bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Template-induced Al distribution in MOR and enhanced activity in dimethyl ether carbonylation
Authors: Li Ying , Yu Man , Cai Kai , Wang Meiyan , Lv Jing , Howe Russell F. , Huang Shouying , Ma Xinbin
Published: April 2020

Template-induced Al distribution offers a strategy to improve the efficiency of DME carbonylation on H-MOR zeolite, which is a key step of ethanol production from syngas.
Benchmarking computational methods and influence of guest conformation on chirogenesis in zinc porphyrin complexes
Authors: Osadchuk Irina , Borovkov Victor , Aav Riina , Clot Eric
Published: April 2020

Different computational methods and influence of the guest conformation and solvent effect to analyze chirogenesis in zinc porphyrins by several chiral compounds have been investigated.
Rapidly and accurately shaping the intensity and phase of light for optical nano-manipulation
Authors: Tang Xionggui , Nan Fan , Yan Zijie
Published: April 2020

An approach for shaping light beam is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, which offers a promising potential for optical nano-manipulation.
A mechanistic study of the activation of small molecules (H2 and C2H2) by group 14 analogues of selenophene
Authors: Yang Ming-Chung , Su Ming-Der
Published: April 2020

In this study, the reactivity influenced by group 14 elements (E = C, Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb), which are used as substituents in heterocyclic five-membered rings, was theoretically examined by using density functional theory (B3PW91/def2-SVP).
Effects of CGA-N12 on the membrane structure of Candida tropicalis cells
Authors: Li Ruifang , Shi Weini , Zhang Ruiling , Huang Liang , Yi Yanjie , Li Aihua , Jing Hongjuan , Tao Mengke , Zhang Meng , Pei Nanqi
Published: April 2020

The antimicrobial peptide CGA-N12 (NH2-ALQGAKERAHQQ-COOH) is an active peptide derived from chromogranin A (CGA) and consists of the 65th to 76th amino acids of the N-terminus. The results of our previous studies showed that CGA-N12 exerts anti-Candida activity by inducing apoptosis without destroying the integrity of cell membranes. In this study, the effect of CGA-N12 on the cell membrane structure of Candida tropicalis was investigated. CGA-N12 resulted in the dissipation of the membrane potential, the increase in membrane fluidity, and the outflow of potassium ions in C. tropicalis without significantly changing the ergosterol level. Fluorescence quenching was applied to evaluate the membrane channel characteristics induced by CGA-N12 through detection of the following: membrane permeability of hydrated Cl− (ϕ ≈ 0.66 nm) using the membrane-impermeable halogen anion-selective fluorescent dye lucigenin, passage of the membrane-impermeable dye carboxyfluorescein (CF) (ϕ ≈ 1 nm) through the membrane, and membrane permeation of H3O+ based on the membrane non-permeable pH-sensitive fluorescent dye 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid, trisodium salt (HPTS). In conclusion, CGA-N12 can induce the formation of non-selective ion channels <1 nm in diameter in the membranes of C. tropicalis, resulting in the leakage of potassium ions, chloride ions, and protons, among others, leading to dissipation of the membrane potential. As a result, the fluidity of membranes is increased without destroying the synthesis of ergosterol is not affected.
The Value of Listening and Affective Factors in Managing People in 4.0
Authors: Eka Rini Julia
Published: April 2020

In an era where people are bombarded with continuous streams of information, it is now difficult to differentiate which news is true and which one is a hoax, which actually manipulates affective factors to manage people to believe it. This situation brings about two points that are worth paying attention to in dealing with people. First, with the quick spread of abundant information, it is as if people are forced to listen to anything these days and, therefore, lack of being listened to. Second, if affective factors are so easily manipulated for negative purposes, they can surely be cultivated for good purposes also. Therefore, listening and paying attention to affective factors in managing people could be the usual strategy to achieve an unusual result. This paper would give examples of what a teacher can do in a classroom or a manager in a company.
The Role of Peer to Peer Lending in Increasing Funding for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Linawati Nanik , Moeljadi Moeljadi , Djumahir Djumahir , Aisjah Siti
Published: April 2020

This study aims to describe the potential of MSMEs in Indonesia and the role of technology in the industrial era 4.0, especially in alternative funding in the form of Peer to Peer (P2P) Lending in providing funding solutions for MSMEs. This study uses a literature review including academic studies on MSME financing in Indonesia by using the results of previous studies and surveys on Indonesian MSME. The development of P2P Lending is the solution for MSMEs with no access to financial aid from banks.
The Revival of Indonesian Skin Care Brands
Authors: Evelyn Budiono Priscilla , Harjanti Dhyah , Stankevica Karina
Published: April 2020

Skincare business in Indonesia has been growing enormously in the last decade, with the coming of international brands and the struggling of local brands, to win the Indonesian customers. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of country of origin to purchase decision through the brand image, and the impact of country of origin on customer satisfaction for local Indonesian skin care brands. As this research is using the quantitative approach, the data are collected by using questionnaires which are distributed to selected samples of 179 respondents. The respondents are chosen from the consumers of Indonesian brands of skin care products. The data are analyzed with SmartPLS software. The results show that the country of origin has a positive influence to purchase decision, the country of origin has a positive influence on brand image, brand image has a positive influence on purchase decision, and, finally, brand image has a positive influence on customer satisfaction on local Indonesian brands of skin care products.
The Store Ambience in Beauty Salon Business in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Evaldo Sunefo Steven , Harjanti Dhyah
Published: April 2020

In big cities, the existence of a beauty salon is very expected among the life of their citizens. The social media, such as Instagram, also trigger the citizen to care for their physical appearances for their selfie pictures for posting their groups. As a beauty salon is offering services, the tangible aspects become crucial in attracting the customers. The aim of this research is to examine the influence of store atmosphere on satisfaction and loyalty among the beauty salon customers. This research belongs to the causal research, in which the data are collected from the sampling of a population, with the accidental sampling technique. The numbers of the sample are 200 respondents. The data, then, are processed with the assistance of a software application of SmartPLS. The results of the research are obtained as the store atmosphere has a positive significant influence on the customer satisfaction, the store atmosphere also has a positive significant influence on customer loyalty, and the customer satisfaction has appositive significant influences on customer loyalty.
Pathologisch-genetisch orientierte Diabetes-Reklassifizierung
Authors: Wagner Robert , Fritsche Andreas
Published: April 2020

Diabetes mellitus has been defined by hyperglycemia, but in addition to hyperglycemia, there are several other factors determining the clinical course and complications. We review the current classification of diabetes and recent attempts to identify new subphenotypes. Notably, there are anthropometry-pathophysiology based and genome-based subphenotyping approaches. They aim to improve the prediction of disease course and complications and could pave the way for precision medicine in the therapy of diabetes.
Analysis of Feature Extraction Methods for Prediction of 30-Day Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Sumner Joel , Alaeddini Adel
Published: April 2020

Objectives This article aims to determine possible improvements made by feature extraction methods to the machine learning prediction methods for predicting 30-day hospital readmissions.

Methods The study evaluates five feature extraction methods including principal component analysis (PCA), kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), isomap, Laplacian eigenmaps, and locality preserving projections (LPPs) for improving the accuracy of nine machine learning prediction methods in predicting 30-day hospital readmissions. The specific prediction methods considered include logistic regression, Cox regression, linear discriminant analysis, k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machines (SVMs), bagged trees, boosted trees, random forest, and artificial neural networks. All models are developed in MATLAB and validated using area under the curve based on two population-based data sets from partner hospitals.

Results Laplacian eigenmaps and isomap feature extraction provide the most improvement to the readmission predictive accuracy of KNN, SVM, bagged trees, boosted trees, and linear discriminant analysis methods. The results for artificial neural networks, random forest, Cox regression, and logistic regression show improvement for only one of the data sets. Also, PCA and LPP provided the best computation efficiency followed by KPCA, Laplacian eigenmaps, and isomap.

Conclusion Feature extraction methods can improve the predictive performance of machine learning methods for predicting readmissions. However, the improvement depended on the specific choice of the prediction method, feature extraction method, and the complexity of the data set features.
MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR FUSED WITH A SUPERNUMERARY TOOTH: REPORT OF A RARE CASE.
Authors: Shetty Urvashi Ashwin , Hegde Padmaraj , Shetty Pushparaja , M. Vidya , V. Sreelatha S. , D'Cruz Audrey Madonna , Shenoy Mangesh
Published: April 2020

Fusion is a developmental anomaly defined as the union of two normally separated tooth buds. Depending on the stage of development, fusion may be either complete or incomplete. The significance of this particular case was that this fusion occurred in a posterior permanent mandibular tooth with a supernumerary tooth which was impacted, while such a manifestation is more reported in maxillary anterior teeth; either in the primary (0.5%) or permanent (0.1%) dentition. The genetic basis for this anomaly is probably autosomal dominant with reduced penetrance. The clinical features, radiographic findings and the various etio-pathogenic possibilities of this unique tooth anomaly are discussed. In addition, the essential findings for differential diagnosis include number of teeth, radiography and clinical features are discussed.
The Role of Duplex Ultrasound in Microsurgical Reconstruction: Review and Technical Considerations
Authors: Cho Min-Jeong , Kwon Jin Geun , Pak Changsik John , Suh Hyunsuk Peter , Hong Joon Pio
Published: April 2020

Background With the technological advances, microsurgery has evolved to the era of supermicrosurgery since its inception. With the popularization of these flaps, proficiency in using tools such as color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) has become crucial. Despite the increased interest, studies regarding the role of ultrasound in microsurgical reconstruction are scarce. Therefore, in this study, we discussed currently available imaging modalities for reconstructive surgeons, types of ultrasound, and the role of ultrasound in microsurgical reconstruction, and made recommendations for ultrasound use in reconstructive surgery.

Methods We performed a computerized search of ultrasound in reconstructive surgery using the MEDLINE database. Data regarding ultrasound indications, usage, and outcomes were collected.

Results Of the 115 articles identified, the majority was written on nonreconstructive ultrasound uses (51.4%). For the reconstructive uses, mapping of perforators was the most common usage (39.1%), followed by flap monitoring and volume measurement. In addition, we found that there are a limited number of literature on the role of CDU in reconstructive surgery, especially on its intraoperative and postoperative use.

Conclusion CDU is a valuable and powerful tool for any reconstructive surgeons who are interested in performing microsurgery or supermicrosurgery. As the demand of customized flaps using superthin flaps, perforator-to-perforator anastomosis, and supermicrosurgery increases, understanding and becoming versatile in CDU will be critical. We hope our experience with using ultrasound and refinements that we made are helpful for those who would like to include it as a part of their armamentarium.
Molecular beam homoepitaxy on bulk AlN enabled by aluminum-assisted surface cleaning
Authors: Cho YongJin , Chang Celesta S. , Lee Kevin , Gong Mingli , Nomoto Kazuki , Toita Masato , Schowalter Leo J. , Muller David A. , Jena Debdeep , Xing Huili Grace
Published: April 2020

We compare the effectiveness of in situ thermal cleaning with that of Al-assisted cleaning of native surface oxides of bulk AlN for homoepitaxial growth by molecular beam epitaxy. Thermal deoxidation performed at 1450 °C in vacuum results in voids in the AlN substrate. On the other hand, Al-assisted deoxidation at ≈900°C results in high-quality AlN homoepitaxy, evidenced by clean and wide atomic terraces on the surface and no extended defects at the growth interface. This study shows that Al-assisted in situ deoxidation is effective in removing native oxides on AlN, providing a clean surface to enable homoepitaxial growth of AlN and its heterostructures; furthermore, it is more attractive over thermal deoxidation, which needs to be conducted at much higher temperatures due to the strong bonding strength of native oxides on AlN.
Demonstration of NV-detected ESR spectroscopy at 115 GHz and 4.2 T
Authors: Fortman Benjamin , Pena Junior , Holczer Karoly , Takahashi Susumu
Published: April 2020

High frequency electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy is an invaluable tool for identification and characterization of spin systems. Nanoscale ESR using the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center has been demonstrated down to the level of a single spin. However, NV-detected ESR has exclusively been studied at low magnetic fields, where the spectral overlap prevents clear identification of spectral features. In this work, we demonstrate NV-detected ESR measurements of single-substitutional nitrogen impurities in diamond at a NV Larmor frequency of 115 GHz and the corresponding magnetic field of 4.2 T. The NV-ESR measurements utilize a double electron-electron resonance sequence and are performed using both ensemble and single NV spin systems. In the single NV experiment, chirp pulses are used to improve the population transfer and for NV-ESR measurements. This work provides the basis for NV-based ESR measurements of external spins at high magnetic fields.
Linearization of moment tensor potentials for multicomponent systems with a preliminary assessment for short-range interaction energy in water dimer and trimer
Authors: Lomaka Andre , Tamm Toomas
Published: April 2020

Moment tensor potentials have been recently proposed as a promising novel method of polynomial expansion for the systematic approximation of molecular potential energy surfaces. However, its current formulation for multicomponent systems has not been fully linearized and requires nonlinear optimization techniques for parameter estimation. We propose an alternative relaxed formulation of the original potential energy function where parameter optimization is expressed as a linear sparse approximation problem. The main difficulty arising in sparse approximation is finding a suitable subset of predictors in highly multi-collinear variable space where the number of variables largely exceeds the size of the training set. To efficiently reduce the number of descriptors to an optimal size and prevent overfitting, we present a simple heuristic that is based on importance ranking of variables and Bayesian information criterion. For the empirical assessment of our approach, we employed published data on short-range components of water two-body and three-body interaction energies that have previously been used for the comparison of various potential energy representations. Numerical experiments suggest that our proposed methodology allows achieving accuracy that is comparable to other popular interpolation and machine learning techniques and requires significantly less time for model training than nonlinearly parameterized formulation.
LncRNA improves cold resistance of winter wheat by interacting with miR398
Authors: Lu Qiuwei , Guo Fuye , Xu Qinghua , Cang Jing
Published: April 2020

One of the important functions of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is to be competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). As miR398 is reported to respond to different stressors, it is necessary to explore its relationship with lncRNA in the cold resistance mechanism of winter wheat. Tae-miR398-precursor sequence was isolated from the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum). RLM-RACE verified that tae-miR398 cleaved its target CSD1. Quantitative detection at 5°C, –10°C and –25°C showed that the expression of tae-miR398 decreased in response to low temperatures, whereas CSD1 showed an opposite expression pattern. LncR9A, lncR117 and lncR616 were predicted and verified to interact with miR398. tae-miR398 and three lncRNAs were transferred into Arabidopsis thaliana respectively. The lncR9A were transferred into Brachypodium distachyom. Transgenic plants were cultivated at –8°C and assessed for the expression of malondialdehyde, chlorophyll, superoxide dismutase and miR398-lncRNA-target mRNA. The results demonstrate that tae-miR398 regulates low temperature tolerance by downregulating its target, CSD1. lncRNA regulates the expression of CSD1 indirectly by competitively binding miR398, which, in turn, affects the resistance of Dn1 to cold. miR398-regulation triggers a regulatory loop that is critical to cold stress tolerance in wheat. Our findings offer an improved strategy to crop plants with enhanced stress tolerance.
NOD2 modulates immune tolerance via the GM-CSF–dependent generation of CD103+dendritic cells
Authors: Prescott David , Maisonneuve Charles , Yadav Jitender , Rubino Stephen J. , Girardin Stephen E. , Philpott Dana J.
Published: April 2020

Four decades ago, it was identified that muramyl dipeptide (MDP), a peptidoglycan-derived bacterial cell wall component, could display immunosuppressive functions in animals through mechanisms that remain unexplored. We sought to revisit these pioneering observations because mutations inNOD2, the gene encoding the host sensor of MDP, are associated with increased risk of developing the inflammatory bowel disease Crohn’s disease, thus suggesting that the loss of the immunomodulatory functions of NOD2 could contribute to the development of inflammatory disease. Here, we demonstrate that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of MDP triggered regulatory T cells and the accumulation of a population of tolerogenic CD103+dendritic cells (DCs) in the spleen. This was found to occur not through direct sensing of MDP by DCs themselves, but rather via the production of the cytokine GM-CSF, another factor with an established regulatory role in Crohn’s disease pathogenesis. Moreover, we demonstrate that populations of CD103-expressing DCs in the gut lamina propria are enhanced by the activation of NOD2, indicating that MDP sensing plays a critical role in shaping the immune response to intestinal antigens by promoting a tolerogenic environment via manipulation of DC populations.
The Malt stone as evidence for a morphological archaism
Authors: Heltoft Lars
Published: April 2020

The form fauþr ‘father’ on the Malt stone is normally understood as a carving error for
faþur, but could very well be read at face value as a one-syllable form fǫðr, an archaic
accusative singular. In a wider Proto-Germanic context, I propose that this form is part of an early levelling process of the
kinship terms to one-syllable stem forms, an alternative paradigm co-existing with the classical hysterodynamic paradigm
documented in the Gothic singular. This levelling takes place not only in the plural, but also in the oblique cases of the
singular. In a Scandinavian context, this reading sheds light on a handful of seemingly aberrant forms.
Die Runeninschrift auf dem Rinderknochen von Břeclav, Flur Lány (Südmähren, Tschechische Republik)
Authors: Macháček Jiří , Nedoma Robert
Published: April 2020

During recent excavations at Břeclav-Lány (southern Moravia, Czech Republic), archaeologists have found a
fragmented bovine rib with runes. The rib was unearthed in an early Slavic pit-house and is radiocarbon- dated to ca. 600. The
inscription begins at the break line and reads xbemdo (probably tbemdo), representing six of the last
eight runes of the older fuþark – it seems that the lost piece of the rib exhibited the preceding part of the rune row. There is
reason to believe that the carver was a Langobard who did not join the migration into northern Italy in 568 (or, alternatively, a
Slav who learned and used the Germanic script?).
Framed motives of algebraic varieties (after V. Voevodsky)
Authors: Garkusha Grigory , Panin Ivan
Published: April 2020

A new approach to stable motivic homotopy theory is given. It is based on Voevodsky’s theory of framed correspondences. Using the theory, framed motives of algebraic varieties are introduced and studied in the paper. They are the major computational tool for constructing an explicit quasi-fibrant motivic replacement of the suspensionP1\mathbb P^1-spectrum of any smooth schemeX∈Sm/kX\in Sm/k. Moreover, it is shown that the bispectrum<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="left-parenthesis upper M Subscript f r Baseline left-parenthesis upper X right-parenthesis comma upper M Subscript f r Baseline left-parenthesis upper X right-parenthesis left-parenthesis 1 right-parenthesis comma upper M Subscript f r Baseline left-parenthesis upper X right-parenthesis left-parenthesis 2 right-parenthesis comma ellipsis right-parenthesis comma">(Mfr(X),Mfr(X)(1),Mfr(X)(2),…),\begin{equation*} (M_{fr}(X),M_{fr}(X)(1),M_{fr}(X)(2),\ldots ), \end{equation*}each term of which is a twisted framed motive ofXX, has the motivic homotopy type of the suspension bispectrum ofXX. Furthermore, an explicit computation of infiniteP1\mathbb P^1-loop motivic spaces is given in terms of spaces with framed correspondences. We also introduce big framed motives of bispectra and show that they convert the classical Morel–Voevodsky motivic stable homotopy theory into an equivalent local theory of framed bispectra. As a topological application, it is proved that the framed motiveMfr(pt)(pt)M_{fr}(pt)(pt)of the pointpt=Spec⁡kpt=\operatorname {Spec} kevaluated atptptis a quasi-fibrant model of the classical sphere spectrum whenever the base fieldkkis algebraically closed of characteristic zero.
Network-principled deep generative models for designing drug combinations as graph sets
Authors: Karimi Mostafa , Hasanzadeh Arman , Shen Yang
Published: April 2020

Motivation

Combination therapy has shown to improve therapeutic efficacy while reducing side effects. Importantly, it has become an indispensable strategy to overcome resistance in antibiotics, antimicrobials and anticancer drugs. Facing enormous chemical space and unclear design principles for small-molecule combinations, computational drug-combination design has not seen generative models to meet its potential to accelerate resistance-overcoming drug combination discovery.

Results

We have developed the first deep generative model for drug combination design, by jointly embedding graph-structured domain knowledge and iteratively training a reinforcement learning-based chemical graph-set designer. First, we have developed hierarchical variational graph auto-encoders trained end-to-end to jointly embed gene–gene, gene–disease and disease–disease networks. Novel attentional pooling is introduced here for learning disease representations from associated genes’ representations. Second, targeting diseases in learned representations, we have recast the drug-combination design problem as graph-set generation and developed a deep learning-based model with novel rewards. Specifically, besides chemical validity rewards, we have introduced novel generative adversarial award, being generalized sliced Wasserstein, for chemically diverse molecules with distributions similar to known drugs. We have also designed a network principle-based reward for disease-specific drug combinations. Numerical results indicate that, compared to state-of-the-art graph embedding methods, hierarchical variational graph auto-encoder learns more informative and generalizable disease representations. Results also show that the deep generative models generate drug combinations following the principle across diseases. Case studies on four diseases show that network-principled drug combinations tend to have low toxicity. The generated drug combinations collectively cover the disease module similar to FDA-approved drug combinations and could potentially suggest novel systems pharmacology strategies. Our method allows for examining and following network-based principle or hypothesis to efficiently generate disease-specific drug combinations in a vast chemical combinatorial space.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/Shen-Lab/Drug-Combo-Generator.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
From the butterfly’s point of view: learned colour association determines differential pollination of two co-occurring mock verbains byAgraulis vanillae(Nymphalidae)
Authors: Drewniak M Eugenia , Briscoe Adriana D , Cocucci Andrea A , Beccacece Hernán M , Zapata Adriana I , Moré Marcela
Published: April 2020

Learning plays an important role in the location and utilization of nectar sources for pollinators. In this work we focus on the plant-pollinator interaction between the butterfly Agraulis vanillae (Nymphalidae) and two Glandularia plant species (Verbenaceae) that grow in sympatry. Bioassays using arrays of artificial flowers (red vs. lilac-purple) showed that naïve A. vanillae butterflies do not have innate colour preferences for any of the tested colours. Trained butterflies were able to learn to associate both floral colours with the presence of nectar rewards. Wild A. vanillae butterflies visited the red flowers of Glandularia peruviana much more frequently than the lilac-purple flowers of Glandularia venturii. Standing nectar crop measurements showed that G. peruviana flowers offered three times more sucrose than the flowers of G. venturii. Analyses confirmed that corolla colour of G. peruviana (red flowers) and G. venturii (lilac-purple flowers) were discriminable in the butterfly’s colour space. These findings may indicate flexibility in A. vanillae preferences due to a learned association between red coloration and higher nectar rewards.
Intraspecific variation in a lizard from the Central Mexican Plateau: intersexual differences in size and shape explored
Authors: Lozano Abraham , Ramírez-Bautista Aurelio , Cruz-Elizalde Raciel
Published: April 2020

Morphological adaptations of individuals are directly (or indirectly) determined by the environment. Depending on sex, these adaptations may vary in different ways, given that different selective forces may be operating on organisms. Here, we evaluate intraspecific morphological variation (size and shape) in two populations of Sceloporus grammicus that occur in different structural habitats (trees and rocks). No difference in overall body size was found between the two populations. However, strong differences were found in body shape; the tree population was characterized by having shorter hindlimb proportions than the rock population, which agrees with the theory of biomechanical models. Furthermore, our results show that this species is dimorphic in size and shape, both in sex and population effects. A review of the literature suggests that the large overall body size and relatively longer distal segments of males could be an advantage for defending their territory, and the observation that females had relatively longer head length may be related to trophic niche divergence; however, this remains to be tested. Detailed quantification of behaviour, performance and reproductive characteristics must be performed to shed light on the evolution of sexual dimorphism in this widely distributed species in Mexico.
In Their Own Words: Student Perceptions of Restorative Practices
Authors: Skrzypek Candra , Bascug Erin W , Ball Annahita , Kim Wooksoo , Elze Diane
Published: April 2020

Restorative practices (RPs) are promising nonpunitive approaches to discipline in schools, yet researchers often overlook students’ perspectives. The current study used a mixed-methods approach to explore RP Circle experiences of urban, low-income, and predominantly Black middle school students with attention to the diversity of their experiences by grade level, race, and gender. Quantitative results indicated that younger students reported learning about their behavior by participating in RP Circles. In general, boys felt that Circles supported their nonviolent problem-solving skills more than girls did. Black girls were significantly less likely to endorse the effectiveness of RP Circles to help them solve problems without violence and help them learn about their behavior in comparison with girls of other racial or ethnic backgrounds. Qualitative findings highlighted the benefits of RP Circles in promoting communication, expressing thoughts and feelings, pers pective taking, and opportunity for learning. The study highlights the importance of approaching RP from an intersectional lens and integrating youths’ perspectives into programming.
Lipid-lowering drugs
Authors: Sirtori Cesare R. , Ruscica Massimiliano
Published: April 2020

Hyperlipidaemias, multifactorial conditions partly genetically and partly life habit induced, are the most important underlying risk factors for cardiovascular disease. They can lead to arterial lipid deposition with a consequent increased risk of coronary events. The primary effort in hypolipidaemic drug therapy is focused on the lowering of the primary carriers of cholesterol, the low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), but more recent efforts have been placed on the lowering of triglycerides. Reduced levels of the protective high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are generally considered a primary risk factor, ‘dysfunctional’ HDL may probably be a more important factor. Among drugs primarily reducing LDL cholesterol the most important systemic agents are statins. Non-systemic agents, such as resins, have a lesser use, whereas ezetimibe is frequently given in combination with statins. A new series of systemic compounds, the inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), recently available, have a higher activity on LDL cholesterol. Drugs indicated for the treatment of the homozygous forms of hypercholesterolaemia are lomitapide, an inhibitor of the microsomal transfer protein, and the antisense nucleotide mipomersen, designed to inhibit synthesis of apolipoprotein B. Treatment of hypertriglyceridaemias mainly relies on fibrates, activating the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-α‎. They treat particularly the atherogenic dyslipidaemias (elevated triglycerides with low HDL cholesterol). Nicotinic acid is less frequently used and the omega-3 fatty acids have an as yet unclear cardiovascular protective activity.
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis
Authors: Montani David , Girerd Barbara , Lau Edmund , Humbert Marc
Published: April 2020

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) and pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis (PCH) are rare causes of pulmonary hypertension, and they are now known to represent manifestations of a common disease characterized by fibrous remodelling of the small pulmonary veins and endothelial cell proliferation within the pulmonary capillaries. Heritable PVOD and PCH are caused by the same genetic defect of biallelic mutations of the EIF2AK4 gene. Other risk factors associated with the development of PVOD/PCH include chemotherapy treatment, organic solvent exposure, and systemic sclerosis.
Urogynaecology
Authors: Jefferis Helen , Price Natalia
Published: April 2020

Urogynaecological problems are one of the most common reasons that women are referred to the hospital services, and can account for up to a fifth of the gynaecological surgery waiting list at any time. Pelvic floor problems can have a huge impact on the patient’s quality of life, and therefore should be managed appropriately. Succinct yet comprehensive, this new addition to the Oxford Specialist Handbooks in Obstetrics and Gynaecology series covers all aspects of pelvic floor function and dysfunction, and approaches to assessment and management in all compartments (the bladder, reproductive system, and bowel). Special chapters are dedicated to urogynaecological issues in pregnancy and childbirth, and also to the effects of age on the pelvic floor. Covering all material needed for those undertaking the RCOG advanced training skills module in urogynaecology and vaginal surgery, this is an invaluable guide for both senior general trainees in gynaecology, and subspecialty trainees in urogynaecology.
Binary deviations from single object astrometry
Authors: Penoyre Zephyr , Belokurov Vasily , Wyn Evans N , Everall A , Koposov S E
Published: April 2020

Most binaries are undetected. Astrometric reductions of a system using the assumption that the object moves like a single point mass can be biased by unresolved binary stars. The discrepancy between the centre of mass of the system (which moves like a point mass) and the centre of light (which is what we observe) introduces additional motion. We explore the extent to which binary systems affect single object model fit to astrometric data. This tells us how observations are diluted by binaries and which systems cause the largest discrepancies – but it also allows us to make inferences about the binarity of populations based on observed astrometric error. By examining a sample of mock observations, we show that binaries with periods close to 1 yr can mimic parallax and thus bias distance measurements, while long-period binaries can introduce significant apparent proper motion. While these changes can soak up some of the error introduced by the binary, the total deviation from the best-fitting model can be translated into a lower limit on the on-sky separation of the pair. Throughout, we link these predictions to data from the Gaia satellite, while leaving the conclusions generalizable to other surveys.
The impact of quenching on galaxy profiles in the simba simulation
Authors: Appleby Sarah , Davé Romeel , Kraljic Katarina , Anglés-Alcázar Daniel , Narayanan Desika
Published: April 2020

We study specific star formation rate (sSFR) and gas profiles of star-forming (SF) and green valley (GV) galaxies in the simba cosmological hydrodynamic simulation. SF galaxy half-light radii (Rhalf) at z = 0 and their evolution (∝(1 + z)−0.78) agree with observations. Passive galaxy Rhalf agree with observations at high redshift, but by z = 0 are too large, owing to numerical heating. We compare simbaz = 0 sSFR radial profiles for SF and GV galaxies to observations. simba shows strong central depressions in star formation rate (SFR), sSFR, and gas fraction in GV galaxies and massive SF systems, qualitatively as observed, owing to black hole X-ray feedback, which pushes central gas outwards. Turning off X-ray feedback leads to centrally peaked sSFR profiles as in other simulations. In conflict with observations, simba yields GV galaxies with strongly dropping sSFR profiles beyond ≳Rhalf, regardless of active galactic nucleus feedback. The central depression owes to lowering molecular gas content; the drop in the outskirts owes to reduced star formation efficiency. simba’s satellites have higher central sSFR and lower outskirts sSFR than centrals, in qualitative agreement with observations. At z = 2, simba does not show central depressions in massive SF galaxies, suggesting simba’s X-ray feedback should be more active at high-z. High-resolution tests indicate central sSFR suppression is not sensitive to numerical resolution. Reproducing the central sSFR depression in z = 0 GV galaxies represents a unique success of simba. The remaining discrepancies highlight the importance of SFR and gas profiles in constraining quenching mechanisms.
Dynamical friction with radiative feedback – II. High-resolution study of the subsonic regime
Authors: Velasco Romero David A , Masset Frédéric S
Published: April 2020

Recent work has suggested that the net gravitational force acting on a massive and luminous perturber travelling through a gaseous and opaque medium can have same direction as the perturber’s motion (an effect sometimes called negative dynamical friction). Analytic results were obtained using a linear analysis and were later confirmed by means of non-linear numerical simulations which did not resolve the flow within the Bondi sphere of the perturber, hence effectively restricted to weakly perturbed regions of the flow. Here we present high-resolution simulations, using either 3D Cartesian or 2D cylindrical meshes that resolve the flow within the Bondi sphere. We perform a systematic study of the force as a function of the perturber’s mass and luminosity, in the subsonic regime. We find that perturbers with mass M smaller than a few Mc ∼ χcs/G are subjected to a thermal force with a magnitude in good agreement with linear theory (χ being the thermal diffusivity of the medium, cs the adiabatic sound speed, and G the gravitational constant), while for larger masses, the thermal forces are only a fraction of the linear estimate that decays as M−1. Our analysis confirms the possibility of negative friction (hence a propulsion) on sufficiently luminous, low-mass embryos embedded in protoplanetary discs. Finally, we give an approximate expression of the total force at low Mach number, valid both for subcritical (M < Mc) and supercritical (M > Mc) perturbers.
X-ray observations of luminous dusty quasars at z > 2
Authors: Lansbury G B , Banerji M , Fabian A C , Temple M J
Published: April 2020

We present new X-ray observations of luminous heavily dust-reddened quasars (HRQs) selected from infrared (IR) sky surveys. HRQs appear to be a dominant population at high redshifts and the highest luminosities, and may be associated with a transitional ‘blowout’ phase of black hole and galaxy co-evolution models. Despite this, their high-energy properties have been poorly known. We use the overall sample of 10 objects with XMM–Newton coverage to study the high-energy properties of HRQs at $\langle$Lbol$\rangle$ =1047.5 erg s−1 and $\langle$z$\rangle$ =2.5. For seven sources with strong X-ray detections, we perform spectral analyses. These find a median X-ray luminosity of $\left\langle L_{\rm 2\!-\!10\, keV} \right\rangle = 10^{45.1}$ erg s−1, comparable to the most powerful X-ray quasars known. The gas column densities are NH = (1–8) × 1022 cm−2, in agreement with the amount of dust extinction observed. The dust-to-gas ratios are sub-Galactic, but are higher than found in local AGN. The intrinsic X-ray luminosities of HRQs are weak compared to the mid-IR ($L_{\rm 6\, \mu m}$) and bolometric luminosities (Lbol), in agreement with findings for other luminous quasar samples. For instance, the X-ray to bolometric corrections range from κbol ≈ 50 to 3000. The moderate absorption levels and accretion rates close to the Eddington limit ($\langle$λEdd$\rangle$ =1.06) are in agreement with a quasar blowout phase. Indeed, we find that the HRQs lie in the forbidden region of the NH–λEdd plane, and therefore that radiation pressure feedback on the dusty interstellar medium may be driving a phase of blowout that has been ongoing for a few 105 yr. The wider properties, including [O iii] narrow-line region kinematics, broadly agree with this interpretation.
C-Reactive Protein Level May Predict the Risk of COVID-19 Aggravation
Authors: Wang Guyi , Wu Chenfang , Zhang Quan , Wu Fang , Yu Bo , Lv Jianlei , Li Yiming , Li Tiao , Zhang Siye , Wu Chao , Wu Guobao , Zhong Yanjun
Published: April 2020

Background

Clinical findings indicated that a fraction of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients diagnosed as mild early may progress to severe cases. However, it is difficult to distinguish these patients in the early stage. The present study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of these patients, analyze related factors, and explore predictive markers of the disease aggravation.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data of nonsevere adult COVID-19 patients in Changsha, China, were collected and analyzed on admission. A logistic regression model was adopted to analyze the association between the disease aggravation and related factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was utilized to analyze the prognostic ability of C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results

About 7.7% (16/209) of nonsevere adult COVID-19 patients progressed to severe cases after admission. Compared with nonsevere patients, the aggravated patients had much higher levels of CRP (median [range], 43.8 [12.3–101.9] mg/L vs 12.1 [0.1–91.4] mg/L; P = .000). A regression analysis showed that CRP was significantly associated with aggravation of nonsevere COVID-19 patients, with an area under the curve of 0.844 (95% confidence interval, 0.761–0.926) and an optimal threshold value of 26.9 mg/L.

Conclusions

CRP could be a valuable marker to anticipate the possibility of aggravation of nonsevere adult COVID-19 patients, with an optimal threshold value of 26.9 mg/L.
Medical Students Are Not Essential Workers: Examining Institutional Responsibility During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Menon Anitha , Klein Edwin J. , Kollars Kate , Kleinhenz Alissa L.W.
Published: April 2020

In light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) released a joint statement in March 2020 recommending an immediate suspension of medical student participation in direct patient contact. As graduating medical students who will soon begin residency, the authors fully support this recommendation. Though paid health care workers, like residents, nurses, and environmental services staff, are essential to the management of COVID-19 patients, medical students are not. Students’ continued involvement in direct patient care will contribute to SARS-CoV-2 exposures and transmissions and will waste already limited personal protective equipment. By decreasing nonessential personnel in health care settings, including medical students, medical schools will contribute to national and global efforts to “flatten the curve.”

The authors also assert that medical schools are responsible for ensuring medical student safety. Without the protections provided to paid health care workers, students are uniquely disadvantaged within the medical hierarchy; these inequalities must be addressed before medical students are safely reintegrated into clinical roles. Although graduating medical students and institutional leadership may worry that suspending clinical rotations might prevent students from completing graduation requirements, the authors argue the ethical obligation to “flatten the curve” supersedes usual teaching responsibilities. Therefore, the authors request further guidance from the LCME and AAMC regarding curricular exemptions/alternatives and adjusted graduation timelines. The pool of graduating medical students affected by this pause in direct patient contact represents a powerful reserve, which may soon need to be used as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge the U.S. health care infrastructure.
Home Surgical Skill Training Resources for Obstetrics and Gynecology Trainees During a Pandemic
Authors: Hoopes Sarah , Pham Truce , Lindo Fiona M. , Antosh Danielle D.
Published: April 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a unique educational circumstance in which medical students, residents, and fellows find themselves with a gap in their surgical training. We reviewed the literature, and nine categories of resources were identified that may benefit trainees in preventing skill decay: laparoscopic box trainers, virtual reality trainers, homemade simulation models, video games, online surgical simulations, webinars, surgical videos, smartphone applications, and hobbies including mental imagery. We report data regarding effectiveness, limitations, skills incorporated, cost, accessibility, and feasibility. Although the cost and accessibility of these resources vary, they all may be considered in the design of remote surgical training curricula during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wrist Arthrodesis in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Vergara-Amador Enrique , Franco-Chaparro Lina
Published: April 2020

Wrist treatment in spastic cerebral palsy includes splints, botulinum toxin, tendon transfers, tendon lengthening, capsular liberations, and arthrodesis. A well-indicated wrist arthrodesis corrects deformity improving function and cosmetic appearance in patients with fixed deformities. It is indicated in patients with cerebral palsy, older than 12 years with a fixed deformity in wrist flexion. We report 11 clinical cases with the wrist arthrodesis with a plate of 3.5 with 2.7 mm by dorsal approach and technical resources to minimize the complications of tendon irritation and dorsal discomfort. We present an illustrative clinical case. It is a known procedure, its execution must be careful to avoid complications.
SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FEATURES OF VITREORETINAL LYMPHOMA IN 55 EYES
Authors: Yang Xiaolu , Dalvin Lauren A. , Mazloumi Mehdi , Ferenczy Sandor , Lim Li-Anne S. , Ancona-Lezama David , Shields Jerry A. , Mashayekhi Arman , Shields Carol L.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL).

Methods:

Review of records and SD-OCT images of vitreoretinal lymphoma evaluated at Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital between July 1, 2000, and April 1, 2019.

Results:

There were 55 eyes of 32 patients included. At presentation, SD-OCT features included vitreous opacities (n = 36, 65%), preretinal deposits (n = 7, 13%), intraretinal deposits (n = 8, 15%), subretinal deposits (n = 20, 36%), retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities (n = 35, 64%), and subretinal pigment epithelium deposits (n = 35, 64%). Of 36 eyes with observed tumor progression, comparison (initial visit vs. time of progression) revealed more intraretinal deposits (17% vs. 50%, P = 0.005) at progression. Of 15 eyes with tumor recurrence, comparison (initial visit vs. time of recurrence) revealed more intraretinal deposits (7% vs. 47%, P = 0.04) at recurrence. At last visit, 39 eyes demonstrated tumor regression. By comparison (initial presentation vs. regression), there were less frequent vitreous opacities (67% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), intraretinal deposits (15% vs. 0%, P = 0.03), subretinal deposits (36% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), and subretinal pigment epithelium deposits (69% vs. 21%, P < 0.001) at regression.

Conclusion:

Using SD-OCT in patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma, local tumor regression correlated with a reduction in vitreous opacities, intraretinal deposits, subretinal deposits, and subretinal pigment epithelium deposits. SD-OCT is useful in judging vitreoretinal lymphoma response to therapy.