bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidation of EEG Characteristics of Fuzzy Reasoning-Based Heuristic BCI and Its Application to Patient With Brain Infarction
Authors: Saga Norihiko , Doi Atsushi , Oda Teruo , Kudoh Suguru N.
Published: January 2021

Non-invasive brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) based on common electroencephalography (EEG) are limited to specific instrumentation sites and frequency bands. These BCI induce certain targeted electroencephalographic features of cognitive tasks, identify them, and determine BCI's performance, and use machine-learning to extract these electroencephalographic features, which makes them enormously time-consuming. In addition, there is a problem in which the neurorehabilitation using BCI cannot receive ambulatory and immediate rehabilitation training. Therefore, we proposed an exploratory BCI that did not limit the targeted electroencephalographic features. This system did not determine the electroencephalographic features in advance, determined the frequency bands and measurement sites appropriate for detecting electroencephalographic features based on their target movements, measured the electroencephalogram, created each rule (template) with only large “High” or small “Low” electroencephalograms for arbitrarily determined thresholds (classification of cognitive tasks in the imaginary state of moving the feet by the size of the area constituted by the power spectrum of the EEG in each frequency band), and successfully detected the movement intention by detecting the electroencephalogram consistent with the rules during motor tasks using a fuzzy inference-based template matching method (FTM). However, the electroencephalographic features acquired by this BCI are not known, and their usefulness for patients with actual cerebral infarction is not known. Therefore, this study clarifies the electroencephalographic features captured by the heuristic BCI, as well as clarifies the effectiveness and challenges of this system by its application to patients with cerebral infarction.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as Potential Predictors of Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chen Cuiping , Gu Lei , Chen Luyun , Hu Wangwang , Feng Xiaowen , Qiu Fengzhen , Fan Zijian , Chen Qitao , Qiu Jiayou , Shao Bei
Published: January 2021

Objective: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been emerging as the novel inflammatory biomarkers for determining the prognosis of various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the individual and joint effects of NLR and PLR on functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods: Our study involved 448 eligible patients with first-ever AIS. Clinical and laboratory data were collected on admission within 72 h from stroke onset. Unfavorable functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6 at 3 months after AIS. Cox proportional hazard model and spline regression models was used to estimate the effect of NLR and PLR on risk of adverse outcomes after the last patient who completed a 3-months follow-up was enrolled.

Results: After adjusting confounders, NLR were significantly associated with the unfavorable functional outcomes (P-trend < 0.001). So were PLR (P-trend < 0.001). NLR was discovered to have higher predictive value than PLR (AUC = 0.776, 95%CI = 0.727–0.825, P < 0.001; AUC = 0.697, 95%CI = 0.641–0.753, P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff values for NLR and PLR was 3.51 and 141.52, respectively. Stratified analysis performed by cox proportional hazard model showed that high level of NLR and PLR (NLR ≥ 3.51, PLR ≥ 141.52) presented the highest risk of unfavorable functional outcomes (adjusted HR, 3.77; 95% CI: 2.38–5.95; P < 0.001). Followed by single high level of NLR (adjusted HR, 2.32; 95% CI: 1.10–4.87; P = 0.027). Single high level of PLR (NLR < 3.51, PLR ≥ 141.52) also showed higher risk than low level of the combination, but it did not reach statistical significance (adjusted HR, 1.42; 95% CI: 0.75–2.70; P = 0.285). No obvious additive [relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) not significant] or multiplicative (adjusted HR, 0.71; 95%CI: 0.46–1.09; P = 0.114) interaction was found between the effects of NLR and PLR on the risk of unfavorable functional outcomes.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that both NLR and PLR were independent predictors of 3-months functional outcomes of AIS. They may help to identify high-risk patients more forcefully when combined together.
Proposed Mechanism-Based Risk Stratification and Algorithm to Prevent Sudden Death in Epilepsy
Authors: Lucchesi Michael , Silverman Joshua B. , Sundaram Krishnamurthi , Kollmar Richard , Stewart Mark
Published: January 2021

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in young adults with uncontrolled seizures. First aid guidance to prevent SUDEP, though, has not been previously published because the rarity of monitored cases has made the underlying mechanism difficult to define. This starkly contrasts with the first aid guidelines for sudden cardiac arrest that have been developed based on retrospective studies and expert consensus and the discussion of resuscitation challenges in various American Heart Association certificate courses. However, an increasing amount of evidence from documented SUDEP cases and near misses and from animal models points to a consistent sequence of events that starts with sudden airway occlusion and suggests a mechanistic basis for enhancing seizure first aid. In monitored cases, this sudden airway occlusion associated with seizure activity can be accurately inferred from inductance plethysmography or (depending on recording bandwidth) from electromyographic (EMG) bursts that are associated with inspiratory attempts appearing on the electroencephalogram (EEG) or the electrocardiogram (ECG). In an emergency setting or outside a hospital, seizure first aid can be improved by (1) keeping a lookout for sudden changes in airway status during a seizure, (2) distinguishing thoracic and abdominal movements during attempts to inspire from effective breathing, (3) applying a simple maneuver, the laryngospasm notch maneuver, that may help with airway management when aggressive airway management is unavailable, (4) providing oxygen early as a preventative step to reduce the risk of death, and (5) performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation before the limited post-ictal window of opportunity closes. We propose that these additions to first aid protocols can limit progression of any potential SUDEP case and prevent death. Risk stratification can be improved by recognition of airway occlusion, attendant hypoxia, and need for resuscitation.
Case Report: Deep Brain Stimulation to the Ventral Internal Capsule/Ventral Striatum Induces Repeated Transient Episodes of Voltage-Dependent Tourette-Like Behaviors
Authors: Camprodon Joan A. , Chou Tina , Testo Abigail A. , Deckersbach Thilo , Scharf Jeremiah M. , Dougherty Darin D.
Published: January 2021

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an invasive device-based neuromodulation technique that allows the therapeutic direct stimulation of subcortical and deep cortical structures following the surgical placement of stimulating electrodes. DBS is approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration for the treatment of movement disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, while new indications, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), are in experimental development. We report the case of a patient with MDD who received DBS to the ventral internal capsule and ventral striatum bilaterally and presented with 2 weeks of voltage-dependent Tourette-like symptoms including brief transient episodes of abrupt-onset and progressively louder coprolalia and stuttered speech; tic-like motor behavior in his right arm and leg; rushes of anxiety, angry prosody, angry affect; and moderate amnesia without confusion. We describe the results of the inpatient neuropsychiatric workup leading to the diagnosis of iatrogenic voltage-dependent activation of cortico-subcortical circuits and discuss insights into the pathophysiology of Tourette as well as safety considerations raised by the case.
Insights Into the Role and Potential of Schwann Cells for Peripheral Nerve Repair From Studies of Development and Injury
Authors: Balakrishnan Anjali , Belfiore Lauren , Chu Tak-Ho , Fleming Taylor , Midha Rajiv , Biernaskie Jeff , Schuurmans Carol
Published: January 2021

Peripheral nerve injuries arising from trauma or disease can lead to sensory and motor deficits and neuropathic pain. Despite the purported ability of the peripheral nerve to self-repair, lifelong disability is common. New molecular and cellular insights have begun to reveal why the peripheral nerve has limited repair capacity. The peripheral nerve is primarily comprised of axons and Schwann cells, the supporting glial cells that produce myelin to facilitate the rapid conduction of electrical impulses. Schwann cells are required for successful nerve regeneration; they partially “de-differentiate” in response to injury, re-initiating the expression of developmental genes that support nerve repair. However, Schwann cell dysfunction, which occurs in chronic nerve injury, disease, and aging, limits their capacity to support endogenous repair, worsening patient outcomes. Cell replacement-based therapeutic approaches using exogenous Schwann cells could be curative, but not all Schwann cells have a “repair” phenotype, defined as the ability to promote axonal growth, maintain a proliferative phenotype, and remyelinate axons. Two cell replacement strategies are being championed for peripheral nerve repair: prospective isolation of “repair” Schwann cells for autologous cell transplants, which is hampered by supply challenges, and directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells or lineage conversion of accessible somatic cells to induced Schwann cells, with the potential of “unlimited” supply. All approaches require a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms guiding Schwann cell development and the repair phenotype, which we review herein. Together these studies provide essential context for current efforts to design glial cell-based therapies for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Helicobacter pylori Subdues Cytokine Signaling to Alter Mucosal Inflammation via Hypermethylation of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Gene During Gastric Carcinogenesis
Authors: Jan Iqra , Rather Rafiq A. , Mushtaq Ifra , Malik Ajaz A. , Besina Syed , Baba Abdul Basit , Farooq Muzamil , Yousuf Tahira , Rah Bilal , Afroze Dil
Published: January 2021

Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated with the onset of gastric mucosal inflammation and is known to perturb the balance between T-regulatory (Treg) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cells which causes a spurt of interleukin 17 (IL17) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) from Th17 and Treg cells within the gastric milieu. IL17 instigates a surge of interleukin 6 (IL6) from T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. Further, H. pylori infection is known to stimulate the atypical DNA methylation in gastric mucosa. However, the precise role of cytokine signaling in induction of epigenetic modifications during gastric carcinogenesis is vaguely understood. In this study, patient samples from were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), PCR, methylation-specific (MS)-PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We found that H. pylori infection augments the production of interleukin 10 (IL10), IL6, and TGF-β in the gastric milieu and systemic circulation. Together with the IL6/IL10 mediated hyperactivation of the JAK/STAT pathway, H. pylori infection causes the inactivation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) gene through the hypermethylation of the promoter region. This study signifies that H. pylori-mediated epigenetic silencing of SOCS1 in concert with inflammatory cytokines miffs hyperactivation of the JAK/STAT cascade during gastric carcinogenesis.
A Control Study on the Value of the Ultrasound Grayscale Ratio for the Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Micropapillary Carcinoma and Micronodular Goiter in Two Medical Centers
Authors: Han Zhijiang , Feng Na , Lu Yidan , Li Mingkui , Wei Peiying , Yao Jincao , Zhu Qiaodan , Lei Zhikai , Xu Dong
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate the value of ultrasound gray-scale ratio (UGSR) for the differential diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and micronodular goiter (MNG) in two medical centers.

Methods

Ultrasound images of 881 PTMCs from 785 patients and 744 MNGs from 687 patients in center A were retrospectively analyzed and compared with 243 PTMCs from 203 patients and 251 MNGs from 198 patients in center B. All cases were confirmed by surgery and histology. The grayscale values of thyroid lesions and surrounding normal tissues were measured, and the UGSR was calculated. The optimal UGSR threshold for identifying PTMCs and MNGs in two medical centers was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the area under the curve (AUC), optimal UGSR threshold, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were compared between the two medical centers.

Results

The UGSR values of PTMCs and MNGs in medical center A were 0.5537 (0.4699, 0.6515) and 0.8708 (0.7616, 1.0123) (Z = -27.691, P = 0), respectively, whereas those in medical center B were 0.5517 (0.4698, 0.6377) and 0.8539 (0.7366, 0.9929) (Z = -16.057, P = 0), respectively. The UGSR of PTMCs and MNGs did not differ significantly between the two medical centers (Z = -0.609, P = 0.543 and Z = -1.394, P = 0.163, respectively). The AUC, optimal UGSR threshold, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the two medical centers were 0.898 vs. 0.918, 0.7214 vs. 0.6911, 0.881 vs. 0.868, 0.817 vs. 0.833, 0.851 vs. 0.834, 0.853 vs. 0.867, and 0.852 vs. 0.850, respectively.

Conclusions

UGSR can quantify the echo intensity of PTMCs and MNGs and is therefore valuable for the differential diagnosis of the two diseases. The diagnostic efficacy was consistent between the two medical centers. This method should be widely promoted and applied.
Case Report: Conservative Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Can Alter the Perception of Verticality. A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zagalaz-Anula Noelia , León-Morillas Felipe , Andradre-Ortega Juan Alfonso , Ibáñez-Vera Alfonso Javier , de Oliveira-Sousa Silvana Loana , Lomas-Vega Rafael
Published: January 2021

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a lateral curvature of the spine of at least 10° Cobb's angle of unknown etiology. Some studies have found that patients with AIS have a Visual Verticality (VV) perception similar to healthy controls. This study aimed to analyze VV perception and postural balance differences in patients with AIS depending on the management, either based on observation or conservative treatment. Eighteen patients with AIS were included in this study. Nine patients were managed based on observation. The other nine underwent conservative treatment, such as bracing or exercise. Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) and posturographic parameters were measured and analyzed. In the SVV test, patients who underwent treatment showed poor constant error in absolute values and mean absolute error, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Only the Romberg Quotient for sway area was within the limits of statistical significance for posturographic parameters, with a lower value for patients under observation. This study found worse perception of verticality in patients receiving some type of conservative treatment than patients receiving only observation; whereas posturography showed similar values in both observation and treatment groups. Our results can be interpreted as the effect of treatment on the previous verticality perception adapted to the curvature.
Antibiotics Prescription Over Three Years in a French Benchmarking Network of 23 Level 3 Neonatal Wards
Authors: Martin-Mons Séverine , Lorrain Simon , Iacobelli Silvia , Gouyon Béatrice , Gouyon Jean-Bernard ,   On behalf of the B-PEN Study Group
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Prescribing antibiotics to newborns is challenging, as excess antibiotics are a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to describe the evolution of antibiotic exposure over three years in a large network of level 3 neonatal wards where each center is informed yearly of its own results and the results of other centers and has full autonomy to improve its performance.

Patients and Methods: This is a prospective, observational study of antibiotics prescriptions over the 2017–2019 period in a network of 23 French level 3 neonatal wards. The network relied on an internal benchmarking program based on a computerized prescription ordering system. Among others, antibiotics exposure, treatment duration, and antibiotics spectrum index were analyzed.

Results: The population consisted of 39,971 neonates (51.5% preterm), 44.3% of which were treated with antibiotics. Of the treated patients, 78.5% started their first antibiotic treatment in the first three days of life. Antibiotic exposure rate significantly declined from 2017 to 2019 (from 46.8% to 42.8%, p < 0.0001); this decline was significant in groups with gestational age >26 weeks, but not in the group with extremely low gestational age <27 weeks. Gentamicin, cefotaxime, amoxicillin (ampicillin), vancomycin, and amikacin were the antibiotics most prescribed. The lower the gestational age, the higher the exposure for cefotaxime, vancomycin, and amikacin. Compared to 2017, cefotaxime exposure in 2019 declined by 12.6%, but the change was only significant in the gestational age group of 32–36 weeks (17.4%) and at term (20.3%). The triple combination of antibiotics in the first three days decreased by 28.8% from 2017 to 2019, and this was significant in each gestational age group. During the study, the delayed ending of antibiotics in unconfirmed early-onset neonatal infection increased from 9.6% to 11.9%.

Conclusion: This study showed that a strategy characterized by the collection of information via a computerized order-entry system, analysis of the results by a steering committee representative of all neonatal wards, and complete autonomy of neonatal wards in the choice of prescription modalities, is associated with a significant reduction in the use of antibiotics in newborns with gestational age greater than 26 weeks.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Exosomes: A Promising Biological Tool in Nanomedicine
Authors: Wei Wumei , Ao Qiang , Wang Xiaohong , Cao Yue , Liu Yanying , Zheng Song Guo , Tian Xiaohong
Published: January 2021

As nano-scale biological vesicles, extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes, in particular, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-exosomes), have been studied in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of many diseases. In addition, through the combination of nanotechnology and biotechnology, exosomes have emerged as innovative tools for the development of nanomedicine. This review focuses on a profound summarization of MSC-exosomes as a powerful tool in bionanomedicine. It systemically summarizes the role of MSC-exosomes as a nanocarrier, drug loading and tissue engineering, and their potential contribution in a series of diseases as well as the advantages of exosomes over stem cells and synthetic nanoparticles and potential disadvantages. The in-depth understanding of the functions and mechanisms of exosomes provides insights into the basic research and clinical transformation in the field of nanomedicine.
Netosis and Inflammasomes in Large Vessel Occlusion Thrombi
Authors: Chen Stephanie H. , Scott Xavier O. , Ferrer Marcelo Yoandy , Almeida Vania W. , Blackwelder Patricia L. , Yavagal Dileep R. , Peterson Eric C. , Starke Robert M. , Dietrich W. Dalton , Keane Robert W. , de Rivero Vaccari Juan Pablo
Published: January 2021

The inflammatory response appears to play a critical role in clotting in which neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are the major drivers of thrombosis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The inflammasome is an innate immune complex involved in the activation of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β through caspase-1, but whether the inflammasome plays a role in NETosis in AIS remains poorly understood. Here we assessed the levels of inflammasome signaling proteins in NETs and their association with clinical and procedural outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for AIS. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence indicate the presence of NETs in thrombi of patients with AIS. Moreover, the inflammasome signaling proteins caspase-1 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) were also present in clots associated with the marker of NETosis citrullinated histone 3H (CitH3). Analysis of protein levels by a simple plex assay show that caspase-1, ASC and interleukin (IL)-1β were significantly elevated in clots when compared to plasma of AIS patients and healthy controls, while IL-18 levels were lower. Moreover, multivariate analyses show that IL-1β levels in clots contribute to the number of passes to achieve complete recanalization, and that ASC, caspase-1 and IL-18 are significant contributors to time to recanalization. Thus, inflammasome proteins are elevated in NETs present in thrombi of patients with AIS that contribute to poor outcomes following stroke.
Tryptamine Attenuates Experimental Multiple Sclerosis Through Activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor
Authors: Dopkins Nicholas , Becker William , Miranda Kathryn , Walla Mike , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: January 2021

Tryptamine is a naturally occurring monoamine alkaloid which has been shown to act as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist. It is produced in large quantities from the catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan by commensal microorganisms within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of homeothermic organisms. Previous studies have established microbiota derived AHR ligands as potent regulators of neuroinflammation, further defining the role the gut-brain axis plays in the complex etiology in multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. In the current study, we tested the ability of tryptamine to ameliorate symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of MS. We found that tryptamine administration attenuated clinical signs of paralysis in EAE mice, decreased the number of infiltrating CD4+ T cells in the CNS, Th17 cells, and RORγ T cells while increasing FoxP3+Tregs. To test if tryptamine acts through AHR, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-sensitized T cells from wild-type or Lck-Cre AHRflox/flox mice that lacked AHR expression in T cells, and cultured with tryptamine, were transferred into wild-type mice to induce passive EAE. It was noted that in these experiments, while cells from wild-type mice treated with tryptamine caused marked decrease in paralysis and attenuated neuroinflammation in passive EAE, similar cells from Lck-Cre AHRflox/flox mice treated with tryptamine, induced significant paralysis symptoms and heightened neuroinflammation. Tryptamine treatment also caused alterations in the gut microbiota and promoted butyrate production. Together, the current study demonstrates for the first time that tryptamine administration attenuates EAE by activating AHR and suppressing neuroinflammation.
Inhibition of Lipid Accumulation in Skeletal Muscle and Liver Cells: A Protective Mechanism of Bilirubin Against Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Authors: Hana Claudia A. , Klebermass Eva-Maria , Balber Theresa , Mitterhauser Markus , Quint Ruth , Hirtl Yvonne , Klimpke Antonia , Somloi Sophie , Hutz Juliana , Sperr Elisabeth , Eder Paulina , Jašprová Jana , Valášková Petra , Vítek Libor , Heiss Elke , Wagner Karl-Heinz
Published: January 2021

Ectopic lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle and liver drives the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2). Mild hyperbilirubinaemia has been repeatedly suggested to play a role in the prevention of DMT2 and is known for its capacity to shape an improved lipid phenotype in humans and in animals. To date, the effect of bilirubin on lipid accumulation in tissues that are prone to ectopic lipid deposition is unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of bilirubin on lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle and liver cell lines. C2C12 skeletal mouse muscle and HepG2 human liver cells were treated with physiological concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA) (0.5 mM and 1 mM) and unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) (17.1 and 55 µM). The intracellular presence of UCB upon exogenous UCB administration was confirmed by HPLC and the lipid accumulation was assessed by using Nile red. Exposure of both cell lines to UCB significantly reduced lipid accumulation by up to 23% (p ≤ 0.001) in HepG2 and by up to 17% (p ≤ 0.01) in C2C12 cells at 0.5 and 5 h under hypoglycaemic conditions. Simultaneously, UCB slightly increased FFA uptake in HepG2 cells after 0.5 and 5 h and in C2C12 cells after 12 h as confirmed by gas chromatographic analyses of the remaining FFA content in the incubation media. The effects of UCB on lipid accumulation and uptake were abolished in the presence of higher glucose concentrations. Monitoring the uptake of a radiolabeled glucose analogue [18F]FDG: (2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose) into both cell types further indicated higher glucose consumption in the presence of UCB. In conclusion, our findings show that UCB considerably decreases lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle and liver cells within a short incubation time of max. 5 h which suggests that mildly elevated bilirubin levels could lower ectopic lipid deposition, a major key element in the pathogenesis of DMT2.
A Frequency Modulation Fingerprint-Based Positioning Algorithm for Indoor Mobile Localization of Photoelectric Modules
Authors: Duan Chi , Tian Lixia , Bai Pengfei , Peng Bao
Published: January 2021

Optoelectronic modules have a wide range of applications in the field of wireless communication. However, the function of mobile localization has not been realized in optoelectronic modules. In this paper, an indoor positioning algorithm, which was based on frequency modulation (FM) signals, was realized in optoelectronic modules. Firstly, FM monitoring receiver DB4004 was used to collect FM signals; Secondly, FM signals were preprocessed and analyzed to build a FM dataset. Finally, weighted centroid k-nearest neighbors (WC-KNN) precise positioning algorithm was proposed to obtain the position information of the photoelectric module. Experimental results showed that the median location error of the WC-KNN algorithm can reach 0.8 m and additional hardware equipment was not required. The research results provided the feasibility for the practical application of equipment based on optoelectronic devices in various fields.
Advisory, Collaborative and Scrutinizing Roles of Deliberative Mini-Publics
Authors: Setälä Maija
Published: January 2021

The normative point of departure in this article is that mini-publics can “complement” representative democracy only if they enhance inclusive processes of mutual justification among elected representatives who are responsible for public decisions. This article distinguishes three different roles of mini-publics in representative decision-making. Mini-publics can be 1) advisory when they provide input for collective will-formation in the representative arena, 2) collaborative when they involve elected representatives in the deliberative process, 3) scrutinizing when they check representative decision-making. The article analyzes strengths and weaknesses of these roles of mini-publics. Advisory mini-publics are particularly vulnerable to “cherry-picking.” While collaborative uses of mini-publics may facilitate inclusive reason-giving among elected representatives, they entail risks of representative dominance. Scrutinizing use of mini-publics seem particularly promising from the normative perspective, but it requires a well-defined institutional framework. The article concludes that while there are ways to avoid problems emerging in these different roles, political context is crucial in terms of the deliberative impact of mini-publics.
Construct Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of the Automated Vehicle User Perception Survey
Authors: Mason Justin , Classen Sherrilene , Wersal James , Sisiopiku Virginia
Published: January 2021

Fully automated vehicles (AVs) hold promise toward providing numerous societal benefits including reducing road fatalities. However, we are uncertain about how individuals’ perceptions will influence their ability to accept and adopt AVs. The 28-item Automated Vehicle User Perception Survey (AVUPS) is a visual analog scale that was previously constructed, with established face and content validity, to assess individuals’ perceptions of AVs. In this study, we examined construct validity, via exploratory factor analysis and subsequent Mokken scale analyses. Next, internal consistency was assessed via Cronbach’s alpha (α) and 2-week test–retest reliability was assessed via Spearman’s rho (ρ) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The Mokken scale analyses resulted in a refined 20-item AVUPS and three Mokken subscales assessing specific domains of adults’ perceptions of AVs: (a)Intention to use; (b)perceived barriers; and (c)well-being. The Mokken scale analysis showed that all item-coefficients of homogeneity (H) exceeded 0.3, indicating that the items reflect a single latent variable. The AVUPS indicated a strong Mokken scale (Hscale= 0.51) with excellent internal consistency (α = 0.95) and test–retest reliability (ρ = 0.76, ICC = 0.95). Similarly, the three Mokken subscales ranged from moderate to strong (rangeHscale= 0.47–0.66) and had excellent internal consistency (range α = 0.84–0.94) and test–retest reliability (range ICC = 0.84–0.93). The AVUPS and three Mokken subscales of AV acceptance were validated in a moderate sample size (N= 312) of adults living in the United States. Two-week test–retest reliability was established using a subset of Amazon Mechanical Turk participants (N= 84). The AVUPS, or any combination of the three subscales, can be used to validly and reliably assess adults’ perceptions before and after being exposed to AVs. The AVUPS can be used to quantify adults’ acceptance of fully AVs.
Development and Implementation of Liposomal Encapsulated Micronutrient Fortified Body Oil Intervention for Infant Massage: An Innovative Concept to Prevent Micronutrient Deficiencies in Children
Authors: Apte Aditi , Lubree Himangi , Kapoor Mudra , Juvekar Sanjay , Banerjee Rinti , Bavdekar Ashish
Published: January 2021

Indian communities have the ancient cultural practice of gentle oil massage for infants which has been shown to play a beneficial role in neuro-motor development. The concept of incorporating nanosized liposomes of micronutrients (i.e., iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D) in the body oil leverages this practice for transdermal supplementation of essential micro-nutrients. This paper describes the experience of developing an intervention in the form of body oil containing nanosized liposomes of iron and micro-nutrients built on the social context of infant oil massage using a theory of change approach. The process of development of the intervention has been covered into stages such as design, decide and implement. The design phase describes how the idea of nanosized liposomal encapsulated micronutrient fortified (LMF) body oil was conceptualized and how its feasibility was assessed through initial formative work in the community. The decide phase describes steps involved while scaling up technology from laboratory to community level. The implementation phase describes processes while implementing the intervention of LMF oil in a community-based randomized controlled study. Overall, the theory of change approach helps to outline the various intermediate steps and challenges while translating novel technologies for transdermal nutrient fortification to community level. In our experience, adaptation in the technology for large scale up, formative work and pilot testing of innovation at community level were important processes that helped in shaping the innovation. Meticulous mapping of these processes and experiences can be a useful guide for translating similar innovations.
Does Usage of Online Social Media Help Users With Depressed Symptoms Improve Their Mental Health? Empirical Evidence From an Online Depression Community
Authors: Lu Yingjie , Pan Taotao , Liu Jingfang , Wu Jun
Published: January 2021

Online depression communities offer people with depressed symptoms new opportunities to obtain health information and provide social support for each other to fight against the depression. We sought to investigate whether usage of online community help improve depression outcomes and determine which types of usage behaviors have positive or negative effects on depression. We proposed that two dimensions of the sense of belonging (sense of identity and trust) and three dimensions of the sense of support (informational, emotional, and socializing) have significant effects on depression, and further considered gender difference and its effect on depression. We obtained a dataset consisting of 465,337 posts from 244 members from a popular online depression community to test all 10 proposed hypotheses. The results reveal that (i) the sense of shared identity, trust, informational support, and emotional support have positive effects on depression, while socializing support have negative effects on depression, and (ii) the sense of shared identity and trust have more positive effects on depression for female users than male users while socializing support has a more negative effect on depression for female users than for male users. The findings have important practical implications for designers and managers of online depression communities.
Algorithmic Probability-Guided Machine Learning on Non-Differentiable Spaces
Authors: Hernández-Orozco Santiago , Zenil Hector , Riedel Jürgen , Uccello Adam , Kiani Narsis A. , Tegnér Jesper
Published: January 2021

We show how complexity theory can be introduced in machine learning to help bring together apparently disparate areas of current research. We show that this model-driven approach may require less training data and can potentially be more generalizable as it shows greater resilience to random attacks. In an algorithmic space the order of its element is given by its algorithmic probability, which arises naturally from computable processes. We investigate the shape of a discrete algorithmic space when performing regression or classification using a loss function parametrized by algorithmic complexity, demonstrating that the property of differentiation is not required to achieve results similar to those obtained using differentiable programming approaches such as deep learning. In doing so we use examples which enable the two approaches to be compared (small, given the computational power required for estimations of algorithmic complexity). We find and report that 1) machine learning can successfully be performed on a non-smooth surface using algorithmic complexity; 2) that solutions can be found using an algorithmic-probability classifier, establishing a bridge between a fundamentally discrete theory of computability and a fundamentally continuous mathematical theory of optimization methods; 3) a formulation of an algorithmically directed search technique in non-smooth manifolds can be defined and conducted; 4) exploitation techniques and numerical methods for algorithmic search to navigate these discrete non-differentiable spaces can be performed; in application of the (a) identification of generative rules from data observations; (b) solutions to image classification problems more resilient against pixel attacks compared to neural networks; (c) identification of equation parameters from a small data-set in the presence of noise in continuous ODE system problem, (d) classification of Boolean NK networks by(1)network topology, (2) underlying Boolean function, and (3) number of incoming edges.
War Metaphors in Political Communication on Covid-19
Authors: Castro Seixas Eunice
Published: January 2021

Although militaristic metaphors have been pervasive during health crisis in political and science communication, few works have examined how these linguistic devices may influence crisis communication. Drawing on critical discourse analysis (CDA) and on crisis communication literature, I show how political representatives have used the war metaphor for very different purposes in terms of crisis communication and management of the current Covid-19 pandemic. I suggest that these findings challenge previous criticisms of the war metaphor as inherently negative and damaging. Finally, I discuss possibilities of using CDA, and specifically, metaphor analysis to inform and expand crisis communication.
Molecular Characterization of Hemoparasites and Hemoplasmas Infecting Domestic Cats of Southern India
Authors: Malangmei Lanchalung , Ajith Kumar Karapparambu Gopalan , Nandini Ashwathappa , Bora Christophe Angeline Felicia , Varghese Anju , Amrutha Birur Mallappa , Kurbet Prashant Somalingappa , Pradeep Rangapura Kariyappa , Nimisha Murikoli , Deepa Chundiyil Kalarickal , John Lijo , Ravindran Reghu
Published: January 2021

In the present study, 111 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy cats belonging to four districts of Kerala, southern India, and they were investigated for the presence of hemoparasites and hemoplasmas by light microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smears did not reveal any parasites/organisms. However, PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing could detect 10 (9.01%) out of 111 samples infected withHepatozoon felis, 3 (2.70%) withCytauxzoonspp., and 10 (9.01%) withMycoplasmaspp. None of the samples revealed amplicons specific for theBabesiaspp. andTrypanosoma evansi. The phylogenetic analysis of 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences ofH. felisrevealed the existence of two different populations ofH. feliscirculating in the blood of infected cats. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 18S rRNA gene sequences ofCytauxzoonspp. and revealed that these isolates formed a distinct clade and do not cluster with any of the isolates from other countries. Among the 10 samples positive forMycoplasmaspp. infections, 7 were detected positive forCandidatusMycoplasma haemominutum, two forMycoplasma haemofelis, and one forCandidatusMycoplasma turicensis. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences ofMycoplasmaspp. showed no distinct geographical grouping of the sequences. The sequences ofM. haemofelis, CandidatusM. haemominutum, andCandidatusM. turicensis identified in the study clustered along with their respective isolates from around the world. To the best of our knowledge, this study forms the first report of molecular detection ofCytauxzoonspp. andCandidatusM. turicensis in cats from India.
Simplification of Administrative Procedure on the Example of the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary (V4 Countries)
Authors: Potěšil Lukáš , Rozsnyai Krisztina , Olszanowski Jan , Horvat Matej
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the idea of simplification of administrative procedure on the example of legal regulation that can be found in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. This legal regulation comes from the same or similar evolution and legal conditions. General legal regulation of administrative procedure is represented by so called Code of Administrative Procedure. Existence of such code in all mentioned countries might be regarded as a first step towards simplification. Using research methods—dogmatic, normative, and, namely, comparative—the article examines concrete examples of simplification in mentioned countries that have similar approaches in solving this demand. This article mentions possible views (or addressees) on the need of simplifications as well as possible limits of this issue. In this sense, the protection of the public interest and protection of rights of individuals presents certain limitations to simplification. Legal regulation of administrative procedure is complicated. Although each legal regulation is in detail specific, we can find some common solutions in particular legal regulation of simplifications. Such results of this article might be useful (not only) for further comparison in European countries.
Maize Breeding in the Highlands of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia: A Review
Authors: Zambrano José Luis , Yánez Carlos F. , Sangoquiza Carlos A.
Published: January 2021

Maize is one of the most important staple crops in the highlands of the Andean region of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Most seeds come from landraces, with their own kernel characteristics. The kernels are used for the elaboration of traditional dishes and other elaborates for human consumption. In this region, maize breeding is conducted mainly by public institutions. In this review, we outline the methodology that has been used by the maize breeding programs (MBPs) of the National Institutes for Agricultural Research and other institutions in the highlands of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia during the last 20 years. The main objective of MBPs in the region has been to develop more uniform and productive open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) of floury maize (Zea mays L. var. Amylacea), which is the most important type of maize in the area. Participatory plant breeding, combined with half-sib, has been used to breed new maize varieties. At least 18 OPVs of floury maize have been released into the Andean region in the last 20 years. Breeding this type of maize has been very important to conserve diversity and promote consumption in the region, but they have had very little impact on yield. The yield of floury maize is around three times below that of dent or semident maize grown in the region. Therefore, there is a need to apply new breeding techniques in the region to accelerate the development of more productive floury-maize cultivars.
Characterization of Agronomical and Quality Traits of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for Fusarium Head Blight Pressure in Different Environments
Authors: Spanic Valentina , Cosic Josipa , Zdunic Zvonimir , Drezner Georg
Published: January 2021

For food security, it is essential to identify stable, high-yielding wheat varieties with lower disease severity. This is particularly important due to climate change, which results in pressure due to the increasing occurrence of Fusarium head blight (FHB). The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield under different environmental conditions. Twenty-five winter wheat varieties were evaluated under two treatments (naturally-disease infected (T1) and FHB artificial stress (T2)) during two growing seasons (2018–2019 to 2019–2020) in Osijek and in 2019–2020 in Tovarnik. The interaction between varieties and different environments for grain yield was described using the additive main-effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) effects model. The Kraljica and Fifi varieties were located near the origin of the biplot, thus indicating non-sensitivity to different environmental conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to understand the trait and environmental relationships. PC1 alone contributed 42.5% of the total variation, which was mainly due to grain yield, 1000 kernel weight and test weight in that respective order. PC2 contributed 21.1% of the total variation mainly through the total sedimentation value, test weight, wet gluten and protein content ratio (VG/P) and wet gluten content, in descending order.
Effects of Postharvest Treatments with Nanosilver on Senescence of Cut Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn.) Flowers
Authors: Skutnik Ewa , Łukaszewska Aleksandra , Rabiza-Świder Julita
Published: January 2021

Lisianthus is among the most popular cut flowers. Regarding the postharvest losses, these experiments were designed to compare the effects of a nanosilver (NS) based preservative to the standard preservative containing 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-HQC) and sucrose (S). Additionally, the effect of 24 h conditioning in the NS solution on the postharvest longevity and the general condition of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum ‘Mariachi Blue’) was tested. The vase life of flowers on conditioned and non-conditioned stems was extended by the preservatives, more so by NS + S than by 8-HQC + S (44–54% versus 13–23%). Conditioning had no detectable effect on longevity. Daily water uptake showed alternative peaks and drops, with a general tendency of the uptake rate to decrease over time. The highest uptake intensity and the highest transpiration rate were in stems in the NS + S solution while the lowest was in 8-HQC + S. Conditioning negatively affected the average fresh weight of the flowering stems in all holding solutions with stems in preservatives being heavier than those in water. Preservatives did not induce accumulation of the total soluble or reducing sugars in petals; such accumulation was promoted by conditioning, but only in the upper flowers. The free proline content increased in senescing lower flowers on non-conditioned stems; conditioning limited this increase in flowers in preservatives. In the upper flowers, free proline increased in both water controls while the preservatives and conditioning generally reduced the proline contents below the initial level. Conditioning lowered the hydrogen peroxide contents in senescing lower flowers, relative to the initial level and the non-conditioned stems. The catalase activity kept dropping during the vase life in both the lower and upper flowers, in conditioned and non-conditioned stems, with the exception of flowers from water where the activity remained the highest from all three treatments. It appears that the NS preservative with sucrose improves the overall condition of lisianthus flowers and extends their vase life.
Emulators of a Physical Model for Estimating Leaf Wetness Duration
Authors: Shin Ju-Young , Park Junsang , Kim Kyu Rang
Published: January 2021

Leaf wetness duration (LWD) has rarely been measured due to lack of standard protocol. Thus, empirical and physical models have been proposed to resolve this gap. Although the physical model provides robust performance in diverse conditions, it requires many variables. The empirical model requires fewer variables; nevertheless, its performance is specific to a given condition. A universal LWD estimation model using fewer variables is thus needed to improve LWD estimation. The objective of this study was to develop emulators of the LWD estimation physical model for use as universal empirical models. It is assumed that the Penman–Monteith (PM) model determines LWD and can be employed as a physical model. In this study, a simulation was designed and conducted to investigate the characteristics of the PM model and to build the emulators. The performances of the built emulators were evaluated based on a case study of LWD data obtained in South Korea. It was determined that a machine learning algorithm can properly emulate the PM model in LWD estimations based on the simulation. Moreover, the poor performances of some emulators that use wind speed may have been due to the limitation of wind speed measurement. The accuracy of the anemometer is thus critical to estimating LWD using physical models. A deep neural network using relative humidity and air temperature was found to be the most appropriate emulator of those tested for LWD estimation.