bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homosynaptic frequency‐dependent depression by release site inactivation at neonatal hippocampal synapses in the stratum lacunosum‐moleculare
Authors: Ma Rong , Hanse Eric , Gustafsson Bengt
Published: June 2021

When activated at low frequencies (0.1–1 Hz), second postnatal week synapses onto the most distal part of the apical dendritic tree (stratum lacunosum‐moleculare) of rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells display a frequency‐dependent synaptic depression not observed for the more proximal (stratum radiatum) synapses. Depression in this frequency range is thought of as a possible contributor to behavioural habituation. In fact, in contrast to the proximal synapses, the distal synapses provide more direct sensory information from the entorhinal cortex as well as from thalamic nuclei. The use of antagonists showed that the activation of GABAA, GABAB, NMDA, mGlu, kainate, adenosine, or endocannabinoid receptors was not directly involved in the depression, indicating it to be intrinsic to the synapses themselves. While the depression affected paired‐pulse plasticity in a manner indicating a decrease in vesicle release probability, the depression could not be explained by a stimulus‐dependent decrease in calcium influx. Despite affecting the synaptic response evoked by brief high‐frequency stimulation (10 impulses, 20 Hz) in a manner indicating vesicle depletion, the depression was unaffected by large variations in release probability. The depression was found not only to affect the synaptic transmission at low frequencies (0.1–1 Hz) but also to contribute to the depression evolving during brief high‐frequency stimulation (10 impulses, 20 Hz). We propose that a release‐independent process directly inactivating release sites with a fast onset (ms) and long duration (up to 20 s) underlies this synaptic depression.
Risk factors, treatment and outcomes of subacute thyroiditis secondary to COVID‐19: a systematic review
Authors: Christensen Jacob , O'Callaghan Kevin , Sinclair Holly , Hawke Kate , Love Amanda , Hajkowicz Krispin , Stewart Adam G.
Published: June 2021

Background

COVID‐19 is known to cause an acute respiratory illness, although clinical manifestations outside of the respiratory tract may occur. Early reports have identified SARS‐CoV‐2 as a cause of subacute thyroiditis (SAT).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE, Web of Science and PubMed databases were queried in February 2021 for studies from December 2019 to February 2021. MeSH search terms ‘COVID‐19’, ‘SARS‐CoV‐2’ and ‘coronavirus’ along with search terms ‘thyroiditis’, ‘thyrotoxicosis’ and ‘thyroid’ were used. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables were calculated.

Results

Fifteen publications reporting on 17 individual cases of COVID‐19‐induced SAT were identified. Age ranged from 18 to 69 years. The majority (14 of 17; 82%) of cases were female. The delay between onset of respiratory symptoms and diagnosis of SAT ranged from 5 to 49 days (mean, 26.5). Systemic inflammatory response syndrome related to viral infection was uncommonly reported at the time of SAT diagnosis. Thyroid ultrasonography frequently reported an enlarged hypoechoic thyroid with decreased vascularity and heterogenous echotexture. Elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) was common at the time of SAT diagnosis, with results ranging from 4.5 to 176 mg/L (mean, 41 mg/L). Antithyroid antibodies were frequently negative. SAT‐specific treatment included corticosteroids for 12 of 17 (70.5%) patients. Most returned to normal thyroid status.

Conclusion

COVID‐19‐associated SAT may be difficult to identify in a timely manner due to potential absence of classic symptoms, as well as cross‐over of common clinical features between COVID‐19 and thyrotoxicosis.
Intentional hastening of death through medication: a case series analysis of Victorian deaths prior to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017
Authors: Willmott Lindy , White Ben , Feeney Rachel , Chambaere Kenneth , Yates Patsy , Mitchell Geoffrey
Published: June 2021

Background

Voluntary assisted dying is lawful in Victoria in limited circumstances and commences in Western Australia in mid‐2021. There is evidence that in rare cases, unlawful assisted dying practices occur in Australia.

Aims

To determine whether assisted dying practices occurred in Victoria in the 12 months prior to the commencement of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 (Vic) (‘VAD Act’), and to examine features of any identified cases.

Methods

Exploratory case series of adult patients in Victoria who died between May 2018 and 18 June 2019 as a result of medication administered with the primary intention of hastening death. Cases were identified from a self‐administered survey about medical end‐of‐life decisions for adult patients, completed by Victorian specialists treating adults at the end of life. We examined reported use of medication with the primary intention of hastening the patient's death; characteristics of assisted dying cases, including doctors' classification of such practices.

Results

Nine cases met the inclusion criteria. Death did not occur immediately after providing medication with the intention of hastening death. In eight cases, it was framed as palliative or terminal sedation and/or continuous deep sedation. Most doctors used language that distanced their practices from assisted dying.

Conclusions

Unlawful assisted dying practices seem to have occurred in a small number of deaths in Victoria prior to commencement of the VAD Act. These practices typically occurred within the context of palliative or terminal sedation and may be difficult to distinguish from lawful palliative care practice. Some survey responses possibly reflect ambiguity in doctors' intentions when providing medication.
The Trade Effects of the Economic Partnership Agreements between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States: Early Empirical Insights from Panel Data*
Authors: Stender Frederik , Berger Axel , Brandi Clara , Schwab Jakob
Published: June 2021

This study provides early ex‐post empirical evidence on the effects of provisionally applied Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) on trade flows between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). Employing the gravity model of trade, we do not find a general EPA effect on trade between ACP countries and the EU, but identify heterogeneous effects across specific agreements and economic sectors. While the CARIFORUM‐EU EPA rather reduced imports from the EU overall, other EPAs seem to have partly increased EU imports, particularly for the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) EPA partner countries. On the sectoral level, by comparison, we find increases in the EU's agricultural exports to SADC, Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) and the Pacific. In the area of manufactures trade, we find decreases of exports of the ESA and SADC countries to the EU, but increases in EU imports for SADC countries.
Psychological stress among pregnant and puerperal women in Japan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Obata Soichiro , Miyagi Etsuko , Haruyama Yasuo , Umazume Takeshi , Kobashi Gen , Yoshimi Asuka , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Kurasawa Kentaro , Suzuki Yukio , Ikeda Tomoaki , Kimura Tadashi , Yamada Hideto
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate psychological stress among pregnant and puerperal women in Japan during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we recruited pregnant women and puerperal women who delivered between January and September 2020 in Japan, using an online questionnaire. Participants were divided into low, middle, and high groups according to the degree of the epidemic in their region of residence. Related factors were analyzed using the chi‐squared test. The relationship between COVID‐19 epidemic regions and depression risks and anxiety using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Kessler 6 scale (K6) was evaluated using a univariate and multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Overall, 7775 cases, including 4798 pregnant and 2977 puerperal women, were analyzed. The prevalence of high EPDS and K6 scores was significantly increased in pregnant women in the high than those in the low epidemic regions (EPDS: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.453, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.205–1.753; K6: aOR 1.601, 95% CI 1.338–1.918). There was no difference in EPDS score, but the prevalence of high K6 scores was significantly increased in puerperal women in the high than those in the low epidemic regions (aOR 1.342, 95% CI 1.066–1.690). Further, restriction on going to their hometown for delivery increased the prevalence of high EPDS scores among pregnant (aOR 1.663, 95% CI 1.296–2.133) and puerperal women (aOR 1.604, 95% CI 1.006–2.557).

Conclusions

Decreased support due to the COVID‐19 pandemic affected the psychological status of pregnant and puerperal women; hence, investing medical resources in their healthcare essential.
The physical and mental burden on obstetricians and gynecologists during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A September 2020 questionnaire study
Authors: Umazume Takeshi , Miyagi Etsuko , Haruyama Yasuo , Obata Soichiro , Kobashi Gen , Kurasawa Kentaro , Suzuki Yukio , Ikeda Tomoaki , Kimura Tadashi , Yamada Hideto
Published: June 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to clarify the physical and mental burden of the COIVD‐19 pandemic on obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan and to identify factors that increase the burden of their psychological stress.

Methods

A web‐based questionnaire was sent to obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan via email and social media to collect voluntary responses. This survey was conducted from September 1 to 30, 2020.

Results

A total of 852 valid responses were included in the analysis; 76% (644) of the physicians felt that the COVID‐19 pandemic caused them physical and mental stress equal to or greater than the most severe disaster they had ever experienced. Physicians who reported high mental and physical stress were more likely to be in areas with high numbers of infected patients (odds ratio (OR) 1.571, p = 0.012). Physicians experienced great stress to the point of wearing heavy personal protective equipment during routine vaginal deliveries by mothers with no COVID‐19 symptoms. This trend was markedly pronounced for physicians working in regions with fewer cases of COVID‐19 infection.

Conclusions

Obstetricians and gynecologists who reported high mental and physical stress were more likely to be in areas with high numbers of infected patients. One potential reason for this may be that they were required to wear more personal protective equipment than necessary. Infection control methods that ensure the safety of obstetricians and gynecologists while not causing unnecessary physical or psychological stress are needed.
Antegrade ureteric embolization following transection and ligature in a lateral pelvic wall squamous cell carcinoma: Technique and literature review
Authors: Elghobashy Mirna , Verma Sunenah , Dyer Jules , El‐Ghobashy Alaa
Published: June 2021

Iatrogenic injuries to the ureter are a rare event in gynecological surgery. They are often managed via stent insertion or nephrostomies. While embolization is commonly utilized for the sealing of vessels, its uses in ureter occlusion have not widely been reported. We describe a case of a 27‐year‐old patient with a previously stented ureter due to a pelvic side wall tumor causing an obstruction. She underwent a laparotomy and open biopsy. During the procedure, the ureter was injured and later ligated. The ligature slipped postoperatively with an obvious urinary leak inside the abdomen. The ureter was embolized using a nester embolization coil, histoacryl, and lipiodol. This is the first case in which this method was used for iatrogenic transection of the ureter.
Insects as a sustainable food ingredient: Identifying and classifying early adopters of edible insects based on eating behavior, familiarity, and hesitation
Authors: Rovai Dominic , Michniuk Elizabeth , Roseman Elizabeth , Amin Samir , Lesniauskas Ruta , Wilke Kristine , Garza Jeff , Lammert Amy
Published: June 2021

This study identifies early adopters of insects as a food ingredient. An online questionnaire was created using Red Jade software, and distributed through social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit), email, and personal communication. Participants (n = 462) were segmented based on responses to six questions about willingness to consume insects. Responses were standardized within participants to account for differences in scale usage and participants were segmented using a partitioning around medoids (PAM) clustering algorithm in R Studio. Segmentation identified four clusters of participants: No‐thank‐you's (n = 130), Hideaways (n = 169), Daredevils (n = 59), and Peekaboo's (n = 104). For products containing whole insects (roasted or in a dish), Daredevils and Peekaboo's are early adopters. For products containing nonvisible insects, Daredevils, Peekaboo's, and Hideaways are early adopters. No trends were observed between traditional demographics (age and gender) and willingness to try insects, but willingness to try insects appeared to be related to familiarity with insect consumption, and lack of dietary restrictions.

Practical Applications

Despite the sustainability benefits of insects as a food source, they have yet to achieve widespread adoption in developed countries. This may be due to the lack of exposure in developed cultures, and the hesitation to try foods that are new and unfamiliar. Identifying early adopters of insects as a food source will allow for product development and marketing opportunities toward groups willing to try insects. Increasing familiarity and exposure to insects will allow for easier penetration of insects into the market. The current study identified potential marketing strategies based on the target early adopter group. Daredevils are experience seekers who enjoy trying new things. Thus, marketing a product as a novel experience may be successful for this group. Peekaboo's and Hideaways are more health and sustainability conscious, so product development and marketing of insect products as sustainable meat alternatives may be successful in targeting these groups.
In situ and ex situ imaging of plant extracellular vesicles as nanovectors for cross‐domain communication
Authors: Kim Ki Woo
Published: June 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanometric, lipid membrane‐bound vesicles released outside the cell. Plants have not been traditionally regarded to have EVs due to the presence of a cell wall. However, since the mid‐1960s, EVs have been reported in various plant species. They are often shown as vesicles in multivesicular bodies (MVBs) that later fuse with the plasma membrane (PM). Plant EVs have been commonly visualized using electron microscopy. Using membrane‐spanning domains, plant EVs can be fluorescence‐detected. They were observed near the infection sites in host tissues attacked by pathogens or at the interfaces with symbiotic fungi. Plant EVs could be taken up by bacteria and fungi. Proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, including small ribonucleic acids (RNAs), were found in plant EVs. Plant EVs have been isolated from the symplast and apoplast of various organs and purified after density gradient ultracentrifugation. Improved protocols and technologies for EV visualization provide a basis for the future applications of EVs in plant pathology.
A molecular approach to the phylogeny of the moss genus Pseudocrossidium (Pottiaceae, Bryopsida) and its taxonomic implications
Authors: Cano María J. , Jiménez Juan A. , Gallego M. Teresa , Guerra Juan
Published: June 2021

Pseudocrossidium is a genus of 21 species belonging to the Pottiaceae with the highest concentration of taxa and morphological variation found in South America. To investigate the evolutionary relationships among the species of Pseudocrossidium and other members of the Pottioideae, molecular phylogenetic reconstructions, using the nuclear ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2, and the plastid atpB‐rbcL, trnG, and trnL‐F, has been performed because this genus has only been partially tested using molecular markers. Bayesian and maximum likelihood topologies show that the genus, as presently circumscribed, is polyphyletic. Consequently, the circumscription of Pseudocrossidium is amended and numerous taxonomic changes resulting from the molecular, morphological, and nomenclatural studies are proposed. The phylogenetic and morphologically divergent Pseudocrossidium mendozense is renamed as Gertrudiella mendozensis. Pseudocrossidium linearifolium and P. porphyreoneurum are representatives of the new genera Barbulastrum and Helicobarbula, respectively. Pseudocrossidium carinatum and P. santiagense are accommodated in a new genus Austrobarbula. Aloinella, nested in a paraphyletic Pseudocrossidium, is maintained at generic rank, apparently derived from Pseudocrossidium. Barbula integrifolia, B. riograndensis, and Tortula jaffuelii are transferred to Pseudocrossidium. The remaining species of Pseudocrossidium are maintained in this genus, pending further studies. Conflicts of the trees observed could be evidence of interspecific or intergeneric gene flow in various lineages in the Pottioideae.
Phylogenomic relationships and species identification of the olive genus Olea (Oleaceae)
Authors: Dong Wen‐Pan , Sun Jia‐Hui , Liu Yan‐Lei , Xu Chao , Wang Yi‐Heng , Suo Zhi‐Li , Zhou Shi‐Liang , Zhang Zhi‐Xiang , Wen Jun
Published: June 2021

The olive genus Olea includes c. 30–40 taxa in three subgenera (Olea, Tetrapilus, and Paniculatae) within the family Oleaceae. Historically, the Olea genus was classified into four groups that were overall well supported by reconstructed phylogenies, despite incomplete sampling of subgenus Tetrapilus and poor resolution within clades. These analyses also showed that the genus was not monophyletic. Reliable identification of Olea species is important for both their conservation and utilization of this economically important genus. In this study, we used phylogenomic data from genome skimming to resolve relationships within Olea and to identify molecular markers for species identification. We assembled the complete plastomes, and nrDNA of 26 individuals representing 13 species using next‐generation sequencing and added 18 publicly available accessions of Olea. We also developed nuclear SNPs using the genome skimming data to infer the phylogenetic relationships of Olea. Large‐scale phylogenomic analyses of 138 samples of tribe Oleeae supported the polyphyly of Olea, with Olea caudatilimba and Olea subgenus Tetrapilus not sharing their most recent common ancestor with the main Olea clade (subgenus Paniculatae and subgenus Olea). The interspecific phylogenetic resolution was poor owing to a possible rapid radiation. By comparing with the plastome data, we identified the markers ycf1b and psbE‐petL as the best Olea‐specific chloroplast DNA barcodes. Compared with universal barcodes, specific DNA barcodes and super‐barcode exhibited higher discriminatory power. Our results demonstrated the power of phylogenomics to improve phylogenetic relationships of intricate groups and provided new insights into barcodes that allow for accurate identification of Olea species.
The theory of planned behaviour and sleep opportunity: An ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Mead Michael P. , Irish Leah A.
Published: June 2021

Many American adolescents and adults report that they are not meeting sleep duration recommendations. Although insufficient sleep duration can occur due to factors outside an individual's direct control, many individuals choose to restrict their own sleep. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) offers a framework to study this phenomenon. Recent research efforts have used the TPB to study sleep and have demonstrated success predicting sleep‐related intentions and behaviour but have failed to consider volitional sleep behaviour or consider between‐ and within‐person differences. The present study used an intensive longitudinal design to test how constructs of the TPB relate to nightly sleep opportunity. Healthy college students (N = 79) participated in a weeklong study in which they completed four ecological momentary assessment signals per day that measured their attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intentions relating to their nocturnal sleep opportunity. Participants wore an actiwatch each night of the study to measure their sleep opportunity. Mixed linear models found that both intentions and perceived behavioural control were significant predictors of subsequent sleep opportunity, and that perceived behaviour control was the strongest within‐day predictor of intentions. Results demonstrate that within‐person changes in perceived behavioural control and intentions predict subsequent sleep opportunity and provide insight into the potential refinement of sleep promotion efforts.
Nondestructive evaluation of baking parameters on pogácsa texture
Authors: Amani Hanieh , Firtha Ferenc , Jakab Ivett , Baranyai László , Badak‐Kerti Katalin
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the potential application of image texture processing method on visible crumb structure of salty cake pogácsa, which was prepared with different baking times (5 and 7 min) and temperatures (200, 215, and 230°C). For this purpose, changes in gray level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) features including energy, contrast, correlation, homogeneity, and entropy were monitored and their relationship with the instrumental texture parameters (hardness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness) were assessed. The pore ratios were also extracted and visualized using image processing technique. Texture profile parameters indicated strong correlation (p < .01) with the image pattern parameters in different pogácsa groups. Gumminess showed strong correlation with contrast (0.503), correlation (−0.498), and homogeneity (0.401). Hardness also exhibited correlation with contrast (0.517), entropy (0.341), and correlation (−0.476). The pore ratio showed marked variation in crumb structure when different times and temperatures were used. Baking at 230°C for 7 min maximized the pore ratio (0.56). Penalty analysis revealed that oiliness, pore structure, and color of products were linked with baking time and temperature. Overall, the results suggested that the GLCM‐based technique had the potential to be used as a nondestructive method for rapid quality assessment of pogácsa.
Predictors of complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in five countries in the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Shaker‐Berbari Linda , Qahoush Tyler Vilma , Akik Chaza , Jamaluddine Zeina , Ghattas Hala
Published: June 2021

Ensuring diets of children aged 6–23 months meet recommended guidance is crucial for growth and development and for the prevention of malnutrition including stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies. Despite some improvement, indicators related to undernutrition and overnutrition fall short of global targets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region that consist of low‐ and middle‐income countries witnessing political and social changes and a nutrition transition. This research aims at reviewing the situation related to the diets of children aged 6–23 months in five selected countries in the MENA region, examining factors affecting complementary feeding and providing recommendations for guiding effective strategies to improve it. The study triangulated data on complementary feeding status and predictors from semistructured interviews with 30 key informants, and multivariable analysis of household surveys in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, State of Palestine and Sudan including data on refugees in Lebanon and Jordan. There remain considerable gaps in complementary feeding differing noticeably among geographic areas. Findings from qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that maternal factors, including maternal education and age, household level factors such as paternal education and wealth, community‐level factors (culture and geographic location), and utilization of health services, were associated with minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) at varied levels in the five countries. Interventions to improve complementary feeding practices should include actions tailored to the needs of the population at multiple levels including at the caregiver's level, household, service use, community and policy level.
Typicality and volition as fundamental features of everyday relational communication
Authors: Hall Jeffrey A. , Mihailova Teodora , Merolla Andy J.
Published: June 2021

Drawing from communicate bond belong theory, two dimensions of routine social interactions (i.e., volition, typicality) are examined in the context of everyday talk to advance theory on relationship maintenance. Adults' (N = 127) social interactions (n = 2537) were collected using experience sampling. Testing preregistered hypotheses, multilevel modeling results suggest that in more typical interactions individuals reported more connection and well‐being and less social energy expenditure. The more volitional (i.e., engaged in by choice) the interaction, the more the connection and well‐being and the more the social energy expended. Day‐over‐day analyses (n = 793) suggest that participants maintained their relationships more easily when they had more choice in their interactions each day but a more stable routine of interaction across the week.
Whole multiple location and universals
Authors: Giberman Daniel
Published: June 2021

According to the broadly Aristotelian distinction between universals and particulars, all and only the former are capable of whole multiple location. The present essay defends this distinction against four putative counterexamples. The first two, extended simple material objects and enduring time‐traveling self‐meeters, putatively are wholly multiply locatable, but not universals. The second two, unique properties of point‐sized entities and Platonic (i.e., not spatiotemporally located) universals, putatively are universals, but not wholly multiply locatable. The defensive strategy is to resist certain presuppositions underlying the examples.
The phylogeny of robber flies (Asilidae) inferred from ultraconserved elements
Authors: Cohen Chris M. , Noble Katherine , Jeffrey Cole T. , Brewer Michael S.
Published: June 2021

Robber or assassin flies (Asilidae) are a diverse family of venomous predators. The most recent classification organizes Asilidae into 14 subfamilies based on a morphological phylogeny, but many of these are not supported by molecular data. To test the monophyly of various clades in Asilidae, we used the recently developed Diptera‐wide ultraconserved element bait set to compile seven datasets comprising 151 robber flies and 145–2496 loci. We also compared the performance of various nodal support metrics. Our Maximum Likelihood phylogeny was fully resolved and well supported, but partially incongruent with the coalescent phylogeny. Further examination of datasets suggested that GC bias had influenced gene tree inference and subsequent species tree analyses. The subfamilies Brachyrhopalinae, Dasypogoninae, Dioctriinae, Stenopogoninae, Tillobromatinae, Trigonomiminae and Willistonininae were not recovered as monophyletic. The inter‐subfamily relationships are summarized as follows: Laphriinae and Dioctriinae (in part) successively sister to the remaining subfamilies, which form two clades: the first consists of a grade of Stenopogoninae (in part), Willistonininae (in part), Bathypogoninae+Phellinae, Stichopogoninae, Leptogastrinae, Ommatiinae and Asilinae; the second clade consists of a paraphyletic assemblage of genera from Dioctriinae (in part), Trigonomiminae, Stenopogoninae (in part), Tillobromatinae, Brachyrhopalinae and Dasypogoninae. This phylogeny demonstrates that the higher classification of Asilidae is far from settled, but does provide a much‐needed foundation for a thorough revision of the subfamily classification.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of integrated studies on antimicrobial resistance genes in Africa—A One Health perspective
Authors: Escher Nora A. , Muhummed Abdifatah M. , Hattendorf Jan , Vonaesch Pascale , Zinsstag Jakob
Published: June 2021

Background

Increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) raises serious health and financial concerns. However, the main drivers of the emergence, spread and subsequent colonisation of resistant bacterial strains between humans, animals and the environment are still poorly understood.

Objective

The aim of this review was to identify molecular studies on AMR in One Health settings in Africa and to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes in humans, animals and the environment. Due to the very low number of studies including environmental samples, the meta‐analysis only includes data obtained from animals and humans.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched, identifying 10 464 publications on AMR in Africa from January 1st, 2000 until June 1st, 2020. Inclusion criteria were: (i) Integrated studies assessing AMR simultaneously in an animal‐human, animal‐environment, human‐environment or animal‐human‐environment context, (ii) Genotypic characterisation of AMR and (iii) temporal and spatial relationship between samples from humans and animals. Statistical random‐effects model meta‐analysis was performed.

Results

Overall, 18 studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Six studies investigated Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. (N = 6). The most prevalent AMR genes in animals included sul1 (36.2%), sul2 (32.0%), tetA (31.5%), strB (30.8%) and blaTEM (30.0%), whereas sul2 (42.4%), tetA (42.0%), strB (34.9%), blaTEM (28.8%) and sul1 (27.8%) were most prevalent in humans. We observed no clear pattern for a higher prevalence in either the animal or the human reservoir.

Conclusion

To date, data on AMR in a One Health perspective in Africa are scarce. Prospective and longitudinal studies using an integrated One Health approach assessing the environment, animals and humans at the same time are needed to better understand the main drivers of AMR sharing in Africa.
Bilinear Systems With Initial Gaps Involving Inelastic Collision: Forced Response Experiments and Simulations
Authors: Noguchi Kohei , Saito Akira , Tien Meng-Hsuan , D’Souza Kiran
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the forced response of a two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) bilinear oscillator with initial gaps involving inelastic collision is discussed. In particular, a focus is placed upon the experimental verification of the generalized bilinear amplitude approximation (BAA) method, which can be used for the accurate estimation of forced responses for bilinear systems with initial gaps. Both experimental and numerical investigations on the system have been carried out. An experimental setup that is capable of representing the dynamics of a 2DOF oscillator has been developed, and forced response tests have been conducted under swept-sine base excitation for different initial gap sizes. The steady-state response of the system under base excitation was computed by both traditional time integration and BAA. It is shown that the results of experiments and numerical predictions are in good agreement especially at resonance. However, slight differences in the responses obtained from both numerical methods are observed. It was found that the time duration where the DOFs are in contact with each other predicted by BAA is longer than that predicted by time integration. Spectral analyses have also been conducted on both experimental and numerical results. It was observed that in a frequency range where intermittent contact between the masses occurs, super-harmonic components of the excitation frequency are present in the spectra. Moreover, as the initial gap size increases, the frequency band where the super-harmonic components are observed decreases.
Transient Vibroacoustic Analysis of Functionally Graded Plates
Authors: Pandey Avnish Mahendra , Nagendra Gopal K. V.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the vibroacoustic response of pure functionally graded (FG) plates under transient loading of mechanical nature. The functionally graded plate is modeled using the conventional first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) to incorporate the effects of transverse shear and rotary inertia. The mid-surface variables are determined using the finite element method. Transient structural response is determined using Newmark Beta time marching scheme and the acoustic pressure in the free field is obtained using the time-domain Rayleigh integral. The effective material properties of the FG plate and the transient response of both the structural and acoustic fields have been computed in matlab. The influence of the volume fraction index, thickness ratio, and boundary conditions of pure FG plate on its transient vibroacoustic response is investigated by a detailed parametric study.
DNA researchers question Senate bill's security provisions
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: June 2021

Measure aimed at stopping China from misusing human genome data could harm research efforts, groups argue.
Planned relocation: Pluralistic and integrated science and governance
Authors: Moss R. H. , Reed P. M. , Hadjimichael A. , Rozenberg J.
Published: June 2021

Knowledge for just and effective planned relocation will emerge from entangled action, learning, and capacity building
Assessing human habitability and migration
Authors: Horton Radley M. , de Sherbinin Alex , Wrathall David , Oppenheimer Michael
Published: June 2021

Integrate global top-down and local bottom-up analyses
Swarming motility in host defense
Authors: Rocha-Gregg Briana L. , Huttenlocher Anna
Published: June 2021

Neutrophils exhibit self-control to resolve infection and tissue damage
Recovery of the Two-Dimensional Ion Distribution Function in a Magnetic Mirror from Measurements of Collective Thomson Scattering Spectra
Authors: Gospodchikov E. D. , Khusainov T. A. , Shalashov A. G.
Published: June 2021

A method is proposed for tomography of the distribution function of energetic ions that are adiabatically trapped in an open magnetic trap, according to the diagnostic data by the method of collective Thomson scattering. This method is based on measurements of the scattering spectra from successive plasma cross sections corresponding to different values of the magnetic-field strength along a single line of force. It is shown that the problem of restoring the ion distribution function in the velocity space from the measurement data in this situation is reduced to an integral equation of the first kind that allows an analytical solution. Several ways to construct exact and approximate solutions of the resulting integral equation are considered.
Endovascular middle cerebral artery embolic stroke model: a novel approach
Authors: Gonzalez L Fernando , Warner David S , Sheng Huaxing , Chaparro Eduardo
Published: June 2021

A video (video 1) describing a novel murine endovascular embolic stroke model is presented. Traditional middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion models include a blind insertion of a monofilament string1 2 into the common or external carotid artery with the expectation to selectively occlude the MCA. However, significant mortality occurs due to subarachnoid hemorrhage and variability in stroke size, possibly related to the filament’s malposition—for example, external carotid or proximal internal carotid artery (ICA). Additionally, while the string is in place, it occludes the entire extracranial ICA affecting also the collateral pial circulation.

Video 1

Our model includes tail artery access, which tolerates several procedures facilitating survival studies. This model uses autologous blood3 4 clot deployed directly into the MCA, resembling what occurs in clinical practice. Autologous thrombi could be lysed with IA/IV tissue plasminogen activator.

In summary, we describe a novel model that resembles real practice, permits multiple catheterizations, results in reliable embolization under fluoroscopic guidance and allows therapeutic interventions not available with traditional models.
VOLATILITY CONTAGION AMONG STOCK, CURRENCY, AND BULK SHIPPING MARKET DURING THE CHINA’S STOCK MARKET CRASH CRISIS
Authors: LIN ARTHUR JIN
Published: June 2021

Six financial markets were verified contagious to Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite (SSEC): domestic equity market (SSEC and China COSCO Shipping Co.), domestic currency market, international currency market, global shipping market, commodity future market and bulk shipping market (BDI) which regarded as a leading indicator of future economic growth instead of Li Keqiang index. This research analyzed intermarket contagion from March 14, 2008 to March 31, 2018. MIDAS-GARCH model was adopted to identify the spillover effect among the Shanghai Stock market and inter-market indices. The findings of this study were concluded as follows: (1) The commodity, global shipping market had significant volatility transmission to SSEC both before and after the crash crisis. (2) The volatility of domestic currency market was significantly contagious to SSEC only after the crash.
LOCAL CURRENCY BOND MARKETS, FOREIGN INVESTOR PARTICIPATION AND CAPITAL FLOW VOLATILITY IN EMERGING ASIA
Authors: BEIRNE JOHN , RENZHI NUOBU , VOLZ ULRICH
Published: June 2021

This paper examines the role of local currency bond markets (LCBMs) and foreign investor participation in these markets in capital flow volatility in emerging Asian economies over the period 1999 to 2020. Using a panel analysis and impulse response functions generated from a panel structural vector autoregression, we show that greater development of LCBMs across 10 Asian emerging economies in terms of capitalization helps to mitigate against the capital flow volatility, while foreign investor participation has the opposite effect, particularly for less developed LCBMs. Our findings have policy implications from a financial stability perspective, whereby continued efforts to enhance LCBMs while reducing reliance on foreign investors should be encouraged. Strengthening the local investor base and mobilizing domestic resources through LCBMs ought to be a priority for raising long-term capital that will enable the financing of sustainable investment and development. Our findings also suggest that greater efforts are needed to enhance foreign exchange hedging arrangements for foreign investors in LCBMs, particularly in times of heightened financial stress.
The structures, phase transition and elastic and thermodynamic properties of ZnS from first-principles calculations
Authors: Li Bo , Ren Weiyi
Published: June 2021

The phase transition of zinc sulfide (ZnS) from Zinc-blende (ZB) to a rocksalt (RS) structure and the elastic, thermodynamic properties of the two structures under high temperature and pressure are investigated by first-principles study based on the pseudo-potential plane-wave density functional theory (DFT) combined with the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The lattice constant [Formula: see text], bulk modulus [Formula: see text] and the pressure derivative of bulk modulus [Formula: see text]’ of the two structures are calculated. The results are in good agreement with experimental results and the other theoretical data. From the energy–volume curve, enthalpy equal principle and mechanical stability criterion, the transition pressures from the ZB to the RS structure are 16.83, 16.96 and 16.61 GPa, respectively. The three results and the experimental values 14.7–18.1, 16 GPa are very close to each other. Then the elastic properties are also calculated under the pressure ranging from 0 to 30 GPa. Finally, through the quasi-harmonic Debye model, the thermodynamic properties dependence of temperature and pressure in the ranges between 0–1600 K and 0–30 GPa are obtained successfully.
Region crossing change, bicolored diagram and Arf invariant
Authors: Kawamura Kengo
Published: June 2021

We introduce the notion of bicolored diagrams which are closely related to the region crossing changes. Moreover, we refine Cheng’s results on the region crossing changes and propose a certain way to calculate the Arf invariant of a proper link using a bicolored diagram.
Cosmological models with a hybrid scale factor
Authors: Tripathy S. K. , Mishra B. , Khlopov Maxim , Ray Saibal
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present some cosmological models with a hybrid scale factor (HSF) in the framework of general relativity (GR). The HSF fosters an early deceleration as well as a late-time acceleration and mimics the present Universe. The dynamical aspects of different cosmological models with HSF in the presence of different matter fields have been discussed.
IMPACT OF TEMPERATURE VARIABILITY ON SIRS MALARIA MODEL
Authors: KENO TEMESGEN DURESSA , MAKINDE OLUWOLE DANIEL , OBSU LEGESSE LEMECHA
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we proposed and analyzed a nonlinear deterministic model for the impact of temperature variability on the epidemics of the malaria. The model analysis showed that all solutions of the systems are positive and bounded with initial conditions in a certain set. Thus, the model is proved to be both epidemiologically meaningful and mathematically well-posed. Using the next-generation matrix approach, the basic reproduction number with respect to the disease-free equilibrium (DFE) point is obtained. The local stability of the equilibria points is shown using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion. The global stability of the equilibria points is performed using the Lyapunov function. Also, we proved that if the basic reproduction number is less than one, the DFE is locally and globally asymptotically stable. But, if the basic reproduction number is greater than one, the unique endemic equilibrium exists, locally and globally asymptotically stable. The sensitivity analysis of the parameters is also described. Moreover, we used the method implemented by the center manifold theorem to identify that the model exhibits forward and backward bifurcations. From our analytical results, we confirmed that the variation of temperature plays a significant role on the transmission of malaria. Lastly, numerical simulations are demonstrated to enhance the analytical results of the model.
Wong–Zakai approximations of second-order stochastic lattice systems driven by additive white noise
Authors: Chen Yiju , Guo Chunxiao , Wang Xiaohu
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study the Wong–Zakai approximations of a class of second-order stochastic lattice systems with additive noise. We first prove the existence of tempered pullback attractors for lattice systems driven by an approximation of the white noise. Then, we establish the upper semicontinuity of random attractors for the approximate system as the size of approximation approaches zero.
New Fundamental Relation on Fuzzy Hypersemigroups
Authors: Firouzkouhi N. , Ameri R.
Published: June 2021

The important implements in the fuzzy hyperstructure theory are fundamental relations to acquire universal algebras. The fundamental relation on a fuzzy hypersemigroup(hypergroup) is introduced as the smallest equivalence relation such that the factor would be a semigroup (group). In this study, a novel fuzzy strongly regular relation on a fuzzy hypersemigroup (hypergroup) is characterized so that the quotient is a commutative semigroup (group). The necessary and sufficient circumstances are expressed in which the given relation is transitive.
Decision-Making Problem Based on Confidence Intuitionistic Trapezoidal Fuzzy Einstein Aggregation Operators and Their Application
Authors: Rahman Khaista
Published: June 2021

Confidence level plays an important role in decision making in daily life. Therefore, the focus of our paper is to develop the idea of confidence level. With the help of confidence level in this paper, we explore some new operators, namely confidence intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy Einstein weighted averaging (abbreviated as CITFEWA) operator, confidence intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy Einstein ordered weighted averaging (abbreviated as CITFEOWA) operator, confidence intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy Einstein hybrid averaging (abbreviated as CITFEHA) operator, confidence intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy Einstein weighted geometric (abbreviated as CITFEWG) operator, confidence intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy Einstein ordered weighted geometric (abbreviated as CITFEOWG) operator and confidence intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy Einstein hybrid geometric (abbreviated as CITFEHG) operator. The benefit of the confidence approaches is that these techniques not only deliver evidence of the problems to the experts, but these operators and methods also develop the grades of the decision makers of that these experts are familiar with the option for the selection. To develop the proposed operators, we investigate and study some of their basic properties. To show the importance and efficiency of the new methods, these methods are applied to decision making. Lastly, an example is given for the confirmation of the viability and availability of the proposed approaches and methods.
SIGACT News Complexity Theory Column 109
Authors: Hemaspaandra Lane A.
Published: June 2021

Warmest thanks to Alexander Knop, Shachar Lovett, Sam McGuire, and Weiqiang Yuan for this issue's guest column, \Models of computation between decision trees and communication." (Their article came in early, and I wrote back thanking them for being three days early, mentioning that that happens surprisingly rarely. Then two days later, I said, \Wow!", as I realized that they actually had somehow|even during a remote-teaching, social-distancing time period|prepared and sent in their article a month and three days early.)
Short-term high-fat diet induces muscle fiber type-selective anabolic resistance to resistance exercise
Authors: Ato Satoru , Mori Takahiro , Fujita Yuki , Mishima Taiga , Ogasawara Riki
Published: June 2021

A high-fat diet is known to rapidly induce obesity, insulin resistance, and anabolic resistance to nutrition within a month. However, the influence of a short-term high-fat diet on the response of muscle protein synthesis to acute resistance exercise is unclear. We observed that a short-term high-fat diet causes obesity, insulin resistance, intramuscular lipid droplet accumulation, and anabolic resistance to resistance exercise specifically in type I and IIa fibers.
A Unified Analysis for the Free Vibration of the Sandwich Piezoelectric Laminated Beam with General Boundary Conditions under the Thermal Environment
Authors: Gao Guohua , Sun Ningze , Shao Dong , Tao Yongqiang , Wu Wei
Published: June 2021

This article mainly analyzes the free vibration characteristic of the sandwich piezoelectric beam under elastic boundary conditions and thermal environment. According to the first‐order shear deformation theory and Hamilton’s principle, the thermo‐electro‐elastic coupling equations of the sandwich piezoelectric beam are obtained. Meanwhile, elastic boundary conditions composed of an array of springs are introduced, and the displacement variables and external potential energy of the beam are expressed as wave functions. By using the method of reverberation‐ray matrix to integrate and solve the governing equations, a search algorithm based on golden‐section search is introduced to calculate the required frequency parameters. A series of numerical results are compared with those reported in literature studies and obtained by simulation software to verify the correctness and versatility of the search algorithm. In addition, three parametric research cases are proposed to investigate the frequency parameters of sandwich piezoelectric beams with elastic restraint conditions, material parameters, thickness ratio, different temperature rises, and external electric potential.