bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Component residual stress control in forward rod extrusion by material flow and tribology—experiments and modeling
Authors: Jobst A. , Floros D. , Steinmann P. , Merklein M.
Published: July 2021

The forward rod extrusion of ferritic stainless steel X6Cr17 (DIN 1.4016) is here investigated with the objectives to experimentally identify and numerically verify the effect of the lubrication system and die opening angle on residual stresses. Three lubricants – MoS2, soap and polymer – are considered whose tribological properties are characterized via double cup extrusion tests. The effect of material flow is also studied by forming in conical dies featuring three different opening angles. The extrusion experiments revealed a decrease in the near-surface tensile stresses with decreasing friction for all the considered opening angles. An opening angle of 2α = 90° led to the highest tensile residual stresses. Both an increase to 2α = 120° and a decrease to 60° resulted in reduced tensile stresses and even a shift to compressive stresses.

Furthermore, a previously developed numerical model of forward rod extrusion is optimized and validated against the experimentally measured residual stresses. The effect of the spatial and temporal discretizations of the model on the predicted residual stresses is investigated. Based on the experimental and numerically verified results, the recommendation to reduce friction in forward rod extrusion is derived as a means to obtain a less detrimental to the lifecycle of extruded parts residual stress state.
“Do You Think You Have What it Takes?” – Exploring Predictors of Pre-Service Teachers’ Prospective ICT Use
Authors: Pozas Marcela , Letzel Verena
Published: July 2021

Despite extensive efforts to support teachers with the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into their classroom practice, current research reports that teachers face immense challenges when integrating ICT into their teaching. This issue has become even more relevant with the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, forcing schools around the world to close for an indefinite period of time and thus to offer remote digital learning solutions. Against this background, this study focused on examining the predictors of pre-service teachers’ prospective ICT use and investigated the heterogeneous results of previous research related to ICT use and gender. Following the ‘will, skill, tool’ framework, the study examined relevant factors of pre-service teachers’ (N = 103) prospective ICT use for teaching and learning processes by means of multiple regression analyses. The analyses included pre-service teachers’ background characteristics, ICT profiles (attitudes and self-efficacy), digital competencies and use of digital tools in order to explore their role in future in-class use of ICT. They also show that there are no gender differences in pre-service teachers’ prospective ICT integration. However, male pre-service teachers hold more positive attitudes towards ICT use than their female counterparts. Additionally, the findings reveal that the two strongest predictors of pre-service teachers’ future ICT use are their attitudes and perceived competency to teach and implement technology in their teaching practices. Finally, the results provide important information about teachers’ training needs. Implications of the results and further research are discussed.
Grounding, Quantifiers, and Paradoxes
Authors: Genco Francesco A. , Poggiolesi Francesca , Rossi Lorenzo
Published: July 2021

The notion of grounding is usually conceived as an objective and explanatory relation. It connects two relata if one—the ground—determines or explains the other—the consequence. In the contemporary literature on grounding, much effort has been devoted to logically characterize the formal aspects of grounding, but a major hard problem remains: defining suitable grounding principles for universal and existential formulae. Indeed, several grounding principles for quantified formulae have been proposed, but all of them are exposed to paradoxes in some very natural contexts of application. We introduce in this paper a first-order formal system that captures the notion of grounding and avoids the paradoxes in a novel and non-trivial way. The system we present formally develops Bolzano’s ideas on grounding by employing Hilbert’sε-terms and an adapted version of Fine’s theory of arbitrary objects.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Serve as Key Effector Molecules in the Protection Against Phialophora verrucosa
Authors: Liu Qin , Yi Wenjuan , Jiang Si , Song Jiquan , Liang Pin
Published: July 2021

Phialophora verrucosa (P. verrucosa) is a pathogen that can cause chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis. Recent evidence suggests that neutrophils can produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that can protect against invasive pathogens. As such, we herein explored the in vitro functional importance of P. verrucosa-induced NET formation. By assessing the co-localization of neutrophil elastase and DNA, we were able to confirm the formation of classical NETs entrapping P. verrucosa specimens. Sytox Green was then used to stain these NETs following neutrophil infection with P. verrucosa in order to quantify the formation of these extracellular structures. NET formation was induced upon neutrophil exposure to both live, UV-inactivated, and dead P. verrucosa fungi. The ability of these NETs to kill fungal hyphae and conidia was demonstrated through MTT and pouring plate assays, respectively. Overall, our results confirmed that P. verrucosa was able to trigger the production of NETs, suggesting that these extracellular structures may represent an important innate immune effector mechanism controlling physiological responses to P. verrucosa infection, thereby aiding in pathogen control during the acute phases of infection.
Pulmonary Talaromycosis: A Window into the Immunopathogenesis of an Endemic Mycosis
Authors: Narayanasamy Shanti , Dougherty John , van Doorn H. Rogier , Le Thuy
Published: July 2021

Talaromycosis is an invasive mycosis caused by the thermally dimorphic saprophytic fungus Talaromyces marneffei (Tm) endemic in Asia. Like other endemic mycoses, talaromycosis occurs predominantly in immunocompromised and, to a lesser extent, immunocompetent hosts. The lungs are the primary portal of entry, and pulmonary manifestations provide a window into the immunopathogenesis of talaromycosis. Failure of alveolar macrophages to destroy Tm results in reticuloendothelial system dissemination and multi-organ disease. Primary or secondary immune defects that reduce CD4+ T cells, INF-γ, IL-12, and IL-17 functions, such as HIV infection, anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies, STAT-1 and STAT-3 mutations, and CD40 ligand deficiency, highlight the central roles of Th1 and Th17 effector cells in the control of Tm infection. Both upper and lower respiratory infections can manifest as localised or disseminated disease. Upper respiratory disease appears unique to talaromycosis, presenting with oropharyngeal lesions and obstructive tracheobronchial masses. Lower respiratory disease is protean, including alveolar consolidation, solitary or multiple nodules, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, cavitary disease, and pleural effusion. Structural lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an emerging risk factor in immunocompetent hosts. Mortality, up to 55%, is driven by delayed or missed diagnosis. Rapid, non-culture-based diagnostics including antigen and PCR assays are shown to be superior to blood culture for diagnosis, but still require rigorous clinical validation and commercialisation. Our current understanding of acute pulmonary infections is limited by the lack of an antibody test. Such a tool is expected to unveil a larger disease burden and wider clinical spectrum of talaromycosis.
‘…These Workshops are like Sunday´s Church Visit – but then, it’s Monday Again…’—using Understanding to Bridge Ambitious Talk and Action
Authors: Schumacher Thomas , Krautzberger Marc
Published: July 2021

Organisational renewal and change often include the experience of a dichotomy between talk and action, leading to increasing skepticism about organisational change initiatives. Our action research is based on a single case study and explores how the divide between talk and action can be overcome to manage change. The study reveals an often-neglected aspect of organisational communication; in addition to utterance and information, successful communication requires understanding to find the missing link between talk and action, as well as creating impact in change processes. The article shows how an intervention can be built on communicative understanding, putting the Luhmannian approach into practice: introducing regular organisation-wide feedback on a change initiative through reflection workshops helped foster understanding of change initiatives and supported bridging the gap between talk and action.
Cost-effectiveness of zoledronic acid compared with sequential denosumab/alendronate for older osteoporotic women in Japan
Authors: Mori Takahiro , Crandall Carolyn J. , Fujii Tomoko , Ganz David A.
Published: July 2021

Summary

Among hypothetical cohorts of older osteoporotic women without prior fragility fracture in Japan, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of two treatment strategies using a simulation model. Annual intravenous zoledronic acid for 3 years was cost-saving compared with biannual subcutaneous denosumab for 3 years followed by weekly oral alendronate for 3 years.

Purpose

Osteoporosis constitutes a major medical and health economic burden to society worldwide. Injectable treatments for osteoporosis require less frequent administration than oral treatments and therefore have higher persistence and adherence with treatment, which could explain better efficacy for fracture prevention. Although annual intravenous zoledronic acid and biannual subcutaneous denosumab are available, it remains unclear which treatment strategy represents a better value from a health economic perspective. Accordingly, we examined the cost-effectiveness of zoledronic acid for 3 years compared with sequential denosumab/alendronate (i.e., denosumab for 3 years followed by oral weekly alendronate for 3 years, making the total treatment duration 6 years) among hypothetical cohorts of community-dwelling osteoporotic women without prior fragility fracture in Japan at ages 65, 70, 75, or 80 years.

Methods

Using a previously validated and updated Markov microsimulation model, we obtained incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (Japanese yen [¥] (or US dollars [$]) per quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]) from the public healthcare and long-term care payer’s perspective over a lifetime horizon with a willingness-to-pay of ¥5 million (or $47,500) per QALY.

Results

In the base case, zoledronic acid was cost-saving (i.e., more effective and less expensive) compared with sequential denosumab/alendronate. In deterministic sensitivity analyses, results were sensitive to changes in the efficacy of zoledronic acid or the cumulative persistence rate with zoledronic acid or denosumab. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the probabilities of zoledronic acid being cost-effective were 98–100%.

Conclusions

Among older osteoporotic women without prior fragility fracture in Japan, zoledronic acid was cost-saving compared with sequential denosumab/alendronate.
Assessment and distribution of water quality of Pandoh river basin (PRB), Himachal Pradesh, North India
Authors: Prakasam C. , Saravanan R. , Sharma M. K. , Kanwar Varinder S.
Published: July 2021

As the surface water in northern India is the main water resource for regional economic and also supply for drinking and irrigation purposes. However, deficiency of water quality leads to serious water pollution in the Pandoh river basin (PRB). Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to evaluate the quality of surface water. With this objective, surface water samples were collected from the PRB of northern India, and analyzed for pH, EC, turbidity, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, and total hardness. Moreover, geographical information system (GIS) tools were used to prepare the geology, drainage pattern, and location maps of the study region. Surface water quality observed from the PRB has an alkaline nature with a moderately hard type. Further studies are encouraged to better understand the water quality in northern India.
Shellfishing on foot and the road to defeminization in Galicia (Spain)
Authors: Piñeiro-Antelo María de los Ángeles , Santos Xosé M
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Fishing resources, as well as fishing activities and policies, are in a state of permanent change, therefore transforming the living and working conditions of coastal and fishing populations. The gender perspective is relevant to understand the challenges faced by men and women in the fishing sector. Galicia (Spain) is one of the main fishing regions in the EU and with the largest number of women working in the fishing sector, especially in shellfishing on foot. Shellfishing on foot, an artisanal and traditional activity for the cultivation and extraction of mainly bivalve molluscs, represents 7% of gross value added (GVA) and 17% of the employment of the Galician fishing sector as a whole. Since the 1960s, a process of regulation and modernization of shellfishing on foot—more than 95% of which is carried out by women—has led to a sharp decrease in the number of shellfish gatherers. The regulatory processes and the professionalization of the sector have resulted in a strong decline in female employment, but, at the same time, women feel empowered and regard their jobs as dignified work. Our objective—through the analysis of the local permits granted to carry out this activity—focuses on the study of the consolidation of this process and has tried to highlight the ways in which patriarchy perpetuates the hegemonic position of men evidenced, for example, by a progressive masculinization of this activity with increasing economic profitability and social prestige.
Chronic conditions and multimorbidity associated with institutionalization among Finnish community-dwelling older people: an 18-year population-based follow-up study
Authors: Viljanen Anna , Salminen Marika , Irjala Kerttu , Heikkilä Elisa , Isoaho Raimo , Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa , Korhonen Päivi , Vahlberg Tero , Viitanen Matti , Wuorela Maarit , Löppönen Minna , Viikari Laura
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The ageing population is increasingly multimorbid. This challenges health care and elderly services as multimorbidity is associated with institutionalization. Especially dementia increases with age and is the main risk factor for institutionalization. The aim of this study was to assess the association of chronic conditions and multimorbidity with institutionalization in home-dwelling older people, with and without dementia.

Methods

In this prospective study with 18-year follow-up, the data on participants’ chronic conditions were gathered at the baseline examination, and of conditions acquired during the follow-up period from the municipality’s electronic patient record system and national registers. Only participants institutionalized or deceased by the end of the follow-up period were included in this study. Different cut-off-points for multimorbidity were analyzed. Cox regression model was used in the analyses. Death was used as a competing factor.

Results

The mean age of the participants (n = 820) was 74.7 years (64.0‒97.0). During the follow-up, 328 (40%) were institutionalized. Dementia, mood disorders, neurological disorders, and multimorbidity defined as five or more chronic conditions were associated with a higher risk of institutionalization in all the participants. In people without dementia, mood disorders and neurological disorders increased the risk of institutionalization.

Conclusion

Having dementia, mood or neurological disorder and/or five or more chronic conditions were associated with a higher risk of institutionalization. These risk factors should be recognized when providing and targeting care and support for older people still living at home.
A Snapshot of Poverty, Diseases and war – the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Sasidharan Shibu , Dhillon Harpreet Singh
Published: July 2021

DRC’s fight with the EVD (Ebola Virus Disease) was just settling when WHO declared COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on March 12, 2020. DRC’s economic growth decelerated from its pre-COVID level of 4.4% in 2019 to an estimated 0.8% in 2020. This has caused concomitant setbacks in the treatment and control of major health issues like HIV, tuberculosis, measles, rift valley fever and malaria in the country. This, coupled with civil unrest, other infectious diseases and risk to the safety of the health workers is a recipe for a ‘perfect storm’ waiting to unfold.
Effectiveness of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis for transurethral resection of the prostate in the era of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Khawcharoenporn Thana , Kanoktipakorn Pimjira
Published: July 2021

The results of this study demonstrate the lower incidence of posttransurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) urinary tract infection (UTI) among patients receiving appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis (AAP) versus inappropriate antibiotic prophylaxis (27% vs 47%; P < .001). Preoperative urine culture procurement and APP are critical for post-TURP UTI prevention in the era of antibiotic resistance.
Can authentic leaders reduce the spread of negative workplace gossip? The roles of subordinates' perceived procedural justice and interactional justice
Authors: Cheng Jin , Usman Muhammad , Bai Haiqing , He Yuqing
Published: July 2021

Many studies suggest that leaders should discourage or prevent the spread of negative workplace gossip (NWG), but yet little is understood about the relationship between leaders and their subordinates' NWG. This study interprets the linkage between authentic leadership and two types of NWG via individuals' perceptions of justice based on fairness heuristic and justice views. The data were collected in a three-stage process from a large information technology corporation in China. The findings revealed that interactional justice mediated authentic leadership and NWG's relationship with supervisors and the relationship between authentic leadership and NWG about coworkers. The procedural justice mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and NWG about supervisors, while it didn't mediate the relationship between authentic leadership and NWG about coworkers. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Estimating the locations of voters, politicians, policy outcomes, and status quos on a common scale
Authors: Battista James Coleman , Peress Michael , Richman Jesse
Published: July 2021

How well are voters represented and what explains how well voters are represented? Answering these questions requires unpacking the mechanisms by which voters choose elected officials and elected officials implement policies. Though spatial theories of voting and legislative bargaining provide a broad framework for understanding these mechanisms, testing these theories involves a measurement problem where multiple political actors and outcomes must be located. We develop a technique for estimating policy outcomes, status quo locations, the ideology of elite political actors, and the ideology of voters, on a common scale. Using our new estimates, we demonstrate a similar level of incongruence for tax policies and spending policies. The incongruence arises for different reasons however—tax policies are over-responsive to the position of the median voter. Contrarily, spending policies are under-responsive and barely correlated with the position of the median voter. In examining the underlying mechanisms for policy change, we find that while the positions of elected officials over-respond to the median voter, the changing composition of state government has little immediate impact on policy. Instead, policy outcomes respond to long-term trends in the composition of government.
RETHINKING EARLY MEDIEVAL ‘PRODUCTIVE SITES’: WEALTH, TRADE, AND TRADITION AT LITTLE CARLTON, EAST LINDSEY
Authors: Willmott Hugh , Wright Duncan W
Published: July 2021

The rising popularity of hobbyist metal detecting has provided early medieval scholars with various important new datasets, not least the concentrations of metalwork commonly known as ‘productive sites’. Awareness of these foci derives almost exclusively from archaeological evidence, yet they continue to be interpreted through a documentary lens, and are frequently labelled ‘monasteries’. Using the recently discovered site of Little Carlton, Lincolnshire, as a case study, it is argued that comprehension of metal-rich sites is significantly furthered by turning to archaeologically-orientated research agendas and terminologies. As a consequence, seventh- to ninth-century Little Carlton can be understood as one element of a high-status ‘meshwork’ within early medieval East Lindsey, in which elite power was articulated in the landscape through a number of contemporary centres. On site, archaeology indicates the presence of occupation, burial and craft working, but shows that highly symbolic indigenous practices were taking place too, including intentional deposition into a naturally-occurring pond. Evidence for activity either side of the seventh to ninth centuries also stresses the importance of long-term trajectories in shaping the character of places previously celebrated for their finds-rich phases alone.
Study on association between height, weight, iodine supplementation and thyroid volume
Authors: Liu Lanchun , Liu Lixiang , Li Ming , Du Yang , Liu Peng , Fan Lijun , Meng Fangang
Published: July 2021

The policy of Universal Salt Iodisation (USI) could reduce population’s thyroid volume (TVOL) in iodine deficiency areas. Conversely, the improved growth and developmental status of children might increase the TVOL accordingly. Whether the decreased TVOL by USI conceals the increase effect of height and weight on TVOL is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between height, weight, iodine supplementation and TVOL. Five national Iodine Deficiency Disorder surveys were matched into four pairs according to the purpose of analysis. County-level data of both detected by paired surveys were incorporated; 1:1 random pairing method was used to match counties or individuals. The difference of TVOL between different height, weight, different iodine supplementation measures groups and the association between TVOL and them were studied. The mean height and weight of children aged 8–10 years increased from 129·9 cm and 26·9 kg in 2002 to 136·2 cm and 32·1 kg in 2019, while the median TVOL decreased from 3·10 ml to 2·61 ml. Iodine supplementation measures can affect TVOL; after excluding iodine effects, the median TVOL was increased with the height and weight. On the other side, after excluding the influence of height and weight, the median TVOL remained decreased. Only age, weight and salt iodine were significantly associated with TVOL in multiple linear models. Development of height and weight in children is the evidence of improved nutrition. The decreased TVOL caused by iodised salt measures conceals the increase effect of height and weight on TVOL. Age, weight and salt iodine affect TVOL significantly.
A closed-form pricing formula for catastrophe equity options
Authors: Pasricha Puneet , Goel Anubha , Zhu Song-Ping
Published: July 2021

In this article, we derive a closed-form pricing formula for catastrophe equity put options under a stochastic interest rate framework. A distinguishing feature of the proposed solution is its simplified form in contrast to several recently published formulae that require evaluating several layers of infinite sums of $n$-fold convoluted distribution functions. As an application of the proposed formula, we consider two different frameworks and obtain the closed-form formula for the joint characteristic function of the asset price and the losses, which is the only required ingredient in our pricing formula. The prices obtained by the newly derived formula are compared with those obtained using Monte-Carlo simulations to show the accuracy of our formula.
The reliability prediction of torpedo electronic components in service life
Authors: Liang Qingwei , Zhang Xin , Hu Qixun
Published: July 2021

For torpedo electronic components tested by functional verification, there are characteristics of a few samples and few failures. During service life, it is difficult to analyse and predict the changes in reliability. At present, management's observation of quality is mainly base on failure data, and it is difficult to make predictions about the moments without failure in service life. In this paper, according to the failure data, we consider such factors as performance degradation and detection and use the model of instantaneous failure rate to evaluate the reliability of the detection moments periodically, and predict the reliability of stages through the results of detection moments. The method proposed in this paper, on the one hand, considers the service experience, and on the other combines the detection data, to make the final evaluation result more credible. In addition, this paper predicts the changing trend of reliability between adjacent detection moments, which can provide a useful reference for quality management work.
Daily Cannabis Use is Associated With Lower CNS Inflammation in People With HIV
Authors: Watson C. Wei-Ming , Campbell Laura M. , Sun-Suslow Ni , Hong Suzi , Umlauf Anya , Ellis Ronald J. , Iudicello Jennifer E. , Letendre Scott , Marcotte Thomas D. , Heaton Robert K. , Morgan Erin E. , Grant Igor
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Recent cannabis exposure has been associated with lower rates of neurocognitive impairment in people with HIV (PWH). Cannabis’s anti-inflammatory properties may underlie this relationship by reducing chronic neuroinflammation in PWH. This study examined relations between cannabis use and inflammatory biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma, and cognitive correlates of these biomarkers within a community-based sample of PWH.

Methods:

263 individuals were categorized into four groups: HIV− non-cannabis users (n= 65), HIV+ non-cannabis users (n= 105), HIV+ moderate cannabis users (n= 62), and HIV+ daily cannabis users (n= 31). Differences in pro-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, MCP-1/CCL2, IP-10/CXCL10, sCD14, sTNFR-II, TNF-α) by study group were determined by Kruskal–Wallis tests. Multivariable linear regressions examined relationships between biomarkers and seven cognitive domains, adjusting for age, sex/gender, race, education, and current CD4 count.

Results:

HIV+ daily cannabis users showed lower MCP-1 and IP-10 levels in CSF compared to HIV+ non-cannabis users (p= .015;p= .039) and were similar to HIV− non-cannabis users. Plasma biomarkers showed no differences by cannabis use. Among PWH, lower CSF MCP-1 and lower CSF IP-10 were associated with better learning performance (allps < .05).

Conclusions:

Current daily cannabis use was associated with lower levels of pro-inflammatory chemokines implicated in HIV pathogenesis and these chemokines were linked to the cognitive domain of learning which is commonly impaired in PWH. Cannabinoid-related reductions of MCP-1 and IP-10, if confirmed, suggest a role for medicinal cannabis in the mitigation of persistent inflammation and cognitive impacts of HIV.
Residual Effects of Cannabis Use on Effort-Based Decision-Making
Authors: Taylor Mackenzie B. , Filbey Francesca M.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Acute Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration in humans (Lawn etal., 2016) and rats (Silveira, Adams, Morena, Hill, & Winstanley, 2016) has been associated with decreased effort allocation that may explain amotivation during acute cannabis intoxication. To date, however, whether residual effects of cannabis use on effort-based decision-making are present and observable in humans have not yet been determined. The goal of this study was to test whether prolonged cannabis use has residual effects on effort-based decision-making in 24-hr abstinent cannabis using adults.

Method:

We evaluated performance on the Effort Expenditure for Reward Task (EEfRT) in 41 adult cannabis users (mean age = 24.63 years, 21 males) and 45 nonusers (mean age = 23.90 years, 19 males). A mixed 2x3x3 ANOVA with age as a covariate was performed to examine the effect of group, probability of winning, and reward amount on EEfRT performance. EEfRT performance was operationalized as % of trials for which the hard (vs. easy) condition was chosen. Pearson’s correlations were conducted to test the relationship between EEfRT performance and measures of cannabis use, anhedonia and motivation.

Results:

We found that cannabis users selected hard trials significantly more than nonusers regardless of win probability or reward level. Frequency of cannabis use was positively correlated with amount of % hard trials chosen. There were no significant correlations between % hard trials chosen, self-reported anhedonia, or motivation.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that unlike acute effects, residual effects of cannabis following 24 hrs of abstinence are associated with greater effort allocation during effort-based decision-making.
Cannabis Use, Age of Initiation, and Neurocognitive Performance: Findings from a Large Sample of Heavy Drinking Emerging Adults
Authors: Parlar Melissa , MacKillop Emily , Petker Tashia , Murphy James , MacKillop James
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the associations between cannabis use and neurocognitive functioning, including self-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, in a large sample of emerging adults (ages 21–25) using a cross-sectional design. A secondary objective was to examine age of cannabis initiation as a moderator.

Methods:

Participants were high-risk drinking emerging adults (n = 598) reporting past-month cannabis use in the following categories: 1) non-users (i.e., never or not in the past month; n = 276), 2) occasional users (i.e., monthly or weekly users; n = 201), and 3) daily users (n = 121). Categorical comparisons were conducted on working memory, attention, behavioral inhibition, delay and probability discounting, verbal intelligence, and ADHD symptoms. Complementary dimensional analyses examined cannabis severity in relation to neurocognition using regressions. Covariates were age, race, sex, income, years of education, tobacco use, and alcohol use.

Results:

Frequency of cannabis use was significantly associated with poorer working memory performance, more impulsive delay discounting, and greater endorsement of ADHD symptoms, but not other domains. Effect sizes were small and poorer performance was selectively present among daily, not occasional, cannabis users. Earlier age of initiation was not independently or interactively associated with neurocognitive performance.

Conclusions:

Daily cannabis use was selectively adversely associated with aspects of memory, impulsivity, and subjective attentional functioning, but most cognitive indicators were not implicated, and evidence of amplification by earlier age of initiation was not observed. Ascertaining causal versus consequential roles of cannabis in neurocognitive functioning is an important priority.
Operating Room (Re)Scheduling with Bed Management via ASP
Authors: DODARO CARMINE , GALATÀ GIUSEPPE , KAMRAN KHAN MUHAMMAD , MARATEA MARCO , PORRO IVAN
Published: July 2021

The Operating Room Scheduling (ORS) problem is the task of assigning patients to operating rooms (ORs), taking into account different specialties, lengths, and priority scores of each planned surgery, OR session durations, and the availability of beds for the entire length of stay (LOS) both in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and in the wards. A proper solution to the ORS problem is of primary importance for the healthcare service quality and the satisfaction of patients in hospital environments. In this paper we first present a solution to the problem based on Answer Set Programming (ASP). The solution is tested on benchmarks with realistic sizes and parameters, on three scenarios for the target length on 5-day scheduling, common in small–medium-sized hospitals, and results show that ASP is a suitable solving methodology for the ORS problem in such setting. Then, we also performed a scalability analysis on the schedule length up to 15 days, which still shows the suitability of our solution also on longer plan horizons. Moreover, we also present an ASP solution for the rescheduling problem, that is, when the offline schedule cannot be completed for some reason. Finally, we introduce a web framework for managing ORS problems via ASP that allows a user to insert the main parameters of the problem, solve a specific instance, and show results graphically in real time.
Empowering People to Act for a Better Life for All
Authors: Wallis Hannah , Bamberg Sebastian , Schulte Maxie , Matthies Ellen
Published: July 2021

Abstract. The ongoing intensification of the socio-ecological crisis requires a “Great Transformation” ( WBGU, 2011 ) of central societal systems involving aspects such as mobility, energy production, and nutrition. Thus, from a scientific point of view, the Great Transformation is a highly normative topic with a strong focus on societal and political processes of change. We are convinced that psychology can play a fruitful role in creating the social science for sustainability transformation that is needed for this purpose. However, for this to happen, psychology needs a shift toward a more impact-oriented research perspective, focusing on how people can effectively influence their ecological footprint and/or foster societal change as consumers, producers, or active citizens and community members. As starting points for developing such transformation-oriented psychological research perspectives, the present paper shows how a multilevel perspective on societal transformation processes can be combined with the vision of a solidarity-based lifestyle. Against this theoretical backdrop, we see an important role for psychology in studying how people cope with an ecological crisis by inventing new environmental lifestyles and identities, despite being locked into the currently unsustainable socio-technical systems.
Spectral Characterization and Spatiotemporal Variability of the Background Seismic Noise in Italy
Authors: D’ Alessandro Antonino , Greco Luca , Scudero Salvatore , Lauciani Valentino
Published: July 2021

In this study, we assess the spectral characteristics of seismic noise at the sites of the Italian Seismic Network and its spatio‐temporal variability. The evaluation of noise is crucial for the assessment of the detection capability of a seismic network. We selected a set of 233 stations, those equipped with broadband velocimeters (with corner period  40 s) and operating continuously for at least four consecutive years. The analysis was carried out in the frequency band from 0.025 to 30 Hz, in accordance with the seismic sensors bandwidth. We estimated the Power Spectral Density (PSD) of the seismic noise for fixed temporal windows and then we calculated the Probability Density Functions (PDF) at each station. Exploiting the large data set available, we have been able to: (a) describe the characteristics of the noise power at each site; (b) investigate both temporal and spatial variations of the background noise, revealing correlations of the noise levels with natural and anthropogenic noise sources; (c) propose an empirical relationship linking the “microseismic” noise (i.e., 0.12–1.2 Hz) with the geographical features of the site hosting the seismic station; (d) establish the baselines of a new seismic noise model that could be considered as a new reference for the Italian territory.
Statistical Uncertainty in Paleoclimate Proxy Reconstructions
Authors: McClelland H. L. O. , Halevy I. , Wolf‐Gladrow D. A. , Evans D. , Bradley A. S.
Published: July 2021

A quantitative analysis of any environment older than the instrumental record relies on proxies. Uncertainties associated with proxy reconstructions are often underestimated, which can lead to artificial conflict between different proxies, and between data and models. In this paper, using ordinary least squares linear regression as a common example, we describe a simple, robust and generalizable method for quantifying uncertainty in proxy reconstructions. We highlight the primary controls on the magnitude of uncertainty, and compare this simple estimate to equivalent estimates from Bayesian, nonparametric and fiducial statistical frameworks. We discuss when it may be possible to reduce uncertainties, and conclude that the unexplained variance in the calibration must always feature in the uncertainty in the reconstruction. This directs future research toward explaining as much of the variance in the calibration data as possible. We also advocate for a “data‐forward” approach, that clearly decouples the presentation of proxy data from plausible environmental inferences.
Dissociation‐Induced Deformation of Hydrate‐Bearing Silty Sand During Depressurization Under Constant Effective Stress
Authors: Zhou Jiazuo , Zhou Yuan , Yang Zhoujie , Wei Changfu , Wei Houzhen , Yan Rongtao
Published: July 2021

Hydrate dissociation‐induced deformation plays a crucial role in reservoir stability during the exploitation of natural gas hydrates. During the depressurization‐induced dissociation of pore hydrate, both hydrate saturation loss and effective stress rise tend to enhance the deformation. Previous studies have not been able to distinguish between deformations caused by these two factors. In this study, triaxial tests were conducted on carbon dioxide hydrate‐bearing sediments with constant effective stress but continuously decreasing gas pressure. Another stepwise depressurization test was conducted as a supplement to monitor the variation of hydrate saturation. The results show that the partial dissociation of hydrate along with the change of pressure‐temperature state cause deformation within the hydrate‐stability field. Effective confining pressure compresses the dissociating sediment under isotropic stress but restrains compression under constant deviatoric stress. Deviatoric stress enhances the deformation during axial loading, creep and depressurization‐induced dissociation.
Three Flavors of Radiative Feedbacks and Their Implications for Estimating Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity
Authors: Rugenstein Maria A. A. , Armour Kyle C.
Published: July 2021

The realization that atmospheric radiative feedbacks depend on the underlying patterns of surface warming and global temperature, and thus, change over time has lead to a proliferation of feedback definitions and methods to estimate equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS). We contrast three flavors of radiative feedbacks – equilibrium, effective, and differential feedback – and discuss their physical interpretations and applications. We show that their values at any given time can differ more than 1  and their implied equilibrium or effective climate sensitivity can differ several degrees. With ten (quasi) equilibrated climate models, we show that 400 years might be enough to estimate the true ECS within a 5% error using a simple regression method utilizing the differential feedback parameter. We argue that a community‐wide agreement on the interpretation of the different feedback definitions would advance the quest to narrow the estimate of climate sensitivity.
Impact of Mesoscale Eddies on Deep Chlorophyll Maxima
Authors: Cornec Marin , Laxenaire Rémi , Speich Sabrina , Claustre Hervé
Published: July 2021

Deep Chlorophyll Maxima (DCM) are ubiquitous features in stratified oceanic systems. Their establishment and maintenance result from hydrographical stability favoring specific environmental conditions with respect to light and nutrient availability required for phytoplankton growth. This stability can potentially be challenged by mesoscale eddies impacting the water column's vertical structure and thus the environmental parameters that condition the subsistence of DCMs. Here, data from the global BGC‐Argo float network are collocated with mesoscale eddies to explore their impact on DCMs. We show that cyclonic eddies, by providing optimal light and nutrient conditions, increase the occurrence of DCMs characterized by Deep Biomass Maxima for phytoplankton. In contrast, DCMs in anticyclonic eddies seem to be driven by photoacclimation as they coincide with Deep Acclimation Maxima without biomass accumulation. These findings suggest that the two types of eddies potentially have different impacts on the role of DCMs in global primary production.
Quasi-phase-matching-division multiplexing holography in a three-dimensional nonlinear photonic crystal
Authors: Chen Pengcheng , Wang Chaowei , Wei Dunzhao , Hu Yanlei , Xu Xiaoyi , Li Jiawen , Wu Dong , Ma Jianan , Ji Shengyun , Zhang Leran , Xu Liqun , Wang Tianxin , Xu Chuan , Chu Jiaru , Zhu Shining , Xiao Min , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2021

Nonlinear holography has recently emerged as a novel tool to reconstruct the encoded information at a new wavelength, which has important applications in optical display and optical encryption. However, this scheme still struggles with low conversion efficiency and ineffective multiplexing. In this work, we demonstrate a quasi-phase-matching (QPM) -division multiplexing holography in a three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear photonic crystal (NPC). 3D NPC works as a nonlinear hologram, in which multiple images are distributed into different Ewald spheres in reciprocal space. The reciprocal vectors locating in a given Ewald sphere are capable of fulfilling the complete QPM conditions for the high-efficiency reconstruction of the target image at the second-harmonic (SH) wave. One can easily switch the reconstructed SH images by changing the QPM condition. The multiplexing capacity is scalable with the period number of 3D NPC. Our work provides a promising strategy to achieve highly efficient nonlinear multiplexing holography for high-security and high-density storage of optical information.
CD147 receptor is essential for TFF3-mediated signaling regulating colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Cui Hong-Yong , Wang Shi-Jie , Song Fei , Cheng Xu , Nan Gang , Zhao Yu , Qian Mei-Rui , Chen Xi , Li Jia-Yue , Liu Fen-Ling , Zhu Yu-Meng , Tian Ruo-Fei , Wang Bin , Wu Bin , Zhang Yang , Sun Xiu-Xuan , Guo Ting , Yang Xiang-Min , Zhang Hai , Li Ling , Xu Jing , Bian Hui-Jie , Jiang Jian-Li , Chen Zhi-Nan
Published: July 2021

Major gaps in understanding the molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and intestinal mucosal repair have hampered therapeutic development for gastrointestinal disorders. Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) has been reported to be involved in CRC progression and intestinal mucosal repair; however, how TFF3 drives tumors to become more aggressive or metastatic and how TFF3 promotes intestinal mucosal repair are still poorly understood. Here, we found that the upregulated TFF3 in CRC predicted a worse overall survival rate. TFF3 deficiency impaired mucosal restitution and adenocarcinogenesis. CD147, a membrane protein, was identified as a binding partner for TFF3. Via binding to CD147, TFF3 enhanced CD147-CD44s interaction, resulting in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation and prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2) expression, which were indispensable for TFF3-induced migration, proliferation, and invasion. PTGS2-derived PGE2 bound to prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 subtype (PTGER4) and contributed to TFF3-stimulated CRC progression. Solution NMR studies of the TFF3-CD147 interaction revealed the key residues critical for TFF3 binding and the induction of PTGS2 expression. The ability of TFF3 to enhance mucosal restitution was weakened by a PTGS2 inhibitor. Blockade of TFF3-CD147 signaling using competitive inhibitory antibodies or a PTGS2 inhibitor reduced CRC lung metastasis in mice. Our findings bring strong evidence that CD147 is a novel receptor for TFF3 and PTGS2 signaling is critical for TFF3-induced mucosal restitution and CRC progression, which widens and deepens the understanding of the molecular function of trefoil factors.
Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) in healthy population aged 18 years or older: two single-center, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1 and phase 2 trials
Authors: Meng Fan-Yue , Gao Fan , Jia Si-Yue , Wu Xiang-Hong , Li Jing-Xin , Guo Xi-Ling , Zhang Jia-Lu , Cui Bo-Pei , Wu Zhi-Ming , Wei Ming-Wei , Ma Zhi-Long , Peng Hai-Lin , Pan Hong-Xing , Fan Lin , Zhang Jing , Wan Jiu-Qin , Zhu Zhong-Kui , Wang Xue-Wen , Zhu Feng-Cai
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 vaccines from multiple manufacturers are needed to cope with the problem of insufficient supply. We did two single-center, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 and phase 2 trials to assess the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) in healthy population aged 18 years or older in China. Eligible participants were enrolled, the ratio of candidate vaccine and placebo within each dose group was 3:1 (phase 1) or 5:1 (phase 2). From August 28, 2020, 168 participants were sequentially enrolled and randomly assigned to receive the low dose vaccine, high dose vaccine or placebo with the schedule of 0, 28 days or 0, 14, 28 days in phase 1 trial. From November 18, 2020, 960 participants were randomly assigned to receive the low dose vaccine, high dose vaccine or placebo with the schedule of 0, 21 days or 0, 14, 28 days in phase 2 trial. The most common solicited injection site adverse reaction within 7 days in both trials was pain. The most common solicited systematic adverse reactions within 7 days were fatigue, cough, sore throat, fever and headache. ELISA antibodies and neutralising antibodies increased at 14 days, and peaked at 28 days (phase 1) or 30 days (phase 2) after the last dose vaccination. The GMTs of neutralising antibody against live SARS-CoV-2 at 28 days or 30 days after the last dose vaccination were highest in the adult high dose group (0, 14, 28 days), with 102.9 (95% CI 61.9–171.2) and 102.6 (95% CI 75.2–140.1) in phase 1 and phase 2 trials, respectively. Specific T-cell response peaked at 14 days after the last dose vaccination in phase 1 trial. This vaccine is safe, and induced significant immune responses after three doses of vaccination.
The gut microbiome: what the oncologist ought to know
Authors: Lee K. A. , Luong M. K. , Shaw H. , Nathan P. , Bataille V. , Spector T. D.
Published: July 2021

The gut microbiome (GM) has been implicated in a vast number of human pathologies and has become a focus of oncology research over the past 5 years. The normal gut microbiota imparts specific function in host nutrient metabolism, xenobiotic and drug metabolism, maintenance of structural integrity of the gut mucosal barrier, immunomodulation and protection against pathogens. Strong evidence is emerging to support the effects of the GM on the development of some malignancies but also on responses to cancer therapies, most notably, immune checkpoint inhibition. Tools for manipulating the GM including dietary modification, probiotics and faecal microbiota transfer (FMT) are in development. Current understandings of the many complex interrelationships between the GM, cancer, the immune system, nutrition and medication are ultimately based on a combination of short‐term clinical trials and observational studies, paired with an ever-evolving understanding of cancer biology. The next generation of personalised cancer therapies focusses on molecular and phenotypic heterogeneity, tumour evolution and immune status; it is distinctly possible that the GM will become an increasingly central focus amongst them. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with an overview of microbiome science and our current understanding of the role the GM plays in cancer.