bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermogelling Nanocomposite Hydrogel: PLGA Molecular Weight in PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA Affecting the Thermogelling Behavior
Authors: Maeda Tomoki , Tanimoto Keishi , Hotta Atsushi
Published: November 2021

Thermoresponsive gelation of the nanocomposites consisting of poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA) triblock copolymers and LAPONITE (LAPONITE/PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA nanocomposites) is investigated by decreasing the molecular weights of PLGA as 1130, 900, and 470 g mol−1. As for the pure triblock copolymers, it is confirmed by UV–vis and SANS that a micellar structure with a hydrophobic core is formed even in the case of PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA with the lowest PLGA molecular weight of 470 g mol−1 (Triblock0.5k). As for the nanocomposites with LAPONITE, it is found that the gelation temperature (Tgel) becomes less dependent on the PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA concentration and more stable as the PLGA molecular weight decreases, and that Tgel of the nanocomposites almost linearly decreases as the LAPONITE concentration increases. Eventually, the nanocomposite with Triblock0.5k reaches Tgel between room temperature and physiological temperature. In addition, gradual degradation behavior is observed for the nanocomposite with Triblock0.5k. Considering the monomeric molecular weights of LA and GA at the LA/GA ratio of ≈2.0, it is concluded that the PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA with the lower PLGA molecular weight (i.e., Triblock0.5k) can be effectively used for thermoresponsive and degradable hydrogels targeting biomedical applications.
Automated proteomic sample preparation: The key component for high throughput and quantitative mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Fu Qin , Murray Christopher I. , Karpov Oleg A. , Van Eyk Jennifer E.
Published: November 2021

Sample preparation for mass spectrometry‐based proteomics has many tedious and time‐consuming steps that can introduce analytical errors. In particular, the steps around the proteolytic digestion of protein samples are prone to inconsistency. One route for reliable sample processing is the development and optimization of a workflow utilizing an automated liquid handling workstation. Diligent assessment of the sample type, protocol design, reagents, and incubation conditions can significantly improve the speed and consistency of preparation. When combining robust liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry with either discovery or targeted methods, automated sample preparation facilitates increased throughput and reproducible quantitation of biomarker candidates. These improvements in analysis are also essential to process the large patient cohorts necessary to validate a candidate biomarker for potential clinical use. This article reviews the steps in the workflow, optimization strategies, and known applications in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research fields that demonstrate the broad utility for improved automation of sample preparation in the proteomic field.
Documentation of advance care planning forms in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Takacs Sara M. , Comer Amber R.
Published: November 2021

Introduction/Aims

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive weakness. Survival is typically only a few years from symptom onset. The often‐predictable disease course creates opportunities to complete advance care planning (ACP) forms. The Physician Orders for Life‐Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a broadly used ACP paradigm to communicate end‐of‐life wishes but has not been well‐studied in the ALS population.

Methods

In this retrospective chart review study, patients diagnosed with ALS seen between 2014 and 2018 at an academic ALS center were identified. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and ACP data were collected.

Results

Of 513 patients identified, 30% had an ACP document. POLST forms were competed in 16.6% of patients with 73.8% of forms signed by a neurologist. Only 5.1% of patients saw a palliative care physician. Palliative care consultation was associated with having an POLST on file (P < .001). Patients with completed POLST forms were significantly more likely to have been seen in clinic more frequently (P < .001) and have a lower ALS Functional Rating Scale—Revised score on last visit (P = .005).

Discussion

Less than one third of patients with ALS completed an ACP document, and only a small percentage completed POLST forms. The data suggest a need for greater documentation of goals of care in the ALS population.
Bionic micro‐interface lattice foam‐core composites: Manufacturing techniques, compression resistance, bursting strength, low‐velocity impact, and dynamic cushion efficacy
Authors: Lin Jia‐Horng , Yu Haiyang , Wang Hongyang , Li Ting‐Ting , Lou Ching‐Wen
Published: November 2021

This study proposes a high‐resilience foam‐core composite with bionic micro‐interface lattice structure using columnar lattice mold and two‐step foaming technique. This foam‐core composite uses polyamides nonwoven fabrics as the bionic surface layers and polyurethane foam as the bionic core layer. The foam cavity diameter and columnar interface area are adjusted by the polyols content and the column diameter, respectively. Effects of the cavity diameter and the column diameter on the compression resistance, static‐bursting strength, low‐velocity impact, and dynamic cushion efficacy of foam‐core composites are investigated. The results show that compression resistance, bursting strength, and cushion efficacy of the foam‐core composites are all increased by degrees with the cavity diameter when the content of polyols increases. When the cavity diameter was 195 μm, bionic micro‐interface foam‐core composite absorbed 99% low‐velocity impact energy. Existence of bionic micro‐interface lattice obviously improved the static compression and bursting properties. Bionic micro‐interface foam‐core composites with 16 mm‐diameter column have the lower and wider contact force peak compared to pomelo, 8 mm and 12 mm‐diameter column, indicating higher dynamic cushion efficacy. The resulted composite provides an idea of establishing bionic foam‐core cushion composites by foam interface, which is expected to be used as energy absorption material for commercial application.
SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine acceptability among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Wimberly Courtney E. , Towry Lisa , Davis Elizabeth , Johnston Emily E. , Walsh Kyle M.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To explore willingness/hesitancy to vaccinate self and children against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

Methods

A 19‐question survey was sent to caregivers of CCS and completed between February 25 and April 13, 2021. Logistic regression was used to investigate relationships between willingness/hesitancy to vaccinate (a) self and (b) CCS, and demographic variables, confidence in the government and medical community's responses to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and factors specific to the CCS community (e.g., previous participation in an investigational therapeutic trial).

Results

Caregivers (6% male) from 130 unique families completed the survey. Mean CCS age at survey was 15 years (SD 6.4). Mean CCS age at diagnosis was 4.3 years (SD 4.3). Mean time from CCS diagnosis to survey completion was 10 years (SD 6.2). Twenty‐one percent of caregivers expressed hesitancy to vaccinate themselves and 29% expressed hesitancy to vaccinate their CCS. Caregivers expressing confidence in the federal government's response to COVID‐19 were six‐fold likelier to express willingness to self‐vaccinate (p < .001) and were three‐fold likelier to express willingness to vaccinate their CCS (p = .011). Qualitative analysis of free‐text responses revealed three general themes, including (a) confidence in science, medicine, and vaccination as a strategy for health promotion, (b) confidence in SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and belief that CCS are at greater risk of COVID‐19 complications, and (c) concerns about the swiftness of COVID‐19 vaccine development and insufficient safety/efficacy data in children and CCS.

Conclusions

Results underscore the need for COVID‐19 vaccination education and outreach, even among families highly engaged with the medical community, and emphasize the importance of updating these families as relevant data emerge from vaccine trials and registries.
Reactive thermal evaporated amorphous tin oxide fabricated at room temperature and application in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Che Zhigang , Liu Ming , Li Fengchao , Shi Yanbin , Zhou Yurong , Zhou Yuqin , Liu Fengzhen
Published: November 2021

Tin oxide (SnOx) as a functional layer, such as electron transport layer (ETL) or buffer layer, is widely used in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, SnOx prepared by spin coating is not suitable to be applied to the solar cells with large area or rough substrates. In this paper, SnOx thin films served as the ETL of PSCs were prepared using a simple reactive thermal evaporation (RTE) method, and a convenient ultraviolet ozone treatment (UV‐O3) at room temperature was carried out to replace the common post‐annealing process. The SnOx ETL prepared by RTE is suitable for substrates with arbitrary morphology, and the performance of the PSCs can be improved significantly after the ultraviolet ozone treatment of the SnOx layer. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 20.62% was achieved on the planar PSCs with the RTE SnOx serving as the ETL. Conformal coverage of the RTE SnOx thin film and the perovskite layer on a textured Si surface was achieved, which is helpful for making fully textured monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells in the future.
Phosphonate herbicide interactions with quartz, montmorillonite, and quartz‐enriched agricultural soil
Authors: Glaser Michael J. , Richards Brian K. , Steenhuis Tammo S. , Aristilde Ludmilla
Published: November 2021

Phosphonate‐based herbicides are extensively used in agriculture. Glyphosate was long considered immobile in soils due to strong complexation with metal oxides, but detection in agricultural effluents and surface waters points to glyphosate mobilization and transport. In particular, mechanisms of glyphosate adsorption and subsequent mobility from runoff‐prone soils enriched in quartz have not been fully elucidated. Here we used theoretical and experimental approaches to gain new insights on the soil mobility of glyphosate and two other phosphonate herbicides, glufosinate and fosamine. Molecular modeling simulations of optimized adsorbate complexes of the phosphonate herbicides with quartz and montmorillonite revealed Ca‐enhanced interactions for all three herbicides at both mineral interfaces, weak binding of Na‐complexed phosphonate herbicides on quartz, and more favorable interactions for glufosinate and fosamine with Na‐montmorillonite than for glyphosate. We conducted adsorption and desorption experiments to evaluate the mobility of glyphosate on quartz‐enriched agricultural soils. Consistent with our theoretical findings, adsorption experiments conducted with CaCl2 resulted in greater than a twofold increase in glyphosate retention compared with experiments with NaCl. The desorption experiments revealed release of about 30–90% of the initially bound glyphosate into solution, whereby Ca in the desorption solution promoted glyphosate mobility compared with Na. Furthermore, in all conditions, the relative initial wetness of the agricultural soil was correlated positively with the enhanced glyphosate mobilization, consistent with field‐scale reports that herbicide applied to soils following rain events were prone to runoff.
Economic and environmental feasibility of re‐routing the Indo‐Sri Lankan shipping channel: A green initiative of sustainable development
Authors: Kandasamy Jayakrishna , Nadeem Simon Peter , Kumar Anil , K.E.K Vimal , Nikhil Hrishikesh Bedekar , Solanki Nikhilkumar Himatlal
Published: November 2021

As the maritime industry forms the common means of heavy freight transportation, the efficient and strategic management of sea routes from an economic and environmental perspective has become a major concern to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). By applying marine engineering principles and quantifying metrics such as energy efficiency design, index/existing vessel design index, energy efficiency operational index, carbon footprints, fuel consumption, voyage times and emission this study aims to explore the merits of the Indo‐Sri Lankan shipping canal project over the existing route circumnavigating Sri Lanka. The quantification was performed by studying the design and operational indices of marine vessels, based on the metrics considering the major ports in India. The socio‐political, environmental and economic benefits reported in this study advocate the significance of this route to the maritime industry in meeting SDGs.
Risk controlled decision trees and random forests for precision Medicine
Authors: Doubleday Kevin , Zhou Jin , Zhou Hua , Fu Haoda
Published: November 2021

Statistical methods generating individualized treatment rules (ITRs) often focus on maximizing expected benefit, but these rules may expose patients to excess risk. For instance, aggressive treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with insulin therapies may result in an ITR which controls blood glucose levels but increases rates of hypoglycemia, diminishing the appeal of the ITR. This work proposes two methods to identify risk‐controlled ITRs (rcITR), a class of ITR which maximizes a benefit while controlling risk at a prespecified threshold. A novel penalized recursive partitioning algorithm is developed which optimizes an unconstrained, penalized value function. The final rule is a risk‐controlled decision tree (rcDT) that is easily interpretable. A natural extension of the rcDT model, risk controlled random forests (rcRF), is also proposed. Simulation studies demonstrate the robustness of rcRF modeling. Three variable importance measures are proposed to further guide clinical decision‐making. Both rcDT and rcRF procedures can be applied to data from randomized controlled trials or observational studies. An extensive simulation study interrogates the performance of the proposed methods. A data analysis of the DURABLE diabetes trial in which two therapeutics were compared is additionally presented. An R package implements the proposed methods (
https://github.com/kdoub5ha/rcITR).
Interface‐Induced Electrocatalytic Enhancement of CO2‐to‐Formate Conversion on Heterostructured Bismuth‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Sui Peng‐Fei , Xu Chenyu , Zhu Meng‐Nan , Liu Subiao , Liu Qingxia , Luo Jing‐Li
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising approach to convert CO2 to carbon‐neutral fuels using external electric powers. Here, the Bi2S3‐Bi2O3 nanosheets possessing substantial interface being exposed between the connection of Bi2S3 and Bi2O3 are prepared and subsequently demonstrate to improve CO2RR performance. The electrocatalyst shows formate Faradaic efficiency (FE) of over 90% in a wide potential window. A high partial current density of about 200 mA cm−2 at −1.1 V and an ultralow onset potential with formate FE of 90% are achieved in a flow cell. The excellent electrocatalytic activity is attributed to the fast‐interfacial charge transfer induced by the electronic interaction at the interface, the increased number of active sites, and the improved CO2 adsorption ability. These collectively contribute to the faster reaction kinetics and improved selectivity and consequently, guarantee the superb CO2RR performance. This study provides an appealing strategy for the rational design of electrocatalysts to enhance catalytic performance by improving the charge transfer ability through constructing a functional heterostructure, which enables interface engineering toward more efficient CO2RR.
Redox Host–Guest Nanosensors Installed with DNA Gatekeepers for Immobilization‐Free and Ratiometric Electrochemical Detection of miRNA
Authors: Xie Xiyue , Wang Zhenqiang , Zhou Meizhen , Xing Yuxin , Chen Yuhua , Huang Jixi , Cai Kaiyong , Zhang Jixi
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical nanosensors by integrating functional nucleic acids and nanomaterials hold a great promise in the fast detection of biomarkers, yet the current systems possess limitations on the accessibility of target–probe and probe–electrode interactions and the repeatability of detection. Herein, a host–guest assembly strategy is developed to build redox nanosensors for an immobilization‐free and ratiometric electrochemical detection system. Specifically, electroactive molecule (Em) guests are loaded in porous hosts of polydopamine nanoparticles (MPDA) to act as dual‐signal redox reporters. Hybrid DNA probes of G‐quadruplex and a single‐stranded anchor DNA are installed as gatekeepers for sealing the mesopores. Thereby, miRNA triggered Em release by strand displacement reactions and the homogeneous transportation of the hosts/guests to the electrode facilitate the generation of reference signal/response signal at different potentials. Concomitantly applied NIR irradiation boosts the electron transfer from MPDA to the electrode and results in a tenfold increase in the reference signal. Finally, the sensing system through the differential pulse voltammetry method achieves a highly repeatable detection (relative standard deviation 3.8%) of miRNA with a lower detection limit (362 × 10−15 m). This attractive system paves the way for rational designs of advanced electrochemical biosensors and smart diagnosis.
Efficacy of Aconiti tuber for chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy with peripheral coldness and/or symptoms relief by warming: A case series
Authors: Terada Tatsuto , Miura Tomofumi , Kosugi Kazuhiro , Natsume Maika , Yajima Midori Y. , Shimotsuura Yasutaka , Eto Tetsuya , Matsumoto Yoshihisa
Published: November 2021

Case

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) frequently occurs in cancer patients due to neurotoxic anti‐cancer drugs and is associated with painful refractory symptoms. Aconiti tuber (bushi), a Japanese herbal medicine, is an analgesic agent. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of bushi for CIPN among cancer patients. We retrospectively analyzed cancer patients who visited our hospital and were administered bushi for CIPN between January 2020 and November 2020. We analyzed efficacy and adverse events by medical chart review.

Outcome

Seven cancer patients (mean age 67.9 years, three females) were enrolled. The following neurotoxic anti‐cancer agents were administered: platinum analogues (n = 6), taxanes (n = 2), proteasome inhibitors (n = 1). Bushi was evaluated as effective in four patients (57.1%). One patient (9.1%) discontinued treatment because of adverse events (bad feeling). No other adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Bushi is effective for CIPN in cancer patients.
Improving the water quality of iron‐containing ponds using fermented kitchen wastes
Authors: Yong Ee Ling , Halim Khairunnisa Abdul , Liong Vivien Yu Fen , Tee Michelle Lee Kiau , Yong Zhi Yuan , See Hong Heng , Syafiuddin Achmad
Published: November 2021

To elucidate the efficacy of eco‐enzyme in mediating contaminated waters, an onsite investigation was conducted spanning over a 5‐month duration on three ponds receiving iron‐containing groundwater continuously. Eco‐enzyme was applied at designated dosages and time. Water samples were collected fortnightly for in situ monitoring of water quality. Parameters determined included total suspended solids (TSS), pH, alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), ammoniacal‐nitrogen (NH3), and dissolved oxygen. During the investigation, eco‐enzyme application was halted for nearly a month owing to the enforcement of Movement Control Order to curb the rising Covid‐19 cases. The results revealed that the application of eco‐enzyme has improved the overall water quality of the three ponds. A 99.9% of TSS removal was achieved. For the other parameters measured, the concentration fluctuated over time and the water quality status of the pond interchanged between slightly polluted and clean. The elevation of the water quality was largely dependent on the frequency of the eco‐enzyme application. This study, therefore, concludes that eco‐enzyme possessed the capability to enhance the quality of contaminated water.
Sudomotor dysfunction in patients with gluten neuropathy
Authors: Zis Panagiotis , Shafique Faiza , Sarrigiannis Ptolemaios G. , Artemiadis Artemios , Rao Dasappaiah G. , Sanders David S. , Hadjivassiliou Marios
Published: November 2021

Background and aim

Gluten neuropathy (GN) is a common neurological manifestation of gluten sensitivity (GS), characterized by serological evidence of GS, while other risk factors for developing neuropathy are absent. The degree of small fiber dysfunction in GN has not been studied in depth to date. Small fiber involvement may lead to pain, thermal perception abnormalities, and sweat gland dysfunction. Sudomotor innervation refers to the cholinergic innervation of the sympathetic nervous system through small fibers in the sweat glands. The aim of our study was to assess the sudomotor function of GN patients.

Methods

Patients with GN were recruited. Clinical and neurophysiological data were obtained. HLA-DQ genotyping was performed. The skin electrochemical conductance (ESC) was measured with SUDOSCANTM.

Results

Thirty-two patients (25 males, mean age 69.5±10.2 years) were recruited. Thirteen patients (40.6%) had abnormal sudomotor function of the hands. Sixteen patients (50%) had abnormal sudomotor function of the feet. Twenty-one patients (65.6%) had abnormal sudomotor function of either the hands or feet.

Sudomotor dysfunction did not correlate with the type of neuropathy (length-dependent neuropathy or sensory ganglionopathy), gluten-free diet adherence, severity of neuropathy, and duration of disease or HLA-DQ genotype. No differences in the ESC were found between patients with painful and patients with painless GN.

Conclusion

Sudomotor dysfunction affects two-thirds of patients with GN. The lack of correlation between pain and sudomotor dysfunction suggests different patterns of small fiber involvement in patients with GN.
Impacts of wood extraction on soil: assessing rutting and soil compaction caused by skidding and forwarding by means of traditional and innovative methods
Authors: Marra Elena , Laschi Andrea , Fabiano Fabio , Foderi Cristiano , Neri Francesco , Mastrolonardo Giovanni , Nordfjell Tomas , Marchi Enrico
Published: November 2021

Intensive forestry operations may cause soil compaction, plastic soil disturbances and rutting, which are responsible for undesirable effects on soils, vegetation and water bodies. Despite the numerous studies aimed to identify the main factors affecting soil damages, it still remains unclear whether wood extraction methods and driving direction (uphill or downhill) may affect the impacts of forest machines. This research analyses soil compaction and soil penetration resistance as well as rutting from forwarding and skidding using the same farm tractor in up- and downhill wood extraction. Rutting was estimated by 3D soil reconstruction derived by portable laser scanning (PLS) and close-range photogrammetry using structure for motion (SfM). Our findings showed that the direction of extraction did not affect soil damage severity during forwarding on a 25% slope. On the contrary, in order to reduce soil compaction, downhill skidding is preferable to uphill skidding. The results showed that the pressure on the ground caused by vehicles can be distributed horizontally, thus affecting also the soil between the wheel tracks. The soil bulk density inside the tracks after 10 forwarding passes increased by 40% and with 23% between the wheel tracks. The soil displacement in skidding trails (7.36 m3 per 100 m of trail) was significantly higher than in forwarding (1.68 m3 per 100 m of trail). The rutting estimation showed no significant difference between the PLS and SfM methods, even comparing the two digital surface models (DSMs) obtained, even if photogrammetry was preferred for technical and practical reasons.
Gram stain and addition of amphotericin B to improve the microbial safety of human donor corneas
Authors: Camposampiero Davide , Fasolo Adriano , Saccon Giuseppe , Donisi Pietro M. , Zanetti Elisa , Ponzin Diego
Published: November 2021

To determine the effectiveness of two methods to improve the microbial safety of human corneas preserved in organ culture. We compared the number of positive preservation solutions of corneas in organ culture in which the initial short-term hypothermic corneal maintenance solution was supplemented with amphotericin B 2.5 µg/mL and the historical data of microbial test results (2015–2019). In addition, we appraised the efficacy of Gram stain to detect bacterial or fungal contamination in the organ culture solutions of corneas from at-risk donors compared to the culture tests of corneas from not-at-risk donors. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA and statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The number of positive culture tests after preservation was 15 (0.5%) in 2020 compared to a mean of 37 (1.2%) in the period 2015–2019 (p < 0.01), with 10 (1.0%) positive samples in the cohort of 998 corneas from at-risk donors and 5 (0.2%) in the 2046 corneas from not-at-risk donors (p < 0.01). All corneas from at-risk donors tested positive at Gram stain and the results were available 1–3 days before those of the conventional culture tests. Amphotericin B supplementation in the short-term maintenance solution markedly reduced the number of positive microbial tests after organ culture and the early detection of contaminants, including slow-growing microorganisms, by Gram stain before the standard culture results. This meant fewer corneas being discarded and a greater likelihood of preventing post-graft infections.
On the Impact of Build Envelope Sizes on E-PBF Processed Pure Iron
Authors: Torrent C. J. J. , Krooß P. , Niendorf T.
Published: November 2021

In additive manufacturing, the thermal history of a part determines its final microstructural and mechanical properties. The factors leading to a specific temperature profile are diverse. For the integrity of a parameter setting established, periphery variations must also be considered. In the present study, iron was processed by electron beam powder bed fusion. Parts realized by two process runs featuring different build plate sizes were analyzed. It is shown that the process temperature differs significantly, eventually affecting the properties of the processed parts.
Changes in the occurrence range of hosts cause the expansion of the ornate dog tick Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) in Poland
Authors: Karbowiak Grzegorz
Published: November 2021

The turn of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries brought changes in the range of many pathogens and their vectors. An example is the Dermacentor reticulatus tick. So far, relatively not numerous, their range of occurrence was divided into two areas—western European and eastern. An increase in the number and spread of this tick has been observed since the 1990s. Possible causes may be changes in the average summer and winter temperature in Europe and changes in the structure and use of agricultural land and forest areas. Changes in the distribution and abundance of mammals which are the main hosts of adult ticks, such as elk Alces alces, red deer Cervus elaphus, raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides and the red fox Vulpes vulpes, may be important factors as well. Increase in the size of the hosts populations correlates with the subsequent increase in numbers and the emergence of new tick populations. The food base of adult ornate dog ticks is a large herbivorous mammal population. Predatory mammals can support the expansion of the ticks. The expansion of the raccoon dog in the west correlates with the emergence of new D. reticulatus populations west to the previous border of the eastern range of their occurrence. The intrusion of foxes into inhabited areas may be a synanthropic factor that supports the rise of new tick populations in urban agglomerations.
A Value Sensitive Scenario Planning Method for Adaptation to Uncertain Future Sea Level Rise
Authors: Wedin Anna , Wikman–Svahn Per
Published: November 2021

Value sensitive design (VSD) aims at creating better technology based on social and ethical values. However, VSD has not been applied to long-term and uncertain future developments, such as societal planning for climate change. This paper describes a new method that combines elements from VSD with scenario planning. The method was developed for and applied to a case study of adaptation to sea level rise (SLR) in southern Sweden in a series of workshops. The participants of the workshops found that the method provided a framework for discussing long-term planning, enabled identification of essential values, challenged established planning practices, helped find creative solutions, and served as a reminder that we do not know what will happen in the future. Finally, we reflect on the limitations of the method and suggest further research on how it can be improved for value sensitive design of adaptation measures to manage uncertain future sea level rise.
Development and Evaluation of an e-Learning Module for Low- and Middle-Income Countries on the Safe Handling of Chemotherapy Drugs
Authors: von Grünigen Sandrine , Dessane Berangère , Le Pape Pauline , Falaschi Ludivine , Geissbühler Antoine , Bonnabry Pascal
Published: November 2021

Despite the growing use of chemotherapy drugs in resource-constrained settings, training opportunities on safe handling practices are lacking. This study’s objectives were to develop and evaluate an e-learning training module on the safe handling of chemotherapy drugs to strengthen knowledge and practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The module’s curriculum was developed using the Six-Step Approach for Curriculum Development for Medical Education. Asynchronous, self-paced, e-learning lessons within the module were created and uploaded onto a free online platform, Pharm-Ed. The study ran online from January to April 2021. Participant recruitment was done using convenience sampling through various channels (social media, communities of practice). Training module effectiveness was evaluated using knowledge assessments (a pre-test and post-test study design) and participant satisfaction. We developed a comprehensive e-learning module on the safe handling of chemotherapy drugs comprising 11 asynchronous, self-paced, e-learning lessons. Eighty-two participants (68% pharmacists and 17% pharmacy students) from 17 countries completed at least one lesson, with a total of 259 lessons completed. Evaluation of the different lessons showed significant improvements in theoretical knowledge (p < 0.01) in all except one lesson and a high degree of participant satisfaction. As the use of anti-cancer drugs in LMICs will continue to increase, this e-learning module is an effective means to address the lack of training opportunities on the safe handling of chemotherapies for healthcare workers in these countries. The module could be integrated into a multi-modal approach aimed at reducing occupational exposure and increasing patient safety in cancer care centers.
Why and how science students in the United States think their peers cheat more frequently online: perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Walsh Lisa L. , Lichti Deborah A. , Zambrano-Varghese Christina M. , Borgaonkar Ashish D. , Sodhi Jaskirat S. , Moon Swapnil , Wester Emma R. , Callis-Duehl Kristine L.
Published: November 2021

Academic integrity establishes a code of ethics that transfers over into the job force and is a critical characteristic in scientists in the twenty-first century. A student’s perception of cheating is influenced by both internal and external factors that develop and change through time. For students, the COVID-19 pandemic shrank their academic and social environments onto a computer screen. We surveyed science students in the United States at the end of their first COVID-interrupted semester to understand how and why they believed their peers were cheating more online during a pandemic. Almost 81% of students indicated that they believed cheating occurred more frequently online than in-person. When explaining why they believed this, students touched on proctoring, cheating influences, and extenuating circumstances due to COVID-19. When describing how they believed cheating occurred more frequently online, students touched on methods for cheating and surreptitious behavior. The student reasonings were associated with four theories (game theory, Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, neutralization theory, and planned behavior theory) that have been used to examine academic dishonesty. Our results can aid institutions in efforts to quell student concerns about their peers cheating during emergencies. Interestingly, most student beliefs were mapped to planned behavior theory while only a few students were mapped to neutralization theory, suggesting it was a novel modality of assessment rather than a pandemic that shaped student perceptions.
Perceptions of the Uses of Cell Phones and Their Impact on the Health of Early Adolescents in Barcelona: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Olivella-Cirici Marc , Sánchez-Ledesma Esther , Continente Xavier , Clotas Catrina , Perez Glòria
Published: November 2021

The use of cell phones and video games has transformed rapidly in adolescents, posing a challenge for the scientific community. Using qualitative methodology and a socioconstructivist perspective, we identified perceptions and beliefs about the different uses of cell phones and video games and their relationship with the health and wellbeing of the adolescent population of Barcelona. From an analysis of discussion groups among early adolescents (n = 66 students aged 13–14 years, segmented by gender and socioeconomic level of the school neighborhood), information was obtained on (i) digital devices and their uses, (ii) the determinants of the uses of cell phones and video games, and (iii) the relationship between possible problematic uses and health and wellbeing. Responsible and problematic uses were identified. Problematic use was associated with compensation for social deficits and sometimes with dependency on the device. Differences were identified by gender (boys preferred video games and girls’ social networks). The adolescents were aware of the possible negative impacts on their health associated with problematic use of cell phones and video games and highlighted a lack of critical education in digital skills.
Secretary Problem: Graphs, Matroids and Greedoids
Authors: Kordecki Wojciech
Published: November 2021

In the paper, the generalisation of the well-known “secretary problem” is considered. The aim of the paper is to give a generalised model in such a way that the chosen set of the possible best k elements have to be independent of all previously rejected elements. The independence is formulated using the theory of greedoids and in their special cases—matroids and antimatroids. Examples of some special cases of greedoids (uniform, graphical matroids and binary trees) are considered. Applications in cloud computing are discussed.
On the accumulation of separatrices by invariant circles
Authors: KATOK A. , KRIKORIAN R.
Published: November 2021

Let f be a smooth symplectic diffeomorphism of
${\mathbb R}^2$
admitting a (non-split) separatrix associated to a hyperbolic fixed point. We prove that if f is a perturbation of the time-1 map of a symplectic autonomous vector field, this separatrix is accumulated by a positive measure set of invariant circles. However, we provide examples of smooth symplectic diffeomorphisms with a Lyapunov unstable non-split separatrix that are not accumulated by invariant circles.
The Development of the Casino Industry in Chile
Authors: Nazer Juan Ricardo , Llorca-Jaña Manuel
Published: November 2021

This article provides an account of the development of the casino industry in Chile. For most of the 1930s up to the 1980s the industry remained stagnant and restricted to a few locations. From 1990 the industry grew, but in particular after 2005 following a new law that permitted the creation of new casinos in all regions, with the main aim of promoting tourism. The new casinos had to operate as part of an “integral project,” which included sizable investments in the tourism sector. This was a novel business development strategy. The new industry attracted old and new investors, including foreign operators, who often associated with Chilean business groups, providing the resources needed to finance these developments and enjoying healthy profits for most of the period.
Innovation in the British Video Game Industry since 1978
Authors: Tsang Denise
Published: November 2021

This article examines the evolution of the video game industry in Britain from its start in 1978. The industry originated with passionate hobbyists and amateurs who benefited from the national broadcaster's campaign to expand computer literacy. Unlike the regional clustering of the industry in the United States and Japan, the British industry was dispersed geographically, consisting of mini-clusters with porous boundaries. During the 2000s, the fragmented British industry was largely acquired by U.S. and Japanese multinational companies and became part of global value chains, but the development of mobile gaming and digital distribution provided opportunities for a new generation of start-ups to emerge in Britain.
Small‐Scale Intraslab Heterogeneity Weakens Into the Mantle Transition Zone
Authors: Shen Zhichao , Zhan Zhongwen , Jackson Jennifer M.
Published: November 2021

Small‐scale intraslab heterogeneity is well documented seismically in multiple subduction zones, but its nature remains elusive. Previous efforts have been mostly focusing on the scattering strength at intermediate depth (<350 km), without constraining its evolution as a function of depth. Here, we illustrate that the inter‐source interferometry method, which turns deep earthquakes into virtual receivers, can resolve small‐scale intraslab heterogeneity in the mantle transition zone. The interferometric waveform observations in the Japan subduction zone require weak scattering (<1.0%) within the slab below 410 km. Combining with previous studies that suggest high heterogeneity level (∼2.5%) at intermediate depth, we conclude that the small‐scale intraslab heterogeneity weakens as slabs subduct. We suggest that the heterogeneities are caused by intraslab hydrous minerals, and the decrease in their scattering strength with depth reveals processes associated with dehydration of subducting slabs.
New Insights Into the Rift to Drift Transition Across the Northeastern Nova Scotian Margin From Wide‐Angle Seismic Waveform Inversion and Reflection Imaging
Authors: Jian Hanchao , Nedimović Mladen R. , Canales Juan Pablo , Lau K. W. Helen
Published: November 2021

Sparse wide‐angle seismic profiling supported by coincident reflection imaging has been instrumental for advancing our knowledge about rifted margins. Nevertheless, features of critical importance for understanding rifting processes have been poorly resolved. We derive a high‐resolution velocity model by applying full waveform inversion to the dense OETR‐2009 wide‐angle seismic profile crossing the northeastern Nova Scotian margin. We then create a coincident reflection image by prestack depth migrating the multichannel seismic data. This allows for the first detailed interpretation of the structures related to the final stages of continental breakup and incipient oceanic accretion at the Eastern North America Margin. Our interpretation includes a hyperextended continental domain overlying partially serpentinized mantle, followed by a 10‐km‐wide domain consisting of a continental block surrounded by layered and bright reflectors indicative of magmatic extrusions. A major fault, representing the continent‐ocean boundary, marks a sharp seaward transition to a 16‐km‐wide domain characterized by smoother basement with chaotic reflectors, where no continental materials are present and a 3‐km‐thick embryonic oceanic crust overlying partially serpentinized mantle is created by the breakup magmatism. Further seaward, thin oceanic crust overlies the serpentinized mantle suggesting magma‐poor oceanic spreading with variable magma supply as determined from variable basement topography, 2–4 km thick volcanic layer, and magnetic anomalies. Our results demonstrate that magmatism played an important role in the lithospheric breakup of the area crossed by the OETR‐2009 profile. Considering that the northeastern Nova Scotian margin has been classified as amagmatic, large margin‐parallel variations in magma supply likely characterize a single rift segment.
Evidence of Recent Active Volcanism in the Balleny Islands (Antarctica) From Ice Core Records
Authors: Tetzner Dieter R. , Thomas Elizabeth R. , Allen Claire S. , Piermattei Alma
Published: November 2021

Volcanism can play a key role in modulating climate; however, a lack of historical records has limited our comprehension of Antarctic volcanism and its role on the cryosphere. Remote sensing can provide insight into active volcanism in Antarctica during the satellite era, although the evidence is often inconclusive. Here, we use independent evidence from ice cores to validate one such potential volcanic eruption from the sub‐Antarctic Balleny Islands in 2001 CE. Multiple ice cores from downwind of the eruption site, record elevated input of sulfate, microparticles, and the presence of tephra, coincident with the eruption. In‐phase deposition of volcanic products confirmed a rapid tropospheric transport of volcanic emissions from a small‐to‐moderate, local eruption during 2001. Air mass trajectories demonstrated some air parcels were transported over the West Antarctic ice sheet from the Balleny Islands to ice core sites at the time of the potential eruption, establishing a route for transport and deposition of volcanic products over the ice sheet. The data presented here validate previous remote sensing observations and confirms a volcanic event in the Balleny Islands during 2001 CE. This newly identified eruption provides a case study of recent Antarctic volcanism.
Transit‐Time and Temperature Control the Spatial Patterns of Aerobic Respiration and Denitrification in the Riparian Zone
Authors: Nogueira G. E. H. , Schmidt C. , Brunner P. , Graeber D. , Fleckenstein J. H.
Published: November 2021

During the flow of stream water from losing reaches through aquifer sediments, aerobic and anaerobic respiration (denitrification) can deplete dissolved oxygen and nitrate (NO3−), impacting water quality in the floodplain and downstream gaining reaches. Such processes, which vary in time with short and long‐term changes in stream flow and temperature, need to be assessed at the stream corridor scale to fully capture their effects on net turnover, but this has rarely been done. To address this gap, we combine a fully‐integrated 3D transient numerical flow model with temperature‐dependent reactive transport along advective subsurface flow paths to assess aerobic and anaerobic respiration dynamics at the stream corridor scale in a predominantly losing stream. Our results suggest that given carbon availability (as an electron donor), complete NO3− removal occurred further away from the stream after complete oxygen depletion and was relatively insensitive to variations in temperature and transit‐times. Conversely, transit‐times and oxygen concentrations constrained nitrate removal along short hyporheic flow paths. Even under limited carbon availability and low‐temperatures, NO3− removal fractions () will be greater at locations further from the stream than along shorter hyporheic flow paths ( = 0.4 and  = 0.1, respectively). With increasing temperature, the relative effects of stream flow and solute concentrations on biogeochemical turnover and the redox zonation around the stream decreased. The study highlights the importance of seasonal variations of stream flow and temperature for water quality at the stream‐corridor scale. It also provides an adaptive framework to assess and quantify reach‐scale biogeochemical turnover around dynamic streams.
Identification of a TGF-β/SMAD/lnc-UTGF positive feedback loop and its role in hepatoma metastasis
Authors: Wu Meng-Zhi , Yuan Yi-chuan , Huang Bi-Yu , Chen Jin-Xi , Li Bin-Kui , Fang Jian-Hong , Zhuang Shi-Mei
Published: November 2021

Aberrant activation of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway is often observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whether lncRNA regulates the TGF-β/SMAD signaling remains largely unknown. Here, we identified an oncogenic lncRNA that was upregulated in HCC and was transcriptionally induced by TGF-β (named lnc-UTGF, lncRNA upregulated by TGF-β). Upon TGF-β stimulation, SMAD2/3 bound to the lnc-UTGF promoter and activated lnc-UTGF expression. In turn, the TGF-β/SMAD signaling was augmented by overexpressing lnc-UTGF, but was inhibited by silencing lnc-UTGF. Mechanism investigations revealed that lnc-UTGF interacted with the mRNAs of SMAD2 and SMAD4 via complementary base-pairing, resulting in enhanced stability of SMAD2/4 mRNAs. These data suggest a novel TGF-β/SMAD/lnc-UTGF positive feedback circuitry. Subsequent gain- and loss-of-function analyses disclosed that lnc-UTGF promoted the migration and invasion of hepatoma cells, and this effect of lnc-UTGF was attenuated by repressing SMAD2/4 expression or by mutating the SMAD2/4-binding sites in lnc-UTGF. Studies using mouse models further confirmed that in vivo metastasis of hepatoma xenografts was inhibited by silencing lnc-UTGF, but was enhanced by ectopic expression of lnc-UTGF. The lnc-UTGF level was positively correlated with the SMAD2/4 levels in xenografts. Consistently, we detected an association of lnc-UTGF upregulation with increase of SMAD2, SMAD4, and their metastasis effector SNAIL1 in human HCC. And high lnc-UTGF level was also significantly associated with enhanced metastasis potential, advanced TNM stages, and worse recurrence-free survival. Conclusion: there exists a lnc-UTGF-mediated positive feedback loop of the TGF-β signaling and its deregulation promotes hepatoma metastasis. These findings may provide a new therapeutic target for HCC metastasis.
Diesel2p mesoscope with dual independent scan engines for flexible capture of dynamics in distributed neural circuitry
Authors: Yu Che-Hang , Stirman Jeffrey N. , Yu Yiyi , Hira Riichiro , Smith Spencer L.
Published: November 2021

Imaging the activity of neurons that are widely distributed across brain regions deep in scattering tissue at high speed remains challenging. Here, we introduce an open-source system with Dual Independent Enhanced Scan Engines for Large field-of-view Two-Photon imaging (Diesel2p). Combining optical design, adaptive optics, and temporal multiplexing, the system offers subcellular resolution over a large field-of-view of ~25 mm2, encompassing distances up to 7 mm, with independent scan engines. We demonstrate the flexibility and various use cases of this system for calcium imaging of neurons in the living brain.