bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure refinement, microstrains and crystallite sizes of Mg-Ni-phyllosilicate nanoscroll powders
Authors: Levin Aleksandr , Khrapova Ekaterina , Kozlov Daniil , Krasilin Andrei , Gusarov Victor
Published: May 2022

The morphology and structure of (Ni
x
Mg1−x
)3Si2O5(OH)4 synthetic phyllosilicate nanoscrolls have been studied by means of electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. Scrolling of phyllosilicate layers originates from size differences between octahedral and tetrahedral sheets. This strain-energy-driven process raises a number of questions, including the preferred direction of scrolling (along the a or b axis) and the presence of residual microstrain. In order to clarify these points, the structure of (Ni
x
Mg1−x
)3Si2O5(OH)4 phyllosilicates (x = 0, 0.33, 0.5, 0.67, 1) was first described by a monoclinic Cc (9) unit cell, whose parameters decrease with increasing Ni concentration. The Williamson–Hall plots constructed for x = 0 and 0.67 reveal the absence of microstrain, which suggests that scrolling is an effective means of stress relaxation. The sizes of the crystallites were determined by using Rietveld refinement with predefined needle-like models and fundamental parameter fitting with crystallites of arbitrary form. Both approaches show qualitative and quantitative correlation, in terms of aspect ratio, with electron microscopy data. At the same time, the phyllosilicates studied do not demonstrate one preferred direction of scrolling: instead, there might be a mixture of chirality vectors codirected with the a or b axis, with the proportion altering with Ni concentration.
Racemic crystal structures of A-DNA duplexes
Authors: Mandal Pradeep K. , Collie Gavin W. , Kauffmann Brice , Huc Ivan
Published: May 2022

The ease with which racemic mixtures crystallize compared with the equivalent chiral systems is routinely taken advantage of to produce crystals of small molecules. However, biological macromolecules such as DNA and proteins are naturally chiral, and thus the limited range of chiral space groups available hampers the crystallization of such molecules. Inspiring work over the past 15 years has shown that racemic mixtures of proteins, which were made possible by impressive advances in protein chemical synthesis, can indeed improve the success rate of protein crystallization experiments. More recently, the racemic crystallization approach was extended to include nucleic acids as a possible aid in the determination of enantiopure DNA crystal structures. Here, findings are reported that suggest that the benefits may extend beyond this. Two racemic crystal structures of the DNA sequence d(CCCGGG) are described which were found to fold into A-form DNA. This form differs from the Z-form DNA conformation adopted by the chiral equivalent in the solid state, suggesting that the use of racemates may also favour the emergence of new conformations. Importantly, the racemic mixture forms interactions in the solid state that differ from the chiral equivalent (including the formation of racemic pseudo-helices), suggesting that the use of racemic DNA mixtures could provide new possibilities for the design of precise self-assembled nanomaterials and nanostructures.
The link among energy consumption, growth and globalization in Turkish agriculture
Authors: Gunduz Orhan , Korkmaz Ozge , Ceyhan Vedat
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the relationship between energy consumption, agricultural economic growth and globalization in Turkey by using data from 1980 to 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The Lee-Strazicich LM breakpoint test was used to test the stationarity of the variables. The presence of the long-run relationship between the variables was examined by using the Maki cointegration test. The dynamic ordinary least squares method was used to estimate the long-run coefficients of the model. The direction of causalities was determined using the Toda–Yamamoto causality test.

Findings

Research results showed that consuming energy on average of 14,460 GJ/hectare has returned $1,612 agricultural gross domestic products (GDP)/hectare per year. Turkey’s energy consumption (EC), GDP and globalization index (GI) from 1980 to 2018 increased by 2-fold, 3-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively. Research results also showed that Turkey’s EC was affected by GI and GDP.

Practical implications

The study suggests using environmentally friendly energy inputs and conscious consumption to reach growth targets and to reduce the pressure of intensive energy use on natural resources. Further research is needed for exploring the causality and relationship between EC and GI and along with other variables in the agricultural sector.

Originality/value

The study contributes two contributions to the existing literature. The first contribution is to examine the neglected relationship between GI and EC and GDP in Turkey. The second is that the EC data for Turkish agriculture used in the study were calculated by the authors.
Stress analysis of I-beam with web opening via finite element analysis and experimental study
Authors: De'nan Fatimah , Hashim Nor Salwani
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to perform the finite element analysis (FEA) for the numerical discretization of sections with different arrangements of Web openings to investigate the torsion behavior. Typical hexagonal and circular Web opening sections are extensively used in steel construction due to economic development in building design. However, the use of sections with different arrangements of Web opening had improved the performance of the section with Web opening in terms of structural behavior which leads to economic design compared to typical I-beam.

Design/methodology/approach

The accuracy of FE results allows extensive numerical analysis of stress concentration magnitude for sections with Web openings, concentrating on the sizes and positions of the Web opening. Five shapes and three sizes of Web opening are used in this work. The shapes involved are c-hexagon, hexagon, octagon, circular and square, whereas the sizes of the Web opening involved are 0.67 D, 0.75 D and 0.80 D where D is the height of the Web. Two types of models for 200 × 100 × 8×6 mm steel section involved which is Model 1, where the section with 50 mm edge and 150 mm center-to-center distance and Model 2, where the section with 100 mm edge and 200 mm center-to-center distance.

Findings

It was found that these configurations affect the section with various shapes of Web openings sizes (0.67 D, 0.75 D, and 0.80 D). This also includes the spacing distances, with 50 mm edge and 150 mm center-to-center distance and also a section with 100 mm edge and 200 mm center-to-center distance. Through the FEA results of Model 1 and Model 2, it is found that 50% reduction in horizontal member length in hexagon Web opening, from 50 mm to 20 mm, caused increment about 30%–53% stress concentration in Web for c-hexagon. However, for a stress analysis of c-hexagon, geometry resulted in a lower stress concentration in the Web than other Web opening.

Originality/value

Additionally, the work emphasized the efficiency of Web opening shapes by using an appropriate Web opening radius in section with c-hexagon, hexagon, octagon, square and circular shapes. The final results show the contribution of appropriate Web opening radius to increase the section torsional capacity. It is observed that the torsional capacity at certain loading condition and its angle of twist is analysed.
CEO–CFO team optimism: Commercial real estate transactions and REIT performance
Authors: Eichholtz Piet , Yönder Erkan
Published: May 2022

The managerial optimism literature concentrates on CEOs neglecting other executive team members. We evaluate the interplay of the optimism levels of the CEOs and CFOs of real estate investment trusts, and study their commercial real estate transactions. We find that firms led by optimistic CEO/CFO teams pay 3% more than their peers for their asset acquisitions if cash ratio increases by one percentage point. Our findings also exhibit inferior stock performance by optimistic teams following a transaction. Conversely, diversity in terms of CEO/CFO optimism prevents firms from overpaying, serving as a soft governance mechanism with salience to firm performance.
The perceived work environment and well‐being: A survey of emergency health care workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Blanchard Janice , Li Yixuan , Bentley Suzanne K. , Lall Michelle D. , Messman Anne M. , Liu Yiju Teresa , Diercks Deborah B. , Merritt‐Recchia Rory , Sorge Randy , Warchol Jordan M. , Greene Christopher , Griffith James , Manfredi Rita A. , McCarthy Melissa
Published: May 2022

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, health care provider well‐being was affected by various challenges in the work environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the perceived work environment and mental well‐being of a sample of emergency physicians (EPs), emergency medicine (EM) nurses, and emergency medical services (EMS) providers during the pandemic.

Methods

We surveyed attending EPs, resident EPs, EM nurses, and EMS providers from 10 academic sites across the United States. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to estimate the effect of the perceived work environment on screening positive for depression/anxiety and burnout controlling for respondent characteristics. We tested possible predictors in the multivariate regression models and included the predictors that were significant in the final model.

Results

Our final sample included 701 emergency health care workers. Almost 23% of respondents screened positive for depression/anxiety and 39.7% for burnout. Nurses were significantly more likely to screen positive for depression/anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–3.86) and burnout (aOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.22–3.49) compared to attendings. The LCA analysis identified four subgroups of our respondents that differed in their responses to the work environment questions. These groups were identified as Work Environment Risk Group 1, an overall good work environment; Risk Group 2, inadequate resources; Risk Group 3, lack of perceived organizational support; and Risk Group 4, an overall poor work environment. Participants in the two groups who perceived their work conditions as most adverse were significantly more likely to screen positive for depression/anxiety (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.05–3.42; and aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.14–3.66) compared to participants working in environments perceived as less adverse.

Conclusions

We found a strong association between a perceived adverse working environment and poor mental health, particularly when organizational support was deemed inadequate. Targeted strategies to promote better perceptions of the workplace are needed.
Anatomical, histochemical and surface ultrastructural characteristics of cavum nasi of the common quails (Coturnix coturnix. Erlangeri)
Authors: Basha Walaa Abdelwahab Abdeghani , Farouk Sameh Mohamed , Hassan Said Ahmed Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Ten normal, mature and common quails were used to study in detail the gross anatomy, histochemical and surface ultrastructural characteristics of the nasal cavity. The relationship between the structure and function of the nasal cavity also were assessed. The quail nasal cavity was divided into the vestibule, nasal cavity proper and fundus. The nasal cavity began rostrally by two slit‐like external nares located laterally in the middle third of the upper beak. A previous authors stated that no rostral concha but the current study record that the rostral nasal concha was located opposite the nostrils and exhibited a C‐shaped appearance in transverse section and was 5 mm long and 3 mm wide. The middle nasal concha was narrow and elongated. The caudal nasal concha was spherical, located caudodorsal to the rostral nasal concha and measured 2 mm in diameter. The infraorbital sinus was a roughly triangular cavity situated immediately rostral to the orbit. The histological and surface ultrastructural study of the nasal cavity of common quail did not studied previously. Histologically, the cavum nasi was composed of three regions: vestibule, respiratory and olfactory. The vestibule was lined with stratified squamous epithelium that was keratinized rostrally and non‐keratinized caudally. The respiratory region was covered by pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Intra‐epithelial mucous glands were present in the respiratory region and displayed a strong reaction with Alcian blue. The lining epithelium in the olfactory region was pseudostratified and contained olfactory, supporting and basal cells.
Socioeconomic disparities in rates of facial fracture surgeries for women and men at a regional tertiary care centre in Australia
Authors: de Jager Elzerie , Ho Yik‐Hong
Published: May 2022

Background

Assault is the most common mechanism of injury in patients presenting with facial trauma in Australia. For women, there is a propensity for maxillofacial injuries to stem from intimate partner violence (IPV). Those with a low socioeconomic status have higher rates of IPV. This study examines variations in the proportion of surgical procedures that are due to facial trauma for Australian women and men by employment status and residential socioeconomic status.

Methods

A single centre retrospective study was conducted (2008–2018). The proportion of operative patients presenting with facial fractures was examined. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for year and age, was performed for women and men.

Results

Facial fractures comprised 1.51% (1602) of all surgeries, patients had a mean age of 32, and 81.3% were male. Unemployed patients were more likely to require surgery for a facial fracture (OR 2.36 (2.09–2.68), P <0.001), and there were no significant variations by index of economic resources (IER). Unemployed males had higher rates of facial fractures (OR 2.09 (1.82–2.39), P <0.001). Unemployed and disadvantaged IER females had higher rates of facial fractures (OR 5.02 (3.73–6.75), P <0.001 and OR 2.31(1.63–3.29), P <0.001).

Conclusions

This study found disparities in rates of surgery for facial fractures; unemployment increased the rates for men and women, whereas disadvantaged IER increased rates for women. Studies have demonstrated higher rates of IPV for unemployed and low socioeconomic status women. Further research ascertaining the aetiology of these disparities is important both for primary prevention initiatives and to enable treating clinicians to better understand and address the role of IPV and alcohol consumption in these injuries.
Potential duration of unemployment benefits and labor market outcomes for older workers with health impairments in Germany
Authors: Petrunyk Inna , Pfeifer Christian
Published: May 2022

This research note estimates the causal effects of a cut in the potential duration of regular unemployment benefits for older workers in Germany on the labor market outcomes of individuals with health impairments. The analyzed reform is a natural experiment that allows a difference‐in‐differences strategy with treatment intensity. The results provide evidence for a significant decrease in the number of days in regular unemployment benefits and an increase in the number of days in employment. However, the results also suggest a significant increase in the number of days in unemployment (social) assistance, which are granted upon exhaustion of regular unemployment benefits.
Sociodemographic characteristics of living liver donors: Few changes over 20 years
Authors: Kaplan Alyson , Wahid Nabeel , Lee Jihui , Fortune Brett E. , Halazun Karim J. , Fox Alyson , Brown Robert S. , Samstein Benjamin , Rosenblatt Russell
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Although there are well‐documented challenges in access to living donor liver transplant (LDLT) among recipients, it is unclear whether living liver donors (LLDs) face similar challenges.

Methods: We analyzed the UNOS Standard Transplant Analysis and Research database, including LLDs ≥ 18 years in the United States from 1/1998 to 12/2018. We compared sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, employment status, BMI, and relationship to recipient) of LLDs across three eras—pre‐MELD (1998‐2002), MELD (2003‐2013), and post‐direct acting antivirals (DAA) (2014‐2018). We also described sociodemographic characteristics of living donor recipients and waitlisted patients. Chi‐squared and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively.

Results: From 1998 to 2018, 4756 LDLTs and 99 765 DDLTs were performed. Across the three eras, LLD age did not change significantly (P = .3), but donors were generally young (mean age 37 ± 11). While men comprised most LLDs in the pre‐MELD era (55.2%), women surpassed them in the post‐DAA era (52.9%), P < .001. In total, White donors comprised 81.5% of total LLDs, while Black and Asian donors were a small minority of total donors (3.7% and 2.5%, respectively). Most donors had at least a college education and were employed. Educational attainment and employment did not significantly change over the study period.

Conclusion: During the last 20 years, LLDs have remained White, employed, highly educated, and young with increasing numbers of women LLDs. The relative lack of change in the characteristics of donors is likely attributable largely to socioeconomic factors, which should be assessed in future investigation.
Use of the von Willebrand factor concentrate with low factor VIII content to manage patients with inherited von Willebrand disease requiring surgical or secondary long‐term prophylaxis: An expert opinion paper from an Italian panel
Authors: Castaman Giancarlo , Borchiellini Alessandra , Coppola Antonio , Cultrera Dorina , Marino Renato , Federici Augusto B. , Giuffrida Anna Chiara , Marchesini Emanuela , Molinari Angelo Claudio , Maria Siboni Simona , Zanon Ezio
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The present review aims to summarize the state‐of‐the‐art von Willebrand disease (VWD) treatment focusing on specific clinical settings (obstetrics, surgery, long‐term prophylaxis and comorbidities) as well as on the use of a Von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrate with low FVIII content.

Methods

Literature research and case reports.

Results and Conclusions

Considering that patients affected by VWD have an intact ability to synthesize FVIII, in order to avoid excessive levels of FVIII, a highly purified plasma VWF concentrate with low FVIII content could be particularly useful in those patients and clinical circumstances at high thrombotic risk as well as for long‐term prophylaxis. When deciding the optimal therapeutic strategy, physicians should take into account both the patient's history and the differences among available concentrates according to the clinical situations requiring treatment.
Exploring how adolescent boys' and girls' internalizing and externalizing behaviors impact parental self‐efficacy: A vignette study
Authors: Glatz Terese , Buchanan Christy M.
Published: May 2022

Objective

We examine the effect of children's sex and behaviors on parents' level of parental self‐efficacy (PSE).

Background

PSE is a fundamental predictor of effective and positive parenting. Child characteristics could influence PSE and can help in understanding why some parents feel lower PSE.

Method

We randomly assigned 1,020 American parents to read one of four vignettes describing a 16‐year‐old boy or girl with either externalizing or internalizing behaviors. Then, parents reported on their level of PSE for this hypothetical adolescent. We ran analyses of variance, including the sex of parents' focal child (6th–12th grade) as a factor.

Results

Parents reported higher levels of PSE for girls and for externalizing behaviors than for boys and internalizing behaviors, respectively. A three‐way interaction (vignette behavior × vignette sex × focal child's sex) was significant for the level of PSE. Parents whose focal child was a boy reported higher levels of PSE if they read a vignette of a boy with externalizing behaviors than if they read a vignette of a boy with internalizing behaviors. This was not found for parents whose focal child was a girl.

Conclusion

The results gave partial support for a sex‐incongruent hypothesis, as parents might find it easier to relate to the problems described if they have at least one child of the same sex as the vignette child.

Implications

These results offer a test of the effect of children's sex and behavior on PSE that has been lacking in the PSE literature.
New insights into the mechanism of iron transport through the bacterial Ftr system present in pathogens
Authors: Steunou Anne Soisig , Vigouroux Armelle , Aumont‐Nicaise Magali , Plancqueel Stéphane , Boussac Alain , Ouchane Soufian , Moréra Solange
Published: May 2022

Iron is an essential nutrient in bacteria. Its ferrous form, mostly present in low oxygen and acidic pH environments, can be imported using the specific Ftr‐type transport system, which encompasses the conserved FtrABCD system found in pathogenic bacteria such as Bordetella, Brucella and Burkholderia. The nonpathogenicity and versatile metabolism of Rubrivivax gelatinosus make it an ideal model to study the FtrABCD system. Here, we report a new aspect of its regulation and the role of the periplasmic proteins FtrA and FtrB using in vivo and in vitro approaches. We investigated the metal binding mode and redox state of copper and iron to FtrA by crystallography and biophysical methods. An ‘as isolated’ FtrA protein from the bacterial periplasm contained a copper ion (Cu+) identified by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Copper is coordinated by four conserved side chains (His and Met) in the primary metal site. Structural analysis of R. gelatinosus FtrA and FtrA homologues revealed that copper binding induces a rearrangement of the His95 imidazole ring, releasing thereafter space, as well as both Asp45 and Asp92 side chains, for iron binding in the secondary metal site. EPR highlighted that FtrA can oxidize the bound ferrous ion into the ferric form by reducing the bound Cu2+ into Cu+, both metal sites being separated by 7 Å. Finally, we showed that FtrB binds iron and not copper. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of ferrous iron utilization by the conserved FtrABCD iron transporter for which we propose a new functional model.
Weight status change from birth to childhood and high carotid intima‐media thickness in childhood
Authors: Liu Ziqi , Yang Lili , Zhao Min , Magnussen Costan G. , Xi Bo
Published: May 2022

Background

High birth weight or childhood overweight increases the risk of high carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) in childhood. However, no studies have assessed the association between change in weight status from birth to childhood and cIMT in childhood.

Objectives

We examined the association between weight status change from birth to childhood and cIMT in childhood based on a population‐based study of Chinese children.

Methods

Data were from the Huantai Childhood Cardiovascular Health Cohort Study. A total of 1307 primary school children aged 6–11 years were included. Children were categorized into four groups based on their weight status at birth and at childhood: persistently normal weight, weight loss, weight gain, and persistently high weight.

Results

Compared with children with persistently normal weight from birth to childhood, those with weight gain (odds ratio [OR] = 6.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.36–10.76) and persistently high weight (OR = 5.78, 95% CI = 2.60–12.82) had increased odds of high cIMT in childhood. In contrast, children who had high birth weight but became normal weight in childhood did not have significantly increased odds of high cIMT in childhood (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.28–5.67).

Conclusions

Overweight in childhood was associated with increased odds of high cIMT irrespective of birth weight status. The odds of high cIMT in childhood could be reversed if newborn with high birth weight become normal weight in childhood.
Abiotic passive nitrogen and methane enrichment during exhumation of subducted rocks: Primary multiphase fluid inclusions in high‐pressure rocks from the Cabo Ortegal Complex, NW Spain
Authors: Spránitz Tamás , Padrón‐Navarta José Alberto , Szabó Csaba , Szabó Ábel , Berkesi Márta
Published: May 2022

Primary multiphase fluid inclusions (MFI) were studied in one eclogite and two granulites from the Cabo Ortegal Complex (COC, NW Spain) by means of Raman imaging, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and Focused Ion Beam ‐ Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB)‐SEM. Complementary, secondary MFI in pyroxenites from COC were also investigated. MFI hosted in eclogite and granulites occur along growth zones or in 3D clusters in garnet porphyroblasts suggesting a primary origin at high‐pressure (HP) metamorphic conditions. The mineral assemblage of MFI is mainly composed of Fe‐Mg‐Ca‐carbonates and phyllosilicates ± graphite ± quartz ± corundum ± pyrite ± apatite ± rutile and a fluid phase composed of nitrogen ± methane ± carbon‐dioxide. The mineral proportions vary among the lithologies. Dominant carbonates and hydrous silicates are interpreted as step‐daughter minerals (crystals formed in the MFI after entrapment as a result of fluid–host interaction), whereas apatite, quartz and rutile are considered in part as accidentally trapped minerals since they also occur as crystal inclusions together with MFI in each rock type. Quartz and corundum occur together in MFI in ultramafic granulite and are regarded as step‐daughter minerals in this lithology. These observations suggest that the MFI are products of post‐entrapment reactions of a homogeneous COHN fluid system with the host mineral. Thermodynamic calculations in the CaFMAS‐COHN system confirmed that bulk composition of the MFI in eclogite is similar to the host garnet+COHN composition except for a potential lost of H2O. Carbonation and hydration reaction between the host (i.e. garnet or pyroxene) and the fluid inclusion results in the consumption of all CO2 and part of the H2O from the fluid phase producing Ca‐Fe‐Mg‐carbonates and hydrous step‐daughter minerals, mostly pyrophyllite and chlorite. Nitrogen content of the originally trapped COHN fluid in eclogite was estimated to have a maximum value of 10 mol% at peak HP conditions and 30–40 mol% at retrograde conditions that is within the range of the observed MFI in the residual fluid (13–68 mol%). Pseudosection modelling confirmed the stability of the phase assemblage in the MFI in a specific low‐pressure, low‐temperature stability field (between 300°C and 400°C at pressures < 1 GPa), caused by H2O‐ and CO2‐consuming reactions possibly in a single step. Our findings indicate that such processes in the exhuming HP units may play a role in global nitrogen and carbon cycling as well as potentially contributing to nitrogen and methane supply to subsurface–surface environments during devolatilization in the forearc regions of convergent plate margins.
Is there a correlation between the second to fourth digit ratio and vitiligo? A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Demirbaş Abdullah , Eker Hediye
Published: May 2022

Aims

Vitiligo is a multifactorial, acquired skin disease of unknown etiology characterized by depigmented patches caused by melanocyte loss. The ratio of the second to fourth digits (2D:4D) is believed to be a marker of prenatal androgen exposure. Among the many hypotheses for melanocyte loss, one is that sex hormones may play a role in the development of vitiligo. In this study, we aimed to investigate a possible relationship between vitiligo and 2D:4D ratios.

Material and Methods

The participants in this study were healthy volunteers and patients with vitiligo. This study included 100 patients with vitiligo and 110 healthy controls. An electronic Vernier caliper was employed to measure the finger lengths. The Vitiligo Extent Tensity Index was used to rate the severity of vitiligo (VETI).

Results

The study included 100 patients with vitiligo and 110 healthy volunteers of similar age and gender. The mean age of patients with vitiligo was 27.000 ± 13.000 years for females and 30.612 ± 9.112 years for males, and the study sample included 54 (49.09%) females and 56 (50.91%) male patients. Patients' 2D:4D ratios were significantly lower than those of the controls for right hands (p = 0.0001). For left hands, there was no correlation between the 2D:4D ratio (p = 0.740). There was no statistically significant correlation between the VETI score and the 2D/4D ratio (left hand, p = 0.136; right hand p = 0.329).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to look at the link between 2D:4D ratios and vitiligo in the literature. The findings obtained in this study suggest that the 2D:4D ratio may be a predictor of vitiligo development.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the Attitudes Towards Recognising Early and Noticeable Deterioration (ATREND) scale
Authors: Chua Wei Ling , Smith Duncan , Wee Li‐Phing Clarice , Ting Kit Cheng , Yeo Min Li Kimberly , Mordiffi Siti Zubaidah , Liaw Sok Ying
Published: May 2022

Aims and objectives

To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument that measures nurses' Attitudes Towards Recognising Early and Noticeable Deterioration (ATREND).

Background

General ward nurses play an important role in recognising patient deterioration. However, their attitudes towards early recognition of clinical deterioration have not been adequately explored due to the lack of a valid and reliable scale.

Design

An instrument development and validation study.

Methods

A three‐phase structure that followed the STROBE checklist was used: (1) item generation, (2) content and face validity assessment and (3) psychometric properties evaluation. The scale items were developed based on a comprehensive literature review and content validity assessment by 15 international experts from five countries. The psychometric properties of the ATREND scale were tested on 434 registered nurses, with retest evaluations (n = 100) at two hospitals. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine the factor structure of the scale. The scale was also evaluated for its internal consistency, test–retest reliability and convergent validity.

Results

The scale's content validity was 0.95. A 3‐factor solution was identified from the final 11 items: (1) beliefs about importance of patient observation, (2) use of broader patient assessment skills and (3) confidence in recognising clinical deterioration. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was supported with an acceptable Cronbach's alpha value of 0.745. Test–retest reliability of the scale was excellent, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.825. The ATREND scale shows evidence of good convergent validity.

Conclusion

The final 11‐item ATREND scale demonstrates adequate initial evidence of reliability and validity for use in acute ward settings.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing educators and clinicians may use this scale to assess ward nurses' attitudes and practices towards early recognition of clinical deterioration and then enhance their competencies and behaviours in the recognition of clinical deterioration.
Vicarious exposure to the criminal legal system among parents and siblings
Authors: Boen Courtney E. , Olson Hannah , Lee Hedwig
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study documents life course patterns of vicarious exposure to the criminal legal system among parents and siblings in the United States.

Background

The criminal legal system shapes family outcomes in important ways. Still, life course patterns of vicarious exposure to the system—especially to lower‐level contacts—among parents and siblings are not well documented.

Method

Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, Kaplan–Meier survival curves, and Cox regression models, we estimate cumulative risks of vicarious exposure to arrest, probation, and incarceration among parents (n = 3885 parents; 185,444 person‐years) and siblings (n = 1875; 44,766 person‐years) and examine disparities by race–ethnicity, gender, and education, and at their intersections.

Results

Vicarious exposure to the system is common—but highly unequal—among parents and siblings. Racially minoritized parents and siblings had greater levels and earlier risks of exposure. For example, by age 50, an estimated one in five Black parents experienced having a child incarcerated, a risk about twice as high as White and 50% higher than Latinx parents. By age 26, an estimated 6 in 10 Black young people with brothers experienced having a brother arrested; more than 4 in 10 experienced a brother on probation; and more than 3 in 10 experienced brother incarceration. For many estimates, racialized inequities in risks of vicarious system exposure widened at higher levels of education.

Conclusion

These findings provide essential context for understanding the role of the criminal legal system in maintaining and exacerbating family inequality.
Antroduodenal motility recording identifies characteristic patterns in gastroparesis related to underlying etiology
Authors: Hereijgers Maartje J. M. , Keszthelyi Daniel , Kruimel Joanna W. , Masclee Ad A. M. , Conchillo José M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Gastroparesis (GP) is a gastrointestinal disorder associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. GP patients form a heterogeneous population with diverse etiology, and treatment is often challenging due to a poorly understood underlying pathophysiology. The aim of the present study was to assess antroduodenal motility patterns among the different GP etiologies.

Methods

We reviewed antroduodenal manometry (ADM) recordings of patients with confirmed GP between 2009 and 2019. ADM measurements were evaluated for fed period duration, number of phase III contractions and migrating motor complexes (MMCs), motility index (MI), and presence of neuropathic patterns.

Key results

A total of 167 GP patients (142 women, median age 45 [31–57]) were included. The following etiologies were identified: idiopathic n = 101; post‐surgery n = 36; and diabetes n = 30. Fed period duration was significantly longer in idiopathic (p < 0.01) and diabetic GP patients (p < 0.05) compared with post‐surgery GP patients. Furthermore, the number and duration of phase III contractions and the number of MMCs were significantly lower in idiopathic and diabetic patients compared with post‐surgery GP patients (p < 0.01). Likewise, absence of MMCs during 6‐h recording was more often observed in idiopathic and diabetes GP patients compared with post‐surgery GP patients (resp. p < 0.01 and p < 0.05).

Conclusions and Inferences

Antroduodenal motility patterns are different among GP etiologies. A dysmotility spectrum was identified with different patterns ranging from post‐surgery GP to idiopathic and diabetic GP.
A comparison of postoperative complications following cardiac implantable electronic device procedures in patients treated with antithrombotic drugs
Authors: Demir Muhammed , Özbek Mehmet , Polat Nihat , Aktan Adem , Yıldırım Bünyamin , Argun Lokman , İldırımlı Kamran , Dursun Lezgin , Öztürk Cansu , Güzel Tuncay , Kılıç Raif , Toprak Nizamettin
Published: May 2022

Background

The incidence of postoperative complications following cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures in patients treated with antithrombotic drugs has not been studied sufficiently. Here we present a comparison of complications after CIED implantations.

Methods

Using an observational study design, the study included 1807 patients with a taking antiplatelet drugs (n: 1601), nonvitamin K anticoagulants (NOAC) (n: 136), and warfarin (n: 70) undergoing CIED surgery. Primary endpoint was accepted as cumulative events including composite of clinically significant hematoma (CSH), pericardial effusion or tamponade, pneumothorax, and infection related to device system. Secondary outcomes included each compenent of cumulative events. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of cumulative events.

Results

The overall cumulative event rate was 3.7% (67 of 1807). Cumulative events occured 3.1% (50 of 1601) in the antiplatelet, 5.1% (7 of 136) NOAC, and 14.3% (10 of 70) warfarin groups (p < 0.001). CSH occurred in 2 of 70 patients (2.9%) in the warfarin group, as compared with 5 of 1601 (0.3%) in the antiplatelet group (p: 0.032). However, no significant differences were found between NOAC and warfarin groups in terms of CSH (0.7% vs. 2.9% respectively, p: 0.267). Warfarin treatment was an independent predictor of cumulative events and increased 2.9‐fold the risk of cumulative events. Major surgical complications were rare and did not differ significantly between the study groups.

Conclusions

The incidence and severity of complications may be lower in patients treated with periprocedurally antiplatelet or NOAC therapy when compared with warfarin therapy. Further randomized control studies are required to confirm our findings.
Anesthetic management in an infant with tetra‐amelia syndrome with congenital maxillomandibular fusion: A case report
Authors: Saeyup Pipat , Prasarnphan Daraneenuch , Charoenraj Pornarun
Published: May 2022

A 10‐month‐old girl who had tetra‐amelia syndrome and congenital maxillomandibular fusion (syngnathia) was scheduled for the surgical fusion separation. Anesthetic management for this case was considerably challenging. Standard monitoring was still applied to the patient's extremities. IV access was suspected to be difficult but firmly needed before intubation to provide resuscitation during an emergency. Connecting anesthetic circuit with nasopharyngeal airway was the preferred technique due to its benefits such as maintaining spontaneous ventilation, providing inhaled anesthetic, as well as monitoring oxygenation and ventilation. Importantly, the cornerstones for handling such complicated cases are multidisciplinary approach and teamwork.
Neotropical maize genotypes with different levels of benzoxazinoids affect fall armyworm development
Authors: Michereff Mirian F. F. , Nascimento Izabela N. , Santana Gisele T. , Sarria André L. F. , Borges Miguel , Laumann Raúl A. , Withall David M. , Caulfield John C. , Birkett Michael A. , Blassioli‐Moraes Maria Carolina
Published: May 2022

Plants are equipped with various defensive attributes against herbivores, including volatile and nonvolatile compounds. In maize plants, benzoxazinoids mediate resistance against some herbivores, with the most abundant being (2R)‐2‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy‐4‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐2H‐1,4‐benzoxazin−3(4H)‐one (DIMBOA‐Glc), and its corresponding aglucone 2,4‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐2H‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3(4H)‐one (DIMBOA). Both compounds have been shown to interfere in the larval development of generalist herbivores but are less effective on specialist, that is, grass‐feeding, herbivores. Using a Brazilian population of Spodoptera frugiperda, we investigated (i) the level of constitutive benzoxazinoids in Neotropical maize genotypes, that is, Zapalote Chico, Mirt 2A, Sintético Spodoptera, L3, BRS 4103 and BRS 1040 (ii) the effect of S. frugiperda herbivory on benzoxazinoid levels in these genotypes and (iii) the impact of the genotypes on the development of S. frugiperda larvae. The results showed that the six maize genotypes produce different levels of benzoxazinoids, with Mirt 2A and BRS 1040 producing constitutively higher levels of HDMBOA‐Glc and DIMBOA‐Glc respectively compared to the other genotypes. When feeding on BRS 1040 and Mirt 2A, S. frugiperda larvae took an additional week to pupate, but this effect does not affect larval survival, what was the same and high on all the genotypes (>70%). Furthermore, production of DIMBOA‐Glc and HDMBOA‐Glc in these genotypes was suppressed, suggesting that S. frugiperda larvae can alter maize defence plant responses. In summary, our results demonstrate that Neotropical maize genotypes produce varying levels of benzoxazinoids, genotypes respond differently to S. frugiperda herbivory and S. frugiperda is able to cope with secondary metabolite‐based defence in Neotropical maize.
Violence against transgender people in the United States: Field growth, data dilemmas, and knowledge gaps
Authors: Westbrook Laurel
Published: May 2022

Violence against transgender people is a prevalent but understudied form of gender‐based violence. In recent years, this body of literature has expanded substantially. However, analysis of violence experienced by transgender people has been hampered by a shortage of good data. This article explores those data dilemmas and details what is and is not currently known about violence against transgender people in the United States. National surveys with sample sizes large enough to facilitate comparisons between transgender and cisgender respondents as well as attend to diversity with the category of transgender tend to not ask questions that count transgender respondents. Moreover, when they do, surveys often do not follow established best practices. Additionally, qualitative research on this topic is underfunded, resulting in small sample sizes with similar constraints. Therefore, although there is increased knowledge around rates of violence for transgender versus cisgender people, differences in risk related to gender and race, and intimate partner and sexual violence, this knowledge is flawed and does not cover the range of violence that transgender people experience. To better address this topic, data collection and analysis must be improved and scholars should attend to ways to prevent violence against transgender people.
Investigating the color Doppler twinkling artifact as an early detector of cellular mineralization
Authors: Ruge-Jones Lucas , Berntsen Lisa , Morgan-Curtis Fea , Hayes Daniel , Simon Julianna C.
Published: May 2022

Heterotopic ossification (HO) occurs when bone develops in areas where bone does not usually exist, often appearing after blast injuries or other musculoskeletal trauma. Current methods of diagnosis, such as three-phase bone scintigraphy, x-ray, or CT scans, take several weeks after the trauma before HO is visible. The color Doppler ultrasound twinkling artifact has been shown to detect the presence of kidney stones and other crystals. Twinkling could provide a more sensitive method of HO detection, which would allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment and limit HO severity. In our research, human bone marrow-derived stem cells (HBMSCs) were plated onto collagen scaffolds and cultured in osteogenic media to promote mineralization orgrowth media (controls). The cells were imaged every 3rd day from day 10 – day 25 using Phillips L7-4, L12-5, and Vermon L22-14v transducers and a Vantage-128 research ultrasound system; I/Q data were bulk saved for quantitative analysis. Samples with mineralization on 0.5% of their surface showed a 17% increase in Doppler magnitude compared to controls, suggesting that the twinkling artifact is a sensitive method for detection of mineralization in vitro. Further studies will investigate whether this method is effective in a murine model. [Work supported by DoD CDMRP PR201164.]
Challenges in the application of sound standards in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Authors: Knight Derrick P.
Published: May 2022

The HVAC industry in North America self-manages sound data measurement and reporting through the Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Each product is intended to fall under a specific AHRI sound standard. But in the real world, many complications exist. Some products may be configured in ways which crossover scope boundaries for multiple standards such as fan coils due to ducting or concealing. Other products are being held to inapplicable standards by specification requirements such as air-handlers using large fan arrays. Misunderstandings around application standards such as AHRI Standard 885 also generate confusion, especially when using Appendix E as a design tool. This presentation will highlight the challenges observed when applying AHRI Standards to building design.
Modeling a representative room to evaluate sound measurement methods with improved reproducibility for ASTM ISR testing
Authors: Girdhar Sunit , Barnard Andrew , Blough Jason R. , Lo Verde John , Dong Wayland
Published: May 2022

The low-frequency one-third octave bands for the standard ASTM ISR (Impact Sound Rating) are generally non-diffuse for small rooms we usually come across for field testing. This is because of low modal density in low frequencies in small rooms. Because of the non-diffusivity, the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measured by microphones is controlled by the room modes. This increases the non-reproducibility of the test method. In the current standards, the modal density and the room non-diffusivity are ignored. Recent research shows that it is important to measure in lower frequencies, at least down to 50 Hz one-third octave band to characterize the impact performance of lightweight structures. With these lower frequencies, the non-diffusivity problem will be more pronounced. In our work, we are simulating a representative room and trying out different sound measurement ideas that will not depend on the non-diffusivity of the room, therefore, improving the reproducibility of the test method. This work will be followed up with some testing on real structures in real rooms. An initial study from this work was presented at the ASA 2021 Seattle meeting.
A survey of statistical models for urban noise and their physical interpretations
Authors: Wilson D. Keith , Kamrath Matthew J. , Haedrich Caitlin E. , Breton Daniel J. , Hart Carl R.
Published: May 2022

Many different models have been used to describe statistical distributions of sound in urban environments. Some models may be justified empirically, whereas others are linked to physical phenomena such as random fading, multipath, multi-source mixtures, and variations in source-receiver geometries. This presentation reviews many of the available statistical distributions, what they are intended to represent physically, and their appearance on linear and logarithmic (decibel) axes. To evaluate the suitability of the various distributions, comparisons are made to an experiment in which one-third octave band sound-level data were measured at 37 locations in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts. Based on the Kullback-Leibler divergence as calculated across all the locations and frequencies, the exponentially modified Gaussian (EMG) distribution provides the most consistently good agreement with data, because it captures the positively skewed sound levels present in most of the data. The compound gamma distribution, which is applicable to situations involving varying sound levels, also fits the data well and even outperforms the EMG for the small minority of cases exhibiting negative skew. The log-normal distribution often provides a suitable fit in cases where particular non-traffic noise sources dominate.
Probing the mechanisms of sonodynamic therapy
Authors: Stride Eleanor P.
Published: May 2022

Drugs that can be activated by a physical stimulus at a target site offer great potential for limiting toxic side effects, e.g., in cancer therapy. In photodynamic therapy, light is used as the stimulus, but clinical applications are limited due to the poor penetration of light in tissue. Multiple studies have demonstrated that ultrasound can also be used to activate some light-responsive drugs. This potentially extends the range of therapeutic applications considerably, but the mechanisms underpinning drug activation, dubbed sonodynamic therapy (SDT), remain unclear. It was recently demonstrated that multi-bubble sonoluminescence could be detected from a suspension of microbubble ultrasound contrast agents when exposed to ultrasound under conditions similar to those used in SDT. Moreover, the addition of an SDT drug produced a reduction in optical emissions at the wavelength corresponding to its activation. Numerous questions, however, remain and the aim of this talk is to review recent studies of SDT and new evidence for the roles of sonoluminescence, sonoporation, and other phenomena hypothesized to play a role in its mechanism of action.