bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separating overlapping echolocation: An updated method for estimating the number of echolocating animals in high background noise levels
Authors: Hamilton Rebecca A. , Starkhammar Josefin , Gazda Stefanie K. , Connor Richard C.
Published: August 2021

Much can be learned by investigating the click trains of odontocetes, including estimating the number of vocalizing animals and comparing the acoustic behavior of different individuals. Analyzing such information gathered from groups of echolocating animals in a natural environment is complicated by two main factors: overlapping echolocation produced by multiple animals at the same time, and varying levels of background noise. Starkhammar et al. [(2011a). Biol. Lett. 7(6), 836–839] described an algorithm that measures and compares the frequency spectra of individual clicks to identify groups of clicks produced by different individuals. This study presents an update to this click group separation algorithm that improves performance by comparing multiple click characteristics. There is a focus on reducing error when high background noise levels cause false click detection and recordings are of a limited frequency bandwidth, making the method applicable to a wide range of existing datasets. This method was successfully tested on recordings of free-swimming foraging dolphins with both low and high natural background noise levels. The algorithm can be adjusted via user-set parameters for application to recordings with varying sampling parameters and to species of varying click characteristics, allowing for estimates of the number of echolocating animals in free-swimming groups.
Acoustic projection by electro-osmosis
Authors: Hansen Thomas E. , Diez Francisco J.
Published: August 2021

Electro-osmosis (EO) is a non-traditional pumping and transduction mechanism with the ability to project acoustic energy in fluids. This investigation experimentally validates the influence of zeta potential, a well-studied physical characteristic used for quantifying the efficacy of an EO pump, on generation of sound pressure level. Acoustic signals of discrete frequencies were observed from 130 Hz to over 150 kHz. EO-type projectors are an attractive technology in that it does not contain moving parts, can be fabricated using a variety of materials, is intrinsically resilient to effects of hydrostatic pressure, and may be designed on the micro-electromechanical system scale.
Does Caffeine Consumption Influence Postcompetition Sleep in Professional Rugby League Athletes? A Case Study
Authors: Caia Johnpaul , Halson Shona L. , Holmberg Patrick M. , Kelly Vincent G.
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To examine the sleep of rugby league athletes the night before and following an evening match and to investigate the association between caffeine intake and sleep on the night of competition. Methods: On the night prior to, night of, and night after a professional rugby league match, 15 athletes had their sleep monitored using wrist activity monitors. Additionally, saliva samples were collected 60 minutes before and 30 minutes after the competition to assess salivary caffeine concentration. Differences in sleep across the 3 nights were examined using linear mixed models, and changes were assessed using effect size (ES). Pearson correlation (r) assessed the relationship between salivary caffeine levels and sleep indices. Results: On the night of competition, athletes went to bed later than the night before (P = .00002, ES = 1.84) and night after (P = .0003, ES = 1.49) competition. Consequently, their sleep duration was reduced on the night of competition compared with the previous night (P < .0000003, ES = 2.36) and night after competition (P = .001, ES = 1.53). Postcompetition salivary caffeine concentration was substantially elevated in athletes when compared with precompetition measures (P < .00000001, ES = 4.44), and moderate, nonsignificant correlations were observed between changes in salivary caffeine concentration and delayed bedtime (r = .48, P = .07), increased sleep latency (r = .45, P = .09), decreased sleep duration (r = −.30, P = .28), and reduced sleep efficiency (r = −.34, P = .22). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that evening competition results in sleep disturbance in rugby league athletes, and caffeine supplementation prior to and during competition leads to substantial increases in postcompetition salivary caffeine concentration.
New Phosphoramidates Containing Selenium as Leishmanicidal Agents
Authors: Etxebeste-Mitxeltorena Mikel , Plano Daniel , Espuelas Socorro , Moreno Esther , Aydillo Carlos , Jiménez-Ruiz Antonio , García Soriano Juan Carlos , Sanmartín Carmen
Published: August 2021

This work reports the synthesis and characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),
1
H,
13
C, and
79
Se nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis techniques as well as the
in vitro
evaluation of the leishmanicidal activity of 13 new selenophosphoramidate derivatives. Among the new compounds, four of them (compounds 1f, 1g, 2f, and 2g), which exhibited the best profiles, were tested against infected macrophages and were selected for further studies related to their leishmanicidal mechanism.
Of Rats and Men: a Translational Model To Understand Vancomycin Pharmacokinetic/Toxicodynamic Relationships
Authors: Scheetz Marc H. , Pais Gwendolyn M. , Lodise Thomas P. , Tong Steven Y. C. , Davis Joshua S. , O’Donnell J. Nicholas , Liu Jiajun , Neely Michael , Prozialeck Walter C. , Lamar Peter C. , Rhodes Nathaniel J. , Holland Thomas , Avedissian Sean N.
Published: August 2021

Vancomycin area under the concentration curve (AUC) is known to predict vancomycin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Data were analyzed from a rat model (
n
 = 48) and two prospective clinical studies (PROVIDE [
n
 = 263] and CAMERA2 [
n
 = 291]).
Structure-Function Characterization of Streptococcus intermedius Surface Antigen Pas
Authors: Mieher Joshua L. , Schormann Norbert , Wu Ren , Patel Manisha , Purushotham Sangeetha , Wu Hui , Scoffield Jessica , Deivanayagam Champion
Published: August 2021

Streptococcus intermedius
, an oral commensal bacterium, has been clinically observed in subgingival dental plaque, purulent infections, and cystic fibrosis lungs. In this study, we have (i) determined the crystal structure of the V and C regions of Pas; (ii) shown that its surface protein Pas adheres to fibrinogen, which could potentially ferry the microbe through the bloodstream from the oral cavity; (iii) characterized Pas’s high-affinity adherence to lung alveolar protein Gp340 that could fixate the microbe on lung epithelial cells; and (iv) most importantly, shown that these surface proteins on the oral commensal
S. intermedius
enhance biofilms of known pathogens
Candida albicans
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
RecA Is Required for the Assembly of RecN into DNA Repair Complexes on the Nucleoid
Authors: McLean Emma K. , Lenhart Justin S. , Simmons Lyle A.
Published: August 2021

Homologous recombination is important for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. RecN is a highly conserved protein that has been shown to be important for sister chromatid cohesion and for surviving break-inducing clastogens.
The Polar Flagellar Transcriptional Regulatory Network in
Vibrio campbellii
Deviates from Canonical
Vibrio
Species
Authors: Petersen Blake D. , Liu Michael S. , Podicheti Ram , Yang Albert Ying-Po , Simpson Chelsea A. , Hemmerich Chris , Rusch Douglas B. , van Kessel Julia C.
Published: August 2021

Vibrio campbellii
is a Gram-negative bacterium that is free-living and ubiquitous in marine environments and is an important global pathogen of fish and shellfish. Disruption of the flagellar motor significantly decreases host mortality of
V. campbellii
, suggesting that motility is a key factor in pathogenesis.
The fossilist and his engraver: Samuel Springsguth’s illustrations of James Parkinson’s Organic Remains
Authors: Lewis* Cherry
Published: August 2021

James Parkinson was an apothecary surgeon, political activist, and paleontologist during the latter part of the long eighteenth century. He is most famous for his 1817 work, An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, in which he was the first to describe and define the symptoms of paralysis agitans, a condition now known as Parkinson’s disease. During his lifetime, however, he was internationally renowned for his three-volume study of fossils, Organic Remains of a Former World. Sales of this work continued for 25 years after Parkinson’s death, even though much of its scientific content had become redundant. This was due to the beauty and fidelity of its illustrations, although Samuel Springsguth, the illustrator and engraver, is never explicitly acknowledged in the work. By examining several extant fossils known to have been in Parkinson’s collection and illustrated in his works, it has been possible to gain some insight into the way that Parkinson and Springsguth worked together when illustrating these volumes.
Improving the admission temperatures of preterm infants in the neonatal unit
Authors: Keir Amy K , Cavallaro Angela
Published: August 2021

Use of plan-do-study-act cycles to increase the proportion of preterm infants born at <32 weeks’ gestation admitted to a neonatal unit with a body temperature of 36.5–37.4°C.
Potential disease trigger as a therapeutic option: infliximab for paradoxical reaction in tuberculosis of the central nervous system
Authors: Briner Myriam , Oberholzer Michael , Chan Andrew , Wagner Franca
Published: August 2021

A 36-year-old man of central Asian origin was diagnosed with subacute disseminated tuberculosis. Initially, central nervous system involvement was suggested by an encephalopathic condition and MRI showing extensive basal and spinal meningitis. After initiation of anti-tuberculosis drugs and corticosteroid therapy, clinical and radiological deterioration of spinal damage was noted. We interpreted this in the context of a paradoxical reaction, which is suggested to be an overshooting inflammatory response after reconstitution of the immune system. Despite increased dosage of corticosteroids, a gradual worsening of gait ataxia over several weeks was noted. After administration of infliximab, the patient’s condition progressively improved.
Association between informal employment and mortality rate by welfare regime in Latin America and the Caribbean: an ecological study
Authors: Silva-Peñaherrera Michael , López-Ruiz María , Merino-Salazar Pamela , Gomez Garcia Antonio Ramon , Benavides Fernando G
Published: August 2021

Objective

We aimed to estimate the association between informal employment and mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by comparing welfare state regimes.

Design

Ecological study using time-series cross-sectional analysis of countries. Informality was estimated from household surveys by the Center for Distributive, Labor and Social Studies in collaboration with the World Bank, and the adult mortality rates for 2000–2016 were obtained from the WHO databases. Countries were grouped by welfare state regimes: state productivist, state protectionist and familialist. We calculated the compound annual growth rate for each country and performed linear regression between the informality and the adult mortality rates stratified by sex and welfare state regime.

Setting

Seventeen countries from LAC with available data on informality and adult mortality rates for 2000–2016.

Primary outcome measure

The association between informality and mortality by welfare state regime.

Results

Between 2000 and 2016, mortality rates decreased an average 1.3% per year and informal employment rates 0.5% per year. We found a significant positive association between informality and mortality rates (women: R2=0.48; men: R2=0.36). The association was stronger among the state regime countries (women: R2=0.58; men: R2=0.77), with no significant association among the familialist countries.

Conclusion

Informal employment negatively impacts population health, which is modified by welfare state regimes. Addressing informal employment could be an effective way to improve population health in LAC. However, linkage with public health and labour market agendas will be necessary.
Is the outcome of fitting hearing aids to adults affected by whether an audiogram-based prescription formula is individually applied? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Almufarrij Ibrahim , Dillon Harvey , Munro Kevin J
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Hearing aids are typically programmed using the individual’s audiometric thresholds. Developments in technology have resulted in a new category of direct-to-consumer devices, which are not programmed using the individual’s audiometric thresholds. This review aims to identify whether programming hearing aids using the individual’s audiogram-based prescription results in better outcomes for adults with hearing loss.

Methods and analysis

The methods of this review are reported in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. On 23 August 2020, eight different databases were systematically searched without any restrictions: EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare and Academic Search Premier. To ensure that this review includes the most recent evidence, the searches will be repeated at the final write-up stage. The population of interest of this review will be adults with any degree or type of hearing loss. The studies should compare hearing aids programmed using an audiogram-based prescription (and verified in the real ear) with those not programmed on the basis of the individual’s audiogram. The primary outcome of interest is consumers’ listening preferences. Hearing-specific health-related quality of life, self-reported listening ability, speech intelligibility of words and sentences in quiet and noisy situations, sound quality ratings and adverse events are the secondary outcomes of interest. Both randomised and non-randomised controlled trials will be included. The quality of each individual study and the overall evidence will be assessed using Downs and Black’s checklist and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations tool, respectively.

Ethics and dissemination

We will only retrieve and analyse data from published studies, so no ethical approval is required. The review findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020197232.
Hormone replacement therapy and cancer survival: a longitudinal cohort study: protocol paper
Authors: Ranger Tom Alan , Burchardt Judith , Clift Ashley Kieran , Mei Winnie Xue , Coupland Carol , Tan Pui San , Dixon Sharon , Cardwell Christopher Robert , Hippisley-Cox Julia
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help women experiencing menopausal symptoms, but usage has declined due to uncertainty around risks of cancer and some cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Moreover, improved cancer survival rates mean that more women who survive cancer go on to experience menopausal symptoms. Understanding these relationships is important so that women and their clinicians can make informed decisions around the risks and benefits of HRT. This study’s primary aim is to determine the association between HRT use after cancer diagnosis and the risk of cancer-specific mortality. The secondary aims are to investigate the risks of HRT on subsequent cancer, all-cause mortality and CVD.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a population-based longitudinal cohort study of 18–79 year-old women diagnosed with cancer between 1998 and 2020, using the QResearch database. The main exposure is HRT use, categorised based on compound, dose and route of administration, and modelled as a time-varying covariate. Analysis of HRT use precancer and postcancer diagnosis will be conducted separately. The primary outcome is cancer-specific mortality, which will be stratified by cancer site. Secondary outcomes include subsequent cancer diagnosis, CVD (including venous thrombo-embolism) and all-cause mortality. Adjustment will be made for key confounders such as age, body mass index, ethnicity, deprivation index, comorbidities, and cancer grade, stage and treatment. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards models to calculate HRs and 95% CIs.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this project was obtained from the QResearch Scientific Committee (Ref: OX24, project title ‘Use of hormone replacement therapy and survival from cancer’). This project has been, and will continue to be, supported by patient and public involvement panels. We intend to the submit the findings for peer-reviewed publication in an academic journal and disseminate them to the public through Cancer Research UK.
SUpporting wellbeing through PEeR-Befriending (SUPERB) feasibility trial: fidelity of peer-befriending for people with aphasia
Authors: Behn Nicholas , Moss Becky , McVicker Sally , Roper Abi , Northcott Sarah , Marshall Jane , Thomas Shirley , Simpson Alan , Flood Chris , James Kirsty , Goldsmith Kimberley , Hilari Katerina
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate systematically the fidelity of a peer-befriending intervention for people with aphasia.

Design

SUpporting wellbeing through Peer-befriending (SUPERB) was a feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing usual care to usual care +peer-befriending. This paper reports on the fidelity of all intervention aspects (training and supervision of providers/befrienders; intervention visits) which was evaluated across all areas of the Behaviour Change Consortium framework.

Setting

Community.

Participants

People with aphasia early poststroke and low levels of distress, randomised to the intervention arm of the trial (n=28); 10 peer-befrienders at least 1-year poststroke.

Intervention

Peer-befrienders were trained (4–6 hours); and received regular supervision (monthly group while actively befriending, and one-to-one as and when needed) in order to provide six 1-hour peer-befriending visits over 3 months.

Main measures

Metrics included number and length of training, supervision sessions and visits. All training and supervision sessions and one (of six) visits per pair were rated against fidelity checklists and evaluated for inter-rater and intrarater reliability (Gwets AC1 agreement coefficient). Per-cent adherence to protocol was evaluated.

Results

All peer-befrienders received 4–6 hours training over 2–3 days as intended. There were 25 group supervision sessions with a median number attended of 14 (IQR=8–18). Twenty-six participants agreed (92.8%) to the intervention and 21 (80.8%) received all six visits (median visit length 60 min). Adherence was high for training (91.7%–100%) and supervision (83%–100%) and moderate-to-high for befriending visits (66.7%–100%). Where calculable, inter-rater and intrarater reliability was high for training and supervision (Gwets AC1 >0.90) and moderate-to-high for intervention visits (Gwets AC1 0.44–1.0).

Conclusion

Planning of fidelity processes at the outset of the trial and monitoring throughout was feasible and ensured good-to-high fidelity for this peer-befriending intervention. The results permit confidence in other findings from the SUPERB trial.

Trial registration number

NCT02947776.
HPV-16 E6/E7 DNA tattoo vaccination using genetically optimized vaccines elicit clinical and immunological responses in patients with usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN): a phase I/II clinical trial
Authors: Bakker Noor Alida Maria , Rotman Jossie , van Beurden Marc , Zijlmans Henry J MAA , van Ruiten Maartje , Samuels Sanne , Nuijen Bastiaan , Beijnen Jos , De Visser Karin , Haanen John , Schumacher Ton , de Gruijl Tanja D , Jordanova Ekaterina S , Kenter Gemma G , van den Berg Joost H , van Trommel Nienke E
Published: August 2021

Background

Usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN) is a premalignancy caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly type 16. Even though different treatment modalities are available (eg, surgical excision, laser evaporation or topical application of imiquimod), these treatments can be mutilating, patients often have recurrences and 2%–8% of patients develop vulvar carcinoma. Therefore, immunotherapeutic strategies targeting the pivotal oncogenic HPV proteins E6 and E7 are being explored to repress carcinogenesis.

Method

In this phase I/II clinical trial, 14 patients with HPV16+ uVIN were treated with a genetically enhanced DNA vaccine targeting E6 and E7. Safety, clinical responses and immunogenicity were assessed. Patients received four intradermal HPV-16 E6/E7 DNA tattoo vaccinations, with a 2-week interval, alternating between both upper legs. Biopsies of the uVIN lesions were taken at screening and +3 months after last vaccination. Digital photography of the vulva was performed at every check-up until 12 months of follow-up for measurement of the lesions. HPV16-specific T-cell responses were measured in blood over time in ex vivo reactivity assays.

Results

Vaccinations were well tolerated, although one grade 3 suspected unexpected serious adverse reaction was observed. Clinical responses were observed in 6/14 (43%) patients, with 2 complete responses and 4 partial responses (PR). 5/14 patients showed HPV-specific T-cell responses in blood, measured in ex vivo reactivity assays. Notably, all five patients with HPV-specific T-cell responses had a clinical response.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that HPV-16 E6/E7 DNA tattoo vaccination is a biologically active and safe treatment strategy in patients with uVIN, and suggest that T-cell reactivity against the HPV oncogenes is associated with clinical benefit.

Trial registration number

NTR4607.
High potency STING agonists engage unique myeloid pathways to reverse pancreatic cancer immune privilege
Authors: Ager Casey R , Boda Akash , Rajapakshe Kimal , Lea Spencer Thomas , Di Francesco Maria Emilia , Jayaprakash Priyamvada , Slay Ravaen B , Morrow Brittany , Prasad Rishika , Dean Meghan A , Duffy Colm R , Coarfa Cristian , Jones Philip , Curran Michael A
Published: August 2021

Background

Intratumoral injection of cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) agonists of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway engages innate immune activation and priming of adaptive immune effectors to foster local and distal tumor clearance. Despite proven therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models, a thorough understanding of how CDNs reprogram suppressive myeloid stroma in mouse and man is lacking.

Methods

Here, we perform deep transcript-level and protein-level profiling of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and M2 macrophages following stimulation with CDNs of ascending potency. Additionally, we leverage orthotopicKras+/G12DTP53+/R172HPdx1-Cre(KPC) derived models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to determine the capacity for locally administered CDNs to sensitize PDAC to immune checkpoint blockade. We use bioluminescent in vivo imaging and 30-parameter flow cytometry to profile growth kinetics and remodeling of the tumor stroma post-therapy.

Results

Highly potent synthetic STING agonists repolarize suppressive myeloid populations of human and murine origin in part through inhibition of Myc signaling, metabolic modulation, and antagonism of cell cycle. Surprisingly, high-potency synthetic agonists engage qualitatively unique pathways as compared with natural CDNs. Consistent with our mechanistic observations, we find that intratumoral injection of the highest activity STING agonist, IACS-8803, into orthotopic pancreatic adenocarcinoma lesions unmasks sensitivity to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Dimensionality reduction analyses of high parameter flow cytometry data reveals substantial contributions of both myeloid repolarization and T cell activation underlying the in vivo therapeutic benefit of this approach.

Conclusions

This study defines the molecular basis of STING-mediated myeloid reprogramming, revealing previously unappreciated and qualitatively unique pathways engaged by CDNs of ascending potency during functional repolarization. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential for high potency CDNs to overcome immunotherapy resistance in an orthotopic, multifocal model of PDAC.
Wilson’s disease: update on pathogenesis, biomarkers and treatments
Authors: Shribman Samuel , Poujois Aurelia , Bandmann Oliver , Czlonkowska Anna , Warner Thomas T
Published: August 2021

Wilson’s disease is an autosomal–recessive disorder of copper metabolism caused by mutations in ATP7B and associated with neurological, psychiatric, ophthalmological and hepatic manifestations. Decoppering treatments are used to prevent disease progression and reduce symptoms, but neurological outcomes remain mixed. In this article, we review the current understanding of pathogenesis, biomarkers and treatments for Wilson’s disease from the neurological perspective, with a focus on recent advances. The genetic and molecular mechanisms associated with ATP7B dysfunction have been well characterised, but despite extensive efforts to identify genotype–phenotype correlations, the reason why only some patients develop neurological or psychiatric features remains unclear. We discuss pathological processes through which copper accumulation leads to neurodegeneration, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, the role of brain iron metabolism and the broader concept of selective neuronal vulnerability in Wilson’s disease. Delayed diagnoses continue to be a major problem for patients with neurological presentations. We highlight limitations in our current approach to making a diagnosis and novel diagnostic biomarkers, including the potential for newborn screening programmes. We describe recent progress in developing imaging and wet (fluid) biomarkers for neurological involvement, including findings from quantitative MRI and other neuroimaging studies, and the development of a semiquantitative scoring system for assessing radiological severity. Finally, we cover the use of established and novel chelating agents, paradoxical neurological worsening, and progress developing targeted molecular and gene therapy for Wilson’s disease, before discussing future directions for translational research.
Ab initio investigation of strain effects on the physical properties of PdVTe alloy
Authors: Djamila Khodja , Tayeb Djaafri , Abdelkader Djaafri , Aicha Bendjedid , Khelifa Hamada , Norredine Marbouh
Published: August 2021

The investigations of the strain effects on magnetism, elasticity, electronic, optical, and thermodynamic properties of PdVTe half-Heusler alloy are carried out using the most accurate methods to obtain electronic band structure (i.e., the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave plus a local orbital (FP-LAPW + lo) approach). The analysis of the band structures and the density of states reveals half-metallic behavior with a small indirect band gap Eg of 0.51 eV around the Fermi level for the minority spin channels. The study of magnetic properties led to the predicted value of total magnetic moment µtot = 3µB, which nicely follows the Slater–Pauling rule µtot = Zt – 18. Several optical properties are calculated for the first time and the predicted values are in line with the Penn model. It is shown from the imaginary part of the complex dielectric function that the investigated alloy is optically metallic. The variations of thermodynamic parameters calculated using the quasi-harmonic Debye model agree well with the results predicted by the Debye theory. Moreover, the dynamical stability of the investigated alloy is computed by means of the phonon dispersion curves, the density of states, and the formation energies. Finally, the analysis of the strain effects reveals that PdVTe alloy preserves its ferromagnetic half-metallic behavior, it remains mechanically stable, the ionic nature dominates the atomic bonding, and the thermodynamic and the optical properties keep the same features in a large interval of pressure.
A comparison between higher-order nonclassicalities of superposition engineered coherent and thermal states
Authors: Deepak  , Chatterjee Arpita
Published: August 2021

We consider an experimentally obtainable superposition (SUP) operator, defined by using a generalized superposition of products of field annihilation (a) and creation (a†) operators of the type A = saa† + ta†a with s2 + t2 = 1. We apply this SUP operator on coherent and thermal quantum states, and the states thus produced are referred to as SUP-operated coherent state (SOCS) and SUP-operated thermal state (SOTS), respectively. In the present work, we report a comparative study between the higher-order nonclassical properties of SOCS and SOTS. The comparison is performed by using a set of nonclassicality witnesses (e.g., higher-order anti-bunching, higher-order sub-Poissonian photon statistics, higher-order squeezing, Agarwal–Tara parameter, Klyshko’s condition). The existence of higher-order nonclassicalities in SOCS and SOTS have been investigated for the first time. In view of possible experimental verification of the proposed scheme, we present exact calculations to reveal the effect of non-unit quantum efficiency of quantum detector on higher-order nonclassicalities.
Making Up 3D Bodies
Authors: Niehaus Kiona Hagen , Fiebrink Rebecca
Published: August 2021

This paper describes the process of developing a software tool for digital artistic exploration of 3D human figures. Previously available software for modeling mesh-based 3D human figures restricts user output based on normative assumptions about the form that a body might take, particularly in terms of gender, race, and disability status, which are reinforced by ubiquitous use of range-limited sliders mapped to singular high-level design parameters. CreatorCustom, the software prototype created during this research, is designed to foreground an exploratory approach to modeling 3D human bodies, treating the digital body as a sculptural landscape rather than a presupposed form for rote technical representation. Building on prior research into serendipity in Human-Computer Interaction and 3D modeling systems for users at various levels of proficiency, among other areas, this research comprises two qualitative studies and investigation of the impact on the first author's artistic practice. Study 1 uses interviews and practice sessions to explore the practices of six queer artists working with the body and the language, materials, and actions they use in their practice; these then informed the design of the software tool. Study 2 investigates the usability, creativity support, and bodily implications of the software when used by thirteen artists in a workshop. These studies reveal the importance of exploration and unexpectedness in artistic practice, and a desire for experimental digital approaches to the human form.
Do Capital Structure Models Square with the Dynamics of Payout?
Authors: Chen Shiqi , Lambrecht Bart M.
Published: August 2021

We explore whether theoretically the target leverage and pecking-order models can be reconciled with payout smoothing. Investment absorbs a significant part of income and asset volatility if the firm follows both a payout target and a net debt ratio (NDR) target. A positive (negative) NDR amplifies (dampens) shocks in assets. Slow adjustment toward the NDR target facilitates payout smoothing. Under strict pecking-order financing, income shocks are absorbed primarily by changes in net debt. More payout smoothing implies a stronger negative relation between debt and net income. Shocks to assets in place need not affect current payout.
Philanthrocapitalism and the Separation of Powers
Authors: McGoey Linsey
Published: August 2021

This article discusses the rise of an approach to philanthropic giving known as philanthrocapitalism. I relate it to a new paradigm in management theory that has claimed that private profit making naturally aligns with improved public welfare. I show how growing belief in the inherent “compatibility” of corporate missions and public benefits has led to new laws and contributed to major shifts in how giving practices are structured and legitimated. The original point made in this article is that the philanthrocapitalist turn is more than simply an organizational change in the structure of different philanthropic institutions. Rather, the belief that profit-making and public welfare are naturally aligned also has significant, undertheorized implications for different principles in European-American legal traditions. The ascendancy of the philanthrocapitalist approach represents a subtle but profound displacement of belief in the need for democratic checks and balances on the use of public funds for private enrichment.
The Influence of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling on Consumer Behavior and Product Reformulation
Authors: Roberto Christina A. , Ng Shu Wen , Ganderats-Fuentes Montserrat , Hammond David , Barquera Simon , Jauregui Alejandra , Taillie Lindsey Smith
Published: August 2021

Countries worldwide have implemented mandatory or voluntary front-of-package nutrition labeling systems. We provide a narrative review of ( a) real-world evaluations of front-of-package nutrition labels that analyze objective sales data and ( b) studies that objectively assess product reformulation in response to a front-of-package nutrition label implementation. We argue that there is sufficient scientific evidence to recommend that governments implement mandatory front-of-package nutrition labeling systems to improvepopulation health. We also present a conceptual framework to describe front-of-package label influence and provide recommendations for the optimal label design, emphasizing that labeling systems should be highly visible and salient, be simple and easy to understand, leverage automatic associations, and integrate informational and emotional messaging. The existing research suggests that Guideline Daily Amount labels should be avoided and that the Health Star Rating and Nutri-Score systems are promising but that systems with warning labels like the one in Chile are likely to produce the largest public health benefits.
Regulation of lipoprotein metabolism by ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8
Authors: Sylvers-Davie Kelli L. , Davies Brandon S. J.
Published: August 2021

Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins deliver fatty acids to tissues for oxidation and for storage. Release of fatty acids from circulating lipoprotein triglycerides is carried out by lipoprotein lipase (LPL), thus LPL serves as a critical gatekeeper of fatty acid uptake into tissues. LPL activity is regulated by a number of extracellular proteins including three members of the angiopoietin-like family of proteins. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how, where, and when ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8 regulate lipoprotein lipase activity, with a particular emphasis on how these proteins interact with each other to coordinate triglyceride metabolism and fat partitioning.
Climate-Provenance Effect on the Organic Matter Enrichment of the Chang 9 Source Rocks in the Central Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Ma Ling , Zhang Zhihuan , Meng Weiqiu
Published: August 2021

The Upper Triassic Chang 9 organic-rich sediments have been considered as effective hydrocarbon source rocks for the Mesozoic petroleum system in the Ordos Basin. Previous studies on the Chang 9 member mostly focused on the influence of their paleoproductivity and paleoredox conditions on the organic matter (OM) enrichment, whereas there are few studies on the influence of the paleoclimate condition and sediment provenance on the OM enrichment. In this study, a series of geochemical analyses was performed on the Chang 9 core samples, and their hydrocarbon generation potential, paleoclimate condition, and sediment provenance were assessed to analyze the effect of paleoclimate-provenance on OM enrichment. The Chang 9 source rocks are characterized by high OM abundance, type I−II OM type, and suitable thermal maturity, implying good hydrocarbon generation potential. Based on the C-values and Sr/Cu ratios, the paleoclimate condition of the Chang 9 member was mainly semihumid. In addition, the Th/Co vs. La/Sc diagram and negative δEuN indicate that the Chang 9 sediments were mainly derived from felsic source rocks. Meanwhile, the paleoweathering intensity of the Chang 9 member is moderate based on moderate values of CIA, PIA, and CIW, which corresponds to the semihumid paleoclimate. The relatively humid paleoclimate not only enhances photosynthesis of the primary producer, but also promotes chemical weathering intensity, leading to suitable terrestrial clastic influx to the lacustrine basin, which is beneficial for OM enrichment.
Oxidative Stress in Patients before and after On‐Pump and Off‐Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Relationship with Syntax Score
Authors: Vukicevic Petar , Klisic Aleksandra , Neskovic Vojislava , Babic Luka , Mikic Aleksandar , Bogavac-Stanojevic Natasa , Matkovic Milos , Milićević Vladimir , Aleksic Nemanja , Kotur-Stevuljevic Jelena
Published: August 2021

Objective. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) represents the significant source of increased oxidative stress (OS). We aimed to follow the OS status parameters (i.e., ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anion, prooxidant‐antioxidant balance (PAB), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and superoxide‐dismutase (SOD)) change through the predefined study times in two different surgical procedures, i.e., cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Additionally, we aimed to investigate those OS status parameters in specific study times according to SYNTAX score (SS), an established angiographic score for evaluating the extensity and severity of coronary artery disease. Patients and Methods. A total of 107 patients that were planned to undergo CABG were included (i.e., 47 patients in OPCAB and 60 patients in CPB group). Blood samples were taken at 6 time intervals: before surgery (t1), immediately after intervention (t2), 6 h (t3), 24 h (t4), 48 h (t5), and 96 h after termination of the operation (t6). Results. IMA levels were higher in CPB than that in OPCAB baseline and rose in CPB group in t2 point. TOS decreased in both study groups, compared to baseline values, but without statistical significance. Superoxide anion and PAB significantly increased in t3‐t6 study times, in both groups. MDA significantly increased only in CPB group in t5 and t6 interval. MDA was significantly higher in CPB group compared to OPCAB in t6 study point. CPB patients had significantly lower TAS compared to OPCAB patients at the beginning and in t2 and t3 study points. They also had significantly lower SOD activities compared to OPCAB, baseline, and in several study points. Moreover, TAS, SOD, and TAS/TOS ratio were significantly lower, whereas PAB and TOS/TAS were significantly higher in patients with high SS compared to corresponding groups. SOD activity, IMA, and TAS level were the best predictors of high SS. Conclusion. CPB patients were in more severe ischemia baseline than OPCAB group and IMA rose in CPB patients immediately after the surgery end, but not later. Also, the antioxidant status was significantly lower, whereas the prooxidant status was significantly higher in patients with high SS compared to corresponding groups. SOD activity, IMA, and TAS level were the best predictors of CAD (as determined with SS), showing that SOD and IMA had very good discriminatory capability towards higher SS status.
Real‐Time Task Allocation of Heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Search and Prosecute Mission
Authors: Zhai Xiangping Bryce , Li Li , Zhao Xuedong , Zhao Yunlong , Liu Kai
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has developed rapidly after the era of computers and smart phones, which is expected to be applied to cities to improve the quality of life and realize the intelligence of smart cities. In particular, with the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) last year, in order to reduce contact, some IoT devices, such as robots, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned vehicles, have played a great role in temperature monitoring, goods delivery, and so on. In this paper, we study the real‐time task allocation problem of heterogeneous UAVs searching and delivering goods in the city. Considering the resource requirement of task and resource constraints of the UAV, when the resource of a single UAV cannot meet the requirement of the task, we propose a method of forming a UAV coalition based on contract net protocol. We analyze the coalition formation problem from two aspects: mission completion time and UAV’s energy consumption. Firstly, the mathematical model is established according to the optimization objective and condition constraints. Then, according to the established mathematical model, different coalition formation algorithms are proposed. To minimize the mission completion time, we propose a two‐stage coalition formation algorithm. Aiming at minimizing the UAV’s energy consumption, it is transformed into a zero‐one integer programming problem, which can be solved by the existing solver. Then, considering both mission completion time and energy consumption, we propose a coalition formation algorithm based on a resource tree. Finally, we design some simulation experiments and compare with the task allocation algorithm based on resource welfare. The simulation results show that our proposed algorithms are feasible and effective.
Performance Analysis of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface‐Aided Full‐Duplex Cooperative NOMA System
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Sun Jinyong
Published: August 2021

The outage performance of a reconfigurable intelligent surface‐ (RIS‐) aided full‐duplex cooperative nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system is studied in this paper. Based on the statistical characteristics of the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the reflection channel from the access point via RIS to the near user, and the cooperative channel from the near user to the far NOMA user, the outage probability of both the near and far users is derived. Through the comparison with the outage performance of conventional cooperative NOMA without employing RIS, the superiority of the proposed scheme is demonstrated. Finally, the correctness of the analytical results is validated with simulation.
Peripheral Administration of NMU Promotes White Adipose Tissue Beiging and Improves Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Yuan Yue , Wang Hongdong , He Jielei , Sun Haixiang , Zhu Dalong , Bi Yan
Published: August 2021

Purpose. Targeting white adipose tissue (WAT) beiging has been proposed as an effective way to increase thermogenesis and improve glucose metabolism. Neuromedin U (NMU) is a neuropeptide that could increase energy expenditure, while its effects on WAT beiging and glucose homeostasis remain to be investigated. Methods. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with high fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity and hyperglycemia and then treated with chronic subcutaneous injection of NMU. Body weight and food intake were recorded daily. After 14 days of injection, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose micro-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG micro-PET/CT) scans were conducted. Subcutaneous WAT (sWAT) and interscapular brown adipose tissue were collected for the evaluation of adipocyte size, expression of uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1), and other thermogenic-related genes. Stromal vascular fraction of subcutaneous WAT was extracted for the measurement of type 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2s) proportions. Results. Glucose tolerance was markedly improved by peripherally administered NMU. Micro-PET/CT suggested that NMU promoted WAT beiging, which was further confirmed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry. In diet-induced-obese (DIO) mice, NMU activated thermogenic-related genes in WAT. In addition, NMU stimulated ILC2s in the stromal vascular fraction of WAT. Conclusion. Taken together, our study indicates that peripheral administration of NMU is a potential therapeutic strategy for the promotion of WAT beiging and the improvement of impaired glucose tolerance.
Two-Dimensional ISAR Fusion Imaging of Block Structure Targets
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxiu , Liu Limin , Guo Baofeng , Hu Wenhua , Shi Lin , Ma Juntao
Published: August 2021

The range resolution and azimuth resolution are restricted by the limited transmitting bandwidth and observation angle in a monostatic radar system. To improve the two-dimensional resolution of inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging, a fast linearized Bregman iteration for unconstrained block sparsity (FLBIUB) algorithm is proposed to achieve multiradar ISAR fusion imaging of block structure targets. First, the ISAR imaging echo data of block structure targets is established based on the geometrical theory of the diffraction model. The multiradar ISAR fusion imaging is transformed into a signal sparse representation problem by vectorization operation. Then, considering the block sparsity of the echo data of block structure targets, the FLBIUB algorithm is utilized to achieve the block sparse signal reconstruction and obtain the fusion image. The algorithm further accelerates the iterative convergence speed and improves the imaging efficiency by combining the weighted back-adding residual and condition number optimization of the basis matrix. Finally, simulation experiments show that the proposed method can effectively achieve block sparse signal reconstruction and two-dimensional multiradar ISAR fusion imaging of block structure targets.
Dimensionless Charts for Predicting the Range of Goaf Roof Caving
Authors: Zhang Jing , He Rongxing , Ren Fengyu , Ouyang Zhihua
Published: August 2021

In engineering, the method of charts can provide a convenient query for specific engineering problems. To provide the basis for the potential hazard evaluation and rational governance of the goaf, it is necessary to study the quantitative evaluation for the range of goaf roof caving. Undoubtedly, the charts used to visually query the caving range can simplify the workload of the quantitative evaluation. Therefore, the methods of dimensional analysis, numerical simulation, and linear interpolation are introduced to study the dimensionless charts for predicting the caving range. The dimensionless analysis is used to establish the fuzzy function relationship among the influence factors of the goaf roof caving, and the numerical simulation is used to calculate the dimensionless groups in the fuzzy function. Using the linear interpolation, the dimensionless charts in this work can predict the range of goaf roof caving under more working conditions. The results show that the characteristics of the goaf roof caving corresponding to the dimensionless curves are consistent with the actual situation. With the continuous increase of the goaf span l, the dimensionless curves of the caving range experience zero growth, rapid growth, and steady growth. The growth degree varies with the fracture spacing S. Especially in the zero growth phase, the duration of the relatively stable state in the overlying strata of the goaf increases with the increase of fracture spacing S. Moreover, based on the case study of Shirengou Iron Mine, the dimensionless charts obtained in this work can predict the range of goaf roof caving under different working conditions, which indicates the findings of this study have certain guiding significance to the treatment of the goaf.