bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural revegetation and afforestation in abandoned cropland areas: Hydrological trends and changes in Mediterranean mountains
Authors: Khorchani Makki , Nadal‐Romero Estela , Lasanta Teodoro , Tague Christina
Published: April 2021

Water resources availability is one of the main concerns for policy makers around the world in present and future management plans. In the Mediterranean basin, this concern is increased given the extreme variability in climate and the intrinsic aridity conditions. Water resources in the Mediterranean region depend mainly on surface and subsurface supply from mountain areas. Because evapotranspiration comprises a substantial portion of the water budget, recent land cover changes due to cropland abandonment may change transpiration (TRANS) and water supply. Therefore, land management plans must account for these potential hydrologic changes to guarantee water availability in the upcoming decades. Short‐term changes to water yield have been shown to follow afforestation or natural revegetation, the main management strategies in abandoned cropland areas. Studies comparing long‐term trends of these management practices, however, are scarce due to the lack of long‐term hydrological data. In this study, we use the regional hydro‐ecological simulation system (RHESSys), to analyse long‐term changes and annual and seasonal trends in streamflow (STR) and transpiration following management of abandoned cropland areas. Annual mean values show significant differences between the three management scenarios for both streamflow and transpiration, while differences between climate scenarios are not significant. The Mann Kendall trend analysis shows significant changes to water yield compared to the situation before management. Depending on the total afforested area, afforestation could significantly decrease annual streamflow between 2.3%·decade−1 and 5.9%·decade−1 and increase annual transpiration between 1.1%·decade−1 and 3.5%·decade−1. These trends are attributed to changes during the first 30 years after management, while during the fourth and fifth decade, changes to water yield tend to stabilize or decrease. These results are substantial to optimize land management plans, ensuring sustainable hydrological and ecological ecosystem services.
Dietary intake of advanced glycation endproducts and risk of hepatobiliary cancers: A multinational cohort study
Authors: Mayén Ana‐Lucia , Aglago Elom K. , Knaze Viktoria , Cordova Reynalda , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Wagner Karl‐Heinz , Aleksandrova Krasimira , Fedirko Veronika , Keski‐Rahkonen Pekka , Leitzmann Michael F. , Katzke Verena , Srour Bernard , Schulze Matthias B. , Masala Giovanna , Krogh Vittorio , Panico Salvatore , Tumino Rosario , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita Bas , Brustad Magritt , Agudo Antonio , Chirlaque López María Dolores , Amiano Pilar , Ohlsson Bodil , Ramne Stina , Aune Dagfinn , Weiderpass Elisabete , Jenab Mazda , Freisling Heinz
Published: April 2021

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) may contribute to liver carcinogenesis because of their proinflammatory and prooxidative properties. Diet is a major source of AGEs, but there is sparse human evidence on the role of AGEs intake in liver cancer etiology. We examined the association between dietary AGEs and the risk of hepatobiliary cancers in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition prospective cohort (n = 450 111). Dietary intake of three AGEs, Nε‐[carboxymethyl]lysine (CML), Nε‐[1‐carboxyethyl]lysine (CEL) and Nδ‐[5‐hydro‐5‐methyl‐4‐imidazolon‐2‐yl]‐ornithine (MG‐H1), was estimated using country‐specific dietary questionnaires linked to an AGEs database. Cause‐specific hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between dietary AGEs and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gallbladder and biliary tract cancers were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. After a median follow‐up time of 14.9 years, 255 cases of HCC, 100 cases of gallbladder cancer and 173 biliary tract cancers were ascertained. Higher intakes of dietary AGEs were inversely associated with the risk of HCC (per 1 SD increment, HR‐CML = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76‐0.99, HR‐CEL = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74‐0.96 and HR‐MH‐G1 = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74‐0.97). In contrast, positive associations were observed with risk of gallbladder cancer (per 1 SD, HR‐CML = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.56, HR‐CEL = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.96‐1.40, HR‐MH‐G1 = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.54). No associations were observed for cancers of the intra and extrahepatic bile ducts. Our findings suggest that higher intakes of dietary AGEs are inversely associated with the risk of HCC and positively associated with the risk of gallbladder cancer.
Care to female adolescents victims of sexual violence at a referral service in Brazil from 2011 to 2018
Authors: Becerra Torres Alejandra Suyapa , Duarte Caroline Alves , Wittmann Barbara Zantut , Côrtes Maria Teresa Ferreira , Alves Ândria Cléia , Teixeira Ana Luiza , de Azevedo Renata Cruz Soares , Fernandes Arlete Maria dos Santos
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the characteristics of aggression, care, and follow‐up of sexual violence in adolescent women at a university service in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study from 2011 to 2018, we assessed sociodemographic characteristics, type and form of sexual violence perpetration, background and perception of the victim about violence, and characteristics of care and social/legal support during follow‐up.

Results

Of 521 adolescents 242 (46.5%) were aged 10–14 years, 354 (68%) had not started sexual life, 465 (89%) perceived the violence and they had low prevalence of alcohol (71, 16%) and other psychoactive substance consumption (25, 6%), and 24 (4.6%) had an intellectual disability. Intimidation through physical force, acute abuse, vaginal penetration, acquaintance aggressor, being approached in a public place, and family/acquaintance residence were the most prevalent characteristics of aggression. In the 2017–2018 biennium, we observed a decrease in the prevalence of adolescents who were students (P < 0.001), an increase in the number of acquaintance aggressors (P = 0.008), and medical care after 72 hours (P < 0.033).

Conclusion

Adolescents were victims of severe sexual violence. There was a decrease in prophylactic treatments and half of the adolescents did not complete outpatient follow‐up. The economic worsening over the last decade may have contributed to these results.
Maternal lack of sleep in the first two years after childbirth: Perceived impacts and help‐seeking behaviors
Authors: Simard Valérie , Pilon Mathieu , Blouin Marie‐Michelle
Published: April 2021

Most evidence‐based sleep interventions (e.g., graduated extinction of nighttime crying) are in opposition to many parents’ values. This warrants taking a step back and asking the parents about their main concerns regarding their baby's sleep and the type of help they would be likely to use. This study aimed to describe and identify, among mothers of a 0‐ to 24‐month‐old child, the perceived impact of lack of sleep, sleep‐related help‐seeking behaviors as well as the most concerning aspects of the child's sleep, and preferred sleep intervention modalities. Another objective was to identify the factors associated with a negative impact of postpartum sleep, concerns for the child's sleep, and interest in sleep interventions. Canadian mothers (N = 932) were recruited by email snowball sampling and through Facebook to complete an online questionnaire designed for the purposes of the study. Most mothers reported a negative impact of postpartum sleep on their romantic relationship (79.4%) and quality of life (76.7%). Low parental self‐efficacy (PSE) about managing the child's sleep was the best predictor of a negative impact of lack of sleep and sleep‐related concerns, above and beyond any other child's or mother's characteristics. The preferred intervention modalities were reliable websites and online courses on child sleep, with a greater interest in home visits among mothers who need help the most (low self‐efficacy, high concerns). Interventions should aim at increasing PSE about the child's sleep in both parents and include home visits for those who need it the most.
Phosphate restriction impairs mTORC1 signaling leading to increased bone marrow adipose tissue and decreased bone in growing mice
Authors: Ko Frank C. , Kobelski Margaret M. , Zhang Wanlin , Grenga Gina M. , Martins Janaina S. , Demay Marie B.
Published: April 2021

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are multipotent cells that differentiate into cells of the osteogenic and adipogenic lineage. A striking inverse relationship between bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) and bone volume is seen in several conditions, suggesting that differentiation of BMSCs into bone marrow adipocytes diverts cells from the osteogenic lineage, thereby compromising the structural and mechanical properties of bone. Phosphate restriction of growing mice acutely decreases bone formation, blocks osteoblast differentiation and increases BMAT. Studies performed to evaluate the cellular and molecular basis for the effects of acute phosphate restriction demonstrate that it acutely increases 5′ adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in osteoblasts. This is accompanied by decreased expression of Wnt10b in BMSCs. Phosphate restriction also promotes expression of the key adipogenic transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT-enhancer binding protein α (CEBPα), in CXCL12 abundant reticular (CAR) cells, which represent undifferentiated BMSCs and are the main source of BMAT and osteoblasts in the adult murine skeleton. Consistent with this, lineage tracing studies reveal that the BMAT observed in phosphate-restricted mice is of CAR cell origin. To determine whether circumventing the decrease in mTORC1 signaling in maturing osteoblasts attenuates the osteoblast and BMAT phenotype, phosphate-restricted mice with OSX-CreERT2–mediated haploinsufficiency of the mTORC1 inhibitor, TSC2, were generated. TSC2 haploinsufficiency in preosteoblasts/osteoblasts normalized bone volume and osteoblast number in phosphate-restricted mice and attenuated the increase in BMAT observed. Thus, acute phosphate restriction leads to decreased bone and increases BMAT by impairing mTORC1 signaling in osterix-expressing cells. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Working with social withdrawal, or hikikomori, in Japan: From shame to pride
Authors: Iwakabe Shigeru
Published: April 2021

The term hikikomori, or social withdrawal, was first coined in the late 1980s in Japan to describe adolescents and young adults who isolated themselves at home, withdrew from most social engagement, such as work or school, and had almost no relationships with others (except family members and online contacts) for longer than 6 months. Hikikomori often results from emotional injuries such as rejection, or failures that have not been addressed or even noticed. In the current case illustration, the problem of hikikomori is depicted through a client named Ken, a 40‐year‐old single man who, following graduation from university, became lodged in a 15‐year cycle of repeatedly finding employment, quitting within the first year, and going into reclusive isolation. Ken underwent affect‐oriented integrative psychotherapy for 4 years. The importance of processing emotional pain and highlighting positive emotional experiences to build a positive sense of self in working with hikikomori will also be discussed.
Reg4 regulates pancreatic regeneration following pancreatitis via modulating the Notch signaling
Authors: Dai Juanjuan , He Yan , Jiang Mingjie , Niu Mengya , Li Bin , Wu Zengkai , Bao Jingpiao , Wen Li , Wang Xingpeng , Hu Guoyong
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic regeneration after acute pancreatitis is critical in the normal restoration of pancreatic exocrine function, the inhibition of which can cause severe complications including pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. However, the regulators of pancreatic regeneration and the underlying mechanisms remain uncovered. Here, using the inducible Tet‐on system, we found that regenerating family member 4 (Reg4) knockdown significantly impaired pancreatic regeneration after pancreatitis. Both acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia and the resolution of pancreatitis during regeneration were affected by Reg4 knockdown. Further investigations confirmed that Reg4 exerted its function through regulating Notch activation both in vitro and in vivo. Our study revealed Reg4 as a new regulator and potential therapeutic target for pancreatic regeneration.
Visualization of Sox10‐positive chromatoblasts by GFP fluorescence in flounder larvae and juveniles using electroporation
Authors: Miyake Minato , Sekine Michiharu , Suzuki Tohru , Yokoi Hayato
Published: April 2021

Japanese flounder are left–right asymmetrical, with features, such as dark, ocular‐side specific pigmentation. This pigmentation arises during metamorphic stages, along with the asymmetric differentiation of adult‐type chromatophores. Additionally, among juveniles, tank‐reared specimens commonly show ectopic pigmentation on their blind sides. In both cases, neural crest‐derived Sox10‐positive progenitor cells at the dorsal fin base are hypothesized to contribute to chromatophore development. Here, we developed a method to visualize Sox10‐positive cells via green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence to directly monitor their migration and differentiation into chromatophores in vivo. Electroporation was applied to introduce GFP reporter vectors into the dorsal fin base of larvae and juveniles. Cre‐loxP system vectors were also tested to enable cell labeling even after a decrease in sox10 expression levels. In larvae, undifferentiated Sox10‐positive progenitor cells were labeled in the dorsal fin base, whereas newly differentiated adult‐type chromatophores were seen dispersed on the ocular side. In juveniles, Sox10‐positive cells were identified in the connective tissue of the dorsal fin base and observed prominently in areas of ectopic pigmentation, including several labeled melanophores. Thus, it was suggested that during metamorphic stages, Sox10‐positive cells at the dorsal fin base contribute to adult‐type chromatophore development, whereas in juveniles, they persist as precursors in the connective tissue, which in response to stimuli migrate to generate ectopic pigmentation. These findings contribute to elucidating pigmentation mechanisms, as well as abnormalities seen in hatchery‐reared flounders. The electroporation method may be adapted to diverse animals as an accessible gene transfer method in various research fields, including developmental and biomedical studies.
Combination of enteral and parenteral nutrition in the acute phase of critical illness: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hill Aileen , Heyland Daren K. , Ortiz Reyes Luis A. , Laaf Elena , Wendt Sebastian , Elke Gunnar , Stoppe Christian
Published: April 2021

Background

Uncertainty remains about the best route and timing of medical nutrition therapy in the acute phase of critical illness. Early combined enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) may represent an attractive option to achieve recommended energy and protein goals in select patient groups. This meta‐analysis aims to update and summarize the current evidence.

Methods

This systematic review and meta‐analysis includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting the effect of EN alone vs a combination of EN with PN in the acute phase of critical illness in adult patients. Assessed outcomes include mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), ventilation days, infectious complications, physical recovery, and quality‐of‐life outcomes.

Results

Twelve RCTs with 5543 patients were included. Treatment with a combination of EN with PN led to increased delivery of macronutrients. No statistically significant effect of a combination of EN with PN vs EN alone on any of the parameters was observed: mortality (risk ratio = 1.0; 95% CI, 0.79–1.28; P = .99), hospital LOS (mean difference, −1.44; CI, −5.59 to 2.71; P = .50), ICU LOS, and ventilation days. Trends toward improved physical outcomes were observed in two of four trials.

Conclusion

A combination of EN with PN improved nutrition intake in the acute phase of critical illness in adults and was not inferior regarding the patients’ outcomes. Large, adequately designed trials in select patient groups are needed to answer the question of whether this nutrition strategy has a clinically relevant treatment effect.
Characterization of ‘Olivastro di Bucchianico cv’ extra virgin olive oils and its recognition by HS‐GC‐IMS
Authors: Di Serio Maria Gabriella , Giansante Lucia , Del Re Paolo , Pollastri Luciano , Panni Filippo , Valli Enrico , Di Giacinto Luciana
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Single cultivar ‘Olivastro di Bucchianico’ extra virgin olive oil is obtained from olives cultivated in a narrow area of the Abruzzo region, Italy. This cultivar is mostly present in the municipality of Bucchianico and in some neighbouring municipalities in the province of Chieti. There is very little research in the literature describing the morphological and chemical characteristics of this cultivar.

RESULTS

A morphological characterization of the plant and the fruit was carried out. In addition, we characterized the chemical, physical‐chemical and sensory properties of the extra virgin olive oil. The following analyses were conducted: free acidity, peroxide value, ultraviolet spectrophotometric indices, contents in fatty acid ethyl esters, waxes, tocopherols, fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols, alcohols, phenolic substances, volatile compounds and sensory profile. The analysis of the volatile compounds was performed using a headspace‐gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (HS‐GC‐IMS) instrument connected to a nitrogen generator for carrier/drift gas production.

CONCLUSION

The results of the chemical analyses showed good levels of nutraceutical components in the oils, which were found to be organoleptically well balanced with medium values of fruity, bitter and pungent. The HS‐GC‐IMS method based on the analysis of 15 volatile molecules might be a useful tool for a chemometric discrimination of the varietal origin for the oils under investigation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The rapid, mass invasion of New Zealand by North American Daphnia “pulex”
Authors: Ye Zhiqiang , Williams Emily , Zhao Chaoxian , Burns Carolyn W. , Lynch Michael
Published: April 2021

Nonindigenous members of the Daphnia pulex complex have been found in many lakes in New Zealand (NZ) in the past 20 years, suggesting a recent invasion. However, very little is known about the precise phylogenetic origin of invasive Daphnia, whether each lake is invaded by a single clone or multiple clones, the lineage of the invasive clones, and whether they are obligately asexual clones. Furthermore, the source and time of arrival of the invasive genotype(s) are unclear. We address these questions by genomic sequencing of Daphnia populations from 13 lakes in the South Island and 1 lake in the North Island, NZ. All biallelic sites in these NZ populations have similar numbers of reads for the two parental alleles, suggesting each NZ population originates from a single asexual clone. Based on 25,643 monomorphic lineage‐specific markers, the invasive Daphnia in the South Island were found to be Daphnia pulicaria Forbes, while those in the North Island are hybrids of D. pulicaria Forbes and D. cf. pulex sensu Hebert. Both the South and North Island Daphnia are phylogenetically clustered with North American Daphnia, thereby suggesting their North American origins. We found also that all South Island clones contain identical mitochondrial genomes, suggesting the origin and proliferation from a single founder clone, which we experimentally verified to be an obligate asexual. Estimates from molecular data imply a colonization time for the South Island clones of ~ 60 years ago, with a likely invasion route associated with the introduction of salmonids from North America.
The role of brand in overcoming consumer resistance to autonomous vehicles
Authors: Casidy Riza , Claudy Marius , Heidenreich Sven , Camurdan Efe
Published: April 2021

Consumer resistance is a major barrier to diffusing radical innovation into mainstream markets. While recent studies have highlighted the influence that brands might have on innovation adoption decisions, surprisingly little is understood about the role of brands in overcoming consumer resistance to radical innovation such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. To address this, we investigate consumer resistance to AI‐powered technology in the context of autonomous vehicles. Specifically, this study builds on the self‐brand connection and brand concept literature to examine: (1) the mechanism through which self‐brand connection influences radical innovation adoption by mitigating consumer resistance; (2) how this mechanism is moderated by the brand concept (conservation vs. openness); and (3) how brands can effectively overcome consumer resistance through marketing communications. By means of three empirical studies, we find that self‐brand connections are positively associated with intentions to adopt radical innovation and that this effect is mediated by reduced risk barriers (Study 1). We further demonstrate that the influence of self‐brand connection is much lower for conservation brands than for openness brands (Study 2). Finally, we show that conservation brands can leverage consumers' self‐brand connection when they effectively enhance their innovation capabilities through marketing communications (Study 3).
Asymptotic approach to anti‐plane dynamic problem of asymmetric three‐layered composite plate
Authors: Ibrahim Nuruddeen Rahmatullah , Nawaz R. , Zaigham Zia Q. M.
Published: April 2021

In this manuscript, the anti‐plane shear motion of an asymmetric three‐layered inhomogeneous elastic plate is examined. An asymptotic approach is employed for the present investigation. Both thgeneralized and unified dispersion relations within the long‐wave low‐frequency range have been successfully determined. The obtained unified dispersion relation is investigated taking into account the recently analyzed material contrast for layered plates with mixed stiff‐soft layers of different material properties. The asymptotic formulae for the respective fields in addition to the determination of approximate equations of motions have also been presented. A comparative study with the symmetric plate is made; being a special case of the asymmetric plate under consideration. In the end, we provide some deductions and concluding remarks.
Revising nerve conduction reference limits
Authors: Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Mansukhani Khushnuma , More Nandini , Sharma Alika , Chavan Priyanka
Published: April 2021

Introduction/Aims

Our electrodiagnostic laboratory uses reference limits (RL) that have been handed down for four decades. With changes in instrumentation and technique, we wish to know if our RL should be modified. It is also useful to have RL based on patient demographics.

Methods

Latency and velocity data from motor nerve conduction studies of 740 adult patients studied over an 8 mo period were tabulated. RL were derived using both extrapolated reference value (ERef) and multi‐variable extrapolated reference value (MeRef) methods.

Results

Distal latency values showed a significant but weak correlation with age and/or height. ERef limits for the median and ulnar nerve latency (3.96 and 3.45 ms, respectively) were very similar to current laboratory limits (3.9 and 3.3 ms, respectively). ERef limits for the tibial and fibular nerve latency (5.1 and 4.95 ms, respectively) were slightly shorter. Ulnar velocity did not depend on age or height. The ERef limit was the same as our present laboratory limit (50 m/s). Median and tibial velocity limits decreased with age (R2 > 0.25). Fibular motor nerve conduction limits decreased with age and height (R2 = 0.39).

Discussion

ERef and MeRef were useful to validate and revise our latency and velocity RL. We will use ERef limits for tibial and fibular latency. MeRef generated linear regression equations based on age and/or height will be used for conduction velocity analysis of median, fibular, and tibial nerves. This will increase the specificity of our values.
Papain decorated multi‐functional polymeric micelles for the targeted intracellular delivery of paclitaxel
Authors: Razzaq Sobia , Rauf Aisha , Raza Abida , Tabish Tanveer A. , Rauf‐ul‐Hassan Muhammad , Shahnaz Gul
Published: April 2021

Mucopermeating nanocargoes being able to overcome mucosal, as well as extracellular barrier leads to enhance penetration of poorly soluble anticancer drugs at its target site. We developed an innovative means to bring amphiphilic mucopermeating functional micelles to tumors. Papain (Pap) grafted thiolated hyaluronic acid‐pluronic F127‐lithocholic acid triblock (Pap‐THA‐g‐F127‐SS‐LCA) was synthesized in this study. As‐prepared formulation yielded Pap functionalized thiolated redox micelles (PT‐R‐Ms). Mucolytic and tumor extracellular matrix‐degrading property of Pap enzyme facilitated the diffusion of paclitaxel loaded PT‐R‐Ms. Moreover, PT‐R‐Ms exhibited glutathione‐triggered release serving as a mimic for the tumor microenvironment yielding enhanced intracellular tumor penetration thereby leading to high tumor cytotoxicity. PT‐R‐Ms were spherical with a particle size of 80 nm, the negative zeta potential of −29 ± 3.85, and high encapsulation efficiency, that is, 80 ± 3.29% of paclitaxel. In‐vitro anticancer activity demonstrated higher cytotoxicity of PT‐R‐Ms against all HCT‐116, Hep‐2, and RD cancerous cell lines in comparison to free paclitaxel. PT‐R‐Ms indicated the highest penetration in tumor tissue in terms of maximum fluorescence. Briefly, this delivery system addresses the existing clinical challenges by enabling as‐prepared nanocargoes to release paclitaxel when reaching the site of a target (where it is the most needed), thereby minimizing off‐target toxic effects. Targeted delivery of drug using nanocargoes has the potential to propel the field of drug delivery in solving real‐world clinical problems.
Erythrocyte T‐antigen activation in children: Patient characteristics and the hemolytic risk of transfusion
Authors: Jacquot Cyril , Pary Philippe P. , Babu Varshini , Belay Ezana , Mo Yunchuan D. , Webb Jennifer L. , Luban Naomi L. C. , Delaney Meghan
Published: April 2021

Background

T‐antigen activation usually occurs upon red blood cell (RBC) membrane cryptantigen exposure due to bacterial enzymes. Although uncommon, the condition is probably underrecognized. There is concern about hemolysis after plasma and plasma‐containing platelet transfusions due to naturally occurring anti‐T antibody in healthy blood donors. However, experts have debated the extent and severity of clinical hemolysis due to anti‐T.

Procedure

We retrospectively identified patients who tested positive for polyagglutination with Arachis hypogea and Glycine max lectins from 2008 to 2019. The records of the patients were reviewed to determine clinical symptoms, laboratory evidence of hemolysis, need for transfusion, and clinical outcomes.

Results

Ten patients were identified. At diagnosis, all were anemic and four had thrombocytopenia. Severe Streptococcus pneumoniae infection affected seven patients; one died. Seven of 10 patients (70%) had laboratory evidence of hemolysis. Peripheral blood smear findings in six patients included RBC agglutination and changes suggesting hemolysis (spherocytes and schistocytes), but three had unremarkable RBC morphology. Four patients required plasma or platelet transfusions; all survived to discharge.

Conclusions

T‐antigen activation is a rare entity. Most patients diagnosed at our hospital had hemolytic anemia and severe pneumococcal infection. Hemoglobin decreased after plasma and platelet transfusions in all patients assessed, but these transfusions were necessary to support treatment. RBCs were given to maintain appropriate hemoglobin levels.
Deafness enhances perceptual span size in Chinese reading: Evidence from a gaze‐contingent moving‐window paradigm
Authors: Liu Zhi Fang , Chen Chao Yang , Tong Wen , Su Yong Qiang
Published: April 2021

Using a gaze‐contingent moving‐window paradigm, we investigated whether/how deafness affects perceptual processing in Chinese reading. Besides the manipulation of window size, word length of sentences used in the experiment was also manipulated to check whether deafness enhanced the word length effect on perceptual span. Significant interactions of window constraints and deafness and a three‐way interaction were observed on reading rate. Smaller effects of window constraints for deaf Chinese readers and nonreliable three‐way interactions were observed on forward saccade length. This suggests that deaf Chinese readers exhibit a larger perceptual span, and word length affected the span from which information was acquired for comprehension whereas both deafness and word length might have little impact on the span from which information is acquired for oculomotor targeting during natural reading of Chinese.
High‐frequency oscillatory ventilation in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Junqueira Fernanda M. D. , Nadal José A. H. , Brandão Marcelo B. , Nogueira Roberto J. N. , de Souza Tiago H.
Published: April 2021

Background

High‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is an alternative mechanical ventilation mode proposed to reduce ventilator‐induced lung injuries and improve clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of HFOV compared to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) when used in children with hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Methods

The literature search was conducted to identify all studies published before December 2020. Eligible studies included a population aged between 28 days and 18 years old, presented original data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies, compared the use of HFOV with CMV. Meta‐analyses of the pooled data were performed by using random‐effects models with inverse‐variance weighting.

Results

A total of 11 studies (2605 cases) were included, most of them evaluating patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The mean age of participants was 8.2 months and the mean oxygenation index of those included in the RCTs was 24.4. The effect of HFOV on mortality was not significant, and clinically significant harm or benefit could not be excluded (risk ratio [RR], 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 1.20). No significant difference between groups was found in duration of mechanical ventilation (−2.23; 95% CI, −5.07 to 0.61), treatment failure (RR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08 to 1.02), and occurrence of barotrauma (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.99).

Conclusion

The scarce evidence currently available does not allow us to conclude that HFOV has advantages over CMV and further studies are needed to clarify its role in the treatment of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in children.
On the multivariate progressive control chart for effective monitoring of covariance matrix
Authors: Ajadi Jimoh Olawale , Hung Kevin , Riaz Muhammad , Ajadi Nurudeen Ayobami , Mahmood Tahir
Published: April 2021

With the development of modern acquisition techniques, data with several correlated quality characteristics are increasingly accessible. Thus, multivariate control charts can be employed to detect changes in the process. This study proposes two multivariate control charts for monitoring process variability (MPVC) using a progressive approach. First, when the process parameters are known, the performance of the MPVC charts is compared with some multivariate dispersion schemes. The results showed that the proposed MPVC charts outperform their counterparts irrespective of the shifts in the process dispersion. The effects of the Phase I estimated covariance matrix on the efficiency of the MPVC charts were also evaluated. The performances of the proposed methods and their counterparts are evaluated by calculating some useful run length properties. An application of the proposed chart is also considered for the monitoring of a carbon fiber tubing process.
Peculiarities of Cross‐Linking Degree Determination for the Starches of Different Botanical Origin
Authors: Almonaityte Karolina , Cizauskaite Greta , Bendoraitiene Joana , Peciulyte Laura , Rutkaite Ramune
Published: April 2021

Starches of different botanical origin, namely potato, wheat, and corn are cross‐linked with epichlorohydrin (EPI) at cross‐linking agent to starch molar ratios of 0.0005:1, 0.0017:1, 0.0055:1, and 0.01:1. The degree of cross‐linking is evaluated by determining the solubility in aqueous 1 m KOH solution and assessing pasting properties of aqueous starch suspensions. It is found that the size of starch microgranules affects the degree of cross‐linking and the smaller the granules are, the more cross‐linking agent is required to achieve the same solubility or viscosity characteristics. The assessment of two methods reveals that solubility in alkali solution method can be used when determining the degree of cross‐linking of starch in a wide range, meanwhile, a viscoamylography approach is only suitable when the amount of EPI in the modification reaction is increased to 0.01 mol per mole of starch. The peculiarities of both methods are discussed and may be useful when determining the degree of cross‐linking of different starches with potential application as thickeners or sorbents.
Fostering communities of practice for improved food democracy: Experiences and learning from South Africa
Authors: Adelle Camilla , Kroll Florian , Losch Bruno , Görgens Tristan
Published: April 2021

The highly concentrated formal agri‐food sector holds enormous power in the governance of the food system in South Africa. Yet the concept of food democracy holds that all people should have an equal opportunity to participate in (re)shaping their food system. To contribute to decision making, however, stakeholders not only need access to knowledge about the food system, but should also be able to inform what is considered relevant knowledge. Communities of practice—groups of people who share a common interest or concern and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis—provide novel spaces for stakeholder involvement in food governance. This article sets out the process of establishing and maintaining a community of (food) practice in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Through participant observation, analysis of unpublished documents, as well as in depth interviews, the core elements of the community of practice are charted over its 3 yr history. The article demonstrates the informal and evolving nature of communities of practice as social learning structures that can gain credibility and potentially develop into more formal democratic institutions over.
Decision Analytics for Initial Public Offerings: How Filing Sentiment Influences Stock Market Returns
Authors: Krinitz Jonas , Neumann Dirk
Published: April 2021

Companies issuing stocks through an initial public offering (IPO) are obligated to publish relevant information as part of a prospectus. Besides quantitative figures from accounting, this document also contains qualitative information in the form of text. In this chapter, we analyze how sentiment in the prospectus influences future stock returns. In addition, we investigate the impact of pre-IPO sentiment in financial announcements on first-day returns. The results of our empirical analyses using 572 IPOs from US companies suggest a negative link between words linked to uncertainty and future stock market returns for up to 10 trading days. Conversely, we find that uncertainty expressed in pre-IPO announcements is positively linked to first-day stock returns. These insights have implications for research on IPOs by demonstrating that future stock returns are also driven by textual information from the prospectus and assist investors in placing their orders.
Can Immersive Systems Help Address Sustainability Goals? Insights from Research in Information Systems
Authors: Pfeiffer Jella , Fegert Jonas , Greif-Winzrieth Anke , Hoffmann Greta , Peukert Christian
Published: April 2021

Several developments in recent years have highlighted the urgent need for an increase in sustainable behavior. In an effort to systematically achieve global human well-being and create a more sustainable and equal world by 2030, the United Nations passed the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. In this chapter, we discuss several different approaches for Information Systems (IS) to contribute to these goals. We present ideas and first results from different research approaches in which we analyze how immersive systems, in particular, are capable of addressing challenges regarding awareness, motivation, information transfer, and educating citizens to act in a sustainable manner. We conclude that the main features of immersive systems are particularly suited to approach challenges related to sustainable behavior and attitude change. With this chapter, we hope to inspire further research efforts on how IS can make a contribution to a more sustainable world.
Multi-objective aerodynamic optimization of high-speed train heads based on the PDE parametric modeling
Authors: Wang Shuangbu , Wang Ruibin , Xia Yu , Sun Zhenye , You Lihua , Zhang Jianjun
Published: April 2021

With the increasing running speed, the aerodynamic issues of high-speed trains are being raised and impact the running stability and energy efficiency. The optimization design of the head shape is significantly important in improving the aerodynamic performance of high-speed trains. Existing aerodynamic optimization methods are limited by the parametric modeling methods of train heads which are unable to accurately and completely parameterize both global shapes and local details. Due to this reason, they cannot optimize both global and local shapes of train heads. In order to tackle this problem, we propose a novel multi-objective aerodynamic optimization method of high-speed train heads based on the partial differential equation (PDE) parametric modeling. With this method, the half of a train head is parameterized with 17 PDE surface patches which describe global shapes and local details and keep the surface smooth. We take the aerodynamic drag and lift as optimization objectives; divide the optimization design process into two stages: global optimization and local optimization; and develop global and local optimization methods, respectively. In the first stage, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is adopted to obtain the framework of the train head with an optimized global shape. In the second stage, Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) is applied in the local shape optimization of the PDE surface patches determined by the optimized framework to improve local details. The effectiveness of our proposed method is demonstrated by better aerodynamic performance achieved from the optimization solutions in global and local optimization stages in comparison with the original high-speed train head.
Microeukaryotic and Prokaryotic Diversity of Anchialine Caves from Eastern Adriatic Sea Islands
Authors: Kajan Katarina , Cukrov Neven , Cukrov Nuša , Bishop-Pierce Renée , Orlić Sandi
Published: April 2021

Anchialine ecosystems in the eastern Adriatic Sea are diverse both morphologically and biologically. In this study, for the first time, we explored the microeukaryotic and prokaryotic community of anchialine caves in the Mediterranean region using high-throughput sequencing. Four anchialine caves located on nearby islands with a well-pronounced salinity gradient were sampled at the surface freshwater area, halocline area, and seawater area. Sequencing revealed a surprisingly wide diversity of the microeukaryotic and prokaryotic community with the relative abundance of major phyla differing within the salinity gradient and between the caves. Interestingly, microeukaryotic and prokaryotic communities clustered into four groups based on location, pointing out that sampled anchialine caves have different microbial community patterns and high microbial endemism. Our results indicate that even with the halocline acting as a selecting barrier, the salinity is not the only community structuring factor. Despite the short geographical distance, the isolation of anchialine caves facilitated high microbial community adaptation and endemism. Our study suggests that anchialine caves represent reservoirs of new biodiversity, maintaining unique and complex microbial diversity influenced by biotic interactions and abiotic environmental conditions.
Strong Solvability of a Variational Data Assimilation Problem for the Primitive Equations of Large-Scale Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
Authors: Korn Peter
Published: April 2021

For the primitive equations of large-scale atmosphere and ocean dynamics, we study the problem of determining by means of a variational data assimilation algorithm initial conditions that generate strong solutions which minimize the distance to a given set of time-distributed observations. We suggest a modification of the adjoint algorithm whose novel elements is to use norms in the variational cost functional that reflects the $$H^1$$

H
1

-regularity of strong solutions of the primitive equations. For such a cost functional, we prove the existence of minima and a first-order adjoint condition for strong solutions that provides the basis for computing these minima. We prove the local convergence of a gradient-based descent algorithm to optimal initial conditions using the second-order adjoint primitive equations. The algorithmic modifications due to the $$H^1$$

H
1

-norms are straightforwardly to implement into a variational algorithm that employs the standard $$L^2$$

L
2

-metrics.
Light diffraction from a phase grating at oblique incidence in the intermediate diffraction regime
Authors: Heuberger Georg , Klepp Jürgen , Guo Jinxin , Tomita Yasuo , Fally Martin
Published: April 2021

We experimentally characterize the positions of the diffraction maxima of a phase grating on a screen, for laser light at oblique incidence (so-called off-plane diffraction or conical diffraction). We discuss the general case of off-plane diffraction geometries and derive basic equations for the positions of the diffraction maxima, in particular for their angular dependence. In contrast to previously reported work (Jetty et al. in Am J Phys 80:972, 2012), our reasoning is solely based on energy- and momentum conservation. We find good agreement of our theoretical prediction with the experiment. A detailed discussion of the diffraction maxima positions, the number of diffraction orders, and the diffraction efficiencies is provided. We assess the feasibility of an experimental test of the phenomenon for neutron matter waves.
Fatty acid accumulation in feeding types of a natural freshwater fish population
Authors: Scharnweber Kristin , Chaguaceda Fernando , Eklöv Peter
Published: April 2021

Fatty acids are widely used to study trophic interactions in food web assemblages. Generally, it is assumed that there is a very small modification of fatty acids from one trophic step to another, making them suitable as trophic biomarkers. However, recent literature provides evidence that many fishes possess genes encoding enzymes with a role in bioconversion, thus the capability for bioconversion might be more widespread than previously assumed. Nonetheless, empirical evidence for biosynthesis occurring in natural populations remains scarce. In this study, we investigated different feeding types of perch (Perca fluviatilis) that are specialized on specific resources with different levels of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), and analyzed the change between HUFA proportions in perch muscle tissue compared to their resources. Perch showed matching levels to their resources for EPA, but ARA and especially DHA were accumulated. Compound-specific stable isotope analyses helped us to identify the origin of HUFA carbon. Our results suggest that perch obtain a substantial amount of DHA via bioconversion when feeding on DHA-poor benthic resources. Thus, our data indicate the capability of bioconversion of HUFAs in a natural freshwater fish population.
Does expenditure in public governance guarantee less corruption? Non-linearities and complementarities of the rule of law
Authors: Guerrero Omar A. , Castañeda Gonzalo
Published: April 2021

Corruption is an endemic societal problem with profound implications in the development of nations. In combating this issue, cross-national evidence supporting the effectiveness of the rule of law seems at odds with poorly realized outcomes from reforms inspired in the academic literature. This paper provides an explanation for such contradiction. By building a computational approach, we develop three methodological novelties into the empirical study of corruption: (1) modeling government expenditure as a more adequate intervention variable than traditional indicators, (2) generating large within-country variation by means of bottom-up simulations (instead of cross-national data pooling), and (2) accounting for all possible interactions between covariates through a spillover network. Our estimates suggest that, the least developed a country is, the more difficult it is to find the right combination of policies that lead to reductions in corruption. We characterize this difficulty through a rugged landscape that governments navigate when changing the total budget size and the relative expenditure towards the rule of law. Importantly our method helps identifying the—country-specific—policy issues that complement the rule of law in the fight against corruption.
Foreign Direct Investments, Renewable Electricity Output, and Ecological Footprints: Do Financial Globalization Facilitate Renewable Energy Transition and Environmental Welfare in Bangladesh?
Authors: Murshed Muntasir , Elheddad Mohamed , Ahmed Rizwan , Bassim Mohga , Than Ei Thuzar
Published: April 2021

Phasing out fossil fuel dependency to adopt renewable energy technologies is pertinent for both ensuring energy security and for safeguarding the well-being of the environment. However, financial constraints often restrict the developing countries, in particular, from undergoing the renewable energy transition that is necessary for easing the environmental hardships. Against this background, this study makes a novel attempt to evaluate the impacts of FDI inflows on enhancing renewable energy use and attaining environmental sustainability in Bangladesh between 1972 and 2015. Using the autoregressive distributed lags with structural break approach to estimate the short- and long-run elasticities, it is found that FDI inflows enhance the share of renewable electricity output in the total electricity output levels of the country. Besides, FDI inflows are also evidenced to directly hamper environmental quality by boosting the ecological footprints figures of Bangladesh. Hence, it can be said that FDI promotes renewable electricity generation in Bangladesh but transforms the nation into a pollution haven. However, although FDI inflows cannot directly reduce the ecological footprints, a joint ecological footprint mitigation impact of FDI inflows and renewable electricity generation is evidenced. Besides, the findings also verify the authenticity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis in Bangladesh’s context. Therefore, economic growth can be referred to as being both the cause and the panacea to the environmental problems faced by Bangladesh. These results, in a nutshell, calls for effective measures to be undertaken for attracting the relatively cleaner FDI in Bangladesh whereby the objectives of renewable energy transition and environmental sustainability can be achieved in tandem. In line with these findings, several appropriate financial globalization policies are recommended.