bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Government failures and non-performing loans in European countries: a spatial approach
Authors: Ofria Ferdinando , Mucciardi Massimo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose is to analyze the spatially varying impacts of corruption and public debt as % of GDP (proxies of government failures) on non-performing loans (NPLs) in European countries; comparing two periods: one prior to the crisis of 2007 and another one after that. The authors first modeled the NPLs with an ordinary lest square (OLS) regression and found clear evidence of spatial instability in the distribution of the residuals. As a second step, the authors utilized the geographically weighted regression (GWR) to explore regional variations in the relationship between NPLs and the proxies of “Government failures”.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first modeled the NPL with an OLS regression and found clear evidence of spatial instability in the distribution of the residuals. As a second step, the author utilized the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) (Fotheringham et al., 2002) to explore regional variations in the relationship between NPLs and proxies of “Government failures” (corruption and public debt as % of GDP).

Findings

The results confirm that corruption and public debt as % of GDP, after the crisis of 2007, have affected significantly on NPLs of the EU countries and the following countries neighboring the EU: Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Montenegro, and Turkey.

Originality/value

In a spatial prospective, unprecedented in the literature, this research focused on the impact of corruption and public debt as % of GDP on NPLs in European countries. The positive correlation, as expected, between public debt and NPLs highlights that fiscal problems in Eurozone countries have led to an important rise of problem loans. The impact of institutional corruption on NPLs reports that the higher the corruption, the higher is the level of NPLs.
Fooling ourselves and others: confirmation bias and the trustworthiness of qualitative research – Part 1 (the threats)
Authors: McSweeney Brendan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To describe the implicit epistemic flaw of “confirmation bias” and to illustrate and evaluate the threats to qualitative research trustworthiness from that bias.

Design/methodology/approach

The article overviews evidence and analysis from a wide range of disciplines. The adverse effect of three varieties of confirmation bias is described in some detail in illustrative examples.

Findings

It is argued that the threats from the bias go to the heart of the research. A subsequent article summarizes and critiques counter-arguments.

Practical implications

Discussions and illustrations of varieties of confirmation bias can increase awareness of the unwitting bias and reduce its influence.

Social implications

The bias not only threatens the trustworthiness of academic and other professional research but also underpins much ideological extremism, the effectiveness of post-truth politics and inter- and intra-group conflict. These are directly discussed in the article.

Originality/value

The article extends and enriches descriptions of threats to the trustworthiness of qualitative from confirmation bias. Such threats are inadequately recognized in many qualitative research arenas. It identifies a previously unrecognized variety of confirmation bias: hollow citations.
Changes in habits of electronic news usage on mobile devices in university students: a comparative survey
Authors: Yu Hoi Yin , Tsoi Yan Yung , Rhim Anthony Hae Ryong , Chiu Dickson K.W. , Lung Mavis Man-Wai
Published: June 2021

Purpose

A rising trend has been observed to minimize extraneous cognitive load when reading by enhancing secondary knowledge through technology. For the readers to comprehend information more efficiently in their cognitive architecture, instructional procedures, which are secondary knowledge, should be aligned with the modern technology environment. With continual, rapid technological advances in modern society, people have changed their news reading habits after using mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and e-readers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a quantitative survey to compare the changes in the news reading habits of the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students in the Library and Information Management program of a university in Hong Kong after using mobile devices to read electronic news. A total of 102 responses were collected, which comprised 51 UGs and 51 PGs, respectively (the student population for the program was around 100 UGs and 100 PGs).

Findings

Survey results showed that mobile devices had changed the respondents’ habit of reading news to read more content on phones, with a variation on news categories. Such changes included the duration and location of news discussion among the respondents that shorter periods were used to read and that more people read while traveling and in restaurants. Notably, reading the news helped respondents in their learning. Most respondents preferred to read electronic news by using mobile devices. The convenience of reading and discussing news may also cause a potential threat that intensifies disputes, arguments or even bullying on controversial issues.

Originality/value

This study confirmed that the usage of the mobile devices changed the respondents’ habit of reading news. This user group constitutes the future generation of information specialists in various disciplines. This study fills the research gap of finding students’ reading habits when using mobile devices, especially in East Asia. Educators are encouraged to recommend relevant news content to students to improve their general knowledge base and arouse their interest in reading and discussing related news topics.
NO2gas sensing properties of bilayer graphene by CVD method
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Zengwen , Fang Ruiyang , Gao Zhihui , He Wei
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The authors designed those experiments to test the sensitivity of graphene when it is exposed to NO2gas, to find a way to decrease the recovery time of graphene and to find the difference effect between monolayer and bilayer graphene in the experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors transferred graphene from film on Cu foil to NO2sensor sample and measured the resistances of on monolayer and bilayer graphene when they were exposed to NO2gas under different concentration; then, the authors obtained the results.

Findings

The results show that monolayer graphene exhibits a linear response when the NO2concentration is below 20 ppm. But the monolayer graphene will not be so sensitive to NO2gas when the concentration continues to reduce. The desorption time of monolayer graphene is longer when compared with bilayer graphene. It shows faster recovery time and higher response of bilayer graphene under low NO2concentration. And the limit detectable NO2concentration of bilayer graphene is 50 ppb. Desorption time of bilayer graphene is shortened to below 20 s under UV light.

Originality/value

The authors found a reliable way to decrease the recovery time of graphene when it is exposed NO2gas and got the concrete data.
Model updating of a temperature field simulation of a printed circuit board assembly based on the Kriging model
Authors: Yin Yutian , Zhou Hongda , Chen Cai , Zheng Yi , Shen Hongqiao , Gong Yubing
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The simulated temperature profile of the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) during reflow soldering process deviates from the actual profile. To reduce this relative deviation, a new strategy based on the Kriging response surface and the Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) optimizing method is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The simulated temperature profile of the PCBA during reflow soldering process deviates from the actual profile. To reduce this relative deviation, a new strategy based on the Kriging response surface and the MOGA optimizing method is proposed.

Findings

Several critical influencing parameters such as temperature and the convective heat transfer coefficient of the specific temperature zones are selected as the correction parameters. The hyper Latins sampling method is implemented to distribute the design points, and the Kriging response surface model of the soldering process is constructed. The updated model is achieved and validated by the test. The relative derivation is reduced from the initial value of 43.4%–11.8% in terms of the time above the liquidus line.

Originality/value

A new strategy based on the Kriging response surface and the MOGA optimizing method is proposed.
Conceptualizing China’s spatial lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic: a neo-liberal society or a pre-liberal one?
Authors: Li Pengfei
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The draconian measures to lock down communities and cities in China during the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented in human history. First the mega-city of Wuhan, then the province of Hubei, and eventually the whole nation of China, were shut down, surveilled and governed in a way that was identical to the 17th century plague-stricken European town re-portrayed and analyzed by Foucault. Instead of categorizing China’s COVID-19-triggered spatial and social governance as an ad hoc and hence abnormal disciplinary mechanism, this essay argues that the spatial lockdown and social control in China during the COVID-19 pandemic express the long existing and well-established governance model of China: that of a pre-liberal disciplinary society.

Design/methodology/approach

A disciplinary society using “the meticulous exercise of the right of the sword” with neither liberal values nor liberal practices, China’s swift re-configuration into a pre-liberal disciplined society during the COVID-19 pandemic invalidates a neo-liberal reading of the Chinese governance. Furthermore, the radical spatial and social control measures not only expose the fundamentally illiberal nature of the Chinese governance but also suggest its institutional dependence on its Leninist nomenklatura system.

Findings

With this institutional dependence, draconian spatial and social control measures are likely to be continuously carried on in China after the COVID-19 crisis, albeit in a less brutal manner.

Originality/value

It offers a conceptual and theoretical framework to understand China's socio-spatial governance.
Oral Health Stakeholders: A Time for Alignment and Action
Authors: TICKU SHENAM , BARROW JANE , FUCCILLO RALPH , MCDONOUGH JOHN E
Published: June 2021

Policy Points

Since the Surgeon General’s report in 2000, multiple stakeholder groups have engaged in advocacy to expand access to oral health coverage, integrate medicine and dentistry, and to improve the dental workforce.

Using a stakeholder map across these three policy priorities, we describe how stakeholder groups are shaping the oral health policy landscape in this century. While the stakeholders are numerous, policy has changed little despite invested efforts and resources.

To achieve change, multiple movements must coalesce around common goals and messages and a champion must emerge to lead the way. The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic and political changes due to the 2020 elections can open a window of opportunity to unite stakeholders to achieve comprehensive policy change.
E‐cigarettes versus nicotine replacement treatment as harm reduction interventions for smokers who find quitting difficult: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Myers Smith Katie , Phillips‐Waller Anna , Pesola Francesca , McRobbie Hayden , Przulj Dunja , Orzol Marzena , Hajek Peter
Published: June 2021

Background and aims

The majority of smokers accessing the current best treatments continue to smoke. We aimed to test if e‐cigarettes (EC) compared with nicotine replacement treatment (NRT) can help such smokers to reduce smoking.

Design

Randomized controlled trial of EC (n = 68) versus NRT (n = 67) with 6‐month follow‐up.

Setting

Stop smoking service in London, UK.

Participants

A total of 135 smokers (median age = 40 years, 51% male) previously unable to stop smoking with conventional treatments.

Interventions

Participants received either NRT of their choice (8‐week supply) or an EC starter pack and instructions to purchase further e‐liquids of strength and flavours of their choice themselves. Products were accompanied by minimal behavioural support.

Measurements

Participants who reported that they stopped smoking or reduced their daily cigarette consumption by at least 50% at 6‐month follow‐up were invited to provide a carbon monoxide (CO) reading. The primary outcome was biochemically validated reduction in smoke intake of at least 50% at 6 months and the main secondary outcome was sustained validated abstinence at 6 months. Drop‐outs were included as ‘non‐reducers’.

Findings

Validated smoking reduction (including cessation) was achieved by 26.5 versus 6.0% of participants in the EC and NRT study arms, respectively [relative risk (RR) = 4.4, P = 0.005, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6–12.4]. Sustained validated abstinence rates at 6 months were 19.1 versus 3.0% (RR = 6.4, P = 0.01, 95% CI = 1.5–27.3). Product use was high and equal in both study arms initially, but at 6 months allocated product use was 47% in the EC arm versus 10% in the NRT arm (χ2(1) = 22.0, P < 0.001), respectively. Adverse events were minor and infrequent.

Conclusions

In smokers unable to quit using conventional methods, e‐cigarettes were more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in facilitating validated long‐term smoking reduction and smoking cessation when limited other support was provided.
The alcohol advertising ban in Norway: A response to Nelson's comments
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg
Published: June 2021

In a recent analysis of the effect of the complete advertising ban on alcohol in Norway, I found that the ban led to a decrease in recorded alcohol sales. Jon Nelson offers comments on this study in two regards; my critical comments on his previous study of alcohol advertising bans and the time series analysis in my study. In this response to Nelson, I offer further explanation for my comments on Nelson's previous study and for the appropriateness of the analysis.
Macronutrient intake, appetite, food preferences and exocrine pancreas function after treatment with short‐ and long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Quast Daniel R. , Nauck Michael A. , Schenker Nina , Menge Björn A. , Kapitza Christoph , Meier Juris J.
Published: June 2021

Aim

To clarify the distinct effects of a long‐acting (liraglutide) and a short‐acting (lixisenatide) glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) on macronutrient intake, gastrointestinal side effects and pancreas function.

Materials and Methods

Fifty participants were randomized to either lixisenatide or liraglutide for a treatment period of 10 weeks. Appetite, satiety, macronutrient intake, gastrointestinal symptoms and variables related to pancreatic function and gastric emptying were assessed at baseline and after treatment.

Results

Both GLP‐1 RAs reduced macronutrient intake similarly. Weight loss and appetite reduction were not related to the delay in gastric emptying or gastrointestinal side effects (P > .05). Lipase increased significantly with liraglutide treatment (by 18.3 ± 4.1 U/L; P = .0001), but not with lixisenatide (−1.8 ± 2.4 U/L; P = .46). Faecal elastase and serum ß‐carotin levels (indicators for exocrine pancreas function) improved in both groups (P < .05). Changes in lipase activities did not correlate with gastrointestinal symptoms (P > .05 for each variable).

Conclusions

Both GLP‐1 RAs comparably affected body weight, energy and macronutrient intake. Both treatments were associated with indicators of improved exocrine pancreas function. Reductions in appetite and body weight as a result of treatment with short‐ or long‐acting GLP‐1 RAs are not driven by changes in gastric emptying or gastrointestinal side effects.
Ethnic, social and multimorbidity disparities in therapeutic inertia: A UK primary care observational study in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chudasama Yogini V. , Zaccardi Francesco , Coles Briana , Gillies Clare L. , Hvid Christian , Seidu Samuel , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: June 2021

Aim

To investigate factors associated with delays in receiving glucose‐lowering therapy in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and explore the preferential order and time of intensifications.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort study including 120 409 adults with T2DM initiating first‐ to fourth‐line glucose‐lowering therapy in primary care between 2000 and 2018, using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to Hospital Episode Statistics, Office of National Statistics death registration, and 2007 Index of Multiple Deprivation data. Associations were investigated using time‐to‐event analysis.

Results

The longest delays to prescription of first‐line therapy were observed in older patients, of black or other ethnicities, and with multimorbidity. People from the most deprived areas received earlier first‐line treatment than those from the least deprived areas. The majority were treated with metformin (82.4%) as the first‐line prescription, sulphonylurea (50.4%) as second‐line, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (27.7%) as third‐line, and insulin (28.0%) as fourth‐line. In the past 5 years, there was an increase in prescriptions of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4‐inhibitor and sodium‐glucose transport protein‐2 inhibitor. The median time was 0.5 years for first‐line prescription, 4.1 for second‐line, 4.6 for third‐line and 4.7 for fourth‐line. After T2DM diagnosis, 25% of patients developed cardiovascular disease and non‐cardiovascular disease complications within a median time of 12‐14 years, and received intensification 5‐6 years later.

Conclusions

Within the complex challenges of managing blood glucose levels and risk of additional comorbidities, future health care research and guidelines should focus on overcoming therapeutic inertia particularly at an earlier stage for older patients, from ethnic minorities and with multimorbidities.
A selective role for receptor activity‐modifying proteins in subchronic action of the amylin selective receptor agonist NN1213 compared with salmon calcitonin on body weight and food intake in male mice
Authors: Arrigoni Soraya , Le Foll Christelle , Cabak Andrea , Lundh Sofia , Raun Kirsten , John Linu M. , Lutz Thomas A.
Published: June 2021

The role of receptor activity‐modifying proteins (RAMPs) in modulating the pharmacological effects of an amylin receptor selective agonist (NN1213) or the dual amylin–calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA), salmon calcitonin (sCT), was tested in three RAMP KO mouse models, RAMP1, RAMP3 and RAMP1/3 KO. Male wild‐type (WT) and knockout (KO) littermate mice were fed a 45% high‐fat diet for 20 weeks prior to the 3‐week treatment period. A decrease in body weight after NN1213 was observed in all WT mice, whereas sCT had no effect. The absence of RAMP1 had no significant effect on NN1213 efficacy, and sCT was still inactive. However, the absence of RAMP3 impeded NN1213 efficacy but improved sCT efficacy. Similar results were observed in RAMP1/3 KO suggesting that the amylin receptor 3 (AMY3 = CTR + RAMP3) is necessary for NN1213's maximal action on body weight and food intake and that the lack of AMY3 allowed sCT to be active. These results suggest that the chronic use of DACRA such as sCT can have unfavourable effect on body weight loss in mice (which differs from the situation in rats), whereas the use of the amylin receptor selective agonist does not. AMY3 seems to play a crucial role in modulating the action of these two compounds, but in opposite directions. The assessment of a long‐term effect of amylin and DACRA in different rodent models is necessary to understand potential physiological beneficial and unfavourable effects on weight loss before its transition to clinical trials.
Divergent climate change effects on widespread dryland plant communities driven by climatic and ecohydrological gradients
Authors: Palmquist Kyle A. , Schlaepfer Daniel R. , Renne Rachel R. , Torbit Stephen C. , Doherty Kevin E. , Remington Thomas E. , Watson Greg , Bradford John B. , Lauenroth William K.
Published: June 2021

Plant community response to climate change will be influenced by individual plant responses that emerge from competition for limiting resources that fluctuate through time and vary across space. Projecting these responses requires an approach that integrates environmental conditions and species interactions that result from future climatic variability. Dryland plant communities are being substantially affected by climate change because their structure and function are closely tied to precipitation and temperature, yet impacts vary substantially due to environmental heterogeneity, especially in topographically complex regions. Here, we quantified the effects of climate change on big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentataNutt.) plant communities that span 76 million ha in the western United States. We used an individual‐based plant simulation model that represents intra‐ and inter‐specific competition for water availability, which is represented by a process‐based soil water balance model. For dominant plant functional types, we quantified changes in biomass and characterized agreement among 52 future climate scenarios. We then used a multivariate matching algorithm to generate fine‐scale interpolated surfaces of functional type biomass for our study area. Results suggest geographically divergent responses of big sagebrush to climate change (changes in biomass of −20% to +27%), declines in perennial C3grass and perennial forb biomass in most sites, and widespread, consistent, and sometimes large increases in perennial C4grasses. The largest declines in big sagebrush, perennial C3grass and perennial forb biomass were simulated in warm, dry sites. In contrast, we simulated no change or increases in functional type biomass in cold, moist sites. There was high agreement among climate scenarios on climate change impacts to functional type biomass, except for big sagebrush. Collectively, these results suggest divergent responses to warming in moisture‐limited versus temperature‐limited sites and potential shifts in the relative importance of some of the dominant functional types that result from competition for limiting resources.
A pilot study evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of a comprehensive, hydrating topical antioxidant developed specifically for men
Authors: Sikora Brooke C. , Wortzman Mitchell , Nelson Diane B. , Dover Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

There is growing interest in skincare products designed for men. This pilot study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a comprehensive antioxidant product in men.

Methods

This 12‐week study evaluated improvements from baseline in erythema, lines/wrinkles, skin tone, texture, brightness, dryness/flaking and pores (6‐point scale), global improvements (5‐point scale), and sebum levels following daily application in males with mild to moderate photodamaged skin. Subject self‐assessments and adverse events (AEs) were captured.

Results

Twenty‐two subjects completed the study. Early mean percent improvements from baseline were demonstrated in all categories at week 4 with visible improvements in skin tone (29%;p= .0001) and pores (28%;p< .0001). Reductions in skin surface sebum levels (forehead region) from baseline were demonstrated at 8 (p< .0001) and 12 (p< .0003) weeks. Ninety‐six percent of subjects reported overall visible improvement of their skin and that the study product calmed/soothed skin, reducing redness and irritation after shaving. One subject reported mild dryness.

Conclusion

Once daily application of a comprehensive topical antioxidant designed for men led to significant improvements in skin appearance, substantial reductions in skin surface sebum levels, and was well tolerated with a high level of subject satisfaction over 12 weeks.
Just Words: Intentions, Tolerance and Lexical Selection*
Authors: Stojnić Una
Published: June 2021

We all make mistakes in pronunciation and spelling, but a common view is that there are limits beyond which a mistaken pronunciation or spelling becomes too dramatic to be recognized as of a particular word at all. These considerations have bolstered a family of accounts that invoke speaker intentions and standards for tolerance as determinants of which word, if any, an utterance tokens. I argue this is a mistake. Neither intentions nor standards of tolerance are necessary or sufficient (individually or jointly) for determining which word an utterance tokens. Instead, drawing in part on empirical research on word production, I offer an alternative account, Originalism‐plus‐Transfer (OPT), according to which word tokening depends entirely on lexical selection during word production, and on how the selected lexical item is situated within the network of causal/historical connections leading back to its neologizing. Once the elements of my account are in place, as a bonus, we will have resources for a promising answer to the question of word individuation as well.
The Role of Expectation–Reality Discrepancy in Service Contracts
Authors: Zhao Xuying , Guo Hong , Cai Gangshu , Bandyopadhyay Subhajyoti
Published: June 2021

Service contracts are common practice in some industries while being eliminated in others. To investigate this phenomenon, we identify expectation–reality discrepancy (ERD) as a key determinant. A provider's ERD is defined as consumers’ ex‐ante expected valuation minus their ex‐post realized valuation of the provider's service. Our analysis reveals that providers’ contract strategies critically depend on their ERDs rather than the true service valuations. A provider with a higher ERD is more likely to enforce contracts, regardless of whether the true service valuation is higher than that of the competitor. Providers should enforce contracts only when they have positive ERDs. Furthermore, contracts have a competition‐intensifying effect: when providers enforce contracts, their competition on promoting consumer expectations through marketing efforts is intensified, leading to higher ERDs with contracts than without contracts. Finally, consumers and society as a whole may benefit from higher switching costs because positive ERDs may mislead consumers to make wrong switching decisions and switching costs can help deter such switching behaviors.
Amyloid β production along the neuronal secretory pathway: Dangerous liaisons in the Golgi?
Authors: Fourriere Lou , Gleeson Paul A.
Published: June 2021

β‐amyloid peptides (Aβ) are generated in intracellular compartments of neurons and secreted to form cytotoxic fibrils and plaques. Dysfunctional membrane trafficking contributes to aberrant Aβ production and Alzheimer's disease. Endosomes represent one of the major sites for Aβ production and recently the Golgi has re‐emerged also as a major location for amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and Aβ production. Based on recent findings, here we propose that APP processing in the Golgi is finely tuned by segregating newly‐synthesised APP and the β‐secretase BACE1 within the Golgi and into distincttrans‐Golgi network transport pathways. We hypothesise that there are multiple mechanisms responsible for segregating APP and BACE1 during transit through the Golgi, and that perturbation in Golgi morphology associated with Alzheimer's disease, and or changes in cholesterol metabolism associated with Alzheimer's disease risk factors, may lead to a loss of partitioning and enhanced Aβ production.
Adult Education in the EU and the Main Challenges in Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Polonyová Simona
Published: June 2021

The importance of adult education in today’s world is constantly growing. The need for adult education in the EU intensifies with demographic and climate changes, automation, new technologies as well as digital transformation. Adult education provides an opportunity for individuals to adapt to changes in the labour market and society, especially for the low-skilled and older workers. Although people understand the importance of adult education, progress in achieving participation rates in adult education towards the EU target is insufficient. The current situation associated with COVID-19 has further highlighted the importance of non-formal adult education, especially for the most vulnerable groups of people to whom it has created or deepened barriers to education. It emphasized, even more, the problem of limited digital skills and equipment, reinforced the need for the importance of the right skills from a work and social perspective and the need to build resilience. It has set out new challenges aimed at strengthening the adult education strategy at the EU level, at promoting civic, financial, environmental and health literacy, as well as structural support to countries where such support is absent, and at ensuring stable and adequate funding with specific support for vulnerable groups of the adult population. The study aims to present a current view on adult education in EU conditions and to point out the main challenges that adult education has to face in the context of lifelong learning regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Resilience of neural networks for locomotion
Authors: Haspel Gal , Severi Kristen E. , Fauci Lisa J. , Cohen Netta , Tytell Eric D. , Morgan Jennifer R.
Published: June 2021

Locomotion is an essential behaviour for the survival of all animals. The neural circuitry underlying locomotion is therefore highly robust to a wide variety of perturbations, including injury and abrupt changes in the environment. In the short term, fault tolerance in neural networks allows locomotion to persist immediately after mild to moderate injury. In the longer term, in many invertebrates and vertebrates, neural reorganization including anatomical regeneration can restore locomotion after severe perturbations that initially caused paralysis. Despite decades of research, very little is known about the mechanisms underlying locomotor resilience at the level of the underlying neural circuits and coordination of central pattern generators (CPGs). Undulatory locomotion is an ideal behaviour for exploring principles of circuit organization, neural control and resilience of locomotion, offering a number of unique advantages including experimental accessibility and modelling tractability. In comparing three well‐characterized undulatory swimmers, lampreys, larval zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans, we find similarities in the manifestation of locomotor resilience. To advance our understanding, we propose a comparative approach, integrating experimental and modelling studies, that will allow the field to begin identifying shared and distinct solutions for overcoming perturbations to persist in orchestrating this essential behaviour.

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New Breather and Multiple-Wave Soliton Dynamics for Generalized Vakhnenko–Parkes Equation With Variable Coefficients
Authors: Li Bang-Qing
Published: June 2021

In investigation is the generalized Vakhnenko–Parkes equation with time-dependent coefficients, which is a new nonlinear model connecting to high-frequency wave propagation in relaxing media with variable perturbations. An extended Hirota bilinear method is proposed to construct soliton, breather, and multiple-wave soliton solutions for the equation. Our research shows that the soliton solutions can degenerate into existing single soliton solutions while the breather and multiple-wave soliton solutions are first obtained. By utilizing the two free functions involved in the solutions, the dynamics of some novel excited breathers and multiple-wave solitons are demonstrated. Our results confirm that the generalized Vakhnenko–Parkes equation possesses rich solution structures and interesting dynamical features, which may be depict various nonlinear wave behaviors of high-frequency waves.
A Deep-Sea Sediment Sampling System: Design, Analysis and Experimental Verification
Authors: Liu Guangping , Jin Yongping , Peng Youduo , Wan Buyan , Xie Kun
Published: June 2021

An airtight sampler with the function of holding pressure and coring was designed. First, using the sediment sampling test platform, taking high sampling rate as the goal and the motion speed of manipulator as the constraint condition, the sediment sampling rate (ratio of the sample retrieved by the sampling tube to the insertion depth of the sampling tube) test under different sampling tube inner diameters was carried out, respectively. Then, the pressure drop calculation and analysis of other components such as pressure retaining cylinder and sealing cylinder during the recovery of the airtight sampler to the deck are carried out, and the pressure drop compensation during the recovery of the airtight sampler is calculated and analyzed based on the pressure compensator. At last, the internal pressure test, high-pressure cabin test, and adaptability test between sampler and manipulator are carried out by using the developed prototype of an airtight sampler for sediments in the deep sea. The test results verify the feasibility of the design of an airtight sampler for sediments in the deep sea, which will provide strong support for the deep seabed sampling operation of the manned submersible in the deep sea.
Hydrogen, H2(g), by near-ambient-pressure soft x-ray synchrotron-radiation photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: O’Connor Christopher R. , Boscoboinik Jorge Anibal , Karatok Mustafa , van Spronsen Matthijs A.
Published: June 2021

In this article, we show the survey and H 1s spectra acquired with a photon energy of 400.02 eV and H2(g) electron-energy loss of Ag 3d5/2 spectra with a photon energy of 451.3 eV using high-resolution synchrotron-radiation NAP-XPS.
WhatsApp-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder During the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Feasibility Trial
Authors: Esentürk Oğuz K. , Yarımkaya Erkan
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of a WhatsApp-based physical activity for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Fourteen parents and their children with ASD participated in the study. The intervention included parents conducting physical activities with their children with ASD for 4 weeks. Physical activity contents were provided to parents via the WhatsApp group. The data were collected through the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire and a feasibility questionnaire adapted from previous studies examining the feasibility of web-based physical activities. Parents reported that WhatsApp-based physical activities were a feasible intervention to increase the physical activity level of their children with ASD and stated that the contents of the physical activity shared in the WhatsApp group were useful. The findings provided preliminary evidence for the use of WhatsApp-based physical activities to increase the physical activity level of children with ASD who stay at home due to the pandemic.
Dry Needling Compared With Manual Pressure Trigger Point Manual Therapy for Improving Pain in Patients Experiencing Myofascial Neck Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Taylor-Meza Alicea E. , Bahe Kelsey N. , Trevino Michael A. , Volberding Jennifer L. , Warren Aric J.
Published: June 2021

Focused Clinical Question: What is the efficacy of dry needling (DN) compared to ischemic compression point therapy for improving pain and pain pressure threshold (PPT) in patients experiencing myofascial neck pain? Clinical Bottom Line: There is low-level evidence suggesting DN has the potential to elicit greater improvements in pain and PPT relief compared to ischemic compression techniques for individuals with myofascial neck pain.
Effect of Aquatic Exercise on Sleep Efficiency of Adults With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: So Billy C.L. , Kwok Sze C. , Lee Paul H.
Published: June 2021

Background: Aerobic exercise improves sleep for people who have difficulty in sleeping soundly, but most research to date has focused on land-based exercise. There has been only very limited research into the effect of aquatic exercise on people with chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a 6-week aquatic exercise program on sleep efficiency among adults with chronic MSK pain. Methods: A total of 30 adults with chronic MSK pain were recruited by convenience sampling and assigned into intervention and control groups by a trained research assistant. Their sleep efficiency, sleep quality, activity level, stress level, and pain level were measured with ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer before and after the intervention group completed a 6-week, biweekly program of aquatic exercise. Results: Following intervention, the intervention group had significantly longer total true sleep time (by 27.6 min, P = .006); greater sleep efficiency (+3.01%, P = .005); and less pain (−1.33/10, P = .026). The control group had significantly shorter total true sleep time by 5.8 minutes (P = .036) while changes in the other outcomes were not significant. Conclusions: Six weeks of moderate-intensity aquatic exercise may improve sleep efficiency and reduce pain for persons suffering chronic MSK pain.
Malaria parasite infection compromises colonization resistance to an enteric pathogen by reducing gastric acidity
Authors: Walker Gregory T. , Yang Guiyan , Tsai Julia Y. , Rodriguez Jorge L. , English Bevin C. , Faber Franziska , Souvannaseng Lattha , Butler Brian P. , Tsolis Renée M.
Published: June 2021

In mice, the host response to malaria weakens colonization resistance to an enteric pathogen by suppressing gastric acidity.
The essential role of recurrent processing for figure-ground perception in mice
Authors: Kirchberger Lisa , Mukherjee Sreedeep , Schnabel Ulf H. , van Beest Enny H. , Barsegyan Areg , Levelt Christiaan N. , Heimel J. Alexander , Lorteije Jeannette A. M. , van der Togt Chris , Self Matthew W. , Roelfsema Pieter R.
Published: June 2021

Perceptual organization in mice depends on feedback from higher visual areas, with specific roles for VIP and SOM interneurons.
Optogenetics gets the worm
Authors: San-Miguel Adriana
Published: June 2021

Analysis of
Caenorhabditis elegans
natural movement and optogenetic control of its muscle cells enable controlled locomotion.
Selectins impair regulatory T cell function and contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis
Authors: Scherlinger Marc , Guillotin Vivien , Douchet Isabelle , Vacher Pierre , Boizard-Moracchini Andréa , Guegan Jean-Philippe , Garreau Anne , Merillon Nathalie , Vermorel Agathe , Ribeiro Emmanuel , Machelart Irène , Lazaro Estibaliz , Couzi Lionel , Duffau Pierre , Barnetche Thomas , Pellegrin Jean-Luc , Viallard Jean-François , Saleh Maya , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Legembre Patrick , Truchetet Marie-Elise , Dumortier Hélène , Contin-Bordes Cécile , Sisirak Vanja , Richez Christophe , Blanco Patrick
Published: June 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a loss of tolerance toward self-nucleic acids, autoantibody production, interferon expression and signaling, and a defect in the regulatory T (Treg) cell compartment. In this work, we identified that platelets from patients with active SLE preferentially interacted with Treg cells via the P-selectin/P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) axis. Selectin interaction with PSGL-1 blocked the regulatory and suppressive properties of Treg cells and particularly follicular Treg cells by triggering Syk phosphorylation and an increase in intracytosolic calcium. Mechanistically, P-selectin engagement on Treg cells induced a down-regulation of the transforming growth factor–β axis, altering the phenotype of Treg cells and limiting their immunosuppressive responses. In patients with SLE, we found an up-regulation of P- and E-selectin both on microparticles and in their soluble forms that correlated with disease activity. Last, blocking P-selectin in a mouse model of SLE improved cardinal features of the disease, such as anti-dsDNA antibody concentrations and kidney pathology. Overall, our results identify a P-selectin–dependent pathway that is active in patients with SLE and validate it as a potential therapeutic avenue.
Integrated Analyses of the Gut Microbiota, Intestinal Permeability, and Serum Metabolome Phenotype in Rats with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: Yang Fan , Wei Jidong , Shen Mengke , Ding Yating , Lu Yufan , Ishaq Hafiz Muhammad , Li Duan , Yan Dong , Wang Qi , Zhang Ruiling
Published: June 2021

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with certain psychiatric disorders through the “microbiota-gut-brain” axis. Here, we revealed that alcohol consumption induced the colonic microbiota dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, and altered the serum metabolic phenotype in rats, and there was a strong correlation between gut microbiota dysbiosis and serum metabolite disorders.
ImuA Facilitates SOS Mutagenesis by Inhibiting RecA-Mediated Activity in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Sheng Duohong , Wang Ye , Jiang Zhiwei , Liu Dongkai , Li Yuezhong
Published: June 2021

DnaE2 is responsible for bacterial SOS mutagenesis in nearly one-third of sequenced bacterial strains. However, its mechanism, especially the function of its accessory protein ImuA, is still unclear. Here, we report that
M. xanthus
ImuA could affect SOS mutagenesis by inhibiting the recombinase activity of RecA1, which helps to explain the mechanism of DnaE2-dependent TLS and the selection of the two restart pathways to repair the stalled replication fork.
Dynamics of the Human Nasal Microbiota and Staphylococcus aureus CC398 Carriage in Pig Truck Drivers across One Workweek
Authors: Ingham Anna Cäcilia , Urth Tinna Ravnholt , Sieber Raphael Niklaus , Stegger Marc , Edslev Sofie Marie , Angen Øystein , Larsen Anders Rhod
Published: June 2021

In Denmark, the number of human methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) cases has increased dramatically since the early 2000s, starting from imported cases and spreading in the community. However, today, approximately one-third of all new cases are attributed to livestock-associated MRSA clonal complex 398 (LA-MRSA CC398).
Increasing the Efficiency of a National Laboratory Response to COVID-19: a Nationwide Multicenter Evaluation of 47 Commercial SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassays by 41 Laboratories
Authors: van den Beld Maaike J. C. , Murk Jean-Luc , Kluytmans Jan , Koopmans Marion P. G. , Reimerink Johan , van Loo Inge H. M. , Wegdam-Blans Marjolijn C. A. , Zaaijer Hans ,   Serology Workgroup for SARS-CoV-2, GeurtsvanKessel Corine , Reusken Chantal
Published: June 2021

In response to the worldwide pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the subsequent antibody tests that flooded the market, a nationwide collaborative approach in the Netherlands was employed. Forty-one Dutch laboratories joined forces and shared their evaluation data to allow for the evaluation of a quantity of serological assays for SARS-CoV-2 that exceeds the capacity of each individual laboratory.
Mediation Analysis in Discipline-Based Education Research Using Structural Equation Modeling: Beyond “What Works” to Understand How It Works, and for Whom
Authors: Ballen Cissy J. , Salehi Shima
Published: June 2021

Advancing the field of discipline-based education research (DBER) requires developing theories based on outcomes that integrate across multiple methodologies. Here, we describe mediation analysis with structural equation modeling as one statistical tool that allows us to further examine mechanisms underlying well-documented trends in higher education.
Teaching Aspects of Antibiotics and Antimicrobials to the Food Science Student through a Combination Wet Lab and
In Silico
Activity
Authors: Zimmerman Tahl , Ibrahim Mariama , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: June 2021

To prevent the growth of food pathogens and food spoilage organisms, antimicrobials are used to disinfect surfaces or are added to food. In light of the important role that antibiotics and antimicrobials play in food safety, food science students need a deep understanding of how these chemicals function.
Human Cytomegalovirus Exploits TACC3 To Control Microtubule Dynamics and Late Stages of Infection
Authors: Furey Colleen , Astar Helen , Walsh Derek
Published: June 2021

Diverse viruses rely on host cell microtubule networks to transport viral particles within the dense cytoplasmic environment and to control the broader architecture of the cell to facilitate their replication. However, precisely how viruses regulate the dynamic behavior and function of microtubule filaments remains poorly defined.
Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Clinical Blood Culture Isolates Not Identified by a Rapid Microarray Diagnostic System
Authors: Freiberg Jeffrey A. , Deri Connor R. , Nesbitt Whitney J. , Humphries Romney M. , Nelson George E.
Published: June 2021

Rapid diagnostic testing to identify bloodstream pathogens has arisen as an important tool both to ensure adequate antimicrobial therapy is given early and to aid in antimicrobial stewardship by allowing for more rapid deescalation of inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the significance of isolates that are not able to be identified by rapid diagnostic testing.
Anti-Spike Protein Assays to Determine SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels: a Head-to-Head Comparison of Five Quantitative Assays
Authors: Perkmann Thomas , Perkmann-Nagele Nicole , Koller Thomas , Mucher Patrick , Radakovics Astrid , Marculescu Rodrig , Wolzt Michael , Wagner Oswald F. , Binder Christoph J. , Haslacher Helmuth
Published: June 2021

Reliable quantification of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 is highly relevant, e.g., for identifying possible vaccine failure and estimating the time of protection. We compared the performance of five CE marked tests that quantify antibodies against the viral spike protein.
Modern Porous Polymer Implants: Synthesis, Properties, and Application
Authors: Kovylin R. S. , Aleynik D. Ya. , Fedushkin I. L.
Published: June 2021

The needs of modern surgery triggered the intensive development of transplantology, medical materials science, and tissue engineering. These directions require the use of innovative materials, among which porous polymers occupy one of the leading positions. The use of natural and synthetic polymers makes it possible to adjust the structure and combination of properties of a material to its particular application. This review generalizes and systematizes the results of recent studies describing requirements imposed on the structure and properties of synthetic (or artificial) porous polymer materials and implants on their basis and the advantages and limitations of synthesis methods. The most extensively employed, promising initial materials are considered, and the possible areas of application of polymer implants based on these materials are highlighted.