bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of toxic organophosphorus pesticides from aqueous medium using dextrin‐graft‐poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic acid‐co‐acrylic acid) copolymer: Studies on equilibrium kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics of interactions
Authors: Ray Jagabandhu , Samanta Santu Kumar , Tripathy Tridib
Published: October 2021

A graft copolymer was prepared by grafting a mixture of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and acrylic acid (AA) monomers onto the dextrin polysaccharide backbone by free radical copolymerization technique using potassium peroxydisulfate as an initiator in water medium. Several characterization techniques like FT‐IR, 1H and 13C NMR, XRD, SEM, and EDAX analyses were used to characterize the synthesized polymer. The polymer was used as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of toxic pesticides namely dimethoate (DM), chlorpyrifos (CP), and phosalone (PL) from their aqueous solutions. Various operating variables such as kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic parameters were investigated for the three pesticides. The pesticide adsorption process over polymer surface was directed by pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms both correlate well with the equilibrium data. Maximum adsorption capacity () of the polymer was found to be 172.4 mg g−1 for DM, 121.95 mg g−1 for PL, and 108.69 mg g−1 for CP. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the selected pesticides' adsorption onto the polymers was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The preferential pesticide sorption by the graft copolymer followed the order .
Nutrient‐specific proteomic analysis of the mucin degrading bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila
Authors: Lee Ji‐Young , Jin Hyeon‐Su , Kim Kyoung Su , Baek Je‐Hyun , Kim Bong‐Soo , Lee Dong‐Woo
Published: October 2021

Akkermansia muciniphila is a prominent mucin‐degrading bacterium that acts as a keystone species in regulating the human gut microbiota. Despite recently increasing research into this bacterium and its relevance to human health, a high‐resolution database of its functional proteins remains scarce. Here, we provide a proteomic overview of A. muciniphila grown in different nutrient conditions ranging from defined to complex. Of 2318 protein‐coding genes in the genome, we identified 841 (40%) that were expressed at the protein level. Overall, proteins involved in energy production and carbohydrate metabolism indicate that A. muciniphila relies mainly on the Embden‐Meyerhof‐Parnas pathway, and produces short‐chain fatty acids through anaerobic fermentation in a nutrient‐specific manner. Moreover, this bacterium possesses a broad repertoire of glycosyl hydrolases, together with putative peptidases and sulfatases, to cleave O‐glycosylated mucin. Of them, putative mucin‐degrading enzymes (Amuc_1220, Amuc_1120, Amuc_0052, Amuc_0480, and Amuc_0060) are highly abundant in the mucin‐supplemented media. Furthermore, A. muciniphila uses mucin‐derived monosaccharides as sources of energy and cell wall biogenesis. Our dataset provides nutrient‐dependent global proteomes of A. muciniphila ATCC BAA‐835 to offer insights into its metabolic functions that shape the composition of the human gut microbiota via mucin degradation.
Severity of respiratory disease is correlated with time of first oral feeding and need for a gastrostomy tube at discharge in premature infants born at <30 weeks of gestation
Authors: Anderson Emily , Gregoski Mathew J. , Gehle Daniel , Head William T. , Hardy Kris Thomas , Chapman Alison , Ryan Rita M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Premature infants who cannot achieve full oral feeds may need a gastrostomy tube (GT) to be discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We previously developed a model to predict which infants born <30 weeks (w) gestational age (GA) will require a GT before discharge. Here we report the detailed respiratory variable data to describe the general respiratory course for infants in the NICU < 30 w GA at birth and the association between different levels of respiratory support with postmenstrual age (PMA) at the time of first oral feeding attempt (PMAff), including later need for GT for discharge.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 391 NICU admissions comprising test (2015–2016) and validation (2017–2018) cohorts. Data, including respiratory support, were collected on 204 infants, 41 GT and 163 non‐GT, in the test cohort, and 187 infants, 37 GT, and 150 non‐GT, in the validation cohort.

Results

Respiratory data were significantly different between GT and non‐GT infants. Infants who required GT for discharge were on significantly higher respiratory support at 30 days of age, 32 w PMA, and 36 w PMA. Respiratory parameters were highly correlated with PMAff.

Conclusion

Respiratory status predicts PMAff, which was the variable in our previously described model that was most predictive of failure to achieve full oral feeding. These data provide a catalyst to develop strategies for improving oral feeding outcome for infants requiring prolonged respiratory support in the NICU.
Stability and fitness cost associated with spirotetramat resistance in Oxycarenus hyalinipennis Costa (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)
Authors: Ijaz Mamuna , Shad Sarfraz A
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Dusky cotton bug, Oxycarenus hyalinipennis Costa (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) is an important pest of cotton and causing economic losses to this crop. It also remains active round the year, infesting a number of host plants. Spirotetramat is a systemic insecticide and is effective against many sucking insect pests. A field collected population of O. hyalinipennis was reared in the laboratory under continuous spirotetramat selection pressure for 21 generations for the development of resistance to spirotetramat. The Spiro‐Sel population was further reared for seven generations without insecticide exposure to assess the stability of spirotetramat resistance. Leaf dip method was used for the bioassays and selection. In this study, the impact of spirotetramat resistance on its stability and life history traits of Spiro‐Sel, C1 (15 Spiro‐Sel♀ × 15 UNSEL ♂) and C2 (15 Spiro‐Sel♂ × 15 UNSEL ♀) O. hyalinipennis was assessed.

RESULTS

Spiro‐Sel (G21) population developed 2333‐fold and 20.83‐fold resistance compared with the susceptible and unselected (UNSEL) populations, respectively. Resistance to spirotetramat was unstable after seven generations (G28) when reared without exposure to any insecticide. A significant reduction in overall nymphal survival, fecundity, egg hatching and net reproductive rate of Spiro‐Sel population was observed when compared with UNSEL population. Intrinsic rate of natural increase, biotic potential and mean relative growth rate were also lower in Spiro‐Sel population compared to UNSEL population. The Spiro‐Sel, C1 and C2 population had a relative fitness of 0.44, 0.51 and 0.44, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Results of our study suggested that fitness cost is involved in the development of spirotetramat resistance. Unstable resistance and high fitness cost may provide great benefits to limit the evolution of resistance to spirotetramat in O. hyalinipennis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A new approach to extended‐range multimodel forecasting: Sequential learning algorithms
Authors: Gonzalez Paula L. M. , Brayshaw David J. , Ziel Florian
Published: October 2021

Multimodel combinations are a well‐established methodology in weather and climate prediction and their benefits have been widely discussed in the literature. Typical approaches involve combining the output of different numerical weather prediction (NWP) models using constant weighting factors, either uniformly distributed or determined through a prior skill assessment. This strategy, however, can lead to suboptimal levels of skill, as the performance of NWP models can vary with time (e.g., seasonally varying skill, changes in the forecasting system). Moreover, standard combination methods are not designed to incorporate predictions derived from sources other than NWP systems (e.g., climatological or time‐series forecasts). New algorithms developed within the machine learning community provide the opportunity for “online prediction” (also referred to as “sequential learning”). These methods consider a set of weighted predictors or “experts” to produce subsequent predictions in which the combination or “mixture” is updated at each step to optimize a loss or skill function. The predictors are highly flexible and can combine both NWP and statistically derived forecasts transparently. A set of these online prediction methods is tested and compared with standard multimodel combination techniques to assess their usefulness. The methods are general and can be applied to any model‐derived predictand. A set of weather‐sensitive European country‐aggregate energy variables (electricity demand and wind power) is selected for demonstration purposes. Results show that these innovative methods exhibit significant skill improvements (i.e., between 5 and 15% improvement in the probabilistic skill) with respect to standard multimodel combination techniques for lead weeks up to 5. The incorporation of statistically derived predictors (based on historical climate data) alongside NWP forecasts is also shown to contribute significant skill improvements in many cases.
Behaviour of aerosols and their role in the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2; a scoping review
Authors: Robles‐Romero José Miguel , Conde‐Guillén Gloria , Safont‐Montes Juan Carlos , García‐Padilla Francisca María , Romero‐Martín Macarena
Published: October 2021

Covid‐19 has triggered an unprecedented global health crisis. The highly contagious nature and airborne transmission route of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus requires extraordinary measures for its containment. It is necessary to know the behaviour of aerosols carrying the virus to avoid this contagion. This paper describes the behaviour of aerosols and their role in the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 according to published models using a scoping review based on the PubMed, Scopus, and WOS databases. From an initial 530 references, 9 papers were selected after applying defined inclusion criteria. The results reinforce the airborne transmission route as a means of contagion of the virus and recommend the use of face masks, extending social distance to more than 2 metres, and natural ventilation of enclosed spaces as preventive measures. These results contribute to a better understanding of SARS‐CoV‐2 and help design effective strategies to prevent its spread.
Managing the trade‐off between groundwater resources and large‐scale agriculture: the case of pistachio production in Iran
Authors: Akhavan Ali , Gonçalves Paulo
Published: September 2021

Benefiting from historically favorable conditions (e.g. low costs, fertile land, and abundant water), pistachio producers in Rafsanjan, Iran, have flourished, with pistachio orchards and production growing dramatically since the 1970s. Today, however, the enormous increase in water consumption associated with pistachio production has severely depleted groundwater aquifers, causing widespread water shortages in the region. In this article, we develop a comprehensive system dynamics model, combining the agronomic, economic, hydrologic, and behavioral aspects to analyze the long‐term implications of pistachio production. Our research contributes to the literature of agricultural water management in three significant ways: (i) it provides a validated and quantitative model exploring pistachio farming for a region; (ii) it explicitly captures behavioral decision rules associated with orchard growth and production investment; and (iii) it addresses a natural common‐pool‐resources problem with very long‐time horizons. We consider several policies aimed at addressing the problem (e.g. water transfers, drip irrigation, financial subsidies, income tax, water pricing, and land purchasing). Our results suggest that policies that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of production (e.g. water transfer and drip irrigation respectively), albeit preferred by farmers, lead to better‐before‐worse results, depleting groundwater storage in the long term. Insights from the model can help policymakers have a better understanding of the unintended consequences of their policies. © 2021 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
NiOx‐Seeded Self‐Assembled Monolayers as Highly Hole‐Selective Passivating Contacts for Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Juanjuan , Shou Chunhui , Sun Jingsong , Wang Xinlong , Yang Zhenhai , Chen Ying , Wu Jiarui , Yang Weichuang , Long Hanlin , Ying Zhiqin , Yang Xi , Sheng Jiang , Yan Baojie , Ye Jichun
Published: October 2021

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) have emerged as effective carrier transport layers in perovskite (PVK) solar cells because of their unique ability to manipulate interfacial property, as well as simple processing and scalable fabrication. However, the defects and pinholes derived from their sensitive adsorption process inevitably deteriorate the final device performance. Herein, a sputtered nickel oxide (NiOx) interlayer is used as a seed layer to promote the adsorption of the [2‐(3,6‐dimethoxy‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (MeO‐2PACz) SAM on the indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. The promoted adsorption is attributed to the enhanced tridentate binding between MeO‐2PACz and NiOx relative to the conventional bidentate binding between MeO‐2PACz and ITO. In addition, the NiOx modification can simultaneously improve the passivation ability and hole‐selectivity of the MeO‐2PACz, provide a favorable energy‐level alignment at the ITO/PVK interface, and prevent a direct contact between PVK and ITO. As a consequence, this NiOx‐seeded MeO‐2PACz hole transport layer enables a significantly enhanced power conversion efficiency of 19.9% in comparison with 18.4% of the control device. This work provides an effective strategy to improve the performance of the SAM‐based photoelectric device.
Reducing unnecessary thyroid fine needle aspirations using American College of Radiology's thyroid imaging reporting and data system: A 5‐year retrospective audit
Authors: Hayes Christopher , Shvarts Yasmin , Sewgolam Randhir , Nguyen Tri , Ussher Simon
Published: October 2021

Background

With the growing investigative imaging techniques available in medicine, increasing numbers of thyroid lesions are being identified, either symptomatically or as incidental findings. Ultrasonography remains a key first‐line investigation into evaluating these lesions, and accurately stratifying whether further investigation or management is required.

Methods

This study retrospectively analysed a 5‐year patient cohort (2013–2017) who underwent fine needle aspirate (FNA) investigation of thyroid lesions at a large regional public hospital in Victoria, Australia. We aimed to identify whether using the American College of Radiology's thyroid imaging reporting and data system (ACR TI‐RADS) in grading the initial ultrasound (US) images would have resulted in a reduction in the number of patients undergoing invasive testing and if all malignant lesions would still have been captured.

Results

Application of TI‐RADS criteria retrospectively to the audited population demonstrated a theoretical 56.16% (n = 164) reduction in FNAs with 0.00% of malignant nodules missed (n = 14). Sensitivity for referral to FNA testing based on ACR TI‐RADS grading was high (100%) with a moderately low specificity (58.99%).

Conclusion

Further management of thyroid lesions guided by ACR TI‐RADS grading on initial US assessment is recommended, due to significant potential reduction in FNAs performed without loss of sensitivity for malignant nodules.
Deep neural networks for genomic prediction do not estimate marker effects
Authors: Ubbens Jordan , Parkin Isobel , Eynck Christina , Stavness Ian , Sharpe Andrew G.
Published: October 2021

Genomic prediction is a promising technology for advancing both plant and animal breeding, with many different prediction models evaluated in the literature. It has been suggested that the ability of powerful nonlinear models, such as deep neural networks, to capture complex epistatic effects between markers offers advantages for genomic prediction. However, these methods tend not to outperform classical linear methods, leaving it an open question why this capacity to model nonlinear effects does not seem to result in better predictive capability. In this work, we propose the theory that, because of a previously described principle called shortcut learning, deep neural networks tend to base their predictions on overall genetic relatedness rather than on the effects of particular markers such as epistatic effects. Using several datasets of crop plants [lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and Brassica carinata A. Braun], we demonstrate the network's indifference to the values of the markers by showing that the same network, provided with only the locations of matches between markers for two individuals, is able to perform prediction to the same level of accuracy.
Influence of dissolved organic matter on carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide formation from dimethyl sulfide during sunlight photolysis
Authors: Modiri Gharehveran Mahsa , Shah Amisha D.
Published: October 2021

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) and carbon disulfide (CS2) are important atmospheric gases photochemically generated from organic sulfur precursors in sunlit natural waters. This study examined these processes by evaluating COS and CS2 photoproduction from dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM). DOM was added because it photochemically produces various reactive intermediates (3CDOM*, •OH, 1O2, and H2O2) potentially involved in these reaction pathways. DMS‐amended synthetic waters at pH 8 were varied in terms of their DOM type and concentration, spiked with the 3CDOM* quenching agent, phenol, in certain cases, and subsequently irradiated over varying exposure times. Results indicated that various DOM types ranging from freshwater to open‐ocean DOM increased COS but did not alter CS2, which remained at nondetect levels. DOM type influenced COS only at higher concentrations (20 mg/L), whereas increasing DOM concentrations proportionally increased COS concentrations for all DOM types. Phenol addition lowered COS formation for reasons that remained unclear because phenol likely quenched 3CDOM* and DMS‐derived sulfur‐based radicals. Further comparisons with DMS‐spiked natural waters and cysteine (CYS)‐spiked synthetic and natural waters assessed previously indicated that COS formation from both precursors in natural waters was always greater than in waters containing DOM alone.

Practitioner Points

DMS‐ and DOM‐spiked synthetic waters formed COS but did not form CS2 during sunlight photolysis.

In DMS‐spiked synthetic solutions, DOM type has a limited influence on COS formation whereas DOM concentration has a stronger influence on COS formation.

COS formation in the DMS‐spiked synthetic waters was fairly proportional to the DOC concentration but was generally lower than COS formation in DMS‐spiked natural waters.
Synergic activity of oligostyrylbenzenes with amphotericin B against Candida tropicalis biofilms
Authors: Quinteros Melisa A. , Tolosa Juan , García‐Martínez Joaquín C. , Páez Paulina L. , Paraje María G.
Published: October 2021

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a serious challenge in clinical settings worldwide, with biofilm formation having been associated with this problem. In the present study, the synergism of oligostyrylbenzene (OSB) compounds in combination with amphotericin B (AmB) against Candida tropicalis biofilms was investigated. In addition, the toxicity in human blood cells was determined. Synergistic combinations of OSBs and AmB were evaluated to consider future effects of OSBs in vivo. The checkerboard microdilution method was used to study the interactions of one anionic (1) and two cationic (2 and 3) OSBs with AmB. We investigated the effects of OSBs on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the levels of the reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNIs). The cellular stress affected biofilm growth through an accumulation of ROS and RNI, at synergistic concentrations of OSBs and AmB. Furthermore, significant surface topography differences were noted upon treatment with the OSB 2/AmB combination, using confocal laser scanning microscopy in conjunction with the image analysis software COMSTAT. The results revealed a low toxicity to leukocytes and red blood cells at synergistic combinations of cationic OSBs with AmB. These findings demonstrated the antibiofilm effects of OSBs and the synergism of AmB with cationic OSBs against biofilms of C. tropicalis for the first time.
Improved (g − 2)μ measurement and singlino dark matter in μ-term extended ℤ3-NMSSM
Authors: Cao Junjie , Lian Jingwei , Pan Yusi , Zhang Di , Zhu Pengxuan
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Very recently, a Fermilab report of muong−2 showed a 4.2σdiscrepancy between it and the standard model (SM) prediction. Motivated by this inspiring result and the increasing tension in supersymmetric interpretation of the anomalous magnetic moment, it is argued that in the general next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model (GNMSSM), a singlino-dominated neutralino can act as a feasible dark matter (DM) candidate in explaining the discrepancy naturally. In this case, the singlino-dominated DM and singlet-dominated Higgs bosons can form a secluded DM sector with$$ {\overset{\sim }{\chi}}_1^0{\overset{\sim }{\chi}}_1^0 $$χ~10χ~10→ hsAsresponsible for the measured DM relic abundance when$$ {m}_{{\overset{\sim }{\chi}}_1^0} $$mχ~10≳ 150 GeV and the Yukawa couplingκis around 0.2. This sector communicates with the SM sector by weak singlet-doublet Higgs mixing, so the scatterings of the singlino-dominated DM with nucleons are suppressed. Furthermore, due to the singlet nature of the DM and the complex mass hierarchy, sparticle decay chains in the GNMSSM are lengthened in comparison with the prediction of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. These characteristics lead to sparticle detection at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) being rather tricky. This study surveys a specific scenario of the GNMSSM, which extends the ℤ3-NMSSM by adding an explicitμ-term, to reveal the features. It indicates that the theory can readily explain the discrepancy of the muon anomalous magnetic moment without conflicting with the experimental results in DM and Higgs physics, and the LHC searches for sparticles.
The $${\mathcal {H}}$$-tautological ring
Authors: Lian Carl
Published: October 2021

We extend the theory of tautological classes on moduli spaces of stable curves to the more general setting of moduli spaces of admissible Galois covers of curves, introducing the so-called $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
-tautological ring. The main new feature is the existence of restriction-corestriction morphisms remembering intermediate quotients of Galois covers, which are a rich source of new classes. In particular, our new framework includes classes of Harris–Mumford admissible covers on moduli spaces of curves, which are known in some (and speculatively many more) examples to lie outside the usual tautological ring. We give additive generators for the $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
-tautological ring and show that their intersections may be algorithmically computed, building on work of Schmitt-van Zelm. As an application, we give a method for computing integrals of Harris-Mumford loci against tautological classes of complementary dimension, recovering and giving a mild generalization of a recent quasi-modularity result of the author for covers of elliptic curves.
Effect of culture conditions on the performance of lignocellulose-degrading synthetic microbial consortia
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Elzenga Theo , van Elsas Jan Dirk
Published: October 2021

In this study, we examined a synthetic microbial consortium, composed of two selected bacteria, i.e., Citrobacter freundii so4 and Sphingobacterium multivorum w15, next to the fungus Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1, with respect to their fate and roles in the degradation of wheat straw (WS). A special focus was placed on the effects of pH (7.2, 6.2, or 5.2), temperature (25 versus 28 °C), and shaking speed (60 versus 180 rpm). Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 consistently had a key role in the degradation process, with the two bacteria having additional roles. Whereas temperature exerted only minor effects on the degradation, pH and shaking speed were key determinants of both organismal growth and WS degradation levels. In detail, the three-partner degrader consortium showed significantly higher WS degradation values at pH 6.2 and 5.2 than at pH 7.2. Moreover, the two bacteria revealed up to tenfold enhanced final cell densities (ranging from log8.0 to log9.0 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL) in the presence of Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 than when growing alone or in a bacterial bi-culture, regardless of pH range or shaking speed. Conversely, at 180 rpm, fungal growth was clearly suppressed by the presence of the bacteria at pH 5.2 and pH 6.2, but not at pH 7.2. In contrast, at 60 rpm, the presence of the bacteria fostered fungal growth. In these latter cultures, oxygen levels were significantly lowered as compared to the maximal levels found at 180 rpm (about 5.67 mg/L, ~ 62% of saturation). Conspicuous effects on biomass appearance pointed to a fungal biofilm–modulating role of the bacteria.

Key points

• Coniochaeta sp. 2T2.1 has a key role in wheat straw (WS) degradation.

• Bacterial impact shifts when conditions change.

• pH and shaking speed are key drivers of the growth dynamics and WS degradation.
Taxonomic and genetic confirmed findings of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) larvae in the Barents Sea
Authors: Hjelset Ann Merete , Danielsen Hanna Ellerine Helle , Westgaard Jon-Ivar , Agnalt Ann-Lisbeth
Published: October 2021

The snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) is an Arctic cold-water species native to the northwestern Atlantic Ocean and the northern Pacific Ocean. During the recent decades, a population has established in the Barents Sea. Several aspects of the snow crabs’ biology in this area have not been described, including time of hatching, intermoult duration of the different larval stages and larval distribution. Insight into the early-life stages might increase the understanding of the population's dynamics and further spreading in the Barents Sea as well as inform basis for making monitoring and management decisions. The present study investigated the presence and developmental stage of snow crab larva in plankton samples obtained in the central Barents Sea during a research survey in June and July 2019. Presence of snow crab larvae was confirmed through taxonomic and genetic identification. All larvae were identified as zoea I, which gives an indication of the timing of the hatching period. Morphological measurements coincide well with those reported in studies from the species native distribution range. No larvae of native Hyas spp. were found and overlap in temporal and spatial distribution is discussed. The study provides important information for development of further research into the biology of the snow crab in the Barents Sea.
Stereotypes about very old people and perceived societal appreciation in very old age
Authors: Reissmann Marcella , Geithner Luise , Storms Anna , Woopen Christiane
Published: October 2021

Background

People in very old age (VOA) are expected to be confronted with particularly negative stereotypes. These influence societally shared behavior towards and judgements about them. Such external evaluations of individuals’ lives are considered a crucial part of their quality of life (QoL).

Objective

The present study elaborated a) the societal appreciation perceived by people in VOA and b) the stereotypes about people in VOA held by stakeholders from key societal areas. The aim was to discuss possible connections between these external standards and individual life results.

Material and methods

A parallel mixed methods design was employed. Cross-sectional data from a representative survey of people aged 80 years and older (n = 1863) were analyzed by means of χ2-tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests to examine differences in perceived societal appreciation (PSA) by characteristics of the person, their biography, and current lifestyle. Linear regression models were used to investigate the impact of these characteristics on PSA. Regarding stereotypes about people in VOA, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from key societal areas (n = 22) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The quantitative and qualitative findings were juxtaposed for comparison.

Results

PSA was predicted by health-related variables and productive activities. Several societal stakeholders highlighted that age-related losses pose challenges on very old individuals, their families, and society, whereas remaining potentials in VOA can and should be used for the benefit of others; however, stakeholders‘ perceptions differed by the extent of their professional contact with (very) old people. Different pathways were proposed through which the observed stereotypes and determinants of PSA might be connected (e.g., stereotype internalization).

Conclusion

Our study illustrates the relevance of external standards for individual QoL and highlights the need for a normative perspective in the discussion about QoL and its enhancement.
“Stranger things” in the gut: uncommon items in gastrointestinal specimens
Authors: Grillo Federica , Campora Michela , Carlin Luca , Cornara Laura , Parente Paola , Vanoli Alessandro , Remo Andrea , Migliora Paola , Roberto Fiocca , Fassan Matteo , Mastracci Luca
Published: October 2021

Organic (such as parasites or vegetable remnants) and inorganic substances may be encountered during routine pathology diagnostic work up of endoscopic gastrointestinal biopsy samples and major resections, causing possible diagnostic conundrums for the young and not so young pathologists. The main aim of this review is the description of the most frequent oddities one can encounter as foreign bodies, in gastrointestinal pathology, on the basis of the current literature and personal experience. The types of encountered substances are divided into four principal categories: parasites (helminths such as Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides, Schistosoma, and Anisakis, and protozoa such as Entamoeba, Giardia and some intestinal coccidia); drugs and pharmaceutical fillers (found as deposits and as bystanders, innocent or not); seeds (possibly confused with worms) and plant remnants; pollutants (secondary to post-resection or post-biopsy contamination of the sample). An ample library of images is provided in order to consent easy referencing for diagnostic routine.
Lessons from behavioral lateralization in olfaction
Authors: Cavelius Matthias , Brunel Théo , Didier Anne
Published: October 2021

Sensory information, sampled by sensory organs positioned on each side of the body may play a crucial role in organizing brain lateralization. This question is of particular interest with regard to the growing evidence of alteration in lateralization in several psychiatric conditions. In this context, the olfactory system, an ancient, mostly ipsilateral and well-conserved system across phylogeny may prove an interesting model system to understand the behavioral significance of brain lateralization. Here, we focused on behavioral data in vertebrates and non-vertebrates, suggesting that the two hemispheres of the brain differentially processed olfactory cues to achieve diverse sensory operations, such as detection, discrimination, identification of behavioral valuable cues or learning. These include reports across different species on best performances with one nostril or the other or odorant active sampling by one nostril or the other, depending on odorants or contexts. In some species, hints from peripheral anatomical or functional asymmetry were proposed to explain these asymmetries in behavior. Instigations of brain activation or more rarely of brain connectivity evoked by odorants revealed a complex picture with regards to asymmetric patterns which is discussed with respect to behavioral data. Along the steps of the discussed literature, we propose avenues for future research.
The genetic etiology of hearing loss in Japan revealed by the social health insurance-based genetic testing of 10K patients
Authors: Usami Shin-ichi , Nishio Shin-ya
Published: October 2021

Etiological studies have shown genetic disorders to be a major cause of sensorineural hearing loss, but there are a limited number of comprehensive etiological reports based on genetic analysis. In the present study, the same platform using a diagnostic DNA panel carrying 63 deafness genes and the same filtering algorithm were applied to 10,047 samples obtained from social health insurance-based genetic testing of hearing loss. The most remarkable result obtained in this comprehensive study was that the data first clarified the genetic epidemiology from congenital/early-onset deafness to late-onset hearing loss. The overall diagnostic rate was 38.8%, with the rate differing for each age group; 48.6% for the congenital/early-onset group (~5y.o.), 33.5% for the juvenile/young adult-onset group, and 18.0% for the 40+ y.o. group. Interestingly, each group showed a different kind of causative gene. With regard to the mutational spectra, there are certain recurrent variants that may be due to founder effects or hot spots. A series of haplotype studies have shown many recurrent variants are due to founder effects, which is compatible with human migration. It should be noted that, regardless of differences in the mutational spectrum, the clinical characteristics caused by particular genes can be considered universal. This comprehensive review clarified the detailed clinical characteristics (onset age, severity, progressiveness, etc.) of hearing loss caused by each gene, and will provide useful information for future clinical application, including genetic counseling and selection of appropriate interventions.
Warm and humidified insufflation gas during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery reduces postoperative pain in predisposed patients—a randomized, controlled multi-arm trial
Authors: Breuer Markus , Wittenborn Julia , Rossaint Rolf , Van Waesberghe Julia , Kowark Ana , Mathei Deborah , Keszei András , Tchaikovski Svetlana , Zeppernick Magdalena , Zeppernick Felix , Stickeler Elmar , Zoremba Norbert , Meinhold-Heerlein Ivo , Bruells Christian
Published: October 2021

Background

Postoperative pain remains a common problem in gynecologic laparoscopy, especially in head zone-related regions, triggered by intra-abdominal pressure during capnoperitoneum. Humidified and prewarmed insufflation gas may ameliorate pain and be beneficial.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled parallel group multi-arm single-center study investigated the effects of temperature and humidity of insufflation gas on postoperative pain during gynecologic laparoscopy with a duration ≥ 60 min. Female participants (18—70 years) were blinded and randomly assigned—computer generated—to either insufflation with dry cold CO2 with forced air warming blanket (“AIR”), humidified warm gas without forced air warming blanket (“HUMI”), or humidified warm gas with forced air warming blanket (“HUMI +”). We hypothesized that using humidified warm gas resulted in lower pain scores and less analgesic consumption. The primary endpoint postoperative pain was assessed for different pain localizations every 12 h during 7 days after surgery. Secondary endpoints were demand for painkillers and epidural anesthetics, length of stay in recovery room, and hospital stay. (Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02781194—completed).

Results

150 participants were randomized. Compared to group “AIR” (n = 48), there was significantly less pain in group “HUMI +” (n = 48) in the recovery room (− 1.068; 95% CI − 2.08 to − 0.061), as well as significantly less ibuprofen use at day two (− 0.5871 g ± 0.258; p-value = 0.0471). Other variables did not change significantly. Stratification for presence of endometriosis or non-previous abdominal surgery in patient history revealed significantly less pain in both groups “HUMI” (n = 50) and “HUMI +” versus group “AIR.” Related side effects were not noted.

Conclusion

In the overall population, the use of warm, humidified insufflation gas did not yield clinically relevant effects; however, in predisposed patients with endometriosis and who could otherwise expect high pain levels, warm and humidified gas may be beneficial.
Delay of growth release after a windthrow event and climate response in a light-demanding species (European larch Larix decidua Mill.)
Authors: Izworska Katarzyna , Muter Elżbieta , Fleischer Peter , Zielonka Tomasz
Published: October 2021

Key message

Larch trees respond to stand opening with an approximately 4-year delay of growth, and low precipitation in July limits radial growth after a windthrow event.

Precise cross-dating of disturbance events is crucial to understanding the functioning of forest stands, and may help explain ongoing ecological processes in a forest. Tree rings are very often used to reconstruct the history of disturbances and to study the response of trees to climatic factors. This study analyzed how quickly European larch can benefit from an abrupt change after catastrophic windthrow events and the extent of trees’ sensitivity to climate. The study is based on cores from 83 larch trees collected in a post-disturbance 100 ha plot established after a catastrophic windstorm in 2004 in the Slovakian High Tatras. Growth release was calculated from the percentage of growth change (PGC) measured in tree rings. The time lag between the disturbance event and release was related to tree diameter at breast height, tree age, and tree’s previous growth. The time lag between the year of the event and the year of growth reaction was 4.6 years on average (median 4 years) in a multi-aged group of trees. The climate analyses employed residual chronology. The new environmental conditions in the post-disturbance area have altered the trees’ growth reaction to climate; in particular, they show sensitivity to water deficit in July.
Wärmepumpenzuwachs in Österreich bis 2030 und dessen Auswirkung auf Lastprofile – Evaluieren von Sensitivitäten am Beispiel eines Testmodells für europäische Lastdeckungsanalysen
Authors: Petz Marlene , Meier Dennis , Hierzer Johannes , Achleitner Georg , Misak Kurt , Bres Aurelien , Spreitzhofer Johanna
Published: October 2021

Der Übertragungsnetzbetreiber spielt eine wesentliche Rolle bei der Aufrechterhaltung der Versorgungssicherheit. Zum einen hat er für den sicheren Netz- und Systembetrieb zu sorgen, zum anderen wird ihm zunehmend – insbesondere durch das Clean Energy Package – die Verantwortung zur Beurteilung der künftigen Lastdeckungsmöglichkeiten übertragen. Im operativen Betrieb ist geschultes Personal für den Erhalt der Netzsicherheit im Echtzeitbetrieb notwendig, im Planungsbereich befassen sich immer mehr Expert:innen mit der Prognose sowie Analyse der zukünftigen Energiesysteme. Hierfür werden zwei Entwicklungspfade unterschieden: Netzanalysen, welche sich mit dem Netzausbau der nächsten Jahrzehnte (Ten-Year Network Development Plan) beschäftigen, sowie Lastdeckungsanalysen (Resource Adequacy Assessments), um den zukünftigen Kraftwerkspark und die prognostizierte Last in jedem Land gegenüberzustellen. Für beide Prozesse ist eine stabile Datenbasis des zukünftigen Kraftwerksparks auf der einen Seite sowie der Lastentwicklung auf der anderen Seite essenziell. Die Entwicklungen zusätzlicher Lastkomponenten (z. B. Elektromobilität, Wärmepumpen, Datencenter, Batterien) spielen hierbei eine bedeutende Rolle. Die Zunahme dieser Lastkomponenten im österreichischen Stromnetz und die Auswirkungen auf dessen Lastdeckungssituation wird aktuell von der Austrian Power Grid AG (APG) gemeinsam mit Forschungspartnern untersucht. Im Folgenden wird ein Überblick über die Bestandsentwicklung von Wärmepumpen in Österreich bis 2030 gegeben. Zusätzlich werden drei errechnete Entwicklungsszenarien vorgestellt und deren potenzielle Auswirkungen auf die Lastdeckungssituation in einem vereinfachten trilateralen Modell simuliert.
Spatio-temporal variability of atmospheric rivers and associated atmospheric parameters in the Euro-Atlantic region
Authors: Thandlam Venugopal , Rutgersson Anna , Sahlee Erik
Published: October 2021

We study the spatio-temporal variability of Atmospheric Rivers (ARs) and associated integrated water vapor and atmospheric parameters over the Euro-Atlantic region using long-term reanalysis datasets. Winds, temperature, and specific humidity at different pressure levels during 1979–2018 are used to study the water vapor transport integrated between 1000 and 300 hPa (IVT300) in mapping ARs. The intensity of ARs in the North Atlantic has been increasing in recent times (2009–2018) with large decadal variability and poleward shift (~ 5° towards the North) in landfall during 1999–2018. Though different reanalysis datasets show similar spatial patterns of IVT300 in mapping ARs, bias in specific humidity and wind components led to IVT300 mean bias of 50 kg m−1 s−1in different reanalysis products compared to ERA5. The magnitude of winds and specific humidity in the lower atmosphere (below 750 hPa) dominates the total column water vapor and intensity of ARs in the North Atlantic. Reanalysis datasets in the central North Atlantic show an IVT300 standard deviation of 200 kg m−1 s−1which is around 33% of the ARs climatology (~ 600 kg m−1 s−1). Though ARs have a higher frequency of landfalling over Western Europe in winter half-year, the intensity of IVT300 in winter ARs is 3% lower than the annual mean. The lower frequency of ARs in the summer half-year shows 3% higher IVT300 than the annual mean. While ARs in the North Atlantic show a strong decadal change in frequency and path, the impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Scandinavian blocking on the location of landfall of ARs are significant. Furthermore, there is a strong latitudinal dependence of the source of moisture flux in the open ocean, contributing to the formation and strengthening ARs.
Estimating the causal effect of transient anemia status on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in community-dwelling patients in Japan at the beginning of impaired renal function using marginal structural modeling
Authors: Onozawa Satoshi , Kimura Tomomi , Ito Yuichiro , Akizawa Tadao
Published: October 2021

Background

Anemia status may be transient. Causal associations between changes in anemia status over time and adverse outcome development are not well characterized in community-dwelling subjects at the beginning of impaired kidney function.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used annual health checkup and medical and pharmacy claims data from the JMDC between January 2005 and June 2019. Community-dwelling subjects in Japan with a pre-index estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 followed by a subsequent eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (index) were included. The composite renal outcome was ≥ 30% eGFR reduction over 3 years from baseline, serum creatinine doubling, progression to chronic dialysis, kidney transplantation, or eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. The composite cardiovascular outcome was fatal and non-fatal unstable angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, or cerebrovascular event. Time-dependent anemia risk was evaluated using Breslow’s estimator and marginal structural Cox models (MSM).

Results

In 32,870 included subjects, 1,396 had anemia at baseline. Adverse outcome incidence was higher in the baseline anemic group, but absolute differences in renal and cardiovascular outcomes between groups were diminished after adjusting for baseline characteristics. In MSM, time-dependent anemia status was associated with higher risk of renal (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]; 2.6 [1.7–3.8]) and cardiovascular (1.6 [1.2–2.2]) outcomes and mortality (2.8 [1.8–4.3]). Absolute differences in survival probabilities were retained over time but were clinically marginal (1.1–2.7% over 6 years).

Conclusions

Even in subjects at the very early stage of impaired kidney function, early detection and treatment of anemia may help reduce the development of negative sequelae.
Assessing landscape features and ecosystem services of marine protected areas through photographs on social media: comparison of two archipelagos in Spain
Authors: Alieva D. , Holgado D. , de Juan S. , Ruiz-Frau A. , Villasante S. , Maya-Jariego I.
Published: September 2021

Marine protected areas provide cultural services including the aesthetic appreciation of the landscape and the performance of recreational activities. In this study, we use the photographs shared by users in a digital repository to describe the distinctive characteristics of two terrestrial-maritime natural parks in Spain. In total, 1041 photos and 2342 tags generated by 76 users were analyzed. The results show the greatest salience of the landscape values, followed by historical monuments and the sighting of fauna and flora. The methodology based on the extraction of digital data fromFlickrfacilitates the efficient comparison of a Mediterranean archipelago (Cabrera Island) with an Atlantic archipelago (Cíes Islands). However, some important limitations were also detected in the descriptive capacity of this method, in comparison with the content analysis by external observers. But, overall, the evaluation of the subjective experience of visitors to natural areas can be very useful for tourism management of the marine environment.
Biochar and slow-releasing nitrogen fertilizers improved growth, nitrogen use, yield, and fiber quality of cotton under arid climatic conditions
Authors: Manzoor Sobia , Habib-ur-Rahman Muhammad , Haider Ghulam , Ghafoor Iqra , Ahmad Saeed , Afzal Muhammad , Nawaz Fahim , Iqbal Rashid , Yasin Mubashra , Tanveer-ul-Haq  , Danish Subhan , Ghaffar Abdul
Published: October 2021

The efficiency of nitrogenous fertilizers in South Asia is on a declining trajectory due to increased losses. Biochar (BC) and slow-releasing nitrogen fertilizers (SRNF) have been found to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in certain cases. However, field-scale studies to explore the potential of BC and SRNF in south Asian arid climate are lacking. Here we conducted a field experiment in the arid environment to demonstrate the response of BC and SRNF on cotton growth and yield quality. The treatments were comprised of two factors, (A) nitrogen sources, (i) simple urea, (ii)neem-coated urea, (iii)sulfur-coated urea, (iv) bacterial coated urea, and cotton stalks biochar impregnated with simple urea, and (B) nitrogen application rates, N1=160 kg ha-1, N2 = 120 kg ha-1, and N3 = 80 kg ha-1. Different SRNF differentially affected cotton growth, morphological and physiological attributes, and seed cotton yield (SCY). The bacterial coated urea at the highest rate of N application (160 kg ha-1) resulted in a higher net leaf photosynthetic rate (32.8 μmol m-2 s-1), leaf transpiration rate (8.10 mmol s-1), and stomatal conductance (0.502 mol m-2 s-1), while leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), and seed cotton yield (4513 kg ha-1) were increased by bacterial coated urea at 120 kg ha-1 than simple urea. However, low rate N application (80 kg ha-1) of bacterial coated urea showed higher nitrogen use efficiency (39.6 kg SCY kg-1 N). The fiber quality (fiber length, fiber strength, ginning outturn, fiber index, and seed index) was also increased with the high N application rates than N2 and N3 application. To summarize, the bacterial coated urea with recommended N (160 kg ha-1) and 75% of recommended N application (120 kg ha-1) may be recommended for farmers in the arid climatic conditions of Punjab to enhance the seed cotton yield, thereby reducing nitrogen losses.