bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive status of a remnant Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) population: Spawning and larval drift in the lower Fox River, Wisconsin
Authors: Tucker Stefan R. , Houghton Christopher J. , Harris Brandon S. , Elliott Robert F. , Donofrio Michael C. , Forsythe Patrick S.
Published: July 2021

The Lower Fox River is a modified tributary of Green Bay, Lake Michigan that hosts a remnant Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) population. Reproduction has been confirmed, although annual spawning events have been described as small and concerns regarding the long‐term viability of the population remain. Contemporary and comprehensive surveys of spawning habitat, spawning stock, and production to the larval stage have not been conducted. The goal of this study was to describe spawning habitat, determine the size and demographic structure of the spawning stock, and quantify larval production (2017–2019) to identify impediments to population growth and recovery. Over 130 adults were present during annual spawning runs and spawning activity was consistently concentrated along the eastern riverbank. Adequate population structure exists to support reproductive success, but larval catch was low, ranging from 0 to 14 larvae captured annually. Evaluation of the riverbed below the De Pere Dam suggests the extent of the substrate available for spawning adult Lake Sturgeon is lower (~70% less) than previously described. Habitat deemed suitable for spawning exists offshore below the dam, but most habitat used for spawning is arranged along the eastern man‐made shoreline. However, nearshore spawning is problematic at this location due to fluctuating discharge from dam operation and periodic seiche events. Possible impediments limiting the success of Lake Sturgeon reproduction include dewatering of eggs, retention of eggs and larvae, algae colonization, and egg predation. We discuss these issues in the context of previous Lake Sturgeon research, future monitoring of spawning adults/larval production, and the likelihood that river habitat improvement will foster increased reproductive success.
Significantly Raised Visible‐Light Photocatalytic H2 Evolution on a 2D/2D ReS2/In2ZnS4 van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Ran Jingrun , Zhang Hongping , Qu Jiangtao , Shan Jieqiong , Davey Kenneth , Cairney Julie M. , Jing Liqiang , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: July 2021

Owing to dwindling fossil fuels reserves, the development of alternative renewable energy sources is globally important. Photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution represents a practical and affordable alternative to convert sunlight into carbon‐free H2 fuel. Recently, 2D/2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) have attracted significant research attention for photocatalysis. Here, for the first time a ReS2/In2ZnS4 2D/2D vdWH synthesized via a facile physical mixing is reported. It exhibits a highly promoted photocatalytic H2‐evolution rate of 2515 µmol h−1 g−1. Importantly, this exceeds that for pristine In2ZnS4 by about 22.66 times. This, therefore, makes ReS2/In2ZnS4 one of the most efficient In2ZnS4‐based photocatalysts without noble‐metal cocatalysts. Advanced characterizations and theoretical computations results show that interlayer electronic interaction within ReS2/In2ZnS4 vdWH and atomic‐level S active centers along the edges of ReS2 NSs work collaboratively to result in the boosted light‐induced H2 evolution. Results will be of immediate benefit in the rational design and preparation of vdWHs for applications in catalysis/(opto)electronics.
Integrating Pt16Te Nanotroughs and Nanopillars into a 3D “Self‐Supported” Hierarchical Nanostructure for Boosting Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Geng Wen‐Chao , Zhang Yu‐Jie , Yu Lan , Li Jing‐Jing , Sang Ji‐Long , Li Yong‐Jun
Published: July 2021

To develop durable and low‐price catalysts of methanol oxidation to commercialize direct methanol fuel cell, many attempts have been made at fabricating Pt‐based hybrids by designing component‐, morphology‐, facet‐, integration‐pattern‐varied nanostructures, and have achieved considerable successes. However, most of present catalysts still lack robust catalytic durability especially owing to the corrosion of mixed carbon and the poor mechanical stability of catalyst layer. Herein, Te nanowire array is transformed at an air/water interface into a 3D Pt16Te hierarchical nanostructure via an interface‐confined galvanic replacement reaction. As‐formed Pt16Te nanostructure has an asymmetrical architecture composed of nanotroughs and nanopillars, and nanopillars are perpendicular to nanotroughs with a loose arrangement. Pt16Te hierarchical nanostructure has a “self‐supported” feature and, when directly used as the catalyst of methanol electrooxidation, exhibits superior catalytic activity (>four times larger in mass activity than state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C in either acidic or basic solution) and long‐term durability (after 500 cycles of cyclic voltammetric measurement, more than 55% of the initial specific activity remains whereas Pt/C only remains 22.2% in acidic solution and almost loses all activity in basic solution). This study fully demonstrates that designing “self‐supported” catalyst film may be the next promising step for improving the catalytic performance of Pt‐based hybrids.
All‐Organic Flexible Ferroelectret Nanogenerator with Fabric‐Based Electrodes for Self‐Powered Body Area Networks
Authors: Wang Ningzhen , Daniels Robert , Connelly Liam , Sotzing Michael , Wu Chao , Gerhard Reimund , Sotzing Gregory A. , Cao Yang
Published: July 2021

Due to their electrically polarized air‐filled internal pores, optimized ferroelectrets exhibit a remarkable piezoelectric response, making them suitable for energy harvesting. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) ferroelectret films are laminated with two fluorinated‐ethylene‐propylene (FEP) copolymer films and internally polarized by corona discharge. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐coated spandex fabric is employed for the electrodes to assemble an all‐organic ferroelectret nanogenerator (FENG). The outer electret‐plus‐electrode double layers form active device layers with deformable electric dipoles that strongly contribute to the overall piezoelectric response in the proposed concept of wearable nanogenerators. Thus, the FENG with spandex electrodes generates a short‐circuit current which is twice as high as that with aluminum electrodes. The stacking sequence spandex/FEP/ePTFE/FEP/ePTFE/FEP/spandex with an average pore size of 3 µm in the ePTFE films yields the best overall performance, which is also demonstrated by the displacement‐versus‐electric‐field loop results. The all‐organic FENGs are stable up to 90 °C and still perform well 9 months after being polarized. An optimized FENG makes three light emitting diodes (LEDs) blink twice with the energy generated during a single footstep. The new all‐organic FENG can thus continuously power wearable electronic devices and is easily integrated, for example, with clothing, other textiles, or shoe insoles.
Propofol alleviates neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury rat models via the microRNA‐140‐3p/Jagged‐1 peptide/Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Cheng Fang , Qin Wei , Yang Ai‐xing , Yan Feng‐feng , Chen Yu , Ma Jian‐Xin
Published: July 2021

Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve was used to establish neuropathic pain (NP) models in rats. CCI rats were then treated with propofol (Pro) and their paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) were measured. In addition, the expression patterns of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and IL‐10 were detected. CCI rats treated with propofol were further injected with antagomiR‐140‐3p to verify the role of miR‐140‐3p in propofol's analgesic actions. In addition to confirming the relationship between miR‐140‐3p and JAG1, the expression patterns of JAG1 itself were detected. Propofol‐treated CCI rats were also injected with Ad‐JAG1 (adenovirus‐packaged JAG1 overexpression vector and Ad‐NC) to test the role of JAG1 in propofol's analgesic mechanism of action. Finally, the levels of JAG1 and Notch pathway‐related proteins were detected

Results

Propofol was found to alleviate NP, including thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical pain threshold. Propofol could also ameliorate neuroinflammation by up‐regulating the expression of IL‐10 and inhibiting the release of TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Mechanically, propofol enhanced the amount of miR‐140‐3p in CCI rats via the regulation of JAG1. Down‐regulation of miR‐140‐3p, or up‐regulation of JAG1, could reduce the protective effect of propofol against NP. Propofol inhibited the activation of Notch signaling via miR‐140‐3p/JAG1 to realize its analgesic effect

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that propofol inhibits inflammatory responses and the Notch signaling pathway via miR‐140‐3p/JAG1 to alleviate NP. These data provide evidence to support a potential clinical therapy for NP.
Introduction
Authors: Wardle Heather
Published: July 2021

Recent academic and policy attention focuses on the “convergence” of gambling and games. Yet, looking at the social and historical context of gambling and games, we see they were always intertwined, with both reflecting broader social, economic and cultural conditions. Setting out the argument for this book, this chapter contends that what we see today, with phenomena like loot boxes, is an acceleration of this trend, amplified by the changing technologies which underpin both industries. Little attention has been paid to these broader social and historical processes, which limits our understanding of them and our anticipation of what might happen next. This book aims to act as a primer to place the “convergence” of gambling and gaming within its rightful historical context and encourages us to take a broader perspective when thinking about the impact of these developments.
Learning Probabilistic Termination Proofs
Authors: Abate Alessandro , Giacobbe Mirco , Roy Diptarko
Published: July 2021

We present the first machine learning approach to the termination analysis of probabilistic programs. Ranking supermartingales (RSMs) prove that probabilistic programs halt, in expectation, within a finite number of steps. While previously RSMs were directly synthesised from source code, our method learns them from sampled execution traces. We introduce theneural ranking supermartingale: we let a neural network fit an RSM over execution traces and then we verify it over the source code using satisfiability modulo theories (SMT); if the latter step produces a counterexample, we generate from it new sample traces and repeat learning in a counterexample-guided inductive synthesis loop, until the SMT solver confirms the validity of the RSM. The result is thus a sound witness of probabilistic termination. Our learning strategy is agnostic to the source code and its verification counterpart supports the widest range of probabilistic single-loop programs that any existing tool can handle to date. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method over a range of benchmarks that include linear and polynomial programs with discrete, continuous, state-dependent, multi-variate, hierarchical distributions, and distributions with undefined moments.
Foundations of Fine-Grained Explainability
Authors: Hallé Sylvain , Tremblay Hugo
Published: July 2021

Explainability is the process of linking part of the inputs given to a calculation to its output, in such a way that the selected inputs somehow “cause” the result. We establish the formal foundations of a notion of explainability for arbitrary abstract functions manipulating nested data structures. We then establish explanation relationships for a set of elementary functions, and for compositions thereof. A fully functional implementation of these concepts is finally presented and experimentally evaluated.
Latticed k-Induction with an Application to Probabilistic Programs
Authors: Batz Kevin , Chen Mingshuai , Kaminski Benjamin Lucien , Katoen Joost-Pieter , Matheja Christoph , Schröer Philipp
Published: July 2021

We revisit two well-established verification techniques,k-inductionandbounded model checking(BMC), in the more general setting of fixed point theory over complete lattices. Our main theoretical contribution islatticed k-induction, which (i) generalizes classicalk-induction for verifying transition systems, (ii) generalizes Park induction for bounding fixed points of monotonic maps on complete lattices, and (iii) extends from naturalskto transfinite ordinals$$\kappa $$κ, thus yielding$$\kappa $$κ-induction.

The lattice-theoretic understanding ofk-induction and BMC enables us to apply both techniques to thefully automatic verification of infinite-state probabilistic programs. Our prototypical implementation manages to automatically verify non-trivial specifications for probabilistic programs taken from the literature that—using existing techniques—cannot be verified without synthesizing a stronger inductive invariant first.
Rigorous Roundoff Error Analysis of Probabilistic Floating-Point Computations
Authors: Constantinides George , Dahlqvist Fredrik , Rakamarić Zvonimir , Salvia Rocco
Published: July 2021

We present a detailed study of roundoff errors in probabilistic floating-point computations. We derive closed-form expressions for the distribution of roundoff errors associated with a random variable, and we prove that roundoff errors are generally close to being uncorrelated with their generating distribution. Based on these theoretical advances, we propose a model of IEEE floating-point arithmetic for numerical expressions with probabilistic inputs and an algorithm for evaluating this model. Our algorithm provides rigorous bounds to the output and error distributions of arithmetic expressions over random variables, evaluated in the presence of roundoff errors. It keeps track of complex dependencies between random variables using an SMT solver, and is capable of providing sound but tight probabilistic bounds to roundoff errors using symbolic affine arithmetic. We implemented the algorithm in the PAF tool, and evaluated it on FPBench, a standard benchmark suite for the analysis of roundoff errors. Our evaluation shows that PAF computes tighter bounds than current state-of-the-art on almost all benchmarks.
Automatic Generation and Validation of Instruction Encoders and Decoders
Authors: Xu Xiangzhe , Wu Jinhua , Wang Yuting , Yin Zhenguo , Li Pengfei
Published: July 2021

Verification of instruction encoders and decoders is essential for formalizing manipulation of machine code. The existing approaches cannot guarantee the critical consistency property, i.e., that an encoder and its corresponding decoder are mutual inverses of each other. We observe that consistent encoder-decoder pairs can be automatically derived from bijections inherently embedded in instruction formats. Based on this observation, we develop a framework for writing specifications that capture these bijections, for automatically generating encoders and decoders from these specifications, and for formally validating the consistency and soundness of the generated encoders and decoders by synthesizing proofs in Coq and discharging verification conditions using SMT solvers. We apply this framework to a subset of X86-32 instructions to illustrate its effectiveness in these regards. We also demonstrate that the generated encoders and decoders have reasonable performance.
Debugging Network Reachability with Blocked Paths
Authors: Bayless S. , Backes J. , DaCosta D. , Jones B. F. , Launchbury N. , Trentin P. , Jewell K. , Joshi S. , Zeng M. Q. , Mathews N.
Published: July 2021

In this industrial case study we describe a new network troubleshooting analysis used byVPC Reachability Analyzer, an SMT-based network reachability analysis and debugging tool. Our troubleshooting analysis uses a formal model of AWS Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) semantics to identify whether a destination is reachable from a source in a given VPC configuration. In the case where there is no feasible path, our analysis derives ablocked path: an infeasible but otherwise complete path that would be feasible if a corresponding set of VPC configuration settings were adjusted.

Our blocked path analysis differs from other academic and commercial offerings that either rely on packet probing (e.g.,tcptrace) or provide only partial paths terminating at the first component that rejects the packet. By providing a complete (but infeasible) path from the source to destination, we identify for a user all the configuration settings they will need to alter to admit that path (instead of requiring them to repeatedly re-run the analysis after making partial changes). This allows users to refine their query so that the blocked path is aligned with their intended network behavior before making any changes to their VPC configuration.
Searching in 2-Dimensional mass space for final states with 2 invisible particles
Authors: Anagnostou G.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

A method to search for particles of unknown masses in final states with two invisible particles is presented. Searching for final states with missing energy is a challenging task usually performed in the tail of a missing energy related distribution. The search method proposed is based on a 2-Dimensional mass reconstruction of the final state with two invisible particles. Thus, a bump hunting is possible, allowing a stronger signal versus background discrimination. Parameters of the new theory can be extracted from the mass distributions, a valuable step towards understanding its true nature. The proof of principle is based on the existing SM top pairs in their dilepton final state. The method is applicable in many interesting searches at the LHC, including dark matter candidates or heavy top partners.
A cross-sectional survey of stigma towards people with a mental illness in the general public. The role of employment, domestic noise disturbance and age
Authors: Oudejans S. C. C. , Spits M. E. , van Weeghel J.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Stigmatization impedes the social integration of persons recovering from mental illnesses. Little is known about characteristics of the stigmatized person that lessen or aggravate public stigma.

Purpose

This study investigates which characteristics of persons with mental illnesses (i.e. with a depression or a psychotic disorder) might increase or decrease the likelihood of public stigma.

Methods

Over 2,000 adults read one of sixteen vignettes describing a person with a depressive disorder or a psychotic disorder and answered a set of items measuring social distance.

Results

The person who was employed (vs. unemployed), or whose neighbors did not experience domestic noise disturbance (vs. disturbance) elicited significantly less social distance. Also persons with a depressive disorder elicited less social distance, vs. persons with a psychotic disorder.

Conclusion

Employment and good housing circumstances may destigmatize persons coping with mental illnesses. Mental health and social services should encourage paid employment, quality housing and other paths to community integration.
Current and emerging artificial intelligence applications for pediatric musculoskeletal radiology
Authors: Offiah Amaka C.
Published: July 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an ever-increasing role in radiology (more so in the adult world than in pediatrics), to the extent that there are unfounded fears it will completely take over the role of the radiologist. In relation to musculoskeletal applications of AI in pediatric radiology, we are far from the time when AI will replace radiologists; even for the commonest application (bone age assessment), AI is more often employed in an AI-assist mode rather than an AI-replace or AI-extend mode. AI for bone age assessment has been in clinical use for more than a decade and is the area in which most research has been conducted. Most other potential indications in children (such as appendicular and vertebral fracture detection) remain largely in the research domain. This article reviews the areas in which AI is most prominent in relation to the pediatric musculoskeletal system, briefly summarizing the current literature and highlighting areas for future research. Pediatric radiologists are encouraged to participate as members of the research teams conducting pediatric radiology artificial intelligence research.
Adult aplastic anemia in Thailand: incidence and treatment outcome from a prospective nationwide population-based study
Authors: Norasetthada Lalita , Wongkhantee Somchai , Chaipokam Jindaratn , Charoenprasert Kanyaporn , Chuncharunee Suporn , Rojnuckarin Ponlapat , Sirijerachai Chittima , Wanachiwanawin Wanchai , Issaragrisil Surapol ,   for the Thai Aplastic Anemia Study Group
Published: July 2021

The incidence and outcomes of aplastic anemia (AA) in Asia remain limited. This study aimed to explore the incidence and outcomes of patients with adult AA across the country of Thailand. This is a prospective multi-center nationwide population-based observational study of AA patients aged at least 15 years old, diagnosed from August 2014 to July 2016, with a longitudinal follow-up period over 2 years. There were 348 newly diagnosed adult AA patients during the enrollment period, giving an annual incidence of 4.6 per million. The incidence of severe (SAA) and very severe aplastic anemia (VSAA) (3.8 per million) was higher than non-severe AA (NSAA, 0.8 per million). The peak incidence was observed in the patients aged from 80 to 89 years old (14.4 per million). The 2-year overall survival (OS) in NSAA, SAA, and VSAA were 65.5%, 49.3%, and 20.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). With regard to the response to immunosuppressive therapy, the overall response rate (ORR) in SAA/VSAA treated with rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin with/without cyclosporin A (rATG ± CsA) were significantly superior to those treated with CsA alone, or anabolic steroids (44.4% vs 36.4% and 31.2%, respectively, P < 0.001). The 2-year OS in SAA/VSAA treated with rATG ± CsA, CsA, and anabolic steroids were 54.8%, 54.5%, and 37.6% (P = 0.037), respectively. The incidence of adult AA in Thailand is higher than those in Western countries, and the peak incidence is in the elderly. rATG ± CsA provided a better response than anabolic steroids, translating to the superior survival in SAA/VSAA treated with rATG ± CsA.
A randomized, single-dose, pharmacokinetic equivalence study comparing MB02 (proposed biosimilar) and reference bevacizumab in healthy Japanese male volunteers
Authors: Eto Takashi , Karasuyama Yuji , González Verónica , Del Campo García Ana
Published: July 2021

Purpose

MB02 is a biosimilar to bevacizumab that has demonstrated similar physicochemical and functional properties in in vitro studies to the reference bevacizumab (Avastin®). This study aims to assess the pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity of MB02 to the reference bevacizumab in Japanese population.

Methods

This double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, single-dose PK study, was performed in healthy Japanese male volunteers. Subjects were equally randomized (1:1) to receive a single (3 mg/kg) IV dose of MB02 or reference bevacizumab. PK assessments were done up to 70 days post-dose. Non-compartmental parameters were calculated. PK similarity was determined using predefined equivalence range (0.80–1.25) for the area under the serum concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞). Immunogenicity samples were taken pre-dose and up to day 70. Safety was assessed throughout the study.

Results

In total, 48 subjects (24 in each treatment group) were dosed. Consequently to the observed similar PK profile, the 90% confidence interval for the geometric means ratio for the primary PK endpoint, AUC0–∞, was within the predefined equivalence range (0.981–1.11). Forty-seven treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 20 subjects (41.7%) with comparable incidence among MB02 and reference bevacizumab groups (22 and 25, respectively), none of them was severe or serious. Anti-drug antibodies incidence was low and similar between treatment groups.

Conclusions

Pharmacokinetic similarity of MB02 to reference bevacizumab was evidenced in Japanese healthy subjects, with comparable safety and immunogenicity profile between treatments. This study supports the biosimilarity of MB02 to reference bevacizumab in Japanese population. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04238650.
Customised, individually made total knee arthroplasty shows promising 1-year clinical and patient reported outcomes
Authors: Moret Céline S. , Hirschmann Michael T. , Vogel Nicole , Arnold Markus P.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Customised individually made (CIM) implants for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were introduced about 10 years ago. These implants aim to reduce the risk of prosthesis-related issues resulting from anthropometric differences between different knees.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the short-term clinical outcome and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of a specific CIM implant, the ORIGIN® knee replacement system (Symbios, Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland), which was introduced in 2018.

Materials and methods

This is a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing primary posterior-stabilised (PS) CIM TKA using the specific ORIGIN® knee replacement system, (Symbios, Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland). TKAs were performed from February 2019 to October 2020. Data was collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 4 and 12 months. Outcome measures included the objective part of the Knee Society Score (KSS) with the range of motion (ROM) and the following PROMs: the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12), the EuroQol, five dimensions, three levels (EQ-5D-3L) with the EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) and patient satisfaction. Differences in pre- to preoperative data were assessed with paired sample t tests. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Twenty-five CIM TKA (20 patients, 8 female) were included. The mean age at surgery was 66 years (SD, 6.9). At 4 and 12 months, significant improvements in the KSS (p < 0.001), the ROM (p < 0.001), all KOOS subscales (p < 0.001), the FJS (p < 0.001) and the EQ-5D-3L (p < 0.026) were found. Satisfaction rate was 91% and 88% at 4 and 12 months, respectively. Intraoperative complications did not occur and no revision surgeries were undertaken.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated significant improvements in the KSS and specific PROMs 1 year after CIM TKA. This study suggests that CIM TKA is a safe and suitable option, which can yield good clinical outcome and PROMs at least during short-term follow-up.
Extracts of pine bark (Pinus sylvestris) inhibit Cryptosporidium parvum growth in cell culture
Authors: Blomstrand Berit Marie , Enemark Heidi Larsen , Øines Øivind , Steinshamn Håvard , Aasen Inga Marie , Mahnert Karl-Christian , Sørheim Kristin Marie , Athanasiadou Spiridoula , Thamsborg Stig Milan , Woolsey Ian David
Published: July 2021

The widespread apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum is responsible for severe gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. The treatment options are limited, and the efficacy of available drugs is low. Bark contains condensed tannins (CT), which are bioactive compounds previously shown to inhibit parasite development. Here, we examined the anti-cryptosporidial properties of bark extract of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) against C. parvum by means of an in vitro growth inhibition test. We hypothesised that bark extracts would have dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the development of C. parvum in cell culture.

Bark extracts from Scots pine extracted with acetone, methanol, and water as solvents were investigated using human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells infected with C. parvum. Oocysts were inoculated onto the cell monolayer and bark extract was added at seven different concentrations. Parasite growth inhibition was quantified by qPCR.

The acetone and methanol extracts demonstrated a sigmoid dose-dependent inhibition of C. parvum. The IC50 values were 244.6 and 279.1 µg dry matter extract/mL, and 25.4 and 24.1 µg CT/mL, for acetone and methanol extracts, respectively. The IC50 for both extracts were similar, both with regard to the dry matter concentration of each extract and to CT concentrations.

Given the limited treatment options available for Cryptosporidium spp., the evidence generated in our study encourages further investigation into the in vitro and in vivo effects of pine bark extracts against C. parvum.
Takotsubo Syndrome: Uncovering Myths and Misconceptions
Authors: Cammann Victoria L. , Würdinger Michael , Ghadri Jelena R. , Templin Christian
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) was described in Japan 3 decades ago to affect predominately postmenopausal women after emotional stress. This history is the basis of commonly held beliefs which may contribute to the underdiagnosis and misperception of TTS.

Recent Findings

TTS affects not only women, but can be present in both sexes, and can appear in children as well as in the elderly. TTS is characterized by unique clinical characteristics with morphological variants, and incurs a substantial risk for recurrent events and adverse outcomes. Physical triggers are more common than emotional triggers and are major disease determinants. TTS seems not to be completely transient as patients report ongoing chest pain, dyspnea, or fatigue even after months of the acute event.

Knowledge of the clinical features and outcomes of TTS patients has evolved substantially over the past decades. The heterogeneous appearance of TTS needs to be recognized in all medical disciplines to maximize therapy and improve outcomes.
Objective and Self-reported Assessment of Physical Activity of Women over 60 Years Old
Authors: Ogonowska-Slodownik Anna , Morgulec-Adamowicz Natalia , Geigle Paula Richley , Kalbarczyk Malgorzata , Kosmol Andrzej
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to examine changes in objective and self-reported physical activity (PA) among women aged 60 years and older. The study included 200 women aged over 60 years, divided into three groups according to age (60–65 years, 66–70 years, > 70 years). The subjective assessment was provided with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) – short version with self-reported PA assessment, and objective data was provided by an Actigraph GT3-BT worn for seven days. Significant differences in moderate and high intensity PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA and steps per day were found between the oldest and youngest groups; as well as in low, moderate, moderate-to-vigorous PA and steps per day between groups middle and oldest. In all three age groups, 1) significant differences were observed between subjective and objective measurements of physical activity and 2) no correlation was found between assessment measures. It was found that only direct PA measurement declined with age in women over 60 years old, and that sedentary behavior is underestimated, and moderate and vigorous PA overestimated, with the self-reported IPAQ.
Use of Non-Conventional Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica in Treatment or Upgradation of Hydrophobic Industry Wastes
Authors: Wierzchowska Katarzyna , Zieniuk Bartłomiej , Fabiszewska Agata
Published: July 2021

The review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the possibility of using non-conventional yeast speciesYarrowia lipolyticain the treatment and upgradation of industry wastes. ImportantlyY. lipolyticayeast is argued as generally recognized as safe species, what indicates the high application potential of the reviewed technologies. Special emphasis in the paper was given on microbial processing of the food industry wastes, including fish and animals’ wastes utilization.Yarrowia-based processing of waste cooking oil or oil-bearing plants wastewaters, such as palm oil mill effluents or olive mill wastewater was reviewed. Recent advances in biosynthesis of valuable metabolites (e.g. lipases or microbial oil) with simultaneous wastes utilization byY. lipolyticaare additionally discussed. The broad implications of the present paper are a part of sustainable development policy.

Graphic Abstract
Complex analysis of the personalized pharmacotherapy in the management of COVID-19 patients and suggestions for applications of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine attitude
Authors: Wang Lei-Yun , Cui Jia-Jia , OuYang Qian-Ying , Zhan Yan , Wang Yi-Min , Xu Xiang-Yang , Yu Lu-Lu , Yin Hui , Wang Yang , Luo Chen-Hui , Guo Cheng-Xian , Yin Ji-Ye
Published: July 2021

Aims

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading worldwide. Drug therapy is one of the major treatments, but contradictory results of clinical trials have been reported among different individuals. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis of personalized pharmacotherapy is still lacking. In this study, analyses were performed on 47 well-characterized COVID-19 drugs used in the personalized treatment of COVID-19.

Methods

Clinical trials with published results of drugs use for COVID-19 treatment were collected to evaluate drug efficacy. Drug-to-Drug Interactions (DDIs) were summarized and classified. Functional variations in actionable pharmacogenes were collected and systematically analysed. “Gene Score” and “Drug Score” were defined and calculated to systematically analyse ethnicity-based genetic differences, which are important for the safer use of COVID-19 drugs.

Results

Our results indicated that four antiviral agents (ritonavir, darunavir, daclatasvir and sofosbuvir) and three immune regulators (budesonide, colchicine and prednisone) as well as heparin and enalapril could generate the highest number of DDIs with common concomitantly utilized drugs. Eight drugs (ritonavir, daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, ribavirin, interferon alpha-2b, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and ceftriaxone had actionable pharmacogenomics (PGx) biomarkers among all ethnic groups. Fourteen drugs (ritonavir, daclatasvir, prednisone, dexamethasone, ribavirin, HCQ, ceftriaxone, zinc, interferon beta-1a, remdesivir, levofloxacin, lopinavir, human immunoglobulin G and losartan) showed significantly different pharmacogenomic characteristics in relation to the ethnic origin of the patient.

Conclusion

We recommend that particularly for patients with comorbidities to avoid serious DDIs, the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM, 3 PM) strategies have to be applied for COVID-19 treatment, and genetic tests should be performed for drugs with actionable pharmacogenes, especially in some ethnic groups with a higher frequency of functional variations, as our analysis showed. We also suggest that drugs associated with higher ethnic genetic differences should be given priority in future pharmacogenetic studies for COVID-19 management. To facilitate translation of our results into clinical practice, an approach conform with PPPM/3 PM principles was suggested. In summary, the proposed PPPM/3 PM attitude should be obligatory considered for the overall COVID-19 management.
Evaluation of a metal mesh filter prototype with wet regeneration
Authors: Baumgarten Björn , Grammer Peter , Ehard Ferdinand , Winkel Oskar , Vogt Ulrich , Baumbach Günter , Scheffknecht Günter , Thorwarth Harald
Published: July 2021

Wood combustion is a major part of the current efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. However, wood combustion leads to emissions of other pollutants like fine particulate matter. A new option to reduce particulate matter emissions is a metal mesh filter with counter current flushing. An automatic prototype was tested under realistic conditions including starts and stops of the boiler. For regeneration, the filter was flushed using water in opposite flow direction. The water was recycled multiple times to limit water consumption. The results are very promising. Regeneration was successful and no signs of decay could be observed over 419.5 h of operation and 234 regenerations. The filter can be operated during all phases of boiler operation, which is a major step forward compared to alternative secondary measures. Separation efficiency was high with 80–86%, even though the filter showed internal leakage, which reduced the separation efficiency. Additionally, waste products were examined. About 1000 l wastewater can be expected to be produced every month, which could be disposed using the communal waste water system, given the low heavy metal loading. A part of the fine particulate matter is unsoluble and has to be removed from the regeneration water before reuse. The unsoluble fraction contains the majority of heavy metals and has to be disposed as fly ash or used for urban mining. Generally spoken, the metal mesh filter is a new, promising option which can overcome limitations of current secondary measures without increasing costs given its simple and robust construction.
Evaluation of a program for promoting physical activity and well-being: Friuli Venezia Giulia in Movimento
Authors: Pagani Laura , Panarello Demetrio
Published: July 2021

This article presents an evaluation of the “Friuli Venezia Giulia in Movimento” project, aimed at promoting the culture of movement and well-being in a region which is particularly affected by population ageing. The goals of the project reside in promoting appropriate lifestyles through the endorsement of healthy behaviours (physical activity, healthy nutrition, well-being); increasing the number of physically active people in the various municipal territories, by enhancing or creating new pedestrian paths that reflect the 10,000-step goal; enhancing the local territory by promoting the existing paths and the initiatives already in place; promoting new paths and environments conducive to physical activity for people of all ages; encouraging the creation of new “walking groups” and the adhesion of people to them to promote physical activity and socialisation, with the consequent improvement of psychophysical well-being. Although the evaluation is still on-going, the preliminary results—obtained by means of two surveys and a multilevel model—show that the initial steps of the project have been carried out satisfactorily and that Municipalities still need to be supported in order to achieve good participation on part of the citizens.
On a Result of Hayman Concerning the Maximum Modulus Set
Authors: Evdoridou Vasiliki , Pardo-Simón Leticia , Sixsmith David J.
Published: July 2021

The set of points where an entire function achieves its maximum modulus is known as the maximum modulus set. In 1951, Hayman studied the structure of this set near the origin. Following work of Blumenthal, he showed that, near zero, the maximum modulus set consists of a collection of disjoint analytic curves, and provided an upper bound for the number of these curves. In this paper, we establish the exact number of these curves for all entire functions, except for a “small” set whose Taylor series coefficients satisfy a certain simple, algebraic condition. Moreover, we give new results concerning the structure of this set near the origin, and make an interesting conjecture regarding the most general case. We prove this conjecture for polynomials of degree less than four.
Groundwater pollution and human health risk based on Monte Carlo simulation in a typical mining area in Northern Anhui Province, China
Authors: Qiu Huili , Gui Herong , Fang Pei , Li Guangping
Published: July 2021

The main objective of this study was to evaluate eight kinds of trace element pollutants in groundwater from a typical coal mine area, and carry out a corresponding health risk assessment for the local populace. To do this, 34 shallow groundwater (SG) samples and 18 mid-layer groundwater (MG) samples were collected from the Sulin mining area. To minimize the uncertainties in the health risk assessment, this paper relied on Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analysis. The results revealed that Sr and Mn contents exceeded their corresponding WHO (Guidelines for drinking water quality, 4th edn. Geneva, 2011) guidelines and Chinese groundwater standards (GB/T14848–2017), while the other analyzed trace elements remain below those threshold values. The calculated hazard quotient and hazard index values for adults from ingestion exposure to SG and MG were well below the threshold limit of 1. Probabilistic simulations further show that the total cancer risk value above the limit of 1 × 10−6 is 0% for SG and 29.39% for MG. Sensitivity analysis identified the Sr and Cr contents as the most relevant element variables affecting the probabilistic non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk values in the model, respectively.
Poverty as a Political Choice: a Comparative Analysis of Reports of the UN Rapporteur’s Visits to the UK and Spain
Authors: Cummins Ian , Gómez-Ciriano Emilio José
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a comparative analysis of two reports by the UN Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, one for Spain and one for the UK. In both countries, austerity policies were introduced following the banking crisis of 2008. The UN Rapporteur reports highlight the damage that was done by welfare retrenchment. In particular, the reports document the impact of austerity on the most vulnerable individuals and communities. The paper uses Somers' (2008) conceptual model of citizenship as the basis for a comparative analysis of two reports. Somers' (2008) model of citizenship is a triadic one which sees the state, market and civil society as competing elements. Each one can serve to regulate and limit the influence or excesses of the other two. Somers argues that neoliberalism has seen the dominance of the market at the expense of the role of the state and the institutions of civil society. Austerity policies saw the market dominating. Having examined the context of the two reports and their conclusions, the paper discussed the implications for individual social workers’ practice and the role of social work as a profession in tackling poverty and marginalisation.
Effects of oil palm and human presence on activity patterns of terrestrial mammals in the Colombian Llanos
Authors: Pardo Lain E. , Edwards William , Campbell Mason J. , Gómez-Valencia Bibiana , Clements Gopalasamy Reuben , Laurance William F.
Published: July 2021

The ability of animals to adjust their behaviour can influence how they respond to environmental changes and human presence. We quantified activity patterns of terrestrial mammals in oil palm plantations and native riparian forest in Colombia to determine if species exhibited behavioural changes depending on the type of habitat and the presence of humans. Despite the large sampling effort (12,403 camera-days), we were only able to examine the activity patterns of ten species in riparian forests and seven species in oil palm plantations, with four species (capybara, giant anteater, lesser anteater and common opossum) being represented by enough records (i.e.n > 20) in both oil palm and forest to allow robust comparisons. Only capybaras showed an apparent change in activity patterns between oil palm plantations and riparian forests, shifting from being crepuscular in forest to predominantly nocturnal inside oil palm plantations. Further, capybaras, giant anteaters and white-tailed deer appeared to modify their activities to avoid human presence inside oil palm plantations by increasing nocturnality (temporal overlap$$\widehat{\Delta }$$Δ^ranged from 0.13 to 0.36), whereas jaguarundi had high overlap with human activities [$$\widehat{\Delta }$$Δ^=0.85 (0.61–0.90)]. Species pair-wise analysis within oil palm revealed evidence for temporal segregation between species occupying the same trophic position (e.g. foxes and jaguarundi), whereas some predators and their prey (e.g. ocelots and armadillos) had high overlaps in temporal activity patterns as might be expected. Our findings shed light on the potential behavioural adaptation of mammals to anthropogenic landscapes, a feature not captured in traditional studies that focus on measures such as species richness or abundance.
Comparison of metrics used to track central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) across a regional network
Authors: Advani Sonali D. , Smith Becky A. , Seidelman Jessica , Turner Nicholas , Anderson Deverick J. , Lewis Sarah S.
Published: July 2021

The paradoxical relationship between standardized infection ratio and standardized utilization ratio for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in contrast to central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), in addition to CAUTI definition challenges, incentivizes hospitals to focus their prevention efforts on urine culture stewardship rather than catheter avoidance and care.
Learning two syntactic constructions simultaneously: a case of overshadowing
Authors: HOU XIAOMING
Published: July 2021

Overshadowing refers to the reduced learning or expression of the association between a weaker cue and an outcome in the presence of another stronger cue. The present study broadens the scope of investigation in second language acquisition (SLA), which has mainly focused on inflectional morphology, by extending it to learning two Chinese syntactic constructions, namely the Ba-construction and its SVO counterpart. Thirty L2 Chinese learners were first exposed to the target constructions via watching videos, and were then tested for comprehension and production. The results were three-fold: first and foremost, they yielded evidence of syntactic overshadowing of the Ba-construction by its SVO counterpart, resulting in the reduction of the quantity and quality of the Ba production; second, since the form–meaning mapping was successful for both the Ba and SVO construction, the syntactic overshadowing is more likely to be an expression deficit; and third, the pre-knowledge of verbs further confined the use of the Ba-construction, suggesting a moderating role of word entrenchment in L2 syntactic learning. These findings not only deepen our understanding of overshadowing at the syntactic level, but also offer a fresh perspective for addressing the challenges of L2 learning of the Chinese Ba-construction.
Declining yet persistent use of traditional contraceptive methods in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Bertrand Jane T. , Ross John , Glover Annie L.
Published: July 2021

Traditional contraceptive methods are used by 55 million women in developing countries. This study analysed over 80 national surveys to compare traditional with modern method users, by type, region, socio-demographic characteristics, strength of family planning programmes and discontinuation rates. The advance of modern methods has greatly reduced the share held by traditional methods, but the actual prevalence of their use has declined little. Young, sexually active unmarried women use traditional contraception much more than their married counterparts. Discontinuation rates are somewhat lower for traditional methods than for the resupply methods of the pill, injectable and condom; among users of all of these methods, more than a quarter stop use in the first year to switch to alternative methods. Traditional method use is firmly entrenched in many countries, as the initial method tried, a bridge method to modern contraception and even the primary method where other methods are not easily available.
Shadow Banking in a Crisis: Evidence from Fintech During COVID-19
Authors: Bao Zhengyang , Huang Difang
Published: July 2021

We analyze lending by traditional as well as fintech lenders during COVID-19. Comparing samples of fintech and bank loan records across the outbreak, we find that fintech companies are more likely to expand credit access to new and financially constrained borrowers after the start of the pandemic. However, this increased credit provision may not be sustainable; the delinquency rate of fintech loans triples after the outbreak, but there is no significant change in the delinquency of bank loans. Borrowers holding both loan types prioritize the payment of bank loans. These results shed light on the benefits provided by shadow banking in a crisis and hint at the potential fragility of such institutions when delinquency rates spike.