bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major risks to aquatic biotic condition in a Neotropical Savanna River basin
Authors: Martins Isabela , Macedo Diego Rodrigues , Hughes Robert Mason , Callisto Marcos
Published: May 2021

Conditions in freshwater ecosystems are responsible for maintaining biodiversity and other ecosystem services. Identifying and understanding how anthropogenic disturbances affect biotic conditions are important steps in rehabilitating and protecting environmental quality. The relative risk, relative extent, and attributable risk approaches are used to determine ecosystem conditions in ecological monitoring programs conducted across large spatial extents. Our study was conducted in the Pandeiros River basin, which is a protected area in Minas Gerais, Brazil, that contains 233 km of mapped streams that were perennial and accessible. Field sampling was conducted in the dry period (April and June 2016) at 40 randomly selected sites. Ten multimetric indices (MMIs), previously determined to be sensitive in this river basin, were calculated. All the physical habitat disturbance metrics were significantly correlated with the MMIs. The risk of finding poor MMI scores was 1.6–1.7 times higher at sites with a high integrated disturbance index (IDI) or local disturbance index (LDI) score. Pasture was the most extensive disturbance, affecting 40.8% of the stream length, followed by 40.1% for low bed stability, 29% for fine substrates (<16 mm), 24.4% for high IDI scores, and 21.7% for high LDI scores. This is useful to know for five reasons: (1) standardized MMIs can assess environmental quality. (2) MMIs clarify that both catchment and local disturbances may represent serious risks to aquatic assemblages. (3) MMIs indicate which disturbances represent the most risk by comparing MMI scores against disturbance scores. (4) MMI risk assessments facilitate choosing the most appropriate mitigation actions. (5) Our results suggest environmental conservation actions for similar river basins.
Bracing for the Typhoon: Climate change and sovereign risk in Southeast Asia
Authors: Beirne John , Renzhi Nuobu , Volz Ulrich
Published: May 2021

This article investigates and empirically tests the link between climate change and sovereign risk in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian countries are among those most heavily affected by climate change. The number and intensity of extreme weather events in the region have been increasing markedly, causing severe social and economic damage. Southeast Asian economies are also exposed to gradual effects of global warming as well as transition risks stemming from policies aimed at mitigating climate change. To empirically examine the effect of climate change on the sovereign risk of Southeast Asian countries, we employ indices for vulnerability and resilience to climate change and estimate country‐specific OLS models for six countries and a fixed effects panel using monthly data for the period 2002–2018. Both the country‐specific and the panel results show that greater climate vulnerability appears to have a sizable positive effect on sovereign bond yields, while greater resilience to climate change has an offsetting effect, albeit to a lesser extent. A higher cost of debt holds back much‐needed investment in public infrastructure and climate adaptation, increases the risk of debt sustainability problems, and diminishes the development prospects of Southeast Asian countries.
Computational Studies on Reactions of Some Organic Azides with C−H Bonds
Authors: Devi Shougaijam Premila , Mittal Ankit , Kakkar Rita
Published: May 2021

The computational methods, B3LYP and MP2 with the basis set 6‐311++G(d,p) have been used to decipher the energetics and mechanisms of different nitrene reactions, namely organic azide decomposition, singlet and triplet nitrene addition to different kinds of C−H bonds, azide insertion into C−H bonds and substitution reaction of azides to alkanes. The addition of singlet nitrene to the C−H bond is exothermic, with one‐step addition accompanied by a considerable barrier, where the sequence of facility H>Ac>Me indicates the electrophilic nature of the nitrene reactant. In the case of triplet nitrene, the initial step involves smaller barriers and is endothermic due to the formation of radicals as intermediate products, and the final step involves the coupling of radicals and is hence exothermic. The direct azide addition has higher barrier then the stepwise addition reaction. The Hammond postulate can be used to differentiate the transition state geometries for different reaction steps as “early” or “late”.
Towards a sustainability‐oriented religious tourism
Authors: Romanelli Mauro , Gazzola Patrizia , Grechi Daniele , Pollice Francesca
Published: May 2021

Religious tourism and pilgrimages increasingly contribute to developing the social and economic growth of local economies and communities over time. The aim of the present study is to analyse the role of religious touristic routes as sites of pilgrimages and an opportunity to drive a pathway for sustainable tourism development. The study relies on analysing qualitative and quantitative data, through a questionnaire distributed in late 2018; the questionnaire relates to pilgrimages concerning the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and Via Francigena as religious touristic destinations that contribute to the social and economic sustainability of local economies. Indeed, these pilgrimages strengthen the importance of building collaborative processes by enabling religious touristic destinations to open up to better managing and by driving sustainability‐oriented policies, thus enhancing social and economic growth within local communities.
A comparative evaluation of strain measurement techniques in reinforced concrete structures–A discussion of assembly, application, and accuracy
Authors: Clauß Felix , Ahrens Mark Alexander , Mark Peter
Published: May 2021

The measurement of strain in structural elements is a necessary means of investigating the condition of a structure, both in research and in practice. The measurement methods for recording strain considered in this work represent both well‐established techniques (strain gauges), as well as techniques that are part of rather current research streams (fiber optic sensors, digital image correlation). This work's contribution lies in providing an overarching comparison of these approaches, thereby informing practitioners and researchers as to parameters concerning their assembly, application, and their accuracy. To such ends, two test series were carried out, one on RC tension rods and another on a RC beam in a four‐point bending test. From the latter scenario, for example, certain generalizations were to be deduced for varying load levels: low strains are measured well using the fiber optic technique. Conversely, digital image correlation was discovered to be an adequate choice when assessing higher strain levels and concomitant concrete cracking, as this non‐contact technique avoids imprecisions caused by adhesives. Findings are to assist the future user by contrasting the three techniques in terms of assembly, handling, application and resilience of sensors, external influences as well as measurement resolution and accuracy. Such practice‐oriented remarks should simplify a selection of the suitable measurement techniques catering to the respective, context‐dependent testing scenario.
A comprehensive review on recent advances of polyanionic cathode materials in Na‐ion batteries for cost effective energy storage applications
Authors: Sapra Simranjot K. , Pati Jayashree , Dwivedi Pravin K. , Basu Suddhasatwa , Chang Jeng‐Kuei , Dhaka Rajendra S.
Published: May 2021

Sustainable and efficient energy storage devices are crucial to meet the soaring global energy demand. In this context, Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) have emerged as one of the excellent alternatives to the Li‐ion batteries, due to the uniform geographical distribution, abundance, cost‐effectiveness, comparable operating voltage as well as similar intercalation chemistry. However, due to larger size of Na and other related issues, a subtle strategy of research is required for the development of electrode materials for NIBs to enhance overall electrochemical performance. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on recent advances of polyanionic cathode materials for NIBs for cost effective and large scale energy storage applications. Owing to their great thermal and chemical stability, high redox potential (inductive effect), and rich structural diversity, polyanionic cathodes have been considered potential candidates in recent years. We cover a large number of polyanionic materials and conclude with the strategies to improve the energy and power density of NIB.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials

Energy and Development > Science and Materials

Energy and Transport > Science and Materials
Assessment of health‐sector response to gender‐based violence at different levels of health facilities in Bhutan (2015–2016)
Authors: Norbu Norbu , Zam Kinley
Published: May 2021

Recognizing gender‐based violence (GBV) as a serious public health problem, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act of Bhutan was enacted in 2013 that mandates the Ministry of Health to establish appropriate facilities with trained health professionals to provide care for the survivors of domestic violence. Although health facilities in the country provide services to the survivors of GBV, there is limited information on the quality of care and burden of survivors availing services at health‐care facilities in Bhutan. The assessment was conducted in 70 health facilities in 20 districts. A self‐administered questionnaire and facility assessment checklist were used to collect the quantitative data. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Key informants' interviews were conducted with relevant officials and findings were analyzed qualitatively using the content analysis method. A total of 1557 GBV cases were reported in health facilities in a year and 80% were reported to regional and district hospitals (n = 1257). Of those who received medical care, 68% of GBV survivors were women. Eighty‐six percent of health‐care professionals who provided care did not receive any training on GBV management. We conclude that there is an urgent need to develop national guidelines and train health workers regarding health system and health‐care responses to GBV, including streamlining the data collection and storage at health facilities.
Uncoordinated‐substituents‐induced zinc(II) coordination polymers exhibiting multifunctional fluorescent sensing activity for cations, anions and organochlorine pesticides
Authors: Chi Jie , Zhong Baoqi , Li Yan , Shao Pengpeng , Liu Guocheng , Gao Qiang , Chen Baokuan
Published: May 2021

In order to explore the influence of carboxylic acid substituents on the structures and properties of coordination polymers, three new coordination polymers (CPs) of [Zn2(L)2(IP)2] (1), [Zn(L)(HIP)] ⋅ 3H2O (2) and [Zn(L)(NIP)] ⋅ H2O (3) [H2IP=isophthalic acid, H2HIP=5‐hydroxyisophthalic acid, H2NIP=5‐nitroisophthalic acid] were designed and synthesized under hydrothermal conditions with a multi‐torsion‐centered N‐donor ligand of N,N′‐bis(4‐methylenepyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,4‐naphthalene dicarboxamide (L). All three CPs have similar 4,4‐connected two‐dimensional structures exhibiting different structural details, which is induced by uncoordinated‐substituents and discussed systematically. The title CPs 1 and 2 show multi‐functional fluorescent responses towards metal ion (Fe3+), anions (MnO4−, CrO42− and Cr2O72−) and pesticide (2,6‐dichloro‐4‐nitroaniline). The corresponding detection limits are 6.1×10−5 M−1, 3.7×10−4 M−1, 5.5×10−4 M−1, 3.0×10−4 M−1 and 6.7×10−5 M−1 for CP 1, 2.8×10−5 M−1, 4.1×10−4 M−1, 3.0×10−4 M−1, 4.1×10−4 and 2.8×10−5 M−1 for CP 2.
2nSILAC for Quantitative Proteomics of Prototrophic Baker’s Yeast
Authors: Dannenmaier Stefan , Oeljeklaus Silke , Warscheid Bettina
Published: May 2021

Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry is a quantitative strategy for the comparative analysis of (sub)proteomes. It is based on the metabolicincorporation of stable isotope-coded amino acids during growth of cells or organisms. Here, complete labeling of proteins with the amino acid(s) selected for incorporation needs to be guaranteed to enable accurate quantification on a proteomic scale. Wild-type strains of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which is a widely accepted and well-studied eukaryotic model organism, are generally able to synthesize all amino acids on their own (i.e., prototrophic). To render them amenable to SILAC, auxotrophies are introduced by genetic manipulations. We addressed this limitation by developing a generic strategy for complete “native” labeling of prototrophic S. cerevisiae with isotope-coded arginine and lysine, referred to as “2nSILAC”. It allows for directly using and screening several genome-wide yeast mutant collections that are easily accessible to the scientific community for functional proteomic studies but are based on prototrophic variants of S. cerevisiae.
Correction to: Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States
Authors: Poland Therese M. , Patel-Weynand Toral , Finch Deborah M. , Miniat Chelcy Ford , Hayes Deborah C. , Lopez Vanessa M.
Published: May 2021

The original version of this book was revised as the editor has provided belated corrections for Page xiv, Page 2, Page 19, Page 32, Page 141, Page 159, Page 191, Page 192, Page 194, Page 213, Page 325, Page 343, Page 366, Page 368, and Page 423.
Slippery FACTs: The Rise of a “mandated” Animal Welfare Science
Authors: Kirchhelle Claas
Published: May 2021

This chapter assesses the growing importance and institutionalisation of animal welfare science after 1965. It also analyses the science’s status as a “mandated discipline” tasked with establishing welfare definitions and evaluating production systems. The institutionalisation of welfare science benefited from new official funding streams and sponsorship from non-governmental bodies like the RSPCA and Ruth Harrison’s FACT. Although early hopes for universal welfare indicators were disappointed, three distinct welfare approaches emerged: (1) a first approach evaluated classic physiological indicators of animals’ basic health and biological functioning, (2) a second approach employed a mix of physiological and behavioural methods to study how animals cope with farm environments, and (3) a third approach focused on the “naturalness” of different production systems. Disagreements over how to weight welfare factors coincided with challenges to scientists’ authority by animal rights campaigners. Scientists also faced the challenge of meeting funder expectations without compromising research integrity.
From Protest to ‘Holy Writ’: The Mainstreaming of Welfare Politics
Authors: Kirchhelle Claas
Published: May 2021

This chapter examines the evolution of British farm animal welfare politics during the last two decades of Harrison’s campaigning. In 1979, the RSPCA boycotted the Thatcher government’s new Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC). The short-lived protest triggered a membership revolt and moderation of RSPCA policies. It also coincided with a weakening of agricultural corporatism in Westminster. FAWC was granted relative independence from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food and explicitly acknowledged an updated version of the five freedoms. Ensuing British welfare reforms were also driven by the increasing involvement of European bodies in animal welfare. Now in her 60s, Ruth Harrison joined FAWC as a welfare member. Her increasing public recognition as a senior welfare campaigner enabled her to proactively push for reforms, expand her fundraising activities, and sponsor additional welfare research. By the late 1990s, most of her welfare positions had become part of mainstream politics.
Conclusion
Authors: Kirchhelle Claas
Published: May 2021

The conclusion reflects on Harrison’s achievements as a campaigner and analyses the wider changes of animal welfare politics, science, and activism that occurred during her life. Between 1920 and 2000, synthesist Edwardian campaigning gave rise to professionalised activism and new concepts of animal cognition, affective states, and welfare. The “backstage” of British corporatist welfare politics was similarly transformed by polarising “frontstage” public protest and animal rights thinking. Aided by the rise of a new “mandated” animal welfare science and European integration, the turbulent 1970s eventually resulted in a new world of British welfare politics characterised by transnational decision-making and market-driven assurance schemes, which relied on consumer citizens rather than citizen campaigners to drive change. Determined to bear witness to animal welfare, Harrison shaped and witnessed most of these changes even though the economic drivers of welfare were becoming divorced from the universalist moral framework she believed in.
Meet the Winstens: A ‘Downstart’ Anglo-Jewish family
Authors: Kirchhelle Claas
Published: May 2021

This chapter reconstructs Ruth Harrison’s family background. It shows that Harrison was born into an avant-garde family of Anglo-Jewish artists and writers. Stephen and Clare Winsten (born Samuel Weinstein and Clara Birnberg) were members of the so-called Whitechapel Boys, had strong pacifist and vegetarian convictions, and cultivated ties to Britain’s cultural establishment. The chapter argues that understanding the synthesist humanitarian values of Edwardian reform that permeated the Winsten household is crucial to explaining Ruth Harrison’s later actions as an author and an activist.
Staging Welfare: Writing Animal Machines
Authors: Kirchhelle Claas
Published: May 2021

This chapter uses Harrison’s personal archives to reconstruct the writing process leading up to Animal Machines. It argues that Animal Machines was as much an environmentalist and consumer-oriented book as it was about animal welfare. Harrison wrote Animal Machines between 1961 and 1964. During this period, she read scientific publications on animal behaviour, visited British farms, and corresponded with manufacturers, parliamentarians, and other campaigners—the most prominent of whom was the environmentalist Rachel Carson. Hardly any of her findings were novel. Animal Machines’ impact was instead based on Harrison’s ability to effectively stage existing concerns about intensive farming and technological alienation from nature alongside new ethology-informed concepts of animal welfare. Harrison mobilised anecdotal and scientific evidence as well as visual material to create a powerful moral contrast between a threatened romanticised countryside and a desensitised dystopian future characterised by the “factory farm.”
From Author to Adviser: Ruth Harrison and the Animal Machines Moment
Authors: Kirchhelle Claas
Published: May 2021

This chapter reconstructs the events following the publication of Animal Machines. Skilful media promotion and Animal Machines’ fusion of contemporary animal welfare, health, and environmental concerns turned it into a bestseller. Critics tried to downplay Harrison’s allegations by drawing on sexist stereotypes and characterising her as a misguided and overemotional female. However, the public outrage triggered by Animal Machines soon forced officials to convene the so-called Brambell committee to review welfare on intensive farms. The committee’s 1965 report acknowledged the importance of animals’ affective states and proposed concrete welfare improvements alongside basic animal freedoms. Officials subsequently committed to installing a dedicated Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (FAWAC) but only implemented some of the other Brambell proposals. Concerned about stalling momentum, Harrison successfully used her status as a charismatic but “moderate” public figure to gain access to FAWAC and the political backstage of British welfare consultation.
Geography of Disease Burden: Case Studies in Namibia and Eritrea
Authors: Alegana Victor A. , Atkinson Peter M.
Published: May 2021

Africa continues to experience the highest infectious disease burden despite an increase in investments. These include investments in malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, as well as in communicable diseases. The global targets are to reduce the burden of these diseases through improved surveillance, prevention of outbreaks, effective case management, elimination and eventually, eradication. Achieving these targets, however, is limited by the poor geographic descriptions of the disease burden. Of the big five infectious disease burdens, malaria is the most advanced in terms of mapping its distribution. Malaria cartography has since formed the evidence-base for the design of many national malaria control programmes. This chapter focuses on malaria as an example, demonstrating its geographical descriptions. The availability of georeferenced malaria case data whether based on prevalence or incidence indicators has been used extensively in the mapping of geographical extents at national and sub-national scales. However, routine surveillance data is emerging as a valuable methodology of tracking burden in sub-Saharan Africa. A particular focus of this chapter is the use of routine national health systems surveillance data to describe, at a fine-scale, the distribution of malaria. However, routine data can be applied to the cartographic description of other diseases beyond malaria. The methodological aspects of burden estimation from routine surveillance platforms and cartography are highlighted.
Methods of Measuring Spatial Accessibility to Health Care in Uganda
Authors: Ouma Paul , Macharia Peter M. , Okiro Emelda , Alegana Victor
Published: May 2021

Ensuring everyone has access to health care regardless of demographic, geographic and social economic status is a key component of universal health coverage. In sub-Saharan Africa, where populations are often sparsely distributed and services scarcely available, reducing distances or travel time to facilities is key in ensuring access to health care. This chapter traces the key concepts in measuring spatial accessibility by reviewing six methods—Provider-to-population ratio, Euclidean distance, gravity models, kernel density, network analysis and cost distance analysis—that can be used to model spatial accessibility. The advantages and disadvantages of using each of these models are also laid out, with the aim of choosing a model that can be used to capture spatial access. Using an example from Uganda, a cost distance analysis is used to model travel time to the nearest primary health care facility. The model adjusts for differences in land use, weather patterns and elevation while also excluding barriers such as water bodies and protected areas in the analysis. Results show that the proportion of population within 1-h travel times for the 13 regions in the country varies from 64.6% to 96.7% in the dry period and from 61.1% to 96.3% in the wet period. The model proposed can thus be used to highlight disparities in spatial accessibility, but as we demonstrate, care needs to be taken in accurate assembly of data and interpreting results in the context of the limitations.
Introduction to the Concepts and Use of ERA Acute
Authors: Stephansen Cathrine , Bjørgesæter Anders , Brude Odd Willy , Brönner Ute , Rogstad Tonje Waterloo , Kjeilen-Eilertsen Grethe , Libre Jean-Marie , Collin-Hansen Christian
Published: May 2021

Introducing the main concepts of ERA Acute, this chapter describes the overall framework and purpose of the methodology. ERA Acute is a recently developed oil spill risk assessment (OSRA) methodology for quantification of oil spill impacts and risk (Environmental Risk Assessment, ERA). It covers four environmental compartments; sea surface (seabirds, turtles, marine mammals), water column (fish eggs/larvae), shoreline and seafloor (species and habitats) using continuous impact functions and introduces the Resource Damage Factor (RDF). The methodology depends on external oil spill modelling and input data related to the presence and vulnerability of Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs). ERA Acute is developed to provide an improvement over the currently used “MIRA” method on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) and is better suited for risk management, decision-making and analyses from screening studies to full environmental risk assessments.
Jackiw-Teitelboim quantum gravity with defects and the Aharonov-Bohm effect
Authors: Mefford Eric , Suzuki Kenta
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We study the theory of Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity with generalized dilaton potential on Euclidean two-dimensional negatively curved backgrounds. The effect of the generalized dilaton potential is to induce a conical defect on the two-dimensional manifold. We show that this theory can be written as the ordinary quantum mechanics of a charged particle on a hyperbolic disk in the presence of a constant background magnetic field plus a pure gauge Aharonov-Bohm field. This picture allows us to exactly calculate the wavefunctions and propagators of the corresponding gravitational dynamics. With this method we are able to reproduce the gravitational density of states as well as compute the Réyni and entanglement entropies for the Hartle-Hawking state. While we reproduce the classical entropy at high temperature, we also find an extra topological contribution that becomes dominant at low temperatures. We then show how the presence of defects modify correlation functions, including the out-of-time-ordered correlation, and decrease the Lyapunov exponent. This is achieved two ways: by directly quantizing the boundary Schwarzian theory and by dimensionally reducing SL(2, ℤ) black holes.
Multi-mouth traversable wormholes
Authors: Emparan Roberto , Grado-White Brianna , Marolf Donald , Tomašević Marija
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We describe the construction of traversable wormholes with multiple mouths in four spacetime dimensions and discuss associated quantum entanglement. Our wormholes may be traversed between any pair of mouths. In particular, in the three-mouth case they have fundamental group F2 (the free group on two generators). By contrast, connecting three regions A, B, C in pairs (AB, BC, and AC) using three separate wormholes would give fundamental group F3. Our solutions are asymptotically flat up to the presence of possible magnetic fluxes or cosmic strings that extend to infinity. The construction begins with a two-mouth traversable wormhole supported by backreaction from quantum fields. Inserting a sufficiently small black hole into its throat preserves traversability between the original two mouths. This black hole is taken to be the mouth of another wormhole connecting the original throat to a new distant region of spacetime. Making the new wormhole traversable in a manner similar to the original two-mouth wormhole provides the desired causal connections. From a dual field theory point of view, when AdS asymptotics are added to our construction, multiparty entanglement may play an important role in the traversability of the resulting wormhole.
OsCOP1 regulates embryo development and flavonoid biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Kim Backki , Piao Rihua , Lee Gileung , Koh Eunbyeol , Lee Yunjoo , Woo Sunmin , Reflinur  , Jiang Wenzhu , Septiningsih Endang M. , Thomson Michael J. , Koh Hee-Jong
Published: May 2021

Key message

Novel mutations of
OsCOP1 were identified to be responsible for yellowish pericarp and embryo
lethal phenotype, which revealed that OsCOP1 plays a crucial role in flavonoid biosynthesis and
embryogenesis in rice seed.

Successful production of viable seeds is a major component of plant life cycles, and seed development is a complex, highly regulated process that affects characteristics such as seed viability and color. In this study, three yellowish-pericarp embryo lethal (yel) mutants, yel-hc, yel-sk, and yel-cc, were produced from three different japonica cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L). Mutant seeds had yellowish pericarps and exhibited embryonic lethality, with significantly reduced grain size and weight. Morphological aberrations were apparent by 5 days after pollination, with abnormal embryo development and increased flavonoid accumulation observed in the yel mutants. Genetic analysis and mapping revealed that the phenotype of the three yel mutants was controlled by a single recessive gene, LOC_Os02g53140, an ortholog of Arabidopsis thaliana CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1). The yel-hc, yel-sk, and yel-cc mutants carried mutations in the RING finger, coiled-coil, and WD40 repeat domains, respectively, of OsCOP1. CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis was used to knock out OsCOP1 by targeting its functional domains, and transgenic seed displayed the yel mutant phenotype. Overexpression of OsCOP1 in a homozygous yel-hc mutant background restored pericarp color, and the aberrant flavonoid accumulation observed in yel-hc mutant was significantly reduced in the embryo and endosperm. These results demonstrate that OsCOP1 is associated with embryo development and flavonoid biosynthesis in rice grains. This study will facilitate a better understanding of the functional roles of OsCOP1 involved in early embryogenesis and flavonoid biosynthesis in rice seeds.
Reference Electrode Standardization Interpolation Technique (RESIT): A Novel Interpolation Method for Scalp EEG
Authors: Dong Li , Zhao Lingling , Zhang Yufan , Yu Xue , Li Fali , Li Jianfu , Lai Yongxiu , Liu Tiejun , Yao Dezhong
Published: May 2021

“Bad channels” are common phenomena during scalp electroencephalography (EEG) recording that arise due to various technique-related reasons, and reconstructing signals from bad channels is an inevitable choice in EEG processing. However, current interpolation methods are all based on purely mathematical interpolation theory, ignoring the neurophysiological basis of the EEG signals, and their performance needs to be further improved, especially when there are many scattered or adjacent bad channels. Therefore, a new interpolation method, named the reference electrode standardization interpolation technique (RESIT), was developed for interpolating scalp EEG channels. Resting-state and event-related EEG datasets were used to investigate the performance of the RESIT. The main results showed that (1) assuming 10% bad channels, RESIT can reconstruct the bad channels well; (2) as the percentage of bad channels increased (from 2% to 85%), the absolute and relative errors between the true and RESIT-reconstructed signals generally increased, and the correlations between the true and RESIT signals decreased; (3) for a range of bad channel percentages (2% ~ 85%), the RESIT had lower absolute error (approximately 2.39% ~ 33.5% reduction), lower relative errors (approximately 1.3% ~ 35.7% reduction) and higher correlations (approximately 2% ~ 690% increase) than traditional interpolation methods, including neighbor interpolation (NI) and spherical spline interpolation (SSI). In addition, the RESIT was integrated into the EEG preprocessing pipeline on the WeBrain cloud platform (https://webrain.uestc.edu.cn/). These results suggest that the RESIT is a promising interpolation method for both separate and simultaneous EEG preprocessing that benefits further EEG analysis, including event-related potential (ERP) analysis, EEG network analysis, and strict group-level statistics.
Mitochondrial abnormalities: a hub in metabolic syndrome-related cardiac dysfunction caused by oxidative stress
Authors: Li Aoxue , Zheng Ningning , Ding Xudong
Published: May 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a group of cardiovascular risk elements comprising insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, increased glucose intolerance, and increased blood pressure. Individually, all the MetS components can lead to cardiac dysfunction, while their combination generates additional risks of morbidity and mortality. Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress, a dominant event in cellular damage and impairment, plays an indispensable role in cardiac dysfunction in MetS. Oxidative stress can not only disrupt mitochondrial activity through inducing oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA, RNA, lipids, and proteins but can also impair cardiomyocyte contractile function via mitochondria-related oxidative modifications of proteins central to excitation–contraction coupling. Furthermore, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation can lead to the activation of several mitochondria apoptotic signaling pathways, release of cytochrome c, and eventual induction of myocardial apoptosis. This review will focus on such processes of mitochondrial abnormalities in oxidative stress induced cardiac dysfunction in MetS.
High–Bias–Field Operation of GaAs Photoconductive Terahertz Emitters
Authors: Welsch Malte , Singh Abhishek , Winnerl Stephan , Pashkin Alexej , Xu Ming , Li Mengxia , Helm Manfred , Schneider Harald
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate experimentally the increase of optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiency for GaAs-based photoconductive terahertz emitters. This increase is achieved by preventing device breakdown through series resistors, which act as a current limiter. Pulsed photoexcitation and potential current fluctuations result in heat dissipation leading to local heating, which further increases the current and may lead to device breakdown. We manage to increase the maximum bias field before device breakdown by a factor of 3 under illuminated conditions. For a laser system with 250-kHz repetition rate, the terahertz emission amplitude increases linearly with applied bias field up to 120 kV/cm bias field, which results in 3 times higher signal as compared to the standard device. Furthermore, we have also achieved this expanded breakdown prevention at 78-MHz repetition rate, where an integrated on-chip resistance leads to an enhancement of the terahertz field amplitude by 70%. This simple technique can increase the performance of almost all photoconductive terahertz emitters by using appropriate resistances according to the emitter capacitance and laser repetition rate.
Non-Local Enemies or Local Subjects of Violence?: Using Strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and Lead (206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 208Pb/204Pb) Isobiographies to Reconstruct Geographic Origins and Early Childhood Mobility of Decapitated Male Heads from the Majes Valley, Peru
Authors: Scaffidi Beth K. , Kamenov George D. , Sharpe Ashley E. , Krigbaum John
Published: May 2021

Throughout much of the pre-Hispanic Andes, bioarchaeological and iconographic evidence shows that the decapitation, dismemberment, and display of human heads were important aspects of ritual practices. Researchers have debated about the social identities of these decapitated heads—were they revered local ancestors, non-local enemies captured in raids or war, or locals injured in distant combat partially repatriated for home burial—answers which have distinct implications for understanding the motivations and social contexts of this practice. We describe trophy-taking and trophy-making from the Uraca cemetery in pre-Hispanic Arequipa, Peru. To determine whether these trophies were locals, we employ radiogenic isotope analyses (87Sr/86Sr, 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 208Pb/204Pb) of tooth enamel from 37 individuals (25 non-trophies and 12 adult male trophies). To understand the degree of childhood mobility that occurred and whether that differed between individuals who became trophies and those who did not, we also examine 87Sr/86Sr, 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 208Pb/204Pb in paired teeth from infancy/early childhood and middle childhood of 18 individuals (8 non-trophies and 10 trophies). Results show that 20% of the non-trophies and 75% of the trophies were non-local relative to modeled local 87Sr/86Sr and mean (± 2 SD) of lead isotope values. Intra-childhood differences show that the individuals who became trophies experienced more childhood mobility than non-trophy individuals. This suggests Uraca’s external interactions and mobility were structured by violent intergroup raids and warfare throughout the region. Ongoing analyses will extend Uraca’s residential isobiographies to adolescence and late-life, refine the expected range of isotope ratios in the region, and clarify the extent of Majes Valley mobility during the mid-first millennium CE.
Population pharmacodynamic modeling of intramuscular and oral dexamethasone and betamethasone effects on six biomarkers with circadian complexities in Indian women
Authors: Krzyzanski Wojciech , Milad Mark A. , Jobe Alan H. , Peppard Thomas , Bies Robert R. , Jusko William J.
Published: May 2021

Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis was performed for extensive data for differing dosage forms and routes for dexamethasone (DEX) and betamethasone (BET) in 48 healthy nonpregnant Indian women in a partial and complex cross-over design. Single doses of 6 mg dexamethasone phosphate (DEX-P), betamethasone phosphate (BET-P), or 1:1 mixture of betamethasone phosphate and acetate (BET-PA) were administered orally (PO) or intramuscularly (IM) where each woman enrolled in a two-period cross-over study. Plasma concentrations collected over 96 h were described with a two-compartment model with differing PO and IM first-order absorption inputs. Overall, BET exhibited slower clearance, similar volume of distribution, faster absorption, and longer persistence than DEX with BET acetate producing extremely slow absorption but full bioavailability of BET. Six biomarkers were assessed over a 24-h baseline period with four showing circadian rhythms with complex baselines. These baselines and the strong responses seen after drug dosing were fitted with various indirect response models using the Laplace estimation methods in NONMEM 7.4. Both the PK and six biomarker responses were well-described with modest variability likely due to the homogeneous ages, weights, and ethnicities of the women. The drugs either inhibited or stimulated the influx processes with some models requiring joint inclusion of drug effects on circadian cortisol suppression. The biomarkers and order of sensitivity (lowest IC50/SC50 to highest) were: cortisol, T-helper cells, basophils, glucose, neutrophils, and T-cytotoxic cells. DEX sensitivities were generally greater than BET with corresponding mean ratios for these biomarkers of 2.86, 1.27, 1.72, 1.27, 2.69, and 1.06. Overall, the longer PK (e.g. half-life) of BET, but lesser PD activity (e.g. higher IC50), produces single-dose response profiles that appear quite similar, except for the extended effects from BET-PA. This comprehensive population modeling effort provides the first detailed comparison of the PK profiles and six biomarker responses of five commonly used dosage forms of DEX and BET in healthy women.
Location Choice of Snatching Offenders in Chennai City
Authors: Kuralarasan K. , Bernasco Wim
Published: May 2021

Objectives

We aim to test the applicability of crime pattern theory in an Indian urban
context by assessing the effects of offender residence, prior offending locations and
presence of crime generators and crime attractors on where offenders commit offences.

Methods

The data comprise 1573 police-recorded snatching offenses committed by 1152 identified offenders across the 201 wards of Chennai City. We used discrete crime location choice models to establish the choice criteria that snatching offenders use when they decide where to offend. Data on the locations retail businesses, religious and transportation facilities were collected using Google location services.

Results

The results confirm that snatching offenders prefer to target locations closer
to their residence and that they prefer to re-offend at or near their prior offending
locations. The findings also demonstrate that some but not all crime attractors and
generators influence the location choice of snatching offenders.

Conclusions

By replicating in an Indian context previously published crime location
choice findings, our findings support the generality of crime pattern theory. We discuss
limitations and make suggestions for future investigations.
The integral moments and ratios of quadratic Dirichlet L-functions over monic irreducible polynomials in $$\mathbb {F}_{q}[T]$$
Authors: Andrade J. C. , Jung H. , Shamesaldeen A.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we extend to the function field setting the heuristics formerly developed by Conrey, Farmer, Keating, Rubinstein and Snaith, for the integral moments of L-functions. We also adapt to the function field setting the heuristics first developed by Conrey, Farmer and Zirnbauer to the study of mean values of ratios of L-functions. Specifically, the focus of this paper is on the family of quadratic Dirichlet L-functions $$L(s,\chi _{P})$$

L
(
s
,

χ
P

)

where the character $$\chi $$
χ
is defined by the Legendre symbol for polynomials in $$\mathbb {F}_{q}[T]$$

F
q

[
T
]

with $$\mathbb {F}_{q}$$

F
q

a finite field of odd cardinality, and the averages are taken over all monic and irreducible polynomials P of a given odd degree. As an application, we also compute the formula for the one-level density for the zeros of these L-functions.
Screening of women with aesthetic prostheses in dedicated sessions of a population-based breast cancer screening programme
Authors: Deandrea Silvia , Cavazzana Laura , Principi Niccolò , Luconi Ester , Campoleoni Mauro , Bastiampillai Anan Judina , Bracchi Lucia , Bucchi Lauro , Pedilarco Stella , Piscitelli Antonio , Sfondrini Maria Silvia , Silvestri Anna Rita , Castaldi Silvana
Published: May 2021

Background

Women with aesthetic prostheses must be included in the target population of mammography screening programmes. Breast implants are radiopaque and partially obscure the breast tissue. This can be avoided with the use of the Eklund technique, which causes an increased radiation exposure. In this study, augmented women undergoing a dedicated protocol within a population-based screening programme were compared according to selected indicators with the standard screening population. Essential dosimetric parameters and their time trend were also assessed.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in a screening centre in Milan in the years 2009–2016. The screening protocol for women with breast implants included a double-read mammography with the Eklund views, ultrasound and clinical breast examination.

Results

A total of 28,794 women were enrolled, including 588 (2%) women with breast implants and 28,206 (98%) undergoing the standard screening protocol. The invasive assessment rate was 9.0‰ for women with breast implants vs. 15‰ in the standard cohort. The surgical referral rate was 2.2% vs. 0.9%. The detection rate was similar in the two groups (4.0 and 4.5‰, respectively). There were significant differences in the average glandular dose according to the mammography equipment. The use of the Eklund views increased over time.

Conclusions

Screening of augmented women according to a specific protocol in the contexts of population-based programmes is feasible. Observed differences in screening indicators relative to the standard screening population require further research. The increasing use of Eklund views probably results from quality assurance measures associated with screening programmes.
Fatigue Strength of Rivet Resistance Spot Welding Technique in Comparison with Self-Piercing Riveting for Multi-material Body-in-White Structure
Authors: Heidrich Daniel , Zhang Fan , Fang Xiangfan
Published: May 2021

Cost-efficient multi-material design requires suitable joining techniques, ideally with low investment cost by re-using existing assembling lines. The recently developed resistance rivet spot welding (RRSW) technique combines mechanical joining with spot welding and enables cost-efficient joining of aluminum (Al) to steel for multi-material body-in-white structures. Here, the static and fatigue strengths of different hybrid Al-steel specimens made by RRSW were measured and compared to other state-of-the-art joining techniques, such as self-piercing riveting (SPR) and RSW. The static strength of RRSW matched or exceeded that of SPR regardless of the sheet thickness, whereas the fatigue strength of the RRSW joints showed a strong dependency on the thickness of the steel sheets. For thinner steel sheets, the fatigue of the RRSW-joined metal sheets was lower in comparison with SPR. Fatigue cracks were initiated in thin steel sheets around the weld nugget. By contrast, for thicker steel sheets, the fatigue strength of RRSW matched or exceeded that of SPR. With a thicker material combination of 1.5 mm steel and 1.0 mm Al, fatigue cracks occurred only in the Al sheet in both SPR and RRSW. For suitable steel sheet thickness, RRSW is thus a durable technique to join steel and Al.
CIP2A silencing alleviates doxorubicin resistance in MCF7/ADR cells through activating PP2A and autophagy
Authors: Zhu Z. , Wei Z.
Published: May 2021

Background

Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various types of cancer. Here, we investigated whether manipulating CIP2A abundance could enhance the treatment effects of doxorubicin in MCF-7/ADR cells.

Methods

CIP2A silencing was achieved by specific siRNAs. Proliferation of breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR under effective doxorubicin concentrations after CIP2A silencing was examined by MTT assay. Wound healing assay was performed to quantify cell migration and caspase-3/-7 activities were measured for assessing the extent of apoptosis.

Results

First, our data confirmed that MCF-7/ADR cell proliferation was suppressed by doxorubicin in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, knocking down of CIP2A could further decrease MCF-7 cell proliferation and migration, even in the presence of doxorubicin. Mechanistically, we have found that CIP2A silencing promoted cell apoptosis relative to doxorubicin alone or vehicle control groups. Lastly, phosphatase2A (PP2A) activity was potentiated and the autophagy markers, LC3B and Beclin1, were upregulated after knocking down CIP2A.

Conclusion

Our findings support the potential benefits of using CIP2A inhibitor as a therapeutic agent to treat doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer.
The rediscovery of Strobilanthes tubiflos (Acanthaceae) in north east India
Authors: Wood John R. I. , Borah Dipankar , Taram Momang
Published: May 2021

The recently rediscovered Strobilanthes tubiflos (C.B.Clarke) J.R.I.Wood is fully described for the first time. A key and photographs are provided to enable identification of similar species found in north east India. The rediscovery of S. tubiflos is discussed in the context of the botanical exploration of the region and the implications for conservation.
Italian adolescents’ understandings of globalization
Authors: Ginevra Maria Cristina , Di Maggio Ilaria , Santilli Sara , Nota Laura
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Having a clear understanding of the concept of globalization can be particularly relevant for adolescents to comprehend how the world functions and to reflect on the way their personal and professional identity and career future might be affected by globalization. Thus, this mixed design study aimed at examining Northeastern Italian adolescents’ thinking about globalization and at exploring the potential role of education (the type of school) in conceptualizing globalization.

Methods

A total of 163 Italian adolescents (42.3% boys and 57.5% girls) aged 16–19 years, attending a scientific lyceum or a commercial, technological, or professional high school participated in the study. Participants were invited to explain the concept of globalization. Their answers were analyzed using a thematic analysis procedure.

Results

& Conclusions:. The analyses revealed adolescents’ limited and inaccurate understandings of globalization, with almost exclusive emphasis on the positive aspects of globalization, and without a critical understanding of its consequences. Moreover, no differences related to their educational experience (the type of school they attended) or socio‐economic status emerged when reporting their understanding of globalization. The results suggested the relevance of a training process for the promotion of critical thinking, especially in the field of career guidance.