bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different sintering aids in cold sinter‐assisted densification of lead zirconate titanate
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Wang Dixiong , Randall Clive A. , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan
Published: May 2021

Ceramics such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) tend to dissolve incongruently, and thus pose a challenge in the cold sintering process. Moist lead nitrate has previously been shown to enable a cold sinter‐assisted densification of PZT by a viscous phase sintering mechanism. In this paper, lead acetate trihydrate is demonstrated to lower the required temperature of the cold sintering step to 200°C. This densification process was described as a two‐step process: cold sintering of PZT with lead acetate trihydrate and post‐annealing the as‐cold sintered PZT ceramics. Unlike in the case of lead nitrate, PZT densification with lead acetate trihydrate occurs by a liquid phase assisted sintering mechanism, leading to an as‐cold sintered relative density of 84% at 200°C. After performing a post‐anneal step at 900°C, >97% relative densities were achieved in samples that were cold sintered with lead acetate trihydrate. This step not only densified PZT but also refined the grain boundaries. In the post‐annealed samples, the room‐temperature relative permittivity at 100 Hz was ~1600, slightly higher than that reported in samples that used lead nitrate as a sintering aid; the loss tangent was about 3.8%. For measurements at 10 Hz, the remanent polarization in both cases was ~28 µC/cm2. Both Rayleigh analysis and aging studies showed that a higher irreversible contribution to the permittivity exists in samples that used lead nitrate as a cold sintering aid.
Are cancer patients living alone more or less likely to achieve a good death? Two cross‐sectional surveys of bereaved families
Authors: Igarashi Naoko , Aoyama Maho , Masukawa Kento , Morita Tatsuya , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: May 2021

This study examined differences in sociodemographic characteristics and the achievement of a good death between cancer patients who live alone and those who do not live alone prior to death in different settings.

Secondary analysis of data collected across two cross‐sectional self‐reported questionnaire surveys was undertaken.

The participants were bereaved family members of cancer patients who had died in palliative care units (PCUs), acute hospitals or homes. We stratified the data by the place of death and examined the differences in sociodemographic characteristics to determine the relationship between cancer patients achieving a “good death” and whether they were living alone.

The data were collected through 15,949 surveys. On the Good Death Inventory, significantly higher total scores emerged for cancer patients who were living alone than for those who not living alone in PCUs (effect size [ES] = 0.11, Student's t‐test: p < .0001), but not in acute hospitals (ES = −0.03, p = 0.74) or home care services (ES = 0.02, p = 0.86). Cancer patients who were living alone were more likely to have been female, been older and have earned a lower annual income than those who were not living alone.

Thus, among those who had received specialized palliative care, there was no difference in the quality of palliative care between cancer patients who were or were not living alone.
Effectiveness of dietary diabetes insipidus bundle on the severity of postoperative fluid imbalance in pituitary region tumours: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Koundal Hemlata , Dhandapani Manju , Thakur Pratibha , Dutta Pinaki , Walia Rama , Sahoo Sushant K. , Chhabra Rajesh , Dhandapani Sivashanmugam
Published: May 2021

Aim

To test the effectiveness of nurse‐led dietary diabetes insipidus (DI) bundle on the severity of postoperative fluid imbalance in pituitary region tumours.

Design

Blinded randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Patients aged 18–65 operated for sellar–suprasellar tumours in an Indian tertiary care centre were enrolled through total enumeration sampling and underwent randomization with allocation concealment during Sep 2018–Feb 2019. Pre‐operative DI, postoperative ventilation, renal failure or decompensated diabetes mellitus were excluded. Patients in the intervention group received a nurse‐led DI bundle (validated by three Delphi rounds) with four dietary components: intake of only water during thirst and avoidance of the following—added salt, high‐protein foods and caffeinated drinks. Treating clinicians and the investigator assessing outcome were blinded about enrolment. Urine output, serum sodium, vasopressin requirement and hospital stay were assessed as primary outcomes. The outcome measures were monitored daily till the 6th postoperative day. Analyses were performed on ‘intention‐to‐treat’ basis, irrespective of compliance. Independent t‐test and Chi‐square test were used.

Results

Of the initial 63 patients, 50 fulfilling criteria were randomized to two groups and assessed over six days yielding 150 patient‐days per group. There were no significant baseline differences between groups. The mean daily urine output was significantly lower in the DI bundle group than in control, both overall and among endonasal operated pituitary adenomas [3000.09(462.7) vs. 4095.71(896.4)ml & 2987.14(419.5) vs. 4064.73(1051)ml], with the greatest difference on the second postoperative day. Though hypernatraemia in controls became most prominent during days 2–3 and resolved in a week, it was significantly lower in the intervention group (12.7% vs. 30.7% overall, 11.4% vs. 29.4% endonasal adenomas). The need for vasopressin analogues and hospital stay were also significantly lower with DI bundle (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This is probably the first ever report of dietary DI bundle among operated pituitary patients, which seem to flatten the DI trend with significant benefits in polyuria, hypernatraemia, vasopressin requirement and hospital stay.

Trial registration

CTRI/2018/07/015127 of ICMR.

Impact

The nurse‐led dietary DI bundle has effectively reduced the severity of DI among operated pituitary patients with significant benefits in polyuria, hypernatraemia, vasopressin requirement and hospital stay. Its implementation is simple and easy to carry out, especially in resource‐constrained institutions, where continuous monitoring and repeated serum sodium estimation are difficult.
Biogeography and diversification of Old World buntings (Aves: Emberizidae): radiation in open habitats
Authors: Cai Tianlong , Wu Guiyou , Sun Lu , Zhang Yu , Peng Zhaojie , Guo Yanqing , Liu Xinyue , Pan Tao , Chang Jiang , Sun Zhonglou , Zhang Baowei
Published: May 2021

The Old World buntings (Aves: Emberizidae) mainly inhabit open habitats in Eurasia and Africa. It has long been debated whether the group originated in the New World or the Old World and whether their radiation is related to the expansion of open habitats and shifts in migratory behaviours. To answer these questions, we reconstructed their biogeographic histories and analysed their diversification patterns in terms of time, space and traits using a near‐complete phylogeny. We found the most recent common ancestor of Emberizidae and their sisters distributed in the New World. After invasion into the eastern Palearctic through the Bering Straits Bridge in the middle Miocene, subsequent loss of migrations probably split Emberizidae into two lineages: one radiated in Afrotropical deserts and savannah and the other mainly diversified in Palearctic semi‐open to open forests, the mountains of Central Asia and the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. This group began to diversify in the late Miocene (~10 Ma), at first rapidly, coinciding with the expansion of open habitats due to global cooling. As the available habitats were occupied, the diversification rate of buntings decreased rapidly in arid habitats, but shifts of habitat preference to open forests led to terminal radiations on the southern edge of taiga forests in the mountains of Central Asia and the eastern Palearctic. Our results provide insight into the biogeographic histories and radiation of the Old World buntings in open habitats.
Analyses of key mRNAs and lncRNAs for different osteo‐differentiation potentials of periodontal ligament stem cell and gingival mesenchymal stem cell
Authors: Jia Linglu , Zhang Yunpeng , Li Dongfang , Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Dongjiao , Xu Xin
Published: May 2021

Both human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) are candidate seed cells for bone tissue engineering, but the osteo‐differentiation ability of the latter is weaker than the former, and the mechanisms are unknown. To explore the potential regulation of mRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), this study obtained the gene expression profiles of hPDLSCs and hGMSCs in both undifferentiated and osteo‐differentiated conditions by microarray assay and then analysed the common and specific differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs in hPDLSCs and hGMSCs through bioinformatics method. The results showed that 275 mRNAs and 126 lncRNAs displayed similar changing patterns in hPDLSCs and hGMSCs after osteogenic induction, which may regulate the osteo‐differentiation in both types of cells. In addition, the expression of 223 mRNAs and 238 lncRNAs altered only in hPDLSCs after osteogenic induction, and 177 mRNAs and 170 lncRNAs changed only in hGMSCs. These cell‐specific differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs could underlie the different osteo‐differentiation potentials of hPDLSCs and hGMSCs. Finally, dickkopf Wnt signalling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1) was proved to be one regulator for the weaker osteo‐differentiation ability of hGMSCs through validation experiments. We hope these results help to reveal new mRNAs‐lncRNAs‐based molecular mechanism for osteo‐differentiation of hPDLSCs and hGMSCs and provide clues on strategies for improving stem cell–mediated bone regeneration.
The role of SIRT2 in vascular‐related and heart‐related diseases: A review
Authors: Wu Boquan , You Shilong , Qian Hao , Wu Shaojun , Lu Saien , Zhang Ying , Sun Yingxian , Zhang Naijin
Published: May 2021

At present, cardiovascular disease is one of the important factors of human death, and there are many kinds of proteins involved. Sirtuins family proteins are involved in various physiological and pathological activities of the human body. Among them, there are more and more studies on the relationship between sirtuin2 (SIRT2) protein and cardiovascular diseases. SIRT2 can effectively inhibit pathological cardiac hypertrophy. The effect of SIRT2 on ischaemia‐reperfusion injury has different effects under different conditions. SIRT2 can reduce the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may help to reduce the severity of diabetic cardiomyopathy. SIRT2 can affect a variety of cardiovascular diseases, energy metabolism and the ageing of cardiomyocytes, thereby affecting heart failure. SIRT2 also plays an important role in vascular disease. For endothelial cell damage used by oxidative stress, the role of SIRT2 is bidirectional, which is related to the degree of oxidative stress stimulation. When the degree of stimulation is small, SIRT2 plays a protective role, and when the degree of stimulation increases to a certain level, SIRT2 plays a negative role. In addition, SIRT2 is also involved in the remodelling of blood vessels and the repair of skin damage.
Improvements to PTSD quality metrics with natural language processing
Authors: Shiner Brian , Levis Maxwell , Dufort Vincent M. , Patterson Olga V. , Watts Bradley V. , DuVall Scott L. , Russ Carey J. , Maguen Shira
Published: May 2021

Rationale aims and objectives

As quality measurement becomes increasingly reliant on the availability of structured electronic medical record (EMR) data, clinicians are asked to perform documentation using tools that facilitate data capture. These tools may not be available, feasible, or acceptable in all clinical scenarios. Alternative methods of assessment, including natural language processing (NLP) of clinical notes, may improve the completeness of quality measurement in real‐world practice. Our objective was to measure the quality of care for a set of evidence‐based practices using structured EMR data alone, and then supplement those measures with additional data derived from NLP.

Method

As a case example, we studied the quality of care for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) over a 20‐year period. We measured two aspects of PTSD care, including delivery of evidence‐based psychotherapy (EBP) and associated use of measurement‐based care (MBC), using structured EMR data. We then recalculated these measures using additional data derived from NLP of clinical note text.

Results

There were 2 098 389 VA patients with a diagnosis of PTSD between 2000 and 2019, 72% (n = 1 515 345) of whom had not previously received EBP for PTSD and were treated after a 2015 mandate to document EBP using templates that generate structured EMR data. Using structured EMR data, we determined that 3.2% (n = 48 004) of those patients met our EBP for PTSD quality standard between 2015 and 2019, and 48.1% (n = 23 088) received associated MBC. With the addition of NLP‐derived data, estimates increased to 4.1% (n = 62 789) and 58.0% (n = 36 435), respectively.

Conclusion

Healthcare quality data can be significantly improved by supplementing structured EMR data with NLP‐derived data. By using NLP, health systems may be able to fill the gaps in documentation when structured tools are not yet available or there are barriers to using them in clinical practice.
The development of the tensor vastus intermedius during the human embryonic period and its clinical implications
Authors: Utsunomiya Natsuko , Kodama Ryota , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Tsuge Itaru , Yamada Shigehito
Published: May 2021

The tensor vastus intermedius (TVI) is a newly discovered muscle located in the anterolateral thigh area and is considered the fifth component of the quadriceps femoris muscle. There have been several papers describing its anatomical and morphological features in detail; however, many features of this muscle, such as its ontology or kinetic functions, remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the initial appearance of the TVI muscle in human embryonic development and to investigate its growth and development. Histological observations were performed on 30 lower limbs of 15 human embryos from Carnegie stage (CS) 21, 22, and 23 (with crown‐rump length ranging from 18.7 to 28.7 mm). Myocyte clusters of the TVI were observed between the vastus lateralis and intermedius muscles in 7 out of 10 limbs in CS 22, indicating that the TVI arises during this stage. In CS 23, the TVI was clearly present in all specimens except one. However, neither the aponeurosis nor the tendonous structure of the TVI were observed in these embryonic stages. Formation of the conventional four components of the quadriceps muscle is completed within CS 21; therefore, our results suggest that the TVI is the last element to develop in the quadriceps femoris complex. It is posited that after the embryonic period, the TVI continues to grow, while forming the tendinous structure toward the patella and receiving vascular supply from certain vascular branches. The clinical significance of these findings is that orthopedists and plastic surgeons who perform surgical procedures within the anterolateral thigh (ALT) area should be aware of the anatomy and development of the TVI in order to reduce surgical complications. Our present research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the morphogenesis of the TVI and the other femoral extensor muscles.
An aged life has less value: A qualitative analysis of moral disengagement and care failures evident in Royal Commission oral testimony
Authors: Austen Katrina , Hutchinson Marie
Published: May 2021

Aims and objectives

To identify common themes about care failures in residential aged care as described from the perspectives of older people and their families in transcripts from hearings and submission to the Australian Royal Commission. These failures are explored through the lens of moral disengagement.

Background

Previous inquiries into care failures have highlighted widespread harm from inhumane care, caused by staff carelessness, indifference and callousness. In health care, limited consideration has been given to the moral engagement or disengagement of staff and the relationship of moral engagement with care failures.

Method

Qualitative latent content analysis of 22 transcripts from the Royal Commission between March 2020–August 2020. Methods are reported using the SRQR.

Results

This paper presents one theme, Dehumanisation of the care process: An aged life has less value, from a larger study. Care failures relating to morally disengaged staff were found to be widespread and influenced by the environments created by organisations.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for further research to identify indicators of moral disengagement among staff and explore strategies to reduce or prevent moral disengagement within organisations trusted with providing care to older people.

Relevance to clinical practice

Caregiving is necessarily associated with, and shaped by, moral dimensions. The erosion or disengagement of these moral dimensions among care staff reveals important aspects of residential aged care’s lived experience. Studying dynamics within aged care facilities can provide a useful analytic lens for illuminating ways that residents and their family or those close to them, experience or are impacted by moral dimensions and behaviours.
Cold therapy for pain relief during and after amniocentesis procedure: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Benchahong Sawanya , Pongrojpaw Densak , Chanthasenanont Athita , Limpivest Uravee , Nanthakomon Tongta , Lertvutivivat Supapen , Prasitpaisan Natavadee , Pattaraarchachai Junya
Published: May 2021

Aim

To compare effects of cold therapy on patient pain score during and after amniocentesis procedure.

Methods

We performed a prospective randomized‐controlled study comparing the anticipated pain, perceived pain during the procedure, and pain after 15 and 30 min of amniocentesis between pregnant women receiving cold therapy before (group 1), after (group 2), and both before and after amniocentesis (group 3) with a control group (group 4). Pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) score.

Results

A total of 480 participants were recruited and randomly assigned into four groups of 120 each. Anticipated pain scores in all groups were not statistically different. When compared with group 4, groups 1 and 3 experienced significant pain reduction during amniocentesis, while VAS scores at 15 and 30 min after amniocentesis in groups 1–3 were significantly lower as compared to group 4.

Conclusion

Cold therapy both before and after amniocentesis procedure is most effective in pain reduction. It encourages the pregnant woman's cooperation during the procedure and provides a good amniocentesis experience. Application of cold compression is also beneficial in other aspects as it is simple, safe, convenient, and yet reusable and economically efficient for routine use in all pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis.
Is fiscal austerity really self‐defeating?
Authors: Piergallini Alessandro
Published: May 2021

This paper analyzes local and global equilibrium dynamics in an optimizing endogenous growth model under expenditure‐based fiscal austerity feedback policies expressed relative to the private capital stock—prescribing spending cuts in reaction to public debt accumulation. Because the present value of equilibrium primary surpluses turns to be a nonlinear function of debt, two steady state equilibria are shown to emerge, one exhibiting low debt and high growth, one exhibiting high debt and low growth. Local analysis reveals that the low‐debt/high‐growth steady state is saddle‐path stable while the high‐debt/low‐growth steady state is unstable—the latter thus indicating the possibility of self‐defeating austerity, characterized by off‐equilibrium upward spirals in debt because of persistent policy‐induced adverse effects on growth dividends and fiscal revenues. However, when global nonlinear dynamics are taken into account, it is demonstrated that the two steady states are endogenously connected. In particular, global analysis reveals that even if the high‐debt/low‐growth steady state is locally unstable, there exists a unique and possibly nonmonotonic saddle connection making the economy converge to the low‐debt/high‐growth steady state. The existence of the saddle connection guarantees global determinacy of perfect foresight equilibrium should the high‐debt/low‐growth steady state be a node, ruling out multiple explosive paths incompatible with the government's intertemporal budget constraint and the private agents' transversality condition. The foregoing results are robust with respect to the adoption of an output‐based—rather than a capital‐based—policy function as long as the rule is nonlinear and sufficiently reactive to debt changes.
False Safety Behavior Elimination Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder in Japanese: A Pilot, Single‐Arm Uncontrolled Study1
Authors: Arai Honami , Seki Yoichi , Okawa Sho , Shimizu Eiji , Takahashi Sho , Ishikawa Shin‐Ichi , Korte Kristina Jo , Schmidt Norman Brad
Published: May 2021

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by an excessive fear of social situations that can lead to serious functional impairment; it negatively affects a person’s self‐esteem and social interactions. Its prevalence has increased over the past four decades, and SAD is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in Japan. Therefore, more precise interventions are needed. This study administered false safety behavior elimination therapy (F‐SET), which eliminates safety behavior (i.e., strategies that reduce anxiety), to six Japanese patients with SAD. This is the first adaptation of F‐SET into Japanese. Seven patients were screened and six (Mage = 27.83 years, only males) were eligible for the study criteria. Each patient received five weekly 60‐min F‐SET sessions. At post‐F‐SET, the mean reduction in Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale score from baseline was −20.50 (95% confidence interval: −30.65, −10.35; p = .003). After completing the treatment, all participants showed substantially decreased SAD symptoms, which indicates preliminary support for the adapted treatment’s efficacy.
Peripheral markers of oxidative stress in Labrador retrievers with copper‐associated hepatitis
Authors: Vincent A. M. , Sordillo L. M. , Smedley R. C. , Gandy J. C. , Brown J. L. , Langlois D. K.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To evaluate biomarkers of oxidative stress in dogs with copper‐associated hepatitis (CAH) as compared with healthy controls, and to evaluate if these markers correlate with hepatic copper concentrations and hepatic histopathologic features.

Materials and Methods

Prospective study. Plasma reactive metabolite concentrations, plasma antioxidant potential, and plasma and urine isoprostane concentrations were determined in Labrador retrievers with copper‐associated hepatitis (n=9) as well as in breed‐ and sex‐matched (n=9) and age‐ and sex‐matched (n=9) healthy control populations. Possible correlations between markers of oxidative stress and hepatic histopathological features also were investigated.

Results

Reactive metabolites (median, range) were over twofold greater in dogs with copper‐associated hepatitis (87.2 RFU/μL, 60.9 to 185.6 RFU/μL) as compared to breed‐ and sex‐matched (38.2 RFU/μL, 22.4 to 116.8 RFU/μL) and age‐ and sex‐matched controls (32.0 RFU/μL, 18.5 to 127.4 RFU/μL). Antioxidant potential was decreased in copper‐associated hepatitis dogs (6.5 TE/μL, 5.1 to 7.7 TE/μL) as compared to breed‐ and sex‐matched controls (8.2 TE/μL, 5.3 to 11.8 TE/μL). Both reactive metabolite concentrations and the reactive metabolite to antioxidant potential ratio were positively correlated with hepatic copper concentrations. Plasma and urine isoprostanes were variable and not significantly different between populations.

Clinical Significance

Labrador retrievers with copper‐associated hepatitis have altered oxidant status. Plasma reactive metabolite concentrations and the reactive metabolite to antioxidant potential ratio could be useful biomarkers. However, neither plasma nor urine isoprostanes were useful biomarkers for copper‐associated hepatitis.
Introducing synchromodality: One missing link between transportation and supply chain management
Authors: Acero Beatriz , Saenz Maria Jesus , Luzzini Davide
Published: May 2021

This study develops and tests the synchromodality construct, a novel supply chain concept that integrates the flexible use of different transport modes based on real‐time information. At a time when global supply chains are complex and subject to uncertainty, synchromodality has emerged at the forefront of research and practice as a tool to ensure efficient delivery performance and thus supply chain competitiveness. Despite synchromodality is attracting the attention of leading companies and policy makers, only scholars within the transport research community have engaged with the topic so far. We believe a supply chain management perspective is missing, but essential, to develop the full potential of synchromodality. Our study shows that synchromodality capabilities encapsulate four key elements: visibility, integration, multi‐modal transport, and flexibility. Thanks to a three‐stage research approach exploiting multiple methods, this study conceptualizes, develops, and validates the first synchromodality measurement model, which reflects the multidimensional nature of the concept. We hope to set the stage for a number of potential future research opportunities that can explore synchromodality implementation and outcomes.
Relationship between endogenous plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration and reproductive performance in Thoroughbred broodmares
Authors: Tsuchiya Takeru , Noda Ryusuke , Ikeda Hiroki , Maeda Masaya , Sato Fumio
Published: May 2021

Background

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is an endocrine disorder the clinical signs of which include infertility, but few reports have examined the relationship between PPID and reproductive performance in broodmares.

Hypothesis/Objective

Broodmares with infertility of unknown etiology were screened for PPID using baseline endogenous plasma ACTH concentrations, and its relationship with subsequent reproductive performance was analyzed.

Animals

Sixty‐seven Thoroughbred broodmares.

Methods

Adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations were measured in autumn. The broodmares were divided into 3 groups based on endogenous plasma ACTH concentration (low, <50 pg/mL; intermediate 50‐100 pg/mL; and high >100 pg/mL) as recommended by the Equine Endocrinology Group. We compared these results with those of other blood tests, clinical examinations, subsequent conception, and frequency of normal delivery.

Results

The numbers of horses per group (percentage) were 22 (32.8%), 20 (29.9%), and 25 (37.3%). The mean ± SD ages (years) were 11.1 ± 3.4, 12.1 ± 4.5, and 13.0 ± 4.3, with no significant difference among groups. Mean ± SD plasma cortisol concentrations (μg/dL) were 4.0 ± 1.6, 7.1 ± 1.4, and 7.6 ± 1.9, with the intermediate and high ACTH groups having significantly higher results than the low ACTH group (P < .001). Conception rates were 77.3%, 89.5%, and 56.5% and normal delivery rates were 77.2%, 84.2%, and 43.5% with the percentage of each significantly lower in the high ACTH group (P = .02, P = .008, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The study group of infertile broodmares may include horses with PPID. The reproductive performance of the high ACTH group was significantly lower than the other groups. Early diagnosis and treatment of infertile broodmares by screening plasma ACTH concentrations could help improve reproductive performance.
The status of striped bass,Morone saxatilis,as a commercially ready species for U.S. marine aquaculture
Authors: Andersen Linnea K. , Abernathy Jason , Berlinsky David L. , Bolton Greg , Booker Matthew M. , Borski Russell J. , Brown Travis , Cerino David , Ciaramella Michael , Clark Robert W. , Frinsko Michael O. , Fuller S. Adam , Gabel Steve , Green Bartholomew W. , Herbst Eric , Hodson Ronald G. , Hopper Michael , Kenter Linas W. , Lopez Frank , McGinty Andrew S. , Nash Barry , Parker Matthew , Pigg Stacey , Rawles Steve , Riley Kenneth , Turano Marc J. , Webster Carl D. , Weirich Charles R. , Won Eugene , Curry Woods L. , Reading Benjamin J. ,   StriperHub
Published: May 2021

Striped bass,Morone saxatilis, is an anadromous fish native to the North American Atlantic Coast and is well recognized as one of the most important and highly regarded recreational fisheries in the United States. Decades of research have been conducted on striped bass and its hybrid (striped bass × white bassMorone chrysops) and culture methods have been established, particularly for the hybrid striped bass, the fourth largest finfish aquaculture industry in the United States (US $50 million). Domesticated striped bass have been developed since the 1990s and broodstock are available from the government for commercial fry production using novel hormone‐free methods along with traditional hormone‐induced tank and strip spawning. No commercial‐scale intensive larval rearing technologies have been developed at present and current fingerling production is conducted in fertilized freshwater ponds. Larval diets have not been successfully used as first feeds; however, they have been used for weaning from live feeds prior to metamorphosis. Striped bass can be grown out in marine (32 ppt) or freshwater (<5 ppt); however, they require high hardness (200+ ppm) and some salinity (8–10 ppt) to offset handling stress. Juveniles must be 1–10 g/fish prior to stocking into marine water. Commercially available fingerling, growout, and broodstock feeds are available from several vendors. Striped bass may reach 1.36 kg/fish in recirculating aquaculture by 18 months and as much as 2.27 kg/fish by 24 months. Farm gate value of striped bass has not been determined, although seasonally available wild‐harvested striped bass are valued at about US $6.50 to US $10.14 per kg and cultured hybrid striped bass are valued at about US $8.45 to US $9.25 per kg whole; the farm gate value for cultured striped bass may be as much as US $10.00 or more per kg depending on demand and market. The ideal market size is between 1.36 and 2.72 kg/fish, which is considerably larger than the traditional 0.68 to 0.90 kg/fish for the hybrid striped bass market.
Deflationary realism: Representation and idealisation in cognitive science
Authors: Coelho Mollo Dimitri
Published: May 2021

Debate on the nature of representation in cognitive systems tends to oscillate between robustly realist views and various anti‐realist options. I defend an alternative view, deflationary realism, which sees cognitive representation as an offshoot of the extended application to cognitive systems of an explanatory model whose primary domain is public representation use. This extended application, justified by a common explanatory target, embodies idealisations, partial mismatches between model and reality. By seeing representation as part of an idealised model, deflationary realism avoids the problems with robust realist views, while keeping allegiance to realism.
Metabolic exchange between pathways for isoprenoid synthesis and implications for biosynthetic hydrogen isotope fractionation
Authors: Ladd S. Nemiah , Nelson Daniel B. , Bamberger Ines , Daber L. Erik , Kreuzwieser Jürgen , Kahmen Ansgar , Werner Christiane
Published: May 2021

Hydrogen isotope ratios of plant lipids are used for paleoclimate reconstruction, but are influenced by both source water and biosynthetic processes. Measuring 2H : 1H ratios of multiple compounds produced by different pathways could allow these effects to be separated, but hydrogen isotope fractionations during isoprenoid biosynthesis remain poorly constrained.

To investigate how hydrogen isotope fractionation during isoprenoid biosynthesis is influenced by molecular exchange between the cytosolic and plastidial production pathways, we paired position‐specific 13C‐pyruvate labeling with hydrogen isotope measurements of lipids in Pachira aquatica saplings.

We find that acetogenic compounds primarily incorporated carbon from 13C2‐pyruvate, whereas isoprenoids incorporated 13C1‐ and 13C2‐pyruvate equally. This indicates that cytosolic pyruvate is primarily introduced into plastidial isoprenoids via glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate and that plastidial isoprenoid intermediates are incorporated into cytosolic isoprenoids. Probably as a result of the large differences in hydrogen isotope fractionation between plastidial and cytosolic isoprenoid pathways, sterols from P. aquatica are at least 50‰ less 2H‐enriched relative to phytol than sterols in other plants.

These results provide the first experimental evidence that incorporation of plastidial intermediates reduces 2H : 1H ratios of sterols. This suggests that relative offsets between the 2H : 1H ratios of sterols and phytol can trace exchange between the two isoprenoid synthesis pathways.
Food for thought: Robots, jobs and skills in food and drink processing in Norway and the UK
Authors: Lloyd Caroline , Payne Jonathan
Published: May 2021

There is intense debate surrounding digitalisation and its implications for work. However, empirical research within established workplaces, especially international comparative studies, remains limited. This article uses cross‐country research to further analysis of the relative importance of different institutions, actors and power relations in shaping digitalisation and worker outcomes. Through a multi‐level approach, it compares the use of industrial robots in the food and drink processing sector in Norway and the UK. Drawing on qualitative research, it explores the pace of digitalisation, the process of implementation and job and skills outcomes. The study finds strong national differences in the pace of digitalisation, and the role of unions in the process of implementation. In Norway, union power at workplace and national level, embedded in institutional arrangements, underpins more advanced use of technology and improved outcomes for workers.
Inhibitory effects of circulating natural autoantibodies to CD47‐derived peptides on OSCC cells
Authors: Liu Xiu , Liang Chao , Meng Qingyong , Qu Yi , He Ziyi , Dong Rui , Qin Lizheng , Mao Minghui , Hu Ying
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Natural autoantibodies serve as an important anti‐tumorigenic component in the body. This study was thus designed to investigate whether circulating natural IgG autoantibodies against a cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) could exert inhibitory effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Subjects and methods

The expression levels of 13 tumor‐targeted genes in three OSCC cell lines were analyzed by qPCR, and CD47 expression in OSCC tissues was also verified with IHC staining. An in‐house ELISA was performed to analyze circulating anti‐CD47 IgG levels in control subjects, oral benign tumor, and OSCC patients, and to detect anti‐CD47 IgG‐abundant plasma. Three OSCC cell lines were treated with anti‐CD47 IgG‐abundant and ‐deficient plasma, respectively, followed by the analysis of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion/metastasis.

Results

The CD47 gene showed the highest expression among 13 genes detected in three OSCC cell lines; its expression was significantly higher in OSCC tissues than adjacent tissues. Plasma anti‐CD47 IgG levels showed the differences between control subjects, oral benign tumor, and OSCC patients. Anti‐CD47 IgG‐abundant plasma could evidently reduce cell viability via suppressing p‐AKT expression and inducing cell apoptosis and inhibit the invasion of all three OSCC cell lines.

Conclusions

Natural autoantibodies against CD47 may be a potential agent for OSCC immunotherapy.
Characterization of murine extracellular vesicles and Toxoplasma gondii infection
Authors: Maia Marta Marques , da Cruz Allecineia Bispo , Pereira Ingrid de Siqueira , Taniwaki Noemi Nosomi , Namiyama Gislene Mitsue , Pereira‐Chioccola Vera Lucia
Published: May 2021

This study characterized extracellular vesicles (EVs) of sera from mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii or immunized with EVs derived T gondii. EVs were purified of sera from four groups (5 A/Sn mice/group). EV‐IM: Mice immunized with T gondii‐released EVs; ACT: mice in acute infection; CHR: mice in chronic infection; and NI: normal mice. EVs were purified by ultracentrifugation. Concentration of serum‐derived EVs from NI group was smaller than EV‐IM, ACT and CHR groups. Most of the EVs from ACT and CHR groups were microvesicles, and they were bigger than the NI group. The same results were shown by Transmission Electron Microscopy. The presence of exosomes was shown in immunoblotting by tetraspanin (CD63 and CD9) evidence. Splenocytes of EV‐IM, CHR and NI groups were stimulated with T. gondii derived EVs. EV‐IM and CHR groups up‐expressed IFN‐γ; TNF‐α and IL‐17, when compared with the NI group. IL‐10 was up‐expressed only in the EV‐IM group. EV‐IM, ACT and CHR groups expressed more miR‐155‐5p, miR‐29c‐3p and miR‐125b‐5p than the NI group. Host‐T gondii interaction can occur, also, via EVs. miRNAs participate in the modulation of cellular immune response against T gondii. These data give subsidies to propose the differentiation between infect or noninfect hosts by concentration of EVs.
Histone modifications and chromatin remodelling in plants in response to salt stress
Authors: Yung Wai‐Shing , Li Man‐Wah , Sze Ching‐Ching , Wang Qianwen , Lam Hon‐Ming
Published: May 2021

In the face of global food security crises, it is necessary to boost agricultural production. One factor hampering the attempts to increase food production is elevated soil salinity, which can be due to salt that is naturally present in the soil or a consequence of excessive or prolonged irrigation or application of fertiliser. In response to environmental stresses, plants activate multiple molecular mechanisms, including the timely activation of stress‐responsive transcriptional networks. However, in the case of salt stress, the combined effects of the initial osmotic shock and the subsequent ion‐specific stress increase the complexity in the selective regulation of gene expressions involved in restoring or maintaining osmotic balance, ion homeostasis and reactive oxygen species scavenging. Histone modifications and chromatin remodelling are important epigenetic processes that regulate gene expressions by modifying the chromatin status and recruiting transcription regulators. In this review, we have specifically summarised the currently available knowledge on histone modifications and chromatin remodelling in relation to plant responses to salt stress. Current findings have revealed the functional importance of chromatin modifiers in regulating salt tolerance and identified the effector genes affected by epigenetic modifications, although counteraction between modifiers within the same family may occur. Emerging evidence has also illustrated the crosstalk between epigenetic modifications and hormone signalling pathways which involves formation of protein complexes. With an improved understanding of these processes, plant breeders will be able to develop alternative strategies using genome editing technologies for crop improvement.
Controlling hope
Authors: Milona Michael , Stockdale Katie
Published: May 2021

This paper considers the kind of control we exercise over hope. In doing so, we situate our discussion against the backdrop of the growing literature on hope's nature. Several important analyses of hope have the implication that, once the relevant desires and beliefs for hope are present, an agent can (sometimes) directly control whether they hope. But we argue against the possibility of direct control. This is because hope bears systematic relationships with fear and despair; and the view that we can directly control hope makes wrong predictions about the extent to which we can control fear and despair. Throughout the paper, we explain how prominent theories of hope can be amended to better reflect the ways in which hope is controllable. In this way, the paper identifies an underexplored fault line in the philosophy of hope, one which cuts across more familiar ways of cataloguing theories of hope.
Case report of oral mucosa garlic burn during COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak and role of teledentistry to manage oral health in an older adult woman
Authors: Muniz Isis de Araújo Ferreira , Campos Débora e Silva , Shinkai Rosemary Sadami Arai , Trindade Thiago Gomes da , Cosme‐Trindade Dúcia Caldas
Published: May 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 global pandemic and the uncertainty of an effective treatment protocol have resulted in fear and anxiety, which have increased the search for natural products to prevent the disease and to manage the symptoms.

Aims

To discuss the negative effects of garlic used as a preventive measure against the novel coronavirus.

Methods and results

This study reports a case of oral mucosa burn on the dorsal surface of the tongue in a 72‐year‐old woman. The patient was using raw garlic daily during the pandemic to improve her immunological system. She scheduled a dental appointment and was assessed by teledentistry due to the pandemic, in which a detailed anamnesis was carried out. The burned area and ulceration were identified by video call and photographs. The patient was instructed to cease the habit immediately and change to a soft and non‐acid/spicy/hot diet, which resulted in a great recovery 2 days later. She was monitored for 2 weeks until her tongue was completely healed.

Conclusion

This case highlights the consequences of inappropriate use of natural product and how self‐treatment could negatively influence oral health. Additionally, it shows the importance of teledentistry for oral diagnosis and treatment during a pandemic.
Identification of a novel allele HLA‐C*03:560N by next‐generation sequencing in a hematopoietic stem cell recipient
Authors: Qi Jun , Wang Man‐Ni , Wang Tian‐Ju , Wu Jun‐Hua , Li Heng‐Xin
Published: May 2021

A frameshift because of a single nucleotide deletion results in a novel null allele, HLA‐C*03:560N.
Identification of the novel HLA‐C*07:02:01:115 allele in a volunteer bone marrow donor
Authors: Ulrich Silvia , Ladstätter Sarah , Posch Ursula , Schlenke Peter
Published: May 2021

HLA‐C*07:02:01:115 differs from C*07:02:01:03 by one nucleotide substitution at position gDNA −243 in 5'UTR.
Quantitative evaluation of groundwater and surface water interaction characteristics during a dry season
Authors: Jia Sida , Dai Zhenxue , Du Xinqiang , Meng Bo , Yang Zhijie , Lan Tianshan
Published: May 2021

The groundwater‐surface water interaction (GSI) is one of the key issues for the sustainable management of the ecological environment and agricultural production. This study developed an integrated approach combining hydrochemical data interpretation via multivariate statistics and stable isotope analysis for the quantitative evaluation of the GSI characteristics. Through field hydrogeological investigation and sampling, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) of water chemistry parameters and isotopic tracers have been conducted to identify the areas and properties of GSI across spatial scales. As the geological and hydrogeological conditions in the seasonal frozen area are complex and affected by human activities and winter freezing and thawing, the GSI in the dry season had obvious segmentation, and the GSIs were different on both sides of some reaches. The outcomes of Q‐mode HCA and PCA indicated that EC and redox conditions are the main identification factors of hydrochemistry of groundwater and GSI. The results from this study provided insightful information for us to understand the major impact factors of GSI, as well as the water resources distributions.
Prediction of Daily Photovoltaic Energy Production Using Weather Data and Regression
Authors: Sarper Hüseyin , Melnykov Igor , Martínez Lee Anne
Published: May 2021

This paper presents linear regression models to predict the daily energy production of three photovoltaic (PV) systems located in southeast Virginia. The prediction is based on daylight duration, sky index, average relative humidity, and the presence of fog or mist. No other daily weather report components were statistically significant. The proposed method is easy to implement, and it can be used in conjunction with other advanced methods in estimating any given future day’s energy production if weather prediction is available. Data from 2013 to 2015 were used in the model construction. Model validation was performed using newer (2016, 2017, 2020, and 2021) data not used in the model construction. Results show good prediction accuracy for a simple methodology, free of system parameters, that can be utilized by ordinary photovoltaic energy users. The majority of the data was collected at the Old Dominion University. The entire data set can be downloaded using the link provided.
Indoor Comfort Achieved Exclusively From Ambient Sources Across US Climates
Authors: Keith Sharp M.
Published: May 2021

This study tests the feasibility of a more climate-friendly approach to space conditioning. This new strategy (called Ambient House) employs thermal mass in conjunction with ambient sources of heat and cold to maintain indoor temperature within a comfortable range with no auxiliary energy. Buildings in 11 US climate zones were simulated as first-order systems with envelope losses, internal heat gains, solar gains, and heat rejection by natural ventilation. Building similitude parameters were adjusted to maintain indoor temperature within a range of 20–25 °C. Building performance is defined by two mathematical parameters. First, the asymptotic temperature difference, which is a ratio of solar and internal heat gains to envelope losses and ventilation cooling, also incorporates control functions for solar heating and ventilation cooling. Second, the building time constant is the ratio of thermal capacitance to envelope losses and ventilation cooling. Temperature response was compared with that of buildings with the same characteristics, except low thermal mass. Without auxiliary heating and cooling and without active controls, low mass buildings reached temperatures as low as −3 °C and over 70 °C. With controls, extreme temperatures were still −3 to 40 °C. The Ambient House comfort temperature range was achievable with thermal mass within or near that of conventional construction in all but the hot climates of Miami, New Orleans and Phoenix. In these locations, large thermal mass and high ventilation cooling were required. This study confirms that it is feasible to thermally condition spaces exclusively with ambient sources in all the US climate zones.
Effect of Working Conditions on the Lubricated Wear Behavior of Zn–40Al–2Cu–2Si Alloy in the As-Cast and T6 Heat-Treated States
Authors: Savaşkan Temel , Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa , Azaklı Zeki , Çalış Merve
Published: May 2021

In order to determine the effect of working conditions on the lubricated wear behavior of Zn–40Al–2Cu–2Si alloy in the as-cast and T6 heat-treated states, its tribological properties were studied at different oil flowrates, contact pressures, and sliding speeds in comparison with SAE 660 bronze. It was observed that the friction coefficient, temperature, and wear volume of both materials decrease, but their average surface roughness increase with increasing oil flowrate. As the pressure increased, the friction coefficient and average surface roughness of the experimental materials decreased, but their temperature and wear volume increased. It was also found that the working temperature of these materials increased, but their wear volume showed a decrement and a subsequent increment with increasing sliding speed. In addition, their wear volume and average surface roughness showed opposite changes with the sliding speed. Zn–40Al–2Cu–2Si alloy in both as-cast and heat-treated conditions showed lower wear volume and friction coefficient than SAE 660 bronze. This indicates that Zn–40Al–2Cu–2Si alloy can be used to manufacture diesel engine crankshaft journal bearings.