bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and review of a sub-millimeter-sized cell-scale micro-magnetic stimulation device
Authors: Zheng Yu , Xia Pei , Dong Lei , Tian Lei , Tian Chunxiao
Published: May 2021

The development of modern micro-processing technology has led to the design and production of sub-millimeter-sized coils. A novel type of micro-magnetic stimulation (μMS) regulatory technology has widely been researched in recent years. This technology has several advantages, including small size, no contact between tissues and the metal coil, and high spatial resolution. Considering some problems with the μMS control technology in practical applications, different kinds of μMS devices have been developed, including an in vitro single-point μMS device, an in vivo implantable single-point μMs device, a discrete-array μMS device, and an in vivo implantable-array μMs device. Given the problems that currently exist in the design and implementation of this device, such as the key problems of structural design, implantation method, experimental safety, and reliability of the device, we review the development process in detail. We also discuss the precise targeting advantage of this device, which is likely to be of great significance for wide-ranging applications of magnetic stimulation technology.
Hollow N,C-co-doped carbon-coated ZnS nanospheres derived from metal organic framework (ZIF-8) with improved lithium and sodium storage performance
Authors: Cheng Amei , Hu Yini , Yue Ming , Fu Junxiao , Wu Huimin , Wang Shiquan , Liu Jianwen
Published: May 2021

Transition metal sulfides have been widely used as anode electrodes of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity and low price. However, problems of huge volume expansion and poor conductivity during charging and discharging have been emerged. Herein, we design a N, C-co-doped, nano-sized, and hollow carbon-coated ZnS (ZnS-NC@C) composite using the advantages of metal organic framework (zeolitic imidazolate framework-8) structure and resorcinol-formaldehyde coating. When applied as anodes of LIBs and SIBs, it displays a high reversible capacity of 748 and 150.9 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at the current density of 1.0 A g−1, respectively. This work could provide a promising strategy for enhancing the performance of transition metal sulfides for potential applications in LIBs and SIBs.
Time-resolved in-situ x-ray diffraction study of CaO and CaO:Ca3Al2O6 composite catalysts for biodiesel production
Authors: Bonaccorso A Damiano , Papargyriou Despoina , Fuente Cuesta Aida , Magdysyuk Oxana V , Michalik Stefan , Connolley Thomas , Payne Julia L , Irvine John T S
Published: May 2021

Alternative and sustainable waste sources are receiving increasing attention as they can be used to produce biofuels with a low carbon footprint. Waste fish oil is one such example and can be considered an abundant and sustainable waste source to produce biodiesel. Ultimately this could lead to fishing communities having their own ‘off-grid’ source of fuel for boats and vehicles. At the industrial level, biodiesel is currently produced by homogeneous catalysis because of the high catalyst activity and selectivity. In contrast, heterogeneous catalysis offers several advantages such as improved reusability, reduced waste and lower processing costs. Here we investigate the phase evolution of two heterogeneous catalysts, CaO and a Ca3Al2O6:CaO (‘C3A:CaO’) composite, under in-situ conditions for biodiesel production from fish oil. A new reactor was designed to monitor the evolution of the crystalline catalyst during the reaction using synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction. The amount of calcium diglyceroxide (CaDG) began to increase rapidly after approximately 30 min, for both catalysts. This rapid increase in CaDG could be linked to ex-situ nuclear magnetic resonance studies which showed that the conversion of fish oil to biodiesel rapidly increased after 30 min. The key to the difference in activity of the two catalysts appears to be that the Ca3Al2O6:CaO composite maintains a high rate of CaDG formation for longer than CaO, although the initial formation rates and reaction kinetics are similar. The Ca for the CaDG mainly comes from the CaO phase. In addition, towards the end of the second test utilising the CaO catalyst (after 120 min), there is a rapid decrease in CaDG and a rapid increase in Ca(OH)2. This was not observed for the Ca3Al2O6:CaO catalyst and this is due to Ca3Al2O6 stabilising the CaO in the composite material. No additional calcium containing intermediate crystalline phases were observed during our in-situ experiment. Overall this specialised in-situ set-up has been shown to be suitable to monitor the phase evolution of heterogeneous crystalline catalysts during the triglycerides transesterification reaction, offering the opportunity to correlate the crystalline phases to activity, deactivation and stability.
Local well-posedness and break-down criterion of the incompressible Euler equations with free boundary
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Zhifei , Zhao Weiren , Zheng Yunrui
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we prove the local well-posedness of the free boundary problem for the incompressible Euler equations in low regularity Sobolev spaces, in which the velocity is a Lipschitz function and the free surface belongs to

C

3
2

+
ε

C^{\frac {3}{2}+\varepsilon }

. Moreover, we also present a Beale-Kato-Majda type break-down criterion of smooth solution in terms of the mean curvature of the free surface, the gradient of the velocity and Taylor sign condition.
Associations of Reduced Ambient PM2.5 Level With Lower Plasma Glucose Concentration and Decreased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Adults: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Bo Yacong , Chang Ly-yun , Guo Cui , Lin Changqing , Lau Alexis K H , Tam Tony , Yeoh Eng-Kiong , Lao Xiang Qian
Published: May 2021

It remains unknown whether reduced air pollution levels can prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we investigated the associations between dynamic changes in long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter, defined as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), and changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and incidence of type 2 diabetes. A total of 151,398 adults (ages ≥18 years) were recruited in Taiwan between 2001 and 2014. All participants were followed up for a mean duration of 5.0 years. Change in PM2.5 (ΔPM2.5) was defined as the value at a follow-up visit minus the corresponding value at the immediately preceding visit. The PM2.5 concentration in Taiwan increased during 2002–2004 and began to decrease in 2005. Compared with participants with little or no change in PM2.5 exposure, those with the largest decrease in PM2.5 had a decreased FPG level (β = −0.39, 95% confidence interval: −0.47, −0.32) and lower risk of type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio = 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.80, 0.93). The sensitivity analysis and analyses stratified by sex, age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol drinking, and hypertension generally yielded similar results. Improved PM2.5 air quality is associated with a better FPG level and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes development.
Transformative Pedagogies for English Teaching: Teachers and Students Building Social Justice Together
Authors: Ortega Yecid
Published: May 2021

This reflection article reports on an eight-month critical ethnographic study in Bogotá, Colombia. I visited the classrooms of three English teachers and their secondary students from a diverse and marginalized community in the southwest part of the city. Data collected in the form of student focus groups and teacher interviews revealed how students and teachers attempted to transform their difficult living conditions. Teachers’ pedagogies provided the linguistic skills to discuss issues of injustice experienced by students in their communities and gave them hope to gain access to postgraduation academic opportunities. In this research process, I discovered that teachers create safe spaces for students to engage in meaningful English learning embedded in social justice and personal transformation pedagogies. Classroom tasks and projects developed social awareness in addressing community problems, which motivated students to change their socioeconomic conditions. Teachers hope that their pedagogical approaches inspire other teachers working in marginalized contexts to create lessons and projects that humanize relationships with communities.
A - 05 An Exploratory Study of Race-Adjusted Normative Data in Former NFL Players
Authors: M Conley , J Schaffert , CM Cullum , J Hart , N Didehbani
Published: May 2021

Objective

Recent debate regarding the use of race-adjusted normative data (RAND) in the neuropsychological evaluation of former National Football League (NFL) players has sparked intrigue. This pilot study explored the use of RAND in a community-based sample of cognitively normal Black and White NFL retirees.

Methods

Cognitively normal Black (n = 20) and White (n = 20) NFL retirees were selected to be similar in age and education from a larger community sample of retired athletes. All participants underwent consensus neurological diagnosis and standard tests of memory, executive functioning, and language. Five tests utilized Heaton RAND (TMT A and B; FAS, Animal fluency, BNT) and four used age-and education- adjusted manual norms (RCFT, CVLT-II, WAIS-IV Coding and Digit Span). Independent samples t-tests compared raw and normative scores between Black and White retirees. ANCOVA was also used that included estimated IQ and head-injury exposure.

Results

Raw score differences (p < 0.01) were observed between Black and White retirees on 3/9 tests (TMT B, BNT, Coding). No significant differences were noted between groups on TMT B and the BNT using Heaton RAND, and differences on TMT B and Coding were no longer significant after controlling for IQ. Head-injury exposure did not affect findings.

Conclusions

The use of RAND raises complex issues. In this pilot sample of Black and White NFL retirees of similar age and education, few differences were seen, and these were largely attenuated using specialized norms and/or adjustment for estimated global cognitive ability. Potential demographic and environmental influences on test scores require examination in similar populations.
A - 06 Collegiate Student-Athlete Experiences with COVID-19 and Attitudes About Returning to Sport
Authors: MA Davies , A LoGalbo
Published: May 2021

Objective

When COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, collegiate athletic departments faced the difficult decision to postpone or cancel sport activities. Aside from concerns of virus transmission, disruptions in sport impacted student-athletes broadly. This study aimed to investigate athletes’ experiences during the pandemic toward developing a better understanding of athletes’ attitudes about the virus and returning to sport.

Methods

Participants included 245 varsity student-athletes across NCAA sports and divisions who voluntarily completed an online survey between August and October 2020.

Results

A positive COVID-19 result during the pandemic was reported by 1 in 4 athletes. Mental health, cancelled seasons, and academic progress were rated the top three COVID-related concerns. Declines in physical fitness were reported by 50% of participants and change in weight was reported by 45%. While agreement that their athletic department was taking COVID-19 seriously was endorsed by 78% of athletes, 26% believed the proposed safety procedures lacked feasibility. Concern about speaking up if the procedures were not followed was endorsed by 79% of athletes. Of the participants, 88% agreed that they have a social responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Only 44% worried about being exposed to the virus during sport participation. Comfort returning to sport immediately was endorsed by 70% of student-athletes. Just over half said they would get vaccinated if the vaccine became available.

Conclusions

Student-athletes have been affected by the pandemic in several ways. It is evident that athletes are concerned about the pandemic’s impact on mental and physical health and are eager to return to sport.
A - 08 Within Subjects Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After First, Second, and Third Concussions in Adolescents
Authors: AH Feder , J French , N Blaney , SR Eagle , AP Kontos
Published: May 2021

Objective

The objective of the current study was to examine differences in clinical outcomes between adolescents’ first, second, and third concussions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective medical chart review of adolescents (n = 40) aged 10–19 years-old (M = 13.0;SD = 1.9;56% male) who presented for evaluation of concussion at a specialty clinic for their first (Concussion 1 = C1), second (C2), and third (C3) concussions. Clinical outcomes included Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT), Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS), Vestibular/Ocular-Motor Screening (VOMS) scores from the first clinic visit for each injury, recovery time, and days between injuries. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to compare outcomes between concussions.

Results

When comparing initial presentation between C1 and C2, participants demonstrated no significant differences in ImPACT, PCSS (t[38] = 0.85, p = 0.402) or VOMS (t[34] = −0.75, p = 0.461), with the exception of faster Visual Motor Speed for C2 (t[38] = −3.45, p = 0.001). Participants demonstrated improved performance from C1 to C3 on ImPACT composites of Verbal Memory (t[38] = −4.22, p < 0.001), Visual Memory (t[38] = −2.99, p = 0.005), Visual Motor Speed (t[38] = −5.14, p < 0.001) and Reaction Time (t[38] = 0.11, p = 0.001). Symptom report was consistent on PCSS (t[38] = 1.80, p = 0.081) and VOMS (t[30] = −0.12, p = 0.903) between C1 and C3. Recovery time was similar comparing C1 to C2 (t[36] = −0.35,p = 0.725) and C1 to C3 (t[34] = 1.74,p = 0.090).

Conclusions

The results suggest adolescents demonstrate similar levels of symptoms, VOMS, and recovery time after first, second, and third concussions. Neurocognitive performance improved across C1 to C3, suggesting possible learning effect or improved performance with cognitive development. These results provide additional support for similarity between an athlete’s first and second concussion with further initial evidence that a third concussion does not result in worse outcomes.
A - 23 Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Concussion Profile (CP) Screen
Authors: J Preszler , RJ Elbin , S Eagle , MW Collins , AP Kontos
Published: May 2021

Objective

The Concussion Profile (CP)-screen is intended to assess symptom domains of concussion, including migraine, vestibular, ocular, mood/anxiety, and cognitive/fatigue domains. The CP-screen was developed to develop more targeted management by identifying presentation profiles. The hypothesized profile structure of the CP-screen has not yet been psychometrically validated. An a priori five-factor structure (migraine; vestibular; ocular; mood/anxiety; cognitive/fatigue) was hypothesized.

Methods

Three-hundred twenty-three patients (age M = 15.62 ± 4.03 years, 59% male; 74% sport-related) seen within 30 days of concussion (M = 7.58 ± 6.10 days) completed a medical history clinical interview and the CP-screen at their first clinical visit. Multiple confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) of CP-screen items were estimated (using robust weighted least squares estimation).

Results

A CFA was completed for each factor separately and then a five-factor CFA was estimated. Model fit was evaluated using the Comparative Fit Index [CFI], Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI], Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA], and inspection of model parameters (i.e., loadings, residuals, & factor correlations). The five-factor model had excellent fit, but factor correlations indicated a second-order model was more appropriate. Thus, the final CFA included a five-factor first-order structure, with migraine, ocular, and cognitive/fatigue factors loading onto a second-order factor. All models had good fit (CFI >0.965; TLI > 0.96; RMSEA <0.072), and all loadings were significant and substantial (>0.63).

Conclusions

This is the first study to provide psychometric support for the profile structure of the CP-screen. These results also provide support for using these profiles to help target management of those with concussions.
Human host status inference from temporal microbiome changes via recurrent neural networks
Authors: Chen Xingjian , Liu Lingjing , Zhang Weitong , Yang Jianyi , Wong Ka-Chun
Published: May 2021

With the rapid increase in sequencing data, human host status inference (e.g. healthy or sick) from microbiome data has become an important issue. Existing studies are mostly based on single-point microbiome composition, while it is rare that the host status is predicted from longitudinal microbiome data. However, single-point-based methods cannot capture the dynamic patterns between the temporal changes and host status. Therefore, it remains challenging to build good predictive models as well as scaling to different microbiome contexts. On the other hand, existing methods are mainly targeted for disease prediction and seldom investigate other host statuses. To fill the gap, we propose a comprehensive deep learning-based framework that utilizes longitudinal microbiome data as input to infer the human host status. Specifically, the framework is composed of specific data preparation strategies and a recurrent neural network tailored for longitudinal microbiome data. In experiments, we evaluated the proposed method on both semi-synthetic and real datasets based on different sequencing technologies and metagenomic contexts. The results indicate that our method achieves robust performance compared to other baseline and state-of-the-art classifiers and provides a significant reduction in prediction time.
The prognostic value of lymph node ratio in patients with surgically resected stage I–III small-cell lung cancer: a propensity score matching analysis of the SEER database
Authors: Yang Hao , Mei Tonghua
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES

Due to the lack of prospective studies, the role of the lymph node ratio (LNR) in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the prognostic effect of LNR in surgically resected stage I–III SCLC patients.

METHODS

Clinical data of stage I–III (excluding N3 and NX) SCLC patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2016 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Patients were divided into low-risk and high-risk subsets based on the LNR cut-off value of 0.15 using X-tile software. Propensity score matching analysis was employed to reduce bias in baseline characteristics. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to determine the overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS). Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of multiple variables.

RESULTS

A total of 978 patients were identified, of whom 669 (68.40%) had LNR ≤0.15. Patients with LNR ≤0.15 showed better OS (P < 0.001) and LCSS (P < 0.001) both before and after propensity score matching. Multivariable analyses of the matched population confirmed LNR as an independent prognostic factor. Patients with LNR >0.15 showed poorer OS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–2.19; P = 0.015] and LCSS (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.13–2.43; P = 0.010). Subgroup analyses revealed that LNR ≤0.15 was associated with favourable OS (P = 0.009 and 0.197, respectively) and LCSS (P = 0.010 and 0.169, respectively) in N1 and N2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

LNR was determined as an independent predictor for surgically resected stage I–III SCLC, indicating that higher LNR is associated with reduced survival. The predictive value of LNR should to be further validated in prospective studies.
Multi-stable bacterial communities exhibit extreme sensitivity to initial conditions
Authors: Wright Erik S , Gupta Raveena , Vetsigian Kalin H
Published: May 2021

Microbial communities can have dramatically different compositions even among similar environments. This might be due to the existence of multiple alternative stable states, yet there exists little experimental evidence supporting this possibility. Here, we gathered a large collection of absolute population abundances capturing population dynamics in one- to four-strain communities of soil bacteria with a complex life cycle in a feast-or-famine environment. This dataset led to several observations: (i) some pairwise competitions resulted in bistability with a separatrix near a 1:1 initial ratio across a range of population densities; (ii) bistability propagated to multi-stability in multispecies communities; and (iii) replicate microbial communities reached different stable states when starting close to initial conditions separating basins of attraction, indicating finite-sized regions where the dynamics are unpredictable. The generalized Lotka–Volterra equations qualitatively captured most competition outcomes but were unable to quantitatively recapitulate the observed dynamics. This was partly due to complex and diverse growth dynamics in monocultures that ranged from Allee effects to nonmonotonic behaviors. Overall, our results highlight that multi-stability might be generic in multispecies communities and, combined with ecological noise, can lead to unpredictable community assembly, even in simple environments.
Volatile fatty acid platform – a cornerstone for the circular bioeconomy
Authors: Velghe F , De Wilde F , Snellinx S , Farahbakhsh S , Belderbos E , Peral C , Wiedemann A , Hiessl S , Michels J , Pierrard M-A , Dietrich T
Published: May 2021

Annually, the EU produces more than 100 million tonnes of urban biowaste, which is largely under-valorized and in some cases even still landfilled without any energy or material recovery. If Europe wants to be ready for the future, it will need to make better use of this large biomass potential within a circular economy approach. The research project funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 programme entitled ‘VOLATILE—Biowaste derived volatile fatty acid platform for biopolymers, bioactive compounds and chemical building blocks’ aimed to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from biowaste for reprocessing into products, materials or substances to close the material loop. During the project, the partners were able to obtain average volatile fatty acid yields of 627 g COD/kg organic matter (OM) for food waste, 448 g COD/kg OM for separately collected vegetable, garden and fruit waste (VGF) and 384 g COD/kg OM for the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OF-MSW) at concentrations ranging from 12 to 48 g/L, 6 to 40 g/L and 13 to 26 g/L, respectively. A membrane filtration cascade consisting of micro-, ultra- and nano-filtration followed by reverse osmosis was identified as a feasible way to purify and concentrate the VFA effluent, making them a suitable carbon source for further fermentation processes. Besides technical optimization, socio-economic and legal aspects associated with this platform technology were also studied and show that although this technology is still in development, it is providing an answer to changing societal and market expectations both regarding organic waste treatment and bio-based production strategies. Based on the current technological, economic and market evolutions, it is expected that the VFAP will play an important role in organic waste treatment in the coming years.
Constrictifilum karadense gen. et sp. nov., a new Nostocalean genus from Maharashtra, India
Authors: Chavadar Mahesh , Saraf Aniket , Suradkar Archana , Mishra Deeksha , Kumar Naresh , Singh Prashant
Published: May 2021

A freshwater dwelling cyanobacterium (strain MKW3) was isolated from a sample collected from a water logged sugarcane field located in Malkapur, Karad, Maharashtra, India, and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. In the 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis, strain MKW3 clustered with two misidentified strains—Nostoc sp. CENA239 and Calothrix sp. NIES2100. The phylogenetically related members included strains identified as Nostoc, Aulosira, Calothrix, Tolypothrix, Camptylonemopsis and Microchaete. The phylogenetic and the morphological analysis of the strain MKW3 indicated that it does not belong to any of the above mentioned genera. Furthermore, the 16S-23S ITS secondary structure analysis provided clear evidence indicating that strain MKW3 is different from Nostoc sp. CENA239 and Calothrix sp. NIES2100. Based on the morphological, phylogenetic and 16S-23S ITS secondary structure analysis we describe our strain as Constrictifilum karadense gen. et sp. nov. in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants.
Effects of high-speed train traffic characteristics on seismic interferometry
Authors: Liu Yujin , Yue Yubo , Luo Yi , Li Youming
Published: May 2021

Train traffic has been recognized as a powerful noise source for subsurface imaging and monitoring due to its properties of being strong, economic and repeatable. Compared with the traditional train, the high-speed train (HST) runs faster and generates vibrations that also manifest as periodical signals but with a more striking feature of sharp equidistant spectral lines in the frequency spectrum. Like the vibrations generated by the traditional train, the HST-induced vibrations can be utilized after the retrieval of interstation impulse responses using seismic interferometry. However, little attention has been paid to the characteristics of HST-induced vibrations during seismic interferometry. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of train traffic characteristics on the seismic interferometry method. We first present an alternative derivation of seismic interferometry that is not based on the assumption of uncorrelation between sources at different locations. The derivation is valid for scalar waves in 3-D and for elastic surface waves. After analysing the effects of several HST-related factors, including HST moving direction, HST carriage number, rail structure, HST speed and the stacking number of HST records, on the seismic interferometry, we find that the seismic interferometry using HST traffic noise generates crosstalk that can be effectively attenuated by stacking the interferometric results of several HSTs with slightly different speeds. This finding has been validated by the seismic interferometry of both synthetic and field HST traffic noise. We further demonstrate that the retrieved surface waves can be used to estimate near-surface velocities.
Process evaluation of the Centrally Procured School Food Program (CPSFP) in Ontario, Canada: school-level perspectives
Authors: Ismail M R , Gilliland J A , Matthews J I , Battram D S
Published: May 2021

This study explored the implementation of the Centrally Procured School Food Program (CPSFP)—a free, universal, volunteer-led snack program for elementary school children. To assess participants’ perceptions and experiences with the CPSFP, interviews were conducted in school-level participants (n = 33) using a semi-structured interview guide. Fifteen on-site visits also were conducted at each school to observe implementation practices. Quantitative data were obtained through a general information form where participants provided school characteristics and weekly logbooks where they described program operations and food quality. Most participants expressed positive perceptions of the CPSFP, identifying it as a valuable program for their students. Successful program implementation was associated with an appreciation for the CPSFP and the participation of the school community. Challenges to program implementation included concerns with the volume and types of food provided, issues with classroom food delivery and distribution and communication challenges. Suggestions for improvement included building capacities and enhancing student engagement in the program. Participants provided an in-depth assessment of the implementation of the CPSFP. The lessons learned and suggestions provided may help not only enhance the reach, feasibility and fidelity of the CPSFP, but inform the best practices for similar programs.
Childhood Poverty, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Adult Health Outcomes
Authors: Lee Hana , Slack Kristen S , Berger Lawrence M , Mather Rebecca S , Murray Rebecca K
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to consider childhood poverty in relation to a count measure of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a predictor of adult health outcomes and to determine whether associations are sensitive to how childhood poverty is operationalized. A sample of 10,784 adult residents was derived using data 2014–2015 Wisconsin annual Behavioral Risk Factor Survey data, derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Adult health outcomes (health risk behaviors, general health problems, chronic health problems, and depression) were predicted using a more conservative and severe indicator of childhood poverty, and authors tested whether observed associations were attenuated by the inclusion of an ACE count variable. Findings showed that severe indicators of childhood poverty are associated with general and chronic health problems as well as adult depression. These associations are attenuated, but remain intact, when ACEs are included in regression models. Using the CDC BRFSS data for Wisconsin, the study showed that associations between childhood poverty and adult health are sensitive to the way in which childhood poverty is operationalized. The relationship between childhood poverty and other ACEs is complex and thus warrants treating the former as a distinct childhood adversity rather than an item in an ACE summary score.
Ultra-high Magnification Endocytoscopy and Molecular Markers for Defining Endoscopic and Histologic Remission in Ulcerative Colitis—An Exploratory Study to Define Deep Remission
Authors: Iacucci Marietta , Jeffery Louisa , Acharjee Animesh , Nardone Olga Maria , Zardo Davide , Smith Samuel C L , Bazarova Alina , Cannatelli Rosanna , Shivaji Uday N , Williams John , Gkoutos Georgios , Ghosh Subrata
Published: May 2021

Background

Endoscopic and histological remission are both important treatment goals in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to define cellular architecture, expression of molecular markers, and their correlation with endoscopic scores assessed by ultra-high magnification endocytoscopy (ECS) and histological scores.

Methods

Patients with UC (n = 29) were prospectively recruited. The correlation among ECS score (ECSS), Mayo endoscopic score (MES), and histological scores were determined. Area under curve were plotted to determine the best thresholds for ECSS that predicted histological remission by Robarts (RHI) and Nancy Histological Index (NHI).

Soluble analytes relevant to inflammation were measured in serum and mucosal culture supernatants using ProcartaPlex Luminex assays and studied by partial least square discriminant analysis and logistic model. Mucosal RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to define differentially expressed genes/pathways.

Results

Endocytoscope scoring system correlated strongly with RHI (r = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.51–0.98) and NHI (r = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.42–0.98) but correlated poorly with MES (r = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.27–0.70). We identified soluble brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP-1 α) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) predicted histological remission. Mucosal biopsy cultures also identified sVCAM-1 associated with healed mucosa. RNA-seq analysis identified gene expressions shared between ECSS, RHI, or NHI defined healing. A number of gene expressions and pathways were identified including inflammation and metabolic and tumor suppressors that discriminated healed from nonhealed mucosa.

Conclusions

Endocytoscopy represents an interesting tool that may sit between endoscopy and histology—but closer to the latter—identifying gene expression markers and pathways that are also identified by histology.
Long-term outcome over a decade after first rib resection for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome
Authors: Nuutinen Henrik , Kärkkäinen Jussi M , Mäkinen Kimmo , Aittola Voitto , Saari Petri , Pesonen Janne
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to determine long-term outcomes over a decade after first rib resection (FRR) in patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). A secondary aim was to investigate correlation of residual rib stump with long-term symptoms.

METHODS

This ambispective cohort included patients who underwent transaxillary FRRs for NTOS between 1998 and 2007. Short-term outcomes at 3-month clinical follow-up were retrospectively collected from medical records. Patients who agreed to participate in the study were invited to a long-term clinical follow-up in 2019. Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score and Cervical Brachial Symptom Questionnaire were used. A chest X-ray limited to a clavicular projection was taken, and the length of the residual first rib was measured.

RESULTS

Twenty patients {mean age 41.8 [standard deviation (SD): 10.3 years]} who underwent 27 FRRs participated in the study. The mean follow-up time was 14.9 (SD: 3.6) years. Excellent or good recovery was noted after 16 (59.3% of operated arms) operations in the short-term follow-up and 22 (81.5%) operations in the long-term follow-up. No reoperations were necessary for residual symptoms. The mean Cervical Brachial Symptom Questionnaire score was 26.7 (SD: 28.2) (maximum 120), and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score was 21.1 (SD: 18.4) (maximum 100) points. Twenty-six patients (96.3%) had a noticeable residual first rib stump. The mean length of the residual first rib was 28.9 (SD: 9.5) mm. More than 30-mm rib stump did not indicate a worse long-term outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed good long-term outcome without symptom recurrence after FRR for NTOS. In most patients, after surgery, quality of life and ability to work improved. Residual rib stump length was not associated with the treatment outcome.
Distinct Cytokine and Chemokine Dysregulation in Hospitalized Children With Acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome With Similar Levels of Nasopharyngeal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Shedding
Authors: Peart Akindele Nadine , Kouo Theodore , Karaba Andrew H , Gordon Oren , Fenstermacher Katherine Z J , Beaudry Jeanette , Rubens Jessica H , Atik Christine C , Zhou Weiqiang , Ji Hongkai , Tao Xueting , Vaidya Dhananjay , Mostafa Heba , Caturegli Patrizio , Blair Paul W , Sauer Lauren , Cox Andrea L , Persaud Deborah
Published: May 2021

Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe clinical phenotype of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that remains poorly understood.

Methods

Hospitalized children <18 years of age with suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (N = 53) were recruited into a prospective cohort study; 32 had confirmed COVID-19, with 16 meeting the US Centers for Disease Control criteria for MIS-C. Differences in nasopharyngeal viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity, and cytokine/chemokine profiles were examined, including after adjustments for age and sex.

Results

The median ages for those with and without MIS-C were 8.7 years (interquartile range [IQR], 5.5–13.9) and 2.2 years (IQR, 1.1–10.5), respectively (P = .18), and nasopharyngeal levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (median 63 848.25 copies/mL versus 307.1 copies/mL, P = .66); 75% of those with MIS-C were antibody positive compared with 44% without (P = .026). Levels of 14 of 37 cytokines/chemokines (interleukin [IL]-1RA, IL-2RA, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, IP-10, macrophage-inflammatory protein [MIP]-1α, MCP-2, MIP-1β, eotaxin) were significantly higher in children with MIS-C compared to those without, irrespective of age or sex (false discovery rate <0.05; P < .05).

Conclusions

The distinct pattern of heightened cytokine/chemokine dysregulation observed with MIS-C, compared with acute COVID-19, occurs across the pediatric age spectrum and with similar levels of nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
Assessing E-Health adoption readiness using diffusion of innovation theory and the role mediated by each adopter's category in a Mauritian context
Authors: Putteeraj Manish , Bhungee Nandhini , Somanah Jhoti , Moty Numrata
Published: May 2021

Background

The preparedness of healthcare institutes for the foreseen changes expected to arise through the implementation of E-Health is a significant turning point in determining its success. This should be evaluated through the awareness and readiness of healthcare workers to adopt E-Health technology to reduce health information technology failures.

Methods

This study investigated the relationship between the perceived attributes of innovation and E-Health adoption decisions of healthcare workers as part of a preimplementation process. Using a cross-sectional quantitative approach, the dimensions of the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory were used to assess the E-Health readiness of 110 healthcare workers in a Mauritian specialized hospital.

Results

A strong inclination towards E-Health adoption was observed, where the prime stimulators were perceived as modernization of healthcare management (84.1%, ẋ=4.19), increased work efficiency through reduction of duplication (77.6%, ẋ=4.10) and faster generation of results (71.1%, ẋ=4.07). The findings of this study also validated the use of five DOI dimensions (i.e. relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) in a predictability model (F(5, 101)=17.067, p<0.001) towards E-Health adoption. A significant association between ‘adopter category’ and ‘willingness to recommend E-Health adoption’ (χ2(8)=74.89, p<0.001) endorsed the fact that physicians and nursing managers have central roles within a social ecosystem to facilitate the diffusion of technology and influence the adoption of innovation.

Conclusion

This is the first study of its kind in Mauritius to successfully characterize each adopter's profile and demonstrate the applicability of the DOI framework to predict the diffusion rate of E-Health platforms, while also highlighting the importance of identifying key opinion leaders who can be primed by innovators regarding the benefits of E-Health platforms, thus ensuring non-disruptive evolutionary innovation in the Mauritian healthcare sector.
Improving the Oxidative Stability of Anhydrous Milk Fat by Adding Natural Antioxidant
Authors: Mahmoud Samy F , Kebary Khamis M K , Hussein Samy A , Badawi Ragb M , Saleh Dalia I
Published: May 2021

Background

Anhydrous milk fat can be obtained in two forms, ghee and butter oil. These products are made by boiling butter at 110–120°C and melting butter at 60–80°C, respectively, to give them their distinct flavor. Ghee is the most popular fatty dairy product in India and Egypt. Lipid oxidation is a major cause of ghee and butter oil deterioration, affecting their flavor, color, and nutritional value. It has been suggested that natural antioxidants can be used, instead of synthetic antioxidants, to retard lipid oxidation.

Objective

Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of potato peel, fenugreek seed, and ginger rhizome extracts, to study their effect on reducing lipid oxidation, and to monitor changes of ghee and butter oil qualities during storage.

Method

Ethanol extracts from potato peel, fenugreek seeds, and ginger rhizomes were prepared. Total phenolic compounds of these extracts were determined and 500 and 1000 ppm of each of these extracts were added to either ghee or butter oil treatments.

Results

Acid values, peroxide values, and thiobarbituric acid values decreased with the addition of plant extracts to both ghee and butter oil, while they increased during the storage period. Adding 1000 ppm from each extract was more efficient than adding 500 ppm of the same extract.

Conclusions

Ginger rhizome extract was the most effective in reducing lipid oxidation. Ghee treatments were more stable than corresponding butter oil treatments against lipid oxidation.

Highlights

This study demonstrates the use of natural antioxidants, instead of synthetic antioxidants, in preserving ghee and butter oil
Identification of plastic constitutive Johnson–Cook model parameters by optimization-based inverse method
Authors: Jang Taek Jin , Kim Jong-Bong , Shin Hyunho
Published: May 2021

Because the design of most products incorporates numerical analysis such as the finite element method, these days, accurate determination of dynamic material model parameters is significant. Usually, the dynamic constitutive model parameters such as those in the Johnson–Cook (JC) model are determined by fitting stress–strain curves obtained by split Hopkins pressure bar (SHPB) tests at various strain rates and temperatures. However, the determination of model parameters by fitting cannot consider potential three-dimensional heterogeneities of stress propagation because the stress and strain are calculated with the assumption of one-dimensional wave propagation. In this study, to accurately determine plastic constitutive model parameters considering all of the potential heterogeneities of stress propagation, an optimization-based inverse method was proposed. Multiple objectives were defined with multiple experimental data that were obtained by SHPB tests at different conditions. The error was defined using transmitted and reflected bar signals obtained in experiments and finite element analysis with candidate model parameters. JC model parameters were set as design variables and determined to minimize the error. To show the reliability of the proposed method, experimental data were generated numerically by FE analysis with known model parameters. The parameters determined by the proposed method were compared with the known exact values. Model coefficients were also determined by fitting the stress–strain relations to show the superiority of the proposed method. Though the fitting of stress–strain curves can also reasonably determine the model coefficients, it was shown that the model parameters could be determined accurately by the proposed optimization-based inverse method.
Factors driving California pocket mice (Chaetodipus californicus) population dynamics
Authors: Chaudhary Vratika , Tietje William D , Polyakov Anne Y , Rolland Virginie , Oli Madan K
Published: May 2021

Understanding how demographic parameters respond to climatic variables is essential for predicting species’ response to changing environmental conditions. The California pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus) is an inhabitant of coastal-central California oak (Quercus spp.) woodland that is undergoing a rapid anthropogenic transformation while also facing effects of global climate change. We analyzed the population dynamics of the California pocket mouse by applying Pradel’s temporal symmetry model to a 10-year (2004 – 2013) capture–mark–recapture data set to estimate survival and recruitment rates and realized population growth rate. The overall monthly apparent survival probability (ϕ) was 0.76 ± 0.01 SE and was slightly higher in the dry season (0.79 ± 0.02 SE) than the wet season (0.74 ± 0.01 SE). Coefficients of variation (CV) of temperature and rainfall (with and without a one-season lag), average seasonal temperature, and regional climatic variation (El Niño index) positively influenced ϕ. Overall monthly recruitment rate (f) was 0.17 ± 0.01 SE but varied seasonally; f was substantially higher during the dry season (0.39 ± 0.04 SE) than the wet season (0.09 ± 0.02 SE). Average seasonal temperature, CV of temperature and rainfall (without a one-season lag), and total seasonal rainfall (with a one-season lag) positively influenced recruitment, whereas regional climatic variation (El Niño index), total seasonal rainfall (without a one-season lag), and CV of rainfall (with a one-season lag) had a negative effect on f. Monthly realized population growth rate (λ) was 1.00 ± 0.02 SE for the entire study period, but it varied temporally. Our study provides the first estimates of demographic parameters for the California pocket mouse and tests for the influence of climatic variables on these parameters. Although the California pocket mouse population remained relatively stable during our study (as indicated by λ = 1.00), changing climate and anthropogenic influences on California oak woodland could adversely influence demographic parameters and population dynamics and might also indicate effects of climate change on its ecologically sensitive habitat.
Piloting a Climate-Change Adaptation Index on US National Forest Lands
Authors: Coughlan Michael R , Huber-Stearns Heidi , Schultz Courtney
Published: May 2021

Climate change presents a novel and significant threat to the sustainability of forest ecosystems worldwide. The United States Forest Service (USFS) has conducted climate change vulnerability assessments for much of the 193 million acres of national forest lands it manages, yet little to no research exists on the degree to which management units have adopted considerations of climate change into planning or project implementation. In response to this knowledge gap, we piloted a survey instrument in USFS Region 1 (Northern region) and Region 6 (Pacific Northwest region) to determine criteria for assessing the degree to which national forests integrate climate-change considerations into their management planning and activities. Our resulting climate-change adaptation index provides an efficient quantitative approach for identifying where, how, and, potentially, why some national forests are making more progress toward incorporating climate-change adaptations into forest planning and management.
Accumulated Homelessness: Analysing Protracted Displacement along Eritreans’ Life Histories
Authors: Belloni Milena , Massa Aurora
Published: May 2021

This article introduces the notion of ‘accumulated homelessness’ to account for the repeated loss and lack of home experienced by many migrants in Europe today. Through the lens of home and homelessness, we argue that the debate on protracted displacement—often applied only to developing countries—should be extended to Europe. Going beyond the idea of shelterlessness, we consider homelessness as a multidimensional and multiscalar condition which encompasses material and emotional aspects. By analysing two life histories of Eritrean men living in Italy and in the Netherlands, we examine the set of structural, social, and individual conditions leading them to lose home in different places and times as well as their attempts—such as finding accommodation, establishing a community organisation, or moving onwards—to reconstruct home.
What Do Asylum Seekers Prioritise—Safety or Welfare Benefits? The Influence of Policies on Asylum Flows to the EU15 Countries
Authors: Diop-Christensen Anna , Diop Lanciné Eric
Published: May 2021

From the beginning of the Arab Spring in 2010, Europe has experienced an increasing inflow of asylum seekers, which later peaked in 2015. While some governments sought national solutions and responded by tightening controls and rights for asylum seekers and refugees, others advocated for European burden sharing and a more humanistic response. This study investigates the extent to which asylum seekers respond to policy changes and prioritise between different policies. Further, than existing studies, we develop a theoretical framework for improving the understanding of what asylum seekers prioritise. Additionally, we also contribute empirically by using recent asylum application data for the EU15 countries (UNHCR data from 2008 to 2015) to disentangle the influence of single policy elements rather than focussing on asylum regimes or composite indexes as has been the case in previous research. Our results indicate that asylum seekers prioritise their short- to medium-term security by choosing destination countries with the most liberal refugee recognition and family reunification policies. In contrast, the level of social assistance accessible to refugees and the easiness of obtaining permanent resident status are unimportant.