bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational Closure and Wage Inequality: How Occupational Closure Effects Vary Between Workers
Authors: Giesecke Johannes , Groß Martin , Stuth Stefan
Published: June 2020

Occupational closure continuously establishes, contests, or reinforces institutional boundaries around occupations. Occupational closure thereby interferes with wage-setting processes in the labor market. Recent research shows a substantial impact of occupational closure on wage determination processes in Germany. However, research on occupational closure is based on the assumption that all incumbents of an occupation benefit in the same way. We challenge this assumption by showing that occupational closure works differently for different workers. Using the 2006 sample of the German Structure of Earnings Survey, we distinguish nine worker profiles (three educational groups crossed with three career stages). For each of these profiles we investigate the effects of five closure sources (credentialism, standardization, licensure, representation by occupational associations, and unionization) on the expected mean wages of occupations, employing a two-step multilevel regression model. Our results show that occupational closure does indeed differ between workers. We can show that closure plays out differently throughout employees’ careers. For example, representation through occupational associations pays off the most as employees’ careers advance. Closure sources are unequally distributed across occupations and benefit employees with tertiary degrees more than employees with vocational qualifications. Credentialism also yields the largest advantages for workers with tertiary degrees regarding wage rents. However, our analyses also point to complex interactions between credentialism and standardization, demanding further research, to investigate the interplay between individual worker characteristics and the various sources of occupational closure.
Interior-point algorithm for sufficient LCPs based on the technique of algebraically equivalent transformation
Authors: Darvay Zsolt , Illés Tibor , Majoros Csilla
Published: June 2020

We present a short-step interior-point algorithm (IPA) for sufficient linear complementarity problems (LCPs) based on a new search direction. An algebraic equivalent transformation (AET) is used on the centrality equation of the central path system and Newton’s method is applied on this modified system. This technique was offered by Zsolt Darvay for linear optimization in 2002. Darvay first used the square root function as AET and in 2012 Darvay et al. applied this technique with an other transformation formed by the difference of the identity map and the square root function. We apply the AET technique with the new function to transform the central path equation of the sufficient LCPs. This technique leads to new search directions for the problem. We introduce an IPA with full Newton steps and prove that the iteration bound of the algorithm coincides with the best known one for sufficient LCPs. We present some numerical results to illustrate performance of the proposed IPA on two significantly different sets of test problems and compare it, with related, quite similar variants of IPAs.
Fast identification method for express end sorting label code based on convolutional recurrent neural network
Authors: Du Haiyan , Wu Chunxue , Wu Yan , Han Ren , Lin Xiao , Zhang Sheng
Published: June 2020

In the automatic sorting process of express, the express end sorting label code is used to indicate that the express is dispatched to a specific address by a specific courier. Since there are many areas on the express bill containing digital information, some areas may be improperly photographed, etc. The difficulty in positioning and recognizing the express end sorting label code region is increased. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an express end sorting label code recognition method with convolutional recurrent neural network for the code specification, which has certain versatility. In order to improve the overall code recognition speed, this paper optimizes the traditional digital recognition method, removes the original segmentation operation of the character and recognizes the code as sequence recognition. Firstly, the coding region is located, and then, the express end sorting label code is recognized by the convolutional recurrent neural network. In order to test the experimental performance, this paper tests on Free-Type dataset and SUN-synthesized dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the recognition accuracy and processing speed of the express end sorting label code.
Lessons Learned from Faecal Microbiota Transplantation in Cirrhosis
Authors: Hatton Grace B. , Ran Shaolu , Tranah Thomas H. , Shawcross Debbie L.
Published: June 2020

Purpose of Review

We examine recent developments in the treatment of cirrhosis by gut microbiome manipulation specifically focusing on the phase 1 safety and feasibility trials of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We interrogate the published data so far on its feasibility, safety and efficacy.

Recent Findings

A large number of trials have demonstrated the efficacy of FMT in treating recurrentClostridium difficileinfection which is now considered standard of care. In cirrhosis, FMT is still being evaluated and there are a number of clinical trials underway. There are two phase 1 pilot safety studies that have been published with promising findings. However, the importance of rigorously testing donor stool for the presence of multi-drug resistant species has been highlighted and lessons have been learned.

For those patients with cirrhosis, replacing an unhealthy gut microbiome with a healthy one offers a promising antibiotic-free treatment that may reduce bacterial translocation and endotoxemia.
Initial droplet conditions in numerical spray painting by electrostatic rotary bell sprayers
Authors: Guettler Nico , Knee Philipp , Ye Qiaoyan , Tiedje Oliver
Published: June 2020

In computational fluid dynamics, the modeling of paint application processes by electrostatic rotary bell sprayer is mostly performed using an Euler–Lagrange approach. The initial conditions of the discrete phase—position, velocity, size, and charge—have an essential influence on the resulting film thickness distribution and the total charge transferred to the object. Typically, so-called injection models are used to specify these initial conditions, whereby the determination of the injection model coefficients is crucial. In this paper, a framework is proposed that combines experimental input data, an injection model, and a metamodel-based optimization. The painting tests for the generation of input and validation data were carried out in a technical center in the industrial standard. The simulations were performed using ANSYSFluent. Initial droplet conditions could efficiently be determined via the framework so that the painting-specific objectives were achieved with reasonable accuracy. In addition to the framework, a turbulence study of the strongly swirled shaping air of this atomizer was carried out, whereby a substantial underestimation of the axial air velocity was found in the turbulence models being investigated. The initial droplet conditions were also used in this study to draw conclusions about the accuracy of the airflow simulation. The proposed framework can be adapted to other solvers and efficiently finds injection model coefficients for other paint applicators.
Kinder als Akteur_innen inklusiver Bildung
Authors: Richter Martina , Sufryd Katharina
Published: June 2020

Es scheint nahezu unstrittig, dass Kinder von den politischen Bemühungen um inklusive Bildung in besonderer Weise profitieren. Unterschiedliche Entwicklungen sowohl auf rechtlicher als auch auf einer breiteren, fachwissenschaftlichen Ebene verweisen darauf, dass sich im Zuge inklusiver Bildung eine Anerkennung der gesellschaftlichen Position von Kindern als Akteur_innen weiterführend zu etablieren scheint. Diese Anerkennung bedeutet jedoch keineswegs eine grundsätzliche Infragestellung der gesellschaftlichen Verteilung von Macht und Ressourcen zugunsten von Kindern.
Effect of 90° elbows on pump inlet flow conditions
Authors: Ferreira Ronaldo Novaes , da Rosa Leonardo Machado , Janzen Johannes Gérson
Published: June 2020

The use of 90° elbows upstream of a pump inlet can distort the approach flow resulting in spatial and temporal velocity variations and swirling flow that negatively affect pump performance and increase maintenance requirements. In order to attend these flow conditions, pumps have to be installed according to generally accepted standards such as ANSI/HI 9.8. (American national standard for rotodynamic pumps for pump intake design, Hydraulic Institute, Parsippany, 2012). However, in these standards, there is little information about the minimum distance between single and double 90° elbows and a pump. Therefore, this paper presents results for the pipe flow downstream of 90° elbows and its attendance to the standards at the inlet of pumps using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Prior to its application, the CFD model was validated by comparing the computed velocity profiles with experimental results downstream of a 90° elbow. It is found that it is necessary 3 to 16 pipe diameters from the elbow in order to reduce the swirling flow. The velocity distribution at a cross section was never uniform up to 50 pipe diameters downstream of the elbows. The temporal velocity fluctuation was always low. It is concluded that the specifications of downstream pipe lengths in the current inlet pipe flow standards are not sufficient to achieve the desired flow at the pump inlet.
Spectrally accurate approximate solutions and convergence analysis of fractional Burgers’ equation
Authors: Mittal A. K.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a new numerical technique implements on the time-space pseudospectral method to approximate the numerical solutions of nonlinear time- and space-fractional coupled Burgers’ equation. This technique is based on orthogonal Chebyshev polynomial function and discretizes using Chebyshev–Gauss–Lobbato (CGL) points. Caputo–Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative formula is used to illustrate the fractional derivatives matrix at CGL points. Using the derivatives matrices, the given problem is reduced to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. These equations can be solved using Newton–Raphson method. Two model examples of time- and space-fractional coupled Burgers’ equation are tested for a set of fractional space and time derivative order. The figures and tables show the significant features, effectiveness, and good accuracy of the proposed method.
La qualité de l’éducation inclusive en Italie
Authors: Covelli Alessio , Anna Lucia de
Published: June 2020

L’évaluation de la qualité des processus d’inclusion scolaire et sociale des personnes en situation de handicap est considérée un élément clef de l’amélioration de leurs conditions de vie. La recherche présentée ici s’inscrit dans le cadre des analyses menées en Italie et à l’étranger sur l’identification des indicateurs et des catégories à même de fournir une image représentative des processus d’inclusion scolaire en évaluant les points forts et les faiblesses du dispositif dans des contextes locaux. L’évaluation de la qualité de l’inclusion scolaire est complexe car on ne peut ignorer les aspects contextuels des interventions éducatives. Dans une démarche de recherche-action, l’étude analyse la situation italienne des régions Latium et Campanie à travers le point de vue de 291 enseignants spécialisés ou en cours de spécialisation dans le soutien d’élèves ayant des besoins éducatifs particuliers. Leurs évaluations, basées sur une échelle de 1 (insuffisant) à 5 (excellent), ont été obtenues par l’intermédiaire d’un questionnaire structuré qui recueille leurs avis sur les aspects culturels et éducatifs, les activités de gestion, d’organisation et de collaboration entre enseignants, directeurs des écoles, autorités locales et familles, et enfin sur les éléments de conception de nature pédagogique et didactique nécessaires à une inclusion scolaire de qualité. L’analyse statistique descriptive et inférentielle des données agrégées esquisse une école dont le point fort en matière d’inclusion réside dans la planification pédagogique et didactique. En revanche, les aspects collaboratifs, en particulier les synergies entre écoles et autorités locales, sont pointés du doigt et font obstacle à une véritable co-planification de différents types de soutien. Ces résultats plaident donc en faveur d’une systématisation de réseaux intégrés de services d’accompagnement pour tous les élèves ayant des besoins éducatifs particuliers. En matière de formation, les enseignants ont globalement une vision négative de la formation continue, qui devrait être approfondie et élargie à toutes les catégories d’enseignants. L’article conclut sur la nécessité de favoriser le développement et la systématisation des recherches et des collectes documentaires qualitatives sur les bonnes pratiques d’éducation inclusive dans les écoles.
Why Consumers’ ‘New Power’ Will Change Marketing
Authors: Reynolds-Pearson Alyssa J. , Hyman Michael R.
Published: June 2020

Because the sharing economy compels firm-stakeholder dynamics towards a multi-stakeholder market orientation (MSMO), the structures and power dynamics of sharing-economy firms differ markedly from traditional-economy firms. In this vein, we explore sharing-economy firms’ dependence on stakeholders (new power), the continual threat of new entrants (exponential organisations), and how these conditions combine to create additional stakeholder value by shifting Pareto efficient outcomes. We also discuss how previous scholarly efforts to impel traditional-economy firms toward stakeholder orientations failed because these firms generally treated stakeholder satisfaction as an optional rather than crucial goal for achieving sustainable competitive advantages. Finally, we argue that sharing-economy firms continue to disrupt markets, which increases every firm's need to explore value creation in theory and practice.
Quality of Information in YouTube Videos on Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Fode Mikkel , Nolsøe Alexander B. , Jacobsen Frederik M. , Russo Giorgio Ivan , Østergren Peter B. , Jensen Christian Fuglesang S. , Albersen Maarten , Capogrosso Paolo , Sønksen Jens
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Many patients seek information online including on social media.

Aim

To assess the quality of information regarding erectile dysfunction (ED) in YouTube videos.

Methods

We searched “erectile dysfunction” on YouTube in October 2019 and evaluated the first 100 videos in English sorted by relevance.

Main Outcome Measure

We recorded the user engagement, video producer, intended audience, and content. Videos containing medical information were evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and the DISCERN quality criteria for consumer health information. The PEMAT evaluates the understandability and actionability of materials as a percentage. The DISCERN assesses the quality of information by a scale from 1 (serious or extensive shortcomings) to 5 (minimal shortcomings).

Results

The median number of total views was 22,450 (range 591–20,255,133) and the median number of views/month was 654 (range 9–723,398). 42 percent of the videos were posted by professional medical institutions, and 21% were posted by individual medical professionals. Most videos were aimed at the general public or patients suffering from ED. The median PEMAT understandability and actionability scores were both 100% (range 50–100% and 33–100%, respectively). The median DISCERN score was 2 (range 1-5) with 80.4% receiving a score of ≤3. Overall, 28% of the videos contained direct misinformation. DISCERN scores were higher in videos produced by medical institutions (P = .0104), not selling specific products (P = .007) and not promoting alternative medicine (P = .0002). The number of subscribers was an independent predictor of views/month (P < .0001).

Conclusion

Patients may be exposed to videos of poor quality when searching for information about ED on YouTube. The medical community needs to adapt a strategy to improve the quality of online medical information.
Fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults presenting to the emergency department for minor injuries: Impact on return to the ED and future falls
Authors: Lanoue Marie-Pier , Sirois Marie-Josée , Perry Jeffrey J. , Lee Jacques , Daoust Raoul , Worster Andrew , Hegg Sandrine , Carmichael Pierre-Hugues , Brousseau-Turcotte Audrey-Anne , Émond Marcel
Published: June 2020

Objectives

1) To characterize mild, moderate, and severe fear of falling in older emergency department (ED) patients for minor injuries, and 2) to assess whether fear of falling could predict falls and returns to the ED within 6 months of the initial ED visit.

Methods

This study was part of the Canadian Emergency and Trauma Initiative (CETI) prospective cohort (2011–2016). Patients ages ≥ 65, who were independent in their basic daily activities and who were discharged from the ED after consulting for a minor injury, were included. Fear of falling was measured by the Short Falls Efficacy Scale International (SFES-I) in order to stratify fear of falling as mild (SFES-I = 7-8/28), moderate (SFES-I = 9-13/28), or severe (SFES-I = 14-28/28). Many other physical and psychological characteristics where collected. Research assistants conducted follow-up phone interviews at 3 and 6 months’ post-ED visit, in which patients were asked to report returns to the ED.

Results

A total of 2,899 patients were enrolled and 2,009 had complete data at 6 months. Patients with moderate to severe fear of falling were more likely to be of ages ≥ 75, female, frailer with multiple comorbidities, and decreased mobility. Higher baseline fear of falling increased the risk of falling at 3 and 6 months (odds ratio [OR]-moderate-fear of falling: 1.63, p < 0.05, OR-severe-fear of falling 2.37, p < 0.05). Fear of falling positive predictive values for return to the ED or future falls were 7.7% to 17%.

Conclusion

Although a high fear of falling is associated with increased risk of falling within 6 months of a minor injury in older patients, fear of falling considered alone was not shown to be a strong predictor of return to the ED and future falls.
Prediction of the Rehabilitation Duration and Risk Management for Mild-Moderate COVID-19
Authors: Zheng Qiong-Na , Xu Mei-Yan , Zheng Yong-Le , Wang Xiu-Ying , Zhao Hui
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

More than 80% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases are mild or moderate. In this study, a risk model was developed for predicting rehabilitation duration (the time from hospital admission to discharge) of the mild-moderate COVID-19 cases and was used to conduct refined risk management for different risk populations.

Methods:

A total of 90 consecutive patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 were enrolled. Large-scale datasets were extracted from clinical practices. Through the multivariable linear regression analysis, the model was based on significant risk factors and was developed for predicting the rehabilitation duration of mild-moderate cases of COVID-19. To assess the local epidemic situation, risk management was conducted by weighing the risk of populations at different risk.

Results:

Ten risk factors from 44 high-dimensional clinical datasets were significantly correlated to rehabilitation duration (P < 0.05). Among these factors, 5 risk predictors were incorporated into a risk model. Individual rehabilitation durations were effectively calculated. Weighing the local epidemic situation, threshold probability was classified for low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk. Using this classification, risk management was based on a treatment flowchart tailored for clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

The proposed novel model is a useful tool for individualized risk management of mild-moderate COVID-19 cases, and it may readily facilitate dynamic clinical decision-making for different risk populations.
Efficacy of Serology Testing in Predicting Reinfection in Patients With SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chaturvedi Rahul , Naidu Ramana , Sheth Samir , Chakravarthy Krishnan
Published: June 2020

In many parts of the United States, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases have reached peak infection rates, prompting administrators to create protocols to resume elective cases. As elective procedures and surgeries get scheduled, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) must implement some form of widespread testing in order to ensure the safety of both the ASC staff and the patients being seen. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced the approval of new serological testing for SARS-CoV-2, a test that can indicate the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies in the serum against viral particles. However, the possibility for reinfection raises questions about the utility of this new serological test, as the presence of IgG may not correspond to long-term immunity. SARS-CoV-2 has been known to form escape mutations, which may correspond to a reduction in immunoglobulin binding capacity. Patients who develop more robust immune responses with formation of memory CD8+ T-cells and helper CD4+ T-cells will be the most equipped if exposed to the virus, but, unfortunately, the serology test will not help us in distinguishing those individuals. Given the inherent disadvantages of serological testing, antibody testing alone should not be used when deciding patient care and should be combined with polymerase chain reaction testing.
Assessment of Countries’ Preparedness and Lockdown Effectiveness in Fighting COVID-19
Authors: Amer Faten , Hammoud Sahar , Farran Bashar , Boncz Imre , Endrei Dóra
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the risks in confronting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the ongoing lockdown effectiveness in each of Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and the United States using China’s lockdown model simulation, and cases forecast until the plateau phase.

Methods:

Quantitative and qualitative historical data analysis. Total Risk Assessment (TRA) evaluation tool was used to assess the pre-pandemic stage risks, pandemic threshold fast responsiveness, and the ongoing performance until plateau. The Infected Patient Ratio (IPR) tool was developed to measure the number of patients resulting from 1 infector during the incubation period. Both IPR and TRA were used together to forecast inflection points, plateau phases, intensive care units’ and ventilators’ breakpoints, and the Total Fatality Ratio.

Results:

In Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and the United States, an inflection point is predicted within the first 15 d of April, to arrive at a plateau after another 30 to 80 d. Variations in IPR drop are expected due to variations in lockdown timing by each country, the extent of adherence to it, and the number of performed tests in each.

Conclusions:

Both qualitative (TRA) and quantitative (IPR) tools can be used together for assessing and minimizing the pandemic risks and for more precise forecasting.
A Proposed COVID-19 Testing Algorithm
Authors: Hart Alexander , Bortolin Michelangelo , Awoniyi Oluwafunbi , Alhajjaj Fahad , Ciottone Gregory R.
Published: June 2020

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to physical distancing measures in numerous countries in an attempt to control the spread. However, these measures are not without cost to the health and economies of the nations in which they are enacted. Nations are now looking for methods to remove physical distancing measures and return to full functioning. To prevent a massive second wave of infections, this must be done with a data-driven methodology. The purpose of this article is to propose an algorithm for COVID-19 testing that would allow for physical distancing to be scaled back in a stepwise manner, which limits ensuing infections and protects the capacity of the health care system.
Agent Reliabilism and Inferential Knowledge from Gettiered Belief
Authors: Olivier K. Merrick
Published: June 2020

Epistemologists have generally accepted that competently deduced, known conclusions must issue from known premises, as the principle of Counter-Closure demands; however, some have recently challenged the notion, arguing that knowledge may be inferred from non-knowledge. In this paper, I focus on the yet unexamined topic of inferential knowledge from Gettiered belief with regard to Greco's virtue-epistemic framework, which he refers to as ‘agent reliabilism’. I argue that agent reliabilism allows for instances of Counter-Closure violation. In presenting my argument, I construct and provide an analysis of a case that challenges Counter-Closure, and defend the case against various possible objections, including some that feature in mainstream Counter-Closure literature. I contend that, if my analysis is accepted, Greco is left with two options: either he rejects Counter-Closure, or he must substantially revise his view in such a way as to preserve Counter-Closure in light of cases of inferential knowledge from Gettiered belief.
Disease in a Debt Crisis: Financing Global Health, Development and AIDS between WHO and World Bank, 1978–87
Authors: Kanazawa Reiko
Published: June 2020

This article examines how international organisations with mandates in health and development interpret global economic crises and respond to disease. It contributes the perspective of World Bank to emerging scholarship on the various factors leading to the decline of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its Health for All (HFA) mission during structural adjustment. It does so by telling a story of collaboration and conflict between WHO and World Bank’s Population, Health and Nutrition (PHN) Department following the ambitious Alma Ata Declaration in 1978 until the initial global AIDS response. As debt crises emerged in Latin America in the early 1980s, WHO tried to find a way forward for HFA. However, the African crisis of 1985 fractured the international community’s support, causing WHO and PHN to dialogue more closely regarding health sector financing. As AIDS became a global crisis, this culminated in their 1987 joint research on the disease’s macroeconomic and demographic impact. However, observing WHO’s continued hesitance regarding financing and its decision to act as a donor gatekeeper, the Bank ultimately opted to work separately in AIDS. Thus, the themes of the Alma Ata versus Selective Primary Health Care debate of the late 1970s continued throughout the 1980s into the early years of the global AIDS response: a perennial conflict of financing within resource constraints and the appropriate role of donors in the grand project of health and development.
Medical Bacteriology and Medical Genetics, 1880–1940: A Call for Synthesis
Authors: Teicher Amir
Published: June 2020

Between 1880 and 1920 the medical quest to unearth the causes of disease saw two pathbreaking discoveries. One was the bacteriological revolution – the identification of specific germs as causal agents of specific diseases (anthrax, tuberculosis, diphtheria, cholera and so on), and the simultaneous effort to develop disinfection techniques and immunisation measures to combat these diseases. The other was the rediscovery of Mendel’s laws of heredity and the resulting emergence of medical genetics, where an entire set of medical maladies (deafness, blindness, bodily deformities, haemophilia, Huntington’s chorea, feeble-mindedness and many mental diseases) were identified – rightly or wrongly – as genetically determined. The ‘germ theory of disease’ and the ‘gene theory of disease’ shared striking, all-too-often overlooked similarities. Both theories built on shared epistemological assumptions that influenced their explanatory mechanisms and their overall conceptual frameworks; both mobilised similar visual and linguistic vocabulary; both appropriated – and enforced – prevailing cultural and gender norms; and both enshrined broadly parallel hygienic practices. Reflecting similar social concerns, medical bacteriology and medical genetics acquired kindred scientific and societal configurations, which this paper highlights and scrutinises.
Reasonable Grounds? The Delayed Introduction of MMR Vaccine in Denmark and the Netherlands, 1977–87
Authors: Berg Anne Hagen , Blume Stuart S.
Published: June 2020

It is commonly argued that the decision to introduce a new vaccine is properly based on objective and measurable criteria, including disease burden and efficacy of the vaccine. Moreover, new vaccines are to be introduced rapidly and globally: delay is difficult to justify. Historical studies of new vaccine introductions paint a rather different and more complex picture. The few studies comparing new vaccine introduction in different countries suggest that ‘evidence’ for the efficacy of a vaccine was commonly subjected to varying interpretations. This paper, based on analysis of the introduction of the measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine in Denmark and the Netherlands, takes this argument further. Though both countries are – and were – small welfare states with well-organised national immunisation programmes, both adopted MMR a full decade after its introduction in the USA. The paper suggests that the reasons for delaying, in each case, are a reasonable reflection of each country’s concerns, perceptions of the three diseases, and technological approaches already adopted. There were differences in each of these respects. The decision to adopt MMR, which each country eventually took, was significantly influenced by the political and ideological changes taking place in the 1980s, including a growing emphasis on costs and benefits, as well as the growing influence of the international context.
Shadowing for infinite dimensional dynamics and exponential trichotomies
Authors: Backes Lucas , Dragičević Davor
Published: June 2020

Let $(A_m)_{m \in {\mathop Z}}$ be a sequence of bounded linear maps acting on an arbitrary Banach space X and admitting an exponential trichotomy and let $f_m:X \to X$ be a Lispchitz map for every $m\in {\mathop Z} $. We prove that whenever the Lipschitz constants of $f_m$, $m \in {\mathop Z} $, are uniformly small, the nonautonomous dynamics given by $x_{m+1}=A_mx_m+f_m(x_m)$, $m\in {\mathop Z} $, has various types of shadowing. Moreover, if X is finite dimensional and each $A_m$ is invertible we prove that a converse result is also true. Furthermore, we get similar results for one-sided and continuous time dynamics. As applications of our results, we study the Hyers–Ulam stability for certain difference equations and we obtain a very general version of the Grobman–Hartman's theorem for nonautonomous dynamics.
Preliminary evaluation of a novel, fully automated, Telenostic device for rapid field-diagnosis of cattle parasites
Authors: Elghryani Nagwa , Crispell Joseph , Ebrahimi Roohollah , Krivoruchko Michael , Lobaskin Vladimir , McOwan Trish , O'Connor William , Power Eamonn , Voisin Bruno , Scholz Dimitri , de Waal Theo
Published: June 2020

New ideas for diagnostics in clinical parasitology are needed to overcome some of the difficulties experienced in the widespread adoption of detection methods for gastrointestinal parasites in livestock. Here we provide an initial evaluation of the performance of a newly developed automated device (Telenostic) to identify and quantify parasitic elements in fecal samples. This study compared the Telenostic device with the McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC for counting of strongyle eggs in a fecal sample. Three bovine fecal samples were examined, in triplicate, on each of the three fecal egg-counting devices. In addition, both manual (laboratory technician) and automated analysis (image analysis algorithm) were performed on the Telenostic device to calculate fecal egg counts (FEC). Overall, there were consistent egg counts reported across the three devices and calculation methods. The Telenostic device compared very favourably to the Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster. Only in sample C, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the egg counts obtained by Mini-FLOTAC and by the other methods. From this limited dataset it can be concluded that the Telenostic-automated test is comparable to currently used benchmark FEC methods, while improving the workflow, test turn-around time and not requiring trained laboratory personnel to operate or interpret the results.
Roman Imperialism and the Transformation of Rural Society in a Frontier Province: Diversifying the Narrative
Authors: Roymans Nico , Derks Ton , Heeren Stijn
Published: June 2020

This paper studies rural populations in the Roman frontier province of Germania inferior, employing a perspective that allocates more space to the exploitative and repressive aspects of Roman rule. We draw attention to an alternative series of topics than the ones currently presented in rural archaeology. This includes attention to situations of crisis and instability, to fundamental reordering of rural populations, to issues of migration and to the interconnectivity of rural developments and imperial power structures. While these topics are usually considered as ‘historically given’, they are rarely the subject of serious archaeological research. This attempt at a more historicising approach does not mean a simple return to the traditional paradigm ofhistorische Altertumskunde. Much better equipped than our predecessors of two or three generations ago, we archaeologists of the 21st century are able to engage in a critical and creative dialogue with historical sources and models.
Rationing with time: time-cost ordeals’ burdens and distributive effects
Authors: Rose Julie L.
Published: June 2020

Individuals often face administrative hurdles in attempting to access health care, public programmes, and other legal statuses and entitlements. These ordeals are the products, directly or indirectly, of institutional and policy design choices. I argue that evaluating whether such ordeals are justifiable or desirable instruments of social policy depends on assessing, beyond their targeting effects, the process-related burdens they impose on those attempting to navigate them and these burdens’ distributive effects. I here examine specifically how ordeals that levy time costs reduce and constrain individuals’ free time, and how such time-cost ordeals may thereby create, deepen and compound disadvantages.
A different animal? Identifying the features of health technology assessment for developers of medical technologies
Authors: Bouttell Janet , Briggs Andrew , Hawkins Neil
Published: June 2020

Health technology assessment (HTA) conducted to inform developers of health technologies (development-focused HTA, DF-HTA) has a number of distinct features when compared to HTA conducted to inform usage decisions (use-focused HTA). To conduct effective DF-HTA, it is important that analysts are aware of its distinct features as analyses are often not published. We set out a framework of ten features, drawn from the literature and our own experience: a target audience of developers and investors; an underlying user objective to maximize return on investment; a broad range of decisions to inform; wide decision space; reduced evidence available; earlier timing of analysis; fluid business model; constrained resources for analysis; a positive stance of analysis; and a “consumer”-specific burden of proof. This paper presents a framework of ten features of DF-HTA intended to initiate debate as well as provide an introduction for analysts unfamiliar with the field.
Ibsen and the Repertory System:Peer Gynton the German Stage
Authors: HANSSEN JENS-MORTEN
Published: June 2020

Henrik Ibsen'sPeer Gyntremained a rarely performed play throughout the author's lifetime. It was not until around the outbreak of the First World War that stage productions of the play began to proliferate. This article examines the pre-1945 production history of the play in the light of a concept that signifies a particular way of composing a repertoire, the repertory system. It was first and foremost prominent stages in Germany that paved the way forPeer Gyntto become incorporated into this system, leading to an exponential growth in the number of stage events. The production history illustrates how plays that are performed over a long period of time question the notion of production as a fixedmise en scène. Supporting Linda Hutcheon's argument about adaptation as a continuous process, the productions examined here demonstrate that there was no such thing as a standard way to adaptPeer Gyntfor the stage.
Hamiltonicity in random directed graphs is born resilient
Authors: Montgomery Richard
Published: June 2020

Let$\{D_M\}_{M\geq 0}$be then-vertex random directed graph process, where$D_0$is the empty directed graph onnvertices, and subsequent directed graphs in the sequence are obtained by the addition of a new directed edge uniformly at random. For each$$\varepsilon > 0$$, we show that, almost surely, any directed graph$D_M$with minimum in- and out-degree at least 1 is not only Hamiltonian (as shown by Frieze), but remains Hamiltonian when edges are removed, as long as at most$1/2-\varepsilon$of both the in- and out-edges incident to each vertex are removed. We say such a directed graph is$(1/2-\varepsilon)$-resiliently Hamiltonian. Furthermore, for each$\varepsilon > 0$, we show that, almost surely, each directed graph$D_M$in the sequence is not$(1/2+\varepsilon)$-resiliently Hamiltonian.

This improves a result of Ferber, Nenadov, Noever, Peter and Škorić who showed, for each$\varepsilon > 0$, that the binomial random directed graph$D(n,p)$is almost surely$(1/2-\varepsilon)$-resiliently Hamiltonian if$p=\omega(\log^8n/n)$.
Differences in the sugar content of fast-food products across three countries
Authors: Lewis Nicole , Huang Qiushi , Merkel Patrick , Rhee Dong Keun , Sylvetsky Allison C
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To compare the sugar content of items at four multinational fast-food chains, across three countries.

Design:

Total sugar (g)/per serving was extracted from online nutrition information, and sugar/100 g serving was calculated. Foods were categorised as: breakfast sandwiches, burgers, sandwiches, desserts and condiments. Beverages were categorised as fountain, frozen or pre-packaged. Sugar (g) was compared across countries using linear mixed-effects models. Pairwise comparisons were performed with Tukey–Kramer adjustments.

Setting:

USA, Germany and Australia.

Participants:

Burger King™ (Hungry Jack’s™), Kentucky Fried Chicken™, McDonald’s™ and Subway™.

Results:

Differences in total sugar/100 g or ml were observed across countries for burgers (n 104), desserts (n 110), sandwiches (n 178), pre-packaged beverages (n 36) and frozen beverages (n 72). Comparing identical items across countries (e.g. BigMacTM from McDonalds in USA, Germany and Australia), burgers (n 10 available in all three countries) had lower sugar content in Australia (3·4 g/100 g) compared with the USA (4·7 g/100 g, P = 0·02) or Germany (4·6 g/100 g, P = 0·04), yet no differences were observed in other food categories. Comparing the same beverages across countries (e.g. chocolate shake from Burger King), frozen beverages (n 4 available in all three countries) had lower sugar content in Australia (14·2 g/100 ml), compared with the USA (20·3 g/100 ml, P = 0·0005) or Germany (17·8 g/100 ml, P = 0·0148), yet no differences were observed in other beverage categories.

Conclusions:

Heterogeneity in fast-food sugar content across countries suggests that reductions are possible and should be implemented to reduce health risks associated with excess added sugar intake.
Birmingham and Beyond
Authors: Eaves Lindon
Published: June 2020

Nick Martin was a doctoral student of mine at the University of Birmingham in the mid 1970s. In this review, I discuss two of Nick’s earliest and most seminal contributions to the field of behavior genetics. First, Martin and Eaves’ (1977) extension of the model-fitting approach to multivariate data, which laid the theoretical groundwork for a generation of multivariate behavior genetic studies. Second, the Martin et al.’s (1978) manuscript on the power of the classical twin design, which showed that thousands of twin pairs would be required in order to reliably estimate components of variance, and has served as impetus for the formation of large-scale twin registries across the world. I discuss these contributions against the historical backdrop of a time when we and others were struggling with the challenge of figuring out how to incorporate gene-by-environment interaction, gene–environment correlation, mate selection and cultural transmission into more complex genetic models of human behavior.
Seismic Anisotropy and Its Impact on Imaging the Shallow Alpine Fault: An Experimental and Modeling Perspective
Authors: Adam Ludmila , Frehner Marcel , Sauer Katrina , Toy Virginia , Guerin‐Marthe Simon
Published: June 2020

The transpressional Alpine Fault in New Zealand has created a thick shear zone with associated highly anisotropic rocks. Low seismic velocity zones and high seismic reflectivity are recorded in the Alpine Fault Zone, but no study has explored the underlying physical rock parameters of the shallow crust that control these observations. Protomylonites are the volumetrically dominant lithology of the fault zone. Here we combine experimental measurements of P‐wave speeds with numerical models of elastic wave anisotropy of protomylonite samples to explore how the fault zone can be seismically imaged. Numerical models that account for the porosity‐free real samples' fabric elastic tensors from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) are calculated by MTEX and a finite element model (FEM), while microfractures are modeled with differential effective medium (DEM) theory. At effective pressures representative of the Alpine Fault brittle zone, experimental wave speeds are lower than those predicted by MTEX/FEM. A possible DEM model suggests that a combination of random and aligned microfractures with aspect ratios increasing with pressure can explain the experimental wave speeds for pressures <70 MPa. Such microporosity in the form of foliation‐ and mica basal plane‐parallel microfractures and grain boundaries is validated with synchrotron X‐ray microtomography and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Finally, by modeling anisotropy of seismic reflection coefficients with angle of incidence, we demonstrate that the high reflectivity and low‐velocity zone (LVZ) observed at the Alpine Fault can only be explained if this microporosity is accounted for throughout the brittle fault zone, even at depths of 7–10 km.
Radiation-induced bystander and abscopal effects: important lessons from preclinical models
Authors: Daguenet Elisabeth , Louati Safa , Wozny Anne-Sophie , Vial Nicolas , Gras Mathilde , Guy Jean-Baptiste , Vallard Alexis , Rodriguez-Lafrasse Claire , Magné Nicolas
Published: June 2020

Radiotherapy is a pivotal component in the curative treatment of patients with localised cancer and isolated metastasis, as well as being used as a palliative strategy for patients with disseminated disease. The clinical efficacy of radiotherapy has traditionally been attributed to the local effects of ionising radiation, which induces cell death by directly and indirectly inducing DNA damage, but substantial work has uncovered an unexpected and dual relationship between tumour irradiation and the host immune system. In clinical practice, it is, therefore, tempting to tailor immunotherapies with radiotherapy in order to synergise innate and adaptive immunity against cancer cells, as well as to bypass immune tolerance and exhaustion, with the aim of facilitating tumour regression. However, our understanding of how radiation impacts on immune system activation is still in its early stages, and concerns and challenges regarding therapeutic applications still need to be overcome. With the increasing use of immunotherapy and its common combination with ionising radiation, this review briefly delineates current knowledge about the non-targeted effects of radiotherapy, and aims to provide insights, at the preclinical level, into the mechanisms that are involved with the potential to yield clinically relevant combinatorial approaches of radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
Targeting the ERG oncogene with splice-switching oligonucleotides as a novel therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer
Authors: Li Ling , Hobson Lisa , Perry Laura , Clark Bethany , Heavey Susan , Haider Aiman , Sridhar Ashwin , Shaw Greg , Kelly John , Freeman Alex , Wilson Ian , Whitaker Hayley , Nurmemmedov Elmar , Oltean Sebastian , Porazinski Sean , Ladomery Michael
Published: June 2020

Background

The ERG oncogene, a member of the ETS family of transcription factor encoding genes, is a genetic driver of prostate cancer. It is activated through a fusion with the androgen-responsive TMPRSS2 promoter in 50% of cases. There is therefore significant interest in developing novel therapeutic agents that target ERG. We have taken an antisense approach and designed morpholino-based oligonucleotides that target ERG by inducing skipping of its constitutive exon 4.

Methods

We designed antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (splice-switching oligonucleotides, SSOs) that target both the 5′ and 3′ splice sites of ERG’s exon 4. We tested their efficacy in terms of inducing exon 4 skipping in two ERG-positive cell lines, VCaP prostate cancer cells and MG63 osteosarcoma cells. We measured their effect on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. We also tested their effect on xenograft tumour growth in mice and on ERG protein expression in a human prostate cancer radical prostatectomy sample ex vivo.

Results

In VCaP cells, both SSOs were effective at inducing exon 4 skipping, which resulted in a reduction of overall ERG protein levels up to 96 h following a single transfection. SSO-induced ERG reduction decreased cell proliferation, cell migration and significantly increased apoptosis. We observed a concomitant reduction in protein levels for cyclin D1, c-Myc and the Wnt signalling pathway member β-catenin as well as a marker of activated Wnt signalling, p-LRP6. We tested the 3′ splice site SSO in MG63 xenografts in mice and observed a reduction in tumour growth. We also demonstrated that the 3′ splice site SSO caused a reduction in ERG expression in a patient-derived prostate tumour tissue cultured ex vivo.

Conclusions

We have successfully designed and tested morpholino-based SSOs that cause a marked reduction in ERG expression, resulting in decreased cell proliferation, a reduced migratory phenotype and increased apoptosis. Our initial tests on mouse xenografts and a human prostate cancer radical prostatectomy specimen indicate that SSOs can be effective for oncogene targeting in vivo. As such, this study encourages further in vivo therapeutic studies using SSOs targeting the ERG oncogene.
Human GBP1 binds LPS to initiate assembly of a caspase-4 activating platform on cytosolic bacteria
Authors: Santos José Carlos , Boucher Dave , Schneider Larisa Kapinos , Demarco Benjamin , Dilucca Marisa , Shkarina Kateryna , Heilig Rosalie , Chen Kaiwen W. , Lim Roderick Y. H. , Broz Petr
Published: June 2020

The human non-canonical inflammasome controls caspase-4 activation and gasdermin-D-dependent pyroptosis in response to cytosolic bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Since LPS binds and oligomerizes caspase-4, the pathway is thought to proceed without dedicated LPS sensors or an activation platform. Here we report that interferon-induced guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) are required for non-canonical inflammasome activation by cytosolicSalmonellaor upon cytosolic delivery of LPS. GBP1 associates with the surface of cytosolicSalmonellaseconds after bacterial escape from their vacuole, initiating the recruitment of GBP2-4 to assemble a GBP coat. The GBP coat then promotes the recruitment of caspase-4 to the bacterial surface and caspase activation, in absence of bacteriolysis. Mechanistically, GBP1 binds LPS with high affinity through electrostatic interactions. Our findings indicate that in human epithelial cells GBP1 acts as a cytosolic LPS sensor and assembles a platform for caspase-4 recruitment and activation at LPS-containing membranes as the first step of non-canonical inflammasome signaling.