bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evidence for resilience of rockweeds on rocky shores in the Gulf of Maine,USA
Authors: Dudgeon Steve R. , Petraitis Peter S.
Published: September 2021

Resilience of ecological systems has been a central focus in aquatic sciences over the last 20 yr and critical to the understanding of ecological dynamics. Here, data from long‐term time series and experimental manipulations are used to examine resilience of two fucoid macroalgae in the Gulf of Maine, USA. Experimental clearings that mimic ice scour of different sizes were established in stands ofAscophyllum nodosumin the winter of 1996–1997. Half of the clearings were scraped again during winter 2010–2011 to compare trajectories between plots that had been recleared and those that remained intact. Short‐term experiments were done to test hypotheses of inhibition of recruitment and influence of hydrodynamic exposure, clearing size, and consumers as drivers of the observed successional trajectories.A. nodosumwas resilient to small clearings within two generation times (15–18 yr), but resilience lessened with increased magnitude of perturbation leaving nearly half of large clearings dominated by another fucoid,Fucus vesiculosusafter 25 yr.F. vesiculosuswas resilient against invasion byA. nodosumwhen it recruited early and grew rapidly, dominating space within two to three generation times (~ 3 yr). WhenA. nodosumestablished a foothold prior to dominance byF. vesiculosus,F. vesiculosuswas a long transient state. Water motion, lack of consumers, and large clearings favor rapid domination byF. vesiculosus, which inhibits establishment ofA. nodosum, thus forming an alternative stable state. ForA. nodosum, its longevity and large biomass per unit area are key toA. nodosuminhibitingF. vesiculosusand forming the other stable state.
Mycielski among trees
Authors: Michalski Marcin , Rałowski Robert , Żeberski Szymon
Published: September 2021

The two‐dimensional version of the classical Mycielski theorem says that for every comeager or conull set there exists a perfect set such that . We consider a strengthening of this theorem by replacing a perfect square with a rectangle , where A and B are bodies of some types of trees with . In particular, we show that for every comeager Gδ set there exist a Miller tree and a uniformly perfect tree such that and that cannot be a Miller tree. In the case of measure we show that for every subset F of of full measure there exists a uniformly perfect tree such that and no side of such a rectangle can be a body of a Silver tree or a Miller tree. We also show some properties of forcing extensions from which we derive nonstandard proofs of Mycielski‐like theorems via the Shoenfield Absoluteness Theorem.
Co‐Assembled Cellulose Nanocrystal‐Based Materials with Enhanced Long‐Term Stabilization in the Air of Black Phosphorus Nanosheets via Integrating Physical Coverage with Chemical Interactions
Authors: He Yi , Liu Siyuan , zhou Na , Ahmad Ishak , Gan Lin , Huang Jin
Published: September 2021

Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNS) cannot be directly applied in moist air due to their chemical instability from their thin layer structures adsorbed and transferred oxygen atoms easily. Here, a universal strategy for stabilizing BPNS is proposed by exfoliating black phosphorus with one‐dimensional nanoparticles based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Thin layers of BPNS are obtained in water and then co‐assembled with CNCs to construct composite membranes. Meanwhile, the co‐assembling technology and the chemical structure of CNCs are adjusted to obtain flexible membranes and high photothermal energy‐conversion efficiency (19.6%). The infrared illumination test proves that BPNS can exist stably in the black phosphorus (BP)/CNC‐based membranes and the photothermal conversion efficiency is kept at 19.6% after 30 days in ambient air. The mechanism study based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) and XPS show that the stability comes from the effects of physical covering and chemical covalent‐bond stabilization of CNC‐based materials. These BP/CNC‐based co‐assembled membranes can be practically applied in the military field for infrared ignition, night vision, and photothermal sensing.
Analysis of surfactants by mass spectrometry: Coming to grips with their diversity
Authors: Pascale Raffaella , Acquavia Maria A. , Onzo Alberto , Cataldi Tommaso R. I. , Calvano Cosima D. , Bianco Giuliana
Published: September 2021

Surfactants are surface‐active agents widely used in numerous applications in our daily lives as personal care products, domestic, and industrial detergents. To determine complex mixtures of surfactants and their degradation products, unselective and rather insensitive methods, based on colorimetric and complexometric analyses are no longer employable. Analytical methodologies able to determine low concentration levels of surfactants and closely related compounds in complex matrices are required. The recent introduction of robust, sensitive, and selective mass spectrometry (MS) techniques has led to the rapid expansion of the surfactant research field including complex mixtures of isomers, oligomers, and homologues of surfactants as well as their chemically and biodegradation products at trace levels. In this review, emphasis is given to the state‐of‐the‐art MS‐based analysis of surfactants and their degradation products with an overview of the current research landscape from traditional methods involving hyphenate techniques (gas chromatography‐MS and liquid chromatography‐MS) to the most innovative approaches, based on high‐resolution MS. Finally, we outline a detailed explanation on the utilization of MS for mechanistic purposes, such as the study of micelle formation in different solvents.
Amateur antigen‐presenting cells in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Darragh Laurel B. , Karam Sana D.
Published: September 2021

Presentation of tumor antigens is a critical step in producing a robust antitumor immune response. Classically tumor antigens are thought to be presented to both CD8 and CD4 T cells by professional antigen‐presenting cells (pAPCs) like dendritic cells using major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) I and II. But recent evidence suggests that in the tumor microenvironment (TME) cells other than pAPCs are capable of presenting tumor antigens on both MHC I and II. The evidence currently available on tumor antigen presentation by epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells (VECs), fibroblasts, and cancer cells is reviewed herein. We refer to these cell types in the TME as “amateur” APCs (aAPCs). These aAPCs greatly outnumber pAPCs in the TME and could, potentially, play a significant role in priming an antitumor immune response. This new evidence supports a different perspective on antigen presentation and suggests new approaches that can be taken in designing immunotherapies to increase T cell priming.
X‐Linked Dystonia‐Parkinsonism (“Lubag”) May Present with Peripheral Synucleinopathy
Authors: Evidente Virgilio Gerald H. , Evidente Danica H. , Ortega Susan C. , Levine Todd D. , Freeman Roy , Gibbons Christopher H.
Published: September 2021

Background

X‐linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP) or “Lubag” is a genetic dystonia syndrome observed among Filipinos that can present with levodopa‐responsive parkinsonism and abnormal dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging.

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe the results of skin biopsies for phosphorylated α‐synuclein (P‐SYN) in XDP.

Method

This study used the retrospective chart review.

Results

We report 6 patients who carried the XDP gene mutation with DAT imaging and skin biopsies to detect P‐SYN. Five had segmental or multifocal dystonia and parkinsonism: 4 were levodopa‐responsive and 1 non‐levodopa‐responsive. One patient was asymptomatic but had mild bradykinesia. Cutaneous P‐SYN and abnormal DAT scans were noted in the 4 levodopa‐responsive patients and 1 asymptomatic patient.

Conclusion

We report for the first time the presence of cutaneous P‐SYN in XDP. Our findings suggest that XDP may be a hitherto‐undescribed synucleinopathy or that some XDP patients may have concurrent Parkinson's disease.
Norm of a multilinear integral operator from product of weighted‐type spaces to weighted‐type space
Authors: Stević Stevo
Published: September 2021

We investigate the following multilinear integral operatorwhere and is a continuous kernel function satisfying the conditionfor some functions , which are continuous, increasing, , and a function , from a product of weighted‐type spaces to weighted‐type spaces of real functions. We calculate the norm of the operator, extending and complementing some results in the literature. We also give an explanation for a relation between integrals of anLpintegrable function and its radialization on .
The tropical scaling for the polynomial eigenvalue problem solved by a contour integral method
Authors: Chen Hongjia , Zhang Ke , Sakurai Tetsuya
Published: September 2021

The contour integral method is a class of efficient methods for computing partial eigenvalues of polynomial eigenvalue problem (PEP). Among them, the recently developed Sakurai–Sugiura method with Rayleigh–Ritz projection (SS‐RR) method has received much attention for its effectiveness. However, the SS‐RR method may suffer from numerical instability when the coefficient matrices of the projected PEP vary widely in norm. To improve the numerical stability, we incorporate the tropical scaling technique into the SS‐RR method and establish upper bounds for the backward error of an approximate eigenpair of the original eigenvalue problem. These bounds shed light on mechanism that the tropical scaling improves the numerical stability of the original SS‐RR method. Numerical experiments show that the actual backward errors can be successfully reduced by scaling and the bounds can predict well the errors occurring before and after scaling.
Accessibility of information on patients' and family members' end‐of‐life wishes in advance care planning
Authors: Kuusisto Anne , Saranto Kaija , Korhonen Päivi , Haavisto Elina
Published: September 2021

Aim

To describe healthcare professionals' accessibility and transfer of patients' and family members' end‐of‐life wishes in ACP to the palliative care unit.

Design

The study used a qualitative descriptive study design.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used. The data (N = 33) were collected through interviews with physicians, registered nurses, practical nurses and social workers. The data were analysed by inductive content analysis.

Results

Two main categories emerged. Patients' and family members' end‐of‐life wishes documentation in relation to changing information needs was described in relation to patients' condition and care context. Transfer of patients' and family members' end‐of‐life wishes to palliative care unit included written and verbal communication. Results showed lack of implementation of ACP early, lack of implementation about the holistic interpretation of ACP into medical notes and lack of transferability of ACP into documenting systems impacting on accessibility and realization for the patient and family members at the end‐of‐life.
The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the MUSIC Model of Academic Motivation Inventory among nursing students
Authors: Farahani Mansoureh Ashghali , Saeedi Maryam
Published: September 2021

Aim

To determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the MUSIC Inventory in nursing students.

Design

Cross‐sectional psychometric study.

Methods

Transcultural adaptation of the MUSIC Model of Academic Motivation Inventory was carried out using translation to Persian and back‐translation. Then, the qualitative and quantitative face and content validity of the inventory were evaluated. Construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis. To perform construct validity and reliability, a convenience sample of 360 undergraduate nursing students was recruited. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency reliability.

Results

Cronbach's alpha for all items of the MUSIC inventory was .94, and each factor was between .72–.93. Exploratory factor analysis supported the 5‐factor structure of the MUSIC inventory. These 5 factors explain 66.59% of the overall extracted variance. Three items of the MUSIC inventory, which were related to the empowerment component, were deleted.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, the Persian version of the MUSIC Model of Academic Motivation Inventory is a valid and reliable tool for Persian language nursing students.
Skipping the Bag: The Intended and Unintended Consequences of Disposable Bag Regulation
Authors: Homonoff Tatiana , Kao Lee‐Sien , Selman Javiera , Seybolt Christina
Published: September 2021

Regulation of goods associated with negative environmental externalities may decrease consumption of the targeted product, but may be ineffective at reducing the externality itself if close substitutes are left unregulated. We find evidence that plastic bag bans, the most common disposable bag regulation in the U.S., led retailers to circumvent the regulation by providing free thicker plastic bags, which are not covered by the ban. In contrast, a regulation change that replaced the ban with a small tax on all disposable bags generated large decreases in disposable bag use and overall environmental costs. Our results suggest that narrowly defined regulations (such as plastic bag bans) may be less effective than policies that target a more comprehensive set of products, even in the case when the policy instrument itself (a tax rather than a ban) is not as strict.
Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA) – a new prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer related to tumor‐promoting adipocytes
Authors: Grosser Bianca , Glückstein Marie‐Isabelle , Dhillon Christine , Schiele Stefan , Dintner Sebastian , VanSchoiack Alison , Kroeppler David , Martin Benedikt , Probst Andreas , Vlasenko Dmytro , Schenkirsch Gerhard , Märkl Bruno
Published: September 2021

Compared to other malignancies, there is a lack of easy‐to‐evaluate biomarkers for gastric cancer, which is associated with an adverse clinical outcome in many cases. Here, we present Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA) as a new histological prognostic marker. We defined SARIFA as the direct contact between a cluster of tumor glands/cells comprising at least five tumor cells and inconspicuous surrounding adipose tissue at the invasion front. A total of 480 adenocarcinomas of the stomach and the gastroesophageal junction from two different collections were classified according to SARIFA. To understand the potential underlying mechanisms, a transcriptome analysis was conducted using digital spatial profiling (DSP). It was found that 20% of the tumors were SARIFA‐positive. Kappa values between the three pathologists were good in both collections: 0.74 and 0.78. Patients who presented SARIFA‐positive tumors had a significantly lower overall survival in Collections A (median: 20.0 versus 44.0 months; p = 0.014, n = 160) and B (median: 15.0 versus 41.0 months; p < 0.0001, n = 320). SARIFA positivity emerged as a negative independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR 1.638, 95% CI 1.153–2.326, p = 0.006). Using DSP, the most upregulated genes in SARIFA‐positive cases were those associated with triglyceride catabolism and endogenous sterols. COL15A1, FABP2, and FABP4 were differentially expressed in positive cases. At the protein level, the expression of proteins related to lipid metabolism was confirmed. SARIFA combines low inter‐observer variability, minimal effort, and high prognostic relevance, and is therefore an extremely promising biomarker related to tumor‐promoting adipocytes in gastric cancer. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Online patient portal use by caregivers in pediatric oncology: Are we widening sociodemographic disparities?
Authors: Schultz Corinna L. , McCahan Suzanne M. , Lewis Amanda M. , Bunnell H. Timothy , Alderfer Melissa A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Financial and regulatory incentives have encouraged and increased the availability of online patient portals that provide caregivers access to their child's electronic health records (EHR). Such access is believed to promote better engagement and outcomes of care. Little is known about the use of portals by caregivers of children with cancer. This study sought to examine whether sociodemographic and clinical care variables are associated with portal activation in a pediatric oncology sample.

Methods

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were extracted from the EHR of pediatric oncology patients treated for their first cancer in the Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders between 2012 and 2017. A Child Opportunity Index (COI) was calculated based on home zip code. Characteristics of children whose caregivers did and did not activate the portal were compared.

Results

Sixty‐six percent of caregivers activated a portal account with a peak within 90 days of diagnosis. In logistic regression, caregivers with a younger aged child, spoke English, lived closer to the hospital, lived in higher COI area, with longer treatment length, and more radiology tests had greater odds of portal activation. Those with private health insurance or White race were overrepresented among those who activated an account in univariate analysis.

Conclusion

The majority of caregivers of children with cancer activate portal accounts; however, differences in sociodemographic and clinical variables across those who did and did not activate accounts emerged. As portals become ubiquitous, we must understand how they are used and mitigate widening inequities caused by disparate portal use.
On the toughening of unsaturated polyester resins using nadimide end‐functionalized polyether telechelics
Authors: Jeemol Poovathungal Abdulrahman , Mathew Suresh , Nair Chethrappilly Padmanabhan Reghunadhan
Published: September 2021

Copoly‐propylene glycol (terephthalate–maleate) based unsaturated polyester resin (UPER) was modified with nadimide end‐capped polyether telechelics namely, polypropylene glycol (PPG with molecular weight 2000, 1000, 400 g/mol), polytetramethylene oxide (PTMO with molecular weight 2000 g/mol) and polyethylene glycol (PEG with molecular weight 2000 g/mol) (NPPG/NPTMO/NPEG). The telechelic NPPG/NPTMO/NPEG were synthesized from the corresponding polyols (hydroxy telechelics) by reaction with 4‐nadimido benzoyl chloride. These derivatives were characterized by chemical and spectral methods. Blends of UPER with varying amounts of NPPG/NPTMO/NPEG were prepared. Blending boosted the cohesive energy through enhanced crosslinking as reflected in the gel content of the cured matrices done in separate studies. It increased the fracture characteristics tremendously. The addition of 2.5 phr of the nadimide end functional polyether gave the maximum toughness. The crosslink density showed an initial increase on blending, but further addition of the telechelics did not make any change. The properties of the prepared blends were compared with maleimide end‐capped polyether toughened UPE resins. It was concluded that the toughening effect of the polyether additive depends not only on its concentration but also on its distribution in the matrix as dictated by its reactivity ratio with styrene. The high reactivity of the nadimide groups did not create an ambiance good enough to get an acceptable distribution of the polyether segments conducive for a tough matrix. Whereas the maleimide end‐capped polyether provides better toughening efficiency.
Endothelial dysfunction after androgen deprivation therapy and the possible underlying mechanisms
Authors: Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Tian Xiao‐Yu , Wong Christine Yim‐Ping , Lau Chi‐Wai , Cheng Chak‐Kwong , Tang Victor Wai‐Lun , Chan Ronald Cheong‐Kin , Huang Yu , Ng Chi‐Fai
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a key treatment modality in the management of prostate cancer (PCa), especially for patients with metastatic disease. Increasing evidences suggest that patients who received ADT have increased incidence of diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke, and even mortality. It is important to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms on how ADT increases cardiovascular risk and induces cardiovascular events, which would provide important information for potential implementation of preventive measures.

Methods

Twenty‐six 12‐week‐old male SD rats were divided into four groups for different types of ADTs including: the bilateral orchidectomy group (Orx), LHRH agonist group (leuprolide), LHRH antagonist group (degarelix), and control group. After treated with drug or adjuvant injection every 3 weeks for 24 weeks, all rats were sacrificed and total blood were collected. Aorta, renal arteries, and kidney were preserved for functional assay, immunohistochemistry, western blot, and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In vascular reactivity assays, aorta, intrarenal, and coronary arteries of all three ADT groups showed endothelial dysfunction. AT1R and related molecules at protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) level were tested, and AT1R pathway was shown to be activated and played a role in endothelial dysfunction. Both ACE and AT1R mRNA levels were doubled in the aorta in the leuprolide group while Orx and degarelix groups showed upregulation of AT1R in the kidney tissues. By immunohistochemistry, our result showed higher expression of AT1R in the intrarenal arteries of leuprolide and degarelix groups. The role of reactive oxygen species in endothelial dysfunction was confirmed by DHE fluorescence, nitrotyrosine overexpression, and upregulation of NOX2 in the different ADT treatment groups.

Conclusion

ADT causes endothelial dysfunction in male rats. GnRH receptor agonist compared to GnRH receptor antagonist, showed more impairment of endothelial function in the aorta and intrarenal arteries. Such change might be associated with upregulation and activation of AngII‐AT1R‐NOX2 induced oxidative stress in the vasculature. These results help to explain the different cardiovascular risks and outcomes related to different modalities of ADT treatment.
Crystal Interface Control at Low Thermal Gradient and Investigation of the Effect of Cr on the Crystal Structure and Optical Properties of Bismuth Silicate
Authors: Bhaumik Indranil , Ananthu Vijayan V. L. , Bhatt Rajeev , Soharab Mohammad , Ganesamoorthy Sarveswaran , Karnal Ashwani Kumar
Published: September 2021

Single crystals of bismuth silicate (Bi12SiO20) doped with chromium (0.05, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 at%) have been grown along ⟨110⟩ by Czochralski technique. The effect of growth parameters like low axial thermal gradient and crystal rotation rate on the crystal−melt interface is investigated by varying these parameters. Further, the effect of Cr incorporation on the lattice parameter, optical bandgap, emission characteristics, and refractive index is studied. It is observed that as the concentration of Cr increases, the lattice parameter increases, because the size of Cr ion is higher than that of Si ion which it replaces. The bandgap is found to decrease with the increase in the concentration of Cr in the lattice of Bi12SiO20. The estimated bandgap energy of all the samples lies between 2.16 and 3.12 eV. The estimated Urbach energy is ≈115 meV for undoped BSO and it is slightly higher (≈200 meV) for Cr‐doped crystals. Further, 0.05 and 0.25 at% Cr‐doped samples exhibit emission peak at around 470 nm on excitation at 420 nm. The refractive index is found to decrease with the increase in Cr concentration in the lattice.
Hierarchical predefined‐time control of teleoperation systems with state and communication constraints
Authors: Xu Jing‐Zhe , Ge Ming‐Feng , Ling Guang , Liu Feng , Park Ju H.
Published: September 2021

The performance of the teleoperation system under multiple negative impacts cannot be easily predefined and regulated in general. This article aims to achieve the predefined performance of the teleoperation system under the effects of human operations, external disturbances, parametric uncertainties and communication constraints (including communication delays and quantized‐data communication). The predefined performance includes the state constraints (i.e., the joint‐space positions of the teleoperation system can be constrained in the predefined region throughout the control process) and predefined‐time set stability (i.e., the synchronization errors can be forced to reach an arbitrarily small neighborhood of the origin in a predefined time). To this end, a hierarchical predefined‐time control algorithm is newly designed via employing the error transformation method based on a novel limit‐time regulator. By using the barrier Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions on the control parameters are formally derived for guaranteeing the aforementioned performance. Finally, we present several simulation experiments to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed main results.
Household transmission of influenza A and B within a prospective cohort during the 2013‐2014 and 2014‐2015 seasons
Authors: Dahlgren F. Scott , Foppa Ivo M. , Stockwell Melissa S. , Vargas Celibell Y. , LaRussa Philip , Reed Carrie
Published: September 2021

People living within the same household as someone ill with influenza are at increased risk of infection. Here, we use Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to partition the hazard of influenza illness within a cohort into the hazard from the community and the hazard from the household. During the 2013‐2014 influenza season, 49 (4.7%) of the 1044 people enrolled in a community surveillance cohort had an acute respiratory illness (ARI) attributable to influenza. During the 2014‐2015 influenza season, 50 (4.7%) of the 1063 people in the cohort had an ARI attributable to influenza. The secondary attack rate from a household member was 2.3% for influenza A (H1) during 2013‐2014, 5.3% for influenza B during 2013‐2014, and 7.6% for influenza A (H3) during 2014‐2015. Living in a household with a person ill with influenza increased the risk of an ARI attributable to influenza up to 350%, depending on the season and the influenza virus circulating within the household.
Thermal‐Responsive and Fire‐Resistant Materials for High‐Safety Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Heng , Wang Huibo , Xu Zhu , Wang Kexuan , Ge Mingzheng , Gan Lin , Zhang Yanyan , Tang Yuxin , Chen Shi
Published: September 2021

As one of the most efficient electrochemical energy storage devices, the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) has been extensively improved in the past several decades. However, with increased energy density, the safety risk of LIBs becomes higher too. The frequently occurred battery accidents worldwide remind us that safeness is a crucial requirement for LIBs, especially in environments with high safety concerns like airplanes and military platforms. It is generally recognized that the catastrophic thermal runaway (TR) event is the major cause of LIBs related accidents. Tremendous efforts have been devoted to coping with the TR concerns in LIBs, and thus enhance battery safety. This review first gives an introduction to the fundamentals of LIBs and the origins of safety issues. Then, the authors summarize the recent advances to improve the safety of LIBs with a unique focus on thermal‐responsive and fire‐resistant materials. Finally, a perspective is proposed to guide future research directions in this field. It is anticipated this review will stimulate inspiration and arouse extensive studies on further improvement in battery safety.
E‐Verify mandates and unauthorized immigrants' health insurance coverage
Authors: Churchill Brandyn
Published: September 2021

Over the last two decades, state and local governments have adopted policies requiring employers to electronically verify (E‐Verify) the work eligibility of their new hires to disrupt unauthorized immigrants' access to the formal labor market. These E‐Verify mandates previously enjoyed bipartisan support and are likely to be included in comprehensive immigration reform discussions between the Biden administration and GOP. I show in this paper that state E‐Verify mandates are associated with a 5‐percentage point reduction in the probability that likely unauthorized immigrants are employed and a 2‐percentage point reduction in the probability that they have employer‐sponsored insurance. However, these changes are limited to one period after implementation. In all remaining periods, the relationships are not distinguishable from zero. I show that this pattern can be explained by selective outmigration of otherwise unemployed and uninsured likely unauthorized immigrants. By preventing unauthorized immigrants from moving to a more favorable policy environment, a nationwide E‐Verify mandate would likely further limit unauthorized immigrants' access to private health insurance.
PCDTBT8‐Doped PffBT4T‐2OD‐Based Ternary Solar Cells with Enhanced Open‐Circuit Voltage, Fill Factor, and Charge Separation Efficiency
Authors: Lu Qiuchen , Wang Qungui , Song Peng , Ma Fengcai , Yang Yanhui , Li Yuanzuo
Published: September 2021

The effect of a medium bandgap polymer doped into conventional binary heterojunction solar cells is investigated for ternary solar cells, which display different characteristics compared with traditional materials. First, the charge separation and recombination at the multi‐interface (double donors/single acceptor) and the charge transport between different phases are simulated to reveal the competition mechanism of electron transfer and insights into the merits and demerits of a hole transport layer with medium and narrow band gaps. Second, global modeling of performance for PCDTBT8‐doped PffBT4T‐2OD‐based ternary solar cells is established to evaluate the crucial parameters (open‐circuit voltage (V
OC), short‐circuit current (J
SC), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE)) related to the experiment. The results demonstrate that the orbital energy levels, absorption peak, excited‐state, fluorescence lifetimes, and hole transportability are tunable upon the medium bandgap polymer doping process. The electron transfer process for the multi‐interface is enhanced by doping different bandgap polymers compared with a single interface, which contributes to the energy match and multistep jump mechanism. Ternary solar cells based on the doped polymer exhibit better V
OC, FF, and PCE with weakened J
SC. The theoretical calculations are in excellent agreement with experimental results. The global investigation of ternary solar cells can be used to interpret experiments and is viewed as an effective method for screening high‐performance solar cells.
A natural derivative from ethnomedicinal mushroom potentiates apoptosis, autophagy and attenuates cell migration, via fine tuning the Akt signaling in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549)
Authors: Nandi Sudeshna , Upadhyay Priyanka , Roy Ayan , Dasgupta Adhiraj , Sen Arnab , Adhikary Arghya , Acharya Krishnendu
Published: September 2021

Although comprehensive exertions have been made in late decades for treating advanced lung cancer with inclusive therapies but efficient anti‐lung cancer therapeutics are statically inadequate in the clinics. Hence, compelling novel anti‐lung cancer drugs are considerably desired. This backdrop enticed us to unveil anticancer efficacy of astrakurkurol, derivative of wild edible mushroom against lung cancer, whose effects have not yet been described. Mechanistic analysis disclosed that sensitizing effect of astrakurkurol is due to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, increased level of Fas, FADD, decreased ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2, and increased cleaved form of caspase 9, 8, and 3. Apart from the induction of apoptosis, it was demonstrated for the first time that astrakurkurol induced an autophagic response as evidenced by the development of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) with up‐regulation of beclin‐1, Atg7, and downregulated p62. Apoptosis and autophagy can be sparked by the same stimuli, which was as evident from the astrakurkurol‐induced inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling. The thorough scanning of the mechanism of crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy is requisite for prosperous anticancer remedy. Triterpenoid has evidently intensified cytotoxicity, induced apoptosis and autophagy on A549 cells. Besides astrakurkurol could also curb migration and regress the size of tumor in ex ovo xenograft model. All these findings put forth astrakurkurol as a convincing novel anti‐cancer agent, for scrutinizing the lung cancer therapies and as a robust contender for future in vitro and in vivo analysis.
Surveillance of strangles in UK horses between 2015 and 2019 based on laboratory detection of Streptococcus equi
Authors: McGlennon Abigail , Waller Andrew , Verheyen Kristien , Slater Josh , Grewar John , Aanensen David , Newton Richard
Published: September 2021

Background

Previously national surveillance data for monitoring strangles (Streptococcus equi infection) in UK horses was limited. Improved awareness and knowledge of positive diagnoses would permit the optimisation of biosecurity protocols, decreasing the prevalence of strangles.

Methods

Seven UK laboratories reported positive strangles diagnoses between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 based on identifying Streptococcus equi via agent detection assays from field‐based practitioner‐submitted samples. Associated clinical history and animal signalment were collected where provided, and descriptive analysis undertaken.

Results

Within the study period, 1617 laboratory‐confirmed diagnoses occurred from samples submitted by 315 veterinary practices. Of these, 51.6% were swabs and 44.0% guttural pouch lavages. Diagnoses were primarily based on qPCR alone (59.6%), qPCR and culture (35.8%), or culture alone (4.6%). A total of 1791 clinical signs were reported for 713 diagnoses, where nasal discharge (31.3%) and pyrexia (20.5%) were most frequently reported. Regions with the highest number of diagnoses included North Yorkshire (n = 75, 4.6%), Staffordshire (n = 71, 4.4%) and West Sussex (North East) (n = 63, 3.9%).

Conclusion

This study presents important insights into the diagnosis and clinical features of strangles in UK horses, even though limited and/or missing clinical history and signalment on laboratory submission forms restricts the completeness of the data.
Ordered and censored lifetime data in reliability: An illustrative review
Authors: Cramer Erhard
Published: September 2021

The present review provides a survey on basic models of ordered data and censoring mechanisms with a focus on lifetime data, failure data, and reliability applications. Throughout, illustrations of the data generation process as well as of the censoring mechanisms are used to visualize these procedures. By example we present basic results assuming a life testing model with independent and identically distributed measurements and focus on selected inferential results for exponentially distributed lifetimes. In particular, we aim to illustrate similarities between the models as well as to highlight some interesting exact statistical results. It is not intended to survey all possible model assumptions, probabilistic results, and used inferential methods used in this framework. For this purpose as well as for further reading, we provide an extensive bibliography.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Reliability, Survivability, and Quality Control

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Maximum Likelihood Methods

Data: Types and Structure > Traditional Statistical Data
Noninvasive Low‐cost Method to Identify Armadillos' Burrows: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Rodrigues Thiago F. , Nogueira Keiller , Chiarello Adriano G.
Published: September 2021

Having accurate information about population parameters of armadillos (Mammalia, Cingulata) is essential for the conservation and management of the taxon, most species of which remain poorly studied. We investigated whether we could accurately identify 4 armadillo species (Euphractus sexcinctus, Dasypus novemcinctus, Cabassous tatouay, and Cabassous unicinctus) based on burrow morphometry. We first selected published studies that reported measurements of width, height, and angle of the burrows used by the 4 species of armadillos. Then, using such data we simulated burrow measurements for each of the 4 species of armadillos and we created predictive models through supervised machine learning that were capable of correctly identifying the species of armadillos based on their burrows' morphometry. By using classification algorithms such as Random Forest, K‐Nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, Naive Bayes, and Decision Tree C5.0, we achieved the overall accuracy for the classification task by about 71%, including an overall Kappa index by about 61%. Euphractus sexcinctus was the most difficult species to discriminate and classify (approximately 68% of accuracy), whereas C. unicinctus was the easiest to discriminate (approximately 93% of accuracy). We found that it was possible to identify similar‐sized armadillos based on the measurements of their burrows described in the literature. Finally, we developed an R function (armadilloID) that automatically identified the 4 species of armadillos using burrow morphology. As the data we used represented all studies that reported the morphometry of burrows for the 4 species of armadillos, we can generalize that our function can predict armadillo species beyond our data. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Designing Research to Catalyse Climate Action
Authors: Currie-Alder Bruce , De Souza Ken
Published: September 2021

Climate action ahead of 2030 requires ambitious research that is fit for purpose: working across scale, creating synergy among cohorts of projects, and enabling capacity to pursue research uptake. Research needs to bridge local and national levels and provide evidence that informs decisions with decadal implications. To become more than the sum of its constituent activities, research programmes and consortia require learning frameworks and equitable partnership among participating organisations. Beyond scholarships and fellowships for training and independent study, exchanges and embedding in real-world settings practical experiences allow people to gain experience beyond academia in diverse host institutions. Greater emphasis needs to be given to the spectrum extending from research to its application, including co-production and knowledge brokering with local people and decision-makers.
Molecular dynamics simulation of interface atomic diffusion in ultrasonic metal welding
Authors: Mostafavi Shimaalsadat , Bamer Franz , Markert Bernd
Published: September 2021

The formation of a reliable joint between a large number of aluminum strands for battery applications is crucial in automotive industry, especially in the technology of autonomous vehicles. Therefore, in this study, mechanical deformations and diffusion patterns of the mating interface in ultrasonic welding of aluminum were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, microscopic observations of the joints between aluminum strands from ultrasonic welding illustrating the influence of two process parameters were done. To study the nanomechanics of the joint formation, two aluminum crystallites of different orientations were built. The impact of the sliding velocity and the compression rate of the upper crystal block on the diffusion pattern at the interface of the two crystallites were quantified via the diffusion coefficient. Tensile deformations of several joint configurations were performed to investigate the load-bearing capacity of the solid state bond, taking into account the compression rate, the sliding velocity and the crystallite orientation. The atomic scale simulations revealed that the orientations of the crystallites govern the interface diffusion and the tensile strength of the joint significantly. Furthermore, interface atom diffusion increased with increasing the sliding velocity. Additionally, it was observed that a higher sliding velocity enhances the friction heat generation between the crystallites and significantly increases the interface temperature.
Towards a better understanding on mitigating algorithm aversion in forecasting: an experimental study
Authors: Jung Markus , Seiter Mischa
Published: September 2021

Forecasts serve as the basis for a wide range of managerial decisions. With the potential of new data sources and new techniques for data analysis, human forecasters are increasingly interacting with algorithms. Although algorithms can show better forecasting performance than humans, forecasters do not always accept these algorithms and instead show aversion to them. Algorithm aversion has become a widely known phenomenon. Drawing on the seminal study of Dietvorst et al. (J Exp Psychol Gen 144(1):114–126, 2015), we extend the evidence on algorithm aversion by introducing three environmental variables from the management accounting literature. We argue that time pressure, “do your best” goals, and forecasters’ data input decision rights on the algorithms input mitigate algorithm aversion. To test our hypotheses, we conducted an experimental study with 1,840 participants overall. We found support for our hypothesis that time pressure mitigates algorithm aversion. We found evidence that the mitigation effect is based on forecasters’ loss of confidence in their own forecast when they are under time pressure. We found no support for our hypothesis on “do your best” goals or forecasters’ data input decision rights.
Comment on: Gao B, Lu Q, Wan R, Wang Z, Yang Y, Chen Z, Wang Z. “Monthly versus quarterly fremanezumab for the prevention of migraine: a systemic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials”. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2021 Apr;394(4):819–828. Epublished November 2020
Authors: Barash Steve , Ramirez Campos Verena , Ning Xiaoping , Driessen Maurice T. , Krasenbaum Lynda J. , Carr Karen , Cohen Joshua M.
Published: September 2021

Recently, Gao et al. published an article titled “Monthly versus quarterly fremanezumab for the prevention of migraine: a systemic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials” which concluded that monthly administration of fremanezumab led to significant reduction in monthly migraine days (MMD) when compared to quarterly fremanezumab. We have noted a critical flaw in Gao et al. meta-analysis wherein the authors have mistakenly utilized standard error values in place of standard deviation values in performing their pooled analyses. This error directly impacts the study results and conclusions. In this brief communication, we present revised analysis using correct methods. Using the correct SD values, our pooled analysis showed no significant difference in mean change from baseline in MMD between the two fremanezumab dosing regimens (P = 0.17). Furthermore, in the corrected subgroup analyses by type of migraine, there were no significant differences in mean change from baseline in MMD between monthly fremanezumab and quarterly fremanezumab (chronic migraine, P = 0.50; episodic migraine, P = 0.69). Overall, results from our corrected meta-analyses show that there is no significant difference in migraine prevention efficacy between monthly and quarterly fremanezumab dosing.
The Genetic Diversity of Rickettsiella Symbionts in Ixodes ricinus Throughout Europe
Authors: Garcia-Vozmediano Aitor , Tomassone Laura , Fonville Manoj , Bertolotti Luigi , Heylen Dieter , Fabri Nannet D. , Medlock Jolyon M. , Nijhof Ard M. , Hansford Kayleigh M. , Sprong Hein , Krawczyk Aleksandra I.
Published: September 2021

Rickettsiella species are bacterial symbionts that are present in a great variety of arthropod species, including ixodid ticks. However, little is known about their genetic diversity and distribution in Ixodes ricinus, as well as their relationship with other tick-associated bacteria. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and the genetic diversity of Rickettsiella spp. in I. ricinus throughout Europe and evaluated any preferential and antagonistic associations with Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii and the pathogens Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Borrelia miyamotoi. Rickettsiella spp. were detected in most I. ricinus populations investigated, encompassing a wide array of climate types and environments. The infection prevalence significantly differed between geographic locations and was significantly higher in adults than in immature life stages. Phylogenetic investigations and protein characterization disclosed four Rickettsiella clades (I–IV). Close phylogenetic relations were observed between Rickettsiella strains of I. ricinus and other arthropod species. Isolation patterns were detected for Clades II and IV, which were restricted to specific geographic areas. Lastly, although coinfections occurred, we did not detect significant associations between Rickettsiella spp. and the other tick-associated bacteria investigated. Our results suggest that Rickettsiella spp. are a genetically and biologically diverse facultative symbiont of I. ricinus and that their distribution among tick populations could be influenced by environmental components.
Distinct interhemispheric connectivity at the level of the olfactory bulb emerges during Xenopus laevis metamorphosis
Authors: Weiss Lukas , Segoviano Arias Paola , Offner Thomas , Hawkins Sara Joy , Hassenklöver Thomas , Manzini Ivan
Published: September 2021

During metamorphosis, the olfactory system of anuran tadpoles undergoes substantial restructuring. The main olfactory epithelium in the principal nasal cavity ofXenopus laevistadpoles is associated with aquatic olfaction and transformed into the adult air-nose, while a new adult water-nose emerges in the middle cavity. Impacts of this metamorphic remodeling on odor processing, behavior, and network structure are still unexplored. Here, we used neuronal tracings, calcium imaging, and behavioral experiments to examine the functional connectivity between the epithelium and the main olfactory bulb during metamorphosis. In tadpoles, olfactory receptor neurons in the principal cavity project axons to glomeruli in the ventral main olfactory bulb. These projections are gradually replaced by receptor neuron axons from the newly forming middle cavity epithelium. Despite this reorganization in the ventral bulb, two spatially segregated odor processing streams remain undisrupted and behavioral responses to waterborne odorants are unchanged. Contemporaneously, new receptor neurons in the remodeling principal cavity innervate the emerging dorsal part of the bulb, which displays distinct wiring features. Glomeruli around its midline are innervated from the left and right nasal epithelia. Additionally, postsynaptic projection neurons in the dorsal bulb predominantly connect to multiple glomeruli, while half of projection neurons in the ventral bulb are uni-glomerular. Our results show that the “water system” remains functional despite metamorphic reconstruction. The network differences between the dorsal and ventral olfactory bulb imply a higher degree of odor integration in the dorsal main olfactory bulb. This is possibly connected with the processing of different odorants, airborne vs. waterborne.