bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of pharmacist input to metabolic syndrome screening, management and prevention
Authors: Al AdAwi Rana Moustafa , Stewart Derek , Ryan Cristin , Tonna Antonella Pia
Published: June 2020

Background Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and include: diabetes and prediabetes, abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high blood-pressure. However, the role of the pharmacist in the metabolic syndrome has not yet been fully explored. Aim of the review This systematic review aimed to critically appraise, synthesise, and present the available evidence on pharmacists’ input to the screening, prevention and management of metabolic syndrome. Method The final protocol was based on the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P)”. Studies published in English from January 2008 to March 2020 reporting any pharmacist activities in the screening, prevention or management of metabolic syndrome were included. Databases searched were Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Studies were assessed for quality by two researchers, data extracted and findings synthesised using a narrative approach. Results Of the 39,430 titles reviewed, ten studies were included (four were randomised controlled trials). Most studies focused on pharmacist input to metabolic syndrome screening and management. Screening largely involved communicating metabolic parameters to physicians. Management of metabolic syndrome described pharmacists collaborating with members of the multidisciplinary team. A positive impact was reported in all studies, including achieving metabolic syndrome parameter goals, reverting to a non-metabolic syndrome status and, improved medication adherence. The populations studied were paediatrics with risk factors, adults with comorbidities and psychiatric patients. Integration of the pharmacist within the multidisciplinary team, an easy referral process and accessibility of service were potential facilitators. Inadequate funding was the key barrier. Conclusion The studies describing pharmacist input in metabolic syndrome provide limited evidence of positive outcomes from screening and management as part of collaborative practice. Further work is required to provide more robust evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness while considering key barriers.
Disability: a justice-based account
Authors: Begon Jessica
Published: June 2020

Most people have a clear sense of what they mean by disability, and have little trouble identifying conditions they consider disabling. Yet providing a clear and consistent definition of disability is far from straightforward. Standardly, disability is understood as the restriction in our abilities to perform tasks, as a result of an impairment of normal physical or cognitive human functioning (in combination with our social, political, and environmental context, and our resource share). However,which inabilities matter? We are all restricted by our bodies, and are all incapable of performing some tasks, but most of these inabilities are not considered disabilities. If, then, we are to avoid the category of disability becoming overly broad—and thus politically and practically useless—we need some way of picking out the specific inabilities that are disabling. I argue that our answer should be informed by an account of the opportunities individuals are entitled to be able to perform as a matter of justice. Thus, to be disabled is to havetheseopportunities restricted, and not to deviate from the species norm or lack any ability that might improve our well-being.
The sharing economy and the job market: the case of ride-hailing drivers in Chile
Authors: Fielbaum Andrés , Tirachini Alejandro
Published: June 2020

Ride-hailing (ridesourcing) companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Didi Chuxing have been a disruptive force in the urban mobility landscape around the world during the past decade. In this paper, we analyse the working conditions, earnings, and job satisfaction of ride-hailing drivers. We begin by discussing the regulatory, labour, financial, and urban mobility effects of ride-hailing companies. Then, we present the results of a self-administered survey to ride-hailing drivers in Chile, which is complemented with the use of online tools for the estimation of driving earnings. Our findings show that the flexibility to choose work times is the most appreciated attribute of this job, even though most drivers follow a somewhat fixed routine each week. By contrast, the level of transparency with which ride-hailing apps determine driver pay is the attribute with the lowest satisfaction score. A large number of respondents drive for long daily and weekly periods, which is a health and safety hazard. Current drivers are not concerned about the future deployment of driverless vehicles for on-demand mobility services. Ordered probit models for job satisfaction show that ride-hailing was better evaluated by drivers who use it as a complement to another part-time job, by those who earn more money per week, and by those who have not experienced undesirable situations while working, such as harassment or traffic crashes.
DVT incidence and risk factors in critically ill patients with COVID-19
Authors: Chen Shujing , Zhang Dingyu , Zheng Tianqi , Yu Yongfu , Jiang Jinjun
Published: June 2020

Few data are available on the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in critically ill COVID-19 with thrombosis prophylaxis. This study retrospectively included 88 patients in the ICU with critically ill COVID-19 at Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan, China. All patients underwent compression ultrasonography for identifying DVT. Firth logistic regression was used to examine the association of DVT with sex, age, hypoalbuminemia, D-dimer, and SOFA score. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age and SOFA score of 88 patients were 63 (55–71) years old and 5 (4–6), respectively. Despite all patients receiving guideline-recommended low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) thromboprophylaxis, the incidence of DVT was 46% (95% CI 35–56%). Proximal DVT was recognized in 9% (95% CI 3–15%) of the patients, while 46% (95% CI 35–56%) of patients had distal DVT. All of the proximal DVT combined with distal DVT. Risk factors of DVT extension occurred in all distal DVT patients. As Padua score ≥ 4 or IMPROVE score ≥ 2, 53% and 46% of patients had DVT, respectively. Mortality was higher in patients with acute DVT (30%) compared with non-DVT (17%), but did not reach statistical significance. Hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio [OR], 0.17; 95% CI 0.06–0.05, P = 0.001), higher SOFA score (OR per IQR, 2.07; 95% CI 1.38–3.39, P = 0.001), and elevated D-dimer (OR per IQR, 1.04; 95% CI 1.03–1.84, P = 0.029) were significant DVT risk factors in multivariable analyses. High incidence of DVT was identified in patients with critically ill COVID-19, despite the use of guideline-recommended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. The presence of hypoalbuminemia, higher SOFA score, and elevated D-dimer were significantly independent risk factors of DVT. More effective VTE prevention and management strategies may need to be addressed.
Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung in der Pflege
Authors: Mojtahedzadeh Natascha , Neumann Felix Alexander , Rohwer Elisabeth , Augustin Matthias , Zyriax Birgit-Christiane , Harth Volker , Mache Stefanie
Published: June 2020

Hintergrund

In der Pflegebranche nehmen Arbeitsunfähigkeitstage durch verschiedene Fehlbelastungen zu, welches die Relevanz der Betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung (BGF) hervorhebt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Der Artikel soll die Thematik der BGF in der Pflege beleuchten und zudem eine Übersicht von bestehenden betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderungsmaßnahmen im Setting Pflege bieten.

Material und Methoden

In einer explorativen Literaturrecherche werden bisher verfügbare Erkenntnisse aus der BGF in der Pflege recherchiert und zusammengefasst. Aus diesen Forschungserkenntnissen werden Maßnahmenvorschläge für die Pflege-BGF abgeleitet. Die Vorschläge sollten aktualisiert werden, wenn derzeit laufende arbeitspsychologische Studien neue Erkenntnisse hervorgebracht haben.

Ergebnisse

Bestehende Interventionen in der Pflegebranche, welche beispielsweise Achtsamkeitstrainings, Maßnahmen zur Stress‑/Tabakkonsumreduzierung sowie die Förderung gesunder Ernährungsweise und körperlichen Aktivität beinhalten, werden dargestellt.

Diskussion

Studienergebnisse zeigen, dass Interventionen zur Stressreduzierung aus der stationären Pflege effektiv das Stresserleben der Pflegekräfte senken konnten. Web-basierte Interventionen scheinen darüber hinaus für das ambulante Pflegesetting als erstrebenswert. Mögliche Herausforderungen, wie fehlende Fachkenntnisse und -kräfte, für die BGF-Umsetzung werden diskutiert.
Retention Management im Krankenhaus – Arbeiten im Spannungsfeld der Gesundheitsversorgung
Authors: Kempny Christian , Breimann Christian
Published: June 2020

Dieser Beitrag der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)“ beschreibt Herausforderungen für das Retention Management in Krankenhäusern und belegt diese mit Daten aus einer empirischen Studie. Die Arbeit in einem Krankenhaus beschreibt einen besonderen Arbeitskosmos, in dem nicht nur die Motive der Mitarbeiter, sondern auch die besondere Stellung des Patienten, die Organisationsform „Krankenhaus“ wesentlich von anderen Organisationen im wirtschaftlichen Kontext abgrenzt. Dennoch müssen sich auch Krankenhäuser dem Fachkräftemangel und der demografischen Entwicklung in Deutschland stellen. Um ein funktionierendes Retention Management in ein Krankenhaus zu integrieren und den Problemen vorzubeugen, müssen zunächst die drei Spannungsfelder „Wirtschaftlichkeit“, „Interkulturalität“ und „Stress“ betrachtet werden. Diese stellen Mitarbeiter in einem Krankenhaus immer wieder, im ohnehin arbeitsintensiven Alltag, vor große Herausforderungen. Es konnten verschiedene Handlungskonzepte entwickelt werden, welche es der Organisation „Krankenhaus“ ermöglicht, gegen die Spannungsfelder zu arbeiten und Mitarbeiter langfristig an das eigene Unternehmen zu binden.
Stability analysis and flight control design of the winged reusable launch vehicle ReFEx
Authors: Kiehn Daniel
Published: June 2020

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is currently studying different technologies for reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) to evaluate and compare their benefits. The project CALLISTO (Cooperative Action Leading to Launcher Innovation in Stage Toss-back Operations) investigates a VTVL (vertical takeoff, vertical landing) concept. In the DLR project ReFEx (reusability flight experiment), in the context of which this paper is presented, a winged VTHL (vertical takeoff, horizontal landing) concept is investigated to develop the key technologies for future winged RLV applications, culminating in a flight experiment to demonstrate the capability of controlled autonomous return flight from supersonic to subsonic speeds. In this paper, analysis of stability and controllability is used on a three-dimensional envelope of points to derive a suitable flight corridor for the re-entry. Second, a controller concept based on inversion of the rotational equations of motion is derived. The validity of the presented controller concept is shown on a preliminary level via comparison of open-loop and closed-loop dynamics at two representative flight points and a time simulation which includes a segment of the planned mission.
Pedagogical dilemmas in dynamic assessment situations: perspectives on video data from simulator-based competence tests
Authors: Sellberg Charlott
Published: June 2020

This study investigates navigation instructors’ explanations of dynamic assessment practices during simulator-based competency tests, adopting a video-stimulated recall method. Episodes of authentic video materials from simulator-based competency tests are selected and subjected to interaction analysis. In the next step, the episodes are used for conducting stimulated recall interviews with navigation instructors (n = 11) in two focus groups. The results reveal the dynamic nature of assessing competence as well as how instructors participating in focus groups identified and critically discussed a variety of pedagogical dilemmas related to these dynamics. These are related to aspects that relate to what constitutes a valid exam question, how to assess students’ responses, and consistency and fairness of competence tests. In particular, the results indicate the complexity of conducting valid and reliable assessments of knowledge-in-action in situ as well as how thoughtful scenario designs could reduce inconsistencies and unequal treatment of students. The results also highlight how a repeated and collaborative viewing of videos was helpful for instructors to identify potential problems in the dynamic assessment situations they viewed. The implications of the results highlight the need for conducting high-stake assessments for maritime certificates based only on observable behavior and video records of competence tests rather than during ongoing simulator tests. Lastly, the need for continuous and structured pedagogical development of instructors is identified in order to support their complex work of training and assessing competence.
A phase model for the low-carbon transformation of energy systems in the MENA region
Authors: Fischedick Manfred , Holtz Georg , Fink Thomas , Amroune Sarra , Wehinger Franziska
Published: June 2020

Given large potentials of the MENA region for renewable energy production, transitions towards renewables-based energy systems seem a promising way for meeting growing energy demand while contributing to greenhouse gas emissions reductions according to the Paris Agreement at the same time. Supporting and steering transitions to a low-carbon energy system require a clear understanding of socio-technical interdependencies in the energy system as well as of the principle dynamics of system innovations. For facilitating such understanding, a phase model for renewables-based energy transitions in MENA countries, which structures the transition process over time through the differentiation of a set of sub-sequent distinct phases, is developed in this article. The phase model builds on a phase model depicting the German energy transition, which was complemented by insights about transition governance and adapted to reflect characteristics of the MENA region. The resulting model includes four phases (“Take-off renewables”, “System integration”, “Power to fuel/gases”, “Towards 100% renewables”), each of which is characterized by a different cluster of innovations. These innovations enter the system via three stages of development which describe different levels of maturity and market penetration, and which require appropriate governance. The phase model has the potential to support strategy development and governance of energy transitions in MENA countries in two complementary ways: it provides an overview of techno-economic developments as orienting guidelines for decision-makers, and it adds some guidance as to which governance approaches are suitable for supporting those developments.
Toxicity of polyelectrolyte-functionalized titania nanoparticles in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Arabeyyat Zeinab H. , Al-Awady Mohammed J. , Greenway Gillian M. , Paunov Vesselin N. , Rotchell Jeanette M.
Published: June 2020

We investigated the effects of short-term exposure of bare TiO2NPs and polyelectrolyte-coated TiO2NPs in the 5–25 nm size range, at relatively high concentrations (of 500 and 1000 mg/L) under light or dark conditions, in D. rerio embryos. The biological endpoints investigated included embryo viability and mRNA transcript levels of antioxidant and membrane transport genes relative to control embryos. The presence of nanoparticles on the surface of embryos was assessed using TEM. The results confirm an accumulation of TiO2NPs on the outer surface (chorion) of the embryo, but not within the embryo. No significant difference in embryo viability was detected following each exposure regime. The expression of antioxidant biomarker, SOD2, was significantly impacted by the type of TiO2NP, with TiO2NPs/PSS/PAH coating exposure showing down regulation; the concentration of the nanoparticles, with down regulation at 500 mg/L; and dark/light condition with down regulation in the light. The expression levels of the hypoxia and membrane markers, HIF1 and Pxmp2, were not significantly impacted by any factor. The study indicates that SOD2 mRNA expression levels may be useful in the detection of apparent oxidative stress induced by the titania nanoparticle build up on the embryo chorion surface.
Sleep and development in adolescence in the context of socioeconomic disadvantage
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Shimizu Mina , Philbrook Lauren E. , Erath Stephen A. , Buckhalt Joseph A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Sleep problems are associated with negative developmental outcomes in youth, and identification of vulnerability and protective factors is needed to explicate for whom and under which conditions adolescents may be most at risk. Towards this end, we examined socio‐economic status (SES) as a moderator of associations between multiple sleep parameters and adolescents’ socio‐emotional adjustment and cognitive functioning.

Methods

Participants were 272 adolescents (M age = 17.3 years; 49% girls) and their parents, residing in the Southeastern U.S.A. The sample was socioeconomically diverse and included 41% Black/African American and 59% White/European American youth. Using a cross‐sectional design, adolescents' sleep was assessed with actigraphy (total sleep minutes; efficiency indicated by % of time asleep from sleep onset to wake time) and self‐reports of sleep quality (sleep‐wake problems). Mothers reported on youths’ internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and cognitive functioning was assessed with a standardized test battery.

Results

Moderation effects were found and illustrated that, for youth from families with lower SES, shorter and less efficient sleep and subjective sleep problems were associated with higher levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as lower cognitive performance. Conversely, longer and better‐quality sleep protected against socio‐emotional and cognitive difficulties otherwise observed for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth. Fewer relations between sleep and adjustment emerged for adolescents from families with higher SES.

Conclusions

Results reinforce a growing literature indicating that the relation between sleep and adjustment is stronger for youth from families with lower SES, who may especially benefit from better sleep.
Religious Terrorism
Authors: Gregg Heather
Published: June 2020

How can the world's religions, which propagate peace and love, promote violence and the killing of innocent civilians through terrorist acts? This Element aims to provide insights into this puzzle by beginning with a brief overview of debates on terrorism, a discussion on religion and the various resources it provides groups engaging in terrorist acts, four arguments for what causes religious terrorism, brief examples of religious terrorism across faith traditions, and a synopsis of deradicalization programs. This discussion shows that, when combined with certain political and social circumstances, religions provide powerful resources for justifying and motivating terrorist acts against civilians.
Non-Constant Elasticity of Substitution and Intermittent Renewable Energy
Authors: Aleti Saketh , Hochman Gal
Published: June 2020

In this article, we present a model of the electricity sector where generation technologies are intermittent. The economic value of an electricity generation technology is given by integrating its production profile with the market price of electricity. We use estimates of the consumer's intertemporal elasticity of substitution for electricity consumption while parameterizing the model empirically to numerically calculate the elasticity between renewables and fossil energy. We find that there is a non-constant elasticity of substitution between renewable and fossil energy that depends on prices and intermittency. This suggests that the efficacy and welfare effects of carbon taxes and renewable subsidies vary geographically. Subsidizing research into battery technology and tailoring policy for local energy markets can mitigate these distributional side effects while complementing traditional policies used to promote renewable energy.
Extremality and dynamically defined measures, part II: Measures from conformal dynamical systems
Authors: DAS TUSHAR , FISHMAN LIOR , SIMMONS DAVID , URBAŃSKI MARIUSZ
Published: June 2020

We present a new method of proving the Diophantine extremality of various dynamically defined measures, vastly expanding the class of measures known to be extremal. This generalizes and improves the celebrated theorem of Kleinbock and Margulis [Logarithm laws for flows on homogeneous spaces. Invent. Math.138(3) (1999), 451–494] resolving Sprindžuk’s conjecture, as well as its extension by Kleinbock, Lindenstrauss, and Weiss [On fractal measures and Diophantine approximation. Selecta Math.10 (2004), 479–523], hereafter abbreviated KLW. As applications we prove the extremality of all hyperbolic measures of smooth dynamical systems with sufficiently large Hausdorff dimension, and of the Patterson–Sullivan measures of all nonplanar geometrically finite groups. The key technical idea, which has led to a plethora of new applications, is a significant weakening of KLW’s sufficient conditions for extremality. In the first of this series of papers [Extremality and dynamically defined measures, part I: Diophantine properties of quasi-decaying measures. Selecta Math.24(3) (2018), 2165–2206], we introduce and develop a systematic account of two classes of measures, which we call quasi-decaying and weakly quasi-decaying. We prove that weak quasi-decay implies strong extremality in the matrix approximation framework, as well as proving the ‘inherited exponent of irrationality’ version of this theorem. In this paper, the second of the series, we establish sufficient conditions on various classes of conformal dynamical systems for their measures to be quasi-decaying. In particular, we prove the above-mentioned result about Patterson–Sullivan measures, and we show that equilibrium states (including conformal measures) of nonplanar infinite iterated function systems (including those which do not satisfy the open set condition) and rational functions are quasi-decaying.
WAVE FRONT HOLONOMICITY OF -CLASS DISTRIBUTIONS ON NON-ARCHIMEDEAN LOCAL FIELDS
Authors: AIZENBUD AVRAHAM , CLUCKERS RAF
Published: June 2020

Many phenomena in geometry and analysis can be explained via the theory of

$D$

-modules, but this theory explains close to nothing in the non-archimedean case, by the absence of integration by parts. Hence there is a need to look for alternatives. A central example of a notion based on the theory of

$D$

-modules is the notion of holonomic distributions. We study two recent alternatives of this notion in the context of distributions on non-archimedean local fields, namely

$\mathscr{C}^{\text{exp}}$

-class distributions from Cluckers et al. [‘Distributions and wave front sets in the uniform nonarchimedean setting’, Trans. Lond. Math. Soc.5(1) (2018), 97–131] and WF-holonomicity from Aizenbud and Drinfeld [‘The wave front set of the Fourier transform of algebraic measures’, Israel J. Math.207(2) (2015), 527–580 (English)]. We answer a question from Aizenbud and Drinfeld [‘The wave front set of the Fourier transform of algebraic measures’, Israel J. Math.207(2) (2015), 527–580 (English)] by showing that each distribution of the

$\mathscr{C}^{\text{exp}}$

-class is WF-holonomic and thus provides a framework of WF-holonomic distributions, which is stable under taking Fourier transforms. This is interesting because the

$\mathscr{C}^{\text{exp}}$

-class contains many natural distributions, in particular, the distributions studied by Aizenbud and Drinfeld [‘The wave front set of the Fourier transform of algebraic measures’, Israel J. Math.207(2) (2015), 527–580 (English)]. We show also another stability result of this class, namely, one can regularize distributions without leaving the

$\mathscr{C}^{\text{exp}}$

-class. We strengthen a link from Cluckers et al. [‘Distributions and wave front sets in the uniform nonarchimedean setting’, Trans. Lond. Math. Soc.5(1) (2018), 97–131] between zero loci and smooth loci for functions and distributions of the

$\mathscr{C}^{\text{exp}}$

-class. A key ingredient is a new resolution result for subanalytic functions (by alterations), based on embedded resolution for analytic functions and model theory.
FERDINANDO GALIANI’S NEWTONIAN SOCIAL MATHEMATICS
Authors: Patalano Rosario
Published: June 2020

The evolution of Ferdinando Galiani’s thought toward social mathematic has been neglected by scholars, and his attempt to establish political arguments on the analytical basis remains unexplored. The non-systematic nature of Galiani’s intuitions, due to his laziness, largely justifies this underestimation of his scientific program. This paper intends to show that the mature abbé Galiani follows an intellectual itinerary autonomous and parallel to that followed by Marquis de Condorcet in the same years. The anti-Physiocratique querelle represents Galiani’s methodological maturation. In contrast with Physiocratic economic doctrine, based on the primacy of deductive methodology, Galiani claims for economic science the realism of circumstance against aprioristic axiomatic hypotheses and rationalist generalizations. Galiani’s project, substantially similar to Marquis de Condorcet’s approach to social science, can be defined as Newtonian social mathematics opposed to Physiocratic Cartesian social mathematics.
Season-long weed control with sequential herbicide programs in California tree nut crops
Authors: Brunharo Caio A. C. G. , Watkins Seth , Hanson Bradley D.
Published: June 2020

Weed control in tree nut orchards is a year-round challenge for growers that is particularly intense during winter through summer as a result of competition and interference with management and harvest operations. A common weed control program consists of an application of a winter PRE and POST herbicide mixture, followed by a desiccation treatment in early spring and before harvest. Because most spring and summer treatments depend on a limited number of foliar-applied herbicides, summer-germinating species and/or herbicide-resistant biotypes become troublesome. Previous research has established effective PRE herbicide programs targeting winter glyphosate-resistant weeds. However, more recently, growers have reported difficulties in controlling several summer-germinating grass weeds with documented or suspected resistance to the spring and summer POST herbicide programs. In this context, research was conducted to evaluate a sequential PRE approach to control winter- and summer-germinating orchard weeds. Eight field experiments were conducted in tree nut orchards to evaluate the efficacy of common winter herbicide programs and a sequential herbicide program for control of a key summer grass weed species. In the sequential-application strategy, three foundational herbicide programs applied in the winter were either mixed with pendimethalin, followed with pendimethalin in March, or applied as a split application of pendimethalin in both winter and spring. Results indicate that the addition of pendimethalin enhanced summer grass weed control throughout the crop growing season by up to 31%. Applying all or part of the pendimethalin in the spring improved control of the summer grass weed junglerice by up to 49%. The lower rate of pendimethalin applied in the spring performed as well as the high rate in the winter, suggesting opportunities for reducing herbicide inputs. Tailoring sequential herbicide programs to address specific weed challenges can be a viable strategy for improving orchard weed control without increasing herbicide use in some situations.
Solar Cycle Variations of GPS Amplitude Scintillation for the Polar Region
Authors: Meziane K. , Kashcheyev A. , Patra S. , Jayachandran P. T. , Hamza A. M.
Published: June 2020

Global Positioning System (GPS) L1 amplitude data, obtained using the Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN) during the period 2008–2018, is used to study the seasonal and solar cycle dependence of high‐latitude amplitude scintillation. The occurrence of amplitude scintillation is predominantly confined to the 10–18 magnetic local time (MLT) and 72–87° Altitude‐Adjusted Corrected Geomagnetic (AACGM) sector and is a winter and equinoctial phenomenon. The occurrence of amplitude scintillation shows a clear seasonal and solar cycle dependence with a maximum value of ∼11% during the high solar activity early winter periods, and a secondary maximum in equinoctial months, and almost no occurrence during summer months. This pattern in occurrence suggests that amplitude scintillation is a phenomenon that is closely associated with the presence of patches and particle precipitation events.
Modulating the optical and electrical properties of MAPbBr3 single crystals via voltage regulation engineering and application in memristors
Authors: Xing Jun , Zhao Chen , Zou Yuting , Kong Wenchi , Yu Zhi , Shan Yuwei , Dong Qingfeng , Zhou Ding , Yu Weili , Guo Chunlei
Published: June 2020

Defect density is one of the most significant characteristics of perovskite single crystals (PSCs) that determines their optical and electrical properties, but few strategies are available to tune this property. Here, we demonstrate that voltage regulation is an efficient method to tune defect density, as well as the optical and electrical properties of PSCs. A three-step carrier transport model of MAPbBr3PSCs is proposed to explore the defect regulation mechanism and carrier transport dynamics via an applied bias. Dynamic and steady-state photoluminescence measurements subsequently show that the surface defect density, average carrier lifetime, and photoluminescence intensity can be efficiently tuned by the applied bias. In particular, when the regulation voltage is 20 V (electrical poling intensity is 0.167 V μm−1), the surface defect density of MAPbBr3PSCs is reduced by 24.27%, the carrier lifetime is prolonged by 32.04%, and the PL intensity is increased by 112.96%. Furthermore, a voltage-regulated MAPbBr3PSC memristor device shows an adjustable multiresistance, weak ion migration effect and greatly enhanced device stability. Voltage regulation is a promising engineering technique for developing advanced perovskite optoelectronic devices.
Hfm1 participates in Golgi-associated spindle assembly and division in mouse oocyte meiosis
Authors: Wang Huiyuan , Zhong Chenyi , Yang Rui , Yin Yaoxue , Tan Rongrong , Gao Li , Gao Chao , Cui Yugui , Pu Danhua , Wu Jie
Published: June 2020

HFM1 (helicase for meiosis 1) is widely recognized as an ATP-dependent DNA helicase and is expressed mainly in germ-line cells. HFM1 is a candidate gene of premature ovarian failure (POF), hence it is also known as POF9. However, the roles of HFM1 in mammalian oocytes remain uncertain. To investigate the functions of HFM1, we established a conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model. Specific knockout of Hfm1 in mouse oocytes from the primordial follicle stage resulted in depletion of ovarian follicular reserve and subfertility of mice. In particular, abnormal spindle, misaligned chromosomes, loss of cortical actin cap, and failing polar body extrusion were readily observed in Hfm1-cKO oocytes. Further studies indicated that in addition to its cytoplasmic distribution, Hfm1 accumulated at the spindle poles, colocalized with the Golgi marker protein, GM130. Generally, GM130 signals overlapped with p-Mapk at the two spindle poles to regulate meiotic spindle assembly and asymmetric division. In this research, centrosome associated proteins, such as GM130 and p-Mapk, detached from the spindle poles in Hfm1-cKO oocytes. In conclusion, our data suggest that Hfm1 participates in Golgi-associated spindle assembly and division in mouse oocyte meiosis. These findings provide clues for pathogenesis of POF.
In vivo stem cell tracking using scintigraphy in a canine model of DMD
Authors: Barthélémy Inès , Thibaud Jean-Laurent , de Fornel Pauline , Cassano Marco , Punzón Isabel , Mauduit David , Vilquin Jean-Thomas , Devauchelle Patrick , Sampaolesi Maurilio , Blot Stéphane
Published: June 2020

One of the main challenges in cell therapy for muscle diseases is to efficiently target the muscle. To address this issue and achieve better understanding ofin vivocell fate, we evaluated the relevance of a non-invasive cell tracking method in the Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy (GRMD) model, a well-recognised model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Mesoangioblasts were directly labelled with111In-oxine, and injected through one of the femoral arteries. The scintigraphy images obtained provided the first quantitative mapping of the immediate biodistribution of mesoangioblasts in a large animal model of DMD. The results revealed that cells were trapped by the first capillary filters: the injected limb and the lung. During the days following injection, radioactivity was redistributed to the liver.In vitrostudies, performed with the same cells prepared for injecting the animal, revealed prominent cell death and111In release.In vivo, cell death resulted in111In release into the vasculature that was taken up by the liver, resulting in a non-specific and non-cell-bound radioactive signal. Indirect labelling methods would be an attractive alternative to track cells on the mid- and long-term.
Hospitalization for acute heart failure: the in-hospital care pathway predicts one-year readmission
Authors: Duflos Claire , Troude Pénélope , Strainchamps David , Ségouin Christophe , Logeart Damien , Mercier Grégoire
Published: June 2020

In patients with heart failure, some organizational and modifiable factors could be prognostic factors. We aimed to assess the association between the in-hospital care pathways during hospitalization for acute heart failure and the risk of readmission. This retrospective study included all elderly patients who were hospitalized for acute heart failure at the Universitary Hospital Lariboisière (Paris) during 2013. We collected the wards attended, length of stay, admission and discharge types, diagnostic procedures, and heart failure discharge treatment. The clinical factors were the specific medical conditions, left ventricular ejection fraction, type of heart failure syndrome, sex, smoking status, and age. Consistent groups of in-hospital care pathways were built using an ascending hierarchical clustering method based on a primary components analysis. The association between the groups and the risk of readmission at 1 month and 1 year (for heart failure or for any cause) were measured via a count data model that was adjusted for clinical factors. This study included 223 patients. Associations between the in-hospital care pathway and the 1 year-readmission status were studied in 207 patients. Five consistent groups were defined: 3 described expected in-hospital care pathways in intensive care units, cardiology and gerontology wards, 1 described deceased patients, and 1 described chaotic pathways. The chaotic pathway strongly increased the risk (p = 0.0054) of 1 year readmission for acute heart failure. The chaotic in-hospital care pathway, occurring in specialized wards, was associated with the risk of readmission. This could promote specific quality improvement actions in these wards. Follow-up research projects should aim to describe the processes causing the generation of chaotic pathways and their consequences.
Venom alkaloids against Chagas disease parasite: search for effective therapies
Authors: Silva Rafael C. M. Costa , Fox Eduardo G. P. , Gomes Fabio M. , Feijó Daniel F. , Ramos Isabela , Koeller Carolina M. , Costa Tatiana F. R. , Rodrigues Nathalia S. , Lima Ana P. , Atella Georgia C. , Miranda Kildare , Schoijet Alejandra C. , Alonso Guillermo D. , de Alcântara Machado Ednildo , Heise Norton
Published: June 2020

Chagas disease is an important disease affecting millions of patients in the New World and is caused by a protozoan transmitted by haematophagous kissing bugs. It can be treated with drugs during the early acute phase; however, effective therapy against the chronic form of Chagas disease has yet to be discovered and developed. We herein tested the activity of solenopsin alkaloids extracted from two species of fire ants against the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiologic agent of Chagas disease. Although IC50 determinations showed that solenopsins are more toxic to the parasite than benznidazole, the drug of choice for Chagas disease treatment, the ant alkaloids presented a lower selectivity index. As a result of exposure to the alkaloids, the parasites became swollen and rounded in shape, with hypertrophied contractile vacuoles and intense cytoplasmic vacuolization, possibly resulting in osmotic stress; no accumulation of multiple kinetoplasts and/or nuclei was detected. Overexpressing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase—an enzyme essential for osmoregulation that is a known target of solenopsins in mammalian cells—did not prevent swelling and vacuolization, nor did it counteract the toxic effects of alkaloids on the parasites. Additional experimental results suggested that solenopsins induced a type of autophagic and programmed cell death in T. cruzi. Solenopsins also reduced the intracellular proliferation of T. cruzi amastigotes in infected macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner and demonstrated activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense bloodstream forms, which is another important aetiological kinetoplastid parasite. The results suggest the potential of solenopsins as novel natural drugs against neglected parasitic diseases caused by kinetoplastids.
SnoRNA signatures in cartilage ageing and osteoarthritis
Authors: Peffers Mandy J. , Chabronova Alzbeta , Balaskas Panagiotis , Fang Yongxiang , Dyer Philip , Cremers Andy , Emans Pieter J. , Feczko Peter Z. , Caron Marjolein M. , Welting Tim J. M.
Published: June 2020

Osteoarthritis presents as a change in the chondrocyte phenotype and an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes. Age affects its onset and progression. Small nucleolar RNAs (SnoRNAs) direct chemical modification of RNA substrates to fine-tune spliceosomal and rRNA function, accommodating changing requirements for splicing and protein synthesis during health and disease. Articular cartilage from young, old and OA knees was used in a microarray study to identify alterations in snoRNA expression. Changes in snoRNAs in osteoarthritis-like conditions were studied in chondrocytes using interleukin-1 and osteoarthritic synovial fluid. SNORD26 and SNORD96A knockdown and overexpression were undertaken using antisense oligonucleotides and overexpression plasmids. We identified panels of snoRNAs differentially expressed due to ageing (including SNORD96A, SNORD44) and osteoarthritis (including SNORD26 and SNORD116). In vitro experiments using osteoarthritis-like conditions affected snoRNA expression. Knockdown or overexpression of SNORD26 or SNORD96A resulted in changes in chondrogenic, hypertrophic, rRNA and osteoarthritis related gene expression. We demonstrate that snoRNA expression changes in cartilage ageing, and osteoarthritis and in osteoarthritis-like conditions, and when the expression of these snoRNAs is altered this affects chondrogenic and hypertrophic gene expression. Thus, we propose an additional dimension in the molecular mechanisms underlying cartilage ageing and osteoarthritis through the dysregulation of snoRNAs.
Larval behaviour, dispersal and population connectivity in the deep sea
Authors: Gary Stefan F. , Fox Alan D. , Biastoch Arne , Roberts J. Murray , Cunningham Stuart A.
Published: June 2020

Ecosystem connectivity is an essential consideration for marine spatial planning of competing interests in the deep sea. Immobile, adult communities are connected through freely floating larvae, depending on new recruits for their health and to adapt to external pressures. We hypothesize that the vertical swimming ability of deep-sea larvae, before they permanently settle at the bottom, is one way larvae can control dispersal. We test this hypothesis with more than $$3\times 10^{8}$$3×108 simulated particles with a range of active swimming behaviours embedded within the currents of a high-resolution ocean model. Despite much stronger horizontal ocean currents, vertical swimming of simulated larvae can have an order of magnitude impact on dispersal. These strong relationships between larval dispersal, pathways, and active swimming demonstrate that lack of data on larval behaviour traits is a serious impediment to modelling deep-sea ecosystem connectivity; this uncertainty greatly limits our ability to develop ecologically coherent marine protected area networks.
Investigating the antifibrotic effect of the antiparasitic drug Praziquantel in in vitro and in vivo preclinical models
Authors: Nono Justin Komguep , Fu Kai , Mpotje Thabo , Varrone Georgianna , Aziz Nada Abdel , Mosala Paballo , Hlaka Lerato , Kamdem Severin Donald , Xu Daigen , Spangenberg Thomas , Brombacher Frank
Published: June 2020

Tissue fibrosis underlies the majority of human mortality to date with close to half of all reported deaths having a fibrotic etiology. The progression of fibrosis is very complex and reputed irreversible once established. Although some preventive options are being reported, therapeutic options are still scarce and in very high demand, given the rise of diseases linked to fibroproliferative disorders. Our work explored four platforms, complementarily, in order to screen preventive and therapeutic potentials of the antiparasitic drug Praziquantel as a possible antifibrotic. We applied the mouse CCl4-driven liver fibrosis model, the mouse chronic schistosomiasis liver fibrosis model, as well as novel 2D and 3D human cell-based co-culture of human hepatocytes, KCs (Kupffer cells), LECs (Liver Endothelial Cells), HSCs (Hepatic Stellate Cells) and/or myofibroblasts to mimic in vivo fibrotic responses and dynamics. Praziquantel showed some effect on fibrosis marker when preventively administered before severe establishment of fibrosis. However, it failed to potently reverse already established fibrosis. Together, we provided a novel sophisticated multi-assay screening platform to test preventive and therapeutic antifibrotic candidates. We further demonstrated a direct preventive potential of Praziquantel against the onset of fibrosis and the confirmation of its lack of therapeutic potential in reversing already established fibrosis.
The targeted overexpression of SlCDF4 in the fruit enhances tomato size and yield involving gibberellin signalling
Authors: Renau-Morata Begoña , Carrillo Laura , Cebolla-Cornejo Jaime , Molina Rosa V. , Martí Raúl , Domínguez-Figueroa José , Vicente-Carbajosa Jesús , Medina Joaquín , Nebauer Sergio G.
Published: June 2020

Tomato is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable crops and a model for studying fruit biology. Although several genes involved in the traits of fruit quality, development and size have been identified, little is known about the regulatory genes controlling its growth. In this study, we characterized the role of the tomato SlCDF4 gene in fruit development, a cycling DOF-type transcription factor highly expressed in fruits. The targeted overexpression of SlCDF4 gene in the fruit induced an increased yield based on a higher amount of both water and dry matter accumulated in the fruits. Accordingly, transcript levels of genes involved in water transport and cell division and expansion during the fruit enlargement phase also increased. Furthermore, the larger amount of biomass partitioned to the fruit relied on the greater sink strength of the fruits induced by the increased activity of sucrose-metabolising enzymes. Additionally, our results suggest a positive role of SlCDF4 in the gibberellin-signalling pathway through the modulation of GA4 biosynthesis. Finally, the overexpression of SlCDF4 also promoted changes in the profile of carbon and nitrogen compounds related to fruit quality. Overall, our results unveil SlCDF4 as a new key factor controlling tomato size and composition.
Sexual reproduction and genetic polymorphism within the cosmopolitan marine diatom Pseudo-nitzschia pungens
Authors: Kim Jin Ho , Ajani Penelope , Murray Shauna A. , Kim Joo-Hwan , Lim Hong Chang , Teng Sing Tung , Lim Po Teen , Han Myung-Soo , Park Bum Soo
Published: June 2020

Different clades belonging to the cosmopolitan marine diatomPseudo-nitzschia pungensappear to be present in different oceanic environments, however, a ‘hybrid zone’, where populations of different clades interbreed, has also been reported. Many studies have investigated the sexual reproduction ofP. pungens,focused on morphology and life cycle, rather than the role of sexual reproduction in mixing the genomes of their parents. We carried out crossing experiments to determine the sexual compatibility/incompatibility between different clades ofP. pungens, and examined the genetic polymorphism in the ITS2 region. Sexual reproduction did not occur only between clades II and III under any of experimental temperature conditions. Four offspring strains were established between clade I and III successfully. Strains established from offspring were found interbreed with other offspring strains as well as viable with their parental strains. We confirmed the hybrid sequence patterns between clades I and III and found novel sequence types including polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the offspring strains. Our results implicate that gene exchange and mixing between different clades are still possible, and that sexual reproduction is a significant ecological strategy to maintain the genetic diversity within this diatom species.
Influence of surface defect density on the ultrafast hot carrier relaxation and transport in $${\hbox {Cu}}_2 {\hbox {O}}$$ photoelectrodes
Authors: Grad Lisa , Novotny Zbynek , Hengsberger Matthias , Osterwalder Jürg
Published: June 2020

Cuprous oxide ($${\hbox {Cu}}_2 {\hbox {O}}$$

Cu
2

O

) is a promising material for photoelectrochemical energy conversion due to its small direct band gap, high absorbance, and its Earth-abundant constituents. High conversion efficiencies require transport of photoexcited charges to the interface without energy loss. We studied the electron dynamics in $${\hbox {Cu}}_2 {\hbox {O}}$$

Cu
2

O

(111) by time-resolved two-photon photoemission for different surface defect densities in order to elucidate the influence on charge carrier transport. On the pristine bulk terminated surface, the principal conduction bands could be resolved, and ultrafast, elastic transport of electrons to the surface was observed. On a reconstructed surface the carrier transport is strongly suppressed and defect states dominate the spectra. Evidence for surface oxygen vacancies acting as efficient carrier traps is provided, what is important for further engineering of $${\hbox {Cu}}_2 {\hbox {O}}$$

Cu
2

O

based photoelectrodes.