bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application Programming Interfaces in Health Care: Findings from a Current-State Sociotechnical Assessment
Authors: Dullabh Prashila , Hovey Lauren , Heaney-Huls Krysta , Rajendran Nithya , Wright Adam , Sittig Dean F.
Published: January 2020

Objective Interest in application programming interfaces (APIs) is increasing as key stakeholders look for technical solutions to interoperability challenges. We explored three thematic areas to assess the current state of API use for data access and exchange in health care: (1) API use cases and standards; (2) challenges and facilitators for read and write capabilities; and (3) outlook for development of write capabilities.

Methods We employed four methods: (1) literature review; (2) expert interviews with 13 API stakeholders; (3) review of electronic health record (EHR) app galleries; and (4) a technical expert panel. We used an eight-dimension sociotechnical model to organize our findings.

Results The API ecosystem is complicated and cuts across five of the eight sociotechnical model dimensions: (1) app marketplaces support a range of use cases, the majority of which target providers' needs, with far fewer supporting patient access to data; (2) current focus on read APIs with limited use of write APIs; (3) where standards are used, they are largely Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR); (4) FHIR-based APIs support exchange of electronic health information within the common clinical data set; and (5) validating external data and data sources for clinical decision making creates challenges to provider workflows.

Conclusion While the use of APIs in health care is increasing rapidly, it is still in the pilot stages. We identified five key issues with implications for the continued advancement of API use: (1) a robust normative FHIR standard; (2) expansion of the common clinical data set to other data elements; (3) enhanced support for write implementation; (4) data provenance rules; and (5) data governance rules. Thus, while APIs are being touted as a solution to interoperability challenges, they remain an emerging technology that is only one piece of a multipronged approach to data access and use.
Abnormal Division of Axillary Artery - A Case Report
Authors: Rao N Ratnakar
Published: January 2020

A case of the abnormal branching of the right Axillary artery in a 60 year old male cadaver is presented here. The axillary artery divided into two trunks, a lateral and medial from the second part only in this case. The lateral branch was superficial running between two roots of median nerve, which here is referred to as superficial branch. The other was a medial trunk, running deep to median nerve on the medial, hence it is referred as deep brachial artery. The superficial branch had a similar course as radial artery coursing on the lateral side of cubital fossa, fore arm, anatomical snuff box and hand, hence it was considered as equivalent to radial artery. The deep brachial artery gave rise to anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries and the superior ulnar collateral artery. This variation is rare and the incidence quoted as around 0.12 - 3.2% in the available literature. The normal and abnormal anatomy of the axillary artery is having practical importance for the radiologists during angiography and surgeons for accurate diagnostic interpretation.
Physical growth during adolescence in mentally retarded children
Authors: Baidwan Sukhinder , Paul Molly M , Chhatwal Jugesh , Deswal R S
Published: January 2020

Background and aims : Growth in children with mental retardation differs from that of normal children, but majority of studies have been performed in western countries and have focused on the early years of life. The purpose of this study therefore was to evaluate the growth pattern of male mentally retarded adolescents from North India and compare it with that of normal male children. Materials and methods : Two hundred institutionalized intellectually disabled (I.Q. less than 70) and two hundred normal male children between 10-20 years of age from North India were selected and the physical growth parameters i.e. height and weight were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated in all subjects. The mentally retarded and normal groups of boys were categorized separately on the basis of their age into one-year age groups. The data was then compared between the two groups using 2 sample't' test. Results : The results indicated that the mean height and weight of mentally retarded boys during adolescence was significantly retarded as compared to normal subjects. However, the intellectually disabled and the normal group do not show any significant difference in their body fat during adolescence. The mean height and weight gain of mentally retarded children during adolescence (11-20 years) however did not vary from that of normal children. Conclusions : Thus, the physical growth retardation in children with intellectual disabilities occurs during early childhood i.e. before 11 years of age.
A study of renal and gonadal vein variations
Authors: Phalgunan Vijisha , Mugunthan N , Rani Devi Jansi , Anbalagan J
Published: January 2020

Background and aims : The development of the renal veins is a complex process with many possible alternative patterns of formation. Variations of renal veins are usually clinically silent until discovered during venography, operation or autopsy. In the era of renal transplantation, a meticulous knowledge of anatomy and variational patterns of renal vein is mandatory. The present study is aimed at finding out the incidence of variations in the drainage pattern of renal vein and gonadal vein and to correlate its clinical and embryological significance. Materials and methods : Twenty cadavers (twelve males and eight females) of adult age procured from Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry were included in the study. Renal and gonadal veins on both sides were dissected and the pattern of termination of the renal and gonadal veins were observed and studied on both sides. Results : Out of twenty cadavers, two male cadavers showed the presence of termination of right testicular vein into right renal vein and both right kidneys showed multiple right renal veins. In the remaining 18 cadavers both renal and gonadal veins terminated in normal pattern. Conclusion: In present study 10% incidence of variation of right testicular vein draining into right renal vein was found, with the associated presence of multiple renal veins. The knowledge of these variations would be of definite help to renal transplant surgeons and clinicians.
Multiple unilateral accessory mandibular foramina-a case report
Authors: Mahajan Anupama ,   Seema
Published: January 2020

Accessory foramina in the mandible are known to transmit branches of nerves supplying the roots of the teeth. The mandibular foramen is present on the inner surface of the ramus of the mandible which transmits the inferior alveolar nerve. An adult human mandible of unknown sex was found to have multiple mandibular foramina on the medial surface of right ramus. A large accessory mandibular foramen was present anterosuperior to the main mandibular foramen. The dimensions were 6 mm antero posteriorly and 11mm vertically. The dimensions of the mandibular foramen were 9 mm antero posteriorly and 12mm vertically. The distance between two foramina was 20 mm and between the accessory mandibular foramen and apex of lingula was 7 mm. The distance between the posterior border of the accessory mandibular foramen and posterior border of ramus were 15 mm. The accessory mandibular foramen led into a canal which was directed obliquely and joined the mandibular canal at the level of third molar tooth. Two more small mandibular foramina were present one just below the accessory mandibular foramen discussed above and second near the main mandibular foramen. Both of them were of too small size to measure. The accessory mandibular foramen is a rare variation and awareness of its incidence and its position is necessary. The structures passing through it can be compromised during surgical procedures of this area.
Determinants of Serum- and Plasma Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Concentrations in a Healthy Study Group
Authors: Daum Günter , Winkler Martin , Moritz Eileen , Müller Tina , Geffken Maria , von Lucadou Mirjam , Haddad Munif , Peine Sven , Böger Rainer H. , Larena-Avellaneda Axel , Debus Eike Sebastian , Gräler Markus , Schwedhelm Edzard
Published: January 2020

Introduction To correctly interpret plasma- or serum-sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) concentrations measured in clinical studies it is critical to understand all major determinants in healthy controls.

Methods Serum- and plasma-S1P from 174 healthy blood donors was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and correlated to clinical laboratory data. Selected plasma samples, 10 with high and 10 with low S1P concentrations, were fractionated into very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-, and lipoprotein-free fractions. S1P was then measured in each fraction to determine its distribution.

Results The mean S1P concentration in serum (1.04 ± 0.24 nmol/mL) was found 39% higher compared with plasma (0.75 ± 0.16 nmol/mL) and overall was not different between men and women. Only when stratified for age and gender, older women were found to exhibit higher circulatory S1P levels than men. In plasma, S1P levels correlate to red blood cell (RBC) counts but not to platelet counts. Conversely, serum-S1P correlates to platelet counts but not to RBC counts. In addition, eosinophil counts are strongly associated with serum-S1P concentrations. Both serum- and plasma-S1P correlate to total cholesterol but not to HDL-C. The distribution of S1P between VLDL-, LDL-, HDL-, and lipoprotein-free fractions is independent of total plasma-S1P concentrations. S1P concentrations in HDL but not in LDL are highly variable.

Conclusion These data indicate S1P concentrations in plasma and serum to be differentially associated with cell counts and S1P carrier proteins. Besides platelets, eosinophil counts are identified as a novel determinant for serum-S1P concentrations further suggesting a role for S1P in eosinophil pathologies.
Effects of Rivaroxaban on Biomarkers of Coagulation and Inflammation: A Post Hoc Analysis of the X-VeRT Trial
Authors: Kirchhof Paulus , Ezekowitz Michael D. , Purmah Yanish , Schiffer Sonja , Meng Isabelle L. , Camm A. John , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Schulz Anke , Wosnitza Melanie , Cappato Riccardo
Published: January 2020

Introduction This X-VeRT (eXplore the efficacy and safety of once-daily oral riVaroxaban for the prevention of caRdiovascular events in patients with nonvalvular aTrial fibrillation scheduled for cardioversion) substudy evaluated the effects of treatment with rivaroxaban or a vitamin-K antagonist (VKA) on levels of biomarkers of coagulation (D-dimer, thrombin–antithrombin III complex [TAT] and prothrombin fragment [F1.2]) and inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] and high-sensitivity interleukin-6 [hs-IL-6]) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were scheduled for cardioversion and had not received adequate anticoagulation at baseline (defined as, in the 21 days before randomization: no oral anticoagulant; international normalized ratio <2.0 with VKA treatment; or <80% compliance with non-VKA oral anticoagulant treatment).

Methods Samples for biomarker analysis were taken at baseline (n = 958) and treatment completion (42 days after cardioversion; n = 918). The influence of clinical characteristics on baseline biomarker levels and the effect of treatment on changes in biomarker levels were evaluated using linear and logistic models.

Results Baseline levels of some biomarkers were significantly associated with type of AF (D-dimer and hs-IL-6) and with history of congestive heart failure (hs-CRP, D-dimer, and hs-IL-6). Rivaroxaban and VKA treatments were associated with reductions from baseline in levels of D-dimer (−32.3 and −37.6%, respectively), TAT (−28.0 and −23.1%, respectively), hs-CRP (−12.5 and −17.9%, respectively), and hs-IL-6 (−9.2 and −9.8%, respectively). F1.2 levels were reduced from baseline in patients receiving a VKA (−53.0%) but not in those receiving rivaroxaban (2.7%).

Conclusion Anticoagulation with rivaroxaban reduced levels of key inflammation and coagulation biomarkers to a similar extent as VKAs, with the exception of F1.2. Further investigation to confirm the value of these biomarkers in patients with AF is merited.
Magnetic reversal in rare-earth free Mn4 − xNixN epitaxial films below and above Ni composition needed for magnetic compensation around room temperature
Authors: Komori Taro , Hirose Taku , Gushi Toshiki , Toko Kaoru , Hanashima Τakayasu , Vila Laurent , Attanè Jean-Philippe , Amemiya Kenta , Suemasu Takashi
Published: January 2020

Ferrimagnets close to the magnetic compensation are excellent candidates to spin-torque-based spintronic applications, as their small magnetizations allow lowering switching currents. Here, we studied the magnetic compensation of Mn4 − xNixN epitaxial films by performing x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements at the L2,3 absorption edges of Mn and Ni atoms and compared them with those of Ni3FeN films. The XAS spectrum of the Ni3FeN films exhibits shoulders at approximately 2 eV above the Ni L2,3 main peaks, originating from orbitals hybridization between Ni 3d at face-centered (II) sites and N 2p at body-centered sites. However, such shoulders are not observed at the Ni L2,3 edges of the Mn4 − xNixN films (x = 0.1 and 0.25). These results indicate that the orbitals of Ni atoms do not hybridize with those of N atoms. Hence, Ni atoms preferentially occupy corner (I) sites, where hybridization is weak because of the relatively long distance between Ni at I sites and N atoms. The XMCD signals of Mn and Ni atoms reverse sign between x = 0.1 and 0.25. This shows that the directions of the magnetic moments carried by Mn and Ni atoms are reversed, indicating that the magnetic compensation occurs in the range 0.1 < x < 0.25. In addition, the signs of Mn(I) XMCD signals are opposite to those of Mn(II) and Ni for each composition. Thus, the magnetic moments of Ni atoms are aligned parallel to those of Mn(II) regardless of whether x is below or above the compensation point.
Condensation-induced flow structure modifications in turbulent channel flow investigated in direct numerical simulations
Authors: Bahavar Philipp , Wagner Claus
Published: January 2020

The turbulent flow of a fluid carrying trace amounts of a condensable species through a differentially cooled vertical channel geometry is simulated using single-phase direct numerical simulations. The release of latent heat during condensation is modeled by interdependent temperature and vapor concentration source terms governing the relation between the removal of excess vapor from the system and the associated local increase in fluid temperature. A coupling between condensation and turbulence is implemented via solutal and thermal buoyancy. When compared to simulations of an identical system without phase transition modeling, the modifications of the subcooled boundary layer due to the transient and highly localized release of latent heat could be observed. A separate analysis of fluid before and after phase transition events shows a clear increase in post-interaction streak spacing, with the release of latent heat during condensation events opposing the cooling effect of the channel wall and the associated damping of turbulence.
The density matrix renormalization group in chemistry and molecular physics: Recent developments and new challenges
Authors: Baiardi Alberto , Reiher Markus
Published: January 2020

In the past two decades, the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) has emerged as an innovative new method in quantum chemistry relying on a theoretical framework very different from that of traditional electronic structure approaches. The development of the quantum chemical DMRG has been remarkably fast: it has already become one of the reference approaches for large-scale multiconfigurational calculations. This perspective discusses the major features of DMRG, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses also in comparison with other novel approaches. The method is presented following its historical development, starting from its original formulation up to its most recent applications. Possible routes to recover dynamical correlation are discussed in detail. Emerging new fields of applications of DMRG are explored, such as its time-dependent formulation and the application to vibrational spectroscopy.
Solving Fokker-Planck equation using deep learning
Authors: Xu Yong , Zhang Hao , Li Yongge , Zhou Kuang , Liu Qi , Kurths Jürgen
Published: January 2020

The probability density function of stochastic differential equations is governed by the Fokker-Planck (FP) equation. A novel machine learning method is developed to solve the general FP equations based on deep neural networks. The proposed algorithm does not require any interpolation and coordinate transformation, which is different from the traditional numerical methods. The main novelty of this paper is that penalty factors are introduced to overcome the local optimization for the deep learning approach, and the corresponding setting rules are given. Meanwhile, we consider a normalization condition as a supervision condition to effectively avoid that the trial solution is zero. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate performances of the proposed algorithm, including one-, two-, and three-dimensional systems. All the results suggest that the deep learning is quite feasible and effective to calculate the FP equation. Furthermore, influences of the number of hidden layers, the penalty factors, and the optimization algorithm are discussed in detail. These results indicate that the performances of the machine learning technique can be improved through constructing the neural networks appropriately.
Temperature dependence of inter-dot electron-spin transfer among laterally coupled excited states in high-density InGaAs quantum dots
Authors: Sato Shino , Hiura Satoshi , Takayama Junichi , Murayama Akihiro
Published: January 2020

The temperature dependence of interdot spin-transfer dynamics at laterally coupled excited states (ESs) in high-density InGaAs quantum dots (QDs) was studied using spin- and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. At low temperatures below 100 K, temporary suppression of electron-spin polarization decay due to selective relaxation of minority spins from emissive ESs to lower-energy states in neighboring QDs was observed. In the temperature range from 20 K to 140 K, thermal activation of electron spins from lower-energy QD states to higher-energy states via interdot transfer prevents the aforementioned selective relaxation of minority spins, leading to a faster decay of electron-spin polarization during light emission. At high temperatures above 140 K, reinjection of depolarized electron spins from barriers after thermal escape from QD ESs accelerates the further decay of the electron-spin polarization, wherein the electron spins can be activated via ladderlike interdot transfer. These findings indicate that the suppression of reinjection of electron spins from barriers in a high-density QD system is crucial for maintaining high electron-spin polarization during light emission at high temperatures.
Surface plasmon generation and field intensification by sub-wavelength double-ring structure of plasmas
Authors: Qu Binnan , Wang Xiaogang , Li Bowen
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we propose a plasma structure that can effectively enhance surface plasmon resonance and achieve significant local field enhancement. For specific incident wave frequencies, two plasma rings and a vacuum layer between them can form a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide, which can resonant as a Fabry–Perot cavity and couple the incident wave energy to the vicinity of the plasma ring slit, and thus effectively enhance the localized surface plasmon resonance inside the plasma ring. The simulation results show that, by adjusting the thickness and angle of the outer plasma ring, the average electric field of the incident wave inside the structure can be increased by a factor of 9. Moreover, at the same plasma frequency and incident wave band, the local field enhancement of the double-ring structure is better than that of a circular ring structure or a circular ring structure with a slit. We have also analyzed the physical mechanism of field enhancement and calculated the dispersion relation of surface plasmon polaritons in the Fabry–Perot cavity. The results are in good agreement with the theory of the MIM waveguide cavity.
Two-dimensional concentration of microparticles using bulk acousto-microfluidics
Authors: Lei Junjun , Cheng Feng , Li Kemin , Guo Zhongning
Published: January 2020

In this Letter, we report two-dimensional focusing of microparticles in a glass capillary whose cross section is square outside and round inside using bulk acousto-microfluidics. An imaging system allowing measurements of three-dimensional microparticle acoustophoresis is designed to simultaneously present the two-dimensional focusing processes from combinations of vertical and lateral views in a same frame. The underlying mechanisms of microparticle acoustophoresis in the glass capillary device are explained by a full-device numerical model, which solves the coupling of ultrasonic transducer, glass, and fluid layers of the experimental device. We show here that decent two-dimensional microparticle focusing can be achieved when acoustic pressure nodal lines are generated on cross sections of the fluid channel from the excitation of a single ultrasonic transducer. Based on the developed understanding, we further demonstrate here robust two-dimensional focusing of microparticles by creating an acoustic pressure node point at the channel center from excitations of two orthogonally placed ultrasonic transducers.
Research advances of WRINKLED1 (WRI1) in plants
Authors: Fei Wenjie , Yang Shiqian , Hu Jing , Yang Feng , Qu Gaoyi , Peng Dan , Zhou Bo
Published: January 2020

WRINKLED 1 (WRI1), a member of the AP2/EREBP class of transcription factors, regulates carbon allocation between the glycolytic and fatty acid biosynthetic pathways and plays important roles in other biological events. Previous studies have suggested that post-translational modifications and interacting partners modulate the activity of WRI1. We systematically summarised the structure of WRI1 as well as its molecular interactions during transcription and translation in plants. This work elucidates the genetic evolution and regulatory functions of WRI1 at the molecular level and describes a new pathway involving WRI1 that can be used to produce triacylglycerols (TAGs) in plants.
Morphometric, subcellular, in vitro fertilisation and embryonic developmental assessment of mouse oocytes produced by anti-inhibin serum or pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin superovulation
Authors: Wuri Liga , Agca Cansu , Agca Yuksel
Published: January 2020

This study compared the morphometric, subcellular characteristics, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryonic developmental potential of metaphase II (MII) mouse oocytes obtained from females superovulated with either anti-inhibin serum–human chorionic gonadotrophin (AIS-hCG) or pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG)-hCG. The oocyte’s quantity, quality, zona pellucida (ZP) thickness, perivitelline space (PVS), diameter, microtubules, F-actin, cortical granules (CGs) and mitochondrial distribution were determined. Superovulation using AIS-hCG resulted in a higher numbers of oocyte/donor compared with PMSG-hCG (P=0.002). There was no difference in morphologically normal and abnormal oocytes between AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG (P=0.425 and P=0.194, respectively). The morphometric measurements showed no difference in oocyte diameter between AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG (P=0.289). However, the thickness of the ZP of oocytes from AIS-hCG females was decreased compared with PMSG-hCG (P<0.001). The PVS of oocytes from the AIS-hCG was larger than with PMSG-hCG (P<0.001). The microtubules of oocytes from both AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG were normal, although there was an increased fluorescence intensity in the AIS-hCG oocytes (P<0.001). The F-actin and CGs distribution in oocytes from both AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG were similar (P=0.330 and P=0.13, respectively). Although the oocytes from PMSG-hCG females had homogenously distributed mitochondria, AIS-hCG oocytes showed more peripheral distribution with no differences in fluorescence intensity (P=0.137). The blastocyst development rates after IVF with fresh sperm showed no difference between AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG (P=0.235). These data suggested that AIS-hCG superovulation produces high numbers of morphologically normal oocytes that also possess normal subcellular structures, good morphological characteristics and had high invitro embryonic developmental potential.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis and its implications in Mexico: notions of men who have sex with men
Authors: Baruch R. , Cuadra S. M. , Arellano J. , Sánchez D. , Ortega D. V. , Arredondo A.
Published: January 2020

Background The aim of this study was to analyse ideas regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV among groups of men who have sex with men in Mexico for future implementation in health services. Methods: During 2015, 54 people participated in four focus groups in three Mexican cities. Issues related to challenges for uses and limitations of PrEP were explored. Results: In contrast with other qualitative studies, which emphasised problems with relationships with other people for PrEP use or access to key populations, Mexican participants focused their concerns around the public health services organisation: PrEP is too expensive and the health services have no resources, which will affect services and result in discrimination. Participants identified possible stigmatisation related to prejudices of medical providers who do not approve the decreased use of condoms. As a potential solution, participants suggested that the Mexican Government could negotiate a lower cost for PrEP and public health services could provide the medication, with periodical review of the arrangements by civil organisations. Conclusion: In the current context of the new Mexican government, it is necessary to propose public politics focused on negotiating with pharmaceutical companies on the costs of the PrEP, coordinating public services with groups within civil society and strengthening policies and actions to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Prevalence of rectal Mycoplasma genitalium and macrolide resistance in men who have sex with men attending Sydney Sexual Health Centre
Authors: Bradley Isabella , Varma Rick , Knight Vickie , Iliakis Dimitra , McNally Leon , Jalocon Dean , Jeoffreys Neisha , Chen Sharon , McNulty Anna
Published: January 2020

Background
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) have been increasing in men who have sex with men (MSM) in recent years; however, few studies have investigated the prevalence or antimicrobial resistance in rectal Mycoplasma genitalium in this group. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of rectal M. genitalium in MSM attending an urban sexual health service in Sydney, Australia, namely the Sydney Sexual Health Centre (SSHC), as well as estimate the rate of macrolide resistance. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted of rectally asymptomatic MSM having a rectal swab collected as part of their routine care. Participants self-collected a rectal swab to be tested for M. genitalium and completed a 14-item questionnaire that provided information on behavioural risk factors. The prevalence of rectal M. genitalium was determined and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the associations for this infection. Positive specimens then underwent testing for macrolide-resistant mutations (MRMs) using the ResistancePlus MG assay (SpeeDx, Eveleigh, NSW, Australia). Results: In all, 742 patients were consecutively enrolled in the study. The median age was 31 years (interquartile range 27–39 years), with 43.0% born in Australia. Overall, 19.0% of men were bisexual, 22.9% were taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and 4.3% were HIV positive. The prevalence of rectal M. genitalium was 7.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.3–9.1) overall and 11.8% in those taking PrEP. On multivariate analysis, PrEP use was significantly associated with having rectal M. genitalium (odds ratio 2.01; 95% CI 1.09–3.73; P = 0.01). MRMs were detected in 75.0% (36/48; 95% CI 60.4–86.4%) of infections. Conclusion: Rates of rectal M. genitalium infection were high among asymptomatic MSM attending SSHC and MRMs were detected in 75% of infections. PrEP use was found to be significantly associated with rectal M. genitalium infection. These data contribute to the evidence base for screening guidelines in MSM.
Intersectional analysis of life stress, incarceration and sexual health risk practices among cisgender Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the Deep South of the US: the MARI Study
Authors: Duncan Dustin T. , Callander Denton , Bowleg Lisa , Park Su Hyun , Brinkley-Rubinstein Lauren , Theall Katherine P. , Hickson DeMarc A.
Published: January 2020

Objectives
The purpose of the present study was to examine associations between life stress and incarceration history in relation to sexual health risk practices among a sample of cisgender Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Deep South. Methods: Using data from a sample of 355 cisgender Black MSM in Mississippi and Georgia, multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between life stress and sexual risk practices. In addition, we assessed whether stress may interact with experiences of incarceration to influence sexual health risk practices. Results: After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, stress was associated with some sexual risk practices (e.g. alcohol and drug use during sex and group sex). Further, when an interaction with incarceration was assessed, among participants who had been incarcerated, high compared with low levels of stress were associated with alcohol use during sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11–9.99, P < 0.001), drug use during sex (aOR 3.92, 95% CI 1.79–8.60, P < 0.001), condomless sex with casual partners (aOR 2.83, 95% CI 1.31–6.12, P < 0.001), having six or more casual partners (aOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.09–7.06, P = 0.02) and participating in group sex (aOR 5.67, 95% CI 2.07–15.51, P < 0.001). Stress and incarceration produced a dose–response effect for each association; similar associations with stress were not observed among men who had not been incarcerated. Conclusions: Among people with experiences of incarceration, there are several possible ways our findings could be applied practically, including through safer sex and stress management interventions designed specifically for Black MSM following their release.
Identifying determinants of bacterial fitness in a model of human gut microbial succession
Authors: Feng Lihui , Raman Arjun S. , Hibberd Matthew C. , Cheng Jiye , Griffin Nicholas W. , Peng Yangqing , Leyn Semen A. , Rodionov Dmitry A. , Osterman Andrei L. , Gordon Jeffrey I.
Published: January 2020

Human gut microbiota development has been associated with healthy growth but understanding the determinants of community assembly and composition is a formidable challenge. We cultured bacteria from serially collected fecal samples from a healthy infant; 34 sequenced strains containing 103,102 genes were divided into two consortia representing earlier and later stages in community assembly during the first six postnatal months. The two consortia were introduced alone (singly), or sequentially in different order, or simultaneously into young germ-free mice fed human infant formula. The pattern of fitness of bacterial strains observed across the different colonization conditions indicated that later-phase strains substantially outcompete earlier-phase strains, although four early-phase members persist. Persistence was not determined by order of introduction, suggesting that priority effects are not prominent in this model. To characterize succession in the context of the metabolic potential of consortium members, we performed in silico reconstructions of metabolic pathways involved in carbohydrate utilization and amino acid and B-vitamin biosynthesis, then quantified the fitness (abundance) of strains in serially collected fecal samples and their transcriptional responses to different histories of colonization. Applying feature-reduction methods disclosed a set of metabolic pathways whose presence and/or expression correlates with strain fitness and that enable early-stage colonizers to survive during introduction of later colonizers. The approach described can be used to test the magnitude of the contribution of identified metabolic pathways to fitness in different community contexts, study various ecological processes thought to govern community assembly, and facilitate development of microbiota-directed therapeutics.
Clause constituents, arguments and the question of grammatical relations in Auslan (Australian Sign Language)
Authors: Johnston Trevor Alexander
Published: January 2020

This study investigates clause constructions in Auslan. It looks at the alignment of constituent semantic role with constituent position and order in clauses, changes in the morphology of signs according to position and/or role, and the interpretation of omitted arguments. The aim is to determine if there are grammatical relations in Auslan. The most frequent constituent order parallels English, thus Auslan might be said to also instantiate a basic SVO word order. However, every possible constituent order pattern is also attested without there being other coding and behavioural properties associated with grammatical relations that could explain this flexibility. I conclude that constituent order in Auslan is the result of the interaction of pragmatic and semantic factors, visual representation, and language contact with English, rather than autochthonous grammatical relations. Auslan grammar draws on both so-called gestural and so-called linguistic resources at the clause level, not just at the word (sign) level.
The grammar of ‘non-realization’
Authors: Kuteva Tania , Aarts Bas , Popova Gergana , Abbi Anvita
Published: January 2020

On the basis of cross-linguistic data from both genetically and geographically related and unrelated languages, in this article we argue that the linguistic phenomena usually referred to as the avertive, the frustrative and the apprehensional belong not to three but to five – semantically related, and yet distinct grammatical categories, all of which involve different degrees of non-realization of the verb situation in the area of Tense-Aspect-Mood: apprehensional, avertive, frustrated initiation, frustrated completion, inconsequential. Our major goal here is to account for these grammatical categories in terms of an adequate model of linguistic categorization. For this purpose, we apply the notion of Intersective Gradience (introduced for the first time in the morphosyntactic domain in Aarts (2004,2007) to the morphosemantic domain. Thus the present approach reconciles two major approaches to linguistic categorization: (i) the classical, Aristotelian approach and (ii) a more recent, gradience/fuzziness approach.
Agent demotion through inverted word order
Authors: Barlow Russell
Published: January 2020

Passivization has been characterized as a strictly morphological phenomenon. Some definitions of passivization even require the passive construction to exhibit special verbal morphology. Increasingly, however, there have been descriptions of languages that have “morphology-free” passive constructions. This paper presents data from Ulwa, a Papuan language of the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea, which forms its passive constructions through a syntactic operation. Specifically, passives are formed through the inversion of subject and predicate. Whereas the canonical transitive active sentence in Ulwa has the basic constituent order SOV, the corresponding passive sentence has the order VS, where the S of the passive corresponds to the O of the active. Agent arguments are optional; when they do appear in passive constructions, they are marked as obliques. The Ulwa data support claims that it is possible for passivization to be a syntactic phenomenon that operates on the level of the clause.
Structural mechanisms of transient receptor potential ion channels
Authors: Cao Erhu
Published: January 2020

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are evolutionarily ancient sensory proteins that detect and integrate a wide range of physical and chemical stimuli. TRP channels are fundamental for numerous biological processes and are therefore associated with a multitude of inherited and acquired human disorders. In contrast to many other major ion channel families, high-resolution structures of TRP channels were not available before 2013. Remarkably, however, the subsequent “resolution revolution” in cryo-EM has led to an explosion of TRP structures in the last few years. These structures have confirmed that TRP channels assemble as tetramers and resemble voltage-gated ion channels in their overall architecture. But beyond the relatively conserved transmembrane core embedded within the lipid bilayer, each TRP subtype appears to be endowed with a unique set of soluble domains that may confer diverse regulatory mechanisms. Importantly, TRP channel TR structures have revealed sites and mechanisms of action of numerous synthetic and natural compounds, as well as those for endogenous ligands such as lipids, Ca2+, and calmodulin. Here, I discuss these recent findings with a particular focus on the conserved transmembrane region and how these structures may help to rationally target this important class of ion channels for the treatment of numerous human conditions.
Coarse grained models of graphene and graphene oxide for use in aqueous solution
Authors: Williams Christopher D , Lísal Martin
Published: January 2020

Obtaining stable aqueous dispersions of graphene-based materials is a major obstacle in the development and widespread use of graphene in nanotechnology. The efficacy of atomistic simulations in obtaining a molecular-level insight into aggregation and exfoliation of graphene/graphene oxide (GO) is hindered by length and time scale limitations. In this work, we developed coarse-grained (CG) models of graphene/GO sheets, compatible with the polarizable Martini water model, using molecular dynamics, iterative Boltzmann inversion and umbrella sampling simulations. The new CG models accurately reproduce graphene/GO–water radial distribution functions and sheet–sheet aggregation free energies for small graphene (−316 kJ mol−1) and GO (−108 kJ mol−1) reference sheets. Deprotonation of carboxylic acid functionalities stabilize the exfoliated state by electrostatic repulsion, providing they are present at sufficiently high surface concentration. The simulations also highlight the pivotal role played by entropy in controlling the propensity for aggregation or exfoliation. The CG models improve the computational efficiency of simulations by an order of magnitude and the framework presented is transferrable to sheets of different sizes and oxygen contents. They can now be used to provide fundamental physical insights into the stability of dispersions and controlled self-assembly, underpinning the computational design of graphene-containing nanomaterials.
Foaming of friction stir processed Al/MgCO3 precursor via flame heating
Authors: Shandley Rohit , Maheshwari Sachin , Siddiquee Arshad Noor , Mohammed S M A K , Chen Daolun
Published: January 2020

In the recent years, metal foams have become promising candidate materials in the engineering sector owing to their light weight and excellent energy absorption properties. Friction stir processing (FSP) has emerged as a cost-effective route to fabricate metal foam precursors from bulk substrates. Although the short processing time in FSP is able to provide high productivity, the cost of the foaming agent, TiH2 in the case of aluminum foams is still high. This paper introduces flame heating to achieve localized foaming of aluminum alloy AA5754 to explore the possibility of using magnesium carbonate as a foaming agent stirred using multi-pass FSP. A specially designed slot based strategy using two plates arranged in lap configuration is devised to stir the foaming agent and understand the material movement after each subsequent pass. Microscopy techniques were carried out to evaluate the distribution of the foaming agent after each pass and the resulting microstructure of the processed plates as well as the morphology of the foamed sample. EDX results showed higher Mg and O content around the pore walls.
Controlling morphological parameters of a nanotubular TiO2 coating layer prepared by anodic oxidation
Authors: Marchezini Elisa , Oliveira Fernanda P , Lopes Rafael , Almeida Tatiane , Gastelois Pedro L , Martins Maximiliano D
Published: January 2020

A promising modification route to improve osseointegration of dental and medical titanium devices is a nanostructured titanium oxide coating layer in the form of self-ordered vertically aligned nanotubes (or nanotubular TiO2). In this work, we report a detailed investigation of nanotubular TiO2 coating layer on metallic Ti substrate prepared by anodic oxidation. The main goal was to determine an optimized and reproducible route to produce a nanotubular TiO2 layer with homogenous morphology, narrow distribution and accurate control of the nanotube diameter. The influence of electrolyte temperature, anodizing time and applied voltage were studied, comparing three different electrolytes: 1.5 wt% HF, 0.5 wt% HF, and 0.5 wt% HF + 1 mol l−1 H3PO4. Samples were analyzed by SEM, EDS, FIB, and XPS techniques. The most favorable result was achieved by using 0.5 wt% HF + 1 mol l−1 H3PO4 electrolyte, for anodizing time of about 90 min, temperature of 20 °C, and anodizing potential from 1 to 25 V. Using these parameters, a uniform self-organized nanotubular TiO2 layer was prepared with a fine control of the nanotube diameter value over a wide range (10 to 100 nm).
Palm kernel oil polyol based shape memory polyurethane: effect of polycaprolactone and polyethylene glycol as soft segment
Authors: Trinh Nguyen Hoang , Jaafar Mariatti , Xuan Viet Cao , Ahmad Zubir Syazana
Published: January 2020

Shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) with its outstanding characteristics is categorized as smart materials and has been utilized in a wide range of applications. In this study, a series of palm kernel oil polyol (PKOp) - based SMPU with the combination of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as soft segment was synthesized and characterized for the first time. The synthesized SMPUs were examined via several techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, tensile and shape memory test. The combination of PCL and PEG in PKOp—based SMPU has overcome the drawbacks of PKOp—based PU with only PCL or PEG as soft segment. PU-PCL4PEG4 exhibited tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and shape fixity of 5.7 MPa, 53.9 MPa, and 97%, respectively. For the variation of PEG molar ratio, PU-0.6PEG demonstrated good modulus (151.3 MPa) and shape fixity (99%) but its tensile strength and tensile strain at break were compromised as compared to other samples.
Towards highly efficient thin-film solar cells with a graded-bandgap CZTSSe layer
Authors: Ahmad Faiz , Lakhtakia Akhlesh , Anderson Tom H , Monk Peter B
Published: January 2020

A coupled optoelectronic model was implemented along with the differential evolution algorithm to assess the efficacy of grading the bandgap of the Cu2ZnSn(S
ξ
Se1–ξ
)4 (CZTSSe) layer for enhancing the power conversion efficiency of thin-film CZTSSe solar cells. Both linearly and sinusoidally graded bandgaps were examined, with the molybdenum backreflector in the solar cell being either planar or periodically corrugated. Whereas an optimally graded bandgap can dramatically enhance the efficiency, the effect of periodically corrugating the backreflector is modest at best. An efficiency of 21.74% is predicted with sinusoidal grading of a 870 nm thick CZTSSe layer, in comparison to 12.6% efficiency achieved experimentally with a 2200 nm thick homogeneous CZTSSe layer. High electron-hole-pair generation rates in the narrow-bandgap regions and a high open-circuit voltage due to a wider bandgap close to the front and rear faces of the CZTSSe layer are responsible for the high enhancement of efficiency.
A Dictionary of Geology and Earth Sciences
Authors: Allaby Michael
Published: January 2020

‘can really claim to offer comprehensive coverage of the earth sciences’ TES

Over 10,000 entries

This leading dictionary covers all areas of geoscience, including planetary science, oceanography, palaeontology, mineralogy, and volcanology. In this edition, 675 new entries have been added and include expanded coverage of planetary geology and Earth-observing satellites. The entries are complemented by more than 130 diagrams and numerous web links, while appendices supplement the A–Z and have been extended to include three new tables on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, Avalanche Classes, and the Volcanic Explosivity Index. It is an essential, authoritative, and jargon-free resource for students of geology, geography, geosciences, physical science, and related disciplines.
3. Prohibition
Authors: Rorabaugh W. J.
Published: January 2020

January 16, 1920 was the last day that Americans could legally buy a drink before both the Eighteenth Amendment and the Volstead Act went into effect. Whenever a substance is banned, the price goes up and the product returns in a more concentrated form, or a replacement appears. ‘Prohibition’ explains how beer was replaced with distilled spirits; prohibition brought back the very hard liquor that the original temperance movement had despised. Bootleggers supplied imports, home distillation of moonshine increased, prices soared, and criminal gangs quickly gained control of urban distillation. Prohibition did not stop drinking, but it did promote thugs like Al Capone, who both got rich and paid no taxes.
The Abrahamic Religions: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Cohen Charles L.
Published: January 2020

Connected by their mutual—if differentiated—veneration of the One God proclaimed by Abraham, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam compose a family of related traditions. The Abrahamic Religions: A Very Short Introduction explores their intertwined histories and the ways in which encounters among their adherents have helped construct their own independent religious identities from antiquity to the present. Those identities have not been fixed and static, but have rather reflected particular historical contexts. The political arrangements in which the religions emerged and intermingled—notably, their changing relationships to state power—have figured importantly in their development. The common heritages of the Abrahamic religions have both brought them together and divided them.