bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct detectors and their applications in electron microscopy for materials science
Authors: Levin Barnaby D A
Published: June 2021

The past decade has seen rapid advances in direct detector technology for electron microscopy. Direct detectors are now having an impact on a number of techniques in transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy, and scanning TEM (STEM), including single particle cryogenic electron microscopy, in situ TEM, electron backscatter diffraction, four-dimensional STEM, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. This article is intended to serve as an introduction to direct detector technology and an overview of the range of electron microscopy techniques that direct detectors are now being applied to.
Unicritical polynomial maps with rational multipliers
Authors: Huguin Valentin
Published: June 2021

In this article, we prove that every unicritical polynomial map that has only rational multipliers is either a power map or a Chebyshev map. This provides some evidence in support of a conjecture by Milnor concerning rational maps whose multipliers are all integers.
Hsf1 activation by proteotoxic stress requires concurrent protein synthesis
Authors: Tye Blake W. , Churchman L. Stirling
Published: June 2021

When cells experience proteotoxic stress, which proteins are actually affected and sensed in the first place? Analysis of heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1) activation across proteotoxic conditions and various levels of protein synthesis argue that ongoing protein synthesis underlies Hsf1 activation in proteotoxic stress.
Centriole and Golgi microtubule nucleation are dispensable for the migration of human neutrophil-like cells
Authors: Klemm Lucas C. , Denu Ryan A. , Hind Laurel E. , Rocha-Gregg Briana L. , Burkard Mark E. , Huttenlocher Anna
Published: June 2021

We demonstrate an inhibitory role for centrioles in the motility of amoeboid cells.
Persistence of Disparities Among Racially/Ethnically Marginalized Groups in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Regardless of Statewide Shelter-in-Place Policies: An Analysis From Northern California
Authors: Azar Kristen M J , Lockhart Stephen H , Shen Zijun , Romanelli Robert , Brown Stephanie , Smits Kelly , Pressman Alice R
Published: June 2021

To measure disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) transfer among racially/ethnically marginalized groups before and after implementation of the California statewide shelter-in-place (SIP) policy, we conducted a retrospective cohort study within a health-care system in California. COVID-19 patients diagnosed from January 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020, were identified from electronic health records. We examined hospitalizations and ICU transfers by race/ethnicity and pandemic period using logistic regression. Among 16,520 people with COVID-19 (mean age = 46.6 (standard deviation, 18.4) years; 54.2% women), during the post-SIP period, patients were on average younger and a larger proportion were Hispanic. In adjusted models, odds of hospitalization were 20% lower post-SIP as compared with the SIP period, yet all non-White groups had higher odds (odds ratios = 1.6–2.1) than non-Hispanic White individuals, regardless of period. Among hospitalized patients, odds of ICU transfer were 33% lower post-SIP than during SIP. Hispanic and Asian patients had higher odds than non-Hispanics. Disparities in hospitalization persisted and ICU risk became more pronounced for Asian and Hispanic patients post-SIP. Policy-makers should consider ways to proactively address racial/ethnic inequities in risk when considering future population-level policy interventions for public health crises.
A bee’s eye view of remarkable floral colour patterns in the south-west Australian biodiversity hotspot revealed by false colour photography
Authors: Lunau Klaus , Scaccabarozzi Daniela , Willing Larissa , Dixon Kingsley
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Colour pattern is a key cue of bee attraction selectively driving the appeal of pollinators. It comprises the main colour of the flower with extra fine patterns, indicating a reward focal point such as nectar, nectaries, pollen, stamens and floral guides. Such advertising of floral traits guides visitation by the insects, ensuring precision in pollen gathering and deposition. The study, focused in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region, aimed to spot bee colour patterns that are usual and unusual, missing, accomplished by mimicry of pollen and anthers, and overlapping between mimic-model species in floral mimicry cases.

Methods

Floral colour patterns were examined by false colour photography in 55 flower species of multiple highly diverse natural plant communities in south-west Australia. False colour photography is a method to transform a UV photograph and a colour photograph into a false colour photograph based on the trichromatic vision of bees. This method is particularly effective for rapid screening of large numbers of flowers for the presence of fine-scale bee-sensitive structures and surface roughness that are not detectable using standard spectrophotometry.

Key Results

Bee- and bird-pollinated flowers showed the expected but also some remarkable and unusual previously undetected floral colour pattern syndromes. Typical colour patterns include cases of pollen and flower mimicry and UV-absorbing targets. Among the atypical floral colour patterns are unusual white and UV-reflecting flowers of bee-pollinated plants, bicoloured floral guides, consistently occurring in Fabaceae spp., and flowers displaying a selective attractiveness to birds only. In the orchid genera (Diuris and Thelymitra) that employ floral mimicry of model species, we revealed a surprising mimicry phenomenon of anthers mimicked in turn by model species.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the applicability of ‘bee view’ colour imaging for deciphering pollinator cues in a biodiverse flora with potential to be applied to other eco regions. The technique provides an exciting opportunity for indexing floral traits on a biome scale to establish pollination drivers of ecological and evolutionary relevance.
Identification of dipyrrolone pigments and their precursors formed in the Maillard reaction of carnosine and pentose under weakly acidic conditions
Authors: Nomi Yuri , Yamazaki Kento , Mori Yuki , Matsumoto Hitoshi , Sato Shinji
Published: June 2021

Colored compounds formed by the Maillard reaction of carnosine with xylose or glucose were investigated in this study. Yellow pigments showing an absorption maximum at 450 nm were found in a heated solution of carnosine with xylose at pH 5.0. These pigments were then isolated and identified as dicarnosyl-dipyrrolones A and B. The generation of dipyrrolones in the absence of lysine suggests that dipyrrolone pigments can be formed by pentose as well as every amino compound such as amino acids, peptides and proteins possessing a free amino group. Analysis of α-dicarbonyls using LC-MS/MS showed that pentosone, 1-deoxypentosone, 3-deoxypentosone (3-DP), and methylglyoxal were predominantly generated via degradation of Amadori compounds. Also, a potential formation pathway of dypyrrolones was established, indicating that an Amadori compound that could form 3-DP is likely to play a role as a main precursor for dipyrrolones.
When perception isn’t reality: allometric variation in the exaggerated mandibles of male stag beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)
Authors: Packard Gary C
Published: June 2021

A variety of protocols have been used to study allometric variation in size of the exaggerated mandibles on male stag beetles. Many of these protocols entail logarithmic transformation of the original measurements followed by numerical analysis of the transformations by linear regression or some conceptual extension thereof. I reanalysed data from four such studies to show how these protocols can lead investigators to conclusions that are not well supported by the original observations. One of the data sets was originally reported to conform to simple loglinear allometry, with untransformed observations that presumably follow the path of a two-parameter power function; one was said to represent biphasic, loglinear allometry, with two distinctive morphs having different scaling relationships on the arithmetic scale; and two were originally described as cases of discontinuous, loglinear allometry caused by dimorphisms. My analyses, which were based on graphical analysis and nonlinear regression of untransformed observations, revealed that all the data sets form S-shaped distributions and that each of the distributions is well described by a four-parameter sigmoid function. None of the bivariate distributions reveals a discontinuity or dimorphism. Thus, the original authors unknowingly offered descriptions and interpretations for patterns of variation that do not exist in their data.
Declining common toad body size correlated with climate warming
Authors: Reading Christopher J , Jofré Gabriela M
Published: June 2021

Accumulating evidence shows that the body size of organisms in many taxa is declining in response to global warming. We investigated the potential effect of rising temperatures on the body size of a common toad (Bufo bufo L.) population in southern England between 1983 and 2020. The body length (SVL; in millimetres) and body mass (in grams) of 15 550 males and 4004 females arriving at their breeding pond for the first time were recorded. Toad body condition was estimated using a scaled body mass index (SMI). Over the study period, the mean annual temperature increased by ~1.3 °C, whereas the mean SVL and SMI of both sexes declined. Multiple regression analysis showed that female and male SMI were negatively correlated with increases in mean summer temperatures, with females also being impacted minimally by mean winter rainfall. Mean body size (SVL) was positively correlated with toad abundance over the period between emergence as toadlets and arrival at the pond to breed for the first time. Common toads exhibited phenotypic plasticity in response to warming environmental conditions, resulting in a reduction in SMI and subsequent reductions in SVL and overall egg production, which occurred over a period of 10 years.
Effect of Viral Replication and Liver Fibrosis on All-Cause Mortality in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Hepatitis B Virus–Coinfected Individuals: A Retrospective Analysis of a 15-Year Longitudinal Cohort
Authors: Dezanet Lorenza N C , Kassime Raisha , Miailhes Patrick , Lascoux-Combe Caroline , Chas Julie , Maylin Sarah , Gabassi Audrey , Rougier Hayette , Delaugerre Constance , Lacombe Karine , Boyd Anders
Published: June 2021

Background

In individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), widespread tenofovir (TDF)–containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to substantial decreases in HBV-DNA and HIV-RNA detection. However, the links between viral replication, liver fibrosis, and mortality remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 300 individuals living with HIV-HBV and undergoing ART were prospectively followed. Virological and clinical data were obtained at baseline and every 6–12 months. We quantified the associations between HBV-DNA, HIV-RNA, and liver fibrosis with risk of all-cause mortality using a joint longitudinal survival model. Viral detection, viral loads, and time-averaged cumulative viral loads of HIV and HBV were modeled as 3 separate exposures.

Results

During a median of 10.5 years (interquartile range, 4.0–14.6), the proportion undergoing TDF-containing ART (baseline = 18.7%, end of follow-up = 79.1%) and with undetectable HBV-DNA (baseline = 36.7%, end of follow-up = 94.8%) substantially increased. 42 participants died (incidence rate = 1.30/100 person-years, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .96–1.76). The leading causes of death were non-AIDS/non–liver-related malignancies (28.6%), followed by liver-related (16.7%), AIDS-related (16.7%), and other (16.7%). All-cause mortality was associated with HBV-DNA viral load (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] per log10 IU/mL = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.04–1.93, P = .03) or time-averaged cumulative HBV-DNA (aHR per log10 copy-years = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.03–1.83, P = .03), but not undetectable HBV-DNA. Advanced liver fibrosis at baseline was also associated with increased mortality rates (aHR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.16–4.76, P = .02). No significant association between HIV-RNA replication and mortality was observed.

Conclusions

Concurrent and historical HBV replication and liver fibrosis are important drivers of all-cause mortality in largely TDF-treated individuals living with HIV-HBV, despite one-fifth of deaths being liver-related. HBV-DNA and liver fibrosis remain important prognostic indicators for this patient population.
Spike and neutralizing antibodies response to COVID-19 vaccination in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Giot Matthieu , Fourié Toscane , Lano Guillaume , Villarroel Paola Mariela Saba , Lamballeri Xavier de , Gully Marion , Samson Laurent , Farault Julien , Bouchouareb Dammar , Jehel Océane , Brunet Philippe , Jourde-Chiche Noémie , Ninove Laetitia , Robert Thomas
Published: June 2021

Background

Humoral response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines needs to be evaluated in the fragile population of patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD).

Methods

We analysed the antibody response to the spike (S) antigen of SARS-CoV-2 before and after each dose of the messenger RNA (mRNA) Comirnaty vaccine (BNT162b2; BioNTech & Pfizer) in patients from a single dialysis centre and detected the presence of neutralizing antibodies (Nabs).

Results

Among the 90 vaccinated HD patients (mean age 69 years, 61% male), 19 (21%) had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A seroconversion with anti-S immunoglobulin G antibodies (Sabs) was documented in 20% of patients after the first dose (early responders) and in 77% after the second dose, while 23% were non-responders. Cardiac disease, cirrhosis and gamma globulin levels were independently predictive of the absence of seroconversion. Nabs were detected in 15.4% of early responders after the first dose and in 84.6% of early responders and 57.9% of late responders after the second dose. Sab titres after the second dose were higher in patients with Nab than without Nab {598 [interquartile range (IQR) 246–882]) versus 134 [IQR 61–390]; P < 0.0001}. All patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection developed both Sabs and Nabs and their titres for Sabs and Nabs were higher than in late responders.

Conclusions

Most HD patients develop a substantial humoral response against SARS-CoV2, with Nabs, following the mRNA vaccine. Whether this immunity persists over time and is able to efficiently protect patients from coronavirus disease 2019 remains to be determined.
A case series of Brugada syndrome with a novel mutation in the ankyrin-B gene: an unusual unmasking in acute myocarditis
Authors: Marketou Maria E , Zareas Ilias , Kanoupakis Emmanuel , Patrianakos Alexandros , Parthenakis Fragiskos
Published: June 2021

Background 

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a genetically heterogeneous channelopathy that may lead to sudden death. We report a novel mutation of the ankyrin-B gene that is probably related to the occurrence of BrS in two brothers.

Case summary 

First, we present the case of a 27-year-old male who was admitted to the hospital with acute myocarditis. The patient showed left ventricular dysfunction and was given carvedilol. Six days later, while asymptomatic and afebrile, the patient exhibited an electrocardiogram (ECG) with repolarization ‘saddleback’ ST changes in V2. A procainamide provocative test was performed with a response for Type 1 Brugada ECG pattern. Genetic testing revealed a novel mutation, c.5418T>A (+/−) (p.His1806Gln), in the ankyrin-B gene encoding. His 34 years old brother had an ECG J point elevation in leads V1 and V2 of 1 mm not fulfilling diagnostic criteria for Brugada ECG pattern. He also experienced arrhythmia-related syncope. Flecainide provocation test changed ECG towards a Type 1 Brugada pattern. A subcutaneous implantable defibrillator (ICD) was implanted. Patient 1 remains asymptomatic while Patient 2 experienced an appropriate ICD shock during follow-up.

Discussion 

In this case series, two brothers with BrS exhibited the same mutation of the ankyrin-B gene. Ankyrin-B is associated with the stability of plasma membrane proteins in the voltage-gated ion channels. Our finding provides a foundation for further investigation of this mutation in relation to BrS. Moreover, the timing of its presentation raises concerns as to whether myocarditis or beta-blockers are associated with the presentation of BrS ECG.
Adult-onset hypoxaemia, diffuse lung lesions, and pulmonary hypertension in cobalamin C defect: a case report
Authors: Zhao Qin-Hua , Wu Wen-Hui , Fu Li-Jun , Wang Lan
Published: June 2021

Background

Cobalamin C (cbl-C) defect is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder that commonly affects the central nervous system of infants. Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and diffuse lung lesions are unusual clinical manifestations, especially among adults.

Case summary

A 25-year-old man with hypoxaemia, diffuse lung lesions, and PH, suddenly developed nausea, vomiting, headache, and worsening of dyspnoea. Metabolic screening showed elevated serum levels of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine, and genetic testing revealed MMACHC gene mutations. He was eventually diagnosed with severe PH secondary to cbl-C defect and was successfully managed with vitamin B12, betaine, L-carnitine, folate, as well as ambrisentan and sildenafil.

Discussion

cbl-C is a rare cause of PH and can present with severe PH and diffuse lung lesions in adults. Given that the condition is treatable, a careful metabolic screening should be considered when a diagnosis of PH is made.
How often segmentectomy is feasible in lung cancer surgery: a population-based evaluation
Authors: Helminen Olli , Söderström Johan , Andersen Heidi , Sihvo Eero
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVES

Despite promising outcomes in lung cancer surgery, segmentectomy has not gained wide acceptance at the population level. Our aim was to evaluate the potential role of segmentectomy in real-world practice.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with lung cancer and operated between January 2013 and December 2019 in Central Finland and Ostrobothnia were included. This intent-to-treat analysis sub-grouped segmentectomy patients by indications: (i) high-risk patients with stage I disease (n = 40), (ii) ≤20 mm ground-glass opacity (n = 12), (iii) carcinoid (n = 12), (iv) special indication (n = 20) including synchronous and metachronous disease, fissure-crossing tumour, and synchronous other solid cancers requiring surgery, (v) solid ≤2 cm tumour (n = 14) in medically fit patient. To evaluate the potential role of segmentectomy, all preoperative CT scans were re-evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 269 patients, in 98 (36.4%) intention of surgery was segmentectomy. Indication was high risk in 40 (14.9%), ground-glass opacity in 12 (4.5%), carcinoid in 12 (4.5%), special indication in 20 (7.4%) and ≤2 cm solid tumour in medically fit patients in 14 (5.2%). The major complication rate was ≤15% in all groups with excellent 3-year recurrence-free survival between 76.5% and 100%. Segmentectomy could have been technically potential in up to 46.8% of patients. This was exactly the rate performed in the last 3-year period of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Performed and potential segmentectomy rates underline the importance of adaptation of this technique with possibility to offer curative surgery to many high risk and special patients with low morbidity and mortality.
Developing a tool to monitor knowledge translation in the health system: results from an international Delphi study
Authors: Delnord Marie , Abboud Linda A , Costa Claudia , Van Oyen Herman
Published: June 2021

Background

It is generally accepted that evidence-informed decision making contributes to better health system performance and health outcomes, yet we are lacking benchmarks to monitor the impact of national health information systems (HIS) in policy and practice. Hence in this study, we have aimed to identify criteria for monitoring Knowledge Translation (KT) capacity within countries.

Methods

We conducted a web-based Delphi with over 120 public health professionals from 45 countries to reach agreement on criteria to monitor KT at the level of national HIS. Public health professionals participated in three survey rounds, in which they ranked 85 preselected criteria and could suggest additional criteria.

Results

Experts working in national (public) health agencies and statistical offices, as well as in health policy and care agreed on 29 criteria which constitute the Health Information (HI)-Impact Index. The criteria cover four essential domains of evaluation: the production of high-quality evidence, broad access and dissemination, stakeholder engagement and knowledge integration across sectors and in civil society. The HI-Impact Index was pretested by officials working in ministries of health and public health agencies in eight countries; they found the tool acceptable and user-friendly.

Conclusions

The HI-Impact Index provides benchmarks to monitor KT so that countries can assess whether high-quality evidence can be easily accessed and used by the relevant stakeholders in health policy and practice, by civil society and across sectors. Next steps include further refining the procedure for conducting the assessment in routine, and sharing experiences from HIS evaluations using the HI-Impact Index.
Intergenerational Emotional Cohesion and Psychological Well-Being of Older Adults in Rural China: A Moderated Mediation Model of Loneliness and Friendship Ties
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Silverstein Merril
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Although researchers have linked intergenerational emotional cohesion (IEC) to psychological well-being (PWB) among older adults, the mechanisms and conditions under which IEC is related to PWB—particularly in rural areas—are less well understood. This study analyzed data from rural China to examine whether loneliness mediated the relationship between IEC and PWB, and whether friendship ties moderated the strength of the direct and indirect relationships between IEC and PWB.

Methods

Mediation and moderated mediation models were tested using a sample of rural adults aged 60 and older (N = 958) from the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province, China. Measures included IEC, friendship ties, loneliness, and 2 PWB indicators—depressive symptoms and life satisfaction.

Results

The results revealed that IEC was negatively related to loneliness, which in turn was associated with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Furthermore, this indirect pathway linking IEC and depressive symptoms (but not life satisfaction) was positively conditioned on the size of friendship ties.

Discussion

This study advances our understanding of the mechanism through which IEC influences PWB in older adults. Alleviating loneliness could help boost PWB. Other implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Age Differences in Media Consumption and Avoidance With Respect to COVID-19
Authors: Nolte Julia , Deng Stephanie L , Löckenhoff Corinna E
Published: June 2021

Background

Older versus younger adults are at greater risk from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but descriptive data show they are less likely to seek out related information in the media, although underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Method

A representative adult life-span sample (N = 500) completed a preregistered online study assessing changes in media consumption in response to the pandemic, self-reported and behavioral media avoidance, avoidance motives, and demographic, socioemotional, and cognitive covariates.

Results

Age was associated with reduced media consumption and higher behavioral media avoidance, but lower self-reported media avoidance and lower endorsement of specific avoidance motives. Age differences in aspects of affect, motivation, and cognition statistically accounted for variations in behavioral avoidance but not for the other age effects.

Discussion

Age differences in media use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic are not explained by deliberate avoidance intentions and motives but associated with broader age variations in socioemotional and cognitive functioning.
Integrative analysis of genomic and epigenomic data reveal underlying superenhancer-mediated microRNA regulatory network for human bone mineral density
Authors: Bai Wei-Yang , Xia Jiang-Wei , Rong Xiao-Li , Cong Pei-Kuan , Khederzadeh Saber , Zheng Hou-Feng
Published: June 2021

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a highly heritable complex trait and is a key indicator for diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis. In the last decade, numerous susceptibility loci for BMD and fracture have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS); however, fine mapping of these loci is challengeable. Here, we proposed a new long-range fine-mapping approach that combined superenhancers (SEs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) data, which were two important factors in control of cell identity and specific differentiation, with the GWAS summary datasets in cell-type-restricted way. Genome-wide SE-based analysis found that the BMD-related variants were significantly enriched in the osteoblast SE regions, indicative of potential long-range effects of such SNPs. With the SNP-mapped SEs (mSEs), 13 accessible long-range mSE-interacted miRNAs (mSE-miRNAs) were identified by integrating osteoblast Hi-C and ATAC-seq data, including three known bone-related miRNAs (miR-132-3p, miR-212-3p and miR-125b-5p). The putative targets of the two newly identified mSE-miRNAs (miR-548aj-3p and miR-190a-3p) were found largely enriched in osteogenic-related pathway and processes, suggesting that these mSE-miRNAs could be functional in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, we identified 54 genes with the long-range ‘mSE-miRNA’ approach, and 24 of them were previously reported to be related to skeletal development. Besides, enrichment analysis found that these genes were specifically enriched in the post-transcriptional regulation and bone formation processes. This study provided a new insight into the approach of fine-mapping of GWAS loci. A tool was provided for the genome-wide SE-based analysis and the detection of long-range osteoblast-restricted mSE-miRNAs (https://github.com/Zheng-Lab-Westlake/Osteo-Fine-Mapp-SNP2SE2miRNA).
Impaired Learning From Negative Feedback in Stimulant Use Disorder: Dopaminergic Modulation
Authors: Lim Tsen Vei , Cardinal Rudolf N , Bullmore Edward T , Robbins Trevor W , Ersche Karen D
Published: June 2021

Background

Drug-induced alterations to the dopamine system in stimulant use disorder (SUD) are hypothesized to impair reinforcement learning (RL). Computational modeling enables the investigation of the latent processes of RL in SUD patients, which could elucidate the nature of their impairments.

Methods

We investigated RL in 44 SUD patients and 41 healthy control participants using a probabilistic RL task that assesses learning from reward and punishment separately. In an independent sample, we determined the modulatory role of dopamine in RL following a single dose of the dopamine D2/3 receptor antagonist amisulpride (400 mg) and the agonist pramipexole (0.5 mg) in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. We analyzed task performance using computational modelling and hypothesized that RL impairments in SUD patients would be differentially modulated by a dopamine D2/3 receptor antagonist and agonist.

Results

Computational analyses in both samples revealed significantly reduced learning rates from punishment in SUD patients compared with healthy controls, whilst their reward learning rates were not measurably impaired. In addition, the dopaminergic receptor agents modulated RL parameters differentially in both groups. Both amisulpride and pramipexole impaired RL parameters in healthy participants, but ameliorated learning from punishment in SUD patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that RL impairments seen in SUD patients are associated with altered dopamine function.
Use of social media for the improvement of radiation safety knowledge among Saudi Arabian radiographers
Authors: Hijlis Shayma-a , Alanzi Turki , Alanezi Fahad , Alhodaib Hala , Althumairi Arwa , Aljaffary Afnan , Aljabri Duaa , Alrayes Saja , Alsalman Demah , Al-Fayez Asma , Alrawiai Sumaiah , AlThani Bashair , Alakrawi Zahraa , Saadah Amjad , Alyousif Norah
Published: June 2021

Background

Radiographers have used social media networks for education, research, professional development and other purposes. However, in Saudi Arabia, there are no studies on the use of social media by radiographers. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the use of social media for the improvement of radiation safety knowledge among Saudi Arabian radiographers.

Methods

A questionnaire was designed to collect the data from Saudi Arabian radiographers. The questionnaire was created using Google Forms and was sent to 530 radiographers using WhatsApp. In total, 159 participants completed and returned the questionnaire through WhatsApp. The response rate was 30%. Basic descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data.

Results

Most of the participants (79.9%) thought that social media could be used as a tool for the improvement of radiation safety knowledge. Also, almost half of participants (49.7%) employed social media when they needed to obtain information about radiation protection. Similarly, a majority of respondents (69.2%) used social media when they required information related to radiation safety. In addition, 81.7% of participants observed on video the existing information on radiation safety. Also, 71.7% of them were disposed to expand the use of social media to obtain information for radiation protection in their professional activities.

Conclusion

The results indicate that social media can help to improve radiation safety knowledge among Saudi Arabian radiographers. Consequently, participants were willing to increase the use of these tools in their professional work.
Community Participation and the Quality of Rural Infrastructure in Ethiopia
Authors: Shigute Zemzem
Published: June 2021

Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) is one of the world’s largest food security programmes. The programme supports chronically food insecure rural households and at the same time promotes long-term food security through the creation of rural infrastructure. While studies on the PSNP have examined various features of the programme, there is limited knowledge on the quality and durability of infrastructure built through the programme. Ensuring and maintaining the quality of local public goods built through the PSNP and similar social protection programmes is a costly and recurring issue. Motivated by the long-term objective of the programme, this paper analyses the role played by a key design feature of the PSNP, that is, its Community-Based Participatory Watershed Development approach in influencing a project’s physical condition and its operational status. The paper is based on survey data and technical assessments provided by soil and water conservation (SWC) engineers covering a sample of 249 SWC projects located in 53 watershed communities. The survey is complemented by qualitative information gathered through interviews and discussions. The location of multiple projects, with differing levels of participation in the same watershed communities, permits estimation of the effects of community participation after controlling for community fixed effects. We find that projects in which beneficiaries play a larger role in project monitoring and evaluation are substantially less likely to be damaged and in better operational condition. These results support the idea that community participation translates into more durable infrastructure.
An adaptive hybrid atom search optimization with particle swarm optimization and its application to optimal no-load PID design of hydro-turbine governor
Authors: Zhao Weiguo , Shi Tiancong , Wang Liying , Cao Qingjiao , Zhang Hongfei
Published: June 2021

One metaheuristic algorithm recently introduced is atom search optimization (ASO), inspired by the physical movement of atoms based on the molecular dynamics in nature. ASO displays a unique search ability by employing the interaction force from the potential energy and the constraint force. Despite some successful applications, it still suffers from a local optima stagnation and a low search efficiency. To alleviate these disadvantages, a new adaptive hybridized optimizer named AASOPSO is proposed. In this study, the individual and group cognitive components in particle swarm optimization (PSO) are integrated into ASO to accelerate the exploitation phase, and the acceleration coefficients are introduced to adaptively achieve a good balance between exploration and exploitation. Meanwhile, to improve the search performance of the algorithm, each individual atom possesses its own force constant, which is effectively and adaptively adjusted based on the feedback of the fitness of the atom in some sequential steps. The performance of AASOPSO is evaluated on two sets of benchmark functions compared to the other population-based optimizers to show its effectiveness. Additionally, AASOPSO is applied to the optimal no-load PID design of the hydro-turbine governor. The simulation results reveal that AASOPSO is more successful than its competitors in searching the global optimal PID parameters.
Rewiring the microbial metabolic network for efficient utilization of mixed carbon sources
Authors: An Ning , Chen Xin , Sheng Huakang , Wang Jia , Sun Xinxiao , Yan Yajun , Shen Xiaolin , Yuan Qipeng
Published: June 2021

Carbon sources represent the most dominant cost factor in the industrial biomanufacturing of products. Thus, it has attracted much attention to seek cheap and renewable feedstocks, such as lignocellulose, crude glycerol, methanol, and carbon dioxide, for biosynthesis of value-added compounds. Co-utilization of these carbon sources by microorganisms not only can reduce the production cost but also serves as a promising approach to improve the carbon yield. However, co-utilization of mixed carbon sources usually suffers from a low utilization rate. In the past few years, the development of metabolic engineering strategies to enhance carbon source co-utilization efficiency by inactivation of carbon catabolite repression has made significant progress. In this article, we provide informative and comprehensive insights into the co-utilization of two or more carbon sources including glucose, xylose, arabinose, glycerol, and C1 compounds, and we put our focus on parallel utilization, synergetic utilization, and complementary utilization of different carbon sources. Our goal is not only to summarize strategies of co-utilization of carbon sources, but also to discuss how to improve the carbon yield and the titer of target products.
The Limits of Realism after Liberal Hegemony
Authors: McKeil Aaron
Published: June 2021

This review essay conducts and works to contribute an assessment of recent realist critiques of liberal hegemony. It finds that realists identify important problems with liberal hegemony, but also finds that under scrutiny the alternative foreign policies that realist critics offer suffer from their own serious limitations. It makes the case that realist proposals of “restraint” and “offshore balancing” avoid the problems realists associate with liberal interventionism, but would also be generative of proxy wars, while offering insufficient additional institutions, practices, and norms for mitigating and managing proxy wars and great power conflict, among other global and international challenges. From closer examination and consideration, that is, the argument is made that these limitations of alternative realist foreign policies question their ability to contribute to international order in the twenty-first century and suggest, quite the opposite, that if pursued they would instead become new sources of international disorder, albeit while avoiding some of the problems associated with liberal internationalism.
Construction of a curve by using the state equation of Frenet formula
Authors: Chen J T , Lee J W , Kao S K , Chou Y T
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the available formulae for the curvature of plane curve are reviewed not only for the time-like but also for the space-like parameter curve. Two ways to describe the curve are proposed. One is the straight way to obtain the Frenet formula according to the given curve of parameter form. The other is that we can construct the curve by solving the state equation of Frenet formula subject to the initial position, the initial tangent, normal and binormal vectors, and the given radius of curvature and torsion constant. The remainder theorem of the matrix and the Cayley–Hamilton theorem are both employed to solve the Frenet equation. We review the available formulae of the radius of curvature and examine their equivalence. Through the Frenet formula, the relation among different expressions for the radius of curvature formulae can be linked. Therefore, we can integrate the formulae in the engineering mathematics, calculus, mechanics of materials and dynamics. Besides, biproduct of two new and simpler formulae and the available four formulae in the textbook of the radius of curvature yield the same radius of curvature for the plane curve. Linkage of centrifugal force and radius of curvature is also addressed. A demonstrative example of the cycloid is given. Finally, we use the two new formulae to obtain the radius of curvature for four curves, namely a circle. The equivalence is also proved. Animation for 2D and 3D curves is also provided by using the Mathematica software to demonstrate the validity of the present approach.
Reaching for veterinary pharmacy services: an overlooked routine by community pharmacists?
Authors: Dias Rita , Lourenço Ana Mafalda , São Braz Berta , Cavaco Afonso
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Community pharmacists claim veterinary pharmacy as an integral part of their duties. There a paucity of studies investigating medication and health products’ dispensation for veterinary purposes. This study aimed to probe the Portuguese community pharmacists’ knowledge and behaviour towards veterinary pharmacy practice.

Methods

A cross-sectional exploratory survey, using an online questionnaire, was sent to a sample of academic-related community pharmacists in greater Lisbon, Portugal (N = 349). The questionnaire addressed participants’ specific education and training, counselling of products, and attitudes towards veterinary prescriptions. Logistic regression was used to estimated participants’ propensity for changing veterinary prescriptions independently. Everyday case scenarios were used to ascertain veterinary pharmacotherapy knowledge.

Key Findings

Participation reached 57.6% (N = 201), pointing to the theme’s relevance, with 83.6% females and a mean age of 36 years (SD =10.1). A large proportion (71.6%) declared to have received veterinary pharmacy education, although virtually all pharmacists (99.0%) perceived a skills deficit. The overall level of correct decisions regarding case scenarios reached 54%, although most professionals counsel pets’ treatments (85.6%). 18% of the sample declared to have changed a prescription without contacting the veterinarian. The propensity to independent medication changes was associated with being a male pharmacist, having one to two decades of professional experience, and working in community pharmacies with a permanent supply of prescribed veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Conclusions

Although recognizing limitations in veterinary pharmacy competencies, not all community pharmacists decide to minimize potential hazards to animals’ health as with human health. Present findings reinforce the urgency of further formal education and interprofessional collaboration.
A rare case of intussusception through a prolapsed end colostomy
Authors: Temperley Hugo , Waters Caitlin , Murray Cian , Donlon Noel E , Donohoe Claire L
Published: June 2021

Intussusception through a prolapsed end colostomy is amongst the rarest of stoma complications. In this case report, we discuss the therapeutic approach to this complication and provide an update of the existing literature. A 66-year-old male presented with a prolapsed colostomy that was ischaemic in appearance. Intraoperatively, a small bowel intussusception within the prolapsed colon was identified. A subtotal colectomy was subsequently performed to prevent further volvulus formation. When patients present with a prolapsing oedematous enterostomy that cannot be reduced, careful clinical examination is required. If there is vascular compromise, exploratory laparotomy is mandatory.
Estimation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration Using Machine Learning
Authors: Çubukçu Hikmet Can , Topcu Deniz İlhan
Published: June 2021

Objective

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can be estimated using the Friedewald and Martin-Hopkins formulas. We developed LDL-C prediction models using multiple machine learning methods and investigated the validity of the new models along with the former formulas.

Methods

Laboratory data (n = 59,415) on measured LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol were partitioned into training and test data sets. Linear regression, gradient-boosted trees, and artificial neural network (ANN) models were formed based on the training data. Paired-group comparisons were performed using a t-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. We considered P values <.001 with an effect size >.2 to be statistically significant.

Results

For TG ≥177 mg/dL, the Friedewald formula underestimated and the Martin-Hopkins formula overestimated the LDL-C (P <.001), which was more significant for LDL-C <70 mg/dL. The linear regression, gradient-boosted trees, and ANN models outperformed the aforementioned formulas for TG ≥177 mg/dL and LDL-C <70 mg/dL based on a comparison with a homogeneous assay (P >.001 vs. P <.001) and classification accuracy.

Conclusion

Linear regression, gradient-boosted trees, and ANN models offer more accurate alternatives to the aforementioned formulas, especially for TG 177 to 399 mg/dL and LDL-C <70 mg/dL.
DETECTIFz galaxy groups in the REFINE survey – I. Group detection and quenched fraction evolution at z < 2.5
Authors: Sarron Florian , Conselice Chrisopher J
Published: June 2021

We use a large K-selected sample of 299 961 galaxies from the REFINE survey, consisting of a combination of data from three of the deepest near-infrared surveys, UKIDSS UDS, COSMOS/UltraVISTA, and CFHTLS-D1/VIDEO, that were homogeneously reduced to obtain photometric redshifts and stellar masses. We detect 2588 candidate galaxy groups up to z = 3.15 at S/N > 1.5. We build a very pure ($\gt 90{{\rm \,per\ cent}}$) sample of 448 candidate groups up to z = 2.5 and study some of their properties. Cluster detection is done using the DElaunay TEssellation ClusTer IdentiFication with photo-z (detectifz) algorithm that we describe. This new group finder algorithm uses the joint probability distribution functions of redshift and stellar-mass of galaxies to detect groups as stellar-mass overdensities in overlapping redshift slices, where density is traced using Monte Carlo realization of the Delaunay Tessellation Field Estimator. We compute the algorithm selection function using mock galaxy catalogues taken from cosmological N-body simulation lightcones. Based on these simulations, we reach a completeness of $\sim \! 80{{\,\rm per\ cent}}$ for clusters (M200 > 1014M⊙) at a purity of $\sim \! 90{{\, \rm per\ cent}}$ at z < 2.5. Using our 403 most massive candidate groups, we constrain the redshift evolution of the group galaxy quenched fraction at 0.12 ≤ z < 2.32, for galaxies with 10.25 < log M⋆/M⊙ < 11 in 0.5 × R200. We find that the quenched fraction in group cores is higher than in the field in the full redshift range considered, the difference growing with decreasing redshift. This indicates either more efficient quenching mechanisms in group cores at lower redshift or pre-processing by cosmic filaments.
How does thermal scattering shape the infrared spectra of cloudy exoplanets? A theoretical framework and consequences for atmospheric retrievals in the JWST era
Authors: Taylor Jake , Parmentier Vivien , Line Michael R , Lee Elspeth K H , Irwin Patrick G J , Aigrain Suzanne
Published: June 2021

Observational studies of exoplanets are suggestive of a ubiquitous presence of clouds. The current modelling techniques used in emission to account for the clouds tend to require prior knowledge of the cloud condensing species and often do not consider the scattering effects of the cloud. We explore the effects that thermal scattering has on the emission spectra by modelling a suite of hot Jupiter atmospheres with varying cloud single-scattering albedos (SSAs) and temperature profiles. We examine cases ranging from simple isothermal conditions to more complex structures and physically driven cloud modelling. We show that scattering from nightside clouds would lead to brightness temperatures that are cooler than the real atmospheric temperature if scattering is unaccounted for. We show that scattering can produce spectral signatures in the emission spectrum even for isothermal atmospheres. We identify the retrieval degeneracies and biases that arise in the context of simulated JWST spectra when the scattering from the clouds dominates the spectral shape. Finally, we propose a novel method of fitting the SSA spectrum of the cloud in emission retrievals, using a technique that does not require any prior knowledge of the cloud chemical or physical properties.
Using ground-based measurements to recover the spectra of radiation escaping from distant light-pollution sources
Authors: Kocifaj M , Kundracik F , Duriscoe D M , Balm S P , Wallner S
Published: June 2021

A professional dark sky assessment normally requires the numerical modelling of light propagation from ground-based sources into the atmosphere. The spectral power distribution (SPD) of light escaping from an artificial source is one of the key parameters needed in predicting models to simulate the optical signatures of the night sky as a function of distance. SPD at zero distance is due to a non-trivial superposition of light beams, but does not necessarily coincide with the weighted SPD of individual lights. This is because most photons can be removed by obstacles or can interact with many surfaces before being directed into the atmosphere. We have developed an experimental and theoretical method for obtaining the initial SPD from ground-based spectroscopy of the night sky. The method is applicable to distant sources of light and is demonstrated in field measurements conducted on the light dome of Chicago with a new sky glow spectrometer. We show that the method requires analysing the relative impact of local light sources scattered around the measuring site on the radiance of the light dome. Our theoretical method along with ground-based spectroscopy represents a new approach to characterizing light-pollution sources which are otherwise difficult to study due to lack of information on either light-source inventory or a heterogeneous 3D structure of light-emitting and blocking environments.