bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What We Don’t Know About the Effects of Temperature on Salmonid Growth
Authors: Railsback Steven F.
Published: December 2021

Salmonid biologists use both mental models—simple assumptions—and bioenergetics‐based mathematical models to understand and predict effects of temperature regime on growth. Bioenergetics model results, however, sometimes conflict with common assumptions. Previous studies plus “Wisconsin model” bioenergetics simulations lead to four conclusions that conflict with some management assumptions. The first conclusion is that food consumption is at least as important as temperature in explaining growth; we cannot understand temperature effects without understanding food consumption. Second, at natural food consumption rates, there is no “optimal temperature for growth”; growth peaks in model results are artifacts of food consumption assumptions, and growth peaks in laboratory studies are (apparently) artifacts of ad libitum feeding. Third, effects of temperature on growth can be stronger during cooler seasons than in summer; traditional temperature criteria are not useful for managing such effects. Fourth, salmonid populations that are adapted to survive higher temperatures may be more, not less, vulnerable to temperature effects on growth due to their higher metabolic rates. Temperature–growth relations observed under ad libitum feeding seem risky for managing wild populations. Model predictions of growth need to carefully consider assumptions about food consumption. For predicting effects of increased temperature, the traditional assumption that consumption is a constant fraction of maximum consumption rate appears especially uncertain and incautious, with its hidden assumption that consumption increases with temperature; assuming a constant ration is simpler and more cautious. Growth can be predicted more reliably with feeding models and individual‐based population models that consider how consumption and energetic costs depend on processes such as habitat selection, competition, and adaptive behaviors involving tradeoffs between food intake and predation risk. Two research needs are clear: empirical observations for parameterizing and testing the Wisconsin model comprehensively under natural conditions (which we lack despite the extensive energetics literature), and methods for predicting salmonid food production responses to temperature and flow regimes.
The quirk signal at FASER and FASER 2
Authors: Li Jinmian , Pei Junle , Ran Long jie , Zhang Wenxing
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We study FASER and FASER 2 sensitivities to the quirk signal by simulating the motions of quirks that are travelling through several infrastructures from the ATLAS interaction point to the FASER (2) detector. The ionization energy losses for a charged quirk travelling in different materials are treated carefully. We calculate the expected numbers of quirk events that can reach the FASER (2) detector for an integrated luminosity of 150 (3000) fb−1. Scenarios for quirks with four different quantum numbers, and different masses and confinement scales are studied.
LKB1 deficiency upregulates RELM-α to drive airway goblet cell metaplasia
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Qiuyang , Li Li , Hao De , Cheng Peiyong , Li Kuan , Li Xue , Wang Jianhai , Wang Qi , Du Zhongchao , Ji Hongbin , Chen Huaiyong
Published: December 2021

Targeting airway goblet cell metaplasia is a novel strategy that can potentially reduce the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms. Tumor suppressor liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is an important regulator of the proliferation and differentiation of stem/progenitor cells. In this study, we report that LKB1 expression was downregulated in the lungs of patients with COPD and in those of cigarette smoke-exposed mice.Nkx2.1Cre; Lkb1f/fmice with conditional loss ofLkb1in mouse lung epithelium displayed airway mucus hypersecretion and pulmonary macrophage infiltration. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the lung tissues fromNkx2.1Cre; Lkb1f/fmice further revealed that airway goblet cell differentiation was altered in the absence of LKB1. An organoid culture study demonstrated that Lkb1 deficiency in mouse airway (club) progenitor cells promoted the expression of FIZZ1/RELM-α, which drove airway goblet cell differentiation and pulmonary macrophage recruitment. Additionally, monocyte-derived macrophages in the lungs ofNkx2.1Cre; Lkb1f/fmice exhibited an alternatively activated M2 phenotype, while expressing RELM-α, which subsequently aggravated airway goblet cell metaplasia. Our findings suggest that the LKB1-mediated crosstalk between airway progenitor cells and macrophages regulates airway goblet cell metaplasia. Moreover, our data suggest that LKB1 agonists might serve as a potential therapeutic option to treat respiratory disorders associated with goblet cell metaplasia.
Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 regulates pigmentation by controlling the pH of melanosomes in melanocytes and melanoma cells
Authors: Sirés-Campos Julia , Lambertos Ana , Delevoye Cédric , Raposo Graça , Bennett Dorothy C. , Sviderskaya Elena , Jiménez-Cervantes Celia , Olivares Conchi , García-Borrón José Carlos
Published: December 2021

Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 (MGRN1) is an E3-ubiquitin ligase absent in dark-furred mahoganoid mice. We investigated the mechanisms of hyperpigmentation in Mgrn1-null melan-md1 melanocytes, Mgrn1-KO cells obtained by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockdown of Mgrn1 in melan-a6 melanocytes, and melan-a6 cells depleted of MGRN1 by siRNA treatment. Mgrn1-deficient melanocytes showed higher melanin content associated with increased melanosome abundance and higher fraction of melanosomes in highly melanized maturation stages III–IV. Expression, post-translational processing and enzymatic activity of the rate-limiting melanogenic enzyme tyrosinase measured in cell-free extracts were comparable in control and MGRN1-depleted cells. However, tyrosinase activity measured in situ in live cells and expression of genes associated with regulation of pH increased upon MGRN1 repression. Using pH-sensitive fluorescent probes, we found that downregulation of MGRN1 expression in melanocytes and melanoma cells increased the pH of acidic organelles, including melanosomes, strongly suggesting a previously unknown role of MGRN1 in the regulation of melanosomal pH. Among the pH regulatory genes upregulated by Mgrn1 knockdown, we identified those encoding several subunits of the vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase V-ATPase (mostly Atp6v0d2) and a calcium channel of the transient receptor potential channel family, Mucolipin 3 (Mcoln3). Manipulation of expression of the Mcoln3 gene showed that overexpression of Mcoln3 played a significant role in neutralization of the pH of acidic organelles and activation of tyrosinase in MGRN1-depleted cells. Therefore, lack of MGRN1 led to cell-autonomous stimulation of pigment production in melanocytes mostly by increasing tyrosinase specific activity through neutralization of the melanosomal pH in a MCOLN3-dependent manner.
Black Hole Quasinormal Modes and Seiberg–Witten Theory
Authors: Aminov Gleb , Grassi Alba , Hatsuda Yasuyuki
Published: December 2021

We present new analytic results on black hole perturbation theory. Our results are based on a novel relation to four-dimensional$${\mathcal {N}}=2$$N=2supersymmetric gauge theories. We propose an exact version of Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization conditions on quasinormal mode frequencies in terms of the Nekrasov partition function in a particular phase of the$$\Omega $$Ω-background. Our quantization conditions also enable us to find exact expressions of eigenvalues of spin-weighted spheroidal harmonics. We test the validity of our conjecture by comparing against known numerical results for Kerr black holes as well as for Schwarzschild black holes. Some extensions are also discussed.
More passive internal tibial rotation with posterior cruciate ligament retention than with excision in a medial pivot TKA implanted with unrestricted caliper verified kinematic alignment
Authors: Nedopil Alexander J. , Howell Stephen M. , Hull Maury L.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Excision of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is recommended when implanting a medial pivot (MP) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce the risk of limiting flexion by over-tensioning the flexion space. The present study determined whether PCL retention (1) limits internal tibial rotation and (2) causes anterior lift-off of the insert in 90° flexion after implantation of an MP design with unrestricted caliper verified kinematic alignment (KA).

Methods

Four surgeons implanted an MP TKA design with medial ball-in-socket and lateral flat tibial insert in ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. Before and after PCL excision, trial inserts with medial goniometric markings measured the angular I–E tibial orientation relative to the trial femoral component's medial condyle in extension and at 90° flexion, and the surgeon recorded the occurrence of anterior lift-off of the insert at 90° flexion.

Results

PCL retention resulted in greater internal tibial rotation than PCL excision, with mean values of 15° vs 7° degrees from maximum extension to 90° flexion, respectively (p < 0.0007). At 90° flexion, no TKAs with PCL retention and one TKA with PCL excision had anterior lift-off of the insert (N.S.).

Conclusions

This preliminary study of ten cadaveric knees showed that PCL retention restored more passive internal tibial rotation than PCL excision with a negligible risk of anterior lift-off. However, in vivo analysis from multiple authors with a larger sample size is required to recommend PCL retention with an MP TKA design implanted with unrestricted caliper verified KA.
Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Woo Kyung Ah , Shin Joo Young , Kim Heejung , Ahn Jeeyun , Jeon Beomseok , Lee Jee-Young
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To investigate peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) changes in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Methods

We included 21 PSP patients (36 eyes) who underwent peripapillary optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans at 2.5 ± 1.3 years of disease, without ophthalmologic co-morbidities. We compared pRNFL thicknesses in PSP eyes with age-matched 22 controls (22 eyes) using generalized estimating equation model adjusting for intra-subject inter-eye correlations, age and sex. We also analyzed the correlation between the pRNFL thickness and clinical severity using Spearman’s correlation. In twelve PSP patients with 3 T brain MRI volumetric scan within 1 year of OCT exam, we investigated the correlation between the pRNFL thickness and brain atrophy using Pearson’s correlation.

Results

PSP patients had global pRNFL thinning compared to controls (beta = − 6.436, p = 0.025). Global pRNFL thickness correlated with Hoehn & Yahr stages (r = − 0.487, p = 0.025), and nasal pRNFL thinning showed a trend of correlation (uncorrected p < 0.05). Exploratory correlation analysis between global pRNFL thickness and nonmotor items in the PSP rating scale showed a trend toward association with sleep disturbances (uncorrected p = 0.008) and urinary incontinence (uncorrected p = 0.031), although not significant after Bonferroni correction (all 28 items). The patients had significant atrophy in the posterior cingulate cortex, third ventricle, pallidum, and midbrain with reduced midbrain-to-pons ratio, but no correlation was found between pRNFL thickness and brain volumes.

Conclusion

The pRNFL seems to be affected in PSP, which is more severe with advanced disease stages. Retinal investigation in a larger longitudinal cohort would help elucidate the pathophysiological role of retinal thinning in PSP.
Independent evolution of intermediate bill widths in a seabird clade
Authors: Masello Juan F. , Ryan Peter G. , Shepherd Lara D. , Quillfeldt Petra , Cherel Yves , Tennyson Alan J. D. , Alderman Rachael , Calderón Luciano , Cole Theresa L. , Cuthbert Richard J. , Dilley Ben J. , Massaro Melanie , Miskelly Colin M. , Navarro Joan , Phillips Richard A. , Weimerskirch Henri , Moodley Yoshan
Published: December 2021

Interspecific introgression can occur between species that evolve rapidly within an adaptive radiation. Pachyptila petrels differ in bill size and are characterised by incomplete reproductive isolation, leading to interspecific gene flow. Salvin’s prion (Pachyptila salvini), whose bill width is intermediate between broad-billed (P. vittata) and Antarctic (P. desolata) prions, evolved through homoploid hybrid speciation. MacGillivray’s prion (P. macgillivrayi), known from a single population on St Paul (Indian Ocean), has a bill width intermediate between salvini and vittata and could also be the product of interspecies introgression or hybrid speciation. Recently, another prion population phenotypically similar to macgillivrayi was discovered on Gough (Atlantic Ocean), where it breeds 3 months later than vittata. The similarity in bill width between the medium-billed birds on Gough and macgillivrayi suggest that they could be closely related. In this study, we used genetic and morphological data to infer the phylogenetic position and evolutionary history of P. macgillivrayi and the Gough medium-billed prion relative other Pachyptila taxa, to determine whether species with medium bill widths evolved through common ancestry or convergence. We found that Gough medium-billed prions belong to the same evolutionary lineage as macgillivrayi, representing a new population of MacGillivray’s prion that originated through a colonisation event from St Paul. We show that macgillivrayi’s medium bill width evolved through divergence (genetic drift) and independently from that of salvini, which evolved through hybridisation (gene flow). This represents the independent convergence towards a similarly medium-billed phenotype. The newly discovered MacGillivray’s prion population on Gough is of utmost conservation relevance, as the relict macgillivrayi population in the Indian Ocean is very small.
Contribution of Biological and EPR Dosimetry to the Medical Management Support of Acute Radiation Health Effects
Authors: Beinke Christina , Siebenwirth Christian , Abend Michael , Port Matthias
Published: December 2021

In this review, we discuss the value of biological dosimetry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in the medical management support of acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Medical management of an ionizing radiation scenario requires significant information. For optimal medical aid, this information has to be rapidly (< 3 days) delivered to the health-care provider. Clinical symptoms may initially enable physicians to predict ARS and initiate respective medical treatment. However, in most cases at least further verification through knowledge on radiation exposure details is necessary. This can be assessed by retrospective dosimetry techniques, if it is not directly registered by personal dosimeters. The characteristics and potential of biological dosimetry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry using human-derived specimen are presented here. Both methods are discussed in a clinical perspective regarding ARS diagnostics. The presented techniques can be used in parallel to increase screening capacity in the case of mass casualties, as both can detect the critical dose of 2 Gy (whole body single dose), where hospitalization will be considered. Hereby, biological dosimetry based on the analysis of molecular biomarkers, especially gene expression analysis, but also in vivo EPR represent very promising screening tools for rapid triage dosimetry in early-phase diagnostics. Both methods enable high sample throughput and potential for point-of-care diagnosis. In cases of higher exposure or in small-scale radiological incidents, the techniques can be used complementarily to understand important details of the exposure. Hereby, biological dosimetry can be employed to estimate the whole body dose, while EPR dosimetry on nails, bone or teeth can be used to determine partial body doses. A comprehensive assessment will support optimization of further medical treatment. Ultimately, multipath approaches are always recommended. By tapping the full potential of all diagnostic and dosimetric methods, effective treatment of patients can be supported upon exposure to radiation.
Success factors of long-term CIOs
Authors: Hillebrand Patrick , Westner Markus
Published: December 2021

Although the average tenure of CIOs has increased over the last years, the majority of CIOs have been in their positions for only three years or less. Nevertheless, some CIOs have been successful in their position for a long time. In this study, we use tenure as a proxy for success as a CIO. The goal of this paper is to examine factors that are critical to the success of long-term CIOs. For this purpose, we created and analyzed resumes of 384 CIOs. Out of these 384, we conducted 19 interviews with CIOs from top-tier companies and collected and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data. In the process, we were able to identify nine factors that are critical for the success (CSF) of CIOs. These factors fall into three categories. Category “Personality” includes “Accepting and embracing change” (CSF #1), “Being perseverant to pursue long-term goals” (CSF #2), “Anticipating the future through visionary thinking” (CSF #3), and “Being empathetic to deal with uncertainty felt by co-workers” (CSF #4). The “Role Fulfilment” category includes “Cross-functional involvement and integration of the IT organization” (CSF #5), “Positioning and restructuring of the IT organization” (CSF #6), and “Well-connected and communicative leadership” (CSF #7). The “Organizational Environment” category consists of “Availability of skilled workforce” (CSF #8) and “Reporting line to the CEO” (CSF #9). CSFs 1, 2, and 3 were perceived as most important by the participating CIOs. The results may be of particular interest both to aspiring CIOs and equally their employing organizations, as they reflect what long-term CIOs value during their time in office.
Enriched root bacterial microbiome in invaded vs native ranges of the model grass allotetraploid Brachypodium hybridum
Authors: Pickett Brooke , Carey Chelsea J. , Arogyaswamy Keshav , Botthoff Jon , Maltz Mia , Catalán Pilar , Aronson Emma L.
Published: December 2021

Invasive species can shift the composition of key soil microbial groups, thus creating novel soil microbial communities. To better understand the biological drivers of invasion, we studied plant-microbial interactions in species of theBrachypodium distachyoncomplex, a model system for functional genomic studies of temperate grasses and bioenergy crops. WhileBrachypodium hybriduminvasion in California is in an incipient stage, threatening natural and agricultural systems, its diploid progenitor speciesB. distachyonis not invasive in California. We investigated the root, soil, and rhizosphere bacterial composition ofBrachypodium hybridumin both its native and invaded range, and ofB. distachyonin the native range. We used high-throughput, amplicon sequencing to evaluate if the bacteria associated with these plants differ, and whether biotic controls may be drivingB. hybriduminvasion. Bacterial community composition ofB. hybridumdiffered based on provenance (native or invaded range) for root, rhizosphere, and bulk soils, as did the abundance of dominant bacterial taxa. Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria andBacillusspp. (species) were significantly more abundant inB. hybridumroots from the invaded range, whereas Proteobacteria, Firmicutes,ErwiniaandPseudomonaswere more abundant in the native range roots.Brachypodium hybridumforms novel biotic interactions with a diverse suite of rhizosphere microbes from the invaded range, which may not exert a similar influence within its native range, ostensibly contributing toB. hybridum’sinvasiveness. These associated plant microbiomes could inform future management approaches forB. hybridumin its invaded range and could be key to understanding, predicting, and preventing future plant invasions.
Subtypes of Aggressive Behavior in Children with Autism in the Context of Emotion Recognition, Hostile Attribution Bias, and Dysfunctional Emotion Regulation
Authors: Kirst Simone , Bögl Katharina , Gross Verena Loraine , Diehm Robert , Poustka Luise , Dziobek Isabel
Published: December 2021

The causes of aggressive behavior in children with autism are poorly understood, which limits treatment options. Therefore, this study used behavioral testing and parent reports of 60 children with autism to investigate the interplay of emotion misinterpretation and hostile attribution bias in the prediction of different aggressive behaviors. Further, the additional impact of dysfunctional emotion regulation was examined. Path analyses indicated that hostile attribution bias increased verbal and covert aggression but not physical aggression and bullying. Dysfunctional emotion regulation had an additional impact on bullying, verbal aggression, and covert aggression. Emotion recognition was positively associated with hostile attribution bias. These findings provide a first insight into a complex interplay of socio-emotional variables; longitudinal studies are needed to examine causal relationships.
Efficacy evaluation of a full-scale response to intervention program for enhancing student reading abilities in a Swedish school context
Authors: Nilvius Camilla , Svensson Idor
Published: December 2021

Reading abilities in Swedish students have declined in recent decades. The current study examined the effectiveness of a full-scale three-tier Response to Intervention (RtI) model designed to improve reading skills in Swedish students. Participants were grade 2 students in a primary school setting. A quasi-experimental between-group design was used to examine treatment effects. The RtI experimental group (n = 11) and comparison group (n = 11) were monitored longitudinally over 2.5 years. The interventions included specialized instruction on decoding and reading comprehension. The comparison group received treatment as usual. After the intervention, the number of students in need of support in the experimental RtI-group was reduced from six to one. Furthermore, decoding and reading comprehension improved in the experimental group relative to the comparison group; however, the results were not significant. The standard deviation in the experimental group was smaller than that in the comparison group for all follow-up measures. The intervention effect was sustained after one and a half year in most of the students who had responded to the intervention. In addition, the participating teachers mostly appreciated the RtI-model. These preliminary findings suggest that the RtI model possibly can enhance reading skills in Swedish students; however, more research is needed. Implications for using the RtI model are discussed.
Why does library holding format really matter for book impact assessment?: Modelling the relationship between citations and altmetrics with print and electronic holdings
Authors: Maleki Ashraf
Published: December 2021

Scholarly books are important outputs in some fields and their many publishing formats seem to introduce opportunities to scrutinize their impact. As there is a growing interest in the publisher-enforced massive collection of ebooks in libraries in the past decade, this study examined how this influences the relationship that library print holdings (LPH), library electronic holdings (LEH) and total library holdings (TLH) have with other metrics. As a follow up study to a previous research on OCLC library holdings, the relationship between library holdings and twelve other metrics including Scopus Citations, Google Books (GB) Citations, Goodreads engagements, and Altmetric indicators were examined for 119,794 Scopus-indexed book titles across 26 fields. Present study confirms the weak correlation levels observed between TLH and other indicators in previous studies and contributes additional evidence that print holdings can moderately reflect research, educational and online impact of books consistently more efficient than eholdings and total holdings across fields and over time, except for Mendeley for which eholdings slightly prevailed. Regression models indicated that along with other dimensions, Google Books Citations frequently best explained LPH (in 14 out of 26 fields), whereas Goodreads User counts were weak, but the best predictor of both LEH and TLH (in 15 fields out of 26), suggesting significant association of eholdings with online uptake of books. Overall, findings suggest that inclusion of eholdings overrides the more impactful counts of print holdings in Total Library Holdings metric and therefore undermines the statistical results, whilst print holdings has both statistically and theoretically promising underlying assumptions for prediction of impact of books and shows greater promise than the general Library Holding metric for book impact assessment. Thus, there is a need for a distinction between print and electronic holding counts to be made, otherwise total library holding data need to be interpreted with caution.
Paradigms and paradoxes: fractional electron charge
Authors: Hargittai Istvan
Published: December 2021

There is hardly a generic connection between the partial atomic charges, a useful concept in chemistry, and the “fractionalization” of the electron accomplished under extreme experimental conditions in solid samples. Nonetheless, there is a relationship on a philosophical level. There is no information of who first introduced the concept of partial atomic charges in chemistry. In contrast, the physicists whose experiment turned the electron into excitations carrying a partial charge and whose theory provided the interpretation received the Nobel Prize for their discoveries.
Analysing the Contributions and Longevity of Community Archaeology in the Context of Maritime Cultural Heritage Projects
Authors: Bell Makanani , Blue Lucy
Published: December 2021

Scholars readily agree community archaeology offers a way to engage non-professional archaeologists in the archaeological process. However, few analyse whether community archaeology projects achieve their goals and contribute positively to involved stakeholders. This article proposes a framework for analysing the contributions and longevity of community archaeology in maritime environments. The framework consists of three sections: the influencing factors, intended and actual contributions, and longevity. The influencing factors highlight the most common elements that impact the contributions of a project. The intended and actual contributions compare the project’s goals with their results. The longevity section proposes a number of prompting questions to assess the longevity of the outcomes. Three case studies provide a closer look at each project’s influencing factors, contributions and longevity. Synthesizing the case study’s results reveals several overall conclusions and areas for improvement within community archaeology.
“I don’t want to take buprenorphine for the rest of my life”: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for a Client Struggling to Reduce Low-Dose Buprenorphine (a Hermeneutic Single-Case Efficacy Design)
Authors: Shepherd Kate , Pritty Beth , Tickle Anna , Moghaddam Nima
Published: December 2021

The misuse of substances is often maintained by both physical and psychological factors. Opioid-substitution medications manage physical aspects of addiction; however, difficulties with emotional regulation and avoidance perpetuate continued substance misuse. In the UK, individuals who misuse substances are often excluded from mental health services, meaning these underlying difficulties are not addressed. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) seeks to reduce emotional avoidance. A hermeneutic single-case efficacy design was used to evaluate the effects of ACT within drugs and alcohol service. Quantitative and qualitative data was critically analysed to understand factors involved in identified changes. Analysis recognised the client progressed towards two of three of their goals, related to motivation and anxiety. Their psychological flexibility also increased. ACT processes played a key role in this; however, the therapeutic relationship and psychopharmacological factors were also noted. Study limitations and clinical and research implications are discussed.
Individualizing the use of [18F]FDG-PET/CT in patients with complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: experiences from a tertiary care center
Authors: van Leerdam Eline J. , Gompelman Michelle , Tuinte Renée A. M. , Aarntzen Erik H. J. G. , Berrevoets Marvin A. H. , Maat Ianthe , Bleeker-Rovers Chantal P. , van Crevel Reinout , ten Oever Jaap , Kouijzer Ilse J. E.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

[18F]FDG-PET/CT scanning can help detect metastatic infectious foci and reduce mortality in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), but it is unknown if patients with SAB and an indication for prolonged treatment because of possible endovascular, orthopaedic implant, or other metastatic infection still need [18F]FDG-PET/CT.

Methods

In a retrospective single-center cohort study, we included all consecutive adult patients with SAB between 2013 and 2020 if an [18F]FDG-PET/CT scan was performed and antibiotic treatment was planned for ≥ 6 weeks prior to [18F]FDG-PET/CT. We aimed to identify patients for whom treatment was adjusted due to the results of [18F]FDG-PET/CT, and assessed concordance of [18F]FDG-PET/CT and clinical diagnosis for infected prosthetic material.

Results

Among 132 patients included, the original treatment plan was changed after [18F]FDG-PET/CT in 22 patients (16.7%), in the majority (n = 20) due to diagnosing or rejecting endovascular (graft) infection. Antibiotic treatment modifications were shortening in 2, iv-oral switch in 3, extension in 13, and addition of rifampicin in 4 patients. Ninety additional metastatic foci based on [18F]FDG-PET/CT results were found in 69/132 patients (52.3%). [18F]FDG-PET/CT suggested vascular graft infection in 7/14 patients who lacked clinical signs of infection, but showed no infection of prosthetic joints or osteosynthesis material in eight patients who lacked clinical signs of such an infection.

Conclusion

[18F]FDG-PET/CT can help refine treatment for SAB in patients with clinically suspected endovascular infection or vascular grafts, even if 6 weeks treatment is already indicated, but can be safely omitted in other patients who are clinically stable.
Reliability aware green workflow scheduling using ε-fuzzy dominance in cloud
Authors: Rani Rama , Garg Ritu
Published: December 2021

The enormous energy consumed by cloud data centers (CDCs) increases the carbon footprints, operational cost and decreases the system reliability, so it becomes a great challenge for CDCs providers. Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) is an efficient approach for energy efficiency, which reduces the operating frequency, and supply voltage of the processor during the task’s execution. Recent research shows that scaling of the supply voltage and operating frequency has negative impact on the system’s reliability as it increases transient fault rate of the resources. Thus, the system’s reliability and the energy consumption are two prime concerns in a cloud computing environment that requires attention. Most workflow scheduling algorithms in literature do not consider energy and reliability simultaneously. In this paper, we proposed the ε-fuzzy dominance based reliable green workflow scheduling (FDRGS) algorithm, which optimizes the application’s reliability and energy consumption simultaneously using the ε-fuzzy dominance mechanism. The simulation results obtained using fast Fourier transform (FFT) and gaussian elimination (GE) task graphs manifest that our scheduling algorithm is more efficient in optimizing energy consumption and lifetime system’s reliability jointly than several widely used algorithms. The proposed algorithm will help scientists and engineers for further insight into future research in the area of cloud.
Slippery Surface with Petal-like Structure for Protecting Al Alloy: Anti-corrosion, Anti-fouling and Anti-icing
Authors: Huang Junfei , Kang Jiajie , Zhang Jiaxu , Huang Jinxia , Guo Zhiguang
Published: December 2021

The harsh working environment affects the performance and usage life of Al and its alloys, thus limiting their application. In recent years, Slippery Liquid-infused Porous Surface (SLIPS) has attracted much attention due to excellent anti-corrosion, anti-fouling and anti-icing properties. This may be an effective way to improve the properties of Al and its alloys. Here, the SLIPS with petal-like structure was constructed on the Al alloy via simple hydrothermal reaction, Stearic Acid (STA) modification and lubricant injection. A variety of droplets (including oil-in-water emulsions) can slide on the SLIPS at a low angle, even the Sliding Angle (SA) of the water droplet is only 3°. Furthermore, the SLIPS exhibits outstanding mechanical and chemical properties. It can maintain fine oil-locking ability under high shearing force and keep slippery stability after immersion in acid/alkaline solutions. In addition, the SLIPS possesses excellent anti-corrosion, anti-fouling and anti-icing properties, which provides a new way to promote the application of Al and its alloys. Therefore, the SLIPS is expected to be an effective way to improve the properties of Al and its alloys, as well as play a role in anti-fouling and self-cleaning in construction, shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing industries, thereby expanding the practical application of Al and its alloys.
Reverse osmosis and forward osmosis fouling: a comparison
Authors: Field Robert W. , She Qianhong , Siddiqui Farrukh Arsalan , Fane Anthony G.
Published: December 2021

Our previously reported exploration (Journal of Membrane Science 565 (2018) 241–253) on the differences between fouling in reverse osmosis (RO) and forward osmosis (FO), used alginate as a foulant with initial conditions that ensured that the starting fluxes were the same. That study found that for a cellulose triacetate (CTA) membrane the extent of fouling, based on the analysis of foulant resistance, was greater when the membrane was part of a FO system. Herein, using the same methodology, results for a thin film composite membrane with alginate as the foulant are presented and these confirm the same general conclusion namely that the extent of foulant accumulation in FO mode is more severe than in RO mode. Furthermore the specific fouling resistance with alginate fouling in FO is more than for RO. However examining the overall operation including cleaning as well as fouling, this study suggests that FO operation is potentially less sensitive to fouling phenomena than RO for similar feed materials. This is due to the driving force compensation coming from a changing level of ICP. Some preliminary work including that with silica particles is also reported.
Factors associated with depression and anxiety in the adult population of Qatar after the first COVID-19 wave: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khaled Salma Mawfek , Amro Iman , Bader Lina , Woodruff Peter , Alabdulla Majid A. , Bellaj Tarek , Marzouk Yousri , Hasan Youssef , Al-Kaabi Ibrahim M. , Haddad Peter M.
Published: December 2021

There is limited data from Arabic-speaking countries on risk factors for depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Country-specific data is necessary given differences in culture, demographics, and COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. The main purpose of the study is to identify the factors associated with symptoms of depression-anxiety in the adult population of Qatar during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Qatar between July and December 2020 after Qatar’s first COVID-19 wave and before the beginning of the second wave. Depression-anxiety was defined as a cut-off of 20 or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire-Anxiety Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS). Of 1138 participants, 71.0% were female, 69.0% Arabs, 70.0% Non-Qataris, and 77.0% were < 40 years (the median age in Qatar is 32 years). In a fully-adjusted model, six variables were significantly associated with moderate-to-severe levels of depression or anxiety on the PHQ-ADS; Arab ethnicity (OR = 1.67, p = 0.026), never married versus married (OR = 1.69, p = 0.015), prior history of psychiatric disorder versus no history (OR = 1.80, p = 0.009), increased worries due to social media use for COVID-related news/updates (OR = 1.72, p = 0.003), a history of COVID-19 (OR = 1.76, p = 0.039), loneliness (OR = 1.91, p < 0.001), and lower levels of religiosity (OR = 0.96, p = 0.039). These associations also pertained in the reduced model, with the exception of religiosity which was only marginally statistically significant (OR = 0.97, p = 0.055). The potential risk factors identified may assist with anxiety and depression prevention in future COVID-19 waves, and similar national events, and assist with early intervention to treat sufferers.
Intolerance of uncertainty predicts fear of healthcare settings but not desire for testing during the novel coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Radell Milen L. , McGuire Brian M.
Published: December 2021

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented uncertainty, and differences in how people cope with this uncertainty will influence the cost of viral pandemics to both individuals and society. The personality trait of intolerance of uncertainty (IU), defined as a dispositional fear of the unknown, has been linked to higher health anxiety and fear of the virus. Although IU may increase the desire for medical information and treatment, during pandemics, this might be weighed against the risk of becoming infected while in a healthcare setting. We examined whether people with higher IU report greater fear of healthcare settings, and show more desire to be tested for the virus. Residents of the United States (n = 149) were surveyed in early May 2020, while most states had active stay-at-home orders. Higher prospective but not inhibitory IU predicted more fear of healthcare settings. The largest effect size, however, was for fear of leaving the home, indicating a general tendency toward fear and avoidance. Fear of leaving the home, perceiving the virus as dangerous, access to testing, and having symptoms were significant predictors of desire for testing.
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Pediatric Emergency Department Flow
Authors: Rivera-Sepulveda Andrea , Maul Timothy , Dong Katherine , Crate Kylee , Helman Talia , Bria Corinne , Martin Lisa , Bogers Kimberly , Pearce Joseph W. , Glass Todd F.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine how the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the use of the pediatric emergency department (PED).

Methods:

Cross-sectional study of PED visits during January through April, 2016-2020. Data included: total PED visits, emergency severity index (ESI), disposition, chief complaint, age (months), time from first provider to disposition (PTD), and PED length of stay (PED-LOS). P-value <0.01 was statistically significant.

Results:

In total, 67,499 visits were reported. There was a significant decrease in PED visits of 24-71% from March to April 2020. Chief complaints for fever and cough were highest in March 2020; while April 2020 had a shorter mean PED-LOS (from 158 to 123 min), an increase of admissions (from 8% to 14%), a decrease in ESI 4 (10%), and an increase in ESI 3 (8%) (P < 0.001). There was no difference in mean monthly PTD time.

Conclusions:

Patient flow in the PED was negatively affected by a decrease in PED visits and increase in admission rate that may be related to higher acuity. By understanding the interaction between hospital processes on PEDs and patient factors during a pandemic, we are able to anticipate and better allocate future resources.
Nutrition Management in COVID-19 Quarantine: Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Tayyem Reema , Al-Shudifat Abdel-Ellah , Al-Alami Zahra’ , Abdelbaset Mohammad G. , Al-Awwad Narmeen , Azab Mohammed
Published: December 2021

Background:

This hospital-based study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status and dietary habits, the amount of nutrients provided to the patients in the hospital and to detect the predictors of severity among COVID-19 patients in Jordan.

Methods:

A hospital-based study (N = 367; mean age 42.3 y; SD 15.4; 66.0% men) was conducted between March 17 and July 25, 2020, in Prince Hamza Hospital. Data about socio-demographic, anthropometric, dietary habits, and macro- and micronutrients intake were collected from the patients’ medical files, and some missing data were collected by phone directly from the patients.

Results:

The results of the linear regression showed that only age was significantly and positively (ß = 0.454; P = 0.001) associated with severity of the disease among the study patients. Approximately 57% of the COVID-19 patients consumed 3 meals daily, while 31-34% consumed 1 to 2 snacks daily. The majority (64%) of the patients drank more than 5 cups of water daily. Around 24% of the patients complained of eating problems, such as taste and/or smell loss, low appetite, and swallowing difficulty. The intakes of the vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and C, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and sodium, were within the recommended dietary allowances (RDA).

Conclusion:

The servings of the 5 food groups as well as most of the macro- and micronutrient requirements were within the recommended intakes and RDA.
Alleged Violations of the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights (Iran v. U.S.) (Judgment on Preliminary Objections) (I.C.J.)
Authors: Desierto Diane A.
Published: December 2021

On February 3, 2021, the International Court of Justice delivered its judgment on preliminary objections in Alleged Violations of the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights (Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States of America). The judgment rejected all of the United States’ preliminary objections, declared the admissibility of Iran's Application, and held that the Court has jurisdiction “on the basis of Article XXI, paragraph 2 of the Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights of 1955.”
Cholecystokinin B receptor gene polymorphism (rs2941026) is associated with anxious personality and suicidal thoughts in a longitudinal study
Authors: Lvovs Aneth , Matrov Denis , Kurrikoff Triin , Veidebaum Toomas , Harro Jaanus
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

Cholecystokinin is a neuropeptide with a role in the neurobiology of adaptive behaviour that is implicated in anxiety disorders, while the underlying mechanisms currently remain insufficiently explained. The rs2941026 variation in the cholecystokinin B receptor gene has previously been associated with trait anxiety. Our aim was to investigate associations between the CCKBreceptor gene polymorphism rs2941026 with anxiety, personality, depressiveness and suicidality in a longitudinal study of late adolescence and early adulthood.

Methods:

We used reports on trait and state anxiety, depressiveness and suicidal thoughts, as well as Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales, from the two birth cohorts of the Estonian Children Personality, Behaviour and Health Study. We measured associations between theCCKBRgene rs2941026 and anxiety-related phenotypes both longitudinally and cross-sectionally at ages 15, 18, 25 and 33.

Results:

Homozygosity for both alleles of theCCKBRrs2941026 was associated with higher trait and state anxiety in the longitudinal analysis. Cross-sectional comparisons were statistically significant at ages 18 and 25 for trait anxiety and at ages 25 and 33 for state anxiety. Higher depressiveness and suicidal thoughts were associated with the A/A genotype at age 18. Additionally, homozygosity for the A-allele was related to higher FEAR and SADNESS in the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales. The genotype effects were more apparent in females, who displayed higher levels of negative affect overall.

Conclusions:

CCKBRgenotype is persistently associated with negative affect in adolescence and young adulthood. The association of theCCKBRrs2941026 genotype with anxiety-related phenotypes is more pronounced in females.
Series expansion of Leray–Trudinger inequality
Authors: Sun Xiaomei , Yu Kaixiang , Zhu Anqiang
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we establish an infinite series expansion of Leray–Trudinger inequality, which is closely related with Hardy inequality and Moser Trudinger inequality. Our result extends early results obtained by Mallick and Tintarev [A. Mallick and C. Tintarev. An improved Leray-Trudinger inequality. Commun. Contemp. Math. 20 (2018), 17501034. OP 21] to the case with many logs. It should be pointed out that our result is about series expansion of Hardy inequality under the case $p=n$, which case is not considered by Gkikas and Psaradakis in [K. T. Gkikas and G. Psaradakis. Optimal non-homogeneous improvements for the series expansion of Hardy's inequality. Commun. Contemp. Math. doi:10.1142/S0219199721500310]. However, we can't obtain the optimal form by our method.
Exploring subconscious bias
Authors: Miu K , Ranford D , Hopkins C , Karagama Y , Surda P
Published: December 2021

Background

Implicit biases may lead to subconscious evaluations of a person based on irrelevant characteristics such as race or gender. This audit investigates the presence of implicit bias in the management of patients who missed appointments in our department.

Methods

This study retrospectively analysed discharge rates in 285 patients who missed an out-patient appointment between 1 May 2020 and 1 April 2021 at Guy's and St Thomas’ Hospital. After reading the patients' names, 285 patients were categorised into genders, and ethnic categories of: White British; Black, Asian and minority (non-White) ethnic (‘BAME’); and other White.

Results

There were no differences in discharge rates in terms of self-reported ethnic and gender groups. However, patients perceived as White British were less likely to be discharged when compared to patients perceived as Black, Asian and minority ethnic (35 per cent vs 58 per cent). Discharge rates for perceived gender did not differ.

Conclusion

Implicit bias may influence decision-making regarding whether to rebook a patient after missing an appointment.
Governance Sensitivities and the Politics of Translation: Rethinking the Colonisation of the Shuar of Ecuador's Amazonian South-East
Authors: Leifsen Esben
Published: December 2021

The article analyses two delegated governance projects carried out in Ecuador's Amazonian south-east in the twentieth century. In collaboration with the military and public institutions, two Catholic missions, the Salesian and the Franciscan, were central actors in the colonising of an area inhabited by the Shuar. Considering the wider historical and ethnographic regional context and focusing on practices of cultural translation and territorial politics, I discuss the two missions’ divergent governance sensitivities vis-à-vis the Shuar. ‘Governance sensitivities’ refers in this context to the colonial actors’ capability to recognise colonised subjects as culturally distinct. I combine new empirical material from the historical archive of the Franciscans in Zamora with secondary sources in order to analyse how differences between the two missions’ sensitivity and insensitivity to Shuar otherness became especially prevalent in the 1960s and 70s. The divergent ways the Salesians and Franciscans perceived the Shuar colonial subject had consequences for how they engaged in the protection of Shuar land and for how they contributed to facilitating or holding back indigenous political organisation.