow field. The base flow increases in magnitude as the settling speed decreases and attains its maximum value when the settling speed becomes infinitesimal. The time evolution of the disturbance flow energy experiences an algebraic growth caused by the lift-up mechanism of the wall-normal disturbance, followed by an exponential growth owing to the shear instability of the base flow. The streamwise and spanwise wavenumbers corresponding to the peak energy gain are identified for both stages. In particular, the flow instability is enhanced as the Prandtl number increases, which is attributed to the sharpening of the particle-laden interface. On the other hand, the flow instability is suppressed by the increase in settling speed, because less disturbance energy can be extracted from the base flow. There exists an optimal tilted angle for efficient sedimentation, where the particle-laden flow is relatively stable and is accompanied by a smaller energy gain of the disturbance.
Senators at Home: Local Attentiveness and Policy Representation in Congress
Authors: KASLOVSKY JACLYN
Published: November 2021

Is local attention a substitute for policy representation? Fenno (1978) famously described how legislators develop personal ties with their constituents through periodic visits to their districts and carefully crafted communications. Existing work suggests that such interactions insulate incumbents electorally, creating less need to represent constituents’ policy preferences. Surprisingly, this important argument has never been tested systematically. In this paper, I use data on senator travel and staffing behavior along with survey data from the 2011–2018 Cooperative Congressional Election Study to investigate this claim. In addition to showing that areas with important campaign donors are significantly more likely to receive resources, I find that local visits may decrease approval among ideologically opposed constituents. Furthermore, I find inconsistent evidence regarding the effectiveness of local staff. These results suggest that local attention does not always cultivate goodwill in the district. Under polarized politics, home style does not effectively substitute for policy representation.
Inhibited maturation of astrocytes caused by maternaln-3 PUFA intake deficiency hinders the development of brain glial cells in neonatal rats
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuro , Yamamoto Ayako , Tanabe Hiroki , Nishimura Naomichi
Published: November 2021

The brain is rich in long-chain PUFA, which play an essential role in its development and functions. Here, we examined the impact of maternaln-3 PUFA intake deficiency during gestation and lactation on the development of glial cells in the pup’s developing cerebral cortex. In addition, using myelination as indicator and the anti-myelin basic protein as measurement to establish the relationship between the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells and the development of oligodendrocytes, we determined the myelination state of the somatosensory cortex at postnatal day 14. Rat dams were fed either a control (Cont) or ann-3 PUFA-deficient (Def) diet for 60 d (acclimatisation: 14 d; gestation: 21 d; and lactation: 21 d). Pups lactated from dams throughout the experiment. The distribution pattern of astrocytes in pups on postnatal day 7 was immunohistochemically analysed using GFAP and brain lipid binding protein (BLBP) as markers for mature astrocytes and astrocyte-specific radial glial cells, respectively. It was observed that, when compared with Cont pups, GFAP-positive cells decreased, BLBP-positive cells increased and myelinated structures were sparser in the somatosensory cortices of Def pups. In the open field test on postnatal day 21, behavioural parameters did not differ between groups. Our results indicated that inhibited maturation of astrocytes caused by maternaln-3 PUFA deficiency hindered the development of brain glial cells of neonatal rats; hence, maternaln-3 PUFA intake during the gestation and lactation periods may have been crucial for the brain cell composition of pups.
Occupancy, Land Rights and the Algonquin Anishinaabeg
Authors: Coburn Veldon , Moore Margaret
Published: November 2021

This article is about Indigenous territorial title and land rights, and specifically those of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. In 1983, the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, residing in the province of Ontario, petitioned the Crown to recognize Algonquin territorial title and rights to 36,000 square kilometres of their natal homelands in the Ottawa River watershed. With negotiations beginning in the early 1990s, an Agreement-in-Principle was developed and ratified in 2016, the penultimate step to the largest modern treaty in Ontario's history. In this article, we examine the argument for moral rights to territory, not in terms of the Canadian or international legal order, nor even through examining the documents and voice of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg, but through the lens of an argument that has been advanced as the basis of the international territorial rights of states. We argue that the justifications for state rights territory—grounded in the considerations that ensue from an analysis of occupancy groups—provides a stronger claim to territorial jurisdiction and title in the case of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation than the competing claim by the Canadian state.
RE-ENACTMENTS OF THE PROLOGUE IN CUPID'S PALACE: AN IMMERSIVE READING OF APULEIUS’ STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE
Authors: Tagliabue Aldo
Published: November 2021

This article offers a new interpretation of Apuleius’ story of Cupid and Psyche. Most scholars have previously offered a second-time reading of this story, according to which the reader reaches Book 11 and then looks back at Psyche's story of fall and redemption as a parallel for Lucius’ life. Following Graverini's and other scholars’ emotional approach to theMetamorphoses, I argue that the ecphrasis of Cupid's palace within the story of Cupid and Psyche includes multiple re-enactments of the novel's prologue. These re-enactments invite the reader to undertake a first-time and immersive reading of this story, which focusses on Psyche's experience of Cupid and her reaction to his epiphany. In its use of immersion, this article draws from recent developments in cognitive narratology and pushes scholars of Apuleius to focus on the reader's immersive and emotional response in order to reassess the value of a second-time reading of theMetamorphoses.
Deprivation of Retirement Benefits on Divorce through Living Annuities in South Africa
Authors: Marumoagae Motseotsile Clement
Published: November 2021

This article discusses the law regulating living annuities when spouses in South Africa are divorcing. It demonstrates that South African courts have interpreted the law to prejudice non-member spouses financially. It argues that courts have failed to consider matrimonial principles when determining whether living annuities are susceptible to being shared on divorce. It argues further that adequate consideration of matrimonial principles will render it impossible for retirement fund members to prejudice their spouses financially by purchasing living annuities without the consent of such spouses, particularly when married in community of property. Disregarding matrimonial law principles may lead to deprivation of property.
Trace element assessment in Neoechinorhynchus agilis (Rudolphi, 1918) (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) and its fish hosts, Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Chelon ramada (Risso, 1827) from Ichkeul Lagoon, Tunisia
Authors: Jmii Chine H. , Nachev M. , Sures B. , Gargouri L.
Published: November 2021

Acanthocephalans belonging to the species Neoechinorhynchus agilis were collected from two mullets, Mugil cephalus and Chelon ramada from Ichkeul Lagoon in northern Tunisia. Collected parasites, as well as tissues of their hosts (muscle, liver and intestine), were analysed for trace elements (silver, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium, vanadium (V), zinc) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Our results showed different accumulation patterns of trace elements in fish tissues and parasites. Among the host tissues, liver accumulated the highest metal amounts. Acanthocephalans showed Ni, Pb and V in significantly higher concentrations compared to their host's tissues. Further, the calculated bioconcentration factors demonstrated a 390-fold higher Pb accumulation in the parasite compared to fish muscle. This study is the first field survey in Tunisia dealing with elements’ uptake in parasites and their hosts. Our results corroborate the usefulness of the acanthocephalans for biomonitoring of metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems and promote more research in order to understand host–parasite systems in brackish waters of the Mediterranean area.
Immunochemotherapy for visceral leishmaniasis: combinatorial action of Miltefosine plus LBSapMPL vaccine improves adaptative Th1 immune response with control of splenic parasitism in experimental hamster model
Authors: Carvalho Lívia Mendes , Gusmão Miriã Rodrigues , Costa Ana Flávia Pereira , de Brito Rory Cristiane Fortes , Aguiar-Soares Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira , Cardoso Jamille Mirelle de Oliveira , Reis Alexandre Barbosa , Carneiro Cláudia Martins , Roatt Bruno Mendes
Published: November 2021

The control of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is hard since there are no vaccines available as well as the treatment is hampered by toxicity and resistant parasites. Furthermore, as human, and canine VL causes immunosuppression, the combination of drugs with immunostimulatory agents is interesting to upregulate the immunity, reducing side-effects, improving treatment approaches against disease. Herein, we assessed the immunochemotherapy using miltefosine along with a vaccine formulated by Leishmania braziliensis antigens + saponin + monophosphoryl lipid-A (LBSapMPL) in L. infantum-infected hamsters. Two months after infection, the animals received treatments, and after 15 days they were evaluated for the treatment effect. The potential anti-Leishmania effect of miltefosine + LBSapMPL-vaccine was revealed by a specific immune response activation reflecting in control of spleen parasitism using half the miltefosine treatment time. The treated animals also showed an increase of total and T-CD4 splenocytes producing IFN-γ and TNF-α and a decrease of interleukin-10 and anti-Leishmania circulating IgG. In addition, it was demonstrated that the control of spleen parasitism is related to the generation of a protective Th1 immune response. Hence, due to the combinatorial action of miltefosine with LBSapMPL-vaccine in immunostimulating and controlling parasitism, this immunochemotherapy protocol can be an important alternative option against canine and human VL.
Modelling the impact of universal influenza vaccines on seasonal influenza with different subtypes
Authors: Li Rui , Li Qian , Liu Yiming , Shen Mingwang , Zhang Lei , Zhuang Guihua
Published: November 2021

Several candidates of universal influenza vaccine (UIV) have entered phase III clinical trials, which are expected to improve the willingness and coverage of the population substantially. The impact of UIV on the seasonal influenza epidemic in low influenza vaccination coverage regions like China remains unclear. We proposed a new compartmental model involving the transmission of different influenza subtypes to evaluate the effects of UIV. We calibrated the model by weekly surveillance data of influenza in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China, during 2010/11–2018/19 influenza seasons. We calculated the percentage of averted infections under 2-month (September to October) and 6-month (September to the next February) vaccination patterns with varied UIV effectiveness and coverage in each influenza season, compared with no UIV scenario. A total of 195 766 influenza-like illness (ILI) cases were reported during the nine influenza seasons (2010/11–2018/19), of which the highest ILI cases were among age group 0–4 (59.60%) years old, followed by 5–14 (25.22%), 25–59 (8.19%), 15–24 (3.75%) and ⩾60 (3.37%) years old. The influenza-positive rate for all age groups among ILI cases was 17.51%, which is highest among 5–14 (23.75%) age group and followed by 25–59 (16.44%), 15–24 (16.42%), 0–4 (14.66%) and ⩾60 (13.98%) age groups, respectively. Our model showed that UIV might greatly avert influenza infections irrespective of subtypes in each influenza season. For example, in the 2018/19 influenza season, 2-month vaccination pattern with low UIV effectiveness (50%) and coverage (10%), and high UIV effectiveness (75%) and coverage (30%) could avert 41.6% (95% CI 27.8–55.4%) and 83.4% (80.9–85.9%) of influenza infections, respectively; 6-month vaccination pattern with low and high UIV effectiveness and coverage could avert 32.0% (15.9–48.2%) and 74.2% (69.7–78.7%) of influenza infections, respectively. It would need 11.4% (7.9–15.0%) of coverage to reduce half of the influenza infections for 2-month vaccination pattern with low UIV effectiveness and 8.5% (5.0–11.2%) of coverage with high UIV effectiveness, while it would need 15.5% (8.9–20.7%) of coverage for 6-month vaccination pattern with low UIV effectiveness and 11.2% (6.5–15.0%) of coverage with high UIV effectiveness. We conclude that UIV could significantly reduce the influenza infections even for low UIV effectiveness and coverage. The 2-month vaccination pattern could avert more influenza infections than the 6-month vaccination pattern irrespective of influenza subtype and UIV effectiveness and coverage.
An outbreak of food poisoning due toEscherichia coliserotype O7:H4 carryingastAfor enteroaggregativeE. coliheat-stable enterotoxin1 (EAST1)
Authors: Kashima K. , Sato M. , Osaka Y. , Sakakida N. , Kando S. , Ohtsuka K. , Doi R. , Chiba Y. , Takase S. , Fujiwara A. , Shimada S. , Ishii R. , Mizokoshi A. , Takano M. , Lee K. , Iyoda S. , Honda A.
Published: November 2021

In June 2020, a large-scale food poisoning outbreak involving about 3000 elementary and junior high school students occurred in Yashio, Saitama, Japan. A school lunch was the only food stuff ingested by all of the patients.Escherichia coliserotype O7:H4 carrying theastAgene for enteroaggregativeE. coli(EAggEC) heat-stable enterotoxin 1 (EAST1) was detected in faecal specimens from the patients, and sample inspection revealed its presence in a seaweed salad and red seaweed (Gigartina tenella) as one of the raw materials. Analysis of the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates revealed resistance to ampicillin and cefotaxime. All isolates were confirmed to be of the same origin by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis after digestion with the restriction enzymeXbaI, and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis using whole genome sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a large-scale food poisoning caused byE. coliO7:H4, which lacks well-characterized virulence genes other thanastA.
A Werner A2 ewer from Byzantine Cartagena and the distribution of bronze cast vessels in the western Mediterranean around 600 CE
Authors: Pinar Gil Joan , Vizcaíno Sánchez Jaime
Published: November 2021

During the 6th and 7th c. CE, Carthago Spartaria (modern Cartagena) became one of the most important cities in the Byzantine province of Spania. Recent archaeological excavations at Cerro del Molinete have significantly increased our knowledge of the ancient city, enabling the exploration of an early Byzantine neighborhood built over the Roman Forum district. A cast bronze ewer of type Werner A2 was found in a pit dug over the temple that presided over the Forum. The associated materials, mainly pottery and glass vessels, are compatible with a deposition between 580/90 and 650/60 CE. This assemblage improves our understanding of the trade networks interconnecting the Mediterranean basin during the 6th and 7th c. CE. In this context, we argue that the unknown production center of the A2 ewers was located in the northern Adriatic, probably in Ravenna.
THE LION IN MEDIEVAL WESTERN EUROPE: TOWARD AN INTERPRETIVE HISTORY
Authors: HARRIS NIGEL
Published: November 2021

Several scholars have studied meanings attributed to the lion in the western European Middle Ages, but their accounts have tended to be partial and fragmentary. A balanced, coherent interpretive history of the medieval lion has yet to be written. This article seeks to promote and initiate the process of composing such a history by briefly reviewing previous research, by proposing a thematic and chronological framework on which work on the lion might reliably be based, and by itself discussing numerous textual examples, not least from German, Latin, and French literature. The five categories of lion symbolism covered are, respectively, the threatening lion, the Christian lion, the noble lion, the sinful lion, and the clement lion. These meanings are shown successively to have constituted regnant fashions that at various times profoundly shaped people's understanding of the lion; but it is demonstrated also that they existed alongside, and in a state of creative tension with, a “ground bass” of lion meanings that changed relatively little. Lions nearly always, for example, represented important, imposing things and people (for example, kings); and the New Testament's polarized presentation of the lion as either Christ or the devil proved enormously influential both throughout and beyond the Middle Ages. As such any cultural history of the lion — and indeed of many other natural phenomena — must be continually sensitive to the co-existence and interaction of tradition and innovation, stability and dynamism.
Arginine methylation and ubiquitylation crosstalk controls DNA end-resection and homologous recombination repair
Authors: Sanchez-Bailon Maria Pilar , Choi Soo-Youn , Dufficy Elizabeth R. , Sharma Karan , McNee Gavin S. , Gunnell Emma , Chiang Kelly , Sahay Debashish , Maslen Sarah , Stewart Grant S. , Skehel J. Mark , Dreveny Ingrid , Davies Clare C.
Published: November 2021

Cross-talk between distinct protein post-translational modifications is critical for an effective DNA damage response. Arginine methylation plays an important role in maintaining genome stability, but how this modification integrates with other enzymatic activities is largely unknown. Here, we identify the deubiquitylating enzyme USP11 as a previously uncharacterised PRMT1 substrate, and demonstrate that the methylation of USP11 promotes DNA end-resection and the repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) by homologous recombination (HR), an event that is independent from another USP11-HR activity, the deubiquitylation of PALB2. We also show that PRMT1 is a ubiquitylated protein that it is targeted for deubiquitylation by USP11, which regulates the ability of PRMT1 to bind to and methylate MRE11. Taken together, our findings reveal a specific role for USP11 during the early stages of DSB repair, which is mediated through its ability to regulate the activity of the PRMT1-MRE11 pathway.
The generative capacity of probabilistic protein sequence models
Authors: McGee Francisco , Hauri Sandro , Novinger Quentin , Vucetic Slobodan , Levy Ronald M. , Carnevale Vincenzo , Haldane Allan
Published: November 2021

Potts models and variational autoencoders (VAEs) have recently gained popularity as generative protein sequence models (GPSMs) to explore fitness landscapes and predict mutation effects. Despite encouraging results, current model evaluation metrics leave unclear whether GPSMs faithfully reproduce the complex multi-residue mutational patterns observed in natural sequences due to epistasis. Here, we develop a set of sequence statistics to assess the “generative capacity” of three current GPSMs: the pairwise Potts Hamiltonian, the VAE, and the site-independent model. We show that the Potts model’s generative capacity is largest, as the higher-order mutational statistics generated by the model agree with those observed for natural sequences, while the VAE’s lies between the Potts and site-independent models. Importantly, our work provides a new framework for evaluating and interpreting GPSM accuracy which emphasizes the role of higher-order covariation and epistasis, with broader implications for probabilistic sequence models in general.
Molecular programs of fibrotic change in aging human lung
Authors: Lee Seoyeon , Islam Mohammad Naimul , Boostanpour Kaveh , Aran Dvir , Jin Guangchun , Christenson Stephanie , Matthay Michael A. , Eckalbar Walter L. , DePianto Daryle J. , Arron Joseph R. , Magee Liam , Bhattacharya Sunita , Matsumoto Rei , Kubota Masaru , Farber Donna L. , Bhattacharya Jahar , Wolters Paul J. , Bhattacharya Mallar
Published: November 2021

Lung fibrosis is increasingly detected with aging and has been associated with poor outcomes in acute lung injury or infection. However, the molecular programs driving this pro-fibrotic evolution are unclear. Here we profile distal lung samples from healthy human donors across the lifespan. Gene expression profiling by bulk RNAseq reveals both increasing cellular senescence and pro-fibrotic pathway activation with age. Quantitation of telomere length shows progressive shortening with age, which is associated with DNA damage foci and cellular senescence. Cell type deconvolution analysis of the RNAseq data indicates a progressive loss of lung epithelial cells and an increasing proportion of fibroblasts with age. Consistent with this pro-fibrotic profile, second harmonic imaging of aged lungs demonstrates increased density of interstitial collagen as well as decreased alveolar expansion and surfactant secretion. In this work, we reveal the transcriptional and structural features of fibrosis and associated functional impairment in normal lung aging.
Acoustic non-Hermitian skin effect from twisted winding topology
Authors: Zhang Li , Yang Yihao , Ge Yong , Guan Yi-Jun , Chen Qiaolu , Yan Qinghui , Chen Fujia , Xi Rui , Li Yuanzhen , Jia Ding , Yuan Shou-Qi , Sun Hong-Xiang , Chen Hongsheng , Zhang Baile
Published: November 2021

The recently discovered non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE) manifests the breakdown of current classification of topological phases in energy-nonconservative systems, and necessitates the introduction of non-Hermitian band topology. So far, all NHSE observations are based on one type of non-Hermitian band topology, in which the complex energy spectrum winds along a closed loop. As recently characterized along a synthetic dimension on a photonic platform, non-Hermitian band topology can exhibit almost arbitrary windings in momentum space, but their actual phenomena in real physical systems remain unclear. Here, we report the experimental realization of NHSE in a one-dimensional (1D) non-reciprocal acoustic crystal. With direct acoustic measurement, we demonstrate that a twisted winding, whose topology consists of two oppositely oriented loops in contact rather than a single loop, will dramatically change the NHSE, following previous predictions of unique features such as the bipolar localization and the Bloch point for a Bloch-wave-like extended state. This work reveals previously unnoticed features of NHSE, and provides the observation of physical phenomena originating from complex non-Hermitian winding topology.
Light oxygen isotopes in mantle-derived magmas reflect assimilation of sub-continental lithospheric mantle material
Authors: Xu Jing-Yao , Giuliani Andrea , Li Qiu-Li , Lu Kai , Melgarejo Joan Carles , Griffin William L.
Published: November 2021

Oxygen isotope ratios in mantle-derived magmas that differ from typical mantle values are generally attributed to crustal contamination, deeply subducted crustal material in the mantle source or primordial heterogeneities. Here we provide an alternative view for the origin of light oxygen-isotope signatures in mantle-derived magmas using kimberlites, carbonate-rich magmas that assimilate mantle debris during ascent. Olivine grains in kimberlites are commonly zoned between a mantle-derived core and a magmatic rim, thus constraining the compositions of both mantle wall-rocks and melt phase. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analyses of olivine in worldwide kimberlites show a remarkable correlation between mean oxygen-isotope compositions of cores and rims from mantle-like18O/16O to lower ‘crustal’ values. This observation indicates that kimberlites entraining low-18O/16O olivine xenocrysts are modified by assimilation of low-18O/16O sub-continental lithospheric mantle material. Interaction with geochemically-enriched domains of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle can therefore be an important source of apparently ‘crustal’ signatures in mantle-derived magmas.