bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of pandemic‐related pregnancy stress in preference for community birth during the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States
Authors: Preis Heidi , Mahaffey Brittain , Lobel Marci
Published: March 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic introduced unparalleled uncertainty into the lives of pregnant women, including concerns about where it is the safest to give birth, while preserving their rights and wishes. Reports on the increased interest in community births (at home or in birth centers) are emerging. The purpose of this project was to quantitatively investigate psychological factors related to this birth preference.

Methods

This study included 3896 pregnant women from the COVID‐19 Pregnancy Experiences (COPE) Study who were anticipating a vaginal birth. COPE Study participants were recruited online between April 24 and May 15, 2020, and completed a questionnaire that included preference with respect to place of birth and psychological constructs: fear of childbirth, basic beliefs about birth, pandemic‐related preparedness stress, and pandemic‐related perinatal infection stress.

Results

Women who preferred a community birth, on average, had less childbirth fear, had stronger beliefs that birth is a natural process, were less likely to see birth as a medical process, and were less stressed about being unprepared for birth and being infected with COVID‐19. In multivariate models, higher stress about perinatal COVID‐19 infection was associated with greater likelihood of preferring a community birth. The effect of perinatal infection stress on preference was stronger when preparedness stress was high.

Discussion

Women's birth preferences during the COVID‐19 pandemic are associated with psychological processes related to risk perception. Community births are more appealing to women who view being in a hospital as hazardous because of the pandemic. Policies and prenatal care aimed to increase access to safe in‐hospital and out‐of‐hospital birth services should be encouraged.
Activation of pregnane X receptor induces atherogenic lipids and PCSK9 by a SREBP2‐mediated mechanism
Authors: Karpale Mikko , Käräjämäki Aki Juhani , Kummu Outi , Gylling Helena , Hyötyläinen Tuulia , Orešič Matej , Tolonen Ari , Hautajärvi Heidi , Savolainen Markku J. , Ala‐Korpela Mika , Hukkanen Janne , Hakkola Jukka
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

Many drugs and environmental contaminants induce hypercholesterolemia and promote the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We tested the hypothesis that pregnane X receptor (PXR), a xenobiotic‐sensing nuclear receptor, regulates the level of circulating atherogenic lipids in humans and utilized mouse experiments to identify the mechanisms involved.

Experimental Approach

We performed serum NMR metabolomics in healthy volunteers administered rifampicin, a prototypical human PXR ligand or placebo in a crossover setting. We used high‐fat diet fed wild‐type and PXR knockout mice to investigate the mechanisms mediating the PXR‐induced alterations in cholesterol homeostasis.

Key Results

Activation of PXR induced cholesterogenesis both in pre‐clinical and clinical settings. In human volunteers, rifampicin increased intermediate‐density lipoprotein (IDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol and lathosterol–cholesterol ratio, a marker of cholesterol synthesis, suggesting increased cholesterol synthesis. Experiments in mice indicated that PXR activation causes widespread induction of the cholesterol synthesis genes including the rate‐limiting Hmgcr and upregulates the intermediates in the Kandutsch–Russell cholesterol synthesis pathway in the liver. Additionally, PXR activation induced plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a negative regulator of hepatic LDL uptake, in both mice and humans. We propose that these effects were mediated through increased proteolytic activation of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (SREBP2) in response to PXR activation.

Conclusion and Implications

PXR activation induces cholesterol synthesis, elevating LDL and total cholesterol in humans. The PXR–SREBP2 pathway is a novel regulator of the cholesterol and PCSK9 synthesis and a molecular mechanism for drug‐ and chemical‐induced hypercholesterolemia.
The natural product trienomycin A is a STAT3 pathway inhibitor that exhibits potent in vitro and in vivo efficacy against pancreatic cancer
Authors: He Qiu‐Rui , Tang Jiang‐Jiang , Liu Yao , Chen Zhi‐Fan , Liu Yu‐Xi , Chen Huang , Li Ding , Yi Zheng‐Fang , Gao Jin‐Ming
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

Pancreatic cancer is an exceptionally fatal disease. However, therapeutic drugs for pancreatic cancer have presented a serious shortage over the past few decades. Signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3) is persistently activated in many human cancers where it promotes tumour development and progression. Natural products serve as an inexhaustible source of anticancer drugs. Here, we identified the natural product trienomycin A (TA), an ansamycin antibiotic, as a potential inhibitor of the STAT3 pathway with potent activity against pancreatic cancer.

Experimental Approach

Effects of trienomycin A on transcriptional activity of STAT3 were assessed by the STAT3‐luciferase (STAT3‐luc) reporter system. In vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity of TA against pancreatic cancer made use of molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, MTS assay, colony formation assay, transwell migration/invasion assay, flow cytometric analysis, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting, tumour xenograft model, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry.

Key Results

Trienomycin A directly bound to STAT3 and inhibited STAT3 (Tyr705) phosphorylation, thus inhibiting the STAT3 pathway. Trienomycin A also inhibited colony formation, proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Trienomycin A also markedly blocked pancreatic tumour growth in vivo. More importantly, trienomycin A did not show obvious toxicity at the effective dose in mice.

Conclusions and Implications

Trienomycin A exerted anti‐neoplastic activity by suppressing STAT3 activation in pancreatic cancer. This natural product could be a novel therapeutic candidate for pancreatic cancer.
SCARF1 promotes M2 polarization of Kupffer cells via calcium‐dependent PI3K‐AKT‐STAT3 signalling to improve liver transplantation
Authors: Xu Xue‐song , Feng Zhi‐hao , Cao Ding , Wu Hao , Wang Meng‐hao , Li Jin‐Zheng , Gong Jian‐Ping
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of SCARF1 on acute rejection (AR), phagocytic clearance of Kupffer cells (KCs), M2 polarization and the exact mechanism underlying these processes.

Methods

AAV was transfected into the portal vein of rats, and AR and immune tolerance (IT) models of liver transplantation were established. Liver tissue and blood samples were collected. The level of SCARF1 was detected via WB and immunohistochemical staining. Pathological changes in liver tissue were detected using HE staining. Apoptotic cells were detected using TUNEL staining. KC polarization was assessed via immunohistochemical staining. Primary KCs were isolated and co‐cultured with apoptotic T lymphocytes. Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and polarization of KCs were both detected using immunofluorescence. Calcium concentration was determined using immunofluorescence and a fluorescence microplate reader. The levels of PI3K, p‐AKT and P‐STAT3 were assessed via WB and immunofluorescence.

Results

Compared to the IT group, the level of SCARF1 was significantly decreased in the AR group. Overexpression of SCARF1 in KCs improved AR and liver function markers. Enhanced phagocytosis mediated by SCARF1 is beneficial for improving the apoptotic clearance of AR and promoting M2 polarization of KCs. SCARF1‐mediated enhancement of phagocytosis promotes increased calcium concentration in KCs, thus further activating the PI3K‐AKT‐STAT3 signalling pathway.

Conclusions

SCARF1 promotes the M2 polarization of KCs by promoting phagocytosis through the calcium‐dependent PI3K‐AKT‐STAT3 signalling pathway.
A multi‐methods yarn about SMART Recovery: First insights from Australian Aboriginal facilitators and group members
Authors: Dale Elizabeth , Lee K. S. Kylie , Conigrave Katherine M. , Conigrave James H. , Ivers Rowena , Clapham Kathleen , Kelly Peter J.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

SMART Recovery is a popular mutual support group program. Little is known about its suitability or perceived helpfulness for Indigenous peoples. This study explored the cultural utility of SMART Recovery in an Australian Aboriginal context.

Methods

An Indigenous‐lensed, multi‐methods, exploratory study design was used to develop initial evidence of: (i) attributes of Aboriginal SMART Recovery facilitators and group members; (ii) characteristics of Aboriginal‐led SMART Recovery groups; (iii) perceived acceptability and helpfulness of SMART Recovery; and (iv) areas for potential improvement. Data were collected by synthesising Indigenous qualitative methods (research topic and social yarning) with western qualitative and quantitative methods (participant surveys, program adherence rating scale, group observations and field notes). Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants were a culturally diverse sample of male and female Aboriginal facilitators (n = 10) and group members (n = 11), aged 22–65 years. Aboriginal‐led SMART Recovery groups were culturally customised to suit local contexts. Program tools ‘goal setting’ and ‘problem solving’ were viewed as the most helpful. Suggested ways SMART Recovery could enhance its cultural utility included: integration of Aboriginal perspectives into facilitator training; creation of Aboriginal‐specific program and marketing materials; and greater community engagement and networking. Participants proposed an Aboriginal‐specific SMART Recovery program.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study offers insights into Aboriginal peoples' experiences of SMART Recovery. Culturally‐informed modifications to the program were identified that could enhance cultural utility. Future research is needed to obtain diverse community perspectives and measure health outcomes associated with group attendance.
Early identification and intervention in developmental coordination disorder: lessons for and from cerebral palsy
Authors: Damiano Diane L
Published: March 2021

This commentary is on the scoping reviews by Lee and Zwicker on pages 649–658 and Zwicker and Lee on pages 659–667 of this issue.
Red cell distribution width in patients with diabetes and myocardial infarction: An analysis from the EXAMINE trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Lamiral Zohra , Bakris George , Mehta Cyrus , White William B. , Zannad Faiez
Published: March 2021

Aim

To determine the clinical correlates of increased red blood cell distribution width (RDW), its potential mechanistic association with multiple circulating biomarkers, and its prognostic value in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who had a recent acute coronary syndrome.

Methods

We used time‐updated Cox models applied to patients enrolled in the Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes with Alogliptin versus Standard of Care (EXAMINE) trial.

Results

A total of 5380 patients were included, the median age was 61 years and 32% were women. Patients with higher RDW were older, more frequently women, with a longer diabetes duration and increased co‐morbidities. An RDW of more than 16.1% (both baseline and time‐updated) was independently associated with the study primary composite outcome of non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke or cardiovascular death (time‐updated adjusted HR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.16–1.61, p < .001), all‐cause death (time‐updated adjusted HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.60–2.53, p < .001), as well as mortality from non‐cardiovascular causes (time‐updated adjusted HR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.72–4.15, p < .001). RDW had a weak‐to‐moderate correlation with haemoglobin and circulating markers that reflected inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis and congestion. Alogliptin did not alter RDW values.

Conclusions

RDW is a marker of disease severity associated with a multitude of poor outcomes, including both cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular death. RDW correlated modestly with inflammatory, pro‐apoptotic, pro‐fibrotic and congestion markers, and its levels were not affected by alogliptin during the course of the trial.
Dependence of egg hatching on Wolbachia density in a parthenogenetic weevil revealed by antibiotic treatment
Authors: Rodriguero Marcela S. , Scannapieco Alejandra C. , Monti Daniela S. , Chifflet Lucila , Elias‐Costa Agustín J. , Lanteri Analía A. , Confalonieri Viviana A.
Published: March 2021

Naupactini is a tribe of Neotropical broad‐nosed weevils highly diverse in South America. This group includes several parthenogenetic species, some of them harmful for agriculture and invasive around the world. Although some hypotheses based on polyploidy and hybridization have been proposed to explain the origin of parthenogenesis in weevils, the infection with the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis may be involved in the origin of parthenogenetic reproduction of some species. In this contribution, we studied the role of Wolbachia in the reproductive biology of Pantomorus postfasciatus Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) through a curing experiment using tetracycline. This weevil has a mixed mode of reproduction including sexual and parthenogenetic populations. Exposure to an antibiotic did not affect fecundity, but did reduce egg hatching in comparison with untreated individuals. Consequently, we inferred that Wolbachia most probably takes part in the reproduction of P. postfasciatus, either by exerting nutritive functions in oogenesis necessary for egg hatching, or by induction of thelytokous parthenogenesis. Although infection was not totally cured, Wolbachia load was significantly lower in treated than in control females. Thereby, we hypothesize that a minimum threshold density of Wolbachia is required for weevil reproduction. We conclude that all analyses support a role of Wolbachia in P. postfasciatus reproduction.
Nicotinamide pathways as the root cause of sepsis – an evolutionary perspective on macrophage energetic shifts
Authors: Suchard Melinda S. , Savulescu Dana M.
Published: March 2021

Divergent pathways of macrophage metabolism occur during infection, notably switching between oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic glycolysis (Warburg‐like metabolism). Concurrently, macrophages shift between alternate and classical activation. A key enzyme upregulated in alternatively activated macrophages is indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase, which converts tryptophan to kynurenine for de novo synthesis of nicotinamide. Nicotinamide can be used to replenish cellular NAD+ supplies. We hypothesize that an insufficient cellular NAD+ supply is the root cause of metabolic shifts in macrophages. We assert that manipulation of nicotinamide pathways may correct deleterious immune responses. We propose evaluation of nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) and analogues, including isoniazid, nicotinamide mononucleotide and nicotinamide riboside, as potential therapy for infectious causes of sepsis, including COVID‐19.
Effect of pneumatic shot peening on the high and low cycle combined fatigue life of K403 turbine blades
Authors: Ding Xin , Huang Dawei , Yan Xiaojun , Fan Jun , Qi Mingjing , Liu Zhiwei
Published: March 2021

The effect of pneumatic shot peening (PSP) on the fatigue properties of K403 turbine blades has been investigated under the high and low cycle combined fatigue (CCF) load with two types of turbine blades: untreated blades and PSP treated blades. It is found that there is a threshold vibration stress for the blades in this study. The PSP has a positive effect on the CCF life of blades mainly due to the compressive residual stress resulting in the reduction of the number of crack sources and propagation rate, when vibration stresses are below the threshold vibration stress. However, the PSP treatment has no effect or a negative effect when vibration stresses are above the threshold value. The compressive residual stress is released along with the microstructure changes of K403 alloy. Meanwhile, the microstructure changes, reflected in the precipitation of the lamellar MC carbides and σ phases, can accelerate the processes of crack initiation and propagation.
The immigrant presence in collaborative structures of urban politics
Authors: Moutselos Michalis , Schönwälder Karen
Published: March 2021

Participation and representation of disadvantaged groups are important, but partly still understudied aspects of democratic politics. The present article looks at the inclusion of migrant representatives in urban governance networks making use of original survey data from 40 large cities in France and Germany. We find that about half of policy‐relevant urban actors in both countries and across cities cooperate with migrant associations regularly. This indicates that urban governance networks are furthering the civic and political presence of migrants. Cooperation with migrant associations is more likely when specific representative local institutions (foreigner/integration councils) exist, and is also boosted by the overall density of governance networks in a city. Politicians and local administrators remain central actors in such networks, while social welfare organizations emerge as important interlocutors with migrant associations. The article identifies and discusses differences between the two countries.
Physical and biotic factors driving the diversity of spider assemblages in tree hollows of MediterraneanQuercusforests
Authors: Hernández‐Corral Jesús , García‐López Alejandra , Ferrández Miguel Ángel , Micó Estefanía
Published: March 2021

Tree hollows are keystone structures that promote forest biodiversity. This study analyses the spatio‐temporal diversity of spiders in these microhabitats.

Forty‐eight emergence traps were installed in tree cavities ofQuercus pyrenaicaforests in the Iberian Peninsula. Traps were collected monthly during a complete year.

Generalised linear models and canonical correspondence analysis were used to evaluate the effect of two physical (hollow volume and height above ground) and three biotic variables (beetle richness and abundance and isopod abundance) on the spider diversity and composition of the entire assemblage and of the foraging guilds. Moreover, we examined the temporal segregation of the species using beta diversity metrics.

Tree hollows hosted a rich spider assemblage (87 species) including 10 endemic and one vulnerable species. We registered four tree‐bark obligate and one hollow‐dependent species.

Hollow height and beetle richness were the variables that better explained richness, while all variables analysed influenced spider abundances. However, contrary to the observed effect for other taxa (i.e. beetles), bigger cavities did not host more spider species.

Temporal beta diversity throughout the year was very high and primarily explained by species turnover suggesting a temporal species segregation.

We conclude that tree hollows constitute a key habitat for forest spiders and that special attention must be paid to the preservation of this microhabitat in forest ecosystems.
Let us be realistic: The impact of perceived brand authenticity and advertising image on consumers’ purchase intentions of food brands
Authors: Loebnitz Natascha , Grunert Klaus G.
Published: March 2021

There is a consensus that for a brand being perceived as authentic is an asset. However, an authentic brand is only half of the equation, as a brand must also appear in advertisement that seems authentic. Drawing on the selective accessibility model (SAM), this paper examines in the context of food brands (a) the joint effect of perceived brand authenticity and advertising images on consumers’ purchase intentions toward the advertised food product; (b) the mechanism that drives consumers’ purchase intentions, in which perceived similarity functions as a mediator; and (c) the moderating function of role overload in these relationships. Two studies employed a 2 (advertising image: ideal vs. authentic) × 2 (perceived food brand authenticity: inauthentic vs. authentic) between subjects design. Study 1 (USA) used a manipulation to determine high versus low authentic food brands (fictitious brands), whereas Study 2 (Germany) used actual food brands that consumers perceive to differ in terms of authenticity. Results confirm that brand authenticity serves as an asset. However, the interacting effect of perceived brand authenticity and advertising image is qualified by overall brand evaluation. In line with SAM, participants perceived similarity of one’s own situation with the adverting image depicting “family dinner” situation serves as mediating variable. The results provide insights into when and why food brand marketers should employ authentic advertising images and how they can target those consumers who are more prone to respond positively to authentic ads.
Sleeping under the waves: A longitudinal study across the contagion peaks of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Salfi Federico , D'Atri Aurora , Tempesta Daniela , Ferrara Michele
Published: March 2021

After the March–April 2020 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak, a second contagion wave afflicted Europe in the autumn. The present study aimed to evaluate sleep health/patterns of Italians during this further challenging situation. A total of 2,013 Italians longitudinally participated in a web‐based survey during the two contagion peaks of the COVID‐19 outbreak. We investigated the risk factors for sleep disturbances during the second wave, and we compared sleep quality and psychological well‐being between the two assessments (March–April and November–December 2020). Female gender, low education, evening chronotype, being a high‐risk person for COVID‐19 infection, reporting negative social or economic impact, and evening smartphone overuse predicted a higher risk of poor sleep and insomnia symptoms during the second wave. Advanced age, living with a high‐risk person for COVID‐19 infection, and having a relative/friend infected with COVID‐19 before the prior 2 weeks were risk categories for poor sleep quality. Living with children, having contracted COVID‐19 before the prior 2 weeks, being pessimistic about the vaccine and working in healthcare, were risk factors for insomnia symptoms. The follow‐up assessment highlighted reduced insomnia symptoms and anxiety. Nevertheless, we found reduced sleep duration, higher daytime dysfunction, advanced bedtime and wake‐up time, and a shift to morningness, confirming the alarming prevalence of poor sleepers (~60%) and severe depression (~20%) in a context of increased perceived stress. The present study showed a persistent impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on sleep and mental health. Large‐scale interventions to counteract the chronicity and exacerbation of sleep and psychological disturbances are necessary, especially for the at‐risk categories.
Must cognitive sociology heed capitalism? Attention and marginal consciousness in political‐economic context
Authors: Gunderson Ryan
Published: March 2021

Aron Gurwitsch's four‐domain model of consciousness is placed in political‐economic context to theorize how social forces influence perception. Along with clarifying key concepts in cognitive sociology like “relevance” and “the taken‐for‐granted,” the model explains the processes through which social structures—despite being vaguely understood, ignored, or unknown by the typical subject on a typical day—condition thematization and what items are considered relevant or irrelevant to the given theme. A capitalist “social horizon” influences attention bystructurally imposing themeson consciousness as well as filters what items are considered relevant to the given theme throughhegemonic frames—which select theme‐relevant items conducive to encouraging actors to consensually reproduce the status quo—andreificatory processes, or discursive and material practices that constitute items as fixed and inalterable.
Stejneger's beaked whale strandings in Alaska, 1995–2020
Authors: Savage Katharine N. , Burek‐Huntington Kathy , Wright Sadie K. , Bryan Anna L. , Sheffield Gay , Webber Marc , Stimmelmayr Raphaela , Tuomi Pam , Delaney Martha A. , Walker William
Published: March 2021

Presented here is the first comprehensive and updated compilation of history, distribution, and findings of Stejneger's beaked whales (Mesoplodon stejnegeri) in Alaska. Stejneger's beaked whales are a poorly understood, elusive, deep‐diving cetacean species found in the North Pacific Ocean. Since Stejneger's beaked whale strandings data in Alaska through 1994 were last published, 35 additional strandings have been documented. Twenty‐seven animals stranded in the Aleutian Islands, seven stranded in Southcentral Alaska, and one animal stranded on St. Lawrence Island. Twenty‐two carcasses were necropsied, but only four were fresh. Seventeen of the 22 died during mass stranding events and cause of death could not be definitively determined. Barotrauma was suspected in three cases and infectious disease possibly complicated by barotrauma occurred in two cases. We documented an expansion of strandings into the northern Bering Sea, characterized a sex bias, examined stomach contents that included macroplastic, and identified parasites not previously associated with Stejneger's beaked whales. Also included are data on the largest known mass stranding of Stejneger's beaked whales, which occurred on Adak Island in 2018. The history, distribution, and findings presented here are central to further our understanding of this species.
Two new species and two new country records for Meriania (Melastomataceae) from northern Peru
Authors: Fernandez‐Hilario Robin , Goldenberg Renato , Michelangeli Fabián A.
Published: March 2021

Two new species of Meriania (Melastomataceae, Merianieae) and two new records from northern Peru are described and illustrated here. Meriania penningtonii is clearly different from all other species of Meriania by its quadrangular and 4‐winged internodes, calyx with whitish callose dorsal projections and spreading reddish‐purple corollas; Meriania dazae differs from the other species by the combination of the calyx with claw‐shaped dorsal projections, campanulate reddish‐orange corollas and petals 19.5–24.0 mm long. The two new species are endemic to the department of Amazonas. Meriania drakei, from Ecuador and Colombia, and Meriania franciscana, from Ecuador, are recorded for the first time for the Andean forests of the departments of Amazonas and Cajamarca, respectively. We also propose the second step lectotypification for Meriania drakei.
Wading Through the Heraclitean Waters of Experience
Authors: Sanhueza Rodríguez Sebastián
Published: March 2021

This piece contrasts two ontological views of perceptual experience: on the one hand, Experiential Heracliteanism, a view according to which the intuitively dynamic character of experience should be described – and probably accounted for – in irreducibly dynamic terms; and, on the other, Experiential non‐Heracliteanism, a stance according to which perceptual experience may at least be described – if not explained – in terms of nondynamic constituents. I specially strive (1) to frame both proposals against the backdrop of a venerable Heraclitean metaphor and (2) to highlight the virtues of Experiential non‐Heracliteanism against its currently sexier Heraclitean counterpart.
Mass Spectrometric Analysis of the Photobleaching of Protoporphyrin IX Used in Photodynamic Diagnosis and Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Ogbonna Sochi Judith , Hazama Hisanao , Awazu Kunio
Published: March 2021

Photobleaching and photoproduct formations are considered essential phenomena in improving the efficacy of photodynamic diagnosis and therapy (PDD and PDT). We investigated the photobleaching of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) by measuring its concentration with mass spectrometry (MS). The reduction in the concentration of PpIX dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide was measured during PDD and PDT conditions using lasers with wavelengths of 405 and 635 nm, respectively, at a power density of 10, 50 or 100 mW/cm2. The obtained results were compared with the results of conventional fluorescence spectroscopy and previously reported results. Our results demonstrate the variation in the MS‐based photobleaching coefficient of PpIX with the power density, while the fluorescence‐based photobleaching coefficient was independent of the power density. The results of MS also show faster photobleaching of PpIX in comparison with that obtained from fluorescence. The difference may be attributed to the change in the fluorescence quantum yield of PpIX with its concentration and the effect of fluorescence emission from the PpIX photoproducts. Thus, an MS‐based investigation of the photobleaching poses to be a more stable investigation form. Our finding highlights the importance of recognizing the potential significance of these discoveries in the PDD and PDT dosimetry and efficacy.
Ficolin‐3 in chronic Chagas disease: Low serum levels associated with the risk of cardiac insufficiency
Authors: Lidani Kárita Cláudia Freitas , Andrade Fabiana Antunes , Beltrame Marcia Holsbach , Chakravarti Indira , Tizzot Maria Regina , Cavalcanti Edneia Oliveira , Sandri Thaisa Lucas , Luz Paola Rosa , Messias‐Reason Iara J.
Published: March 2021

Aims

To investigate whether FCN3 polymorphisms and circulating ficolin‐3 levels were associated with clinical forms of chronic Chagas disease (CD) and to assess their potential use as biomarkers for the disease or its severity.

Methods and Results

FCN3 polymorphisms (g.1637delC (rs532781899) in exon 5; g.3524_3532insTATTTGGCC (rs28362807) in intron 5 and g.4473C > A) (rs4494157) in intron 7) were determined in 178 chronic CD patients (65 asymptomatic, 68 cardiac, 21 digestive and 24 cardiodigestive), and 285 healthy controls by sequence‐specific PCR. Ficolin‐3 serum levels, measured by ELISA in 80 patients and 80 controls, did not differ between groups. On the other hand, ficolin‐3 levels were positively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .002; r = .5), with lower levels associated with increased risk of cardiac insufficiency (P = .033; OR 7.21, 95%IC 1.17‐44.4). Ficolin‐3 levels were positively correlated with ficolin‐2 (P = .021; r = .63), and negatively with MBL (P = .002; r = −.36) and pentraxin‐3 (P = .04; r = −.32) levels. No significant results were observed for the investigated FCN3 polymorphisms and CD. The g.1637del/1637C heterozygotes presented lower ficolin‐3 levels than g.1637C/1637C homozygotes in the control group (P = .023).

Conclusion

Low ficolin‐3 levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of cardiac insufficiency associated with CD.
Optimal Subsidy Schemes and Budget Allocations for Government‐Subsidized Trade‐in Programs
Authors: Bai Jiaru , Hu Shu , Gui Luyi , So Kut C. , Ma Zu‐Jun
Published: March 2021

Applications of government subsidies to speed up consumer trade‐ins of used products can be commonly observed in practice. This study investigates the design of such trade‐in subsidy programs and aims to provide implementable insights for practice. In particular, we focus on two open problems in the literature, (i) how to optimally allocate the subsidy budget among the multiple products covered by the trade‐in program, and (ii) how to most effectively utilize the assigned budget to incentivize consumer trade‐ins for each product. We develop a three‐stage Stackelberg game model that captures the essence of the interaction between the government's subsidy decision, the manufacturer's trade‐in rebate decision, and the consumer's product replacement decision. We show that a sharing subsidy scheme under which the government subsidy is proportional to the manufacturer's rebate is more effective in encouraging consumer trade‐ins than fixed‐amount subsidies. Moreover, a product with a higher environmental impact, a larger market size, a longer lifespan, or a lower value to consumers typically demands a larger subsidy budget allocation. We further use our results to derive a simple proportional budget allocation rule that can provide robust and near‐optimal performance. We illustrate our results by a case study based on the “old‐for‐new" program in China that subsidizes home appliance trade‐ins. Our results indicate that policy makers should pay attention to the correlation between government subsidies and manufacturer's rebate as well as key product and market characteristics when designing a subsidy scheme for trade‐in programs.
A Cost‐Sharing Mechanism for Multi‐Country Partnerships in Disaster Preparedness
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pereira Jessica , Balcik Burcu , Rancourt Marie‐Ève , Laporte Gilbert
Published: March 2021

We study a multi‐country disaster preparedness partnership involving the joint prepositioning of emergency relief items. Our focus is the Caribbean region, which faces increasing disaster threats due to weather‐related events and has committed to share its resources for regional integration. We collaborate with the inter‐governmental Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), which is interested in creating a methodology to equitably (fairly) allocate the costs necessary to operationalize this commitment. We present alternative cost allocation methods among the partner countries by considering their risk level and their ability to pay. Specifically, we adapt some techniques such as the Shapley value, the equal profit method, and the alternative cost avoided method, and we also propose a new insurance‐based allocation scheme to determine the country contributions. This mechanism, which is formulated as a linear programming model, sets country premiums by considering the expected value and the standard deviation of country demands and their gross national income. We discuss the structural properties of these methods and numerically evaluate their performance in achieving an equitable allocation scheme with respect to three equity indicators based on the Gini coefficient. Our proposed cost‐sharing mechanism not only achieves superior solutions compared with other methodologies with respect to the proposed equity metrics, but is also computationally efficient. We numerically illustrate how it can be used to obtain alternative cost allocation plans by giving different weights to disaster risk and economic standing parameters, and we analyze the benefits and fairness of the partnership in a transparent way.
Robot Scheduling for Mobile‐Rack Warehouses: Human–Robot Coordinated Order Picking Systems
Authors: Wang Zheng , Sheu Jiuh‐Biing , Teo Chung‐Piaw , Xue Guiqin
Published: March 2021

Intelligent part‐to‐picker systems are spreading across a broad range of industries as preferred solutions for agile order fulfillment, wherein mobile racks are carried by robots and moved to stations where human pickers can pick items from them. Such systems raise the challenge of designing good work schedules for human pickers; they also give rise to a new class of operational scheduling problems in human–robot coordinated order picking systems. This work studies the problem of finding a suitable robot schedule that takes into account the schedule‐induced fluctuation of the working states of human pickers. A proposed model enables mobile racks with various workloads to be assigned to pickers, and schedule the racks that are assigned to every picker to minimize the expected total picking time. The problem is formulated as a stochastic dynamic program model. An approximate dynamic programming (ADP)‐based branch‐and‐price solution approach is used to solve this problem. The developed model is calibrated using data that were collected from a dominant e‐commerce company in China. Pickers' working state transitions are modeled based on data obtained from this warehouse. Counter‐factual studies demonstrate that the proposed approach can solve a moderately sized problem with 50 racks in under 2 minutes. More importantly, the approach yields high‐quality solutions with picking times that are 10% shorter than the solutions that did not consider schedule‐induced fluctuations of pickers' working states.
Regulating for integration by behavioral design: An evidence‐based approach for culturally responsive regulation
Authors: Barak‐Corren Netta
Published: March 2021

Democratic societies around the world face the challenge of strengthening social integration against a multitude of cultural and ethnic differences. Yet common regulations for integration – from cultural assimilation policies to general education programs – encounter objection, noncompliance, and even backlash among the very groups that the regulator strives to integrate into society. The article analyzes this challenge from a behavioral perspective, drawing on rich qualitative and experimental evidence in the context of the Israeli core curriculum regulation. The findings elucidate the joint role of identity threat and framing effects in spurring noncompliance and hindering the implementation of the regulation. I then design and test a behavioral intervention that is found to significantly increase support for the regulation, particularly among its strongest opponents. These results propose new paths to improve the regulation for integration and strengthen trust and cooperation in conflicted societies. More broadly, the project expands the framework of responsive regulation to address additional rule‐takers and motivations for noncompliance and advances the application of behavioral research to the design of regulation.
Geochemistry and mineralogy of the sebkha Oum El Khialate evaporites mixtures, southeastern Tunisia
Authors: Essefi Elhoucine
Published: March 2021

This work is meant to study the variation of geochemistry and mineralogy of three salts recuperated from brines of the sebkha Oum El Khialate based on XRF, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. Elemental analyses indicate enrichment with major element having an economic interest such as potassium. Compared to standards, minor elements analyses yield high concentrations of hazardous elements such as Cd and Cr, and represent a threat for human consumption. XRD and FTIR analyses display a variable mineralogy along the evaporation path including minerals that are specific for this sebkha, such as vaterite (CaCO3), potassium pentasulphate (K2S5O16), thenardite (Na2SO4), beryllium sulfate (BeSO4), brucite (Mg(OH)2), and mirabilite (Na2SO4·10 H2O). The geochemistry and mineralogy of recuperated salts prove the relevance of the sebkha Oum Khialete as a potential ore resource to be used in industry and agriculture.
Evaluation of riboflavin and ultraviolet light treatment against Klebsiella pneumoniae in whole blood‐derived platelets: A pilot study
Authors: Alabdullatif Meshari , Osman Imad Eldin , Alrasheed Mai , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra , Alyousef Manal , Althawadi Sahar , Alhumiadan Hind
Published: March 2021

Background

Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs) is the predominant cause of infectious transfusion reactions. The Pathogen Inactivation Mirasol system was implemented at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital (Saudi Arabia) to reduce the risk of transfusing contaminated PCs. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of Mirasol against Klebsiella pneumoniae, a pathogen associated with transfusion reactions, in whole blood‐derived PCs.

Study Design and Methods

Whole blood (WB) units inoculated with one of six K. pneumoniae strains (five clinical isolates and ATCC‐700603) at a concentration of 3–38 CFU/unit, were processed using the platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) method. Each spiked PC was pooled with four unspiked units. The pooled PC was split into three Mirasol storage bags: an untreated unit (control), and two units treated with Mirasol at 26 and 32 h post‐WB collection, respectively. PC samples obtained before and after Mirasol treatment were used for BacT/ALERT cultures and determination of bacteria quantification. Each experiment was repeated three independent times.

Results

Five strains were detected prior to PC treatment (24 h post‐WB spiking), while one clinical isolate was not detected. Mirasol treatment after 26 h of WB collection resulted in complete inactivation of all K. pneumoniae strains. However, treatment 32 h post‐WB collection resulted in the breakthrough of one clinical isolate in two of the three replicates with ~7.8 log10 CFU/unit detected on day 5 of PC storage.

Conclusion

Delayed Mirasol treatment from 26 to 32 h post‐WB collection, resulted in one breakthrough. These results highlight the importance of minimizing the time between WB collection and PI treatment.
Ecological fitness cost associated with the AHAS Trp574Leu mutation in feral Raphanus sativus
Authors: Vercellino Roman B. , Hernández Fernando , Pandolfo Claudio E. , Cantamutto Miguel , Presotto Alejandro
Published: March 2021

Gene mutations endowing herbicide resistance may have negative pleiotropic effects on plant fitness. Quantifying these effects is critical for predicting the evolution of herbicide resistance and developing management strategies for herbicide‐resistant weeds. This study reports the effects of the acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) Trp574Leu mutation throughout the life cycle of feral radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Resistant and susceptible phenotypes responded differently to light and water treatments in relation to germination and emergence. Under light exposure, the resistant phenotype showed higher germination and emergence, but no differences were found in seed dormancy, germination in darkness and emergence from buried seeds or pods. The resistant phenotype showed delayed and reduced seedling emergence relative to the susceptible phenotype under rainfed conditions, but these differences between the phenotypes were not detected in irrigated soil. The phenotypes showed similar relative growth rates and vegetative biomass. However, under wheat competition, resistant plants had 36%–46% less total above‐ground biomass, 26%–47% less seeds per plant and 36%–53% less plant yield than susceptible ones, and these differences were more evident at higher plant density. This study provides a better understanding of the ecological fitness cost associated with the AHAS Trp574Leu mutation in feral R. sativus. The fitness costs could reduce the frequency of the resistant allele in areas untreated with AHAS‐inhibiting herbicides. Our results suggest that incorporating non‐AHAS herbicidal approaches into integrated weed‐management programmes and maintaining fence lines and fields margin as refuges of susceptible plants provides an opportunity to minimize or reverse herbicide resistance evolution.
Inequality of rural income distribution in Iran: an exploratory analysis of spatial data
Authors: Aghapour sabbaghi Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Despite regional differences, spatial distribution has not been addressed in studies on rural income in Iran. The main goal of this study is to analyze the spatial pattern of inequality in rural areas of the country. In this research, Moran’s I index, Theil index and Gini coefficient have been used for the period 2005-2015. The results show that both inter-regional and intra-regional components affect the unequal distribution of rural income, but the importance of the intra-regional component is slightly higher. The study of the data obtained from the Moran’s Ι index shows that there is evidence of the spatial clustering phenomenon in rural economy of the country.
A New Device for the Solution of Transient-Vibration Problems by the Method of Electrical-Mechanical Analogy
Authors: Criner H. E. , McCann G. D. , Warren C. E.
Published: March 2021

This paper describes a new device, the mechanical-transients analyzer, for solving transient-vibration problems by the principle of electrical-mechanical analogy. Analogous electrical circuits are used to represent a mechanical system. For these, special low-loss electrical elements have been developed so that low-loss mechanical systems can be studied. The transient excitation functions, such as force, displacement, or velocity, are applied to the equivalent mechanical circuit as transient voltages or currents by means of special electrical circuits developed for the purpose. The various electrical-mechanical analogies that can be used for problems of this type are discussed, and it is shown that the principal factor determining the choice of analogy is the mechanical variable that it is desired to record. The use of the device is illustrated for several types of problems, including the ridability of vehicles, and the shaft torques developed in turbogenerators by electrical short-circuits. Many other problems involving transients in mechanical systems can be solved with this method.
Fatigue Strength of 5 1/4-In-Diam Shafts as Related to Design of Large Parts
Authors: Horger O. J. , Buckwalter T. V. , Neifert H. R.
Published: March 2021

This paper reports the results of rotating cantilever-bending fatigue tests made on shafts having different size fillets connecting a 5 1/4-in-diam portion to a 6 9/16-in. section. These shafts were machined from normalized and tempered forgings of plain carbon steel of 0.52 per cent carbon content, conforming to S.A.E. 1050 steel. Ten shafts having polished fillets of 27/32 or 9/32 in. radius were tested to determine allowable design fatigue strength on the basis of 30,000,000 revolutions. Also seven shafts were tested having 9/32-in. fillets which were rolled with a single-roller burnishing tool. The endurance limit for the 27/32-in. polished fillet was found to be 25,500 psi, as compared with 18,500 psi for the 9/32 in. fillet. Rolling the 9/32 in. radius increased this value to 24,000 psi or an increase of 30 per cent over the not-rolled fillet. A comparison is also made between the results obtained on small specimens by other investigators with those on the larger members reported here.
The Flutter of a Uniform Cantilever Wing
Authors: Goland Martin
Published: March 2021

The flutter speed of a uniform cantilever wing (one with a built-in root and with constant mass and stiffness characteristics along its entire span) is determined by integration of the differential equations for the wing motion. The solution is free of the dynamical approximations usually made during flutter analyses of the Rayleigh-Ritz type. A brief discussion of the procedures conventionally employed for the solution of the flutter problem is given, followed by a detailed derivation of the exact method for finding the flutter speed. It is found that a Rayleigh-Ritz type analysis, based on the fundamental uncoupled bending and torsion modes, is entirely adequate for the flutter analysis of a uniform wing. In addition to yielding a flutter speed which is in excellent agreement with the true value, the approximate method adequately predicts the wing shape at flutter. Additional parts of the paper deal with the relation between the uncoupled and the ground modes for the uniform wing, and with the nature of the wing response resulting from forced excitation while in flight.