bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etiologies of apnea of infancy
Authors: Ginsburg Daniella , Maken Kanwaljeet , Deming Douglas , Welch Mark , Fargo Ramiz , Kaur Prabhleen , Terry Michael , Tinsley Larry , Ischander Mariam
Published: April 2020

Background

To date there are limited data in the literature to guide the initial evaluation for etiologies of apnea in full‐term infants born at greater than or equal to 37 weeks conceptional age (apnea of infancy [AOI]). Pediatricians and pediatric pulmonologists are left to pursue a broad, rather than targeted and a stepwise approach to begin diagnostic evaluation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 101 symptomatic full‐term infants (age under 12 months) diagnosed with apnea with an inpatient multichannel pneumogram (six channels) or a fully attended overnight pediatric polysomnogram in our outpatient sleep center accredited by American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), scored using the standards set forth by the AASM. The infant was diagnosed as having AOI if the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was greater than 1 (AHI is defined as the number of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep). The final diagnosis/etiology was determined based on physician clinical assessment and work up. We then determined the frequency for each diagnosis.

Results

We found that the three most common etiologies were gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (48/101), upper airway abnormalities/obstruction (37/101), and neurological diseases (19/101). There were significant numbers of infants with multiple etiologies for AOI.

Conclusion

Based on the frequencies obtained, pediatric practitioners caring for full‐term infants with apnea of unknown etiology are advised to begin with evaluation of more likely causes such as GERD and upper airway abnormalities/obstruction before evaluating for less common causes.
Analysis of accidents involving petroleum tankers and their consequences in India
Authors: Gangadhari Rajan Kumar , Murty Shankar , Khanzode Vivek
Published: April 2020

Transport of petroleum products by road is recording a high rate of fatality in India. According to the report of the Oil Industry Safety Directorate, the rate of transport accidents is decreasing from the last 2 years. Petroleum companies in India recorded 1635 transport accidents in the previous 5 years. The authorities' reports do not have a record of the real damage caused by these accidents. To assess the root causes behind the accidents and identify the actual damage caused by these accidents, detailed analysis of accidents using primary and secondary data is done. The analysis of accidents data revealed that Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited records the highest number of transportation accidents in India. States of Karnataka and Maharashtra record the highest number of transportation accidents. Fuel releases, spillage, fire, and explosions are the major types of accidents that are occurring. Driver negligence, road conditions, and equipment failure are the main reasons behind these accidents. Interviews with field experts were conducted to analyze the factors underlying driver's carelessness. The analysis of accident reports and inputs from experts is summarized to make suggestions to prevent accidents in the industry. This study is the first study to cover the analysis of petroleum transporting vehicle accidents and their consequences in India.
Absence of temperature effect on elution profiles on anionic and cationic ion‐exchange resins from 4°C to 28°C
Authors: Lamboux Aline , Hassler Auguste , Davechand Priyanka , Balter Vincent
Published: April 2020

Rationale

In labs devoted to the geochemistry of non‐traditional isotopes, chemical elution is necessary to purify the element of interest. Elution is always performed in over‐pressured and air‐conditioned clean rooms. We took advantage of an air‐conditioning failure in our lab during summer 2018 to study the effect of temperature on the characteristics of the elution profiles of ion‐exchange resins.

Methods

We performed the ion‐exchange separation of copper, iron and zinc on macroporous anionic AG MP‐1 resin and that of calcium on cationic AG 50W‐X12 resin, at 28°C, prior to the measurement of their isotopic ratios by mass spectrometry. We further performed these experiments in a clean hood in a cold room at 4°C. The elution curves were processed on biological standards, i.e. bovine liver (SRM‐1577c), fetal bovine serum (FBS), bone meal (SRM‐1486) and the seawater IAPSO standard.

Results

The elution profiles of major elements for each matrix, and those of copper, iron, zinc and calcium, were compared with those classically achieved at 20°C in air‐conditioned conditions. The results show that the elution profiles preserve their characteristics whatever the temperature, suggesting that partitioning coefficients between resin and solution are thermo‐independent in the range of temperature from 4°C to 28°C.

Conclusions

If generalized to other matrices, notably inorganic, and to other elements, notably the extreme case of the separation of Rare Earth Elements, the present results suggest that clean labs may not have to be air‐conditioned. This would reduce installation and operating costs and have a positive effect on the environment, paving the way for the development of a “green geochemistry”.
Observer‐based adaptive neural control for a class of nonlinear singular systems
Authors: Chen Jian , Lin Chong , Chen Bing , Zhang Ziye
Published: April 2020

The problem of observer‐based adaptive neural control via output feedback for a class of uncertain nonlinear singular systems is studied in this article. The nonlinear singular systems can be regarded as two subsystems that are coupled with each other: differential subsystem and algebraic subsystem. The differential systems can be nonstrict feedback structures. To guarantee that the singular system is regular and impulse‐free, two new conditions are proposed. By the conditions, the linear controller and observer, which are used to estimate the immeasurable state variables, are obtained. Then, an output feedback scheme through adaptive neural backstepping is proposed to ensure that all states of the closed‐loop system are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded and converge to a small neighborhood of the origin. Simulation examples illustrate the effectiveness of the presented method.
Comparison of leading‐industrialisation and crossing‐industrialisation economic growth patterns in the context of sustainable development: Lessons from China and India
Authors: Huang Yongchun , Chen Chengmeng , Su Dejin , Wu Shangshuo
Published: April 2020

Various economic growth patterns differ in sustainability. Taking China and India as examples, this study parses the connotation of leading‐industrialisation and crossing‐industrialisation economic growth patterns. In addition, a theoretical framework of sustainable development, including economic, social, environmental and demographic sustainability, is constructed. Furthermore, the comparative analysis and case study method are used to compare the sustainability of the two patterns. Results demonstrate that the leading‐industrialisation pattern relies on abundant and skilled human resources to promote the manufacturing industry, thereby achieving rapid and high‐quality economic growth at the expense of the environment. Although it is superior in social sustainability, such as poverty proportion, employment rate, price stability and health condition, the pattern can lead to a gap in wealth and an imbalance in urbanisation. By contrast, we reveal that the crossing‐industrialisation pattern depends on the elite talents and technological progress to promote the service industry with high economic potential, which is resource‐efficient and environment‐friendly. Meanwhile, it is characterised by a small gap between the rich and the poor, relatively balanced urbanisation and future demographic dividends. However, it cannot guarantee adequate employment, public health and stable prices with serious poverty. This study enriches the multidimensional framework of sustainable development and proposes several practical implications for the sustainable development of the two economic growth patterns.
In Situ Printing: Insights into the Morphology Formation and Optical Property Evolution of Slot‐Die‐Coated Active Layers Containing Low Bandgap Polymer Donor and Nonfullerene Small Molecule Acceptor
Authors: Wienhold Kerstin S. , Körstgens Volker , Grott Sebastian , Jiang Xinyu , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Roth Stephan V. , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: April 2020

Printing of active layers for high‐efficiency organic solar cells with the slot‐die coating technique can overcome the challenge of upscaling, which will be needed for organic photovoltaics on its way to marketability. The morphology of a bulk‐heterojunction organic solar cell has a very high impact on its power conversion efficiency. Therefore, it is of particular importance to understand the mechanisms of structure formation during printing of active layers to enable further optimization of the solar cell performance and upscaling of the production process. Meniscus‐guided slot‐die coating of the blend of a low bandgap conjugated polymer donor with benzodithiophene units PBDB‐T‐SF and the nonfullerene small molecule acceptor IT‐4F is studied in situ with optical microscopy, Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering. The structure formation is followed from the liquid to the final dry film state. Thereby, five regimes of morphology formation are determined. The morphological evolution in the printed active layer is correlated to changing optical properties of the thin film. In the final dry film, polymer domains of several tens of nanometers are observed, which will be favorable for application in high‐efficiency organic solar cells.
Tailoring of Colon Targeting with Sodium Alginate‐Assam Bora Rice Starch Based Multi Particulate System Containing Naproxen
Authors: Sarangi Manoj Kumar , Rao M.E. Bhanoji , Parcha Versha , Upadhyay Aadesh
Published: April 2020

This research is focused on the formulation and optimization of Assam Bora rice starch (ABRS)‐alginate beads containing a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Naproxen (NA), by an ionotropic gelation technique using 32factorial design for colon targeting against rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. The impact of a polymeric blend of sodium alginate (SA) and ABRS on the drug entrapment efficiency (DEE, %), bead size (BS), and percentage cumulative drug release in the first 6 h (Q6, %) is optimized. The DEE (%) of all the developed beads is found to be in between 45.25% and 85.14% with an in vitro drug release of 32.81–42.18% in first 6 h. The optimized batches of beads are coated with Eudragit S100 (ES100) (5%, 10%, and 15% w/v) to facilitate colon targeting in a prominent way. The average size of the developed beads is found to be within the range of 751.61–822.22 µm. The optimized ABRS‐alginate beads containing NA show significant drug permeability over a prolonged period on ex vivo permeability through a goat colon. The in vivo roentgenographic study on rats shows the colon targeting of the beads without degradation.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly for Surface Tethering of Thin‐Hydrogel Films: Design Strategies and Applications
Authors: Seidi Farzad , Zhao Weifeng , Xiao Huining , Jin Yongcan , Zhao Changsheng
Published: April 2020

Manipulation and engineering of the surfaces has a key role in improving the materials properties. Anchoring of thin hydrogels on the materials surface is one of the recently developed methods to achieve surfaces with high potential applications. Layer‐by‐layer (LBL) has been used widely as a strong strategy for immobilization of thin hydrogel films on the surface of various organic/inorganic substrates. Electrostatic LBL and covalent LBL are two main strategies used in this regard. In electrostatic LBL, negatively and positively hydrophilic polymers are sequentially assembled to create a multilayer hydrogel which subsequent covalent crosslinking of multilayers improved the stability of the inserted layers. On the other hand, covalent LBL requires hydrophilic polymers bearing reactive telechelic groups. These reactive polymers are prepared by various polymerization techniques or by post‐functionalization of biopolymers. The principles of hydrogel anchoring have described along with representative examples. Besides, the potential applications of the modified surfaces in specific cases have been addressed and overviewed.
Water‐based Synthesis and Properties of a Scandium 1,4‐Naphthalenedicarboxylate
Authors: Rönfeldt Pia , Reinsch Helge , Svensson Grape Erik , Inge A. Ken , Terraschke Huayna , Stock Norbert
Published: April 2020

A new scandium naphthalenedicarboxylate with the framework composition [Sc2(1,4‐NDC)3] (H2‐1,4‐NDC = 1,4‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid) was obtained under hydrothermal synthesis conditions. A structure model could be developed by a combination of 3D electron diffraction measurements and computationally assisted structure determination, which was further validated by a good agreement with the experimental powder X‐ray diffraction pattern. The structure consists of isolated ScO6octahedra interconnected by the carboxylate groups of linker molecules to form chains. These chains are connected by the naphthalene‐moieties to form a three‐dimensional framework with square‐shaped pores and the organic group pointing into the pores. Although very similar synthesis conditions were chosen, [Sc2(1,4‐NDC)3] is not isostructural to aluminum naphthalenedicarboxylate [Al(OH)(1,4‐NDC)], which crystallizes in a MIL‐53 type structure. This can be traced back to the different inorganic building units that are observed. The compound was thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, sorption measurements, thermogravimetric analysis and luminescence measurements. [Sc2(1,4‐NDC)3] exhibits a high thermal stability and a ligand‐based blue luminescence in the solid state at room temperature.
Three-point functions at strong coupling in the BMN limit
Authors: Basso Benjamin , Zhong De-liang
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We consider structure constants of single-trace operators at strong coupling in planar

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 SYM theory using the hexagon formalism. We concentrate on heavy-heavy- light correlators where the heavy operators are BMN operators, with large R-charges and finite anomalous dimensions, and the light one is a finite-charge chiral primary operator. They describe the couplings between two highly boosted strings and a supergravity mode in the bulk dual. In the hexagon framework, two sums over virtual magnons are needed to bind the hexagons together around the light operator. We evaluate these sums explicitly at strong coupling, for a certain choice of BMN operators, and show that they factorise into a ratio of Gamma functions and a simple stringy prefactor. The former originates from giant mirror magnons scanning the AdS geometry while the latter stems from small fluctuations around the BMN vacuum. The resulting structure constants have poles at positions where an enhanced mixing with double-trace operators is expected and zeros whenever the process is forbidden by supersymmetry. We also discuss the transition to the classical regime, when the length of the light operator scales like the string tension, where we observe similitudes with the Neumann coefficients of the pp-wave String Field Theory vertex.
Mechanical characterization of aged AA2026-AA2026 overcast joints fabricated by squeeze casting
Authors: Ali Muhammad Asad , Ishfaq Kashif , Raza Muhammad Huzaifa , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Mufti Nadeem Ahmad , Pruncu Catalin I.
Published: April 2020

Squeeze overcasting has emerged as an attractive option for casting of Al alloys in terms of mechanical properties. The attainment of the desired magnitude of these properties is challenging in overcasting due to the involvement of a number of process parameters. In this study, the effects of insert preheat temperature (TI) along with pouring temperature (TP), and squeeze pressure (PS) on the mechanical properties of squeeze overcast AA2026-AA2026 joint were investigated. Experimental results revealed that the squeeze pressure is the most prominent factor affecting the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) while micro-hardness (MH) is significantly influenced by the pouring temperature. Maximum values of UTS (315 MPa) and MH (130 HV) were achieved at aPSof 120 MPa,TPof 780 °C, andTIof 250 °C. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis witnessed thatTIhas also a significant role in determining the quality of bond between the substrate and the melt. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicts that the morphology of the fractured surface has a sound influence on both selected responses. Both the strength and hardness are noticed better if the fractured surface possesses the flat-faced morphology. Furthermore, an empirical regression model was developed using response surface methodology (RSM) design and validated through eight confirmatory experiments. RSM integrated multi-objective optimization genetic algorithm (MO-GA) was deployed to optimize the UTS and MH. The comparative results obtained from RSM and MO-GA demonstrated that the deviation in experimental and predicted values is less than 5%.
Role of Conversion Surgery for Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer After Long‐Term Chemotherapy
Authors: Tsuchiya Nobuhiro , Matsuyama Ryusei , Murakami Takashi , Yabushita Yasuhiro , Sawada Yu , Kumamoto Takafumi , Endo Itaru
Published: April 2020

Background

Unresectable pancreatic cancer (UR‐PC) has a poor prognosis. Although conversion surgery has been considered a promising strategy for improving prognosis in UR‐PC, the clinical benefit offered to patients with UR‐PC remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the clinical benefits of conversion surgery in patients with UR‐PC.

Methods

We evaluated patients with UR‐PC referred to our department for possible surgical resection between January 2008 and June 2017. Resectability was evaluated using multimodal imaging in patients who underwent chemotherapy for more than 6 months. Conversion surgery was performed only in patients who were judged eligible for R0 resection.

Results

In total, 90 patients were evaluated. Among them, only 22 (24.4%) could actually undergo conversion surgery, and the R0 resection rate was 72.7% (16/22). Although Evans grade ≥ IIB was noted in six patients (27.3%), none achieved complete response (CR). The median survival time was significantly longer among patients who underwent conversion surgery than in the unresected patients who underwent chemotherapy (21.3 months vs. 12.6 months; p < 0.001). Multivariate and Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed microvascular invasion to have a significant adverse effect on recurrence‐free survival (RFS: 7 months vs. not reached, p = 0.004) and overall survival (OS: 21 months vs. 85 months, p = 0.047).

Conclusions

After long‐term chemotherapy, conversion surgery for UR‐PC is associated with long‐term survival. Microvascular invasion is predictive of poor prognosis in these patients; adjuvant protocols are therefore needed for patients with microvascular invasion.
Assessment of phytotoxicity of leachates from landfilled waste and dust from foundry
Authors: Bożym Marta
Published: April 2020

The study assesses the contamination, classification and phytotoxicity of foundry waste. The presented results are a part of the research on the agrotechnical use of foundry waste. Landfilled foundry waste (LFW) and dust samples were taken from one of the Polish foundries. An analysis of the waste and its leachate composition was conducted. Phytotoxicity tests were carried out using Lepidium sativum. The aim of the phytotoxicity study was to evaluate germination and root growth after 72 h and the accumulation of heavy metals after 7 days. LFW was least contaminated with heavy metals and metalloids compared to dust. The composition of the foundry dusts depended on the unit of the foundry, from which it was collected. It was found that electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) was the most polluted by heavy metals among the dust samples. According to the requirements of Polish regulations most of tested waste were classified as non–hazardous, and EAFD as hazardous waste due to high Pb concentration in leachate. Phytotoxicity tests have shown a low phytotoxicity of the leachate from most of the tested waste. The results of the accumulation test showed that an excess of metal and metalloids in leachate was not directly related to its accumulation in plants. A negative correlation between EC, Cu, Co, Fe, Pb, Cr, K, Na, sulfate, fluoride, ammonia, phenol and formaldehyde concentration in leachate and GI was found. It was stated that the Fe, Mn, As and Se in plants was significantly correlated with concentrations in leachate.
Panqualityism, Awareness and the Explanatory Gap
Authors: Mihálik Jakub
Published: April 2020

According to panqualityism, a form of Russellian monism defended by Sam Coleman and others, consciousness is grounded in fundamental qualities, i.e. unexperienced qualia. Despite panqualityism’s significant promise, according to David Chalmers panqualityism fails as a theory of consciousness since the reductive approach to awareness of qualities it proposes fails to account for the specific phenomenology associated with awareness. I investigate Coleman’s reasoning against this kind of phenomenology and conclude that he successfully shows that its existence is controversial, and so Chalmers’s critique is inconclusive. I then present a critique of panqualityism that avoids this controversial posit, arguing that the panqualityist treatment of awareness faces an explanatory gap, failing to account for the intimate cognitive access to qualities which we are afforded, i.e. for our ‘strong awareness’ of qualities. The real worry for panqualityists is thus not the contested phenomenology of awareness, which Chalmers relies on, but rather the special way in which we are aware of qualities.
Low Dimensional Matrix Representations for Noncommutative Surfaces of Arbitrary Genus
Authors: Arnlind Joakim
Published: April 2020

In this note, we initiate a study of the finite-dimensional representation theory of a class of algebras that correspond to noncommutative deformations of compact surfaces of arbitrary genus. Low dimensional representations are investigated in detail and graph representations are used in order to understand the structure of non-zero matrix elements. In particular, for arbitrary genus greater than one, we explicitly construct classes of irreducible two and three dimensional representations. The existence of representations crucially depends on the analytic structure of the polynomial defining the surface as a level set in $\mathbb {R}^{3}$

ℝ

3

.
Prescription opioids and new business establishments
Authors: Rietveld Cornelius A. , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: April 2020

The effects of opioid abuse on health are widely documented, however, its effects on labor market outcomes have only recently become a topic of scientific inquiry. Whereas recent economic studies focus on various measures of labor market participation, the present study analyzes whether opioid prescription rates are associated with the impetus for entrepreneurial activity. By drawing on samples of US counties and US neighbor county-pairs across state borders from the years 2007 to 2016, we find that higher opioid prescription rates are associated with fewer non-employer establishments and new firms employing 1–4 employees. In an ancillary analysis of 50 US states from the years 2006 to 2016, we further show that opioid prescription rates are associated with lower entrepreneurial activity in general and opportunity-based entrepreneurial activity in particular. Overall, both the county-level and state-level analyses show that a higher rate of opioid prescriptions is negatively associated with new business formation. Although the estimated effect sizes are small, they are sizeable in absolute terms.
An In-Situ, Micro-Mechanical Setup with Accurate, Tri-Axial, Piezoelectric Force Sensing and Positioning
Authors: Ruybalid A.P. , van der Sluis O. , Geers M.G.D. , Hoefnagels J.P.M.
Published: April 2020

To enable accurate characterization of the mechanical behavior of materials at the micro-scale, e.g., in micro-systems, experiments are required that are representative of the actual (often multi-axial) loading conditions to which these materials are subjected during fabrication and operation. Equally important is the acquisition of mechanical data in the form of multi-axial force measurements, and the measurement of kinematics by in-situ microscopic techniques. To this end, a micro-mechanical testing rig is here realized using commercially available piezoelectric actuators. It is shown that the setup measures forces with a resolution of $\sim 0.3$∼0.3 [mN] in the x- and y-directions, and $\sim 50$∼50 [mN] in the z-direction, over a range of 5 [N], yielding a high dynamic (force) range. Furthermore, displacements can be imposed with a resolution of $\sim 1$∼1 [nm] over a range of 200 [μ m], in all three directions (x, y, z). The setup is compact, vacuum compatible, and specimens are loaded on top of the setup so that the field of view is unobstructed, allowing for in-situ testing with optical and scanning electron microscopy, and optical profilometry. A generic method is developed for extracting quasi-static forces from the piezoelectric actuators. Furthermore, challenges raised from the use of commercial actuators, for which the public technical specifications are generally incomplete, are overcome and the solution strategy is described. Proof-of-concept experiments on flexible, organic, light-emitting diodes demonstrate the potential of the setup to provide rich micro-mechanical data in the form of tri-axial force and displacement measurements. The commercial availability of the piezoelectric actuators, combined with the proposed engineering solutions lead to a generally accessible micro-mechanical test setup to investigate small-scale specimens under realistic, multi-axial loading conditions.
A Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis Identifies FXN and BDNF as Novel Targets of miRNAs in Friedreich’s Ataxia Patients
Authors: Misiorek Julia O. , Schreiber Anna M. , Urbanek-Trzeciak Martyna O. , Jazurek-Ciesiołka Magdalena , Hauser Lauren A. , Lynch David R. , Napierala Jill S. , Napierala Marek
Published: April 2020

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease that is caused by guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) nucleotide repeat expansions in the first intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene. Although present in the intron, this mutation leads to a substantial decrease in protein expression. Currently, no effective treatment is available for FRDA, and, in addition toFXN, other targets with therapeutic potential are continuously sought. As miRNAs can regulate the expression of a broad spectrum of genes, are used as biomarkers, and can serve as therapeutic tools, we decided to identify and characterize differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets in FRDA cells compared to unaffected control (CTRL) cells. In this study, we performed an integrated miRNAseq and RNAseq analysis using the same cohort of primary FRDA and CTRL cells. The results of the transcriptome studies were supported by bioinformatic analyses and validated by qRT-PCR. miRNA interactions with target genes were assessed by luciferase assays, qRT-PCR, and immunoblotting. In silico analysis identified theFXNtranscript as a target of five miRNAs upregulated in FRDA cells. Further studies confirmed that miRNA-224-5p indeed targetsFXN,resulting in decreases in mRNA and protein levels. We also validated the ability of miRNA-10a-5p to bind and regulate the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important modulator of neuronal growth. We observed a significant decrease in the levels of miRNA-10a-5p and increase in the levels ofBDNFupon correction of FRDA cells via zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN)-mediated excision of expanded GAA repeats. Our comprehensive transcriptome analyses identified miRNA-224-5p and miRNA-10a-5p as negative regulators of theFXNandBDNFexpression, respectively. These results emphasize not only the importance of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of FRDA but also their potential as therapeutic targets for this disease.
Nature's Relations: Ontology, Vulnerability, Agency
Authors: Zúñiga Didier
Published: April 2020

Political theory and philosophy need to widen their view of the space in which what matters politically takes place, and I suggest that integrating the conditions of sustainability of all affected—that is, all participants in nature's relations—is a necessary first step in this direction. New materialists and posthumanists have challenged how nature and politics have traditionally been construed. While acknowledging the significance of their contributions, I critically examine the ethical and political implications of their ontological project. I focus particularly on how the decentering of human agency that they advocate for raises a set of concerns that need to be addressed in developing an appropriate ecological ethics. I argue that the latter must be attuned to the vulnerability of living beings who participate in relationships that sustain life on earth. This brings me to conclude that qualitative distinctions between the worlds ofbiosandtechneare necessary. This is because we need to think critically about ways of evaluating types of relationships so that we can assess them and establish which are worth nurturing and protecting and which are not.
Explaining mass balance and retreat dichotomies at Taku and Lemon Creek Glaciers, Alaska
Authors: McNeil Christopher , O'Neel Shad , Loso Michael , Pelto Mauri , Sass Louis , Baker Emily H. , Campbell Seth
Published: April 2020

We reanalyzed mass balance records at Taku and Lemon Creek Glaciers to better understand the relative roles of hypsometry, local climate and dynamics as mass balance drivers. Over the 1946–2018 period, the cumulative mass balances diverged. Tidewater Taku Glacier advanced and gained mass at an average rate of +0.25 ± 0.28 m w.e. a–1, contrasting with retreat and mass loss of −0.60 ± 0.15 m w.e. a−1 at land-terminating Lemon Creek Glacier. The uniform influence of regional climate is demonstrated by strong correlations among annual mass balance and climate data. Regional warming trends forced similar statistically significant decreases in surface mass balance after 1989: −0.83 m w.e. a–1 at Taku Glacier and −0.81 m w.e. a–1 at Lemon Creek Glacier. Divergence in cumulative mass balance arises from differences in glacier hypsometry and local climate. Since 2013 negative mass balance and glacier-wide thinning prevailed at Taku Glacier. These changes initiated terminus retreat, which could increase dramatically if calving begins. The future mass balance trajectory of Taku Glacier hinges on dynamics, likely ending the historic dichotomy between these glaciers.
Neuropediatric rehabilitation for psychogenic gait disorders in children and adolescents
Authors: Siefen G. , Kirkcaldy B. , Lücke T.
Published: April 2020

Psychogenic gait disorders in children and adolescents represent a unique neuropediatric and rehabilitative challenge. The inability to walk frequently strikes abruptly. Triggers are not easily identifiable. Patients are commonly admitted to the hospital in an emergency. In view of the dramatic clinical picture, parents are perturbed. They expect rapid diagnostic clarification and therapy. If physical, laboratory, and X-ray examinations do not disclose any significant pathological findings, parents generally insist on consulting diverse specialists and clinics. The pivotal point of the course of treatment is the parent–doctor–patient relationship. This is notably true when child psychologists or psychiatrists have to be consulted. Typical risks and decision conflicts of the rehabilitation dynamics are described – these are augmented by several case vignettes.
A health coach-led smoking cessation program for Chinese Americans at a community health center in New York City
Authors: Lau Jennifer D. , Feldman Naumi , Lee Regina , Xu Annie , Oster Ady
Published: April 2020

Introduction

A health coach-led smoking cessation program was implemented in a community of immigrant Chinese Americans. Follow-up was provided face-to-face or over-the-phone to provide support and address barriers. Free nicotine replacement treatment was provided for eligible participants.

Aim

The aim is to assess smoking cessation outcome by program components.

Methods

Quitting was defined as self-reported smoking abstention for at least 3 months. Factors contributing to successful cessation were evaluated using chi-squared tests and regression analysis. Participants were randomly surveyed to measure the helpfulness of and satisfaction with the program.

Results/Findings

The program enrolled 184 participants from November 2015 to January 2017. Participants were mostly men (89%) with a mean age of 44. An intent-to-treat analysis found that 19% quit. Phone counseling had the same success as face-to-face counseling. Each additional session attended was associated with 2.1 times the odds of quitting, P < 0.001. Among the participants who quit, 70% reported the health coach was helpful in their cessation.

Conclusions

A health coach-led smoking cessation program that offered phone-based counseling was successful in reducing smoking. Future programs should consider using a health coach to reduce physician burden and phone-based counseling for difficult-to-access patients to increase program reach.
Public Opinion and Foreign Electoral Intervention
Authors: TOMZ MICHAEL , WEEKS JESSICA L. P.
Published: April 2020

Foreign electoral intervention is an increasingly important tool for influencing politics in other countries, yet we know little about when citizens would tolerate or condemn foreign efforts to sway elections. In this article, we use experiments to study American public reactions to revelations of foreign electoral intervention. We find that even modest forms of intervention polarize the public along partisan lines. Americans are more likely to condemn foreign involvement, lose faith in democracy, and seek retaliation when a foreign power sides with the opposition, than when a foreign power aids their own party. At the same time, Americans reject military responses to electoral attacks on the United States, even when their own political party is targeted. Our findings suggest that electoral interference can divide and weaken an adversary without provoking the level of public demand for retaliation typically triggered by conventional military attacks.
Logarithmic versus Linear Visualizations of COVID-19 Cases Do Not Affect Citizens’ Support for Confinement
Authors: Sevi Semra , Aviña Marco Mendoza , Péloquin-Skulski Gabrielle , Heisbourg Emmanuel , Vegas Paola , Coulombe Maxime , Arel-Bundock Vincent , Loewen Peter John , Blais André
Published: April 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019, and it quickly spread to many countries. By March 2020, the virus had triggered a global pandemic (World Health Organization, 2020). In response to this crisis, governments have implemented unprecedented public health measures. The success of these policies will largely depend on the public's willingness to comply with new rules. A key factor in citizens’ willingness to comply is their understanding of the data that motivate government action. In this study, we examine how different ways of presenting these data visually can affect citizen's perceptions, attitudes and support for public policy.
Deciding on the Future: Race, Emigration and the New Economy in Cuba
Authors: Clealand Danielle Pilar
Published: April 2020

Cuban emigration in the post-Soviet period has largely been attributed to economic motivations, but without significant racial analysis. Moreover, little is known about how black Cubans on the island think about emigration. It is therefore imperative to re-examine how blacks, once cited as the Cuban Revolution's loyalists, make decisions today about remaining in Cuba and/or pursuing economic security outside of its borders. Using original survey data of black Cubans on the island, I find that economic motivations are prominent among black Cubans, but that these motivations can be multifaceted. In a study of black Cubans and emigration, the issue of increasing racial inequality and racial exclusion has significant influence on economic opportunity, which in turn influences the desire to leave Cuba to achieve economic and professional success. The results have implications for the ways in which we analyse migration throughout the Latin American region, where race has not been factored into why people migrate.
CALL research: Where are we now?
Authors: Gillespie John
Published: April 2020

This article considers the current position of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research by producing an integrative synthetic overview of all the articles published in three leading international CALL journals: ReCALL (in its 31st year of publication), the CALICO Journal (its 36th) and Computer Assisted Language Learning journal (its 32nd) over a sustained recent period: 2006–2016. They are judged sufficiently representative to enable broad trends to be detected and the sector’s strengths and weaknesses to be identified. The focus is on CALL research’s international reach, the range of topics researched and the nature of the studies themselves. The findings suggest that CALL research is growing internationally in the number of countries and researchers involved. A wide range of topics is researched, but there is a concentration of papers published on a cluster of popular areas. Consequently, fewer articles are published on a large number of CALL topics or, in some cases, rarely studied. The research methods employed are rigorous: in writing, structure, theory, literature awareness, and discussion and presentation of results, yet there are still weaknesses. Most empirical studies are small scale: based on one institution, a small cohort of students, over a short period of time and seldom followed up. Based on these findings, suggestions are made with a view to broadening and strengthening CALL research through targeting neglected strategic areas with special journal issues and conferences, and improving the quality of research projects. Key areas for future research are proposed.
Effect of temperature and moist conditions on seed dormancy cycling of two sympatric limestone species, Begonia guishanensis and Paraisometrum mileense, in southern China
Authors: Hu Xiao-Jian , Liu Cheng , Li Ai-Rong , Yang Xiang-Yun , Baskin Carol
Published: April 2020

Information about seed dormancy cycling and germination in relation to temperature and moisture conditions in the natural environment is important for the conservation and restoration of rare species, including Begonia guishanensis and Paraisometrum mileense, two sympatric perennial limestone (karst) species. Dry afterripening (DAR) and wet and dry (WD) cycles at 15/5 and 25/15°C as well as moist chilling (MC) at 15/5°C were used to mimic the natural environment at different times of the year. A field experiment was conducted to monitor seasonal changes in germination responses of the seeds. About 40–65% of B. guishanensis and 5% of P. mileense seeds were dormant at maturity. DAR at 25/15 and 15/5°C as well as MC and WD cycles at 15/5°C alleviated dormancy for B. guishanensis but not P. mileense, and WD cycles at 25/15°C induced a deeper conditional dormancy for both species. Seeds of B. guishanensis exhibited dormancy cycling in the field, with increased dormancy under natural WD cycles at relatively high temperatures during the transition from the dry to the wet season in April to May and decreased dormancy during the wet season from June to October. KNO3 mitigated the dormancy-inducing effect of both artificial and natural WD cycles at relatively high temperatures for B. guishanensis. The field experiment indicated that seeds of B. guishanensis may be able to form a persistent soil seed bank, while almost all seeds of P. mileense germinate at the beginning of the wet season in the field.
Reinterpreting space: mapping people and relationships in late medieval and early modern English cities using GIS
Authors: Colson Justin
Published: April 2020

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are becoming increasingly popular in historical research, especially in urban contexts. However, digitizing historical sources in a way that can be mapped using the Cartesian co-ordinate systems of a GIS is often challenging, especially so in the case of records pre-dating centralized property registers or street numbering. This article explores how the vernacular spatial descriptions used in several case-studies of documents from late medieval and early modern London can be translated and geocoded into GIS compatible co-ordinates in a sympathetic way. Translating this data from a historical spatial paradigm into a modern one unlocks a whole range of new insights into spatial patterns, networks and relationships which would not have been feasible to construct using traditional methods
Influence of oocyte selection, activation with a zinc chelator and inhibition of histone deacetylases on cloned porcine embryo and chemically activated oocytes development
Authors: Ongaratto Felipe L. , Rodriguez-Villamil Paula , Bertolini Marcelo , Carlson Daniel F.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of alternative protocols to improve oocyte selection, embryo activation and genomic reprogramming on in vitro development of porcine embryos cloned by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In Experiment 1, in vitro-matured oocytes were selected by exposure to a hyperosmotic sucrose solution prior to micromanipulation. In Experiment 2, an alternative chemical activation protocol using a zinc chelator as an adjuvant (ionomycin + N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) + N-6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP)) was compared with a standard protocol (ionomycin + 6-DMAP) for the activation of porcine oocytes or SCNT embryos. In Experiment 3, presumptive cloned zygotes were incubated after chemical activation in a histone deacetylase inhibitor (Scriptaid) for 15 h, with the evaluation of embryo yield and total cell number in day 7 blastocysts. In Experiment 1, cleavage rates tended to be higher in sucrose-treated oocytes than controls (123/199, 61.8% vs. 119/222, 53.6%, respectively); however, blastocyst rates were similar between groups. In Experiment 2, cleavage rates were higher in zygotes treated with TPEN than controls but no difference in blastocyst rates between groups occurred. For Experiment 3, the exposure to Scriptaid did not improve embryo development after cloning. Nevertheless, the total number of cells was higher in cloned zygotes treated with Scriptaid than SCNT controls. In conclusion, oocyte selection by sucrose as well as treatments with zinc chelator and an inhibitor of histone deacetylases did not significantly improve blastocyst yield in cloned and parthenotes. However, the histone deacetylases inhibitor produced a significant improvement in the blastocyst quality.
Kinematic, bioenergetic and oxidative evaluations of donkey sperm preserved at +4°C
Authors: Di Palma Tommaso , Cecchini Stefano , Macchia Giuseppe , Pasolini Maria Pia , Cocchia Natascia , Boni Raffaele
Published: April 2020

Information on donkey sperm bioenergetics, kinetics and oxidative status is scarce even though crucial for development of reproductive technologies and germplasm conservation. For these reasons, it is interesting to monitor sperm kinetics, bioenergetics, and oxidative status during sperm storage at +4°C and with several sperm extenders and concentrations. Donkey semen was collected from three jackasses, three times each. It was diluted with four extenders (Kenney, Equiplus, INRA96 or Hippex), set at three sperm concentrations (30, 50 or 70 × 106spermatozoa/ml) and evaluated for its functionality after 0, 3, 24, 48 and 72 h storage at +4°C. Sperm kinetics was analyzed by Sperm Computer Analysis; sperm bioenergetics was assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); sperm oxidative status was evaluated by lipid peroxidation (LPO), anti-LPO potential and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assays. Incubation produced a progressive (P< 0.01) decline in sperm kinetics and MMP, whereas parameters related to oxidative status either increased (LPO, NBT) or decreased (anti-LPO). The anti-LPO potential was the index better related to sperm motility and kinetics. Extenders proved to be differently (P< 0.01) effective in preserving sperm kinetics, MMP, and oxidative status. The concentration of 30 × 106spermatozoa/ml provided an optimum preservation of sperm functions. Significant correlations emerged between most parameters examined. This study identified reference criteria for storing donkey spermatozoa at +4°C. A low sperm concentration together with a proper extender are crucial requirements for optimum sperm cryopreservation efficiency. Field trials are, however, required to validate these findings, making them operational in practice.
Symmetrization, Mirroring and External Reality: An ‘Inner’ Perspective
Authors: Lauro Grotto Rosapia
Published: April 2020

In the last two decades, mirroring systems have been detected in the monkey and in the human brain. The mirroring mechanisms have been considered as the neural basis for social cognition and interpersonal reactivity, and they have been assumed to support imitation, sharing of emotional states and empathy. Here I would like to compare ‘mirroring phenomena’ to ‘symmetrization phenomena’. In psychoanalytic literature, the construct of symmetrization has been proposed in the context of the Bi-Logic theory by Matte Blanco in 1975, on the basis of clinical evidence obtained in the psychoanalytical setting and following a theoretical analysis derived from the Freudian distinction between Primary and Secondary Processes. I will consider two different types of behaviours, empathic social interactions and the creation of transitional objects and spaces as defined by Winnicott in order to argue that symmetrization, in Matte Blanco’s terms, cannot be reduced to mirroring. I will then sketch a hypothesis on the interplay between the symmetric aspects of the mind and external reality in the development of higher relational functions of humans, also taking playing, arts and creativity into account. Finally I will describe the paradigmatic shift in neuro-imaging studies that was introduced with the discovery of the ‘Default Mode Network’ and its potential relevance in the research on the symmetric and asymmetric aspects of the human mind.
THE GOVERNMENT SPENDING MULTIPLIER IN A MODEL WITH THE COST CHANNEL
Authors: Abo-Zaid Salem
Published: April 2020

This paper studies the government spending multiplier in the presence of the cost channel of the nominal interest rate. I find that the spending multiplier of normal times declines markedly when this channel is introduced. The rise in government spending leads to a rise in the nominal interest rate and, with the cost channel, to a rise in the marginal cost and inflation. In turn, this leads to a bigger rise in the nominal interest rate and the expected real interest rate, hence a lower multiplier, than in a model that abstracts from the cost channel. On the other hand, in a liquidity trap, the cost channel makes the spending multiplier larger. Therefore, by ignoring the cost channel, the spending multiplier is overestimated in normal times and underestimated during liquidity trap episodes. Since liquidity traps are rare, however, the spending multiplier is mostly lower than in previous estimates.