bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of migratory Tibetan antelope to infrastructure development
Authors: Wu Tong , Lian Xinming , Li Hongqi , Wang Dong , Chen Jiaping , Miao Ziyan , Zhang Tongzuo
Published: April 2021

Background:
The Tibetan antelope (
Pantholops hodgsonii
) is a migratory ungulate species that inhabits the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In recent years, the population of Tibetan antelope has steadily increased owing to rigorous protection measures to safeguard the species from commercial poaching. Currently, infrastructure development, competition with domestic livestock, and predation are the principal factors threatening the survival of Tibetan antelope.
Result
: Our study found that migratory Tibetan antelope can adapt to the development of infrastructure over time, decreasing the potential negative impacts of such developments.
Conclusion:
We, therefore, urge infrastructure development companies to incorporate wildlife corridors that enable free movement of wildlife populations, particularly for migratory species.
Coupling of Cdc20 inhibition and activation by BubR1
Authors: Hein Jamin B. , Garvanska Dimitriya H. , Nasa Isha , Kettenbach Arminja N. , Nilsson Jakob
Published: April 2021

Tight regulation of the APC/C-Cdc20 ubiquitin ligase that targets cyclin B1 for degradation is important for mitotic fidelity. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) inhibits Cdc20 through the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC). In addition, phosphorylation of Cdc20 by cyclin B1–Cdk1 independently inhibits APC/C–Cdc20 activation. This creates a conundrum for how Cdc20 is activated before cyclin B1 degradation. Here, we show that the MCC component BubR1 harbors both Cdc20 inhibition and activation activities, allowing for cross-talk between the two Cdc20 inhibition pathways. Specifically, BubR1 acts as a substrate specifier for PP2A-B56 to enable efficient Cdc20 dephosphorylation in the MCC. A mutant Cdc20 mimicking the dephosphorylated state escapes a mitotic checkpoint arrest, arguing that restricting Cdc20 dephosphorylation to the MCC is important. Collectively, our work reveals how Cdc20 can be dephosphorylated in the presence of cyclin B1-Cdk1 activity without causing premature anaphase onset.
Matrix compliance permits NF-κB activation to drive therapy resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Drain Allison P. , Zahir Nastaran , Northey Jason J. , Zhang Hui , Huang Po-Jui , Maller Ori , Lakins Johnathon N. , Yu Xinmiao , Leight Jennifer L. , Alston-Mills Brenda P. , Hwang E. Shelley , Chen Yunn-Yi , Park Catherine C. , Weaver Valerie M.
Published: April 2021

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are associated with poor survival mediated by treatment resistance. TNBCs are fibrotic, yet little is known regarding how the extracellular matrix (ECM) evolves following therapy and whether it impacts treatment response. Analysis revealed that while primary untreated TNBCs are surrounded by a rigid stromal microenvironment, chemotherapy-resistant residual tumors inhabit a softer niche. TNBC organoid cultures and xenograft studies showed that organoids interacting with soft ECM exhibit striking resistance to chemotherapy, ionizing radiation, and death receptor ligand TRAIL. A stiff ECM enhanced proapoptotic JNK activity to sensitize cells to treatment, whereas a soft ECM promoted treatment resistance by elevating NF-κB activity and compromising JNK activity. Treatment-resistant residual TNBCs residing within soft stroma had elevated activated NF-κB levels, and disengaging NF-κB activity sensitized tumors in a soft matrix to therapy. Thus, the biophysical properties of the ECM modify treatment response, and agents that modulate stiffness-dependent NF-κB or JNK activity could enhance therapeutic efficacy in patients with TNBC.
Hollow mesoporous polydopamine nanospheres: synthesis, biocompatibility and drug delivery
Authors: Lin Kunpeng , Gan Ying , Zhu Peide , Li Shanshan , Lin Chen , Yu Shuling , Zhao Shuang , Shi Jiahua , Li Runming , Yuan Jinfang
Published: April 2021

Various polydopamine (PDA) nanospheres were synthesized by utilizing triblock copolymer Pluronic F127 and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) as soft templates. Precise morphology control of polydopamine nanospheres was realized from solid polydopamine nanospheres to hollow polydopamine nanospheres, mesoporous polydopamine nanospheres and hollow mesoporous polydopamine nanospheres (H-MPDANSs) by adjusting the weight ratio of TMB to F127. The inner diameter of the prepared H-MPDANSs can be controlled in the range of 50–100 nm, and the outer diameter is about 180 nm. Furthermore, the thickness of hollow mesoporous spherical shell can be adjusted by changing the amount of dopamine (DA). The H-MPDANSs have good biocompatibility, excellent photothermal properties, high drug loading capacity, and outstanding sustainable drug release properties. In addition, both NIR laser irradiation and acid pH can facilitate the controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX) from H-MPDANSs@DOX.
NNLO QCD predictions of electron charge asymmetry for inclusive pp → W + X production in forward region at 13 and 14 TeV
Authors: Ocalan Kadir
Published: April 2021

This paper presents perturbative QCD predictions of the electron charge asymmetry for inclusive

production in proton-proton (pp) collisions. Perturbative QCD calculations are performed at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) accuracy using different parton distribution function (PDF) models at 8, 13, and 14 TeV center-of-mass energies of CERN LHC pp collisions. NNLO calculations are performed for electrons with transverse momenta above 20 GeV in the forward electron pseudorapidity region

. NNLO predictions are first compared at 8 TeV with the measurements of the LHCb experiment at the LHC for the

/

cross section ratio and charge asymmetry distributions. The 8 TeV predictions using NNPDF3.1, CT14, and MMHT2014 PDF sets are reported to be in good agreement with the LHCb data for the entire

region, justifying the extension of the calculations to 13 and 14 TeV energies. The charge asymmetry predictions at NNLO accuracy are reported in the forward

bins at 13 and 14 TeV and compared among NNPDF3.1, CT14, and MMHT2014 PDF sets. Overall, the predicted

differential cross-section and charge asymmetry distributions based on different PDF sets are found to be consistent with each other for the entire

region. The charge asymmetry distributions are shown to be more sensitive to discriminate among different PDF models in terms of the 14 TeV predictions.
Stability-Indicating Determination of Tedizolid Phosphate in the Presence of its Active Form and Possible Degradants
Authors: Moaaz Eman M , Abdel-Moety Ezzat M , Rezk Mamdouh R , Fayed Ahmed S
Published: April 2021

Tedizolid phosphate is an antibiotic prodrug that is metabolized into tedizolid which is used against various resistant bacterial strains. In this study, tedizolid phosphate was subjected to stress degradation conditions, namely, hydrolysis (neutral, acidic and alkaline), thermal, oxidative and photolytic ones. The prodrug was stable toward thermal and photolytic stress conditions, while it showed significant degradation upon applying oxidative and hydrolytic conditions. Two suggested chromatographic methods are described for separation and determination of tedizolid phosphate from the resulted degradation products. The first method is HPLC using Waters Xselect HSS C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) analytical column and mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 6.5):acetonitrile (70:30, %v/v) pumped at flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with UV-detection at 300 nm. The second method is a TLC coupled with densitometric quantitation, precoated silica TLC-plates as a stationary phase and a mobile phase of methanol:butanol:ethyl acetate:ammonia (33%, w/v) (60:20:20:10,%v/v) were used. The chromatographed plates were scanned at 300 nm. The linearity was confirmed over concentration range of 1–100 μg/mL and 1–12 μg/band for HPLC and TLC-densitometric methods, respectively. Both methods were found to be suitable for determination of tedizolid phosphate in pure form and in its pharmaceutical formulations.
A Decision Tree Ensemble Model for Predicting Bus Bunching
Authors: Borges Santos Veruska , S Pires Carlos Eduardo , Cassimiro Nascimento Dimas , de Queiroz Andreza Raquel M
Published: April 2021

Travel delays and bus overcrowding are some of the daily dissatisfactions of public transportation users. These problems may be caused by bus bunching, an event that occurs when two or more buses are running the same route together, i.e. out of schedule. Due to the stochastic nature of the traffic, a static schedule is not effective to avoid the occurrence of these events; thus, preventive actions are necessary to improve the reliability of the public transportation system. In this context, we propose a decision tree ensemble model to predict bus bunching. We use an ensemble of Random Forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting and Categorical Boosting models applied to Global Positioning System, General Transit Feed Specification, weather and traffic situation data. The efficacy of the proposed model has been demonstrated using real data sets and has been compared with four baselines: Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine and Relevance Vector Machine. According to the results, the proposed model can achieve an efficacy between 74 and 80% and can be used to predict bus bunching in real time up to 10 stops before its occurrence.
Comparative outcomes of total arch versus hemiarch repair in acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection: the impact of 21 years of experience
Authors: Ok You Jung , Kang Seung Ri , Kim Ho Jin , Kim Joon Bum , Choo Suk Jung
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVES

With the goal of evaluating the impact of experiences at our centre on comparative outcomes between total arch and hemiarch repairs, we reviewed our 21 years of experience with operations for acute type I aortic dissection.

METHODS

Between 1999 and 2019, a total of 365 patients (177 women; 56.8 ± 12.9 years) with acute type I aortic dissection who had a hemiarch (n = 248) or a total arch replacement (n = 117) were evaluated, and the trends in comparative outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

Over time, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion were replaced by moderate hypothermia and antegrade cerebral perfusion with the introduction of dedicated aortic surgeons. Overall, operative deaths decreased from 11.0% in time quartile 1 to 2.2% in time quartile 4 (P = 0.090). After adjustment with the use of inverse probability weighting, the total arch group compared with the hemiarch group was at a similar risk of mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22–2.43; P = 0.71] but at a greater risk of neurological deficit (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.23–8.98; P = 0.017) in the earlier half period (1999–2009). In the later period (2009–2019), however, both the risks of mortality (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.03–1.59; P = 0.23) and of neurological injuries (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.12–1.18; P = 0.13) were comparable between the 2 groups (P for interaction in terms of neurological deficit = 0.007). The multivariable logistic regression model revealed that dedicated aortic surgeons independently contributed to decreased risk of death (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09–0.84; P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that accumulating institutional experiences, along with resultant improvements in surgical strategies and outcomes, may neutralize the surgical risk gap between total arch and hemiarch repair in acute type I aortic dissection.
Somatic symptoms and associations with common psychological diagnoses: a retrospective cohort study from Norwegian urban general practice
Authors: Dahli Mina P , Šaltytė-Benth Jūratė , Haavet Ole R , Ruud Torleif , Brekke Mette
Published: April 2021

Background

Patients with mental health problems often present with somatic symptoms when visiting their general practitioner (GP). Somatic presentations may challenge correct diagnosing of mental health disorders in general practice, where most of these disorders are treated.

Objective

Explore the associations between common psychological diagnoses and somatic symptom diagnoses in Norwegian urban general practice.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including electronic medical data from 15 750 patients aged 16–65 years from 35 GPs in six GP offices in Oslo, Norway, during 12 months in 2014–2015. We explored prevalences and associations between anxiety-, depression-, and stress-related diagnoses, and somatic symptom diagnoses.

Results

Patients with anxiety-, depression- and stress-related diagnoses had a mean number of 2.9±3.6 somatic symptom diagnoses during the 12 months, compared to 1.9±2.5 for patients without any psychological diagnoses (P < 0.001). The mean number of somatic symptoms was significantly higher for the different psychological diagnoses viewed separately, for both sexes and different age groups. There was an increase in probability for anxiety, depression, or stress-related diagnoses with an increasing number of somatic symptom diagnoses during the 12 months. We found a significant increase in somatic symptom diagnoses from ICPC-2 chapters: General and unspecified, digestive, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, urological, female genital disorders and social problems. Associated symptom patterns were different for each of the included psychological diagnoses.

Conclusions

This study shows that patients with anxiety, depression- and stress-related diagnoses present with increased and characteristic somatic symptoms compared to patients without these diagnoses in general practice.
Joint Gramian inversion of geophysical data with different resolution capabilities: case study in Yellowstone
Authors: Tu Xiaolei , Zhdanov Michael S
Published: April 2021

Joint inversion of multiphysics data is a practical approach to the integration of geophysical data, which produces models of reduced uncertainty and improved resolution. The development of effective methods of joint inversion requires considering different resolutions of different geophysical methods. This paper presents a new framework of joint inversion of multiphysics data, which is based on a novel formulation of Gramian constraints and mitigates the difference in resolution capabilities of different geophysical methods. Our approach enforces structural similarity between different model parameters through minimizing a structural Gramian term, and it also balances the different resolutions of geophysical methods using a multiscale resampling strategy. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by synthetic model study of joint inversion of the P-wave traveltime and gravity data. We apply a novel method based on Gramian constraints and multiscale resampling to jointly invert the gravity and seismic data collected in Yellowstone national Park to image the crustal magmatic system of the Yellowstone. Our results helped to produce a consistent image of the crustal magmatic system of the Yellowstone expressed both in low-density and low-velocity anomaly just beneath the Yellowstone caldera.
Potential and scientific requirements of optical clock networks for validating satellite-derived time-variable gravity data
Authors: Schröder Stefan , Stellmer Simon , Kusche Jürgen
Published: April 2021

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE-FO missions have provided an unprecedented quantification of large-scale changes in the water cycle. However, it is still an open problem of how these missions’ data can be referenced to a ground truth. Meanwhile, stationary optical clocks show fractional instabilities below 10−18 when averaged over an hour, and continue to be improved in terms of stability and accuracy, uptime and transportability. The frequency of a clock is affected by the gravitational redshift, and thus depends on the local geopotential; a relative frequency change of 10−18 corresponds to a geoid height change of about 1 cm. Here we suggest that this effect could be exploited for sensing large-scale temporal geopotential changes via a network of clocks distributed at the Earth’s surface. In fact, several projects have already proposed to create an ensemble of optical clocks connected across Europe via optical fibre links. Our hypothesis is that a clock network with collocated GNSS receivers spread over Europe—for which the physical infrastructure is already partly in place—would enable us to determine temporal variations of the Earth’s gravity field at timescales of days and beyond, and thus provide a new means for validating satellite missions such as GRACE-FO or a future gravity mission. Here, we show through simulations how glacial, hydrological and atmospheric variations over Europe could be observed with clock comparisons in a future network that follows current design concepts in the metrology community. We assume different scenarios for clock and GNSS uncertainties and find that even under conservative assumptions—a clock error of 10−18 and vertical height control error of 1.4 mm for daily measurements—hydrological signals at the annual timescale and atmospheric signals down to the weekly timescale could be observed.
MCOLN1 gene therapy corrects neurologic dysfunction in the mouse model of mucolipidosis IV
Authors: DeRosa Samantha , Salani Monica , Smith Sierra , Sangster Madison , Miller-Browne Victoria , Wassmer Sarah , Xiao Ru , Vandenberghe Luk , Slaugenhaupt Susan , Misko Albert , Grishchuk Yulia
Published: April 2021

Mucolipidosis IV (MLIV) is an orphan disease leading to debilitating psychomotor deficits and vision loss. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the MCOLN1 gene that encodes the lysosomal transient receptor potential channel mucolipin1, or TRPML1. With no existing therapy, the unmet need in this disease is very high. Here, we showed that AAV-mediated CNS-targeted gene transfer of the human MCOLN1 gene rescued motor function and alleviated brain pathology in the MLIV mouse model. Using the AAV-PHP.b vector in symptomatic mice, we showed long-term reversal of declined motor function and significant delay of paralysis. Next, using self-complementary AAV9 clinical candidate vector, we showed that its intracerebroventricular administration in post-natal day 1 mice significantly improved motor function, myelination and reduced lysosomal storage load in the MLIV mouse brain. Based on our data and general advancements in the gene therapy field, we propose scAAV9-mediated CSF-targeted MCOLN1 gene transfer as a therapeutic strategy in MLIV.
In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting is semi-skeletonization superior to pedicled harvesting of the left internal mammary artery?
Authors: Maskell Perry , Berks Madhavi , Vibhishanan Jonathan , Harky Amer
Published: April 2021

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was, ‘in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting is semi-skeletonized harvesting superior to pedicled harvesting of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in terms of conduit length, flow, rate of sternal wound infections and post-operative bleeding?’. Altogether, 235 papers were found using the reported search, of which 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. Three studies were cohort studies and 2 were randomized controlled trials. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. One randomized controlled trial showed superiority with semi-skeletonized harvesting in terms of conduit length (P < 0.001), flow (P = 0.004) and diastolic filling (P = 0.005). Three studies included data on surgical wound infections/mediastinitis, all of which reported n = 0. One randomized controlled trial and 3 cohort studies reported that semi-skeletonized harvesting reduced postoperative bleeding. No studies reported a statistically significant difference in operative time. This review suggests that semi-skeletonized harvesting could possibly be associated with favourable outcomes when compared to pedicled harvesting with respect to graft length and flow, and lower postoperative bleeding, without increasing operative time; although there is insufficient data to compare sternal wound infections or long-term outcomes. In conclusion, the limited evidence base prevents robust informed decision-making when comparing both techniques.
Signal Versus Noise: How to Analyze the Microbiome and Make Progress on Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Golob Jonathan L , Rao Krishna
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial resistance has become a worldwide medical challenge [1], so impactful that vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have entered the common vernacular. We have attempted to reduce the selective pressure through antimicrobial stewardship, curtail the spread by identifying and isolating carriers and individuals with symptomatic infection, and treat antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs) by developing novel antimicrobials. Despite these extraordinary measures, the challenge of AROs continues to grow. The gut microbiome, the ecosystem of microbes (ie, the microbiota) and metabolites present upon and within all humans, is an emerging target for both the risk for colonization and defense against infection with AROs. Here, informed from experiences and successes with understanding the role of the microbiome in mediating risk of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), we (1) review our understanding of the risk from ARO acquisition; (2) review our current understanding of the gut microbiome’s ability to resist colonization with AROs; (3) describe how experimental model systems can test these initial, global insights to arrive at more granular, mechanistic ones; and (4) suggest a path forward to make further progress in the field.
Neutrophil-Derived Tumor Necrosis Factor Drives Fungal Acute Lung Injury in Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Cagnina R Elaine , Michels Kathryn R , Bettina Alexandra M , Burdick Marie D , Scindia Yogesh , Zhang Zhimin , Braciale Thomas J , Mehrad Borna
Published: April 2021

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) results from deficiency of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH) oxidase and impaired reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This leads to impaired killing of Aspergillus and, independently, a pathologic hyperinflammatory response to the organism. We hypothesized that neutrophil-derived ROS inhibit the inflammatory response to Aspergillus and that acute lung injury in CGD is due to failure of this regulation. Mice with gp91phox deficiency, the most common CGD mutation, had more severe lung injury, increased neutrophilinfiltration, and increased lung tumor necrosis factor (TNF) after Aspergillus challenge compared with wild-types. Neutrophils were surprisingly the predominant source of TNF in gp91phox-deficient lungs. TNF neutralization inhibited neutrophil recruitment in gp91phox-deficient mice and protected from lung injury. We propose that, in normal hosts, Aspergillus stimulates TNF-dependent neutrophil recruitment to the lungs and neutrophil-derived ROS limit inflammation. In CGD, in contrast, recruited neutrophils are the dominant source of TNF, promoting further neutrophil recruitment in a pathologic positive-feedback cycle, resulting in progressive lung injury.
Conservation of the endangered blue land crab Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille in Latreille, Le Peletier, Serville & Guérin, 1828 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae) in Brazil: optimal habitats and environmental factors
Authors: Novais Wendel R R , Carvalho Fabrício L , Couto Erminda C G
Published: April 2021

Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille in Latreille, Le Peletier, Serville & Guérin, 1828, the blue land crab, is a marine semi-terrestrial crab that builds burrows in different habitats along estuaries, an ecosystem severely modified and fundamental to this endangered species in Brazil. The presence of adequate habitats and physical, chemical, and biological conditions often determine the spatial distribution of populations. We aimed to characterize the most relevant environmental conditions among the main environments present in southern Bahia state, Brazil, and evaluate their influence on the spatial distributions of C. guanhumi to define which habitats are most critical for the conservation of the species. Our results showed that there is no relationship between spatial distributions and any particular habitat, but instead to the physical and other environmental parameters studied. Low-elevation areas along the river shore, shading, a supply of leaf litter, and bare sandy substrate are highlighted as priority for the conservation of C. guanhumi. These physical factors limit the distribution of juveniles, which form dense groups on river shores without significant differences between habitats. The preservation of the native forest and restinga shrubs that border rivers appear as fundamental for the conservation of the species.
Physiological stress and recovery kinetics in trawl escapees of the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba Dana, 1850 (Euphausiacea)
Authors: Krag Ludvig A , Krafft Bjørn A , Herrmann Bent , Skov Peter V
Published: April 2021

When caught in a trawl, some individuals interacting with the fishing gear may escape, but such interactions may lead to physiological trauma that causes direct delayed mortality and/or increased vulnerability to predation. Understanding fishery-induced stress levels and the recovery period of escapees is therefore crucial for predicting total fishing-induced mortality. Hemolymph lactate concentration is commonly used as an index of physiological stress in many crustacean species, and the clearing time of lactate back to normal levels indicates the ability to recover from stress. We measured the hemolymph lactate concentration in three groups of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superbaDana, 1850): Group 1, trawl escapees collected during fishing; Group 2, specimens subjected to simulated mesh penetration; and Group 3, an onboard acclimated control group. Individuals that had escaped the trawl during fishing had the highest concentrations of hemolymph lactate (mean > 6 mmol–l). Exposure to mesh penetration was in itself not stressful, as hemolymph lactate concentrations did not differ significantly between Group 2 and the control Group (mean 0.8 mmol–lversus 0.7 mmol–l, respectively). Additional stress factors during the capture and handling process likely added to the elevated lactate levels observed in Group 1. For the trawl escapees, the lactate clearance time during stress recovery was modeled as a function of exponential decay. Hemolymph lactate levels did not differ significantly among the three groups after 200 min, which suggested that Antarctic krill recovered from fishery-induced stress within this time period.
Electron transfer in LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 during charging studied with soft X-ray spectrometry
Authors: Okamoto Ryosuke , Terauchi Masami
Published: April 2021

This is the first report on analyzing the chemical state of Li-ion battery electrodes at different states of charge by using a wavelength-dispersive spectrometer, which has a two-order improved energy resolution in the soft X-ray energy region compared with that of a conventional energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer. Electrodes containing LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 were charged to prepare Li0.5Mn1.5Ni0.5O4 and λ-Mn0.75Ni0.25O2. The soft X-ray emission spectra obtained from those materials show that the O-K emission signal was drastically decreased throughout the charging process. This suggests that O-2p electron contributed to the electrochemical oxidation. The density of states and Bader charge evaluated from ab initio calculation support this result.
Belonging through Higher Education: The Case of Syrian Youth in Turkey
Authors: Dereli Begüm
Published: April 2021

This article uses a refugee centred approach to explore experiences of belonging through higher education. It is based on fieldwork conducted during the fall of 2019 in Gaziantep, Turkey. This article aims to understand the factors that form refugees’ sense of belonging and the degree to which the contextualized experiences of refugee youths influence their sense of belonging in the university. Interviews with participants suggest that various autobiographical, relational, cultural, and legal factors can foster in refugees a sense of belonging through campus experiences. At the same time, some participants indicated adverse experiences and a weaker sense of belonging due to the same factors. The university campus offers them relatively equal status as local students in a home-like, comparatively diverse, and welcoming place where their interactions with locals and peers increase. For some participants, their student identity facilitates their belongingness beyond the borders of the campus by empowering them. For others, university is another space where they experience a feeling of otherness. The results suggest that their experiences of belonging are relative, complex, and multidimensional.
Resilience, reliability and gas to power systems in the USA: an energy policy outlook in the era of decarbonization
Authors: Oyewunmi Tade
Published: April 2021

This article examines the requirements of resilience and reliability for gas to power systems planning in an era of decarbonization. It recongizes that energy transitions and decarbonization portend an increasing competition between various traditional and emerging net-zero, carbon neutral and low-carbon energy sources and technologies. Likewise, energy policy development has traditionally focused on the dimensions of affordability, sustainability, cost-efficiency through viable markets and security of supply. Recent disruptive events that may or may not be attributable to climate change have tested the resiliency of energy networks. Thus, energy policy and planning now require a more comprehensive outlook that includes the dimension of resilience. Also, there is the need to prevent or effectively manage the aftermath of disruptive events, rather than a piecemeal focus on hardening infrastructure against one or more issues such as cyber-security and functionality of energy networks in adverse conditions. This article discusses resilience and reliability as key dimensions of US energy policy from a public choice law and economics purview. It builds on the premise that politicians, administrative agencies and other stakeholders in the energy sector can be irrational and therefore unable to identify and implement the policy package that is in the public interest if not properly guided. It considers the role of investments in resilience and systems planning. It also underscores the need for developing a more efficient framework that would enable relevant stakeholders to avoid the risk of opportunity cost neglect, informational gaps and fragmented institutional coordination that could escalate the social, health, safety and economic impacts of future disruptive events such as the February 2021 winter storm Uri that tested the resilience of energy supply infrastructure in the US.
Galaxy-lens determination of H0: the effect of the ellipse + shear modelling assumption
Authors: Gomer Matthew R , Williams Liliya L R
Published: April 2021

Galaxy lenses are frequently modelled as an elliptical mass distribution with external shear and isothermal spheres to account for secondary and line-of-sight galaxies. There is statistical evidence that some fraction of observed quads are inconsistent with these assumptions, and require a dipole-like contribution to the mass with respect to the light. Simplifying assumptions about the shape of mass distributions can lead to the incorrect recovery of parameters such as H0. We create several tests of synthetic quad populations with different deviations from an elliptical shape, then fit them with an ellipse + shear model, and measure the recovered values of H0. Kinematic constraints are not included. We perform two types of fittings – one with a single point source and one with an array of sources emulating an extended source. We carry out two model-free comparisons between our mock quads and the observed population. One result of these comparisons is a statistical inconsistency not yet mentioned in the literature: the image distance ratios with respect to the lens centre of observed quads appear to span a much wider range than those of synthetic or simulated quads. Bearing this discrepancy in mind, our mock populations can result in biases on H0$\sim 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$.
Imprints of the secondary interstellar hydrogen atoms at 1 au
Authors: Katushkina O A , Baliukin I I , Izmodenov V V , Alexashov D B
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we search for the possible imprints of the secondary interstellar hydrogen atoms created at the heliospheric boundary in the full-sky maps of the hydrogen fluxes at the Earth orbit. By using our three-dimensional time-dependent kinetic model, the maps of the hydrogen fluxes are calculated for different phases of the solar cycle and different energy ranges. It is shown that the flux maps obtained during the solar minimum conditions for the energy range 1–20 eV have specific features such as blobs and tails, which are pronounced due to a signal of the secondary component of the interstellar atoms. We investigate how these features depend on parameters of the secondary atoms far away from the Sun and found that the geometry and shape of the tails depend on the averaged velocity and kinetic temperatures of the secondary population. The results of the paper provide a strategy where and when we need to look in order to detect the secondary component of the interstellar hydrogen separately from the primary component at 1 au. This can be important for future space missions devoted to the exploration of the heliospheric boundary.
Migration through a Major Andean Ecogeographic Disruption as a Driver of Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity in a Wild Tomato Species
Authors: Landis Jacob B , Miller Christopher M , Broz Amanda K , Bennett Alexandra A , Carrasquilla-Garcia Noelia , Cook Douglas R , Last Robert L , Bedinger Patricia A , Moghe Gaurav D
Published: April 2021

Evolutionary dynamics at the population level play a central role in creating the diversity of life on our planet. In this study, we sought to understand the origins of such population-level variation in mating systems and defensive acylsugar chemistry in Solanum habrochaites—a wild tomato species found in diverse Andean habitats in Ecuador and Peru. Using Restriction-site-Associated-DNA-Sequencing (RAD-seq) of 50 S. habrochaites accessions, we identified eight population clusters generated via isolation and hybridization dynamics of 4–6 ancestral populations. Detailed characterization of mating systems of these clusters revealed emergence of multiple self-compatible (SC) groups from progenitor self-incompatible populations in the northern part of the species range. Emergence of these SC groups was also associated with fixation of deleterious alleles inactivating acylsugar acetylation. The Amotape-Huancabamba Zone—a geographical landmark in the Andes with high endemism and isolated microhabitats—was identified as a major driver of differentiation in the northern species range, whereas large geographical distances contributed to population structure and evolution of a novel SC group in the central and southern parts of the range, where the species was also inferred to have originated. Findings presented here highlight the role of the diverse ecogeography of Peru and Ecuador in generating population differentiation, and enhance our understanding of the microevolutionary processes that create biological diversity.
A numerical study of observational systematic errors in lensing analysis of CMB polarization
Authors: Nagata Ryo , Namikawa Toshiya
Published: April 2021

Impacts of observational systematic errors on the lensing analysis of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization are investigated by numerical simulations. We model errors of gain, angle, and pointing in observation of the CMB polarization and simulate polarization fields modulated by the errors. We discuss the response of systematics-induced $B$-modes to amplitude and spatial scale of the imposed errors and show that the results of the lensing reconstruction and delensing analysis behave according to it. It is observed that error levels expected in the near future lead to no significant degradation in delensing efficiency.
Feasibility of an experimental search for a resonance of a pion and a light nucleus
Authors: Fujioka Hiroyuki
Published: April 2021

A hypothesis is proposed herein, suggesting that a pion-nuclear resonance may be observed in the $\alpha+d\to{}^6\mathrm{Li}(3.563)+\pi^0$ reaction. The resonance has a $\pi NN\alpha$ structure, containing $\alpha NN$ and $\pi NN$ subsystems. The former corresponds to the $A=6$ isotriplet $^6\mathrm{He}_\text{g.s.}$, $^6\mathrm{Li}(3.563)$, $^6\mathrm{Be}_\text{g.s.}$, whereas the latter is a hypothetical $NN$-decoupled dibaryon. We propose an experiment to search for this resonance using the $^7\mathrm{Li}(p,d)$ reaction.
Differentiation in stem and leaf traits among sympatric lianas, scandent shrubs and trees in a subalpine cold temperate forest
Authors: Zhang Ke-Yan , Yang Da , Zhang Yun-Bing , Ellsworth David S , Xu Kun , Zhang Yi-Ping , Chen Ya-Jun , He Fangliang , Zhang Jiao-Lin
Published: April 2021

The scandent shrub plant form is a variant of liana that has upright and self-supporting stems when young but later becomes a climber. We aimed to explore the associations of stem and leaf traits among sympatric lianas, scandent shrubs and trees, and the effects of growth form and leaf habit on variation in stem or leaf traits. We measured 16 functional traits related to stem xylem anatomy, leaf morphology and nutrient stoichiometry in eight liana, eight scandent shrub and 21 tree species co-occurring in a subalpine cold temperate forest at an elevation of 2600–3200 m in Southwest China. Overall, lianas, scandent shrubs and trees were ordered along a fast–slow continuum of stem and leaf functional traits, with some traits overlapping. We found a consistent pattern of lianas > scandent shrubs > trees for hydraulically weighted vessel diameter, maximum vessel diameter and theoretical hydraulic conductivity. Vessel density and sapwood density showed a pattern of lianas = scandent shrubs < trees, and lianas < scandent shrubs = trees, respectively. Lianas had significantly higher specific leaf area and lower carbon concentration than co-occurring trees, with scandent shrubs showing intermediate values that overlapped with lianas and trees. The differentiation among lianas, scandent shrubs and trees was mainly explained by variation in stem traits. Additionally, deciduous lianas were positioned at the fast end of the trait spectrum, and evergreen trees at the slow end of the spectrum. Our results showed for the first time clear differentiation in stem and leaf traits among sympatric liana, scandent shrub and tree species in a subalpine cold temperate forest. This work will contribute to understanding the mechanisms responsible for variation in ecological strategies of different growth forms of woody plants.
Burn Survivors’ Experiences of the Ongoing Challenges after Discharge in South Korea: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kim Kyung Ja , Boo Sunjoo , Oh Hyunjin
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVE

To help burn survivors during the recovery time after discharge, healthcare professionals need to understand their experiences and care requirements. However, little is known about the experience of burn survivors after discharge in South Korea. This study aims to explore their experiences in a community setting.

METHODS

Using a qualitative descriptive format, data were collected by semistructured interview from 10 patients who had sustained major burns. Each interview was based on a protocol of 60 to 90 minutes’ duration and used a qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified in the analysis: (1) ongoing distressing symptoms and the unpredictability of hypertrophic scars, (2) difficulties in reintegration into society, and (3) burden of health expenditure.

CONCLUSIONS

Several participants expressed consistent difficulties with distressing symptoms such as wound pain, pruritus, sleep disturbances, and unpredictable scar and symptom changes. Survivors further described the financial burden associated with high expenditures from nonreimbursable rehabilitation expenses, and the high cost incurred with consistent skin care. By providing support based on their needs, appropriate interventions would be more readily available for burn survivors.
Mother–Infant Dyadic Synchrony in the NICU Context
Authors: Neugebauer Christine , Oh Wonjung , McCarty Michael , Mastergeorge Ann M.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Dyadic synchrony is a co-constructed social process relating to the back and forth interactions between mothers and infants that are strongly associated with neurodevelopment, self-regulation, and attachment. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), this process may become interrupted because of the physiological state of the infant, the emotional state of the mother, and the physical environment of the NICU.

Purpose:

In applying Feldman's Biobehavioral Model of Synchrony, this empirical review deconstructs the process of dyadic synchrony in the NICU context and provides a conceptual approach to guide both research and clinical practice.

Methods:

First, we examine the theoretical and empirical literature to explicate the primary structural and biophysiological components of synchrony and relate these constructs to the extant research on premature infants. Next, we synthesize the maternal, infant, and contextual factors that facilitate or inhibit the ontogenesis of dyadic synchrony in the NICU. The final section highlights the state of the science in dyadic synchrony in the NICU including gaps and recommendations for future research.

Findings:

An empirical review synthesis presents a visual conceptual framework to illustrate multiple processes that depict maternal, infant, and contextual influences of mother–infant synchrony in the NICU.

Implications for Practice/Research:

Despite the challenges posed to mother–infant relationships in the NICU, high-quality mother–infant interactions are possible, dyadic synchrony can emerge, and premature infants can develop secure attachments. Clinicians and researchers can apply this conceptual framework of mother–infant dyadic synchrony in the NICU to promote evidence-based research and clinical practice.
Review of the Reliability and Validity of the Apgar Score
Authors: Michel Alexandra
Published: April 2021

Background:

The Apgar score is the most common score used to quantify neonatal status after birth. It is routinely used in clinical practice and research. However, since its introduction there have been significant changes in peripartum and neonatal management, our understanding of neonatal physiology, and changes in data analysis capabilities.

Purpose:

To assess the Apgar score's reliability and validity in the context of today's clinical and research environments.

Method:

PubMed was searched using the term “Apgar.” Just over 22,000 titles were identified. Full-text articles were obtained if they addressed the Apgar score's use, reliability, and validity, or if the score was a primary outcome measure. This was followed by a hand search using the same criteria. The 505 identified articles build the basis for this discussion of the Apgar score's reliability and validity.

Findings:

Multiple positive and negative aspects of the Apgar score's reliability and validity were identified. Some facets needed to evaluate reliability and validity do not seem to have been addressed in the literature. Overall, the identified concerns can introduce bias into outcomes obtained via the use of the Apgar score in both clinical practice and research.

Implications for Practice:

The Apgar score is no longer used to determine neonatal management in the delivery room.

Implications for Research:

The use of the Apgar score in research may introduce bias into outcomes. As discussed in the Video Abstract, researchers need to address and improve the score's weaknesses or consider developing a new tool better suited to today's research needs.

Video Abstract available at:

https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Pages/videogallery.aspx?autoPlay=false&videoId=45
Sound-level Monitoring Earphones With Smartphone Feedback as an Intervention to Promote Healthy Listening Behaviors in Young Adults
Authors: Knoetze Megan , Mahomed-Asmail Faheema , Manchaiah Vinaya , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

More than a billion adolescents and youngsters are estimated to be at risk of acquiring recreational noise-induced hearing loss (RNIHL) due to the unsafe use of personal audio systems. RNIHL is preventable; therefore, the present study aimed to determine (i) the accuracy and reliability of dbTrack (Westone) sound-level monitoring earphones and (ii) the effect of sound-level monitoring earphones with smartphone feedback and hearing-health information as an intervention to promote healthy listening behaviors in young adults.

Design:

The study consisted of two phases: the first phase investigated the accuracy and reliability of dbTrack sound-level monitoring earphones. Accuracy was determined by comparing earphone measurements to sound level meter measurements. Intradevice reliability was determined by comparing earphone measurements during test-retest conditions. Nineteen participants were recruited through convenience sampling to determine within-subject reliability by comparing in-ear sound levels measured by the earphones during test-retest conditions. For the second phase of the study, a single-group pretest-posttest design was utilized. Forty participants, recruited through snowball sampling, utilized the sound-level monitoring earphones with the accompanying dbTrack smartphone application for 4 weeks. The application’s smartphone feedback was disabled during the first 2 weeks (pretest condition) and enabled during the last 2 weeks (posttest condition). Average daily intensities, durations, and sound dosages measured during pre- and posttest conditions were compared.

Results:

Phase 1 dbTrack earphone measurements were within 1 dB when compared with sound level meter measurements. Earphones were also within 1 dB in repeated measures across earphones and across participants. Phase 2 posttest average daily intensity decreased by 8.7 dB (18.3 SD), duration decreased by 7.6 minutes (46.6 SD), and sound dose decreased by 4128.4% (24965.5% SD). Differences in intensity and sound dose were significantly lower with a small and medium effect size, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study’s preliminary data indicate that dbTrack (Westone) sound-level monitoring earphones with a calibrated in-ear microphone can reliably and accurately measure personal audio systems sound exposure. Preliminary results also suggest that feedback on sound exposure using the accurate sound-level monitoring earphones with the accompanying dbTrack application can potentially promote safe listening behavior in young adults and reduce the risk of acquiring an RNIHL.