bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local stability of ground states in locally gapped and weakly interacting quantum spin systems
Authors: Henheik Joscha , Teufel Stefan , Wessel Tom
Published: January 2022

Based on a result by Yarotsky (J Stat Phys 118, 2005), we prove that localized but otherwise arbitrary perturbations of weakly interacting quantum spin systems with uniformly gapped on-site terms change the ground state of such a system only locally, even if they close the spectral gap. We call this astrong versionof thelocal perturbations perturb locally(LPPL) principle which is known to hold for much more general gapped systems, but only for perturbations that do not close the spectral gap of the Hamiltonian. We also extend this strong LPPL-principle to Hamiltonians that have the appropriate structure of gapped on-site terms and weak interactions only locally in some region of space. While our results are technically corollaries to a theorem of Yarotsky, we expect that the paradigm of systems with a locally gapped ground state that is completely insensitive to the form of the Hamiltonian elsewhere extends to other situations and has important physical consequences.
La connotación en la invención léxica cadia cuento «La Cadia» de Elisa Chimenti
Authors: Torres Calzada María Katjia
Published: January 2022

This article analyses, from the perspective of lexicological research proposed by Georges Matoré (1948), the witness-word included in the title of the short story «LaCadia». The starting hypothesis is that the linguistic signcadia, as a lexical invention derived from the Arabic legal term and the keywordqāḍin(qadi), has a communicative function of epigraph, typical of the discursive superstructure of the medieval Arabic and Islamickhabarthat the author applies, as a traditional vehicle for transmitting the legitimizing role of Islam. We conclude by verifying the hypothesis thatcadiaconnotes the institutionalization of male authority in Islam, at the expense of the inferior status of women.
Towards a Better Understanding of the Post-Gastric Behavior of Enteric-Coated Formulations
Authors: Katona Miklós Tamás , Kakuk Melinda , Szabó Réka , Tonka-Nagy Péter , Takács-Novák Krisztina , Borbás Enikő
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim of our work was to develop a biorelevant dissolution method for a better understanding of the in vivo performance of delayed-release tablet formulations.

Methods

The typical pH profile and residence times in the stomach and small intestine were determined in fasted conditions based on the published results of swallowable monitoring devices. Then, a multi-stage pH shift dissolution method was developed by adding different amounts of phosphate-based buffer solutions to the initial hydrochloric acid solution. Because of the highly variable in vivo residence times in the stomach, two alternatives of the method were applied, modeling rapid and slow gastric emptying as well. This approach provided an opportunity to study the effect of the acidic treatment on post gastric release. Six enteric-coated low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) formulations including the reference Aspirin Protect were tested as a model compound. Moreover, the thickness of the coating of each formulation was investigated by scanning electron microscope.

Results

Comparing the in vitro results to the known properties of the formulations, the new method was found to be more discriminative than the USP dissolution method. Ingredients affecting the in vitro dissolution, and thus probably the in vivo performance, were identified in both the tablet core and the coating of the tested formulations. The limited available in vivo data also indicated an increased predictivity.

Conclusion

Overall, the presented method may be an efficient tool to support the development of enteric coated generic formulations.

Graphical abstract
Migration of dual-earner couples: a subjective wellbeing approach
Authors: Tam Diana , Grimes Arthur
Published: January 2022

We model push factors that determine the domestic migration decisions for couples, with emphasis on dual-earner different-sex couples. Unlike many prior studies that concentrate on labour market determinants of migration, we place the subjective well-being (SWB) reported by each partner at centre stage. We test whether migration determinants differ depending on whether the female is the main breadwinner in a dual-earner couple. We also test if determinants differ when either the female or the male is the sole earner within a couple. The evidence shows that a couple is more likely to migrate if she reports low SWB in the year prior to migration, with the strength of this effect varying depending on the earnings status of each partner prior to migration. Male SWB does not have the same impact on the migration choice although we find some evidence that pre-migration male wages impact the migration decision.
The relationship between sexual and gender stigma and difficulty accessing primary and mental healthcare services among LGBTQI+ populations in Thailand: Findings from a national survey
Authors: Moallef Soroush , Salway Travis , Phanuphak Nittaya , Kivioja Katri , Pongruengphant Suparnee , Hayashi Kanna
Published: January 2022

Sexual and gender stigma is a known contributor to population health inequities; however, its impact on healthcare access among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Thailand is understudied. Therefore, we sought to examine the level of SGM stigma and its impact on self-reported difficulty accessing primary and mental healthcare services among a nationally recruited sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other gender and sexually diverse (LGBTQI+) people in Thailand. A previously validated sexual stigma scale was adapted to ascertain perceived and enacted SGM stigma. Between January and March 2018, 1,350 LGBTQI+ participants completed the online survey, and the median age was 27 (Quartile 1, 3: 23, 33) years. In total, 169 (12.5%) and 269 (19.9%) reported difficulty accessing primary and mental healthcare and 365 (27.0%) reported actively concealing their gender expression to access care. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, experiences of enacted stigma were independently associated with difficulty accessing primary healthcare (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.35; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.11 – 1.63) and mental healthcare (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.07 – 1.48), while experiences of perceived stigma were independently associated with difficulty accessing mental healthcare only (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.07 – 1.34). Our findings call for multi-level interventions to decrease SGM stigma and improve healthcare access among SGM in Thailand.
Sarcopenia: how to measure, when and why
Authors: Tagliafico Alberto Stefano , Bignotti Bianca , Torri Lorenzo , Rossi Federica
Published: January 2022

Sarcopenia indicates a loss of skeletal muscle mass, a condition that leads to a decline in physical performance. In 2018, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People met to update the original definition of sarcopenia: New scientific and clinical insights were introduced to emphasize the importance of muscle strength loss as a prime indicator of probable sarcopenia. In addition, the skeletal muscle is not only the organ related to mobility, but it is recognized as a secondary secretory organ too, with endocrine functions influencing several systems and preserving health. In this perspective, radiology could have a major role in early detection of sarcopenia and guarantee improvement in its treatment in clinical practice. We present here an update of clinical knowledge about sarcopenia and advantages and limitations of radiological evaluation of sarcopenia focusing on major body composition imaging modalities such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, CT, and MRI. In addition, we discuss controversial such as the lack of consensus or standardization, different measurement methods, and diagnostic radiological cutoff points. Sarcopenia evaluation with radiological methods could enhance the role of radiologist in performing studies with relevant impact on medical and social outcome, placing radiology at the pinnacle of quality in evidence-based practice with high-level studies.
Improvement of Tool Steel Powder Cold Sprayability Via Softening and Agglomeration Heat Treatments
Authors: Poirier D. , Thomas Y. , Guerreiro B. , Martin M. , Aghasibeig M. , Irissou E.
Published: January 2022

Cold spray can produce deposits from a broad range of materials but reports on cold spray of steels are still limited to the few steel families demonstrating high ductility and medium strength. Softening and agglomeration of steel powders via heat treatment in a rotary tube furnace were investigated as promising ways to improve H13 tool steel powder cold sprayability. By adjusting starting powder size, as well as heat treatment conditions (maximum temperature, cooling rate and heat treatment atmosphere), cold spray of H13 powder improved from virtually no deposition to the production of dense, sound and thick deposits with a powder deposition efficiency of 70%. Powder agglomeration, surface state, microstructure evolution and softening are identified as key factors determining the powder deposition efficiency and resulting deposit microstructure. The developed powder modification method has the potential to facilitate the cold spray of all steels subjected to martensitic transformation.
Trends of Overweight and Obesity in Male Adolescents: Prevalence, Socioeconomic Status, and Impact on Cardiovascular Risk in a Central European Country
Authors: Gensthaler Lisa , Felsenreich Daniel M. , Jedamzik Julia , Eichelter Jakob , Nixdorf Larissa , Bichler Christoph , Krebs Michael , Itariu Bianca , Langer Felix B. , Prager Gerhard
Published: January 2022

Background

Obesity is one of the most important health-related problems of the twenty-first century. Data on its prevalence in Austria remain scarce. Aim of this study was to determine current trends of overweight and obesity, associated comorbidities and socioeconomic status in all 18-year-old male Austrian citizens, and its potential impact on the demand for bariatric surgery in the future.

Methods

Data from compulsory military conscription examinations in all 18-year-old males from 2003 to 2018 were obtained from the Federal ministry of Defense’s database. Measurements of height, weight, and subsequent body mass index (BMI) calculations in 874, 220 adolescents were subdivided into yearly cohorts. Comorbidities, educational status, and nicotine abuse were evaluated.

Results

Mean BMI increased from 22.0 ± 3.95 kg/m2in 2003 to 22.8 ± 4.69 kg/m2in 2018 (p < 0.001). Overweight and obesity °I–III increased from 15.3%, 4.2%, 1.2%, and 0.4% (2003) to 20.4%, 7.1%, 2.5%, and 0.8% (2018), respectively. Cardiovascular risk, reflected by the waist-to-height ratio, increased significantly over time (p < 0.0001). Additionally, data showed a significant association of nicotine abuse in overweight or obese adolescents (p < 0.0001). Significantly less adolescents with obesity graduated from high school (p < 0.0001). Overall, 25.7% of adolescents with obesity were considered ineligible for military service.

Conclusions

BMI and cardiovascular risk steadily increased over the last 15 years in Austrian male adolescents. A significant shift from normal weight to overweight was observed, while higher obesity classes doubled over this observational period. This study also revealed a significant association of BMI and lower educational status.

Graphical Abstract

Trends of overweight and obesity in male adolescents: prevalence, socio-economic status and impact on cardiovascular risk in a central European country
Autonomous parafoil precision landing using convex real-time optimized guidance and control
Authors: Leeman Antoine , Preda Valentin , Huertas Irene , Bennani Samir
Published: January 2022

To overcome the limitations of current parafoil precision landing capabilities, an efficient real-time convex optimized guidance and control strategy is presented. The parafoil guidance problem is non-convex in essence and it can be solved with a sequence of convex problems, each of those converging in polynomial time to a feasible solution of the approximated original problem. Our approach shows reliable and fast numerical convergence through in-flight recalculation of time of flight and a new optimal trajectory to cope with time-varying dynamics. The efficiency of our strategy is demonstrated via a comparative analysis of the existing X-38 in-flight demonstrated guidance and control system. Exhaustive Monte Carlo simulations show performance improvements of about one order of magnitude. The concept proposed is simple, yet general, as it scales to any atmospheric parafoil landing system and allows efficient implementation relying only on the turn rate saturation information for the parafoil model.
Agri-environment schemes are associated with greater terrestrial invertebrate abundance and richness in upland grasslands
Authors: Arnott Amy , Riddell Gillian , Emmerson Mark , Reid Neil
Published: January 2022

Agri-environment schemes are a key mechanism by which agricultural sustainability is encouraged by subsidising farmers to adopt environmentally friendly management (e.g. reduction of inputs) to maintain and enhance the delivery of biodiversity-associated ecosystem services. Studies testing the efficacy of agri-environment schemes have yielded varying results, and few have focused on upland (marginal or Less Favoured Area) grassland (> 150 m above sea level) where productivity is poor. This study used a factorial field experiment to examine patterns in plant communities and terrestrial invertebrates between agri-environment scheme and conventionally managed semi-improved and improved upland grasslands, using 90 spatially paired fields. Total plant species richness and rare plant species richness (those with < 10% occurrence) were unaffected by agri-environment scheme management, but were significantly higher on semi-improved than improved grasslands. Total and rare invertebrate abundance and family-level richness were unrelated to grassland type (semi-improved or improved). Total and rare invertebrate abundances were 4% and 218% higher, and total and rare invertebrate family-level richness were 17% and 14% higher in agri-environment scheme than conventionally managed fields, respectively. Here, we show that agri-environment scheme management of marginal or Less Favoured Area upland grassland was associated with higher multi-taxa invertebrate abundance and richness associated with swards indicative of wetter conditions with lower dominance of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and greater coverage of other native grass species compared to conventional management. This suggests that agri-environment schemes may maintain, enhance or offset declines in terrestrial invertebrates and their associated ecosystem service delivery by maintaining more diverse swards, and suggests that they make a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation.
The hyperbolic Anderson model: moment estimates of the Malliavin derivatives and applications
Authors: Balan Raluca M. , Nualart David , Quer-Sardanyons Lluís , Zheng Guangqu
Published: January 2022

In this article, we study the hyperbolic Anderson model driven by a space-time colored Gaussian homogeneous noise with spatial dimension $$d=1,2$$

d
=
1
,
2

. Under mild assumptions, we provide $$L^p$$

L
p

-estimates of the iterated Malliavin derivative of the solution in terms of the fundamental solution of the wave solution. To achieve this goal, we rely heavily on the Wiener chaos expansion of the solution. Our first application are quantitative central limit theorems for spatial averages of the solution to the hyperbolic Anderson model, where the rates of convergence are described by the total variation distance. These quantitative results have been elusive so far due to the temporal correlation of the noise blocking us from using the Itô calculus. A novel ingredient to overcome this difficulty is the second-order Gaussian Poincaré inequality coupled with the application of the aforementioned $$L^p$$

L
p

-estimates of the first two Malliavin derivatives. Besides, we provide the corresponding functional central limit theorems. As a second application, we establish the absolute continuity of the law for the hyperbolic Anderson model. The $$L^p$$

L
p

-estimates of Malliavin derivatives are crucial ingredients to verify a local version of Bouleau-Hirsch criterion for absolute continuity. Our approach substantially simplifies the arguments for the one-dimensional case, which has been studied in the recent work by [2].
Age Inclusive Compassion-Focused Therapy: a Pilot Group Evaluation
Authors: Altavilla Anna , Strudwick Anna
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to evaluate and provide recommendations to improve the effectiveness of an age inclusive compassion-focused therapy (CFT) group in secondary mental health services for participants experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. Of particular interest was the acceptability and impact of having a wide range of ages in such a group. The study employed a mixed method design. Validated self-report questionnaires were administered before and after the group intervention, and qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with six group participants. There was a significant increase in ratings on the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), a significant decrease in the depression subscale within the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and a significant reduction in the risk subscale of the Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation (CORE). No significant differences were found on the overall scores and other subscales of the CORE and the DASS. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified four main themes: “Connection with others”, “Experience of a diverse age range”, “Group as a secure space” and “New strategies and tools”. This study provides preliminary evidence that an age inclusive CFT group is well received and has a beneficial impact for participants, with particular positivity gained through compassionately connecting with others. The range of ages was appreciated and appeared to have therapeutic benefits, although awareness of differing age-related needs is important. Limitations, recommendations for improvement and future research are discussed.
Public Procurement for the Circular Economy: a Comparative Study of Sweden and Spain
Authors: Fuertes Giné Leticia , Vanacore Emanuela , Hunka Agnieszka D.
Published: January 2022

This article examines the relationship between circular economy and public procurement by regarding green procurement as an enabler for the transition from sustainable to circular public procurement. Considering the different green procurement uptakes under the common legal framework of the European Union, and particularly, the contrasting practice results of Spain and Sweden and the opposed legal configuration of their procurement Acts, a comparative law study of the exclusion of suppliers, awarding criteria and special conditions of performance’s Articles is conducted.
Assessing the potential repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on global SDG attainment
Authors: Doi Hideyuki , Osawa Takeshi , Tsutsumida Narumasa
Published: January 2022

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a worldwide lockdown, and this restriction on human movements and activities has significantly affected society and the environment. Some effects might be quantitative, but some might be qualitative, and some effects could prolong immediately and/or persistently. This study examined the consequences of global lockdown for human movement and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions using an air pollution index and dataset and satellite image analyses. We also evaluated the immediate (during lockdown) and persistent (after lockdown) effects of lockdown on achieving the SDGs. Our analysis revealed a drastic reduction in human movement and NO2emissions and showed that many SDGs were influenced both immediately and persistently due to the global lockdown. We observed the immediate negative impacts on four goals and positive impacts on five goals, especially those concerning economic issues and ecosystem conservation, respectively. The persistent effects of lockdown were likely to be predominantly reversed from their immediate impacts due to economic recovery. The global lockdown has influenced the global community’s ability to meet the SDGs, and our analysis provides powerful insights into the status of the internationally agreed-upon SDGs both during and after the COVID-19-induced global lockdown.
Riboflavin-binding proteins for singlet oxygen production
Authors: Lafaye Céline , Aumonier Sylvain , Torra Joaquim , Signor Luca , von Stetten David , Noirclerc-Savoye Marjolaine , Shu Xiaokun , Ruiz-González Rubén , Gotthard Guillaume , Royant Antoine , Nonell Santi
Published: January 2022

miniSOG, developed as the first fully genetically encoded singlet oxygen photosensitiser, has found various applications in cell imaging and functional studies. Yet, miniSOG has suboptimal properties, including a low yield of singlet oxygen generation, which can nevertheless be improved tenfold upon blue light irradiation. In a previous study, we showed that this improvement was due to the photolysis of the miniSOG chromophore, flavin mononucleotide (FMN), into lumichrome, with concomitant removal of the phosphoribityl tail, thereby improving oxygen access to the alloxazine ring. We thus reasoned that a chromophore with a shorter tail would readily improve the photosensitizing properties of miniSOG. In this work, we show that the replacement of FMN by riboflavin (RF), which lacks the bulky phosphate group, significantly improves the singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ). We then proceeded to mutagenize the residues stabilizing the phosphate group of FMN to alter the chromophore specificity. We identified miniSOG-R57Q as a flavoprotein that selectively binds RF in cellulo, with a modestly improved ΦΔ. Our results show that it is possible to modify the flavin specificity of a given flavoprotein, thus providing a new option to tune its photophysical properties, including those leading to photosensitization. We also determined the structure of miniSOG-Q103L, a mutant with a much increased ΦΔ, which allowed us to postulate the existence of another access channel to FMN for molecular oxygen.

Graphical abstract
Hume on the Nature of Morality
Authors: Radcliffe Elizabeth S.
Published: January 2022

David Hume's moral system involves considerations that seem at odds with one another. He insists on the reality of moral distinctions, while showing that they are founded on the human constitution. He notes the importance to morality of the consequences of actions, while emphasizing that motives are the subjects of moral judgments. He appeals to facts about human psychology as the basis for an argument that morality is founded, not on reason, but on sentiment. Yet, he insists that no “ought” can follow from an “is.” He thinks that our motivation to justice must derive from our nature. Yet, he wonders how to explain why anyone would be motivated to follow rules when doing so does not further their personal interests. As an empiricist, his approach is descriptive, yet morality is prescriptive. This Element addresses these puzzles in Hume's moral theory, with reference to historical and contemporary discussions.
Benefit-Cost Ratios of Continuing Routine Immunization During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa
Authors: Watts Elizabeth , Mak Joshua , Patenaude Bryan
Published: January 2022

Disruptions in routine immunization caused by COVID-19 put African countries with large vaccine-preventable disease burdens at high risk of outbreaks. Abbas et al. (2020) showed that mortality reduction from resuming immunization outweighs excess mortality from COVID-19 caused by exposure during immunization activities. We leverage these estimates to calculate benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) of disrupted immunization and apply cost of illness (COI) and value of statistical life-year (VSLY) approaches to estimate the cost of excess child deaths from eight vaccine-preventable diseases. BCRs were computed for each country, vaccine, and Expanded Program on Immunization visit. Secondary estimates that include the cost of providing immunization are presented in scenario analysis. Suspended immunization may cost $4949 million due to excess mortality using the COI approach, or $34,344 million using the VSLY approach. Likewise, excess COVID-19 deaths caused by exposure from immunization activities would cost $53 and $275 million using the COI and VSLY approaches, respectively. BCRs of continuing routine immunization are 94:1 using COI and 125:1 using VSLY, indicating that the economic costs of suspending immunization exceed that of COVID-19 deaths risked by routine immunization. When including the costs of providing routine immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BCRs are 38:1 and 97:1 using the COI and VSLY approaches, respectively.
Youth Sexuality, Responsibility, and the Opening of the Brook Advisory Centres in London and Birmingham in the 1960s
Authors: Rusterholz Caroline
Published: January 2022

This article takes the opening of the Brook Advisory Centres in London (1964) and Birmingham (1966) as a comparative case study for exploring the public debate on youth sexuality. The two centers were the first in postwar Britain specifically dedicated to the provision of advice on birth control and emotional problems to unmarried and young people. By focusing on an initiative that launched amid rising concerns over illegitimacy and promiscuity, the article engages with the debate over social change in the 1960s and the so-called permissive society. The author argues that the notion of responsibility became a key paradigm for supporters of a new sexual culture. Combining archival material, media analysis, and oral history interviews, the author shows that in constructing the need for a service for unmarried people, the Brook Advisory Centres faced accusations of encouraging promiscuity. Their main line of defense was the production of a narrative that stressed the notion of responsibility and moral guidance for unmarried people in avoiding unwanted babies. And in the debate around youth sexuality, locality mattered. In Birmingham, the prospect of formal contraceptive advice for unmarried girls was violently opposed by church members and family-planning doctors, whereas London witnessed the creation of a viable discourse with an emphasis on sexual responsibility.
Droplet settling on solids coated with a soft layer
Authors: Poulain Stéphane , Carlson Andreas
Published: January 2022

Gravitational settling of a droplet in air onto a soft substrate is a ubiquitous event relevant to many natural processes and engineering applications. We study this phenomenon by developing a three-phase lubrication model of droplet settling onto a solid substrate coated by a thin soft layer represented by a viscous film, an elastic compressible layer and an elastic sheet supported by a viscous film. By combining scaling analysis, analytical methods and numerical simulations we elucidate how the resulting droplet dynamics is affected by the nature of the soft layer. We show that these soft layers can significantly affect the droplet shape during gravitational settling. When there is a linear response of the deformations of the soft layer, the air layer takes longer to drain as compared with the case of a droplet settling onto a rigid substrate. Our results provide new insight into the coupled interactions between droplets and solids coated by a thin film of a soft material.
Nonlinear multiphase flow in hydrophobic porous media
Authors: Zhang Yihuai , Bijeljic Branko , Blunt Martin J.
Published: January 2022

Multiphase flow in porous materials is conventionally described by an empirical extension to Darcy's law, which assumes that the pressure gradient is proportional to the flow rate. Through a series of two-phase flow experiments, we demonstrate that even when capillary forces are dominant at the pore scale, there is a nonlinear intermittent flow regime with a power-law dependence between pressure gradient and flow rate. Energy balance is used to predict accurately the start of the intermittent regime in hydrophobic porous media. The pore-scale explanation of the behaviour based on the periodic filling of critical flow pathways is confirmed through 3D micron-resolution X-ray imaging.
Interest Rates, Sanitation Infrastructure, and Mortality Decline in Nineteenth-Century England and Wales
Authors: Chapman Jonathan
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates whether high borrowing costs deterred investment in sanitation infrastructure in late nineteenth-century Britain. Town Councils had to borrow to fund investment, with considerable variation in interest rates across towns and over time. Panel regressions, using annual data from more than 800 town councils, indicate that higher interest rates were associated with lower levels of infrastructure investment between 1887 and 1903. Instrumental variable regressions show that falling interest rates after 1887 stimulated investment and led to lower infant mortality. These findings suggest that Parliament could have expedited mortality decline by subsidizing loans or facilitating private borrowing.
Terrorist Attacks against Hospitals: World-Wide Trends and Attack Types
Authors: Ulmer Nitzan , Barten Dennis G. , De Cauwer Harald , Gaakeer Menno I. , Klokman Vincent W. , van der Lugt Monique , Mortelmans Luc J. , van Osch Frits H.M. , Tan Edward C.T.H. , Boin Arjen
Published: January 2022

Background:

Analysts have warned on multiple occasions that hospitals are potential soft targets for terrorist attacks. Such attacks will have far-reaching consequences, including decreased accessibility, possible casualties, and fear among people. The extent, incidence, and characteristics of terrorist attacks against hospitals are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and to characterize terrorist attacks against hospitals reported to the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) over a 50-year period.

Methods:

The GTD was used to search for all terrorist attacks against hospitals from 1970-2019. Analyses were performed on temporal factors, location, attack and weapon type, and number of casualties or hostages. Chi-square tests were performed to evaluate trends over time and differences in attack types per world region.

Results:

In total, 454 terrorist attacks against hospitals were identified in 61 different countries. Of these, 78 attacks targeted a specific person within the hospital, about one-half (52.6%) involved medical personnel. There was an increasing trend in yearly number of attacks from 2008 onwards, with a peak in 2014 (n = 41) and 2015 (n = 41). With 179 incidents, the “Middle East & North Africa” was the most heavily hit region of the world, followed by “South Asia” with 125 attacks. Bombings and explosions were the most common attack type (n = 270), followed by 77 armed assaults. Overall, there were 2,746 people injured and 1,631 fatalities. In three incidents, hospitals were identified as secondary targets (deliberate follow-up attack on a hospital after a primary incident elsewhere).

Conclusion:

This analysis of the GTD identified 454 terrorist attacks against hospitals over a 50-year period. It demonstrates that the threat is real, especially in recent years and in world regions where terrorism is prevalent. The findings of this study may help to create or further improve contingency plans for a scenario wherein the hospital becomes a target of terrorism.
Secular trends in low birth weight and child undernutrition in West Africa: evidence from complex nationwide surveys, 1985–2019
Authors: Dwomoh Duah , Sewor Christian , Mohammed Seidu Awal , Annim Samuel , Stranges Saverio , Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Amegah A Kofi
Published: January 2022

Objective:

We present prevalence estimates and secular trends of stunting, wasting, underweight, and anaemia among children under 5 years of age and low birth weight (LBW) over the period 1985–2019 in West Africa (WA).

Design:

Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and World Bank data. DerSimonian–Laird random effect model with the Knapp–Hartung adjustment to the standard error was used to derive overall prevalence estimates. We used fixed effect ordinary least square regression models with cluster robust standard error to conduct time trends analyses.

Setting:

West Africa.

Participants:

Children aged 0 to 59 months.

Results:

Three distinct periods (1986–1990, 1993–1996 and 1997–2000) of sharp increases in prevalence of all outcomes was observed. After the year 2000, prevalence of all outcomes except LBW started to decline with some fluctuations. LBW prevalence showed a steady increase after 2000. We observed a decline in prevalence of stunting (β = –0·20 %; 95 % CI –0·43 %, 0·03 %), log-wasting (β = –0·02 %; 95 % CI –0·02 %, –0·01 %), log-underweight (β = –0·02 %; 95 % CI –0·03 %, –0·01 %) anaemia (β = –0·44; 95 % CI –0·55 %, –0·34 %), and an increase in LBW (β = 0·06 %; 95 % CI –0·10 %, 0·22 %) in WA over the period. Pooled prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, anaemia and LBW in WA for the period 1985–2019 was 26·1 %, 16·4 %, 22·7 %, 76·2 % and 11·3 %, respectively.

Conclusions:

Child undernutrition prevalence varied greatly between countries and the year cohorts. We observed marginal reductions in prevalence of all outcomes except anaemia where the reductions were quite striking and LBW where an increase was noted. There is the need for more rigorous and sustained targeted interventions in WA.
Status and Direction of Atom Probe Analysis of Frozen Liquids
Authors: Stender Patrick , Gault Baptiste , Schwarz Tim M , Woods Eric V , Kim Se-Ho , Ott Jonas , Stephenson Leigh T , Schmitz Guido , Freysoldt Christoph , Kästner Johannes , El-Zoka Ayman A
Published: January 2022

Imaging of liquids and cryogenic biological materials by electron microscopy has been recently enabled by innovative approaches for specimen preparation and the fast development of optimized instruments for cryo-enabled electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Yet, cryo-EM typically lacks advanced analytical capabilities, in particular for light elements. With the development of protocols for frozen wet specimen preparation, atom probe tomography (APT) could advantageously complement insights gained by cryo-EM. Here, we report on different approaches that have been recently proposed to enable the analysis of relatively large volumes of frozen liquids from either a flat substrate or the fractured surface of a wire. Both allowed for analyzing water ice layers which are several micrometers thick consisting of pure water, pure heavy water, and aqueous solutions. We discuss the merits of both approaches and prospects for further developments in this area. Preliminary results raise numerous questions, in part concerning the physics underpinning field evaporation. We discuss these aspects and lay out some of the challenges regarding the APT analysis of frozen liquids.
Schulische Prädiktoren für psychische Auffälligkeiten bei Kindern und Jugendlichen anhand einer Befragung von Schülerinnen und Schülern an Klinik- und Regelschulen
Authors: Janschewski Judith , Käppler Christoph , Berens Philipp
Published: January 2022

Zusammenfassung. Ungefähr ein Fünftel aller Kinder und Jugendlichen zeigt psychische Auffälligkeiten, doch nur ein geringer Teil der Betroffenen erhält professionelle Hilfe. Häufig gehen mit psychischen Beeinträchtigungen auch gravierende schulische Probleme einher. In dieser Studie untersuchten wir, ob es schulische Merkmale von Schülerinnen und Schülern gibt, die Hinweise auf eine psychische Auffälligkeit liefern können. Dazu wurden 185 Klinikschülerinnen und -schüler und 387 Schülerinnen und Schüler an Regelschulen zu ihrer schulischen Situation befragt. Außerdem wurde der Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) genutzt, um eine Vergleichsgruppe mit ausschließlich psychisch unauffälligen Schülerinnen und Schülern bilden zu können. Wir verwendeten ein logistisches Regressionsmodell, um herauszufinden, welche Antwortitems eine gute Vorhersage auf psychische Auffälligkeiten ermöglichten. Der Klassifikator war in der Lage, psychisch auffällige und unauffällige Schülerinnen und Schüler mit hoher Genauigkeit zu unterscheiden (Genauigkeit .83, Sensitivität: .76; Spezifität: .87). Die Klassifikation basierte dabei – anders als vermutet werden könnte – nicht primär auf Aussagen zum Lern- und Leistungsverhalten der Schülerinnen und Schüler, sondern auf Aussagen zu schulvermeidendem Verhalten und ihrer sozialen Integration. Diese schulischen Prädiktoren waren auch unter Kontrolle von Alter und Geschlecht sehr stabil. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass Lehrkräfte eine bedeutsame Rolle bei der Früherkennung von psychischen Auffälligkeiten einnehmen können.
Seasonal Flux of Ice‐Related Organic Matter During Under‐Ice Blooms in the Western Arctic Ocean Revealed by Algal Lipid Biomarkers
Authors: Gal Jong‐Ku , Ha Sun‐Yong , Park Jisoo , Shin Kyung‐Hoon , Kim Dongseon , Kim Nan‐Young , Kang Sung‐Ho , Yang Eun Jin
Published: January 2022

Satellite observations and modeling data have suggested a significant increase in net primary production in the Arctic Ocean over the last decade due to retreating sea ice and the development of light availability caused by Arctic warming. Subsequently, under‐ice blooms (UIBs) are being recognized as an important phenomenon from the traditional perspective. However, the role of sea‐ice algae in UIBs is still unknown due to the limited availability of continuous observations. We analyzed data on primary producer‐derived lipid biomarkers from sinking particles collected over 1 year using time‐series sediment traps on the East Siberian Sea and Chukchi Sea slopes. Based on the seasonal changes in sympagic organic carbon derived from the data of the ice proxy (IP25) flux and pelagic biomarkers, such as highly branched isoprenoid trienes, epi‐brassicasterol and dinosterol, a UIB was identified in summer 2018 on the East Siberian Sea slope. Compared to the nutrient distribution on the Chukchi Sea slope, the UIB on the East Siberian Sea slope might have been triggered by the nutrient supply. The estimated flux‐weighted mean sympagic organic carbon value measured during the UIB period (May−August) was 1.04 mg m−2 d−1 on the East Siberian Sea slope, approximately five times greater than recorded that on the Chukchi Sea slope (0.23 mg m−2 d−1) during the same period. Our findings suggest that the importance of sea‐ice algae as primary producers has increased as the UIB phenomenon has become more important in the Arctic Ocean and that sea‐ice environments face changes due to Arctic warming.
Global Distribution and Geological Context of Co‐Existing Occurrences of Olivine‐Rich and Plagioclase‐Rich Materials on the Lunar Surface
Authors: Yamamoto Satoru , Ohtake Makiko , Karouji Yuzuru , Kayama Masahiro , Nagaoka Hiroshi , Ishihara Yoshiaki , Haruyama Junichi
Published: January 2022

We examined the global distribution and geological context of lunar sites where olivine‐ and plagioclase‐rich materials co‐exist. These sites are areas showing plagioclase‐rich spectra adjacent to areas showing olivine‐rich spectra, and they extend over several hundreds of meters on the lunar surface. From an analysis of the high‐spatial‐resolution data obtained from the SELENE (Kaguya) multiband imager, we identified 14 co‐existing occurrences among 49 olivine‐rich sites located around large impact basins. We found that the co‐existing occurrences are limited to a few sites among the olivine‐rich sites in the Moscoviense, Crisium, and Imbrium basins, while six of seven olivine‐rich sites in the Schrödinger basin show co‐existing occurrence. The geological features between the co‐existing occurrences and the olivine‐rich sites without plagioclase‐rich materials showed no clear difference, but both types of site are found at fresh geological features located around the peak rings of impact basins. These results may suggest that the co‐existing occurrences are closely related to the material heterogeneity of the peak ring regions. The heterogeneity could be formed by mixing of the olivine‐rich mantle and the anorthosite‐rich crust during impact basin formation, or it might be a reflection of the compositional heterogeneity of the lunar lower crust. For future sample return missions, the detailed information on the co‐existing occurrences presented here might be useful for a sampling strategy to select a “one‐stop” site that provides important information for the overall characterization of lunar mantle and crustal materials.
Diagnosis of Model Errors With a Sliding Time‐Window Bayesian Analysis
Authors: Hsueh Han‐Fang , Guthke Anneli , Wöhling Thomas , Nowak Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

Deterministic hydrological models with uncertain, but inferred‐to‐be‐time‐invariant parameters typically show time‐dependent model errors. Such errors can occur if a hydrological process is active in certain time periods in nature, but is not resolved by the model or by its input. Such missing processes could become visible during calibration as time‐dependent best‐fit values of model parameters. We propose a formal time‐windowed Bayesian analysis to diagnose this type of model error, formalizing the question “In which period of the calibration time‐series does the model statistically disqualify itself as quasi‐true?” Using Bayesian model evidence (BME) as model performance metric, we determine how much the data in time windows of the calibration time‐series support or refute the model. Then, we track BME over sliding time windows to obtain a dynamic, time‐windowed BME (tBME) and search for sudden decreases that indicate an onset of model error. tBME also allows us to perform a formal, sliding likelihood‐ratio test of the model against the data. Our proposed approach is designed to detect error occurrence on various temporal scales, which is especially useful in hydrological modeling. We illustrate this by applying our proposed method to soil moisture modeling. We test tBME as model error indicator on several synthetic and real‐world test cases that we designed to vary in error sources (structure and input) and error time scales. Results prove the successful detection errors in dynamic models. Moreover, the time sequence of posterior parameter distributions helps to investigate the reasons for model error and provide guidance for model improvement.
Cancer-derived exosomal HSPC111 promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis by reprogramming lipid metabolism in cancer-associated fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Chong , Wang Xiang-Yu , Zhang Peng , He Tao-Chen , Han Jia-Hao , Zhang Rui , Lin Jing , Fan Jie , Lu Lu , Zhu Wen-Wei , Jia Hu-Liang , Zhang Ju-Bo , Chen Jin-Hong
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Tumor metastasis is a hallmark of cancer. The communication between cancer-derived exosomes and stroma plays an irreplaceable role in facilitating pre-metastatic niche formation and cancer metastasis. However, the mechanisms underlying exosome-mediated pre-metastatic niche formation during colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis remain incompletely understood. Here we identified HSPC111 was the leading upregulated gene in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) incubated with CRC cell-derived exosomes. In xenograft mouse model, CRC cell-derived exosomal HSPC111 facilitated pre-metastatic niche formation and CRC liver metastases (CRLM). Consistently, CRC patients with liver metastasis had higher level of HSPC111 in serum exosomes, primary tumors and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in liver metastasis than those without. Mechanistically, HSPC111 altered lipid metabolism of CAFs by phosphorylating ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), which upregulated the level of acetyl-CoA. The accumulation of acetyl-CoA further promoted CXCL5 expression and secretion by increasing H3K27 acetylation in CAFs. Moreover, CXCL5-CXCR2 axis reinforced exosomal HSPC111 excretion from CRC cells and promoted liver metastasis. These results uncovered that CRC cell-derived exosomal HSPC111 promotes pre-metastatic niche formation and CRLM via reprogramming lipid metabolism in CAFs, and implicate HSPC111 may be a potential therapeutic target for preventing CRLM.
Truncated PARP1 mediates ADP-ribosylation of RNA polymerase III for apoptosis
Authors: Chen Qian , Ma Kai , Liu Xiuhua , Chen Shih-Hsun , Li Peng , Yu Yonghao , Leung Anthony K. L. , Yu Xiaochun
Published: January 2022

Caspase-mediated cleavage of PARP1 is a surrogate marker for apoptosis. However, the biological significance of PARP1 cleavage during apoptosis is still unclear. Here, using unbiased protein affinity purification, we show that truncated PARP1 (tPARP1) recognizes the RNA polymerase III (Pol III) complex in the cytosol. tPARP1 mono-ADP-ribosylates RNA Pol III in vitro and mediates ADP-ribosylation of RNA Pol III during poly(dA-dT)-stimulated apoptosis in cells. tPARP1-mediated activation of RNA Pol III facilitates IFN-β production and apoptosis. In contrast, suppression of PARP1 or expressing the non-cleavable form of PARP1 impairs these molecular events. Taken together, these studies reveal a novel biological role of tPARP1 during cytosolic DNA-induced apoptosis.
Large-scale diet tracking data reveal disparate associations between food environment and diet
Authors: Althoff Tim , Nilforoshan Hamed , Hua Jenna , Leskovec Jure
Published: January 2022

An unhealthy diet is a major risk factor for chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer1–4. Limited access to healthy food options may contribute to unhealthy diets5,6. Studying diets is challenging, typically restricted to small sample sizes, single locations, and non-uniform design across studies, and has led to mixed results on the impact of the food environment7–23. Here we leverage smartphones to track diet health, operationalized through the self-reported consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, fast food and soda, as well as body-mass index status in a country-wide observational study of 1,164,926 U.S. participants (MyFitnessPal app users) and 2.3 billion food entries to study the independent contributions of fast food and grocery store access, income and education to diet health outcomes. This study constitutes the largest nationwide study examining the relationship between the food environment and diet to date. We find that higher access to grocery stores, lower access to fast food, higher income and college education are independently associated with higher consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, lower consumption of fast food and soda, and lower likelihood of being affected by overweight and obesity. However, these associations vary significantly across zip codes with predominantly Black, Hispanic or white populations. For instance, high grocery store access has a significantly larger association with higher fruit and vegetable consumption in zip codes with predominantly Hispanic populations (7.4% difference) and Black populations (10.2% difference) in contrast to zip codes with predominantly white populations (1.7% difference). Policy targeted at improving food access, income and education may increase healthy eating, but intervention allocation may need to be optimized for specific subpopulations and locations.
Combination of pre-adapted bacteriophage therapy and antibiotics for treatment of fracture-related infection due to pandrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Eskenazi Anaïs , Lood Cédric , Wubbolts Julia , Hites Maya , Balarjishvili Nana , Leshkasheli Lika , Askilashvili Lia , Kvachadze Leila , van Noort Vera , Wagemans Jeroen , Jayankura Marc , Chanishvili Nina , de Boer Mark , Nibbering Peter , Kutateladze Mzia , Lavigne Rob , Merabishvili Maya , Pirnay Jean-Paul
Published: January 2022

A 30-year-old bombing victim with a fracture-related pandrug-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaeinfection after long-term (>700 days) antibiotic therapy is treated with a pre-adapted bacteriophage along with meropenem and colistin, followed by ceftazidime/avibactam. This salvage therapy results in objective clinical, microbiological and radiological improvement of the patient’s wounds and overall condition. In support, the bacteriophage and antibiotic combination is highly effective against the patient’sK. pneumoniaestrain in vitro, in 7-day mature biofilms and in suspensions.