bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiles and treatment patterns of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension on monotherapy at experienced centres
Authors: Wissmüller Max , Xanthouli Panagiota , Benjamin Nicola , Grünig Ekkehard , Richter Manuel J. , Gall Henning , Ghofrani Hossein Ardeschir , Herkenrath Simon , Skowasch Dirk , Pizarro Carmen , Halank Michael , Hohmann Christopher , Hellmich Martin , Gerhardt Felix , Rosenkranz Stephan
Published: June 2022

Aims

Guideline recommendations highlight the critical role of combination therapy for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Conversely, registry data demonstrate that a considerable number of PAH patients remain on monotherapy. The reasons for this discrepancy remain elusive. The aim of this study was to assess the patient profiles, treatment patterns, and disease characteristics of patients diagnosed with PAH who were kept on monotherapy at experienced pulmonary hypertension (PH) centres and to capture potential reasons for monotherapy.

Methods and results

We analysed the patient profiles of 182 patients on monotherapy with PAH‐targeted drugs, managed at experienced PH expert centres (Cologne, Giessen, Heidelberg, and Dresden). Patients were identified based on their latest follow‐up visit and analysed retrospectively from the time of PAH diagnosis to last follow‐up. Patients were dichotomized by age, and patient characteristics, treatment patterns, response to therapy, change in risk status, and drug tolerability were recorded during the course of their disease. Patients' mean age was 69.1 ± 13.1 years at the most recent follow‐up (Key Time Point 1) and 64.5 ± 14.9 years at the time of diagnosis (Key Time Point 2). The mean time on monotherapy was 60.7 ± 53.8 months; 35.7/64.3% of patients were male/female. The majority (66.5%) had idiopathic PAH, followed by PAH associated with connective tissue disease (17.0%) and portopulmonary PH (8.2%). Among patients on monotherapy, there were five main clusters: (i) patients with failed escalation attempts mostly because of intolerability (26.9%); (ii) low risk on monotherapy, favourable response, and no reason for escalation (24.2%); (iii) patients with mild PAH (36.3%); (iv) elderly patients with PAH and multiple co‐morbidities (38.5%); and (v) patients with associated forms of PAH where the level of evidence for combination therapies is considered low (16.5%). There were substantial differences between patients above or below the median age (68 years). The most frequently used monotherapy for PAH was phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (75.3%).

Conclusions

A considerable number of PAH patients are on monotherapy at large PH expert centres, characterized by specific reasons that justify this kind of treatment. Nevertheless, as comprehensive treatment strategies have shown improved long‐term outcomes even in mildly symptomatic patients, each case of monotherapy should be justified.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct C−H Olefination of Polyfluoroarenes with Alkenyl Tosylates
Authors: Yee Ka Yee , Leung Man Pan , Tse Man Ho , Choy Pui Ying , Kwong Fuk Yee
Published: June 2022

The first general examples of palladium‐catalyzed direct C−H olefination of polyfluoroarenes using alkenyl tosylates as electrophilic coupling partners are presented. By employing the Pd/L1 catalyst system (L1=N‐methyl‐2‐(2’,4’‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐3‐dicyclohexylphosphinoindole), the olefinated polyfluoroarenes can be obtained in good‐to‐excellent yields. Good structural and functional compatibility are also exhibited. In particular, the steric demanding and heterocyclic alkenyl tosylates react smoothly under this catalyst system. This reaction can be practicably performed on a gram‐scale without significantly loss of product yields.
Amperometric Detection of Ethanol Vapors by Screen Printed Electrodes Modified by Paper Crowns Soaked with Room Temperature Ionic Liquids
Authors: Zuliani Ivan , Fattori Andrea , Svigelj Rossella , Dossi Nicolò , Grazioli Cristian , Bontempelli Gino , Toniolo Rosanna
Published: June 2022

A convenient assembly recently proposed for screen printed gold electrodes (SPEs) suitable for measurements in gaseous samples is here tested for the analysis of the ethanol content in alcoholic drinks. This assembly involves the use of a circular crown of filter paper, soaked in the room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate, which is simply placed upon a disposable screen printed cell, so as to contact the outer edge of the gold disc working electrode, as well as peripheral counter and reference electrodes. The electrical contact between the paper crown soaked in RTIL and the SPE electrode is assured by a gasket and all components are installed in a polylactic acid holder. This assembly provides a portable and disposable electrochemical platform, assembled by the easy immobilization onto a porous and inexpensive supporting material such as paper of a RTIL characterized by profitable electrical conductivity and negligible vapor pressure. The electroanalytical performance of this device was assayed for the flow injection analysis of the ethanol concentration in some real samples of wine and beer and the results obtained are compared with the alcoholic degree reported in the relevant bottle‐labels, thus highlighting a substantially satisfactory agreement. Repeatable sharp peaks (RSD=6–8 %) were detected for ethanol over a wide linear range (1–20 % v/v in water) and a detection and quantitation limit of 0.55 % v/v and 1.60 % v/v were inferred for a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 and 10, respectively.
Forensic efficacy evaluation and genetic structure exploration of the Yunnan Miao group by a multiplex InDel panel
Authors: Chen Xuebing , Nie Shengjie , Hu Liping , Fang Yating , Cui Wei , Xu Hui , Zhao Congying , Zhu Bo‐Feng
Published: June 2022

The aim of the study was to better understand the genetic characteristics of the Miao group in China. Herein, genetic characteristics and forensic application values of 57 autosomal insertion–deletion (InDel) loci were investigated in 210 unrelated healthy individuals from the Chinese Yunnan Miao (YM) group. Meanwhile, the genetic differences in these InDels were compared among the YM group and 26 reference populations. The results of forensic statistical analyses showed that all 57 autosomal InDels were in accordance with the Hardy–Weinberg and linkage equilibria of pairwise loci in the Chinese YM group. Moreover, the combined probability of discrimination and probability of exclusion in the YM group were 0.9999999999999999999999801 and 0.999928, respectively, which indicated that the multiplex amplification including 57 autosomal InDels was suitable for forensic individual identification and paternity testing in the Chinese YM group. In addition, the results of allelic frequency distribution differential analyses, principal component analyses, phylogenetic tree reconstruction, and genetic structure analyses between the Chinese YM group and 26 reference populations revealed that the genetic similarities between the YM group and East Asian populations were more than that between the YM group and other geographical populations. This 57 autosomal InDels system can also effectively distinguish East Asian, European, and African populations.
Research on the sneak circuit analysis method of a thermal system based on energy flow
Authors: Shen Xiaoyu , Yao Shouguang , Wang Mengdi , Huang Xinyu , Luo Jianguo
Published: June 2022

Based on the energy flow analysis method, this paper establishes the relationship between the heat accumulator and the thermal system from the perspective of heat transfer. Different types of heat accumulators are converted into different equivalent models based on energy flow, the existing sneak circuit analysis methods based on energy flow are optimized, and the starting point and end point of path search are redefined. The energy flow‐based correlation method proposed in this paper is applied to a system with two different types of heat accumulators. The results show that the sneak circuit analysis method based on energy flow proposed in this paper can search for more paths and discover new sneak circuits on the basis of the original method. Therefore, the new method is feasible and effective.
Hybrid large‐eddy simulation with adaptive downstream anisotropic eddy viscosity model
Authors: Zhang Wanjia , Shih Tom I‐P.
Published: June 2022

Turbulence pervades most flows of engineering interest, and its prediction remains a challenge on both accuracy and cost. One promising predictive approach that reduces cost combines large‐eddy simulation (LES) with simulation based on Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS). This study presents a method to overcome stability and accuracy issues associated with these hybrid LES‐RANS methods. The method developed involves extracting the Reynolds stresses from the upstream LES solution and then using that information to convert the downstream RANS model from a scalar eddy‐viscosity model to an anisotropic nonlinear eddy‐viscosity model. The method developed differs from the downstream tensorial eddy‐viscosity model by being independent of the coordinate system. The method developed was evaluated by computing film cooling of a flat plate with the coolant injected through one row of circular holes. Results obtained show instabilities at the LES‐to‐RANS interface to be eliminated. Also, the method developed yielded solutions that compare reasonably well with those from LES, even though a significant portion of the flow is computed by the adapted anisotropic RANS model instead of LES, which significantly reduced the number of grid points and computational time needed. Since modification of the downstream RANS model is based on information extracted from the upstream LES solution, the method developed is adaptive to the problem being studied.
Managing Small Fish at Large Scales: The Emergence of Regional Policies for River Herring in the Eastern United States
Authors: Kritzer Jacob P , Hall Carolyn J , Hoppe Bruce , Ogden Curtis , Cournane Jamie M
Published: June 2022

Anadromous Alewives Alosa pseudoharengus and Blueback Herring A. aestivalis, collectively known as “river herring,” provide ecosystem services to coastal communities in the Eastern United States. Despite traditions of community-based stewardship, many populations exhibit long-term declines. Their name notwithstanding, river herring spend most of their lives at sea and stray among natal rivers. Therefore, absence of management above individual rivers can compromise population viability, local conservation investments, and ecosystem services. Large-scale management in the USA was achieved for the first time during 2007–2015 by amending three Fishery Management Plans and creating a broader River Herring Conservation Plan following an Endangered Species Act petition. Concurrently, an international restoration plan for river herring in the St. Croix River on the USA–Canada border was adopted. A survey of stakeholder organizations in New England during this period revealed widespread concern for stressors managed at different scales, but that most action was directed locally. Stakeholder collaboration networks were clustered within states and around loose regional hubs, matching the scales of stakeholder concerns and actions. Unfortunately, river herring face growing threats linked to climate change, effects of which will be felt at local and regional scales, while effective mitigation will require actions at national and global scales.
A review on the solid–liquid–vapor phase equilibria of acid gases in methane
Authors: Ababneh Hani , Al‐Muhtaseb Shaheen A.
Published: June 2022

In spite of the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and their impact on the environment, the demand for natural/biogas will increase significantly in the coming few decades. To cover this demand, the global energy industry is continuously exploiting sour gas reserves located around the world. Nonetheless, sour gas has to be sweetened before the practical utilization of natural or biogas. The cryogenic separation technologies have emerged as a new technology to separate carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S gases) from natural/biogas. The cryogenic separation produces less harmful gases, and can be less expensive to operate and maintain in comparison to the conventional technologies. To design cryogenic separation equipment, vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE), solid–liquid equilibrium (SLE), solid–vapor equilibrium (SVE), and solid–liquid–vapor equilibrium (SLVE) data for the corresponding binary systems (of CH4‐CO2, CH4‐H2S, and H2S‐CO2) and ternary system (of CH4‐H2S‐CO2) are required. The main target of this article is to review the SLVE data for the acid gases (CO2 and H2S) in methane (CH4) as the main constituent of natural/biogas. It will address SLVE data for the binary systems of CH4‐CO2, CH4‐H2S and H2S‐CO2 as well as the ternary system of CH4‐H2S‐CO2. It will not only address the available laboratory data, but it will also discuss, compare and evaluate the different models used to correlate/predict these data. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupling mechanism of basin and orogen in the Tianshan Orogenic Belt since Late Mesozoic: Influence on the source–sink process of sandstone‐type uranium mineralization
Authors: Zhao Fei Yu , Jiang Su Hua , Li San Zhong , Dai Meng Xue , Wang Gang , Nobes David C. , Zhu Yi Xin
Published: June 2022

The coupling mechanism of the Tianshan Orogenic Belt (TOB) and the basins on its sides (Junggar, Turpan–Hami, Tarim, Yili, etc.) since the Late Mesozoic was complex and multi‐levelled. Based on gravity, magnetism, Moho discontinuity, and lithospheric velocity structure of the TOB, together with the structural and sedimentary data of the basins, a model is proposed to reflect the influence of the basin–orogen coupling on the regional source–sink processes of sandstone‐type uranium mineralization since the Late Mesozoic. Generally, there are four main stages of tectonic movements that have changed the coupling mechanism of basin and orogeny: including the Early Yanshanian Movement, the Late Yanshanian Movement, the Middle Himalayan Movement, and the Late Himalayan Movement. These four movements together controlled the mineralization of the sandstone‐type uranium deposits in the TOB together. The mineralization of sandstone‐type uranium deposits in the TOB can be divided into three metallogenic stages: the ore‐bearing formation stage (T‐J2), the tectonic reversal‐related metallogenic stage (J3‐N1), and the epigenetic regenerating ore‐preserving stage (N2‐Q). The tectonic reversal‐related metallogenic stage can be subsequently divided into three sub‐stages: the pre‐metallogenic stage (J3), the sub‐metallogenic stage (K), and the main metallogenic stage (E‐N1). The associated uplift led to the deformation of the mineralized strata in the basins, while the reducing agent migration along faults enhanced the reduction environment within the strata, which affected the enrichment and distribution of the uranium mineralization in the strata. Meanwhile, the recharge and the change of flow state of groundwater also contributed to the later transformation and mineralization. The intra‐continental subduction caused deep lithospheric buckling and depression in the TOB, accompanied by local‐scale mantle convection, which accounts for both tectonic and geodynamic settings for the regional basin–orogen coupling mechanism. In addition, the far‐field effect of the India–Eurasian collision also provided the driving force for the sandstone‐type uranium mineralization in the TOB.
The evolutionary trends of health inequality among elderly Chinese people and influencing factors of these trends from 2005 to 2017
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Duan Yanan , He Yuhang
Published: June 2022

Reducing health inequality and ensuring national health equity have become issues of great concern to all countries in the world. This paper based on the ordered Probit model and concentrated index decomposition method, analysed the influencing factors and evolution trend of health inequality among the elderly with high age in China from 2005 to 2017. The study found that in 2005–2017, the self‐rated health distribution of the elderly with high age in China showed an obvious inverted “U” shape, with the proportion of general and relatively healthy being the largest, while the proportion of unhealthy and very healthy was lower. Lifestyle, family income, and age were the main important factors to expand health inequality. Therefore, encouraging the elderly with high age to develop good living habits and narrowing the income gap of the elderly are conducive to solving the health inequality of the elderly with high age and achieving the goals of active ageing and healthy ageing.
The influence mechanism of psychological contract on primary medical staff's turnover intention in the context of COVID‐19 pandemic in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Chen Xin , Chen Chen , Wang Yuxuan , Shindo Kenyiti , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: June 2022

Objective

This research aims to study the influence mechanism of psychological contract on the turnover intention of primary medical staff in the context of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) fighting.

Methods

Six hundred and fifteen primary medical staff from 13 primary health care institutions in Jianghan District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China were selected by random sampling. Psychological contract, emotional exhaustion and turnover intention questionnaires were adjusted appropriately according to research needs, and 5‐point Likert scale was used to measure.

Results

Normal, interpersonal, and developmental contracts were negatively associated with turnover intention. Emotional exhaustion mediated the effects of interpersonal and developmental contracts on turnover intention.

Conclusion

The government should establish a long‐term incentive mechanism for primary medical staff, fully recognise the work of them in fighting against COVID‐19, pay close attention to the psychological state of them, and carry out timely and effective psychological intervention to alleviate their emotional exhaustion and reduce their turnover intention.
A new static path planning strategy for drones
Authors: Berini Aymen Dia Eddine , Farou Brahim , Ferrag Mohamed Amine , Seridi Hamid , Akdag Herman
Published: June 2022

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been progressively used in environmental monitoring and disaster sensing. The drones fly over a set of waypoints in the area to achieve their surveillance task. Despite their potential advantages, UAVs have several drawbacks, including a limited energy supply and a short operational duration which make all attempts at planning ineffective. In this paper, we propose a novel UAV path planning for the monitoring task that considerably reduces energy consumption and minimizes the number of turns with minimum overlapping. In addition, the proposed path gives the whole area the same level of importance. The proposed path was compared with four static paths: back and forth, spiral, LMAT, and Zamboni. Results show that the proposed path allows a better coverage with less energy consumption than the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Exploring the validity of university‐based practicum tailored to develop expertise in addressing challenging behavior
Authors: Lambert Joseph M. , Paranczak Jessica L. , Copeland Bailey A. , Macdonald M. Janey , Houchins‐Juarez Nealetta J.
Published: June 2022

In theory, the principles, processes, and concepts of applied behavior analysis are universally applicable. In practice, clinicians commit their lives to serving specific populations in specific settings for which specialization is needed. The purpose of this 6‐year retrospective consecutive case series was to describe and evaluate the quality and validity of a practicum experience tailored to develop specialized expertise in the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior for pre‐service practitioners enrolled in a department of a special education program.
Addressing equity and access to care: How an academic family medicine practice manages human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, and substance use disorders in rural Appalachia
Authors: Calandra Julia , Shukla Shuchin , Grandy Rebecca
Published: June 2022

Rural populations struggle with health care access and are influenced by social determinants of health, lack of available resources, and fragmented care. Longstanding disparity and inequity have led to increased prevalence and poor outcomes of preventable and treatable disease states, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C, and substance use disorders (SUD). This article describes how an academic family medicine center addresses access to care in a rural population with a high prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C, and SUD. The goal is to provide strategies that other practice sites could use to develop and expand their own services to enhance equity and improve outcomes in this patient population. Strategies include co‐locating medical services to address multiple needs in one visit, leveraging telehealth to reduce barriers to care, utilizing multidisciplinary teams to promote comprehensive care, collaborating with community partners to address social determinants of health, and training health care learners to increase capacity and sustainability. The role of the pharmacist is highlighted as a leader of a team‐based interdisciplinary care model that can meet complex patients' comprehensive care needs.
Analytical and clinical performance of different platforms simultaneously detecting 15 antinuclear antibodies
Authors: Qin Yan , Fan Chunxue , Wang Yanlin , Feng Min , Liang Zhaojun , Zhao Xiangcong , Gao Chong , Luo Jing
Published: June 2022

Background

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are invaluable biomarkers for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases (AIDs). This study aims to compare the performances of line immunoassay (LIA), multiplex bead‐based flow fluorescent immunoassay (MBFFI), and magnetic bar code immunofluorescence assay (MBC‐IF) to detect ANA‐Profile‐15S.

Methods

In total, 184 samples from AID patients and 50 healthy controls (HCs) were collected. Fifteen ANAs (anti‐dsDNA, nucleosome, histone, Sm, PCNA, ribosomal‐P, SS‐A/Ro52, SS‐A/Ro60, SS‐B/La, centromere B [CENP‐B], Scl‐70, U1‐snRNP, AMA‐M2, Jo‐1, and Pm/Scl) were subjected to parallel detection by the LIA, MBFFI, and MBC‐IF. The consistency between assays was analyzed. The discrepant results were further examined by chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA).

Results

Anti‐SS‐A/Ro52 and SS‐A/Ro60 autoantibodies were the most common autoantibodies in ANA positive‐profiles, and were detected with equal efficiency by the LIA, MBFFI, and MBC‐IF (p = 0.101 and p = 0.732, respectively). The three assays showed excellent agreement (consistency range: 66.5%–97.5%), and total consistency was 85.8%. The MBFFI and MBC‐IF assays were in good agreement in terms of ANA‐Profile‐15S determination; the kappa coefficient ranged from 0.59 to 0.95, except for the PCNA and PM‐Scl. Of the 262 re‐assessed divergent results, 124 (47.33%) were positive on CLIA; the various autoantibodies exhibited variable patterns. More importantly, the ANA‐Profile‐15S results of the MBFFI and MBC‐IF accurately identified patients with AID; the area under the curves ranged from 0.642 to 0.919.

Conclusions

The novel MBFFI and MBC‐IF assay performed well in detecting ANA‐Profile‐15S. The application of MBFFI and MBC‐IF play important roles in laboratory diagnosis of AIDs.
Effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on spatial cognition and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in adolescent rats
Authors: Aghazadeh Razieh , Roshan‐Milani Shiva , Derafshpour Leila , Saboory Ehsan
Published: June 2022

Global rise in methamphetamine (MA) abuse during pregnancy has placed a large number of children at risk for the adverse consequences of prenatal methamphetamine exposure (PME). While behavioral and neurocognitive deficits of PME have been extensively studied in humans and adult rodents, far less is known regarding the sex‐ and dose‐dependent effects of PME as well as the underlying mechanisms. Adolescence in nonhuman primates is also a less explored territory. In the present study, PME was inducted by oral treatment to pregnant rats on gestational days 15–19 with either low dose (0.1 mg/ml) or high dose (0.6 mg/ml) of MA. The cognitive effects of PME were then evaluated in two adolescence age‐intervals: early adolescent (started on postnatal day [PND] 21) and mid‐adolescent (started on PND 33), among male and female rat offspring using Morris water maze (MWM) test. Alterations in hippocampal synaptic plasticity in Schaffer collaterals‐CA1 pathway were also measured in vitro. Results of behavioral test showed that PME led to serious deficits of learning and memory abilities in both male and female rat offspring. PME also depressed LTP in most of the PME subgroups. Moreover, 21‐day‐old rats were more sensitive to PME‐induced cognitive impairment in MWM tasks, but not in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, than 33‐day‐old rats. No sex‐dependent effects of PME were found on the cognitive function and synaptic plasticity. These findings confirmed that PME impacted negatively on cognitive performance in prepubertal male and female rats, and the impairment of hippocampal synaptic functions might partly play a significant role in these effects.
Current strategies to induce selective killing of HIV-1-infected cells
Authors: Campbell Grant R , Spector Stephen A
Published: June 2022

Although combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to significant HIV-1 suppression and improvement in immune function, persistent viral reservoirs remain that are refractory to intensified ART. ART poses many challenges such as adherence to drug regimens, the emergence of resistant virus, and cumulative toxicity resulting from long-term therapy. Moreover, latent HIV-1 reservoir cells can be stochastically activated to produce viral particles despite effective ART and contribute to the rapid viral rebound that typically occurs within 2 weeks of ART interruption; thus, lifelong ART is required for continued viral suppression. Several strategies have been proposed to address the HIV-1 reservoir such as reactivation of HIV-1 transcription using latency reactivating agents with a combination of ART, host immune clearance and HIV-1-cytotoxicity to purge the infected cells—a “shock and kill” strategy. However, these approaches do not take into account the multiple transcriptional and translational blocks that contribute to HIV-1 latency or the complex heterogeneity of the HIV-1 reservoir, and clinical trials have thus far failed to produce the desired results. Here, we describe alternative strategies being pursued that are designed to kill selectively HIV-1-infected cells while sparing uninfected cells in the absence of enhanced humoral or adaptive immune responses.
Functional morphology of the hindlimb of fossilized pygmy hippopotamus from Ayia Napa (Cyprus)
Authors: Georgitsis Michail K. , Liakopoulou Dionysia Ε. , Theodorou Georgios E. , Tsiolakis Efthymios
Published: June 2022

We studied the functional morphology of the postcranial skeleton of the endemic hippopotamus Phanourios minor, derived from the Upper Pleistocene site of Ayia Napa. The deposit, which consists of a hard limestone substrate on which the species moved, has yielded a great abundance of hippopotamus material, making the Ayia Napa locality one of the most important paleontological sites in Cyprus. The immigration of the large‐sized mainland Hippopotamus to Cyprus led to the emergence of a new insular species with its main characteristic being the extremely reduced body size. In this study, all the hindlimb elements of the Cypriot hippo are described in detail and compared with those of the modern species, with the extant Hippopotamus amphibius being considered similar to the possible ancestor of P. minor. In some cases, the morphological comparison is reinforced using bones of other extinct insular and mainland hippos. Additionally, we provided a functional analysis of the hindlimb joints, suggesting specific locomotor habits for the species. The anatomical examination reveals that the elements in P. minor are robust with marked muscular insertion areas resembling those found in Hippopotamus. However, there are also similarities with Choeropsis liberiensis in certain morphofunctional traits. P. minor adapted to slow but powerful locomotion with remarkable stabilization, particularly in the zeugopodium and the autopodium. The knee was less mobile in the craniocaudal direction compared with that in recent hippos, while the abduction–adduction movements of the thigh were advanced. The pes presented good mobility in the sagittal plane and limitation in transversal movements. Thus, P. minor displayed modifications to its limbs, influenced by the mountainous island environment and the body size reduction, resulting in specialized locomotion, which was different from that of extant hippopotamuses.
Human seasonal coronavirus neutralization and COVID‐19 severity
Authors: Wells David A. , Cantoni Diego , Mayora‐Neto Martin , Genova Cecilia Di , Sampson Alexander , Ferrari Matteo , Carnell George , Nadesalingam Angalee , Smith Peter , Chan Andrew , Raddi Gianmarco , Castillo‐Olivares Javier , Baxendale Helen , Temperton Nigel , Heeney Jonathan L.
Published: June 2022

The virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), responsible for the global coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, spread rapidly around the world causing high morbidity and mortality. However, there are four known, endemic seasonal coronaviruses in humans (HCoVs), and whether antibodies for these HCoVs play a role in severity of COVID‐19 disease has generated a lot of interest. Of these seasonal viruses NL63 is of particular interest as it uses the same cell entry receptor as SARS‐CoV‐2. We use functional, neutralizing assays to investigate cross‐reactive antibodies and their relationship with COVID‐19 severity. We analyzed the neutralization of SARS‐CoV‐2, NL63, HKU1, and 229E in 38 COVID‐19 patients and 62 healthcare workers, and a further 182 samples to specifically study the relationship between SARS‐CoV‐2 and NL63. We found that although HCoV neutralization was very common there was little evidence that these antibodies neutralized SARS‐CoV‐2. Despite no evidence in cross‐neutralization, levels of NL63 neutralizing antibodies become elevated after exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 through infection or following vaccination.
Prevalence of periodontal disease in young Moroccans: A national survey
Authors: Kissa Jamila , El Houari Bouchra , Amine Khadija , Chemlali Sihame , Khlil Nadia , Mikou Salwa , Gharibi Amina , El Ouadnassi Imane , Rifki Chouaib , Albandar Jasim M.
Published: June 2022

Background

There are few large surveys of periodontal disease in young age cohorts, and national surveys in Africa do not exist. This study assessed the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in a national survey of adolescents and young adults in Morocco.

Methods

A multistage probability sampling design was used to draw a sample of 14,667 students 12–25 years old attending 87 schools. The sample was representative of approximately three million Moroccan students in this age group.

Results

A total of 27.9%, 11.9%, and 7.7% of the subjects had ≥1 tooth with ≥4, ≥5, and ≥6 mm probing depth, and the population estimates were ≈ 822,436, 349,961, and 226,297 affected subjects, respectively. For attachment loss, the prevalences were: 11.6%, 9.5%, and 6.9% (or ≈ 341,761, 281,043, and 203,977 affected subjects) for ≥4, ≥5, and ≥6 mm, respectively. The rates of probing depth and attachment loss increased significantly with the increase in age (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Sex and urban status did not show significant effects on the prevalence of periodontal disease (p > 0.05). Similarly, the relationship between the occupation status and periodontal status was modest and not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Children and young adults attending public schools in Morocco have a high prevalence and severity of periodontal disease compared with other populations of similar age. The rate of periodontal disease reported here may be used as baseline population estimates in the surveillance of disease status in this population.
Long‐term effect of integrated farming systems on soil erosion in hilly micro‐watersheds (Indian Eastern Himalayas)
Authors: Choudhury Burhan U. , Nengzouzam Grace , Mandal Satyabrata , Sethy Bira K. , Hazarika Samarendra , Mishra Vinay K.
Published: June 2022

Soil erosion from traditional hill agriculture is a major concern for agronomic development in the Eastern Himalayas (India). An integrated farming system (IFS: is the combination of multipurpose trees‐MPT interspersed with seasonal agricultural crops) may reduce the severity of erosion while ensuring food and nutritional security. The aim of our study was to identify an IFS, resistant to soil erosion in the hill ecosystem of Eastern Himalaya. For this, eight micro‐watershed (MW)‐based IFSs namely livestock with fodder crops (MW1), forestry (MW2), agroforestry (MW3), agriculture (MW4), agri‐horti‐silvi‐pastoral (MW5), horticulture (MW6), cultivated fallow (MW7), and abandoned shifting cultivation (MW8, as traditional land use) were established and soil erosion was measured for 24 years in the sloping land (32.0%–53.0%) of the Eastern Himalayas (Meghalaya, Northeast India). In the forests (MW2), annual average (IA: 1983–2006) runoff and soil losses were 405.5 (±113) mm and 11.0 (±2.4) Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. The conversion of forests to cultivation caused a decline in the parameters of hydro‐physical quality and fertility, more severely in the traditional farming (MW7&8) than in the IFS mode of cultivation (MW3,5,&6). Soil water conservation measures (SWCMs: contour bunding, terracing, and grassed waterways) were more effective at reducing erosion when used together compared to individually. Adoption of these SWCMs in cultivated MWs in IFS mode (MW3,5,&6), reduced the runoff by 13.0%–17.1% and soil loss by 12.6%–15.1% over forests (MW2). However, in traditional agriculture (MW7&8), runoff increased by 50.6%–87.6% while soil loss was 50.3%–59.8% higher over the forest. The study demonstrated that the adoption of agroforestry, agri‐silvi‐horti‐pastoral or horticulture‐based IFSs with appropriate SWCMs may be promoted to reduce soil erosion while sustaining soil quality attributes and food security in the hill ecosystem of the Indian Eastern Himalayas.
Potential global distribution of a temperate marine coastal predator: The role of barriers and dispersal corridors on subpopulation connectivity
Authors: De Wysiecki Agustín M. , Cortés Federico , Jaureguizar Andrés J. , Barnett Adam
Published: June 2022

Predicting the potential distribution of species and possible dispersal corridors at a global scale can contribute to better understanding the availability of suitable habitat to move between, and the potential connectivity between regional distributions. Such information increases knowledge of ecological and biogeographic processes, but also has management applications at a global scale, for example, for estimating the restocking ability of exploited regional subpopulations. As a case study, we tested the utility of environmental niche modeling to investigate the potential global distribution of a highly mobile temperate marine coastal species, the broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus). First, we characterized and compared three model variants using global data and regional data from two geographically distant and genetically diverging subpopulations in the Southwest Atlantic and southern Australia. The best performing model was then transferred to the rest of the world to obtain a final global prediction for the species. Predictions revealed broad suitable areas across temperate regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. As a final step, we overlaid underwater seamount data on suitability maps to simulate possible dispersal corridors and regional connectivity. Global subpopulation connectivity and dispersal are discussed in the light of recent genetic evidence, to help explain why unoccupied suitable areas are not currently accessed by the species. This study highlights the potential use of global and regional data for the assessment of habitat suitability of species at a global scale, and provides considerations when applying these models to other highly mobile species.
Optimal harvesting for a predator‐prey system with age structure and reserve area
Authors: Chen Miaomiao , Yuan Rong
Published: June 2022

Considering that the creation of marine reserves is one potential solution to the over exploitation of marine life and different population age implies different reproduction as well as survival capacities, we propose an age‐structured predator‐prey model for fishery resource with reserve area where fishing is strictly prohibited, and then consider the corresponding optimal harvesting problem where the objective functional represents the total economic benefits obtained from the harvesting process. First, the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the model are proved by means of the fixed point theorem. Then, the optimality conditions for achieving the optimal harvesting policy are given by solving the extremum point of the cost functional. Furthermore, the existence of a unique optimal harvesting strategy is demonstrated with the use of Ekeland's Principle. Finally, the numerical simulations indicate that the creation of marine reserves is indeed conducive to the recovery of fishery resources, increasing fish abundance and protecting biodiversity as well as ecosystem structure.
Compact dual‐band quasi‐Yagi antenna with pattern diversification for WI‐FI 6E applications
Authors: Hong Dingmou , Yu Yaqing , Yi Da , Ye Mao , Tang Ming‐Chun
Published: June 2022

A dual‐band quasi‐Yagi antenna with diverse radiation patterns at different frequency bands is presented for the Wi‐Fi 6E applications. It has multiple working bands that cover the two existing bands of traditional Wi‐Fi 6, that is, from 2.4–2.4835 to 5.17−5.835 GHz, as well as the upcoming extended Wi‐Fi 6E band that covers the 5.925−7.125 GHz band. The proposed antenna consists of a microstrip (MS) line, a coplanar strip‐line (CPS), a bow‐tie driven dipole element, a slotted ground plane and a parasitic director element. By jointly employing these structures, multiple resonances can be generated, where the resonance with largest current path results in low‐frequency working band, while the others are merged to form a relatively wide high‐frequency band. In the low‐frequency band, the antenna has an omnidirectional radiation pattern with wide beam‐coverage, while in the high‐frequency band, the antenna can achieve directional radiation pattern with high gain value. An antenna prototype is then fabricated and measured for validation. Good agreement between the simulated and measured results is observed. The measured −10 dB impedance fractional bandwidth are 4.3% (2.38−2.484 GHz) and 60.6% (4.47−8.36 GHz) in the low‐ and high‐frequency bands, respectively, associated with peak gain values 0.64 and 6.22 dBi. The antenna's overall size is 0.22 λL × 0.20 λL × 0.006 λL. The proposed antenna is a good candidate for multiple kinds of Wi‐Fi applications.
Defining urge as an uncontrolled micturition explains pathogenesis, informs cure and helps solve the burgeoning OAB crisis
Authors: Petros Peter , Quaghebeur Jörgen , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques
Published: June 2022

Background

Parallel with the demographic ageing crisis, is a disabling overactive bladder (OAB) crisis (urgency/frequency/nocturia), 30% prevalence in older women, pathogenesis stated as unknown and, according to some learned societies, incurable.

Hypothesis/Aims

To review International Continence Society and Integral System paradigms to test our thesis that OAB per se is not a pathological condition, rather, a prematurely activated uncontrolled micturition; pathogenesis being anatomical damage in a nonlinear feedback control system comprising cortical and peripheral (muscle/ligament) components.

Methods

We examined studies from basic science, anatomy, urodynamics, ultrasonic and video xrays, ligament repairs, from which we created a nonlinear binary model of bladder function. We applied a Chaos Theory feedback equation, Xnext = Xc(1 − X) to test our hypothesis against existing concepts and hypotheses for OAB pathogenesis.

Results

The bladder has ONLY two modes, EITHER closed OR open (micturition). Closure is reflexly controlled cortically and peripherally: muscles contracting against ligaments stretch the vagina to suppress afferent signals to micturate from urothelial stretch receptors. “OAB” can be caused by anatomical damage anywhere in the model, by childbirth or age‐weakened ligaments, which can be repaired to cure all three OAB symptoms. Urodynamic “DO” graphs are interpreted anatomically and by the feedback equation.

Conclusion

OAB is in crisis. Our thesis of OAB as an uncontrolled micturition from anatomical defects in the bladder control system provides fresh directions for further development of new treatments, nonsurgical and surgical, to help break the crisis and bring hope and cure to 600 million women sufferers.
Event‐triggered finite‐time quantized synchronization of uncertain delayed neural networks
Authors: Zhang Yingqi , Li Xiao , Liu Caixia
Published: June 2022

A novel finite‐time synchronization design is developed for uncertain delayed neural networks with event‐triggered mechanisms and input quantizations. Initially, an error model is established which characterizes the effects of the event triggering scheme and quantization within a unified framework. Under such a synchronization model, some matrix inequality‐based sufficient conditions for the existence of the finite‐time synchronization is deduced by using Lyapunov functional approach and free‐weighting matrix techniques. Additionally, utilizing variable separation approach, a co‐design algorithm for the suitable finite‐time synchronization controller and event‐triggered matrix parameter are derived in terms of the feasibility of linear matrix inequalities. Besides, an example is illustrated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Connecting people, plants and place: A native plant society's journey towards a community of practice
Authors: Beckwith Brenda R. , Johansson Eva M. , Huff Valerie J.
Published: June 2022

Native plants are often promoted for gardening, biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration. Native plant gardening can contribute to environmental sustainability by conserving water and creating biologically diverse habitat. Despite the many virtues of native plants, there are challenges to building relationships between people and plants, including limited plant availability and low level of general plant appreciation and literacy. Activities that foster people–plant connections can help to alleviate Plant Awareness Disparity, foster plant conservation and produce more native plants.

We describe how our environmental non‐profit organization, the Kootenay Native Plant Society, has worked to encourage people–plant connections in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada, over a 10‐year period. We borrowed from different disciplines, practices and theories to inform our work—from organic gardening and ecological restoration to sustainable development. Our programmes developed from outreach and educational activities to more place‐based and interactive initiatives. Initial activities, including wildflower walks and school programmes, offered plant information but more meaningful plant engagement was needed. We provided deeper knowledge through a flagship species approach showcasing a native plant, camas Camassia quamash, itxwa, resulting in greater appreciation for camas, although this strategy rarely translated to broader plant conservation by residents. We developed more specialized programmes that trained participants in native plant propagation and gardening, where they gained competence and contributed to a social group linked by community‐based conservation efforts and a passion for native plants.

We learned our journey to connect more people with native species and get plants into gardens was a pathway towards a community of practice. Building lasting people–plant connections is not straightforward; it is an adaptive integrative process requiring delivery of dynamic and complementary activities developed over time from cumulative insights and organizational reflection. What we thought was simply an unavailability of native plants paired with people's lack of native plant appreciation was more complex, requiring a shift in social understanding of people's relationships with plants. The cultivation of a community of practice is an act of socio‐ecological restoration, a shared pathway that supports a self‐sustaining community practicing good stewardship and empowered to grow native plants.

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Curing and rheological study of epoxy molding compound with novel phosphonium silicate latent accelerators
Authors: Yu Yongjia , Yang Xin , Liu Qianfa , She Naidong , Liu Dongliang , Huang Wei
Published: June 2022

Latent curing accelerators are significant for curing and molding controlling of epoxy molding compounds. Two novel phosphonium silicate latent accelerators, tetraphenylphosphonium bis(2,3‐dioxy‐naphthalene)methylsilicate (P‐Si‐Me) and tetraphenylphosphonium bis(2,3‐dioxy‐naphthalene)phenylsilicate (P‐Si‐Ph) were synthesized and characterized. The catalytic performance of P‐Si‐Me and P‐Si‐Ph on epoxy/phenolic resin system was evaluated and compared with commercial organophosphine accelerators triphenyl phosphine (TPP) and triphenylphosphine‐1,4‐benzoquinone (TPP‐BQ). Systems with four accelerators displayed similar autocatalytic curing reaction mechanism, and the curing and rheological behavior of four epoxy systems could be well described with the diffusion factor‐incorporated Kamal model, and Castro and Macosko model, respectively. DSC and rheology results showed that the latency of four accelerators followed the order of P‐Si‐Ph ≈ TPP‐BQ >> P‐Si‐Me > TPP, while the catalytic reactivity followed TPP > P‐Si‐Me > P‐Si‐Ph > TPP‐BQ. DMA results exhibited that epoxy systems with phosphonium silicate accelerators had higher Tg than that with TPP and TPP‐BQ. The latency and catalytic performance of phosphonium silicate accelerators were attributed to their ionic complex nature. Moreover, the substituent on silicate anion had obvious impact on the performance of accelerators.
How we approach the diagnosis of a vascular anomaly
Authors: Heym Kenneth M. , Masand Prakash M. , Margolin Judith F.
Published: June 2022

Vascular anomalies represent a diverse group of complex disorders that can cause significant complications, including coagulopathies, pain, and decreased function. The diagnosis of vascular anomalies is often challenging due to heterogeneity of presenting phenotypes and overlapping clinical features with other pediatric conditions. Pediatric hematologists/oncologists (PHO) are uniquely positioned for an essential role in diagnosing, managing, and coordinating the multidisciplinary care required to maximize the quality of life of these patients. Here, we review the diagnostic approach involved in patients with vascular anomalies and utilize cases to highlight the challenges involved, and how PHOs can play a vital part in the care of these patients.