bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of trends in extreme temperatures simulated by HighResMIP models across Europe
Authors: Squintu Antonello A. , van der Schrier Gerard , van den Besselaar Else , van der Linden Eveline , Putrasahan Dian , Roberts Christopher , Roberts Malcolm , Scoccimarro Enrico , Senan Retish , Klein Tank Albert
Published: March 2021

Simulation of past climate is an important tool for the validation of climate models. The comparison with observed daily values allows us to assess the reliability of their projections on climatic extremes in a future climate. The frequency and amplitude of extreme events are fundamental aspects that climate simulations need to reproduce as they have high impacts on economy and society. The ability to simulate them will help policy makers in taking better measures to face climate change. This work aims at evaluating how six models within the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project reproduce the trends on extreme indices as they have been observed over Europe in the 1970–2014 period. Observed values are provided by the new homogenized version of the E-OBS gridded dataset. The comparison is performed through the use of indices based on seasonal averages and on exceedances of percentile-based thresholds, focusing on six subregions. Winter-average minimum temperature is generally underestimated by models (down to − 4 °C difference over Italy and Norway) while simulated trends in seasonal averages and extreme values are found to be too cold on Eastern Europe and too warm on Iberia and Southern Europe (e.g. up to a difference of − 4% per decade on the number of Cold Nights over Spain). On the other hand the models tend to overestimate summer maximum temperatures averages in the Mediterranean Area (up to + 5 °C over the Balkans) and underestimate these at higher latitudes. Iberia, Southern and Eastern Europe are simulated with too low trends in average summer temperatures. The simulated trends are too strong on the North West part and too weak on the South East part of Europe (down to − 3%/decade on the number of Warm Days over Italy and Western Balkans). These results corroborate the findings of previous studies about the underestimation of the warming trends of summer temperatures in Southern Europe, where these are more intense and have more impacts. The high-resolution versions of the models are compared to their lower-resolution counterparts, similar to those used in the CMIP5, showing a slight improvement for the simulation of extreme winter minimum temperatures, while no significant progresses have been found for extreme summer maximum temperatures.
Experimental prototyping of the adhesion braking control system design concept for a mechatronic bogie
Authors: Shrestha Sundar , Spiryagin Maksym , Wu Qing
Published: March 2021

The dynamic parameters of a roller rig vary as the adhesion level changes. The change in dynamics parameters needs to be analysed to estimate the adhesion level. One of these parameters is noise emanating from wheel–rail interaction. Most previous wheel–rail noise analysis has been conducted to mitigate those noises. However, in this paper, the noise is analysed to estimate the adhesion condition at the wheel–rail contact interface in combination with the other methodologies applied for this purpose. The adhesion level changes with changes in operational and environmental factors. To accurately estimate the adhesion level, the influence of those factors is included in this study. The testing and verification of the methodology required an accurate test prototype of the roller rig. In general, such testing and verification involve complex experimental works required by the intricate nature of the adhesion process and the integration of the different subsystems (i.e. controller, traction, braking). To this end, a new reduced-scale roller rig is developed to study the adhesion between wheel and rail roller contact. The various stages involved in the development of such a complex mechatronics system are described in this paper. Furthermore, the proposed brake control system was validated using the test rig under various adhesion conditions. The results indicate that the proposed brake controller has achieved a shorter stopping distance as compared to the conventional brake controller, and the brake control algorithm was able to maintain the operational condition even at the abrupt changes in adhesion condition.
Verwendung des Nordischen Fragebogens zu Muskel-Skelett-Beschwerden
Authors: Kreis Lotte , Liebers Falk , Dulon Madeleine , Freitag Sonja , Latza Ute
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund

Die Prävalenzerhebung von Muskel-Skelett-Beschwerden im betrieblichen Kontext basiert oft auf dem Nordischen Fragebogen (NMQ) von Kuorinka et al. (1987). Derzeit existiert keine einheitliche deutschsprachige, validierte Übersetzung, zudem weist die Originalversion Unstimmigkeiten auf. Vor dem Hintergrund, dass entsprechend der Verordnung zur arbeitsmedizinischen Vorsorge (ArbMedVV) bei Belastungen des Muskel-Skelett-Systems arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorge angeboten werden muss, besteht Bedarf, eine deutsche Version des NMQ zu erarbeiten und zu validieren.

Ziel

Anliegen der Arbeit ist die Analyse des Ist-Zustands, wie der NMQ in internationalen Studien derzeit eingesetzt wird. Anforderungen für eine deutschsprachige Version des NMQ sind daraus abzuleiten.

Material und Methoden

Durchgeführt wurde ein narratives Review. Recherchiert wurde in der Datenbank PubMed nach Studien, in denen der NMQ zur Erhebung der Prävalenz von Muskel-Skelett-Beschwerden bei Personen im erwerbsfähigen Alter eingesetzt wurde. Die Ergebniszusammenfassung ist deskriptiv.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 132 Publikationen identifiziert. Mehrheitlich wurde eine modifizierte Version des NMQ verwendet. Am häufigsten wurde die 12-Monats- und 7‑Tages-Prävalenz erhoben. Die Beschwerdeprävalenz von Schulter‑, Ellenbogen- und Handgelenken sowie des Nackens und unteren Rückens wurde am häufigsten erfragt. Modifikationen erfolgten insbesondere hinsichtlich der Abfragelogik sowie bei den zu untersuchenden Körperregionen.

Diskussion

Der NMQ ist ein international vielgenutztes Instrument, das mehrheitlich an die jeweiligen Erfordernisse des Untersuchungskontextes angepasst wird. Eine Neuformulierung des NMQ sollte kurz und modular sein, eine einfache Abfragelogik enthalten und sowohl in betriebsepidemiologischen Studien als auch in der arbeitsmedizinischen Vorsorge anwendbar sein.
Water quality assessment of Loktak Lake, Northeast India using 2-D hydrodynamic modelling
Authors: Khwairakpam Eliza , Khosa Rakesh , Gosain Ashvani , Nema Arvind
Published: March 2021

The paper comprises of an application of a multi-faceted physically based two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic model to simulate the transport phenomena of Loktak Lake, including the water quality of Loktak Lake, for which there is consensus that it is deteriorating due to river discharge from sub-catchments carrying sewage loads, soil sediments and agricultural fertilizers, and therefore, has emerged as a serious environmental concern. Accordingly, the study attempts to understand the overall environmental quality of the Loktak system and in particular simulate Loktak Lake water quality (state) variables by coupling through MIKE 21 ECO Lab. The model simulated dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand throughout the lake.
ROBUST ESTIMATION OF LOSS MODELS FOR LOGNORMAL INSURANCE PAYMENT SEVERITY DATA
Authors: Poudyal Chudamani
Published: March 2021

The primary objective of this scholarly work is to develop two estimation procedures – maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and method of trimmed moments (MTM) – for the mean and variance of lognormal insurance payment severity data sets affected by different loss control mechanism, for example, truncation (due to deductibles), censoring (due to policy limits), and scaling (due to coinsurance proportions), in insurance and financial industries. Maximum likelihood estimating equations for both payment-per-payment and payment-per-loss data sets are derived which can be solved readily by any existing iterative numerical methods. The asymptotic distributions of those estimators are established via Fisher information matrices. Further, with a goal of balancing efficiency and robustness and to remove point masses at certain data points, we develop a dynamic MTM estimation procedures for lognormal claim severity models for the above-mentioned transformed data scenarios. The asymptotic distributional properties and the comparison with the corresponding MLEs of those MTM estimators are established along with extensive simulation studies. Purely for illustrative purpose, numerical examples for 1500 US indemnity losses are provided which illustrate the practical performance of the established results in this paper.
Do applications of systemic herbicides when green fruit are present prevent seed production or viability of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)?
Authors: Roth Leo , Dias José Luiz C. S. , Evans Christopher , Rohling Kevin , Renz Mark
Published: March 2021

Garlic mustard [Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande] is a biennial invasive plant commonly found in the northeastern and midwestern United States. Although it is not recommended to apply herbicides after flowering, land managers frequently desire to conduct management during this timing. We applied glyphosate and triclopyr (3% v/v and 1% v/v using 31.8% and 39.8% acid equivalent formulations, respectively) POST to established, second-year A. petiolata populations at three locations when petals were dehiscing and evaluated control, seed production, and seed viability. POST glyphosate applications at this timing provided 100% control of A. petiolata by 4 wk after treatment at all locations, whereas triclopyr efficacy was variable, providing 38% to 62% control. Seed production was only reduced at one location, with similar results regardless of treatment. Percent seed viability was also reduced, and when combined with reductions in seed production, resulted in a 71% to 99% reduction in number of viable seeds produced per plant regardless of treatment. While applications did not eliminate viable seed production, our findings indicate that glyphosate and triclopyr applied while petals are dehiscing is a viable alternative to cutting or hand pulling at this timing, as it substantially decreased viable A. petiolata seed production.
Seasonal paleoecological records from antler collagen δ13C and δ15N
Authors: Schwartz-Narbonne Rachel , Plint Tessa , Hall Elizabeth , Zazula Grant , Longstaffe Fred J.
Published: March 2021

Cervids living in high latitudes have evolved to thrive in ecosystems that experience dramatic seasonal changes. Understanding these seasonal adaptations is important for reconstructing cervid life histories, ecosystem dynamics, and responses in the distant and not-so-distant past to changing seasonality caused by climate change. Cervid antlers provide a rare opportunity for insight into faunal seasonal ecology, as they are grown and shed each year. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen measured directly from antlers have the potential to provide seasonal dietary data for individuals. If the isotopic signals in bone and antler are controlled by the same metabolic processes, then the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of collagen (δ13CColland δ15NColl) from incrementally grown antler tissue provide time-constrained dietary signals from the spring and summer growth season. Bone, by comparison, provides an average signal over several years. The amino acid (glutamate and phenylalanine) δ15N in antlers from modern captive caribou showed similar trophic discrimination factors to earlier results for other collagenous tissues (bone, tooth dentin, and cementum). Hence, growth rate was not the primary control on the stable isotope composition of antler collagen. We applied this knowledge to assess seasonal shifts in Quaternary fossils of three Cervidae species: elk (Cervus elaphus), moose (Alces alces), and caribou (Rangifer tarandus). Paired antler–bone δ13CColland δ15NCollfrom the same individual were used to identify differences between summer and annual diet and ecology. Intra-antler isotopic variability from serially sampled antlers was used to examine seasonal dietary shifts and specialization.
Aphid alarm pheromone alters larval behaviour of the predatory gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza and decreases intraguild predation by anthocorid bug, Orius laevigatus
Authors: Hosseini Mojtaba , Mehrparvar Mohsen , Zytynska Sharon E. , Hatano Eduardo , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: March 2021

Intraguild predation is the killing and consuming of a heterospecific competitor that uses similar resources as the prey, and also benefit from preying on each other. We investigated the foraging behaviour of the gallmidge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza, a predator of aphids used for biological control that is also the intraguild prey for most other aphid natural enemies. We focus on how aphid alarm pheromone can alter the behaviour of the gallmidge, and predation by the anthocorid bug Orius laevigatus (O. laevigatus). We hypothesised that gallmidges would respond to the presence of (E)-β-farnesene (EBF) by leaving the host plant. Since feeding by Aphidoletes gallmidge larvae does not induce EBF emission by aphids, this emission indicates the presence of an intraguild predator. We found that gallmidge larvae reduced their foraging activities and left the plant earlier when exposed to EBF, particularly when aphids were also present. Contrastingly, gallmidge females did not change the time visiting plants when exposed to EBF, but lay more eggs on plants that had a higher aphid density. Lastly, EBF reduced the number of attacks of the intraguild predator, O. laevigatus, on gallmidge larvae, potentially because more gallmidges stopped aphid feeding and moved off the plant at which point O. laevigatus predated on aphids. Our work highlights the importance of understanding how intraguild predation can influence the behaviour of potential biological control agents and the impact on pest control services when other natural enemies are also present.
Greek History
Authors: Vlassopoulos Kostas
Published: March 2021

This is the first review of books in Greek history after a year, as the Coronavirus crisis last spring made it impossible to submit a review for the G&R volume of autumn 2020. I apologize to readers and editors for the resulting delay in reviewing two books published in 2018. The multi-volume Lexicon of Greek Personal Names has been a tremendous tool of research that one day could hopefully revolutionize the study of Greek history. The volume under review is the eighth in the series; edited by Jean-Sébastien Balzat, Richard Catling, Édouard Chiricat, and Thomas Corsten, it is devoted to inland Asia Minor, covering Pisidia, Lycaonia, Phrygia, Galatia, Paphlagonia, Cappadocia, Pontus, and Armenia. The onomastics of these areas are complex owing to the various historical processes in which they were enmeshed: centuries of migration, conquest, and cultural change meant that, in addition to the ‘native’ cultural traditions of inland Asia Minor, the Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman empires, as well as migratory movements like that of the Celts, left a deep onomastic impact. The issue is further complicated because the majority of the evidence comes from the Roman Imperial period, making diachronic comparison more difficult. This excellent volume offers a new documentary basis for studying social, cultural, and economic processes of change in these important areas of the ancient world: the full collection of the evidence makes it easier to classify names into different linguistic groups, an issue that has bedevilled the study of onomastics in Asia Minor for a very long time; it will also be possible to study regional divergences in the onomastics of different areas.
Non-steroid, non-antibiotic anti-biofilm therapy for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review
Authors: Taylor A , Fuzi J , Sideris A , Banks C , Havas T E
Published: March 2021

Objective

Chronic rhinosinusitis patients with biofilms cultured from their sinonasal cavity have greater symptom burden and risk of recalcitrant disease. A number of non-antibiotic, ‘anti-biofilm’ treatments exist which show anti-biofilm properties in preclinical studies. There is little evidence evaluating their impact on clinical symptom scores in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Method

A systematic review was performed to assess the literature regarding the efficacy of non-steroid, non-antibiotic, anti-biofilm specific topical therapies in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. The primary outcome assessed was change in validated patient reported outcome measures before and after anti-biofilm treatment.

Results

Thirteen studies assessing the effect of anti-biofilm therapies in chronic rhinosinusitis through validated patient-reported outcome measures were included. Seven different anti-biofilm specific therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis were identified. None of the seven anti-biofilm therapies was identified as being confidently efficacious beyond placebo. Only one therapy (intranasal xylitol) showed a statistically significant reduction in symptom scores compared with placebo in more than one trial.

Conclusion

Robust evidence supporting the use of various anti-biofilm therapies in chronic rhinosinusitis is lacking. Further high quality, human, in vivo trials studying the effect of anti-biofilm therapies in chronic rhinosinusitis are needed to address the deficiencies of the current evidence base.
An improved nonlinear innovation-based parameter identification algorithm for ship models
Authors: Zhao Baigang , Zhang Xianku
Published: March 2021

To solve the problem of identifying ship model parameters quickly and accurately with the least test data, this paper proposes a nonlinear innovation parameter identification algorithm for ship models. This is based on a nonlinear arc tangent function that can process innovations on the basis of an original stochastic gradient algorithm. A simulation was carried out on the ship Yu Peng using 26 sets of test data to compare the parameter identification capability of a least square algorithm, the original stochastic gradient algorithm and the improved stochastic gradient algorithm. The results indicate that the improved algorithm enhances the accuracy of the parameter identification by about 12% when compared with the least squares algorithm. The effectiveness of the algorithm was further verified by a simulation of the ship Yu Kun. The results confirm the algorithm's capacity to rapidly produce highly accurate parameter identification on the basis of relatively small datasets. The approach can be extended to other parameter identification systems where only a small amount of test data is available.
Predicting chromosome damage in astronauts participating in international space station missions
Authors: Feiveson Alan , George Kerry , Shavers Mark , Moreno-Villanueva Maria , Zhang Ye , Babiak-Vazquez Adriana , Crucian Brian , Semones Edward , Wu Honglu
Published: March 2021

Space radiation consists of energetic protons and other heavier ions. During the International Space Station program, chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes of astronauts have been analyzed to estimate received biological doses of space radiation. More specifically, pre-flight blood samples were exposed ex vivo to varying doses of gamma rays, while post-flight blood samples were collected shortly and several months after landing. Here, in a study of 43 crew-missions, we investigated whether individual radiosensitivity, as determined by the ex vivo dose–response of the pre-flight chromosome aberration rate (CAR), contributes to the prediction of the post-flight CAR incurred from the radiation exposure during missions. Random-effects Poisson regression was used to estimate subject-specific radiosensitivities from the preflight dose–response data, which were in turn used to predict post-flight CAR and subject-specific relative biological effectiveness (RBEs) between space radiation and gamma radiation. Covariates age, gender were also considered. Results indicate that there is predictive value in background CAR as well as radiosensitivity determined preflight for explaining individual differences in post-flight CAR over and above that which could be explained by BFO dose alone. The in vivo RBE for space radiation was estimated to be approximately 3 relative to the ex vivo dose response to gamma irradiation. In addition, pre-flight radiosensitivity tended to be higher for individuals having a higher background CAR, suggesting that individuals with greater radiosensitivity can be more sensitive to other environmental stressors encountered in daily life. We also noted that both background CAR and radiosensitivity tend to increase with age, although both are highly variable. Finally, we observed no significant difference between the observed CAR shortly after mission and at > 6 months post-mission.
Conditionally immortalised leukaemia initiating cells co-expressing Hoxa9/Meis1 demonstrate microenvironmental adaptation properties ex vivo while maintaining myelomonocytic memory
Authors: Stahlhut Maike , Ha Teng Cheong , Takmakova Ekaterina , Morgan Michael A. , Schwarzer Adrian , Schaudien Dirk , Eder Matthias , Schambach Axel , Kustikova Olga S.
Published: March 2021

Regulation of haematopoietic stem cell fate through conditional gene expression could improve understanding of healthy haematopoietic and leukaemia initiating cell (LIC) biology. We established conditionally immortalised myeloid progenitor cell lines co-expressing constitutive Hoxa9.EGFP and inducible Meis1.dTomato (H9M-ciMP) to study growth behaviour, immunophenotype and morphology under different cytokine/microenvironmental conditions ex vivo upon doxycycline (DOX) induction or removal. The vector design and drug-dependent selection approach identified new retroviral insertion (RVI) sites that potentially collaborate with Meis1/Hoxa9 and define H9M-ciMP fate. For most cell lines, myelomonocytic conditions supported reversible H9M-ciMP differentiation into neutrophils and macrophages with DOX-dependent modulation of Hoxa9/Meis1 and CD11b/Gr-1 expression. Here, up-regulation of Meis1/Hoxa9 promoted reconstitution of exponential expansion of immature H9M-ciMPs after DOX reapplication. Stem cell maintaining conditions supported selective H9M-ciMP exponential growth. H9M-ciMPs that had Ninj2 RVI and were cultured under myelomonocytic or stem cell maintaining conditions revealed the development of DOX-dependent acute myeloid leukaemia in a murine transplantation model. Transcriptional dysregulation of Ninj2 and distal genes surrounding RVI (Rad52, Kdm5a) was detected. All studied H9M-ciMPs demonstrated adaptation to T-lymphoid microenvironmental conditions while maintaining immature myelomonocytic features. Thus, the established system is relevant to leukaemia and stem cell biology.
Intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses using laparoscopy and celiotomy: surgical time and feasibility (cadaveric study)
Authors: de Oliveira Monteiro Francisco Décio , Gurgel Heytor Jales , de Sousa Simon Silva , Barroso João Pedro Monteiro , Vasconcelos Gabrielle Patrizi Braga , dos Santos Daniele Lira , Araújo Luiz Henrique Vilela , de Sousa Loise Araújo , dos Santos Gabriela Melo Alves , da Cunha Rossy Kayan , da Silva Verena Siqueira , do Espirito Santo Fernandes Camila , da Conceição Guilherme Barbara , Miranda Helaine Freitas , Silva Carla Rozilene Guimarães , dos Santos Albuquerque Rodrigo , Borges Luisa Pucci Bueno , de Araújo Gilson Ferreira , Landers Renata Sitta Mariano , Teixeira Pedro Paulo Maia
Published: March 2021

Surgical intervention for umbilical diseases in calves, when indicated, is a complementary and indispensable therapeutic resource for the treatment of umbilical conditions and is commonly performed using celiotomy. However, laparoscopy has demonstrated feasibility in many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the techniques and the surgical time of laparoscopy and celiotomy used in intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses (cadavers). Resection of the umbilical vein and urachus using laparoscopy and celiotomy was performed in 26 anatomical specimens (bovine fetuses obtained from an official slaughterhouse). Resection of umbilical structures was feasible with both techniques, but shorter surgical time and minimal tissue damage were achieved using laparoscopy. Laparoscopy requires specialized training and appropriate instruments and is an important tool for diagnostic and therapeutic exploration of the umbilical structures, liver, bladder, and associated/adjacent structures.
Circulating miR-21, miR-29a, and miR-126 are associated with premature death risk due to cancer and cardiovascular disease: the JACC Study
Authors: Yamada Hiroya , Suzuki Koji , Fujii Ryosuke , Kawado Miyuki , Hashimoto Shuji , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Iso Hiroyasu , Fujino Yoshihisa , Wakai Kenji , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: March 2021

Primary prevention of premature death is a public health concern worldwide. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been described as potential diagnostic biomarkers for diseases as cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This case-cohort study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between circulating miRNAs and the risk of premature death. A total of 39,242 subjects provided baseline serum samples in 1988–1990. Of these, 345 subjects who died of intrinsic disease (< 65 years old) and for which measurable samples were available were included in this study. We randomly selected a sub-cohort of 879 subjects. Circulatring miR-21, miR-29a, and miR-126 were determined using qRT-PCR. Conditional logistic regression models were used to analyse the data with respect to stratified miRNA levels. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that subjects with high circulating miR-21 and miR-29a individual levels had a significantly higher risk of total death, cancer death, and CVD death than those with medium miR-21 and miR-29a individual levels. Conversely, subjects with low circulating miR-126 levels had a significantly higher risk of total death than those with medium levels. This suggests that circulating miRNAs are associated with the risk of premature death from cancer and CVD, identifying them as potential biomarkers for early detection of high-risk individuals.
Structural basis for promiscuous action of monoterpenes on TRP channels
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hong Dung , Itoh Satoru G. , Okumura Hisashi , Tominaga Makoto
Published: March 2021

Monoterpenes are major constituents of plant-derived essential oils and have long been widely used for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. The monoterpenes menthol and camphor are agonists or antagonists for several TRP channels such as TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV3 and TRPA1. However, which regions within TRPV1 and TRPV3 confer sensitivity to monoterpenes or other synthesized chemicals such as 2-APB are unclear. In this study we identified conserved arginine and glycine residues in the linker between S4 and S5 that are related to the action of these chemicals and validated these findings in molecular dynamics simulations. The involvement of these amino acids differed between TRPV3 and TRPV1 for chemical-induced and heat-evoked activation. These findings provide the basis for characterization of physiological function and biophysical properties of ion channels.
Whole-organ analysis of TGF-β-mediated remodelling of the tumour microenvironment by tissue clearing
Authors: Kubota Shimpei I. , Takahashi Kei , Mano Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Katsuhiko , Katsumata Takahiro , Shi Shoi , Tainaka Kazuki , Ueda Hiroki R. , Ehata Shogo , Miyazono Kohei
Published: March 2021

Tissue clearing is one of the most powerful strategies for a comprehensive analysis of disease progression. Here, we established an integrated pipeline that combines tissue clearing, 3D imaging, and machine learning and applied to a mouse tumour model of experimental lung metastasis using human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. This pipeline provided the spatial information of the tumour microenvironment. We further explored the role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in cancer metastasis. TGF-β-stimulated cancer cells enhanced metastatic colonization of unstimulated-cancer cells in vivo when both cells were mixed. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that expression of the genes related to coagulation and inflammation were up-regulated in TGF-β-stimulated cancer cells. Further, whole-organ analysis revealed accumulation of platelets or macrophages with TGF-β-stimulated cancer cells, suggesting that TGF-β might promote remodelling of the tumour microenvironment, enhancing the colonization of cancer cells. Hence, our integrated pipeline for 3D profiling will help the understanding of the tumour microenvironment.
IFN signaling and neutrophil degranulation transcriptional signatures are induced during SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Rosa Bruce A. , Ahmed Mushtaq , Singh Dhiraj K. , Choreño-Parra José Alberto , Cole Journey , Jiménez-Álvarez Luis Armando , Rodríguez-Reyna Tatiana Sofía , Singh Bindu , Gonzalez Olga , Carrion Ricardo , Schlesinger Larry S. , Martin John , Zúñiga Joaquín , Mitreva Makedonka , Kaushal Deepak , Khader Shabaana A.
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected more than 92 million people worldwide resulting in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using a rhesus macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we have characterized the transcriptional signatures induced in the lungs of juvenile and old macaques following infection. Genes associated with Interferon (IFN) signaling, neutrophil degranulation and innate immune pathways are significantly induced in macaque infected lungs, while pathways associated with collagen formation are downregulated, as also seen in lungs of macaques with tuberculosis. In COVID-19, increasing age is a significant risk factor for poor prognosis and increased mortality. Type I IFN and Notch signaling pathways are significantly upregulated in lungs of juvenile infected macaques when compared with old infected macaques. These results are corroborated with increased peripheral neutrophil counts and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio in older individuals with COVID-19 disease. Together, our transcriptomic studies have delineated disease pathways that improve our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19.
Denitrification is the major nitrous acid production pathway in boreal agricultural soils
Authors: Bhattarai Hem Raj , Wanek Wolfgang , Siljanen Henri M. P. , Ronkainen Jussi G. , Liimatainen Maarit , Hu Yuntao , Nykänen Hannu , Biasi Christina , Maljanen Marja
Published: March 2021

Nitrous acid (HONO) photolysis produces hydroxyl radicals—a key atmospheric oxidant. Soils are strong HONO emitters, yet HONO production pathways in soils and their relative contributions are poorly constrained. Here, we conduct 15N tracer experiments and isotope pool dilution assays on two types of agricultural soils in Finland to determine HONO emission fluxes and pathways. We show that microbial processes are more important than abiotic processes for HONO emissions. Microbial nitrate reduction (denitrification) considerably exceeded ammonium oxidation as a source of nitrite—a central nitrogen pool connected with HONO emissions. Denitrification contributed 97% and 62% of total HONO fluxes in low and high organic matter soil, respectively. Microbial ammonium oxidation only produced HONO in high organic matter soil (10%). Our findings indicate that microbial nitrate reduction is an important HONO production pathway in aerobic soils, suggesting that terrestrial ecosystems favouring it could be HONO emission hotspots, thereby influencing atmospheric chemistry.
Experimentally Harnessing Electric Fields in Chemical Transformations
Authors: Ciampi S. , Diez-Perez I. , Coote M. L. , Darwish N.
Published: March 2021

This chapter outlines experiments in which electric fields have been demonstrated to drive reaction rates and selectivity. The purpose of the chapter is to introduce seemingly unrelated experimental platforms – from an electrified nanoscale gap of a scanning tunnelling microscope, to the air–water interface of a microscale droplet – that can be used to harness electrostatic effects on bonding and reactivity.
Computational Generation and Quantification of Electric Fields and Electrostatics-mediated Catalyst Optimization
Authors: Stuyver T. , Joy J. , Danovich D. , Shaik S.
Published: March 2021

This chapter describes the recently developed TITAN-code, capable of generating external electric fields (EEFs) and quantifying the local electric fields (LEFs) within chemical systems. A few state-of-the-art applications will be discussed to illustrate its usefulness. Additionally, the chapter provides a concise overview of recent advances within the field of computational electrostatics-mediated catalyst optimization.
Corrigendum to: Optimisation of dry matter and nutrients in feed rations through use of a near-infrared spectroscopy system mounted on a self-propelled feed mixer
Authors: Mostafa Ehab , Twickler Philipp , Schmithausen Alexander , Maack Christian , Ghaly Abdelkader , Buescher Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Context
Knowledge of the nutrient requirements of dairy cows, and the nutritional composition and physical form of the feed resources used to prepare the total mixed ration (TMR) of basic and concentrated feeds, is essential to achieving high milk yields, health and welfare in modern commercial herds. Grass and maize silage components can vary widely in composition depending on harvesting intervals and weather; thus, the distribution of dry matter (DM) and nutrients in silos may vary greatly, resulting in serious errors during sampling and analysis. In addition, the flow of information from the stored silage stops once the forages are stored in the silo.

Aims
The objective of this study was to develop a practical approach for measuring variations in DM and silage quality parameters (crude protein, fibre, ash and fat) during the feed-extraction process from a bunker silo by a self-propelled feed mixer, which would ultimately help farmers to optimise the TMR.

Methods
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology was used to estimate fodder DM and nutrient contents in the material flow. Wet chemical analyses were used for preliminary evaluation of grass and maize silage samples. A portable NIRS was developed to record the spectra of various silage samples.

Key results
The spans of calibration of sample DM content were 21.3–59.2% for grass and 26–46.7% for maize. Crude protein content had span values of 11.4–18.3% for the grass silage and 5.4–10.8% for the maize silage models.

Conclusions
NIRS technology was used successfully to estimate the DM and nutrient contents of the fodder. The location for the functional unit on the self-propelled feed mixer may need to be modified for series production because it is not fully accessible.

Implications
NIRS is a suitable method for measuring DM and nutrient contents continuously during feed extraction from the bunker silo and can be used to help farmers to optimise the TMR.
Using artificial intelligence to improve COVID-19 rapid diagnostic test result interpretation
Authors: Mendels David-A. , Dortet Laurent , Emeraud Cécile , Oueslati Saoussen , Girlich Delphine , Ronat Jean-Baptiste , Bernabeu Sandrine , Bahi Silvestre , Atkinson Gary J. H. , Naas Thierry
Published: March 2021

Serological rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used across pathologies, often providing users a simple, binary result (positive or negative) in as little as 5 to 20 min. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, new RDTs for identifying SARS-CoV-2 have rapidly proliferated. However, these seemingly easy-to-read tests can be highly subjective, and interpretations of the visible “bands” of color that appear (or not) in a test window may vary between users, test models, and brands. We developed and evaluated the accuracy/performance of a smartphone application (xRCovid) that uses machine learning to classify SARS-CoV-2 serological RDT results and reduce reading ambiguities. Across 11 COVID-19 RDT models, the app yielded 99.3% precision compared to reading by eye. Using the app replaces the uncertainty from visual RDT interpretation with a smaller uncertainty of the image classifier, thereby increasing confidence of clinicians and laboratory staff when using RDTs, and creating opportunities for patient self-testing.
Once in a Hundred Years: Does COVID-19 Present an Opportunity to Restructure the Professional Image of the Social Worker in Israel?
Authors: Ben Shlomo Shirley , Levin-Keini Noga
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed social work in the limelight alongside the various medical professions and has created a rare opportunity for transforming the oppressed image of the profession. Based on a broad perspective—historical, social and political—we show how the development of a collective needs-conscious identity can lead to active protests on the part of social workers against their condition. This process is brought into sharp focus by critical analysis of media reports on the protests held by social workers in Israel in July 2020. An analysis of the struggle points to a number of factors that are responsible for its success: creating a collective consciousness with respect to the profession and the use of anger (as against fear); increasing the visibility of the profession in the public eye and the media; developing a dialogue that defined the party responsible for oppressing the status of the social workers; highlighting the ramifications of this oppression not only on the social workers but also on society as a whole; and using rhetoric that enabled the professional struggle to be ended and collaboration to be continued. The significance of these findings and their theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Alterations in dopamine system and in its connectivity with serotonin in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ceyzériat Kelly , Gloria Yesica , Tsartsalis Stergios , Fossey Christine , Cailly Thomas , Fabis Frédéric , Millet Philippe , Tournier Benjamin B
Published: March 2021

Dopamine pathways alterations are reported in Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is difficult in humans to establish when these deficits appear and their impact in the course of Alzheimer’s disease. In the TgF344-Alzheimer’s disease rat model at the age of 6 months, we showed a reduction in in vivo release of striatal dopamine due to serotonin 5HT2A-receptor blockade, in the absence of alterations in 5HT2A-receptor binding, suggesting a reduction in 5HT2A-receptor-dopamine system connectivity. In addition, a functional hypersensitivity of postsynaptic dopamine D2-receptors and D2-autoreceptors was also reported without any change in D2-receptor density and in the absence of amyloid plaques or overexpression of the 18 kDa translocator protein (an inflammatory marker) in areas of the dopamine system. Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, induced functional 5HT2A-receptor−D2-receptor connectivity changes but had no effect on D2-autoreceptor hypersensitivity. In older rats, dopamine cell bodies overexpressed translocator protein and dopamine projection sites accumulated amyloid. Interestingly, the 5HT2A-receptor density is decreased in the accumbens subdivisions and the substantia nigra pars compacta. This reduction in the striatum is related to the astrocytic expression of 5HT2A-receptor. Our results indicate that both serotonin/dopamine connectivity and dopamine signalling pathways are dysregulated and potentially represent novel early diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.
African trade of mangoes to OECD countries: disentangling the effects of compliance with maximum residue limits on production, export supply and import demand
Authors: Traoré Ousmane Z , Tamini Lota D
Published: March 2021

This article theoretically and empirically disentangles the effects of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides on production, export supply and import demand. We adopt a modelling approach based on the costs and benefits associated with food safety standards and use our theoretical framework to assess the empirical net effects of MRLs for pesticides on African mango production and trade with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries. On the one hand, we theoretically highlight that for a given production technology and a level of elasticity of production costs with respect to the MRL gap, producers will likely (probability and quantity) produce standard-compliant products if they are able to completely pass through the standard-compliance costs to the unit price they receive from exporters; otherwise, they will exit standard-compliant products market. On the other hand, we theoretically show that the net effects of the MRL gap on bilateral trade can be positive, zero or negative depending on the effects of consumers’ perceived quality (positive), trade costs (negative) and standard-compliant production cost (negative). We use a cross-sectional data set for 12 African countries that produced and exported MRL-compliant mangoes to 31 OECD countries in 2016. On the one hand, we find that the net effect of MRLs is positive for the level of standard-compliant mango production and negative for the probability of producing. On the other hand, they are positive in mango trade between African and OECD member countries. Our results highlight that the tightening or imposition of strict MRLs for pesticides in developed countries may be trade promoting, while they severely impede production in African countries.
Beyond métiers: social factors influence fisher behaviour
Authors: Schadeberg Amanda , Kraan Marloes , Hamon Katell G
Published: March 2021

Fisheries management is usually supported by technical and financial measurements (i.e. logbooks and market data), which are helpful for ecological or economic assessments. Yet this information is not able to address social heterogeneity and fisher motivations, which are key to understanding fisher behaviour. This case study of the demersal segment in the Netherlands shows that combining quantitative analysis of logbooks with qualitative data collected by engaging with fishers can capture both fishing activity and its motivations, generating a more social understanding of fisher behaviour. A métier analysis of logbook data describes five dominant fishing practices among the selected segment. Twenty-five in-depth interviews with fishers along with focus groups including other experts identify three social factors that influence fisher behaviour in the Dutch demersal fleet: business structure, working rhythm, and polyvalence. The results show that motivations for fisher behaviour are more complex than complying with regulations or seeking profit: social factors also influence fishing activity. Furthermore, these social factors have real implications for the impacts of management measures on both the fishing communities and the environment, especially in times of change. These results are useful for management strategy development or evaluation because they are feasibly observable through existing data collection protocols.
Linkage of Hospital Records and Death Certificates by a Search Engine and Machine Learning
Authors: Cossin Sebastien , Diouf Serigne , Griffier Romain , Le Barrois d’Orgeval Philippine , Diallo Gayo , Jouhet Vianney
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Vital status is of central importance to hospital clinical research. However, hospital information systems record only in-hospital death information. Recently, the French government released a publicly available dataset containing death-certificate data for over 25 million individuals. The objective of this study was to link French death certificates to the Bordeaux University Hospital records to complete the vital status information.

Materials and Methods

Our linkage strategy was composed of a search engine to reduce the number of comparisons and machine-learning algorithms. The overall pipeline was evaluated by assembling a file containing 3,565 in-hospital deaths and 15,000 alive persons.

Results

The recall and precision of our linkage strategy were 97.5% and 99.97% for the upper threshold and 99.4% and 98.9% for the lower threshold, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of accurately linking hospital records with death certificates using a search engine and machine learning.
Multinational Enterprises and the Law
Authors: Muchlinski Peter T
Published: March 2021

This book is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary account of the techniques used to regulate multinational enterprises (MNEs) at the national, regional and multilateral levels. The book considers the effects of corporate self-regulation, and the impact of civil society and community groups upon the development of the legal order in this area. It has been thoroughly revised and updated for this third edition. The book is split into four parts. Part I deals with the conceptual basis for MNE regulation. It explains the growth of MNEs, their business and legal forms and the relationship between them and the effects of a globalized economy and society, now increasingly challenged by recently revived nationalist economic policies, upon the evolution of regulatory agendas in the field. Part II covers the main areas of economic regulation, including the limits of national and regional jurisdiction over MNE activities, controls over—and the liberalization of—entry and establishment, tax, company and competition law and the impact of intellectual property rights on technology diffusion and transfer. Part III introduces the social dimension of MNE regulation covering labour rights, human rights and environmental issues. Part IV deals with the contribution of international investment law to MNE regulation and to the control of investment risks, covering the main provisions found in international investment agreements, their interpretation by international tribunals and how concerns over these developments are leading to reform proposals.
Declining Procedures in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Using a National Database
Authors: Ross Patrick A. , Engorn Branden M. , Newth Christopher J. L. , Gordon Chloe , Soto-Campos Gerardo , Bhalla Anoopindar K.
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the change in rate of invasive procedures (endotracheal intubation, central venous catheters, arterial catheters, and peripheral inserted central venous catheters) performed in PICUs per admission over time. Secondarily, to investigate the change in type of respiratory support over time.

Design:

Retrospective study of prospectively collected data using the Virtual Pediatric Systems (VPS; LLC, Los Angeles, CA) database.

Setting:

North American PICUs.

Patients:

Patients admitted from January 2009 to December 2017.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

There were 902,624 admissions from 161 PICUs included in the analysis. Since 2009, there has been a decrease in rate of endotracheal intubations, central venous catheters placed, and arterial catheters placed and an increase in the rate of peripheral inserted central venous catheter insertion per admission over time after controlling for severity of illness and unit level effects. As compared to 2009, the incident rate ratio for 2017 for endotracheal intubation was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.83–0.98; p = 0.017), for central venous line placement 0.69 (0.63–0.74; p < 0.001), for arterial catheter insertion 0.85 (0.79–0.92; p < 0.001), and for peripheral inserted central venous catheter placement 1.14 (1.03–1.26; p = 0.013). Over this time period, in a subgroup with available data, there was a decrease in the rate of invasive mechanical ventilation and an increase in the rate of noninvasive respiratory support (bilevel positive airway pressure/continuous positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal oxygen) per admission.

Conclusions:

Over 9 years across multiple North American PICUs, the rate of endotracheal intubations, central catheter, and arterial catheter insertions per admission has decreased. The use of invasive mechanical ventilation has decreased with an increase in noninvasive respiratory support. These data support efforts to improve exposure to invasive procedures in training and structured systems to evaluate continued competency.