bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower bound analysis of modified pseudo‐dynamic lateral earth pressures for retaining wall‐backfill system with depth‐varying damping using FEM‐Second order cone programming
Authors: Fathipour Hessam , Payan Meghdad , Jamshidi Chenari Reza , Senetakis Kostas
Published: August 2021

Realistic constitutive ground models are critical in the evaluation of soil‐structure interaction problems and the assessment of key design parameters in the seismic analysis of infrastructure systems. In the present study, the modified pseudo‐dynamic lateral earth pressures acting on retaining structure with granular backfill of depth‐varying damping ratio are evaluated adopting the lower bound limit analysis in conjunction with the finite element (FE) discretization method using second‐order cone programming (SOCP). The earthquake loading is simulated by the propagation of shear and primary waves through non‐constant inertia forces in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The influence of varying damping ratio alongside the retaining wall height on the seismic active and passive lateral earth pressures is effectively taken into account by adopting well‐established formulas published in the literature. It is shown that failing to consider the damping variation with depth while performing the modified pseudo‐dynamic analysis could lead to precarious, unrealistic estimates of design parameters.
2020 year in review: Neonatal pulmonology
Authors: Auten Richard L. , Ryan Rita M.
Published: August 2021

Pediatric Pulmonology publishes original research, reviews, and case reports related to a wide range of children's respiratory disorders. This review summarizes the past year's publications in the topic area of neonatal pulmonology, in the context of selected literature from other journals relevant to the discipline.
Synthesis and fungicidal activity of novel benzimidazole derivatives bearing pyrimidine‐thioether moiety against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Sun Changxing , Zhang Shuai , Qian Ping , Li Ying , Ren Wansheng , Deng Hao , Jiang Lin
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Botrytis cinerea is a serious plant fungus and strongly affects the yield and quality of crops. The main control strategy is the employment of fungicides. To research for efficient fungicide with novel structure, a series of novel benzimidazole derivatives bearing pyrimidine and thioether moieties were designed and synthesized.

RESULTS

Some target compounds such as 4h, 4i, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4s, 4t and 4u exhibited notable fungicidal activities, with half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values in the range 0.13–0.24 μg mL−1, which means that their activities were comparable or higher than that of carbendazim (EC50 = 0.21 μg mL−1). Among them, N‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐((4‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐6‐(4‐methoxyphenyl) pyrimidin‐2‐yl)thio)acetamide (4m) displayed the best activity (EC50 = 0.13 μg mL−1). Molecular electrostatic potential analysis of 4m elucidated that the NH moiety of benzimidazole ring was located in the positive potential region and may generate hydrogen bond with target amino acid residue. Molecular docking analysis revealed that there was one hydrogen bond and one 𝜋–𝜋 interaction between 4m and target protein.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the benzimidazole derivatives bearing pyrimidine and thioether moieties can be further optimized as a lead compound for the control of B. cinerea. The combination of molecular electrostatic potential and molecular docking analyses may provide a valuable reference for studying the interaction between the ligand and target protein. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantifying the causes and consequences of variation in satellite‐derived population indices: a case study of emperor penguins
Authors: Labrousse Sara , Iles David , Viollat Lise , Fretwell Peter , Trathan Philip N. , Zitterbart Daniel P. , Jenouvrier Stephanie , LaRue Michelle
Published: August 2021

Very high‐resolution satellite (VHR) imagery is a promising tool for estimating the abundance of wildlife populations, especially in remote regions where traditional surveys are limited by logistical challenges. Emperor penguins Aptenodytes forsteri were the first species to have a circumpolar population estimate derived via VHR imagery. Here we address an untested assumption from Fretwell et al. (2012) that a single image of an emperor penguin colony is a reasonable representation of the colony for the year the image was taken. We evaluated satellite‐related and environmental variables that might influence the calculated area of penguin pixels to reduce uncertainties in satellite‐based estimates of emperor penguin populations in the future. We focused our analysis on multiple VHR images from three representative colonies: Atka Bay, Stancomb‐Wills (Weddell Sea sector) and Coulman Island (Ross Sea sector) between September and December during 2011. We replicated methods in Fretwell et al. (2012), which included using supervised classification tools in ArcGIS 10.7 software to calculate area occupied by penguins (hereafter referred to as ‘population indices’) in each image. We found that population indices varied from 2 to nearly 6‐fold, suggesting that penguin pixel areas calculated from a single image may not provide a complete understanding of colony size for that year. Thus, we further highlight the important roles of: (i) sun azimuth and elevation through image resolution and (ii) penguin patchiness (aggregated vs. distributed) on the calculated areas. We found an effect of wind and temperature on penguin patchiness. Despite intra‐seasonal variability in population indices, simulations indicate that reliable, robust population trends are possible by including satellite‐related and environmental covariates and aggregating indices across time and space. Our work provides additional parameters that should be included in future models of population size for emperor penguins.
Proper background checks reduce risks for everyone involved in hiring process
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2021

When you need to fill an opening in your busy student affairs unit, you're likely focused on getting that seemingly ideal new candidate on board as quickly as possible to lighten the load for your overworked staff. But in your rush to speed up the process, don't even think about taking shortcuts when it comes to the background check process.
Mountain definitions and their consequences
Authors: Körner Christian , Urbach Davnah , Paulsen Jens
Published: August 2021

Mountains are rugged structures in the landscape that are difficult to delineate. Given that they host an overproportional fraction of biodiversity of high ecological and conservational value, conventions on what is mountainous and what not are in need. This short communication aims at explaining the differences among various popular mountain definitions. Defining mountainous terrain is key for global assessments of plant species richness in mountains and their likely responses to climatic change, as well as for assessing the human population density in and around mountainous terrain.
Survival Benefit of Primary Tumor Resection Among Elderly Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Toyoda Junya , Sahara Kota , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Miyake Kentaro , Yabushita Yasuhiro , Homma Yuki , Kumamoto Takafumi , Matsuyama Ryusei , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Pancreatectomy is the main curative therapeutic option for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Given the indolent behavior of pNETs and the relatively limited lifetime of elderly patients, the impact of primary site surgery (PSS) of pNETs on long‐term outcomes among older patients has been a topic of debate.

Methods

Patients aged 70 or older with pNETs were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and the End Results (SEER) database from 1998 to 2016. Propensity score matching was used to compare overall (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) of patients who did versus did not undergo PSS.

Results

Among 2,319 elderly patients with pNETs, 942 patients (40.6%) underwent PSS, while 1,377 (59.4%) did not undergo PSS (non‐PSS: NPSS). After propensity score matching (n = 433 in each group), PSS group had improved survival compared with the NPSS group (5‐year OS: 53.4% vs. 37.3%; 5‐year CSS: 77.2% vs. 58.1%, both p < 0.001). In contrast, subgroup analysis of individuals aged ≥ 80 revealed no difference in 5‐year CSS (PSS: 69.2% vs. NPSS: 67.4%, p = 0.27). A subgroup analysis among patients who had small (≤ 2 cm) non‐functional (NF) pNETs noted comparable long‐term outcomes among patients who underwent PSS versus NPSS patients (5‐year OS: 73.1% vs. 66.5%, p = 0.19; 5‐year CSS: 98.5% vs. 95.2%, p = 0.14).

Conclusions

Approximately 2 in 5 elderly patients with pNETs underwent PSS. While PSS was generally associated with prolonged OS and CSS among older patients, PSS was not associated with improved CSS among a subset of patients aged 80 or older, as well as among patients age ≥ 70 years with NF‐pNET less than 2 cm.
Assessing mood and cognitive functioning in acute stroke: clinical usability of a Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS)
Authors: Pasotti Fabrizio , Serranò Sabrina , Aiello Edoardo Nicolò , Gramegna Chiara , Querzola Matteo , Gallucci Marcello , Micieli Giuseppe , Bollani Allesandra , Agostoni Elio Clemente , Bottini Gabriella
Published: August 2021

Background

Patients suffering from stroke in the acute/post-acute phases often present with depressive mood — which negatively impacts on patients’ prognosis. However, psychometric evaluation of mood in acute stroke patients may be challenging due to cognitive deficits. Tools investigating emotional states via a vertical analogue line may overcome language/visuo-spatial disorders. This study thus aimed at (a) investigating the clinical usability of a Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS) in acute stroke patients and (b) investigating the interplay between mood and cognition in this population.

Methods

Forty-one acute stroke patients were compared to 41 age-, education- and sex-matched healthy participants (HPs) on the VAMS and on cognitive measures (mental performance in acute stroke, MEPS). A control line bisection (LB) task was administered to control for potential visuo-spatial deficits in patients.

Results

Patients reported higher depression levels than HPs (lower VAMS scores); this between-group difference stayed significant when covarying for LB scores. MEPS scores discriminated patients from HPs; among cognitive measures, only the Clock drawing test (CDT) was positively associated with VAMS scores. Lesion side did not affect patients’ mood state; however, disease duration was inversely related to VAMS scores.

Discussion

The VAMS proved to be a suitable tool for assessing mood in acute stroke patients, as being independent from post-stroke cognitive sequelae. The CDT might represent an adequate measure of depression-induced, post-stroke cognitive efficiency decrease. Mood disorders might occur and thus should be adequately addressed also in post-acute phases — likely due to longer hospitalization times and regression of anosognosic features.
Forecasting binary outcomes in soccer
Authors: Mattera Raffaele
Published: August 2021

Several studies deal with the development of advanced statistical methods for predicting football match results. These predictions are then used to construct profitable betting strategies. Even if the most popular bets are based on whether one expects that a team will win, lose, or draw in the next game, nowadays a variety of other outcomes are available for betting purposes. While some of these events are binary in nature (e.g. the red cards occurrence), others can be seen as binary outcomes. In this paper we propose a simple framework, based on score-driven models, able to obtain accurate forecasts for binary outcomes in soccer matches. To show the usefulness of the proposed statistical approach, two experiments to the English Premier League and to the Italian Serie A are provided for predicting red cards occurrence, Under/Over and Goal/No Goal events.
Dietary patterns related to total mortality and cancer mortality in the United States
Authors: Entwistle Marcela R. , Schweizer Donald , Cisneros Ricardo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study investigated the association between dietary patterns, total mortality, and cancer mortality in the United States.

Methods

We identified the four major dietary patterns at baseline from 13,466 participants of the NHANES III cohort using principal component analysis (PCA). Dietary patterns were categorized into ‘prudent’ (fruits and vegetables), ‘western’ (red meat, sweets, pastries, oils), ‘traditional’ (red meat, legumes, potatoes, bread), and ‘fish and alcohol’. We estimated hazard ratios for total mortality, and cancer mortality using Cox regression models.

Results

A total of 4,963 deaths were documented after a mean follow-up of 19.59 years. Higher adherence to the ‘prudent’ pattern was associated with the lowest risk of total mortality (5th vs. 1st quintile HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.98), with evidence that all-cause mortality decreased as consumption of the pattern increased. No evidence was found that the ‘prudent’ pattern reduced cancer mortality. The ‘western’ and the ‘traditional’ patterns were associated with up to 22% and 16% increased risk for total mortality (5th vs. 1st quintile HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.34; and 5th vs. 1st quintile HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06–1.27, respectively), and up to 33% and 15% increased risk for cancer mortality (5th vs. 1st quintile HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10–1.62; and 5th vs. 1st quintile HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.24, respectively). The associations between adherence to the ‘fish and alcohol’ pattern and total mortality, and cancer mortality were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Higher adherence to the ‘prudent’ diet decreased the risk of all-cause mortality but did not affect cancer mortality. Greater adherence to the ‘western’ and ‘traditional’ diet increased the risk of total mortality and mortality due to cancer.
Green morays (Gymnothorax funebris) have sedentary ways in mangrove bays, but also ontogenetic forays to reef enclaves
Authors: Kendall Matthew S. , Siceloff Laughlin , Ruffo Ashley , Winship Arliss , Monaco Mark E.
Published: August 2021

Surprisingly, little is known about basic life history of the largest moray eel species in the Caribbean region, the green moray eel (Gymnothorax funebris). Sixteen eels were captured from the mangrove fringe in multiple bays on St. Croix, USVI, implanted with coded acoustic transmitters, and their movements were tracked for up to 11 months using an array of 37 stationary acoustic receivers. They exhibited high site fidelity in the bays during their residence, using the same general parts of individual bays and did not switch bays except for one individual. There was no relationship between eel size (mean TL = 83 cm, range = 54–126 cm) and home range size (mean area of 95% KUD = 5.8 ha ± 0.7 SE). Most individuals were more frequently detected at night than during the day suggesting greater nocturnal activity. Several of the larger eels (mean TL = 93 cm ± 5.9 SE) showed clear and permanent emigration tracks out of the mangrove estuary to coral reef habitats offshore. For some individuals, these habitat shifts were preceded by exploratory movements away from the eel’s typical home range the night before emigration. All final emigration events took place nocturnally, happened during a single night, and occurred during months from December to May. Mean emigration speed was 3.4 km/h. This study is the first documentation of an ontogenetic habitat shift in moray eels, as well as the first determination of home range size for this species and their site fidelity in mangrove habitats.
Leveraging colour-based pseudo-labels to supervise saliency detection in hyperspectral image datasets
Authors: Appice Annalisa , Cannarile Angelo , Falini Antonella , Malerba Donato , Mazzia Francesca , Tamborrino Cristiano
Published: August 2021

Saliency detection mimics the natural visual attention mechanism that identifies an imagery region to be salient when it attracts visual attention more than the background. This image analysis task covers many important applications in several fields such as military science, ocean research, resources exploration, disaster and land-use monitoring tasks. Despite hundreds of models have been proposed for saliency detection in colour images, there is still a large room for improving saliency detection performances in hyperspectral imaging analysis. In the present study, an ensemble learning methodology for saliency detection in hyperspectral imagery datasets is presented. It enhances saliency assignments yielded through a robust colour-based technique with new saliency information extracted by taking advantage of the abundance of spectral information on multiple hyperspectral images. The experiments performed with the proposed methodology provide encouraging results, also compared to several competitors.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Through Intervention by Second Language Acquisition in Older Adults
Authors: Pikhart Marcel , Klimova Blanka , Cierniak-Emerych Anna , Dziuba Szymon
Published: August 2021

The paper deals with a possibility of foreign language learning (FLL) intervention in older adults as a psychosocial rehabilitation method to improve the quality of life (QoL) in this age segment, i.e. the people who are over 55 years. FLL has been researched as a successful tool to maintain or even enhance cognitive functions in older age along with other intentional activities, such as engagement in any physical activity. FLL cannot dramatically improve memory and cognitive deterioration of older adults, however, it can improve QoL by increasing subjective happiness that is connected to improved wellbeing. The research was conducted in two groups of seniors who are engaged in FLL, specifically in the Czech Republic and Poland. The major premise of the research was based on the positive psychology concept, i.e., the subjective happiness leads to improved levels of QoL. Both groups consisted of about a hundred respondents whose opinions were researched by an online questionnaire. The major focus of this questionnaire was to evaluate the level of subjective happiness and then compare the results obtained from the respondents from these two geographically different regions. The findings clearly showed that those who had engaged in FLL had reached high levels of subjective happiness, therefore, their subjective wellbeing could be improved. These results might be important for psychosocial rehabilitation practices because they can create a framework for further non-pharmacological intervention to maintain healthy aging. FLL can thus be a very efficient tool for any psychosocial rehabilitation in older healthy adults who do not suffer from any cognitive pathological development but who are just experiencing negative side effects of natural aging process. The research into this topic is very scarce, and therefore, this paper could be an inspiration for further and larger-scale research.
A broadbanded pressure differential wave energy converter based on dielectric elastomer generators
Authors: Righi Michele , Moretti Giacomo , Forehand David , Agostini Lorenzo , Vertechy Rocco , Fontana Marco
Published: August 2021

Dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) are a promising option for the implementation of affordable and reliable sea wave energy converters (WECs), as they show considerable promise in replacing expensive and inefficient power take-off systems with cheap direct-drive generators. This paper introduces a concept of a pressure differential wave energy converter, equipped with a DEG power take-off operating in direct contact with sea water. The device consists of a closed submerged air chamber, with a fluid-directing duct and a deformable DEG power take-off mounted on its top surface. The DEG is cyclically deformed by wave-induced pressure, thus acting both as the power take-off and as a deformable interface with the waves. This layout allows the partial balancing of the stiffness due to the DEG’s elasticity with the negative hydrostatic stiffness contribution associated with the displacement of the water column on top of the DEG. This feature makes it possible to design devices in which the DEG exhibits large deformations over a wide range of excitation frequencies, potentially achieving large power capture in a wide range of sea states. We propose a modelling approach for the system that relies on potential-flow theory and electroelasticity theory. This model makes it possible to predict the system dynamic response in different operational conditions and it is computationally efficient to perform iterative and repeated simulations, which are required at the design stage of a new WEC. We performed tests on a small-scale prototype in a wave tank with the aim of investigating the fluid–structure interaction between the DEG membrane and the waves in dynamical conditions and validating the numerical model. The experimental results proved that the device exhibits large deformations of the DEG power take-off over a broad range of monochromatic and panchromatic sea states. The proposed model demonstrates good agreement with the experimental data, hence proving its suitability and effectiveness as a design and prediction tool.
An Extended Regional Gender Gaps Index (eRGGI): Comparative Measurement of Gender Equality at Different Levels of Regionality
Authors: Cascella C. , Williams J. , Pampaka M.
Published: August 2021

Gender equality has been widely explored, but there is limited research investigating its variability at regional level. This paper aims to fill this gap by developing and validating a new, regional gender gaps index, compatible with previous indices used to compare gender equality across nations but now fit for the purpose of measuring gender equality across regions, within nations. To this end, we (i) reviewed existing indicators of gender equality; (ii) assessed the contribution of the indicators most frequently used in previous research to measure gender equality; (iii) developed an extended, regional version of the gender gaps index (eRGGI), by extending it to include new indicators able to capture female empowerment in developed countries, like Italy; and, (iv) explored the variability of gender equality across Italian regions. In developing our eRGGI, some indicators traditionally used to measure gender equality were removed and others were introduced to capture new dimensions of gender equality to suit modern conditions regarding contexts where equality is considered important, in contemporary Europe. Results showed that gender equality varies dramatically across regions, also confirming the relevance of the new indicators we proposed to add. Such results call for more caution in interpreting results based on nationally aggregated data to inform policy and practice, arguing for regional comparisons to become more prominent.
RoleSim*: Scaling axiomatic role-based similarity ranking on large graphs
Authors: Yu Weiren , Iranmanesh Sima , Haldar Aparajita , Zhang Maoyin , Ferhatosmanoglu Hakan
Published: August 2021

RoleSim and SimRank are among the popular graph-theoretic similarity measures with many applications in, e.g., web search, collaborative filtering, and sociometry. While RoleSim addresses the automorphic (role) equivalence of pairwise similarity which SimRank lacks, it ignores the neighboring similarity information out of the automorphically equivalent set. Consequently, two pairs of nodes, which are not automorphically equivalent by nature, cannot be well distinguished by RoleSim if the averages of their neighboring similarities over the automorphically equivalent set are the same. To alleviate this problem: 1) We propose a novel similarity model, namely RoleSim*, which accurately evaluates pairwise role similarities in a more comprehensive manner. RoleSim* not only guarantees the automorphic equivalence that SimRank lacks, but also takes into account the neighboring similarity information outside the automorphically equivalent sets that are overlooked by RoleSim. 2) We prove the existence and uniqueness of the RoleSim* solution, and show its three axiomatic properties (i.e., symmetry, boundedness, and non-increasing monotonicity). 3) We provide a concise bound for iteratively computing RoleSim* formula, and estimate the number of iterations required to attain a desired accuracy. 4) We induce a distance metric based on RoleSim* similarity, and show that the RoleSim* metric fulfills the triangular inequality, which implies the sum-transitivity of its similarity scores. 5) We present a threshold-based RoleSim* model that reduces the computational time further with provable accuracy guarantee. 6) We propose a single-source RoleSim* model, which scales well for sizable graphs. 7) We also devise methods to scale RoleSim* based search by incorporating its triangular inequality property with partitioning techniques. Our experimental results on real datasets demonstrate that RoleSim* achieves higher accuracy than its competitors while scaling well on sizable graphs with billions of edges.
An integrated fault-tolerant control strategy for control surface failure in a fighter aircraft
Authors: Gümüşboğa İ. , İftar A.
Published: August 2021

Elevator failure may have fatal consequences for fighter aircraft that are unstable due to their high manoeuvrability requirements. Many studies have been conducted in the literature using active and passive fault-tolerant control structures. However, these studies mostly include sophisticated controllers with high computational load that cannot work in real systems. Considering the multi-functionality and broad operational prospects of fighter aircraft, computational load is very important in terms of applicability. In this study, an integrated fault-tolerant control strategy with low computational load is proposed without sacrificing the ability to cope with failures. This control strategy switches between predetermined controllers in the case of failure. One of these controllers is designed to operate in a non-failure condition. This controller is a basic controller that requires very little computational effort. The other controller operates when an asymmetric elevator failure occurs. This controller is a robust fault-tolerant controller that can fly the aircraft safely in case of elevator failure. The switching is decided by a failure detection system. The proposed integrated fault-tolerant control system is verified by non-linear F-16 flight simulations. These simulations show that the proposed method can cope with failures but requires less computational load because it uses a conventional controller in the case of no failure.
Les esclaves livournais à Alger: La question juive et le théâtre politique en Toscane à la fin du xviiie siècle
Authors: Addobbati Andrea , Bregoli Francesca
Published: August 2021

Les esclaves livournais à Alger: La question juive et le théâtre politique en Toscane à la fin du xviiie siècle

Cet article analyse une pièce de théâtre française récemment découverte, Les esclaves livournais à Alger, écrite par François Gariel et publiée à Livourne en 1786. Le protagoniste de la pièce, qui fourmille d’allusions à des événements toscans et européens contemporains et de références subtiles à des classiques de la littérature française des Lumières, est un marchand juif vertueux d’Alger, avocat de la tolérance pour tous les peuples et toutes les religions et admirateur déclaré du grand-duc de Toscane. Afin de mieux comprendre la pièce de Gariel et la question juive à Livourne, l’article revient sur le contexte des années 1780 et l’installation dans le port toscan d’importantes familles juives algériennes enrichies par le rachat des captifs. Il met également en lumière la participation active, mais contestée, des Juifs à la scène théâtrale livournaise. Une fois les nombreuses allusions des Esclaves mises au jour et décodées, la pièce nous plonge au cœur des débats politiques toscans concernant la participation des Juifs à la vie publique. Elle sonde également les inquiétudes qui entourent le pouvoir présumé des Juifs et leur rôle ambivalent dans le commerce et le rachat des captifs. Les relations étroites nouées entre Livourne et l’Afrique du Nord permettent ainsi de mieux saisir le discours public sur la condition des Juifs en Toscane. Cette perspective méditerranéenne complexifie à son tour notre compréhension des relations entre minorités et majorités, à une époque où les débats des Lumières sur la tolérance et l’intégration des Juifs se multipliaient en Europe occidentale.
The Metaphysics of Practical Rationality: Intentional and Deontic Cognition
Authors: STOVALL PRESTON
Published: August 2021

Despite growing appreciation in recent decades of the importance of shared intentional mental states as a foundation for everything from divergences in primate evolution, to the institution of communal norms, to trends in the development of modernity as a sociopolitical phenomenon, we lack an adequate understanding of the relationship between individual and shared intentionality. At the same time, it is widely appreciated that deontic reasoning concerning what ought, may, and ought not be done is, like reasoning about our intentions, an exercise of practical rationality. Taking advantage of this fact, I use a plan-theoretic semantics for the deontic modalities as a basis for understanding individual and shared intentions. This results in a view that accords well with what we currently have reason to believe about the phylogenetic and ontogenetic development of norm psychology and shared intentionality in human beings, and where original intentionality can be understood in terms of the shared intentionality of a community.
Use of diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship practices to improve Clostridioides difficile testing among SHEA Research Network hospitals
Authors: Sullivan Kaede V. , Gallagher Jason C. , Leekha Surbhi , Morgan Daniel J. , Morita Kazumi , Rock Clare , Claeys Kimberly C.
Published: August 2021

We surveyed acute-care hospitals on strategies to reduce inappropriate C. difficile testing and treatment of colonized patients. Decision support during C. difficile test ordering was common, but “hard stops” to prevent placement of inappropriate orders and active intervention of antimicrobial stewardship programs on positive C. difficile test reports were infrequent.
Influence of maternal excess weight before pregnancy on breast-feeding and weaning: pooled analyses of four population-based cohorts born between 1982 and 2015
Authors: Flores Thaynã R. , Mielke Gregore I. , Matijasevich Alicia , dos Santos Iná da Silva , Silveira Mariângela Freitas , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Bassani Diego G. , Gonçalves Helen , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Bertoldi Andréa Dâmaso
Published: August 2021

To investigate the associations of maternal excess weight before pregnancy with (1) weaning at 3 months of age, (2) duration of exclusive breast-feeding at 6 months of age, (3) duration of any breast-feeding at 12 months of age and (4) to compare the magnitude of these associations over four decades. Data were from participants in the Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohorts born in 1982 (n 5334), 1993 (n 1442), 2004 (n 4092) and 2015 (n 4102). Maternal pre-pregnancy weight was collected after the delivery and breast-feeding status was assessed when children were 3 and 12 months old. Only in the most recent cohort (2015), women with excess weight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) before pregnancy had higher risk of discontinuing exclusive breast-feeding within the first 6 months postpartum than women with normal weight (hazard ratio = 1·22 (95 % CI 1·15, 1·30)). Duration of any type of breast-feeding until 12 months of age was not affected by pre-pregnancy weight. Excess weight before pregnancy is associated with exclusive breast-feeding only in the most recent birth cohort coinciding with increases in excess weight and breast-feeding over time.
Evaluating anthranilate synthase as a herbicide target
Authors: Siehl Daniel L. , Subramanian Mani V. , Walters Eric W. , Blanding Jonathan H. , Niderman Thierry , Weinmann Christian
Published: August 2021

Attempts to discover new active ingredients and target sites within the aromatic pathway have resulted in the synthesis of potent enzyme inhibitors, but no herbicides. As an aid in identifying a new target for inhibitor design and screening, we have determined the mode of action of a compound (6-methyl anthranilate) that exhibits noncommercial levels of herbicidal activity. Our evidence suggests that 6-methyl anthranilate is converted in vivo, by traversing the tryptophan biosynthetic sequence, to 4-methyl tryptophan, which inhibits anthranilate synthase. Inhibitors synthesized by design and those found by target-based screening converged on analogs of tryptophan and anthranilate. None, however, was more herbicidal than 6-methyl anthranilate.
The neurobiology of obsessive–compulsive personality disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Marincowitz Clara , Lochner Christine , Stein Dan J.
Published: August 2021

Background

A number of recent investigations have focused on the neurobiology of obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). However, there have been few reviews of this literature with no detailed model proposed. We therefore undertook a systematic review of these investigations, aiming to map the available evidence and investigate whether it is possible to formulate a detailed model of the neurobiology of OCPD.

Methods

OCPD can be considered from both categorical and dimensional perspectives. An electronic search was therefore conducted using terms that would address not only OCPD as a category, but also related constructs, such as perfectionism, that would capture research on neuropsychology, neuroimaging, neurochemistry, and neurogenetics.

Results

A total of 1059 articles were retrieved, with 87 ultimately selected for abstract screening, resulting in a final selection of 49 articles focusing on neurobiological investigations relevant to OCPD. Impaired executive function and cognitive inflexibility are common neuropsychological traits in this condition, and suggest that obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and OCPD may lie on a continuum. However, neuroimaging studies in OCPD indicate the involvement of specific neurocircuitry, including the precuneus and amygdala, and so suggest that OCD and OCPD may have important differences. Although OCPD has a heritable component, we found no well-powered genetic studies of OCPD.

Conclusion

Although knowledge in this area has advanced, there are insufficient data on which to base a comprehensive model of the neurobiology of OCPD. Given the clinical importance of OCPD, further work to understand the mechanisms that underpin this condition is warranted.
The dynamics of deforestation and reforestation in a developing economy
Authors: Wolfersberger Julien , Amacher Gregory S. , Delacote Philippe , Dragicevic Arnaud
Published: August 2021

We develop a model of optimal land allocation in a developing economy that features three possible land uses: agriculture, primary and secondary forests. The distinction between those forest types reflects their different contributions in terms of public goods. In our model, reforestation is costly because it undermines land title security. Using the forest transition concept, we study long-term land-use change and explain important features of cumulative deforestation across countries. Our results shed light on the speed at which net deforestation ends, on the effect of tenure costs in this process, and on composition in steady state. We also present a policy analysis that emphasizes the critical role of institutional reforms addressing the costs of both deforestation and tenure in order to promote a transition. We find that focusing only on net forest losses can be misleading since late transitions may yield, upon given conditions, a higher level of environmental benefits.
The Spacecraft Wake: Interference With Electric Field Observations and a Possibility to Detect Cold Ions
Authors: André Mats , Eriksson Anders I. , Khotyaintsev Yuri V. , Toledo‐Redondo Sergio
Published: August 2021

Wakes behind spacecraft caused by supersonic drifting positive ions are common in plasmas and disturb in situ measurements. We review the impact of wakes on observations by the Electric Field and Wave double‐probe instruments on the Cluster satellites. In the solar wind, the equivalent spacecraft charging is small compared to the ion drift energy and the wake effects are caused by the spacecraft body and can be compensated for. We present statistics of the direction, width, and electrostatic potential of wakes, and we compare with an analytical model. In the low‐density magnetospheric lobes, the equivalent positive spacecraft charging is large compared to the ion drift energy and an enhanced wake forms. In this case observations of the geophysical electric field with the double‐probe technique becomes extremely challenging. Rather, the wake can be used to estimate the flux of cold (eV) positive ions. For an intermediate range of parameters, when the equivalent charging of the spacecraft is similar to the drift energy of the ions, also the charged wire booms of a double‐probe instrument must be taken into account. We discuss an example of these effects from the MMS spacecraft near the magnetopause. We find that many observed wake characteristics provide information that can be used for scientific studies. An important example is the enhanced wakes used to estimate the outflow of ionospheric origin in the magnetospheric lobes to about cold (eV) ions/s, constituting a large fraction of the mass outflow from planet Earth.
Shear Velocity Inversion Guided by Resistivity Structure From the PI‐LAB Experiment for Integrated Estimates of Partial Melt in the Mantle
Authors: Harmon Nicholas , Wang Shunguo , Rychert Catherine A. , Constable Steven , Kendall J. Michael
Published: August 2021

The lithosphere‐asthenosphere system is fundamental to our understanding of mantle convection and plate tectonics. The different sensitivities of seismic and electromagnetic methods can be used together to better constrain the properties of the system. Here, we re‐examine the shear velocity model from Rayleigh waves in light of the magnetotelluric based resistivity models from the Passive Imaging of the Lithosphere Asthenosphere Boundary (PI‐LAB) experiment near the equatorial Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, with the goal of generating a structurally consistent velocity and resistivity model for the region. Cross‐plots of the models suggest a linear or near‐linear trend that is also in agreement with petrophysical predictions. We generate a new shear velocity model from the resistivity models based on petrophysical relationships. The new velocity model fits the phase velocity data, and the correlation coefficient between the shear velocity and resistivity models is increased. Much of the model can be predicted by expectations for a thermal half‐space cooling model, although some regions require a combination of higher temperatures, volatiles, or partial melt. We use the petrophysical predictions to estimate the melt fraction, melt volatile content, and temperature structure of the asthenospheric anomalies. We find up to 4% melt, with the lowest resistivities and shear velocities explained by up to 20% water or 20% CO2 in the melt or ∼1% nearly pure sulfide melt, depending on the set of assumptions used. Melt is required in punctuated anomalies over broad depth ranges, and also in channels at the base of the lithosphere. Melt in the asthenosphere is dynamic, yet persistent on geologic timescales.
Large Enhancements in Southern Hemisphere Satellite‐Observed Trace Gases Due to the 2019/2020 Australian Wildfires
Authors: Pope Richard J. , Kerridge Brian J. , Siddans Richard , Latter Barry G. , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Arnold Stephen R. , Ventress Lucy J. , Pimlott Matilda A. , Graham Ailish M. , Knappett Diane S. , Rigby Richard
Published: August 2021

The 2019/2020 Australian wildfires emitted large quantities of atmospheric pollutant gases and aerosols. Using state‐of‐the‐art near‐real‐time satellite measurements of tropospheric composition, we present an analysis of several emitted trace gases and their long‐range transport, and compare to the previous (2018/2019) fire season. Observations of carbon monoxide (CO) show that fire emissions were so intense that the distinct Australian fire plume managed to circumnavigate the Southern Hemisphere (SH) within a few weeks, with eastward propagation over the South Pacific, South America, the South Atlantic, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Elevated atmospheric methane levels were also detected in January 2020 fire plumes over the Pacific, defined using CO as a plume tracer, even though sampling was restricted spatially by aerosols and clouds. Observations also show significant enhancements of methanol (CH3OH) from the fires, where CH3OH:CO enhancement ratios increased within the aged plume downwind over the South Pacific indicating secondary in‐plume CH3OH formation.
Temperature Tides Across the Mid‐Latitude Summer Turbopause Measured by a Sodium Lidar and MIGHTI/ICON
Authors: Yuan T. , Stevens M. H. , Englert C. R. , Immel T. J.
Published: August 2021

Local full diurnal coverage of temperature variations across the turbopause (∼90–115 km altitude) is achieved by combining the nocturnal observations of a Sodium (Na) Doppler lidar on the Utah State University (USU) campus (41.7°N, 248.2°E) and NASA Michelson interferometer for global high‐resolution thermospheric imaging (MIGHTI)/Ionospheric connection explorer (ICON) daytime observations made in the same vicinity. In this study, utilizing this hybrid data set during summer 2020 between June 12th and July 15th, we retrieve the temperature signatures of diurnal and semidiurnal tides in this region. The tidal amplitudes of both components have similar vertical variation with increasing altitude: less than 5 K below ∼98 km but increase considerably above, up to 19 K near 104 km. Both experience significant dissipation near turbopause altitudes, down to ∼12 K up to 113 km for the diurnal tide and ∼13 K for the semidiurnal tide near 110 km. In addition, while the semidiurnal tidal behavior is consistent with the theoretical predictions, the diurnal amplitude is considerably larger than what is expected in the turbopause region. The tidal phase profile shows a dominance of tidal components with a long vertical wavelength (longer than 40 km) for the semidiurnal tide. On the other hand, the diurnal tide demonstrates close to an evanescent wave behavior in the turbopause region, which is absent in the model results and Thermosphere ionosphere mesosphere energetics and dynamics (TIMED)/Sounding of the atmosphere using broadband radiometry (SABER) observations.
Ketamine decreases neuronally released glutamate via retrograde stimulation of presynaptic adenosine A1 receptors
Authors: Lazarevic Vesna , Yang Yunting , Flais Ivana , Svenningsson Per
Published: August 2021

Ketamine produces a rapid antidepressant response in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), but the underlying mechanisms appear multifaceted. One hypothesis, proposes that by antagonizing NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons, ketamine disinhibits afferens to glutamatergic principal neurons and increases extracellular glutamate levels. However, ketamine seems also to reduce rapid glutamate release at some synapses. Therefore, clinical studies in MDD patients have stressed the need to identify mechanisms whereby ketamine decreases presynaptic activity and glutamate release. In the present study, the effect of ketamine and its antidepressant metabolite, (2R,6R)-HNK, on neuronally derived glutamate release was examined in rodents. We used FAST methodology to measure depolarization-evoked extracellular glutamate levels in vivo in freely moving or anesthetized animals, synaptosomes to detect synaptic recycling ex vivo and primary cortical neurons to perform functional imaging and to examine intracellular signaling in vitro. In all these versatile approaches, ketamine and (2R,6R)-HNK reduced glutamate release in a manner which could be blocked by AMPA receptor antagonism. Antagonism of adenosine A1 receptors, which are almost exclusively expressed at nerve terminals, also counteracted ketamine’s effect on glutamate release and presynaptic activity. Signal transduction studies in primary neuronal cultures demonstrated that ketamine reduced P-T286-CamKII and P-S9-Synapsin, which correlated with decreased synaptic vesicle recycling. Moreover, systemic administration of A1R antagonist counteracted the antidepressant-like actions of ketamine and (2R,6R)-HNK in the forced swim test. To conclude, by studying neuronally released glutamate, we identified a novel retrograde adenosinergic feedback mechanism that mediate inhibitory actions of ketamine on glutamate release that may contribute to its rapid antidepressant action.
Evidence for an atomic chiral superfluid with topological excitations
Authors: Wang Xiao-Qiong , Luo Guang-Quan , Liu Jin-Yu , Liu W. Vincent , Hemmerich Andreas , Xu Zhi-Fang
Published: August 2021

Topological superfluidity is an important concept in electronic materials as well as ultracold atomic gases1. However, although progress has been made by hybridizing superconductors with topological substrates, the search for a material—natural or artificial—that intrinsically exhibits topological superfluidity has been ongoing since the discovery of the superfluid 3He-A phase2. Here we report evidence for a globally chiral atomic superfluid, induced by interaction-driven time-reversal symmetry breaking in the second Bloch band of an optical lattice with hexagonal boron nitride geometry. This realizes a long-lived Bose–Einstein condensate of 87Rb atoms beyond present limits to orbitally featureless scenarios in the lowest Bloch band. Time-of-flight and band mapping measurements reveal that the local phases and orbital rotations of atoms are spontaneously ordered into a vortex array, showing evidence of the emergence of global angular momentum across the entire lattice. A phenomenological effective model is used to capture the dynamics of Bogoliubov quasi-particle excitations above the ground state, which are shown to exhibit a topological band structure. The observed bosonic phase is expected to exhibit phenomena that are conceptually distinct from, but related to, the quantum anomalous Hall effect3–7 in electronic condensed matter.
Oxytocin neurons enable social transmission of maternal behaviour
Authors: Carcea Ioana , Caraballo Naomi López , Marlin Bianca J. , Ooyama Rumi , Riceberg Justin S. , Mendoza Navarro Joyce M. , Opendak Maya , Diaz Veronica E. , Schuster Luisa , Alvarado Torres Maria I. , Lethin Harper , Ramos Daniel , Minder Jessica , Mendoza Sebastian L. , Bair-Marshall Chloe J. , Samadjopoulos Grace H. , Hidema Shizu , Falkner Annegret , Lin Dayu , Mar Adam , Wadghiri Youssef Z. , Nishimori Katsuhiko , Kikusui Takefumi , Mogi Kazutaka , Sullivan Regina M. , Froemke Robert C.
Published: August 2021

Maternal care, including by non-biological parents, is important for offspring survival1–8. Oxytocin1,2,9–15, which is released by the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), is a critical maternal hormone. In mice, oxytocin enables neuroplasticity in the auditory cortex for maternal recognition of pup distress15. However, it is unclear how initial parental experience promotes hypothalamic signalling and cortical plasticity for reliable maternal care. Here we continuously monitored the behaviour of female virgin mice co-housed with an experienced mother and litter. This documentary approach was synchronized with neural recordings from the virgin PVN, including oxytocin neurons. These cells were activated as virgins were enlisted in maternal care by experienced mothers, who shepherded virgins into the nest and demonstrated pup retrieval. Virgins visually observed maternal retrieval, which activated PVN oxytocin neurons and promoted alloparenting. Thus rodents can acquire maternal behaviour by social transmission, providing a mechanism for adapting the brains of adult caregivers to infant needs via endogenous oxytocin.