bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inconsistent variation of return periods of temperature extremum in China and its projection based on CMIP6 results
Authors: Kuang Xueyuan , Huang Danqing , Huang Ying
Published: November 2021

Increasingly extreme temperature events under global warming can have considerable impacts on sectors such as industrial activities, health, and transportation, suggesting that risk for these kinds of events under climate change and its regional sensitivity should be reassessed. In this study, the observation and multi-model simulations from CMIP6 are comprehensively used to explore the regional differences of the extreme temperature response to climate change from the perspective of return period (RP). The Gumbel model of generalized extremum distribution is applied to estimate the RP for the annual extremum of temperature based on Gaussian distribution of daily temperature. The analysis on the observation in selected three sites indicates that the regional inconsistency of RP variation is not only existed in extreme high temperature (HTx) but also in low temperature (LTn) during the past several decades. The annual amplitude of temperature extremum in the Northeast China is enlarged with summer becoming hotter and winter becoming colder while the opposite situation is detected in Huang-Huai River Basin with cooler summer and relatively stable winter, and South China is characterized by hotter summer and slight warmer winter. From the spatial distribution of the HTx and LTn variations of fix RP, it is found that the Northeast China and Jiang-Huai River Basin is the most sensitive areas, respectively, in the response of extreme low temperature and high temperature to global warming. However, the regional inconsistency of the extreme temperature change is only observed under SSP1-2.6 scenario in the CMIP6 simulation but gradually disappeared from SSP2-4.5 to SSP5-8.5.
A local binary patterns/variance operator based on guided filtering for seismic fault detection
Authors: Tian Renfei , Lei Xue , Ouyang Min
Published: November 2021

Aiming at suppressing noise interference, improving the fault detection ability of seismic data, fully excavating the effective information in seismic data, and further improving the accuracy of fault detection, this study proposes a seismic fault detection method that combines the local binary pattern/variance (LBP/VAR) operator with guided filtering. The proposed method combines the advantages of LBP/VAR and guided filtering to remove noise from seismic data, and can simultaneously smooth the data and preserve linear features. When compared with several existing methods (coherent operator, LBP/VAR operator, LBP/VAR operator based on median filtering, and Canny operator based on guided filtering), the proposed method exhibits a better SNR, a better ability to identify small faults, and robustness to noise. This novel algorithm can control the balance between noise attenuation and effective signal preservation as well as effectively detect faults in seismic data. Therefore, the proposed method effectively improves the fault identification accuracy, facilitates the gas-bearing analysis of the structure, provides guidance for the actual well location deployment of the project, and has important practical significance for oil and gas exploration and development.
Peer relationships and stress: Indirect associations of dispositional mindfulness with depression, anxiety and loneliness via ways of coping
Authors: Zimmer‐Gembeck Melanie J. , Clear Sarah J. , Campbell Shawna M.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Adolescents higher in the trait of dispositional mindfulness report fewer socioemotional problems. Focusing on the domain of peer stressors, we tested a model of adolescents’ mindfulness as a resource that undergirds more constructive stress coping responses, in turn resulting in fewer socioemotional problems.

Method

The participants were 361 Australian secondary school students (40% boys; ages 11 to 18; M = 14.9 years; SD = 1.4). Each completed a questionnaire to report four facets of dispositional mindfulness; engagement and disengagement coping and involuntary stress responses to recent peer interpersonal stressful events; and socioemotional problems of loneliness, social anxiety, and depression.

Results

Adolescents who reported more dispositional mindfulness, including facets of awareness, describing, non‐judgement and non‐reactivity, were lower in involuntary peer stress responses, disengagement coping, loneliness, social anxiety, and depression; associations of mindfulness facets with engagement coping were mixed. Mediational path models showed that almost all the significant negative associations of dispositional mindfulness with loneliness, social anxiety and depression were fully indirect via peer stress coping responses. Further, an alternative model, which tested whether loneliness, social anxiety and depression were the instigators of stress coping responses via mindfulness, had an adequate but poorer fit.

Conclusion

As hypothesized, the benefit of adolescents' dispositional mindfulness for reducing loneliness, social anxiety and depression seems to be indirect, with positive peer stress coping responses key mediators in these indirect pathways. It is less likely that the alternative occurs, whereby adolescents’ socioemotional problems are the foundation for mindfulness and peer stress coping responses.
Civic Mandates for the ‘Majority’: The Perception of Whiteness and Open Classroom Climate in Predicting Youth Civic Engagement
Authors: Conrad Jenni , Lo Jane C. , Kisa Zahid
Published: November 2021

Informed by Critical Race Theory, this quantitative study supports civic educators in understanding the role of classroom climate and racial identity in students’ civic engagement during a statewide middle school civics mandate (n = 4707). Findings reveal that students of color experience higher civic engagement and lower civic attitude scores than white-identifying peers, after controlling for school, classroom, and affluence indicators. Students’ perception of whiteness (or perhaps majority status) appeared to correlate with positive civic knowledge and civic attitude, but relative civic inaction. These findings suggest differences in civic outcomes as early as middle school between white-identifying students and students of color. Such differences offer implications for civic education interventions that address not only effective instruction, but civic inequities, students’ perceived agency, and curricular content.
A critical readability and quality analysis of internet‐based patient information on neck dissections
Authors: Grose Elysia M. , Kim Joo Hyun , Philteos Justine , Levin Marc , Lee Jong Wook , Monteiro Eric A.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Patients are increasingly turning to the Internet as a source of healthcare information. Given that neck dissection is a common procedure within the field of Otolaryngology ‐ Head and Neck Surgery, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and readability of online patient education materials on neck dissection.

Methods

A Google search was performed using the term “neck dissection.” The first 10 pages of a Google search using the term “neck dissection” were analyzed. The DISCERN instrument was used to assess quality of information. Readability was calculated using the Flesch‐Reading Ease, Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning‐Fog Index, Coleman‐Liau Index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index.

Results

Thirty‐one online patient education materials were included. Fifty‐five percent (n = 17) of results originated from academic institutions or hospitals. The mean Flesch‐Reading Ease score was 61.2 ± 11.9. Fifty‐two percent (n = 16) of patient education materials had Flesch‐Reading Ease scores above the recommended score of 65. The average reading grade level was 10.5 ± 2.1. The average total DISCERN score was 43.6 ± 10.1. Only 26% of patient education materials (PEMs) had DISCERN scores corresponding to a “good quality” rating. There was a significant positive correlation between DISCERN scores and both Flesch‐Reading Ease scores and average reading grade level.

Conclusions

The majority of patient education materials were written above the recommended sixth‐grade reading level and the quality of online information pertaining to neck dissections was found to be suboptimal. This research highlights the need for patient education materials regarding neck dissection that are high quality and easily understandable by patients.
Temperature Estimates of Lower Miocene (Burdigalian) Coastal Water of Southern India Using a Revised Otolith “Clumped” Isotope Paleothermometer
Authors: Prasanna K. , Ghosh Prosenjit , Eagle Robert A. , Tripati Aradhna , Kapur Vivesh V. , Feeney Richard F. , Fosu Benjamin R. , Mishra Divya
Published: November 2021

Carbonate clumped isotope thermometry is based on the ordering of 13C and 18O in the carbonate lattice and is based on the relative abundance of 13C18O16O in CO2 produced through acid digestion of carbonate minerals. The major advantage of this technique is its non‐dependency on the δ18O value of water from which the carbonate precipitated. Ghosh et al. (2007, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2007.03.015) previously published calibration data for fish otoliths referenced to heated gases and used the Gonfiantini 17O parameter set in their data evaluation. Herein, we present a new clumped isotope (Δ47) calibration for aragonitic fish otoliths in the absolute reference frame using the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry 17O correction. Our revised calibration equation for otolith is: . To test the accuracy of this calibration, we apply it to otoliths of modern Lutjanus lutjanus from the Bay of Bengal. The estimated average temperature (22.3°C ± 4.2°C) for the Bay of Bengal and δ18OV‐SMOW composition of waters of −1.7‰ (±0.5) are consistent with the onsite observations. We also apply the new calibration to well‐preserved otoliths of “genus Ambassidarum” sp. and “genus Gobiidarum” sp. from lower Miocene (Burdigalian) sediments of the Quilon Formation, India to quantify coastal water conditions. Estimated average environmental water temperatures in their habitats were 12.9°C ± 1.7°C, and the average δ18OV‐SMOW of ambient waters calculated yielded a value between −3.5‰ and −2.6‰ (V‐SMOW) (mean: −2.9‰ ± 0.4) and −4.4‰, respectively. These results indicate δ18O values reflect the kinetic effects impacting the δ18O of fish otoliths independently of Δ47, although we cannot fully preclude diagenesis.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Pore Pressure Changes and Coulomb Failure Stress in a Poroelastic Medium for Different Faulting Regimes
Authors: Miao Miao , Zhu Shoubiao , Chang Ying , Yuan Jie , Wang Rui , Han Peng
Published: November 2021

Spatial distribution of aftershocks has been explained by the co‐seismic static Coulomb Failure Stress changes (ΔCFS) to some extent. In practice, the earth's crust is porous medium saturated with fluid filling pores, cavities, cracks, and faults. The pore fluid flow plays an important role in the evolution of the stress field in porous medium of the earth. The ΔCFS can be influenced by the co‐seismic pore pressure changes and the post‐seismic pore fluid flow. In order to understand such impacts, we built 3D fault‐slip finite element models to study the evolution of the pore pressure changes and the ΔCFS based on the fully coupled poroelastic theory. The strike‐slip, reverse, and normal faulting models were investigated separately. The patterns of co‐seismic ΔCFS were similar to the elastic stress changes on a homogeneous half‐space, but there were considerable differences in details especially in the near‐fault area when considering co‐seismic pore pressure change. Due to post‐seismic pore fluid flow, the near‐field stress shadow narrowed gradually in the strike‐slip model. In the reverse faulting model, both the near‐field stress shadow and enhanced areas expanded. In the normal faulting model, the stress shadow near the epicenter reduced. The pore pressure changes decayed sharply at the beginning and then gradually approached to zero because the system evolves to drained conditions. These results can help us to understand the effect of pore fluid flow on Coulomb Failure Stress evolution and might improve the understanding of earthquake triggering and aftershock forecasting.
Monitoring the growth of Fusarium graminearum in wheat kernels using multispectral imaging with chemometric methods
Authors: Liu Wei , He Lin , Xia Yiming , Ren Lin , Liu Changhong , Zheng Lei
Published: November 2021

Multispectral images of all samples were obtained to analyze spectral features. Different chemometric methods were used to establish the identification and quantitative determination models for monitoring fungal contamination in wheat kernels.
Near-infrared emitting gold–silver nanoclusters with large Stokes shifts for two-photon in vivo imaging
Authors: Peng Yaowei , Huang Xiaoyu , Wang Fu
Published: November 2021

We fabricated a novel NIR emitting silver–gold nanocluster and used it for two-photon in vivo bioimaging.
Investigation on a Zr-based metal–organic framework (MOF-801) for the high-performance separation of light alkanes
Authors: Liu Hao , Li Boran , Zhao Yayun , Kong Chunlong , Zhou Chen , Lin Yichao , Tian Ziqi , Chen Liang
Published: November 2021

A Zr-based metal organic framework (MOF-801) possesses high chemical and thermal stability, showing great potential for the recovery and purification of light alkanes.
Bioengineering applications of black phosphorus and their toxicity assessment
Authors: Wu Na , Wang Xiaomei , Das Chandreyee Manas , Ma Mingze , Qiao Nan , Fan Taojian , Zhang Han , Xu Gaixia , Yong Ken-Tye
Published: November 2021

An overall structure of this review.
Printing dynamic color palettes and layered textures through modeling-guided stacking of electrochromic polymers
Authors: Chen Ke , Wu Yukun , You Liyan , Wu Wenting , Wang Xiaokang , Zhang Di , Elman James F. , Ahmed Mustafa , Wang Haiyan , Zhao Kejie , Mei Jianguo
Published: November 2021

A stacking scheme for solution-processable electrochromic polymers is presented with the integration of direct photolithography patterning to realize full colors, layered textures, and controllable color switching.
Ring opening polymerization of β-acetoxy-δ-methylvalerolactone, a triacetic acid lactone derivative
Authors: Sajjad Hussnain , Prebihalo Emily A. , Tolman William B. , Reineke Theresa M.
Published: November 2021

We report here the synthesis and polymerization of a novel disubstituted valerolactone, β-acetoxy-δ-methylvalerolactone, derived from the renewable feedstock triacetic acid lactone (TAL).
Research on PDMA system based on complementary sequence and low complexity detection algorithm
Authors: Li Shufeng , Su Baoxin , Jin Libiao , Sun Yao , Xia Zhiping
Published: November 2021

With the intensive deployment of mobile networks and the vigorous development of new multimedia services, video has gradually become the mainstream of cultural consumption. The contradiction between the proliferation of video data services and the scarcity of spectrum resources has brought great challenges to the current network resource allocation. Non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) can be used to solve this problem by signal superposition and spectrum multiplexing to improve system access capability. As a new type of joint optimization design of transmitter and receiver side, PDMA has high research value. In this paper, a framework of PDMA video transmission system based on H.264 video compression coding (HVC‐PDMA) is proposed. Poly complementary sequence (PCS) spread spectrum coding is performed on the transmission codebook in order to improve the transmission accuracy. Meanwhile, a low complexity serial sphere compensated Max‐log MPA (SSCM‐MPA) algorithm is proposed to reduce the complexity of the multi‐user detection algorithm. Simulation results show that the PCS spread spectrum can improve system throughput and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) while reducing bit error rate (BER). SSCM‐MPA algorithm can greatly reduce the complexity and improve the transmission efficiency.
FDTD‐based sensitivity analysis of GPR acquisition parameters for accurate detection of buried cylindrical objects
Authors: Ghozzi Rim , Lahouar Samer , Souani Chokri
Published: November 2021

Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) is a non‐destructive technique used to assess the subsurface and locate any buried objects such as subterranean utilities. It emits electromagnetic radiations and detects the reflected signals from underground objects. Nevertheless, many GPR acquisition factors cannot easily be accounted for in evaluating the performance of the GPR system. To ensure more correct and accurate detection of the GPR signals reflected by a buried cylindrical object in a homogenous medium, sensitivity analysis of GPR data is proposed in this work. The numerical simulator gprMax, which is based on finite‐difference time‐domain, is used to generate GPR data. The data analysis results showed that the GPR measurement accuracy is more sensitive to the incident signal waveform than the other parameters. Thus, one of the major characteristics of GPR that can affect its accuracy is the incident waveform.
High step‐up interleaved DC‐DC converter for photovoltaic systems
Authors: Semiromizadeh Javad , Izadi Hamed , Adib Ehsan
Published: November 2021

This study proposes a new interleaved high step‐up topology based on cross‐coupled inductors and voltage multiplier cells (VMCs). Two series capacitors in VMC are employed to raise voltage gain and diminish peak voltage across switches. Thus, low voltage MOSFETs with low on‐resistance (R) can be used in the proposed converter. Due to the presence of the leakage inductors in coupled inductors, the falling rate of the output diodes current is controlled and the diode recovery current problem at turn‐off can be mitigated. In addition, switches are turned on under ZCS conditions which results in efficiency improvement. Using two‐phase topology reduces input current ripple and shares power losses between each phase. The converter is analyzed and its operation is investigated using detailed comparisons. Finally, to confirm the performance of the proposed converter, a 30 V input voltage to 400 V output voltage prototype with the rated power of 220 W is implemented and tested in the laboratory.
Characteristics of Patients Who Attend the 7- to 10-Day Postpartum Visit for Blood Pressure Evaluation
Authors: Tallmadge Maggie , Livergood Mary Christine , Tvina Alina , Evans Sarah , McIntosh Jennifer , Palatnik Anna
Published: November 2021

Objective This study aimed to assess maternal characteristics that predict attendance of postpartum blood pressure evaluation in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

Study Design A retrospective case–control study of patients with HDP delivering at a single academic institution (2014–2018). Diagnosis of HDP included gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, and superimposed preeclampsia. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to determine maternal characteristics independently associated with attendance of the 7- to 10-day postpartum blood pressure evaluation.

Results Of the 1,041 patients included in the analysis, 603 (57.9%) attended the 7- to 10-day postpartum blood pressure check. Maternal sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric factors differed significantly between patients who attended the postpartum blood pressure visit and those who did not. In univariable analyses, nulliparity, non-Hispanic black race and ethnicity, public insurance, HDP with severe features, cesarean birth, gestational age at delivery, receipt of magnesium, mild-range blood pressures on day of discharge, and initiation of antihypertensive medication were associated with attendance of the 7- to 10-day postpartum visit. In multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with higher odds of attending the blood pressure visit were nulliparity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.58; 95% confidence interval: [CI]: 1.14–2.17), severe HDP (aOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.44–2.61), and cesarean birth (aOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.43–2.59). In contrast, factors associated with lower odds of attendance were non-Hispanic black race and ethnicity compared with non-Hispanic white (aOR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47–0.97), and public insurance (aOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45–0.93) compared with private insurance.

Conclusion Clinical factors such as nulliparity, severe HDP, and cesarean birth were associated with higher rates of postpartum blood pressure evaluation attendance, whereas sociodemographic factors such as maternal non-Hispanic black race and ethnicity and public insurance were associated with lower odds of postpartum blood pressure check attendance.

Key Points
Management of Critically Ill Pregnant Patients with COVID-19 Infection in a Rural State
Authors: Pagan Megan E. , Ramseyer Abigail M. , Whitcombe Dayna D. , Doiron Tucker E. , Magann Everett F. , Sandlin Adam T. , Hughes Dawn S.
Published: November 2021

Objective There is limited data on the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnancy. Arkansas saw an increase in COVID-19 cases in June 2020. The first critically ill pregnant patient was admitted to our institution on May 21st, 2020. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes in critically ill pregnant women with COVID-19 at a single tertiary care center who received remdesivir and convalescent plasma (CCP).

Study Design This is a retrospective observational review of critically ill pregnant women with COVID-19 who received remdesivir and CCP. This study was approved by the institutional review board (#261354).

Results Seven pregnant patients with COVID-19 were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). All received remdesivir and CCP. Six received dexamethasone. The median ICU length of stay (LOS) was 8 days (range 3–17). Patient 1 had multi-organ failure requiring vasopressors, renal dialysis, and had an intrauterine fetal demise. Patients 4 and 6 required mechanical ventilation, were delivered for respiratory distress and were extubated at 2 and 1 days postpartum, respectively. The only common risk factor was obesity. There were no adverse events noted with remdesivir or CCP.

Conclusion There is little data regarding the use of remdesivir or CCP for the treatment of COVID-19 in pregnant women. In our cohort, these were well tolerated with no adverse events. Previously reported median ICU LOS in critically ill pregnant women with COVID-19 was 8 days (range 4–15).1 Our study found a similar ICU LOS (8 days; range 3–17). Patient 1 did not receive remdesivir or CCP until transport to our facility on hospital day 3. Excluding patient 1, median ICU LOS was 6.5 days (range 3–9). Our institution's treatment of pregnant women with critical illness with remdesivir, CCP and dexamethasone combined with delivery in select cases has thus far had good outcomes.

Key Points
Impact of Lockdown Measures during COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnancy and Preterm Birth
Authors: Alshaikh Belal , Cheung Po-Yin , Soliman Nancy , Brundler Marie-Anne , Yusuf Kamran
Published: November 2021

Objective The objective of this study is to assess the effect of the lockdown measures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pregnancy outcomes of women who were not affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.

Study Design We used data from the perinatal health program and neonatal databases to conduct a cohort analysis of pregnancy outcomes during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Calgary region, Canada. Rates of preterm birth were compared between the lockdown period (March 16 to June 15, 2020) and the corresponding pre-COVID period of 2015 to 2019. We also compared maternal and neonatal characteristics of preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Calgary between the two periods.

Findings A total of 4,357 and 24,160 live births occurred in the lockdown and corresponding pre-COVID period, respectively. There were 366 (84.0 per 1,000 live births) and 2,240 (92.7 per 1,000 live births) preterm births in the lockdown and corresponding pre-COVID period, respectively (p = 0.07). Rates of very preterm and very-low-birth-weight births were lower in the lockdown period compared with the corresponding pre-COVID period (11.0 vs. 15.6 and 9.0 vs. 14.4 per 1,000 live births, p = 0.02 and p = 0.005, respectively). There was no difference in spontaneous stillbirth between the two periods (3.7 vs. 4.1 per 1,000 live birth, p = 0.71). During the lockdown period, the likelihood of multiple births was lower (risk ratio [RR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60–0.88), while gestational hypertension and clinical chorioamnionitis increased (RR 1.24, 95%CI: 1.10–1.40; RR 1.33, 95%CI 1.10–1.61, respectively).

Conclusion Observed rates of very preterm and very-low-birth-weight births decreased during the COVID-19 lockdown. Pregnant women who delivered during the lockdown period were diagnosed with gestational hypertension and chorioamnionitis more frequently than mothers in the corresponding pre-COVID period.

Key Points
Prediction of Postoperative Day 1 Hemoglobin Level after Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Kawakita Tetsuya , Saeed Haleema , Amgalan Ariunzaya , Thomas Alexandra , Coviello Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

Objective To create a prediction model for postoperative hemoglobin levels after cesarean delivery, which could reduce routine use of postoperative laboratory test.

Study Design This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent cesarean delivery (primary or repeat) at or more than 23 weeks' gestation at a single academic center. The cohort was randomly divided into a training cohort to develop a prediction model and a validation cohort to test the model in a 2:1 ratio. Variables with p-value <0.10 were considered for the mixed multivariable linear regression model in a backward stepwise fashion. We obtained the best cut-off point of the predicted hemoglobin level to detect severe anemia (postoperative hemoglobin level less than 7.0 g/dL) in the training cohort. A receiver operating characteristic curve with the area under a curve was created. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the model in the validation cohort using the best cut-off point obtained in the training cohort as well as postoperative hemoglobin of 10.0 g/dL.

Results Of 2,930 women, 1,954 (66.6%) and 976 (33.3%) were randomly allocated to training and validation cohorts. The final model included preoperative hemoglobin level, preoperative platelet level, quantitative blood loss, height, weight, magnesium administration, labor, and general anesthesia. The best cut-off to predict severe anemia was predicted hemoglobin level of 8.57 g/dL in the training cohort. Using this cut-off, the sensitivity and specificity in the validation cohort were 77% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56–91%) and 87% (95% CI: 85–89%), respectively. The use of postpartum hemorrhage yielded the sensitivity of 58% (95% CI: 37–77%) and specificity 79% (95% CI: 76–81%), respectively.

Conclusion We developed a validated model to predict the postoperative day 1 hemoglobin levels after cesarean delivery that could assist with identifying women who may not need postoperative laboratory tests.

Key Points
The Association between Immediate Postpartum Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Use and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Ross Carolyn M. , Shim Jessica Y. , Stark Elisabeth L. , Wisner Katherine L. , Miller Emily S.
Published: November 2021

Objective While postpartum depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a highly effective form of contraception, some data suggest an association with depressive symptoms. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between receipt of DMPA in the immediate postpartum period and postpartum depressive symptoms.

Study Design This retrospective cohort study included all women who received prenatal and postpartum care at academic obstetric clinics affiliated with a tertiary care institution between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2014. All women were counseled on contraception prior to hospital discharge. DMPA was available in the hospital pharmacy, and its utilization was documented in the electronic health record. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to screen for postpartum depression for all women at all postpartum visits. A score of 10 or greater was categorized as positive. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify the association between immediate postpartum DMPA use and a positive postpartum depression screen.

Results Of the 5,073 women who met inclusion criteria, 410 (8.1%) received DMPA prior to hospital discharge. Compared with women who did not receive DMPA, women who received DMPA prior to hospital discharge were younger, more likely to identify as Black race or Latinx ethnicity, and more likely to be publicly insured. Clinical characteristics also differed. Women who received DMPA were more likely to be obese and to have experienced prenatal depressive symptoms, been diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, delivered preterm, and delivered vaginally. Receipt of immediate postpartum DMPA was not associated with having a positive screen for postpartum depression in bivariable (5.4 vs. 6.0%, p = 0.29) or multivariable (adjusted odds ratio 0.94, confidence interval 0.53–1.68) analyses.

Conclusion Receipt of postpartum DMPA is not associated with a positive postpartum PHQ-9 screen. Concerns about precipitating postpartum depression should not preclude the utilization of DMPA as a contraceptive agent.

Key Points
Predictive Factors for Successful Vaginal Delivery after a Trial of External Cephalic Version: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 946 Women
Authors: Bilgory Asaf , Minich Olena , Shvaikovsky Maria , Gurevich Genady , Lessing Joseph B. , Olteanu Ioana
Published: November 2021

Objective Our aim was to find the factors which predict a vertex presentation vaginal delivery (VD) in women who are admitted for a trial of external cephalic version (ECV).

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent a trial of ECV and delivered between November 2011 and December 2018 in a single tertiary center. The main outcome measure was successful VD of a fetus in the vertex presentation. Women who achieved VD in the vertex presentation or underwent cesarean delivery were compared on the basis of variety of predictive factors. Adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes were reported. Logistic regression was used for the multivariate analysis.

Results A total of 946 women were included; 717 (75.8%) women had a successful ECV and 663 (70.1%) women had a VD in the vertex presentation. Parous women had 79.3% VD rate (570/719) and nulliparous women had 41.0% VD rate (93/227). Women with an amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 50 to 79, 80 to 200, and >200 mm had 34.8, 71.0, and 83.1% VD rate, respectively. Parous versus nulliparous women had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 5.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.90–7.52, p < 0.001), women with AFI 50 to 79 mm compared with AFI 80 to 200 mm had an aOR of 0.21 (95% CI 0.12–0.37, p < 0.001), and women with an AFI >200 mm compared with AFI 80 to 200 mm had an aOR of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.03–2.92, p = 0.037) to achieve VD. The final prediction model for the chances of a VD based on data on admission for ECV was reported. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to evaluate the goodness of fit of the model (p = 0.836).

Conclusion Being parous and having an AFI >200 mm are positive independent predictive factors for achieving VD of a vertex presenting fetus after ECV. Whereas AFI 50 to 79 mm is a negative independent predictive factor.

Key Points
Female age and parity in horses: how and why does it matter?
Authors: Derisoud Emilie , Auclair-Ronzaud Juliette , Palmer Eric , Robles Morgane , Chavatte-Palmer Pascale
Published: November 2021

Although puberty can occur as early as 14–15 months of age, depending on breed and use, the reproductive career of mares may continue to advanced ages. Once mares are used as broodmares, they will usually produce foals once a year until they become unfertile, and their productivity can be enhanced and/or prolonged through embryo technologies. There is a general consensus that old mares are less fertile, but maternal age and parity are confounding factors because nulliparous mares are usually younger and older mares are multiparous in most studies. This review shows that age critically affects cyclicity, folliculogenesis, oocyte and embryo quality as well as presence of oviductal masses and uterine tract function. Maternal parity has a non-linear effect. Primiparity has a major influence on placental and foal development, with smaller foals at the first gestation that remain smaller postnatally. After the first gestation, endometrial quality and uterine clearance capacities decline progressively with increasing parity and age, whilst placental and foal birthweight and milk production increase. These combined effects should be carefully balanced when breeding mares, in particular when choosing and caring for recipients and their foals.
A classical relativistic hydrodynamical model for strong EM wave-spin plasma interaction
Authors: HU Qianglin , HU Wen
Published: November 2021

Based on the covariant Lagrangian function and Euler–Lagrange equation, a set of classical fluid equations for strong EM wave-spin plasma interaction is derived. Analysis shows that the relativistic effects may affect the interaction processes by three factors: the relativistic factor, the time component of four-spin, and the velocity-field coupling. This set of equations can be used to discuss the collective spin effects of relativistic electrons in classical regime, such as astrophysics, high-energy laser-plasma systems and so on. As an example, the spin induced ponderomotive force in the interaction of strong EM wave and magnetized plasma is investigated. Results show that the time component of four-spin, which approaches to zero in nonrelativistic situations, can increase the spin-ponderomotive force obviously in relativistic situation.
metaSNV v2: detection of SNVs and subspecies in prokaryotic metagenomes
Authors: Van Rossum Thea , Costea Paul I , Paoli Lucas , Alves Renato , Thielemann Roman , Sunagawa Shinichi , Bork Peer
Published: November 2021

Taxonomic analysis of microbial communities is well supported at the level of species and strains. However, species can contain significant phenotypic diversity and strains are rarely widely shared across global populations. Stratifying the diversity between species and strains can identify ‘subspecies’, which are a useful intermediary. High-throughput identification and profiling of subspecies is not yet supported in the microbiome field. Here, we use an operational definition of subspecies based on single nucleotide variant (SNV) patterns within species to identify and profile subspecies in metagenomes, along with their distinctive SNVs and genes. We incorporate this method into metaSNV v2, which extends existing SNV-calling software to support further SNV interpretation for population genetics. These new features support microbiome analyses to link SNV profiles with host phenotype or environment and niche-specificity. We demonstrate subspecies identification in marine and fecal metagenomes. In the latter, we analyze 70 species in 7524 adult and infant subjects, supporting a common subspecies population structure in the human gut microbiome and illustrating some limits in subspecies calling.

Availability and implementation

Source code, documentation, tutorials and test data are available at https://github.com/metasnv-tool/metaSNV and https://metasnv.embl.de.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Insect Visitors of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) (Rosales: Rosaceae) and Factors Affecting Viable Seed Production
Authors: McLaughlin Rachel , Keller Joseph , Wagner Elizabeth , Biddinger David , Grozinger Christina , Hoover Kelli
Published: November 2021

Since 2000, wild black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) has produced erratic seed crops, especially in the Allegheny National Forest where poor seed production has been implicated in difficulties with black cherry regeneration in forest stands. Given that black cherry is insect pollinated and unable to produce viable seed from self-pollination, a reduction in seed crops could be due to a pollination deficit; however, its key pollinators are unknown. Identifying the pollinators and factors that influence pollinator abundance and fidelity is critical for supporting and enhancing seed production for this valuable timber species. Over a two-year period in developed, semideveloped, and forested areas in Pennsylvania, we identified the potential pollinators of black cherry and examined how their abundance, along with several other abiotic and biotic factors, influenced viable seed production. We found that andrenid (Andrenidae: Hymenoptera) bees are likely the most important pollinators. The proportion of viable seeds increased as the number of andrenids increased, and these ground nesting bees were most abundant on forest edges, highlighting this habitat’s potential to support pollination services. Andrenids carried an average of 347-fold more black cherry pollen than flies and 18-fold more than halictid (Halictidae: Hymenoptera) bees. We did not find a significant relationship between the abundance of any other taxa besides andrenids and viable seed production. Black cherry flowers also provide resources for natural enemies such as the economically important parasitoid of Popillia japonica Newman (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera), Tiphia vernalis Rohwer (Tiphiidae: Hymenoptera), which was observed feeding on black cherry nectar in this study.
Bacteriophages PɸEn-CL and PɸEn-HO can eliminate MDR Enterobacter cloacae and Enterobacter hormaechei isolated from burn wound infections without toxicity for human skin cells
Authors: Rahimzadeh Torabi Ladan , Doudi Monir , Naghavi Nafiseh Sadat , Monajemi Ramesh
Published: November 2021

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains has caused serious problems in the treatment of burn infections. MDR Enterobactercloacae and Enterobacterhormaechei have been defined as the causative agents of nosocomial infections in burn patients. In this situation, examination of phages side effects on human cell lines before any investigation on human or animal that can provide beneficial information about the safety of isolated phages. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the specific bacteriophages on MDR E. cloacae and E. hormaechei isolated from burn wounds and to analyze the efficacy, cell viability and cell cytotoxicity of phages on A-375 and HFSF-PI cell lines by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Phages were isolated from urban sewage Isfahan, Iran. Enterobactercloacae strain Iau-EC100 (GenBank accession number: MZ314381) and E. hormaechei strain Iau-EHO100 (GenBank accession number: MZ348826) were sensitive to the isolated phages. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results revealed that PɸEn-CL and PɸEn-HO that were described had the morphologies of Myovirus and Inovirus, respectively. Overall, MTT and LDH assays showed moderate to excellent correlation in the evaluation of cytotoxicity of isolated phages. The results of MTT and LDH assays showed that, phages PɸEn-CL and PɸEn-HO had no significant toxicity effect on A375 and HFSF-PI 3 cells. Phage PɸEn-HO had a better efficacy on the two tested cell lines than other phage. Our results indicated that, there were significant differences between the two cytotoxicity assays in phage treatment compared to control.
Revisiting the subpulse drifting phenomenon in PSR J1822−2256: drift modes, sparks, and emission heights
Authors: Janagal Parul , Chakraborty Manoneeta , Bhat N D Ramesh , Bhattacharyya Bhaswati , McSweeney Samuel J
Published: November 2021

Subpulse drifting in pulsar radio emission is considered to be one of the most promising phenomena for uncovering the underlying physical processes. Here, we present a detailed study of such a phenomenon in observations of PSR J1822−2256, made using the upgraded Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (uGMRT). Observations were made simultaneously using the band 3 (300–500 MHz) and band 4 (550–750 MHz) receivers of the uGMRT. The pulsar is known to exhibit subpulse drifting, mode changing, and nulling. Our observations reveal four distinct subpulse drifting modes of emission (A, B, C, and D) for this pulsar, with the drift periodicities of 17.9P1, 5.8P1, 8P1, and 14.1P1, respectively (where P1 is the pulsar rotation period), two of which exhibit some new features that were not reported in the previous studies. We also investigate the possible spark configuration, characterized by the number of sparks (n) in the carousel patterns of these four drift modes, and our analysis suggests two representative solutions for the number of sparks for a carousel rotation period, P4, which lies in the range of 13–16. The large frequency coverage of our data (300–750 MHz) is also leveraged to explore the frequency dependence of single-pulse characteristics of the pulsar emission, particularly the frequency-dependent subpulse behaviour and the emission heights for the observed drift modes. Our analysis suggests a clear modal dependence of inferred emission heights. We discuss the implications for the pulsar emission mechanism and its relation to the proposed spark configuration.
Folate deficiency enhances the in vitro genotoxicity of bile acids in human colon and liver cells
Authors: Li Jianfei , Zhang Cheng , Li Lingzhi , Hu Xueqin , Jia Yizhen , Huang Yanan , Lyu Ting , Wang Xu , Guo Xihan
Published: November 2021

Obese subjects have a high baseline of genotoxic stress, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Given that obesity is associated with high bile acids (BA) and low folate, we aimed to determine the interactive effect of folate deficient or supplementation to the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of BA in human colon and liver cells. NCM460 and L-02 cells were cultured in folate-deficient (22.6 nM) and replete (2260 nM) Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)-1640 medium with or without 50 μM deoxycholic acid (DCA) or lithocholic acid (LCA) for 7 days. Moreover, these cells were cultured in folate supplemented (5.65, 11.3 and 22.6 μM) and standard (2.26 μM) medium with 200 μM DCA or LCA for 7 days. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were measured using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay. Our results showed that under folate-replete condition, 50 μM DCA or LCA significantly increased the rate of micronuclei (MN) in NCM460 and L-02 cells. Significantly, the MN-inducing effect of 50 μM DCA or LCA was further enhanced by folate deficiency. Interestingly, folate supplementation exerted a dose-dependent manner to significantly decrease the rates of MN, nucleoplasmic bridges, nuclear buds, apoptosis, and necrosis induced by 200 μM DCA or LCA in NCM460 and L-02 cells. In conclusion, the genotoxicity of moderate BA (50 μM) was exacerbated by folate deficiency and folate supplementation could efficiently protect cells against the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of high BA (200 μM).
Weberian Bureaucracy and Contemporary Governance
Authors: Kettl Donald F
Published: November 2021

Max Weber’s role as a founder of the study of administration is often in much dispute, but he is important for two things: he captured the essence of bureaucracy and he connected it to the role of business in the economy. Weber points us toward the argument that businesses seek profits, that the key to maximizing their profits is certainty in their environment, and that the “iron cage” of bureaucracy plays an important role in reducing uncertainty. Since his contribution to bureaucratic theory in 1922, however, the ground has shifted underneath his argument, especially in its deep connections to public administration. Although policymakers, the media, and the public still tend to view government organizations in Weberian terms, the actual operation of government, in the United States and around the world, has become distinctly less Weberian. The increasing gap between theory and practice raises profound problems for government’s expertise and accountability, and that poses one of the biggest challenges facing public administration in the twenty-first thinking. A fresh model incorporating the complexity of social problems, the complexity of governmental strategies, and the structures of public law provide a way forward in the second century of the grand Weberian tradition
‘The fidelity of promising’: Egoism and Obligation in Austen
Authors: Ganz Melissa J
Published: November 2021

This essay reads the promises that permeate Sense and Sensibility (1811) in the context of late eighteenth-century discussions about the nature and value of voluntary obligations, probing Austen’s engagement with ideas advanced by thinkers including David Hume, Adam Smith, William Paley, William Godwin, and Edmund Burke. In doing so, the essay contributes to long-standing debates about Austen’s ethical vision, highlighting her simultaneous commitment to and critique of the individualist ethos structuring modern life. Austen’s approach to promises, the essay argues, is broadly aligned with that of Hume, Smith, and Paley: like these philosophers, Austen suggests that one is bound by a pledge whenever one knowingly raises another’s expectations concerning the existence of an obligation even if one does not intend to be bound. Yet Austen is less optimistic than these thinkers are about men’s willingness to honour their pledges. She uses the resources of fiction—in particular, experiments with third-person narration and point of view—to examine the problems that result from the unequal power relations between men and women as well as the tendency of individuals to conflate desire with expectation. Even as Austen attempts to shore up a sense of individual responsibility in her society, she implicitly acknowledges that, in some cases, breaking a promise may result in more happiness than keeping it would.
Preliminary validation of muscle ultrasound in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM)
Authors: Mamyrova Gulnara , McBride Erica , Yao Lawrence , Shrader Joseph A , Jain Minal , Yao Jianhua , Curiel Rodolfo V , Miller Frederick W , Harris-Love Michael O , Rider Lisa G
Published: November 2021

Objective

To compare muscle ultrasound (MUS) parameters in patients with juvenile JDM and healthy controls, and examine their association with JDM disease activity measures and MRI.

Methods

MUS of the right mid-rectus femoris was performed in 21 patients with JDM meeting probable or definite Bohan and Peter criteria and 28 demographically matched healthy control subjects. MUS parameters were quantitated by digital image processing and correlated with JDM disease activity measures and semi-quantitative thigh MRI short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and T1 scores.

Results

Rectus femoris MUS echogenicity was increased (median 47.8 vs 38.5, P = 0.002) in patients with JDM compared with controls. Rectus femoris MUS echogenicity correlated with Physician Global Activity (PGA), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), and Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale (CMAS) (rs 0.4–0.54). Some MUS parameters correlated with functional quantitative measures of muscle strength: resting RF area on MUS strongly correlated with knee extension quantitative muscle testing (rs 0.76), and contracted area correlated with proximal MMT, knee extension quantitative muscle testing, and CMAS (rs 0.71–0.80). MUS echogenicity correlated with both STIR and T1 MRI (rs 0.43), and T1 MRI correlated inversely with RF contracted area (rs -0.49) on MUS. There were differences in pre- and post-exercise vascular power and colour Doppler on MUS in patients with JDM vs controls, with the percentage change of post-exercise vascular power Doppler lower in JDM compared with controls (7.1% vs 100.0%).

Conclusions

These data suggest MUS may be a valuable imaging modality to assess JDM disease activity and damage.