bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disruptions of Anaerobic Gut Bacteria Are Associated with Stroke and Post-stroke Infection: a Prospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Haak Bastiaan W. , Westendorp Willeke F. , van Engelen Tjitske S. R. , Brands Xanthe , Brouwer Matthijs C. , Vermeij Jan-Dirk , Hugenholtz Floor , Verhoeven Aswin , Derks Rico J. , Giera Martin , Nederkoorn Paul J. , de Vos Willem M. , van de Beek Diederik , Wiersinga W. Joost
Published: October 2020

In recent years, preclinical studies have illustrated the potential role of intestinal bacterial composition in the risk of stroke and post-stroke infections. The results of these studies suggest that bacteria capable of producing volatile metabolites, including trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and butyrate, play opposing, yet important roles in the cascade of events leading to stroke. However, no large-scale studies have been undertaken to determine the abundance of these bacterial communities in stroke patients and to assess the impact of disrupted compositions of the intestinal microbiota on patient outcomes. In this prospective case–control study, rectal swabs from 349 ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients (median age, 71 years; IQR: 67–75) were collected within 24 h of hospital admission. Samples were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and subsequently compared with samples obtained from 51 outpatient age- and sex-matched controls (median age, 72 years; IQR, 62–80) with similar cardiovascular risk profiles but without active signs of stroke. Plasma protein biomarkers were analyzed using a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed higher disruption of intestinal communities during ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke compared with non-stroke matched control subjects. Additionally, we observed an enrichment of bacteria implicated in TMAO production and a loss of butyrate-producing bacteria. Stroke patients displayed two-fold lower plasma levels of TMAO than controls (median 1.97 vs 4.03 μM, Wilcoxonp < 0.0001). Finally, lower abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria within 24 h of hospital admission was an independent predictor of enhanced risk of post-stroke infection (odds ratio 0.77,p = 0.005), but not of mortality or functional patient outcome. In conclusion, aberrations in trimethylamine- and butyrate-producing gut bacteria are associated with stroke and stroke-associated infections.
Psychological symptoms in Chinese nurses may be associated with predisposition to chronic disease: a cross-sectional study of suboptimal health status
Authors: Zhu Jinxiu , Ying Wenjuan , Zhang Li , Peng Gangyi , Chen Weiju , Anto Enoch Odame , Wang Xueqing , Lu Nan , Gao Shanshan , Wu Guihai , Yan Jingyi , Ye Jianfeng , Wu Shenglin , Yu Chengzhi , Yue Minghui , Huang Xiru , Xu Nuo , Ying Pengxiang , Chen Yanhong , Tan Xuerui , Wang Wei
Published: October 2020

Background

Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a reversible state between ideal health and illness and it can be effectively reversed by risk prediction, disease prevention, and personalized medicine under the global background of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) concepts. More and more Chinese nurses have been troubled by psychological symptoms (PS). The correlation between PS and SHS is unclear in nurses. The purpose of current study is to investigate the prevalence of SHS and PS in Chinese nurses and the relationship between SHS and PS along with predisposing factors as well as to discuss the feasibility of improving health status and preventing diseases according to PPPM concepts in Chinese nurses.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with the cluster sampling method among 9793 registered nurses in Foshan city, China. SHS was evaluated with the Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25). Meanwhile, the PS of depression and anxiety were evaluated with Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) self-assessment questionnaires. The relationship between PS and SHS in Chinese nurses was subsequently analyzed.

Results

Among the 9793 participants, 6107 nurses were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of SHS in the participants was 74.21% (4532/6107) while the symptoms of depression and anxiety were 47.62% (2908/6107) and 24.59% (1502/6107) respectively. The prevalence of SHS in the participants with depression and anxiety was significantly higher than those without the symptoms of depression (83.3% vs 16.7%, P < 0.001) and anxiety (94.2% vs 5.8%, P < 0.0001). The ratio of exercise habit was significantly lower than that of non-exercise habit (68.8% vs 78.4%, P < 0.001) in SHS group.

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of SHS and PS in Chinese nurses. PS in Chinese nurses are associated with SHS. Physical exercise is a protective factor for SHS and PS so that the exercise should be strongly recommended as a valuable preventive measure well in the agreement with PPPM philosophy. Along with SDS and SAS, SHSQ-25 should also be highly recommended and applied as a novel predictive/preventive tool for the health measures from the perspectives of PPPM in view of susceptible population and individual screening, the predisposition to chronic disease preventing, personalization of intervention, and the ideal health state restoring.
Role of CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 in anti-cancer combination therapy – potential clinical relevance
Authors: D’Amore Claudio , Borgo Christian , Sarno Stefania , Salvi Mauro
Published: October 2020

Background

Protein kinase CK2 inhibition has long been considered as an attractive anti-cancer strategy based on the following considerations: CK2 is a pro-survival kinase, it is frequently over-expressed in human tumours and its over-expression correlates with a worse prognosis. Preclinical evidence strongly supports the feasibility of this target and, although dozens of CK2 inhibitors have been described in the literature so far, CX-4945 (silmitasertib) was the first that entered into clinical trials for the treatment of both human haematological and solid tumours. However, kinase inhibitor monotherapies turned out to be effective only in a limited number of malignancies, probably due to the multifaceted causes that underlie them, supporting the emerging view that multi-targeted approaches to treat human tumours could be more effective.

Conclusions

In this review, we will address combined anti-cancer therapeutic strategies described so far which involve the use of CX-4945. Data from preclinical studies clearly show the ability of CX-4945 to synergistically cooperate with different classes of anti-neoplastic agents, thereby contributing to an orchestrated anti-tumour action against multiple targets. Overall, these promising outcomes support the translation of CX-4945 combined therapies into clinical anti-cancer applications.
Planning to teach difficult history through historical inquiry: The case of school desegregation
Authors: Suh Yonghee , Daugherity Brian , Hartsfield Danielle
Published: October 2020

This exploratory study investigates the ways in which secondary U.S. history teachers who attended two iterations of a teacher professional development workshop, focusing on the history of school desegregation in Virginia, planned to teach the history of school desegregation through historical inquiry. Conceptualizing the history of school desegregation as difficult history, the authors conducted the content analysis of 23 written lesson plans generated by workshop participants. The historiography of school desegregation, and research on four dimensions of historical inquiry such as Change and Continuity, Causation, Multiple Perspectives and Historical Sources, guided the data analysis. The findings suggest that teachers in this study were most likely to design their inquiry around Causation, framing the history of school desegregation within the classical timeline of the Civil Rights Movement, which begins with the Brown v. Board of Education decision (1954) and ends with the Civil Rights Act of 1968. What was often absent in these inquiries was Massive Resistance, the backlash against the Brown v. Board of Education decision, collective and political actions of African American communities to implement the Brown decision, and varying perspectives within African American communities as well as Whites who opposed the Brown decision. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Peyronie’s Disease and the Female Sexual Partner: A Comparison of the Male and Female Experience
Authors: Farrell M. Ryan , Ziegelmann Matthew J. , Bajic Petar , Levine Laurence A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is characterized by penile pain, deformity, and sexual dysfunction, often resulting in an impaired sexual experience and significant psychological bother for the patient. However, there are limited data on the impact of PD on female sexual partners (FSPs).

Aim

To compare the psychosexual experience of men with PD and their FSPs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all prospectively enrolled men and their FSPs who presented for initial PD evaluation to our sexual health clinic from July 2018 to February 2020. All men completed a PD-specific survey and the PD questionnaire (PDQ). If the patient was accompanied by an FSP during initial evaluation, she completed the PDQ for Female Sexual Partners and Female Sexual Function Index. We further queried our database that included information on patient demographics and clinical characteristics.

Outcomes

The main outcome of this study is retrospective comparison of responses with the PDQ and PDQ for Female Sexual Partners.

Results

Data were available for 44 men with PD (median age, 56 years; interquartile range, 49–63) and their FSPs (median age, 54 years; interquartile range, 50–61). The majority of men presented in the chronic phase (35 of 44, 79.5%), and median objective composite curvature was 75° (interquartile range, 50–90°). Owing to PD, female and male partners reported similar difficulty with vaginal intercourse (VI) (74.3% vs 81.5%, P = .555), decreased frequency of VI (70.6% vs 85.2%, P = .228), and at least moderate discomfort/pain with VI (48.6% vs 33.3%, P = .232). FSPs were “very” or “extremely” bothered by the appearance of their partner’s erect penis less often than male partners (20.0% vs 59.3%, P < .001). FSPs were “very” or “extremely” bothered by their partner’s PD during VI less often than men with PD (32.3% vs 65.2%, P = .017). Few FSPs (22.9%) had “severe” or “very severe” concern with damaging their partner’s penis during VI.

Clinical Implications

The sexual experience for men with PD and their FSPs differs, thus emphasizing the importance of active engagement of both men with PD and FSP during initial PD evaluation.

Strengths and Limitations

This initial study draws data from a single, high-volume men’s health clinic with a limited sample size. Survey responses may have been shared by patients with PD and their FSPs.

Conclusion

PD impacts the sexual experience for both men and FSPs. A similarly large proportion of men with PD and FSP noted decreased frequency of and difficulty with vaginal intercourse. Yet, FSPs were less bothered by the appearance of the erect penis and the deformity during VI compared with men.
The Nature of Feasting at Feltus (and Beyond): A Response to Hayden
Authors: Kassabaum Megan C.
Published: October 2020

My recent article offered a model by which to better classify feasts by distinguishing between archaeological correlates of group size and sociopolitical competition. Applying this model to remains from a precontact mound site, I highlighted feasting's role in promoting group solidarity in the American South. Hayden's comment argues that my scheme does not accommodate certain types of events, and it questions my noncompetitive interpretation. I address both critiques here by citing further data from the Southeast, emphasizing the importance of interpreting feasts within their cultural and historical contexts, and highlighting Hayden's continued reliance on long-standing assumptions about feasting and monumental architecture.
The treatment of mental illness in faith-based and traditional healing centres in Ghana: perspectives of service users and healers
Authors: Lambert Jessica E. , Nantogmah Fred , Dokurugu Adam Yahaya , Alhassan Hanan , Azuure Sandow Stanislaus , Yaro Peter Badimak , Kørner Jeanette
Published: October 2020

Background

The maltreatment of people with mental illness in Ghana's traditional and faith-based healing centres, including shackling, flogging, and forced fasting, has been documented by numerous sources. Such treatment is potentially traumatising and may exacerbate mental health problems. Despite widespread use, few studies have focused on experiences and characteristics of people who seek traditional healing for mental illness or healers' perspectives treatment of these conditions.

Method

Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 82 individuals who were treated in healing centres and 40 traditional healers; all took part in semi-structured interviews. Those treated were asked about experiences in centres and assessed for prior trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress, and functional impairment. Healers were asked about beliefs and practices related to the treatment of mental illness.

Results

Individuals treated in centres and healers generally believed that mental illness has a spiritual cause. Approximately 30.5% of those treated in centres were exposed to maltreatment; despite this, half would return. Individuals with a history of trauma were more likely to report maltreatment in the centre and had higher symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Most participants had impaired functioning. Healers who used practices like shackling believed they were necessary. Most healers were willing to collaborate with the official health structure.

Conclusion

Results provide insight into the treatment of mental illness by traditional healers in Ghana and the need for trauma-informed mental health services. Findings also highlight the importance of considering cultural beliefs when attempting to implement mental health interventions in the region.
Long-term treatment leads to reduction of tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) populations in the Buffalo National River
Authors: Young Craig C. , Bell Jordan C. , Morrison Lloyd W.
Published: October 2020

In this case study, we used point mapping data to evaluate long-term treatment of invasive tree-of-heaven [Ailanthus altissima(Mill.) Swingle]. This study at the Buffalo National River included 21 project areas ranging in size from 0.02 to 11.3 ha and spanned 5 to 8 yr depending on the site. The control techniques varied depending on the year and included the application of herbicide, which also varied over the course of the study and included imazapyr, triclopyr, and triclopyr+fluroxypyr. Treatments during the first year reduced localA. altissimapopulations by an average of 66%. Long-term repeated treatments led to decreases of at least 90% in 70% of the project areas and at least 73% in 95% of the project areas. Only one project area was found to support no plants during the final treatment year.Ailanthus altissimaincreased at most project areas during an unusually wet year and was more likely to increase than decrease in intervals >1 yr with no treatment. Over the temporal and spatial scales of this case study, we observed high levels of control that will likely meet the specified levels and ecological benefits required in many similar efforts. Land managers must, however, make a long-term commitment of resources to achieve lasting control of this invasive species.
AN ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE SEALAND BUILDING AT TELL KHAIBER, SOUTHERN IRAQ
Authors: Shepperson Mary
Published: October 2020

This paper analyses the architecture of the large fortified building excavated at Tell Khaiber in southern Iraq, the first known example of monumental architecture from the Sealand Kingdom. It examines the development of this highly unusual building, analyses the spatial properties and apparent functions of the structure, reviews possible architectural parallels, and considers what the architecture might reveal about Tell Khaiber's role in the context of the Sealand state. The outer form and organisation of the building indicate a fortified structure with a high priority afforded to defence. The interior of the Tell Khaiber building is divided between a smaller, earlier structure, enclosing conventionally arranged architecture with apparently executive and administrative functions, and a larger extension, densely packed with accommodation for a large number of personnel. When considered alongside textual sources on the Sealand state, which provide evidence about the geo-political context in which the Tell Khaiber building was constructed, it is possible to suggest the role such a building may have had in the development of the Sealand Kingdom. The form of the Tell Khaiber building may also be important in understanding the nature of the contested border between the Sealand Kingdom and its Babylonian neighbours.
An Experimental Correction Method for Relative Indentation of Normal Contact
Authors: Peng P. , Di C. A. , Chen G. S.
Published: October 2020

Relative indentation is the input signal estimating contact force model parameters, so the signal is required to have a higher precision to ensure the accuracy of the estimated contact force model parameters. However, in the impact experiment, the vibration displacements in multiple directions are often coupled in the relative indentation, resulting in a large error of the measured relative indentation. This paper presents an experimental correction method for the relative indentation. Firstly, the relative indentation is decoupled by the established model of the spatial position of the hammerhead relative to the sample to reduce the errors caused by the rotation of the pendulum boom and the vibration of the base. A pendulum impact test device is established to verify the correction method of relative indentation. The results show that the maximum relative error between the contact force estimated by using the corrected relative indentation as the input signal and the measured contact force is less than 3%. The estimated contact force is in good agreement with the measured value, and the correlation coefficient is above 0.92. It shows that the experimental correction of the relative indentation has achieved good results, which verifies the accuracy of the correction method.
Design and Simulation Analysis of A Z Axis Microactuator with Low Mode Cross-Talk
Authors: Van Hieu Dang , Van Tam Le , Van Duong Nguyen , Duy Vy Nguyen , Manh Hoang Chu
Published: October 2020

For a vibration system, the best designed spring is compliant to a desired vibration mode while it is robust to other undesired modes. There are several types of spring design for displacing the proofmass along the x and y axes, however, very few designs of spring compliant to the z axis are introduced. Therefore, we propose a z axis microactuator in which the suspending spring is designed so that it is only compliant to vibration along the z axis. The suspending spring consists of straight beam stages mechanically coupled with each other via frames which are symmetrically designed around a center plate. The operation characteristics of the microactuator is investigated by theoretical expresses and numerical simulation. The frequency split between the z axis mode and undesired modes can obtain more than 45%. The operation frequency can be modified in a wide range, from 68 kHz to 400 kHz, by changing the dimensional parameters of spring beams. The spring beams can be lengthened to increase displacement in the z axis while the mode cross-talk is still suppressed. Compared to the previously reported researches, the current microactuator shows robustness to undesired vibration modes, which is potential for integration in low mode cross-talk multi-axis micro-stages and low-noise mechanical sensors.
RADIOCARBON IN DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON BY UV OXIDATION: PROCEDURES AND BLANK CHARACTERIZATION AT NOSAMS
Authors: Xu Li , Roberts Mark L , Elder Kathryn L , Kurz Mark D , McNichol Ann P , Reddy Christopher M , Ward Collin P , Hanke Ulrich M
Published: October 2020

This study describes a procedural blank assessment of the ultraviolet photochemical oxidation (UV oxidation) method that is used to measure carbon isotopes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) at the National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility (NOSAMS). A retrospective compilation of Fm and δ13C results for secondary standards (OX-II, glycine) between 2009 and 2018 indicated that a revised blank correction was required to bring results in line with accepted values. The application of a best-fit mass-balance correction yielded a procedural blank of 22.0 ± 6.0 µg C with Fm of 0.30 ± 0.20 and δ13C of –32.0 ± 3.0‰ for this period, which was notably higher and more variable than previously reported. Changes to the procedure, specifically elimination of higher organic carbon reagents and improved sample and reactor handling, reduced the blank to 11.0 ± 2.75 µg C, with Fm of 0.14 ± 0.10 and δ13C of –31.0 ± 5.5‰. A thorough determination of the entire sample processing blank is required to ensure accurate isotopic compositions of seawater DOC using the UV oxidation method. Additional efforts are needed to further reduce the procedural blank so that smaller DOC samples can be analyzed, and to increase sample throughput.
Formation, diagenesis and fauna of cold seep carbonates from the Miocene Taishu Group of Tsushima (Japan)
Authors: Hryniewicz Krzysztof , Miyajima Yusuke , Amano Kazutaka , Georgieva Magdalena N , Jakubowicz Michał , Jenkins Robert G , Kaim Andrzej
Published: October 2020

The studied seep carbonates from Tsushima, Japan, are embedded within marine siliciclastics of the lower Miocene Taishu Group and represent the earliest evidence of hydrocarbon seepage in the Sea of Japan. In contrast to Miocene and Pliocene examples from Honshu, which are often found above anticlines, the seeps from Tsushima formed within a pull-apart basin before major anticlines had formed. The three carbonates from Fukuzaki, Kanoura and Tanohama are composed chiefly of calcite, with significant admixture of ankerite only at Kanoura. The stable carbon isotope composition of calcites (δ13C as low as −40.2 ‰ VPDB for Fukuzaki, −41.8 ‰ VPDB for Kanoura, and −52.8 ‰ VPDB for Tanohama) indicate methanogenic origin of the carbonates. Textures of these deposits, including radiaxial and yellow cements, are indicative of formation at a methane seep. The stable oxygen isotope composition of calcites (δ18O values as low as −14.4 ‰ VPDB for Fukuzaki, −14.5 ‰ VPDB for Kanoura and −13.9 ‰ VPDB for Tanohama) indicate that they were influenced by burial fluids. Burial diagenesis is also indicated by the stable isotopic compositions of ankerite (δ13C ranging from −19.1 ‰ to −7.1 ‰ VPDB, δ18O from −11.1 ‰ to −9.7 ‰ VPDB). Molecular fossils from Tanohama comprise n-alkanes with short-chain predominance, interpreted to have formed due to thermal cracking of organic matter. The carbonates yield a chemosynthesis-based community comprising vesicomyids Pleurophopsis chitanii, P. cf. hamuroi, the bathymodiolin ‘Bathymodiolus’ akanudaensis, the lucinid Lucinoma sp. and the provannid Provanna? sp., which have never been hitherto identified. ‘Bathymodiolus’ akanudaensis, Lucinoma sp. and Provanna? sp. are the oldest records of these taxa in the Sea of Japan.
Occurrence ofTaeniaspecies in pigs in slaughterhouses in Phu Tho province, northern Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen T.T.M. , Dermauw V. , Noh J. , Chien N.H. , Dao T.T.H. , Nguyen T.G.T. , Van Hul A. , Dorny P.
Published: October 2020

Pigs act as the intermediate hosts of the zoonotic tapewormsTaenia soliumandTaenia asiatica, as well as of the non-zoonoticTaenia hydatigena.In Vietnam, human taeniasis and cysticercosis have been reported throughout the country; however, data on porcine cysticercosis are scarce. Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence ofTaeniaspp. in slaughtered pigs in two districts in Phu Tho, a mountainous province in northern Vietnam from where neurocysticercosis patients commonly originate. The carcasses of 399 pigs from 51 small-scale abattoirs were checked for cysticerci, while tongue, liver, masseter muscles, diaphragm and heart were sliced and examined. Retrieved cysticerci underwent polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing for species confirmation. Blood was also collected to detect antibodies by lentil lectin-purified glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (LLGP-EITB) and recombinant T24H antigen (rT24H)-EITB and circulating antigens by B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. In two pigs,T. asiaticacysticerci were found, confirming the presence of the parasite in pigs in Vietnam at a low prevalence (0.5%; 95% exact confidence interval (CI): 0–1.19%). Cysticerci ofT. soliumwere found in none of the pigs, although one serum sample was positive for antibodies in both LLGP-EITB and rT24H-EITB. Furthermore, a high prevalence ofT. hydatigenacysticercosis was observed (18.0%; 95% Wilson score CI: 14.6–22.1%). In more than half of theT. hydatigena-positive pigs, circulating antigens were detected by Ag-ELISA, confirming that this test cannot be used to diagnoseT. soliumcysticercosis in this region. Finally,Spirometra erinaceieuropaeiwas found in one pig liver. It is the first record of this zoonotic cestode species in pigs in Vietnam. Overall, the findings confirmed the complex epidemiology ofTaeniaspp. in pigs in Vietnam.
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in the breath of some infected dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Hemida Maged Gomaa , Ali Mohammed , Alhammadi Mohammed , Alnaeem Abdelmohsen
Published: October 2020

Dromedary camels remain the currently identified reservoir for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The virus is released in the secretions of the infected camels, especially the nasal tract. The virus shedding curve through the nasal secretions was studied. Although human transmission of the virus through the respiratory tract of close contact people with dromedary reported previously, the exact mechanism of transmission is still largely unknown. The main goal of this study was to check the possibility of MERS-CoV shedding in the exhaled air of the infected camels. To achieve this goal, we conducted a follow-up study in one of the dromedary camel herds, December 2018–April 2019. We tested nasal swabs, breath samples from animals within this herd by the real-time PCR. Our results showed that some of the tested nasal swabs and breath were positive from 24 March 2019 until 7 April 2019. The phylogenetic analysis of the obtained S and N gene sequences revealed the detected viruses are clustering together with some human and camel samples from the eastern region, especially from Al-Hufuf city, as well as some samples from Qatar and Jordon. These results are clearly showing the possibility of shedding of the virus in the breath of the infected camels. This could explain, at least in part, the mechanism of transmission of MERS-CoV from animals to humans. This study is confirming the shedding of MERS-CoV in the exhaled air of the infected camels. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of the MERS-CoV.
Model structure on the universe of all types in interval type theory
Authors: Boulier Simon , Tabareau Nicolas
Published: October 2020

Model categories constitute the major context for doing homotopy theory. More recently, homotopy type theory (HoTT) has been introduced as a context for doing syntactic homotopy theory. In this paper, we show that a slight generalization of HoTT, called interval type theory (⫿TT), allows to define a model structure on the universe of all types, which, through the model interpretation, corresponds to defining a model structure on the category of cubical sets. This work generalizes previous works of Gambino, Garner, and Lumsdaine from the universe of fibrant types to the universe of all types. Our definition of ⫿TT comes from the work of Orton and Pitts to define a syntactic approximation of the internal language of the category of cubical sets. In this paper, we extend the work of Orton and Pitts by introducing the notion of degenerate fibrancy, which allows to define a fibrant replacement, at the heart of the model structure on the universe of all types. All our definitions and propositions have been formalized using the Coq proof assistant.
Longitudinal Study of Cognitive Functioning in Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: Hernández-Torres Atteneri , Montón Fernando , Hess Medler Stephany , de Nóbrega Érika , Nieto Antonieta
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is the most common hereditary ataxia. It is a neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive ataxia. FRDA is also associated with cognitive impairments. To date, the evolution of cognitive functioning is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the changes in the cognitive functioning of FRDA patients over an average eight-year timeframe. In addition, we aimed to study the relationship between cognitive changes and clinical variables.

Methods:

Twenty-nine FRDA patients who had been part of the sample of a previous study participated in the present study. The mean average time between the two assessments was 8.24 years. The participants completed an extensive battery of neuropsychological tests chosen to examine cognitive functioning in various cognitive domains: processing speed, attention, working memory, executive functions, verbal and visual memory, visuoperceptive and visuospatial skills, visuoconstructive functions and language.

Results:

At follow-up, cerebellar symptoms had worsened, and patients presented greater disability. Differences between baseline and follow-up were observed in motor and cognitive reaction times, several trials of the Stroop test, semantic fluency, and block designs. No other cognitive changes were observed. Deterioration in simple cognitive reactions times and block designs performance correlated with the progression of cerebellar symptoms.

Conclusions:

Our study has demonstrated for the first time that patients with FRDA experience a significant decline over time in several cognitive domains. Specifically, after an eight-year period, FRDA patients worsened in processing speed, fluency, and visuoconstructive skills. This progression is unlikely to be due to greater motor or speech impairment.
A NOTE ON THE ANNUITY ROLE OF ESTATE TAX
Authors: Bishnu Monisankar , Kumru Cagri
Published: October 2020

The previous conclusion that a uniform lump-sum estate tax could implicitly provide annuity income was reached by ignoring the inheritance that agents receive. However, when the agents leave a bequest, they should also receive an inheritance from their parents. Thus, we make the inheritance received—bequests left cycle complete and fully endogenous. Interestingly, the differential timing and sizes of inheritance then generate unequal wealth effects even with actuarially fair annuity markets. To restore the first best, the government has to adopt an estate tax regime that is no longer uniform. Thus, once bequest is fully endogenized, a uniform estate tax no longer bears the annuity role. Further, the differential timing in receiving inheritance creates an unequal wealth distribution, which is also nonstationary. The paper manifests the importance of accounting for and tracing the inheritance received by agents for any crucial policy recommendation.
‘False Relations’: Hermann von Helmholtz's Study of Music and the Delineation of Nineteenth-Century Physiology
Authors: Kursell Julia
Published: October 2020

This article discusses the delineation between physiology and music theory in Hermann von Helmholtz's On the Sensations of Tone as a Physiological Basis for the Theory of Music (1863). It takes the phenomenon of ‘false relations’ as a point of departure to question the methodology Helmholtz devised to study music and hearing. The key to understanding this experimental method is the concept of ‘controlled deviation’, which is substantiated in two main sections. After providing some background information on the history of music theory, the first section explores ‘false relations’ within the context of physiological experimentation and hydrodynamics, the two most important areas of Helmholtz's scientific research. The second section of the article is centred on the experimental methods of Helmholtz as used in his investigation of vision and hearing. More specifically, it introduces notions of distortion, defamiliarization and deviation to distinguish levels of physiology that relate to the body and to cognition. As it turns out, music posed specific problems for the researcher. Beyond the ephemerality of sound, the malleability of hearing and of musical aesthetics proved even more of an obstacle for controlled experimentation. The article concludes with a discussion of Hugo Riemann, who continued to explore the central finding of Helmholtz, namely that the rules of music change due to the habits of the listener.
What Causes the Common‐Mode Error in Array GPS Displacement Fields: Case Study for Taiwan in Relation to Atmospheric Mass Loading
Authors: Kumar Utpal , Chao Benjamin Fong , Chang Emmy T. Y.
Published: October 2020

We analyze 47 best‐quality, 10‐year‐long daily Global Positioning System (GPS) position time series of Taiwan, to understand the origin of the GPS's common‐mode error (CME) whose seasonality in the standard deviation evidences a meteorological origin. We employ the empirical orthogonal function analysis to efficiently extract the CME as the leading island‐wide mode for all three components (whereas the second mode relates to the El Niño Southern Oscillation). We find that the CME correlates well with the acquired variations in the atmospheric mass loading (AML) displacement field for Taiwan courtesy of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for the vertical component with high coherence around 11–14 cycles per year. Further regression analysis shows that the maximum 90% of the non‐seasonal AML displacements in Taiwan are evident in the CME variations.
Transitions of Fluid Invasion Patterns in Porous Media
Authors: Lan Tian , Hu Ran , Yang Zhibing , Wu Dong‐Sheng , Chen Yi‐Feng
Published: October 2020

Fluid invasion into porous media to displace a more viscous fluid exhibits various displacement patterns. For such unfavorable displacements, previous works overlooked the dynamic effect of viscous force on pattern transitions at low flow rates. Consequently, the crossover from compact displacement to capillary fingering under various wetting conditions remains unclear. Here, we establish a theoretical model to capture pattern transitions affected by wettability and flow rate. We rigorously quantify the dynamic effect of viscous force and find that critical contact angles for the crossover from compact displacement to capillary fingering decrease with capillary number. Our model also well describes transitions from capillary fingering to the crossover to viscous fingering. The predicted phase diagram exhibits good agreement with our pore‐scale simulations and microfluidic experiments and is highly consistent with existing experiments. This work extends the classic phase diagram under unfavorable conditions and is of practical significance in subsurface applications.
A Statistical Study of the Subauroral Polarization Stream Over North American Sector Using the Millstone Hill Incoherent Scatter Radar 1979–2019 Measurements
Authors: Aa Ercha , Erickson Philip J. , Zhang Shun‐Rong , Zou Shasha , Coster Anthea J. , Goncharenko Larisa P. , Foster John C.
Published: October 2020

This work conducts a statistical study of the subauroral polarization stream (SAPS) feature in the North American sector using Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar measurements from 1979 to 2019, which provides a comprehensive SAPS climatology using a significantly larger database of radar observations than was used in seminal earlier works. Key features of SAPS and associated electron density (Ne), ion temperature (Ti), and electron temperature (Te) are investigated using a superposed epoch analysis method. The characteristics of these parameters are investigated with respect to magnetic local time, season, geomagnetic activity, solar activity, and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation, respectively. The main results are as follows: (1) Conditions for SAPS are more favorable for dusk than near midnight, for winter compared to summer, for active geomagnetic periods compared to quiet time, for solar minimum compared to solar maximum, and for IMF conditions with negative By and negative Bz. (2) SAPS is usually associated with a midlatitude trough of 15–20% depletion in the background density. The SAPS‐related trough is more pronounced in the postmidnight sector and near the equinoxes. (3) Subauroral ion and electron temperatures exhibit a 3–8% (50–120 K) enhancement in SAPS regions, which tend to have higher percentage enhancement during geomagnetically active periods and at midnight. Ion temperature enhancements are more favored during low solar activity periods, while the electron temperature enhancement remains almost constant as a function of the solar cycle. (4) The electron thermal content, Te × Ne, in the SAPS associated region is strongly dependent on 1/Ne, with Te exhibiting a negative correlation with respect to Ne.
ACE2 mouse models: a toolbox for cardiovascular and pulmonary research
Authors: Jia Hongpeng , Yue Xinping , Lazartigues Eric
Published: October 2020

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as the host entry receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. ACE2 is a regulatory enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system and has protective functions in many cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases. This review summarizes available murine models with systemic or organ-specific deletion of ACE2, or with overexpression of murine or human ACE2. The purpose of this review is to provide researchers with the genetic tools available for further understanding of ACE2 biology and for the investigation of ACE2 in the pathogenesis and treatment of COVID-19.
Smell and taste changes are early indicators of the COVID-19 pandemic and political decision effectiveness
Authors: Pierron Denis , Pereda-Loth Veronica , Mantel Marylou , Moranges Maëlle , Bignon Emmanuelle , Alva Omar , Kabous Julie , Heiske Margit , Pacalon Jody , David Renaud , Dinnella Caterina , Spinelli Sara , Monteleone Erminio , Farruggia Michael C. , Cooper Keiland W. , Sell Elizabeth A. , Thomas-Danguin Thierry , Bakke Alyssa J. , Parma Valentina , Hayes John E. , Letellier Thierry , Ferdenzi Camille , Golebiowski Jérôme , Bensafi Moustafa
Published: October 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments have taken drastic measures to avoid an overflow of intensive care units. Accurate metrics of disease spread are critical for the reopening strategies. Here, we show that self-reports of smell/taste changes are more closely associated with hospital overload and are earlier markers of the spread of infection of SARS-CoV-2 than current governmental indicators. We also report a decrease in self-reports of new onset smell/taste changes as early as 5 days after lockdown enforcement. Cross-country comparisons demonstrate that countries that adopted the most stringent lockdown measures had faster declines in new reports of smell/taste changes following lockdown than a country that adopted less stringent lockdown measures. We propose that an increase in the incidence of sudden smell and taste change in the general population may be used as an indicator of COVID-19 spread in the population.
The structural variation landscape in 492 Atlantic salmon genomes
Authors: Bertolotti Alicia C. , Layer Ryan M. , Gundappa Manu Kumar , Gallagher Michael D. , Pehlivanoglu Ege , Nome Torfinn , Robledo Diego , Kent Matthew P. , Røsæg Line L. , Holen Matilde M. , Mulugeta Teshome D. , Ashton Thomas J. , Hindar Kjetil , Sægrov Harald , Florø-Larsen Bjørn , Erkinaro Jaakko , Primmer Craig R. , Bernatchez Louis , Martin Samuel A. M. , Johnston Ian A. , Sandve Simen R. , Lien Sigbjørn , Macqueen Daniel J.
Published: October 2020

Structural variants (SVs) are a major source of genetic and phenotypic variation, but remain challenging to accurately type and are hence poorly characterized in most species. We present an approach for reliable SV discovery in non-model species using whole genome sequencing and report 15,483 high-confidence SVs in 492 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) sampled from a broad phylogeographic distribution. These SVs recover population genetic structure with high resolution, include an active DNA transposon, widely affect functional features, and overlap more duplicated genes retained from an ancestral salmonid autotetraploidization event than expected. Changes in SV allele frequency between wild and farmed fish indicate polygenic selection on behavioural traits during domestication, targeting brain-expressed synaptic networks linked to neurological disorders in humans. This study offers novel insights into the role of SVs in genome evolution and the genetic architecture of domestication traits, along with resources supporting reliable SV discovery in non-model species.
Parameters influencing the development of highly conductive and efficient biofilm during microbial electrosynthesis: the importance of applied potential and inorganic carbon source
Authors: Izadi Paniz , Fontmorin Jean-Marie , Godain Alexiane , Yu Eileen H. , Head Ian M.
Published: October 2020

Cathode-driven applications of bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) have the potential to transform CO2into value-added chemicals using microorganisms. However, their commercialisation is limited as biocathodes in BESs are characterised by slow start-up and low efficiency. Understanding biosynthesis pathways, electron transfer mechanisms and the effect of operational variables on microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is of fundamental importance to advance these applications of a system that has the capacity to convert CO2to organics and is potentially sustainable. In this work, we demonstrate that cathodic potential and inorganic carbon source are keys for the development of a dense and conductive biofilm that ensures high efficiency in the overall system. Applying the cathodic potential of −1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl and providing only gaseous CO2in our system, a dense biofilm dominated byAcetobacterium(ca. 50% of biofilm) was formed. The superior biofilm density was significantly correlated with a higher production yield of organic chemicals, particularly acetate. Together, a significant decrease in the H2evolution overpotential (by 200 mV) and abundantnifHgenes within the biofilm were observed. This can only be mechanistically explained if intracellular hydrogen production with direct electron uptake from the cathode via nitrogenase within bacterial cells is occurring in addition to the commonly observed extracellular H2production. Indeed, the enzymatic activity within the biofilm accelerated the electron transfer. This was evidenced by an increase in the coulombic efficiency (ca. 69%) and a 10-fold decrease in the charge transfer resistance. This is the first report of such a significant decrease in the charge resistance via the development of a highly conductive biofilm during MES. The results highlight the fundamental importance of maintaining a highly active autotrophicAcetobacteriumpopulation through feeding CO2in gaseous form, which its dominance in the biocathode leads to a higher efficiency of the system.
The genomic landscape of metastatic histologic special types of invasive breast cancer
Authors: Pareja Fresia , Ferrando Lorenzo , Lee Simon S. K. , Beca Francisco , Selenica Pier , Brown David N. , Farmanbar Amir , Da Cruz Paula Arnaud , Vahdatinia Mahsa , Zhang Hong , Zoppoli Gabriele , Wen Hannah Y. , Brogi Edi , Robson Mark E. , Razavi Pedram , Chandarlapaty Sarat , Weigelt Britta , Reis-Filho Jorge S.
Published: October 2020

Histologic special types of breast cancer (BC) account for ~20% of BCs. Large sequencing studies of metastatic BC have focused on invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type (IDC-NSTs). We sought to define the repertoire of somatic genetic alterations of metastatic histologic special types of BC. We reanalyzed targeted capture sequencing data of 309 special types of BC, including metastatic and primary invasive lobular carcinomas (ILCs;n = 132 andn = 127, respectively), mixed mucinous (n = 5 metastatic andn = 14 primary), micropapillary (n = 12 metastatic andn = 8 primary), and metaplastic BCs (n = 6 metastatic andn = 5 primary), and compared metastatic histologic special types of BC to metastatic IDC-NSTs matched according to clinicopathologic characteristics and to primary special type BCs. The genomic profiles of metastatic and primary special types of BC were similar. Important differences, however, were noted: metastatic ILCs harbored a higher frequency of genetic alterations inTP53,ESR1,FAT1,RFWD2, andNF1than primary ILCs, and inCDH1,PIK3CA,ERBB2,TBX3,NCOR1, andRFWD2than metastatic IDC-NSTs. Metastatic ILCs displayed a higher mutational burden, and more frequently dominant APOBEC mutational signatures than primary ILCs and matched metastatic IDC-NSTs.ESR1andNCORmutations were frequently detected in metastatic mixed mucinous BCs, whereasPIK3CAandTP53were the most frequently altered genes in metastatic micropapillary and metaplastic BCs, respectively. Taken together, primary and metastatic BCs histologic special types have remarkably similar repertoires of somatic genetic alterations. Metastatic ILCs more frequently harbor APOBEC mutational signatures than primary ILCs and metastatic IDC-NSTs.
Auxetic two-dimensional transition metal selenides and halides
Authors: Pan Jinbo , Zhang Yan-Fang , Zhang Jingda , Banjade Huta , Yu Jie , Yu Liping , Du Shixuan , Ruzsinszky Adrienn , Hu Zhenpeng , Yan Qimin
Published: October 2020

Auxetic two-dimensional (2D) materials provide a promising platform for biomedicine, sensors, and many other applications at the nanoscale. In this work, utilizing a hypothesis-based data-driven approache, we identify multiple materials with remarkable in-plane auxetic behavior in a family of buckled monolayer 2D materials. These materials are transition metal selenides and transition metal halides with the stoichiometry MX (M = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ag, and X = Se, Cl, Br, I). First-principles calculations reveal that the desirable auxetic behavior of these 2D compounds originates from the interplay between the buckled 2D structure and the weak metal–metal interaction determined by their electronic structures. We observe that the Poisson’s ratio is sensitive to magnetic order and the amount of uniaxial stress applied. A transition from positive Poisson’s ratio (PPR) to negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) for a subgroup of MX compounds under large uniaxial stress is predicted. The work provides a guideline for the future design of 2D auxetic materials at the nanoscale.