bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buckling Resistance of Axially Loaded Cold-Formed Steel Compound Sections: Numerical Simulation and Assessment of Codified Design Approach
Authors: Wu Jing-Ren , Di Sarno Luigi , Hesketh Steve , Phan Nigel
Published: July 2022

The practical application of cold-formed high strength steel is becoming increasingly popular in structural engineering due to its great efficiency and cost effectiveness. However, cold-formed steel sections are usually associated with high slenderness, hence are susceptible to buckling failure. Consequently, the buckling resistance of steel struts made of cold-formed high strength steel must be determined with carefulness, particularly for complex compound sections. To this end, the present paper aims at investigating the behaviour of back-to-back channel sections made of S700 steel with a characteristic yield strength of 700 MPa. Compressive tests on such members are conducted for the purpose of validating the finite element models. Subsequently, a numerical parametric analysis is carried out on the buckling resistance of axially loaded cold-formed steel back-to-back channel sections, using the previously validated numerical modelling approach. In particular, the effects of stiffeners and number of bolts on the buckling resistance are investigated. Furthermore, the results of the parametric analysis are also compared with the codified buckling resistance determined based on the effective width method adopted in Eurocode 3 Part 1–3, in order to evaluate the reliability of the standardised design method for buckling resistance.
Vertebrobasilar artery elongation in migraine—a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hensel Ole , Burow Philipp , Kraya Torsten , Stoevesandt Dietrich , Naegel Steffen
Published: July 2022

Background

Numerous but inconclusive findings have sparked an ongoing debate about whether the arteries of migraine patients undergo vascular alterations. The outlet angle of the superior cerebellar artery (SUCA) and the lateral displacement of basilar arteries are good surrogate parameters for determining elongation of the vertebrobasilar arteries.

Methods

We retrospectively determined the SUCA outlet angle and the lateral displacement of the basilar artery in 63 patients with migraine (30.6 ± 8.9 years, 84% women, 16% chronic migraine, 60% migraine with aura) and compared these with 126 age- and sex-matched control subjects.

Results

In patients with migraine, the SUCA outlet angle was lower (159 ± 26° vs. 169 ± 29°, p = 0.020) and the lateral displacement of the basilar artery was greater (3.7 ± 2.7 mm vs. 2.8 ± 2.4 mm, p = 0.020) than in the control subjects. Age, gender, migraine characteristics and presence of any cardiovascular risk factors did not affect the SUCA outlet angle or lateral displacement of the basilar artery.

Conclusion

Migraine patients exhibited a lower SUCA outlet angle and greater lateral displacement of the basilar arteries. Both may be attributable to the elongation of the vertebrobasilar arteries, which is an indication of arterial wall pathology in migraine.
Parental marital relationship satisfaction is associated with glycemic outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Loomba Lindsey A. , Lansing Amy Hughes , Cortez Justine N. , Welch Kearnan , Solowiejczyk Joe N. , Ghetti Simona , Styne Dennis M. , Glaser Nicole S.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

We hypothesized that glycemic outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes are linked to marital satisfaction of primary caregivers above and beyond parent neuroticism and child effortful control.

Methods

We evaluated a cross-sectional sample of 73 married parent families with a child (ages 7–18 years) with type 1 diabetes of at least 2 years duration. We assessed marital relationship satisfaction, parent neuroticism, and child effortful control through the use of validated questionnaires. We used univariate comparisons and multivariable models to determine whether marital relationship satisfaction was associated with hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] and whether this association persisted after adjusting for demographic factors and parent neuroticism/child effortful control.

Results

In univariate analyses, HbA1c was associated with marital relationship satisfaction of the primary caregiver. In multivariable models adjusting for demographic factors, marital satisfaction remained associated with HbA1c, whereas none of the other factors tested (including family income and race/ethnicity) retained significance. In univariate analyses, child effortful control was also associated with HbA1c. When child effortful control was added to the multivariable model, marital satisfaction remained associated with HbA1c with similar coefficient and confidence intervals describing the relationship between marital satisfaction and hemoglobin A1c.

Conclusions

Higher levels of marital satisfaction of the primary diabetes caregiver are associated with glycemic outcomes for children with type 1 diabetes. Interventions to improve spousal relationships may have downstream benefits that could include promoting more optimal child HbA1c levels.
The role of seaweed extract on improvement drought tolerance of wheat revealed by osmoprotectants and DNA (cpDNA) markers
Authors: Ali Afaf H. , Said Eglal M. , Abdelgawad Zinab A.
Published: July 2022

Drought stress is one of the most severe abiotic stresses affecting adversely plant growth, crop production, and various metabolic processes. Using seaweed extract in mitigating water stress adverse effects is highly important for plant production. The present study discussed the physiological role of seaweed extract (Sargassum denticulatum) in improving wheat tolerance to water stress.

Water stress (40% of field capacity) caused significant decreases in wheat plant growth parameters (shoot height, fresh, and dry weights of the shoot) as well as with significant decreases in chlorophyll content and starch. Total soluble sugars, free amino acids, proline, and phenolic compounds contents increased in stressed wheat plants irrigated every three weeks compared with control plants. The foliar application of seaweed extract 2% enhanced all growth and yield parameters and more accumulation of the organic solutes in leaves of water-stressed plants. These increases correlated with significant increases in total phenolic contents as compared with control plants. The trnL intron and psbA-trnH intergenic regions of cpDNA were amplified from extracted total genomic DNA. The results indicated that the variation among psbA-trnH intergenic region was more than trnL intron region to distinct the variation of wheat treatments as responsible to water deficit.

Foliar spray of seaweeds extract was effective in improving wheat performance by enhancing compatible osmolytes, antioxidant compounds and enhancing variation among non-coding chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions trnL intron and psbA-tnH as a response to water deficit.
Networks of inflammation, depression, and cognition in aging males and females
Authors: Chalmers Rebecca A. , Cervin Matti , Choo Carol , Baune Bernhard T. , Trollor Julian N. , Numbers Katya , Sachdev Perminder S. , Brodaty Henry , Kochan Nicole A. , Medvedev Oleg N.
Published: July 2022

Background

Prioritizing the maintenance of healthy cognitive aging and personalizing preventive interventions to enhance their effectiveness is crucial as the global population ages. Systemic inflammation and depression in older people have been associated with decreased levels of cognition but results have been inconsistent.

Aims

To explore the interactive network of inflammation, depression and cognition by sex in older people.

Methods

We used novel network analysis to explore the unique associations between inflammatory biomarkers, depression, cognition, and somatic, genetic, and lifestyle risk factors in an older (aged 70–90 years), non-demented, community-dwelling sample from the longitudinal Sydney Memory and Aging Study (N = 916) at baseline and at a two-year follow-up.

Results

The networks of biomarkers, depression, cognition, and relevant covariates were significantly different between males and females. A stable negative link between depression and cognition was found in females only; a stable positive association between biomarker interleukin-6 and depression was found in females only; and a stable positive association between biomarker interleukin-8 and alcohol was found in females only. For both males and females, a stable, positive relationship was found between the presence of APOE-ε4 gene and biomarker C-reactive protein; between education and cognition; and between biomarker interleukin-6 and all other biomarkers.

Conclusions

These findings suggest different psychophysiological mechanisms underlie the interactive network of biomarkers, depression and cognition in males and females that should be considered when designing personalized preventive interventions to maintain cognitively healthy aging.
A Risk Estimation Mechanism for Android Apps based on Hybrid Analysis
Authors: Son Ha Xuan , Carminati Barbara , Ferrari Elena
Published: July 2022

Mobile apps represent essential tools in our daily routines, supporting us in almost every task. However, this assistance might imply a high cost in terms of privacy. Indeed, mobile apps gather a massive amount of data about individuals (e.g., users’ profiles and habits) and their devices (e.g., locations), where not all are strictly needed for app execution. According to privacy laws, apps’ providers must inform end-users on adopted data usage practices (e.g., which data are collected and for which purpose). Unfortunately, understanding these practices is a complex task for average end-users. The result is that they install apps without understanding their privacy implications. To support users in making more privacy-aware decisions on app usage, we propose a risk estimation approach based on an analysis of the app’s code. This analysis adopts a hybrid strategy, exploiting static and dynamic code analyses. Static analysis aims at discovering which personal data an app is collecting to determine whether the target app is asking more than required. This gives the first estimation of the app’s risk level. In addition, we also perform a dynamic analysis of the target app’s code. This further analysis helps determining whether the collected personal data is consumed locally on the mobile device or sent out to external services. If this happens, the risk level has to be increased, as personal data are more exposed. To prove the proposal’s effectiveness, we run several experiments involving different groups of participants. The obtained accuracy results are promising and outperform those obtained with static analysis only.
Bargaining, Fairness and Conflict
Authors: Holt Charles A. , Sieberg Katri K.
Published: July 2022

A central issue in behavioral economics is the role of fairness, and whether it is hard-wired or acquired as a result of self-interested considerations. Binmore (Crooked thinking or straight talk: Modernizing epicurean scientific philosophy, Springer, 2020) has recently argued that fairness does not always occur, and when it does, it is caused by self-interest. The ultimatum game is well known for the sharp divergence of experimental data from theoretical predictions based on self-interest. Proposers frequently offer ‘fair’ shares of a fixed “pie” of potential earnings, and unfair offers are often rejected, which results in zero earnings for both bargainers. Slight modifications of the ultimatum game, however, can add a more realistic context for some applications, and the resulting gamesman-like behavior can yield results closer to theoretical predictions. This paper reports an experiment based on a modified ultimatum game in which rejection results in a costly conflict with a stochastic outcome. We observe gamesman-like offer behavior, especially after role reversal and learning. Conflict adds an element of competition and seems to play a role in teaching subjects what offers are appropriate—often moving demands away from fair divisions towards the game-theoretic predictions.
Experimental Investigation of Flow Separation Control over Airfoil by Upper Surface Flap with a Gap
Authors: Hao Lishu , Gao Yongwei , Wei Binbin
Published: July 2022

This paper focused on the effects of the flap with a tiny gap on the flow separation over the NPU-WA-180 airfoil. The effects of the geometric parameters of the flaps, such as the flap gap height, angle, and position, were investigated. The study showed that the flap can significantly improve the stall features of airfoil in a limited phase of angle of attack (AoA), and increase lift and reduce drag at a high AoA. It can increase the lift coefficient and drag coefficient in the case of high AoAs, and the angle range of the lift augmentation and drag reduction can reach more than 9°. Furthermore, an excessively large gap is not conducive to the improvement of the airfoil stall performance. The flap angle plays a key role in the airfoil stall characteristic. As the flap angle decreases, the angle range of improving airfoil stall characteristics becomes larger, the pitching moment increment becomes smaller. However, the maximum lift increment and the effect of the drag reduction will decrease. And the effects of the position of the flap on the airfoil performance were also studied. Considering the maximum lift coefficient and drag coefficients in large AoA, the Type1 installed at the 0.7c position has the best effect; from the perspective of delayed stall, the Type1 installed at the 0.6c position has the best delay effect. These results can provide the data and theoretical support for the flap application in engineering.
On the Sensitivity Analysis of Mode-Localized Sensors Based on Weakly Coupled Resonators
Authors: Xiong Liuyang , Tang Lihua
Published: July 2022

Purpose: This work investigates the mode veering and mode localization behavior of a coupled micro-cantilever system with mass disturbances. A new sensitivity metric is defined based on the difference between the absolute values of amplitude ratios for mass sensing in mode-localized sensors.

Methods: Numerical and finite element method (FEM) analyses are conducted to validate the corresponding analytical results for the undamped modal analysis. In addition, the derived sensitivity is also verified by the FEM result of the damped harmonic responses. Finally, an experimental study is conducted to qualitatively validate the theoretical and numerical results.

Results: The derived sensitivity shows a good agreement with the numerical and FEM results for the modal analysis and damped harmonic responses. The experimental results show the same trend observed in the theoretical and finite element results. The derived sensitivity possesses a superior linearity in the full disturbance range with high precision. The influence of the damping and coupling factor on the resolution of mass sensing is also unveiled.

Conclusions: The superior linearity and effectiveness of the proposed sensitivity metric is confirmed, which has a full scope of application and high precision compared to the conventional sensitivities. The derived sensitivity is proved to be applicable for the damped harmonic response analysis as well. This work also reveals that there is a trade-off between the sensitivity and resolution when selecting the coupling factor.
The position of geochemical variables as causal co-factors of diseases of unknown aetiology
Authors: Davies Theophilus C.
Published: July 2022

The termdiseases of unknown aetiology(DUA) oridiopathic diseasesis used to describe diseases that are of uncertain or unknown cause or origin. Among plausible geoenvironmental co-factors in causation of DUA, this article focusses on the entry of trace elements, including metals and metalloids into humans, and their involvement in humoral and cellular immune responses, representing potentially toxic agents with implications as co-factors for certain DUA. Several trace elements/metals/metalloids (micronutrients) play vital roles as co-factors for essential enzymes and antioxidant molecules, thus, conferring protection against disease. However, inborn errors of trace element/metal/metalloid metabolisms can occur to produce toxicity, such as when there are basic defects in the element transport mechanism. Ultimately, it is the amount of trace element, metal or metalloid that is taken up, its mode of accumulation in human tissues, and related geomedical attributes such as the chemical form and bioavailability that decisively determine whether the exerted effects are toxic or beneficial. Several case descriptions of DUA that are common worldwide are given to illustrate our knowledge so far of how trace element/metal/metalloid interactions in theimmune systemmay engender its dysregulation and be implicated as causal co-factors of DUA.

Article highlights

The importance of a proper understanding of geochemical perturbations in human metabolisms is emphasised

It is proferred that such an understanding would aid greatly in the decipherment of diseases of unknown aetiology (DUA)

The thesis presented may pave the way towards better diagnosis and therapy of DUA
Energy transition toward carbon-neutrality in China: Pathways, implications and uncertainties
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Hui , Löschel Andreas , Zhou Peng
Published: July 2022

Achieving carbon neutrality in China before 2060 requires a radical energy transition. To identify the possible transition pathways of China’s energy system, this study presents a scenario-based assessment using the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) model. China could peak the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions before 2030 with current policies, while carbon neutrality entails a reduction of 7.8 Gt CO2 in emissions in 2060 and requires an energy system overhaul. The assessment of the relationship between the energy transition and energy return on investment (EROI) reveals that energy transition may decrease the EROI, which would trigger increased energy investment, energy demand, and emissions. Uncertainty analysis further shows that the slow renewable energy integration policies and carbon capture and storage (CCS) penetration pace could hinder the emission mitigation, and the possible fossil fuel shortage calls for a much rapid proliferation of wind and solar power. Results suggest a continuation of the current preferential policies for renewables and further research and development on deployment of CCS. The results also indicate the need for backup capacities to enhance the energy security during the transition.
A newly developed and validated LC–MS/MS method for measuring 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) concentration in human skin: a tool for vitamin D photobiology research
Authors: Borecka Oktawia , Rhodes Lesley E. , Webb Ann R. , Dutton John J. , Fraser William D.
Published: July 2022

Background

UVB absorption by 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) in the skin triggers the production of vitamin D and its metabolites, which maintain calcium homeostasis. Detection and measurement of 7DHC in skin using modern liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) techniques have been lacking, yet there is need for such a technique to provide more information on 7DHC concentration and its UVB responses in human skin.

Objectives

To develop and validate a reliable method to measure 7DHC concentration in skin.

Methods

Human skin punch biopsies of 5 mm diameter obtained through the Manchester Skin Health Biobank were utilised. 7DHC was extracted with ethyl acetate:methanol 1:1 (v/v) and derivatised using 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD), to allow for improved ionisation of 7DHC through Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ESI–MS). Solid supported liquid extraction (SLE) was also employed to allow the removal of larger lipids from 7DHC and minimise potential matrix effects.

Results

The LC–MS/MS assay satisfied International Council for Harmonisation research standards for method validation. Calibration curve was linear with a typical r2 of 0.997, coefficient of variation was 11.1% and 4.32% for inter-assay and intra-assay imprecision, respectively. Lower limit of quantification was 1.6 µg/g and upper limit of quantification was 100 µg/g, SLE recovery of 7DHC was on average 91.4%.

Conclusions

We have developed a robust, precise and accurate assay for the detection and quantification of 7DHC in small samples of human skin (0.2 cm2 surface area). This novel method of extraction and quantification will be valuable to future vitamin D photobiology research.

Graphical Abstract
A deep learning-based approach for electrical equipment remaining useful life prediction
Authors: Fu Huibin , Liu Ying
Published: July 2022

Electrical equipment maintenance is of vital importance to management companies. Efficient maintenance can significantly reduce business costs and avoid safety accidents caused by catastrophic equipment failures. In the current context, predictive maintenance (PdM) is becoming increasingly popular based on machine learning approaches, while its research on electrical equipment such as low-voltage contactors is in its infancy. The failure modes are mainly fusion welding and explosion, and a few are unable to switch on. In this study, a data-driven approach is proposed to predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of the low-voltage contactor. Firstly, the three-phase alternating voltage and current records the life of electrical equipment by tracking the number of times it has been operated. Secondly, the failure-relevant features are extracted by using the time domain, frequency domain, and wavelet methods. Then, a CNN-LSTM network is designed and used to train an electrical equipment RUL prediction model based on the extracted features. An experimental study based on ten datasets collected from low-voltage AC contactors reveals that the proposed method shows merits in comparison with the prevailing deep learning algorithms in terms of MAE and RMSE.
The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care – bringing health care analyses to health systems, policymakers, and the public
Authors: Bronner Kristen K. , Goodman David C.
Published: July 2022

In 1996, the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care pioneered the dissemination of policy-relevant population-based measurement and analysis that revealed both weaknesses and opportunities in the United States health care system by focusing on regional and hospital variation in utilization, quality, and costs. Built on a growing foundation of peer-reviewed research, the Atlas produced more than 40 reports over the next 25 years addressing a wide range of pressing health care problems. The project’s publications and website also provided regional and hospital-specific data to health systems, governmental jurisdictions, health care stakeholders, and the public. The Atlas’ methods and its conceptual framework have been widely disseminated in North America and the United Kingdom, and, more recently, in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. This paper discusses the origins of the Atlas from Dr. John Wennberg’s early studies, the scaling up of data, methods, and policy-relevant findings, and its incorporation into the more general fields of health services research, policy development, and clinical improvement.
Burden of care among primary caregivers’ of spinal cord injury patients attending a tertiary care center in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Sinha Pramila , Mehta Ram Sharan , Parajuli Pushpa , Chaudhary Pashupati , Kushwaha Ramayan Prasad
Published: July 2022

Background

Nepal is a resource-constrained country where primary caregivers of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients face increasing physical, social, emotional, and economic burdens. This study aimed to assess the level of primary caregiver burden and the association between caregiver burden and sociodemographic factors of SCI patients and their caregivers.

Methods

The burden of caregivers was evaluated in 71 primary caregivers through face-to-face interviews using the Zarit Burden Interview Scale (ZBI-22). Based on the total ZBI-22 score, caregiver burden was classified as little or no, mild to moderate, moderate to severe, and severe.

Results

The mean caregiver burden score was 46.28 ± 12.05. Moderate to severe burden was more common (63.4%), followed by severe (18.3%), mild to moderate (11.3%), and little or no burden (7.0%). Caregivers were more worried about “what the future holds for patients (3.07 ± 1.22) and what should do more for patients (3.04 ± 1.01)”. Several sociodemographic factors, such as marital status (P = 0.009), activities of daily living (P = 0.038), monthly family income (P = 0.023), and time spent caring for patients (P = 0.028), were statistically significantly associated with the burden on primary caregivers.

Conclusions

Our results showed that primary caregivers experienced a high burden of care, primarily related to fear and uncertainty about the patient’s future, patient’s dependency, caregiver exhaustion and finances. Several sociodemographic factors of patients and their caregivers were associated with the burden of the primary caregivers.
Measurement of Disaster Literacy in Turkish Society: Disaster Literacy Scale (DLS) Design and Development Process
Authors: Çalışkan Cüneyt , Üner Sarp
Published: July 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to design and develop a self-report Disaster Literacy Scale (DLS) tool that could evaluate the knowledge and skills of an individual specific to Turkish society.

Method:

Item development, expert opinions, language control, pilot study and field testing processes were monitored in the measurement tool based on a conceptual model and recognition.

Results:

23 items were taken out since their common variance values (>0,508, >0.500, >0.500, >0.400, respectively) and factor load relationship (>0.46, >0.50, >0.50, >0.50 and >0.55, respectively) in the mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery phases of the Exploratory Factor Analysis were insufficient. The Cronbach Alpha value of the remaining 61 items in the Disaster Literary Scale is 0.954 and between 0.83-0.88 in lower dimensions. DLS scoring was standardized between 0-50 points.

Conclusions:

The objectives, scopes, limitations and steps of the design and development process of the Disaster Literacy Scale were given in detail and made understandable for other societies. The Disaster Literacy Scale was developed as a self-report scale that could evaluate the knowledge and skills of Turkish society in disasters. The Disaster Literacy Scale is, therefore, expected to be accepted in more countries to improve the understanding of disaster literacy in different societies.
Wave actions on side-by-side barges with sloshing effects: fixed–free arrangement
Authors: Liang Hui , Liu Xiangbo , Chua Kie Hian , de Mello Pedro Cardozo , Choo Yoo Sang
Published: July 2022

In offshore offloading operations, two vessels in a side-by-side configuration experience actions of both ambient water waves and liquid sloshing in internal tanks. Under the excitation of water waves, complex multibody motions are induced, resulting in liquid sloshing in tanks, and concurrently liquid sloshing can feedback to affect the vessels’ motions. The interaction between waves and two barges in a side-by-side configuration coupled with liquid sloshing effects is investigated for a fixed–free arrangement. A numerical model is developed based on the boundary element method to deal with complex wave induced multibody motions coupled with liquid sloshing in internal tanks. Due to the presence of a narrow gap between two vessels, gap resonance may occur, and a damping surface is introduced to suppress an unrealistic response near resonance. Concurrently, physical experiments with and without liquid sloshing effects are carried out. In-depth discussions on motion characteristics are given, and Stokes and non-Stokes natural frequencies associated with liquid sloshing are discussed. The significance of the present study is twofold. Firstly, the experimental measurements provide reference results for validations of numerical simulations. Secondly, this work gives an insight into wave induced motions with liquid sloshing effects under different wave headings which affect vessel operational safety.
The PrEP Laboratory Service Gap: Applying Implementation Science Strategies to Bring PrEP Coverage to Scale in the United States
Authors: Siegler Aaron , Sullivan Patrick
Published: July 2022

Using an implementation science framework, we detail how a national system for covering both standard and telemedicine laboratory testing would support a national PrEP program. Implementation strategies that will facilitate success include minimizing provider burden through uncomplicated billing systems and minimizing patient burden through centralized, online access systems. We anticipate that providing telemedicine and in-person laboratory testing options will optimize PrEP care by making it less burdensome, leading to cost-effective healthcare and improved population health.
“But All Had Great Reason to Dread!”: Religion, Affect, and Conspiracy in the Stamp Act Crisis
Authors: Urich Joshua D.
Published: July 2022

This article explores affective and emotional components of conspiracism in the 1765 Boston Stamp Act Crisis. Once a common subject in the study of Revolutionary America, conspiracism has disappeared from the historiography in recent decades. I argue that this is a serious oversight in understanding religion in the Revolutionary era. Unmasking conspiratorial plots against colonial liberties was a religious experience in the colonies, simultaneously imbuing liberty with a felt sense of sacredness and forging an emotional separation between the colonies and England. In making this claim, this article aims to demonstrate how scholars of religion might incorporate affect into the historical study of religion. Attention to affective cues, particularly in religious texts, sheds light on the phenomenology of historical religion. Through such analysis, we can begin to understand how religious communities formed through affective connections to the sacred, what that sacred felt like, and how bodily and emotional experience shaped reactions to violations of the sacred. In the case of the Stamp Act Crisis, conspiracism, anti-Catholicism, and satanic symbolism sparked an affectively charged moment characterized by fear, disgust, and anger. As colonists participated in unmasking supposed Catholic and Parliamentary conspiracies against them, they created a community united around scared liberty.
Conifer tree species and age as drivers of epiphytic lichen communities in northern European production forests
Authors: Petersson Lisa , Lariviere Delphine , Holmström Emma , Fritz Örjan , Felton Adam
Published: July 2022

The epiphytic lichen species richness and community composition was compared for 600 living trees distributed within the interior of 60 Scots pine and Norway spruce monoculture stands in southern Sweden. A higher species richness, and more unique species, was found on trees of Scots pine than of Norway spruce, and distinctive communities were associated with the two tree species. Lichen species composition also shifted between the 30-, 55- and 80-year-old stands, although there was no significant difference in species richness between the different age classes. Tree species and age of the stand explained most of the variation in community composition (41%), with additional variance explained by lichen proximity to the ground (6%) and aspect (1%) (northern/southern side of trunk). Scots pine and Norway spruce share many attributes, such as both being conifers with acidic bark properties and having a similar geographical distribution in Fennoscandia. However, our study showed that species richness and community composition can nevertheless diverge in stands dominated by these two tree species. Since the occurrence of red-listed species was low in these stands, we suggest that 80-year rotations are not long enough for the occurrence of the many rare and specialized lichen species that require old forest structures and long forest continuity in this region.
Friendships, loneliness and psychological wellbeing in older adults: a limit to the benefit of the number of friends
Authors: Thompson Alexandra , Smith Michael A. , McNeill Andrew , Pollet Thomas V.
Published: July 2022

Loneliness is linked to many negative health outcomes and places strain on the economy and the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. To combat these issues, the determinants of loneliness need to be fully understood. Although friendships have been shown to be particularly important in relation to loneliness in older adults, this association has thus far not been explored more closely. Our exploratory study examines the relationship between number of friends and loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress in older adults. Data were obtained from 335 older adults via completion of an online survey. Measures included loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3), depression, anxiety and stress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales DASS-21). Participants also reported their number of close friends. Regression analyses revealed an inverse curvilinear relationship between number of friends and each of the measures tested. Breakpoint analyses demonstrated a threshold for the effect of number of friends on each of the measures (loneliness = 4, depression = 2, anxiety = 3, stress = 2). The results suggest that there is a limit to the benefit of increasing the number of friends in older adults for each of these measures. The elucidation of these optimal thresholds can inform the practice of those involved in loneliness interventions for older adults. These interventions can become more targeted; focusing on either establishing four close friendships, increasing the emotional closeness of existing friendships or concentrating resources on other determinants of loneliness in this population.
Epidemiological characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients with or without pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Fang Yong , Zhou Qinqi , Li Lin , Zhou Yiming , Sha Wei
Published: July 2022

Our study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and analyse the epidemiological characteristics of EPTB patients with or without pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). EPTB cases admitted in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2020 were included. Uni- and multi-variable logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify risk factors and prognostic factors of concomitant EPTB and PTB or exclusively EPTB. A total of 3488 EPTB patients were reviewed, including 2086 patients with concurrent PTB and EPTB, and 1402 patients with exclusively EPTB. Logistic regression analysis showed that age >60 years (OR = 1.674, 95% CI = 1.438–1.949, P < 0.001) and female (OR = 1.325, 95% CI = 1.155–1.520, P < 0.001) were risk factors of exclusively EPTB, while co-morbidities (OR = 0.676, 95% CI = 0.492–0.929, P = 0.016) and severe symptoms (OR = 0.613, 95% CI = 0.405–0.929, P = 0.021) were risk factors for concurrence of EPTB and PTB. Age >60 years was an independent prognostic factor in EPTB patients with or without PTB (HR = 11.059, 95%CI = 5.097–23.999, P < 0.001; HR = 23.994, 95%CI = 3.093–186.151, P = 0.0020). Female gender was an independent prognostic factor in patients with concurrent PTB and EPTB (HR = 23.994, 95%CI = 3.093–186.151, P = 0.002). Our study disclosed the differential epidemiological characteristics of EPTB patients with or without PTB in China.
Ethical Solutions to the Problem of Organ Shortage
Authors: Sterri Aksel Braanen , Regmi Sadie , Harris John
Published: July 2022

Organ shortage is a major survival issue for millions of people worldwide. Globally 1.2 million people die each year from kidney failure. In this paper, we critically examine and find lacking extant proposals for increasing organ supply, such as opting in and opt out for deceased donor organs, and parochial altruism and paired kidney exchange for live organs. We defend two ethical solutions to the problem of organ shortage. One is to make deceased donor organs automatically available for transplant without requiring consent from the donor or their relatives. The other is for society to buy nonvital organs in a strictly regulated market and provide them to people in need for free.
Should Compensation for Organ Donation Be Allowed?
Authors: Caplan Arthur , Rhodes Rosamond
Published: July 2022

The need for organs to transplant is clear. Due to the lack of transplants, people suffer, they die, and the cost of taking care of them until they die is huge. There is general agreement that it would be good to increase the supply of organs in order to meet the demand for organ transplantation.
Cases Abusing Brain Death Definition in Organ Procurement in China
Authors: Paul Norbert W. , Allison Kirk C. , Li Huige
Published: July 2022

Organ donation after brain death has been practiced in China since 2003 in the absence of brain death legislation. Similar to international standards, China’s brain death diagnostic criteria include coma, absence of brainstem reflexes, and the lack of spontaneous respiration. The Chinese criteria require that the lack of spontaneous respiration must be verified with an apnea test by disconnecting the ventilator for 8 min to provoke spontaneous respiration. However, we have found publications in Chinese medical journals, in which the donors were declared to be brain dead, yet without an apnea test. The organ procurement procedures started with initiating “intratracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation after brain death,” indicating that a brain death diagnosis was not performed. The purpose of the intubation was not to resuscitate the patient but rather was directly related to facilitating the explantation of organs. Moreover, it was unmistakably stated in two of these publications that the cardiac arrest was induced in these patients without brain death determination by cold St. Thomas cardioplegic solution or other cold myocardial protection solutions. This means that the condition of these donors neither met the criteria of brain death nor that of cardiac death. In other words, the “donor organs” may well have been procured in these cases from living human beings. Thus, brain death definition is abused in China by some individuals for organ harvesting, and a systematic investigation is needed to clarify the situation of organ donation after brain death in China.
Identification of field resistance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides in wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)
Authors: Busi Roberto , Zhang Bowen , Goggin Danica , Bryant Glenn , Beckie Hugh J.
Published: July 2022

The control of multiple-resistant wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) populations in no-till Australian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops has relied upon 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-inhibiting herbicides over the last decade. Two R. raphanistrum populations identified as putatively resistant to pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil in an initial large-scale screening trial were characterized and confirmed to be 5- to 8-fold (comparison of LD50 values) less sensitive than the susceptible control population to the HPPD inhibitor pyrasulfotole when plants were treated at the 4-leaf stage. The two pyrasulfotole-resistant populations exhibited up to 4-fold resistance to the coformulated herbicide mixture pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil and up to 9- and 11-fold cross-resistance to mesotrione and topramezone postemergence, respectively. A small-plot trial was conducted in the field from which of one of the populations suspected of resistance was originally collected. Pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil or topramezone + bromoxynil applied postemergence delivered reduced R. raphanistrum control (79% to 87%), whereas mesotrione applied preemergence was >99% effective. We report here the first case of field resistance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides in R. raphanistrum, caused by 12 yr of continuous reliance on that mode of action. The mitigation of herbicide resistance in continuous no-till cropping requires a constant optimization of the herbicide technology via alternation and mixtures of multiple sites of action, use of preemergence herbicides, and ensuring postemergence herbicides are applied at the most sensitive plant growth stages.
Sekundäre Immundefekte in der Rheumatologie
Authors: Javet Adrienn , Maurer Britta
Published: July 2022

Zusammenfassung. Bei der Behandlung von autoimmunen und autoinflammatorischen Erkrankungen spielt die immunsuppressive Behandlung mit konventionellen, «Small Molecule»- oder biologischen Basistherapeutika eine entscheidende Rolle. Dies kann zu einer sekundären Immundefizienz mit erhöhtem Risiko für Infektionen führen, worauf wir in diesem Artikel eingehen. Das Reaktivierungsrisiko bei chronischer Hepatitis B ist besonders hoch bei Glukokortikoidsteroid-Dosen ≥ 20mg/d für länger als vier Wochen, bei B-Zell-depletierenden Therapien, gefolgt von Anti-TNF-α-Inhibitoren. Letztere gehen zudem mit einem hohen Reaktivierungsrisiko einer latenten Tuberkulose einher. Hohe Glukokortikosteroid-Dosen über längere Zeiträume stellen einen Risikofaktor für Pneumonie mit Pneumocystis jirovecii dar, insbesondere in der Kombination mit weiteren Basistherapeutika. Ein gesteigertes Risiko für Herpes zoster besteht vor allem bei TNF-α-Inhibition sowie bei JAK-Inhibitoren. Eine schwere Immunsuppression (z.B. B-Zell-Depletion, Cyclophosphamid, Mycophenolate Mofetil, JAK-Inhibitoren, Prednisondosen ≥ 20mg/d oder auch Kombinationstherapien) erhöht das Risiko für einen schweren Krankheitsverlauf mit COVID-19.
Small fragments of hyaluronan are increased in individuals with obesity and contribute to low-grade inflammation through TLR-mediated activation of innate immune cells
Authors: Romo Mònica , López-Vicario Cristina , Pérez-Romero Noelia , Casulleras Mireia , Martínez-Puchol Ana Isabel , Sánchez Belén , Flores-Costa Roger , Alcaraz-Quiles José , Duran-Güell Marta , Ibarzábal Ainitze , Espert Juan José , Clària Joan , Titos Esther
Published: July 2022

Background and aim

Extracellular matrix (ECM) components released during excessive fat mass expansion are considered potential endogenous danger/alarm signals contributing to innate immune system activation. The aim of the current study was to specifically measure plasma levels of low molecular weight (LMW) hyaluronan (HA) and to evaluate its role as pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) on leukocyte response in the context of human obesity.

Subjects and methods

Participants were selected according to their body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) as non-obese (BMI < 29.9, n = 18) and obese (BMI > 29.9, n = 33). Plasma samples were size-dependent fractionated using ion-exchange chromatography to specifically obtain LMW HA fractions that were subsequently quantified by ELISA. Cell incubation experiments with synthetic HA molecules were performed on freshly Ficoll-isolated neutrophils (PMN) and peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC). Leukocyte and adipose tissue gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR and NF-κB activation by western blot. Plasma cytokine levels were measured by fluorescent bead-based (Luminex) immunoassay.

Results

We observed a statistically significant increase in the circulating levels of HA fragments of LMW in individuals with obesity which were consistent with significant up-regulated expression of the LMW HA synthesizing enzyme hyaluronan synthase-1 (HAS-1) in obese adipose tissue. Gene expression assessment of HA receptors revealed up-regulated levels for TLR2 in both obese PMN and PBMC. Synthetic HA molecules of different sizes were tested on leukocytes from healthy donors. LMW HA fragments (15–40 kDa) and not those from intermediate molecular sizes (75–350 kDa) induced a significant up-regulation of the expression of major pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, MCP-1 and IL-8 in PBMC. Importantly, LMW HA was able to induce the phosphorylation of IKK α/β complex supporting its pro-inflammatory role through NF-κB activation.

Conclusion

Circulating LMW HA molecules are elevated in obesity and may play an important role in triggering low-grade inflammation and the development of metabolic complications.
A high mobility air-stable n-type organic small molecule semiconductor with high UV–visible-to-NIR photoresponse
Authors: Guan Ying-Shi , Qiao Jing , Liang Yingying , Bisoyi Hari Krishna , Wang Chao , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben , Li Quan
Published: July 2022

An organic semiconductor with high carrier mobility and efficient light absorption over a wide spectral range is of the most important yet challenging material for constructing a broadband responsive organic photodetector. However, the development of such organic semiconductors, especially for air-stable n-type organic small molecule semiconductors, is still at an early stage. Here we report the fabrication of high-performance n-type semiconducting crystalline nanosheets and the development of air-stable field-effect transistors, phototransistors, with high response over a broad spectrum. The n-type small molecule semiconductor is assembled into a crystalline nanosheet based on the solvent-phase interfacial self-assembly method. N-type field-effect transistors with high electron mobility are fabricated and their electrical performances exhibit excellent air stability. Impressively, the demonstrated phototransistors exhibit an ultrahigh responsivity over a wide spectral range from 365 to 940 nm, with a maximum photoresponsivity of 9.2 × 105 A W−1 and specific detectivity of 5.26 × 1013 Jones, which is the best performance among the reported n-type organic small molecule-based phototransistors.
Association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults in rural and urban settings
Authors: Mba Camille M. , Koulman Albert , Forouhi Nita G. , Sharp Stephen J. , Imamura Fumiaki , Jones Kerry , Meadows Sarah R. , Assah Felix , Mbanya Jean Claude , Wareham Nick J.
Published: July 2022

Background

An inverse association between vitamin D status and cardiometabolic risk has been reported but this relationship may have been affected by residual confounding from adiposity and physical activity due to imprecise measures of these variables. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cardiometabolic risk factors, with adjustment for objectively-measured physical activity and adiposity.

Methods

This was a population-based cross-sectional study in 586 adults in Cameroon (63.5% women). We assessed markers of glucose homoeostasis (fasting blood glucose (BG), 2 h post glucose load BG, HOMA-IR)) and computed a metabolic syndrome score by summing the sex‐specific z‐scores of five risk components measuring central adiposity, blood pressure, glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Results

Mean±SD age was 38.3 ± 8.6 years, and serum 25(OH)D was 51.7 ± 12.5 nmol/L. Mean 25(OH)D was higher in rural (53.4 ± 12.8 nmol/L) than urban residents (50.2 ± 12.1 nmol/L), p = 0.002. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) was 45.7%. There was an inverse association between 25(OH)D and the metabolic syndrome score in unadjusted analyses (β = −0.30, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.05), which became non-significant after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol intake and education level. Serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with fasting BG (−0.21, −0.34 to −0.08)), which remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, education, smoking, alcohol intake, the season of data collection, BMI and physical activity (−0.17, −0.29 to −0.06). There was an inverse association of 25(OH)D with 2-h BG (−0.20, −0.34 to −0.05) and HOMA-IR (−0.12, −0.19 to −0.04) in unadjusted analysis, but these associations became non-significant after adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusion

Vitamin D insufficiency was common in this population. This study showed an inverse association between vitamin D status and fasting glucose that was independent of potential confounders, including objectively measured physical activity and adiposity, suggesting a possible mechanism through insulin secretion.