bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEEING A MEDICAL DOCTOR IS ASSOCIATED WITH SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING QUITTING SMOKING
Authors: DRAGOMIR Anca D. , YANG Wenxuan , LUTA George
Published: September 2021

Smoking is a very significant public health problem. Quitting smoking will greatly reduce related morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between seeing a medical doctor during the past 12 months and seriously considering quitting smoking within the next 6 months, among US smokers. The self-reported information on 3102 current smokers used for the study was from the May 2010 Longitudinal Cohort from the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. We used logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for the clustering of smokers within households. In unadjusted analysis, seeing a medical doctor in the past year was statistically significantly associated with seriously considering quitting smoking (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.33-1.82). The results after adjustment for confounders, and also after further adjustment for additional variables, were similar (OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.35-1.89). We found that seeing a medical doctor was statistically significantly associated with seriously considering quitting smoking among US smokers. Further research work should consider the potential role of income and marital status as effect modifiers for this association.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INDIVIDUAL SECURITY
Authors: ILIE Tiberiu
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to analyze social responsibility in relation to individual security. Social responsibility contains the mechanisms by which individuals and groups contribute to a collective security when the state institutions specialized intervention is not required. In this context, we will analyze the importance of responsibility for building social protection. The study is a qualitative one. The results highlight that the social responsibility of citizens can be a factor of stability, generator of security and human development. The conclusions highlight, among others, the fact that people interested in their own security are trying to find solutions for preserving the standard of living on the basis of social responsibility.
TEENS' PERCEPTION AND BEHAVIOR REGARDING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Authors: CORMOS Viorica-Cristina
Published: September 2021

Adolescence is a stage of life that begins, according to specialists, around the age 13-14 and can extend even until 20 years old. The end of adolescence marks the beginning of maturity and the transition to adulthood. This period is characterised by a series of obstacles, whereby psychological and behavioural imbalances are often identified. For teenagers, showing off, being different and impressing their friend groups are common. As a result, alcohol use is one of the many options adolescents may choose to reach such "performance." Many of them are nonchalant regarding alcohol use and consider drinking a temporary phase with no consequences. Others have deeper knowledge about drinking, but don’t apply them. In this paper, I will highlight some aspects on perception and behaviour in adolescents regarding alcohol use, which were analysed based on an interview applied to teenagers in several high schools in Suceava County. I will also detail the strategies and possibilities of prevention to reduce this phenomenon among adolescents.
RETURN TO SOCIAL CAPITAL: CASE STUDY
Authors: FEDOR Catalin George
Published: September 2021

In this paper we propose to reconsider the concept of social capital and to present the results of a study on how social identity is being built, a study conducted on the ground in an ethnic, confessional and cultural community in a period of post-communist transition. The research is a quantitative one. The results highlight the current practical value of the social capital concept, internalized and manifested differently by the different social groups belonging to the same communities. Equally, social capital is a vector of preserving local identity and the community can rely on it to shape its future.
INDIVIDUAL PARENTAL COACHING - A SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
Authors: BARKAN Iris
Published: September 2021

Parents are usually entering the significant role of parenthood without any designated manual or training, apart from the parental modeling they have experienced in their own childhood home. Yet, the responsibility for raising happy and well-adjusted children lays on the parents' shoulders. The parental task becomes even more demanding during the tension saturated years of adolescence, when parents tend to feel lost, bewildered, and lose the easy-going communication they had with their children, especially in the challenging post-modern era. In order to establish 'good enough' parenting, which is based on a coherent and consistent agenda, parents should be given the opportunity to set out on a journey of familiarity with their own 'self,' their values as individuals, their beliefs, strengths and weaknesses, which is offered by using the Individual Parental Coaching (IPC) model. The uniqueness of the model is by placing the parents at the heart of the coaching process, relating to them as whole and complete persons, rather than as a parent designed to bare, raise, love and serve children. The model was examined with qualitative research in 2016 in Israel, and has developed to other fields since then. The results of the initial research and utterances from other parents that participated in the model in various contexts indicate that they clearly witness a significant improvement of their parental abilities, which lead to a better connection and communication with their adolescent's children.
ETHICS AND NURSING IN A WIRED WORLD
Authors: TSARFATI Becky , COJOCARU Daniela
Published: September 2021

In recent years, healthcare givers and patients have extensively used computerized technologies and digital information. This changed the work environment and skills of nurses who learn to live with innovations, namely working with both “machines” and humans. Nursing is patient-centered, respecting human dignity and acknowledging patients' needs. Nurses are required to promote safe environment and health care, educate, and embrace a health policy for individuals of all ages and communities. Electronic health records are shared through network systems not only by patients but also by physicians, nurses, insurance personnel, government officials and more. This widespread access to health information requires finding ways for observing patients’ confidentiality and privacy by the users. This paper presents four central ethical issues stemming from the use of electronic records: the built-in conflict between nurses' quality care commitment to health system organization and their commitment to maintain patients' respect and privacy; the gap between the one-dimensional reporting of medical and therapeutic information through technological systems; the gap between the advantage of technological systems as being easy to operate and use and the risk of leaking confidential medical information, violating patients' privacy. 4) Conflict between nurses' classic professional identity as people who take care of and satisfy patients' needs and the new concept of nursing that advocates patients’ privacy, autonomy and dignity while learning new technological skills with all the advantages and disadvantages encompassed in it. This paper ends with a writes' point of view about ethical-technological solutions of the ethical issues.
Are We Ready in Case of a Campus Shooting?
Authors: Xin Huaibo , Schmitz Viktoria , Brueggemann Dustin , Schmoll Kevin
Published: September 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine college students’ perception, attitude, and knowledge of an active shooter incident in order to identify and aid their future campus public health emergency preparedness training.

Methods: It is a cross-sectional study, and a total of 455 undergraduate and graduate students were recruited from a variety of majors enrolled in 19 randomly selected classes. A 22-question semistructured survey questionnaire was distributed and completed by the participants. Data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results: Approximately, 82% of the participants indicated that they would be panicked or terrified during a campus shooting and more than half of the participants thought that an active shooter incident could happen to any campus and perceived that their current institution was prepared for it. Participants presented moderate knowledge of an active shooter preparedness. Less than 32% of the participants had prior gun violence preparedness training, and more than 83% of them emphasized the importance of routine emergency preparedness training. There was no clear trend indicating that a higher student classification led to a better preparedness.

Conclusions: Attention should largely be given to developing consistent, tailored, and evidence-based institutional emergency training programs to facilitate a campus-wide readiness.
Dentin Disinfection Efficacy Using Four Different Irrigation Protocols
Authors: Jaramillo David , L Ibarrola Jose , Arias Ana , Sleiman Phillipe , Naji Ali , Jaramillo David E
Published: September 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the effect that 3% Sodium Hypochlorite and 17% Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) with water in between, used sequentially and individually had in the disinfection of dentin blocks that were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: Thirty apical and coronal dentin block samples were divided into five groups (n=5): All samples were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis Group 1: Samples were submerged in 3% NaOCl then in 17% EDTA. Group 2: Samples were submerged first in 17% EDTA and then in 3% NaOCl. Group 3: Samples were immersed in 3% NaOCl only. Group 4: Samples were submerged in 17% EDTA only. Group 5 (positive control group): Samples were only submerged in distilled water. All samples were submerged in distilled water after each irrigation cycle. The irrigation protocol was repeated in all groups until all dentin samples were exposed to 24ml of the irrigating solutions. CFU units were counted and classified in an ordinal scale and compared with the linear-by-linear association test. Results: A significant linear trend in the reduction of CFU was observed when NaOCl and EDTA were combined (independently of the sequence used) when compared to groups 3 and 4 where the irrigants were used individually both in coronal (p=9.45 x 10-21), and apical slices (p=2.33 x 10-20). NaOCl was significantly more effective than EDTA in both coronal and apical slices (p ≥ 0.000001) when used alone. Conclusion: 3% Sodium Hypochlorite was more effective than 17% EDTA. However, alternating 3% NaOCl with 17% EDTA resulted in better dentinal disinfection. Clinical Relevance: Establishing an irrigation protocol that is effective in eradicating bacteria entrenched in dentinal tubules can lead to a more successful outcome in endodontically treated teeth.
The Management of Extrapulmonary Comorbidities and Treatable Traits; Obesity, Physical Inactivity, Anxiety, and Depression, in Adults With Asthma
Authors: McLoughlin Rebecca F. , McDonald Vanessa M.
Published: September 2021

Asthma is a complex and heterogenous disease characterized by variability in disease expression and severity. Multiple extrapulmonary comorbidities and treatable traits are common in people with asthma, and there is an increasing appreciation of how these may complicate asthma management. This review will discuss the prevalence and impact of extrapulmonary comorbidities/risk factors or “traits,” which have been found to co-exist in asthma (obesity, symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and physical inactivity), the impact these traits have on future outcomes (including exacerbation risk and quality of life) and asthma management, and how we should target treatment in asthma when these extrapulmonary traits are present.
Neutrophil Activation: Influence of Antimony Tolerant and Susceptible Clinical Strains of L. (V.) panamensis and Meglumine Antimoniate
Authors: Fernández Olga Lucía , Ramírez Lady Giovanna , Díaz-Varela Míriam , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne , Saravia Nancy Gore
Published: September 2021

Emerging evidence indicates that innate host response contributes to the therapeutic effect of antimicrobial medications. Recent studies have shown that Leishmania parasites derived by in vitro selection for resistance to pentavalent antimony (SbV) as meglumine antimoniate (MA) modulate the activation of neutrophils. However, whether modulation of neutrophil activation extends to natural resistance to this antileishmanial drug has not been established. We have evaluated the influence of clinical strains of L. (V.) panamensis having intrinsic tolerance/resistance to SbV, on the inflammatory response of neutrophils during ex vivo exposure to MA. Accordingly, neutrophils obtained from healthy donors were infected with clinical strains that are sensitive (n = 10) or intrinsically tolerant/resistant to SbV (n = 10) and exposed to a concentration approximating the maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) of SbV (32 µg/ml). The activation profile of neutrophils was evaluated as the expression of the surface membrane markers CD66b, CD18, and CD62L by flow cytometry, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by luminometry, and NET formation using Picogreen to measure dsDNA release and quantification of NETs by confocal microscopy. These parameters of activation were analyzed in relation with parasite susceptibility to SbV and exposure to MA. Here, we show that clinical strains presenting intrinsic tolerance/resistance to SbV induced significantly lower ROS production compared to drug-sensitive clinical strains, both in the presence and in the absence of MA. Likewise, analyses of surface membrane activation markers revealed significantly higher expression of CD62L on cells infected with intrinsically SbV tolerant/resistant L. (V.) panamensis than cells infected with drug-sensitive strains. Expression of other activation markers (CD18 and CD66b) and NET formation were similar for neutrophils infected with SbV sensitive and tolerant clinical strains under the conditions evaluated. Exposure to MA broadly impacted the activation of neutrophils, diminishing NET formation and the expression of CD62L, while augmenting ROS production and CD66b expression, independently of the parasite susceptibility phenotype. These results demonstrated that activation of human neutrophils ex vivo is differentially modulated by infection with clinical strains of L. (V.) panamensis having intrinsic tolerance/resistance to SbV compared to sensitive strains, and by exposure to antimonial drug.
Using Participatory System Dynamics Modeling to Address Complex Conservation Problems: Tiger Farming as a Case Study
Authors: Rieder Erica , Larson Lincoln R. , 't Sas-Rolfes Michael , Kopainsky Birgit
Published: September 2021

Conservation practitioners routinely work within complex social-ecological systems to address threats facing biodiversity and to promote positive human-wildlife interactions. Inadequate understanding of the direct and indirect, short- and long-term consequences of decision making within these dynamic systems can lead to misdiagnosed problems and interventions with perverse outcomes, exacerbating conflict. Participatory system dynamics (SD) modeling is a process that encourages stakeholder engagement, synthesizes research and knowledge, increases trust and consensus and improves transdisciplinary collaboration to solve these complex types of problems. Tiger conservation exemplifies a set of interventions in a complex social-ecological system. Wild tigers remain severely threatened by various factors, including habitat constraints, human-wildlife conflict, and persistent consumer demand for their body parts. Opinions differ on whether commercial captive tiger facilities reduce or increase the threat from poaching for trade, resulting in policy conflict among diverse stakeholder groups. This paper explains how we are working with international conservation partners in a virtual environment to utilize a participatory SD modeling approach with the goal of better understanding and promoting coexistence of humans and wild tigers. We highlight a step-by-step process that others might use to apply participatory SD modeling to address similar conservation challenges, building trust and consensus among diverse partners to reduce conflict and improve the efficacy of conservation interventions.
Outcomes of the Surgical Management of Atrial Isomerism and Functional Single Ventricle: A Single-Centered Cohort From China
Authors: Zou Ming-Hui , Cao Fan , Ma Li , Chen Wei-Dan , Li Wen-Lei , Li Jia , Chen Xin-Xin
Published: September 2021

Objectives:The management of atrial isomerism with complex congenital heart disease remains challenging. Experience has been largely obtained in advanced countries. The clinical diversity is greater in China. We evaluated the early- and medium-term outcomes of surgical treatment of these patients.

Methods:We reviewed 86 patients of atrial isomerism with complex congenital heart disease undergoing varied surgeries in our center in 2008–2020. Cox regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for mortality.

Results:There were 75 cases of right and 11 of left atrial isomerism. Eighty-three (96.5%) patients underwent single-ventricle staged palliation approach, with 10 early and 7 late deaths. The overall 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 84.7, 79.3, and 79.3%, respectively. Thirty-six (43.4%) patients completed the Fontan procedure with median age of 48 months and freedom from death or Fontan failure at 1-, 5-, and 8-years were 94.4, 87.4, and 80.7%, respectively. Concomitant total anomalous pulmonary venous connection [hazard ratio (HR): 5.15 (1.95–12.94),p= 0.008], more than moderate atrioventricular valve regurgitation [HR: 4.82 (2.42–6.79),p= 0.003], and the need for first-stage palliative surgery [HR: 4.58 (1.64–10.76),p= 0.015] were independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusions:Despite even greater clinical diversity, the surgical outcomes of atrial isomerism with complex congenital heart disease are improving in China. The early and intermediate outcomes are comparable to many previous reports. Concomitant total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, moderate or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and the need for a first-stage palliative surgery are still independent risk factors for mortality.
Prognostic Impact of the Symptom of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Insights From the NOAFCAMI-SH Registry
Authors: Luo Jiachen , Liu Baoxin , Li Hongqiang , Xu Siling , Gong Mengmeng , Li Zhiqiang , Qin Xiaoming , Shi Beibei , Hao Chuanzhen , Zhang Ji , Wei Yidong
Published: September 2021

Background: New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common complication during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sometimes can be completely asymptomatic, but the clinical implications of these asymptomatic episodes require further characterization. The objective of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term prognostic impact of post-MI NOAF based on the presence of AF-related symptoms.

Methods: The New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction in ShangHai (NOAFCAMI-SH) registry was a retrospective cohort including participants with AMI without a documented history of AF. Patients with NOAF were divided into two groups according to the AF-related symptoms. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results: Of 2,399 patients included, 278 (11.6%) developed NOAF of whom 145 (6.0%) with asymptomatic episodes and 133 (5.5%) with symptomatic ones. During hospitalization, 148 patients died [106, 10, and 32 in the sinus rhythm (SR), asymptomatic, and symptomatic NOAF groups, respectively]. After multivariable adjustment, only symptomatic NOAF was associated with in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR): 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36–3.94] compared with SR. Over a median follow-up of 2.7 years, all-cause mortality was 3.2, 12.4, and 11.8% per year in the SR, asymptomatic, and symptomatic NOAF groups, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, it was the asymptomatic NOAF [hazard ratio (HR): 1.61, 95% CI: 1.09–2.37) rather than the symptomatic one (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 0.88–2.12) that was significantly related to mortality. Similar results were also observed for cardiovascular mortality [HRs and 95% CI were 1.71 (1.10–2.67) and 1.25 (0.74–2.11) for asymptomatic and symptomatic NOAF, respectively]. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic NOAF episodes were associated with heart failure, whereas only those with symptomatic NOAF were at heightened risk of ischemic stroke. Our exploratory analysis further identified patients with asymptomatic high-burden NOAF as the highest-risk population (mortality: 19.6% per year).

Conclusion: Among patients with AMI, symptomatic NOAF is related to in-hospital mortality and asymptomatic NOAF is associated with poor long-term survival.

Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/; Unique identifier: NCT03533543.
Seismic and Aseismic Cycle of the Ecuador–Colombia Subduction Zone
Authors: Chlieh M. , Beauval C. , Yepes H. , Marinière J. , Saillard M. , Audin L.
Published: September 2021

The Colombia–Ecuador subduction zone is an exceptional natural laboratory to study the seismic cycle associated with large and great subduction earthquakes. Since the great 1906 Mw = 8.6 Colombia–Ecuador earthquake, four large Mw > 7.5 megathrust earthquakes occurred within the 1906 rupture area, releasing altogether a cumulative seismic moment of ∼35% of the 1906 seismic moment. We take advantage of newly released seismic catalogs and global positioning system (GPS) data at the scale of the Colombia–Ecuador subduction zone to balance the moment deficit that is building up on the megathrust interface during the interseismic period with the seismic and aseismic moments released by transient slip episodes. Assuming a steady-state interseismic loading, we found that the seismic moment released by the 2016 Mw = 7.8 Pedernales earthquake is about half of the moment deficit buildup since 1942, suggesting that the Pedernales segment was mature to host that seismic event and its postseismic afterslip. In the aftermath of the 2016 event, the asperities that broke in 1958 and 1979 both appears to be mature to host a large Mw > 7.5 earthquakes if they break in two individual seismic events, or an Mw∼7.8–8.0 earthquake if they break simultaneously. The analysis of our interseismic-coupling map suggests that the great 1906 Colombia–Ecuador earthquake could have ruptured a segment of 400 km-long bounded by two 80 km wide creeping segments that coincide with the entrance into the subduction of the Carnegie ridge in Ecuador and the Yaquina Graben in Colombia. These creeping segments share similar frictional properties and may both behave as strong seismic barriers able to stop ruptures associated with great events like in 1906. Smaller creeping segments are imaged within the 1906 rupture area and are located at the extremities of the large 1942, 1958, 1979, and 2016 seismic ruptures. Finally, assuming that the frequency–magnitude distribution of megathrust seismicity follows the Gutenberg–Richter law and considering that 50% of the transient slip on the megathrust is aseismic, we found that the maximum magnitude subduction earthquake that can affect this subduction zone has a moment magnitude equivalent to Mw ∼8.8 with a recurrence time of 1,400 years. No similar magnitude event has yet been observed in that region.
Numerical Assessments of Excess Ice Impacts on Permafrost and Greenhouse Gases in a Siberian Tundra Site Under a Warming Climate
Authors: Park Hotaek , Fedorov Alexander N. , Konstantinov Pavel , Hiyama Tetsuya
Published: September 2021

Excess ice that exists in forms such as ice lenses and wedges in permafrost soils is vulnerable to climate warming. Here, we incorporated a simple representation of excess ice in a coupled hydrological and biogeochemical model (CHANGE) to assess how excess ice affects permafrost thaw and associated hydrologic responses, and possible impacts on carbon dioxide and methane (CH4) fluxes. The model was used to simulate a moss-covered tundra site in northeastern Siberia with various vertical initializations of excess ice under a future warming climate scenario. Simulations revealed that the warming climate induced deepening of the active layer thickness (ALT) and higher vegetation productivity and heterotrophic respiration from permafrost soil. Meanwhile, excess ice temporarily constrained ALT deepening and thermally stabilized permafrost because of the highest latent heat effect obtained under these conditions. These effects were large under conditions of high excess ice content distributed in deeper soil layers, especially when covered by moss and thinner snow. Once ALT reached to the layer of excess ice, it was abruptly melted, leading to ground surface subsidence over 15–20 years. The excess ice meltwater caused deeper soil to wet and contributed to talik formation. The anaerobic wet condition was effective to high CH4emissions. However, as the excess ice meltwater was connected to the subsurface flow, the resultant lower water table limited the CH4efflux. These results provide insights for interactions between warming climate, permafrost excess ice, and carbon and CH4fluxes in well-drained conditions.
Real-Time Prediction of Impending Ground Shaking: Review of Wavefield-Based (Ground-Motion-Based) Method for Earthquake Early Warning
Authors: Hoshiba Mitsuyuki
Published: September 2021

Earthquake early warning (EEW) systems aim to provide advance warning of impending ground shaking, and the technique used for real-time prediction of shaking is a crucial element of EEW systems. Many EEW systems are designed to predict the strength of seismic ground motions (peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, or seismic intensity) based on rapidly estimated source parameters (the source-based method), such as hypocentral location, origin time, magnitude, and extent of fault rupture. Recently, however, the wavefield-based (or ground-motion-based) method has been developed to predict future ground motions based directly on the current wavefield, i.e., ground motions monitored in real-time at neighboring sites, skipping the process of estimation of the source parameters. The wavefield-based method works well even for large earthquakes with long duration and huge rupture extents, highly energetic earthquakes that deviate from standard empirical relations, and multiple simultaneous earthquakes, for which the conventional source-based method sometimes performs inadequately. The wavefield-based method also enables prediction of the ongoing seismic waveform itself using the physics of wave propagation, thus providing information on the duration, in addition to the strength of strong ground motion for various frequency bands. In this paper, I review recent developments of the wavefield-based method, from simple applications using relatively sparse observation networks to sophisticated data assimilation techniques exploiting dense networks.
Sex-Specific Differences in the Effect of Free Testosterone on Sarcopenia Components in Older Adults
Authors: Shin Hyung Eun , Walston Jeremy D. , Kim Miji , Won Chang Won
Published: September 2021

Objective

The association of free testosterone (FT) with sarcopenia and its components is well known in men but incompletely understood in women. We examined the association of baseline FT with the prevalence and incidence of sarcopenia and its components in community-dwelling older adults.

Design

Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis from the prospective population-based Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study.

Methods

A total of 1,879 community-dwelling older adults aged 70–84 years were enrolled for cross-sectional analysis and 1,583 subjects who participated in the 2-year follow-up survey were included for longitudinal analysis. Baseline FT levels was measured by radioimmunoassay. Skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, and physical performance tests were measured at baseline and after 2-year follow-up. Sarcopenia was defined by the diagnostic criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS).

Results

Continuous FT levels was positively associated with the prevalence of sarcopenia in men (odds ratio [OR]=0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.89–1.00)] and women (OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.42–0.99) after adjusting for multiple confounders. In prospective analysis, low FT levels was associated with a decrease in handgrip strength in women (β=-0.61; p=0.010) and a reduction in Timed “Up and Go” (TUG) test (β=0.53; p=0.008) in men after 2 years. No significant correlations were found between FT levels and the incidence of sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Low levels of FT may be a significant determinant of decreases in muscle strength in women and declines in physical performance in men after 2 years. Low FT do not predict loss of muscle mass in both men and women.
Network Reconfiguration Based on an Edge-Cloud-Coordinate Framework and Load Forecasting
Authors: Ning Li , Si Li , Nian Liu , Fei Zhong
Published: September 2021

With the development of distributed energy resources (DERs), the power flow (PF) in the distribution network (DN) is changed from unidirectional to bidirectional, resulting in complex control and coordinate measures. Network reconfiguration (NR) is a feasible solution for the power grid side to deal with the complex PF. This paper proposed an edge-cloud-coordinated reconfiguration framework with edge servers (ESs) in the prosumer side and cloud servers (CSs) in the utility grid side, where the edge computing (EC) technology is implemented in ES to support load forecasting (LF), while cloud computing (CC) is used in CS to reconstruct the DN. LF is implemented by the long–short-term memory network to acquire the load information in advance, and the social preference of prosumers has been considered. The NR is formulated as a complex combinatorial optimization problem with the goal of minimizing power losses, while satisfying the power flow and voltage requirement. The NR problems are solved by the proposed advanced harmony search algorithm, which can find the optimal global solution, while satisfying the complex constraints of the NR problem. Numerical results are conducted based on an IEEE 33-bus network, which shows the high accuracy of LF and demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed framework in terms of reducing more than 40% power losses and satisfying the voltage requirement.
Microplastics in Florida, United States: A Case Study of Quantification and Characterization With Intertidal Snails
Authors: Kleinschmidt Jordan M. , Janosik Alexis M.
Published: September 2021

Concentrations of microplastics are increasing within the oceans, including waters surrounding Florida, United States. Miles of sandy beaches make the sunshine state a prime tourist destination leading to an increased amount of pollution along Florida coasts. Microplastics can cause damage to intertidal organisms, as well as causing issues up the food chain with biomagnification and seafood consumers, such as humans. Florida is also subject to hurricanes which often distribute sediments, filling the water column with previously settled microplastics. These factors make Florida a special case to review considering the state is affected heavily by hurricanes and tourism, which can contribute to microplastic concentrations in the Gulf of Mexico. The focus of this study was to quantify, characterize, and compare microplastics contamination in two predatory marine snail species from intertidal habitats in Florida, United States Ingestion results were also compared to microplastics contamination of water samples collected from the same locations. Red-mouth rock shell (Stramonita haemastoma, n = 30) and Crown conch (Melongena corona, n = 30) snails were collected from intertidal habitats in Florida and digested for microplastics quantification. Water samples were filtered and microplastics were quantified. 256 microplastics, of which 93% were microfibers and 7% were microfragments were isolated from snails (n = 60). Additionally, 67 microplastics were isolated from 8 L of seawater (8.375 microplastics/L), of which 97% were microfibers and 3% were microfragments. This is the first known study to demonstrate microplastics contamination of tissues in predatory marine intertidal snails. Marine intertidal snails may be good organisms for biomonitoring of microplastics in intertidal sandy habitats.
The Cognitive Ecology of Animal Movement: Evidence From Birds and Mammals
Authors: Kashetsky Tovah , Avgar Tal , Dukas Reuven
Published: September 2021

Cognition, defined as the processes concerned with the acquisition, retention and use of information, underlies animals’ abilities to navigate their local surroundings, embark on long-distance seasonal migrations, and socially learn information relevant to movement. Hence, in order to fully understand and predict animal movement, researchers must know the cognitive mechanisms that generate such movement. Work on a few model systems indicates that most animals possess excellent spatial learning and memory abilities, meaning that they can acquire and later recall information about distances and directions among relevant objects. Similarly, field work on several species has revealed some of the mechanisms that enable them to navigate over distances of up to several thousand kilometers. Key behaviors related to movement such as the choice of nest location, home range location and migration route are often affected by parents and other conspecifics. In some species, such social influence leads to the formation of aggregations, which in turn may lead to further social learning about food locations or other resources. Throughout the review, we note a variety of topics at the interface of cognition and movement that invite further investigation. These include the use of social information embedded in trails, the likely important roles of soundscapes and smellscapes, the mechanisms that large mammals rely on for long-distance migration, and the effects of expertise acquired over extended periods.
Revised Description of the Early Permian Recumbirostran “Microsaur” Nannaroter mckinziei Based on New Fossil Material and Computed Tomographic Data
Authors: MacDougall Mark J. , Seeger Robert , Gee Bryan , Ponstein Jasper , Jansen Maren , Scott Diane , Bevitt Joseph J. , Reisz Robert R. , Fröbisch Jörg
Published: September 2021

The early Permian Richards Spur locality of Oklahoma has produced abundant material of numerous terrestrial fossil tetrapods, including various “microsaurs,” several of which are considered to belong to the clade Recumbirostra. We present a new partial skull of the recumbirostran “microsaur”Nannaroter mckinziei; through computed tomography (CT) analysis of both this new specimen and the holotype, we provide an updated description of the taxon. This new description provides novel information regarding several regions that could not be examined previously due to either being absent in the holotype or difficult to access. This includes missing and obscured aspects of the skull roof, braincase, lower jaw, and the palatal region. Furthermore, the new information obtained from this description was used to update phylogenetic character codings ofNannaroter, and a revised phylogenetic analysis was conducted. The results of this updated analysis are congruent with those of other recent phylogenetic analyses of recumbirostran “microsaurs.” This new information adds to the ever-growing body of early tetrapod CT data, which has been, and will continue to be, important in revealing details regarding early tetrapod anatomy, interrelationships, paleoecology, and evolution.
An Albumin-Binding Domain Peptide Confers Enhanced Immunoprotection Against Viral Myocarditis by CVB3 VP1 Vaccine
Authors: Gao Yue , Yue Yan , Xiong Sidong
Published: September 2021

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced viral myocarditis is a common clinical cardiovascular disease without effective available vaccine. In this study, we tried to potentiate the immunoprotection efficacy of our previous CVB3-specific VP1 protein vaccine by introducing a streptococcal protein G-derived, draining lymph nodes (dLNs)-targeting albumin-binding domain (ABD) peptide. We found that compared with the original VP1 vaccine, ABD-fused VP1 (ABD-VP1) vaccine gained the new ability to efficiently bind murine albumin both in vitro and in vivo, possessed a much longer serum half-life in serum and exhibited more abundance in the dLNs after immunization. Accordingly, ABD-VP1 immunization not only significantly facilitated the enrichment and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), induced higher percentages of IFN-γ+ CD8+ cells in the dLNs, but also robustly promoted VP1-induced T cell proliferation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in the spleens. More importantly, ABD-VP1 also elicited higher percentages of protective CD44hi CD62Lhi memory T cells in dLNs and spleens. Consequently, obvious protective effect against viral myocarditis was conferred by ABD-VP1 vaccine compared to the VP1 vaccine, reflected by the less body weight loss, improved cardiac function, alleviated cardiac histomorphological changes and an increased 28-day survival rate. Our results indicated that the ABD might be a promising immune-enhancing regime for vaccine design and development.
Will Auranofin Become a Golden New Treatment Against COVID-19?
Authors: Sonzogni-Desautels Karine , Ndao Momar
Published: September 2021

Auranofin is an FDA-approved disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug that has been used for decades for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This gold(I) compound has anti-inflammatory properties because it reduces IL-6 expression via inhibition of the NF-κB-IL-6-STAT3 signaling pathway. Also, by inhibiting redox enzymes such as thioredoxin reductase, auranofin increases cellular oxidative stress and promotes apoptosis. Auranofin also possesses antiviral properties. Recently, it was reported that auranofin reduced by 95% SARS-CoV-2 RNA in infected human cells in vitro and decreased SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine expression, including IL-6. During SARS-CoV-2 infection, a cytokine storm involving IL-6 increases severity of illness and worsens prognosis. Therefore, auranofin could, in our point of view, reduce pathology due to SARS-CoV-2-induced IL-6. COVID-19 is a rapidly-evolving respiratory disease now distributed worldwide. Strikingly high numbers of new COVID-19 cases are reported daily. We have begun a race to vaccinate people, but due to the complex logistics of this effort, the virus will continue to spread before all humans can be immunized, and new variants that may be less well contained by current vaccines are of concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed health care systems and new treatments to reduce mortality are urgently needed. We encourage to further evaluate the potential of auranofin in the treatment of COVID-19 in vitro and in animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and, if preliminary data are promising, in clinical trials with COVID-19 patients. In our opinion, auranofin has the potential to become a valuable addition to available therapies in this pandemic.
A Method to Study Honey Bee Foraging Regulatory Molecules at Different Times During Foraging
Authors: Singh Asem Surindro , Takhellambam Machathoibi Chanu
Published: September 2021

The foraging of honey bees is one of the most well-organized and admirable behaviors that exist among social insects. In behavioral studies, these beautiful insects have been extensively used for understanding time–space learning, landmark use, and the concept of learning. Highly organized behaviors such as social interaction and communication are systematically well-organized behavioral components of honey bee foraging. Over the last two decades, understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying honey bee foraging at the cellular and molecular levels has been increasingly interested to several researchers. Upon the search of regulatory genes of brain and behavior, immediate early (IE) genes are considered as a good tool to begin the search investigation. Our two recent studies have demonstrated three IE genes, namely,Egr-1, Hr38, andKakusei, playing a role in the daily foraging of bees and their association with learning and memory during foraging. These studies further evidence that IE genes can be used as a tool in finding the specific molecular/cellular players of foraging in honey bees and its behavioral components such as learning, memory, social interaction, and social communication. In this article, we provide the details of the method of sample collection at different times during foraging to investigate the foraging regulatory molecules.
Who Is Where in Marine Food Webs? A Trait-Based Analysis of Network Positions
Authors: Endrédi Anett , Patonai Katalin , Podani János , Libralato Simone , Jordán Ferenc
Published: September 2021

Networks of trophic interactions provide a lot of information on the functioning of marine ecosystems. Beyond feeding habits, three additional traits (mobility, size, and habitat) of various organisms can complement this trophic view. The combination of traits and food web positions are studied here on a large food web database. The aim is a better description and understanding of ecological roles of organisms and the identification of the most important keystone species. This may contribute to develop better ecological indicators (e.g., keystoneness) and help in the interpretation of food web models. We use food web data from the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) database for 92 aquatic ecosystems. We quantify the network position of organisms by 18 topological indices (measuring centrality, hierarchy, and redundancy) and consider their three, categorical traits (e.g., for mobility: sessile, drifter, limited mobility, and mobile). Relationships are revealed by multivariate analysis. We found that topological indices belong to six different categories and some of them nicely separate various trait categories. For example, benthic organisms are richly connected and mobile organisms occupy higher food web positions.
Psychological Well-Being of Older Adults With Cognitive Deterioration During Quarantine: Preliminary Results From the GeroCovid Initiative
Authors: Coin Alessandra , Devita Maria , Trevisan Caterina , Biasin Francesca , Terziotti Camilla , Signore Susanna Del , Fumagalli Stefano , Gareri Pietro , Malara Alba , Mossello Enrico , Volpato Stefano , Monzani Fabio , Bellelli Giuseppe , Zia Gianluca , Ranhoff Anette Hylen , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele
Published: September 2021

Objectives: The spread of COVID-19 has undeniably unsettled the social, psychological and emotional life of the entire world population. Particular attention should be paid to older adults with dementia, given their vulnerability to emotional stressors. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the impact of the first wave quarantine related to Covid-19 on psychological and affective well-being of older adults with mild/major neurocognitive disorders and of their caregivers.

Methods: Data on participants' assessment before the quarantine (PREQ) were retrospectively collected. Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia were recruited from different Centers for Cognitive Decline and Dementia in Italy. During the quarantine, psychological and affective well-being were evaluated by phone through the administrations of scales measuring anxiety and depression (DASS), perceived stress (PSS), coping strategies (COPE) and the caregivers' burden (CBI). The scales' results were compared across participants' PREQ cognitive level (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE ≥25, 23–24, and ≤ 22) with multiple linear regression models.

Results: The sample included 168 patients (64% women) with a mean age of 79 ± 7 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, more severe cognitive impairment was independently associated with higher DASS and PSS score, and poorer coping strategies (p < 0.05). Cognitive functioning was also inversely associated with CBI.

Conclusions: The impact of the quarantine on the psycho-affective well-being of individuals with MCI and dementia and on caregivers' burden varies according to the PREQ cognitive functioning with more severely impaired patients having worse outcomes.
The Role of Fucose-Containing Glycan Motifs Across Taxonomic Kingdoms
Authors: Thomès Luc , Bojar Daniel
Published: September 2021

The extraordinary diversity of glycans leads to large differences in the glycomes of different kingdoms of life. Yet, while most monosaccharides are solely found in certain taxonomic groups, there is a small set of monosaccharides with widespread distribution across nearly all domains of life. These general monosaccharides are particularly relevant for glycan motifs, as they can readily be used by commensals and pathogens to mimic host glycans or hijack existing glycan recognition systems. Among these, the monosaccharide fucose is especially interesting, as it frequently presents itself as a terminal monosaccharide, primed for interaction with proteins. Here, we analyze fucose-containing glycan motifs across all taxonomic kingdoms. Using a hereby presented large species-specific glycan dataset and a plethora of methods for glycan-focused bioinformatics and machine learning, we identify characteristic as well as shared fucose-containing glycan motifs for various taxonomic groups, demonstrating clear differences in fucose usage. Even within domains, fucose is used differentially based on an organism’s physiology and habitat. We particularly highlight differences in fucose-containing motifs between vertebrates and invertebrates. With the example of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strains, we also demonstrate the importance of fucose-containing motifs in molecular mimicry and thereby pathogenic potential. We envision that this study will shed light on an important class of glycan motifs, with potential new insights into the role of fucosylated glycans in symbiosis, pathogenicity, and immunity.
A Plane-Dependent Model of 3D Grid Cells for Representing Both 2D and 3D Spaces Under Various Navigation Modes
Authors: Gong Ziyi , Yu Fangwen
Published: September 2021

Grid cells are crucial in path integration and representation of the external world. The spikes of grid cells spatially form clusters called grid fields, which encode important information about allocentric positions. To decode the information, studying the spatial structures of grid fields is a key task for both experimenters and theorists. Experiments reveal that grid fields form hexagonal lattice during planar navigation, and are anisotropic beyond planar navigation. During volumetric navigation, they lose global order but possess local order. How grid cells form different field structures behind these different navigation modes remains an open theoretical question. However, to date, few models connect to the latest discoveries and explain the formation of various grid field structures. To fill in this gap, we propose an interpretive plane-dependent model of three-dimensional (3D) grid cells for representing both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D space. The model first evaluates motion with respect to planes, such as the planes animals stand on and the tangent planes of the motion manifold. Projection of the motion onto the planes leads to anisotropy, and error in the perception of planes degrades grid field regularity. A training-free recurrent neural network (RNN) then maps the processed motion information to grid fields. We verify that our model can generate regular and anisotropic grid fields, as well as grid fields with merely local order; our model is also compatible with mode switching. Furthermore, simulations predict that the degradation of grid field regularity is inversely proportional to the interval between two consecutive perceptions of planes. In conclusion, our model is one of the few pioneers that address grid field structures in a general case. Compared to the other pioneer models, our theory argues that the anisotropy and loss of global order result from the uncertain perception of planes rather than insufficient training.