bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Various Fractions of Hemiscorpius lepturus Scorpion (Scorpionida: Hemiscorpiidae) Venom on Hemostatic System in Peripheral Blood of Rats in Comparison to Whole Venom
Authors: Khataminia Ali , Razi Jalali Mohammad , Jalali Seyedeh Missagh , Jafari Hedieh
Published: October 2020

Background: Hemiscorpius lepturus is the most critical scorpion in Khuzestan, Iran, responsible for the majority of deaths caused by scorpion stings. Objectives: This prospective randomized experimental study was performed from June to August 2019 to investigate the effects of various venom fractions on the hemostatic system. Methods: Lyophilized venom of H. lepturus was separated into six fractions by Sephadex G-50 gel chromatography. A total of 96 Albino male rats were treated in eight equal groups; Control: 0.5 ml normal saline (IP); Whole venom group: H. lepturus Lyophilized venom, one mg/kg, IP; F1-F6 groups: Isolated venom fraction 1-6, 0.12 mg/kg, 0.43 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.18 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg and 0.13 mg/kg, IP, respectively. Blood sampling was performed at 1, 3, and 24 hours after injection. Results: Plasma fibrinogen was significantly elevated in the whole venom group, while it was significantly decreased in F3, F5, and F6 groups compared to the control group. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assessment revealed that there was a significant prolongation of both tests in whole venom and fraction 5 and 6 receiving groups while fraction 2 only caused a significant PT extension, compared to the control group. Conversely, fraction 3 and 4 resulted in PT and APTT in comparison to the control group. The concentration of FDP and D-dimer was significantly increased in whole venom and F2 group compared to the control group at all sampling times. Conclusions: It seems that H. lepturus venom has both procoagulant and anticoagulant properties which are distinct characteristics of it. Further purification and sequencing of the amino acids in the fraction of peptides can lead to a more precise identification of the mechanisms of venom-induced coagulopathies.
Effect of Probiotic Enterococcus durans on the Adhesion of Clinically Isolated Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Mousavi Sayedeh Fatemeh , Ahmadi Amjad , Ramazanzadeh Rashid , Nouri Bijan , Shafiee Faranak
Published: October 2020

Background: Streptococcus mutans is the most cariogenic microorganism with high adherence ability to the tooth surfaces. The probiotics have attracted attention as a new and bioecological technique to inhibit oral bacterial colonization. Enterococcal strains, such as Enterococcus durans, are abundant in nature and can be identified as a probiotic. Objectives: Since the reduction of adhesion can be an effective way to decrease the cariogenic potential of S. mutans, the present study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of E. durans on the adhesion of S. mutans. Methods: In this in vitro study, the standard strain bacteria of probiotic E. durans and Streptococcus mutans and 12 clinical samples of S. mutans were used. The ability of S. mutans biofilm formation was assessed. Then, the effect of E. durans on S. mutans adhesion was determined via microtiter plate technique by two methods: (1) Adding a mixed suspension of E. durans and S. mutans simultaneously; (2) adding E. durans 30 minutes before the inoculation of S. mutans to the system. The data were analyzed with SPSS 20 by using paired t-test, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The results showed a decrease in adhesion in the presence of E. durans, with the use of both methods (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of this in vitro study, the use of probiotic E. durans decreased the adhesion of S. mutans.
Flavor and Nicotine Effects on E-cigarette Appeal in Young Adults: Moderation by Reason for Vaping
Authors: Leventhal Adam M. , Mason Tyler B. , Cwalina Sam N. , Whitted Lauren , Anderson Marissa , Callahan Carly
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Effective regulations that reduce nicotine vaping among young adult dual (combustible and e-cigarette) users may differ depending on whether e-cigarettes are used for helping with smoking cessation. This laboratory experiment examined flavor and nicotine effects on
e-cigarette product appeal among young adult dual users, stratified by reported use of e-cigarettes to quit smoking. Methods: Dual users aged 18-35 years that did (N = 31) or did not (N = 22) report vaping for the purpose of quitting smoking puffed e-cigarette solutions varied by a
flavor (fruit, menthol, tobacco) and nicotine (nicotine-containing [6 mg/mL], nicotine-free) with-in-participant design. After puffing each solution, participants rated appeal. Results: In main effect analyses, non-tobacco (vs tobacco) flavors increased appeal and nicotine-containing
(vs nicotine free) solutions reduced appeal similarly in dual users who did and did not vape to quit smoking. Interaction analyses found non-significant trend evidence that fruit and menthol flavors suppressed nicotine's appeal-reducing effects more powerfully in those that did not vape to
quit smoking (flavor × nicotine × vape to quit smoking, ps = .05-.06). Conclusions: Non-tobacco flavors might increase e-cigarette product appeal in young adult dual users overall and disproportionately suppress nicotine's appeal-reducing effects in those that vape
for purposes other than assisting with smoking cessation.
Flavor Inconsistencies between Flavored Tobacco Products among US Adults
Authors: Schneller Liane M. , Li Dongmei , Tavárez Zahíra Quiñones , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Quisenberry Amanda J. , Xie Zidian , Rahman Irfan , McIntosh Scott , O'Connor Richard J. , Ossip Deborah J.
Published: October 2020

Objective: Banning flavors in some tobacco products, while allowing them in others, may shift consumer preferences towards products in which flavors are still allowed. In this study, we examine flavor popularity and inconsistencies in flavor preference across non-cigarette tobacco
products among US adults. Methods: We used data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Wave 3 to assess the prevalence of flavor preference for users of non-cigarette tobacco products (N = 9037), as well as flavor inconsistencies between products among polyusers
(N = 3183). Results: Most users of flavored tobacco products reported using one flavor category per product. Fruit and tobacco were among the most commonly used flavor categories of ENDS, hookah, traditional cigars, and cigarillo/filtered cigars. Menthol/mint was the most common flavor
among snus/smokeless users. Polyusers of ENDS and traditional cigars had the largest inconsistency, where about 68%-76% used different flavors across products. Conversely, polyusers of traditional cigars and cigarillos/filtered cigars had the lowest inconsistency (25%-28%). Conclusions:
Flavor preferences differed according to product, suggesting that consumers are not likely to switch across products to maintain a flavor preference. Future research should assess flavor preferences prospectively to improve understanding of the potential benefits of flavor bans.
Coconut oil as a calibration matrix for headspace gas chromatographic determination of hexanal in edible oils
Authors: Vičkačkaitė Vida , Pipiraitė Gintarė , Poškus Vilius , Bugelytė Birutė
Published: October 2020

Oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids of edible oils results in off-flavours, in a decrease in the nutritional properties and in the formation of toxic compounds. Hexanal is a suitable marker of the oxidation process. A new solvent, coconut oil, was suggested for hexanal quantification by static headspace extraction-gas chromatography. Sample equilibration temperature, time, weight and injection time were determined to provide the highest extraction to the headspace efficiency. At the optimized extraction conditions, the hexanal detection limit was 30 µg kg–1, linearity was 0.9977 for a concentration range of 50 µg kg–1 – 2 g kg–1 and repeatability of the results was 1.1%. The effect of heating on hexanal formation in four edible oils (olive oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil and linseed oil) was investigated. The biggest quantity of hexanal was observed in sunflower oil and it significantly increased after heating. Rapeseed oil was the most resistant to the oxidation at elevated temperatures. For linseed oil hexanal is not the most relevant oxidation marker as hexanal is not the main volatile oxidation product.
Identification of ubiquitin Ser57 kinases regulating the oxidative stress response in yeast
Authors: Hepowit Nathaniel L , Pereira Kevin N , Tumolo Jessica M , Chazin Walter J , MacGurn Jason A
Published: October 2020

Ubiquitination regulates many different cellular processes, including protein quality control, membrane trafficking, and stress responses. The diversity of ubiquitin functions in the cell is partly due to its ability to form chains with distinct linkages that can alter the fate of substrate proteins in unique ways. The complexity of the ubiquitin code is further enhanced by post-translational modifications on ubiquitin itself, the biological functions of which are not well understood. Here, we present genetic and biochemical evidence that serine 57 (Ser57) phosphorylation of ubiquitin functions in stress responses inSaccharomyces cerevisiae, including the oxidative stress response. We also identify and characterize the first known Ser57 ubiquitin kinases in yeast and human cells, and we report that two Ser57 ubiquitin kinases regulate the oxidative stress response in yeast. These studies implicate ubiquitin phosphorylation at the Ser57 position as an important modifier of ubiquitin function, particularly in response to proteotoxic stress.
NAIP–NLRC4-deficient mice are susceptible to shigellosis
Authors: Mitchell Patrick S , Roncaioli Justin L , Turcotte Elizabeth A , Goers Lisa , Chavez Roberto A , Lee Angus Y , Lesser Cammie F , Rauch Isabella , Vance Russell E
Published: October 2020

Bacteria of the genus Shigella cause shigellosis, a severe gastrointestinal disease that is a major cause of diarrhea-associated mortality in humans. Mice are highly resistant to Shigella and the lack of a tractable physiological model of shigellosis has impeded our understanding of this important human disease. Here, we propose that the differential susceptibility of mice and humans to Shigella is due to mouse-specific activation of the NAIP–NLRC4 inflammasome. We find that NAIP–NLRC4-deficient mice are highly susceptible to oral Shigella infection and recapitulate the clinical features of human shigellosis. Although inflammasomes are generally thought to promote Shigella pathogenesis, we instead demonstrate that intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific NAIP–NLRC4 activity is sufficient to protect mice from shigellosis. In addition to describing a new mouse model of shigellosis, our results suggest that the lack of an inflammasome response in IECs may help explain the susceptibility of humans to shigellosis.
Spatiotemporal expansion of human brucellosis in Shaanxi Province, Northwestern China and model for risk prediction
Authors: Yang Zurong , Pang Miaomiao , Zhou Qingyang , Song Shuxuan , Liang Weifeng , Chen Junjiang , Guo Tianci , Shao Zhongjun , Liu Kun
Published: October 2020

Background

Human brucellosis imposes a heavy burden on the health and economy of endemic regions. Since 2011, China has reported at least 35,000 human brucellosis cases annually, with more than 90% of these cases reported in the northern. Given the alarmingly high incidence and variation in the geographical distribution of human brucellosis cases, there is an urgent need to decipher the causes of such variation in geographical distribution.

Method

We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study in Shaanxi Province from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2018 to investigate the association between meteorological factors and transmission of human brucellosis according to differences in geographical distribution and seasonal fluctuation in northwestern China for the first time.

Results

Human brucellosis cases were mainly distributed in the Shaanbei upland plateau before 2008 and then slowly extended towards the southern region with significant seasonal fluctuation. The results of quasi-Poisson generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) indicated that air temperature, sunshine duration, rainfall, relative humidity, and evaporation with maximum lag time within 7 months played crucial roles in the transmission of human brucellosis with seasonal fluctuation. Compared with the Shaanbei upland plateau, Guanzhong basin had more obvious fluctuations in the occurrence of human brucellosis due to changes in meteorological factors. Additionally, the established GAMM model showed high accuracy in predicting the occurrence of human brucellosis based on the meteorological factors.

Conclusion

These findings may be used to predict the seasonal fluctuations of human brucellosis and to develop reliable and cost-effective prevention strategies in Shaanxi Province and other areas with similar environmental conditions.
Board Membership Diversity and Earning Management: A Cross Country Analysis
Authors: Sabina Ejezie
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is the effect of board membership diversity on earnings management among listed non-financial firms in three selected Sub-Sahara African countries (Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa) were used for the period of ten years spanning 2009 to 2018. The study employed ex-post facto research design. The secondary sources of data were collected from annual reports of the selected non-financial firms quoted in their respective stock exchange and three specific objectives and hypotheses were tested and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and panel regression analysis. Using some selected Sub-Sahara African countries a sample of 470 observations were used, the result revealed that board membership diversity has positive influence on earnings management, the influence is effective in driving the level of manipulated earnings among firms in Sub-Sahara Africa because the result was found to be statistically significant, therefore the researcher rejects the null hypothesis and accepts  the alternatives hypothesis which states that foreign board membership diversity has significant effect on earnings management among non- financial firms in Sub-Sahara African countries with a high significant value of 0.005 indicated using hypothesis testing tool. The research concludes that foreign board membership diversity is very influential on earnings management of non-financial firms in Sub-Sahara African countries.
Impact of Mass Drug Administration on Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Eight Riverine Communities in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, Ghana
Authors: Abass Quartey , Bedzo John Yao , Manortey Stephen
Published: October 2020

Background: The incidence of schistosomiasis in Ghana and more specifically in the Asuogyaman District had become a noticeable record following the creation of the Akosombo Dam in the early 1960s. This has inevitably since placed an enormous burden on the health service delivery systems in the geographical area. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of Praziquantel has been used worldwide as a preventive and treatment intervention measure for the disease, and the study area is no exception. The study, therefore, aimed to assess the impact of MDA on the prevalence and associated risk factors of schistosomiasis in eight (8) selected riverine communities within the district.

Methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 896 respondents with ages ranging from 2 to 82 years and a mean age of 17±13.78 years. Data were obtained from the Volta River Authority (VRA) Public Health and Environmental Department. Pearson’s chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to assess the association and predict the relationship between variables.

Findings: Out of the 896 respondents, 93 (10.4 %) tested positive for Schistosoma haematobium. Proportionally, the Nyameben community had a high prevalence of 25.8% while Mami-Waterkope, and Mangoase both had a low prevalence of 3.2 %. The average uptake of Praziquantel was 41% across the study area. From the bivariate analysis, the respondents’ community of residence was noted as the only statistically significant variable contributing to infection. Respondents aged 13-39 were 1.68 times more likely to be infected compared to their younger counterparts after controlling for all other covariates in the predictive model.

Conclusion: Mass Drug Administration had a tremendous effect on reducing the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis to the present level of 10.4%. However, some “hotspots” like the Nyameben community will require special attention to reduce the high prevalence disease rate. Communities with low uptake of Praziquantel had a relatively high prevalence of schistosomiasis.
A Survey of Health-Seeking Behaviour of Residents in Two Local Government Areas in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Olaigbe Taofeeq Adebayo , Okunade Abiodun Sekinat Bode-
Published: October 2020

Introduction: COVID-19 has affected all spheres of human endeavour in a developing country like Nigeria. In a bid to stop the spread of this virus, different preventive measures were put in place by all the levels of government. Therefore, studying the health-seeking behaviour of residents in the face of the deadly COVID-19 virus becomes paramount in this study. 

Aim: This cross-sectional survey sought to investigate various health seeking behaviours exhibited by residents of Oyo state, Nigeria during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the multi-stage sampling techniques were finally used to select 327 respondents, aged 22-51 years with (Mean = 31.11, SD = 7.22) from two local government areas in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.

Results: The result found that majority of the respondents’ experienced one form of signs and symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic. Also, many of the respondents experienced headache as major signs and symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Furthermore, fear of being diagnosed with COVID-19 was the major barrier to health seeking behaviour during COVID-19 pandemic while taking of local herbs was used by majority of respondents’ during COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The COVID-19 pandemic affected residents’ healthcare-seeking behaviour Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria. It was recommended that professional sociologists and health experts should develop health promotion and intervention programme tailored toward improving heath seeking behaviour of residents during and after COVID-19 pandemic.
Association of the ABCB1 C3435T gene polymorphism (SNPs) with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast cancer in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Bezerra Diego de Aragão Bezerra De Aragão , Linhares José Juvenal , Noronha Emmanuelle Coelho , Tavares Kaio César Simiano , Antunes André Saraiva Leão Marcelo , Coelho Regina Freitas , Marques Marcos Vinícius Souza
Published: October 2020

Introduction: breast cancer (BC) is the most common tumor and the leading cause of cancer-related death among the female population
worldwide. Polymorphisms genetics of ABCB1 gene contributed to breast cancer susceptibility and interindividual differences in
chemotherapy response. Objectives: to evaluate the association between the ABCB1 C3435T gene polymorphism (SNPs) with the
response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast cancer. Methodology: this study included 32 female patients who
received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The polymorphisms were genotyped through real-time allele-specific polymerase chain reaction
(PCR). The statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher’s exact test or Pearson’s chi-square test in the Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. Results: the genotypes found for the C3435T polymorphism were in Hardy-Weinberg
equilibrium and their genotypic distributions were CC= 10 (31.1%), CT= 14 (43.8%), and TT= 08 (25.0%) with χ2: 0.86 and p-value >
0.05. Allele frequencies were C = 0.54 and T = 0.46. There were no significant statistical differences between genotypes considering the
response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunohistochemistry; the presence of the T allele was associated with worsen axillary
status response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: no definite association between the presence of C3435T polymorphism
and the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was observed. Further studies in Brazil involving larger samples will contribute to
validating the results of this study.
Gestão de Carreiras Criativas: Passado e Futuro da Pesquisa Acadêmica
Authors: Calasans Roberto Guanabara , Davel Eduardo Paes Barreto
Published: October 2020

Os estudos sobre gestão de carreiras evoluíram muito em conteúdo, métodos e teorias, mas o foco principal sempre foi na análise da carreira e não na sua gestão. A produção acadêmica em carreiras criativas ainda é discreta, fragmentada e ainda mais frágil em termos de gestão. Essa pesquisa buscou revisar e integrar a produção acadêmica sobre gestão de carreiras no contexto do trabalho criativo. Para isso, foi feita uma revisão das pesquisas acadêmicas publicadas, nacionalmente e internacionalmente, delimitando as principais teorias e dimensões. A análise do material pesquisado permitiu o desenvolvimento de quatro perspectivas para os estudos nesse campo: axiológica, tecnológica, coletiva e social. Os resultados desta análise contribuem para (a) uma melhor compreensão das dimensões de gestão da carreira criativa, (b) a identificação de desafios para estudos sobre esse tema e (c) uma discussão de orientações para pesquisas futuras.
As transformações da era digital e o impacto na economia da cultura do livro
Authors: Pozzer Márcio Rogério Olivato , Cunha Camila Porsch da
Published: October 2020

As novas tecnologias revolucionaram os padrões culturais da sociedade mundial, alterando cadeias produtivas, estabelecendo novos padrões de consumo e impactando na economia como um todo. No que tange a economia do livro, seu impacto tem resultado em modificações no mercado como a inserção do e-commerce de livros, a criação do e-book e de editoras colaborativas. Assim, novos modelos de negócio surgem para que editoras e livrarias possam se manter no mercado pós tecnologia, diante do significativo fechamento de livrarias “físicas”. A partir da percepção de tais transformações e de sua contribuição na desintermediação das relações contidas na economia da cultura, discute-se o impacto dessas novas tecnologias na produção, circulação e fruição artística e cultural, tratando, de maneira mais específica, sobre os arranjos produtivos do livro e as mudanças nos hábitos culturais de parcela crescente de produtores e consumidores. Tais transformações não têm significado, necessariamente, maior democratização do acesso à produção e à fruição do livro.
A urbe articulada pela lógica periférica da semiosfera: análise do Centro Social Autogestionado La Tabacalera, na cidade de Madri
Authors: Miranda de Oliveira Regiane , Nakagawa Fábio Sadao
Published: October 2020

Tendo por base a noção de semiosfera e o modo de articulação de sua região periférica, tal como foram definidos pelo semioticista da cultura Iuri Lotman, este artigo busca compreender de que maneira o Centro Social Autogestionado La Tabacalera, situado no bairro Embajadores/ Lavapiés, região central de Madri, se articula como um espaço periférico por onde a cidade, efetivamente, se constrói por meio de textos culturais inovadores. Em conformidade com tal perspectiva, o estudo visa perceber este lugar pela sua caracterização eminentemente sígnica e informacional, bem como pelo diálogo que estabelece com o entorno. Com isso, busca-se atentar para a articulação da cidade pelo viés da cultura que a tensiona, demonstrando, com isso, sua face mais dinâmica. 
Hybrid Bioprinting of Zonally Stratified Human Articular Cartilage Using Scaffold‐Free Tissue Strands as Building Blocks
Authors: Wu Yang , Ayan Bugra , Moncal Kazim K. , Kang Youngnam , Dhawan Aman , Koduru Srinivas V. , Ravnic Dino J. , Kamal Fadia , Ozbolat Ibrahim T.
Published: October 2020

The heterogeneous and anisotropic articular cartilage is generally studied as a layered structure of “zones” with unique composition and architecture, which is difficult to recapitulate using current approaches. A novel hybrid bioprinting strategy is presented here to generate zonally stratified cartilage. Scaffold‐free tissue strands (TSs) are made of human adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) or predifferentiated ADSCs. Cartilage TSs with predifferentiated ADSCs exhibit improved mechanical properties and upregulated expression of cartilage‐specific markers at both transcription and protein levels as compared to TSs with ADSCs being differentiated in the form of strands and TSs of nontransfected ADSCs. Using the novel hybrid approach integrating new aspiration‐assisted and extrusion‐based bioprinting techniques, the bioprinting of zonally stratified cartilage with vertically aligned TSs at the bottom zone and horizontally aligned TSs at the superficial zone is demonstrated, in which collagen fibers are aligned with designated orientation in each zone imitating the anatomical regions and matrix orientation of native articular cartilage. In addition, mechanical testing study reveals a compression modulus of ≈1.1 MPa, which is similar to that of human articular cartilage. The prominent findings highlight the potential of this novel bioprinting approach for building biologically, mechanically, and histologically relevant cartilage for tissue engineering purposes.
Wet‐Spinning of Biocompatible Core–Shell Polyelectrolyte Complex Fibers for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Cui Qing , Bell Daniel Josef , Rauer Sebastian Bernhard , Wessling Matthias
Published: October 2020

Polyelectrolyte complex fibers (PEC fibers) have great potential with regard to biomedical applications as they can be fabricated from biocompatible and water‐soluble polyelectrolytes under mild process conditions. The present publication describes a novel method for the continuous fabrication of PEC fibers in a water‐based wet‐spinning process by interfacial complexation within a core–shell spinneret. This process combines the robustness and flexibility of nonsolvent‐induced phase separation (NIPS) spinning processes conventionally used in the membrane industry with the complexation between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. The produced fibers demonstrate a core–shell structure with a low‐density core and a highly porous polyelectrolyte complex shell of ≈800 μm diameter. In the case of chitosan and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), mechanical fiber properties could be enhanced by doping the PSS with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The resulting CHI/PSS‐PEO fibers present a Young modulus of 3.78 GPa and a tensile strength of 165 MPa, which is an excellent combination of elongation at break and break stress compared to literature. The suitability of the CHI/PSS‐PEO fibers as a scaffold for cell culture applications is verified by a four‐day cultivation of human HeLa cells on PEO‐reinforced fibers with a subsequent analysis of cell viability by fluorescence‐based live/dead assay.
Retroreflection and Wettability Controlled Smart Indicator Based on Responsive Bilayer Photonic Crystals for Traffic Warning
Authors: Qi Yong , Zhou Changtong , Niu Wenbin , Zhang Shufen , Wu Suli , Ma Wei , Tang Bingtao
Published: October 2020

Due to the increasing human mortality caused by natural disasters and traffic accidents, the development of smart traffic warning systems is urgent. The first smart indicator for traffic warning based on bilayer photonic crystals with both selective retroreflection and response reflection optical properties is developed. The wettability‐controlled reflection evaluates the risk of landslides and warns drivers to slow down, while the retroreflection simultaneously displays iridescent vivid structural colors to observers at different viewing directions relative to the illumination direction and informs drivers the approaching of the accident blackspot. The mechanism involves diffractions in the periodic nanostructures and uses the wettability of vertical surfaces to realize the spectral diversity of reflectance. Moreover, colorful flickering structural colors based on the rotational periodic diffraction and angle dependence of the retroreflection are designed for speed limits warning. It demonstrates an energy‐efficient, smart, and tunable multi‐functionalized bilayer photonic crystal that is especially suitable for nighttime traffic warning, advertisement, and periodic warning display applications.
Are we measuring the same thing? Psychometric and research considerations when adopting new testing modes in the time of COVID‐19
Authors: Booth Tom , Murray Aja , Muniz‐Terrera Graciela
Published: October 2020

As the world navigates unchartered territories and witnesses the overwhelming impact of COVID‐19, investigators face important challenges to ensure continuity of research studies in a scientifically sound manner. Given the susceptibility of the older population to COVID‐19, research in the field of aging and dementia may be more severely impacted than other areas. With in‐person testing halted, researchers are considering remote testing to collect data on questionnaires and functioning, including cognitive functioning. This is not without challenges. Here, we discuss psychometric properties of the scales that need to be considered and evaluated when implementing remote testing to ensure the quality of the studies is preserved. We encourage the community to join efforts to improve practice sharing and facilitating access to item‐level data.
Seeing the Unseen: Experimental Observation of Magnetic Anapole State Inside a High‐Index Dielectric Particle
Authors: Kapitanova Polina , Zanganeh Esmaeel , Pavlov Nikita , Song Mingzhao , Belov Pavel , Evlyukhin Andrey , Miroshnichenko Andrey
Published: October 2020

The existence of non‐radiating electromagnetic sources attracts much attention in photonic community and gives rise to extensive discussions of various applications in lasing, medical imaging, sensing, and nonlinear optics. In this article, the existence of magnetic anapole states (or magnetic‐type non‐radiating sources) characterized by a suppressed magnetic dipole radiation in a dielectric cylindrical particle is theoretically predicted and experimentally demonstrated. The specific features of the magnetic anapole state under ideal conditions are identified, followed by a demonstration of how their existence can be detected in practical structures. The concept is valid in various frequency bands from visible range for nanoparticles to microwave range for millimeter size objects. The experimental study is performed in microwave frequency range which allows not only to measure the far‐field (scattered field) characteristics, but also to probe the peculiar field profile directly inside the dielectric particle. The experimental results agree well with the analytical ones and pave the way to detect and identify nontrivial different‐type anapole states.
Analysis of mitochondrial protein‐coding genes of Antheraea assamensis: Muga silkworm of Assam
Authors: Uddin Arif , Chakraborty Supriyo
Published: October 2020

To understand the synonymous codon usage pattern in mitochondrial genome of Antheraea assamensis, we analyzed the 13 mitochondrial protein‐coding genes of this species using a bioinformatic approach as no work was reported yet. The nucleotide composition analysis suggested that the percentages of A, T, G,and C were 33.73, 46.39, 9.7 and 10.17, respectively and the overall GC content was 19.86, that is, lower than 50% and the genes were AT rich. The mean effective number of codons of mitochondrial protein‐coding genes was 36.30 and it indicated low codon usage bias (CUB). Relative synonymous codon usage analysis suggested overrepresented and underrepresented codons in each gene and the pattern of codon usage was different among genes. Neutrality plot analysis revealed a narrow range of distribution for GC content at the third codon position and some points were diagonally distributed, suggesting both mutation pressure and natural selection influenced the CUB.
Automated measurement of repetitive behavior using the Microsoft Kinect: a proof of concept
Authors: Maharaj André V. , Gutierrez Anibal , Cueto Carlos , Cadavid Steven
Published: October 2020

The Microsoft Kinect is a motion‐sensing device that enables users to interact with a computer through body movements. The Kinect was initially developed for video game users (e.g., Microsoft Xbox) although another important use may be as an automated system for measuring human behavior. To demonstrate the potential utility of the Kinect for behavioral measurement, we asked adults to perform various repetitive behaviors while in view of the Kinect sensor. Data collected from Kinect was analyzed via the Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) program generating frequency of occurrences of repetitive behavior. To assess validity of the automated recording measurement, Kinect data were compared to frequency data obtained via direct human observation. Overall, there was a high‐level of agreement (92%) between measurement procedures (automated vs. human), although the automated system tended to result in slightly lower frequencies (false negatives) than was captured via human observation. Based on these findings, the Kinect technology showed solid potential as a tool for the automatic measurement of behavior. Suggestions for methodical refinement and future evaluation are discussed.
Expression and characterization of chimeric spidroins from flagelliform‐aciniform repetitive modules
Authors: Tian Lu‐Yang , Meng Qing , Lin Ying
Published: October 2020

Spiders can produce up to seven different types of silks or glues with different mechanical properties. Of these, flagelliform (Flag) silk is the most elastic, and aciniform (AcSp1) silk is the toughest. To produce a chimeric spider silk (spidroin) FlagR‐AcSp1R, we fused one repetitive module of flagelliform silk from Araneus ventricosus and one repetitive module of aciniform silk from Argiope trifasciata. The recombinant protein expressed in E. coli formed silk‐like fibers by manual‐drawing. CD analysis showed that the secondary structure of FlagR‐AcSp1R spidroin remained stable during the gradual reduction of pH from 7.0 to 5.5. The spectrum of FTIR indicated that the secondary structure of FlagR‐AcSp1R changed from α‐helix to β‐sheet. The conformation change of FlagR‐AcSp1R was similar to other spidroins in the fiber formation process. SEM analysis revealed that the mean diameter of the fibers was around 1 ~ 2 μm, and the surface was smooth and uniform. The chimeric fibers exhibited superior toughness (~33.1 MJ/m3) and tensile strength (~261.4 MPa). This study provides new insight into design of chimeric spider silks with high mechanical properties.
Hot‐cracking susceptibility of fully austenitic stainless steel using pulsed‐current gas tungsten arc‐welding process
Authors: Abu‐Aesh Mohamed , Taha Mohamed , El‐Sabbagh Ahmed Salem , Dorn Lutz
Published: October 2020

The pulsed‐current gas tungsten arc‐welding process (PCGTAW) has recently been recommended as an approach to eliminate the high susceptibility of austenitic stainless steel to hot cracking. Within a wide range of variables, in the present study, the effects of pulse frequency, time ratio, and pulse current on the cracking susceptibility of austenitic stainless‐steel thin sheets are investigated. A fan‐shaped cracking test specimen is adopted, and suitable final dimensions are obtained by conducting some preliminary experiments. A good correlation is found between the maximum crack length, which is taken as a cracking susceptibility index, and the pulse form variables. The results are found to be significantly improved when compared with those of the continuous‐current process, which indicates that the PCGTAW process has an effective role in reducing the hot‐cracking susceptibility. The optimal conditions of the pulse form variables based on the hot‐cracking susceptibility are determined. The optimal values of the time ratio are found to be less than 50%, together with a pulse frequency of less than 1 Hz. Some new microstructure measures, such as columnar structure ratio, grain orientation angle, puddle diversion angle, and overlapping ratio, which are originally defined in this work, in addition to grain size and puddle form factor (aspect ratio), are used to interpret the hot‐cracking behavior. All are found to have a direct impact on the hot‐cracking susceptibility. The results obtained from microstructure examinations showed that the cracks formed are either intergranular or transgranular cracks.
High‐resolution depth measurements in digital microscopic surgery
Authors: Babilon Sebastian , Myland Paul , Schlestein Lucas , Klabes Julian , Khanh Tran Quoc
Published: October 2020

Fully digital microscopes are becoming more and more common in surgical applications. In addition to high‐resolution stereoscopic images of the operating field, which can be transmitted over long distances or stored directly, these systems offer further potentials by supporting the surgical workflow based on their fully digital image processing chain. For example, the image display can be adapted to the respective surgical scenario by adaptive color reproduction optimization or image overlays with additional information, such as the tissue topology. Knowledge of this topology can be used for computer‐assisted or augmented‐reality‐guided microsurgical treatments and enables additional features such as spatially resolved spectral reconstruction of surface reflectance. In this work, a new method for high‐resolution depth measurements in digital microsurgical applications is proposed, which is based on the principle of laser triangulation. Part of this method is a sensor data fusion procedure to properly match the laser scanner and camera data. In this context, a strategy based on radial basis function interpolation techniques is presented to handle missing or corrupt data, which, due to the measuring principle, can occur on steep edges and through occlusion. The proposed method is used for the acquisition of high‐resolution depth profiles of various organic tissue samples, proving the feasibility of the proposed concept as a supporting technology in a digital microsurgical workflow.
E‐government through the lens of trading zones: A case of e‐government implementation in Dubai
Authors: Alghatam Noora H.
Published: October 2020

The paper explores the implementation of public sector information systems in a relatively atypical context, which is the rapidly developing city of Dubai. The paper specifically addresses the interactions between public and private sector teams in a large public sector organization in Dubai as they collaborate to complete an e‐government project within a short timeframe. The paper employs a framework that consists of institutional logics and concepts from the theory of trading zones to examine this exchange of ideas and artifacts between the two teams. Trading zones are conceptualized as embedded within wider institutional arrangements. The paper explores the trading activities between the teams as institutional enactments that come to shape e‐government outcomes in terms of roles and norms of the public sector staff. This reveals specific insights into how e‐government projects are locally enacted and how these shape the roles of public sector staff as contributors to city development. Overall, the paper argues that these engagements between public sector staff and contracted private sector consultants and vendors lead to the exchange of new knowledge, ideas, and artifacts that reproduce and reframe the sociocultural roles of public sector staff to fit with the new organizational context.
ABR optimization for live sports events with ICN‐enabled network framework
Authors: Gao Jianyue , Cui Yiming
Published: October 2020

The global networked live sports businesses have been developed in the explosive mode, where the data retrieval of live video streaming has played the important role. Although some specialized techniques have been proposed to guarantee the effective video transmission, it is very necessary to pay attention to the Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) optimization in order to enhance the quality of watching. In this paper, we use the Q‐learning method based on neuronal population coding to optimize ABR. Besides, we also introduce the Information Centric Networking (ICN) paradigm to improve the traditional distribution framework in order to store the hot sports streaming at the edge caches. We make the experiments by collecting the real live sports events, and the results show that the proposed scheme has better transmission time and quality of watching than the previous schemes.
Thermally drawn biodegradable fibers with tailored topography for biomedical applications
Authors: Farajikhah Syamak , Runge Antoine F. J. , Boumelhem Badwi B. , Rukhlenko Ivan D. , Stefani Alessio , Sayyar Sepidar , Innis Peter C. , Fraser Stuart T. , Fleming Simon , Large Maryanne C. J.
Published: October 2020

There is a growing demand for polymer fiber scaffolds for biomedical applications and tissue engineering. Biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone have attracted particular attention due to their applicability to tissue engineering and optical neural interfacing. Here we report on a scalable and inexpensive fiber fabrication technique, which enables the drawing of PCL fibers in a single process without the use of auxiliary cladding. We demonstrate the possibility of drawing PCL fibers of different geometries and cross‐sections, including solid‐core, hollow‐core, and grooved fibers. The solid‐core fibers of different geometries are shown to support cell growth, through successful MCF‐7 breast cancer cell attachment and proliferation. We also show that the hollow‐core fibers exhibit a relatively stable optical propagation loss after submersion into a biological fluid for up to 21 days with potential to be used as waveguides in optical neural interfacing. The capacity to tailor the surface morphology of biodegradable PCL fibers and their non‐cytotoxicity make the proposed approach an attractive platform for biomedical applications and tissue engineering.
Perceived Costs versus Actual Benefits of Demographic Self‐Disclosure in Online Support Groups
Authors: Pechmann Cornelia (Connie) , Yoon Kelly Eunjung , Trapido Denis , Prochaska Judith J.
Published: October 2020

Millions of U.S. adults join online support groups to attain health goals, but the social ties they form are often too weak to provide the support they need. What impedes the strengthening of ties in such groups? We explore the role of demographic differences in causing the impediment and demographic self‐disclosure in removing it. Using a field study of online quit‐smoking groups complemented by three laboratory experiments, we find that members tend to hide demographic differences, concerned about poor social integration that will weaken their ties. However, the self‐disclosures of demographic differences that naturally occur during group member discussions actually strengthen their ties, which in turn facilitates attainment of members’ health goals. In other words, social ties in online groups are weak not because members are demographically different, but because they are reluctant to self‐disclose their differences. If they do self‐disclose, this breeds interpersonal connection, trumping any demographic differences among them. Data from both laboratory and field about two types of demographic difference—dyad‐level dissimilarity and group‐level minority status—provide convergent support for our findings.
Development and validation of an instrument to assess adherence to occupational health protocols in dentistry
Authors: Vazquez‐Alcaraz Silverio J. , Rodriguez‐Soto M Cecilia , Monroy‐Salcedo Ramon A. , Cardenas‐Delgado Rocio K.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was the creation and validation of an instrument to evaluate adherence to occupational health protocols used in dentistry that arise from official regulations and international recommendations on infection control, biosafety, and occupational health in dentistry. Additionally, in May 2017 the effectiveness of the instrument was documented within the dental care clinics in the postgraduate area.

Methods

The instrument was developed based on constructs of occupational health, infection control, and biosafety in dentistry, made up of 21 indicators of 5 dimensions called protocols. Using direct observation through 35 measurements during 1 week, adherence to occupational health protocols was evaluated in postgraduate residents within the clinical sections of endodontics/pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics.

Results

The instrument presents an index of 0.88 in Cronbach's alpha analysis. There is a 34.4% adherence within the postgraduate dental clinic to the proposed occupational health protocols. The protocol with the highest adherence at 41.1% was the personal protection protocol. The periodontics section had a 52.9% observance of the proposed protocols and had the highest adherence to occupational health protocols.

Conclusions

The proposed instrument is valid and reliable to evaluate adherence to the proposed occupational health protocols within dental care clinics. Dental clinics must be inspected and evaluated to ensure adherence to infection control, biosafety, and occupational health protocols within routine dental practice.
Female Moose Prioritize Forage Over Mortality Risk in Harvested Landscapes
Authors: Francis Alexandra L. , Procter Chris , Kuzyk Gerald , Fisher Jason T.
Published: October 2020

Since 2010, several moose (Alces alces) populations have declined across North America. These declines are believed to be broadly related to climate and landscape change. At the western reaches of moose continental range, in the interior of British Columbia, Canada, wildlife managers have reported widespread declines of moose populations. Disturbances to forests from a mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonum ponderosae) outbreak and associated salvage logging infrastructure in British Columbia are suspected as a mechanism manifested in moose behavior and habitat selection. We examined seasonal differences in moose habitat selection in response to landscape change from mountain pine beetle salvage logging infrastructure: dense road networks and large intensive forest harvest cutblocks. We used 157,447 global positioning system locations from 83 adult female moose from 2012 to 2016 on the Bonaparte Plateau at the southern edge of the Interior Plateau of central British Columbia to test whether increased forage availability, landscape features associated with increased mortality risk, or the cumulative effects of salvage logging best explain female moose distribution using resource selection functions in an information‐theoretic framework. We tested these hypotheses across biological seasons, defined using a cluster analysis framework. The cumulative effects of forage availability and risk best predicted resource selection of female moose in all seasons; however, the covariates included in the cumulative models varied between seasons. The top forage availability model better explained moose habitat use than the top risk model in all seasons, except for the calving and fall seasons where the top risk model (distance to road) better predicted moose space use. Selection of habitat that provides forage in winter, spring, and summer suggests that moose seasonally trade predation risk for the benefits of foraging in early seral vegetation communities in highly disturbed landscapes. Our results identified the need for intensive landscape‐scale management to stem moose population declines. Additional research is needed on predator densities, space use, and calf survival in relation to salvage logging infrastructure. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.