bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Synthesis of Putative Pheromone Components of the Threatened Salt Marsh Bagworm Moth, Whittleia retiella (Lepidoptera: Psychidae)
Authors: Rahmani Rizan , Carrasco David , Svensson Glenn P. , Roweck Hartmut , Ryrholm Nils , Larsson Mattias C. , Hedenström Erik
Published: February 2020

Whittleia retiella (Newman, 1847) is a threatened salt marsh species of the bagworm moth family Psychidae. For its preservation it is necessary to develop efficient tools to survey its distribution and habitat requirements in order to use appropriate conservation methods. Such tools may be pheromone-based monitoring systems, which have documented efficacy in establishing the occurrence of cryptic insect species in nature. By using gas chromatography combined with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), we found two compounds in female W. retiella headspace samples and whole-body extracts that elicited electrophysiological activity in male antennae. Gas chromatograpy coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) operating in electron impact (EI) mode and comparison of the analytical data with those of synthetic reference compounds showed the chemical structures of these putative pheromone components to be (1S)-1-methylpropyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate and 1-methylethyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate. Field assays using baits loaded with synthetic compounds revealed that conspecific males were attracted to (1S)-1-methylpropyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate alone or in combination with 1-methylethyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate, whereas 1-methylethyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate neither attracted nor repelled males in the field assays when tested alone. This study shows the potential of using (1S)-1-methylpropyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate for monitoring W. retiella to gather more detailed information about the geographic distribution and habitat needs of this rare moth.
Orodispersible films as a personalized dosage form for nursing home residents, an exploratory study
Authors: Visser J. Carolina , Wibier Lisa , Mekhaeil Marina , Woerdenbag Herman J. , Taxis Katja
Published: February 2020

Background A frequent problem in ageing patients, and thus in nursing home residents, is dysphagia, affecting the ability to swallow solid dosage forms. A promising and personalized drug delivery system for this patient group is the orodispersible film. Orodispersible films could be prepared extemporaneously in a (hospital) pharmacy setting or in specialty compounding community pharmacies using the solvent casting method. Little has been done to systematically investigate which medications should be chosen for orodispersible film formulation development. Objective In this study, the medication use of nursing home residents was examined to identify medications that are suitable for orodispersible film formulation development. Setting Nursing homes of three Northern provinces of Netherlands. Method Medication intake data from 427 nursing home residents from nine nursing homes from the three northern provinces of the Netherlands were used to identify candidates for orodispersible film formulation development. A stepwise approach, with exclusion steps, was used. Selection criteria included systemic use with a maximum amount of 100 mg per dose unit, no commercially available suitable dosage forms for administration in dysphagia, indication for diseases associated with dysphagia. Furthermore, the characteristics of the active pharmaceutical ingredient needed for the orodispersible film formulation development, such as water solubility and taste, were reviewed. Main outcome measure Active pharmaceutical ingredients suitable for orodispersible film formulation development. Results The nursing home residents used three hundred forty one different medications. Of those, 34 active pharmaceutical ingredients from six therapeutic groups were considered as candidates for orodispersible film formulation development. Most of these active pharmaceutical ingredients have a bitter taste and poor water solubility, which is a challenge for orodispersible film production. Conclusions The most suitable active pharmaceutical ingredient candidates for manufacturing of orodispersible films for the ageing patient population may be the combination of levodopa and carbidopa used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and baclofen used to treat spasticity.
Teaching Conflicts of Interest and Shared Decision-Making to Improve Risk Communication: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Koch Cora , Dreimüller Nadine , Weißkircher Janosch , Deis Nicole , Gaitzsch Eva , Wagner Stefanie , Stoll Marlene , Bäßler Franziska , Lieb Klaus , Jünger Jana
Published: February 2020

Background

Risk communication is a core aspect of a physician’s work and a fundamental prerequisite for successful shared decision-making. However, many physicians are not able to adequately communicate risks to patients due to a lack of understanding of statistics as well as inadequate management of conflicts of interest (COI).

Objective

To evaluate the effects of an integrated curriculum encompassing COI and shared decision-making on the participants’ risk communication competence, that is, their competence to advise patients on the benefits and harms of diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.

Design

A rater-blind randomized controlled trial with a 30 (± 1)-week follow-up conducted from October 2016 to June 2017 at two German academic medical centers.

Participants

Sixty-three medical students in their fourth or fifth year.

Interventions

Participants received either a newly developed 15-h curriculum or a course manual adapted from teaching as usual.

Main Measures

Primary outcome: change in risk communication performance in a video-observed structured clinical examination (VOSCE).

Key Results

Participants were 25.7 years old on average (SD 3.6); 73% (46/63) were female. Increase in risk communication performance was significantly higher in the intervention group with post-intervention Cohen’sdof 2.35 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62 to 3.01,p< 0.01) and of 1.83 (CI 1.13 to 2.47,p< 0.01) 30 (± 1) weeks later. Secondary outcomes with the exception of frequency of interactions with the pharmaceutical industry also showed relevant improvements in the intervention as compared with the control group (dbetween 0.91 and 2.04 (p< 0.001)).

Conclusions

Our results show that an integrated curriculum encompassing COI and risk communication leads to a large and sustainable increase in risk communication performance. We interpret the large effect sizes to be a result of the integration of topics that are usually taught separately, leading to a more effective organization of knowledge.

Trial Registration:The trial is registered in the International Clinical Trials Registry with the trial number DRKS00010890.
Exercise and cancer: a position statement from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology
Authors: Pollán M. , Casla-Barrio S. , Alfaro J. , Esteban C. , Segui-Palmer M. A. , Lucia A. , Martín M.
Published: February 2020

Due to improvements in the number of cancer survivors and survival time, there is a growing interest in healthy behaviors, such as physical activity (PA), and their potential impact on cancer- and non-cancer-related morbidity in individuals with cancer. Commissioned by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), in this review, we sought to distill the most recent evidence on this topic, focusing on the mechanisms that underpin the effects of PA on cancer, the role of PA in cancer prevention and in the prognosis of cancer and practical recommendations for clinicians regarding PA counseling. Despite the available information, the introduction of exercise programs into the global management of cancer patients remains a challenge with several areas of uncertainty. Among others, the most effective behavioral interventions to achieve long-term changes in a patient’s lifestyle and the optimal intensity and duration of PA should be defined with more precision in future studies.
Later Life Sex and Rubin’s ‘Charmed Circle’
Authors: Jones Rebecca L.
Published: February 2020

Gayle Rubin’s now classic concept of the ‘charmed circle’ has been much used by scholars of sexuality to discuss the ways in which some types of sex are privileged over others. In this paper, I apply the concept of the charmed circle to a new topic—later life—in order both to add to theory about later life sex and to add an older-age lens to thinking about sex hierarchies. Traditional discursive resources around older people’s sexual activities, which treat older people’s sex as inherently beyond the charmed circle, now coexist with new imperatives for older people to remain sexually active as part of a wider project of ‘successful’ or ‘active’ ageing. Drawing on the now-substantial academic literature about later life sex, I discuss some of the ways in which redrawing the charmed circle to include some older people’s sex may paradoxically entail the use of technologies beyond the charmed circle of ‘good, normal, natural, blessed’ sex. Sex in later life also generates some noteworthy inversions in which types of sex are privileged and which treated as less desirable, in relation to marriage and procreation. Ageing may, furthermore, make available new possibilities to redefine what constitutes ‘good’ sex and to refuse compulsory sexuality altogether, without encountering stigma.
Evaluation and Analysis of Battery Technologies Applied to Grid-Level Energy Storage Systems Based on Rough Set Theory
Authors: Xie Zhiyuan , Du Liang , Lv Xiaojun , Wang Qing , Huang Jianglei , Fu Tianyi , Li Shengyue
Published: February 2020

Interest in the development of grid-level energy storage systems has increased over the years. As one of the most popular energy storage technologies currently available, batteries offer a number of high-value opportunities due to their rapid responses, flexible installation, and excellent performances. However, because of the complexity, multifunctionality, and wide deployment of power grids, trade-offs in battery performance exist, especially when considering economics, environmental effects, and safety. Therefore, establishing a comprehensive assessment of battery technologies is an urgent undertaking. In this work, we present an analysis of rough sets to evaluate the integration of battery systems (e.g., lead–acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, nickel/metal–hydrogen batteries, zinc–air batteries, and Na–S batteries) into a power grid. Specifically, technological properties, economic significance, environmental effects, and safety of these battery systems are evaluated on the basis of rough set theory. In addition, some perspectives are provided to promote the development of battery technologies for grid-level energy storage.
Indications for stenting of coarctation of the aorta in children under 3 months of age
Authors: Krasemann T. , van Beynum I. , Dalinghaus M. , van Leuwen W. , Bogers A. , van de Woestijne P.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Coarctation of the aorta in children under 3 months of age is usually treated surgically. However, there are clinical scenarios in which stenting of native or recurrent coarctation may become necessary in this age group.

Case reports

Four cases illustrate possible indications: left ventricular dysfunction increasing the operative risk, thrombus formation after coarctation surgery, patient size (i.e. in premature babies), and retrograde arch obstruction after hybrid palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. In all babies, coarctation stenting was carried out successfully without complications.

Conclusion

Coarctation stenting can be carried out safely in small children. Usually, the stent has to be removed or redilated later. Results are encouraging.
Ultrasound molecular imaging: insights into cardiovascular pathology
Authors: Ozawa Koya , Lindner Jonathan R.
Published: February 2020

Similar to what has already occurred in cancer medicine, the management of cardiovascular conditions will likely be improved by non-invasive molecular imaging technologies that can provide earlier or more accurate diagnosis. These techniques are already having a positive impact in pre-clinical research by providing insight into pathophysiology or efficacy of new therapies. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEU) molecular imaging is a technique that relies on the ultrasound detection of targeted microbubble contrast agents to examine molecular or cellular events that occur at the blood pool-endothelial interface. CEU molecular imaging techniques have been developed that are able to provide unique information on atherosclerosis, ischemia reperfusion injury, angiogenesis, vascular inflammation, and thrombus formation. Accordingly, CEU has the potential to be used in a wide variety of circumstances to detect disease early or at the bedside, and to guide appropriate therapy based on vascular phenotype. This review will describe the physical basis for CEU molecular imaging, and the specific disease processes for the pre-clinical translational research experience.
Sedimentological and stratigraphic analyses as a guide for reservoir quality prediction and distribution: a case study of X1 and X2 reservoirs in Koca field, Niger delta
Authors: Njoku Kelechi Victoria
Published: February 2020

The basic architecture of reservoir models is heavily impacted by the stratigraphic interpretation. The estimation of in-place hydrocarbon volumes and recoverable hydrocarbon volumes will rely on the accuracy of predicting and distributing reservoir quality away from well control. In this paper the interpretation of sedimentological and stratigraphic analyses is used to define reservoir geometry, lateral continuity and determine technique needed for 3D static modelling. The objective of this study is to use a sequence stratigraphic framework and depositional model to predict the characteristic fabric of X1 and X2 reservoirs in unknown portions of the field. Log motifs from four wells (Koca-01, Koca-02, Koca-03 and Koca-04) and core report from a nearby well Z07 were used to classify facies types. Biostratigraphy data from Koca-01 were used to identify key stratigraphic markers. A sequence stratigraphic framework of the facies was built and correlated across the field. This interpretation was further used to build a conceptual depositional model that best represented the environment of deposition for these reservoirs. Results show the major facies associations as distributary channels and shoreface sands. X1 and X2 reservoirs are interpreted to be progradational sands within a highstand system tract. Correlation shows good sand connectivity and distribution of gross reservoir thickness in 2D. The depositional model in this paper was used in 3D static models to improve geometric characterization in 3D static modelling.
Functions of capillary pressure and dissolution in the CO2-flooding process in low-permeability reservoirs
Authors: Huang Xiaoliang , Qi Zhilin , Yan Wende , Yuan Yingzhong , Tian Jie , Qin Tianbao
Published: February 2020

CO2 flooding has become one of most effective methods to improve oil recovery in low-permeability reservoirs. Thus, influencing factors have been specifically analyzed for their impact on oil displacement. Factors that are difficult to observe, such as capillary pressure and CO2 dissolution, have often been neglected in specific analysis. To do so, this paper combined laboratory experimentation with numerical simulation analysis to understand the specific functions of capillary pressure and CO2 dissolution in the CO2-flooding process in low-permeability reservoirs. Based on laboratory experiments with long cores applying different CO2-flooding methods, the authors established a one-dimensional numerical simulation model for CO2 flooding. After that, the model was simulated to analyze the effects of capillary pressure and CO2 dissolution for different CO2-flooding processes. The results show that the function of capillary pressure in different CO2-flooding modes is not consistent in low-permeability reservoirs; furthermore, capillary pressure is a driving force in the process of flooding and is a resistance force in the CO2-flooding process after pressure recovery. When considering CO2 dissolution in different flooding modes, its function was shown to be inconsistent in low-permeability reservoirs compared with CO2 flooding without considering CO2 dissolution; oil recovery is reduced in the CO2-flooding process, but oil recovery increases in the CO2-flooding process after pressure recovery. Therefore, in order to promote the rational and effective development of low-permeability reservoirs, it is necessary to understand the functions of capillary pressure and CO2 dissolution clearly in the process of CO2 flooding.
The Distribution of Carbon in Austenite Studied on a Water-Quenched Compacted Graphite Iron Using Electron Probe Microanalysis
Authors: Domeij Björn , Diószegi Attila
Published: February 2020

Spheroidal graphite is the defining microstructural feature of ductile iron and also plays an important role in compacted graphite iron. It is widely accepted that graphite spheroids are engulfed by austenite at an early stage of solidification after which their growth is impeded by the slow diffusion of carbon through a layer of austenite. In this work, a compacted graphite iron-containing spheroidal graphite was studied after interruption of its solidification by water quenching. Selected areas of a cross section of the castings were investigated using quantitative electron probe microanalysis, with emphasis on the distribution of carbon in austenite. The measured carbon concentration near graphite was generally below the theoretical carbon concentration in austenite at equilibrium with graphite at 1140 °C. Numerical simulations of diffusion of carbon in austenite around spheroidal graphite suggest that a zone of austenite around graphite was likely depleted of carbon during quenching, possibly explaining the low measured concentrations. The measured carbon concentration near graphite varied by as much as 0.3 wt%, with the lowest concentrations consistently found in the central region of compacted graphite–austenite eutectic cells. Regardless of whether these differences were present prior to quenching or are consequences thereof, they seem to reflect either departures from, or displacements of, the carbon concentration in austenite at equilibrium with graphite. This indicates that there is something about growth of graphite embedded in austenite which is not well understood. Concentrations of Si, Mn and Cu are near equal in the compared regions and do not explain the observed differences in carbon content near graphite.
Das Refeeding-Syndrom
Authors: Zauner Christian , Schneeweiss Mathias , Schmid Monika , Wewalka Marlene
Published: February 2020

Das Refeeding-Syndrom stellt bei malnutrierten Personen eine potenziell lebensbedrohliche Komplikation einer wiederbegonnenen Nährstoffzufuhr dar. Es ist durch Störungen der Elektrolyt- und Flüssigkeitshomöostase sowie durch Vitaminmangelzustände charakterisiert und kann sowohl durch eine orale, enterale und auch parenterale Energiezufuhr verursacht werden. Das Refeeding-Syndrom tritt zumeist sehr rasch auf, sodass in der Frühphase einer Ernährungstherapie ein rigoroses metabolisches Monitoring vorzunehmen ist. Dadurch ist es möglich, diese Komplikation rechtzeitig zu erkennen und zu behandeln, noch bevor Organdysfunktionen auftreten. Bei Personen mit einem hohen Risiko für eine Malnutrition sollte die Nährstoffzufuhr zunächst mit einer geringen Menge begonnen und diese im Verlauf nur langsam gesteigert werden. Elektrolyte, Flüssigkeit und Vitamine sind adäquat zu substituieren. Es ist essenziell, bei Beginn einer Nährstoffzufuhr an die Möglichkeit eines Refeeding-Syndroms zu denken.
Continuous-flow synthesis and application of polymer-supported BODIPY Photosensitisers for the generation of singlet oxygen; process optimised by in-line NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Thomson Christopher G. , Jones Callum M. S. , Rosair Georgina , Ellis David , Marques-Hueso Jose , Lee Ai-Lan , Vilela Filipe
Published: February 2020

Commercial polystyrene Merrifield-type resins have been post-synthetically functionalised with BODIPY photosensitisers via a novel aryl ester linking strategy in continuous-flow. A unique synthetic advantage of post-synthetically modifying heterogeneous materials in flow was identified. The homogeneous analogues of the polymer-supported BODIPYs were synthesised and used as reference to assess photophysical properties altered by the polymer-support and linker. The homogeneous and polymer-supported BODIPYs were applied in visible-light photosensitisation of singlet oxygen for the conversion of α-terpinene to ascaridole. Materials produced in flow were superior to batch in terms of functional loading and photosensitisation efficiency. Flow photochemical reactions generally outperformed batch by a factor of 4 with respect to rate of reaction. The polymer-supported BODIPY resins could be irradiated for 96 h without loss of photosensitising ability. Additional material synthetic modification and conditions optimisation using an in-line NMR spectrometer resulted in a 24-fold rate enhancement from the initial material and conditions.
The electrochemical fabrication of hydrogels: a short review
Authors: Cross Emily R.
Published: February 2020

Electrochemical hydrogel fabrication is the process of preparing hydrogels directly on to an electrode surface. There are a variety of methods to fabricate hydrogels, which are specific to the type of gelator and the desired properties of the hydrogel. A range of analytical methods that can track this gelation and characterise the final properties are discussed in this short review.
Deep Dyspareunia, Superficial Dyspareunia, and Infertility Concerns Among Women With Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wahl Kate J. , Orr Natasha L. , Lisonek Michelle , Noga Heather , Bedaiwy Mohamed A. , Williams Christina , Allaire Catherine , Albert Arianne Y. , Smith Kelly B. , Cox Susan , Yong Paul J.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Deep dyspareunia is a cardinal symptom of endometriosis, and as many as 40% of people with this condition experience comorbid superficial dyspareunia.

Aim

To evaluate the relationship between sexual pain and infertility concerns among women with endometriosis.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted at a university-based tertiary center for endometriosis. 300 reproductive-aged participants in the prospective Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Interdisciplinary Cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02911090) with histologically confirmed endometriosis were included (2013–2017).

Main Outcome Measure

The total score on the infertility concerns module of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 categorized into 5 groups (0, 1–4, 5–8, 9–12, 13–16).

Results

The odds of infertility concerns did not increase with severity of deep dyspareunia (odds ratio = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.95–1.09, P = .58). However, the odds of infertility concerns increased with severity of superficial dyspareunia (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.16, P = .011); this relationship persisted after adjusting for endometriosis-specific factors, infertility risk factors, reproductive history, and demographic characteristics (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06–1.24, P < .001). Other factors in the model independently associated with increased infertility concerns were previous difficulty conceiving (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.04–4.19, P = .038), currently trying to conceive (AOR = 5.23, 95% CI 2.77–9.98, P < .001), nulliparity (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI 1.63–6.41, P < .001), and younger age (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89–0.98, P = .005).

Conclusion

Severity of superficial dyspareunia, but not deep dyspareunia, was associated with increased odds of infertility concerns among women with endometriosis. Strengths of the study included the use of a validated measure of infertility concerns and disaggregation of sexual pain into deep and superficial dyspareunia. Limitations included the setting of a tertiary center for pelvic pain, which affects generalizability to fertility clinic and primary care settings. Women experiencing introital dyspareunia, who can have difficulties with achieving penetrative intercourse, may be concerned about their future fertility and should be counselled appropriately.
Methodological Challenges in Studying Testosterone Therapies for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women
Authors: Rowen Tami S. , Davis Susan R. , Parish Sharon , Simon James , Vignozzi Linda
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Testosterone has been studied for its benefits on sexual health for decades. The research regarding testosterone in women has produced evidence that this is a potential treatment for women suffering from female sexual dysfunction. There are several limitations of the testosterone trials that can affect their interpretation and challenges posed by some regulatory agencies that have prevented approval of any testosterone treatment for women in several countries.

Aim

To summarize the challenges of testosterone trials in terms of study populations, patient-reported outcomes, validated instruments in research, confounders, and regulatory barriers.

Methods

A thorough review of published data on testosterone for the treatment of women's sexual health problems was undertaken. A detailed evaluation of the limitations of these trials was conducted and incorporated with the published evidence on the regulatory processes involved in moving testosterone from clinical research to drug approval.

Main Outcome Measure

Main outcome measures are assessment of clinical trial populations, survey tools, confounders, and regulatory barriers.

Results

There is some heterogeneity of study populations included in testosterone trials in women. Similarly, there have been differences in instruments used to assess patient-reported outcomes and often minimal control for potential confounders. The regulatory agency had posed a challenge to approve any testosterone treatment for women based on unproven concerns and a lack of regulatory guidance for drug developers.

Clinical Implications

There is strong evidence that shows testosterone is effective for treating sexual health concerns in the women included in clinical trials.

Strength & Limitations

Strengths include thorough review of published literature and trial design for sexual health concerns. Limitations include being restricted to English Language publications and not having access to unpublished clinical trial data.

Conclusions

Testosterone trials in women have been limited by homogeneity in the study populations and outcomes measured. Drug development has been hampered by inconsistent regulatory barriers.
Influences of lateral jet location and its number on the drag reduction of a blunted body in supersonic flows
Authors: Dong M. , Liao J. , Du Z. , Huang W.
Published: February 2020

The analysis of the aerodynamic environment of the re-entry vehicle attaches great importance to the design of the novel drag reduction strategies, and the combinational spike and jet concept has shown promising application for the drag reduction in supersonic flows. In this paper, the drag force reduction mechanism induced by the combinational spike and lateral jet concept with the freestream Mach number being 5.9332 has been investigated numerically by means of the two-dimensional axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the shear stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model, and the effects of the lateral jet location and its number on the drag reduction of the blunt body have been evaluated. The obtained results show that the drag force of the blunt body can be reduced more profoundly when employing the dual lateral jets, and its maximum percentage is 38.81%, with the locations of the first and second lateral jets arranged suitably. The interaction between the leading shock wave and the first lateral jet has a great impact on the drag force reduction. The drag force reduction is more evident when the interaction is stronger. Due to the inclusion of the lateral jet, the pressure intensity at the reattachment point of the blunt body decreases sharply, as well as the temperature near the walls of the spike and the blunt body, and this implies that the multi-lateral jet is beneficial for the drag reduction.
Including older rural adults in research: Practical guidance for addressing the NIH Inclusion Across the Lifespan policy
Authors: Croff Raina , Gowen L. Kris , Lindauer Allison , Shofner Sabrina , Brown Kim , Eckstrom Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

The NIH Inclusion Across the Lifespan policy has implications for increasing older adult (OA) participation in research. This study aimed to understand influential factors and facilitators to rural OA research participation.

Methods:

Thirty-seven rural adults aged ≥66 years participated in focus groups in community centers in four Oregon “non-metro” counties. Transcribed discussions were coded using open-axial coding by an interdisciplinary analytical team.

Results:

Ages were 66–96 (mean 82.2) years. Majority were women (64%) and white (86%). Primary, interrelated discussion themes were Motivation and Facilitators, Perceptions of Research, and Barriers to Research Participation. Participants were motivated to engage in research because they believed research had implications for improved longevity and quality of life and potentially benefited future generations. Motivational factors influencing participation included self-benefit and improving others’ lives, opportunities to socialize and learn about current research, research transparency (funding, time commitment, and requirements), and financial compensation. Perceptions influencing trustworthiness in research included funding source (industry/non-industry) and familiarity with the research institution. Barriers to research participation included transportation and concern about privacy and confidentiality. Suggestions for making research participation easier included researchers coming to rural communities and meeting participants in places where OAs gather and providing transportation and hotel accommodations.

Conclusion:

Lessons learned offer practical guidance for research teams as they address the new NIH Inclusion Across the Lifespan policy. Including OAs in research in ways that motivate and facilitate participation will be critical for a robust representation across the lifespan and in tailoring treatments to the specific needs of this population.
Estimating controlled direct effects through marginal structural models
Authors: Torres Michelle
Published: February 2020

When working with panel data, many researchers wish to estimate the direct effects of time-varying factors on future outcomes. However, when a baseline treatment affects both the confounders of further stages of the treatment and the outcome, the estimation of controlled direct effects (CDEs) using traditional regression methods faces a bias trade-off between confounding bias and post-treatment control. Drawing on research from the field of epidemiology, in this article I present a marginal structural modeling (MSM) approach that allows scholars to generate unbiased estimates of CDEs. Further, I detail the characteristics and implementation of MSMs, compare the performance of this approach under different conditions, and discuss and assess practical challenges when conducting them. After presenting the method, I apply MSMs to estimate the effect of wealth in childhood on political participation, highlighting the improvement in terms of bias relative to traditional regression models. The analysis shows that MSMs improve our understanding of causal mechanisms especially when dealing with multi-categorical time-varying treatments and non-continuous outcomes.
PROOF OF TWO CONJECTURES ON SUPERCONGRUENCES INVOLVING CENTRAL BINOMIAL COEFFICIENTS
Authors: GU CHENG-YANG , GUO VICTOR J. W.
Published: February 2020

In this note we use some $q$-congruences proved by the method of ‘creative microscoping’ to prove two conjectures on supercongruences involving central binomial coefficients. In particular, we confirm the $m=5$ case of Conjecture 1.1 of Guo [‘Some generalizations of a supercongruence of Van Hamme’, Integral Transforms Spec. Funct.28 (2017), 888–899].
Demersal amphipod migrations: spatial patterns in marine shallow waters
Authors: Navarro-Barranco Carlos , Irazabal Alejandro , Moreira Juan
Published: February 2020

The nocturnal displacement to the water column of species hiding in the substrate during the day (so-called demersal migration) is a widespread phenomenon in coastal habitats. However, despite the relevance of these migrations to coastal ecosystem functioning, most of their ecological aspects are poorly understood. We aim to characterize spatial distribution patterns of demersal amphipods by comparing samples collected by light traps deployed both at rocky and nearby sandy areas. Dispersal abilities of such species were explored by considering two spatial scales of separation between rocky and sandy substrates: (1) <100 m and (2) >1 km. A total of >45,000 amphipod specimens were collected in the water column during the whole study, belonging to 50 species. The numerically dominant species were Guernea coalita, Bathyporeia cf. elegans, Perioculodes longimanus and Nototropis swammerdamei. The present study highlights the relevance of substrate type and study location on coastal demersal amphipod migrations. Amphipod assemblages were significantly different in the water column above rocky and sandy bottoms, even at a small spatial scale. Species emerging from rocky bottoms tend to remain in the proximity of this habitat; they showed lower abundances in sandy areas located nearby and almost none of them reached distant sandy areas. In contrast, migrant species commonly found on sediment during the day were collected at higher abundances in light traps deployed above rocky bottoms. Although several factors (e.g. food availability, predation pressure) are proposed to explain these patterns, the purpose of this horizontal migration remains unknown.
Infrastructural Contingencies and Contingent Sovereignties on the Indo–Afghan Frontier
Authors: MEDHI ABHILASH
Published: February 2020

The Khyber Pass Railway is a defunct 42-kilometre-long railway line that connects the western reaches of Peshawar to the Afghan border. Completed in 1925 mainly to carry British troops, the railway line failed to attract decent passenger or commodity traffic. Instead, it made an impact on a more primal register. Negotiations carried out between the British Government of India and populations from around the Khyber to allow its construction reproduced and rearranged lines of authority among the latter. They also embedded colonial administrators in tribal hierarchies. Efforts to acquire land and labour opened up spaces of collaboration between the colonial administration and members of frontier tribes, effectively contributing towards a reconfiguration of sovereign power in the area. This article weaves questions of customary law and colonial legal cultures into a retelling of the history of the Khyber Pass Railway. Examining transactions across three domains of sovereign power—the economic right to use land, extension of juridical regimes, and territorial control—it argues that the operation of sovereignty in the late-colonial Indo–Afghan frontier did not adhere to conventional ideas about its concentration and monopoly. The colonial government as well as members of frontier tribes deployed the inconclusive nature of their transactions strategically and, often, sovereign power lay with the stakeholder who could determine which domains fell within the bounds of the sovereignty question and which domains fell without.
Corridors of tolerance through human-dominated landscapes facilitate dispersal and connectivity between populations of African lionsPanthera leo
Authors: Dolrenry Stephanie , Hazzah Leela , Frank Laurence
Published: February 2020

Globally, little is known about the dispersal abilities of carnivores, their survival in non-protected areas, and the connectivity between protected and non-protected populations. More than a decade of sighting data for 496 known African lionsPanthera leo, with 189 individuals engaging in dispersing activities plus an exchange of cross-site information, has provided unique insight into connectivity and survival in unprotected and protected areas in Kenya. In particular, three individuals, across two generations residing solely in unprotected landscapes, demonstrated connectivity between three protected areas that, to our knowledge, have not previously been recognized as harbouring connected populations. These observations suggest that unprotected areas and the human communities that reside in them may successfully create corridors of tolerance that facilitate connectivity and the long-term persistence of lion populations, both within and outside protected areas.
Use of polyclonal IgY antibodies to detect serum immune complexes in patients with active hookworm infection
Authors: Souza Dayane Costa de , de Faria Lucas Silva , Sousa José Eduardo Neto de , Lopes Camila de Almeida , Ribeiro Vanessa da Silva , da Silva Vivian Jordania , Ribeiro Raphaella Paula , Rabelo Élida Mara Leite , Rodrigues Ávila Veridiana Melo , Ferreira Júnior Álvaro , Costa-Cruz Julia Maria
Published: February 2020

Definitive diagnosis of hookworm infection is usually based on the microscopic detection of eggs in a stool sample; however, several cases display a low or irregular egg output. Serodiagnosis can be a useful tool to identify these cases, but conventional tests do not differentiate past from active infections. The aim of this study was to obtain and apply egg yolk polyclonal immunoglobulin (IgY) antibodies to detect immune complexes (ICs) in serum samples from patients infected with hookworm. Hens were immunized withAncylostoma ceylanicumsaline extract, their eggs were collected and then IgY antibodies were extracted and purified. Antibody purity was tested by 12% sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and specificity was assessed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. IgY production was evaluated by kinetics enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sandwich ELISA tested the ability of IgY to detect ICs in serum samples, from which diagnostic parameters were calculated. Antibody responses increased steadily from day 7 to 42. In the immunoblotting assay, IgY recognized two protein complexes. The immunofluorescence assay showed no staining in control samples. The sandwich ELISA presented a very high diagnostic value, with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 86.7%. Our pioneer strategy highlights the potential use of egg yolk IgY as a diagnostic test to detect active hookworm infection.
Preparing captive-bred birds for reintroduction: the case of the Vietnam Pheasant Lophura edwardsi
Authors: COLLAR N. J.
Published: February 2020

The Vietnam Pheasant Lophura edwardsi (including L. hatinhensis) is only known from a small area of central Vietnam, where it occurred in wet forest below 300 m. It is probably extinct in the wild, but some 1,500 birds, derived from 28 individuals caught in 1924–1930, survive in captivity. Guidelines for reintroducing galliforms date from 2009. Subsequent literature was reviewed for new research findings to help maximise the chances of success in reintroducing birds. Studies confirmed that non-parent-reared captive-bred galliforms survive poorly, primarily owing to inadequate anti-predator responses. These reflect both genetic and ontogenetic unsuitability to wild conditions, with progressive maladaptation of stock being related to the number of generations spent in captivity (at least 35 in the case of Vietnam Pheasant). To compensate as far as possible for this deficiency, a reintroduction programme should use: environmental enrichment (including the provision of perches in aviaries), dietary enrichment (especially involving practice with live food), parent-rearing over several generations (although how many are needed for a species almost a century in captivity is unknown), soft releases (allowing full familiarisation with the future environment over at least 50 days), rigorous anti-predator training (against both air and ground attacks), anti-predation release stratagems (relocating and deterring predators, releasing birds at several stations, offering post-release support), determining appropriate numbers (per batch, with at least 300 in total per site) and time-frame for release (around five years) and the selection of fully suitable releasees in (as far as possible) naturally formed social groups, including parent-guided offspring aged around four months. Six sites need survey for extant populations or use for reintroduction, and the choice of reintroduction site will depend primarily on habitat extent and condition. The costs of these measures will be high and the overall project schedule will need to extend beyond the overall five years currently planned.
A Comparative Study on the Self-Assembly of Peptide TGV-9 by In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Li Yaping , Li Na , Wang Lei , Lu Qinhua , Ji Xiang , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2020

Previous studies of amyloid diseases reported that the aggregating proteins share a similar conserved peptide sequence which can form the cross-β-sheet-containing nanostructures like nanofilaments. The template-assisted self-assembly (TASA) of peptides on inorganic substrates with different hydrophilicity could be an alternative approach to shed light on the fibrillization mechanism of proteins/peptides in vivo. To figure out the effect of interfaces on amyloid aggregation, we herein employed in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the self-assembling of a Parkinson disease-related core peptide sequence (TGV-9) on a hydrophobic liquid–solid interface via real-time observation of the dynamic fibrillization process. The results show that TGV-9 forms one-dimensional nanostructures on the surface of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) with three preferred growth orientations, which are consistent with the atomic lattice of HOPG, indicating an epitaxial growth or TASA. Conversely, the nanostructures formed in bulk solution can be free-standing nanofilaments, and the fibrillization mechanism is different from that on HOPG. These results could not only deepen the understanding of the protein/peptide aggregation mechanism but also benefit for the early diagnosis and clinic treatment of related diseases.
Locally Condensed Water as a Solution for In Situ Wet Corrosion Electron Microscopy
Authors: Ahmadi Majid , Tichelaar Frans D. , Ihring Andreas , Kunze Michael , Billat Sophie , Esfahani Zahra Kolahdouz , Zandbergen Henny W.
Published: February 2020

In microstructural corrosion studies, knowledge on the initiation of corrosion on an nm-scale is lacking. In situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies can elucidate where/how the corrosion starts, provided that the proper corrosive conditions are present during the investigation. In wet corrosion studies with liquid cell nanoreactors (NRs), the liquid along the electron beam direction leads to strong scattering and therefore image blurring. Thus, a quick liquid removal or thickness control of the liquid layer is preferred. This can be done by the use of a Peltier element embedded in an NR. As a prelude to such in situ work, we demonstrate the local wetting of a TEM sample, by creating a temperature decrease of 10 ± 2°C on the membrane of an NR with planar Sb/BiSb thermoelectric materials for the Peltier element. TEM samples were prepared and loaded in an NR using a dual-beam focused ion beam scanning electron microscope. A mixture of water vapor and carrier gas was passed through a chamber, which holds the micro-electromechanical system Peltier device and resulted in quick formation of a water layer/droplets on the sample. The TEM analysis after repeated corrosion of the same sample (ex situ studies) shows the onset and progression of O2 and H2S corrosion of the AA2024-T3 alloy and cold-rolled HCT980X steel lamellae.
Linking the Atlantic and Indian Oceans: Asian textiles, Spanish silver, global capital, and the financing of the Portuguese–Brazilian slave trade (c.1760–1808)
Authors: Bohorquez J.
Published: February 2020

This article aims to analyse some of the multilateral flows of capital that contributed to weaving a Global South during the second half of the eighteenth century. It specifically revisits the functioning and financing of the Portuguese slave trade from a global perspective, and offers insights for assessing older frameworks that explain it, in either triangular or bilateral terms. The article argues that the Portuguese slave traffic should be liberated from the South Atlantic borders to which it has been confined. In so doing, it offers an Atlantic history in a global perspective, disclosing the connections between the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Putting the financing of the slave trade into a larger global perspective helps to more accurately explain how it actually operated in terms of the organization of trade. When the financial and institutional foundations of Asian and African trade are analysed together, it becomes evident that they were part of larger networks and capital flows, both westwards and eastwards, which were not just framed imperially or locally.
Water powers: the Second World War and the mobilization of hydroelectricity in Canada, the United States, and Germany
Authors: Cohn Julie , Evenden Matthew , Landry Marc
Published: February 2020

Comparing three of the major hydroelectric power-producing countries during the war – Canada, the United States, and Germany – this article considers the implications of expanding hydroelectricity for war production and strategy, and how wartime decisions structured the longer-term evolution of large technological systems. Despite different starting points, all three countries pursued similar strategies in attempting to mobilize hydroelectricity for the war effort. The different access to and use of hydro in these states produced a vital economic and ultimately military advantage or disadvantage. The global dimensions of hydroelectric development during the war, moreover, demonstrate that this conflict was a turning point in the history of electrification.
A benchmark for the environment: big science and ‘artificial’ geophysics in the global 1950s
Authors: Goossen Benjamin W.
Published: February 2020

Security concerns during the early Cold War prompted United States strategists to solicit worldwide assistance in studying Earth’s physical environment. Comprehensive geophysical knowledge required cooperation between researchers on every part of the planet, leading practitioners to tout transnational earth science – despite direct military applications in an age of submarines and ballistic missiles – as a non-political form of peaceful universalism. This article examines the 1957–58 International Geophysical Year as a powerful fulcrum in the transfer of ideas about Earth’s global environment from Western security establishments to conservationists worldwide. For eighteen months, tens of thousands of researchers across every continent pooled resources for data collection to create a scientific benchmark for future comparisons. Illuminating Earth as dynamic and interconnected, participants robustly conceptualized humanity’s emergence as a geophysical force, capable of ‘artificially’ modifying the natural world. Studies of anthropogenic geophysics, including satellites, nuclear fallout, and climate change, conditioned the global rise of environmentalism.