bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foster care and the growing tension between the religion clauses: A comment on Rogers v. HHS
Authors: Tuttle Robert W.
Published: December 2021

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the State of South Carolina agreed to waive their requirements of religious non‐discrimination by state‐funded, licensed child placement agencies. The state had discovered that its largest provider, Miracle Hill, approved the applications of only those who shared its Evangelical Protestant faith. After Miracle Hill refused on religious grounds to assess a Unitarian couple's fitness, the couple filed suit against various federal and state defendants, alleging that the waivers constituted an establishment of religion. This paper explores South Carolina's argument that Miracle Hill's asserted free exercise rights render irrelevant constraints that the Establishment Clause might place on this religious accommodation. I conclude that the state's reliance on Fulton is misplaced. Here, the state should be deemed constitutionally responsible for the religion‐based exclusion of prospective foster parents. More controversially, I contend that the state should also be held constitutionally responsible for the religious indoctrination of children placed with families approved by Miracle Hill. Such responsibility has long been and should remain a central concern of the Establishment Clause and overcomes any countervailing free exercise interests of Miracle Hill or other faith‐based providers. This focus on responsibility offers significant depth and nuance to conventional but vague Establishment Clause concepts about state support of religion.
Influence of corrosion preventive compounds on the friction force in aircraft lap joints
Authors: Gavrylov Ievgen , Karuskevich Mikhail , Ignatovich Sergey , Yutskevych Sviatoslav , Maslak Tetiana
Published: December 2021

Highlights

Long service life of aircraft aggravates problems of metal fatigue and corrosion.

Corrosion preventive compounds are used as a complementary method against corrosion.

Preventive compounds change friction in riveted joints and affect fatigue life.

The proposed method evaluates compounds influence on friction in the riveted joins.
Complex range shifts among forest functional types under the contemporary warming
Authors: Koide Dai , Yoshikawa Tetsuro , Ishihama Fumiko , Kadoya Taku
Published: December 2021

The direction and magnitude of species distribution shifts tend to differ among species and functional types (FTs). Quantifying functional trait variation and species interactions will improve our understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern ecosystem dynamics and their responses to climate change. Here, we analyzed differences in the juvenile and adult temperature ranges of Japanese tree species at the mean, colder edge, and warmer edge of their distributions to reveal how functional traits affect interactions between different FT groups (e.g., deciduous and evergreen broad‐leaved trees), using linear models and permutation tests. Overall, juveniles preferred cooler sites, but with high variation. The variation among species was partly explained by the difference in seed mass where species with lighter seeds tend to colonize colder sites. On the other hand, the distribution range of FTs showed complex behavior at the ecotones of different FTs. Specifically, in three of eight ecotones, nonparallel range shifts between FTs were detected, which includes cold shifting in deciduous broad‐leaved FT where a warm shift by subalpine FT happened, and cold shifting in subtropical FT where warm shifts by either the deciduous broad‐leaved or the evergreen broad‐leaved FTs happened. Our results suggest that past warming has caused a general cold shift at species level, whereas different mechanisms, such as light seeds disperse farther in distribution's colder edge and heavy seeds (e.g., evergreen broad‐leaved) compete better in warmer edge, create nonparallel responses of FT distribution ranges leading to the observed homogenization at several ecotones among FTs. These complex range shifts at FT level have crucial implications for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
HCV reinfection after HCV therapy among HIV/HCV‐coinfected individuals in Europe
Authors: Amele Sarah , Sandri Anastasia Karachalia , Rodger Alison , Vandekerckhove Linos , Benfield Thomas , Milinkovic Ana , Duvivier Claudine , Stellbrink Hans‐Jürgen , Sambatakou Helen , Chkhartishvili Nikoloz , Caldeira Luis , Laguno Monserrat , Domingo Pere , Wandeler Gilles , Gisinger Martin , Kuzovatova Elena , Dragovic Gordana , Knysz Brygida , Matulionyte Raimonda , Rockstroh Jürgen Kurt , Lundgren Jens Dilling , Mocroft Amanda , Peters Lars ,   the EuroSIDA study group
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Although direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) can clear HCV in nearly all HIV/HCV‐coinfected individuals, high rates of reinfection may hamper efforts to eliminate HCV in this population. We investigated reinfection after sustained virological response (SVR) in HIV/HCV‐coinfected individuals in Europe.

Methods

Factors associated with odds of reinfection by 2 years after SVR in EuroSIDA participants with one or more HCV‐RNA test and 2 years follow‐up were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 1022 individuals were included. The median age was 50 (interquartile range: 43–54 years), and most were male (78%), injection drug users (52%), and received interferon (IFN)‐free DAAs (62%). By 24 months, 75 [7.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.7–8.9%] individuals were reinfected. Among individuals treated prior to 2014, 16.1% were reinfected compared with 4.2% and 8.3%, respectively, among those treated during or after 2014 with IFN‐free and IFN‐based therapy. After adjustment, individuals who had started treatment during or after 2014 with IFN‐free or IFN‐based therapy had significantly lower odds of reinfection (adjusted odds ratio = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11–0.38; 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22–0.83) compared with those who had received therapy before 2014. There were no significant differences in odds of reinfection according to age, gender, European region, HIV transmission risk group or liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

Among HIV/HCV‐coinfected individuals in Europe, 7.3% were reinfected with HCV within 24 months of achieving SVR, with evidence suggesting that this is decreasing over time and with use of newer HCV regimens. Harm reduction to reduce reinfection and surveillance to detect early reinfection with an offer of treatment are essential to eliminate HCV.
State‐dependent environmental sensitivity of reproductive success and survival in a shorebird
Authors: van Irsel Jurrian , Frauendorf Magali , Ens Bruno J. , van de Pol Martijn , Troost Karin , Oosterbeek Kees , de Kroon Hans , Jongejans Eelke , Allen Andrew M.
Published: December 2021

To understand the consequences of anthropogenic and environmental changes for wildlife populations, it is important to study how individuals differ in their sensitivity to environmental change and whether this depends on individual characteristics. An individual's reproductive performance may provide an integrative, unidimensional proxy of an individual's characteristics. In this study, we define an individual's characteristics by three such reproductive states, namely successful, failed and non‐breeders in the previous year. We used a 16‐year dataset of individually marked breeding Eurasian OystercatchersHaematopus ostralegusto examine the interannual fluctuations in reproductive success and survival among breeding states, and their state‐dependent sensitivity to environmental conditions. Environmental conditions included available biomass of the main prey species of breeding Oystercatchers (Ragworm, Baltic Tellin and Lugworm), tidal height, which reflects one of the main causes of nest loss (flooding), and conditions that may impact the energetic requirements during incubation, such as temperature. We also included environmental variables measured in winter, including available biomass of the main winter prey species (Blue Mussel and Common Cockle) along with factors that may affect food availability and energetic requirements for homeostasis, namely bivalve weight loss, windchill, winter severity and precipitation. Breeding birds that were successful the previous year had higher survival and were more likely to remain successful, in comparison with failed or non‐breeders. The effects of environmental conditions acted in the same direction on reproductive success but had opposite effects on survival among the three breeding states, especially for windchill and Blue Mussel biomass. The contrasting state‐dependent effects of the environment on survival thus averaged out when examining consequences for lifetime reproductive nest success (LRnS); instead, LRnS was largely influenced by environmental conditions acting upon reproduction. Our study indicates that an individual's previous breeding state provides an integrative measure of heterogeneity in individuals' sensitivity of reproduction and survival to environmental change. Incorporating previous breeding state as a source of individual heterogeneity in population modelling may improve predictions of future population dynamics in a rapidly changing world.
Child welfare policy and services in Korea
Authors: Chung Yiyoon , Ahn Haksoon , Lah T. J.
Published: December 2021

Over the past 20 years, the Korean government has developed child welfare laws to respond to an increasing number of child maltreatment cases and create a centralized child welfare delivery system. However, the system remains fragmented and under‐developed due to a lack of understanding of child maltreatment and limited government support. Further, few studies have comprehensively reviewed the system. This study examines the Korean child welfare system, identifies challenges for child welfare policies and services, and discusses the implications for future policy; the results can be used to improve the safety, permanency, and well‐being of children and families in Korea. The analysis shows that the government has prioritized family preservation over removal from families, even in substantiated cases of abuse. However, ensuring the safety of children in Korea will require not only working to preserve families but also developing and implementing better options for in‐home services and out‐of‐home placement.
Launching a new journal: Fifty years of the journal of applied social psychology
Authors: Streufert Siegfried , Streufert Glenda Nogami , Streufert Susan C.
Published: December 2021

This paper describes the background and the process leading to the 1970–1971 launch of theJournal of Applied Social Psychology. In the late 1960s, founding editor Dr. Siegfried Streufert had a deep belief in the need to create an outlet for excellent research addressing applications of social psychology to “real‐world” problems. He looked forward to marking this milestone year of publication ofJASPwith this article. Sadly, Siegfried passed away in April 2019, 50 years after developing and implementing the concept for the journal. We present the history as he wrote it, with some editing, in his honor.
The leader effect and behavioral complexity
Authors: Cockerill Anthony Peter
Published: December 2021

This paper reviews research into the impact that leaders have on performance outcomes and into the identification of behavioral competencies associated with superior leadership effectiveness. The review indicates that around twenty percent of performance outcomes may be attributed to leaders depending on the level of discretion they exercise. Eleven High‐Performance Competencies (H‐PC) are identified that appear associated with the leader effect; several of these H‐PC derive from Behavioral Complexity Theory as developed and explored by Professor Siegfried Streufert and his colleagues.
MEDTHINKER: Novel computer‐based simulation to assess technical and nontechnical skills using medical content in healthcare providers
Authors: Krishnamurthy Satish , MacNaughton Piers , Chin Lawrence , Dewan Mantosh
Published: December 2021

The practice of medicine involves an interplay of technical knowledge and skills as well as nontechnical skills. Nontechnical skills include situational awareness, decision making, communication and performance under stress. Both technical skills and nontechnical skills are equally important, and we present a novel simulation MEDTHINKER which has specific medical content as well as measures of nontechnical skills, with specific algorithms and metrics designed to capture core competencies of healthcare performance. 100 residents from three disciplines across four institutions in the US participated in the MEDTHINKER simulation exercise. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for the raw scores on the MEDTHINKER simulation. Generalized linear models were used to compare self‐reported satisfaction and overall sense of achievement with normalized scores on the MEDTHINKER simulations. The results demonstrate that productivity and safety had strong positive correlations with ability to adapt, capacity to task focus and good communication skills. Increased overall productivity resulted in a negative correlation with errors rates. Self‐reported job satisfaction and achievement showed strongly positive correlations with each other. Interestingly, adaptability was strongly correlated with productivity and job satisfaction which has many components of workplace well‐being as measured in this research. The data obtained provides validation for the utility of MEDTHINKER which has the ability to assess both technical and nontechnical skills. The data demonstrates that MEDTHINKER can measure indicators of good clinical performance that correlate with self‐reported job satisfaction and achievement.
Behavioral complexity theory: Seven decades and beyond
Authors: Cockerill Anthony Peter , Satish Akhila
Published: December 2021

This paper provides a synopsis of the origins and subsequent development of behavioral complexity theory (BCT). First, the foundational contributions of personal construct theory, conceptual systems theory, and the conceptual complexity theory are described. Second, the diversification of BCT via integrative complexity theory, Strategic Management Simulations, and Metacomplexity Simulations is outlined. Next, the discussion emphasizes the contemporary relevance and importance of BCT, suggests that more scalable assessment and development technologies should be created (especially of integration), and ends by calling for enhanced interaction within the BCT community.
Behavioral complexity assessment technology: Moving toward holistic evaluations
Authors: Satish Usha
Published: December 2021

Dr. Siegfried Streufert devoted a considerable part of his career to designing and developing assessment and training technologies based on his theory of Behavioral complexity. The underlying emphasis in the design of his methodology called the Strategic Management Simulations (SMS), was on understanding “real world” productivity in an objective manner. This methodology focuses on the demonstrated decision‐making capacity of an individual in various situations and its impact on human productivity and well‐being. The SMS methodology compliments other evaluation tools that focus on individual “preferences”, “aspirations” and basic problem‐solving skill sets. The following commentary provides a brief overview of well‐used methodologies and describes the SMS comprehensive assessment which is focused on real world productivity and is constructed using Behavioral complexity theoretical paradigms.
Discrepancies in the diagnosis of hypertension in adolescents according to available office and home high blood pressure criteria
Authors: Feitosa Fabiana G. A. M. , Feitosa Audes D. M. , Mota‐Gomes Marco A. , Paiva Annelise M. G. , Barroso Weimar S. , Miranda Roberto D. , Barbosa Eduardo C. D. , Brandão Andréa A. , Jardim Thiago S. V. , Jardim Paulo C. B. V. , Feitosa Arthur B. M. , Santos Maria V. C. , Lima‐Filho José L. , Sposito Andrei C. , Nadruz Wilson
Published: December 2021

This study aimed at comparing the prevalence of abnormal blood pressure (BP) phenotypes among 241 adolescents referred for hypertension (15.4 ± 1.4 years, 62% males, 40% obese) according to mostly used or available criteria for hypertension [AAP or ESH criteria for high office BP (OBP); Arsakeion or Goiânia schools’ criteria for high home BP monitoring (HBPM)]. High OBP prevalence was greater when defined by AAP compared with ESH criteria (43.5% vs. 24.5%; p < .001), while high HBPM prevalence was similar between Arsakeion and Goiânia criteria (33.5% and 37.5%; p = .34). Fifty‐five percent of the sample fulfilled at least one criterion for high BP, but only 31% of this subsample accomplished all four criteria. Regardless of the HBPM criteria, AAP thresholds were associated with lower prevalence of normotension and masked hypertension and greater prevalence of white‐coat and sustained hypertension than ESH thresholds. These findings support the need to standardize the definition of hypertension among adolescents.
Causes and consequences of variation in development time in a field cricket
Authors: Gershman Susan N. , Miller Owen G. , Hamilton Ian M.
Published: December 2021

Variation in development time can affect life‐history traits that contribute to fitness. InGryllus vocalis, a non‐diapausing cricket with variable development time, we used a path analysis approach to determine the causative relationships between parental age, offspring development time and offspring life‐history traits. Our best‐supported path model included both the effects of parental age and offspring development time on offspring morphological traits. This result suggests that offspring traits are influenced by both variation in acquisition of resources and trade‐offs between traits. We found that crickets with longer development times became larger adults with better phenoloxidase‐based immunity. This is consistent with the hypothesis that crickets must make a trade‐off between developing quickly to avoid predation before reproduction and attaining better immunity and a larger adult body size that provides advantages in male–male competition, mate choice and female fecundity. Slower‐developing crickets were also more likely to be short‐winged (unable to disperse by flight). Parental age has opposing direct and indirect effects on the body size of daughters, but when both the direct and indirect effects of parental age are taken into account, younger parents had smaller sons and daughters. This pattern may be attributable to a parental trade‐off between the number and size of eggs produced with younger parents producing more eggs with fewer resources per egg. The relationships between variables in the life‐history traits of sons and daughters were similar, suggesting that parental age and development time had similar causative effects on male and female life‐history traits.
Where whole‐genome duplication is most beneficial: Adaptation of mangroves to a wide salinity range between land and sea
Authors: Xu Shaohua , Guo Zixiao , Feng Xiao , Shao Shao , Yang Yuchen , Li Jianfang , Zhong Cairong , He Ziwen , Shi Suhua
Published: December 2021

Whole‐genome duplication (WGD) is believed to increase the chance of adaptation to a new environment. This conjecture may apply particularly well to new environments that are not only different but also more variable than ancestral habitats. One such prominent environment is the interface between land and sea, which has been invaded by woody plants, collectively referred as mangroves, multiple times. Here, we use two distantly related mangrove species (Avicennia marina and Rhizophora apiculata) to explore the effects of WGD on the adaptive process. We found that a high proportion of duplicated genes retained after WGD have acquired derived differential expression in response to salt gradient treatment. The WGD duplicates differentially expressed in at least one copy usually (>90%) diverge from their paralogues’ expression profiles. Furthermore, both species evolved in parallel to have one paralogue expressed at a high level in both fresh water and hypersaline conditions but at a lower level at medium salinity. The pattern contrasts with the conventional view of monotone increase/decrease as salinity increases. Differentially expressed copies have thus probably acquired a new role in salinity tolerance. Our results indicate that the WGD duplicates may have evolved to function collaboratively in coping with different salinity levels, rather than specializing in the intermediate salinity optimal for mangrove plants. In conclusion, WGD and the retained duplicates appear to be an effective solution for adaptation to new and unstable environments.
Modes of ventilation for pediatric patients under anesthesia: A Pro/Con conversation
Authors: Brooks Peterson Melissa , Szolnoki Judit
Published: December 2021

The development of sophisticated modes of ventilation for pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia is ongoing; what remains a challenge for the pediatric anesthesiologist is thoughtful selection of the mode(s) of ventilation for a particular patient in the context of the surgical procedure and the goals of the anesthetic. This article provides some historical accounting of a variety of modes of ventilation, defines the terminology of modern ventilatory modes, and reviews in detail the benefits and pitfalls of the specific modes of ventilation and their applicability to the practice of pediatric anesthesiology. In an attempt to debate the Pros and Cons of different modes of ventilation, and to finally resolve the debate “spontaneous vs. controlled ventilation,” we share with you a thoughtful conversation of the continuum of modes of ventilation and their applicability to our pediatric anesthesia population.
Update on ventilation management in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Egbuta Chinyere , Easley Ronald Blaine
Published: December 2021

Studies have shown that up to 63% of pediatric intensive care unit patients admitted with acute respiratory or cardiorespiratory illness require mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilator support can be divided into three phases: initiation, escalation, and resolution. Noninvasive ventilation is typical during the initiation phase in the management of acute pediatric respiratory failure. The major advancements in the use of noninvasive ventilation involve the emergence of high‐flow nasal cannula and how widespread the use of high‐flow nasal cannula has become in pediatric critical care practice. When high‐flow nasal cannula fails, escalation to continuous positive airway pressure or bi‐level positive airway pressure is the next step in respiratory care progression. Careful clinical assessment is necessary to avoid delayed escalation between forms of noninvasive support or escalation to intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation. Advancements in conventional mechanical ventilation are centered on optimizing ventilator settings and customizing monitoring with the overarching goal to reduce complications of mechanical ventilation, such as ventilator‐induced lung injury. New mechanical ventilator strategies integrating esophageal pressure monitoring, volumetric capnography, and neurally adjusted ventilator assist help to optimize conventional ventilator support. Nonconventional modes of ventilation in the intensive care unit are high‐frequency modes and airway pressure release ventilation. Extracorporeal pulmonary support via extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or paracorporeal lung assist devices provides rescue options when conventional and nonconventional methods fail. During resolution of a course of mechanical ventilator support, reliable weaning strategies and extubation readiness testing are lacking in pediatric critical care. Further, timing of tracheostomy, risk reduction in ventilator‐induced lung injury, and decreased sedation requirements in pediatric patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit are areas of ongoing research.
Knowing in Aristotle part 2:Technē, phronēsis, sophia,and divine cognitive activities
Authors: Cohoe Caleb Murray
Published: December 2021

In this second of a 2‐part survey of Aristotle’s epistemology, I present an overview of Aristotle’s views on techne (craft or excellent productive reason) and phronēsis (practical wisdom or excellent practical reason). For Aristotle, attaining the truth in practical matters involves actually doing the right action. While technē and phronēsis are rational excellences, for Aristotle they are not as excellent or true as epistēmē ornousbecause the kinds of truth that they grasp are imperfect and because they are excellent states for humans, not simply speaking. I then discuss why Aristotle takes sophia (wisdom), understanding and scientific knowledge of the best things, to be its own excellence. While this is the best cognitive state for human beings, I argue that Aristotle thinks divine cognitive activity is different in kind and more perfect than any human activity.
Services for homeless people in Germany during the COVID‐19‐pandemic: A descriptive study
Authors: Gräske Johannes , Koppe Louise , Neumann Fränze , Forbrig Theresa A.
Published: December 2021

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in December 2020/January 2021 in the five significant cities of Germany.

Sample

135 of 244 identified service institutions took part in the evaluation.

Measurements

This evaluation included changes in institutions’ operating hours as well as capacity for homeless people. Service institutions described changes in guests’ characteristics, moods, and mental burden. Finally, equipment including face masks, coveralls, and gloves was investigated. In addition, the study examined how the cooperation with the health authorities works.

Results

Institutions reduced their operating hours and capacity for guests (62.4%). Increased costs, which they had to cover themselves, were reported by 70.9% of institutions. Institutions reported, that guests showed more symptoms of aggression (15%), anxiety (25%), and desperation (32%) and fewer signs of being relaxed (75%). The institutions reported room for improvement in PPE supplies and collaboration with health authorities.

Conclusions

Services are limited for a vulnerable population, which shows changes in moods and mental health. Health authorities are not sufficiently engaged to take over the role of institutions in caring for homeless people. In the future, in‐depth investigation to improve this is necessary.
Cytokine production and the effects of oclacitinib in three canine mast cell tumour cell lines
Authors: de Mello Souza Carlos H. , Shiomitsu Keijiro , Hwang Benjamin
Published: December 2021

Background

Cytokines are capable of manipulating the tumour microenvironment supporting tumour growth. Interleukin (IL)‐8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, shown to be produced by various tumours, can negatively affect prognosis. The production of cytokines by canine mast cell tumours (MCT) has not been reported.

Hypothesis/objectives

We hypothesise that MCT cell lines produce IL‐8 and/or MCP‐1 in addition to other cytokines, and that their production can be modulated by the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor oclacitinib. This pilot study aims to investigate the production of IL‐8, MCP‐1 and nine additional cytokines in three canine MCT cell lines, and determine the effects of oclacitinib on their production.

Methods and materials

Reverse transcriptase‐PCR was used to detect the expression of IL‐8 and MCP‐1 mRNA in three MCT cell lines (CoMS, CM‐MC1 and VI‐MC1). The supernatant of the cell lines was evaluated for the presence of 11 cytokines [IL‐2, ‐6, ‐7, ‐8, ‐10, ‐15 and ‐18, and MCP‐1, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), interferon (IFN)γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α] by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The IC50 of oclacitinib was identified for each cell line. ELISA was performed again to compare changes in IL‐8 and MCP‐1 in treated cell lines versus untreated controls.

Results

Interleukin‐8 and MCP‐1 were produced by all MCT cell lines tested. Oclacitinib significantly decreased the release of IL‐8 in the CoMS cell line and of MCP‐1 in CoMS and VI‐MC1 in clinically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, oclacitinib significantly decreased the proliferation of all three cell lines.

Conclusions

Interleukin‐8 and MCP‐1 are produced by canine MCT cell lines. Modulation of their production is possible with oclacitinib.
Hitos y voces de nuestra historia: Facultad de Ciencias de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Authors: Valderrama Valderrama Luz Teresa
Published: December 2021

Con este libro, la Facultad de Ciencias ha querido dejar un registro de su larga historia, que se acerca ya a las cinco décadas de existencia. Aquí están los hitos a lo largo de ese camino, pero, sobre todo, las voces de las personas que lo han transitado. Con motivo del cumpleaños número 50 de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Pontifi¬cia Universidad Javeriana, nos propusimos la tarea de revisar nuestra historia: reconocernos y empoderarnos como comunidad académica y científica, usando como pilares los aprendizajes, retos, aciertos y logros de nuestros antecesores. Consciente del significado y poder de la historia para la construcción de comunidad y edificación del futuro, invité a nuestra profesora Luz Teresa Valderrama Valderrama — quien conjuga dos pasiones maravillosas, la biología y la escritura creativa— a recopilar y dar a la luz el trasegar de nuestra Facultad durante estos 50 años.
Al encuentro de una alimentación saludable y segura
Authors: Alba Rueda-Gómez , Adriana Pulido-Villamarín , Rubiela Castañeda-Salazar , Viviana Peña-Herrera , Francisco Palencia-Sánchez
Published: December 2021

Plato saludable de la familia colombiana. Cada integrante de la familia debe consumir todos los días alimentos de los diferentes grupos, en la cantidad necesaria de acuerdo con su edad, estado de salud o trabajo. La cantidad es diferente si uno es hombre o mujer o si una está embarazada o dando teta al chino, o si es chiquito, o si uno trabaja mucho o si se está enfermo.
Noise characteristics of the Kirby Morgan 37 surface-supplied diving helmet under simulated diving conditions
Authors: Langston Tye , Singh Shane , Hunt Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

Divers are exposed to noise from a variety of sources, including their breathing apparatus. Furthermore, there is a significant body of information that suggests divers are susceptible to hearing loss that worsens faster than the general population. This study measured the noise characteristics of a commonly used diving helmet, the Kirby Morgan 37 (Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc., Santa Maria, CA) under simulated diving conditions that included variations in depth, breathing rate, and breathing gas. Depth was varied from 0 to 165 feet sea water (fsw) and breathing rates were varied from 22.5 to 90 liters per minute (lpm). Air and an 80% helium/20% oxygen mixture (heliox) were considered as diving gases. Measured noise levels increased with increases in both diving depth and breathing rate. Using heliox as the breathing gas produced lower noise levels than air under the same conditions. It was observed that the spectral characteristics of inhalation and exhalation were considerably different due to different flow paths through the apparatus. Exhalation produced mostly low frequency noise (below 600 Hz), while inhalation was responsible for most of the noise between 600 Hz and 20 kHz.
Detection of graphene’s divergent orbital diamagnetism at the Dirac point
Authors: Vallejo Bustamante J. , Wu N. J. , Fermon C. , Pannetier-Lecoeur M. , Wakamura T. , Watanabe K. , Taniguchi T. , Pellegrin T. , Bernard A. , Daddinounou S. , Bouchiat V. , Guéron S. , Ferrier M. , Montambaux G. , Bouchiat H.
Published: December 2021

Detecting orbital magnetism

Graphene’s electronic structure has been predicted to lead to an unusual orbital response to magnetic fields. However, detecting this orbital magnetism is difficult because it is usually masked by the signal stemming from spins. Vallejo Bustamante
et al
. managed to capture this response by placing two giant magnetoresistance detectors below a sample of graphene sandwiched by layers of hexagonal boron nitride. These detectors picked up a strong diamagnetic response from an undoped sample, consistent with theoretical predictions. The technique may be useful in the investigation of other two-dimensional materials. —JS
Comment on “An early Miocene extinction in pelagic sharks”
Authors: Feichtinger I. , Adnet S. , Cuny G. , Guinot G. , Kriwet J. , Neubauer T.A. , Pollerspöck J. , Shimada K. , Straube N. , Underwood C. , Vullo R. , Harzhauser M.
Published: December 2021

Sibert and Rubin (Reports, 4 June 2021, p. 1105) claim to have identified a previously unidentified, major extinction event of open-ocean sharks in the early Miocene. We argue that their interpretations are based on an experimental design that does not account for a considerable rise in the sedimentation rate coinciding with the proposed event, nor for intraspecific variation in denticle morphology.
Time-of-flight 3D imaging through multimode optical fibers
Authors: Stellinga Daan , Phillips David B. , Mekhail Simon Peter , Selyem Adam , Turtaev Sergey , Čižmár Tomáš , Padgett Miles J.
Published: December 2021

A view through a fiber

Reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image of a scene typically involves sending out pulses of light and timing their return. For endoscope applications in bioimaging or imaging inside difficult-to-reach places inside machines, the typical approach using bulk optics may not be viable. Stellinga
et al
. found that 3D imaging can be achieved using multimode optic fibers. After characterizing the transmission matrix of the fiber, optical pulses can be used to reconstruct 3D images of a number of scenes. Because this approach can use fibers the width of a human hair, the results are promising for miniaturized and minimally invasive 3D endoscopic imaging applications. —ISO
Keep it simple and switch to pure tellurium
Authors: Calarco Raffaella , Arciprete Fabrizio
Published: December 2021

Tellurium switch operates memories through crystalline-liquid-crystalline phase changes
Interpreting Jerusalem
Under Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World’s Most Contested City
Andrew Lawler
Doubleday, 2021. 464 pp.
Authors: Levy Thomas E.
Published: December 2021

Science, politics, identity, and conflict converge in investigations of the city of peace
Trial of Harvard chemist poses test for U.S.’s China Initiative
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

Prosecution of Charles Lieber “misguided,” critics say
Draft Genome Sequence of Weissella cibaria P71, a Promising Aquaculture Probiotic Strain Isolated from Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
Authors: Contente Diogo , Feito Javier , Díaz-Formoso Lara , Gómez-Sala Beatriz , Borrero Juan , Peña Nuria , Igrejas Gilberto , Poeta Patrícia , Hernández Pablo E. , Muñoz-Atienza Estefanía , Cintas Luis M.
Published: December 2021

Weissella cibaria
P71 is a lactic acid bacterium that was isolated from common octopus (
Octopus vulgaris
) and previously showed interesting probiotic properties for turbot (
Scophthalmus maximus
L.) farming. The draft genome sequence of this strain provides further data to support its potential as a probiotic for aquaculture.
Complete Genome Sequencing of the Attenuated Strain Mycoplasma synoviae 5-9
Authors: Zhang Xiaorong , Chen Yang , Wei Zehua , Ma Shuang , Guo Mengjiao , Chu Dianfeng , Zhang Chengcheng , Cao Yongzhong , Wu Yantao
Published: December 2021

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Mycoplasma synoviae
strain 5-9. Strain 5-9 was attenuated by chemical mutagenesis from a field strain isolated from egg breeders in Ningxia, China. It was completely sequenced and its genome annotated; it is presented with the relevant data as a potential vaccine candidate.
Simultaneous Calculation of Chemical and Isotope Equilibria Using the GEOCHEQ_Isotope Software: Oxygen Isotopes
Authors: Polyakov V. B. , Mironenko M. V. , Alenina M. V.
Published: December 2021

Abstract—

The GEOCHEQ_Isotope software package, elaborated previously for modeling chemical and carbon isotope equilibria in hydrothermal and hydrogeochemical systems by minimizing the Gibbs energy, is extended to the simultaneous calculation of carbon and oxygen isotopic effects. Similar to what was done for carbon, the β-factor formalism was used to develop algorithms and a database for calculating the isotopic effects of oxygen. According to the developed algorithm, the Gibbs energy of formation of a rare isotopologue, G*(P, T), is calculated through the Gibbs energy of formation of the main isotopologue, the value of the β18O factor of this substance, and the mass ratio of the rare (18O) and main (16O) isotopes. The isotope mixture is assumed to be ideal. The temperature dependence of the β-factor is unified as a polynomial in reciprocal absolute temperature. Necessary information on oxygen isotope equilibria involving important geochemical compounds was critically analyzed, and the available data were reconciled and modified. The temperature dependences of the β18O-factors were correspondingly optimized. The thermodynamic database was updated by adding information on the temperature dependence of β18O-factors specified by polynomial coefficients for each substance. The usage of the GEOCHEQ_Isotope software package and the corresponding database is demonstrated by modeling the dependence of oxygen and carbon isotope fractionation factors on the acidity of the solution (pH) in a carbonate hydrothermal system. The simulation results are in a good agreement with experimental data available from the literature. The enrichment of dissolved carbonates in the 18O heavy oxygen isotope relative to water decreases with increasing pH of the system. At the same time, a pH increase results in a decrease in the negative carbon isotope shift between calcite and dissolved carbonates. At high pH values (~11), the isotope shift inversion and the enrichment of the dissolved carbonate in the heavy carbon isotope relative to calcite are predicted.
Economic inequality in malnutrition: a global systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alao Rotimi , Nur Hayaan , Fivian Emily , Shankar Bhavani , Kadiyala Suneetha , Harris-Fry Helen
Published: December 2021

Objective

To describe the evidence on global and regional economic inequality in malnutrition, and the associations between economic inequality and malnutrition.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Between 1 November 2020 and 22 January 2021, we searched Medline, Embase, Global Health, Eldis, Web of Science and EBSCO Discovery Service. We contacted 39 experts and tracked citations. We included any study reporting a concentration index (CIX) relating economic status and nutritional status and any multilevel study reporting an association between economic inequality and nutritional status. Nutritional status was measured as stunting, wasting, anaemia, or overweight in children (<5 years), or underweight, overweight or obesity, or anaemia in adults (15–49 years). We had no study date or language restriction. Quality was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool). We mapped estimates and pooled them using multilevel random-effects meta-analyses.

Results

From 6185 results, 91 studies provided 426 CIX (>2.9 million people) and 47 associations (~3.9 million people). Stunting (CIX −0.15 (95% CI −0.19 to −0.11)) and wasting (−0.03 (95% CI −0.05 to −0.02)) are concentrated among poor households. Adult overweight and obesity is concentrated in wealthier households (0.08 (95% CI −0.00 to 0.17)), particularly in South Asia (0.26 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.34)), but not in Europe and Central Asia (−0.02 (95% CI −0.08 to 0.05)) or North America (−0.04 (95% CI −0.10 to 0.03)). We found no association between 0.1 increase in Gini coefficient and adult underweight (OR 1.03 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.12)) or overweight and obesity (0.92 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.05)).

Conclusions

There is good evidence that the prevalence of malnutrition varies by levels of absolute economic status. Undernutrition is concentrated in poor households, whereas concentration of overweight and obesity by economic status depends on region, and we lack information on economic inequalities in anaemia and child overweight. In contrast, links between malnutrition and relative economic status are less clear and should not be assumed; robust evidence on causal pathways is needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020201572.
Sensitizing tumors to anti-PD-1 therapy by promoting NK and CD8+ T cells via pharmacological activation of FOXO3
Authors: Chung Young Min , Khan Pragya P , Wang Hong , Tsai Wen-Bin , Qiao Yanli , Yu Bo , Larrick James W , Hu Mickey C-T
Published: December 2021

Background

Stimulating antitumor immunity by blocking programmed death-1 (PD-1) or its ligand (programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a promising antitumor therapy. However, numerous patients respond poorly to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Unresponsiveness to immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) can cast significant challenges to the therapeutic options for patients with hard-to-treat tumors. There is an unmet clinical need to establish new therapeutic approaches for mitigating ICB unresponsiveness in patients. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and role of low-dose antineoplastic agent SN-38 or metformin in sensitizing unresponsive tumors to respond to ICB therapy.

Methods

We assessed the significant pathological relationships between PD-L1 and FOXO3 expression and between PD-L1 and c-Myc or STAT3 expression in patients with various tumors. We determined the efficacy of low-dose SN-38 or metformin in sensitizing unresponsive tumors to respond to anti-PD-1 therapy in a syngeneic tumor system. We deciphered novel therapeutic mechanisms underlying the SN-38 and anti-PD-1 therapy-mediated engagement of natural killer (NK) or CD8+ T cells to infiltrate tumors and boost antitumor immunity.

Results

We showed that PD-L1 protein level was inversely associated with FOXO3 protein level in patients with ovarian, breast, and hepatocellular tumors. Low-dose SN-38 or metformin abrogated PD-L1 protein expression, promoted FOXO3 protein level, and significantly increased the animal survival rate in syngeneic mouse tumor models. SN-38 or metformin sensitized unresponsive tumors responding to anti-PD-1 therapy by engaging NK or CD8+ T cells to infiltrate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and secret interferon-γ and granzyme B to kill tumors. SN-38 suppressed the levels of c-Myc and STAT3 proteins, which controlled PD-L1 expression. FOXO3 was essential for SN38-mediated PD-L1 suppression. The expression of PD-L1 was compellingly linked to that of c-Myc or STAT3 in patients with the indicated tumors.

Conclusion

We show that SN-38 or metformin can boost antitumor immunity in the TME by inhibiting c-Myc and STAT3 through FOXO3 activation. These results may provide novel insight into ameliorating patient response to overarching immunotherapy for tumors.
Changes in ankylosing spondylitis incidence, prevalence and time to diagnosis over two decades
Authors: Crossfield Samantha S R , Marzo-Ortega Helena , Kingsbury Sarah R , Pujades-Rodriguez Mar , Conaghan Philip G
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To assess changes in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) incidence, prevalence and time to diagnosis, between 1998 and 2017.

Methods

Using UK GP data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we identified patients diagnosed with AS between 1998 and 2017. We estimated the annual AS incidence, prevalence and length of time from first recorded symptom of back pain to rheumatology referral and diagnosis.

Results

We identified 12 333 patients with AS. The incidence declined from 0.72 (±0.14) per 10 000 patient-years in 1998 to 0.39 (±0.06) in 2007, with this decline significant only in men, then incidence rose to 0.57 (±0.11) in 2017. By contrast, prevalence increased between 1998 and 2017 (from 0.13%±0.006 to 0.18%±0.006), rising steeply among women (from 0.06%±0.05 to 0.10%±0.06) and patients aged ≥60 (from 0.14%±0.01 to 0.26%±0.01). The overall median time from first symptom to rheumatology referral was 4.87 years (IQR=1.42–10.23). The median time from first symptom to diagnosis rose between 1998 and 2017 (from 3.62 years (IQR=1.14–7.07) to 8.31 (IQR=3.77–15.89)) and was longer in women (6.71 (IQR=2.30–12.36)) than men (5.65 (IQR=1.66–11.20)).

Conclusion

AS incidence declined significantly between 1998 and 2007, with an increase between 2007 and 2017 that may be explained by an improvement in the recognition of AS or confidence in diagnosing AS over time, stemming from increased awareness of inflammatory back pain and the importance of early treatment. The rising AS prevalence may indicate improved patient survival. The persisting delay in rheumatology referral and diagnosis remains of concern, particularly in women.
Achyranthes Japonica Nakai root extract supplementation improves apparent nutrient digestibility, caecum microbiota, and excreta gas emission in broiler chicks
Authors: Dang De Xin , Yun Kwan Sik , Kim In Ho
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the effects of supplementing Achyranthes Japonica Nakai (AJN) root extract to the diet of broiler chicks on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, caecum microbiota, excreta gas emission, and relative weight of organs. A total of 270 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (42.11 ± 0.18 g) were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments according to the initial body weight. Each treatment had five replicate cages with 18 birds per cage. The experimental period was 35 d (starter, days 1–7; grower, days 8–21; finisher, days 22–35). Dietary treatments were a corn–soybean meal-based basal diet supplemented with 0.000%, 0.015%, or 0.030% AJN root extract. The apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen (P = 0.025) increased linearly with the increase of the dosage of AJN root extract, while the counts of Escherichia coli in the caecum (P = 0.038) and excreta ammonia emission (P = 0.003) decreased linearly. However, the growth performance (P > 0.05) and the relative weight of organs (P > 0.05) did not differ among the dietary groups. In conclusion, AJN root extract could increase the nutrient digestibility and reduce the noxious gas emission by reducing the caecum harmful microbiota in a dose-dependent manner.
Effect of dietary organic acids supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut morphology in weaned pigs
Authors: Lee Jinyoung , Kim Jong Woong , Hall Heidi , Nyachoti Charles Martin
Published: December 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different organic acid (OA) mixtures on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut morphology in weaned pigs. A total of 56 weaned pigs (7.93 ± 1.04 kg body weight) were assigned to four dietary treatments with seven replicates per treatment for a 35-day study conducted over two phases: phase 1 (day 1 to 14) and phase 2 (day 14 to 35). Diets consisted of (1) a corn–soybean meal basal diet without any additive (negative control, NC); (2) NC + formic and propionic acids (TRT1); (3) NC + butyric, formic, and propionic acids (TRT2); and (4) NC + antibiotic (positive control, PC). During the overall period, the gain to feed ratio of pigs fed the PC and TRT1 diets tended to be higher (P = 0.059) than that of those fed the NC diet. However, OA supplementation had no effects on nutrient digestibility. Jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio was higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the TRT1 diet than those fed the NC diet. In conclusion, dietary OA supplementation tended to increase overall feed efficiency and improved gut morphology in weaned pigs.