bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic model reduction captures the dynamics of extrinsic noise in biochemical subnetworks
Authors: Bravi Barbara , Rubin Katy J. , Sollich Peter
Published: July 2020

We consider the general problem of describing the dynamics of subnetworks of larger biochemical reaction networks, e.g., protein interaction networks involving complex formation and dissociation reactions. We propose the use of model reduction strategies to understand the “extrinsic” sources of stochasticity arising from the rest of the network. Our approaches are based on subnetwork dynamical equations derived by projection methods and path integrals. The results provide a principled derivation of different components of the extrinsic noise that is observed experimentally in cellular biochemical reactions, over and above the intrinsic noise from the stochasticity of biochemical events in the subnetwork. We explore several intermediate approximations to assess systematically the relative importance of different extrinsic noise components, including initial transients, long-time plateaus, temporal correlations, multiplicative noise terms, and nonlinear noise propagation. The best approximations achieve excellent accuracy in quantitative tests on a simple protein network and on the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling network.
Tuning topological states in a Ni-hexaaminobenzene framework by NO2 adsorption
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Chen Li , Wang Dongchao , Shi Changmin , Li Xiaolong , He Yuanyuan , Zhao Jianwei
Published: July 2020

Exploring a quantum topological phase, such as the quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect and quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect in two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), has been attracting significant attention. In this study, we propose to realize a topological phase transition via NO2 adsorption in a recently synthesized two-dimensional Ni-hexaaminobenzene [Ni3(HAB)2]. First-principles calculations show a QSH state of the pristine Ni3(HAB)2 nanosheet. However, when NO2 molecules are adsorbed on the Ni3(HAB)2 surface, the system changes to a ferromagnetic state and the time-reversal symmetry is broken. We find that the NO2-adsorbed Ni3(HAB)2 exhibits an intrinsic QAH state with the Fermi level exactly located within a topologically nontrivial bandgap. The calculated gapless edge states and quantized Hall conductance further confirm the QSH-to-QAH phase transition. Our finding offers an alternative approach of tuning the topological phase transition in a real MOF material.
Screw dislocation that converts p-type GaN to n-type: Microscopic study on Mg condensation and leakage current in p–n diodes
Authors: Nakano T. , Harashima Y. , Chokawa K. , Shiraishi K. , Oshiyama A. , Kangawa Y. , Usami S. , Mayama N. , Toda K. , Tanaka A. , Honda Y. , Amano H.
Published: July 2020

Recent experiments suggest that Mg condensation at threading dislocations induces current leakage, leading to degradation of GaN-based power devices. To investigate this, we perform first-principles total-energy electronic-structure calculations for various Mg and dislocation complexes. We find that threading screw dislocations (TSDs) indeed attract Mg impurities, and that the electronic levels in the energy gap induced by the dislocations are elevated toward the conduction band as the Mg impurity approaches the dislocation line, indicating that the Mg-TSD complex is a donor. The formation of the Mg-TSD complex is unequivocally evidenced by atom probe tomography in which Mg condensation around the [0001] screw dislocation is observed in a p–n diode. These findings provide a picture in which the Mg, being a p-type impurity in GaN, diffuses toward the TSD and then locally forms an n-type region. The appearance of this region along the TSD results in local formation of an n–n junction and leads to an increase in the reverse leakage current.
Reddish GaN:ZnO photoelectrode for improved photoelectrochemical solar water splitting
Authors: Wang Zhiliang , Huang Hengming , Monny Sabiha Akter , Xiao Mu , Wang Lianzhou
Published: July 2020

Efficient light harvesting is one of the key prerequisites in improving the solar conversion efficiency for photoelectrochemical water splitting. As classic semiconductors for water splitting, the solid state solution GaN:ZnO based photoanodes exhibit poor water splitting efficiency mainly limited by its light absorption. To overcome this bottleneck, here we report that phosphorus modification shifts the absorption edge of GaN:ZnO from 480 nm to the red end of 650 nm and also leads to one order of magnitude increase of the carrier concentration. Further, taking the surface phosphate groups as anchors, cobalt can be adsorbed, leading to the in situ formation of cobalt phosphate as a cocatalyst for water oxidation, which results in drastically improved photocurrent density and stability. This work highlights the significance of phosphorization treatment in extending the light harvest and changing the surface reaction kinetics for an efficient solar conversion process.
Wave interactions in neutrally stable shear layers: Regular and singular modes, and non-modal growth
Authors: Heifetz E. , Guha A. , Carpenter J. R.
Published: July 2020

A recent letter [J. R. Carpenter and A. Guha, “Instability of a smooth shear layer through wave interactions,” Phys. Fluids 31, 081701 (2019)] compared the neutral modes of a smooth two-dimensional shear profile without an inflection point to the modes of its corresponding piecewise-linear profile. The regular mode in the smooth profile was identified as the one least sensitive to the numerical resolution, while the singular modes displayed high sensitivity. Here, we provide a physical interpretation using a wave interaction approach for understanding the structure and behavior of both the regular and singular modes. The regular modes are the interfacial Rossby waves located at the concentrated mean vorticity gradient of the shear profile. In contrast, the singular modes result from a one way phase-locking interaction between singular vorticity disturbances, passively advected by the mean flow at different levels of the profile, and the interfacial Rossby waves. We show that this one way interaction can also lead to a sustained non-modal growth of the interfacial Rossby waves that cannot be captured by standard eigenvalue analysis.
Mechanical detwinning device for anisotropic resistivity measurements in samples requiring dismounting for particle irradiation
Authors: Timmons E. I. , Tanatar M. A. , Liu Yong , Cho Kyuil , Lograsso T. A. , Kończykowski M. , Prozorov R.
Published: July 2020

Uniaxial stress is used to detwin the samples of orthorhombic iron based superconductors to study their intrinsic electronic anisotropy. Here, we describe the development of a new detwinning setup enabling variable-load stress-detwinning with easy sample mounting/dismounting without the need to re-solder the contacts. It enables the systematic study of the anisotropy evolution as a function of an external parameter when the sample is modified between the measurements. In our case, the external parameter is the dose of 2.5 MeV electron irradiation at low temperature. We illustrate the approach by studying resistivity anisotropy in single crystals of Ba1−xKxFe2As2 at x = 0.25, where the much discussed unusual re-entrance of the tetragonal C4 phase, C4 → C2 → C4, is observed on cooling. With the described technique, we found a significant anisotropy increase in the C2 phase after electron irradiation with a dose of 2.35 C/cm2.
Highly dilute gas flows through a non-isothermal planar microchannel
Authors: Cai Shiying , Cai Chunpei , Li Jun
Published: July 2020

This paper reports theoretical and numerical investigations on free molecular gas flows through microchannels. Both diffusely and specularly reflective channel surfaces are considered. Gas kinetic methods are adopted to develop the analytical solutions for surface and flowfield properties. The crucial steps include constructing the velocity distribution functions (VDFs) for points at the plate surfaces and inside flowfield and then completing the integration over the related velocity phases. For diffusely reflective surfaces, the VDFs are related to the densities and temperatures at the two exits and the plate, respectively. For surfaces with specular reflections, the VDFs at the plate surface and inside the flowfield are identical and are independent of the surface temperature ratio and the geometric aspect ratio. Based on the VDFs and velocity phases, surface property coefficients (e.g., Cp, Cf, and Cq) and flowfield properties (e.g., density, velocity components, and temperature) are obtained. For the diffusely reflective surface scenario, the mass flow rate can be approximated and the results include four non-dimensional parameters: the aspect ratio, the density ratio, and two temperature ratios. For the specularly reflective surface scenario, the surface and flowfield properties are uniform everywhere, and the channel aspect ratio and plate temperatures do not have any influence. Particle simulations with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method are performed, and essentially identical results validate the theoretical work. This work is heuristic and can be used to investigate less rarefied microchannel gaseous flows, for example, aid experimental measurement design for thermal transpiration flows.
Isoform-specific regulation of HCN4 channels by a family of endoplasmic reticulum proteins
Authors: Peters Colin H. , Myers Mallory E. , Juchno Julie , Haimbaugh Charlie , Bichraoui Hicham , Du Yanmei , Bankston John R. , Walker Lori A. , Proenza Catherine
Published: July 2020

Significance

The pore-forming subunits of ion channels are regulated by auxiliary interacting proteins. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-sensitive isoform 4 (HCN4) channels are critical determinants of electrical excitability in many types of cells, including neurons and cardiac pacemaker cells. Here we report the discovery of two HCN4 regulatory proteins. Despite their homology, the two proteins—lymphoid-restricted membrane protein (LRMP) and inositol trisphosphate receptor-associated guanylate kinase substrate (IRAG)—have opposing effects on HCN4, causing loss and gain of function, respectively. LRMP and IRAG are expected to play critical roles in regulation of physiological processes ranging from wakefulness to heart rate through their modulation of HCN4 channel function.
Niche expansion for phototrophic sulfur bacteria at the Proterozoic–Phanerozoic transition
Authors: Cui Xingqian , Liu Xiao-Lei , Shen Gaozhong , Ma Jian , Husain Fatima , Rocher Donald , Zumberge John E. , Bryant Donald A. , Summons Roger E.
Published: July 2020

Significance

Carotenoid pigments afford valuable clues about the chemistry and biology of both modern and ancient aquatic environments. This study reveals that fossil aromatic carotenoids—long considered biomarkers for anoxygenic, phototrophic sulfur bacteria and their physiological requirement for hydrogen sulfide and illumination—can also be biosynthesized by oxygen-producing cyanobacteria. Cyanobacterial aromatic carotenoids, which are distinct in their chemical structures and occurrence patterns, are the most commonly encountered compounds in Proterozoic marine settings as well as in lakes from more recent eras. In contrast, carotenoids diagnostic for green sulfur bacteria of the family Chlorobiaceae became both prevalent and abundant in marine paleoenvironments beginning in the Phanerozoic Eon. This expansion occurs as marine sulfate inventories increased toward the end of the Proterozoic Eon.
BCG vaccine protection from severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Escobar Luis E. , Molina-Cruz Alvaro , Barillas-Mury Carolina
Published: July 2020

Significance

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most devastating in recent history. The bacillus Calmette−Guérin (BCG) vaccine against tuberculosis also confers broad protection against other infectious diseases, and it has been proposed that it could reduce the severity of COVID-19. This epidemiological study assessed the global linkage between BCG vaccination and COVID-19 mortality. Signals of BCG vaccination effect on COVID-19 mortality are influenced by social, economic, and demographic differences between countries. After mitigating multiple confounding factors, several significant associations between BCG vaccination and reduced COVID-19 deaths were observed. This study highlights the need for mechanistic studies behind the effect of BCG vaccination on COVID-19, and for clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of BCG vaccination to protect from severe COVID-19.
When politics intervenein non-political news flow
Authors: Zhang Yiyan
Published: July 2020

While intermedia agenda-setting scholars have examined the process from a global perspective, trans-regional
intermedia agenda setting, especially in non-western context, remains understudied. By analyzing the time-series data of news
coverage on air pollution, a non-political topic, from online news media in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan from 2015 to
2018, this study revealed a triangular first-level agenda-setting relationship among the three regions and identified the changing
agenda setters across years, which disproves the imperialistic stereotype that there is a one-way control from mainland China
media. The study also revealed the significant yet unconventional moderating effect of the political stance of news organizations
in the trans-regional information flow. This study contributes to the intermedia agenda-setting literature by introducing the
method of controlling the real-life situation in the Granger Causality test and by showing that non-political issues can also be
politicalized in the salience transferring process.
A cross-sectional study of prevalence and risk factors for stunting among under-fives attending acute malnutrition treatment programmes in north-western Nigeria: Should these programmes be adapted to also manage stunting?
Authors: Imam Abdulazeez , Hassan-Hanga Fatimah , Sallahdeen Azeezat , Farouk Zubaida L
Published: July 2020

Background

Stunting and severe wasting can co-occur in under-fives, predisposing them to increased risks for morbidity and mortality. The Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) programme, which provides outpatient malnutrition care for severely wasted children, has been successful at managing severe wasting, but there are limited data on stunting among entrants into these programmes.

Methods

We performed secondary analysis of data collected from attendees of two CMAM centres in north-western Nigeria. Using WHO reference standards, we determined the prevalence of concurrent stunting (height/length-for-age <-2 SD) among severely wasted children (weight-for-height z-scores <-3 SD). We identified individual and household-level risk factors for concurrent stunting using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Our cohort comprised 472 severely wasted children and the majority (82.8%) were stunted. Age groups of 12–23 mo (adjusted OR [AOR]=2.38, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.48) and 24–35 mo (AOR=7.81, 95% CI 1.99 to 30.67), male gender (AOR=2.51, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.39) and attending the rural malnutrition clinic (AOR=3.08, 95% CI 1.64 to 5.79) were associated with a significantly increased probability of stunting.

Conclusions

Stunting prevalence is high among severely wasted children attending CMAM programmes in north-western Nigeria. Policymakers need to adapt these treatment programmes to also cater for stunting, taking into account practical programmatic realities such as available expertise and scarce resource allocation.
Photoelectric heating effects on the evolution of luminous disc galaxies
Authors: Osman Omima , Bekki Kenji , Cortese Luca
Published: July 2020

Photoelectric heating (PEH) influences the temperature and density of the interstellar medium (ISM), potentially also affecting star formation. PEH is expected to have a stronger effect on massive galaxies, as they host larger dust reservoirs compared to dwarf systems. Accordingly, in this paper, we study PEH effects in Milky Way-like galaxies using a smoothed particle hydrodynamics code, which self-consistently implements the evolution of the gas, dust, and interstellar radiation field. Dust evolution includes dust formation by stars, destruction by SNe, and growth in dense media. We find that PEH suppresses star formation due to the excess heating that reduces the ISM density. This suppression is seen across the entire range of gas fractions, star-formation recipes, dust models, and PEH efficiencies investigated by our code. The suppression ranges from negligible values to approximately a factor of five depending on the specific implementation. Galaxy models having higher gas fractions experience higher star-formation suppression. The adopted dust model also alters the extent of star-formation suppression. Moreover, when PEH is switched on, galaxy models show higher gas outflow rates and have higher loading factors, indicative of enhanced SNe feedback. In gas-rich models (i.e. a gas fraction of 0.5), we also find that PEH suppresses the formation of disc clumps via violent disc instabilities, and thus suppresses bulge formation via clump migration to the central regions.
Joint analysis of 6dFGS and SDSS peculiar velocities for the growth rate of cosmic structure and tests of gravity
Authors: Said Khaled , Colless Matthew , Magoulas Christina , Lucey John R , Hudson Michael J
Published: July 2020

Measurement of peculiar velocities by combining redshifts and distance indicators is a powerful way to measure the growth rate of a cosmic structure and test theories of gravity at low redshift. Here we constrain the growth rate of the structure by comparing observed Fundamental Plane peculiar velocities for 15 894 galaxies from the 6dF Galaxy Survey (6dFGS) and Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) with predicted velocities and densities from the 2M++ redshift survey. We measure the velocity scale parameter $\beta \equiv {\Omega _{\rm m}^\gamma }/b = 0.372^{+0.034}_{-0.050}$ and $0.314^{+0.031}_{-0.047}$ for 6dFGS and SDSS, respectively, where Ωm is the mass density parameter, γ is the growth index, and b is the bias parameter normalized to the characteristic luminosity of galaxies, L*. Combining 6dFGS and SDSS, we obtain β = 0.341 ± 0.024, implying that the amplitude of the product of the growth rate and the mass fluctuation amplitude is fσ8 = 0.338 ± 0.027 at an effective redshift z = 0.035. Adopting Ωm = 0.315 ± 0.007, as favoured by Planck and using γ = 6/11 for General Relativity and γ = 11/16 for DGP gravity, we get $S_8(z=0) = \sigma _8 \sqrt{\Omega _{\rm m}/0.3} =0.637 \pm 0.054$ and 0.741 ± 0.062 for GR and DGP, respectively. This measurement agrees with other low-redshift probes of large-scale structure but deviates by more than 3σ from the latest Planck CMB measurement. Our results favour values of the growth index γ > 6/11 or a Hubble constant H0 > 70 km s−1 Mpc−1 or a fluctuation amplitude σ8 < 0.8 or some combination of these. Imminent redshift surveys such as Taipan, DESI, WALLABY, and SKA1-MID will help to resolve this tension by measuring the growth rate of cosmic structure to 1 per cent in the redshift range 0 < z < 1.
Cosmological parameter analyses using transversal BAO data
Authors: Nunes Rafael C , Yadav Santosh K , Jesus J F , Bernui Armando
Published: July 2020

We investigate observational constraints on cosmological parameters combining 15 measurements of the transversal BAO scale (obtained free of any fiducial cosmology) with Planck–CMB data to explore the parametric space of some cosmological models. We investigate how much Planck + transversal BAO data can constraint the minimum Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model, and extensions, including neutrinos mass scale Mν, and the possibility for a dynamical dark energy (DE) scenario. Assuming the ΛCDM cosmology, we find H0 = 69.23 ± 0.50 km s−1 Mpc−1, Mν < 0.11 eV, and rdrag = 147.59 ± 0.26 Mpc (the sound horizon at drag epoch) from Planck + transversal BAO data. When assuming a dynamical DE cosmology, we find that the inclusion of the BAO data can indeed break the degeneracy of the DE free parameters, improving the constraints on the full parameter space significantly. We note that the model is compatible with local measurements of H0 and there is no tension on H0 estimates in this dynamical DE context. Also, we discuss constraints and consequences from a joint analysis with the local H0 measurement from SH0ES. Finally, we perform a model-independent analysis for the deceleration parameter, q(z), using only information from transversal BAO data.
Silicon ISM X-ray absorption: the gaseous component
Authors: Gatuzz E , Gorczyca T W , Hasoglu M F , Schulz N S , Corrales L , Mendoza C
Published: July 2020

We present a detailed analysis of the gaseous component of the Si K edge using high-resolution Chandra spectra of low-mass X-ray binaries. We fit the spectra with a modified version of the ISMabs model, including new photoabsorption cross-sections computed for all Si ionic species. We estimate column densities for Si i, Si ii, Si iii, Si xii, and Si xiii, which trace the warm, intermediate temperature, and hot phases of the Galactic interstellar medium. We find that the ionic fractions of the first two phases are similar. This may be due to the physical state of the plasma determined by the temperature or due to the presence of absorber material in the close vicinity of the sources. Our findings highlight the need for accurate modelling of the gaseous component before attempting to address the solid component.
The Cultural Preparedness Perspective of Career Development
Authors: Arulmani Gideon , Kumar Sachin , Shrestha Sunita , Viray Maribon , Aravind Sajma
Published: July 2020

Career psychology is placing an increasingly greater focus on culture-resonant theories of development and culture-concordant career interventions. This chapter describes the cultural preparation process model (CPPM) as a framework to understand how culture mediates the process by which individuals and communities engage with their careers and livelihood. The key propositions of the CPPM are presented along with its applicational dimension. The model as a template for intervention development is discussed, and five guidelines—recognizing cultural leadership, expanding the definition of “client,” identifying and accommodating ways of living, valorizing cultural symbols, and integrating livelihood and career—are described. Jiva, an intervention based on the CPPM, and its impact and outcomes are presented, with evidence of outcomes from India and adaptations implemented in other countries. Applying the CPPM to assess interests and aptitudes is considered, with the Strengths and Accomplishments Questionnaire presented as an example. In summary, this chapter provides a reference point from which culture could be drawn into the career development discourse.
Empirically Supported Psychological Treatments: EMDR Therapy
Authors: de Jongh Ad , ten Broeke Erik , Farrell Derek , Maxfield Louise
Published: July 2020

This chapter provides an overview of the current empirical support for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has been included in international treatment guidelines as an evidence-based and recommended treatment for this condition. It first provides a brief description of EMDR therapy, which is a standardized, eight-phase, trauma-focused therapy, involving the use of “bilateral” physical stimulation (eye movements, taps or tones). The scientific support for its efficacy is reviewed, particularly in comparison with its most crucial trauma-focused comparator (i.e., trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy). Finally, the chapter discusses research into the mechanism of action of EMDR therapy.
Music in the British Workplace: From Voice to a Technique of Control?
Authors: Korczynski Marek
Published: July 2020

This chapter examines music in the British workplace. It considers whether it is appropriate to see the history of music in the workplace as involving a journey from the organic singing voice (both literal and metaphorical) of workers to broadcast music appropriated by the powerful to become a technique of social control. The chapter charts four key stages in the social history of music in British workplaces. First, it highlights the existence of widespread cultures of singing at work prior to industrialization, and outlines the important meanings these cultures had for workers. Next, it outlines the silencing of the singing voice within the workplace further to industrialization—either from direct employer bans on singing, or from the roar of the industrial noise. The third key stage involves the carefully controlled employer- and state-led reintroduction of music in the workplace in the mid-twentieth century—through the centralized relaying of specific forms of music via broadcast systems in workplaces. The chapter ends with an examination of contemporary musicking in relation to (often worker-led) radio music played in workplaces.
Mathematics learning support centres in Germany—an overview
Authors: Schürmann Mirko , Gildehaus Lara , Liebendörfer Michael , Schaper Niclas , Biehler Rolf , Hochmuth Reinhard , Kuklinski Christiane , Lankeit Elisa
Published: July 2020

Mathematics learning support centres (MLSC) are widely established and evaluated in English-speaking countries (such as the UK, Ireland and Australia). In most of these countries, several national surveys on MLSCs exist. They give an overview of the number of MLSCs as well as their characteristics in these countries. In Germany, there is a lack of studies on MLSCs and the landscape of MLSCs has not been described yet. This article presents basic information concerning counts of MLSCs and their characteristics at universities. Based on a three-step approach of analysing university homepages and additional personal contact via email or phone calls, we gathered typical MLSC features (e.g. staff quantities and qualification, opening and support hours, supported study programmes). We analysed 190 universities from a web-based register on study programmes. In total, we found 61 MLSCs located at 51 German universities. Another 16 support centres were specialized on mathematics didactics, which means they focussed on didactical and methodological support for preservice teacher students and often provided different teaching materials. Thirty-eight centres were located at universities (62.3%) and 23 MLSCs at universities of applied sciences and comparable universities (37.7%). The MLSCs were different in their sizes of staff and opening hours, and both the numbers of staff and the service hours differed greatly. The student groups MLSCs at German universities focus on differ concerning characteristics like study programme or semester. We will provide the main categories describing these groups. We seek to answer research questions concerning the characteristics of MLSCs in Germany and discuss the results compared to international findings. This information is useful for further international collaborative research, for example a standardized international survey. From a national perspective, these findings support networking and collaborations between the MLSCs as well. As some German MLSCs are facing financial cuts, these results might help in gaining additional funding.
Integrative taxonomic revision of the woodlouse-hunter spider genusDysdera(Araneae: Dysderidae) in the Madeira archipelago with notes on its conservation status
Authors: Crespo Luís C , Silva Isamberto , Enguídanos Alba , Cardoso Pedro , Arnedo Miquel A
Published: July 2020

Dysdera is a highly speciose genus of mid-sized, nocturnal hunting spiders, mostly circumscribed to the Mediterranean. The genus managed to colonize all Macaronesian archipelagos, and underwent major diversification in the Canary Islands. Here, we report on an independent diversification event on the Madeira archipelago. Based on the integration of morphological and molecular evidence, we describe 8 new species to science, Dysdera dissimilis sp. nov., Dysdera exigua sp. nov., Dysdera isambertoi sp. nov., Dysdera precaria sp. nov., Dysdera recondita sp. nov., Dysdera sandrae sp. nov., Dysdera teixeirai sp. nov., Dysdera titanica sp. nov. and redescribe Dysdera coiffaiti, Dysdera diversa and Dysdera portisancti. We synonymize Dysdera longibulbis and Dysdera vandeli under D. coiffaiti and D. diversa, respectively. Additionally, we use a multilocus target gene phylogeny to support a single colonization event of the archipelago followed by in situ diversification. We further discuss the discovered diversity patterns and their drivers. We conclude to that many of the species inhabit disturbed or fragile habitats and should be considered of high conservation concern.
Associations between the psoas major muscle index and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease
Authors: Imaizumi Tomoki , Shiga Yuhei , Idemoto Yoshiaki , Tashiro Kohei , Ueda Yoko , Yano Yuiko-Miyase , Norimatsu Kenji , Nakamura Ayumi , Kuwano Takashi , Iwata Atsushi , Miura Shin-Ichiro
Published: July 2020

The associations between the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and measurements of the psoas major muscle (PMM) as assessed by multidetector row coronary computed tomography angiography (MDCT) are not known.

We enrolled 793 patients who were clinically suspected to have CAD or had at least one cardiac risk factor and had undergone MDCT. The number of significantly stenosed coronary vessels (VD) and measurements of the PMM index (PMMI) were determined using MDCT.

PMMI in the CAD group was significantly lower than that in the non-CAD group in males, but not females. In addition, the levels of PMMI tended to increase as the number of VD decreased in males. When male patients were divided into 2 groups according to median value of age, that is, relatively younger (53.4 ± 9.2 years) and older (72.6 ± 5.7 years) groups, the presence of CAD was independently associated with PMMI in the younger group by a multiple logistic regression analysis. The cut-off level of PMMI that gave the greatest sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CAD in younger males was 8.3 cm2/m2 (sensitivity 0.441, specificity 0.752).

In conclusion, PMMI may be an imaging marker for evaluating the presence and/or severity of CAD in males, and particularly in the non-elderly.
A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for interstitial cystitis
Authors: Chen Da-yin , Guo Ying-xue , Dong Long-xin , He Wen-jie , Cao Hui-feng , Wang Ping , Yue Cai-fang
Published: July 2020

Background:

This study will examine the effectiveness and safety of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC).

Methods:

We will retrieve the following electronic databases from their commencements to the March 1, 2020 to discover all related potential studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and WANFANG Database. Randomized controlled trials related to the NMES for the treatment of patients with IC will be included, regardless publication status and language. Literature selection, data collection, and study quality assessment will be independently performed by 2 authors. The extracted data will be expressed as risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous data, and mean difference or standard mean difference and 95% confidence intervals for continuous data. RevMan V.5.3 software will be employed for statistical analysis.

Results:

This study will summarize current high quality randomized controlled trials to appraise the effectiveness and safety of NMES for the treatment of patients with IC.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study will provide helpful evidence to determine whether NMES is an effective treatment for patients with IC or not.

Systematic review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42020170495.
Identification of novel biomarkers correlated with prostate cancer progression by an integrated bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Ma Zhifang , Wang Jianming , Ding Lingyan , Chen Yujun
Published: July 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor and the biological mechanisms underlying its progression remain unclear.

We performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis in PCa dataset from the Cancer Genome Atlas database to identify the key module and key genes related to the progression of PCa. Furthermore, another independent datasets were used to validate our findings.

A total of 744 differentially expressed genes were screened out and 5 modules were identified for PCa samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. We found the brown module was the key module and related to tumor grade (R2 = 0.52) and tumor invasion depth (R2 = 0.39). Besides, 24 candidate hub genes were screened out and 2 genes (BIRC5 and DEPDC1B) were identified and validated as real hub genes that associated with the progression and prognosis of PCa. Moreover, the biological roles of BIRC5 were related to G-protein coupled receptor signal pathway, and the functions of DEPDC1B were related to the G-protein coupled receptor signal pathway and retinol metabolism in PCa.

Taken together, we identified 1 module, 24 candidate hub genes and 2 real hub genes, which were prominently associated with PCa progression. With more experiments and clinical trials, these genes may provide a promising future for PCa treatment.
Successful management of a pregnant woman with Kasabach–Merritt syndrome and preeclampsia
Authors: Yang Yi , Guo Zhiheng , Wang Zhenpeng , Luo Lili , Chen Ying
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome (KMS) is an extremely rare disease in adults, which lead to consumptive coagulopathy characterized by severe hypofibrinogenemia and thrombocytopenia.

Patient concerns:

a 25-year-old Chinese pregnant women complicated by preeclampsia and KMS presented with refractory postpartum hemorrhage and incision bleeding after cesarean section.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of KMS was made based on clinical manifestation of Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma, severe hypofibrinogenemia and thrombocytopenia.

Interventions:

After a poor response to massive blood products transfusion for 1 week, corticosteroid treatment was initiated for 3 days.

Outcomes:

The patient reached a normal platelet count and a mild anemia within 4 weeks. Two months later, all laboratory values had returned to normal, and the incision was healing well.

Conclusion:

Pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia and surgery may have contributions for the development of Kasabach–Merritt syndrome. Corticosteroid is indicated in the episode of acute Kasabach–Merritt syndrome after the failure of massive blood transfusion.
Twin pregnancy outcome following teriflunomide treatment in a relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patient
Authors: D’Aleo Giangaetano , Rifici Carmela , Donato Antonina , Corallo Francesco , Di Cara Marcella , Bramanti Placido , Sessa Edoardo
Published: July 2020

Rationale:

Teriflunomide is a disease-modifying drug that has been approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Due to its teratogenic effect in animals, however, it is not recommended during pregnancy. For this reason, effective contraception must be used during its administration. When an unscheduled pregnancy occurs during therapy, patients must undergo a cholestyramine procedure for rapid flushing of the drug.

Patient concerns:

We describe the case of a 35-year-old female patient suffering diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at the age of 20. The patient as a result of side effects of previous therapies started taking teriflunomide.

Diagnosis:

Despite recommendations for the use of contraceptives, the patient became pregnant during drug therapy. Pregnancy occurred 12 months after initiating teriflunomide treatment.

Interventions:

Therapy with teriflunomide was immediately suspended and cholestyramine was prescribed (8 g 3 times a day, for 11 days) to flush out any residual drug from the body.

Outcomes:

Despite an 8-week exposure to teriflumomide during gestation, the patient gave birth to healthy twin girls at 35th week. Controls carried out after birth did not reveal any malformation or genetic and chromosomal abnormality. At a 5-month pediatric specialist check both babies were healthy and growing regularly.

Conclusion:

This shows that even if there is evidence of teratogenic effects in animals, an 8-week exposure to teraflunomide >0.02 mg/L did not have effects on the newborn.
Actual Five-year Survival After Upfront Resection for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Strobel Oliver , Lorenz Philipp , Hinz Ulf , Gaida Matthias , König Anna-Katharina , Hank Thomas , Niesen Willem , Kaiser J.ö.rg , Al-Saeedi Mohammed , Bergmann Frank , Springfeld Christoph , Berchtold Christoph , Diener Markus K. , Schneider Martin , Mehrabi Arianeb , Müller-Stich Beat P. , Hackert Thilo , Jager Dirk , Büchler Markus W.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To determine actual five-year survival (5YS) rates associated with a strategy of upfront surgery and adjuvant therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Background:

The rate of actual 5YS in PDAC remains controversial. Available data is restricted to cohorts acquired over several decades and series of resection after patient selection by neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods:

All patients undergoing upfront resection for resectable and borderline-resectable PDAC from 10/2001 to 12/2011 were identified from a prospective database. Actual overall survival was assessed after a follow-up of at least 5 years. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:

Median survival of 937 patients was 22.1 months. The actual 5YS rate was 17.0% (n = 159) including 89 (9.5%) patients without evidence of disease >5 years after resection. 5YS rates in patients with or without adjuvanttherapy were 18.8% vs. 12.2%, respectively. Tumorgrading, number of positive lymph nodes, a context of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia, and vascular resections were independently associated with 5YS. Patient-related parameters and CA 19-9 levels were associated with observed survival up to 3 years, but lost relevance thereafter. The extent of lymph node involvement was the strongest predictor of 5YS. Patients with pN0R0 had a 5YS rate of 38.2%. in patients with exclusively favorable factors the observed 5YS rate was above 50%.

Conclusions:

This is the largest series of long-term survivors with histologically confirmed PDAC. With upfront resection and adjuvant therapy an actual overall 5YS rate of 18.8% can be expected. in favorable subgroups actual 5YS is above 50%.
Ethics of Facial Transplantation
Authors: ElHawary Hassan , Salimi Ali , Gilardino Mirko S.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

This study examines and contrasts the effect of risk disclosure on risk acceptance and perceived changes in quality of life (QoL) among individuals with and without facial disfigurement.

Summary of Background Data:

Psychological distress has been previously shown to alter patients’ perception of certain treatments. Due to the grave risks and complications of FT, it is important to understand whether the psychological trauma associated with facial disfigurement alters their perception of FT and its associated risks.

Methods:

Participants with and without facial disfigurement were recruited to complete a questionnaire about their perceived QoL, sense of identity, and willingness to proceed with FT in the context of 3 different hypothetical scenarios involving facial disfiguration.

Results:

Four hundred nine nonfacially disfigured and 74 facially disfigured participants were included. When both healthy and facially disfigured individuals were presented with the risks and benefits of a FT, they both perceived their QoL to be as low, or significantly lower, than if they had severe facial disfigurement. Furthermore, presenting the risks of FT significantly altered the decision making and risk acceptance of healthy individuals with no facial disfigurement. However, risk disclosure did not affect the decision making among facially disfigured individuals.

Conclusion:

This study highlights that presenting the complication profile of FT decreases risk acceptance of FT in healthy individuals but has no significant effects on facially disfigured individuals. The psychological impact of facial disfigurement and its influence on accepting the significant risks of FT should be considered and warrants further investigation.
Inflation versus projection sets in aperiodic systems: the role of the window in averaging and diffraction
Authors: Baake Michael , Grimm Uwe
Published: July 2020

Tilings based on the cut-and-project method are key model systems for the description of aperiodic solids. Typically, quantities of interest in crystallography involve averaging over large patches, and are well defined only in the infinite-volume limit. In particular, this is the case for autocorrelation and diffraction measures. For cut-and-project systems, the averaging can conveniently be transferred to internal space, which means dealing with the corresponding windows. In this topical review, this is illustrated by the example of averaged shelling numbers for the Fibonacci tiling, and the standard approach to the diffraction for this example is recapitulated. Further, recent developments are discussed for cut-and-project structures with an inflation symmetry, which are based on an internal counterpart of the renormalization cocycle. Finally, a brief review is given of the notion of hyperuniformity, which has recently gained popularity, and its application to aperiodic structures.
The impact of epidemics on agricultural production and forecast of COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Shurui , Wang Shuo , Yuan Lingran , Liu Xiaoguang , Gong Binlei
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article investigates the mechanism of the direct and indirect effects of epidemics on agricultural production and projects the impact of COVID-19 on agricultural output in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This article first adopts a dynamic panel model and spatial Durbin model to estimate the direct and indirect effects, followed by a growth accounting method to identify the channels by which epidemics affect agriculture; finally, it projects the overall impact of COVID-19 on agriculture.

Findings

The incidence rate of epidemics in a province has a negative impact on that province's own agricultural productivity, but the increase in the input factors (land, fertilizer and machinery) can make up for the loss and thus lead to insignificant direct effects. However, this “input-offset-productivity” mechanism fails to radiate to the surrounding provinces and therefore leads to significant indirect/spillover effects. It is projected that COVID-19 will lower China's agricultural growth rate by 0.4%–2.0% in 2020 under different scenarios.

Research limitations/implications

It is crucial to establish a timely disclosure and sharing system of epidemic information across provinces, improve the support and resilience of agricultural production in the short run and accelerate the process of agricultural modernization in the long run.

Originality/value

Considering the infectivity of epidemics, this article evaluates the mechanism of the direct and indirect effects by introducing a spatial dynamic model into the growth accounting framework. Moreover, besides the impact on input portfolio and productivity, this article also investigates whether epidemics reshape agricultural production processes due to panic effects and control measures.
Cause-related marketing in international business: what works and what does not?
Authors: Vrontis Demetris , Thrassou Alkis , Christofi Michael , Shams Riad , Czinkota Michael R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the irrevocable role of cause-related marketing (CRM) and its research imperative, exploring its contemporary insights in and across international markets, toward scholarly and executive application.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is theoretical and it compiles and interrelates, in a multiperspective fashion, significant extant works in the field; focusing on how established and emergent variables and constructs can be leveraged, in order to develop insights into what does and does not work in international CRM.

Findings

Extant works on international CRM still present significant gaps pertaining to key questions. Furthermore, true understanding of CRM stems from comprehending consumers, both individually and collectively; and both their underlying and contextual motivators, factors and forces. This calls for a multiperspective and cross-disciplinary approach to CRM to that weaves in contextual (sociocultural, etc.) elements to the equation.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations naturally pertain to the research's theoretical nature that requires empirical testing.

Practical implications

CRM offers consumers both the means and the ends of acquiring their target core value benefits, additionally or peripherally to their core purchase purpose; potentially making the difference between business/brand success and failure.

Social implications

Through CRM, the contemporary consumer seeks product value benefits that transcend quality and functionality (etc.), to engulf abstract and intangible values pertaining to social, ethical, self-image and self-actualization factors.

Originality/value

The comprehensive review, contextual elucidations and cross-disciplinary perspectives of this paper originally present the scope, depth, complexity and gaps of the subject, and pave the way for the research that still needs to ensue.
Effect of transformational leadership on job performance: testing the mediating role of corporate social responsibility
Authors: K Jnaneswar , Ranjit Gayathri
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Encouraging employees to bolster their performance in today's turbulent business environment is an important priority for all types of organizations. Even though few studies reported the impact of transformational leadership (TL) on job performance (JP), the role of mediators namely corporate social responsibility (CSR) in this relationship is not given due attention. The purpose of this paper is to assess the mediating role of CSR in the relationship between TL and JP in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 306 full time employees working in the manufacturing industry in India were collected through an online survey. The manufacturing organizations were selected on the basis of their active participation in CSR activities and robustness of HR practices. Three structured questionnaires were used for eliciting data from the employees, and AMOS software was used for testing the validity of the hypothesized model. PROCESS macro was used for testing the mediating role of CSR.

Findings

TL impacted both JP and CSR. Additionally, CSR showed a positive relationship with JP of employees. The pivotal finding of the study is the partial mediation of CSR in the TL–JP relationship.

Originality/value

Based on neo-charismatic paradigm theory, TL theory, stakeholder theory and social identity theory, this paper enriches the literature by demonstrating the mediation mechanism driving TL and JP relationship.