bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animism as an Approach to Arda
Authors: Evans K. Durwood
Published: June 2021

Here we examine qualities of what would be thought of as inanimate beings that lend evidence to the position that J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional universe1 is animistic. Arda is full of life, and natural things in it, such as mountains and rivers, are often alive or conscious. A close look at the qualities of the stars in particular yields further evidence in favor of animism as a foundational ontology of Arda.
Subtitling Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) in a Chinese Context: The Transfer of Sexuality and Femininity in A Chick Flick
Authors: Liang Lisi
Published: June 2021

This paper explores how sexuality and femininity1 are transferred in the Chinese subtitles of the chick flick, Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001). In order to address this question, the article is divided into three main parts. In the first section, a review of how the film is received in the Anglophone and Chinese markets is presented respectively, also including the challenges posted to the subtitlers, e.g. the translation of sexuality and swearing in the discourse of women. The second section offers a theoretical framework that structures the paper, adopting Ernst-August Gutt’s (1986) “Relevance Theory” and Anthony Baldry and Paul Thibault’s (2006) “Multimodality” to examine how the Chinese subtitles work for primarily the Chinese female audiences. What follows is a detailed analysis of two situational categories of recurrent features (swearing and sexuality) in the Chinese subtilties of this chick flick, specifically proving constructions of feminist ideology. The paper concludes that the Chinese subtitles articulates a relatively moderate version compared to the original explicit sexuality and taboo language. Such moderation reflects an increasingly improved entanglement of feminine identity in a contemporary Chinese context.
Background subtraction for night videos
Authors: Pan Hongpeng , Zhu Guofeng , Peng Chengbin , Xiao Qing
Published: June 2021

Motion analysis is important in video surveillance systems and background subtraction is useful for moving object detection in such systems. However, most of the existing background subtraction methods do not work well for surveillance systems in the evening because objects are usually dark and reflected light is usually strong. To resolve these issues, we propose a framework that utilizes a Weber contrast descriptor, a texture feature extractor, and a light detection unit, to extract the features of foreground objects. We propose a local pattern enhancement method. For the light detection unit, our method utilizes the finding that lighted areas in the evening usually have a low saturation in hue-saturation-value and hue-saturation-lightness color spaces. Finally, we update the background model and the foreground objects in the framework. This approach is able to improve foreground object detection in night videos, which do not need a large data set for pre-training.
Morphology of the G-Stem Imperative in Semitic
Authors: Bjøru Øyvind
Published: June 2021

I will assess earlier approaches to the morphology of the G-stem imperative in Semitic and mount a reconstruction that supports a specific set of disyllabic patterns for the imperative of the basic stem in Proto-Semitic, i.e., qutul, qitil, and qital. The most common process envisioned for the formation of the imperative is clipping from the prefix conjugation, but the most recent full treatment of the topic is Elitzur Bar-Asher Siegal’s revision and expansion of a century-old proposal that qatul, qatil, and qital are the patterns of the imperative in Proto-Semitic. I refute both the clipping approach and Bar-Asher’s patterns in favor of qutul, qitil, and qital, which are the most economical and precise reconstruction in accounting for the realizations of the imperative in the various branches of Semitic.
Outcome of Proximal Hypospadias Repair in Children using Standard Surgical Technique with Intermediate Vascularised Flap- ARetrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tudu Harish Chandra , Mishra Amaresh , Mohanty Subrat Kumar , Prashanthi N , Roy Indrani , Bhardwaj Piyush , Pujari PS
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Hypospadias is a very common congenital anomaly noted in children with reported incidence of 0.4-8.2% in 1000 live birth. Treatment of hypospadias is urethroplasty, but is a difficult procedure due to complex anatomy, nonavailability of adequate tissue for repair, prolonged postoperative course and increased incidence of complications even in experienced hands. Aim: To highlight the complications and functional outcome of various types of proximal hypospadias using standard surgical technique with intermediate vascularised flap. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from on 31 children, between the age of 2-13 years from June 2020 to August 2020. The children had proximal hypospadias with or without chordee were operated using primary procedure Tubularised Incised Plate (TIP) and staged procedure with cover of intermediate vascularised flap. These children had peno-scrotal, proximal, mid and distal penile hypospadias with meatus placed 1.5 cm proximal from the glans tip. In all cases, an intermediate layer of vascularised flap was put to cover the neourethra. Tunica vaginalis flap was used in 27 cases and dartos flap in 4 cases. The outcomes of surgical procedure, early and late complications with follow-up results were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. Final functional results of the procedures and cosmesis were observed during a two-year follow-up period. Results: Out of the 31 patients, 27 patients had urethroplasty (20 staged procedures and seven TIP) with tunica vaginalis as intermediate layer. Another four patients had TIP urethroplasty with dartos as intermediate layer. Four patients of tunica vaginalis as intermediate layer had early urethrocutaneous fistula (14.8%), one patient (3.7%) required closure of fistula and another three closed spontaneously. Two patients had meatal stenosis (7.4%) and four had slight pulled up ipsilateral testis (14.8%). One patient of TIP urethroplasty with dartos as intermediate layer was reoperated for late urethrocutaneos fistula at corona glandis (25%). Conclusion: The outcome of pediatric urethroplasty was favourable with routine use of intermediate vascularised flap in proximal hypospadias repair.
Modeling Eects of Climatic Variables on Tea Production in Kenya Using Linear Regression Model with Serially Correlated Errors
Authors: Muganda Consolata A. , Stanley Sewe , Onsongo Winnie
Published: June 2021

Aims/ Objectives: To formulated a linear regression model to capture the relationship between tea production and climatic variables in terms of ARIMA.Place and Duration of Study: Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, between June 2019 and April 2021.Methodology: The study used time-series data for mean annual temperature, mean annual rainfall, humidity, solar radiation, and NDVI, collected from six counties, namely Embu, Kakamega, Kisii, Kericho, Meru, and Nyeri.Results: The study ndings noted that there is a presence of trend and seasonality for all the data. The scatter plot matrix for all the climatic variables for all the counties under the study indicated that tea production has a linear relationship with most climatic variables. Model t of the data indicated statistical signicance when tea production data is dierenced. A second linear model with tea production data deseasoned has mixed results in terms of a signicancetest. The variation of independent variables with tea production yielded very low values, suggesting that the data used has many variabilities.Conclusion: The study ndings show the climatic variables can be used to forecast tea production.Recommendation: Future studies may combine the analysis with other statistical modeling procedures such as the GARCH models.
Smart Android Graphical Password Strategy: A Review
Authors: Izadeen Guhdar Yousif , Ameen Siddeeq Y.
Published: June 2021

In recent years, when users across the world have embraced smart devices in greater numbers owing to recent advances and appealing applications, they have also become a target for criminals who are zealously attempting to breach protection. As a result, a significant number of attacks have been observed on these systems. As a result, several password-based authentication mechanisms have been proposed to counteract these attacks. Among them, the graphical password scheme is more consistent with smart devices, which are highly graphic-oriented. However, current graphical password schemes are vulnerable to a variety of assaults, including shoulder surfing, smudging, intersection attacks, and reflection attacks. Thus, the paper aims to review recent published papers on android smart phone graphical password and identify used techniques. Moreover, the paper analyzes results to give better understanding for users of such devices to protect their devices from unauthorized access and attacks.
Identification of a New Species of the Medicinal Leeches in India using DNA Barcoding Technique - a Breakthrough
Authors: Phull Gaurav , Dhule Mukund , Phull Rekha , Gupta Manisha
Published: June 2021

Leech therapy has always been an important treatment modality in Ayurveda. Medicinal leeches are known for their extensive therapeutic uses. Identification of leech species is an important research area to understand the mechanism of therapeutic gains and exploring more probable benefits. Researchers have done a swell job in identifying various species of leeches in different parts of Asia including India. For therapeutic purpose however, the clinicians in India have not bothered much about the exact identification of leech species being used at different centres. There is dearth of research papers in this aspect. Thus a study was planned to identify the species of leeches being used at our centre.

Materials and methods: DNA Barcoding technique was used where mitochondrial CO1 gene was amplified using LCO-HCO primers.

Results: DNA sequencing of Leech sample closely resembled to Hirudinaria Bpling species, which is a breakthrough in existing knowledge of medicinal leeches in India, as this species was recently reported to be found in Thailand in 2012 for the first time. No previous documentation of its existence is available in our country.

Conclusion: Further studies on large scale are required to explore their existence, morphological features and salivary contents in regard to their medicinal value. This will help in exploring any additional benefits to the existing knowledge of therapeutic uses of medicinal leeches. This study will pave the path to new avenues in therapeutic utility of leeches, as the newer species might have additional bioactive chemicals making them useful in wider variety of disorders.
Lineage‐specific mechanisms and drivers of breast cancer chemoresistance revealed by 3D biomimetic culture
Authors: Liverani Chiara , De Vita Alessandro , Spadazzi Chiara , Miserocchi Giacomo , Cocchi Claudia , Bongiovanni Alberto , De Lucia Anna , La Manna Federico , Fabbri Francesco , Tebaldi Michela , Amadori Dino , Tasciotti Ennio , Martinelli Giovanni , Mercatali Laura , Ibrahim Toni
Published: June 2021

To improve the success rate of current preclinical drug trials, there is a growing need for more complex and relevant models that can help predict clinical resistance to anticancer agents. Here, we present a three‐dimensional (3D) technology, based on biomimetic collagen scaffolds, that enables the modeling of the tumor hypoxic state and the prediction of in vivo chemotherapy responses in terms of efficacy, molecular alterations, and emergence of resistance mechanisms. The human breast cancer cell lines MDA‐MB‐231 (triple negative) and MCF‐7 (luminal A) were treated with scaling doses of doxorubicin in monolayer cultures, 3D collagen scaffolds, or orthotopically transplanted murine models. Lineage‐specific resistance mechanisms were revealed by the 3D tumor model. Reduced drug uptake, increased drug efflux, and drug lysosomal confinement were observed in triple‐negative MDA‐MB‐231 cells. In luminal A MCF‐7 cells, the selection of a drug‐resistant subline from parental cells with deregulation of p53 pathways occurred. These cells were demonstrated to be insensitive to DNA damage. Transcriptome analysis was carried out to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in treated cells. DEG evaluation in breast cancer patients demonstrated their potential role as predictive biomarkers. High expression of the transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) and the tumor protein p53‐inducible protein 3 (TP53I3) was associated with shorter relapse in patients affected by ER+ breast tumor. Likewise, the same clinical outcome was associated with high expression of the lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 1 LAMP1 in triple‐negative breast cancer. Hypoxia inhibition by resveratrol treatment was found to partially re‐sensitize cells to doxorubicin treatment. Our model might improve preclinical in vitro analysis for the translation of anticancer compounds as it provides: (a) more accurate data on drug efficacy and (b) enhanced understanding of resistance mechanisms and molecular drivers.
B
ernard,
C
laude
Authors: Fagot‐Largeault A.
Published: June 2021

A young man of a very modest extraction (his parents were vineyard workers), Claude Bernard received a pious and humanistic education, and started working as an assistant pharmacist. At 21 he ventured to Paris with the ambition of making a career in literature. He was advised rather to learn a job that would enable him to earn a living. He then turned to medicine, which he studied conscientiously, although clinical work did not much appeal to him. As a resident at the Hotel‐Dieu, under François Magendie, he realized what he really wanted to do: experimental work in physiology. For four years he assisted Magendie in his laboratory at the Collège de France, and became an expert at using animal vivisection to trace physiologic facts.
B
rownlee,
J
ohn
Authors: Armitage Peter
Published: June 2021

Brownlee worked for the Medical Research Council in London and published papers on vital statistics, advocating the cohort method of displaying age‐specific death rates, and on the periodicity of epidemics.
B
yar,
D
avid
P
Authors: Piantadosi Steven
Published: June 2021

Born in 1938 in Lockland, OH; died in 1991 in Washington D.C. Byar was a leading clinical trials methodologist and proponent of structured experiments for making treatment inferences. He played an important role in teaching and advocating the strengths of clinical trials through his positions at the National Cancer Institute. He also made substantial contributions to epidemiology and studies of disease prevention.
Compositional Data: An Application to Brain Volumetric Visualization
Authors: Caffo Brian , Wang Zeyi , Faria Andreia , Zipunnikov Vadim , Miller Michael
Published: June 2021

Compositional data arises from proportions that sum to 1, such as summaries of demographics or proportional volumes. In many scientific settings, compositions are not a summary but are the unit‐ or subject‐specific measurement itself. In brain imaging, proportions summarizing volumetric compositions are typically such measures. Compositional data brings unique challenges for analysis and graphing. In this article, we overview the rational for looking at compositions and survey methods for the visualization of subject‐specific and summary compositional data. We use magnetic resonance brain imaging of a large collection of healthy subjects as an example to explore methods. We especially highlight interactive and static methods that can traverse compositional hierarchies.
Automated procedure for slice thickness verification of computed tomography images: Variations of slice thickness, position from iso‐center, and reconstruction filter
Authors: Lasiyah Nani , Anam Choirul , Hidayanto Eko , Dougherty Geoff
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to automate the slice thickness verification on the AAPM CT performance phantom and validate it for variations of slice thickness, position from iso‐center, and reconstruction filter.

Methods

An automatic procedure for slice thickness verification on AAPM CT performance phantom was developed using MATLAB R2015b. The stair object image within the phantom was segmented, and the middle stair object was located. Its angle was determined using the Hough transformation, and the image was rotated accordingly. The profile through this object was obtained, and its full‐width of half maximum (FWHM) was automatically measured. The FWHM indicated the slice thickness of the image. The automated procedure was applied with variations in three independent parameters, i.e., the slice thickness, the distance from the phantom to the iso‐center, and the reconstruction filter. The automated results were compared to manual measurements made using electronic calipers.

Results

The differences of the automated results from the nominal slice thicknesses were within 1.0 mm. The automated results are comparable to those from manual approach (i.e., the difference of both is within 12%). The automatic procedure accurately obtained slice thickness even when the phantom was moved from the iso‐center position by up to 4 cm above and 4 cm below the iso‐center. The automated results were similar (to within 0.1 mm) for various reconstruction filters.

Conclusions

We successfully developed an automated procedure of slice thickness verification and confirmed that the automated procedure provided accurate results. It provided an easy and effective method of determining slice thickness.
Robust Molecular Dipole‐Enabled Defect Passivation and Control of Energy‐Level Alignment for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Bing , Li Hong , Dai Qingqing , Zhang Meng , Zou Zhigang , Brédas Jean‐Luc , Lin Zhiqun
Published: June 2021

The ability to passivate defects and modulate the interface energy‐level alignment (IEA) is key to boost the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we report a robust route that simultaneously allows defect passivation and reduced energy difference between perovskite and hole transport layer (HTL) via the judicious placement of polar chlorine‐terminated silane molecules at the interface. Density functional theory (DFT) points to effective passivation of the halide vacancies on perovskite surface by the silane chlorine atoms. An integrated experimental and DFT study demonstrates that the dipole layer formed by the silane molecules decreases the perovskite work function, imparting an Ohmic character to the perovskite/HTL contact. The corresponding PSCs manifest a nearly 20 % increase in power conversion efficiency over pristine devices and a markedly enhanced device stability. As such, the use of polar molecules to passivate defects and tailor the IEA in PSCs presents a promising platform to advance the performance of PSCs.
Tricomponent Supramolecular Multiblock Copolymers with Tunable Composition via Sequential Seeded Growth
Authors: Sarkar Aritra , Sasmal Ranjan , Das Angshuman , Venugopal Akhil , Agasti Sarit S. , George Subi J.
Published: June 2021

Synthesis of supramolecular block co‐polymers (BCP) with small monomers and predictive sequence requires elegant molecular design and synthetic strategies. Herein we report the unparalleled synthesis of tri‐component supramolecular BCPs with tunable microstructure by a kinetically controlled sequential seeded supramolecular polymerization of fluorescent π‐conjugated monomers. Core‐substituted naphthalene diimide (cNDI) derivatives with different core substitutions and appended with β‐sheet forming peptide side chains provide perfect monomer design with spectral complementarity, pathway complexity and minimal structural mismatch to synthesize and characterize the multi‐component BCPs. The distinct fluorescent nature of various cNDI monomers aids the spectroscopic probing of the seeded growth process and the microscopic visualization of resultant supramolecular BCPs using Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM). Kinetically controlled sequential seeded supramolecular polymerization presented here is reminiscent of the multi‐step synthesis of covalent BCPs via living chain polymerization. These findings provide a promising platform for constructing unique functional organic heterostructures for various optoelectronic and catalytic applications.
Lithium‐Metal Anodes Working at 60 mA cm−2 and 60 mAh cm−2 through Nanoscale Lithium‐Ion Adsorbing
Authors: Ye Lei , Liao Meng , Cheng Xiangran , Zhou Xufeng , Zhao Yang , Yang Yibei , Tang Chengqiang , Sun Hao , Gao Yue , Wang Bingjie , Peng Huisheng
Published: June 2021

Achieving high‐current‐density and high‐area‐capacity operation of Li metal anodes offers promising opportunities for high‐performing next‐generation batteries. However, high‐rate Li deposition suffers from undesired Li‐ion depletion especially at the electrolyte‐anode interface, which compromises achievable capacity and lifetime. Here, electronegative graphene quantum dots are synthesized and assembled into an ultra‐thin overlayer capable of efficient Li‐ion adsorbing at the nanoscale on Li‐metal to fully relieve Li‐ion depletion. The protected Li anode achieves long‐term reversible Li plating/stripping over 1000 h at both superior current density of 60 mA cm−2 and areal capacity of 60 mAh cm−2. Implementation of the protected anode allows for the construction of Li‐air full battery with both enhanced rate capability and cycling performance.
Model‐based fault diagnosis of networked systems: A survey
Authors: Song Jiahao , He Xiao
Published: June 2021

This paper reviews the latest development of fault diagnosis techniques of networked systems. Considering various challenges raised by unreliable local sensors, signal digitization, data transmission, as well as distributed architecture, recent progress on model‐based fault diagnosis of networked systems are overviewed. We summarize the typical application examples and the typical treatment methods related to scientific problems for better understanding the framework of this area. Some promising future fault diagnosis techniques in various scenarios, such as distributed systems, with communication protocols, with cyber security issues, with intelligent algorithm challenges, as well as within active fault diagnosis framework are discussed.
Mechano‐regulation of vascular network formation without branches in 3D bioprinted cell‐laden hydrogel constructs
Authors: Zhang Guangliang , Wang Zhan , Han Fengxuan , Jin Guangzhe , Xu Lei , Xu Hao , Su Hao , Wang Huan , Le Yingying , Fu Yi , Ju Jihui , Li Bin , Hou Ruixing
Published: June 2021

Restoration of a wound is a common surgical procedure in clinic. Currently, the skin required for clinical use is taken from the patient's own body. However, it can be difficult to obtain enough skin sources for large‐sized wounds and thus surgeons have started using commercial skin substitutes. The current commercial skin, which includes epidermis substitute, dermis substitute, and bilateral skin substitute, has been popularized in clinic. However, the application is limited by the occurrence of ischemia necrosis after transplantation. Recent studies suggest the use of pre‐vascularized skin substitutes for wound healing is a promising area in the research field of skin tissue engineering. Pre‐vascularization can be induced by changes in cultivation periods, exertion of mechanical stimuli, or coculture with endothelial cells and various factors. However, few methods could control the formation of vascular branches in engineering tissue in a self‐assembly way. In this study, we use three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology to confirm that a mechanical force can control the growth of blood vessels in the direction of mechanical stimulation with no branches, and that Yes‐associated protein activity is involved in the regulatory progress. In vivo experiments verified that the blood vessels successfully function for blood circulation, and maintain the same direction. Results provide a theoretical basis for products of pre‐vascularized skin tissues and other organs created by 3D bioprinting.
Review recent rulings involving termination
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2021

An overview of the key topics faced by campus administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
A case report of COVID‐19 in an asymptomatic patient with newly diagnosed breast cancer
Authors: Cen Cindy , Shiau Maria C. , Adams Sylvia , Schnabel Freya , Guth Amber
Published: June 2021

COVID‐19 can be especially dangerous in vulnerable populations such as those with cancer undergoing treatment. When it is discovered in an asymptomatic patient through imaging, there is a paucity of evidence‐based treatment recommendations.
Characteristics and outcomes of five patients with COVID‐19 and hematological malignancies
Authors: Citterio Chiara , Lazzaro Antonio , Bosi Costanza , De Ponzio Maurice , Cavanna Luigi
Published: June 2021

Patients with hematological cancer are at major risk of developing infectious complication. The prevention and treatment of COVID‐19 in these patients is challenging. This experience, with the limitation of a small number of patients, highlights that early treatment of COVID‐19 can overcome the infection, also in hematological patients.
A patient with paraganglioma undergoing laparoscopic resection: A case report
Authors: Yoshii Hisamichi , Izumi Hideki , Tajiri Takuma , Mukai Masaya , Nomura Eiji , Makuuchi Hiroyasu
Published: June 2021

Paraganglioma is a very rare extraadrenal nonepithelial tumor. The number of cases of laparoscopic surgery in Paraganglioma is small and controversial. This study encountered a case of successful transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for a 56‐mm paraganglioma in a 53‐year‐old female. Moreover, previous reports on laparoscopic surgery for paraganglioma are reviewed.
An unexpected flush of translucent bile in prepapillary stone impaction and the gallbladder insitu(with video)
Authors: Zimmer Vincent
Published: June 2021

‐ translucent, formerly referred to as “white bile,” is devoid of bilirubin and bile acids due to a lacking gallbladder in continuity.

‐ traditionally attributed to malignant obstruction, rarely acute stone impaction may underlie a clear bile aspect.
The diagnostic dilemma of bilateral optic neuritis and idiopathic intracranial hypertension coexistence in a patient with recent COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Sardar Sundus , Safan Abeer , Okar Lina , Sadik Nagham , Adeli Gholam
Published: June 2021

Owing to autoantibody production and thrombophilic disorders in COVID‐19, physicians must have low threshold to investigate secondary IIH and demyelinating disorders in patients with headache and decreased vision following recent COVID‐19 infection.
Life‐threatening oral mucositis following chemotherapy in a pediatric patient
Authors: Tsuboi Kaoru , Tsuboi Norihiko , Sakamoto Kenichi , Takebayashi Akira , Tomizawa Daisuke , Nishimura Nao , Nakagawa Satoshi
Published: June 2021

Severe oral mucositis as a complication of chemotherapy may lead to airway obstruction and require prolonged intubation. As its course is consistent with the course of neutropenia, airway management strategies should be determined individually.
Rb[Li5Si2O7] – A Latecomer in the Family of Alkali Lithosilicates Hiding a Green‐Emitting Lithosilicate
Authors: Ruegenberg Freia , Seibald Markus , Baumann Dominik , Peschke Simon , Philipp Frauke , Huppertz Hubert
Published: June 2021

In order to expand the field of alkali lithosilicates, a new representative of the substance class with a previously unknown structure type was found based on solid‐state synthesis. The novel compound with the sum formula Rb[Li5Si2O7] crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcm (no. 57) with a=7.6269(3), b=9.5415(4), and c=9.4095(3) Å by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structure consists of a highly condensed lithosilicate framework, built up of corner‐ and edge‐linked [LiO4]‐tetrahedra and [Si2O7]‐units, and the rubidium ions aligned in channels. Suitable crystals of the material were obtained using sealed tantalum ampoules as reaction tube at a temperature of 750 °C. The new compound was further characterized via powder diffraction, Rietveld analysis, and EDX measurements. At first glance, Eu2+‐doped Rb[Li5Si2O7] reveals an intense green luminescence. In‐depth crystal analysis shows that a core‐shell formation is present even for apparently high quality single‐crystals. As a minority phase, the known green phosphor RbLi[Li3SiO4]2:Eu2+ is the origin of the luminescence, representing a tiny core inside of the particles surrounded by a large matrix of transparent Rb[Li5Si2O7] dominating the single‐crystal diffraction pattern.
Dual Valorization of Lignin as a Versatile and Renewable Matrix for Enzyme Immobilization and (Flow) Bioprocess Engineering
Authors: Benítez‐Mateos Ana I. , Bertella Stefania , Behaghel de Bueren Jean , Luterbacher Jeremy S. , Paradisi Francesca
Published: June 2021

Lignin has emerged as an attractive alternative in the search for more eco‐friendly and less costly materials for enzyme immobilization. In this work, the terephthalic aldehyde‐stabilization of lignin is carried out during its extraction to develop a series of functionalized lignins with a range of reactive groups (epoxy, amine, aldehyde, metal chelates). This expands the immobilization to a pool of enzymes (carboxylase, dehydrogenase, transaminase) by different binding chemistries, affording immobilization yields of 64–100 %. As a proof of concept, a ω‐transaminase reversibly immobilized on polyethyleneimine‐lignin is integrated in a packed‐bed reactor. The stability of the immobilized biocatalyst is tested in continuous‐flow deamination reactions and maintains the same conversion for 100 cycles. These results outperform previous stability tests carried out with the enzyme covalently immobilized on methacrylic resins, with the advantage that the reversibility of the immobilized enzyme allows recycling and reuse of lignin beyond the enzyme inactivation. Additionally, an in‐line system also based on lignin is added into the downstream process to separate the reaction products by catch‐and‐release. These results demonstrate a fully closed‐loop sustainable flow‐biocatalytic system based exclusively on lignin.
Spatial and temporal scales of exposure and sensitivity drive mortality risk patterns across life stages
Authors: Pandori Lauren L. M. , Sorte Cascade J. B.
Published: June 2021

Impacts of increases in extreme heat events under climate change may differ across ontogeny for species with complex life cycles. Different life stages may (1) experience unequal levels of environmental stress that vary across space and time (exposure) and (2) have different stress tolerances (sensitivity). We used a field experiment to investigate whether exposure, sensitivity, and overall mortality risk differed between life stages of a marine foundation species (the mussel Mytilus californianus) across thermal conditions that vary in space (habitat, elevation, and site) and time (season) in southern California, USA. We deployed temperature loggers to document habitat‐specific exposure patterns, conducted laboratory thermal tolerance assays to calculate sensitivity, and performed field surveys to determine whether risk patterns were reflected in distributions. Exposure to extreme temperatures was highest in solitary habitats and during spring. Juvenile mussels were more sensitive to extreme heat than adults, and sensitivity for both life stages was highest in December and March. Risk was largely seasonal for juveniles but was more temporally variable for adults. Spatial occurrence patterns were congruent with risk assessments for both life stages (i.e., higher occurrence in lower risk habitats). These results highlight the importance of incorporating life stage and temporal dynamics when predicting impacts of climate change.
Comparison of mechanical sorting and DNA metabarcoding for diet analysis with fresh and degraded wolf scats
Authors: Massey Aimee L. , Roffler Gretchen H. , Vermeul Tessa , Allen Jennifer M. , Levi Taal
Published: June 2021

DNA metabarcoding has become a powerful technique for identifying the species present in a bulk environmental sample. The application of DNA metabarcoding to wildlife diet analysis is a particularly promising tool for exploring trophic interactions. The extent to which molecular approaches agree with traditional approaches, and how this varies with the quality of field‐collected scats, is unknown. Here, we compare diets from wolf scats profiled using both mechanical sorting and metabarcoding of amplified vertebrate DNA sequences. Our objectives were to (1) compare findings from mechanical sorting and metabarcoding as a method of diet profiling and (2) use results to better understand diets of wolves on Prince of Wales Island, a population of conservation concern. We predicted metabarcoding would reveal both higher diversity of prey and identify rare species that are overlooked with mechanical sorting. We found that there was substantial overlap in the diets revealed using both methods, indicating that deer, beaver, and black bear were the primary prey species, but metabarcoding revealed a more diverse diet with greater occurrence of rare species. However, there was a large discrepancy in the occurrence of beaver in scats (52% and 25% from mechanical sorting and metabarcoding, respectively) explained by the high rate of false positives with mechanical sorting methods. While the number of wolf sequence reads for fresh scats was nearly eight times higher than in degraded scats, neither the number of prey sequence reads nor the quantity of DNA to be sequenced varied between fresh and degraded scats suggesting that metabarcoding is sensitive enough to determine prey assemblages in degraded scats. Even using scats from extremely wet conditions hostile to DNA preservation, we found that metabarcoding was more effective than mechanical sorting in describing diet.
Estimating the proportion of a beluga population using specific areas from connectivity patterns and abundance indices
Authors: Ouellet Jean‐François , Michaud Robert , Moisan Michel , Lesage Véronique
Published: June 2021

An understanding of habitat use and connectivity is key to preserving wildlife habitat integrity. In this study, we present an innovative approach to habitat connectivity and quantitative assessment of their use that is applicable to any terrestrial or aquatic species. Specifically, we aimed at estimating the proportion of the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population (Canada) likely to use specific habitats within their summer range from habitat connectivity. To achieve this goal, we used a long‐term (~30 yr) observational database of beluga herd movements to derive transit corridor and an index of connectivity among habitats. These were then coupled with relative abundance estimates from aerial surveys for each of these habitats. Specifically, our objectives were to (1) verify the existence and location of transit corridors, (2) examine the effect of environmental factors on movement patterns and corridor routes, (3) describe their use by different age classes, and (4) based on connectivity patterns, determine the proportion of the population likely to transit along these corridors and to be present in each habitat. Our results highlighted the existence of a network of transit corridors among habitats that are connected to a central confluence zone, and expanding with three main branches into the three main regions of their summer range (Upper and Lower Estuary, and Saguenay River). They also highlighted the existence of a spatial segregation of sex and age classes in the population. Previously published aerial survey data indicate that on average, <6% of the population can be found within the limits of each habitat at any given time. Using this information within the framework of habitat connectivity provided a minimum estimate of the proportion of the population likely to visit each habitat, with minimum proportions reaching 45% in habitats of the central confluence zone (Île Rouge area). While we detected no evidence of an influence of bottom depth on corridor routes, we identified a tendency of beluga for moving with surface and ebb tide currents. The application of this approach to beluga and other wildlife populations will contribute to better assessing their potential exposure to natural or human‐related stressors.
The limits of collaborative governance: The role of inter‐group learning and trust in the case of the Estonian “Forest War”
Authors: Vihma Peeter , Toikka Arho
Published: June 2021

Despite the reported success of introducing collaborative governance to the field of Estonian forest policy, conflicts over regulations escalated to an unprecedented extent in 2017. We analyze the institutional design and process of collaborative governance in this area in order to understand the reasons behind the failure of this governance arrangement. Our empirical analysis is based on a mixed methods approach combining network analysis with qualitative analysis of interview data. Our analysis reveals that the collaborative institutions were unable to generate shared understanding of the mission and the ground rules of decision‐making, provided uneven facilitation, failed to build trust, and thus were unable to establish an arena conducive to learning. We further stress the role of network methods in capturing adequate information from an institutional setting involving multiple participants.
The Role of Source-Sink Dynamics in the Assessment of Risk to Nontarget Arthropods from the Use of Plant Protection Products
Authors: Lewis Gavin , Dinter Axel , Elston Charlotte , Marx Michael Thomas , Mayer Christoph Julian , Neumann Paul , Pilling Ed , Braaker Sonja
Published: June 2021

The concept of source-sink dynamics as a potentially important component of metapopulation dynamics was introduced in the 1980s. The objective of the present review was to review the considerable body of work that has been developed, to consider its theoretical implications as well as to understand how source-sink dynamics may manifest under field conditions in the specific case of nontarget arthropods in the agricultural environment. Our review concludes that metapopulation dynamics based on field observations are often far more complex than existing theoretical source-sink models would indicate, because they are dependent on numerous population processes and influencing factors. The difficulty in identifying and measuring these factors likely explains why empirical studies assessing source-sink dynamics are scarce. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of considering the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of agricultural landscapes when assessing the population dynamics of nontarget arthropods in the context of the risk from the use of plant protection products. A need is identified to further develop and thoroughly validate predictive population models, which can incorporate all factors relevant to a specific system. Once reliable predictive models for a number of representative nontarget arthropod species are available, they could provide a meaningful tool for refined risk evaluations (higher tier level risk assessment), addressing specific concerns identified at the initial evaluation stages (lower tier level risk assessment). Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2667–2679. © 2021 ERM, FMC, Syngenta, Bayer AG, BASF SE, Corteva agriscience. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Effect of the presence of amniotic fluid for optical transabdominal fetal monitoring using Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Gunther Jacqueline , Jayet Baptiste , Jacobs Adam , Burke Ray , Kainerstorfer Jana M. , Andersson‐Engels Stefan
Published: June 2021

About a third of babies are delivered by Cesarean section. There has been an increase in maternal deaths during labor due to complications with subsequent births after a C‐section. Therefore, there is a clinical motivation to reduce the C‐section rate. Current techniques are, however, inefficient at determining fetal distress leading to a high false positive rate for complications and ultimately a C‐section. For the current study, Monte Carlo simulations were used to calculate the amount of signal received on a model of a pregnant mother, as well as, the percent of the signal that comes from the fetal layer. Models with and without a 1 mm amniotic fluid were compared and showed differing trends.
Functional brain network topology across the menstrual cycle is estradiol dependent and correlates with individual well‐being
Authors: Liparoti Marianna , Troisi Lopez Emahnuel , Sarno Laura , Rucco Rosaria , Minino Roberta , Pesoli Matteo , Perruolo Giuseppe , Formisano Pietro , Lucidi Fabio , Sorrentino Giuseppe , Sorrentino Pierpaolo
Published: June 2021

The menstrual cycle (MC) is a sex hormone‐related phenomenon that repeats itself cyclically during the woman's reproductive life. In this explorative study, we hypothesized that coordinated variations of multiple sex hormones may affect the large‐scale organization of the brain functional network and that, in turn, such changes might have psychological correlates, even in the absence of overt clinical signs of anxiety and/or depression. To test our hypothesis, we investigated longitudinally, across the MC, the relationship between the sex hormones and both brain network and psychological changes. We enrolled 24 naturally cycling women and, at the early‐follicular, peri‐ovulatory, and mid‐luteal phases of the MC, we performed: (a) sex hormone dosage, (b) magnetoencephalography recording to study the brain network topology, and (c) psychological questionnaires to quantify anxiety, depression, self‐esteem, and well‐being. We showed that during the peri‐ovulatory phase, in the alpha band, the leaf fraction and the tree hierarchy of the brain network were reduced, while the betweenness centrality (BC) of the right posterior cingulate gyrus (rPCG) was increased. Furthermore, the increase in BC was predicted by estradiol levels. Moreover, during the luteal phase, the variation of estradiol correlated positively with the variations of both the topological change and environmental mastery dimension of the well‐being test, which, in turn, was related to the increase in the BC of rPCG. Our results highlight the effects of sex hormones on the large‐scale brain network organization as well as on their possible relationship with the psychological state across the MC. Moreover, the fact that physiological changes in the brain topology occur throughout the MC has widespread implications for neuroimaging studies.
Postoperative tonsil/adenoidectomy bleeding management in patients with diagnosed bleeding disorders
Authors: Pai Kavya , Desai Harsh , Stein Dagmar , Cole Stephanie
Published: June 2021

Objective

Tonsil/adenoidectomy (T/A) is a commonly performed procedure with an average post‐tonsillectomy bleed (PTB) rate between 3 and 5%. Patients with bleeding disorders (BDs) are believed to have an increased risk of PTB. We hypothesize that our medical management of BD patients using a combination of DDAVP/antifibrinolytic agents has a similar PTB rate to control patients. This study suggests a standardized protocol for patients with BDs to avoid PTB.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was completed for patients with BD who underwent tonsillectomy or T/A at Promedica Toledo or Flower Hospital between 2013 and 2020. Exclusion criteria included incomplete records, diagnosis of BD after surgery, and inability to find age and sex matched control. We defined the control group as patients who underwent T/A without BD. The following variables were collected: age, sex, medical history, BD severity, medications, type of surgery, indication for surgery, estimated blood loss (EBL), pre/postoperative medications, PTB status, and post‐PTB intervention.

Results

A total of 164 patient charts were reviewed. There were 82 patients in both cohorts. The BDs represented were platelet function disorder (80.5%), von Willebrand disease (14.6%), and others such as Factor VII and IX deficiency (4.9%). Of the BD patients included, 13.4% had severe disease. There was no significant difference between the age, sex, EBL, and PTB rates. Of the 8 BD patients with PTB, 62% bled 9‐10 days postoperatively and none had severe disease.

Conclusion

Our protocol to prevent PTB in patients with BDs produced similar bleed rates to control patients in this study. Further studies are required to assess postoperative length of antifibrinolytic treatment in BD patients.

Level of Evidence

III.
Comparative Mortality of Juvenile Channel and Hybrid Catfish Exposed to Bolbophorus damnificus Cercariae
Authors: Gunn Mackenzie A. , Allen Peter J. , Graham Rosser T. , Wise David J. , Griffin Matt J.
Published: June 2021

The trematode Bolbophorus damnificus (Digenea: Bolbophoridae) has caused significant economic losses since the late 1990s, with deleterious effects on production efficiency in farm-raised catfish. Previous work has demonstrated that even mild outbreaks, which may go unnoticed by producers, can result in over 60% reduction in net economic returns. Although transmission rates in Channel Catfish Ictalurus  punctatus and hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish × Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus) are similar in controlled studies, anecdotal industry reports imply that the impacts of B. damnificus on hybrid catfish are less severe. In this study, mortality in juvenile Channel and hybrid catfish exposed to B. damnificus was evaluated in two discrete, replicated infectivity challenges. Mortality curves in Channel and hybrid catfish were consistent with trends previously established for B. damnificus in Channel Catfish, although in both challenges cumulative mortality was significantly lower in hybrids. All exposed fish presented clinical signs consistent with B. damnificus infection—namely lethargy, exophthalmia, distended abdomens, and metacercariae grossly visible below the skin. No mortality occurred and no parasites were observed in control fish. The biological and economic implications of these findings on catfish production are unknown but suggest that hybrid catfish are less susceptible to the deleterious effects and reduced productivity elicited by B. damnificus in Channel Catfish.
The introduction of care robots as a leadership challenge in home care facilities in Finland
Authors: Rantanen Teemu , Leppälahti Teppo , Coco Kirsi
Published: June 2021

Aims

This paper analyses the factors that influence home care employees’ intention to introduce robots.

Background

The introduction of different kinds of care robots is a topical issue in elderly care now and in the near future.

Methods

Cross‐sectional research conducted through a questionnaire. The survey data (N = 162) were collected in five locations around Finland in 2019. The analysis was carried out by regression analysis, Sobel test and by Hayes’ bootstrapping method.

Results

The results show that self‐efficacy is pivotal in the willingness to introduce care robots. Employees’ age increases the enthusiasm to introduce robots but reduces self‐efficacy. Work engagement does not correlate with self‐efficacy or behavioural intention related to the introduction of care robots.

Conclusions

The present paper reveals the significance of attitudes, cognitive factors and age in the adoption of care robots in home care facilities.

Practical implications

It is important to pay attention to supporting the employees’ sense of technology management and the construction of a robot‐positive atmosphere when introducing care robots, and the development of skills of older employees and employees with a lower educational level should be supported.