bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informed breeding dispersal following stochastic changes to patch quality in a pond‐breeding amphibian
Authors: Barrile Gabriel M. , Walters Annika , Webster Matthew , Chalfoun Anna D.
Published: April 2021

The unidirectional movement of animals between breeding patches (i.e. breeding dispersal) has profound implications for the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of spatially structured populations. In spatiotemporally variable environments, individuals are expected to adjust their dispersal decisions according to information gathered on the environmental and/or social cues that reflect the fitness prospects in a given breeding patch (i.e. informed dispersal).

A paucity of empirical work limited our understanding of the ability of animals to depart from low‐quality breeding patches and settle in high‐quality breeding patches. We examined the capacity of individuals to respond to stochastic changes in habitat quality via informed breeding dispersal in a pond‐breeding amphibian.

We conducted a 5‐year (2015–2019) capture–recapture study of boreal toads Anaxyrus boreas boreas (n = 1,100) that breed in beaver ponds in western Wyoming, USA. During early spring of 2017, an extreme flooding event destroyed several beaver dams and resulted in the loss of breeding habitat. We used multi‐state models to investigate how temporal changes in pond characteristics influenced breeding dispersal, and determine whether movement decisions were in accordance with prospects for reproductive fitness.

Boreal toads more often departed from low‐quality breeding ponds (without successful metamorphosis) and settled in high‐quality breeding ponds (with successful metamorphosis). Movement decisions were context‐dependent and associated with pond characteristics altered by beaver dam destruction. Individuals were more likely to depart from shallow ponds with high vegetation cover and settle in deep ponds with low vegetation cover. The probability of metamorphosis was related to the same environmental cues, suggesting that boreal toads assess the fitness prospects of a breeding patch and adjust movement decisions accordingly (i.e. informed breeding dispersal).

We demonstrated that stochastic variability in environmental conditions and habitat quality can underpin dispersal behaviour in amphibians. Our study highlighted the mechanistic linkages between habitat change, movement behaviour and prospects for reproductive performance, which is critical for understanding how wild animals respond to rapid environmental change.
An ethnocultural perspective on loneliness in young adulthood: A population‐based study in Israel
Authors: Achdut Netta , Refaeli Tehila
Published: April 2021

Young adults are a high‐risk group for experiencing loneliness. We examine (1) the prevalence of loneliness among young adults in three ethnocultural groups in Israel: native Jews, former Soviet Union immigrants and Arabs; (2) the associations between loneliness and ethnicity, perceived poverty, physical and mental health, perceived discrimination, social capital and online social capital; (3) the distinct sensitivity of the three ethnocultural groups to the determinants of loneliness. Cross‐sectional representative data for individuals aged 20–34 were taken from the 2016 to 2017 Israeli Social Surveys (N = 4253). Hierarchical logistic models were estimated to predict loneliness. Differences in the prevalence of loneliness were observed among the groups, with immigrants at higher risk. We found both common and distinct risk factors among the groups and only little evidence for moderation. Ethnic differences in loneliness between the native Jews and the Arabs can be ascribed to differences in their demographic characteristics and the prevalence of other risk factors. The risk for loneliness remained higher for immigrants after controlling for the entire set of risk factors. Eliminating the possibility that immigrants are more sensitive to any risk factor considered suggests the effect of ethnicity per se or rather that other factors affect loneliness in young immigrant adults.
Assessing the effect of facial disguises on forensic facial comparison by morphological analysis
Authors: Bacci Nicholas , Briers Nanette , Steyn Maryna
Published: April 2021

Disguises are commonly used to mask a person's facial appearance in areas under closed‐circuit television (CCTV) surveillance. While many studies attempted to understand the effects of disguises, such as hats and glasses, on facial recognition, limited studies have looked at disguises in forensic facial comparison. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of forensic facial comparison by morphological analysis (MA) in a CCTV sample with sunglasses and brimmed caps. The sample was obtained from the Wits Face Database and organized into 81 face pools of one target facial image wearing a disguise (cap or sunglasses) and 10 potential matching images. MA was conducted across face pools, and confusion matrices were used to assess the outcomes. Surprisingly, sunglasses had limited effect on MA performance both in accuracy (90.4%) and in reliability (κ = 0.798), while caps markedly decreased both accuracy (68.1%) and reliability (κ = 0.639). Error rates were associated primarily with false negatives in both samples (caps: 42.4%; sunglasses: 16.1%) despite the sample distribution favoring false‐positive errors, which were very low (caps: 0.6%; sunglasses: 0%). Similarly to other studies, hats and caps were more harmful to correct identification when compared to sunglasses, which actually resulted in better accuracy than regular CCTV recordings. The effect of brimmed caps on accuracy was attributed to the overall loss of facial information caused. On training analysts, it may be helpful to instruct purposefully avoiding overreliance on easily disguised facial features, as other regions of the face also contain substantial feature information.
Combination therapy with plasma exchange and glucocorticoid may be effective for severe COVID‐19 infection: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Matsushita Yasushi , Kusaoi Makio , Hiki Makoto , Murayama Goh , Abe Yoshiyuki , Nozawa Kazuhisa , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Yamaji Ken , Tamura Naoto , Naito Toshio
Published: April 2021

We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of five patients with COVID‐19 who were received glucocorticoid (with or without pulse therapy) and therapeutic plasma exchange. The efficacy of the treatment was determined by whether the patient was able to be transferred from the COVID‐19 exclusive ICU to the general ward. In comparing patients who received prednisolone pulse therapy (three cases) with those who did not (two cases), 2/3 (66%) and 0/2 (0%) patients could be discharged from the COVID‐19 dedicated ICU, respectively. Among five patients who was performed plasma exchange, two elderly male patients who underwent plasma exchange as early as within 8 days of disease exacerbation survived and were able to be transferred to the general ward. This observational study indicates that plasma exchange in conjunction with methylprednisolone pulse therapy at the appropriate time may be an effective treatment for elderly patients with severe COVID‐19.
No evidence for enzootic plague within black‐tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) populations
Authors: COLMAN Rebecca E. , BRINKERHOFF R. Jory , BUSCH Joseph D. , RAY Chris , DOYLE Adina , SAHL Jason W. , KEIM Paul , COLLINGE Sharon K. , WAGNER David M.
Published: April 2021

Yersinia pestis, causative agent of plague, occurs throughout the western United States in rodent populations and periodically causes epizootics in susceptible species, including black‐tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). How Y. pestis persists long‐term in the environment between these epizootics is poorly understood but multiple mechanisms have been proposed, including, among others, a separate enzootic transmission cycle that maintains Y. pestis without involvement of epizootic hosts and persistence of Y. pestis within epizootic host populations without causing high mortality within those populations. We live‐trapped and collected fleas from black‐tailed prairie dogs and other mammal species from sites with and without black‐tailed prairie dogs in 2004 and 2005 and tested all fleas for presence of Y. pestis. Y. pestis was not detected in 2126 fleas collected in 2004 but was detected in 294 fleas collected from multiple sites in 2005, before and during a widespread epizootic that drastically reduced black‐tailed prairie dog populations in the affected colonies. Temporal and spatial patterns of Y. pestis occurrence in fleas and genotyping of Y. pestis present in some infected fleas suggest Y. pestis was introduced multiple times from sources outside the study area and once introduced, was dispersed between several sites. We conclude Y. pestis likely was not present in these black‐tailed prairie dog colonies prior to epizootic activity in these colonies. Although we did not identify likely enzootic hosts, we found evidence that deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) may serve as bridging hosts for Y. pestis between unknown enzootic hosts and black‐tailed prairie dogs.
Internal structure and textural properties of a milk protein composite gel construct produced by three‐dimensional printing
Authors: Yang Fan , Cui Ying , Guo Yang , Yang Wenjian , Liu Xiao , Liu Xingxun
Published: April 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology is an emerging technology that can be used to fabricate food products composed of milk protein composite gel with desired structures. In this study, the products were printed by an extrusion‐based 3D printer with the variation of perimeters (3, 5, and 7), infill patterns (Hilbert curve, honeycomb, and rectilinear), and infill levels (10%, 40%, and 70%). The textural properties, geometrical accuracy, and internal structure of the products were evaluated by texture analyzer, camera, and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The geometrical accuracies of products were all apparently close to 100%. Gumminess and hardness were bound with the infill level and perimeters. However, the gumminess and hardness were not associated with the infill pattern, which was created to fill the products. In addition, only the infill percentage affected Young's modulus and firmness. Products exhibited uniform internal structures, and the hardness of products with 100% infill level was still lower than that of nonprinted material. Three‐dimensional extrusion behavior will modify the textural and structural properties of products by adjusting the infill level and perimeters, offering a new method for improving the biophysics of sensory properties of products that are suitable for people with different chewing abilities.

Practical Application

Milk protein composite gel, also called “milk cube,” is a delicious snack that is widely consumed around the world. This study aimed to explore the effect of internal structure on the texture and geometrical accuracy of printed milk protein composite gel when different perimeters, infill patterns, and levels were used. This study proved that 3D food printing technology can provide a new way to modify the texture of the printed food by regulating and controlling perimeters, infill patterns, and levels to fill the printed products. This kind of printed food can be designed for people with different chewing abilities.
Effect of flavonoids from Lycium barbarum leaves on the oxidation of myofibrillar proteins in minced mutton during chilled storage
Authors: Niu Yinhong , Chen Jinghua , Fan Yanli , Kou Tingting
Published: April 2021

Herein, we report the effect of flavonoids from Lycium barbarum leaves (LBLF) on myofibrillar proteins (MP) in minced mutton during chilled storage (4 ± 1 ℃). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that the total flavonoid content in LBLF was 322.0 mg/g, of which the rutin content was 297.6 mg/g. The effect of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% LBLF on the structure and thermodynamic properties of MP in minced mutton was studied systematically. Tyrosine and tryptophan of MP samples treated with LBLF were converted from an exposed state to an embedded state. The interaction between LBLF and MP quenched the internal fluorescence, and improved the thermal stability of MP. The addition of LBLF significantly reduced the carbonyl and sulfhydryl contents of MP (p < 0.05), and decreased the surface hydrophobicity of MP in a dose‐dependent manner. Our results indicate that LBLF can combine with free radicals produced by protein oxidation, block the free radical oxidation chain reaction, and inhibit the oxidation of MP. Therefore, LBLF may have great potential as a natural antioxidant in meats and meat products during chilled storage.

Practical Application

Lycium barbarum is widely distributed in China, especially in Qinghai and Ningxia. The results of this study suggest that flavonoids extracted from L. barbarum leaves may be an effective natural antioxidant for the preservation of meats and meat products.
A new algorithm for reconstructing tree height growth with stem analysis data
Authors: Salas‐Eljatib Christian
Published: April 2021

Stem analysis allows us to obtain an abundant amount of information on tree growth. A couple of algorithms exist to utilize section height and growth ring data for reconstructing height and age time‐series information.

I evaluated two alternatives, a well‐known and a newly proposed algorithm using stem analysis data of four species, including deciduous and evergreen broadleaves and a conifer. I reconstructed height–age pairs by both algorithms. I fit height growth equations in a mixed‐effects model framework for each species, using the generated data with the respective algorithm. Comparisons considered confidence intervals of the estimated parameters, as well as regression‐based equivalence tests.

Results showed that the fitted growth models obtained from both stem analysis algorithms were statistically equivalent. However, the proposed algorithm is simpler and thus provides a useful alternative to current methods.

Based on the findings, I recommend using this new stem analysis algorithm to reconstruct tree height growth with stem analysis data.
Gut‐restricted apical sodium‐dependent bile acid transporter inhibitor attenuates alcohol‐induced liver steatosis and injury in mice
Authors: Matye David J. , Li Yuan , Chen Cheng , Chao Xiaojuan , Wang Huaiwen , Ni Hongmin , Ding Wen‐Xing , Li Tiangang
Published: April 2021

Background

Recent studies have shown that human and experimental alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) is robustly associated with dysregulation of bile acid homeostasis, which may in turn modulate disease severity. Pharmacological agents targeting bile acid metabolism and signaling may be potential therapeutics for ALD.

Methods

The potential beneficial effects of a gut‐restricted apical sodium‐dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitor were studied in a chronic‐plus‐binge ALD mouse model.

Results

Blocking intestinal bile acid reabsorption by the gut‐restricted ASBT inhibitor GSK2330672 attenuated hepatic steatosis and liver injury in a chronic‐plus‐binge ALD mouse model. Alcohol feeding is associated with intestinal bile acid accumulation but paradoxically impaired ileal farnesoid × receptor (FXR) function, and repressed hepatic cholesterol 7α‐hydrolase (CYP7A1) expression despite decreased hepatic small heterodimer partner (SHP) and ileal fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) expression. ASBT inhibitor treatment decreased intestinal bile acid accumulation and increased hepatic CYP7A1 expression, but further decreased ileal FXR activity. Alcohol feeding induces serum bile acid concentration that strongly correlates with a liver injury marker. However, alcohol‐induced serum bile acid elevation is not due to intrahepatic bile acid accumulation but is strongly and positively associated with hepatic multidrug resistance‐associated protein 3 (MRP4) and MRP4 induction but poorly associated with sodium‐taurocholate cotransporting peptide (NTCP) expression. ASBT inhibitor treatment decreases serum bile acid concentration without affecting hepatocyte basolateral bile acid uptake and efflux transporters.

Conclusion

ASBT inhibitor treatment corrects alcohol‐induced bile acid dysregulation and attenuates liver injury in experimental ALD.
Alopecia‐mental retardation syndrome: Molecular genetics of a rare neuro‐dermal disorder
Authors: Muzammal Muhammad , Ahmad Safeer , Ali Muhammad Zeeshan , Khan Muzammil Ahmad
Published: April 2021

Alopecia‐mental retardation syndrome (APMR) is a rare autosomal recessive neuro‐dermal disorder. It is characterized by heterogeneous phenotypic features, that is, absence of hair on the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows and mild to severe intellectual disability. So far, approximately 14 families (i.e., Iranian, Pakistani, and Swiss) with APMR have been reported in the scientific literature. Its precise prevalence is still unknown, but according to a predictive estimate, it prevails with the ratio of 1 in 1,000,000 persons worldwide. Until now, only four loci (two characterized and two uncharacterized) have been reported to be involved in APMR. The pathogenic variants in alpha‐2‐HS‐glycoprotein [AHSG; APMR1 (MIM#203650)] and lanosterol synthase [LSS; APMR4 (MIM#618840)] are the characterized genetic factors associated with APMR. Among them, AHSG was reported in a consanguineous Iranian family and LSS gene in a Swiss origin family, while the remaining two uncharacterized loci, that is, APMR2 and APMR3, are reported in the Pakistani population. The current mini‐report discusses the molecular genetics and mutational spectrum of APMR syndrome, its differential diagnosis from related disorders, and prediction of plausible candidate genes in two uncharacterized loci.
Waterlogging tolerance of the common reedsPhragmites mauritianusandP. australis
Authors: Naidoo Gonasageran
Published: April 2021

This study compared the responses ofPhragmites mauritianusandP. australisto waterlogging stress for 5 months. Plants were subjected to a 2 × 4 factorial experiment with two species and four soil moisture regimes: well drained (WD), half flooded (½F), flooded/drained at weekly intervals (F/D) and continuously flooded (F). Soil redox potential (Eh) was high in the WD (+138 to +126 mV) and low in the F treatments (−360 to −401 mV). Flooding increased plant height, number of culms, shoot elongation and total dry biomass accumulation in both species. In the flooded treatments, there was greater biomass allocation to above ground than below ground components, which contributed to increases in above‐ground/below‐ground ratios. In the flooded treatments, specific gravity of culms decreased by 18% inP. australisand by 10% inP. mauritianusindicating greater aerenchyma with waterlogging. In both reeds, flooding induced numerous adventitious roots from the base of the culms. In the F treatments, plant height, number of culms, total dry biomass accumulation and aerenchyma development were greater inP. australisthan inP. mauritianus. These data suggest thatP. australishas a competitive edge overP. mauritianusunder waterlogged conditions.
Non‐traditional Banking Activities and Bank Financial Reporting Quality
Authors: Guo Mengyang , Jin Justin , Liu Yi , Nainar S. M. Khalid
Published: April 2021

We examine whether and how non‐traditional banking activities affect the quality of banks’ financial reporting. We find that a bank’s ratio of non‐interest income (derived from non‐traditional activities) to total operating income is positively and significantly associated with the magnitude of discretionary loan loss provisions, our proxy for financial reporting quality.
Validation of a perioperative population factor VIII pharmacokinetic model with a large cohort of pediatric hemophilia a patients
Authors: Preijers Tim , Liesner Ri , Hazendonk Hendrika C. A. M. , Chowdary Pratima , Driessens Mariëtte H. E. , Hart Dan P. , Laros‐van Gorkom Britta A. P. , van der Meer Felix J. M. , Meijer Karina , Fijnvandraat Karin , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Mathôt Ron A. A. , Cnossen Marjon H. ,   for the “OPTI‐CLOT” study group
Published: April 2021

Aims

Population pharmacokinetic (PK) models are increasingly applied to perform individualized dosing of factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates in haemophilia A patients. To guarantee accurate performance of a population PK model in dose individualization, validation studies are of importance. However, external validation of population PK models requires independent data sets and is, therefore, seldomly performed. Therefore, this study aimed to validate a previously published population PK model for FVIII concentrates administrated perioperatively.

Methods

A previously published population PK model for FVIII concentrate during surgery was validated using independent data from 87 children with severe haemophilia A with a median (range) age of 2.6 years (0.03–15.2) and body weight of 14 kg (4–57). First, the predictive performance of the previous model was evaluated with MAP Bayesian analysis using NONMEM v7.4. Subsequently, the model parameters were (re)estimated using a combined dataset consisting of the previous modelling data and the data available for the external validation.

Results

The previous model underpredicted the measured FVIII levels with a median of 0.17 IU mL−1. Combining the new, independent and original data, a dataset comprising 206 patients with a mean age of 7.8 years (0.03–77.6) and body weight of 30 kg (4–111) was obtained. Population PK modelling provided estimates for CL, V1, V2, and Q: 171 mL h−1 68 kg−1, 2930 mL 68 kg−1, 1810 mL 68 kg−1, and 172 mL h−1 68 kg−1, respectively. This model adequately described all collected FVIII levels, with a slight median overprediction of 0.02 IU mL−1.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes the importance of external validation of population PK models using real‐life data.
The total compensation gap, wage gap and benefit gap between workers with and without a disability
Authors: Hallock Kevin F. , Jin Xin , Waldman Michael
Published: April 2021

The wage gap between workers with and without a disability has been widely documented. However, wages and salaries account for less than 70% of the total hourly cost of compensation for an average U.S. worker. In this study, we construct a measure of total compensation by linking the American Community Survey to a restricted‐access version of the Employer Cost for Employee Compensation database, which contains detailed benefit measures for the years 2008–2014. After controlling for selection into full‐time employment and other observed characteristics, we find that the percentage total compensation gap between full‐time male workers with and without a disability is substantially larger than the percentage wage and salary gap. The opposite pattern is observed for full‐time female workers. Our results suggest that considering only wage and salary may mask the true gaps in total compensation from employment. We also document a persistent benefits gap between workers with and without a disability. We discuss possible explanatory factors for the observed patterns in total compensation and benefit gaps.
Temperamental Shyness, Frontal EEG Theta/Beta Ratio, and Social Anxiety in Children
Authors: Poole Kristie L. , Hassan Raha , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: April 2021

The authors examined how children’s frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) theta/beta ratio—an index of neurocognitive control—changed from baseline to a social stressor, and whether these EEG changes moderated the relation between temperament and anxiety. Children (N = 152; Mage = 7.82 years, 52% male, 81% White) had their EEG recorded during a baseline and speech anticipation condition. Children’s frontal theta/beta ratio decreased from baseline to speech anticipation, and this baseline‐to‐task change moderated the relation between temperamental shyness and social anxiety. Temperamental shyness was related to higher state and trait social anxiety only among children with large baseline‐to‐task decreases in theta/beta ratio. Findings are consistent with theoretical models hypothesizing that temperamentally shy children with heightened neurocognitive control may be at greater risk for anxiety.
An Efficient Hybrid Optimization Strategy for Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Bertolino Giulia , Montemurro Marco , Perry Nicolas , Pourroy Franck
Published: April 2021

An efficient surface reconstruction strategy is presented in this study, which is able to approximate non‐convex sets of target points (TPs). The approach is split in two phases: (a) the mapping phase, making use of the shape preserving method (SPM) to get a proper parametrization of each sub‐domain composing the TPs set; (b) the fitting phase, where each patch is fitted by means of a suitable non‐uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) surface by considering, as design variables, all parameters involved in its definition. To this purpose, the surface fitting problem is formulated as a constrained non‐linear programming problem (CNLPP) defined over a domain having changing dimension, wherein both the number and the value of the design variables are optimized. To deal with this CNLPP, the optimization process is split in two steps. Firstly, a special genetic algorithm (GA) optimizes both the value and the number of design variables by means of a two‐level evolution strategy (species and individuals). Secondly, the solution provided by the GA constitutes the initial guess for the deterministic optimization, which aims at improving the accuracy of the fitting surfaces. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is proven through some meaningful benchmarks taken from the literature.
Six‐month risk of Pneumocystis pneumonia following acute cellular rejection: A case‐control study in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Hosseini‐Moghaddam Seyed M. , Shokoohi Mostafa , Singh Gagandeep , Nagpal Atul D. , Jevnikar Anthony M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at risk of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). PCP is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The effect of acute T cell‐mediated rejection (TCMR) on post‐transplant PCP has not been determined yet.

Methods

In this case‐control study, we estimated the risk of PCP following acute TCMR during a lookback period of 180 days. We also determined the effects of contributing factors such as CMV infection.

Results

We compared 15 SOT (8 kidney, 4 heart, 2 liver, and 1 kidney‐pancreas) recipients with PCP with 60 matched recipients who did not develop PCP (control group) during the study period (December 2013 to February 2016). PCP occurred after a complete course of prophylaxis (ie, late‐onset PCP) in 60% of patients. Patients with PCP frequently required intensive care unit (ICU) admission (73.3%). Post‐transplant PCP was associated with considerable allograft loss (53.4%) and mortality (26.7%). In the 6‐month lookback period, acute TCMR (OR: 13.1, 95% CI: 3.2, 53.2), and CMV infection (OR: 15.1,95% CI: 4.0, 53.2.1) were significantly associated with post‐transplant PCP.

Conclusions

Post‐transplant PCP is associated with substantial risk of ICU admission, allograft failure, and mortality. Anti‐Pneumocystis prophylaxis for at least 6 months following acute TCMR may reduce the risk.
Histopathological features of fibrous cephalic plaques in tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Treichel Alison M , Pithadia Deeti J , Lee Chyi‐Chia R , Oyerinde Oyetewa , Moss Joel , Darling Thomas N
Published: April 2021

Aims

Fibrous cephalic plaques (FCPs) in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) may be excised for cosmetic reasons or biopsied to confirm lesion identification and TSC diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the range of histopathological features of FCPs.

Methods and results

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 119 adults with TSC. Twenty‐one lesions from 16 individuals were evaluated by a dermatopathologist. Additionally, we assessed whether lesion colour or histology varied by anatomical location. Seventy‐six lesions were observed in 36 of 119 individuals. Erythematous lesions were more commonly found on the forehead, face or neck than on the scalp (odds ratio = 12.6, P = 0.0001). Thickened and disorganised collagen fibre bundles were present in 95% (20/21) of lesions. Perifollicular fibrosis was observed in 95% (20/21) of lesions, enhanced vascularity was observed in 52% (11/21) of lesions, and features of fibrofolliculoma were observed in 43% (9/21) of lesions. Other abnormalities included features similar to trichofolliculoma, follicular‐derived, infundibular‐type cysts, and abnormally arranged primitive hair follicles.

Conclusions

FCPs in TSC show thickened bundles of collagen, and hamartomatous changes involving hair follicles. Recognition of these histopathological features may raise the possibility of unsuspected TSC or confirm FCP identification.
Effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) versus 2.5% sodium hypochlorite as root canal irrigants on the intensity of post‐operative pain and the amount of endotoxins in mandibular molars with necrotic pulps: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hosny N. S. , El Khodary S. A. , El Boghdadi R. M. , Shaker O. G.
Published: April 2021

Aim

To assess the effect of Neem versus 2.5% NaOCl as root canal irrigants on the intensity of post‐operative pain and amount of endotoxins following root canal treatment of mandibular molars with necrotic pulps.

Methodology

This parallel, prospective, double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial with allocation ratio 1:1 was conducted in the out‐patient clinic of the Endodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Egypt. Fifty healthy patients with mandibular molars with necrotic pulps were randomly assigned into two equal groups using computer software. In the intervention group, root canals were irrigated using Neem; whilst 2.5% NaOCl was used in the control group. A standard root canal treatment was performed in two visits using ProTaper Next rotary files, with no intracanal medication. Pain intensity was assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS) 6, 12, 24 and 48 h following instrumentation and canal filling. Endotoxin samples were collected using three paper points before and after canal instrumentation and a sandwich ELISA method was used to quantify the level of endotoxins. Demographic, baseline, and outcome data were collected and analysed using chi‐square tests (for the comparisons of categorical variables), Mann–Whitney tests (for non‐normally distributed variables) and Student’sttests (for normally distributed variables), AP‐value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

The mean pain scores within the two groups decreased continually over time. The mean pain scores in the Neem group were lower than those in the 2.5% NaOCl group at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h following instrumentation and canal filling with no significant difference between them except at 24 h following instrumentation (P = 0.012). Both irrigants significantly reduced endotoxin levels compared to the pre‐instrumentation samples (P < 0.001)by 8% for the NaOCL group and 18% for the Neem group.

Conclusion

Neem and 2.5% NaOCl were not significantly different in terms of reducing the intensity of post‐operative pain during all follow‐up periods except at 24 h following instrumentation where Neem was associated with lower pain intensity. Both irrigants significantly reduced endotoxin levels but were not effective in eliminating endotoxins completely from root canals of mandibular molars with necrotic pulps.
Circular economy and durability in geopolymers ceramics pieces obtained from glass polishing waste
Authors: de Azevedo Afonso R. G. , Teixeira Marvila Markssuel , Barbosa de Oliveira Leandro , Macario Ferreira Weslley , Colorado Henry , Rainho Teixeira Silvio , Mauricio Fontes Vieira Carlos
Published: April 2021

The development of new building materials based on alkaline activation technology is very promising, mainly linked to products that need significant technological properties and durability due to their adverse service conditions and environmental exposure. The objective of this research was to evaluate the development of a circular economy within the scope of durability of ceramic pieces incorporating glass polishing waste aimed at the production of roof tiles, obtained by the geopolymerization process. Two methodologies to evaluate the sample's durability were studied: wetting and drying cycles; and exposure to salt spray; both simulating conditions that tiles typically face in normal conditions. Prismatic specimens were made with an alkaline solution/(metakaolin + waste) ratio = 0.26; a SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio = 3.5, 4, and 4.5; and with ambient and thermal cure at 7 days. Samples were evaluated in their mechanical strength, mass loss, and water absorption. Results showed that the SiO2/Al2O3 = 4.0 ratio with thermal curing had the best behavior in aggressive conditions, and therefore, this formulation can be used for the production of tiles.
Les gagnants et les perdants de l'emploi informel en Indonésie
Authors: ABLAZA Christine , WESTERN Mark , TOMASZEWSKI Wojtek
Published: April 2021

Dans la plupart des études, les travailleurs de l’économie informelle sont présentés comme un tout homogène. Les auteurs considèrent pourtant qu'il peut y avoir parmi eux des gagnants et des perdants. En utilisant des régressions quantiles sur distribution non conditionnelle et des données issues d'une enquête auprès des ménages indonésiens (IFLS), ils estiment l’écart de rémunération entre travailleurs formels et travailleurs informels à différents points de la répartition des gains. Ils montrent que la pénalité de revenu aux dépens des travailleurs informels, manifeste et sensible pour certains d'entre eux, n'est pas systématique, confirmant ainsi la thèse de Fields (1990 et 2005) sur l'emploi informel hétérogène.
COVID‐19 and ESG preferences: Corporate bonds versus equities
Authors: Singh Amanjot
Published: April 2021

I examine investors' within ESG investment preferences during the COVID‐19 pandemic by investigating the return spillover effects across the three different corporate bonds and equities‐based investment strategies. Investors prefer making investments in ESG leaders in the investment‐grade corporate bond market over ESG leaders in the equity and high yield corporate bond markets during times of uncertainty. It suggests that capital flows away from high yield corporate bond and equity markets to the investment‐grade corporate bond market. Investors find refuge in firms with relatively higher ESG ratings and creditworthiness in the fixed income market over the equity market during crisis periods.
Characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors in the cranial vasculature
Authors: Saxena Pramod R , Bom Anton H , Verdouw Pieter D
Published: April 2021

The availability of selective compounds has made it possible to subdivide 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors into three distinct types, called 5-HT1-like, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3. The selective agonists at the three receptor types are, respectively, 5-carboxamidotryptamine, α-methyl-5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT. While no selective antagonists are yet available for the 5-HT1-like receptors, some compounds, including ketanserin and MDL 72222, selectively antagonize 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors respectively. Depending upon experimental conditions, 5-HT causes a constriction or dilatation of cerebral and extracerebral cranial vessels. Vascular contraction by 5-HT seems to be mediated primarily via 5-HT2 receptors (located mainly on large conducting vessels), though in several instances (for example, dog and human basilar arteries and porcine arteriovenous anastomoses; AVAs) 5-HT1-like receptors are involved in addition to or in place of 5-HT2 receptors. In the rabbit ear and external carotid arteries 5-HT may act directly on α-adrenoceptors. Arteriolar dilatation, leading to increased capillary (“nutrient”) blood flow, occurs via 5-HT1-like receptors. However, the 5-HT1-like receptors on the arterioles and AVAs appear to be similar but not identical. Since a reduction of plasma 5-HT and opening of AVAs have been implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine, compounds acting on 5-HT1-like receptors to close the shunt vessels can be expected to have therapeutic activity in migraine.
A critical review of bioceramics for magnetic hyperthermia
Authors: Sedighi Omid , Alaghmandfard Amirhossein , Montazerian Maziar , Baino Francesco
Published: April 2021

Magnetic hyperthermia (HT) using biocompatible ceramics is a ground‐breaking, competent, and safe thermo‐therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. The magnetic properties of bioceramics, along with their structure and synthesis parameters, are responsible for the controlled heating of malignant tumors and are the key to clinical success. After providing a brief overview of magnetism and its significance in biomedicine, this review deals with materials selection and synthesis methods of bioceramics/glasses used for HT. Relevant research carried out on promising bioceramics for magnetic HT, with a focus on their size, shape, surface functionalization, magnetic field parameters, and in vitro/in vivo properties to optimize cancer therapy, is also discussed. Recent progress in magnetic HT combined with chemotherapy and phototherapy is especially highlighted, with the aim to provide interdisciplinary knowledge to advance further the applications of bioceramics in this field.
Quantitative genetics of extreme insular dwarfing: The case of red deer on Jersey
Authors: Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F. , Santos Ana M. C. , Barreto Elisa , Naves Felipe , Santos Wanderson , Souza Kelly Silva , Santos‐Silva Rejane , Dobrovolski Ricardo , Soares Thannya Nascimento , Tidon Rosana , Spigoloni Zander Augusto , Rangel Thiago F. , Raia Pasquale , Hortal Joaquín , Jardim Lucas
Published: April 2021

Aim

The Island Rule—that is, the tendency for body size to decrease in large mammals and increase in small mammals on islands has been commonly evaluated through macroecological or macroevolutionary, pattern‐orientated approaches, which generally fail to model the microevolutionary processes driving either dwarfing or gigantism. Here, we seek to identify which microevolutionary process could have driven extreme insular dwarfism in the extinct dwarf red deer population on the island of Jersey.

Location

Jersey, UK (Channel Islands).

Taxon

Red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Methods

We applied an individual‐based quantitative genetics model parameterized with red deer life‐history data to study the evolution of dwarfism in Jersey's deer, considering variations in island area and isolation through time due to sea level changes.

Results

The body size of red deer on Jersey decreased fast early on, due to phenotypic plasticity, then kept decreasing almost linearly over time down to the actual body size of the Jersey deer (36 kg on average). Only 1% of 10,000 replicates failed to reach that size in our simulations. The distribution of time to adaptation in these simulations was right skewed, with a median of 395 generations (equivalent to roughly 4 kyr), with complete dwarfism effectively occurring in less than 6 kyr 84.6% of times. About 72% of the variation in the time to adaptation between simulations was collectively explained by higher mutational variance, the number of immigrants from the continent after isolation, available genetic variance, heritability, and phenotypic plasticity.

Main Conclusions

The extreme dwarfing of red deer on Jersey is an expected outcome of high mutational variance, high immigration rate, a wide adaptive landscape, low levels of inbreeding, and high phenotypic plasticity (in the early phase of dwarfing), all occurring within a time window of around 6 kyr. Our model reveals how extreme dwarfism is a plausible outcome of common, well‐known evolutionary processes.
Teacher‐created video instruction in the elementary classroom—Its impact on students and teachers
Authors: Torrington Jodie , Bower Matt
Published: April 2021

Despite the proliferation of multimedia devices in elementary classrooms, there is limited research examining teacher‐created video instruction, particularly regarding its effect on academic growth and engagement. This study investigated the effect of teacher‐created computer‐based video instruction (CBVI) using iPads on students' academic, behavioural and affective learning in elementary classrooms. The study used a repeated‐measures design with counterbalancing to measure the effects of CBVI during mathematics lessons on student achievement scores, time on‐task and attitudes towards learning. Three year three classes (n = 49) completed three lessons, each using a different mode of instruction: CBVI created by the class teacher, CBVI created by a stranger, and a traditional live lesson delivered by the class teacher. Results were analysed using a Linear Mixed Model. No significant growth in performance was detected during video instruction, however a significant growth result was achieved for the traditional live teaching mode (p < 0.001), possibly attributable to the longer duration of experimental session. Behavioural engagement was considerably higher during CBVI lessons than live lessons and students preferred their teacher's voice during CBVI. Three teachers were interviewed to examine how CBVI affected teaching and learning, with two main themes emerging: (1) positive impacts of CBVI upon students; and (2) positive impacts on teacher wellbeing. This research indicates benefits for students and teachers when using teacher‐created CBVI. Further research is needed to better understand the factors that influence cognitive development of students using CBVI and to also further explore the effect of CBVI on teacher wellbeing.
Playing the Market Card: The Commission's Strategy to Shape EU Cybersecurity Policy
Authors: Brandão Ana Paula , Camisão Isabel
Published: April 2021

As EU security is an intergovernmental policy area, it has been assumed that the only relevant policy‐shapers are member states. However, more recent analyses show that supranational actors, like the Commission, have developed strategies to enhance their role in this traditionally interstate realm. This article endorses this reasoning and intends to cast some light on these strategies. Building on Kingdon's concept of the policy entrepreneur and using EU's cybersecurity policy as an empirical case, we analyse the Commission's initiatives to draft a European response to cybercrime, in order to answer one central research question: how has the Commission managed to secure a prominent role in a highly salient security issue? The findings suggest that the Commission, acting as a policy entrepreneur, purposefully explored a market–security nexus in order to influence an otherwise intergovernmental security domain. Ultimately, the Commission was a much more relevant player than expected.
A national profile of kinlessness at the end of life among older adults: Findings from the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Plick Natalie P. , Ankuda Claire K. , Mair Christine A. , Husain Mohammed , Ornstein Katherine A.
Published: April 2021

Background/Objectives

The majority of end‐of‐life (EOL) caregiving is provided by unpaid family members. An increasing number of older adults are kinless (without close family/partnerships) and may have insufficient caregiver support to remain at home at the EOL. We therefore determined what proportion of older adults are kinless at the EOL and assessed the association of kinlessness with EOL care.

Design

Retrospective analysis of Health and Retirement Study decedents, 2002–2015.

Setting

US population‐based sample.

Participants

Decedents age 51+ who died within 1 year of interview (n = 3844) and subset who are community‐dwelling at last interview.

Measurements

Kinlessness was defined as lacking a spouse/partner and children. Primary outcome measure was location of death. Secondary outcome measures included contextual EOL measures such as symptom burden and caregiver support.

Results

A total of 7.4% of decedents were kinless at the EOL. Kinless decedents were more likely to be female, nonwhite, enrolled in Medicaid, living alone, or living in a nursing home prior to death. Although community‐dwelling kinless decedents received fewer hours of caregiving per week at the EOL (34.7 vs. 56.2, p < 0.05) and were more likely to die in nursing homes (18.1% vs. 10.3%, p < 0.05) than those with kin, they did not have higher EOL symptom burden or treatment intensity (e.g., intensive care unit use). In multinomial logistic analysis controlling for demographic and illness characteristics, kinless decedents living in the community before death had a twofold increased risk of dying in the nursing home (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–3.72]) and a trend toward increased risk of hospital death (OR = 1.60 [95% CI = 0.96–2.69]) versus home setting.

Conclusions

Kinless individuals are more likely to die in nursing homes, even if they are living in the community in their last year of life. Expanded long‐term care services and policies are needed to enable all older adults regardless of their family support systems to receive high‐quality EOL care.
A heuristic method to identify optimum seismic retrofit strategies for critical infrastructure systems
Authors: Liu Chuang , Ouyang Min , Wang Naiyu , Mao Zijun , Xu Xiaolin
Published: April 2021

Retrofitting critical components of a critical infrastructure system to improve its seismic performance has been considered as the most frequently used mitigation strategy in both literature and practice. This article mainly studies this mitigation strategy and formulates the seismic retrofit optimization problem for critical infrastructure systems under a limited retrofit budget in a general form, and then proposes a heuristic method to solve the problem efficiently in terms of the optimality gap and the computational cost. The proposed method mainly includes three steps: (1) generates a limited number of component damage scenarios to reformulate the problem as an approximated model; (2) adopts a component importance‐based method to reduce the solution space and applies the integer L‐shaped method to solve the approximated model; (3) employs the sample average approximation method to enhance the solution quality. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, it is applied to identify the optimal retrofit strategies for the Shelby power transmission system, the IEEE 14‐bus test system, and the IEEE 118‐bus test system and also compared with several existing methods. Results show that the proposed method is significantly more efficient than those existing methods. For the IEEE 14‐bus test system, the proposed method gets almost exact solutions, with errors less than 0.29%; for the other two systems, it returns the best solutions among all methods under various retrofit budgets.
Stochastic resource leveling optimization method for trading off float consumption and project completion probability
Authors: Gwak Han‐Seong , Lee Dong‐Eun
Published: April 2021

Existing resource leveling (RL) approaches fall short of analyzing the trade‐off relation between the total float consumption and project completion probability in a real‐life project RL problem. This article presents a stochastic resource leveling optimization (SOLO) method that minimizes the total float consumption along with maximizing the project completion probability. It initializes the earliest start times of noncritical activities, measures the level of resource fluctuations of each candidate solution, computes the probability of completing a project in a target deadline by executing simulation‐based scheduling, and identifies optimal solution(s) (i.e., optimal start times of noncritical activities) by implementing genetic algorithm, thereby identifying an optimal resource‐leveled baseline. The study is of value to practitioners because SOLO considers both the amount of total float consumption and project completion probability. This study facilitates experimentation with different computation time‐saving options given various constraints (i.e., the residual of project completion probabilities, threshold of release and rehire, ratio of criticality index, and number of critical activities). Test cases verify the validity of the computational method.