bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roughness-induced secondary flows in stably stratified turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Forooghi Pourya , Yang Xiang I. A. , Abkar Mahdi
Published: October 2020

Spanwise heterogeneous roughness, more specifically, spanwise-adjacent strips of relatively high and low roughness, is known to cause large-scale secondary flows in the vertical domain in neutral turbulent boundary layers. In this work, we study the response of secondary vortices to thermal stratification with focus on the stably stratified case. We systematically vary the Monin–Obukhov (MO) length scale from L/h = 0.3, which corresponds to relatively strong stratification, to ∞, which corresponds to the neutral condition. Here, L is the MO length and h is an outer length scale. The results show that stable stratification suppresses the vertical motions and reduces the vertical size and strength of the first off-wall secondary vortex. Moreover, the reduced vertical extent of the first off-wall vortex and the shear near its top together give rise to a second vortex, and the second to a third vortex. This leads to a stack of secondary vortices in a stably stratified boundary layer flow with decreasing strength when moving away from the wall.
Ag and Ag–Cu interactions in Si
Authors: Vincent T. M. , Estreicher S. K.
Published: October 2020

Noble metals are often used for contacts on Si. A considerable amount of research has been done on Cu- and Au-related defects, but much less is known about Ag. Silver is a common contaminant in metallic copper and the *Cu0 photoluminescence defect has been shown to contain one Ag atom. In this study, we predict the properties of isolated interstitial (Agi) and substitutional (Ags) silver. The calculated migration barrier of Agi is 0.53 eV, less than half the value extracted from the high-temperature solubility data. Agi has a donor level high in the gap and is in the positive charge state for most positions of the Fermi level. When interacting with a pre-existing vacancy, Agi becomes Ags with a gain in energy slightly higher than in the case of Cu but still less than the formation energy of the vacancy calculated at the same level of theory. The calculated donor and acceptor levels of Ags are close to the measured ones, and we predict a double-acceptor level that matches a Ag-related (but otherwise unidentified) level reported in the literature. The AgsCui pair is more stable than the CusAgi pair. Ags can trap several Cuis and form Ags1Cuin complexes (n = 1–4) that are similar to the Cus1Cuin ones. When needed, their calculated binding energies are corrected to account for a change of the charge state following the formation of the complex. This correction is Fermi level dependent. We tentatively assign the *Cu0 defect to Ags1Cui3 even though the single-donor level associated with *Cu0 does not match the calculated one.
ALD-grown oxide protective layers on Ta3N5–Cu2O n–p nanoarray heterojunction for improved photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Hou Yanghui , Zhang Jie , Yang Qimeng , Wang Cheng , Tang Huang , Yan Shicheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: October 2020

It is highly challenging for coating protective layers on nanoarray photoelectrodes to achieve efficient charge extraction and suppressing corrosion of the electrolyte. Herein, atomic layer deposition was used to deposit a composite overlayer of Al-doped ZnO and TiO2 onto a Ta3N5–Cu2O heterojunction nanoarray photoanode, exhibiting a low onset potential of 0.40 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), a high photocurrent density of 4.61 mA·cm−2 at 1.23 V vs RHE, and improved photoelectrochemical (PEC) stability, with the help of CoOOH as a cocatalyst. The improved PEC performances would result from that both the oxide overlayer and the cocatalyst layer contribute to the efficient charge extraction and stopping the electrolyte permeation from/and into the semiconductor, passivating the surface states, and improving the energetics at electrode–electrolyte interface.
Expertise and resources for interpreter training online
Authors: Rodríguez Melchor María Dolores , Motta Manuela , Aguirre Fernández Bravo Elena , Egorova Olga , Ferguson Kate , Mikolič Južnič Tamara
Published: October 2020

The development of online interactive resources for interpreter training has been at the centre of the agenda
in terms of pedagogical assistance and cooperation both for the European Institutions and for their partner universities. Modern
videoconferencing systems and online learning technologies provide an excellent alternative to face-to-face classes, offering solutions to
the problem of trainers’ availability and engaging learners in synchronous and asynchronous task-oriented activities.

In this context, the European Parliament-funded ERITON project was launched in 2014 with the aim of facilitating the
dissemination of best practices and enhancing collaboration between EU and non-EU partner universities in the field of conference
interpreter training. Forming the strategic core of this project was the use of innovative training methodologies, such as virtual classes
and virtual mock-conferences.

This paper presents the pedagogical framework of the VCs and discusses the results of an online survey conducted from 2015
to 2017 among students who actively participated in the virtual classes held within the ERITON project. The aim of the survey was to obtain
anonymous feedback on the technical set-up of the VCs and on the helpfulness of this format in terms of skill acquisition and progress. The
results show that the new medium was well-received and appreciated by respondents, especially since it gave them the possibility to interact
in ways and with people that would otherwise be impossible.
Phenotypic and functional characterization of first-trimester human placental macrophages, Hofbauer cells
Authors: Thomas Jake R. , Appios Anna , Zhao Xiaohui , Dutkiewicz Roksana , Donde Maria , Lee Colin Y.C. , Naidu Praveena , Lee Christopher , Cerveira Joana , Liu Bing , Ginhoux Florent , Burton Graham , Hamilton Russell S. , Moffett Ashley , Sharkey Andrew , McGovern Naomi
Published: October 2020

Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are a population of macrophages found in high abundance within the stroma of the first-trimester human placenta. HBCs are the only fetal immune cell population within the stroma of healthy placenta. However, the functional properties of these cells are poorly described. Aligning with their predicted origin via primitive hematopoiesis, we find that HBCs are transcriptionally similar to yolk sac macrophages. Phenotypically, HBCs can be identified as HLA-DR−FOLR2+ macrophages. We identify a number of factors that HBCs secrete (including OPN and MMP-9) that could affect placental angiogenesis and remodeling. We determine that HBCs have the capacity to play a defensive role, where they are responsive to Toll-like receptor stimulation and are microbicidal. Finally, we also identify a population of placenta-associated maternal macrophages (PAMM1a) that adhere to the placental surface and express factors, such as fibronectin, that may aid in repair.
Horndeski theories and beyond from higher dimensions
Authors: Jana Soumya , Dalang Charles , Lombriser Lucas
Published: October 2020

The Einstein–Hilbert action with a cosmological constant is the most general local four-dimensional action leading to second-order derivative equations of motion that are symmetric and divergence free. In higher dimensions, additional terms can appear. We investigate a generalised metric decomposition involving a scalar degree of freedom to express the higher-dimensional action as an effective four-dimensional scalar–tensor theory. From the higher-dimensional Ricci scalar alone and a subclass of our metric ansatz, we recover the subset of Horndeski theories with luminal speed of gravitational waves. More generally, beyond-Horndeski terms appear. When including a Gauss–Bonnet scalar in the higher-dimensional action, we generate contributions to all cubic-order second-derivative terms present in the degenerate higher-order scalar–tensor theory (DHOST) as well as higher-derivative terms beyond that. We discuss this technique as a way to generate healthy four-dimensional gravity theories with an extra scalar degree of freedom and outline further generalisations of our method.
Inexact Newton regularization combined with two-point gradient methods for nonlinear ill-posed problems
*
Authors: Fan Bin , Xu Chuanju
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose an inexact Newton regularization combined with two-point gradient methods for nonlinear ill-posed problems. The basic idea of the proposed method is to linearize the equation around each outer iteration and subsequently apply a so-called two-point gradient method in the inner loop to accelerate the iterative process. Under suitable assumptions, we show that the iteration sequence generated by the proposed algorithm converges to a solution of the related problem in the noiseless situation. Furthermore, the stability and regularization properties of the proposed algorithm are analyzed in the noise-data case. Several numerical examples are provided to validate the theoretical results and to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Flexoelectricity in non-oriented liquids
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Liu Kaiyuan , Ji Hui , Wu Tonghui , Xu Minglong , Shen Shengping
Published: October 2020

Flexoelectricity is a universal electromechanical effect in dielectric materials, describing strain gradient-induced electric polarization, of which, significant research has been performed for solid dielectrics and liquid crystals. Flexoelectricity of non-oriented liquids may have an impact on the research of bioelectronics, programmed droplets, energy harvesting and ionotronic devices, but it is not accessible for research due to a lack of theory and experimental approaches. In this work, flexoelectricity in non-oriented liquids is theoretically predicted and obtained by applying a shear strain gradient and the flexoelectric response of several types of liquids are demonstrated. Shear strain gradient of liquids is applied with a special-designed geometry and loaded by cyclic rotation from the chamber and the induced electric polarization is measured for flexoelectric coefficients. Experiments are designed and the shear flexoelectric response of non-oriented dielectric liquid materials are theoretically estimated and experimentally verified. This work opens the field of research for flexoelectricity in general non-oriented liquids and highlights the electromechanical properties of liquid materials.
Spatially and temporally discontinuous two-plasmon decay with relatively low laser irradiance
Authors: Kang Ning , Liu Huiya , Lei Anle , Ji Shengzhe , Zhou Shenlei
Published: October 2020

The direct-drive inertial confinement fusion scheme with a gradually increasing intensity nanosecond pulse needs to avoid fuel preheating during the low-temperature implosion stage, in which the occurrence and characteristics of two-plasmon decay with low laser intensity is worthy of attention as it produces hot electrons that preheat the fuel. In this paper, we present experimental results regarding the occurrence and characteristics of two-plasmon decay inferred from the observation of three-halves harmonic light under an irradiance of ∼1 ×  1013 W cm−2, with which three plasma density scale-lengths were obtained using different laser pulses. Spatial and temporal discontinuities of the laterally emitting three-halves harmonic light in both the parallel and the perpendicular directions with respect to the target surface were observed, which are interpreted by laser filamentation analyses based on plasma parameters calculated from the measured spectra and interferograms, and supported by radiation hydrodynamics and particle-in-cell simulations. From the perspective of filamentation, suppression methods of the observed phenomena under such conditions are discussed.
Approaching depairing current in dirty thin superconducting strip covered by low resistive normal metal
Authors: Ustavschikov S S , Levichev M Yu , Pashenkin I Yu , Klushin A M , Vodolazov D Yu
Published: October 2020

We experimentally demonstrate that a thin dirty superconducting (S) strip covered by low resistive normal metal (N) approaches closer to the depairing current than a single S strip, which makes its non-linear properties stronger. The obtained result comes from proximity-induced superconductivity in the N layer, its large contribution to the superconducting properties of the SN bilayer and larger sensitivity to the current than that of the host S layer. We argue that such an SN bilayer could be a promising system for different applications based on the current-dependent kinetic inductance. In addition, we also find that in the presence of the N layer the maximal vortex velocity in the resistive state considerably increases.
Does oil palm certification create trade-offs between environment and development in Indonesia?
Authors: Lee Janice Ser Huay , Miteva Daniela A , Carlson Kimberly M , Heilmayr Robert , Saif Omar
Published: October 2020

Environmental and social problems triggered by rapid palm oil expansion in the tropics have spurred the proliferation of sustainability certification systems such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). While the RSPO aims to improve the impact of oil palm production on people and environments, its effect on local development, environmental quality, and, especially, potential trade-offs between these outcomes remain unclear. Here, we evaluate whether RSPO certification of large-scale industrial concessions has promoted village development and supported environmental quality in Indonesia, the top global palm oil producer. Using a panel dataset with observations from 11 000 villages in Kalimantan and Sumatra from 2003 to 2014, we apply rigorous quasi-experimental methods to quantify the RSPO’s impacts on village development and environmental outcomes. In the short-run, RSPO contributed to environmental conservation, but had limited development outcomes. On average, relative to villages with non-certified concessions, RSPO certification reduced deforestation and protected primary forests in Sumatra and lowered the incidence of village-reported land pollution in Kalimantan. RSPO certification also increased the number of private educational facilities in Kalimantan, but had no statistically significant impacts on other development indicators. However, the trade-offs and complementarities between conservation and development vary by slope, a proxy for ecosystem fragility and oil palm profitability. On gentler slopes, we generally find complementarities between conservation and development outcomes. In Kalimantan, certification increased the number of private educational facilities and reduced deforestation and the incidence of land pollution on slopes < 2°. In Sumatra, certification retained more primary forests, decreased deforestation and the incidence of water pollution on slopes < 1°, along with a decrease in population density. Higher slopes in both locations were associated with environment and development trade-offs. We highlight the need to better understand the mechanisms behind the impacts of RSPO and emphasized how the outcomes of certification depend on the communities’ bargaining power and the profitability of the land for oil palm production. Thus, we provide insights into understanding these mechanisms behind the impacts of RSPO, which is a prerequisite for improving the design of certification systems and their impacts on the ground.
Building capacity for societally engaged climate science by transforming science training
Authors: Rozance Mary Ann , Krosby Meade , Meadow Alison M , Snover Amy , Ferguson Daniel B , Owen Gigi
Published: October 2020

A major barrier to achieving wide-spread progress on planning for impacts from climate change is the lack of trained scientists skilled at conducting societally-relevant research. Overcoming this barrier requires us to transform the way we train scientists so they are equipped to work with a range of different societal partners and institutions to produce the science needed to address climate change and society’s other pressing environmental challenges. As researchers at climate research organizations that work directly with decision-makers and stakeholders to produce decision-relevant science, we are entrenched in advancing actionable climate science. Based on our experience preparing scientists for similar careers, we offer a perspective on a path for the academy to better develop, train and support scientists to conduct societally relevant research. We emphasize the need for science training that builds collaborative science skills at different career stages to develop a strong community of practice around actionable climate science. We offer insights from our training and capacity-building programs to demonstrate this transformation, and point to strategies that can be adopted at other universities to grow the capacity of scientists to support society in achieving rapid progress on climate action.
Effect of VC additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of TiC-based cermets
Authors: Chen Min , Zhang Xuefeng , Xiao Xuan , Zhao Haiquan
Published: October 2020

VC is important carbide additive and has a similar crystal structure with TiC. In this study, the effect of adding VC amounts at content levels of 1–8 wt% on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of TiC-based cermets is examined. The specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy observations, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis, Image-Pro plus statistical analysis, transverse rupture strength tests, and hardness tests. The results show that VC addition is beneficial to promote the liquid-phase sintering process. When the VC addition amount is lower than 4 wt%, added VC mainly distributes in the surrounding outer rims. With increasing VC additive, the black cores are slowly dissolved and the average thickness of rims increases slightly. Many dimples exist in the fracture morphology and the strength increases gradually. Furthermore, when the VC content increased to 6–8 wt%, a part of VC is solid-dissolved with TiC, black cores with large grain appear and surround with thick outer rims. The large core-rim structure exhibits transgranular fracture mode and causes the toughness decreased.
Small-field output ratio determination using 6 mol% Ge-doped silica fibre dosimeters
Authors: Lam S E , Noor N Mohd , Bradley D A , Mahmud R , Pawanchek M , Abdul Rashid H A
Published: October 2020

This work investigates the suitability of locally fabricated 6 mol% Ge-doped optical fibres as dosimeters for small-field output ratio measurements. Two fabrications of fibre, cylindrical (CF) and flat (FF) fibres, were used to measure doses in small photon fields, from 4 to 15 mm. The findings were compared to those of commercial Ge-doped fibre (COMM), EBT3 film and an IBA CC01 ionization chamber. Irradiations were carried out using a 6 MV SRS photon beam operating at a dose rate of 1000 cGy min−1, delivering a dose of 16 Gy. To minimise the possibility of the fibres failing to be exposed to the intended dose in small fields, the fibres were accommodated in a custom-made Perspex phantom. For the 4 mm cone the CF and FF measured output ratios were found to be smaller than obtained with EBT3 film by 32% and 13% respectively. Conversely, while for the 6 to 15 mm cone fields the FF output ratios were consistently greater than those obtained using EBT3 film, the CF output ratios differed from those of EBT3 film by at most 3.2%, at 6 mm, otherwise essentially agreeing with EBT3 values at the other field sizes. For the 4 to 7.5 mm cones, all output ratios obtained from Ge-doped optical fibre measurements were greater than those of IBA CC01 ionization chamber. The measured FF and CF output ratios for the 7.5 to 15 mm cones agreed with published MC estimates to within 15% and 13%, respectively. Down to 6 mm cone field, present measurements point to the potential of CF as a small-field dosimeter, its use recommended to be complemented by the use of EBT3 film for small-field dosimetry.
Fabrication of self-standing Si–TiO2 web-nanowired anodes for high volumetric capacity lithium ion microbatteries
Authors: Ko Wen-Yin , Fang Man-Jyun , Li Meng-Shan , Lin Kuan-Jiuh
Published: October 2020

Silicon nanowire has been perceived as one of the most promising anodes in the next generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its superior theoretical capacity. However, its high-cost and complicated fabrication process presents significant challenges for practical applications. Herein, we propose a simple scalable process, thermal-alkaline treatment followed by sputtering deposition, for preparing a unique self-standing anode of three-dimensional (3D) porous Si–TiO2 web-nanowired nanostructure for micro-LIBs. One-step thermal-alkaline synthesis of TiO2 nanowire scaffolds (TNS) with well-controlled thickness of 600–800 nm is reproducibly obtained onto Cu foils, achieving a 3D porous geometry for further growing Si active materials onto it to form 3D web-nanowired TiO2-Si composite material with interstitial voids. Profiting from the coverage of Si, direct contact of active materials on current collector, and the unique 3D web-nanowired structure, it exhibits high reversible volumetric charge capacity of 2296 mAh cm−3 with a coulombic efficiency of ∼95%, higher capacity retention, better capacity recovery ability and improved rate capability. Importantly, this work paves a simple way to directly build reliable 3D nanostructures or nanowired frameworks on selected current collectors as self-standing anodes for high volumetric capacity microbatteries; thus it is easy to scale up and beneficial for microelectronics industry.
Patterns of Gonadic Development and Operational Sex Ratio Promote Promiscuity ofEuxesta bilimeki(Diptera:Ulidiidae)
Authors: Rodríguez-Enríquez Christian L , Pérez-Staples Diana , Rios-Cardenas Oscar , Rull Juan
Published: October 2020

Promiscuous mating systems are widely distributed among animals and can be promoted by operational sex ratios (number of receptive adults; OSR). In populations where OSR is not biased towards any sex, the possibility that males and females mate with several individuals increases. For both sexes to synchronize in time and space for reproduction, adults should possess or simultaneously acquire nutrients required to reach sexual maturity. Among synovigenic (without a full complement of eggs at eclosion) species, nutrient acquisition, protein in particular, may influence the OSR. In the Agave fly Euxesta bilimeki (Hendel) (Diptera: Ulidiidae), both sexes engage in multiple mating and females frequently expel all or part of the ejaculate. Here, we assessed the effect of protein intake on gonadic development, and estimated OSR from field-collected individuals. Body protein content was compared between wild and laboratory individuals with access to different diets, and mating frequency and individual mating rate were analyzed for cohorts at a 1:1 sex ratio. Both sexes required protein ingestion for gonadic development, but there were no differences in protein content between field-collected males and males fed protein and sugar in the laboratory, despite the fact that males assigned 9.3% of their corporal weight to testicles. Euxesta bilimeki is a promiscuous species where both males and females mate multiply with one or several individuals in short periods of time; thus, large testes size may be linked to the need of voluminous ejaculate production, and might be further exacerbated by female ejaculate expulsion.
Exposure to Bioaerosols During Fish Processing on Board Norwegian Fishing Trawlers
Authors: Heidelberg Cecilie T , Bang Berit , Thomassen Marte R , Kamath Sandip D , Ruethers Thimo , Lopata Andreas L , Madsen Anne M , Sandsund Mariann , Aasmoe Lisbeth
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The main objective was to gain more knowledge on exposure to bioaerosols in the processing area on board fishing trawlers.

Methods

Exposure sampling was carried out during the work shifts when processing fish in the processing area on board five deep-sea fishing trawlers (trawlers 1–5). Exposure samples were collected from 64 fishermen breathing zone and from stationary sampling stations on board five deep-sea fishing trawlers (1–5). Trawlers 2, 3, and 4 were old ships, not originally built for on board processing of the catch. Trawlers 1 and 5 were relatively new and built to accommodate processing machineries. On trawlers 1–4 round fish was produced; the head and entrails were removed before the fishes were frozen in blocks. Trawler 5 had the most extensive processing, producing fish fillets. Samples were analysed for total protein, trypsin activity, parvalbumin, and endotoxin. One side analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis H test were used to compare levels of exposure on the different trawlers.

Results

Personal exposure to total protein were higher on the three oldest trawlers (2, 3, and 4) compared with the two new trawlers (1 and 5). Highest activity of trypsin was detected on the four trawlers producing round fish (1–4). Parvalbumin was detected in 58% of samples from the fillet-trawler (5) compared with 13% of samples from the four trawlers producing round fish. The highest level of endotoxin was detected when using high-pressure water during cleaning machines and floors in the processing area.

Conclusions

Fishermen in the processing area on board Norwegian trawlers are exposed to airborne bioaerosols as proteins, trypsin, fish allergen parvalbumin, and endotoxin. Levels varied between trawlers and type of production.
Large-scale comparative review and assessment of computational methods for anti-cancer peptide identification
Authors: Liang Xiao , Li Fuyi , Chen Jinxiang , Li Junlong , Wu Hao , Li Shuqin , Song Jiangning , Liu Quanzhong
Published: October 2020

Anti-cancer peptides (ACPs) are known as potential therapeutics for cancer. Due to their unique ability to target cancer cells without affecting healthy cells directly, they have been extensively studied. Many peptide-based drugs are currently evaluated in the preclinical and clinical trials. Accurate identification of ACPs has received considerable attention in recent years; as such, a number of machine learning-based methods for in silico identification of ACPs have been developed. These methods promote the research on the mechanism of ACPs therapeutics against cancer to some extent. There is a vast difference in these methods in terms of their training/testing datasets, machine learning algorithms, feature encoding schemes, feature selection methods and evaluation strategies used. Therefore, it is desirable to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the existing methods, provide useful insights and suggestions for the development and improvement of novel computational tools to characterize and identify ACPs. With this in mind, we firstly comprehensively investigate 16 state-of-the-art predictors for ACPs in terms of their core algorithms, feature encoding schemes, performance evaluation metrics and webserver/software usability. Then, comprehensive performance assessment is conducted to evaluate the robustness and scalability of the existing predictors using a well-prepared benchmark dataset. We provide potential strategies for the model performance improvement. Moreover, we propose a novel ensemble learning framework, termed ACPredStackL, for the accurate identification of ACPs. ACPredStackL is developed based on the stacking ensemble strategy combined with SVM, Naïve Bayesian, lightGBM and KNN. Empirical benchmarking experiments against the state-of-the-art methods demonstrate that ACPredStackL achieves a comparative performance for predicting ACPs. The webserver and source code of ACPredStackL is freely available at http://bigdata.biocie.cn/ACPredStackL/ and https://github.com/liangxiaoq/ACPredStackL, respectively.
MicroRNA-210 regulates placental adaptation to maternal hypoxic stress during pregnancy†
Authors: Bian Xiaotao , Liu Juan , Yang Qian , Liu Yanlei , Jia Wentong , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Yu-Xia , Shao Xuan , Wang Yan-Ling
Published: October 2020

MicroRNA (miR)-210 is a well-known hypoxia-inducible small RNA. Increasing in vitro evidence demonstrates its involvement in regulating multiple behaviors of placental trophoblasts. However, direct in vivo evidence remains lacking. In the present study, we generated a miR-210-deficient mouse strain using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, in which miR-210 expression was markedly deficient in various tissues. Little influence on fertility rate and litter size was observed after the deletion of miR-210 in mice. Continuous exposure of pregnant mice to hypoxia (10.5% O2) from E6.5 to E10.5 or to E18.5 led to reduction in fetal weight, and such fetal weight loss was markedly worsened in miR-210-knockout dams. Analysis of the placental structure demonstrated the reduced expansion of placental spongiotrophoblast layer and hampered development of labyrinth fetal blood vessels in knockout mice compared to the wild-type controls upon hypoxia stimulation. The findings indicate that miR-210 participates in regulating placental adaptation to hypoxic stress during pregnancy.
Age, Period and Cohort Differences Between the Homicide Trends of Canada and the United States
Authors: Rennó Santos Mateus , Lu Yunmei , Fairchild Rachel E
Published: October 2020

A robust literature has investigated homicide trends in the United States since 1950. The prevalence of homicide in the country almost doubled in the 1960s, remained high until the 1990s and then declined precipitously. Surprisingly, Canada displayed the same trend. We decompose the age, period and cohort effects on the homicide trends of the United States and Canada since 1950, exploring shared effects in light of these countries’ historical and policy differences over the past seven decades. Our study reveals remarkably similar trends and effects in Canada as those previously documented for the United States, despite diverging approaches to criminal justice and to the use of incarceration since the 1950s. We explore these findings and expand on their implications.
Reconfiguration of Directed Functional Connectivity Among Neurocognitive Networks with Aging: Considering the Role of Thalamo-Cortical Interactions
Authors: Das Moumita , Singh Vanshika , Uddin Lucina Q , Banerjee Arpan , Roy Dipanjan
Published: October 2020

A complete picture of how subcortical nodes, such as the thalamus, exert directional influence on large-scale brain network interactions across age remains elusive. Using directed functional connectivity and weighted net causal outflow on resting-state fMRI data, we provide evidence of a comprehensive reorganization within and between neurocognitive networks (default mode: DMN, salience: SN, and central executive: CEN) associated with age and thalamocortical interactions. We hypothesize that thalamus subserves both modality-specific and integrative hub role in organizing causal weighted outflow among large-scale neurocognitive networks. To this end, we observe that within-network directed functional connectivity is driven by thalamus and progressively weakens with age. Secondly, we find that age-associated increase in between CEN- and DMN-directed functional connectivity is driven by both the SN and the thalamus. Furthermore, left and right thalami act as a causal integrative hub exhibiting substantial interactions with neurocognitive networks with aging and play a crucial role in reconfiguring network outflow. Notably, these results were largely replicated on an independent dataset of matched young and old individuals. Our findings strengthen the hypothesis that the thalamus is a key causal hub balancing both within- and between-network connectivity associated with age and maintenance of cognitive functioning with aging.
Updated perspectives on vascular cell specification and pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular organoids for studying vasculopathies
Authors: Liu Chenxin , Niu Kaiyuan , Xiao Qingzhong
Published: October 2020

Vasculopathy is a pathological process occurring in the blood vessel wall, which could affect the haemostasis and physiological functions of all the vital tissues/organs and is one of the main underlying causes for a variety of human diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Current pharmacological interventions aiming to either delay or stop progression of vasculopathies are suboptimal, thus searching novel, targeted, risk-reducing therapeutic agents, or vascular grafts with full regenerative potential for patients with vascular abnormalities are urgently needed. Since first reported, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), particularly human-induced PSCs, have open new avenue in all research disciplines including cardiovascular regenerative medicine and disease remodelling. Assisting with recent technological breakthroughs in tissue engineering, in vitro construction of tissue organoid made a tremendous stride in the past decade. In this review, we provide an update of the main signal pathways involved in vascular cell differentiation from human PSCs and an extensive overview of PSC-derived tissue organoids, highlighting the most recent discoveries in the field of blood vessel organoids as well as vascularization of other complex tissue organoids, with the aim of discussing the key cellular and molecular players in generating vascular organoids.
Expert Consensus on Optimal Acquisition and Development of the International Bowel Ultrasound Segmental Activity Score [IBUS-SAS]: A Reliability and Inter-rater Variability Study on Intestinal Ultrasonography in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Novak Kerri L , Nylund Kim , Maaser Christian , Petersen Frauke , Kucharzik Torsten , Lu Cathy , Allocca Mariangela , Maconi Giovanni , de Voogd Floris , Christensen Britt , Vaughan Rose , Palmela Carolina , Carter Dan , Wilkens Rune
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

Intestinal ultrasound [IUS] is an accurate, patient-centreed monitoring tool that objectively evaluates Crohn’s disease [CD] activity. However no current, widely accepted, reproducible activity index exists to facilitate consistent IUS identification of inflammatory activity. The aim of this study is to identify key parameters of CD inflammation on IUS, evaluate their reliability, and develop an IUS index reflecting segmental activity.

Methods

There were three phases: [1] expert consensus Delphi method to derive measures of IUS activity; [2] an initial, multi-expert case acquisition and expert interpretation of 20 blinded cases, to measure inter-rater reliability for individual measures; [3] refinement of case acquisition and interpretation by 12 international experts, with 30 blinded case reads with reliability assessment and development of a segmental activity score.

Results

Delphi consensus: 11 experts representing seven countries identified four key parameters including: [1] bowel wall thickness [BWT]; [2] bowel wall stratification; [3] hyperaemia of the wall [colour Doppler imaging]; and [4] inflammatory mesenteric fat. Blind read: each variable exhibited moderate to substantial reliability. Optimal, standardised image and cineloop acquisition were established. Second blind read and score development: intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] for BWT was almost perfect at 0.96 [0.94–0.98]. All four parameters correlated with the global disease activity assessment and were included in the final International Bowel Ultrasound Segmental Activity Score with almost perfect ICC (0.97 [0.95–0.99, p <0.001]).

Conclusions

Using expert consensus and standardised approaches, identification of key activity measurements on IUS has been achieved and a segmental activity score has been proposed, demonstrating excellent reliability.
Estimating Population Abundance of Burying Beetles Using Photo-Identification and Mark-Recapture Methods
Authors: Quinby Brandon M , Creighton J Curtis , Flaherty Elizabeth A
Published: October 2020

Successful conservation and management of protected wildlife populations require reliable population abundance data. Traditional capture-mark-recapture methods can be costly, time-consuming, and invasive. Photographic mark-recapture (PMR) is a cost-effective, minimally invasive way to study population dynamics in species with distinct markings or color patterns. We tested the feasibility and the application of PMR using the software Hotspotter to identify Nicrophorus spp. from digital images of naturally occurring spot patterns on their elytra. We conducted a laboratory study evaluating the identification success of Hotspotter on Nicrophorus americanus (Olivier, 1790) and Nicrophorus orbicollis (Say, 1825) before implementation of a mark-recapture study in situ. We compared the performance of Hotspotter using both ‘high-quality’ and ‘low-quality’ photographs. For high-quality photographs, Hotspotter had a false rejection rate of 2.7–3.0% for laboratory-reared individuals and 3.9% for wild-caught individuals. For low-quality photographs, the false rejection rate was much higher, 48.8–53.3% for laboratory-reared individuals and 28.3% for wild-caught individuals. We subsequently analyzed encounter histories of wild-caught individuals with closed population models in Program MARK to estimate population abundance. In our study, we demonstrated the utility of using PMR in estimating population abundance for Nicrophorus spp. based on elytral spot patterns.
Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy and subsequent monotherapy type in patients undergoing drug-eluting stent implantation: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Benenati Stefano , Crimi Gabriele , Canale Claudia , Pescetelli Fabio , De Marzo Vincenzo , Vergallo Rocco , Galli Mattia , Della Bona Roberta , Canepa Marco , Ameri Pietro , Crea Filippo , Porto Italo
Published: October 2020

Aims

To compare the safety and efficacy of very short (≤3 months), short (6 months), standard (12 months), and extended (>12 months) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), and of subsequent monotherapies, after coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Methods and results

Twenty-two randomized control trials (n = 110 059 patients/year) were selected and included in a Bayesian network meta-analysis. The primary efficacy endpoint (PEP) was a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stent thrombosis (ST), with each of the components of the PEP being a secondary efficacy endpoint. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding rate. Compared to standard, we found a lower rate of MI [odds ratio (OR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–0.77] in extended, a lower rate of major bleeding (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39–0.87) in very short, and a lower rate of any bleeding (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38–0.90) in short DAPT. All DAPT durations were comparable regarding the secondary efficacy endpoints. Very short DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibition was the treatment of choice to reduce both major bleeding and MI. In the ACS subgroup, extended DAPT (as compared to standard) reduced PEP and ST rates (but not MIs).

Conclusion

The efficacy of short and very short is comparable with that of standard DAPT after DES implantation, whereas extended DAPT reduces MI rate. Very short DAPT is associated with lower haemorrhagic events and, followed by a P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy, should be preferred in order to pursue a trade-off between major bleeding and ischaemic events.
Is wearing orthodontic appliances associated with eating difficulties and sugar intake among British adolescents? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Albaqami Ghaliah , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Bernabé Eduardo
Published: October 2020

Aim

To determine whether wearing orthodontic appliances was associated with eating difficulty and lower sugars intake among British adolescents.

Methods

This study analysed data from 4116 12- and 15-year-olds who participated in the 2013 Children’s Dental Health Survey in the UK. Information on eating difficulties in the past 3 months and usual intake of six sugary items was collected through self-administered questionnaires. The presence and type of orthodontic appliances (fixed or removable) were assessed during clinical examinations. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between wearing orthodontic appliances and eating difficulty whereas linear regression was used to evaluate the association between wearing orthodontic appliances and sugars intake. Regression models were adjusted for socio-demographic, behavioural, and clinical characteristics of adolescents.

Results

12.9 per cent of the 4116 adolescents wore orthodontic appliances (10.1 per cent fixed and 2.8 per cent removable), 21.0 per cent reported eating difficulties and the mean daily intake of sugars was 5.3 times/day (SD: 3.7, range: 0–20). Adolescents with fixed appliances had 4.02 (95% CI: 3.03, 5.33) greater odds of reporting eating difficulty than those with no appliances, but no differences were found between adolescents wearing removable and no appliances. No association was found between wearing orthodontic appliances and daily sugars intake either [coefficients of 0.20 (95% CI: –0.27, 0.66) and –0.30 (95% CI: –0.96 to 0.36) for adolescents wearing fixed and removable appliances, respectively].

Conclusion

Wearing fixed orthodontic appliances were associated with greater odds of reporting eating difficulty, but not with lower sugars intake among British adolescents.
CoVA: An Acuity Score for Outpatient Screening that Predicts Coronavirus Disease 2019 Prognosis
Authors: Sun Haoqi , Jain Aayushee , Leone Michael J , Alabsi Haitham S , Brenner Laura N , Ye Elissa , Ge Wendong , Shao Yu-Ping , Boutros Christine L , Wang Ruopeng , Tesh Ryan A , Magdamo Colin , Collens Sarah I , Ganglberger Wolfgang , Bassett Ingrid V , Meigs James B , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Li Matthew D , Chu Jacqueline T , Dougan Michael L , Stratton Lawrence W , Rosand Jonathan , Fischl Bruce , Das Sudeshna , Mukerji Shibani S , Robbins Gregory K , Westover M Brandon
Published: October 2020

Background

We sought to develop an automatable score to predict hospitalization, critical illness, or death for patients at risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presenting for urgent care.

Methods

We developed the COVID-19 Acuity Score (CoVA) based on a single-center study of adult outpatients seen in respiratory illness clinics or the emergency department. Data were extracted from the Partners Enterprise Data Warehouse, and split into development (n = 9381, 7 March–2 May) and prospective (n = 2205, 3–14 May) cohorts. Outcomes were hospitalization, critical illness (intensive care unit or ventilation), or death within 7 days. Calibration was assessed using the expected-to-observed event ratio (E/O). Discrimination was assessed by area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

Results

In the prospective cohort, 26.1%, 6.3%, and 0.5% of patients experienced hospitalization, critical illness, or death, respectively. CoVA showed excellent performance in prospective validation for hospitalization (expected-to-observed ratio [E/O]: 1.01; AUC: 0.76), for critical illness (E/O: 1.03; AUC: 0.79), and for death (E/O: 1.63; AUC: 0.93). Among 30 predictors, the top 5 were age, diastolic blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, COVID-19 testing status, and respiratory rate.

Conclusions

CoVA is a prospectively validated automatable score for the outpatient setting to predict adverse events related to COVID-19 infection.
Precision analysis of forced-oscillationdevice: numerical modelling and experimental investigations
Authors: Li Hui , Lin Jing , Gao Jinghuai , He Yanbin , Han Dehua , Zhao Luanxiao
Published: October 2020

Investigating the stress state of a sample-standard column in forced-oscillation apparatus is critical to clearly quantify measurement credibility, offering insights into revealing intrinsic frequency-dependent elastic characteristics of a rock sample. To investigate the effects of the jointing condition, the location of strain gauges and device resonance on the stress state of a sample-standard column, we experiment with a typical forced-oscillation setup numerically and experimentally at frequencies of 2–800 Hz. Overall, the numerical model captures the primary features of the forced-oscillation device, which makes the simulated data fit well with the measured results. Meanwhile, based on the configuration of the sample-standard column with variable static friction in jointing contacts, the simulated results also indicate that mechanical contacts of the sample-standard-vibrator assembly lead to stress concentration, resulting in coordinate-dependent strains on both the sample and standard. Additionally, strain magnitude is also frequency-dependent, causing a relatively large measurement error on the elasticity of the sample at higher frequencies. Ultimately, numerical results not only optimize measurement workflow but also create a solid foundation for the interpretation of measured data.
Comparisons of Respiratory Pupal Gill Development in Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) Shed Light on the Origin of Dipteran Prothoracic Dorsal Appendages
Authors: Yang Yao Ming , Sun Qian , Xiu Jiang-Fan , Yang Ming
Published: October 2020

During the transformation of immature aquatic dipteran insects to terrestrial adults, the prothoracic pupal respiratory organ enables pupae to cope with flood-drought alternating environments. Despite its obvious importance, the biology of the organ, including its development, is poorly understood. In this study, the developing gills of several Simulium Latreille (Diptera: Simuliidae) spp. were observed using serial histological sections and compared with data on those of other dipteran families published previously. The formation of some enigmatic features that made the Simulium gill unique is detailed. Through comparisons between taxa, we describe a common developmental pattern in which the prothoracic dorsal disc cells not only morph into the protruding respiratory organ, which is partially or entirely covered with a cuticle layer of plastron, but also invaginate to form a multipart internal chamber that in part gives rise to the anterior spiracle of adult flies. The gill disc resembles wing and leg discs and undergoes cell proliferation, axial outgrowth, and cuticle sheath formation. The overall appendage-like characteristics of the dipteran pupal respiratory organ suggest an ancestral form that gave rise to its current forms, which added more dimensions to the ways that arthropods evolved through appendage adaptation. Our observations provide important background from which further studies into the evolution of the respiratory organ across Diptera can be carried out.
Transversus abdominis plane block as a sole anesthetic technique for open appendectomy in patient with Treacher Collins syndrome: a case report
Authors: Siddiqui Khalid Maudood , Ali Muhammad Asghar , Salim Bushra
Published: October 2020

Patients with Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) present serious challenges to anesthetist in securing of airway; upper airway obstruction and difficult tracheal intubation are considered complex entity in these patients. This case report describes the significance of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block as a sole anesthetic choice in appendectomy where airway management can be avoided. A 17-year-old boy, known case of TCS, presented with acute appendicitis underwent emergency laparotomy. Surgery was successfully performed by TAP block with dexmedetomidine infusion. Open appendectomy can be performed successfully in certain circumstances under TAP block with adjunctive use of dexmedetomidine infusion where airway handling is avoided. Further studies are warranted to distinct its use as sole anesthetic choice in lower abdominal surgeries.
Towards the replacement of wheat ‘Green Revolution’ genes
Authors: Pearce Stephen
Published: October 2020

This article comments on:

Tang T, Botwright Acuña T, Spielmeyer W and Richards RA. 2021. Effect of gibberellin-sensitive Rht18 and gibberellin-insensitive Rht-D1b dwarfing genes on vegetative and reproductive growth in bread wheat. Journal of Experimental Botany 72,445–458.