bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multi-proxy assessment of the impact of climate change on Late Holocene (4500-3800 BP) Native American villages of the Georgia coast
Authors: Garland Carey J. , Thompson Victor D. , Sanger Matthew C. , Smith Karen Y. , Andrus Fred T. , Lawres Nathan R. , Napora Katharine G. , Colaninno Carol E. , Compton J. Matthew , Jones Sharyn , Hadden Carla S. , Cherkinsky Alexander , Maddox Thomas , Deng Yi-Ting , Lulewicz Isabelle H. , Parsons Lindsey
Published: October 2021

Circular shell rings along the Atlantic Coast of southeastern North America are the remnants of some of the earliest villages that emerged during the Late Archaic Period (5000 – 3000 BP). Many of these villages, however, were abandoned during the Terminal Late Archaic Period (ca 3800 – 3000 BP). Here, we combine Bayesian chronological modeling with multiple environmental proxies to understand the nature and timing of environmental change associated with the emergence and abandonment of shell ring villages on Sapleo Island, Georgia. Our Bayesian models indicate that Native Americans occupied the three Sapelo shell rings at varying times with some generational overlap. By the end of the complex’s occupation, only Ring III was occupied before abandonment ca. 3845 BP. Ring III also consists of statistically smaller oysters (Crassostrea virginica) that people harvested from less saline estuaries compared to earlier occupations. These data, when integrated with recent tree ring analyses, show a clear pattern of environmental instability throughout the period in which the rings were occupied. We argue that as the climate became unstable around 4300 BP, aggregation at shell ring villages provided a way to effectively manage fisheries that are highly sensitive to environmental change. However, with the eventual collapse of oyster fisheries and subsequent rebound in environmental conditions ca. 3800 BP, people dispersed from shell rings, and shifted to non-marine subsistence economies and other types of settlements. This study provides the most comprehensive evidence correlations between large-scale environmental change and societal transformations on the Georgia coast during the Late Archaic period.
The structure of genotype-phenotype maps makes fitness landscapes navigable
Authors: Greenbury Sam F. , Louis Ard A. , Ahnert Sebastian E.
Published: October 2021

Fitness landscapes are often described in terms of ‘peaks’ and ‘valleys’, implying an intuitive low-dimensional landscape of the kind encountered in everyday experience. The space of genotypes, however, is extremely high-dimensional, which results in counter-intuitive properties of genotype-phenotype maps, such as the close proximity of one phenotype to many others. Here we investigate how common structural properties of high-dimensional genotype-phenotype maps, such as the presence of neutral networks, affect the navigability of fitness landscapes. For three biologically realistic genotype-phenotype map models—RNA secondary structure, protein tertiary structure and protein complexes—we find that, even under random fitness assignment, fitness maxima can be reached from almost any other phenotype without passing through a fitness valley. This in turn implies that true fitness valleys are very rare. By considering evolutionary simulations between pairs of real examples of functional RNA sequences, we show that accessible paths are also likely to be utilised under evolutionary dynamics.
Numerical modeling on dynamics of droplet in aircraft wing structure at different velocities
Authors: Subramani Nithya , M. Sangeetha , Kengaiah Vijayaraja , Prakash Sai
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the droplets impact on the airplane wing structure. Two kinds of characteristics of the droplet at different velocity and viscosity are assumed. The droplet is assumed to be spherical cubic form and it is injected from the convergent divergent nozzle with a passive control.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of a numerical simulation of droplet impact on the horizontal surface. The effects of impact parameters are studied. The splash effect of the droplet also visualized. The results are presented in form of stress, strain, displacement magnitude of the droplet.

Findings

Crosswire is used as passive control. The behavior of the droplet impact is observed based on the kinetic energy and the gravitational forces.

Originality/value

The results predict that smooth particle hydrodynamic designed droplet not only depend on the equation of state of the droplet but also the injection velocity from the nozzle. It also determined that droplet velocity is depending on the viscosity of the fluid.
Hybrid RANS/LES of a generic high-lift aircraft configuration near maximum lift
Authors: Probst Axel , Melber-Wilkending Stefan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to assess the feasibility of locally turbulence-resolving flow simulations for a high-lift aircraft configuration near maximum lift. It addresses the aspects of proper grid design and explores the ability of the hybrid turbulence model and the numerical scheme to automatically select adequate modes in different flow regions. By comparison with experimental and numerical reference data, the study aims to provide insights into the predictive potential of the method for high-lift flows.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies numerical flow simulations using well-established tools such as DLR's (German Aerospace Center) TAU solver and the SOLAR grid generator to study “Improved Detached Delayed Eddy Simulations” of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Standard Model at two angles of attack near maximum lift. The simulations apply a hybrid low-dissipation low-dispersion scheme and implicit time stepping with adequate temporal resolution. The simulation results, including pressure distributions and near-wall flow patterns, are assessed by comparison with experimental wind-tunnel data.

Findings

Apart from demonstrating the general feasibility of the numerical approach for complex high-lift flows, the results indicate somewhat improved maximum lift predictions compared to the Spalart–Allmaras model, which is consistent with a slightly closer agreement with measured pressure distributions and oil-flow pictures. However, the expected lift breakdown caused by an increasing inboard separation in the experiment is not well captured.

Originality/value

The study not only provides new insight into the feasibility and promising potential of hybrid turbulence-resolving methods for relevant high-lift aircraft flows but also indicates the need for further research on the numerical sensitivities, such as grid resolution or flow initialization.
The legal and institutional framework for, and challenges to the payment of reprographic fees in academic libraries in Ghana
Authors: Adu Theresa Larteley , van der Walt Thomas B.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the legal and institutional frameworks for, and the challenges to the payment of the reprographic fees in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was employed to address the objectives of the study. This involved focus group discussion sessions with twelve purposively sampled postgraduate students (six each from the private and public institutions) and the five Technical Committee members of CopyGhana; and qualitative interview sessions with the head librarians of four academic universities (two private and two public).

Findings

This study shows that CopyGhana derives its existence from Copyright Act 2005, (Act 690) section 49, and Copyright Regulations (L.I. 1962) 2010, sub-regulation 18. Copyright Regulations (L.I. 1962), 2010, sub-regulation 18 mandates CopyGhana to identify all the outfits that engage in photocopying for immediate licensing, and to protect the economic rights of foreign rightsholders within the jurisdiction of Ghana. Though students and library staff generally agree to the payment of the reprographic fees (the students however want to see it legally insulated against possible future arbitrary increases), the position of university authorities possesses a big challenge to its implementation.

Originality/value

The paper evaluated the legal and institutional frameworks for the payment of the reprographic fees, and the challenges in its implementation, and proposes that CopyGhana may have to activate its legal right to sue in order to overcome the challenges posed by university authorities, as is being done in other jurisdictions.
Topical glycopyrronium tosylate in Japanese patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis: A randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study
Authors: Yokozeki Hiroo , Fujimoto Tomoko , Wanatabe Shunsuke , Ogawa Shuhei , Fujii Chie
Published: October 2021

Glycopyrronium tosylate cloth, an anticholinergic drug, has been approved for the topical treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis in the USA, but its effects in Japanese patients have not been previously investigated. This 4‐week, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glycopyrronium tosylate cloth for primary axillary hyperhidrosis patients in Japan. Eligible patients, who were ≥9 years of age and had primary axillary hyperhidrosis ≥6 months, with gravimetrically‐measured sweat production ≥50 mg/5 min, and Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale ≥3 (moderate) were randomized 1:1:1 to once daily topical glycopyrronium tosylate 3.75%, 2.5%, or vehicle. Overall, 497 patients (163 in the glycopyrronium tosylate 3.75% group, 168 in the glycopyrronium tosylate 2.5% group, and 166 in the vehicle group, hereinafter in this order) were randomized. Statistically higher proportions of patients in the glycopyrronium tosylate groups achieved ≥2‐point improvement in Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale and ≥50% reduction in sweat production from baseline versus vehicle at week 4 (51.6%, 41.1%, and 16.4%, respectively; p < 0.001 in both cases). Higher responder rates in the glycopyrronium tosylate groups compared with the vehicle group occurred as early as week 1. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events in patients treated with glycopyrronium tosylate were photophobia, mydriasis, thirst, and dysuria. Most treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild as determined by the investigators. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events leading to treatment modification was low in the three groups. The 4‐week use of topical glycopyrronium tosylate improved the patient‐reported outcome measure Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale and objectively‐evaluated sweat production with a favorable benefit/risk profile.
Polygenic score for cigarette smoking is associated with ever electronic‐cigarette use in a college‐aged sample
Authors: Cooke Megan E. , Clifford James S. , Do Elizabeth K. , Gilman Jodi M. , Maes Hermine H. , Peterson Roseann E. , Prom‐Wormley Elizabeth C. , Evins A. Eden , Schuster Randi M. ,   Spit for Science Working group
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

Electronic cigarette use has escalated rapidly in recent years, particularly among youth. Little is known about the genetic influences on e‐cigarette use. This study aimed to determine whether genetic risk for regular use of combustible cigarettes or for number of cigarettes smoked per day confers risk for ever e‐cigarette use or frequency of e‐cigarette use.

Design, Setting, Participants, and Measurements

We used data from 9541 young adults from the Spit for Science longitudinal cohort study (2011–2019). Polygenic scores (PGS) of regular combustible cigarette use (PGS‐RCU) and cigarettes per day (PGS‐CPD) were constructed using summary statistics from the two largest available genome‐wide association study (GWAS) meta‐analysis of European ancestry and East Asian ancestry of combustible cigarette use and used to test whether the PGS of RCU or CPD predicted lifetime e‐cigarette use and frequency of past 30‐day e‐cigarette use in a diverse sample of young adults of African (AFR), Admixed American (AMR), East Asian (EAS), European (EUR), and South Asian (SAS) ancestry.

Findings

The PGS‐RCU was associated with lifetime e‐cigarette use in the EUR sample (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.19–1.36, P = 7.53 × 10−12), but not in the other subsamples (ps > 0.12). This association remained significant after excluding regular combustible cigarette smokers (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.12–1.31, P = 3.36 × 10−6). There was no statistically significant association between PGS‐CPD and lifetime e‐cigarette use and neither the PGS‐RCU nor the PGS‐CPD were associated with frequency of e‐cigarette use in the past 30 days in any of the subsamples.

Conclusions

Genetic factors associated with regular combustible cigarette use appear to be associated with ever e‐cigarette use in young adults. We did not find evidence for shared genetic factors influencing heaviness of use of combustible cigarettes and current e‐cigarette use frequency.
Persistence of infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 particles for up to 37 days in patients with mild COVID‐19
Authors: Zahn Tobias , Mhedhbi Ines , Hein Sascha , Raupach Jan , Miskey Csaba , Husria Younes , Bayanga Kathrin , Bartel Detlef , Vieths Stefan , Ivics Zoltan , Oberle Doris , Keller‐Stanislawski Brigitte , Herrlein Marie‐Luise , Maier Thorsten Jürgen , Hildt Eberhard
Published: October 2021

Background

People suffering from COVID‐19 are typically considered non‐infectious 14 days after diagnosis if symptoms have disappeared for at least 48 h. We describe three patients who independently acquired their infection. These three patients experienced mild COVID‐19 and completely recovered symptomatically within 10 days, but remained PCR‐positive in deep pharyngeal samples for at least 38 days. We attempted to isolate virus from pharyngeal swabs to investigate whether these patients still carried infectious virus.

Methods

Infectious virus was amplified in Vero E6 cells and characterized by electron microscopy and WGS. The immune response was investigated by ELISA and peptide arrays.

Results

In all three cases, infectious and replication‐competent virus was isolated and amplified in Vero E6 cells. Virus replication was detected by RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy. Electron microscopy confirmed the formation of intact SARS‐CoV‐2 particles. For a more detailed analysis, all three isolates were characterized by whole‐genome sequencing (WGS). The sequence data revealed that the isolates belonged to the 20A or 20C clade, and two mutations in ORF8 were identified among other mutations that could be relevant for establishing a long‐term infection. Characterization of the humoral immune response in comparison to patients that had fully recovered from mild COVID‐19 revealed a lack of antibodies binding to sequential epitopes of the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) for the long‐term infected patients.

Conclusion

Thus, a small portion of COVID‐19 patients displays long‐term infectivity and termination of quarantine periods after 14 days, without PCR‐based testing, should be reconsidered critically.
Approach to the basic needs in patients on invasive ventilation using eye‐tracking devices for non‐verbal communication
Authors: Ull Christopher , Hamsen Uwe , Weckwerth Christina , Schildhauer Thomas Armin , Gaschler Robert , Waydhas Christian , Jansen Oliver
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To analyze the feasibility of eye‐tracking (ET) devices as a communicative approach to the basic needs (BN) of intensive care unit (ICU) and invasively ventilated nonverbal patients.

Methods

Prospective, monocentric, and observational study including all patients without delirium, with an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube, with a history of invasive ventilation for more than 48 h, and inadequate nonverbal communication skills. The investigation was performed with commercially available ET devices (Tobii Dynavox I‐15+) to express BN of ICU patients following a standardized 30‐item yes‐or‐no questionnaire.

Results

A total of 64 patients with a mean age of 58.6 years were included. The main diagnoses for ICU admission were major trauma (43.6%), sepsis (21.8%), and acute abdomen (15.6%). Pain during repositioning (69%), thirst (69%), sleep disorders (66%), fatigue (64%), and anxiety regarding the lifelong need for assistance (64%) were the main problems reported by the patients. However, most of the patients described expectations of health improvement (78%), good family support (66%), and an improvement in quality of life due to the use of ET devices (67%).

Conclusion

The use of ET in selected ICU patients with impaired communication is feasible, allowing them to express their BN. Apart from knowing the patients' individual BN, the results of our BN questionnaire may provide guidance for improvement measures in the care of patients in the ICU who are unable to speak. We believe that ET is useful for inquiring about and expressing BN and, therefore, may be capable of improving patient‐medical team interactions and patient satisfaction.
A four‐stream method for providing variable dialysis fluid bicarbonate concentrations for bicarbonate‐based dialysis fluid delivery systems
Authors: Lew Susie Q. , Sam Ramin , Tzamaloukas Antonios H. , Ing Todd S.
Published: October 2021

Background

Hemodialysis corrects metabolic acidosis by transferring bicarbonate or bicarbonate equivalents across the dialysis membrane from the dialysis fluid to the plasma. With the conventional three‐stream bicarbonate‐based dialysis fluid delivery system, a change in the bicarbonate concentration results in changes in the other electrolytes. In practice, the dialysis machine draws either a little less or more from the bicarbonate concentrate and a little more or less from the acid concentrate, respectively in a three‐stream delivery system. The result not only changes the bicarbonate concentration of the final dialysis fluid but also causes a minor change in the other ingredients.

Methods

We propose a four‐stream bicarbonate‐based dialysis fluid delivery system consisting of an acid concentrate, a base concentrate, a product water, and a new sodium chloride concentrate.

Results

By adjusting the flow rate ratio between the sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate concentrates, one can achieve the desired bicarbonate concentration in the dialysis fluid without changing the concentration of sodium or ingredients in the acid concentrate. The chloride concentration mirrors the change in bicarbonate but in the opposite direction.

Conclusion

A four‐stream, bicarbonate‐based dialysis fluid delivery system allows the bicarbonate concentration to be changed without changing the other constituents of the final dialysis fluid.
Short series regarding uncontrolled donor after cardiac death: A call for caution
Authors: Justo Iago , Nutu Anisa , García‐Conde María , Marcacuzco Alberto , Manrique Alejandro , Calvo Jorge , García‐Sesma Álvaro , Caso Óscar , Martín‐Arriscado Carmen , Andrés Amado , Paz Estela , Jiménez‐Romero Carlos
Published: October 2021

The authors did not receive any funding for this work.
COVID‐19 restrictions should only be lifted when it is safe to do so for Aboriginal communities
Authors: Komesaroff Paul A. , Ah Chee Donna , Boffa John , Kerridge Ian , Tilton Edward
Published: October 2021

The NSW Government has proposed a blanket lifting of COVID‐19 restrictions when the proportion of fully vaccinated people rate reaches 70% of the adult population. If implemented, this would have devastating effects on Aboriginal populations. At the present time, vaccination rates in Aboriginal communities remain low. Once restrictions are lifted, unvaccinated people will be at high risk of infection. The risks of serious illness and death among Aboriginal people from a variety of medical conditions are significantly greater than for the wider population. This is also the case with COVID‐19 in First Nations populations around the world. The vulnerability of Aboriginal people is an enduring consequence of colonialism and is exacerbated by the fact that many live in overcrowded and poorly maintained houses in communities with under‐resourced health services. A current workforce crisis and the demographic structure of the population have further hindered the effectiveness of vaccination programmes. Aboriginal organisations have called on state and federal governments to delay any substantial easing of restrictions until full vaccination rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations aged 16 years and older reach 90–95%. They have also called for additional support in the form of supply of vaccines, enhancement of workforce capacity and appropriate incentives to address hesitancy. Australia remains burdened by the legacy of centuries of harm and damage to its First Nations people. Urgent steps must be taken to avoid a renewed assault on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Structural and piezoelectric properties of textured NLKNS‐CZ thick films and their application in planar piezoactuator
Authors: Chae Seok‐June , Kim Dae‐Su , Kim Hero , Go Su‐Hwan , Kim Sun‐Woo , Kim Eun‐Ji , Eum Jae‐Min , Kim In‐Su , Nahm Sahn
Published: October 2021

0.97(Na0.5‐xLixK0.5)(Nb0.89Sb0.11)O3‐0.03CaZrO3 [(N0.5‐xLxK)(NS)‐CZ] piezoceramic (x = 0.325) has a pseudocubic‐tetragonal‐orthorhombic (PC‐T‐O) multi‐structure. The PC structure formed in this piezoceramic was identified as the R3m rhombohedral structure. This piezoceramic showed the large piezoelectric charge constant (d33) of 515 pC/N due to the PC‐T‐O multi‐structure. The NaNbO3 (NN) templates were used to texture the (N0.5‐xLxK)(NS)‐CZ thick films along the (001) direction, and the textured thick film (x = 0.0375) had a large Lotgering factor of 95.6%. The PC‐T‐O multi‐structure was observed in this thick film (x = 0.0375), but the thick film (x = 0.0325) showed a PC‐O structure owing to the diffusion of the NN templates into the thick film. The textured thick film (x = 0.0375) exhibited an increased d33 of 625 pC/N because of the PC‐T‐O multi‐structure and the lineup of grains along the [001] direction. A textured thick film (x = 0.0375) was used to fabricate a planar‐type actuator to confirm its applicability to electrical devices. This actuator exhibits large acceleration (580.3 G) and displacement (150 μm) at a low electric field of 0.2 kV/mm with a short response time of 3.0 ms. Therefore, the (N0.5‐xLxK)(NS)‐CZ thick films are excellent lead‐free piezoceramics.
Geography and regional economic growth: The high cost of deviating from nature
Authors: Albalate Daniel , Bel Germà , Mazaira‐Font Ferran A.
Published: October 2021

We analyze the role of nature and geography in determining economic and social outcomes. We propose a theoretical model relating geography and nature to economic growth, and examine that model using data from NUTS 2 European regions. By doing this, we identify the predictive power of first‐nature variables to explain regional population distribution. Then we analyze the effects of misadjustment between the actual and predicted distribution of populations on economic performance. Our results indicate that deviating from first‐nature outcomes has a significant negative effect on economic growth. The main policy implication emerging from our analysis is that strategies that harmonize with nature and geography yield better social welfare than those policies that conflict with them.
Imperfect high‐resolution manometry studies: Prevalence and predictive factors
Authors: Hengehold Tricia , Rogers Benjamin , Gyawali C. Prakash
Published: October 2021

Background

Imperfect high‐resolution manometry (HRM) studies can impact clinical management of patients with esophageal symptoms.

Methods

Esophageal high‐resolution manometry (HRM) studies attempted and/or performed by trained motility operators at a tertiary care center over a 2‐year period were identified. When studies were attempted but not completed, reasons for an imperfect study (critically imperfect = LES not adequately traversed; non‐critically imperfect = diaphragm not traversed), and point of identification (identified by motility nurse vs. identified on physician review) were recorded. Prevalence and clinical predictors of critically and non‐critically imperfect studies were determined.

Key Results

Of 962 HRM studies attempted in 951 patients, 33 (3.4%) were critically imperfect (17 curled catheters), and 125 (13.0%) were non‐critically imperfect. A third of critically imperfect studies, and 64.7% of curled catheters had achalasia, while 99.2% of non‐critically imperfect studies had large hiatus hernias. Motility nurses detected 90.9% of critically imperfect and 55.8% of non‐critically imperfect studies in real‐time (p < 0.001). Achalasia independently predicted curled catheters; large hiatus hernias predicted non‐critically imperfect studies (p < 0.001 for each). Compared to technically perfect studies, catheter curling was encountered more often in older patients, catheter intolerance in younger patients, and non‐critically imperfect studies in females (p < 0.001 for each). No critical motor disorder was identified in intolerant patients.

Conclusions and Inferences

Achalasia should be suspected when a curled catheter is encountered especially in older patients, while intolerant patients do not have critical motor disorders. Critically imperfect HRM studies are rare when performed by trained motility operators, which are identified in real time and aborted.
Social Information Disclosure of Friends in Common in an E‐commerce Platform Ecosystem: An Online Experiment
Authors: Rong Ke , Zhou Di , Shi Xinwei , Huang Wei
Published: October 2021

Real social information is believed to cause a trust–privacy paradox in e‐commerce platforms, with the degree of information disclosure affecting platform performance. In this study, we split the mixed influence into the direct trust mechanism and the indirect privacy mechanism, studying each in the context of partial and full social information disclosure, respectively. Using unique data from an 80‐day large‐scale online experiment conducted in an e‐commerce platform in China, we show that a partial social information disclosure could reduce the conversion rate, while a full social information disclosure could promote both the conversion and sales rates of the e‐commerce platform through a trust mechanism. Moreover, social information disclosure would reduce the sales rate and promote the conversion rate through a privacy mechanism. However, even though the degree of privacy could enhance the privacy mechanism, this mechanism is still much weaker than a trust mechanism. Overall, social information could play a positive role in e‐commerce platforms if it is fully disclosed. This study encourages cooperation between social media platforms and e‐commerce platforms by introducing a real social relationship into the online trading market.
Ownership and use of insecticide‐treated nets under Ghana’s National Malaria Control Program: What are the correlates?
Authors: Bawuah Alex , Ampaw Samuel
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Ghana's National Malaria Control Program distributes free insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs) as a malaria control measure. Some households with the ITN do not use it, however. This paper explores the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of ITN ownership and use among Ghanaian families.

Methods

Data on 5741 households were obtained from the 2019 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey. The survey is a nationally representative survey that obtains data on malaria‐related issues. Negative binomial and Tobit regressions were applied to achieve the study’s objectives.

Results

Residence (rural‐urban), wealth, and administrative region emerged as the most important predictors of ITN ownership and usage in Ghana. The results favoured rural and non‐Greater Accra residents. However, wealth had a contrasting association with ITN ownership and use. Whereas affluent households owned more ITNs than the extremely poor, the latter used them more. Also, age and household size were significant for ITN ownership. Both variables had a nonlinear (inverted U‐shaped) relationship with ITN ownership. In contrast, the proportion of household members under 5 and the bed net‐to‐household size ratio were positive and statistically significant determinants of ITN use.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need to effectively target the poor, especially in rural areas, for ITNs under the NMCP instead of universal distribution.
Fracture outcome definitions in observational osteoporosis drug effects studies: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Konstantelos Natalia , Rzepka Anna M. , Cadarette Suzanne M.
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The objective of this review is to describe fracture outcome definitions in observational osteoporosis drug effects studies from Canada and the United States.

Introduction:

Health care administrative data are commonly utilized in pharmacoepidemiologic studies. These data are used to define outcomes, such as fractures, and are critical to determining real-world safety and effectiveness of medications. However, there is no current standard for fracture outcome definitions in observational studies. As a result, fractures are inconsistently defined. To inform future research, a synthesis of how fractures are defined in observational studies using health care administrative claims data is needed. Providing clarity on how fractures are defined will provide guidance for future research.

Inclusion criteria:

We will include observational studies from the United States and Canada that consider the impact of osteoporosis pharmacotherapies on fracture risk and leverage health care administrative data.

Methods:

This review will follow the three-step JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published in English from 2000 to the present. Following de-duplication, titles and abstracts will be screened independently by two reviewers. We will then conduct full-text screening for eligible studies. In addition, Canadian and US government pharmacovigilance websites will be searched to identify gray literature. Data extraction will be completed by two reviewers. Results will be presented in figures and in tabular format.
Barriers to and facilitators of engagement with early-intervention services by pregnant people at risk of child removal: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Hermes Isabelle , Cibich Mikaela , Woodyatt Lydia , Finan Samantha , Hines Sonia
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The objective of this review is to synthesize existing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods evidence in order to identify and examine the barriers to and facilitators of engagement with early-intervention services by pregnant people at risk of child removal.

Introduction:

Early intervention and prevention is key to reducing the risk of child abuse, neglect, and removal. Prenatal screening and referral to appropriate treatment and supports underpins best practice early-intervention responses. However, research suggests that pregnant people most in need of support services are often those least likely to engage with them. For early intervention to work, the barriers and facilitators of prenatal engagement must be identified and addressed within service and practice approaches with this group.

Inclusion criteria:

This mixed methods systematic review will consider qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies of pregnant people at risk of child removal. Studies will be considered if they report on barriers to or facilitators of engagement in early-intervention services that address risk factors for child removal.

Methods:

The systematic review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews. A range of databases will be searched, including Informit online, MEDLINE (Ovid), ProQuest Central and Social Sciences Premium, PsycINFO (Ovid), and Scopus (Elsevier). Critical appraisal and data extraction for studies meeting the inclusion criteria will be performed by two reviewers using standardized JBI tools. Data synthesis will follow the convergent integrated approach to mixed methods systematic reviews.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021254794
Responses to government-imposed restrictions: The sound of Australia's church bells one year after the onset of COVID-19
Authors: Parker Murray , Spennenmann Dirk H. R.
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how a stochastic disruptive event can dramatically alter community soundscapes. Whilst religious bells have symbolism in many worldwide faiths, the sound emanating from church bells can be considered public domain and therefore, is not exclusive to the church. Pandemic-related interruption of these sounds impacts not only the church involved, but both the surrounding soundscape and any members of the community who ascribe value to these sounds. This paper examines the soundscape of Christian churches in the states of New South Wales and Victoria, to give an Australian perspective one year after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. It provides an update of the situation in Australia, building on our previous work from August of that year. In doing so, it explores the activity of church tower bell ringing, and how this “non-essential” activity has been affected, both during and subsequent to the heavy community restrictions applied in Australia. The paper also explores what lengths bellringers have undertaken to be permitted to conduct such activities, such as the use of adaptive measures due to “social distancing”, and considers what implications this enforced silence has in similar soundscapes elsewhere in the world.
Acoustic propagation in gassy intertidal marine sediments: An experimental study
Authors: Leighton Timothy G. , Dogan Hakan , Fox Paul , Mantouka Agni , Best Angus I. , Robb Gary B. R. , White Paul R.
Published: October 2021

The need to predict acoustic propagation through marine sediments that contain gas bubbles has become increasingly important for civil engineering and climate studies. There are relatively few in situ acoustic wave propagation studies of muddy intertidal sediments, in which bubbles of biogenic gas (generally methane, a potent greenhouse gas) are commonly found. We used a single experimental rig to conduct two in situ intertidal acoustical experiments to improve understanding of acoustic remote sensing of gassy sediments, eventually including gas bubble size distributions. In the first experiment, we measured sediment sound speed and attenuation between four aligned hydrophones for a quasi-plane wave propagating along the array. The second experiment involved a focused insonified sediment volume created by two transducers emitting coincident sound beams at different frequencies that generated bubble-mediated acoustic signals at combination frequencies. The results from sediment core analyses, and comparison of in situ acoustic velocity and attenuation values with those of water-saturated sediments, together provide ample evidence for the presence of in situ gas bubbles in the insonified volumes of sediments. These datasets are suitable for linear and non-linear inversion studies that estimate in situ greenhouse gas bubble populations, needed for future acoustical remote sensing applications.
A wideband tonpilz transducer with a transverse through-hole in the radiating head
Authors: He Xiping , Zhu Xingmin , Wu Zihao , Kang Xiaoyan , Wang Yanjun
Published: October 2021

We propose a rectangular transverse through-hole wideband tonpilz transducer using multimode coupling. To excite a vibration mode that can be coupled with the longitudinal vibration for broadening the frequency band, a rectangular through-hole is opened at a certain distance from the front head of the conventional longitudinal vibration tonpilz transducer. To achieve the best bandwidth, the finite element method was used to optimize the length and width of the through-hole and the distance between the front end of the hole and the end surface of the front head. In addition, to obtain the best hole position and size, a prototype tonpilz transducer was developed. The test results show that the transducer has three main operating modes within 12–32.5 kHz, and the latter two modes contribute to the widening of operating bandwidth. A longitudinal vibration tonpilz transducer of the same size with no hole has a 3 dB bandwidth of only 3 kHz, whereas the holed transducer has a bandwidth of 10.5 kHz. Effectively expanding the working bandwidth shows that the theoretical calculations and experimental results are in good agreement.
Response patterns to vowel formant perturbations in children
Authors: Cheung Stephanie T. , Thompson Kristen , Chen Joyce L. , Yunusova Yana , Beal Deryk S.
Published: October 2021

Auditory feedback is an important component of speech motor control, but its precise role in developing speech is less understood. The role of auditory feedback in development was probed by perturbing the speech of children 4–9 years old. The vowel sound /ɛ/ was shifted to /æ/ in real time and presented to participants as their own auditory feedback. Analyses of the resultant formant magnitude changes in the participants' speech indicated that children compensated and adapted by adjusting their formants to oppose the perturbation. Older and younger children responded to perturbation differently in F1 and F2. The compensatory change in F1 was greater for younger children, whereas the increase in F2 was greater for older children. Adaptation aftereffects were observed in both groups. Exploratory directional analyses in the two-dimensional formant space indicated that older children responded more directly and less variably to the perturbation than younger children, shifting their vowels back toward the vowel sound /ɛ/ to oppose the perturbation. Findings support the hypothesis that auditory feedback integration continues to develop between the ages of 4 and 9 years old such that the differences in the adaptive and compensatory responses arise between younger and older children despite receiving the same auditory feedback perturbation.
Journey From Control to Liberation: Exploring Student-Athletes’ Physical Activity Perceptions and Experiences in the Transition Out of Collegiate Sport
Authors: Reifsteck Erin J. , Newton Jamian D. , Smith Melinda B. , Davis Brooks DeAnne , Anderson Shelby N.
Published: October 2021

There is growing interest in how athletes’ physical activity participation may be impacted when they transition out of competitive sport; however, few studies have examined the process of physical activity transitions in collegiate student-athletes using a qualitative approach. The purpose of our study was to explore student-athletes’ perceptions of, and experiences with, physical activity in the transition out of collegiate sport. Our analysis of transcripts from 13 focus groups conducted with current and former student-athletes (n = 59) suggests that student-athletes experienced a journey from control to liberation as they transitioned into their postcompetitive lives. In this exciting yet challenging transitional journey, participants were faced with navigating newfound autonomy over their physical activity outside of the controlled environment of collegiate sports and were considering the value and meaning of physical activity within a health promoting context. We offer practical recommendations from these findings to support student-athletes in this transition.
Did kindness prime our species for language?
Authors: Erard Michael , Matacic Catherine
Published: October 2021

Animal studies suggest tameness was key to language evolution.
A place in the sun
Authors: Sokol Joshua
Published: October 2021

Spacecraft are venturing closer than ever to the sun to probe its mysterious atmosphere.
Wheat—the cereal abandoned by GM
Authors: Wulff Brande B. H. , Dhugga Kanwarpal S.
Published: October 2021

Genetic modification of wheat for disease resistance could help stabilize food production
Comment on “Genomic signals of selection predict climate-driven population declines in a migratory bird”
Authors: Fitzpatrick Matthew C. , Keller Stephen R. , Lotterhos Katie E.
Published: October 2021

Bay
et al
. (Reports, 5 January 2018, p. 83) combine genomics, spatial modeling, and future climate scenarios to examine yellow warbler population trends in response to climate change, and they suggest that their methods can inform conservation. We discuss problems in their statistical analyses and explain why the concept of “genomic vulnerability” needs further validation before application to real-world conservation problems.
Response to Comment on “Genomic signals of selection predict climate-driven population declines in a migratory bird”
Authors: Bay Rachael A. , Harrigan Ryan J. , Buermann Wolfgang , Underwood Vinh Le , Gibbs H. Lisle , Smith Thomas B. , Ruegg Kristen
Published: October 2021

Fitzpatrick
et al
. discuss issues that they had with analyses and interpretation in our recent manuscript on genomic correlates of climate in yellow warblers. We provide evidence that our findings would not change with different analysis and maintain that our study represents a promising direction for integrating the potential for climate adaptation as one of many tools in conservation management.
Poetic and polemic
Third Thoughts
Steven Weinberg
Belknap Press, 2018, 240 pp.
Authors: Livio Mario
Published: October 2021

A physicist muses on science, politics, space, and more
Revisiting an IgG Fc Loss-of-Function Experiment: the Role of Complement in HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibody b12 Activity
Authors: Goldberg Benjamin S. , Kaku Chengzi I. , Dufloo Jérémy , Bruel Timothée , Schwartz Olivier , Spencer David A. , Hessell Ann J. , Ackerman Margaret E.
Published: October 2021

Given the suboptimal outcome of VRC01 antibody-mediated prevention of HIV-1 infection in its first field trial, means to improve diverse antiviral activitiesin vivohave renewed importance. This work revisits a loss-of-function experiment that investigated the mechanism of action of b12, a similar antibody, and finds that the reason why complement-mediated antiviral activities were not observed to contribute to protection may be the inherent lack of activity of wild-type b12, raising the prospect that this mechanism may contribute in the context of other HIV-specific antibodies.
Lipidation of Class IV CdiA Effector Proteins Promotes Target Cell Recognition during Contact-Dependent Growth Inhibition
Authors: Halvorsen Tiffany M. , Garza-Sánchez Fernando , Ruhe Zachary C. , Bartelli Nicholas L. , Chan Nicole A. , Nguyen Josephine Y. , Low David A. , Hayes Christopher S.
Published: October 2021

Contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) is a common form of interbacterial competition in which cells use CdiA effectors to deliver toxic proteins into their neighbors. CdiA recognizes target bacteria through specific receptor molecules on the cell surface.
Transcriptomics Reveals the Putative Mycoparasitic Strategy of the Mushroom
Entoloma abortivum
on Species of the Mushroom Genus
Armillaria
Authors: Koch Rachel A. , Herr Joshua R.
Published: October 2021

By studying fungi that parasitize other fungi, we can understand the basic biology of these unique interactions. Studies focused on the genetic mechanisms regulating mycoparasitism between host and parasite have thus far concentrated on a single fungal lineage within the Ascomycota.
Chasing Ghosts: Race, Racism, and the Future of Microbiome Research
Authors: De Wolfe Travis J. , Arefin Mohammed Rafi , Benezra Amber , Rebolleda Gómez María
Published: October 2021

In this article, we argue that a careful examination of human microbiome science’s relationship with race and racism is necessary to foster equitable social and ecological relations in the field. We point to the origins and evolution of the problematic use of race in microbiome literature by demonstrating the increased usage of race both explicitly and implicitly in and beyond the human microbiome sciences.
Distinct Responses of Rare and Abundant Microbial Taxa to
In Situ
Chemical Stabilization of Cadmium-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Xu Min , Huang Qiaoyun , Xiong Zhenqian , Liao Hao , Lv Zhenguang , Chen Wenli , Luo Xuesong , Hao Xiuli
Published: October 2021

Understanding the ecological roles of rare and abundant species in the restoration of soil ecosystem functions is crucial to remediation of heavy metal-polluted soil. Our study assessed the efficiencies of five commonly used soil amendments on recovery of ecosystem multifunctionality and emphasized the relative contributions of rare and abundant microbial communities to ecosystem multifunctionality.
Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Microbiome Research and Training
Authors: Foxx Alicia J. , Franco Meléndez Karla P. , Hariharan Janani , Kozik Ariangela J. , Wattenburger Cassandra J. , Godoy-Vitorino Filipa , Rivers Adam R.
Published: October 2021

This article proposes ways to improve inclusion and training in microbiome science and advocates for resource expansion to improve scientific capacity across institutions and countries. Specifically, we urge mentors, collaborators, and decision-makers to commit to inclusive and accessible research and training that improves the quality of microbiome science and begins to rectify long-standing inequities imposed by wealth disparities and racism that stall scientific progress.
Neurological injury from virtual reality mishap
Authors: Warner Natasha , Teo James T
Published: October 2021

Consumer virtual reality systems are becoming increasingly popular with the increasing availability of devices and gamified technologies. Self-sustained injury risks exist with the use of this technology in the uncontrolled home environment, however, the public awareness of these risks may not be recognised. We present a case of a low- impact virtual reality fall resulting in spinal cord injury, hypoglossal nerve injury, vertebral artery dissection and traumatic brain injury.
Sulfasalazine-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) with concomitant acute chikungunya virus infection: possible role of new viral trigger
Authors: Sil Abheek , Bhattacharjee Moni Sankar , Chandra Atanu , Pramanik Jayasri Das
Published: October 2021

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is designated as a potentially lethal adverse drug effect with characteristic signs and symptoms such as skin rash, fever, leucocytosis with eosinophilia or atypical lymphocytes, lymphadenopathy and liver or renal dysfunction. In addition to most commonly implicated drug category (aromatic anticonvulsants), lamotrigine, sulfonamides, dapsone and abacavir may also induce this syndrome. We describe here a case a sulfasalazine-induced DRESS with coexisting chikungunya fever. The shared presentation of fever with rash in both conditions made it a challenging diagnosis. Sulfasalazine hypersensitivity manifesting as DRESS has rarely been reported. Furthermore, we document chikungunya virus (CV) as a possible triggering agent for DRESS. To the best of our knowledge, CV as a viral aetiology in DRESS has not been reported previously in the literature.