bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of CD4 count measurement in the era of universal antiretroviral therapy: an analysis of routine laboratory data in Botswana
Authors: Leeme TB , Mine M , Lechiile K , Mulenga F , Mosepele M , Mphoyakgosi T , Muthoga C , Ngidi J , Nkomo B , Ramaabya D , Tau M , Tenforde MW , Hayes R , Jarvis JN
Published: September 2020

Objectives

National guidelines in Botswana recommend baseline CD4 count measurement and both CD4 and HIV viral load (VL) monitoring post‐antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. We evaluated the utility of CD4 count measurement in Botswana in the era of universal ART.

Methods

CD4 and VL data were analysed for HIV‐infected adults undergoing CD4 count measurement in 2015–2017 at the Botswana Harvard HIV‐Reference Laboratory. We determined (1) the proportion of individuals with advanced HIV disease (CD4 count < 200 cells/µL) at initial CD4 assessment, (2) the proportion with an initial CD4 count ≥ 200 cells/µL experiencing a subsequent decline in CD4 count to < 200 cells/µL, and (3) the proportion of these immunologically failing individuals who had virological failure. Logistic regression modelling examined factors associated with advanced HIV disease. CD4 count trajectories were assessed using locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) regression.

Results

Twenty‐five per cent (3571/14 423) of individuals with an initial CD4 assessment during the study period had advanced HIV disease at baseline. Older age [≥ 35 years; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–2.1] and male sex were associated with advanced HIV disease. Fifty per cent (7163/14 423) of individuals had at least two CD4 counts during the study period. Of those with an initial CD4 count ≥ 200 cells/µL, 4% (180/5061) experienced a decline in CD4 count to < 200 cells/µL; the majority of CD4 count declines were in virologically suppressed individuals and transient.

Conclusions

One‐quarter of HIV‐positive individuals in Botswana still present with advanced HIV disease, highlighting the importance of baseline CD4 count measurement to identify this at‐risk population. Few with a baseline CD4 count ≥ 200 cells/µL experienced a drop below 200 cells/µL, suggesting limited utility for ongoing CD4 monitoring.
GLOBAL GAMES WITH STRATEGIC SUBSTITUTES
Authors: Harrison Rodrigo , Jara‐Moroni Pedro
Published: September 2020

We study global games with strategic substitutes. Specifically, for a class of binary‐action, ‐player games with strategic substitutes, we prove that under payoff asymmetry, as incomplete information vanishes, the global games approach selects a unique equilibrium. We characterize this equilibrium profile ; players employ switching strategies at different cutoff signals, the order of which is directly determined by payoff asymmetry. We provide examples that illustrate our result and its connection with dominance solvability. We extend the global game literature, which has thus far been developed for games with strategic complementarities, to new applications in industrial organization, collective action problems, finance, etc .
MAKING CARBON TAXATION A GENERATIONAL WIN WIN
Authors: Kotlikoff Laurence , Kubler Felix , Polbin Andrey , Sachs Jeffrey , Scheidegger Simon
Published: September 2020

Carbon taxation is mostly studied in social planner or infinitely lived‐agent models, which obscure carbon taxation's potential to produce a generational win win. This article's large‐scale, dynamic 55‐period, overlapping generations model calculates the carbon tax policy delivering the highest uniform welfare gain to all current and future generations. Our model features coal, oil, and gas, increasing extraction costs, clean energy, technical and demographic change, and Nordhaus' carbon/temperature/damage functions. Assuming high‐end carbon damages, the optimal carbon tax is $70, rising annually at 1.5%. This policy raises all generations' welfare by almost 5%. However, doing so requires major intergenerational redistribution.
Preselection TCR repertoire predicts CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell differentiation state
Authors: Hou Xianliang , Chen Wenbiao , Zhang Xujun , Wang Guangyu , Chen Jianing , Zeng Ping , Fu Xuyan , Zhang Qiong , Liu Xiangdong , Diao Hongyan
Published: September 2020

T cells must display diversity regarding both the cell state and T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire to provide effective immunity against pathogens; however, the generation and evolution of cellular T‐cell heterogeneity in the adaptive immune system remains unclear. In the present study, a combination of multiplex PCR and immune repertoire sequencing (IR‐seq) was used for a standardized analysis of the TCR β‐chain repertoire of CD4+ naive, CD4+ memory, CD8+ naive and CD8+ memory T cells. We showed that the T‐cell subsets could be distinguished from each another with regard to the TCR β‐chain (TCR‐β) diversity, CDR3 length distribution and TRBV usage, which could be observed both in the preselection and in the post‐selection repertoire. Moreover, the Dβ‐Jβ and Vβ‐Dβ combination patterns at the initial recombination step, template‐independent insertion of nucleotides and inter‐subset overlap were consistent between the pre‐ and post‐selection repertoires, with a remarkably positive correlation. Taken together, these results support differentiation of the CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell subsets prior to thymic selection, and these differences survived both positive and negative selection. In conclusion, these findings provide deeper insight into the generation and evolution of TCR repertoire generation.
Repeat presentations to the emergency department for non‐fatal suicidal behaviour: Perceptions of patients
Authors: Meehan Tom , Baker Debra , Blyth Deborah , Stedman Terry
Published: September 2020

Presentations to emergency departments (EDs) for non‐fatal suicidal behaviour (NFSB) are increasing in Australia and overseas. Our understanding of the factors contributing to this trend remains unclear. In this qualitative phenomenological study, we explored patient perceptions of their ED experience and the interventions provided. The study group comprised 10 adults who had had 3 or more presentations to the ED in a 12‐week period for NFSB. Individual interviews were conducted in person with participants and transcribed verbatim. Three broad themes emerged from analysis of the transcripts: ED – a safety net; 'treatment – what treatment!'; and maintaining ED dependence. The findings highlight a failure to understand the needs of those with NFSB and establish better ED treatment strategies and models of aftercare for this sub‐group of patients. The findings have implications for mental health nurses working with consumers in the ED and in broader case management roles.
AntagomiR‐29b inhibits vascular and valvular calcification and improves heart function in rats
Authors: Fang Ming , Liu Kangyong , Li Xinming , Wang Yudai , Li Wei , Li Bin
Published: September 2020

We aimed to investigate the role of the miR‐29b and its effect on TGF‐β3 pathway in vascular and valvular calcification in a rat model of calcific aortic valve diseases (CAVD). A rat model of CAVD was established by administration of warfarin plus vitamin K. The expression levels of miR‐29b, osteogenic markers and other genes were determined by qRT‐PCR, Western blot and/or immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The calcium content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured. The calcium content, ALP activity and osteogenic markers levels in calcified aorta and aortic valve were augmented compared to controls. The expression of miR‐29b, p‐Smad3, and Wnt3 and β‐catenin was significantly up‐regulated, whereas TGF‐β3 was markedly down‐regulated. However, compared with the CAVD model group, the calcium content and ALP activity in rats treated with antagomiR‐29b were significantly decreased, and antagomiR‐29b administration reversed the effects of CAVD model on the expression of miR‐29b and osteogenic markers. Inhibition of miR‐29b in CAVD rats prevented from vascular and valvular calcification and induced TGF‐β3 expression, suggesting that the miR‐29b/TGF‐β3 axis may play a regulatory role in the pathogenesis of vascular and valvular calcification and could play a significant role in the treatment of CAVD and other cardiovascular diseases.
Intra‐annual variation in feeding of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua: the importance of ephemeral prey bursts
Authors: Grønkjær Peter , Ottosen Rasmus , Joensen Thor , Reeve Lee , Nielsen Einar E. , Hedeholm Rasmus
Published: September 2020

Seasonal prey bursts are important for the life cycles and energy budgets of many predators. This study documents the diet and, especially, the importance of the ephemeral occurrence of capelin as prey for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in Godthaabsfjord, west Greenland, over an annual cycle. The cod showed clear differences in diet composition on the 11 sampling dates resulting in a spring–summer, late summer–autumn and winter cluster. Moreover, a single sampling date, 12 May, was defined by cod gorge feeding on spawning capelin, which led to average stomach contents 4.3 times higher than the average for the remaining sampling dates. Changes in nitrogen stable isotope values from 22 April to 7 July in cod liver and muscle tissue were used to calculate the consumption of capelin. Based on this, the consumption of capelin varied between 538 and 658 g wet weight for a 1.3 kg cod. Using published consumption/biomass estimates and observed growth rates, the capelin intake corresponds to 10.1%–33.3% of the annual food consumption and accounts for 28.1%–34.5% of the annual growth of the cod. The present study documents the omnivorous feeding mode of Atlantic cod but highlights the utilization and importance of ephemeral prey bursts for the annual energy budget of the cod. It is hypothesized that access to capelin is critical for the postspawning recovery of Godthaabsfjord cod.
A self‐determination theory analysis of reflective debrief themes about dietetic student placement experiences in hospital: implications for education
Authors: Markwell K. E. , Ross L. J. , Mitchell L. J. , Williams L. T.
Published: September 2020

Background

Healthcare placements in dietetics education contribute significantly to student learning. Exploring students’ self‐conceptualisation of placement experiences may provide insights to better support learning. Self‐determination theory (SDT) has been used to seek insight into clinical and educational settings but has not yet been applied to dietetic placement learning. The present study investigated dietetics students’ reflections of key influences on placement learning experiences and their alignment with an SDT framework.

Methods

A post‐placement two‐stage critical incident debrief was conducted with seven successive cohorts (168 students) of dietetic undergraduate students on final placement. In debriefs, students’ anonymous themes were collected and discussed, inductively analysed, and then mapped against an SDT framework of psychological and motivational constructs.

Results

Nine key themes were identified that impacted upon placement experiences. Four themes related to framework constructs: (1) Supervisor (and Peer) Autonomy Support; (2) Perceived Competence; (3) Relatedness; and (4) Autonomy and Intrinsic Motivation. Non‐SDT themes were also present, including: (5) Learning Environment and Experience; as well as themes about professional behaviours and identity: (6) Teamwork and Interactions; (7) Managing Emotions and Self‐Care; (8) Dietetic Communications and Behaviours; and (9) Developing a Professional Identity.

Conclusions

Embedding a structured debrief in the curriculum and using a psychological motivational SDT framework to analyse themes arising can provide valuable information about the learning needs of students on placement with potential for wider application in dietetic learning and teaching and workforce employability. The current findings may have application in university curricula before and after professional placement.
Abdominal ultrasound in Saguinus ursulus
Authors: Borges Laiza Bastos , Pereira Ana Karolina Ferreira , Silva Wellington Bandeira da , Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros , Coutinho Leandro Nassar
Published: September 2020

Background

The classification of Saguinus ursulus as a new taxon and the vulnerability of this species highlighted the need for data on its specific morphophysiological attributes. This study used ultrasound to determine the typical characteristics of pelvic‐abdominal structures and organs.

Methods

Nine healthy primates of the species S. ursulus were evaluated, through ultrasound tests, to determine the morphometry of the organs of the pelvic‐abdominal cavity and the levels of ovarian activity.

Results

Topography, morphology, and biometrics of the organs were described. It was observed that organs of S. ursulus are similar to those of other Neotropical primate species. However, the kidney morphology is different,the left is triangular and the right is elliptical, while the gallbladder is bilobed.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography has proven to be efficient and effective for organ evaluation. The ultrasound findings are a first step toward understanding the physiology of a less‐known species.
The acuity of pediatric neuroscience nursing using the Inpatient Complexity Assessment and Monitoring to Ensure Optimal Outcomes (CAMEO©) tool
Authors: Atkinson Carole , Cerrato Benjamin , Shiers Deborah , Connor Jean A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The neuroscience nurse must possess advanced knowledge and skills to care for a wide range of unique congenital and acquired neurological diagnoses. For each of these clinical scenarios, the measurement of complexity and acuity of patient care is key to informing staffing models and patient assignments. The Inpatient Complexity Assessment and Monitoring to Ensure Optimal Outcomes (CAMEO©) acuity tool measures patient acuity in terms of nursing cognitive workload complexity. We describe the implementation and evaluation of the Inpatient CAMEO© in a pediatric neuroscience unit in a large free‐standing children's hospital in the northeast United States.

Design and Methods

Using a quality improvement approach, the Inpatient CAMEO© was implemented and evaluated over a 12‐month period by a neuroscience clinical lead and unit‐based ambassadors. Monthly data reports evaluating unit‐level completion and the level of acuity (I–V) were generated for unit leadership. Data were further stratified by type of admission to the neuroscience unit. Five categories of patients included neurology medical, epilepsy, neurosurgical, neurooncology, and other, which is defined as nonneurology patients, admitted to unit.

Results

The monthly proportion of Inpatient CAMEO©s Classified as III–V ranged from 62.3% to 83.3% with a median of 78.2%. The type of neuroscience admissions varied in level of acuity. Patients identified as neurology (68.7%) and epilepsy (67.5%) had the lowest acuity, patients identified as neurosurgery (82.8%) and other (80.2%) had moderate acuity, and neurooncology (94.5%) had the highest acuity.

Practice Implications

Using the Inpatient CAMEO©, the acuity of neuroscience pediatric care was demonstrated to be increased and variable across disease categories. Neurooncology patients were identified as having the highest acuity as compared to other pediatric neuroscience admissions.
Insights from the study of Arabic reading
Authors: Hermena Ehab W. , Reichle Erik D.
Published: September 2020

Current reading models were largely designed to explain findings from experiments of the reading of English and other European languages (Reichle, 2020, Computational models of reading: A handbook). Recent evidence from studies of other languages and writing systems (e.g., Chinese) has demonstrated the need to critically evaluate the assumptions of these models, and whether they are sufficient to explain the full range of findings related to reading, as required, for example, to understand the universal and specific cognitive principles that support reading. In this article, we review the recent behavioural and cognitive‐neuroscience research on the reading of Arabic, a world language that until recently has received scant attention despite the fact that its writing system poses fundamental challenges for current models of reading. We also highlight the points of convergence and difference between what has been learned about the reading of Arabic and the reading of another, more widely studied Semitic language, Hebrew. We then discuss the theoretical implications of these findings for existing models of reading.
Developmental changes in the reflectance spectra of temperate deciduous tree leaves and implications for thermal emissivity and leaf temperature
Authors: Richardson Andrew D. , Aubrecht Donald M. , Basler David , Hufkens Koen , Muir Christopher D. , Hanssen Leonard
Published: September 2020

Leaf optical properties impact leaf energy balance and thus leaf temperature. The effect of leaf development on mid‐infrared (MIR) reflectance, and hence thermal emissivity, has not been investigated in detail.

We measured a suite of morphological characteristics, as well as directional‐hemispherical reflectance from ultraviolet to thermal infrared wavelengths (250 nm to 20 µm) of leaves from five temperate deciduous tree species over the 8 wk following spring leaf emergence.

By contrast to reflectance at shorter wavelengths, the shape and magnitude of MIR reflectance spectra changed markedly with development. MIR spectral differences among species became more pronounced and unique as leaves matured. Comparison of reflectance spectra of intact vs dried and ground leaves points to cuticular development – and not internal structural or biochemical changes – as the main driving factor. Accompanying the observed spectral changes was a drop in thermal emissivity from about 0.99 to 0.95 over the 8 wk following leaf emergence.

Emissivity changes were not large enough to substantially influence leaf temperature, but they could potentially lead to a bias in radiometrically measured temperatures of up to 3 K. Our results also pointed to the potential for using MIR spectroscopy to better understand species‐level differences in cuticular development and composition.
Establishing effective STEM mentoring relationships through mentor training
Authors: Stelter Rebecca L. , Kupersmidt Janis B. , Stump Kathryn N.
Published: September 2020

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) mentoring programs typically have the goals of generating interest and excitement in STEM topics and careers and supporting STEM career achievement persistence. These outcomes are fostered through positive and trusting relationships with mentors. Mentors in STEM programs often have extensive subject matter expertise in a STEM content area, but they may lack the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that are important for establishing an effective mentoring relationship with a young person. The purpose of this review is to describe (1) a set of topics recommended for inclusion in STEM mentor training, based on a literature review, and (2) the current state of implementation of these recommended training topics among STEM mentoring programs in the United States. We have identified four major topic areas to include in the training of STEM mentors: (1) knowledge and attitudes regarding disparities in STEM career achievement, (2) mentor roles that promote STEM outcomes, (3) behaviors to promote mentees’ positive attitudes about STEM, and (4) program‐specific topics. Training for mentors should prepare them with the knowledge they need to support their mentee being successful in a STEM education or career while fostering the skills they need to establish an effective mentoring relationship.
Epidemiological, clinical, radiographic characterization of non‐syndromic supernumerary teeth in Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Ma Xiaowei , Jiang Yue , Ge Han , Yao Yuan , Wang Yanling , Mei Yufeng , Wang Dongmiao
Published: September 2020

Objective

This retrospective study was purposed to evaluate epidemiological, clinical, and 3D radiological features of supernumerary teeth (ST) in a non‐syndromic Chinese children and adolescent dental population.

Materials and Methods

Original cone‐beam CT (CBCT) data from 18,861 patients aged from 6 to 17 years with dental maxillofacial diseases treated in a Chinese dental hospital from June 2012 to December 2018 were utilized to screen patients with ST. Diagnosis and characterizations of ST were analyzed by CBCT coupled with 3D reconstruction. All relevant epidemiological, clinical, and radiographic details about ST were collected and statistically analyzed.

Results

Among total 18,861 patients, 2,768 ST were identified in 1984 subjects with a prevalence of 10.52% and a male:female ratio of 1.86:1. Majority of ST were single, conical, inverted, impacted, and located in maxilla anterior region. ST‐associated complications mainly included malposition, rotation, and impaction of adjacent teeth, which were notably associated with morphology and position of ST.

Conclusion

The prevalence of ST in Chinese children and adolescent dental population was 10.52% and tended to present as single, conical, inverted, and impacted, which resulted in abnormalities of neighboring teeth. Our outcomes are beneficial for clinicians to more comprehensively understand the incidence, characterization, and clinical treatment planning of ST in dental children and adolescents.
Boundary spanning roles in cross‐border university‐industry collaboration: the case of Chinese multinational corporations
Authors: Corsi Simone , Fu Xiaolan , Külzer‐Sacilotto Cintia
Published: September 2020

This paper contributes to open innovation (OI) and boundary spanning literatures by providing a first understanding of industry‐based boundary spanners in university‐industry (U‐I) collaboration through case studies of Chinese multinational corporations (MNCs) and their international OI platforms. Organisational roles created by these platforms within the MNCs and their activity of bridging between organisations are examined. The analysis of 25 in‐depth interviews in two MNCs located in eight countries, along with internal documents, sheds light on U‐I collaboration practices implemented by Chinese MNCs. Two new boundary spanning roles are identified:Dual Cultural Bridger– as these OI platforms bridge organisational and national cultural gaps to prevent and solve problems in the collaborative process; andInternational Network Enhancer– as these OI platforms act as trust building and local knowledge listening posts for the MNC’s global network. Managerial and policy implications are provided.
Externalism, internalism, and meaningful lives
Authors: Landau Iddo
Published: September 2020

This paper argues that participants in the subjectivism/objectivism/hybridism debate, a central issue in recent meaning in life research, conflate two different distinctions marked by the termsobjectiveandsubjective, one having to do with the question of whether life's meaningfulness depends on factors internal or external to the agent, the other having to do with the question of whether there is any ‘absolute’ as opposed to ‘relative’ truth about the first question. The paper then argues that a distinctive type of hybridism with respect to the first sense is true. To vindicate this type of hybridism, the paper identifies, by using examples and counterexamples, internal and external necessary conditions for having meaningful lives. In this type of hybridism, internal states that are not directed at external factors, such as autonomy, serenity and contentment, are also taken account of, and, more generally, internal and external factors need not relate to each other at all. Further, although the more a combination of internal and external factors is valuable the more meaningful a life is, not any increase in the value of any relevant internal or external factor enhances meaning.
Evolution of the African slippery frogs (Anura: Conraua), including the world’s largest living frog
Authors: Blackburn David C. , Nielsen Stuart V. , Barej Michael F. , Doumbia Joseph , Hirschfeld Mareike , Kouamé N’Goran G. , Lawson Dwight , Loader Simon , Ofori‐Boateng Caleb , Stanley Edward L. , Rödel Mark‐Oliver
Published: September 2020

Although Conraua goliath is well known as the largest living frog species, the diversity and evolution of the genus Conraua across sub‐Saharan Africa remain poorly understood. We present multilocus phylogenetic analyses of the six currently recognized species that provide insights into divergence times, biogeography, body size evolution and undescribed species. An analysis of divergence times demonstrates that crown‐group Conraua arose some time during the latest Oligocene to mid‐Miocene followed by divergence into major lineages in the mid‐Miocene that may reflect the fragmentation of widespread tropical forests in Africa that began at this time. We find three pairs of sister species, C. crassipes + C. beccarii, C. alleni + C. derooi and C. goliath + C. robusta, each of which diverged during the Miocene. These relationships reject phylogenetic hypotheses based solely on biogeography as the geographically peripheral C. beccarii from north‐eastern Africa is nested within western African species and the Central African species do not form a clade. Our species delimitation analyses provide support for undescribed species in C. alleni, C. beccarii and C. derooi, and possibly C. crassipes, suggesting that the current taxonomy substantially underestimates species diversity. There is no clear directional trend of either increasing or decreasing body size in Conraua and the three largest species do not form a clade. With a robust phylogenetic hypothesis in hand, further field‐based studies are needed to understand the evolution of morphology and life history in this charismatic African anuran clade.
Approach to Financial Decision Making within Quantum Physics and Neurosciences
Authors: Njegovanović Ana
Published: September 2020

This paper focuses on the study of the functional relationships between the tools of neuroscience, neurofinance and psychology on the one hand, and quantum physics / quantum mechanics and neurophysiology on the other. Can physics / quantum mechanics help explain / understand human behavior through the Shrödinger cat platform (perhaps we can explain the most mysterious phenomena: human behavior - cerebral secretion?)? The concepts of quantum mechanics allow a good prediction of human decision making within Schrödinger's cat (two particles can talk to each other even at a distance of a galaxy, perhaps in this sense can help explain an extremely complex decision making system), and define the "connection of quantum models with neurophysiological processes in the brain “... which is a very complex problem.” (Haven and Khrennikov) The application of quantum physics and neuroscience in finance allows us to consider the complexity of financial decision making, while the connection between quantum physics and psychology manifests itself as the field of quantum physics seeks to understand the fundamental nature of particles. while the field of psychology seeks to explain human nature along with its inherent misconceptions.If decision-making is a process of gathering evidence in favor of different alternatives over time, the process is discontinued once the decision limit is reached, followed by choice of decision. e activity within the posterior parietal cortex several important questions remain unanswered. Neural mechanisms that support the accumulation of evidence record the activities of individual neurons in different parts of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the lateral intraparietal area (LIP).
Is There an Alternative to China?
Authors: Kosowatz John
Published: September 2020

The global supply chain shutdown during the pandemic put the spotlight on China, where the great bulk of the world’s goods are manufactured. The coronavirus highlighted the vulnerabilities of concentrating so much production in one place. Even though some industries are considering establishing new, domestic manufacturing plants in light of the vulnerabilities exposed during the first months of the COVID-19 crisis. The sheer size of the Chinese market, however, will keep a hold on U.S. and other manufacturers, at least for now.
Bifurcation and Chaos of a Spur Gear Transmission System With Non-Uniform Wear
Authors: Geng Zhibo , Xiao Ke , Li Junyang , Wang Jiaxu
Published: September 2020

In this study, a nonlinear dynamic model of a spur gear transmission system with non-uniform wear is proposed to analyze the interaction between surface wear and nonlinear dynamic characteristics. A quasi-static non-uniform wear model is presented, with consideration of the effects of operating time on mesh stiffness and gear backlash. Furthermore, a nonlinear dynamic model with six degrees-of-freedom is established considering surface friction, time-varying gear backlash, time-varying mesh stiffness, and eccentricity, and the Runge–Kutta method applied to solve this model. The bifurcation and chaos in the proposed dynamic model with the change of the operating time and the excitation frequency are investigated by bifurcation and spectrum waterfall diagrams to analyze the bifurcation characteristics and the dimensionless mesh force. It is found that surface wear is generated with a change in operating time and affects the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the spur gear system. This study provides a better understanding of nonlinear dynamic characteristics of gear transmission systems operating under actual conditions.
A Model of Mixed Lubrication for the Repeated Sliding Problem Considering the Reloading Characteristic: Application to Ring/Liner Conjunction
Authors: Gu Chunxing , Zhang Di , Ding Xiaohong , Wang Shuwen
Published: September 2020

Loading, unloading, and reloading of rough surface contacts are common for most friction pairs. However, usually, only loading characteristic is concerned in the modeling of the cyclic loading problem. In this paper, a comprehensive mathematical model of mixed lubrication was developed for the lubricated friction pairs under cyclic loading. The metal contact was calculated by an improved asperity contact model of elastic–plastic with the loading, unloading, and reloading characteristics in consideration. The developed model was applied to the ring/liner conjunction, as its contact problem was the typical cyclic loading problem. Different from the previous studies, assuming the “virgin” topography of the rough surface, the current one accounts for the plastic deformation of surface asperities, occurring during the first few cycles and leading to the significant roughness modification. It appears that considering the reloading characteristics is necessary, whether it is a Gaussian surface contact or a non-Gaussian surface contact.
Influence of the Alumina Ceramic Coating on Friction and Stability of the Iron Contacts
Authors: Sang Le Van , Sugimura Natsuko , Washizu Hitoshi
Published: September 2020

The study focuses on monitoring influence of the alumina coatings on friction and stability of the microscale iron contacts by the smoothed particle hydrodynamics. The obtained results show a better stability and a higher value of the friction coefficient of the coated surface compared to those of the uncoated one. This study also supposes that in concern of stability of the surface the coating should be done with only the substrate surface accompanied with the roughness of the coating layer. The proportion of the coated particles is found to be strongly resulting in the friction properties, and the roughness of the coating layer also slightly results in those. The surface reaches the most stability at the proportion of around 70%.
Exergetic Performance Assessment of Optimally Inclined BIPV Thermal System by Considering Cyclic Nature of Insolation
Authors: Yadav Somil , Panda S. K. , Hachem-Vermette Caroline , Tiwari G. N.
Published: September 2020

The structural and architectural elements of building-integrated photovoltaic-thermal (BIPVT) systems are made up of photovoltaic (PV) modules and these are required to be fixed at an optimum inclination angle for generating maximum exergy. This work presents an attempt to determine the amount of exergy generated by an optimally inclined double-storied BIPV thermal system by considering the actual cyclic nature of insolation, surrounding air temperature, PV cell temperature, intermediate slab temperature, and the chamber temperature. The insolation value, which is computed by an anisotropic sky model along with these cyclic variables, is used for solving the set of governing differential equations for evaluating the exergy of the system. Other influencing parameters of the BIPV thermal systems such as air changes in both chambers, packing factor of PV module, the orientation of PV module, and thickness of the intermediate slab are considered for finding its effect on the total exergy of the system. Numerical results show that for packing factor more than 0.6, there is no significant change in total heat exergy with respect to the inclination angle. For packing factor more than 0.3, the generation of electrical exergy exceeds the heat exergy, and the overall exergy of BIPVT system decreases with rise in packing factor (βm) up to 0.3 and then rises nonlinearly.
A pilot study on the influence of mouth configuration and torso on singing voice directivity
Authors: Brandner Manuel , Blandin Remi , Frank Matthias , Sontacchi Alois
Published: September 2020

Directivity of speech and singing is determined primarily by the morphology of a person, i.e., head size, torso dimensions, posture, and vocal tract. Previous works have suggested from measurements that voice directivity in singing is controlled unintentionally by spectral emphasis in the range of 2–4 kHz. The attempt is made to try to identify to what extent voice directivity is affected by the mouth configuration and the torso. Therefore, simulations, together with measurements that investigate voice directivity in more detail, are presented. Simulations are presented for a piston in an infinite baffle, a radiating spherical cap, and an extended spherical cap model, taking into account transverse propagation modes. Measurements of a classical singer, an amateur singer, and a head and torso simulator are undertaken simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical planes. In order to assess differences of voice directivity common metrics, e.g., horizontal and vertical directivity indexes, are discussed and compared to improved alternatives. The measurements and simulations reveal that voice directivity in singing is affected if the mouth opening is changed significantly. The measurements show that the torso generates side lobes due to diffraction and reflections at frequencies related to the torso's dimensions.
Interference with pancreatic sympathetic signaling halts the onset of diabetes in mice
Authors: Christoffersson Gustaf , Ratliff Sowbarnika S. , von Herrath Matthias G.
Published: September 2020

Nerve signaling in the pancreas affects the local immune response in type 1 diabetes and can be targeted to halt disease.
Low-cost measurement of face mask efficacy for filtering expelled droplets during speech
Authors: Fischer Emma P. , Fischer Martin C. , Grass David , Henrion Isaac , Warren Warren S. , Westman Eric
Published: September 2020

A simple method was developed for evaluating the efficacy of face masks to reduce respiratory droplet emission during speaking.
Best Practices for Successfully Writing and Publishing a Genome Announcement in
Microbiology Resource Announcements
Authors: Dunning Hotopp Julie C. , Baltrus David A. , Bruno Vincent M. , Dennehy John J. , Gill Steven R. , Maresca Julia A. , Matthijnssens Jelle , Newton Irene L. G. , Putonti Catherine , Rasko David A. , Rokas Antonis , Roux Simon , Stajich Jason E. , Stedman Kenneth M. , Stewart Frank J. , Thrash J. Cameron
Published: September 2020

Microbiology Resource Announcements
(MRA) provides peer-reviewed announcements of scientific resources for the microbial research community. We describe the best practices for writing an announcement that ensures that these publications are truly useful resources. Adhering to these best practices can lead to successful publication without the need for extensive revisions.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum Strain AGR1485, a Human Oral Isolate
Authors: Bailie Marc A. , Altermann Eric , Young Wayne , Roy Nicole C. , McNabb Warren C.
Published: September 2020

Lactobacillus fermentum
is found in food products and is generally considered safe.
L. fermentum
AGR1485 promotes barrier integrity in Caco-2 cells and has genetic similarities to other known probiotic
L. fermentum
strains.
L. fermentum
AGR1485 has potential as a probiotic and was sequenced to explore these probiotic properties. The genome is a 2.2-Mbp circular chromosome with no plasmids and a GC content of 51.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterobacter kobei M4-VN, Isolated from Potatoes with Soft Rot Disease
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Cong , Fujino Yasuhiro , Hiromasa Yasuaki , Doi Katsumi
Published: September 2020

Enterobacter kobei
M4-VN, isolated from potatoes with soft rot disease in Vietnam, contains a total of 4,754,309 bp with 4,424 predicted coding sequences and a G+C content of 55.1%.
Association between quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination and selected syndromes with autonomic dysfunction in Danish females: population based, self-controlled, case series analysis
Authors: Hviid Anders , Thorsen Nicklas M , Valentiner-Branth Palle , Frisch Morten , Mølbak Kåre
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association between quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination and syndromes with autonomic dysfunction, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

Design

Population-based self-controlled case series.

Setting

Information on human papillomavirus vaccinations and selected syndromes with autonomic dysfunction (chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) identified using ICD-10 (international classification of diseases, revision 10) diagnostic codes from Danish nationwide registers.

Participants

869 patients with autonomic dysfunction syndromes from a cohort of 1 375 737 Danish born female participants aged 10 to 44 years during 2007-16.

Main outcome measures

Self-controlled case series rate ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the composite outcome of chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, adjusted for age and season, comparing female participants vaccinated and unvaccinated with the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine. Chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome were also considered separately in secondary analyses.

Results

During 10 581 902 person years of follow-up, 869 female participants with syndromes of autonomic dysfunction (136 with chronic fatigue syndrome, 535 with complex regional pain syndrome, and 198 with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) were identified. Quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination did not statistically significantly increase the rate of a composite outcome of all syndromes with autonomic dysfunction in a 365 day risk period following vaccination (rate ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 1.32) or the rate of any individual syndrome in the risk period (chronic fatigue syndrome (0.38, 0.13 to 1.09), complex regional pain syndrome (1.31, 0.91 to 1.90), or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (0.86, 0.48 to 1.54)).

Conclusions

When vaccination is introduced, adverse events could occur in close temporal relation to the vaccine purely by chance. These results do not support a causal association between quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination and chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, either individually or as a composite outcome. An increased risk of up to 32% cannot be formally excluded, but the statistical power of the study suggests that a larger increase in the rate of any syndrome associated with vaccination is unlikely.
Stress among medical students: factor structure of the University Stress Scale among Italian students
Authors: Portoghese Igor , Porru Fabio , Galletta Maura , Campagna Marcello , Burdorf Alex
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the University Stress Scale (USS) among Italian medical students.

Design, setting and participants

A cross-sectional observational study based on data from an online cross-sectional survey from 11 to 23 December 2018. A total of 1858 Italian medical students participated in the study.

Outcome measures

We measured perceived stress among medical students using the USS, the Effort-Reward Imbalance Student Questionnaire (ERI-SQ) and the Kessler-10 (K10).

Results

Results showed that a bifactor-Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling solution provided excellent levels of fit to the data. Our results suggest that the modified version of 19 items of the Italian version of the USS does not have a simple unidimensional structure. Overall, an inspection of ancillary indices (omega indices, ECV and percentage of uncontaminated correlations) revealed that these were too low to suggest the use of the USS as a composite measure of university stress. We tested an alternative unidimensional short form (eight items; USS-S) that assessed all the five sources of stress. This version provided a good fit to the data. Evidence of convergent validity of the USS-S was observed by analysing the correlations between the USS and ERI-SQ (ranging from −0.34 to 0.37, all p<0.01). Finally, based on the clinical cut-off recommended on the K10, results from receiver operating characteristic showed that considering the clinical cut-off of the USS is 7.5 and that 59.70% of medical students reported stress levels in the clinical range.

Conclusion

Finally, our results showed a lack of support for using the USS to measure a general university stress factor, as the general USS factor accounted for little variance in our sample. In this sense, stress scores among Italian students can be better assessed by the use of the USS-S.
Identification and prevalence of frailty in diabetes mellitus and association with clinical outcomes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Hanlon Peter , Fauré Isabella , Corcoran Neave , Butterly Elaine , Lewsey Jim , McAllister David A , Mair Frances S
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is common and growing in prevalence, and an increasing proportion of people with diabetes are living to older age. Frailty is, therefore, becoming an important concept in diabetes. Frailty is associated with older age and describes a state of increased susceptibility to decompensation in response to physiological stress. A range of measures have been used to quantify frailty. This systematic review aims to identify measures used to quantify frailty in people with diabetes (any type); to summarise the prevalence of frailty in diabetes; and to describe the relationship between frailty and adverse clinical outcomes in people with diabetes.

Methods and analysis

Three electronic databases (Medline, Embase and Web of Science) will be searched from 2000 to November 2019 and supplemented by citation searching of relevant articles and hand searching of reference lists. Two reviewers will independently review titles, abstracts and full texts. Inclusion criteria include: (1) adults with any type of diabetes mellitus; (2) quantify frailty using any validated frailty measure; (3) report the prevalence of frailty and/or the association between frailty and clinical outcomes in people with diabetes; (4) studies that assess generic (eg, mortality, hospital admission and falls) or diabetes-specific outcomes (eg, hypoglycaemic episodes, cardiovascular events, diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy); (5) cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies. Study quality will be assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Clinical and methodological heterogeneity will be assessed, and a random effects meta-analysis performed if appropriate. Otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

This manuscript describes the protocol for a systematic review of observational studies and does not require ethical approval.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020163109.
Theory-based mobile phone text messaging intervention for blood pressure control (TEXT4BP) among hypertensive patients in Nepal: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bhandari Buna , Narasimhan Padmanesan , Vaidya Abhinav , Jayasuriya Rohan
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Uncontrolled blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease and death in Low-income and middle-income countries. Improvements to medication adherence and lifestyle changes can be assisted by using mobile phone text messaging interventions. This study aims to test the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging intervention for blood pressure control ‘(TEXT4BP)’, developed based on behavioural change theory to improve treatment adherence and lifestyle change among hypertensive patients in Nepal.

Methods and analysis

The TEXT4BP intervention will be tested using a two-arm parallel-group, unblinded, individually randomised controlled trial. This feasibility study would recruit 200 clinically diagnosed hypertensive patients aged 18–69 years, currently receiving blood pressure-lowering medication for more than 3 months, visiting a tertiary healthcare facility in Kathmandu, Nepal. A nested qualitative study will assess the acceptability of the short message service intervention. The intervention group will receive text messages containing information on hypertension, diet, medication and physical activity three times a week for 3 months. The control group will receive standard care. At baseline and 3 months, measures of medication adherence, salt intake, physical activity and blood pressure will be collected. Feasibility measures, such as differential rates of recruitment and attrition rates, will be calculated. Acceptability of text message interventions will be studied using usability measures and in-depth interviews among intervention group participants. This pilot study is not funded.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethics approval from the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee B (HC190357), Nepal Health Research Council (302/2019) and Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital Kathmandu, Nepal (030520192). The findings of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619001213134.