bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade and income in the long run: Are there really gains, and are they widely shared?
Authors: Cerdeiro Diego A. , Komaromi Andras
Published: July 2020

In the cross‐section of countries, there is a strong positive correlation between trade and income, and a negative relationship between trade and inequality. Does this reflect a causal relationship? We revisit the Frankel and Romer (1999) identification strategy, and exploit countries’ exogenous geographic characteristics to estimate the causal effect of trade on income and inequality. Our cross‐country estimates for trade’s impact on real income are consistently positive and significant over time. In addition, we do not find any statistical evidence that more trade increases aggregate measures of income inequality in the long run. A decile‐level decomposition reveals that the positive effect of trade on income decreases monotonically along the income distribution, suggesting that trade integration should be an integral part of long‐run development agendas under any reasonable social welfare function. Addressing previous concerns in the literature, we carefully analyze the validity of our geography‐based instrument, and confirm that the IV estimates for the impact of trade are not driven by other direct or indirect effects of geography through non‐trade channels.
Question worth 20 million lives: Why federal housing assistance has not had its Obamacare
Authors: Bendaoud Maroine , Marmor Theodore R.
Published: July 2020

The equitable character of a policy determines its progressiveness, yet some domestic policies are more equitable than others. The question of how and why this is the case is addressed by studying federal housing and health policies in the United States, a critical case known for its rampant inequalities in both sectors. Although social equity is a fundamental aspect of welfare provision, explaining differences in coverage and government support among policy areas remains a weakness in the literature. This comparative historical analysis shows that both housing assistance and health care suffered from inequities almost as early as their inception. But a progressive reform took shape with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and extended coverage to 20 million people formerly uninsured. This essay tackles an unsolved puzzle: Why has such grand policy reform never taken place in housing where more than 20 million people are eligible for assistance but do not receive help? We found that it is largely explained by housing assistance distinctiveness with regard to its weak constituency, racial connotation and low public concern. We conclude with the analytical payoffs of studying social equity, both for political scientists and observers of social affairs.
QUANTUM MECHANICS, TIME, AND THEOLOGY: INDEFINITE CAUSAL ORDER AND A NEW APPROACH TO SALVATION
Authors: Qureshi‐Hurst Emily , Pearson Anna
Published: July 2020

Quantum mechanics has recently indicated that, at the fundamental level, temporal order is not fixed. This phenomenon, termed Indefinite Causal Order, is yet to receive metaphysical or theological engagement. We examine Indefinite Causal Order, particularly as it emerges in a 2018 photonic experiment. In this experiment, two operations A and B were shown to be in a superposition with regard to their causal order. Essentially, time, intuitively understood as fixed, flowing, and fundamental, becomes fuzzy. We argue that if Indefinite Causal Order is true, this is good evidence in favor of a B‐theory of time, though such a B‐theory requires modification. We then turn to theology, suggesting that a B‐theoretic temporal ontology invites serious reconsideration of the doctrine of salvation. This paper concludes that the best explanation for salvation given a B‐theory is mind‐dependent salvific becoming, a type of psychological soteriological change that occurs through downward causation.
Inquiry-based Learning in Higher Education: A Pedagogy of Trust
Authors: Archer-Kuhn Beth , MacKinnon Stacey
Published: July 2020

This qualitative constructivist grounded theory study of trust within inquiry-based learning in higher education (IBL-HE) environments examined the experiences of instructors and students through four focus groups and nine individual interviews. As the study purpose is to understand the development and maintenance of trust in IBL-HE classrooms, participants are experienced instructors, learners, and authors of IBL-HE from Canada, USA, New Zealand, and Ireland. We used face-to-face sessions and zoom sessions to facilitate the focus group experience, and telephone for the individual interviews to explore the following two research questions: (1) what does trust mean in a higher education IBL (IBL-HE) classroom; and, (2) how do those involved create and maintain it? Our findings are revealed through our Pedagogy of Trust in IBL-HE using 3 themes: (1) Creating an environment of negotiated mutuality; (2) Emerging relationship/community building; and, (3) Internalizing and applying a mindset shift. Each of these stages involved a different trust relationship: (1) Professor-Student; (2) Student-Student; and, (3) Student-Self. These findings provide evidence for IBL as a pedagogy of trust in higher education, and reinforce the need for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), and the lifelong learning skills desired by contemporary employers.
Two new eriophyoid mite species (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyoidae) associated with plum trees in Hamedan

Authors: Khanjani Mohammad , Jafari Soheila , Ueckermann Edward Albert
Published: July 2020

In the plum orchards, in the vicinity of Hamedan, we found different phytophagous insects and mites with eriphyiods the main group. To date, no eriophyiods were reported from this region.  In this study two new species were collected and identified namely: Diptacus hamedanicus sp. nov.and Tetra prunura sp. nov. from Prunus domestica (L.) (Rosaceae) in Hamedan province. Both  species are vagrants and not  harmful to their host
Inks of dielectric h-BN and semiconducting WS2 for capacitive structures with graphene
Authors: Desai Jay A. , Mazumder Sangram , Hossain Ridwan Fayaz , Kaul Anupama B.
Published: July 2020

We present dispersions of WS2 and h-BN using cyclohexanone and terpineol as the solvent to subsequently print prototype capacitive nanodevices. An all-inkjet-printing approach was used to print graphene-h-BN-graphene capacitors along with graphene-WS2-graphene structures. As the number of passes for inkjet printing the h-BN layer within graphene electrodes was increased, the leakage currents successively decreased. The capacitance-frequency (C-f) measurement data for the printed capacitor (with 40 passes of h-BN) within graphene electrodes showed that at ∼1 kHz, the maximum capacitance was ∼62 pF, and with increasing frequency, the capacitance value decreases. The inkjet printed graphene-WS2-graphene heterostructure devices were also constructed using horn tip sonication, where the C-f measurements revealed that C as high as ∼324.88 pF was attainable, which was largely frequency independent up to ∼20 kHz. This is in contrast with the h-BN layer integrated with graphene electrodes, where the measured C was more than ∼5 times lower over the range of frequencies tested and also exhibited a strong decay as frequency increased from 1 kHz.
The Immediate Effects of Ankle Joint Mobilization on Ankle Musculotendinous Stiffness in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Cain M. Spencer , Song Kyeongtak , Blackburn J. Troy , Migel Kimmery , Wikstrom Erik A.
Published: July 2020

Ankle joint mobilization has been shown to be effective at improving outcomes in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI), but the neuromuscular mechanisms are still unknown. We aimed to determine the immediate effect of a single Grade III anterior-to-posterior ankle joint mobilization bout on ankle musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) in those with CAI. Seventeen CAI participants had plantar flexor and fibularis MTS assessed before and after a 5-min joint mobilization treatment. MTS outcomes were estimated using the damped oscillation method. Fibularis (0.25 ± 0.41 N/m/kg, p = .028) but not plantar flexor MTS (−2.18 ± 14.35 N/m/kg, p = .539) changed following mobilization and exceeded the calculated minimal detectable change score (0.12 N/m/kg). Increased fibularis MTS may represent a neuromuscular mechanism by which ankle joint mobilizations improve postural control in those with CAI.
The Ability of Runners to Identify Spatial and Temporal Variables of Speed During Endurance Running
Authors: Latorre-Román Pedro Ángel , Fernández-Povedano Juan Francisco , Salas-Sánchez Jesús , García-Pinillos Felipe , Párraga-Montilla Juan Antonio
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to evaluate spatial and temporal perception in endurance runners as a mechanism of pacing control in comparison with other athletes (soccer players). A group of 38 endurance runners and 32 soccer players participated in this study. Runners displayed lower time differences and lower error than soccer players. Taking the athletic levels of endurance runners into consideration, significant differences (p = .011, Cohen’s d = 1.042) were found in the time differences (higher level group = 33.43 ± 29.43 vs. lower level group = 123.53 ±102.61). Significant correlations were found between time differences and performance in a Cooper test (r = −.546) and with the best time in a half marathon (r = .597). Temporal and spatial perception can be considered as a cognitive skill of endurance runners.
Hidden predictability in winds could improve climate forecasts
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: July 2020

Study finds climate models are missing wind patterns, casting doubt on long-term forecasts of rain and storms.
Altered DNA base could play key role in pregnancy
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

In mice, methylated adenine enables the placenta to grow.
Disparities in PM
2.5
air pollution in the United States
Authors: Colmer Jonathan , Hardman Ian , Shimshack Jay , Voorheis John
Published: July 2020

Cleaner skies

Particulate air pollution in the contiguous United States has decreased considerably over recent decades, but where exactly has that progress been made? Colmer
et al.
analyzed 36 years of data and found that the spatial distribution of fine particulate matter concentrations has remained largely unchanged over that interval (see the Perspective by Ma). Although, fine particulate pollution levels have dropped overall, those areas that were most and least polluted in 1981 remain so today. We may have made important strides in pollution control, but we have been less successful in addressing disparities of exposure between communities.

Science
, this issue p.
575
; see also p.
503
COVID-19 risks to global food security
Authors: Laborde David , Martin Will , Swinnen Johan , Vos Rob
Published: July 2020

Economic fallout and food supply chain disruptions require attention from policy-makers
How does SARS-CoV-2 cause COVID-19?
Authors: Matheson Nicholas J. , Lehner Paul J.
Published: July 2020

The viral receptor on human cells plays a critical role in disease progression
Confronting illness with empathy
The Sensitives
Oliver Broudy
Simon and Schuster, 2020. 352 pp.
Authors: Davis Frederick Rowe
Published: July 2020

A journalist paints a thoughtful portrait of a disease that defies scientific characterization
Evolution of the human brain
Authors: Dehay Colette , Kennedy Henry
Published: July 2020

A human-specific gene is a determinant of the cognitive architecture of the human cerebral cortex
Imipenem-Relebactam Susceptibility Testing of Gram-Negative Bacilli by Agar Dilution, Disk Diffusion, and Gradient Strip Methods Compared with Broth Microdilution
Authors: Hakvoort Hanna , Bovenkamp Evelyn , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Schmidt-Malan Suzannah M. , Mandrekar Jay N. , Schuetz Audrey N. , Patel Robin
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to determine whether agar dilution, research-use-only disk diffusion (Mast Group Ltd., Bootle Merseyside, UK), Etest (bioMérieux, Inc., Durham, NC), and MIC test strip (MTS) (Liofilchem, Inc., Waltham, MA) methods yield equivalent results to those of broth microdilution (BMD) for imipenem-relebactam susceptibility testing using a collection of 297 Gram-negative bacilli, including members of the order
Enterobacterales
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, enriched for drug resistance.
Cefiderocol Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Considerations: the Achilles' Heel of the Trojan Horse?
Authors: Simner Patricia J. , Patel Robin
Published: July 2020

Cefiderocol (formerly S-649266) is a novel siderophore-conjugated cephalosporin with activity against a broad array of multidrug-resistant (MDR), aerobic Gram-negative bacilli. The siderophore component binds iron and uses active iron transport for drug entry into the bacterial periplasmic space. The cephalosporin moiety is the active antimicrobial component, structurally resembling a hybrid between ceftazidime and cefepime. Like other β-lactam agents, the principal bactericidal activity of cefiderocol occurs via inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis, leading to cell death.
miR-196b-5p-enriched extracellular vesicles from tubular epithelial cells mediated aldosterone-induced renal fibrosis in mice with diabetes
Authors: Hu Renzhi , Li Xuan , Peng Chuan , Gao Ruifei , Ma Linqiang , Hu Jinbo , Luo Ting , Qing Hua , Wang Yue , Ge Qian , Wang Zhihong , Wu Chaodong , Xiao Xiaoqiu , Yang Jun , Young Morag J , Li Qifu , Yang Shumin
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Aldosterone is a mediator of progressive renal disease, but the mechanisms for aldosterone-mediated renal impairment in mice with diabetes are not fully defined.

Methods

Aldosterone and/or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone were used to treat the db/db mice with diabetes. Proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) and fibroblasts were cultured. Blood and kidney samples from patients with diabetes with or without diabetic kidney disease (DKD) were used to verify the findings from animals and cultured cells.

Results

We found that aldosterone promoted proteinuria and tubulointerstitial extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in db/db mice with diabetes while eplerenone mitigated the adverse effect of aldosterone. However, coculture of PTECs and fibroblasts found that when PTECs-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) were taken up by fibroblasts, ECM production increased remarkably. Moreover, C57BL/6 mice injected with EVs from renal cortex of aldosterone-treated db/db mice showed increased ECM accumulation. Function of the ingredients of PTECs-derived EVs were analyzed, and RNAs were identified to be responsible for the EVs-induced fibroblast dysfunction. Furthermore, microRNA (miRNA) array analysis revealed that miR-196b-5p was the most remarkably increased miRNA in PTECs-derived EVs with aldosterone stimulation. Overexpression of miR-196b-5p in fibroblasts increased ECM production, accompanied by inhibition of the SOCS2 expression and enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation. In addition, plasma levels of miR-196b-5p was higher in patients with DKD as compared with patients without DKD and miR-196b-5p levels positively correlated with the albuminuria concentration. In kidney specimens from patients with diabetes, expression of miR-196b-5p, located mainly in PTECs, increased in patients with DKD as compared with the non-DKD.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the involvement of miR-196b-5p-EVs pathway as a novel mechanism in aldosterone-induced renal fibrosis in diabetes. EVs rich in miR-196b-5p mediate the crosstalk between PTECs and fibroblast during the development of renal fibrosis, which might be associated with STAT3/SOCO2 signaling pathway.
Relief of biliary obstruction: choosing between endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Canakis Andrew , Baron Todd H
Published: July 2020

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was originally devised as a novel diagnostic technique to enable endoscopists to stage malignancies and acquire tissue. However, it rapidly advanced toward therapeutic applications and has provided gastroenterologists with the ability to effectively treat and manage advanced diseases in a minimally invasive manner. EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has gained considerable attention as an approach to provide relief in malignant and benign biliary obstruction for patients when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails or is not feasible. Such instances occur in those with surgically altered anatomy, gastroduodenal obstruction, periampullary diverticulum or prior transampullary duodenal stenting. While ERCP remains the gold standard, a multitude of studies are showing that EUS-BD can be used as an alternative modality even in patients who could successfully undergo ERCP. This review will shed light on recent EUS-guided advancements and techniques in malignant and benign biliary obstruction.
Recent advances in the detection and management of early gastric cancer and its precursors
Authors: Waddingham William , Nieuwenburg Stella A V , Carlson Sean , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel , Spaander Manon , Kuipers Ernst J , Jansen Marnix , Graham David G , Banks Matthew
Published: July 2020

Despite declines in incidence, gastric cancer remains a disease with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options due to its often late stage of diagnosis. In contrast, early gastric cancer has a good to excellent prognosis, with 5-year survival rates as high as 92.6% after endoscopic resection. There remains an East-West divide for this disease, with high incidence countries such as Japan seeing earlier diagnoses and reduced mortality, in part thanks to the success of a national screening programme. With missed cancers still prevalent at upper endoscopy in the West, and variable approaches to assessment of the high-risk stomach, the quality of endoscopy we provide must be a focus for improvement, with particular attention paid to the minority of patients at increased cancer risk. High-definition endoscopy with virtual chromoendoscopy is superior to white light endoscopy alone. These enhanced imaging modalities allow the experienced endoscopist to accurately and robustly detect high-risk lesions in the stomach. An endoscopy-led staging strategy would mean biopsies could be targeted to histologically confirm the endoscopic impression of premalignant lesions including atrophic gastritis, gastric intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and early cancer. This approach to quality improvement will reduce missed diagnoses and, combined with the latest endoscopic resection techniques performed at expert centres, will improve early detection and ultimately patient outcomes. In this review, we outline the latest evidence relating to diagnosis, staging and treatment of early gastric cancer and its precursor lesions.
Data from a large Western centre exploring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on endoscopy services and cancer diagnosis
Authors: Longcroft-Wheaton Gaius , Tolfree Natalie , Gangi Anmol , Beable Richard , Bhandari Pradeep
Published: July 2020

Objective

The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed healthcare across the world. Efforts have concentrated on managing this crisis, with impact on cancer care unclear. We investigated the impact on endoscopy services and gastrointestinal (GI) cancer diagnosis in the UK.

Design

Analysis of endoscopy procedures and cancer diagnosis at a UK Major General Hospital. Procedure rates and diagnosis of GI malignancy were examined over 8-week periods in spring, summer and autumn 2019 before the start of the crisis and were compared with rates since onset of national lockdown and restrictions on elective endoscopy. The number of CT scans performed and malignancies diagnosed in the two corresponding periods in 2019 and 2020 were also evaluated.

Results

2 698 2516 and 3074 endoscopic procedures were performed in 2019, diagnosing 64, 73 and 78 cancers, respectively, the majority being in patients with alarm symptoms and fecal immunochemical test+ve bowel cancer screening population. Following initiation of new guidelines for management of endoscopy services 245 procedures were performed in a 6 week duration, diagnosing 18 cancers. This equates to potentially delayed diagnosis of 37 cancers per million population per month. Clinician triage improved, resulting in 13.6 procedures performed to diagnose one cancer.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate an 88% reduction in procedures during the first 6 weeks of COVID-19 crisis, resulting in 66% fewer GI cancer diagnoses. Triage changes reduced the number of procedures required to diagnose cancer. Our data can help healthcare planning to manage the extra workload on endoscopy departments during the recovery period from COVID-19.
Proportionate or disproportionate secondary mitral regurgitation: how to untangle the Gordian knot?
Authors: Kamoen Victor , Calle Simon , De Buyzere Marc , Timmermans Frank
Published: July 2020

Recent randomised percutaneous mitral intervention trials in patients with heart failure with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) have yielded contrasting results. A ‘relative load’ or ‘proportionality’ conceptual framework for SMR has been proposed to partly explain the disparate results. The rationale behind the framework is that SMR depends on the left ventricular dimension and not vice versa. In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of the proportionality parameters used in this framework and also discuss the regurgitant fraction. We also consider haemodynamic observations in SMR that may affect the interpretation and comparisons among proportionality parameters. The conclusion is that the proportionality concept remains hypothetical and requires prospective validation before envisaging its use at individual patient level for risk stratification or therapeutic decision-making.
Comprehensive analyses of immunodynamics and immunoreactivity in response to treatment in ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Pyo Kyoung-Ho , Lim Sun Min , Park Chae-Won , Jo Ha-Ni , Kim Jae Hwan , Yun Mi-Ran , Kim Dohee , Xin Chun-Feng , Lee Wongeun , Gheorghiu Bianca , Hong Min Hee , Kim Hye Ryun , Shim Hyo Sup , Jang Mi , Lee Sung Sook , Cho Byoung Chul
Published: July 2020

Background

EML4-ALK is a distinct molecular entity that is highly sensitive to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have not proved efficacy in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer so far. In this study, we performed a mouse clinical trial using EML4-ALK transgenic mice model to comprehensively investigate immunomodulatory effects of ALK TKI and to investigate the mechanisms of resistance to ICIs.

Methods

EML4-ALK transgenic mice were randomized to three treatment arms (arm A: antiprogrammed death cell protein-1 (PD-1), arm B: ceritinib, arm C: anti-PD-1 and ceritinib), and tumor response was evaluated using MRI. Progression-free survival and overall survival were measured to compare the efficacy. Flow cytometry, multispectral imaging, whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed from tumors obtained before and after drug resistance.

Results

Mouse clinical trial revealed that anti-PD-1 therapy was ineffective, and the efficacy of ceritinib and anti-PD-1 combination was not more effective than ceritinib alone in the first line. Dynamic changes in immune cells and cytokines were observed following each treatment, while changes in T lymphocytes were not prominent. A closer look at the tumor immune microenvironment before and after ceritinib resistance revealed increased regulatory T cells and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-expressing cells both in the tumor and the stroma. Despite the increase of PD-L1 expression, these findings were not accompanied by increased effector T cells which mediate antitumor immune responses.

Conclusions

ALK-positive tumors progressing on ceritinib is not immunogenic enough to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Radial access for neurointervention: room set-up and technique for diagnostic angiography
Authors: Chen Stephanie H , Peterson Eric C
Published: July 2020

A number of prospective randomized trials have shown that the radial artery is a safer access site than the femoral artery for endovascular procedures.1–4 In the cardiac literature there was a 60% reduction in access site complications as well as significant decreases in all-cause mortality with the transradial approach compared with the transfemoral approach, which has led to the adoption of a radial first strategy.5–7 The neurointerventional literature has demonstrated similar safety benefits as well as improved patient preference.8–14 However, the technical aspects of how to perform neurointervention via the radial approach are still unknown to the majority of neurointerventionalists. This technical video 1 covers the details of how to perform a diagnostic angiogram via the radial approach. Initially, steps such as pre-procedure preparation, room set-up, and patient positioning are discussed. Following this, puncture techniques and sheath placement are outlined, including the snuffbox technique. The steps of a full six-vessel cerebral angiogram are then shown in detail. Finally, closure techniques are demonstrated.

Video 1

The image in the opening frame and at 2:24 is reused with permission from Brunetet al, Distal transradial access in the anatomical snuffbox for diagnostic cerebral angiography. J Neurointerv Surg 2019;11:710–3. Copyright 2019 BMJ Publishing Group.

The other image in the opening frame is reused with permission from Chenet al, Transradial approach for flow diversion treatment of cerebral aneurysms: a multicenter study. J Neurointerv Surg, 2019;11:796-800. Copyright 2019 BMJ Publishing Group.

The images at 0:38 and 8:24 are reused with permission from Snellinget al, Transradial cerebral angiography: techniques and outcomes. J Neurointerv Surg 2018;10:874–81. Copyright 2018 BMJ Publishing Group.
Méthodes de calcul avec réseaux de tenseurs en physique
Authors: Baker Thomas E. , Desrosiers Samuel , Tremblay Maxime , Thompson Martin P.
Published: July 2020

Cet article se veut un survol des réseaux de tenseurs et s’adresse aux débutants en la matière. Nous y mettons l’accent sur les outils nécessaires à l’implémentation concrète d’algorithmes. Quatre opérations de base (remodelage, permutation d’indices, contraction et décomposition) qui sont couramment utilisées dans les algorithmes de réseaux de tenseurs y sont décrites. Y seront aussi couverts la notation diagrammatique, intrication, les états en produit de matrices (MPS), les opérateurs en produit de matrices (MPO), état projeté de paires intriquées (PEPS), l’approche par renormalisation d’enchevêtrement multi-échelle (MERA), la décimation par bloc d’évolution temporelle (TEBD) et le groupe de renormalisation de tenseurs (TRG).
miR-138-5p targets sirtuin1 to regulate acute lung injury by regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Yinshan , Jiang Weiliang , Lu Zhuhua , Su Wei , Liu Nan , Guo Feng
Published: July 2020

Acute lung injury (ALI), a disease with a high mortality rate, is a noncardiogenic pulmonary inflammatory response and characterized by damage to the pulmonary system. In this study, we explored the mechanism of the occurrence and development of ALI. It was firstly found that miR-138-5p could inhibit the expression of sirtuin1 (SIRT1), and we further demonstrated that miR-138-5p targets directly SIRT1 through the luciferase assay, while the latter negatively regulated the expression of NF-κB. A549 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide in vitro to simulate ALI cells and induce ALI in the model mice. The results showed that inhibiting the expression of miR-138-5p could effectively increase the viability of damaged cells, promote cell proliferation, reduce apoptosis, inhibit the inflammatory response, reduce oxidative stress, and then relieve ALI symptoms. Collectively, our results suggested that miR-138-5p can inhibit SIRT1 expression and indirectly activate the NF-κB signaling pathway, thus regulating the development of ALI.
Speciation and changes in male gene expression inDrosophila
Authors: Patlar Bahar , Civetta Alberto
Published: July 2020

It has long been acknowledged that changes in the regulation of gene expression may account for major organismal differences. However, we still do not fully understand how changes in gene expression evolve and how do such changes influence organisms’ differences. We are even less aware of the impact such changes might have in restricting gene flow between species. Here, we focus on studies of gene expression and speciation in the Drosophila model. We review studies that have identified gene interactions in post-mating reproductive isolation and speciation, particularly those that modulate male gene expression. We also address studies that have experimentally manipulated changes in gene expression to test their effect in post-mating reproductive isolation. We highlight the need for a more in-depth analysis of the role of selection causing disrupted gene expression of such candidate genes in sterile/inviable hybrids. Moreover, we discuss the relevance to incorporate more routinely assays that simultaneously evaluate the potential effects of environmental factors and genetic background in modulating plastic responses in male genes and their potential role in speciation.
The four-point correlation function of the energy-momentum tensor in the free conformal field theory of a scalar field
Authors: Serino Mirko
Published: July 2020

We present an explicit momentum space computation of the four-point function of the energy-momentum tensor in 4 spacetime dimensions for the free and conformally invariant theory of a scalar field. The result is obtained by explicit evaluation of the Feynman diagrams by tensor reduction. We work by embedding the scalar field theory in a gravitational background consistently with conformal invariance in order to derive all the terms the correlator consists of and all the Ward identities implied by the requirements of general covariance and anomalous Weyl symmetry. We test all these identities numerically in several kinematic configurations. Mathematica notebooks detailing the step-by-step computation are made publicly available through a GitHub repository (https://github.com/mirkos86/4-EMT-correlation-function-in-a-4d-CFT.). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first explicit result for the four-point correlation function of the energy-momentum tensor in a conformal and non supersymmetric field theory which is readily numerically evaluable in any kinematic configuration.
Middle-Level Features for the Explanation of Classification Systems by Sparse Dictionary Methods
Authors: Apicella A. , Isgrò F. , Prevete R. , Tamburrini G.
Published: July 2020

Machine learning (ML) systems are affected by a pervasive lack of transparency. The eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) research area addresses this problem and the related issue of explaining the behavior of ML systems in terms that are understandable to human beings. In many explanation of XAI approaches, the output of ML systems are explained in terms of low-level features of their inputs. However, these approaches leave a substantive explanatory burden with human users, insofar as the latter are required to map low-level properties into more salient and readily understandable parts of the input. To alleviate this cognitive burden, an alternative model-agnostic framework is proposed here. This framework is instantiated to address explanation problems in the context of ML image classification systems, without relying on pixel relevance maps and other low-level features of the input. More specifically, one obtains sets of middle-level properties of classification inputs that are perceptually salient by applying sparse dictionary learning techniques. These middle-level properties are used as building blocks for explanations of image classifications. The achieved explanations are parsimonious, for their reliance on a limited set of middle-level image properties. And they can be contrastive, because the set of middle-level image properties can be used to explain why the system advanced the proposed classification over other antagonist classifications. In view of its model-agnostic character, the proposed framework is adaptable to a variety of other ML systems and explanation problems.
Holographic transform for tensor product of holomorphic discrete series
Authors: Labriet Quentin
Published: July 2020

We study holographic operators associated with Rankin–Cohen brackets which are symmetry breaking operators for the restriction of tensor products of holomorphic discrete series of the universal covering of [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we investigate a geometrical interpretation of these operators and their relations to classical Jacobi polynomials.
DRIVING LABOR PRODUCTIVITY: THE ROLE OF CAPABILITY AND HUMAN CAPITAL IN MALAYSIA’S FOOD MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: CHANDRAN V. G. R. , RASIAH RAJAH , LIM TIEN HONG
Published: July 2020

Productivity gains are not only important for competitiveness but also for other welfare gains. And, importantly, industry structure matters in driving the productive gains. This study examines the labor productivity of food manufacturing firms in Malaysia and the effect of capability and human capital on productivity. The findings show productivity heterogeneity among firms, and as capabilities and human capital grow, productivity gains become much higher. Importantly, it shows that bundles of capability, namely, innovation, information and communication technology (ICT) and marketing as well as human capital become more relevant as firms move to the higher end of the productivity distribution. The findings are robust to different measures of human capital and capabilities. Examining the effects separately indicates that innovation matters the most in driving labor productivity. The coefficient of ICT declines as firms move up the conditional productivity distribution. Likewise, market creating capability of the firms enhances productivity, but the coefficient does not vary across the lower and upper productivity quantiles. The study concludes the implications for persistent labor productivity differences across capabilities and human capital by drawing policy implications.
Understanding the role of exchange and correlations in complex oxides under strain and oxide heterostructures
Authors: Banerjee Hrishit
Published: July 2020

The study of complex oxides and oxide heterostructures has dominated the field of experimental and theoretical condensed matter research for the better part of the last few decades. Powerful experimental techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy and pulsed laser deposition have made fabrication of oxide heterostructures with atomically sharp interfaces possible, whereas more and more sophisticated handling of exchange and correlations within first principles methods including density functional theory (DFT) supplemented with Hubbard U corrections and hybrid functionals, and beyond DFT techniques such as dynamical mean field theory (DMFT) have made understanding of such correlated oxides and oxide interfaces easier. The emergence of the high-mobility two-dimensional electron gas with fascinating properties such as giant photoconductance, large negative magnetoresistance, superconductivity, ferromagnetism, and the mysterious coexistence of the latter two have indeed caught the attention of condensed matter community at large. Similarly, strain tuning of oxides have generated considerable interest particularly after the recent discovery of piezoelectric methods of strain generation. Theoretical understanding and prediction of the possible exotic phases emerging in such complex oxides both under strain and in heterostructures will eventually lead to better design of device applications in this new emerging field of oxide electronics, along with possible discovery of exotic physics in condensed matter systems, which may be of wider significance! In this review, we briefly look at theoretical studies of novel phenomena in oxides under strain and oxide heterostructure, and try to understand the role of exchange and particularly correlation in giving rise to such exotic electronic states. This review though primarily focuses on the theoretical aspects on understanding the different mechanism of the phenomena of emergence of exotic phases, does provide a unique overview of the experimental literature as well, accompanied by the theoretical understanding such that relevant device applications can be envisaged.
Lump-type, breather and interaction solutions to the (3+1)-dimensional generalized KdV-type equation
Authors: Han Pengfei , Taogetusang
Published: July 2020

The [Formula: see text]-dimensional generalized Korteweg-de Vries (KdV)-type model equation is investigated based on the Hirota bilinear method. Diversity of exact solutions for this equation are obtained with the help of symbolic computation. We depicted the physical explanation of the extracted solutions with the free choice of the different parameters by plotting three-dimensional plots and contour plots. The obtained results are useful in gaining the understanding of high dimensional soliton-like structures equation related to mathematical physics branches, natural sciences and engineering areas.
Peculiarities of extremely short optical pulses propagation in carbon nanotube medium with nonlinear absorption
Authors: Konobeeva Natalia N. , Fedorov Eduard G. , Belonenko Mikhail B.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the propagation of extremely short electromagnetic pulses in a medium with zig–zag carbon nanotubes taking into account pumping and nonlinear absorption introduced phenomenologically. Based on Maxwell’s equations, we obtain an effective equation for the vector potential of the electromagnetic field, which takes into account the dissipation of the pulse field under the conditions of the piezoelectric effect associated with the vibrations of heavy nuclei of the medium, pumping by an external electromagnetic wave, and nonlinear absorption of carbon nanotubes. We demonstrate the stability of the electromagnetic pulse shape on a time scale that is significantly longer than the pulse duration but not exceeding the relaxation time.
Condition number bounds for IETI-DP methods that are explicit in h and p
Authors: Schneckenleitner Rainer , Takacs Stefan
Published: July 2020

We study the convergence behavior of Dual-Primal Isogeometric Tearing and Interconnecting (IETI-DP) methods for solving large-scale algebraic systems arising from multi-patch Isogeometric Analysis. We focus on the Poisson problem on two-dimensional computational domains. We provide a convergence analysis that covers several choices of the primal degrees of freedom: the vertex values, the edge averages, and the combination of both. We derive condition number bounds that show the expected behavior in the grid size [Formula: see text] and that are quasi-linear in the spline degree [Formula: see text].
A hydrodynamic model for synchronization phenomena
Authors: Choi Young-Pil , Lee Jaeseung
Published: July 2020

We present a new hydrodynamic model for synchronization phenomena which is a type of pressureless Euler system with nonlocal interaction forces. This system can be formally derived from the Kuramoto model with inertia, which is a classical model of interacting phase oscillators widely used to investigate synchronization phenomena, through a kinetic description under the mono-kinetic closure assumption. For the proposed system, we first establish local-in-time existence and uniqueness of classical solutions. For the case of identical natural frequencies, we provide synchronization estimates under suitable assumptions on the initial configurations. We also analyze critical thresholds leading to finite-time blow-up or global-in-time existence of classical solutions. In particular, our proposed model exhibits the finite-time blow-up phenomenon, which is not observed in the classical Kuramoto models, even with a smooth distribution function for natural frequencies. Finally, we numerically investigate synchronization, finite-time blow-up, phase transitions, and hysteresis phenomena.
Total Routhian surface calculations to study the abrupt band termination phenomenon in 121,123I
Authors: Ganguly S. , Chakraborty S. , Majumder C. , Tiwary S. S. , Sharma H. P.
Published: July 2020

The phenomenon of abrupt band termination in [Formula: see text]I has been revisited in the light of total Routhian surface (TRS) calculations. Both axial ([Formula: see text]) and nonaxial ([Formula: see text]) quadrupole deformation parameters have been estimated for the negative parity states. The calculation has also been extended for [Formula: see text]I and the theoretical result has been compared with the available experimental information. The calculated transition quadrupole moments ([Formula: see text]) are matching nicely upto [Formula: see text] MeV. The noncollective oblate shapes become yrast at higher angular frequency in [Formula: see text]I. At lower spin, all of these nuclei exhibit a collective prolate shape. This sudden change in shape at [Formula: see text] is indicative of the loss of collectivity at [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] MeV.
Generalized Fourier’s Law and Darcy–Forchheimer Forced/Mixed Convective Flow Towards a Riga Plate with Second-Order Velocity Slip: A Numerical Study
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Khan M. Ijaz , Qayym Sumaira , Kadry Seifedine , Khan Waqar A.
Published: July 2020

A numerical study is developed to examine the behavior of the forced/free convective flow towards a stretchable Riga plate with generalized Fourier’s law. The flow is saturated through Darcy–Forchheimer porous space and generated due to linear and second-order velocity slip phenomena. Here, the main consideration is given to the energy equation which is modeled in the presence of generalized Fourier’s law and heat generation absorption. Stagnation point is also discussed. Appropriate similarity variables lead to ordinary differential equations. The dimensionless coupled equations i.e., momentum and energy are numerically solved by the Built-in-Shooting method. The obtained results divulge that the velocity field declines versus rising values of Darcy–Forchheimer number. The temperature field of the working fluid boosts versus higher estimation of Eckert number and heat generation/absorption parameter. The important factors i.e., skin friction coefficient and temperature gradient of this research work are calculated by graphically subject to mixed convection parameter, modified Hartmann number, Prandtl number and heat generation parameter. It is observed from the graphical results that the impact of skin friction is more between the stretched Riga surface and fluid particles in the presence of rising values of mixed convection parameter.
Buying to Develop: The Experience of Brazil and China in Using Public Procurement to Drive Innovation
Authors: Li Yanchao , Ribeiro Cássio Garcia , Rauen André Tortato , Júnior Edmundo Inácio
Published: July 2020

This paper sets out to understand the use of public procurement as a policy instrument for catching up. Brazil and China, who have explicitly linked procurement to innovation, are used as empirical cases. We review their respective institutional settings, policy approaches, and micro-level processes related to the public procurement of innovation (PPI). We have discovered that they share similarities concerning issues encountered during PPI implementation. Although both countries have made some achievements in promoting innovation through procurement, this paper highlights some of the obstacles they have experienced when implementing this policy, such as institutional problems, changes in the political landscape, and macroeconomic constraints. Such obstacles, more prominent in the case of Brazil, may have acted as an obstruction to achieving the pursued objectives, thereby restricting the full potential of PPI in driving technological catching up. The article then offers managerial and policy implications for the implementation of PPI, such as the importance of choosing relevant procurement procedures, critical roles played by policy champions, and demonstrating effects of leading firms and regions. While in China PPI was once an instrumental part of its technology development agenda, in Brazil it has been sporadic and unconnected to a given national strategy.
On the solution of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection model using spectral collocation method
Authors: Thirumalai Sagithya , Seshadri Rajeswari , Yüzbaşı Şuayip
Published: July 2020

In this research work, we study the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection on helper T cells governed by a mathematical model consisting of a system of three first-order nonlinear differential equations. The objective of the analysis is to present an approximate mathematical solution to the model that gives the count of the numbers of uninfected and infected helper T cells and the number of free virus particles present at a given instant of time. The system of nonlinear ODEs is converted into a system of nonlinear algebraic equations using spectral collocation method with three different basis functions such as Chebyshev, Legendre and Jacobi polynomials. Some factors such as the production of helper T cells and infection of these cells play a vital role in infected and uninfected cell counts. Detailed error analysis is done to compare our results with the existing methods. It is shown that the spectral collocation method is a very reliable, efficient and robust method of solution compared to many other solution procedures available in the literature. All these results are presented in the form of tables and figures.
Households’ Perceptions of “Reasonable” Water Bills in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Thuy Truong Dang , Nam Pham Khanh , Whittington Dale
Published: July 2020

A survey of 2075 households was conducted in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2019 to estimate what respondents thought a “reasonable” monthly water bill would be for a randomly-assigned monthly quantity of water. Two different elicitation procedures were used to estimate respondents’ reasonable water bills. First, 830 respondents were asked two open-ended questions: (i) to state a water bill that they considered reasonable for the exogenously-assigned monthly quantity of water, and (ii) to state a reasonable water bill for their current water use. Second, 1245 respondents were asked a series of questions from a stochastic payment card (SPC). Four results are new and unexpected. First, respondents report some bills to be too low, suggesting perhaps that they realize suggesting perhaps that they realize that heavily subsidized water services and that heavily subsidized water services have unintended, negative consequences for consumers such as unreliable, poor quality service. Second, when asked about why they found a monthly water bill for specific quantity of water use “reasonable,” 25% of respondents said that one of the reasons was that “the bill is enough to cover the cost of provision,” suggesting that some respondents considered the costs to the supplier when deciding whether or not a monthly water bill for specific quantity of water use was reasonable. Third, respondents’ self-reported reasonable water bills suggest support for a positive fixed charge in the tariff structure. Fourth, many respondents’ interpretation of the term “reasonable water bill” does not seem to place too much emphasis on the affordability of the bill to poor households.