bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Lawyers Need Economists? Review of Katja Langenbucher, Economic Transplants: On Lawmaking for Corporations and Capital Markets (Cambridge U. Press, 2017)
Authors: Avi-Yonah Reuven
Published: September 2020

Katja Langenbucher’s outstanding book seeks to address the question of why and in what ways have lawyers been importing economic theories into a legal environment, and how has this shaped scholarly research, judicial and legislative work? Since the financial crisis, corporate or capital markets law has been the focus of attention by academia and media. Formal modelling has been used to describe how capital markets work and, later, has been criticized for its abstract assumptions. Empirical legal studies and regulatory impact assessments offered different ways forward. This excellent book presents a new approach to the risks and benefits of interdisciplinary policy work. The benefits economic theory brings for reliable and tested lawmaking are contrasted with important challenges including the significant differences of research methodology, leading to misunderstandings and problems of efficient implementation of economic theory’s findings into the legal world. Katja Langenbucher’s innovative research scrutinizes the potential of economic theory to European legislators faced with a lack of democratic accountability.
Aristotle and Eudoxus on the Argument from Contraries
Authors: Cheng Wei
Published: September 2020

The debate over the value of pleasure among Eudoxus, Speusippus, and Aristotle is dramatically documented by the Nicomachean Ethics, particularly in the dialectical pros-and-cons concerning the so-called argument from contraries. Two similar versions of this argument are preserved at EN VII. 13, 1153b1–4, and X. 2, 1172b18–20. Many scholars believe that the argument at EN VII is either a report or an appropriation of the Eudoxean argument in EN X. This essay aims to revise this received view. It will explain why these two arguments differ in premises, contents and purposes, and why these distinctions matter for a proper assessment of Aristotle’s understanding of pleasure and pain in general and his dialectical art in particular.
The Battle of

psychê

and

thymos: A Reappraisal of Heraclitus’ Psychology
Authors: Mason Andrew J.
Published: September 2020

Heraclitus is generally recognised as the first of the Greek thinkers to develop a psychology, but the understanding of his psychology is held back by the assumptions that his soul is a life-principle and is ‘comprehensive’ of the various faculties we regard as psychological. The fragment that best displays the revolutionary character of Heraclitus’ soul doctrine, from a properly psychological viewpoint, is B 85. I offer an extended analysis of this fragment in order to bear out the claims, firstly, that psyche or ‘soul’ for Heraclitus is the intelligence alone, divine in origin, and secondly that thumos (primarily as the seat of desire) is a better candidate for his biological life-principle, whose exigencies are at odds with those of soul. I also offer some reflections on why, despite Heraclitus’ multifaceted influence on fifth-century thought, and despite the coherence of his psychology, this ‘revolution’ never quite took hold.
Estudio de verificación de precisión y veracidad en un sistema Atellica
Authors: Vílchez Rodríguez Alberto , González Cantó Julia , Esteve Poblador Sara , Valldecabres Ortiz Carmen , Estela Burriel Pedro L.
Published: September 2020

Objetivos

El laboratorio clínico debe usar solamente procedimientos de medida validados. La precisión es una de las características más importantes para seleccionar, incorporar, validar y verificar un procedimiento de medida. El objetivo fue verificar la precisión y veracidad de varias magnitudes en distintos analizadores de bioquímica e inmunoquímica.

Materiales

Los analizadores en uso fueron Advia 1800®, Immulite®2000 y CentaurXP®, y el sistema evaluado fue Atellica®Solution. Se evaluaron cinco magnitudes para bioquímica y cinco para inmunoquímica. Para estudiar la imprecisión se utilizaron materiales de control comercial de BioRad® y Siemens®, calculando la imprecisión intraserial e interserial analizando tres replicados de cada control en una única serie cada día, durante 5 días. Para el estudio de veracidad se analizaron 40 muestras de suero diferentes mediante el análisis de diferencias y regresión lineal.

Resultados

Los valores obtenidos para la imprecisión intraserial e interserial fueron menores a los proporcionados por el fabricante en todas las magnitudes estudiadas. En el estudio de veracidad, existe error sistemático proporcional pero no constante para algunas magnitudes.

Conclusiones

Según los coeficientes de variación (CV%) obtenidos en el Atellica®Solution se verificaron las especificaciones de imprecisión proporcionadas por el fabricante y las establecidas por el laboratorio. Respecto al estudio de veracidad sería necesario para algunos parámetros, revisar las condiciones de calibración y ampliar el rango de muestras estudiado.
A Hybrid Equity Release Plan for Retirement Financing
Authors: Kwong Koon-Shing , Tse Yiu-Kuen , Chay Junxing
Published: September 2020

There are two main equity release plans for retirement financing: reverse mortgage plan and home reversion plan. Both plans entitle the homeowners not only to release cash from their properties but also to allow them living there for life. In the lease buyback scheme (LBS) recently introduced in Singapore, the home owner sells the tail-end of the property lease to the government in exchange for a cash payment upfront. Unlike the two main equity release plans, the LBS only allows the owner to stay in the property for the front part of the lease but not for life.

In this paper, we propose a hybrid home equity release plan that incorporates features of the home reversion plan and the LBS. We provide an actuarial framework to analyze the pricing of the hybrid plan, as well as the LBS and home reversion plan. Some numerical illustrations are presented to show the actuarial values of the plan under different choices of plan parameters, such as the lease period and the portion of property value sold. The hybrid plan provides enhanced flexibility to plan takers to meet their retirement needs.
Economic power control for offshore wind farms with loop connection cables
Authors: Scholz Janine , Wiebe Eduard , Scheffer Volker , Becker Christian
Published: September 2020

The Canadian developer and owner of green power facilities Northland Power Inc. owns two offshore wind farms (OWFs) in the German Bight, Deutsche Bucht and Nordsee One, operated by the subsidiary Northland Power Europe GmbH. The company supports and conducts research in the field of power flow optimization in wind farm networks. The work at hand represents the results of this effort to maximize the efficiency of the assets. The project was accomplished within a cooperation between the Nordsee One GmbH and the Institute of Electrical Power and Energy Technology at the Hamburg University of Technology.

From an external point of view, an OWF represents an “en bloc” power plant connected to the onshore transmission grid via power export cables. Nevertheless, such a power plant comprises a complex, large-scale internal medium voltage network. In case of failure or cable outage, the network topology of an OWF may be modified and unintended overloading of inter-array cables (IACs) is possible. In order to address this issue, a new algorithm and software tool for economic power control in OWFs are introduced in the following which can be employed in wind farms with integrated loop connection cables (LCCs). This configuration particularly entails the risk of overloading cable segments depending on the present wind speed. The new algorithm provides the operator with adapted active power setpoints for each wind turbine generator (WTG) in a given network topology. The aim is to maximize OWF power generation and minimize internal power losses while secure network operation is guaranteed. Using load flow analysis based on WTG power output measurements, the load on each cable section is monitored and the cables can be utilized to their individual full capacity while overload is avoided. The practicability of the approach is demonstrated by means of simulation results.
Durchgängiges Anforderungsmanagement und Engineering für Smart Grid Lösungen
Authors: Uslar Mathias
Published: September 2020

In diesem Beitrag wird die Notwendigkeit einer sinnvollen Definition und Klarstellung der Disziplin Energieinformatik aufgezeigt. Der Beitrag diskutiert verschiedene bestehende Definitionen und stellt sie in den Kontext des Anforderungsmanagements und der Lösungsfindung. Er motiviert die Notwendigkeit eines strukturierten disziplinären Ansatzes in der Energieinformatik auf der Grundlage bestehender Probleme und skizziert den aktuellen Stand des Stands der Wissenschaft und Technik, der hauptsächlich den systemtechnischen Anwendungsbereich für Smart Grids umfasst. Synergien mit anderen aktuellen Schwerpunktthemen wie Internet der Dinge (IoT), Industrie 4.0 (Digitalisierung der Produktion) und Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) werden aus Anforderungssicht motiviert. Auf der Grundlage der aufgeworfenen Fragen und Herausforderungen werden neue sinnvolle Forschungsthemen für ein durchgängiges Anforderungsmanagement im Kontext Smart Grid diskutiert.
Neue Methodik zur Optimierung von Druckverfahren für die Herstellung funktionaler Mikrostrukturen und hybrider elektronischer Schaltungen
Authors: Ungerer Martin
Published: September 2020

Für eine wirtschaftliche Anwendbarkeit der gedruckten Elektronik sind die Zuverlässigkeit von Prozessen und die Reproduzierbarkeit der Druckerzeugnisse von zentraler Bedeutung. Anhand der in dieser Dissertation entwickelten methodischen Vorgehensweise zur ganzheitlichen Optimierung digitaler Druckprozesse werden ein neues Extrusionsdrucksystem für hoch- und ein piezoelektrisches Inkjet-Drucksystem für niedrigviskose funktionale Tinten aufgebaut und experimentell für verschiedene Tinten und Substrate in Parameterstudien sowie anhand komplexer Anwendungsbeispiele evaluiert. Die Optimierung des Ultraschall-Plottverfahrens sowie die zum Patent angemeldete Neuentwicklung des Aerosol on Demand Jet-Druckverfahrens sind neben dem Vergleich verschiedener digitaler Einkanal-Drucksysteme und dem Nachweis der Funktionsfähigkeit der entwickelten Methodik weitere zentrale Punkte der Arbeit.
MiR-4328 inhibits proliferation, metastasis and induces apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts by targeting BCL2 expression
Authors: Tang Hongmei , Chen Qi , Yu Wenyuan , Zhao Tianlan
Published: September 2020

Keloids are considered to be a type of benign tumor. MicroRNAs have been reported to be involved in the formation and growth of keloids. MicroRNA-4328 (miR-4328) was found to be abnormally expressed in keloids, while the role and the detailed molecular mechanism of miR-4328 in keloids remain unclear. The expression of miR-4328 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR. The proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) was examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, transwell assay or flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cleaved-caspase 3, collagen I, collagen III and BCL2 protein. The interaction between miR-4328 and BCL2 was confirmed by luciferase reporter analyses. It was observed that miR-4328 was down-regulated in keloid tissues and fibroblasts, and miR-4328 restoration mediated the inhibition of proliferation, metastasis, collagen synthesis and the promotion of apoptosis in KFs. BCL2 was up-regulated in keloid tissues and fibroblasts, and BCL2 knockdown promoted the deterioration of KFs. In addition, BCL2 was confirmed to be a target of miR-4328, and the rescue experiment indicated that the inhibitory action of miR-4328 on keloid fibroblast progression was reversed by BCL2 overexpression. Thus, our results demonstrated that miR-4328 restrained the deterioration of KFs by targeting BCL2, which sheds new light on miR-4328 as a promising target for keloid development and therapeutic.
Aberrant expression of microRNA-132-3p and microRNA-146a-5p in Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Shu Yu , Qian Jinjun , Wang Chunyan
Published: September 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder which is assessed based on the motor symptoms. A number of microRNAs (miRNAs) are dysregulated and involved in the pathogenesis or development of PD. However, no confirmed markers are used for the early detection of PD. The present study aimed to elucidate the potential two miRNAs (miR-132-3p and miR-146-5p) as novel markers for early PD diagnosis. In the present study, the expression levels of miR-132-3p and miR-146-5p in serum samples from 82 patients with PD and 44 healthy volunteers were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the correlation analysis was performed between aberrant miRNAs and Braak staging, Part V of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-V; the modified Hoehn and Yahr staging of PD) and Part III of the UPDRS-III. Subsequently, the receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve results of miR-132-3p and miR-146-5p from healthy volunteers for PD prediction and from severe PD patients were assessed. From the results it was observed that miR-132-3p and miR-146a-5p expressions were significantly decreased in the serum samples of patients with PD compared to those in the healthy volunteers. Moreover, the expressions of miR-132-3p and miR-146a-5p showed a dramatic decrease in severe PD patients as compared to the normal PD patients. Meanwhile, miR-132-3p and miR-146-5p expressions were negatively correlated with Braak staging (r = −0.45, P < 0.0001; r = −0.51, P < 0.0001), UPDRS-III (r = −0.55, P < 0.0001; r = −0.51, P < 0.0001) and UPDRS-V scores (r = − 0.46, P < 0.0001; r = −0.45, P < 0.0001) in PD patients. The area under the curve (AUC) results of miR-132-3p and miR-146a-5p in discriminating PD patients from the healthy controls were 0.7325 (95% CI = 0.6400–0.8251) and 0.7295 (95% CI = 0.3658–0.8232). Moreover, the AUC results of miR-132-3p and miR-146-5p concerning discriminating severe PD patients from normal PD patients were 0.8175 (95% CI = 0.7229–0.9121) and 0.7921 (95% CI = 0.6937–0.8905). In other words, both miR-132-3p and miR-146a-5p may function as promising biomarkers for early diagnosis of PD.
Biosurfactant production by a Bacillus megaterium strain
Authors: Stancu Mihaela Marilena
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of Bacillus megaterium IBBPo17 (GenBank KX499518) cells to produce biosurfactant when the growth was done in the presence of long-chain n-alkane n-hexadecane on medium supplemented with yeast extract, proteose peptone, starch, or cellulose. B. megaterium IBBPo17 revealed a higher growth in the presence of n-hexadecane when the medium was supplemented with yeast extract, proteose peptone, or starch, compared with cellulose. Biosurfactant production was higher when B. megaterium IBBPo17 was grown in the presence of n-hexadecane on yeast extract, proteose peptone, or starch supplemented medium, compared with biosurfactant produced on cellulose supplemented medium. A direct correlation between cell growth and biosurfactant production was observed. When the growth of B. megaterium IBBPo17 cells was higher, the decrease in pH values of the medium was higher too, and more amount of CO2 was released. Changes in cell morphology, aggregation of the cells in clusters, and biofilm formation were observed when B. megaterium IBBPo17 was grown in the presence of n-hexadecane on medium supplemented with yeast extract, proteose peptone, starch, or cellulose. Due to its physiological abilities, this Gram-positive bacterium could be a promising candidate for the bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon polluted environments.
The Ulvophyceae (Chlorophyta) of eastern Sorsogon, Philippines, including Halimeda magnicuneata sp. nov. (Bryopsidales)
Authors: Dumilag Richard V. , Dumago Ferdinand S. , Cabudoy Rea Kissel R. , Peralta Mark Christian E. , Li Camille C. , Gamus Glenn Cedrick V. , Romero Rose Glendelyn T. , Yap Sandra L. , Roleda Michael Y. , Geraldino Paul John L. , Verbruggen Heroen , Leliaert Frederik , Draisma Stefano G.A. , Liao Lawrence M. , Kraft Gerald T.
Published: September 2020

The marine algal flora of eastern Sorsogon has been intensively collected and is generally considered as the richest in the Philippines. A trend of species records in the area has been dominated by rhodophytes (red algae) with significantly fewer similar studies for other algal groups (green and brown algae). In this study we present an updated catalogue of the green seaweeds (Ulvophyceae) of eastern Sorsogon. A checklist, including notes on taxonomy, is given of the 103 species. Twenty-six species are newly recorded locally of which five represent new records for the Philippines: Avrainvillea amadelpha, Caulerpa buginensis, an unidentified Caulerpa species, Codium cf. latum, and one taxon new to science. The new species is described as Halimeda magnicuneata Verbruggen et Dumilag based on morpho-anatomy and DNA sequence data. The number of ulvophycean species recorded in eastern Sorsogon is found to be the highest in the Philippines. This may be a result of the high collection effort in the region, as well as eastern Sorsogon’s diverse habitats providing favourable conditions for a wide range of seaweed species.
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) predicts short- and long-term mortality and poor neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients
Authors: Hochstrasser Seraina R. , Metzger Kerstin , Vincent Alessia M. , Becker Christoph , Keller Annalena K. J. , Beck Katharina , Perrig Sebastian , Tisljar Kai , Sutter Raoul , Schuetz Philipp , Bernasconi Luca , Neyer Peter , Marsch Stephan , Hunziker Sabina
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Prior research found the gut microbiota-dependent and pro-atherogenic molecule trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) to be associated with cardiovascular events as well as all-cause mortality in different patient populations with cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to investigate the prognostic value of TMAO regarding clinical outcomes in patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

We included consecutive OHCA patients upon intensive care unit admission into this prospective observational study between October 2012 and May 2016. We studied associations of admission serum TMAO with in-hospital mortality (primary endpoint), 90-day mortality and neurological outcome defined by the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale.

Results

We included 258 OHCA patients of which 44.6% died during hospitalization. Hospital non-survivors showed significantly higher admission TMAO levels (μmol L−1) compared to hospital survivors (median interquartile range (IQR) 13.2 (6.6–34.9) vs. 6.4 (2.9–15.9), p<0.001). After multivariate adjustment for other prognostic factors, TMAO levels were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratios (OR) 2.1, 95%CI 1.1–4.2, p=0.026). Results for secondary outcomes were similar with significant associations with 90-day mortality and neurological outcome in univariate analyses.

Conclusions

In patients after OHCA, TMAO levels were independently associated with in-hospital mortality and other adverse clinical outcomes and may help to improve prognostication for these patients in the future. Whether TMAO levels can be influenced by nutritional interventions should be addressed in future studies.
The spatial and temporal distribution of cationic and anionic radicals in early embryo implantation
Authors: Bai Zhikun
Published: September 2020

The main objective of this study is to obtain some knowledge of cationic and anionic radicals in early embryo implantation in mice. The method used in this study is known as histochemical staining, in which Xylidine ponceau was used at pH 2.5 and toluidine blue was used at pH 4.0. We detected the change in glycosaminoglycans and total proteins in the endometrial stroma during the preimplantation of mice. This study revealed that the distribution patterns of cationic radicals and anionic radicals are similar on days 4 and 5 of pregnancy. However, there was a distinct difference between cationic radicals and anionic radicals on day 8 of pregnancy. The distribution pattern of cationic radicals is more concentrated in the stroma near the conceptus. Laboratory studies on histochemical stain provide more information about early embryo implantation.
Multivariate analysis for the classification of copper–lead and copper–zinc glasses
Authors: Dimitrov Dimitar , Nedyalkova Miroslava , Madurga Sergio , Naneva Ludmila , Simeonov Vasil
Published: September 2020

The similarity patterns in the physicochemical properties of copper–lead and copper–zinc borate glasses were identified by means of finding similarity within the objects of study using multivariate statistical analysis. As exploratory methods of multivariate analysis, cluster analysis, principal components analysis, and two-way clustering were applied for a set of copper–lead and copper–zinc borate glasses. Specific correlations among the physicochemical properties of copper glasses were interpreted. In particular, the effect of Pb and Zn doping metal ion in copper glasses in the structural and mechanical properties is identified. Interestingly, the degree of lead content determines two kinds of glasses with specific physicochemical properties.
Fluorescence in the assessment of the share of a key component in the mixing of feed
Authors: Matuszek Dominika Barbara
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the results of the mixing of a multicomponent feed for cattle. Three types of mixtures with different proportions of individual components and granulometric composition were selected. After the mixing process, the fraction of the key component (tracer) was determined. Tracer consisted of crushed grains of yellow maize, which was wet treated with a 0.01% solution of Rhodamine B. A tracer with two different average particle sizes d1 = 2.0 mm and d2 = 1.25 mm was introduced into the mixture. Then, the sample was illuminated with UV light, and the content of the tracer in the sample was evaluated using the computer image analysis. In addition, the tracer was separated to determine its fraction using a laboratory scale. From the obtained results, the high reliability of the fluorescence optical method for the evaluation of the homogeneity of granular multicomponent mixtures was proved. It was also observed that slightly better results were obtained for a tracer with a larger average particle size (d = 2.0 mm), although the comparative analysis did not indicate a significant statistical difference in the results in each series of tests.
Local Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Time-Dependent Singularly Perturbed Semilinear Reaction-Diffusion Problems
Authors: Cheng Yao , Song Chuanjing , Mei Yanjie
Published: September 2020

Local discontinuous Galerkin method is considered
for time-dependent singularly perturbed semilinear problems with boundary layer.
The method is equipped with a general numerical flux
including two kinds of independent parameters.
By virtue of the weighted estimates and suitably designed global projections,
we establish optimal

(

k
+
1

)

{(k+1)}

-th error estimate in a local region
at a distance of

𝒪
⁢

(

h
⁢

log
⁡

(

1
h

)

)

{\mathcal{O}(h\log(\frac{1}{h}))}

from domain boundary.
Here k is the degree of piecewise polynomials in the discontinuous finite element space
and h is the maximum mesh size.
Both semi-discrete LDG method
and fully discrete LDG method with a third-order explicit Runge–Kutta
time-marching are considered.
Numerical experiments support our theoretical results.
Exploring the interplay of language and body in South African youth: A portrait-corpus study
Authors: Peters Arne , Coetzee-Van Rooy Susan
Published: September 2020

Elicitation materials like language portraits are useful to investigate people’s perceptions about the languages that they know. This study uses portraits to analyse the underlying conceptualisations people exhibit when reflecting on their language repertoires. Conceptualisations as manifestations of cultural cognition are the purview of cognitive sociolinguistics. The present study advances portrait methodology as it analyses data from structured language portraits of 105 South African youth as a linguistic corpus from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The approach enables the uncovering of (a) prominent underlying conceptualisations of African language(s) and the body, and (b) the differences and similarities of these conceptualisations vis-à-vis previous cognitive (socio)linguistic studies of embodied language experiences. In our analysis, African home languages emerged both as ‘languages of the heart’ linked to cultural identity and as ‘languages of the head’ linked to cognitive strength and control. Moreover, the notion of ‘degrees of proficiency’ or ‘magnitude’ of language knowledge emerged more prominently than in previous studies of embodied language experience.
Using a pharmacogenetic clinical decision support system to improve psychopharmacotherapy dosing in patients with affective disorders
Authors: Zastrozhin Michael , Skryabin Valentin , Sorokin Alexander , Buzik Oleg , Bedina Inessa , Grishina Elena , Ryzhikova Kristina , Shipitsyn Valery , Bryun Evgeny , Sychev Dmitry
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Although pharmacogenetic tests provide the information on a genotype and the predicted phenotype, these tests do not themselves provide the interpretation of data for a physician. Currently, there are approximately two dozen pharmacogenomic clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) used in psychiatry. Implementation of the CDSSs forming the recommendations on drug and dose selection according to the results of pharmacogenetic testing is an urgent task. Fulfillment of this task will allow increasing the efficacy of therapy and decreasing the risk of undesirable side effects.

Methods

The study included 118 male patients (48 in the main group and 70 in the control group) with affective disorders and comorbid alcohol use disorder. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapy, several international psychometric scales and rating scales to measure side effects were used. Genotyping was performed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction with allele-specific hybridization. Pharmacogenetic testing results were interpreted using free software PGX2 (LLE Medicine, Russian Federation, Biomedical Cluster of Skolkovo, Moscow Innovative Cluster; www.pgx2.com).

Results

The statistically significant differences across the scores on psychometric scales were revealed. For instance, the total score on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression by day 9 was 9.0 [8.0; 10.0] for the main group and 11.0 [10.0; 12.0] (p<0.001) for the control group and by day 16 it was 4.0 [2.0; 6.0] for the main group and 14.0 [13.0; 14.0] (p<0.001) for the control group. The UKU Side-Effect Rating Scale (UKU) also revealed a statistically significant difference. The total score on the UKU scale by day 9 was 4.0 [4.0; 5.0] for the main group and 5.0 [5.0; 6.0] (p<0.001) for the control group and by day 16 this difference grew significantly: 3.0 [0.0; 4.2] for the main group and 9.0 [7.0; 11.0] (p<0.001) for the control group.

Conclusions

Pharmacogenetic-guided personalization of the drug dose in patients with affective disorders and comorbid alcohol use disorder can reduce the risk of undesirable side effects and pharmacoresistance. It allows recommending the use of pharmacogenetic CDSSs for optimizing drug dosage.
Methyl jasmonate delays the latency to anoxic convulsions by normalizing the brain levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and serum corticosterone contents in mice with repeated anoxic stress
Authors: Adelaja Abayomi Ololade , Oluwole Oluwafemi Gabriel , Aluko Oritoke Modupe. , Umukoro Solomon
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Repeated exposure to anoxic stress damages the brain through cortisol-mediated increases in oxidative stress and cellular-antioxidants depletion. Thus, compounds with antioxidant property might confer protection against anoxic stress-induced brain injuries. In this study, we further examined the protective effect of methyl jasmonate (MJ), a potent anti-stress agent against anoxic stress-induced convulsions in mice.

Methods

Thirty-six male Swiss mice randomized into six groups (n=6) were given MJ (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (10 mL/kg, i.p.) 30 min before 15 min daily exposure to anoxic stress for 7 days. The latency(s) to anoxic convulsion was recorded on day 7. The blood glucose and serum corticosterone levels were measured afterwards. The brains were also processed for the determination of malondialdehyde, nitrite, and glutathione levels.

Results

Methyl jasmonate (MJ) delayed the latency to anoxic convulsion and reduced the blood glucose and serum corticosterone levels. The increased malondialdehyde and nitrite contents accompanied by decreased glutathione concentrations in mice with anoxic stress were significantly attenuated by MJ.

Conclusions

These findings further showed that MJ possesses anti-stress property via mechanisms relating to the reduction of serum contents of corticosterone and normalization of brain biomarker levels of oxidative stress in mice with anoxic stress.
Instanton bundles on two Fano threefolds of index 1
Authors: Casnati Gianfranco , Genc Ozhan
Published: September 2020

We deal with instanton bundles on the product

ℙ
1

×

ℙ
2

{\mathbb{P}^{1}\times\mathbb{P}^{2}}

and the blow up of

ℙ
3

{\mathbb{P}^{3}}

along a line.
We give an explicit construction leading to instanton bundles.
Moreover, we also show that they correspond to smooth points of a unique irreducible component of their moduli space.
Smart DRA for beam width and orientation control
Authors: Yaduvanshi Rajveer S. , Gupta Richa , Katiyar Saurabh
Published: September 2020

Smartdielectric resonator antenna (DRA) having beam control mechanism is anew area to be explored by antenna researchers. Proposed new geometry DRA has low loss, design flexibility, high efficiency, compact size and desired radiated beam control. Developing beam control in new geometry DRAs is investigated for the first time in this letter. Unique technique for beam control and beam width control is proposed using pit top and mount top DRA. Gain is controlled from 5.0 to 9.98 dBi and beam is controlled from ±30° to ±70° in broadside radiation pattern. U shape pit DRA has maximum directive gain of 9.98 dBi and efficiency 98% at 5.8 GHz frequency. Measured and simulated results of radiation pattern and reflection coefficient are found to be in close proximity. Hardware of U shape pit top DRA, mount top DRA, left side arc top DRA, right side arc shape top DRA is developed and investigated. Mobile and cellular communication network need wide coverage, hence large beam width is required. Narrowing of beam width at higher order mode is also achieved.
Phage-display reveals interaction of lipocalin allergen Can f 1 with a peptide resembling the antigen binding region of a human γδT-cell receptor
Authors: Habeler Matthias , Redl Bernhard
Published: September 2020

Although some progress has been achieved in understanding certain aspects of the allergenic mechanism of animal lipocalins, they still remain largely enigmatic. One possibility to unravel this property is to investigate their interaction with components of the immune system. Since these components are highly complex we intended to use a high-throughput technology for this purpose. Therefore, we used phage-display of a random peptide library for panning against the dog allergen Can f 1. By this method we identified a Can f 1 binding peptide corresponding to the antigen-binding site of a putative γδT-cell receptor. Additional biochemical investigations confirmed this interaction.
Establishing content for a digital educational support group for new adolescent mothers in the Dominican Republic: a user-centered design approach
Authors: Stonbraker Samantha , Haight Elizabeth , Soriano Leidy , Guijosa Linda , Davison Eliza , Bushley Diane , Messina Luz , Halpern Mina
Published: September 2020

Background

As digital interventions to improve health become widespread globally, it is critical to include target end-users in their design. This can help ensure interventions are maximally beneficial among intended populations.

Objectives

To generate the content of a digital educational support group, administered through WhatsApp, for new adolescent mothers and establish participants’ cellular access and WhatsApp use.

Participants

Adolescent mothers with new babies.

Methods

We completed a two-phase user-centered design process. In phase I design sessions, participants discussed their postpartum experiences and completed an activity to elucidate their health and wellbeing information needs. In phase II sessions, participants individually identified which health information topics were important to them, then all topics were prioritized as a group. Phase II participants also completed a brief survey on cell phone access and WhatsApp use.

Results

Phase I included 24 participants, 21 of whom completed phase II. Priority health and wellbeing information topics in the postpartum period were identified as: child growth and development, understanding your baby, common childhood illnesses, breastfeeding, childhood nutrition, family planning, and self-care. Of phase II participants, 45% had cellular phone access and none had a data plan. Cellular service was inconsistently obtained with data packages or Wi-Fi. 30% of participants had no experience using WhatsApp.

Conclusions

Participants identified numerous health information needs, which will serve as the content for our planned digital support group and provides valuable insight for health care providers globally. Less than half of participants had consistent cellular phone access, and none had reliable access to cellular service.
The role of e-health in improving control and management of COVID 19 outbreak: current perspectives
Authors: Al-Ruzzieh Majeda A , Ayaad Omar , Qaddumi Bayan
Published: September 2020

E-health could play an important role in the global response to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This paper aims to outline the roles of using e-health in the control and management of COVID-19 based on current perspectives. Many databases and health organizations were searched. The results indicated that there are significant roles of e-health in strengthening the efforts to control and manage this COVID-19 pandemic through improving safe coordination and communication, affording an alternative for education and training, analyzing the data, and providing safe care. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the role of e-health in the control and management of COVID-19.
Human papillomavirus vaccine series follow-through: comparison of four clinics in an academic medical center
Authors: McRea Abigail , Moore Brittney , Morris Hannah , Cortright Lindsay , Buckman Cierra , Tumin Dmitry , Baker K. Drew
Published: September 2020

Objective

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series be initiated at ages 11–12 years, but many children never follow-through with the series. By examining differences in clinic-specific vaccine series follow-through rates across four clinics, we aimed to identify best practices related to communication around the vaccine and pathways to follow-through.

Methods

We used the electronic medical record (EMR) to retrospectively analyze HPV vaccine follow-through at four clinic settings. We limited the sample to children ages 11–17 who received a dose of the vaccine series at any of the clinics between January 2015 and June 2018. The primary outcome was follow-through of the HPV vaccine series within 18 months of initiation.

Results

A total of 3,813 patients were included in this study, 29% of which followed through with the HPV vaccine series. There was significant variability of vaccine follow-through among the clinics (p<0.001), with the Med/Peds clinic having the highest rate of follow-through (32%). After adjusting for confounding variables, multivariable analysis found that Med/Peds and Family Medicine had higher odds of HPV vaccine series follow-through than the Pediatrics clinic.

Conclusions

We found that the likelihood of vaccine series follow-through was highest when the series was started in the Med/Peds and Family Medicine clinics, compared to Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. These results suggest that further qualitative research is needed to understand what communication strategies are most effective at facilitating HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents, and how the most effective strategies can be shared among clinics.
Two-stage receiver operating-characteristic curve estimator for cohort studies
Authors: Díaz-Coto Susana , Corral-Blanco Norberto Octavio , Martínez-Camblor Pablo
Published: September 2020

The receiver operating-characteristic (ROC) curve is a graphical statistical tool routinely used for studying the classification accuracy in both, diagnostic and prognosis problems. Given the different nature of these situations, ROC curve estimation has been separately considered for binary (diagnostic) and time-to-event (prognosis) outcomes, even for data coming from the same study design. In this work, the authors propose a two-stage ROC curve estimator which allows to link both contexts through a general prediction model (first-stage) and the empirical cumulative estimator of the distribution function (second-stage) of the considered test (marker) on the total population. The so-called two-stage Mixed-Subject (sMS) approach proves its behavior on both, large-samples (theoretically) and finite-samples (via Monte Carlo simulations). Besides, a useful asymptotic distribution for the concomitant area under the curve is also computed. Results show the ability of the proposed estimator to fit non-standard situations by considering flexible predictive models. Two real-world examples, one with binary and one with time-dependent outcomes, help us to a better understanding of the proposed methodology on usual practical circumstances. The R code used for the practical implementation of the proposed methodology and its documentation is provided as supplementary material.
Development of thermal model for estimation of core temperature of batteries
Authors: Surya Sumukh , Bhesaniya Amit , Gogate Aditya , Ankur Raghav , Patil Vineeth
Published: September 2020

Core temperature (Tc) estimation plays an important in role in establishing an effective thermal management system of a battery. In the present work, Tc of a lead acid (Pb) battery was estimated using a Kalman filter, based on a thermal model of the battery using convection resistances and capacitances. The governing equations based on measured surface temperature (Ts) and ambient temperature (Tamb) were derived. Since Tc cannot be measured directly, estimation technique was used to predict the same using measured Ts and Tamb. Five test cases for which the profiles of Tc versus time were available were analyzed. It was found that the errors in the predictions varied from 0.25 °C to 3.5 °C., depending on the nature of Tc profiles, with minimum errors when Tc has slow variations with time.
Improved stability of steerable sheath access by femoro-femoral crossover wire in branched stent graft repair of complex thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Töpel Ingolf , Betz Thomas , Steinbauer Markus , Uhl Christian
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe a technique to catheterize antegrade branches of a branched aortic endograft by using a steerable sheath stabilized by a through-and-through wire via a femoral access.

Technique

After implantation of a branched endovascular graft, a steerable 8.5 F sheath is advanced from the femoral access. After placing the sheath proximal to the branches, a 0.014″ through-and-through wire is established to the contralateral femoral access which is held under slight traction after the curved tip of the sheath is brought into the 180° position. Then catheterization, wire exchange and deployment of the bridging stent is done in standard fashion.

Conclusion

The use of a through-and-through wire with a steerable sheath for retrograde femoral access adds stability and precision to this technique. It has the potential to reduce the risk of preoperative stroke in complex aortic endovascular repair by avoiding upper extremity access.
The Inaugural Bible: Presidential Rhetoric and the Politics of Scripture
Authors: von Ehrenkrook Jason
Published: September 2020

This article examines the reception of Scripture in presidential inaugurations, considering both the Bible as a material object within the oath of office ceremony and the Bible as a source of rhetoric within the inaugural address. Data from select presidential archives are also included in this study, especially letters from citizens, which offer a useful glimpse into the public impact of scriptural rhetoric. The broad chronological parameters of the data, which encompass 58 inauguration ceremonies from George Washington to Donald Trump, permit analysis of the varied functions of Scripture within the inaugural ceremony alongside consideration of larger diachronic trends. Analysis of this data underscores the capacity of the Bible to operate as a useful and remarkably flexible political tool that infuses this important transition of power with an aura of sanctity and divine authority. Appropriation of this ancient text functions to sacralize modern political speech, to fan the flames of American patriotism, to reinforce and enhance executive power, to facilitate efforts to persuade the public on a wide range of political agendas, and to furnish a language that justifies a variety of domestic and global policies. The inaugural Bible thus demonstrates the extent to which Scripture remains inextricably woven into the tapestry of American political discourse.
Effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) on daytime and situational sleep propensity in novice practitioners: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chaudhari Kaustubh S. , Chaudhari Saurabh S. , Rankhambe Harshali B. , Kochupillai Vinod , Tiwari Rakesh R.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Hectic, late-night lifestyle has reduced 90 min sleep in 20% adults resulting in insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). We assess the scope of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a 4-component, breathing process in reducing EDS, generally and situationally.

Methods

This is a prospective, controlled study involving randomized subjects without any sleep-wake cycle anomalies and prior experience in SKY. Subjects (n=52) performed 30 min of SKY for 6 days/week for 8 weeks, while controls (n=53) performed sitting activity and Suryanamaskar for 4-weeks each. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to measure EDS at 0, 4, and 8 weeks.

Results

SKY group showed significant ESS score improvements between 0–4 weeks and 4–8 weeks of 1.22 (p=0.0001) and 1.66 (p=0.001) respectively. Controls however failed to improve with score differences of 0.02 (p=0.892) and 0.02 (p=0.8212) respectively. SKY group showed significant ESS score improvement over controls at 4-weeks (difference=1.74; p=0.013) and 8-weeks (difference eight; p=0.0001). Improvement was most for obese people and those sitting in a halted car.

Conclusions

Improvement in subjects’ nighttime sleep and daytime wakefulness in SKY practitioners can be attributed to polyvagal theory. Increased heart rate variability (HRV) alterations and sympathetic hyperarousal in chronic insomnia; and cholinergic and GABAergic dysregulation in anxiety disorders are countered by regulated vagal nerve stimulation post SKY. Our study establishes effectivity of SKY in reducing EDS (total and situational), provides a clinical correlation for prior polysomnographic evidence and paves way for larger trials directed towards SKY prescriptions for insomnia.
Geo-information system of tuberculosis spread based on inversion and prediction
Authors: Kabanikhin Sergey , Krivorotko Olga , Takuadina Aliya , Andornaya Darya , Zhang Shuhua
Published: September 2020

The monitoring, analysis and prediction of epidemic spread in the region require the construction of mathematical model, big data processing and visualization because the amount of population and the size of the region could be huge. One of the important steps is refinement of mathematical model, i.e. determination of initial data and coefficients of system of differential equations of epidemiologic processes using additional information. We analyze numerical method for solving inverse problem of epidemiology based on genetic algorithm and traditional optimization approach. Our algorithms are applied to analysis and prediction of epidemic situation in regions of Russian Federation, Republic of Kazakhstan and People’s Republic of China. Due to a great amount of data we use a special software ”Digital Earth” for visualization of epidemic.
Numerically statistical investigation of the partly super-exponential growth rate in the COVID-19 pandemic (throughout the world)
Authors: Lotova Galiya Z. , Mikhailov Guennady A.
Published: September 2020

A number of particles in a multiplying medium under rather general conditions is asymptotically exponential with respect to time t with the parameter λ, i.e., with the index of power

λ
⁢
t

{\lambda t}

. If the medium is random, then the parameter λ is the random variable. To estimate the temporal asymptotics of the mean particles number (via the medium realizations), it is possible to average the exponential function via the corresponding distribution. Assuming that this distribution is Gaussian, the super-exponential estimate of the mean particle number could be obtained and expressed by the exponent with the index of power

t
⁢
E
⁢
λ

+

t
2

⁢
D
⁢

λ
2

{t{\rm E}\lambda+t^{2}{\rm D}\frac{\lambda}{2}}

. The application of this new formula to investigation of the COVID-19 pandemic is performed.
Global and local optimization in identification of parabolic systems
Authors: Krivorotko Olga , Kabanikhin Sergey , Zhang Shuhua , Kashtanova Victoriya
Published: September 2020

The problem of identification of coefficients and initial conditions for a boundary value problem for parabolic equations that reduces to a minimization problem of a misfit function is investigated.
Firstly, the tensor train decomposition approach is presented as a global convergence algorithm.
The idea of the proposed method is to extract the tensor structure of the optimized functional and use it for multidimensional optimization problems.
Secondly, for the refinement of the unknown parameters, three local optimization approaches are implemented and compared: Nelder–Mead simplex method, gradient method of minimum errors, adaptive gradient method.
For gradient methods, the evident formula for the continuous gradient of the misfit function is obtained.
The identification problem for the diffusive logistic mathematical model which can be applied to social sciences (online social networks), economy (spatial Solow model) and epidemiology (coronavirus COVID-19, HIV, etc.) is considered.
The numerical results for information propagation in online social network are presented and discussed.