bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“That’s kind of like the big struggle right now is can we get PrEP?”: Facilitators and Barriers to PrEP Uptake Among Active Duty Gay and Bisexual Men
Authors: Beltran Raiza M. , Schuyler Ashley C. , Blair Cherie S. , Goldbach Jeremy T. , Castro Carl A. , Holloway Ian W.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The US Military is experiencing a rise in HIV infections among gay and bisexual men (GBM) serving on active duty, yet little is known about this population’s uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an evidence-based intervention for HIV prevention. This mixed methods study examines the facilitators and barriers to PrEP access and uptake among active duty GBM.

Methods

Active duty GBM were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (2017 and 2018). Participants (n = 93) answered quantitative survey questions on PrEP interest and accessibility. Another set of participants (n = 10) discussed their PrEP experiences in qualitative interviews. We conducted descriptive and bivariate analyses of quantitative data, while qualitative data were analyzed using structural and descriptive coding techniques.

Results

Approximately 71% of active duty GBM indicated interest in accessing PrEP. A greater proportion of those who disclosed (vs. did not disclose) their sexual orientation to their military doctor discussed (p < 0.001) or accessed (p = 0.017) PrEP. The following qualitative themes emerged: (1) providers’ negative views and knowledge gaps related to PrEP; (2) lack of a systems approach to PrEP access; (3) confidentiality concerns; and (4) reliance on peer networks for PrEP guidance and support.

Conclusions

Study results indicate that active duty GBM are interested in and want to discuss PrEP with their military doctors, but gaps in providers’ PrEP-related knowledge and skills, as well as mistrust in the military health care system, remain.

Policy Implications

A system-wide approach that addresses confidentiality concerns and removes procedural barriers to PrEP access is recommended to improve PrEP uptake in this population.
Sexual Behavior Change Among Gay and Bisexual Men During the First COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in the United States
Authors: McKay Tara , Henne Jeff , Gonzales Gilbert , Gavulic Kyle A. , Quarles Rebecca , Gallegos Sergio Garcia
Published: August 2021

Background

After decades of navigating HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, gay and bisexual men are responding to new and uncertain risks presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by adapting their sexual behavior.

Methods

This paper uses data from a national sample of 728 gay and bisexual men collected from April 10 to May 10, 2020, to examine changes to sexual behavior in response to the first wave of the pandemic in the USA. We also assess whether behavior modifications are associated with exposure to statewide public health measures, including Stay-at-Home orders.

Results

Sexual minority men report significant changes to their sexual behavior and partner selection during the first wave. Nine out of 10 men reported having either one sexual partner or no sexual partner in the last 30 days at the time of interview, a decrease compared to just before the pandemic for nearly half of men surveyed. Reporting no sexual partners in the last 30 days was significantly predicted by increased exposure to a Stay-at-Home order. Sexual minority men also reduced interactions with casual partners, increased no-contact sexual behaviors (e.g., masturbation and virtual sex), and engaged in new strategies to reduce their risks of infection from partners. HIV-positive men were particularly likely to adopt strategies including avoiding casual partners and avoiding public transportation to meet sexual partners.

Conclusion

Sexual minority men’s behavior changes during the first wave may have reduced the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their communities. Despite substantial changes in sexual behavior for most men in our sample during the initial first wave, we identify some concerns around the sustainability of certain behavioral changes over time and nondisclosure of COVID-19 symptoms to partners.
Modeling and control of a hexacopter with a passive manipulator for aerial manipulation
Authors: Guo Pin , Xu Kun , Deng Huichao , Liu Haoyuan , Ding Xilun
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a multi-propeller aerial robot with a passive manipulator for aerial manipulation is presented. In order to deal with the collision, external disturbance, changing inertia, and underactuated characteristic during the aerial manipulation, an adaptive trajectory linearization control (ATLC) scheme is presented to stabilize the multi-propeller aerial robot during the whole process. The ATLC controller is developed based on trajectory linearization control (TLC) method and model reference adaptive control (MRAC) method. The stability of the proposed system is analyzed by common Lyapunov function. Numerical simulations are carried out to compare the ATLC with TLC controller facing collision, external disturbance and changing inertia during an aerial manipulation. Experimental results prove that the developed robot can achieve aerial manipulation in the outdoor environment.
Offene Bildungsmaterialien als Wegbereiter zu einer Kultur des Teilens in der Erwachsenen- und Weiterbildung – Befunde aus Sicht der Lehrenden
Authors: Schöb Sabine , Biel Carmen , Kilian Lars
Published: August 2021

Der Beitrag thematisiert Herausforderungen bei der Etablierung einer Community von Lehrenden der Erwachsenen- und Weiterbildung, die durch den freien und inkludierenden Austausch von Offenen Bildungsmaterialien (Open Educational Resources, OER) geprägt ist. Aus der Sicht der Lehrenden wird betrachtet, welche Bedeutung vorhandene Kompetenzen, persönliche Einstellungen und soziale Werthaltungen Lehrender für den Umgang mit OER haben und welche Rahmenbedingungen für einen aktiven und kollaborativen Umgang im Sinne einer Open Culture förderlich sind. Die über eine quantitative Befragung gewonnenen Aussagen werden mit einer Auswertung der Nutzung von Informations- und Lernangeboten zum sachgerechten Umgang mit OER am Beispiel des Portals wb-web gerahmt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen vor allem den Bedarf, rechtliche Sicherheit und Infrastrukturen zu schaffen, um das Erstellen, Teilen und Nachnutzen von qualitativ hochwertigen und bedarfsgerecht einsetzbaren OER zu ermöglichen.
Faking Orgasm: Relationship to Orgasmic Problems and Relationship Type in Heterosexual Women
Authors: Hevesi Krisztina , Horvath Zsolt , Sal Dorottya , Miklos Eszter , Rowland David L.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Although faking orgasm among women appears quite common, the roles of orgasmic problems and relationship type in partnered sex and masturbation have not been fully explored.

Aim

We assessed the relationship between orgasmic problems (separately in partnered sex and masturbation) and faking orgasm across various types of relationships while also considering the role of demographic and sexual function related covariates.

Methods

In this study of 1,168 Hungarian women, we assessed orgasmic problems, sexual functioning, and the prevalence and frequency of faking orgasm in 3 relationship types: romantic relationships, one-night stands, and continuing sexual relationships of more than one night.

Main Outcome Measure

Differences in faking orgasm across 3 types of relationships; the association between faking orgasm in 1 type of relationship with faking orgasm in other types of relationships; and the relationship of “orgasmic problems” in partnered sex and masturbation to the presence and frequency of faking orgasm in various relationship types.

Results

A subset of women who faked orgasm in 1 relationship type were more likely to fake orgasm in other relationship types. Orgasmic problems predicted the occurrence and frequency of faking orgasm in all 3 relationship types, though to different degrees. Other factors, including orgasmic difficulty during masturbation, the frequencies of masturbation and partnered sex, and the self-rated importance of sex were also related to the frequency of faking orgasm.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that faking orgasm has both dispositional and situational elements. “Orgasmic problems” in partnered sex was a consistent and robust predictor of the occurrence and frequency of faking orgasm in different relationship types.
Facts, Conventions, and the Levels of Selection
Authors: Bourrat Pierrick
Published: August 2021

Debates concerning the units and levels of selection have persisted for over fifty years. One major question in this literature is whether units and levels of selection are genuine, in the sense that they are objective features of the world, or merely reflect the interests and goals of an observer. Scientists and philosophers have proposed a range of answers to this question. This Element introduces this literature and proposes a novel contribution. It defends a realist stance and offers a way of delineating genuine levels of selection by invoking the notion of a functional unit.
General Extenders
Authors: Overstreet Maryann , Yule George
Published: August 2021

General extenders are phrases like 'or something', 'and everything', 'and things (like that)', 'and stuff (like that)', and 'and so on'. Although they are an everyday feature of spoken language, are crucial in successful interpersonal communication, and have multiple functions in discourse, they have so far gone virtually unnoticed in linguistics. This pioneering work provides a comprehensive description of this new linguistic category. It offers new insights into ongoing changes in contemporary English, the effect of grammaticalization, novel uses as associative plural markers and indicators of intertextuality, and the metapragmatic role of extenders in interaction. The forms and functions of general extenders are presented clearly and accessibly, enabling students to understand a number of different frameworks of analysis in discourse-pragmatic studies. From an applied perspective, the book presents a description of translation equivalents, an analysis of second language variation, and practical exercises for teaching second language learners of English.
Democracy Administered
Authors: Bertelli Anthony Michael
Published: August 2021

How does representative government function when public administration can reshape democracy? The traditional narrative of public administration balances the accountability of managers, a problem of control, with the need for effective administration, a problem of capability. The discretion modern governments give to administrators allows them to make tradeoffs among democratic values. This book challenges the traditional view with its argument that the democratic values of administration should complement the democratic values of the representative government within which they operate. Control, capability and value reinforcement can render public administration into democracy administered. This book offers a novel framework for empirically and normatively understanding how democratic values have, and should be, reinforced by public administration. Bertelli's theoretical framework provides a guide for managers and reformers alike to chart a path toward democracy administered.
Aerodynamic study of single corrugated variable-camber morphing aerofoil concept
Authors: Dhileep K. , Kumar D. , Gautham Vigneswar P.N. , Soni P. , Ghosh S. , Ali S. Faruque , Arockiarajan A.
Published: August 2021

Camber morphing is an effective way to control the lift generated by any aerofoil and potentially improve the range (as measured by the lift-to-drag ratio) and endurance (as measured by
$C_l^{3/2}/C_d$
). This can be especially useful for fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) undergoing different flying manoeuvres and flight phases. This work investigates the aerodynamic characteristics of the NACA0012 aerofoil morphed using a Single Corrugated Variable-Camber (SCVC) morphing approach. Structural analysis and morphed shapes are obtained based on small-deformation beam theory using chain calculations and validated using finite-element software. The aerofoil is then reconstructed from the camber line using a Radial Basis Function (RBF)-based interpolation method (J.H.S. Fincham and M.I. Friswell, “Aerodynamic optimisation of a camber morphing aerofoil,” Aerosp. Sci. Technol., 2015). The aerodynamic analysis is done by employing two different finite-volume solvers (OpenFOAM and ANSYS-Fluent) and a panel method code (XFoil). Results reveal that the aerodynamic coefficients predicted by the two finite-volume solvers using a fully turbulent flow assumption are similar but differ from those predicted by XFoil. The aerodynamic efficiency and endurance factor of morphed aerofoils indicate that morphing is beneficial at moderate to high lift requirements. Further, the optimal morphing angle increases with an increase in the required lift. Finally, it is observed for a fixed angle-of-attack that an optimum morphing angle exists for which the aerodynamic efficiency becomes maximum.
Networked capital: indirect investment and BIT formation
Authors: Tomashevskiy Andrey
Published: August 2021

Why do states participate in bilateral investment treaties (BITs)? In this article, I examine the role of indirect investment on BIT formation. Indirect investment flows are an important aspect of the global investment regime that are underexamined by research focused on direct flows only. Indirect flows play an important role in affecting incentives for BIT participation because firms channel investment through intermediary destinations to take advantage of existing BITs. I argue that governments are more likely to participate in BITs when states expect to access groups of capital exporting states through second order links. When selecting BIT partners, states evaluate expected indirect foreign direct investment (FDI) flows by considering characteristics of a potential partner's second order FDI partners. States are thus more likely to participate in BITs when expectations for indirect flows are high. I use a variety of analyses to demonstrate evidence in favor of my hypotheses. I find evidence that indirect flows affect the likelihood of BIT formation and increase dyadic FDI flows. This research provides a novel explanation for BIT formation and contributes to research on indirect capital flows, treaty shopping and BIT formation.
#SorryNotSorry: Why states neither confirm nor deny responsibility for cyber operations
Authors: Brown Joseph M. , Fazal Tanisha M.
Published: August 2021

States accused of perpetrating cyber operations typically do not confirm or deny responsibility. They issue ‘non-denial denials’ or refuse to comment on the accusations. These ambiguous signals are prevalent, but they are largely ignored in the existing cyber literature, which tends to treat credit claiming as a binary choice. The ambiguity of non-denial denials and ‘non-comments’ allows states to accomplish two seemingly opposed goals: maintaining crisis stability and leaving open the possibility of their involvement in the attack. By deliberately remaining a suspect, a state can manipulate rivals’ perceptions of its cyber capability and resolve. Refusing to deny responsibility can also shape rivals’ perceptions of allies’ capabilities, enhancing the credibility of deterrence. All of this can be accomplished without the escalatory risks that would come with an explicit admission of responsibility. Where previous research has focused on the dangers of escalation and the limitations of costly signalling with cyber, we show that non-denial denials and non-comments make cyber operations considerably more useful than the literature appreciates.
Chemical design of onion-like carbon-silicon diimide polymer composites
Authors: Wang Kaili , Mera Gabriela
Published: August 2021

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel class of polymer composites based on onion-like carbons (OLCs)-silicon diimide by a salt-free polycondensation reaction. The pyridine-catalyzed polymerization reaction was carried out in the presence of various contents (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 wt%) of carboxyl-functionalized OLCs in argon atmosphere to provide composites with well-dispersed and covalently incorporated 0D nanocarbons throughout the 3D matrix of silicon diimide polymer. A strong dependency of the optical properties (UV absorbance and the photoluminescence spectra) on the content of functionalized OLCs incorporated within the polymer matrix was observed. The novel polymer composites are suitable precursors for the design of advanced and multifunctional 0D-nanocarbon–containing Si3N4-based ceramic nanocomposites.
Reaction induced interfacial instability of miscible fluids in a channel
Authors: Maharana Surya Narayan , Mishra Manoranjan
Published: August 2021

When a less viscous miscible fluid displaces a more-viscous one under a pressure-driven channel flow, unstable Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H)-type billows are formed at the miscible interface. In this paper, we investigate whether such instability can be induced by a simple ($\textbf {A}+ \textbf {B} \rightarrow \textbf {C}$)-type chemical reaction. Here a miscible solution of one reactant $\textbf {A}$ is displacing another isoviscous reactant $\textbf {B}$ and producing a more-viscous product $\textbf {C}$ at the reactive front. It is found that because of a local increase in viscosity gradient due to the formation of more-viscous product $\textbf {C}$, K–H-type billows are formed at the $\textbf {A}$–$\textbf {C}$ interface. The changes in dynamical properties of such billows are examined by varying the governing parameters such as the mobility ratio $R_{c}$, Damköhler number $Da$, Péclet number $Pe$ and Reynolds number $Re$. Interestingly, we have found that even at high reaction rates (sufficiently large $Da$) for $R_{c}=1$, the interface remains stable and for larger values of $R_{c} (=3, 5)$ the K–H billows are observed. It is also noticed that a laminar horseshoe-type vortex develops near the wall at the channel inlet where the less-viscous reactant pushes the more-viscous product. We have computed numerically the onset time ($t_{on}$) of instability to understand the early-stage developments of the K–H billows. For different values of $Da$, we have shown the unstable and stable time zones in the ($t_{on}$–$R_{c}$) space. The bipartite ($t_{on}$–$R_{c}$) space also depicts the critical ($Da$-, $Pe$- and $Re$-dependent) $R_{c}$ value for which instability can be triggered in a finite desirable time. The delay in the onset of instability is observed with increasing $Pe$. Further it is shown that $t_{on}$ can be linearly scaled with $Pe$ to have a modified onset time ($t^{*}_{on}$), which establishes a proportionate dynamics with respect to $Pe$ in the early stages of the instability. Moreover, a reverse dependency of onset on lower $R_{c}$ values for higher Reynolds numbers is observed.
Revision of Ordovician chitinozoan Lagenochitina esthonica sensu lato: morphometrics, biostratigraphy and paleobiogeography
Authors: Liang Yan , Nõlvak Jaak , Xu Honghe , Chen Yansen , Hints Olle
Published: August 2021

Lagenochitina esthonica is a globally distributed chitinozoan in Early to Middle Ordovician rocks. It is regarded as an index species for the early Floian in North America and has a stratigraphically constrained range in other regions. Lagenochitina esthonica is distinguished from other chitinozoans by a distinct flexure, a nearly rounded-square chamber, and a cylindrical neck with a flaring collar. However, since the first description of the species in the 1950s, it has included two varieties: a relatively short form with a test length ~400 μm, and a slender form usually longer than 600 μm. In order to revise the taxonomy of the L. esthonica group, we carried out a statistical morphometric study of a large collection of well-preserved specimens from the Baltic region where the taxon was first established. Additionally, the stratigraphic and geographic distribution of both forms was analyzed based on available occurrence data. The results show that the short form occurs in the upper Tremadocian to lower Dapingian, whereas the slender form is mostly reported from the lower and middle Darriwilian. Both forms are identified on Baltica; the short form has also been reported from Laurentia and South China, whereas the other is known also from Avalonia and Gondwana. The morphological distinction, together with differences in stratigraphic and spatial ranges, suggest that the two forms represent separate species: the original stout L. esthonica, based on the morphology of the holotype, and the slender L. megaesthonica n. sp., described herein. The updated taxonomy enhances the stratigraphic and biogeographic usefulness of lagenochitinids globally.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/ec49166e-2a8d-4941-8723-f023853c5a7e.
International Refugee Regime: An Alternative Form of Protection for Human Rights Defenders?
Authors: Koula Aikaterini-Christina
Published: August 2021

Human rights defenders (HRDs) are subjected to serious human rights violations through legal and extralegal actions. Notably, most of the abuses against them remain unpunished, perpetuating a vicious cycle of violence against them. There is room for doubt that international human rights law has failed to provide efficient protection for HRDs, and this article considers the international refugee regime as an alternative system of protection. In this sense the article first discusses the intersection between the terms ‘refugee’ and ‘human rights defender’ to establish that defenders fall within the protection of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Following an inductive reasoning, the article considers the most well-trodden defects of the refugee regime and the reluctance of HRDs to adopt refugee status; it concludes that this alternative may not be suitable for defenders. Besides a doctrinal approach, the article employs a socio-legal approach, which is enhanced by interviews with HRDs.
Occurrence and aetiology of subclinical mastitis in water buffalo in Bangladesh
Authors: Singha Shuvo , Ericsson Carl David , Chowdhury Salma , Nath Sanjib Chandra , Paul Ovirup Bhushan , Hoque Md. Ahasanul , Boqvist Sofia , Persson Ylva , Rahman Md. Mizanur
Published: August 2021

Subclinical mastitis(SCM) in water buffalo is a production disease associated with decreased milk yield and impaired milk quality and safety. Water buffalo is an important livestock species in Bangladesh, but information about the occurrence and aetiology of SCM in this species is scarce. A cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the Udder Health Bangladesh Programme to (i) determine the occurrence of SCM and bulk milk somatic cell count (SCC) in water buffalo in Bangladesh, (ii) identify pathogens causing SCM and (iii) evaluate penicillin resistance in isolated staphylococci strains. Sixteen buffalo farms in the Bagerhat and Noakhali regions of Bangladesh were selected for study and a bulk milk sample was collected from each farm. In addition, 299 udder quarter milk samples were collected from 76 animals. The bulk milk samples were assessed by direct SCC and the quarter milk samples by California mastitis test (CMT). The occurrence of SCM calculated at quarter and animal level was 42.5 and 81.6%, respectively. Milk samples from 108 CMT-positive quarters in 48 animals and 38 randomly selected CMT-negative quarters in 24 animals were investigated using bacteriological culture. Estimated mean bulk milk SCC was 195 000 cells/ml milk (range 47 000– 587 000 cells/ml milk). On culture, estimated quarter-level intramammary infection (IMI) was 40.4%. The identity of isolated bacteria was confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) were the most common pathogens (24.7%) and, among 36 NAS tested, 36.1% were resistant to penicillin. Thus there was high occurrence of SCM on the study farms, with relatively high penicillin resistance in NAS. Further studies are needed to identify underlying risk factors and develop an udder health control strategy for water buffalo in Bangladesh.
Polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia are associated with oculomotor endophenotypes
Authors: Coors Annabell , Imtiaz Mohammed-Aslam , Boenniger Meta M. , Aziz N. Ahmad , Breteler Monique M. B. , Ettinger Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Background

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder with substantial heritability. The use of endophenotypes may help clarify its aetiology. Measures from the smooth pursuit and antisaccade eye movement tasks have been identified as endophenotypes for schizophrenia in twin and family studies. However, the genetic basis of the overlap between schizophrenia and these oculomotor markers is largely unknown. Here, we tested whether schizophrenia polygenic risk scores (PRS) were associated with oculomotor performance in the general population.

Methods

Analyses were based on the data of 2956 participants (aged 30–95) of the Rhineland Study, a community-based cohort study in Bonn, Germany. Genotyping was performed on Omni-2.5 exome arrays. Using summary statistics from a recent meta-analysis based on the two largest schizophrenia genome-wide association studies to date, we quantified genetic risk for schizophrenia by creating PRS at different p value thresholds for genetic markers. We examined associations between PRS and oculomotor performance using multivariable regression models.

Results

Higher PRS were associated with higher antisaccade error rate and latency, and lower antisaccade amplitude gain. PRS showed inconsistent patterns of association with smooth pursuit velocity gain and were not associated with saccade rate during smooth pursuit or performance on a prosaccade control task.

Conclusions

There is an overlap between genetic determinants of schizophrenia and oculomotor endophenotypes. Our findings suggest that the mechanisms that underlie schizophrenia also affect oculomotor function in the general population.
Servants of Francophilia: French Migrant Women as Governesses in the Bohemian Lands, between Cultural Transmission and Reproduction of Social Distinction (1750–1810)
Authors: Čapská Veronika
Published: August 2021

This article shows empirical and conceptual possibilities of exploring the transcultural roles and economic situations of French migrant women who served as governesses in the noble circles of the Habsburg monarchy. It combines various research methods, employing narrative textual analysis, socioeconomic and material culture approaches, and cultural exchange perspectives. The author uses printed librettos and comparative insights to reveal broader social anxieties connected with governesses who crossed multiple borders in terms of geography, culture, language, class, and the gender order. She also draws attention to inheritance tax–related sources as evidence of these women's economic conditions. Finally, the author outlines the major shifts in attitudes toward the French language and French immigrants and shows how these affected the governesses’ labor market.
Very preterm birth and trajectories of domain-specific self-concept from childhood into adulthood
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Mendonça Marina , Bartmann Peter , Wolke Dieter
Published: August 2021

Self-concept refers to individuals’ perceptions of themselves in specific domains and is closely related with their overall self-esteem. Lower self-esteem has been reported in those born preterm (<37 weeks gestation), but the development of self-concept has not been studied in this population. This study investigates whether differences in trajectories of domain-specific self-concepts are explained by premature birth or other risk factors, using the Bavarian Longitudinal Study (N = 460), a population-based study of very preterm (VP; <32 weeks gestation)/very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) cohort and term-born controls. Trajectories of body and social self-concept from 6 to 26 years of age were estimated using latent class growth analysis. Regression models examined the effects of VP/VLBW and other individual, social, and family factors. Two trajectories – one stable and one decreasing – were identified for both self-concepts. VP/VLBW birth was associated with decreasing self-concept in both domains, although the effect of VP/VLBW on social self-concept was weakened in the adjusted analysis. Furthermore, mediated pathways were found from VP/VLBW to decreasing social self-concept via chronic bullying (β = 0.05, 95% CI [0.002, 0.12]) and motor impairments (β = 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.07]), suggesting that negative self-concept in the VP/VLBW population is partially modifiable through improving peer relationships and motor impairments in childhood.
Ambiguous Devices: Improvisation, agency, touch and feedthrough in distributed music performance
Authors: Stapleton Paul , Davis Tom
Published: August 2021

This article documents the processes behind our distributed musical instrument,Ambiguous Devices. The project is motivated by our mutual desire to explore disruptive forms of networked musical interactions in an attempt to challenge and extend our practices as improvisers and instrument makers. We begin by describing the early design stage of our performance ecosystem, followed by a technical description of how the system functions with examples from our public performances and installations. We then situate our work within a genealogy of human–machine improvisation, while highlighting specific values that continue to motivate our artistic approach. These practical accounts inform our discussion of tactility, proximity, effort, friction and other attributes that have shaped our strategies for designing musical interactions. The positive role of ambiguity is elaborated in relation to distributed agency. Finally, we employ the concept of ‘feedthrough’ as a way of understanding the co-constitutive behaviour of communication networks, assemblages and performers.
Designing Musical Games for Electroacoustic Improvisation
Authors: Michalakos Christos
Published: August 2021

This paper describes the background and motivations behind the author’s electroacoustic game-pieces Pathfinder (2016) and ICARUS (2019), designed specifically for his performance practice with an augmented drum kit. The use of game structures in music is outlined, while musical expression in the context of commercial musical games using conventional game controllers is discussed. Notions such as agility, agency and authorship in music composition and improvisation are in parallel with game design and play, where players are asked to develop skills through affordances within a digital game-space. It is argued that the recent democratisation of game engines opens a wide range of expressive opportunities for real-time game-based improvisation and performance. Some of the design decisions and performance strategies for the two instrument-controlled games are presented to illustrate the discussion; this is done in terms of game design, physical control through the augmented instrument, live electronics and overall artistic goals of the pieces. Finally, future directions for instrument-controlled electroacoustic game-pieces are suggested.
A systematic review of the use of dietary self-monitoring in behavioural weight loss interventions: delivery, intensity and effectiveness
Authors: Raber Margaret , Liao Yue , Rara Anne , Schembre Susan M , Krause Kate J , Strong Larkin , Daniel-MacDougall Carrie , Basen-Engquist Karen
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To identify dietary self-monitoring implementation strategies in behavioural weight loss interventions.

Design:

We conducted a systematic review of eight databases and examined fifty-nine weight loss intervention studies targeting adults with overweight/obesity that used dietary self-monitoring.

Setting:

NA.

Participants:

NA.

Results:

We identified self-monitoring implementation characteristics, effectiveness of interventions in supporting weight loss and examined weight loss outcomes among higher and lower intensity dietary self-monitoring protocols. Included studies utilised diverse self-monitoring formats (paper, website, mobile app, phone) and intensity levels (recording all intake or only certain aspects of diet). We found the majority of studies using high- and low-intensity self-monitoring strategies demonstrated statistically significant weight loss in intervention groups compared with control groups.

Conclusions:

Based on our findings, lower and higher intensity dietary self-monitoring may support weight loss, but variability in adherence measures and limited analysis of weight loss relative to self-monitoring usage limits our understanding of how these methods compare with each other.
Adherence to the dietary approaches to stop hypertension dietary pattern and rheumatoid arthritis in Iranian adults
Authors: Ghaseminasabparizi Maryam , Nazarinia Mohammad Ali , Akhlaghi Masoumeh
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To examine the hypothesis that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are less likely than healthy individuals to adhere to the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern.

Design:

A multi-centre cross-sectional study involving a total of 300 eligible Iranian adults (aged >19 years; 93·0 % female) recruited during 2019–2020. Participants’ actual dietary intakes were measured via self-administered 3-d dietary records. The DASH score was computed based on the energy-adjusted intakes of eight major dietary components usually emphasised (i.e. fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products and whole grains) or minimised (i.e. sweets, red or processed meats and sodium) in the DASH diet. The higher the DASH score of subjects, the greater their adherence to the DASH pattern.

Setting:

The outpatient clinics of major general hospitals in Shiraz, Iran.

Participants:

100 incident cases with definite RA according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Classification Criteria for RA and 200 apparently healthy controls frequency-matched by gender and age.

Results:

After adjusting for several potential covariates in the binary logistic regression analysis, RA cases were less likely than controls to have high adherence to the DASH pattern (OR = 0·08; 95 % CI 0·03, 0·20; P = 0·001).

Conclusions:

Our findings in a sample of Iranian adults revealed that RA patients are less likely than healthy individuals to adhere to the DASH dietary pattern. However, the potential causal association of greater adherence to the DASH pattern and lower risk of RA needs to be confirmed by prospective studies of high methodological quality.
Recognizing spiritual injury in cancer: A case study
Authors: Goldberg Jessica I. , Andersen Laurie J. , Bowden Jill , Nelson Judith E.
Published: August 2021

Background

Spiritual distress is a common symptom among patients with cancer. Spiritual injury (SI), a type of spiritual distress, occurs when there is a breakdown in the relationship between the individual and their higher power. Patients who experience spiritual injury may have poor health outcomes.

Methods

A case report of a woman with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who had experienced a SI.

Results

The palliative care team, in collaboration with the palliative care chaplain, was able to recognize that the patient had experienced a SI. They were able to help the patient to process and reflect upon this experience and ultimately treat her suffering.

Significance of results

All palliative care providers should assess their patients’ spiritual health and monitor for the existence of SI.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Trump’s Electoral Demise: The Role of Economic and Democratic Accountability
Authors: Neundorf Anja , Pardos-Prado Sergi
Published: August 2021

Did the COVID-19 crisis have a significant effect on Trump’s electoral demise? We present survey experimental evidence on two substantial effects of the pandemic. First, information on the unprecedented economic downturn significantly depressed Trump’s popular support across all partisan groups, and especially among middle-low and low-income respondents. Second, being primed on the poor public health record of the Trump administration reduced its electoral prospects among citizens between 55 and 70 years old. We conclude that the 2020 election was a normal contest compatible with theories of economic voting and political competence. Our results suggest that democratic accountability can be a powerful determinant of the fate of populist leaders once in power.
Determinants of Planktonic Foraminifera Calcite Flux: Implications for the Prediction of Intra‐ and Inter‐Annual Pelagic Carbonate Budgets
Authors: Kiss P. , Jonkers L. , Hudáčková N. , Reuter R. T. , Donner B. , Fischer G. , Kucera M.
Published: August 2021

Planktonic foraminifera precipitate calcite shells, which after the death of the organisms are exported to the seafloor. Globally, the resulting calcite flux constitutes up to half of the pelagic calcite flux. Given their importance for the marine calcite budget and for the carbonate counter pump, which counteracts the biological pump in terms of oceanic capacity for CO2 uptake, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms regulating the planktonic foraminifera calcite flux. In principle, variability in individual species calcite flux could be caused by changes in (a) shell flux, (b) shell size, and (c) calcification intensity. Where size and calcification intensity differ among species, variations can be caused by changes in species composition. To assess the importance of these factors in regulating the planktonic foraminifera calcite flux, we investigated two sediment trap time series from the Cape Blanc upwelling area. On intra‐annual timescales, 82% of the variability in the calcite flux can be explained by shell flux alone. Since the intra‐annual flux variability at the study site covers the global range of mean annual shell fluxes, our results indicate that a global prediction of steady‐state planktonic foraminifera calcite flux can be predicted by shell flux variability in combination with species‐specific average shell mass. However, our results show that on inter‐annual timescales, shell mass variability can be as important as shell flux variability. Therefore, this implies that in order to predict temporal changes in the planktonic foraminifera calcite flux variability in shell size and calcification intensity also require considered.
Tsunami Source of the 2021 MW 8.1 Raoul Island Earthquake From DART and Tide‐Gauge Data Inversion
Authors: Romano F. , Gusman A. R. , Power W. , Piatanesi A. , Volpe M. , Scala A. , Lorito S.
Published: August 2021

The tsunami source of the 2021 MW 8.1 Raoul Island earthquake in the Kermadec subduction zone was estimated by inverting the tsunami signals recorded by Deep‐ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) bottom pressure sensors and coastal tide‐gauges. The main asperity of up to 5 m of slip is located northeastward from the hypocenter, with features compatible with the aftershock distribution and rapid back‐projection analysis. Three earthquakes of MW ∼8 or larger which also produced moderate tsunamis happened in the 20th century in the same portion of the subduction zone. This is the first great tsunamigenic event captured by the new New Zealand DART network in the South West Pacific, which proved valuable to estimate a robust image of the tsunami source. We also show a first proof of concept of the capability of this network to reduce the uncertainty associated with tsunami forecasting and to increase the lead time available for evacuation for future alerts.
“Nurturing Parents”–Mindfulness-Based Parent Well-Being Group in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Harris Sally A. , Harris Peter R. , Lenton Jason , Warde Catherine , Gold Eluned , Gane Teresa , Seddon Paul
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Parents of a child with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at increased risk of anxiety and depression. We examine the feasibility and acceptability of nurturing parents (NP) mindfulness-based parent well-being group in CF using a mixed methods design. NP is an 8 week group designed to help parents cultivate (a) resilience to stress, (b) kindness toward themselves, and (c) awareness of self when communicating. Method: Mothers ( N = 12) rated individual and group goals and completed measures of dispositional mindfulness, interpersonal mindfulness in parenting, anxiety, depression, and parenting stress, pre-NP and post-NP. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants who completed the NP group ( n = 9; 75%) reported improvements post-NP in dispositional and interpersonal mindfulness and in at least one group goal. Clinically significant improvements were found for mothers reporting pre-NP anxiety ( n = 2) or depression ( n = 2) in the clinical range. Qualitative themes included: (a) gaining self-awareness and choice, (b) connection to others not defined by CF, and (c) validating self-care. Conclusions: Mothers reported psychological benefits of NP group and preferences that may promote retention. Findings may inform clinical practice. A future pilot trial of efficacy in CF may be feasible.

Implications for Impact Statement

“Nurturing parents,” a mindfulness-based parent well-being group, is a relatively inexpensive intervention that may offer psychological benefits to mothers of a child with cystic fibrosis (CF). It was acceptable to mothers and feasible to deliver in the pediatric setting. The next stage is an initial “proof of concept” study with clear strategies to boost uptake and minimize attrition, to test whether to proceed with a randomized design.
Intrauterine hyperglycemia impairs memory across two generations
Authors: Zou Kexin , Ren Jun , Luo Sisi , Zhang Junyu , Zhou Chengliang , Tan Chengxi , Lv Pingping , Sun Xiao , Sheng Jianzhong , Liu Xinmei , Huang Hefeng , Ding Guolian
Published: August 2021

Studies on humans and animals suggest associations between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with increased susceptibility to develop neurological disorders in offspring. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the intergenerational effects remain unclear. Using a mouse model of diabetes during pregnancy, we found that intrauterine hyperglycemia exposure resulted in memory impairment in both the first filial (F1) males and the second filial (F2) males from the F1 male offspring. Transcriptome profiling of F1 and F2 hippocampi revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. The reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) of sperm in F1 adult males showed that the intrauterine hyperglycemia exposure caused altered methylated modification of F1 sperm, which is a potential epigenetic mechanism for the intergenerational neurocognitive effects of GDM.
Tetrandrine alleviates silicosis by inhibiting canonical and non-canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation in lung macrophages
Authors: Song Mei-yue , Wang Jia-xin , Sun You-liang , Han Zhi-fa , Zhou Yi-tian , Liu Ying , Fan Tian-hui , Li Zhao-guo , Qi Xian-mei , Luo Ya , Yang Pei-ran , Li Bai-cun , Zhang Xin-ri , Wang Jing , Wang Chen
Published: August 2021

Silicosis caused by inhalation of silica particles leads to more than ten thousand new occupational exposure-related deaths yearly. Exacerbating this issue, there are currently few drugs reported to effectively treat silicosis. Tetrandrine is the only drug approved for silicosis treatment in China, and despite more than decades of use, its efficacy and mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Here, in this study, we established silicosis mouse models to investigate the effectiveness of tetrandrine of early and late therapeutic administration. To this end, we used multiple cardiopulmonary function test, as well as markers for inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, using single cell RNA sequencing and transcriptomics of lung tissue and quantitative microarray analysis of serum from silicosis and control mice, our results provide a novel description of the target pathways for tetrandrine. Specifically, we found that tetrandrine attenuated silicosis by inhibiting both the canonical and non-canonical NLRP3 inflammasome pathways in lung macrophages. Taken together, our work showed that tetrandrine yielded promising results against silicosis-associated inflammation and fibrosis and further lied the groundwork for understanding its molecular targets. Our results also facilitated the wider adoption and development of tetrandirne, potentially accelerating a globally accepted therapeutic strategy for silicosis.
Detection and characterization of lung cancer using cell-free DNA fragmentomes
Authors: Mathios Dimitrios , Johansen Jakob Sidenius , Cristiano Stephen , Medina Jamie E. , Phallen Jillian , Larsen Klaus R. , Bruhm Daniel C. , Niknafs Noushin , Ferreira Leonardo , Adleff Vilmos , Chiao Jia Yuee , Leal Alessandro , Noe Michael , White James R. , Arun Adith S. , Hruban Carolyn , Annapragada Akshaya V. , Jensen Sarah Østrup , Ørntoft Mai-Britt Worm , Madsen Anders Husted , Carvalho Beatriz , de Wit Meike , Carey Jacob , Dracopoli Nicholas C. , Maddala Tara , Fang Kenneth C. , Hartman Anne-Renee , Forde Patrick M. , Anagnostou Valsamo , Brahmer Julie R. , Fijneman Remond J. A. , Nielsen Hans Jørgen , Meijer Gerrit A. , Andersen Claus Lindbjerg , Mellemgaard Anders , Bojesen Stig E. , Scharpf Robert B. , Velculescu Victor E.
Published: August 2021

Non-invasive approaches for cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assessment provide an opportunity for cancer detection and intervention. Here, we use a machine learning model for detecting tumor-derived cfDNA through genome-wide analyses of cfDNA fragmentation in a prospective study of 365 individuals at risk for lung cancer. We validate the cancer detection model using an independent cohort of 385 non-cancer individuals and 46 lung cancer patients. Combining fragmentation features, clinical risk factors, and CEA levels, followed by CT imaging, detected 94% of patients with cancer across stages and subtypes, including 91% of stage I/II and 96% of stage III/IV, at 80% specificity. Genome-wide fragmentation profiles across ~13,000 ASCL1 transcription factor binding sites distinguished individuals with small cell lung cancer from those with non-small cell lung cancer with high accuracy (AUC = 0.98). A higher fragmentation score represented an independent prognostic indicator of survival. This approach provides a facile avenue for non-invasive detection of lung cancer.
The regulatory impact of RNA-binding proteins on microRNA targeting
Authors: Kim Sukjun , Kim Soyoung , Chang Hee Ryung , Kim Doyeon , Park Junehee , Son Narae , Park Joori , Yoon Minhyuk , Chae Gwangung , Kim Young-Kook , Kim V. Narry , Kim Yoon Ki , Nam Jin-Wu , Shin Chanseok , Baek Daehyun
Published: August 2021

Argonaute is the primary mediator of metazoan miRNA targeting (MT). Among the currently identified >1,500 human RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), there are only a handful of RBPs known to enhance MT and several others reported to suppress MT, leaving the global impact of RBPs on MT elusive. In this study, we have systematically analyzed transcriptome-wide binding sites for 150 human RBPs and evaluated the quantitative effect of individual RBPs on MT efficacy. In contrast to previous studies, we show that most RBPs significantly affect MT and that all of those MT-regulating RBPs function as MT enhancers rather than suppressors, by making the local secondary structure of the target site accessible to Argonaute. Our findings illuminate the unappreciated regulatory impact of human RBPs on MT, and as these RBPs may play key roles in the gene regulatory network governed by metazoan miRNAs, MT should be understood in the context of co-regulating RBPs.