bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of novel brain‐penetrating oxime acetylcholinesterase reactivators on sarin surrogate‐induced changes in rat brain gene expression
Authors: Dail Mary E. , Brino Meghan L. M. , Chambers Janice E.
Published: March 2021

Past assassinations and terrorist attacks demonstrate the need for a more effective antidote against nerve agents and other organophosphates (OP) that cause brain damage through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Our lab has invented a platform of phenoxyalkyl pyridinium oximes (US patent 9,277,937) that demonstrate the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier in in vivo rat tests with a sarin surrogate nitrophenyl isopropyl methylphosphonate (NIMP) and provide evidence of brain penetration by reducing cessation time of seizure‐like behaviors, accumulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and hippocampal neuropathology, as opposed to the currently approved oxime, 2‐pyridine aldoxime methyl chloride (2‐PAM). Using two of the novel oximes (Oximes 1 and 20), this project examined whether gene expression changes might help explain this protection. Expression changes in the piriform cortex were examined using polymerase chain reaction arrays for inflammatory cytokines and receptors. The hippocampus was examined via quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the expression of immediate‐early genes involved in brain repair (Bdnf), increasing neurotoxicity (Fos), and apoptosis control (Jdp2, Bcl2l1, Bcl2l11). In the piriform cortex, NIMP significantly stimulated expression for the macrophage inflammatory proteins CCL4, IL‐1A, and IL‐1B. Oxime 20 by itself elicited the most changes. When it was given therapeutically post‐NIMP, the largest change occurred: a 310‐fold repression of the inflammatory cytokine, CCL12. In the hippocampus, NIMP increased the expression of the neurotoxicity marker Fos and decreased the expression of neuroprotective Bdnf and antiapoptotic Bcl2l1. Compared with 2‐PAM, Oxime 20 stimulated Bcl2l1 expression more and returned expression closer to the vehicle control values.
Occlusal trauma is associated with periodontitis: A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Ríos Cristian Camilo , Campiño Jorge Iván , Posada‐López Adriana , Rodríguez‐Medina Carolina , Botero Javier Enrique
Published: March 2021

Background

Excessive occlusal forces and occlusal trauma have been implicated as co‐destructive factors for periodontitis in animal models. The objective of this study was to assess the association between occlusal trauma and periodontitis.

Methods

A total of 167 cases and 205 controls were included for analysis. Occlusal trauma was the exposures of interest and was registered for cases and controls. Additional clinical co‐variables were registered as well for further analysis. The association of the exposure and periodontitis was determined by the odds ratio and logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders.

Results

Amalgam restorations, pathogenic occlusion and occlusal trauma were more frequent in cases as compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). The distribution of pathogenic occlusion and occlusal trauma was similar according to the stage and class of periodontitis. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association for cigarette smoking, systemic conditions, amalgam restorations, pathogenic occlusion, and occlusal trauma with periodontitis (P ≤ 0.05). After adjusting for confounding variables in the model, amalgam restorations and occlusal trauma remained strongly associated with periodontitis (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Occlusal trauma is strongly associated with periodontitis. Additional long‐term prospective studies are necessary to further understand the impact of the occlusal condition and periodontitis.
Gelation and microstructural properties of fish myofibrillar protein gels with the incorporation of l‐lysine and l‐arginine at low ionic strength
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Feng Tingting , Wang Xingwei , Zhang Xiaoming , Xia Shuqin
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The solubility limitation and poor gelation properties of myofibrillar proteins at low ionic strength are the most challenging obstacle to limit salt reduction in meat products. In the present study, five amino acids with different concentrations of 5, 10 15, and 20 mmol L–1, l‐lysine (Lys), l‐arginine (Arg), l‐histidine (His), l‐proline (Pro) and l‐glycine (Gly), were introduced into myofibrillar protein (MP) suspensions at low ionic strength to improve solubility and gelation properties.

RESULTS

The dynamic rheological analysis showed that the MPs at 100 mmol L–1 NaCl containing 15/20 mmol L–1 Lys/Arg exhibited similar gelling behaviors to MPs at 600 mmol L–1 NaCl. Similarly, 15/20 mmol L–1 Lys/Arg significantly increased the solubility of MPs and the water holding capacity (WHC) and gel strength of MP gels, which was comparable to those of MPs at 600 mmol L–1 NaCl. Furthermore, Lys and Arg promoted the formation of aggregation‐type gel with a dense and compact structure observed by scanning electron microscopy. The gels containing 15/20 mmol L–1 Lys/Arg exhibited a significant increase in the proportion of immobilized water (P21).

CONCLUSION

The enhancement of WHC, gel strength, and P21 was closely associated with the increased solubility and the dense microstructure induced by Lys and Arg with high concentrations of 15 and 20 mmol L–1. The knowledge obtained from this study may be useful for the improvement of gelation properties of MPs at low ionic strength using l‐lysine and l‐arginine. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Formulation, pilot‐scale preparation, physicochemical characterization and digestibility of a lentil protein‐based model infant formula powder
Authors: Alonso‐Miravalles Loreto , Barone Giovanni , Waldron David , Bez Juergen , Joehnke Marcel Skejovic , Petersen Iben Lykke , Zannini Emanuele , Arendt Elke K , O'Mahony James A
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Infant formula is a human milk substitute for consumption during the first months of life. The protein component of such products is generally of dairy origin. Alternative sources of protein, such as those of plant origin, are of interest due to dairy allergies, intolerances, and ethical and environmental considerations. Lentils have high levels of protein (20–30%) with a good amino acid profile and functional properties. In this study, a model lentil protein‐based formula (LF), in powder format, was produced and compared to two commercial plant‐based infant formulae (i.e., soy; SF and rice; RF) in terms of physicochemical properties and digestibility.

Results

The macronutrient composition was similar between all the samples; however, RF and SF had larger volume‐weighted mean particle diameters (D[4,3] of 121–134 μm) than LF (31.9 μm), which was confirmed using scanning electron and confocal laser microscopy. The larger particle sizes of the commercial powders were attributed to their agglomeration during the drying process. Regarding functional properties, the LF showed higher D[4,3] values (17.8 μm) after 18 h reconstitution in water, compared with the SF and RF (5.82 and 4.55 μm, respectively), which could be partially attributed to hydrophobic protein–protein interactions. Regarding viscosity at 95 °C and physical stability, LF was more stable than RF. The digestibility analysis showed LF to have similar values (P < 0.05) to the standard SF.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that, from the nutritional and physicochemical perspectives, lentil proteins represent a good alternative to other sources of plant proteins (e.g., soy and rice) in infant nutritional products. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Short‐term outcomes of medium‐low rectal cancer treated by taTME and experience of 22 cases
Authors: Li Ruiqi , Shen Kexin , Wang Zeming , Xie Zhongshi
Published: March 2021

Background and Methods

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a novel radical resection technique that may address the unsatisfactory functional and oncological outcomes of medium‐low rectal cancers. Although its oncological safety remains unclear, taTME has demonstrable value in surgery, complications, and oncological outcomes. Here, we explore the short‐term outcomes of rectal cancer after taTME and discuss the surgical experience. Twenty‐two patients with medium‐low rectal cancer who underwent taTME were retrospectively evaluated. Comprehensive demographic, oncological, and clinical data were analyzed and the perioperative state and postoperative follow‐up were evaluated.

Results

Over a median follow‐up period of 24.4 (4–36) months, local recurrence occurred in one patient at 6 months postsurgery. Fecal incontinence was the most common postoperative complication, and 3–6 months of pelvic‐floor‐rehabilitation training greatly improved  anal function

Conclusions

taTME achieved satisfactory short‐term outcomes in oncological complications and postoperative functions. Accurate intraoperative anatomical location, identification of the rectovesical fascia, and neuroprotection are critical. However, this procedure has a steep learning curve, and large samples and multicenter studies are required to substantiate its effectiveness.

Discussion

We retrospectively analyzed the oncological and functional prognosis of 22 patients with colorectal cancer undergoing taTME surgery and preliminarily concluded taTME can be regarded as a safe and feasible treatment.
Use of volumetric CT scanning to predict tumor staging and survival in pancreatic cancer patients that are to be administered curative resection
Authors: Sengul Samanci Nilay , Çelik Emir , Bagcilar Omer , Tutar Onur , Samanci Cesur , Velidedeoglu Mehmet , Yassa Ahmet Ersin , Demirci Nebi Serkan , Demirelli Fuat Hulusi
Published: March 2021

Background

This study evaluates the achievability of CT volumetry of pancreatic cancer and its correlation with pTNM stage and survival.

Methods

Tumor volume was measured from contrast enhanced CT images of 58 patients who undergo curative resection for pancreatic cancer using the Segment Editor module implemented in 3D‐Slicer—a free open source software platform. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate correlation between Tvol and pTNM staging.

Results

The preoperative images of 58 pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients were included. The mean Tvol of pancreatic cancer is an increasing trend with T stage (The mean T1vol = 1.75 cm3, the mean T2vol = 11.43 cm3, the mean T3vol = 14.98 cm3, the mean T4vol = 19.6 cm3). There were statistical differences between volumes (p = .000). On ROC analysis, the area under the ROC curve (Az) of Tvol to differentiate T1 stage from ≥T2 stage was 0.966 (p = .000). At a cut‐off value of 3.050 cm3, sensitivity of 92.3%, and specificity of 83.3% were achieved. Az value of Tvol to differentiate ≤T2 from ≥T3 stage was 0.750 (p = .010). At a cut‐off value of 10.250 cm3, sensitivity of 72.7% and specificity of 66% were achieved. In addition Az value of Tvol to differentiate ≤T3 from ≥T4 stage was 0.652 and was not significant (p = .380). At a cut‐off value of 11.2 cm3, sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 63.6% were achieved.

Conclusion

CT volumetry in pancreatic cancer is feasible with excellent reproducibility. It is one of the prognostic factors affecting survival in operated patients with pancreatic cancer.
Longitudinal Study of Pelvic Floor Characteristics Before, During, and After Pregnancy in Nulliparous Women
Authors: Lakovschek Ioana‐Claudia , Trutnovsky Gerda , Obermayer‐Pietsch Barbara , Gold Daniela
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To investigate the changes in the pelvic floor before, during, and after pregnancy in the same collective of nulliparous women.

Methods

In a prospective observational pilot study between April 2015 and June 2019 in nulliparous women with planned pregnancy, we used the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q) system; a 2‐dimensional (2D) sonography to investigate the bladder neck, cervix, and anorectal junction positions; and a 3D/4D sonography to measure the hiatus of the levator ani muscle (LH area) during Valsalva maneuver. Five visits were planned: 1 before, 3 during, and 1 visit after pregnancy.

Results

Twenty‐four women participated in the study. We achieved a minimum of 2 visit measurements from 10 women who became pregnant. The LH area decreased during the first trimester and then increased until the third trimester. Postpartum, the LH area reached the prepregnancy state. We observed changes in the bladder neck mobility, bladder neck position, cervix, and anorectal junction from the first trimester. Postpartum, the bladder neck mobility was higher, and the position of the bladder neck and anorectal junction was lower than before pregnancy. We observed no remarkable changes in the POP‐Q state during pregnancy.

Conclusion

This was the first study to investigate pelvic floor characteristics in the same collective before, during, and after pregnancy. We observed pelvic floor changes from the prepregnancy state to the first trimester to postpartum. The study results need to be confirmed in a larger study.
Effect of fertilization, carbon‐based material, and redmud amendments on the bacterial activity and diversity of a metal(loid) contaminated mining soil
Authors: Lebrun Manhattan , Miard Florie , Van Poucke Reinhart , Tack Filip M. G. , Scippa Gabriella S. , Bourgerie Sylvain , Morabito Domenico
Published: March 2021

Soil amendments can be used to improve phytoremediation of polluted soils. Little is known about the effects of single or combined amendment addition on the bacterial community. Two carbon‐based amendments, a biochar and an activated carbon, and two redmuds were applied to a lead and arsenic contaminated mine spoil Technosol, alone or in combinations. The bacterial community was evaluated using enzyme activities, Biolog EcoPlates, and next‐generation sequencing with reference to untreated soil and fertilized soil. Fertilization had a negative effect on the bacterial community diversity and activity. The two carbon‐based materials decreased β‐glucosidase activity but increased carbon‐related activity (Biolog EcoPlates) while the two redmuds increased the overall activity of the bacterial community. The combination of biochar and redmud increased both the diversity and activity of the bacterial community. All treatments induced a shift in the bacterial community structure. The treatments containing the neutralized redmud and/or biochar clustered together, whereas the treatments with nonprocessed redmud and activated carbon were closer to nonamended soil, while the bacterial community of the fertilization treatment was different from it. Treatments with biochar and/or neutralized redmud resulted in a similar community composition while the bacterial community of the treatments with activated carbon and nonprocessed redmud remained more similar to that of the nonamended technosol.
Augmentation of global marine sedimentary carbon storage in the age of plastic
Authors: Smeaton Craig
Published: March 2021

Plastic is entering the world's oceans at an unprecedented rate impacting the functioning of the natural marine environment. Yet little consideration has been given to the potential of carbon (C) in the form of plastic (Cplas) to augment the marine carbon system. Here it is shown that Cplas is an integral part of the anthropogenic marine C cycle. Annually, 7.8 ± 1.73 Mt of Cplas is deposited at the seabed with a further 17.2–57.1 Mt Cplas already present on the seafloor. The quantity of Cplas currently being deposited on the seabed annually exceeds the rate at which organic carbon (OC) is buried in some marine sediments and by 2050 it is possible that the rate at which Cplas is buried will match fjord sediments which are global hotspots for OC burial. Though unwanted this new anthropogenic pathway for C to reach the marine environment cannot be ignored.
Use of Dielectric Metasurfaces to Generate Deep‐Subwavelength Nondiffractive Bessel‐Like Beams with Arbitrary Trajectories and Ultralarge Deflection
Authors: Wen Jing , Chen Lei , Chen Xu , Kanwal Saima , Zhang Leihong , Zhuang Songlin , Zhang Dawei , Lei Dangyuan
Published: March 2021

For decades, accelerating beams have attracted considerable interest in fundamental physics and in various emerging applications. However, not only are conventional accelerating beam generators (such as spatial light modulators) bulky and diffraction‐inefficient, they also have a poorly resolved ability of phase manipulation that limits the accelerating beam's minimum size and maximum degree of curvature. In this study, a dielectric metasurface is used to generate highly focused nondiffractive Bessel‐like accelerating beams with predefined arbitrary trajectories within a broadband spectral range of 550–710 nm. In particular, a similar metasurface with a combined phase profile allows the generation of a Bessel‐like vortex beam with an ultrahigh numerical aperture of 0.79, resulting in a subwavelength beamwidth of 234 nm (≈0.43λ) down to the diffraction limit. In addition, various accelerating Bessel‐like beams and beam arrays with different predefined trajectories and characteristic beam parameters that are not otherwise achievable with conventional spatial light modulators are demonstrated with synthetic‐phase metasurfaces. This study promotes the diversity of Bessel‐like accelerating beams for practical applications in fields such as optical manipulation, optical storage, biomedical imaging, and material processing.
Comparison of surgical outcomes between primary plate and fibular flap transfer for reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects
Authors: Huang Tzu‐Huan , Kuo Pao‐Jen , Liu Chung‐Ji
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Although two ways of reconstruction have been reviewed for a long period, comparison of large sample size with nearly randomized patient selection is rare. Here, we compare the surgical outcomes of these two methods from two large medical institutes.

Methods

Totally 176 patients were included from two medical centers with different protocols, 62 patients from MacKay Hospital repair defects with fibula flaps using reconstruction plates. Also 114 patients from Kaohsiung ChangGung Hospital treat with reconstruction plates combine anterior lateral thigh flaps, in which 12 cases had secondary fibula flap after plate exposure. Electronic medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Short (3–12 months) and long‐term (>12 months) outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Short‐term evaluation revealed that the secondary fibula had a higher rate of vascular complications (33 vs. 6%, p = .02). Primary fibula had a higher risk of post reconstructive surgical debridement (60 vs. 40%, p = .018). Long‐term follow‐up revealed radiation therapy significantly worsened bone healing (p = .03). Primary fibula had a lower rate of screw loosening (14.0 vs. 40.3%, p = .002). Radiation therapy did not increase the plate exposure rate among the groups (33 vs. 27%, p = .389). Disease free survival showed no significant difference between two groups (53.1 ± 3.5 vs. 47.8 ± 2.8 months, p = .317).

Conclusion

Primary fibula reconstruction should be considered whenever possible to reduce the risk of late complications and simplifies the management after a potential plate exposure. Notably, radiation therapy apparently has no significant effect on plate exposure rate both in ALT or fibula groups.
A Value‐of‐Information‐based management framework for fog services
Authors: Poltronieri Filippo , Tortonesi Mauro , Morelli Alessandro , Stefanelli Cesare , Suri Niranjan
Published: March 2021

The management of fog computing applications is a challenging task that requires dealing with a dynamic and resource‐scarce environment. We argue that approaches leveraging Value‐of‐Information (VoI) concepts and tools are particularly interesting to support the realization of that objective. This paper describes innovative methodologies and reference models for the service fabric management of fog computing services. First, we formalize the VoI concept and discuss its adoption in fog computing environments. Then, we propose a model that aims at maximizing the allocation of fog services from a value‐based perspective. To overcome the complexity of this model, we present two possible solutions (a simplified user‐specific VoI model and a distance‐based heuristic), and we compare them by adopting meta‐heuristics as optimization techniques. Then, we investigate the adoption of a hybrid model, which combines the distance‐based heuristic with the simplified user‐specific VoI model. Experimental results prove the validity of all presented approaches and highlight the soundness of the distance‐based heuristic, which is capable of reaching the 91% performance of the simplified user‐specific VoI model in a very short amount of time. This makes it a suitable approach for online optimization of resources in fog computing.
Effects of customary egg harvest regimes on hatching success of a culturally important waterfowl species
Authors: Herse Mark R. , Tylianakis Jason M. , Scott Nigel J. , Brown Donald , Cranwell Iaean , Henry John , Pauling Craig , McIntosh Angus R. , Gormley Andrew M. , Lyver Phil O'B.
Published: March 2021

Customary harvests of wildlife underpin the livelihoods, cultural identities, well‐being and ecological knowledge of many Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC), whereas government restrictions on harvests can erode these relationships. Supporting IPLC in place‐based resource management, including sustainable customary harvests, can aid wildlife, their habitat and the cultures that value them.

Using an experiment jointly initiated by the Māori tribe Ngāi Tahu and researchers (Māori and non‐Māori) in Aotearoa/New Zealand, we identified low‐impact strategies for harvesting black swan (kakī anau, Cygnus atratus) eggs at an important coastal lagoon, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. The experiment tested whether nest‐level hatching success (number of eggs hatched) depended on nest‐level harvest pressure; whether this effect was additive; and the extent to which harvest influenced post‐harvest egg laying and hatching probability, relative to several control variables.

Nest‐level harvest pressure determined nest‐level hatching success and had a non‐additive effect on population‐level hatching success. Specifically, harvesting one‐third or two‐thirds of a clutch caused a loss of approximately one hatchling per egg removed, because swans tended to replace few of those harvested eggs and hatching probability of unharvested eggs was generally high (but lower in nests with two‐thirds of eggs removed). Conversely, harvesting an entire clutch caused a loss of approximately one hatchling for every two eggs removed, because swans often subsequently re‐laid new, albeit smaller, clutches.

During fixed‐output harvests, removing entire clutches early during nesting could induce re‐laying and prevent abandonment of unharvested eggs. Moreover, harvesting from areas of nesting colonies with low nest density, where hatching probability of unharvested eggs was lowest, could limit disturbance. Finally, restoring foraging habitat in degraded wetlands surrounding nutrient‐overloaded waterbodies could offset eutrophication effects by providing plant resources that swans require to lay eggs indeterminately.

In addition to improving IPLC well‐being, implementing strategies such as these could enhance place‐based resource management by supporting IPLC engagement with nature, which increases the number and detection resolution of ecological feedbacks (e.g. population numbers, habitat conditions) and resilience to environmental change. Moreover, customary harvest could be a practical, culturally appropriate and less wasteful alternative to non‐consumptive culling for mitigating human–wildlife conflict (e.g. waterfowl grazing on pasture).

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The re‐manufacture and repairability of poly(ether ether ketone) discontinuous carbon fibre composites
Authors: Erland Samuel , Stevens Henry , Savage Luke
Published: March 2021

A major limitation of carbon fibre‐reinforced polymers is their unsuitability for repair and recycling processes due to the common employment of thermoset resin matrices and continuous fibres. Advanced thermoplastic discontinuous fibre moulding compounds (DFMCs) now offer an alternative for high‐performance components. Although DFMCs cannot match the raw performance of continuous fibre reinforcement, compression‐moulding techniques developed at the University of Exeter enable poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) matrix DFMCs to challenge the mechanical properties of aluminium in thick‐section components, an application area outside the scope of thermoset composites. This previous research also identified that PEEK DFMC components are far less likely to suffer significant breakage of the fibres during fracture, suggesting that the material is highly suited to repair through simple remoulding, using heat and pressure to re‐melt and consolidate the resin along the fracture path returning it to its original strength and stiffness. This offers an exciting capacity for repair and recyclability. This paper investigates this further, utilising a series of three‐point bending samples loaded to fracture before being reheated and pressurised then tested again. Multiple reprocessing approaches are investigated, including the use of additional material to act as repair packs, re‐pressing to induce significant flow and simple remoulding. This study shows that composites can be repaired with minimal loss of mechanical performance even when significant fracture occurs. The application of repair packs actually increases performance, reaching a flexural modulus of ca 80 GPa after three fracture cycles and a maximum bending stress of ca 900 MPa. © 2021 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
3Dprinting using polyampholyte hydrogel with reversible behavior
Authors: Na Yang Ho , Hwang Jung Min , Chung Jae Woo , Han Youngbae
Published: March 2021

A polyampholyte (PA) hydrogel is a highly biocompatible hydrogel consisting of physical ionic bonds of anionic and cationic monomers. It has high strength without other chemical crosslinking agents. Physical ionic bonds of PA can be easily broken with NaCl solution; therefore, PA is easy to process because the viscosity of PA can be adjusted simply by changing the concentration of NaCl. In this study, PA hydrogel was applied to a 3D printer of DIW (direct ink write) additive manufacturing. Hydrogel 3D printing equipment was manufactured by mounting a pressure tank and heater. In order to make PA ink for 3D printing, PA was made in powder form first and then dissolved in NaCl solution to adjust to a suitable concentration in consideration of the processing temperature, mechanical properties and viscosity. The printing conditions were optimized to achieve stable operation of 3D printing. The surface of the printed sample was observed through scanning electron microscopy imaging to confirm that the stacked structure was well adhered. Finally, the characteristics of several structures printed using PA ink were investigated with tensile experiments. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
The crystal structure of the CmABCB1 G132V mutant, which favors the outward‐facing state, reveals the mechanism of the pivotal joint between TM1 and TM3
Authors: Matsuoka Keita , Nakatsu Toru , Kato Hiroaki
Published: March 2021

CmABCB1 is a homologue of human P‐glycoprotein, which extrudes various substrates by iterative cycles of conformational changes between the inward‐ and outward‐facing states. Comparison of the inward‐ and outward‐facing structures of CmABCB1 suggested that pivotal joints in the transmembrane domain regulate the tilt of transmembrane helices. Transmembrane helix 1 (TM1) forms a tight helix–helix contact with TM3 at the TM1–3 joint. Mutation of Gly132 to valine at the TM1–3 joint, G132V, caused a 10‐fold increase in ATPase activity, but the mechanism underlying this change remains unclear. Here, we report a crystal structure of the outward‐facing state of the CmABCB1 G132V mutant at a 2.15 Å resolution. We observed structural displacements between the outward‐facing states of G132V and the previous one at the region around the TM1–3 joint, and a significant expansion at the extracellular gate. We hypothesize that steric hindrance caused by the Val substitution shifted the conformational equilibrium toward the outward‐facing state, favoring the dimeric state of the nucleotide‐binding domains and thereby increasing the ATPase activity of the G132V mutant.
The seasonal dynamic ofTuta absolutainSolanum lycopersiconcultivation: Contributions of climate, plant phenology, and insecticide spraying
Authors: Bacci Leandro , da Silva Ézio M , Martins Júlio C , da Silva Ricardo S , Chediak Mateus , Milagres Carla C , Picanço Marcelo C
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

A variety of abiotic and biotic factors promoting seasonal variation in the population of insect pests. Knowledge of the timing and magnitude of these factors is important for the study of population dynamics and the development of efficient pest management programs. Currently, there are few studies regardingTuta absolutaMeyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) seasonal dynamics in tomato cultivation under open field conditions, either with or without insecticide application. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tomato phenology, climatic factors, and insecticide spraying on the seasonal dynamics ofT. absolutain tomato cultivation under open field conditions, using data from monitoring performed for 3 years.

RESULTS

Insecticide, host plant, and climatic conditions can affectT. absolutalife cycles directly over time, resulting in shifts of peaks of the pest. Insecticides forT. absolutacontrol reduced injury caused by larvae; however, this was not enough to reduce the density below economic injury levels (EIL) during periods of climatic conditions more suitable for population growth.Tuta absolutadensities surpassed EIL more frequently during the tomato plant fruiting stage. The highest densities of mines and damaged fruits occurred during periods of August to January and September to January in crops without and with the application of insecticides, respectively. Regarding the climatic factors, the highest densities ofT. absolutaoccurred during periods of increasing air temperature and low rainfall.

CONCLUSION

This study provides relevant insights into the factors that regulate the dynamics ofT. absolutain tomato cultivation and the decision‐making process of control of this pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The change in the nature of bonding in the Li2 dimer under confinement
Authors: Robles‐Navarro Andrés , Rodriguez‐Bautista Mariano , Fuentealba Patricio , Cárdenas Carlos
Published: March 2021

Confinement and pressure have profound effects on the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. In this work, we study the effects of a harmonic confinement on the electronic structure of the lithium dimer. To do this, we use quantum chemistry methods that include much of the electronic correlation (Coupled Cluster and CASSCF). The confinement induces a change, with respect to the free molecule, in the electronic configuration of Li2. There is a critical confinement value for which the ground state stops being the singlet and becomes the triplet . We also study changes in the bonding pattern. Li2 conserves the bonding pattern of the free molecule independently of the strength of confinement, as it is revealed by the electron localization function.
Public perceptions of the role of government and nonstate actors in responding to COVID‐19
Authors: Sledge Daniel , Thomas Herschel F.
Published: March 2021

In this article, we examine public perceptions of the importance of different levels of government and of nongovernmental entities in responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic. By analyzing the case of COVID‐19, we illuminate patterns that may be helpful for understanding public perceptions of the response to a broader range of crises, including the impacts of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, and other hazards. We contribute to the public policy literature on public perceptions of government response to crises and expand it to include consideration of the role of nonstate actors. Drawing on a representative survey of 1200 registered voters in Texas, we find that individuals are more likely to view government as extremely important to respond to the pandemic than nonstate actors. We find that perceptions of the role of state and nonstate actors are shaped by risk perception, political ideology and religion, gender, and race/ethnicity. We do not find evidence that direct impacts from the COVID‐19 pandemic consistently shape perceptions of the role of state and nonstate actors.
Cross‐sectional survey of cattle haemopathogens in Constantine, Northeast Algeria
Authors: Foughali Asma Amina , Ziam Hocine , Aiza Asma , Boulkrout Halima , Berber Ali , Bitam Idir , Gharbi Mohamed
Published: March 2021

This aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of haemopathogens in cattle in Beni Hamidene locality, district of Constantine (Νortheastern Algeria). Between June and October 2014, 169 bovines from 25 farms were included in this survey, 32 (18.9%) among them were suspected of piroplasmosis and/or anaplasmosis. Infection prevalences were estimated by microscopic examination of Giemsa‐stained blood smears and blood samples from all included cattle (n = 169). Animals were infected by Theileria annulata (65/169; 38.46%), Anaplasma marginale (22/169; 13%) and Babesia bovis (5/169; 3%). Two co‐infection patterns were found: Theileria annulata/Anaplasma marginale (7.69%) and Theileria annulata/Babesia bovis (1.18%). Only one farm had no cattle infected by any of the haemopathogens. There was a signification difference of T. annulata infection prevalence according to age category (p =.04). These results emphasised mainly the presence of bovine tropical theileriosis in northeastern, Beni Hamidene locality, province of Constantine, Algeria.
Investigation of an atypical case of European foulbrood in France
Authors: Roy Christophe , Franco Stephanie
Published: March 2021

An apiary with 26 colonies of Western honey bees in Central France presented in 2017 a high prevalence (58%) of European foulbrood (EFB). Microbiological analyses and a global audit of beekeeping practices were carried out. Certain stress factors, food‐ and weather‐related, as well as certain risky beekeeping practices, may have exacerbated this epizootic. Despite the sanitary measures implemented (euthanasia, transfer to a clean hive, clinical follow‐up), the disease became enzootic with 15% and 14% diseased colonies in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In addition to its recurrence, significant damage to the capped brood was observed, which is quite rare in EFB. This atypical finding could not be explained by the microbiological studies, and may be the result of differential virulence among strains of Melissococcus plutonius, the causative agent of the disease.
The effect of diffusion on micropolar thermoelastic medium under 3PHL model
Authors: Alharbi Amnah M.
Published: March 2021

This article aims to study how a thermoelastic medium having a bipolar nature is impacted by diffusion. It employs an analytical method called normal mode analysis to derive the formula for required physical quantities. The paper utilizes Green‐Naghdi theory (G‐N III) along with the three‐phase‐lag (3PHL) model to solve the existing problem. The comparisons are established graphically for different values of the phase‐lag times, the presence and absence of diffusion, and the time parameter with respect to Green‐Naghdi theory and the 3PHL model.
A method for dynamic response of a multilayered pavement loaded by FWD
Authors: Cai Yingchuan , Hu Bin , Liu Heng
Published: March 2021

The dynamic response of a viscoelastic multilayered pavement under falling weight deflectometer (FWD) loading is an attractive topic for the pavement engineers. Starting from the governing equations, the Laplace transform is first applied to suppress the time variable. The ordinary differential equations (ODE) of the governing equations in Laplace domain are derived by the cylindrical vector functions systems. On the basis of the facts that the top and bottom boundary conditions dual appear, a novel analytical method called dual variable and dual boundary (DVDB) for the ODE is proposed combined with dual variable and position method (DVP). The final solution in time domain is obtained by the inverse Laplace transform that is accelerated by Epsilon algorithm. The solutions of the thin layer issues and imperfect interface conditions are also investigated. Some numerical results from DVDB for the dynamic response of multilayered pavement loaded by FWD discrete pulse series are compared and discussed. It can be concluded that the DVDB combined with Laplace transform can efficiently solve the dynamic response of multilayered pavement in time domain. Furthermore, it can also be suited for some cases, such as material anisotropy properties, thin layers in the structure and interface conditions.
The AI doctor will see you now: assessing the framing of AI in news coverage
Authors: Bunz Mercedes , Braghieri Marco
Published: March 2021

One of the sectors for which Artificial Intelligence applications have been considered as exceptionally promising is the healthcare sector. As a public-facing sector, the introduction of AI applications has been subject to extended news coverage. This article conducts a quantitative and qualitative data analysis of English news media articles covering AI systems that allow the automation of tasks that so far needed to be done by a medical expert such as a doctor or a nurse thereby redistributing their agency. We investigated in this article one particular framing of AI systems and their agency: the framing that positions AI systems as (1a) replacing and (1b) outperforming the human medical expert, and in which (2) AI systems are personified and/or addressed as a person. The analysis of our data set consisting of 365 articles written between the years 1980 and 2019 will show that there is a tendency to present AI systems as outperforming human expertise. These findings are important given the central role of news coverage in explaining AI and given the fact that the popular frame of ‘outperforming’ might place AI systems above critique and concern including the Hippocratic oath. Our data also showed that the addressing of an AI system as a person is a trend that has been advanced only recently and is a new development in the public discourse about AI.
Does experimentally simulated presence of a common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) affect egg rejection and breeding success in the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio)?
Authors: Tryjanowski Piotr , Golawski Artur , Janowski Mariusz , Sparks Tim H.
Published: March 2021

Providing artificial eggs is a commonly used technique to understand brood parasitism, mainly by the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). However, the presence of a cuckoo egg in the host nest would also require an earlier physical presence of the common cuckoo within the host territory. During our study of the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio), we tested two experimental approaches: (1) providing an artificial “cuckoo” egg in shrike nests and (2) additionally placing a stuffed common cuckoo with a male call close to the shrike nest. We expected that the shrikes subject to the additional common cuckoo call stimuli would be more sensitive to brood parasitism and demonstrate a higher egg rejection rate. In the years 2017–2018,  in two locations in Poland, a total of 130 red-backed shrike nests were divided into two categories: in 66 we added only an artificial egg, and in the remaining 64 we added not only the egg, but also presented a stuffed, calling common cuckoo. Shrikes reacted more strongly if the stuffed common cuckoo was present. However, only 13 incidences of egg acceptance were noted, with no significant differences between the locations, experimental treatments or their interaction. Analysis of breeding success revealed significant differences between the locations, between experimental treatments and their interaction, which suggests a strong location effect. The red-backed shrike is an efficient rejector of foreign eggs. It would be interesting to see how similar tests affect hosts that have much higher rates of brood parasitism and egg acceptance.
Mechanical homeostasis in tissue equivalents: a review
Authors: Eichinger Jonas F. , Haeusel Lea J. , Paukner Daniel , Aydin Roland C. , Humphrey Jay D. , Cyron Christian J.
Published: March 2021

There is substantial evidence that growth and remodeling of load bearing soft biological tissues is to a large extent controlled by mechanical factors. Mechanical homeostasis, which describes the natural tendency of such tissues to establish, maintain, or restore a preferred mechanical state, is thought to be one mechanism by which such control is achieved across multiple scales. Yet, many questions remain regarding what promotes or prevents homeostasis. Tissue equivalents, such as collagen gels seeded with living cells, have become an important tool to address these open questions under well-defined, though limited, conditions. This article briefly reviews the current state of research in this area. It summarizes, categorizes, and compares experimental observations from the literature that focus on the development of tension in tissue equivalents. It focuses primarily on uniaxial and biaxial experimental studies, which are well-suited for quantifying interactions between mechanics and biology. The article concludes with a brief discussion of key questions for future research in this field.
Biomass and height of Ascophyllum nodosum after two decades of continuous commercial harvesting in eastern Canada
Authors: Lauzon-Guay Jean-Sébastien , Ugarte Raúl A. , Morse Bryan L. , Robertson Collette A.
Published: March 2021

With the increasing demand for seaweed resources worldwide, management must ensure that the harvest of wild seaweed stocks is sustainable. We evaluate the impact of over 25 years of commercial harvesting of Ascophyllum nodosum in eastern Canada by comparing the biomass and height of the seaweed in the late 1990s to the late 2010s over a broad spatial scale spanning the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. There has been no significant decrease in the biomass of A. nodosum in either province, and biomass has increased in some regions of New Brunswick during that period. The average height of A. nodosum has decreased by 7.8 cm in Nova Scotia while it increased by 13.8 cm in New Brunswick. Biomass of A. nodosum in unharvested sectors was 7% higher than that in harvested sectors while height of A. nodosum in unharvested sectors in New Brunswick is similar to the values observed in harvested sectors. Over the same period, water temperature has increased in both provinces and, in recent years, has at times exceeded the optimal growing temperature for A. nodosum within bays in Nova Scotia. We conclude that the current management and harvest of A. nodosum in eastern Canada are sustainable and maintain the biomass and height of A. nodosum beds but that control sites are necessary to offer adequate comparisons as environmental conditions are changing.
Financial Inclusion Measurement in the Least Developed Countries in Asia and Africa
Authors: Girón Alicia , Kazemikhasragh Amirreza , Cicchiello Antonella Francesca , Panetti Eva
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of financial inclusion in the least developed countries in Asia and Africa. We used World Bank data to estimate the probit econometric technique in the studied countries. The results show that young people and women are groups excluded from financial inclusion and that education and income are two of the key pillars for increasing financial inclusion. Furthermore, the results reveal that a higher level of financial inclusion increases the level of official savings in countries, which in turn promotes their development. The findings of this study are beneficial for policymakers in the least developed countries to promote innovative approaches to enhance the involvement of excluded people in formal finance.
Love is blind: partisan alignment and political corruption in Spain
Authors: Borrella-Mas Miguel Ángel , Rode Martin
Published: March 2021

Ever since the spectacular boom and bust cycle of the Spanish real estate industry, endemic corruption at the local level has become a widely recognized problem in the national public discourse. In an effort to expose an under-explored political determinant, this paper investigates the effect of local and regional alignment in fomenting corruption at the Spanish municipal level. To do so, we construct an ample panel dataset on the prevalence of corrupt practices by local politicians, which is employed to test the possible impact of partisan alignment in three consecutive joint municipal and regional elections. Findings show aligned municipalities to be more corrupt than non-aligned ones, an effect that is further associated with absolute majorities at both levels of government and higher capital transfers. By contrast, we also show that “throwing the rascals out” could be an effective strategy for curbing the corrupt practices of aligned municipalities. This indicates that the democratic political process may be effective in corruption control if agreements can be reached to remove corrupt politicians or parties from power.
Headache and migraine in mitochondrial disease and its impact on life—results from a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study
Authors: Burow Philipp , Meyer Anneke , Naegel Steffen , Watzke Stefan , Zierz Stephan , Kraya Torsten
Published: March 2021

Headache is frequent in patients with mitochondrial disorders. Previous studies point to a higher prevalence of headache in these patients than in the general population. As mitochondrial disorders often present a variety of other symptoms, the question arises how much the presence of headache really influences daily life. We performed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study investigation with 61 patients with a genetically proved mitochondrial disease mainly composed of CPEO phenotype. Headache was examined using a standardized questionnaire, and classified according to ICHD-2. Headache-related disability was evaluated by the Headache-Impact-Test-6 (HIT-6). Additionally, depression and anxiety were examined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Short-Form-Health Survey (SF-12) was used to investigate the health-related quality of life. Headache was reported by 43/61 (70.5%) of the patients. 35/61 patients (57.4%) described a Tension-type headache (TTH) and 26 patients (42.6%) a migraine. Patients reporting headache had a significantly higher HIT-6 score than those without (mean: 54.47 vs. 38.47, p < 0.001). The HIT-6 score was significantly higher in patients reporting a migraine compared to those with a tension-type headache (mean: 62.13 vs. 46.18, p < 0.001). In the HADS score and in the SF-12 were not significantly influenced by the occurrence of headache. This study confirms the previously reported frequent occurrence of headache in a large cohort of patients with a confirmed mitochondrial disease. Migraine had the greatest impact on daily living, which appeared not to be confounded by depression and anxiety. Thus, we conclude that Migraine may be a substantial contributor for burden of disease in patients with mitochondrial diseases.