bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo simulation to study the effect of molecular spin state on the spatio-temporal evolution of equilibrium magnetic properties of magnetic tunnel junction based molecular spintronics devices
Authors: Grizzle Andrew , D’Angelo Christopher , Tyagi Pawan
Published: January 2021

With a variable spin state, paramagnetic molecules can affect the impact of magnetic exchange coupling strength between two ferromagnetic electrodes. Our magnetic tunnel junction based molecular spintronics devices (MTJMSD) were successful in connecting paramagnetic single molecular magnet (SMM) between two ferromagnetic electrodes. Isolated SMM exhibited a wide range of spin states. However, it was extremely challenging to identify the SMM spin state when connected to the ferromagnetic electrodes. Our prior experimental and Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS) studies showed that paramagnetic molecules produced unprecedented strong antiferromagnetic coupling between two ferromagnets at room temperature. The overall antiferromagnetic coupling occurred when a paramagnetic SMM made antiferromagnetic coupling to the first electrode and ferromagnetic coupling to the second ferromagnetic electrode. This paper studies the impact of variable molecular spin states of the SMMs, producing strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the ferromagnetic electrodes of MTJMSD. The MTJMSD used in this study was represented by an 11 x 50 x 50 Ising model, with 11 being the thickness of the MTJMSD and 5 x 10 x 50 being each electrode’s size. We employed a continuous MCS algorithm to investigate SMM’s spin state’s impact as a function of molecular exchange coupling strength and thermal energy.
Energetics and fear of humans constrain the spatial ecology of pumas
Authors: Nickel Barry A. , Suraci Justin P. , Nisi Anna C. , Wilmers Christopher C.
Published: January 2021

Significance

The physical landscape and the need to avoid predation risk both exert costs on animal movement. Yet how these fundamental factors interact to ultimately determine wildlife space use remains unknown, leaving open the question of how short-term movement costs drive long-term processes such as home range formation. We used data from collared pumas (
Puma concolor
) to integrate the costs of physical terrain and predation risk (from humans) in a common currency, energy. We show that both factors affect short-term movement costs and that, cumulatively, short-term costs constrain long-term space use (e.g., home range area). The relatively greater short- and long-term energetic cost of avoiding human-induced risk highlights the important role that risk plays in shaping an animal’s “energy landscape.”
Bistability in oxidative stress response determines the migration behavior of phytoplankton in turbulence
Authors: Carrara Francesco , Sengupta Anupam , Behrendt Lars , Vardi Assaf , Stocker Roman
Published: January 2021

Significance

Turbulence has long been known to drive phytoplankton fitness and species succession: motile species dominate in calmer environments and non-motile species in turbulent conditions. Yet a mechanistic understanding of the effect of turbulence on phytoplankton migratory behavior and physiology is lacking. By combining a method to generate turbulent cues, quantification of stress accumulation and physiology, and a mathematical model of stress dynamics, we show that motile phytoplankton use their mechanical stability to sense the intensity of turbulent cues and integrate these cues in time via stress signaling to trigger switches in migratory behavior. The stress-mediated warning strategy we discovered provides a paradigm for how phytoplankton cope with turbulence, thereby potentially governing which species will be successful in a changing ocean.
Time-evolving controllability of effective connectivity networks during seizure progression
Authors: Scheid Brittany H. , Ashourvan Arian , Stiso Jennifer , Davis Kathryn A. , Mikhail Fadi , Pasqualetti Fabio , Litt Brian , Bassett Danielle S.
Published: January 2021

Significance

Responsive neurostimulation is an increasingly accessible treatment for medication-resistant epilepsy that aims to suppress seizures using electrical stimulation from implanted intracranial electrodes. However, the optimal cortical location and time point for intervening once a seizure begins are not well understood. Here we represent a seizure as a series of effective connectivity networks over time and compute metrics of network controllability and optimal control energy. Our results allow us to characterize when and where the brain network may be the most responsive to an external stimulus.
Abscisic acid regulates secondary cell-wall formation and lignin deposition in
Arabidopsis thaliana
through phosphorylation of NST1
Authors: Liu Chang , Yu Hasi , Rao Xiaolan , Li Laigeng , Dixon Richard A.
Published: January 2021

Significance

Lignin deposition in plants is affected by environmental stress, and stress-signaling involves increases in the levels of the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA). Here we show, using a combination of biochemical and genetic approaches, how ABA can regulate lignin biosynthesis. This involves phosphorylation of the master lignin transcription factor NST1 by a family of protein kinases (SnRK2s) that are themselves activated by phosphorylation as a result of ABA recognition by its receptor. This work provides a basis for designing trees and other biomass plants that are better adapted to stress and climate change.
Nanopore-mediated protein delivery enabling three-color single-molecule tracking in living cells
Authors: Chen Zhongwen , Cao Yuhong , Lin Chun-Wei , Alvarez Steven , Oh Dongmyung , Yang Peidong , Groves Jay T.
Published: January 2021

Significance

Multichannel single-molecule tracking is a powerful tool to probe molecular interactions with high spatial-temporal resolution. Current methods have at least two major limitations: the lack of high-performance intracellular single-molecule fluorescence probes and the difficulty of multispecies single-molecule labelling. Here, we employ a nanopore-electroporation technique to deliver organic dye-labelled proteins into living cells to achieve multi-color single molecule tracking. These organic dyes have better optical and chemical properties than the probes currently used. Therefore, we significantly expand the selection of intracellular single-molecule probes to widely available dyes. We demonstrate the application of this technique by revealing detailed spatial resolution and dynamics of membrane EGFR signaling transductions, which will shed light on the understanding of its fundamental mechanism.
Efficient detection and post-surgical monitoring of colon cancer with a multi-marker DNA methylation liquid biopsy
Authors: Jin Shengnan , Zhu Dewen , Shao Fanggui , Chen Shiliang , Guo Ying , Li Kuan , Wang Yourong , Ding Rongxiu , Gao Lingjia , Ma Wen , Lu Tong , Li Dandan , Zhang Zhengzheng , Cai Suili , Liang Xue , Song Huayu , Ji Ling , Li Jinlei , Zheng Zhihai , Jiang Feizhao , Wu Xiaoli , Luan Ju , Zhang Huxiang , Yang Zhengquan , Cantor Charles R. , Xu Chang , Ding Chunming
Published: January 2021

Significance

Colorectal cancer recurrence is one of the main causes of death. Early prediction of recurrence by minimal residual disease detection and longitudinal tumor monitoring can improve patient outcomes. Next-generation sequencing methods analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood can predict recurrence with high accuracy, but these methods are too expensive and complex to be broadly deployable. We have developed a cost-effective and easily implementable single-tube qPCR method (mqMSP) for quantifying a panel of ctDNA methylation markers. Using this panel to monitor patients after surgery can predict cancer recurrence with high accuracy and well in advance of methods in current use.
The mortality impacts of current and planned coal-fired power plants in India
Authors: Cropper Maureen , Cui Ryna , Guttikunda Sarath , Hultman Nate , Jawahar Puja , Park Yongjoon , Yao Xinlu , Song Xiao-Peng
Published: January 2021

Significance

Under current operating conditions, coal-fired power plants in India generate significant amounts of particulate air pollution. We quantify the impact of plants operating in 2018 and plants in the planning stage as of 2019 on ambient PM
2.5
and on premature mortality. The health damages from coal-fired power plants can be avoided by replacing coal-fired power plants with renewable energy sources, which will also reduce GHG emissions. Taxing electricity generated from coal at a rate that reflects the value of health damages would incentivize the adoption of renewable energy. We calculate the magnitude of this tax. We also discuss the health benefits of reducing power plant emissions by implementing India’s emission control laws enacted in 2015 but not yet in force.
Genome-wide detection of cytosine methylation by single molecule real-time sequencing
Authors: Tse O. Y. Olivia , Jiang Peiyong , Cheng Suk Hang , Peng Wenlei , Shang Huimin , Wong John , Chan Stephen L. , Poon Liona C. Y. , Leung Tak Y. , Chan K. C. Allen , Chiu Rossa W. K. , Lo Y. M. Dennis
Published: January 2021

Significance

Single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing theoretically offers the opportunity to directly assess certain base modifications of native DNA molecules without any prior chemical/enzymatic conversions and PCR amplification, using kinetic signals of a DNA polymerase. However, the kinetic signal changes caused by 5mC modification are extremely subtle. Hence, the robust genome-wide measurement of 5mC modification has not been achieved. We enhanced 5mC detection using SMRT sequencing by holistically analyzing kinetic signals of a DNA polymerase and sequence context for every base within a measurement window. We employed a convolutional neural network to train a methylation classification model, leading to genome-wide 5mC detection. The sensitivity and specificity reached 90% and 94%, with a 99% correlation of overall methylation level with bisulfite sequencing.
Nascent fusion pore opening monitored at single-SNAREpin resolution
Authors: Heo Paul , Coleman Jeff , Fleury Jean-Baptiste , Rothman James E. , Pincet Frederic
Published: January 2021

Significance

Using our recently designed microfluidic setup, we investigated the early stage of SNAREpin-induced fusion. We discovered the existence of subsecond transient fusion pores with a well-defined subnanometer size that occur when one or two SNAREpins are mediating vesicle fusion. In contrast, when vesicle fusion is mediated by three SNAREpins, the fusion pore reaches a diameter larger than 1.5 nm and expands spontaneously and indefinitely. These results quantitatively explain the need for a complex machinery to ensure a submillisecond neurotransmitter release after the arrival of the action potential during synaptic transmission.
The differential impact of the timing of form-focused instruction on the acquisition of the past counterfactual conditional and
framing expressions for English questions
Authors: Saeed Hussein Sulyman , Reinders Hayo
Published: January 2021

This study compared the effect of the timing of form-focused instruction (FFI) on the acquisition of the past
counterfactual conditional (PCC) and framing expressions (FEs) for English questions. Sixty-three EFL adult learners received a total of six
hours of isolated or integrated FFI on the target features. Acquisition was measured by means of cloze tests and interviews. The results
obtained from a mixed-design ANOVA indicated that the learners in the two experimental groups made significant gains on the two language
measures. A dependent t-test revealed that the two target structures responded differentially to the timing of form-focused instruction. We
discuss some of the theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings.
Carbohydrate supplementation during a simulated 10‐km open water swimming race: effects on physiological, perceptual parameters and performance.
Authors: Baldassarre Roberto , Ieno Cristian , Bonifazi Marco , Di Castro Andrea , Gianfelici Antonio , Piacentini Maria Francesca
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study was to test the effect of carbohydrate ingestion, simulating a 10‐km open water race competition on energy cost (Csw), perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), stroke rate (SR) and performance. We hypothesized that carbohydrate ingestion would reduce Csw and RPE in elite open water swimmers (OW‐swimmers) and improve performance. Eight elite OW‐swimmers swam for 3 × 30 min with 20‐s of interval necessary to collect data in the swimming flume at a pre‐set pace corresponding to their 10‐km race pace, followed by a time to exhaustion test (TTE) at 100% of the peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak). During the set, OW‐swimmers ingested 45‐g of carbohydrates (CHO) in 550‐mL of water (8% solution) during each of the two intervals or a placebo solution (PLA). HR, RPE, V̇O2 and SR were measured. Shapiro–Wilk test was used to verify the normal distribution of data. Two‐way repeated measures ANOVA and t‐test was performed (p < 0.05). A significant difference emerged in TTE between the trials (169.00 ± 91.06 s in CHO; 102.31 ± 57.47 s in PLA). HR, RPE and SR increased during the TTE but did not differ between trials. Csw did not show a significant main effect between the two conditions and in time course in both conditions. CHO ingestion significantly increased TTE at 100% of V̇O2peak after 90‐min of swimming at 10‐km race pace. These findings indicate that CHO intake during a 10‐km open water swimming competition should have a beneficial impact on performance in the final part of the race.
Judicial Selection and Criminal Punishment
Authors: Taylor Travis N.
Published: January 2021

This paper develops and tests a theory that in states with judicial elections, criminal justice outcomes will be more punitive than in states without elections. Leveraging a data set previously unused in the judicial politics literature, I estimate time-series regressions of state sentencing and incarceration rates over a 38-year period while distinguishing between types of judicial elections to establish support for the theory. I find that states where trial judges are reelected are generally more punitive than states without judicial elections, and this punitiveness is in response to the public’s ideological preferences, indicating that elections serve as an important judicial accountability mechanism for citizens.
Effect of skin conductivity on the electric field induced by transcranial stimulation techniques in different head models
Authors: Colella Micol , Paffi Alessandra , De Santis Valerio , Apollonio Francesca , Liberti Micaela
Published: January 2021

This study aims at quantifying the effect that using different skin conductivity values has on the estimation of the electric (E)-field distribution induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the brain of two anatomical models. The induced E-field was calculated with numerical simulations inside MIDA and Duke models, assigning to the skin a conductivity value estimated from a multi-layered skin model and three values taken from literature. The effect of skin conductivity variations on the local E-field induced by tDCS in the brain was up to 70%. In TMS, minor local differences, in the order of 20%, were obtained in regions of interest for the onset of possible side effects. Results suggested that an accurate model of the skin is necessary in all numerical studies that aim at precisely estimating the E-field induced during TMS and tDCS applications. This also highlights the importance of further experimental studies on human skin characterization, especially at low frequencies.
Aero-acoustic response of flat plates at sub-sonic flow
Authors: El Khatib Atef , Miaari Ahmad Al , Hammoud Ali
Published: January 2021

Natural aero-acoustic resonance of single and double flat plates was experimentally investigated. Ten single plates of six different chord-to-thickness ratios were tested for flow around single plate, and four different gap-to-thickness ratios were tested for flow around two plates in tandem. For the case of single plates, a tool for the prediction of resonant flow velocities was established using reduced velocity. For tandem plates, the acoustic response was characterized by the presence of double resonance response that is the excitation of first acoustic mode in two different ranges of flow velocities. Reduced velocity range of low-frequency resonance fits to the range of Mode1 in single plates, this is because both resonances are natural. For high-velocity resonance, a common range could hardly be identified although the increase of gap distance showed an increase in the onset reduced velocity at resonance. It is hypothesized that the first resonance of the double response is caused by normal shedding of vortices in the gap between the plates, whereas the latter resonance is due to vortices caused by the interaction of shear layers with the downstream plate. This mechanism is different than that present in case of tandem cylinders due to the difference in separation points. It was also shown that the downstream plate can serve as a duct modification that leads to the excitation of new acoustic modes that were not excited in the case of single plates.
Addressing the Diagnostic Miscommunication in Pathology
Authors: Mirham Lorna , Hanna Jessica , Yousef George M
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The pathology report serves as a crucial communication tool among a number of stakeholders. It can sometimes be challenging to understand. A communication barrier exists among pathologists, other clinicians, and patients when interpreting the pathology report, leaving both clinicians and patients less empowered when making treatment decisions. Miscommunication can lead to delays in treatment or other costly medical interventions.

Methods

In this review, we highlight miscommunication in pathology reporting and provide potential solutions to improve communication.

Results

Up to one-third of clinicians do not always understand pathology reports. Several causes of report misinterpretation include the use of pathology-specific jargon, different versions of staging or grading systems, and expressions indicative of uncertainty in the pathologist’s report. Active communication has proven to be crucial between the clinician and the pathologist to clarify different aspects of the pathology report. Direct communication between pathologists and patients is evolving, with promising success in proof-of-principle studies. Special attention needs to be paid to avoiding inaccuracy while trying to simplify the pathology report.

Conclusions

There is a need for active and adequate communication among pathologists, other clinicians, and patients. Clarity and consistency in reporting, quantifying the level of confidence in diagnosis, and avoiding misnomers are key steps toward improving communications.
Evaluation of machine learning approaches for cell-type identification from single-cell transcriptomics data
Authors: Huang Yixuan , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2021

Single-cell transcriptomics technologies have vast potential in advancing our understanding of cellular heterogeneity in complex tissues. While methods to interpret single-cell transcriptomics data are developing rapidly, challenges in most analysis pipeline still remain, and the major limitation is a reliance on manual annotations for cell-type identification that is time-consuming, irreproducible, and sometimes lack canonical markers for certain cell types. There is a growing realization of the potential of machine learning models as a supervised classification approach that can significantly aid decision-making processes for cell-type identification. In this work, we performed a comprehensive and impartial evaluation of 10 machine learning models that automatically assign cell phenotypes. The performance of classification methods is estimated by using 20 publicly accessible single-cell RNA sequencing datasets with different sizes, technologies, species and levels of complexity. The performance of each model for within dataset (intra-dataset) and across datasets (inter-dataset) experiments based on the classification accuracy and computation time are both evaluated. Besides, the sensitivity to the number of input features, different annotation levels and dataset complexity was also been estimated. Results showed that most classifiers perform well on a variety of datasets with decreased accuracy for complex datasets, while the Linear Support Vector Machine (linear-SVM) and Logistic Regression classifier models have the best overall performance with remarkably fast computation time. Our work provides a guideline for researchers to select and apply suitable machine learning-based classification models in their analysis workflows and sheds some light on the potential direction of future improvement on automated cell phenotype classification tools based on the single-cell sequencing data.
A Validated LC–MS/MS Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Ticagrelor, Its Two Metabolites and Major Constituents of Tea Polyphenols in Rat Plasma and Its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Xue Ying , Wang Ziteng , Cai Weimin , Tian Xin , Liu Shuaibing
Published: January 2021

Ticagrelor is recommended for management of patients with acute coronary syndromes. Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in China and around the world. Their concomitant use is unavoidable. In this study, a selective and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of plasma concentrations of ticagrelor, its two metabolites and four major constituents of tea polyphenols (TPs) in rats was developed for co-administration study of ticagrelor and TPs. Diazepam was used as internal standard (IS). Plasma samples were extracted employing a liquid–liquid extraction technique. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Kinetex C18 column (2.1 × 75 mm, 2.6 μm) by gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid in water, acetonitrile and methanol. Seven analytes and IS were detected by a mass spectrometer with both positive and negative ionization by multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method was fully validated to be reliable and reproducible in accordance with food and drug administration (FDA) guidelines on bioanalytical method validation. The method was then successfully applied for pharmacokinetic study of ticagrelor, its two metabolites and four major constituents of TPs in rat plasma after oral administration of ticagrelor and tea polyphenol extracts.
Immunosuppression minimization in kidney transplant recipients hospitalized for COVID-19
Authors: Anton Pampols Paula , Trujillo Hernando , Melilli Edoardo , Urban Blanca , Sandino Justo , Favá Alexandre , Gutierrez Eduardo , Bestard Oriol , Mancebo Esther , Sevillano Angel , Cruzado Josep M , Morales Enrique
Published: January 2021

Background

Immunosuppressed patients such as kidney transplant recipients (KTs) have increased mortality risk in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The role and management of chronic immunosuppressive therapies during COVID-19 must be characterized.

Methods

Herein, we report the follow-up of a cohort of 47 KTs admitted at two Spanish Kidney Transplant Units, who survived COVID-19. The impact of the management of immunosuppression during COVID-19 on graft function and immunologic events was evaluated.

Results

At least one immunosuppressive agent was withdrawn in 83% of patients, with antimetabolites being the most frequent. Steroids were generally not stopped and the dose was even increased in 15% of patients as part of the treatment of COVID-19. Although immunosuppressive drugs were suspended during a median time of 17 days, no rejection episodes or de novo donor-specific antibodies were observed up to 3 months after discharge, and no significant changes occurred in calculated panel reactive antibodies. Acute graft dysfunction was common (55%) and the severity was related to tacrolimus trough levels, which were higher in patients receiving antivirals. At the end of follow-up, all patients recovered baseline kidney function.

Conclusions

Our observational study suggests that immunosuppression in KTs hospitalized due to COVID-19 could be safely minimized.
Association between prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and overall survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy—analysis of registry data
Authors: Porcher Raphaël , Desguerre Isabelle , Amthor Helge , Chabrol Brigitte , Audic Frédérique , Rivier François , Isapof Arnaud , Tiffreau Vincent , Campana-Salort Emmanuelle , Leturcq France , Tuffery-Giraud Sylvie , Ben Yaou Rabah , Annane Djillali , Amédro Pascal , Barnerias Christine , Bécane Henri Marc , Béhin Anthony , Bonnet Damien , Bassez Guillaume , Cossée Mireille , de La Villéon Grégoire , Delcourte Claire , Fayssoil Abdallah , Fontaine Bertand , Godart François , Guillaumont Sophie , Jaillette Emmanuelle , Laforêt Pascal , Leonard-Louis Sarah , Lofaso Frederic , Mayer Michele , Morales Raul Juntas , Meune Christophe , Orlikowski David , Ovaert Caroline , Prigent Hélène , Saadi Malika , Sochala Maximilien , Tard Celine , Vaksmann Guy , Walther-Louvier Ulrike , Eymard Bruno , Stojkovic Tanya , Ravaud Philippe , Duboc Denis , Wahbi Karim
Published: January 2021

Aims

To estimate the effect of prophylactic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) on survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods and results

We analysed the data from the French multicentre DMD Heart Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03443115). We estimated the association between the prophylactic prescription of ACEi and event-free survival in 668 patients aged 8 to 13 years, with normal left ventricular function, using (i) a Cox model with intervention as a time-dependent covariate, (ii) a propensity-based analysis comparing ACEi treatment vs. no treatment, and (iii) a set of sensitivity analyses. The study outcomes were overall survival and hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) or acute respiratory failure. Among the 668 patients included in the DMD Heart Registry, 576 (mean age 6.1 ± 2.8 years) were eligible for this study, of whom 390 were treated with ACEi prophylactically. Death occurred in 53 patients (13.5%) who were and 60 patients (32.3%) who were not treated prophylactically with ACEi, respectively. In a Cox model with intervention as a time-dependent variable, the hazard ratio (HR) associated with ACEi treatment was 0.49 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.72] and 0.47 (95% CI 0.31–0.17) for overall mortality after adjustment for baseline variables. In the propensity-based analysis, 278 patients were included in the treatment group and 834 in the control group, with 18.5% and 30.4% 12-year estimated probability of death, respectively. ACEi were associated with a lower risk of death (HR 0.39; 95% CI 0.17–0.92) and hospitalization for HF (HR 0.16; 95% CI 0.04–0.62). All other sensitivity analyses yielded similar results.

Conclusion

Prophylactic ACEi treatment in DMD was associated with a significantly higher overall survival and lower rates of hospitalization for HF.
Induced polarization of volcanic rocks. 5. Imaging the temperature field of shield volcanoes
Authors: Revil A , Qi Y , Ghorbani A , Gresse M , Thomas D M
Published: January 2021

Kilauea is an active shield volcano located in Hawaiʻi. An induced polarization survey was performed in 2015 at the scale of the caldera. The data were acquired with a 2.5 km cable with 64 electrodes and a spacing of 40 m between the electrodes. A total of 6210 measurements were performed. The apparent chargeability data were inverted using a least square technique to obtain a chargeability tomogram. The normalized chargeability tomogram is obtained by multiplying cell-by-cell the chargeability by the conductivity. Once the conductivity and normalized chargeability tomograms are obtained, they are jointly interpreted using a dynamic Stern layer conduction/polarization model, which explains the low-frequency polarization spectra of volcanic rocks. This conductivity/polarization model is tested here on new laboratory experiments performed on 24 samples from a drill-hole located on the Kilauea East Rift Zone (Hole SOH-2). We show that for Kilauea, the ratio between the normalized chargeability and the conductivity is equal to a dimensionless number R = 0.10 ± 0.02  proving that the conductivity and the normalized chargeability are both controlled by the alteration products of the volcanic rocks with a minor role of magnetite except close to the ground surface. In turn, the degree of alteration is controlled by temperature and therefore normalized chargeability and electrical conductivity can both be used as a non-intrusive temperature sensor. This approach is then applied to the field data. Meaningful temperature tomograms can be produced from both electrical conductivity and normalized chargeability tomograms.
Conservative politics and Whig colonial government, 1830–41
Authors: Middleton Alex
Published: January 2021

This article explores Conservative critiques of Whig colonial rule in the 1830s. Its case is that imperial administrative and constitutional issues occupied a more prominent place in the Tories’ politics of opposition during the ‘decade of Reform’ than historians have assumed. Conservative writers and politicians styled themselves as vigorous defenders of imperial integrity, colonial constitutions, and the colonial church, against the incoherent centralizing and liberalizing innovations of the Whigs. These arguments rested on wider assumptions about the inherent failings of Whiggism, Reformed government and the pernicious global consequences of ‘liberalism’. The article asks how these claims affect our understanding of Conservative politics after the Reform crisis, and reflects on the emergence of new forms of political engagement with issues of colonial government in early nineteenth-century Britain.
Ethics in the GDPR: A Blueprint for Applied Legal Theory
Authors: Rochel Johan
Published: January 2021

Ethics is seen as a critical resource for data law. But beyond this almost slogan-like truism, the exact functions which ethics might play in data law are often left unclear. This contribution clarifies the ways in which data ethics and data law are intertwined and, on this basis, offers guidelines for practitioners in terms of interpreting the GDPR. Two types of norms allow for modulation between the law and ethics of data. The first type of norms is the ‘principles’ of the GDPR. Ethical resources can be used for the interpretation of these norms using a Rawlsian reflective equilibrium approach. The second type of norms is evaluative judgment norms, the most well-known of which derive from the characteristically risk-based responsibility that the GDPR bestows on controllers. For these evaluative norms, ethical resources could be used in three different functions: as a tool for the identification and assessment of risks, as a resource for improving data controller processes, and as the basis for the codes of conduct foreseen by the GDPR. These three potential modulations between ethics and the law of data help controllers of data make sense of their responsibilities in light of the GDPR’s requirements.
A national survey of hospice pharmacists and a comparison with international models
Authors: Edwards Zoe , Mulvey Matthew R , Chapman Emma J , Bennett Michael I
Published: January 2021

Background

Pharmacists can contribute to improved patient outcomes, improve medicine knowledge, reduce drug costs and minimise errors. However, their role within hospice-based services is not well described.

Objective

The objective of this paper was to explore the role of pharmacists within UK hospices.

Methods

Methods include an online survey and follow-up telephone contact of pharmacists working in UK hospices assessing pharmacist provision, duties, communication, medicine sourcing and training.

Results

Eighty-nine responses were received from 82 hospices (response rate 50%). Pharmacists had a role in 75% of hospices providing between 6.6 min and 5.5 hrs of pharmacist support per bed per week. The most frequent duty reported was provision of medicines information to the clinical team. Access to patient records varied considerably: 13% had full read and write access to GP records while 29% had no access. Job-specific training had not been received by 36% of the respondents and 47% reported training needs including basic training in palliative care.

Conclusions

Three-quarters of UK hospices have pharmacy provision, although this falls below the recommended levels in the majority. Hospice pharmacists lack access to training and records. Medicines sourcing for hospices is variable and could provide opportunities for efficiencies with further research.
Ensemble Analysis Identifies Nasal 15-Keto-PGE2 as a Predictor of Recovery in Experimental Rhinovirus Colds
Authors: Lane Starr Nicole M , Evans Michael D , Lee Kristine E , Gern James E , Denlinger Loren C
Published: January 2021

Background

Symptom intensity during a common cold is highly variable, particularly after the illness peaks, contributing to delay in recovery. Rhinoviruses frequently cause colds and, during acute infections, generate leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 is known to initiate oxylipin class switching and resolution of acute inflammation. Thus, we hypothesized that during acute rhinovirus colds, oxylipins with pro-resolving capabilities reduce symptom severity and speed recovery.

Methods

Four groups of healthy volunteers were inoculated with placebo or 3 different doses of rhinovirus A16. Participants kept daily records of symptoms and contributed serial nasal lavage fluid samples. We collected semi-quantitative mass spectrometry data for 71 oxylipins in these acute samples from all participants. An ensemble analysis approach was used to further reduce this dataset.

Results

Levels of 15-keto-PGE2 at day 3 of the cold were consistently among the top candidates in these models of recovery symptoms. 15-keto-PGE2 was the only oxylipin with an interaction between inoculum dose and time. Acute 15-keto-PGE2 levels were inversely associated with symptoms during cold recovery in a multivariable analysis (P = .0043).

Conclusions

These findings show that high 15-keto-PGE2 levels during the acute cold are associated with fewer symptoms during recovery.
The impact of drilling and slitting construction on damage field: evolution characteristics in low-permeability coal seam
Authors: Chen Heng , Cheng Hongmei , Xu Aibin , Xue Yi , Peng Weihong
Published: January 2021

The fracture field of coal and rock mass is the main channel for gas migration and accumulation. Exploring the evolution law of fracture field of coal and rock mass under the condition of drilling and slitting construction has important theoretical significance for guiding efficient gas drainage. The generation and evolution process of coal and rock fissures is also the development and accumulation process of its damage. Therefore, based on damage mechanics and finite element theory, the mathematical model is established. The damage variable of coal mass is defined by effective strain, the elastoplastic damage constitutive equation is established and the secondary development of finite element program is completed by FORTRAN language. Using this program, the numerical simulation of drilling and slitting construction of the 15-14120 mining face of Pingdingshan No. 8 Mine is carried out, and the effects of different single borehole diameters, different kerf widths and different kerf heights on the distribution area of surrounding coal fracture field and the degree of damage are studied quantitatively. These provide a theoretical basis for the reasonable determination of the slitting and drilling arrangement parameters at the engineering site.
Traumatic contralateral chylothorax in a patient with penetrating neck injury: a case report
Authors: Olotu Olumide , Uchendu Nneka , Holtrop John , Graham Isabella , Buck Joseph
Published: January 2021

Chylothorax is defined as a collection of chyle within the pleural cavity secondary to injury of the thoracic duct. We describe a rare case of a contralateral chylothorax resulting from a penetrating wound to the left lower anterior neck region. A 37-year-old male presented to the emergency room with a penetrating stab wound of the left neck. Upon clinical exam, the wound measured about 3–4 cm with minimal bleeding and no expanding hematoma or other hard sign of vascular injury. Subsequently, his right chest tube output developed a milky appearance with a total volume of 260 cc over 24 h. The specimen was sent for triglyceride analysis and confirmed diagnosis of chylothorax. He was managed with conservative therapy not requiring surgical intervention. The anatomical variations arising in the thoracic duct warrant the consideration of possible chylothorax in both right and left pleural effusions secondary to penetrating trauma.
Extended theoretical transition data in C i–iv
Authors: Li W , Amarsi A M , Papoulia A , Ekman J , Jönsson P
Published: January 2021

Accurate atomic data are essential for opacity calculations and for abundance analyses of the Sun and other stars. The aim of this work is to provide accurate and extensive results of energy levels and transition data for C i–iv. The Multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock and relativistic configuration interaction methods were used in this work. To improve the quality of the wavefunctions and reduce the relative differences between length and velocity forms for transition data involving high Rydberg states, alternative computational strategies were employed by imposing restrictions on the electron substitutions when constructing the orbital basis for each atom and ion. Transition data, for example, weighted oscillator strengths and transition probabilities, are given for radiative electric dipole (E1) transitions involving levels up to 1s22s22p6s for C i, up to 1s22s27f for C ii, up to 1s22s7f for C iii, and up to 1s28g for C iv. Using the difference between the transition rates in length and velocity gauges as an internal validation, the average uncertainties of all presented E1 transitions are estimated to be 8.05 per cent, 7.20 per cent, 1.77 per cent, and 0.28 per cent, respectively, for C i–iv. Extensive comparisons with available experimental and theoretical results are performed and good agreement is observed for most of the transitions. In addition, the C i data were employed in a re-analysis of the solar carbon abundance. The new transition data give a line-by-line dispersion similar to the one obtained when using transition data that are typically used in stellar spectroscopic applications today.
Wide-angle effects on galaxy ellipticity correlations
Authors: Shiraishi Maresuke , Taruya Atsushi , Okumura Teppei , Akitsu Kazuyuki
Published: January 2021

We show an efficient way to compute wide-angle or all-sky statistics of galaxy intrinsic alignment in three-dimensional configuration space. For this purpose, we expand the two-point correlation function using a newly introduced spin-dependent tripolar spherical harmonic basis. Therefore, the angular dependencies on the two line of sight (LOS) directions pointing to each pair of objects, which are degenerate with each other in the conventional analysis under the small-angle or plane-parallel (PP) approximation, are unambiguously decomposed. By means of this, we, for the first time, compute the wide-angle auto and cross correlations between intrinsic ellipticities, number densities, and velocities of galaxies and compare them with the PP-limit results. For the ellipticity−ellipticity and density−ellipticity correlations, we find more than $10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ deviation from the PP-limit results if the opening angle between two LOS directions exceeds 30°−50°. It is also shown that even if the PP-limit result is strictly zero, the non-vanishing correlation is obtained over the various scales, arising purely from the curved-sky effects. Our results indicate the importance of the data analysis not relying on the PP approximation in order to determine the cosmological parameters more precisely and/or find new physics via ongoing and forthcoming wide-angle galaxy surveys.
Genome-wide methylation profiling of glioblastoma cell-derived extracellular vesicle DNA allows tumor classification
Authors: Maire Cecile L , Fuh Marceline M , Kaulich Kerstin , Fita Krystian D , Stevic Ines , Heiland Dieter H , Welsh Joshua A , Jones Jennifer C , Görgens André , Ricklefs Tammo , Dührsen Lasse , Sauvigny Thomas , Joosse Simon A , Reifenberger Guido , Pantel Klaus , Glatzel Markus , Miklosi Andras G , Felce James H , Caselli Marco , Pereno Valerio , Reimer Rudolph , Schlüter Hartmut , Westphal Manfred , Schüller Ulrich , Lamszus Katrin , Ricklefs Franz L
Published: January 2021

Background

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling has recently been developed into a tool that allows tumor classification in central nervous system tumors. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by tumor cells and contain high molecular weight DNA, rendering EVs a potential biomarker source to identify tumor subgroups, stratify patients and monitor therapy by liquid biopsy. We investigated whether the DNA in glioblastoma cell-derived EVs reflects genome-wide tumor methylation and mutational profiles and allows noninvasive tumor subtype classification.

Methods

DNA was isolated from EVs secreted by glioblastoma cells as well as from matching cultured cells and tumors. EV-DNA was localized and quantified by direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy. Methylation and copy number profiling was performed using 850k arrays. Mutations were identified by targeted gene panel sequencing. Proteins were differentially quantified by mass spectrometric proteomics.

Results

Genome-wide methylation profiling of glioblastoma-derived EVs correctly identified the methylation class of the parental cells and original tumors, including the MGMT promoter methylation status. Tumor-specific mutations and copy number variations (CNV) were detected in EV-DNA with high accuracy. Different EV isolation techniques did not affect the methylation profiling and CNV results. DNA was present inside EVs and on the EV surface. Proteome analysis did not allow specific tumor identification or classification but identified tumor-associated proteins that could potentially be useful for enriching tumor-derived circulating EVs from biofluids.

Conclusions

This study provides proof of principle that EV-DNA reflects the genome-wide methylation, CNV, and mutational status of glioblastoma cells and enables their molecular classification.
Health Risks of Kretek Cigarettes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nuryunarsih Desy , Lewis Sarah , Langley Tessa
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The objective of this study is review the evidence on the health risks associated with smoking kretek cigarettes compared with not smoking or smoking regular cigarettes.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in five electronic databases: EMBASE (Ovid), ASSIA, PubMed and Scopus. Since kretek use is largely restricted to Indonesia, we identified additional studies using an online search for grey literature and studies in Indonesian journals and the National Library of Indonesia. We included relevant search terms in English (“kretek” and “clove cigarettes”) and Bahasa (“rokok” and “merokok”). We selected studies which compared any health outcome between smokers of kretek cigarettes and non-smokers or smokers of regular cigarettes. We included studies in any smokers compared to non-smokers in Indonesia, since most Indonesian smokers use kretek, but analysed these separately. Study data were extracted by a single reviewer and checked by two reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results

We identified 32 studies, all from Indonesia. There were 31 cross-sectional studies and one case control study. This systematic review identified a relatively limited number of studies, and most of these were of poor quality as assessed by the Newcastle Ottawa score. They were generally cross-sectional, small and lacking justification for sample size, had high potential for selection bias because of lack of data on non-respondents or those lost to follow up, and missing information about the statistical analysis. Fourteen studies looked specifically at kretek exposure and eighteen looked at any type of cigarette exposure but were conducted in Indonesia are therefore likely to predominantly reflect kretek exposure. Kretek were found to be associated with oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic health disease, myocardial infarction, asthma, and oral diseases.

Conclusions

Although existing studies are of poor quality, kretek are likely to be at least as harmful as regular cigarettes.
Facial Emotion Recognition and Executive Functions in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Muñoz Ladrón de Guevara Cristina , Reyes del Paso Gustavo A , Fernández-Serrano María José , Duschek Stefan
Published: January 2021

Objective

The ability to accurately identify facial expressions of emotions is crucial in human interaction. Although a previous study suggested deficient emotional face recognition in patients with fibromyalgia, not much is known about the origin of this impairment. Against this background, the present study investigated the role of executive functions. Executive functions refer to cognitive control mechanisms enabling implementation and coordination of basic mental operations. Deficits in this domain are prevalent in fibromyalgia.

Methods

Fifty-two fibromyalgia patients and thirty-two healthy individuals completed the Ekman-60 Faces Test, which requires classification of facial displays of happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust. They also completed eight tasks assessing the executive function components of shifting, updating, and inhibition. Effects of comorbid depression and anxiety disorders, as well as medication use, were tested in stratified analyses of patient subgroups.

Results

Patients made more errors overall than controls in classifying the emotional expressions. Moreover, their recognition accuracy correlated positively with performance on most of the executive function tasks. Emotion recognition did not vary as a function of comorbid psychiatric disorders or medication use.

Conclusions

The study supports impaired facial emotion recognition in fibromyalgia, which may contribute to the interaction problems and poor social functioning characterizing this condition. Facial emotion recognition is regarded as a complex process, which may be particularly reliant on efficient coordination of various basic operations by executive functions. As such, the correlations between cognitive task performance and recognition accuracy suggest that deficits in higher cognitive functions underlie impaired emotional communication in fibromyalgia.