bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Simultaneous Multi-point Vibratory Stimulation on Kinesthetic Illusion
Authors: Ushiyama Keigo , Tanaka Satoshi , Takahashi Akifumi , Kajimoto Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

Kinesthetic sensation is important for improving presence and immersion in VR environments. However, presenting kinesthetic sensation usually requires a large space so as to avoid users colliding with objects or other users. One of the ways to tackle this issue is to use kinesthetic illusion, which is a way of presenting kinesthetic sensation without physical motion. However, realizing dynamic motion and fast movement remains difficult. Considering that multiple synergist muscles are usually involved in a movement such as walking or even simple arm movement, stimulating multiple synergist muscles might enhance the illusion. Thus, we investigated whether multi-point vibratory stimulation to multiple synergist muscles enhances induced kinesthetic illusions. We found that stimulating multiple synergist muscles created more vivid illusions. Additionally, we found that our method was effective for inducing steady illusions. We also calculated the contribution of each proposed stimulation point to the illusion.
Isometric Force Matching Asymmetries Depend on the Position of the Left Hand Regardless of Handedness
Authors: Ballardini Giulia , Casadio Maura
Published: September 2020

Several studies highlighted differences in behavioral performance between the two hands, either due to hand dominance or to specialization of the brain hemisphere. In a previous study, right-handed individuals performed a bimanual isometric force-matching task with the arms in different configurations. There we found that the accuracy of the performance depended on the position of the left hand. Matching performance was worse when the left hand was in the lower position, regardless the symmetry of the arm configurations. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that this effect is related to handedness, i.e., that in both right- and left-handed individuals the performance depends on the position of the non-dominant hand. Left-handed and age-matched right-handed participants were required to apply simultaneously the same amount of force in the upward direction, with the arms in symmetric or asymmetric configurations. No visual feedback of limb positions was provided. We found that for both groups the absolute and the signed (bias) difference of force between the sides depended on the position of the left hand. Thus, this role of the left arm was not determined by handedness, but likely by the specialization of the brain hemisphere. However, handedness influenced the performance: left-handers had a higher absolute error than right-handers in almost all conditions. No main effect of the left hand position was found for the variable error, but left-handers in most configurations had higher variable error when the left hand was in the lower position.
Computational Model of a Pacinian Corpuscle for an Electrical Stimulus: Spike-Rate and Threshold Characteristics
Authors: Vasudevan Madhan Kumar , Ray Rahul Kumar , Muniyandi Manivannan
Published: September 2020

Understanding the response of Pacinian Corpuscle (PC) for an electrical stimulus through a computational model can give better insight into the physiology. Although there are simpler models available in the literature, models simulating spike-rate and threshold characterizations are still missing. These characterizations may lead to the development of tactile displays combining both electrical and mechanical stimuli, especially high-frequency vibrations. We developed a PC model with equivalent circuits of the electrode-skin interface, PC’s neurite, and the first Ranvier node. The input electrical stimulus is a current pulse with varying amplitude (0 to 2 mA) and varying frequency (5 Hz to 1600 Hz). The model is characterized initially for the frequency response, and then the spike-rate and threshold characteristics were simulated. The spike-rate traces for electrical stimuli show the phase-locking phenomenon similar to the mechanical stimuli responses of PC, however the plateau lengths are larger for the spike-rate traces with electrical stimuli compared to that of the mechanical stimuli. This is reflected as a large difference in the threshold characteristics for one and two impulses-per-cycle. Moreover, threshold characteristics are little influenced by the neural noise. This model can be extended to study the combination of electrical and mechanical stimuli.
Can Stiffness Sensations Be Rendered in Virtual Reality Using Mid-air Ultrasound Haptic Technologies?
Authors: Marchal M. , Gallagher G. , Lécuyer A. , Pacchierotti C.
Published: September 2020

Mid-air haptics technologies convey haptic sensations without any direct contact between the user and the interface. A popular example of this technology is focused ultrasound. It works by modulating the phase of an array of ultrasound emitters so as to generate focused points of oscillating high pressure, which in turn elicit haptic sensations on the user’s skin. Whilst using focused ultrasound to convey haptic sensations is becoming increasingly popular in Virtual Reality (VR), few studies have been conducted into understanding how to render virtual object properties. In this paper, we evaluate the capability of focused ultrasound arrays to simulate varying stiffness sensations in VR. We carry out a user study enrolling 20 participants, showing that focused ultrasound haptics can well provide the sensation of interacting with objects of different stiffnesses. Finally, we propose four representative VR use cases to show the potential of rendering stiffness sensations using this mid-air haptics.
Soft-Wearable Device for the Estimation of Shoulder Orientation and Gesture
Authors: Contreras-González Aldo F. , Samper-Escudero José Luis , Pont-Esteban David , Sáez-Sáez Francisco Javier , Sánchez-Urán Miguel Ángel , Ferre Manuel
Published: September 2020

This study presents the development of a wearable device that merges capacitive soft-flexion and surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors for the estimation of shoulder orientation and movement, evaluating five natural movement gestures of the human arm. The use of Time Series Networks (TSN) to estimate the arm orientation, and a pattern recognition method for the estimation of the classification of the gesture are proposed. It is demonstrated that it is possible to know the orientation of the shoulder, and that the algorithm is capable of recognising the five gestures proposed with two different configurations. The study is performed on people who reported healthy upper limbs.
A Parallel Elastic Haptic Thimble for Wide Bandwidth Cutaneous Feedback
Authors: Leonardis Daniele , Gabardi Massimiliano , Solazzi Massimiliano , Frisoli Antonio
Published: September 2020

Design of wearable fingertip haptic devices is often a compromise between conflicting features: lightness and compactness, against rich and neat haptic feedback. On one side direct drive actuators (i.e. voice coils) provide a clean haptic feedback with high dynamics, with limited maximum output forces. On the other side mechanical transmissions with reduction can increase output force of micro sized motors, at the cost of slower and often noisy output signals. In this work we present a compact fingertip haptic device based on a parallel elastic mechanism: it merges the output of two differently designed actuators in a single, wide bandwidth haptic feedback. Each actuator is designed with a different role: one for rendering fast, high frequency force components, the other for rendering constant to low frequency components. In the work we present design and implementation of the device, followed by experimental characterization of its performance in terms of frequency response and rendering capabilities.
Instrumenting Hand-Held Surgical Drills with a Pneumatic Sensing Cover for Haptic Feedback
Authors: Gaudeni Chiara , Lisini Baldi Tommaso , Achilli Gabriele M. , Mandalà Marco , Prattichizzo Domenico
Published: September 2020

Despite the recent achievements in the development of open surgery tools, preserving the haptic capabilities during drilling tasks is still an open issue. In this paper, we propose a novel tool for hand-held drills composed of a cover for force sensing and a haptic display for force feedback. A pneumatic device has been developed to estimate the contact force occurring during the interaction between drill bit and bones. A performance comparison with a precise commercial force sensor proved the reliability of the measurements. A haptic ring is in charge of providing cutaneous sensations helping the surgeon in performing the task. The effectiveness of our method has been confirmed by experimental results and supported by statistical analysis.
Rendering Ultrasound Pressure Distribution on Hand Surface in Real-Time
Authors: Matsubayashi Atsushi , Makino Yasutoshi , Shinoda Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we propose a method for rendering the pressure distribution on the skin surface of a hand in real-time using an ultrasonic phased array. Our method generates a polygon mesh model representing the hand shape by fitting a rigid template to the point cloud captured by depth sensors. Obtaining the entire hand shape as a mesh model enables to solve scattering problem to generate a precise distribution on the hand surface. Therefor, for example, our method can control the width of the distribution on the fingertip according to the size of the contact area with the virtual object. We have experimentally verified that considering the scattering on the mesh model contributes to accurate pressure pattern reproduction.
Midair Tactile Reproduction of Real Objects
Authors: Sakiyama Emiri , Matsubayashi Atsushi , Matsumoto Daichi , Fujiwara Masahiro , Makino Yasutoshi , Shinoda Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

Midair tactile display using ultrasound radiation pressure is suitable for tactile reproduction because of its reproducibility and controllability. This paper is the first report that compares the tactile feelings of real objects with those associated with artificial stimuli reproduced through a sequence of sensing, processing, and reproduction. We previously proposed the concept of a midair tactile reproduction system and examined the basic properties of the sensing part, but had not achieved the tactile display to the human skin. In this paper, we report a practical method for the pressure reproduction from the measured data and examine the accuracy of the reproduced stimulation. The psychophysical experiments evaluate the fidelity of the tactile reproduction for some objects such as brushes, sponges, and towels.
Motion Guidance Using Translational Force and Torque Feedback by Induced Pulling Illusion
Authors: Tanabe Takeshi , Yano Hiroaki , Endo Hiroshi , Ino Shuichi , Iwata Hiroo
Published: September 2020

It is known that humans experience a kinesthetic illusion similar to a pulling sensation in a particular direction, when subjected to asymmetric vibrations. In our previous study, we developed a device that can apply a translational force and a torque to induce this illusion. The illusory translational force might induce a reaching motion of the upper limb, and the applied torque might induce a flexion–extension motion of the wrist. In the present study, we experimentally verified whether these motions can be induced. The results confirmed that the device could guide the upper limb with a success rate of 94.3% when switching between the application of the translational force and the torque. The results suggested that torque application could be a cue for the user to determine the movement direction intuitively.
Adaptive Fuzzy Sliding Mode Controller Design for a New Hand Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Abbasimoshaei Alireza , Mohammadimoghaddam Majid , Kern Thorsten A.
Published: September 2020

Hand rehabilitation is one of the most important rehabilitation procedures. Due to the repetitive nature of rehabilitation training, a full robotic system could help the physiotherapists to gain time for creating new training schemes for a larger number of patients. Such a system can be based on live or recorded data and consists of the operator-device, patient-device, and control mechanism. This paper focuses on the design of the patient-device and its control-system in a decoupled training scenario. It presents a robot for hand rehabilitation training fingers and wrist independently based on only two actuators. These two actuators are configurable to allow consecutive training on the wrist and all joints of the fingers. To overcome uncertainties and disturbances, a sliding mode controller has been designed and an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller is used to reduce the chattering effects and compensate the varying forces of the patients. The experimental results show an approximate 80% improvement in tracking the desired trajectory by the adaptation.
Investigating the Influence of Haptic Feedback in Rover Navigation with Communication Delay
Authors: Sierotowicz Marek , Weber Bernhard , Belder Rico , Bussmann Kristin , Singh Harsimran , Panzirsch Michael
Published: September 2020

Safe navigation on rough terrain in the presence of unforeseen obstacles is an indispensable element of many robotic applications. In such conditions, autonomous navigation is often not a viable option within certain safety margins. Yet, a human-in-the-loop can also be arduous to include in the system, especially in scenarios where a communication delay is present. Haptic force feedback has been shown to provide benefits in rover navigation, also when confronted with higher communication delays. Therefore, in this paper we present the results of a user study comparing various performance metrics when controlling a rover with a car-like interface with and without fictitious force feedback, both with no communication delay and with a delay of 800 ms. The results indicate that with force feedback the navigation is slower, but task performance in the proximity of obstacles is improved.
Overview of the use of 3D printing in forensic medicine
Authors: Schweitzer W. , Thali M. , Aldomar E. , Ebert L.
Published: September 2020

In forensic medicine the use of so-called 3D printing is a niche application, whereas developments elsewhere in this field are rapidly advancing worldwide. The most common and widespread technology is fusion deposit modelling with polylactic acids (PLA). Although the equipment and materials may be relatively inexpensive and 3D printing relatively fast, the resulting end products tend to also have negative properties, such as poor durability and mechanical anisotropy, which may be an issue depending on the application. In forensic medicine, applications in the field of weapons technology and biomechanical models are realistic and 3D printing is already being used for demonstrations at court hearings and in teaching and also as a technique for building spare parts or accessories. Having a low-cost option for rapid prototyping on-site is particularly useful for the development phase. For finished 3D designs more expensive manufacturing options with a choice of materials with significantly broader mechanical or thermal properties are available. As the technology is undergoing major changes, one should carefully consider whether to enter the field oneself, buy own hardware, use a 3D printing service or seek cooperation possibly with a nearby partner.
Energy, orbital and structural stacking landscape of a purine homodimer system
Authors: Sierański Tomasz
Published: September 2020

The multidimensional study, combining the extensive calculations of potential energy surfaces for the parallel-displaced configurations and methods such as energy decomposition and natural bond orbital analysis, has been carried out. The resulted data give an energy, orbital and structural landscapes of this biologically essential system. The balance of the two energy sources, electrostatic and dispersion, is clearly visible. The obtained results, taken as a whole, provide an insight into the hierarchy of intermolecular interactions in the purine system, together with their sources.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intranasal remimazolam—a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pesic Marija , Schippers Frank , Saunders Rob , Webster Lyn , Donsbach Martin , Stoehr Thomas
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Remimazolam is a novel and ultra-short-acting sedative currently developed for intravenous use in procedural sedation, general anesthesia, and ICU sedation. However, intravenous administration is not always appropriate, depending on the patient or setting. This study evaluated intranasal administration as a potential alternative route.

Methods

The study used a randomized, double-blind, 9 period cross-over design to compare the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of single intranasal doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg remimazolam (as powder or solution) with intranasal placebo and 4 mg intravenous remimazolam.

Results

Intranasal remimazolam powder had a consistent absolute bioavailability of approximately 50%; Tmax was 10 min; AUC and Cmax were dose-proportional. The higher doses of intranasal solution, however, resulted in decreasing bioavailability and loss of dose-proportionality in AUC and Cmax despite complete drug absorption due to partial swallowing of dose and the resulting first-pass effect. Pharmacodynamics were generally consistent with PK. Peak effects (drowsiness, relaxation, any, memory, response time) were in similar ranges after intranasal (10 to 40 mg) as intravenous (4 mg) dosing and were partially, but not consistently, dose-related. Safety results were generally consistent with other benzodiazepines; however, intranasal remimazolam (but not placebo) caused nasal discomfort/pain, in some cases even severe.

Conclusions

Intranasal administration of remimazolam was safe and caused sedative effects. However, the severe pain and discomfort caused by intranasal remimazolam prohibit its use by this route of administration, at least with the currently available intravenous formulation.
What are the outcomes of core decompression without augmentation in patients with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head?
Authors: Andronic Octavian , Weiss Ori , Shoman Haitham , Kriechling Philipp , Khanduja Vikas
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Core decompression (CD) of the femoral head is performed to preserve the hip in avascular necrosis (AVN). The outcome following this procedure differs based on the medical centre and the technique. Also, the time to total hip replacement (THR) and the percentage of patients subsequently undergoing a THR are controversial.

Methods

A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. The search included CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, AMED and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Studies reporting the outcome of CD for AVN were assessed. Studies using additional implants, vascularized grafts or any type of augmentation were excluded. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist (JBI CAC) tool.

Trial registration

International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) -CRD42018100596.

Results

A total of 49 studies describing 2540 hips were included. The mean weighted follow-up time was 75.1 months and the mean age at surgery was 39 years. Twenty-four of 37 studies reported improvement in all outcome scores, whilst 9/37 studies report only partial improvement post-operatively. Four studies (4/37) described poor clinical outcomes following intervention. Data was pooled from 20 studies, including 1134 hips with a weighted mean follow-up of 56 months. The percentage of hips undergoing THR averaged 38%. The time to THR had a weighted mean of 26 months after CD.

Conclusion

Pooled results from 1134 hips and of these nearly 80% with early stage of osteonecrosis, showed that approximately 38% of patients underwent a total hip replacement at an average of 26 months following core decompression without augmentation.
Recommendation for Photographic Documentation of Safe Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Sebastian Maciej , Sebastian Agata , Rudnicki Jerzy
Published: September 2020

Background

Bile duct injury and vasculobiliary injury are possible complications during laparoscopic cholecystectomy which can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, costs of hospitalization and litigation. Proper documentation of the critical view of safety and safe plane of dissection may play a crucial role for archivization, teaching and medicolegal purposes.

Methods

The study group consisted of 100 patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis qualified for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The critical view of safety was documented on two photographs and safe plain of dissection obtained with laparoscopic ultrasound was documented on one photograph as well as the whole procedure was recorded. The photographs were printed in the operating theatre and videos were stored on an external hard drive.

Results

The mean time to obtain and analyse photographs was significantly shorter than video, and the size of the stored data was significantly smaller for photographs than videos. The cost of one documentation procedure was significantly lower for video than photographs. Critical view of safety was obtained in 91 patients, and laparoscopic ultrasound was successful in 99 patients. The conversion rate was 2%, and fundus‐first cholecystectomies were performed in 6% of patients. We did not observe any biliary and vascular complications.

Conclusions

Photographic documentation of the critical view of safety and safe plane of dissection should be an inherent part of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our proposal of documentation prepared in the operating theatre and stored in the patient's documentation is an example of an easy, fast and cheap method of data archivization.
Diagnosis of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation: delayed contrast-enhanced cardiac CT
Authors: Spagnolo Pietro , Giglio Manuela , Di Marco Daniela , Cannaò Paola M. , Agricola Eustachio , Della Bella Paolo E. , Monti Caterina B. , Sardanelli Francesco
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The current reference standard for diagnosing LAA thrombi is transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), a semi-invasive technique. We aimed to devise an optimal protocol for cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in diagnosing left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), using TEE as reference standard.

Methods

Two hundred sixty consecutive patients referred for radiofrequency ablation for AF were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent CCT and TEE within 2 hours. The CCT protocol included one standard angiographic phase and three delayed acquisitions at 1-, 3-, and 6-min after contrast injection. Thrombi were defined as persisting defects at 6-min delayed acquisition.

Results

TEE demonstrated spontaneous contrast in 52 (20%) patients and thrombus in 10 (4%). In 63 patients (24%), CCT demonstrated LAA early filling defects at angiographic phase. Among them, 15 (6%) had a persistent defect at 1-min, 12 (5%) at 3-min, and 10 (4%) at 6-min. All 10 thrombi diagnosed on TEE were correctly identified by delayed CCT, without any false positives. For all phases, sensitivity and negative predictive were 100%. Specificity increased from 79% for the angiographic phase to 100% at 6-min. Positive predictive value increased from 16% to 100%. Estimated radiation exposure was 2.08 ± 0.76 mSv (mean ± standard deviation) for the angiographic phase and 0.45 ± 0.23 mSv for each delayed phase.

Conclusion

A CCT protocol adding a 6-min delayed phase to the angiographic phase can be considered optimized for the diagnosis of LAA thrombi, with a low radiation dose.

Key Points

• In patients with persistent atrial fibrillation referred for ablation procedures, a cardiac CT examination comprising an angiographic-phase acquisition and, in case of filling defects, a 6-min delayed phase may help reduce the need for transesophageal echocardiography.

• Cardiac CT would provide morphological and volumetric data, along with the potential to exclude the presence of thrombi in the left atrial appendage.
Validation of the German Classification of Diverticular Disease (VADIS)—a prospective bicentric observational study
Authors: Lauscher Johannes C. , Lock Johan F. , Aschenbrenner Katja , Strobel Rahel M. , Leonhardt Marja , Stroux Andrea , Weixler Benjamin , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Kreis Martin E.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The German Classification of Diverticular Disease was introduced a few years ago. The aim of this study was to determine whether Classification of Diverticular Disease enables an exact stratification of different types of diverticular disease in terms of course and treatment.

Methods

This was a prospective, bicentric observational trial. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with diverticular disease were prospectively included. The primary endpoint was the rate of recurrence within 2 year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, Quality of life measured by SF-36, frequency of gastrointestinal complaints, and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 172 patients were included. After conservative management, 40% of patients required surgery for recurrence in type 1b vs. 80% in type 2a/b (p = 0.04). Sixty percent of patients with type 2a (micro-abscess) were in need of surgery for recurrence vs. 100% of patients with type 2b (macro-abscess) (p = 0.11). Patients with type 2a reached 123 ± 15 points in the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index compared with 111 ± 14 in type 2b (p = 0.05) and higher scores in the “Mental Component Summary” scale of SF-36 (52 ± 10 vs. 43 ± 13; p = 0.04). Patients with recurrent diverticulitis without complications (type 3b) had less often painful constipation (30% vs. 73%; p = 0.006) when they were operated compared with conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Differentiation into type 2a and 2b based on abscess size seems reasonable as patients with type 2b required surgery while patients with type 2a may be treated conservatively. Sigmoid colectomy in patients with type 3b seems to have gastrointestinal complaints during long-term follow-up.

Trial registration

https://www.drks.de ID: DRKS00005576
The role of perineal application of prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy for prevention of wound-related complications after abdomino-perineal resection: a systematic review
Authors: Meyer Jeremy , Roos Elin , Abbassi Ziad , Toso Christian , Ris Frédéric , Buchs Nicolas C.
Published: September 2020

Background

Closed perineal wounds often fail to heal by primary intention after abdomino-perineal resection (APR) and are often complicated by surgical site infection (SSI) and/or wound dehiscence. Recent evidence showed encouraging results of prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy (pNPWT) for prevention of wound-related complications in surgery. Our objective was to gather and discuss the early existing literature regarding the use of pNPWT to prevent wound-related complications on perineal wounds after APR.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for original publications and congress abstracts reporting the use of pNPWT after APR on closed perineal wounds.

Results

Seven publications were included for analysis. Two publications reported significantly lower incidence of SSI in pNPWT patients than in controls with a risk reduction of about 25–30%. Two other publications described similar incidences of SSI between the two groups of patients but described SSI in pNPWT patients to be less severe. One study reported significantly lower incidence of wound dehiscence in pNPWT patients than in controls.

Conclusion

The largest non-randomized studies investigating the effect of pNPWT on the prevention of wound-related complications after APR showed encouraging results in terms of reduction of SSI and wound dehiscence that deserve further investigation and confirmation.
The detection of faked identity using unexpected questions and choice reaction times
Authors: Monaro Merylin , Zampieri Ilaria , Sartori Giuseppe , Pietrini Pietro , Orrù Graziella
Published: September 2020

The identification of faked identities, especially within the Internet environment, still remains a challenging issue both for companies and researchers. Recently, however, latency-based lie detection techniques have been developed to evaluate whether the respondent is the real owner of a certain identity. Among the paradigms applied to this purpose, the technique of asking unexpected questions has proved to be useful to differentiate liars from truth-tellers. The aim of the present study was to assess whether a choice reaction times (RT) paradigm, combined with the unexpected question technique, could efficiently detect identity liars. Results demonstrate that the most informative feature in distinguishing liars from truth-tellers is the Inverse Efficiency Score (IES, an index that combines speed and accuracy) to unexpected questions. Moreover, to focus on the predictive power of the technique, machine-learning models were trained and tested, obtaining an out-of-sample classification accuracy of 90%. Overall, these findings indicate that it is possible to detect liars declaring faked identities by asking unexpected questions and measuring RTs and errors, with an accuracy comparable to that of well-established latency-based techniques, such as mouse and keystroke dynamics recording.
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the miR171-LaSCL6 module during somatic embryogenesis in Larix kaempferi
Authors: Zang Qiao-Lu , Zhang Yao , Han Su-Ying , Li Wan-Feng , Qi Li-Wang
Published: September 2020

Key message

Expression analysis of Larix kaempferi mature miR171s and their primary transcripts and target gene LaSCL6 during somatic embryogenesis revealed the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the miR171-LaSCL6 module.

Somatic embryogenesis provides a useful experimental system for studying the regulatory mechanisms of plant development. The level and activity of microRNA171 (miR171) fluctuate during somatic embryogenesis in Larix kaempferi, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, in L. kaempferi we identified five members of the miR171 family, which cleave LaSCL6 mRNA at different sites. In addition, we improved the method of measuring miRNA activity in a more direct way. Furthermore, we measured the expression patterns of mature miR171s and their primary transcripts during somatic embryogenesis in L. kaempferi and found that their patterns differed, indicating that the transcription of MIR171 genes and the subsequent cleavage of their intermediate products are regulated. Taken together, our findings not only offer a means to study the regulation of miRNA activity, but also provide further insight into the regulation of L. kaempferi somatic embryogenesis by miR171-LaSCL6.
Discharge interventions from inpatient child and adolescent mental health care: a scoping review
Authors: Chen A. , Dinyarian C. , Inglis F. , Chiasson C. , Cleverley Kristin
Published: September 2020

The post-discharge period is an extremely vulnerable period for patients, particularly for those discharged from inpatient children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Poor discharge practices and discontinuity of care can put children and youth at heightened risk for readmission, among other adverse outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of the structure and effectiveness of interventions to facilitate discharges from CAMHS. As such, a scoping review was conducted to identify the literature on discharge interventions. This scoping review aimed to describe key components, designs, and outcomes of existing discharge interventions from CAMHS. Nineteen documents were included in the final review. Discharge interventions were extracted and summarized for pre-discharge, post-discharge, and bridging elements. Results of this scoping review found that intervention elements included aspects of risk assessment, individualized care, discharge preparation, community linkage, psychoeducation, and follow-up support. Reported outcomes of discharge interventions were also extracted and included positive patient and caregiver satisfaction, improved patient health outcomes, and increased cost effectiveness. Literature on discharge interventions from inpatient CAMHS, while variable in structure, consistently underscore the role of such interventions in minimizing patient and family vulnerability post-discharge. However, findings are limited by inadequate reporting and heterogeneity across studies. There is a need for further research into the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions to support successful discharges from inpatient child and adolescent mental health care.
Prosecutorial Discretion and Republican Non-Domination
Authors: Crummett Dustin
Published: September 2020

Prosecutors in the US legal system have great power to interfere at their discretion in the lives of citizens, and face relatively few checks on the exercise of this discretion. The vast scope of the criminal law provides a pretext for prosecuting nearly anyone. Meanwhile, other features of the legal system, such as the way plea bargains are structured and the doctrine of prosecutorial immunity, further increase prosecutorial power. And existing institutional restraints on prosecutorial abuses, such as democratic accountability, the grand jury system, and the possibility of a selective prosecution defense, are mostly ineffectual. I draw on republican political theory, including insights from Philip Pettit and Elizabeth Anderson, to argue that this state of affairs gives prosecutors dominating, and therefore unjust, power over vast swathes of the public. I then survey some potential institutional changes which might help ameliorate the problem.
Changes in expressions of genes involved in the regulation of cellular processes in mucopolysaccharidoses as assessed by fibroblast culture-based transcriptomic analyses
Authors: Gaffke Lidia , Pierzynowska Karolina , Krzelowska Karolina , Piotrowska Ewa , Węgrzyn Grzegorz
Published: September 2020

Recent studies indicated that apart from lysosomal storage of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), secondary and tertiary changes in cellular processes may significantly contribute to development of disorders and symptoms occurring in mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of lysosomal storage diseases in which neurodegeneration is specific for most types and subtypes. In this report, using transcriptomic data, we demonstrate that regulation of hundreds of genes coding for proteins involved in regulations of various cellular processes is changed in cells derived from patients suffering from all types and subtypes of MPS. Among such genes there are 10 which expression is significantly changed in 9 or more (out of 11) MPS types/subtypes; they include IER3IP1, SAR1A, TMEM38B, PLCB4, SIN3B, ABHD5, SH3BP5, CAPG, PCOLCE2, and MN1. Moreover, there are several genes whose expression is changed over log2 > 4 times in some MPS types relative to control cells. The above analysis indicates that significant changes in expression of genes coding for various regulators of cellular processes may considerably contribute to development of cellular dysfunctions, and further appearance of specific symptoms of MPS, including neurodegeneration.
Perpetually Astride Eden’s Boundaries: The Limits to the ‘Limits of Law’ and the Semiotic Inconsistency of ‘Legal Enclosures’
Authors: Ricca Mario
Published: September 2020

Legal systems can be metaphorically taken as semantic and pragmatic enclosures. The ancient world has given us at least three literary loci that display the self-disruptive significance of this kind of metaphor if assumed as a practical guideline in the attempt to steer human experience. The first such loci can be traced in biblical Eden; the second one in the Phaeacian garden described in Homer’s Odyssey; the third in the stories of the first and second mythical Athens included in Plato’sTimaeusandRepublic. In all these tales, human beings ineluctably end up straying across the semantic-spatial borders which certain categories and rules have given them to encompass their experience. All these literary loci offer both a semio-cognitive and a constitutional lesson for lawyers and sovereigns. My intention is to exploit these lessons to show that the most relevant limit of legal systems, if taken as semantic and pragmatic enclosures, consists precisely in their inability to constitutively limit themselves and their semiotic borders. This inaptitude is due, in my view, to the semiotic ‘exceedance’ of the phrastic, or descriptive parts of legal rules even more than the semantic vagueness of the values underlying their legitimacy. Any attempt to define the semantic and spatial boundaries of human experience by means of verbal enunciations implies the use of categorical schemes to define the legitimate and/or forbidden behaviors. But categorical schemes, in turn, comprise boundaries that draw protean verges between the inside and the outside of each category. The categorical ‘inside’ compellingly tends to exceed its borders so as to protrude out toward what is outside the category. In turn, the ‘outside’ shows, more often than not, continuities with the axiological/teleological patterns underpinning the semantic boundaries of legal rules. Any attempt to limit the competence/extension of law, if taken in its semantic/spatial significance, would seem to unveil what law could or should be, but is not. Relying on the above literary loci, I will try to demonstrate that this apparently contradictory implication is inherent in the dialectic between equality/universality and difference/plurality that makes up categorization itself, and thereby the semiotic prerequisites to considering any legal rule.
Extra-Legal Values in Judicial Interpretation of Law: A Model Reasoning and Few Examples
Authors: Leszczyński Leszek
Published: September 2020

The aim of the paper is to analyze the types of interpretative reasoning determining the content of extra-legal criteria contained in general reference clauses. This construction, despite its normative foundation, detaches itself from the intention of the legislator much more than e.g. the principles of law, at the same time extending deliberately judicial discretion. Extra-legal values, identified by courts as to their type and their content, then confronted with internal legal axiology and concretized with respect to the facts of the case, are the most crucial part of reasoning that affects the process, results and roles of particular rules of judicial interpretation. It reduces the role of language and systemic rules, connecting the effect of determining the content of extra-legal values primarily with the type of political system and the related scope of judicial autonomy. The different impact between democratic and authoritarian regimes on judicial reasoning is confirmed by the analyzed examples of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Polish courts deciding in the period before and after 1989.
Semi-automated simultaneous predictor selection for regression-SARIMA models
Authors: Lowther Aaron P. , Fearnhead Paul , Nunes Matthew A. , Jensen Kjeld
Published: September 2020

Deciding which predictors to use plays an integral role in deriving statistical models in a wide range of applications. Motivated by the challenges of predicting events across a telecommunications network, we propose a semi-automated, joint model-fitting and predictor selection procedure for linear regression models. Our approach can model and account for serial correlation in the regression residuals, produces sparse and interpretable models and can be used to jointly select models for a group of related responses. This is achieved through fitting linear models under constraints on the number of nonzero coefficients using a generalisation of a recently developed mixed integer quadratic optimisation approach. The resultant models from our approach achieve better predictive performance on the motivating telecommunications data than methods currently used by industry.
Influence of End Mill Geometry on Milling Force and Surface Integrity While Machining Low Rigidity Parts
Authors: Joshi Shrikrishna Nandkishor , Bolar Gururaj
Published: September 2020

High precision and superior surface finish are of prime importance in thin-wall components used in the aerospace and automobile industries. In this paper, end milling experiments on aluminum alloy 2024-T351 were carried out to study the influence of end mill geometry on milling force and surface integrity of the machined parts. Machining using a 16-mm-diameter tool having a helix angle of 35° produced high force value and also generated chatter marks on the machined work surface. Furthermore, an inspection of the cutting tool indicated built-up-edge formation while machining with a 35° helix tool. Besides, surface damage in the form of surface tear was observed. Evaluation of microhardness revealed an increased value near to the machined surface in the case of two fluted 35° helix tool due to strain hardening. The results showed that lower milling force and surface roughness were obtained while machining used a four fluted end mill having a diameter of 8 mm and a helix angle of 55°.
A detailed study of a cylinder activation concept by efficiency loss analysis and 1D simulation
Authors: Buitkamp Thomas , Günthner Michael , Müller Florian , Beutler Tim
Published: September 2020

Cylinder deactivation is a well-known measure for reducing fuel consumption, especially when applied to gasoline engines. Mostly, such systems are designed to deactivate half of the number of cylinders of the engine. In this study, a new concept is investigated for deactivating only one out of four cylinders of a commercial vehicle diesel engine (“3/4-cylinder concept”). For this purpose, cylinders 2–4 of the engine are operated in “real” 3-cylinder mode, thus with the firing order and ignition distance of a regular 3-cylinder engine, while the first cylinder is only activated near full load, running in parallel to the fourth cylinder. This concept was integrated into a test engine and evaluated on an engine test bench. As the investigations revealed significant improvements for the low-to-medium load region as well as disadvantages for high load, an extensive numerical analysis was carried out based on the experimental results. This included both 1D simulation runs and a detailed cylinder-specific efficiency loss analysis. Based on the results of this analysis, further steps for optimizing the concept were derived and studied by numerical calculations. As a result, it can be concluded that the 3/4-cylinder concept may provide significant improvements of real-world fuel economy when integrated as a drive unit into a tractor.
Bullying Victimization and Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents Aged 12–15 Years From 53 Countries: A Global Perspective
Authors: Smith Lee , Grabovac Igor , Jacob Louis , López-Sánchez Guillermo F. , Yang Lin , Shin Jae Il , Sohn Min , Ward Philip B. , McDermott Daragh T. , Koyanagi Ai
Published: September 2020

Background

Identifying correlates of sexual behavior among young adolescents is critical for preventing adverse outcomes linked to such behavior.

Aim

This study examined the relationship of bullying victimization with sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, and non-condom use in adolescents aged 12–15 years across 53 countries.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 145,342 adolescents aged 12–15 years participating in the Global School-based Student Health Survey 2003–2016 were analyzed. Data on bullying victimization were assessed by the question “During the past 30 days, on how many days were you bullied?”

Outcomes

Data on several sexual behaviors were collected: (i) ever having had intercourse, among those who reported having had intercourse; (ii) multiple (≥2) lifetime sexual partners; and (iii) condom use in last sexual intercourse.

Results

Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations. The overall prevalence of any bullying in the past 30 days and lifetime sexual intercourse were 28.8% and 13.1%, respectively. Compared with those who were not bullied in the past 30 days, those who were bullied for 20–30 days were 2.08 (95% CI = 1.65–2.63), 1.70 (95% CI = 1.10–2.63), and 1.72 (95% CI = 1.12–2.67) times more likely to report sexual intercourse, non-condom use, and multiple sex partners, respectively.

Clinical Implications

This study provides further evidence that bullying victimization is a global phenomenon and interventions are required to reduce its prevalence and unwanted consequences.

Strengths & Limitations

The main strength was the large sample of young adolescents across 53 countries. However, findings from the present study should be interpreted in light of its limitations. First, the study was cross-sectional in nature and thus the direction of the association cannot be established. Second, the data only included young adolescents who attend school. Third, data were self-reported and thus reporting bias may exist. Fourth, the measure of sexual activity used was not able to distinguish between penetrative and nonpenetrative sex. Fifth, adolescents who are victims of bullying may also be exposed to other types of violence such as child maltreatment and sexual assaults, for which data were not available. Finally, the present data set did not contain data on sexual orientation.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the need for interventions either acting to educate about the potential negative consequences or to prevent risky sexual behavior in young adolescents who experience bullying victimization.
Development of a 51-hospital Chicagoland regional antibiogram and comparison to local hospital and national surveillance data
Authors: Butler David A. , Biagi Mark , Gupta Vikas , Wieczorkiewicz Sarah , Young Lisa , Patel Ursula , Naegele Sandy , Santarossa Maressa , Harrington Amanda , Postelnick Mike , Suseno Mira , Christensen Alyssa , Giddens Julie , Murrey Tim , Hanson Amy , Sam Sharon , Pettit Natasha , Danziger Larry , Wenzler Eric
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To develop a regional antibiogram within the Chicagoland metropolitan area and to compare regional susceptibilities against individual hospitals within the area and national surveillance data.

Design:

Multicenter retrospective analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility data from 2017 and comparison to local institutions and national surveillance data.

Setting and participants:

The analysis included 51 hospitals from the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin Metropolitan Statistical Area within the state of Illinois. Overall, 18 individual collaborator hospitals provided antibiograms for analysis, and data from 33 hospitals were provided in aggregate by the Becton Dickinson Insights Research Database.

Methods:

All available antibiogram data from calendar year 2017 were combined to generate the regional antibiogram. The final Chicagoland antibiogram was then compared internally to collaborators and externally to national surveillance data to assess its applicability and utility.

Results:

In total, 167,394 gram-positive, gram-negative, fungal, and mycobacterial isolates were collated to create a composite regional antibiogram. The regional data represented the local institutions well, with 96% of the collaborating institutions falling within ±2 standard deviations of the regional mean. The regional antibiogram was able to include 4–5-fold more gram-positive and -negative species with ≥30 isolates than the median reported by local institutions. Against national surveillance data, 18.6% of assessed pathogen–antibiotic combinations crossed prespecified clinical thresholds for disparity in susceptibility rates, with notable trends for resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Conclusions:

Developing an accurate, reliable regional antibiogram is feasible, even in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The biogram is useful in assessing susceptibilities to less commonly encountered organisms and providing clinicians a more accurate representation of local antimicrobial resistance rates compared to national surveillance databases.