bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric analysis of turning HSLA steel under minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and nanofluids-based minimum quantity lubrication (NF-MQL): a concept of one-step sustainable machining
Authors: Javid Hassan , Jahanzaib Mirza , Jawad Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Asad , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Pruncu Catalin I. , Hussain Salman
Published: August 2021

The requirement of cost-effective and ecological production systems is crucial in the competitive market. In this regard, the focus is shifted towards sustainable and cleaner machining processes. Besides the clean technologies, effective parametric control is required for machining materials (such as High Strength Low Alloy Steels) specifically designed for high strength applications having superior physio-chemical properties. Therefore, the machinability complexities require optimized solutions to reduce temperature elevation and tooling costs and improve machining of these materials. Complying to the market needs, this research examines the effectiveness of nanofluid on tool life, wear mechanisms, surface roughness (Ra), surface morphology, and material removal rate (MRR) in turning of 30CrMnSiA (HSLA) using minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and SiO2-H2O nanofluids (NF-MQL). A systematic investigation based on physical phenomena involved is carried out considering four process parameters (cutting speed (VC), feed rate (Fr), depth of cut (DOC), and mode of lubrication for machining. Fr is found as the vital parameter for surface roughness while MRR is highly influenced by DOC regardless of lubrication approach. One-step sustainability technique is applied, in which process variables used for roughing conditions are analogous to attain surface comparable to finished machining without compromising process efficiency and demonstrate its feasibility through optimal settings under NF-MQL. Multi-response optimization proved the NF-MQL machining condition as the best alternative which result in 28.34% and 5.09% improvements for surface roughness and MRR, respectively. Moreover, the use of SiO2 is recommended over MQL due to lower energy consumption, low tool wear, and better surface integrity, sustainable liquid, and related costs.
Potentiation of cognitive enhancer effects of Alzheimer’s disease medication memantine by alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist PHA-543613 in the Morris water maze task
Authors: Bruszt Nóra , Bali Zsolt Kristóf , Tadepalli Sai Ambika , Nagy Lili Veronika , Hernádi István
Published: August 2021

Rationale

There are controversial pieces of evidence whether combination therapies using memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors are beneficial over their monotreatments. However, results of preclinical studies are promising when memantine is combined with agonists and allosteric modulators of the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR).

Objectives

Here, we tested the hypothesis that cognitive enhancer effects of memantine can be potentiated through modulating alpha7 nAChRs in a scopolamine-induced amnesia model.

Methods

Monotreatments, as well as co-administrations of selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist PHA-543613 and memantine were tested in the Morris water maze task in rats. The efficacy of the co-administration treatment was observed on different domains of spatial episodic memory.

Results

Low dose of memantine (0.1 mg/kg) and PHA-543613 (0.3 mg/kg) successfully reversed scopolamine-induced short-term memory deficits both in monotreatments and in co-administration. When recall of information from long-term memory was tested, pharmacological effects caused by co-administration of subeffective doses of memantine and PHA-543613 exceeded that of their monotreatments.

Conclusion

Our results further support the evidence of beneficial interactions between memantine and alpha7 nAChR ligands and suggest a prominent role of alpha7 nAChRs in the procognitive effects of memantine.
Phylosymbiotic Structures of the Microbiota in Mollitrichosiphum tenuicorpus (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Greenideinae)
Authors: Qin Man , Jiang Liyun , Kholmatov Bakhtiyor R. , Qiao Gexia , Chen Jing
Published: August 2021

Aphids harbor an array of symbionts that provide hosts with ecological benefits. Microbial community assembly generally varies with respect to aphid species, geography, and host plants. However, the influence of host genetics and ecological factors on shaping intraspecific microbial community structures has not been fully understood. In the present study, using Illumina sequencing of the V3 − V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene, we characterized the microbial compositions associated with Mollitrichosiphum tenuicorpus from different regions and plants in China. The primary symbiont Buchnera aphidicola and the secondary symbiont Arsenophonus dominated the microbial flora in M. tenuicorpus. Ordination analyses and statistical tests suggested that geography and aphid genetics primarily contributed to the variation in the microbiota of M. tenuicorpus. We further confirmed the combined effect of aphid genetics and geography on shaping the structures of symbiont and secondary symbiont communities. Moreover, the significant correlation between aphid genetic divergence and symbiont community dissimilarity provides evidence for intraspecific phylosymbiosis in natural systems. Our study helped to elucidate the eco-evolutionary relationship between symbiont communities and aphids within one given species.
KATP channels and NO dilate redundantly intramuscular arterioles during electrical stimulation of the skeletal muscle in mice
Authors: Schemke Simon , de Wit Cor
Published: August 2021

Functional hyperemia is fundamental to provide enhanced oxygen delivery during exercise in skeletal muscle. Different mechanisms are suggested to contribute, mediators from skeletal muscle, transmitter spillover from the neuromuscular synapse as well as endothelium-related dilators. We hypothesized that redundant mechanisms that invoke adenosine, endothelial autacoids, and KATP channels mediate the dilation of intramuscular arterioles in mice. Arterioles (maximal diameter: 20–42 µm, n = 65) were studied in the cremaster by intravital microscopy during electrical stimulation of the motor nerve to induce twitch or tetanic skeletal muscle contractions (10 or 100 Hz). Stimulation for 1–60 s dilated arterioles rapidly up to 65% of dilator capacity. Blockade of nicotinergic receptors blocked muscle contraction and arteriolar dilation. Exclusive blockade of adenosine receptors (1,3-dipropyl-8-(p-sulfophenyl)xanthine) or of NO and prostaglandins (nitro-L-arginine and indomethacin, LN + Indo) exerted only a minor attenuation. Combination of these blockers, however, reduced the dilation by roughly one-third during longer stimulation periods (> 1 s at 100 Hz). Blockade of KATP channels (glibenclamide) which strongly reduced adenosine-induced dilation reduced responses upon electrical stimulation only moderately. The attenuation was strongly enhanced if glibenclamide was combined with LN + Indo and even observed during brief stimulation. LN was more efficient than indomethacin to abrogate dilations if combined with glibenclamide. Arteriolar dilations induced by electrical stimulation of motor nerves require muscular contractions and are not elicited by acetylcholine spillover from neuromuscular synapses. The dilations are mediated by redundant mechanisms, mainly activation of KATP channels and release of NO. The contribution of K+ channels and hyperpolarization sets the stage for ascending dilations that are crucial for a coordinated response in the network.
The loci of Stroop effects: a critical review of methods and evidence for levels of processing contributing to color-word Stroop effects and the implications for the loci of attentional selection
Authors: Parris Benjamin A. , Hasshim Nabil , Wadsley Michael , Augustinova Maria , Ferrand Ludovic
Published: August 2021

Despite instructions to ignore the irrelevant word in the Stroop task, it robustly influences the time it takes to identify the color, leading to performance decrements (interference) or enhancements (facilitation). The present review addresses two questions: (1) What levels of processing contribute to Stroop effects; and (2) Where does attentional selection occur? The methods that are used in the Stroop literature to measure the candidate varieties of interference and facilitation are critically evaluated and the processing levels that contribute to Stroop effects are discussed. It is concluded that the literature does not provide clear evidence for a distinction between conflicting and facilitating representations at phonological, semantic and response levels (together referred to as informational conflict), because the methods do not currently permit their isolated measurement. In contrast, it is argued that the evidence for task conflict as being distinct from informational conflict is strong and, thus, that there are at least two loci of attentional selection in the Stroop task. Evidence suggests that task conflict occurs earlier, has a different developmental trajectory and is independently controlled which supports the notion of a separate mechanism of attentional selection. The modifying effects of response modes and evidence for Stroop effects at the level of response execution are also discussed. It is argued that multiple studies claiming to have distinguished response and semantic conflict have not done so unambiguously and that models of Stroop task performance need to be modified to more effectively account for the loci of Stroop effects.
Experience-dependent reshaping of body gender perception
Authors: D’Argenio Giulia , Finisguerra Alessandra , Urgesi Cosimo
Published: August 2021

Protracted exposure to specific stimuli causes biased visual aftereffects at both low- and high-level dimensions of a stimulus. Recently, it has been proposed that alterations of these aftereffects could play a role in body misperceptions. However, since previous studies have mainly addressed manipulations of body size, the relative contribution of low-level retinotopic and/or high-level object-based mechanisms is yet to be understood. In three experiments, we investigated visual aftereffects for body-gender perception, testing for the tuning of visual aftereffects across different characters and orientation. We found that exposure to a distinctively female (or male) body makes androgynous bodies appear as more masculine (or feminine) and that these aftereffects were not specific for the individual characteristics of the adapting body (Exp.1). Furthermore, exposure to only upright bodies (Exp.2) biased the perception of upright, but not of inverted bodies, while exposure to both upright and inverted bodies (Exp.3) biased perception for both. Finally, participants’ sensitivity to body aftereffects was lower in individuals with greater communication deficits and deeper internalization of a male gender role. Overall, our data reveals the orientation-, but not identity-tuning of body-gender aftereffects and points to the association between alterations of the malleability of body gender perception and social deficits.
3D holotomographic monitoring of Ca++ dynamics during ionophore-induced Neospora caninum tachyzoite egress from primary bovine host endothelial cells
Authors: Larrazabal C. , Hermosilla C. , Taubert A. , Conejeros I.
Published: August 2021

Neospora caninum represents an obligate intracellular parasite that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa and is a major abortive agent in bovines. During merogony, N. caninum tachyzoites invade and proliferate in host cells in vivo, including endothelial cells of lymphatic and blood vessels. The egress at the end of the lytic cycle is tightly regulated in apicomplexans. Evidence in Toxoplasma gondii shows that Ca++ signalling governs tachyzoite egress. Much less is known on egress mechanisms of N. caninum. Here, we show, using 3D live cell holotomographic microscopy in fluo-4 AM-loaded N. caninum-infected BUVEC, that treatments with the calcium ionophore A23187 at 24- and 42-h post-infection (h p. i.) induced a fast and sustained increase in Ca++ signals in parallel to tachyzoite egress. A23187 treatments exclusively triggered tachyzoite release at 42-h p. i. but failed to do so at 24-h p. i. indicating a role for meront maturation in calcium-induced tachyzoite egress. Overall, we show that live cell 3D holotomographic analysis in combination with epifluorescence is a suitable tool to study calcium dynamics related to coccidian egress or other important cell functions.
Impurity Profiling of Baclofen Using Gradient HPLC–UV Method
Authors: Leistner Adrian , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: August 2021

The GABABreceptor agonist baclofen is a medication commonly used for the treatment of muscle spasticity. It is an amino acid and related to the neurotransmitter GABA. In this study, we developed a new, gradient high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the impurity assessment of baclofen, which is appropriate for pharmacopoeial purposes. Since the impurities related to the synthesis pathway are acids, zwitterionic, or neutral, the method development is challenging. However, the separation of all components was achieved on a C18 stationary phase using a water–acetonitrile–trifluoroacetic acid gradient. A limit of detection (LOD) of at least 0.02% was registered for all specified impurities. Additionally, CAD detection was performed to detect potential impurities lacking off a chromophore. The baclofen batches analyzed are far more pure than expected. All impurities were found below the specification limit, and thus, they can be regarded as unspecified. Moreover, the required runtime could be significantly reduced compared to the current USP or Ph. Eur. method.
Correction to: Restrictions on natural regeneration of storm‑felled spruce sites by silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) through limitations in fructification and seed dispersal
Authors: Tiebel Katharina , Huth Franka , Frischbier Nico , Wagner Sven
Published: August 2021

The article “Restrictions on natural regeneration of storm-felled spruce sites by silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) through limitations in fructification and seed dispersal”, written by Katharina Tiebel, Franka Huth, Nico Frischbier and Sven Wagner, was originally published Online First without Open Access.
Genetic diversity and relatedness in aquaculture and marina populations of the invasive tunicate Didemnum vexillum in the British Isles
Authors: Prentice M. B. , Vye S. R. , Jenkins S. R. , Shaw P. W. , Ironside J. E.
Published: August 2021

Introductions of invasive, non-native species in the marine environment are increasing as human activity within coastal areas rises. Genetic datasets are useful tools to identify source populations, track routes of invasions, and illuminate the role of genetic variation in the establishment and subsequent spread of novel introductions. Here, a microsatellite dataset is used to estimate the genetic diversity and population structure of 7 introduced Didemnum vexillum populations in Britain and Ireland, 4 of which are associated with aquaculture and 3 with marinas. Genetic differentiation observed between these populations indicates human-mediated transport as the main mechanism underlying the population structure of D. vexillum in Britain and Ireland. In addition to elucidating patterns of population structure we found that aquaculture sites showed significantly higher genetic diversity (measured as allelic richness) in comparison to the marina sites. We discuss these findings in relation to the history of each invasion, the complex life history of D. vexillum, and available evidence of the relative invasiveness of these populations. Our results show numerous interesting patterns which highlight further research avenues to elucidate the complex factors underlying the global spread of this successful invader.
Divergent, plausible, and relevant climate futures for near- and long-term resource planning
Authors: Lawrence David J. , Runyon Amber N. , Gross John E. , Schuurman Gregor W. , Miller Brian W.
Published: August 2021

Scenario planning has emerged as a widely used planning process for resource management in situations of consequential, irreducible uncertainty. Because it explicitly incorporates uncertainty, scenario planning is regularly employed in climate change adaptation. An early and essential step in developing scenarios is identifying “climate futures”—descriptions of the physical attributes of plausible future climates that could occur at a specific place and time. Divergent climate futures that describe the broadest possible range of plausible conditions support information needs of decision makers, including understanding the spectrum of potential resource responses to climate change, developing strategies robust to that range, avoiding highly consequential surprises, and averting maladaptation. Here, we discuss three approaches for generating climate futures: a Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)-ensemble, a quadrant-average, and an individual-projection approach. All are designed to capture relevant uncertainty, but they differ in utility for different applications, complexity, and effort required to implement. Using an application from Big Bend National Park as an example of numerous similar efforts to develop climate futures for National Park Service applications over the past decade, we compare these approaches, focusing on their ability to capture among-projection divergence during early-, mid-, and late-twenty-first century periods to align with near-, mid-, and long-term planning efforts. The quadrant-average approach and especially the individual-projection approach captured a broader range of plausible future conditions than the RCP-ensemble approach, particularly in the near term. Therefore, the individual-projection approach supports decision makers seeking to understand the broadest potential characterization of future conditions. We discuss tradeoffs associated with different climate future approaches and highlight suitable applications.
Hydrodynamical Model for Charge Transport in Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Camiola Vito Dario , Nastasi Giovanni
Published: August 2021

We present a hydrodynamical model for graphene nanoribbons that takes into account the electron collisions with the lattice and with the edge of the ribbon. Moreover the bandgap due to the low dimension of the ribbon is considered. The simulation shows that the model describes qualitatively the macroscopic behavior of the charges and the results are comparable with that ones obtained by solving numerically the Boltzmann equation but with a remarkable reduction of the computational time.
Engagement in Prescription Opioid Tapering Research: the EMPOWER Study and a Coproduction Model of Success
Authors: Mardian Aram , Perez Luzmercy , Pun Ting , Cheung Matthias , Porter Joel , De Bruyne Korina , Kao Ming-Chih , Flood Pamela , Moore Nathaniel , Colloca Luana , Cramer Eric , Ashton-James Claire E. , Lorig Kate , Mackey Sean C. , Darnall Beth D.
Published: August 2021

Patients with chronic pain experience stigma within the healthcare system. This stigma is compounded for those taking long-term prescription opioids. Often, public messaging and organizational policies have telegraphed that opioid treatment is a problem to be solved by focusing only on medication reduction efforts. Lack of data has contributed to misperceptions and poor opioid policies. In part, data collection remains poor because patients feel fractured from systems of care and are often not interested in engaging with opioid reduction mandates and research. Similarly, clinicians may fail to engage with opioid stewardship and research due to complexities that exceed their training or capacities. The EMPOWER study applies a coproduction model that engages researchers, patients, clinicians, managers, and other health system users. Key stakeholders shaped the design of the study to best ensure acceptability and engagement of the “end users”—patients who enroll in the study and the clinicians who implement the opioid tapers. Targeting the needs of any stakeholder group in isolation is suboptimal. Accordingly, we detail the EMPOWER patient-centered opioid tapering clinical research framework and specific strategies to address stakeholder concerns. We also discuss how this framework may be applied to enhance engagement in healthcare research broadly.
Subcortical brain structure in children with developmental coordination disorder: A T1-weighted volumetric study
Authors: Grohs Melody N. , Lebel Catherine , Carlson Helen L. , Craig Brandon T. , Dewey Deborah
Published: August 2021

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder occurring in 5–6% of school-aged children. Converging evidence suggests that dysfunction within cortico-striatal and cortico-cerebellar networks may contribute to motor deficits in DCD, yet limited research has examined the brain morphology of these regions. Using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging the current study investigated cortical and subcortical volumes in 37 children with DCD, aged 8 to 12 years, and 48 controls of a similar age. Regional brain volumes of the thalamus, basal ganglia, cerebellum and primary motor and sensory cortices were extracted using the FreeSurfer recon-all pipeline and compared between groups. Reduced volumes within both the left and right pallidum (Left: F = 4.43,p = 0.039; Right: F = 5.24,p = 0.025) were observed in children with DCD; however, these results did not withstand correction for multiple comparisons. These findings provide preliminary evidence of altered subcortical brain structure in DCD. Future studies that examine the morphology of these subcortical regions are highly encouraged in order replicate these findings.
Management of Laryngotracheal Stenosis in Obesity. Is This Another Co-morbidity that Can Be Improved with Weight Loss Following Bariatric Surgery?
Authors: Fehervari Matyas , Patel Shivali , Towning Rebecca , Haire Kevin , Al Yaghchi Chadwan , Sabharwal Atika , Sandhu Guri , Efthimiou Evangelos
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Bariatric surgery improves several obesity-related comorbidities. Laryngotracheal stenosis is a rare condition that is usually managed with repeated endoscopic airway interventions and reconstructive airway surgery. The outcome of these definitive operations is worse in individuals with obesity. There are no studies investigating the effect of weight loss following bariatric surgery in the management of laryngotracheal stenosis.

Materials and Methods

In an observational study, consecutive patients with a BMI over 35 kg/m2 and laryngotracheal stenosis were prospectively recruited to a bariatric and airway stenosis database in two tertiary care centres. Patients were treated with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy and control subjects were managed conservatively.

Results

A total of eleven patients with an initial body mass index of 43 kg/m2 (37–45) were enrolled to this study. Six patients underwent bariatric surgery and five subjects were treated conservatively. After 12 months, the total weight loss of patients undergoing bariatric surgery was 19.4% (14–24%) whilst 2.3% (1–3%) in the control group. The annual number of endoscopic airway interventions following bariatric surgery reduced (p = 0.002). Higher weight loss in patients led to less frequent interventions compared to control subjects (p = 0.004). Patients undergoing laryngotracheal reconstruction following bariatric surgery needed less endoscopic intervention, an annual average of 1.9 interventions before vs 0.5 intervention after. Conservatively managed control subjects required more frequent endoscopic intervention, 1.8 before vs 3.4 after airway reconstruction.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery reduced the number of endoscopic airway interventions and enabled patients to undergo successful definitive airway reconstructive surgery.
Digestive Enzyme Activity and Protein Degradation in Plasma of Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Courelli Vasiliki , Ahmad Alla , Ghassemian Majid , Pruitt Chris , Mills Paul J. , Schmid-Schönbein Geert W.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Heart failure is associated with degradation of cell functions and extracellular matrix proteins, but the trigger mechanisms are uncertain. Our recent evidence shows that active digestive enzymes can leak out of the small intestine into the systemic circulation and cause cell dysfunctions and organ failure.

Methods

Accordingly, we investigated in morning fasting plasma of heart failure (HF) patients the presence of pancreatic trypsin, a major enzyme responsible for digestion.

Results

Western analysis shows that trypsin in plasma is significantly elevated in HF compared to matched controls and their concentrations correlate with the cardiac dysfunction biomarker BNP and inflammatory biomarkers CRP and TNF-α. The plasma trypsin levels in HF are accompanied by elevated pancreatic lipase concentrations. The trypsin has a significantly elevated activity as determined by substrate cleavage. Mass spectrometry shows that the number of plasma proteins in the HF patients is similar to controls while the number of peptides was increased about 20% in HF patients. The peptides are derived from extracellular and intracellular protein sources and exhibit cleavage sites by trypsin as well as other degrading proteases (data are availableviaProteomeXchange with identifier PXD026332).

Connclusions

These results provide the first evidence that active digestive enzymes leak into the systemic circulation and may participate in myocardial cell dysfunctions and tissue destruction in HF patients.

Conclusions

These results provide the first evidence that active digestive enzymes leak into the systemic circulation and may participate in myocardial cell dysfunctions and tissue destruction in HF patients.
The effects of language on patience: an experimental replication study of the linguistic-savings hypothesis in Austria
Authors: Angerer Silvia , Glätzle-Rützler Daniela , Lergetporer Philipp , Sutter Matthias
Published: August 2021

The famous linguistic-savings hypothesis states that languages that grammatically separate the future from the present (like English) causally induce less future-oriented behavior than languages in which speakers can refer to the future using present tense (like German or Chinese). Chen et al., European Economic Review 120 (2019) experimentally investigate the effect of using future-oriented language on incentivized intertemporal choices and find no support for the hypothesis. We replicate Chen et al., European Economic Review 120 (2019)’s study in the German-speaking context. In our experiment with 332 subjects, we randomly refer to future payments using present or future tense and find no causal effect of language on intertemporal choice. Given the importance of replications for confidence in scientific findings, our results provide corroborating evidence that the linguistic-savings hypothesis is not empirically tenable. Eventually, the results provide a methodological contribution to the conduct of experiments.
Nonlinear vibration of the spiral bevel gear under periodic torque considering multiple elastic deformation evaluations due to different bearing supports
Authors: Samani Farhad S. , Salajegheh Moein , Molaie Moslem
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates two parameters effect on vibrational responses of the spiral bevel gear. Changing the gear system overall stiffness (GSOS) considering elastic deformation and periodic torques are the two parameters which are represented as the main goals of this study. In order to investigate the effects of shaft stiffness and elastic deformation, two different cases with different support locations are considered. The first case is presented by locating the support close to the gear, and in the latter one, the distance between gear and support is increased. Besides, to study the effect of torque, two main types are considered: constant and periodic excitation torque. To illustrate the dynamic behavior, the governing differential equations are solved numerically according to the Runge–Kutta method. The equations are nonlinear due to backlash and time-varying coefficients as the results of GSOS variation. Vibrational phenomena are illustrated by means of bifurcation diagrams, RMS, and Poincaré maps. Particular vibrational behaviors such as “chaos” and “period-doubling” phenomena are illustrated with details. By investigating the effect of shaft stiffness, results show that when the support is far away from gear, the vibration response increased by 67.5%. Moreover, while the input torque is constant, the support movement does not cause undesirable responses such as chaotic or period-doubling responses. The periodic torque causes undesirable responses such as chaos and bifurcation and period-doubling responses.

Article Highlights

What is done in the present paper can be mentioned in three main parts:

The nonlinear dynamics of the spiral bevel gear pair under two different support situations is investigated in this paper.

To scrutinize the dynamic behavior of the spiral bevel gear-pair in a nearly real situation, the input driver torque is periodically variable.

The results show that the spiral bevel gear pair may comprise chaotic response with periodic torque excitation if the bearing supports locate far enough from the gears.
Bulking Based Porosity Method to Predict Floodable Volume of Longwall Gob
Authors: Silvis Joshua M. , Hasenfus Greg J. , Haines Allison M.
Published: August 2021

The floodable volume of longwall gob can be of great importance in developing accurate coal mine operation plans, particularly for mine water management and environmental control strategies. Given the inaccessibility and difficulty in direct measurement of gob characteristics following gob recompression, hydrologic, geomechanical, and spatial data and principles were used to solve for the porosity and height of the residual gob using a mathematical model framework and bulking-based techniques. Based on this approach, gob porosity of Appalachian longwalls appears to be tighter than previously reported, ranging between 4.99 and 14.31%. Residual gob height, as normalized with respect to mine extraction height, ranges between 1.90 and 2.45. A novel, bedding-based bulking approach is ampliative with respect to existing roof caving and bulking fundamentals, as it has greater explanatory value compared with the traditional, lithologic-based bulking application. The efficacy of using the residual gob characteristics determined by the mathematical model and bedding-based bulking is examined using a causal comparative method, whereby time series prediction of historical groundwater rebound is compared with observed mine pool elevation data. Prediction accuracy is significantly improved using a prototype model to calculate void volume of longwall gob, specifically, the dependence of porosity of the gob material upon the longwall width to overburden depth ratio for movement basins of subcritical and critical panel widths. The potential implication of these findings toward hydrologic, geomechanical, and ventilation studies of longwall gob could be significant.
The Genome Sequence Archive Family: Toward Explosive Data Growth and Diverse Data Types
Authors: Chen Tingting , Chen Xu , Zhang Sisi , Zhu Junwei , Tang Bixia , Wang Anke , Dong Lili , Zhang Zhewen , Yu Caixia , Sun Yanling , Chi Lianjiang , Chen Huanxin , Zhai Shuang , Sun Yubin , Lan Li , Zhang Xin , Xiao Jingfa , Bao Yiming , Wang Yanqing , Zhang Zhang , Zhao Wenming
Published: August 2021

The Genome Sequence Archive (GSA) is a data repository for archiving raw sequence data, which provides data storage and sharing services for worldwide scientific communities. Considering explosive data growth with diverse data types, here we present the GSA family by expanding into a set of resources for raw data archive with different purposes, namely, GSA (https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/gsa/), GSA for Human (GSA-Human, https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/gsa-human/), and Open Archive for Miscellaneous Data (OMIX, https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/omix/). Compared with the 2017 version, GSA has been significantly updated in data model, online functionalities, and web interfaces. GSA-Human, as a new partner of GSA, is a data repository specialized in human genetics-related data with controlled access and security. OMIX, as a critical complement to the two resources mentioned above, is an open archive for miscellaneous data. Together, all these resources form a family of resources dedicated to archiving explosive data with diverse types, accepting data submissions from all over the world, and providing free open access to all publicly available data in support of worldwide research activities.
Laparoscopic two-stage operation for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer: A case report
Authors: Nguyen Hai V. , Nguyen Dung T.T. , Nguyen Anh T. , Phan Nam T.
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction and importance:

The optimal treatment for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer (OLCC) remains controversial. While open multi-stage operation is accepted widely, proportion of using laparoscopic surgery remains low with the conversion rate to open surgery up to 25%. Studies about performing laparoscopic surgery in all stages of treatment patients with resectable OLCC are scarce on literature, probably owing to difficulties of performing the operation in acute colonic obstruction. Here we report a patient with OLCC who was treated by laparoscopic two-stage operation in the same admission.

Case presentation:

A 87-year-old male admitted with symptoms and signs of low intestinal obstruction for 10 days. He had no severe comorbidities, except right hip joint replacement 10 years before. Clinical and CT findings confirmed obstructive middle rectal cancer which was at stage cT3N2Mx. Because endoscopic stent placement and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were not available, multidisciplinary conference decided to perform laparoscopic two-stage operation. Laparoscopic loop colostomy was performed first with operative time of 65 minutes. In the first postoperative period, the patient was stabilized, fully evaluated and prepared for laparoscopic curative resection at postoperative day 12. The second intraoperative course was favourable with operative time of 215 minutes. The patient's recovery was uneventful. Total hospital stay was 20 days.

Clinical discussion:

Laparoscopic two-stage operation for OLCC is challenging but feasible. This approach requires both experienced laparoscopic colorectal surgeons and carefully selected patients. With the short interval between stages, adhesion and tumor spread may not be important consideration.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic two-stage operation is feasible, effective, and should be considered in treatment of selected patients with OLCC.

Highlights
Pornography Addiction: An Exploration of the Association Between Use, Perceived Addiction, Erectile Dysfunction, Premature (Early) Ejaculation, and Sexual Satisfaction in Males Aged 18-44 Years
Authors: Whelan Georgina , Brown Jac
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION

The way men consume pornography changed over the last decade, with increased numbers of men presenting with self-perceived Internet pornography (IP) addiction and related sexual dysfunction. A lack of consensus and formal recognition in the DSM-5 lead to a variety of definitions of IP addiction. Currently, the majority of evidence linking IP addiction and sexual dysfunction was derived from consumers, case studies, and qualitative research. Where empirical measures were used, researchers found mixed outcomes in sexual response. Inconclusive data appeared to relate to the conflation of IP use and self-perceived IP addiction, and normal variations in sexual response with clinical diagnosis of sexual dysfunction. Thus, further empirical clarification is required to assess the impact of both IP use and self-perceived IP addiction, on men’s sexual function.

Aims

This study has 3 aims: First, to assess if there is an association between IP use alone and erectile dysfunction (ED), premature (early) ejaculation (EE) and sexual satisfaction (SS); Second, to assess whether there is an association between self-perceived IP addiction and ED, EE and SS. Third, to assess whether IP use or self-perceived IP addiction uniquely predicts ED, EE, SS in men.

Method

Correlation and regression analysis was conducted on a cross-sectional sample of 942 heterosexual men aged 18-44 years who participated in an online survey sourced from Reddit IP subgroups.

Main Outcome Measures

Cyber-Pornography Use Inventory; International Index Erectile Dysfunction; The Checklist for Early Ejaculation Symptoms; New Sexual Satisfaction Scale; Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21.

RESULTS

There was no evidence for an association between IP use with ED, EE, or SS. However, there were small to moderate positive correlations between self-perceived IP addiction and ED, EE and sexual dissatisfaction. Further, self-perceived IP addiction uniquely predicted increased ED, EE and individual sexual dissatisfaction. Contrary to expectations, self-perceived IP addiction did not predict sexual dissatisfaction with one’s sexual partner.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IP use alone does not predict sexual dysfunction. Rather, self-perception of increased IP addiction was related to negative sexual outcomes. Thus, we concluded that subjective interpretation of ones IP use was a contributor to IP related sexual problems in our sample of males who share IP on social media sites. We recommend that clinicians consider self-perceived IP addiction as a possible contributing factor to sexual dysfunction.
Colonial Chaos in the Southern Red Sea
Authors: Smith Nicholas W. Stephenson
Published: August 2021

Today, the countries bordering the Red Sea are riven with instability. Why are the region's contemporary problems so persistent and interlinked? Through the stories of three compelling characters, Colonial Chaos sheds light on the unfurling of anarchy and violence during the colonial era. A noble Somali sultan, a cunning Yemeni militia leader, and a Machiavellian French merchant ran amok in the southern Red Sea in the nineteenth and twentieth century. In response to colonial hostility and gunboat diplomacy, they attacked shipwrecks, launched piratical attacks, and traded arms, slaves, and drugs. Their actions contributed to the transformation of the region's international relations, redrew the political map, upended its diplomatic culture, and remodelled its traditions of maritime law, sowing the seeds of future unrest. Colonisation created chaos in the southern Red Sea. Colonial Chaos offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationship between the region's colonial past and its contemporary instability.
Turkic
Authors: Johanson Lars
Published: August 2021

Turkic is one of the world's major language families, comprising a high number of distinct languages and varieties that display remarkable similarities and notable differences. Written by a leading expert in the field, this landmark work provides an unrivalled overview of multiple features of Turkic, covering structural, functional, historical, sociolinguistic and literary aspects. It presents the history and cultures of the speakers, structures, and use of the whole set of languages within the family, including Turkish, Azeri, Turkmen, Tatar, Kazakh, Uzbek, and Uyghur, and gives a comprehensive overview of published works on Turkic languages, large and small. It also provides an innovative theoretical framework, employing a unified terminology and transcription, to give new insights into the Turkic linguistic type. Requiring no previous knowledge of the Turkic languages, it will be welcomed by both general readers, as well as academic researchers and students of linguistic typology, comparative linguistics, and Turkic studies.
The Rockefeller Team Science Leadership training program: Curriculum, standardized assessment of competencies, and impact of returning assessments
Authors: Vaughan Roger , Romanick Michelle , Brassil Donna , Kost Rhonda , Neville-Williams Maija , Gottesman Riva , Devine Rita , Manukonda Prasanth , Ronning Andrea , O’Sullivan Barbara , Capili Bernadette , Macarthur Robert , Tobin Jonathan N. , Johnson Tesheia , Shapiro Eugene D. , Meagher Emma , Krueger James , Schlesinger Sarah , Coller Barry S.
Published: August 2021

The ability to effectively lead an interdisciplinary translational team is a crucial component of team science success. Most KL2 Clinical Scholars have been members of scientific teams, but few have been team science leaders. There is a dearth of literature and outcome measures of effective Team Science Leadership in clinical and translational research. We focused our curriculum to emphasize Team Science Leadership, developed a list of Team Science Leadership competencies for translational investigators using a modified Delphi method, and incorporated the competencies into a quantitative evaluation survey. The survey is completed on entry and annually thereafter by the Scholar; the Scholar’s primary mentor and senior staff who educate and interact with the Scholar rate the Scholar at the end of each year. The program leaders and mentor review the results with each Scholar. The survey scales had high internal consistency and good factor structure. Overall ratings by mentors and senior staff were generally high, but ratings by Scholars tended to be lower, offering opportunities for discussion and career planning. Scholars rated the process favorably. A Team Science Leadership curriculum and periodic survey of attained competencies can inform individual career development and guide team science curriculum development.
Primary decomposition in the smooth concordance group of topologically slice knots
Authors: Cha Jae Choon
Published: August 2021

We address primary decomposition conjectures for knot concordance groups, which predict direct sum decompositions into primary parts. We show that the smooth concordance group of topologically slice knots has a large subgroup for which the conjectures are true and there are infinitely many primary parts, each of which has infinite rank. This supports the conjectures for topologically slice knots. We also prove analogues for the associated graded groups of the bipolar filtration of topologically slice knots. Among ingredients of the proof, we use amenable$L^2$-signatures, Ozsváth-Szabód-invariants and Némethi’s result on Heegaard Floer homology of Seifert 3-manifolds. In an appendix, we present a general formulation of the notion of primary decomposition.
The associations of butyrate-producing bacteria of the gut microbiome with diet quality and muscle health
Authors: Davis Jessica A , Collier Fiona , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Pasco Julie A , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R , Jacka Felice N , Loughman Amy
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between diet quality, the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria of the gut microbiome and muscle mass, strength and function. In this cross-sectional study,n = 490 men (64.4 ± 13.5 years) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study provided food frequency questionnaire data, from which the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score were calculated. Muscle mass (skeletal muscle index from DXA-derived lean mass), muscle strength (handgrip strength) and muscle function (Timed Up-and-Go test) were measured. Participants provided stool samples for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. There was no evidence of associations between alpha or beta diversity and muscle health measures. A healthier ARFS score was positively associated with the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria (β0.09, 95%CI 0.03, 0.15) and a higher (pro-inflammatory) DII score was associated with lower relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria (β−0.60, 95%CI −1.06, −0.15). The relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria was positively associated with healthier muscle mass, strength and function; however, these relationships were attenuated in multivariable models. These findings support the role of diet quality in achieving a healthier gut microbiome, however, further evidence is required for a gut-muscle axis in humans.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebru Nardos Wondafrash , Gebreyesus Seifu Hagos , Hassen Hamid Yimam , Habtemariam Esete , Abebe Dawit Shawel
Published: August 2021

Eating behaviours have been associated both with being underweight or overweight and poor growth. The Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) is a widely used measure of child eating behaviours. The instrument is, however, mostly validated in high-income countries, with a scarcity of evidence among developing countries such as Ethiopia. The present study aims to assess the cultural adaptability and validity of the CEBQ to be used in Ethiopia. We conducted a school-based cross-sectional study among 542 caregivers of children aged 3–6 years in selected preschools. Tests of factorial validity, convergent validity and reliability were performed. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis model indicated that eight subscales provided the best fit (root-mean-square error of approximation = 0⋅05 (90 % CI 0⋅045, 0⋅055); Comparative Fit Index = 0⋅92 and Tucker–Lewis Index = 0⋅90) after seven items from the original CEBQ were removed. Convergent validity with child's weight status was found for emotional overeating, food fussiness, satiety responsiveness and slowness in eating subscales. Reliability, measured using Cronbach'sα, provided values between 0⋅50 and 0⋅79. The eight-factor structure of the CEBQ showed adequate content validity and provided factorial, discriminant and convergent validity among preschool children. Further replication of the study among low-income countries is essential to improve the literature on children's eating behaviours.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and body composition of breast-feeding mothers: the potential role of unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Tabasso Chiara , Mallardi Domenica , Corti Ylenia , Perrone Michela , Piemontese Pasqua , Liotto Nadia , Menis Camilla , Roggero Paola , Mosca Fabio
Published: August 2021

A paucity of evidence is available regarding the impact of diet's quality during pregnancy and lactation on the body composition of breast-feeding mothers. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between maternal degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and body composition measures specifically those relating to body fat, in the lactation period. A cross-sectional study on healthy mothers of full-term babies has been conducted. At 30 ± 10 d after delivery, anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed. A food frequency questionnaire was performed to compute the Italian Mediterranean Index (IMI) score as an index of adherence to the MD. Data related to pregnancy such as pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain and morbidities were also collected. The 147 mothers included were categorised in IMI-1 (IMI score < 5; n 92) and IMI-2 (IMI score ≥ 5; n 55) groups. IMI-2 mothers showed higher daily energy, total carbohydrates, starch and fibre intakes than IMI-1. The dietary habits of IMI-2 mothers reflect the typical characteristics of MD: they consumed higher quantities of proteins and lipids of vegetal origin, higher amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and lower saturated to PUFAs ratio. The IMI-2 group showed lower absolute fat mass and fat mass index compared to IMI-1 [(20⋅2 ± 5⋅9) v. (22⋅9 ± 8⋅4) kg; P 0⋅036 and (7⋅5 ± 2⋅2) v. (8⋅5 ± 3⋅1) kg/m2; P 0⋅036, respectively], whereas body weight [(61⋅1 ± 8⋅0) v. (63⋅3 ± 9⋅2) kg] and body mass index [(22⋅4 ± 2⋅6) v. (23⋅3 ± 3⋅5) kg/m2] were similar. The degree of adherence to the MD during pregnancy and lactation is positively associated with lower maternal fat deposition in the breast-feeding period. The higher quality of dietary lipids, probably in synergy with the assumption of starchy carbohydrates and fibre, could influence maternal body fat.