bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint effect of changes in physical activity and weight on incident non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tsai Yi-Lin , Chen Sean Chun-Chang
Published: June 2021

Background

Increases in physical activity (PA) and weight have opposite effects on the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but their joint effect remains unknown. We examined the dose-effect of PA increase for NAFLD prevention and the amount of PA increase required to offset the deleterious effect of weight gain.

Methods

We analysed 47 058 participants who were extracted from the Taiwan MJ cohort, aged 20–50 years, without NAFLD at baseline, and followed at 1–5 years between 1997 and 2016. The outcome was incident NAFLD, diagnosed by ultrasonography. PA was measured by metabolic equivalents (METs) and duration (hour/week). We used flexible parametric survival models to estimate the HRs of annual change in PA and body mass index (BMI), controlling for their interaction and baseline covariates.

Results

During 138 646 person-years of follow-up, 12 836 participants (40.6% men and 20.1% women) developed incident NAFLD. The HR (95% CI) of annual PA increase of 1 MET-hour/week was 0.88 (0.85–0.92) after controlling for weight change. Moreover, 28 min/week of moderate-intensity PA could neutralise NAFLD risk elevated by annual BMI increase of 0.1 kg/m
2
at the end of year 3. We also observed an extra 35% risk reduction when PA increase (1 MET-hour/week) and weight loss (0.1 kg/m
2
) occurred simultaneously.

Conclusions

Annual PA increase of 1 MET-hour/week was associated with a 12% lower NAFLD risk. PA increase can counteract the harmful effect of weight gain and there is a synergistic effect from PA increase and weight loss.
A black dog enters the home: hunger and malnutrition in Malawi
Authors: Dressel Anne , Mkandawire Elizabeth , Mkandawire-Valhmu Lucy , Dyke Elizabeth , Bisai Clement , Kantayeni Hazel , Kako Peninnah , Ochoa-Nordstrum Brittany
Published: June 2021

Hunger and inadequate nutrition are ongoing concerns in rural Malawi and are exemplified in traditional proverbs. Traditional proverbs and common expressions offer insight into commonly held truths across societies throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Strong oral traditions allow community beliefs embodied in proverbs to be passed down from generation to generation. In our qualitative study, we conducted 8 individual and 12 focus group interviews with a total of 83 participants across two districts in rural central Malawi with the aim of soliciting context-specific details on men and women’s knowledge, attitudes and practices related to nutrition, gender equality and women’s empowerment. Each interview began by asking participants to share common proverbs related to nutrition. Our qualitative analysis, informed by an indigenous-based theoretical framework that recognises and centres African indigenous knowledge production, yielded six themes: ‘a black dog enters the home’, ‘don’t stay with your hands hanging’, ‘a man is at the stomach’, ‘showers have fallen’, ‘we lack peace in our hearts’ and ‘the hunger season’. Traditional proverbs can provide insight into the underlying causes of hunger and malnutrition. Physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals around the world have a role to play in addressing hunger and malnutrition, which have been exacerbated by climate change. We have an ethical duty to educate ourselves and others, and change our behaviours, to mitigate the root causes of climate change, which are contributing to food insecurity and resultant poor health outcomes in countries like Malawi.
Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 in Latin America and the Caribbean: systematic review, meta-analyses and metaregressions
Authors: Harfouche Manale , Maalmi Haifa , Abu-Raddad Laith J
Published: June 2021

Objective

To characterise epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Methods

HSV-2 reports were systematically reviewed and synthesised, and findings were reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Meta-analyses and metaregressions were conducted.

Finding

102 relevant reports were identified including 13 overall incidence measures, 163 overall (and 402 stratified) seroprevalence measures, and 7 and 10 proportions of virus detection in genital ulcer disease and in genital herpes, respectively. Pooled mean seroprevalence was 20.6% (95% CI 18.7% to 22.5%) in general populations, 33.3% (95% CI 26.0% to 41.0%) in intermediate-risk populations, 74.8% (95% CI 70.6% to 78.8%) in female sex workers, and 54.6% (95% CI 47.4% to 61.7%) in male sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender people. In general populations, seroprevalence increased from 9.6% (95% CI 7.1% to 12.4%) in those aged <20 years to 17.9% (95% CI 13.6% to 22.5%) in those aged 20–30, 27.6% (95% CI 21.4% to 34.2%) in those aged 30–40 and 38.4% (95% CI 32.8% to 44.2%) in those aged >40. Compared with women, men had lower seroprevalence with an adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 0.68 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.76). Seroprevalence declined by 2% per year over the last three decades (ARR of 0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). Pooled mean proportions of HSV-2 detection in GUD and genital herpes were 41.4% (95% CI 18.9% to 67.0%) and 91.1% (95% CI 82.7% to 97.2%), respectively.

Conclusions

One in five adults is HSV-2 infected, a higher level than other world regions, but seroprevalence is declining. Despite this decline, HSV-2 persists as the aetiological cause of nearly half of GUD cases and almost all of genital herpes cases.
Lodgepole pine and interior spruce radial growth response to climate and topography in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alberta
Authors: Ackerman Frances , Goldblum David
Published: June 2021

Climate change may have spatially variable impacts on growth of trees in topographically diverse environments, making generalizing across broad spatial and temporal extents inappropriate. Therefore, topography must be considered when analyzing growth response to climate. We address these topo-climatic relationships in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, focusing on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Louden) and interior spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss × Picea engelmannii hybrid Parry) growth response to climate, Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), aspect, and slope angle. Climate variables correlate with older lodgepole pine growth on south- and west-facing slopes, including previous August temperature, winter and spring precipitation, and previous late-summer and current spring PDSI, but younger lodgepole pine were generally less sensitive to climate. Climate variables correlate with interior spruce growth on all slope aspects, with winter temperature and PDSI important for young and old individuals. Numerous monthly growth–climate correlations are not temporally stable, with shifts over the past century, and response differs by slope aspect and angle. Both species are likely to be negatively affected by moisture stress in the future in some, but not all, topographic environments. Results suggest species-specific and site-specific spatiotemporally diverse climate–growth responses, indicating that climate change is likely to have spatially variable impacts on radial growth response in mountainous environments.
A COMPARISON OF THREE-WAY SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE–SULFUR COMPOSITE
Authors: UL HAQ INAM , ANWAR ABDUL WAHEED , WAHEED ABDUL , ARSLAN ZUNAIR , ILYAS USMAN , MUNIR AKHTAR
Published: June 2021

Graphite oxide was prepared by improved Hummer’s method. Then the graphene oxide (GO) suspension was obtained through ultrasonication for 1 h. The GO suspension was mixed with sulfur (S) using three different methods (namely sodium polysulfide route, sodium borohydride route, and hydrothermal route) of which two were chemical methods while one was hydrothermal method to make the composite material of reduce GO and sulfur (rGO–S). The electrode of the rGO–S composite was then prepared by making a slurry of active material, carbon black and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The sample of GO was analyzed using UV–visible and FTIR spectroscopy, while the sample of rGO and S was analyzed using XRD. This confirmed the synthesis of rGO–S for all the three methods. The comparison of all the three methods shows that the chemical methods are time consuming, difficult and toxic while hydrothermal method is easy and friendly.
A Note on Conditional Edge Connectivity of Hypercube Networks
Authors: Saraf J. B. , Borse Y. M.
Published: June 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a connected graph with minimum degree at least [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be an integer such that [Formula: see text] The conditional [Formula: see text]-edge ([Formula: see text]-vertex) cut of [Formula: see text] is defined as a set [Formula: see text] of edges (vertices) of [Formula: see text] whose removal disconnects [Formula: see text] leaving behind components of minimum degree at least [Formula: see text] The characterization of a minimum [Formula: see text]-vertex cut of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional hypercube [Formula: see text] is known. In this paper, we characterize a minimum [Formula: see text]-edge cut of [Formula: see text] Also, we obtain a sharp lower bound on the number of vertices of an [Formula: see text]-edge cut of [Formula: see text] and obtain some consequences.
A Simplified Methodology for Condition Assessment of Bridge Bearings Using Vibration Based Structural Health Monitoring Techniques
Authors: Nasim Khan Raja Babar , Miramini Saeed , Duffield Colin , Chen Shilun , Zhang Lihai
Published: June 2021

The mechanical properties of bridge bearings gradually deteriorate over time resulting from daily traffic loading and harsh environmental conditions. However, structural health monitoring of in-service bridge bearings is rather challenging. This study presents a bridge bearing condition assessment framework which integrates the vibration data from a non-contact interferometric radar (i.e. IBIS-S) and a simplified analytical model. Using two existing concrete bridges in Australia as a case study, it demonstrates that the developed framework has the capability of detecting the structural condition of the bridge bearings in real-time. In addition, the results from a series of parametric studies show that the effectiveness of the developed framework is largely determined by the stiffness ratio between bridge bearing and girder ([Formula: see text], i.e. the structural condition of the bearings can only be effectively captured when the value of [Formula: see text] ranges from 1/100 and 100.
Mix and Match: Reorganizing Tasks for Enhancing Data Locality
Authors: Tang Xulong , Kandemir Mahmut Taylan , Karakoy Mustafa
Published: June 2021

Application programs that exhibit strong locality of reference lead to minimized cache misses and better performance in different architectures. However, to maximize the performance of multithreaded applications running on emerging manycore systems, data movement in on-chip network should also be minimized. Unfortunately, the way many multithreaded programs are written does not lend itself well to minimal data movement. Motivated by this observation, in this paper, we target task-based programs (which cover a large set of available multithreaded programs), and propose a novel compiler-based approach that consists of four complementary steps. First, we partition the original tasks in the target application into sub-tasks and build a data reuse graph at a sub-task granularity. Second, based on the intensity of temporal and spatial data reuses among sub-tasks, we generate new tasks where each such (new) task includes a set of sub-tasks that exhibit high data reuse among them. Third, we assign the newly-generated tasks to cores in an architecture-aware fashion with the knowledge of data location. Finally, we re-schedule the execution order of sub-tasks within new tasks such that sub-tasks that belong to different tasks but share data among them are executed in close proximity in time. The detailed experiments show that, when targeting a state of the art manycore system, our proposed compiler-based approach improves the performance of 10 multithreaded programs by 23.4% on average, and it also outperforms two state-of-the-art data access optimizations for all the benchmarks tested. Our results also show that the proposed approach i) improves the performance of multiprogrammed workloads, and ii) generates results that are close to maximum savings that could be achieved with perfect profiling information. Overall, our experimental results emphasize the importance of dividing an original set of tasks of an application into sub-tasks and constructing new tasks from the resulting sub-tasks in a data movement- and locality-aware fashion.
Where did my 256 GB go? A Measurement Analysis of Storage Consumption on Smart Mobile Devices
Authors: Bijlani Ashish , Ramachandran Umakishore , Campbell Roy
Published: June 2021

This work presents the first-ever detailed and large-scale measurement analysis of storage consumption behavior of applications (apps) on smart mobile devices. We start by carrying out a five-year longitudinal static analysis of millions of Android apps to study the increase in their sizes over time and identify various sources of app storage consumption. Our study reveals that mobile apps have evolved as large monolithic packages that are packed with features to monetize/engage users and optimized for performance at the cost of redundant storage consumption.

We also carry out a mobile storage usage study with 140 Android participants. We built and deployed a lightweight context-aware storage tracing tool, called cosmos, on each participant's device. Leveraging the traces from our user study, we show that only a small fraction of apps/features are actively used and usage is correlated to user context. Our findings suggest a high degree of app feature bloat and unused functionality, which leads to inefficient use of storage. Furthermore, we found that apps are not constrained by storage quota limits, and developers freely abuse persistent storage by frequently caching data, creating debug logs, user analytics, and downloading advertisements as needed.

Finally, drawing upon our findings, we discuss the need for efficient mobile storage management, and propose an elastic storage design to reclaim storage space when unused. We further identify research challenges and quantify expected storage savings from such a design. We believe our findings will be valuable to the storage research community as well as mobile app developers.
ACID: My Personal
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: June 2021

I had a chance recently to chat with my old friend, Andreas Reuter, the inventor of ACID. He and his Ph.D. advisor, Theo Härder, coined the term in their famous 1983 paper, Principles of Transaction-Oriented Database Recovery. I had blinders on after almost four decades of seeing C based on my assumptions. One big lesson for me is to work hard to ALWAYS question your assumptions. Try hard to surround yourself with curious and passionate people, both young and old, who will challenge you and try to dislodge your blinders. Foster a culture that makes them safe as they do so.
The Diversity of Eyes and Vision
Authors: Nilsson Dan-E.
Published: June 2021

Every aspect of vision, from the opsin proteins to the eyes and the ways that they serve animal behavior, is incredibly diverse. It is only with an evolutionary perspective that this diversity can be understood and fully appreciated. In this review, I describe and explain the diversity at each level and try to convey an understanding of how the origin of the first opsin some 800 million years ago could initiate the avalanche that produced the astonishing diversity of eyes and vision that we see today. Despite the diversity, many types of photoreceptors, eyes, and visual roles have evolved multiple times independently in different animals, revealing a pattern of eye evolution strictly guided by functional constraints and driven by the evolution of gradually more demanding behaviors. I conclude the review by introducing a novel distinction between active and passive vision that points to uncharted territories in vision research.
To Configure Thin Layer Sonoelectrochemical Experiments
Authors: Parr IV Daniel L. , Leddy Johna
Published: June 2021

In a thin layer sonoelectrochemistry cell, a simple high frequency (ultrasonic) oscillator placed a short distance from a flat electrode surface focuses ultrasound at the electrode solution interface to impact rates of interfacial processes. Traditionally, sonoelectrochemistry in a bulk fluid uses high energy oscillators such as sonic horns that drive turbulent cavitation. In the thin layer arrangement, no cavitation is visible but rates of interfacial electrochemical events are enhanced. Effective thin layer sonoelectrochemistry requires attention to properties of the solvent and electrode material, frequency and amplitude of the oscillator, and the alignment and distance between the faces of the oscillator and the electrode. When properly configured, the thin layer sonocell enhances energy delivered to the fluid electrode interface through constructive interference. Because there is no cavitation, voltammetric morphologies remain similar to those in quiescent electrolytes. Here, conditions to set up an effective thin layer sonoelectrochemical cell are described.
Current status of myocardial restoration via the paracrine function of mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Nguyen-Truong Michael , Hematti Peiman , Wang Zhijie
Published: June 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been studied for nearly two decades as a therapy for myocardial restoration. An emerging direction to repair myocardium is through their paracrine function, which includes the utilization of MSC-derived conditioned medium or extracellular vesicles. In this review, we go over the unique characteristics of MSCs that make it suitable for “off the shelf,” cell-free regenerative therapy, current MSC-derived cell-free approaches including their advantages and disadvantages, and the known mechanisms of action of the paracrine effect of MSCs. With a summary of the clinical trials and preclinical studies of MSC-derived cell-free therapy, we classify the aforementioned mechanisms into angiogenesis, immunomodulation, extracellular matrix remodeling, antiapoptosis, and antioxidation. Particularly, we discuss on ways researchers have worked toward enhancing these desired properties to improve the therapeutic outcomes and the investigation of mechanobiology involved in MSC paracrine function. Lastly, we bring up the remaining challenges in this arising field and suggestions for future directions to improve our understanding and control over the potential of MSC paracrine function for myocardial restoration.
On Strongly
b
−
θ
-Continuous Mappings in Fuzzifying Topology
Authors: Yang Ting , Khalil Ahmed Mostafa
Published: June 2021

In this article, we will define the new notions (e.g.,

b
−
θ

-neighborhood system of point,

b
−
θ

-closure (interior) of a set, and

b
−
θ

-closed (open) set) based on fuzzy logic (i.e., fuzzifying topology). Then, we will explain the interesting properties of the above five notions in detail. Several basic results (for instance, Definition 7, Theorem 3 (iii), (v), and (vi), Theorem 5, Theorem 9, and Theorem 4.6) in classical topology are generalized in fuzzy logic. In addition to, we will show that every fuzzifying

b
−
θ

-closed set is fuzzifying

γ

-closed set (by Theorem 3 (vi)). Further, we will study the notion of fuzzifying

b
−
θ

-derived set and fuzzifying

b
−
θ

-boundary set and discuss several of their fundamental basic relations and properties. Also, we will present a new type of fuzzifying strongly

b
−
θ

-continuous mapping between two fuzzifying topological spaces. Finally, several characterizations of fuzzifying strongly

b
−
θ

-continuous mapping, fuzzifying strongly

b
−
θ

-irresolute mapping, and fuzzifying weakly

b
−
θ

-irresolute mapping along with different conditions for their existence are obtained.
Third-Generation Anti-CD47-Specific CAR-T Cells Effectively Kill Cancer Cells and Reduce the Genes Expression in Lung Cancer Cell Metastasis
Authors: La Huyen Thi , Tran Dao Bich Thi , Tran Hai Manh , Nguyen Linh Trong
Published: June 2021

CD47 is a cell surface glycoprotein molecule, belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, binding to various proteins including integrins, thrombospondin-1, and signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα). CD47 is an important tumor antigen for the development and progression of various cancers. This study designed the chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) to bind to the CD47 to inhibit the expression of CD47. We used the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of the B6H12 mouse antibody grafted onto the IgG1 framework to create the humanized single-chain variable fragment (scFv) with linker (G4S)x3. scFv was used to design the chimeric antigen receptor with the structure CD8signal-CD47scFv-CD8a hinge-CD4TM-CD28-41BB-CD3ζ, which was then transformed into T lymphocytes by the lentivirus to create third generation of CAR-T. Results revealed that the new CAR-T cells efficiently killed A549 cancer cells. CAR-T inhibited the expression of genes involved in metastasis and invasion of cells A549 including beta actin, calreticulin, and cyclooxygenase 2 at mRNA levels.
Solar PV Minigrid Technology: Peak Shaving Analysis in the East African Community Countries
Authors: Ihirwe Jeanne Paula , Li Zibiao , Sun Keyuan , Bimenyimana Samuel , Wang Chen , Asemota Godwin Norense Osarumwense , Nduwamungu Aphrodis , Mesa Cicilia Kemunto
Published: June 2021

Solar PV research in East Africa has concentrated on solar home systems (SHS) in each country. However, several other fundamental advances in the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry have emerged, and the developments have seen the sector experienced significant growth and diversification of models, regulation, and financing. This paper begins with an extensive narrative on the solar PV outlook of each of the six countries studied. A solar PV minigrid was also simulated using HOMER software with a critical load of 2800.0 kWh/day in order to analyze the peak shaving capability and assess the affordability of the solar PV microgrid having commercial and industrial loads. The regional overview of the efforts was identified, followed by a description of the models, payment methods, and barriers encountered collectively. The lessons from this research suggest that there is a vast potential for solar PV micro and minigrid deployment in the region with a population of over 100 million people lacking access to electricity by the end of 2019. It shows that solar PV minigrid deployment in East Africa is still at a nascent phase. Also, minigrid developers face several challenges operating in rural areas. While solar PV minigrids remain fairly nascent in the East Africa region, the technology is gaining traction, a development that indicates budding confidence in the solar PV minigrid technology. This study identifies that (1) with large critical loads (industrial and commercial), solar PV minigrid can still contribute to affordable electricity through peak shaving, except Tanzania; (2) solar PV minigrid projects are largely dependent on donor financing, require vast financial diversity to get off the ground, and offer consistent service; (3) Governments support in the form of National electrification strategies, policies, and regulation are key ingredients for realizing the electrification of rural populations through minigrids; (4) hybrid minigrids and power demand creation have emerged as an approach that ensures sustainability or profitability for the operating solar minigrid firms. Overall, government policy and regulation, funding, and financial sustainability remain the major hurdles to minigrid uptake in the region.
Detection of Harassment Type of Cyberbullying: A Dictionary of Approach Words and Its Impact
Authors: Mahbub Syed , Pardede Eric , Kayes A. S. M.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of predatory approach words in the detection of cyberbullying and to propose a mechanism of generating a dictionary of such approach words. The research incorporates analysis of chat logs from convicted felons, to generate a dictionary of sexual approach words. By analysing data across multiple social networks, the study demonstrates the usefulness of such a dictionary of approach words in detection of online predatory behaviour through machine learning algorithms. It also shows the difference between the nature of contents across specific social network platforms. The proposed solution to detect cyberbullying and the domain of approach words are scalable to fit real-life social media, which can have a positive impact on the overall health of online social networks. Different types of cyberbullying have different characteristics. However, existing cyberbullying detection works are not targeted towards any of these specific types. This research is tailored to focus on sexual harassment type of cyberbullying and proposes a novel dictionary of approach words. Since cyberbullying is a growing threat to the mental health and intellectual development of adolescents in the society, models targeted towards the detection of specific type of online bullying or predation should be encouraged among social network researchers.
Manual Therapy as a Management of Cervical Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Borrella-Andrés Sergio , Marqués-García Isabel , Lucha-López María Orosia , Fanlo-Mazas Pablo , Hernández-Secorún Mar , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel , Hidalgo-García César
Published: June 2021

Background. Cervical radiculopathy is defined as a disorder involving dysfunction of the cervical nerve roots characterised by pain radiating and/or loss of motor and sensory function towards the root affected. There is no consensus on a good definition of the term. In addition, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of manual therapy in radiculopathy is contradictory. Objective. To assess the effectiveness of manual therapy in improving pain, functional capacity, and range of motion in treating cervical radiculopathy with and without confirmation of altered nerve conduction. Methods. Systematic review of randomised clinical trials on cervical radiculopathy and manual therapy, in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, and Cochrane Library Plus databases. The PRISMA checklist was followed. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale and RoB 2.0. tool. Results. 17 clinical trials published in the past 10 years were selected. Manual therapy was effective in the treatment of symptoms related to cervical radiculopathy in all studies, regardless of the type of technique and dose applied. Conclusions. This systematic review did not establish which manual therapy techniques are the most effective for cervical radiculopathy with electrophysiological confirmation of altered nerve conduction. Without this confirmation, the application of manual therapy, regardless of the protocol applied and the manual therapy technique selected, appears to be effective in reducing chronic cervical pain and decreasing the index of cervical disability in cervical radiculopathy in the short term. However, it would be necessary to agree on a definition and diagnostic criteria of radiculopathy, as well as the definition and standardisation of manual techniques, to analyse the effectiveness of manual therapy in cervical radiculopathy in depth.
Revisiting a Multifactor Authentication Scheme in Industrial IoT
Authors: Wang Ding , Hong Shuhong , Wang Qingxuan
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, as one of the key applications of Internet of Things, Industry IoT (IIoT) has recently received significant attention and has facilitated our life. In IIoT environments, an amount of data generally requires to be transmitted between the user and sensing devices in an open channel. In order to ensure safe transmission of these data, it is necessary for the user and sensing devices to authenticate each other and establish a secure channel between them. Recently, a multifactor authenticated key agreement scheme for IIoT was proposed, which aims to tackle this problem and provide solutions for user multiple sensing devices’ access. This work claims that the proposed scheme is secure against vario us attacks and has less communication and computational costs than other existing related schemes. Unfortunately, we find that this scheme cannot resist smart card attack and sensing device capture attack. Furthermore, we show that this scheme fails to provide forward secrecy, which is essential for a secure multifactor authentication scheme.
A new species of Varronia P. Browne (Cordiaceae) from central Colombia
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ-ALONSO JOSE LUIS , MIRANDA DE MELO JOSÉ IRANILDO
Published: June 2021

A new species, Varronia teguorum Fern. Alonso & J.I.M. Melo (Cordiaceae), from central Colombia is described. This new taxon is compared morphologically with V. subtruncata and V. bullata, the species with which it is most easily confused. An identification key for the Varronia species with globose inflorescences from Colombia/northern South America is presented.
Tyrictaca hyalina (Kallies & Arita, 2001) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Tinthiini)—a description of pupa and the introduction into Europe on an infested Ficus microcarpa
Authors: BĄKOWSKI MAREK , GRUSZKA ANNA , LARYSZ ADAM
Published: June 2021

The clearwing moth, Tyrictaca hyalina (Kallies & Arita, 2001) (Tinthiini, Sesiidae), was reared from cultivated Ficus microcarpa L.f. which were imported from China to Poland. Tyrictaca hyalina is native to southeast Asia and was probably reared before from the same imported Ficus plants in Germany and France. This article presents the first description of the pupal morphology of Tyrictaca. We compare the description of pupal morphology of T. hyalina to known morphological features of the pupae of other Tinthiini species. The morphological characters of adult and male genitalia are also presented.
An annotated checklist of Ciidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) of Iran
Authors: DROGVALENKO ALEXANDER N. , GHAHARI HASSAN
Published: June 2021

A synopsis of the Iranian Ciidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) is proposed. Based upon a literature review and new data, a total of 23 species within seven genera (all under the subfamily Ciinae) are given for the fauna of Iran. Cis micans (Fabricius, 1792) is new record for the fauna of Iran, and also Octotemnus rugosopunctatus Drogvalenko, 2002 is new for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia. Two species, Cis multidentatus (Pic, 1917) and Cis villosulus (Marsham, 1802) are excluded from the fauna of Iran.
Towards understanding Lepidocyrtus Bourlet, 1839 (Collembola, Entomobryidae) II: new Australian species
Authors: MATEOS EDUARDO , GREENSLADE PENELOPE
Published: June 2021

The genus Lepidocyrtus Bourlet is currently considered to consist of eight subgenera of which Setogaster Salmon is one. Here we describe three new species in this subgenus, L. agricolus sp. nov., L. coorongensis sp. nov., and L. nashi sp. nov. It appears to be the most widespread and numerically dominant subgenus of Lepidocyrtus in Australia. The three new species live in different habitats and in different parts of the continent. It is assumed they are endemic species, one is likely to be a short range endemic. The characters and a list of species of the Lepidocyrtus praecisus-group, and an identification key for the Australian species of genus Lepidocyrtus are provided.
Roles of TAO/TRITON and Argo in tropical Pacific observing system: An OSSE study for multiple time scale variability
Authors: Zhu Jieshun , Vernieres Guillaume , Sluka Travis , Flampouris Stylianos , Kumar Arun , Mehra Avichal , Cronin Meghan F. , Zhang Dongxiao , Wills Samantha , Wang Jiande , Wang Wanqiu
Published: June 2021

In this study, a series of ocean observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) are conducted in support of the tropical Pacific observing system (TPOS) 2020 Project (TPOS 2020) which was established in 2014, with aims to develop a more sustainable and resilient observing system for the tropical Pacific. The experiments are based on an ocean data assimilation system that is under development at the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) and the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC)/National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The atmospheric forcing and synthetic ocean observations are generated from a nature run, which is based on a modified CFSv2 with a vertical ocean resolution of 1-meter near the ocean surface. To explore the efficacy of TAO/TRITON and Argo observations in TPOS, synthetic ocean temperature and salinity observations were constructed by sampling the nature run following their present distributions. Our experiments include a free run with no “observations” assimilated, and assimilation runs with the TAO/TRITON and Argo synthetic observations assimilated separately or jointly. These experiments were analyzed by comparing their long-term mean states and variabilities at different time scales [i.e., low-frequency (>90 days), intraseasonal (20~90 days), and high-frequency (<20 days)]. It was found that (1) both TAO/TRITON and especially Argo effectively improve the estimation of mean states and low-frequency variations; (2) on the intraseasonal time scale, Argo has more significant improvements than TAO/TRITON (except for regions close to TAO/TRITON sites); (3) on the high-frequency time scale, both TAO/TRITON and Argo have evident deficits (although for TAO/TRITON, limited improvements were present close to TAO/TRITON sites).
What Is Your Estimand? Defining the Target Quantity Connects Statistical Evidence to Theory
Authors: Lundberg Ian , Johnson Rebecca , Stewart Brandon M.
Published: June 2021

We make only one point in this article. Every quantitative study must be able to answer the question: what is your estimand? The estimand is the target quantity—the purpose of the statistical analysis. Much attention is already placed on how to do estimation; a similar degree of care should be given to defining the thing we are estimating. We advocate that authors state the central quantity of each analysis—the theoretical estimand—in precise terms that exist outside of any statistical model. In our framework, researchers do three things: (1) set a theoretical estimand, clearly connecting this quantity to theory; (2) link to an empirical estimand, which is informative about the theoretical estimand under some identification assumptions; and (3) learn from data. Adding precise estimands to research practice expands the space of theoretical questions, clarifies how evidence can speak to those questions, and unlocks new tools for estimation. By grounding all three steps in a precise statement of the target quantity, our framework connects statistical evidence to theory.
Children’s pictures of COVID-19 and measures to mitigate its spread: An international qualitative study
Authors: Bray Lucy , Blake Lucy , Protheroe Jo , Nafria Begonya , de Avila Marla Andreia Garcia , Ångström-Brännström Charlotte , Forsner Maria , Campbell Steve , Ford Karen , Rullander Anna-Clara , Robichaud Fanny , Nolbris Margaretha Jenholt , Saron Holly , Kirton Jennifer A , Carter Bernie
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

To gain insight into children’s health-related knowledge and understanding of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) and COVID-19, and measures adopted to mitigate transmission.

Design:

A child-centred qualitative creative element embedded in an online mixed-methods survey of children aged 7–12 years.

Setting:

Children participated in the study in six countries – the UK, Australia, Sweden, Brazil, Spain and Canada.

Method:

A qualitative creative component, embedded in an online survey, prompted children to draw and label a picture. Children were recruited via their parents using the researchers’ professional social media accounts, through known contacts, media and websites from health organisations within each country. Analysis of the form and content of the children’s pictures took place.

Results:

A total of 128 children (mean age 9.2 years) submitted either a hand-drawn ( n = 111) or digitally created ( n = 17) picture. Four main themes were identified which related to children’s health-related knowledge of (1) COVID-19 and how it is transmitted; (2) measures and actions to mitigate transmission; (3) places of safety during the pandemic; and (4) children’s role in mitigating COVID-19 transmission.

Conclusion:

Children’s pictures indicated a good understanding of the virus, how it spreads and how to mitigate transmission. Children depicted their actions during the pandemic as protecting themselves, their families and wider society.
Filigree burns of a lightning strike: A case series
Authors: Thakur Kishor S , Sonwani Nagendra S , Ateriya Navneet
Published: June 2021

Lightning is the discharge of an electric charge forming in the atmosphere between the earth and clouds which travels downward in a branching pattern. It is estimated that there are some 1800 active thunderstorms at any given moment. Lightning may injure or kill a person by a direct strike, a side-flash or conduction through another object. Agricultural workers are at risk in developing and underdeveloped countries, as are those engaging in sporting activities elsewhere. Fatalities resulting from lightning strikes may not show specific symptoms at autopsy, but there may be symptoms of burns on clothes and body and fernlike marks specific to lightning strikes on their bodies. Other signs are acute kidney failure, cardiac arrhythmias and deaths, and while internal organs may show oedema, congestion, etc, this is not in itself sufficient to establish causation. When diagnosing death from a lightning strike, it is essential to examine the deceased’s clothes, their external body and carry out a crime scene investigation. We report a series of three cases of death from a lightning strike in previously healthy men engaged in their daily activities.
The Org-B5: Development of a Short Work Frame-of-Reference Measure of the Big Five
Authors: Pathki Chandra Shekhar , Kluemper Donald H. , Meuser Jeremy D. , McLarty Benjamin D.
Published: June 2021

The literature suggests that contextualized personality measures yield stronger predictive validity. However, frame-of-reference (FOR) theory is underdeveloped, and existing work-FOR personality measures have several limitations. Integrating FOR research with the knowledge-and-appraisal personality architecture (KAPA) theoretical framework, we developed a new work-FOR personality measure: the 20-item ORG-B5. Study 1 summarizes the procedure used to select the items and tests its basic psychometric properties with two samples. Study 2 shows that the ORG-B5 has good convergent and discriminant validity and outperforms the Mini-Markers and the Mini-IPIP in its base psychometrics. Study 3 demonstrates that the ORG-B5 predicts work-engagement and leader-member exchange (LMX), while Study 4a and 4b shows incremental validity of the ORG-B5 above other Big Five measures in predicting work-engagement and LMX. Study 5 demonstrates measurement invariance between native and nonnative English speakers and compares the criterion and incremental validity of the ORG-B5 beyond another work-FOR measure. Study 6 demonstrates convergence between self- and coworker ratings of the ORG-B5 and its prediction of time-lagged self-reported engagement and LMX and supervisor-reported deviance and task performance. Given these results, we argue that the ORG-B5 is a reliable and short personality measure more appropriate than existing measures for organizational research.
Communication in the Time of COVID-19: An Examination of Imagined Interactions and Communication Apprehension During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sealy M. K.
Published: June 2021

As people all over the world continue to adjust to the new normal presented to them by COVID-19, they must adjust to the social restrictions that have been enforced. These restrictions include shelter-in-place and work-from-home orders that severely limit the face-to-face interactions that were considered a norm in many peoples’ lives (e.g., speaking with the grocer, hair stylist, etc.). As individuals adjust to these changes, their communication behaviors must adapt as well. This study seeks to determine how the restrictions of COVID-19 have impacted Imagined Interactions (IIs) and Communication Apprehension (CA). This study identifies significant relationships between IIs and CA before and during COVID-19, as well as how certain demographics have experienced IIs and CA during the pandemic.
Successful retreatment with erlotinib after erlotinib-related interstitial lung disease
Authors: Turk Haci M. , Adli Mustafa , Simsek Melih , Aliyev Altay , Besiroglu Mehmet
Published: June 2021

Background:

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effectively being used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Although most of their adverse effects are mild to moderate, they occasionally can cause life-threatening interstitial lung disease. We aimed to present a case of lung adenocarcinoma successfully re-treated with erlotinib after recovery with effective treatment of erlotinib-induced interstitial lung disease.

Case description:

A 54-year-old nonsmoking woman was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung. After progression with first-line chemotherapy, erlotinib 150 mg daily was initiated. On the 45th day of erlotinib treatment, interstitial lung disease occurred and erlotinib was discontinued. Clinical improvement was achieved with dexamethasone treatment and erlotinib was re-initiated. Ten weeks after re-initiation of erlotinib, 100 mg daily partial response was observed.

Conclusions:

Incidence of interstitial lung disease is higher in men, smokers, and patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Interstitial lung disease radiologically causes ground-glass opacity and consolidation. The physician should quickly evaluate new respiratory symptoms in patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, discontinue the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, and initiate corticosteroids if clinical diagnosis is interstitial lung disease.
Use of Younger Patient Age and Greater Anterior Center-Edge Angle to Predict the Need for Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Bilateral Femoroacetabular Impingement–Related Hip Pain
Authors: Knapik Derrick M. , Clapp Ian M. , Wichman Daniel , Nho Shane J.
Published: June 2021

Background:

In patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, bilateral hip pain has been reported to occur in high frequency. However, not all patients require bilateral hip arthroscopy.

Purpose:

To determine the incidence, patient-specific variables, and postoperative outcomes in patients who presented with bilateral hip pain at the time of index hip arthroscopy and underwent subsequent contralateral arthroscopic hip surgery.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients who presented with bilateral hip pain, underwent primary hip arthroscopy between January 2012 and June 2018 for indication of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, and had minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline descriptive data, preoperative hip range of motion, and radiographic measurements were recorded with pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Independent samples t test was used to compare continuous variables, and chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables between patients undergoing unilateral and bilateral surgery. Bivariate correlations and a multivariable binary logistic regression were performed to determine factors predictive of the need for future contralateral hip arthroscopy.

Results:

In total, 108 patients were identified who reported bilateral hip pain during the index evaluation, underwent primary hip arthroscopy, and had 2-year follow-up. Among these, 42% (n = 45) elected to undergo hip arthroscopy on the contralateral hip at a mean of 6.0 months (range, 1-17 months) after the index surgery. Patients requiring bilateral surgery were significantly younger ( P = .004) and had a larger preoperative anterior center-edge angle (ACEA; P = .038) when compared with patients who had unilateral surgery. There were no significant differences in alpha angle measurements between patients who had unilateral and bilateral surgery. On bivariate analysis, younger age at the time of the index surgery ( r = −0.272; P = .005) and preoperative ACEA ( r = 0.249; P = .016) were significantly correlated with the need for bilateral surgery. On multivariate analysis, younger age remained a significant predictor for bilateral surgery (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99). Patients who underwent bilateral hip arthroscopy reported significant improvement in all PROs ( P < .001), with a significantly greater mean Hip Outcome Score− Sports Specific Subscale score when compared with patients undergoing unilateral surgery ( P = .037).

Conclusion:

Subsequent contralateral hip arthroscopy was performed in 42% of patients who presented with bilateral hip pain. Younger age at the time of the index surgery and greater ACEA were predictive of the need for contralateral surgery. Patients undergoing bilateral surgery reported significantly improvement in PROs at minimum 2-year follow-up.
Assessing the potential value and mechanism of Ginkgo biloba L. On coal-fired arsenic-induced skin damage: In vitro and human evidence
Authors: Zeng Qibing , Wei Shaofeng , Sun Baofei , Zhang Aihua
Published: June 2021

Exposure through arsenic-contaminated air and food caused by the burning of coal is a major environmental public health concern in Guizhou Province of China. Previous studies have shown that immunological dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis and carcinogenesis of arsenic; however, knowledge regarding effective prevention measures have not been fully examined. The effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on arsenic-induced skin damage of human immortalized keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) was first evaluated in this study. The results showed that 200 μg/mL EGb761 can reduce the expression of miR-155-5p, and the indicators reflecting arsenic-induced skin damage (Krt1, Krt6c and Krt10) in arsenic-exposed cells ( P < 0.05), the expression levels of NF-AT1; the indicators reflecting arsenic-induced immunological dysfunction (IL-2, IFN-γ) in cells; and the levels of secreted IL-2 and IFN-γ in cell supernatants were significantly increased ( P < 0.05). Further randomized controlled double-blind experiments showed that compared to the placebo control group, the expression level of miR-155-5p in the plasma of the Ginkgo biloba intervention group, the indicators in the serum reflecting arsenic-induced skin damage (Krt1, Krt6c, and Krt10) and the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) vimentin were significantly reduced ( P < 0.05), but the levels of NF-AT1 and the indicators reflecting arsenic-induced immunological dysfunction (IL-2, IFN-γ) and EMT (E-cadherin) in serum were significantly increased ( P < 0.05). Our study provides some limited evidence that Ginkgo biloba L. can increase the expression of NF-AT1 by downregulating the level of miR-155-5p, alleviating immunological dysfunction, and decreasing the expression of EMT biomarkers, thus indirectly improving arsenic-induced skin damage.