bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gravo‐aeroelastic scaling of a 13‐MW downwind rotor for 20% scale blades
Authors: Kaminski Meghan , Noyes Carlos , Loth Eric , Damiani Rick , Hughes Scott , Bay Christopher , Chetan Mayank , Griffith D. Todd , Johnson Kathryn , Martin Dana
Published: September 2020

A 105‐m, 13‐MW two‐bladed downwind Segmented Ultralight Morphing Rotor (SUMR‐13) blade was gravo‐aeroelastically scaled by 20% to a 20.87‐m‐long demonstrator blade and confirmed through structural ground testing. The subscale model was achieved through geometric scaling and by aeroelastic scaling principles based on operational flapwise deflections combined with rotational and structural frequencies while retaining the turbine tip‐speed ratio. In particular, the subscale demonstrator was designed to replicate, as closely as possible, the nondimensional geometry, the ratio of centrifugal to gravitational moments, the tip‐speed ratio, and the nondimensional rotation rate. The intent for this demonstrator was to achieve the same nondimensional flapwise blade deflections and dynamics of the full‐scale 13‐MW rotor. The manufactured SUMR‐D blade resulted in less than half of the mass of the conventional two‐bladed Controls Advanced Research Turbine (CART2) rotor blade based on scaling and a lower power rating, though with some differences in mass and stiffness from the ideal scaled‐down design to meet safety requirements at the test site. To achieve proper scaling, operational pitch control set points were altered to account for the differences by evaluating simulated operation of both the SUMR‐13 and SUMR‐D rotors. Structural testing of the SUMR‐D blade investigated the response to well‐defined flapwise loads and indicated that the subscale blade had the appropriate elastic properties needed for both scaling and for safe operational field testing.
Microbiomes other than the gut: inflammaging and age-related diseases
Authors: Santoro Aurelia , Zhao Jiangchao , Wu Lu , Carru Ciriaco , Biagi Elena , Franceschi Claudio
Published: September 2020

During the course of evolution, bacteria have developed an intimate relationship with humans colonizing specific body sites at the interface with the body exterior and invaginations such as nose, mouth, lung, gut, vagina, genito-urinary tract, and skin and thus constituting an integrated meta-organism. The final result has been a mutual adaptation and functional integration which confers significant advantages to humans and bacteria. The immune system of the host co-evolved with the microbiota to develop complex mechanisms to recognize and destroy invading microbes, while preserving its own bacteria. Composition and diversity of the microbiota change according to development and aging and contribute to humans’ health and fitness by modulating the immune system response and inflammaging and vice versa. In the last decades, we experienced an explosion of studies on the role of gut microbiota in aging, age-related diseases, and longevity; however, less reports are present on the role of the microbiota at different body sites. In this review, we describe the key steps of the co-evolution between Homo sapiens and microbiome and how this adaptation can impact on immunosenescence and inflammaging. We briefly summarized the role of gut microbiota in aging and longevity while bringing out the involvement of the other microbiota.
Cutting duration and performance parameters of a harvester’s sawing unit under real working conditions
Authors: Prinz Robert , Väätäinen Kari , Routa Johanna
Published: September 2020

Amongst all the working elements of single grip harvesters, the working elements of felling and processing play an important role within the cut-to-length (CTL) harvester’s working phases. This includes the felling cutting and cross-cutting of stems within the felling and processing operation. The detailed investigation of such individual machine activities may help to analyse and improve the performance of forest machines. The objective of this study was to investigate the cutting duration and other performance parameters, including the fuel consumption, of a CTL harvester’s sawing unit under real working conditions. Detailed information on the felling cutting and cross-cutting performance was collected at short intervals using CAN bus data of two single grip harvesters in final felling from two different sites in Eastern Finland. As a result, models for effective time consumption in the work phase of cutting as a function of stem size were developed, both for felling cutting and cross-cutting. Felling cutting and cross-cutting durations were somewhat identical until the cutting diameters of 400–450 mm, depending on the site. Thereafter, the cutting time difference increased and was higher in felling cutting. At the site with large diameters of 550–650 mm, the difference varied between 15% and 28%, between the comparisons of formulae. In addition, other performance parameters, including the respective fuel consumption of this working phase, were part of the study. The study revealed a higher hourly based fuel consumption for the entire guide bar movement time compared to the pure cutting time in cross-cutting with stem diameters below 400 mm. Detailed knowledge of the performance of the sawing unit’s activities might help the planning process of future studies, as well as support the future development of efficient and intelligent machinery.
Addressing Aggression in the Residential Setting for Juveniles with Mild Intellectual Disability through Training in Non-Violent Resistance
Authors: Visser K. M. , Jansen L. M. C. , Popma A. , Vermeiren R. R. J. M. , Kasius M. C.
Published: September 2020

Background

Levels of aggression are high in residential settings for juveniles with Mild Intellectual Disability (MID). As a result, treatment is less effective, aggression causes injury, traumatic experiences and longer inhabitation for juveniles. Additionally, inpatient aggression has been linked to burnout and stress among group workers, which has negative consequences such as less job satisfaction or poorer work performance

Objective

Therefore, it is crucial to diminish aggressive incidents in these settings and to find a way for staff how to respond to aggression properly.

Methods

As there is no intervention method which tackles all of the referred problems efficiently, a new method Non-violent Resistance for MID was introduced into three residential settings for juveniles with MID, in a quasi-experimental stepped wedge design. Reports of aggressive incidents were assessed seven times before, during and after the training in NVR-MID on group level. Multilevel analyses were carried out in order to assess the development of the aggressive incidents over time.

Results

Aggressive incidents decreased significantly in time during and after training in NVR-MID, this decrease is seen in all three institutions. Thus, regardless of resident’s age, gender or IQ, NVR-MID seemed successful in diminishing aggressive incidents. Furthermore, a significant interaction effect was found between institution and time, indicating that regardless if incidents of aggression were relatively high at baseline, decrease in incidents was similar to institutions where incidents were relatively low on baseline.

Conclusions

Implementing NVR-MID into residential settings for juveniles with MID and comorbid behavioral problems might help to decrease aggressive incidents.
A review of technologies for collaborative online information seeking: On the contribution of collaborative argumentation
Authors: Mayweg-Paus Elisabeth , Zimmermann Maria , Le Nguyen-Thinh , Pinkwart Niels
Published: September 2020

In everyday life, people seek, evaluate, and use online sources to underpin opinions and make decisions. While education must promote the skills people need to critically question the sourcing of online information, it is important, more generally, to understand how to successfully promote the acquisition of any skills related to seeking online information. This review outlines technologies that aim to support users when they collaboratively seek online information. Upon integrating psychological–pedagogical approaches on trust in and the sourcing of online information, argumentation, and computer-supported collaborative learning, we reviewed the literature (N = 95 journal articles) on technologies for collaborative online information seeking. The technologies we identified either addressed collaborative online information seeking as an exclusive process for searching for online information or, alternatively, addressed online information seeking within the context of a more complex learning process. Our review was driven by three main research questions: We aimed to understand whether and how the studies considered 1) the role of trust and critical questioning in the sourcing of online information, 2) the learning processes at play when information seekers engage in collaborative argumentation, and 3) what affordances are offered by technologies that support users’ collaborative seeking of online information. The reviewed articles that focused exclusively on technologies for seeking online information primarily addressed aspects of cooperation (e.g., task management), whereas articles that focused on technologies for integrating the processes of information seeking into the entire learning processes instead highlighted aspects of collaborative argumentation (e.g., exchange of multiple perspectives and critical questioning in argumentation). Seven of the articles referred to trust as an aspect of seekers’ sourcing strategies. We emphasize how researchers’, users’, and technology developers’ consideration of collaborative argumentation could expand the benefits of technological support for seeking online information.
Conditional Action and Quantum Versions of Maxwell’s Demon
Authors: Schmidt Heinz-Jürgen
Published: September 2020

We propose a new way of looking at the quantum Maxwell’s demon problem in terms of conditional action. A “conditional action” on a system is a unitary time evolution, selected according to the result of a previous measurement, which can reduce the entropy of the system. However, any conditional action can be realized by an (unconditional) unitary time evolution of a larger system and a subsequent Lüders measurement, whereby the entropy of the entire system is either increased or remains constant. We give some examples that illustrate and confirm our proposal, including the erasure of N qubits and the Szilard engine, thus relating the present approach to the Szilard principle and the Landauer principle that have been discussed as possible solutions of the Maxwell’s demon problem.
Mitigation of grain boundary resistance in La2/3-xLi3xTiO3 perovskite as an electrolyte for solid-state Li-ion batteries
Authors: Polczyk Tomasz , Zając Wojciech , Ziąbka Magdalena , Świerczek Konrad
Published: September 2020

In this work, we report that modification of the chemical composition of grain boundaries of La2/3-xLi3xTiO3 double perovskite, one of the most promising Li-ion conducting solid electrolytes, can be a convenient and versatile way of controlling the space charge potential, leading to a mitigated electrical resistance of the grain boundaries. Two groups of additives are investigated: lithium-enriching agents (Li3BO3, LiF) and 3d metal ions (Co2+, Cu2+), both expected to reduce the Schottky barrier. It is observed that Li-containing additives work effectively at a higher sintering temperature of 1250 °C. Regarding copper, it shows a much stronger positive impact at lower temperature, 1150 °C, while the addition of cobalt is always detrimental. Despite overall complex behavior, it is documented that the decreased space charge potential plays a more important role in the improvement of lithium conduction than the thickness of the grain boundaries. Among the proposed additives, modification of La2/3-xLi3xTiO3 by 2 mol.% Cu2+ results in the space charge potential reduction by 32 mV in relation to the reference sample, and the grain boundary specific conductivity increase by 80%, as measured at 30 °C. Introduced additive allows to obtain a similar effect on the conductivity as elevating the sintering temperature, which can facilitate manufacturing procedure.

Graphic abstract
Composition variation and electron irradiation effects on the fluctuation conductivity in Y1–zPrzBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystals
Authors: Chroneos A. , Kolesnikov D. D. , Taranova I. A. , Matsepulin A. V. , Vovk R. V.
Published: September 2020

A comparative analysis of the changes in the fluctuation conductivity and characteristics of the superconducting state of YBa2Cu3O7–δ single crystals caused by various types of defects is carried out. These defects appeared due to irradiation with high-energy electrons (radiation doses from 1.4 to 8.8 1018 cm–2), changes in oxygen deficiency (0.08 ≤ δ ≤ 0.23) due to annealing at different temperatures, or doping with praseodymium (Y1–zPrzBa2Cu3O7−δ, 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.5 at optimal oxygen concentration). It is shown that the introduction of such defects leads to a significant expansion of the temperature range of the existence of excess conductivity, and upon doping with praseodymium, it also leads to the appearance of a thermally activated deflection on the temperature dependence of the electrical resistance. The effect of such defects on the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, and the coherence length along the c axis, ξc(0), is studied. In particular, ξc(0) more than quadruples (at z = 0.43), while the 2D-3D crossover point shifts towards higher temperatures. Possible reasons for the suppression of superconductivity in YBa2Cu3O7–δ upon irradiation with fast electrons and the qualitatively different temperature dependences of its resistivity in the basal plane, ρab (T), are discussed.
Investigation of the Presence and Possible Migration from Microplastics of Phthalic Acid Esters and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Kida Małgorzata , Koszelnik Piotr
Published: September 2020

The work detailed here examined the presence and possibility of leaching of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from various products in everyday use. Due to the complicated matrix, which is plastic, extraction parameters should be selected separately each time. The properties of both the extractant and the material selected for testing should also be taken into account, which is very difficult in practice. In addition, when designing new methods, it is particularly important to take into account the principles of green chemistry so as not to burden the environment additionally. For this purpose, it is important to know the factors that affect the extraction of impurities. Therefore, the main objective was to assess the impact of selected environmental conditions on the process by which such pollutants in plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and rubber migrate. Analysis inter alia addressed the impacts of type of plastic, migration time, temperature and microplastic particle size. It proved possible to note the presence in PVC and rubber of both PAEs and PAHs—as substances posing a particular threat to the environment. One of the former is the commonly-used plasticiser di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a listed priority hazardous substance under the provisions of Directive 2013/39/EU as regards priority substances in the field of water policy. As monitoring of this substance in the environment indicates amounts that are increasing steadily, the design of effective removal methods needs to start with initial estimates of amounts appearing in the environment over time. Main sources need to be explored, albeit in the certain knowledge that the ubiquitous microplastics are among these, inter alia as influenced by elution mechanisms. An attempt was also made to identify and characterise other auxiliary substances added to plastics as they are being produced. Indeed, chromatograms and GC/MS spectra suggest leaching of many other plastic substances. Relationships between eluted pollutants were also sought.
Informal Elderly Caregiving and Time Spent on Leisure: Evidence from Time Use Survey
Authors: Rokicka Magdalena , Zajkowska Olga
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the risk of time poverty defined as leisure participation among informal caregivers of adults and older people. We draw on the most recent time use survey conducted in Poland, which incorporated more than 28,000 households in 2013. We assess the extent to which caregivers are more likely to experience shortages of time spent on physical activity, hobbies, and social life. Additional information about respondents’ time preferences allows us to examine not only the objective and relative time deficits of caregivers, but also the subjective and expressed ones. We distinguish between co-resident caregivers and those living outside the household of care recipients, simultaneously accounting for the differences between male and female caregivers, as well as care provided during working days (Monday-Friday), and that provided on weekends (Saturday-Sunday). Our results indicate that caregivers for adults are in general more likely to allocate less time to physical activity, hobbies, and their social lives. This effect, however, is observed primarily among co-resident caregivers, both male and female. The leisure time of caregivers is more noticeably affected during weekends than on working days. Concurrently, caregivers are more likely to admit that they wish to spend more time on different forms of leisure activity. This confirms the hypothesis of a trade-off between time allocated to elderly care and that allocated to self-care, which can be detrimental to the health, life satisfaction, and wellbeing of informal caregivers.
“It’s on the ‘nice to have’ pile”: Potential principles to improve the implementation of socially inclusive Green Infrastructure
Authors: Fisher Dan , Blackstock Kirsty , Irvine Katherine
Published: September 2020

Green Infrastructure (GI) research tends to focus on the need for GI to enhance ecological processes, its potential to provide health and economic benefits, and on the barriers preventing its uptake. Yet there has been inadequate focus on the social aspects of GI. In the United Kingdom (UK) the need for GI is well established, such that policymakers and planners are now turning to the question of how GI should be implemented. Drawing on a mixed method research approach centring on practitioner experience, this paper identifies potential social principles that underpin GI and questions the extent to which these are being implemented in the UK. Results highlight the hitherto unexplored complexities of GI maintenance, the effects of austerity politics, and the role of local-level power dynamics on the implementation of GI. Findings have implications for international literature on GI as well as nature-based solutions more broadly.
The Contrasting Evidence Concerning the Effect of Male Circumcision on Sexual Function, Sensation, and Pleasure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morris Brian J. , Krieger John N.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Active debate concerns whether male circumcision (MC) affects sexual function, penile sensation, or sexual pleasure.

Aim

To perform a systematic review examining the effect of MC on these parameters.

Methods

PRISMA-compliant searches of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were performed, with “circumcision” used together with appropriate search terms. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were rated for quality by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network system.

Main Outcome Measure

Evidence rated by quality.

Results

Searches identified 46 publications containing original data, as well as 4 systematic reviews (2 with meta-analyses), plus 29 critiques of various studies and 15 author replies, which together comprised a total of 94 publications. There was overall consistency in conclusions arising from high- and moderate-quality survey data in randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, physiological studies, large longitudinal studies, and cohort studies in diverse populations. Those studies found MC has no or minimal adverse effect on sexual function, sensation, or pleasure, with some finding improvements. A consensus from physiological and histological studies was that the glans and underside of the shaft, not the foreskin, are involved in neurological pathways mediating erogenous sensation. In contrast to the higher quality evidence, data supporting adverse effects of MC on function, sensation, or pleasure were found to be of low quality, as explained in critiques of those studies.

Conclusion

The consensus of the highest quality literature is that MC has minimal or no adverse effect, and in some studies, it has benefits on sexual functions, sensation, satisfaction, and pleasure for males circumcised neonatally or in adulthood.
Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Gallstone Extraction in High-Risk Patients: An Alternative to Cholecystectomy or Long-Term Drainage?
Authors: Stirrat John , Patel Neeral R. , Stella Stefan F. , Mafeld Sebastian , Ho Chia-Sing , Shlomovitz Eran
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND:

Acute cholecystitis in nonsurgical candidates is often managed with cholecystostomy tube drainage. After symptom resolution, management options include cholecystectomy, long-term tube drainage, or tube removal. Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy (PCCL) can offer another therapeutic option for patients who are poor operative candidates.

STUDY DESIGN:

A retrospective study of PCCL performed between December 2000 and September 2017 was conducted. Demographic characteristics, procedure details, gallstone-related complications, procedure-related complications, readmission, and mortality data were collected.

RESULTS:

Seventy-five patients were identified (52.0% male, 48.0% female, mean ± SD age 75.6 ± 13.9 years). Mean ± SD follow-up time was 2.8 ± 3.7 years. Most of the patients (90.7%) had an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification of 3 or 4. Eleven patients (14.7%) had failed earlier cholecystectomy. A total of 96 PCCL procedures were performed, and complete gallstone removal was achieved in 68 of 75 patients (90.7%), including all patients with previously aborted cholecystectomy. The 30-day and 90-day readmission rates were 4% and 8%, respectively. Three patients (3.9%) subsequently underwent cholecystectomy after PCCL. Ten (10.4%) procedure-related complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I and II) and 17 (22.7%) gallstone-related complications occurred during the follow-up period. Postprocedural choledocholithiasis occurred in 6 patients (8.0%). Recurrent gallstones developed in 5 patients (6.3%) (3 patients undergoing cholecystectomy and 2 patients treated with cholecystostomy tube).

CONCLUSIONS:

PCCL is a viable option for management of symptomatic gallbladder stones in high-risk surgical patients. There is a high technical success rate, even in patients with earlier failed cholecystectomy. Most patients (77.3%) avoided gallstone-related complications after the procedure.
Personalised Nutrition: The EU’s Fragmented Legal Landscape and the Overlooked Implications of EU Food Law
Authors: RÖTTGER-WIRTZ Sabrina , DE BOER Alie
Published: September 2020

Personalised nutrition, the tailoring of nutrition products, services or advice to individual characteristics such as genetics, phenotype, nutritional intake and/or exercise routine, is increasingly attracting the interest of industry, consumers and researchers. This article provides an overview of the current European Union (EU) regulatory framework as applying to personalised nutrition and draws attention to the important role of EU food law in the regulation of this innovative approach to nutrition. It is argued that personalised nutrition challenges the regulatory borderline between health and lifestyle products or services and, furthermore, also pushes the boundaries of current food safety and health claims legislation.
Food Safety, Coronavirus and Risk Prevention: Future Perspectives in Four Proposals
Authors: BEVILACQUA Dario
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 is a zoonosis, a disease transmitted by an animal to humans. The diffusion of the outbreak is therefore born of an unsuitable, insufficient, excessively permissive food safety system. Hence, the regulation of food safety plays a central role in the protection of health and has done so on a global scale. The overall regulation of food safety therefore requires an increase in the level of health protection, even at the expense of commercial prerogatives. For these purposes, four reform measures are suggested: to transform the Codex Alimentarius Commission into an organisation that adopts international standards with the sole purpose of protecting health; to apply the precautionary principle on a global scale and in international organisations; to strengthen the mandatory labelling tool; and to create a worldwide system of controls.
The US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education improves nutrition-related behaviors
Authors: Ryan-Ibarra Suzanne , DeLisio Amy , Bang Heejung , Adedokun Omolola , Bhargava Vibha , Franck Karen , Funderburk Katie , Lee Jung Sun , Parmer Sondra , Sneed Christopher
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to measure whether participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) interventions is associated with changes in meeting recommendations for healthy eating and food resource management behaviours, such as shopping, among low-income children, adolescents, and adults in eight states in the US Southeast. The study used a one-group pre-test post-test design, analysing aggregate data on nutrition and shopping behaviours collected during Federal Fiscal Year 17 from SNAP-Ed direct education in community settings. Twenty-five implementing agencies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee provided aggregated data on program participants. Because survey questions differed, agencies followed standard recoding guidelines. The number of participants varied depending on the indicator; the maximum number was n 43 303 pre-tests, n 43 256 post-test. Participants were significantly more likely to consume more than one kind of fruit (pooled relative risk (RR), 1⋅10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1⋅09–1⋅11) and more than one kind of vegetable (pooled RR, 1⋅14; 95% CI, 1⋅12–1⋅15) after the intervention than before. On average, participants consumed 0⋅34 cups more of fruit per day (95% CI, 0⋅31–0⋅37), and 0⋅22 cups more of vegetables per day (95% CI, 0⋅19–0⋅25) after the intervention, compared to before. About 701 policy, systems, and environmental changes for nutrition supports were reported. This study suggests that SNAP-Ed direct education is associated with positive behaviour changes in the US Southeast. It provides a methodology that can inform data aggregation efforts across unique SNAP-Ed programs or other similar nutrition education programs to report on the collective impact.
NATURAL HISTORY OF A BRONZE AGE JEWEL FOUND IN CRETE: THE MALIA PENDANT
Authors: Nelson E Charles , Mavrofridis Georgios , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis Th
Published: September 2020

The unique gold pendant found at Chrysolakkos, Malia, Crete, in 1930 has been variously interpreted, and usually is said to represent a pair of bees. This vague interpretation is discussed, and it is pointed out that the three discs that are suspended from the pendant closely resemble the fruits of a native Cretan herb, Tordylium apulum. Megascolia maculata, a member of the order Hymenoptera, is proposed as the model for the insects. Like a gold toggle pin, also from Chrysolakkos, the pendant demonstrates that Cretan goldsmiths were capable of creating aesthetically pleasing work by paying close attention to the local flora and fauna and used examples as the models for their unique jewellery
Dietary patterns and associations with BMI in low-income, ethnic minority youth in the USA according to baseline data from four randomised controlled trials
Authors: LeCroy Madison N. , Nicastro Holly L. , Truesdale Kimberly P. , Matheson Donna M. , Ievers-Landis Carolyn E. , Pratt Charlotte A. , Jones Sarah , Sherwood Nancy E. , Burgess Laura E. , Robinson Thomas N. , Yang Song , Stevens June
Published: September 2020

Few studies have derived data-driven dietary patterns in youth in the USA. This study examined data-driven dietary patterns and their associations with BMI measures in predominantly low-income, racial/ethnic minority US youth. Data were from baseline assessments of the four Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment Research (COPTR) Consortium trials: NET-Works (534 2–4-year-olds), GROW (610 3–5-year-olds), GOALS (241 7–11-year-olds) and IMPACT (360 10–13-year-olds). Weight and height were measured. Children/adult proxies completed three 24-h dietary recalls. Dietary patterns were derived for each site from twenty-four food/beverage groups using k-means cluster analysis. Multivariable linear regression models examined associations of dietary patterns with BMI and percentage of the 95th BMI percentile. Healthy (produce and whole grains) and Unhealthy (fried food, savoury snacks and desserts) patterns were found in NET-Works and GROW. GROW additionally had a dairy- and sugar-sweetened beverage-based pattern. GOALS had a similar Healthy pattern and a pattern resembling a traditional Mexican diet. Associations between dietary patterns and BMI were only observed in IMPACT. In IMPACT, youth in the Sandwich (cold cuts, refined grains, cheese and miscellaneous) compared with Mixed (whole grains and desserts) cluster had significantly higher BMI (β= 0·99 (95 % CI 0·01, 1·97)) and percentage of the 95th BMI percentile (β= 4·17 (95 % CI 0·11, 8·24)). Healthy and Unhealthy patterns were the most common dietary patterns in COPTR youth, but diets may differ according to age, race/ethnicity or geographic location. Public health messages focused on healthy dietary substitutions may help youth mimic a dietary pattern associated with lower BMI.
Walking behaviour in the ground beetle,Poecilus cupreus: dispersal potential, intermittency and individual variation
Authors: Bailey Joseph D. , Benefer Carly M. , Blackshaw Rod P. , Codling Edward A.
Published: September 2020

Dispersal is a key ecological process affecting community dynamics and the maintenance of populations. There is increasing awareness of the need to understand individual dispersal potential to better inform population-level dispersal, allowing more accurate models of the spread of invasive and beneficial insects, aiding crop and pest management strategies. Here, fine-scale movements ofPoecilus cupreus, an important agricultural carabid predator, were recorded using a locomotion compensator and key movement characteristics were quantified. Net displacement increased more rapidly than predicted by a simple correlated random walk model with near ballistic behaviour observed. Individuals displayed a latent ability to head on a constant bearing for protracted time periods, despite no clear evidence of a population level global orientation bias. Intermittent bouts of movement and non-movement were observed, with both the frequency and duration of bouts of movement varying at the inter- and intra-individual level. Variation in movement behaviour was observed at both the inter- and intra- individual level. Analysis suggests that individuals have the potential to rapidly disperse over a wider area than predicted by simple movement models parametrised at the population level. This highlights the importance of considering the role of individual variation when analysing movement and attempting to predict dispersal distances.
Improving peri-operative psychosocial interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder undergoing ENT procedures
Authors: Fahy R , Corbett M , Keogh I
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Children with autism spectrum disorder face a broad range of communication and sensory challenges. Many of these children also have chronic ENT issues. This study aims to better understand these challenges and improve our services for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods

Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were carried out with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Results

Thirty-four individuals participated, comprising 9 caregivers and 25 staff members. All parents recognised their critical roles in understanding their children's special needs and sensitivities. Parents and staff stressed the importance of a partnership role that inquired about unique needs, leading to environmental modifications for individual children.

Conclusion

The importance of listening to and involving caregivers is a fundamental tenet; parents must be recognised as the experts. Uncertainty must be kept to a minimum, with clear communication in a structured, low-arousal environment for these children. We have listened to parents and staff, and developed a social story.
Impact of pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease with hemodynamic repercussion on the severity of acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age at a pediatric referral center in Colombia, South America
Authors: Lozano-Espinosa Diego A. , Huertas-Quiñones Victor M. , Rodríguez-Martínez Carlos E.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Acute respiratory infection is one of the main causes of morbidity in children. Some studies have suggested that pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease with haemodynamic repercussion increase the severity of respiratory infections, but there are few publications in developing countries.

Methods:

This was a prospective cohort study evaluating the impact of pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease (CHD) with haemodynamic repercussion as predictors of severity in children under 5 years of age hospitalised for acute respiratory infection.

Results:

Altogether, 217 children hospitalised for a respiratory infection who underwent an echocardiogram were evaluated; 62 children were diagnosed with CHD with haemodynamic repercussion or pulmonary hypertension. Independent predictors of admission to intensive care included: pulmonary hypertension (RR 2.14; 95% CI 1.06–4.35, p = 0.034), respiratory syncytial virus (RR 2.52; 95% CI 1.29–4.92, p = 0.006), and bacterial pneumonia (RR 3.09; 95% CI 1.65–5.81, p = 0.000). A significant difference was found in average length of hospital stay in children with the cardiovascular conditions studied (p = 0.000).

Conclusions:

Pulmonary hypertension and CHD with haemodynamic repercussion as well as respiratory syncytial virus and bacterial pneumonia were predictors of severity in children with respiratory infections in this study. Early recognition of cardiovascular risks in paediatric populations is necessary to lessen the impact on respiratory infections.
Implementing a package of noncommunicable disease interventions in the Republic of Moldova: two-year follow-up data
Authors: Collins Dylan , Inglin Laura , Laatikainen Tiina , Ciobanu Angela , Curocichin Ghenadie , Salaru Virginia , Zatic Tatiana , Anisei Angela , Chiosa Diana , Munteanu Maria , Alexa Zinaida , Farrington Jill
Published: September 2020

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing challenge in the Republic of Moldova. A previously reported pilot cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing and evaluating essential interventions for NCDs (e.g. cardiovascular risk scoring, hypertension management, statin treatment, etc.) in primary health care in the Republic of Moldova, with a view toward national scale up. One-year follow-up data (previously published) demonstrated modest improvements in NCD risk factor identification and management could be achieved. Herein, we report the second-year follow-up data and conclude that sustainable improvements in NCD risk factor control (e.g. hypertension control) can be achieved in primary health care in low resource settings by adapting existing resources (e.g. WHO PEN) and conducting focused clinical training and support. If scaled to a national level, these improvements in risk factor control could significantly translate to reductions in premature mortality from NCDs.
Dual-/tri-band bandpass filters with fully independent and controllable passband based on multipath-embedded resonators
Authors: Xiong Yang , Zhang Wei , Zhong Yue-Peng , Wang Li-Tian
Published: September 2020

In this paper, dual-band and tri-band bandpass filters (BPFs) with fully independent and controllable passbands based on multipath-embedded resonators are presented. The dual-band BPF consists of two double open-ended stub-loaded terminal-shorted resonators (DOESL-TSRs) with a common via-hole connected along the symmetric plane of the filter. Based on DOESL-TSRs, a triple open-ended stub-loaded terminal-shorted resonator (TOESL-TSR) is proposed in the design of tri-band BPFs. The resonant characteristics of DOESL-TSR/TOESL-TSR are analyzed by the numerical calculation method. The measured results of the dual-band BPF show that the center frequencies (CFs) are located at 2.595 and 5.75 GHz, respectively, with 3 dB fraction bandwidth (FBWs) of 15 and 12.8%. The measured CFs of the tri-band BPF are located at 2.545, 3.775, and 5.95 GHz, respectively, with 3 dB FBWs of 9.8, 9.3, and 5.5%. Both of the filters exhibit the merits of fully independent and controllable passbands, high selectivity, and compact size.
Diabetische Nephropathie
Authors: Alder Hannes , Ambühl Patrice M.
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die diabetische Nephropathie ist eine häufige mit einem erhöhten kardiovaskulären Risiko assoziierte Komplikation des Diabetes mellitus. Doch nicht jede Nierenerkrankung bei einem Diabetiker ist eine diabetische Nephropathie, weshalb stets Differenzialdiagnosen beachtet werden müssen. Ausserdem variieren die Klinik und die Prognose der diabetischen Nephropathie stark. Folglich sollten regelmässige Verlaufskontrollen erfolgen. Entscheidend im Management sind die Früherkennung, die Behandlung der kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren und die Senkung der Albuminurie.
Stagnation statt Entwicklung
Authors: Pauge Matthias
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Arbeitssituation psychisch erkrankter Menschen erscheint oft prekär. Mittels einer sequenziellen Interviewanalyse werden die Identitätskonflikte und Bewältigungsstrategien eines Betroffenen dargestellt. Deutlich wird die Ablehnung des therapeutischen Arbeitsangebotes, die sich in der erlebten Perspektivlosigkeit begründet.
Ecosystem‐Level Energy and Water Budgets Are Resilient to Canopy Mortality in Sparse Semiarid Biomes
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Wei , Krofcheck Dan J. , Duman Tomer , Fox Andrew M. , Pockman William T. , Lippit Christopher D. , McIntire Cameron D. , Litvak Marcy E.
Published: September 2020

Climate‐driven woody vegetation mortality is a defining feature of semiarid biomes that drives fundamental changes in ecosystem structure. However, the observed impacts of woody mortality on ecosystem‐scale energy and water budgets and the responses of surviving vegetation are highly variable among studies in water‐limited environments. A previous girdling manipulation experiment in a piñon‐juniper woodland suggested that although ecosystem‐scale evapotranspiration was not altered by large‐scale piñon mortality, soil water content decreased and the surviving juniper experienced greater water stress than juniper in an undisturbed woodland. Here we experimentally explored to what extent mortality‐induced changes in energy balance components can explain these results. We compared energy fluxes measured above two adjacent piñon‐juniper woodlands where piñon girdling was implemented at one site and the other subsequently experienced large‐scale natural piñon mortality. We found that the mortality‐induced decrease in canopy area was not sufficient to alter surface reflectance, roughness, and partitioning between energy budget components at both sites. A radiative transfer model estimated that because of the sparse premortality canopy, surface reflectance is more sensitive to a large increase in understory leaf area than further loss of crown area. Increased water stress in the remaining juniper following both mortality events can be explained by an increase in radiation on the ground that promoted higher soil temperature and evaporation. We found similar responses of ecosystem and tree‐level functions to both girdling and natural mortality. This suggests that girdling is an appropriate approach to explore the impact of tree mortality on ecosystem structure, function, and energy balance.
Epigenetic activation of the small GTPase TCL contributes to colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion
Authors: Chen Baoyu , Fan Zhiwen , Sun Lina , Chen Junliang , Feng Yifei , Fan Xiangshan , Xu Yong
Published: September 2020

TC10-like (TCL) is a small GTPase that has been implicated in carcinogenesis. Elevated TCL expression has been observed in many different types of cancers although the underlying epigenetic mechanism is poorly understood. Here we report that TCL up-regulation was associated with high malignancy in both human colorectal cancer biopsy specimens and in cultured colorectal cancer cells. Hypoxia, a pro-metastatic stimulus, up-regulated TCL expression in HT-29 cells. Further studies revealed that myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) promoted migration and invasion of HT-29 cells in a TCL-dependent manner. MRTF-A directly bound to the proximal TCL promoter in response to hypoxia to activate TCL transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that hypoxia stimulation specifically enhanced acetylation of histone H4K16 surrounding the TCL promoter, which was abolished by MRTF-A depletion or inhibition. Mechanistically, MRTF-A interacted with and recruited the H4K16 acetyltransferase hMOF to the TCL promoter to cooperatively regulate TCL transcription. hMOF depletion or inhibition attenuated hypoxia-induced TCL expression and migration/invasion of HT-29 cells. In conclusion, our data identify a novel MRTF-A-hMOF-TCL axis that contributes to colorectal cancer metastasis.
Anti-bacterial and anti-viral nanchangmycin displays anti-myeloma activity by targeting Otub1 and c-Maf
Authors: Xu Yujia , Sun Tong , Zeng Kun , Xu Min , Chen Jinhao , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Zubin , Cao Biyin , Tang Xiaowen , Wu Depei , Kong Yan , Zeng Yuanying , Mao Xinliang
Published: September 2020

As a deubiqutinase Otub1 stabilizes and promotes the oncogenic activity of the transcription factor c-Maf in multiple myeloma (MM), a malignancy of plasma cells. In the screen for bioactive inhibitors of the Otub1/c-Maf axis for MM treatment, nanchangmycin (Nam), a polyketide antibiotic, was identified to suppress c-Maf activity in the presence of Otub1. By suppressing Otub1, Nam induces c-Maf polyubiquitination and subsequent degradation in proteasomes but does not alter its mRNA level. Consistently, Nam downregulates the expression of CCND2, ARK5, and ITGB7, the downstream genes regulated by c-Maf, and promotes MM cell apoptosis as evidenced by PARP and Caspase-3 cleavage, as well as Annexin V staining. In line with the hypothesis, overexpression of Otub1 partly rescues Nam-induced MM cell apoptosis, and interestingly, when Otub1 is knocked down, Nam-decreased MM cell survival is also partly ablated, suggesting Otub1 is essential for Nam anti-MM activity. Nam also displays potent anti-MM activity synergistically with Doxorubicin or lenalidomide. In the in vivo assays, Nam almost completely suppresses the growth of MM xenografts in nude mice at low dosages but it shows no toxicity. Given its safety and efficacy, Nam has a potential for MM treatment by targeting the Otub1/c-Maf axis.
Oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation-induced neuronal cell death is associated with Lnc-D63785 m6A methylation and miR-422a accumulation
Authors: Xu Shu , Li Ya , Chen Ju-ping , Li Da-Zhuang , Jiang Qin , Wu Ting , Zhou Xiao-zhong
Published: September 2020

Oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) induces neuronal injury via mechanisms that are believed to mimic the pathways associated with brain ischemia. In SH-SY5Y cells and primary murine neurons, we report that OGD/R induces the accumulation of the microRNA miR-422a, leading to downregulation of miR-422a targets myocyte enhancer factor-2D (MEF2D) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6 (MAPKK6). Ectopic miR-422a inhibition attenuated OGD/R-induced cell death and apoptosis, whereas overexpression of miR-422a induced significant neuronal cell apoptosis. In addition, OGD/R decreased the expression of the long non-coding RNA D63785 (Lnc-D63785) to regulate miR-422a accumulation. Lnc-D63785 directly associated with miR-422a and overexpression of Lnc-D63785 reversed OGD/R-induced miR-422a accumulation and neuronal cell death. OGD/R downregulated Lnc-D63785 expression through increased methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3)-dependent Lnc-D63785 m6A methylation. Conversely METTL3 shRNA reversed OGD/R-induced Lnc-D63785 m6A methylation to decrease miR-422a accumulation. Together, Lnc-D63785 m6A methylation by OGD/R causes miR-422a accumulation and neuronal cell apoptosis.
Hybrid cellular membrane nanovesicles amplify macrophage immune responses against cancer recurrence and metastasis
Authors: Rao Lang , Wu Lei , Liu Zhida , Tian Rui , Yu Guocan , Zhou Zijian , Yang Kuikun , Xiong Hong-Gang , Zhang Anli , Yu Guang-Tao , Sun Wenjing , Xu Han , Guo Jingya , Li Andrew , Chen Hongmin , Sun Zhi-Jun , Fu Yang-Xin , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2020

Effectively activating macrophages against cancer is promising but challenging. In particular, cancer cells express CD47, a ‘don’t eat me’ signal that interacts with signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on macrophages to prevent phagocytosis. Also, cancer cells secrete stimulating factors, which polarize tumor-associated macrophages from an antitumor M1 phenotype to a tumorigenic M2 phenotype. Here, we report that hybrid cell membrane nanovesicles (known as hNVs) displaying SIRPα variants with significantly increased affinity to CD47 and containing M2-to-M1 repolarization signals can disable both mechanisms. The hNVs block CD47-SIRPα signaling axis while promoting M2-to-M1 repolarization within tumor microenvironment, significantly preventing both local recurrence and distant metastasis in malignant melanoma models. Furthermore, by loading a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist, hNVs lead to potent tumor inhibition in a poorly immunogenic triple negative breast cancer model. hNVs are safe, stable, drug loadable, and suitable for genetic editing. These properties, combined with the capabilities inherited from source cells, make hNVs an attractive immunotherapy.