bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective research funding policy and catching up the ladder in university research performance in Malaysia
Authors: Chandran V.G.R. , Nourani Mohammad , Selvarajan Sonia Kumari , Baskaran Angathevar
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the post selective policy consequences on the university research performance, specifically between research universities (RUs) and non‐research universities (non‐RUs). The evidence shows significant achievement in scientific publications and patenting activities, due to additional funding allocation. Nevertheless, the overall efficiency performance is still low because of lack of efficiency in innovation efficiency and, starting 2010, in value creation efficiency. Non‐RUs are catching up in efficiency gains and have greater efficiency on value creation. This suggests that non‐RUs have concentrated on the revenue generation whereas RUs have picked the easier target, research publications and patenting activities, to justify funding.
Uncertainty and the marginal revenue product–wage gap
Authors: Blair Roger , Saygin Perihan
Published: October 2020

The presence of uncertainty and risk aversion compounds the effects of labor market imperfections and thereby widens the marginal revenue product of labor (MRPL) and wage gap. This paper analyzes the case of uncertainty in labor efficiency or job separation and its implications for managerial decisions. We show that when labor efficiency is subject to stochastic fluctuations, risk aversion leads to a gap between the MRPL and the wage even under conditions of perfect competition. If job separation costs are stochastic, the gap is due to monopsony power and the influence of risk aversion.
Screening Tests for Sarcopenia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jiang Keruo , Slee Adrian , Davenport Andrew
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of muscle wasting. Screening tools for sarcopenia, including the Sarc‐F questionnaire are now advocated for clinical practice. We wished to compare using the Sarc‐F tool with standard measurements of hand grip (HGS) strength and appendicular muscle mass index (APMI).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed Sarc‐F questionnaires completed by patients with CKD, along with contemporaneous measurements of HGS and bioimpedance measured APMI.

Results

146 patients; 94 male (64.4%), mean age 70.5 ± 15 years, body mass index 28.7 ± 6.3 kg/m2 were screened, and 46 screened positive for sarcopenia, with a lower median HGS (19.3 (14.2–24.7) vs 25.6 (19.7–32) kg) and greater body fat (38.3 ± 11.5 vs 30.6 ± 11.5%), both p < 0.001,, with more non‐white ethnicity (63 vs 44%), p < 0.05, but there were no other differences. Step‐wise adding HGS, and then APMI cut offs, the prevalence of sarcopenia fell from 31.5% to 20.7–24.7% and 2.8–4.8% respectively, with 45.5–62.8% having reduced HGS strength and 11.0–28.1% reduced APMI, depending on which guidelines were applied. Using the most recent European, and ethnicity adjusted cut‐off values then there were no statistical differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia with or without the Sarc‐F screening tool.

Conclusions

By starting with the Sarc‐F screening tool, a number of our patients with CKD would then have been excluded from subsequent investigation for sarcopenia. However, overall screening with the Sarc‐F tool did not lead to a significant difference in the prevalence of sarcopenia, when using current and ethnicity adjusted guidelines, compared to combining HGS and APMI alone.
Individual centred social‐care approach: Using computer tomography to assess a traumatic brain injury in an Iron Age individual from China
Authors: Li Haijun , He Letian , Gibbon Victoria E. , Xiao Xiaoyong , Wang Bo
Published: October 2020

In bioarchaeology, cranial trauma studies generally have focused on the frequency in the population to explore violence within or between society. They focus less on further discussion of the consequences and interactions of the injured individual with the surrounding. In this study, macroscopic observation and computed tomography scans (endocast reconstruction) were used to explore a special cranium in the Sampula site of northwest China. The model of bioarchaeology of care (BoC) was used to further analyse the individual's disability experience, related health care and the broader social meaning of caring behaviour. The results showed that the individual numbered Sampula I M2:103 was an adult male who suffered severe antemortem cranial trauma that led to brain injury. Short‐term health care involving wound treatment and nutritional support, as well as long‐term assistance in social and rehabilitation, was available in the Sampula Iron Age society. Although there were limitations to the analysis, the individual's ability to survive in the Iron Age was a testament to those who cared for him, as well as the level of care and medicinal knowledge in this society. The BoC allowed for a more human‐centred approach to understanding the lives of those in the past, and its application can provide more insight into past societies, cultures, groups and individual identity.
miRNA‐200c‐3p promotes endothelial to mesenchymal transition and neointimal hyperplasia in artery bypass grafts
Authors: Chen Dan , Zhang Cheng , Chen Jiangyong , Yang Mei , Afzal Tayyab A , An Weiwei , Maguire Eithne M , He Shiping , Luo Jun , Wang Xiaowen , Zhao Yu , Wu Qingchen , Xiao Qingzhong
Published: October 2020

Increasing evidence has suggested a critical role for endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in a variety of pathological conditions. MicroRNA‐200c‐3p (miR‐200c‐3p) has been implicated in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. However, the functional role of miR‐200c‐3p in EndoMT and neointimal hyperplasia in artery bypass grafts remains largely unknown. Here we demonstrated a critical role for miR‐200c‐3p in EndoMT. Proteomics and luciferase activity assays revealed that fermitin family member 2 (FERM2) is the functional target of miR‐200c‐3p during EndoMT. FERMT2 gene inactivation recapitulates the effect of miR‐200c‐3p overexpression on EndoMT, and the inhibitory effect of miR‐200c‐3p inhibition on EndoMT was reversed by FERMT2 knockdown. Further mechanistic studies revealed that FERM2 suppresses smooth muscle gene expression by preventing serum response factor nuclear translocation and preventing endothelial mRNA decay by interacting with Y‐box binding protein 1. In a model of aortic grafting using endothelial lineage tracing, we observed that miR‐200c‐3p expression was dramatically up‐regulated, and that EndoMT contributed to neointimal hyperplasia in grafted arteries. MiR‐200c‐3p inhibition in grafted arteries significantly up‐regulated FERM2 gene expression, thereby preventing EndoMT and reducing neointimal formation. Importantly, we found a high level of EndoMT in human femoral arteries with atherosclerotic lesions, and that miR‐200c‐3p expression was significantly increased, while FERMT2 expression levels were dramatically decreased in diseased human arteries. Collectively, we have documented an unexpected role for miR‐200c‐3p in EndoMT and neointimal hyperplasia in grafted arteries. Our findings offer a novel therapeutic opportunity for treating vascular diseases by specifically targeting the miR‐200c‐3p/FERM2 regulatory axis. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Hybrids nanocomposites based on a polymer blend (linear low‐density polyethylene/poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate) and carbonaceous fillers (graphene and carbon nanotube)
Authors: Nunes Mário A. B. S. , de Matos Bruno R. , Silva Glaura G. , Ito Edson N. , de Melo Tomás J. A. , Fechine Guilhermino J. M.
Published: October 2020

Interfacial or separate phase location of carbonaceous nanofillers (graphene and carbon nanotubes) in polymer blends with co‐continuous phases can lead to double percolation behavior, significantly increasing rheological and electrical properties. The prediction of the morphology and the location of the nanofillers has been used as a tool to evaluate the proprieties of co‐continuous polymer blends. This work aims to highlight the superior conductivity levels achieved using a low amount of carbon‐based fillers, by the proper selection in a multiphase polymer matrix as a template for controlled dispersion and spatial distribution of the nanoparticles, offering a compromise between easy processability and enhanced performance. Here, two polymers (linear low‐density polyethylene [LLDPE] and ethylene‐co‐methylacrylate [EMA]) and their co‐continuous blend (LLDPE/EMA) were loaded with nanofillers (few‐layer graphene [FLG], few‐walled carbon nanotube [FWCNT]) via continuous melt mixing in twin‐screw extrusion, separate and simultaneously. It was observed that the addition of the nanofillers changed the co‐continuity of the blend, with the probable migration of the nanofillers from the EMA (hydrophilic) phase to the LLDPE (hydrophobic) phase. Rheological percolation occurred preferentially in blends containing FWCNT and FLG/FWCNT. Electrical conductivity was observed in all compositions, with higher electrical conductivity being noticed in hybrids.
Introduction to the special issue: School and life experiences of highly mobile students: Phenomenology, risk, and resilience
Authors: Sulkowski Michael L. , Michael Kurt D.
Published: October 2020

This article introduces a special issue on the school and life experiences of highly mobile students. In it, the phenomenology of high mobility is described as well as the current state of research on subpopulations of highly mobile students. In addition, the risk and resilience framework is invoked as a general theoretical crosscurrent that cuts across the articles included in the special issue that provide novel research on environmental instability, student homelessness, foster care experiences, relocation because of war, and trauma‐ and violence‐informed care. Lastly, areas for future research are discussed as highly mobile students remain an understudied yet important and growing population in need of empirical investigation and supportive intervention.
Tuning novel Cd(II) topology networks through choosing three neutral and zwitterionic N/O‐donor ligands: Synthesis, structures, and fluorescence
Authors: Zhao Zhen‐Xin , Zhao Gao‐Li , Lu Bing‐Xue , Zhang Hao‐Hao , Li Gao‐Sheng , Wang Li‐Fu , Cui Cheng‐Xing , Qu Ling‐Bo
Published: October 2020

Three new CdII coordination polymers (CPs) have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of Cd(OAc)2, 1,2,5‐thiadiazole‐3,4‐dicarboxylic acid (H2tdzdc), and distinct N/O‐donor ligands. They exhibit two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) structures with different topology networks including rob, zzx, and cem. The introduction of 4,4‐bipyridine (4,4‐bipy), [4,4‐bipyridine]1,1‐dioxide (Obpy), and 1,4‐bis((1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl)benzene (tmb) is a favor for the construction of interpenetrated networks. Moreover, the luminescent properties of 1, 2, and 3 have been investigated in detail by experiment and theoretical methods. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the electron would be transferred from metal to ligand in the excitation of compound 3.
The Self‐Tuning of the Cosmological Constant and the Holographic Relaxion
Authors: Hamada Yuta , Kiritsis Elias , Nitti Francesco , Witkowski Lukas T.
Published: October 2020

We propose a brane‐world setup based on gauge/gravity duality that permits the simultaneous realisation of self‐tuning of the cosmological constant and a stabilisation of the electroweak hierarchy. The Standard Model dynamics including the Higgs sector is confined to a flat 4‐dimensional brane, embedded in a 5‐dimensional bulk whose dynamics is governed by Einstein‐dilaton‐axion gravity. The inclusion of a dynamical bulk axion is new compared to previous implementations of the self‐tuning mechanism. Because of the presence of the axion, the model generically exhibits a multitude of static solutions, with different values for the equilibrium position for the brane. Under mild assumptions regarding the dependence of brane parameters on bulk fields, a number of these solutions exhibit electroweak symmetry breaking with a small Higgs mass as compared to the cutoff‐scale of the brane theory. The realisation of self‐tuning of the cosmological constant is generic and as efficient as in previous constructions without a bulk axion. Vacua with a small Higgs mass can sometimes be found, regardless of whether the brane theory depends explicitly on the bulk axion. Because it is expected on general principles that the brane action will depend on the axion, the generation of solutions with a hierarchy is a robust feature.
Evaluation of claims‐based computable phenotypes to identify heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Cohen Sarah S. , Roger Véronique L. , Weston Susan A. , Jiang Ruoxiang , Movva Naimisha , Yusuf Akeem A. , Chamberlain Alanna M.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this analysis was to develop and validate computable phenotypes for heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) using claims‐type measures using the Rochester Epidemiology Project. This retrospective study utilized an existing cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents aged ≥ 20 years diagnosed with HF between 2007 and 2015. The gold standard definition of HFpEF included meeting the validated Framingham criteria for HF and having an LVEF ≥ 50%. Computable phenotypes of claims‐type data elements (including ICD‐9/ICD‐10 diagnostic codes and lab test codes) both individually and in combinations were assessed via sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) with respect to the gold standard. In the Framingham‐validated cohort, 2,035 patients had HF; 1,172 (58%) had HFpEF. One in‐patient or two out‐patient diagnosis codes of ICD‐9 428.3X or ICD‐10 I50.3X had 46% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 84% PPV, and 54% NPV. The addition of a BNP/NT‐proBNP test code reduced sensitivity to 35% while increasing specificity to 91% (PPV = 84%, NPV = 51%). Broadening the diagnostic codes to ICD‐9 428.0, 428.3X, and 428.9/ICD‐10 I50.3X and I50.9 increased sensitivity at the expense of decreasing specificity (diagnostic code‐only model: 87% sensitivity, 8% specificity, 56% PPV, 30% NPV; diagnostic code and BNP lab code model: 61% sensitivity, 43% specificity, 60% PPV, 45% NPV). In an analysis conducted to mimic real‐world use of the computable phenotypes, any one in‐patient or out‐patient code of ICD‐9 428/ICD‐10 150 among the broader population (N = 3,755) resulted in lower PPV values compared with the Framingham cohort. However, one in‐patient or two out‐patient instances of ICD‐9 428.0, 428.9, or 428.3X/ICD‐10 150.3X or 150.9 brought the PPV values from the two cohorts closer together. While some misclassification remains, the computable phenotypes defined here may be used in claims databases to identify HFpEF patients and to gain a greater understanding of the characteristics of patients with HFpEF.
Detection and structural characterization of the metabolites of dihydroresveratrol in rats by liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ji Qiang‐Guo , Ma Ming‐Hua , Hu Xue‐Mei , Zhang Yi‐Jun , Xu Xiao‐Hong , Nian Hua
Published: October 2020

Rationale

Dihydroresveratrol has been demonstrated to possess a wide spectrum of bioactivities, such as anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the metabolic profiles of dihydroresveratrol in rats.

Methods

The in vitro metabolism was elucidated by incubating dihydroresveratrol with rat hepatocytes for 2 h at 37°C. For in vivo metabolism, dihydroresveratrol was orally administered to rats at a single dose of 50 mg/kg and the resulting biliary and urinary samples were collected. All the samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The structures of the metabolites were proposed based on their accurate masses and their MS/MS product ions.

Results

A total of 16 metabolites including three phase I metabolites and 13 phase II metabolites were detected and structurally proposed. Among these metabolites, M6 and M14 were unambiguously identified as 3′‐hydroxylresveratrol and resveratrol, respectively, using reference standards. Dihydroresveratrol was mainly metabolized into resveratrol (M14) and a glucuronide conjugate (M12), which were excreted into urine and bile as the major metabolites.

Conclusions

The metabolic pathways of dihydroresveratrol involved hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, glucuronidation, glutathione (GSH) conjugation and methylation. The present study provided useful information with regard to the metabolic profiles of dihydroresveratrol in rats.
Magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasound prostate image segmentation based on improved level set for robotic prostate biopsy navigation
Authors: Wang Weirong , Pan Bo , Yan Jiawen , Fu Yili , Liu Yanjie
Published: October 2020

Aim

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy is a typical early prostate examination. However, the ultrasound imaging suffers from blurred contour, intensity inhomogeneity and small surrounding soft tissue differentiation. To take advantage of clear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into robotic prostate biopsy navigation, the prostate regions in the MRI and TRUS images need to be segmented separately. This paper proposes an improved level set segmentation model based on prior shape, which aims to provide a better solution to the prostate segmentation problems in TRUS and MRI.

Methods

In our segmentation model, the Gaussian probability model is used to establish the statistical learning of the prior shape, and the cosine function is used to represent the energy term fitting of the traditional prior shape and the local intensity information.

Results

The experiment results show that the model can adapt to different forms of prostate in MRI and TRUS more accurately, and the prostate biopsy accuracy in our biopsy system can reach 2.24 ± 1.44 mm.

Conclusion

This segmentation model has high accuracy, meets the clinical needs in robotic prostate biopsy navigation.
Male advantage observed for in vitro fertilization mouse embryos exhibiting early cleavage
Authors: Kawase Yosuke , Tachibe Takanori , Kamada Nobuo , Jishage Kou‐ichi , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Mouse embryos forming blastocoele early vs those forming late are predominantly male. We examined whether the male advantage could be recognized at an earlier stage of development.

Methods

The IVF embryos were classified into early, intermediate, and late development groups based on the time of the third cleavage, and the Zfy and Xist genes were detected to identify their sex in the classified embryos. Furthermore, embryos that were classified based on the time of the third cleavage were transferred to recipient animals and the sex ratio of the fetuses was determined at birth.

Results

Approximately 90% of the early‐developing embryos that exhibited third cleavage as early as 47 hours after insemination were male when analyzed using PCR at the blastocyst stage. PCR analysis showed that 61% of the intermediate‐developing embryos (third cleavage occurring 48‐50 hours after insemination) and 45% of late‐developing embryos (third cleavage occurring at 51 hours or later postinsemination) were male. After embryo transfer, the early‐developing embryos produced 80% males, while intermediate‐ and late‐developing embryos produced 56% and 45% males, respectively.

Conclusions

Male embryos tend to develop faster than female embryos during early stage of preimplantation in mice.
Effects of obstacles and flow velocity on locomotory behavior in juvenile, silver carp,Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Authors: Ke Senfan , Tu Zhiying , Tan Junjun , Liu Defu , Sun Shuangke , Shi Xiaotao
Published: October 2020

We currently have only a minimal understanding of energy‐saving strategies of fish in unsteady flows. In this study, we found that obstacle shape can affect swimming ability of fish: our results suggested that a half cylinder improved critical swimming speed of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) compared with swimming downstream of a full cylinder, square tube or for free‐flow conditions. We also discovered how silver carp alter their locomotory behavior in response to turbulent flow caused by varying flow velocities around obstacles. At a flow velocity of 1 BL/s (body length per second), the fish spent similar percentages of time between holding station and moving forward behind the half cylinder: their motions resembled freestream swimming behavior. The greatest percentage of time spent downstream of the half cylinder occurred at a flow velocity of 5 BL/s. Fish were unstable and displayed irregular body motions with large lateral displacement at 5 BL/s. However, the fish held station for a long time and moved forward steadily behind the half cylinder at 3 BL/s. In holding station behind the half cylinder, fish maintained constant tail‐beat frequency and tail‐ beat amplitude when flow velocity was increased from 1 to 3 BL/s. In moving forward behind the half cylinder, fish increased tail‐beat frequency and tail‐beat amplitude while maintaining constant ground swimming speed, swimming acceleration and ground stride when flow velocity was increased from 3 to 5 BL/s. Moreover, fish positioned their snouts in a small area approximately 1–3 BL downstream from the half cylinder at 3 BL/s. These behaviors support the hypothesis that turbulence behind a half cylinder was a suitable location for fish to conserve energy at 3 BL/s. Our results indicate that the combined effect of obstacles and flow velocity influence fish locomotory behavior, and some combinations may be beneficial to fish energy expenditure swimming in unsteady flow.
Amino‐Acid‐Derived Emerging Sensor for Detection of S2− Ion and MeOH Percentage in MeOH‐H2O Mixture
Authors: Malviya Novina , Rajput Mahima , Mobin Shaikh M. , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: October 2020

Designing fluorescent probes and its metal‐organic materials getting attention due to their fascinating utility in several fields from material to biology. Here, we synthesized N‐phenyl glycine substituted four new fluorescent probes viz. (2‐cyanophenyl)glycine [HL1], (5‐chloro‐2‐cyanophenyl)glycine [HL2], (4‐chloro‐2‐cyanophenyl)glycine [HL3], (2‐cyano‐3‐fluorophenyl)glycine [HL4] and investigated its properties through spectroscopic techniques. Out of all probes, HL1 displayed non‐emissive nature in the presence of water and uniquely detect the percentage of methanol in the methanol‐water mixture or vice‐versa out of the different solvent‐water mixture with the help of fluorometric technique. Furthermore, cobalt complex [Co(L1)(phen)2]ClO4 (C1) with distorted octahedral geometry has been synthesized by using HL1. The emissive nature of the complex C1 was further utilized for the selective sensing of S2− ion in the DMSO‐water mixture by quenching the fluorescence with a detection limit of 4.8 μM. The selective solvent percentage detection and anion sensing illustrate the potential efficacy of the designed sensors for analytical intent.
On the Electronic Origins of the Different Behaviors of S+ and S2+/2+ in Methane Activation
Authors: Yu Mincheng , Ruan Jiancheng , Qian Chao , Chen Xinzhi , Ge Xin , Zhou Shaodong
Published: October 2020

The thermal gas‐phase reactions of S+, S2+ and S22+ with methane have been explored by using quadrupole‐ion trap (Q‐IT) mass spectrometry complemented by quantum chemical calculations. In contrast to the reactiveness of the S+/CH4 and S22+/CH4 couples as identified by experiment and computation, respectively, the S2+/CH4 couple is inert at ambient temperature. Interestingly, the hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) prevails for S+/CH4 and proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) for S2+/CH4, while both PCET and hydride transfer (HT) are accessible for S22+/CH4. Multiple factors matter for these processes. The electronic origins of the different reactivities of the three ions have been interrogated.
Synthesis of Alkyl Triphenylphosphonium Ostruthin Derivatives as Potential Cytotoxic Candidates
Authors: Dang Phu H. , Dao Thien H. X. , Le Vien T. , Nguyen Chien M. , Ly Tin T. , Nguyen Hai X. , Le Tho H. , Do Truong N. V. , Nguyen Mai T. T. , Sun Sijia , Awale Suresh , Nguyen Nhan T.
Published: October 2020

Ostruthin, isolated from Paramignya trimera, was used as a scaffold to design its alkyl triphenylphosphonium derivatives. With the optimal reaction conditions in hand, five alkyl triphenylphosphonium ostruthin derivatives (1–5) were synthesized. Ostruthin and its derivatives were tested for cytotoxicity against human PANC‐1 pancreatic, Hela cervical, and HepG2 liver cancer cell lines. Ostruthin and its hexyl and heptyl triphenylphosphonium derivatives (4 and 5) showed strong preferential cytotoxicity against PANC‐1 cells with the PC50 values of 10.3 and 14.4 μM, respectively. In addition, compounds 4 and 5 also exhibited potent cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells with the IC50 values of 24.8 and 18.5 μM, respectively. The hexyl triphenylphosphonium group in 4 was found to slightly enhance cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells. Further, the morphological changes and the live‐cell imaging result suggested the anticancer potential against HeLa cells of the synthesized ostruthin derivative 5.
Synthesis of Castor Oil‐Based Waterborne Polyurethane with Improved Properties via Adjusting PBA/CO Soft Segment Ratio
Authors: Jia Runping , Wang Dayang , Huang Zhixiong , Liu Xin , Zhao Cheng , Hui Zi , Xu Xiaowei , He Xinyao
Published: October 2020

In this study, dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA) and ethoxylated polymer diol (N120) are incorporated as composite hydrophilic groups to synthesize a series of castor oil‐based waterborne polyurethane (CWPU) nano‐emulsions. The properties of the nano‐emulsions with different ratio of polybutylene adipate (PBA) and castor oil (CO) soft segments as well as their film are investigated systematically. Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms that CO was successfully introduced into the waterborne polyurethane (WPU) structure. The result indicates that the maximum contact angle of the film is 75.51° with a 7/3 molar ratio of PBA/CO. Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) and Dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA) tests show that the thermal stability of the films has gradually improved with the increase of castor oil content. The content of castor oil in CWPU also affects the mechanical properties of the film. The tensile strength of the film reaches 23.2 MPa, and the elongation at break is 1460.7 %, when the molar ratio of PBA/CO is 9/1. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to express the surface morphology of CWPU films. The films surface become rougher due to the introduction of CO. This work combines castor oil and water‐based systems to provide a relatively simple preparation method to synthesize CWPU nano‐emulsions, which can be used in environmental protection coatings and adhesives, and has broader application prospects.
Does empirical evidence support perceptual mindreading?
Authors: Smortchkova Joulia ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2020

According to perceptual accounts of mindreading, we can see, rather than cognize, other people's mental states. On one version of this approach, certain mental properties figure in the contents of our perceptual experiences. In a recent paper, Varga has appealed to empirical research to argue that intentions and emotions can indeed be seen, rather than cognized. In this paper, I argue that none of the evidence adduced to support the perceptual account of mindreading shows that we see mental properties, as opposed to non-mental properties.
Migration and Access to Welfare Benefits in the EU: The Interplay between Residence and Nationality
Authors: Vintila Daniela , Lafleur Jean-Michel
Published: October 2020

Increasing mobility to and from European Union (EU) countries has started to challenge the principles of territoriality and national citizenship through which European democracies traditionally conditioned access to social benefits. Existing typologies of immigrant social protection regimes do not seem to adequately capture (nor explain) the diverse repertoire of policy configurations through which European welfare regimes adapt to migration-driven societal dynamics. This introductory chapter provides a critical reflection on the link between migration and access to welfare in the EU. In doing so, it aims to propose a comprehensive analytical framework that allows for a systematic comparison of the inclusiveness of social protection systems towards mobile individuals. We argue that states’ responsiveness towards the social protection needs of their immigrant and emigrant populations has to be examined through a combination of factors, including the characteristics of these populations, the migration history of these countries, as well as the main features of their welfare state.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Ireland
Authors: Cousins Mel
Published: October 2020

This chapter focuses on the link between migration and social protection in Ireland. The chapter has two main goals. First, it presents the general legal framework regulating the social protection system in Ireland, paying particular attention to any potential differences in terms of conditions of access to social benefits between national residents, non-national residents, and non-resident nationals. Secondly, the chapter discusses how these different groups of individuals access social benefits across five policy areas: unemployment, health care, family benefits, pensions, and guaranteed minimum resources. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the relationship between migration and social protection policy.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Kováč Jaroslav
Published: October 2020

This chapter discusses the accces to social benefits and social rights for nationals and foreigners in the Slovak Republic. The transformation of the social welfare system in the new republic has been a lengthy process. The current social security system is based on fairness, personal participation and solidarity. The Slovak social security system is not based on nationality and its main part builds on the social insurance system including the health insurance. The direct financial support especially for families with children and the assistance scheme for those in need also represent important parts of the welfare system in Slovakia.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Slovenia
Authors: Strban Grega , Mišič Luka
Published: October 2020

The Slovenian welfare system in its main part consists of a contribution-funded, professional social insurance scheme, composed of compulsory insurance branches, which mirror traditional social risks (contingencies) such as unemployment, old-age, sickness, etc., and a subsidiary tax-funded, residence-based social assistance scheme, which is aimed at preventing poverty and social exclusion. In general, all gainfully employed persons in Slovenia (e.g. workers, self-employed persons) enjoy coverage within the social insurance scheme, irrespective of their nationality or residence status. Citizenship and/or (long-term) residence is however required when accessing means-tested social assistance benefits. Migrants’ access to social rights – with the majority of foreign residents originating from ex-Yugoslav countries – is thereby fore and foremost dependent upon the nature of the benefit (means-tested or not) and their economic (in)activity or (long-term) residence.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Denmark
Authors: Martinsen Dorte Sindbjerg
Published: October 2020

The Danish welfare state is together with its Nordic counterparts often presented as distinct. The model has traditionally been characterised as universalist, de-commodified, residence-based, non-contributory and relatively generous. Although social protection in Denmark is still primarily tax-financed and several benefits remain universal, the Danish welfare state has undergone considerable change over time and labour market participation has come to matter more for the social protection provided. Furthermore, migrants’ access to welfare in Denmark increasingly depends on citizenship and EU related worker status. Residence clauses have been adopted for specific benefits. Eligibility depends on years resided in Denmark, unless the applicant qualifies as a worker according to EU law and therefore can aggregate periods of residence from one or several other EU Member States. In sum, social protection in Denmark has become more multi-tiered and more EU commodified.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Estonia
Authors: Ainsaar Mare , Roots Ave
Published: October 2020

This chapter analyses the social protection system in Estonia mainly from the immigration viewpoint. Perhaps because of low immigration rates in recent decades, immigration and emigration issues are seldom explicitly regulated in the Estonian legal system. Our findings indicate that social security rights are based mostly on legal resident status in Estonia, although EU foreign residents sometimes benefit from some better conditions, mainly in terms of taking into account employment records in other EU countries. Missing waiting periods for entitlement to social benefits guarantee that newly arrived immigrants have similar rights with long-term residents.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Austrian Citizens Abroad
Authors: Heindlmaier Anita
Published: October 2020

Austria seeks to ensure a minimum amount of protection for its nationals residing abroad. Yet, consular policies are, first off, considered as help for self-help. Extended rights of or policies towards Austrians abroad can be explained by the prevailing interests articulated by the latter, focusing inter alia on voting rights. Social protection for citizens abroad, for its part, is to be understood against the background of Austrian history, the Anschluss and the Second World War.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Czech Citizens Abroad
Authors: Janská Eva , Janurová Kristýna
Published: October 2020

The Czech diaspora counts approximately 2.5 million people with Czech origins, including some 912,000 people born in Czechia. Although the diaspora has not been of crucial concern to Czech authorities and political parties in the past decades, a greater interest can be seen in recent years. This chapter is a first attempt at presenting a consolidated overview of the institutional and policy structure towards the Czech diaspora in various areas, showing that Czechia’s engagement with its nationals abroad centers on cultural and educational policies and involves an extension of voting rights, while consular services are conventional and social protection is considered to be primarily the task of the migrants’ host countries. Some exceptions are noted in the areas of health care and pensions. This is being explained by the fact that emigration has not been perceived as a threat to the Czech economy in the past few decades, and the observation that many of the policies introduced came out from bottom-up efforts.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Danish Citizens Abroad
Authors: Careja Romana
Published: October 2020

This chapter provides an overview of the policy infrastructure and key policies in place concerning the social rights of Danish citizens residing abroad. It builds on evidence from legal and administrative documents, on communications with key informants, as well as on existing studies and reports concerning the Danish Government’s approach to emigration and diaspora policies. Concrete cases for this study are five countries where the largest Danish diaspora concentrate: Sweden, Norway, Germany, the United States of America and the United Kingdom. It argues that reliance on supra-national agreements, previous rather negative public opinion about emigrants as well as the residence principle embedded in the qualifying conditions for social benefits are three main factors which explain the limited attention currently given by the Danish Government to diaspora policies, in particular the social protection of Danish citizens residing abroad.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Estonian Citizens Abroad
Authors: Saar Maarja
Published: October 2020

This chapter describes how the Estonian state’s diaspora policy has moved away from being purely culture-centred towards a more business-focused initiative. The policy has undergone few changes during the last decade and still does not focus on social protection. The state does offer basic social protection and consular services by agreement with a few countries, such as the Russian Federation. The lack of Estonian state provided social protection to nationals abroad is counteracted, in some countries, by localized national organizations which the Estonian state may or may not fund. However, an important shift is taking place in the provision of Estonian language courses and cultural programmes to support returnees and their non-Estonian family members.
Poland
Authors: Amelung Nina , Granja Rafaela , Machado Helena
Published: October 2020

Poland established its DNA database in 2007 and joined the Prüm system in 2013. In comparison to the other countries in the European Union, the Polish DNA database is small. The facilitation of international DNA data exchange was considered as fundamental to Poland’s project to technologically modernize, integrate into Europe and incorporate international crime control standards. Furthermore, the country has demonstrated openness to those new and emergent forensic DNA technologies that have been critically assessed and strictly regulated in other countries. Poland is among Prüm’s most proactive members and is a country ambitious to catch up with a circumscribed expansive mode of debordering. This proactivity is manifested in the range of bilateral data exchange connections Poland has made with other Member States and in the data categories it makes available. Poland’s commitment to expansive debordering dynamics goes hand in hand with the EU’s agenda of integrating security policies.
Semaphorin 7A restricts serotonergic innervation and ensures recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Loy Kristina , Fourneau Julie , Meng Ning , Denecke Carmen , Locatelli Giuseppe , Bareyre Florence M.
Published: October 2020

Descending serotonergic (5-HT) projections originating from the raphe nuclei form an important input to the spinal cord that control basic locomotion. The molecular signals that control this projection pattern are currently unknown. Here, we identify Semaphorin7A (Sema7A) as a critical cue that restricts serotonergic innervation in the spinal cord. Sema7A deficient mice show a marked increase in serotonergic fiber density in all layers of the spinal cord while the density of neurons expressing the corresponding 5-HTR2α receptor remains unchanged. These alterations appear to be successfully compensated as no obvious changes in rhythmic locomotion and skilled stepping are observed in adult mice. When the system is challenged with a spinal lesion, serotonergic innervation patterns in both Sema7A-deficient and -competent mice evolve over time with excessive innervation becoming most pronounced in the dorsal horn of Sema7A-deficient mice. These altered serotonergic innervation patterns correlate with diminished functional recovery that predominantly affects rhythmic locomotion. Our findings identify Sema7A as a critical regulator of serotonergic circuit formation in the injured spinal cord.
Constant mean curvature spheres in homogeneous three-manifolds
Authors: Meeks William H. , Mira Pablo , Pérez Joaquín , Ros Antonio
Published: October 2020

We prove that two spheres of the same constant mean curvature in an arbitrary homogeneous three-manifold only differ by an ambient isometry, and we determine the values of the mean curvature for which such spheres exist. This gives a complete classification of immersed constant mean curvature spheres in three-dimensional homogeneous manifolds.
Development of a Clinical Prediction Model for In‐hospital Mortality from the South African Cohort of the African Surgical Outcomes Study
Authors: Kluyts Hyla‐Louise , Conradie Wilhelmina , Cloete Estie , Spijkerman Sandra , Smith Oliver , Alli Ahmed , Koto Modise Z. , Montwedi Odisang D. , Govender Komalan , Cronjé Larissa , Grobbelaar Mariette , Omoshoro‐Jones Jones A. , Rorke Nicolette F. , Anderson Philip , Torborg Alexandra , Alphonsus Christella , Alexandris Panagiotis , Mallier Peter Aunel , Singh Usha , Diedericks Johan , Mrara Busisiwe , Reed Anthony , Davies Gareth L. , Davids Jody G. , Van Zyl Hendrik A. , Govindasamy Vishendran , Rodseth Reitze , Matos‐Puig Roel , Bhat Kajake A. P. , Naidoo Noel , Roos John , Jaworska Magdalena , Steyn Annemarie , Dippenaar Johannes M. , Pearse R. M. , Madiba Thandinkosi , Biccard Bruce M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Data on the factors that influence mortality after surgery in South Africa are scarce, and neither these data nor data on risk‐adjusted in‐hospital mortality after surgery are routinely collected. Predictors related to the context or setting of surgical care delivery may also provide insight into variation in practice. Variation must be addressed when planning for improvement of risk‐adjusted outcomes. Our objective was to identify the factors predicting in‐hospital mortality after surgery in South Africa from available data.

Methods

A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify predictors of 30‐day in‐hospital mortality in surgical patients in South Africa. Data from the South African contribution to the African Surgical Outcomes Study were used and included 3800 cases from 51 hospitals. A forward stepwise regression technique was then employed to select for possible predictors prior to model specification. Model performance was evaluated by assessing calibration and discrimination. The South African Surgical Outcomes Study cohort was used to validate the model.

Results

Variables found to predict 30‐day in‐hospital mortality were age, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status category, urgent or emergent surgery, major surgery, and gastrointestinal‐, head and neck‐, thoracic‐ and neurosurgery. The area under the receiver operating curve or c‐statistic was 0.859 (95% confidence interval: 0.827–0.892) for the full model. Calibration, as assessed using a calibration plot, was acceptable. Performance was similar in the validation cohort as compared to the derivation cohort.

Conclusion

The prediction model did not include factors that can explain how the context of care influences post‐operative mortality in South Africa. It does, however, provide a basis for reporting risk‐adjusted perioperative mortality rate in the future, and identifies the types of surgery to be prioritised in quality improvement projects at a local or national level.
Wallerian degeneration in cervical spinal cord tracts is commonly seen in routine T2-weighted MRI after traumatic spinal cord injury and is associated with impairment in a retrospective study
Authors: Fischer Tim , Stern Christoph , Freund Patrick , Schubert Martin , Sutter Reto
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Wallerian degeneration (WD) is a well-known process after nerve injury. In this study, occurrence of remote intramedullary signal changes, consistent with WD, and its correlation with clinical and neurophysiological impairment were assessed after traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI).

Methods

In 35 patients with tSCI, WD was evaluated by two radiologists on T2-weighted images of serial routine MRI examinations of the cervical spine. Dorsal column (DC), lateral corticospinal tract (CS), and lateral spinothalamic tract (ST) were the analyzed anatomical regions. Impairment scoring according to the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS, A–D) as well as a scoring system (0–4 points) for motor evoked potential (MEP) and sensory evoked potential (SEP) was included. Mann-Whitney U test was used to test for differences.

Results

WD in the DC occurred in 71.4% (n = 25), in the CS in 57.1% (n = 20), and in 37.1% (n = 13) in the ST. With WD present, AIS grades were worse for all tracts. DC: median AIS B vs D, p < 0.001; CS: B vs D, p = 0.016; and ST: B vs D, p = 0.015. More pathological MEP scores correlated with WD in the DC (median score 0 vs 3, p < 0.001) and in the CS (0 vs 2, p = 0.032). SEP scores were lower with WD in the DC only (1 vs 2, p = 0.031).

Conclusions

WD can be detected on T2-weighted scans in the majority of cervical spinal cord injury patients and should be considered as a direct effect of the trauma. When observed, it is associated with higher degree of impairment.

Key Points

• Wallerian degeneration is commonly seen in routine MRI after traumatic spinal cord injury.

• Wallerian degeneration is visible in the anatomical regions of the dorsal column, the lateral corticospinal tract, and the lateral spinothalamic tract.

• Presence of Wallerian degeneration is associated with higher degree of impairment.
Two-year radiologic assessment of the Pinnacle cup—a migration analysis with EBRA
Authors: Dammerer Dietmar , Ruzicka Alexander , Blum Philipp , Putzer David , Liebsch Maximilian , Lair Julian , Thaler Martin
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The most common cause of failure in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is aseptic loosening. Uncemented cup migration analysis by EBRA (Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analyse) has shown to be a good predictive indicator for early implant failure if the cup migrates more than 1 milimeter (mm) within the first 2 years after surgery. In this study, we investigated the migration behaviour of an uncemented press-fit cup after 2 years follow-up.

Materials and methods

Applying a retrospective study design, we reviewed all consecutive patients who received an uncemented press-fit cup at our Department between 2013 and 2018. A total of 484 patients were identified. We reviewed medical histories and performed radiological measurements using EBRA-Cup software. EBRA measurements and statistical investigations were performed by two independent investigators.

Results

A total of 165 cups in 159 patients (female: 90; male: 69) met our inclusion criteria. Mean age at surgery was 66.7 (range 18.4–90.5) years. EBRA migration analysis showed a mean total migration of 0.7 mm (range 0.0–6.3) over our follow-up period of 2 years. Of the investigated cups, 53.2% showed less than 1 mm migration in the investigated follow-up period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pinnacle cup used in our study provides low mean migration at final follow-up. Based on the assumption of secondary stabilization, good long-term outcome of the Pinnacle cup can be expected.

Trial registration number and date of registration

Number: 20181024-1875; Date: 2018-09-20