bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A narrow window for geographic cline analysis using genomic data: Effects of age, drift, and migration on error rates
Authors: Jofre Gaston I. , Rosenthal Gil G.
Published: May 2021

The use of genomic and phenotypic data to scan for outliers is a mainstay for studies of hybridization and speciation. Geographic cline analysis of natural hybrid zones is widely used to identify putative signatures of selection by detecting deviations from baseline patterns of introgression. As with other outlier‐based approaches, demographic histories can make neutral regions appear to be under selection and vice versa. In this study, we use a forward‐time individual‐based simulation approach to evaluate the robustness of geographic cline analysis under different evolutionary scenarios. We modelled multiple stepping‐stone hybrid zones with distinct age, deme sizes, and migration rates, and evolving under different types of selection. We found that drift distorts cline shapes and increases false positive rates for signatures of selection. This effect increases with hybrid zone age, particularly if migration between demes is low. Drift can also distort the signature of deleterious effects of hybridization, with genetic incompatibilities and particularly underdominance prone to spurious typing as adaptive introgression. Our results suggest that geographic clines are most useful for outlier analysis in young hybrid zones with large populations of hybrid individuals. Current approaches may overestimate adaptive introgression and underestimate selection against maladaptive genotypes.
Empathetic, persistent and female: A snapshot of oral health therapy students in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Stormon Nicole , Beckett Deanna , Gardner Suzanne , Keshoor Smita , Smart Karen , Wallace Linda , Ford Pauline J. , Satur Julie , Eley Diann
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Dental therapists, hygienists and oral health therapists constitute up to a third of the dental workforce in Australia and New Zealand. Personality is often explored in health professions to provide insights into traits that are conducive to workforce retention and to assist in planning and training. This study aimed to investigate the current demographic and personality characteristics of oral health students in Australia and New Zealand.

Materials and Methods

Students in years one to three of all eight undergraduate Bachelor of Oral Health programs in Australia and New Zealand were invited to complete an online survey. The survey measured activities prior to entering into oral health, career intentions and included a personality questionnaire, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI).

Results

Three quarters of participants (n = 336; 30% response rate; females = 90%) were single, from an urban area and 20–29 years of age. Oral health students overall portrayed high trait levels of Persistence and Cooperativeness. Cluster analysis of TCI traits identified three groups. Groups of students with high Persistence and Cooperativeness tended to be older, were working in non‐dental and dental careers prior to their degree and were interested in working in regional areas after graduation.

Conclusions

Students with high levels of persistence and cooperativeness were interested in working in regional areas after graduation, highlighting the importance of industriousness and persistence in overcoming barriers to practicing in regional areas. Further research is warranted to investigate barriers and enablers in recruitment and retention of males in a primarily female dominated profession.
Effects of multiple stressors on the dimensionality of ecological stability
Authors: Polazzo Francesco , Rico Andreu
Published: May 2021

Ecological stability is a multidimensional construct. Investigating multiple stability dimensions is key to understand how ecosystems respond to disturbance. Here, we evaluated the single and combined effects of common agricultural stressors (insecticide, herbicide and nutrients) on four dimensions of stability (resistance, resilience, recovery and invariability) and on the overall dimensionality of stability (DS) using the results of a freshwater mesocosm experiment. Functional recovery and resilience to pesticides were enhanced in nutrient‐enriched systems, whereas compositional recovery was generally not achieved. Pesticides did not affect compositional DS, whereas functional DS was significantly increased by the insecticide only in non‐enriched systems. Stressor interactions acted non‐additively on single stability dimensions as well as on functional DS. Moreover we demonstrate that pesticides can modify the correlation between functional and compositional aspects of stability. Our study shows that different disturbance types, and their interactions, require specific management actions to promote ecosystem stability.
Methodological proposal for evaluation of adhesion of root canal sealers to gutta‐percha
Authors: De‐Deus Gustavo , Oliveira Diogo S. , Cavalcante Daniele M. , Simões‐Carvalho Marco , Belladonna Felipe G. , Antunes Leandro S. , Souza Erick M. , Silva Emmanuel J. N. L. , Versiani Marco A.
Published: May 2021

Aim

To compare the bond strength of an epoxy resin‐based sealer and two calcium silicate‐based sealers (CSS) to gutta‐percha discs using a new method.

Methodology

Round discs of gutta‐percha (n = 60), measuring 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness, were placed on a glass plate and a drop of each sealer (AH Plus, EndoSequence BC Sealer and EndoSeal MTA) was placed on their surface. Another identical disc was placed onto the first one and a standardized weight (0.0981 N) applied over them using a specially developed apparatus. Ten samples prepared for each sealer were submitted to a microshear bond strength test accomplished by a specially designed set‐up coupled to a universal testing machine. The Kruskal–Wallis test followed by a post hoc procedure was used to compare groups considering the preliminary analysis of the raw data had indicated the nonadherence to a Gaussian distribution (Shapiro–Wilk, p < .05). Alpha error was set at 5%.

Results

Overall, no premature failure occurred. All sealers had some degree of adhesiveness to gutta‐percha discs but with a significant difference amongst them (Kruskal–Wallis, p = .019). The epoxy resin‐based sealer (AH Plus) had significantly higher median shear bond strength values (1.43 MPa; 1.40–1.83) compared to EndoSeal MTA (0.53 MPa; 0.46–0.73) (p = .021) and EndoSequence BC Sealer (0.45 MPa; 0.34–0.46) (p = .023), whilst the lowest median value was observed with EndoSequence BC Sealer (0.45 MPa; 0.34–0.46) (p < .05).

Conclusions

CSS sealers had weaker bonding to gutta‐percha when compared to the epoxy resin‐based AH Plus sealer. The proposed methodology is an innovative and reproducible method for testing the bond strength of root canal sealers to gutta‐percha.
Activation energies for crystallization of manganese‐doped (K,Na)NbO3 thin films deposited from a chemical solution
Authors: Jacques Leonard , Kovacova Veronika , Yang Jung In , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan
Published: May 2021

Potassium sodium niobate (KNN) thin films are potentially useful for energy harvesting devices and for lead‐free piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems. This work reports the activation energies for nucleation, growth and perovskite phase transformation from a 0.5% manganese‐doped KNN 2‐methoxyethanol‐based solution modified with acetylacetone and excess alkali precursors. The films were annealed in a rapid thermal processor (RTP) with a hold step at temperatures from 500 to 550°C. The activation energies for perovskite transformation and growth, determined by electron micrograph observation, were 687 ± 13 and 194 ± 10 kJ/mol. The activation energy for nucleation was 341 ± 20 kJ/mol. Based on these data, crystallization in KNN is found to be nucleation‐limited; thus, it should be possible to reduce the crystallization temperature by utilizing a seed layer which provides nucleation sites, provided the organics are removed from the film.
Effect of Hurricane Irma on daily direct‐care nurse staffing in nursing homes
Authors: Jester Dylan J. , Thomas Kali S. , Peterson Lindsay J. , Dosa David M. , Andel Ross , Hyer Kathryn
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To examine the effect of Hurricane Irma on staff‐related financial expenditures and daily direct‐care nurse staffing levels.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

September 3–24, 2017 in the state of Florida, United States. Hurricane Irma made landfall on September 10, 2017.

Participants

Six hundred and fifty‐three nursing homes (NHs), 81 evacuated facilities, and 572 facilities that sheltered‐in‐place.

Measurements

This study used data from Payroll‐Based Journaling (PBJ), Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER), and Florida's health providers' emergency reporting system. PBJ provided estimates of daily direct‐care nurse staffing levels for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. CASPER reported facility‐level characteristics such as profit status, chain membership, and special care unit availability. Florida's emergency reporting system identified evacuation status during Hurricane Irma. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to estimate the unique contribution of evacuation status on daily staffing increases over time from September 3 to 10.

Results

Among all facilities, we found significant increases in staffing for licensed practical nurses (p = 0.02) and certified nursing assistants (p < 0.001), but not for registered nurses (p = 0.10) before Hurricane Irma made landfall. From 1 week before landfall to 2 weeks after landfall (September 3–24), an additional estimated $2.41 million was spent on direct‐care nurse staffing. In comparison to facilities that sheltered‐in‐place, evacuated facilities increased staffing levels of all nurse types (all p < 0.001). At landfall, evacuated facilities spent an estimated $93.74 on nurse staffing per resident whereas facilities that sheltered‐in‐place spent $76.10 on nurse staffing per resident.

Conclusion

NHs face unprecedented challenges during hurricanes, including maintaining adequate direct‐care nurse staffing levels to meet the needs of their residents. NHs that evacuated residents had an increase in direct‐care nurse staffing that was greater than that seen in NHs that sheltered‐in‐place.
Unilateral deep vein thrombosis with gangrene involving the ascending aorta with sepsis and pulmonary thromboembolism—a pertinent cutaneous marker of severity of COVID‐19
Authors: Shubhra Shubhra , Yadav Amlendu , Sardana Kabir , Goila Ajay Kumar
Published: May 2021

While myriad skin manifestations have been reported with COVID, they are insignificant as compared to the number of cases and do not indicate specificity as the studies that report them have either been based on telephonic consultation or have not been compared with case‐control analysis from a normal skin OPD or IPD referral population. The most feared complication of COVID‐19 is the combination of coagulopathy and thromboembolism, which is consequent to thrombo‐inflammation and a heightened prothrombotic state. It is exaggerated in severe COVID associated with sepsis and skin manifestations that correlate with severity are more useful to clinicians. We had a case of COVID‐positive 65‐year‐old man with features of thromboembolism followed by general symptoms of cough and fever. D‐dimer test was positive, and the Ultrasound Doppler showed thrombosis in the right lower limb arteries and deep vein thrombosis in right lower limb veins.
From contestation to conviction: terrorism expertise before the courts
Authors: ANWAR TASNIEM , DE GOEDE MARIEKE
Published: May 2021

This article asks how terrorism expertise has been mobilized in recent trials on terrorism financing. How is expert knowledge concerning ongoing and complex political situations involving alleged terrorism translated into factual evidence before a court of law? What kind of sources do courts use in terrorism cases, and what kind of expert knowledge is acknowledged or ignored? Through analysis of concrete cases under the United Kingdom (UK) Terrorism Act (2000) and the Dutch penal law Article 421Sr, we show how contested terrorism expertise becomes ‘certified knowledge’ that holds together as grounds for conviction before a court of law. This article contributes to socio‐legal debates on legal knowledge in two ways. First, we analyse the everyday, material practices of gathering, presenting, and contesting expertise in relation to security. Second, the article analyses new case material and a particular kind of knowledge – namely, security knowledge and terrorism expertise – to identify patterns in what is deemed relevant for the court.
Geographic isolation predicts tobacco product use among youth: A latent class analysis
Authors: Blank Melissa D. , Ozga Jenny E. , Romm Katelyn F. , Douglas Ashley , Alexander Linda , Doogan Nathan J. , Wilson Michael , Dino Geri
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate associations between geographic rurality and tobacco use patterns among adolescents.

Methods

High school students (N = 566) from north‐central Appalachia reported on their lifetime and/or current use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (ECIGs), cigars, and smokeless tobacco. Geographic rurality was measured via the Isolation scale, whereby residential ZIP Codes determined the degree to which respondents have access to health‐related resources. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify discrete classes of adolescent tobacco users based on their use of tobacco products. Then, associations between participants’ geographic rurality and class membership were evaluated using a series of multinomial logistic regressions.

Findings

LCA classified participants as Nonusers, Current ECIG Users, Cigarette/ECIG Experimenters, and Polytobacco Users. Individuals with higher Isolation scores were more likely to be Polytobacco Users and Cigarette/ECIG Experimenters than Nonusers, and were more likely to be Polytobacco Users than Current ECIG Users.

Conclusions

The continuous Isolation scale used in the present study predicted polytobacco use patterns among adolescents in a manner that is consistent with, while simultaneously expanding upon, prior work. Tobacco control practices and policies should be viewed through a lens that considers the unique needs of geographically isolated areas.
Effects of Plurilingual Teaching on Grammatical Development in Early Foreign‐Language Learning
Authors: HOPP HOLGER , THOMA DIETER
Published: May 2021

This article reports two intervention studies testing the effects of plurilingual teaching on grammatical development among primary‐school students learning English as a foreign language (FL). In a pre–posttest control‐group design, more than 200 9–10‐year old majority language German and minority language students received plurilingual FL teaching (intervention group) or regular FL‐only teaching (control group). Study 1 on the acquisition of wh‐questions showed that systematic cross‐linguistic comparisons of the FL with the majority language and minority languages facilitate acquisition of object questions. In Study 2 on passives, the intervention and the control groups both demonstrated comparable gains. We suggest that plurilingual teaching has advantages when the majority language differs from the target language (Study 1) yet not when a phenomenon is comparable across languages (Study 2). In neither study did learners show generalization to related grammatical phenomena. Finally, majority language and minority language students did not perform differently, which suggests that plurilingual FL teaching is suitable for all FL learners. These findings demonstrate that plurilingual FL teaching facilitates grammatical development by increasing learners’ awareness of cross‐linguistic similarities and differences.
Geochemical constraints on the mobilization of Ni and critical metals in laterite deposits, Sulawesi, Indonesia: A mass‐balance approach
Authors: Ito Akane , Otake Tsubasa , Maulana Adi , Sanematsu Kenzo , Sufriadin  , Sato Tsutomu
Published: May 2021

Indonesia is one of the largest Ni ore producers in the world and is also expected to be an important potential source of some critical metals (e.g., Co, Sc, rare‐earth elements, and platinum‐group elements). However, few studies have examined Ni laterite deposits in this country. In this study, we investigate Ni enrichment and the potential accumulation of critical metals in four laterite profiles with varying degrees of serpentinization and weathering intensity in the Soroako and Pomalaa mining areas of Sulawesi, Indonesia. We integrate geochemical evaluation with a mass‐balance approach and mineralogical analysis to better constrain the geochemical factors influencing the mobilization of Ni during lateritization. Nickel contents in the saprolite horizon of the profiles that are strongly weathered and developed over serpentinized peridotite are higher than those that are weakly weathered and developed over unserpentinized harzburgite. The bulk Ni contents of saprolite horizons are related to Ni contents of Ni‐bearing Mg‐phyllosilicates, which suggests that Ni remobilization is the main control on Ni enrichment in the profiles. Mass‐balance calculations reveal that the amounts of gained Fe and Ni in the profiles are positively correlated. This relationship indicates that the redistribution of Ni is likely controlled by the aging of Ni‐bearing goethite (dissolution/recrystallization) involving ligand‐promoted dissolution by organic matter and/or reductive dissolution by microbial activity near the surface. Critical metals show enrichment in specific horizons. Enrichments in Co and rare‐earth elements are strongly influenced by the formation of Mn‐oxyhydroxides in the oxide zone of the profiles. In contrast, Sc, Pt, and Pd show residual enrichment patterns, with grades influenced mainly by their initial contents in bedrock. The profiles show a positive correlation between Sc and Fe, as reported for other Ni laterite deposits. Among the critical metals, Sc, Pt, and Pd contents in the studied profiles are comparable with values reported from other Ni laterite deposits worldwide.
Recognition of the HLA‐B*38:35 allele in a Filipino kidney donor
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lee Ming‐Che , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: May 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 57 of HLA‐B*38:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐B*38:35.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQA1*03:20 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Bianculli Antonio Giuseppe , Blouin Laura , Visentin Jonathan
Published: May 2021

HLA‐DQA1*03:20 differs from HLA‐DQA1*03:03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 33 in exon 2.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*18:204 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Cargou Marine , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Rouzaire Paul , Lemal Richard
Published: May 2021

HLA‐B*18:204 differs from HLA‐B*18:18:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 95 in exon 3.
A spatially dynamic network algebra
Authors: Wentz Elizabeth , Shook Eric , Merson Joanna
Published: May 2021

Map algebras are used for the manipulation of spatial data and form the basis for many types of spatial analyses and modeling efforts. The most basic form of a map algebra applies the same function (e.g., addition, subtraction) across the study area. To account for local variation of modeling parameters, we present a spatially dynamic map algebra to demonstrate the need for and utility of algebraic functions where the function is determined based on a specific and relative location. The need for such an algebra comes from the growth of complex models where the values of variables or parameters are not fixed across space. Locally derived parameters are not new, as shown by geographically weighted regression. This type of algebra is needed in cases of complex models, such as those found in flow networks, where network dynamics vary across space. This includes hydrologic processes, movement of people and goods, and the transmission of ideas. We test the approach on a case study of nitrogen flow in the Niantic River watershed, Connecticut. Findings show that the results from a spatially dynamic map algebra can differ from a fixed function. Fixed functions can result in model outputs that under‐ or overestimate by up to 50%.
Mechanisms of electron-phonon coupling unraveled in momentum and time: The case of soft phonons in TiSe
2
Authors: Otto Martin R. , Pöhls Jan-Hendrik , René de Cotret Laurent P. , Stern Mark J. , Sutton Mark , Siwick Bradley J.
Published: May 2021

Ultrafast photoexcitation of a layered quantum material yields an energy increase of a specific vibrational mode.
Antibody semorinemab reduces tau pathology in a transgenic mouse model and engages tau in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ayalon Gai , Lee Seung-Hye , Adolfsson Oskar , Foo-Atkins Corinne , Atwal Jasvinder K. , Blendstrup Mira , Booler Helen , Bravo Joseph , Brendza Robert , Brunstein Flavia , Chan Ruby , Chandra Priya , Couch Jessica A. , Datwani Akash , Demeule Barthélemy , DiCara Danielle , Erickson Rich , Ernst James A. , Foreman Oded , He Dongping , Hötzel Isidro , Keeley Michael , Kwok Michael C. M. , Lafrance-Vanasse Julien , Lin Han , Lu Yanmei , Luk Wilman , Manser Paul , Muhs Andreas , Ngu Hai , Pfeifer Andrea , Pihlgren Maria , Rao Gautham K. , Scearce-Levie Kimberly , Schauer Stephen P. , Smith William B. , Solanoy Hilda , Teng Edmond , Wildsmith Kristin R. , Bumbaca Yadav Daniela , Ying Yong , Fuji Reina N. , Kerchner Geoffrey A.
Published: May 2021

Semorinemab shows beneficial effects in preclinical models and engages tau in a phase 1 study of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Genome Sequence of Hardyhisp2, a Gammapleolipovirus Infecting Haloarcula hispanica
Authors: Dyall-Smith Mike , Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Chiang Pei-Wen , Tang Sen-Lin
Published: May 2021

Hardyhisp2 virus infects the halophilic archaeon
Haloarcula hispanica
DSM 4426
T
and is closely related to His2 (
Pleolipoviridae
family). The viral genome is 16,133 bp long, with terminal inverted repeats of 599 bp. The predicted spike protein is only weakly similar (32% amino acid identity) to that of His2.
Genome Sequence of Streptomyces cavourensis BUU135, Isolated from Soil from a Tropical Fruit Farm in Thailand
Authors: Tangwattanachuleeporn Marut , Ruangsuj Pattarawan , Yamprayoonswat Wariya , Sittihan Satapanawat , Jumpathong Watthanachai , Yasawong Montri
Published: May 2021

Streptomyces cavourensis
BUU135 is a bacterial species isolated from the soil of a tropical fruit farm. The genome of
S. cavourensis
BUU135 comprises a gene encoding nebramycin 5′ synthase, which produces nebramycin 5′ by catalyzing the
O
-carbamoylation reaction of tobramycin. The newly sequenced 7.66-Mb draft genome of
S. cavourensis
BUU135 may contribute to the discovery of novel natural products derived from this organism.
A Cytopathic Effect-Based Tissue Culture Method for HCoV-OC43 Titration Using TMPRSS2-Expressing VeroE6 Cells
Authors: Hirose Ryohei , Watanabe Naoto , Bandou Risa , Yoshida Takuma , Daidoji Tomo , Naito Yuji , Itoh Yoshito , Nakaya Takaaki
Published: May 2021

HCoV-OC43 rarely shows a cytopathic effect (CPE) in infected cell lines, and thus the plaque and TCID50assays by CPE observation are not applicable for titration; the indirect immunoperoxidase assay (IPA) is used instead. However, the IPA is relatively complex, time-consuming, costly, and not suitable for simultaneous titration of many samples.
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Subgroup A and B Infections in Nasal, Bronchial, Small-Airway, and Organoid-Derived Respiratory Cultures
Authors: Rijsbergen L. C. , Lamers M. M. , Comvalius A. D. , Koutstaal R. W. , Schipper D. , Duprex W. P. , Haagmans B. L. , de Vries R. D. , de Swart R. L.
Published: May 2021

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young infants and causes almost 200,000 deaths per year. Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment available, only a prophylactic monoclonal antibody (palivizumab).
Supplemental Material: Erosion of the Himalaya-Karakoram recorded by Indus Fan deposits since the Oligocene
Authors: FENG Han , Lu Huayu , al. et
Published: May 2021

Analytical methods, age controls, data tables, and additional figures.
A rare case of hypokalaemia and hypophosphataemia secondary to geophagia
Authors: Schmidt Charmaine , Oxley Oxland Jonathan , Freercks Robert
Published: May 2021

We report a case of severe hypokalaemia and moderate hypophosphataemia from clay ingestion. A 60-year-old woman presented with flaccid paralysis. Investigations revealed a serum potassium level of 1.8 mmol/L, phosphate level of 0.56 mmol/L and creatine kinase level of 30 747 IU/L. She had marked proximal and distal muscle weakness due to severe hypokalaemia and concurrent hypophosphataemia, which likely contributed to the onset of rhabdomyolysis. The patient subsequently admitted to significant pica, most likely secondary to an associated iron deficiency. We conclude that the ingested clay acted as a potassium and phosphate binder. Although we did not investigate the content of the clay in this case, it has been reported that clay can bind potassium in vitro and is rich in minerals such as aluminium that could play a role in the binding of phosphate, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. The patient recovered fully and outpatient follow-up at 6 months and again at 40 months confirmed no electrolyte abnormality, myopathy nor any further geophagia.
Trajectories of work ability from mid-life to pensionable age and their association with retirement timing
Authors: K C Prakash , Virtanen Marianna , Kivimäki Mika , Ervasti Jenni , Pentti Jaana , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to identify the trajectories of work ability over 16 years preceding the individual pensionable age and to examine the association with retirement timing.

Methods

The study population consisted of 2612 public sector employees from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study and the Finnish Public Sector study. Participants were grouped into ‘no-extension’ (retired at the individual pensionable date or worked no longer than 6 months after that date) and ‘extension’ (worked more than 6 months after individual pensionable age). Trajectories of self-reported work ability score (0–10) in maximum of eight measurement points over 16 years preceding retirement were examined using the group-based latent trajectory analysis. Log-binomial regression was used to analyse the association between trajectory groups and extended employment.

Results

Four stable (‘Stable excellent’, 7%; ‘Stable high’, 62%; ‘Stable medium’, 24%; ‘Low’, 4%) and one decreasing (‘Declining’, 3%) work ability trajectories were identified. After taking into account gender, age, occupational status, marital status and self-rated health, ‘Stable excellent’ trajectory was associated with a higher likelihood of extended employment compared with the ‘Low’ (risk ratio (RR) 2.38, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.68) and to the ‘Declining’ (RR 2.82, 95% CI 1.32 to 6.01) trajectories. There was no difference in retirement timing between ‘Declining’, ‘Low’ and ‘Stable medium’ trajectories.

Conclusion

Work ability remained relatively stable among majority of the participants over 16 years of follow-up. Stable excellent work ability from mid-life to late career was associated with higher likelihood of extending employment beyond individual pensionable age than those with low or declining work ability.
COVID-19 controlled human infection studies: worries about local community impact and demands for local engagement
Authors: Lee Kyungdo , Eyal Nir
Published: May 2021

In spring, summer and autumn 2020, one abiding argument against controlled human infection (CHI) studies of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has been their impact on local communities. Leading scientists and bioethicists expressed concern about undue usage of local residents’ direly needed scarce resources at a time of great need and even about their unintended infection. They recommended either avoiding CHI trials or engaging local communities before conducting any CHIs. Similar recommendations were not made for the alternative—standard phase III field trials of these same vaccines. We argue that the health effects of CHI studies on local residents not participating in the study tend to be smaller and more positive than those of field trials. That is all the more so now that tested vaccines are being rolled out. Whether or not local community engagement is necessary for urgent vaccine studies in the pandemic, the case for its engagement is stronger prior to field trials than prior to CHI studies.
Developing a business case for a regional anesthesia block room: up with efficiency, down with costs
Authors: Mazda Yusuke , Peacock Sharon , Wolfstadt Jesse , Matelski John , Chan Vincent , Gleicher Yehoshua (Josh)
Published: May 2021

Background

Regional anesthesia techniques offer many benefits for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. However, they require personnel and equipment resources, as well as valuable operating room (OR) time. A block room offers a dedicated environment to perform regional anesthesia procedures while potentially offsetting costs.

Methods

The goal of this prospective quality improvement study was to develop a business case for implementation of a regional anesthesia block room and to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of this program in decreasing OR time for TJA. All elective TJA patients presenting between January 2019 and March 2020 were included in our analysis.

Results

Our detailed business plan was approved by the hospital leadership. 561 patients in the preintervention group and 432 in the postintervention group were included for data analysis. Mean total OR time per surgical case decreased from 166 to 143 min for a difference of 23 min (95% CI 17 to 29). Similarly, anesthesia controlled OR time decreased from 46 min to 26 min for a difference of 20 min (95% CI 17 to 22). The block room resulted in an additional primary TJA case per daily OR list. The percentage of TJA patients receiving a peripheral nerve block increased from 63.1% to 87.0% (p<0.001). No safety events or block room associated OR delays were observed.

Conclusion

Implementing a regional anesthesia block room required a comprehensive business plan for securing the necessary resources to support the program. The regional anesthesia block room is a cost-effective method to improve patient care and OR efficiency.
Tobacco industry marketing adaptations to Singapore plain packaging
Authors: van der Eijk Yvette , Yang Adonsia Yating
Published: May 2021

Background

Singapore has implemented plain packaging, a measure that strips all colours, logos and branding elements from tobacco packs. In other countries, tobacco companies responded to plain packaging with a variety of marketing tactics. Our goal was to describe the tobacco industry’s marketing adaptations to Singapore plain packaging.

Methods

Qualitative analysis of 378 cigarette packs sampled from Singapore retailers in March 2019, March 2020 and January 2021, 12 months prior to, 2 weeks prior to and 6 months after plain packaging phase-in, respectively. For each pack, we collected descriptive information on the brand and variant name, pack and stick dimensions, pack shape, differentiating features and distinctive scents, as well as photographic data of the pack, cigarette sticks and any distinct features. We used the March 2019 collection as our baseline dataset, and March 2020 and January 2021 collections as comparison datasets to examine changes in tobacco marketing strategies just before and after plain packaging phase-in.

Results

Around Singapore’s plain packaging phase-in, tobacco companies launched variants with flavour capsules, novelty filter features and new flavours and used more descriptive variant names reflecting the variant’s colour coding or market positioning. Tobacco companies revamped some existing variants, often with Japanese marketing themes to convey a more premium product image. After plain packaging, tobacco companies used longer packs and variations in stick length, filter length and foil texture to further differentiate products.

Conclusions

Following plain packaging in Singapore, tobacco companies rely increasingly on nomenclature and the cigarette stick itself to market and differentiate products.
Electrical features, liquid composition and toxicant emissions from ‘pod-mod’-like disposable electronic cigarettes
Authors: Talih Soha , Salman Rola , Soule Eric , El-Hage Rachel , Karam Ebrahim , Karaoghlanian Nareg , El-Hellani Ahmad , Saliba Najat , Shihadeh Alan
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Use of flavoured pod-mod-like disposable electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has grown rapidly, particularly among cost-sensitive youth and young adults. To date, little is known about their design characteristics and toxicant emissions. In this study, we analysed the electrical and chemical characteristics and nicotine and pulmonary toxicant emission profiles of five commonly available flavoured disposable e-cigarettes and compared these data with those of a JUUL, a cartridge-based e-cigarette device that pod-mod-like disposables emulate in size and shape.

Methods

Device construction, electrical power and liquid composition were determined. Machine-generated aerosol emissions including particulate matter, nicotine, carbonyl compounds and heavy metals were also measured. Liquid and aerosol composition were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/flame ionisation detection, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

We found that unlike JUUL, disposable devices did not incorporate a microcontroller to regulate electrical power to the heating coil. Quality of construction varied widely. Disposable e-cigarette power ranged between 5 and 9 W and liquid nicotine concentration ranged between 53 and 85 mg/mL (~95% in the protonated form). In 15 puffs, total nicotine yield for the disposables ranged between 1.6 and 6.7 mg, total carbonyls ranged between 28 and 138 µg, and total metals ranged between 1084 and 5804 ng. JUUL emissions were near the floors of all of these ranges.

Conclusions

Disposable e-cigarettes are designed with high nicotine concentration liquids and are capable of emitting much higher nicotine and carbonyl species relative to rechargeable look-alike e-cigarettes. These differences are likely due to the lower quality in construction, unreliable labelling and lack of temperature control regulation that limits the power during operation. From a public health perspective, regulating these devices is important to limit user exposure to carbonyls and nicotine, particularly because these devices are popular with youth and young adults.
Habitat determines plant community responses to climate change in the High Arctic
Authors: Mörsdorf M.A. , Cooper E.J.
Published: May 2021

Plant climate responses may depend on site-specific environmental context. Using fences and open-top chambers, we enhanced snow depth (creating Ambient, Medium, and Deep regimes) over an 11-year period and increased temperatures for two summers in dry heath and mesic meadow habitats on Svalbard, Norway. Comparison of plant growth form abundance and diversity responses in these two habitats showed that the response was more limited in the dry heath than in the mesic meadow. Common to both habitats was a decrease in shrub abundance and vascular plant species richness in the Deep snow regimes. Bryophyte abundance increased with enhanced snow cover in both habitats, but only up to a certain extent of snow depth in the meadow. However, for many growth forms, the effects of snow enhancement were habitat specific. In the mesic meadow, the abundance of forbs and bryophytes increased with snow enhancement, but the effect was stronger when combined with summer warming. The “bryofication” — that is, an increased abundance of bryophytes in response to snow enhancement and summer warming — also influenced overall plant diversity in the mesic meadow. Bryophytes are species-rich taxa and may respond differently than vascular plants to environmental change. We show that the inclusion of even the most common bryophytes in measures of diversity may determine overall plant diversity responses to environmental change in the Arctic.
Using subnivean camera traps to study Arctic small mammal community dynamics during winter
Authors: Mölle Jonas P. , Kleiven Eivind F. , Ims Rolf A. , Soininen Eeva M.
Published: May 2021

Small rodents are a key indicator to understand the effect of rapidly changing winter climate on Arctic tundra ecosystems. However, monitoring rodent populations through the long Arctic winter by means of conventional traps has, until now, been hampered by snow cover and harsh ambient conditions. Here, we conduct the first extensive assessment of the utility of a newly developed camera trap to study the winter dynamics of small mammals in the Low Arctic tundra of northern Norway. Forty functional cameras were motion-triggered 20 172 times between September 2014 and July 2015, mainly by grey-sided voles (Myodes rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846)), tundra voles (Microtus oeconomus (Pallas, 1776)), Norwegian lemmings (Lemmus lemmus (Linnaeus, 1758)) and shrews (Sorex spp.). These data proved to be suitable for dynamical modelling of species-specific site occupancy rates. The occupancy rates of all recorded species declined sharply and synchronously at the onset of the winter. This decline happened concurrently with changes in the ambient conditions recorded by time-lapse images of snow and water. Our study demonstrates the potential of subnivean camera traps for elucidating novel aspects of year-round dynamics of Arctic small mammal communities.
Fast synthesis of MoO3-x and its catalytic effect on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate based molecular perovskite (DAP-4)
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Zhu Shuaida , Jia Qi , Zhao Haixia , Cao Yuqi , Ma Yuying , Hu Shuangqi , Cao Xiong
Published: May 2021

In this work, it is shown that MoO3-x has a positive effect on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate based molecular perovskite (H2DABCO)[NH4(ClO4)3] (DAP-4). MoO3-x was prepared by heat treatment, and the morphology, structure, and thermal decomposition performance were characterized. The morphology and structure characterization results showed that MoO3-x was an irregular layered structure material and the Mo element was mainly in the +6 chemical valence state, with a small amount of Mo5+. Thermal analysis results showed that the thermal decomposition peak temperature of DAP-4 was effectively reduced from 394.4 °C to 353.7 °C, 321.4 °C, and 312.5 °C in the presence of 1%, 5%, and 10% MoO3-x, respectively. It is particularly worth noting that the maximum heat release rate of the DAP-4/10% MoO3-x mixture was increased by 4.9 times compared with pure DAP-4. Through the two classic thermal decomposition kinetic methods, Kissinger and Starink, the reliable kinetic parameters of DAP-4/MoO3-x were obtained. The increase of the reaction rate constant k indicated that the maximum thermal decomposition reaction rate of DAP-4 was effectively improved. This work provided a feasible technology for using MoO3-x as an effective catalyst to improve the thermal performance of DAP-4.
Multi-Tier CloudVR
Authors: Mehrabi Abbas , Siekkinen Matti , Kämäräinen Teemu , yl¨-J¨¨ski Antti
Published: May 2021

The availability of high bandwidth with low-latency communication in 5G mobile networks enables remote rendered real-time virtual reality (VR) applications. Remote rendering of VR graphics in a cloud removes the need for local personal computer for graphics rendering and augments weak graphics processing unit capacity of stand-alone VR headsets. However, to prevent the added network latency of remote rendering from ruining user experience, rendering a locally navigable viewport that is larger than the field of view of the HMD is necessary. The size of the viewport required depends on latency: Longer latency requires rendering a larger viewport and streaming more content. In this article, we aim to utilize multi-access edge computing to assist the backend cloud in such remote rendered interactive VR. Given the dependency between latency and amount and quality of the content streamed, our objective is to jointly optimize the tradeoff between average video quality and delivery latency. Formulating the problem as mixed integer nonlinear programming, we leverage the interpolation between client’s field of view frame size and overall latency to convert the problem to integer nonlinear programming model and then design efficient online algorithms to solve it. The results of our simulations supplemented by real-world user data reveal that enabling a desired balance between video quality and latency, our algorithm particularly achieves the improvements of on average about 22% and 12% in term of video delivery latency and 8% in term of video quality compared to respectively order-of-arrival, threshold-based, and random-location strategies.
Review—Recent Advances in FSCV Detection of Neurochemicals via Waveform and Carbon Microelectrode Modification
Authors: Rafi Harmain , Zestos Alexander G.
Published: May 2021

Fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an analytical technique that was first developed over 30 years ago. Since then, it has been extensively used to detect dopamine using carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs). More recently, electrode modifications and waveform refinement have enabled the detection of a wider variety of neurochemicals including nucleosides such as adenosine and guanosine, neurotransmitter metabolites of dopamine, and neuropeptides such as enkephalin. These alterations have facilitated the selectivity of certain biomolecules over others to enhance the measurement of the analyte of interest while excluding interferants. In this review, we detail these modifications and how specializing CFME sensors allows neuro-analytical researchers to develop tools to understand the neurochemistry of the brain in disease states and provide groundwork for translational work in clinical settings.
Methods—Analyzing Electrochemical Kinetic Parameters in Deep Eutectic Solvents Using an Extended Butler-Volmer Equation
Authors: Shen X. , Sinclair N. , Wainright J. , Savinell R. F.
Published: May 2021

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are promising electrolytes for electrochemical redox reactions, which can be used in redox flow batteries (RFBs). However, in some systems like the Fe2+/3+ redox reaction in ethaline, traditional Tafel-based kinetic analysis generates unreasonable kinetic parameters (i.e., large anodic/cathodic charge transfer coefficients (α
a, α
c) along with low exchange current densities (i
0)). This hinders a comprehensive kinetic and kinetic mechanism study. Here, we perform a detailed investigation of the Tafel analysis using a series of synthetic rotating disk electrode (RDE) data. We find the Tafel analysis only works well when i
0 < 0.57 i
lim (limiting current density) in our scenario and leads to abnormal kinetic values once i
0 exceeds this limiting value. Thus, we propose an extended Butler-Volmer (ex-BV) analysis based on modern non-linear fitting techniques to obtain the actual kinetic parameters for such systems. The results show that this method fits the RDE data closely and generates reliable α
a, α
c and i
0 values, demonstrating that it is a good replacement for traditional Tafel analysis for kinetic studies in high-viscosity electrolytes such as DES systems.
The bacteria and the host: a story of purinergic signaling in urinary tract infections
Authors: Praetorius Helle
Published: May 2021

The local environment forces a selection of bacteria that might invade the urinary tract, allowing only the most virulent to access the kidney. Quite similar to the diet in setting the stage for the gut microbiome, renal function determines the conditions for bacteria-host interaction in the urinary tract. In the kidney, the term local environment or microenvironment is completely justified because the environment literally changes within a few micrometers. The precise composition of the urine is a function of the epithelium lining the microdomain, and the microenvironment in the kidney shows more variation in the content of nutrients, ion composition, osmolality, and pH than any other site of bacteria-host interaction. This review will cover some of the aspects of bacterial-host interaction in this unique setting and how uropathogenic bacteria can alter the condition for bacteria-host interaction. There will be a particular focus on the recent findings regarding how bacteria specifically trigger host paracrine signaling, via release of extracellular ATP and activation of P2 purinergic receptors. These finding will be discussed from the perspective of severe urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis and urosepsis.
Unilateral vagotomy alters astrocyte and microglial morphology in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the rat
Authors: Hofmann Gabrielle C. , Hasser Eileen M. , Kline David D.
Published: May 2021

The nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) is the initial site of integration of sensory information from the cardiorespiratory system and contributes to reflex responses to hypoxia. Afferent fibers of the bilateral vagus nerves carry input from the heart, lungs, and other organs to the nTS where it is processed and modulated. Vagal afferents and nTS neurons are integrally associated with astrocytes and microglia that contribute to neuronal activity and influence cardiorespiratory control. We hypothesized that vagotomy would alter glial morphology and cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia. Unilateral vagotomy (or sham surgery) was performed in rats. Prior to and seven days after surgery, baseline and hypoxic cardiorespiratory responses were monitored in conscious and anesthetized animals. The brainstem was sectioned and caudal, mid-area postrema (mid-AP), and rostral sections of the nTS were prepared for immunohistochemistry. Vagotomy increased immunoreactivity (-IR) of astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), specifically at mid-AP in the nTS. Similar results were found in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMX). Vagotomy did not alter nTS astrocyte number, yet increased astrocyte branching and altered morphology. In addition, vagotomy both increased nTS microglia number and produced morphologic changes indicative of activation. Cardiorespiratory baseline parameters and hypoxic responses remained largely unchanged, but vagotomized animals displayed fewer augmented breaths (sighs) in response to hypoxia. Altogether, vagotomy alters nTS glial morphology, indicative of functional changes in astrocytes and microglia that may affect cardiorespiratory function in health and disease.