bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine diatoms record Late Holocene regime shifts in the Pikialasorsuaq ecosystem
Authors: Limoges Audrey , Ribeiro Sofia , Van Nieuwenhove Nicolas , Jackson Rebecca , Juggins Stephen , Crosta Xavier , Weckström Kaarina
Published: September 2023

The Pikialasorsuaq (North Water polynya) is an area of local and global cultural and ecological significance. However, over the last decades, the region has been subject to rapid warming, and in some recent years, the seasonal ice arch that has historically defined the polynya's northern boundary has failed to form. Both factors are deemed to alter the polynya's ecosystem functioning. To understand how climate‐induced changes to the Pikialasorsuaq impact the basis of the marine food web, we explored diatom community‐level responses to changing conditions, from a sediment core spanning the last 3800 years. Four metrics were used: total diatom concentrations, taxonomic composition, mean size, and diversity. Generalized additive model statistics highlight significant changes at ca. 2400, 2050, 1550, 1200, and 130 cal years BP, all coeval with known transitions between colder and warmer intervals of the Late Holocene, and regime shifts in the Pikialasorsuaq. Notably, a weaker/contracted polynya during the Roman Warm Period and Medieval Climate Anomaly caused the diatom community to reorganize via shifts in species composition, with the presence of larger taxa but lower diversity, and significantly reduced export production. This study underlines the high sensitivity of primary producers to changes in the polynya dynamics and illustrates that the strong pulse of early spring cryopelagic diatoms that makes the Pikialasorsuaq exceptionally productive may be jeopardized by rapid warming and associated Nares Strait ice arch destabilization. Future alterations to the phenology of primary producers may disproportionately impact higher trophic levels and keystone species in this region, with implications for Indigenous Peoples and global diversity.
Global change and plant–pollinator communities in Mediterranean biomes
Authors: Kantsa Aphrodite , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Mescher Mark C.
Published: September 2023

Aim

Occurring in five distinct global regions, Mediterranean‐type ecosystems (MTEs) include both centres of agricultural production and hotspots of extratropical biodiversity – particularly for plants and bees. Considerable research has addressed the persistence of highly diverse biological communities within MTEs, despite their typically long histories of anthropogenic and natural disturbance. However, important questions remain, especially regarding the limits of ecological resilience in the face of accelerating environmental change. Here, we explore current knowledge regarding the effects of disturbance on MTE plant–pollinator communities.

Location

Mediterranean Basin, California, Cape Province in South Africa, Central Chile and Southern South‐Western Australia.

Taxa Studied

Flowering plants and pollinators (insects, birds and mammals).

Methods

We reviewed the available literature about MTE plant–pollinator communities via a systematic search that yielded 234 case studies. We analysed this dataset to quantify research efforts across regions and taxonomic groups, the proportion of surveys addressing ecological interactions (i.e. rather than only taxonomic diversity) and the availability of work addressing community responses to specific stressors (viz. climate change, landscape alteration, fire, farming, grazing, urbanization and species introductions).

Results

Current knowledge on MTE plant–pollinator communities is dominated by work from the northern Mediterranean Basin, while the Southern Hemisphere and California are markedly understudied by comparison. Taxonomic coverage is similarly uneven, with 58% of studies focusing only on a single pollinator group. Furthermore, less than half of the surveys address ecological networks. Finally, despite some pioneering work addressing fire, climate and species introductions, only 13% focus on the impact of stressors on interaction networks.

Outlook

Based on our findings, we identify a need for coordinated international research efforts focusing on (i) community‐level studies, observational and experimental, (ii) ecological networks, (iii) functional traits mediating post‐disturbance recovery and (iv) impacts of combined/synergistic stressors. Progress in these areas will facilitate predictions about the long‐term impacts of global change on MTE plant–pollinator communities.
WHOSE KNOWLEDGE, WHOSE POWER? ETHICS IN URBAN REGENERATION PROJECTS WITH COMMUNITIES
Authors: Fenster Tovi , Kulka Tal
Published: September 2023

This paper examines “moments of residents' awareness” and their ethics in three planning processes, each representing different relations between local and professional knowledge in the course of the three‐year regeneration project in Meonot Yam neighborhood, Bat Yam, Israel. This new terminology emphasizes how nuanced relations between various types of knowledge better explain the challenges faced by planners and residents in regeneration projects. These moments reflect residents' empowerment, challenging the binary view of professional/powerful versus local/ powerless knowledge that characterizes modernist thinking. The paper proposes that in such complicated processes it helps to analyze moments of power/knowledge transformation, from which one can learn that conflict and disagreement, and not only consensus, can lead to residents' empowerment.
Corporate political donations and audit fees: Some evidence from Australian audit pricing
Authors: Gul Ferdinand A. , Khan Arifur , Lai Karen , Mihret Dessalegn Getie , Muttakin Mohammad Badrul
Published: September 2023

We examine whether corporate political donations (CPDs) are associated with audit fees in the Australian setting. Our baseline results based on observations of Australian top 500 non‐financial companies show that, on average, firms with CPDs are associated with about 9% lower audit fees than firms without CPDs consistent with the strategic investment or resource dependency view. Using path analysis, we next show that high earnings quality resulting from strategic benefits of CPDs explains the association. Overall, these results confirm that firms use CPDs as strategic investments that are associated with lower earnings management, which leads to lower audit risk and hence reduced audit fees.
Prevalence and risk factors of psychological symptoms and quality of life in COVID‐19 survivors: A cross‐sectional study of three different populations
Authors: Emıroglu Canan , Gorpelıoglu Süleyman , Ozagar Serap Demirelli , Demır Pervin , Aypak Cenk
Published: September 2023

Aim

Studies of the effects of COVID‐19, especially post‐acute COVID‐19 syndrome, on psychological health in non‐severe cases are limited. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of psychological symptoms, and quality‐of‐life in three groups of outpatients, hospitalized and intensive care patients.

Methods

A total 276 patients, previously confirmed with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, attending the COVID‐19 follow‐up outpatient clinic from December 2020 to July 2021 were interviewed face‐to‐face. In this cross‐sectional, retrospective study, all participants were asked our self‐designed demographic and screening questions to assess their psychological symptoms and administered the WHQOOL‐BREF survey to evaluate quality of life.

Results

In screening questions, major depressive disorder symptoms were detected at a rate of 20.3%, generalized anxiety disorder symptoms at a rate of 16.7%, panic attack symptoms at a rate of 10.9%, post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms at a rate of 28.6% and obsessive‐compulsive disorder symptoms at a rate of 18.1%. The outpatient group with COVID‐19 infection had a higher risk of developing psychological symptoms and decreased quality of life.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 infection was found to have a considerable psychological impact on those treated as outpatients despite the less severe course of their illness.
Trajectories of care and outcomes of Veterans receiving home‐based primary care
Authors: Edwards Samuel T. , O'Neill Allison , Niederhausen Meike , Salvi Apoorva , Laliberte Avery , Saha Somnath , Hynes Denise M. , Pizer Steven , Kinosian Bruce
Published: September 2023

Background

Veterans Affairs (VA) home‐based primary care (HBPC) provides comprehensive longitudinal care to patients with complex, chronic disabling disease. While enrollment is associated with lower hospitalization rates and costs, detailed trajectories have not been well described.

Methods

We performed a longitudinal descriptive study of patients newly enrolled in VA HBPC in fiscal year (FY) 2015. We extracted demographics, comorbidities, functional status, and social supports from VA and Medicare data and examined patterns of care and clinical outcomes, including hospital, nursing home (NH), hospice use and mortality from FY2015–2017. We present results using descriptive statistics, alluvial plots, and heat maps.

Results

We identified 10,571 HBPC enrollees in FY2015; mean age was 77.7. HBPC patients commonly had chronic medical conditions with high self‐management burden (e.g., diabetes 48.2%) and disabling conditions such as dementia (39.3%). Over half had ≥2 deficits in activities of daily living, 46% had caregivers with functional limitations or no caregiver, and 25% resided in a socially deprived area. Patients experienced variable care trajectories. Mean time enrolled in HBPC was 331 days, 8.3% of patients were discharged after 3 months, and 22.8% stayed enrolled for over 2 years. Institutional health care use declined in the 6 months after initial enrollment: (e.g., hospital: 41%–25%, NH: 34%–11%). At 2 years, 36% of patients had died; among decedents, 58% received hospice and 72% died in a non‐institutional setting. In the last 180 days of life, 84% of time was spent at home, and once enrolled in hospice, 97% of time was spent outside of institutional care.

Conclusions

HBPC patients experience highly variable care trajectories but on average have reductions in acute care use and spend a majority of time in non‐institutional settings. These data allow for a nuanced understanding of HBPC, providing a platform for monitoring, evaluating, and improving program function.
Discerning networks: Distortions of human movement in Urabá, Colombia
Authors: Echeverri Zuluaga Jonathan , Ordóñez Juan Thomas
Published: September 2023

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Colombian region of Urabá, that borders Panama, has gained notoriety for the transit of people moving from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean to North America. Using an ethnographic approach, this article examines how the accounts of local bureaucrats and other actors in the region frame these movements within the influence of “redes,” that is, networks, a vague reference to the hold illegal armed actors and smugglers have over the region. We argue that redes works as a placeholder that simplifies the complexities around these types of migration and gives the phenomenon distorted contours which ignore the agency of people on‐the‐move. We contrast local accounts of the criminal influence over these movements to those of the travelers themselves who describe a variety of interactions along their journeys, but do not mention networks of this kind.
Non‐operating revenue is an important source of funding for rural hospitals, especially those that are government‐owned
Authors: Pitcher Ariana , Zhang Ruoyu , Gurzenda Susie , Pink George , Reiter Kristin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Non‐operating revenue (NOR), derived from investments, contributions, government appropriations, and medical space rentals, can contribute to financial stability of hospitals by offsetting operating losses and improving profitability. NOR might benefit rural hospitals that often face intense financial pressures. However, little is known about how much rural hospitals rely on NOR and if certain organizational characteristics are associated with differences in NOR.

Methods

Healthcare Cost Report Information System data from 2011 to 2019 were used to analyze sources of revenue among Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and Rural Prospective Payment System (R‐PPS) hospitals through descriptive statistics and regression models. Reliance on NOR was measured by the percentage of total revenue from non‐operating sources.

Findings

Results indicate that both CAHs and R‐PPS hospitals rely on NOR; however, CAHs have a higher percentage of total revenue derived from non‐operating sources (3.2%) as compared to R‐PPS hospitals (1.9%) (p < 0.001). Government‐owned hospitals have significantly higher reliance on NOR than other ownership types. System affiliation also influences reliance on NOR. Lastly, results suggest that NOR may play a role in improving overall profit margins.

Conclusions

As rural hospitals disproportionately face challenges related to declining profitability and the risk for closure, they may rely on NOR to continue to strengthen financial performance and provide health care to their communities. However, NOR is not guaranteed, and reliance on NOR further reiterates the value of stable, adequate reimbursement to guard against fluctuations in NOR.
Aquinas On Being, Goodness, And Divine Simplicity
Authors: Stump Eleonore
Published: September 2023

Aquinas's virtue-based ethics is grounded in his metaphysics, and in particular in one part of his doctrine of the transcendentals, namely, the relation of being and goodness. This metaphysics supplies for his normative ethics the sort of metaethical foundation that some contemporary virtue-centered ethics have been criticized for lacking, and it grounds an ethical naturalism of considerable philosophical sophistication. In addition, this grounding has a theological implication even more fundamental than its applications to ethics. That is because Aquinas takes God to be essentially and uniquely being itself. Consequently, on Aquinas's view, God is also essentially goodness itself. Aquinas's metaphysical grounding for his ethics is thus meant to be understood in connection with his more fundamental views regarding God's nature, and in particular his views of God's simplicity. This metaphysical grounding confers significant philosophical and theological advantages on his ethics.
Sporocarp nutrition of ectomycorrhizal fungi indicates an important role for endemic species in a high productivity temperate rainforest
Authors: McPolin M. Claire , Kranabetter J. Marty , Philpott Tim J. , Hawkins Barbara J.
Published: September 2023

Endemic species of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) are found throughout many biomes, but it is unclear whether their localized distribution is dictated by habitat filtering or geographical barriers to dispersal.

We examined community composition (via long‐read metabarcoding) and differences in sporocarp nutrition between endemic and cosmopolitan EMF species across perhumid temperate rainforests of British Columbia, characterized by soils with high nitrogen (N) supply alongside low phosphorus (P) and cation availability.

Endemic EMF species, representing almost half of the community, had significantly greater sporocarp N (24% higher), potassium (+16%), and magnesium (+17%) concentrations than cosmopolitan species. Sporocarp P concentrations were comparatively low and did not differ by fungal range. However, sporocarp N% and P% were well correlated, supporting evidence for linkages in N and P acquisition. Endemics were more likely to occur on Tsuga heterophylla (a disjunct host genus) than Picea sitchensis (a circumpolar genus). The Inocybaceae and Thelephoraceae families had high proportions of endemic taxa, while species in Cortinariaceae were largely cosmopolitan, indicating some niche conservatism among genera.

We conclude that superior adaptive traits in relation to perhumid soils were skewed toward the endemic community, underscoring the potentially important contribution of these localized fungi to rainforest nutrition and productivity.
The Influence of Screw Positioning on Cage Subsidence in Patients with Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Combined with Anterolateral Fixation
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Xiandi , Li Zhuhai , Xie Tianhang , Wang Lihang , Luo Chuan , Huang Shishu , Zeng Jiancheng
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Cage subsidence (CS) has been reported to be one of the most common complications following oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). To reduce the incidence of CS and improve intervertebral fusion rates, anterolateral fixation (AF) has been gradually proposed. However, the incidence of CS in patients with oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with anterolateral fixation (OLIF‐AF) is still controversial. Additionally, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal placement of screws for OLIF‐AF, and the impact of screw placement on the incidence of CS has yet to be thoroughly investigated and validated. The objective of this investigation was to examine the correlation between screw placements and CS and to establish an optimized approach for implantation in OLIF‐AF.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken. From October 2017 to December 2020, a total of 103 patients who received L4/5 OLIF‐AF for lumbar spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis or degenerative instability in our department were followed up for more than 12 months. Demographic and radiographic data of these patients were collected. Additionally, screw placement related parameters, including trajectory and position, were measured by anterior–posterior X‐ray and axial CT. Analysis was done by chi‐square, independent t‐test, univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression to explore the correlation between screw placements and CS. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive ability of screw placement‐related parameters.

Results

A total of 103 patients were included, and CS was found in 28 (27.18%) patients. Univariable analysis was firstly performed for each parameter. Next, variables with p‐value of <0.05, including bone mineral density (BMD), concave morphology, and screw placement‐related parameters were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Significant predictor factors for subsidence were coronal plane angle (CPA) (OR 0.580 ± 0.208, 95% CI 1.187–2.684), implantation point (IP) (L4) (OR 5.732 ± 2.737, 95% CI 1.445–12.166), and IP (L5) (OR 7.160 ± 3.480, 95% CI 1.405–28.683). Furthermore, ROC curves showed that the predictive accuracy of CS was 88.1% for CPA, 77.6% for IP (L4) and 80.9% for IP (L5).

Conclusions

We demonstrate that the trajectory of vertebral screws, including angle and position, was closely related to CS. Inserting screws parallel to each other and as close to the endplate as possible while keeping the cage inside the range of the superior and inferior screws are an optimal implantation strategy for OLIF‐AF.
An ontological struggle: Islamic political theology and the criminalization of same‐sex sexuality in Indonesia
Authors: Ramadhan Febi R.
Published: September 2023

This paper examines legal efforts to criminalize same‐sex sexualities between consenting adults by conservative Muslim movements in Indonesia, epitomized by the Constitutional Court of Indonesia's 2016 Judicial Review on the Indonesian Penal Code, continuous resistance to the Sexual Violence Law, and the current Indonesian Penal Code. Based on my ethnography of the Judicial Review's court transcript and other legal archives, I argue that the conservative Muslim movements’ legal effort to criminalize sexuality in Indonesia is an exercise of Islamic political theology revolving around a certain ontology of personhood concerning the relationships between “the human” and God, the state, and the nation. This ontology is apparent in their assertion about the intrinsic difference between sexual violence (“kekerasan seksual”) vs. sexual crime (“kejahatan seksual”). This paper aims to: (1) demonstrate that anthropological inquiries of ontologies can further develop the conceptual framework of political theology, especially in elucidating how ontological imposition of “the human” and its personhood plays a pivotal part in conservative movements’ repertoires in criminalizing sexuality; and (2) make use of Southeast Asian studies’ scholarships and cases to speak back to the broader discussion on the fissures in/of secular imaginaries and secularization processes.
Heavy metal pollution assessment and soil property evolution under a natural ecological restoration process in a manganese wasteland in China
Authors: Liu Kehui , Huang Xiaofang , Wei Yongming , He Pingxian
Published: September 2023

The space‐for‐time method was used to track changes in heavy metals (HMs), selected physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activities at different restoration ages, that is 5, 10, and 25 years (named R5, R10, and R25, respectively) and in a natural forest (NF, age > 100 years, as the control) in the Daxin manganese (Mn) wastelands in China. The results showed that the HM concentrations decreased over time, with Mn exhibiting the highest concentration, followed by zinc, copper, and cadmium; all the studied sites exhibited heavy pollution levels based on the Nemerow multifactor index, with a very high potential ecological risk (RI) level in R5, moderate RI in R10 and R25, and low RI in NF; generally speaking, the soil physicochemical properties improved, with the exceptions of the available phosphorus (AP) and calcium (Ca) levels; the soil enzymes generally exhibited the highest activities in R25, while the activity of catalase showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease over time; both the HM concentrations and physicochemical properties showed significant correlations with soil enzyme activities; redundancy analysis showed that soil pH and HM species should be given more attention in R5 for vegetation recovery; and the HM concentrations, soil moisture content, and ammonium nitrogen, total nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium levels might be the limiting factors for plant colonization in early restoration periods, while the AP, total phosphorus, and Ca levels might be the limiting factors in later restoration periods. The obtained results will provide guidance for the restoration of abandoned Mn‐polluted areas.
A randomised, double‐blinded trial to assess the effect of oclacitinib and prednisolone on intradermal allergen and prick tests in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Baretta Letícia Talita , do Espírito Santo Cunha Victor , Figueiredo Cristiane Deon , Gerardi Daniel Guimarães
Published: September 2023

Background

Intradermal (IDT) and prick (PT) tests are used to select allergens for allergen‐specific immunotherapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis (cAD). However, the use of antipruritic drugs before performing these tests may influence the results.

Objective

To evaluate the influence of the drugs oclacitinib and prednisolone on the immediate‐phase reactions of IDT and PT.

Animals

Thirty client‐owned dogs with cAD with positive reactions to at least one allergen extract on IDT or PT.

Materials and Methods

Dogs were randomly assigned to receive oclacitinib 0.4–0.58 mg/kg per os, every 12 h (n = 14), or prednisolone 0.37–0.65 mg/kg p.o., every 12 h (n = 16) for 14 days. IDT and PT were performed on Day (D)0 before treatment and on D14.

Results

At D14 there was no significant reduction in the means of the orthogonal diameters of the positive immediate‐phase reactions of the IDT (p = 0.064) in the oclacitinib group; however, in the PT, the diameter of the positive reactions reduced significantly (p = 0.048). In both tests, there was no significant reduction in the total number of positive reactions (IDT, p > 0.999; PT, p = 0.735). In the prednisolone group, the means of the orthogonal diameters of positive immediate‐phase reactions were significantly reduced in both tests (IDT, p = 0.001; PT, p ≤ 0.001) and there also was a reduction in the total number of positive reactions (IDT, p = 0.022; PT, p = 0.001).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The use of oclacitinib 0.4–0.58 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days does not interfere with IDT results in dogs with cAD. However, oclacitinib may reduce PT reactivity. The use of prednisolone 0.37–0.65 mg/kg twice daily results in a reduction in both IDT and PT results.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Education and Training Studies, Vol. 11, No. 4
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: September 2023

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 4 Alphonce John Amuli, ADEM, TanzaniaAshraf Elsafty, Eslsca University, EgyptChris Mutseekwa, Bindura University of Science Education, ZimbabweIntakhab Khan, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaJacinthe Rihan, Ain Shams University, EgyptJane Liang, California Department of Education, USAJingwu Yao, Business School of Yulin Normal University, ChinaJohn Cowan, Edinburgh Napier University, UKJohn Mark Asio, Gordon College, PhilippinesMustafa Çakır, Marmara University, TurkeyNiveen M. Zayed, MENA College of Management, JordanRichard H. Martin, Mercer University, USARichard Penny, University of Washington Bothell, USASamson Chama, Alabama A & M University, USASarah Nabih Nasif, October University, EgyptStamatis Papadakis, University of Crete, GreeceWong Ken Keong, Inspectorate of School Sabah, Malaysia Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail 1: jets@redfame.comE-mail 2: jets@redfame.orgURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Correspondences and stable homotopy theory
Authors: Garkusha Grigory
Published: September 2023

A general method of producing correspondences and spectral categories out of symmetric ring objects in general categories is given. As an application, stable homotopy theory of spectra is recovered from modules over a commutative symmetric ring spectrum defined in terms of framed correspondences over an algebraically closed field. Another application recovers stable motivic homotopy theory from spectral modules over associated spectral categories.
Attenuating intrathoracic pressure swings decreases cardiac output at different intensities of exercise
Authors: Angus Sarah A. , Taylor Joshua L. , Mann Leah M. , Williams Alexandra M. , Stöhr Eric J. , Au Jason S. , Sheel Andrew William , Dominelli Paolo B.
Published: September 2023

Intrathoracic pressure (ITP) swings that permit spontaneous ventilation have physiological implications for the heart. We sought to determine the effect of respiration on cardiac output () during semi‐supine cycle exercise using a proportional assist ventilator to minimize ITP changes and lower the work of breathing (Wb). Twenty‐four participants (12 females) completed three exercise trials at 30%, 60% and 80% peak power (Wmax) with unloaded (using a proportional assist ventilator, PAV) and spontaneous breathing. Intrathoracic and intraabdominal pressures were measured with balloon catheters placed in the oesophagus and stomach. Left ventricular (LV) volumes and were determined via echocardiography. Heart rate (HR) was measured with electrocardiogram and a customized metabolic cart measured oxygen uptake (). Oesophageal pressure swings decreased from spontaneous to PAV breathing by −2.8 ± 3.1, −4.9 ± 5.7 and −8.1 ± 7.7 cmH2O at 30%, 60% and 80% Wmax, respectively (P = 0.01). However, the decreases in Wb were similar across exercise intensities (27 ± 42 vs. 35 ± 24 vs. 41 ± 22%, respectively, P = 0.156). During PAV breathing compared to spontaneous breathing, decreased by −1.0 ± 1.3 vs. −1.4 ± 1.4 vs. −1.5 ± 1.9 l min−1 (all P < 0.05) and stroke volume decreased during PAV breathing by −11 ± 12 vs. −9 ± 10 vs. −7 ± 11 ml from spontaneous breathing at 30%, 60% and 80% Wmax, respectively (all P < 0.05). HR was lower during PAV breathing by −5 ± 4 beats min−1 at 80% Wmax (P < 0.0001). Oxygen uptake decreased by 100 ml min−1 during PAV breathing compared to spontaneous breathing at 80% Wmax (P < 0.0001). Overall, attenuating ITPs mitigated LV preload and ejection, thereby suggesting that the ITPs associated with spontaneous respiration impact cardiac function during exercise.

image

Key points

Pulmonary ventilation is accomplished by alterations in intrathoracic pressure (ITP), which have physiological implications on the heart and dynamically influence the loading parameters of the heart.

Proportional assist ventilation was used to attenuate ITP changes and decrease the work of breathing during exercise to examine its effects on left ventricular (LV) function.

Proportional assist ventilation with progressive exercise intensities (30%, 60% and 80% Wmax) led to reductions in cardiac output at all intensities, primarily through reductions in stroke volume.

Decreases in LV end‐diastolic volume (30% and 60% Wmax) and increases in LV end‐systolic volume (80% Wmax) were responsible for the reduction in stroke volume.

The relationship between cardiac output and oxygen uptake is disrupted during respiratory muscle unloading.
Best Practices for Electricity Generators and Energy Storage Optimal Dispatch Problems
Authors: Vasylyev Andriy , Vannoni Alberto , Sorce Alessandro
Published: September 2023

The growing share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix and the liberalization of electricity markets has drastically affected the operation of electricity generators. Especially, in the last decade, fossil fuel-based generators have shifted their role from providing continuous base load to covering the peak demand and providing backup capacity to stabilize the grid. At the same time, a large amount of storage capacity is foreseen to be integrated into electricity grids in the coming years to shave demand peaks, mitigate price volatility, and provide services to the grid. In such a situation, in order to properly manage these crucial technologies, and thus guarantee the economic viability of the operation, it is essential to properly optimize the dispatch and define the best scheduling. This paper considers a gas turbine combined cycle and battery energy storage to study the problem of dispatch optimization of both generators and storage technologies. Different optimization algorithms have been considered and mixed integer linear programming is selected for its ability to identify the global optimum and the reduced optimization time. The impact of optimization windows (i.e., the forecast horizon of electricity prices) is also investigated. It is highlighted that an increase in forecasting ability, at least up to 36 h, guarantees more effective scheduling; on the other hand, it may require a significantly longer time. Subsequently, different approaches to account for the operation and maintenance costs at the optimization stage are assessed, and, finally, a sensitivity analysis is carried out with respect to market parameters (price average and variability) and technology features (conversion efficiency, cycle cost, etc.).
Linear System Identification and Control of a Small-Scale Hip Exoskeleton Using Shape Memory Alloy Springs in Hexagonal Architecture
Authors: Ali Hussein F. M. , Kim Youngshik , Mohamed Shuaiby
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we develop a small-scale hip exoskeleton by utilizing double acting artificial muscle comprised of shape memory alloy (SMA) springs arranged in hexagonal architecture. This exoskeleton enables both hip extension and flexion motions by selectively heating the corresponding group of SMA springs. The prototype has an operational range spanning from −20° to 200°. Thermo-mechanical characterization experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the SMA springs, while an inertial measurement unit (IMU) provided feedback on the hip angles. Temperature measurements of each SMA spring group were obtained using thermocouples, facilitating control actions. Furthermore, system identification and PID tuning techniques were employed to enhance the proportional-integrator-derivative (PID) controller, enabling trajectory tracking of the hip angle and temperature. Experimental results demonstrate the successful tracking of desired trajectories by the hip joint prototype.
Ultrasound diagnosis of the small intestinal adenomyoma in children
Authors: Yan Yuxi , Liu Qinghua , Zhang Huafang , Chen Yegang , Wang Qiannan
Published: September 2023

Aim: Adenomyoma is an exceptionally rare hamartoma in the small intestine. Few data have been reported on the features of this rare disease. The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasound (US) characteristics of small intestinal adenomyomas. Material and methods: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical features and US data of 15 pediatric patients diagnosed as small intestinal adenomyomas in the age range between 1 day to 12 years in our hospital during 2014–2021.Results: The clinical manifestations of all the small intestinal adenomyomas were abdominal pain, vomiting or/and hemafecia. The small intestinal adenomyoma usually acted as the lead point of secondary intussusception. They were identified in the ileum (n=11), jejunum (n=2), and Meckel’s diverticulum (n=2). The diagnostic accuracy (the concordance rate between US diagnosis and pathological diagnosis) of small intestinal adenomyoma was 73.3%. The small intestinal adenomyoma had approximately 1.0–3.0 cm, were typically located in the submucosal region, had the basal part wide and without a pedicle, and its boundaries were clear. The mass protruded into the intestinal cavity, and showed oval hypoechoic polycystic echo nodules, containing multiple small quasi-circular or irregular cysts of different sizes surrounded by solid hypoechoic mosaic areas. The color Doppler US showed in the solid hypoechoic areas of the mass abundant or sparse blood flow signals.Conclusions The US findings of small intestinal adenomyomas in children are characteristic, and US is valuable in the identification of intestinal adenomyomas in children.
Uncovering the mechanisms of efficient upconversion in two-dimensional perovskites with anti-Stokes shift up to 220 meV
Authors: Wu Bo , Wang Aocheng , Fu Jing , Zhang Yutong , Yang Cheng , Gong Yiyang , Jiang Chuanxiu , Long Mingzhu , Zhou Guofu , Yue Shuai , Ma Wei , Liu Xinfeng
Published: September 2023

Phonon-assisted photon upconversion holds great potential for numerous applications, e.g., optical refrigeration. However, traditional semiconductors face energy gain limitations due to thermal energy, typically achieving only ~25 milli–electron volts at room temperature. Here, we demonstrate that quasi–two-dimensional perovskites, with a soft hybrid organic-inorganic lattice, can efficiently upconvert photons with an anti-Stokes shift exceeding 200 milli–electron volts. By using microscopic transient absorption measurements and density functional theory calculations, we explicate that the giant energy gain stems from strong lattice fluctuation leading to a picosecond timescale transient band energy renormalization with a large energy variation of around ±180 milli–electron volts at room temperature. The motion of organic molecules drives the deformation of inorganic framework, providing energy and local states necessary for efficient upconversion within a time constant of around 1 ps. These results establish a deep understanding of perovskite-based photon upconversion and offer previously unknown insights into the development of various upconversion applications.
HCMV UL8 interaction with β-catenin and DVL2 regulates viral reactivation in CD34
+
hematopoietic progenitor cells
Authors: Dirck Aaron , Diggins Nicole L. , Crawford Lindsey B. , Perez Wilma D. , Parkins Christopher J. , Struthers Hillary H. , Turner Rebekah , Pham Andrew H. , Mitchell Jennifer , Papen Courtney R. , Malouli Daniel , Hancock Meaghan H. , Caposio Patrizia
Published: September 2023

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a species-specific virus that establishes a persistent/latent infection in CD34
+
hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). The ability of HCMV to reactivate from latency is exquisitely linked to changes in cell signaling, which result in HPC differentiation. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is tightly linked to CD34
+
HPC homeostasis and differentiation. The majority of the viral and cellular factors involved in the maintenance of HCMV latency and reactivation are still unknown. Our group previously discovered a viral hematopoietic cytokine (pUL7) that promotes cellular differentiation and viral reactivation. Here, we show that the UL7-related RL11 family member UL8 is also required for efficient viral reactivation in CD34
+
HPCs by interacting with components of the (Wnt)/β-catenin pathway. Pull-down experiments demonstrate that UL8 and β-catenin interact with Dishevelled-2 (DVL2) through their PDZ-binding domains, and this interaction promotes β-catenin stabilization and transcriptional activation. Disrupting the interaction among UL8, β-catenin, and DVL2 blocks HCMV reactivation
in vitro
and
in vivo
, similar to deletion of UL8. This is the first observation that Wnt signaling components are essential for HCMV reactivation, unlike α- and γ-herpesvirus that require an active Wnt pathway to maintain latency. Detailed understanding of how the Wnt network is manipulated by herpesviruses will improve our ability to develop targeted therapeutics.

IMPORTANCE

CD34
+
hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are an important cellular reservoir for latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Several HCMV genes are expressed during latency that are involved with the maintenance of the viral genome in CD34
+
HPC. However, little is known about the process of viral reactivation in these cells. Here, we describe a viral protein, pUL8, and its interaction and stabilization with members of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as an important component of viral reactivation. We further define that pUL8 and β-catenin interact with DVL2 via a PDZ-binding domain, and loss of UL8 interaction with β-catenin-DVL2 restricts viral reactivation. Our findings will be instrumental in understanding the molecular processes involved in HCMV reactivation in order to design new antiviral therapeutics.
Whole-genome sequence of
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
EL1 isolated from healthy supragingival plaque
Authors: de Palma Thais H. , Loomis Emily , Perera Dasith , Ramsey Matthew
Published: September 2023

Haemophilus parainfluenzae
is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the mouth and the upper respiratory tract. Here, we report the genome sequence of
H. parainfluenzae
strain EL1 isolated from healthy supragingival plaque. This strain is used as a representative commensal of the oral microbiota.
Draft genome sequences of two
Proteus mirabilis
isolates recovered from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Botschner William , Davidson Hailey , Lawal Opeyemi U. , Parreira Valeria R. , Goodridge Lawrence
Published: September 2023

Proteus mirabilis
is a Gram-negative bacterium that is frequently implicated in urinary tract infections in humans and companion animals and has also been associated with foodborne infections in several countries. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two
P. mirabilis
isolates recovered from municipal wastewater.
Complete genome sequences of butyrate producing
Anaerostipes hadrus
strains BA1 and GIF7 isolated from the terminal ileum of a healthy lean male
Authors: Low Adrian , Sheludchenko Maxim , Cheng Huay Ee , Koh Xiu Qi , Lee Jonathan Wei Jie
Published: September 2023

Anaerostipes hadrus
strains BA1 and GIF7 were isolated from a healthy man. The complete genomes’ sizes are 2,946,270 bp (BA1) and 2,907,308 bp (GIF7), with high average nucleotide identity (ANIb = 100%) and alignments ≥96.86% between strains. Conversely, both strains share 97.47% (ANIb) identity and ≤77.36% alignments to
A. hadrus
ATCC 29173
T
.
Complete genome sequences of G
ordonia rubripertincta
phages OtterstedtS21 and Patos
Authors: Meng Bowen , Bleau Alexander , Bombaywala Riddhi R. , DeGraw Audrey S. , Deol Manjot S. , Dollard Kendall E. , Gentile Nicolas , Jebaraj Julianna , Kayayan Gregory N. , Miranda Briana C. , Momoh Ayobamidele E. , Morales Elias , Nunes Amalia C. , Oropallo Antonia M. , Otterstedt Sophia C. , Pridell Anna T. , Roberts Jenna I. , Ruiz Gabriel A. , Sangasani Dhatri , Smith Renee D. , Tarar Mahad , Singh Vir , Jayachandran Pradeepa
Published: September 2023

We report the genomes of two viruses with siphovirus morphology, OtterstedtS21 and Patos, from Albany, New York, using
Gordonia rubripertincta
. The genomes of OtterstedtS21 and Patos are ~68 kbp long with 58% GC content. Both phages group with cluster DV based on gene content similarity to phages in the Actinobacteriophage database.
Supplemental Material: Integrated geologic and geophysical modeling across the Bartlett Springs fault zone, northern California: Implications for fault creep and regional structure
Authors: Langenheim V.E. , al. et
Published: September 2023

Includes original, preferred, and alternate geophysical models across the Bartlett Springs fault zone and a figure showing the distribution of gravity measurements in the region.
Geographical and sociodemographic differences in statin dispensation after acute myocardial infarction in Sweden: a register-based prospective cohort study applying analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (AIHDA) for basic comparisons of healthcare quality
Authors: Merlo Juan , Öberg Johan , Khalaf Kani , Perez-Vicente Raquel , Leckie George
Published: September 2023

Background

In Sweden, as in many other countries, official monitoring of healthcare quality is mostly focused on geographical disparities in relation to a desirable benchmark. However, current evaluations could be improved by considering: (1) The intersection of other relevant axes of inequity like age, sex, income and migration status; and (2) The existence of individual heterogeneity around averages. Therefore, using an established quality indicator (ie, dispensation of statins after acute myocardial infarction, AMI), we valuate both geographical and sociodemographic inequalities and illustrate how the analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (AIHDA) enhances such evaluations.

Population and methods

We applied AIHDA and calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of regional and sociodemographic differences in the statin dispensations of 35 044 patients from 21 Swedish regions and 24 sociodemographic strata who were discharged from the hospital with an AMI diagnosis between January 2011 and December 2013. Following the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, we used a benchmark value of 90%.

Results

Dispensation of stains after AMI in Sweden did not reach the desired target of 90%. Regional differences were absent/very small (AUC=0.537) while sociodemographic differences were small (AUC=0.618). Women, especially those with immigrant background and older than 65 years, have the lowest proportions of statin dispensations after AMI.

Conclusions

As the AUC statistics are small, interventions trying to achieve the benchmark value should be universal. However, special emphasis should nevertheless be directed towards women, especially older women with immigrant backgrounds.
Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake in adolescents: a national cross-sectional study, August 2021–January 2022, England
Authors: Aiano Felicity , Ireland Georgina , Powell Annabel , Campbell Colin N J , Judd Alison , Davies Byron , Saib Anisah , Mangtani Punam , Nguipdop-Djomo Patrick ,   SIS Study Group, Ladhani Shamez N
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To assess socioeconomic and geographical factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pupils attending state-funded secondary schools in England.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

State-funded schools in England.

Participants

Pupils aged 12–17 years attending state-funded schools in England for the academic year 2021/2022.

Outcome measures

Demographic, socioeconomic and geographical factors associated with vaccination uptake. We linked individual-level data from the English Schools Census to the National Immunisation Management System to obtain COVID-19 vaccination status of 3.2 million adolescents. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess demographic, socioeconomic and geographical factors associated with vaccination.

Results

By 9 January 2022, 56.8% of adolescents aged 12–17 years old had received at least one dose, with uptake increasing from 48.7% in those aged 12 years old to 77.2% in those aged 17 years old. Among adolescents aged 12–15 years old, there were large variations in vaccine uptake by region and ethnic group. Pupils who spoke English as an additional language (38.2% vs 55.5%), with special educational needs (48.1% vs 53.5%), eligible for free school meals (35.9% vs 58.9%) and lived in more deprived areas (36.1% in most deprived vs 70.3% in least deprived) had lower vaccine uptake. Socioeconomic variables had greater impact on the odds of being vaccinated than geographical variables. School-level analysis found wide variation in vaccine uptake between schools even within the same region. Schools with higher proportions of pupils eligible for free school meals had lower vaccine uptake.

Conclusions

We found large differences in vaccine uptake by geographical region and ethnicity. Socioeconomic variables had a greater impact on the odds of being vaccinated than geographical variables. Further research is required to identify evidence-based interventions to improve vaccine uptake in adolescents.
Workplace violence against COVID-19 front-line healthcare workers versus non-front-line in Hangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Dongdong , Wang Qian , Xiao Xiaohua , Zhang Jin , Xie Ying , Zhu Yunying , Li Sisi , Bao Lei , Song Haidong , Yang Qian
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers (HCWs) is a global issue. Our research aimed to elucidate the status and associated factors of WPV among front-line/non-front-line HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

This cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in Hangzhou City through multistage sampling from December 2020 to January 2021.

Participants

This study included 14 909 valid samples (N=3748 front-line HCWs and N=11 161 non-front-line HCWs).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We assessed the WPV status by Chinese version of WPV questionnaire. Binary logistic regression model was established to examine the associated factors of front-line/non-front-line HCWs experiencing WPV.

Results

The total WPV prevalence equalled 37.25% for front-line HCWs and 27.73% for non-front-line HCWs. Among front-line HCWs, females were less likely to experience WPV (OR 0.837, 95% CI 0.710 to 0.988), while individuals who were undergraduate (OR 1.251, 95% CI 1.061 to 1.541) and had higher professional title (intermediate: OR 1.475, 95% CI 1.227 to 1.772; advanced: OR 1.693, 95% CI 1.294 to 2.216) were more likely to suffer from WPV; for non-front-line HCWs, individuals who aged over 50 years old (OR 0.721, 95% CI 0.563 to 0.969), had worked between 10 and 19 years (OR 0.847, 95% CI 0.749 to 0.958) and worked in the non-graded hospital (OR 0.714, 95% CI 0.614 to 0.832) had less chance to experience WPV, while individuals who had higher educational level (undergraduate: OR 1.323, 95% CI 1.179 to 1.484; ≥graduate: OR 1.519, 95% CI 1.217 to 1.895), were nurse (OR 1.142, 95% CI 1.031 to 1.265), and had higher professional title (intermediate: OR 1.458, 95% CI 1.297 to 638; advanced: OR 1.928, 95% CI 1.607 to 2.313) were more inclined to suffer from WPV (p all<0.05).

Conclusions

This study indicates that the prevalence of WPV among front-line HCWs is significantly higher than among non-front-line HCWs. Policy-makers should prioritise COVID-19 front-line HCWs, especially those with high educational levels and professional titles.