bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Bioplastic Films from γ − Irradiated Kithul (Caryota urens) Starch; Morphological, Crystalline, Barrier, and Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Sudheesh Cherakkathodi , Sunooj Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal , Jamsheer Vattaparambil , Sabu Sarasan , Sasidharan Abhilash , Aaliya Basheer , Navaf Muhammed , Akhila Plachikkattu Parambil , George Johnsy
Published: February 2021

Important properties of bioplastic film made from γ − irradiated kithul starch such as crystalline, morphological, mechanical, and barrier properties are studied. The films are made from native and irradiated kithul starch using the casting method. Relative crystallinity is higher for the film made from irradiated kithul starch. The film made from 100 kGy irradiated starch shows the highest relative crystallinity (2.26%) among the starch films. The film prepared from irradiated kithul starch exhibits lower water vapor permeability (WVP). The solubility of film made from irradiated starch decrease with an increase in irradiation dose. Irradiation of starch cause higher surface compactness, which decrease the oxygen permeability of the films. The decrease in WVP and oxygen permeability indicates the improved barrier properties of films made from irradiated starch. Mechanical properties increase in films made from irradiated kithul starch. Moreover, it shows lower surface roughness as compared with native starch film. The research reveals that films made from γ − irradiated kithul starch exhibited better mechanical and barrier properties due to their higher crystallinity and surface homogeneity.
Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Chitosan/Cerium Hydrogel with Significant Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Chen Qifeng , Wang Wenxiong , Chen Guangxue , Li Xianfeng , Wang Yunjia , Xiong Jieyi , Wei Liting
Published: February 2021

Traditional wound dressings have some major deficiencies, including poor antibacterial ability, low exudate absorption rate and dry environment. These defects can be addressed by the prepared hydrogels in this study, which can provide a moist and cool environment for wound healing. Polyvinyl alcohol‐chitosan/cerium (PVA‐Cs/Ce) composite hydrogels are prepared by a freeze‐thaw method and characterized by x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the effects of chitosan/cerium (Cs/Ce) complexes with different contents on properties, including mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, swelling ratio, and thermal stability are investigated. SEM images indicate that the composite hydrogels have a good three‐dimensional pore structure. Compared with the pure PVA hydrogel, the composite hydrogels show better swelling properties and more suitable water vapor transmission rate (2504 g m‐2·day) by adding Cs/Ce complexes. And the elongation at break of the hydrogel with a ratio of 5:3 (PVA: Cs/Ce) is the highest value of 567%. In the bacteriostatic circle experiment, PVA‐Cs/Ce composite hydrogels exhibit a pronounced inhibitory effect against two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). These results suggest that these composite hydrogels have great potential as wound dressings.
The Synthesis of Ipsenol and Ipsdienol: A Review (1968–2020)
Authors: Marco‐Contelles José
Published: February 2021

Herein I present a review on the synthesis of ipsenol and ipsdienol, two aggregation pheromones of bark beetles, isolated from different species of genus Ips, and serious pests of conifer forests. I have covered the literature for around fifty years, since 1968 to 2020. This account has been divided in different sections and sub‐sections, including a general and brief outlook on their isolation, structure and biological activity, to continue with the reported synthesis of racemic ipsenol and ipsdienol, including my own contribution to topic, and the presentation of reports describing the synthesis of enantiomerically pure ipsenol and ipsdienol. Particular attention has been devoted to identify and highlight racemic or enantiomerically pure “isoprene synthons”, and isoprenylation methods employed in the synthesis of ipsenol and ipsdienol, of general interest for related terpene derivatives synthesis.
Plasmon and Plexciton Driven Interfacial Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Yang Rui , Cheng Yuqing , Song Yujun , Belotelov Vladimir I. , Sun Mengtao
Published: February 2021

In this review, we focus on the summary of catalytic reaction driven by surface plasmons and plexciton, where the plexciton is the interaction between plasmon and exciton. We first review the reduction and oxidation reactions driven by plasmons, and analyze the role of plasmons in the two reactions. We then summarize the recent research on the surface catalytic reactions driven by plasmon‐exciton coupling and discuss the promotion effect of coupling interaction in oxidation reaction and reduction reaction. The coupling effect of plasmons and excitons can successfully improve the efficiency of catalytic reactions. Finally, this paper demonstrates the research progress in the electrooptical synergic plasmon‐exciton co‐driven surface catalytic reactions.
Curcumin suppresses the stemness of non‐small cell lung cancer cells via promoting the nuclear‐cytoplasm translocation of TAZ
Authors: Zheng Yuzhen , Yang Xingping , Tan Jian , Tian Renjiang , Shen Piao , Cai Weijie , Liao Hongying
Published: February 2021

Curcumin has been shown to suppress the progression of lung cancer, however, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin on the stemness of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We found that curcumin reduced the sphere formation ability at the concentrations without affecting the cell viability of NSCLC cells and normal pulmonary epithelial cells, which is evident by the decrease of sphere size and number. In addition, curcumin decreased ALDH activity and the expression of stemness markers (CD133, EpCAM, Oct4). RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the Hippo pathway was mostly enriched in cells with curcumin treatment. Indeed, the expression of cancer stem cell markers was significantly decreased by curcumin treatment by analyzing the RNA sequencing data. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that curcumin negatively regulated the cancer stem cell function and positively modulated cancer stem cell differentiation ability. Furthermore, curcumin enhanced the cisplatin sensitivity of NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, it was found that curcumin promoted the nuclear‐cytoplasm translocation of TAZ, but not YAP, the critical effectors of Hippo pathway. In addition, curcumin destabilzed TAZ protein stability and promoted TAZ protein degradation in lung cancer cells, which is dependent on the proteasome degradation system, not by autophagy lysosome degradation system. Overexpression of TAZ rescued the inhibition of curcumin on the stemness of lung cancer cells. Thus, our results suggest that curcumin can attenuate the stemness of lung cancer cells through promoting TAZ protein degradation and thus activating Hippo pathway.
Visualizing riparian ecotone fragmentation in urbanizing watersheds: A case study of upper Hickory Creek, north‐Central Texas
Authors: Yesildirek Monica Veale , Hudak Paul F.
Published: February 2021

Many pollution sources and heavy runoff often plague urbanizing watersheds. Riparian ecotones can filter pollutants and attenuate runoff; however, changing land cover tends to diminish this buffering capacity. Visualizing riparian ecotone fragmentation at the watershed scale can help prioritize management efforts. A geographic information systems approach was developed to illustrate land cover and soil properties affecting buffering potential along riparian corridors. An application to the Hickory Creek watershed in north‐central Texas shows significant riparian ecotone fragmentation, suggesting high‐priority areas for preservation and restoration.
An introduction to persistent homology for time series
Authors: Ravishanker Nalini , Chen Renjie
Published: February 2021

Topological data analysis (TDA) uses information from topological structures in complex data for statistical analysis and learning. This paper discusses persistent homology, a part of computational (algorithmic) topology that converts data into simplicial complexes and elicits information about the persistence of homology classes in the data. It computes and outputs the birth and death of such topologies via a persistence diagram. Data inputs for persistent homology are usually represented as point clouds or as functions, while the outputs depend on the nature of the analysis and commonly consist of either a persistence diagram, or persistence landscapes. This paper gives an introductory level tutorial on computing these summaries for time series using R, followed by an overview on using these approaches for time series classification and clustering.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational Mathematics
A review of second‐order blind identification methods
Authors: Pan Yan , Matilainen Markus , Taskinen Sara , Nordhausen Klaus
Published: February 2021

Second‐order source separation (SOS) is a data analysis tool which can be used for revealing hidden structures in multivariate time series data or as a tool for dimension reduction. Such methods are nowadays increasingly important as more and more high‐dimensional multivariate time series data are measured in numerous fields of applied science. Dimension reduction is crucial, as modeling such high‐dimensional data with multivariate time series models is often impractical as the number of parameters describing dependencies between the component time series is usually too high. SOS methods have their roots in the signal processing literature, where they were first used to separate source signals from an observed signal mixture. The SOS model assumes that the observed time series (signals) is a linear mixture of latent time series (sources) with uncorrelated components. The methods make use of the second‐order statistics—hence the name “second‐order source separation.” In this review, we discuss the classical SOS methods and their extensions to more complex settings. An example illustrates how SOS can be performed.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Time Series Models

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Dimension Reduction

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data
Can colored object enrichment reduce the escape behavior of captive freshwater turtles?
Authors: Bannister Callum C. , Thomson Angus J. C. , Cuculescu‐Santana Mirela
Published: February 2021

The effect of environmental enrichment on the behavior and welfare in captivity of reptiles and of freshwater turtles in particular, which are popular aquarium and pet species, is very little studied compared to other taxa. We carried out a small scale case‐study on the effect of colored object enrichment, with and without fish scent, on the behavior of a group of 15 cooters (Pseudemys sp.) and sliders (Trachemys scripta ssp.) on display at a public aquarium. The new enrichment aimed to reduce the escape behavior (interaction with transparent boundaries) and increase exploration and random swimming. We used simultaneous recording of behavior at whole group level and for focal individually‐marked turtles. The escape behavior decreased on days with new enrichment before feeding at whole group level and for the focal turtles overall, in spite of the relatively low interest in the colored objects. Fish‐scented objects attracted significantly more interest. Random swimming, enrichment focus, aggression and submission increased significantly, and basking decreased significantly at whole group level before feeding, with smaller differences after feeding. There were large differences between individual turtles with respect to activity budgets and changes in behavior on days with new enrichment, with both increases and decreases seen in escape behavior, aggression, and levels of activity. Our outcomes suggested that introducing new colored objects with food scent may be beneficial for reducing escape behavior in captive freshwater turtles. However, careful monitoring of effects at individual level and much larger scale investigations, including postenrichment periods, are needed.
Effect of enclosure expansion on the activity budgets of eastern black‐and‐white colobus monkeys, Colobus guereza
Authors: Robbins R. L. , Sheridan J.
Published: February 2021

Behavior is one of the most observable and informative indicators of animal welfare. This study used behavioral observation methodologies to evaluate the impact of an enclosure expansion on the activity budgets of a group of three eastern black‐and‐white colobus monkeys, Colobus guereza, housed at the Adelaide Zoo in South Australia. Instantaneous scan sampling methods were used to record the monkeys' behavior before and after they were given access to new aerial walkways at 2‐min intervals between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., over a total of 109 h (66 baseline hours, 43 post‐expansion hours). Broad state behaviors (e.g., social, moving, resting, interacting, and feeding) were recorded and were used to generate activity budgets. Locomotion, feeding, and social behaviors increased following the addition of the aerial walkways, along with an overall increase in activity, attributed to the larger area and increased complexity of the environment. Results indicate that the addition of aerial walkways was effective for increasing the behavioral repertoire in colobus monkeys, aligning activity budgets more closely with their wild counterparts, and increasing active and affiliative behaviors.
Growth, calcification, and photobiology of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis in natural versus artificial light
Authors: Slagel Sebastian , Lohr Kathryn , O'Neil Keri , Patterson Joshua
Published: February 2021

Land‐based coral culture is of increasing interest for conservation and educational display. Shallow water corals generate most of their energy from photosynthesis, and light is a critical abiotic factor in their husbandry. We compared growth, calcification, and photobiology in the coral Acropora cervicornis between natural and artificial (light‐emitting diode; LED) light to better understand the impact of light source on coral performance. One tank of a greenhouse recirculating system at The Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation was used to culture replicate coral colonies. Half of the tank and corals were covered to block sunlight and illuminated with a commercial reef aquarium LED fixture, while the other half was exposed to natural sunlight. Treatments were matched in terms of maximum photosynthetically active radiation and spectral measurements characterized both light regimes. Coral growth and calcification were tracked over a period of 19 weeks by repeated measurements of total linear extension (TLE) and buoyant weight. For the first 5 weeks, photosynthetic yield was measured weekly using a pulse‐amplitude‐modulated fluorometer. Calcification was significantly higher under LED lighting relative to natural light, but TLE did not differ. Photobiology data suggest that corals in both treatments were acclimated to the same light level, but photosynthetic efficiency was ultimately greater in the natural light treatment. More consistent light delivery and different spectral composition under LED treatment conditions may explain the incongruity between calcification and photosynthetic efficiency. This experiment informs husbandry of shallow‐water scleractinian corals maintained in both natural sunlight and enclosed structures.
Infrared Problem vs Gauge Choice: Scattering of Classical Dirac Field
Authors: Herdegen Andrzej
Published: February 2021

We consider the Dirac equation for the classical spinor field placed in an external, time-dependent electromagnetic field of the form typical for scattering settings: $$F=F^\mathrm{ret}+F^\mathrm{in}=F^\mathrm{adv}+F^\mathrm{out}$$

F
=

F
ret

+

F
in

=

F
adv

+

F
out

, where the current producing $$F^{\mathrm{ret}/\mathrm{adv}}$$

F

ret
/
adv

has past and future asymptotes homogeneous of degree $$-3$$

-
3

, and the free fields $$F^{\mathrm{in}/\mathrm{out}}$$

F

in
/
out

are radiation fields produced by currents with similar asymptotic behavior. We show the existence of the electromagnetic gauges in which the particle has ‘in’ and ‘out’ asymptotic states approaching free field states, with no long-time corrections of the free dynamics. Using a special Cauchy foliation of the spacetime, we show in this context the existence and asymptotic completeness of the wave operators. Moreover, we define a special ‘evolution picture’ in which the free evolution operator has well-defined limits for $$t\rightarrow \pm \infty $$

t
→
±
∞

; thus the scattering wave operators do not need the free evolution counteraction.
100 kHz satellite laser ranging demonstration at Matera Laser Ranging Observatory
Authors: Dequal Daniele , Agnesi Costantino , Sarrocco David , Calderaro Luca , Santamaria Amato Luigi , Siciliani de Cumis Mario , Vallone Giuseppe , Villoresi Paolo , Luceri Vincenza , Bianco Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

The new challenges related to the monitoring of Earth’s shape and motion have led the global geodetic observing system to set more stringent requirements on the precision and stability of the terrestrial reference frame (TRF). The achievement of this ambitious goal depends on the improvement of space geodesy techniques, satellite laser ranging (SLR) in particular, being the main instrument for TRF realization. In this work, we study the potential of very high repetition rate SLR by performing a data acquisition campaign with an Ekspla “Atlantic 60” 100 kHz repetition rate laser at the Matera Laser Ranging Observatory (MLRO). This system constitutes an increase of two orders of magnitude in repetition rate with respect to the current SLR stations, while maintaining a good single-shot timing performance. The system has been active for 4 consecutive nights, consistently tracking several low Earth orbit satellites as well as LAGEOS 1 and 2. The results have shown a single-shot time jitter close to other stations, but with unprecedented statistics for $$\approx 10$$

≈
10

ps single-shot precision. The analysis of the residuals of LAGEOS satellites allowed us to identify multiple peaks, due to the retroflection from different corner cubes. This opens up the possibility of attitude determination of retroreflector arrays, as well as a new method for spin rate measurement.
How Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology deals with fraudulent papers from paper mills
Authors: Seifert Roland
Published: February 2021

Fraudulent papers from paper mills are a serious threat to the entire scientific community. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology has become the target of a massive attack of fraudulent papers originating from paper mills. This editorial highlights 20 important features we observed with paper mills and explains how the journal is responding to this serious threat to restore the integrity of science. Hopefully, this editorial is also helpful for editors of other scientific journals.
CT perfusion in peripheral arterial disease—hemodynamic differences before and after revascularisation
Authors: Veit-Haibach Patrick , Huellner Martin W. , Banyai Martin , Mafeld Sebastian , Heverhagen Johannes , Strobel Klaus , Sah Bert-Ram
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was the assessment of volumetric CT perfusion (CTP) of the lower leg musculature in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) before and after interventional revascularisation.

Methods

Twenty-nine consecutive patients with symptomatic PAD of the lower extremities requiring interventional revascularisation were assessed prospectively. All patients underwent a CTP scan of the lower leg, and hemodynamic and angiographic assessment, before and after intervention. Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) was determined. CTP parameters were calculated with a perfusion software, acting on a no outflow assumption. A sequential two-compartment model was used. Differences in CTP parameters were assessed with non-parametric tests.

Results

The cohort consisted of 24 subjects with an occlusion, and five with a high-grade stenosis. The mean blood flow before/after (BFpre and BFpost, respectively) was 7.42 ± 2.66 and 10.95 ± 6.64 ml/100 ml*min−1. The mean blood volume before/after (BVpre and BVpost, respectively) was 0.71 ± 0.35 and 1.25 ± 1.07 ml/100 ml. BFpost and BVpost were significantly higher than BFpre and BVpre in the treated limb (p = 0.003 and 0.02, respectively), but not in the untreated limb (p = 0.641 and 0.719, respectively).

Conclusions

CTP seems feasible for assessing hemodynamic differences in calf muscles before and after revascularisation in patients with symptomatic PAD. We could show that CTP parameters BF and BV are significantly increased after revascularisation of the symptomatic limb. In the future, this quantitative method might serve as a non-invasive method for surveillance and therapy control of patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Key Points

• CTP imaging of the lower limb in patients with symptomatic PAD seems feasible for assessing hemodynamic differences before and after revascularisation in PAD patients.

• This quantitative method might serve as a non-invasive method, for surveillance and therapy control of patients with PAD.
Recurrent transitions to Little Ice Age-like climatic regimes over the Holocene
Authors: Helama Samuli , Stoffel Markus , Hall Richard J. , Jones Phil D. , Arppe Laura , Matskovsky Vladimir V. , Timonen Mauri , Nöjd Pekka , Mielikäinen Kari , Oinonen Markku
Published: February 2021

Holocene climate variability is punctuated by episodic climatic events such as the Little Ice Age (LIA) predating the industrial-era warming. Their dating and forcing mechanisms have however remained controversial. Even more crucially, it is uncertain whether earlier events represent climatic regimes similar to the LIA. Here we produce and analyse a new 7500-year long palaeoclimate record tailored to detect LIA-like climatic regimes from northern European tree-ring data. In addition to the actual LIA, we identify LIA-like ca. 100–800 year periods with cold temperatures combined with clear sky conditions from 540 CE, 1670 BCE, 3240 BCE and 5450 BCE onwards, these LIA-like regimes covering 20% of the study period. Consistent with climate modelling, the LIA-like regimes originate from a coupled atmosphere–ocean–sea ice North Atlantic-Arctic system and were amplified by volcanic activity (multiple eruptions closely spaced in time), tree-ring evidence pointing to similarly enhanced LIA-like regimes starting after the eruptions recorded in 1627 BCE, 536/540 CE and 1809/1815 CE. Conversely, the ongoing decline in Arctic sea-ice extent is mirrored in our data which shows reversal of the LIA-like conditions since the late nineteenth century, our record also correlating highly with the instrumentally recorded Northern Hemisphere and global temperatures over the same period. Our results bridge the gaps between low- and high-resolution, precisely dated proxies and demonstrate the efficacy of slow and fast components of the climate system to generate LIA-like climate regimes.
Characteristics of intracerebral haemorrhage associated with COVID-19: a systematic review and pooled analysis of individual patient and aggregate data
Authors: Beyrouti R. , Best J. G. , Chandratheva A. , Perry R. J. , Werring D. J.
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose

There are very few studies of the characteristics and causes of ICH in COVID-19, yet such data are essential to guide clinicians in clinical management, including challenging anticoagulation decisions. We aimed to describe the characteristics of spontaneous symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) associated with COVID-19.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Database for data from patients with SARS-CoV-2 detected prior to or within 7 days after symptomatic ICH. We did a pooled analysis of individual patient data, then combined data from this pooled analysis with aggregate-level data.

Results

We included data from 139 patients (98 with individual data and 41 with aggregate-level data). In our pooled individual data analysis, the median age (IQR) was 60 (53–67) years and 64% (95% CI 54–73.7%) were male; 79% (95% CI 70.0–86.9%) had critically severe COVID-19. The pooled prevalence of lobar ICH was 67% (95% CI 56.3–76.0%), and of multifocal ICH was 36% (95% CI 26.4–47.0%). 71% (95% CI 61.0–80.4%) of patients were treated with anticoagulation (58% (95% CI 48–67.8%) therapeutic). The median NIHSS was 28 (IQR 15–28); mortality was 54% (95% CI 43.7–64.2%). Our combined analysis of individual and aggregate data showed similar findings. The pooled incidence of ICH across 12 cohort studies of inpatients with COVID-19 (n = 63,390) was 0.38% (95% CI 0.22–0.58%).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that ICH associated with COVID-19 has different characteristics compared to ICH not associated with COVID-19, including frequent lobar location and multifocality, a high rate of anticoagulation, and high mortality. These observations suggest different underlying mechanisms of ICH in COVID-19 with potential implications for clinical treatment and trials.
Associations between exposure to workplace bullying and insomnia: a cross-lagged prospective study of causal directions
Authors: Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Pallesen Ståle , Einarsen Ståle Valvatne , Harris Anette , Rajalingam Dhaksshaginy , Gjerstad Johannes
Published: February 2021

Objective

Workplace bullying has been established as a significant correlate of sleep problems. However, little is known regarding the causal direction between bullying and sleep. The aim of this study was to examine temporal relationships between bullying and symptoms of insomnia.

Methods

Reciprocal and prospective associations between exposure to workplace bullying and symptoms of insomnia were investigated in a national probability sample comprising 1149 Norwegian employees. Data stemmed from a two-wave full panel survey study with a 6-month time interval between the baseline and follow-up assessments. Models with stabilities, forward-, reverse-, and reciprocal associations were tested and compared using Structural Equation Modelling. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and the stability in the outcome variables over time. Workplace bullying was assessed with the nine-item Short Negative Acts Questionnaire. Insomnia was assessed with a previously validated three item scale reflecting problems with sleep onset, sleep maintenance, and early morning awakening.

Results

The forward association model, which showed that exposure to workplace bullying prospectively increased levels of insomnia (b = 0.08; p < 0.001), had best fit with the data [CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.93; RMSEA = 0.049 (0.046–0.052)]. The reverse association model where insomnia influences risk of being subjected to bullying was not supported.

Conclusion

Workplace bullying is a risk factor for later insomnia. There is a need for further studies on moderating and mediating variables that can explain how and when bullying influence sleep.
Human filariasis—contributions of the Litomosoides sigmodontis and Acanthocheilonema viteae animal model
Authors: Risch Frederic , Ritter Manuel , Hoerauf Achim , Hübner Marc P.
Published: February 2021

Filariae are vector-borne parasitic nematodes that are endemic worldwide, in tropical and subtropical regions. Important human filariae spp. include Onchocerca volvulus, Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia spp., and Loa loa and Mansonella spp. causing onchocerciasis (river blindness), lymphatic filariasis (lymphedema and hydrocele), loiasis (eye worm), and mansonelliasis, respectively. It is estimated that over 1 billion individuals live in endemic regions where filarial diseases are a public health concern contributing to significant disability adjusted life years (DALYs). Thus, efforts to control and eliminate filarial diseases were already launched by the WHO in the 1970s, especially against lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, and are mainly based on mass drug administration (MDA) of microfilaricidal drugs (ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, albendazole) to filarial endemic areas accompanied with vector control strategies with the goal to reduce the transmission. With the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it was decided to eliminate transmission of onchocerciasis and stop lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem by 2030. It was also requested that novel drugs and treatment strategies be developed. Mouse models provide an important platform for anti-filarial drug research in a preclinical setting. This review presents an overview about the Litomosoides sigmodontis and Acanthocheilonema viteae filarial mouse models and their role in immunological research as well as preclinical studies about novel anti-filarial drugs and treatment strategies.
Predators in northern Germany are reservoirs for parasites of One Health concern
Authors: Waindok Patrick , Raue Katharina , Grilo Miguel L. , Siebert Ursula , Strube Christina
Published: February 2021

Urbanisation and invasion of wildlife into urban areas as well as human leisure activities create diverse wildlife-domestic animal-human interfaces, increasing the risk of (zoonotic) parasite spillover from sylvatic to domestic and synanthropic cycles. This study investigated the endo- and ectoparasite fauna, emphasising on parasites of One Health Concern, of the most common predators in northern Germany between November 2013 and January 2016. Eighty red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 18 stone martens (Martes foina) and nine raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were available for the study. Overall, 79 (73.8%) of the examined predators (n=107) harboured at least one endoparasite. The most frequently detected endoparasites in red foxes wereToxocara canis(43.8% positive individuals),Capillariaspp. (36.3%),Alaria alata(25.0%),Echinococcus multilocularis(26.3%) andUncinaria stenocephala(25.0%). Furthermore,Toxascaris leonina,Trichuris vulpis,Taeniassp.,Mesocestoidesspp. and coccidian oocysts were observed. The endoparasite species richness in raccoon dogs was comparable to red foxes, while in stone martens, onlyCapillariaspp. were found. Muscle digestion for detection ofTrichinellaspp. and antigen testing forGiardiaspp. did not show positive results. Ectoparasite analyses revealed infestations with ticks species of the genusIxodesas well asDermacentor reticulatus. Scabies mites were not present in digested skin samples, whileDemodexspp. mites were observed by faecal flotation in one red fox. Furthermore, fleas (Archaeopsylla erinaceiandChaetopsylla globiceps) were observed in the fur of red foxes, while lice were not present in any predator species. However, infestation frequency with ectoparasites was with 19.2% generally low in available predator skins (n=99). Overall, the present study showed that predators in northern Germany serve as reservoirs for parasites of One Health concern, with four of the five most frequent endoparasites being zoonotic, highlighting the need of parasite surveillance in wildlife predators in order to implement measures avoiding spillovers to domestic animals and humans.
Radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s oesophagus related neoplasia with the 360 Express catheter: initial experience from the United Kingdom and Ireland—preliminary results
Authors: Magee Cormac G. , Graham David , Gordon Charles , Dunn Jason , Penman Ian , Willert Robert , Smart Howard , Ortiz-Fernandez-Sordo Jacobo , Ragunath Krish , Everson Martin , Alzoubaidi Durayd , Banks Matthew , Morris Danielle , Sami Sarmed , Morris Allan J. , Bhandari Pradeep , Narayanasamy Ravi , Di Pietro Massimiliano , Lovat Laurence B. , Haidry Rehan
Published: February 2021

Background

Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) for Barrett’s oesophagus (BE)-related neoplasia is currently used after endoscopic resection of visible neoplasia. The HALO 360 balloon has been used to ablate long segment BE. The Barrx™ 360 Express RFA self-sizing catheter (‘RFA Express’) may potentially allow quicker ablation times and improved treatment outcomes. The aim of this paper is to present real world data on the use of the 360 Express Device.

Methods

Centres in the UK and Ireland submitted cases where the RFA Express was used. The primary outcome was regression of BE at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were the rate of symptomatic stricture formation and resolution of intestinal metaplasia (CR-IM) and dysplasia (CR-D) at End of Treatment (EoT).

Results

11 centres submitted 123 consecutive patients. 112 had a follow up endoscopy. The median age was 67 years (IQR 62–75). 3 dosimetries were used. The mean reduction in Circumferential (C) length was 78% ± 36 and mean reduction in Maximal length (M) was 55% ± 36. 17 patients (15%) developed strictures requiring dilation. There was a higher rate of stricture formation when the 12 J energy was used (p < 0.05). 47 patients had EoT biopsies, 40 (85%) had CR-D and 34(76%) had CR-IM.

Conclusions

The RFA 360 Express catheter shows reduction in length of baseline BE at 3 months after index treatment, and eradication of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia at 12 months similar to other studies with earlier devices. It appears that the symptomatic stricture rate is slightly higher than previous series with the HALO 360 catheter.

This study was performed as part of the HALO registry and has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee - MREC Number 08/H0714/27 Local project reference 08/0104 Project ID 15,033 IRAS Number 54678 EudraCT 2009-015980-1. Registered on ISRCTN as below: ISRCTN93069556. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN93069556
20 Jahre „Zehn-Wort-Merkliste mit Imaginations-Einspeicherhilfe“
Authors: Strotzka Stefan
Published: February 2021

Das episodische Gedächtnis geht als höchststehende und komplexeste Gedächtnisform bei einer Demenzerkrankung früh verloren. Für die Demenzfrüherkennung ist die Erfassung episodischer Gedächtnisleistungen somit besonders gut geeignet. Die „Zehn-Wort-Merkliste mit Imaginations-Einspeicherhilfe“ ist ein praktikabler, schnell durchführbarer und aussagekräftiger Test zur Prüfung des episodischen Gedächtnisses. In einer retrospektiven Datenauswertung der Testergebnisse von 4079 KlientInnen des Gerontopsychiatrischen Zentrums (GPZ) der Psychosozialen Dienste Wien merkten sich Personen ohne kognitive Beeinträchtigung im Durchschnitt 6,9 von zehn möglichen Wörtern. Im Mild-Cognitive-Impairment-Bereich wurden im Schnitt 5,3 und bei einer Demenzerkrankung 2,5 Wörter erinnert. Zur Erkennung einer Demenzerkrankung betrug die Sensitivität 89 % und die Spezifität 84 %. Die Ergebnisse der ersten Studie zur „Zehn-Wort-Merkliste“ mit 116 Personen wurden in der Untersuchung des GPZ bestätigt.
Modeling Adherence Interventions Among Youth with HIV in the United States: Clinical and Economic Projections
Authors: Neilan Anne M. , Bangs Audrey C. , Hudgens Michael , Patel Kunjal , Agwu Allison L. , Bassett Ingrid V. , Gaur Aditya H. , Hyle Emily P. , Crespi Catherine M. , Horvath Keith J. , Dugdale Caitlin M. , Powers Kimberly A. , Rendina H. Jonathon , Weinstein Milton C. , Walensky Rochelle P. , Freedberg Kenneth A. , Ciaranello Andrea L.
Published: February 2021

The Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions is evaluating treatment adherence interventions (AI) to improve virologic suppression (VS) among youth with HIV (YWH). Using a microsimulation model, we compared two strategies: standard-of-care (SOC) and a hypothetical 12-month AI that increased cohort-level VS in YWH in care by an absolute ten percentage points and cost $100/month/person. Projected outcomes included primary HIV transmissions, deaths and life-expectancy, lifetime HIV-related costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs, $/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]). Compared to SOC, AI would reduce HIV transmissions by 15% and deaths by 12% at 12 months. AI would improve discounted life expectancy/person by 8 months at an added lifetime cost/person of $5,300, resulting in an ICER of $7,900/QALY. AI would be cost-effective at $2,000/month/person or with efficacies as low as a 1 percentage point increase in VS. YWH-targeted adherence interventions with even modest efficacy could improve life expectancy, prevent onward HIV transmissions, and be cost-effective.
Atrial performance in healthy subjects following high altitude exposure at 4100 m: 2D speckle-tracking strain analysis
Authors: He Chunyan , Liu Chuan , Yu Shiyong , Yang Jie , Ding Xiaohan , Bian Shizhu , Zhang Jihang , Yu Jie , Tan Hu , Jin Jun , Hu Mingdong , Wu Guoming , Zhang Chen , Rao Rongsheng , Huang Lan
Published: February 2021

High altitude (HA) exposure has been considered as a cardiac stress and might impair ventricular diastolic function. Atrial contraction is involved in ventricular passive filling, however the atrial performance to HA exposure is poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term HA exposure on bi-atrial function. Physiological and 2D-echocardiographic data were collected in 82 healthy men at sea level (SL, 400 m) and 4100 m after an ascent within 7 days. Atrial function was measured using volumetric and speckle-tracking analyses during reservoir, conduit and contractile phases of cardiac cycle. Following HA exposure, significant decreases of reservoir and conduit function indexes were observed in bi-atria, whereas decreases of contractile function indexes were observed in right atrium (RA), estimated via RA active emptying fraction (SL 41.7 ± 13.9% vs. HA 35.4 ± 12.2%, p = 0.001), strain during the contractile phase [SL 13.5 (11.4, 17.8) % vs. HA 12.3 (9.3, 15.9) %, p = 0.003], and peak strain rate during the contractile phase [SL − 1.76 (− 2.24, − 1.48) s−1 vs. HA − 1.57 (− 2.01, − 1.23) s−1, p = 0.002], but not in left atrium (LA). In conclusion, short-term HA exposure of healthy individuals impairs bi-atrial performance, mostly observed in RA. Especially, atrial contractile function decreases in RA rather than LA, which seems not to compensate for decreased ventricular filling after HA exposure. Our findings may provide a novel evidence for right-sided heart dysfunction to HA exposure.
Asymptotic Behavior of Stable Structures Made of Beams
Authors: Griso Georges , Khilkova Larysa , Orlik Julia , Sivak Olena
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of an$\varepsilon $ε-periodic 3D stable structure made of beams of circular cross-section of radius$r$rwhen the periodicity parameter$\varepsilon $εand the ratio${r/\varepsilon }$r/εsimultaneously tend to 0. The analysis is performed within the frame of linear elasticity theory and it is based on the known decomposition of the beam displacements into a beam centerline displacement, a small rotation of the cross-sections and a warping (the deformation of the cross-sections). This decomposition allows to obtain Korn type inequalities. We introduce two unfolding operators, one for the homogenization of the set of beam centerlines and another for the dimension reduction of the beams. The limit homogenized problem is still a linear elastic, second order PDE.
Applications of a simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry–thermomicroscopy system
Authors: Ashton Gage P. , Charsley Edward L. , Harding Lindsay P. , Parkes Gareth M. B.
Published: February 2021

A simultaneous DSC–thermomicroscopy system (DSC450 Linkam Scientific) was applied to the study of phase transitions in rubidium nitrate and silver iodide, the oxidation of polyethylene, the thermal degradation of polylactic acid and magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, and the reversible transitions in thermochromic inks. The results demonstrated the benefits of obtaining simultaneous optical data, both images and light intensity measurements, with DSC, particularly in the interpretation of complex processes and the detection of events with small changes in enthalpy.
Elastic Contacts of Randomly Rough Indenters with Thin Sheets, Membranes Under Tension, Half Spaces, and Beyond
Authors: Müser Martin H.
Published: February 2021

We consider the adhesion-less contact between a two-dimensional, randomly rough, rigid indenter, and various linearly elastic counterfaces, which can be said to differ in their spatial dimension D. They include thin sheets, which are either free or under equi-biaxial tension, and semi-infinite elastomers, which are either isotropic or graded. Our Green’s function molecular dynamics simulation identifies an approximately linear relation between the relative contact area $$a_{\text {r}}$$

a
r

and pressure p at small p only above a critical dimension. The pressure dependence of the mean gap $$u_{\text {g}}$$

u
g

obeys identical trends in each studied case: quasi-logarithmic at small p and exponentially decaying at large p. Using a correction factor with a smooth dependence on D, all obtained $$u_{\text {g}}(p)$$

u
g

(
p
)

relations can be reproduced accurately over several decades in pressure with Persson’s theory, even when it fails to properly predict the interfacial stress distribution function.

Graphical Abstract
Contributions of Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Ewen James P. , Spikes Hugh A. , Dini Daniele
Published: February 2021

The prediction of friction under elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) conditions remains one of the most important and controversial areas of tribology. This is mostly because the pressure and shear rate conditions inside EHL contacts are particularly severe, which complicates experimental design. Over the last decade, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has played an increasingly significant role in our fundamental understanding of molecular behaviour under EHL conditions. In recent years, MD simulation has shown quantitative agreement with friction and viscosity results obtained experimentally, meaning that they can, either in isolation or through the use of multiscale coupling methods, begin to be used to test and inform macroscale models for EHL problems. This is particularly useful under conditions that are relevant inside machine components, but are difficult to obtain experimentally without uncontrollable shear heating.
Pakistan management of green transportation and environmental pollution: a nonlinear ARDL analysis
Authors: Sohail Muhammad Tayyab , Ullah Sana , Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Usman Ahmed
Published: February 2021

Modern advances in nonlinear modeling have exposed that nonlinear models yield more robust results compared with linear models. Research on the effect of air-railway transportation on environmental pollution has now arrived into a new way of asymmetry analysis and captured the real issue among the nexus. This study aims to inspect the asymmetric impact of air-railway transportation on environmental pollution in Pakistan by using annual time series data from 1991 to 2019. The findings show that positive shock in air passenger carried and railway passenger carried increases carbon emissions, which implies that 1% increase in air passenger carried (railway passenger carried) enhances environmental pollution by 0.21% (0.32%) in long run in Pakistan. While positive shock in railway passengers carried increases environmental pollution and negative shock in railway passengers carried decreases the environmental pollution in the short run. The outcomes have also confirmed the short- and long-run asymmetries in Wald statistics. The findings are country-specific and it would be regionally specific.
Post-Visit Patient Understanding About Newly Prescribed Medications
Authors: Ho Timothy , Campos Blanca S. , Tarn Derjung M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Good patient understanding of basic medication-related information such as directions for use and side effects promotes medication adherence, but information is lacking about how well patients understand basic medication-related information after their office visits.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate post-visit patient understanding about newly prescribed medications.

Design

Secondary mixed methods analysis comparing patient survey responses about newly prescribed medications to information conveyed by physicians during office visits (from audio recordings of office visits).

Participants

Eighty-one patients aged 50 and older who discussed newly prescribed medications during an outpatient office visit.

Main Measures

Accurate patient identification of medication dose, number of pills, frequency of use, duration of use, and potential side effects.

Key Results

The 81 patients in this study received 111 newly prescribed medications. For over 70% of all newly prescribed medications, patients correctly identified the number of pills, frequency of use, duration of use, and dose, regardless of whether the physician mentioned the information during the office visit. However, for 34 of 62 medications (55%) for which side effects were not conveyed and 11 of 49 medications (22%) for which physicians discussed side effects, patients reported that the medication lacked side effects. Analysis of transcribed office visits showed that potential reasons for this finding included failure of physicians to mention or to use the term “side effects” during visits, the prescription of multiple medications during the visit, and lack of patient engagement in the conversation.

Conclusions

Many patients correctly identified information related to directions for taking a newly prescribed medication, even without physician counseling, but when physicians failed to convey potential medication side effects, many assumed that a medication had no side effects. It may be sufficient for physicians to provide written information about medication directions and dosing, and tailor their limited time to discussing medication side effects.
Stressing similarities or ignoring differences? Shedding light into different forms of color-evasive ideology with pre- and in-service teachers
Authors: Civitillo Sauro , Juang Linda P. , Schachner Maja K.
Published: February 2021

The color-evasive ideology (commonly termed “colorblindness”) proposes that ethnic and cultural group memberships should be deemphasized. Yet there is a conceptual confusion around the meaning and measurement of color-evasiveness, and this construct is not used consistently in the international as well as German literature. Our purpose is to investigate whether two underlying forms of the color-evasive ideology (i.e.,stressing similaritiesandignoring differences) are two distinct, albeit related, constructs. We tested this hypothesis by applying these two forms of the color-evasive ideology to teachers’ cultural diversity beliefs. In two cross-sectional field studies conducted with pre-service teachers (Study 1,n = 210), and in-service teachers (Study 2,n = 99), questionnaire items on thestressing similaritiesideology and items on theignoring differencesideology loaded on two separate factors, providing a better fit to the data than the one-factor model. Mean scores on these two types of color-evasive ideology also differed substantially, indicating that participants across the two studies mainly endorsed thestressing similaritiesperspective. Thestressing similaritiesandignoring differencesideologies related differently to other intergroup ideologies (i.e., multiculturalism and polyculturalism), and showed different patterns to psychosocial functioning in culturally diverse classrooms (i.e., cultural diversity-related stress).