bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsurface geology of east-central New Mexico, 1972
Authors: Foster R. W. , Frentress R. M. , Riese W. C.
Published: August 2022

This paper was prepared at the request of Editors V. C. Kelley and F. D. Trauger to appear in the Guidebook of the New Mexico Geological Society's Twenty-Third Field Conference. Instead, it appears as the Society's "Special Publication Number Four" to accompany the Guidebook. An explanation is in order as this is a precedent-setting procedure.

The first step when a guidebook for a particular area is planned is to contact those people who know the region, its geology, and the associated problems, and to obtain from them a pledge to contribute their time, energy and special knowledge in the form of papers to be published in the guidebook. The uncertainties attendant upon this initial effort have ramifications often never considered by the contributor, or those who casually leaf through a guidebook, wondering, perhaps, why in heaven's name the editors did this, or that.

A field conference guidebook, unlike almost any other book publication, must be ready for distribution on a given day. A hard-cover guidebook poses special problems, and therein lies the reason for "Special Publication Number Four."

A hard cover must be ordered 10 weeks in advance of printing and binding deadlines. That means the size of the guidebook -- the number of pages to be bound in -- must be determined at the time the covers are ordered. On the basis of the response from potential contributors, and the page estimate as specified, a cover to accommodate 200 pages was ordered.

The papers began coming in, and coming, and coming. Authors from whom the editors had no initial response sent papers, and at least 50 percent of the papers exceeded the lengths specified. The deluge resulted in estimates by the printer, based on galley proof, of 257 pages a number impossible to accommodate. A thinner paper was selected and it was found that 238 pages could be bound. The editors then had a choice eliminate three to five short papers or one long one.

One contribution, a paper of 21 pages, prepared to treat one phase of the geology of the conference area, was determined to be capable of standing alone, and by removing it from the guidebook, all other papers could be accommodated. But this paper was considered essential to complete the theme and purpose of the conference guidebook. The Publications Committee, with the approval of the Executive Committee of the Society, agreed the paper should be published as a supplement to the Guidebook, and at the same time be made available as a separate publication for those with a special need for its particular contribution. The paper, Subsurface Geology of East-Central New Mexico, by Roy W. Foster, Richard M. Frentress, and Walter C. Riese is here presented exactly as prepared for the Guidebook.
Archaeology and history of Santa Fe Country
Authors: Ingersoll R. V. , Callender J. F.
Published: August 2022

This volume is a companion to New Mexico Geological Society Guidebook 30 (Santa Fe Country), and is not meant to be a comprehensive summary of the archaeology and history of the Santa Fe area. Rather, it is a collection of four articles that were prepared in conjunction with the Society's fall field conference, and which provide the reader with insights to a small part of the human history of the area. This Special Publication is the Society's first product primarily dealing with topics other than geology. We think that both geologists and nongeologists will find the articles to be interesting and informative, and that this volume will be a suitable complement to Guidebook 30. We thank the authors for their interesting and timely contributions.
Influence of smoking on clinical outcomes in shoulder surgeries among young population– a review article
Authors: SHARMA RITA
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT  
Tobacco smoking has a range of detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal system and is a risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes following various surgical operations. The study's objective was to look at the impact of smoking on shoulder operations and clinical results in the younger age group. According to the findings, smoking is linked to rotator cuff tears, shoulder dysfunction, and shoulder discomfort. Shoulder injuries involving several tendons are a severe problem for surgeons, and we must decrease the unfavourable risk factors by quitting smoking before shoulder surgery in order to have an optimal functional outcome.
Keywords: Smoking, Rotator Cuff Tear, Arthroscopy, Shoulder, Tobacco, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy.
Forecasting Freight Logistic Needs and INDOT Plans
Authors: Iyer Ananth V. , Brady Thomas , Dunlop Steven R. , Thakkar Dutt J. , Naini Saichandar , Jayan Srinath , Vasu Suraj , Mohanraj Sanjayraj , Srinvasan Janani
Published: August 2022

This project focused on forecasting freight logistics needs and developing and analyzing capacity plans for INDOT to consider. The forecast timeframe ranges from the 2020 to 2045; the commodities considered are those used in the FHWA framework. We considered five SSP (Shared Socio-Economic Pathways) scenarios that are in sync with those used by the IPCC (International Protocol for Climate Change). We also use the IPCC forecasts of world GDP and FHWA forecasts to develop county-level freight forecasts by commodity. A survey of industry participants, primarily in manufacturing, suggests that Indiana industries are tied to the rest of the country and the world for supply of inputs as well as for demand markets. Finally, we focus on three different industries—the recreational vehicle (RV) industry in Elkhart County, the furniture industry in Dubois County, and the Honda plant in Decatur County—to illustrate the impact of bill of materials and growth forecasts on forecasted congestion and potential capacity mitigation. Our results suggest that proactive capacity planning can enable INDOT to anticipate and ease congestion and ensure continued economic competitiveness for Indiana industries.
Chronic Medication Use and Factors Associated With Polypharmacy Among Outpatient Pediatric Patients
Authors: Ewig Celeste L.Y. , Wong Kai Sang , Chan Pak Hei , Leung Ting Fan , Cheung Yin Ting
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of chronic polypharmacy among pediatric patients in an outpatient setting.

METHODS

We conducted a review of medications dispensed to patients from an outpatient pediatric facility during a 12-month period. Patients who received chronic medications (≥30 days' supply), which contained at least 1 active pharmaceutical ingredient were included in the study. Descriptive analysis was used to determine prevalence of polypharmacy while predictive factors for polypharmacy were evaluated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Our study included 3920 patients (median age, 9.9 years; IQR, 9.4) and 16,401 medications. The median number of chronic medications used among our study cohort was 2.0 (IQR, 1) with polypharmacy identified in 309 (7.9%) patients. Predictors for polypharmacy were age and the use of certain therapeutic class of medications. Patients 12 to <19 years old (OR, 6.95; 95% CI, 4.1–10.1) were more likely to require ≥5 concurrent medications compared with patients younger than 2 years of age. Use of calcium supplements (OR, 21.2; 95% CI, 11.3–39.6), Vitamin D analogues (OR, 14.3; 95% CI, 8.0–25.8), and systemic glucocorticoids (OR, 18.8; 95% CI, 10.7–33.2) were also highly associated with polypharmacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents and children with chronic medical conditions who require prolonged systemic glucocorticoids, calcium, and Vitamin D supplements are at higher risk of incurring long-term polypharmacy. This subgroup of pediatric patients may be more vulnerable to the occurrence of negative outcomes resulting from the use of multiple chronic medications.
Questões contemporâneas na pesquisa sobre História e Cinema: entrevista com Eduardo Victorio Morettin
Authors: Veiga Mauricio Biscaia , Morettin Eduardo Victorio
Published: August 2022

Entrevista com Eduardo Victorio Morettin, concedida à Mauricio Biscaia Veiga.
Dietary Intakes and Nutritional Status of Mother-Child (6-23 Months Old) Pair Targeted through the "Organic Residual Products for Biofortified Foods for Africa Project" in Rural Area in Senegal
Authors: Thiam Mbeugué , Diouf Adama , Coly Ousseynou Baba , Kébé Saliou Diombo , Diongue Ousmane , Badiane Abdou , Faye Mane Hélène , Doudou Sylla Papa Mamadou Dit , Idohou-Dossou Nicole , Medoc Jean Michel
Published: August 2022

Background: Despite micronutrient supplementation and food fortification strategies carried out for decades, micronutrient deficiencies remain prevalent among children under 5 years old in rural area in Senegal. The OR4FOOD project was implemented as a preventive and long-term approach to reduce malnutrition through biofortification.

Objective: We aimed to assess the baseline dietary intakes and nutritional status of the mother-child (6-23 months old) pair in a rural community in Senegal.

Methods: Dietary intakes were assessed using dietary recall questionnaires and weight food records. All foods and beverages consumed from waking to bedtime were quantified, and nutrient intakes were calculated. The nutritional status was measured by anthropometry.

Results: Results showed that 77.2% of children had low dietary diversity score. Only 18% of them received an appropriate complementary feeding according to the minimum acceptable diet. Cereals and legumes were among the most consumed food groups, whereas orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and animal food products were rarely consumed. Median dietary intakes of iron, zinc, and vitamin A were lower than the recommended dietary allowances. Acute malnutrition and stunting affected 14.6% and 16.9% of children, respectively. Overall, 20.8% of mothers were underweighted, and overweight/obesity affected 23.1% of them.

Conclusion: Malnutrition remains prevalent in rural areas of Senegal and affects both mothers and children. Furthermore, their nutrient requirements were not covered by the diet. Millet and cowpea being widely consumed, optimizing their iron and zinc content through biofortification and the introduction of OFSP might improve micronutrient intakes and would be promising strategies to prevent child malnutrition.
Entre o belo e o útil: manuais e práticas do ensino do desenho no Brasil
Authors: Dória Renato Palumbo
Published: August 2022

Este livro é um estudo pioneiro e único por tratar conjuntamente da história da arte e da educação, levando em conta não somente aspectos estéticos e pedagógicos, mas, principalmente, a dimensão social das práticas do ensino do desenho no Brasil, podendo servir de referência para diferentes campos de estudo. Em uma narrativa saborosa em detalhes e experiências singulares por meio dos quais vislumbramos as grandes transformações culturais dos últimos séculos, o livro analisa as publicações dedicadas ao ensino do desenho e apresenta ainda imagens originais localizadas pelo autor em suas pesquisas nos acervos iconográficos brasileiros, em sua maioria nunca antes publicadas.
Molecular dissection of condensin II-mediated chromosome assembly using in vitro assays
Authors: Yoshida Makoto M , Kinoshita Kazuhisa , Aizawa Yuuki , Tane Shoji , Yamashita Daisuke , Shintomi Keishi , Hirano Tatsuya
Published: August 2022

In vertebrates, condensin I and condensin II cooperate to assemble rod-shaped chromosomes during mitosis. Although the mechanism of action and regulation of condensin I have been studied extensively, our corresponding knowledge of condensin II remains very limited. By introducing recombinant condensin II complexes into Xenopus egg extracts, we dissect the roles of its individual subunits in chromosome assembly. We find that one of two HEAT subunits, CAP-D3, plays a crucial role in condensin II-mediated assembly of chromosome axes, whereas the other HEAT subunit, CAP-G2, has a very strong negative impact on this process. The structural maintenance of chromosomes ATPase and the basic amino acid clusters of the kleisin subunit CAP-H2 are essential for this process. Deletion of the C-terminal tail of CAP-D3 increases the ability of condensin II to assemble chromosomes and further exposes a hidden function of CAP-G2 in the lateral compaction of chromosomes. Taken together, our results uncover a multilayered regulatory mechanism unique to condensin II, and provide profound implications for the evolution of condensin II.
Universal Health Coverage: A Catalyst for Achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Orjingene O. , Okoli Ugo , Adetunji-Hassan A. , Ganama M.
Published: August 2022

Background: Achieving Universal Health Coverage is one of the prerequisites for improved health outcomes, a decline in the rate of Impoverishment due to health expenditure (IHE), and achieving Sustainable Development Goals 1,2, and 3. While some countries (primarily those in Sub-Saharan Africa) are still battling to achieve Health Coverage for their populations, Western countries have achieved this feat using several strategies and models. This study aims to identify Universal Health Coverage implementation strategies adopted by different countries and how the strategies have contributed to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal targets.

Method: A systematic literature review was employed, and a total of 10 studies conducted met our inclusion criteria. The sensitive search strategy was employed. The search was conducted with the use of appropriate keywords (guided by the research objective) in different databases such as MEDLINE (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), ProQuest, AMED (EBSCO), and PsycINFO. Articles were also retrieved through a manual search on google scholar. The search was also guided by the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome PICO framework.

Findings: Studies identified health insurance schemes for the unemployed, self-employed, and private sector employees and implementation of user fee exemption or subsidized medical bills for a population sub-group deemed vulnerable as Universal Health Coverage implementation strategies in different countries. These strategies significantly increased health coverage and improved health outcomes as well.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The majority of countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region are yet to achieve Universal Health Coverage, this will pose a challenge to their ability to attain the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The study recommends that tested strategies such as improved health financing, sustainable health system strengthening, and a holistic approach to quality of healthcare services should be contextualized and implemented in countries that are yet to achieve Universal health coverage for their populations.
Impact of Frying Oil Types and Keeping Duration on the Safety, Storability and Acceptability Factors of Chin-Chin (Deep-Fried Snack)
Authors: E. Akhigbe Naomi , K. Bolade Mathew
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the influence of frying oil types and storage duration on the acrylamide concentration, moisture variation pattern, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content and acceptability factors of commonly consumed snack (chin-chin). A standard processing procedure was used to prepare the snack (chin-chin) using a combination of ingredients such as wheat flour, sugar, salt, margarine, ground nutmeg, egg, and water. Two types of vegetable oil used for deep-frying were soybean oil and refined palm olein oil while commercial chin-chin samples were also purchased to serve as the control. The results showed that during the storage period, the acrylamide contents in chin-chin samples exhibited gradual increase. The commercial chin-chin (CH-COM) contained the highest initial moisture content (13.54%) while all the chin-chin samples exhibited gradual increase in moisture content during the 12-day storage period. The study also revealed that during the storage period, all the chin-chin samples exhibited gradual reduction in the TBARS level. However, the degree of reduction in the TBARS content of commercial chin-chin was the highest as it reduced from the initial 0.33 mg MDA/kg to 0.17 mg MDA/kg during the 12-day storage duration. The fresh chin-chin samples exhibited relatively high level of browning index with significant differences at p<0.05 while there were variations in the oiliness index of the snack samples. The chin-chin samples in this study were generally found to satisfy the requirements for the tolerable levels for both the acrylamide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) throughout the 12-day storage period.
Genetic Variability Analysis for Agro-morphological and Seed Yield Component traits of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Genotypes under Mid Hill Zone of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Thakur Ronika , Kumari Vedna , Pal Anjali , Rana Poonam
Published: August 2022

Aim, Design and Methodology: A research with 21 soybean genotypes including three checks was carried out in kharif 2021 at Research Farm of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CSK HPKV Palampur to estimate the genetic variation, heritability and genetic advance for 13 agro-morphological & seed yield component traits that can be used as selection criteria in breeding programmes. RBD design was used to set up the experiment with a plot size of 3 × 1.35=4.05 m2 and replicated three times.

Results and Conclusion: The results of the analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes varied considerably for days to 50 percent flowering, days to 75 percent maturity, plant height (cm), number of nodes per plant, inter-nodal length (cm), number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, seed yield per plant (g), 100-seed weight (g), biological yield per plant (g) and harvest index (%) showing the genetic divergence of the planting materials from one another. According to the estimates of genetic variability, the phenotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits were greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation explaining the important role played by environmental factors in the manifestation of the traits. Higher values of PCV coupled with moderate GCV values were detected for harvest index (27.93%, 11.84%) indicating the presence of sufficient genetic variation for selection in such traits. High heritability estimates along with high genetic advance (as percent of mean) were recorded for plant height and 100-seed weight which could be ascribed to predominance of additive gene action and high selective index and therefore, selection pressure could be applied profitably to such traits for genetic modification in soybean.
Environmental Contamination with Multi-drug Resistant Organisms in a Nigerian Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Impactful Infection Source
Authors: Nwafia I. , Ebede S. , Iloh K. , T. Nwachukwu P. , Ndubueze C. , Aroh A. , Orabueze I. , Okeke P. , Orakwe O. , Ijere O. , Ohanu M. , Iloh O.
Published: August 2022

Background: Neonates admitted into neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at high risk of acquiring infections due to the immaturity of their immune systems and the barrage of intensive medical care. Multiple drug resistant organisms are mostly implicated in causing these infections, usually acquired through contaminated environment. This research was designed to assess the environmental contamination with multi-drug resistant organisms in neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods: Environmental samples were collected from all the equipment in each of the 3 rooms in neonatal intensive care unit and cultured on 5% sheep blood agar, chocolate agar and MacConkey agar plates. The isolates were identified with standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility profile was done using modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted according to the guidelines by Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected using cefoxitin disc while extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers were confirmed with ESBL chromogenic agar.

Results: Out of 36 samples collected from different sites in the 3 rooms, 19(53%) yielded bacterial growth. A total of 28 (78%) bacterial isolates were detected, with majority 25(89%) isolated from room 1. Staphylococcus aureus 15(42%) was the predominant isolate followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 5(14%) and non-Candida albicans spp 3(8%). Most of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were from samples collected from incubators. Out of 15 Staphylococcus aureus isolated, 11 (73%) were MRSA. Among the Gram negatives, all 5(100%) Klebsiella pneumonioae and 3(60) Acinetobacter species were positive for extended spectrum beta-lactamase production. All the isolates were resistant to 3 or more classes of antibiotics. Imipenem and linezolid were the most sensitive antibiotics to the isolated organisms.

Conclusion: High degree of contamination of the environment in NICU with multi drug resistant bacteria is worrisome because of the serious threat it poses. This calls for immediate holistic interventional measures. Strict Compliance with infection prevention and control measures. Additionally, there should be regular antimicrobial resistance surveillance in NICU.
Pathological Changes among Norvegicus Rattus Exposed on Novel Smoked Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf: Cigarette Substitute during COVID-19 Lockdown in Nigeria
Authors: Okorie Nnaemeka , Adeniran Olayinka Catherine , Adimabua Okafor Patrick , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Anastasia Ezaka, Ebere
Published: August 2022

Background: This research titled; Pathology changes among Norvegicus Rattus exposed on novel smoked Bambusa vulgaris: Cigarette substitute during COVID 19 lockdown in Nigeria is stimulated following increase use of the aforementioned substances as a substitute to drugs during covid -19 lock down in Nigeria where a number of psychoactive substances were limited and restricted for months, both known addicts to cannabis and cigarette smoking and frustration induced initial smokers engaged massively on the use of bamboo leaf and that had continued after years of the lockdown.

Methods: The experimental subjects were grouped into acute and chronic for both smoked and the control. Norvegicus rattus subjects were exposed to the 0.01g/g bamboo vulgaris dry leaf smoke twice daily for 21 and 42 days (acute and chronic) exposure respectively. The Animals were sacrificed and the organs harvested following ethical procedures for animal killing. The brain and lungs were divided and parts subjected into histopathological examination using formalin fixed paraffin processed methods stained with both routine and special stains, and the other parts were homogenized to investigate the oxidative stress biomarkers.

Results: Histopathology results first revealed a severe cellular injury in both lungs and brain compare to the normal control; significance (p<0.5) elevation found in MDA and reduced SOD, Gpx, GSH and catalase correlate the histology results with oxidative stress biomarkers.

Conclusion: Smoking Bambusa vulgaris dry leaf is been found in this study to be more harmful to the respiratory system and brain in more rapid manner compared to conventional abused substances and should be discourage using state agency and enlightenment campaign
An 18-Year-Old Woman With Recurrent Skin, Nail, and Oral Mucosal Abnormalities
Authors: Wang Zhaoyuan , Man Xiaoyong
Published: August 2022

An 18-year-old woman had a 14-year history of recurrent skin, nail, and oral mucosal abnormalities, treated with 3- to 6-month courses of itraconazole; the abnormalities typically recurred within 6 to 12 months of discontinuing itraconazole. Skin scrapings from the lower extremities demonstrated fungal elements; fungal culture of the skin scrapings grew Candida albicans. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?
Medication Abortion
Authors: Cohen Rebecca H. , Teal Stephanie B.
Published: August 2022

This JAMA Patient Page describes medication abortion and its risks and effectiveness.
Trends in Out-of-Pocket Costs for Naloxone by Drug Brand and Payer in the US, 2010-2018
Authors: Peet Evan D. , Powell David , Pacula Rosalie Liccardo
Published: August 2022

Importance

Improving access to naloxone is a critical component of the nation’s strategy to curb fatal overdoses in the opioid crisis. Standing or protocol orders, prescriptive authority laws, and immunity provisions have been passed by states to expand access, but less attention has been given to potential financial barriers to naloxone access.

Objective

To assess trends in out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for naloxone and examine variation in OOP costs by drug brand and payer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This observational study analyzed US naloxone claims data from Symphony Health and associated OOP costs for individuals filling naloxone prescriptions by drug brand and payer between January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018. The data were analyzed from March 31, 2021, to April 12, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main measures were trends in annual number of naloxone claims (overall, by payer, and by drug brand) and mean annual OOP costs per claim (overall, by payer, and by drug brand).

Results

Of 719 612 naloxone claims (172 894 generic naloxone, 501 568 Narcan, and 45 150 Evzio) for 2010 through 2018, the number of naloxone claims among insured patients began rapidly increasing after 2014; at the same time, the mean OOP cost of naloxone increased dramatically among the uninsured population. Comparing 2014 with 2018, the mean OOP cost of naloxone decreased by 26% among those with insurance but increased by 606% among uninsured patients. For the uninsured population, the impediment of cost was even larger for certain brands of the drug. In 2016, the mean OOP cost for Evzio among uninsured patients rose to $2136.37 (a 2429% increase relative to 2015) compared with the mean cost of generic naloxone, $72.88, and the cost of Narcan in its first year, $87.95. Throughout the period, the mean OOP costs paid by uninsured patients were higher for Evzio at $1089.17 (95% CI, $884.17-$1294.17) compared with $73.62 (95% CI, $69.24-$78.00) for Narcan and $67.99 (95% CI, $61.42-$74.56) for generic naloxone.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this observational study, the findings indicated that the OOP cost of naloxone had been an increasingly substantial barrier to naloxone access for uninsured patients, potentially limiting use among this population, which constituted approximately 20% of adults with opioid use disorder.
Effectiveness of Standard vs Enhanced Self-measurement of Blood Pressure Paired With a Connected Smartphone Application
Authors: Pletcher Mark J. , Fontil Valy , Modrow Madelaine Faulkner , Carton Thomas , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Todd Jonathan , O’Brien Emily C. , Sheer Amy , Vittinghoff Eric , Park Soo , Orozco Jaime , Lin Feng , Maeztu Carlos , Wozniak Gregory , Rakotz Michael , Shay Christina M. , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M.
Published: August 2022

Importance

Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) with commercially available connected smartphone applications may help patients effectively use SMBP measurements.

Objective

To determine if enhanced SMBP paired with a connected smartphone application was superior to standard SMBP for blood pressure (BP) reduction or patient satisfaction.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial was conducted among 23 health systems participating in PCORnet, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network, and included patients who reported having uncontrolled BP at their last clinic visit, a desire to lower their BP, and a smartphone. Enrollment and randomization occurred from August 3, 2019, to December 31, 2020, which was followed by 6 months of follow-up for each patient. Analysis commenced shortly thereafter.

Interventions

Eligible participants were randomly assigned to enhanced SMBP using a device that paired with a connected smartphone application (enhanced) or a standard device (standard). Participants received their device in the mail, along with web-based educational materials and phone-based support as needed. No clinician engagement was undertaken, and the study provided no special mechanisms for delivering measurements to clinicians for use in BP management.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Reduction in systolic BP, defined as the difference between clinic BP at baseline and the most recent clinic BP extracted from electronic health records at 6 months.

Results

Enrolled participants (1051 enhanced [50.0%] vs 1050 standard [50.0%]; 1191 women [56.7%]) were mostly middle-aged or older (mean [SD] age, 58 [13] years), nearly a third were Black or Hispanic (645 [31%]), and most were relatively comfortable using technology (mean [SD], 4.1 [1.1] of 5). The mean (SD) change in systolic BP from baseline to 6 months was −10.8 (18) mm Hg vs −10.6 (18) mm Hg (enhanced vs standard: adjusted difference, −0.19 mm Hg; 95% CI, −1.83 to 1.44;P = .81). Secondary outcomes were mostly null, except for documented attainment of BP control to lower than 140/<90 mm Hg, which occurred in 32% enhanced vs 29% standard groups (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.34). Most participants were very likely to recommend their SMBP device to a friend (70% vs 69%).

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial found that enhanced SMBP paired with a smartphone application is not superior to standard SMBP for BP reduction or patient satisfaction.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03796689
Comparison of Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Molina Rose L. , Tsai Thomas C. , Dai Dannie , Soto Mark , Rosenthal Ning , Orav E. John , Figueroa Jose F.
Published: August 2022

Importance

Little is known about changes in obstetric outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

To assess whether obstetric outcomes and pregnancy-related complications changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included pregnant patients receiving care at 463 US hospitals whose information appeared in the PINC AI Healthcare Database. The relative differences in birth outcomes, pregnancy-related complications, and length of stay (LOS) during the pandemic period (March 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021) were compared with the prepandemic period (January 1, 2019, to February 28, 2020) using logistic and Poisson models, adjusting for patients’ characteristics, and comorbidities and with month and hospital fixed effects.

Exposures

COVID-19 pandemic period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The 3 primary outcomes were the relative change in preterm vs term births, mortality outcomes, and mode of delivery. Secondary outcomes included the relative change in pregnancy-related complications and LOS.

Results

There were 849 544 and 805 324 pregnant patients in the prepandemic and COVID-19 pandemic periods, respectively, and there were no significant differences in patient characteristics between periods, including age (≥35 years: 153 606 [18.1%] vs 148 274 [18.4%]), race and ethnicity (eg, Hispanic patients: 145 475 [17.1%] vs 143 905 [17.9%]; White patients: 456 014 [53.7%] vs 433 668 [53.9%]), insurance type (Medicaid: 366 233 [43.1%] vs 346 331 [43.0%]), and comorbidities (all standardized mean differences <0.10). There was a 5.2% decrease in live births during the pandemic. Maternal death during delivery hospitalization increased from 5.17 to 8.69 deaths per 100 000 pregnant patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.75; 95% CI, 1.19-2.58). There were minimal changes in mode of delivery (vaginal: OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.996-1.02; primary cesarean: OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; vaginal birth after cesarean: OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95-1.00; repeated cesarean: OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.97). LOS during delivery hospitalization decreased by 7% (rate ratio, 0.931; 95% CI, 0.928-0.933). Lastly, the adjusted odds of gestational hypertension (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.06-1.11), obstetric hemorrhage (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10), preeclampsia (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06), and preexisting chronic hypertension (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.09) increased. No significant changes in preexisting racial and ethnic disparities were observed.

Conclusions and Relevance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were increased odds of maternal death during delivery hospitalization, cardiovascular disorders, and obstetric hemorrhage. Further efforts are needed to ensure risks potentially associated with the COVID-19 pandemic do not persist beyond the current state of the pandemic.
Severe Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy, Congenital Hearing Loss, and Developmental Delay in a Child With Biallelic Variants in FZD4
Authors: van der Ende Sarah R. , Meyers Benjamin S. , Capasso Jenina E. , Sasongko Mario , Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Pihlblad Matthew , Huey Jennifer , Bedoukian Emma C. , Krantz Ian D. , Ngo Michael H. , McMaster Christopher R. , Levin Alex V. , Robitaille Johane M.
Published: August 2022

Importance

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a nonsyndromic autosomal dominant retinal disorder commonly caused by variants in the FZD4 gene. This study investigates the potential role beyond ocular abnormalities for FZD4 gene variants in patients with FEVR.

Objective

To evaluate the role of FZD4 in symptoms beyond those associated with FEVR through a patient with biallelic variants in FZD4.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case series included the DNA testing and phenotyping of 1 patient proband and her parents, combined with signaling assays, to determine the association of patient-derived compound heterozygous variants on FZD4 signaling and biologic function.

Main Outcomes and Measures

FZD4 genes were tested using next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Cell-based assays measured the effect of the variants on FZD4 signaling.

Results

The proband presented with absent red reflexes from complete tractional retinal detachments diagnosed at 3 days of age and failed the newborn screening hearing test. Auditory brainstem response at 6 months of age showed bilateral mild to moderate high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. The patient manifested developmental delays in speech and walking. Intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA) of the patient’s parents detected stage 1 FEVR. Genetic testing revealed 2 FZD4 variants in the patient, each variant found in 1 parent. Signaling assays confirmed that the presence of both variants was associated with significantly worse signaling activity compared with the heterozygous state.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this case series suggest that extraocular syndromic FEVR was associated with FZD4 variants. The decrease in FZD4 signaling owing to the biallelic nature of the disease resulted in hearing deficits, developmental delays, and a more severe retinal phenotype.
Study of Structural Evolution at Interfaces and Surfaces of PbSe Nanocrystals by In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Cheng Feng , Cheng Yongfa , Lian Linyuan , Li Luying , Zhang Tianyi , Yue Yang , Wang Siliang , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Jianbing , Gao Yihua
Published: August 2022

The interfaces and surfaces of nanocrystals (NCs) have a great influence on their stability and chemical activities. As effective ways of tailoring surfaces and interfaces of NCs, high‐energy electron beam and temperature are utilized in an in situ transmission electron microscope to study the structural transformation processes at surfaces and interfaces of PbSe NC at atomic scale. The results show that with the combined effect of high‐energy electron beam and high temperature, the atoms at NC interfaces tend to reconstruct themselves to reduce the orientational difference and release the interfacial strain. The structural transformation at the NC surfaces is comparatively slower, which will lead to reduced local surface energies. The systematic study of the structural transformation processes at the NC interfaces and surfaces can better define the corresponding critical points of experimental conditions, which will facilitate accurate surface and interface engineering at specific regions of NCs at atomic resolution.
Electrochemical Reduction of Nitric Oxide with 1.7% Solar‐to‐Ammonia Efficiency Over Nanostructured Core‐Shell Catalyst at Low Overpotentials
Authors: Sethuram Markandaraj Sridhar , Muthusamy Tamilselvan , Shanmugam Sangaraju
Published: August 2022

Transition metals have been recognized as excellent and efficient catalysts for the electrochemical nitric oxide reduction reaction (NORR) to value‐added chemicals. In this work, a class of core–shell electrocatalysts that utilize nickel nanoparticles in the core and nitrogen‐doped porous carbon architecture in the shell (Ni@NC) for the efficient electroreduction of NO to ammonia (NH3) is reported. In Ni@NC, the NC prevents the dissolution of Ni nanoparticles and ensures the long‐term stability of the catalyst. The Ni nanoparticles involve in the catalytic reduction of NO to NH3 during electrolysis. As a result, the Ni@NC achieves a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 72.3% at 0.16 VRHE. The full‐cell electrolyzer is constructed by coupling Ni@NC as cathode for NORR and RuO2 as an anode for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which delivers a stable performance over 20 cycles at 1.5 V. While integrating this setup with a PV‐electrolyzer cell, and it demonstrates an appreciable FE of >50%. Thus, the results exemplify that the core–shell catalyst based electrolyzer is a promising approach for the stable NO to NH3 electroconversion.
Progress on Polymer Dielectrics for Electrostatic Capacitors Application
Authors: Luo Hang , Wang Fan , Guo Ru , Zhang Dou , He Guanghu , Chen Sheng , Wang Qing
Published: August 2022

Polymer dielectrics are attracting increasing attention for electrical energy storage owing to their advantages of mechanical flexibility, corrosion resistance, facile processability, light weight, great reliability, and high operating voltages. However, the dielectric constants of most dielectric polymers are less than 10, which results in low energy densities and limits their applications in electrostatic capacitors for advanced electronics and electrical power systems. Therefore, intensive efforts have been placed on the development of high‐energy‐density polymer dielectrics. In this perspective, the most recent results on the all‐organic polymer dielectrics are summarized, including molecular structure design, polymer blends, and layered structured polymers. The challenges in the field and suggestions for future research on high‐energy‐density polymer dielectrics are also presented.
Sensor location selection for continuous pulp digesters with delayed measurements
Authors: Zhang Lu , Xie Junyao , Dubljevic Stevan
Published: August 2022

The state estimation and sensor placement for a continuous pulp digester with delayed measurements are investigated. The underlying model of interest is heat transfer in a pulp digester modeled by two coupled hyperbolic partial differential equations and an ordinary differential equation. Output measurements are considered with delay due to the possible low sampling rate. The Cayley–Tustin transformation is utilized to realize model time discretization in a late lumping manner which does not account for any type of spatial approximation or model reduction. The discrete Kalman filter is applied to estimate the system states using the delayed measurements. The selection of sensor location is addressed along with estimator design accounting for the delayed measurements and investigated by minimizing the variance of estimation error. The performance of the state estimator is evaluated, and the sensor placement is analyzed through simulation studies, which offers a planning view of sensor location in industrial applications.
Preparation of a multifunctional flame retardant epoxy resin containing phosphorus and nitrogen and study of its properties
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Pan Dawei , Chang Changfan , Liu Hua , Liu Zuozhen
Published: August 2022

A highly reactive intrinsic epoxy flame retardant FREP was successfully synthesized via ring‐opening reaction between DOPO and amino‐tetrafunctional epoxy resin (AG‐601), and the structure of the synthesized FREP was characterized by FTIR and MS. FREP was then introduced into the epoxy resin as an additive, aiming to improve fire safety. The flame‐retardant properties and thermal stabilities of epoxy thermosets were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL94) and cone calorimetry (CONE). The results indicated that EP/FREP‐4 thermoset passed UL94 V‐0 rating with a LOI value of 34.6%, where the phosphorus content was 1.5 wt%. When compared with neat EP, the peak heat release rate (pk‐HRR), total heat release (THR) and total smoke production (TSP) decreased by 63.1%, 42.6%, and 22.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, the lower av‐EHC of EP/FREP thermosets indicated that FREP plays a significant role in gas‐phase flame retardancy. Additionally, DMA analysis showed that FREP improved the crosslinking density of EP, which had little effect on the glass transition temperature (Tg). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Py‐GC/MS analysis, and SEM were used to investigate the flame retardant mechanism. Excellent flame retardancy was attributed to phosphorus and nitrogen's synergistic effect in the gas and condensed phases.
Effects of scCO2 foaming process and post‐vulcanization method on cellular structure, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of PMVQ foams
Authors: Wang Min , Chen Wenyan , Luo Shikai , Zhou Yuanlin , Lei Yajie , Liu Tao
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the microcellular foam materials of methyl vinyl phenyl silicone rubber (PVMQ) were prepared by supercritical foaming technology (SFT) and high temperature compression molding. The effect of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) on the vulcanizing properties of PVMQ composite was investigated because vulcanization of microcellular PVMQ foams played an important role on the cellular structure and mechanical properties. It was found that the sulfurization reaction of PVMQ composite was inhibited by scCO2, which led to reduction of apparent activation energy (Ea) of PVMQ composite. Compared with the existing post‐vulcanization process, the introduction of the high temperature molding can effectively improve the degree of vulcanization of microcellular PVMQ foams, which can solve the problem that the cellular structure will be destroyed during the application of external force. What's more, the mechanical properties of microcellular PVMQ foam were obviously improved. The maximum value of tensile strength and the compressive strength of microcellular PVMQ foam with the high temperature molding respectively increase by 34.7% and 133.3% compared with that of microcellular PVMQ foams with existing post‐vulcanization.
The milieu of buried stimuli: Relational theory and literary studies
Authors: Sanborn Geoffrey
Published: August 2022

In this series of reflections on the ways in which psychoanalytic theory has influenced his teaching, the author focuses on a change that began to take place around the time of his encounter with relational psychoanalytical theory. At the heart of that change was a shift in the direction of processual thinking and emotional presence, guided by several contemporary theorists but most importantly by Christopher Bollas. By showing how that shift altered his approach to Alain Resnais's Night and Fog and the works of Herman Melville, and how it led to the development of a course called “Race and Relationality,” the author suggests that relational theory, broadly conceived, can make it possible for literary critics to stay in touch with the bit‐by‐bit process of experiencing texts. In the midst of that process, we are in a state of consciousness that is much different from the state in which we analytically sort and interpret, and in that dim, intermixing milieu, we can come to know things that we would not otherwise have known.
Analysis of noise and bias errors in intelligence information systems
Authors: Labib Ashraf , Chakhar Salem , Hope Lorraine , Shimell John , Malinowski Mark
Published: August 2022

An intelligence information system (IIS) is a particular kind of information systems (IS) devoted to the analysis of intelligence relevant to national security. Professional and military intelligence analysts play a key role in this, but their judgments can be inconsistent, mainly due to noise and bias. The team‐oriented aspects of the intelligence analysis process complicates the situation further. To enable analysts to achieve better judgments, the authors designed, implemented, and validated an innovative IIS for analyzing UK Military Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) data. The developed tool, the Team Information Decision Engine (TIDE), relies on an innovative preference learning method along with an aggregation procedure that permits combining scores by individual analysts into aggregated scores. This paper reports on a series of validation trials in which the performance of individual and team‐oriented analysts was accessed with respect to their effectiveness and efficiency. Results show that the use of the developed tool enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of intelligence analysis process at both individual and team levels.
Elucidating the Origin of Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production on Tuned Cu7S4/CdS Heterostructures
Authors: Huangfu Yucui , Xie Zhipeng , Wang Tianxiang , Ding Jie , Chen Zhaoyang , Zhai Yueming
Published: August 2022

Direct Z‐scheme Cu7S4/CdS Janus photocatalysts are successfully prepared by cation exchange method. Extensive studies containing single‐nanoparticle impact electrochemistry are performed and reveal that optimizing the Cu7S4/CdS ratio can decrease the accumulation of holes on valence band of CdS for inhibiting photo‐corrosion and promote the accumulation of electrons on the conduction band of Cu7S4 for boosting the electron reducibility. With the optimized heterostructures, hydrogen evolution is remarkable promoted up to 21.62 mmol/g/h and quantum efficiency is up to 14.37% using polylactic acid plastic waste as feedstock.
An innovative algorithm for tuning of composite nonlinear feedback control in continuous‐time systems
Authors: Vazani Ali , Ghaffari Valiollah
Published: August 2022

The transient response improvement is the most crucial feature of the composite nonlinear feedback (CNF) controllers. This study proposes a novel CNF tuning method for systems subject to saturation. To achieve the goals, the linear part is optimally obtained via a performance index and the linear matrix inequality (LMI). Then, employing the passivity property, a heuristic way is suggested to adjust the nonlinear term. Thus, the automatic and online features would be the key novelties of this algorithm compared with the offline, trial and error, or nonautomatic ones. Some systems are simulated to evaluate the technique and compare with the existing methods. The outcomes confirm that the proposed tuning yields outstanding improvement concerning the aforementioned systems.
Revisiting the simplification of adult language input in the context of naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions: A commentary
Authors: Frost Kyle M. , Ingersoll Brooke , Venker Courtney E.
Published: August 2022

Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI) are an evidence‐based class of early interventions for improving language and social communication skills in autistic children. However, relatively little is known about how individual elements of NDBI support child development. This commentary focuses on one common element across NDBI models: the simplification of adult language input. Advances in developmental science focusing on the length and complexity of adult spoken utterances suggests that natural, grammatical utterances facilitate comprehension and expressive language development in autistic and nonautistic children. Yet, NDBI tend to recommend shorter and simpler adult utterances. We close by describing directions for future research which would inform recommendations around adult language input in NDBI to optimally support child language and communication development.