bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimicroscopy of cross-section zincblende GaN LED heterostructure
Authors: Ding Boning , Frentrup Martin , Fairclough Simon M. , Kusch Gunnar , Kappers Menno J. , Wallis David J. , Oliver Rachel A.
Published: September 2021

Zincblende GaN has the potential to bridge the “green gap” due to the absence of internal electric fields with respect to wurtzite GaN. However, at present, the quality of zincblende GaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) is not yet sufficient for useful efficient green devices. One of the major challenges is the poor spectral purity of the emitted light. A multimicroscopy approach, combining scanning electron microscopy-cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and scanning electron diffraction (SED), is applied on a single feature to enable cross correlation between techniques and to investigate the possible causes for the broad optical emission of a zincblende GaN LED structure. This investigation demonstrates that SEM-CL on a site-specific TEM cross section prepared by focused ion beam (FIB) microscope can provide access to nanoscale light emission variations that can be directly related to structural differences seen in STEM. We demonstrate that the general large quantum well (QW) emission peak width relates to quantum well thickness and In content fluctuations. Multiple low-energy QW emission peaks are found to be linked with stacking fault bunches that intersect the QWs. Splitting of the QW emission peak is also found to be caused by the formation of wurtzite-phase inclusions associated with twins formed within the zincblende matrix. Our characterization also illustrates the quantum well structure within such wurtzite inclusions and their impact on the optical emission.
Breakdown of the Stokes–Einstein relation in supercooled liquids: A cage-jump perspective
Authors: Pastore Raffaele , Kikutsuji Takuma , Rusciano Francesco , Matubayasi Nobuyuki , Kim Kang , Greco Francesco
Published: September 2021

The breakdown of the Stokes–Einstein relation in supercooled liquids, which is the increase in the ratio τατD between the two macroscopic times for structural relaxation and diffusion on decreasing the temperature, is commonly ascribed to dynamic heterogeneities, but a clear-cut microscopic interpretation is still lacking. Here, we tackle this issue exploiting the single-particle cage-jump framework to analyze molecular dynamics simulations of soft disk assemblies and supercooled water. We find that τατD∝⟨tp⟩⟨tc⟩, where ⟨tp⟩ and ⟨tc⟩ are the cage-jump times characterizing slow and fast particles, respectively. We further clarify that this scaling does not arise from a simple term-by-term proportionality; rather, the relations τα∝⟨tp⟩⟨ΔrJ2⟩ and τD∝⟨tc⟩⟨ΔrJ2⟩ effectively connect the macroscopic and microscopic timescales, with the mean square jump length ⟨ΔrJ2⟩ shrinking on cooling. Our work provides a microscopic perspective on the Stokes–Einstein breakdown and generalizes previous results on lattice models to the case of more realistic glass-formers.
Lagrangian multiscale simulation of complex flows
Authors: Morii Yohei , Kawakatsu Toshihiro
Published: September 2021

A general multiscale and multiphysics simulation framework for inhomogeneous viscoelastic and elastoplastic complex flows, such as nanobubble flows, blood vessel flows, or polymer composite flows, is presented for use on massive parallel computers. Our simulation methodology is based on a particle simulation of macroscopic flows where a microscopic simulator is embedded in each of the hydrodynamic particles of macroscopic flow simulations to evaluate the local stress as a function of its flow history from the microscopic point of view. We developed a platform named MSSP (MultiScale Simulation Platform for complex flows) by combining the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method and the microscopic molecular simulators. In such a technique, the main difficulty is the large amount of computation cost due to a large number of microscopic particles (typically of the order of 109−1010), and the inhomogeneity of the flow. To solve this problem, we propose a dynamical switching of the microscopic models between realistic particle simulations and linearized constitutive relations. An appropriate boundary condition for moving boundaries is also introduced in the SPH simulations that enables us to simulate complex flows with deformable objects such as phase-separated domains or biomembranes. A benchmark test of MSSP has been done by simulating nonlinear and non-Markovian fluids passing by an obstacle, giving good quantitative agreement with experiments in the same situation.
On wake modulation and interaction features of a pair of dual-step circular cylinders in side-by-side arrangements
Authors: Yan Yuhao , Ji Chunning , Srinil Narakorn
Published: September 2021

The proximity interference and the vortex dislocation are fundamental fluid dynamic features that determine a wake pattern of dual-step circular cylinders in a side-by-side arrangement. Each dual-step cylinder consists of two coaxial cylinders with different diameters. A complex wake modulation is expected due to an intrinsic interaction between the vortex shedding of the larger-diameter cylinder (LC) and the smaller-diameter cylinder (SC), and to the cross-wake interaction of side-by-side cylinders in a uniform flow. To understand the physics of fluid wake modulations, three-dimensional direct numerical simulations of the flow around a pair of dual-step circular cylinders in side-by-side arrangements are performed and investigated. Six simulation cases are presented with different combinations of diameter ratio (1.33–2.00), gap ratio (1.00–3.17), and the Reynolds number (60–200) in a laminar flow regime, providing key insights into the two distinct LC-dominated and SC-governing wake modulation characteristics. For the LC-dominated wake modulation, the wake pattern of side-by-side cylinders is determined by the predominant vortex dynamics in the LC wake. For the SC-governing wake modulation, the LC wake pattern becomes modulated and controlled by the SC wake through the connections of vortex tubes shed downstream of the two nonuniform cylinders. Owing to the proximity interference and vortex dislocation, these new evolutionary wake modulations result in distinct wake patterns, vortex structures, and associated hydrodynamic force features for the pair of side-by-side dual-step circular cylinders.
Postharvest spraying of zinc oxide nanoparticles enhances shelf life qualities and zinc concentration of tomato fruits
Authors: Sharifan Hamidreza , Noori Azam , Bagheri Majid , Moore Janie M.
Published: September 2021

Plant growth relies on the bioavailability of essential nutrients in the growth environment. Access to mineral nutrients is particularly challenging for crops cultivated in alkaline soil, and in these environments, postharvest application may be effective. Advancements in nanotechnology have provided approaches to improve the essential nutrient content of plants and shelf life of produce. Mineralisation by nanoparticles is a promising postharvest technique that can fortify the essential minerals of plants. This study investigated the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a potential nano-agent to enhance Zn content in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), with ZnO-NPs at 100 mg L–1 applied externally to tomatoes postharvest for 4 weeks. The assimilation of Zn into the tomato tissues was quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The main shelf life factors affecting tomato quality, including microbial spoilage, water loss and colour change, were studied. All experimental data were incorporated through the neural networks model to simulate microbial involvement in fruit spoilage. The biological spoilage factor in the shelf life of tomatoes was projected with high accuracy and a relative error of 3%. Application of ZnO-NPs was associated with 47% inhibition of microbial growth on tomatoes, which may enhance the total lycopene content by up to 6%. In addition, the Zn content of tomatoes was significantly enhanced by 17%. The results also shed light on the thermal conductivity of Zn metal, which increased the dehydration of tomatoes and improved colour maturation. This study provides vital information about the beneficial application of ZnO-NPs and their role in mineralisation to enhance the shelf life of tomatoes.
A membrane protein display platform for receptor interactome discovery
Authors: Cao Shengya , Peterson Sean M. , Müller Sören , Reichelt Mike , McRoberts Amador Christian , Martinez-Martin Nadia
Published: September 2021

Significance

Membrane proteins and their interactions are major drug targets because of their central roles in regulating cellular communication and signal transduction. Despite this, membrane receptors remain underrepresented in our knowledge base of protein–protein interactions because of the limitations of most available techniques. Here, we developed a vesicle-based membrane-protein display platform as a fast, reproducible, and broadly applicable method for unbiased receptor–ligand interaction discovery. Using this technology, we elucidated known and new single-pass transmembrane-binding partners for several immune checkpoint molecules as well as an architecturally distinct single-pass transmembrane protein that has resisted deorphanization by existing techniques. This method is well suited for extracellular protein interaction discovery for difficult-to-purify membrane proteins and whole vesicles.
A mechanism for Rad53 to couple leading- and lagging-strand DNA synthesis under replication stress in budding yeast
Authors: Serra-Cardona Albert , Yu Chuanhe , Zhang Xinmin , Hua Xu , Yao Yuan , Zhou Jiaqi , Gan Haiyun , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: September 2021

Significance

During the S phase of the cell cycle, the DNA replication machinery accurately duplicates the genome in spite of numerous hurdles that cause replication stress. The replication checkpoint pathway deals with the replication stress, which, if left undealt with, can lead to fork collapse and genome instability, a process that remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the DNA checkpoint pathway couples leading- and lagging-strand DNA synthesis to prevent the generation of deleterious single-stranded DNA under replication stress by attenuating the replication function of Mrc1, a protein involved in both DNA replication and replication checkpoint, providing a mechanistic insight into how eukaryotic cells overcome replication stress.
Marine
Synechococcus
picocyanobacteria: Light utilization across latitudes
Authors: Six Christophe , Ratin Morgane , Marie Dominique , Corre Erwan
Published: September 2021

Significance

Phytoplankton drives most of the carbon pumping of the world ocean through the photosynthesis process. We show how
Synechococcus
picocyanobacteria, a very abundant marine phytoplankton, have adapted the light utilization process to colonize different thermal niches. At high temperature, tropical
Synechococcus
induce strong synthesis of most photosynthetic complexes and can thus considerably increase growth. By contrast, subpolar
Synechococcus
grow more slowly but are capable of surviving at low temperature. To do so, they notably use the photoprotective orange carotenoid protein, and we show that temperature has been a major factor in the molecular evolution of this protein in the oceans. Our study can allow the improving of current models predicting the changes in carbon fluxes in a warming ocean.
Challenging the triadic dialogue format
Authors: Margutti Piera
Published: September 2021

Building on previous work focusing on teachers’ questions in whole-class activities in an Italian primary school, this study focuses on pupils’ responses in interactions organised according to the ‘triadic dialogue’ format (Lemke 1990), also known as the Initiation-Response-Evaluation (Sinclair and Coulthard 1975; McHoul 1978; Mehan 1979). The results show that the second position is a place where pupils perform many different actions. Using Conversation Analysis, it is argued that pupils follow two main and conflicting principles, associated with the institutional nature of interactions: being first to answer and being respectful of the classroom turn-taking system. By examining the features of turn design and the overlapping onset of answers, an interactional account of answering as a social, public, and conjoined activity is provided.
Facilitating children’s elicitation of interlaced narratives in classroom interactions
Authors: Baraldi Claudio
Published: September 2021

This chapter is based on the analysis of interactions that were video-recorded during 66 meetings in 24 (years 4 to 7) classrooms in five Italian schools. These meetings are part of a project aiming to collect personal photos regarding children’s memories and to use them to facilitate the production of narratives around children’s memories in classroom interactions. This chapter focuses on the facilitation of interlaced narratives, i.e. new narratives elicited through children’s responses to an initial narrative. The analysis concerns the ways in which facilitative actions enhance (or do not enhance) interlaced narratives, and the interactional structures that allow (or do not allow) children to elicit new narratives, that is, to move from a child’s initial narrative to other children’s narratives.
Minimodel of semantic synthesis of Russian sentences
Authors: Iordanskaja Lidija , Mel’čuk Igor
Published: September 2021

A formal linguistitic model is presented, which produces, for a given conceptual representation of an extralinguistic
situation, a corresponding semantic representation [SemR] that, in its turn, underlies the deep-syntactic representations of four
near-synonymous Russian sentences expressing the starting information. Two full-fledged lexical entries are given for the lexemes
besporjadki ‘disturbance’ and stolknovenie ‘clash(N)’, appearing in these sentences. Some principles of
lexicalization – that is, matching the formal lexicographic definitions to the starting semantic representation in order to produce the
deep-syntactic structures of the corresponding sentences – are formulated and illustrated; the problem of approximate matching is dealt with
in sufficient detail.
Hemodynamic response and pulse wave analysis after upper‐ and lower‐body resistance exercise with and without blood flow restriction
Authors: Tai Yu Lun , Marshall Erica M. , Parks Jason C. , Kingsley J. Derek
Published: September 2021

Resistance exercise (RE) has been shown to elevate hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection. However, the effects of acute RE with blood flow restriction (BFR) on hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences between upper‐ and lower‐body RE with and without BFR on hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection. Twenty‐three young resistance‐trained individuals volunteered for the study. Hemodynamics and pulse wave reflection were assessed at rest, 10, 25, 40, and 55 min after either upper‐ or lower‐body with or without BFR. The upper‐body RE (URE) consisted of the latissimus dorsi pulldown and chest press; the lower‐body RE (LRE) consisted of knee extension and knee flexion. The BFR condition consisted of four sets of 30, 15, 15, and 15 repetitions at 30% 1‐repetition maximum (1RM) while the without BFR condition consisted of four sets of 8 repetitions at 70% 1RM. Heart rate, rate pressure product, and subendocardial viability ratio significantly (p < 0.05) increased after all exercises. Brachial and aortic systolic blood pressure (BP) significantly (p < 0.05) elevated after LRE while brachial and aortic diastolic BP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after URE. Augmentation pressure, augmentation index (AIx), AIx normalized at 75 bpm, and wasted left ventricular pressure energy significantly (p < 0.05) increased after URE while transit time of reflected wave significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after LRE. URE places greater stress on pulse wave reflection while LRE results in greater responses in BP. Regardless of URE or LRE, the cardiovascular responses between BFR and without BFR are similar.

HIGHLIGHTS

High‐load resistance exercise and low‐load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction may produce similar cardiovascular responses.

Upper‐body resistance exercise generates greater changes on pulse wave reflections while lower‐body resistance exercise induces greater elevations in systolic blood pressure.
Inverse problem of reconstruction of degenerate diffusion coefficient in a parabolic equation
Authors: Cannarsa Piermarco , Doubova Anna , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: September 2021

We consider the inverse problem of identification of degenerate diffusion coefficient of the form x

α

a(x) in a one dimensional parabolic equation by some extra data. We first prove by energy methods the uniqueness and Lipschitz stability results for the identification of a constant coefficient a and the power α by knowing interior data at some time. On the other hand, we obtain the uniqueness result for the identification of a general diffusion coefficients a(x) and also the power α form boundary data on one side of the space interval. The proof is based on global Carleman estimates for a hyperbolic problem and an inversion of the integral transform similar to the Laplace transform. Finally, the theoretical results are satisfactory verified by numerically experiments.
RETRACTED: Measuring blood pressure from Korotkoff sounds as the brachial cuff inflates on average provides higher values than when the cuff deflates
Authors: Celler Branko G , Argha Ahmadreza
Published: September 2021

Objective. In this study, we test the hypothesis that if, as demonstrated in a previous study, brachial arteries exhibit hysteresis as the occluding cuff is deflated and fail to open until cuff pressure (CP) is well below true intra-arterial blood pressure (IABP). Approach Estimating systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from the presence of Korotkoff sounds as CP increases may eliminate these errors and give more accurate estimates of SBP relative to IABP readings. Main Results. In 63 subjects of varying age 45.4 ± 19.9 years (range 21–76 years), including 44 men (45.2 ± 19.5, range 21–76 years) and 19 women (45.6 ± 21.4, range 21–75 years), there was a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in SBP from 124.4 ± 15.7 to 129.2 ± 16.3 mmHg and a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in DBP from 70.2 ± 10.7 to 73.6 ± 11.5 mmHg. Of the 63 subjects, 59 showed a positive increase in SBP (1–19 mmHg) and 5 subjects showed a reduction (−5 to −1 mmHg). The average differences for SBP estimates derived as the cuff inflates and estimates derived as the cuff deflates were 4.9 ± 4.7 mmHg, not dissimilar to the differences observed between IABP and NIBP measurements. Although we could not develop multiparameter linear or nonlinear models to explain this phenomenon we have clearly demonstrated through analysis of variance test that both body mass index (BMI) and pulse wave velocity are implicated, supporting the hypothesis that the phenomenon is associated with age, higher BMI and stiffer arteries. Significance. The implications of this study are potentially profound requiring the implementation of a new paradigm for NIBP measurement and a revision of the international standards for their calibration.
Doped MgAl2O4 semiconductor host nanopowders for tunable primary color emissions for application as white LEDs
Authors: Ain Qurat Ul , Ismail Bushra , Khan Asad Muhammad , Khan Rafaqat Ali , Shah Faheem , Rehman Hafiz-Ur , Shahid Farkhanda
Published: September 2021

The emission of white light from hosts having a single phase and the compromised applicability of a very inert, chemically stable, and structurally diverse MgAl2O4 led to a quest for improving the structural, optical, thermal and electrical properties for more innovative applications. A slight modification in lattice site occupation can lead to antisite defects which alter the physical properties of the materials. The presence of larger alkaline earth Sr2+ cations at the T-sites have been found to improve the behavior of the activator Mn2+ cations which are substituted for Mg2+ at T-sites. In the current study, a series of Mn2+ doped derivatives having a general formula of Mg1−x−0.3Mn
x
Sr0.3Al2O4 (x = 0.1–0.5) were synthesized using the chemical co-precipitation method. Due to the larger radius of Sr2+ cations, the lattice strain was observed in the cubic crystal structure of magnesium aluminate spinel (MAS). A decrease in the bandgaps of the doped samples indicates the formation of defect states within the bandgap of MAS. Apart from the bandgap transitions, the capture of electrons at oxygen vacancies is also observed in the UV/Vis spectra. The strong tetrahedral site preference of Mn2+ is altered by the presence of Sr2+, hence, some octahedral site occupation of Mn2+ in the lattice is achieved. The antisite defects along with the occupation of both T- and O-sites by Mn2+ resulted in novel emission bands centered at 464 nm (blue), 515 nm (green), and 621 nm (red) at λ
ex of 380 nm. The emission of the primary colors in a simple lattice with cost-effective and in-toxic constituents can be a possible alternative to the costly rare-earth ions doped complex materials in use to-date.
Can we turn off the lights?
Authors: Dalgleish Hannah
Published: September 2021

Hannah Dalgleish reports from a workshop that discussed the widespread effects of light pollution – and how to bring back dark skies
Assessing the Distinct Factors Driving Violent, Drug and Disorder-Related Prison Misconduct from Longitudinal Data in Northern Ireland
Authors: Butler Michelle , McNamee Catherine B , Kelly Dominic
Published: September 2021

Studies are increasingly interested in how different categories of prison misconduct may affect reoffending. Yet few studies investigate the distinct factors driving different types of misconduct and those that do are often cross-sectional or retrospective. This study uses a prospective longitudinal design to address this gap by investigating what factors influence future involvement in misconduct and if these factors vary by type. Administrative data drawn from the records of 429 imprisoned men are examined to predict misconduct during a 1-year follow-up period. Findings reveal distinct differences by type and suggestions for targeted support and tailored interventions are made to help prevent future infractions within, and potentially after, incarceration.
Mental well-being and quality of working life in UK social workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A propensity score matching study
Authors: McFadden Paula , Neill Ruth D , Mallett John , Manthorpe Jill , Gillen Patricia , Moriarty John , Currie Denise , Schroder Heike , Ravalier Jermaine , Nicholl Patricia , Ross Jana
Published: September 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic interest into its potential impact on mental well-being has intensified. Within the social care sector, the pandemic has increased job demands and prolonged stress taking a disproportionate toll on the workforce, particularly social workers. This article compares the mental well-being and quality of working life of social workers in the United Kingdom (UK) before and during the pandemic. Data were collected in 2018 (N = 1,195) and 2020 (N = 1,024) using two cross-sectional surveys. To account for the differences between the datasets, propensity score matching was employed prior to effect estimation, utilising demographic and work-related variables common to both datasets. The differences between the two time-points were estimated using multiple regressions. Both mental well-being and quality of working life were significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2018. This suggests that during the highpoint of the pandemic in the UK, increased support, and changes to working practices, such as reprioritisation of work and other initiatives, may be responsible for increased mental well-being and quality of working life. While acknowledging the known pressures on UK social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic this evidence suggests a mixed picture of the pandemic with lessons for managers and employers.
Two-faced Janus: the dual role of macrophages in atherosclerotic calcification
Authors: Waring Olivia J , Skenteris Nikolaos T , Biessen Erik A L , Donners Marjo M P C
Published: September 2021

Calcification is an independent predictor of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular events. Microcalcification is linked to inflamed, unstable lesions, in comparison to the fibrotic stable plaque phenotype generally associated with advanced calcification. This paradox relates to recognition that calcification presents in a wide spectrum of manifestations that differentially impact plaque’s fate. Macrophages, the main inflammatory cells in atherosclerotic plaque, have a multifaceted role in disease progression. They crucially control the mineralization process, from microcalcification to the osteoid metaplasia of bone-like tissue. It is a bilateral interaction that weighs heavily on the overall plaque fate but remains rather unexplored. This review highlights current knowledge about macrophage phenotypic changes in relation to and interaction with the calcifying environment. On the one hand, macrophage-led inflammation kickstarts microcalcification through a multitude of interlinked mechanisms, which in turn stimulates phenotypic changes in vascular cell types to drive microcalcification. Macrophages may also modulate the expression/activity of calcification inhibitors and inducers, or eliminate hydroxyapatite nucleation points. Contrarily, direct exposure of macrophages to an early calcifying milieu impacts macrophage phenotype, with repercussions for plaque progression and/or stability. Macrophages surrounding macrocalcification deposits show a more reparative phenotype, modulating extracellular matrix, and expressing osteoclast genes. This phenotypic shift favours gradual displacement of the pro-inflammatory hubs; the lipid necrotic core, by macrocalcification. Parallels to bone metabolism may explain many of these changes to macrophage phenotype, with advanced calcification able to show homeostatic osteoid metaplasia. As the targeted treatment of vascular calcification developing in atherosclerosis is thus far severely lacking, it is crucial to better understand its mechanisms of development.
Temporal trends in patient characteristics, presumed causes, and outcomes following cardiogenic shock between 2005 and 2017: a Danish registry-based cohort study
Authors: Petersen Line Thorgaard , Riddersholm Signe , Andersen Dennis Christian , Polcwiartek Christoffer , Lee Christina J.-Y , Lauridsen Marie Dam , Fosbøl Emil , Christiansen Christian Fynbo , Pareek Manan , Søgaard Peter , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Kragholm Kristian Hay
Published: September 2021

Aims

Most cardiogenic shock (CS) studies focus on acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Contemporary data on temporal trends in patient characteristics, presumed causes, treatments, and outcomes of ACS- and in particular non-ACS-related CS patients are sparse.

Methods and results

Using nationwide medical registries, we identified patients with first-time CS between 2005 and 2017. Cochrane–Armitage trend tests were used to examine temporal changes in presumed causes of CS, treatments, and outcomes. Among 14 363 CS patients, characteristics remained largely stable over time. As presumed causes of CS, ACS (37.1% in 2005 to 21.4% in 2017), heart failure (16.3% in 2005 to 12.0% in 2017), and arrhythmias (13.0% in 2005 to 10.9% in 2017) decreased significantly over time; cardiac arrest increased significantly (11.3% in 2005 to 24.5% in 2017); and changes in valvular heart disease were insignificant (11.5% in 2005 and 11.6% in 2017). Temporary left ventricular assist device, non-invasive ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use increased significantly over time; intra-aortic balloon pump and mechanical ventilation use decreased significantly. Over time, 30-day and 1-year mortality were relatively stable. Significant decreases in 30-day and 1-year mortality for patients presenting with ACS and arrhythmias and a significant increase in 1-year mortality in patients presenting with heart failure were seen.

Conclusion

Between 2005 and 2017, we observed significant temporal decreases in ACS, heart failure, and arrhythmias as presumed causes of first-time CS, whereas cardiac arrest significantly increased. Although overall 30-day and 1-year mortality were stable, significant decreases in mortality for ACS and arrhythmias as presumed causes of CS were seen.
Predicting Future Mobility Limitation in Older Adults: A Machine Learning Analysis of Health ABC Study Data
Authors: Speiser Jaime L , Callahan Kathryn E , Ip Edward H , Miller Michael E , Tooze Janet A , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Houston Denise K
Published: September 2021

Background

Mobility limitation in older adults is common and associated with poor health outcomes and loss of independence. Identification of at-risk individuals remains challenging because of time-consuming clinical assessments and limitations of statistical models for dynamic outcomes over time. Therefore, we aimed to develop machine learning models for predicting future mobility limitation in older adults using repeated measures data.

Methods

We used annual assessments over 9 years of follow-up from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study to model mobility limitation, defined as self-report of any difficulty walking a quarter mile or climbing 10 steps. We considered 46 predictors, including demographics, lifestyle, chronic conditions, and physical function. With a split sample approach, we developed mixed models (generalized linear and Binary Mixed Model forest) using (a) all 46 predictors, (b) a variable selection algorithm, and (c) the top 5 most important predictors. Age was included in all models. Performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating curve in 2 internal validation data sets.

Results

Area under the receiver operating curve ranged from 0.80 to 0.84 for the models. The most important predictors of mobility limitation were ease of getting up from a chair, gait speed, self-reported health status, body mass index, and depression.

Conclusions

Machine learning models using repeated measures had good performance for identifying older adults at risk of developing mobility limitation. Future studies should evaluate the utility and efficiency of the prediction models as a tool in clinical settings for identifying at-risk older adults who may benefit from interventions aimed to prevent or delay mobility limitation.
Effectiveness of Pneumococcal Vaccination Against Pneumococcal Pneumonia Hospitalization in Older Adults: A Prospective, Test-Negative Study
Authors: Heo Jung Yeon , Seo Yu Bin , Choi Won Suk , Kim Eun Jin , Jeong Hye Won , Lee Jacob , Yoon Jin Gu , Noh Ji Yun , Cheong Hee Jin , Kim Woo Joo , Song Joon Young
Published: September 2021

Background

Despite use of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) over the last decade, the disease burden of pneumococcal pneumonia is still high. We evaluated the field effectiveness of PCV13, PPSV23, and sequential vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia in older adults.

Methods

This prospective multicenter study was conducted in adults aged ≥65 years hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) between September 2015 and August 2017. The case-control test-negative design was used to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE) against pneumococcal CAP.

Results

Of 1525 cases with CAP hospitalization, 167 (11.0%) were identified as pneumococcal CAP. In the elderly aged ≥65 years, the adjusted VE of pneumococcal vaccines against pneumococcal CAP was statistically insignificant: 40.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], –10.8% to 67.5%) for PCV13 and 11.0% (95% CI, –26.4% to 37.3%) for PPSV23. However, in the younger subgroup (aged 65–74 years), sequential PCV13/PPSV23 vaccination showed the highest adjusted VE of 80.3% (95% CI, 15.9%–95.4%), followed by single-dose PCV13 (adjusted VE, 66.4% [95% CI, .8%–88.6%]) and PPSV23 (adjusted VE, 18.5% [95% CI, –38.6% to 52.0%]).

Conclusions

Sequential PCV13/PPSV23 vaccination is most effective for preventing pneumococcal CAP among the elderly aged 65–74 years.
Sizes Are Gendered: The Effect of Size Cues in Brand Names on Brand Stereotyping
Authors: Zhang Kuangjie , Li Shaobo (Kevin) , Ng Sharon
Published: September 2021

Size cues are increasingly common in brand names (e.g., Xiaomi and Mini Cooper), but scant research has investigated whether and how brand name size cues influence consumers’ perceptions. This research shows that a brand name size cue can evoke gender associations, which subsequently affect consumers’ perceived warmth and competence of the target brand. A series of seven studies provide converging evidence that brands with a size cue of smallness in the name are perceived to be warmer but less competent, while those with a size cue of bigness are perceived to be less warm but more competent. A combination of measurement-of-mediation and moderation-of-process approaches provide support for the role of gender associations underlying the effect of brand name size cues on consumers’ brand perceptions. This research also shows that brand name size cues can have diverging effects on the perceived warmth of the brand versus of the product. Finally, this research rules out alternative accounts based on perceived market power and firm size.
Organized Crime, Captured Politicians, and the Allocation of Public Resources
Authors: Di Cataldo Marco , Mastrorocco Nicola
Published: September 2021

What is the impact of collusion between members of criminal organizations and politicians on local public finances, in contexts in which organized crime is well-rooted? This article addresses this question by focusing on local governments of Southern Italy, over the period 1998–2016. In order to capture the presence of organized crime, we exploit the enforcement of a national law allowing the dissolution of a municipal government upon evidence of collusion between elected officials and the mafia. We measure the consequences of this infiltration of mafia groups within local governments by using data on local public finances at the municipality level. Difference-in-differences estimates reveal that captured municipalities commit on average more resources for investments in construction and waste management and are less effective in collecting taxes for waste and garbage. This indicates that organized crime groups exploit the collusion with local politicians in order to distort the allocation of public resources toward key sectors of strategic interest for the criminal business (JEL K42, H72, D72).
Horizontal Directors Revisited
Authors: Nili Yaron
Published: September 2021

U.S. academic discourse on director interlocks is not new. Yet, the increased attention to common ownership has also brought to light the increased tendency of interlocked directors to serve in the same industry. I termed these directors as horizontal directors in my earlier work—shining a light on the benefits they bring to investors and companies but also the risks they pose to governance and antitrust law. This article revisits the prevalence of horizontal directors armed with six additional years of data and shows that the prevalence of horizontal directors has remained steady, even as attention to common ownership has increased in recent years. These findings should serve as a clarion call to regulators—urging them to directly address horizontal directors.
Cursing the Beloved and Uglifying the Beautiful: Disguised Praise in Medieval Arabic Philology
Authors: Sheyhatovitch Beata
Published: September 2021

This work explores the phenomenon of disguised praise through the prism of medieval Arabic philology, via the philologists’ accounts of cases in which a speaker chooses an apparently negative wording to refer to things perceived as positive, by him and/or by others. The main categories of cases that emerge from rhetorical and grammatical literature are the following three: compliments disguised as curses, taqbīḥ al-ḥasan ‘uglifying the beautiful’, and ta’kīd al-madḥ bi-mā yušbihu al-ḏamm ‘emphasizing the praise by what resembles derogation’. The reason behind such usages may be pragmatic (viz., the universal tendency to use negative expressions to convey strong emotions), anthropological (viz., a variety of human behaviours developed to avert envy and/or ‘evil eye’), or stylistic (viz., the authors’ attempt at originality).
Computability of glued manifolds
Authors: Čelar Matea , IljazoviĆ Zvonko
Published: September 2021

We examine conditions under which a semicomputable set in a computable topological space is computable. In particular, we examine topological spaces $\varDelta $ that have computable type, which means that any semicomputable set homeomorphic to $\varDelta $ is computable. It is known that each compact manifold has computable type. In this paper, we examine compact manifolds $M$ and $N$ and a space $M\cup _{\gamma }N$ obtained by gluing $M$ and $N$ together by way of a homeomorphism $\gamma :A\rightarrow B$, where $A$ and $B$ are closed subspaces of $M$ and $N$, respectively. We show that $M\cup _{\gamma }N$ in general need not have computable type. We prove that $M\cup _{\gamma }N$ has computable type under the additional assumption that $A$ and $B$ are contained in regular submanifolds of $M$ and $N$. We also show that the same holds for a space obtained by gluing finitely many manifolds, but not for infinitely many.
Revealing the formation histories of the first stars with the cosmic near-infrared background
Authors: Sun Guochao , Mirocha Jordan , Mebane Richard H , Furlanetto Steven R
Published: September 2021

The cosmic near-infrared background (NIRB) offers a powerful integral probe of radiative processes at different cosmic epochs, including the pre-reionization era when metal-free, Population III (Pop III) stars first formed. While the radiation from metal-enriched, Population II (Pop II) stars likely dominates the contribution to the observed NIRB from the reionization era, Pop III stars – if formed efficiently – might leave characteristic imprints on the NIRB, thanks to their strong Lyα emission. Using a physically motivated model of first star formation, we provide an analysis of the NIRB mean spectrum and anisotropy contributed by stellar populations at z > 5. We find that in circumstances where massive Pop III stars persistently form in molecular cooling haloes at a rate of a few times $10^{-3}\, \mathrm{ M}_\odot \ \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$, before being suppressed towards the epoch of reionization (EoR) by the accumulated Lyman–Werner background, a unique spectral signature shows up redward of $1\, \mu$m in the observed NIRB spectrum sourced by galaxies at z > 5. While the detailed shape and amplitude of the spectral signature depend on various factors including the star formation histories, initial mass function, LyC escape fraction and so forth, the most interesting scenarios with efficient Pop III star formation are within the reach of forthcoming facilities, such as the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer. As a result, new constraints on the abundance and formation history of Pop III stars at high redshifts will be available through precise measurements of the NIRB in the next few years.
Religion-based ‘Personal’ Law, Legal Pluralism and Secularity: A Field View of Adjudication under Muslim Personal Law in India
Authors: Ghosh Suchandra , Chakrabarti Anindita
Published: September 2021

The phenomenon of ‘legal pluralism’ in India is conditioned and facilitated by the democratic state’s commitment to protect religious freedom and uphold sociocultural diversity. Community-based adjudicating institutions such as the Darul Qaza (also known as Sharia court) function within this constitutional framework but every citizen also has the right to approach a state court as and when they deem necessary. So far, the discourse on Islam, personal law, and the secular state has revolved around parliamentary debates, judicial activism, and legislative changes where the focus has been on the question of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and gender justice. The discussion on personal law has rarely paid serious academic attention to the complexities of kinship conflicts embedded in affective as well as economic and legal matrix or more importantly how they are resolved. Drawing on an ethnographic study of the jurisprudential practices of Sharia courts in Uttar Pradesh, India, the paper offers a lens to understand how conflict resolution in family matters takes place in a legal plural landscape ensconced between citizenship rights and community practices. We argue that understanding this process also offers important insights on the shifting meaning of secularism1,2 in contemporary India.
Humanity’s Attitudes about Democracy and Political Leaders
Authors: Anderson Christopher J , Bol Damien , Ananda Aurelia
Published: September 2021

For decades, researchers have examined people’s beliefs across countries and over time using national samples of citizens. Yet, in an era when economies, societies, and policymaking have become increasingly interconnected, nation-states may no longer be the only or most relevant units of analysis for studying public opinion. To examine what people think about politics on a global scale, we develop tools for measuring public opinion that allow us to transcend national and regional boundaries. Starting with the world as the unit of analysis and humans as the relevant population, we measure and then explore patterns and trends in human preferences for democratic government and political leaders with the help of surveys collected around the world since 1994.
Hypoxia and TLR9 activation drive CXCL4 production in systemic sclerosis plasmacytoid dendritic cells via mtROS and HIF-2α
Authors: Ottria Andrea , Zimmermann Maili , Paardekooper Laurent M , Carvalheiro Tiago , Vazirpanah Nadia , Silva-Cardoso Sandra , Affandi Alsya J , Chouri Eleni , v.d Kroef Maarten , Tieland Ralph G , Bekker Cornelis P J , Wichers Catharina G K , Rossato Marzia , Mocholi-Gimeno Enric , Tekstra Janneke , Ton Evelien , van Laar Jaap M , Cossu Marta , Beretta Lorenzo , Garcia Perez Samuel , Pandit Aridaman , Bonte-Mineur Femke , Reedquist Kris A , van den Bogaart Geert , Radstake Timothy R D J , Marut Wioleta
Published: September 2021

Objective

SSc is a complex disease characterized by vascular abnormalities and inflammation culminating in hypoxia and excessive fibrosis. Previously, we identified chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4 (CXCL4) as a novel predictive biomarker in SSc. Although CXCL4 is well-studied, the mechanisms driving its production are unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms leading to CXCL4 production.

Methods

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) from 97 healthy controls and 70 SSc patients were cultured in the presence of hypoxia or atmospheric oxygen level and/or stimulated with several toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. Further, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, CXCL4, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) -1α and HIF-2α gene and protein expression were assessed using ELISA, Luminex, qPCR, FACS and western blot assays.

Results

CXCL4 release was potentiated only when pDCs were simultaneously exposed to hypoxia and TLR9 agonist (P < 0.0001). Here, we demonstrated that CXCL4 production is dependent on the overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) (P = 0.0079) leading to stabilization of HIF-2α (P = 0.029). In addition, we show that hypoxia is fundamental for CXCL4 production by umbilical cord CD34 derived pDCs.

Conclusion

TLR-mediated activation of immune cells in the presence of hypoxia underpins the pathogenic production of CXCL4 in SSc. Blocking either mtROS or HIF-2α pathways may therapeutically attenuate the contribution of CXCL4 to SSc and other inflammatory diseases driven by CXCL4.
Sarcopenic obesity in rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence and impact on physical functioning
Authors: Baker Joshua F , Giles Jon T , Weber David , George Michael D , Leonard Mary B , Zemel Babette S , Long Jin , Katz Patricia
Published: September 2021

Objective

We determined the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in patients with RA using multiple methods and assessed associations with physical functioning.

Methods

This study evaluated data from three RA cohorts. Whole-body dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) measures of appendicular lean mass index (ALMI, kg/m2) and fat mass index (FMI) were converted to age, sex and race-specific Z-Scores and categorized using a recently validated method and compared it to a widely-used existing method. The prevalence of body composition abnormalities in RA was compared with two reference populations. In the RA cohorts, associations between body composition and change in the HAQ and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in follow-up were assessed using linear and logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, race and study.

Results

The prevalence of low lean mass and sarcopenic obesity was higher in patients with RA (14.2; 12.6%, respectively) compared with the reference population cohorts (7–10%; 4–4.5%, respectively, all P <0.05). There was only moderate agreement among methods of sarcopenic obesity categorization (Kappa 0.45). The recently validated method categorized fewer subjects as obese, and many of these were categorized as low lean mass only. Low lean mass, obesity and sarcopenic obesity were each associated with higher HAQ and lower SPPB at baseline and numerically greater worsening.

Conclusion

RA patients had higher rates of low lean mass and sarcopenic obesity than the general population. The recently validated methods characterized body composition changes differently from traditional methods and were more strongly associated with physical function.
IMAGE QUALITY STUDY OF RADIATION-REDUCED COMBINED CHEST AND ABDOMEN/PELVIS CT COMPARED WITH A STANDARD PROTOCOL
Authors: Bos Denise , Zensen Sebastian , Opitz Marcel , Haubold Johannes , Forsting Michael , Nassenstein Kai , Guberina Nika , Wetter Axel
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine radiation doses and image quality of a low-dose (LD) protocol for chest and abdomen/pelvis (CAP) CT compared with a standard (STD) protocol. A total of 361 patients were included between October 2019 and April 2020; 104 patients with LD-protocol (100 kV, ref mAs 80 (chest)/145 (abdomen/pelvis)) and 257 patients with STD-protocol (100 kV, ref mAs 100 (chest)/180 (abdomen/pelvis)) at second-generation dual-source CT. Radiation doses for CTDIvol and DLP, and objective and subjective image qualities of 50 examinations from each group were evaluated. The LD-protocol applied significantly lower radiation doses compared with the STD-protocol (p < 0.001), achieving a dose reduction by 37% for the median DLP in chest, 19% in abdomen/pelvis and 22% in total. Median total DLP was 342 mGy·cm (LD) vs. 436 mGy·cm (STD). The LD-CAP CT protocol achieved a significant dose reduction far below national diagnostic reference levels, ensuring acceptable and good image quality.