bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SL-BiLSTM: A Signal-Based Bidirectional LSTM Network for Over-the-Horizon Target Localization
Authors: Yu Wanting , Yu Hongyi , Wang Ding , Du Jianping , Zhang Mengli
Published: July 2021

Deep learning technology provides novel solutions for localization in complex scenarios. Conventional methods generally suffer from performance loss in the long-distance over-the-horizon (OTH) scenario due to uncertain ionospheric conditions. To overcome the adverse effects of the unknown and complex ionosphere on positioning, we propose a deep learning positioning method based on multistation received signals and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network framework (SL-BiLSTM), which refines position information from signal data. Specifically, we first obtain the form of the network input by constructing the received signal model. Second, the proposed method is developed to predict target positions using an SL-BiLSTM network, consisting of three BiLSTM layers, a maxout layer, a fully connected layer, and a regression layer. Then, we discuss two regularization techniques of dropout and randomization which are mainly adopted to prevent network overfitting. Simulations of OTH localization are conducted to examine the performance. The parameters of the network have been trained properly according to the scenario. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the accuracy of OTH positioning at low SNR. When the number of training locations increases to 200, the positioning result of SL-BiLSTM is closest to CRLB at high SNR.
Reforma de Pensiones
Authors: López Fernando
Published: July 2021

El diseño de nuestro sistema de pensiones es uno de los temas controversiales de cara a la discusión de los cambios que el país necesita. Con la carrera presidencial desatada, la mayoría de los candidatos ya ha planteado sus propuestas para cautivar a la ciudadanía. En este contexto, el propósito de este artículo es documentar las preferencias de las personas respecto a distintas alternativas de diseño del sistema previsional, utilizando datos de la VII versión de la Encuesta de Protección Social realizada por la Subsecretaria de Previsión Social. Estos datos corresponden a una muestra de 7.800 personas que representa 13,4 millones de personas a lo largo del territorio nacional. Continuar leyendo...
Pretransplant Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Novais Teddy , Pongan Elodie , Gervais Frederic , Coste Marie-Hélène , Morelon Emmanuel , Krolak-Salmon Pierre , Vernaudon Julien
Published: July 2021

Background: In older patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), the decision of kidney transplantation (KT) is a challenge for nephrologists. The use of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is increasingly gaining interest into the process of decision-making about treatment modality choice for CKD. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of geriatric impairment and frailty in older dialysis and nondialysis patients with advanced CKD using a pretransplant CGA model and to identify geriatric impairments influencing the geriatricians’ recommendations for KT. Methods: An observational study was conducted with retrospective data from July 2017 to January 2020. Patients aged ≥65 years with advanced CKD, treated or not with dialysis, and referred by the nephrologist were included in the study. The CGA assessed comorbidity burden, cognition, mood, nutritional status, (instrumental) activities of daily living, physical function, frailty, and polypharmacy. Geriatric impairments influencing the geriatricians’ recommendations for KT were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results: 156 patients were included (74.2 ± 3.5 years and 62.2% on dialysis). Geriatric conditions were highly prevalent in both dialysis and nondialysis groups. The rate of geriatric impairments was higher in dialysis patients regarding comorbidity burden, symptoms of depression, physical function, autonomy, and frailty. Geriatrician’s recommendations for KT were as follows: favorable (79.5%) versus not favorable or multidisciplinary discussion needed with nephrologists (20.5%). Dependence for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.01 and 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30–7.31), physical functions (OR = 2.91 and 95% CI = 1.08–7.87), and frailty (OR = 2.66 and 95% CI = 1.07–6.65) were found to be independent geriatric impairments influencing geriatrician’s recommendations for KT. Conclusions: Understanding the burden of geriatric impairment provides an opportunity to direct KT decision-making and to guide interventions to prevent functional decline and preserve quality of life.
Albumin Infusion in Patients with Cirrhosis: Time for POCUS-Enhanced Physical Examination
Authors: Koratala Abhilash , Ronco Claudio , Kazory Amir
Published: July 2021

Objective assessment of fluid status is of utmost significance in the management of patients with complex disorders involving hemodynamics and multi-organ crosstalk such as cardiorenal or hepatorenal syndrome. The role of volume expansion using intravenous albumin in the setting of hepatorenal syndrome has been an everlasting debate among clinicians. With the accumulating evidence on the deleterious consequences of iatrogenic fluid overload, empiric albumin administration in these patients has been the focus of much attention, and the findings of recent studies suggest a higher incidence of pulmonary complications with albumin. Poor sensitivity of conventional physical examination has led to an interest in the utility of novel noninvasive bedside tools such as point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) to evaluate hemodynamics more precisely. Once confined to specialties such as obstetrics and emergency medicine, the scope of diagnostic POCUS is rapidly expanding in other fields including internal medicine and nephrology. Herein, we offer our perspective on the emerging role of POCUS for objective evaluation of patients with suspected hepatorenal physiology based on our experience. We propose that future clinical trials consider incorporating this strategy and explore the impact of POCUS-guided therapy on the outcomes.
Deconvolution of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Pathophysiology Using Transcriptomics Techniques
Authors: Deleersnijder Dries , Van Craenenbroeck Amaryllis H. , Sprangers Ben
Published: July 2021

Background: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a histopathological pattern of renal injury and comprises a heterogeneous group of clinical conditions with different pathophysiology, clinical course, prognosis, and treatment. Nevertheless, subtype differentiation in clinical practice often remains challenging, and we currently lack reliable diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers. The advent of new transcriptomics techniques in kidney research poses great potential in the identification of gene expression biomarkers that can be applied in clinical practice. Summary: Transcriptomics techniques have been completely revolutionized in the last 2 decades, with the evolution from low-throughput reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization techniques to microarrays and next-generation sequencing techniques, including RNA-sequencing and single-cell transcriptomics. The integration of human gene expression profiles with functional in vitro and in vivo experiments provides a deeper mechanistic insight into the candidate genes, which enable the development of novel-targeted therapies. The correlation of gene expression profiles with clinical outcomes of large patient cohorts allows for the development of clinically applicable biomarkers that can aid in diagnosis and predict prognosis and therapy response. Finally, the integration of transcriptomics with other “omics” modalities creates a holistic view on disease pathophysiology. Key Messages: New transcriptomics techniques allow high-throughput gene expression profiling of patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The integration with clinical outcomes and fundamental mechanistic studies enables the discovery of new clinically useful biomarkers that will finally improve the clinical outcome of patients with FSGS.
Coronary Artery Calcium Assessed Years Before Was Positively Associated With Subtle White Matter Injury of the Brain in Asymptomatic Middle-Aged Men: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Suzuki Harumitsu , Davis-Plourde Kendra , Beiser Alexa , Kunimura Ayako , Miura Katsuyuki , DeCarli Charles , Maillard Pauline , Mitchell Gary F. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Seshadri Sudha , Fujiyoshi Akira
Published: July 2021

Background:

Using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging, we previously showed a cross-sectional association between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, a measure of aortic stiffness, and subtle white matter injury in clinically asymptomatic middle-age adults. While coronary artery calcium (CAC) is a robust measure of atherosclerosis, and a predictor of stroke and dementia, whether it predicts diffusion tensor imaging-based subtle white matter injury in the brain remains unknown.

Methods:

In FHS (Framingham Heart Study), an observational study, third-generation participants were assessed for CAC (2002–2005) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (2009–2014). Outcomes were diffusion tensor imaging-based measures; free water, fractional anisotropy, and peak width of mean diffusivity. After excluding the participants with neurological conditions and missing covariates, we categorized participants into 3 groups according to CAC score (0, 0 < to 100, and >100) and calculated a linear trend across the CAC groups. In secondary analyses treating CAC score as continuous, we computed slope of the outcomes per 20 to 80th percentiles higher log-transformed CAC score using linear regression.

Results:

In a total of 1052 individuals analyzed (mean age 45.4 years, 45.4% women), 71.6%, 22.4%, and 6.0% had CAC score of 0, 0 < to 100, and >100, respectively. We observed a significant linear trend of fractional anisotropy, but not other measures, across the CAC groups after multivariable adjustment. In the secondary analyses, CAC was associated with lower fractional anisotropy in men but not in women.

Conclusions:

CAC may be a promising tool to predict prevalent subtle white matter injury of the brain in asymptomatic middle-aged men.
High Fructose‐Induced Hypertension and Renal Damage Are Exaggerated in Dahl Salt‐Sensitive Rats via Renal Renin‐Angiotensin System Activation
Authors: Xu Lusi , Hu Gaizun , Qiu Jiahe , Fan Yuxuan , Ma Yixuan , Miura Takahiro , Kohzuki Masahiro , Ito Osamu
Published: July 2021

Background

High‐fructose diet (HFr) induces hypertension and renal damage. However, it has been unknown whether the HFr‐induced hypertension and renal damage are exaggerated in subjects with salt sensitivity. We tested impacts of HFr in Dahl salt‐sensitive (DS) and salt‐resistant (DR) rats.

Methods and Results

Male DS and DR rats were fed control diet or HFr (60% fructose) with normal‐salt content. After 12 weeks, plasma and urinary parameters, renal histological characteristics, and renal expression of renin‐angiotensin system components were examined. Furthermore, effects of renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors were also examined in DS rats fed the HFr. HFr elevated blood pressure in DS rats but not in DR rats. HFr increased urinary albumin and liver type fatty acid binding protein excretions in both rats, but the excretions were exaggerated in DS rats. HFr increased plasma lipids and uric acid in both rats, whereas HFr increased creatinine clearance in DS rats but not DR rats. Although HFr decreased plasma renin activity in DS rats, HFr‐induced glomerular injury, afferent arteriolar thickening, and renal interstitial fibrosis were exaggerated in DS rats. HFr increased renal expression of angiotensinogen, renin, (pro)renin receptor, angiotensin‐converting enzyme, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor in DS rat, whereas HFr increased only angiotensin‐converting enzyme expression and decreased renin and angiotensin II type 1 receptor expressions in DR rats. Enalapril and candesartan attenuated the HFr‐induced hypertension, albuminuria, glomerular hyperfiltration, and renal damage in DS rats.

Conclusion

HFr‐induced hypertension and renal damage are exaggerated in DS rats via renal renin‐angiotensin system activation, which can be controlled by renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors.
Elevated Left and Right Atrial Pressures Long‐Term After Atrial Septal Defect Correction: An Invasive Exercise Hemodynamic Study
Authors: Karunanithi Zarmiga , Andersen Mads Jønsson , Mellemkjær Søren , Alstrup Mathias , Waziri Farhad , Skibsted Clemmensen Tor , Elisabeth Hjortdal Vibeke , Hvitfeldt Poulsen Steen
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite correction of the atrial septal defect (ASD), patients experience atrial fibrillation frequently and have increased morbidity and mortality. We examined physical capacity, cardiac performance, and invasive hemodynamics in patients with corrected ASD.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐eight corrected patients with isolated secundum ASD and 19 age‐matched healthy controls underwent right heart catheterization at rest and during exercise with simultaneous expired gas assessment and echocardiography. Maximum oxygen uptake was comparable between groups (ASD 32.7±7.7 mL O
2
/kg per minute, controls 35.2±7.5 mL O
2
/kg per minute,
P
=0.3), as was cardiac index at both rest and peak exercise. In contrast, pulmonary artery wedge v wave pressures were increased at rest and peak exercise (rest: ASD 14±4 mm Hg, controls 10±5 mm Hg,
P
=0.01; peak: ASD 25±9 mm Hg, controls 14±9 mm Hg,
P
=0.0001). The right atrial v wave pressures were increased at rest but not at peak exercise. The transmural filling pressure gradient (TMFP) was higher at peak exercise among patients with ASD (10±6 mm Hg, controls 7±3 mm Hg,
P
=0.03). One third of patients with ASD demonstrated an abnormal hemodynamic exercise response defined as mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≥25 mm Hg and/or mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥35 mm Hg at peak exercise. These patients had significantly elevated peak right and left atrial a wave pressures, right atrial v wave pressures, pulmonary artery wedge v wave pressures, and transmural filling pressure compared with both controls and patients with ASD with a normal exercise response.

Conclusions

Patients with corrected ASD present with elevated right and in particular left atrial pressures at rest and during exercise despite preserved peak exercise capacity. Abnormal atrial compliance and systolic atrial function could predispose to the increased long‐term risk of atrial fibrillation.

Registration Information

clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT03565471.
COVİD-19’UN İŞGÜCÜ PİYASASINA ETKİLERİ: BİR ARDL SINIR TESTİ YAKLAŞIMI
Authors: ÖZCAN HAN Fatma , AVUNDUK Hüseyin
Published: July 2021

Bu çalışmada günlük koronavirüs vaka sayısıyla kısa çalışma ödeneği arasında kısa ve uzun dönemli denge ilişkilerinin varlığı tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. 16 Mart 2020 ile 16 Nisan 2020 arasında kısa çalışma ödeneğine birinci başvuru döneminde ve 02 Aralık 2020 ile 31 Ocak 2021 arasındaki ikinci başvuru döneminde alınan günlük veriler üzerinden ARDL Sınır Testi Eviews 10 programı kullanılarak yapılmıştır. ARDL Sınır Testi sonuçlarına göre, her iki dönemdeki başvurularda günlük vaka sayısı ile kısa çalışma ödeneği arasında uzun dönemde anlamlı bir ilişki tespit edilememiştir. Ancak kısa dönemli hata düzeltme modelinin sonuçlarına göre günlük vaka sayısı ile kısa çalışma ödeneği başvuruları arasında anlamlı ve pozitif yönlü bir ilişki tespit edilmiştir. Kısa çalışma ödeneği ve Covid-19 günlük vaka sayısının aynı çalışmada incelendiği başka bir çalışmanın olmaması, bu çalışmayı özgün kılmakta dolayısıyla bu çalışmanın yazındaki boşluğu dolduracağı düşünülmektedir.
Rent-Seeking and Criminal Politicians: Evidence from Mining Booms
Authors: Asher Sam , Novosad Paul
Published: July 2021

We study how natural resource rents affect the selection and behavior of holders of public office. Using global price shocks to thirty-one minerals and nationwide geological and political data from India, we show that local mineral rent shocks cause the election of politicians charged with serious crimes. We also find a moral hazard effect: politicians commit more crimes and accumulate greater wealth when mineral prices rise during their terms in office. These politicians have direct influence over mining operations but no access to fiscal windfalls from mining; we thus isolate the direct political impacts of mining sector operations.
Why Is End-of-Life Spending So High? Evidence from Cancer Patients
Authors: Zeltzer Dan , Einav Liran , Finkelstein Amy , Shir Tzvi , Stemmer Salomon M. , Balicer Ran D.
Published: July 2021

We study the sources of high end-of-life spending for cancer patients. Even among patients with similar initial prognoses, spending in the year postdiagnosis is over twice as high for those who die within the year than those who survive. Elevated spending on decedents is predominantly driven by higher inpatient spending, particularly low-intensity admissions. However, most such admissions do not result in death, making it difficult to target spending reductions. Furthermore, end-of-life spending is substantially more elevated for younger patients, compared to older patients with similar prognoses. Results highlight sources of high end-of-life spending without revealing any natural “remedies.”
What Is the US Comparative Advantage in Entrepreneurship? Evidence from Israeli Migration to the United States
Authors: Conti Annamaria , Guzman Jorge A.
Published: July 2021

We investigate underlying sources of the US entrepreneurial ecosystem's advantage compared to other innovative economies by assessing the benefits that Israeli startups derive from migrating to the United States. Addressing positive sorting into migration, we show that migrants raise larger funding amounts and are more likely to have a U.S. trademark and be acquired than nonmigrants. Migrants also achieve a higher acquisition value. However, their patent output is not larger. We conclude that the United States entrepreneurial ecosystem's advantage vis-à-vis other innovative economies arises from several sources producing sizeable gains for startups. These sources are investor availability as well as large consumer and acquisitions markets.
The Effects of State Business Taxes on Plant Closures: Evidence from Unemployment Insurance Taxation and Multiestablishment Firms
Authors: Guo Audrey
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the extent to which state-level differences in business taxes influence the location decisions of multiestablishment firms. Each state in the United States administers their own unemployment insurance program, and cross-state variation leads to significant tax differences across state lines. This decentralized administration creates opposing employment incentives on the intensive and extensive margins depending on the economic conditions. Studying the locations of multistate manufacturing firms, I find that firms are more likely to exit from high-tax states during economic downturns, but high-tax plants experience more stable employment during nonrecession years.
Democracy and Firm Productivity: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Abeberese Ama Baafra , Barnwal Prabhat , Chaurey Ritam , Mukherjee Priya
Published: July 2021

While recent work suggests democracy does cause growth, the channels through which this effect occurs remain unclear. Exploiting quasi-random variation in the timing of district-level political regime changes induced by the collapse of President Suharto's government, we study the microlevel drivers of the democracy-growth relationship. Using Indonesian firm-level data, we find that democratization leads to an increase in firm productivity, a critical determinant of economic growth. Furthermore we find evidence of an improvement in the quality of local business regulations and the business environment for firms.
A new species of Lepiota (Agaricaceae) from Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: NIAZI ABDUL REHMAN , ASIF MUHAMMAD , IZHAR AIMAN , KHALID ABDUL NASIR
Published: July 2021

During our surveys of fungi of some areas adjacent to the Cholistan desert, Punjab, Pakistan, we collected a new species in Lepiota sect. Echinatae. It was found on loamy soil under Vachellia nilotica and is described and illustrated as new based on the distinct morphology and ITS nrDNA analysis. The new species, Lepiota haroonabadensis, is characterized macroscopically by a light yellowish orange pileus covered with brown squarrose scales, bright yellowish to yellowish red stipe with pale yellow spiny scales, and rudimentary annulus; and microscopically by ellipsoid basidiospores, narrowly clavate to clavate cheilocystidia, cylindrical to sub-cylindrical or ellipsoidal elements of the pileus covering and cylindrical to globose elements of the stipe covering. A full description, color photos, line illustrations and a phylogenetic tree to show the position of the new species are provided.
Aspiciliella pakistanica a new lichen species (Megasporaceae, Pertusariales, Ascomycota) from Pakistan
Authors: HABIB KAMRAN , FIRDOUS QUDSIA , SOHRABI MOHAMMAD , KHALID ABDUL NASIR
Published: July 2021

A new species in Megasporaceae, Aspiciliella pakistanica is described and illustrated from Pakistan. A comparative morpho–anatomical study and ITS–based molecular analysis confirmed its position within the recently resurrected genus Aspiciliella. The taxon is characterized by whitish–grey thalli having large and thick areoles without pale lines on the surface, and a discontinuous algal layer arranged in groups of vertical rows. Its positioning in a separate branch in the phylogenetic tree also makes it distinct from the other known species of the genus.
A new genus of Nearctic oak gall wasp, Grahamstoneia Melika & Nicholls, gen. nov. (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae, Cynipini)
Authors: MELIKA GEORGE , NICHOLLS JAMES A.
Published: July 2021

A new genus, Grahamstoneia Melika & Nicholls, gen. nov., with one new species, G. humboldti Melika & Nicholls, sp. nov., asexual generation, is described. This new taxon occurs in the south-western Nearctic, inducing galls on two species within Quercus section Protobalanus (Q. vacciniifolia Kellogg and Q. chrysolepis Liebm.), an ecology and distribution shared with the closely related genus Heteroecus Kinsey. Descriptions, diagnoses, biology, and host associations for the new genus and species are given. The new taxon is supported by morphological and molecular data.
A new species of the genus Apteroloma Hatch, 1927 (Coleoptera, Agyrtidae) from China
Authors: JIANG RI-XIN , ZHANG HONG-RUI , WANG SHUO
Published: July 2021

A new species of the genus Apteroloma Hatch, 1927 is described from China: Apteroloma qiului sp. nov. from Hubei Province. Habitus and diagnostic features of the adult are described and illustrated.
Application of Bulk Richardson Parameterizations of Surface Fluxes to Heterogeneous Land Surfaces
Authors: Lee Temple R. , Buban Michael , Meyers Tilden P.
Published: July 2021

Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) has long been used to represent surface–atmosphere exchange in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. However, recent work has shown that bulk Richardson (Rib) parameterizations, rather than traditional MOST formulations, better represent near-surface wind, temperature, and moisture gradients. So far, this work has only been applied to unstable atmospheric regimes. In this study, we extended Ribparameterizations to stable regimes and developed parameterizations for the friction velocity (u*), sensible heat flux (H), and latent heat flux (E) using datasets from the Land-Atmosphere Feedback Experiment (LAFE). We tested our new Ribparameterizations using datasets from the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment-Southeast (VORTEX-SE) and compared the new Ribparameterizations with traditional MOST parameterizations and MOST parameterizations obtained using the LAFE datasets. We found that fitting coefficients in the MOST parameterizations developed from LAFE datasets differed from the fitting coefficients in classical MOST parameterizations which we attributed to the land surface heterogeneity present in the LAFE domain. Regardless, the new Ribparameterizations performed just as well as, and in some instances better than, the classical MOST parameterizations and the MOST parameterizations developed from the LAFE datasets. The improvement was most evident forH, particularly forHunder unstable conditions, which was based on a better 1:1 relationship between the parameterized and observed values. These findings provide motivation to transition away from MOST and to implement bulk Richardson parameterizations into NWP models to represent surface–atmosphere exchange.
C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio Predicts Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Moderate to Severe Chronic Kidney Disease and Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Simsek Baris , Cinar Tufan , Inan Duygu , Ozhan Kazim Serhan , Sekerci Sena Sert , Tanık Veysel Ozan , Zeren Gonul , Avci Ilhan Ilker , Sinan Ümit Yaşar , Gungor Baris , Karabay Can Yucel
Published: July 2021

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of admission C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) for acute kidney injury (AKI) in cases with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) not on dialysis who presented with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and underwent coronary angiography (CAG). This cross-sectional and observational study included 420 NSTEMI patients. The study population was categorized based on the CAR tertiles as groups T1, T2, and T3. The primary outcome of the study was AKI development; 92 (21.9%) cases developed AKI. The frequency of AKI was significantly higher in the T3 group compared with the T2 and T1 groups (34% vs 17% vs 14%, P < .001). Age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, contrast media volume, and CAR (odds ratio: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17-1.57; P < .01) were significant predictors of AKI. In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, CAR levels >0.20 predicted AKI development with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 45%. We observed that the CAR may be a promising inflammatory parameter for AKI in NSTEMI patients with moderate to severe CKD after CAG.
Label-Free Fluorescent Aptasensor for Adenosine Triphosphate Detection Using SYBR Gold as a Probe
Authors: Deng Jun , Niu Mengyu , Liu Xingquan , Feng Jin , Ji Shuang , Guo Zhijun
Published: July 2021

In this experimental research, a label-free sensing strategy is developed and employed to detect adenosine triphosphate with utilization of aptamers, including exonuclease I and SYBR Gold. The conformation of aptamers bonding to the specific target molecule (ATP) is transformed into an antiparallel G-quadruplex structure from a random coil. Afterwards, considering the unfolded aptamers are the preferred substrates for exonuclease I, the addition of exonuclease I is used so as to digest unfolded aptamers in the mixture in a selective manner. In the follow-up study, in order to strengthen the fluorescence intensity, SYBR Gold is applied as a fluorescent probe. The aptasensor presents the features of high selectivity against adenosine triphosphate and the low detecting limit of concentrations (39.2 nM). In order to verify the validation of experimental procedures and the practical application of the aptasensor, the detection of adenosine triphosphate for human serum samples is performed with satisfactory success. The recovery result with the range of 93.8%–108.1% is desirable and suggests that the designed approach is applicable. The outcomes of the cellular adenosine triphosphate assay manifest that the level of adenosine triphosphate concentrations in cell extracts can be monitored without the interference of other substances in the cells. Subject to its advantageous benefits (cost-effective, easiness, rapidity, and extraordinary selectivity), the designed approach has a promising implication for adenosine triphosphate detection in the research domain of bioanalytical science and biology.
The Productivity Commission inquiry into mental health
Authors: Whiteford Harvey
Published: July 2021

The report of the Productivity Commission Inquiry into mental health was released in November 2020, estimating the economic cost of mental illness in Australia at over $200 billion a year. The report makes wide-ranging recommendations for improving the mental health of the population, reforming the mental health treatment system, and in the way mental health is managed in other sectors of society.
COVID-19 and loneliness: A rapid systematic review
Authors: Pai Nagesh , Vella Shae-Leigh
Published: July 2021

Background:

Loneliness is known to be associated with both poorer physical and mental health, being associated with increased mortality. Responses throughout the world to the current COVID-19 pandemic all incorporate varying degrees of social distancing and isolation. There is an imperative to provide a timely review and synthesis of the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness in the general population.

Methods:

PubMed was searched using the key terms ‘COVID-19’, ‘coronavirus’, ‘SARS-COV2’ and ‘loneliness’. Fifty-four articles were identified and screened against the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria stipulated that the study needed to incorporate a measure of loneliness with participants being drawn from the general adult population. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

The key data extracted from the 24 reviewed studies are presented and summarised with a focus on key demographics of participants, the research designs utilised, the measures of loneliness employed and the other variables assessed in the studies. Overall, the findings indicate that loneliness has been a significant issue during the current COVID-19 pandemic and loneliness is positively associated with mental health symptoms. However, there were inconsistencies in the results evident across studies.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of research investigating loneliness during the current COVID-19 pandemic in the general adult population. Despite the inconsistencies evident in some of the results across the studies, it is clearly apparent that loneliness is having an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the general adult population. Furthermore, it is apparent that the current COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on loneliness in the general adult population and that loneliness is significantly positively associated with mental illness symptomatology. Thus, there is an imperative to address loneliness through public policy and interventions. The limitations of this review are noted and directions given for future research.
Fast error calibration of Flexible Measuring Arm based on an adaptive Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Xinhua , Wang Jiahao , Zhao Lei , Li Bin , Zhou Haibo
Published: July 2021

With the development of measurement technology, the Flexible Measuring Arm (FMA) is widely used in quality test of automobile processing and industrial production. FMA is a kind of nonlinear system with many parameters. Low cost and efficient calibration method have become the focuses of attention. This article presents a fast calibration method for FMA based on an adaptive Genetic Algorithm (GA) just with several standard balls and a ball plate. It can greatly reduce the calibration cost than common external calibration method which needs high precision instruments and sensors. Firstly, the kinematic model of FMA is established by RPY theory. Secondly, the common GA is optimized and improved, and an adaptive mechanism is added to the algorithms which can realize the automatic adjustment of crossover and mutation operators. A Normalized Genetic Algorithm (NGA) with adaptive mechanism is proposed to complete the optimization calculation. It can improve the numbers of optimal individuals and the convergence speed. So, the search efficiency will be enhanced greatly. Finally, the Least square method (LSM), the General Genetic Algorithm (GGA), and the proposed NGA are respectively used to finish the calibration work. The compensation accuracy and the search efficiency with the above three different algorithms have been systematically analyzed. Experiment indicates that the performance of NGA is much better than LSM and GGA. The data also has proved that the LSM is suitable to complete optimization calculation for linear system. Its convergence stability is much poorer than NGA and GGA because of the ill-condition Jacobin matrix. GGA is easy to fall into local optimization because of the fixed operators. The proposed NGA obviously owns fast convergence speed, high accuracy and better stability than GGA. The position error is reduced from 3.17 to 0.5 mm after compensation with the proposed NGA. Its convergence rate is almost two time of GGA which applies constant genetic factors. The effectiveness and feasibility of proposed method are verified by experiment.
BRICS and Global Governance: Will the Grouping be able to Reform the United Nations Security Council?
Authors: Petrone Francesco
Published: July 2021

This article analyses the role played by the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries within the context of the reform of international institutions, in primis the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In recent years, the new emerging powers, among which the BRICS occupy a central position, have instigated a paradigm shift in international relations and global governance (GG). Furthermore, some scholars argue that the BRICS could inaugurate a new world order. Since the United Nations (UN) is one of the institutions in which these changes need to be more broadly reflected due to its global projection, it is doubtful if the BRICS will be able to bring about its reform. In fact, several debates were conducted about the need to reform the UN and, in particular, the Security Council (SC). In order to do this, the article examines the interests of the BRICS countries, within the group itself, and their vision for the UNSC. Only a common vision within the group could have specific effects in reforming the UNSC, thus giving a new shape to GG, which may not be possible. There are several obstacles from within the BRICS itself in this regard, despite the fact that during their summits, they have repeatedly called for the UN reforms.
Adapting to Frequent Changes: The Roles of Job Crafting and Personal Needs
Authors: Chen Lu , Tang Kaixuan
Published: July 2021

Drawing on the transactional theory of stress and self-regulation theory, we propose a conceptual framework to examine how change frequency relates to approach or avoidance adaptations. Multiwave, multisource data from a matched sample of 424 subordinates and their supervisors indicate that (a) approach and avoidance crafting mediates the negative relationship between change frequency and adaptivity, (b) the need for human connection weakens the relationship between change frequency and approach–avoidance crafting, (c) the need for control strengthens the relationship between change frequency and approach–avoidance crafting, and (d) change frequency has a weakened (strengthened) indirect effect on adaptivity via approach crafting and avoidance crafting when employees have a high need for human connection (control). This study expands the research on job crafting and adaptivity and provides practical implications for organizations undergoing or soon to undergo changes.
Reassessing Existential Constructs and Subjectivity: Freedom and Authenticity in Neoliberalism
Authors: Plesa Patric
Published: July 2021

In this article, I reassess two central existential constructs at their intersection with neoliberalism and the self-help industry. Freedom and authenticity, as theorized primarily in the Sartrean tradition, have been commodified by the neoliberal self-help industry into uncritical and universalizing concepts. As these contemporary caricatures of freedom and authenticity become popular, their effects on subjectivity can be problematic. I conduct a reassessment of these constructs to identify where power relations, universality, and misinterpretations not only propagate errors that become embodied in subjectivity but also demarcate inclusionary and exclusionary criteria for diverse subjectivities to access freedom and authenticity.
Sudden death due to non-traumatic rupture of splenic artery aneurysm
Authors: Anand Aditya , Khurana Sahil , Ateriya Navneet , Sunil Kumar Sharma G A
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Splenic artery aneurysm is a rare form of vascular pathology that carries a high risk of mortality once it gets ruptured. It has a prevalence of 1% and occurs due to thinning and dilatation of the arterial wall.

Case

We describe a case of a 35-year-old policeman who died suddenly. At medico-legal autopsy, intraperitoneal clotted blood about 1000 g and liquid blood about 3000 ml were seen. On further exploration, ruptured splenic artery aneurysm about 2.0 cm in diameter became visible near the hilum.

Conclusion

Rare cases typically present as sudden and unexpected death with intraperitoneal bleed and may be confused with blunt trauma abdomen. Therefore, splenic artery aneurysm is an appropriate differential diagnosis for sudden deaths and intraperitoneal bleeding, respectively.
Determination of the permeability coefficient and airflow resistivity of nonwoven materials
Authors: Yang Tao , Hu Lizhu , Petrů Michal , Wang Xiaomeng , Xiong Xiaoman , Yu Deyou , Mishra Rajesh , Militký Jiří
Published: July 2021

Air penetration behavior plays a vital role in the performance of fibrous material in various industrial applications. Two parameters, the permeability coefficient and airflow resistivity, can describe the air penetration behavior of fibrous material. FX 3300 Textech Tester III and AFD300 AcoustiFlow devices were used to respectively characterize the permeability coefficient and airflow resistivity of nonwoven materials. Nonwoven samples were compressed due to the load from the test head of the FX 3300. Finite element analysis along with the mathematical method were implemented to recover the airflow permeability of samples at the uncompressed state. The effects of pressure drop on the airflow velocity and permeability coefficient were analyzed by the Ergun-type model. The determination of airflow resistivity based on the permeability coefficient is carried out via two approaches, that is, the direct method and the extrapolation method. The results show that the airflow velocity is not linearly related to the pressure drop, which differs from Darcy's law. This non-linear relation is mainly attributed to the influence of frictional loss. By comparing the relative error between assessed and measured airflow resistivity, most of the assessed values of the compressed samples are overestimated. The results also suggest that the direct and extrapolation methods are applicable to assess airflow resistivity on an airflow velocity (or air permeability) test device. Moreover, the Ergun-type model is also applicable to determine the permeability coefficient and airflow resistivity of nonwoven materials.
Diversity Initiatives and White Americans’ Perceptions of Racial Victimhood
Authors: Kaiser Cheryl R. , Dover Tessa L. , Small Payton , Xia Gary , Brady Laura M. , Major Brenda
Published: July 2021

Seven experiments explore whether organizational diversity initiatives heighten White Americans’ concerns about the respect and value afforded toward their racial group and increase their perceptions of anti-White bias. The presence (vs. absence) of organizational diversity initiatives (i.e., diversity awards, diversity training, diversity mission statements) caused White Americans to perceive Whites as less respected and valued than Blacks and to blame a White man’s rejection for a promotion on anti-White bias. Several moderators were tested, including evidence that Whites were clearly advantaged within the organization, that the rejected White candidate was less meritorious than the Black candidate, that promotion opportunities were abundant (vs. scarce), and individual differences related to support for the status hierarchy and identification with Whites. There was little evidence that these moderators reduced Whites’ perceptions of diversity initiatives as harmful to their racial group.
Urban specters
Authors: Best Asha , Ramírez Margaret M
Published: July 2021

In this piece, we take up haunting as a spatial method to consider what geography can learn from ghosts. Following Avery Gordon’s theorizations of haunting as a sociological method, a consideration of the spectral offers a means of reckoning with the shadows of social life that are not always readily apparent. Drawing upon art installations in Brooklyn, NY, White Shoes (2012–2016), and Oakland, CA, House/Full of BlackWomen (2015–present), we find that in both installations, Black women artists perform hauntings, threading geographies of race, sex, and speculation across past and present. We observe how these installations operate through spectacle, embodiment, and temporal disjuncture, illuminating how Black life and labor have been central to the construction of property and urban space in the United States. In what follows, we explore the following questions: what does haunting reveal about the relationship between property, personhood, and the urban in a time of racial banishment? And the second, how might we think of haunting as a mode of refusing displacement, banishment, and archival erasure as a way of imagining “livable” urban futures in which Black life is neither static nor obsolete?
Histologic lesions of experimental infection with Lymantria dispar multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus and Lymantria dispar cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus in European gypsy moth caterpillars (Lymantria dispar dispar)
Authors: E. B. LaDouceur Elise , Hajek Ann E.
Published: July 2021

European gypsy moths ( Lymantria dispar dispar) are an invasive species in North America, and are listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as one of the 100 most destructive invasive species worldwide. They have several known viruses, some of which are used as biological control agents. However, there are no detailed descriptions of many entomopathogenic viral infections, including in European gypsy moths, using bright-field microscopy. In this study, 11 European gypsy moth caterpillars were evaluated histologically: 4 were experimentally infected with Lymantria dispar multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV; Baculoviridae); 4 were experimentally infected with Lymantria dispar cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (LdCPV; Reoviridae); 3 control animals were uninfected. A complete tissue set was evaluated in all animals from all groups using bright-field microscopy, including epidermis, cuticle, striated muscle, tracheae, foregut, midgut, hindgut, Malpighian tubules, hemocytes, fat body, and nervous system. LdMNPV-infected caterpillars had marked karyomegaly and intranuclear viral inclusions in cells of the epidermis, tracheae, fat body, and hemocytes. LdMNPV-infected caterpillars also had hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epidermal and tracheal epithelial cells. LdCPV-infected caterpillars had numerous granular eosinophilic intracytoplasmic viral inclusions in midgut epithelial cells. Both LdMNPV-infected and LdCPV-infected caterpillars had atrophy of fat body adipocytes; this change was more pronounced in LdCPV-infected caterpillars. This work provides the first detailed descriptions of these viral infections in European gypsy moth caterpillars using bright-field light microscopy and provides images of normal histology from control caterpillars.
Evaluation of Traffic Signal Systems Effectiveness in Connected Vehicle Environments Using Trajectory Analytics
Authors: Ostojic Marija , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: July 2021

One of the ways to design more effective signal control strategies is to leverage and synthesize connected vehicle generated (CVG) information to identify traffic states for the controller to operate in a predictive, yet vehicle-actuated manner. The contribution of this paper is twofold: (1) it presents a framework for an advanced, online, signal control logic in a connected environment that utilizes information from connected vehicles (CVs) to augment high-resolution controller and/or sensor data, and (2) it applies the trajectory analytics to compare the performance of the new controller schemes with CVG data and functionalities relative to conventional, vehicle-actuated, control. The framework puts forward a predictive control logic that schedules phases in an acyclic manner over a variable planning horizon. Phase duration is continually evaluated in response to updated requests for service distributed among equipped vehicles and associated performance indicators. Within the same connected control setup, two measures of effectiveness of a decision were compared to determine the upper bound on the potential effectiveness of a more responsive control strategy. Finally, trajectory analytics was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the CV technology-based control scheme against the conventional one. The findings indicate that both control system performance assessment and optimization objectives should change with access to CVG data. Unlike current state of the practice controllers, the developed method is able to handle high and low demand states equally well. The designed connected controller is shown to be robust in handling varying traffic conditions and demand levels.
Deep Learning for the Detection and Recognition of Rail Defects in Ultrasound B-Scan Images
Authors: Chen Zhengxing , Wang Qihang , Yang Kanghua , Yu Tianle , Yao Jidong , Liu Yong , Wang Ping , He Qing
Published: July 2021

Rail defect detection is crucial to rail operations safety. Addressing the problem of high false alarm rates and missed detection rates in rail defect detection, this paper proposes a deep learning method using B-scan image recognition of rail defects with an improved YOLO (you only look once) V3 algorithm. Specifically, the developed model can automatically position a box in B-scan images and recognize EFBWs (electric flash butt welds), normal bolt holes, BHBs (bolt hole breaks), and SSCs (shells, spalling, or corrugation). First, the network structure of the YOLO V3 model is modified to enlarge the receptive field of the model, thus improving the detection accuracy of the model for small-scale objects. Second, B-scan image data are analyzed and standardized. Third, the initial training parameters of the improved YOLO V3 model are adjusted. Finally, the experiments are performed on 453 B-scan images as the test data set. Results show that the B-scan image recognition model based on the improved YOLO V3 algorithm reached high performance in its precision. Additionally, the detection accuracy and efficiency are improved compared with the original model and the final mean average precision can reach 87.41%.
Travel Mode Choices in a Greening Market: The Impact of Electric Vehicles and Prior Investments
Authors: van Dijk Jeremy , Farsi Mehdi , Weber Sylvain
Published: July 2021

Through a choice experiment conducted among 995 Swiss respondents, we studied the linkages between prior investment decisions and the choice of travel mode. Our experimental design and empirical framework aimed to identify the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) and to test for two behavioral deviations from rationally optimal usage. Prior investment in a car or public transport pass could be used ex ante as a commitment device for overcoming self-control issues, or could affect mode choices ex post through the regret effect of sunk costs. We found no evidence to support the sunk cost hypothesis, but our findings provided partial evidence in favor of commitment mechanisms. A prior investment decision decreased the consumer’s responsiveness to variation of travel time. However, such commitments did not seem to influence responses to changes in marginal travel costs. Further, we found that EV adoption in the experiment did not result in a significant step-change in hypothetical usage patterns above rational marginal cost reactions. Our results thus reinforced the importance of financial incentives in policies aimed at a behavioral change in travel mode choices.