bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Displacement through the Commons: Community and Spatial Order in Bangkok
Authors: Shelby Hayden , Renwick Trude
Published: October 2023

This article investigates the relationship of discourses around community to larger urban processes of development and displacement in Bangkok, Thailand. It focuses on two sites located along a major commercial corridor. The first, undergoing a process of relocation that involves establishing collective land tenure, goes by the Thai term for community, chumchon, though architects and planners frequently refer to it as a “slum.” The second site, an upscale “community mall” called the Commons, is a newly constructed open‐air commercial space built to serve Bangkok's young, hip creative class. The eviction of the poor chumchon residents in favor of wealthy café‐goers may look like a prime example of larger structural forces of what is often called “gentrification” or “accumulation by dispossession.” However, these sweeping narratives around global capitalist processes miss critical aspects of how the discursive construction of community around these two sites has enabled their physical construction and deconstruction. We demonstrate that rhetorics, imagery, and practices of community serve to valorize the existence of one site while justifying the removal of the other. This analysis demonstrates this outcome was not just the inevitable result of impersonal structural forces. It was displacement through the commons, fueled by discourses around community.
Clinical utility of trans‐sacral magnetic stimulation‐evoked sphincter potentials and high‐density electromyography in pelvic floor assessment: Technical evaluation
Authors: Varghese Chris , Harvey Xavier , Gharibans Armen A. , Du Peng , Collinson Rowan , Bissett Ian P. , Stinear Cathy M. , O'Grady Greg , Paskaranandavadivel Niranchan
Published: October 2023

Aim

Faecal incontinence is common and of multifactorial aetiologies, yet current diagnostic tools are unable to assess nerve and sphincter function objectively. We developed an anorectal high‐density electromyography (HD‐EMG) probe to evaluate motor‐evoked potentials induced via trans‐sacral magnetic stimulation (TSMS).

Method

Anorectal probes with an 8 × 8 array of electrodes spaced 1 cm apart were developed for recording HD‐EMG of the external anal sphincter. These HD‐EMG probes were used to map MEP amplitudes and latencies evoked via TSMS delivered through the Magstim Rapid2 (MagStim Company). Patients undergoing pelvic floor investigations were recruited for this IDEAL Stage 2a pilot study.

Results

Eight participants (median age 49 years; five female) were recruited. Methodological viability, safety and diagnostic workflow were established. The test was well tolerated with median discomfort scores ≤2.5/10, median pain scores ≤1/10 and no adverse events. Higher Faecal Incontinence Severity Index scores correlated with longer MEP latencies (r = 0.58, p < 0.001) and lower MEP amplitudes (r = −0.32, p = 0.046), as did St. Mark's Incontinence Scores with both MEP latencies (r = 0.49, p = 0.001) and MEP amplitudes (r = −0.47, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This HD‐EMG probe in conjunction with TSMS presents a novel diagnostic tool for anorectal function assessment. Spatiotemporal assessment of magnetically stimulated MEPs correlated well with symptoms and offers a feasible, safe and patient‐tolerable method of evaluating pudendal nerve and external anal sphincter function. Further clinical development and evaluation of these techniques is justified.
Australian dental school academics' perceptions of gerodontology education in the undergraduate curriculum
Authors: Nilsson Angie , Young Louise , Evans Rebecca , Jennings Ernest , Lee Andrew
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Australia's rapidly growing population of dentate, frail, care‐dependent older people require graduates skilled in managing the health needs of this patient group. The perceptions of academics teaching gerodontology may inform future dental curricula recommendations. This study explored the perceptions of gerodontology education amongst Australian dental school academics.

Materials and Methods

All nine Australian dental schools providing entry‐to‐practice dentistry programs were invited to participate in semi‐structured interviews. Academics from six dentistry programs took part, and the data were analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

The three main themes identified from interviews included ‘clinical exposure’, ‘organisational levers’, and ‘sociological barriers’. The attitudes of students, as well as society and health professionals, were seen as strongly influential in preparing the workforce for managing the oral health of older people. The themes inter‐linked with a knock‐on effect where societal attitudes and organisational levers impact on the ability to successfully support students' preparation for gerodontology practice. Limited resources were barriers to achieving ideal learning and teaching and continued upon graduation as oral health care for older people was perceived as undervalued and under‐resourced.

Conclusion

There has been a continued cycle of failure in healthcare schemes and advocacy for the improvement of oral health for older people which has contributed to the inadequate preparation of dental graduates for managing frail and care‐dependent older people. Organisational, societal, and political change is needed to support the education of dental students in this area to ensure graduate dentists are competent to manage the oral care needs of this growing population.
Mental health outcomes of encephalitis: An international web‐based study
Authors: Butler Matt , Abdat Yasmin , Zandi Michael , Michael Benedict D. , Coutinho Ester , Nicholson Timothy R. , Easton Ava , Pollak Thomas A.
Published: October 2023

Background and purpose

Acute encephalitis is associated with psychiatric symptoms. Despite this, the extent of mental health problems following encephalitis has not been systematically reported.

Methods

We recruited adults who had been diagnosed with encephalitis of any aetiology to complete a web‐based questionnaire.

Results

In total, 445 respondents from 31 countries (55.1% UK, 23.1% USA) responded. Infectious encephalitis constituted 65.4% of cases, autoimmune 29.7%. Mean age was 50.1 years, 65.8% were female, and median time since encephalitis diagnosis was 7 years. The most common self‐reported psychiatric symptoms were anxiety (75.2%), sleep problems (64.4%), mood problems (62.2%), and unexpected crying (35.2%). Self‐reported psychiatric diagnoses were common: anxiety (44.0%), depression (38.6%), panic disorder (15.7%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 21.3%). Severe mental illnesses such as psychosis (3.3%) and bipolar affective disorder (3.1%) were reported. Self‐reported diagnosis rates were broadly consistent with results from the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire. Many respondents also reported they had symptoms of anxiety (37.5%), depression (28.1%), PTSD (26.8%), or panic disorder (20.9%) that had not been diagnosed. Rates of psychiatric symptoms did not differ between autoimmune and infectious encephalitis. In total, 37.5% respondents had thought about suicide, and 4.4% had attempted suicide, since their encephalitis diagnosis. More than half of respondents (53.5%) reported they had no, or substandard, access to appropriate mental health care. High rates of sensory hypersensitivities (>75%) suggest a previously unreported association.

Conclusions

This large international survey indicates that psychiatric symptoms following encephalitis are common and that mental health care provision may be inadequate. We highlight a need for proactive psychiatric input.
Effects of engaging fathers and bundling parenting and nutrition interventions on early child development and maternal and paternal parenting in Mara, Tanzania: a factorial cluster‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jeong Joshua , Ahun Marilyn N. , Gunaratna Nilupa S. , Ambikapathi Ramya , Mapendo Frank , Galvin Lauren , Kieffer Mary Pat , Mwanyika‐Sando Mary , Mosha Dominic , O'Malley Savannah Froese , Verissimo Cristiana K. , PrayGod George , Yousafzai Aisha K.
Published: October 2023

Background

Multicomponent interventions are needed to address the various co‐occurring risks that compromise early child nutrition and development. We compared the independent and combined effects of engaging fathers and bundling parenting components into a nutrition intervention on early child development (ECD) and parenting outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a 2×2 factorial cluster‐randomized controlled trial across 80 villages in Mara Region, Tanzania, also known as EFFECTS (Engaging Fathers for Effective Child Nutrition and Development in Tanzania; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03759821). Households with children under 18 months of age residing with their mother and father were enrolled. Villages were randomly assigned to one of five groups: a nutrition intervention for mothers, a nutrition intervention for couples, a bundled nutrition and parenting intervention for mothers, a bundled intervention for couples, and a standard‐of‐care control. Interventions were delivered by trained community health workers through peer groups and home visits over 12 months. Mothers, fathers, and children were assessed at baseline, midline, and endline or postintervention. We used a difference‐in‐difference approach with intention‐to‐treat analysis to estimate intervention effects on ECD (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition) and maternal and paternal parenting and psychosocial well‐being.

Results

Between October 29, 2018, and May 24, 2019, 960 households were enrolled (n = 192 per arm). Compared to nutrition interventions, bundled interventions improved children's cognitive (β = .18 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.36]) and receptive language development (β = .23 [0.04, 0.41]). There were no differences between interventions for other ECD domains. Compared to nutrition interventions, bundled interventions achieved additional benefits on maternal stimulation (β = .21 [0.04, 0.38]) and availability of home learning materials (β = .25 [0.07–0.43]) and reduced paternal parenting distress (β = −.34 [−0.55, −0.12]). Compared to interventions with mothers only, interventions that engaged fathers improved paternal stimulation (β = .45 [0.27, 0.63]).

Conclusions

Jointly bundling parenting components into nutrition interventions while also engaging both mothers and fathers is most effective for improving maternal and paternal parenting and ECD outcomes.
Fermented soybean foods and diabetes
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: October 2023

The number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing, and its prevention and management are important. One of the factors contributing to the increased incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is the change in dietary habits, including a Westernized diet. Fermented foods are foods that are transformed by the action of microorganisms to produce beneficial effects in humans and have been consumed for thousands of years. The production and consumption of fermented soy foods, including natto, miso, douchi, cheonggukjang, doenjang, tempeh, and fermented soy milk, are widespread in Asian countries. This review focuses on fermented soybean foods and summarizes their effects on diabetes. Fermentation increases the content of ingredients originally contained in soybeans and adds new ingredients that are not present in the original soybeans. Recent studies have revealed that fermented soybean food modifies the gut microbiota‐related metabolites by modifying dysbiosis. Furthermore, it has been reported that fermented soybean foods have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐diabetic effects. In recent years, fermented foods, including fermented soybeans, have shown various beneficial effects. Therefore, it is necessary to continue focusing on the benefits and mechanisms of action of fermented foods.
Does increasing auditors' independence lead to more forceful public auditing? A study of a Canadian internal audit reform
Authors: Liston‐Heyes Catherine , Juillet Luc
Published: October 2023

The value of auditing as an instrument of accountability depends upon the independence of auditors. However, the extent to which auditors feel free to review the operation, compliance, and performance of public programs and objectively communicate findings to stakeholders has rarely been assessed. A Canadian public service reform in 2006 introduced institutional safeguards to bolster the independence of departmental internal auditors, but left legislative auditors working for the Auditor General's Office (i.e., Canada's Supreme Audit Institution) unaffected. We analyze and compare 2677 audit reports written by internal and legislative auditors before and after the reform. After the reform, the language used by internal auditors became more assertive and evaluative, but not more critical. This suggests that the safeguards had a meaningful impact on how auditors perform their accountability function but that factors other than independence may be driving their willingness to be more adversarial and critical when communicating audit findings.
Frequency of newborn bathing in the first 9 weeks of life and related factors: An observational study in a community‐based sample from Meta‐LARC
Authors: Larson Jean Hiebert , Heinlein Julia , Morris Cynthia , Ramsey Katrina , Michaels LeAnn C. , Vu Annette , Williams Hywel C. , Simpson Eric
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Environmental factors such as bathing may play a role in atopic dermatitis (AD) development. This analysis utilized data from the Community Assessment of Skin Care, Allergies, and Eczema (CASCADE) Trial (NCT03409367), a randomized controlled trial of emollient therapy for AD prevention in the general population, to estimate bathing frequency and associated factors within the first 9 weeks of life.

Methods

Data were collected from 909 parent/newborn dyads recruited from 25 pediatric and family medicine clinics from the Meta‐network Learning and Research Center (Meta‐LARC) practice‐based research network (PBRN) consortium in Oregon, North Carolina, Colorado, and Wisconsin for the CASCADE trial. Ordinal logistic regression was used to conduct a cross‐sectional analysis of the association between bathing frequency (measured in baths per week) and demographic, medical, and lifestyle information about the infant, their family, and their household. Variables were selected using a backwards‐stepwise method and estimates from the reduced model are reported in the text.

Results

Moisturizer use (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.54–2.68), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.42–2.72), a parental education level lower than a 4‐year college degree (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.70–3.62), living in North Carolina or Wisconsin (compared to Oregon; OR = 2.12 and 1.47, 95% CI: 1.53–2.93 and 1.04–2.08, respectively), and increasing child age (in days; OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.02) were significantly associated with more frequent bathing, while pet ownership (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52–0.87) was significantly associated with less frequent bathing.

Conclusions

We found significant ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic variation in bathing frequency before 9 weeks of age that may be of relevance to AD prevention studies.
Meta‐analysis reveals that enhanced practices accelerate vegetation recovery during peatland restoration
Authors: Allan Jessica M. , Guêné‐Nanchen Mélina , Rochefort Line , Douglas David J. T. , Axmacher Jan C.
Published: October 2023

The provision of critical ecosystem services like carbon sequestration by peatlands has been degraded around the globe. Peatland restoration represents an opportunity to tackle the twin global emergencies of climate breakdown and biodiversity decline. Nonetheless, restoration success relies on a sound understanding of recovery trajectories associated with different restoration techniques. Focusing on temperate/boreal Sphagnum‐dominated peatlands, we used a quantitative meta‐analysis of 28 studies representing 275 sites in 11 countries to test for effects of peatland status (intact, restored, and degraded), varying restoration interventions and time since restoration on vegetation as a key indicator of peatland condition and functioning. Enhanced restoration (such as active revegetation) resulted in recovery to predisturbance levels within 30–35 years for Sphagnum mosses, and 20–25 years for many other peatland specialist species, and was the only restoration approach where positive outcomes were seen across all vegetation response variables. The use of standard restoration techniques, such as rewetting, was projected to result in cover of Sphagnum mosses and peatland specialist plants reaching that of intact sites within 45–55 years post‐restoration. Passive restoration (cessation of the degrading activity with no active restoration) generally elicited limited recovery of keystone peatland vegetation (Sphagnum spp.) even after multiple decades. A lack of standardization in monitoring severely constrains the analysis of peatland restoration outcomes. Increased funding for monitoring and reporting outcomes, and improved monitoring consistency, could greatly enhance our understanding of peatland restoration ecology and improve practice.
Assessing red spruce (Picea rubensSarg.) restoration potential under current and future predicted climate change in Virginia
Authors: Brown Christian H. , Griscom Heather P.
Published: October 2023

Global climate change threatens many species across the planet. High‐elevation species, such as red spruce (Picea rubens), face significant and immediate threats from climate change. Red spruce has faced anthropogenic disturbances for over a century and is only recently beginning to recover across its range. Ecological niche modeling has become a common method of identifying the suitable habitat of a species, providing vital information to land managers carrying out restoration efforts. In this study, ecological niche models were used in a novel way, predicting distribution and habitat suitability separately and simultaneously to determine the spatial extent to which red spruce forests can be restored. In addition to models, surveys were conducted to elucidate the current regeneration trends of red spruce. Furthermore, climate projections were used to determine how restoration potential may change over the course of the twenty‐first century. Comparisons between distribution and habitat suitability models indicate that there is additional habitat available for red spruce expansion. Regeneration surveys show that there is positive regeneration both within and beyond red spruce canopies, validating model comparisons. Climate change projections indicate total elimination of suitable habitat in Virginia by 2100. However, these projections likely predict increased competition for red spruce from low elevation competitors as opposed to physiological limitations imposed by climate change. It is therefore prudent to protect established populations and encourage further regeneration within and beyond current red spruce stands in anticipation of future ecological shifts.
Social capital and short food supply chains: Evidence from Fisheries Local Action Groups
Authors: Freeman Richard , Phillipson Jeremy , Gorton Matthew , Tocco Barbara
Published: October 2023

Fisheries and coastal economies across Europe have witnessed substantial structural changes that have brought about challenges for territorial cohesion and social renewal within the fishing sector. Notably, there has been a disconnect between the industry and local communities, with fisheries largely producing commodities for wide‐ranging and often distant markets. In response, short food supply chains (SFSCs) are often an important element of the local development strategies of Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), being regarded as a possible mechanism for increasing added value and (re‐)localising the sector to aid territorial development. This article examines the conditions that lead to SFSCs having a higher market share in a FLAG area. Drawing on social capital theory, we employ a novel fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis approach using survey data from FLAG managers from across Europe, in what is a first empirical attempt to apply the method in the context of community‐led local development. The analysis pays particular attention to the three dimensions of social capital—structural, normative‐cognitive and network governance—and finds that while different combinations of social capital can lead to a stronger presence of SFSCs, certain types of social capital are more conducive to SFSCs depending on the nature of territorial factors.
Interspecies encounters with endemic health conditions: Co‐producing BVD and lameness with cows and sheep in the north of England
Authors: Holloway Lewis , Mahon Niamh , Clark Beth , Proctor Amy
Published: October 2023

This article focuses on the relationships between people and farmed nonhuman animals, and between these animals and the farmed environments they encounter, in the enactment of interspecies endemic disease situations. It examines how the nonhuman embodied capacities, agency and subjectivities of cows and sheep on farms in the north of England make a difference to how the endemic conditions of lameness and bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) are encountered and responded to by farmers and advisers. The article draws on empirical research with farmers and their advisers and explores three key, interrelated, themes: first, the importance of intersubjective relationships between people and animals on farms; second, the nonhuman components of the ‘disease situations’ associated with endemic diseases, including animals’ embodied characteristics and behaviours and the relationships between bodies and environments on different farms; and finally the ways in which animal agency and resistance makes a difference to on‐farm interventions aiming to prevent or treat lameness and BVD. The article concludes by arguing that animals’ capacities, and nonhuman difference, should be taken further into account in future policy and practice interventions in endemic disease in farmed animals.
The Parallel Architecture in Language and Elsewhere
Authors: Jackendoff Ray
Published: October 2023

The Parallel Architecture is a conception of the organization of the mental representations involved in language and of the role of language in the mind as a whole. Its basic premise is that linguistic representations draw on three independent generative systems—phonological, syntactic, and semantic structures—plus a system of interface links by which they communicate with each other. In particular, words serve as partial interface links that govern the way they compose into novel sentences.

It is shown that this architecture also provides a natural way to account for our ability to talk about what we see: semantic structure in language has to communicate via interface links with a level of spatial representation that encodes understanding of the physical world. It is suggested that such configurations of independent but linked representations are a widespread feature of cognition.
Computed tomographic and bronchoscopic diagnosis of Oslerus osleri infection in a dog
Authors: Kliewer Maya , Gu Jasmine , Paulin Mathieu Victor , Sukut Sally , Cosford Kevin
Published: October 2023

A 16‐month‐old Sarplaninac Shepherd cross dog presented for a 1‐month history of a productive cough that was unresponsive to an empirical 10‐day course of cephalexin. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) showed multifocal, well‐defined, smoothly marginated, soft tissue attenuating, minimally contrast enhancing nodular airway mural thickenings protruding into the airway lumen in the caudal trachea and principal bronchi. These nodules were also visualized on bronchoscopy, and cytology revealed parasitic larvae consistent with Oslerus osleri. The dog was treated with oral fenbendazole for 26 days. Clinical signs resolved within 3 weeks of treatment initiation and had not relapsed at 7‐month follow‐up.
Generic Torelli and local Schottky theorems for Jacobian elliptic surfaces
Authors: Shepherd-Barron N. I.
Published: October 2023

Suppose that $f:X\to C$ is a general Jacobian elliptic surface over ${\mathbb {C}}$ of irregularity $q$ and positive geometric genus $h$. Assume that $10 h>12(q-1)$, that $h>0$ and let $\overline {\mathcal {E}\ell \ell }$ denote the stack of generalized elliptic curves. (1) The moduli stack $\mathcal {JE}$ of such surfaces is smooth at the point $X$ and its tangent space $T$ there is naturally a direct sum of lines $(v_a)_{a\in Z}$, where $Z\subset C$ is the ramification locus of the classifying morphism $\phi :C\to \overline {\mathcal {E}\ell \ell }$ that corresponds to $X\to C$. (2) For each $a\in Z$ the map $\overline {\nabla }_{v_a}:H^{2,0}(X)\to H^{1,1}_{\rm prim}(X)$ defined by the derivative $per_*$ of the period map $per$ is of rank one. Its image is a line ${\mathbb {C}}[\eta _a]$ and its kernel is $H^0(X,\Omega ^2_X(-E_a))$, where $E_a=f^{-1}(a)$. (3) The classes $[\eta _a]$ form an orthogonal basis of $H^{1,1}_{\rm prim}(X)$ and $[\eta _a]$ is represented by a meromorphic $2$-form $\eta _a$ in $H^0(X,\Omega ^2_X(2E_a))$ of the second kind. (4) We prove a local Schottky theorem; that is, we give a description of $per_*$ in terms of a certain additional structure on the vector bundles that are involved. Assume further that $8h>10(q-1)$ and that $h\ge q+3$. (5) Given the period point $per(X)$ of $X$ that classifies the Hodge structure on the primitive cohomology $H^2_{\rm prim}(X)$ and the image of $T$ under $per_*$ we recover $Z$ as a subset of ${\mathbb {P}}^{h-1}$ and then, by quadratic interpolation, the curve $C$. (6) We prove a generic Torelli theorem for these surfaces. Everything relies on the construction, via certain kinds of Schiffer variations of curves, of certain variations of $X$ for which $per_*$ can be calculated. (In an earlier version of this paper we used variations constructed by Fay. However, Schiffer variations are slightly more powerful.)
Oral health care and living environment for older people: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kengne Talla Pascaline , Rodrigues Anisha , Hachey Shauna , Affoo Rebecca , Basiren Quentin , Bouferguene Sabrina , Syed Mahidul , Emami Elham
Published: October 2023

Objective:

This scoping review will map the literature on the extent of knowledge on living environment oral health care (LIVEOR) by examining its different terminologies, its description, the stakeholders involved, the implementation characteristics, and the outcomes reported by the authors.

Introduction:

Older people want to receive oral health care in their current living environment. Although several authors have explored some aspects of LIVEOR for older people, there are still inconsistent findings regarding the extent of this model of care.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method studies, as well as any type of knowledge synthesis on LIVEOR involving people aged 60 years and over. The search will not be limited by language, time frame, geographic location, or publication date.

Methods:

We will use the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search will include MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. A hand-search of the references of the included studies, and a gray literature search will also be conducted. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts of selected studies, and perform data extraction. Findings are expected to explore what is known of LIVEOR targeting older people and to identify any knowledge gaps for future studies. We will disseminate our findings mostly through peer-reviewed publications.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/e7fm2
Effect of Reduced Oil Flow Rate on the Performance of a Load on Pad Journal Bearing: Flooded Versus Evacuated Conditions
Authors: Andrés Luis San , Ouyang Zihan , Qin Yudi
Published: October 2023

Means to decrease the energy consumption of tilting pad journal bearings (TPJBs) without affecting their performance and structural integrity are mandatory in a cost efficient operation. Reducing the lubricant flow supplied to a bearing is a distinct method to diminish drag power losses along with savings in oil storage and pump equipment. However, a too low flow remains questionable in industrial practice. Starved flow conditions produce hot pad surfaces that could lead to Babbitt failure; and under certain loads, generate subsynchronous vibrations (SSV). This paper aims to resolve some of the issues above via measurements of the load performance conducted with a four-pad TPJB configured as load-on-pad (LOP) and having its ends sealed or open to make flooded and evacuated conditions. Prior measurements were conducted with the same bearing under load-between-pads (LBP); see Refs. [1] and [2]. The nominal supplied flow (Q) of ISO VG 46 oil at 60 °C is proportional to shaft speed (max. 12 krpm: 62.8 m/s surface speed). In the tests, the flow Qs ranges from 1.5 Q to just ¼ Q, and the applied units load reaches 2.07 MPa. Compared to the flooded bearing, the evacuated bearing produces a slightly larger eccentricity across the range of flow rates. For a unit load = 2.07 MPa and shaft speed of 6 or 12 krpm, the highest pad subsurface temperature reaches ∼130 °C for Qs below 50% nominal. For both bearings, flooded or evacuated, drag power losses decrease to ∼30% as the oil flow drops from 100% to 50% Q. As the oil flow increases to 1.5 Q, the drag power increases ∼10% for both bearing types at 6 krpm and for the flooded one at 12 krpm, while the evacuated bearing shows a reduction of ∼7%. The drag power grows as the static load increases; the evacuated bearing producing up to ∼ 40% lesser power loss than the flooded bearing. Both bearings produce similar size direct stiffnesses though largely orthotropic, Kyy ≫ Kxx. Direct damping coefficients Cxx ∼ Cyy increase with shaft speed and unit load but dramatically decrease as Qs drops, in particular for the evacuated bearing. The current measurements and those in Refs. [1] and [2] demonstrate that LOP and LBP bearings can safely operate with 50% of nominal flow thus saving drag power, and without too large pad, temperature rises. Alas, too low Qs produces a significant reduction in the damping coefficient orthogonal to the applied load direction. The effect is most evident in the LOP evacuated bearing, which is most prone to show SSV Hash.
Enhanced Capabilities for Sub-Wavelength Defect Detection using Focussed Lamb Waves
Authors: Cregeen Joseph , Greenshields David , Edwards Rachel S
Published: October 2023

Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) are commonly used for non-destructive testing and the location of defects within conductive materials. EMATs can be designed to generate guided waves, such as Lamb waves. Lamb waves are typically used for screening for defects as they can travel long distances through a sample with little attenuation. However, this requires large wavelengths which are less sensitive to small defects. As such, defects smaller than the wavelength may not be detected and are typically challenging to resolve. This work presents a method for the focussing of Lamb waves using curved, geometrically focussed EMATs. The Lamb waves were excited in 1 mm thick aluminium sheets. The size of the focal spot is shown to be dependent on the wavelength of the generation signal. At the wavelength chosen for defect detection, the focal spot is shown to be approximately 3 mm × 4 mm in size. An array of focussed EMATs was used to detect the perturbation of the generation pulse, along with reflections, from 0.5 mm deep square defects located in the plate. B-scans are presented and a method for defect width measurement is proposed, which is shown to be accurate to within ± 0.73 mm for a 10 mm × 10 mm square defect. C-scans are also presented which show the location and geometry of defects with a very good agreement to the known location and size of the machined defects.
Characterization of porosity in periodic 3D nanostructures using spectroscopic scatterometry
Authors: Lee Kwon Sang , Chien Kun-Chieh , Groh Barbara , Chen I-Te , Cullinan Michael , Chang Chih-Hao
Published: October 2023

Periodic nanostructures have important applications in nanophotonics and nanostructured materials as they provide various properties that are advantageous compared to conventional solid materials. However, there is a lack of metrology techniques that are suitable for large-scale manufacturing, as the traditional tools used in nanotechnology have limited throughput and depth resolution. In this work, we use spectroscopic scatterometry as a fast and low-cost alternative to characterize the porosity of three-dimensional (3D) periodic nanostructures. In this technique, the broadband reflectance of the structure is measured and fitted with physical models to predict the structure porosity. The process is demonstrated using 3D periodic nanostructures fabricated using colloidal phase lithography at various exposure dosages. The measured reflectance data are compared with an optical model based on finite-difference time-domain and transfer-matrix methods, which show qualitative agreement with the structure porosity. We found that this technique has the potential to further develop into an effective method to effectively predict the porosity of 3D nanostructures and can lead to real-time process control in roll-to-roll nanomanufacturing.
Client-Led Applied Sport Psychology Practitioners’ Narratives About Helping Athletes
Authors: Tod David , McEwan Hayley E. , Cronin Colum , Lafferty Moira
Published: October 2023

The current study explored how applied sport psychology practitioners adopting client-led stances described two of their athlete interactions. Applied sport psychology practitioners (8 female and 12 male, mean age = 33.76 years, SD = 4.70), describing themselves as client-led practitioners, discussed two athlete consultancies during open-ended interviews. Data analysis involved examining the narrative structure of practitioners’ stories and identifying the features of client-led service delivery present in the accounts. The participants’ stories reflected a collaborative empiricism narrative in which they collaborated with athletes to resolve client issues. The stories contained features of client-led person-centered therapy and the use of practitioner-led techniques and interventions. The results point to applied implications such as providing accounts of service delivery on which practitioners can reflect as they consider the ways they wish to help clients.
Radiogenomic-based multiomic analysis reveals imaging intratumor heterogeneity phenotypes and therapeutic targets
Authors: Su Guan-Hua , Xiao Yi , You Chao , Zheng Ren-Cheng , Zhao Shen , Sun Shi-Yun , Zhou Jia-Yin , Lin Lu-Yi , Wang He , Shao Zhi-Ming , Gu Ya-Jia , Jiang Yi-Zhou
Published: October 2023

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) profoundly affects therapeutic responses and clinical outcomes. However, the widespread methods for assessing ITH based on genomic sequencing or pathological slides, which rely on limited tissue samples, may lead to inaccuracies due to potential sampling biases. Using a newly established multicenter breast cancer radio-multiomic dataset (
n
= 1474) encompassing radiomic features extracted from dynamic contrast–enhanced magnetic resonance images, we formulated a noninvasive radiomics methodology to effectively investigate ITH. Imaging ITH (IITH) was associated with genomic and pathological ITH, predicting poor prognosis independently in breast cancer. Through multiomic analysis, we identified activated oncogenic pathways and metabolic dysregulation in high-IITH tumors. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses highlighted ferroptosis as a vulnerability and potential therapeutic target of high-IITH tumors. Collectively, this work emphasizes the superiority of radiomics in capturing ITH. Furthermore, we provide insights into the biological basis of IITH and propose therapeutic targets for breast cancers with elevated IITH.
Can personalized digital counseling improve consumer search for modern contraceptive methods?
Authors: Athey Susan , Bergstrom Katy , Hadad Vitor , Jamison Julian C. , Özler Berk , Parisotto Luca , Sama Julius Dohbit
Published: October 2023

This paper analyzes a randomized controlled trial of a personalized digital counseling intervention addressing informational constraints and choice architecture, cross-randomized with discounts for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs). The counseling intervention encourages shared decision-making (SDM) using a tablet-based app, which provides a tailored ranking of modern methods to each client according to their elicited needs and preferences. Take-up of LARCs in the status quo regime at full price was 11%, which increased to 28% with discounts. SDM roughly tripled the share of clients adopting a LARC at full price to 35%, and discounts had no incremental impact in this group. Neither intervention affected the take-up of short-acting methods, such as the pill. Consistent with theoretical models of consumer search, SDM clients discussed more methods in depth, which led to higher adoption rates for second- or lower-ranked LARCs. Our findings suggest that low-cost individualized recommendations can potentially be as effective in increasing unfamiliar technology adoption as providing large subsidies.
Hybridization of Atlantic puffins in the Arctic coincides with 20th-century climate change
Authors: Kersten Oliver , Star Bastiaan , Krabberød Anders K. , Atmore Lane M. , Tørresen Ole K. , Anker-Nilssen Tycho , Descamps Sébastien , Strøm Hallvard , Johansson Ulf S. , Sweet Paul R. , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Boessenkool Sanne
Published: October 2023

The Arctic is experiencing the fastest rates of global warming, leading to shifts in the distribution of its biota and increasing the potential for hybridization. However, genomic evidence of recent hybridization events in the Arctic remains unexpectedly rare. Here, we use whole-genome sequencing of contemporary and 122-year-old historical specimens to investigate the origin of an Arctic hybrid population of Atlantic puffins (
Fratercula arctica
) on Bjørnøya, Norway. We show that the hybridization between the High Arctic, large-bodied subspecies
F. a. naumanni
and the temperate, smaller-sized subspecies
F. a. arctica
began as recently as six generations ago due to an unexpected southward range expansion of
F. a. naumanni.
Moreover, we find a significant temporal loss of genetic diversity across Arctic and temperate puffin populations. Our observations provide compelling genomic evidence of the impacts of recent distributional shifts and loss of diversity in Arctic communities during the 20th century.
Dengue virus 4/2 envelope domain chimeric virus panel maps type-specific responses against dengue serotype 2
Authors: Zhu Deanna R. , Rajesh Alecia J. , Meganck Rita M. , Young Ellen F. , Munt Jennifer E. , Tse Victor L. , Yount Boyd , Conrad Helen , White Laura , Henein Sandra , DeSilva Aravinda M. , Baric Ralph S.
Published: October 2023

The DENV envelope (E) and pre-membrane (prM) glycoproteins are primary targets of serologic immunity after infection and vaccination. Of these, serotype-specific (TS) antibodies typically target E domains, while serotype cross-reactive (CR) antibodies typically the target prM protein and conserved E regions. To identify and quantify E-domain TS neutralizing antibody responses in polyclonal sera, we developed a panel of chimeric DENV4/2 viruses that incorporate DENV2 envelope domain I, II, and III (DENV4/2-EDI, EDII, EDIII) into the DENV4 E glycoprotein. Chimeric DENV4/2 viruses were recovered, replicated efficiently, and displayed similar maturation states as parental viruses. The recovery of viable DENV4/2-EDII recombinants required the inclusion of chimeric DENV4/2 prM that maintained critical interactions with chimeric E. To assess structural integrity and epitope display of chimeric viruses, we examined neutralization of mature virions by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and heterotypic polyclonal sera. The ED-chimeric virions preserved epitopes of TS and envelope-dimer-epitope CR mAbs and had similar sensitivity to CR polyclonal responses as parental strains. Primary sera from natural infection and human challenge target a region centered on EDIII and secondarily target EDII and EDI. Sera from natural infection had a unique neutralization pattern compared to sera from human challenge, which included greater frequency and higher titer of responses against DENV EDII. In summary, DENV4/2 E recombinant viruses delineate the subdomain targets of TS antibodies after vaccination and primary infection, which may provide new correlates of protection or identify epitopes of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.

IMPORTANCE

The four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes infect several hundred million people each year. Although primary infection is generally mild, subsequent infection by differing serotypes increases the risk for symptomatic disease ranging from fever to life-threatening shock. Despite the availability of licensed vaccines, a comprehensive understanding of antibodies that target the viral envelope protein and protect from infection remains incomplete. In this manuscript, we develop a panel of recombinant viruses that graft each envelope domain of DENV2 onto the DENV4 envelope glycoprotein, revealing protein interactions important for virus viability. Furthermore, we map neutralizing antibody responses after primary DENV2 natural infection and a human challenge model to distinct domains on the viral envelope protein. The panel of recombinant viruses provides a new tool for dissecting the E domain-specific targeting of protective antibody responses, informing future DENV vaccine design.
Complete genome sequences of
Ruminococcus torques
strains JCM 36208 and JCM 36209, isolated from the feces of a healthy Japanese male
Authors: Hisatomi Atsushi , Tourlousse Dieter M. , Hamajima Mayu , Ohkuma Moriya , Sekiguchi Yuji , Sakamoto Mitsuo
Published: October 2023

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of two
Ruminococcus torques
strains (JCM 36208 and JCM 36209) that were newly isolated from the feces of a healthy Japanese male. Both genomes consist of a single circular chromosome with a length of ~2.8 Mbp and a G+C content of 41.8%.
The heme-responsive PrrH sRNA regulates
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
pyochelin gene expression
Authors: Hoang Tra-My , Huang Weiliang , Gans Jonathan , Weiner Jacob , Nowak Evan , Barbier Mariette , Wilks Angela , Kane Maureen A. , Oglesby Amanda G.
Published: October 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic pathogen that requires iron for growth and virulence, yet this nutrient is sequestered by the innate immune system during infection. When iron is limiting,
P. aeruginosa
expresses the PrrF1 and PrrF2 small RNAs (sRNAs), which post-transcriptionally repress expression of nonessential iron-containing proteins, thus sparing this nutrient for more critical processes. The genes for the PrrF1 and PrrF2 sRNAs are arranged in tandem on the chromosome, allowing for the transcription of a longer heme-responsive sRNA, termed PrrH. While the functions of PrrF1 and PrrF2 have been extensively studied, the role of PrrH in
P. aeruginosa
physiology and virulence is not well understood. In this study, we performed transcriptomic and proteomic studies to identify the PrrH regulon. In shaking cultures, the pyochelin synthesis proteins were increased in two distinct
prrH
mutants compared to the wild type, while the mRNAs for these proteins were not affected by the
prrH
mutation. We identified complementarity between the PrrH sRNA and the sequence upstream of the
pchE
mRNA, suggesting the potential for PrrH to directly regulate the expression of genes for pyochelin synthesis. We further showed that
pchE
mRNA levels were increased in the
prrH
mutants when grown in static but not shaking conditions. Moreover, we discovered that controlling for the presence of light was critical for examining the impact of PrrH on
pchE
expression. As such, our study reports on the first likely target of the PrrH sRNA and highlights key environmental variables that will allow for future characterization of PrrH function.

IMPORTANCE

In the human host, iron is predominantly in the form of heme, which
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
can acquire as an iron source during infection. We previously showed that the iron-responsive PrrF small RNAs (sRNAs) are critical for mediating iron homeostasis during
P. aeruginosa
infection; however, the function of the heme-responsive PrrH sRNA remains unclear. In this study, we identified genes for pyochelin siderophore biosynthesis, which mediates uptake of inorganic iron, as a novel target of PrrH regulation. This study therefore highlights a novel relationship between heme availability and siderophore biosynthesis in
P. aeruginosa
.
In-depth biological characterization of two black soldier fly anti-
Pseudomonas
peptides reveals LPS-binding and immunomodulating effects
Authors: Van Moll Laurence , Wouters Milan , De Smet Jeroen , De Vooght Linda , Delputte Peter , Van Der Borght Mik , Cos Paul
Published: October 2023

As effector molecules of the innate immune system, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gathered substantial interest as a potential future generation of antibiotics. Here, we demonstrate the anti-
Pseudomonas
activity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding ability of HC1 and HC10, two cecropin peptides from the black soldier fly (
Hermetia Illucens
). Both peptides are active against a wide range of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains, including drug-resistant clinical isolates. Moreover, HC1 and HC10 can bind to lipid A, the toxic center of LPS and reduce the LPS-induced nitric oxide and cytokine production in murine macrophage cells. This suggests that the peptide-LPS binding can also lower the strong inflammatory response associated with
P. aeruginosa
infections. As the activity of AMPs is often influenced by the presence of salts, we studied the LPS-binding activity of HC1 and HC10 in physiological salt concentrations, revealing a strong decrease in activity. Our research confirmed the early potential of HC1 and HC10 as starting points for anti-
Pseudomonas
drugs, as well as the need for structural or formulation optimization before further preclinical development can be considered.

IMPORTANCE

The high mortality and morbidity associated with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections remain an ongoing challenge in clinical practice that requires urgent action.
P. aeruginosa
mostly infects immunocompromised individuals, and its prevalence is especially high in urgent care hospital settings. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are outer membrane structures that are responsible for inducing the innate immune cascade upon infection.
P. aeruginosa
LPS can cause local excessive inflammation, or spread systemically throughout the body, leading to multi-organ failure and septic shock. As antimicrobial resistance rates in
P. aeruginosa
infections are rising, the research and development of new antimicrobial agents remain indispensable. Especially, antimicrobials that can both kill the bacteria themselves and neutralize their toxins are of great interest in
P. aeruginosa
research to develop as the next generation of drugs.