bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified os sepiae of Sepiella inermis as a low cost, sustainable, bio-based adsorbent for the effective remediation of boron from aqueous solution
Authors: Bhagyaraj Sneha , Al-Ghouti Mohammad A. , Khan Mariam , Kasak Peter , Krupa Igor
Published: May 2022

The occurrence of boron in low concentration is essential; however, a higher concentration of boron source in water has a toxic effect on humans as well as have retard effect on agricultural plant growth. Thus, the affordable and facile method to remediate water from higher boron concentrations is highly demanded. This report explores the ability of naturally occurring sustainable bio-wasteos sepiae(cuttlefish bone, CFB) as an effective adsorbent for the removal of boron from water. Chemical activation of theos sepiaepowder was examined to improve the efficiency of boron adsorption. A batch adsorption study for boron considering various parameters such as chemical modification ofos sepiae, pH, initial boron concentration, and the temperature was scrutinized. Untreated (CFB), alkali-treated (CFB-D) and acid-treated (CFB-A)os sepiaepowders were investigated and the adsorption capacities reached up to 53.8 ± 0.04 mg/g, 66.4 ± 0.02 mg/g and 69.8 ± 0.02 mg/g, respectively, at optimal pH 8 and 25 °C. Boron adsorption by CFB, CFB-D, and CFB-A were well fitted with the linear Freundlich adsorption isotherm model with a correlation coefficient of 99.4%, 99.8%, and 99.7% respectively. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption of boron by CFB is an exothermic process and more feasible at a lower temperature around 25 °C. Moreover, detailed morphological and chemical characterization of the influence of adsorbed boron on adsorbents was conducted and discussed. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis spectra confirms the involvement of various functional groups including amino, carbonate (CO3)2−, and hydroxyl groups on the adsorbent in the adsorption mechanisms for boron removal. The results indicate that CFB can be an excellent example for the recycling and reuse of biowaste for water remediation.
Rubrics enhance accuracy and reduce cognitive load in self-assessment
Authors: Krebs Rebecca , Rothstein Björn , Roelle Julian
Published: May 2022

Rubrics, which are designed to inform learners about assessment criteria and quality levels concerning a task assignment, are a widely used means to support learners in self-assessing their task performance. Usually, rubrics enhance task performance. Surprisingly, however, relatively little is known about the underlying mechanisms via which rubrics exert their beneficial effects. Although it is frequently suggested that the effects of rubrics on task performance are due to the fact that they support learners in accurately self-assessing their level of performance, which, in turn, paves the way for effective regulation, the empirical evidence that supports this notion is relatively scarce. Tightly controlled experimental studies, which allow isolating the effects of rubrics on the accuracy of self-assessments, are scarce. The present study was designed to close this gap. Specifically, in an experiment with N = 93 high school students we tested whether providing learners with a rubric in self-assessing the quality of self-written scientific abstracts would enhance judgment accuracy. As main results, we found that the rubric group showed higher absolute accuracy and lower bias. Furthermore, the rubric reduced cognitive load in self-assessing. These findings support the notion that one mechanism via which rubrics unfold their efficacy is by enhancing judgment accuracy.
The Role of Urban Environments in Promoting Active and Healthy Aging: A Systematic Scoping Review of Citizen Science Approaches
Authors: Wood G. E. R. , Pykett J. , Daw P. , Agyapong-Badu S. , Banchoff A. , King A. C. , Stathi A.
Published: May 2022

Promoting active and healthy aging in urban spaces requires environments with diverse, age-friendly characteristics. This scoping review investigated the associations between urban characteristics and active and healthy aging as identified by citizen science (CS) and other participatory approaches. Using a systematic scoping review procedure, 23 articles employing a CS or participatory approach (participant age range: 54–98 years) were reviewed. An inductive and deductive thematic analysis was completed to (a) identify local urban barriers and facilitators and (b) map them against the World Health Organization (WHO) Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities. A new Citizen Science Appraisal Tool (CSAT) was developed to evaluate the quality of CS and other participatory approaches included in the reviewed articles. A range of interconnected urban barriers and facilitators was generated by residents across the personal (e.g. perceived safety), environmental (e.g. unmaintained infrastructure), socio-cultural (e.g. cross-cultural activities), economic (e.g. affordable housing) and political (e.g. governmental support to migrant communities) domains. Mapping the barriers and facilitators to the WHO age-friendly checklist underscored the checklist’s relevance and elucidated the need to explore barriers for migrant and cross-cultural communities and neighborhood development and alterations. The CSAT demonstrated strengths related to active engagement of residents and study outcomes leading to real-world implications. To advance the potential of CS to enrich our understanding of age-friendly environments, employing co-production to enhance relevance and sustainability of outcomes is an important strategy. Overall, employing CS highlighted the value of systematically capturing the experiences of older adults within studies aimed at promoting active and healthy aging.
Circumscription and typification of sphagnicolous omphalinoid species of Arrhenia (Hygrophoraceae) in Newfoundland and Labrador: three obligate and one facultative species
Authors: Voitk Andrus , Saar Irja , Moncada Bibiana , Lickey Edgar B.
Published: May 2022

Molecular studies of sphagnicolous arrhenias in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) revealed four clades in Arrhenia, three obligate (two scaly capped and one smooth-capped) and one facultative (smooth-capped) sphagnophiles. Critical nomenclatural review of 16 names used for omphalinoid sphagnicolous taxa in the past left five suitable to apply to this group. One scaly capped obligate sphagnophilic clade contained the type for Arr. gerardiana and the other, the type for Clitocybe gerardiana var. fusca; the latter we introduce as the novel species Arr. bigelowii. It differed from the first by longer spores and a darkening reaction in 10% of collections. The smooth-capped third obligate sphagnophilic clade contained the types of Agaricus telmatiaeus and Omphalina fusconigra; we recombined it as Arr. telmatiaea. This is the darkest species of the group, with a more northern distribution in NL. The facultative sphagnophile was identified as Arr. philonotis, a lighter smooth-capped species also with a more northern distribution in NL. Unexpectedly, we also collected an unidentified smooth-capped facultatively sphagnophilic species of Omphalina of the O. pyxidata complex. All five species are distributed in both Europe and North America. We describe each species of Arrhenia with a sequenced type, providing new type material where needed. Overall, this study adds new sequences from over 80 specimens of sphagnicolous arrhenias to the two existing in GenBank when we began in 2006, 11 new sequences of the unidentified species of Omphalina, and several other arrhenias.
The Pathogenesis of Central and Complex Sleep Apnea
Authors: Roberts Erin Grattan , Raphelson Janna R. , Orr Jeremy E. , LaBuzetta Jamie Nicole , Malhotra Atul
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to review the recent literature on central apnea. Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is characterized by apneas (cessation in breathing), and hypopneas (reductions in breathing), that occur during sleep. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is sleep disordered breathing in which there is an absence or diminution of respiratory effort during breathing disturbances while asleep. In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), on the other hand, there is an absence of flow despite ongoing ventilatory effort.

Recent Findings

Central sleep apnea is a heterogeneous disease with multiple clinical manifestations.

OSA is by far the more common condition; however, CSA is highly prevalent among certain patient groups. Complex sleep apnea (CompSA) is defined as the occurrence/emergence of CSA upon treatment of OSA. Similarly, there is considerable overlap between CSA and OSA in pathogenesis as well as impacts. Thus, understanding sleep disordered breathing is important for many practicing clinicians.
Association of hepatitis B vaccine response to vitamin D supplementation and ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure during different time intervals in experimental animals
Authors: Youssry Sara , Shalaby Thanaa , Maher Al-Shaimaa , Ghoneim Hossam
Published: May 2022

The implications of vitamin D deficiency on the immune system have become clearer in recent years, being associated with less immune response following HBV vaccine. We aimed to elucidate the effect of vitamin D supplementation and UVB exposure on short- and long-term performance of hepatitis B vaccine. Forty-five male rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups that were immunized with recombinant HBsAg. The first group (group I) represented a negative control group, whereas group III rabbits were administered with commercially available 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D as an alternative for UVB exposure in group II. Results showed that vitamin D concentrations were significantly higher in UVB exposed group compared to both negative control and vitamin D-supplemented groups during short- and long-time intervals. In addition, means of anti-HBsAg isotypes’ levels and anti-HBsAg IgG avidity% were significantly higher in negative control group compared to other groups during short- and long-time intervals. Moreover, vitamin D serum concentration was positively correlated with anti-HBsAg IgG level and avidity % in both negative control and vitamin D-supplemented groups, while it was negatively correlated with anti-HBsAg IgM level in negative control group. It can be concluded from the above results that UVB radiation may have both augmenting and suppressive effects and that circulating serum vitamin D concentration may have a positive association with premium immune modulation following HBV vaccination.
Encompassing statistically unquantifiable randomness in goal programming: an application to portfolio selection
Authors: Bravo Mila , Jones Dylan , Pla-Santamaria David , Salas-Molina Francisco
Published: May 2022

Random events make multiobjective programming solutions vulnerable to changes in input data. In many cases statistically quantifiable information on variability of relevant parameters may not be available for decision making. This situation gives rise to the problem of obtaining solutions based on subjective beliefs and a priori risk aversion to random changes. To solve this problem, we propose to replace the traditional weighted goal programming achievement function with a new function that considers the decision maker’s perception of the randomness associated with implementing the solution through the use of a penalty term. This new function also implements the level of a priori risk aversion based around the decision maker’s beliefs and perceptions. The proposed new formulation is illustrated by means of a variant of the mean absolute deviation portfolio selection model. As a result, difficulties imposed by the absence of statistical information about random events can be encompassed by a modification of the achievement function to pragmatically consider subjective beliefs.
A self-organizing map approach for constrained multi-objective optimization problems
Authors: He Chao , Li Ming , Zhang Congxuan , Chen Hao , Zhong Peilong , Li Zhengxiu , Li Junhua
Published: May 2022

There exist many multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs) containing several inequality and equality constraints in practical applications, which are known as CMOPs. CMOPs pose great challenges for existing multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) since the difficulty in balancing the objective minimization and constraint satisfaction. Without loss of generality, the distribution of the Pareto set for a continuous m-objective CMOP can be regarded as a piecewise continuous manifold of dimension (m − 1). According to this property, a self-organizing map (SOM) approach for constrained multi-objective optimization problems is proposed in this article. In the proposed approach, we adopt the strategy of two population evolution, in which one population is evolved by considering all the constraints and the other population is used to assist in exploring the areas. In the evolutionary stage, each population is assigned a self-organizing map for discovering the population distribution structure in the decision space. After the topological mapping, we utilize the extracted neighborhood relationship information to generate promising offspring solutions. Afterwards, the neuron weight vectors of SOM are updated by the objective vectors of the surviving offsprings. Through the proposed approach, we can make the population efficiently converge to the feasible region with suitable levels of diversity. In the experiments, we compare the proposed method with several state-of-the-art approaches by using 48 benchmark problems. The evaluation results indicate that the overwhelmingly superior performance of the proposed method over the other peer algorithms on most of the tested problems. The source code is available at https://github.com/hccccc92918/CMOSMA.
Frontiers of sphere recognition in practice
Authors: Joswig Michael , Lofano Davide , Lutz Frank H. , Tsuruga Mimi
Published: May 2022

Sphere recognition is known to be undecidable in dimensions five and beyond, and no polynomial time method is known in dimensions three and four. Here we report on positive and negative computational results with the goal to explore the limits of sphere recognition from a practical point of view. An important ingredient are randomly constructed discrete Morse functions.
Preliminary results of the first lithic raw material survey in the piedmont zones of Kazakhstan
Authors: Namen Abay , Cuthbertson Patrick , Varis Aristeidis , Schmidt Patrick , Taimagambetov Zhaken , Iovita Radu
Published: May 2022

The study of raw materials was comprehensively studied in European and African Palaeolithic. However, systematic research of raw material sourcing has not been undertaken for the Palaeolithic of Kazakhstan, such surveys being embedded in reconnaissance works aimed at discovering new Palaeolithic sites. Our work presents preliminary results of the first lithic raw material survey in Kazakhstan. This study distinguishes the geographic patterns of land-use and their correlation with the stone tools from stratified sites. We describe primary and secondary sources of raw materials and compare macroscopically with the lithic assemblages. The survey results show a heterogeneous distribution of raw materials throughout the study regions. Macroscopic observations of lithic assemblages, and data extracted from literature suggest that hominins primarily selected local raw materials. Regional differences in the utilisation of a particular type of raw material which can be observed through the macroscopic examination of the lithic collections are confirmed by survey results.
Effect of drug aceclofenac on physicochemical properties of mixed micellar systems
Authors: Sheelarani B. , Paul Raj E. , Joshi R. G. , Dash Sasmita
Published: May 2022

In this article, the effect of the drug aceclofenac (ACF) on the properties of three mixed micellar systems are studied. The three systems were pluronic L64 + F127 (nonionic-nonionic), pluronic L64 + CTAB (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide), (nonionic-cationic) and L64 + SDS (Sodium dodecyl sulphate), (nonionic-anionic) combinations. The physicochemical parameters were characterized by different techniques such as UV visible spectroscopy, FTIR, conductance, DLS, and SEM. The presence of ACF affected the nonionic-ionic mixed micelles more than the nonionic-nonionic group as evidenced by UV spectroscopy. From the DLS measurement, it was observed that ACF enhanced the size of the single micelle of pluronic L64 from 98 to 168 nm. The size of the cationic mixed micelle with ACF displayed 329 nm and the anionic mixed one showed 291 nm suggesting enhanced entrapment efficiency of their mixed micelle compared to the single micelles. The size was also reconfirmed by SEM analysis. From the conductivity measurements of the two nonionic-ionic micellar systems, the counter ion binding constant β, and the thermodynamic parameters ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS were determined. The negative value of ΔG infers spontaneous binding between ACF and ionic mixed micelles.

Article highlights

Ionic mixed micelles are more effective than nonionic pair.

ACF has more spontaneous binding with anionic mixed micelle compared to cationic.

The drug entrapment efficiency is better in mixed micelles than in single micelles.
WTO Agreement on Safeguards and Article XIX of GATT
Authors: Piérola-Castro Fernando
Published: May 2022

Drawing upon Fernando Piérola-Castro's extensive experience as a WTO practitioner, this book is a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of safeguard measures. With each chapter exploring a different provision of the agreement, it explores the relevant rules and procedures that govern safeguard investigations, the imposition of measures, the question of consultations and rebalancing and the multilateral transparency requirements of notification. Grounded in relevant case law, this book emphasises practice, logistics and risk management. Without focussing on the practice of any particular jurisdiction, it offers a general framework that can be applied to several domestic laws. It is a practical manual with the view of assisting in day-to-day problems in the handling of safeguard matters.
Wake transitions and steady -instability of an Ahmed body in varying flow conditions
Authors: Fan Yajun , Parezanović Vladimir , Cadot Olivier
Published: May 2022

The paper investigates experimentally the flow past a flat-back, taller than wide Ahmed body having rectangular base aspect ratio$H/W=1.11$in the context of ground vehicle aerodynamics. Parametric studies at Reynolds number$2.1\times 10^5$explore the sensitivity of the aerodynamic force and body pressure distribution with respect to varying flow conditions defined from variable ground clearance$C$(taken at mid-distance from the front and rear axles of the body), pitch angle$\alpha$, and yaw angle$\beta$(equivalent to a crosswind). Two-dimensional parametric maps in the parametric spaces$(\beta,C)$and$(\beta,\alpha )$are obtained for parameter ranges covering real road vehicle driving conditions. The study of the base pressure gradient reveals non-trivial and sharp transitions identified as significant changes of near wake orientation in both parametric spaces. All unsteady transitions correspond to fluctuation crises of the vertical gradient component only. These transitions are summarized in phase diagram representations. Both phase diagrams in$(\beta,C)$and$(\beta,\alpha )$parametric spaces can be unified at large yaw in the$(\beta,C_r)$space, where the rear clearance$C_r$separating the lower edge of the base from the ground is a simple function of the pitch$\alpha$and the clearance$C$. The impacts of the wake transitions are clearly identified in the base drag, drag, lift and side force coefficients. The contribution of the steady near wake$z$-instability (Grandemangeet al.,Phys. Fluids, vol. 25, 2013a, pp. 95–103) is assessed by repeating the sensitivity analysis with a rear cavity. As reported previously, the rear cavity suppresses the steady instability by symmetrizing the wake. A domain for the existence of the instability is finally proposed in the attitudes map$(\beta,\alpha )$defined from regions where the mean lateral force coefficients are significantly decreased by the presence of the rear cavity. In addition, it is found that the steady instability forces the wake to be less unsteady for all attitudes that do not correspond to unsteady transitions.
Feasibility, acceptability and evaluation of meditation to augment yoga practice among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia
Authors: Bhatia Triptish , Kumari Nupur , Yadav Ashok , Beniwal Ram Pratap , Shah Gyandeepak , Joel Wood , Jones Jacquelynn R. , Iyenger Satish , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L. , Deshpande Smita N
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To design a meditation protocol and test its feasibility, acceptability and efficacy in conjunction with yoga training (YT) for persons with schizophrenia (SZ).

Methods:

The meditation protocol consisted of Anapana (observing normal respiration) and Yoga Nidra (supine, restful awareness). In a single-blind randomised controlled trial, medicated and clinically stable outpatients diagnosed with SZ were randomised to receive treatment as usual (TAU), TAU augmented with YT or TAU augmented with meditation and yoga training (MYT) for 3 weeks (N = 145). Acceptability, clinical, social and cognitive functions were assessed after 3-week and 3-month post-randomisation using within-group and between-group analyses with repeated measures multivariate tests.

Results:

No group-wise differences in compliance, study discontinuation, major/serious side effects or adverse events were noted. For six assessed clinical variables, the direction of changes were in the desired direction and the effect sizes were greater in the MYT group compared with the TAU group at both time points. Changes in social function variables were greater at 3 months than at 3 weeks. Nominally significant improvement in individual cognitive domains were noted in all groups at both time points. All effect sizes were in the small to medium range.

Conclusion:

MYT is feasible and acceptable and shows modest benefits for persons with SZ. MYT can also improve quality of life and clinical symptoms. Larger studies of longer duration are warranted.
THE ROLE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN DETERMINING THE LEGITIMACY OF GOVERNMENTS
Authors: Barber Rebecca
Published: May 2022

In 2021, unconstitutional transfers of power in Myanmar and Afghanistan highlighted that while States may desire a coherent response to questions about the status of governments, and may look for international guidance in such regard, there is no established process for providing such guidance. Thus, attention focuses on the General Assembly's credentials process, designed to assess the eligibility of delegates to represent their States at the UN. This article proposes that rather than the credentials process being stretched in this way, greater use should be made of the Assembly's competence to pass determinative resolutions on government legitimacy.
Franz Hildebrandt on the BBC: Wartime Broadcasting to Nazi Germany
Authors: SKILES WILLIAM
Published: May 2022

Franz Hildebrandt, a German pastor of Jewish descent, fled Nazi persecution in 1937, making his way to England, where he served as a minister in Cambridge. During the Second World War Hildebrandt worked with the British Broadcasting Corporation as one of a cadre of pastors, mostly refugees of Jewish descent, to preach German-language sermons over the airwaves. This article analyses Hildebrandt's sermons, delivered between 1942 and 1945, to an audience that risked prosecution and even death simply for listening. Within the constraints of a Christian worship service, Hildebrandt offered incisive criticisms of the Nazi regime from a distinctly religious perspective.
Depression, worry, and loneliness are associated with subsequent risk of hospitalization for COVID-19: a prospective study
Authors: Wang Siwen , Quan Luwei , Ding Ming , Kang Jae H. , Koenen Karestan C. , Kubzansky Laura D. , Branch-Elliman Westyn , Chavarro Jorge E. , Roberts Andrea L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Pre-pandemic psychological distress is associated with increased susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, but associations with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity are not established. The authors examined the associations between distress prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent risk of hospitalization.

Methods

Between April 2020 (baseline) and April 2021, we followed 54 781 participants from three ongoing cohorts: Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII), Nurses' Health Study 3 (NHS3), and the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS) who reported no current or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection at baseline. Chronic depression was assessed during 2010–2019. Depression, anxiety, worry about COVID-19, perceived stress, and loneliness were measured at baseline. SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 was self-reported. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated by Poisson regression.

Results

3663 participants reported a positive SARS-CoV-2 test (mean age = 55.0 years, standard deviation = 13.8) during follow-up. Among these participants, chronic depression prior to the pandemic [RR = 1.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20–2.46], and probable depression (RR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.08–3.03), being very worried about COVID-19 (RR = 1.79; 95% CI 1.12–2.86), and loneliness (RR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.02–3.20) reported at baseline were each associated with subsequent COVID-19 hospitalization, adjusting for demographic factors and healthcare worker status. Anxiety and perceived stress were not associated with hospitalization. Depression, worry about COVID-19, and loneliness were as strongly associated with hospitalization as were high cholesterol and hypertension, established risk factors for COVID-19 severity.

Conclusions

Psychological distress may be a risk factor for hospitalization in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Assessment of psychological distress may identify patients at greater risk of hospitalization. Future work should examine whether addressing distress improves physical health outcomes.
Statistical power in clinical trials of interventions for mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders
Authors: de Vries Ymkje Anna , Schoevers Robert A. , Higgins Julian P. T. , Munafò Marcus R. , Bastiaansen Jojanneke A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous research has suggested that statistical power is suboptimal in many biomedical disciplines, but it is unclear whether power is better in trials for particular interventions, disorders, or outcome types. We therefore performed a detailed examination of power in trials of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.

Methods

We extracted data from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Mental Health). We focused on continuous efficacy outcomes and estimated power to detect predetermined effect sizes (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.20–0.80, primary SMD = 0.40) and meta-analytic effect sizes (ESMA). We performed meta-regression to estimate the influence of including underpowered studies in meta-analyses.

Results

We included 256 reviews with 10 686 meta-analyses and 47 384 studies. Statistical power for continuous efficacy outcomes was very low across intervention and disorder types (overall median [IQR] power for SMD = 0.40: 0.32 [0.19–0.54]; for ESMA: 0.23 [0.09–0.58]), only reaching conventionally acceptable levels (80%) for SMD = 0.80. Median power to detect the ESMA was higher in treatment-as-usual (TAU)/waitlist-controlled (0.49–0.63) or placebo-controlled (0.12–0.38) trials than in trials comparing active treatments (0.07–0.13). Adequately-powered studies produced smaller effect sizes than underpowered studies (B = −0.06, p ⩽ 0.001).

Conclusions

Power to detect both predetermined and meta-analytic effect sizes in psychiatric trials was low across all interventions and disorders examined. Consistent with the presence of reporting bias, underpowered studies produced larger effect sizes than adequately-powered studies. These results emphasize the need to increase sample sizes and to reduce reporting bias against studies reporting null results to improve the reliability of the published literature.
Violence Against Women During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study from a Turkish Emergency Department
Authors: Yılmaz Karaman İmran Gökçen , Akı Zeynep , Çanakçı Mustafa Emin , Altınöz Ali Ercan , Özakın Engin
Published: May 2022

Objective:

Violence against women (VAW) is a major public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has worsened gender inequality, resulting in a heightened incidence of VAW. This study aims to assess the characteristics of women who admit to the emergency department (ED), both before the pandemic and during the pandemic. The secondary aim is to compare the frequencies of violence cases between periods.

Methods:

By single-center, retrospective, and cross-sectional design, the periods of April 10 - December 31, 2020 and April 10 - December 31, 2019 were compared. The outcomes of the study were the daily ED admission numbers of both sexes, the prevalence of VAW cases in the ED, as well as sociodemographic and clinical variables of the women who were exposed to violence.

Results:

During the pandemic period, number of VAW cases in the ED increased 13% and the ratio of VAW cases to all ED admissions tripled compared to the pre-pandemic period. Women exposed to VAW were more likely to be without social insurance, injured in the trunk part of their body, and having a life-threatening injury in the pandemic period. In both periods, women were attacked by an intimate partner, dominantly (42.6% and 54.1%, respectively). In addition, among all admissions of adults to the ED, women’s percentage decreased while men’s admission ratios increased during the pandemic period. Admissions to ED declined 47.7% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the year before.

Conclusion:

Cases of VAW tend to increase during the pandemic, and health care settings should be well-organized to respond to survivors.
Providing home hospice care for LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers: Perceptions and opinions of hospice interdisciplinary care team providers
Authors: Cloyes Kristin G. , Jones Miranda , Gettens Caroline , Wawrzynski Sarah E. , Bybee Sara , Tay Djin L. , Reblin Maija , Ellington Lee
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Hospice patients and caregivers who are members of sexual and gender minority groups (i.e., LGBTQ+) have reported experiencing unmet needs at end of life (EOL). Negative experiences often stem from challenging interactions with healthcare providers due to ineffective or poor communication and providers’ heteronormative assumptions and biases. Few studies, however, examine hospice care team (HCT) providers’ knowledge, experience, and opinions related to EOL care for LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers despite this being identified as a gap in competency and education. We sought to examine HCT providers’ perceptions regarding (1) awareness of LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers; (2) knowledge of specific or unique needs; and (3) opinions on best care and communication practices.

Methods

Six focus groups conducted with HCT providers (n = 48) currently delivering hospice care in three US states were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were content coded (κ = 0.77), aggregated by topical categories, and descriptively summarized.

Results

Participants were mostly white and non-Hispanic (n = 43, 89.6%), cisgender female (n = 42, 87.5%), heterosexual (n = 35, 72.9%), and religious (n = 33, 68.8%); they averaged 49 years of age (range 26–72, SD = 11.66). Awareness of LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers depended on patient or caregiver self-disclosure and contextual cues; orientation and gender identity data were not routinely collected. Many viewed being LGBTQ+ as private, irrelevant to care, and not a basis for people having specific or unique EOL needs because they saw EOL processes as universal, and believed that they treat everyone equally. Providers were more comfortable with patients of lesbian or gay orientation and reported less comfort and limited experience caring for transgender and gender-diverse patients or caregivers.

Significance of results

Many HCT members were unaware of specific issues impacting the EOL experiences of LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers, or how these experiences may inform important care and communication needs at EOL.
Drivers of Coral Reconstructed Salinity in the South China Sea and Maritime Continent: The Influence of the 1976 Indo‐Pacific Climate Shift
Authors: Kannad Ankitha , Goodkin Nathalie F. , Samanta Dhrubajyoti , Murty Sujata A. , Ramos Riovie D. , Smerdon Jason E. , Gordon Arnold L.
Published: May 2022

The flow of Pacific water into the Indian Ocean via the South China Sea (SCS) and Maritime Continent (MC) plays an important role in the ocean thermohaline circulation providing the only low‐latitude pathway for the inter‐ocean exchange of heat and salt. The transport of the SCS and Indonesian throughflows is modulated by the East Asian monsoon and major climate modes associated with the Pacific and Indian Oceans. As an indicator of surface layer buoyancy, sea surface salinity (SSS) is critical to rates of exchange but instrumental records of SSS are short and sparse. Using empirical orthogonal functions, a synthesis of proxy‐based reconstructions of SSS from coral δ18O is used to study the role of climate variability on long‐term SSS behavior in the region. The leading mode of SSS variability in the boreal winter and summer responds to the influence of the 1976 Indo‐Pacific climate shift. At multi‐decadal timescales, only the East Asian monsoon and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) retain their signal in winter and summer SSS after 1976. At higher frequencies, winter SSS shifts from having a strong East Asian monsoon signal to a more dominant impact of the IOD and the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) following the shift. In the summer, only a change in ENSO's influence on SSS variability is observed after 1976. The recent intensification and dominance of the IOD and ENSO in driving SSS variability in the SCS and MC may influence circulation in the regional throughflows and perhaps global thermohaline circulation.
Field Mapping and Modeling of Terrestrial Lava Tube Magnetic Anomalies as an Analog for Lunar Lava Tube Exploration and Prospecting
Authors: Bell Ernest , Schmerr Nicholas , Young Kelsey , Esmaeili Sanaz , Garry W. Brent , Jazayeri Sajad , Kruse Sarah , Richardson Jacob , Whelley Patrick
Published: May 2022

Lava tubes are a commonplace feature on the terrestrial planets, and knowledge of tube size and location informs lava flow processes. Future exploration of lava tubes on the Moon can provide access to geologic environments that likely remain unaltered from their emplacement billions of years ago. Lunar lava tubes may also provide astronauts protection from thermal extremes, meteoroid impacts, and radiation. High‐resolution magnetic identification and characterization of lava tubes can be used to help inform future scientific investigations of lava tubes for human exploration and utilization. We demonstrate how magnetometry is useful for determining the geometry and extent of lava tubes on the Earth and, by proxy, the Moon, by relating the magnetic anomalies produced by lava tubes to their location and geomorphology. Using a proton‐precession total field magnetometer, we surveyed an area of more than 100,000 m2, with cross‐tube linear traverses spaced at 3–5 m, perpendicular to an approximately 1,000 m length of the Modoc Crater lava tube complex, within the Lava Beds National Monument (California, USA). The observed magnetic anomalies of the sections known as Incline, Skull, and Ship Caves are compared against synthetic predictions, and the sensitivity of the magnetic anomalies to the tube geometry used to derive a basic relationship between the two. We use our model of terrestrial lava tube magnetic anomalies and adjust for the lunar magnetic environment to predict the signature of anomalies resulting from tubes on the Moon.
Sharp Increase of Extreme Turbidity Events Due To Deglaciation in the Subtropical Andes
Authors: Vergara Iván , Garreaud René , Ayala Álvaro
Published: May 2022

Climate change may affect sediment fluvial export from high mountain regions, leading to downstream environmental disruptions and direct impacts on human activities. In this paper, three decades (1990–2020) of turbidity measurements, along with climate and hydro‐glaciological variables, were used to investigate the interannual and interdecadal variability in the number of extreme turbidity events (ETE) in the glacierized Maipo River basin, located in the western subtropical Andes. ETE are defined as a sequence of days (most often 1 or 2) during which the daily maximum turbidity was in the 99% quantile of the entire study period. Some of these events compromised the drinking water provision for the city of Santiago, with more than 6 million inhabitants. ETE are more frequent during summer and are mostly associated with melt‐favourable conditions. The number of ETE tends to increase in summers with large glacier ice melt and low snowmelt (outside or over glaciers). Most notable, the mean annual number of ETE exhibits a 6‐fold increase in the last decade compared with the 1990–2010 period. After 2010, ETE also shifted their seasonal maximum from late spring to mid‐summer and their occurrence became strongly coupled with large ice melt rates. We hypothesize that such regime change was caused by an enhanced hydrological connectivity of subglacial sediment pools that increased the sensitivity of the sediment system to glacier melt. The latter is in line with recent research and is consistent with the ongoing glacier retreat due to strong regional warming and drying.
Internal Lee Waves Generated by Shear Flow Over Small‐Scale Topography
Authors: Sun Hui , Yang Qingxuan , Zheng Kaiwen , Zhao Wei , Huang Xiaodong , Tian Jiwei
Published: May 2022

When the bottom current flows over a small‐scale topographic feature (with characteristic horizontal scale of 0.1–10.0 km), it generates internal lee waves. These lee waves furnish the energy cascade from mesoscale to dissipative scale, resulting in enhanced turbulent mixing. The existing lee wave theory and parameterization are mostly based on uniform background flow. We improve the linear lee wave theory by considering shear background flow and viscous and diffusive effects, which are ubiquitous in the ocean. In particular, the introduction of vertical viscous and diffusive terms effectively improves the problem of critical layer (where the wave frequency is close to the Coriolis frequency) for linear lee waves under weakly dissipative limit. Then, the influences of different types of shear flow on the frequency, vertical wavelength, group velocity, energy flux, energy density, energy dissipation and irreversible mixing of lee waves are explored through both theory and numerical simulation. A bottom‐up decreasing background flow can enhance energy dissipation and irreversible mixing below the critical layer. However, in the real ocean, the dissipation and mixing caused by a decreasing background flow may be weaker than that caused by an increasing background flow in a depth integrated sense, especially when considering a bounded domain. Additionally, the theory of wave action conservation in the absence of dissipation, which is commonly used as a criterion in research of internal waves propagating in varying background fields, is extended to a “modified” wave action equation considering dissipation, which may potentially improve the lee wave parameterization in the future.
A Sensitivity Study of the Thermal Tides in the Venusian Atmosphere: Structures and Dynamical Effects on the Superrotation
Authors: Suzuki Anna , Takagi Masahiro , Ando Hiroki , Imai Masataka , Sugimoto Norihiko , Matsuda Yoshihisa
Published: May 2022

In order to resolve discrepancy between recent observational and numerical studies on the thermal tides in the Venusian atmosphere, we investigated by means of a general circulation model how the thermal tides are affected by the static stability in and above the upper cloud layer by using three different distributions of the static stability. The results show that the vertical structure of the semidiurnal tide, which propagates vertically, is strongly affected by the static stability. The diurnal tide, which has an equivalent barotropic structure in 62–73 km altitudes, becomes weaker with the higher static stability although its vertical structure is almost unchanged. The horizontal distribution of the thermal tides with the realistic static stability distribution, which is consistent with radio occultation measurements, agrees with the observations at the cloud top. The meridional angular momentum flux associated with the thermal tides is equatorward in low latitudes near the altitude where the equatorial zonal‐mean wind takes its maximum. This result is consistent with the recent Akatsuki UVI observations, suggesting that the thermal tides could contribute to the maintenance of the superrotation in the equatorial region near the cloud top. In the most realistic case, the zonal‐mean zonal wind is effectively accelerated at rates of 0.2–0.5 m s−1 day−1 in low latitudes at altitudes of 52–76 km by both the meridional and vertical angular momentum transports. The thermal tides also induce significant meridional heat flux, which cannot be ignored in the dynamical effect on the zonal‐mean zonal wind.
Anxiolytic and antidepressants’ effect of Crataegus pinnatifida (Shan Zha): biochemical mechanisms
Authors: Nitzan Keren , David Dekel , Franko Motty , Toledano Roni , Fidelman Sharon , Tenenbaum Yaarit Simchon , Blonder Maya , Armoza-Eilat Shir , Shamir Alon , Rehavi Moshe , Ben-chaim Yair , Doron Ravid
Published: May 2022

Depression and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the current first-line treatment for depression, but they have pronounced limitations. Traditional Chinese medicine can serve as a safe and effective alternative to conventional drugs, particularly since many herbal remedies have already been approved for human use as food additives, making the transition from bench to bedside more efficient. We previously demonstrated that a novel herbal treatment (NHT) induces anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects. NHT consists of four herbs: Crataegus pinnatifida (Shan Zha), Triticum aestivum (Fu Xiao Mai), Lilium brownii (Baihe), and the fruit of Ziziphus jujuba (Da Zao). In the current study, we examined the antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like activities of each individual herb on stressed mice and compared those to the effects of NHT and escitalopram. We show here that Shan Zha is sufficient to produce an anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effect similar to NHT or the escitalopram through activation of 5-HT1A receptor and an elevation in BDNF levels in the hippocampus and Pre-frontal cortex (PFC). Chronic treatment with Shan Zha did not alter serotonin transporter levels in the PFC, as opposed to escitalopram treatment. These results were confirmed in vitro, as none of the herbs blocked SERT activity in Xenopus oocytes. Notably, Shan Zha is sold as a nutritional supplement; thus, its transition to clinical trials can be easier. Once its efficacy and safety are substantiated, Shan Zha may serve as an alternative to conventional antidepressants.
Rationale for integration of services for diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in Kenya
Authors: Mwangi Nyawira , Bascaran Covadonga , Gichuhi Stephen , Kipturgo Mathew , Manyara Lucy , Macleod David , Moorman Consuela , Foster Allen
Published: May 2022

Background

Good diabetes mellitus (diabetes) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) management depends on the strength of the health system, prompting us to conduct a health system assessment for diabetes and DR in Kenya. We used diabetes and DR as tracer conditions to assess the strengths and weaknesses in the health system, and potential interventions to strengthen the health system. In this paper, we report on the need and relevance of integration to strengthen diabetes and DR care. This theme emerged from the health system assessment.

Methods

Using a mixed methods study design, we collected data from service providers in diabetes clinics and eye clinics in three counties, from key informants at national and county level, and from documents review.

Results

There is interest in integration of diabetes and DR services to address discontinuity of care. We report the findings describing the context of integration, why integration is a goal and how these services can be integrated. We use the results to develop a conceptual framework for implementation.

Conclusions

The principal rationale for integrated service provision is to address service gaps and to prevent complications of diabetes and DR. The stakeholder interest and the existing infrastructure can be leveraged to improve these health outcomes.
Ribosome inhibition by C9ORF72-ALS/FTD-associated poly-PR and poly-GR proteins revealed by cryo-EM
Authors: Loveland Anna B. , Svidritskiy Egor , Susorov Denis , Lee Soojin , Park Alexander , Zvornicanin Sarah , Demo Gabriel , Gao Fen-Biao , Korostelev Andrei A.
Published: May 2022

Toxic dipeptide-repeat (DPR) proteins are produced from expanded G4C2 repeats in the C9ORF72 gene, the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Two DPR proteins, poly-PR and poly-GR, repress cellular translation but the molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here we show that poly-PR and poly-GR of ≥20 repeats inhibit the ribosome’s peptidyl-transferase activity at nanomolar concentrations, comparable to specific translation inhibitors. High-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reveals that poly-PR and poly-GR block the polypeptide tunnel of the ribosome, extending into the peptidyl-transferase center (PTC). Consistent with these findings, the macrolide erythromycin, which binds in the tunnel, competes with poly-PR and restores peptidyl-transferase activity. Our results demonstrate that strong and specific binding of poly-PR and poly-GR in the ribosomal tunnel blocks translation, revealing the structural basis of their toxicity in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD.
Evidence of partner similarity for autistic traits, systemizing, and theory of mind via facial expressions
Authors: Richards Gareth , Baron-Cohen Simon , Warrier Varun , Mellor Ben , Davies Jessica , Gee Laura , Galvin John
Published: May 2022

It has been hypothesised that romantic partners are more similar than chance in relation to autistic traits. To test this theory, we recruited n = 105 heterosexual couples and examined within-couple correlations for autistic traits [measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)], empathizing [measured using the Empathy Quotient (EQ)], and systemizing [measured using the Systemizing Quotient-Revised (SQ-R)]. For a subsample that attended the lab (n = 58 couples), we also investigated theory of mind via facial expressions using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and attention to detail, a component within systemizing, using the Embedded Figures Task (EFT). Variable-centred analyses revealed positive within-couple correlations for all measures except EQ, although these effects were only statistically significant for unmarried couples and not for married/engaged couples. Follow-up analyses indicated that the observed couple similarity effects are likely consistent with people pairing with those more similar than chance (initial assortment) rather than becoming alike over time (convergence), and to seeking out self-resembling partners (active assortment) rather than pairing in this manner via social stratification processes (social homogamy). Additionally, a significant within-couple correlation for autistic traits was observed at the meta-analytic level. However, it should be noted that the meta-analytic effect size estimate was small (r = 0.153) and indicates that only ~ 2% of variance in a person’s score on a phenotypic measure of autistic traits can be predicted by that of their partner.