bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineralogical and Micro-structural Investigation into the Mechanical Behaviour of a Soft Calcareous Mudstone
Authors: Simpson D. , Rouainia M. , Elia G.
Published: March 2021

The construction industry in Abu Dhabi is thriving and its coastline has some of the most ambitious structures in the world. Whilst the subsurface evaporitic and calcareous soft rocks of this region are of great geological interest, they are relatively poorly understood from a geotechnical engineering perspective, forcing foundation designs to be overly conservative. Understanding the stiffness of the underlying geology at small strains is of great importance for the accurate estimation of ground movements around excavations and foundations, and yet routine post-SI laboratory testing programmes tend to focus on basic rock mechanics tests such as UCS tests. These procedures are generally unsuitable for use with calcareous rocks due to their friable and moisture sensitive nature, and rarely obtain parameters representative of actual in situ behaviour. The calcareous mudstone investigated in this paper has mechanical and structural characteristics falling between those of a soil and those typical of a rock and, as such, requires a geotechnical testing approach that combines methods from both soil and rock mechanics disciplines. The mineralogical, micro-structural and mechanical characteristics of this lithology have been examined via a suite of testing techniques, including XRPD, SEM, advanced triaxial with bender elements, along with industry standard procedures. Shearing, tensile and consolidation behaviours have been explored. Examination of the micro- and macro-scale features of this material shows it to be highly structured, with strength and stiffness being controlled by inter-granular bonding of Dolomite grains, as well as by mean effective stress state and rate of strain. The presence of fibrous Palygorskite acts to reduce the degree of bonding, causing specimens rich in this clay mineral to have a more ductile mechanical behaviour.
Reducing the dosing frequency of selective digestive tract decontamination to three times daily provides effective decontamination of Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: de la Court Jara R. , Sigaloff Kim C. E. , Groot Thomas , van der Spoel Johan I. , Schade Rogier P.
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the effectiveness of selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) application three times daily (t.i.d.) compared to the standard four times daily (q.i.d.). Retrospective equivalence (combined non-inferiority and non-superiority design) study with a before-and-after design on a tertiary ICU in which the SDD frequency was reduced from q.i.d. to t.i.d. All patients with ICU admissions ≥72h and with ≥2 surveillance cultures collected on different dates were included in this study. We compared successful decontamination of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). Furthermore, time to decontamination, ICU-acquired GNB bacteraemia and 28-day mortality were compared between the two groups. In total 1958 ICU admissions (1236 q.i.d., 722 t.i.d). Decontamination was achieved during the first week of admission in 77% and 76% of patients receiving SDD q.i.d and t.i.d., respectively. Successful decontamination within 14 days (without consecutive acquisition of Gram-negative bacteria) was achieved in 69.3% of the admissions with q.i.d. versus 66.8% in t.i.d. SDD (p-value = 0.2519). The proportions of successful decontamination of GNB were equivalent in both groups (−0.025, 98% CI: −0.087; 0.037). There was no significant difference in time to decontamination between the two regimens (log-rank test p-value = 0.55). Incidence (episodes/1000 days) of ICU-acquired GNB bacteraemia was 0.9 in both groups, and OR for death at day 28 in the t.i.d. group compared to the q.i.d. group was 0.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.21). This study shows that a t.i.d. application regimen achieves similar outcomes to the standard q.i.d. regime, for both microbiological and clinical outcome measures.
X-ray Ptychography Imaging of Human Chromosomes After Low-dose Irradiation
Authors: Bhartiya Archana , Batey Darren , Cipiccia Silvia , Shi Xiaowen , Rau Christoph , Botchway Stanley , Yusuf Mohammed , Robinson Ian K.
Published: March 2021

Studies of the structural and functional role of chromosomes in cytogenetics have spanned more than 10 decades. In this work, we take advantage of the coherent X-rays available at the latest synchrotron sources to extract the individual masses of all 46 chromosomes of metaphase human B and T cells using hard X-ray ptychography. We have produced ‘X-ray karyotypes’ of both heavy metal–stained and unstained spreads to determine the gain or loss of genetic material upon low-level X-ray irradiation doses due to radiation damage. The experiments were performed at the I-13 beamline, Diamond Light Source, Didcot, UK, using the phase-sensitive X-ray ptychography method.
Mechanisms of thermal treatment on two dominant copepod species in O3/BAC processing of drinking water
Authors: Jiang Wei , Dong Sheng , Xu Fangfang , Chen Jing , Gong Chen , Wang Antai , Hu Zhangli
Published: March 2021

Phyllodiaptomus tunguidus and Heliodiaptomus falxus are dominant copepods species in drinking water processing plants in southern China. With a potential penetration risk, the breeding and leakage of copepods are drawing more and more attention in recent years. The current study provided a thermal treatment method to control copepods and their eggs. Results showed that: (1) the immediate death rates of P. tunguidus and H. falxus after heated to 34–40 °C for 5 min are positively correlated to the treatment temperatures (P < 0.01), and all individuals of the both species were eliminated after heated at 40 °C for 5 min; (2) overall hatching rates of P. tunguidus eggs were negatively correlated with treatment temperatures (P < 0.01) between 39–45 °C, with zero percent hatched after treatment at 45 °C for 5 min; (3) hatching rates of H. falxus were negatively correlated with treatment temperatures (P < 0.01) between 37–41 °C, with no nauplii hatched when treated at 41 °C for 5 min; (4) paraffin section histological examination indicated that thermal treatment caused severe damage to internal organs and egg structure. Finally, based on the experimental data, the application of the thermal treatment method was discussed in ozonation combined with biological activated carbon (O3/BAC) processing of drink water treatment.
Singularities, Black Holes, and Cosmic Censorship: A Tribute to Roger Penrose
Authors: Landsman Klaas
Published: March 2021

In the light of his recent (and fully deserved) Nobel Prize, this pedagogical paper draws attention to a fundamental tension that drove Penrose’s work on general relativity. His 1965 singularity theorem (for which he got the prize) does not in fact imply the existence of black holes (even if its assumptions are met). Similarly, his versatile definition of a singular space–time does not match the generally accepted definition of a black hole (derived from his concept of null infinity). To overcome this, Penrose launched his cosmic censorship conjecture(s), whose evolution we discuss. In particular, we review both his own (mature) formulation and its later, inequivalent reformulation in thepdeliterature. As a compromise, one might say that in “generic” or “physically reasonable” space–times, weak cosmic censorship postulates theappearance and stability of event horizons, whereas strong cosmic censorship asks for theinstability and ensuing disappearance of Cauchy horizons. As anencore, an “Appendix” by Erik Curiel reviews the early history of thedefinitionof a black hole.
SAT modulo discrete event simulation applied to railway design capacity analysis
Authors: Luteberget Bjørnar , Claessen Koen , Johansen Christian , Steffen Martin
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a new method of combining SAT with discrete event simulation. This new integration proved useful for designing a solver for capacity analysis in early phase railway construction design. Railway capacity is complex to define and analyze, and existing tools and methods used in practice require comprehensive models of the railway network and its timetables. Design engineers working within the limited scope of construction projects report that only ad-hoc, experience-based methods of capacity analysis are available to them. Designs often have subtle capacity pitfalls which are discovered too late, only when network-wide timetables are made—there is a mismatch between the scope of construction projects and the scope of capacity analysis, as currently practiced. We suggest a language for capacity specifications suited for construction projects, expressing properties such as running time, train frequency, overtaking and crossing. Such specifications can be used as contracts in the interface between construction projects and network-wide capacity analysis. We show how these properties can be verified fully automatically by building a special-purpose solver which splits the problem into two: an abstracted SAT-based dispatch planning, and a continuous-domain dynamics with timing constraints evaluated using discrete event simulation. The two components communicate in a CEGAR loop (counterexample-guided abstraction refinement). This architecture is beneficial because it clearly distinguishes the combinatorial choices on the one hand from continuous calculations on the other, so that the simulation can be extended by relevant details as needed. We describe how loops in the infrastructure can be handled to eliminate repeating dispatch plans, and use case studies based on data from existing infrastructure and ongoing construction projects to show that our method is fast enough at relevant scales to provide agile verification in a design setting. Similar SAT modulo discrete event simulation combinations could also be useful elsewhere where one or both of these methods are already applicable such as in bioinformatics or hardware/software verification.
Different profiles for the assessment of student theses in teacher education
Authors: Stolpe Karin , Björklund Lars , Lundström Mats , Åström Maria
Published: March 2021

Previous research shows a discrepancy between different teachers’ assessment of student theses. This might be an even larger problem in the context of teacher education, since teacher trainers originate from different disciplines. This study aims to investigate how different assessors prioritise between criteria for assessment. Criteria were elucidated using repertory grid interviews with teacher trainers. These criteria formed the basis for a web-based Qsort that was distributed to teacher trainers at three different universities. The 66 teacher trainers in this study represented different disciplines, but were all engaged in the supervision and examination of student theses from teacher education programmes. The analysis revealed three different factors, which have been labelled:logic text structure as product,research process as productandresults as product. The differences may not be explained by the background (e.g. discipline, university or gender) of the teacher trainers. Together, these three factors explain why teachers assessing student theses may accentuate different personal criteria. Hence, this might impact on their grading practice and also the interrater reliability.
Understanding Camouflaging as a Response to Autism-Related Stigma: A Social Identity Theory Approach
Authors: Perry Ella , Mandy William , Hull Laura , Cage Eilidh
Published: March 2021

Camouflaging refers to strategies used by autistic people to mask or hide social difficulties. The current study draws on Social Identity Theory to examine the relationship between camouflaging and autism-related stigma, testing the hypothesis that camouflaging represents an individualistic strategy in response to stigma. Two hundred and twenty-three autistic adults completed an online survey measuring perceived autism-related stigma, individualistic and collective strategies, camouflaging and mental wellbeing. Results indicated that higher camouflaging was positively associated with autism-related stigma and both individualistic and collective strategy use. Autism-related stigma was associated with lower wellbeing however this relationship was not mediated by camouflaging. These findings demonstrate how stigma contributes to camouflaging and highlight the complexities of navigating autistic identity while still camouflaging.
Managers are Less Burned-Out at the Top: the Roles of Sense of Power and Self-Efficacy at Different Hierarchy Levels
Authors: Korman Jennifer V. , Van Quaquebeke Niels , Tröster Christian
Published: March 2021

While managers generally seem to enjoy better mental health than regular employees, there are also plenty of reports about them suffering from burnout. The present study explores this relationship between hierarchy level and burnout in more detail. In doing so, we not only investigate what impact managerial rank may have on burnout, but we also contrast two different theoretically meaningful mediators for the relationship: sense of power (feeling in control over people) and work-related self-efficacy (feeling in control over tasks). The results of two surveys—the first with 580 managers (single-source) and the second with 154 managers matched with ratings from close others (multi-source)—show a negative relationship between managers’ hierarchy level and burnout that is explained by both mediators independently. Additional analyses reveal that high sense of power and high self-efficacy are both necessary conditions for low levels of burnout. Such fine-grained analyses allow us to understand why managers at the top are less threatened by burnout, in contrast to what some media reports suggest.
Chemical Variation among Castes, Female Life Stages and Populations of the Facultative Eusocial Sweat Bee Halictus rubicundus (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)
Authors: Steitz Iris , Paxton Robert J , Schulz Stefan , Ayasse Manfred
Published: March 2021

In eusocial insects, chemical communication is crucial for mediating many aspects of social activities, especially the regulation of reproduction. Though queen signals are known to decrease ovarian activation of workers in highly eusocial species, little is known about their evolution. In contrast, some primitively eusocial species are thought to control worker reproduction through physical aggression by the queen rather than via pheromones, suggesting the evolutionary establishment of chemical signals with more derived sociality. However, studies supporting this hypothesis are largely missing. Socially polymorphic halictid bees, such as Halictus rubicundus, with social and solitary populations in both Europe and North America, offer excellent opportunities to illuminate the evolution of caste-specific signals. Here we compared the chemical profiles of social and solitary populations from both continents and tested whether (i) population or social level affect chemical dissimilarity and whether (ii) caste-specific patterns reflect a conserved queen signal. Our results demonstrate unique odor profiles of European and North American populations, mainly due to different isomers of n-alkenes and macrocyclic lactones; chemical differences may be indicative of phylogeographic drift in odor profiles. We also found common compounds overproduced in queens compared to workers in both populations, indicating a potential conserved queen signal. However, North American populations have a lower caste-specific chemical dissimilarity than European populations which raises the question if both use different mechanisms of regulating reproductive division of labor. Therefore, our study gives new insights into the evolution of eusocial behavior and the role of chemical communication in the inhibition of reproduction.
Identifying Stabilising Effects on Survey Based Life Satisfaction Using Quasi-maximum Likelihood Estimation
Authors: Klement Johannes
Published: March 2021

To which extent do happiness correlates contribute to the stability of life satisfaction? Which method is appropriate to provide a conclusive answer to this question? Based on life satisfaction data of the German SOEP, we show that by Negative Binomial quasi-maximum likelihood estimation statements can be made as to how far correlates of happiness contribute to the stabilisation of life satisfaction. The results show that happiness correlates which are generally associated with a positive change in life satisfaction, also stabilise life satisfaction and destabilise dissatisfaction with life. In such as they lower the probability of leaving positive states of life satisfaction and increase the probability of leaving dissatisfied states. This in particular applies to regular exercise, volunteering and living in a marriage. We further conclude that both patterns in response behaviour and the quality of the measurement instrument, the life satisfaction scale, have a significant effect on the variation and stability of reported life satisfaction.
Second surgery for progressive glioblastoma: a multi‐centre questionnaire and cohort‐based review of clinical decision‐making and patient outcomes in current practice
Authors: Brennan P. M. , Borchert R. , Coulter C. , Critchley G. R. , Hall B. , Holliman D. , Phang I. , Jefferies S. J. , Keni S. , Lee L. , Liaquat I. , Marcus H. J. , Thomson S. , Thorne L. , Vintu M. , Wiggins A. N. , Jenkinson M. D. , Erridge S.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Glioblastoma prognosis is poor. Treatment options are limited at progression. Surgery may benefit, but no quality guidelines exist to inform patient selection. We sought to describe variations in surgical management at progression, highlight where further evidence is needed, and build towards a consensus strategy.

Methods

Current practice in selection of patients with progressive GBM for second surgery was surveyed online amongst specialists in the UK and Europe. We complemented this with an assessment of practice in a retrospective cohort study from six United Kingdom neurosurgical units. We used descriptive statistics to analyse the data.

Results

234 questionnaire responses were received. Maintaining or improving patient quality of life was key to decision making, with variation as to whether patient age, performance status or intended extent of resection was relevant. MGMT methylation status was not important. Half considered no minimum time after first surgery. 288 patients were reported in the cohort analysis. Median time to second surgery from first surgery 390 days. Median overall survival 815 days, with no association between time to second surgery and time to death (p = 0.874).

Conclusions

This is the most wide-ranging examination of contemporaneous practice in management of GBM progression. Without evidence-based guidelines, the variation is unsurprising. We propose consensus guidelines for consideration, to reduce heterogeneity in decision making, support data collection and analysis of factors influencing outcomes, and to inform clinical trials to establish whether second surgery improves patient outcomes, or simply selects to patients already performing well.
Are basic actors brainbound agents? Narrowing down solutions to the problem of probabilistic content for predictive perceivers
Authors: Britten-Neish George
Published: March 2021

Clark (Journal of Consciousness Studies, 25(3–4), 71–87, 2018) worries that predictive processing (PP) accounts of perception introduce a puzzling disconnect between the content of personal-level perceptual states and their underlying subpersonal representations. According to PP, in perception, the brain encodes information about the environment in conditional probability density distributions over causes of sensory input. But it seems perceptual experience only presents us with one way the world is at a time. If perception is at bottom probabilistic, shouldn’t this aspect of subpersonally represented content show up in consciousness? To address this worry, Clark argues that representations underlying personal-level content are constrained by the need to provide a single action-guiding take on the environment. However, this proposal rests a conception of the nature of agency, famously articulated by Davidson (1980a, b), that is inconsistent with a view of the mind as embodied-extended. Since Clark and other enactivist PP theorists present the extended mind as an important consequence of the predictive framework, the proposal is in tension with his complete view. I claim that this inconsistency could be resolved either by retaining the Davidsonian view of action and abandoning the extended-embodied approach, or by adopting a more processual, world-involving account of agency and perceptual experience than Clark currently endorses. To solve the puzzle he raises, Clark must become a radical enactivist or a consistent internalist.
Conjunctive paraconsistency
Authors: d’Agostini Franca
Published: March 2021

This article is a preliminary presentation ofconjunctive paraconsistency, the claim that there might be non-explosive true contradictions, but contradictory propositions cannot be considered separately true. In case of true ‘p and not p’, the conjuncts must be held untrue, Simplification fails. The conjunctive approach is dual to non-adjunctive conceptions of inconsistency, informed by the idea that there might be cases in which a proposition is true and its negation is true too, but the conjunction is untrue, Adjunction fails. While non-adjunctivism is a well-known option, the other view is not so much studied nowadays, but it was not unknown in the tradition, and there are some positive suggestions, in recent literature, that the position is plausible and deserves to be developed. The article compares conjunctivism, non-adjunctivism and dialetheism, then focuses on some possible justifications, costs and benefits of the conjunctive view.
Portfolio Selection with Irregular Time Grids: an example using an ICA-COGARCH(1, 1) approach
Authors: Bianchi Francesco , Mercuri Lorenzo , Rroji Edit
Published: March 2021

In this paper we consider a portfolio selection problem defined for irregularly spaced observations. We use the Independent Component Analysis for the identification of the dependence structure and continuous-time GARCH models for the marginals. We discuss both estimation and simulation of market prices in a context where the time grid of price quotations differs across assets. We present an empirical analysis of the proposed approach using two high-frequency datasets that provides better out-of-sample results than competing portfolio strategies except for the case of severe market conditions with frequent rebalancements.
‘Reaching the land of jihad’ - Dutch Syria volunteers, hijra and counter-conduct
Authors: de Koning Martijn
Published: March 2021

The topic of hijra is very much present in the ideological messages of IslamicState and Al Qaeda as well as in many studies exploring why and how people are motivated to join the violent struggles in Syria. Yet, with a few exceptions, many studies mention hijra as something self-evident without exploring the meanings attached to hijra among the volunteers who joined Al Qaeda and/or IS. Based upon ethnographic work among Dutch Islamic militant activists of the Behind Bars network constituting a very vocal early contingent of male Syria volunteers, this article explores the meanings of hijra. I will show that ideas about hijra were essential to the construction of their departure narratives and examine how hijra for them, in different and sometimes contradicting ways, became a pathway to an ethical and political transformation. One which was, at the same time, being instrumentalized to strengthen the very type of governance they tried to escape.
Der Antagonist des Antagonisten
Authors: Raaz Oliver
Published: March 2021

Als Folge der Digitalisierung erscheint die trennscharfe Unterscheidung von Werbung und PR zunehmend erschwert. Obwohl entsprechende Schwierigkeiten differenztheoretisch als Indikator für den prekären Konstruktionscharakter einer Unterscheidung gelten dürfen, hat die deutschsprachige Kommunikationswissenschaft sie bislang in Lehrbüchern als zentralen Medien der disziplinären Selbstverständigung noch keiner grundlegenden, kritischen Prüfung unterzogen. Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist daher die Dekonstruktion der kommunikationswissenschaftlichen Unterscheidung von Werbung und PR. Von der poststrukturalistischen Sozialtheorie ausgehend wird die fortdauernde normativ-hierarchische Form der Unterscheidung deutlich und als Antagonismus interpretiert. Eingebettet in ein fachgeschichtliches Portrait der Kommunikationswissenschaft zeigt sich, dass der Antagonismus sich auf das dominierende Denkmuster der ‚normativen Publizistikwissenschaft‘ zurückführen lässt und Selbstlegitimationsanliegen der PR(‑Forschung) unterstützt. Deshalb plädiert der Beitrag für grundlegende Perspektivwechsel der künftigen Forschung zum Verhältnis von PR und Werbung und stellt Empfehlungen für eine normative Kommunikationswissenschaft im Allgemeinen bereit.
Prüfungsangst in Mathematik am Ende der Grundschulzeit: Entwicklung und Interaktionen mit Leistung und Selbstkonzept
Authors: Jonberg Anna , Kastens Claudia Pereira , Lipowsky Frank
Published: March 2021

Dieser Beitrag prüft die Entwicklung der Prüfungsangst und deren Effekt auf die Leistungsentwicklung unter zusätzlicher Berücksichtigung des akademischen Selbstkonzepts anhand einer Stichprobe von N = 725 Grundschulkindern vom Ende des dritten bis Ende des vierten Schuljahres. Die Prüfungsangst fällt im untersuchten Zeitraum leicht ab und weist dabei eine mittlere korrelative Stabilität auf. CLP Analysen zeigen einen reziproken Zusammenhang von Prüfungsangst und Leistung. Werden diese Analysen für anhand einer latenten Profilanalyse identifizierten Klassen (relatives hohes, mittleres, geringes Selbstkonzept) durchgeführt, zeigen sich differenziertere Ergebnisse: Prüfungsangst ist bei Schüler*innen mit geringen Selbstkonzepten am höchsten und steigt außerdem an, während sie bei jenen mit hohen Selbstkonzepten geringer ausfällt und zusätzlich sinkt. Bei kompetenzüberzeugten Schüler*innen erweist sich die Prüfungsangst als negativer Prädiktor für Leistung, während sich die Effekte für diejenigen mit geringen Selbstkonzepten umkehren. Für Schüler*innen mit mittleren Selbstkonzepten zeigen sich keine Veränderungen in der Ausprägung der Prüfungsangst und keine Effekte mit der Leistung.
Challenges in High-grade Neuroendocrine Neoplasms and Mixed Neuroendocrine/Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: La Rosa Stefano
Published: March 2021

The growth in knowledge of the pathogenesis, molecular background, and immunohistochemical profile of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) has led not only to an increased awareness of these diseases but also to several changes of the nomenclature. In particular, the concept and terminology of high-grade (grade 3) NENs and mixed neoplasms have changed considerably over the last 20 years, creating some confusion among pathologists and clinicians. The aim of this review is to elucidate the diagnostic criteria, including the most important differential diagnoses of high-grade NENs and mixed neuroendocrine/non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs). The role of the Ki67 labelling index and morphology, used to define grade 3 NENs of the digestive system and lungs, is also discussed. The evolution of the concepts and terminology of MiNENs is revised, including the most important differential diagnoses.
Presentation and surgical management of a gossypiboma presenting with small bowel obstruction
Authors: Ryan George , Kawka Michal , Gnananandan Janakan , Yip Vincent
Published: March 2021

Gossypiboma is a cotton-based foreign body retained within the human body following a surgical procedure. Transmural migration of intra-abdominal gossypiboma into the small bowel is rare; however, it can present with life-threatening complications. We report a case of a 28-year-old male who presented with small bowel obstruction due to gossypiboma, 11 years after the initial surgical procedure. Due to the size of the retained surgical swab, 40 cm × 40 cm, an open surgical approach was preferred. Following removal of the retained swab and bowel reconstruction, the patient was followed in clinic and discharged without complications. Staff education and adherence to operating room record-keeping protocols can prevent gossypiboma. To the best of our knowledge such a long interval between the initial surgery and presentation of gossypiboma that large has not been previously reported in the literature.
The fossil record of whip spiders: the past of Amblypygi
Authors: Haug Carolin , Haug Joachim T.
Published: March 2021

Whip spiders (Amblypygi), as their name suggests, resemble spiders (Araneae) in some aspects, but differ from them by their heart-shaped (prosomal) dorsal shield, their prominent grasping pedipalps, and their subsequent elongate pair of feeler appendages. The oldest possible occurrences of whip spiders, represented by cuticle fragments, date back to the Devonian (c. 385 mya), but (almost) complete fossils are known from the Carboniferous (c. 300 mya) onwards. The fossils include specimens preserved on slabs or in nodules (Carboniferous, Cretaceous) as well as specimens preserved in amber (Cretaceous, Eocene, Miocene). We review here all fossil whip spider specimens, figure most of them as interpretative drawings or with high-quality photographs including 3D imaging (stereo images) to make the three-dimensional relief of the specimens visible. Furthermore, we amend the list by two new specimens (resulting in 37 in total). The fossil specimens as well as modern whip spiders were measured to analyse possible changes in morphology over time. In general, the shield appears to have become relatively broader and the pedipalps and walking appendages have become more elongate over geological time. The morphological details are discussed in an evolutionary framework and in comparison with results from earlier studies.
Mitigation of pretreatment-derived inhibitors during lignocellulosic ethanol fermentation using spent grain as a nitrogen source
Authors: Persson Michael , Galbe Mats , Wallberg Ola
Published: March 2021

Nitrogen-containing nutrient sources can be used to mitigate the negative effects of pretreatment-derived inhibitors on product formation rates during bioethanol production. Process economic limitations require these nutrients to be inexpensive. A method of hydrolyzing the protein in the spent grain fraction remaining after wheat grain saccharification, using porcine pancreas trypsin, is presented. This protein hydrolysate was shown to increase the volumetric productivity of ethanol production, measured after 24 h, during fermentation of a lignocellulosic hydrolysate from 0.24 to 0.60 g/L h. Although the effects on the productivity, on a per gram basis, were lower than with yeast extract, which increased the product formation rate to 1.64 g/L h, amino acid analysis of the soluble polypeptides in the protein hydrolysate showed that the feasibility of using spent grain as a nutrient source could be increased through optimization of the hydrolysis step. Furthermore, it was shown that pretreatment-derived inhibitors could reduce cell growth without affecting ethanol formation rates and that nutrient addition could increase ethanol formation rates without increasing cell growth. Finally, it was shown that the ability of nutrients to affect the product formation rate was limited above a certain inhibitor concentration.
Rethinking the Resource Curse
Authors: Smith Benjamin , Waldner David
Published: March 2021

This Element documents the diversity and dissensus of scholarship on the political resource curse, diagnoses its sources, and directs scholarly attention towards what the authors believe will be more fruitful avenues of future research. In the scholarship to date, there is substantial regional heterogeneity and substantial evidence denying the existence of a political resource curse. This dissensus is located in theory, measure, and research design, especially regarding measurement error and endogenous selection. The work then turns to strategies for reconnecting research on resource politics to the broader literature on democratic development. Finally, the results of the authors' own research is presented, showing that a set of historically contingent events in the Middle East and North Africa are at the root of what has been mistaken for a global political resource curse.
Contesting Catholics
Authors: Earle Jonathon L. , Carney J. J.
Published: March 2021

First scholarly treatment of Uganda's first elected ruler; offers new insights into the religious and political history of modern Uganda.
25179 The Community Mentor for Scholars Program: Pilot Program Results
Authors: Merrifield Angela , Lamere Michelle , Riggs Sheila , Bowman Nicole , Fulkerson Jayne A. , Shanedling Janet , Rohde Sara , Ingbar David H
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Strengthening investigator and community engagement to improve human health OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Community Engagement is one of the 14 core competencies for CT research defined by the CTSA Education Core Competency Work Group. To meet this, the UMN CTSI created the Community Mentor for Scholars Program with goals to: 1) train Scholars to engage stakeholders; and 2) provide community with formal mentoring training and linkages to researchers at UMN. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The CM Program was implemented over 12 months and includes four components. One, Scholars were trained in stakeholder identification and working with a community mentor (CM) through two seminars presented by expert faculty and staff. Two, CMs were identified, recruited, and matched with Scholars through a collaborative effort of our CTSI Education and Community Engagement cores. Three, Scholars and CMs learned about the program from a 2-hour Kick-Off event. Four, CMs and Scholars each completed four online modules developed through an NCATS administrative supplement. Scholar-CM pairs met at least four times to plan and hold a bi-directional ‘Community Conversation’ with an audience of key stakeholders convened by the CM. The CM Program was evaluated through in-person interviews. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In 2019-2020, CTSI initiated the pilot program with four KL2 Scholar - CM pairs. Two pairs did not complete the program due to time pressures, a parental leave, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Feedback from the two Scholar - CM pairs was positive, specifically:

CMs reported the training modules were useful, resulting in better understanding of CTSI research programs and increased capacity to mentor

Scholars felt the interactions with CMs positively impacted their future research

Mentors supported experiential learning, offered insight on community perspectives, and successfully facilitated community engagement principles. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The second cohort launched in late 2020 with inclusion of TL1 Scholars. They will be matched with CMs in spring 2021. After Cohort 2 completion, the program design and materials will be updated based on evaluation results from scholars and mentors and then will be piloted with select CTSAs before sharing across the CTSA consortium.
41896 Surveying knowledge of quality of dementia care among Latino caregivers
Authors: Keller Michelle S. , McCleskey Sara , Mays Allison , Sarkisian Catherine
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This qualitative study describes health system barriers to high-quality care for Latino older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Compared to non-Latino Whites, Latino older adults are more likely to receive low-quality dementia care such as high-risk medications or services. Caregivers play a critical role in managing medical care for persons with dementia (PWD). Yet little is known about the perceptions and knowledge of dementia quality of care among Latino caregivers of PWD. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We used a qualitative research design and conducted interviews with Latino caregivers of PWD and caregiver advocates. We recruited both from community organizations, senior centers, and clinics. Our interview guide focused on experiences of caregiving, interactions with medical system, and knowledge and experiences managing behavioral and eating problems. We used Grounded Theory methodology for coding and analysis, focusing on contrasting and comparing experiences within and between caregivers and caregiver advocates. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Preliminary results from interviews with two caregivers and two caregiver advocates illustrate that caregivers of persons with dementia have a difficult time receiving high quality care from primary care clinicians. All participants noted that many primary care doctors didn’t know how to diagnose ADRD and dismissed critical symptoms as part of old age. Caregivers also reported that they wished they had more information on what to expect with ADRD disease progression, noting they received little information from the formal medical care system. With respect to behavioral problems, caregiver advocates noted that primary care doctors often did not provide non-pharmacological alternatives to behavioral problems. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Findings from our pilot study demonstrate that there is a clear need to train primary care physicians who serve Latino older adults on ADRD care. Improved diagnosis and management could improve outcomes among Latino older adults with dementia.
57963 The Impact of Asian American Perceived Discrimination on Health Utilization
Authors: Le Thomas , Gee Gilbert , Dean Lorraine , Juon Hee-Soon , Saha Som
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Understanding how perceived discrimination affects Asian Americans can help stakeholders target subgroups that are at highest risk of discrimination-related behaviors and design culturally appropriate interventions to ensure equitable access to healthcare. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed longstanding anti-Asian racism in the US. Yet, effects of discrimination on Asian American health are unknown, partly because diverse Asian American populations are analyzed in aggregate. We aim to understand how perceived discrimination affects healthcare utilization among different Asian American subgroups. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We examine the association of perceived discrimination with healthcare utilization using the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). In the CHIS, respondents reported whether they would’ve gotten better medical care if they belonged to a different race. We examine the association between these responses and physician visits within the past year, in the survey years 2003, 2004 and 2016-2017. We adjust for covariates based on the Andersen Health Behavior model. Subsequent modeling examines potential mediating and moderating factors such as limited English proficiency, immigration status, income, and survey year. Asian American subgroups analyzed include Asian Indian, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, and other Asian. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Results will highlight how perceived discrimination incentivizes or disincentivizes certain Asian subgroups to utilize healthcare. Asian American subgroups have differing and diverse experiences with discrimination due to their historical and cultural differences; results will elucidate how discrimination affects these subgroups. Results will be compared to non-Hispanic Whites, who represent the racial group least likely to experience discrimination in the US. Mediation and moderation analysis will help understand how traditionally cited factors for healthcare utilization interact with perceived discrimination on Asian Americans. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Asian American subgroups are understudied, despite Asian Americans being one of the fastest growing racial groups in the US. Understanding how perceived discrimination affects Asian Americans can help stakeholders target subgroups that are at highest risk of discrimination-related behaviors and design culturally appropriate interventions.
49193 The Association Between Specialized Pro-resolving Lipid Mediators and Markers of Neuroinflammation and Disease Severity in Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective, Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Poblete Roy
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Characterizing specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) of inflammation in a cohort of adult patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) will potentially identify novel biomarkers of disease and would generate hypotheses regarding the role of SPMs in the pathophysiology and recovery after brain injury OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Primary aim: evaluate the association between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) SPM levels with inflammatory markers known to mediate blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Secondary aim: evaluate the association between SPM levels and disease severity, 14-day Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) and survival. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This is a single-center, prospective, observational cohort study (target N=50). Adult participants with moderate-to-severe non-penetrating TBI will have blood and CSF sampled serially for laboratory measures of SPMs (resolvins, protectins, lipoxins, maresins) and inflammatory peptides (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-9, TIMP-1) by liquid chromatography’‘ mass spectrometry and RT-PCR & ELISA, respectively. Baseline patient characteristics, admission GCS, and 14-day GCS and mortality will be prospectively collected. To evaluate the association between SPMs and other continuous variables, Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation will be used. Cox regression will be used to evaluate the association between SPM lipidomes and 14-day survival. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: As the primary outcome measure, the association between SPM levels with assayed inflammatory markers will be determined at 24 and 72 hours post-TBI. We hypothesize that SPMs will be negatively correlated with TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-9 and positively correlated with TIMP-1. As secondary outcome measures, the association between SPM levels with disease severity by admission GCS will be determined at 24 hours post-TBI, and the association between SPM levels and GCS and mortality will be determined at 14-days. We hypothesize that SPM levels will be positively associated with admission and 14-day GCS and will be independently associated with 14-day survival. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Using the SPM lipidome as a biomarker of disease is a novel tool for future translational research. It will inform a foundational mechanistic framework for TBI pathophysiology and attenuation of neuroinflammation post-TBI, providing rationale for pre-clinical and clinical research focused on novel therapeutics
13623 Daily relationship between social connectedness and health behaviors among dementia family caregivers
Authors: Meyer Kylie , Masoud Sara , Glassner Ashlie , Hamilton Kevin , Chinea Ariel , Patel Darpan , Wang Jing , White Carole
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Knowledge of which aspects of social connectedness most strongly associate with caregiver health and health behaviors can inform intervention targets to improve caregiver health OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Stressed dementia caregivers are at risk of poor health. Social connectedness may reduce adverse health effects, yet it is unknown about which aspects relate most strongly to health. This is a barrier to intervention development. Our study identifies aspects of social connectedness most strongly associate with caregivers’ daily health behaviors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Data. Enrolled spousal caregivers completed 14 consecutive days of online surveys. Measures. We examined multiple health behaviors each day, which included: 1) number of occurrences of 3 potential binge-eating behaviors (range 0 to 30), 2) whether participants engaged in at least 30 minutes of physical activity, and 3) perceived sleep quality, rated 1 (very bad) to 5 (very good). We also examined a count of health symptoms caregivers experienced (e.g., backache; range: 0 to 7). Measures of social connectedness included: spousal emotional support, perceived spousal appreciation, emotional support from any source, and loneliness. Analysis. We applied bivariate multi-level mixed effects models to examine the association between each aspect of social connectedness and health behaviors day-to-day. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Since November 2020, 5 of N=40 participants were enrolled, of whom 3 had completed all diary surveys. Participants were women ages 59 to 73, and included 4 non-Hispanic white and 1 Hispanic caregivers. Data included 51 days of surveys (93% adherence). No differences in eating behaviors nor physical activity according to social connectedness were found. Emotional support from any source was positively associated with sleep quality (B= 0.20; SE=0.08; p-value 0.015). On days when caregivers indicated their spouse appreciated them ‘A lot’ versus ‘Not at all,’ sleep quality was marginally better (B=0.73, SE=0.42; p-value-0.08). Finally, days when caregivers felt lonely at least ‘Some of the time’ versus ‘Not at all’ were associated with experiencing more adverse health symptoms (B=1.54; SE=0.58; p-value<0.001). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Improved emotional support from any source may support better sleep quality among caregiving spouses, while loneliness appears to contribute to more adverse health symptoms. Findings, if confirmed, can be translated to develop intervention programs that target loneliness and perceived emotional support among caregivers.
Planting native trees to restore riparian forests increases biotic resistance to nonnative plant invasions
Authors: Hammer Chad F. , Gunn John S.
Published: March 2021

Nonnative invasive plant species are a major cause of ecosystem degradation and impairment of ecosystem service benefits in the United States. Forested riparian areas provide many ecosystem service benefits and are vital to maintaining water quality of streams and rivers. These systems are also vulnerable to natural disturbances and invasion by nonnative plants. We assessed whether planting native trees on disturbed riparian sites may increase biotic resistance to invasive plant establishment in central Vermont in the northeastern United States. The density (stems per square meter) of invasive stems was higher in non-planted sites (x̄ = 4.1 stems m−2) compared with planted sites (x̄ = 1.3 stems m−2). More than 90% of the invasive plants were Japanese knotweed [Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr.; syn. Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc.]. There were no significant differences in total stem density of native vegetation between planted and non-planted sites. Other measured response variables such as native tree regeneration, species diversity, soil properties, and soil function showed no significant differences or trends in the paired riparian study sites. The results of this case study indicate that tree planting in disturbed riparian forest areas may assist conservation efforts by minimizing the risk of invasive plant colonization.