bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL)‐associated plasma protein present in human urine inhibits calcium oxalate crystal growth
Authors: Kang Insug , Kim Jin-Il , Chang Sung-Goo , Lee Sun-Ju , Choi Sang-Lim , Ha Joohun , Kim Sung Soo
Published: July 2002

Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL)‐associated plasma protein (MAp19) is an alternatively spliced form of MBL‐associated serine protease‐2, a component of a complement activation cascade. We observed that MAp19 is excreted in human urine. Interestingly, the amount of MAp19 was higher in urine of renal cell carcinoma patients than healthy people. Pretreatment of urine dialysate with 50 mM EDTA increased the recovery of MAp19, suggesting that MAp19 is a calcium‐binding protein. The recombinant MAp19 showed a strong inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal growth in vitro in a concentration‐dependent manner. Thus, we conclude that MAp19 plays a role in the inhibition of calcium oxalate renal stone formation.
The effect of behavioral states on fetal heart rate and middle cerebral artery flow‐velocity waveforms in normal full‐term fetuses
Authors: Shono M. , Shono H. , Ito Y. , Muro M. , Uchiyama A. , Sugimori H.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of fetal behavioral states on the relationship between fetal heart rate (FHR) and middle cerebral artery resistance index (MCA RI) in normal fetuses. Methods: The FHR and MCA RI of 10 normal cases from 37 to 40 weeks of gestation were recorded consecutively over a 45‐min period. Correlations between the MCA RI and FHR during resting and active phases, classified by an actocardiotocogram, were analyzed by simple regression analysis. Results: The mean FHR and MCA RI were significantly higher during the active phase (140.3 ± 6.6 bpm, 0.79 ± 0.06) than those during the resting phase (137.4 ± 6.8 bpm, 0.75 ± 0.07, P < 0.01, two sample t‐test). There was a significant negative correlation (r = −0.22, n = 2642, P < 0.01) between RI and FHR during the active phase and a significant positive correlation (r = 0.28, n = 2066, P < 0.001) during the resting phase. Conclusions: The relationship between FHR and the MCA RI during the resting phase is different from during the active phase.
The effect of improving maternity services in a secondary facility, Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Sabitu K , Alti‐Mu'azu M , Musa A.A , Ifenne D.I , Essien E.S , Golji N.G , Adidu V , Mukaddas M ,   (The Zaria PMM Team)
Published: July 2002

Preliminary studies: Facility review at the secondary hospital in Makarfi revealed a lack of drugs and skilled personnel and delays in treating and referring women with obstetric complications. Interventions: In 1994, maternity facilities were renovated, a revolving drug fund was introduced, midwives were trained and an ambulance was restored to service. Attempts to secure a physician with skills in treating obstetric emergencies were unsuccessful. Prior to these activities, obstetric services at the referral hospital were improved. Community interventions focused on improving utilization by women with complications. Results: Between 1990 and 1995, substantial increases occurred in antenatal attendance (2517 to 5565 per year) and deliveries (325 to 1952 per year). The number of women with complications seeking care at this facility, however, dropped from 85 in 1990 to 28 in 1995. Referrals to higher level facilities increased from four in 1990 to 17 in 1995. Costs: The cost of the interventions was approximately US $32 000. Ninety‐eight percent was paid by the government and 2% by PMM. Conclusions: Improving the quality of maternity services can increase utilization by women with uncomplicated pregnancies. However, utilization of emergency services appears to be influenced by other factors, such as the ability to treat obstetric complications and prevailing economic conditions. © 1997 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Collaboration with government leaders to promote sustainability, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Duke F , Asuquo E , Ottong J , Olaniran N , Ekanem E ,   The Calabar PMM Team
Published: July 2002

Preliminary studies: Focus group studies and facility reviews revealed poorly equipped and under‐utilized emergency obstetric facilities in two rural communities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Interventions: Beginning in late 1992, state and local government leaders were contacted to sensitize them to the problem of maternal mortality and enlist their cooperation in activities to upgrade obstetric services. Results: A maternal health unit was created in the State Ministry of Health. Government officials were instrumental in upgrading hospital and polyclinic facilities, correcting staff shortages, repairing an ambulance, establishing a blood bank, granting leave to midwives for participation in skills workshops and facilitating dissemination of information. Costs: Nineteen visits to government officials required approximately 33 person‐days of the team's time. Transportation, communication and per diems were also paid. Government contributed a considerable amount in staff time and provided venues for workshops. Conclusions: A great deal can be achieved to improve emergency obstetric services through collaboration with government. Support and cooperation of government leaders can also enhance sustainability of interventions. © 1997 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Improving blood availability in a district hospital, Bo, Sierra Leone
Authors: Sengeh P , Samai O , Sidique S.K , Kebbie A , Fofana P , Stephens S ,   (The Bo PMM Team)
Published: July 2002

Preliminary studies: A situation analysis of Bo Government Hospital found there was no functioning blood bank. Focus group discussions revealed negative perceptions of community members regarding donation and transfusion of blood. Interventions: In late 1992, the hospital laboratory was refurbished: a refrigerator, freezer, reagents and other equipment and supplies were provided and technicians were trained. Consequently, small quantities of blood could be stored and rapidly transfused. Other improvements to obstetric services in the hospital were undertaken at the same time. Afterwards, community education to encourage blood donation was done. Results: The number of units of blood drawn increased from 304 to 501 (65%) from 1992 to 1993 (the first intervention year); the number actually transfused increased from 296 to 452 (53%). By the third intervention year (1995), the annual numbers of units drawn and transfused were 469 and 422, respectively. Case fatality rates for major obstetric complications were lower in all post‐intervention years (10% in 1993, 7% in 1994, 10% in 1995) as compared to 1992 (13%). Costs: Cost of improvements to blood services in the hospital was nearly US $10 000, of which 77% was used to purchase supplies and equipment. Conclusions: Even in settings with irregular electrical supply, storage of small quantities of blood is possible. Ready availability of blood may contribute to improved quality of obstetric care and improved survival among patients. © 1997 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Low‐intensity ultrasound stimulates endochondral ossification in vitro
Authors: Nolte P. A. , Klein‐Nulend J. , Albers G. H. R. , Marti R. K. , Semeins C. M. , Goei S. W. , Burger E. H.
Published: July 2002

Animal and clinical studies have shown an acceleration of bone healing by the application of low‐intensity ultrasound. The objective of this study was to examine in vitro the influence of low‐intensity ultrasound on endochondral ossification of 17‐day‐old fetal mouse metatarsal rudiments.

Forty‐six triplets of paired metatarsal rudiments were resected ‘en block’ and cultured for 7 days with and without low‐intensity ultrasound stimulation (30 mw/cm2). At days 1, 3, 5, and 7, the total length of the metatarsal rudiments, as well as the length of the calcified diaphysis were measured. Histology of the tissue was performed to examine its vitality.

The increase in length of the calcified diaphysis during 7 days of culture was significantly higher in the ultrasound‐treated rudiments compared to the untreated controls (P = 0.006). The growth of the control diaphysis was 180 ± 30 μm (mean ± SEM), while the growth of the ultrasound‐treated diaphysis was 530 ± 120 μm. The total length of the metatarsal rudiments was not affected by ultrasound treatment. Histology revealed a healthy condition of both ultrasound‐treated and control rudiments.

In conclusion, low‐intensity ultrasound treatment stimulated endochondral ossification of fetal mouse metatarsal rudiments. This might be due to stimulation of activity and/or differentiation of osteoblasts and hypertrophic chondrocytes. Our results support the hypothesis that low‐intensity ultrasound activates ossification via a direct effect on osteoblasts and ossifying cartilage. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Two-dimensional anxiety: A confirmation using a computerized neuropsychological testing of attentional performance
Authors: Mialet JP , Bisserbe JC , Jacobs A , Pope HG
Published: July 2002

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of anxiety on attentional performance with neutral stimuli. It was set up as follows: a fourfold comparison was made of trait anxiety and state anxiety. Sixty-two undergraduate students were included in the study, and four groups of subjects were set up by a median split of the scores obtained on the Spielberger Trait and State Anxiety Inventory (STAI): high trait-high state (N = 18); high trait-low state (N = 11); low trait-low state (N = 23); low trait-high state (N = 10). A computerized battery of neuropsychological tests, the ACE battery, was administered to provide a multidimensional assessment of attention. The ACE battery comprises five tests which assess the following aspects of attention: ability to monitor a routine task; temporal preparation; visual detection; memory span; visual spatial attention and memory. High state anxious subjects displayed impairment in executive functions, manifested by a significantly higher level of motor preparation in a simple reaction time (RT) task and a speed accuracy trade-off in a divided attention task; high trait anxious subjects performed significantly better on the visual detection task. No trait × state interaction was found. It was concluded that high state anxiety is associated with psychomotor alertness and high trait anxiety with perceptual alertness. These two dimensions of psychometric anxiety seem to have effects on attention that are independent of one another and which should be analysed separately in the future.
The deficit syndrome in first-admission patients with psychotic and non-psychotic disorders
Authors: Gerbaldo H , Georgi K , Pieschl D
Published: July 2002

The authors study the frequency of primary enduring negative symptoms in first-admission patients with schizophrenic and non-schizophrenic disorders. Carpenter's criteria for distinguishing the primary, enduring negative symptoms from the more transient negative symptoms (secondary to different factors) were applied. Furthermore, they compare negative symptom complexes between first-admission patients and patients with recurrent hospitalizations (within 5 years after first admission). There was a trend for patients with recurrent admissions to show more frequently a deficit syndrome than first-admission patients. Nevertheless, this difference was not significant (χ2 = 0.90). First-admission patients with deficit syndrome had significantly higher affective blunting (P < 0.05) and anhedonia (P < 0.001) than those with recurrent admissions. First-admission subjects with psychotic disorders had significantly higher frequency of deficit syndrome than those first-admission patients with non-psychotic disorders (P < 0.05). These results show that negative symptoms observed in first-admitted non-schizophrenic patients can also be enduring and primary. Thereby this work does not contribute to support the specificity of primary enduring negative symptoms for schizophrenia. Moreover, data suggest, that primary anhedonia and affective blunting can decrease within the first 5 years after discharge.
Contention and Democracy: Labor Protest in Poland, 1989–1993
Authors: Osa Maryjane
Published: July 2002

This article analyzes data on labor protests in Poland during the transition period. A bivariate categorical model was used to estimate the effectiveness of different protest strategies. Analysis shows that strike threats and strikes were effective in gaining concessions from the government or employers in over eighty percent of the events in which these strategies were employed. These findings challenge prevailing notions of a weak labor movement in Poland. The implications of the study of protest for evaluating “the two faces of labor” and for democratic consolidation are explored.
Initial findings in traumatic peripheral nerve injury and repair with diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Pridmore Michael D. , Glassman Gabriella E. , Pollins Alonda C. , Manzanera Esteve Isaac V. , Drolet Brian C. , Weikert Douglas R. , Does Mark D. , Perdikis Galen , Thayer Wesley P. , Dortch Richard D.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Management of peripheral nerve injuries requires physicians to rely on qualitative measures from patient history, electromyography, and physical exam. Determining a successful nerve repair can take months to years for proximal injuries, and the resulting delays in clinical decision‐making can lead to a negative impact on patient outcomes. Early identification of a failed nerve repair could prevent permanent muscle atrophy and loss of function. This study aims to test the feasibility of performing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to evaluate injury and recovery following repair of wrist trauma. We hypothesize that DTI provides a noninvasive and reliable assessment of regeneration, which may improve clinical decision‐making and alter the clinical course of surgical interventions.

Methods

Clinical and MRI measurements from subjects with traumatic peripheral nerve injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, and healthy control subjects were compared to evaluate the relationship between DTI metrics and injury severity.

Results

Fractional anisotropy from DTI was sensitive to differences between damaged and healthy nerves, damaged and compressed nerves, and injured and healthy contralateral nerves. Longitudinal measurements in two injury subjects also related to clinical outcomes. Implications of other diffusion measures are also discussed.

Interpretation

DTI is a sensitive tool for wrist nerve injuries and can be utilized for monitoring nerve recovery. Across three subjects with nerve injuries, this study has shown how DTI can detect abnormalities between injured and healthy nerves, measure recovery, and determine if re‐operation was successful. Additional comparisons to carpal tunnel syndrome and healthy nerves show that DTI is sensitive to the degree of impairment.
Enhancing the Sensitivity of Photoelectrochemical DNA Biosensing Using Plasmonic DNA Barcodes and Differential Signal Readout
Authors: Victorious Amanda , Saha Sudip , Pandey Richa , Soleymani Leyla
Published: January 2021

Photoelectrochemical biosensors hold great promise for sensitive bioanalysis; however, similar to their electrochemical analogues, they are highly affected by the variable backgrounds caused by biological matrices. We developed a new PEC biosensing strategy that uses differential signal generation, combining signals from two separate but correlated binding events on the biosensor, for improving the limit‐of‐detection, sensitivity, and specificity of PEC DNA biosensors in biological samples. In this assay, the binding of unlabeled target DNA is followed by the capture of a signal amplification barcode featuring a plasmonic nanoparticle. The interaction of the plasmonic barcode with the semiconductive building blocks of the biosensor results in significant signal amplification, and together with differential signal processing enhances the limit of detection and sensitivity of the assay by up to 15‐ and three‐fold, respectively, compared to the previously‐used PEC assays with a single binding event, demonstrating a limit of detection of 3 fM.
Auxetic Two‐Dimensional Nanostructures from DNA**
Authors: Li Ruixin , Chen Haorong , Choi Jong Hyun
Published: January 2021

Architectured materials exhibit negative Poisson's ratios and enhanced mechanical properties compared with regular materials. Their auxetic behaviors emerge from periodic cellular structures regardless of the materials used. The majority of such metamaterials are constructed by top‐down approaches and macroscopic with unit cells of microns or larger. There are also molecular auxetics including natural crystals which are not designable. There is a gap from few nanometers to microns, which may be filled by biomolecular self‐assembly. Herein, we demonstrate two‐dimensional auxetic nanostructures using DNA origami. Structural reconfigurations are performed by two‐step DNA reactions and complemented by mechanical deformation studies using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the auxetic behaviors are mostly defined by geometrical designs, yet the properties of the materials also play an important role. From elasticity theory, we introduce design principles for auxetic DNA metamaterials.
Efficient n‐Doping of Polymeric Semiconductors through Controlling the Dynamics of Solution‐State Polymer Aggregates
Authors: Xiong Miao , Yan Xinwen , Li Jia‐Tong , Zhang Song , Cao Zhiqiang , Prine Nathaniel , Lu Yang , Wang Jie‐Yu , Gu Xiaodan , Lei Ting
Published: January 2021

Doping of polymeric semiconductors limits the miscibility between polymers and dopants. Although significant efforts have been devoted to enhancing miscibility through chemical modification, the electrical conductivities of n‐doped polymeric semiconductors are usually below 10 S cm−1. We report a different approach to overcome the miscibility issue by modulating the solution‐state aggregates of conjugated polymers. We found that the solution‐state aggregates of conjugated polymers not only changed with solvent and temperature but also changed with solution aging time. Modulating the solution‐state polymer aggregates can directly influence their solid‐state microstructures and miscibility with dopants. As a result, both high doping efficiency and high charge‐carrier mobility were simultaneously obtained. The n‐doped electrical conductivity of P(PzDPP‐CT2) can be tuned up to 32.1 S cm−1. This method can also be used to improve the doping efficiency of other polymer systems (e.g. N2200) with different aggregation tendencies and behaviors.
Self‐Assembly of a Semiconductive and Photoactive Heterobimetallic Metal–Organic Capsule
Authors: Hu Xiangquan , Han Meirong , Shao Li , Zhang Chen , Zhang Le , Kelley Steven P. , Zhang Chi , Lin Jian , Dalgarno Scott J. , Atwood David A. , Feng Sisi , Atwood Jerry L.
Published: January 2021

We report the synthesis of a novel metal–organic capsule constructed from six pyrogallol[4]arene macrocycles, which are switched together by 16 FeIII and 16 CoII ions. This supramolecular structure is the first instance of a spheroidal heterometallic nanocage assembled through a one‐step metal–ligand coordination approach. This new assembly also demonstrates an important proof of concept through the formation of multiple heterometallic metal–metal interactions within the capsule framework. Photophysical and electrochemical studies of self‐assembled capsule films indicate their potential as semiconductors. These materials display unexpected photoelectric conversion properties, thus representing an emergent phenomenon in discrete metal–organic supramolecular assemblies.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenation Through an Intermolecular Hydrogen Atom Transfer Mechanism
Authors: Huang Lin , Bismuto Alessandro , Rath Simon A. , Trapp Nils , Morandi Bill
Published: January 2021

The direct dehydrogenation of alkanes is among the most efficient ways to access valuable alkene products. Although several catalysts have been designed to promote this transformation, they have unfortunately found limited applications in fine chemical synthesis. Here, we report a conceptually novel strategy for the catalytic, intermolecular dehydrogenation of alkanes using a ruthenium catalyst. The combination of a redox‐active ligand and a sterically hindered aryl radical intermediate has unleashed this novel strategy. Importantly, mechanistic investigations have been performed to provide a conceptual framework for the further development of this new catalytic dehydrogenation system.
Psychological impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on healthcare workers in China Xi’an central hospital
Authors: Wang Nan , Li Yongqin , Wang Qiaoxia , Lei Caihong , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhu Shanshan
Published: January 2021

Objective

COVID‐19 significantly altered our routine, lifestyle, and stress level across the globe. This study investigated the psychological impact of COVID‐19 on healthcare workers in China Xi'an Center hospital.

Methods

A modified online questionnaire of Psychological Status and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) was provided to 1,967 healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participation was voluntary, and the responses were anonymous. The survey lasted for 2 weeks, and the GHQ‐12 was completed every other day. The data were collected automatically and electronically and then statistically analyzed.

Results

The 431 (21.9%) responders included 214 nurses (49.7%), 146 clinicians (33.9%), 29 pharmacists (6.7%), 15 medical technicians (3.5%), 17 administrative staff (3.9%), and 10 other departments (2.3%). Of these, 46.2% had 10 years of work experiences or more and 78.2% were married. Work experience increased emotional stress as 23% of participants with 10 years or more of experience exhibited higher stress compared to those with fewer than 3 years of work experience (7.5%). Moreover, 33.3% of participants who worked in or were exposed to the affected areas of the pandemic experienced psychological stress. Overall, this study identified four factors that were significantly associated with psychological stress: (a) work experience (OR 2.99; 95% CI: 1.06 to 8.41); (b) change in job position (OR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.59); (c) change in lifestyle (OR 4.06; 95% CI: 1.81 to 9.10); and (d) need for psychological counseling (OR 3.07; 95% CI: 1.62 to 5.82).

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic has increased psychological stress among healthcare workers with 10 years or more work experiences and who recently experienced a career position change.
Effect of hTIMP‐1 overexpression in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on the repair of pancreatic islets in type‐1 diabetic mice
Authors: Bao Yu , Zhao Zhengyan , Gao Huihui
Published: January 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested for pancreatic islet repair in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study aimed to investigate the effect of human umbilical cord MSCs (hUC‐MSCs) transfected with tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 on the regeneration of β‐cell islets in vitro and in vivo. hUC‐MSCs were isolated, cultured, and transfected with lentiviruses for the overexpression of hTIMP‐1. An in vitro coculture system of hUC‐MSCs and streptozotocin‐induced islets was established to examine the morphology, apoptosis, and insulin secretion of the cocultured islets. Diabetic mouse models were injected with lenti‐TIMP‐1‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐hUC‐MSCs to test the effect of hTIMP‐1 on insulin levels and glucose tolerance in vivo. The expression of insulin and glucagon was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that coculture with hUC‐MSCs or Lenti‐TIMP‐1‐EGFP‐hUC‐MSCs improved islet viability rates. Lenti‐TIMP‐1‐EGFP‐hUC‐MSC coculture increased the insulin and C‐peptide secretion function of the cultured islets and increased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐β1, interleukin‐6, IL‐10, and hTIMP‐1. hUC‐MSCs, especially those transfected with Lenti‐hTIMP‐1‐EGFP, showed a strong protective effect in diabetic mice by alleviating weight loss and improving glucose and insulin metabolism. In addition, transplantation rescued islet histology and function in vivo. The overexpression of TIMP‐1 by hUC‐MSCs seems to exert beneficial effects on pancreatic islet cells. In conclusion, this study may provide a new perspective on the development of hUC‐MSC‐based cell transplantation therapy for T1DM.
Feasibility and acceptability of human papillomavirus self‐sampling in a semi‐urban area in northern Tanzania
Authors: Mahande Michael J. , Oneko Olola , Amour Caroline , Pollie Meridith , Smith Cheyenne , Mboya Innocent B. , Finkel Madelon
Published: January 2021

Objective

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self‐sampling in Arusha region, northern Tanzania, because the ability for women to self‐collect HPV samples can help reduce the number of health facility visits and improve cervical cancer screening coverage rates.

Methods

We conducted a facility‐ and community‐based cross‐sectional study among 350 women aged 25–55 years in Arumeru district, Arusha region, northern Tanzania. Women were trained to self‐collect an HPV sample, and follow‐up visits were used to provide results after laboratory testing. Data were analyzed using Stata version 15.1 and summarized using mean and standard deviation for numeric variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables.

Results

Among 350 women, 65 (18.6%) ever screened for cervical cancer, all provided self‐collected samples, and 349 (99.4%) would advise their female friends to undergo the same procedure. The prevalence of positive HPV results was 31 (8.9%), of which 26 (83.9%) were further examined. Two women found with lesions were treated following the national guidelines.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that the HPV self‐sampling intervention for cervical cancer screening is a feasible and acceptable intervention, especially in resource‐limited countries like Tanzania. Scaling‐up policies should consider addressing the potential barriers to the uptake of this intervention.
Robustness of MR Elastography in the Healthy Brain: Repeatability, Reliability, and Effect of Different Reconstruction Methods
Authors: Svensson Siri F. , De Arcos José , Darwish Omar Isam , Fraser‐Green Jorunn , Storås Tryggve H. , Holm Sverre , Vik‐Mo Einar O. , Sinkus Ralph , Emblem Kyrre E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Changes in brain stiffness can be an important biomarker for neurological disease. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) quantifies tissue stiffness, but the results vary between acquisition and reconstruction methods.

Purpose

To measure MRE repeatability and estimate the effect of different reconstruction methods and varying data quality on estimated brain stiffness.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Fifteen healthy subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T MRI, gradient‐echo elastography sequence with a 50 Hz vibration frequency.

Assessment

Imaging was performed twice in each subject. Images were reconstructed using a curl‐based and a finite‐element‐model (FEM)‐based method. Stiffness was measured in the whole brain, in white matter, and in four cortical and four deep gray matter regions. Repeatability coefficients (RC), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated. MRE data quality was quantified by the ratio between shear waves and compressional waves.

Statistical Tests

Median values with range are presented. Reconstruction methods were compared using paired Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests, and Spearman's rank correlation was calculated between MRE data quality and stiffness. Holm–Bonferroni corrections were employed to adjust for multiple comparisons.

Results

In the whole brain, CV was 4.3% and 3.8% for the curl and the FEM reconstruction, respectively, with 4.0–12.8% for subregions. Whole‐brain ICC was 0.60–0.74, ranging from 0.20 to 0.89 in different regions. RC for the whole brain was 0.14 kPa and 0.17 kPa for the curl and FEM methods, respectively. FEM reconstruction resulted in 39% higher stiffness than the curl reconstruction (P < 0.05). MRE data quality, defined as shear‐compression wave ratio, was higher in peripheral regions than in central regions of the brain (P < 0.05). No significant correlations were observed between MRE data quality and stiffness estimates.

Data Conclusion

MRE of the human brain is a robust technique in terms of repeatability. Caution is warranted when comparing stiffness values obtained with different techniques.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Accounting for Variable Task Discrimination in Divergent Thinking Fluency Measurement: An Example of the Benefits of a 2‐Parameter Poisson Counts Model and its Bifactor Extension Over the Rasch Poisson Counts Model
Authors: Myszkowski Nils , Storme Martin
Published: January 2021

Fluency tasks are among the most common item formats for the assessment of certain cognitive abilities, such as verbal fluency or divergent thinking. A typical approach to the psychometric modeling of such tasks (e.g., Intelligence, 2016, 57, 25) is the Rasch Poisson Counts Model (RPCM; Probabilistic models for some intelligence and attainment tests. Copenhagen: Danish Institute for Educational Research, 1960), in which, similarly to the assumption of (essential) ‐equivalence in Classical Test Theory, tasks have equal discriminations—meaning that, beyond varying in difficulty, they do not vary in how strongly they are related to the latent variable. In this research, we question this assumption in the case of divergent thinking tasks, and propose instead to use a more flexible 2‐Parameter Poisson Counts Model (2PPCM), which allows to characterize tasks by both difficulty and discrimination. We further propose a Bifactor 2PPCM (B2PPCM) to account for local dependencies (i.e., specific/nuisance factors) emerging from tasks sharing similarities (e.g., similar prompts and domains). We reanalyze a divergent thinking dataset (Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 2008, 2, 68) and find the B2PPCM to significantly outperform the 2PPCM, both outperforming the RPCM. Further extensions and applications of these models are discussed.
A disaggregation approach for indirect preference elicitation in Electre TRI‐nC: Application and validation
Authors: Madhooshiarzanagh Parisa , Abi‐Zeid Irène
Published: January 2021

Multicriteria sorting methods are often used in decision aiding contexts where the objective is to assign alternatives to predefined ordered categories. The Electre Tri family of sorting methods is based on pairwise comparisons of the alternatives with some, possibly fictional, alternatives that are either upper or lower limits of the categories (Electre Tri‐B), or one or more typical reference alternatives, that is, representative categories profiles (Electre Tri‐C, Tri‐nC). In this paper, we are interested in the Electre Tri‐nC method and in indirect preference elicitation based on partial information provided by the Decision Maker. We therefore propose, apply and evaluate a preference disaggregation method for learning criteria weights and the credibility threshold used in Electre Tri‐nC. The proposed disaggregation method is validated in an experiment using a climate classification problem for light tourism where 62,482 touristic locations are sorted into four categories. A robustness analysis of the method's performance using 150 learning sets is conducted and the results are presented and discussed.
Unfractionated heparin using actual body weight without dose capping in obese pediatric patients—Subgroup analysis from an observational cohort study
Authors: Kuhn Alexis K. , Saini Surbhi , Stanek Joseph , Dunn Amy , Kumar Riten
Published: January 2021

To evaluate the correlation between an uncapped, actual body weight‐based unfractionated heparin dosing strategy, we performed a body mass index‐based subanalysis of a previously reported pediatric cohort. Nearly half (45%) of obese patients were supra‐therapeutic on initial anti‐FXa assessment. Obese patients achieved therapeutic anti‐FXa significantly faster than nonobese patients (median 4 vs 12 hours, P = .0192) and were more likely to have any supra‐therapeutic anti‐FXa levels (77% vs 35%; P = .0021). There was no statistically significant difference in major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding rates between weight categories (P = .69). Prospective pediatric studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Sulfinylation on Superoxide Dismutase 1 Cys111: Novel Mechanism for 1‐Nitropyrene to Promote Acute Reactive Oxygen Species Generation
Authors: Xie Guangshan , Zhu Lin , Zhang Yanhao , Song Yuanyuan , Zhang Hongna , Yang Zhu , Cai Zongwei
Published: January 2021

1‐Nitropyrene (1‐NP) is one of the most representative diesel exhaust‐sourced components existing in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and a potential carcinogen. 1‐NP demonstrates a significant higher cytotoxicity than its structural analogs and precursor. Herein, 1‐NP with its structural analog 3‐nitrofluoranthene and precursor pyrene in human lung epithelial cell lines are compared. An acute reactive oxygen species (ROS) accompanied with cell death is observed for 1‐NP. Using compound‐centric redox proteomics analysis, it is shown that 1‐NP significantly remodeled the redox proteome and specifically targeted on ROS reduction pathway. Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is identified as a potential target. It is demonstrated that 1‐NP directly acts on cysteine residue Cys111 and inhibits SOD activity. The position of nitroxide determines its direct target and contributes to the unique mechanism of 1‐NP. A novel mechanism for 1‐NP cytotoxicity and ROS induction is therefore proposed.
Characterizing Topological Order with Matrix Product Operators
Authors: Şahinoğlu Mehmet Burak , Williamson Dominic , Bultinck Nick , Mariën Michaël , Haegeman Jutho , Schuch Norbert , Verstraete Frank
Published: January 2021

One of the most striking features of gapped quantum phases that exhibit topological order is the presence of long-range entanglement that cannot be detected by any local order parameter. The formalism of projected entangled-pair states is a natural framework for the parameterization of gapped ground state wavefunctions which allows one to characterize topological order in terms of the virtual symmetries of the local tensors that encode the wavefunction. In their most general form, these symmetries are represented by matrix product operators acting on the virtual level, which leads to a set of algebraic rules characterizing states with topological quantum order. This construction generalizes the concepts of $${\mathsf {G}}$$
G
- and twisted injectivity; the corresponding matrix product operators encode all topological features of the theory and provide a complete picture of the ground state manifold on the torus. We show how the string-net models of Levin and Wen fit within this formalism and in doing so provide a particularly intuitive interpretation of the pentagon equation for F-symbols as the pulling of matrix product operators through the string-net tensor network. Our approach paves the way to finding novel topological phases beyond string nets and elucidates the description of topological phases in terms of entanglement Hamiltonians and edge theories.
Weighted voting procedure having a unique blocker
Authors: Bhattacherjee Sanjay , Sarkar Palash
Published: January 2021

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council of India has a non-conventional weighted voting procedure having a primary player who is a blocker and a set of secondary players. The voting weights are not fixed and are determined based on the subset of players which participate in the voting. We introduce the notion of voting schema to formally model such a voting procedure. Individual voting games arise from a voting schema depending on the subset of secondary players who participate in the voting. We make a detailed formal study of the trade-off between the minimal sizes of winning and blocking coalitions in the voting games that can arise from a voting schema. Finally, the GST voting procedure is assessed using the theoretical results leading to suggestions for improvement.
The thymus and the science of self
Authors: Geenen Vincent
Published: January 2021

The conventional perception asserts that immunology is the science of ‘discrimination’ between self and non-self. This concept is however no longer tenable as effector cells of the adaptive immune system are first conditioned to be tolerant to the body’s own antigens, collectively known as self until now. Only then attain these effectors the responsiveness to non-self. The acquisition of this essential state of tolerance to self occurs for T cells in the thymus, the last major organ of our body that revealed its intricate function in health and disease. The ‘thymus’ as an anatomical notion was first notably documented in Ancient Greece although our present understanding of the organ’s functions was only deciphered commencing in the 1960s. In the late 1980s, the thymus was identified as the site where clones of cells reactive to self, termed ‘forbidden’ thymocytes, are physically depleted as the result of a process now known as negative selection. The recognition of this mechanism further contributed to the belief that the central rationale of immunology as a science lies in the distinction between self and non-self. This review will discuss the evidence that the thymus serves as a unique lymphoid organ able to instruct T cells to recognize and be tolerant to harmless self before adopting the capacity to defend the body against potentially injurious non-self-antigens presented in the context of different challenges from infections to exposure to malignant cells. The emerging insight into the thymus’ cardinal functions now also provides an opportunity to exploit this knowledge to develop novel strategies that specifically prevent or even treat organ-specific autoimmune diseases.
ALS2-related disorders in Spanish children
Authors: Nogueira Enrique , Alarcón Juana , Garma Carmen , Paredes Cecilia
Published: January 2021

ALS2 gene encoding for alsin protein is responsible for neurological disorders due to retrograde degeneration of the upper motor neurons of the pyramidal tracts, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, and displaying a clinical continuum including the infantile ascending hereditary spastic paraplegiaidentified in three Spanish children presented here.
The effects of paid family leave on food insecurity—evidence from California
Authors: Lenhart Otto
Published: January 2021

This study examines the relationship between the 2004 introduction of California’s paid family leave (PFL) program on food security. While previous work has shown that PFL laws affect employment, poverty and health, there is no evidence so far whether such policies affect food security levels of families after the birth of a child. Estimating difference-in-differences (DD) and triple difference (DDD) models, this is the first study to evaluate potential effects on food security, which could be a potential mechanism explaining improvements in health outcomes for both infants and mothers found in previous studies. My analysis shows that California’s PFL implementation reduced the incidence of very low household food security by 2.29 (DD) and 1.98 percentage points (DDD) in the year following a birth. I find that the effects are driven improvements in food security among children who are 1.41 percentage points less likely to be food insecure after the PFL introduction. Subgroup analysis shows that the effects are largest for low-income households, a group that has been shown to highly value PFL benefits, as well as for families with more than one child.
Bioethicists Should Be Helping Scientists Think About Race
Authors: Russell Camisha
Published: January 2021

In this essay, I argue that bioethicists have a thus-far unfulfilled role to play in helping life scientists, including medical doctors and researchers, think about race. I begin with descriptions of how life scientists tend to think about race and descriptions of typical approaches to bioethics. I then describe three different approaches to race: biological race, race as social construction, and race as cultural driver of history. Taking into account the historical and contemporary interplay of these three approaches, I suggest an alternative framework for thinking about race focused on how the idea of race functions socially. Finally, using assisted reproductive technologies as an example, I discuss how bioethicists and scientists might work together using this framework to improve not only their own but broader perspectives on race.
The composition and diversity of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps under different intensities of forest disturbance
Authors: Hammond Maame Esi , Pokorný Radek , Okae-Anti Daniel , Gyedu Augustine , Obeng Irene Otwuwa
Published: January 2021

The positive ecological interaction between gap formation and natural regeneration has been examined but little research has been carried out on the effects of gaps on natural regeneration in forests under different intensities of disturbance. This study evaluates the composition, diversity, regeneration density and abundance of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps in undisturbed, intermittently disturbed,
and disturbed forest sites. Bia Tano Forest Reserve in Ghana was the study area and three gaps each were selected in the three forest site categories. Ten circular subsampling areas of 1 m2 were delineated at 2 m spacing along north, south, east, and west transects within individual gaps. Data on natural regeneration < 350 cm height were gathered. The results show that the intensity of disturbance was disproportional to gap size. Species diversity differed significantly between undisturbed and disturbed sites and, also between intermittently disturbed and disturbed sites for Simpson’s (1-D), Equitability (J), and Berger–Parker (B–P) indices. However, there was no significant difference among forest sites for Shannon diversity (H) and Margalef richness (MI) indices. Tree species composition on the sites differed. Regeneration density on the disturbed site was significantly higher than on the two other sites. Greater abundance and density of shade-dependent species on all sites identified them as opportunistic replacements of gap-dependent pioneers. Pioneer species giving way to shade tolerant species is a natural process, thus make them worst variant in gap regeneration.
Liability for AI: public policy considerations
Authors: Zech Herbert
Published: January 2021

Liability for AI is the subject of a lively debate. Whether new liability rules should be introduced or not and how these rules should be designed hinges on the function of liability rules. Mainly, they create incentives for risk control, varying with their requirements – especially negligence versus strict liability. In order to do so, they have to take into account who is actually able to exercise control. In scenarios where a clear allocation of risk control is no longer possible, social insurance might step in.

This article discusses public policy considerations concerning liability for artificial intelligence (AI). It first outlines the major risks associated with current developments in information technology (IT) (1.). Second, the implications for liability law are discussed. Liability rules are seen conceptualized as an instrument for risk control (2.). Negligence liability and strict liability serve different purposes making strict liability the rule of choice for novel risks (3.). The key question is, however, who should be held liable (4.). Liability should follow risk control. In future scenarios where individual risk attribution is no longer feasible social insurance might be an alternative (5). Finally, the innovation function of liability rules is stressed, affirming that appropriate liability rules serve as a stimulus for innovation, not as an impediment (6.).
Krieg und Frieden im Südkaukasus. Der ewige Konflikt um Berg-Karabach
Authors: Sarjveladze Mikheil
Published: January 2021

Der jüngste Krieg zwischen Armenien und Aserbaidschan veränderte den 26 Jahre bestehenden Status quo in der Region. Die aktuelle Veränderung des Status quo war bedingt durch das Zusammenspiel dreier Faktoren: 1) gescheiterte internationale Konfliktvermittlung, 2) die Rüstungsspirale der Konfliktparteien, 3) die Veränderung des geopolitischen Gleichgewichts durch Eingriffe der Türkei und Russlands. Im Ergebnis profitierten Moskau und Ankara von der Passivität der westlichen Akteure vor allem der EU und bauten ihren Einfluss im Südkaukasus aus.
The early Cenomanian crippsi Event at Lüneburg (Germany): palaeontological and stratigraphical significance of a widespread Late Cretaceous bioevent
Authors: Wilmsen Markus , Schumacher Detlef , Niebuhr Birgit
Published: January 2021

The early CenomaniancrippsiEvent comprises a 1–3-m-thick interval characterised by mass occurrences of the early Cenomanian inoceramidGnesioceramus crippsi, identified in the uppermostSharpeiceras schlueteriSubzone (lower lower CenomanianMantelliceras mantelliZone), below an interregional sequence boundary (SB Ce 1). At Lüneburg, the event is characterised by densely packed, very large, disc-like valves ofG.crippsi. Taphonomy as well as bio- and microfacies suggest an event formation in a deeper shelf setting below the storm-wave base as primary biogenic concentration, the inoceramids living as recumbent forms on a soft substrate in dense populations. When tracked between basins, the stratigraphic pattern of thecrippsiEvent suggests a moderately prolonged phase (< 100 kyr) of increased shell production with rapid deposition aiding in preserving the shell-rich event strata. Towards the basin margins, it grades into storm wave-reworked bioclastic concentrations. ThecrippsiEvent formed by an interregional population bloom and provides, as an proliferation epibole, an important marker for intra- and interbasinal correlation. The first record ofG. mowriensiswithin thecrippsiEvent at Lüneburg, hitherto endemic to the US Western Interior Seaway, and the occurrence of the ammoniteMetengonoceras teigenense, likewise an endemic North American faunal element, from the level of thecrippsiEvent in northern France indicate faunal exchange between the New and Old worlds during the early Cenomanian. This faunal dispersal and contemporaneous occurrence of warm-water biofacies in Western Europe during the early Cenomanian is explained by the existence of a perpetual NE-directed current transporting warm surface waters from the Gulf of Mexico towards Europe. The occurrence of short-livedM.teigenensein France allows for the calibration of the uppermostschlueteriSubzone of themantelliZone in Europe to the lowermostNeogastroplites muelleriZone in North America and to assign an age of ~ 98.6–98.7 Ma to thecrippsiEvent.