bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of community assembly explaining beta‐diversity patterns across biogeographic regions
Authors: Muñoz Mazón Miguel , Tello J. Sebastián , Macía Manuel J. , Myers Jonathan A. , Jørgensen Peter M. , Cala Victoria , Fuentes Alfredo F. , Torrez Vania , Arellano Gabriel
Published: April 2021

Aim

We examined tree beta diversity in four biogeographical regions with contrasting environmental conditions, latitude, and diversity. We tested: (a) the influence of the species pool on beta diversity; (b) the relative contribution of niche‐based and dispersal‐based assembly to beta diversity; and (c) differences in the importance of these two assembly mechanisms in regions with differing productivity and species richness.

Location

Lowland and montane tropical forests in the Madidi region (Bolivia), lowland temperate forests in the Ozarks (USA), and montane temperate forests in the Cantabrian Mountains (Spain).

Methods

We surveyed woody plants with a diameter ≥2.5 cm following a standardized protocol in 236 0.1‐ha forest plots in four different biogeographical regions. We estimated the species pool at each region and used it to recreate null communities determined entirely by the species pool. Observed patterns of beta diversity smaller or greater than the null‐expected patterns of beta diversity implies the presence of local assembly mechanisms beyond the influence of the species pool. We used variation‐partitioning analyses to compare the contribution of niche‐based and dispersal‐based assembly to patterns of observed beta diversity and their deviations from null models among the four regions.

Results

(a) Differences in species pools alone did not explain observed differences in beta diversity among biogeographic regions. (b) In 3/4 regions, the environment explained more of the variation in beta diversity than spatial variables. (c) Spatial variables explained more of the beta diversity in more diverse and more productive regions with more rare species (tropical and lower‐elevation regions) compared to less diverse and less productive regions (temperate and higher‐elevation regions). (d) Greater alpha or gamma diversity did not result in higher beta diversity or stronger correlations with the environment.

Conclusion

Overall, the observed differences in beta diversity are better explained by differences in community assembly mechanism than by biogeographical processes that shaped the species pool.
Sailing in a sea of perplexity: Family caregivers' experience of patients with delirium
Authors: Huang Li‐Jung , Tsai Hsiu‐Hsin , Wang Yi‐Wen , Chou Chun‐Liang
Published: April 2021

Background

Family caregivers play an important role for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and delirium is a common clinical syndrome. Little is known about the experiences of family caregivers when a relative is a patient with delirium, especially for caregivers in Asian cultures.

Aims and Objective

To understand the experience of family caregivers with a family member as a patient with delirium in the ICU in Taiwan.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study with in‐depth face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 20 family caregivers of 20 patients with delirium in the ICU of a hospital in northern Taiwan.

Results

The core theme describing the phenomenon of family caregivers of a patient with delirium was “Sailing in a sea of perplexity,” which described family caregivers' uncertainty of navigating the ICU and providing support for a relative. Three subthemes described the core theme: (a) perplexity of the ICU environment, (b) perplexity of making decisions, and (c) perplexity of Chinese cultural constraints.

Conclusion

“Sailing in a sea of perplexity” underscores how uncertainty among family caregivers of patients with delirium in ICUs can lead to feelings of fear and anxiety. Therefore, nursing professionals should not only focus on patient care but also be sensitive to caregivers' feelings of uncertainty and their cultural beliefs.

Relevance to clinical practice

Unfamiliarity and lack of knowledge about intensive care and patient treatments were a source of family caregivers' perplexity. To reduce uncertainty, we recommend increased communication between staff and caregivers. Hospitals can also provide information on their websites, including treatment of delirium and visitation hours. Information access could be enhanced by developing a smartphone app linked to a QR code that families can scan to obtain information, which would be useful during restricted visitation.
Strong gene flow explains lack of mating system variation in the perennial herb, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, in a fragmented landscape
Authors: Muola Anne , Scheepens J. F. , Laukkanen Liisa , Kalske Aino , Mutikainen Pia , Leimu Roosa
Published: April 2021

Fragmented landscapes may have implications for the genetic structure of populations and for the microevolution of plant species. In particular, landscape fragmentation and/or population isolation might affect the evolution of plant mating systems. Here, we study the consequences of landscape fragmentation on the genetic structure of populations of a perennial herb, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria with a mixed mating system. Our study area, the south‐western Finnish archipelago, was formed after the glacial ice sheet started to retreat 12 000 years ago. Due to the isostatic land uplift following the glacial retreat, suitable habitats have been formed gradually, and as a consequence, populations of V. hirundinaria differ in age, size and their degree of isolation in the area. We hypothesized that a mixed‐mating system has been selected for in these populations due to the advantage of self‐fertilization in newly colonized areas and the advantage of outcrossing in adaptation to heterogeneous environments. To test this hypothesis, we collected seeds of open‐pollinated flowers from 13 V. hirundinaria populations differing in size, age and isolation, and used 15 microsatellite markers to perform progeny‐array analysis to estimate population‐level outcrossing rates, population genetic indices and population structure. We found that V. hirundinaria is almost completely outcrossing in the study area with no signs of past self‐fertilization and/or mating among relatives. The overall low inbreeding coefficients indicate that even in small populations mating among relatives is rare. High allelic richness of both maternal and offspring genotypes as well as limited genetic differentiation among the studied populations indicate strong gene flow among them. Our findings suggest that V. hirundinaria has successful seed and pollen dispersal among populations that has allowed colonization of new habitats in this fragmented landscape and led to a genetically well‐mixed group of populations at the scale of the study.
Floral scent and pollinator visitation in relation to floral colour morph in the mixed‐mating annual herbCollinsia heterophylla
Authors: Larsson Mattias C. , Madjidian Josefin A. , Lankinen Åsa
Published: April 2021

Even though floral scent is of major importance for pollinator attraction, it is less investigated than other floral traits. Previous studies suggest the importance of joint exploration of olfactory and visual floral cues to understand plant–pollinator interactions. We investigated flower scents inCollinsia heterophylla, a bee‐pollinated, annual herb a with mixed‐mating system combining self‐ and outcross‐pollination. InCollinsia, floral size and development variation is related to mating system, ranging from large‐flowered mixed‐mating species to small‐flowered self‐pollinated species. However, to our knowledge, flower scent has not been described in any species in the genus. We also studied whether flower‐emitted volatiles were coupled to presence versus absence of a coloured band on the upper lip within a population inC. heterophylla, and if these colour morphs affected pollinator visitation. We performed headspace collections of volatiles in the greenhouse from potted flowering plants, and compared these to controls in the bud stage. Flower‐specific volatiles were highly dominated by terpenoid compounds typical of bee‐pollinated plants, such as β‐myrcene, (Z)‐ and (E)‐ocimene and sesquiterpenes (E)‐α‐bergamotene and β‐sesquiphellandrene. The aliphatic ester methyl hexanoate was also prominent, together with additional esters, whereas methyl cinnamate constituted the only aromatic compound. Floral colour morphs showed no qualitative difference in volatiles, but the coloured morph produced significantly higher quantities for seven of the 26 individual flower compounds. A field experiment performed within a natural population, using behavioural observations and florescent dyes dusted on the flowers, could not detect any differences in pollinator visitation between colour morphs. We conclude thatC. heterophyllaflowers emit volatile compounds commonly associated with attraction of their most important pollinators. It would be highly interesting to explore the function of floral scent for pollinator attraction and relate floral scent to mating system variation acrossCollinsiafor a better understanding of pollinator influence on floral evolution.
The growing and vital role of botanical gardens in climate change research
Authors: Primack Richard B. , Ellwood Elizabeth R. , Gallinat Amanda S. , Miller‐Rushing Abraham J.
Published: April 2021

Botanical gardens make unique contributions to climate change research, conservation, and public engagement. They host unique resources, including diverse collections of plant species growing in natural conditions, historical records, and expert staff, and attract large numbers of visitors and volunteers. Networks of botanical gardens spanning biomes and continents can expand the value of these resources. Over the past decade, research at botanical gardens has advanced our understanding of climate change impacts on plant phenology, physiology, anatomy, and conservation. For example, researchers have utilized botanical garden networks to assess anatomical and functional traits associated with phenological responses to climate change. New methods have enhanced the pace and impact of this research, including phylogenetic and comparative methods, and online databases of herbarium specimens and photographs that allow studies to expand geographically, temporally, and taxonomically in scope. Botanical gardens have grown their community and citizen science programs, informing the public about climate change and monitoring plants more intensively than is possible with garden staff alone. Despite these advances, botanical gardens are still underutilized in climate change research. To address this, we review recent progress and describe promising future directions for research and public engagement at botanical gardens.
Accurate Confidence Regions for Principal Components Factors*
Authors: Maldonado Javier , Ruiz Esther
Published: April 2021

In dynamic factor models, factors are often extracted using principal components with their asymptotic confidence regions having empirical coverages below the nominal ones when the temporal dimension is small. We propose a subsampling procedure to compute the factor loadings uncertainty and correct the asymptotic covariance matrix of the extracted factors. We show that the empirical coverages of the modified confidence regions are closer to the nominal ones than those of asymptotic regions and asymptotically valid bootstrap regions. The results are empirically illustrated obtaining confidence intervals of the underlying factor in a system of Spanish macroeconomic variables.
Impact of His bundle pacing on right ventricular performance in patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation
Authors: Grieco Domenico , Bressi Edoardo , Curila Karol , Padala Santosh K. , Sedlacek Kamil , Kron Jordana , Fedele Elisa , Ionita Oana , Giannuzzi Sara , Fagagnini Alessandro , Panattoni Germana , De Ruvo Ermenegildo , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2021

Background

His‐Bundle pacing (HBP) is an emerging technique for physiological pacing. However, its effects on right ventricle (RV) performance are still unknown.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive patients with an indication for pacemaker (PM) implantation to compare HBP versus RV pacing (RVP) effects on RV performance. Patients were evaluated before implantation and after 6 months by a transthoracic echocardiogram.

Results

A total of 84 patients (age 75.1±7.9 years, 64% male) were enrolled, 42 patients (50%) underwent successful HBP, and 42 patients (50%) apical RVP. At follow up, we found a significant improvement in RV‐FAC (Fractional Area Change)% [baseline: HBP 34 IQR (31–37) vs. RVP 33 IQR (29.7–37.2),p = .602; 6‐months: HBP 37 IQR (33–39) vs. RVP 30 IQR (27.7–35), p < .0001] and RV‐GLS (Global Longitudinal Strain)% [baseline: HBP –18 IQR (–20.2 to –15) vs. RVP –16 IQR (–18.7 to –14), p = .150; 6‐months: HBP –20 IQR(–23 to –17) vs. RVP –13.5 IQR (–16 to –11), p < .0001] with HBP whereas RVP was associated with a significant decline in both parameters. RVP was also associated with a significant worsening of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (p < .0001) and S wave velocity (p < .0001) at follow up. Conversely from RVP, HBP significantly improved pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) [baseline: HBP 38 IQR (32–42) mmHg vs. RVP 34 IQR (31.5–37) mmHg,p = .060; 6‐months: HBP 32 IQR (26–38) mmHg vs. RVP 39 IQR (36–41) mmHg, p < .0001] and tricuspid regurgitation (p = .005) irrespectively from lead position above or below the tricuspid valve.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing PM implantation, HBP ensues a beneficial and protective impact on RV performance compared with RVP.
The Language of Pandemic Leaderships: Mapping Political Rhetoric During the COVID‐19 Outbreak
Authors: Montiel Cristina Jayme , Uyheng Joshua , Dela Paz Erwine
Published: April 2021

This article maps political rhetoric by national leaders during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We identify and characterize global variations in major rhetorical storylines invoked in publicly available speeches (N = 1201) across a sample of 26 countries. Employing a text analytics or corpus linguistics approach, we show that state heads rhetorically lead their nations by: enforcing systemic interventions, upholding global unity, encouraging communal cooperation, stoking national fervor, and assuring responsive governance. Principal component analysis further shows that country‐level rhetoric is organized along emergent dimensions of cultural cognition: an agency‐structure axis to define the loci of pandemic interventions and a hierarchy‐egalitarianism axis which distinguishes top‐down enforcement from bottom‐up calls for cooperation. Furthermore, we detect a striking contrast between countries featuring populist versus cosmopolitan rhetoric, which diverged in terms of their collective meaning making around leading over versus leading with, as well as their experienced pandemic severity. We conclude with implications for understanding global pandemic leadership in an unequal world and the contributions of mixed‐methods approaches to a generative political psychology in times of crisis.

Highlights

During a global pandemic, political leaders must adapt their rhetoric to local societal conditions. Our work affirms the importance of political governance that elevates strong institutions while empowering public cooperation, but cautions that these may be most readily enacted in more democratic and economically developed contexts. In poorer, less democratic settings, rhetoric emphasizing accountable governance should be responsive to bottom‐up grassroots efforts in local communities, in contrast to the tightening grip of top‐down militarized policing in states witnessing the opportunistic creep of authoritarianism during a period of societal disorder. Finally, rhetoric where leaders uphold global ideals underscore wider identities of international collaborations in a global crisis, in contrast to more insularizing nationalistic rhetoric.
How many regulations does it take to get a beer? The geography of beer regulations
Authors: Staples Aaron J. , Chambers Dustin , Malone Trey
Published: April 2021

Although the influence of regulations on economic outcomes has been well documented, few studies have focused on the geography of regulatory burdens. The regulations confronting any supply chain can vary dramatically across legislative jurisdictions, as U.S. policy is enforced by overlapping federal, state, and local governments. We use a unique data set to explore state‐by‐state regulatory variation in U.S. beer supply chains in 2020. We find that the state‐level rules targeted at the beer supply chain vary between 1,177 and 25,399, with the average state implementing 10,212 formal regulatory restrictions.
Preoperative pirfenidone in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A wound and injury enigma
Authors: Khor Yet H.
Published: April 2021

See related article
Not All Women Who Experience Side Effects Discontinue Their Contraceptive Method: Insights from a Longitudinal Study in India
Authors: Jain Aparna , Dwyer Sara Chace , Mozumdar Arupendra , Tobey Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

Side effects are a primary reason why women stop using contraception, even though they may still want to avoid a pregnancy. The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), the largest source of nationally representative data on contraceptive discontinuation, only asks women who discontinued a method their reasons for discontinuation, for which side effects is an option. Yet, side effects are also experienced by continued users. Using longitudinal data collected from a cohort of contraceptive users in Odisha and Haryana, India, this study explores the effect of side effect severity and frequency on six‐month discontinuation. Among women who experienced side effects of their enrollment method, 49.7 percent continued to use it by the six‐month interview. Women who experienced moderate/severe side effects infrequently were 67 percent (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.33; 95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–0.64) less likely to discontinue the enrollment method compared to women who experienced moderate/severe side effects always. Women who experienced mild side effects were even less likely to discontinue (AOR: 0.15; 95 percent CI: 0.06–0.37). Study results suggest side effect severity and frequency are more important factors than simply the experience of a side effect in understanding contraceptive discontinuation. DHS and other national surveys should expand their exploration of side effects to include questions asked of current users.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*07:944 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Loginova Maria , Makhova Olga , Smirnova Daria , Paramonov Igor , Zarubin Maksim
Published: April 2021

HLA‐C*07:944 differs from HLA‐C*07:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 325 in exon 6.
Show, Don't Tell
Authors: Zwicky Jan
Published: April 2021

“Show, don't tell” is a maxim basic to literary craft. It enjoins avoidance of abstract, cliché‐ridden summaries and use of rich, vividly rendered details. Anyone who has attended an introductory creative writing course will have encountered it. Practised literary writers know it is true. Why is showing so fundamental to good literature? Why is it more effective than telling? Showing constellates details, placing facets of a larger shape before the reader's mind, a shape that cannot be adequately encompassed by a summary, whose power lies in the simultaneous integration of multiple, superficially discontinuous aspects. This sounds like the eureka effect, the “Aha!” of sudden discovery in mathematics and the sciences. I argue that grasping what is being shown in a literary context is indeed related to insight in theoretical fields. Telling the reader “what happened” makes the mind's eye glaze over in just the way that it glazes over when it is forced to memorize formulae that it does not understand. Showing is like offering an elegant proof; the mind reaches to understand what is going on. When it succeeds, it feels the satisfaction of having grasped meaning.
Feasibility and safety of whole lung irradiation in the treatment of canine appendicular osteosarcoma
Authors: Brehm Amanda , Wilson‐Robles Heather , Miller Tasha , Jarvis Jill , Deveau Michael
Published: April 2021

Whole lung irradiation (WLI) has been used successfully in humans as an adjuvant treatment for osteosarcoma. The aim of this study is to describe the feasibility and safety of WLI in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma. Twelve client‐owned dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma that had successfully completed amputation and four doses of carboplatin without evidence of gross metastasis were enrolled in this prospective clinical trial. Ten once‐daily fractions of 1.75 Gy were administered to the planning target volume encompassing the lungs. Overall, WLI was well tolerated in these patients. No dogs developed symptoms of pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis. Haematopoietic toxicity evaluated during radiation therapy was found to be mild. The median disease free interval for WLI treated dogs was not significantly different than the median DFI for a group of historic control dogs (376 days for WLI treated dogs versus 304.5 days for control dogs;p = 0.5461). Although no significant improvement in outcome was observed with this study, WLI appears to be safe in dogs and warrants further investigation to characterize the efficacy and toxicity.
Granulation tissue myofibroblasts during normal and pathological skin healing: The interaction between their secretome and the microenvironment
Authors: Arif Syrine , Attiogbe Emilie , Moulin Véronique J.
Published: April 2021

The first role that was proposed for the myofibroblasts located in skin granulation tissue was to contract the edges of the wound in order to reduce the surface to be repaired. This role, linked to the presence of alpha smooth muscle actin, was very quickly confirmed and is part of the definition of granulation tissue myofibroblasts. However, myofibroblasts are cells that also play a much more central role in wound healing. Indeed, it has been shown that these cells produce large quantities of matrix components, and that they stimulate angiogenesis and can recruit immune cells. These actions take place via the secretion of molecules into their environment or indirectly via the production of microvesicles containing pro‐fibrotic and pro‐angiogenic molecules. Pathologically, granulation tissue can develop into a hypertrophic scar that histologically looks like granulation tissue, but which can remain for months or even years. It has been hypothesized that the myofibroblasts in these tissues remained present instead of disappearing by apoptosis, causing the maintenance of granulation tissue rather than allowing its change into a mature scar. Understanding the roles of both pathological and healthy myofibroblasts in wound tissue is crucial in order to better intervene in the healing mechanism.
Diseño de un cuestionario de caracterización psicosocial y de motivos de consulta en Centros de Atención Psicológica Universitarios
Authors: Colón Llamas Tatiana , Escobar Altare Andrea , Granados García Alejandro , Parra-Murillo María Fernanda , Santacoloma Giraldo Andrés , Moreno Luna Socorro , Silva Martin Luis Manuel
Published: April 2021

Llevar a cabo la caracterización de los motivos de consulta en la atención psicológica suele ser difícil por su naturaleza variada y multidimensional y la consecuente falta de adecuados instrumentos para su sistematización. No obstante, hacerlo facilitaría la descripción de los principales motivos de consulta en psicología y la mejor orientación de los limitados recursos en la atención en salud mental. Este estudio descriptivo presenta el proceso de concepción, desarrollo y administración de un cuestionario de caracterización psicosocial y de motivos de consulta en una muestra de niños (N = 418, Medad = 8.4, DEedad = 2.17 ), adolescentes  (N = 238, Medad = 15.2, DEedad = 1.54) y adultos (N = 869, Medad = 30.8, DEedad = 13.03 ) de 28 Centros de Atención Psicológica Universitarios en Colombia y sus evidencias de validez, con el objetivo de brindar a la comunidad psicológica en Latinoamérica una guía para la construcción de instrumentos localizados.
Computational Study of a Radial Flow Turbine Operates Under Various Pulsating Flow Shapes and Amplitudes
Authors: Rezk Ahmed , Sharma Sidharth , Barrans Simon , Hossain Abul Kalam , Lee Samuel P. , Imran Muhamad
Published: April 2021

Radial flow turbines are extensively used in turbocharging technology due to their unique capability of handling a wide range of exhaust gas flow. The pulsating flow nature of the internal combustion engine exhaust gases causes unsteady operation of the turbine stage. This paper presents the impact of the pulsating flow of various characteristics on the performance of a radial flow turbine. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic model was coupled with a one-dimensional engine model to study the realistic pulsating flow. Applying square wave pulsating flow showed the highest degree of unsteadiness corresponding to 92.6% maximum mass flow accumulation due to the consecutive sudden changes of the mass flowrates over the entire pulse. Although sawtooth showed a maximum mass flow accumulation value of 88.9%, the mass flowrates entailed gradual change and resulted in the least overall mass flow accumulation over the entire pulse. These two extremes constrained the anticipated performance of the radial flow turbine that operates under realistic pulsating flow. Such constraints could develop an operating envelope to predict the performance and optimize radial flow turbines’ power extraction under pulsating flow conditions.
A non-immunological role for γ-interferon–inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT) in osteoclastic bone resorption
Authors: Ewanchuk Benjamin W. , Arnold Corey R. , Balce Dale R. , Premnath Priyatha , Orsetti Tanis L. , Warren Amy L. , Olsen Alexandra , Krawetz Roman J. , Yates Robin M.
Published: April 2021

Historically an enzyme of the immune system, the lysosomal reductase GILT serves a unique homeostatic role in bone resorption.
A combined molecular dynamics and experimental study of two-step process enabling low-temperature formation of phase-pure α-FAPbI
3
Authors: Ahlawat Paramvir , Hinderhofer Alexander , Alharbi Essa A. , Lu Haizhou , Ummadisingu Amita , Niu Haiyang , Invernizzi Michele , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Dar M. Ibrahim , Schreiber Frank , Hagfeldt Anders , Grätzel Michael , Rothlisberger Ursula , Parrinello Michele
Published: April 2021

Simulations and experiments enable low-temperature crystallization of phase-pure α-FAPbI
3
.
Belief propagation for networks with loops
Authors: Kirkley Alec , Cantwell George T. , Newman M. E. J.
Published: April 2021

A novel belief propagation algorithm is derived for the solution of probabilistic models on networks containing short loops.
Disrupting tumor onset and growth via selective cell tagging (SeCT) therapy
Authors: Vong Kenward , Tahara Tsuyoshi , Urano Sayaka , Nasibullin Igor , Tsubokura Kazuki , Nakao Yoichi , Kurbangalieva Almira , Onoe Hirotaka , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: April 2021

HeLa cancer cells in mice can be tagged in vivo with therapeutic moieties, thereby disrupting either tumor onset or growth.
SARS-CoV-2 can recruit a heme metabolite to evade antibody immunity
Authors: Rosa Annachiara , Pye Valerie E. , Graham Carl , Muir Luke , Seow Jeffrey , Ng Kevin W. , Cook Nicola J. , Rees-Spear Chloe , Parker Eleanor , dos Santos Mariana Silva , Rosadas Carolina , Susana Alberto , Rhys Hefin , Nans Andrea , Masino Laura , Roustan Chloe , Christodoulou Evangelos , Ulferts Rachel , Wrobel Antoni G. , Short Charlotte-Eve , Fertleman Michael , Sanders Rogier W. , Heaney Judith , Spyer Moira , Kjær Svend , Riddell Andy , Malim Michael H. , Beale Rupert , MacRae James I. , Taylor Graham P. , Nastouli Eleni , van Gils Marit J. , Rosenthal Peter B. , Pizzato Massimo , McClure Myra O. , Tedder Richard S. , Kassiotis George , McCoy Laura E. , Doores Katie J. , Cherepanov Peter
Published: April 2021

SARS-CoV-2 spike N-terminal domain harbors a potent epitope that can be modulated by binding of natural linear tetrapyrroles.
Probiotic
Bacillus
Affects Enterococcus faecalis Antibiotic Resistance Transfer by Interfering with Pheromone Signaling Cascades
Authors: Lin Yu-Chieh , Chen Eric H.-L. , Chen Rita P.-Y. , Dunny Gary M. , Hu Wei-Shou , Lee Kung-Ta
Published: April 2021

Enterococcus faecalis
is considered a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. Treatment of these infections has become a major challenge for clinicians because some
E. faecalis
strains are resistant to multiple clinically used antibiotics.
Extracellular and Intracellular Lanthanide Accumulation in the Methylotrophic
Beijerinckiaceae
Bacterium RH AL1
Authors: Wegner Carl-Eric , Westermann Martin , Steiniger Frank , Gorniak Linda , Budhraja Rohit , Adrian Lorenz , Küsel Kirsten
Published: April 2021

Although multiple pieces of evidence have been added to the puzzle of lanthanide-dependent metabolism, we are still far from understanding the physiological role of lanthanides. Given how widespread lanthanide-dependent enzymes are, only limited information is available with respect to how lanthanides are taken up and stored in an organism.
Supplemental Material: Detrital zircon geochronology and provenance of the Middle to Late Jurassic Paradox Basin and Central Colorado trough: Paleogeographic implications for southwestern Laurentia
Authors: Ejembi J.I. , al. et
Published: April 2021

Table S1: Peak analyses of age clusters. Figure S1: Chondrite-normalized REE patterns in detrital zircon. Figure S2: LREE-HREE ratio plots. File S1: Detrital zircon U-Pb age data (this study and from Potter-McIntyre et al., 2016). File S2: U-Pb age peaks analysis. File S3: End Member analysis. File S4: Rare earth elemental geochemistry analysis in detrital zircon. File S5: Rare earth elemental geochemistry analysis in igneous zircon.
CMV pneumonitis in a patient with Crohn’s disease taking azathioprine
Authors: Hawthorne Timothy Zef , Shellien Rachel , Chambers Lucy , Devereux Graham
Published: April 2021

This case report discusses the rare presentation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis in a young patient with moderately severe Crohn’s disease managed with low dose azathioprine. CMV pneumonitis was initially suspected on CT chest images and confirmed by PCR for CMV. She was treated with intravenous ganciclovir and later stepped down to oral valganciclovir. Although this patient had a prolonged and complicated hospital admission, a good clinical outcome was achieved. CMV infection was raised as an early differential and antiviral treatment was started without delay. This case study, therefore, makes the case for increased awareness of the possibility of, and recognition of CMV pneumonitis among healthcare professionals as a way of preventing significant morbidity and mortality. It also raises awareness of checking for slow metabolisers of azathioprine before initiation to look for individuals who may be at increased risk of azathioprine’s adverse effects.
Cardiorenal syndrome in COVID-19
Authors: Ali Uzair Akbar , Sadiq Muhammad Sajjad , Yunus Muhammad Jawad
Published: April 2021

SARS-CoV-2 preferentially targets the human’s lungs, but it can affect multiple organ systems. We report a case of cardiorenal syndrome in a 37-year-old man who had symptoms of fever, myalgia and cough. He tested positive for COVID-19 and presented 5 days later with acute heart failure. Work up was done including echocardiography showing reduced ejection fraction. Later in the hospital course he developed acute renal failure and was treated with intermittent renal replacement therapy. No other definite cause of cardiorenal complications was identified during the course of the disease. A possible link with COVID-19 was considered with underlying mechanisms still needed to be explored. This case highlights the potential of SARS-CoV-2 affecting heart and kidneys. The disease not only involves the organs directly but can exacerbate the underlying comorbid illness.
Epidemiological observations on breaking COVID-19 transmission: from the experience of Taiwan
Authors: MacDonald Iona , Hsu Jye-Lin
Published: April 2021

With almost no community-transmitted cases and without any complete lockdown throughout 2020, Taiwan is one of very few countries worldwide that has recorded minimal impact from the COVID-19 pandemic attack. This is despite being only 130 km from China and having frequent business communications with that country, where COVID-19 first emerged. At the end of December 2020, Taiwan had recorded just 873 cases and 7 deaths, in a country of around 24 million people. How to determine the effectiveness of public health policies is an important issue that must be resolved, especially in those countries that have experienced few cases of community-transmitted COVID-19. Our analysis of epidemiological data in Taiwan relating to influenza-like illness (ILI), enterovirus and diarrhoea from the past 3 years reveals dramatic reductions in the incidence of ILI and enterovirus in 2020, compared with 2018 and 2019. These reductions occurred within 2 weeks of the government issuing public health policies for COVID-19 and indicate that such policies can effectively reduce infectious diseases overall. In contrast, no such reduction in ILI activity was observed in 2020 after the first COVID-19 case was reported in the USA. We suggest that infectious diseases data can be used to inform effective public health policies needed to break the transmission chain of COVID-19 and that ongoing monitoring of infectious diseases data can provide confidence about nationwide health.
Science fiction authors’ perspectives on human genetic engineering
Authors: So Derek , Crocker Kelsey , Sladek Robert , Joly Yann
Published: April 2021

Participants in the human gene editing debate often consider examples from science fiction but have rarely engaged directly with the science fiction community as stakeholders. To understand how science fiction authors develop and spread their views on gene editing, we created an online questionnaire that was answered by 78 authors, including 71 who had previously written about genetic engineering. When asked which ethical issues science fiction should explore, respondents most frequently mentioned affordability, new social divisions, consent and unforeseen safety risks. They rarely advocated exploring psychological effects or religious objections. When asked which works of fiction had influenced their perceptions of gene editing, the most frequent responses were the filmGattaca, theStar Trekfranchise and the novelsThe Island of Doctor MoreauandBrave New World. Unlike other stakeholders, they rarely citedFrankensteinas an influence. This article examines several differences between bioethicists, the general public and science fiction authors, and discusses how this community’s involvement might benefit proponents and opponents of gene editing. It also provides an overview of works mentioned by our respondents that might serve as useful references in the debate.
Performance of the vision, aphasia, neglect (VAN) assessment within a single large EMS system
Authors: Patel Mehul D , Thompson Jackie , Cabañas José G , Williams Jefferson G , Lewis Erin , Bachman Michael , Al Masry Mahmoud , LaVigne Charles , Morantes Leonardo , Becske Tibor , Kass-Hout Omar
Published: April 2021

Background

There is limited evidence on the performance of emergent large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke screening tools when used by emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency department (ED) providers. We assessed the validity and predictive value of the vision, aphasia, neglect (VAN) assessment when completed by EMS and in the ED among suspected stroke patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of VAN performed by EMS providers and VAN inferred from the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale performed by ED nurses at a single hospital. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of VAN by EMS and in the ED for LVO and a combined LVO and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcome.

Results

From January 2018 to June 2020, 1,547 eligible patients were identified. Sensitivity and specificity of ED VAN were similar for LVO (72% and 74%, respectively), whereas EMS VAN was more sensitive (84%) than specific (68%). PPVs were low for both EMS VAN (26%) and ED VAN (21%) to detect LVO. Due to several VAN-positive ICHs, PPVs were substantially higher for both EMS VAN (44%) and ED VAN (39%) to detect LVO or ICH. EMS and ED VAN had high NPVs (97% and 96%, respectively).

Conclusions

Among suspected stroke patients, we found modest sensitivity and specificity of VAN to detect LVO for both EMS and ED providers. Moreover, the low PPV in our study suggests a significant number of patients with non-LVO ischemic stroke or ICH could be over-triaged with VAN.
Thermo-viscoelastic fractional model of rotating nanobeams with variable thermal conductivity due to mechanical and thermal loads
Authors: Abouelregal Ahmed E. , Ahmad Hijaz , Nofal Taher A. , Abu-Zinadah Hanaa
Published: April 2021

This paper analyzes the thermoelastic dynamic behavior of simply supported viscoelastic nanobeams of fractional derivative type due to a dynamic strength load. The viscoelastic Kelvin–Voigt model with fractional derivative with Bernoulli–Euler beam theory is introduced. The generalized thermoelastic heat conduction model with a two-phase lag is also used. It is assumed that the beam is rotating at a uniform angular velocity and that the thermal conductivity varies linearly depending on the temperature. Due to a variable harmonic heat and retreating time-dependent load, the nanobeam is excited. The Laplace integral transformation technique is used as the solution method. The thermodynamic temperature, deflection function, bending moment, and displacement are numerically calculated. Results of fractional and integer viscoelastic material models are compared. In the studied system, the effect of the nonlocal parameter, viscosity and varying load on the solutions is shown, and the temperature-dependence of the thermal conductivity is analyzed.
ALTERNATING MAGNETIC FIELD GENERATOR FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSITION TRACKING OF MEDICAL TREATMENT EQUIPMENT FOR TRAINING
Authors: PARK MIN GYU , BANG SANG KWANG , SHIN SEONG HWAL , SEONG KI WOONG , LEE JYUNG HYUN
Published: April 2021

In recent years, the incidence of cardiovascular disease is high due to the aging population and westernization of dietary habits, what encourages researching new methods. Most cardiovascular procedures use the catheter. In the procedure using a catheter, a long time of training is required to lower the procedure risk. So, a medical training simulator is being developed. In the actual procedure, the position of the catheter is confirmed by a C-arm using X-ray, but there is a risk of over exposure to radiation if the X-ray device is used until training. To solve this problem, in previous studies, the position of the catheter was tracked using a permanent magnet. However, the method of permanent magnet has a high error value due to the shape of the external magnetic flux density and the interference of environmental magnetic field. In this paper, an alternating magnetic field generator is proposed for 3D position tracking of medical equipment for training. An electromagnet with an optimal shape was designed through finite element analysis. The designed electromagnet is implemented and tested to confirm the performance. Through the location tracking experiment, an equation to estimate the distance between the electromagnet and the Hall sensor in 3D space was derived by linear regression recursive method. Through the derived equation, it was possible to track the position of the electromagnet at any position in the 3D space. Unlike previous studies using permanent magnets, the proposed alternating magnetic field generator has an isotropic shape with an external magnetic flux density according to the same distance. So, it is possible to reduce errors in position and distance, and minimize the effect of environmental magnetic fields by using an alternating magnetic field.
The Relation Between Earnings Quality and Cost of Equity and the Role of Ownership Concentration: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Frisenna Claudia , Greco Daniele , Rizzotti Davide
Published: April 2021

This study aims to replicate the analysis of the relationship between earnings quality and cost of equity in the Italian context, a context characterized by high ownership concentration and weak investor protection dominated by the type II agency problem. We hypothesize a different intensity of the earnings quality–cost of equity relation between concentrated-held firms and dispersed-held ones. The analysis is based on a sample of 774 firm-year observations from 128 Italian nonfinancial listed firms, from 2011 to 2017. Empirical results confirm the existence of a negative relationship between earnings quality and cost of equity. Moreover, findings show that in Italy, this relation is stronger for firms with concentrated ownership and weaker for firms with more dispersed ownership. Consistent with our hypothesis, this finding suggests that ownership structure affects the sensitivity of the earnings quality–cost of equity relationship.
Excellent Antimicrobial Activity of Fe3O4/SiO2/Ag Nanocomposites
Authors: Nikmah Ainun , Taufiq Ahmad , Hidayat Arif , Sunaryono  , Susanto Hendra
Published: April 2021

In this study, a new antimicrobial agent was developed through a synthesis of Fe3O4/SiO2/Ag double nanocomposites using the sol–gel method. The prepared samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV-Vis, VSM, and antibacterial test. The data analysis results for the Fe3O4/SiO2/Ag composites showed that Fe3O4, SiO2, and Ag constructed respective spinel cubic, orthorhombic, and amorphous structures in nanometric size. The saturation magnetization of Fe3O4/SiO2/Ag nanocomposites decreased due to the increase in the Ag content. Interestingly, the Fe3O4/SiO2/Ag nanocomposites presented excellent microbial activity. Ag deposition on the Fe3O4/SiO2surface enhanced the antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites because Ag oxidized to Ag[Formula: see text] ion to produce a toxic effect in the cells of microorganisms. Furthermore, the Ag[Formula: see text] ion created the –S–Ag bond chain and deactivated the microorganism cells. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance of Ag had an impact on the formation of photo-induced electrons, which produced superoxide radical anions, [Formula: see text] generating a collapsing force that causes the death of microorganisms.
A Metamodel and Framework for Artificial General Intelligence From Theory to Practice
Authors: Latapie Hugo , Kilic Ozkan , Liu Gaowen , Kompella Ramana , Lawrence Adam , Sun Yuhong , Srinivasa Jayanth , Yan Yan , Wang Pei , Thórisson Kristinn R.
Published: April 2021

This paper introduces a new metamodel-based knowledge representation that significantly improves autonomous learning and adaptation. While interest in hybrid machine learning/symbolic AI systems leveraging, for example, reasoning and knowledge graphs, is gaining popularity, we find there remains a need for both a clear definition of knowledge and a metamodel to guide the creation and manipulation of knowledge. Some of the benefits of the metamodel we introduce in this paper include a solution to the symbol grounding problem, cumulative learning and federated learning. We have applied the metamodel to problems ranging from time series analysis, computer vision and natural language understanding and have found that the metamodel enables a wide variety of learning mechanisms ranging from machine learning, to graph network analysis and learning by reasoning engines to interoperate in a highly synergistic way. Our metamodel-based projects have consistently exhibited unprecedented accuracy, performance, and ability to generalize. This paper is inspired by the state-of-the-art approaches to AGI, recent AGI-aspiring work, the granular computing community, as well as Alfred Korzybski’s general semantics. One surprising consequence of the metamodel is that it not only enables a new level of autonomous learning and optimal functioning for machine intelligences, but may also shed light on a path to better understanding how to improve human cognition.
Design Automation for Tree-based Nearest Neighborhood–aware Placement of High-speed Cellular Automata on FPGA with Scan Path Insertion
Authors: Palchaudhuri Ayan , Sharma Sandeep , Dhar Anindya Sundar
Published: April 2021

Cellular Automata (CA) is attractive for high-speed VLSI implementation due to modularity, cascadability, and locality of interconnections confined to neighboring logic cells. However, this outcome is not easily transferable to tree-structured CA, since the neighbors having half and double the index value of the current CA cell under question can be sufficiently distanced apart on the FPGA floor. Challenges to meet throughput requirements, seamlessly translate algorithmic modifications for changing application specifications to gate level architectures and to address reliability challenges of semiconductor chips are ever increasing. Thus, a proper design framework assisting automation of synthesizable, delay-optimized VLSI architecture descriptions facilitating testability is desirable. In this article, we have automated the generation of hardware description of tree-structured CA that includes a built-in scan path realized with zero area and delay overhead. The scan path facilitates seeding the CA, state modification, and fault localization on the FPGA fabric. Three placement algorithms were proposed to ensure maximum physical adjacency amongst neighboring CA cells, arranged in a multi-columnar fashion on the FPGA grid. Our proposed architectures outperform implementations arising out of standard placers and behavioral designs, existing tree mapping strategies, and state-of-the-art FPGA centric error detection architectures in area and speed.
The Burden of Alleviating the Burden During a Pandemic: Emotional literacy as a tool for online course design, adaptation, and evaluation
Authors: Robinson Petra , Stojanović Maja
Published: April 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most, if not all, courses were shifted to online learning formats. In this article, we share our experiences related to teaching and learning in a completely online, condensed (seven-week) graduate-level course during the fall 2020 semester. More specifically, we discuss the important role of emotional literacy as a mechanism for framing online course design, adaptation, and evaluation. We explore emotional literacy in terms of its necessity in teaching and learning in online contexts during a pandemic, beyond the scope of other obviously important non-traditional literacies, such as technological and informational literacies. To conclude, we offer practical suggestions for online course design, adaptation, and evaluation using emotional literacy as a framework and provide considerations for future research.
The 3D Genome Structure of Single Cells
Authors: Zhou Tianming , Zhang Ruochi , Ma Jian
Published: April 2021

The spatial organization of the genome in the cell nucleus is pivotal to cell function. However, how the 3D genome organization and its dynamics influence cellular phenotypes remains poorly understood. The very recent development of single-cell technologies for probing the 3D genome, especially single-cell Hi-C (scHi-C), has ushered in a new era of unveiling cell-to-cell variability of 3D genome features at an unprecedented resolution. Here, we review recent developments in computational approaches to the analysis of scHi-C, including data processing, dimensionality reduction, imputation for enhancing data quality, and the revealing of 3D genome features at single-cell resolution. While much progress has been made in computational method development to analyze single-cell 3D genomes, substantial future work is needed to improve data interpretation and multimodal data integration, which are critical to reveal fundamental connections between genome structure and function among heterogeneous cell populations in various biological contexts.