bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallization kinetics of Cu–Zr–Al bulk metallic glass with Nd addition
Authors: Yang Ke , Bing Li , Yanhong Li , Xin Wang , Xinhui Fan
Published: July 2021

The crystallization kinetics of (Cu48Zr48Al4)100−xNdx (x = 0, 2 at.%) bulk metallic glasses in nonisothermal and isothermal conditions were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). XRD analysis shows that the crystallization product Cu10Zr7 changes to Cu10Zr7 and Cu2Nd with Nd presence in nonisothermal and isothermal conditions. Crystallization activation energy was calculated in nonisothermal conditions using Kissinger and Ozawa methods and in isothermal conditions using Arrhenius model. The results show that the activation energy harbored by (Cu48Zr48Al4)98Nd2 expresses larger value compared with Cu48Zr48Al4, which indicate that the energy barrier for crystallization has enhanced along the Nd addition. The Johnson–Mehl–Avrami model was employed for analyzing the crystallization kinetics in isothermal condition. The Avrami exponent n for Cu48Zr48Al4 is more than 2.5, demonstrating that the crystallization is mainly governed by diffusion‐controlled three‐dimensional growth with increasing nucleation rate. Comparably, the Avrami exponent n for (Cu48Zr48Al4)98Nd2 is 1.5 < n < 2.5, suggesting that the crystallization is mainly determined by diffusion‐controlled three‐dimensional growth with decreasing nucleation rate. The evident enhancement in crystallization activation energy based on Nd addition is rationally made up of an influential factor commonly harbored on the enhanced glass forming ability for the rare‐earth comprising Cu–Zr–Al metallic glasses.
Scholarly journal publishing standards, policies and guidelines
Authors: Ndungu Miriam Wanjiku
Published: July 2021

It is easy to launch and run a journal but, more difficult to ensure that it adheres to best practices and provides a sustainable, secure, validated and respected venue for research. On launching a new journal, it is vital that the publisher and editors create suitable policies, technical systems and procedures before the inaugural call for papers is sent out. This article reviews the plethora of guidance that is available but scattered across multiple websites and draws together the key issues required by any new journal. The key areas considered are: journal and article identifiers; ethical and practical policies; technical decisions and considerations; systems for submission, publication and archiving; and promotion and marketing. The article provides a snapshot of the issues that all new publishers and editors need to consider.
Immunization calculation engine: An open source immunization evaluation and forecasting system
Authors: Arzt Noam H. , Chertcoff Daryl , Nicolary Samuel , Suralik Michael , Berry Michael
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The immunization calculation engine (ICE) is a free, open‐source immunization forecasting evaluation and software system whose default immunization schedule supports all routine childhood, adolescent, and adult immunizations based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ICE utilizes its immunization rules and patient data to evaluate and return the validity of each immunization in the patient's history along with one or more evaluation reasons. It also returns a recommendation for each vaccine group along with one or more recommendation reasons.

Methods

In January 2020, ICE was first released as a Docker image along with the traditional zip archive file which had been used up to that point. Docker enables software providers to easily distribute their software so that it can be run “out of the box” in the user's local environment. Software running in Docker containers drastically reduces the complexity of software distribution and set up.

Results

Clinical systems of many types use ICE. The project began within the public health arena as a feature of Immunization Information Systems (IIS), but electronic health records (EHR) and personal health records (PHR) have also deployed ICE. While it is not possible to identify the specific impact of ICE on clinical care without additional research, it should be pointed out that once deployed within an IIS, EHR, or PHR the display of ICE results is performed for every patient viewed by a user and often for every patient appearing on a report. In a typical month, thousands if not millions of evaluations and forecasts are performed by ICE and displayed to the users.

Conclusions

The ICE Project believes in minimizing the barriers to installing and using ICE anywhere. To that end, there is no registration required to download the source code or runtime code for the ICE service and its default rule. Similarly, the Project created a Docker image of ICE to facilitate easy and seamless implementation.
Levodopa‐Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Reduces Dyskinesia in Parkinson's Disease in a Randomized Trial
Authors: Freire‐Alvarez Eric , Kurča Egon , Lopez Manzanares Lydia , Pekkonen Eero , Spanaki Cleanthe , Vanni Paola , Liu Yang , Sánchez‐Soliño Olga , Barbato Luigi M.
Published: July 2021

Background

There are limited data regarding the effectiveness of levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) for dyskinesia.

Objective

Compare the effectiveness of LCIG versus oral optimized medical treatment (OMT) for dyskinesia in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) using the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS).

Methods

This phase 3b, open‐label, multicenter, 12‐week, interventional study (NCT02799381) randomized 63 LCIG naïve patients with advanced PD (UDysRS ≥30) to LCIG (N = 30) or OMT (N = 33) treatment. Dyskinesia impact was assessed at baseline through week 12 using the UDysRS. PD‐related motor and non‐motor symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) were also assessed.

Results

Dyskinesias measured by UDysRS were significantly reduced in the LCIG group (n = 24; −17.37 ± 2.79) compared with the OMT group (n = 26; −2.33 ± 2.56) after 12 weeks (−15.05 ± 3.20; 95% CI, −21.47 to −8.63; P < 0.0001). At week 12, LCIG versus OMT also demonstrated significant improvements in “On” time without troublesome dyskinesia (P = 0.0001), QoL (P < 0.0001), global impression of change (P < 0.0001), activities of daily living (P = 0.0006), and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III (P = 0.0762). Treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported in 27 (44.3%) patients (LCIG, 18 [64.3%]; OMT, 9 [27.3%]). Serious adverse events occurred in 2 (7.1%) LCIG‐treated patients.

Conclusions

LCIG significantly reduced dyskinesia compared with OMT. LCIG showed efficacy for treatment of troublesome dyskinesia in patients with advanced PD while demonstrating benefits in both motor and non‐motor symptoms and QoL. © 2021 AbbVie Inc. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society
Compact planar multiple‐input‐multiple‐output antenna with pattern diversity based on the complementary theory
Authors: Xu Yizhen , Wen Sichao , Dong Yuandan
Published: July 2021

A three‐port planar multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna system with pattern diversity based on the complementary theory is presented in this letter. Three directional antennas without any directors or reflectors are introduced as the radiating elements, which are rotationally symmetrical and sharing a small ground. The unilateral radiation pattern is achieved for each antenna element based on the complementary theory, where an electric dipole and a magnetic dipole are placed orthogonally and excited simultaneously. An inverted L‐shaped stub is used as the electric dipole. A capacitively loaded loop operated on the zeroth‐order resonant mode is applied as the equivalent magnetic dipole. The capacitive loading is realized with six periodical interdigital left‐handed series capacitors. Furthermore, a defected ground structure between each two ports is adopted to further improve the isolation. The operation mechanism of the proposed MIMO antenna is discussed and experimentally verified. The proposed MIMO antenna system has a measured fractional bandwidth of 7.2% (3.33–3.58 GHz) with |S11| < −10 dB. The port isolation is better than 15 dB and the envelope correlation coefficient is less than 0.0234 in the operation band.
Plasmonic structure on a tapered optical fiber for application as a surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Trevisanutto Joshua O. , Das Gautam
Published: July 2021

A plasmonic structure using gold nanorods (GNRs) on the surface of a tapered fiber was developed. The structure was used to study the Raman spectra of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and zinc oxide (ZnO) adsorbed on the tapered optical fiber covered with the GNRs, respectively. The tapered optical fiber was manufactured by a dynamic etching process. The tapered fiber had a tip diameter in the nanometer range. The optical tweezing phenomenon was used to develop the plasmonic structure along the length of the tapered fiber surface. The density of GNRs varied as the diameter of the fiber in the tapered region changed. Raman spectra for R6G and ZnO were recorded and analyzed at different fiber locations with and without GNRs. We could obtain the SERS spectrum of a R6G solution of concentration 10−7 M using the developed substrate.
Patient's experiences of the barriers and facilitators to Methotrexate
Authors: Otón Teresa , Carmona Loreto , Andreu Jose Luis
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate the barriers and facilitators of adherence to methotrexate (MTX) in people with rheumatic diseases and to explore the experience of shared decision‐making.

Methods

A qualitative study was carried out. People diagnosed with inflammatory arthritides or systemic autoimmune diseases and who were treated with MTX were invited to participate in focus groups. The discourse was coded and synthesised with a content analysis approach.

Results

The groups included 12 representative patients (rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, taking either oral or subcutaneous MTX). Four main themes were identified: (1) drug‐related aspects (package insert, adverse events, administration, and difficulties with treatment); (2) patient‐physician relationship; (3) social environment (lack of visibility of rheumatic diseases and the support of patient associations); and (4) medication and medical care practicalities (information, reliable sources, and expanding knowledge in other health areas).

Conclusions

Aspects identified might help improve adherence, including quality information, especially on adverse events, the role of the setting, and shared decision‐making.
Protect Your SCADA System From Cyberattack
Authors: Capano Daniel
Published: July 2021

Cyberattackers often seek out soft targets to exploit, potentially creating costly disruptions. Consider the options to defend your water or wastewater system against such attacks.
Consider Raising a Tank to Increase Distribution System Pressure
Authors: Schmitt Erin
Published: July 2021

Sometimes a water utility can address a water supply issue—and save money—by modifying an existing tank.
Synergistic effect of nanodiamond and titanium oxide nanoparticles on the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of pitch‐derived carbon foam composites
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Tiehu Li , Zaidi Syed Basit Ali , Javed Elisha , Hussain Amjad , Hayat Asif , Zada Amir , Alei Dang , Ullah Azeem
Published: July 2021

Titanium oxide (TO)‐ and functionalized nanodiamond (FND)‐reinforced carbon foam (CF) composites were prepared by the direct pyrolysis of TO, FND and a mixture of mesophase coal tar pitch. The effects of TO and FND loadings on the microstructure and functional properties of the CF composites were studied. The obtained microstructures of the CF composites showed that both nanofillers have an influential role in the formation of porous morphology of CF. Moreover, the additive aspects of TO and FND were further studied in terms of mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The results revealed that compressive strength increased up to 20.21 MPa, thermal conductivity was as high as 32.33 W m−1 K−1 at elevated temperature and electrical conductivity was 23.24 × 103 S m−1. The results show that FND particles are well appropriate to meliorate the fabrication of TO nanoparticles in CF to build up a solid connection between the nanoparticles and CF for the improvement of the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of CF composites. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Risk‐based decisions: Implementing the asset integrity program
Authors: Henao Felipe A.
Published: July 2021

At present, there exists a lot of interest in the applications of Process Safety Management (PSM) System in Oil & Gas Industry, and, in particular, in implementing an Asset Integrity Management Program, this paper is offering a Risk‐Based model approach, that help both facilities operations and maintenance crew to achieve their goals in terms of PSM in a rapid and well orientated manner.
Improved plant bioconcentration modeling of pesticides: The role of periderm dynamics
Authors: Xiao Shenglan , Li Zijian , Fantke Peter
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

There is a continuous need to advance pesticide plant uptake models in support of improving pest control and reducing human exposure to pesticide residues. The periderm of harvested root and tuber crops may affect pesticide uptake, but is usually not considered in plant uptake models. To quantify the influence of the periderm on pesticide uptake from soil into potatoes, we propose a model that includes an explicit periderm compartment in the soil–plant mass balance for pesticides.

RESULTS

Our model shows that the potato periderm acts as an active barrier to the uptake of lipophilic pesticides with high KOW, while it lets more lipophobic pesticides accumulate in the medulla (pulp). We estimated bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for over 700 pesticides and proposed parameterizations for including the effects of the periderm into a full plant uptake modeling framework. A sensitivity analysis shows that both the degradation half‐life inside the tuber and the lipophilicity drive the contributions of other aspects to the variability of BCFs, while highlighting distinct dynamics in the periderm and medulla compartments. Finally, we compare model estimates with measured data, showing that predictions agree with field observations for current‐use pesticides and some legacy pesticides frequently found in potatoes.

CONCLUSION

Considering the periderm improves the accuracy of quantifying pesticide uptake and bioconcentration in potatoes as input for optimizing pest control and minimizing human exposure to pesticide residues in edible crops.
Balancing local justice and spatial justice: Mobile outreach and refused asylum seekers
Authors: Pian Anaïk , Hoyez Anne‐Cécile
Published: July 2021

This article sheds light on the dynamics of mobile outreach practices, and is based on a field study of the ambulatory activities ofMédecins du Mondearound Strasbourg, France. Mobile teams act in a temporality of urgency and in the spatiality of the street. Roaming the city at regular intervals, they provide healthcare and social services to a target population that lives in the space of the street and is thus alienated from the general social and healthcare systems. Like other French cities, Strasbourg has seen an increase in asylum seekers as well as in migrants who have been refused asylum. Here, we examine the combination of the sociological notion of local justice and the geographical notion of spatial justice in the light of these changing populations. This doubled‐pronged approach allows us to more fully explore the interlocking social and spatial issues involved in the inevitably difficult choices and hard decisions inherent in mobile outreach.
Upward and downward atmospheric Kelvin waves over the Indian Ocean
Authors: Shaaban Ahmed A. , Roundy Paul E.
Published: July 2021

Stratospheric Kelvin waves are often understood as plane gravity waves, yet tropospheric Kelvin waves have been interpreted as a superposition between the baroclinic modes. Fourier filtering is used to decompose the ECMWF‐Interim reanalysis dynamical fields into upward and downward propagating components. Then wavelet regression is used to isolate the propagating Kelvin waves over the Indian Ocean across different speeds at zonal wavenumber 4. Results for fast waves show dry upward‐phase signal in the troposphere, while downward‐phase Kelvin waves occupy most of the stratosphere. The presence of upward‐phase tilted waves in the troposphere suggests that the tropospheric Kelvin wave is not a superposition of the upward and downward components, as one might expect in a normal mode. We found that propagating Kelvin waves in the troposphere obey gravity wave dynamics with geopotential height in phase with the zonal wind, the vertical velocity out of phase with the zonal wind, and the temperature in quadrature with the zonal wind. Both dry and moist tropospheric Kelvin waves show a westward vertical tilt, suggesting that tilt probably cannot be a superposition between baroclinic modes coupled to convective and stratiform heating. In the context of radiating gravity waves, results suggest that faster tropospheric Kelvin waves appear to be associated with higher Brunt–Väisälä frequencies, and waves maintain similar vertical tilt across a wide range of phase speeds.
Event‐triggered adaptive leaderless consensus control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with unknown backlash‐like hysteresis
Authors: Sun Yuan , Shi Peng , Lim Cheng‐Chew
Published: July 2021

This study aims to investigate the problem of event‐triggered adaptive leaderless consensus control for a class of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with unknown backlash‐like hysteresis. Combining adaptive backstepping and event‐triggered control techniques, a distributed event‐triggered adaptive leaderless consensus controller is designed to compensate for the effects of unknown backlash‐like hysteresis and reduce the update frequency of control signals. By the proposed method, we can obtain the desired consensus tracking, ensure the boundedness of all the signals, and exclude the Zeno behavior from the underlying systems. An example of four robotic manipulators is given to show the effectiveness of the new control design scheme.
Fatigue resistance of steel ropes: failure criterion: Background to the verification in prEN 1993‐1‐11:2020
Authors: Maljaars Johan , Misiek Thomas
Published: July 2021

Many steel rope systems are subjected to fluctuating tensile loads and therefore can fail due to fatigue. Available fatigue test data indicate that rope diameter, mean stress, socket type, lay angle and rope length influence the fatigue resistance. Most of the tests were terminated before full failure of the ropes. This paper shows that the test termination criterion, such as fracture of the first wire, fracture of 5 % of the wires or full rope fracture, has a large influence on the resulting fatigue resistance. A probabilistic analysis is carried out for a rope system in a bridge, demonstrating that the required structural reliability levels are met when considering full failure as the end‐of‐life criterion for ropes.
When Two Is Better than One
Authors: Dobrocky Tomas , Lee Hubert , Nicholson Patrick , Agid Ronit , Lynch Jeremy , Swaminathan Saravana Kumar , Krings Timo , Radovanovic Ivan , Pereira Vitor Mendes
Published: July 2021

Background

Delivery of most flow diverters (FD) requires larger, and thus stiffer microcatheters (0.021–0.027in.) which can pose challenges to intracranial navigation. The concomitant use of two microwires within one microcatheter, also known as the buddy-wire technique, may be helpful for navigation and support in challenging situations.

Methods

We analyzed all flow diverter procedures in our prospectively collected database. We recorded all patient-related, anatomical and procedural information. We performed univariate statistics and technical descriptions.

Results

In total, 208 consecutive patients treated with a FD at our institution between July 2014 and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. In 17 patients the buddy-wire technique was used (mean age 63 years, range 31–87 years: 16 female). Aneurysms were located at the petrous, cavernous, supraophthalmic internal carotid artery, and a proximal M2 branch in 2, 7, 7 and 1 patient(s), respectively. In all cases a 0.027in. microcatheter was used for device deployment. In 14 patients with a wide-necked aneurysm the buddy-wire provided additional support to advance the microcatheter and mitigated the ledge between the aneurysm neck and the parent artery or a side branch. In two giant cavernous aneurysms treated with telescoping FDs, the buddy-wire was used to re-enter the proximal end of the foreshortened FD.

Conclusion

The buddy-wire is a useful technique in FD procedures to prevent herniation of the microcatheter into the aneurysm sack, in wide-necked aneurysms to mitigate the ledge effect between the aneurysm neck and the parent artery where the microcatheter tip may get stuck, or to enable re-entry into a foreshortened FD.
Correction to: Analytical approximations for the inverse Langevin function via linearization, error approximation, and iteration
Authors: Howard Roy M.
Published: July 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00397-021-01283-3
The origins of marine and non-marine boulder deposits: a brief review
Authors: Dewey J. F. , Goff J. , Ryan P. D.
Published: July 2021

We identify 14 mechanisms, marine and non-marine, one man made, that result and could result in the formation of boulder deposits after reviewing issues associated with clast shape, size and classification. Four of these mechanisms: storm deposits; waterspouts; cliff collapse; and catastrophic flooding below sea level, may produce deposits stretching for significant distances along shorelines which could be confused with historical or prehistoric tsunami deposits. However, recent debate has more specifically focused on parameters that can be employed in the distinction between coarse-grained tsunami and storm deposits, both of which can occur in the same location. We argue that features such as size, areal distribution and clast shape are not uniquely characteristic of either deposit. Rather, a wide variety of parameters, which reflect the period and the frequency of the transporting waves, need to be taken into account. Such analyses may be aided by profiles which evaluate the variation in modeled flow velocities with distance from the shoreline. Finally, we compare and contrast characteristics of coarse grained tsunami deposits with those of northeast Atlantic storm deposits that may aid in the identification of the transporting wave.
Numerical prediction of structural damage due to pressure buildup in subsea oil and gas equipment
Authors: Somassoundirame Ramechecandane , Nithiyananthan Eswari
Published: July 2021

Pressure buildup/annular pressure buildup in subsea oil and gas equipment occurs primarily due to the thermal expansion of trapped liquids. With the advent of modern computers, it has become increasingly possible to numerically analyze such problems with commercial codes available in the market. The objective of the present study is to propose a methodology for numerical prediction of structural damage in subsea oil and gas equipment due to pressure buildup. A judicious combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with structural finite element analysis code has been used to perform a sample numerical analysis that is truly representative of a wide class of problems encountered in subsea oil and gas applications. The mitigation of trapped pressure is one among the prime areas of concern in the subsea oil and gas industry. In the present study, CFD analysis is used to determine the maximum pressure buildup due to the thermal expansion of trapped liquids in small leak tight enclosed volumes with rigid walls and the pressure obtained is used as a boundary condition for the structural analysis. In a nutshell, the analysis has been split into three steps (1) a steady-state CFD analysis to determine the temperature distribution within the oil and gas equipment under consideration, (2) the temperature contours obtained from the steady-state analysis are imposed as a boundary condition for the transient analysis to calculate the trapped pressure in the small volumes of interest and finally and (3) a structural analysis is used to determine the damage to the oil and gas equipment. The methodology adapted is similar to a one-way coupled fluid structure interaction analysis, but provides the added advantage of a significant reduction in computational cost. In the present study, the proposed methodology has been extended to a subsea Christmas tree (XT) and the pressure buildup in the hydraulic lines has been calculated. The results obtained using the present technique has been compared with analytical solution. The proposed numerical technique can be applied to any subsea or surface oil and gas equipment where pressure buildup due to trapped volume is a major issue. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of pressure buildup in trapped volumes within subsea/surface oil and gas equipment. This study can be applied to predict the thermal expansion of trapped volumes in subsea XTs, manifolds, pipe line end manifolds (PLEM) and pipe line end termination (PLET) units.
Insights into the structure and surface geology of balanced and retrodeformed geological cross sections from the Nizampur basin, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad , Shahab Muhammad , Ahmad Zeeshan , Khan Rehman , Shah Syed Farhan Ali , Naseem Abbas Ali
Published: July 2021

The current research work is an attempt to apply the basic geological procedures, methods of geological mapping, surface and subsurface interpretation and restoration of balanced and retrodeformed cross sections from the Nizampur basin, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The work also includes the documentation of several surface structural features, i.e., anticlines, synclines and different types of folds and faults exposed in the vicinity of study area. Four central thrust faults were recognized named as Kahi Thrusts along the cross sections. These thrust faults carried the older sequences of rocks over the younger sequences in different portion along the measured cross section. The folded and faulted rocks in the area show that stratigraphic framework comprises of Eocene, Paleocene, Cretaceous and Jurassic succession of rocks. There are Eocene rocks existing in the extreme South of the mapped area with addition of older Cretaceous and Jurassic succession and contains simple and large-scale folds, faults and back thrust. Two structural transect were mapped which encounter different folds and faults, i.e., X-sections AB oriented NS and CD oriented NE-SW. Restoration of the structural transects was calculated and assumed that at the formation of Main Boundary Thrust, the study area was exposed to the tectonic forces which prognosticated 19.5% shortening in rock sequences from Jurassic to Eocene succession along the measured cross section A_B.
Sedimentary facies, depositional environments and conceptual outcrop analogue (Dam Formation, early Miocene) Eastern Arabian Platform, Saudi Arabia: a new high-resolution approach
Authors: Ali Syed Haroon , Abdullatif Osman M. , Babalola Lamidi O. , Alkhaldi Fawwaz M. , Bashir Yasir , Qadri S. M. Talha , Wahid Ali
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the facies and depositional environment of the early Miocene Dam Formation, Eastern Arabian platform, Saudi Arabia. Deposition of Dam Formation (Fm.) was considered as a restricted shallow marine deposition. Few studies suggest the role of sea-level change in its deposition but were without decisive substantiation. Here, we describe the facies and high-resolution model of Dam Fm. under varying depositional conditions. The depositional conditions were subjected to changing relative sea level and tectonics. High-resolution outcrop photographs, sedimentological logs, and thin sections present that the mixed carbonate–siliciclastic sequence was affected by a regional tectonics. The lower part of Dam Fm. presents the development of carbonate ramp conditions that are represented by limestones and marl. The depositional conditions fluctuated with the fall of sea level, and uplift in the region pushed the siliciclastic down-dip and covered the whole platform. The subsequent rise in sea level was not as pronounced and thus allowed the deposition of microbial laminites and stromatolitic facies. The southeast outcrops, down-dip, are more carbonate prone as compared to the northwest outcrop, which allowed the deposition of siliciclastic-prone sedimentation up-dip. All facies, architecture, heterogeneity, and deposition were controlled by tectonic events including uplift, subsidence, tilting, and syn-sedimentary faulting, consequently affecting relative sea level. The resulting conceptual outcrop model would help to improve our understanding of mixed carbonate–siliciclastic systems and serve as an analogue for other stratigraphic units in the Arabian plate and region. Our results show that Dam Fm. can be a good target for exploration in the Northern Arabian Gulf.
Smectite illitization of the Talhar shale, Lower Goru Formation, Southern Indus Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Asghar , Salman Muhammad , Ahmad Rafique
Published: July 2021

Subsurface samples of the Talhar shale, Lower Goru Formation, are analyzed for smectite (montmorillonite) and illite in the Nur-dep#1 (ND‒1), well 2, Southern Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan. The ND‒1, well 2 is an unsuccessful well drilled by the OGDCL, Pakistan, for the shale gas exploration. Illitization and elemental content constrained using XRD qualitative and XRF quantitative analyses, respectively. The illite content increases from 15 to 55% with increasing depth. The fine-grained shale comprises chlorite, kaolinite, halloysite, allophane, muscovite, microcline, illite and montmorillonite. Chlorite was observed at 3450–3452 m, whereas kaolinite is present at depth range of 3450–3482 m. The mix layer expandability decreases from 40 to 20% at depth ranges from 3450 to 3552 m, respectively. The interstratification is random to ordered. Potassium and silicon contents with respect to aluminum and calcium are increasing with depth. Data obtained in this research indicate that the shale gas is immature and the oil is an early–medium stage of maturation.
Incorporating model predictive control with fuzzy approximation for robot manipulation under remote center of motion constraint
Authors: Su Hang , Zhang Junhao , She Ziyu , Zhang Xin , Fan Ke , Zhang Xiu , Liu Qingsheng , Ferrigno Giancarlo , De Momi Elena
Published: July 2021

Remote center of motion (RCM) constraint has attracted many research interests as one of the key challenges for robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RAMIS). Although it has been addressed by many studies, few of them treated the motion constraint with an independent workspace solution, which means they rely on the kinematics of the robot manipulator. This makes it difficult to replicate the solutions on other manipulators, which limits their population. In this paper, we propose a novel control framework by incorporating model predictive control (MPC) with the fuzzy approximation to improve the accuracy under the motion constraint. The fuzzy approximation is introduced to manage the kinematic uncertainties existing in the MPC control. Finally, simulations were performed and analyzed to validate the proposed algorithm. By comparison, the results prove that the proposed algorithm achieved success and satisfying performance in the presence of external disturbances.
Overexpressing miR-122-5p Inhibits the Relaxation of Vaginal Smooth Muscle in Female Sexual Arousal Disorder by Targeting Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Receptor 1
Authors: Cong Shengnan , Gui Tao , Shi Qinchuan , Zhang Jingjing , Feng Jingyi , Pan Lianjun , Ma Jiehua , Zhang Aixia
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is a common issue causing physical and psychological pain, but it has no standard diagnostic criteria or treatment. So its pathogenesis desiderates to be explored.

Aim

To investigate the specific function of miR-122-5p in FSAD.

Methods

18 subjects were grouped into FSAD and normal control groups according to the Chinese version of the Female Sexual Function Index, and the expression levels of miR-122-5p and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1 (VIPR1) protein in their tissue were verified through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) analysis. Then in vitro experiment, miR-122-5p was overexpressed or inhibited in rat vaginal smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The relaxation of rat vaginal SMCs was reflected by the cell morphology, intracellular free cytosolic calcium ion (Ca2+) levels, cell proliferation and apoptosis, together with the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentration and protein kinase A (PKA) activities. Additionally, the expression levels of relaxation-related proteins, including VIPR1, stimulatory G protein (Gs), adenylate cyclase (AC), and PKA, were detected based on WB analysis. Furthermore, a rescue experiment that simultaneously overexpressed or silenced miR-122-5p and VIPR1 was conducted, and all the indicators were evaluated.

Main Outcomes Measure

The expression level of VIPR1 and downstream proteins, cell morphology, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and intracellular free Ca2+ levels were examined.

Results

We verified that women with FSAD had higher miR-122-5p and lower VIPR1 protein. Then overexpressing miR-122-5p decreased relaxation of rat vaginal SMCs, which was manifested as a contractile morphology of cells, an increased intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, and lower cAMP concentration and PKA activity. Moreover, by rescue experiments, we inferred that VIPR1 was the target of miR-122-5p and affected the relaxation function of vaginal SMCs.

Conclusion

miR-122-5p regulates the relaxation of vaginal SMCs in FSAD by targeting VIPR1, ulteriorly providing an underlying diagnostic and therapeutic target for FSAD.

Cong S, Gui T, Shi Q, et al. Overexpressing miR-122-5p Inhibits the Relaxation of Vaginal Smooth Muscle in Female Sexual Arousal Disorder by Targeting Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Receptor 1. Sex Med 2021;9:100390.
Local Meanings of Proportionality
Authors: Marketou Afroditi
Published: July 2021

This book offers one of the rare empirical studies on the different meanings of proportionality as part of a global constitutional discourse. It develops and applies a theoretically informed comparative methodology for the study of differences in the use of legal transfers. Beyond the transplant versus culture controversy, it enriches our understanding of the relationship between law and its social context. Beyond the common law and civil law cleavage, it provides an in-depth comparison of French, English and Greek judicial review, rendering some core features of these systems accessible to non-initiated readers. The last part of the book provides insights as to the different visions of Europe underlying different phases of European integration and thus enriches our understanding of the process of integration through law.
How fluoroquinolone preauthorization affects third- and fourth-generation cephalosporin use and resistance in a large academic hospital
Authors: Idigo Adeniyi J. , Brown Matthew L. , Wiener Howard W. , Griffin Russell L. , Ye Yuanfan , Mukherjee Amrita , Bryan Allen W. , Lee Rachael A. , Shrestha Sadeep
Published: July 2021

Objective:

We observed an overall increase in the use of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins after fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented. We examined the change in specific third- and fourth-generation cephalosporin use, and we sought to determine whether there was a consequent change in non-susceptibility of select Gram-negative bacterial isolates to these antibiotics.

Design:

Retrospective quasi-experimental study.

Setting:

Academic hospital.

Intervention:

Fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented in the hospital in October 2005. We used interrupted time series (ITS) Poisson regression models to examine trends in monthly rates of ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and cefepime use and trends in yearly rates of nonsusceptible isolates (NSIs) of select Gram-negative bacteria before (1998–2004) and after (2006–2016) fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented.

Results:

Rates of use of ceftriaxone and cefepime increased after fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented (ceftriaxone RR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.002–1.003; P < .0001; cefepime RR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.001–1.004; P = .0006), but ceftazidime use continued to decline (RR, 0.991, 95% CI, 0.990–0.992; P < .0001). Rates of ceftazidime and cefepime NSIs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ceftazidime RR, 0.937; 95% CI, 0.910–0.965, P < .0001; cefepime RR, 0.937; 95% CI, 0.912–0.963; P < .0001) declined after fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented. Rates of ceftazidime and cefepime NSIs of Enterobacter cloacae (ceftazidime RR, 1.116; 95% CI, 1.078–1.154; P < .0001; cefepime RR, 1.198; 95% CI, 1.112–1.291; P < .0001) and cefepime NSI of Acinetobacter baumannii (RR, 1.169; 95% CI, 1.081–1.263; P < .0001) were increasing before fluoroquinolone preauthorization was implemented but became stable thereafter: E. cloacae (ceftazidime RR, 0.987; 95% CI, 0.948–1.028; P = .531; cefepime RR, 0.990; 95% CI, 0.962–1.018; P = .461) and A. baumannii (cefepime RR, 0.972; 95% CI, 0.939–1.006; P = .100).

Conclusions:

Fluoroquinolone preauthorization may increase use of unrestricted third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins; however, we did not observe increased antimicrobial resistance to these agents, especially among clinically important Gram-negative bacteria known for hospital-acquired infections.
Schizotypal personality disorder and suicide: problems and perspectives
Authors: Sher Leo
Published: July 2021

Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is classified in DSM-V as a cluster A personality disorder. Cluster A personality disorders are described as odd or eccentric conditions. SPD is associated with significant disability and many psychiatric comorbidities. Several studies have shown that SPD and schizotypal traits are associated with suicidal ideation and behaviour. Suicide prevention interventions in individuals with SPD are impeded because (1) SPD is frequently not diagnosed; (2) SPD is difficult to treat; and (3) there are no guidelines for suicide screening or suicide prevention interventions in individuals with SPD. Suicide prevention in persons with SPD consists of (1) diagnosing SPD; (2) providing appropriate treatment for SPD; and (3) providing suicide screening and suicide prevention. Interventions aiming at reduction of depressive symptoms, improvement of self-esteem, and interpersonal skills may be effective at reducing suicide risk amongst individuals with SPD. Studies of suicidality in persons with SPD are needed and may be an important area of suicide research. It is to be hoped that future studies of the pathophysiology of suicidality in individuals with SPD will help to develop strategies for suicide screening and suicide prevention interventions in persons with SPD and improve suicide prevention in this challenging patient population.
When growth is not enough: inequality, economic gains, and executive approval
Authors: Carlin Ryan E. , Hellwig Timothy , Love Gregory J. , Martínez-Gallardo Cecilia , Singer Matthew M.
Published: July 2021

A robust economy is assumed to bolster leaders' standing. This ignores how benefits of growth are distributed. Extending the partisan models of economic voting, we theorize executives are more likely rewarded when gains from growth go to their constituents. Analyses of presidential approval in 18 Latin American countries support our pro-constituency model of accountability. When economic inequality is high, growth concentrates among the rich, and approval of right-of-center presidents is higher. Leftist presidents benefit from growth when gains are more equally distributed. Further analyses show growth and inequality inform perceptions of personal finances differently based on wealth, providing a micro-mechanism behind the aggregate findings. Study results imply that the economy is not purely a valence issue, but also a position issue.
Acute Financial Hardship and Voter Turnout: Theory and Evidence from the Sequence of Bank Working Days
Authors: SCHAUB MAX
Published: July 2021

How does poverty influence political participation? This question has interested political scientists since the early days of the discipline, but providing a definitive answer has proved difficult. This article focuses on one central aspect of poverty—the experience of acute financial hardship, lasting a few days at a time. Drawing on classic models of political engagement and novel theoretical insights, I argue that by inducing stress, social isolation, and feelings of alienation, acute financial hardship has immediate negative effects on political participation. Inference relies on a natural experiment afforded by the sequence of bank working days that causes short-term financial difficulties for the poor. Using data from three million individuals, personal interviews, and 1,100 elections in Germany, I demonstrate that acute financial hardship reduces both turnout intentions and actual turnout. The results imply that the financial status of the poor on election day can have important consequences for their political representation.
The association between lunch composition and obesity in Iranian adults
Authors: Akbarzade Zahra , Djafarian Kurosh , Saeidifard Nasim Nasim , Aliakbari Majd Shabnam , Garousi Nazila , Samadi Fatemeh , Jebraeili Hanieh , Chamari Maryam , Clark Cain C. T. , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: July 2021

We aimed to assess the dietary composition of lunch meal usinga posteriori-derived dietary patterns and to determine the association of lunch composition with obesity in a sample of Iranian adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 850 men and women in Tehran (aged 20–59 years). Dietary intakes were assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls, and dietary patterns were identified via principal component factor analysis. For each identified pattern, scores were calculated for each participant and then classified into tertiles. Central obesity was defined WHO criteria. General obesity was defined as a BMI of more than 30 kg/m2. Three major dietary patterns were identified at lunch meal using twelve food groups: ‘Bread, grains and fat’, ‘Western’ and ‘Potato and eggs’. After adjustment for potential confounders, participants at the top tertile of the ‘Bread, grains and fat’ dietary pattern had greater odds for a higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR: 1·44, 95 % CI 1·01, 2·07). However, we found no association between ‘Western’ or ‘potato and eggs’ patterns and WHR (OR: 0·89, 95 % CI 0·62, 1·28 and OR: 1·16, 95 % CI 0·69, 1·42, respectively). None of the identified dietary patterns was associated when defining obesity with waist circumference or BMI. In conclusion, participants had a greater chance of central obesity defined based on WHR following a lunchtime pattern with a higher and positive loading factor for ‘Bread, grains and fat’.
The Legal, Practical and Policy Dilemmas in Enforcing the Sexual Offences Act of Kenya in Relation to Consensual Adolescent Sex
Authors: Njue Festus Njeru , Materu Sosteness Francis
Published: July 2021

This article analyses the dilemmas encountered in enforcing the Kenyan law on defilement, focusing specifically on consensual sex between adolescents. It argues that, although punishing adults who have sex with minors is clearly justified, punishment cannot be justified in the case of minors who engage in “experimental” sex with each other. It challenges the current legal regime that allows only one minor (male) to be charged, and not the other (female), noting that neither of the mutual participants would feel vindicated by punishing the other. Similarly, it shows that charging both participants also poses legal and policy challenges. Consequently, it argues that charging adolescents for defilement when they have consensual sex with each other goes against the very policy that informed the adoption of the anti-defilement provisions. The article recommends that Kenya's legislation is reformed to create a legal regime that protects juveniles from sexual violation without victimizing them.
Neutrophil and CD4+ milk cell count related to natural incidence of mastitis in Jersey cattle
Authors: Chengolova Zlatina , Atanasova Milka , Godjevargova Tzonka
Published: July 2021

This Research Communication describes the relation between somatic cells and microbial content in milk from Jersey cattle. Milk samples were classified in groups: healthy, dirty and mastitic (from Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Coliforms). The somatic cells in each of those groups were analysed by two methods – flow cytometric and automatic fluorescent cell counting. Those methods were compared. Total somatic cell count (SCC), neutrophil count, and lymphocytes with cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+cells) were determined. There was a positive relationship between microbes and somatic cells. It was noticed that the neutrophil count was generally increased together with SCC, whilst the CD4+ cell count was higher in healthy milk samples (about 8%) compared to mastitic ones (about 3%). Lower number of CD4+ cells (from 1 to 4%) was determined in samples positive for Staphylococcus spp. but with lower SCC (from 2.7 to 4.0 × 105 cells/ml). Also, the number of CD4+ cells in Staphylococcus spp.-positive samples increased (to 4.8%) together with higher SCC, something that was not observed in the other mastitic samples. Knowledge of those relations could be useful for veterinary medical tests in the initial phase of inflammation.
The importance of meaningful participation: health benefits of volunteerism for older adults with mobility-limiting disabilities
Authors: Sellon Alicia M.
Published: July 2021

Volunteerism has been increasingly recognised as a health promotion activity for older adults. However, volunteerism has largely been the domain of those who are in good health with few to no physical limitations, and there is limited information about the experiences of older adults with disabilities. This study explores why older adults with mobility-limiting disabilities engage in volunteer work and their perceptions of the personal benefits of volunteering. Twenty older adults, from three Midwest towns in the United States of America, participated in semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Participants in this study identified as having serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs due to a health condition and had volunteered in the last year. Participants were selected purposively for maximum variation in terms of type of disability/impairment, race, gender and age. The constant comparative method of analysis was used to identify themes from their discussions. When asked about why they volunteer and the personal benefits of volunteering, participants discussed seeking out activities that were meaningful to them for both altruistic and more self-directed reasons. They identified a number of physical and emotional health benefits that they saw as directly and indirectly related to being able to participate in these meaningful activities. Findings from this study suggest that, for older adults with disabilities who are interested in volunteer activities, volunteerism can be a beneficial health promotion activity and a potential mechanism for increasing opportunities for meaningful inclusion and participation in their communities.