bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Rocks competency for pre-foundation study using ultrasonic approach
Authors: AL-Awsi Munther D. , Khorshid Salman Z. , Sahaab Abdalratha M.
Published: June 2021

The aim of the current research is to use the ultrasonic wave velocity for assessment of rock competence for pre-foundation study at engineering site near Rawa city. Thirty seven (37) rock samples were gathered from different depths of well drilled at the site. Both compressional and shear waves velocity (Vp and Vs) were measured in the laboratory. To assess the competency of rocks as foundation materials, some geotechnical properties include Poisson’s ratio(σ), Effective angle of internal friction (ϕ), Material index(Im), and Coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest (Ko) were calculated. The results of the study showed that the first layer characterized by incompetent to fairly competent materials, the second layer (Anah Formation) composed of alternation of the moderately competent (limestone) with thin incompetent (fractured coralline limestone) rocks, while the third layer (Baba Formation) which composed of dolamatic limestone characterized by good competent rocks. Depending on above mentioned results, the third layer (Baba Formation) is more suitable as foundation rocks for constructions purposes at the investigated site. The results also confirm that the ultrasonic wave velocity is effective method in evaluating the geotechnical properties of rock in pre-construction works.
Characterization of Graphene Oxide reduced by Bacillus clausii and its activity against MDR uropathogenic isolates
Authors: Almamad Muktad Fadel , Aldujaili Nawfal Hussein
Published: June 2021

Due to the emergence of high virulence pathogenic strains of bacteria that are resistant to most antibiotics, this study was conducted to find alternative materials for antibiotics or work with antibiotics against bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics. in this study, we used bacterially reduced graphene oxide (BrGO) for this purpose and through the experiment showed that Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets can biologically reduce by Bacillus clausii by reaction GO with cell free supernatant, where the reaction mixture incubates for 72hrs at 37C° in a shaking incubator. The general properties of reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) nanosheets by B. clausii were determined through Ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results showed the successful bacterial synthesis of rGO nanosheets via removal of water molecules and oxygen functional groups from interlayer of GO. So, the reduced Graphene oxide by Bacillus clausii considered excellent and eco-friendly. BrGO nanosheets exhibited potent noticeable antibacterial activity at different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 mg/ml) against both Gram (-ve) and Gram (+ve) tested MDR uropathogenic isolates when used alone or at combining with other antibiotics. also the results showed that potent growth inhibition zones was increased with increasing concentrations of BrGO.
Detection lipase gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from crude oil contaminated soil
Authors: Kamel Ahmed Tawoos Mohammed
Published: June 2021

The microbial lipases are industrially more substantial. The bacterial lipase enzymes can be extracellular and intracellular, and are extremely affected by bacterial nutrition and various physicochemical factors like temperature degree, pH, the sources of carbon and nitrogen, inorganic salts and agitation. The objective of current work is isolation and identify ofP.aeruginosafrom crude oil contaminated soil depending on PCR targeted lipA gene. 20g (15 samples) of crude oil contaminated soil were collected from north oil refineries/Kirkuk/Iraq. The isolates were identified according to microscopically diagnosis and colonial properties, biochemical tests, API-20E system with diagnosis by PCR technique based on gene lip A. PCR products by electrophoresis demonstrated only 8 isolates (53.33%) with positive results with lipA 558 from all isolates ofP. aeruginosa.
Thermodynamic Study For Removing Of Crystal Violet Dye On Iraqi Porcelanite Rocks Powder
Authors: Al-Abadi Saad Imran , Al-Da’amy Muneer A. , Kareem Eman T.
Published: June 2021

Natural Iraqi Porcelanite Rocks powder are better adsorbents due to better functionality, surface area, employed for the adsorption of crystal violet (cv) dye from aqueous media. Crystal violet is used as adye in cotton ;silk and printing ink, crystal violet (cv) dye is a water - soluble, toxic, recalcitrant organic dye that cause several health problems and environment pollution. This study involves the adsorption of crystal violet (cv) dye adsorbed from solution on the Iraqi Porcelanite Rocks powder surface was characterized by numerous techniques AFM. The Iraqi Porcelanite Rocks powder showed promising adsorption ability for Crystal violet dye. Batch experiments were designated to determine the effect of PH, dye concentration, adsorbent dose, temperature change and contact time in dye removal. Process variables were optimized and maximum dye adsorption of 31.38 mg/g was achieved at PH 8, 0.02 g adsorbent dose, 20 min. contact time, 25 for dye initial concentration of 30 mg/L. The isothermal data obtained using batch adsorption technique were fitted using Langmuir, Freundlich and Timken equation and it was found that the experimental data is well described by Freundlich isotherm model. Different thermodynamic parameters have shown natural Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of the system showed increasing spontaneity with temperature while positive entropy value (ΔS) implied random disorder of molecules featured at solution/solid interfase. Positive enthalpy value (ΔH) confirmed endotherimic nature of this adsorption process.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-composite co-polymer: Adsorption and Removal Studies of vitamin B12 from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Awwad Haitham M. , Aljeboree Aseel M. , Al-Baiati Mohammad N. , Alkaim Ayad F.
Published: June 2021

Background: Nano-composite polymer from Nano graft co–polymer that has the ability to absorb, but not dissolve in, water at physiological conditions (pH, temperature, mass of adsorbent). research the adsorption systems of drug (vitamin B12 drug) on selected surfaces (Nano-composite co-polymer) at variable conditions of pH and temperature. Methods: The UV-Visible spectrometer was used to conduct the adsorption experiments. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectrometer) and AFM were used to study the chemical structures of polymers. Results: When the adsorption phenomenon was investigated as different temperatures (10, 20,35 and 55 oC), it was found that the degree of adsorption of vitamin B12 drug on Nano-composite co-polymer was increased with temperature increase. The amounts of drug that were adsorbed on the Nano-composite co-polymer surface at different pH, were in the following order: 11, 6, 4, 2 and successful removal at pH 11.
Preparation of ZnO nanoparticles by Electrolysis and evaluation of their antibacterial activity
Authors: Ismail Shaymaa N. , Abd Ahmed N. , Azeez Dakhil Osama Abdul
Published: June 2021

This study is to prepare and characterize ZnO NPs by electrolysis method. The detailed characterization of ZnO nanoparticles was performed using ultraviolet spectroscopy, (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, electronic ice analysis and SEM scanning analysis demonstrating that the analysis of prepared ZnO nanoparticles is flower. The results of the antibacterial activity showed inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis.
Identifying the Birds Diversity Hot Spots in Teeb Protected Area South-eastern Iraq by Using Kernel Density Estimation
Authors: Hassan Thaer Kareem , Fadhullah Widad , Abed Salwan Ali , Salim Mudhafar A. , Al-Kenani Kudhur A. , Mahdi Saif Salih
Published: June 2021

The area of Teeb and the surrounding areas located at Southeastern Iraq is well known of its ecosystem diversity that includes series of heights and cliffs, shrubby and bushy plains, flat alluvial areas, seasonal marshes and waterbodies; in addition to two large seasonal rivers: Teeb and Dweireej. Such a rich topographical diversity has created the richness in plant diversity and subsequently fauna diversity. Nevertheless, no report was conducted on Teeb area particularly on the birds diversity and its associated hot spots analysis. The objectives of this study are to determine the bird count observed in Teeb surveyed area and to estimate the avifauna habitat selection using Kernel Density Estimation.. It The study has been visited in various occasions during 2016-2020 where seven sampling sites were surveyed regularly in different seasons targeting the birds diversity and their habitats. The fieldwork targeted both: aquatic and terrestrial species, and general description for their habitats over the seven sampling sites. Kernel Density Estimation Modelling in ArcGIS was used to determine important hotspot for birds in Teeb protected area. Geostatistical analysis was also carried out using hot spot (Gi*de Getis-Ord) analysis and Neareast Neighbour analysis. One hundred and forty-nine bird species were recorded during the current study. The main goal of the current work, besides presenting the results of the fieldwork, is to demonstrate the importance of the area as a priority for conservation on the national level, and addressing conservation issues as a tool for treating the threats that threaten the Biodiversity in general and birds in particular in this key biodiversity area in Iraq. Highlighting the birds hotspots in Teeb would assist in addressing the management effort property. demonstrating the importance of the area as a priority for conservation on the national level, and addressing set of recommendations as a tool for treating the threats that threaten the biodiversity in general and birds in particular in this key biodiversity area in Iraq.
Invasive Alien Species in Al-Dalmaj Protected Area, Iraq: Conservation and Wildlife Management Approach
Authors: Salim Mudhafar A. , Al-Sudani Ibrahim M. , Haloob Ali , Abed Salwan Ali
Published: June 2021

An invasive species can be any kind of living organism that is not originally native to an area or ecosystem. These species can harm the environment, the economy, or even human health, the matter that necessitates their studying and monitoring. The current study has focused only on the alien invasive species and excluded the invasive species of native origin. The alien invasive species have been studies for more than a decade in Dalmaj area as part of the Iraqi Organization for Conservation of Nature (IOCN)’s long-term environmental studies in this protected area that includes wide spectrum of habitats and is rich in biodiversity. Only the invasive species have been tackled in this survey, and the alien species that are of native origin have not been included in this study. Nineteen invasive species have been observed in the study area that belong to different flora and fauna taxa. These groups included three plant species (16% of the total invasive species), twelve fish species (63%), three bird species (16%), and one mammal species (5%). The status of these species in the study area was described. By shading light on this group of organisms and provide basic information on their population size, this would establish for long-term monitoring of these taxa and would help in the management of these species and assessing their effect in the different habitats of Al-Dalmaj protected area.
Estimating Cannabis Involvement in Fatal Crashes in Washington State Before and After the Legalization of Recreational Cannabis Consumption Using Multiple Imputation of Missing Values
Authors: Tefft Brian C , Arnold Lindsay S
Published: June 2021

The government of Washington state legalized recreational cannabis consumption in December 2012. We used data on all drivers involved in fatal crashes in Washington in the years 2008–2019 (n = 8,282) to estimate prevalence in fatal crashes of drivers with ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) in their blood before and after legalization. However, nearly half of the drivers were not tested for drugs; we therefore used multiple imputation to estimate THC presence and concentration among them. We used logistic regression followed by marginal standardization to estimate the adjusted prevalence of THC-positive drivers after legalization relative to what would have been predicted without legalization. In the combined observed and imputed data, the proportion of drivers positive for THC was 9.3% before and 19.1% after legalization (adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.3, 4.1). The proportion of drivers with high THC concentrations increased substantially (adjusted prevalence ratio: 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.5, 15.1). Some of the increased prevalence of THC-positive drivers might have reflected cannabis use unassociated with driving; however, the increased prevalence of drivers with high THC concentrations suggests an increase in the prevalence of driving shortly after using cannabis. Other jurisdictions should compile quantitative data on drug test results of drivers to enable surveillance and evaluation.
Expression of Exogenous Epithelial Sodium Channel Beta Subunit in the Mouse Middle Cerebral Artery Increases Pressure-Induced Constriction
Authors: Nemeth Zoltan , Ryan Michael J , Granger Joey P , Drummond Heather A
Published: June 2021

Background

Pressure-induced constriction (PIC) is inherent to small arteries and arterioles, in which intraluminal pressure-induced vascular smooth muscle cell stretch elicits vasoconstriction. Degenerin (Deg) proteins, such as beta-epithelial Na+ channel (βENaC), have been studied in the PIC response because they are evolutionarily linked to known mechanosensors. While loss of Deg function phenotypes are plentiful, a gain-of-function phenotype has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine if expression of exogenous βENaC in the isolated middle cerebral artery (MCA) enhances the PIC response.

Methods

Isolated MCA segments from female mice (24 weeks, n = 5) were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein–βENaC (EGFP–βENaC) or with EGFP alone, incubated overnight at 37 °C, then studied in a pressure myograph.

Results

Mechanical/morphological properties and vasoconstrictor responses to KCl and phenylephrine were identical in EGFP–βENaC and EGFP MCAs. In contrast, PIC responses were greater in EGFP–βENaC segments with ~2-fold greater peak myogenic tone.

Conclusions

These data confirm previous findings that βENaC is critical in the PIC response. These data provide proof-of-concept that upregulating βENaC can enhance PIC responses and lay the foundation to test the hypothesis that inflammation-mediated downregulation of βENaC contributes to cerebrovascular dysfunction.
Personal Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure of Farmworkers: Seasonal and Anatomical Differences Suggest Prevention Measures Are Required
Authors: Linde Karlien , Wright Caradee Yael , du Plessis Johannes Lodewykus
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Farmworkers are at risk of excess exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) during their work activities, especially if they work in geographical areas with high ambient solar UVR levels such as in South Africa. Excess exposure to solar UVR may lead to several negative health effects such as certain cataracts and skin cancer. This study evaluated personal solar UVR exposure of a group of farmworkers to determine if they were at risk of health-related problems due to excess solar UVR exposure.

Methods

Polysulphone film (PSF) badges were placed on the shoulder, arm, and top of the head of outdoor and indoor farmworkers on a macadamia nut and avocado farm in the Limpopo province for the duration of their daily work shift to evaluate their total daily solar UVR exposure. Sixteen days were assessed for each of the three, high solar UVR seasons, i.e. autumn, spring, and summer.

Results

During autumn, farmworkers’ arms received the highest solar UVR exposures (geometric mean (GM) = 7.8 SED, where 1 standard erythemal dose (SED) = 100 J/m2, 95% CI 6.1–9.8 SED) while the highest exposures were on the top of the head during spring (GM = 11.6 SED, 95% CI 7.3–17.4 SED) and summer (GM = 13.9, 95% CI 10.4–17.9 SED). Statistically significant differences in solar UVR exposure were found between the body sites during spring and summer but not autumn.

Conclusions

The relatively high daily solar UVR exposure levels of farmworkers suggest this occupational group is at risk of excess solar UVR exposure and preventive measures with awareness information to safeguard health is necessary for employers and employees.
“I Spy with my Little Eye, Something that is a Face…”: A Brain Network for Illusory Face Detection
Authors: Thome Ina , Hohmann Daniela M , Zimmermann Kristin M , Smith Marie L , Kessler Roman , Jansen Andreas
Published: June 2021

The most basic aspect of face perception is simply detecting the presence of a face, which requires the extraction of features that it has in common with other faces. Putatively, it is caused by matching high-dimensional sensory input with internal face templates, achieved through a top-down mediated coupling between prefrontal regions and brain areas in the occipito-temporal cortex (“core system of face perception”). Illusory face detection tasks can be used to study these top-down influences. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we showed that illusory face perception activated just as real faces the core system, albeit with atypical left-lateralization of the occipital face area. The core system was coupled with two distinct brain regions in the lateral prefrontal (inferior frontal gyrus, IFG) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). A dynamic causal modeling (DCM) analysis revealed that activity in the core system during illusory face detection was upregulated by a modulatory face-specific influence of the IFG, not as previously assumed by the OFC. Based on these findings, we were able to develop the most comprehensive neuroanatomical framework of illusory face detection until now.
Context-Aware Authentication with Dynamic Credentials using Electricity Consumption Data
Authors: Ustundag Soykan Elif , KaraÇay Leyli , Bilgin Zeki , Tomur Emrah , Akif Ersoy Mehmet , KarakoÇ Ferhat , Çomak Pinar
Published: June 2021

Industrial IoT (IIoT) era is evolving rapidly in parallel to the progress in Industry 4.0, which leads factories to increase the engagement with external parties through different communication infrastructures. This brings a larger attack surface and requires the development of new security solutions suitable for IIoT systems. Authentication is a key enabler to prevent the attacks that come from the interactions with the outside world components. Though there are proposed authentication schemes for IoT or machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, they cannot be readily applied for IIoT since manufacturing machines have different features and requirements than generic IT and IoT devices. In this paper, context information is proposed to be used for enhancing the authentication process in the IIoT, where instantaneous electricity consumption measured by smart meters is the main context information used as a dynamic authentication credential. Besides, in our method, existing smart meter infrastructure is utilized for both exchanging credentials over an industrial network and verification of the credentials by trusted components like Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) or Energy Management System (EMS). The proposed method also allows the use of other context information as authentication credentials such as temperature and humidity collected by sensors in the manufacturing environment.
Human BIN1 isoforms grow, maintain, and regenerate excitation–contraction couplons in adult rat and human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Guo Jia , Tian Qinghai , Barth Monika , Xian Wenying , Ruppenthal Sandra , Schaefers Hans-Joachim , Chen Zhifen , Moretti Alessandra , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Lipp Peter
Published: June 2021

Aims

In ventricular myocytes, transverse-tubules (T-tubules) are instrumental for excitation–contraction (EC)coupling and their disarray is a hallmark of cardiac diseases. BIN1 is a key contributor to their biogenesis. Our study set out to investigate the role of human BIN1 splice variants in the maintenance and regeneration of EC-coupling in rat adult ventricular myocytes and human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes (hiPS-CMs).

Methods and results

In heart samples from healthy human donors expression patterns of five BIN1 splice variants were identified. Following viral transduction of human BIN1 splice variants in cellular models of T-tubular disarray, we employed high-speed confocal calcium imaging and CaCLEAN analysis to identify functional EC-coupling sites (couplons) and T-tubular architecture. Adult rat ventricular myocytes were used to investigate the regeneration after loss and maintenance of EC-coupling while we studied the enhancement of EC-coupling in hiPS-CMs. All five human BIN1 splice variants induced de-novo generation of T-tubules in both cell types. Isoforms with the phosphoinositide-binding motif (PI) were most potent in maintenance and regeneration of T-tubules and functional EC-coupling in adult rat myocytes. In hiPSC-CMs, BIN1 variants with PI-motif-induced de novo generation of T-tubules, functional couplons and enhanced calcium handling.

Conclusion

BIN1 is essential for the maintenance, regeneration, and de novo generation of functional T-tubules. Isoforms with PI-motifs appeared as particulalrly potent. These T-tubules trigger the development of functional couplons resulting in enhanced calcium handling.
Predictors, time course, and outcomes of persistence patterns in oral anticoagulation for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a Dutch Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Toorop Myrthe M A , Chen Qingui , Tichelaar Vladimir Y I G , Cannegieter Suzanne C , Lijfering Willem M
Published: June 2021

Aims 

Persistence with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has become a concern in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients, but whether this affects prognosis is rarely studied. We investigated the persistence with oral anticoagulants (OACs) and its association with prognosis among a nationwide cohort of NVAF patients.

Methods and results 

DOAC-naive NVAF patients who started to use DOACs for ischaemic stroke prevention between 2013 and 2018 were included using Dutch national statistics. Persistence with OACs was determined based on the presence of a 100-day gap between the last prescription and the end of study period. In 93 048 patients, 75.7% had a baseline CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥2. The cumulative incidence of persistence with OACs was 88.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 87.9–88.3%], 82.6% (95% CI 82.3–82.9%), 77.7% (95% CI 77.3–78.1%), and 72.0% (95% CI 71.5–72.5%) at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years after receiving DOACs, respectively. Baseline characteristics associated with better persistence with OACs included female sex, age range 65–74 years, permanent atrial fibrillation, previous exposure to vitamin K antagonists, stroke history (including transient ischaemic attack), and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2. Non-persistence with OACs was associated with an increased risk of the composite outcome of ischaemic stroke and ischaemic stroke-related death [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.79, 95% CI 1.49–2.15] and ischaemic stroke (aHR 1.58, 95% CI 1.29–1.93) compared with being persistent with OACs.

Conclusion 

At least a quarter of NVAF patients were non-persistent with OACs within 4 years, which was associated with poor efficacy of ischaemic stroke prevention. The identified baseline characteristics may help identify patients at risk of non-persistence.
Combining home monitoring temporal trends from implanted defibrillators and baseline patient risk profile to predict heart failure hospitalizations: results from the SELENE HF study
Authors: D’Onofrio Antonio , Solimene Francesco , Calò Leonardo , Calvi Valeria , Viscusi Miguel , Melissano Donato , Russo Vitantonio , Rapacciuolo Antonio , Campana Andrea , Caravati Fabrizio , Bonfanti Paolo , Zanotto Gabriele , Gronda Edoardo , Vado Antonello , Calzolari Vittorio , Botto Giovanni Luca , Zecchin Massimo , Bontempi Luca , Giacopelli Daniele , Gargaro Alessio , Padeletti Luigi
Published: June 2021

Aims

We developed and validated an algorithm for prediction of heart failure (HF) hospitalizations using remote monitoring (RM) data transmitted by implanted defibrillators.

Methods and results

The SELENE HF study enrolled 918 patients (median age 69 years, 81% men, median ejection fraction 30%) with cardiac resynchronization therapy (44%), dual-chamber (38%), or single-chamber defibrillators with atrial diagnostics (18%). To develop a predictive algorithm, temporal trends of diurnal and nocturnal heart rates, ventricular extrasystoles, atrial tachyarrhythmia burden, heart rate variability, physical activity, and thoracic impedance obtained by daily automatic RM were combined with a baseline risk-stratifier (Seattle HF Model) into one index. The primary endpoint was the first post-implant adjudicated HF hospitalization. After a median follow-up of 22.5 months since enrolment, patients were randomly allocated to the algorithm derivation group (n = 457; 31 endpoints) or algorithm validation group (n = 461; 29 endpoints). In the derivation group, the index showed a C-statistics of 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83–0.95] with 2.73 odds ratio (CI 1.98–3.78) for first HF hospitalization per unitary increase of index value (P < 0.001). In the validation group, sensitivity of predicting primary endpoint was 65.5% (CI 45.7–82.1%), median alerting time 42 days (interquartile range 21–89), and false (or unexplained) alert rate 0.69 (CI 0.64–0.74) [or 0.63 (CI 0.58–0.68)] per patient-year. Without the baseline risk-stratifier, the sensitivity remained 65.5% and the false/unexplained alert rates increased by ≈10% to 0.76/0.71 per patient-year.

Conclusion

With the developed algorithm, two-thirds of first post-implant HF hospitalizations could be predicted timely with only 0.7 false alerts per patient-year.
Specific content for collaborative care: a systematic review of collaborative care interventions for patients with multimorbidity involving depression and/or anxiety in primary care
Authors: Kappelin Caroline , Carlsson Axel C , Wachtler Caroline
Published: June 2021

Background

In primary care (PC) many patients suffer from multimorbidity involving depression and/or anxiety. Collaborative care (CC) has shown promising results for patients with depression, anxiety, and multimorbidity involving depression. However, specific content in CC for patients with multimorbidity involving depression and/or anxiety is unknown.

Objective

(i) To examine the effect of CC interventions in patients with multimorbidity involving depression and/or anxiety compared with usual care; (ii) to identify specific content of CC.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trial studies evaluating CC models for adults with multimorbidity involving depression and/or anxiety in PC settings. PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycInfo were searched in December 2019. We conducted a qualitative synthesis using an existing framework and developed a new framework to map the content for each studied intervention.

Results

We identified 1,447 studies. Twelve publications were included. Eleven had medium-to-high quality of CC for patients with multimorbidity involving depression. Specific content of CC in these studies is: A stepped care model, involving medication and psychotherapy delivered by a nurse or psychologist Care Manager (CM) focusing on problem-solving techniques; follow-up including monitoring of symptoms and function, and relapse prevention strategies; scheduled CM supervision.

Conclusions

Specific content for CC for patients with multimorbidity involving depression is identified from current research. Research gaps were found regarding CC for patients with multimorbidity and anxiety, depression and anxiety, and depression and/or anxiety and more than 2 diseases.
Genetic andin uteroenvironmental contributions to DNA methylation variation in placenta
Authors: Chatterjee Suvo , Ouidir Marion , Tekola-Ayele Fasil
Published: June 2021

Genetic and prenatal environmental factors shape fetal development and cardiometabolic health in later life. A key target of genetic and prenatal environmental factors is the epigenome of the placenta, an organ that is implicated in fetal growth and diseases in later life. This study had two aims: (1) to identify and functionally characterize placental variably methylated regions (VMRs), which are regions in the epigenome with high inter-individual methylation variability; and (2) to investigate the contributions of fetal genetic loci and 12 prenatal environmental factors (maternal cardiometabolic-,psychosocial-, demographic- and obstetric-related) on methylation at each VMR. Akaike’s information criterion was used to select the best model out of four models [prenatal environment only, genotype only, additive effect of genotype and prenatal environment (G + E), and their interaction effect (G × E)]. We identified 5850 VMRs in placenta. Methylation at 70% of VMRs was best explained by G × E, followed by genotype only (17.7%), and G + E (12.3%). Prenatal environment alone best explained only 0.03% of VMRs. We observed that 95.4% of G × E models and 93.9% of G + E models included maternal age, parity, delivery mode, maternal depression or gestational weight gain. VMR methylation sites and their regulatory genetic variants were enriched (P < 0.05) for genomic regions that have known links with regulatory functions and complex traits. This study provided a genome-wide catalog of VMRs in placenta and highlighted that variation in placental DNA methylation at loci with regulatory and trait relevance is best elucidated by integrating genetic and prenatal environmental factors, and rarely by environmental factors alone.
Outcomes for Hand Burns Treated With Autologous Skin Cell Suspension in 20% TBSA and Smaller Injuries
Authors: Taylor George Malcolm , Barnett Scott A , Tuggle Charles T , Carter Jeff E , Phelan Herb A
Published: June 2021

In order to address the confounder of TBSA on burn outcomes, we sought to analyze our experience with the use of autologous skin cell suspensions (ASCS) in a cohort of subjects with hand burns whose TBSA totaled 20% or less. We hypothesized that the use of ASCS in conjunction with 2:1 meshed autograft for the treatment of hand burn injuries would provide comparable outcomes to hand burns treated with sheet or minimally meshed autograft alone. A retrospective review was conducted for all deep partial and full-thickness hand burns treated with split-thickness autograft (STAG) at our urban verified burn center between April 2018 and September 2020. The exclusion criterion was a TBSA greater than 20%. The cohorts were those subjects treated with ASCS in combination with STAG (ASCS(+)) vs those treated with STAG alone (ASCS(−)). All ASCS(+) subjects were treated with 2:1 meshed STAG and ASCS overspray while all ASCS(−) subjects had 1:1, piecrust, or unmeshed sheet graft alone. Outcomes measured included demographics, time to wound closure, proportion returning to work (RTW), and length of time to RTW. Mann–Whitney U test was used for comparisons of continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Values are reported as medians and 25th and 75th interquartile ranges. Fifty-one subjects fit the study criteria (ASCS(+) n = 31, ASCS(−) n = 20). The ASCS(+) group was significantly older than the ASCS(−) cohort (44 [32–54] vs 32 years [27.5–37], P = .009) with larger %TBSA burns (15% [9.5–17] vs 2% [1–4], P < .0001) and larger size hand burns (190 [120–349.5] vs 126 cm2 [73.5–182], P = .015). Comparable results were seen between ASCS(+) and ASCS(−), respectively, for time to wound closure (9 [7–13] vs 11.5 days [6.75–14], P = .63), proportion RTW (61% vs 70%, P = .56), and days for RTW among those returning (35 [28.5–57] vs 33 [20.25–59], P = .52). The ASCS(+) group had two graft infections with no reoperations, while ASCS(−) had one infection with one reoperation. No subjects in either group had a dermal substitute placed. Despite being significantly older, having larger hand wounds, and larger overall wounds within the parameters of the study criteria, patients with 20% TBSA burns or smaller whose hand burns were treated with 2:1 mesh and ASCS overspray had comparable time to wound closure, proportion of RTW, and time to return to work as subjects treated with 1:1 or piecrust meshed STAG. Our group plans to follow this work with scar assessments for a more granular picture of pliability and reconstructive needs.
Temperature drives spatial and temporal variation in the reproductive biology of the blue swimmer crab Portunus armatus A. Milne-Edwards, 1861 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae)
Authors: Johnston Danielle J , Yeoh Daniel E
Published: June 2021

Sound fisheries management requires knowledge of how the reproductive biology of targeted species varies over space and time and responds to external drivers. We determined the size at maturity and fecundity of the blue swimmer crab Portunus armatus (A. Milne-Edwards, 1861) (Brachyura: Portunidae) along the west coast of Australia at monthly, annual and interdecadal (1990s versus 2010s) time scales. The size at maturity of females determined by abdominal morphology (carapace width (CW) at 50% maturity (CW50)) was highest in sub-tropical Shark Bay at 26°S (104 mm), and declined latitudinally to temperate Geographe Bay at 34°S (93 mm). A notable exception was in a marine embayment at 32°S (Cockburn Sound), where CW50 was significantly lower than all other locations (83 mm). In contrast, batch fecundity was lower in sub-tropical (830,000 eggs at 127 mm CW) than temperate waters (950,000–990,000 eggs). Temporally, CW50 was significantly higher during January-June (typical growth period, encompassing the warmest months of the year) than during July-December (breeding period), and also differed between months, years, and decades. Positive correlations between water temperature, monthly and annual estimates of CW50, and functional maturity (size at first ovigery), were detected in most locations. Annual CW50 also increased with population density, particularly in locations where abundances and biomass were lowest. Results highlight plasticity in the reproductive biology of this portunid in response to environmental drivers such as temperature. Regular review of such parameters is important for ensuring robust fisheries management and stock assessments.
Determinants of migration trajectory and movement rate in a long-distance terrestrial mammal
Authors: Leclerc Martin , Leblond Mathieu , Le Corre Maël , Dussault Christian , Côté Steeve D
Published: June 2021

Animal migrations occur in many taxa and are considered an adaptive response to spatial or temporal variations in resources. Human activities can influence the cost-benefit trade-offs of animal migrations, but evaluating the determinants of migration trajectory and movement rate in declining populations facing relatively low levels of human disturbance can provide new and valuable insights on the behavior of wildlife in natural environments. Here, we used an adapted version of path selection functions and quantified the effects of habitat type, topography, and weather, on 313 spring migrations by migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in northern Québec, Canada, from 2011 to 2018. Our results showed that during spring migration, caribou selected tundra and avoided water bodies, forest, and higher elevation. Higher precipitation and deeper snow were linked to lower movement rates. Weather variables had a stronger effect on the migration trajectories and movement rates of females than males. Duration of caribou spring migration (mean of 48 days) and length (mean of 587 km) were similar in males and females, but females started (22 April) and ended (10 June) spring migrations ca. 6 days earlier than males. Caribou spring migration was influenced by habitat type, topography, and weather, but we also observed that caribou migrations were not spatially constrained. Better knowledge on where and when animals move between their winter and summer ranges can help inform management and land planning decisions. Our results could be used to model future migration trajectories and speed of caribou under different climate change scenarios.
The halo mass function and inner structure of ETHOS haloes at high redshift
Authors: Bohr Sebastian , Zavala Jesús , Cyr-Racine Francis-Yan , Vogelsberger Mark
Published: June 2021

We study the halo mass function and inner halo structure at high redshifts (z ≥ 5) for a suite of simulations within the structure formation ETHOS framework. Scenarios such as cold dark matter (CDM), thermal warm dark matter (WDM), and dark acoustic oscillations (DAOs) of various strengths are contained in ETHOS with just two parameters hpeak and kpeak, the amplitude and scale of the first DAO peak. The extended Press–Schechter (EPS) formalism with a smooth-k filter is able to predict the cut-off in the halo mass function created by the suppression of small-scale power in ETHOS models (controlled by kpeak), as well as the slope at small masses that is dependent on hpeak. Interestingly, we find that DAOs introduce a localized feature in the mass distribution of haloes, resulting in a mass function that is distinct in shape compared to either CDM or WDM. We find that the halo density profiles of all ETHOS models are well described by the NFW profile, with a concentration that is lower than in the CDM case in a way that is regulated by kpeak. We show that the concentration–mass relation for DAO models can be well approximated by the mass assembly model based on the EPS theory, which has been proposed for CDM and WDM elsewhere. Our results can be used to perform inexpensive calculations of the halo mass function and concentration–mass relation within the ETHOS parametrization without the need of N-body simulations.
SN 2020cpg: an energetic link between Type IIb and Ib supernovae
Authors: Medler K , Mazzali P A , Teffs J , Prentice S J , Ashall C , Amenouche M , Anderson J P , Burke J , Chen T W , Galbany L , Gromadzki M , Gutiérrez C P , Hiramatsu D , Howell D A , Inserra C , Kankare E , McCully C , Müller-Bravo T E , Nicholl M , Pellegrino C , Sollerman J
Published: June 2021

Stripped-envelope supernovae (SE-SNe) show a wide variety of photometric and spectroscopic properties. This is due to the different potential formation channels and the stripping mechanism that allows for a large diversity within the progenitors outer envelope compositions. Here, the photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN 2020cpg covering ∼130 d from the explosion date are presented. SN 2020cpg (z = 0.037) is a bright SE-SNe with the B-band peaking at MB = −17.75 ± 0.39 mag and a maximum pseudo-bolometric luminosity of Lmax = 6.03 ± 0.01 × 1042 erg s−1. Spectroscopically, SN 2020cpg displays a weak high- and low-velocity H α feature during the photospheric phase of its evolution, suggesting that it contained a detached hydrogen envelope prior to explosion. From comparisons with spectral models, the mass of hydrogen within the outer envelope was constrained to be ∼0.1 M⊙. From the pseudo-bolometric light curve of SN 2020cpg a 56Ni mass of MNi ∼ 0.27 ± 0.08 M⊙ was determined using an Arnett-like model. The ejecta mass and kinetic energy of SN 2020cpg were determined using an alternative method that compares the light curve of SN 2020cpg and several modelled SE-SNe, resulting in an ejecta mass of Mejc ∼ 5.5 ± 2.0 M⊙ and a kinetic energy of EK ∼ 9.0 ± 3.0 × 1051 erg. The ejected mass indicates a progenitor mass of 18−25 M⊙. The use of the comparative light curve method provides an alternative process to the commonly used Arnett-like model to determine the physical properties of SE-SNe.
Structure formation in large-volume cosmological simulations of fuzzy dark matter: impact of the non-linear dynamics
Authors: May Simon , Springel Volker
Published: June 2021

An ultralight bosonic particle of mass around $10^{-22}\, \mathrm{eV}/c^2$ is of special interest as a dark matter candidate, as it both has particle physics motivations, and may give rise to notable differences in the structures on highly non-linear scales due to the manifestation of quantum-physical wave effects on macroscopic scales, which could address a number of contentious small-scale tensions in the standard cosmological model, ΛCDM. Using a spectral technique, we here discuss simulations of such fuzzy dark matter (FDM), including the full non-linear wave dynamics, with a comparatively large dynamic range and for larger box sizes than considered previously. While the impact of suppressed small-scale power in the initial conditions associated with FDM has been studied before, the characteristic FDM dynamics are often neglected; in our simulations, we instead show the impact of the full non-linear dynamics on physical observables. We focus on the evolution of the matter power spectrum, give first results for the FDM halo mass function directly based on full FDM simulations, and discuss the computational challenges associated with the FDM equations. FDM shows a pronounced suppression of power on small scales relative to cold dark matter (CDM), which can be understood as a damping effect due to ‘quantum pressure’. In certain regimes, however, the FDM power can exceed that of CDM, which may be interpreted as a reflection of order-unity density fluctuations occurring in FDM. In the halo mass function, FDM shows a significant abundance reduction below a characteristic mass scale only. This could in principle alleviate the need to invoke very strong feedback processes in small galaxies to reconcile ΛCDM with the observed galaxy luminosity function, but detailed studies that also include baryons will be needed to ultimately judge the viability of FDM.
Gas clumping in the outskirts of the Virgo cluster
Authors: Mirakhor M S , Walker S A
Published: June 2021

Observations of the intracluster medium (ICM) in the outskirts of the Virgo cluster with Suzaku have found the gas mass fraction in the northern direction to be significantly above the expected level, indicating that there may be a very high level of gas clumping on small scales in this direction. Here we explore the XMM–Newton data in the outskirts of Virgo, dividing it into a Voronoi tessellation to separate the bulk ICM component from the clumped ICM component. As the nearest galaxy cluster, Virgo’s large angular extent allows the spatial scale of the tessellation to be much smaller than has been achieved using the same technique on intermediate-redshift clusters, allowing us to probe gas clumping on the scales down to 5 × 5 kpc2. We find that the level of gas clumping in the outskirts to the north is relatively mild, ($\sqrt{C} \lt 1.1$), suggesting that our point-source detection procedure may have excluded a significant fraction of clumps. While correcting for clumping brings the gas mass fraction at r200 into agreement with the universal gas mass fraction, the values outside r200 remain significantly above it. This may suggest that non-thermal pressure support in the outskirts to the north is significant, and we find that a non-thermal pressure support at the level of 20 per cent of the total pressure outside r200 can explain the high gas mass fraction to the north, which is in agreement with the range expected from simulations.
Characterization of the gene family encoding metal tolerance proteins in Triticum urartu: Phylogenetic, transcriptional, and functional analyses
Authors: Wang Fan-Hong , Qiao Kun , Shen Yong-Hua , Wang Hong , Chai Tuan-Yao
Published: June 2021

Homeostasis of microelements in organisms is vital for normal metabolism. In plants, the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) protein family, also known as metal tolerance proteins (MTPs), play critical roles in maintaining trace metal homeostasis. However, little is known about these proteins in wheat. In this study, we characterized the MTP family of Triticum urartu, the donor of ‘A’ genome of Triticum aestivum, and analysed their phylogenetic relationships, sequence signatures, spatial expression patterns in the diploid wheat, and their transport activity when heterologously expressed. Nine MTPs were identified in the T. urartu genome database, and were classified and designated based on their sequence similarity to Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) and Oryza sativa MTPs. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses indicated that the triticum urartu metal tolerance protein (TuMTP)s comprise three Zn-CDFs, two Fe/Zn-CDFs, and four Mn-CDFs; and can be further classified into six subgroups. Among the TuMTPs, there are no MTP2-5 and MTP9-10 counterparts but two MTP1/8/11 orthologs in relation to AtMTPs. It was also shown that members of the same cluster share similar sequence characteristic, i.e. number of introns, predicted transmembrane domains, and motifs. When expressed in yeast, TuMTP1 and TuMTP1.1 conferred tolerance to Zn and Co but not to other metal ions; while TuMTP8, TuMTP8.1, TuMTP11, and TuMTP11.1 conferred tolerance to Mn. When expressed in Arabidopsis, TuMTP1 localized to the tonoplast and significantly enhanced Zn and Co tolerance. TuMTPs showed diverse tissue-specific expression patterns. Taken together, the closely clustered TuMTPs share structural features and metal specificity but play diverse roles in the homeostasis of microelements in plant cells.
Aneurysm Wall Enhancement Is Associated With Decreased Intrasaccular IL-10 and Morphological Features of Instability
Authors: Swiatek Vanessa M , Neyazi Belal , Roa Jorge A , Zanaty Mario , Samaniego Edgar A , Ishii Daizo , Lu Yongjun , Sandalcioglu I Erol , Saalfeld Sylvia , Berg Philipp , Hasan David M
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

High-resolution vessel wall imaging plays an increasingly important role in assessing the risk of aneurysm rupture.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce an approach toward the validation of the wall enhancement as a direct surrogate parameter for aneurysm stability.

METHODS

A total of 19 patients harboring 22 incidental intracranial aneurysms were enrolled in this study. The aneurysms were dichotomized according to their aneurysm-to-pituitary stalk contrast ratio using a cutoff value of 0.5 (nonenhancing < 0.5; enhancing ≥ 0.5). We evaluated the association of aneurysm wall enhancement with morphological characteristics, hemodynamic features, and inflammatory chemokines directly measured inside the aneurysm.

RESULTS

Differences in plasma concentration of chemokines and inflammatory molecules, morphological, and hemodynamic parameters were analyzed using the Welch test or Mann-Whitney U test. The concentration ΔIL-10 in the lumen of intracranial aneurysms with low wall enhancement was significantly increased compared to aneurysms with strong aneurysm wall enhancement (P = .014). The analysis of morphological and hemodynamic parameters showed significantly increased values for aneurysm volume (P = .03), aneurysm area (P = .044), maximal diameter (P = .049), and nonsphericity index (P = .021) for intracranial aneurysms with strong aneurysm wall enhancement. None of the hemodynamic parameters reached statistical significance; however, the total viscous shear force computed over the region of low wall shear stress showed a strong tendency toward significance (P = .053).

CONCLUSION

Aneurysmal wall enhancement shows strong associations with decreased intrasaccular IL-10 and established morphological indicators of aneurysm instability.