bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper Grand Coulee: New views of a channeled scabland megafloods enigma
Authors: Waitt* Richard B. , Atwater Brian F. , Lehnigk Karin , Larsen Isaac J. , Bjornstad Bruce N. , Hanson Michelle A. , O’Connor Jim E.
Published: December 2021

New findings about old puzzles occasion rethinking of the Grand Coulee, greatest of the scabland channels. Those puzzles begin with antecedents of current upper Grand Coulee. By a recent interpretation, the upper coulee exploited the former high-level valley of a preflood trunk stream that had drained to the southwest beside and across Coulee anticline or monocline. In any case, a constriction and sharp bend in nearby Columbia valley steered Missoula floods this direction. Completion of upper Grand Coulee by megaflood erosion captured flood drainage that would otherwise have continued to enlarge Moses Coulee.

Upstream in the Sanpoil valley, deposits and shorelines of last-glacial Lake Columbia varied with the lake’s Grand Coulee outlet while also recording scores of Missoula floods. The Sanpoil evidence implies that upper Grand Coulee had approached its present intake depth early the last glaciation at latest, or more simply during a prior glaciation. An upper part of the Sanpoil section provides varve counts between the last tens of Missoula floods in a stratigraphic sequence that may now be linked to flood rhythmites of southern Washington by a set-S tephra from Mount St. Helens.

On the floor of upper Grand Coulee itself, recently found striated rock and lodgement till confirm the long-held view, which Bretz and Flint had shared, that cutting of upper Grand Coulee preceded its last-glacial occupation by the Okanogan ice lobe. A dozen or more late Missoula floods registered as sand and silt in the lee of Steamboat Rock.

Some of this field evidence about upper Grand Coulee may conflict with results of recent two-dimensional simulations for a maximum Lake Missoula. In these simulations only a barrier high above the present coulee intake enables floods to approach high-water marks near Wenatchee that predate stable blockage of Columbia valley by the Okanogan lobe. Above the walls of upper Grand Coulee, scabland limits provide high-water targets for two-dimensional simulations of watery floods. The recent models sharpen focus on water sources, prior coulee incision, and coulee’s occupation by the Okanogan ice lobe.

Field reappraisal continues downstream from Grand Coulee on Ephrata fan. There, some of the floods exiting lower Grand Coulee had bulked up with fine sediment from glacial Lake Columbia, upper coulee till, and a lower coulee lake that the fan itself impounded. Floods thus of debris-flow consistency carried outsize boulders previously thought transported by watery floods.

Below Ephrata fan, a backflooded reach of Columbia valley received Grand Coulee outflow of small, late Missoula floods. These late floods can—by varve counts in post-S-ash deposits of Sanpoil valley—be clocked now as a decade or less apart. Still farther downstream, Columbia River gorge choked the largest Missoula floods, passing peak discharge only one-third to one-half that released by the breached Lake Missoula ice dam.
Could the Réunion plume have thinned the Indian craton?
Authors: Paul Jyotirmoy , Ghosh Attreyee
Published: December 2021

Thick and highly viscous roots are the key to cratonic survival. Nevertheless, cratonic roots can be destroyed under certain geological scenarios. Eruption of mantle plumes underneath cratons can reduce root viscosity and thus make them more prone to deformation by mantle convection. It has been proposed that the Indian craton could have been thinned due to eruption of the Réunion plume underneath it at ca. 65 Ma. In this study, we constructed spherical time-dependent forward mantle convection models to investigate whether the Réunion plume eruption could have reduced the Indian craton thickness. Along with testing the effect of different strengths of craton and its surrounding asthenosphere, we examined the effect of temperature-dependent viscosity on craton deformation. Our results show that the plume-induced thermomechanical erosion could have reduced the Indian craton thickness by as much as ~130 km in the presence of temperature-dependent viscosity. We also find that the plume material could have lubricated the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary region beneath the Indian plate. This could be a potential reason for acceleration of the Indian plate since 65 Ma.
Olivine in komatiite records origin and travel from the deep upper mantle
Authors: Wilson Allan , Bolhar Robert
Published: December 2021

The deep upper mantle is the main source of high-temperature magmatism, but the only known naturally occurring samples of high-pressure mantle constituents are mineral inclusions in diamonds. Trace elements in olivine crystals from the 3.33 Ga Commondale Greenstone Belt in South Africa reveal that these crystals formed in the deep upper mantle as high-pressure phenocrysts, and some perhaps even formed in the mantle transition zone (410–600 km) where they began as wadsleyite. The crystals were entrained within ascending komatiite magma and conveyed to the surface. The olivine crystals have the highest contents of Al2O3 (0.3 wt%) recorded in any terrestrial olivine, which is indicative of formation at high pressure. The deep mantle gave rise to Archean komatiites, extraordinarily hot magmas (up to 1700 °C), which provide insight into Earth's early mantle evolution and the formation of most ancient continental and oceanic crust. In spite of extensive research since their discovery over 50 years ago, the origins of komatiites have remained contentious. Plumes—thermochemical instabilities originating at the core-mantle boundary—are the most likely source, but no direct evidence of a deep mantle origin of komatiite has yet been recognized.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Guide to communicating with children and young people
Authors: Davison Gail , Conn Richard , Kelly Martina Ann , Thompson Andrew , Dornan Tim
Published: December 2021

This article suggests communicative steps and strategies to help healthcare professionals achieve the ideals of child-centred care, which place children and young people at the centre of policy and practice. For those with 15 s, not 15 min, our suggestions can be summarised like this: help children be active agents in their own care by asking, listening well, being curious and explaining things clearly in an accessible but not condescending way.
Surfing on the world stage: a narrative review of acute and overuse injuries and preventative measures for the competitive and recreational surfer
Authors: Minasian Bayan , Hope Nigel
Published: December 2021

Surfing has rapidly grown in popularity as the sport made its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Surfing injuries are becoming more relevant with the globalisation and increasing risks of the sport, but despite this, little is known about surfing injuries or prevention strategies in either the competitive or recreational surfer. Prior research demonstrates that surfers are injured at a frequency of 0.74–1.79 injuries per 1000 hours of surfing. We reviewed the literature for the incidence, anatomical distribution, type and underlying mechanism of acute and overuse injuries, and discuss current preventative measures. This review finds that skin injuries represent the highest proportion of total injuries. Acute injuries most frequently affect the head, neck and face, followed by the lower limbs. Being struck by one’s own board is the most common mechanism of injury. Non-contact acute ligament injuries have increased as surfing manoeuvres have become more acrobatic and overuse musculoskeletal injuries are highly correlated with paddling. However, there is a paucity of research for surfing injuries, and studies on overuse musculoskeletal injuries and prevention are disproportionally under-represented. Most of the prior studies are limited by small sample sizes, poor data collection methodology and geographical constraints. Further research is needed to establish preventative measures for both acute and overuse surfing injuries and to ensure the increasing popularity of surfing is met with an improved understanding of sport risks and safety. Specifically, we recommend research be prioritised regarding the efficacy of training programmes to prevent surfing-related overuse musculoskeletal injuries.
Experiences of seeking healthcare across the border: lessons to inform upstream policies and system developments on cross-border health in East Africa
Authors: Ssengooba Freddie , Tuhebwe Doreen , Ssendagire Steven , Babirye Susan , Akulume Martha , Ssennyonjo Aloysius , Rutaroh Arthur , Mutesa Leon , Nangami Mabel
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study explored the experiences of accessing care across the border in East Africa.

Participants

From February to June 2018, a cross-sectional study using qualitative and quantitative methods was conducted among 279 household adults residing along selected national border sites of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda and had accessed care from the opposite side of the border 5 years prior to this study.

Setting

Access to HIV treatment, maternal delivery and childhood immunisation services was explored. We applied the health access framework and an appreciative inquiry approach to identify factors that enabled access to the services.

Measures

Exploratory factor analysis and linear regression were used for quantitative data, while deductive content analysis was done for the qualitative data on respondent’s experiences navigating health access barriers.

Results

The majority of respondents (83.9%; 234/279) had accessed care from public health facilities. Nearly one-third (77/279) had sought care across the border more than a year ago and 22.9% (64/279) less than a month ago. From the linear regression, the main predictor for ease of access for healthcare were ‘‘ease of border crossing’ (regression coefficient (RegCoef) 0.381); ‘services being free’ (RegCoef 0.478); ‘services and medicines availability’ (RegCoef 0.274) and ‘acceptable quality of services’ (RegCoef 0.364). The key facilitators for successful navigation of access barriers were related to the presence of informal routes, speaking a similar language and the ability to pay for the services.

Conclusion

Communities resident near national borders were able to cross borders to seek healthcare. There is need for a policy environment to enable East Africa invest better and realise synergies for these communities. This will advance Universal Health Coverage goals for communities along the border who represent the far fang areas of the health system with multiple barriers to healthcare access.
Application of the multiphase optimisation strategy to develop, optimise and evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent initiative package to increase 2-to-5-year-old children’s vegetable intake in long day care centres: a study protocol
Authors: Zarnowiecki Dorota , Kashef Shabnam , Poelman Astrid AM , Cochet-Broch Maeva O , Arguelles Jennifer C , Cox David N , Golley Rebecca K
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Globally, children do not eat enough core foods, with vegetable intakes persistently low. Early life is critical for establishing vegetable acceptance and intake. Increased usage of formal childcare has led to the importance of childcare settings shaping children’s food intake. This study will use the multiphase optimisation strategy to develop, optimise and evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent initiative package to increase 2-to-5-year-old children’s vegetable intake in long day care centres.

Methods and analysis

The preparation phase will use existing literature and best practice guidelines to develop three initiatives aiming to: (1) increase vegetable provision at mealtimes, (2) deliver a vegetable-focused sensory curriculum and (3) use supportive mealtime practices encouraging children’s tasting of vegetables. The optimisation phase (N=32 centres) will use a 12-week, eight-condition factorial experiment to test main and synergistic effects of the initiatives. The optimum combination of initiatives producing the largest increase in vegetable intake will be identified. The evaluation phase (N=20 centres) will test the effectiveness of the optimised package using a 12-week waitlist randomised controlled trial. Primary outcomes are children’s vegetable intake and food group intake at long day care. Secondary outcomes are menu guideline compliance, cook and educator knowledge and skills, and reach. Process evaluation will include fidelity, acceptability, barriers and facilitators, and compatibility with practice. Repeated measures ANOVA with interaction effects (optimisation phase) and linear mixed modelling (evaluation phase) will test effects of the initiatives on vegetable intake.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethics approval from the Flinders University Research Ethics Committee (Project No: 1873) for the optimisation phase. Approval for the evaluation phase will be obtained following completion of optimisation phase. Findings will be disseminated to stakeholders, including long day care centres and childcare organisations; and to researchers via peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Trial registration numbers

ACTRN12620001301954, ACTRN12620001323910p.
Using nasal povidone-iodine to prevent bloodstream infections and transmission ofStaphylococcus aureusamong haemodialysis patients: a stepped-wedge cluster randomised control trial protocol
Authors: Racila Ana-Monica , O"Shea Amy M J , Nair Rajeshwari , Dukes Kimberly , Herwaldt Loreen A , Boyken Linda , Diekema Daniel , Ward Melissa A , Cobb Jason , Jacob Jesse , Pegues David , Bleasdale Susan , Vijayan Anitha , Mutneja Anubha , Fraer Mony , O"Connell-Moore Debra , Tolomeo Pam , Mendez Minerva , Jaworski Erin , Schweizer Marin L
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Approximately 38% of haemodialysis patients carryStaphylococcus aureusin their noses, and carriers have a nearly four-fold increased risk ofS. aureusaccess-related bloodstream infections (BSIs) compared with non-carriers. Our objective is to determine the clinical efficacy and effectiveness of a novel intervention using nasal povidone-iodine (PVI) to prevent BSIs among patients in haemodialysis units. We will survey patients and conduct qualitative interviews with healthcare workers to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing the intervention.

Methods and analysis

We will perform an open-label, stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial to assess the effectiveness of nasal PVI compared with standard care. Sixteen outpatient haemodialysis units will participate in the study. The 3-year trial period will be divided into a 4-month baseline period and eight additional 4-month time blocks. The primary outcome of the study will beS. aureusBSI, defined as aS. aureuspositive blood culture collected in the outpatient setting or within one calendar day after a hospital admission. The study team will evaluate characteristics of individual patients and the clusters by exposure status (control or intervention) to assess the balance between groups, and calculate descriptive statistics such as average responses separately for control and intervention survey questions.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received IRB approval from all study sites. A Data Safety and Monitoring Board will monitor this multicentre clinical trial. We will present our results at international meetings. The study team will publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and make each accepted peer-reviewed manuscript publicly available.

Trial registration number

NCT04210505.
Impact of stress and coping strategies on insomnia among Polish novice nurses who are employed in their field while continuing their education: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Serafin Lena Izabela , Fukowska Maja , Zyskowska Diana , Olechowska Justyna , Czarkowska-Pączek Bożena
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To determine to what degree particular coping strategies mediate the association between stress and insomnia in novice nurses who are employed while continuing their education and how type of education moderate the relationships between workplace stress, coping strategies and insomnia.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire, which was completed by 159 novice registered nurses. The questionnaire comprised four components: Athens Insomnia Scale, Perceived Stress at Work (based on Perceived Stress Scale), Brief-Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (COPE)and metrics with sociodemographic data questions.

Results

Stress was found to be a significant predictor of insomnia among novice nurses. After adjusting the coping strategy, work stress ceased to be a significant predictor of insomnia. Among the strategies, the significant predictors that increased severity insomnia were acceptance, denial and self-blame. Predictors that decreased severity insomnia were use of emotional support and venting. Furthermore, the relationship between both active coping and self-distraction strategies and insomnia was significant for part-time students.

Conclusions

Insomnia is significant phenomena among novice nurses and are exacerbated by increased stress in the workplace. Choosing appropriate coping strategies for stress that are dependent on the individuals’ activities significantly reduce the severity of insomnia caused by work stress.
REinforcement learning to improve non-adherence for diabetes treatments by Optimising Response and Customising Engagement (REINFORCE): study protocol of a pragmatic randomised trial
Authors: Lauffenburger Julie C , Yom-Tov Elad , Keller Punam A , McDonnell Marie E , Bessette Lily G , Fontanet Constance P , Sears Ellen S , Kim Erin , Hanken Kaitlin , Buckley J Joseph , Barlev Renee A , Haff Nancy , Choudhry Niteesh K
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Achieving optimal diabetes control requires several daily self-management behaviours, especially adherence to medication. Evidence supports the use of text messages to support adherence, but there remains much opportunity to improve their effectiveness. One key limitation is that message content has been generic. By contrast, reinforcement learning is a machine learning method that can be used to identify individuals’ patterns of responsiveness by observing their response to cues and then optimising them accordingly. Despite its demonstrated benefits outside of healthcare, its application to tailoring communication for patients has received limited attention. The objective of this trial is to test the impact of a reinforcement learning-based text messaging programme on adherence to medication for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods and analysis

In the REinforcement learning to Improve Non-adherence For diabetes treatments by Optimising Response and Customising Engagement (REINFORCE) trial, we are randomising 60 patients with suboptimal diabetes control treated with oral diabetes medications to receive a reinforcement learning intervention or control. Subjects in both arms will receive electronic pill bottles to use, and those in the intervention arm will receive up to daily text messages. The messages will be individually adapted using a reinforcement learning prediction algorithm based on daily adherence measurements from the pill bottles. The trial’s primary outcome is average adherence to medication over the 6-month follow-up period. Secondary outcomes include diabetes control, measured by glycated haemoglobin A1c, and self-reported adherence. In sum, the REINFORCE trial will evaluate the effect of personalising the framing of text messages for patients to support medication adherence and provide insight into how this could be adapted at scale to improve other self-management interventions.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Mass General Brigham Institutional Review Board (IRB) (USA). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, clinicaltrials.gov reporting and conferences.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04473326).
Self-harm and suicidal behaviour in Ghana: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Quarshie Emmanuel Nii-Boye , Oppong Asante Kwaku , Andoh-Arthur Johnny
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Self-harm and suicidal behaviour represent major global health problems, which account for significant proportions of the disease burden in low-income and middle-income countries, including Ghana. This review aims to synthesise the available and accessible evidence on prevalence estimates, correlates, risk and protective factors, the commonly reported methods and reasons for self-harm and suicidal behaviour in Ghana.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (2009) recommendations. Regional and global electronic databases (African Journals OnLine, African Index Medicus, APA PsycINFO, Global Health, MEDLINE and PubMed) will be searched systematically up to December 2021 for observational studies and qualitative studies that have reported prevalence estimates, correlates, risk and protective factors, methods and reasons for self-harm and suicidal behaviour in Ghana. The electronic database searches will be supplemented with reference harvesting and grey literature searching in Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global for postgraduate dissertations. Only records in English will be included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (2018) will be used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Meta-analysis or narrative synthesis or both will be used, contingent on the extent of heterogeneity across eligible observational studies.

Ethics and dissemination

Considering that this is a systematic review of accessible and available literature, we will not seek ethical approval. On completion, this review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, be disseminated publicly at (mental) health conferences with focus on self-harm and suicide prevention. The important findings would also be shared with key national stakeholder groups in Ghana: Ghana Association for Suicide Prevention, Ghana Mental Health Authority, Ghana Psychological Association, Centre for Suicide and Violence Research, Accra and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health.

Prospero registration number

CRD42021234622.
Urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels and small-for-gestational age infants: a prospective cohort study from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Kyozuka Hyo , Fukuda Toma , Endo Yuta , Kanno Aya , Yasuda Shun , Yamaguchi Akiko , Sato Akiko , Ogata Yuka , Shinoki Kosei , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Yasumura Seiji , Hashimoto Koichi , Nishigori Hidekazu , Fujimori Keiya
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the association between the urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (U8-OHdG) levels and the incidence of small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants and to assess the utility of U8-OHdG as a biomarker to predict the incidence of SGA infants.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.

Participants

Data of participants enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a nationwide birth cohort study, between 2011 and 2014 were analysed; 104 062 fetal records were analysed. Data of women with singleton pregnancies ≥22 weeks of gestation were analysed.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

U8-OHdG levels were assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Participants were categorised into the following three groups according to the quartile of the distribution of U8-OHdG: low U8-OHdG (<1.95 ng/mgCre), moderate U8-OHdG (the combined second and third quartiles; 1.95–2.95 ng/mgCre) and high U8-OHdG (>2.95 ng/mgCre) groups. Additionally, participants in the 90th percentile for U8-OHdG levels were analysed. Odds ratios (ORs) for SGA infants (<−1.5 and <−2.0 SD) were calculated using a logistic regression model while adjusting for confounding factors; the moderate U8-OHdG group was used as a reference. The cut-off value of U8-OHdG to predict the incidence of SGA infants was calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Data of 80 212 participants were analysed. The adjusted ORs for SGA infants (<−1.5 and<−2.0 SD) in the high U8-OHdG group were 1.16 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.25) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.38). The cut-off value of U8-OHdG (3.26 ng/mgCre) showed a poor ability to predict SGA infants (sensitivity, 21.9%; specificity, 83.6%; area under the ROC curve, 0.530).

Conclusions

Elevated U8-OHdG levels were associated with an increased incidence of SGA infants. However, this parameter would not be a useful screening tool for predicting SGA infants owing to its low sensitivity and specificity.
Feasibility and acceptability of study methods and psychosocial interventions for body image targeting women diagnosed with breast cancer: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Brunet Jennifer , Price Jenson , Baillot Aurelie
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Improving body image may help to enhance the quality of life of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Although evidence suggests psychosocial interventions can effectively improve body image in this population, no review to date has assessed their feasibility or acceptability. This manuscript reports the protocol for a review summarising current evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of psychosocial interventions for body image targeting women diagnosed with breast cancer and the study methods used to evaluate the interventions in question to provide recommendations to optimise the success and sustainability of psychosocial interventions for body image and future studies. Results will also help to identify gaps in the existing evidence to provide direction for future research.

Methods and analysis

We searched the following databases for articles published in the English language from January 2000 to June 2021 using a systematic search strategy: MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsychINFO and EMBASE. This search will be supplemented with a manual search of reference lists from relevant systematic reviews and included articles. Eligible studies will include peer-reviewed publications reporting on feasibility and acceptability in the evaluation of psychosocial interventions for body image targeting women diagnosed with breast cancer. All study designs are eligible, although articles are required to have reported on an intervention evaluation. Two reviewers will independently carry out study selection, extraction of quantitative and qualitative data and quality assessment. Data will be summarised in a narrative review and thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required because this is a protocol for a systematic review. On completion, results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and for presentation at a relevant conference.

Trial registration

This protocol has been registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews international registry (ID: CRD42021269062, 11 September 2021).
Neutrophils prevent rectal bleeding in ulcerative colitis by peptidyl-arginine deiminase-4-dependent immunothrombosis
Authors: Leppkes Moritz , Lindemann Aylin , Gößwein Stefanie , Paulus Susanne , Roth Dominik , Hartung Anne , Liebing Eva , Zundler Sebastian , Gonzalez-Acera Miguel , Patankar Jay V , Mascia Fabrizio , Scheibe Kristina , Hoffmann Markus , Uderhardt Stefan , Schauer Christine , Foersch Sebastian , Neufert Clemens , Vieth Michael , Schett Georg , Atreya Raja , Kühl Anja A , Bleich Andre , Becker Christoph , Herrmann Martin , Neurath Markus F
Published: December 2021

Objective

Bleeding ulcers and erosions are hallmarks of active ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the mechanisms controlling bleeding and mucosal haemostasis remain elusive.

Design

We used high-resolution endoscopy and colon tissue samples of active UC (n = 36) as well as experimental models of physical and chemical mucosal damage in mice deficient for peptidyl-arginine deiminase-4 (PAD4), gnotobiotic mice and controls. We employed endoscopy, histochemistry, live-cell microscopy and flow cytometry to study eroded mucosal surfaces during mucosal haemostasis.

Results

Erosions and ulcerations in UC were covered by fresh blood, haematin or fibrin visible by endoscopy. Fibrin layers rather than fresh blood or haematin on erosions were inversely correlated with rectal bleeding in UC. Fibrin layers contained ample amounts of neutrophils coaggregated with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) with detectable activity of PAD. Transcriptome analyses showed significantly elevatedPAD4expression in active UC. In experimentally inflicted wounds, we found that neutrophils underwent NET formation in a PAD4-dependent manner hours after formation of primary blood clots, and remodelled clots to immunothrombi containing citrullinated histones, even in the absence of microbiota. PAD4-deficient mice experienced an exacerbated course of dextrane sodium sulfate-induced colitis with markedly increased rectal bleeding (96 % vs 10 %) as compared with controls. PAD4-deficient mice failed to remodel blood clots on mucosal wounds eliciting impaired healing. Thus, NET-associated immunothrombi are protective in acute colitis, while insufficient immunothrombosis is associated with rectal bleeding.

Conclusion

Our findings uncover that neutrophils induce secondary immunothrombosis by PAD4-dependent mechanisms. Insufficient immunothrombosis may favour rectal bleeding in UC.
Indigenous women’s worldview in food-related research: Rematriating food, bodies and lands
Authors: Ferreira Celeste , Gaudet Janice Cindy , Loukes Keira A.
Published: December 2021

Western discourses around food (in)security and nutrition often focus on food access primarily through male-driven efforts. In turn, the gendered dimension is missing. Yet Indigenous food systems cannot be fully understood without Indigenous women’s worldview, challenges, and labour. Our critique points to the importance of centring Indigenous women’s embodied knowledge systems in our food related research.

Novelty: Rematriating food research regenerates the complexities of kinship wellbeing, sustainable economies, and body sovereignty.
Comparison of methods for revegetation of vehicle tracks in High Arctic tundra on Svalbard
Authors: Neby Magne , Semenchuk Philipp , Neby Erica , Cooper Elisabeth J.
Published: December 2021

Natural regeneration after anthropogenic disturbance is slow in the tundra biome, but assisted regeneration can help speed up this process. A tracked off-road vehicle damaged a High Arctic dwarf shrub heath in Svalbard in May 2009, drastically reducing the vegetation cover, soil seed banks, and incoming seed rain. We assisted regeneration the following year using six different revegetation treatments and monitored their effects one month, and one and eight years after their application. By 2018, all treatments still had lower vegetation cover and limited species composition than the undamaged reference vegetation. The fertiliser treatment was the most effective in restoring vegetation cover (71% vegetation cover, of which 62% were bryophytes and 38% were vascular plant species). Compared to the reference plots (98% vegetation cover, of which 32% were bryophytes and 66% were vascular plant species), the composition of the disturbed vegetation was still far from regenerated to its original state nine years after the tracks were made. The slow regrowth demonstrated in this study underlines the importance of avoiding the disturbance of fragile tundra and implementing and upholding regulations that restrict or ban such disturbances.
Influence of the alkyl chain length on the physicochemical properties and microbial biocompatibility of phosphonium based fatty acid ionic liquids
Authors: Tantray Aafaq A. , Rode Nitin R. , Shinde Sandesh S. , Nandre Vinod , Kodam Kisan M. , Terdale Santosh S.
Published: December 2021

Ionic liquids (ILs) have remarkable properties and applications in many areas of science. Phosphonium ILs have become important because of their unique chemical and thermal stabilities. The present work is focused on the synthesis, characterisation, physicochemical properties, and microbial toxicity assessment of phosphonium ILs bearing seven different fatty acid anions. The structures of the synthesised ILs were confirmed by1H and13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and FTIR spectroscopy. Physicochemical properties such as density and viscosity of pure ILs were measured at temperatures ranging from 298.15 to 313.15 K. The experimental density decreased, whereas the viscosity increased with an increasing number of carbon atoms in the anion. The derived properties were also found to be anion dependent. The thermal decomposition temperature was investigated by TGA. Subsequently, the toxicity profile of the ILs was determined for selected Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and some species of fungi in terms of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The results show that the antimicrobial activities of the ILs are strongly related to the structures of the ILs, where an increase in toxicity was observed with increasing alkyl group chain length of the fatty acid anion.
Fundamental limitations of contact tracing for COVID-19
Authors: Tupper Paul , Otto Sarah P. , Colijn Caroline
Published: December 2021

Contact tracing has played a central role in COVID-19 control in many jurisdictions and is often used in conjunction with other measures such as travel restrictions and social distancing mandates. Contact tracing is made ineffective, however, by delays in testing, calling, and isolating. Even if delays are minimized, contact tracing triggered by testing of symptomatic individuals can only prevent a fraction of onward transmissions from contacts. Without other measures in place, contact tracing alone is insufficient to prevent exponential growth in the number of cases in a population with little immunity. Even when used effectively with other measures, occasional bursts in call loads can overwhelm contact tracing systems and lead to a loss of control. We propose embracing approaches to COVID-19 contact tracing that broadly test individuals without symptoms, in whatever way is economically feasible—either with fast and cheap tests that can be deployed widely, with pooled testing, or with screening of judiciously chosen groups of high-risk individuals. These considerations are important both in regions where widespread vaccination has been deployed and in those where few residents have been immunized.
Sliding-friction wear of a seashell particulate reinforced polymer matrix composite: modeling and optimization through RSM and Grey Wolf optimizer
Authors: Vasanthkumar P. , Balasundaram R. , Senthilkumar N.
Published: December 2021

In this work we investigated the friction wear of a thermoplastic polymer (nylon-6) reinforced with particles of seashell. Seashells are made of calcium carbonate in the mineral form of calcite or aragonite, which makes them one of the most robust materials known. A twin-screw extruder was used to blend the seashell particles (SPs) and nylon-6, and an injection molding machine was used to fabricate the composite. Various proportions of SPs (12%, 15%, and 18%, by weight) were added to the nylon-6. We studied the wear of the polymer composites as per the standard ASTM G99, focusing on the loss of material due to wear, the friction coefficient, and the interface temperature. We used a response surface methodology (RSM) based Box–Behnken method (BBD) for our experimental design, and multiobjective analyses were performed incorporating desirability analysis. Our results show the following: the interface temperature was highly influenced by rotational speed (41.61%); the reinforcement with SPs (%) significantly (35.71%) affected the loss of material due to wear; and, the coefficient of friction (CoF) was significantly affected by rotational speed (41.48%) and reinforcement with SPs (18.18% w/w). A novel metaheuristic algorithm (Grey Wolf Optimizer) was used to constrain our optimizations, and the results showed that with CoF = 0.3 and an interface temperature of 25 °C as constraints, the loss due to wear was 35.77 μm for 15.09% w/w reinforcement with SPs, but at CoF = 0.3 and an interface temperature of 30 °C, the loss due to wear was 28.99 μm for 18% w/w reinforcement with SP.
Epicyclic oscillations in spinning particle motion around Kerr black hole applied in models fitting the quasi-periodic oscillations observed in microquasars and AGNs
Authors: Shahzadi Misbah , Kološ Martin , Stuchlík Zdeněk , Habib Yousaf
Published: December 2021

The study of the quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) of X-ray flux observed in the stellar-mass black hole (BH) binaries or quasars can provide a powerful tool for testing the phenomena occurring in strong gravity regime. We thus fit the data of QPOs observed in the well known microquasars as well as active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the framework of the model of geodesic oscillations of Keplerian disks modified for the epicyclic oscillations of spinning test particles orbiting Kerr BHs. We show that the modified geodesic models of QPOs can explain the observational fixed data from the microquasars and AGNs but not for all sources. We perform a successful fitting of the high frequency QPOs models of epicyclic resonance and its variants, relativistic precession and its variants, tidal disruption, as well as warped disc models, and discuss the corresponding constraints of parameters of the model, which are the spin of the test particle, mass and rotation of the BH.
A complete data set for the simulation of electron transport through gaseous tetrahydrofuran in the energy range 1–100 $$\hbox {eV}$$
Authors: García-Abenza A. , Lozano A. I. , Álvarez L. , Oller J. C. , Blanco F. , Stokes P. , White R. D. , Urquijo J. de , Limão-Vieira P. , Jones D. B. , Brunger M. J. , García G.
Published: December 2021

A self-consistent data set, with all the necessary inputs for Monte Carlo simulations of electron transport through gaseous tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the energy range 1–100 eV, has been critically compiled in this study. Accurate measurements of total electron scattering cross sections (TCSs) from THF have been obtained, and considered as reference values to validate the self-consistency of the proposed data set. Monte Carlo simulations of the magnetically confined electron transport through a gas cell containing THF for different beam energies (3, 10 and 70 eV) and pressures (2.5 and 5.0 mTorr) have also been performed by using a novel code developed in Madrid. In order to probe the accuracy of the proposed data set, the simulated results have been compared with the corresponding experimental data, the latter obtained with the same experimental configuration where the TCSs have been measured.

Graphic Abstract
Crosscap two of class of graphs from commutative rings
Authors: Karthik S. , Meera S. N. , Selvakumar K.
Published: December 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring with identity and [Formula: see text] be the set of all nonzero zero-divisors of [Formula: see text]. The annihilator graph of commutative ring [Formula: see text] is the simple undirected graph AG([Formula: see text]) with vertices [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text] The essential graph of [Formula: see text] is defined as the graph [Formula: see text] with the vertex set [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text] is an essential ideal. In this paper, we classify all finite commutative rings with identity whose annihilator graph and essential graph have crosscap two.
Matrix Query Languages
Authors: Geerts Floris , Muñoz Thomas , Riveros Cristian , Van den Bussche Jan , Vrgoč Domagoj
Published: December 2021

Due to the importance of linear algebra and matrix operations in data analytics, there has been a renewed interest in developing query languages that combine both standard relational operations and linear algebra operations. We survey aspects of the matrix query language MATLANG and extensions thereof, and connect matrix query languages to classical query languages and arithmetic circuits.
VLDB Panel Summary
Authors: Ives Zack , Gehrke Johannes , Giceva Jana , Kumar Arun , Pottinger Rachel
Published: December 2021

Database education is at an inflection point. With the surge of interest in all things "data", enrollments in traditional database courses are at an all time high. At the same time, the rise of Data Science as a discipline has led to the creation of new courses whose content significantly overlaps that of an introductory database course (e.g. data preparation, cleaning, SQL). Students from all across campus aspire to take data science courses, even with limited Computer Science backgrounds. This juxtaposition of content and proliferation of audiences is causing many database educators to question what we should be teaching in our data-oriented courses, and what resources we should use to teach them.
Database Tuning using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Trummer Immanuel
Published: December 2021

Introduction. We have seen significant advances in the state of the art in natural language processing (NLP) over the past few years [20]. These advances have been driven by new neural network architectures, in particular the Transformer model [19], as well as the successful application of transfer learning approaches to NLP [13]. Typically, training for specific NLP tasks starts from large language models that have been pre-trained on generic tasks (e.g., predicting obfuscated words in text [5]) for which large amounts of training data are available. Using such models as a starting point reduces task-specific training cost as well as the number of required training samples by orders of magnitude [7]. These advances motivate new use cases for NLP methods in the context of databases.
Behind teaching-learning strategies in physiology: perceptions of students and teachers of Brazilian medical courses
Authors: Nasre-Nasser Raif Gregorio , Oliveira Gislaine Alves de , Marques Ribeiro Maria Flavia , Arbo Bruno Dutra
Published: December 2021

The teaching-learning process must constantly overcome the barriers imposed by rapid scientific and technological advances, as well as changes in the profiles of students and access to information. This study intended to analyze the perceptions of students and professors of medical courses of the teaching-learning strategies used in physiology at different Brazilian universities as well as the factors that influence or hinder the learning of this discipline. Questionnaires were analyzed from 174 students and 16 professors of physiology from medical courses of 20 higher education institutions (public and private) in a southern Brazilian state. The teaching strategies most used by physiology teachers coincided with the classroom activities that students consider to have the greatest contribution to their learning (expository classes/lectures, tests and questionnaires, problem-based learning/clinical case studies, and demonstrative/practical classes). It was also evidenced that teachers’ didactic is considered as a very influencing factor for the students during their learning process, whereas the teachers pointed out daily pedagogical practice as the most relevant factor in the development of their skills within the classroom. In addition, some factors hindering the teaching-learning process of physiology were identified by the respondents, such as large amounts of information, little time for study outside the classroom, previous knowledge, and intrinsic difficulty of the discipline. Finally, students tended to study alone and generally used teachers’ slides and their own notes as study materials. The continuous assessment of the perceptions, needs, and difficulties of students and teachers plays an essential role in improving the teaching-learning process.
Anatomical self-efficacy of undergraduate students improves during a fully online biology course with at-home dissections
Authors: Youngblood Jacob P. , Webb Emily A. , Gin Logan E. , van Leusen Peter , Henry Joanna R. , VandenBrooks John M. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: December 2021

Student enrollments in online college courses have grown steadily over the past decade, and college administrators expect this trend to continue or accelerate. Despite the growing popularity of online education, one major critique in the sciences is that students are not trained in the hands-on skills they may need for the workforce, graduate school, or professional school. For example, the Association of American Medical Colleges has recommended that medical schools evaluate applicants on their motor skills and observation skills, yet many online biology programs do not offer opportunities for students to develop these skills. In on-campus biology programs, students commonly develop these skills through hands-on animal dissections, but educators have struggled with how to teach dissections in an online environment. We designed a fully online undergraduate biology course that includes at-home, hands-on dissections of eight vertebrate specimens. Over three course offerings, we evaluated changes in four student outcomes: anatomical self-efficacy, confidence in laboratory skills, perceptions of support, and concerns about dissections. Here, we describe how we implemented at-home dissections in the online course and show that students taking the course gained anatomical self-efficacy and confidence in multiple laboratory skills. Based on open-ended responses, the students perceived that their experiences with the at-home dissections facilitated these gains. These results demonstrate that at-home, hands-on laboratories are a viable approach for teaching practical skills to students in fully online courses. We encourage science instructors to introduce at-home laboratories into their online courses, and we provide recommendations for instructors interested in implementing at-home laboratories.
Unique circulating microRNA associations with dysglycemia in people living with HIV and alcohol use
Authors: Bourgeois Brianna L. , Lin Hui-Yi , Yeh Alice Y. , Levitt Danielle E. , Primeaux Stefany D. , Ferguson Tekeda F. , Molina Patricia E. , Simon Liz
Published: December 2021

People living with HIV (PLWH) have increased prevalence of comorbid conditions including insulin resistance and at-risk alcohol use. Circulating microRNAs (miRs) may serve as minimally invasive indicators of pathophysiological states. We aimed to identify whether alcohol modulates circulating miR associations with measures of glucose/insulin dynamics in PLWH. PLWH ( n = 96; 69.8% males) enrolled in the Alcohol & Metabolic Comorbidities in PLWH: Evidence-Driven Interventions (ALIVE-Ex) study were stratified into negative phosphatidylethanol (PEth < 8 ng/mL, n = 42) and positive PEth (PEth ≥ 8 ng/mL, n = 54) groups. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered, and total RNA was isolated from fasting plasma to determine absolute miR expression. Circulating miRs were selected based on their role in skeletal muscle (miR-133a and miR-206), pancreatic β-cell (miR-375), liver (miR-20a), and adipose tissue (miR-let-7b, miR-146a, and miR-221) function. Correlation and multiple regression analyses between miR expression and adiponectin, 2 h glucose, insulin, and C-peptide values were performed adjusting for body mass index (BMI) category, age, sex, and viral load. miR-133a was negatively associated with adiponectin ( P = 0.002) in the negative PEth group, and miR-20a was positively associated with 2 h glucose ( P = 0.013) in the positive PEth group. Regression analyses combining miRs demonstrated that miR-133a ( P < 0.001) and miR-221 ( P = 0.010) together predicted adiponectin in the negative PEth group. miR-20a ( P < 0.001) and miR-375 ( P = 0.002) together predicted 2 h glucose in the positive PEth group. Our results indicate that associations between miRs and measures of glucose/insulin dynamics differed between PEth groups, suggesting that the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to altered glucose homeostasis in PLWH are potentially modulated by alcohol use.