bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes of older adults and their carers towards de‐prescribing: A systematic review
Authors: Seewoodharry Mansha , Khunti Kamlesh , Davies Melanie J , Gillies Clare , Seidu Samuel
Published: February 2022

Aim

The aim of this systematic review is to explore the attitudes of older adults (≥65 years old) and their carers towards de‐prescribing.

Methods

We identified relevant studies from three databases; MEDLINE, CINAHL and Web of Science. Two reviewers (MS, SS) independently extracted data from each selected study using a standardised self‐developed data extraction form. Main findings of the studies were summarised descriptively.

Results

A total of 35 studies were included in the review. Of them, 19 were questionnaire studies, 11 semi‐structured interviews, 4 focus groups and 1 study used the nominal group technique approach. Most older adults and their carers were willing to have medication de‐prescribed if told to do so by a healthcare professional (HCP). Other factors that increased willingness to de‐prescribing included; trust in the HCP, side effects and inconvenience from medications as well as the prospect of follow‐up and monitoring during de‐prescribing. In contrast, perceived effectiveness, unawareness of lack of benefit, negative expectations of ageing and fear were factors preventing de‐prescribing.

Conclusion

De‐prescribing is an important concept in older people given the harm associated with polypharmacy in this age group. Overall, older adults and their carers are willing to have medication de‐prescribed if facilitated by their HCP. However, there remain a few barriers to de‐prescribing which may need to be addressed in certain patients, through discussions between older adults/their carers and a HCP, to allow de‐prescribing to be more effective.
Coronary sinus collapsibility index and inferior vena cava collapsibility index can predict right atrial pressure in patients undergoing right heart catheterization
Authors: Saydam Gündüzalp , Kılınç Ali Yaşar , Tosun Veysel , Korucuk Necmettin , Güntekin Ünal , Yaman Mehmet
Published: February 2022

Background

The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between the diameters and collapsibility indices of coronary sinus (CS) and inferior vena cava (IVC) and invasively measured right atrial pressure (RAP), and to determine whether these parameters have predictive value on RAP.

Methods

A total of 136 patients undergoing right heart catheterization due to pulmonary arterial hypertension were included in the study prospectively. CS diameters, IVC diameters, CS collapsibility index (CSCI), and IVC collapsibility index (IVCCI) were measured by echocardiography before catheterization. Pearson correlation analysis was used to compare the parameters. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the predictive value of the CS and IVC collapsibility indices in predicting RAP.

Results

Patients were divided into two groups as invasively measured RAP≥10 mm Hg (n:57) and RAP < 10 mm Hg (n:79). In the group with RAP≥10 mm Hg, IVC and CS diameters were higher than in the group with RAP < 10 mm Hg, while the IVCCI and CSCI were lower (p < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between CSCI and IVCCI and RAP. Also, a positive correlation was observed between CSCI and IVCCI. Optimal cut‐off value for IVCCI was 46.1 with a sensitivity of 75%, and specificity of 79.7%. Optimal cut‐off value for CSCI was 39.2 with a sensitivity of 75.4%, and specificity of 88.6%.

Conclusion

CS and IVC diameters and collapsibility indices measured by echocardiography were found to be associated with invasively measured RAP, and may be used together for estimating RAP.
The employment destination of PhD‐holders in Italy: Non‐academic funded projects as drivers of successful segmentation
Authors: Marini Giulio
Published: February 2022

In high‐income countries in recent years, the non‐academic labour market destination of PhD‐holders, i.e., the segmentation by industry sector of destination, has emerged as an issue. Universities and other research‐intensive institutions can no longer absorb the major share of PhD‐holders. Their employment has become a matter of segmentation both horizontally in terms of the economy and vertically in terms of income. The article reports on outcomes from analysis that tested what factors segment labour market outcomes in two dimensions: (1) the economic sector and (2) income. Findings suggest that scientific mobility and type of funding during PhD studies do not play a notable role. Instead, some types of experiences such as a postdoctoral research position, predict exit from academic employment and also a higher income overall. The most significant experiences that contribute to segmentation are in fact projects funded by private companies or international organisations in postdoctoral periods. Implications for policy making are relevant for both PhD‐holders, universities and external organisations. For instance, maximising collaborations between non‐academic employers and universities is likely to produce beneficial outcomes for PhD‐holders.
Selective behavioural impairments in mice heterozygous for the cross disorder psychiatric risk gene DLG2
Authors: Pass Rachel , Haan Niels , Humby Trevor , Wilkinson Lawrence S. , Hall Jeremy , Thomas Kerrie L.
Published: February 2022

Mutations affecting DLG2 are emerging as a genetic risk factor associated with neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and bipolar disorder. Discs large homolog 2 (DLG2) is a member of the membrane‐associated guanylate kinase protein superfamily of scaffold proteins, a component of the post‐synaptic density in excitatory neurons and regulator of synaptic function and plasticity. It remains an important question whether and how haploinsuffiency of DLG2 contributes to impairments in basic behavioural and cognitive functions that may underlie symptomatic domains in patients that cross diagnostic boundaries. Using a heterozygous Dlg2 mouse model we examined the impact of reduced Dlg2 expression on functions commonly impaired in neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders including motor co‐ordination and learning, pre‐pulse inhibition and habituation to novel stimuli. The heterozygous Dlg2 mice exhibited behavioural impairments in long‐term motor learning and long‐term habituation to a novel context, but not motor co‐ordination, initial responses to a novel context, PPI of acoustic startle or anxiety. We additionally showed evidence for the reduced regulation of the synaptic plasticity‐associated protein cFos in the motor cortex during motor learning. The sensitivity of selective behavioural and cognitive functions, particularly those dependent on synaptic plasticity, to reduced expression of DLG2 give further credence for DLG2 playing a critical role in specific brain functions but also a mechanistic understanding of symptom expression shared across psychiatric disorders.
Multi‐institutional review of non‐hypospadiac penile urethral stricture management and outcomes
Authors: Abramowitz David , Sam Andre‐Philippe , Pachorek Mark , Ruel Nora , Martins Francisco , Angulo Javier , Simhan Jay , Li Eric , Nikolavsky Dmitriy , Policastro Connor , Ramirez‐Perez Erick , Burks Frank , Shetty Zubin , Venkatesan Krishnan , Hunter Craig , Gallegos Maxx , Foreman Jordan , Pariser Joseph , Kasabwala Khushabu , Lopez Damian , Macdonald Susan , Warner Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Penile urethral stricture disease not associated with hypospadias is rare, and there is a wide range of commonly used surgical repair techniques for this disease. We sought to compile a multi‐institutional database of patients who had surgical correction of strictures in the penile urethra not limited to the meatus, and who had no history of hypospadias, for analysis using the Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons length, urethral segment and etiology classification system.

Methods

A retrospective database from 13 institutions was compiled of patients who had undergone surgical correction of Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons length, urethral segment and etiology urethral stricture segments S2b/S2c and excluding E5, with a minimum follow‐up time of 4 months. Failure was defined as cystoscopically confirmed recurrence of a stricture measuring less than 16‐Fr.

Results

We analyzed 222 patients with a median age of 57 years and a follow‐up of 49 months. The overall surgical success rate was 80.2%. On multivariate analysis, the two variables identified that were predictive of surgical success were stricture length ≤2 cm as well as use of a buccal mucosa graft as compared to use of a fasciocutaneous flap, which had success rates of 83% and 52%, respectively (P = 0.0004). No statistically significant differences were found based on incisional approach or surgical technique, nor were outcomes different based on etiology or preoperative patient demographics.

Conclusions

Surgical repair of penile urethral strictures of non‐hypospadiac origin have a favorable overall success rate, at 80.2%. Regardless of incisional approach or surgical technique, all operations appear to have similar outcomes other than repairs using fasciocutaneous flap, which were statistically less successful than those using buccal mucosa graft.
Older residents' perceptions of loneliness in long‐term care facilities: A qualitative study
Authors: Huang Pi‐Hua , Wang Shou‐Yu , Hu Sophia H. , Chuang Yeu‐Hui
Published: February 2022

Loneliness is a negative emotional feeling often experienced by older residents in long‐term care facilities (LTCFs). Previous studies have shown that loneliness is related to depression, inferior quality of life, cardiovascular disease, and suicidal thoughts. Thus, it is important to understand older residents’ viewpoints about loneliness to provide better care in the long‐term care context. This study aimed to explore residents’ perceptions of loneliness in LTCFs. For this qualitative research, data were collected from two LTCFs in northern Taiwan, and purposive sampling was used. In‐depth interviews with 16 older residents were conducted using a semi‐structured interview guide. Content analysis was performed to analyse the data. Four themes with nine subthemes were generated. The themes were: being cut off from continually meaningful relationships, experiencing tears of pain, feeling alone, and lacking a sense of belonging. The findings of this study can provide information for health care professionals to better understand older residents’ views on loneliness and remind them to re‐examine care protocols for psychological health care. Thus, this study found that in order to prevent or alleviate older residents’ feelings of loneliness, the LTCFs should maintain continually meaningful relationships, accompany them, and give them a sense of belonging. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines were used to report this study.
Simvastatin inhibits stem cell proliferation in human leiomyoma via TGF‐β3 and Wnt/β‐Catenin pathways
Authors: Afrin Sadia , Ali Mohamed , El Sabeh Malak , Yang Qiwei , Al‐Hendy Ayman , Borahay Mostafa A.
Published: February 2022

Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is the most common gynaecologic tumour, affecting an estimated 70 to 80% of women. Leiomyomas develop from the transformation of myometrial stem cells into leiomyoma stem (or tumour‐initiating) cells. These cells undergo self‐renewal and differentiation to mature cells, both are necessary for the maintenance of tumour stem cell niche and tumour growth, respectively. Wnt/β‐catenin and TGF‐β/SMAD pathways, both overactive in UL, promote stem cell self‐renewal, crosstalk between stem and mature cells, cellular proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and drive overall UL growth. Recent evidence suggests that simvastatin, an antihyperlipidemic drug, may have anti‐leiomyoma properties. Herein, we investigated the effects of simvastatin on UL stem cells. We isolated leiomyoma stem cells by flow cytometry using DyeCycle Violet staining and Stro‐1/CD44 surface markers. We found that simvastatin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in UL stem cells. In addition, it also suppressed the expression of the stemness markers Nanog, Oct4 and Sox2. Simvastatin significantly decreased the production of the key ECM proteins, collagen 1 and fibronectin. Finally, it inhibited genes and/or proteins expression of TGF‐β1, 2 and 3, SMAD2, SMAD4, Wnt4, β‐Catenin, LRP6, AXIN2 and Cyclin D1 in UL stem cells, all are key drivers of the TGF‐β3/SMAD2 and Wnt4/β‐Catenin pathways. Thus, we have identified a novel stem cell‐targeting anti‐leiomyoma simvastatin effect. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings in vivo.
Evaluation of color stability and microhardness of contemporary bulk‐fill composite resins with different polymerization properties
Authors: Bilgili Can Dilber , Özarslan Merve
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To determine the color stability and microhardness of three bulk‐fill composites with different polymerization characteristics, after immersion in four different solutions.

Materials and Methods

Color measurements of three bulk fill (Viscalor (VIS), Tetric PowerFill (TPF), Fill Up! (FUP)) and a microhyrid composite resin (G‐aenial posterior [GCP]) were performed after polymerization. The specimens were immersed in coffee, cola, red wine and distilled water. Discolorations were recorded after 24 h (T1), 10 days (T2) and 30 days (T3) of immersion. ΔE (CIEDE2000) values were calculated. Vickers microhardness (VHN) was measured from top and bottom surfaces at T0 and T3. Data was analyzed with Two‐way ANOVA, One‐way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests.

Results

The highest discoloration was seen in wine and the lowest in distilled water and cola. At T3, there was no difference in distilled water groups, while the statistically highest ΔE00 were obtained in TPF and GCP in coffee, cola and wine. VIS groups had the highest VHN values at T0 and T3 in all solutions.

Conclusions

Samples immersed in coffee and wine showed discoloration beyond clinically acceptable limits. After 30 days, discoloration occurred in all materials immersed in all solutions. At T3, VIS microhardness generally decreased, while TPF did not.

Clinical Significance

After 30 days, all bulk‐fill composites immersed in distilled water, coffee and wine showed clinically unacceptable ΔE00.
Industry tournament incentives and corporate innovation strategies
Authors: Kong Lingfei , Lonare Gunratan , Nart Ahmet
Published: February 2022

In this article we examine how the tournament‐like progression in the CEO labor market influences corporate innovation strategies. By exploiting a text‐based proxy for product innovation based on product descriptions from 10‐Ks, we find a positive and significant relation between industry tournament incentives (ITIs) and product innovation. We then explore the trade‐off effects of ITIs on product innovation created through long‐term patenting technologies and short‐term product development. We discover that ITIs strengthen short‐term innovation but decrease patent‐based innovation. Further analyses show that the effect of ITIs on product innovation is stronger when the product market is more competitive and when CEO characteristics indicate a higher probability of winning the tournament prize.
Efficacy of auricular acupuncture in improving dry mouth among an institutionalised older population: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Yu Shiou‐Shiun , Liu Te‐Tsai , Chen I‐Hui , Chiu Hsiao‐Yean , Huang Hui‐Chuan
Published: February 2022

Aims

To investigate the efficacy of applying auricular acupuncture (AA) treatment in improving dry mouth in institution‐dwelling older adults.

Background

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common distressing problem in older populations, especially for institution‐dwelling older adults that can affect oral health and quality of life.

Design

A randomised controlled trial was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 and performed according to STRICTA guidelines extended from the CONSORT statement.

Methods

Older adults aged more than 65 years were randomly allocated to an AA group (n = 37) with an 8‐week actual auricular points treatment or a control group (n = 38) receiving sham auricular point acupuncture. Measurements comprised a subjective assessment of the level of dry mouth as assessed by a visual analogue scale in a xerostomia questionnaire, and an objective assessment of the physiological wetness of the lingual mucosa measured with a moisture‐checking device. A generalised estimating equation model was used for data analyses.

Results

After completing an 8‐week AA intervention stimulating the Shenmen, Point Zero and Salivary Gland 2‐prime points, the AA group exhibited significantly improved subjective symptoms of dry mouth comprised of difficulty speaking (B = −6.47, p < .001), difficulty swallowing (B = −6.73, p < .001), the amount of oral saliva (B = −5.38, p < .001), a dry throat (B = −7.53, p < .001) and thirst (B = −8.06, p < .001) compared with the control group. Moreover, the AA group had higher objective oral saliva flow than the control group (B = 4.73, p < .001).

Conclusion

AA is an effective non‐pharmacological method for improving subjective symptoms of dry mouth and objective saliva secretion in older populations living in nursing homes.

Relevant to clinical practice

Performing regular AA on the Shenmen, Point Zero and Salivary Gland 2‐prime auricular points can be considered an alternative treatment approach to improve dry mouth in institution‐dwelling older adults.
The effect of action modules on resilience and psychological health of stroke patients: A pilot non‐randomised control trial
Authors: Tsai Su‐Ju , Li Chia‐Chi , Tsai Shu‐Mei , Kao Shu‐Chuan , Pai Hsiang‐Chu
Published: February 2022

Aims and objectives

To determine whether interventions that use the Specific Thematic Nursing Care Action Modules (STNC‐AM) platform improve patients’ psychological health over a two‐month period.

Background

Stroke survivors often are left with a disability after a stroke, which can have an impact on their physical and mental health. Therefore, it is necessary for stroke patients to have tailored programmes in the face of post‐stroke mental health concerns and the need for care information.

Design

A non‐randomised controlled pilot study was conducted.

Methods

Participants included 44 post‐stroke patients at a medical university hospital, between 1 August 2019–28 February 2021, of whom 24 were assigned to the control group and 20 were assigned to the intervention (STNC‐AM). Data were analysed on an intention‐to‐treat basis. We used the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist (case–control studies) for this study.

Results

There were no statistical differences between the two groups at baseline. At the end of two months, however, the scores for resilience, depression and positive factors illness representation were statistically different between the two groups (p < .05). The results of the generalised estimating equation model analysis indicated that resilience and anxiety remained more significant in decreasing depression in the intervention group than in the control group.

Conclusion

This preliminary trial suggests that, although action modules may be associated with a decrease in depression post‐stroke, part of this effect was likely associated with an increase in resilience and a decrease in anxiety of the patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

The STNC‐AM platform provides a coaching platform that helps patients and caregivers to be effective and accessible.
Do Market Prices Improve the Accuracy of Court Valuations in Chapter 11?
Authors: DEMIROGLU CEM , FRANKS JULIAN , LEWIS RYAN
Published: February 2022

The average difference between the court value and postemergence market value of newly issued stocks in Chapter 11 reorganizations exceeds 50%. We show that public dissemination of transactions in defaulted bonds reduces this difference by 23% and largely eliminates interclaimant wealth transfers. The effects of dissemination are only significant when the bonds are sufficiently traded around the court valuation date and when they receive significant amounts of postemergence equity, indicating that the bond's value is sensitive to the size and allocation of the pie. These findings imply that security prices have real effects: they improve the valuations of bankruptcy participants.
3D Surface Deviation Wear Analysis of Veneered PEEK Crowns and Its Correlation with Optical Digital Profilometry
Authors: Beleidy Marwa , Ziada Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To verify whether 3D surface deviation analysis software can detect the surface changes of composite veneered polyetheretherketone posterior crowns following wear simulation compared to optical digital profilometry.

Materials and methods

Twenty dental crowns, fabricated from CAD‐CAM polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and veneered with high impact polymer composite (HIPC), were subjected to wear test (50N, 5/55°C; 120,000 chewing cycles). Optical digital profilometry and 3D surface deviation using Geomagic design X software was used before and after the wear test to measure volumetric wear loss (mm3). The data were statistically analyzed with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test to compare the two methodologies. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two assessment methods (p‐value = 0.075, Effect size = 0.854). Regarding the optical digital profilometry analysis, HIPC veneered PEEK crowns showed 0.01686 (0.018‐0.02155) mm3 as a median volumetric wear loss value. While the crowns analyzed by 3D surface deviation showed –0.0398 (–0.0913 to –0.0042) mm3 as a median volumetric loss value (p‐value = 0.075, Effect size = 0.854). In addition, there was no statistically significant correlation between wear measurements by optical digital profilometry and 3D surface deviation analyses (ρ = –0.177, p‐value = 0.685).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference or correlation between optical digital profilometry and 3D surface deviation analyses for volumetric wear loss of veneered PEEK crowns.
Using Ecological Momentary Assessments to Understand Black Youths’ Experiences of Racism, Stress, and Safety
Authors: Ortega‐Williams Anna , Booth Jaime M. , Fussell‐Ware Dashawna J. , Lawrence Yolanda J. , Pearl Donnell , Chapman Ny’Ela , Allen William , Reid‐Moore Alisha , Overby Zoe
Published: February 2022

Anti‐Black racism, both interpersonal and systemic, is pervasive. Individual‐ and neighborhood‐level expressions of anti‐Black racism have been explored in many studies; however, Black youths’ experiences of racism across routine activity locations have not been examined as extensively. To address this gap, a Youth Research Advisory Board (YRAB) recruited 75 Black youths (M(SD) = 15.53 (1.77)), living in a segregated neighborhood (93% African American) with 42% of residents living below the poverty line, to participate in research on this topic. Participants in the study completed surveys three times a day for a month (ecological momentary assessment) about their positive and negative emotions and perceptions of racism and social support in routine activity locations (n = 2041). Youths reported more racism when attending school and walking on the street. A relationship between perceptions of racism and social support in routine activity locations and positive and negative momentary emotions was found. This paper will present implications for supporting adolescent development and interrupting anti‐Black racism at the level of routine activity locations, along with opportunities for engaging youth‐led community‐based solutions.
A structural homologue of the plant receptor D14 mediates responses to strigolactones in the fungal phytopathogen Cryphonectria parasitica
Authors: Fiorilli Valentina , Forgia Marco , de Saint Germain Alexandre , D’Arrigo Giulia , Cornu David , Le Bris Philippe , Al‐Babili Salim , Cardinale Francesca , Prandi Cristina , Spyrakis Francesca , Boyer François‐Didier , Turina Massimo , Lanfranco Luisa
Published: February 2022

Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones and important signalling molecules required to promote arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. While in plants an α/β‐hydrolase, DWARF14 (D14), was shown to act as a receptor that binds and cleaves SLs, the fungal receptor for SLs is unknown.

Since AM fungi are currently not genetically tractable, in this study, we used the fungal pathogen Cryphonectria parasitica, for which gene deletion protocols exist, as a model, as we have previously shown that it responds to SLs. By means of computational, biochemical and genetic analyses, we identified a D14 structural homologue, CpD14.

Molecular homology modelling and docking support the prediction that CpD14 interacts with and hydrolyses SLs. The recombinant CpD14 protein shows α/β hydrolytic activity in vitro against the SLs synthetic analogue GR24; its enzymatic activity requires an intact Ser/His/Asp catalytic triad. CpD14 expression in the d14‐1 loss‐of‐function Arabidopsis thaliana line did not rescue the plant mutant phenotype. However, gene inactivation by knockout homologous recombination reduced fungal sensitivity to SLs.

These results indicate that CpD14 is involved in SLs responses in C. parasitica and strengthen the role of SLs as multifunctional molecules acting in plant–microbe interactions.
BACE1: More than just a β‐secretase
Authors: Taylor Hannah A. , Przemylska Lena , Clavane Eva M. , Meakin Paul J.
Published: February 2022

β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme‐1 (BACE1) research has historically focused on its actions as the β‐secretase responsible for the production of β‐amyloid beta, observed in Alzheimer's disease. Although the greatest expression of BACE1 is found in the brain, BACE1 mRNA and protein is also found in many cell types including pancreatic β‐cells, adipocytes, hepatocytes, and vascular cells. Pathologically elevated BACE1 expression in these cells has been implicated in the development of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we examine key questions surrounding the BACE1 literature, including how is BACE1 regulated and how dysregulation may occur in disease, and understand how BACE1 regulates metabolism via cleavage of a myriad of substrates. The phenotype of the BACE1 knockout mice models, including reduced weight gain, increased energy expenditure, and enhanced leptin signaling, proposes a physiological role of BACE1 in regulating energy metabolism and homeostasis. Taken together with the weight loss observed with BACE1 inhibitors in clinical trials, these data highlight a novel role for BACE1 in regulation of metabolic physiology. Finally, this review aims to examine the possibility that BACE1 inhibitors could provide a innovative treatment for obesity and its comorbidities.
Substituted Methylenation at the 132‐Position of a Chlorophyll‐a Derivative via Mixed Aldol Condensation, Optical Properties of the Synthetic Bacteriochlorophyll‐d Analogs, and Self‐aggregation of Their Zinc Complexes†
Authors: Takeda Toyoho , Kitagawa Yuichi , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: February 2022

Chlorophyll‐a derivatives possessing a substituted methylene group at the 132‐position were prepared by the mixed aldol condensation of methyl 3‐hydroxymethyl‐pyropheophorbide‐a with aldehydes bearing a methyl, p‐nitro/cyanophenyl, or pentafluorophenyl group. Their electronic absorption spectra were dependent on the substituents at the methylene terminal. The Soret bands were broadened by increasing the group electronegativity of the substituents, which was ascribable to the charge transfer from the core chlorin to the peripheral substituent in a molecule. Although their Qy absorption and fluorescence emission bands resembled each other, the emission intensities decreased with an increase in the electronegativity because of intramolecular electron transfer quenching. Some of their zinc complexes self‐aggregated in a less polar organic solvent to give red‐shifted and broadened absorption bands with intense circular dichroism couplets, which were similar to those of bacteriochlorophyll‐c/d aggregates in natural chlorosomes as the main light‐harvesting antennas of green photosynthetic bacteria and their models. The J‐aggregation was suppressed with an enhancement in the size of the 132‐substituents.
Getting Intentional about Intention to Use: A Scoping Review of Person‐Centered Measures of Demand
Authors: Boydell Victoria , Galavotti Christine
Published: February 2022

In recent years, there has been much reflection on the measures used to assess and monitor contraceptive programming outcomes. The meaning and measurement of intention‐to‐use (ITU) contraception, however, has had less attention and research despite its widespread inclusion in many major surveys. This paper takes a deeper look at the meaning and measurement of ITU around contraception. We conducted a scoping review guided by the following questions: What is the existing evidence regarding the measurement of ITU contraception? What definitions and measures are used? What do we know about the validity of these measures? We searched databases and found 112 papers to include in our review and combined this with a review of the survey instruments and behavioral theory. Our review found growing evidence around the construct of ITU in family planning programming and research. However there are inconsistencies in how ITU is defined and measured, and this tends not to be informed by advances in behavioral theory and research. Further work is needed to develop and test measures that capture the complexity of intention, examine how intention differently relates to longer‐range goals compared to more immediate implementation, and demonstrate a positive relationship between ITU and contraceptive use.
Minimal observed impact of HLA genotype on hospitalization and severity of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Nguyen Austin , Yusufali Tasneem , Hollenbach Jill A. , Nellore Abhinav , Thompson Reid F.
Published: February 2022

HLA is a critical component of the viral antigen presentation pathway. We investigated the relationship between the severity of SARS‐CoV‐2 disease and HLA type in 3235 individuals with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We found only the DPB1 locus to be associated with the binary outcome of whether an individual developed any COVID‐19 symptoms. The number of peptides predicted to bind to an HLA allele had no significant relationship with disease severity both when stratifying individuals by ancestry or age and in a pooled analysis. Overall, at the population level, we found HLA type is significantly less predictive of COVID‐19 disease severity than certain demographic factors and clinical comorbidities.
Plasma-assisted thermal-cyclic atomic-layer etching of tungsten and control of its selectivity to titanium nitride
Authors: Shinoda Kazunori , Miyoshi Nobuya , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Hanaoka Yuko , Izawa Masaru , Ishikawa Kenji , Hori Masaru
Published: February 2022

Plasma-assisted thermal-cyclic atomic-layer etching (ALE) of tungsten (W), the selectivity of which with respect to TiN can be tuned between highly selective and nonselective by changing infrared-heating time, has been demonstrated. It is a two-step process consisting of exposure to radicals generated in a CHF3/O2 or CH2F2/O2/Ar plasma followed by infrared heating. Analysis by in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that a WFx-based modified surface formed on the surface of a W film exposed to radicals at −22 °C. The modified surface on the W film is volatile at a heating temperature lower than that required for removing the modified surface on the TiN film. Cyclic etching of both W and TiN was performed by using the CH2F2/O2/Ar plasma and infrared heating in a 300-mm ALE apparatus. When the infrared-heating time was not long enough to remove the modified surface on TiN, the cyclic repetition etched only the W film. On the other hand, when the infrared-heating time was long enough to remove modified surfaces on both W and TiN, the cyclic repetition etched both W and TiN films. Therefore, both highly selective and nonselective ALEs for W and TiN were obtained by choosing an optimum infrared-heating time. This shows that material selectivity in plasma-assisted thermal-cyclic ALE can be controlled by changing the infrared-heating time.
Control of etch profiles in high aspect ratio holes via precise reactant dosing in thermal atomic layer etching
Authors: Fischer Andreas , Routzahn Aaron , Gasvoda Ryan J. , Sims Jim , Lill Thorsten
Published: February 2022

Thermal atomic layer etching (ALE) was studied in HfO2-based 3D NAND test structures with an aspect ratio of more than 50:1. Etching was performed via ligand exchange with dimethyl-aluminum chloride (DMAC) after surfaces had been fluorinated with hydrogen fluoride (HF). In these 3D NAND structures, we found that the horizontal etch rate of HfO2 as a function of depth (depth loading) depended on the DMAC dosing but was nearly independent of the HF dose. The HF dose and the process pressure were keys to increasing the overall etch amount per cycle. With the highest tested HF dose of 192 Torr s and a total process pressure of 8 Torr, we achieved a uniform etch amount of 0.6 nm per cycle. In addition, we investigated the impact of film quality and film coating conformality in these structures on the depth loading in the succeeding ALE processes. The type of precursor, precursor dosing, deposition rate, and substrate temperature played a fundamental role in controlling the film quality and conformality of the deposited HfO2 layers inside high aspect ratio holes. Fluorination studies on blanket films revealed that fluorination efficiency is improving for pressures in the Torr range compared to previous milliTorr experiments and that only temperatures above 250 °C increased the fluorine concentration in HfO2 significantly, whereas fluorine levels were unchanged between 150 and 250 °C.
In Torlak we (would) trust: domestic vaccine production in contemporary Serbia
Authors: Brujić Marija
Published: February 2022

Throughout the era of socialist Yugoslavia, the Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera ‘Torlak’ in Belgrade was a well known producer and exporter of vaccines. After the dissolution of the country, it gradually lost its significance in both global and domestic vaccine markets. However, in Serbian public discourse, Torlak’s vaccines are still remembered as of the highest quality. Many people would willingly vaccinate themselves or their children with Torlak’s vaccines. But how do overly positive Yugoslav vaccination experiences influence vaccination narratives in contemporary postsocialist Serbia? To answer this question, I analysed electronic word of mouth from 2005 until 2020 from Serbia’s main daily news sources. Public narratives on Torlak’s vaccine production seem to be a local response and a consequence of global changes in the international vaccine market. Furthermore, this study shows that public calls for the revival of Torlak’s vaccine production are part of wider public yearning for ‘normal life’ in postsocialist Serbia. In this respect, positive memories of Torlak vaccines do not serve as a strategy for dealing with the past. As a special form of Yugo-nostalgia and as a ‘material embodiment’ of normal life under socialism, narratives represent a strategy for dealing with the present: a therapy for dealing with the ‘abnormality’ of life in today’s Serbia. Contemporary public vaccination attitudes are shaped both by collective memory of the production and administration of Torlak’s vaccines in socialist Yugoslavia, and by narratives on Torlak’s unfavourable current position. They also reflect wider opinions, hopes and yearning for the restoration of the country’s political, health and economic institutions.
Factors associated with stigma related to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among men who have sex with men (MSM)
Authors: Bhatta Dharma N , Hecht Jennifer , Facente Shelley N
Published: February 2022

Background

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a noteworthy scientific development that increases the opportunities for men who have sex with men (MSM) to prevent HIV infection, but stigma is a major barrier to its uptake. This study aims to determine the associations between PrEP-related stigma and individual characteristics among MSM.

Methods

Self-reported cross-sectional data were collected from routine-collected electronic healthcare record data from 4084 MSM receiving PrEP in San Francisco, California, between July 2018 and June 2020. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the associations between individual characteristics and PrEP-related stigma, adjusting for age, race, gender identity, injection history, housing status and mental health status.

Results

PrEP-related stigma was experienced by 9.0% of the participants in our study. PrEP-related stigma was significantly associated with being transgender or gender non-conforming (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.81, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.72), having a history of injection drug use (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.46), being unstably housed (AOR: 1.58, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.26) and having mental health concerns (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.92), after controlling for age, race, gender, injection history, housing status and mental health status.

Conclusion

Participants who reported being transgender or gender non-conforming, having a history of injection drug use, or having mental health concerns were more likely to report experiencing PrEP-related stigma. It is crucial to develop culturally appropriate interventions to reduce PrEP-related stigma among populations who are at high risk of HIV infection and may benefit strongly from improved PrEP uptake.
Fish community surveys in eelgrass beds using both eDNA metabarcoding and seining: implications for biodiversity monitoring in the coastal zone
Authors: He Xiaoping , Stanley Ryan R.E. , Rubidge Emily M. , Jeffery Nicholas W. , Hamilton Lorraine C. , Westfall Kristen M. , Gilmore Scott R. , Roux Louise-Marie D. , Gale Katie S.P. , Heaslip Susan G. , Steeves Royce , Abbott Cathryn L.
Published: February 2022

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been adopted globally as a tool to combat biodiversity loss and restore marine ecosystems. Successful application of MPAs will be predicated on the ability to monitor biodiversity in a synoptic and noninvasive manner. Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods have important advantages over traditional biodiversity survey methods for monitoring conservation areas. To evaluate the efficacy of eDNA metabarcoding for fish biodiversity monitoring, we sampled 19 coastal eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds in Canada, as eelgrass beds are known for high biodiversity and significant conservation value. At each site, beach seines were used to survey fish and water samples were collected contemporaneously for eDNA metabarcoding. In total, beach seining caught 32 672 individuals across 59 fish taxa, and eDNA detected 129 fish taxa. eDNA captured site-level variation and detected higher species richness at both site and regional levels compared to seining. eDNA abundance had a positive association with capture abundance. Collectively these results highlight how eDNA metabarcoding offers an efficient approach for monitoring fish biodiversity in coastal eelgrass beds, thus providing a valuable and noninvasive tool for MPA planning and coastal monitoring.
Electrically charged supermassive twin stars
Authors: Gonçalves Victor P. , Lazzari Lucas , Jiménez José C.
Published: February 2022

By assuming that ultra dense hybrid neutron stars are endowed with a distribution of electric charge, we study the corresponding twin star solutions and their properties resulting from a sharp first order transition from confined hadronic to a deconfined quark phase. Two distinct quark matter equations of state with increasing stiffness are considered and the values for the maximum gravitational masses of the hadronic and hybrid twin configurations are obtained for different values of the total electric charge. Interestingly, our calculations indicate that sharp transitions make charged twin hybrid stars more massive than their neutral counterparts, and that the  $${2}\,{\hbox {M}_{\odot }}$$2M⊙constraint from PSR J0740+6620 is surpassed for standard values of electric charge and can be considered stable only satisfying$$\partial M/\partial \epsilon _0 > 0$$∂M/∂ϵ0>0. In particular, our charged stellar models reach masses even higher than the unknown compact object measured in the GW190814 event.
Holonomy theorem for finite semigroups
Authors: Rhodes John , Schilling Anne , Silva Pedro V.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we provide a simple proof of the Holonomy theorem using a new Lyndon–Chiswell length function on the Karnofsky–Rhodes expansion of a semigroup. Unexpectedly, we have both a left and a right action on the Chiswell tree by elliptic maps.
SEVERAL SPECIAL FUNCTIONS IN FRACTALS AND APPLICATIONS OF THE FRACTAL IN MACHINE LEARNING
Authors: WANG JUN , CAO LEI , CHEN XILIANG , TANG WEI , XU ZHIXIONG
Published: February 2022

The focus of this paper is to study unbounded variation functions from the perspective of Hölder conditions. Three special unbounded variation functions have been constructed. The first is a continuous function of unbounded variation that satisfies the Hölder condition of a given order and the second is a continuous function of unbounded variation that does not satisfy the Hölder condition of any order. The third is a continuous function of unbounded variation defined on any sub-interval of the interval [Formula: see text]. Then, specific fractal dimension analysis of the above functions and relevant conclusions have been investigated. Finally, combining functional analysis and reinforcement learning, the convergence of reinforcement learning algorithms can be proved in unified framework.
ON TWO-SCALE DIMENSION AND ITS APPLICATION FOR DERIVING A NEW ANALYTICAL SOLUTION FOR THE FRACTAL DUFFING’S EQUATION
Authors: ELÍAS-ZÚÑIGA ALEX
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the analytical solution that describes the evolution in time of the fractal damped Duffing equation subjected to external forces of elliptic type is derived using He’s two-scale fractal transform and the elliptic balance method (EBM). This solution predicts the evolution in time of the Duffing equation and unveils qualitative and quantitative system behavior when the values of the fractal parameter varies, and how these affect the frequency, the wavelength, and the oscillation amplitude from the start of the motion. Comparison of the amplitude–time response curves over the selected time-interval with those obtained from numerical simulations confirms the accuracy of the derived analytical solution.
ELUCIDATING THE FRACTAL NATURE OF POWDER BED IN SELECTIVE LASER MELTING OF METALLIC COMPONENTS
Authors: ESTRADA-DÍAZ JORGE A. , MARTÍNEZ-ROMERO OSCAR , OLVERA-TREJO DANIEL , ELÍAS-ZÚÑIGA ALEX
Published: February 2022

In this work, the fractal nature of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) additive manufacturing process (AM) is elucidated. Fractal dimension and lacunarity of metallic powders are calculated from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images adapted from literature. The complexity and homogeneity of the textures of the powder beds are also studied through the comparison of fractal dimension and lacunarity. It is found that better densification results are obtained when the powder bed’s fractal dimension is closer to the golden mean number of 1.618. Furthermore, this finding is extended to expressions for predicting the component’s bulk density produced via SLM by setting the [Formula: see text] exponent equal to the golden mean value and finding the proportionality constant, [Formula: see text], using a nonlinear least squares method. The proposed approach works well since theoretical prediction and experimental data compare well with root-mean-square-error (RMSE) values that do not exceed [Formula: see text]. This work sheds new light on enhancing additive manufacturing technologies considering the fractal nature of SLM since its process mathematical models are constructed around Euclidian space-time with continuous smooth assumptions that should be adapted to include the fractal nature of the manufacturing process aiming to improve their precision. The underlying interweaving of SLM, as a fractal process, and the golden mean number is revealed.
Optical solitons related to (2+1)-dimensional Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar model using an innovative integration architecture
Authors: Raza Nauman , Rafiq Muhammad Hamza , Bekir Ahmet , Rezazadeh Hadi
Published: February 2022

The aim of this work is to find some intriguing optical soliton solutions in ([Formula: see text]) dimensions. These soliton solutions including rational, dark, periodic, and elliptic solitons are discovered using the unified technique and the fractional order Local M-derivative to address the temporal fractional Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar equation. It is the modification of familiar Nonlinear Schrödinger equation and used to describe the bending of an optical solitonic beam in the domain of nonlinear fiber optics and communication system. The obtained solutions are suggested with relevant conditions for their existence and displayed against 3D graphics. Also, to observe and identify the effect of fractional-order parameter on constructed solutions is shown through 2D graphs. The findings highlight that the suggested approach is simple, efficient and successful in determining the exact solution of models in optics, engineering, and other nonlinear sciences.
Flag-transitive quasi-symmetric designs with block intersection numbers 0 and 2
Authors: Zhang Wanbao , Zhou Shenglin
Published: February 2022

Quasi-symmetric designs are the special type of [Formula: see text]-designs with two block intersection numbers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study the automorphism groups of quasi-symmetric designs with block intersection numbers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We prove that for a quasi-symmetric design [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] satisfying that [Formula: see text] does not divide [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text] is flag-transitive, then [Formula: see text] must be point-primitive. We further obtain that [Formula: see text] is either of affine type or almost simple type by the O’Nan Scott Theorem. Moreover, when the socle of [Formula: see text] is sporadic, [Formula: see text] is a unique [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] design and [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text].
A look into the mass–radius relation of the neutron star in modified Chaplygin gas background
Authors: Pradhan Sneha , Chakraborty Gargee , Chattopadhyay Surajit
Published: February 2022

Motivated by the work of Astashenok et al. [Causal limit of neutron star maximum mass in f(R) gravity in view of GW190814, Phys. Lett. B 816 (2021) 136222], the present work aims at studying the behavior of f in f(R) gravity and attempts to study the causal mass–radius relation of a massive neutron star. To initiate the study, the background evolution is taken as of modified Chaplygin gas. We observed the positive behavior of f. The Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation has been taken into consideration which states the spherical stellar structure of non-rotating neutron stars. We also observed that the mass–radius relationship is close to the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit. The change of density of neutron stars with respect to the radius clearly manifests the actual variation of density from the core to the surface of a neutron star in the background evolution of modified Chaplygin gas, which can unify the early inflation with the late time acceleration of the universe.