bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental comparison of rebate and matching in charitable giving: The case of Japan
Authors: Sasaki Shusaku , Kurokawa Hirofumi , Ohtake Fumio
Published: August 2021

This study uses a Japanese nationwide sample and experimentally compares rebate and matching, both of which are schemes intended to lower the price of monetary donation. Standard economic theory predicts that the two schemes will have the same effect on individuals’ donation behavior when their donation price is equivalent. However, we conduct an incentivized economic experiment through the Internet on 2300 Japanese residents, and find that matching, which lowers the donation price by adding a contribution from a third-party, increases individuals’ donation expenditures compared to rebate, which lowers it through a refund from a third-party. The experimental result shows that the donation expenditure in a 50% rebate treatment drops by approximately 126 Japanese yen compared to the control, while in a 1:1 matching treatment with essentially the same price of donation as the 50% rebate, the expenditure conversely rises by approximately 56 Japanese yen. This tendency is consistent with the results of previous experimental studies comparing the two schemes. We further empirically confirm that the superiority of 1:1 matching over 50% rebate is not conclusively influenced by the participants’ confusion or misunderstanding, or budget constraint lines’ difference between the two schemes. Although the Japanese government has previously enriched rebate’s content, the level of monetary donations by the Japanese people is still low on an international scale. Based on this study’s findings, we discuss the possibility that implementing matching into the society effectively encourages their donation behavior.
Bat intrusions at a tertiary care center in Iowa, 2018–2020
Authors: Alsuhaibani Mohammed A. , Dains Angelique , Kobayashi Takaaki , Sheeler Lorinda L. , Trannel Alexandra , Holley Stephanie , Marra Alexandre R. , Abosi Oluchi J. , Jenn Kyle E. , Meacham Holly , Etienne William , Kukla Mary E. , Millard Bill , Wellington Melanie , Diekema Daniel J. , Salinas Jorge L.
Published: August 2021

We described the epidemiology of bat intrusions into a hospital and subsequent management of exposures during 2018–2020. Most intrusions occurred in older buildings during the summer and fall months. Hospitals need bat intrusion surveillance systems and protocols for bat handling, exposure management, and intrusion mitigation.
A NEO-ASSYRIAN PROVINCIAL PALACE AT TELL BILLA
Authors: Creamer Petra M.
Published: August 2021

The Neo-Assyrian site Šibaniba (modern Tell Billa) served as a provincial center at the very edge of what is traditionally known as the “Assyrian Heartland”. Excavations in the early 1900s under Dr. Speiser of the University of Pennsylvania uncovered architecture in the southwestern portion of the mound, but a loss of records and lack of publication have prevented any comprehensive publications or analysis of the archaeological material. The architecture from Level I in the southwest corner is the remains of a palace from the latter half of the Neo-Assyrian period – comprised of an inner, paved courtyard and surrounding rooms. The analysis of this palace complex is carried out herein, with a discussion of its positioning and importance, especially during Nineveh's tenure as imperial capital. Overall, Šibaniba, despite being located so close to the Heartland, was an important administrative center in its own right – illustrated by a restructuring of the citadel's organization in the later Neo-Assyrian period and its inclusion in Sennacherib's irrigation program.
Developmental change during a speciation event: evidence from planktic foraminifera
Authors: Vanadzina Karina , Schmidt Daniela N.
Published: August 2021

Studies in extant populations have shown that plasticity in developmental trajectories can contribute to the origin of novel traits and species divergence via the expression of previously cryptic variation in response to environmental change. Finding evidence for plasticity-led evolution in the fossil record remains challenging due to the poor preservation of developmental stages in many organisms. Planktic foraminifera are ideally suited for addressing this knowledge gap, because adult organisms in species in which development has been studied retain information about all the ontogenetic stages they have undergone. Here we map changes in the developmental trajectories of 68 specimens in the Globorotalia plesiotumida–tumida lineage of planktic foraminifera from the late Miocene until Recent using high-resolution computer tomography techniques. Our unique dataset shows that the transition from the ancestral G. plesiotumida to the descendant G. tumida is preceded by an increased variability in total cumulative volume—an important indicator of reproductive success in this taxon. We also find that the transition interval is marked by a distinct shift in developmental trajectory, which supports a rapid lineage division rather than gradual change. We suggest that high levels of plasticity—particularly in the early stages of development—have contributed to divergence in the ancestral morphology when subjected to a global cooling trend in the late Miocene. The large variation in developmental trajectories that we uncover within our samples emphasizes the need for high-throughput approaches in studies of ontogenetic change in the fossil record.
EVOLUTION OF RADIOCARBON CALIBRATION
Authors: Reimer Paula J
Published: August 2021

In the late 1950s it was recognized that levels of atmospheric radiocarbon (14C) had not been constant over time. Since then, researchers have sought to document those changes, initially through measurements of known age tree rings and more recently using other archives to create curves to correct or calibrate radiocarbon ages to calendar ages. This paper highlights some, but by no means all, of the efforts to create and extend radiocarbon calibration curves.
ON CERTAIN PRODUCTS OF PERMUTABLE SUBGROUPS
Authors: BALLESTER-BOLINCHES A. , MADANHA S. Y. , MUDZIIRI SHUMBA T. M. , PEDRAZA-AGUILERA M. C.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study the structure of finite groups
$G=AB$
which are a weakly mutually
$sn$
-permutable product of the subgroups A and B, that is, A permutes with every subnormal subgroup of B containing
$A \cap B$
and B permutes with every subnormal subgroup of A containing
$A \cap B$
. We obtain generalisations of known results on mutually
$sn$
-permutable products.
Acute feeding has minimal effect on the validity of body composition and metabolic measures: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a multi-compartment model
Authors: Smith-Ryan Abbie E. , Brewer Gabrielle , Gould Lacey M. , Blue Malia N.M. , Hirsch Katie R. , Greenwalt Casey E. , Harrison Courtney , Cabre Hannah E. , Ryan Eric D.
Published: August 2021

Understanding the effects of acute feeding on body composition and metabolic measures is essential to the translational component and practical application of measurement and clinical use. To investigate the influence of acute feeding on the validity of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a four-compartment model (4C) and indirect calorimetry metabolic outcomes, thirty-nine healthy young adults (n 19 females; age: 21·8 (sd 3·1) years, weight; 71·5 (sd 10·0) kg) participated in a randomised cross-over study. Subjects were provided one of four randomised meals on separate occasions (high carbohydrate, high protein, ad libitum or fasted baseline) prior to body composition and metabolic assessments. Regardless of macronutrient content, acute feeding increased DXA percent body fat (%fat) for the total sample and females (average constant error (CE):–0·30 %; total error (TE): 2·34 %), although not significant (P = 0·062); the error in males was minimal (CE: 0·11 %; TE: 0·86 %). DXA fat mass (CE: 0·26 kg; TE: 0·75 kg) and lean mass (LM) (CE: 0·83 kg; TE: 1·23 kg) were not altered beyond measurement error for the total sample. 4C %fat was significantly impacted from all acute feedings (avg CE: 0·46 %; TE: 3·7 %). 4C fat mass (CE: 0·71 kg; TE: 3·38 kg) and fat-free mass (CE: 0·55 kg; TE: 3·05 kg) exceeded measurement error for the total sample. RMR was increased for each feeding condition (TE: 1666·9 kJ/d; 398 kcal/d). Standard pre-testing fasting guidelines may be important when evaluating DXA and 4C %fat, whereas additional DXA variables (fat mass and LM) may not be significantly impacted by an acute meal. Measuring body composition via DXA under less stringent pre-testing guidelines may be valid and increase feasibility of testing in clinical settings.
Mawson’s views on use of natural resources in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic
Authors: Shaughnessy Peter D. , Pharaoh Mark
Published: August 2021

Sir Douglas Mawson is a well-known Antarctic explorer and scientist. Early in his career, he recognised opportunities for commerce in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. While at Cape Denison, Antarctica, in 1913 on the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE), the Adelie Blizzard magazine was produced. Mawson contributed articles about Antarctic natural resources and their possible use. Later, he advocated Australia be involved in pelagic whaling. He collected seal skins and oil for their commercial value to be assessed by the Hudson’s Bay Company. During the AAE, Mawson visited Macquarie Island where an oiling gang was killing southern elephant seals and royal penguins. Mawson was concerned that they were over-exploited and lobbied successfully to stop the killing. His plans for Macquarie Island included a wildlife sanctuary, with a party to supervise access, send meteorological observations to Australia and New Zealand, and be self-funded by harvesting elephant seals and penguins. Macquarie Island was declared a sanctuary in 1933. Although Mawson has been recognised as an early proponent of conservation, his views on conservation of living natural resources were inconsistent. They should be placed in their historical context: in the early twentieth century, utilisation of living natural resources was viewed more favourably than currently.
Habitat-dependent effects of predatory spiders on prey frogs in a Neotropical wet forest
Authors: Folt Brian , Guyer Craig
Published: August 2021

In seasonal wet Neotropical forests, many studies have suggested that species-rich terrestrial frog assemblages are regulated bottom-up by the abundance of leaf litter. However, terrestrial frogs are prey to a diverse community of predators, and no studies have tested for top-down effects of predators on this or other anuran assemblages. Here, we used an extensive field dataset to model the relative contribution of food resources, microhabitat resources and predators towards the occupancy and detection of two frog species (Craugastor bransfordiiandOophaga pumilio) at La Selva, Costa Rica. Frog occupancy was most strongly influenced by predatory spiders and secondarily influenced by the abundance of leaf litter. Predators exerted stronger effects on frogs than food resources, and frogs avoided predators more as leaf litter decreased. Detection probability was elevated when predators were present. We found support for bottom-up effects of leaf litter on the terrestrial frog assemblage, but top-down effects by predators exerted stronger effects on frog occupancy and detection. Because predator avoidance varied along a resource gradient, predator and resource effects appear to be dependent, supporting interactions between top-down and bottom-up mechanisms. Climate-driven decreases in leaf litter may drive decreased availability of frog refugia and increased interactions between frogs and predators.
The Effectiveness of Different E-Learning Modalities in Enhancing Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Principles, Knowledge, and Communication Skills of Undergraduate Paramedic Students
Authors: Yaylaci Serpil , Guven Feray
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Paramedic students should have the crucial cognitive and psychomotor skills related to neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (N-CPR).

Study Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blended learning on the theoretical knowledge and preliminary knowledge of the psychomotor skills, adherence to the algorithm, and teamwork in simulation-based education (SBE) of N-CPR.

Methods:

This randomized, prospective study was conducted on 60 fourth-semester paramedic students. The participants were separated into two groups following a classroom lecture. Each group was assigned either a slide presentation (Group 1; SP-G) or a video clip (Group 2; V-G). All the participants answered multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and each group (Group 1 and Group 2) was divided into 10 sub-groups. These sub-groups were then tested in an observational performance evaluation (OPE) consisting of a neonatal asphyxia megacode scenario, after the classroom lecture and following the blended learning process.

Results:

Group performance, teamwork, communication skills, and adherence to the algorithm were evaluated. There was a significant difference in the MCQ and OPE results between the after classroom lecture and after blended learning for both groups. The average score of Group 2 was higher than Group 1 in the MCQ results (Mann-Whitney U test; P <.001). The average score of Group 2 was higher than Group 1 in the OPE results (Mann-Whitney U test; P = .002).

Conclusion:

Blended learning, especially video clips, in adjunction with the classroom lecture were effective in acquiring and developing both technical and non-technical skills among paramedic students in SBE of N-CPR training.
Prehospital Disaster Triage Does Not Predict Pediatric Outcomes: Comparing the Criteria Outcomes Tool to Three Mass-Casualty Incident Triage Algorithms
Authors: Cicero Mark X. , Santillanes Genevieve R. , Cross Keith P. , Kaji Amy H. , Donofrio J. Joelle
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

It remains unclear which mass-casualty incident (MCI) triage tool best predicts outcomes for child disaster victims.

Study Objectives:

The primary objective of this study was to compare triage outcomes of Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START), modified START, and CareFlight in pediatric patients to an outcomes-based gold standard using the Criteria Outcomes Tool (COT). The secondary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, under-triage, over-triage, and overall accuracy at each level for each MCI triage algorithm.

Methods:

Singleton trauma patients under 16 years of age with complete prehospital, emergency department (ED), and in-patient data were identified in the 2007-2009 National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). The COT outcomes and procedures were translated into ICD-9 procedure codes with added timing criteria. Gold standard triage levels were assigned using the COT based on outcomes, including mortality, injury type, admission to the hospital, and surgical procedures. Comparison triage levels were determined based on algorithmic depictions of the three MCI triage tools.

Results:

A total of 31,093 patients with complete data were identified from the NTDB. The COT was applied to these patients, and the breakdown of gold standard triage levels, based on their actual clinical outcomes, was: 17,333 (55.7%) GREEN; 11,587 (37.3%) YELLOW; 1,572 (5.1%) RED; and 601 (1.9%) BLACK. CareFlight had the best sensitivity for predicting COT outcomes for BLACK (83% [95% confidence interval, 80%-86%]) and GREEN patients (79% [95% CI, 79%-80%]) and the best specificity for RED patients (89% [95% CI, 89%-90%]).

Conclusion:

Among three prehospital MCI triage tools, CareFlight had the best performance for correlating with outcomes in the COT. Overall, none of three tools had good test characteristics for predicting pediatric patient needs for surgical procedures or hospital admission.
Minds in action: Evidence that linguistic diversity helps children build a theory of mind
Authors: Díaz Vanessa
Published: August 2021

Reports suggest that the development of a child's understanding of the mind (ToM) is enhanced in bilingual children. This is usually ascribed to different features of executive functioning (EF), though there is not a lot of empirical support for that position. Instead, published studies suggest an association between linguistic processes such as sociolinguistic sensitivity, metalinguistic awareness, language proficiency, and bilinguals’ ToM development. Coupled with evidence that bilinguals rely more on person-intention cues and show enhanced abilities to repair breakdowns in communication compared to monolinguals, this paper presents the argument that navigating sociolinguistic environments with agents differing in linguistic knowledge helps bilingual children develop an enhanced ToM. Additionally, this review includes relevant literature on deaf children and cultural variations and ToM, which are indicative of other situations in which contextual variants, especially those that are linguistically mediated, have an impact on the development of ToM that is independent of EF.
Association between acculturation and metabolic syndrome in Hispanic adults mediated by fruits intake
Authors: Liu Jialiang , Fulda Kimberly G , Tao Meng-Hua
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

Hispanic adults in the USA tend to have a disproportionate prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as compared to other races.

Design:

We examined whether the association between acculturation and MetS and its components are mediated by the intake of fruit in Hispanics.

Setting:

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2009–2016 were used in this study.

Participants:

A total of 2078 Hispanics aged ≥ 20 years were included in this analysis.

Results:

The mediating role of total fruit intake was assessed using multivariable-adjusted logistic structural equation models with the bootstrapping method by estimating indirect (IE) and direct (DE) effects from acculturation to MetS. High acculturation was associated with increased odds of MetS (adjusted OR = 1·20, 95 % CI 1·04, 1·39), central obesity (OR = 1·24, 95 % CI 1·07, 1·44) and high blood pressure (OR = 1·16, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·32) among Hispanic adults. Total fruits intake partially mediated the associations of acculturation with MetS (ORIE = 1·02, 95 % CI 1·00, 1·03) and central obesity (ORIE = 1·02, 95 % CI 1·00, 1·03), whereas fully mediated the association between acculturation and high blood pressure (ORIE = 1·03, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·06). Moreover, intake of total fruits fully mediated the acculturation–MetS association among Mexican Americans (ORIE = 1·02, 95 % CI 1·00, 1·05).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggested that increasing fruit consumption may reduce the impact of high acculturation on MetS development in Hispanic adults. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The Impact of U.S. Re‐engagement in Climate on the Paris Targets
Authors: van de Ven Dirk‐Jan , Westphal Michael , González‐Eguino Mikel , Gambhir Ajay , Peters Glen , Sognnaes Ida , McJeon Haewon , Hultman Nathan , Kennedy Kevin , Cyrs Tom , Clarke Leon
Published: August 2021

The Paris Agreement seeks to combine international efforts to keep global temperature increase to well‐below 2°C. Whilst current ambitions in many signatories are insufficient to achieve this goal, optimism prevailed in the second half of 2020. Not only did several major emitters announce net‐zero mitigation targets around mid‐century, but the new Biden Administration immediately announced the U.S.’s re‐entry into Paris and a net‐zero goal for 2050. U.S. federal re‐engagement in climate action could have a considerable impact on its national greenhouse gas emissions pathway, by significantly augmenting existing state‐level actions. Combined with U.S. re‐entry in the Paris Agreement, this could also serve as a stimulus to enhance ambitions in other countries. A critical question then becomes what such U.S. re‐engagement, through both national and international channels, would have on the global picture. This commentary explores precisely this question, by using an integrated assessment model to assess U.S. national emissions, global emissions, and end‐of‐century temperatures in five scenarios combining different climate ambition levels in both the U.S. and the rest of the world. Our analyses finds that ambitious climate leadership by the Biden Administration on top of enhanced climate commitments by other the major economies could potentially be the trigger for the world to fulfill the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement.
Widespread Grounding Line Retreat of Totten Glacier, East Antarctica, Over the 21st Century
Authors: Pelle Tyler , Morlighem Mathieu , Nakayama Yoshihiro , Seroussi Hélène
Published: August 2021

Totten Glacier (TG), the primary ice discharger of East Antarctica, contains 3.85 m sea level rise equivalent (SLRe) ice mass and has displayed ocean‐driven dynamic change since at least the early 2000s. We project TG's evolution through 2100 in an asynchronously coupled ice‐ocean model, forced at the ocean boundaries with anomalies in CMIP6 projected temperature, salinity, and velocity. Consistent with previous studies, the Antarctic Slope Current continues to modulate warm water inflow toward TG in future simulations. Warm water (−0.5 – C) accesses TG's sub‐ice shelf cavity through depressions along the eastern ice front, driving sustained retreat of TG's eastern grounding zone that cannot be captured in uncoupled models. In high emission scenarios, warm water overcomes topographic barriers and dislodges TG's southern grounding zone around 2070, increasing the rate of grounded ice loss 3.5‐fold (10–35 Gt/yr) and resulting in a total 4.20 mm SLRe loss by 2100.
The Possible Effect of Seawater Total Alkalinity on Lightning Flash Intensity—An Experimental Approach
Authors: Silverman Jacob , Price Colin , Asfur Mustafa
Published: August 2021

Atmospheric lightning has been the focus of many studies in atmospheric physics and chemistry. In previous studies we have shown that the intensity of electrical sparks discharged into natural and artificial saline solutions are strongly influenced by their salinity and pH. In this study we tested the effect of changes in the total alkalinity (TA) of Mediterranean seawater on its lightning flash intensity (LFI) by addition of concentrated HCl and NaOH. These experiments showed that the LFI was positively correlated with TA and varied by 40% between the lower and upper limit of our experimental range. These results imply that TA together with salinity and pH of natural waters, may also be a significant predictor of LFI, especially in oceanic regions where TA diverges positively from its conservation with salinity because of external inputs such as rivers and groundwater or upwelling of TA and CO2 enriched (low pH) deep waters.
Elevated Acidification Rates Due to Deposition of Atmospheric Pollutants in the Coastal Bay of Bengal
Authors: Sarma V. V. S. S. , Krishna M. S. , Srinivas T. N. R. , Kumari V. R. , Yadav K. , Kumar M. D.
Published: August 2021

Human inputs of pollutants to the atmosphere and subsequent deposition may decrease pH in the coastal waters. Significant rate of decrease in pH and increase in pCO2 by 3–5 times is noticed in the coastal Bay of Bengal (BoB) than the low‐latitude global ocean trends in the last few decades. We provide evidence for the first time for a rapid decrease in surface water pH due to atmospheric deposition of pollutants in the coastal BoB. The decrease in pH in the coastal BoB over the last decade is associated with concomitant increase in aerosol optical depth (AOD), total suspended particles (TSP) in air, sulfate and nitrate concentrations in TSP. This study suggests that contamination of surface coastal BoB by atmospheric pollutants not only acidifies surface ocean but also potentially amplifies CO2 emission with immediate implications to regional weather and climate.
Automatic detection of pathological myopia using machine learning
Authors: Rauf Namra , Gilani Syed Omer , Waris Asim
Published: August 2021

Pathological myopia is a severe case of myopia, i.e., nearsightedness. Pathological myopia is also known as degenerative myopia because it ultimately leads to blindness. In pathological myopia, certain myopia-specific pathologies occur at the eye’s posterior i.e., Foster-Fuchs’s spot, Cystoid degeneration, Liquefaction, Macular degeneration, Vitreous opacities, Weiss’s reflex, Posterior staphyloma, etc. This research is aimed at developing a machine learning (ML) approach for the automatic detection of pathological myopia based on fundus images. A deep learning technique of convolutional neural network (CNN) is employed for this purpose. A CNN model is developed in Spyder. The fundus images are first preprocessed. The preprocessed images are then fed to the designed CNN model. The CNN model automatically extracts the features from the input images and classifies the images i.e., normal image or pathological myopia. The best performing CNN model achieved an AUC score of 0.9845. The best validation loss obtained is 0.1457. The results show that the model can be successfully employed to detect pathological myopia from the fundus images.
Separation of surface oxide from bulk Ni by selective Ni 3p photoelectron spectroscopy for chemical analysis in coincidence with Ni M-edge Auger electrons
Authors: Born Artur , Johansson Fredrik O. L. , Leitner Torsten , Kühn Danilo , Lindblad Andreas , Mårtensson Nils , Föhlisch Alexander
Published: August 2021

The chemical shift of core level binding energies makes electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) a workhorse analytical tool for science and industry. For some elements, close lying and overlapping spectral features within the natural life time broadening restrict applications. We establish how the core level binding energy chemical shift can be picked up experimentally by the additional selectivity through Auger electron photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy (APECS). Coincident measurement of Ni 3p photoemission with different MVV Auger regions from specific decay channels, narrows the 3p core-levels to a width of 1.2 eV, resolves the spin–orbit splitting of 1.6 eV and determines the chemical shift of Ni 3p levels of a Ni(111) single crystal and its oxidized surface layer to 0.6 eV.
Wood pellets transport with vibrating conveyor: experimental for DEM simulations analysis
Authors: Gelnar Daniel , Prokeš Rostislav , Jezerska Lucie , Zegzulka Jiri
Published: August 2021

This work presents a comprehensive overview of the mechanical-physical parameters of the transport material affecting the vibratory transport. For this purpose, spruce pellets of different lengths, oak rods and spruce crush were tested. The determined parameters were particle size distribution and shape, internal friction, static and dynamic angle of repose. The samples were transported by a patented validation vibrating conveyor. Various settings were used. The results show that by changing the shape, it is possible to reduce friction or resistance as well as energy intensity during transport. It was observed that perfect shapes and lighter particles have lower friction, but a more pronounced bounce. Therefore, it does not form a typical pattern during transport, as in the case of an imperfectly shaped one. There is also included a simulation of the discrete element method. The study shows the possibility of the vibration machine where the material can be conveyed either directionally or sorted.
Assessment of macular function in patients with non-vascularized pigment epithelial detachment
Authors: Kitano Marie , Fujita Asahi , Asaoka Ryo , Inoue Tatsuya , Amari Tatsuaki , Komatsu Kayoko , Yamamoto Motoshi , Ogawa Asako , Aoki Nobuyori , Yamanari Masahiro , Sugiyama Satoshi , Aihara Makoto , Kato Satoshi , Azuma Keiko , Maruyama-Inoue Maiko , Kadonosono Kazuaki , Obata Ryo
Published: August 2021

Non-vascularized pigment epithelial detachments (PED) are usually associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between visual function and morphologic parameters. Seventeen eyes of eleven patients with non-vascularized AMD were enrolled. In addition to conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT), polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) measurements were performed by evaluating the regularity of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) entropy within the PED area. Retinal sensitivity was measured with MP-3 microperimetry, and retinal sensitivities within (RSin) and outside (RSout) the PED area were calculated. The relationship between OCT parameters and visual function was analyzed. As a result, there was a significant difference between the RSin and RSout (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Moreover, RSin was significantly related to logMAR VA (p = 0.033, linear mixed model). The regularity of RPE entropy was significantly related to visual acuity and RSin (p = 0.00038, p = 0.031, linear mixed model), although neither the height nor area of PED correlated with visual function. Our results suggest that retinal sensitivity is significantly deteriorated within the PED area and RPE entropy measured with PS-OCT was closely related to visual function in eyes with non-vascularized PED.
Species and characteristics of volatile organic compounds emitted from an auto-repair painting workshop
Authors: Song M. Y. , Chun H.
Published: August 2021

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are secondary pollutant precursors having adverse impacts on the environment and human health. Although VOC emissions, their sources, and impacts have been investigated, the focus has been on large-scale industrial sources or indoor environments; studies on relatively small-scale enterprises (e.g., auto-repair workshops) are lacking. Here, we performed field VOC measurements for an auto-repair painting facility in Korea and analyzed the characteristics of VOCs emitted from the main painting workshop (top coat). The total VOC concentration was 5069–8058 ppb, and 24–35 species were detected. The VOCs were mainly identified as butyl acetate, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene compounds. VOC characteristics differed depending on the paint type. Butyl acetate had the highest concentration in both water- and oil-based paints; however, its concentration and proportion were higher in the former (3256 ppb, 65.5%) than in the latter (2449 ppb, 31.1%). Comparing VOC concentration before and after passing through adsorption systems, concentrations of most VOCs were lower at the outlets than the inlets of the adsorption systems, but were found to be high at the outlets in some workshops. These results provide a theoretical basis for developing effective VOC control systems and managing VOC emissions from auto-repair painting workshops.
Catalytic Strategies Within the Confined Spaces of Coordination Cages
Authors: Spicer R. L. , Lusby P. J.
Published: August 2021

Coordination cages have emerged as an interesting and diverse subset of supramolecular systems that utilise the assembly of ligands and metals to create constructs with hollow interiors. This inner space provides opportunities for many applications; however, exploiting it for catalysis is arguably the most interesting and challenging of academic pursuits. In this chapter, we will outline how coordination cage catalysis emerged and followed on from earlier examples of supramolecular methods and highlight the remarkable progress that has been made in the past two decades. This chapter is not intended as a comprehensive review; rather it has been limited to select examples that serve to represent both what has been achieved and what is the current state of the art.
Catalytic Nanoparticles in Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: King J. , Szilágyi P. Á.
Published: August 2021

Nano-objects, such as nanoparticles and nanoclusters, are widely used for catalysis, with a whole variety of benefits when compared to their bulk counterparts, such as higher surface-to-volume ratios resulting in more active sites. However, they also display drawbacks, particularly on account of their thermodynamic instability. Thus the need to stabilise them is a perpetual concern when using these materials, with the typical approach consisting of a strongly binding two-dimensional support to ensure that they retain their size and, consequently, their activity. Alternatively, porous materials provide a three-dimensional environment in which nanoparticles can be confined, and, in many cases, their catalytic properties are enhanced due to interactions with these supports. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a particular class of crystalline porous materials built up of inorganic nodes connected by organic linkers shall be the focus of this chapter, owing to their immeasurable variability and highly appealing properties as supports. We will give an overview of the reasons to contain nanocatalysts within metal–organic frameworks, detailing the issues associated with nano-objects and the beneficial properties of these frameworks such as potential interactions with the guest nano-objects. A particular focus will be given on the effect of the nanospaces afforded by the MOFs’ pores on the properties of nanocatalysts.
Synthesis of blue light emitting heterocycles via cyclization of 2-pyridine derived 4-azido-r1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Tsyrenova Biligma D. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: August 2021

An efficient synthesis of 2-pyridine derived 4-azido-1,2,3-triazoles is elaborated using the corresponding dichlorodiazadienes as precursors.
The desalting/salting pathway: a route to form metastable aggregates with tuneable morphologies and lifetimes
Authors: Mehan Sumit , Herrmann Laure , Chapel Jean-Paul , Jestin Jacques , Berret Jean-Francois , Cousin Fabrice
Published: August 2021

We investigate the formation/re-dissociation mechanisms of hybrid complexes made from negatively charged PAA2k coated γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and positively charged polycations (PDADMAC) in aqueous solution in the regime of very high ionic strength.
Tuning water-responsiveness with Bombyx mori silk–silica nanoparticle composites
Authors: Jung Yeojin , Sharifi Golru Samaneh , Li Tai-De , Biddinger Elizabeth J. , Tu Raymond S. , Chen Xi
Published: August 2021

Silica nanoparticles mimic β-sheet nanocrystals and increase Bombyx mori silk's water-responsive actuation energy.
Comparison of equilibrium techniques for the viscosity calculation from DPD simulations
Authors: Panoukidou Maria , Wand Charlie R. , Carbone Paola
Published: August 2021

Revised Einstein–Helfand and revised Green–Kubo relations accurately predict viscosity trend with polymer length in DPD simulations.
Behandlung von Schmerzen des Bewegungsapparats mit den
YNSA-Basis-Punkten
Authors: Borgmann Gerrit
Published: August 2021

YNSA (Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture) ist ganz anders als
„normale“ Akupunktur auf Grundlage der TCM. Denn sie wurde
tatsächlich durch eine einzige Person entdeckt, ist mit knapp 50 Jahren
noch sehr jung, ist eine Somatotop-Akupunktur und ihre Prinzipien sind
völlig andere als die, die der TCM zugrunde liegen. Nach 20 Jahren
praktischer Erfahrung des Autors mit dieser Methode im orthopädischen
Fachgebiet bestätigt sich empirisch im Vergleich zu anderen
Therapieformen, dass es sich, insbesondere bei akuten funktionellen Beschwerden,
um eine hocheffektive Behandlungsmethode handelt, wenn wenige Regeln penibel
eingehalten werden. Die YNSA ist im Laufe der Jahre stetig erweitert und
ausgebaut worden. Ihr Indikationsspektrum geht weit über die Behandlung
orthopädischer Beschwerden hinaus. Eine komplette Darstellung aller
Indikationen und aller in den letzten Jahren hinzugekommenen Somatotope sprengt
daher den Rahmen eines Artikels. Dieser Beitrag beschränkt sich daher
auf die Behandlung von Schmerzen des Bewegungsapparats, damit eine ausreichende
Detailtiefe erreicht und ein Praxisbezug hergestellt werden kann.
Chirurgie des Zwerchfells
Authors: Sklenar Stephan , Eggeling Stephan
Published: August 2021

Das Zwerchfell befindet sich im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes im Randbereich verschiedener chirurgischer Disziplinen. Die Grundprinzipien der Chirurgie des Zwerchfells werden daher meist auch nur am Rande oder im Rahmen anderer Erkrankungen abgehandelt. In diesem Artikel soll nun das Zwerchfell in das Zentrum der Betrachtungen gerückt werden und chirurgische Aspekte von dessen häufigsten Erkrankungszuständen beleuchtet werden.
Oral Anticoagulant Use in Patients with Morbid Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Tzu-Fei , Carrier Marc , Fournier Karine , Siegal Deborah M. , Le Gal Grégoire , Delluc Aurélien
Published: August 2021

Objectives Obesity is associated with increased risks of atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) for which anticoagulation is commonly used. However, data on the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulants in patients with morbid obesity are limited.

Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for AF or VTE in patients with morbid obesity.

Results We included three randomized controlled trials (5 studies) and 18 observational studies in adult patients with a body weight ≥120 kg, body mass index ≥40 kg/m2, or classified as morbid obesity who received DOACs or VKAs for AF or VTE (N = 77,687). The primary efficacy outcome was stroke/systemic embolism or recurrent VTE, and the primary safety outcome was major bleeding. DOACs were associated with a pooled incidence rate of stroke/systemic embolism of 1.16 per 100 person-years, compared to 1.18 with VKAs. The incidence of recurrent VTE on DOACs was 3.83 per 100 person-years, compared to 6.81 on VKAs. In both VTE and AF populations, DOACs were associated with lower risks of major bleeding compared to VKAs. However, all observational studies had moderate to serious risks of bias.

Conclusion Patients with morbid obesity on DOACs had similar risks of stroke/systemic embolism, lower rates of recurrent VTE, and major bleeding events compared to those on VKAs. However, the certainty of evidence was low given that studies were mostly observational with high risk of confounding.
Prediction and Prevention of Preterm Birth: A Prospective, Randomized Intervention Trial
Authors: Branch D. Ware , VanBuren John M. , Porter T. Flint , Holmgren Calla , Holubkov Richard , Page Kent , Burchard Julja , Lam Garrett K. , Esplin M. Sean
Published: August 2021

Objective The study aimed to determine if a program of mid-trimester serum proteomics screening of women at low risk for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) and the use of a PTB risk-reduction protocol in those whose results indicated an increased risk of sPTB would reduce the likelihood of sPTB and its sequelae.

Study Design Prospective comparison of birth outcomes in singleton pregnancies with mid-trimester cervical length ≥2.5 cm and at otherwise low risk for sPTB randomized to undergo or not undergo mid-trimester serum proteomics screening for increased risk of sPTB (NCT 03530332). Screen-positive women were offered a group of interventions aimed at reducing the risk of spontaneous PTB. The primary outcome was the rate of sPTB <37 weeks, and secondary outcomes were gestational age at delivery, total length of neonatal stay, and NICU length of stay (LOS). Unscreened and screen-negative women received standard care. The adaptive study design targeted a sample size of 3,000 to 10,000 women to detect a reduction in sPTB from 6.4 to 4.7%. Due to limited resources, the trial was stopped early prior to data unblinding.

Results A total of 1,191 women were randomized. Screened and unscreened women were demographically similar. sPTB <37 weeks occurred in 2.7% of screened women and 3.5% of controls (p = 0.41). In the screened compared with the unscreened group, there were no between-group differences in the gestational age at delivery, total length of neonatal stay, and NICU LOS. However, the NICU LOS among infants admitted for sPTB was significantly shorter (median = 6.8 days, interquartile range [IQR]: 1.8–8.0 vs. 45.5 days, IQR: 34.6–79.0; p = 0.005).

Conclusion Mid-trimester serum proteomics screening of women at low risk for sPTB and the use of a sPTB risk-reduction protocol in screen-positive patients did not significantly reduce the rate of sPTB compared with women not screened, though the trial was underpowered thus limiting the interpretation of negative findings. Infants in the screened group had a significantly shorter NICU LOS, a difference likely due to a reduced number of infants in the screened group that delivered <35 weeks.

Key Points
Modeling of neutron and x-ray scattering by liquids: The risks of using phenomenological models
Authors: Montfrooij Wouter , Bafile Ubaldo , Guarini Eleonora
Published: August 2021

We review exact formalisms for describing the dynamics of liquids in terms of static parameters. We discuss how these formalisms are prone to suffer from imposing restrictions that appear to adhere to common sense, but which are overly restrictive, resulting in a flawed description of the dynamics. We detail a fail-safe way for modeling the scattering data of liquids that are free from any unwarranted restriction and avoid overparametrizations. We also list some common habits in analyzing the data and discuss how often they do not do justice to the accuracy achieved in scattering experiments, thus frequently leading to overinterpretations in place of a better-grounded model rejection.
Development of unsteady natural convection in a square cavity under large temperature difference
Authors: Wen Xin , Wang Lian-Ping , Guo Zhaoli
Published: August 2021

To investigate how the nonuniform fluid density distribution caused by large temperature variations affects the development of unsteady natural convection, we perform a series of direct numerical simulations of two-dimensional compressible natural convection in an air-filled square cavity. The cavity has a hot wall on the left and a cold wall on the right, and two horizontal walls are adiabatic. The simulations are done using a kinetic approach based on a modeled Boltzmann equation, from which the fully compressible Navier–Stokes–Fourier equations are recovered. No Boussinesq approximation or low Mach number approximation is made. An extra source term is introduced to adjust the fluid Prandtl number. Simulations are performed for a range of Rayleigh numbers (107−109) with a fixed dimensionless temperature difference of ε=0.6 to determine the critical Rayleigh number and study the development of unsteady flow. To illustrate the instability mechanism, instantaneous fluctuation field, time trace of temperature, and velocity at selected monitoring points, the spectrum and other statistics are presented and discussed. As expected, significant differences are observed between the instability of compressible natural convection and the Boussinesq-type natural convection. With a large temperature difference, the transition to unsteady flow is asymmetric for the flows near the hot wall and cold wall. For the Rayleigh number range we studied, the cold wall region is dominated by low-frequency impact instability of the boundary thermal jet at the bottom corner. For the hot wall region, besides the upper corner impact instability, a boundary layer instability featuring high-frequency oscillations is observed.
High-resolution radiation detection using Ni/SiO2/n-4H-SiC vertical metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor
Authors: Chaudhuri Sandeep K. , Karadavut OmerFaruk , Kleppinger Joshua W. , Mandal Krishna C.
Published: August 2021

In this article, we demonstrate the radiation detection performance of vertical metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors fabricated on 20 μm thick n-4H-SiC epitaxial layers with the highest energy resolution ever reported. The 100 nm SiO2 layer was achieved on the Si face of n-4H-SiC epilayers using dry oxidation in air. The Ni/SiO2/n-4H-SiC MOS detectors not only demonstrated an excellent energy resolution of 0.42% (ΔE/E×100) for 5.48 MeV alpha particles but also caused a lower enhancement in the electronic noise components of the spectrometer compared with that observed for the best high-resolution Schottky barrier detectors. The MOS detectors also exhibited a high charge collection efficiency (CCE) of 96% at the optimized operating bias despite the presence of the oxide layer. A drift-diffusion model applied to the CCE vs gate bias voltage data revealed a minority (hole) carrier diffusion length of 24 μm. Capacitance mode deep level transient spectroscopy (C-DLTS) scans in the temperature range 84–800 K were carried out to identify the resolution limiting electrically active defects. Interestingly, the C-DLTS spectra revealed both positive and negative peaks, indicating the simultaneous presence of electron (majority) and hole (minority) trap centers. It has been inferred that at the steady-state bias for the C-DLTS measurement, the MOS detector operates in the inversion mode at certain device temperatures, causing holes to populate the minority trap centers and, hence, manifests minority carrier peaks as well.
Prediction of adhesion between randomly rough surfaces by order statistics
Authors: Hu Hong , Zhao Suo , Wang Wenshuo , Zhang Yuqi , Fu Yu , Zheng Zijian
Published: August 2021

Understanding the adhesion between rough surfaces has practical significance. We derive a simple analytical formula on the basis of the classic order statistics to predict the interfacial binding energy between rough surfaces. It is found that the strong length scale dependence of adhesion ranging from the nominal size scale down to any artificially defined cutoff length scale in constructing a rough profile can be considered as a purely statistic performance resulted from different samplings and can be further described by a single parameter called sampling number. We compare the formula predictions with the experimental results and demonstrate that our simple formula holds its accuracy especially for the Derjaguin–Muller–Toporov adhesion case.
Ultrarapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using a reverse transcription–free exponential amplification reaction, RTF-EXPAR
Authors: Carter Jake G. , Orueta Iturbe Lorea , Duprey Jean-Louis H. A. , Carter Ian R. , Southern Craig D. , Rana Marium , Whalley Celina M. , Bosworth Andrew , Beggs Andrew D. , Hicks Matthew R. , Tucker James H. R. , Dafforn Timothy R.
Published: August 2021

Significance

We report a rapid COVID-19 assay that gives a sample-to-signal time of under 10 min. The current gold-standard COVID-19 assay uses PCR, where strands of DNA are copied (amplified) many times to generate a read-out signal. However, as the virus genome is RNA, first conversion into DNA is required using reverse transcription (RT) before amplification. While just as sensitive, our assay is faster because 1) we have designed a method for generating DNA (the trigger strand) from RNA, bypassing the lengthy RT step, and 2) a quicker amplification process than PCR, called exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR), is used to amplify the trigger. This methodology could ultimately be applied to any RNA-based assay, including the detection of other infectious agents.
Reproductive hyperallometry and managing the world’s fisheries
Authors: Marshall Dustin J. , Bode Michael , Mangel Marc , Arlinghaus Robert , Dick E. J.
Published: August 2021

Significance

We find that a ubiquitous assumption in fisheries models for predicting population replenishment introduces systematic overestimates of replenishment in fished populations. For 32 of the world’s major fisheries, these biases result in harvest thresholds being set too high: in most cases, reference points based on spawning potential ratios are more than 2.5 times higher than those necessary to achieve the desired level of replenishment. When we use the more biologically appropriate assumption of reproductive hyperallometry, we find that management tools such as spatiotemporal closures and harvest slots can outperform traditional approaches in terms of yield. Failing to consider reproductive hyperallometry overestimates the efficacy of traditional fisheries management and underestimates the benefits of approaches that create reservoirs of larger individuals.