bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized trial evaluating virus-specific effects of a combination probiotic in children with acute gastroenteritis
Authors: Freedman Stephen B. , Xie Jianling , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Pang Xiao-Li , Chui Linda , Williamson-Urquhart Sarah , Schnadower David , Schuh Suzanne , Sherman Philip M. , Lee Bonita E. , Gouin Serge , Farion Ken J. , Poonai Naveen , Hurley Katrina F. , Qiu Yuanyuan , Ghandi Binal , Lloyd Colin , Finkelstein Yaron ,   the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada Probiotic (PERC) Regimen for Outpatient Gastroenteritis Utility of Treatment (PROGUT) Trial Group, Freedman Stephen B. , Xie Jianling , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Pang Xiao-Li , Chui Linda , Williamson-Urquhart Sarah , Schnadower David , Schuh Suzanne , Sherman Philip M. , Lee Bonita , Gouin Serge , Farion Ken J. , Poonai Naveen , Hurley Katrina F. , Qiu Yuanyuan , Ghandi Binal , Lloyd Colin , Finkelstein Yaron , Willan Andrew R. , Goeree Ron , Johnson David W. , Black Karen , Gorelick Marc H.
Published: May 2020

Gastroenteritis accounts for nearly 500,000 deaths in children younger than 5 years annually. Although probiotics have been touted as having the potential to expedite diarrhea resolution, recent clinical trials question their effectiveness. A potential explanation is a shift in pathogens following the introduction of a rotavirus vaccine. Here, we report the results of a multi-center, double-blind trial of 816 children with acute gastroenteritis who completed follow-up and provided multiple stool specimens. Participants were randomized to receive a probiotic containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillushelveticus or placebo. We report no virus-specific beneficial effects attributable to the probiotic, either in reducing clinical symptoms or viral nucleic acid clearance from stool specimens collected up to 28 days following enrollment. We provide pathophysiological and microbiologic evidence to support the clinical findings and conclude that our data do not support routine probiotic administration to children with acute gastroenteritis, regardless of the infecting virus.
Mitochondrial phosphatase PGAM5 modulates cellular senescence by regulating mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Yu Bo , Ma Jing , Li Jing , Wang Dazhi , Wang Zhigao , Wang Shusheng
Published: May 2020

Mitochondria undergo dynamic fusion/fission, biogenesis and mitophagy in response to stimuli or stresses. Disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis could lead to cell senescence, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We show that deletion of mitochondrial phosphatase PGAM5 leads to accelerated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) senescence in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PGAM5 is required for mitochondrial fission through dephosphorylating DRP1. PGAM5 deletion leads to increased mitochondrial fusion and decreased mitochondrial turnover. As results, cellular ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels are elevated, mTOR and IRF/IFN-β signaling pathways are enhanced, leading to cellular senescence. Overexpression of Drp1 K38A or S637A mutant phenocopies or rescues mTOR activation and senescence in PGAM5−/− cells, respectively. Young but not aging Pgam5−/− mice are resistant to sodium iodate-induced RPE cell death. Our studies establish a link between defective mitochondrial fission, cellular senescence and age-dependent oxidative stress response, which have implications in age-related diseases.
FoxO1–Dio2 signaling axis governs cardiomyocyte thyroid hormone metabolism and hypertrophic growth
Authors: Ferdous Anwarul , Wang Zhao V. , Luo Yuxuan , Li Dan L. , Luo Xiang , Schiattarella Gabriele G. , Altamirano Francisco , May Herman I. , Battiprolu Pavan K. , Nguyen Annie , Rothermel Beverly A. , Lavandero Sergio , Gillette Thomas G. , Hill Joseph A.
Published: May 2020

Forkhead box O (FoxO) proteins and thyroid hormone (TH) have well established roles in cardiovascular morphogenesis and remodeling. However, specific role(s) of individual FoxO family members in stress-induced growth and remodeling of cardiomyocytes remains unknown. Here, we report that FoxO1, but not FoxO3, activity is essential for reciprocal regulation of types II and III iodothyronine deiodinases (Dio2 and Dio3, respectively), key enzymes involved in intracellular TH metabolism. We further show thatDio2is a direct transcriptional target of FoxO1, and the FoxO1–Dio2 axis governs TH-induced hypertrophic growth of neonatal cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. Utilizing transverse aortic constriction as a model of hemodynamic stress in wild-type and cardiomyocyte-restrictedFoxO1knockout mice, we unveil an essential role for the FoxO1–Dio2 axis in afterload-induced pathological cardiac remodeling and activation of TRα1. These findings demonstrate a previously unrecognized FoxO1–Dio2 signaling axis in stress-induced cardiomyocyte growth and remodeling and intracellular TH homeostasis.
Ultra Short Echo Time MRI of Iron-Labelled Mesenchymal Stem Cells in an Ovine Osteochondral Defect Model
Authors: Kaggie Joshua D. , Markides Hareklea , Graves Martin J. , MacKay James , Houston Gavin , El Haj Alicia , Gilbert Fiona , Henson Frances
Published: May 2020

Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) are widely used in cellular therapy for joint repair. However, the use of MSC therapies is complicated by a lack of understanding of the behaviour of cells and repair within the joint. Current methods of MSC tracking include labelling the cells with Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs). However, standard acquisition sequences (T2 and T2*) give poor anatomical definition in the presence of SPIOs. To avoid anatomical compromise in the presence of SPIOs, we have investigated the use of Ultra-short Echo Time (UTE) MRI, using a 3D cones acquisition trajectory. This method was used to track SPIO labelled MSC injected into joints containing osteochondral defects in experimental sheep. This study demonstrates that multiple echo times from UTE with 3 T MRI can provide excellent anatomical detail of osteochondral defects and demonstrate similar features to histology. This work also monitors the location of SPIO-labelled cells for regenerative medicine of the knee with MRI, histology, and Prussian blue staining. With these methods, we show that the SPIOs do not hone to the site of defect but instead aggregate in the location of injection, which suggests that any repair mechanism with this disease model must trigger a secondary process.
Selection of Endogenous Control Reference Genes for Studies on Type 1 or Type 2 Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Ayakannu Thangesweran , Taylor Anthony H. , Konje Justin C.
Published: May 2020

A panel of 32 candidate reference genes was used to identify the most stable genes for gene normalisation in quantitative RT-PCR studies using endometrial biopsies obtained from women with endometrial cancer (type 1 or type 2) and without cancer (controls). RNA from the biopsies was isolated, examined for purity and quality, and then reverse transcribed into cDNA before being subjected to real-time qRT-PCR analysis in triplicate within the TaqMan gene Expression Assay kit. The most ‘stable’ endogenous control genes were then identified using the geNorm qbase + 2 and NormFinder software packages. PSMC4, PUM1 and IPO8 were identified as the best reference genes combination for type 1 endometrial cancer (grades 1, 2 and 3), whereas for type 2 endometrial cancer (serous and carcinosarcoma), UBC, MRPL19, PGK1 and PPIA were the best reference genes combination. We conclude that the use of these normaliser combinations should provide accurate interpretation of gene expression at the transcript level in endometrial cancer studies especially for types 1 and 2 cancers.
Collapse dynamics of spherical cavities in a solid under shock loading
Authors: Escauriza E. M. , Duarte J. P. , Chapman D. J. , Rutherford M. E. , Farbaniec L. , Jonsson J. C. , Smith L. C. , Olbinado M. P. , Skidmore J. , Foster P. , Ringrose T. , Rack A. , Eakins D. E.
Published: May 2020

Extraordinary states of highly localised pressure and temperature can be generated upon the collapse of impulsively driven cavities. Direct observation of this phenomenon in solids has proved challenging, but recent advances in high-speed synchrotron radiography now permit the study of highly transient, subsurface events in real time. We present a study on the shock-induced collapse of spherical cavities in a solid polymethyl methacrylate medium, driven to shock states between 0.49 and 16.60 GPa. Utilising multi-MHz phase contrast radiography, extended sequences of the collapse process have been captured, revealing new details of interface motion, material failure and jet instability formation. Results reveal a rich array of collapse characteristics dominated by strength effects at low shock pressures and leading to a hydrodynamic response at the highest loading conditions.
Spiny lobster sounds can be detectable over kilometres underwater
Authors: Jézéquel Youenn , Chauvaud Laurent , Bonnel Julien
Published: May 2020

The detection ranges of broadband sounds produced by marine invertebrates are not known. To address this deficiency, a linear array of hydrophones was built in a shallow water area to experimentally investigate the propagation features of the sounds from various sizes of European spiny lobsters (Palinurus elephas), recorded between 0.5 and 100 m from the animals. The peak-to-peak source levels (SL, measured at one meter from the animals) varied significantly with body size, the largest spiny lobsters producing SL up to 167 dB re 1 µPa2. The sound propagation and its attenuation with the distance were quantified using the array. This permitted estimation of the detection ranges of spiny lobster sounds. Under the high ambient noise conditions recorded in this study, the sounds propagated between 5 and 410 m for the smallest and largest spiny lobsters, respectively. Considering lower ambient noise levels and different realistic propagation conditions, spiny lobster sounds can be detectable up to several kilometres away from the animals, with sounds from the largest individuals propagating over 3 km. Our results demonstrate that sounds produced byP. elephascan be utilized in passive acoustic programs to monitor and survey this vulnerable species at kilometre scale in coastal waters.
Towards developing a test of global motion for use with Paralympic athletes
Authors: Roberts James W. , Thompson Benjamin , Leat Susan J. , Dalton Kristine
Published: May 2020

The Paralympic classification system for visual impairment only assesses static visual acuity and static visual field despite many Paralympic sports being dynamic in nature. As a first step towards determining whether motion perception tests should be used in Paralympic classification, we assessed whether motion coherence thresholds could be measured when visual acuity or visual fields were impaired at levels consistent with the current Paralympic classification criteria. Visual acuity and visual field impairments corresponding to Paralympic classification criteria were simulated in normally sighted individuals and motion coherence thresholds were measured. Mild-to-moderate visual acuity impairments had no effect on motion coherence thresholds. The most severe Paralympic class of acuity impairment (≥2.6 logMAR) significantly elevated thresholds. A trend towards superior motion coherence thresholds in the peripheral visual field compared to the central visual field was also present. Global motion perception appears to be measurable under simulated visual impairments that are consistent with the Paralympic classification. Poorer global motion perception was found for visual acuities >2.6 logMAR and visual fields <10° in diameter. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between global motion perception and sports performance in athletes with real visual impairment.
Transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the nomadic free-grazing duck production system in Viet Nam
Authors: Willgert Katriina , Meyer Anne , Tung Dinh Xuan , Thu Nhu Van , Long Pham Thanh , Newman Scott , Thuy Nguyen Thi Thanh , Padungtod Pawin , Fournié Guillaume , Pfeiffer Dirk Udo , Vergne Timothée
Published: May 2020

The presence of free-grazing ducks (FGD) has consistently been shown to be associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 outbreaks in South-East Asia. However, the lack of knowledge about the transmission pathways limits the effectiveness of control efforts. To address this gap, we developed a probabilistic transmission model of HPAIV H5N1 in the nomadic FGD production system in Viet Nam, assuming different scenarios to address parameter uncertainty. Results suggested that HPAIV H5N1 could spread within the nomadic FGD production system, with an estimated flock-level effective reproduction number (re) ranging from 2.16 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39-3.49) to 6.10 (95%CI: 3.93-9.85) depending on the scenario. Indirect transmission via boats and trucks was shown to be the main transmission route in all scenarios. Results suggest that re could be reduced below one with 95% confidence if 86% of FGD flocks were vaccinated in the best-case scenario or 95% in the worst-case scenario. If vaccination was combined with cleaning and disinfection of transport vehicles twice a week, vaccination coverage could be lowered to 60% in the best-case scenario. These findings are of particular relevance for prioritising interventions for effective control of HPAIV in nomadic free-grazing duck production systems.
The impact of Hurricane Michael on longleaf pine habitats in Florida
Authors: Zampieri Nicole E. , Pau Stephanie , Okamoto Daniel K.
Published: May 2020

Global biodiversity hotspots (GBHs) are increasingly vulnerable to human stressors such as anthropogenic climate change, which will alter the ecology of these habitats, even where protected. The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem (LPE) of the North American Coastal Plain is a GBH where disturbances are integral for ecosystem maintenance. However, stronger storms due to climate change may be outside their historical norm. In this study, we estimate the extent of Florida LPE that was directly affected by Hurricane Michael in 2018, an unprecedented Category 5 storm. We then leveraged a unique data set in a Before-After study of four sites within this region. We used variable-area transects and generalized linear mixed-effects models to estimate tree densities and logistic regression to estimate mortality by size class. We found at least 28% of the global total remaining extent of LPE was affected in Florida alone. Mortality was highest in medium sized trees (30–45 cm dbh) and ranged from 4.6–15.4% at sites further from the storm center, but increased to 87.8% near the storm center. As the frequency and intensity of extreme events increases, management plans to mitigate climate change need to account for large-scale stochastic mortality events to preserve critical habitats.
Language can shape the perception of oriented objects
Authors: Navarrete Eduardo , Miozzo Michele , Peressotti Francesca
Published: May 2020

Seeing an object is a natural source for learning about the object’s configuration. We show that language can also shape our knowledge about visual objects. We investigated sign language that enables deaf individuals to communicate through hand movements with as much expressive power as any other natural language. A few signs represent objects in a specific orientation. Sign-language users (signers) recognized visual objects faster when oriented as in the sign, and this match in orientation elicited specific brain responses in signers, as measured by event-related potentials (ERPs). Further analyses suggested that signers’ responsiveness to object orientation derived from changes in the visual object representations induced by the signs. Our results also show that language facilitates discrimination between objects of the same kind (e.g., different cars), an effect never reported before with spoken languages. By focusing on sign language we could better characterize the impact of language (a uniquely human ability) on object visual processing.
Stability and Activity of the Hyperglycosylated Human Interferon-β R27T Variant
Authors: Song Kyoung , Moon Dae Bong , Kim Na Young , Shin Young Kee
Published: May 2020

A hyperglycosylated recombinant human interferon-β (rhIFN-β) R27T mutant was established to improve relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in our previous study. We focused on the stability of the R27T mutant throughout its production lifetime, including culture, purification, and storage before formulation prior to clinical use. Herein, we address the stability of this protein during optimized culture and purification processes. Additionally, we employed artificial stress conditions during culture and purification to characterize R27T instability. Although, among total R27T, relative native R27T ratio displayed transiently low even under optimized production process, the ratio was recovered by the end of the overall production process, suggesting that culture and purification processes are optimized. Artificial stress during culture and purification processes resulted in degradation of R27T acidic and basic variants, and mismatched disulfide bonds in no-aggregated forms as well as in the aggregated form. The presence of disulfide bond exchange without aggregation in the unfolded/misfolded state could be a novel finding for rhIFN-β products. The results provide meaningful information for the comprehensive evaluation of the stability of the R27T variant.
Author Correction: Dynamic network interactions among distinct brain rhythms as a hallmark of physiologic state and function
Authors: Lin Aijing , Liu Kang K. L. , Bartsch Ronny P. , Ivanov Plamen Ch.
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Enhancing the nutritional profile of regular wheat bread while maintaining technological quality and adequate sensory attributes
Authors: Hoehnel Andrea , Bez Jürgen , Petersen Iben Lykke , Amarowicz Ryszard , Juśkiewicz Jerzy , Arendt Elke K. , Zannini Emanuele
Published: May 2020

Investigations of the nutritional potential of high-quality high-protein bread containing wheat and legume ingredients compared to regular wheat bread.
4-Hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol isolated fromAngelica keiskeiprevent dexamethasone-induced muscle loss
Authors: Yoshioka Yasukiyo , Samukawa Yumi , Yamashita Yoko , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: May 2020

4-Hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol are shown to prevent dexamethasone-induced muscle loss by inhibiting protein degradation through glucocorticoid receptor pathway and p38/FoxO3a pathway.
Double emulsion flow cytometry with high-throughput single droplet isolation and nucleic acid recovery
Authors: Brower Kara K. , Carswell-Crumpton Catherine , Klemm Sandy , Cruz Bianca , Kim Gaeun , Calhoun Suzanne G. K. , Nichols Lisa , Fordyce Polly M.
Published: May 2020

We have developed a novel workflow (sdDE-FACS, s̲ingle d̲roplet D̲ouble E̲mulsion FACS) that allows robust production, screening, and sorting of single double emulsion droplets with complete nucleic acid recovery.
Piezochromic luminescence in all-inorganic core–shell InP/ZnS nanocrystals via pressure-modulated strain engineering
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhao Xiaohui , Yang Xinyi , Wang Yixuan , Wu Min , Jiang Jutao , Wu Guorong , Yuan Kaijun , Sui Laizhi , Zou Bo
Published: May 2020

The piezochromic luminescence and lattice mismatch with pressure in all-inorganic core–shell InP/ZnS nanocrystals.
A fluorescence-based high-throughput screening method for determining the activity of diguanylate cyclases and c-di-GMP phosphodiesterases
Authors: Wang Zi-Qiang , Xuan Teng-Fei , Liu Jun , Chen Wei-Min , Lin Jing
Published: May 2020

The dinucleotide 3′,5′-cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP) is a critical second messenger found in bacteria.
Molecular docking reveals the potential of Salvadora persica flavonoids to inhibit COVID-19 virus main protease
Authors: Owis Asmaa I. , El-Hawary Marwa S. , El Amir Dalia , Aly Omar M. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan , Kamel Mohamed S.
Published: May 2020

Molecular docking reveals the potential of Salvadora persica flavonoids to inhibit COVID-19 virus main protease.
Natural heterogeneous catalysis with immobilised oxidase biocatalysts
Authors: Mattey Ashley P. , Sangster Jack J. , Ramsden Jeremy I. , Baldwin Christopher , Birmingham William R. , Heath Rachel S. , Angelastro Antonio , Turner Nicholas J. , Cosgrove Sebastian C. , Flitsch Sabine L.
Published: May 2020

The generation of immobilised oxidase biocatalysts allowing multifunctional oxidation of valuable chemicals using molecular oxygen is described.
J71-based ternary organic photovoltaics exhibiting 13.65% efficiency
Authors: Xu Chunyu , Wang Jian , Zhao Zijin , Gao Jinhua , Hu Zhenghao , Ma Xiaoling , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Fujun
Published: May 2020

A power conversion efficiency of 13.65% was achieved for the optimized ternary organic photovoltaics (OPVs), corresponding to over 17% improvement in PCE in comparison to that for the two binary OPVs.
Layered materials with 2D connectivity for thermoelectric energy conversion
Authors: Samanta Manisha , Ghosh Tanmoy , Chandra Sushmita , Biswas Kanishka
Published: May 2020

The present review provides an in-depth insight into the structure–property relationship focusing on the electronic and phonon transport properties of various 2D layered state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials.
H I filaments are cold and associated with dark molecular gas
Authors: Kalberla P. M. W. , Kerp J. , Haud U.
Published: May 2020

Context. There are significant amounts of H2 in the Milky Way. Due to its symmetry H2 does not radiate at radio frequencies. CO is thought to be a tracer for H2; however, CO is formed at significantly higher opacities than H2. Thus, toward high Galactic latitudes significant amounts of H2 are hidden and are called CO–dark.

Aims. We demonstrate that the dust-to-gas ratio is a tool for identifying locations and column densities of CO–dark H2.

Methods. We adopt the hypothesis of a constant E(B−V)∕NH ratio, independent of phase transitions from H I to H2. We investigate the Doppler temperatures TD, from a Gaussian decomposition of HI4PI data, to study temperature dependences of E(B−V)∕NHI.

Results. The E(B−V)∕NHI ratio in the cold H I gas phase is high in comparison to the warmer phase. We consider this as evidence that cold H I gas toward high Galactic latitudes is associated with H2. Beyond CO–bright regions, for TD ≤ 1165 K we find a correlation (NHI + 2NH2)∕NHI ∝−logTD. In combination with a factor XCO = 4.0 × 1020 cm−2 (K km s−1)−1 this yields NH∕E(B−V) ~ 5.1 to 6.7 × 1021 cm−2 mag−1 for the full sky, which is compatible with X-ray scattering and UV absorption line observations.

Conclusions. Cold H I with TD ≤ 1165 K contains on average 46% CO–dark H2. Prominent filaments have TD ≤ 220 K and typical excitation temperatures Tex ~ 50 K. With a molecular gas fraction of ≥61% they are dominated dynamically by H2.
Evaluation of Osteocalcin Levels in Saliva of Periodontitis Patients and Their Correlation with the Disease Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shazam Hamda , Shaikh Fouzia , Hussain Zaheer , Majeed M. Mansoor , Khan Saba , Khurshid Zohaib
Published: May 2020

Objectives The present study aimed to investigate osteocalcin levels in saliva of healthy and periodontitis patients and correlate these levels with periodontitis severity.

Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a hospital setup. A total of 95 individuals participated in the study with 46 subjects in group I (healthy individuals) and 49 subjects in group II (mild, moderate, and severe chronic periodontitis patients). A detailed assessment of clinical periodontal parameters and alveolar bone loss was made. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from all study subjects and osteocalcin levels were quantitatively analyzed by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent essay technique.

Statistical Analysis One-way analysis of variance, Spearman’s correlation test, and Pearson’s chi-squared test were applied at a significance level of 95%. p-Values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results The results showed a significant association of qualification with group II (p < 0.02). Bone loss scores were also significantly associated with periodontitis severity (p < 0.01). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between group I and group II in terms of mean salivary osteocalcin levels (p = 0.68). Also, an insignificant correlation was also observed between osteocalcin levels and periodontitis severity (p = 0.13).

Conclusion The overall study results showed that there was no significant difference between saliva osteocalcin levels of healthy and periodontitis patients. Also, there was a nonsignificant correlation between osteocalcin levels and periodontitis severity. The findings of the present study support the hypothesis that low osteocalcin levels in saliva might be considered as a poor indicator of periodontal disease progression and severity.
Resonant tunneling of electrons in AlSb/GaInAsSb double barrier quantum wells
Authors: Guarin Castro Edgar David , Rothmayr Florian , Krüger Sebastian , Knebl Georg , Schade Anne , Koeth Johannes , Worschech Lukas , Lopez-Richard Victor , Marques Gilmar Eugenio , Hartmann Fabian , Pfenning Andreas , Höfling Sven
Published: May 2020

We have studied the optical and electronic transport properties of n-type AlSb/GaInAsSb double barrier quantum well resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs). The RTDs were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaSb substrates. Collector, quantum well, and emitter regions are comprised of the lattice-matched quaternary semiconductor Ga0.64In0.36As0.33Sb0.67. Photoluminescence emission spectra reveal a direct bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap energy of Eg≈0.37 eV, which corresponds to a cut-off wavelength of λ≈3.3 μm. The composition-dependent bandgap energy is found to follow Shim’s model. At room temperature, we observe resonance current densities of jres=0.143 kA cm−2 with peak-to-valley current ratios of up to PVCR=6.2. At cryogenic temperatures T<50 K, the peak-to-valley current ratio increases up to PVCR=16.
Nonlinear ion-acoustic waves in e–p–i plasmas with (r, q) distributed electrons and positrons
Authors: Kouser Shahnaz , Shah K. H. , Qureshi M. N. S. , Shah H. A.
Published: May 2020

The influence of the low energy part of the velocity distribution on the propagation characteristics of the nonlinear ion-acoustic waves is investigated in this study by employing the double spectral index (r, q) distribution function. We present an ample study to ascertain how the formation of compressive and rarefactive ion-acoustic solitary structures is influenced by the low energy particles in the distribution profile. We found that only compressive structures are formed for flat top distribution; however, both compressive and rarefactive structures are admissible for spiky distribution. The effect of spectral indices r and q on the formation of solitary structures is explored in detail, and a brief comparison with the Maxwellian and kappa distribution is also given. The present study is imperative in understanding the role of flat top or spiky distributions in plasmas, where positrons are present, and simultaneous observations of such distributions.
Cultural adaptations
Authors: Becker Anne , Asano-Cavanagh Yuko , Zhang Grace
Published: May 2020

Linguistic and pragmatic aspects of the translation of politeness in contemporary novels were examined under the
theoretical framework of Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS) (Toury 1995) and
Newmark’s functional theory (1988). The analysis revealed that linguistic expressions
tied to socio-cultural meaning and values were often neutralised due to the avoidance of creating non-normal target text
expressions. Normalising culture-specific expressions was a strategy adopted by translators, enabling target language readers to
relate to the stories according to their own cultural understanding. Notable differences in strategies to render texts were found
across translators. From an educational perspective, this research provides realistic examples for intercultural language teaching
and learning. An important implication is that the findings highlight the fact that, unlike European languages that share roots
with English, a universal theory and approach to translation is not viable due to socio-cultural meaning and values that are
specific to Japanese culture. The study also contributes to social psychology and consideration of the role of culture in
understanding universal and culturally specific values and the attribution of meaning in collectivist and individualist
societies.
On the polymorphemic genesis of some Proto-Quechuan roots
Authors: Emlen Nicholas Q. , Dellert Johannes
Published: May 2020

In the Proto-Quechuan lexicon, many two-segment phonetic substrings recur in semantically related roots, even though they are not independent morphemes. Such elements may have been morphemes before the Proto-Quechuan stage (i.e., in Pre-Proto-Quechuan). On the other hand, this may simply be due to chance, or to phonesthesia. In this paper, we introduce the Crosslinguistic Colexification Network Clustering (CCNC) algorithm, as well as an accompanying test statistic, which allow us to evaluate our claims against a neutral standard of semantic relatedness (the CLICS2database;List et al. 2018). We obtain very strong statistical evidence that there are hitherto unexplained recurrent elements within Proto-Quechuan roots, but not within roots reconstructed for Proto-Aymaran, the proto-language of a neighboring language family whose members are otherwise structurally very similar to Proto-Quechuan, and which has therefore long been considered an obvious candidate for deep shared ancestry. Some of these elements are explainable as phonesthemes, but most appear to reflect archaic Quechuan morphology. These findings are consistent with an emerging picture of the early Quechuan-Aymaran contact relationship in which Quechuan structure was reformatted on the Aymaran template.
“A very good dialogue”?
Authors: Wallace Derek
Published: May 2020

This article builds on previous research on the communicational practices of the United Nations human rights
monitoring system (Wallace 2017). Treaties such as those responsible for women’s and
children’s rights lack direct enforcement mechanisms, so interest falls on the means by which treaty monitoring committees can
encourage state compliance. The proceedings are bookended by writing (state reports and committee concluding observations), the
focus of my earlier research. However, there is also an oral component, invariably characterized by the committees (but less
frequently by the states) as “constructive dialogue” where the objective is “to assist and not to judge.” I explicate the
structure and practices of these proceedings and find much that is justifiable, given the communicational context, but also some
potential for reconsideration.
Demonstrative questions and epistemic authority management in medium-sitter interactions
Authors: Bongelli Ramona , Riccioni Ilaria , Fermani Alessandra
Published: May 2020

Although paranormal experiences have been broadly investigated, medium-sitter interactions have been studied much
less. In this article, five excerpts from an Italian “public mediumship demonstration” are presented with the main aim to answer
the following research questions: (1) what are the linguistic strategies used by the medium to manage her epistemic authority and
by the sitters to acknowledge, strengthen, resist or contest it? (2) how do these strategies affect the sequential structure of
interaction? The analyses reveal that: the medium mainly uses demonstrative questions; sitters generally confirm
what the medium discloses, acknowledging her epistemic authority; when sitters do not confirm, the medium resorts to three main
linguistic strategies attempting to (re)establish her authority; when the medium has to manage confirmation failures, the
sequential structure becomes more complex.
Dovlatov’s dialogue with Hemingway
Authors: Zaytsev Alexandr , Ogurechnikova Nataliya
Published: May 2020

This paper focuses on three chapters about captain Yegorov and Katya Lugina in Sergei Dovlatov’s novel entitled
Зона (The Zone: A Prison Camp Guard’s Story). The intertext shown and discussed in the paper
suggests that the three chapters may be viewed as a ‘modified version’ of Ernest Hemingway’s WWI novel A Farewell to
Arms. We then use the intertext as the basis for the discussion of Dovlatov’s dialogue with Hemingway and the value
of Hemingway’s personality and works for Dovlatov. We analyze two aspects of Dovlatov’s dialogue with Hemingway: (1) Dovlatov’s
emotional response to Hemingway’s novel and (2) Dovlatov’s contemplation of esthetics of art. In the end, we discuss the notion of
tradition in connection with Dovlatov’s dialogue with Hemingway.
Amos Oz inA Tale of Love and Darkness
Authors: El-Hussari Ibrahim A.
Published: May 2020

This paper looks at the call for a dialogue underlying Amos Oz’s autobiographical novelA Tale of Love and Darkness.1As a peace activist,2Oz depicts the Arab Palestinian under Israeli military occupation as a victim and reintroduces himself as a new, unorthodox Jew. In this context, the paper approaches the author-narrator’s message calling for a dialogue with the Palestinian other, albeit through a Chekhovian solution to an existentialist conflict entangling both the Arabs and the Jews over the Question of Palestine. Thanks to the complicity between the Western Colonial Project3and the Zionist plan to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine, most of the Palestinian population was expelled and dispossessed. Oz condemns that complicity and stands out as a Jewish voice for peace. His narrative discourse implies that he is crossing a minefield while trying to help resuscitate the current stale-mate peace process in the Middle East.
10 Effect of pulse current on micro-hardness and wear performance of cold-rolled T2 copper sheet
Authors: Song Hao , Hao Weixin , Mu Xiaowei , Zhao Fuqiang , Hao Xi , Geng Guihong
Published: May 2020

The effect of pulse current assisted rolling on the micro-hardness and wear properties of T2 copper sheet was studied. The micro-hardness of copper sheet with pulse current assisted rolling was measured, and the hardness values of the copper sheet at different deformation rates were obtained. The wear performance of rolled copper sheet was tested by friction and wear tester. The results show that compared with traditional cold rolling, with the increase of deformation rate, the micro-hardness of copper sheet with pulse current assisted rolling increased after an initial decrease. The micro-hardness reaches the minimum value((82.25 ± 2.5)HV0.1) when the rolling deformation rate reaches 65%. The specific wear rate of the copper sheet reached the maximum(0.00176 mm3/N · m) when the deformation rate of the copper sheet was 65%. The copper sheet has a smaller specific wear rate by using pulse current assisted rolling, and the oxygen element of the wear debris has a lower content. This indicates that pulse current assisted rolling can improve the wear resistance and oxidation resistance of copper sheet.
Constitutive relations for plasticity of amorphous carbon
Authors: Jana Richard , von Lautz Julian , Khosrownejad S Mostafa , Andrews W Beck , Moseler Michael , Pastewka Lars
Published: May 2020

We deform representative volume elements of amorphous carbon obtained from melt-quenches in molecular dynamics calculations using bond-order and machine learning interatomic potentials. A Drucker-Prager law with a zero-pressure flow stress of 41.2 GPa and an internal friction coefficient of 0.39 describes the deviatoric stress during flow as a function of pressure. We identify the mean coordination number as the order parameter describing this flow surface. However, a description of the dynamical relaxation of the quenched samples towards steady-state flow requires an additional order parameter. We suggest an intrinsic strain of the samples and present equations for its evolution. Our results provide insights into rehybridization and pressure dependence of friction between coated surfaces as well as routes towards the description of amorphous carbon in macroscale models of deformation.
Cooling rate calibration and mapping of ultra-short pulsed laser modifications in fused silica by Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy
Authors: Bergler Michael , Cvecek Kristian , Werr Ferdinand , Brehl Martin , De Ligny Dominique , Schmidt Michael
Published: May 2020

This paper focuses on the preparation of a new extended set of calibrations of cooling rate (fictive temperature) in fused silica determined by inelastic light scattering and its subsequent use to characterize the local cooling rate distribution in ultra-short pulsed (USP) laser modification. In order to determine the thermal history (e.g. cooling rate and fictive temperature) of fused silica, high-resolution inelastic light-scattering experiments (Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy) were investigated. Calibrations were performed and compared to the existing literature to quantify structural changes due to a change of fictive temperature. Compared to existing calibrations, this paper provides an extension to lower and higher cooling rates. Using this new set of calibrations, we characterized a USP laser modification in fused silica and calculated the local fictive temperature distribution. An equation relating the fictive temperature (Tf
) to cooling rates is given. A maximum cooling rate of 3000 K min−1 in the glass transition region around 1200 °C was deduced from the Raman analysis. The Brillouin observations are sensitive to both the thermal history and the residual stress. By comparing the Raman and Brillouin observations, we extracted the local residual stress distribution with high spatial resolution. For the first time, combined Raman and Brillouin inelastic light scattering experiments show the local distribution of cooling rates and residual stresses (detailed behavior of the glass structure) in the interior and the surrounding of an USP laser modified zone.
Correlation Between Blood Pressure Variability and Plasma Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone Levels in Patients With Essential Hypertension at Different Ages
Authors: Fan Cai-ni , Zhao Hai-ying , Tian Dan-dan , Wang Hao
Published: May 2020

Background

To study the correlation between blood pressure variability (BPV) and plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (AngII), aldosterone levels in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods

A total of 300 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension were analyzed retrospectively. The subjects were divided into 3 age groups: 100 patients aged 18–44 years (young group), 110 patients aged 45–64 years (middle-aged group), and 90 patients aged over 65 years (elderly group). PRA, AngII, and aldosterone levels were assessed. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. The relationships between BP variability and the PRA, AngII, aldosterone levels were compared among the 3 groups.

Results

Supine and upright PRA and aldosterone levels were significantly higher in the young group than those in the middle-aged and elderly groups. The coefficient of variation (CV) of 24-hour systolic (24hSBPCV), diastolic BP (24hDBPCV), CV of daytime systolic (dSBPCV), diastolic (dDBPCV), and nighttime systolic BP (nSBPCV) in the elderly group was higher than those in the young group and the middle-aged group (all P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that in the young and middle-aged groups, BPV was significantly correlated with the levels of PRA, AngII, and aldosterone (all P < 0.05). In the elderly group however, only 24hDBPCV, nDBPCV, and nSBPCV were correlated with AngII and aldosterone levels (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

BPV is correlated with plasma renin–angiotensin–aldosterone levels in young and middle-aged patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.
From natural disaster to pandemic: A health-system pharmacy rises to the challenge
Authors: Zuckerman Autumn D , Patel Pratish C , Sullivan Mark , Potts Amy , Knostman Molly , Humphreys Elizabeth , O’Neal Michael , Bryant Andrea , Torr Donna K , Lobo Bob , Peek Grayson , Kelley Tara , Manfred James , Tomichek Jason , Crothers Garrett , Catlin Rusty , Brumagin Hannah E , Hughes Leslee , Hayman Jim
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This report describes a health-system pharmacy’s response to a natural disaster while staff members simultaneously prepared for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. By detailing our experience, we hope to help other institutions that are current facing or could encounter similar crises.

In early March 2020, a tornado destroyed the health system’s warehouse for storage of most clinical supplies, including personal protective equipment and fluids. The pharmacy purchasing team collaborated with suppliers and manufacturers to recover losses and establish alternative storage areas. Days later, the pharmacy department was forced to address the impending COVID-19 pandemic. Key elements of the COVID-19 response included reducing the potential for virus exposure for patients and staff; overcoming challenges in sourcing of staff, personal protective equipment, and medications; and changing care delivery practices to maintain high-quality patient care while maximizing social distancing. The pharmacy department also created distance learning opportunities for 70 pharmacy students on rotations. After an initial plan, ongoing needs include adjustment in patient care activities if significant staff losses occur, when and how to resume clinical activities, and how to best utilize the resources accumulated. Elements of practice changes implemented to reduce COVID-19 threats to patients and pharmacy personnel have proven beneficial and will be further evaluated for potential continuation.

Conclusion

The pharmacy department’s efforts to respond to a natural disaster and unprecedented pandemic have proven successful to this point and have illuminated several lessons, including the necessity of cohesive department communication, staff flexibility, prioritization of teamwork, and external collaboration.
Successful resuscitation from accidental hypothermia of 11.8°C: where is the lower bound for human beings?
Authors: Mroczek Tomasz , Gladki Marcin , Skalski Janusz
Published: May 2020

We present the case of a 27-month-old boy who underwent accidental hypothermia to 11.8°C and was resuscitated with prolonged rewarming with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without significant neurological impairments. This is probably the lowest temperature ever documented, at which a human being has been successfully resuscitated from accidental hypothermia after the long period of circulatory arrest.
The role of school characteristics in pre-legalization cannabis use change among Canadian youth: implications for policy and harm reduction
Authors: Zuckermann Alexandra M E , Gohari Mahmood R , de Groh Margaret , Jiang Ying , Leatherdale Scott T
Published: May 2020

Reducing youth cannabis use in Canada is a public health priority with schools of interest as a potential modifier of behavior and as a venue for prevention programming. This work aimed to provide a basis for future policy and programming by evaluating pre-legalization cannabis use change patterns in schools and the impact of school characteristics on these patterns. Average rates of cannabis use behavior change (initiation, escalation, reduction, cessation) were collected from 88 high schools located in Ontario and Alberta, Canada participating in the COMPASS prospective cohort study. There was little variability in cannabis use behaviors between schools with intra-class correlation coefficients lowest for cessation (0.02) and escalation (0.02) followed by initiation (0.03) and reduction (0.05). Modest differences were found based on school province, urbanicity and student-peer use. Cannabis ease of access rates had no significant effect. Fewer than half the schools reported offering school drug use prevention programs; these were not significantly associated with student cannabis use behaviors. In conclusion, current school-based cannabis prevention efforts do not appear sufficiently effective. Comprehensive implementation of universal prevention programs may reduce cannabis harms. Some factors (urbanicity, peer use rates) may indicate which schools to prioritize.
Evolution of the Unique Anuran Pelvic and Hind limb Skeleton in Relation to Microhabitat, Locomotor Mode, and Jump Performance
Authors: Buttimer Shannon M , Stepanova Natasha , Womack Molly C
Published: May 2020

Anurans (frogs and toads) have a unique pelvic and hind limb skeleton among tetrapods. Although their distinct body plan is primarily associated with saltation, anuran species vary in their primary locomotor mode (e.g., walkers, hoppers, jumpers, and swimmers) and are found in a wide array of microhabitats (e.g., burrowing, terrestrial, arboreal, and aquatic) with varying functional demands. Given their largely conserved body plan, morphological adaptation to these diverse niches likely results from more fine-scale morphological change. Our study determines how shape differences in Anura’s unique pelvic and hind limb skeletal structures vary with microhabitat, locomotor mode, and jumping ability. Using microCT scans of preserved specimens from museum collections, we added 3D landmarks to the pelvic and hind limb skeleton of 230 anuran species. In addition, we compiled microhabitat and locomotor data from the literature for these species that span 52 of the 55 families of frogs and ∼210 million years of anuran evolution. Using this robust dataset, we examine the relationship between pelvic and hind limb morphology and phylogenetic history, allometry, microhabitat, and locomotor mode. We find pelvic and hind limb changes associated with shifts in microhabitat (“ecomorphs”) and locomotor mode (“locomorphs”) and directly relate those morphological changes to the jumping ability of individual species. We also reveal how individual bones vary in evolutionary rate and their association with phylogeny, body size, microhabitat, and locomotor mode. Our findings uncover previously undocumented morphological variation related to anuran ecological and locomotor diversification and link that variation to differences in jumping ability among species.
Symmetric Quantum Sets and L-Algebras
Authors: Rump Wolfgang
Published: May 2020

Quantum analogues of sets are defined by two simple assumptions, allowing enumeration, reminiscent of the Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization process. It is shown that any symmetric quantum set is a classical set of irreducible components, and that each irreducible component of size $>3$ is representable by an orthomodular space over a skew field with involution. For finite or sufficiently large irreducible components, invariance of quantum cardinality is proved. Topological quantum sets are introduced as quantum analogues of topological spaces; irreducible ones of size $>3$ are shown to be representable by Hilbert spaces over ${\mathbb{R}}$, ${\mathbb{C}}$, or ${\mathbb{H}}$. Symmetric quantum sets are characterized as a class of $L$-algebras with an intrinsic geometry, and they are shown to be equivalent to Piron’s quantum formalism. Equivalences between symmetric quantum sets and several other structures are established. To any symmetric quantum set, a group with a right invariant lattice structure is associated as a complete invariant. A simple and self-contained proof of Solèr’s theorem is included, which is used to prove that sufficiently large irreducible symmetric quantum sets come from a classical Hilbert space.
Low Degree Points on Curves
Authors: Smith Geoffrey , Vogt Isabel
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we investigate an arithmetic analogue of the gonality of a smooth projective curve $C$ over a number field $k$: the minimal $e$ such that there are infinitely many points $P \in C(\bar{k})$ with $[k(P):k] \leqslant e$. Developing techniques that make use of an auxiliary smooth surface containing the curve, we show that this invariant can take any value subject to constraints imposed by the gonality. Building on work of Debarre–Klassen, we show that this invariant is equal to the gonality for all sufficiently ample curves on a surface $S$ with trivial irregularity.