bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-farm trees are a safety net for the poorest households rather than a major contributor to food security in Rwanda
Authors: Ndoli Alain , Mukuralinda Athanase , Schut Antonius G. T. , Iiyama Miyuki , Ndayambaje Jean Damascene , Mowo Jeremias G. , Giller Ken E. , Baudron Frédéric
Published: January 2021

The world is challenged to meet the food demand of a growing population, especially in developing countries. Given the ambitious plans to scale up agroforestry in Africa, an improved understanding of the effect of agroforestry practices on the already challenged food security of rural households is crucial. The present study was undertaken to assess how on-farm trees impacted food security in addition to other household income sources in Rwanda. In each of the six agroecologies of Rwanda, a stratified sampling procedure was used where two administrative cells (4th formal administrative level) were selected in which households were randomly selected for interviews. A survey including 399 farmers was conducted and farmers were grouped in three types of agroforestry practice (i) low practitioners (LAP) represented by the first tertile, (ii) medium practitioners (MAP) represented by the second tertile and (iii) high practitioners (HAP) represented by the third tertile of households in terms of tree number. Asset values, household income sources, crop production, farm size, crop yield, and food security (food energy needs) were quantified among the types of agroforestry practice. A larger proportion of HAP households had access to adequate quantity and diversity of food when compared with MAP and LAP households. Food security probability was higher for households with more resources, including land, trees and livestock, coinciding with an increased crop and livestock income. We found no difference in asset endowment among types of agroforestry practices, while farmers in agroecologies with smaller farms (0.42 ha to 0.66 ha) had more on-farm trees (212 to 358 trees per household) than farms in agroecologies with larger farms (0.96 ha to 1.23 ha) which had 49 to 129 trees per household, probably due to differences in biophysical conditions. A positive association between tree density and food security was found in two out of six agroecologies. The proportion of income that came from tree products was high (> 20%) for a small fraction of farmers (12%), with the more food insecure households relying more on income from tree products than households with better food security status. Thus, tree income can be percieved as a “safety net” for the poorest households.
The development of a current events and dialogue forum at a large U.S. academic
medical center
Authors: Kuhn Andrew W. , Hanna Eriny S. , Menon Varun K. , Jarrett Ryan T. , Committee VC , Payne Kate L. , Churchwell André L.
Published: January 2021

Background The Vanderbilt Community Circle (VC2) was designed to provide all
faculty, staff, and students within the entire Vanderbilt University Medical Center
community a dedicated venue to discuss current events and ongoing societal issues.
Approach During the 2017–18 academic year, four VC2 events were held on: “Race,
identity, and conflict in America,” “Gun violence in America,” “Gender in the
workplace,” and “Immigration in America.” Facilitators guided participants to share
their views and perspectives on these matters with pre-developed open-ended questions.
Attendees started discussions in small groups and then eventually combined into a large
one. Pre- and post-event surveys were administered to measure the program’s
effectiveness.
Evaluation One-hundred and twenty-four participants were included,
75 of whom completed both the pre- and post-event surveys. Sixty-four of the 75 (85%)
agreed or strongly agreed that “multiple perspectives and opinions were represented” and
73% felt that their “own perspective was broadened on the issue.” Most (89%) believed
that the format and setting of the event was conducive to dialogue and discussion, and
almost all (91%) reported that they would attend a similar event in the future.
Groningen Reflection Ability Scale scores were high before (94 [25th–75th: 88–99]) and
remained high after the events (93 [25th–75th: 88–93.3], p>0.05).
Utility of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) for diagnosing small subepithelial lesions (< 20 mm)
Authors: Sekine Masanari , Miura Takaya , Fujiwara Junichi , Uehara Takeshi , Asano Takeharu , Matsumoto Satohiro , Miyatani Hiroyuki , Mashima Hirosato
Published: January 2021

Aim

Subepithelial lesions (SELs) are defined as being located under the mucosa. Presently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is commonly performed to diagnose SELs. With the development of new puncture needles, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB), which allows for the acquisition of large tissue samples, has been proposed. However, studies on EUS-FNB of SELs measuring < 20 mm have not yielded satisfactory results. Therefore, we aimed to assess the performance and usefulness of EUS-FNB of SELs measuring less than < 20 mm.

Methods

The present study included 62 patients who underwent EUS-FNA or EUS-FNB for SELs at our hospital between January 2015 and March 2019. EUS-FNA was performed using fine-needle aspiration needles, and EUS-FNB was performed using fine-needle biopsy needles. These needles, which come in different shapes and diameters, were compared in terms of their usefulness in performing procedures for SELs measuring ≥ 20 mm and those measuring < 20 mm.

Results

For SELs measuring ≥ 20 mm, the use of needles with a large diameter, such as 19 or 20 G, resulted in significantly improved diagnostic rates. For SELs measuring < 20 mm, the use of FNB needles showed significantly improved diagnostic rates, regardless of the size of the puncture needles.

Conclusion

Even when SELs are less than 20 mm, they might have malignant potential, and histological diagnosis may be desirable in some cases. EUS-FNB has an advantage over EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of SELs measuring < 20 mm.
Serum thyroglobulin is associated with orbitopathy in Graves’ disease
Authors: Khamisi S. , Lundqvist M. , Emadi P. , Almby K. , Ljunggren Ö. , Karlsson F. A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Serum thyroglobulin levels are often elevated in Graves’ disease (GD) and in most cases decrease during treatment. Its relation to Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) has not been clarified. Previously, a risk of GO has been linked to smoking, TSH receptor stimulation, high TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb), low thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies (TPOAb, TgAb).

Methods

We examined Tg levels in 30 consecutive patients with GD were given drug therapy (methimazole + thyroxine) for up to 24 months. GO was identified by clinical signs and symptoms. 17 patients had GO, 11 of whom had it at diagnosis while 6 developed GO during treatment. During the study, 5 subjects were referred to radioiodine treatment, 3 to surgery. The remaining 22 subjects (GO n = 12, non-GO n = 10) completed the drug regimen.

Results

At diagnosis, Tg levels in GO patients (n = 11) were higher (84, 30–555 µg/L, median, range) than in non-GO patients (n = 19) (38, 3.5–287 µg/L), p = 0.042. Adding the 6 subjects who developed eye symptoms during treatment to the GO group (n = 17), yielded p = 0.001 vs. non-GO (n = 13). TRAb tended to be higher, while TPOAb and TgAb tended to be lower in the GO group. For the 22 patients who completed the drug regimen, Tg levels were higher in GO (n = 12) vs. non-GO (n = 10), p = 0.004, whereas TRAb levels did not differ.

Conclusion

The data may suggest that evaluation of thyroglobulin levels in GD could contribute to identify patients at increased risk of developing GO. Possibly, thyroidal release of Tg in GD reflects a disturbance that also impacts retroorbital tissues.
Hypogonadism and liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Quiros-Roldan E. , Porcelli T. , Pezzaioli L. C. , Degli Antoni M. , Paghera S. , Properzi M. , Focà E. , Carriero C. , Castelli F. , Ferlin A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Hypogonadism is frequent in HIV-infected men and might impact on metabolic and sexual health. Low testosterone results from either primary testicular damage, secondary hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, or from liver-derived sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) elevation, with consequent reduction of free testosterone. The relationship between liver fibrosis and hypogonadism in HIV-infected men is unknown. Aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and type of hypogonadism in a cohort of HIV-infected men and its relationship with liver fibrosis.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study including 107 HIV-infected men (median age 54 years) with hypogonadal symptoms. Based on total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone, and luteinizing hormone, five categories were identified: eugonadism, primary, secondary, normogonadotropic and compensated hypogonadism. Estimates of liver fibrosis were performed by aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores.

Results

Hypogonadism was found in 32/107 patients (30.8%), with normogonadotropic (10/107, 9.3%) and compensated (17/107, 15.8%) being the most frequent forms. Patients with secondary/normogonadotropic hypogonadism had higher body mass index (BMI) (p < 0001). Patients with compensated hypogonadism had longer HIV infection duration (p = 0.031), higher APRI (p = 0.035) and FIB-4 scores (p = 0.008), and higher HCV co-infection. Univariate analysis showed a direct significant correlation between APRI and TT (p = 0.006) and SHBG (p = 0.002), and between FIB-4 and SHBG (p = 0.045). Multivariate analysis showed that SHBG was independently associated with both liver fibrosis scores.

Conclusion

Overt and compensated hypogonadism are frequently observed among HIV-infected men. Whereas obesity is related to secondary hypogonadism, high SHBG levels, related to liver fibrosis degree and HCV co-infection, are responsible for compensated forms.
Algebraic Stability Analysis of Particle Swarm Optimization Using Stochastic Lyapunov Functions and Quantifier Elimination
Authors: Gerwien Maximilian , Voßwinkel Rick , Richter Hendrik
Published: January 2021

This paper adds to the discussion about theoretical aspects of particle swarm stability by proposing to employ stochastic Lyapunov functions and to determine the convergence set by quantifier elimination. We present a computational procedure and show that this approach leads to a reevaluation and extension of previously known stability regions for PSO using a Lyapunov approach under stagnation assumptions.
Predictive Factors and Outcomes for Successful Thoracoscopic Lung Resection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Clark Rachael A. , Perez Eduardo A. , Chung Dai H. , Pandya Samir R.
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND:

Less than 50% of children with congenital lung lesions are treated thoracoscopically. There are variable data regarding the benefits and limited information on factors contributing to successful thoracoscopic lobectomies in pediatric patients. We sought to identify predictive factors leading to safe and efficient thoracoscopic lung resection.

STUDY DESIGN:

We performed a single-center, retrospective chart review of patients (age <18 y) who underwent lung resection between June 2009 and July 2020. Pulmonary wedge resection was excluded. Data collected included demographics, perioperative findings, such as symptoms or infection, and postoperative outcomes. Univariate, multivariate, and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

Ninety-six patients were identified. Sixty-nine patients (72%) underwent initial thoracoscopy, with 15 (22%) converting to open thoracotomy (CTO). Forty-one (43%) patients had preoperative symptoms and 15 (15.6%) had an active infection. Among symptomatic patients, 18 (43.9%) underwent thoracotomy and 23 (56%) were attempted thoracoscopically, 13 (31%) of whom were completed thoracoscopically. On univariate analysis, age >1 year, infection, preoperative symptoms, and intraoperative adhesions were associated with CTO. Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.041) and estimated blood loss (EBL) (OR = 2.398) were significant prognostic factors of CTO on logistic regression. Thoracoscopy was significantly associated with decreased length of stay, opioid use, chest tube duration, blood loss and need for blood transfusion. There was no difference in operative time, 30-day readmission, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Thoracoscopy has become a standard approach for pediatric lung resection. Our findings indicate that age < 1 year and the absence of active respiratory infection and preoperative symptoms may be predictive of successful completion of the thoracoscopic approach. Thoracoscopy offers significant advantages over the traditional open thoracotomy with regard to blood loss and opioid requirements, LOS, and chest tube duration.
Critical Role of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Physicians in Patient Satisfaction: An Analysis of Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospital Version Data from 186,779 Patients and 168 Hospitals in a National Healthcare System
Authors: Lieser Mark J. , Watts Dorraine D. , Cooper Tabatha , Chipko John , Carrick Matthew M. , Berg Gina M. , Wilson Nina Y. , Wyse Ransom J. , Garland Jeneva M. , Fakhry Samir M.
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND:

Trauma and emergency surgery patients are unique with regard to the sudden and unexpected nature of their hospitalization and this can adversely affect patient satisfaction, but, to our knowledge, no large study exists examining this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the major factors that affect satisfaction scores in trauma and emergency surgery patients.

STUDY DESIGN:

Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospital Version survey data from patients discharged in 2018-2019 from facilities in a national hospital system were obtained. Patients were categorized as trauma, emergency surgery, or direct admit surgery (elective surgery). Individual Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospital Version question scores were regressed on the score for “overall rating” to determine the primary, secondary, and tertiary satisfaction drivers.

RESULTS:

There were 186,779 patients from 168 hospitals included. As expected, the primary determinant of patient satisfaction was nursing communication for all groups. However, trauma and emergency surgery patients differed from elective surgery patients in that physician communication was the second most important factor in patient satisfaction, accounting for 12.0% (trauma) and 8.6% (emergency surgery) of the total variability in the overall rating beyond the variability explained by the primary driver. If physician communication received low ratings, it was unlikely that high scores in other metrics could compensate to bring the overall score above the 50th percentile.

CONCLUSIONS:

Acute care surgeons appear to play a uniquely important role in support of Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospital Version scores. These data emphasize the importance of physician communication, particularly when a prehospital physician-patient relationship does not exist. Future research should explore specific mechanisms by which physicians effectively communicate with patients.
Pornography Use Prevalence and Associated Factors in Arab Countries: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study of 15,027 Individuals
Authors: Eljawad Mohamed Abd , Se’eda Hussien , Ghozy Sherief , El-Qushayri Amr Ehab , Elsherif Ahmed , Elkassar Ahmed Hussein , Atta-Allah Mohammed H. , Ibrahim Wael , Elmahdy Mohamed A. , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: January 2021

Background

There has been a tangible increase in pornography consumption during the past decade, with the absence of a large-scale study of Arab countries.

Aim

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of pornography viewing and its associated risk factors in Arab countries.

Methods

A large cross-sectional online survey was carried out recruiting participants without restrictions on the age, socioeconomic level, job, or educational level. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify possible risk factors for viewing porn and results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Outcomes

Main outcomes were pornography viewing (first exposure and frequency), the perceptions of this act, use of spare time, physical activity (exercising), and frequency of psychiatrist visits.

RESULTS

The final number of participants included in the study was 15027 participants with a mean age ± standard deviation of 23.82 years ± 24.99. Most of the participants were men (84.56%), living with parents (81.71%), and 60.51% university graduates. There were statistically significant differences (P < .001) in the attitude and practice of men compared with women throughout all tested variables. Frequent pornography viewing was associated with male gender (OR [95% CI] = 7.08 [6.43 to 7.81]; P < .001) and age group ≤15 years (OR [95% CI] = 1.33 [1.01 to 1.75]; P = .044). By contrast, higher education was inversely associated with viewing rates reaching the lowest level in PhD awardees (OR [95% CI] = 0.36 [0.26 to 0.51]; P = .003). It was also noted that regular exercising (OR [95% CI] = 0.66 [0.58 to 0.74]; P < .001) was associated with a reduction in pornography viewing rates.

Clinical implications

Young age, male gender, and lower educational level are all predictors for higher pornography viewing and should be considered when designing public health intervention in a related context.

Strengths and limitations

This is the first large-scale multi-national survey to be conducted in Arab countries to investigate pornography viewing. The main limitations were the cross-sectional design (cannot indicate causality) and the self-report nature (liable to social desirability and recall bias).

CONCLUSION

Pornography viewing is common in Arab countries and associated with some personal and behavioral factors.
Utilizing Drones to Restore and Maintain Radio Communication During Search and Rescue Operations
Authors: McRae Jake N. , Nielsen Brandon M. , Gay Christopher J. , Hunt Andrew P. , Nigh Andrew D.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The ability of rescuers to maintain contact with incident command (IC) and each other is a critical component of search and rescue (SAR) operations. When rescuers lose radio communication with operation leaders, the effectiveness of operations may be substantially affected. This often occurs owing to the limitations of standard communications equipment in difficult terrain or when victims are beyond line-of-sight. This study investigates the viability of using an aerial drone-repeater system configuration to restore and maintain radio communications between IC and deployed rescuers.

Methods

SAR operators in Southern Utah identified 10 areas where radio communication is compromised during live rescue operations. Trained SAR personnel were deployed to these areas in a mock exercise. After confirmed loss of communication, a repeater-equipped aerial drone was piloted 122 m above IC to restore communication. Once restored, communication was assessed at regular intervals for the duration of the mock deployment.

Results

In all 10 areas tested, communication was successfully restored. In all cases, once communication was restored, no additional loss of radio contact occurred. The time between communication loss and restoration across the 10 scenarios was 6.5±1.1 (4.4–9.3) min (mean±SD with range).

Conclusions

This method of restoring radio communication among SAR personnel could drastically improve the ability to assist victims and help mitigate the risks faced by rescuers. SAR leaders should be made aware of the useful applications of drones during SAR operations, especially in instances where communication is compromised.
Big Data
Authors: Pietsch Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

Big Data and methods for analyzing large data sets such as machine learning have in recent times deeply transformed scientific practice in many fields. However, an epistemological study of these novel tools is still largely lacking. After a conceptual analysis of the notion of data and a brief introduction into the methodological dichotomy between inductivism and hypothetico-deductivism, several controversial theses regarding big data approaches are discussed. These include, whether correlation replaces causation, whether the end of theory is in sight and whether big data approaches constitute entirely novel scientific methodology. In this Element, I defend an inductivist view of big data research and argue that the type of induction employed by the most successful big data algorithms is variational induction in the tradition of Mill's methods. Based on this insight, the before-mentioned epistemological issues can be systematically addressed.
Taking God Seriously
Authors: Davies Brian , Ruse Michael
Published: January 2021

Is debate on issues related to faith and reason still possible when dialogue between believers and non-believers has collapsed? Taking God Seriously not only proves that it is possible, but also demonstrates that such dialogue produces fruitful results. Here, Brian Davies, a Dominican priest and leading scholar of Thomas Aquinas, and Michael Ruse, a philosopher of science and well-known non-believer, offer an extended discussion on the nature and plausibility of belief in God and Christianity. They explore key topics in the study of religion, notably the nature of faith, the place of reason in discussions about religion, proofs for the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the problem of multiple competing religious systems, as well as the core concepts of Christian belief including the Trinity and the justification of morality. Written in a jargon-free manner, avoiding the extremes of evangelical literalism and New Atheism prejudice, Taking God Seriously does not compromise integrity or shy from discussing important or difficult issues.
The Exemplifying Past
Authors: van den Akker Chiel
Published: January 2021

This book addresses a wide range of philosophical problems about history and the semantics of time. The point of departure is the distinction between events under the description of past witnesses and their contemporaries and events under the description of historians. Its main claim is that a thesis on the past is exemplified rather than being justified by the available evidence. Such thesis, the book argues, retroactively becomes concrete in the past under consideration. This book will not only appeal to philosophers and historians, but to students and scholars across the humanities.
Balancing Atrocities and Forced Forgetting: Memory Laws as a Means of Social Control in Israel
Authors: Gutman Yifat , Tirosh Noam
Published: January 2021

This article examines memory laws as a new form of social control, demonstrating the significance of cultural memory to law and society scholarship. It focuses on two Israeli laws that seek to control public debate by giving voice to one marginalized group in order to silence another. The article presents two forms of such utilization of the law: forced forgetting and the balancing of atrocities. Forced forgetting validates the memory of one group of people over another group. Balancing atrocities equates victims, pitting the suffering of one group against that of another for the purpose of dismissing the former’s claims for recognition and redress. The 2011 Nakba Law, an example of forced forgetting, dismisses the Palestinian minority’s experience to amplify the memory of the Jewish majority, while the 2014 Jewish Nakba Law creates an analogy between Palestinian redress claims and those of the Mizrahi Jews in order to balance the atrocities that these groups suffered. We show that both forms of control have limitations that create gaps between legislation and implementation, yet their political-symbolic impact is much greater.
Digitizing and Disclosing Personal Data: The Proliferation of State Criminal Records on the Internet
Authors: Lageson Sarah E. , Webster Elizabeth , Sandoval Juan R.
Published: January 2021

Digitization and the release of public records on the Internet have expanded the reach and uses of criminal record data in the United States. This study analyzes the types and volume of personally identifiable data released on the Internet via two hundred public governmental websites for law enforcement, criminal courts, corrections, and criminal record repositories in each state. We find that public disclosures often include information valuable to the personal data economy, including the full name, birthdate, home address, and physical characteristics of arrestees, detainees, and defendants. Using administrative data, we also estimate the volume of data disclosed online. Our findings highlight the mass dissemination of pre-conviction data: every year, over ten million arrests, 4.5 million mug shots, and 14.7 million criminal court proceedings are digitally released at no cost. Post-conviction, approximately 6.5 million current and former prisoners and 12.5 million people with a felony conviction have a record on the Internet. While justified through public records laws, such broad disclosures reveal an imbalance between the “transparency” of data releases that facilitate monitoring of state action and those that facilitate monitoring individual people. The results show how the criminal legal system increasingly distributes Internet privacy violations and community surveillance as part of contemporary punishment.
“Going Out” and Going In-House: Chinese Multinationals’ Internal Legal Capacity in the United States
Authors: Li Ji
Published: January 2021

The “in-house counsel movement” of the past few decades, with its far-reaching implications for the legal profession, the legal service market, and corporate governance, has attracted a great deal of academic attention. Few scholars, however, have examined the global expansion of emerging market companies and their in-house legal capacity. To narrow the gap, this article investigates the in-house legal capacity of Chinese firms in the United States. In doing so, it focuses on two important yet underexplored questions: (1) whether and how institutions in China influence the capacity building; and (2) whether the Chinese investors’ ownership structure makes a difference in that regard. By analyzing a unique set of survey data and 122 interviews with lawyers, in-house counsel, and business executives, this article uncovers evidence of both multi-institutional influence and state-ownership effects. The findings contribute to theoretical and policy debates about the legal profession, the legal service market, and the ramifications of expanding Chinese multinational companies.
Causes and climatic influence of centennial-scale denitrification variability in the southeastern Arabian Sea since the last glacial period
Authors: Nagoji Sidhesh , Tiwari Manish
Published: January 2021

Denitrification occurring in the oxygen minimum zone of the Arabian Sea produces nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms controlling denitrification's intensity and evaluate its influence on the global climate at various timescales. We studied multiple geochemical and isotopic proxies in a sediment core from the southeastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) at a high (centennial-scale) resolution. We find that since the last glacial period, both the ventilation and the productivity caused by the South Asian summer monsoon played a major role in controlling the denitrification variability in SEAS. During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and since the Holocene, denitrification increased in SEAS despite reduced monsoon-induced productivity. During the LGM, weakened thermohaline circulation resulted in reduced ventilation of the intermediate waters of SEAS, causing increased denitrification. During the Holocene, the increase in denitrification is caused by an enhanced inflow of oxygen-depleted Red Sea and Persian Gulf waters into the intermediate depth of SEAS owing to a rising sea level that prohibited ventilation by the Antarctic Intermediate Water. We further find millennial-scale synchronicity between denitrification in SEAS, global monsoons, and the North Atlantic climate, implying systematic linkages via greenhouse gases abundance.
Diets, nutrients, genes and the microbiome: recent advances in personalised nutrition
Authors: Matusheski Nathan V. , Caffrey Aoife , Christensen Lars , Mezgec Simon , Surendran Shelini , Hjorth Mads F. , McNulty Helene , Pentieva Kristina , Roager Henrik M. , Seljak Barbara Koroušić , Vimaleswaran Karani Santhanakrishnan , Remmers Marcus , Péter Szabolcs
Published: January 2021

As individuals seek increasingly individualised nutrition and lifestyle guidance, numerous apps and nutrition programmes have emerged. However, complex individual variations in dietary behaviours, genotypes, gene expression and composition of the microbiome are increasingly recognised. Advances in digital tools and artificial intelligence can help individuals more easily track nutrient intakes and identify nutritional gaps. However, the influence of these nutrients on health outcomes can vary widely among individuals depending upon life stage, genetics and microbial composition. For example, folate may elicit favourable epigenetic effects on brain development during a critical developmental time window of pregnancy. Genes affecting vitamin B12metabolism may lead to cardiometabolic traits that play an essential role in the context of obesity. Finally, an individual’s gut microbial composition can determine their response to dietary fibre interventions during weight loss. These recent advances in understanding can lead to a more complete and integrated approach to promoting optimal health through personalised nutrition, in clinical practice settings and for individuals in their daily lives. The purpose of this review is to summarise presentations made during the DSM Science and Technology Award Symposium at the 13th European Nutrition Conference, which focused on personalised nutrition and novel technologies for health in the modern world.
Robust Stable Limit Cycle Generation in Multi-Input Mechanical Systems
Authors: Binazadeh Tahereh , Karimi Mahsa
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a robust controller for the generation of stable limit cycles in multi-input mechanical systems subjected to model uncertainties. The proposed idea is based on Port-Controlled Hamiltonian (PCH) model and energy-based control by considering the Hamiltonian function as the Lyapunov function. For this purpose, first, a nominal controller is designed by shaping the energy function of the system according to the structure of the desired limit cycle. Then, an additional robustifying control term is designed based on the integral sliding mode method with the selection of an appropriate sliding surface. Finally, computer simulations for two practical case studies are provided to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed controller in the generation of stable limit cycles in the presence of uncertainties.
Thrombocytopenia as a prognostic marker in COVID-19 patients: diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Lim Michael Anthonius , Yonas Emir , Huang Ian , Nasution Sally Aman , Setiati Siti , Alwi Idrus , Kuswardhani Raden Ayu Tuty
Published: January 2021

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate thrombocytopenia as a prognostic biomarker in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase and EuropePMC. The main outcome was composite poor outcome, a composite of mortality, severity, need for intensive care unit care and invasive mechanical ventilation. There were 8963 patients from 23 studies. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 18% of the patients. Male gender (P = 0.037) significantly reduce the incidence. Thrombocytopenia was associated with composite poor outcome (RR 1.90 (1.43–2.52), P < 0.001; I2: 92.3%). Subgroup analysis showed that thrombocytopenia was associated with mortality (RR 2.34 (1.23–4.45), P < 0.001; I2: 96.8%) and severity (RR 1.61 (1.33–1.96), P < 0.001; I2: 62.4%). Subgroup analysis for cut-off <100 × 109/l showed RR of 1.93 (1.37–2.72), P < 0.001; I2: 83.2%). Thrombocytopenia had a sensitivity of 0.26 (0.18–0.36), specificity of 0.89 (0.84–0.92), positive likelihood ratio of 2.3 (1.6–3.2), negative likelihood ratio of 0.83 (0.75–0.93), diagnostic odds ratio of 3 (2, 4) and area under curve of 0.70 (0.66–0.74) for composite poor outcome. Meta-regression analysis showed that the association between thrombocytopenia and poor outcome did not vary significantly with age, male, lymphocyte, d-dimer, hypertension, diabetes and CKD. Fagan's nomogram showed that the posterior probability of poor outcome was 50% in patients with thrombocytopenia, and 26% in those without thrombocytopenia. The Deek's funnel plot was relatively symmetrical and the quantitative asymmetry test was non-significant (P = 0.14). This study indicates that thrombocytopenia was associated with poor outcome in patients with COVID-19.

PROSPERO ID: CRD42020213974
Star formation efficiency of magnetized, turbulent and rotating molecular cloud
Authors: Kumssa Gemechu M. , Tessema Solomon Belay
Published: January 2021

The formation of stars constitutes one of the basic problems in astrophysics. Understanding star formation efficiency of molecular clouds (MCs) of a galaxy is necessary for studying the galactic evolution. Present data and theoretical formulations show that the structure and dynamics of the interstellar medium (ISM) are extremely complex. Therefore, there is no simple model that can explain adequately the star formation efficiency of MCs because of its complex nature. The initial mass of the cloud needed for collapse varies based on the environment in which the cloud resides and the strength of its magnetic field, turbulence, as well as the speed of rotation. In this paper, we estimate the star formation efficiency by combining pre-determined models and the critical mass formulated by Kumssa & Tessema (2018).
HORACE'S MONUMENT
Authors: Woodman A. J.
Published: January 2021

Exegi monumentum aere perennius

regalique situ pyramidum altius,

quod non imber edax, non Aquilo impotens

possit diruere aut innumerabilis

annorum series et fuga temporum.

Horace,Odes3.30.1–5

I have finished a monument more durable than bronze and higher than the royalsitusof the pyramids, the kind which neither biting rain nor the uncontrolled North Wind can destroy, or the procession of unnumbered years or flying time.

The paper argues thataltiusin line 2 is variously inappropriate; a clue to the true reading is to be found in the passage of Pindar to which Horace is alluding.
Lateral Variations of Moho Depth and Average Crustal Properties Across the Taiwan Orogen From H‐V Stacking of P and S Receiver Functions
Authors: Goyal Ayush , Hung Shu‐Huei
Published: January 2021

The complexity of the young Taiwan orogen mainly resulting from arc‐continent collision is manifold. As the Moho and crustal properties are crucial to unravel the still‐debated orogenic models, we adopt a H‐V stacking method jointly utilizing P and S receiver functions for simultaneously reliable determination of crustal thickness and average P‐ and S‐wave velocity, their ratio (Vp/Vs), and bulk sound speed (Vb) beneath 50 stations in Taiwan and offshore islands. Results indicate the Moho is inclined from ∼20 km in the north and west coastal areas to ∼47 km in the midwest of the Central Range (CR), and abruptly elevated >25 km at the eastern edge of the CR and adjacent collision suture zone. The uplifted Moho along with exclusively high Vp/Vs (2.1) suggest the subducted Eurasian crust may have been exhumed and compositionally modified by the accreted ophiolite complex of oceanic affinity during forearc basin closure. Our Moho mostly lies in the depths of the sharpest positive velocity gradient, a few to a dozen kilometers shallower than the Vp = 7.5 km/s isosurface assumed in the tomographic models. The unusually thin crust (∼20 km) with high Vp/Vs (1.9–2.0) is observed in the northern Taiwan volcanic zone, plausibly attributed to the post‐orogenic extensional thinning and induced melting in the sublithospheric mantle producing magmatic fluids trapped in the crust. Moreover, Vb apparently decreases from the coasts to the middle CR coinciding with the thickest crust, implying the crust under the central mountain range is more compressible and easily deformed/thickened by ongoing collisional compression.
Bayesian Model for HOPE Mass Spectrometers on Van Allen Probes
Authors: Vira A. D. , Larsen B. A. , Skoug R. M. , Fernandes P. A.
Published: January 2021

Space instruments rely heavily on modeling to predict and understand the instrument response, enabling a determination of the capabilities and resolution. The Bayesian approach provides a framework to incorporate prior knowledge and propagate uncertainty to predict the instrument response. We present an empirical Bayes model for the end‐to‐end performance of the Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron mass spectrometers aboard the Van Allen Probes mission. In this model, we use a combination of external modeling, laboratory calibration, and expert opinion to construct the time‐of‐flight spectra and demonstrate good agreement with on‐orbit data. The empirical Bayes model is applied to explore doubly charged ions and carbon, nitrogen, oxygen discrimination during the Van Allen Probes mission.
Strong Amplification of ELF/VLF Signals in Space Using Neutral Gas Injections From a Satellite Rocket Engine
Authors: Bernhardt Paul A. , Bougas William C. , Griffin Michael K. , Watson Chris , Langley Richard B. , Howarth Andrew D. , James H. Gordon , Siefring Carl L. , Perry Gareth W. , Huba Joseph. D. , Moore Robert C. , Cohen Morris. B. , Gołkowski Mark.
Published: January 2021

The first demonstration of rocket exhaust driven amplification (REDA) of whistler mode waves occurred on May 26, 2020 by transferring energy from pickup ions in a rocket exhaust plume to EM waves. The source of coherent VLF waves was the Navy NML Transmitter at 25.2 kHz located in LaMoure, North Dakota. The topside ionosphere at 480 km altitude became an amplifying medium with a 60 s firing of the Cygnus BT‐4 engine. The rocket engine injected exhaust as a neutral cloud moving perpendicular to field lines that connected the NML transmitter to the VLF Radio Receiver Instrument (RRI) on e‐POP/SWARM‐E. Charge exchange between the ambient O+ ions and the hypersonic water molecules in the exhaust produced H2O+ ions in a ring‐beam velocity distribution. The 25.2 kHz VLF signal from NML was amplified by 30 dB for a period 77 s as observed by the RRI. Simultaneously, preexisting coherent ELF waves at 300 Hz were amplified by 50 dB during and after the Cygnus burn. Extremely strong coherent emissions and quasiperiodic bursts in the 300–310 Hz frequency range lasted for 200 s after the release. The excitation of an ELF whistler cavity may have lasted even longer, but the orbit of the SWARM‐E/e‐POP moved the RRI sensor away from the wave emission region. The amplified 300 Hz ELF waves may have gained even more energy by cyclotron resonance with radiation belt electrons as they were ducted between geomagnetic‐conjugate hemispheres.
Geoscientific Monitoring of Olkaria’s Geothermal Motor
Authors: Fadel Islam , Hecker Christoph , Kimata Junior , Bonyo Eunice , van der Meijde Mark , van der Werff Harald , van der Meer Freek
Published: January 2021

In situ geophysical measurements from Kenya’s Olkaria geothermal field, integrated with remote sensing and meteorological data, shed light on subsurface energy transport to and from the surface.
Definitions of neonatal abstinence syndrome in clinical studies of mothers and infants: an expert literature review
Authors: Jilani Shahla M. , Jordan Chloe J. , Jansson Lauren M. , Davis Jonathan M.
Published: January 2021

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) results from discontinuation of in utero exposures to opioids/substances. The rising incidence of NAS has prompted an increased need for accurate research and public health data. To examine how NAS has been defined in clinical studies of opioid-exposed mothers and infants, a review process was developed based on the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, yielding 888 abstracts. Per inclusion criteria, 57 abstracts underwent full-text review. To define NAS, studies cited using modified versions of the Finnegan NAS scoring tool (n = 21; 37%), ICD-9/10 coding (n = 17; 30%), original Finnegan tool (n = 16; 28%), Eat Sleep Console (n = 3; 5%), and Lipsitz (n = 3; 5%) tools, (3 cited 2+ tools). Most studies utilized subjective NAS scoring/assessment algorithms and neonatal coding as key elements defining NAS. While most cited opioid exposure as integral to their inclusion criteria, 26% did not. These approaches highlight the need for a more refined and standardized definition of NAS.
Habitat heterogeneity induced by pyrogenic organic matter in wildfire-perturbed soils mediates bacterial community assembly processes
Authors: Zhang Lujun , Ma Bin , Tang Caixian , Yu Haodan , Lv Xiaofei , Mazza Rodrigues Jorge L , Dahlgren Randy A , Xu Jianming
Published: January 2021

Although pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) generated during wildfires plays a critical role in post-fire ecosystem recovery, the specific mechanisms by which PyOM controls soil microbial community assembly after wildfire perturbation remain largely uncharacterized. Herein we characterized the effect of PyOM on soil bacterial communities at two independent wildfire-perturbed forest sites. We observed that α-diversity of bacterial communities was the highest in wildfire-perturbed soils and that bacterial communities gradually changed along a sequence of unburnt soil → burnt soil → PyOM. The microbial communities reconstructed from unburnt soil and PyOM resembled the real bacterial communities in wildfire-perturbed soils in their α-diversity and community structure. Bacterial specialists in PyOM and soils clustered in phylogenetic coherent lineages with intra-lineage pH-niche conservatism and inter-lineage pH-niche divergence. Our results suggest that PyOM mediates bacterial community assembly in wildfire-perturbed soils by a combination of environmental selection and dispersal of phylogenetic coherent specialists with habitat preference in the heterogeneous microhabitats of burnt soils with distinct PyOM patches.
Painful intervertebral disc degeneration and inflammation: from laboratory evidence to clinical interventions
Authors: Lyu Feng-Juan , Cui Haowen , Pan Hehai , MC Cheung Kenneth , Cao Xu , Iatridis James C. , Zheng Zhaomin
Published: January 2021

Low back pain (LBP), as a leading cause of disability, is a common musculoskeletal disorder that results in major social and economic burdens. Recent research has identified inflammation and related signaling pathways as important factors in the onset and progression of disc degeneration, a significant contributor to LBP. Inflammatory mediators also play an indispensable role in discogenic LBP. The suppression of LBP is a primary goal of clinical practice but has not received enough attention in disc research studies. Here, an overview of the advances in inflammation-related pain in disc degeneration is provided, with a discussion on the role of inflammation in IVD degeneration and pain induction. Puncture models, mechanical models, and spontaneous models as the main animal models to study painful disc degeneration are discussed, and the underlying signaling pathways are summarized. Furthermore, potential drug candidates, either under laboratory investigation or undergoing clinical trials, to suppress discogenic LBP by eliminating inflammation are explored. We hope to attract more research interest to address inflammation and pain in IDD and contribute to promoting more translational research.
A novel CD4+ CTL subtype characterized by chemotaxis and inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Wang Yue , Chen Ziyi , Wang Tingjie , Guo Hui , Liu Yufeng , Dang Ningxin , Hu Shiqian , Wu Liping , Zhang Chengsheng , Ye Kai , Shi Bingyin
Published: January 2021

Graves’ orbitopathy (GO), the most severe manifestation of Graves’ hyperthyroidism (GH), is an autoimmune-mediated inflammatory disorder, and treatments often exhibit a low efficacy. CD4+ T cells have been reported to play vital roles in GO progression. To explore the pathogenic CD4+ T cell types that drive GO progression, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq), T cell receptor sequencing (TCR-Seq), flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays to evaluate CD4+ T cells from GO and GH patients. scRNA-Seq revealed the novel GO-specific cell type CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which are characterized by chemotactic and inflammatory features. The clonal expansion of this CD4+ CTL population, as demonstrated by TCR-Seq, along with their strong cytotoxic response to autoantigens, localization in orbital sites, and potential relationship with disease relapse provide strong evidence for the pathogenic roles of GZMB and IFN-γ-secreting CD4+ CTLs in GO. Therefore, cytotoxic pathways may become potential therapeutic targets for GO.
Neonatal antibiotic exposure impairs child growth during the first six years of life by perturbing intestinal microbial colonization
Authors: Uzan-Yulzari Atara , Turta Olli , Belogolovski Anna , Ziv Oren , Kunz Christina , Perschbacher Sarah , Neuman Hadar , Pasolli Edoardo , Oz Aia , Ben-Amram Hila , Kumar Himanshu , Ollila Helena , Kaljonen Anne , Isolauri Erika , Salminen Seppo , Lagström Hanna , Segata Nicola , Sharon Itai , Louzoun Yoram , Ensenauer Regina , Rautava Samuli , Koren Omry
Published: January 2021

Exposure to antibiotics in the first days of life is thought to affect various physiological aspects of neonatal development. Here, we investigate the long-term impact of antibiotic treatment in the neonatal period and early childhood on child growth in an unselected birth cohort of 12,422 children born at full term. We find significant attenuation of weight and height gain during the first 6 years of life after neonatal antibiotic exposure in boys, but not in girls, after adjusting for potential confounders. In contrast, antibiotic use after the neonatal period but during the first 6 years of life is associated with significantly higher body mass index throughout the study period in both boys and girls. Neonatal antibiotic exposure is associated with significant differences in the gut microbiome, particularly in decreased abundance and diversity of fecal Bifidobacteria until 2 years of age. Finally, we demonstrate that fecal microbiota transplant from antibiotic-exposed children to germ-free male, but not female, mice results in significant growth impairment. Thus, we conclude that neonatal antibiotic exposure is associated with a long-term gut microbiome perturbation and may result in reduced growth in boys during the first six years of life while antibiotic use later in childhood is associated with increased body mass index.
Perspectives on skeletal muscle stem cells
Authors: Relaix F. , Bencze M. , Borok M. J. , Der Vartanian A. , Gattazzo F. , Mademtzoglou D. , Perez-Diaz S. , Prola A. , Reyes-Fernandez P. C. , Rotini A. , Taglietti
Published: January 2021

Skeletal muscle has remarkable regeneration capabilities, mainly due to its resident muscle stem cells (MuSCs). In this review, we introduce recently developed technologies and the mechanistic insights they provide to the understanding of MuSC biology, including the re-definition of quiescence and Galert states. Additionally, we present recent studies that link MuSC function with cellular heterogeneity, highlighting the complex regulation of self-renewal in regeneration, muscle disorders and aging. Finally, we discuss MuSC metabolism and its role, as well as the multifaceted regulation of MuSCs by their niche. The presented conceptual advances in the MuSC field impact on our general understanding of stem cells and their therapeutic use in regenerative medicine.