bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community‐based tourism, peasant agriculture and resilience in the face of COVID‐19 in Peru
Authors: Gascón Jordi , Mamani Kevin S.
Published: August 2021

In the Andes, the diversification of economic activities among the peasant population is common practice. However, it is not a uniform strategy: as new employment and economic possibilities have emerged, the disparity of pluriactive strategies has multiplied. Based on a particular case study (Amantaní Island, Lake Titicaca), where community‐based tourism has developed strongly, we will compare the resilience of these strategies. The COVID‐19 pandemic, which paralysed economic activities, highlighted that the least vulnerable pluriactive strategies were those that included subsistence agriculture. In fact, this is something that the peasant population itself perceives: although the role of this type of agriculture in the family economy is decreasing, most households still invest time and capital to increase their family's agricultural resources.
Clarification of the aspects of tongue‐palate contacts during mastication with/without stage II transport
Authors: Ogawa Makoto , Sugiyama Tetsuya , Ohkubo Mai , Hori Kazuhiro , Ono Takahiro , Ishida Ryo
Published: August 2021

Background

During mastication, the tongue presses the bolus into the pharynx by a "squeeze‐back" motion, known as stage II transport (St2Tr). However, the pressure of St2Tr tongue‐palate contact has not been examined.

Objectives

We aimed to clarify aspects of St2Tr occurrence and tongue‐palate contact during mastication by measuring tongue pressure.

Methods

Ten healthy adults (eight men, two women, aged 26.8 ± 2.2 years) were enrolled. Tongue pressure was measured (Swallow Scan) during mastication. Sensors were placed on the palate near the incisive papilla (Ch.1), in the middle (Ch.2), at the posterior (Ch.3), and near the first molars on the habitual (Ch.H) and non‐habitual (Ch.Nh) masticatory sides. Nasopharyngeal endoscopy confirmed St2Tr and swallowing. Tongue pressures were measured repeatedly, from mastication onset through the first swallow, until eight sets of data were obtained. Tongue‐palate contact frequencies, integrated values of tongue pressure, and mastication times were recorded for St2Tr(+) and St2Tr(−) mastication conditions.

Results

St2Tr occurred in 43 of 80 trials (53.8%). St2Tr(+) exhibited the highest tongue‐palate contact frequency at Ch.H; it exhibited higher contact frequencies at Ch.2, Ch.3 and Ch.H than St2Tr(−). St2Tr(+) exhibited higher tongue pressures at Ch.1, Ch.2 and Ch.H than at Ch.3; it exhibited higher tongue pressures at Ch.1 and Ch.2 than St2Tr(−).

Conclusion

The study suggested that during St2Tr, the tongue frequently touched the palate at the central and posterior regions, as well as at its habitual masticatory side. It applies the strongest pressure at the anterior and central palate to transport the bolus to the pharynx.
Market concentration and superiority among strategic export subsidy policies with taxation distortion and cost heterogeneity
Authors: Ueng K.L. Glen , Wu Tsaur‐Chin , Yen Chih‐Ta , Chou Chih‐Ting
Published: August 2021

This paper is the first attempt to investigate the ranking of the market concentration rate (Herfindahl–Hirschman index) under specific, demand, and cost ad valorem subsidies. We show that the cost ad valorem subsidy raises the variance of the distribution of effective marginal cost, thus increasing the allocative production efficiency and yielding the highest Herfindahl–Hirschman index. In addition, we find that the distortionary cost of subsidy and the cost heterogeneity of the domestic firms play an important role in determining the superiority of social welfare under three subsidy policies. Finally, of the three subsidy regimes, the total profit of the domestic firms under the cost ad valorem subsidy is the greatest. Our finding has altered the traditional wisdom on the choice of strategic trade policies.
Systematic quantitative assessment of motor function in clinically isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder: A diagnostic window into early alpha‐synucleinopathies
Authors: Nisser Jenny , Derlien Steffen , Bublak Peter , Schwab Matthias , Witte Otto W. , Kesper Karl , Schultze Torsten , Rupprecht Sven
Published: August 2021

Mild motor abnormalities can herald the beginning of Parkinson´s disease but their diagnostic value is limited by multifactorial ageing‐related influences on motor function. We characterized mild motor abnormalities in different motor domains by conducting a systematic motor assessment in 20 patients with clinically isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) without parkinsonian motor signs and 20 healthy controls. We addressed the influence of lifestyle factors and age on motor function, which needs to be distinguished from neurodegenerative motor features, and assessed the diagnostic value of innovative and established quantitative motor tests in iRBD. Patients with iRBD showed abnormalities in perceptual motor speed (falling stick test), trunk movement coordination (bend, twist and touch test) and dynamic balance (line walk test) without alterations in simple motor speed (alternate tap test), dexterity (grooved pegboard), static balance (force plate) and gait (timed up and go test). The falling stick test showed the highest diagnostic accuracy in identifying subjects with RBD (ROC‐AUC 0.85, p ≤ 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed physical activity and age as additional determinants of motor test performance. iRBD comprises a wide spectrum of mild motor abnormalities which cannot be verified by established tests for motor speed, gait and balance. The falling stick test, an innovative screening test for perceptual motor speed, provides high diagnostic potential in identifying subjects with subclinical neurodegenerative symptoms before parkinsonian motor signs become apparent. Normative data for physical activity and age need to be obtained to ensure correct interpretation of motor test results in prodromal Parkinson‐related disease.
Maturity of a giant: age and size reaction norm for sexual maturity for Atlantic leatherback turtles
Authors: Girondot Marc , Mourrain Baptiste , Chevallier Damien , Godfrey Matthew H.
Published: August 2021

Leatherback marine turtles are the largest extant turtles with some individuals measuring up to 2 m in carapace length. In addition, this species remains in oceanic habitat during much its life, making it difficult to investigate its ontogeny from hatchling to adult stage. Furthermore, distinct chondro‐osseous (cartilage and bone) tissue morphology has led to speculation that sexual maturity may be reached as early as 3 years while others have estimated a minimum of 25 years to reach adulthood. Using a combination of reanalysis of the growth trajectories of juveniles maintained in captivity, and the age–size relationship of individuals in the field, we demonstrate and quantify the indeterminate growth of this species. Using comparisons of female size distribution on nesting beaches and stranded or captured‐at‐sea size distributions adjusted with a new asymmetric sigmoid function, we were able to model the size reaction norm for female sexual maturity. Combining these two models, we show that some females may reach maturity at 14 years in natural conditions, while others will take 50 years or more. Sexual maturity may even be reached at 5 years when individuals experience exceptionally good environmental conditions. This extreme plasticity in the age of sexual maturity has been demonstrated in loggerhead turtles in natural conditions and in green turtles in captivity. It may be a general life‐history feature of marine turtles.
Solar energetic particle tracks in lunar samples: A transmission electron microscope calibration and implications for lunar space weathering
Authors: Keller Lindsay P. , Berger Eve L. , Zhang Shouliang , Christoffersen Roy
Published: August 2021

Transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging techniques combined with focused ion beam sample preparation were used to calibrate the solar energetic particle track production rate in lunar samples. Track density measurements by TEM as a function of depth were obtained from lunar rock 64455 that has a well‐constrained exposure age of 2 Myr giving a track production rate of 4.4 ± 0.4 × 104 tracks cm−2 yr−1 for a 2π exposure at 1 AU. The typical space weathering effects in mature lunar soils (both vapor‐deposited rims and solar wind‐damaged rims) accumulate in ˜106 yr based on the new calibration applied to track densities in individual grains. Solar wind‐damaged rim widths in anorthite and olivine follow a power law relationship with track density and achieve steady‐state widths in a few Myr. Vapor‐deposited rim widths show no correlation with exposure age suggesting that their formation is episodic with the full width of vapor‐deposited rims accumulating in a single or a few rare impact events. Solar wind‐damaged rim development was modeled using the stopping range of ions in matter code. Modeling shows that the solar wind‐damaged rims develop rapidly and approach steady‐state values in 105–106 yr. Anorthite and olivine record similar track densities for similar exposure ages, but their structural response to solar wind irradiation differs significantly. Solar wind‐damaged rims on olivine are not amorphous in contrast to modeling and high flux laboratory experiments and a model is proposed to account for their different response to solar wind irradiation.
MapZ deficiency leads to defects in the envelope structure and changes stress tolerance of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Li Yongliang , Qiao Dan , Zhang Yifei , Hao Weifeng , Xi Yue , Deng Xuliang , Ge Xuejun , Xu Mingming
Published: August 2021

Cell division is a central process in bacteria and a prerequisite for pathogenicity. Several proteins are involved in this process to ensure the accurate localization and proper function of the division machinery. In Streptococcus mutans, MapZ marks the division sites and position of the Z‐ring to regulate cell division; however, whether MapZ deficiency can impair the cariogenic virulence of S. mutans remains unclear. Here, using a phenotypic assay and RNA‐seq, we investigated the role of MapZ in cell envelope maintenance, biofilm formation, and stress tolerance in S. mutans. The results show that MapZ is important for normal cell shape and envelope structure, and its deletion causes abnormal septum structure and a thin cell wall. Subsequently, we found that the absence of MapZ leads to a greater level of cell death within 12 h biofilms, but it does not seem to affect biofilm architecture and accumulation. mapZ deletion also results in a decreased acid and osmotic stress tolerance. Furthermore, RNA‐seq data reveal that MapZ deficiency causes changes in the expression levels of genes involved in transport systems, sugar metabolism, nature competence, and bacteriocin synthesis. Interestingly, we found that mapZ mutation renders S. mutans more sensitive to chlorhexidine. Taken together, our study suggests that MapZ plays a role in maintaining cell envelope structure and stress tolerance in S. mutans, showing a potential application as a drug target for caries prevention.
Micra‐AV leadless pacemaker and atrioventricular (dys)synchrony: A stepwise process
Authors: Mitacchione Gianfranco , Schiavone Marco , Gasperetti Alessio , Ruggiero Diego , Denora Marialessia , Viecca Maurizio , Forleo Giovanni Battista
Published: August 2021

Leadless pacemakers have become a major breakthrough in the management of bradyarrhythmia as an attractive alternative to the standard transvenous pacemakers, but safety and long‐term outcomes of the new Micra‐AV, which is capable guarantee atrioventricular (AV) synchrony, have been poorly described. Hence, we describe how we managed a 57‐year‐old patient who developed pacemaker syndrome due to significant Micra‐AV dyssynchrony. This case emphasizes how leadless pacemaker AV synchrony could be overestimated, thereby requiring a stepwise process leading to adequate device reprogramming. Holter‐ECG monitoring and exercise test resulted to be valuable tools for an early detection of inadequate AV synchrony, integrating and completing device reports.
Telemedicine for chronic pain treatment during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Do pain intensity and anxiousness correlate with patient acceptance?
Authors: Harnik Michael Alexander , Blättler Larissa , Limacher Andreas , Reisig Florian , Grosse Holtforth Martin , Streitberger Konrad
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Recent recommendations for the treatment of chronic pain patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic suggest using telemedicine instead of in‐person consultations. Knowing whether patients with chronic pain are receptive to the use of telemedicine during a pandemic might improve tailored care.

Objective

The aims of the present study were to assess patients’ acceptance of telemedicine during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Switzerland and to examine the correlation of acceptance with pain intensity and anxiousness.

Methods

An anonymous survey was conducted from March 31, 2020, to July 30, 2020, with 61 patients referred to the Pain Center at the Bern University Hospital Inselspital in Bern, Switzerland. Collected data were analyzed descriptively, and correlations were calculated between acceptance of telemedicine and mean levels of current pain, psychological distress, and fear of COVID‐19.

Results

Our main finding was an average level of acceptance of telemedicine, with a mean of 6.25 on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 10 (completely), with substantial variability and range (SD = 3.56). The acceptance of telemedicine correlated negatively with current mean pain level (r = −0.44), worries (r = −0.42), and fear of COVID‐19 (r = −0.4), as well as positively with the general condition (r = 0.46).

Conclusions

Using telemedicine for chronic pain treatment during the COVID‐19 crisis was accepted to a sufficient degree by a considerable proportion of patients. However, the higher the mean levels of pain and anxiousness, the lower the acceptance, indicating that these severely burdened patients may suffer most from treatment restrictions. For this subgroup, telemedicine might not suffice and in‐person visits should be considered.
Papulo‐purpuric dermatitis of childhood: a distinct PLEVA‐like eruption associated to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical study of 10 cases
Authors: Gianotti Raffaele , Restano Lucia , Cutrone Mario , Colonna Cristiana , Fellegara Giovanni , Debernardi Isacco , Boggio Francesca , Del Gobbo Alessandro , Monzani Nicola Adriano , Tripodo Claudio , Gelmetti Carlo , Berti Emilio
Published: August 2021

We observed ten children with a papular eruption with purpuric features during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic in Northern Italy (May‐December 2020). Histological examination showed signs of SARS‐CoV‐2‐related dermatosis. Evidence of nucleocapsid viral proteins using SARS‐CoV‐2 (2019‐nCoV) nucleocapsid antibody revealed cuticular staining of the deep portion of the eccrine glands in all cases.
Alzheimer disease and the periodontal patient: New insights, connections, and therapies
Authors: Ryder Mark I. , Xenoudi Pinelopi
Published: August 2021

Loss of cognitive function in the aging population, particular those with Alzheimer disease, presents unique challenges to health practitioners. For the dental practitioner these include management of periodontal diseases, caries, and other dental conditions in this special population. It is well established in the cognitively impaired patient that a lack of adherence to dental hygiene routines and professional care leads to increases in the prevalence and severity of these dental conditions, leading to increased loss of teeth. More recent evidence has indicated a possible role of the microbiota of dental plaque associated with periodontal diseases in the development and progression of Alzheimer disease, thereby supporting a two‐way interaction of these two diseases. New therapies are needed to address the potential upstream events that may precede overt signs of Alzheimer disease. One of these approaches would be to target these various bacterial, viral, and other microbial pathogens associated with periodontal disease that can translocate into the bloodstream and then to distal sites, such as the brain. Such microbial translocation would lead to local inflammation and buildup of the hallmark signs of Alzheimer disease, including amyloid beta deposits, tau fragmentation and tangles, breakdown of host protective molecules, such as the apolipoproteins, and neuron toxicity. In this review, evidence for the biological basis of the role of the periodontal disease microflora on the initiation and progression of Alzheimer disease will be presented with a focus on the potential role of the keystone pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis with its family of gingipain enzymes. The various mechanisms for which P. gingivalis gingipains may contribute to the initiation and progression of Alzheimer disease are presented. Small‐molecule inhibitors of these gingipains and their effects on reducing biological markers of Alzheimer disease may have beneficial effects for the initiation and progression of loss of cognitive function in Alzheimer disease. In addition to these targeted therapies for specific periodontal pathogens, considerations for the dental practitioner in applying more general approaches to reducing the periodontal plaque microflora in the management of the cognitively impaired patient are discussed for this special population.
IL‐6 alters migration capacity of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: He SiWei , Xue MingHui , Cai Gang
Published: August 2021

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are impaired in human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and involved in disease pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms responsible for the Treg dysfunction in SLE remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the chemotaxis of Treg response to inflammatory stimulation. Sixty two patients were enrolled, and chemokine receptors, including CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR8 and CXCR3 on CD4+Foxp3+Tregs and non‐Treg CD4 T cells, were analysed using FACS. The expression of CCR4 and CCR6 on Tregs of SLE patients decreased, while the expression of CCR4 on non‐Treg CD4 T cells increased, as compared with those of age‐ and sex‐matched healthy donors. In parallel, in SLE, the chemotactic capacity of non‐Treg CD4 T cells response to CCR4 and CCR6 ligands dramatically increased, while that of Tregs significantly decreased. Moreover, we found that cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐10 positively and negatively modulate the expression of those receptors respectively. IL‐6, the significantly increased cytokine in active SLE, dramatically elevated CCR4 and CCR6 expression on non‐Treg CD4 T cells. However, as for Tregs, these cells produced more IL‐10 than non‐Treg CD4 T cells upon IL‐6 stimulation, and these IL‐10 led to the inhibition of CCR4 and CCR6. In sum, our data provided new evidence suggesting a functional deficiency of Tregs in SLE. It may suggest that those dysfunctional Tregs have less access to the inflammation locus to exert inhibitory capacity.
Cultural appropriation: What it is and why it matters?
Authors: Arya Rina
Published: August 2021

Cultural appropriation is a highly contested subject within the media and society more broadly, often provoking moral outrage. It is receiving increasing interest within the academy and the last 20 years have seen the publication of a number of important studies. Cultural appropriation takes many forms, covers a range of types of action, and has many consequences. It is not a uniform practice and needs to be assessed on a case by case basis but there are common themes and issues. What follows is a discussion of the key concepts and literature in the field.
Mathematical modeling of cancer treatments with fractional derivatives: An Overview
Authors: Farayola Musiliu Folarin , Shafie Sharidan , Mohd Siam Fuaada , Mahmud Rozi , Ajadi Suraju Olusegun
Published: August 2021

This review article presents fractional derivative cancer treatment models to show the importance of fractional derivatives in modeling cancer treatments. Cancer treatment is a significant research area with many mathematical models developed by mathematicians to represent the cancer treatment processes like hyperthermia, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, many of these models were based on ordinary derivatives and the use of fractional derivatives is still new to many mathematicians. Therefore, it is imperative to review fractional cancer treatment models. The review was done by first presenting 22 various definitions of fractional derivative. Thereafter, 11 articles were selected from different online databases which included Scopus, EBSCOHost, ScienceDirect Journal, SpringerLink Journal, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar. These articles were summarized, and the used fractional derivative models were analyzed. Based on this analysis, the merit of modeling with fractional derivative, the most used fractional derivative definition, and the future direction for cancer treatment modeling were presented. From the results of the analysis, it was shown that fractional derivatives incorporated memory effects which gave it an advantage over ordinary derivative for cancer treatment modeling. Moreover, the fractional derivative is a general definition of all derivatives. Also, the fractional models can be applied to different cancer treatment procedures and the most used fractional derivative is the Caputo as well as its non-singular kernel versions. Finally, it was concluded that the future direction for cancer treatment modeling is the adoption of fractional derivative models corroborated with experimental or clinical data.
Impact of FTA on Trade in ASEAN and Australia Using Customs Level Data
Authors: Thangavelu Shandre M. , Narjoko Dionisius , Urata Shujiro
Published: August 2021

This study examines the impact of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) on Australian trade with a particular focus on imports from ASEAN member countries to Australia. We examine the AANZFTA’s utilization by ten ASEAN countries at the six-digit trade classification level from 2012 to 2016 using Australian customs data. We implement Ando and Urata’s (2018) and Hayakawa et al.’s (2014) framework of free trade agreement (FTA) utilization based on preferential tariff margins. We also account for overlapping FTAs that are likely to impact the AANZFTA’s utilization. The results indicate that preferential tariff margins positively impact FTA utilization. However, the results also indicate that the AANZFTA’s utilization rate across ASEAN countries is low relative to Australia’s bilateral FTAs with Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. We also find evidence that co-sharing rules of origin positively impact FTA utilization.
Bayesian Calibration of Multiple Coupled Simulation Models for Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Bayesian Network Approach
Authors: Ye Jiahui , Mahmoudi Mohamad , Karayagiz Kubra , Johnson Luke , Seede Raiyan , Karaman Ibrahim , Arroyave Raymundo , Elwany Alaa
Published: August 2021

Modeling and simulation for additive manufacturing (AM) are critical enablers for understanding process physics, conducting process planning and optimization, and streamlining qualification and certification. It is often the case that a suite of hierarchically linked (or coupled) simulation models is needed to achieve the above tasks, as the entirety of the complex physical phenomena relevant to the understanding of process-structure-property-performance relationships in the context of AM precludes the use of a single simulation framework. In this study using a Bayesian network approach, we address the important problem of conducting uncertainty quantification (UQ) analysis for multiple hierarchical models to establish process-microstructure relationships in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) AM. More significantly, we present the framework to calibrate and analyze simulation models that have experimentally unmeasurable variables, which are quantities of interest predicted by an upstream model and deemed necessary for the downstream model in the chain. We validate the framework using a case study on predicting the microstructure of a binary nickel-niobium alloy processed using LPBF as a function of processing parameters. Our framework is shown to be able to predict segregation of niobium with up to 94.3% prediction accuracy on test data.
Effects of Particle Size and Mainstream Inlet Angle on Deposition in a Turbine Cascade
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhao Zhanming , Xie Gongnan , Mikulčić Hrvoje , Vujanović Milan , Sundén Bengt
Published: August 2021

Based on the critical velocity model, impact and capture efficiencies in an AGTB turbine cascade are investigated numerically under various inlet angles of mainstream, blowing ratios, particle sizes, and particle densities. The effect of hole configuration on deposition is analyzed based on comparisons of results from combined hole and cylindrical hole. The impact efficiency increases with the increase of particle size. Impact area on pressure side of blade surface expands with increasing of the mainstream inlet angle from 123 deg to 143 deg. The capture efficiency decreases with the increase of blowing ratio for 10 µm particles. For particles with densities of 1485 kg/m3, 1980 kg/m3, and 2475 kg/m3, the maximum capture efficiency is reached when the particle size is 5 µm. The particle capture efficiency for the combined hole is up to 3.9% lower than that for cylindrical hole when the mainstream inlet angle is 123 deg.
Enhanced Hybrid Model to Predict the Surface Roughness of Honed Cylinder Bore
Authors: Afzal Burhan , Zhang Xueping , Srivastava Anil K.
Published: August 2021

Cylinder bore honing is a finishing process that generates a crosshatch pattern with alternate valleys and plateaus responsible for enhancing lubrication and preventing gas and oil leakage in the engine cylinder bore. The required functional surface in the cylinder bore is generated by a sequential honing process and is characterized by Rk roughness parameters (Rk, Rvk, Rpk, Mr1, Mr2). Predicting the desired surface roughness relies primarily on two techniques: (i) analytical models (AM) and (ii) machine learning (ML) models. Both of these techniques offer certain advantages and limitations. AM's are interpretable as they indicate distinct mapping relation between input variables and honed surface texture. However, AM's are usually based on simplified assumptions to ensure the traceability of multiple variables. Consequently, their prediction accuracy is adversely impacted when these assumptions are not satisfied. However, ML models accurately predict the surface texture but their prediction mechanism is challenging to interpret. Furthermore, the ML models' performance relies heavily on the representativeness of data employed in developing them. Thus, either prediction accuracy or model interpretability suffers when AM and ML models are implemented independently. This study proposes a hybrid model framework to incorporate the benefits of AM and ML simultaneously. In the hybrid model, an artificial neural network (ANN) compensates the AM by correcting its error. This retains the physical understanding built into the model while simultaneously enhancing the prediction accuracy. The proposed approach resulted in a hybrid model that significantly improved the prediction accuracy of the AM and additionally provided superior performance compared to independent ANN.
Flexural–Torsional Free Vibration Analysis of a Double-Cantilever Structure
Authors: Zargarani Anahita , Nima Mahmoodi S.
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to investigate the free coupled flexural–torsional vibrations of a double-cantilever structure. The structure consists of two identical Euler–Bernoulli cantilever beams with a piezoelectric layer on top. The beams are connected by a rigid tip connection at their free ends. The double-cantilever structure in this study vibrates in two distinct modes: flexural mode or coupled flexural–torsional mode. The flexural mode refers to the in-phase flexural vibrations of the two cantilever beams resulting in translation of the tip connection, while the coupled flexural–torsional mode refers to the coupled flexural–torsional vibrations of the cantilever beams resulting in rotation of the tip connection. The latter is the main interest of this research. The governing equations of motion and boundary conditions are developed using Hamilton’s principle. Two uncoupled equations are realized for each beam: one corresponding to the flexural vibrations and the other one corresponding to the torsional vibrations. The characteristic equations for both the flexural and the coupled flexural–torsional vibration modes are derived and solved to find the natural frequencies corresponding to each mode of vibration. The orthogonality condition among the mode shapes is derived and utilized to determine the modal coefficients corresponding to each mode of vibration. Moreover, the analytical and experimental investigations show that the coupled flexural–torsional fundamental frequency of the structure is dependent on dimensional parameters including the length of the cantilever beams and the length of the tip connection.
Trends in Meeting the Aerobic Physical Activity Guideline Among Adults With and Without Select Chronic Health Conditions, United States, 1998–2018
Authors: Omura John D. , Hyde Eric T. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Loustalot Fleetwood , Murphy Louise , Puckett Mary , Watson Kathleen B. , Carlson Susan A.
Published: August 2021

Background: Physical activity is central to the management and control of many chronic health conditions. The authors examined trends during the past 2 decades in the prevalence of US adults with and without select chronic health conditions who met the minimal aerobic physical activity guideline. Methods: The 1998–2018 National Health Interview Survey data were analyzed. Prevalence of meeting the minimal aerobic physical activity guideline among adults with and without 6 chronic health conditions was estimated across 3-year intervals. Linear and higher-order trends were assessed overall and by age group. Results: During the past 2 decades, prevalence of meeting the aerobic guideline increased among adults with diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and arthritis. However, the absolute increase in prevalence was lower among adults with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and arthritis compared to counterparts without each condition, respectively. Prevalence was persistently lower among those with most chronic health conditions, except cancer, and among older adults compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: Although rising trends in physical activity levels among adults with chronic health conditions are encouraging for improving chronic disease management, current prevalence remains low, particularly among older adults. Increasing physical activity should remain a priority for chronic disease management and control.
Surveillance of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among Youth and Adults in the United States: History and Opportunities
Authors: Omura John D. , Whitfield Geoffrey P. , Chen Tiffany J. , Hyde Eric T. , Ussery Emily N. , Watson Kathleen B. , Carlson Susan A.
Published: August 2021

Background: Surveillance is a core function of public health, and approaches to national surveillance of physical activity and sedentary behavior have evolved over the past 2 decades. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of surveillance of physical activity and sedentary behavior in the United States over the past 2 decades, along with related challenges and emerging opportunities. Methods: The authors reviewed key national surveillance systems for the assessment of physical activity and sedentary behavior among youth and adults in the United States between 2000 and 2019. Results: Over the past 20 years, 8 surveillance systems have assessed physical activity, and 5 of those have assessed sedentary behavior. Three of the 8 originated in nonpublic health agencies. Most systems have assessed physical activity and sedentary behavior via surveys. However, survey questions varied over time within and also across systems, resulting in a wide array of available data. Conclusion: The evolving nature of physical activity surveillance in the United States has resulted in both broad challenges (eg, balancing content with survey space; providing data at the national, state, and local level; adapting traditional physical activity measures and survey designs; and addressing variation across surveillance systems) and related opportunities.
Trends in Aerobic and Muscle-Strengthening Physical Activity by Race/Ethnicity Across Income Levels Among US Adults, 1998–2018
Authors: Watson Kathleen B. , Whitfield Geoffrey , Chen Tiffany J. , Hyde Eric T. , Omura John D.
Published: August 2021

Background: Although disparities in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) participation by race/ethnicity and income are known, the combined association of these characteristics with LTPA participation is less understood. This study aims to describe trends and determine whether racial/ethnic differences in adult physical activity by income level have changed over the past 2 decades. Methods: The authors estimated LTPA participation (outcomes: any aerobic activity, meeting the aerobic activity guideline, meeting the muscle-strengthening guideline, and meeting the combined aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines) among adults ≥18 years by race/ethnicity across income levels using 1998–2018 National Health Interview Survey data in 3-year aggregates. They also tested for trends, prevalence differences, and difference in differences using logistic regression. Results: LTPA participation increased from 1998–2000 to 2016–2018 for all outcomes for non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic adults at all income levels. Disparities narrowed for some groups but persisted between white and racial/ethnic minority groups across income levels for engaging in any aerobic activity and meeting the aerobic guideline (0.2–8.8 percentage point difference in differences). Disparities in meeting the muscle-strengthening and combined guidelines were less common. Conclusions: Opportunities exist to ensure that adults, particularly members of lower income racial/ethnic minority groups, have support to help them participate in LTPA.
Dishing up Science: Integrated Content Links History, Microbiology, and Nutrition
Authors: Spaccarotella Kim , Breen Emily
Published: August 2021

Although public health recommendations encourage educators to include nutrition into the school day to prevent obesity, teachers cite lack of time as a common barrier. Thus, they are often told to integrate nutrition across the curriculum.
A Wild Yeast Laboratory Activity: From Isolation to Brewing
Authors: Scholes Amanda N. , Pollock Erik D. , Lewis Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2021

Microbial fermentation is a common form of metabolism that has been exploited by humans to great benefit. Industrial fermentation currently produces a myriad of products ranging from biofuels to pharmaceuticals.
A Unique Sequence Is Essential for Efficient Multidrug Efflux Function of the MtrD Protein of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Chitsaz Mohsen , Gupta Vrinda , Harris Benjamin , O’Mara Megan L. , Brown Melissa H.
Published: August 2021

The historical sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea continues to be a major public health concern with an estimated global annual incidence of 86.9 million cases.
N. gonorrhoeae
has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the 12 antimicrobial-resistant bacterial species that poses the greatest risk to human health. As the major efflux pump in gonococci, the MtrD transporter contributes to the cell envelope barrier in this organism and pumps antimicrobials from the periplasm and inner membrane, resulting in resistance.
Direct Observation of Electrically Conductive Pili Emanating from
Geobacter sulfurreducens
Authors: Liu Xinying , Walker David J. F. , Nonnenmann Stephen S. , Sun Dezhi , Lovley Derek R.
Published: August 2021

Electroactive microbes have significant environmental impacts, as well as applications in bioenergy and bioremediation. The composition, function, and even existence of electrically conductive pili (e-pili) has been one of the most contentious areas of investigation in electromicrobiology, in part because e-pili offer a mechanism for long-range electron transport that does not involve the metal cofactors common in much of biological electron transport.
Nitrate Reduction Stimulates and Is Stimulated by Phenazine-1-Carboxylic Acid Oxidation by Citrobacter portucalensis MBL
Authors: Tsypin Lev M. , Newman Dianne K.
Published: August 2021

Phenazines are increasingly appreciated for their roles in structuring microbial communities. These tricyclic aromatic molecules have been found to regulate gene expression, be toxic, promote antibiotic tolerance, and promote survival under oxygen starvation.
Protective Effect of 20(R)-Ginsenoside Rg3 Against Cisplatin-Induced Renal Toxicity via PI3K/AKT and NF-κB Signaling Pathways Based on the Premise of Ensuring Anticancer Effect
Authors: Zhang Jun-Jie , Zhou Yan-Dan , Liu Yong-Bo , Wang Jian-Qiang , Li Ke-Ke , Gong Xiao-Jie , Lin Xiang-Hui , Wang Ying-Ping , Wang Zi , Li Wei
Published: August 2021

Although the protective effect of ginsenoside on cisplatin-induced renal injury has been extensively studied, whether ginsenoside interferes with the antitumor effect of cisplatin has not been confirmed. In this paper, we verified the main molecular mechanism of 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (R-Rg3) antagonizing cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) through the combination of in vivo and in vitro models. It is worth mentioning that the two cell models of HK-2 and HepG2 were used simultaneously for the first time to explore the effect of the activation site of tumor-associated protein p53 on apoptosis and tumor suppression. The results showed that a single injection of cisplatin (20 mg/kg) led to weight loss, the kidney index of the mice increased, and creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in mice sharply increased. Continuous administration of R-Rg3 at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg for 10 days could significantly alleviate this symptom. Similarly, R-Rg3 treatment reduced oxidative stress damage caused by cisplatin. Moreover, R-Rg3 could observably reduce the apoptosis and inflammatory infiltration of renal tubular cells induced by cisplatin. We used western blotting analysis to demonstrate that R-Rg3 restored cisplatin-induced AKI might be related to PI3K/AKT and NF-[Formula: see text]B mediated apoptosis and inflammation pathways. In the meantime, we also verified that R-Rg3 could activate different sites of p53 to control renal cell apoptosis induced by cisplatin without affecting its antitumor effect.
Effects of mechanical and electronic properties for B2 FeAl modified by several kinds of point defects: First-principles study
Authors: Hu Hai , Wang Xu , Shao Qijun , Li Shaorong , Liu Wanguo
Published: August 2021

Elastic, fracture and deformation behavior of B2 FeAl intermetallics modified by ternary additions as well as Al/Fe vacancy defects and anti-sites have been investigated based on density functional theory (DFT). Formation enthalpy indicates that ternary additions Sc, Y, Mo and W have a preference for Al site. While Fe site is more easily replaced by ternary Cu and Zn. Moreover, vacancy and antisite defects can be stable in FeAl. Pugh criteria ([Formula: see text] ratio), Poisson’s ratio [Formula: see text] and Cauchy pressure show that Sc, Y, Mo, W and Al vacancy (Al anti-site by Fe atom) can effectively improve the ductility of FeAl. Dislocation emission and micro-cracks propagation show that the improved ductility is due to the promoted dislocation emission but suppressed micro-cracks propagation. Bonding analyses reveal that the improved ductility is mainly own to the weakened the covalent interactions and strengthened the metallic interactions.
Molecular dynamics simulation of waxy deposition in crude oil system
Authors: Wang Kun , Peng Bo , Zhao Runan , Xu Hongmei , Yan Fei
Published: August 2021

Understanding the phase transition and deposition behavior of crude oil system with waxy is of great significance to ensure the safe production and transportation of oil. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation is employed to explore the deposition process of crude oil system with heterogeneous waxy on the solid surface. The results show that in a multiphase system, the morphology of paraffin wax crystals will change correspondingly at different system temperatures. At low-temperature, the paraffin molecules are arranged in an orderly manner, which are easier to form wax crystals, resulting in the density of the system that changes greatly. As the temperature increases, the aggregation of the wax molecules decreases, which makes the fluidity increase, and it is not easy to form wax crystals.
Director Compensation in the Banking Industry Around the Dodd-Frank Act
Authors: Kwak Wikil , Cheng Xiaoyan , Kealey Burch
Published: August 2021

Directors’ monitoring and advising activities as agents were supposed to increase after the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly increases the pressure on the board of directors to be more effective agents of the stockholders even after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act ( 2002 ) became effective. Director compensation, especially incentive-based compensation, is intended to align with the interests of shareholders and motivate director behavior. This paper empirically tests how banks respond to the Dodd-Frank Act by redesigning their director compensation plans. Our findings suggest that banks recognize the need for improved board monitoring by highlighting the importance of director workload and qualifications through the design of director compensation packages in the post-Dodd-Frank Act period. We also find that the negative impact of excessive director equity compensation on firm performance was attenuated after the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act. The findings of this study shed light on the rationale of director compensation policies for banking firms.
Photoconductive and Antimicrobial Properties of Psidium guajava Leaf Extract Mediated Green Synthesized SnS2–CdO and SnS2–NiO Nanocomposites
Authors: Suganya M. , Baskaran R. , Nagarethinam V. S. , Balu A. R.
Published: August 2021

This paper reports the photoconductive and antimicrobial properties of SnS2–CdO and SnS2-NiO nanocomposites green synthesized using Psidium guajava leaf extract. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the SnS2–CdO nanocomposite exhibits hexagonal SnS2 and cubic CdO diffraction peaks; whereas the SnS2–NiO nanocomposite exhibits hexagonal SnS2 and cubic NiO diffraction peaks. SEM image of the bio-synthesized SnS2–CdO nanocomposite confirmed nanoneedles with grains being well distributed. Regular shaped grains with decreased sizes were observed for the SnS2–NiO nanocomposite. Nanosized grains were observed from the TEM images. The existence of elements Sn, S, Cd, O in SnS2–CdO nanocomposite; Sn, S, Ni, O in SnS2–NiO nanocomposite was confirmed from the EDX and XPS spectra. Increased photosensitivity value was realized for the SnS2–CdO nanocomposite. Both the composites showed good fungal inhibition property against Aspergillus terreus fungi not only by the physical, chemical and biological processes but also owing to phyto-constituents in the leaf extract.
Visualization of RNA secondary structure with pseudoknots
Authors: Yang Lina , Liu Yang , Luo Huiwu , Li Xichun , Tang Yuan Yan
Published: August 2021

The function of pseudoknots cannot be ignored in the RNA secondary structure. Existing methods for analyzing RNA secondary structures with pseudoknots exhibit many shortcomings. This paper presents a novel RNA secondary structure visualization method in the case of a joint analysis of RNA primary structures and secondary structures. The way is based on the page number representation of the RNA secondary structure. It innovatively uses five vectors to represent bases, which are sequentially connected to outline the characteristics of the RNA secondary structure. The method covers almost all the constituent elements of the RNA secondary structure and extracts features completely. Experiments are based on the available techniques for large-scale annotation of RNA secondary structures, using a combination method of discrete wavelet transform and fractal dimension. The classification effect is compared with the previous RNA secondary structure representation methods. Experimental results show that the RNA secondary structure visualization method proposed in this paper has good application prospects in RNA secondary structure classification.
A DFT Investigation of the Adsorption of Phosphate Ions on Co- and Ni-Doped Graphene
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Hong , Chen Tao , Zhang Zhiming , An Libao
Published: August 2021

In this study, the adsorption of PO[Formula: see text], HPO[Formula: see text], H2PO[Formula: see text] on intrinsic, Co-doped and Ni-doped graphene has been investigated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Computing of final adsorption distance, adsorption energy, electron density and partial density of states shows that the adsorption between intrinsic graphene and phosphate ions is weak, and it is only physical adsorption. However, doping graphene with Ni or Co greatly enhances its adsorption with phosphate ions and leads to chemisorption. Combined with the analysis on the variation in conductance, Ni-doped graphene is more sensitive to and thus a promising material for detecting phosphate ions.
Critical concepts of restrained domination in signed graphs
Authors: Mathias Anisha Jean , Sangeetha V. , Acharya Mukti
Published: August 2021

A signed graph [Formula: see text] is a simple undirected graph in which each edge is either positive or negative. Restrained dominating set [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is a restrained dominating set of the underlying graph [Formula: see text] where the subgraph induced by the edges across [Formula: see text] and within [Formula: see text] is balanced. The minimum cardinality of a restrained dominating set of [Formula: see text] is called the restrained domination number, denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we initiate the study on various critical concepts to investigate the effect of edge removal or edge addition on restrained domination number in signed graphs.