bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of fiscal policy in energy efficiency and CO2 emission nexus: An investigation of belt and road region
Authors: Akbar Muhammad Waqas , Yuelan Peng , Zia Zeenat , Arshad Muhammad Imran
Published: February 2021

Belt and road initiative (BRI) contains the transport, construction, and energy‐related projects to push the wheel of economic development of BRI's participant at the cost of ecological consequences. These sectors are highly energy‐intensive and upsurge the CO2 emission. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are considered two essential solutions to control CO2 emissions. Energy efficiency is proficient in yielding energy and demand savings that can relocate the electricity generation from primary energy resources, that is why, nowadays, energy efficiency is considered as an energy resource worldwide. Fiscal policy is a vital policy tool regarding energy policies related to production, growth, distribution, and energy consumption. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between energy efficiency and CO2 emission in light of the fiscal policy index for BRI countries. The results infer that energy efficiency and fiscal policy deteriorate the CO2 emission. On the other side, FDI and GDP will lead to an increase in CO2 emission. This study provides useful insights for policymakers on how to take preventive and remedial measures to reduce CO2 emissions in different sectors and demonstrated that technology in the energy sector could help to mitigate climate change through energy efficiency. Furthermore, future research can be carried out on how digitalization, energy efficiency monitoring processes, and management process can help to mitigate.
Increasing prenatal diagnosis of chimeras with the use of noninvasive prenatal screening: Report of two cases
Authors: Yu Florrie N. Y. , Li Elizabeth Y. Y. , Kong Meliza C. W. , Ma Teresa W. L. , Chan Kelvin Y. K. , Man Elim , Chung Brian H. Y. , Kan Anita S. Y.
Published: February 2021

Bulleted Statements:

What's already known about this topic?

The incidence of discordant fetal sex was estimated to be 1 in 1500–2000. Comprehensive evaluation is required to investigate the underlying cause.

What does this study add?

Chimera is one of the possible causes of genotype–phenotype sex discordance. It could be detected prenatally with the combination of noninvasive prenatal screening and ultrasound.

Genetic counseling to prospective parents on chimera can be complex where early support and information from experienced professionals are important.
Mediterranean diets and diabetes
Authors: Dyson Pamela
Published: February 2021

Mediterranean diets (MDs) are recommended by some authorities for the prevention and management of diabetes, although there is some confusion about the definition and components of MDs. This narrative review explores the definition role of MDs in diabetes.

Meta‐analyses of prospective cohort studies and randomised controlled trials reported that MD was effective for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes (GDM). In the management of type 2 diabetes, MD significantly improved glycaemic control and reduced body weight and cardiovascular disease risk. There was insufficient evidence for prevention or management of type 1 diabetes in adults or children and for the management of GDM. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.
Reversibly self‐assembled pH‐responsive PEG‐p(CL‐g‐TMC) polymersomes
Authors: Welzen Pascal L. W. , Martinez Ciriano Sydney W. , Cao Shoupeng , Mason Alexander F. , Welzen‐Pijpers Imke A. B. , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: February 2021

Polymersomes have gained much interest within the biomedical field as drug delivery systems due to their ability to transport and protect cargo from the harsh environment inside the body. For an improved drug efficacy, control over cargo release is however also an important factor to take into account. An often employed method is to incorporate pH sensitive groups in the vesicle membrane, which induce disassembly and content release when the particles have reached a target site in the body with the appropriate pH, such as the acidic microenvironment of tumor tissue or the endosome. In this paper, biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(caprolactone‐gradient‐trimethylene carbonate)‐based polymeric vesicles have been developed with disassembly features at mild acidic conditions. Modifying the polymer backbone with imidazole moieties results in vesicle disassembly upon protonation due to the lowered pH. Furthermore, upon increasing the pH efficient re‐assembly into vesicles is observed due to the switchable amphiphilic nature of the polymer. When this re‐assembly process is conducted in presence of cargo, enhanced encapsulation is achieved. Furthermore, the potency of the polymeric system for future biomedical applications such as adjuvant delivery is demonstrated.
Can arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi speed up carbon sequestration by enhanced weathering?
Authors: Verbruggen Erik , Struyf Eric , Vicca Sara
Published: February 2021

Societal Impact Statement

Mitigating climate change and increasing agricultural sustainability are twin challenges society faces in the upcoming decades. One measure that can contribute to reducing atmospheric CO2 is "enhanced weathering" through application of ground silicates. Here we propose that mycorrhizal fungi may critically contribute to the success of enhanced weathering in agricultural systems. Fundamental lab‐based experiments now need to go hand in hand with real‐world field trials, with the goal to optimize both decarbonization and environmental sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have significantly contributed to weathering of the earth's surface since their evolutionary origin 400–500 million years ago. They have been a key player in the global carbon cycle over geological timescales. In order to reach the global warming targets as agreed at the Paris summit in 2015, implementation of negative emission technologies is necessary. Among the options, one of the simplest is "enhanced weathering", where silicate rock is ground into small particles to enhance weathering rate. Here we synthesize the ways by which mycorrhizal fungi interact with these particles when applied to agricultural fields, and suggest they may stimulate weathering by various direct and indirect mechanisms. We conclude that because the intensity with which mycorrhiza interact with soil is tightly related to plant provisioning of photosynthates in exchange for soil‐derived nutrients, weathering rates and hence carbon sequestration are likely to increase with agricultural activities that stimulate plant reliance on and investment in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Betamethasone versus dexamethasone for inpatient preschool wheezing—A case‐control study
Authors: Gileles‐Hillel Alex , Guttman Sharon , Breuer Oded , Reiter Joel , Leshem Regina , Shoseyov David , Kerem Eitan , Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives

Wheezing is one of the most common reasons for the presentation of children to primary care or the emergency ward, before 7 years of age. Current guidelines recommend a short course of oral corticosteroids (OCS) for those children with a wheezing attack severe enough to require hospitalization. However, the optimal choice of therapy is controversial. We aimed to compare the efficacy of betamethasone to that of dexamethasone in achieving clinical response in preschool children requiring hospitalization for an acute wheezing attack.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. Medical records of healthy children without significant comorbidities between 1 and 7 years of age (n = 234) admitted with a moderate‐severity acute wheezing attack to two pediatric wards between 2014 and 2018 were included. All children were treated with either betamethasone or dexamethasone exclusively during the hospitalization. The primary outcome of interest was the length of hospital stay (LOS).

Results

The demographic parameters and the clinical severity of wheezing episodes were similar in the two study groups, as was the LOS. However, the dexamethasone cumulative dose used during hospitalization was significantly larger than the betamethasone cumulative dose (3.76 (1.88–5.64) vs. 1.86 (1.24–3.1) mg/kg of prednisone‐equivalent dose, p < .001).

Conclusion

In preschool children with acute wheezing requiring hospitalization, betamethasone achieved a similar clinical response when compared to dexamethasone, with a lower cumulative steroid dose. Further studies are needed to understand the additional benefits of betamethasone over other steroids or placebo.
Telemedicine in children with medical complexity on home ventilation during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Onofri Alessandro , Pavone Martino , De Santis Simone , Verrillo Elisabetta , Caggiano Serena , Ullmann Nicola , Cutrera Renato
Published: February 2021

Children with medical complexity (CMC) are patients with one or more complex chronic conditions dependent on medical technologies. In our unit (Pediatric Pulmonology and Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital and Research Institute), we regularly follow‐up CMC patients, particularly children on long‐term, invasive (IMV) or noninvasive (NIV), ventilation. Children suffering from chronic diseases and with medical complexity have lost the possibility to go to the hospital during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this article is to describe our experience with telemedicine (teleconsultation [TC] and telemonitoring of ventilator [TM]) in CMC on ventilation. We presented 21 children on long‐term ventilation (NIV or IMV) whose planned hospital admission was postponed due to lockdown. A total of 12 healthcare problems were detected during scheduled TCs. Only one problem was not solved by our remote intervention. Specifically, TM has allowed us to change the ventilator parameters and to monitor patients on ventilation remotely. In conclusion, the use of telemedicine in CMC ventilated patients resulted in a feasible tool to avoid in‐person visits during the pandemic.
Quantifying the circulation induced by convective clouds in kilometer‐scale simulations
Authors: Oertel Annika , Schemm Sebastian
Published: February 2021

The complex coupling between the large‐scale atmospheric circulation, which is explicitly resolved in modern numerical weather and climate models, and cloud‐related diabatic processes, which are parameterized, is an important source of error in weather predictions and climate projections. To quantify the interactions between clouds and the large‐scale circulation, a method is employed that attributes a far‐ and near‐field circulation to the cloud system. The method reconstructs the cloud‐induced flow based on estimates of vorticity and divergence over a limited domain and does not require the definition of a background flow. It is subsequently applied to 12‐ and 2‐km simulations of convective clouds, which form within the large‐scale cloud band ahead of the upper‐level jet associated with an extratropical cyclone over the North Atlantic. The cloud‐induced circulation is directed against the jet, reaches up to 10 m·s−1, and compares well between both simulations. The flow direction is in agreement with what can be expected from a vorticity dipole that forms in the vicinity of the clouds. Hence, in the presence of embedded convection, the wind speed does not steadily decrease away from the jet, as it does in cloud‐free regions, but exhibits a pronounced negative anomaly, which can now be explained by the cloud‐induced circulation. Furthermore, the direction of the reconstructed circulation suggests that the cloud induces a flow that counteracts its advection by the jet. Convective clouds therefore propagate more slowly than their surroundings, which may affect the distribution of precipitation. The method could be used to compare cloud‐induced flow at different resolutions and between different parameterizations.
Does fiscal decentralization and eco‐innovation promote sustainable environment? A case study of selected fiscally decentralized countries
Authors: Ji Xiangfeng , Umar Muhammad , Ali Shahid , Ali Wajid , Tang Kai , Khan Zeeshan
Published: February 2021

This study highlights the importance of fiscal decentralization in promoting a sustainable environment. The literature on the importance of fiscal decentralization in affecting environmental quality is scant, and thus, this study attempts to fill the gap by incorporating the linear and nonlinear terms of fiscal decentralization as possible determinants for CO2 emissions. Particularly, we utilize data from seven highly fiscally decentralized countries, that is, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, over the period 1990–2018. For empirical analysis, advanced panel data econometric tools are used that can deal with both heterogeneous coefficients and dependence of cross‐sections. The findings confirm that linear and nonlinear terms of fiscal decentralization improve the environment by reducing CO2 emissions. Moreover, gross domestic product (GDP) increases, while eco‐innovation and renewable energy usage reduce CO2 emissions. This study recommends that any policy that targets green growth will affect CO2 emissions. Moreover, policies targeting fiscal decentralization, GDP, eco‐innovation, and renewable energy will play the role in more than 1 year, namely in the long run.
Psychological adjustment in care providers following restraint of psychiatric patients
Authors: Holm Tine , Dolmer Signe , Staugaard Søren Risløv , Simonsen Arndis , Mors Ole
Published: February 2021

Mental healthcare providers face many difficult interactions with patients that can be emotionally demanding and have adverse effects on their well‐being. Recent theoretical models suggest that the interpretation of stressful episodes may be more important for psychological adjustment than the nature of the episodes. This study examined whether care providers' interpretations of mechanical restraint episodes were related to their adjustment. We asked 80 mental healthcare providers to recall mechanical restraint episodes and to rate them on centrality to identity and positive and negative influence on self‐understanding. They also completed scales measuring current symptoms of post‐traumatic stress, depression, life satisfaction, and well‐being. The results showed that care providers who interpreted mechanical restraint episodes as having a central negative influence on their identity experienced more symptoms of post‐traumatic stress. Care providers who gave higher ratings of positive self‐change following episodes reported more well‐being. Our findings suggest, that considering care providers' subjective interpretations of episodes and not merely the objective facts surrounding them is critical if we wish to mitigate the negative emotional impact of episodes.
Why does computation of centiles from equations for umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and cerebroplacental ratio from Fetal Medicine Foundation study of 72 387 fetuses not agree with tabular results?
Authors: DeVore G. R.
Published: February 2021

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Ciobanu et al. Click here to view the article.
Heterogeneous ozonation of ofloxacin using MnOx‐CeOx/γ‐Al2O3 as a catalyst: Performances, degradation kinetics and possible degradation pathways
Authors: Xu Shengkai , Yang Jiaxin , Hussein Rafaat , Liu Guangqing , Su Bensheng
Published: February 2021

In this study, the performance of ofloxacin (OFX) degradation in synthetic wastewater using synthesized MnOx‐CeOx/γ‐Al2O3 as a heterogeneous ozonation catalyst was evaluated. The removal rates of OFX and chemical oxygen demand (COD) during 15‐day continuous‐flow experiments were 98.2% and 76.7% on average, respectively. An ozone index (mgCOD/mgO3) of 1.09 with a high ozone utilization efficiency of 91.39% was achieved. The pseudo‐first‐order rate constant of ofloxacin degradation reached 15.216 × 10−2 min−1, which was five times that (3.085 × 10−2 min−1) without catalysts. The results of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) demonstrated that a variety of small‐molecule organics occurred in the final oxidation products, such as 4‐hydroxyl‐4‐methyl‐2‐pentanone and 2‐oxoadipic acid in addition to homologs of OFX. The results of this study suggested that hydroxyl radicals played critical roles in the degradation and mineralization of OFX via four main pathways: (a) electrophilic addition of nitrogen; (b) breakdown of carbon‐carbon double bonds; (c) hydrolysis of ether rings; and (d) halodecarboxylation of carboxyl groups. The biodegradability (BOD5/COD) of OFX after catalytic ozonation reached 0.54.

Practitioner points

Ofloxacin wastewater was treated using catalytic ozonation in a 15‐day continuous experiment with MnOx‐CeOx/γ‐Al2O3 as a catalyst.

The ozone index reached 1.09 mgCOD/mgO3 during ozonation of ofloxacin.

The presence of the catalyst increased the reaction rate constant by a factor of five.

4‐hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐2‐pentanone was the primary ofloxacin oxidation product.
Conjugated Bis(triarylboranes) with Disconnected Conjugation
Authors: Riensch Nicolas Alexander , Swoboda Lukas , Lik Artur , Krummenacher Ivo , Braunschweig Holger , Helten Holger
Published: February 2021

A series of methylene‐bridged bis(triarylboranes) has been synthesized via two complementary routes using metal‐free catalytic Si/B exchange condensation under mild conditions. The title compounds comprise two borane moieties that show effective internal π‐conjugation involving the respective boron centers and the adjacent hetaryl groups. Conjugation between both borane units, however, is disrupted by the aliphatic linker. Cyclic voltammetry revealed minimal electronic communication between the boron centers, as evidenced by two closely spaced reduction processes. The UV‐vis spectra showed bathochromic shifted absorption bands compared to related monoboranes, which is attributed to the methylene bridge. A further red‐shift results upon introduction of methyl or SiMe3 groups at the terminal thiophene rings.
Elektronisches Lernen für Studenten in der Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde durch Nutzung des Content-Management-Systems ILIAS
Authors: van Bonn Sara M. , Grajek Jan S. , Großmann Wilma , Bernd Hans E. , Rettschlag Stefanie , Mlynski Robert , Weiss Nora M.
Published: February 2021

Hintergrund

Der Präsenzunterricht ist die vorherrschende Lehrmethode der Universitäten, ist jedoch im Rahmen der digitalen Transformation und des zunehmenden Zugriffs auf Online-Lehrmaterialien zu hinterfragen. Ziel dieser Studie war es zu evaluieren, inwiefern das elektronische Lernen (E-Learning) online als Ersatz für das herkömmliche Anwesenheitspraktikum für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde genutzt werden kann.

Material und Methoden

Ein vollständig digitales elektronisches Lernkonzept wurde auf der Online-Lernplattform ILIAS erstellt und zur Verfügung gestellt. Die teilnehmenden Studierenden wurden in das elektronische Lernprogramm eingewiesen. Es wurden 4 Lerneinheiten (äußerer Hals [I], Rachen/Kehlkopf [II], Nase [III], Ohr [IV]) eingerichtet. Nach jeder Lerneinheit erfolgte abschließend ein themenentsprechender Multiple-Choice-Test. Sowohl vor als auch nach Durchführung der Lernkurse wurden die Studierenden gebeten, an der Evaluation teilzunehmen.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt 105 Studierende nahmen vor und 85 Studierende nach erfolgtem elektronischem Lernprogramm an der Evaluation teil. Die Mehrheit der Studierenden (52,94 %) gab nach Durchführung der Kurse einen signifikant höheren Zufriedenheitswert bezüglich des Inhalts, der Darstellung der Lernsequenzen und der eigenen Kontrolle über Lerntempo bzw. Zeiteinteilung gegenüber dem Zeitpunkt vor Absolvierung des elektronischen Lernprogramms (34,29 %) an (p < 0,0001). Ein Großteil der Studierenden (54,12 %) wünscht sich das elektronische Lernangebot zusätzlich zur Präsenzlehre.

Schlussfolgerungen

Das elektronische Lernprogramm ist ein vielversprechender Ansatz als Alternative bzw. Ergänzung zum traditionellen Lernen bzw. dem Lernen durch die Teilnahme an Präsenzveranstaltungen. Eine Erweiterung der digitalen Lehre kann auf der Basis dieser Untersuchung ausdrücklich unterstützt werden.
The lateral intraparietal sulcus takes viewpoint changes into account during memory-guided attention in natural scenes
Authors: Salsano Ilenia , Santangelo Valerio , Macaluso Emiliano
Published: February 2021

Previous studies demonstrated that long-term memory related to object-position in natural scenes guides visuo-spatial attention during subsequent search. Memory-guided attention has been associated with the activation of memory regions (the medial-temporal cortex) and with the fronto-parietal attention network. Notably, these circuits represent external locations with different frames of reference: egocentric (i.e., eyes/head-centered) in the dorsal attention network vs. allocentric (i.e., world/scene-centered) in the medial temporal cortex. Here we used behavioral measures and fMRI to assess the contribution of egocentric and allocentric spatial information during memory-guided attention. At encoding, participants were presented with real-world scenes and asked to search for and memorize the location of a high-contrast target superimposed in half of the scenes. At retrieval, participants viewed again the same scenes, now all including a low-contrast target. In scenes that included the target at encoding, the target was presented at the same scene-location. Critically, scenes were now shown either from the same or different viewpoint compared with encoding. This resulted in a memory-by-view design (target seen/unseen x same/different view), which allowed us teasing apart the role of allocentric vs. egocentric signals during memory-guided attention. Retrieval-related results showed greater search-accuracy for seen than unseen targets, both in the same and different views, indicating that memory contributes to visual search notwithstanding perspective changes. This view-change independent effect was associated with the activation of the left lateral intra-parietal sulcus. Our results demonstrate that this parietal region mediates memory-guided attention by taking into account allocentric/scene-centered information about the objects' position in the external world.
Impact of individualized management of breakthrough cancer pain on quality of life in advanced cancer patients: CAVIDIOPAL study
Authors: Tuca Rodríguez Albert , Núñez Viejo Miguel , Maradey Pablo , Canal-Sotelo Jaume , Guardia Mancilla Plácido , Gutiérrez Rivero Sonia , Raja Casillas Inmaculada , Herrera Abián María , López Bermudo Cristina
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The main aim of the study was to assess the impact of individualized management of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) on quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced cancer in clinical practice.

Methods

A prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted in patients with advanced cancer that were assisted by palliative care units. QoL was assessed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at baseline (V0) and after 28 days (V28) of individualized BTcP therapy. Data on background pain, BTcP, comorbidities, and frailty were also recorded.

Results

Ninety-three patients completed the study. Intensity, duration, and number of BTcP episodes were reduced (p < 0.001) at V28 with individualized therapy. Transmucosal fentanyl was used in 93.8% of patients, mainly by sublingual route. Fentanyl titration was initiated at low doses (78.3% of patients received doses of 67 μg, 100 μg, or 133 μg) according to physician evaluation. At V28, mean perception of global health status had increased from 31.1 to 53.1 (p < 0.001). All scales of EORTC QLQ-C30 significantly improved (p < 0.001) except physical functioning, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. Pain scale improved from 73.6 ± 22.6 to 35.7 ± 22.3 (p < 0.001). Moreover, 85.9% of patients reported pain improvement. Probability of no ≥ 25% improvement in QoL was significantly higher in patients ≥ 65 years old (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.001–1.079) and patients hospitalized at baseline (OR 4.126; 95% CI 1.227–13.873).

Conclusion

Individualized BTcP therapy improved QoL of patients with advanced cancer. Transmucosal fentanyl at low doses was the most used drug.

Trial registration

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT02840500) on July 19, 2016.
Visco- and poroelastic contributions of the zona pellucida to the mechanical response of oocytes
Authors: Stracuzzi Alberto , Dittmann Johannes , Böl Markus , Ehret Alexander E.
Published: February 2021

Probing mechanical properties of cells has been identified as a means to infer information on their current state, e.g. with respect to diseases or differentiation. Oocytes have gained particular interest, since mechanical parameters are considered potential indicators of the success of in vitro fertilisation procedures. Established tests provide the structural response of the oocyte resulting from the material properties of the cell’s components and their disposition. Based on dedicated experiments and numerical simulations, we here provide novel insights on the origin of this response. In particular, polarised light microscopy is used to characterise the anisotropy of the zona pellucida, the outermost layer of the oocyte composed of glycoproteins. This information is combined with data on volumetric changes and the force measured in relaxation/cyclic, compression/indentation experiments to calibrate a multi-phasic hyper-viscoelastic model through inverse finite element analysis. These simulations capture the oocyte’s overall force response, the distinct volume changes observed in the zona pellucida, and the structural alterations interpreted as a realignment of the glycoproteins with applied load. The analysis reveals the presence of two distinct timescales, roughly separated by three orders of magnitude, and associated with a rapid outflow of fluid across the external boundaries and a long-term, progressive relaxation of the glycoproteins, respectively. The new results allow breaking the overall response down into the contributions from fluid transport and the mechanical properties of the zona pellucida and ooplasm. In addition to the gain in fundamental knowledge, the outcome of this study may therefore serve an improved interpretation of the data obtained with current methods for mechanical oocyte characterisation.
Stochastic single machine scheduling problem as a multi-stage dynamic random decision process
Authors: Roohnavazfar Mina , Manerba Daniele , Fotio Tiotsop Lohic , Pasandideh Seyed Hamid Reza , Tadei Roberto
Published: February 2021

In this work, we study a stochastic single machine scheduling problem in which the features of learning effect on processing times, sequence-dependent setup times, and machine configuration selection are considered simultaneously. More precisely, the machine works under a set of configurations and requires stochastic sequence-dependent setup times to switch from one configuration to another. Also, the stochastic processing time of a job is a function of its position and the machine configuration. The objective is to find the sequence of jobs and choose a configuration to process each job to minimize the makespan. We first show that the proposed problem can be formulated through two-stage and multi-stage Stochastic Programming models, which are challenging from the computational point of view. Then, by looking at the problem as a multi-stage dynamic random decision process, a new deterministic approximation-based formulation is developed. The method first derives a mixed-integer non-linear model based on the concept of accessibility to all possible and available alternatives at each stage of the decision-making process. Then, to efficiently solve the problem, a new accessibility measure is defined to convert the model into the search of a shortest path throughout the stages. Extensive computational experiments are carried out on various sets of instances. We discuss and compare the results found by the resolution of plain stochastic models with those obtained by the deterministic approximation approach. Our approximation shows excellent performances both in terms of solution accuracy and computational time.
Atomistic Basis of Microtubule Dynamic Instability Assessed Via Multiscale Modeling
Authors: Hemmat Mahya , Odde David J.
Published: February 2021

Microtubule “dynamic instability,” the abrupt switching from assembly to disassembly caused by the hydrolysis of GTP to GDP within the β subunit of the αβ-tubulin heterodimer, is necessary for vital cellular processes such as mitosis and migration. Despite existing high-resolution structural data, the key mechanochemical differences between the GTP and GDP states that mediate dynamic instability behavior remain unclear. Starting with a published atomic-level structure as an input, we used multiscale modeling to find that GTP hydrolysis results in both longitudinal bond weakening (~ 4kBT) and an outward bending preference (~ 1.5kBT) to both drive dynamic instability and give rise to the microtubule tip structures previously observed by light and electron microscopy. More generally, our study provides an example where atomic level structural information is used as the sole input to predict cellular level dynamics without parameter adjustment.
Stochastic flowering phenology in Dactylis glomerata populations described by Markov chain modelling
Authors: Frisk Carl A. , Adams-Groom Beverley , Skjøth Carsten A.
Published: February 2021

Understanding the relationship between flowering patterns and pollen dispersal is important in climate change modelling, pollen forecasting, forestry and agriculture. Enhanced understanding of this connection can be gained through detailed spatial and temporal flowering observations on a population level, combined with modelling simulating the dynamics. Species with large distribution ranges, long flowering seasons, high pollen production and naturally large populations can be used to illustrate these dynamics. Revealing and simulating species-specific demographic and stochastic elements in the flowering process will likely be important in determining when pollen release is likely to happen in flowering plants. Spatial and temporal dynamics of eight populations of Dactylis glomerata were collected over the course of two years to determine high-resolution demographic elements. Stochastic elements were accounted for using Markov chain approaches in order to evaluate tiller-specific contribution to overall population dynamics. Tiller-specific developmental dynamics were evaluated using three different RV matrix correlation coefficients. We found that the demographic patterns in population development were the same for all populations with key phenological events differing only by a few days over the course of the seasons. Many tillers transitioned very quickly from non-flowering to full flowering, a process that can be replicated with Markov chain modelling. Our novel approach demonstrates the identification and quantification of stochastic elements in the flowering process of D. glomerata, an element likely to be found in many flowering plants. The stochastic modelling approach can be used to develop detailed pollen release models for Dactylis, other grass species and probably other flowering plants.
Dynamic Spectrum Management with Network Function Virtualization for UAV Communication
Authors: Xu Zhengjia , Petrunin Ivan , Tsourdos Antonios
Published: February 2021

Rapid increases in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) applications are attributed to severe spectrum collision issues, especially when UAVs operate in spectrum scarce environments, such as urban areas. Dynamic air-to-ground (A2G) link solutions can mitigate this issue by utilizing programmable communication hardware in the air and real-time assignment of spectrum resources to achieve high-throughput and low-latency connectivity between UAVs and operators. To mitigate the high-computation issue among ground control station (GCS) networks and provide a broad communication coverage for large number of UAVs, we propose an advanced UAV A2G communication solution integrated with the dynamic spectrum management (DSM) and network function virtualization (NFV) technology to serve urban operations. The edge-cutting UAV communication technologies are surveyed. The proposed scheme is discussed in terms of the high-level system architecture, virtual network architecture, specific virtual functions (SVFs), and affiliated operation support databases. Some major research challenges are highlighted and the possible directions of future research are identified.
Influence of Krypton Seeding on EU DEMO Operation with Lithium Divertor
Authors: Poradziński M. , Ivanova-Stanik I. , Pełka G. , Pericoli Ridolfini V. , Zagórski R.
Published: February 2021

DEMO reactor with liquid lithium divertor operation in presence of krypton seeding is analyzed. Integrated core-scrape-off layer-divertor code COREDIV is used. Sputtering model is revised and sputtering dependence on the divertor surface temperature fitted to the experimental data is added. It was found that Kr seeding is beneficial for DEMO operation. Plasma fuel dilution by lithium ions is reduced to the level of $$1\%$$

1
%

for high level of Kr seeding and fusion power is comparable to the modelling results for argon or neon seeded DEMO with tungsten divertor. Simulations show that high confinement mode is possible in presence of Kr seeding (power across the separatrix stays above the L-H threshold).
Comparing Methods and Defining Practical Requirements for Extracting Harmonic Tidal Components from Groundwater Level Measurements
Authors: Schweizer Daniel , Ried Vincent , Rau Gabriel C. , Tuck Jonathan E. , Stoica Petre
Published: February 2021

The groundwater pressure response to the ubiquitous Earth and atmospheric tides provides a largely untapped opportunity to passively characterize and quantify subsurface hydro-geomechanical properties. However, this requires reliable extraction of closely spaced harmonic components with relatively subtle amplitudes but well-known tidal periods from noisy measurements. The minimum requirements for the suitability of existing groundwater records for analysis are unknown. This work systematically tests and compares the ability of two common signal processing methods, the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and harmonic least squares (HALS), to extract harmonic component properties. First, realistic conditions are simulated by analyzing a large number of synthetic data sets with variable sampling frequencies, record durations, sensor resolutions, noise levels and data gaps. Second, a model of two real-world data sets with different characteristics is validated. The results reveal that HALS outperforms the DFT in all aspects, including the ability to handle data gaps. While there is a clear trade-off between sampling frequency and record duration, sampling rates should not be less than six samples per day and records should not be shorter than 20 days when simultaneously extracting tidal constituents. The accuracy of detection is degraded by increasing noise levels and decreasing sensor resolution. However, a resolution of the same magnitude as the expected component amplitude is sufficient in the absence of excessive noise. The results provide a practical framework to determine the suitability of existing groundwater level records and can optimize future groundwater monitoring strategies to improve passive characterization using tidal signatures.
A survey-based analysis of the public’s willingness for disaster relief in China
Authors: Hu Zewen , Zhang Xiaocai , Cui Jingjing , Zhang Lijie , Ahmed Wasim
Published: February 2021

Meteorological disasters frequently occur in China and around the world. These natural hazards can cause huge economic losses and threaten the personal safety of citizens. The public’s willingness to engage with disaster relief efforts and the degree of participation is critical to reduce the impact of such disasters. This study conducted a survey with 62,903 respondents from China. The study utilized statistical analysis and correlation analysis in order to understand the differences and similarities of the public’s willingness to take part in disaster relief across gender and age. The study found that: (1) the public’s awareness of insurance and willingness to make donations during climate disasters is low, and that more than half of the public are only willing to insure for very less money; (2) although the public has very high enthusiasm to participate in disaster relief, they are less willing to learn the basic skills of reducing disasters and for participating in training for disaster reduction as volunteers. This was especially the case for elderly citizens and females; (3) the willingness of the public to prevent and reduce disasters is high, and this was the case across various gender and age groups. Finally, the study puts forward several measures to improve the uptake of disaster relief and disaster prevention among citizens.
Reconsidering the Dispositional Essentialist Canon
Authors: Kimpton-Nye Samuel
Published: February 2021

Dispositional Essentialism is a unified anti-Humean account of the metaphysics of low-level physical properties and laws of nature. In this paper, I articulate the view that I label Canonical Dispositional Essentialism (CDE), which comprises a structuralist metaphysics of properties and an account of laws as relations in the property structure. I then present an alternative anti-Humean account of properties and laws (still somewhat in the dispositional essentialist spirit). This account rejects CDE’s structuralist metaphysics of properties in favour of a view of properties as qualitative grounds of dispositions and it rejects CDE’s view of laws as relations in favour of a view of laws as features of an efficient description of possible property distributions. I then defend this view over CDE on the grounds that it can overcome an explanatory shortcoming of CDE and that it achieves a level of continuity with science that CDE fails to achieve. The upshot of this paper is a significant narrowing of the range of possibilities in which the absolutely best unified account of laws and properties resides.
The measurement performance of the EQ-5D-5L versus EQ-5D-3L in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Bató Alex , Brodszky Valentin , Gergely L. Hunor , Gáspár Krisztián , Wikonkál Norbert , Kinyó Ágnes , Szabó Ákos , Beretzky Zsuzsanna , Szegedi Andrea , Remenyik Éva , Kiss Norbert , Sárdy Miklós , Rencz Fanni
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects up to 1% of the population in Europe. The EQ-5D is the most commonly used generic instrument for measuring health-related quality of life among HS patients. This study aims to compare the measurement properties of the two adult versions of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L) in patients with HS.

Methods

We recruited 200 consecutive patients with HS (mean age 37 years, 38% severe or very severe HS) to participate in a multicentre cross-sectional survey. Patients completed the EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-16 questionnaires.

Results

More than twice as many different health state profiles occurred in the EQ-5D-5L compared to the EQ-5D-3L (101 vs. 43). A significant reduction in ceiling effect was found for the mobility, self-care and usual activities dimensions. A good agreement was established between the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.872 (95% CI 0.830–0.903; p < 0.001) that was confirmed by a Bland-Altman plot. EQ-5D-5L improved both the absolute and relative informativity in all dimensions except for anxiety/depression. EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L demonstrated similar convergent validity with DLQI and Skindex-16. EQ-5D-5L was able to better discriminate between known groups of patients based on the number of comorbidities and disease severity (HS-Physician's Global Assessment).

Conclusion

In patients with HS, the EQ-5D-5L outperformed the EQ-5D-3L in feasibility, ceiling effects, informativity and known-groups validity for many important clinical characteristics. We recommend using the EQ-5D-5L in HS patients across various settings, including clinical care, research and economic evaluations.
Mutations of Human DopamineTransporter at Tyrosine88, Aspartic Acid206, and Histidine547 Influence Basal and HIV-1 Tat‐inhibited Dopamine Transport
Authors: Quizon Pamela M. , Yuan Yaxia , Zhu Yike , Zhou Yi , Strauss Matthew J. , Sun Wei-Lun , Zhan Chang-Guo , Zhu Jun
Published: February 2021

HIV-1 transactivator of transcription (Tat) has a great impact on the development of HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders through disrupting dopamine transmission. This study determined the mutational effects of human dopamine transporter (hDAT) on basal and Tat-induced inhibition of dopamine transport. Compared to wild-type hDAT, the maximal velocity (Vmax) of [3H]dopamine uptake was decreased in D381L and Y88F/D206L/H547A, increased in D206L/H547A, and unaltered in D206L. Recombinant TatR1 − 86 inhibited dopamine uptake in wild-type hDAT, which was attenuated in either DAT mutants (D206L, D206L/H547A, and Y88F/D206L/H547A) or mutated TatR1 − 86 (K19A and C22G), demonstrating perturbed Tat-DAT interaction. Mutational effects of hDAT on the transporter conformation were evidenced by attenuation of zinc-induced increased [3H]WIN35,428 binding in D206L/H547A and Y88F/D206A/H547A and enhanced basal MPP+ efflux in D206L/H547A. H547A-induced outward-open transport conformational state was further validated by enhanced accessibility to MTSET ([2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]-methanethiosulfonate) of an inserted cysteine (I159C) on a hDAT background.. Furthermore, H547A displayed an increase in palmitoylation inhibitor-induced inhibition of dopamine uptake relative to wide-type hDAT, indicating a change in basal palmitoylation in H547A. These results demonstrate that Y88F, D206L, and H547A attenuate Tat inhibition while preserving DA uptake, providing insights into identifying targets for improving DAT-mediated dopaminergic dysregulation.

Graphical Abstract

HIV-1 Tat inhibits dopamine uptake through human dopamine transporter (hDAT) on the presynaptic terminal through a direct allosteric interaction. Key hDAT residues D-H547, D-Y88, and D-D206 are predicted to be involved in the HIV-1 Tat-DAT binding. Mutating these residues attenuates this inhibitory effect by disrupting the Tat-hDAT interaction
Large-scale integration of offshore wind into the Japanese power grid
Authors: Komiyama Ryoichi , Fujii Yasumasa
Published: February 2021

Offshore wind power attracts intensive attention for decarbonizing power supply in Japan, because Japan has 1600 GW of offshore wind potential in contrast with 300 GW of onshore wind. Offshore wind availability in Japan, however, is significantly constrained by seacoast geography where very deep ocean is close to its coastal line, and eventually, nearly 80% of offshore wind resource is found in an ocean depth deeper than 50 m. Therefore, power system planning should consider both the location of available offshore wind resource and the constraint of power grid integration. This paper analyzes the impact of power grid integration of renewable resources including offshore wind power by considering the detailed location of offshore wind resource and the detailed topology of power grid. The study is performed by an optimal power generation mix model, highlighted by detailed spatial resolution derived from 383 nodes and 472 bulk power transmission lines with hourly temporal resolution through a year. The model identifies the optimal integration of power generation from variable renewables, including offshore wind, given those predetermined capacities. The results imply that, together with extensive solar PV integration, total 33 GW of offshore wind, composed of 20 GW of fixed foundation offshore wind and 13 GW of floating offshore wind could contribute to achieve 50% of renewable penetration in the power supply of Japan, and that scale of offshore wind integration provides a technically feasible picture of large-scale renewable integration in the Japanese power sector.
Patients with rare endocrine conditions have corresponding views on unmet needs in clinical research
Authors:   on behalf of Research and Science Work Package of Endo-ERN, de Graaf Johan P. , de Vries Friso , Dirkson Anne , Hiort Olaf , Pereira Alberto M. , Korbonits Márta , Cools Martine
Published: February 2021

Purpose

European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions' (Endo-ERN) mission is to reduce and ultimately abolish inequalities in care for patients with rare endocrine conditions in Europe. This study assesses which themes related to rare endocrine conditions are prioritized by patients for clinical research.

Methods

A survey was developed, translated into 22 different European languages, and distributed to patients with rare endocrine conditions. Patients were asked to give priority scores to listed prespecified topics: fertility, heritability, tiredness, daily medicine intake, sleep quality, physical discomfort, and ability to work, partake in social life, and sports. They were also asked to suggest further important areas for research in open fields.

Results

After data cleaning, 1378 survey responses were analyzed. Most responses were received from Northern (47%) and Western Europeans (39%), while Southern (11%) and Eastern Europe (2%) were underrepresented. Respondents were most interested in research concerning ability to participate in social life and work. Patients suggested key areas to work: long-term side effects of medical treatments and quality of life. Some priorities differed between disease groups, both for prespecified and open topics and reflected aspects of patients’ individual conditions.

Conclusions

With this large survey, Endo-ERN gained insight into patients’ unmet needs in scientific research. Patients prioritized research on ability to work and participation in social activities, though needs differ between the disease groups. Clinical experts should incorporate the results of this survey into the design of future studies on rare endocrine conditions. We aim to utilize these results in designing patient-reported outcome measures for the disease areas covered by Endo-ERN.
Rearrangement of Actin Cytoskeleton by Zika Virus Infection Facilitates Blood–Testis Barrier Hyperpermeability
Authors: Nie Yiwen , Hui Lixia , Guo Moujian , Yang Wei , Huang Rui , Chen Junsen , Wen Xinyue , Zhao Meng , Wu Ying
Published: February 2021

In recent years, various serious diseases caused by Zika virus (ZIKV) have made it impossible to be ignored. Confirmed existence of ZIKV in semen and sexually transmission of ZIKV suggested that it can break the blood–testis barrier (BTB), or Sertoli cell barrier (SCB). However, little is known about the underlying mechanism. In this study, interaction between actin, an important component of the SCB, and ZIKV envelope (E) protein domain III (EDIII) was inferred from co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis. Confocal microscopy confirmed the role of actin filaments (F-actin) in ZIKV infection, during which part of the stress fibers, the bundles that constituted by paralleled actin filaments, were disrupted and presented in the cell periphery. Colocalization of E and reorganized actin filaments in the cell periphery of transfected Sertoli cells suggests a participation of ZIKV E protein in ZIKV-induced F-actin rearrangement. Perturbation of F-actin by cytochalasin D (CytoD) or Jasplakinolide (Jas) enhanced the infection of ZIKV. More importantly, the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of an in vitro mouse SCB (mSCB) model declined with the progression of ZIKV infection or overexpression of E protein. Co-IP and confocal microscopy analyses revealed that the interaction between F-actin and tight junction protein ZO-1 was reduced after ZIKV infection or E protein overexpression, highlighting the role of E protein in ZIKV-induced disruption of the BTB. We conclude that the interaction between ZIKV E and F-actin leads to the reorganization of F-actin network, thereby compromising BTB integrity.