bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land use/land cover change assessment of Kosasthalaiyar sub basin using remote sensing and GIS
Authors: John Alexander J. , Parvati T. S.
Published: June 2021

Understanding Land use land cover (LULC) changes in the Kosasthalaiyar sub basin is vital for the sustainability of the watershed. Hence mapping of these changes can help visualize the spatio-temporal dynamics in the area. Remote sensing and GIS provides valuable tools to map these changes. In this present study, Remote sensing and GIS techniques has been used to prepare LULC maps for the years 1988, 1998, 2008, and 2018. The changes that has happened from 1988 to 1998, 1998 to 2008, and 2008 to 2018 has been assessed. Images from Landsat-5 and Landsat-8 Thematic Mapper (TM) have been used. Maximum Likelihood Classifier was adopted to produce the LULC maps of the watershed. Ground truth points using GPS was used to check the accuracy of the work. Five major land use classes viz; Built up land, agriculture, forest, waste land and water bodies were identified in the watershed for the study. During the 30-year period from 1988 to 2018, major changes can be observed in a number of LULC classes. About 66.05 Km2 of crop land got converted to barren land. Out of 588.86 Km2 of crop land only 176.99 Km2 remained unchanged. About 119.94 Km2 has been converted to settlements. Settlements increased from 59.89 Km2 to 341.86 Km2. Barren land increased from 168.73Km2 to 228.59 Km2. The analysis and the results obtained can help policy makers make appropriate policies for the sustainability of the Kosasthalaiyar sub basin.
Waste Classification using Transfer Learning with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Srivatsan K , Dhiman Surender , Jain Anuj
Published: June 2021

With the aim to tackle the issue of waste classification for different categories of misspend substances, the authors, with a limited availability of dataset have processed a highly accurate model to classify garbage into 7 different categories using the CompostNet dataset. Experiments were carried out on pre-trained models of MobileNetV2, ResNet34 and Densenet121 model, previously trained on ImageNet dataset. The accuracies obtained were 96.42%, 96.27% and 96.273% respectively for the Densenet121, mobilenetv2 and resnet34 models. Within 60 epochs, the neural network model accurately categorizes waste materials provided in the input image. The results of the experiments are compared with other previous work done in the same field. The applications of the experiments conducted in this research aims at providing better waste categorization and also follows the United Nations goal for Responsible Consumption and Production towards sustainable development.
Importance of Cytochrome P450 gene family from metabolite biosynthesis to stress tolerance: A review
Authors: Laffaru Singpho N , Sharma J G
Published: June 2021

CYP450 short for Cytochrome P450 is an enzyme superfamily involved in catalysing numerous biochemical reactions. It is known for its involvement in diverse plant processes. CYP450 is widely distributed in the case of eukaryotes and is said to exist in all domains of living organisms including bacteria, plants as well as mammals. The enzyme of this family plays a key role in the oxidative transformation of both endogenous as well as exogenous molecules. The growth and development of the plants are affected by several biotic and abiotic stresses regularly. They downgrade the crop quality and lead to a sharp decline in the productivity of the crop. CYP plays important role in providing protection to plants against these stresses. It does that by taking an active part in various detoxification as well as biosynthetic pathways. The objective of this review is to explore the role of CYP 450 in various metabolite biosynthesis as well as tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. This review aims to provide a framework for further investigation of the CYP450 gene family in plants and will also provide a strong base for the characterization of their diverse role in defence mechanisms against different abiotic and biotic stress and metabolite biosynthesis.
Honey significance of forest lands in south Uzbekistan
Authors: Atamuratova N T , Mukhamatzanova R , Kh Ch Buriev
Published: June 2021

A characteristic feature of any plant group is the species composition. Therefore, the study of the honey productivity of a particular community is primarily ascertained by the species composition of plants and the calculation of the number of individuals of each type of melliferous plants per unit area. The number of plants is determined by laying out test plots of the studied areas. To calculate the nectar and honey productivity of associations, we use the data on the honey productivity of one plant, obtained by us as a result of research. Due to the variety of soil, climatic and natural conditions, the mountain range of the Surkhandarya region is characterized by a large variety of plant groups and their complexes. Since we did not set ourselves the task of covering all the diverse flora and vegetation of the mountains with surveys, we will restrict ourselves to those communities that play a certain role in beekeeping as a forage base, where primary melliferous plant species participate in associations.
Design and development of hybrid turbine to extract energy from renewable energy sources
Authors: Raviteja P , Nikhil Sai P , Mohan Rajkumar P , Vishnu kumar G C
Published: June 2021

This paper represents the experimental study of hybrid turbine. This hybrid turbine system has a number of potential advantages oven a conventional wind turbine. The present turbine is integrated with solar cells and piezoelectric crystals comparing to conventional wind turbine and it has been illustrated. The performance results are presented for various cases of different wind velocities, blade angles and for different intervals of day time. The results show that hybrid turbine still produces energy without any rotation during rain, day time. This single turbine is more useful and better than using solar panels, rain energy generators and wind mills individually to extract energy from renewable energy sources.
The Role of Autonomous Robots in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) as an Approach of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG9): Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure in Handling the Effect of COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Sulaiman Noralfishah binti , binti Mahmud Nur Putri Najwa , Nazir Umber , binti Abdul Latib Siti Kursiah Kamalia , Muhammad Hafidz Haridzah Fathini binti , Abid Sheikh Kamran
Published: June 2021

This research is aimed to discuss the implementation of Autonomous Robot as Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Technology approaches in facing this current epidemic outbreak. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the current and emerging environment in which technologies has transformed the way we live and work. Since Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9): Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure aimed to build resilient infrastructures, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and encourage innovation, it is believed that 4IR technology can help to achieve that. World Economic Forum (2017) emphasizes that 4IR innovation can promote system transformation across the environment and natural resource security agenda including enhancing the Risk Reduction agenda Disaster (DRR). A comprehensive solution is needed to prevent or slow down the spread of COVID-19. The objective of the paper is to discuss the implementation of Autonomous Robot as Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Technology approaches in facing this current pandemic outbreak in Malaysia and overseas. The methodology used for this paper is Visual Analysis method. 15 YouTube videos from 12 countries were reviewed. Therefore, gaps determined will help innovators especially in improving the existing function of Autonomous Robots used during COVID-19.
Effects of yttrium on the microstructure, texture, and magnetic properties of non-oriented 6.5 wt% Si steel sheets by a rolling process
Authors: Qin Jing , Zhou Qingyao , Zhao Haibin , Zhao Hongjin
Published: June 2021

Non-oriented 6.5 wt% Si steel thin sheets with three different yttrium (Y) contents (0, 0.012, and 0.03 wt%) were prepared by hot rolling, warm rolling, intermediate annealing, cold rolling and final annealing processes. The effects of the Y content on the microstructure, texture, and magnetic properties of cold-rolled 6.5 wt% Si steel sheets were studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and electron backscattered diffraction. The results showed that the sample with 0.012 wt% Y had the lowest volume fraction of inclusions, and Y played a role in purifying steel. The final average grain size of sheets decreased upon increasing the Y content. As the Y content increased, the {100} texture continuously weakened, and the overall intensity of the η (〈100〉//RD) texture increased first and then decreased, while the intensity of the detrimental γ (〈111〉//ND) texture decreased first and then increased. Adding an appropriate amount of Y optimized the recrystallization texture by promoting the occurrence of shear bands, which provided more nucleation sites for η - fiber oriented grains. When the Y content was 0.012 wt%, the magnetic induction B
50 reached the maximum (1.64655 T) due to the enhanced η texture and weakened γ texture. The sample with 0.012 wt% Y showed the lowest core loss at high frequencies (>5 kHz) because of the favorable grain size. The addition of excess Y increased the number of inclusions and increased γ -fiber oriented grain nucleation, which deteriorated the magnetic properties of non-oriented 6.5 wt%Si steel.
Integrated assessment of global climate, air pollution, and dietary, malnutrition and obesity health impacts of food production and consumption between 2014 and 2018
Authors: Malley Christopher S , Hicks W Kevin , Kulyenstierna Johan C I , Michalopoulou Eleni , Molotoks Amy , Slater Jessica , Heaps Charles G , Ulloa Silvia , Veysey Jason , Shindell Drew T , Henze Daven K , Nawaz Omar , Anenberg Susan C , Mantlana Brian , Robinson Timothy P
Published: June 2021

Agriculture accounts for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is simultaneously associated with impacts on human health through food consumption, and agricultural air pollutant emissions. These impacts are often quantified separately, and there is a lack of modelling tools to facilitate integrated assessments. This work presents a new model that integrates assessment of agricultural systems on (i) human health indirectly through dietary, obesity and malnutrition health risks from food consumption, (ii) human health directly through exposure to air pollutants from agricultural emissions, and (iii) greenhouse gas emissions. In the model, national food demand is the starting point from which the livestock and crop production systems that meet this are represented. The model is applied for 2014–2018 to assess the robustness of the GHG emissions and health burden results that this integrated modelling framework produces compared to previous studies that have quantified these variables independently. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions globally in 2018 were estimated to be 129 and 4.4 million tonnes, respectively, consistent with previous estimates. Agricultural systems were also estimated to emit 44 million tonnes of ammonia. An estimated 4.1 million deaths were associated with dietary health risks, 6.0 million with overweight/obesity, and 730 thousand infant deaths from malnutrition, consistent with previous studies. Agricultural air pollutant emissions were estimated to be associated with 537 thousand premature deaths attributable to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure, and 184 thousand premature deaths from methane-induced ground-level ozone. These health impacts provide substantial opportunities to design integrated strategies that mitigate climate change, and improve human health, and also highlight possible trade-offs that the expansion of agricultural production could have due to increased emissions. The model presented here provides for the consistent evaluation of the implications of different agricultural strategies to meet food demand while minimising human health and climate change impacts.
In operando Raman and optical study of lithium polysulfides dissolution in lithium–sulfur cells with carrageenan binder
Authors: Blanchard Didier , Slagter Mark
Published: June 2021

In operando Raman and optical studies have been performed on lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries containing carrageenan binder in the sulfur cathode for chemical trapping of the polysulfides (PSs). Three different types of cells were used: coin cells, EL-cell and capillary cells to examine the PS speciation. With the coin cell we confirm the stability and cyclability of the carrageenan based Li–S cells and the improved capacity retention when compared to conventional polyvinylidene fluoride based Li–S cells. With the EL-Cell, the PS speciation at the cathode is documented but only weak evidences of the nucleophilic trapping of the PS are found. The in operando Raman and optical studies on the capillary cell revealed the dissolution and diffusion of the PS in the whole electrolyte volume. We confirm the disproportionation of S4
− into S3
− in the electrolyte. Strong inhomogeneous PS concentration in the electrolyte are found to develop in the course of the cell charge–discharge cycling which must be detrimental to the performances of the battery.
State aesthetics and state meanings: Political architecture in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Gallagher Julia , Larbi Mpere Dennis , N'djoré Yah Ariane Bernadette
Published: June 2021

There are striking differences between state buildings in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and in how citizens living in each country’s capital city think and talk about them. In this article, we explore the degree to which these buildings illustrate very different ideas of statehood in West Africa. We draw on art theories from West Africa to argue that architectural aesthetics rest on juxtapositions of beauty and the sublime and we suggest ways these help establish state meaning. We then apply our aesthetic approach to citizens’ evaluations of their state buildings in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and illustrate how differently the approach plays out, in Ghana where the state emerges as acclimatized and relatively robust and in Côte d’Ivoire where the state emerges as idealized and fragile.
Exploring the effects of extreme polyandry on estimates of sexual selection and reproductive success
Authors: Greenway E V(Ginny) , Hamel Jennifer A , Miller Christine W
Published: June 2021

Multiple mating by females can dramatically alter selection on males by creating indirect interactions between rivals via sperm competition. Exactly how this behavior alters the relationship between male mating and fertilization success depends on multiple factors: re-mating frequency, sperm usage patterns, and mating assortment (the extent to which the most promiscuous individuals mate with each other). Here, we explore the role these elements play in determining sexual selection in a highly polygyandrous species, the squash bug Anasa tristis. Using replicated semi-natural enclosures, in which individuals were able to freely interact for a 2-week period, we tracked matings between individuals and subsequent female offspring production. Multiple mating was extremely common, resulting in very high levels of sperm competition intensity. However, network analysis revealed that the most promiscuous males mated with less polyandrous females, and therefore experienced lower levels of sperm competition. As a result, estimated male reproductive success increased with mating success, but this relationship varied according to the mode of sperm utilization with which it was calculated. Furthermore, females with more mating partners produced more offspring, suggesting they also benefit from mating multiply. Our findings highlight that polyandry has numerous and complex effects on sexual selection which may only be exposed when examined under naturalistic conditions.
bayesynergy: flexible Bayesian modelling of synergistic interaction effects inin vitrodrug combination experiments
Authors: Rønneberg Leiv , Cremaschi Andrea , Hanes Robert , Enserink Jorrit M , Zucknick Manuela
Published: June 2021

The effect of cancer therapies is often tested pre-clinically via in vitro experiments, where the post-treatment viability of the cancer cell population is measured through assays estimating the number of viable cells. In this way, large libraries of compounds can be tested, comparing the efficacy of each treatment. Drug interaction studies focus on the quantification of the additional effect encountered when two drugs are combined, as opposed to using the treatments separately. In the bayesynergy R package, we implement a probabilistic approach for the description of the drug combination experiment, where the observed dose response curve is modelled as a sum of the expected response under a zero-interaction model and an additional interaction effect (synergistic or antagonistic). Although the model formulation makes use of the Bliss independence assumption, we note that the posterior estimates of the dose–response surface can also be used to extract synergy scores based on other reference models, which we illustrate for the Highest Single Agent model. The interaction is modelled in a flexible manner, using a Gaussian process formulation. Since the proposed approach is based on a statistical model, it allows the natural inclusion of replicates, handles missing data and uneven concentration grids, and provides uncertainty quantification around the results. The model is implemented in the open-source Stan programming language providing a computationally efficient sampler, a fast approximation of the posterior through variational inference, and features parallel processing for working with large drug combination screens.
Heritable consequences of paternal nicotine exposure: from phenomena to mechanisms†
Authors: McCarthy Deirdre M , Bhide Pradeep G
Published: June 2021

Our understanding of the interactions between genetic and environmental factors in shaping behavioral phenotypes has expanded to include environment-induced epigenetic modifications and the intriguing possibility of their association with heritable behavioral phenotypes. The molecular basis of heritability of phenotypes arising from environment-induced epigenetic modifications is not well defined yet. However, phenomenological evidence in favor of it is accumulating rapidly. The resurgence of interest has led to focus on epigenetic modification of germ cells as a plausible mechanism of heritability. Perhaps partly because of practical reasons such as ease of access to male germ cells compared to female germ cells, attention has turned toward heritable effects of environmental influences on male founders. Public health implications of heritable effects of paternal exposures to addictive substances or to psycho-social factors may be enormous. Considering nicotine alone, over a billion people worldwide use nicotine-containing products, and the majority are men. Historically, the adverse effects of nicotine use by pregnant women received much attention by scientists and public policy experts alike. The implications of nicotine use by men for the physical and mental well-being of their children were not at the forefront of research until recently. Here, we review progress in the emerging field of heritable effects of paternal nicotine exposure and its implications for behavioral health of individuals in multiple generations.
Circulating progenitor cells are associated with plaque progression and long-term outcomes in heart transplant patients
Authors: Ozcan Ilke , Toya Takumi , Corban Michel T , Ahmad Ali , Loeffler Darrell , Morse David , Lerman Lilach O , Kushwaha Sudhir S , Lerman Amir
Published: June 2021

Aims

Circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) play a role in vascular repair and plaque stability, while osteocalcin (OC) expressing CPCs have been linked to unstable plaque and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, their role in cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) has not been elucidated. This cohort study aimed to investigate the contribution of CPCs on CAV progression and cardiovascular events after heart transplantation.

Methods and results

A total of 80 heart transplant patients (mean age 55 ± 14 years, 72% male) undergoing annual intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) had fresh CPCs marked by CD34, CD133, and OC counted in peripheral blood using flow cytometry, on the same day as baseline IVUS. CAV progression was assessed by IVUS as the change (Δ) in plaque volume divided by segment length (PV/SL), adjusted for the time between IVUS measurements [median 3.0, interquartile range (2.8–3.1) years] and was defined as ΔPV/SL that is above the median ΔPV/SL of study population. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as any incident of revascularization, myocardial infarction, heart failure admission, re-transplantation, stroke, and death. Patients with higher CD34+CD133+ CPCs had a decreased risk of CAV progression [odds ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.37–0.92), P = 0.01] and MACE [hazard ratio (HR) 0.79, 95% CI (0.66–0.99), P = 0.05] during a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 8.0 years (7.2–8.3). Contrarily, higher OC+ cell counts were associated with an increased risk of MACE [HR 1.26, 95% CI (1.03–1.57), P = 0.02].

Conclusions

Lower levels of CD34+CD133+ CPCs are associated with plaque progression and adverse long-term outcomes in patients who underwent allograft heart transplantation. In contrast, higher circulating OC+ levels are associated with adverse long-term outcomes. Thus, CPCs might play a role in amelioration of transplant vasculopathy, while OC expression by these cells might play a role in progression.
Genome analysis of Candida subhashii reveals its hybrid nature and dual mitochondrial genome conformations
Authors: Mixão Verónica , Hegedűsová Eva , Saus Ester , Pryszcz Leszek P , Cillingová Andrea , Nosek Jozef , Gabaldón Toni
Published: June 2021

Candida subhashii belongs to the CUG-Ser clade, a group of phylogenetically closely related yeast species that includes some human opportunistic pathogens, such as Candida albicans. Despite being present in the environment, C. subhashii was initially described as the causative agent of a case of peritonitis. Considering the relevance of whole-genome sequencing and analysis for our understanding of genome evolution and pathogenicity, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the genome of C. subhashii type strain. Our results show that C. subhashii presents a highly heterozygous genome and other signatures that point to a hybrid ancestry. The presence of functional pathways for assimilation of hydroxyaromatic compounds goes in line with the affiliation of this yeast with soil microbial communities involved in lignin decomposition. Furthermore, we observed that different clones of this strain may present circular or linear mitochondrial DNA. Re-sequencing and comparison of strains with differential mitochondrial genome topology revealed five candidate genes potentially associated with this conformational change: MSK1, SSZ1, ALG5, MRPL9 and OYE32.
Inotropic therapies in heart failure and cardiogenic shock: an educational review
Authors: DesJardin Jacqueline T , Teerlink John R
Published: June 2021

Reduced systolic function is central to the pathophysiology and clinical sequelae of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with reduced ejection fraction and cardiogenic shock. These clinical entities are the final common pathway for marked deterioration of right or left ventricular function and can occur in multiple clinical presentations including severe ADHF, myocardial infarction, post-cardiac surgery, severe pulmonary hypertension, and advanced or end-stage chronic heart failure. Inotropic therapies improve ventricular systolic function and may be divided into three classes on the basis of their mechanism of action (calcitropes, mitotropes, and myotropes). Most currently available therapies for cardiogenic shock are calcitropes which can provide critical haemodynamic support, but also may increase myocardial oxygen demand, ischaemia, arrhythmia, and mortality. Emerging therapies to improve cardiac function such as mitotropes (e.g. perhexiline, SGLT2i) or myotropes (e.g. omecamtiv mecarbil) may provide useful alternatives in the future.
Post-replicative nick translation occurs on the lagging strand during prolonged depletion of DNA ligase I in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Koussa Natasha C , Smith Duncan J
Published: June 2021

During lagging-strand synthesis, strand-displacement synthesis by DNA polymerase delta (Pol ∂), coupled to nucleolytic cleavage of DNA flap structures, produces a nick-translation reaction that replaces the DNA at the 5′ end of the preceding Okazaki fragment. Previous work following depletion of DNA ligase I in Saccharomyces cerevisae suggests that DNA-bound proteins, principally nucleosomes and the transcription factors Abf1/Rap1/Reb1, pose a barrier to Pol ∂ synthesis and thereby limit the extent of nick translation in vivo. However, the extended ligase depletion required for these experiments could lead to ongoing, non-physiological nick translation. Here, we investigate nick translation by analyzing Okazaki fragments purified after transient nuclear depletion of DNA ligase I in synchronized or asynchronous Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures. We observe that, even with a short ligase depletion, Okazaki fragment termini are enriched around nucleosomes and Abf1/Reb1/Rap1-binding sites. However, protracted ligase depletion leads to a global change in the location of these termini, moving them toward nucleosome dyads from a more upstream location and further enriching termini at Abf1/Reb1/Rap1-binding sites. In addition, we observe an under-representation of DNA derived from DNA polymerase alpha—the polymerase that initiates Okazaki fragment synthesis—around the sites of Okazaki termini obtained from very brief ligase depletion. Our data suggest that, while nucleosomes and transcription factors do limit strand-displacement synthesis by Pol ∂ in vivo, post-replicative nick translation can occur at unligated Okazaki fragment termini such that previous analyses represent an overestimate of the extent of nick translation occurring during normal lagging-strand synthesis.
A genetic titration of membrane composition in Caenorhabditis elegans reveals its importance for multiple cellular and physiological traits
Authors: Devkota Ranjan , Kaper Delaney , Bodhicharla Rakesh , Henricsson Marcus , Borén Jan , Pilon Marc
Published: June 2021

Communicating editor: B. Grant

The composition and biophysical properties of cellular membranes must be tightly regulated to maintain the proper functions of myriad processes within cells. To better understand the importance of membrane homeostasis, we assembled a panel of five Caenorhabditis elegans strains that show a wide span of membrane composition and properties, ranging from excessively rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and rigid to excessively rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and fluid. The genotypes of the five strain are, from most rigid to most fluid: paqr-1(tm3262); paqr-2(tm3410), paqr-2(tm3410), N2 (wild-type), mdt-15(et14); nhr-49(et8), and mdt-15(et14); nhr-49(et8); acs-13(et54). We confirmed the excess SFA/rigidity-to-excess PUFA/fluidity gradient using the methods of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and lipidomics analysis. The five strains were then studied for a variety of cellular and physiological traits and found to exhibit defects in: permeability, lipid peroxidation, growth at different temperatures, tolerance to SFA-rich diets, lifespan, brood size, vitellogenin trafficking, oogenesis, and autophagy during starvation. The excessively rigid strains often exhibited defects in opposite directions compared to the excessively fluid strains. We conclude that deviation from wild-type membrane homeostasis is pleiotropically deleterious for numerous cellular/physiological traits. The strains introduced here should prove useful to further study the cellular and physiological consequences of impaired membrane homeostasis.
Patient–Caregiver Treatment Preference Discordance and Its Association With Caregiving Burden and Esteem
Authors: Ozdemir Semra , Ng Sean , Malhotra Chetna , Teo Irene , Finkelstein Eric A ,   COMPASS Study Group, Singh Ratna , Dent Rebecca A , Yeo Wee Lee , Cheung Yin Bun , Malhotra Rahul , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Yee Alethea Chung Pheng , Chan Noreen , Wu Huei Yaw , Chin Soh Mun , Allyn Hum Yin Mei , Yang Grace Meijuan , Neo Patricia Soek Hui , Nadkarni Nivedita V , Harding Richard
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

Many patient–caregiver dyads report conflicting treatment decisions regarding preferences for life extension treatments and symptom management. It is possible that this discordance will lead to negative psychological outcomes including lowered caregiving esteem and increased caregiver burden. However, the relationships between treatment discordance among dyads and caregiver psychological outcomes are not well studied among advanced cancer patients—a gap this study aims to fill.

Research Design and Methods

Outcome variables included caregiver burden and caregiving esteem, measured via a modified 4-domain Caregiver Reaction Assessment Scale. The main independent variable was patient–caregiver treatment preference discordance, examined using questions adapted from an existing protocol. Analyses were conducted using multivariable regressions.

Results

A convenience sample of 285 patient–caregiver dyads were recruited from outpatient clinics at 2 tertiary hospitals in Singapore. The majority (60%) of patient–caregiver dyads reported discordant treatment preferences. Discordance in this study arose because caregivers wanted a balance between life extension and symptom management while patients preferred life-extending treatment. In multivariable analyses, discordance predicted caregiver burden arising from impact on caregiver schedule and health (β = 0.16, p = .07) and lack of family support (β = 0.13, p = .04).

Discussion and Implications

Theoretically, this study provided a more nuanced understanding of how dyad discordance may worsen the burdens felt by caregivers, and which aspects of their lives (i.e., burden due to impact of caregiver schedule and health and lack of family support) are most affected. Our findings can aid in establishing therapeutic interventions targeted toward improving communication skills and encouraging end-of-life discussions among patients, caregivers, and their health care providers. The importance of establishing and improving therapy programs specifically targeted toward caregivers was also underlined.
A one-year study of human milk oligosaccharide profiles in the milk of healthy UK mothers and their relationship to maternal FUT2 genotype
Authors: Durham Sierra D , Robinson Randall C , Olga Laurentya , Ong Ken K , Chichlowski Maciej , Dunger David B , Barile Daniela
Published: June 2021

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are indigestible carbohydrates with prebiotic, pathogen decoy and immunomodulatory activities that are theorized to substantially impact infant health. The objective of this study was to monitor HMO concentrations over 1 year to develop a long-term longitudinal dataset. HMO concentrations in the breast milk of healthy lactating mothers of the Cambridge Baby Growth and Breastfeeding Study (CBGS-BF) were measured at birth, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months postpartum. HMO quantification was conducted by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection using a newly validated “dilute-and-shoot” method. This technique minimizes sample losses and expedites throughput, making it particularly suitable for the analysis of large sample sets. Varying patterns of individual HMO concentrations were observed with changes in lactation timepoint and maternal secretor status, with the most prominent temporal changes occurring during the first 3 months. These data provide valuable information for the development of human milk banks in view of targeted distribution of donor milk based on infant age. Maternal FUT2 genotype was determined based on identification at single-nucleotide polymorphism rs516246 and compared with the genotype expected based on phenotypic markers in the HMO profile. Surprisingly, two mothers genotyped as secretors produced milk that displayed very low levels of 2′-fucosylated moieties. This unexpected discrepancy between genotype and phenotype suggests that differential enzyme expression may cause substantial variation in HMO profiles between genotypically similar mothers, and current genotypic methods of secretor status determination may require validation with HMO markers from milk analysis.
Expert ethos and the strength of networks: negotiations of credibility in mediated debate on COVID-19
Authors: Kjeldsen Jens E , Ihlen Øyvind , Just Sine N , Larsson and Anders Olof
Published: June 2021

For public health promotion to succeed, popular support is necessary and the chosen policies and measures have to be perceived as legitimate by the public. In other words, health authorities need to build on and sustain established trust when they recommend a certain policy. When the policy is criticized, this trust is challenged, and the authorities enter into a negotiation of credibility (ethos). In this article, we research a particular instance of such negotiation, drawing lessons for health promotion and for COVID-19 communication. We study a Norwegian television debate in which an MD presented harsh criticism of the health authorities’ chosen crisis response in the early phase of the pandemic. Unpacking the rhetorical constitution of the expert ethos of the MD and of the health authorities, respectively, we find that representatives of the authorities are more open to participation and better at connecting to everyday experiences than the MD, who primarily builds her expert ethos on mastery of scientific language and methods, combined with alarmist rhetoric. Further, we identify main tenets of the public’s reception of the debate through an analysis of 1961 tweets that commented on the program. The analysis indicates that public health authorities might maintain high levels of trust by rhetorically cultivating their positions within institutional and (social) media networks of expertise.
Mechanisms for Mid-Air Reorientation Using Tail Rotation in Gliding Geckos
Authors: Siddall Robert , Ibanez Victor , Byrnes Greg , Full Robert J , Jusufi Ardian
Published: June 2021

Arboreal animals face numerous challenges when negotiating complex three-dimensional terrain. Directed aerial descent or gliding flight allows for rapid traversal of arboreal environments, but presents control challenges. Some animals, such as birds or gliding squirrels, have specialized structures to modulate aerodynamic forces while airborne. However, many arboreal animals do not possess these specializations but still control posture and orientation in mid-air. One of the largest inertial segments in lizards is their tail. Inertial reorientation can be used to attain postures appropriate for controlled aerial descent. Here, we discuss the role of tail inertia in a range of mid-air reorientation behaviors using experimental data from geckos in combination with mathematical and robotic models. Geckos can self-right in mid-air by tail rotation alone. Equilibrium glide behavior of geckos in a vertical wind tunnel show that they can steer toward a visual stimulus by using rapid, circular tail rotations to control pitch and yaw. Multiple coordinated tail responses appear to be required for the most effective terminal velocity gliding. A mathematical model allows us to explore the relationship between morphology and the capacity for inertial reorientation by conducting sensitivity analyses, and testing control approaches. Robotic models further define the limits of performance and generate new control hypotheses. Such comparative analysis allows predictions about the diversity of performance across lizard morphologies, relative limb proportions, and provides insights into the evolution of aerial behaviors.
Linking zooplankton time series to the fossil record
Authors: Jonkers Lukas , Meilland Julie , Rillo Marina C , de Garidel-Thoron Thibault , Kitchener John A , Kucera Michal
Published: June 2021

Marine zooplankton time series are crucial to understand the dynamics of pelagic ecosystems. However, most observational time series are only a few decades long, which limits our understanding of long-term zooplankton dynamics, renders attribution of observed trends to global change ambiguous, and hampers prediction of future response to environmental change. Planktonic foraminifera are calcifying marine zooplankton that have the unique potential to substantially extend our view on plankton dynamics because their skeletal remains are preserved for millions of years in deep-sea sediments. Thus, linking sedimentary and modern time series offers great potential to study zooplankton dynamics across time scales not accessible by direct observations. However, this link is rarely made and the potential of planktonic foraminifera for advancing our understanding of zooplankton dynamics remains underexploited. This underutilization of this potential to bridge time scales is mainly because of the lack of collaboration between biologists, who have mostly focused on other (zoo)plankton, and micropalaeontologists, who have focussed too narrowly on fossil foraminifera. With this food for thought article, we aim to highlight the unique potential of planktonic foraminifera to bridge the gap between biology and geology. We strongly believe that such collaboration has large benefits to both scientific communities.
Localized states in passive and active phase-field-crystal models
Authors: Holl Max Philipp , Archer Andrew J , Gurevich Svetlana V , Knobloch Edgar , Ophaus Lukas , Thiele Uwe
Published: June 2021

The passive conserved Swift–Hohenberg equation (or phase-field-crystal [PFC] model) describes gradient dynamics of a single-order parameter field related to density. It provides a simple microscopic description of the thermodynamic transition between liquid and crystalline states. In addition to spatially extended periodic structures, the model describes a large variety of steady spatially localized structures. In appropriate bifurcation diagrams the corresponding solution branches exhibit characteristic slanted homoclinic snaking. In an active PFC model, encoding for instance the active motion of self-propelled colloidal particles, the gradient dynamics structure is broken by a coupling between density and an additional polarization field. Then, resting and traveling localized states are found with transitions characterized by parity-breaking drift bifurcations. Here, we briefly review the snaking behavior of localized states in passive and active PFC models before discussing the bifurcation behavior of localized states in systems of (i) two coupled passive PFC models with common gradient dynamics, (ii) two coupled passive PFC models where the coupling breaks the gradient dynamics structure and (iii) a passive PFC model coupled to an active PFC model.
Accelerated Dirichlet–Robin alternating algorithms for solving the Cauchy problem for the Helmholtz equation
Authors: Berntsson Fredrik , Chepkorir Jennifer , Kozlov Vladimir
Published: June 2021

The Cauchy problem for Helmholtz equation, for moderate wave number $k^{2}$, is considered. In the previous paper of Achieng et al. (2020, Analysis of Dirichlet–Robin iterations for solving the Cauchy problem for elliptic equations. Bull. Iran. Math. Soc.), a proof of convergence for the Dirichlet–Robin alternating algorithm was given for general elliptic operators of second order, provided that appropriate Robin parameters were used. Also, it has been noted that the rate of convergence for the alternating iterative algorithm is quite slow. Thus, we reformulate the Cauchy problem as an operator equation and implement iterative methods based on Krylov subspaces. The aim is to achieve faster convergence. In particular, we consider the Landweber method, the conjugate gradient method and the generalized minimal residual method. The numerical results show that all the methods work well. In this work, we discuss also how one can approach non-symmetric differential operators by using similar operator equations and model problems which are used for symmetric differential operators.
Secrecy and Subjectivity: Double Agents and the Dark Underside of the International System
Authors: Lundborg Tom
Published: June 2021

Drawing on a wide range of material, from memoirs of former spy masters to the highly acclaimed TV series Le Bureau des Légendes, this article shows how documentary as well as fictional accounts of double agents cast light on a “dark underside” of the international system. This dark underside is made up of exceptional spaces of secrecy in which intelligence organizations and spies operate. The article's main point of entry when analyzing these spaces is the intimate connection between secrecy and subjectivity. While secrecy as a social practice has received increased attention in sociological accounts of secret intelligence, the constitutive role of secrecy in relation to subjectivity is a much less explored theme. This theme, it is argued, becomes especially valuable for thinking about the conflicting lines that constitute the life and becoming of the double agent. In particular, it can be drawn on to show how this subject both is captured by the transparent norms and limits of the international state system and effectively transgresses those limits. In this way, rather than upholding a dichotomy of secrecy and transparency as two separable sides of the international system, the double agent emerges as a disruptive figure calling for its deconstruction.
Anti-biofilm activity of murepavadin against cystic fibrosis Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates
Authors: Díez-Aguilar María , Ekkelenkamp Miquel , Morosini María-Isabel , Huertas Natalia , del Campo Rosa , Zamora Javier , Fluit Ad C , Tunney Michael M , Obrecht Daniel , Bernardini Francesca , Cantón Rafael
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To determine the activity of murepavadin in comparison with tobramycin, colistin and aztreonam, against cystic fibrosis (CF) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates growing in biofilms. The biofilm-epidemiological cut-off (ECOFF) values that include intrinsic resistance mechanisms present in biofilms were estimated.

Methods

Fifty-three CF P. aeruginosa isolates from respiratory samples were tested using the Calgary (closed system) device, while 4 [2 clinical (one smooth, one mucoid) and 2 reference strains] were tested using the BioFlux, a microfluidic open model of biofilm testing. Biofilm was stained with SYTO9® and propidium iodide. The minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and the minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) were determined. The MBIC-ECOFF and the MBEC-ECOFF were calculated.

Results

Colistin, tobramycin and murepavadin presented similar MBIC50/MBIC90 values (4/32, 8/64 and 2/32, respectively). Murepavadin exhibited the lowest MBEC90 (64 mg/L). Aztreonam MBIC and MBEC values were higher than those of the other antibiotics tested. Tobramycin and murepavadin had the lowest MBEC-ECOFF (64 and 128 mg/L, respectively), while those of aztreonam and colistin exceeded 512 mg/L. Using the BioFlux, for the PAO1, PAO mutS and the smooth clinical strain, a significant difference (P < 0.0125) was observed when comparing the fluorescence of treated and untreated biofilms. For the mucoid strain, only the biofilm treated with aztreonam (MBIC and MBEC) and tobramycin (MBEC) showed differences with respect to the untreated biofilm.

Conclusions

Murepavadin demonstrated good activity against P. aeruginosa biofilms both in open and closed systems. The MBIC-ECOFF and the MBEC-ECOFF are proposed as new parameters to estimate the activity of antibiotics on biofilms.
Modulation of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in relation to intestinal health and nutrient digestibility in pigs by supplementation of β-glucanase to corn–soybean meal-based diets with xylanase
Authors: Duarte Marcos Elias , Sparks Chris , Kim Sung Woo
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of β-glucanase on the modulation of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in relation to nutrient digestibility and intestinal health of pigs fed diets with 30% corn distiller’s dried grains with solubles and xylanase. Forty pigs at 12.4 ± 0.5 kg body weight (BW) were allotted in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet with xylanase (1,500 endo-pentosanase units [EPU]/kg) and increasing levels of β-glucanase (0, 200, 400, and 600 U/kg) meeting nutrient requirements and fed to pigs for 21 d. Blood samples were collected on day 19. On day 21, all pigs were euthanized to collect intestinal tissues and digesta. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and malondialdehyde were measured in the plasma and mid-jejunal mucosa. Viscosity was determined using digesta from the distal jejunum. Ileal and rectal digesta were evaluated to determine apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients. Mucosa samples from the mid-jejunum were utilized for microbiota sequencing. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure on SAS 9.4. Overall, increasing dietary β-glucanase tended to increase (linear; P = 0.077) the average daily gain of pigs. Increasing dietary β-glucanase affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, reduced (linear; P < 0.05) Helicobacter rappini, and increased (linear, P < 0.05) Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. β-Glucanase supplementation (0 vs. others) tended to increase (P = 0.096) the AID of crude protein in the diet, whereas increasing dietary β-glucanase tended to increase (linear; P = 0.097) the ATTD of gross energy in the diet and increased (linear; P < 0.05) the concentration of IL-6 in the plasma of pigs. In conclusion, increasing β-glucanase up to 600 U/kg feed in a diet containing xylanase (1,500 EPU/kg) modulated mucosa-associated microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and reducing potentially harmful bacteria. Furthermore, increasing β-glucanase up to 600 U/kg feed in a diet containing xylanase (1,500 EPU/kg feed) enhanced the status of the intestinal environment and nutrient utilization, as well as reduced systemic inflammation of pigs, collectively resulting in moderate improvement of growth performance. Supplementing β-glucanase at a range of 312 to 410 U/kg with xylanase at 1,500 EPU/kg feed showed the most benefit on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and reduced systemic inflammation of pigs.