bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential functions of embryonic cardiac macrophages in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling
Authors: Gula Grzegorz , Rumiński Sławomir , Niderla-Bielińska Justyna , Jasińska Agnieszka , Kiernozek Ewelina , Jankowska-Steifer Ewa , Flaht-Zabost Aleksandra , Ratajska Anna
Published: January 2021

The role of cardiac tissue macrophages (cTMs) during pre- and postnatal developmental stages remains in many aspects unknown. We aimed to characterize cTM populations and their potential functions based on surface markers. Our in situ studies of immunostained cardiac tissue specimens of murine fetuses (from E11to E17) revealed that a significant number of embryonic cTMs (phenotyped by CD45, CD68, CD64, F4/80, CD11b, CD206, Lyve-1) resided mostly in the subepicardial space, not in the entire myocardial wall, as observed in adult individuals. cTMs accompanied newly developed blood and lymphatic vessels adhering to vessel walls by cellular processes. A subpopulation of CD68-positive cells was found to form accumulations in areas of massive apoptosis during the outflow tract remodeling and shortening. Flow cytometry analysis at E14 and E17 stages revealed newly defined three subpopulations:CD64low, CD64highCD206-and CD64highCD206+. The levels of mRNA expression for genes related to regulation of angiogenesis (VEGFa, VEGFb, VEGFc, bFGF), lymphangiogenesis (VEGFc) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling (MMP13, Arg1, Ym1/Chil3, Retlna/FIZZ1) differed among the selected populations and/or embryonic stages. Our results demonstrate a diversity of embryonic cTMs and their tissue-specific locations, suggesting their various potential roles in regulating angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and ECM remodeling.
Human amniotic fluid stem cells are able to form embryoid body-like aggregates which performs specific functions: morphological evidences
Authors: Centurione Lucia , Centurione Maria Antonietta , Antonucci Ivana , Sancilio Silvia , Stati Gianmarco , Stuppia Liborio , Di Pietro Roberta
Published: January 2021

Human second trimester Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells (hAFSCs) harbour the potential to differentiate into cells of each of the three germ layers and to form Embryoid Body (EB)-like aggregates, without inducing teratoma formation and with no ethical concerns. However, in spite of the number of reports on hAFSCs-EBs and their characterization, a thorough evaluation in light and electron microscopy of morphological and morphometric features of hAFSCs-EBs development in vitro has not been reported yet. Apart from a superficial layer of epithelial-like flat cells, displaying rare microvilli on the free surface, hAFSCs-EBs enclose inner material, abundant in vesicles and secretory granules, showing early characteristics of connective extracellular matrix dispersed among different types of inner cells. The observation of a number of microvesicles mainly represented by microparticles and, to a lower extent, by exosomes indicates the presence of a complex cellular communication system within this structure. According to morphological analysis, after 7 days of in vitro culture hAFSCs-EB appears as a well-organized corpuscle, sufficiently young to be a carrier of stemness and at the same time, when appropriately stimulated, able to differentiate. In fact, 7-day hAFSCs-EB represents itself an initial cellular transformation towards a specialized structure both in recording and in providing different stimuli from the surrounding environment, organizing structures and cells towards a differentiation fate.
miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p, miR-181b-5p and miR-200b-3p heterogenous expression in sites of prostate cancer versus benign prostate hyperplasia—archival samples study
Authors: Pełka Kacper , Klicka Klaudia , Grzywa Tomasz M. , Gondek Agata , Marczewska Janina M. , Garbicz Filip , Szczepaniak Kinga , Paskal Wiktor , Włodarski Paweł K.
Published: January 2021

MicroRNAs are involved in various pathologies including cancer. The aim of the study was to assess the level of expression of miR-96-5p, -134-5p, -181b-5p, -200b-3p in FFPE samples of prostate cancer, adjacent cancer-free tissue, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Samples of 23 FFPE prostate cancer and 22 benign prostatic hyperplasias were dissected and HE stained. Compartments of tumor tissue and adjacent healthy glandular tissue were isolated from each sample using Laser Capture Microdissection. Total RNA was isolated from dissected tissues. Expression of miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p, 181b-5p, and miR-200b-3p was determined by real-time RT-qPCR method. The expression of miR-200b-3p was significantly higher in cancerous prostate: both in adenocarcinomatous glands and in the adjacent, apparently unaffected glands compared to BPH samples. The expression of miR-181b-5p was lower in in both prostate cancer tissues and adjacent tissue compared to BPH samples. Expression of miR-96-5p and miR-134-5p was lower in prostate cancer tissues compared to BPH. Levels of miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p, and 181b-5p negatively correlated with the Gleason score. Given further studies, miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p and especially miR-200b-3p and miR-181b-5p may differentiate BPH and PC.
Effect of lead exposure from electronic waste on haemoglobin synthesis in children
Authors: Wang Hongwu , Huang Peng , Zhang Ruibiao , Feng Xueyong , Tang Qiulin , Liu Sixi , Wen Feiqiu , Zeng Li , Liu Yufeng , Wang Tianyou , Ma Lian
Published: January 2021

Background

Primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is ongoing in Guiyu, so toxic heavy metals may continue to threaten the health of children in the area.

Objective

This study primarily aimed to evaluate the effect of e-waste exposure on haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis in preschool children.

Methods

Medical examinations were conducted with the permission of children’s guardians and the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Medical College of Shantou University. This study recruited 224 children (aged 3–6 years, exposed group) who lived in Guiyu and 204 children (aged 3–6 years, control group) who lived in a town free of e-waste pollution. Blood levels of lead, Hb, ferritin, folate and vitamin B12 were tested in all children. Furthermore, all children were assessed for thalassemia, and their parents were asked to fill in questionnaires.

Results

There were no significant differences in the level of ferritin, folate, or vitamin B12 between the exposed and control groups (P > 0.05). No children were identified as having thalassemia in all study participants. Blood lead level (BLL) and the risk of children with BLL ≥ 10 µg/dL in the exposed group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.01). Three subgroups of each group were created according to BLL (Group A: < 5.0 µg/dL; Group B: 5.0–9.9 µg/dL; Group C: ≥ 10.0 µg/dL). Hb level decreased with elevated BLL in the exposed group (P = 0.03), but not in the control group (P = 0.14). Hb levels in group B and group C were also significantly lower in the exposed group than in the control group (Group B: 122.6 ± 9.5 g/L versus 125.8 ± 8.2 g/L, P = 0.01; Group C: 120.3 ± 7.3 g/L versus 123.6 ± 8.3 g/L, P = 0.03). In addition, the prevalence of anaemia associated with BLLs above 10 µg/dL and between 5.0 and 9.9 µg/dL were both significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group (4.0% vs. 0.5%, 5.4% vs. 1.5%, respectively, both P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Lead exposure more significantly inhibits Hb synthesis in children who live in e-waste dismantling areas than in those who live in non-e-waste dismantling areas. Other toxins released from e-waste may also contribute to the inhibition of Hb synthesis and may lead to anaemia in local children. Further investigations are needed to provide evidence for the development of relevant protective measures.
Impact of pasireotide on postoperative pancreatic fistulas following distal resections
Authors: Vuorela Tiina , Mustonen H. , Kokkola A. , Haglund C. , Seppanen H.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), a difficult complication after surgery, can cause peripancreatic fluid collection and infections in the operative area. In addition, pancreatic fluid is corrosive and can lead to postoperative bleeding. Clinically significant grade B and C fistulas (CR-POPF) increase postoperative morbidity, resulting in a prolonged hospital stay. Delaying adjuvant therapy due to fistula formation in cancer patients can affect their prognosis. In this study, we aimed to determine if pasireotide affects fistula formation, and the severity of other complications in patients following pancreatic distal resections.

Data and methods

Between 2000 and 2016, 258 distal pancreatectomies were performed at Helsinki University Hospital and were included in our analysis. Pasireotide was administered to patients undergoing distal resections between July 2014 and December 2016. Patients received 900-μg pasireotide administered twice daily perioperatively. Other patients who received octreotide treatment were analyzed separately. Complications such as fistulas (POPF), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), reoperations, and mortality were recorded and analyzed 90 days postoperatively.

Results

Overall, 47 (18%) patients received pasireotide and 31 (12%) octreotide, while 180 patients (70%) who received neither constituted the control group. There were 40 (16%) clinically relevant grade B and C POPFs: seven (15%) in the pasireotide group, three (10%) in the octreotide group, and 30 (17%) in the control group (p = 0.739). Severe complications categorized as Clavien–Dindo grade III or IV were recorded in 64 (25%) patients: 17 (27%) in the pasireotide group, 4 (6%) in the octreotide group, and 43 (67%) in the control group (p = 0.059). We found no 90-day mortality.

Conclusions

In this study, pasireotide did not reduce clinically relevant POPFs or severe complications following pancreatic distal resection.
Effects of practice on visuo-spatial attention in a wayfinding task
Authors: Geisen Mai , Kim Kyungwan , Klatt Stefanie , Bock Otmar
Published: January 2021

Several studies have evaluated the distribution of visuo-spatial attention in a wayfinding task, using gaze direction as an indicator for the locus of attention. We extended that work by evaluating how visuo-spatial attention is modified by wayfinding practice. Young and older participants followed prescribed routes through a virtual city on six trials. Each trial was followed by a route recall test, where participants saw screenshots of intersections encountered, and had to indicate which way to proceed. Behavioral and gaze data were registered in those tests. Wayfinding accuracy increased from trial to trial, more so in young than in older persons. Total gaze time, mean fixation time, and the vertical scatter of fixations decreased from trial to trial, similarly in young and older persons. The horizontal scatter of fixations did not differ between trials and age groups. The incidence of fixations on the subsequently chosen side also did not differ between trials, but it increased in older age. We interpret these findings as evidence that as wayfinding practice increased, participants gradually narrowed their attentional focus to the most relevant screenshot area, processed information within this focus more efficiently, reduced the total time in which attention dwelled on the rejected side of the screenshot, but maintained the total time on the chosen side. These dynamic changes of visuo-spatial attention were comparable in young and older participants. However, it appears that decision-making differed between age groups: older persons’ attention dwelled longer on the chosen side before they made their choice.
Resveratrol induces PD-L1 expression through snail-driven activation of Wnt pathway in lung cancer cells
Authors: Yang Mengmeng , Li Zongyu , Tao Jianping , Hu Hao , Li Zilin , Zhang Zhijian , Cheng Feng , Sun Yihang , Zhang Yao , Yang Jianke , Wei Huijun , Wu Zhihao
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Recent clinical trials with agents targeting immune checkpoint pathway have emerged as an important therapeutic approach for a broad range of cancer types. Resveratrol has been shown to possess cancer preventive and therapeutic effects and has potential to be chemotherapeutic agent/adjuvant. Here, we assessed the effect of resveratrol on immune checkpoint pathways.

Methods

The expression patterns of Wnt components and PD-L1 were examined by Western blot, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was used for analysis of DNA–protein interaction, the promoter activity was determined by luciferase reporter assay, apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and the ability of the resveratrol to modulate T cell function was assessed in a co-culture system.

Results

Although the dose-, and cell-type dependent effects of resveratrol on PD-L1 expression have been reported, we show here that resveratrol dose-dependently upregulates PD-L1 expression at the range of pharmacologic-achievable concentrations in lung cancer cells and that is essential for suppression of T-cell-mediated immune response. We also found that Wnt pathway is critical for mediating resveratrol-induced PD-L1 upregulation. Mechanistically, resveratrol activates SirT1 deacetylase to deacetylate and stabilize transcriptional factor Snail. Snail in turn inhibits transcription of Axin2, which leads in disassembly of destruction complex and enhanced binding of β-catenin/TCF to PD-L1 promoter.

Conclusion

We conclude that resveratrol is capable to suppress anti-tumor immunity by controlling mainly PD-L1 expression. This finding will extend the understanding of resveratrol in regulation of tumor immunity and is relevant to the debate on resveratrol supplements for lung cancer patients.
Model-assisted DoE software: optimization of growth and biocatalysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae bioprocesses
Authors: Moser André , Kuchemüller Kim B. , Deppe Sahar , Hernández Rodríguez Tanja , Frahm Björn , Pörtner Ralf , Hass Volker C. , Möller Johannes
Published: January 2021

Bioprocess development and optimization are still cost- and time-intensive due to the enormous number of experiments involved. In this study, the recently introduced model-assisted Design of Experiments (mDoE) concept (Möller et al. in Bioproc Biosyst Eng 42(5):867, 10.1007/s00449-019-02089-7, 2019) was extended and implemented into a software (“mDoE-toolbox”) to significantly reduce the number of required cultivations. The application of the toolbox is exemplary shown in two case studies with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the first case study, a fed-batch process was optimized with respect to the pH value and linearly rising feeding rates of glucose and nitrogen source. Using the mDoE-toolbox, the biomass concentration was increased by 30% compared to previously performed experiments. The second case study was the whole-cell biocatalysis of ethyl acetoacetate (EAA) to (S)-ethyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (E3HB), for which the feeding rates of glucose, nitrogen source, and EAA were optimized. An increase of 80% compared to a previously performed experiment with similar initial conditions was achieved for the E3HB concentration.
Insights into the Microstructural Origin of Brain Viscoelasticity
Authors: Reiter Nina , Roy Biswaroop , Paulsen Friedrich , Budday Silvia
Published: January 2021

Mechanical aspects play an important role in brain development, function, and disease. Therefore, continuum-mechanics-based computational models are a valuable tool to advance our understanding of mechanics-related physiological and pathological processes in the brain. Currently, mainly phenomenological material models are used to predict the behavior of brain tissue numerically. The model parameters often lack physical interpretation and only provide adequate estimates for brain regions which have a similar microstructure and age as those used for calibration. These issues can be overcome by establishing advanced constitutive models that are microstructurally motivated and account for regional heterogeneities through microstructural parameters.

In this work, we perform simultaneous compressive mechanical loadings and microstructural analyses of porcine brain tissue to identify the microstructural mechanisms that underlie the macroscopic nonlinear and time-dependent mechanical response. Based on experimental insights into the link between macroscopic mechanics and cellular rearrangements, we propose a microstructure-informed finite viscoelastic constitutive model for brain tissue. We determine a relaxation time constant from cellular displacement curves and introduce hyperelastic model parameters as linear functions of the cell density, as determined through histological staining of the tested samples. The model is calibrated using a combination of cyclic loadings and stress relaxation experiments in compression. The presented considerations constitute an important step towards microstructure-based viscoelastic constitutive models for brain tissue, which may eventually allow us to capture regional material heterogeneities and predict how microstructural changes during development, aging, and disease affect macroscopic tissue mechanics.
Italian students’ performance and regional decomposition
Authors: Furno Marilena
Published: January 2021

We relate students’ math scores in the OECD-PISA test to school characteristics. The average math score for Italian students has been increasing in 2009. The determinants of this growth are analyzed by the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition, that is particularly useful in comparing groups. The progress in educational attainments shows a different composition between northern and southern schools. In the North-Center regions, improvements are explained by school endowments, while in the South they are also driven by external factors that are not explained by the estimated model and are linked to improvements in students' attitude to education leading to a more favorable disciplinary climate. The regional gap decreases but does not disappear.
Tribological, biocompatibility, and antibiofilm properties of tungsten–germanium coating using magnetron sputtering
Authors: Kurt Mustafa Şükrü , Arslan Mehmet Enes , Yazici Ayşenur , Mudu İlkan , Arslan Elif
Published: January 2021

In this study, borosilicate glass and 316 L stainless steel were coated with germanium (Ge) and tungsten (W) metals using the Magnetron Sputtering System. Surface structural, mechanical, and tribological properties of uncoated and coated samples were examined using SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and tribometer. The XRD results showed that WGe2 chemical compound observed in (110) crystalline phase and exhibited a dense structure. According to the tribological analyses, the adhesion strength of the coated deposition on 316 L was obtained 32.8 N, and the mean coefficient of friction was around 0.3. Biocompatibility studies of coated metallic biomaterials were analyzed on fibroblast cell culture (Primary Dermal Fibroblast; Normal, Human, Adult (HDFa)) in vitro. Hoescht 33258 fluorescent staining was performed to investigate the cellular density and chromosomal abnormalities of the HDFa cell line on the borosilicate glasses coated with germanium–tungsten (W–Ge). Cell viabilities of HDFa cell line on each surface (W–Ge coated borosilicate glass, uncoated borosilicate glass, and cell culture plate surface) were analyzed by using (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity assay. The antibiofilm activity of W–Ge coated borosilicate glass showed a significant reduction effect on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) adherence compared to control groups. In the light of findings, tungsten and germanium, which are some of the most common industrial materials, were investigated as biocompatible and antimicrobial surface coatings and recommended as bio-implant materials for the first time.
Effects of a 6-week core stabilization training program on dynamic balance and trunk stabilization endurance of horse riders
Authors: Lam Nicholas H. K. , Lau Wai Man , Lau Tin Lap
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 6-week core stabilization training program (CSTP) in improving dynamic balance and back-extensor endurance of horse riders; and develop a measurement tool in assessing the dynamic postural stabilization endurance for horse riders. Twelve male horse riders (age: 23.58 ± 1.93 years; height: 165.09 ± 4.60 cm; weight: 56.53 ± 4.75 kg; experience in horse racing: 1.75 ± 0.34 years) completed 12 training sessions in 6 weeks. Subjects performed the CSTP with two progressions. CSTP started with the basic consciousness activation exercises, and then eliminated visual feedback in dynamic balance task on unstable surfaces and finished with switching the center of gravity. Moderate-to-large difference was demonstrated in the Y-Balance test scores for right leg (102.81 ± 8.32 vs 106.471 ± 4.35 cm, d = 0.55, 95% CL 0.00 to 1.08) and left leg (102.04 ± 3.20 vs 106.29 ± 3.62 cm, d = 1.25, 95% CL 0.41 to 2.05) following 6 weeks CSTP. However, trivial to small differences was reported between left and right leg in pre (d = 0.12, 95% CL − 0.49 to 0.73) and post 6-week CSTP (d = 0.04, 95% CL − 0.69 to 0.78). Biering–Sørensen test (BST) shows largely greater performance after 6-week CSTP (98.3 ± 30.1 vs 131.8 ± 19.0 s, d = 1.33, 95% CL 0.54–2.09). A novel measurement, Swiss ball four-point kneeling test was shown to be correlated with the change in BST (r = 0.633).
Psychometric Properties of the Norwegian Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale
Authors: Iversen M. M. , Norekvål T. M. , Oterhals K. , Fadnes L. T. , Mæland S. , Pakpour A. H. , Breivik K.
Published: January 2021

To examine the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), randomly selected individuals from a larger registry study were invited. We assessed the reliability and validity of the instrument in a sample of 1089 adults in Norway (response rate 73%). Internal consistency measured by Cronbach’s alpha (0.88) was acceptable. Omega alphaHierarchical (ωt = 0.69) was lower indicating that the general factor is less reliable, explaining 69% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the FCV-19S is not strictly unidimensional. Exploratory graph analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model (cognitive and somatic fear), which were highly correlated (r = 0.84). The Norwegian version of the FCV-19S showed an underlying two-factor structure. However, the high correlation means the two latent factors (cognitive and somatic fear) act as indicators for a second-order general factor and support use of the FCV-19S sum score. The FCV-19S appears to be a valid instrument to assess fear of COVID-19 with good psychometric properties.
Multi-objective fully intuitionistic fuzzy fixed-charge solid transportation problem
Authors: Ghosh Shyamali , Roy Sankar Kumar , Ebrahimnejad Ali , Verdegay José Luis
Published: January 2021

During past few decades, fuzzy decision is an important attention in the areas of science, engineering, economic system, business, etc. To solve day-to-day problem, researchers use fuzzy data in transportation problem for presenting the uncontrollable factors; and most of multi-objective transportation problems are solved using goal programming. However, when the problem contains interval-valued data, then the obtained solution was provided by goal programming may not satisfy by all decision-makers. In such condition, we consider a fixed-charge solid transportation problem in multi-objective environment where all the data are intuitionistic fuzzy numbers with membership and non-membership function. The intuitionistic fuzzy transportation problem transforms into interval-valued problem using $$(\alpha ,\beta )$$

(
α
,
β
)

-cut, and thereafter, it reduces into a deterministic problem using accuracy function. Also the optimum value of alternative corresponds to the optimum value of accuracy function. A numerical example is included to illustrate the usefulness of our proposed model. Finally, conclusions and future works with the study are described.
Relying on firewalls? Here's why you'll be hacked
Authors: Klein Dave
Published: January 2021

Firewalls remain the first line of defence for many organisations. But confidence in their ability to stop attacks is waning.

To better protect our enterprises, we must accept that firewalls have become almost redundant and look for more-effective approaches. And one proven choice is software-based segmentation, which is more adaptable to business considerations and today's workloads, says Dave Klein of Guardicore.

At $14.7bn dollars annually, firewalls are the biggest recurring expense in enterprise budgets globally. 1 Yet despite this huge spending statistic from Gartner, there seems to be no end to the number of severe breaches making headlines. While firewalls were once the first and foremost line of enterprise defence and used to do a good job, they are today no longer effective. It begs the questions – why are firewalls failing, and what do we need to do differently?
Shining a light on UEFI – the hidden memory space being exploited in attacks
Authors: Morley Connor
Published: January 2021

In early October 2020, it was reported that a threat actor group associated with China had been targeting several businesses with links to North Korea. 1 Such nation-state activity has become so commonplace that this would normally be little more than background noise on a typical Monday in cyber security. Except for one difference – the threat actor appears to have exploited a vulnerability that has, until now, been largely theoretical.
The Rhetoric of Roman Transportation
Authors: Hudson Jared
Published: January 2021

Latin literature is crowded with portraits of Romans in transit, but despite this ubiquity scholars have been reluctant to read vehicles as significant conveyors of textual and cultural meaning. This book offers the first systematic analysis of the representation of Roman vehicles in Latin literary texts. By moving past approaches that count such vehicular portrayals as either transparent glimpses of reality or soaring poetic symbols, it demonstrates how these conveyances work as a system of representation to structure both the texts in which they appear and underlying cultural discourses surrounding power, gender, and empire. Arranged as a series of interlocking studies, each chapter explores the representation of a particular conveyance across author and text, from the humblest and most quotidian (plaustrum) to the most exalted and symbol-laden (currus).
Postcolonial Netherlands
Authors: Oostindie Gert
Published: January 2021

The Netherlands is home to one million citizens with roots in former Dutch colonies, such as Indonesia, Suriname, and the Antilles. Due to this influx of non-Western immigrants, a nationwide debate over multiculturalism has been waged over the past decade. Postcolonial Netherlands addresses themes of multicultural integration, such as state-sponsored financial gestures towards first-generation immigrants, and their subsequent results. Taking on a controversial thesis, Gert Oostindie claims that children of immigrants feel diminishing ties to their international origins and that for newer Dutch generations, multiculturalism has less and less importance.
European Security Culture
Authors: Goede Marieke de
Published: January 2021

European Security Culture

European security culture

The European Security Model and Banal Preemption

External-Internal, War-Police

Normative or Normalising Power?

Normative contradictions

Notes
A network approach to measuring state preferences
Authors: Gallop Max , Minhas Shahryar
Published: January 2021

State preferences play an important role in international politics. Unfortunately, actually observing and measuring these preferences are impossible. In general, scholars have tried to infer preferences using either UN voting or alliance behavior. The two most notable measures of state preferences that have flowed from this research area are ideal points (Bailey et al., 2017) and S-scores (Signorino & Ritter, 1999). The basis of both these models is a spatial weighting scheme that has proven useful but discounts higher-order effects that might be present in relational data structures such as UN voting and alliances. We begin by arguing that both alliances and UN voting are simply examples of the multiple layers upon which states interact with one another. To estimate a measure of state preferences, we utilize a tensor decomposition model that provides a reduced-rank approximation of the main patterns across the layers. Our new measure of preferences plausibly describes important state relations and yields important insights on the relationship between preferences, democracy, and international conflict. Additionally, we show that a model of conflict using this measure of state preferences decisively outperforms models using extant measures when it comes to predicting conflict in an out-of-sample context.
Stable isotopes confirm the Banwell Bone Cave Mammal Assemblage Zone represents an MIS 5 fauna
Authors: Stevens Rhiannon E. , Reade Hazel
Published: January 2021

The position of the Banwell Bone Cave mammal assemblage zone (MAZ) in the mammalian biostratigraphy of the British Isles has been the focus of debate for decades. Dominated by fauna typical of cold environments it was originally linked to the marine oxygen isotope stage (MIS) 4 stadial (ca. 72–59 ka). Subsequently it was argued that the Banwell Bone Cave MAZ more likely relates to the temperate interstadial of MIS 5a (ca. 86–72 ka). It is envisioned that “cold fauna” such as bison and reindeer moved into Britain during stadial MIS 5b (ca. 90 ka) and were subsequently isolated by the rising sea level during MIS 5a. Here we investigate environmental conditions during the Banwell Bone Cave MAZ using bone collagen δ13C and δ15N and tooth enamel δ18O and δ13C isotope analysis. We analyse bison and reindeer from the MAZ type-site, Banwell Bone Cave. Our results show unusually high δ15N values, which we ascribe to arid conditions within a temperate environment. Palaeotemperature estimates derived from enamel δ18O indicate warm temperatures, similar to present day. These results confirm that the Banwell Bone Cave MAZ relates to a temperate interstadial and supports its correlation to MIS 5a rather than MIS 4.
Poor oral health and the association with diet quality and intake in older people in two studies in the UK and USA
Authors: Kotronia Eftychia , Brown Heather , Papacosta A. Olia , Lennon Lucy T. , Weyant Robert J. , Whincup Peter H. , Wannamethee S. Goya , Ramsay Sheena E.
Published: January 2021

We aimed to investigate the associations of poor oral health cross-sectionally with diet quality and intake in older people. We also examined whether change in diet quality is associated with oral health problems. Data from the British Regional Heart Study (BRHS) comprising British males aged 71–92 years and the Health, Aging and Body Composition (HABC) Study comprising American males and females aged 71–80 years were used. Dental data included tooth loss, periodontal disease, dry mouth and self-rated oral health. Dietary data included diet quality (based on Elderly Dietary Index (BRHS) and Healthy Eating Score (HABC Study)) and several nutrients. In the BRHS, change in diet quality over 10 years (1998–2000 to 2010–2012) was also assessed. In the BRHS, tooth loss, fair/poor self-rated oral health and accumulation of oral health problems were associated with poor diet quality, after adjustment. Similar associations were reported for high intake of processed meat. Poor oral health was associated with the top quartile of percentage of energy content from saturated fat (self-rated oral health, OR 1·34, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·77). In the HABC Study, no significant associations were observed for diet quality after adjustment. Periodontal disease was associated with the top quartile of percentage of energy content from saturated fat (OR 1·48, 95 % CI 1·09, 2·01). In the BRHS, persistent low diet quality was associated with higher risk of tooth loss and accumulation of oral health problems. Older individuals with oral health problems had poorer diets and consumed fewer nutrient-rich foods. Persistent poor diet quality was associated with oral health problems later in life.
Analytical calculation of the orbital spectrum of the guiding centre motion in axisymmetric magnetic fields
Authors: Antonenas Yannis , Anastassiou Giorgos , Kominis Yannis
Published: January 2021

Charged particle motion in axisymmetric toroidal magnetic fields is analysed within the context of the canonical Hamiltonian guiding centre theory. A canonical transformation to variables measuring the drift orbit deviation from a magnetic field line is introduced and an analytical transformation to action-angle variables is obtained, under a zero drift width approximation. The latter is used to provide compact formulas for the orbital spectrum of the drift motion, namely the bounce/transit frequencies as well as the bounce/transit averaged toroidal precession and gyration frequencies. These formulas are shown to have a remarkable agreement with numerically calculated full drift width frequencies and significant differences from standard analytical formulas based on a pendulum-like Hamiltonian description. The analytical knowledge of the orbital spectrum is crucial for the formulation of particle resonance conditions with symmetry-breaking perturbations and the study of the resulting particle, energy and momentum transport.
Lithocalla (Ascomycota, Lecanorales), a new genus of leprose lichens containing usnic acid
Authors: Orange Alan
Published: January 2021

The identity of Lecanora ecorticata has been uncertain due to conflicting reports of the presence of zeorin and the loss of the holotype. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the species probably belongs in Ramalinaceae, where it is the first leprose species reported. Zeorin was found to be absent in recently collected material of L. ecorticata, including specimens from the type locality, and the report of zeorin in the lost holotype is considered to be due to contamination. A new genus, Lithocalla, is erected to accommodate L. ecorticata and a second closely related species, that occurs in the Falkland Islands, is newly combined as Lithocalla malouina. A lectotype is selected for L. ecorticata. Lithocalla is characterized by a leprose thallus containing usnic acid with fatty acids and terpenoids, but no zeorin; ascomata and conidiomata are unknown.
A Mathematical Model Including Mechanical Structure, Hydraulic and Control of LHDS
Authors: Ma Guoliang , Ba Kaixian , Han Zhiwu , Jin Zhengguo , Yu Bin , Kong Xiangdong
Published: January 2021

In this paper, mathematical models of kinematics, statics and inverse dynamics are derived firstly according to the mechanical structure of leg hydraulic drive system (LHDS). Then, all the above models are integrated with MATLAB/Simulink to build the LHDS simulation model, the model not only considers influence of leg dynamic characteristics on hydraulic system but also takes into account nonlinearity, variable load characteristics and other common problems brought by hydraulic system, and solves compatibility and operation time which brought by using multiple software simultaneously. The experimental results show the simulation model built in this paper can accurately express characteristics of the system.
A Nurse’s View
Authors: Davis Anne J.
Published: January 2021

Nurses confront a variety of ethical and legal issues in both practice and education, and questions of rights, obligations, and duties arise which can have life and death consequences. Questions reflect the conflict between patients' rights and professional obligations, and between the use of resources for one individual at the expense of others.
A Health Lawyer’s View
Authors: Hershey Nathan
Published: January 2021

I felt honored when I was invited to contribute to this first issue of Nursing Law & Ethics. Thinking about what I might say, I noted that it is only about two years less than twenty since I began a series entitled, "The Law and The Nurse" in the American Journal of Nursing. It appeared for more than ten years before the AJN and I came to a parting of the ways. The end of my relationship with AJN was not due to what I said in its pages. Rather it was the result of adverse reactions to my views regarding licensure of health personnel.
To Whom Is the Nurse Accountable?
Authors: Greenlaw Jane
Published: January 2021

Nurses are concerned with doing what is “right” when faced with the complexities of today's medical care system. Doing what is “right” is what ethics is all about. Ethics is a system of moral principles or the recognized rules of conduct. While an ethical system is a general one, specific activities can raise unique issues. Thus, we can talk about nursing ethics, medical ethics, legal ethics, etc. One often finds oneself in dilemmas for which there is no legal solution — that is, there is no clear, legally enforceable duty to do or refrain from doing something, and not everyone agrees or feels that there is a right and wrong solution.
Philosophical Bases for Nursing Intervention
Authors: Fromer Margot Joan
Published: January 2021

Nurses have traditionally encouraged people to live, regardless of the meaning or consequences of continued life for the client. Despair profound enough to lead to a suicide attempt is viewed as an illness that must be cured. Nurses, as well as physicians, subscribe to the maxim primum non nocere (first, do no harm), although it may not be as clearly articulated in the canons of the nursing profession as it is in those of medicine. Nurses, for the most part, operate under the belief that suicide is always both mentally unhealthy and morally wrong; thus all efforts are made to prevent suicide. The idea that life is good and worthwhile and must be preserved at all costs applies to a wide variety of clients, including those who engage in behaviors that will probably lead to serious illness or death (e.g., overeating, smaoking, and suicide).
Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum in patients with COVID-19 disease; case series from a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Sethi S. M. , Ahmed A. S. , Hanif S. , Aqeel M. , Zubairi A. B. S.
Published: January 2021

Since December 2019, the clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its complications are evolving. As the number of COVID patients requiring positive pressure ventilation is increasing, so is the incidence of subcutaneous emphysema (SE). We report 10 patients of COVID-19, with SE and pneumomediastinum. The mean age of the patients was 59 ± 8 years (range, 23–75). Majority of them were men (80%), and common symptoms were dyspnoea (100%), fever (80%) and cough (80%). None of them had any underlying lung disorder. All patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome on admission, with a median PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 122.5. Eight out of ten patients had spontaneous pneumomediastinum on their initial chest x-ray in the emergency department. The median duration of assisted ventilation before the development of SE was 5.5 days (interquartile range, 5–10 days). The highest positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was 10 cmH2O for patients recieving invasive mechanical ventilation, while 8 cmH2O was the average PEEP in patients who had developed subcutaneous emphysema on non-invasive ventilation. All patients received corticosteroids while six also received tocilizumab, and seven received convalescent plasma therapy, respectively. Seven patients died during their hospital stay. All patients either survivor or non-survivor had prolonged hospital stay with an average of 14 days (range 8−25 days). Our findings suggest that it is lung damage secondary to inflammatory response due to COVID-19 triggered by the use of positive pressure ventilation which resulted in this complication. We conclude that the development of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and SE whenever present, is associated with poor outcome in critically ill COVID-19 ARDS patients.
Analysis of health claims regarding creatine monohydrate present in commercial communications for a sample of European sports foods supplements
Authors: Molina Juan Lucía , Sospedra Isabel , Perales Alejandro , González-Díaz Cristina , Gil-Izquierdo Angel , Martínez-Sanz José Miguel
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To analyse the information on health claims present in the labelling of creatine monohydrate (CM) products.

Design:

A descriptive study of a selection of products marketed as CM, with health claims, and that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, was conducted using the Amazon and Google Shopping websites. The adequacy and compliance of the health claims were evaluated with the European legislative requirements (European Food Safety Authority and European Commission). The results were discussed with scientific evidence criteria from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, International Olympic Committee, and International Society of Sports Nutrition, as well as the systematic review carried out by Mielgo-Ayuso in 2019.

Setting:

Health claims in the commercial communications of a sample of CM supplements, in relation to current legislation and scientific knowledge.

Participant:

A total of 554 CM products were obtained.

Results:

Of the total sample, only 167 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of these, 30·5 % recommended a CM dose of 5·0–5·9 g/d, while 29·9 % recommended 3·0 to 3·9 g/d. As for the health claims, ‘Enhances physical performance’ appeared in 73·1 % of the supplements, in most cases referring to a dosage of 3·0 to 3·9 g/d for these products. The rest of the declarations were not adequate or needed to be modified.

Conclusion:

Only 25 % of the health claims complied with the criteria established by the scientific reference documents. Most of the declarations must be modified or eliminated, as they could be considered fraudulent and/or misleading for the consumer.
When Do Politicians Pursue More Policy Information?
Authors: Loewen Peter John , Rubenson Daniel , McAndrews John R.
Published: January 2021

We conducted a field experiment with 334 Canadian Members of Parliament exploring whether politicians seek out more information about an issue when they are farther offside the average opinion in their constituency on that issue. In the midst of a contentious national debate on the oil industry, we invited MPs and their staff to watch a webinar or read a written summary of the webinar created by experts and containing a variety of viewpoints on the issue. For politicians on either side, the information could prove useful in future debate and conversation. Some politicians were randomly assigned to information about the distribution of opinion in their constituency on the issue. We find no evidence that politicians are more likely to pursue policy information when they are offside their average constituency opinion, and none that this effect is enhanced when they learn about their relative position vis-a-vis constituency preferences.
Predictors of teachers' appreciation of evidence-based practice and educational research findings
Authors: Thomm Eva , Sälzer Christine , Prenzel Manfred , Bauer Johannes
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Teachers' reception of educational research is considered important for improving teaching and student learning. Yet, it is a challenging task requiring teachers to have access to scientific sources, the skill and time to find and exhaust such resources, and the capacity to interpret retrieved information. If such essential conditions are not met, teachers have hardly any chance to engage in research reception and, consequently, may question the value and relevance of research findings to their practice. Prior research has suggested that teachers are indeed critical of educational research findings and rarely refer to them. Based on data from the field trial ( N = 674) and main study ( N = 2,549) of a national extension study of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 in Germany, this study explored the role of (a) teachers' access to scientific sources, (b) perceived lack of skill and time to search for research findings, and (c) their familiarity with research methods/statistics as potential predictors of their appreciation of evidence-based practice, and perceived irrelevance of educational research findings. Structural equation models demonstrated that perceived lack of skill and time to find research findings, in particular, substantially affected participants' irrelevance perceptions. The more participants assessed their sourcing skill and time to be too constrained to engage in research reception, the more they judged research findings to be irrelevant to their practice. Though source access and familiarity with research methods/statistics indicated only small or even no effects, they strongly correlated with participants' perceived lack of sourcing skill and time. Better source access and greater familiarity were associated with less concern about one's skill and time resources to search for relevant research findings. These findings potentially underline the relevance of strengthening both teachers' access to scientific sources and individual capacities to understanding research contents.
Improving ECC Ozonesonde Data Quality: Assessment of Current Methods and Outstanding Issues
Authors: Tarasick David W. , Smit Herman G. J. , Thompson Anne M. , Morris Gary A. , Witte Jacquelyn C. , Davies Jonathan , Nakano Tatsumi , Van Malderen Roeland , Stauffer Ryan M. , Johnson Bryan J. , Stübi Rene , Oltmans Samuel J. , Vömel Holger
Published: January 2021

We review the current state of knowledge of ozonesonde uncertainty and bias, with reference to recent developments in laboratory and field experiments. In the past 20 years ozonesonde precision has improved by a factor of 2, primarily through the adoption of strict standard operating procedures. The uncertainty budget for the ozone partial pressure reading has contributions from stoichiometry, cell background current, pump efficiency and temperature, sensing solution type, and volume. Corrections to historical data for known issues may reduce biases but simultaneously introduce additional uncertainties. This paper describes a systematic approach to quantifying these uncertainties by considering the physical and chemical processes involved and attempts to place our estimates on a firm theoretical or empirical footing. New equations or tables for ozone/iodine conversion efficiency, humidity and temperature corrections to pump flow rate, and altitude‐dependent pump flow corrections are presented, as well as detailed discussion of stoichiometry and conversion efficiencies. The nature of the so‐called “background current” is considered in detail. Two other factors particularly affecting past measurements, uncertainties and biases in the pressure measurement, and the comparison of sonde profiles to spectrophotometric measurements of total column ozone, are also discussed. Several quality assurance issues remain, but are tractable problems that can be addressed with further research. This will be required if the present goal of better than 5% overall uncertainty throughout the global ozonesonde network is to be achieved.