bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictor feedback and integrator backstepping of linear systems with distributed unbounded delays
Authors: Xu Xiang , Liu Lu , Krstic Miroslav , Feng Gang
Published: September 2021

This article considers the control problem of linear strict‐feedback systems with an infinite‐delayed integrator. The integrator backstepping design approach is used to construct a predictor feedback controller. By applying the stability theorem developed in our previous work for systems with unbounded delays, exponential stability of the resulting closed loop system is proved. This article shows that the predictor feedback together with the backstepping design is effective on solving some control problems of systems with unbounded delays. Simulation examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our controller.
Electron‐Rich Pincer Ligand‐Coupled Cobalt Porphyrin Polymer with Single‐Atom Sites for Efficient (Photo)Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction at Ultralow Overpotential
Authors: Wang Tingxia , Guo Lulu , Pei Hao , Chen Shengtao , Li Renjie , Zhang Jing , Peng Tianyou
Published: September 2021

Porphyrin and phthalocyanine complexes bearing single‐atom catalytic sites (M‐N4) have been explored as promising electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), whose activity can be improved by regulating the ligands and/or the metal centers. Moreover, their photosensitive features also provide the possibility for highly efficient photoelectrocatalytic CO2RR. Herein, a novel N′NN′‐pincer‐ligand (N3)‐coupled cobalt porphyrin (CoPor‐N3) polymer is developed for realizing efficient (photo)electrocatalytic CO2RR. The unraveled electronic structure and (photo)electrocatalytic features suggest that a synergistic effect between the electron‐rich N3 ligands and the Co‐N4 single‐atom sites in the CoPor‐N3 polymer results in the Co centers attaining more electrons, which is beneficial to facilitating the electron transfer to CO2 for the activation and reduction processes. As expected, the resultant CoPor‐N3 polymer delivers a good long‐term durability and high CO faradaic efficiency (96%) at an ultralow overpotential (0.39 V), which outperforms the CoPor alone and most porphyrin‐/phthalocyanine‐based electrocatalysts reported so far. Moreover, the photosensitivity of CoPor units can further reduce the overpotential to 0.34 V with a CO faradaic efficiency over 90% under light illumination. The present findings offer a new approach to constructing porphyrin‐based photosensitive electrocatalysts with high‐efficiency photoelectrocatalytic CO2RR.
High Cycling Stability of the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode via Surface Modification with Polyimide/Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Composite Coating
Authors: Zha Guojun , Ouyang Chuying , Yin Shungao , Yao Kaiqing , Agarwal Seema , Hu Naigen , Hou Haoqing
Published: September 2021

The Ni‐rich LiNi0.8Co0.10Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode coated by combining with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyimide (PI) produces a PI3‐NCM811 cathode, which markedly improves cycling stability and suppresses secondary crystal cracking. The initial discharge capacity of the PI3‐NCM811 cathode is 199.6 mAh g−1 between 2.8 and 4.3 V at 0.1 C @ 25 °C, which is slightly lower than that of NCM811 (201.1 mAh g−1). The PI3‐NCM811 and NCM811 cathodes keep 90.6% and 64.8% of their initial discharge capacity at 1 C between 2.8 and 4.3 V after 500 cycles, respectively. Furthermore, the difference (21.1%) in capacity retention rate between PI3‐NCM811 and NCM811 under the condition of 2.8–4.5 V became smaller compared with the difference (25.8%) under the condition of 2.8–4.3 V. This better cyclic stability is mainly attributed to the toughness and elasticity of PI, which inhibits the secondary cracking, maintains the structural integrity of the cathode particles, and protects the particles from electrolyte damage during long‐term cycling.
De Novo Engineering of Metal–Organic Framework‐Printed In Vitro Diagnostic Devices for Specific Capture and Release of Tumor Cells
Authors: Liang Jieying , Liu Jian , Lord Megan S. , Wang Yu , Liang Kang
Published: September 2021

Herein, a paper‐based in vitro diagnostic device (IVD) is developed via inkjet printing of de novo engineered, boronic acid‐rich metal–organic frameworks (BMOFs). The newly developed BMOFs simultaneously possess crystalline and amorphous structure, mesopore size, large surface area, and retain a high level of boronic acid integration. After printing the BMOFs on the filter paper, the BMOF‐printed paper IVD shows a rapid response time (40 min) towards cancer cell capture and its maximum cell capture capacity reaches approximately (4.5 ±1.1) ×104 cells cm−2. Furthermore, the BMOF‐printed IVD shows nine times higher capture ability of cancer cells than non‐cancerous cells, suggesting its excellent selectivity. Importantly, the pH‐tunable affinity of BMOF to glucose enables its dual‐responsive behavior without affecting cell viability. In addition, a desired cell pattern could be achieved by directly drawing BMOFs onto a silicon substrate, highlighting its capacity as a miniaturized device for tumor cell capture and analysis. This simple and label‐free nanoplatform enables new opportunities for designing MOF‐based smart devices for diverse biomedical applications such as a cost‐effective IVD technologies for cancer diagnosis, genotyping, and prognosis.
Electrode‐Less MnO2‐Metal Batteries with Deposition and Stripping Chemistry
Authors: Wang Mingming , Chen Na , Zhu Zhengxin , Meng Yahan , Shen Chunyue , Zheng Xinhua , Liang Dongsheng , Chen Wei
Published: September 2021

Electrode materials are key components in typical batteries, where the electrodes are generally fabricated onto current collectors in solid forms and are isolated by a separator. However, the preparation of the electrodes increases the fabrication complexity, which speeds down their large‐scale production. Here, series of static electrode‐less MnO2‐metal batteries are presented that are facilely fabricated by using carbon current collectors and electrolytes. The MnO2‐metal batteries are operated in dual‐deposition/stripping chemistries of Mn2+/MnO2 on the cathode and M/Mx+ on the anode. The MnO2‐Cd/Zn/Cu batteries exhibit remarkable rates up to 200 C, excellent reversibility of 15 000 cycles, and realistic gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of 93.7 Wh kg−1 and 134 Wh L−1, respectively. Impressively, the MnO2‐Cd battery can achieve over 160 000 cycles in the high current pulse test, showing promises in the applications of electrical vehicle's start‐stop and large‐scale energy storage.
Physical–mechanical properties and morphology of filled low‐density polypropylene: Comparative study on calcium carbonate with oil shale and coal ashes
Authors: Krasnou Illia , Nadeem Faisal , Gregor Andre , Yörük Can Rüstü , Krumme Andres
Published: September 2021

The main idea of this research is to explore the prospective of ashes accumulated during the energy production to be used as a filler for thermoplastics. The return of waste for processing into secondary raw materials is cost reducing and nature protective. In this study, low‐density polyethylene filled with CaCO3, burnt coal, and oil shale ash were produced and scrutinized. The optimal extrusion compounding and injection molding parameters are discussed. The effect of different filler load up to 30 wt% on the mechanical properties, structure, and morphology is investigated. It was found that the processing conditions for ash‐filled compounds are similar to CaCO3 filled. Mechanical properties such as tensile and impact strength of ash‐filled composites are also close to CaCo3 filled.
Beyond rules: How institutional cultures and climate governance interact
Authors: Bremer Scott , Glavovic Bruce , Meisch Simon , Schneider Paul , Wardekker Arjan
Published: September 2021

Institutions have a central role in climate change governance. But while there is a flourishing literature on institutions' formal rules, processes, and organizational forms, scholars lament a relative lack of attention to institutions' informal side; their cultures. It is important to study institutions' cultures because it is through culture that people relate to institutional norms and rules in taking climate action. This review uncovers what work has been done on institutional cultures and climate change, discerns common themes around which this scholarship coheres, and advances and argument for why institutional cultures matter. We employed a systematic literature review to assemble a set of 54 articles with a shared concern for how climate change and institutional cultures concurrently affect each other. The articles provided evidence of a nascent field, emerging over the past 5–10 years and fragmented across literatures. This field draws on diverse concepts of institutionalism for revealing quite different expressions of culture, and is mostly grounded in empirical studies. These disparate studies compellingly demonstrate, from different perspectives, that institutional cultures do indeed matter for implementing climate governance. Indeed, the articles converge in providing empirical evidence of eight key sites of interaction between climate change and institutional cultures: worldviews, values, logics, gender, risk acceptance, objects, power, and relationality. These eight sites are important foci for examining and effecting changes to institutions and their cultures; showing how institutional cultures shape responses to climate change, and how climate change shapes institutional cultures.

This article is categorized under:

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice
Flavor symmetry of 5d SCFTs. Part I. General setup
Authors: Bhardwaj Lakshya
Published: September 2021

Abstract

A large class of 5d superconformal field theories (SCFTs) can be constructed by integrating out BPS particles from 6d SCFTs compactified on a circle. We describe a general method for extracting the flavor symmetry of any 5d SCFT lying in this class. For this purpose, we utilize the geometric engineering of 5d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 theories in M-theory, where the flavor symmetry is encoded in a collection of non-compact surfaces.
Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions of the Dirac System with an Integrable Potential
Authors: Rzepnicki Łukasz
Published: September 2021

We consider the Dirac system on the interval [0, 1] with a spectral parameter $$\mu \in {\mathbb {C}}$$

μ
∈
C

and a complex-valued potential with entries from $$L_p[0,1]$$

L
p

[
0
,
1
]

, where $$1\le p$$

1
≤
p

. We study the asymptotic behavior of its solutions in a strip $$|\mathrm{Im}\,\mu |\le d$$

|
Im

μ
|
≤
d

for $$\mu \rightarrow \infty $$

μ
→
∞

. These results allow us to obtain sharp asymptotic formulas for eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of Sturm–Liouville operators associated with the aforementioned Dirac system.
Symplectic and Kähler structures on $$\mathbb CP^1$$-bundles over $$\mathbb CP^2$$
Authors: Lindsay Nicholas , Panov Dmitri
Published: September 2021

We show that there exist symplectic structures on a$$\mathbb {CP}^1$$CP1-bundle over$$\mathbb {CP}^2$$CP2that do not admit a compatible Kähler structure. These symplectic structures were originally constructed by Tolman and they have a Hamiltonian$${\mathbb {T}}^2$$T2-symmetry. Tolman’s manifold was shown to be diffeomorphic to a$$\mathbb CP^1$$CP1-bundle over$$\mathbb {CP}^{2}$$CP2by Goertsches, Konstantis, and Zoller. The proof of our result relies on Mori theory, and on classical facts about holomorphic vector bundles over$$\mathbb {CP}^{2}$$CP2.
Almost-extreme Khovanov spectra
Authors: Cantero Morán Federico , Silvero Marithania
Published: September 2021

We introduce a functor from the cube to the Burnside 2-category and prove that it is equivalent to the Khovanov spectrum given by Lipshitz and Sarkar in the almost-extreme quantum grading. We provide a decomposition of this functor into simplicial complexes. This decomposition allows us to compute the homotopy type of the almost-extreme Khovanov spectra of diagrams without alternating pairs.
MR Brain Screening in ADPKD Patients
Authors: Capelli I. , Zoli M. , Righini M. , Faccioli L. , Aiello V. , Spinardi L. , Gori D. , Friso F. , Rustici A. , Bortolotti C. , Graziano C. , Mantovani V. , Sciascia N. , Mazzatenta D. , Seri M. , Pastore Trossello M. , La Manna G.
Published: September 2021

Background

Adult polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) still represents a major cause of renal failure and intracranial aneurisms (IA) have a higher prevalence in ADPKD than in the general population. Current guidelines suggest performing brain MRI only in the subjects with a positive familiar history of IAs or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This is a retrospective case-control analysis to evaluate the usefulness of a MR screening program in ADPKD patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all ADPKD patients followed in our outpatient clinic between 2016 and 2019 who underwent a brain MRI screening. We evaluated the presence of IAs and others brain abnormalities and compared our results with a non-ADPKD population (n = 300). We performed univariate and multivariate regression analysis to evaluate if general and demographic features, laboratory findings, clinical parameters and genetic test results correlated with IAs or other brain abnormalities presence.

Results

Among the patients evaluated 17 out of 156 (13.6%) ADPKD patients had IAs, compared to 16 out of 300 (5.3%) non-ADPKD controls (p < 0.005). Considering ADPKD patients presenting IAs, 12 (70.6%) had no family history for IAs or SAH. Genetic analysis was available for 97 patients: in the sub-population with IAs, 13 (76.5%) presented a PKD1 mutation and none a PKD2 mutation. We found that arachnoid cysts (AC) (p < 0.001) and arterial anatomical variants (p < 0.04) were significantly more frequent in ADPKD patients.

Conclusion

In our population ADPKD patients showed a higher prevalence of IAs, AC and arterial variants compared to non-ADPKD. Most of the IAs were found in patients presenting a PKD1 mutation. We found a significant number of alterations even in those patients without a family history of IAs or SAH. The practice of submitting only patients with familial IAs or kidney transplantation candidates to MRI scan should be re-evaluated.
Identifying Priorities, Targets, and Actions for the Long-term Social and Ecological Management of Invasive Non-Native Species
Authors: García-Díaz Pablo , Montti Lía , Powell Priscila Ana , Phimister Euan , Pizarro José Cristóbal , Fasola Laura , Langdon Bárbara , Pauchard Aníbal , Raffo Eduardo , Bastías Joselyn , Damasceno Gabriella , Fidelis Alessandra , Huerta Magdalena F. , Linardaki Eirini , Moyano Jaime , Núñez Martín A. , Ortiz María Ignacia , Rodríguez-Jorquera Ignacio , Roesler Ignacio , Tomasevic Jorge A. , Burslem David F. R. P. , Cava Mário , Lambin Xavier
Published: September 2021

Formulating effective management plans for addressing the impacts of invasive non-native species (INNS) requires the definition of clear priorities and tangible targets, and the recognition of the plurality of societal values assigned to these species. These tasks require a multi-disciplinary approach and the involvement of stakeholders. Here, we describe procedures to integrate multiple sources of information to formulate management priorities, targets, and high-level actions for the management of INNS. We follow five good-practice criteria: justified, evidence-informed, actionable, quantifiable, and flexible. We used expert knowledge methods to compile 17 lists of ecological, social, and economic impacts of lodgepole pines (Pinus contorta) and American mink (Neovison vison) in Chile and Argentina, the privet (Ligustrum lucidum) in Argentina, the yellow-jacket wasp (Vespula germanica) in Chile, and grasses (Urochloa brizantha and Urochloa decumbens) in Brazil. INNS plants caused a greater number of impacts than INNS animals, although more socio-economic impacts were listed for INNS animals than for plants. These impacts were ranked according to their magnitude and level of confidence on the information used for the ranking to prioritise impacts and assign them one of four high-level actions—do nothing, monitor, research, and immediate active management. We showed that it is possible to formulate management priorities, targets, and high-level actions for a variety of INNS and with variable levels of available information. This is vital in a world where the problems caused by INNS continue to increase, and there is a parallel growth in the implementation of management plans to deal with them.
RNA-Seq Reveals the Effect of Ethylene on the Volatile Organic Components (VOCs) of Cavendish Banana at Different Post-harvesting Stages
Authors: Dou Tongxin , Hu Chunhua , Zhao Shujing , Gao Huijun , He Weidi , Deng Guiming , Sheng Ou , Bi Fangcheng , Yang Qiaosong , Li Chunyu , Yi Ganjun , Dong Tao
Published: September 2021

Aroma serves as one of the decisive factors influencing the value of banana commodities. Most of characteristic volatile organic components (VOCs) are formed during post-harvesting. However, the changing of VOCs of banana at different post-harvesting stages remain ambiguous. In this study, the VOCs of Cavendish banana for the four typical post-harvesting stages (green stage/half of yellow stage/yellow ripening stage/over ripening stage) are clarified using headspace solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME), combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results inferred that the relative content of branched-chain esters such as acetate and butyrate, which form the main contributors of aroma in bananas, is higher in the T2 and T3 stages. Further, RNA-Seq technology was employed to clarify the formation mechanism of banana aroma in the post-harvesting stage. TheMaTGL4gene of the linoleic acid metabolism pathway and theMaBCAT3andMaBCAT5genes of the valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation pathway in banana suggest the expression is active late in the ripening stage, and the upregulated expression of these genes is analogous to the formation of aroma components such as branched-chain esters and hexenal. The above results not only provide baseline data on the differences in physical and chemical properties of VOCs in various post-harvesting stages of banana production, but also provide theoretical guidance facilitating the subsequent improvement of the commercial value of bananas through genetic improvement.
Design and calibration of permanent magnet probes for the local measurement of velocity and temperature in a liquid metal backward facing step flow
Authors: Schaub Thomas , Wüstling Sascha , Konrad Joachim , Tasler Michael
Published: September 2021

The simultaneous and local measurement of velocity and the temperature of a non-isothermal liquid metal flow has been an ongoing research topic over decades. The motivation is to obtain a detailed panorama of a liquid metal flow for the validation of turbulent heat flux models. So-called permanent magnet probes were used in the past for the local measurement of velocity and temperature profiles in liquid sodium in rather canonical flow configurations. The next step is to measure velocity and temperature profiles in a more complex flow geometry, namely a vertical confined backward facing step. For this, the permanent magnet probe must be adapted regarding its design, calibration procedure and temperature correction method. Particularly, considering that for this experiment the eutectic alloy of gallium, indium and tin was used as a working fluid, instead of liquid sodium, as in the mentioned past experiments. The main design aspects for a permanent magnet probe found in the literature are summarized and applied to the present probe. A calibration strategy for the probe was developed and implemented for the measurement of mean velocity profiles. A wetting procedure for the probe is proposed. The measured probe sensitivity for all six used probes agrees well with the theoretical estimations. The highest uncertainty contribution to measured sensitivity is related to the typical wetting issues of gallium–indium–tin. Future implementation of permanent magnet probes in general gallium–indium–tin experiments can make use of the developed know-how shared in this work.

Graphic abstract
Methyl jasmonate elicits distinctive hydrolyzable tannin, flavonoid, and phyto-oxylipin responses in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leaves
Authors: Chang Lijing , Wu Sheng , Tian Li
Published: September 2021

Main conclusion

Transcriptome and biochemical analyses suggested that, while suppression of multiple flavonoids and anthocyanins occurs at least partially at the transcriptional level, increased biosynthesis of non-jasmonate phyto-oxylipins is likely controlled non-transcriptionally.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) produced in plants can mediate their response to environmental stresses. Exogenous application of MeJA has also shown to activate signaling pathways and induce phytoalexin accumulation in many plant species. To understand how pomegranate plants respond biochemically to environmental stresses, metabolite analysis was conducted in pomegranate leaves subjected to MeJA application and revealed unique changes in hydrolyzable tannins, flavonoids, and phyto-oxylipins. Additionally, transcriptome and real-time qPCR analyses of mock- and MeJA-treated pomegranate leaves identified differentially expressed metabolic genes and transcription factors that are potentially involved in the control of hydrolyzable tannin, flavonoid, and phyto-oxylipin pathways. Molecular, biochemical, and bioinformatic characterization of the only lipoxygenase with sustained, MeJA-induced expression showed that it is capable of oxidizing polyunsaturated fatty acids, though not located in the subcellular compartment where non-jasmonate (non-JA) phyto-oxylipins were produced. These results collectively suggested that while the broad suppression of flavonoids and anthocyanins is at least partially controlled at the transcriptional level, the induced biosynthesis of non-JA phyto-oxylipins is likely not regulated transcriptionally. Overall, a better understanding of how pomegranate leaves respond to environmental stresses will not only promote plant health and productivity, but also have an impact on human health as fruits produced by pomegranate plants are a rich source of nutritional compounds.
Face in collision: emotional looming stimuli modulate interpersonal space across development and gender
Authors: Silvestri Valentina , Grassi Massimo , Nava Elena
Published: September 2021

Basic visual functions have evolved to allow for rapid detection of dynamic stimuli in our surrounding environment. In particular, looming stimuli are of relevance because they are expected to enter the individual’s interpersonal space representing a potential threat. Different studies showed that emotions can modulate the perception of visual looming stimuli and the borders of interpersonal space, defined as the area around the body that individuals maintain between themselves and others during social interactions. Here, we investigated how emotions modulate the perception and the physiological correlates of interpersonal space and whether such indexes change across age and gender. Children and adults were asked to quickly react to emotional looming stimuli while measuring their skin conductance response (SCR). We found that emotional looming stimuli shrink the borders of interpersonal space of males more than females, and that this pattern does not change with age. In addition, adults reacted faster to angry than happy and neutral faces, which is in line with the notion that threatening stimuli capture attention more quickly than other types of emotional stimuli. However, this was not observed in children, suggesting that experience with negative stimuli, rather than the evolutionary meaning they possess, may influence the boundaries of interpersonal space. Overall, our study suggests that interpersonal space is modulated by emotions, but this appears to be modulated by gender and age: while behavioural responses to emotional looming stimuli refine with age, physiological responses are adult-like as early as 5 years of age.
JNETS clinical practice guidelines for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up: a synopsis
Authors: Ito Tetsuhide , Masui Toshihiko , Komoto Izumi , Doi Ryuichiro , Osamura Robert Y. , Sakurai Akihiro , Ikeda Masafumi , Takano Koji , Igarashi Hisato , Shimatsu Akira , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Nakamoto Yuji , Hijioka Susumu , Morita Koji , Ishikawa Yuichi , Ohike Nobuyuki , Kasajima Atsuko , Kushima Ryoji , Kojima Motohiro , Sasano Hironobu , Hirano Satoshi , Mizuno Nobumasa , Aoki Taku , Aoki Takeshi , Ohtsuka Takao , Okumura Tomoyuki , Kimura Yasutoshi , Kudo Atsushi , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Matsumoto Ippei , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Fujimori Nao , Honma Yoshitaka , Morizane Chigusa , Uchino Shinya , Horiuchi Kiyomi , Yamasaki Masanori , Matsubayashi Jun , Sato Yuichi , Sekiguchi Masau , Abe Shinichi , Okusaka Takuji , Kida Mitsuhiro , Kimura Wataru , Tanaka Masao , Majima Yoshiyuki , Jensen Robert T. , Hirata Koichi , Imamura Masayuki , Uemoto Shinji
Published: September 2021

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare neoplasms that occur in various organs and present with diverse clinical manifestations. Pathological classification is important in the diagnosis of NENs. Treatment strategies must be selected according to the status of differentiation and malignancy by accurately determining whether the neoplasm is functioning or nonfunctioning, degree of disease progression, and presence of metastasis. The newly revised Clinical Practice Guidelines for Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (GEP-NENs) comprises 5 chapters—diagnosis, pathology, surgical treatment, medical and multidisciplinary treatment, and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)/von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease—and includes 51 clinical questions and 19 columns. These guidelines aim to provide direction and practical clinical content for the management of GEP-NEN preferentially based on clinically useful reports. These revised guidelines also refer to the new concept of “neuroendocrine tumor” (NET) grade 3, which is based on the 2017 and 2019 WHO criteria; this includes health insurance coverage of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy for NEN, everolimus for lung and gastrointestinal NET, and lanreotide for GEP-NET. The guidelines also newly refer to the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of NEN associated with VHL disease and MEN1. The accuracy of these guidelines has been improved by examining and adopting new evidence obtained after the first edition was published.
Grazing Increases Soil Warming in Headwater Wetlands: Importance to Land Managers and Water Users
Authors: Booth D. Terrance , Likins John C. , Cox Samuel E. , Norton Jay B. , Anderson-Sprecher Richard C.
Published: September 2021

The earth’s mountains continue to lose water. Glaciers are melting and mountain snow/rain balance tilts increasingly liquescent. Water is running off sooner—sometimes overfilling reservoirs, causing flooding, and setting the stage for late-season shortages. One adaptive strategy is to recover and enhance water-storage capacities of headwater riparian systems. Grazing, a common use of headwater lands, affects both soils and vegetation. To better understand how grazing might affect water storage and other ecosystem services of high elevation riparian wetlands, we measured soil-profile temperatures, soil organic matter (SOM), and phytomass at six sites in the upper Sweetwater River sub-basin of Wyoming, USA, where fence lines allowed us to contrast grazing management. We found grazed wetlands consistently had warmer soils than fenced wetlands. We found added evidence that SOM is important in both soil temperature control and water-storage potential of wetlands. We review evidence that warmer soil temperatures and drying cause loss of SOM with the implied concomitant C losses through erosion and emissions. We recommend land managers of temperate-climate headwater systems consider the need to end growing seasons with full stands of riparian vegetation to reduce soil warming and to build organic matter—particularly on lands where municipalities and other downstream water users are seeking long-term increases in water yields and less flooding.
Heart rate variability and delirium in acute non-cardioembolic stroke: a prospective, cross-sectional, cohort study
Authors: Rollo Eleonora , Marotta Jessica , Callea Antonio , Brunetti Valerio , Vollono Catello , Scala Irene , Imperatori Claudio , Frisullo Giovanni , Broccolini Aldobrando , Della Marca Giacomo
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Delirium is an acute fluctuating disorder of attention and awareness. It is associated with autonomic dysfunction and increased mortality. The primary endpoint of our study was to measure autonomic activity in acute stroke patients, by means of heart rate variability analysis, in order to identify autonomic modifications that can predispose to delirium.

Methods

Patients were consecutively enrolled from the stroke unit. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years and diagnosis of stroke with onset within the previous 72 h confirmed by neuroimaging. Exclusion criteria were atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and conditions requiring intensive care unit. Patients were evaluated by means of Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) and Confusion Assessment Method-Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) at baseline, after 72 h, or when symptoms suggesting delirium occurred. For each patient, ECG was recorded at baseline assessment and HRV analysis was conducted on five consecutive minutes of artifact-free ECG traces.

Results

Fifty-six ECGs were available for analysis. During the study period, 11 patients developed delirium. Patients with and without delirium did not differ for sex, age, severity of stroke, and comorbidities. The delirium group had greater standard deviation of the heart rate (DLR − :9.16 ± 8.28; DLR + : 14.36 ± 5.55; p = 0.026) and lower power spectral density of the HF component (DLR − : 38.23 ± 19.23 n.u.; DLR + : 25.75 ± 8.77 n.u.; p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Acute non-cardioembolic stroke patients with increased variability of heart rate and decreased vagal control are at risk for delirium.
Identification and Prioritisation of Mine Pollution Sources in a Temperate Watershed Using Tracer Injection and Synoptic Sampling
Authors: Byrne Patrick , Yendell Alan , Frau Ilaria , Todd Aaron M. L.
Published: September 2021

Identifying and prioritising mine sites for remediation is challenging due to inherently complex hydrological systems and multiple potential sources of mine pollution dispersed across watersheds. Understanding mine pollution dynamics in wet temperate watersheds is particularly challenging due to substantial variability in precipitation and streamflows, which increase the importance of diffuse sources. A tracer dilution and synoptic sampling experiment was conducted in a mined watershed in Scotland to identify the main sources of mine pollution, the relative importance of point and diffuse sources of pollution, and the potential benefits of mine site remediation to stream water quality. Using high spatial resolution metal loading datasets, the major Zn and Cd source areas were identified as point sources of mine water predominantly located in the upper part of the watershed. In contrast, the main sources of Pb were diffuse sources of mine tailings and wastes located in the lower part of the watershed. In the latter case, mobilisation of Pb occurred primarily from a section of braided wetland and an uncapped tailings area. Importantly, diffuse sources of mine pollution were found to be the dominant source of Pb, and an important source of Zn and Cd, even under steady-state streamflow conditions. Mass balance calculations suggest that treatment of the main mine water sources in the upper watershed and capping of the tailings deposit in the lower watershed could reduce stream trace metal concentrations by approximately 70%. These data support the development of conceptual models of mine pollution dynamics in wet temperate watersheds. These conceptual models are important as they: (1) help prioritise those mine sites and features for remediation that will deliver the most environmental and socio-economic benefit, and; (2) provide a means to quantify the importance of diffuse pollution sources that may increase in importance in the future as a result of changes in precipitation patterns in temperate watersheds.
The link between vision impairment and depressive symptomatology in late life: does having a partner matter?
Authors: Amilon Anna , Siren Anu
Published: September 2021

Visual impairment contributes to poor mental health among older adults by restricting everyday functioning and participation. This study examined whether the negative link between vision impairment and depressive symptomatology was less severe among partnered than among single older adults. We merged data from a survey among people with vision impairment with a reference population from the most recent wave of the Danish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (DLSA) (N = 5831 Mage = 74.37, range: 65–97 years, 53.1% female), investigating whether paths from poor vision via three mediators—functional limitations, emotional support and participation in social activities—to depressive symptomatology differ by partnership status. Structural equation modeling suggested that the direct path from vision impairment to depressive symptomatology is more than twice as strong for single than for partnered older adults. Thus being partnered reduces the negative link from vision impairment to depressive symptomatology. However, the path from vision impairment to emotional support is significantly stronger among single than among partnered individuals. Thus negative spillover effects from the visual impairment on the non-impaired partner’s mental health may compromise that partner’s ability to provide emotional support. Taking into account both partnership status and the mental health of both partners may help professionals more precisely target interventions aimed at reducing the risk of depression in visually impaired older adults.
Analysis of allergenic pollen data, focusing on a pollen load threshold statement
Authors: Šukienė Laura , Šaulienė Ingrida , Dubakienė Rūta , Rudzevičienė Odilija , Daunys Gintautas
Published: September 2021

Airborne allergenic pollen affects a significant part of the population and the information on pollen load is a valuable tool for public health prevention. The messages should be provided in a form easily understandable for the population. The study provides new insight for the categorisation of pollen load by defining thresholds solely from aerobiological data. Using the long-term airborne pollen data of Corylus, Alnus, Betula, Poaceae, and Artemisia have been evaluated the regionality of pollen concentrations in Lithuania. SPIn and peak values of the main pollen season highlighted as regionality indicators. The largest differences between stations were found in the cases of Corylus and Artemisia.

The principle enabling a group of pollen concentrations into levels has been analysed based on retrospective aerobiological data of five pollen types. Thresholds were determined by employing the lowest peak value of the pollen season and applying the 25% principle for selected pollen types. The results were verified by performing associations of defined thresholds with retrospective morbidity data of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma in Lithuania. Determined pollen thresholds can be used in epidemiological studies requiring associations with pollen concentration. Thresholds could also complement air quality information by integrating pollen load data into public messages or contribute to the development of mHealth systems.
A Qualitative Exploration of the Views of Policymakers and Policy Advisors on the Impact of Mental Health Stigma on the Development and Implementation of Mental Health Policy in Singapore
Authors: Subramaniam Mythily , Shahwan Shazana , Goh Chong Min Janrius , Tan Gregory Tee Hng , Ong Wei Jie , Chong Siow Ann
Published: September 2021

Few studies have examined the views of policy makers regarding the impact of mental health stigma on the development and implementation of mental health policies. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring policymakers’ and policy advisors’ perspectives regarding the impact of mental health stigma on the development and implementation of mental health programmes, strategies, and services in Singapore. In all 13 participants were recruited for the study comprising practicing policymakers, senior staff of organisations involved in implementing the various mental health programmes, and policy advisors. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Data analysis revealed three superordinate themes related to challenges experienced by the policymakers/advisors when dealing with mental health policy and implementation of programmes. These themes included stigma as a barrier to mental health treatment, community-level barriers to mental health recovery, and mental health being a neglected need. Policymakers/advisors demonstrated an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the barriers (consequent to stigma) to mental healthcare delivery and access. Policymakers/advisors were able to associate the themes related to the stigma towards mental illness with help-seeking barriers based on personal experiences, knowledge, and insight gained through the implementation of mental health programmes and initiatives.
The street music business: consumer responses to buskers performing on the street and on online video platforms
Authors: Stäbler Samuel , Mierisch Kim Katharina
Published: September 2021

The street music business dates back hundreds of years and exists in many cities of the world. Although anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of listeners who donate varies widely, academic research has not examined why listeners donate to buskers. An intensive field study covering 80,471 consumers assessed the relevance and magnitude of theoretically derived drivers. A second study investigated the degree to which offline success factors predict consumer responses to buskers performing on online video platforms. Estimation results reveal several drivers, many of which differ from musicians’ commonly held beliefs. This study contributes not only to the marketing of buskers but also to marketing of other businesses that engage in fundraising in public spaces.
The role of emergency medical teams in disaster response: a summary of the literature
Authors: Hamilton A. Rebecca L. , Södergård Björn , Liverani Marco
Published: September 2021

In the aftermath of natural disasters, emergency medical teams (EMTs) are dispatched to help local rescue efforts. While some impact evaluations of EMTs are available, few comprehensive evaluations of the implementation of EMTs in natural disasters, have been published to date. As a result, the evidence base to inform global guidelines and best practices, is remarkably thin. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the role of EMTs, by summarizing recent reports and case studies. Specifically, this summary aims to identify key improvement areas, as well as obstacles and opportunities for improvement. After a search of the literature, 40 publications met the inclusion criteria, and were included in this summary of the literature. The effective functioning of EMTs is codependent on interactions between different actors, including national governments, international organizations, NGOs, local government agencies, community stakeholders and the private sector. Five key improvement areas were identified: (1) coordination and integration of EMTs and other actors; (2) systematic classification and registration of EMTs; (3) national stewardship; (4) community engagement; (5) research and data collection. As the prevalence of natural disasters rise, effective disaster response will be an increasingly important component of global health in the coming decades. To optimize EMT efficiency, there needs to be increased recognition of the different actors involved, increased cooperation amongst EMTs under the coordination of international rosters, and increased research efforts to evaluate challenges to and opportunities for improved disaster response.
Assessment of concentration and distribution of total mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Silva Marcia R. , Lecus Alice , Haehle Chad , Garman David , Brunner Shelby
Published: September 2021

Under the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the lower Green Bay and Fox River estuary have been labeled as areas of concern due to the contamination of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from industrialization. These pollutants pose substantial health and environmental hazards for the Green Bay region. The PCBs reported in this region, including Aroclor 1242, are known to trigger carcinogenic responses in animals and mercury targets the central nervous system and vital organs. Furthermore, these compounds are extremely difficult to remove from the environment once introduced. Extensive remedial actions have been implemented including dredging sediments in the Lower Fox River from DePere to Green Bay. The purpose of this study is to assess the concentration and distribution of Aroclor 1242 and total mercury in the Green Bay region sediments and pore waters and to assess the impact of interventions and the natural rates of change previously found.
Multifunctional thiosemicarbazones targeting sigma receptors: in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities in pancreatic cancer models
Authors: Niso Mauro , Kopecka Joanna , Abatematteo Francesca Serena , Berardi Francesco , Riganti Chiara , Abate Carmen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Association of the metal chelating portion of thiosemicarbazone with the cytotoxic activity of sigma-2 receptors appears a promising strategy for the treatment of pancreatic tumors. Here, we developed a novel sigma-2 receptor targeting thiosemicarbazone (FA4) that incorporates a moiety associated with lysosome destabilization and ROS increase in order to design more efficient antitumor agents.

Methods

The density of sigma receptors in pancreatic cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. In these cells, cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and activation of ER- and mitochondria-dependent cell death pathways (mRNA expression of GRP78, ATF6, IRE1, PERK; ROS levels by MitoSOX and DCFDA-AM; JC-1 staining) induced by the thiosemicarbazones FA4, MLP44, PS3 and ACthio-1, were evaluated. The expression of autophagic proteins (ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, beclin, p62 and LC3-I) was also studied. In addition, the in vivo effect of FA4 in xenograft models with and without gemcitabine challenge was investigated.

Results

We found that FA4 exerted a more potent cytotoxicity than previously studied thiosemicarbazones (MLP44, PS3 and ACthio-1), which were found to display variable effects on the ER or the mitochondria-dependent pro-apoptotic axis. By contrast, FA4 activated pro-apoptotic pathways and decreased autophagy, except in MiaPaCa2 cells, in which autophagic proteins were expressed at lower levels and remained unmodified by FA4. FA4 treatment of PANC-1 xenografted mouse models, poorly responsive to conventional chemotherapy, significantly reduced tumor volumes and increased intratumor apoptosis compared to gemcitabine, with no signs of toxicity.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that FA4 exhibits encouraging activity in pancreatic cancer cells unresponsive to gemcitabine. These results warrant further investigation in patient-derived pancreatic cancers, and hold promise for the development of therapies that can more efficiently target the specific characteristics of individual tumor types.
Existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions for some nonlinear fractional pantograph differential equations with $$\psi $$-Caputo derivative
Authors: Bouriah Soufyane , Foukrach Djamal , Benchohra Mouffak , Graef John
Published: September 2021

The aim of this paper is to study the existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions for a certain type of nonlinear fractional pantograph differential equation with a $$\psi $$
ψ
-Caputo derivative. The proofs are based on the coincidence degree theory of Mawhin. To show the efficiency of the results, some illustrative examples are included.
Synchrotron Characterisation of Ultra-Fine Grain TiB2/Al-Cu Composite Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Li Sheng , Cai Biao , Duan Ranxi , Tang Lei , Song Zihan , White Dominic , Magdysyuk Oxana V. , Attallah Moataz M.
Published: September 2021

Isotropy in microstructure and mechanical properties remains a challenge for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processed materials due to the epitaxial growth and rapid cooling in LPBF. In this study, a high-strength TiB2/Al-Cu composite with random texture was successfully fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) using pre-doped TiB2/Al-Cu composite powder. A series of advanced characterisation techniques, including synchrotron X-ray tomography, correlative focussed ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and synchrotron in situ X-ray diffraction, were applied to investigate the defects and microstructure of the as-fabricated TiB2/Al-Cu composite across multiple length scales. The study showed ultra-fine grains with an average grain size of about 0.86 μm, and a random texture was formed in the as-fabricated condition due to rapid solidification and the TiB2 particles promoting heterogeneous nucleation. The yield strength and total elongation of the as-fabricated composite were 317 MPa and 10%, respectively. The contributions of fine grains, solid solutions, dislocations, particles, and Guinier–Preston (GP) zones were calculated. Failure was found to be initiated from the largest lack-of-fusion pore, as revealed by in situ synchrotron tomography during tensile loading. In situ synchrotron diffraction was used to characterise the lattice strain evolution during tensile loading, providing important data for the development of crystal-plasticity models.
Do Early Life Experiences Predict Variation in the General Factor of Personality (GFP)?
Authors: Chua Kristine J. , Lukaszewski Aaron W. , Manson Joseph H.
Published: September 2021

Objective

The controversial General Factor of Personality (GFP) has been proposed as an indicator of social effectiveness and a slower life history strategy. An alternative hypothesis holds that only meta-traitalpha, comprising agreeableness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability, is a slow life history indicator. This study tested whether the GFP and/oralphaemerges from both self- and stranger-ratings, and whether either is predicted by indicators of harsh childhood ecologies.

Methods

U.S. undergraduate participants (N = 366) completed a Big Five instrument, a measure of socially desirable response bias, and brief (thin slice) videotaped interviews. Raters scored the interviews using the same Big Five instrument.

Results

Structural equation modeling of the self-report data yielded a well-fitting GFP, which was positively associated with father closeness. Meta-traitalpha, based on self-report, was associated with both father closeness and neighborhood stress, but showed positive loadings only for agreeableness and emotional stability. Stranger-rating data failed to yield either a well-fitting GFP or metatraitalpha.

Conclusions

Our findings are equivocal regarding the usefulness of the GFP specifically, and higher-order personality factors generally, in evolutionary personality science.