bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forces and conservation laws for motion on our spheroidal Earth
Authors: Edwards Boyd F. , Edwards John M.
Published: August 2021

We explore the forces and conservation laws that govern the motion of a hockey puck that slides without friction on a smooth, rotating, self-gravitating spheroid. The earth's oblate spheroidal shape (apart from small-scale surface features) is determined by balancing the gravitational forces that hold it together against the centrifugal forces that try to tear it apart. The earth achieves this shape when the apparent gravitational force on the puck, defined as the vector sum of the gravitational and centrifugal forces, is perpendicular to the earth's surface at every point on the surface. Thus, the earth's spheroidal deformations neutralize the centrifugal and gravitational forces on the puck, leaving only the Coriolis force to govern its motion. Motion on the spheroid therefore differs profoundly from motion on a rotating sphere, for which the centrifugal force plays a key role. Kinetic energy conservation reflects this difference: On a stably rotating spheroid, the kinetic energy is conserved in the rotating frame, whereas on a rotating sphere, it is conserved in the inertial frame. We derive these results and illustrate them using CorioVis software for visualizing the motion of a puck on the earth's spheroidal surface.
Understanding energy propagation during reflection of an evanescent electromagnetic wave
Authors: Kalkal Yashvir , Kumar Vinit
Published: August 2021

Reflection of plane electromagnetic waves at a planar surface separating two media is typically discussed at length in undergraduate texts. However, a similar analysis for the case of evanescent electromagnetic waves, although illustrative and interesting, is rarely discussed. In this paper, we present such an analysis for the reflection of an evanescent wave at a plane dielectric surface and highlight the important conceptual difference in the energy flow for this case compared to that of a plane wave. It is generally emphasized that an evanescent wave does not propagate energy away from the surface emanating these waves. We show that in the case of an evanescent wave, the pair of incident and reflected waves together propagates energy if the imaginary part of the reflectivity is non-zero. Further, the real part of the reflectivity can be greater than unity in the case of an evanescent wave without violating energy conservation. Connection of these properties to the existence of surface modes, Čerenkov radiation, and a quantum analogue are elucidated in the paper.
The physics of Magnus gliders
Authors: Plihon Nicolas , Legrand Gauthier , Pagaud Francis , Chemin Arsène , Ferrand Jérémy , Taberlet Nicolas
Published: August 2021

Magnus gliders are spinning toys displaying spectacular looped trajectories when launched at large velocity. These trajectories originate from the large amplitude of the Magnus force due to translational velocities of a few meters per second combined with a backspin of a few hundred radians per seconds. In this article, we analyse the trajectories of Magnus gliders built from paper cups, easily reproducible in the laboratory. We highlight an analogy between the trajectory of the glider and the trajectory of charged particles in crossed electric and magnetic fields. The influence of the initial velocity and the initial backspin on the trajectories is analyzed using high speed imaging. The features of these trajectories are captured by a simple model of the evolution of the Magnus and drag forces as a function of the spin of the gliders. The experimental data and the modeling show that the type of trajectory—for instance, the occurrence of loops—depends mostly on the value and orientation of the initial translational velocity regardless of the value of the backspin, while the maximum height of the apex depends on both the initial translational velocity and initial backspin.
Nazi massacre unearthed in Poland ‘was really a horror’
Authors: Curry Andrew
Published: August 2021

Excavation finds evidence of both perpetrators and victims of WWII atrocity
Laser-powered fusion effort nears ‘ignition’
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: August 2021

National Ignition Facility’s latest fusion shot records a major jump in energy yield
Dire warming report triggers calls for more action from China
Authors: Pike Lili
Published: August 2021

Climate advocates want the world’s largest carbon producer to level off emissions soon and aim for “neutrality” by 2050
Evolving threat
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: August 2021

New variants have changed the face of the pandemic. What will the virus do next?
Large-sample evidence on the impact of unconventional oil and gas development on surface waters
Authors: Bonetti Pietro , Leuz Christian , Michelon Giovanna
Published: August 2021

Lightly salted surface waters

Hydraulic fracturing uses a water-based mixture to open up tight oil and gas formations. The process is mostly contained, but concerns remain about the potential for surface water contamination. Bonetti
et al
. found a small increase in certain ions associated with hydraulic fracturing across several locations in the United States (see the Perspective by Hill and Ma). These small increases appeared 90 to 180 days after new wells were put in and suggest some surface water contamination. The magnitude appears small but may require that more attention be paid to monitoring near-well surface waters. —BG
The fracking concern with water quality
Authors: Hill Elaine , Ma Lala
Published: August 2021

Tapping into oil and gas reserves comes at the expense of contaminating water
Phylogenetically Distinct Near-Complete Genome Sequences of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Type 2 Variants from Four Distinct Disease Outbreaks at U.S. Swine Farms over the Past 6 Years
Authors: Schroeder Declan C. , Odogwu Nkechi M. , Kevill Jessica , Yang My , Krishna Venkatramana D. , Kikuti Mariana , Pamornchainavakul Nakarin , Vilalta Carles , Sanhueza Juan , Corzo Cesar A. , Rovira Albert , Dee Scott , Nelson Eric , Singrey Aaron , Zhitnitskiy Perle , Balestreri Cecilia , Makau Dennis N. , Paploski Igor A. D. , Cheeran Maxim C.-J. , VanderWaal Kimberly , Torremorell Montserrat
Published: August 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) continues to mutate, causing disruptive PRRS outbreaks in farms that lead to reproductive failure and respiratory disease-associated mortality. We present four new PRRSV type 2 variants in the United States belonging to four distinct
orf5
sublineages within lineage 1.
Complete Genome Sequences of Bacillus cereus Group Phages AaronPhadgers, ALPS, Beyonphe, Bubs, KamFam, OmnioDeoPrimus, Phireball, PPIsBest, YungSlug, and Zainny
Authors: Kostyk Nora , Chigbu Oluchi , Cochran Erin , Davis Jackson , Essig Jacob , Do Linda , Farooque Nashwan , Gbadamosi Zainab , Gnanodayan Arathi , Hale Andrew , Islam Nasita , Ismail Ahmed , Jordan Andreus , Karamsetty Krishna , Tanner Perry , Warrier Rahul , Zaman Hasib , Johnson Allison A.
Published: August 2021

Here, we report genome sequences of 10
Bacillus cereus
group-infecting bacteriophages. Each virus was isolated from an environmental sample, contained a double-stranded DNA genome, and belonged to the
Myoviridae
family. Nine phages exhibit a conserved genome structure, and one phage appears novel in genome structure, sequence, and protein content.
Genome Sequence of Lymphocystis Disease Virus 2 LCDV-JP_Oita_2018, Isolated from a Diseased Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in Japan
Authors: Kawato Satoshi , Nozaki Reiko , Hirono Ikuo , Kondo Hidehiro
Published: August 2021

Here, we present the genome sequence of lymphocystis disease virus 2 LCDV-JP_Oita_2018 (genus
Lymphocystivirus
, family
Iridoviridae
), which was isolated from a diseased Japanese flounder (
Paralichthys olivaceus
) in Japan. The LCDV-JP_Oita_2018 genome was assembled into a circular contig of 186,627 bp, with 140 predicted protein-coding genes and a GC content of 27%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter junii Strain INC8271, Isolated from a Patient with Metastatic Cancer and Bacteremia
Authors: Escobedo-Muñoz Ana Sofía , Bello-López Elena , Velázquez-Acosta Consuelo , Cornejo-Juárez Patricia , Volkow-Fernández Patricia , Cevallos Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2021

Acinetobacter junii
INC8271 was isolated from a cancer patient with polymicrobial bacteremia after biliary stent placement. The complete genome sequence consisted of a chromosome of 3,530,883 bp (GC content, 38.56%) with 3,377 genes, including those encoding 74 tRNAs and 18 rRNAs, and two intact prophage sequences. No antibiotic resistance genes were detected.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus helveticus JCM 1004, an Aminopeptidase-Producing Lactic Acid Bacterium
Authors: Morinaga Kana , Kusada Hiroyuki , Watanabe Miho , Tamaki Hideyuki
Published: August 2021

We report the complete genome sequence of
Lactobacillus helveticus
JCM 1004, an aminopeptidase-producing lactic acid bacterium. The genome consists of a circular chromosome which comprises 2,261,280 bp, with a G+C content of 37.56%. The genome was predicted to harbor 13 rRNA genes, 64 tRNA genes, and 2,462 protein-coding sequences.
Global biotic events evident in the Paleogene marine strata of the eastern San Francisco Bay area, California
Authors: McDougall Kristin
Published: August 2021

Paleogene marine strata in the eastern San Francisco Bay area are exposed in discontinuous outcrops in the various tectonic blocks. Although there are many missing intervals, the strata were previously thought to span most of the Paleocene and Eocene. Revision of biochronology and calibration to the international time scale as well as to the global oxygen isotope curve and sea-level curves indicate that the strata are latest Paleocene through middle Eocene in age and contain faunal changes that are linked to the overall global climate trends and hyperthermals of that time. The Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum, third Eocene thermal maximum, early Eocene climatic optimum, and middle Eocene climatic optimum are all identified in the eastern San Francisco Bay marine strata. The dominance of smoothly finished, dissolution-resistant agglutinated benthic foraminiferal species corresponds with a rapid shoaling and rapid deepening (overcorrection) of the calcium compensation depth associated with the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum. The benthic foraminiferal extinction event was a dramatic turnover of benthic foraminiferal species that occurred shortly after the onset of the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum. Opportunistic species such as Bulimina, which indicate environmental stress and lower oxygen conditions, are commonly associated with the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum. Environmental changes similar to those observed during the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum also characterize the third Eocene thermal maximum, based on the agglutinated and opportunistic species. The early Eocene climatic optimum is noted by the presence of foraminiferal assemblages that indicate a stable, warmer water mass, abundant food, and an influx of terrigenous material. The onset and end of the middle Eocene climatic optimum are recognized by the dominance of siliceous microfossils. This research updates the age and environmental interpretations of the Paleogene formations occurring in the vicinity of Mount Diablo, eastern San Francisco Bay area. The revised interpretations, which are based on foraminifers and calcareous nannoplankton, make it possible to identify various global climatic and biotic events.
Late Cenozoic tephrochronology of the Mount Diablo area within the evolving plate-tectonic boundary zone of northern California
Authors: Sarna-Wojcicki Andrei M. , Sullivan Raymond , Deino Alan , Walkup Laura C. , Wagner J. Ross , Wan Elmira
Published: August 2021

We present a tephrochronologic/chronostratigraphic database for the Mount Diablo area and greater San Francisco Bay region that provides a spatial and temporal framework for geologic studies in the region, including stratigraphy, paleogeography, tectonics, quantification of earth surface processes, recurrence of natural hazards, and climate change. We identified and correlated 34 tephra layers within this region using the chemical composition of their volcanic glasses, stratigraphic sequence, and isotopic and other dating techniques. Tephra layers range in age from ca. 65 ka to ca. 29 Ma, as determined by direct radiometric techniques or by correlation to sites where they have been dated. The tephra layers are of Quaternary or Neogene age except for two that are of Oligocene age. We correlated the tephra layers among numerous sites throughout northern California. Source areas of the tephra layers are the Snake River–Yellowstone hotspot trend of northern Nevada, southern Idaho, and western Wyoming; the Nevadaplano caldera complex of central Nevada; the Jemez Mountains–Valles Caldera in northwestern New Mexico; the Southern Nevada volcanic field and related source areas in eastern California and west-central Nevada; the Quien Sabe–Sonoma volcanic centers of the California Coast Ranges; and the young Cascade Range volcanic centers of northeastern California and Oregon.
Numerical Solution Methods for a Nonlinear Operator Equation Arising in an Inverse Coefficient Problem
Authors: Gavrilov S. V. , Denisov A. M.
Published: August 2021

We consider the inverse problem of determining two unknown coefficients in a linear
system of partial differential equations using additional information about one of the solution
components. The problem is reduced to a nonlinear operator equation for one of the unknown
coefficients. The successive approximation method and the Newton method are used to solve this
operator equation numerically. Results of calculations illustrating the convergence of numerical
methods for solving the inverse problem are presented.
Individualised decision making: interpretation of risk for extremely preterm infants—a survey of UK neonatal professionals
Authors: Wood Katherine , Di Stefano Lydia Mietta , Mactier Helen , Bates Sarah Elizabeth , Wilkinson Dominic
Published: August 2021

Background

The British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) published a revised framework for perinatal management of extremely preterm infants (EPIs) in 2019. We aimed to assess UK neonatal professionals’ interpretation of elements of this framework, as well as the consistency of their estimates of outcome for EPIs.

Methods

An online survey gave participants five cases involving anticipated extremely preterm birth with different favourable and unfavourable risk factors. Respondents were asked to assign a risk category and management option using the BAPM framework and to estimate the chance of survival if the baby received active resuscitation and the chance of severe disability if they survived.

Results

Respondents were consistent in interpretation of risk categories. The majority would follow parental wishes about management. Management decisions did not always correspond with risk assessment, with less inclination to recommend palliative (comfort) care. There were wide estimates of survival or severe disability (5%–90%) with consultants providing lower estimates of severe disability than other groups.

Conclusion

UK neonatal professionals deferred to parental wishes in the cases presented, indicating an emphasis on shared decision making. However, they did not necessarily use the risk stratification approach for management decisions. Variation in estimates of outcome raises questions about the accuracy of informed decision making and suggests support is needed for UK clinicians to incorporate risk factors into individualised counselling. There may be value in validating existing online risk calculators for UK infants or in developing a UK specific risk model.
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis diagnosed during pregnancy associated with successful breastfeeding experience
Authors: Awomolo Adeola M , Louis-Jacques Adetola , Crowe Susan
Published: August 2021

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare benign breast condition with a course that is often rapidly progressive and slow to resolve. There is no consensus on management, especially during pregnancy and lactation. A 30-year-old at 33 weeks presented with mastalgia, induration and galactorrhoea in the left breast. There was no improvement with antibiotics. Initial workup was negative, and a core needle biopsy showed findings consistent with the diagnosis of IGM. She was treated with steroids antepartum. She was co-managed by rheumatology and her obstetrician/breastfeeding medicine specialist postpartum. She was treated with azathioprine, breastfed exclusively for 6 months and continued breastfeeding through the first year. A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial in diagnosing, treating, and facilitating successful breastfeeding in patients with IGM.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use is associated with reduced risk for glaucoma
Authors: Sterling Jacob , Hua Peiying , Dunaief Joshua L , Cui Qi N , VanderBeek Brian L
Published: August 2021

Background/aims

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists regulate blood glucose and are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent work showed that treatment with the GLP-1R agonist NLY01 decreased retinal neuroinflammation and glial activation to rescue retinal ganglion cells in a mouse model of glaucoma. In this study, we used an insurance claims database (Clinformatics Data Mart) to examine whether GLP-1R agonist exposure impacts glaucoma risk.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of patients who initiated a new GLP-1R agonist was 1:3 age, gender, race, classes of active diabetes medications and year of index date matched to patients who initiated a different class of oral diabetic medication. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used within a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model to test the association between GLP-1R agonist exposure and a new diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma, glaucoma suspect or low-tension glaucoma.

Results

Cohorts were comprised of 1961 new users of GLP-1R agonists matched to 4371 unexposed controls. After IPTW, all variables were balanced (standard mean deviation <|0.1|) between cohorts. Ten (0.51%) new diagnoses of glaucoma were present in the GLP-1R agonist cohort compared with 58 (1.33%) in the unexposed controls. After adjustment, GLP-1R exposure conferred a reduced hazard of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.36 to 0.89, p=0.01), suggesting that GLP-1R agonists decrease the risk for glaucoma.

Conclusions

GLP-1R agonist use was associated with a statistically significant hazard reduction for a new diagnosis of glaucoma. Our findings support further investigations into the use of GLP-1R agonists in glaucoma prevention.
Food and beverage industry interference in science and policy: efforts to block soda tax implementation in Mexico and prevent international diffusion
Authors: Pedroza-Tobias Andrea , Crosbie Eric , Mialon Melissa , Carriedo Angela , Schmidt Laura A
Published: August 2021

Mexico is the largest soft drink market in the world, with high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Due to strains on the nation’s productivity and healthcare spending, Mexican lawmakers implemented one of the world’s first public health taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in 2014. Because Mexico’s tax was designed to reduce SSB consumption, it faced strong opposition from transnational food and beverage corporations. We analysed previously secret internal industry documents from major corporations in the University of California San Francisco’s Food Industry Documents Archive that shed light on the industry response to the Mexican soda tax. We also reviewed all available studies of the Mexican soda tax’s effectiveness, contrasting the results of industry-funded and non-industry-funded studies. We found that food and beverage industry trade organisations and front groups paid scientists to produce research suggesting that the tax failed to achieve health benefits while harming the economy. These results were disseminated before non-industry-funded studies could be finalized in peer review. Mexico still provided a real-world context for the first independent peer-reviewed studies documenting the effectiveness of soda taxation—studies that were ultimately promoted by the global health community. We conclude that the case of the Mexican soda tax shows that industry resistance can persist well after new policies have become law as vested interests seek to roll back legislation, and to stall or prevent policy diffusion. It also underscores the decisive role that conflict-of-interest-free, peer-reviewed research can play in implementing health policy innovations.
Impact of a culturally tailored parenting programme on the mental health of Somali parents and children living in Sweden: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Osman Fatumo , Vixner Linda , Flacking Renee , Klingberg-Allvin Marie , Schön Ulla-Karin , Salari Raziye
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact (3-year follow-up) of a culturally tailored parenting support programme (Ladnaan) on the mental health of Somali-born parents and their children living in Sweden.

Methods

In this longitudinal cohort study, Somali-born parents with children aged 11–16 were followed up 3 years after they had participated in the Ladnaan intervention. The Ladnaan intervention comprises two main components: societal information and the Connect parenting programme delivered using a culturally sensitive approach. It consists of 12 weekly group-based sessions each lasting 1–2 hours. The primary outcome was improved mental health in children, as measured by the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). The secondary outcome was improved mental health in parents, as measured by the General Health Questionnaire-12. Data were collected from the parent’s perspective.

Results

Of the 60 parents who were originally offered the intervention, 51 were included in this long-term follow-up. The one-way repeated measures (baseline to the 3-year follow-up) analysis of variance for the CBCL confirmed maintenance of all the treatment gains for children: total problem scores (95% CI 11.49 to 18.00, d=1.57), and externalising problems (95% CI 2.48 to 5.83, d=0.86). Similar results were observed for the parents’ mental health (95% CI 0.40 to 3.11, d=0.46).

Conclusion

Positive changes in the mental health of Somali-born parents and their children were maintained 3 years after they had participated in a parenting support programme that was culturally tailored and specifically designed to address their needs. Our findings highlight the long-term potential benefits of these programmes in tackling mental health issues in immigrant families.

Trial registration number

NCT02114593.
Physical, sexual and psychological intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence against women and girls: a systematic review protocol for producing global, regional and country estimates
Authors: Stöckl Heidi , Sardinha Lynnmarie , Maheu-Giroux Mathieu , Meyer Sarah R , García-Moreno Claudia
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In 2013, the WHO published the first global and regional estimates on physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-partner sexual violence (NPSV) based on a systematic review of population-based prevalence studies. In this protocol, we describe a new systematic review for the production of updated estimates for IPV and NPSV for global monitoring of violence against women, including providing the baseline for measuring Sustainable Development Goal to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Methods and analysis

The systematic review will update and extend the previous search for population-based surveys (either nationally or subnationally representative) conducted among women aged 15+ years that measured the prevalence of physical, sexual, psychological and physical and/or sexual IPV, NPSV or sexual violence by any perpetrator up to December 2019. Data will be extracted separately for all age groups, setting (urban/rural), partnership status (currently partnered/ever partnered/all women) and recall period (lifetime prevalence/past 12 months). Studies will be identified from electronic searches of online databases of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Global Health and PsycInfo. A search of national statistics office homepages will be conducted for each country to identify reports on population-based, national or subnational studies that include data on IPV or NPSV published outside academic journals. Two reviewers will be involved in quality assessment and data extraction of the review. The review is planned to be updated on a continuous basis. All findings will undergo a country consultation process.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required, as primary data will not be collected. This systematic review will provide a basis and a follow-up tool for global monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goal Target 5.2 on the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017054100.
Prescribing for pregnancy: managing chronic headache and migraine
Authors: Ovadia Caroline
Published: August 2021

Globally, headache disorders are an important cause of disability in adults. As many types of headache (eg, migraine, tension-type and medication-overuse) are more common in women and have peak incidence in reproductive years, chronic headache disorders are highly prevalent in pregnant women. Some women with a history of migraine may find that it improves during pregnancy while others may find that their migraines become more unpredictable. Ideally, women with migraine and problematic headache disorder should be offered preconception counselling to address pregnancy-related concerns and advice on the use of medicines, which should be supported by high-quality information. For women with history of headache, the use of effective non-pharmacological options should be maximised, and the smallest number of the safest medicines at the lowest effective doses should be used while preparing for pregnancy and during pregnancy. This article forms part of the series ofprescribing for pregnancyand discusses the impact of headache and migraine on pregnancy, the impact of pregnancy on headache and migraine and options for prophylaxis and treatment.
IgG4-related disease: an analysis of the clinicopathological spectrum: UK centre experience
Authors: Dassanayaka Wajira , Liyanaarachchi Kanchana Sanjeewani , Ala Aftab , Bagwan Izhar N
Published: August 2021

Aim

To retrospectively evaluate the characteristic clinicopathological spectrum in patients with suspicion of IgG4-related disease (IgG4RD).

Methods

Winpath histology database from January 2011 to April 2018 identified all suspected IgG4RD cases wherein IgG4 immunohistochemistry was performed. The histology slides were reviewed to categorise cases into Boston criteria groups—highly suggestive of IgG4RD, probable IgG4RD and insufficient evidence. Information regarding clinical data, treatment received, follow-up and serum IgG4 levels was obtained from medical records and AllScripts Patient Administration System (APAS) clinical database.

Results

The study included 204 patients and the most common sites of biopsy/resection were pancreas and duodenum. The most common clinical presentation was fibroinflammatory lesion or mass/lump. On histology, 54/204 (26.47%) cases showed typical storiform fibrosis, 65/204 (32.64%) had >10 IgG4+ plasma cells per high power field and only one case showed thrombophlebitis (0.49%). There were 14/204 (6.78%) cases categorised as highly suggestive of IgG4RD; 8 of these showed high serum IgG4 levels and were managed clinically as true IgG4RD.

Conclusion

Histological diagnosis of IgG4RD remains challenging, as not all characteristic features are always present especially in small biopsies. Due to the novelty of its experience, fear of over diagnosis in the context of malignancy and features overlapping with diseases of similar clinical scenario, diagnosis of IgG4RD has become more puzzling. Further multicentre clinical trials/studies are advisable.
COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on social relationships and health
Authors: Long Emily , Patterson Susan , Maxwell Karen , Blake Carolyn , Bosó Pérez Raquel , Lewis Ruth , McCann Mark , Riddell Julie , Skivington Kathryn , Wilson-Lowe Rachel , Mitchell Kirstin R
Published: August 2021

This essay examines key aspects of social relationships that were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses explicitly on relational mechanisms of health and brings together theory and emerging evidence on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to make recommendations for future public health policy and recovery. We first provide an overview of the pandemic in the UK context, outlining the nature of the public health response. We then introduce four distinct domains of social relationships: social networks, social support, social interaction and intimacy, highlighting the mechanisms through which the pandemic and associated public health response drastically altered social interactions in each domain. Throughout the essay, the lens of health inequalities, and perspective of relationships as interconnecting elements in a broader system, is used to explore the varying impact of these disruptions. The essay concludes by providing recommendations for longer term recovery ensuring that the social relational cost of COVID-19 is adequately considered in efforts to rebuild.
Cystathionine β-synthase mediated PRRX2/IL-6/STAT3 inactivation suppresses Tregs infiltration and induces apoptosis to inhibit HCC carcinogenesis
Authors: Zhou Yu-Fu , Song Shu-Shu , Tian Meng-Xin , Tang Zheng , Wang Han , Fang Yuan , Qu Wei-Feng , Jiang Xi-Fei , Tao Chen-Yang , Huang Run , Zhou Pei-Yun , Zhu Shi-Guo , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Liu Wei-Ren , Shi Ying-Hong
Published: August 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by inflammation and immunopathogenesis. Accumulating evidence has shown that the cystathionine β-synthase/hydrogen sulfide (CBS/H2S) axis is involved in the regulation of inflammation. However, roles of CBS in HCC development and immune evasion have not been systematically investigated, and their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we investigated the roles of CBS in tumor cells and tumor microenvironment of HCC.

Methods

236 HCC samples were collected to detect the expression of CBS, cleaved Caspase-3 and paired related homeobox 2 (PRRX2) and the number of immune cells. HCC cell lines were employed to examine the effects of CBS on cellular viability, apoptosis and signaling in vitro. Cbs heterozygous knockout mice, C57BL/6 mice, nude mice and non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency mice were used to investigate the in vivo functions of CBS.

Results

Downregulation of CBS was observed in HCC, and low expression of CBS predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients. CBS overexpression dramatically promoted cellular apoptosis in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Activation of the Cbs/H2S axis also reduced the abundance of tumor-infiltrating Tregs, while Cbs deficiency promoted Tregs-mediated immune evasion and boosted tumor growth in Cbs heterozygous knockout mice. Mechanistically, CBS facilitated the expression cleaved Caspase-3 in tumor cells, and on the other hand, suppressed Foxp3 expression in Tregs via inactivating IL-6/STAT3 pathway. As a transcription factor of IL-6, PRRX2 was reduced by CBS. Additionally, miR-24-3p was proven to be an upstream suppressor of CBS in HCC.

Conclusions

Our results indicate the antitumor function of CBS in HCC by inactivation of the PRRX2/IL-6/STAT3 pathway, which may serve as a potential target for HCC clinical immunotherapy.
Do the benefits of being a smoker hint at the existence of PD-1/PD-L1 sensitizers for patients on single-agent immunotherapy?
Authors: Zaleskis Gintaras , Pasukoniene Vita , Characiejus Dainius , Urbonas Vincas
Published: August 2021

Multiple studies demonstrate significantly better therapeutics outcomes in smokers as compared with never smokers when single-agent immunotherapy is applied. Non-smoker patients usually need a combination of chemoimmunotherapy to achieve comparable or slightly better therapeutic results. This effect is thought to be due to tobacco product-induced upregulation of PD-L1/PD-1 expression and tumor mutational burden score. Genomic transformation, however, cannot entirely explain the upregulation of PD-L1/PL-1 expression in cells following short-term exposure to cytotoxic compounds. Cytotoxic drugs, crude tobacco products, benzo(a)pyrene, nicotine, and multiple other toxic compounds were shown to exhibit rapid PD-L1/PD-1 upregulation. A significant immunomodulatory effect of nicotine via acetylcholine receptors is well documented. However, nicotine activity rapidly subsides when the drug is withdrawn. We hypothesize that smoking cessation might mitigate the benefits of monoimmunotherapy for some patients. Further studies of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor stimulus of immunocytes are needed and might lead to characterization and clinical implementation of new immunotherapy sensitizer products.
Perceptions of the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide: a qualitative study with parents from Southwestern Ontario
Authors: Barco Leme Ana Carolina , Laila Amar , Hou Sophia , Fisberg Regina Mara , Ma David W.L. , Fisberg Mauro , Haines Jess
Published: August 2021

In January 2019, Health Canada released a revised Canada’s Food Guide (CFG). This study aimed to understand the perceptions of the 2019 CFG among Canadian parents with children aged 2–12 years. From October 2019–January 2020, 8 focus groups with parents from Southwestern Ontario were conducted using a semi-structured interview script focused on understanding perceptions of the 2019 CFG. A hybrid thematic approach with inductive and deductive analyses was used. Forty parents (72.5% mothers, 77.5% white) with diverse levels of education and income participated. Most parents were aware of the 2019 CFG. Positive perceptions of the 2019 CFG were that the guide was visually appealing and less biased from the food industry compared with previous guides. Parents also reported that the focus on eating behaviours could support healthy eating among their families. Negative perceptions included insufficient information about plant-based proteins, removal of milk and alternatives food group, and lack of representation of various cultures in the guide. Challenges to following the CFG recommendations, including time constraints and limited knowledge regarding how to identify and prepare plant-based proteins, were discussed. Parent perceptions of the CFG can help inform public health policies and behavioural-change strategies designed to support adherence to the 2019 CFG recommendations.

Novelty: Awareness of the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) was high. Parents identified that the 2019 CFG was visually appealing and less biased from the food industry. Concerns about the recommendations of plant-based proteins, “exclusion” of dairies, and lack of cultural representation.
Colchicine attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion-induced liver damage: implication of TLR4/NF-κB, TGF-β, and BAX and Bcl-2 gene expression
Authors: Awad Azza Sayed , Elariny Hemat A. , Sallam Amany Said
Published: August 2021

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is typically associated with a vigorous inflammatory and oxidative stress response to hypoxia and reperfusion that disturbs the function of the organ. The remote effects of renal IRI on the liver, however, require further study. Renal damage associated with liver disease is a common clinical problem. Colchicine, a polymerization inhibitor of microtubules, has been used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic drug for liver diseases. The goal of the current study was to investigate the possible protective mechanisms of colchicine on liver injury following renal IRI. Forty rats were divided randomly into four groups: sham group, colchicine-treated group, IRI group, and colchicine-treated + IRI group. Treatment with colchicine significantly reduced hepatic toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factor, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) contents; downregulated BCL2 associated X apoptosis regulator (BAX) gene expression, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) content, and upregulated hepatic B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) gene expression as compared with the IRI group. Finally, hepatic histopathological examinations have confirmed the biochemical results. Renal IRI-induced liver damage in rats was alleviated by colchicine through its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic actions.
Vehicle-Bridge Interaction System with Non-Uniform Beams
Authors: Yang Judy P. , Wu Chun-Hsien
Published: August 2021

Since the bridge is often treated as the uniform beam for simplicity in most numerical studies of vehicle-bridge interaction, this study proposes a non-uniform vehicle-bridge interaction system by incorporating a three-mass vehicle model in a non-uniform bridge for wider applications, in which non-uniform beam elements of constant width and varying depth are considered. For clarity, the inclined ratios of the entire bridge and one beam element are separately defined in order to describe the non-conformity in computation while both mass and stiffness matrices are re-formulated to comply with the finite element sign convention. As the natural frequencies of a non-uniform bridge cannot be accessed directly, the vehicle scanning method is first adopted to obtain the bridge frequencies. Then, the parametric study is conducted by considering vehicle damping, bridge damping, and pavement irregularity. In addition to the vehicle frequency, the numerical results show that the proposed vehicle-bridge interaction system is able to scan the first four bridge frequencies with desired accuracy subject to pavement irregularity. Concerning the pitching effect of the vehicle, it is shown that the locations for installing sensors are actually affected by both the geometry and the cross-sectional geometry of the bridge in the concern of achieving high resolution of frequency identification.
Autofocusing Optimal Search Algorithm for a Telescope System
Authors: Helmy Islam , Hamdy Alaa , Eid Doaa , Shokry Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Focus accuracy affects the quality of the astronomical observations. Auto-focusing is necessary for imaging systems designed for astronomical observations. The automatic focus system searches for the best focus position by using a proposed search algorithm. The search algorithm uses the image’s focus levels as its objective function in the search process. This paper aims to study the performance of several search algorithms to select a suitable one. The proper search algorithm will be used to develop an automatic focus system for Kottamia Astronomical Observatory (KAO). The optimal search algorithm is selected by applying several search algorithms into five sequences of star-clusters observations. Then, their performance is evaluated based on two criteria, which are accuracy and number of steps. The experimental results show that the Binary search is the optimal search algorithm.
A Novel Hybrid Sampling Algorithm for Solving Class Imbalance Problem in Big Data
Authors: Ahlawat Khyati , Chug Anuradha , Singh Amit Prakash
Published: August 2021

The uneven distribution of classes in any dataset poses a tendency of biasness toward the majority class when analyzed using any standard classifier. The instances of the significant class being deficient in numbers are generally ignored and their correct classification which is of paramount interest is often overlooked in calculating overall accuracy. Therefore, the conventional machine learning approaches are rigorously refined to address this class imbalance problem. This challenge of imbalanced classes is more prevalent in big data scenario due to its high volume. This study deals with acknowledging a sampling solution based on cluster computing in handling class imbalance problems in the case of big data. The newly proposed approach hybrid sampling algorithm (HSA) is assessed using three popular classification algorithms namely, support vector machine, decision tree and k-nearest neighbor based on balanced accuracy and elapsed time. The results obtained from the experiment are considered promising with an efficiency gain of 42% in comparison to the traditional sampling solution synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE). This work proves the effectiveness of the distribution and clustering principle in imbalanced big data scenarios.
Immersive Virtual Reality for Older Adults
Authors: Abeele Vero Vanden , Schraepen Brenda , Huygelier Hanne , Gillebert Celine , Gerling Kathrin , Van Ee Raymond
Published: August 2021

Despite the proliferation of research on immersive virtual reality (IVR) technologies for older adults, comprehensive guidelines on designing immersive and engaging VR for older adults remain sparse. Therefore, we first compounded 67 guidelines based on published literature. Next, to empirically ground these design recommendations, we provided 37 older adults of diverse ages, education levels, and cognitive abilities with a first VR experience. Analyzing interviews with the 37 older adults via the Laddering method, we found that they generally reported positive experiences with their first VR exposure. With these deepened insights, we reflect on, nuance, and contextualize existing design guidelines, and formulate points to bear in mind when designing accessible and engaging VR experiences for older persons.
Deriving efficient program transformations from rewrite rules
Authors: Li John M. , Appel Andrew W.
Published: August 2021

An efficient optimizing compiler can perform many cascading rewrites in a single pass, using auxiliary data structures such as variable binding maps, delayed substitutions, and occurrence counts. Such optimizers often perform transformations according to relatively simple rewrite rules, but the subtle interactions between the data structures needed for efficiency make them tricky to write and trickier to prove correct. We present a system for semi-automatically deriving both an efficient program transformation and its correctness proof from a list of rewrite rules and specifications of the auxiliary data structures it requires. Dependent types ensure that the holes left behind by our system (for the user to fill in) are filled in correctly, allowing the user low-level control over the implementation without having to worry about getting it wrong. We implemented our system in Coq (though it could be implemented in other logics as well), and used it to write optimization passes that perform uncurrying, inlining, dead code elimination, and static evaluation of case expressions and record projections. The generated implementations are sometimes faster, and at most 40% slower, than hand-written counterparts on a small set of benchmarks; in some cases, they require significantly less code to write and prove correct.
Reasoning about the garden of forking paths
Authors: Li Yao , Xia Li-yao , Weirich Stephanie
Published: August 2021

Lazy evaluation is a powerful tool for functional programmers. It enables the concise expression of on-demand computation and a form of compositionality not available under other evaluation strategies. However, the stateful nature of lazy evaluation makes it hard to analyze a program's computational cost, either informally or formally. In this work, we present a novel and simple framework for formally reasoning about lazy computation costs based on a recent model of lazy evaluation: clairvoyant call-by-value. The key feature of our framework is its simplicity, as expressed by our definition of the clairvoyance monad. This monad is both simple to define (around 20 lines of Coq) and simple to reason about. We show that this monad can be effectively used to mechanically reason about the computational cost of lazy functional programs written in Coq.
Real-world walking economy: can laboratory equations predict field energy expenditure?
Authors: Weyand Peter G. , Ludlow Lindsay W. , Nollkamper Jennifer J. , Buller Mark J.
Published: August 2021

Here, we investigated the accuracy with which four laboratory-based equations can predict field-walking energy expenditure at freely selected speeds across varying gradients and terrain. Empirical tests involving 6,415-m trials under two load conditions indicated that predictions are significantly equation dependent but can be highly accurate (i.e., ±4%). Computations inputting identical weight, speed, and gradient values for different theoretical constant-speed trials (0.6–1.8 m/s) identified between-equation prediction differences as large as 37%.
Analysis of flow resistance in the pulmonary arterial circulation: implications for hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
Authors: Johnson David W. , Roy Tuhin K. , Secomb Timothy W.
Published: August 2021

A theoretical model of the pulmonary vasculature is used to predict the effects of vasoconstriction over specified ranges of vessel diameters on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The model shows that observed levels of hypoxic vasoconstriction in terminal vessels cannot account for the elevation of PVR associated with hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). Upstream signaling by conducted responses to engage constriction of arterioles, therefore, plays an essential role in the elevation of PVR during HPV.
Predicting mortality for patients with heart failure beyond oxygen consumption: a prognostic risk score
Authors: Shafiek Hanaa , Grau Andres , Pons Jaume , Pericas Pere , Rossello Xavier , Valera Jose Lluis , Cosio Borja G.
Published: August 2021

This is a cohort study with a follow-up of maximum of 8 years of patients with chronic heart failure that demonstrates a simple integrated score consisting of CPET (breathing reserve, workload at maximal exercise), echocardiographic (LVEF, diastolic dysfunction), and clinical (etiology of cardiac disease) data. The generated score was a better predictor of major cardiac events (mortality or cardiac transplantation) than Weber classification (V̇o2max classification) or NYHA functional class as single factors.
Inflammation and metabolism gene sets in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue are altered 1 hour after exercise in adults with obesity
Authors: Ludzki A. C. , Schleh M. W. , Krueger E. M. , Taylor N. M. , Ryan B. J. , Baldwin T. C. , Gillen J. B. , Ahn C. , Varshney P. , Horowitz J. F.
Published: August 2021

This study compared the effects of a single session of high-intensity interval exercise versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise on transcriptional changes in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue collected from adults with obesity. Our novel findings indicate exercise upregulated inflammation-related gene sets, while it downregulated metabolism-related gene sets – after both high-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise. These data suggest exercise can alter the adipose tissue transcriptome 1 h after exercise in ways that may impact inflammation and metabolism.