bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of demographic change in the balance between formal and informal old-age care in Spain. Results from a mixed microsimulation–agent-based model
Authors: Spijker Jeroen , Devolder Daniel , Zueras Pilar
Published: August 2020

Changes in population and family structures are altering the provision of care for dependent older people. In Southern European countries like Spain, such care is still largely provided by family, typically spouses and adult daughters. However, an increasing proportion of women have entered the labour force, thereby affecting their availability. To study the demand and supply balance of informal care and to quantify the need for formal care when there is a deficit, we have developed a mixed microsimulation–agent-based model (ABM). Based on nuptiality, fertility and mortality levels of cohorts born at ten-year intervals between 1908 and 1968, the model starts with a microsimulation of the lifecycle of individuals and their close relatives until death. The ABM then determines the amount of time available or needed to care for family members, starting from age 50. Estimates are derived from Spanish survey data on employment, disability and time of care received. Surprisingly, results show that the family care deficit was greater in the older cohorts due to higher mortality and thus a greater impact of widowhood. However, for future elderly persons, we foresee that persistent below-replacement fertility and, paradoxically, the prolongation of the lifespan of couples will increase the demand for formal care as there will be more couples with both members incapacitated but without children to take care of them.
A Temporal Framework for Electroacoustic Music Exploration
Authors: Dahan Kevin
Published: August 2020

Many aural analytical methods have been produced for electroacoustic music that focus on the identification of salient morphological features of the sounds. Doing so, they usually overlook the importance of time – a central aspect of music – sometimes by considering it as a simple compositional parameter. However, this article proposes a novel theoretical framework for electroacoustic music understanding by putting time and its cognitive representations during perception at the forefront. Two concepts are introduced to propose this alternative approach to electroacoustic music description: temporal directionality, which focuses on the sounds themselves, and temporal distancing, which focuses on the relations between sounds. Throughout this article, several musical examples are given to briefly exemplify how such concepts can be used in an explanatory context. Finally, polychrony is introduced, which aims to describe how electroacoustic composers play with the various cases of temporal directionality and distancing, and, in the process, actually weave time itself.
Elaborating Analogies of Time Perception
Authors: Mountain Rosemary
Published: August 2020

Using a mixture of physiological evidence and analogies of time, the author describes the current version of a model of how we might view our interactions with time in music and beyond. An older model designed for analysis of complex twentieth-century acoustic works is updated to incorporate varied profiles of electroacoustic music. Recent research in auditory systems corroborates that we receive different types of information simultaneously through different channels, each taking more or less periodic sampling from different bands of frequencies – from timbre to phrase length and beyond. In order to acknowledge both the primitive structures of our complex hearing mechanisms and the different profiles of listeners, it is suggested that this multiple-sampling strategy may operate in a parallel way at a much larger scale, thereby allowing us to integrate the listener’s preference for pacing, contrast and densities of activity into the sensory processing of a musical work. The article is enriched by insights from soundscape pioneer Hildegard Westerkamp relating to various aspects of the discussion, from sensory overload to ecological concerns to the natural rallentando of a soundwalk. Finally, a whimsical elaboration based on the analogy of time as a river is presented in order to incorporate a more organic set of characteristics into our appreciation of music and time.
Development, validation and utilisation of dish-based dietary assessment tools: a scoping review
Authors: Shinozaki Nana , Yuan Xiaoyi , Murakami Kentaro , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To summarise the existing evidence of development, validation and current status of utilisation of dish-based dietary assessment tools.

Design:

Scoping review.

Setting:

Systematic search using PubMed and Web of Science.

Results:

We identified twelve tools from seventy-four eligible publications. They were developed for Koreans (n4), Bangladeshis (n2), Iranians (n1), Indians/Malays/Chinese (n1), Japanese (n3) and Chinese Americans (n1). Most tools (10/12) were composed of a dish-based FFQ. Although the development process of a dish list varied among the tools, six studies classified mixed dishes based on the similarity of their characteristics such as food ingredients and cooking methods. Tools were validated against self-reported dietary information (n9) and concentration biomarkers (n1). In the eight studies assessing the differences between the tool and a reference, the mean (or median) intake of energy significantly differed in five studies, and 26–83 % of nutrients significantly differed in eight studies. Correlation coefficients for energy ranged from 0·15 to 0·87 across the thirteen studies, and the median correlation coefficients for nutrients ranged from 0·12 to 0·77. Dish-based dietary assessment tools were used in fifty-nine studies mainly to assess diet–disease relationships in target populations.

Conclusions:

Dish-based dietary assessment tools have exclusively been developed and used for Asian-origin populations. Further validation studies, particularly biomarker-based studies, are needed to assess the applicability of tools.
Cellular, mitochondrial and molecular alterations associate with early left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in a porcine model of diabetic metabolic derangement
Authors: Heinonen Ilkka , Sorop Oana , van Dalen Bas M. , Wüst Rob C. I. , van de Wouw Jens , de Beer Vincent J. , Octavia Yanti , van Duin Richard W. B. , Hoogstrate Youri , Blonden Lau , Alkio Milla , Anttila Katja , Stubbs Andrew , van der Velden Jolanda , Merkus Daphne , Duncker Dirk J.
Published: August 2020

The prevalence of diabetic metabolic derangement (DMetD) has increased dramatically over the last decades. Although there is increasing evidence that DMetD is associated with cardiac dysfunction, the early DMetD-induced myocardial alterations remain incompletely understood. Here, we studied early DMetD-related cardiac changes in a clinically relevant large animal model. DMetD was established in adult male Göttingen miniswine by streptozotocin injections and a high-fat, high-sugar diet, while control animals remained on normal pig chow. Five months later left ventricular (LV) function was assessed by echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements, followed by comprehensive biochemical, molecular and histological analyses. Robust DMetD developed, evidenced by hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. DMetD resulted in altered LV nitroso-redox balance, increased superoxide production—principally due to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling—reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, alterations in myocardial gene-expression—particularly genes related to glucose and fatty acid metabolism—and mitochondrial dysfunction. These abnormalities were accompanied by increased passive force of isolated cardiomyocytes, and impaired LV diastolic function, evidenced by reduced LV peak untwist velocity and increased E/e′. However, LV weight, volume, collagen content, and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area were unchanged at this stage of DMetD. In conclusion, DMetD, in a clinically relevant large-animal model results in myocardial oxidative stress, eNOS uncoupling and reduced NO production, together with an altered metabolic gene expression profile and mitochondrial dysfunction. These molecular alterations are associated with stiffening of the cardiomyocytes and early diastolic dysfunction before any structural cardiac remodeling occurs. Therapies should be directed to ameliorate these early DMetD-induced myocardial changes to prevent the development of overt cardiac failure.
iPSC-derived progenitor stromal cells provide new insights into aberrant musculoskeletal development and resistance to cancer in down syndrome
Authors: Galat Yekaterina , Perepitchka Mariana , Elcheva Irina , Iannaccone Stephen , Iannaccone Philip M. , Galat Vasiliy
Published: August 2020

Down syndrome (DS) is a congenital disorder caused by trisomy 21 (T21). It is associated with cognitive impairment, muscle hypotonia, heart defects, and other clinical anomalies. At the same time, individuals with Down syndrome have lower prevalence of solid tumor formation. To gain new insights into aberrant DS development during early stages of mesoderm formation and its possible connection to lower solid tumor prevalence, we developed the first model of two types of DS iPSC-derived stromal cells. Utilizing bioinformatic and functional analyses, we identified over 100 genes with coordinated expression among mesodermal and endothelial cell types. The most significantly down-regulated processes in DS mesodermal progenitors were associated with decreased stromal progenitor performance related to connective tissue organization as well as muscle development and functionality. The differentially expressed genes included cytoskeleton-related genes (actin and myosin), ECM genes (Collagens, Galectin-1, Fibronectin, Heparan Sulfate, LOX, FAK1), cell cycle genes (USP16, S1P complexes), and DNA damage repair genes. For DS endothelial cells, our analysis revealed most down-regulated genes associated with cellular response to external stimuli, cell migration, and immune response (inflammation-based). Together with functional assays, these results suggest an impairment in mesodermal development capacity during early stages, which likely translates into connective tissue impairment in DS patients. We further determined that, despite differences in functional processes and characteristics, a significant number of differentially regulated genes involved in tumorigenesis were expressed in a highly coordinated manner across endothelial and mesodermal cells. These findings strongly suggest that microRNAs (miR-24-4, miR-21), cytoskeleton remodeling, response to stimuli, and inflammation can impact resistance to tumorigenesis in DS patients. Furthermore, we also show that endothelial cell functionality is impaired, and when combined with angiogenic inhibition, it can provide another mechanism for decreased solid tumor development. We propose that the same processes, which specify the basis of connective tissue impairment observed in DS patients, potentially impart a resistance to cancer by hindering tumor progression and metastasis. We further establish that cancer-related genes on Chromosome 21 are up-regulated, while genome-wide cancer-related genes are down-regulated. These results suggest that trisomy 21 induces a modified regulation and compensation of many biochemical pathways across the genome. Such downstream interactions may contribute toward promoting tumor resistant mechanisms.
Discrete finger sequences are widely represented in human striatum
Authors: Andersen Kasper Winther , Madsen Kristoffer H. , Siebner Hartwig Roman
Published: August 2020

Research in primates and rodents ascribes the striatum a critical role in integrating elementary movements into unitary action sequences through reinforcement-based learning. Yet it remains to be shown whether the human striatum represents action sequence-specific information. Young right-handed volunteers underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while they performed four discrete finger sequences with their right hand, consisting of five button presses. Specific finger sequences could be discriminated based on the distributed activity patterns in left and right striatum, but not by average differences in single-voxel activity. Multiple bilateral clusters in putamen and caudate nucleus belonging to motor, associative, parietal and limbic territories contributed to classification sensitivity. The results show that individual finger movement sequences are widely represented in human striatum, supporting functional integration rather than segregation. The findings are compatible with the idea that the basal ganglia simultaneously integrate motor, associative and limbic aspects in the control of complex overlearned behaviour.
Large-scale spontaneous self-organization and maturation of skeletal muscle tissues on ultra-compliant gelatin hydrogel substrates
Authors: Jensen Joen H. , Cakal Selgin D. , Li Jingwen , Pless Christian J. , Radeke Carmen , Jepsen Morten Leth , Jensen Thomas E. , Dufva Martin , Lind Johan U.
Published: August 2020

Cellular self-organization is the fundamental driving force behind the complex architectures of native tissue. Yet, attempts at replicating native tissue architectures in vitro often involve complex micro-fabrication methods and materials. While impressive progress has been made within engineered models of striated muscle, the wide adaptation of these models is held back by the need for specific tools and knowhow. In this report, we show that C2C12 myoblasts spontaneously organize into highly aligned myotube tissues on the mm to cm scale, when cultured on sufficiently soft yet fully isotropic gelatin hydrogel substrates. Interestingly, we only observed this phenomenon for hydrogels with Young’s modulus of 6 kPa and below. For slightly more rigid compositions, only local micrometer-scale myotube organization was observed, similar to that seen in conventional polystyrene dishes. The hydrogel-supported myotubes could be cultured for multiple weeks and matured into highly contractile phenotypes with notable upregulation of myosin heavy chain, as compared to myotubes developed in conventional petri dishes. The procedure for casting the ultra-soft gelatin hydrogels is straight forward and compatible with standardized laboratory tools. It may thus serve as a simple, yet versatile, approach to generating skeletal muscle tissue of improved physiological relevance for applied and basic research.
Insight into the dual function of lipid phosphate phosphatase PgpB involved in two essential cell-envelope metabolic pathways in Escherichia coli
Authors: Tian Xudong , Auger Rodolphe , Manat Guillaume , Kerff Frédéric , Mengin-Lecreulx Dominique , Touzé Thierry
Published: August 2020

Ubiquitous PAP2 lipid phosphatases are involved in a wide array of central physiological functions. PgpB from Escherichia coli constitutes the archetype of this subfamily of membrane proteins. It displays a dual function by catalyzing the biosynthesis of two essential lipids, the phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and the undecaprenyl phosphate (C55-P). C55-P constitutes a lipid carrier allowing the translocation of peptidoglycan subunits across the plasma membrane. PG and C55-P are synthesized in a redundant manner by PgpB and other PAP2 and/or unrelated membrane phosphatases. Here, we show that PgpB is the sole, among these multiple phosphatases, displaying this dual activity. The inactivation of PgpB does not confer any apparent growth defect, but its inactivation together with another PAP2 alters the cell envelope integrity increasing the susceptibility to small hydrophobic compounds. Evidence is also provided of an interplay between PAP2s and the peptidoglycan polymerase PBP1A. In contrast to PGP hydrolysis, which relies on a His/Asp/His catalytic triad of PgpB, the mechanism of C55-PP hydrolysis appeared as only requiring the His/Asp diad, which led us to hypothesize distinct processes. Moreover, thermal stability analyses highlighted a substantial structural change upon phosphate binding by PgpB, supporting an induced-fit model of action.
Suppression of self-absorption in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using a double pulse orthogonal configuration to create vacuum-like conditions in atmospheric air pressure
Authors: Karnadi Indra , Pardede Marincan , Tanra Ivan , Hedwig Rinda , Marpaung Alion Mangasi , Lie Zener Sukra , Jobiliong Eric , Kwaria Dennis , Suliyanti Maria Margaretha , Ramli Muliadi , Lahna Kurnia , Lie Tjung Jie , Suyanto Hery , Kurniawan Koo Hendrik , Kagawa Kiichiro
Published: August 2020

Self-absorption, which is known to severely disturb identification of the emission peak intensity in emission-based spectroscopy, was first studied using ordinary single pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). It was found that severe self-absorption, with an evident self-reversal, occurs in the resonance emission lines of high concentration Na, K, and Al, and thus it is impossible to obtain the linear calibration curve required for quantitative analysis. To overcome this problem, we introduce a double pulse orthogonal technique in which the first laser is fired in a parallel orientation at a varied distance of 2–6 mm from the sample surface. It is well known that the strong shock wave generated by this laser irradiation temporarily creates a vacuum-like condition immediately in front of the sample surface. This action is followed by a second laser irradiation oriented perpendicular to the sample surface. The sample ablated by the second laser irradiation expands following the shockwave excitation process in the vacuum-like air atmosphere created by the first laser. The obtained spectra of the resonance emission lines of high concentration Na, K, and Al are free from the self-reversal and weakly affected by the self-absorption effect. A linear calibration curve that intercepts near zero point for K element over a wide concentration range is also demonstrated in this study. This simple modification is considered notably helpful in overcoming the self-absorption that occurs in ordinary single pulse atmospheric pressure LIBS.
Adolescent sleep characteristics and body-mass index in the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) Study
Authors: Schneider Aaron C. , Zhang Dong , Xiao Qian
Published: August 2020

Sleep may play a role in overweight and obesity in adolescents. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationships between sleep duration and timing and overweight and obesity status in adolescents, with a special emphasis on weekday–weekend difference in sleep characteristics as well as sex-specific relationships. We examined 1,254 U.S. adolescents (12–17 years) self-reported sleep duration, timing, weekday–weekend differences in duration and timing in relation to overweight and obesity. We found an inverse association between sleep duration and overweight and obesity. Compared to 8–9 h of sleep, short sleep (< 7 h) on weekdays was associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity [Odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.73 (1.00, 2.97)] in the overall population, while long sleep (10+ h) on weekends was associated with lower odds, but only in males [0.56 (0.34, 0.92)]. We also found that a larger weekday–weekend difference in sleep duration was associated with overweight and obesity in females, but not in males. Specifically, the odds of overweight and obesity were significantly higher among females reporting longer sleep on weekends than weekdays by ≥ 2 h [2.31 (1.15, 4.63)] when compared to those reporting little weekday–weekend differences. Sleep timing, or weekday–weekend differences in sleep timing, were not associated with overweight and obesity in the overall population, although we found suggestive evidence linking later weekend sleep with overweight and obesity in females. Our findings support a role of sleep in adolescent obesity and suggest sex-differences in this relationship that warrant future studies.
Beneficial effects of manually assisted chiropractic adjusting instrument in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Conesa-Buendía F. M. , Mediero A. , Fujikawa R. , Esbrit P. , Mulero F. , Mahillo-Fernández I. , Mues Arantxa Ortega-De
Published: August 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by injury of all joint tissues. Our previous study showed that in experimental osteoporosis, chiropractic manipulation (CM) exerts protective effects on bone. We here assessed whether CM might ameliorate OA by improving subchondral bone sclerosis, cartilage integrity and synovitis. Male New-Zealand rabbits underwent knee surgery to induce OA by anterior cruciate ligament injury. CM was performed using the chiropractic instrument ActivatorV 3 times/week for 8 weeks as follows: force 2 setting was applied to the tibial tubercle of the rabbit right hind limb (TM-OA), whereas the corresponding left hind limb received a false manipulation (FM-OA) consisting of ActivatorV firing in the air and slightly touching the tibial tubercle. After sacrifice, subchondral bone integrity was assessed in the tibiae by microCT and histology. Cartilage damage and synovitis were estimated by Mankin’s and Krenn’s scores, respectively, and histological techniques. Bone mineral density and content in both cortical and trabecular compartments of subchondral bone decreased in OA rabbits compared to controls, but partially reversed in the TM-OA group. Trabecular bone parameters in the latter group also showed a significant improvement compared to FM-OA group. Moreover RANKL, OPG, ALP and TRAP protein expression in subchondral bone significantly decreased in TM-OA rabbits with respect to FM-OA group. CM was associated with lower Mankin’s and Krenn’s scores and macrophage infiltrate together with a decreased protein expression of pro-inflammatory, fibrotic and angiogenic factors, in TM-OA rabbits with respect to FM-OA. Our results suggest that CM may mitigate OA progression by improving subchondral bone as well as cartilage and synovial membrane status.
Author Correction: Onecut-dependent Nkx6.2 transcription factor expression is required for proper formation and activity of spinal locomotor circuits
Authors: Toch Mathilde , Harris Audrey , Schakman Olivier , Kondratskaya Elena , Boulland Jean-Luc , Dauguet Nicolas , Debrulle Stéphanie , Baudouin Charlotte , Hidalgo-Figueroa Maria , Mu Xiuqian , Gow Alexander , Glover Joel C. , Tissir Fadel , Clotman Frédéric
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Excellent performance of one-pot synthesized Fe-containing MCM-22 zeolites for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Chen Jialing , Peng Gang , Zheng Wei , Zhang Wenbo , Guo Li , Wu Xiaoqing
Published: August 2020

One-pot synthesized OP-Fe/M22 zeolites exhibit excellent performances in NH3-SCR reactions.
Modelling scenarios of environmental recovery after implementation of controls on emissions of persistent organic pollutants
Authors: Comber S. D. W. , Gardner M. J. , Constantino C. , Firth S. , Hargreaves A. , Davies R.
Published: August 2020

Predictions of BaP concentrations in biota decreasing towards the EQS over time.
Storage performance of Mg2+ substituted NaMnPO4 with an olivine structure
Authors: Boyadzhieva Tanya , Koleva Violeta , Kukeva Rosica , Nihtianova Diana , Harizanova Sonya , Stoyanova Radostina
Published: August 2020

Magnesium ions have a strong impact on the storage performance of olivine-type NaMnPO4.
The ultrasonic-assisted growth of porous cobalt/nickel composite hydroxides as a super high-energy and stable cathode for aqueous zinc batteries
Authors: Cheng Yafei , Zheng Dezhou , Xu Wei , Geng Hongbo , Lu Xihong
Published: August 2020

Porous cobalt/nickel composite hydroxides are facilely formed on Co–Ni foam via a facile and cost-effective ultrasonication strategy, exhibiting excellent rate performance and superb cycling stability as aqueous zinc battery cathode.
Signalling molecular recognition nanocavities with multiple functional groups prepared by molecular imprinting and sequential post-imprinting modifications for prostate cancer biomarker glycoprotein detection
Authors: Saeki Tetsuro , Takano Eri , Sunayama Hirobumi , Kamon Yuri , Horikawa Ryo , Kitayama Yukiya , Takeuchi Toshifumi
Published: August 2020

Novel sequential post-imprinting modifications were demonstrated on the development of multi-functionalized molecularly imprinted polymers for a biomarker glycoprotein.
Biodegradable pH-responsive amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles as immunoadjuvants for multimodal imaging and enhanced photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhou Benqing , Wang Lu , Zhou Feifan , Smith Nataliya , Saunders Debra , Towner Rheal A. , Song Jun , Qu Junle , Chen Wei R.
Published: August 2020

Development of bioresponsive theranostic nanoparticles to enhance cancer diagnostics and control cancer metastasis.
Fine-Grained Allocation Algorithm for Sharing Heterogeneous Resources in Data Center
Authors: Tang Xiaochun , Fu Ying , Fan Xuefeng
Published: August 2020

Data in a data center are stored dispersively. The data-oriented task computing disperses big data analysis tasks to different computing nodes. The extensive use of graphics processing unit (GPU) makes it urgent and important to study how to reasonably assign heterogeneous resources to different computing frameworks. We investigate the existing big data computing framework and the GPU computing. Based on the existing cluster resource management model and the GPU management model, we propose a hybrid heterogeneous resource management model that combines CPU resources with GPU resources. The computing nodes manage local resources and implement tasks; the resource management center concertedly manage various computing frameworks. We design and implement a hybrid domain resource sharing and allocation algorithm, which allocates the hybrid domain resources to computing frameworks according to the coordinated use of them so as to fairly share the hybrid domain resources among various computing frameworks and prevent the CPU from too many tasks but the GPU or CPU from resource "hunger". The experimental results show that the allocation algorithm can increase the use of heterogeneous resources and the number of completed tasks by around 15%.
Understanding memes on Chinese social media
Authors: Ying Lu , Blommaert Jan
Published: August 2020

Memes as online graphic semiotic resources have developed into a globalized genre and a cultural form. The
vernacularization of this global cultural form on Chinese social media is Biaoqing (literally, ‘facial
expression’). Biaoqing is a phenomenon and a genre engendered by the development of information technology and growing
accessibility to the internet. The most prominent features of Biaoqing on Chinese social media (cute, mischievous, decadent,
dirty, violent) are spawned by and therefore reflect the structure of society. The ludic nature of Biaoqing enables them to serve
as resources for new forms of communication, potential of reshaping existing social norms, the landscape of online culture, and
culture and society at large. The results of this contribution constitute an invitation for a reimagination of the role of graphic
semiotic signs and digital infrastructures in society, and a rethinking of theories for sociolinguistic research in a digital
era.
Redistribution of short-dated emergency medications as a cost avoidance and drug shortage management strategy
Authors: Uba Richie Onwuchekwa , Priftanji Dorela , Hill John D
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a process to reduce waste through redistribution of short-dated medications in emergency drug boxes and assess associated cost avoidance.

Methods

Short-dated medication items (defined as those expiring within 4 months) from more than 200 emergency drug boxes located throughout a large academic medical center were collected, sorted, and counted during two 3-month time periods. Medications expiring within 2 weeks were discarded. Remaining short-dated medications were redistributed to satellite pharmacies and the emergency department based on historical utilization patterns. The counts and costs of redistributed medications were collected and totaled. Results were compared between study periods to assess differences in numbers of drugs redistributed and the associated cost avoidance.

Results

A total of 4,415 short-dated medication items were collected during the study periods. The medication items associated with the highest cost avoidance were epinephrine 1 mg/mL, 30-mL vial (cost avoidance of $25,764), phenylephrine 10 mg/mL, 1-mL vial (cost avoidance of $8,626), and naloxone 0.4 mg/mL, 1-mL vial (cost avoidance of $5,382). The estimated total annualized cost avoidance was $104,357 for the first period and $144,674 for the second period. Of the 16 unique medications stocked in emergency drug boxes, 12 were in short supply at the institution at the time of the project, and about 67% of the redistributed items were subject to national drug shortages.

Conclusion

A process that facilitates appropriate redistribution of short-dated emergency drug box medications can reduce medication waste and lead to substantial cost avoidance.
Phylogeographical analysis of character displacement in feeding phenotypes of snail-feedingAcoptolabrusground beetles
Authors: Akiyama Kazutoshi , Jang Tae Woong , Park Yong Hwan , Shinohara Tadashi , Konuma Junji , Liang Hongbin , Kubota Kohei , Sota Teiji , Ishikawa Ryosuke , Kim Jung Lark , Kim Jong Kuk , Takami Yasuoki
Published: August 2020

Ecological character displacement predicts that interspecific resource competition results in greater trait divergence between species in sympatry than in allopatry. However, other processes, such as ecological sorting, result in the same pattern of trait variation. In this study, we characterize character displacement in eight species of snail-feeding Acoptolabrus ground beetles in the Far East. Acoptolabrus exhibit divergent feeding phenotypes, including species with a slender forebody that is able to intrude into large shells and species with stout heads and mandibles for crushing small shells. The pattern of character displacement in feeding phenotypes was confirmed by multivariate analysis of body dimensions. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, divergence time estimation and biogeographical analysis revealed that sympatry and phenotypic divergence occurred repeatedly during the Pleistocene and almost simultaneously within each geographical area. Comparative analysis revealed that the evolution of feeding phenotypes best fitted a selective model with three adaptive optima, corresponding to the three cases of sympatry with a congener. Repeated coincidences of sympatry and adaptive differentiation in feeding phenotypes suggested causal relationships, although the precise order of events was difficult to discriminate. This study provides insight into the spatiotemporal dynamics of interspecific interactions and adaptive phenotypic diversification.
The intersectional genetics landscape for humans
Authors: Macedo Andre , Gontijo Alisson M
Published: August 2020

Background

The human body is made up of hundreds—perhaps thousands—of cell types and states, most of which are currently inaccessible genetically. Intersectional genetic approaches can increase the number of genetically accessible cells, but the scope and safety of these approaches have not been systematically assessed. A typical intersectional method acts like an “AND" logic gate by converting the input of 2 or more active, yet unspecific, regulatory elements (REs) into a single cell type specific synthetic output.

Results

Here, we systematically assessed the intersectional genetics landscape of the human genome using a subset of cells from a large RE usage atlas (Functional ANnoTation Of the Mammalian genome 5 consortium, FANTOM5) obtained by cap analysis of gene expression sequencing (CAGE-seq). We developed the heuristics and algorithms to retrieve and quality-rank “AND" gate intersections. Of the 154 primary cell types surveyed, >90% can be distinguished from each other with as few as 3 to 4 active REs, with quantifiable safety and robustness. We call these minimal intersections of active REs with cell-type diagnostic potential “versatile entry codes" (VEnCodes). Each of the 158 cancer cell types surveyed could also be distinguished from the healthy primary cell types with small VEnCodes, most of which were robust to intra- and interindividual variation. Methods for the cross-validation of CAGE-seq–derived VEnCodes and for the extraction of VEnCodes from pooled single-cell sequencing data are also presented.

Conclusions

Our work provides a systematic view of the intersectional genetics landscape in humans and demonstrates the potential of these approaches for future gene delivery technologies.
Loss to follow-up: initial non-responders do not differ from responders in terms of 2-year outcome in a hip arthroscopy registry
Authors: Lindman Ida , Olsson Harald , Öhlin Axel , Hamrin Senorski Eric , Stålman Anders , Ayeni Olufemi R , Sansone Mikael
Published: August 2020

Loss to follow-up in registry studies is a problem due to potential selection bias. There is no consensus on the effect of response rate. The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between responders and initial non-responders (INR) in a hip arthroscopy registry and to examine whether demographics affect the response rate. Data from hip arthroscopies performed at two centres in Gothenburg were collected and the patients were followed up with PROMs. The follow-up was a minimum of 2 years after surgery. All 536 patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopies during 2015 and 2016 and had recorded pre-operative PROMs were included. A total of 396 patients completed the follow-up and were labelled ‘Responders’ (R) and 107 patients responded after reminders were sent and labelled ‘Initial non-responders’ (INR). The mean time of follow-up was 24.7 ± 2.9 and 42.5 ± 7.0 months for the R- and INR-group, respectively. There were no differences between the two groups at the follow-up for the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score, European Quality of life 5 dimensions questionnaire, EQ-VAS, International Hip Outcome Tool or a visual analogue scale for hip function. A larger proportion of R was satisfied after hip arthroscopy compared with INR (86% versus 70%, P = 0.0003). INR were younger than responders (31.5 ± 12.5 versus 35.6 ± 12.7 years of age). The conclusion of the study was that there were no differences between R and INR at the follow-up across the PROMs except patient satisfaction, where responders were more satisfied.
Introduction
Authors: Albert Richard
Published: August 2020

This chapter introduces readers to the Oxford Handbook of Caribbean Constitutions. This introduction summarizes the content of the volume, identifies and probes common themes that appear across chapters, and situates the importance of the region in the burgeoning field of comparative constitutional studies. The chapter challenges scholars in the field to look beyond the conventional list of jurisdictions used as comparators in the study of constitutionalism around the world, and specifically to learn about the many different constitutions and constitutionalisms in the Caribbean. The chapter makes the case that this new resource leaves scholars with no good reason why Caribbean constitutions should not be featured prominently in comparative studies on such questions as constitutional reform, regional integration, and supranational court design, among many others. The chapter explains that this volume therefore seeks both to inform scholars about an as-yet undiscovered region of the world and to invite them to discover the great richness of constitutional history and experience located in the Caribbean.
Constitutionalism and Colonial Legacies in the Caribbean
Authors: Stirton Lindsay , Lodge Martin
Published: August 2020

This chapter considers constitutionalism as colonial legacies across the British, Dutch, and French Caribbean. The Caribbean represents a fascinating area for the study of constitutionalism in view of contests over legal power and colonial legal inheritances following colonial conquest. The main argument of this chapter is that colonial legacies in terms of constitutionalism did and still do matter, but these distinct legacies are characterized by certain commonalities, in terms of the plurality of constitutional interpretations about colonial government within each colonial legacy, and by the broad similarity of the social and economic context of colonial rule in the Caribbean. On their own and comparatively, colonial legacies appear rather flexible, given functional pressures and generic tensions and contradictions. A conclusion highlighting internal varieties and comparative similarities also reflects the varied state of different colonial legacies in the contemporary Caribbean.
Constitutional Design in the Commonwealth Caribbean
Authors: Ghany Hamid
Published: August 2020

The Commonwealth Caribbean consisted of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and, Trinidad and Tobago. In the intervening years between 1962, when Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago attained their independence, and 1983, when St. Kitts-Nevis attained its independence, it is to be noted that all the constitutions of these countries bore a resemblance to each other. This similarity between countries and the similarity of constitutional design has been referred to as the Westminster–Whitehall model in the Commonwealth Caribbean. This chapter explores the main tenets of the Westminster–Whitehall model as well as providing some context as to why there is a desire to hold on to it.
Constitutional Principles
Authors: Wheatle Se-shauna
Published: August 2020

This chapter situates constitutional principles within the construction of Caribbean constitutional identity and interrogates their role in shaping the relationship between Caribbean constitutionalism and constitutional law in related jurisdictions. The second section of the chapter outlines initial efforts at developing a Caribbean constitutional identity through constitutional drafting as well as judicial discovery and use of constitutional principles in early constitutional interpretation in the region. The third section analyses the friction between recourse to unwritten norms and a new constitutional direction built on codified constitutions, by examining the extent to which constitutional principles function as vessels for incorporation of foreign law. The fourth section charts a path forward, advocating a ‘creolized’ Caribbean constitutionalism that blends the varying local and global influences on Caribbean law and society.
The Constitutional Law of Guyana
Authors: Haynes Jason
Published: August 2020

This chapter aims to provide an authoritative account of Guyana’s intriguing constitutional history and modern constitutional landscape. It provides a unique analysis of Guyana’s constitutional antecedents, and presents a critical narrative of the nuanced features of its socialist constitution. More particularly, the chapter demonstrates how the exceptional powers of the Executive President and the uneasy relationship between the Legislature and the Executive have dominated Guyana’s recent constitutional affairs, and the impact that these developments have had on democratic accountability in that country. It also critically addresses the human rights dimensions of Guyana’s constitutional landscape, and, argues that there exists a piecemeal approach to the protection of some of the more contested constitutional rights in Guyana. Ultimately, the chapter contends that the while Guyana holds a unique place in regional constitutionalism, given its distinct constitutional antecedents and existing normative prescriptions, constitutional reform is long overdue.
Suriname’s Constitutional Limits
Authors: Gowricharn Ruben
Published: August 2020

This chapter outlines the major forces that have shaped the constitutional development of the Republic of Suriname. These forces include the transplant of population and legal institutions during the colonial era; the post-World War II shift of the international power balance in favour of decolonizing colonies as manifested in the right to self-determination; and domestic forces, including trade unions and media, that protected the constitution from being suspended or undermined in periods of political turmoil. Based on the experience of Suriname, it is argued that constitutional development in small postcolonial societies is highly constrained due to the transplant of European legal institutions and corresponding expertise.
Haiti’s Constitution of 1987
Authors: Aucoin Louis
Published: August 2020

Haiti’s Constitution of 1987 has lasted longer than any of its previous 22 constitutions and is credited with bringing democracy. After a brief review of Haiti’s constitutional past, characterized by instability and violence, this chapter closely examines the 1987 constitution both as against this past and as the country’s foundation for the rule of law. It offers insight into the charter as a rejection of the authoritarianism and brutality of the Duvaliers, father and son, and describes the intent, palpable in the original text, to bring on democracy, human rights, and political liberalism. It emphasizes its insistence on parliamentary supremacy drawing from the political philosophy found throughout the francophone world during France’s third and fourth republics and describes the regime as semi-presidential, similar, and yet significantly different from the Constitution that governs France today. It delves into the principle difference by underscoring how, in contrast, Haiti’s 1987 Constitution expressly limits presidential power. It assesses this difference against the reality of the exercise of presidential power in issuing decrees in practice. It offers in-depth analysis of the revolutionary post-earthquake amendments of 2012 that impose gender equity in public life, eliminate the former prohibition on dual nationality, attempt to address Haiti’s chronic electoral dysfunction and environmental degradation, reinstitute the military, and establish a Constitutional Council with sweeping judicial review power. The chapter also exposes the failings of this constitutional democracy in addressing specific human rights violations and in clinging to an outdated insistence on parliamentary supremacy that potentially undermines constitutional supremacy.
Constitutional Dissonance and the Rule of Law in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Authors: Clegg Peter , O’Brien Derek
Published: August 2020

The Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory, has witnessed a decade of constitutional and political upheaval; the consequences of which are still being felt. The locally elected government took advantage of its relative constitutional freedom to abuse its position and brought governance in the territory to almost beyond breaking point. The investigations that followed shone a bright light on how the local government operated, the checks and balances that were (or were not) in place, and the role of the British government, which is meant to uphold good governance in the territories. The chapter provides a detailed assessment of the constitutional, legal, and political issues and arguments that were used as the British government tried to correct the deep-seated structural weaknesses present in the TCI, and prosecute individual cases of venality that were uncovered. This case study is important in highlighting how tenuous constitutionality, democracy, and legality can be in small territories.
Judicial Development of the Criminal Law by the Supreme Court
Authors: Stark Findlay
Published: August 2020

It will be argued that the United Kingdom Supreme Court (UKSC) should be bound by certain restrictions on its ability to develop the substantive criminal law: (i) the UKSC’s decision must plausibly be part of an (albeit edited) continuing legal narrative, not a fresh ‘striking out’ in a new direction; (ii) the UKSC should not make decisions that permit the conviction of the defendant when this development could not reasonably have been predicted, ex ante; (iii) the UKSC should take account of the ‘mood music’ (if any) of Parliament, the government and the Law Commission when deciding whether to develop the criminal law in a particular manner; and (iv) the UKSC should bear in mind the practical and epistemic limitations inherent in criminal proceedings (even on appeal). Recent judgments of the UKSC display insufficient regard for these considerations. Attention will be given, specifically, to Jogee (on complicity) and Ivey (on dishonesty).
Modern Slavery and Supply Chain Transparency
Authors: New Steve
Published: August 2020

The scourge of modern slavery has led to legislation in various countries requiring firms to engage in a particular form of supply chain transparency. However, these regulatory initiatives have been widely perceived to be, by themselves, a weak response to such a serious challenge. This chapter argues that assessment of these initiatives hinges on the interpretation of modern slavery itself: Are extreme forms of labor exploitation aberrations of an otherwise blameless system, or are they intrinsic to the functioning of contemporary global capitalism? If the latter, then new types of transparency might be needed that go beyond firms reporting on their policies and efforts. The chapter introduces the idea of interrogational transparency as a mechanism by which civil society actors (including consumers, activists, and researchers) can develop accountability dialogues with powerful corporations. To illustrate these points, the chapter examines emergent patterns of transparency within the food giant Nestlé.
Individual Approaches to Prevention and Early Intervention
Authors: McLean Caitlin L. , Cummings Mackenzie H. , Litz Brett T.
Published: August 2020

This chapter provides an overview of individual and small group–based approaches for prevention and early intervention of posttraumatic stress disorder. Using the Institute of Medicine’s classification system for preventive interventions of mental disorders (universal, selective, and indicated), the chapter describes individual and small group early interventions and reviews the effectiveness of these strategies. Specifically, psychological debriefing, psychological first aid, and psychoeducation have been used with varying degrees of success as selective interventions targeting individuals exposed to trauma. However, there is strong empirical support for using cognitive behavioral therapy as an indicated preventive intervention to help symptomatic individuals in the weeks or months following traumatic exposure. A review of the literature also suggests that future research should explore different modes of delivery and devote more attention to determining the best time to intervene after traumatic exposure.
History, Historicism, Historiography
Authors: Karnes Kevin C.
Published: August 2020

This chapter considers three modes of thinking historically about music in nineteenth-century Europe, exploring facets of the philosophical, ideological, and political heritage of each. Beginning with claims about the uses of history, it traces the reception of Wagner’s chauvinistic and self-aggrandizing historicism by Friedrich Nietzsche and Guido Adler, who subsumed fragments of Wagner’s visions into his program for musicological study at the turn of the twentieth century. The chapter then moves to conversations about the geographies of history, in which individuals’ discoveries of musics outside of urban, elite Western circles dovetailed with the search for contemporary traces of the ancient past in Western musics. This mode of thinking about history and geography is traced to the writings of Enlightenment travelers to Eastern Europe, and from there to the historiography of August Wilhelm Ambros and the music of Claude Debussy. The final section of the chapter concerns the peoples of history, and describes the collection of folk songs of eastern Russia, with an attempt made to transform the simple melodies into classical music.