bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The life cycle of SPβ and related phages
Authors: Kohm Katharina , Hertel Robert
Published: June 2021

Phages are viruses of bacteria and are the smallest and most common biological entities in the environment. They can reproduce immediately after infection or integrate as a prophage into their host genome. SPβ is a prophage of the Gram-positive model organismBacillus subtilis168, and it has been known for more than 50 years. It is sensitive to dsDNA damage and is induced through exposure to mitomycin C or UV radiation. When induced from the prophage, SPβ requires 90 min to produce and release about 30 virions. Genomes of sequenced related strains range between 128 and 140 kb, and particle-packed dsDNA exhibits terminal redundancy. Formed particles are of theSiphoviridaemorphotype. Related isolates are known to infect otherB.subtilisclade members. When infecting a new host, SPβ presumably follows a two-step strategy, adsorbing primarily to teichoic acid and secondarily to a yet unknown factor. Once in the host, SPβ-related phages pass through complex lysis–lysogeny decisions and either enter a lytic cycle or integrate as a dormant prophage. As prophages, SPβ-related phages integrate at the host chromosome's replication terminus, and frequently into thespsMorkamAgene. As a prophage, it imparts additional properties to its host via phage-encoded proteins. The most notable of these functional proteins is sublancin 168, which is used as a molecular weapon by the host and ensures prophage maintenance. In this review, we summarise the existing knowledge about the biology of the phage regarding its life cycle and discuss its potential as a research object.
N-Propargylglycine: a unique suicide inhibitor of proline dehydrogenase with anticancer activity and brain-enhancing mitohormesis properties
Authors: Scott Gary K. , Mahoney Sophia , Scott Madeleine , Loureiro Ashley , Lopez-Ramirez Alejandro , Tanner John J. , Ellerby Lisa M. , Benz Christopher C.
Published: June 2021

Proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) is a mitochondrial inner membrane flavoprotein critical for cancer cell survival under stress conditions and newly recognized as a potential target for cancer drug development. Reversible (competitive) and irreversible (suicide) inhibitors of PRODH have been shown in vivo to inhibit cancer cell growth with excellent host tolerance. Surprisingly, the PRODH suicide inhibitor N-propargylglycine (N-PPG) also induces rapid decay of PRODH with concordant upregulation of mitochondrial chaperones (HSP-60, GRP-75) and the inner membrane protease YME1L1, signifying activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) independent of anticancer activity. The present study was undertaken to address two aims: (i) use PRODH overexpressing human cancer cells (ZR-75-1) to confirm the UPRmt inducing properties of N-PPG relative to another equipotent irreversible PRODH inhibitor, thiazolidine-2-carboxylate (T2C); and (ii) employ biochemical and transcriptomic approaches to determine if orally administered N-PPG can penetrate the blood–brain barrier, essential for its future use as a brain cancer therapeutic, and also potentially protect normal brain tissue by inducing mitohormesis. Oral daily treatments of N-PPG produced a dose-dependent decline in brain mitochondrial PRODH protein without detectable impairment in mouse health; furthermore, mice repeatedly dosed with 50 mg/kg N-PPG showed increased brain expression of the mitohormesis associated protease, YME1L1. Whole brain transcriptome (RNAseq) analyses of these mice revealed significant gene set enrichment in N-PPG stimulated neural processes (FDR p < 0.05). Given this in vivo evidence of brain bioavailability and neural mitohormesis induction, N-PPG appears to be unique among anticancer agents and should be evaluated for repurposing as a pharmaceutical capable of mitigating the proteotoxic mechanisms driving neurodegenerative disorders.
Testing stability prop﻿erties in graphical hedonic games
Authors: Fichtenberger Hendrik , Rey Anja
Published: June 2021

In hedonic games, players form coalitions based on individual preferences over the group of players they could belong to. Several concepts to describe the stability of coalition structures in a game have been proposed and analysed in the literature. However, prior research focuses on algorithms with time complexity that is at least linear in the input size. In the light of very large games that arise from, e.g., social networks and advertising, we initiate the study of sublinear time property testing algorithms for existence and verification problems under several notions of coalition stability in a model of hedonic games represented by graphs with bounded degree. In graph property testing, one shall decide whether a given input has a property (e.g., a game admits a stable coalition structure) or is far from it, i.e., one has to modify at least an $$\epsilon$$
ϵ
-fraction of the input (e.g., the game’s preferences) to make it have the property. In particular, we consider verification of perfection, individual rationality, Nash stability, (contractual) individual stability, and core stability. While there is always a Nash-stable coalition structure (which also implies individually stable coalitions), we show that the existence of a perfect coalition structure is not tautological but can be tested. All our testers have one-sided error and time complexity that is independent of the input size.
Acceptability of an Intervention to Promote Viral Suppression and Serostatus Disclosure for Men Living with HIV in South Africa: Qualitative Findings
Authors: Mathenjwa Mxolisi , Khidir Hazar , Milford Cecilia , Mosery Nzwakie , Rambally Greener Letitia , Pratt Madeline C. , O’Neil Kasey , Harrison Abigail , Bangsberg David R. , Safren Steven A. , Smit Jennifer A. , Psaros Christina , Matthews Lynn T.
Published: June 2021

Men living with HIV (MLWH) often have reproductive goals that can increase HIV-transmission risks to their pregnancy partners. We developed a safer conception intervention for MLWH in South Africa employing cognitive behavioral skills to promote serostatus disclosure, ART uptake, and viral suppression. MLWH were recruited from an HIV clinic near Durban, South Africa, and encouraged to include partners in follow-up visits. Exit in-depth interviews were conducted with eleven men and one female partner. The emerging over-arching theme is that safer conception care mitigates internalized and community-level HIV-stigma among MLWH. Additional related sub-themes include: (1) safer conception care acceptability is high but structural barriers challenge participation; (2) communication skills trainings helped overcome barriers to disclose serostatus; (3) feasibility and perceived effectiveness of strategies informed safer conception method selection. Our findings suggest that offering safer conception care to MLWH is a novel stigma-reducing strategy for motivating HIV prevention and treatment and serostatus disclosure to partners.
Undisclosed Antiretroviral Therapy Use at Primary Health Care Clinics in Rural KwaZulu Natal South Africa: A DO-ART Trial Sub-study
Authors: Sithole Nsika , Gunda Resign , Koole Olivier , Krows Meighan , Schaafsma Torin , Moshabela Mosa , Siedner Mark J. , Celum Connie , Barnabas Ruanne V.
Published: June 2021

Accurate reporting of antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake is crucial for measuring the success of epidemic control. Programs without linked electronic medical records are susceptible to duplicating ART initiation events. We assessed the prevalence of undisclosed ART use at the time of treatment initiation and explored its correlates among people presenting to public ambulatory clinics in South Africa. Data were analyzed from the community-based delivery of ART (DO ART) clinical trial, which recruited people living with HIV who presented for ART initiation at two clinics in rural South Africa. We collected data on socioeconomic factors, clinical factors, and collected blood as part of study screening procedures. We estimated the proportion of individuals presenting for ART initiation with viral load suppression (< 20 copies/mL) and fitted regression models to identify social and clinical correlates of non-disclosure of ART use. We also explored clinical and national databases to identify records of ART use. Finally, to confirm surreptitious ART use, we measured tenofovir (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC) levels in dried blood spots. A total of 193 people were screened at the two clinics. Approximately 60% (n = 114) were female, 40% (n = 78) reported a prior HIV test, 23% (n = 44) had disclosed to a partner, and 31% (n = 61) had a partner with HIV. We found that 32% (n = 62) of individuals presenting for ART initiation or re-initiation had an undetectable viral load. In multivariable regression models, female sex (AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.08–4.30), having a prior HIV test and having disclosed their HIV status (AOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.13–5.46), and having a partner with HIV (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 0.95–3.96) were associated with having an undetectable viral load. In records we reviewed, we found evidence of ART use from either clinical or laboratory databases in 68% (42/62) and detected either TDF or FTC in 60% (37/62) of individuals with an undetectable viral load. Undisclosed ART use was present in approximately one in three individuals presenting for ART initiation or re-initiation at ambulatory HIV clinics in South Africa. These results have important implications for ART resource use and planning in the region. A better understanding of reasons for non-disclosure of ART at primary health care clinics in such settings is needed.
Male Partner Involvement and Development of HIV-exposed Infants in Rural South Africa
Authors: Matseke Motlagabo Gladys , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Rodriguez Violeta J. , Peltzer Karl , Jones Deborah L. , Sifunda Sibusiso
Published: June 2021

Male partner involvement (MPI) during the prenatal and postnatal periods has been proven to have a beneficial effect on infant development. Infants born to HIV seropositive mothers with lacking or no prenatal and postnatal male partner support may be at a higher risk for adverse developmental outcomes. This study examined the effect of MPI on cognitive, communicative, fine, and gross motor development in 160 infants born to HIV seropositive mothers attending Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services in rural South Africa. Results of the bivariate logistic regression showed that both prenatal (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.01, 1.26; p < 0.05) and postnatal MPI (at 12 months) (1.19; 1.07, 1.31; p < 0.005) were associated with risk for delayed gross motor development in HIV exposed infants. Decreased postnatal MPI (0.85; 0.75, 0.98; p < 0.05) was significantly associated with risk for delayed cognitive development. Not living together with a male partner (2.01; 1.06, 3.80; p < 0.05) was significantly associated with risk for delayed cognitive development. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, decreased postnatal MPI (0.85; 0.75, 0.98; p < 0.05) was significantly associated with risk for delayed cognitive development. On the other hand, postnatal MPI (1.30; 1.12, 1.50; p < 0.005) was associated with risk for delayed gross motor development among HIV exposed infants. Increased MPI can have beneficial effects on infants’ cognitive development. Interventions in PMTCT programs should promote increased prenatal and postnatal MPI to improve cognitive development in HIV exposed infants.
Just beautiful?! What determines butterfly species for nature conservation
Authors: Habel Jan Christian , Gossner Martin M. , Schmitt Thomas
Published: June 2021

Prioritization is crucial in nature conservation, as land and financial resources are limited. Selection procedures must follow objective criteria, and not primarily subjective aspects, such as charisma. In this study, we assessed the level of charisma for all European butterflies. Based on these data, we analysed the charisma values of the species listed on the annexes of the EU Habitats Directive and of the species being of conservation priority according to criteria derived by three objective criteria: Species ecological specialisation, distribution, and threat. The mean level of charisma was higher for species of the EU Habitats Directive than for species of conservation priority and for not-listed species. Five of the twenty most charismatic species were also listed on the EU Habitats Directive, but none occurred on the list of species being of conservation priority. A trait space analysis revealed remarkable differences between the different species assortments: The species listed on the EU Habitats Directive covered a large trait space and included many species with high charismatic value, but low ecological and biogeographical relevance, while species of high conservation priority covered a restricted trait space and did not overlap with charismatic species. According to our findings, the selection of species for nature conservation still follows a mix of being aesthetic combined with some ecological criteria.
Accelerating the solution of linear systems appearing in two-phase reservoir simulation by the use of POD-based deflation methods
Authors: Diaz Cortés Gabriela Berenice , Vuik Cornelis , Jansen Jan-Dirk
Published: June 2021

We explore and develop a Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD)-based deflation method for the solution of ill-conditioned linear systems, appearing in simulations of two-phase flow through highly heterogeneous porous media. We accelerate the convergence of a Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) method achieving speed-ups of factors up to five. The up-front extra computational cost of the proposed method depends on the number of deflation vectors. The POD-based deflation method is tested for a particular problem and linear solver; nevertheless, it can be applied to various transient problems, and combined with multiple solvers, e.g., Krylov subspace and multigrid methods.
Algebraic and fractional thinking in collective mathematical reasoning
Authors: Eriksson Helena , Sumpter Lovisa
Published: June 2021

This study examines the collective mathematical reasoning when students and teachers in grades 3, 4, and 5 explore fractions derived from length comparisons, in a task inspired by the El´konin and Davydov curriculum. The analysis showed that the mathematical reasoning was mainly anchored in mathematical properties related to fractional or algebraic thinking. Further analysis showed that these arguments were characterised by interplay between fractional and algebraic thinking except in the conclusion stage. In the conclusion and the evaluative arguments, these two types of thinking appeared to be intertwined. Another result is the discovery of a new type of argument, identifying arguments, which deals with the first step in task solving. Here, the different types of arguments, including the identifying arguments, were not initiated only by the teachers but also by the students. This in a multilingual classroom with a large proportion of students newly arrived. Compared to earlier research, this study offers a more detailed analysis of algebraic and fractional thinking including possible patterns within the collective mathematical reasoning. An implication of this is that algebraic and fractional thinking appear to be more intertwined than previous suggested.
Smallholder farmer resilience to water scarcity
Authors: Aguilar Francisco X. , Hendrawan Dienda , Cai Zhen , Roshetko James M. , Stallmann Judith
Published: June 2021

Water scarcity poses one of the most prominent threats to the well-being of smallholder farmers around the world. We studied the association between rural livelihood capitals (natural, human, social, financial, and physical) and resilience to water scarcity. Resilience was denoted by farmers’ self-reported capacity to have avoided, or adapted to, water scarcity. Proxies for livelihood capitals were collected from two-hundred farmers in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and their associations with a typology denoting water scarcity impacts analyzed with a Taylor-linearized multinomial response model. Physical and natural assets in the form of irrigation infrastructure and direct access to water sources were saliently associated with overall resilience (avoidance and adaptation) to water scarcity. Years of farming experience as a form of human capital asset was also strongly associated with resilience to water scarcity. Factors solely associated with the capacity to adapt to water scarcity were more nuanced with social capital assets showing closer associations. A household with a larger number of farm laborers had a higher likelihood of being unable to withstand water scarcity, but this relationship was reversed among those who managed larger farming areas. We discuss possible mechanisms that could have contributed to resilience, and how public policy could support smallholder farmers cope with water scarcity.
Dynamic pricing with demand disaggregation for hotel revenue management
Authors: Bandalouski Andrei M. , Egorova Natalja G. , Kovalyov Mikhail Y. , Pesch Erwin , Tarim S. Armagan
Published: June 2021

In this paper we present a novel approach to the dynamic pricing problem for hotel businesses. It includes disaggregation of the demand into several categories, forecasting, elastic demand simulation, and a mathematical programming model with concave quadratic objective function and linear constraints for dynamic price optimization. The approach is computationally efficient and easy to implement. In computer experiments with a hotel data set, the hotel revenue is increased by about 6% on average in comparison with the actual revenue gained in a past period, where the fixed price policy was employed, subject to an assumption that the demand can deviate from the suggested elastic model. The approach and the developed software can be a useful tool for small hotels recovering from the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The immunogenic reaction and bone defect repair function of ε-poly-L-lysine (EPL)-coated nanoscale PCL/HA scaffold in rabbit calvarial bone defect
Authors: Tian Bin , Wang Na , Jiang Qingsong , Tian Lijiao , Hu Lei , Zhang Zhenting
Published: June 2021

Tissue engineering is a promising strategy for bone tissue defect reconstruction. Immunogenic reaction, which was induced by scaffolds degradation or contaminating microorganism, influence cellular activity, compromise the efficiency of tissue engineering, or eventually lead to the failure of regeneration. Inhibiting excessive immune response through modulating scaffold is critical important to promote tissue regeneration. Our previous study showed that ε-poly-L-lysine (EPL)-coated nanoscale polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (EPL/PCL/HA) composite scaffold has enhanced antibacterial and osteogenic properties in vitro. However, the bone defect repair function and immunogenic reaction of EPL/PCL/HA scaffolds in vivo remains unclear. In the present study, three nanoscale scaffolds (EPL/PCL/HA, PCL and PCL/HA) were transplanted into rabbit paraspinal muscle pouches, and T helper type 1 (Th1), T helper type 2 (Th2), T helper type 17 (Th17), and macrophage infiltration were analyzed after 1 week and 2 weeks to detect their immunogenic reaction. Then, the different scaffolds were transplanted into rabbit calvarial bone defect to compare the bone defect repair capacities. The results showed that EPL/PCL/HA composite scaffolds decreased pro-inflammatory Th1, Th17, and type I macrophage infiltration from 1 to 2 weeks, and increased anti-inflammatory Th2 infiltration into the regenerated area at 2 weeks in vivo, when compared to PCL and PCL/HA. In addition, EPL/PCL/HA showed an enhanced bone repair capacity compared to PCL and PCL/HA when transplanted into rabbit calvarial bone defects at both 4 and 8 weeks. Hence, our results suggest that EPL could regulate the immunogenic reaction and promote bone defect repair function of PCL/HA, which is a promising agent for tissue engineering scaffold modulation.
On the development of a nonlinear time-domain numerical method for describing vortex-induced vibration and wake interference of two cylinders using experimental results
Authors: Armin Milad , Day Sandy , Karimirad Madjid , Khorasanchi Mahdi
Published: June 2021

A nonlinear mathematical model is developed in the time domain to simulate the behaviour of two identical flexibly mounted cylinders in tandem while undergoing vortex-induced vibration (VIV). Subsequently, the model is validated and modified against experimental results. Placing an array of bluff bodies in proximity frequently happens in different engineering fields. Chimney stacks, power transmission lines and oil production risers are few engineering structures that may be impacted by VIV. The coinciding of the vibration frequency with the structure natural frequency could have destructive consequences. The main objective of this study is to provide a symplectic and reliable model capable of capturing the wake interference phenomenon. This study shows the influence of the leading cylinder on the trailing body and attempts to capture the change in added mass and damping coefficients due to the upstream wake. The model is using two coupled equations to simulate the structural response and hydrodynamic force in each of cross-flow and stream-wise directions. Thus, four equations describe the fluid–structure interaction of each cylinder. A Duffing equation describes the structural motion, and the van der Pol wake oscillator defines the hydrodynamic force. The system of equations is solved analytically. Two modification terms are added to the excitation side of the Duffing equation to adjust the hydrodynamic force and incorporate the effect of upstream wake on the trailing cylinder. Both terms are functions of upstream shedding frequency (Strouhal number). Additionally, the added mass modification coefficient is a function of structural acceleration and the damping modification coefficient is a function of velocity. The modification coefficients values are determined by curve fitting to the difference between upstream and downstream wake forces, obtained from experiments. The damping modification coefficient is determined by optimizing the model against the same set of experiments. Values of the coefficients at seven different spacings are used to define a universal function of spacing for each modification coefficient so that they can be obtained for any given distance between two cylinders. The model is capable of capturing lock-in range and maximum amplitude.
Acceptance of artificial intelligence in German agriculture: an application of the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Mohr Svenja , Kühl Rainer
Published: June 2021

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture is expected to yield advantages such as savings in production resources, labor costs, and working hours as well as a reduction in soil compaction. However, the economic and ecological benefits of AI systems for agriculture can only be realized if farmers are willing to use them. This study applies the technology acceptance model (TAM) of Davis (1989) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) of Ajzen (1991) to investigate which behavioral factors are influencing the acceptance of AI in agriculture. The composite model is extended by two additional factors, expectation of property rights over business data and personal innovativeness. A structural equation analysis is used to determine the importance of factors influencing the acceptance of AI systems in agriculture. For this purpose, 84 farmers were surveyed with a letter or an online questionnaire. Results show that the perceived behavioral control has the greatest influence on acceptance, followed by farmers’ personal attitude towards AI systems in agriculture. The modelled relationships explain 59% of the total variance in acceptance. Several options and implications on how to increase the acceptance of AI systems in agriculture are discussed.
Leisure and housing consumption after retirement: new evidence on the life-cycle hypothesis
Authors: Beblo Miriam , Schreiber Sven
Published: June 2021

Foreseeable income reductions around retirement should not affect aggregate consumption. However, given higher leisure endowments after retirement, theory also predicts lower consumption of leisure substitutes. To avoid misinterpreting this predicted drop as a puzzle, our novel approach focuses on housing consumption (complementary to leisure in utility) and controls for leisure changes. In Germany tenants represent roughly half of all households, making many housing expenditures directly observable in micro data. We find significant negative impacts of the retirement status on housing consumption, which is hard to reconcile with life-cycle theory. Despite the lock-in nature of past housing decisions, income reductions at retirement have additional – though small – effects on housing.
Resolving empirical controversies with mechanistic evidence
Authors: Maziarz Mariusz
Published: June 2021

The results of econometric modeling are fragile in the sense that minor changes in estimation techniques or sample can lead to statistical models that support inconsistent causal hypotheses. The fragility of econometric results undermines making conclusive inferences from the empirical literature. I argue that the program of evidential pluralism, which originated in the context of medicine and encapsulates to the normative reading of the Russo-Williamson Thesis that causal claims need the support of both difference-making and mechanistic evidence, offers a ground for resolving empirical disagreements. I analyze a recent econometric controversy regarding the tax elasticity of cigarette consumption and smoking intensity. Both studies apply plausible estimation techniques but report inconsistent results. I show that mechanistic evidence allows for discriminating econometric models representing genuine causal relations from accidental dependencies in data. Furthermore, I discuss the differences between biological and social mechanisms and mechanistic evidence across the disciplines. I show that economists mainly rely on mathematical models to represent possible mechanisms (i.e., mechanisms that could produce a phenomenon of interest). Still, claiming the actuality of the represented mechanisms requires establishing that crucial assumptions of these models are descriptively adequate. I exemplify my approach to assessing the quality of mechanistic evidence in economics with an analysis of two models of rational addiction.
Obstruction level associated with outcome in hypoglossal nerve stimulation
Authors: Wirth Markus , Bautz Maximilian , von Meyer Franziska , Hofauer Benedikt , Strassen Ulrich , Heiser Clemens
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Selective hypoglossal nerve stimulation (sHNS) constitutes an effective surgical alternative for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). sHNS results in tongue protrusion and consecutive alleviation of obstructions at the tongue base level (lower obstructions). Furthermore, obstructions at the soft palate level (upper obstructions) may be prevented through palatoglossal coupling as seen on sleep endoscopy. However, it has not been studied if the distribution of obstruction level during a whole night measurement is a relevant factor for the treatment outcome.

Methods

Obstruction levels were measured with a manometry system during a whole night of sleep in 26 patients with OSA (f = 1, m = 25; age 59.4 ± 11.3; BMI = 29.6 ± 3.6) either before (n = 9) or after sHNS implantation (n = 12). Five patients received a measurement before and after implantation. Obstructions were categorized into velar (soft palate and above), infravelar (below soft palate), and multilevel obstructions. An association between obstruction level and treatment outcome was calculated.

Results

The mean distribution of preoperative obstruction level could be divided into the following: 38% velar, 46% multilevel, and 16% infravelar obstructions. Patients with a good treatment response (defined as AHI < 15/h and AHI reduction of 50%) had fewer preoperative velar obstructions compared to non-responder (17% vs. 54%, p-value = 0.006). In patients measured after sHNS implantation, a significantly higher rate of multilevel obstructions per hour was measured in non-responders (p-value = 0.012).

Conclusions

Selective hypoglossal nerve stimulation was more effective in patients with fewer obstructions at the soft palate level. Manometry may be a complementary diagnostic procedure for the selection of patients for HNS.
Temporal Patterns of High-Spend Subgroups Can Inform Service Strategy for Medicare Advantage Enrollees
Authors: Amodeo Samuel J. , Kowalkowski Henrik F. , Brantley Halley L. , Jones Nicholas W. , Bangerter Lauren R. , Cook David J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Most healthcare costs are concentrated in a small proportion of individuals with complex social, medical, behavioral, and clinical needs that are poorly met by a fee-for-service healthcare system. Efforts to reduce cost in the top decile have shown limited effectiveness. Understanding patient subgroups within the top decile is a first step toward designing more effective and targeted interventions.

Objective

Segment the top decile based on spending and clinical characteristics and examine the temporal movement of individuals in and out of the top decile.

Design

Retrospective claims data analysis.

Participants

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees (N = 1,504,091) continuously enrolled from 2016 to 2019.

Main Measures

Medical (physician, inpatient, outpatient) and pharmacy claims for services submitted for third-party reimbursement under Medicare Advantage, available as International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) and National Drug Codes (NDC) claims.

Key Results

The top decile was segmented into three distinct subgroups characterized by different drivers of cost: (1) Catastrophic: acute events (acute myocardial infarction and hip/pelvic fracture), (2) persistent: medications, and (3) semi-persistent chronic conditions and frailty indicators. These groups show different patterns of spending across time. Each year, 79% of the catastrophic group dropped out of the top decile. In contrast, 68–70% of the persistent group and 36–37% of the semi-persistent group remained in the top decile year over year. These groups also show different 1-year mortality rates, which are highest among semi-persistent members at 17.5–18.5%, compared to 12% and 13–14% for catastrophic and persistent members, respectively.

Conclusions

The top decile consists of subgroups with different needs and spending patterns. Interventions to reduce utilization and expenditures may show more effectiveness if they account for the different characteristics and care needs of these subgroups.
The Art of Introducing Mindfulness into Medical and Allied Health Curricula
Authors: Hassed Craig
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Mindfulness is now widely used therapeutically in health settings, but for a range of reasons, it is not commonly integrated into the education of health professionals. This article aims to share practical insights and lessons learned from teaching mindfulness as core curriculum to the whole cohorts of medical students at Monash University.

Methods

This reflective article will provide a personal perspective drawing on many years’ experience since the early 1990s of integrating mindfulness into the core medical curriculum including outlining the mindfulness-based lifestyle program delivered to the medical students. This will provide a backdrop to sharing important lessons relating to preparation, integration, delivery and review of mindfulness curriculum. A range of practical issues will be explored including making the case for it to faculty, finding the right language, giving it a context and rationale, using the most conducive teaching style, having the right tutors, carefully dealing with resistance, finding appropriate methods of assessment and the importance of review.

Results

Evaluations and feedback on the program over a number of years have shown a high level of acceptance and utilisation of mindfulness-based skills by students. Since its inception, mindfulness training has now become integral in the training of many other health professional students at Monash.

Conclusions

If done effectively, mindfulness can be successfully introduced and integrated into core curriculum of medical and allied health students using it as a meta-skill to support the development of student wellbeing a range of important clinical competencies.
A novel algorithm for finding top-k weighted overlapping densest connected subgraphs in dual networks
Authors: Dondi Riccardo , Hosseinzadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Guzzi Pietro H.
Published: June 2021

The use of networks for modelling and analysing relations among data is currently growing. Recently, the use of a single networks for capturing all the aspects of some complex scenarios has shown some limitations. Consequently, it has been proposed to use Dual Networks (DN), a pair of related networks, to analyse complex systems. The two graphs in a DN have the same set of vertices and different edge sets. Common subgraphs among these networks may convey some insights about the modelled scenarios. For instance, the detection of the Top-k Densest Connected subgraphs, i.e. a set k subgraphs having the largest density in the conceptual network which are also connected in the physical network, may reveal set of highly related nodes. After proposing a formalisation of the approach, we propose a heuristic to find a solution, since the problem is computationally hard. A set of experiments on synthetic and real networks is also presented to support our approach.
Examining the relationship between instructional practice and social studies teacher training: A TALIS study
Authors: Wiens Peter D. , Calkins Leona , Yoder Paul J. , Hightower Andromeda
Published: June 2021

Many calls have been made for more research on social studies teachers’ practices and preservice training. Instructional practices employed by teachers are important for encouraging student learning. However, there is a history of social studies teachers focusing much of their time on teacher-centered instructional techniques that have not demonstrated strong learning for students. Therefore it is important to examine not just how teachers chose to teach, but also where they may have learned to teach. This study examined data from the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2018 of 240 secondary social studies teachers to understand what instructional practices they report employing and their feelings about their preparation. Data analysis provided direct empirical evidence of the power of teacher preparation programs to shape social studies teachers’ instructional practices well into their teaching careers.
Are There “Inherently Sovereign Functions” in International Law?
Authors: Mégret Frédéric
Published: June 2021

Privatization of functions that were traditionally considered sovereign has reached new heights. International lawyers have responded mostly by seeking to limit some of the consequences of that phenomenon, by, for example, ensuring accountability of states for outsourcing. International law has sometimes appeared agnostic, however, about the very legality of privatization. This Article explores a more radical take, namely the possibility that certain state functions could be seen as “inherently sovereign” under international law. International law can be understood this way, the Article argues, despite its general deferral to sovereignty (including the sovereignty to outsource), the fact that historically all kinds of functions that we have come to associate with the state have been exercised privately, and international law's own role in legitimizing privatization in our era.
Risk Assessment of COVID-19 in the Iranian Health System
Authors: Khankeh Hamidreza , Kolivand Pirhossein , Fathi Mohammad , Lornejad Hamidreza , Abbasabadi-Arab Masoumeh
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exerted unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems throughout the world. This study was designed to develop a national health emergency management program based on risk assessment for COVID-19.

Methods:

Mixed-methods research was used. Based on recommendations of the national epidemiology committee, 2 risk scenarios were used as basic scenarios for risk assessment. Two rounds of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted between January and May 2020 with 30 representatives of the health system. The data were collected, analyzed, and integrated by the research team.

Results:

In the risk matrix, “contamination of environment and individuals” and “burnout of medical staff” occupied the red zone (intolerable risk). “Defects in screening and admissions,” “process disruption in medical care and rehabilitation,” “increased mental disorders,” “social dissatisfaction,” “the decline in healthcare services,” and “loss of medical staff” were identified as the orange zone (significant risk) of the matrix.

Conclusions:

The avoidance of environmental and individual contamination and healthcare worker burnout are the priorities in Iran. Attention to intersectoral cooperation, the involvement of non-governmental organizations and private center capacities, integration of information health systems, and developing evidence-based protocols are other measures that can improve the health system’s capacity in the response COVID-19.
FORKING, IMAGINARIES, AND OTHER FEATURES OF
Authors: D’ELBÉE CHRISTIAN
Published: June 2021

We study the generic theory of algebraically closed fields of fixed positive characteristic with a predicate for an additive subgroup, called
$\mathrm {ACFG}$
. This theory was introduced in [16] as a new example of
$\mathrm {NSOP}_{1}$
nonsimple theory. In this paper we describe more features of
$\mathrm {ACFG}$
, such as imaginaries. We also study various independence relations in
$\mathrm {ACFG}$
, such as Kim-independence or forking independence, and describe interactions between them.
Residue Analysis of Cooking Vessels from Early Postclassic Xaltocan, Central Mexico
Authors: De Lucia Kristin , Scott Cummings Linda
Published: June 2021

This article examines the use of cooking vessels from Early Postclassic (AD 900–1250) Xaltocan, Mexico, through residue analysis of ceramic sherds. The analysis combined phytolith and starch analyses with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Because our understanding of prehispanic foodways in central Mexico is based largely on sources that describe or depict Aztec practices in the sixteenth century, we ask how foods were similar or different prior to the Aztecs. We also seek a better understanding of how plainware vessels were used in prehispanic times. Although there is long-term continuity in the preparation of foods such as tamales and corn gruels, we find that additional foods such as tuber-based stews were prepared in the Early Postclassic. In addition, some ceramic vessels, such as comales and crude bowls, had a wider range of food preparation functions than expected.
The Nation State Law and the Arabic Language in Israel: Downgrading, Replicating or Upgrading?
Authors: Wattad Mohammed S
Published: June 2021

Article 4 of the Nation State Law (NSL), entitled ‘Languages’, stipulates that Hebrew is the language of the state (Article 4(a)); the Arabic language has a special status in the state and regulating the use of Arabic in or by state institutions will be set in law (Article 4(b)); and this clause does not harm the status given to the Arabic language before the law came into effect (Article 4(c), the ‘validity of laws’ clause). The question is whether, how, and to what extent these provisions hinder the present legal status of the Arabic language in Israel. The legal status of Arabic had never been determined decisively before enactment of the NSL. The High Court of Israel has always been divided on this matter, particularly between judges who perceived Arabic as an official language and judges who deemed it solely as having been granted its acknowledged ‘special legal status’. Furthermore, the judges who perceived Arabic as an official language of the state were also in dispute among themselves as to the meaning, the scope and the consequences of such recognition. Considering these circumstances, my view is that the NSL perpetuates the legal status of Arabic as prescribed in the laws and case law that already existed, and that the validity of laws clause, coupled with the special status granted to Arabic in a basic law, suggests that the door is still open for the Court to further endorse the legal status of Arabic in Israel.
Contributions to the Knowledge of the Lichen Flora of the Himalayas III.
On Lecanora Somervellii Paulson (Lichenized Ascomycotina,
Lecanoraceae)
Authors: Obermayer W. , Poelt J.
Published: June 2021

The lichen Lecanora somervellii Paulson,
first described from the northern slopes of Mt Everest in Tibet, has been
collected at four other localities in the High Himalayas, at altitudes
between 3750 and 5540 m. As the type material appears to be missing, a
neotype is designated here. The species has an unusual lemon yellow colour
due to the pigment calycin; this compound is in addition to usnic acid,
which is widespread in Lecanora.
Lecanora somervellii is otherwise very
similar in essential characters to the complex including
Lecanora concolor Ram. and L.
orbicularis (Schaerer) Vainio, high alpine species
well-known, for example, from the Alps. It is supposed, that L.
somervellii is derived from this aggregate by the
production of calycin (in addition to usnic acid), which acts as an
additional protective pigment at these very high altitudes.
Placoparmelia Patagonica, a New Lichen Genus and Species From
Argentina (Parmeliaceae)
Authors: Henssen Aino
Published: June 2021

Placoparmelia patagonica Henssen gen. et sp.
nov. is described from two localities in Argentina. The placodioid thallus
of P. patagonica has a primitive
paraplectenchymatous upper cortex in parts but is devoid of a clearly
defined lower cortex, true rhizines or tufts of rhizoidal hyphae. The upper
surface is minutely porous and reacts HNO3 + blue-green
indicating the presence of glomellifera brown. Norstictic acid with small
amounts of connorstictic and cryptostictic acid, and a trac of an unknown
substance were detected by TLC. The ontogeny and structure of the apothecia
and pycnidia correspond to those of the Parmeliaceae. The anatomy of the
thallus in P. patagonica is compared with that in
Neofuscelia squamariata, N. pulla and Parmelia
saxatilis.
Geothermal Effects on Multiple Enzyme Forms in the Lichen Cladonia
Mitis
Authors: Fahselt Dianne
Published: June 2021

Samples of Cladonia mitis were collected from
three microhabitats within an open field in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Two
sets of sample thalli were taken in close proximity to geothermal vents and
a third from a neighbouring area not directly affected by outgassings.
Enzymes were extracted and separated by isoelectric focusing, and multiple
enzyme forms of three oxidoreductases, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase,
glutamate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase, and two hydrolases,
esterase and alkaline phosphatase, were examined. Similarities between
microhabitats based on electrophoretic results were calculated using
Jaccard's similarity coefficient and expressed graphically through the
complementary techniques of clustering and ordination. All of the major
differences in isozyme patterns between remote samples and those near
fumaroles were in the two highly polymorphic enzymes, esterase and alkaline
phosphatase. Differences were as great or greater than those between
geographically separated conspecific populations of lichens examined
previously. In the more sulphurous microhabitats, nine bands were much more
frequent and eight much less so than in locations further from the source of
gases.
Integrating Early Economic Evaluation into Target Product Profile development for medical tests: advantages and potential applications
Authors: Cocco Paola , Messenger Michael Paul , Smith Alison Florence , West Robert Michael , Shinkins Bethany
Published: June 2021

Target Product Profiles (TPPs) outline the characteristics that new health technologies require to address an unmet clinical need. To date, published TPPs for medical tests have focused on infectious diseases, mostly in the context of low- and middle-income countries. Recently, there have been calls for a broader use of TPPs as a mechanism to ensure that diagnostic innovation is aligned with clinical needs, yet the methodology underpinning TPP development remains suboptimal. Here, we propose that early economic evaluation (EEE) should be integrated within the TPP methodology to create a more rigorous framework for the development of “fit-for-purpose” tests. We discuss the potential benefits that EEE could bring to the core activities underpinning TPP development—scoping, drafting, consensus building, and updating—and argue that using EEE to help inform TPPs provides a more objective, evidence-based, and transparent approach to defining test specifications.
Without Laslett to the lost worlds: Quentin Skinner's early methodology
Authors: Furuta Takuya
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to suggest that the emergence of the so-called Cambridge School of history of political thought can best be understood in terms of two competing visions of the relationship between history and social science, focusing on Peter Laslett and Quentin Skinner. Although Laslett is often distinguished as a founder of the Cambridge School, this paper suggests an alternative view by emphasizing the theoretical discontinuity between Laslett and Skinner rather than their continuity. Laslett, a practitioner of Karl Manheim's ideas, promoted the idea of a comprehensive scientific social history, within which intellectual history was located. This paper argues that Skinner broke with Laslett's idea. For Skinner, (1) Laslett was a positivist who applied the natural scientific model to intellectual history; (2) Laslett's positivism was actually ‘contextualism’; and (3) the alternative to Laslett's contextualism was the history of ideology. Skinner's early methodology was, in part, a rhetorical redescription of ‘ideology’, which opposed both Mannheim and Laslett. As such, this paper focuses on the discursive disconnection between Laslett and Skinner, thus providing a clue to construct a platform for facilitating a further discussion of the history of ideas and the social sciences.
Telemetry antennas withstanding very high accelerations and centrifugal forces
Authors: Bernard Loïc , Covic Hrvoje , Zeiner Andreas , Schneider Armin
Published: June 2021

We present the design steps of a coaxial dipole antenna for telemetry applications under extreme conditions of accelerations and centrifugal forces. Both, electromagnetic and mechanical designs are explained, as well as performance compromises that have to be made between both domains. The experimental results are given in the following part of the article, before some details on the instrumented firings and the receiving station; at last a few examples of projectiles equipped with such antennas are presented.