bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to express the antioxidant properties of substances properly?
Authors: Olszowy-Tomczyk Małgorzata
Published: July 2021

Oxidative stress, associated with an imbalance between the oxidants (reactive oxygen species) and the antioxidants in the body, contributes to the development of many diseases. The body’s fight against reactive oxygen species is supported by antioxidants. Nowadays, there are too many analytical methods, but there is no one universal technique for assessing antioxidant properties. Moreover, the applied different ways of expressing the results lead to their incompatibility and unreasonable interpretation. The paper is a literature review concerning the most frequent ways of antioxidant activities expression and for an easy and universal method of the obtained results discussion. This paper is an attempt to point out their disadvantages and advantages. The manuscript can support the searching interpretation of the obtained results which will be a good tool for the development of a number of fields, especially medicine what can help in the future detection and treatment of many serious diseases.

Graphic abstract
Assessing the Spatio-temporal Spread of COVID-19 via Compartmental Models with Diffusion in Italy, USA, and Brazil
Authors: Grave Malú , Viguerie Alex , Barros Gabriel F. , Reali Alessandro , Coutinho Alvaro L. G. A.
Published: July 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 has led to a surge in interest in the mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. Such models are usually defined as compartmental models, in which the population under study is divided into compartments based on qualitative characteristics, with different assumptions about the nature and rate of transfer across compartments. Though most commonly formulated as ordinary differential equation models, in which the compartments depend only on time, recent works have also focused on partial differential equation (PDE) models, incorporating the variation of an epidemic in space. Such research on PDE models within a Susceptible, Infected, Exposed, Recovered, and Deceased framework has led to promising results in reproducing COVID-19 contagion dynamics. In this paper, we assess the robustness of this modeling framework by considering different geometries over more extended periods than in other similar studies. We first validate our code by reproducing previously shown results for Lombardy, Italy. We then focus on the U.S. state of Georgia and on the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, one of the most impacted areas in the world. Our results show good agreement with real-world epidemiological data in both time and space for all regions across major areas and across three different continents, suggesting that the modeling approach is both valid and robust.
An Overall Furnace Model for the Silicomanganese Process
Authors: Sparta Manuel , Risinggård Vetle Kjær , Einarsrud Kristian Etienne , Halvorsen Svenn Anton
Published: July 2021

Controlling and optimizing smelting processes in submerged-arc furnaces are complicated by the limited amount of information available regarding the internal conditions. Computer models can help to bridge this knowledge gap. Due to the process complexity, computer models are commonly restricted to electrical conditions, thermal conditions, or chemical reactions, for instance. We have developed an overall model for a pilot-scale silicomanganese furnace that simultaneously considers electrical and thermal conditions, process chemistry, and flow of solid and liquid substances. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive silicomanganese furnace model. The model has been compared to experimental data. Using information about the inner state of the furnace provided by the model, we are able to predict and explain an increase in temperature during over-coking as well as changes in the product compositions.
Do sustainable institutional investors contribute to firms’ environmental performance? Empirical evidence from Europe
Authors: Kordsachia Othar , Focke Maximilian , Velte Patrick
Published: July 2021

In light of current climate change discussions, this paper analyzes the effect of ownership structure on a firm’s environmental performance with a subsequent focus on corporate emission reduction. Based on a cross-national European sample consisting of 7384 firm-year observations between 2008 and 2017, this study explores the relationship between sustainable institutional investors and environmental performance. In line with prior research and embedded in an agency theoretical framework, the nature of institutional investors may act as a stimulating driver towards green business practices. Sustainable institutional investors are defined based on their signatory status to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and their (long-term) investment horizons. The first classification stems from a content-driven sustainability perspective, while the second is derived from temporal sustainability. The results indicate that sustainable institutional ownership is positively associated with a firm’s environmental performance. Further investigations reveal that sustainable institutional investor ownership is also positively associated with firms’ willingness to respond to the Carbon Disclosure Project. These results indicate a higher carbon-risk awareness in firms with greater sustainable institutional investor ownership. Our paper significantly contributes to prior empirical research on institutional ownership and environmental performance and offers useful theoretical and practical implications. It focusses on a still-underdeveloped research area, namely organizations and their relationships with the natural environment, including institutional equity ownership as a driver towards greener practices on a corporate level.
Temporal Expression Pattern of Hemoxygenase-1 Expression and Its Association with Vasospasm and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Frase Sibylle , Steimer Matti , Selzner Lisa , Kaiser Sandra , Foit Niels Alexander , Niesen Wolf-Dirk , Schallner Nils
Published: July 2021

Background

Red blood cell-induced cerebral inflammation and toxicity has been shown to be attenuated by induction of the heme-catalyzing enzyme, hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), in animal models of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Although inflammatory mechanisms leading to secondary neuronal injury in SAH are becoming increasingly well understood, markers of cerebral inflammation have so far not been implemented in clinical prediction models of SAH.

Methods

In this biomarker observational study, HO-1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels were determined in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of 66 patients with aneurysmal SAH on days 1, 7, and 14 after the SAH event. HO-1 mRNA expression was determined via real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and relative expression changes were quantified in comparison with expression levels in nonhemorrhagic control CSF. Subarachnoid blood burden, as well as presence of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), were recorded. Short and long-term clinical outcomes were assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale at discharge and 1 year after the SAH event.

Results

CSF HO-1 expression levels showed a significant increase over the 14-day observation period (p < 0.001, F = 22.53) and correlated with intracranial hematoma burden (ρ = 0.349, p = 0.025). In multivariate analyses, CSF HO-1 expression levels did not reach significance as independent predictors of outcome. Vasospasm on computed tomographic angiography was associated with lower CSF HO-1 expression levels on day 7 after SAH (n = 53, p = 0.010), whereas patients with DCI showed higher CSF HO-1 expression levels on day 14 after SAH (n = 21, p = 0.009).

Conclusions

HO-1 expression in CSF in patients with SAH follows a distinct temporal induction pattern and is dependent on intracranial hematoma burden. CSF HO-1 expression was unable to predict functional outcome. Associations of early low HO-1 expression with vasospasm and late elevated HO-1 expression with DCI may point to detrimental effects of late HO-1 induction, warranting the need for further investigation in a larger study population.
Genetic Depletion of Amylin/Calcitonin Receptors Improves Memory and Learning in Transgenic Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Models
Authors: Patel Aarti , Kimura Ryoichi , Fu Wen , Soudy Rania , MacTavish David , Westaway David , Yang Jing , Davey Rachel A. , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Jhamandas Jack H.
Published: July 2021

Based upon its interactions with amyloid β peptide (Aβ), the amylin receptor, a class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is a potential modulator of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, past pharmacological approaches have failed to resolve whether activation or blockade of this receptor would have greater therapeutic benefit. To address this issue, we generated compound mice expressing a human amyloid precursor protein gene with familial AD mutations in combination with deficiency of amylin receptors produced by hemizygosity for the critical calcitonin receptor subunit of this heterodimeric GPCR. These compound transgenic AD mice demonstrated attenuated responses to human amylin- and Aβ-induced depression of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in keeping with the genetic depletion of amylin receptors. Both the LTP responses and spatial memory (as measured with Morris water maze) in these mice were improved compared to AD mouse controls and, importantly, a reduction in both the amyloid plaque burden and markers of neuroinflammation was observed. Our data support the notion of further development of antagonists of the amylin receptor as AD-modifying therapies.
Identity, Belonging and Strategic Citizenship. Considerations About Naturalisation Among Italians and Spaniards Living in the EU
Authors: Dimitriadis Iraklis , Quassoli Fabio
Published: July 2021

The subject of naturalisation among intra-EU migrants has only recently drawn the attention of social science scholars. Empirical evidence from quantitative studies shows an increase in citizenship applications among this new wave of mobile people, indicating a strategic use of naturalisation. However, there is not a great deal of micro-level research, especially as to the subjective meanings attached to citizenship take-up in a new EU member state. Drawing on 68 in-depth interviews conducted with Italians and Spaniards living in London and Berlin, we argue that an individual’s understanding of naturalisation within the EU context is based on two aspects: on one hand, a strictly pragmatic evaluation of the pros and cons of the new status; on the other, a new sense of belonging as well as new cultural and territorial identifications that intra-EU migrants are not often willing to experience. Therefore, this article suggests that EU migrants that strongly identify with their country of origin and the EU see national and EU identities as conflicting with naturalisation, thus setting aside instrumental considerations. This constitutes a critique to theoretical approaches claiming the diminishing importance of a nation’s cultural self-understanding. Our paper also sheds light on the possible effect of the UK’s departure from the EU on young Southern European migrants choosing to apply for British citizenship, highlighting that it is mostly the implementation of the formal exit process and the actual abrogation of EU citizenship rights that reconfigure patterns in naturalisation, rather than the uncertainty and fears about the future.
ubtor Mutation Causes Motor Hyperactivity by Activating mTOR Signaling in Zebrafish
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Zhou Mingshan , Zhang Quan , Zhang Cuizhen , Peng Gang
Published: July 2021

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling governs important physiological and pathological processes key to cellular life. Loss of mTOR negative regulators and subsequent over-activation of mTOR signaling are major causes underlying epileptic encephalopathy. Our previous studies showed that UBTOR/KIAA1024/MINAR1 acts as a negative regulator of mTOR signaling, but whether UBTOR plays a role in neurological diseases remains largely unknown. We therefore examined a zebrafish model and found that ubtor disruption caused increased spontaneous embryonic movement and neuronal activity in spinal interneurons, as well as the expected hyperactivation of mTOR signaling in early zebrafish embryos. In addition, mutant ubtor larvae showed increased sensitivity to the convulsant pentylenetetrazol, and both the motor activity and the neuronal activity were up-regulated. These phenotypic abnormalities in zebrafish embryos and larvae were rescued by treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. Taken together, our findings show that ubtor regulates motor hyperactivity and epilepsy-like behaviors by elevating neuronal activity and activating mTOR signaling.
Applications of Quantitative Genetics and Statistical Analyses in Sugarcane Breeding
Authors: Hoarau Jean-Yves , Dumont Thomas , Wei Xianming , Jackson Philip , D’Hont Angélique
Published: July 2021

Sugarcane breeding programs aim to deliver new high-yielding varieties, resistant to diseases and pests, which contribute to profitability and sustainability of cane industries. These programs generally mobilize significant experimental, technological and human resources on long-term basis. Their efficiency in terms of genetic gains per unit of cost and time and their ability to release new varieties rely on the development of many breeding applications based on quantitative genetics theory and on statistical analyses of numerous experimental data from selection schemes including DNA marker data developed for some genomic breeding applications. New methodological approaches and new technologies that might better guide and support breeding research in cultivars development programs are continually sought. This paper presents an overview of the main applications developed in statistical methodology in support of the efficiency of sugarcane breeding programs. For each type of application, its conceptual and methodological framework is presented. Implementation issues are reviewed as well as the main scientific and practical achievements so far obtained.
Neolithic farmers or Neolithic foragers? Organic residue analysis of early pottery from Rakushechny Yar on the Lower Don (Russia)
Authors: Bondetti Manon , González Carretero Lara , Dolbunova Ekaterina , McGrath Krista , Presslee Sam , Lucquin Alexandre , Tsybriy Viktor , Mazurkevich Andrey , Tsybriy Andrey , Jordan Peter , Heron Carl , Meadows John , Craig Oliver E.
Published: July 2021

The emergence of pottery in Europe is associated with two distinct traditions: hunter-gatherers in the east of the continent during the early 6th millennium BC and early agricultural communities in the south-west in the late 7th millennium BC. Here we investigate the function of pottery from the site of Rakushechny Yar, located at the Southern fringe of Eastern Europe, in this putative contact zone between these two economic ‘worlds’. To investigate, organic residue analysis was conducted on 120 samples from the Early Neolithic phase (ca. mid-6th millennium BC) along with microscopic and SEM analysis of associated foodcrusts. The results showed that the earliest phase of pottery use was predominantly used to process riverine resources. Many of the vessels have molecular and isotopic characteristics consistent with migratory fish, such as sturgeon, confirmed by the identification of sturgeon bony structures embedded in the charred surface deposits. There was no evidence of dairy products in any of the vessels, despite the fact these have been routinely identified in coeval sites to the south. Further analysis of some of the mammalian bones using ZooMS failed to demonstrate that domesticated animals were present in the Early Neolithic. Nevertheless, we argue that intensive exploitation of seasonally migratory fish, accompanied by large-scale pottery production, created storable surpluses that led to similar socio-economic outcomes as documented in early agricultural societies.
Management of Popillia japonica in container-grown nursery stock in Italy
Authors: Mori Nicola , Santoiemma Giacomo , Glazer Itamar , Gilioli Gianni , Ciampitti Mariangela , Cavagna Beniamino , Battisti Andrea
Published: July 2021

The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica is an invasive alien species recently introduced and established in Northern Italy. Adult beetles are very polyphagous and feed on vines, fruit trees, forest trees, crops, vegetables, ornamental and wild plant species. Eggs are usually laid by females in moist grassland in the summer, singly or in small clusters. Larvae feed on roots and may be transported in soil of plants for planting grown in containers. Restrictions on movement of plants grown in containers from infested to non-infested areas imposed by phytosanitary regulations have a significant economic impact on the nursery industry. An innovative approach was used to exclude beetle oviposition by weed mulching available for container-grown nursery stocks, and by testing larval survival to the application of chemical (cypermethrin) and organic (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Metarhizium brunneum) commercial pesticides registered for European nurseries. The high effectiveness of the method makes it a suitable component of a systems approach strategy for pest risk management, in order to achieve a safe production and trade of nursery plant material in areas infested by the Japanese beetle.
The Buddha’s Awakening
Authors: Anālayo Bhikkhu
Published: July 2021

A comparative study of early Buddhist textual accounts of the Buddha’s awakening helps to put into perspective the impression that these texts present competing theories of liberating insight and realization. Although the actual event of awakening would be a non-conceptual breakthrough to the experience of Nirvana, its ramifications can be expressed with the diagnostic scheme of four truths, as a way of conveying in words what in principle is beyond words.
Phytoremediation potential of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for phenol and cyanide elimination from synthetic/simulated wastewater
Authors: Singh Neetu , Balomajumder Chandrajit
Published: July 2021

Water pollution is increasing due to urbanization and industrialization. Waste water pollution raised concern because of its influence on plants and humans. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is used for the removal of pollutants because of its phytoremediation efficiency. In this study, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has been tested for simultaneous elimination of phenol and cyanide from mono and binary component aqueous solution in batch systems. The plant was grown at six concentrations of phenol and cyanide in the ratio of (10:1), i.e. 100:10, 200:20, 300:30, 500:50, 700:70 and 1000:100 mg/L in aqueous solution. The effect of process parameters such as initial concentration of phenol and cyanide and pH was evaluated. The plant was found capable of eliminating up to 96.42% of phenol (300 mg/L) and 92.66% of cyanide (30 mg/L) during the 13 days cultivation time at pH 8. The calculatedKmof the root length elongation for phenol was 5.20 mm and theVmaxwas 12.52 μg phenol/g root/h. However, the calculatedKmof the root length elongation for cyanide was 0.39 mm and theVmaxwas 14.99 μg cyanide/ g root/h. In theEichhornia crassipesplant, the biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll, protein and sugar content have been indicated a decreasing trend due to uptake of phenol and cyanide throughout cultivation. Toxicity to 100–1000 mg/L of phenol and 10–100 mg/L of cyanide was measured by measuring the relative transpiration over 13 days. At 100 mg/L of phenol and 10 mg/L of cyanide, only a small reduction in transpiration but no morphological changes were noticed. Both pollutants are absorbed through the root of theEichhornia crassipesplant by plasmalemma and become accumulated into the root cells and stem of a plant. Thus, this study will be beneficial for the decontamination of highly polluted waste water.
The child penalty: evidence from Spain
Authors: de Quinto Alicia , Hospido Laura , Sanz Carlos
Published: July 2021

Using data from social security records and an event study approach, we estimate the child penalty in Spain, looking at disparities for women and men across different labor outcomes following the birth of the first child. Our findings show that, the year after the first child is born, mothers’ annual earnings drop by 11% while men’s remain unchanged. The gender gap is even larger 10 years after birth. Our estimate of the long-run child penalty in earnings equals 28%, similar to those found for Denmark, Finland, Sweden or the USA. In addition, we identify channels that may drive this phenomenon, including reductions in working days and shifts to part-time or fixed-term contracts. Finally, we provide evidence of heterogeneous responses in earnings and labor market participation by educational level: college-educated women react to motherhood more on the intensive margin (working part-time), while non-college-educated women are relatively more likely to do so in the extensive margin (working fewer days).
In-Depth Analysis of OLAP Query Performance on Heterogeneous Hardware
Authors: Broneske David , Drewes Anna , Gurumurthy Bala , Hajjar Imad , Pionteck Thilo , Saake Gunter
Published: July 2021

Classical database systems are now facing the challenge of processing high-volume data feeds at unprecedented rates as efficiently as possible while also minimizing power consumption. Since CPU-only machines hit their limits, co-processors like GPUs and FPGAs are investigated by database system designers for their distinct capabilities. As a result, database systems over heterogeneous processing architectures are on the rise. In order to better understand their potentials and limitations, in-depth performance analyses are vital. This paper provides interesting performance data by benchmarking a portable operator set for column-based systems on CPU, GPU, and FPGA – all available processing devices within the same system. We consider TPC‑H query Q6 and additionally a hash join to profile the execution across the systems. We show that system memory access and/or buffer management remains the main bottleneck for device integration, and that architecture-specific execution engines and operators offer significantly higher performance.
An interplay between attraction and repulsion in infinite populations
Authors: Kozitsky Yuri
Published: July 2021

We propose and study a model describing an infinite population of point entities arriving in and departing from$$X=\mathbb {R}^d$$X=Rd,$$d\ge 1$$d≥1. The already existing entities force each other to leave the population (repulsion) and attract the newcomers. The evolution of the population states is obtained by solving the corresponding Fokker-Planck equation. Without interactions, the evolution preserves states in which the probability$$p(n,\Lambda )$$p(n,Λ)of findingnpoints in a compact vessel$$\Lambda \subset X$$Λ⊂Xobeys the Poisson law. As we show, for pure attraction the decay of$$p(n,\Lambda )$$p(n,Λ)with$$n\rightarrow +\infty $$n→+∞may be essentially slower. The main result is the statement that in the presence of repulsion—even of an arbitrary short range—the evolution preserves states in which the decay of$$p(n,\Lambda )$$p(n,Λ)is at most Poissonian. We also derive the corresponding kinetic equation, the numerical solutions of which can provide more detailed information on the interplay between attraction and repulsion. Further possibilities in studying the proposed model are also discussed.
The Uniformisation of the Equation $$z^w=w^z$$
Authors: Beardon A. F.
Published: July 2021

The positive solutions of the equation $$x^y = y^x$$

x
y

=

y
x

have been discussed for over two centuries. Goldbach found a parametric form for the solutions, and later a connection was made with the classical Lambert function, which was also studied by Euler. Despite the attention given to the real equation $$x^y=y^x$$

x
y

=

y
x

, the complex equation $$z^w = w^z$$

z
w

=

w
z

has virtually been ignored in the literature. In this expository paper, we suggest that the problem should not be simply to parametrise the solutions of the equation, but to uniformize it. Explicitly, we construct a pair z(t) and w(t) of functions of a complex variable t that are holomorphic functions of t lying in some region D of the complex plane that satisfy the equation $$z(t)^{w(t)} = w(t)^{z(t)}$$

z

(
t
)

w
(
t
)

=
w

(
t
)

z
(
t
)

for t in D. Moreover, when t is positive these solutions agree with those of $$x^y=y^x$$

x
y

=

y
x

.
An investigation into intermittent electrification strategies and an analysis of resulting CO2 emissions using a high-fidelity train model
Authors: Abdurahman Bilal M. , Harrison Tim , Ward Christopher P. , Midgley William J. B.
Published: July 2021

A near-term strategy to reduce emissions from rail vehicles, as a path to full electrification for maximal decarbonisation, is to partially electrify a route, with the remainder of the route requiring an additional self-powered traction option. These rail vehicles are usually powered by a diesel engine when not operating on electrified track and are referred to as bi-mode vehicles. This paper analyses the benefits of discontinuous electrification compared to continuous electrification using the CO2 estimates from a validated high-fidelity bi-mode (diesel-electric) rail vehicle model. This analysis shows that 50% discontinuous electrification provides a maximum of 54% reduction in operational CO2 emissions when compared to the same length of continuously electrified track. The highest emissions savings occurred when leaving train stations where vehicles must accelerate quickly to line speed. These results were used to develop a linear regression model for fast estimation of CO2 emissions from diesel running and electrification benefits. This model was able to estimate the CO2 emissions from a route to within 10% of that given by the high-fidelity model. Finally, additional considerations such as cost and the embodied CO2 in electrification infrastructure were analysed to provide a comparison between continuous and discontinuous electrification. Discontinuous electrification can cost up to 56% less per reduction in lifetime emissions than continuous electrification and can save up to 2.3 times more lifetime CO2 per distance electrified.
Oral hygiene and health-related quality of life in institutionalized older people
Authors: Saarela Riitta K. T. , Hiltunen Kaija , Kautiainen Hannu , Roitto Hanna-Maria , Mäntylä Päivi , Pitkälä Kaisu H.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

We evaluated the level of oral hygiene and its association with oral health status and need for oral treatment among older residents in long-term care facilities. In addition, the association between oral hygiene level and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was explored.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed 231 dentate residents in long-term care facilities (71% female, mean age 81 years, 70% had dementia). Nurses assessed residents and completed questionnaires on participants’ background information, diagnoses, oral healthcare habits, and HRQoL with the 15D instrument. Two qualified dentists performed clinical oral examinations (number of teeth, plaque index, periodontal condition, open caries lesions, and dry mouth). We used a modified plaque index (PI) to measure the level of oral hygiene (good, moderate, and poor) and calculated the clinical Asymptotic Dental Score (ADS) to determine the oral inflammation burden.

Results

Of the residents, 21% had good, 35% moderate, and 44% poor oral hygiene according to PI. Poor oral hygiene was associated with poorer cognitive status (P = 0.010) and higher oral inflammation burden (P < 0.001). Moreover, poor oral hygiene was associated with poorer HRQoL in a correlation analysis adjusted for age and gender.

Conclusions

Oral hygiene of older individuals in long-term care is insufficient. Poor oral hygiene is a marker for poor HRQoL. Residents also have a high burden of oral inflammatory diseases and a need for dental care. Older residents’ oral hygiene and HRQoL may be improved with oral care education of caregivers and regular dental check-ups.
Effect of pyrolysis temperature on Si release of alkali-enhanced Si-rich biochar and plant response
Authors: Wang Meng , Tafti Negar D. , Wang Jim J. , Wang Xudong
Published: July 2021

Recent studies have shown that silicon (Si) dissolution from biochar may be influenced by the pyrolysis temperature. In addition, the enhancement of biochar by treatment with alkali has been proposed to produce a Si source that can be used for environmentally friendly plant disease control. In this study, biochars from rice straw and rice husk pretreated with KOH, CaO and K2CO3and then pyrolyzed at 350, 450 and 550 °C were prepared to evaluate the effects of pyrolysis temperature on Si release and plant uptake from alkali-enhanced Si-rich biochar. Extractable Si and dissolution Si from the prepared biochars were assessed by different short-term chemical methods and long-term (30-day) release in dilute acid and neutral salt solutions, respectively, along with a rice potting experiment in greenhouse. For both rice straw- and husk-derived alkali-enhanced biochars (RS-10KB and HS-10K2B, respectively), increasing the pyrolysis temperature from 350 to 550 °C generally had the highest extractable Si and increased Si content extracted by 5-day sodium carbonate and ammonium nitrate (5dSCAN) designated for fertilizer Si by 61–142%, whereas non-enhanced biochars had more extractable Si at 350 °C. The alkali-enhanced biochars produced at 550 °C pyrolysis temperature also released 82–172% and 27–79% more Si than that of 350 °C produced biochar in unbuffered weak acid and neutral salt solutions, respectively, over 30 days. In addition, alkali-enhanced biochars, especially that derived from rice husk at 550 °C facilitated 6–21% greater Si uptake by rice and 44–101% higher rice grain yields than lower temperature biochars, non-enhanced biochars, or conventional Si fertilizers (wollastonite and silicate calcium slag). Overall, this study demonstrated that 550 °C is more efficient than lower pyrolysis temperature for preparing alkali-enhanced biochar to improve Si release for plant growth.
The ethics of interaction with neurorobotic agents: a case study with BabyX
Authors: Knott Alistair , Sagar Mark , Takac Martin
Published: July 2021

As AI advances, models of simulated humans are becoming increasingly realistic. A new debate has arisen about the ethics of interacting with these realistic agents—and in particular, whether any harms arise from ‘mistreatment’ of such agents. In this paper, we advance this debate by discussing a model we have developed (‘BabyX’), which simulates a human infant. The model produces realistic behaviours—and it does so using a schematic model of certain human brain mechanisms. We first consider harms that may arise due to effectson the user—in particular effects on the user’s behaviour towards real babies. We then consider whether there’s any need to consider harms from the ‘perspective’of the simulated baby. The first topic raises practical ethical questions, many of which are empirical in nature. We argue the potential for harm is real enough to warrant restrictions on the use of BabyX. The second topic raises a very different set of questions in the philosophy of mind. Here, we argue that BabyX’s biologically inspired model of emotions raises important moral questions, and places BabyX in a different category from avatars whose emotional behaviours are ‘faked’ by simple rules. This argument counters John Danaher’s recently proposed ‘moral behaviourism’. We conclude that the developers of simulated humans have useful contributions to make to debates about moral patiency—and also have certain new responsibilities in relation to the simulations they build.
Surgical site infection metrics: Dissecting the differences between the National Health and Safety Network and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Christensen Alaia M. M. , Dowler Karen , Doron Shira
Published: July 2021

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are associated with readmissions, reoperations, increased cost of care, and overall morbidity and mortality risk. The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) have developed an array of metrics to monitor hospital-acquired complications. The only metric collected by both is SSI, but performance as benchmarked against peer hospitals is often discordant between the 2 systems. In this commentary, we outline the differences between these 2 surveillance systems as they relate to this potential for discordance.
Hospital Surge Preparedness and Response Index
Authors: Thomasian Nicole M. , Madad Syra , Hick John L. , Ranney Megan L. , Biddinger Paul D.
Published: July 2021

The Hospital Surge Preparedness and Response Index is an all-hazards template developed by a group of emergency management and disaster medicine experts from the United States. The objective of the Hospital Surge Preparedness and Response Index is to improve planning by linking action items to institutional triggers across the surge capacity continuum. This responder tool is a non-exhaustive, high-level template: administrators should tailor these elements to their individual institutional protocols and constraints for optimal efficiency. The Hospital Surge Preparedness and Response Index can be used to provide administrators with a snapshot of their facility’s current service capacity in order to promote efficiency and situational awareness both internally and among regional partners.
Scientific Ontology: Fact or Stance?
Authors: Psillos Stathis
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the key tenets of Anjan Chakravartty's book Scientific Ontology are critically discussed. After a brief presentation of the project of stance-based ontology (Section 2), I move on to criticize Chakravartty's account of metaphysical inference (Sections 2 and 3). Then, in Section 4, I take issue with Chakravartty's view that fundamental debates in metaphysics inevitably lead to irresolvable disagreement, while in Section 5, the concept of epistemic stance is scrutinized, noting that there are problems in Chakravartty's account of the rationality of stance-choice. Finally, Section 6 is about the implications of stance-based ontology for the scientific realism debate.
Small-Business Survival Capabilities and Fiscal Programs: Evidence from Oakland
Authors: Bartlett Robert P. , Morse Adair
Published: July 2021

Using City of Oakland data during COVID-19, we document that small-business components of survival capabilities (i.e., revenue resiliency, labor flexibility, and committed costs) vary by firm size. Nonemployer businesses rely on low-cost structures to survive. Microbusinesses (1–5 employees) depend on 14% greater revenue resiliency. Enterprises (6–50 employees) use labor flexibility to survive but face 10%–20% higher residual closure risk from committed costs. The evidence argues for size targeting of financial support programs, including committed costs and revenue-based lending programs. Supporting the capabilities mapping, we find that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) increased medium-run survival probability by 20.5% specifically for microbusinesses.
Maternal caregiving ameliorates the consequences of prenatal maternal psychological distress on child development
Authors: Grande Leah A. , Swales Danielle A. , Sandman Curt A. , Glynn Laura M. , Davis Elysia Poggi
Published: July 2021

Children exposed to prenatal maternal psychological distress are at elevated risk for a range of adverse outcomes; however, it remains poorly understood whether postnatal influences can ameliorate impairments related to prenatal distress. The current study evaluated if sensitivematernal care during the first postnatal year could mitigate child cognitive and emotional impairments associated with prenatal psychological distress. Prenatal maternal psychological distress was assessed via self-reports of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress for 136 mothers at five prenatal and four postpartum time points. Quality of maternal care (sensitivity to nondistress, positive regard, and intrusiveness reverse-scored) were assessed during a mother–child play interaction at 6 and 12 months. Child cognitive function and negative emotionality were assessed at 2 years, using The Bayley Scales and the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire. Elevated prenatal distress was associated with poorer child cognitive function and elevated negative emotionality. Children exposed to elevated prenatal maternal distress did not, however, display these outcomes if they received high-quality caregiving. Specifically, maternal care moderated the relation between prenatal psychological distress and child cognitive function and negative emotionality. This association remained after consideration of postnatal maternal psychological distress and relevant covariates. Sensitive maternal care was associated with altered offspring developmental trajectories, supporting child resilience following prenatal distress exposure.
Modulating oxidative stress and epigenetic homeostasis in preimplantation IVF embryos
Authors: Menezo Yves , Clement Patrice , Dale Brian , Elder Kay
Published: July 2021

Assisted reproductive technology is today considered a safe and reliable medical intervention, with healthy live births a reality for many IVF and ICSI treatment cycles. However, there are increasing numbers of published reports describing epigenetic/imprinting anomalies in children born as a result of these procedures. These anomalies have been attributed to methylation errors in embryo chromatin remodelling during in vitro culture. Here we re-visit three concepts: (1) the so-called ‘in vitro toxicity’ of ‘essential amino acids’ before the maternal to zygotic transition period; (2) the effect of hyperstimulation (controlled ovarian hyperstimulation) on homocysteine in the oocyte environment and the effect on methylation in the absence of essential amino acids; and (3) the fact/postulate that during the early stages of development the embryo undergoes a ‘global’ demethylation. Methylation processes require efficient protection against oxidative stress, which jeopardizes the correct acquisition of methylation marks as well as subsequent methylation maintenance. The universal precursor of methylation [by S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)], methionine, ‘an essential amino acid’, should be present in the culture. Polyamines, regulators of methylation, require SAM and arginine for their syntheses. Cystine, another ‘semi-essential amino acid’, is the precursor of the universal protective antioxidant molecule: glutathione. It protects methylation marks against some undue DNA demethylation processes through ten-eleven translocation (TET), after formation of hydroxymethyl cytosine. Early embryos are unable to convert homocysteine to cysteine as the cystathionine β-synthase pathway is not active. In this way, cysteine is a ‘real essential amino acid’. Most IVF culture medium do not maintain methylation/epigenetic processes, even in mouse assays. Essential amino acids should be present in human IVF medium to maintain adequate epigenetic marking in preimplantation embryos. Furthermore, morphological and morphometric data need to be re-evaluated, taking into account the basic biochemical processes involved in early life.
Mental pain as a global person-centered outcome measure
Authors: Cosci Fiammetta , Mansueto Giovanni , Benemei Silvia , Chiarugi Alberto , De Cesaris Francesco , Sensky Tom
Published: July 2021

Background

Mental pain has been proposed as a global person-centered outcome measure. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to test an essential requisite of such a measure, namely that mental pain incorporates independent contributions from a range of discrete but disparate outcome measures.

Methods

Two hundred migraine patients were assessed concerning migraine disability, psychosomatic syndromes, mental pain, depression, anxiety, and psychosocial dimensions. General linear models were tested to verify which measures would individually make unique contributions to overall mental pain.

Results

The final model, accounting for 44% of variance, identified that higher mental pain was associated with more severe depressive symptoms, higher migraine disability, lower well-being, and poorer quality of life.

Conclusion

In this sample, mental pain was shown to behave as expected of a global outcome measure, since multiple measures of symptomatology and quality of life showed modest but significant bivariate correlations with mental pain and some of these measures individually made unique contributions to overall mental pain.
Binge Drinking Relates to Worse Neurocognitive Functioning Among Adults Aging with HIV
Authors: Paolillo Emily W. , Saloner Rowan , Kohli Maulika , Watson C. Wei-Ming , Moore Raeanne C. , Heaton Robert K. , Moore David J.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Given the aging population of people with HIV (PWH), along with increasing rates of binge drinking among both PWH and the general older adult population, this study examined the independent and interactive effects of HIV, binge drinking, and age on neurocognition.

Method:

Participants were 146 drinkers stratified by HIV and binge drinking status (i.e., ≥4 drinks for women and ≥5 drinks for men within approximately 2 h): HIV+/Binge+ (n = 30), HIV−/Binge+ (n = 23), HIV+/Binge− (n = 55), HIV−/Binge− (n = 38). All participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery measuring demographically-corrected global and domain-specific neurocognitive T scores. ANCOVA models examined independent and interactive effects of HIV and binge drinking on neurocognitive outcomes, adjusting for overall alcohol consumption, lifetime substance use, sex, and age. Subsequent multiple linear regressions examined whether HIV/Binge group moderated the relationship between age and neurocognition.

Results:

HIV+/Binge+ participants had worse global neurocognition, processing speed, delayed recall, and working memory than HIV−/Binge− participants (p’s < .05). While there were significant main effects of HIV and binge drinking, their interaction did not predict any of those neurocognitive outcomes (p’s > .05). Significant interactions between age and HIV/Binge group showed that HIV+/Binge+ participants demonstrated steeper negative relationships between age and neurocognitive outcomes of learning, delayed recall, and motor skills compared to HIV−/Binge− participants (p’s < .05).

Conclusions:

Results showed adverse additive effects of HIV and binge drinking on neurocognitive functioning, with older adults demonstrating the most vulnerability to these effects. Findings support the need for interventions to reduce binge drinking, especially among older PWH.
Analysis of the policy process for the implementation of nutritional warning labels in Uruguay
Authors: Ares Gastón , Antúnez Lucía , Cabrera Magela , Thow Anne Marie
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To analyse the process for the development and implementation of mandatory nutritional warning labels in Uruguay, in order to inform future nutrition policy making and strategic engagement by public health actors.

Design:

The study design drew on policy analysis methodology and case study research methodology. Two main sources of information were selected and analysed for the current study: eighteen official documents from the Uruguayan government and 259 news reports, published between June 2017 and February 2021.

Setting:

Uruguay, Latin America.

Results:

The Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health led a cross-sectoral working group composed of diverse governmental stakeholders, international organisations and the academia to develop the front-of-package nutrition labelling policy. A robust evidence-based approach, based on rigorous scientific knowledge generated in the country, was followed. However, changes in the systemic governing coalition as a consequence of a change in government led to a delay in the entry into force and changes in the regulation. The food industry was the main opponent to the warning label regulation and relied on widely reported corporate political activities to influence the policy process: information and messaging, legal action, policy substitution, opposition, fragmentation and destabilisation.

Conclusions:

Key insights to inform future policy action in Uruguay and other jurisdictions were derived. Results stressed the importance of an evidence-based approach for policy design and the early engagement with actors from all the political system.
Integrated Microscopy and Metabolomics to Test an Innovative Fluid Dynamic System for Skin Explants In Vitro
Authors: Cappellozza Enrica , Zanzoni Serena , Malatesta Manuela , Calderan Laura
Published: July 2021

The in vitro models are receiving growing attention in studies on skin permeation, penetration, and irritancy, especially for the preclinical development of new transcutaneous drugs. However, synthetic membranes or cell cultures are unable to effectively mimic the permeability and absorption features of the cutaneous barrier. The use of explanted skin samples maintained in a fluid dynamic environment would make it possible for an in vitro experimentation closer to in vivo physiological conditions. To this aim, in the present study, we have modified a bioreactor designed for cell culture to host explanted skin samples. The preservation of the skin was evaluated by combining light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy, for the histo/cytological characterization, with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, for the identification in the culture medium of metabolites indicative of the functional state of the explants. Our morphological and metabolomics results demonstrated that fluid dynamic conditions ameliorate significantly the structural and functional preservation of skin explants in comparison with conventional culture conditions. Our in vitro system is, therefore, reliable to test novel therapeutic agents intended for transdermal administration in skin samples from biopsies or surgical materials, providing predictive information suitable for focused in vivo research and reducing animal experimentation.
Spatial Resolution and Capacitive Coupling in the Characterization of Nanowire Nanocomposites by Scanning Dielectric Microscopy
Authors: Balakrishnan Harishankar , Fabregas Rene , Millan-Solsona Ruben , Fumagalli Laura , Gomila Gabriel
Published: July 2021

Nanowire-based nanocomposite materials are being developed as transparent and flexible electrodes or as stretchable conductors and dielectrics for biosensing. Here, we theoretically investigate the use of scanning dielectric microscopy (SDM) to characterize these materials in a nondestructive way, with a special focus on the achievable spatial resolution and the possibility of detection of the capacitive coupling between nearby nanowires. Numerical calculations with models involving single and multiple buried nanowires have been performed. We demonstrate that the capacitance gradient spread function of a single buried nanowire consists of a modified Lorenzianan with a cubic decay. We show that the achievable spatial resolution can be determined with good accuracy with the help of this spread function. It is shown that, in general, the spatial resolution worsens when any system parameter decreases the maximum of the nanowire spread function or increases its width, or both. Finally, we show that SDM measurements are also sensitive to the capacitive coupling between nearby nanowires. This latter result is of utmost relevance since the macroscopic electric properties of nanowire nanocomposites largely depend on the electric interaction between nearby nanowires. The present results show that SDM can be a valuable nondestructive subsurface characterization technique for nanowire nanocomposite materials.