bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat use, movement and activity of two large‐bodied native riverine fishes in a regulated lowland weir pool
Authors: Koster Wayne M. , Dawson David R. , Kitchingman Adrian , Moloney Paul D. , Hale Robin
Published: February 2020

The construction of dams and weirs, and associated changes to hydrological and hydraulic (e.g., water level and velocity) characteristics of rivers is a key environmental threat for fish. These multiple stressors potentially can affect fish in a variety of ways, including by causing changes in their movement, habitat use and activity. Understanding how and why these changes occur can inform management efforts to ameliorate these threats. In this context, we used acoustic telemetry to examine habitat use, longitudinal movement and activity of two lowland river fishes, Murray cod Maccullochella peelii and golden perch Macquaria ambigua, in a weir pool environment in south‐eastern Australia. We compared our results to published studies on riverine populations to determine if their behaviours are similar (or not). We show that M. peelii and M. ambigua in a weir pool exhibited some similar behaviours to conspecific riverine populations, such as strong site fidelity and use of woody habitat for M. ambigua. However, some behaviours, such as large‐scale (tens–hundreds of kilometres) movements documented for riverine populations, were rarely observed. These differences potentially reflect flow regulation (e.g., stable water levels, loss of hydraulic cues) in the weir pool. The two species also exhibited contrasting responses to dissolved oxygen conditions in the weir pool, which may reflect differences in their life history. Overall, this study shows that although some aspects of these two native fishes' life history can continue despite flow regulation, other aspects may change in weir pools, potentially impacting on long‐term population persistence.
Sex Differences in Dementia Primary Care Performance and Health Service Use: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Sourial Nadia , Vedel Isabelle , Godard‐Sebillotte Claire , Etches Jacob , Arsenault‐Lapierre Genevieve , Bronskill Susan E.
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVES

Growing evidence points to underlying sex differences in the risk factors and clinical presentation of dementia. It is unclear, however, whether sex differences also exist in the management and healthcare utilization of persons with dementia. We compared primary care performance and health service use indicators for newly identified men and women with dementia in Ontario, Canada, over a 12‐year period.

DESIGN

Population‐based, repeated cohort study between 2002 and 2014.

SETTING

Ontario, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 318 350 community‐dwelling adults, aged 65 years and older, newly identified with dementia, followed for up to 1 year.

MEASUREMENTS

Eighteen indicators of primary care performance and health service use were assessed.

RESULTS

Approximately 60% of the study population were women. Few differences in the indicators were observed between sexes, although men had fewer diagnoses first recorded by the family physician, more visits to noncognition specialists, less use of home care, more hospitalizations and readmissions, and longer discharge delays. Most indicators remained relatively stable over time for both men (median relative change = 13.7%; interquartile range [IQR] = 4.5%‐29.7%) and women (median relative change = 15.7%; IQR = 5.9%‐31.5%). Notable improvements over time for both sexes included access to an interprofessional primary care team, use of home care, and decreased use of long‐term care. Areas of worsening included a higher occurrence of emergency department visits, lower continuity of care, and longer discharge delays.

CONCLUSION

These findings raise awareness on the similarities and differences in management and health system use for men and women newly diagnosed with dementia, particularly the imbalance in hospital and home care use. As health systems continue to adapt to meet the needs of the growing dementia population, policy makers and clinicians should be mindful to develop care plans and interventions that consider the influence of sex on the need for services. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1056–1063, 2020
The Brassica napus GATA transcription factor BnA5.ZML1 is a stigma compatibility factor
Authors: Duan Zhiqiang , Zhang Yatao , Tu Jinxing , Shen Jinxiong , Yi Bin , Fu Tingdong , Dai Cheng , Ma Chaozhi
Published: February 2020

Self‐incompatibility (SI) is a genetic mechanism that rejects self‐pollen and thus prevents inbreeding in some hermaphroditic angiosperms. In the Brassicaceae, SI involves a pollen‐stigma recognition system controlled by a single locus known as the S locus, which consists of two highly polymorphic genes that encode S‐locus cysteine‐rich protein (SCR) and S‐receptor kinase (SRK). When self‐pollen lands on the stigma, the S‐haplotype‐specific interaction between SCR and SRK triggers SI. Here, we show that the GATA transcription factor BnA5.ZML1 suppresses SI responses in Brassica napus and is induced after compatible pollination. The loss‐of‐function mutant bna5.zml1 displays reduced self‐compatibility. In contrast, overexpression of BnA5.ZML1 in self‐incompatible stigmas leads to a partial breakdown of SI responses, suggesting that BnA5.ZML1 is a stigmatic compatibility factor. Furthermore, the expression levels of SRK and ARC1 are up‐regulated in bna5.zml1 mutants, and they are down‐regulated in BnA5.ZML1 overexpressing lines. SRK affects the cellular localization of BnA5.ZML1 through direct protein–protein interaction. Overall, our findings highlight the fundamental role of BnA5.ZML1 in SI responses in B. napus, establishing a direct interaction between BnA5.ZML1 and SRK in this process.
The effect of duration of pressure on bruising and pain in the subcutaneous heparin injection site
Authors: Yılmaz Dilek , Düzgün Fatma , Durmaz Havva , Çinar Hava Gökdere , Dikmen Yurdanur , Kara Habibe
Published: February 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effect on pain and bruising of pressure applied for different durations after subcutaneous heparin injection.

Methods

This research was a quasi‐experimental study. The research was performed with 60 patients. Two different injection techniques were applied at an interval of 24 hr to each patient taking part in the study. Method A: after the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injection, pressure was applied with dry cotton for 10 s directly after the needle was withdrawn. Method B: after the LMWH injection, pressure was applied with dry cotton for 60 s directly after the needle was withdrawn. After the injection process was completed, the dimension of the bruising formed were evaluated. Also, after the injection process was completed, the patients were asked to show on a visual analog scale the severity of pain felt during the injection. Statistical analysis of the research data was performed with the statistics package IBM SPSS 22.0. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used in the analysis of the data.

Results

The results of the statistical analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the mean size of bruising and pain level according to the duration of pressure applied to the injection area (p > .05).

Conclusions

It was concluded in this study that the duration of pressure applied to the injection site after subcutaneous LMWH injection did not affect the size of bruising or the severity of pain, and, unlike in the literature, that 60 s of applied pressure did not have a positive effect. Also, it was found that gender had an effect on the formation of bruising and the severity of pain, and body mass index had an effect on pain severity. Ten seconds of pressure applied to the injection site after subcutaneous LMWH injection may be enough to reduce complications.
Towards an agrarian question of circulation: Walmart's expansion in Chile and the agrarian political economy of supply chain capitalism
Authors: Arboleda Martín
Published: February 2020

The central role that infrastructures of circulation and connectivity—logistical, financial, and digital—have come to perform in the reproduction of agro‐food systems calls for an expanded conception of agriculture that integrates dialectically the production of economic value and its subsequent realization in the sphere of exchange. Through the case of Walmart's expansion in Chile, and on the basis of a critical theorization of the circulation of capital, this paper proposes an agrarian question of circulation in which the apparently distinct realms of food production, transport, storage, and consumption are brought together into a contradictory and yet unitary whole. The case of Walmart Chile is illustrative of how the reconfiguration of spaces of urban mass consumption and the organizational restructuring of agro‐industrial hinterlands constitute each other in intricate ways. An agrarian question of circulation, the paper concludes, bears important political implications for rethinking the scope and extent of contemporary discussions on agrarian reform being put forward by transnational rural organizations.
The Welfare Consequences of Mixed Environmental Policy Instruments with Voluntary Provision
Authors: Jin Yaran
Published: February 2020

This article evaluates the welfare consequences of a mixed regulatory framework with a voluntary cap‐and‐trade program and intensity standards using data from the Texas electricity industry. I construct and estimate a structural model of the compliance choices of power generating units to recover their abatement costs. Then I simulate for the counterfactual equilibrium under a mandatory cap‐and‐trade regulation. Results show that the mixed policy framework mainly benefits generating units with small capacity and high abatement costs. However, a mandatory cap‐and‐trade regulation with redistribution policies could bring in substantial Pareto improvement.
Warranty, Seller Reputation, and Buyer Experience: Evidence From EBAY Used Car Auctions
Authors: Che Xiaogang , Katayama Hajime , Lee Peter , Shi Nan
Published: February 2020

Using data from the eBay car auction market, we test several predictions regarding warranties, seller reputation and buyer experience in the determination of the final price. We find that the presence of a warranty generates a price premium, but that its magnitude decreases when the seller has a more established reputation. Compared to private sellers, professional dealers, who are ‘repeated‐game players’ in the market, benefit less from a warranty and its substitutability for seller reputation is relatively small. In addition, a buyer with greater experience tends to pay less for a warranty or for a professional dealership.
Thriving in the New Normal: The HR Microfoundations of Capabilities for Business Model Innovation. An Integrated Literature Review
Authors: Loon Mark , Otaye‐Ebede Lilian , Stewart Jim
Published: February 2020

Firms need to respond to the increasing competition and change of the current New Normal environment by being more innovative, and especially in developing new business models. This paper seeks to explore how microfoundations, particularly with respect to human resource management, play a key role in facilitating innovation in business models through the development of key needed capabilities. Four themes are identified with respect to business model innovation (BMI) in the New Normal: BMI as an enabler to create and operate across industries and product‐markets; BMI as a mechanism for firms to better navigate changing institutional landscapes; BMI as giving rise to business model portfolios; and concurrent and cumulative innovations that can lead to BMI. This paper also develops a conceptual framework that presents a synoptic view of the five essential capabilities for BMI, which include analogical reasoning, sensemaking, dynamic capabilities, organisational ambidexterity, and organisational learning. Finally, it is shown how the microfoundations of a bespoke, development‐oriented BMI HR architecture can support the advancement of these capabilities and thus contribute to the strategic HR literature.
Contribution analysis of sensory cues to oil/fat perception
Authors: Glumac Miodrag , Chen Jianshe
Published: February 2020

Oil/fat perception is an important subject of food science research. Various scientific theories have risen over the years about the mechanisms of oil/fat perception, but fundamental knowledge is still lacking. In particular, the dominating sensory cue(s) eliciting oil/fat perception is still up to debate in literature. In this study, 30 participants were recruited to test six samples (three natural oil/fats and three constituted) using three senses (smell, taste, and tactile). Responses showed that natural oil/fats were perceived as such with multimodal way of sensing. Texture and aroma cues played a bigger role compared to taste. Our findings suggest that aroma and texture and multimodal sensation are the mechanisms of oil/fat detection, while taste alone did not illicit sensations of oil/fat.

Practical Applications

Information provided here deals with contribution of different senses to six model compounds, giving new insight for human oil/fat perception. We consider these findings important for food scientists working in academia and industry alike. In order to keep consumer sensory satisfaction, food containing oil/fat must be designed to elicit preferable sensory responses. Our experiments were on model compounds, but when dealing with other food types either emulsions or liquid food matrices containing fat will be perceived in a similar manner.
Breaking Surface Feature Continuity of Previewed Mask Reinstates Object Substitution Masking12
Authors: Hirose Nobuyuki , Hattori Shota , Mori Shuji
Published: February 2020

Perception of a briefly presented target is impaired when a sparse surrounding mask (e.g., four‐dot) persists after target offset compared to when the target and mask offset together (i.e., object substitution masking [OSM]). Previous studies have reported a mask preview effect in which OSM is largely attenuated by prior presentation of the mask. Here, we investigated how breaking object continuity of the previewed mask affects the mask preview effect. Introducing an abrupt surface color change of the previewed mask at target onset disrupted the beneficial effect of mask preview, that is, OSM was reinstated (Experiment 1). The masking induced by mask color change exhibited the same two characteristics as conventional OSM: target location specificity and non‐necessity of voluntary attention to the mask (Experiment 2). These results suggest that a sudden change in surface color breaks object continuity of the previewed mask and causes the mask to be represented as a new one, which triggers OSM anew.
The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107
Authors: Gattacceca Jérôme , Mccubbin Francis M. , Bouvier Audrey , Grossman Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

Meteoritical Bulletin 107 contains 2714 meteorites including 16 falls (Aba Panu, Ablaketka, Andila, Gueltat Zemmour, Hamburg, Karimati, Mahbas Arraid, Mangui, Mazichuan, Mukundpura, Ozerki, Parauapebas, Renchen, San Pedro de Urabá, Sokoto, Tintigny), with 2226 ordinary chondrites, 168 HED achondrites, 132 carbonaceous chondrites (including 41 CM, 34 CV, 26 CO, 21 CK, 4 CR, 5 ungrouped), 43 ureilites, 30 iron meteorites (including 2 ungrouped), 29 lunar meteorites, 22 Martian meteorites, 16 primitive achondrites (including 3 brachinites), 12 Rumuruti chondrites, 9 enstatite chondrites, 7 ungrouped achondrites, 6 pallasites, 5 mesosiderites, 3 enstatite achondrites, 3 ungrouped chondrites, and 2 angrites. 1569 meteorites are from Antarctica, 835 from Africa, 206 from South America, 62 from Asia, 21 from North America, 11 from unknown locations, 8 from Europe (including one from Russia), and 1 from Oceania.
Phosphoproteomic analysis of STRIPAK mutants identifies a conserved serine phosphorylation site in PAK kinase CLA4 to be important in fungal sexual development and polarized growth
Authors: Märker Ramona , Blank‐Landeshammer Bernhard , Beier‐Rosberger Anna , Sickmann Albert , Kück Ulrich
Published: February 2020

The highly conserved striatin‐interacting phosphatases and kinases (STRIPAK) complex regulates phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of developmental proteins in eukaryotic microorganisms, animals and humans. To first identify potential targets of STRIPAK, we performed extensive isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification‐based proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses in the filamentous fungus Sordaria macrospora. In total, we identified 4,193 proteins and 2,489 phosphoproteins, which are represented by 10,635 phosphopeptides. By comparing phosphorylation data from wild type and mutants, we identified 228 phosphoproteins to be regulated in all three STRIPAK mutants, thus representing potential targets of STRIPAK. To provide an exemplarily functional analysis of a STRIPAK‐dependent phosphorylated protein, we selected CLA4, a member of the conserved p21‐activated kinase family. Functional characterization of the ∆cla4 deletion strain showed that CLA4 controls sexual development and polarized growth. To determine the functional relevance of CLA4 phosphorylation and the impact of specific phosphorylation sites on development, we next generated phosphomimetic and ‐deficient variants of CLA4. This analysis identified (de)phosphorylation of a highly conserved serine (S685) residue in the catalytic domain of CLA4 as being important for fungal cellular development. Collectively, these analyses significantly contribute to the understanding of the mechanistic function of STRIPAK as a phosphatase and kinase signaling complex.
Mast cell‐nerve interactions correlate with bloating and abdominal pain severity in patients with non‐celiac gluten / wheat sensitivity
Authors: Giancola Fiorella , Volta Umberto , Repossi Roberta , Latorre Rocco , Beeckmans Dorien , Carbone Florencia , Van den Houte Karen , Bianco Francesca , Bonora Elena , Gori Alessandra , Costanzini Anna , Boschetti Elisa , Caio Giacomo , Vanuytsel Tim , Stanghellini Vincenzo , Tack Jan , De Giorgio Roberto
Published: February 2020

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) and extra‐GI symptoms/manifestations represent key clinical features of patients with non‐celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCG/WS). This study aimed to investigate neuro‐immune (focusing on mast cells, MCs) interactions in the duodenal submucosa of patients with NCG/WS.

Methods

Submucosal whole mounts from duodenal biopsies of 34 patients with self‐reported NCG/WS, 28 with celiac disease (CD), 13 with functional dyspepsia (FD), and 24 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative data on neuronal and MCs density and the percentage of MCs in close vicinity to nerves were obtained, and correlations among neurons, MC density and MC‐nerve distance (D), and symptoms were assessed in the three groups.

Key Results

The number of submucosal neurons was not different among groups. In NCG/WS, MC density was not different from HC, while it was slightly increased vs. CD (P = .07) and significantly decreased vs. FD (P < .05). The percentage of MCs close to nerves (D < 15 µm) was similarly increased in all three pathological groups vs. HC (P < .001). In NCG/WS, MC infiltration correlated with bloating (P = .001) and abdominal pain severity (P = .03) and the percentage of MCs in proximity to neurons correlated with the number of GI symptoms (D < 5 µm; P = .05), bloating and abdominal pain severity (D < 15um; P = .01).

Conclusions and Inferences

Submucosal MC infiltration and the close (within 15 µm) MC‐to‐nerve proximity in the duodenum of NCG/WS patients are features providing a histopathological basis to better understand GI symptoms in this condition.
Cross‐Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the European Portuguese Version of the Central Sensitization Inventory in Adolescents With Musculoskeletal Chronic Pain
Authors: Andias Rosa , Silva Anabela G.
Published: February 2020

Background

Central sensitization (CS) is an important feature in musculoskeletal chronic pain, and associated symptoms can be assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI).

Objectives

This study aimed to translate and cross‐culturally adapt the CSI to the European Portuguese language and to assess its validity and reliability in adolescents with musculoskeletal chronic pain.

Methods

The European Portuguese version of the CSI was established following the translation and testing processes recommended by international guidelines. Then, this version of the CSI was completed by 1,730 adolescents, who also completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; the Pain Catastrophizing Scale; the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale; the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia; and the Basic Scale on Insomnia Complaints and Quality of Sleep. Test‐retest reliability and measurement error, internal consistency, hypothesis testing, and factor analysis were assessed for the translated version of the CSI.

Results

Cronbach's alpha was 0.91, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.90, 0.96), and the standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change were 4.15 and 11.50, respectively. Fair correlations were found between CSI and fear of movement (Spearman’s correlation [rs] = 0.46), sleep (rs = 0.46), and catastrophizing (rs = 0.49). Moderate to good correlations were found between CSI and depression (rs = 0.60), anxiety (rs = 0.59), and stress (rs = 0.65).

Conclusion

The European Portuguese version of the CSI was considered easy to understand and showed very good internal consistency, excellent test‐retest reliability, and excellent construct validity in a community sample of adolescents with musculoskeletal chronic pain.
Sugar enhances waterlogging‐induced adventitious root formation in cucumber by promoting auxin transport and signalling
Authors: Qi Xiaohua , Li Qianqian , Shen Jiatao , Qian Chunlu , Xu Xuewen , Xu Qiang , Chen Xuehao
Published: February 2020

Waterlogging is a severe environmental stress that causes severe crop productivity losses. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) survives waterlogging by producing adventitious roots (ARs) that enhance gas exchange. Little is known about the role of light and sugars in the waterlogging‐induced production of ARs. The role of these factors in AR production was therefore studied in cucumber seedlings grown in the absence or presence of waterlogging and different light conditions. The effect of photosynthesis was studied by removing the shoots of the seedlings and replacing them with exogenous applications of sucrose or stachyose. Shoot removal inhibited AR emergence and elongation. However, the exogenous application of sugars fully restored AR emergence and partially restored root elongation. The exogenous application of a synthetic auxin restored AR emergence but not AR elongation. Transcriptome profiling analysis was used to determine the effects of light on gene expression in the hypocotyls under these conditions. The levels of transcripts encoding proteins involved in auxin transport and signalling were higher in the light and following the exogenous application of sucrose and stachyose. These results show that the waterlogging‐induced emergence of ARs is regulated by the interaction between sugars and auxin, whereas AR elongation depends only on sugars alone.
Nuclear pore complex components have temperature‐influenced roles in plant growth and immunity
Authors: Zhang Aiqin , Wang Shuai , Kim Jitae , Yan Jiapei , Yan Xiufeng , Pang Qiuying , Hua Jian
Published: February 2020

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are main channels controlling nucleocytoplasmic transport and are composed of approximately 30 nucleoporins (NUPs). Emerging evidence suggests that some NUP genes have specialized functions that challenge the traditional view of NPCs as structures of uniform composition. Here, we analysed the role of six outer‐ring components of NPC at normal and warm growth temperatures by examining their loss‐of‐function mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana. All six NUP subunits, NUP85, NUP96, NUP 133, NUP 160, SEH1 and HOS1, have a non‐redundant temperature‐influenced function in one or more of the processes, including rosette growth, leaf architecture and intracellular immune receptor‐mediated disease resistance. At the molecular level, NUP85 and NUP133 are required for mRNA export only at warm temperature and play a larger role in the localization of transcription factor at warm temperature. In addition, NUP96 and HOS1 are essential for the expression of high temperature‐responsive genes, which is correlated with their larger activity in facilitating nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor PIF4 at warm temperature. Our results show that subunits of NPC have differential roles at different temperatures, suggesting the existence of temperature‐influenced NPC complexes and activities.
ATP and repetitive electric stimulation increases leukemia inhibitory factor expression in astrocytes: A potential role for astrocytes in the action mechanism of electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Maruyama Soichiro , Boku Shuken , Okazaki Satoshi , Kikuyama Hiroki , Mizoguchi Yoshito , Monji Akira , Otsuka Ikuo , Sora Ichiro , Kanazawa Tetsufumi , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Yoneda Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Aim

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective for psychiatric disorders. However, its action mechanism remains unclear. We previously reported that transcription factor 7 (TCF7) was increased in patients successfully treated with ECT. TCF7 regulates Wnt pathway, which regulates adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Astrocytes play a role in adult hippocampal neurogenesis via neurogenic factors. Of astrocyte‐derived neurogenic factors, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) activate Wnt pathway. In addition, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), released from excited neurons, activates astrocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that ECT might increase LIF and/or FGF2 in astrocytes. To test this, we investigated the effects of ATP and electric stimulation (ES) on LIF and FGF2 expressions in astrocytes.

Methods

Astrocytes were derived from neonatal mouse forebrain and administered ATP and ES. The mRNA expression was estimated with quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Protein concentration was measured with ELISA.

Results

ATP increased LIF, but not FGF2, expression. Multiple ES, but not single, increased LIF expression. Knockdown of P2X2 receptor (P2X2R) attenuated ATP‐induced increase of LIF mRNA expression. In contrast, P2X3 and P2X4 receptors intensified it.

Conclusion

P2X2R may mediate ATP‐induced LIF expression in astrocytes and multiple ES directly increases LIF expression in astrocytes. Therefore, both ATP/P2X2R and multiple ES‐induced increases of LIF expression in astrocytes might mediate the efficacy of ECT on psychiatric disorders. Elucidating detailed mechanisms of ATP/P2X2R and multiple ES‐induced LIF expression is expected to result in the identification of new therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders.
The recent engagement between analytic philosophy and Heideggerian thought: Logic and language
Authors: Casati Filippo
Published: February 2020

Martin Heidegger's philosophy is famous for being unusually rich. It ranges over technology, poetry, theology, history, and many other subjects. In this paper, I focus my attention on two topics which are particularly close to the hearts of analytic philosophers: logic and language. I show that Heidegger faces two different kinds of paradoxes: an ontic paradox and an ontological paradox. Moreover, for each one of these paradoxes, I give an overview of how both Heidegger and the philosophers who engage with his thought have tried to overcome them by challenging either a certain account of language or the authority of logic in philosophical discourse.
The effects of UVB irradiance on vitiligo phototherapy and UVB‐induced photocarcinogenesis
Authors: Yang Ting‐Ting , Chiu Szu‐Hao , Lan Cheng‐Che E.
Published: February 2020

Phototherapy is the most commonly used modality for repigmenting vitiligo. Currently, UVB emitting devices, including narrow‐band UVB (NBUVB) and excimer laser/light, are considered as the treatment of choice. While emitting wavelengths at close proximity, excimer lights emit higher irradiance (HI; W/m2) compared to NBUVB. Clinical reports have shown that excimer light is more efficacious in treating vitiligo compared to NBUVB, and we demonstrated that irradiance plays a critical role in promoting melanoblasts differentiation. UVB radiation from the sun is closely associated with photocarcinogenesis of the skin. Sunscreens were used to protect the skin by reducing UVB irradiance (low irradiance (LI) UVB). Sunscreen use was associated with skin cancer reduction in clinical trials. Paradoxically, sunscreen use was associated with increased sunburn episodes in the real‐world settings. It was shown that UVB‐induced sunburn depends on fluence (J/m2) but not irradiance of UVB radiation. We investigated the significance of irradiance in the context of UVB‐induced carcinogenesis of the skin. For mice receiving equivalent fluence of UVB exposure, the LIUVB‐treated mice showed earlier tumor development, larger tumor burden, and more epidermal keratinocytes harboring mutant p53 as compared to their HIUVB‐treated counterparts. These results suggested that at equivalent fluence, LIUVB radiation has more photocarcinogenic potential on the skin compared to its HI counterpart. Since development of sunburn with or without sunscreen use indicates that certain threshold of UVB fluence has been received by the skin at LI and HI, respectively, sunburn episodes with sunscreen use (LIUVB) are more damaging to the skin compared to that without sunscreen (HIUVB) application. In summary, since irradiance plays an important role determining the biological effects of UVB radiation on the skin, future related studies should take this critical parameter into consideration.
Schistosoma haematobium infection modulates Plasmodium falciparum parasite density and antimalarial antibody responses
Authors: Tokplonou Léonidas , Nouatin Odilon , Sonon Paulin , M’po Grace , Glitho Sonya , Agniwo Privat , Gonzalez‐Ortiz Daniel , Tchégninougbo Théophile , Ayitchédji Aurèle , Favier Benoit , Donadi Eduardo A. , Milet Jacqueline , Luty Adrian J. F. , Massougbodji Achille , Garcia André , Ibikounlé Moudachirou , Courtin David
Published: February 2020

Aims

Schistosomiasis and malaria are endemic in sub‐Saharan Africa where Schistosoma haematobium (Sh) and Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) coinfections are thus frequent. We explored the effect of Sh infection on antibody responses directed to Pf merozoite antigens and on malaria susceptibility in Beninese children.

Methods and results

A total of 268 children were followed during a malaria transmission season. Detection of Pf infection was performed by microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests. Sh infection was determined in urine by microscopy. Antimalarial antibody, cytokine and HLA‐G concentrations were quantified by ELISA. The expression of HLA‐G receptors by immune cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Children infected by Sh had higher concentrations of IgG1 directed to MSP3 and GLURPR0, IgG2 directed to GLURPR0 and IgG3 directed to MSP3, GLURPR0 and GLURPR2 and have lower Pf densities than those uninfected by Sh. No difference in cytokine and HLA‐G concentrations was observed between Sh egg carriers and non‐carriers.

Conclusion

Schistosoma haematobium modulates host immune responses directed to Pf antigens. The absence of immune downregulation usually observed during helminth infections is surprising in our study. We hypothesize that the stage of Sh development could partly explain the immune pathways leading to increased antibody levels that favour better control of Pf parasitemia.
Unilateral Action and Presidential Accountability
Authors: Ansolabehere Stephen D. , Rogowski Jon C.
Published: February 2020

How do constituents respond to the president’s policy decisions? Theories of democratic accountability posit that voters elect officeholders to advance their policy preferences and punish them for failing to do so. We investigate the accountability mechanism in the context of presidential unilateral action. Data from the 2018 Cooperative Congressional Election Study provide evidence of issue‐based presidential accountability, as presidential approval ratings are consistently associated with respondents’ evaluations of policies achieved through unilateral action. These findings persist when accounting for respondents’ partisan and ideological congruence with the president and across model specifications and measurement strategies. Our evidence indicates that presidents are held accountable for unilateral directives and, in the aggregate, suggests a constraint on presidential action.
Explaining the Cultural Retention–Delinquency Relationship Using Differential Support and Coercion Theory: A Study of Native‐Born and Immigrant Latino Youth
Authors: Zavala Egbert , Curry Theodore R. , Morales Maria Cristina
Published: February 2020

Objective

Although immigrants tend to have lower involvement in delinquency, increasing levels of acculturation to American society may lead to higher levels of delinquency. Conversely, cultural retention typically reduces such behavior. To explain these findings, this study employs differential coercion and support theory to predict that cultural retention is inversely associated with delinquency through associations with greater social support and less coercion.

Method

Using a large, national‐level sample of Latino native‐born and immigrant youth, analyses are conducted using both ordinary least squares (OLS) and logistic regression.

Results

Findings support hypotheses, showing that increases in cultural retention are associated with less coercion and more social support, both of which are, in turn, related to delinquency. Importantly, an initial strong inverse relationship between cultural retention and delinquency disappears when coercion and social support are controlled.

Conclusion

Higher social support and lower coercion help explain the inverse relationship between cultural retention and delinquency among native‐born and immigrant Latino youth.
“Dancing Droplets”: Partial Coalescence on Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Yan Xiao , Feng Lezhou , Zhang Leicheng , Sett Soumyadip , Li Longnan , Miljkovic Nenad
Published: February 2020

Droplet coalescence has received significant attention due to its significant role in fluid mixing, microfluidics, coalescence-induced droplet jumping, and heat and mass transfer applications. Coalescence of droplets has been extensively investigated from the perspectives of hydrodynamics and energy transfer. However, the study of coalescence characteristics of size-mismatched droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces remains a challenge due to visualization difficulty, limited droplet size control, and poor droplet manipulation. Here, in order to study coalescence dynamics of droplets with arbitrary initial sizes, a droplet dispensing and visualization system was developed. To control the size of droplets, monodispersed droplets with radii of ≈20 μm were dispensed using a frequency-controlled piezoelectric pulse injector onto a superhydrophobic surface, enabling the target droplets to accumulate in volume and grow in radii. The coalescence process of droplets having radii of ≈270 and ≈780 μm was imaged at a magnification of ≈25X and capture rate of 13000 fps. Surprisingly instead of completely merging together, the size-mismatched droplets underwent partial coalescence with the development of an additional satellite droplet. Specifically, the smaller droplet gave 'birth' to a secondary satellite droplet upon coalescence with the larger primary droplet due to liquid-bridge pinch-off dynamics, after which the satellite droplet bounced off upon collision with the primary droplet due to the presence of an air cushion that blocked contact between the two droplets. Meanwhile, the primary droplet continued to oscillate while the bouncing satellite droplet returned to the surface and eventually bounced off (moving direction is identified with arrows). Our work not only presents a powerful platform capable of both controlling and visualizing droplet coalescence hydrodynamics, but also provides insights into the flow hydrodynamics of droplets undergoing partial coalescence.
Frost Halo Dynamics on Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Su Wei , Li Longnan , Yan Xiao , Miljkovic Nenad
Published: February 2020

Understanding the frosting mechanisms on solid surfaces is crucial to a broad range of industrial sectors such as aerospace, power transmission, and refrigeration. During the last few decades, extensive studies have been conducted on fundamental frosting phenomena, including ice nucleation, growth, bridging, and frost propagation, with few studies focusing on frost halo formation which has been shown to affect frosting dynamics on hydrophilic substrates. The role of frost halo dynamics formation on superhydrophobic surface remains unclear due to limited characterization in the past. Here, in order to study frost propagation dynamics, particularly freezing-induced vapor diffusion and frost halo formation, condensation frosting on highly-reflective nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces (θ ≈170º) was visualized using high-speed top-view optical microscopy. Condensation frosting was initiated by cooling the surface to -20 ± 0.5°C in atmospheric conditions (relative humidity ≈50% and air temperature ≈25°C). We show that the wave front reaches neighboring supercooled droplets along the path of frost propagation, resulting in supercooled droplet freezing within ~100 ms and numerous microscale (~1 µm) condensing droplets forming around the primary freezing droplet. The microscale droplets form a condensate halo stretching two times the freezing droplet radius. The condensate halo was formed by the rapid evaporation of the supercooled recalescent freezing droplet due to the fast (~100 ms) release of latent heat, resulting in the heating of the freezing droplet and thus outwards diffusion of vapor. Further diffusion of vapor led to the subsequent evaporation of the halo condensate droplets within ~4 s. Interestingly, accompanied by the freezing of the primary droplet and condensate halo formation, the neighboring satellite droplets in the halo zone were observed to oscillate directionally and dramatically, indicative of the presence of a strong flow field disturbance due to rapid vapor diffusion. The visualizations presented here not only help to quantify the physics of condensate halo formation during frost wave propagation on superhydrophobic surfaces, but also provide insights into the role of freezing-induced vapor diffusion during frost dynamics.
Aerodynamic Optimization of the Low-Pressure Turbine Module: Exploiting Surrogate Models in a High-Dimensional Design Space
Authors: Baert Lieven , Chérière Emmanuel , Sainvitu Caroline , Lepot Ingrid , Nouvellon Arnaud , Leonardon Vincent
Published: February 2020

Further improvement of state-of-the-art low-pressure (LP) turbines (LPTs) has become progressively more challenging. LP design is more than ever confronted to the need to further integrate complex models and to shift from single-component design to the design of the complete LPT module at once. This leads to high-dimensional design spaces and automatically challenges their applicability within an industrial context, where computing resources are limited and the cycle time is crucial. The aerodynamic design of a multistage LP turbine is discussed for a design space defined by 350 parameters. Using an online surrogate-based optimization (SBO) approach, a significant efficiency gain of almost 0.5pt has been achieved. By discussing the sampling of the design space, the quality of the surrogate models, and the application of adequate data mining capabilities to steer the optimization, it is shown that despite the high-dimensional nature of the design space, the followed approach allows to obtain performance gains beyond target. The ability to control both global as well as local characteristics of the flow throughout the full LP turbine, in combination with an agile reaction of the search process after dynamically strengthening and/or enforcing new constraints in order to adapt to the review feedback, not only illustrates the feasibility but also the potential of a global design space for the LP module. It is demonstrated that intertwining the capabilities of dynamic SBO and efficient data mining allows to incorporate high-fidelity simulations in design cycle practices of certified engines or novel engine concepts to jointly optimize the multiple stages of the LPT.
Design of Curved Annular Diffusers
Authors: Kuchana Vinayender , Balakrishnan N. , Srinivasan Balamurugan
Published: February 2020

Influence of curvature distribution and area-ratio (AR) distribution on the pressure fields within the curved annular diffuser are discussed. General guidelines for end-wall contouring to control the pressure gradients on the diffuser walls are evolved and further demonstrated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Also, detailed guidelines for controlling the adverse pressure gradients (APG) on duct walls are presented. A geometry generation methodology (GGM) which enables both design and evaluation of curved annular diffusers based on the guidelines evolved is presented. The approach presented deals with the sensitivity of the duct performance parameters to duct wall modifications. In that sense, the work per se is not a description of an automated optimization process, but rather about the physical principles that can guide such an optimization. An aggressive diffuser design space is identified with ducts of maximum slope of 50 deg and maximum divergence angle between the outer and inner walls of 10 deg for length to inlet height ratio ranging from 1.25 to 2.5. Part of the identified design space for which the flow separation can be eliminated based on the guidelines evolved is demarcated. The need for flow control, possibly passive, is established for more aggressive designs.
Design for Clean Technology Adoption: Integration of Usage Context, User Behavior, and Technology Performance in Design
Authors: Pakravan Mohammad H. , MacCarty Nordica A.
Published: February 2020

Clean technologies aim to address climatic, environmental, and health concerns associated with their conventional counterparts. However, such technologies achieve these goals only if they are adopted by users and effectively replace conventional practices. Despite the important role that users play to accomplish these goals by making decisions whether to adopt such clean alternatives or not, currently, there is no systematic framework for quantitative integration of the behavioral motivations of users during the design process for these technologies. In this study, the theory of planned behavior (TPB) is integrated with usage-context-based design to provide a holistic approach for predicting the market share of clean versus conventional product alternatives based on users’ personal beliefs, social norms, and perception of behavioral control. Based on the mathematical linkage of the model components, technology design attributes can then be adjusted, resulting in the design of products that are more in line with users’ behavioral intentions, which can lead to higher adoption rates. The developed framework is applied in a case study of adoption of improved cookstoves in a community in Northern Uganda. Results indicate that incorporating TPB attributes into utility functions improves the prediction power of the model and that the attributes that users in the subject community prioritize in a clean cookstove are elicited through the TPB. Households’ decision-making behavior before and after a trial period suggests that design and marketing strategy should systematically integrate user’s behavioral tendencies prior to interventions to improve the outcomes of clean technology implementation projects.
Large-Stroke Constant-Force Mechanisms Utilizing Second Buckling Mode of Flexible Beams: Evaluation Metrics and Design Approach
Authors: Ma Fulei , Chen Guimin , Wang Haitian
Published: February 2020

Compliant constant-force mechanisms (CCFMs), which provide a near constant-force output over a range of displacement, can benefit many applications. This work proposes a novel large-stroke CCFM (abbreviated as B2CCFM) that utilizes the second buckling mode of flexible beams. Two general nondimensionalized metrics, one describing the variation of output force and the other describing the operational displacement, are proposed to effectively characterize the performances of various CCFMs. Based on the general metrics, design formulas that can help designers quickly find suitable B2CCFM design for a specific application are obtained. A kinetostatic model for B2CCFM is also provided based on the chained beam constrain model to verify B2CCFM designs. An example accompanied with a prototype is presented to verify this novel CCFM and the effectiveness of the design formulas. The experimental results show that the B2CCFM example outputs a constant-force in a range as large as 45% of the beam length with variation less than 4.7%. The nondimensionalized metrics were demonstrated in comparison of several CCFMs, and the comparison results show the superior performances of B2CCFMs.
Numerical Review of Jones–Wilkins–Lee Parameters for Trinitrotoluene Explosive in Free-Air Blast
Authors: Giam Anthoni , Toh William , Tan Vincent Beng Chye
Published: February 2020

The analysis of complex blast scenarios typically requires advanced computational methods such as multi-material Eulerian and coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) analysis where Jones–Wilkins–Lee (JWL) equation of state is used to model the explosive material. While multiple sets of empirical JWL parameters for trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosives have been published over the past few decades, there is also a lack of guidelines and comparative studies on their applications for the blast analysis. A standardized description of the explosive material behavior allows for a better interpretation of results from research studies involving different blast scenarios and JWL parameters. In this paper, the authors utilize numerical finite element (FE) simulations to investigate the influence of different TNT JWL parameter sets on the blast wave characteristics of a free-air blast across different scaled distances. Utilizing multi-material Eulerian analysis, a series of spherical free-air blasts involving a 100-kg TNT charge modeled with different TNT JWL parameters are conducted. The blast wave characteristics including the incident overpressure, impulse, and time of arrival (TOA) are benchmarked against the empirical-based Kingery–Bulmash air blast formulations through the conventional weapon effect calculator conwep. It was found that the incident overpressure and impulse are highly sensitive to the JWL parameters, with differences as high as 40% at smaller scaled distances, while the influence on TOA is much less significant. This paper hopes to provide a guide for future users on the appropriate JWL parameter sets to model the air blast events involving TNT explosives.
Ceramic Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing: A Literature Review on Density
Authors: Du Wenchao , Ren Xiaorui , Pei Zhijian , Ma Chao
Published: February 2020

The objective of this review paper is to summarize the current status and identify the knowledge gaps in ceramic binder jetting additive manufacturing, with a particular focus on density. This paper begins with an overview of ceramic binder jetting. Then, it discusses different aspects of density, including various terminologies, measurement methods, and achieved values. Afterward, it reviews two categories of techniques to increase the part density: material preparation techniques (powder granulation, mixing powders of different sizes, using slurry feedstock, and mixing different materials) and postprocessing techniques (sintering, chemical reaction, infiltration, and isostatic pressing). Finally, it presents the knowledge gaps in the literature.