bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of tobacco use and consumption with rurality among patients with psychiatric disorders: Does smoke‐free policy matter?
Authors: Yau Man Ting Kristina , Okoli Chizimuzo T. C.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

People with psychiatric disorders (PDs) have high risks for tobacco use and associated health effects; however, little is known about differences in tobacco use status and consumption by urban or rural residence. Among patients with PDs, we examined the association of smoke‐free policy on tobacco use by rural/urban residence

Method

A cross‐sectional retrospective study (N = 2060) among patients in a psychiatric facility was conducted. Multi‐logistic and multilinear regression analyses assessed differences in outcomes stratified by rural/urban status.

Results

Among rural residents, a substance use history (odds ratios [ORs[ = 2.82, 95% CI: 2.01–3.96), high school education (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.51–0.98), older age (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–1.00), and longer length of hospital stay (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–1.00) were associated with tobacco use. Among urban residents, male sex (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.02–1.86), a substance use history (OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.86–3.66), and externalizing disorder diagnosis (OR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.35–5.48) correlated with tobacco use. Increased tobacco consumption among rural residents was associated with being male (β = 0.12, p = 0.007) and having less than a high school education (β = 0.14, P = 0.001). Whereas, White ethnicity (β = 0.14, p = 0.006), having less than a high school education (β = 0.11, p = 0.022), and a psychotic disorder diagnosis (β = 0.25, p = 0.038) were associated with greater tobacco consumption in urban residents. Smoke‐free policy was not associated with tobacco use (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.87–1.34) and consumption (β = 0.05, p = 0.134).

Conclusions

Despite higher rates of tobacco use among rural patients with PDs, they have similar risk factors as their urban counterparts. However, residing in a location with a smoke‐free policy may not contribute to tobacco use behaviors among those with PDs.
A review of the social behaviour of the giraffeGiraffa camelopardalis: a misunderstood but socially complex species
Authors: Muller Zoe , Harris Stephen
Published: August 2021

Until around 2000, giraffeGiraffa camelopardaliswere believed to have no social structure. Despite a resurgence of interest in giraffe behaviour in around 2010, most studies are of isolated populations, making it difficult to draw general conclusions. Although it is now well established that giraffe social organisation is non‐random, there is little consensus as to what influences preferred and avoided associations or the underpinning mechanisms.

We test two hypotheses: first, giraffe have a complex cooperative social system, exhibited by 1) stable groups of females, 2) offspring that stay in their natal group for part or all of their lives, 3) support by non‐mothers in rearing young, and 4) non‐reproductive females in the group; and second, giraffe form matrilineal societies, evidenced by 1) male dispersal, 2) female philopatry, 3) assistance in raising or protecting offspring, and 4) individual benefits gained from social foraging.

We reviewed 404 papers on giraffe behaviour and social organisation; captive studies were included where they supplemented information from free‐living populations.

We show that giraffe exhibit many of the features typical of mammals with complex cooperative social systems and matrilineal societies. However, the social complexity hypothesis posits that such species also require complex communication systems to regulate interactions and relations among group members; giraffe communication systems are poorly understood.

Quantifying the fitness and survival benefits of the giraffe’s social organisation is necessary to ensure its long‐term survival. Giraffe numbers have declined by 40% since 1985, they have been declared extinct in seven (possibly nine) countries and are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. We identify research areas that will advance our understanding of giraffe behaviour and conservation requirements.
A general trait‐based modelling framework for revealing patterns of airborne fungal dispersal threats to agriculture and native flora
Authors: Wang Ming , Kriticos Darren J. , Ota Noboru , Brooks Aaron , Paini Dean
Published: August 2021

Fungal plant pathogens are of economic and ecological importance to global agriculture and natural ecosystems. Long‐distance atmospheric dispersal of fungal spores (LAD) can pose threats to agricultural and native vegetation lands. An understanding of such patterns of fungal spore dispersal and invasion pathways can provide valuable insights into plant protection.

Spore traits affect their dispersal abilities. We propose a general trait‐based framework for modelling LAD to reveal dispersal patterns and pathways, and assess subsequent threats of arrival (TOA) quantitatively in the context of biosecurity. To illustrate the framework, we present a study of Australia and its surrounding land masses.

The overall dispersal pattern covered almost the entire continent of Australia. Fungal spores in the size class of 10 and 20 µm (aerodynamic diameter) posed the greatest TOA. Our study shows the effects of morphological traits on these potential TOA, and how they varied between source regions, size classes, and seasons.

Our framework revealed spore dispersal patterns and pathways. It also facilitates comparisons of spatio‐temporal dispersal dynamics among fungal classes, gaining insights into atmospheric long‐distance dispersal of fungi as a whole, and provides a basis for assessing fungal pest threats in potential source regions based on easily measured spore characteristics.
Evolutionarily distinct resistance proteins detect a pathogen effector through its association with different host targets
Authors: Wang Haixia , Trusch Franziska , Turnbull Dionne , Aguilera‐Galvez Carolina , Breen Susan , Naqvi Shaista , Jones Jonathan D. G. , Hein Ingo , Tian Zhendong , Vleeshouwers Vivianne , Gilroy Eleanor , Birch Paul R. J.
Published: August 2021

Knowledge of the evolutionary processes which govern pathogen recognition is critical to understanding durable disease resistance. We determined how Phytophthora infestans effector PiAVR2 is recognised by evolutionarily distinct resistance proteins R2 and Rpi‐mcq1.

We employed yeast two‐hybrid, co‐immunoprecipitation, virus‐induced gene silencing, transient overexpression, and phosphatase activity assays to investigate the contributions of BSL phosphatases to R2‐ and Rpi‐mcq1‐mediated hypersensitive response (R2 HR and Rpi‐mcq1 HR, respectively).

Silencing PiAVR2 target BSL1 compromises R2 HR. Rpi‐mcq1 HR is compromised only when BSL2 and BSL3 are silenced. BSL1 overexpression increases R2 HR and compromises Rpi‐mcq1. However, overexpression of BSL2 or BSL3 enhances Rpi‐mcq1 and compromises R2 HR. Okadaic acid, which inhibits BSL phosphatase activity, suppresses both recognition events. Moreover, expression of a BSL1 phosphatase‐dead (PD) mutant suppresses R2 HR, whereas BSL2‐PD and BSL3‐PD mutants suppress Rpi‐mcq1 HR. R2 interacts with BSL1 in the presence of PiAVR2, but not with BSL2 and BSL3, whereas no interactions were detected between Rpi‐mcq1 and BSLs. Thus, BSL1 activity and association with R2 determine recognition of PiAVR2 by R2, whereas BSL2 and BSL3 mediate Rpi‐mcq1 perception of PiAVR2.

R2 and Rpi‐mcq1 utilise distinct mechanisms to detect PiAVR2 based on association with different BSLs, highlighting central roles of these effector targets for both disease and disease resistance.
Clinical outcomes in relapsed oropharyngeal cancer after definitive (chemo) radiotherapy
Authors: De Felice Francesca , Bird Thomas , Michaelidou Andriana , Jeannon Jean‐Pierre , Simo Ricard , Oakley Richard , Lyons Andrew , Fry Alastair , Cascarini Luke , Asit Arora , Thavaraj Selvam , Reis Ferreira Miguel , Petkar Imran , Kong Anthony , Lei Mary , Guerrero Urbano Teresa
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To report clinical outcomes of relapsed oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) after definitive intensity‐modulated (chemo)radiotherapy [(C)RT].

Materials and methods

Data for all relapsed patients treated for OPSCC with definitive (C)RT between 2010 and 2016 were collected. Primary end‐point was post‐failure survival (PFS).

Results

Overall, 273 OPSCC patients completed definitive (C)RT. Of these, 42 cases (n = 26 human papilloma virus (HPV)‐negative; n = 16 HPV‐positive) had relapsed (n = 23 persistent disease; n = 19 recurrent disease) and were included in the final analysis. Two‐year PFS for the entire population was 30.6%; 20.5% for HPV‐negative and 43.8% for HPV‐positive patients. Salvage curative surgery was associated with a significantly higher 2 years PFS rate (56.2%) compared with palliative treatment (22.9%) and best supportive care (0%) (p < 0.001). A positive trend in 2 years PFS was recorded in the early complete response cases (49.5%) versus patients who did not achieve a complete response within 3 months of the end of (C)RT (23.0%) (p = 0.11).

Conclusion

A higher PFS rate is achieved when relapsed OPSCC cases are treated with salvage curative intent. HPV‐positive disease and early complete response within 3 months from the end of (C)RT may be related to better PFS.
Communication in home care: Understanding the lived experiences of formal caregivers communicating with persons living with dementia
Authors: Kamalraj Pabiththa , Savundranayagam Marie Y. , Orange J. B. , Kloseck Marita
Published: August 2021

Background

Little is known about formal caregivers’ lived experiences communicating with persons living with dementia (PLWD) who live in their own homes. Most information comes from research conducted in long‐term care settings or home care settings involving family care partners. Yet, there are expected needs and rising demands for formal caregivers to provide support within clients’ homes.

Objectives

Accordingly, this study aimed to understand the lived experiences of personal support workers (PSWs) regarding their communication with PLWD who live in their own homes.

Methods

The study was grounded in a hermeneutic phenomenological research approach. Data were collected as part of the Be EPIC project, an evidence‐informed, person‐centred communication intervention for PSWs caring for PLWD. One, in‐depth semi‐structured interview was conducted with each of the PSWs (N = 15). Thematic analysis was completed on the interviews.

Results

Three major themes emerged: (1) Challenged by dementia‐related impairments; (2) Valuing communication in care; and (3) Home is a personal space. Findings revealed that PSWs experience difficulties communicating with PLWD because of dementia‐related impairments, despite PSWs recognizing the importance of communication when they provide optimal care in the homes of PLWD. This suggests that PSWs view communication as a crucial component of quality care but do not possess the skills necessary to ensure effective interactions. Findings also demonstrated the importance, uniqueness and impact of the personal home space on PSWs’ experiences with communication.

Conclusion

Overall, findings indicate that PSWs acknowledge the importance of communication as an integral element of providing optimal care, but dementia‐related impairments and the intimate, personal home‐based care context can hinder successful communication between PSWs and PLWD. The implications of the findings are that additional and targeted education and training are required for PSWs, especially on how dementia‐related impairments impact communication within the context of home care based services for PLWD.
Posttraumatic onychoheterotopia: A case and review of the pediatric literature
Authors: Braun Mitchell , Reynolds Sean , Shah Sonal D.
Published: August 2021

Background

Onychoheterotopia, or ectopic nail, is a rare nail condition in which nail growth occurs in areas other than the distal phalanges. The majority of cases in the literature are noted to be congenital; however, acquired cases have less commonly been described following either acute or chronic trauma.

Methods

We present a case of acquired onychoheterotopia in a child, with a corresponding literature review of acquired pediatric onychoheterotopia cases for comparison.

Results

There were a total of 10 cases of acquired onychoheterotopia in pediatric patients in the literature. Including our patient, 81.8% (9/11) developed an ectopic nail on the fingers. Crush injury preceded the ectopic nails in 45.5 % (5/11) of cases. Infection occurred in 27.3% (3/11).

Conclusions

Although the incidence and prevalence of acquired onychoheterotopia are unknown, it seems to be an uncommon phenomenon. From our case and others from the literature, there may be associations with crush injury specifically. Further research will be needed to fully elucidate the pathophysiology and risk factors for ectopic nail growth.
Congenital onychodysplasia of the ring finger presenting as a bifid nail
Authors: Banerjee Annesha , McLarney R Matthew , Duffy Robert F. , Manders Steven M.
Published: August 2021

Congenital onychodysplasia, or Iso‐Kikuchi syndrome, is classically defined as a congenital nail abnormality of one or both index fingers that is often associated with a bone abnormality in the affected finger. We report an unusual case of a 6‐year‐old girl who presented with an S‐shaped, bifid nail of the left ring finger that had been present since birth. X‐ray findings were used to confirm a diagnosis of congenital onychodysplasia of the ring finger.
First successful frozen semen of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
Authors: Teodoro Laura O. , Camargo Laiza S. , Scheeren Verônica F. C. , Freitas‐Dell'Aqua Camila P. , Papa Frederico O. , Honsho Cristiane S. , Souza Fabiana F.
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to describe successful cryopreservation of sperm from maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Three ejaculates from 2 maned wolves were collected by digital manipulation of the penis and evaluated subjectively, centrifuged and frozen in BotuCrio® (Botupharma, Botucatu, Brazil) or Tris–yolk egg extender. Spermatozoa were thawed at 37ºC/30s or 70ºC/4s and evaluated for kinetics, morphology, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondrial potential, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion and lipid peroxidation. From 5 thawed samples, two had sperm total motility >55% (56.0% and 64.0%) and progressive motility ~35% (35% and 40%), both frozen with Tris–yolk egg. Plasma and acrosome membrane integrity decreased and percentage of sperm defects increased post‐thawing. We concluded that is possible to freeze spermatozoa from maned wolves using semen collection and processing methods applied for domestic dogs.
Public participation, indigenous peoples’ land rights and major infrastructure projects in the Amazon: The case for a human rights assessment framework
Authors: Pereira Ricardo
Published: August 2021

The recognition of land title and demarcation of indigenous peoples’ ancestral lands and the guarantee of the rights of consultation and free, prior and informed consent in the context of large infrastructure projects represent some of the major challenges for indigenous peoples and communities in the Amazon States. These challenges have been exacerbated by the election of the current Brazilian federal government in power since January 2019. Yet a significant development with the potential to strengthen participatory environmental governance in the region followed the adoption and entry into force in April 2021 of the 2018 Regional Agreement on Access to Environmental Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Latin America and the Caribbean. This article will argue that national environmental impact assessment and licensing procedures must integrate a human rights approach to project impact assessments to safeguard the protection of the environment and indigenous peoples’ fundamental rights.
Associations between respiratory and vascular function in early childhood
Authors: Hemstock Emily J. , Shao Jingyi , Zhao Bing , Hall Graham L. , Wheeler Amanda J. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Melody Shannon M. , Dalton Marita F. , Foong Rachel E. , Williamson Grant J. , Chappell Katherine J. , Abramson Michael J. , Negishi Kazuaki , Johnston Fay H. , Zosky Graeme R.
Published: August 2021

Background and objective

The link between respiratory and vascular health is well documented in adult populations. Impaired lung function is consistently associated with thicker arteries and higher incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, there are limited data on this relationship in young children and the studies that exist have focussed on populations at high risk of cardiorespiratory morbidity. We determined if an association exists between respiratory and cardiovascular function in young children and, if so, whether it is confounded by known cardiorespiratory risk factors.

Methods

Respiratory and vascular data from a prospective cohort study established to evaluate the health implications 3 years after coal mine fire smoke exposure in children aged 3–5 years were used. Respiratory function was measured using the forced oscillation technique and included resistance at 5 Hz (R5), reactance at 5 Hz (X5) and area under the reactance curve (AX). Vascular health was measured by carotid intima‐media thickness (ultrasound) and pulse wave velocity (arterial tonometry). Regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the respiratory Z‐scores and cardiovascular measures. Subsequent analyses were adjusted for potential confounding by maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal education and exposure to fine particulate matter <2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5).

Results

Peripheral lung function (X5 and AX), but not respiratory system resistance (R5), was associated with vascular function. Adjustment for maternal smoking, maternal education and early life exposure to PM2.5 had minimal effect on these associations.

Conclusion

These observations suggest that peripheral lung stiffness is associated with vascular stiffness and that this relationship is established early in life.
Invisible no more: White racialization and the localness of racial identity
Authors: Bell Marcus
Published: August 2021

What does it mean to be white? How do whites see themselves and other white people, racially? These are empirical questions, questions that sociologists have spent decades trying to answer. Among numerous findings, none have been as pronounced as white racelessness; the theory that whites possess invisible, or raceless, identities. Despite its influence on our understanding of race, the construction of whiteness as an invisible identity has been called into question, as a number of scholars, past and present, focus more on the local dynamics of white racialization. For a growing cross‐section of whites, modern cultural and demographic change has shattered the illusion of white normality, causing them to confront their own racial identities in intimate and explicit ways. How do these and other whites respond to being seen as white? Though adept at detailing the way whites conceptualize white racial identity, generally, sociologists have been far less successful in examining how whites conceptualize white racial identity, locally. In this article, after reviewing both general and local constructions of white racial identity, I argue that going forward, researchers need to dispense with contextual overgeneralizations and focus more the localness of white identity formation.
Personality development in disruptive times: The impact of personal versus collective life events
Authors: Wundrack Richard , Asselmann Eva , Specht Jule
Published: August 2021

Personality development is related to life events that change social roles and environments. Here, we provide an overview of the differences between personal and collective life events relevant to personality development. Following some basic assumptions about the malleability of personality traits due to life events, we discuss the differences in the thematic, social, spatial, and temporal characteristics of personal and collective life events. Personal life events often cover the domains of health, work, family, and love in individual people's lives, while collective life events refer to disasters and power struggles that affect many people. Collective life events are different because they can (a) trigger different personal life events for different people, (b) indirectly affect many more individuals who identify with a directly affected group, and (c) change social role demands through cultural changes. We discuss how these, and other differences affect the way researchers should investigate collective life events.
No significant influence of biochar and manure application on nitrogen fate and sequestration by tomato and garlic crops: A field experiment in California, USA
Authors: Gao Suduan , Duan Yinghua , Wang Dong , Turini Thomas
Published: August 2021

Organic soil amendments can improve soil health but their role in improving N management has not been well quantified. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the influence of biochar and manure compost application on crop yield, N uptake, changes in soil and environmental losses and to use the information to assess the N requirement and project fertilization needs. A field experiment was conducted in California, USA, with processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown first, followed by garlic (Allium sativum). The soil was a sandy loam with a pH of 7.2 and CEC of 9.1 cmol(+) kg−1. Treatments included two biochar products, derived from almond shell or softwood feedstocks, applied at 20 or 40 tonnes (t) ha−1, dairy manure compost at 20 t ha−1, combinations of the manure and the biochar (each at 20 t ha−1), and a control. Although biochar and manure applications improved the surface soil organic C and total N content, no significant effects on crop yield, biomass and N uptake, as well as ammonia volatilization and leaching loss, were observed. The amount of N sequestered by plants ranged from 3.2 to 3.8 and 9.9 to 10.0 kg N Mg−1 to produce fresh tomato fruits and garlic bulbs, respectively. However, about half of the N for tomato and 93% for garlic plants were removed from soil by harvesting. The N sequestered per unit biomass (or yield) production appears a stable parameter, which can be used to reliably project fertilization needs that target high NUE and minimal loss to the environment.
HLA genetic polymorphism in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Midwestern United States
Authors: Schindler Emily , Dribus Marian , Duffy Brian F. , Hock Karl , Farnsworth Christopher W. , Gragert Loren , Liu Chang
Published: August 2021

The experience of individuals with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) ranges from asymptomatic to life threatening multi‐organ dysfunction. Specific HLA alleles may affect the predisposition to severe COVID‐19 because of their role in presenting viral peptides to launch the adaptive immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). In this population‐based case–control study in the midwestern United States, we performed high‐resolution HLA typing of 234 cases hospitalized for COVID‐19 in the St. Louis metropolitan area and compared their HLA allele frequencies with those of 22,000 matched controls from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). We identified two predisposing alleles, HLA‐DRB1*08:02 in the Hispanic group (OR = 9.0, 95% confidence interval: 2.2–37.9; adjusted p = 0.03) and HLA‐A*30:02 in younger African Americans with ages below the median (OR = 2.2, 1.4–3.6; adjusted p = 0.01), and several candidate alleles with potential associations with COVID‐19 in African American, White, and Hispanic groups. We also detected risk‐associated amino acid residues in the peptide binding grooves of some of these alleles, suggesting the presence of functional associations. These findings support the notion that specific HLA alleles may be protective or predisposing factors to COVID‐19. Future consortium analysis of pooled cases and controls is warranted to validate and extend these findings, and correlation with viral peptide binding studies will provide additional evidence for the functional association between HLA alleles and COVID‐19.
On the Problem of Deviant Realizations
Authors: Lee Kok Yong
Published: August 2021

Recent literature has seen a surging interest in the modal principle involved in the Gettier‐style thought experiments. According to the necessitation thesis, the modal principle underlying the Gettier‐style thought experiments takes the form of a principle of necessitation. It is widely agreed that the necessitation thesis is seriously threatened by the problem of deviant realizations. Based on the Gricean pragmatic theory of communication, I defend the necessitation thesis against the problem of deviant realizations. The present account bears some significant similarities to Pierre Saint‐Germier's account. After comparing and contrasting these two accounts, I argue that the differences between them actually speak in favour of the present account over Saint‐Germier's one.
Study of Thermodynamic Effect on the Mechanism of Flashing Flow Under Pressurized Hot Water by a Homogeneous Model
Authors: Dinh Le Anh
Published: August 2021

The flashing flow in a Moby_Dick converging-diverging nozzle under pressurized hot water from 460.5 to 483.5 K is simulated using a homogeneous compressible water-vapor two-phase flow model. The kinematic and thermodynamic mass transfer are accessed using the cavitation model based on the Hertz–Knudsen–Langmuir equation. Our simplified thermodynamic model is coupled with the governing equations to capture the phase-change heat transfer. This numerical method proved its reliability through a comparison with available experimental data of flow parameters inside the nozzle. Consequently, the present numerical method shows good potential for simulating the flashing flow under pressurized hot water conditions. The satisfying prediction of averaged flow parameters with a slight improvement compared to reference numerical data is reproduced. The results confirm a noticeable impact of the thermodynamic effect on the mechanism of flashing flow, resulting in a considerable decrease in the flow temperature and the saturated vapor pressure. The flashing nonequilibrium is significantly decreased, forcing the flashing flow to be classified as the usual cavitation behavior and better suited to homogeneous model. While the temperature drop is highly dependent on evaporation, the thermodynamic suppression is influenced by the condensation. The suppression effect, unobserved in water at a lower temperature in previous studies, is noticeable for the pressurized hot water flow characterized by the cavitation mechanism. The vapor void fraction decreased considerably in the radial and axial directions as the water temperature rose to 483.5 K in this study.
Control of Concentrated Solar Direct Steam Generation Collectors for Process Heat Applications
Authors: Mokhtar Marwan , Zahler Christian , Stieglitz Robert
Published: August 2021

Solar direct steam generation (DSG) systems are well suited for process steam applications and are able to provide steam at the pressure required by common industrial processes. Nevertheless, reliable control has always been a challenge for solar DSG system hindering its wider adoption. In this paper, a control strategy for solar DSG systems is presented. The control strategy is based on proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control theory combined with model-based feedforward control. Experimental data demonstrate that the control strategy provides good performance in terms of stability and setpoint tracking. The error in setpoint tracking for the load pressure controller is shown to be as low as ±0.005 MPa under real life conditions. The said strategy is currently implemented in two commercially operating plants providing solar steam for industrial processes.
Research on Tribological Properties and Viscoelasticity of EPDM Rubber in the Main Drive Sealing System of Shield Machine
Authors: Sun Qi , Wang Shijie , Lv Xiaoren
Published: August 2021

The tribological properties and wear mechanisms of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) with different carbon black contents under dry friction conditions are studied on an UMT Tribolab friction and wear tester. The variation of carbon black content in EPDM does not lead to the formation of new compounds. However, it significantly improves the shore hardness and tribological properties of EPDM. In addition, significant stick-slip phenomenon occurs during the wear process of EPDM with different carbon black content. During the wear process of EPDM, there are both adhesive wear and abrasive wear, and adhesive wear is the main wear form. Therefore, the results reveal the relationship between carbon black content and tribological properties of EPDM, which can contribute to improve the tribological properties of EPDM.
Elastic-Perfectly Plastic Contact of Rough Surfaces: An Incremental Equivalent Circular Model
Authors: Liang X. M. , Ding Y. , Duo Y. , Yuan W. K. , Wang G. F.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an incremental equivalent contact model is developed for elastic-perfectly plastic solids with rough surfaces. The contact of rough surface is modeled by the accumulation of circular contacts with varying radius, which is estimated from the geometrical contact area and the number of contact patches. For three typical rough surfaces with various mechanical properties, the present model gives accurate predictions of the load-area relation, which are verified by direct finite element simulations. An approximately linear load-area relation is observed for elastic-plastic contact up to a large contact fraction of 15%, and the influence of yield stress is addressed.
Achieving a flat, wideband frequency response of a loudspeaker unit by numerical optimization with requirements on its directivity
Authors: Nielsen Daniel G. , Agerkvist Finn T. , Jensen Jakob S.
Published: August 2021

This paper demonstrates how significant improvement in frequency response and directivity of a loudspeaker may be obtained by optimizing the local properties of the materials for the diaphragm and surround. Performance is investigated as the considered frequency range and off-axis requirements are progressively expanded. The results are generated by optimizing the values and layout of stiffness, mass, and damping of both the speaker diaphragm and surround. This is accomplished using a density and gradient-based optimization technique in conjunction with a fully coupled finite element model of the loudspeaker and the surrounding acoustic domain. The targeted frequency range is from 600 Hz up to 10 kHz and the range for the directivity is from 0° to 30°. The results show that a completely flat on-axis response is achievable even for very broad frequency ranges and that a reasonably flat response over a wide directivity can be obtained as well. The results presented in this research assume that complete design and production freedom are available.
Optimized gain functions in ideal time-frequency masks and their application to dereverberation for cochlear implants
Authors: Kokkinakis Kostas , Stohl Joshua S.
Published: August 2021

The present study investigated three different reverberation suppression rules based on the parametric ideal ratio mask, which is a generalization of the classical Wiener filter with additional parameters controlling the threshold and slope. Automatic selection of parameter values for the ideal ratio mask was performed using particle swarm optimization. Three different parameter sets were tested using sentences corrupted by reverberation. The results demonstrated that when optimizing parameters based on an objective measure of speech quality rather than intelligibility, cochlear implant users were able to perform at a level equivalent to that attainable with anechoic stimuli.
Inhibitory Compounds Targeting Plasmodium falciparum Gyrase B
Authors: Pakosz Zuzanna , Lin Ting-Yu , Michalczyk Elizabeth , Nagano Soshichiro , Heddle Jonathan Gardiner
Published: August 2021

Malaria persists as a major health problem due to the spread of drug resistance and the lack of effective vaccines. DNA gyrase is a well-validated and extremely effective therapeutic target in bacteria, and it is also known to be present in the apicoplast of malarial species, including
Plasmodium falciparum
. This raises the possibility that it could be a useful target for novel antimalarials.
A Transposon-Associated CRISPR/Cas9 System Specifically Eliminates both Chromosomal and Plasmid-Borne
mcr-1
in Escherichia coli
Authors: He Yu-Zhang , Yan Jin-Ru , He Bing , Ren Hao , Kuang Xu , Long Teng-Fei , Chen Cai-Ping , Liao Xiao-Ping , Liu Ya-Hong , Sun Jian
Published: August 2021

The global spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has been one of the most severe threats to public health. The emergence of the
mcr-1
gene has posed a considerable threat to antimicrobial medication since it deactivates one last-resort antibiotic, colistin.
Both Coinfection and Superinfection Drive Complex Anaplasma marginale Strain Structure in a Natural Transmission Setting
Authors: Koku Roberta , Herndon David R. , Avillan Johannetsy , Morrison Jillian , Futse James E. , Palmer Guy H. , Brayton Kelly A. , Noh Susan M.
Published: August 2021

Vector-borne pathogens commonly establish multistrain infections, also called complex infections. How complex infections are established, either before or after the development of an adaptive immune response, termed coinfection or superinfection, respectively, has broad implications for the maintenance of genetic diversity, pathogen phenotype, epidemiology, and disease control strategies.
Anaplasma marginale
, a genetically diverse, obligate, intracellular, tick-borne bacterial pathogen of cattle, commonly establishes complex infections, particularly in regions with high transmission rates.
Phage-Encoded Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide Required for Lysis
Authors: Holt Ashley , Cahill Jesse , Ramsey Jolene , Martin Cody , O’Leary Chandler , Moreland Russell , Maddox Lori T. , Galbadage Thushara , Sharan Riti , Sule Preeti , Cirillo Jeffrey D. , Young Ry
Published: August 2021

We provide evidence that phiKT produces an antimicrobial peptide for outer membrane disruption during lysis. This protein, designated a disruptin, is a new paradigm for phage lysis and has no similarities to other known lysis genes.
Igneous activity in central-southern Italy: Is the subduction paradigm still valid?
Authors: Lustrino* Michele , Chiarabba Claudio , Carminati Eugenio
Published: August 2021

The Pliocene–Quaternary igneous record of the Tyrrhenian Sea area features a surprisingly large range of compositions from subalkaline to ultra-alkaline and from ultrabasic to acid. These rocks, emplaced within the basin and along its margins, are characterized by strongly SiO2-undersaturated and CaO-rich to strongly SiO2-oversaturated and peraluminous compositions, with sodic to ultrapotassic alkaline and tholeiitic to calc-alkaline and high-K calc-alkaline affinities. We focused on the different models proposed to explain the famous Roman Comagmatic Region, part of the Quaternary volcanism that spreads along the eastern side of the Tyrrhenian area, in the stretched part of the Apennines thrust-and-fold belt. We reviewed data and hypotheses proposed in the literature that infer active to fossil subduction up to models that exclude subduction entirely. Many field geology observations sustain the interpretation that the evolution of the Tyrrhenian-Apennine system was related to subduction of the western margin of Adria continental lithosphere after minor recycling of oceanic lithosphere. However, the lateral extent of the subducting slab in the last millions of years, when magmatism flared up, remains debatable. The igneous activity that developed in the last millions of years along the Tyrrhenian margin is here explained as originating from a subduction-modified mantle, regardless of whether the large-scale subduction system is still active.
Pseudotorellia Florin from the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous of the Bureya Basin, Russian Far East
Authors: Nosova N. V. , Kostina E. I. , Bugdaeva E. V.
Published: August 2021

The leaves of the genusPseudotorelliafrom the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous of the Bureya Basin (Russian Far East) have been revised. The similarity ofPseudotorellia angustifoliaDoludenko andP. longifoliaDoludenko in the morphology and epidermal characters suggests thatP. longifoliais a synonym ofP. angustifolia. Leaves of this genus from the Bureya Basin previously assigned toP. ensiformis(Heer) Doludenko according to both morphological and epidermal characters are described as a new speciesP. doludenkoaesp. nov., since the type specimens ofP.ensiformisfrom the Irkutsk Basin do not have preserved cuticles and their leaf epidermal characters are unknown. The epidermal characters of leaves described previously asPseudotorellia pulchellaandP. crassifoliahave been studied for the first time. Since these species have similar morphological and epidermal characters, they are described asP. crassifolia, and its emended diagnosis is provided. The well-defined epidermal characters ofPseudotorellia allow us to reliably assign even cuticle fragments and dispersed cuticles to a particular species. This indicates a large stratigraphic potential of thePseudotorelliaspecies for the intrabasin and interregional stratigraphy of continental deposits, especially when studying the core material and coals, where the preservation of plant remains usually does not allow describing their morphology. The revision of all known occurrences ofPseudotorellia angustifoliamakes it possible to discuss the place and time of the first appearance of this species and its subsequent distribution in space and time. Apparently, this species appeared in the Early Jurassic of Eastern Siberia (Kansk Basin). In the Middle Jurassic, its range expanded both to the northwest (Tomsk oblast and Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug), where this species was preserved until the Late Jurassic, and to the east (Irkutsk oblast, Khabarovsk krai (Bureya Basin)), where it survived until the Early Cretaceous.
Crustal Source of Pb and S at the Yubileynoe Porphyry Gold Deposit (Southern Urals, Kazakhstan): High Precision Pb–Pb and δ34S Data
Authors: Chugaev A. V. , Plotinskaya O. Yu. , Dubinina E. O. , Sadasyuk A. S. , Gareev B. I. , Kossova S. A. , Batalin G. A.
Published: August 2021

The Yubileinoe large gold deposit, located at the southern end of the Magnitogorsk megazone, is the only known representative of the Au–porphyry systems in the Southern Urals. It is genetically related to granitoids formed in a suprasubduction setting under mature oceanic island arc environment/setting. The obtained isotope (Pb–Pb and δ34S) data indicate the input of mineral-forming components into the Au–porphyry system of the deposit, mainly from granitoid melts, confirming a common source of ore material and ore-bearing granitoids. The geochemical and isotopic characteristics of granitoids indicate the leading role in their genesis of the crustal source, which is considered Late Precambrian continental crust.
Retinoblastoma seeds: impact on American Joint Committee on Cancer clinical staging
Authors: Tomar Ankit Singh , Finger Paul T , Gallie Brenda , Kivelä Tero , Mallipatna Ashwin , Zhang Chengyue , Zhao Junyang , Wilson Matthew , Brennan Rachel , Burges Michala , Kim Jonathan , Berry Jesse L , Jubran Rima , Khetan Vikas , Ganeshan Suganeswari , Yarovoy Andrey , Yarovaya Vera , Kotova Elena , Volodin Denis , Yousef Yacoub , Nummi Kalle , Ushakova Tatiana L , Yugay Olga V , Polyakov Vladimir G , Ramirez-Ortiz Marco Antonio , Esparza-Aguiar Elizabeth , Chantada Guillermo L , Schaiquevich Paula , Fandiño Adriana C , Yam Jason C , Lau Winnie W , Lam Carol P , Sharwood Phillipa , Moorthy Sonia , Long Quah Boon , Essuman Vera Adobea , Renner Lorna A , Semenova Ekaterina , Català-Mora Jaume , Correa Llano Maria , Carreras Elisa
Published: August 2021

Aim

To investigate whether the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) clinical category cT2b needs to be subclassified by the type and distribution of retinoblastoma (RB) seeding.

Methods

Multicentre, international registry-based data were collected from RB centres enrolled between January 2001 and December 2013. 1054 RB eyes with vitreous or subretinal seeds from 18 ophthalmic oncology centres, in 13 countries within six continents were analysed. Local treatment failure was defined as the use of secondary enucleation or external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Clinical category cT2b included 1054 eyes. Median age at presentation was 16.0 months. Of these, 428 (40.6%) eyes were salvaged, and 430 (40.8%) were treated with primary and 196 (18.6%) with secondary enucleation. Of the 592 eyes that had complete data for globe salvage analysis, the distribution of seeds was focal in 143 (24.2%) and diffuse in 449 (75.8%). The 5-year Kaplan-Meier cumulative globe-salvage (without EBRT) was 78% and 49% for eyes with focal and diffuse RB seeding, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis confirmed a higher local treatment failure risk with diffuse seeds as compared with focal seeds (hazard rate: 2.8; p<0.001). There was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove an association between vitreous seed type and local treatment failure risk(p=0.06).

Conclusion

This international, multicentre, registry-based analysis of RB eyes affirmed that eyes with diffuse intraocular distribution of RB seeds at diagnosis had a higher risk of local treatment failure when compared with focal seeds. Subclassification of AJCC RB category cT2b into focal vs diffuse seeds will improve prognostication for eye salvage.
Clinical patterns, recovery time and prolonged impact of COVID-19 illness in international athletes: the UK experience
Authors: Hull James H , Wootten Moses , Moghal Moiz , Heron Neil , Martin Rhodri , Walsted Emil S , Biswas Anita , Loosemore Mike , Elliott Niall , Ranson Craig
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To report COVID-19 illness pattern, symptom duration and time loss in UK elite athletes.

Methods

Observational, clinical and database review of athletes with symptomatic COVID-19 illness managed within the UK Sports Institutes. Athletes were classified as confirmed (positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR or antibody tests) or probable (consistent clinical features) COVID-19. Clinical presentation was characterised by the predominant symptom focus (eg, upper or lower respiratory illness). Time loss was defined as days unavailable for full sport participation and comparison was made with a 2016–2019 respiratory illness dataset from the same surveillance system.

Results

Between 24 February 2020 and 18 January 2021, 147 athletes (25 Paralympic (17%)) with mean (SD) age 24.7 (5.2) years, 37% female, were diagnosed with COVID-19 (76 probable, 71 confirmed). Fatigue was the most prevalent symptom (57%), followed by dry cough (50%) and headache (46%). The median (IQR) symptom duration was 10 (6–17) days but 14% reported symptoms >28 days. Median time loss was 18 (12–30) days, with 27% not fully available >28 days from initial date of infection. This was greater than our historical non-COVID respiratory illness comparator; 6 days, 0–7 days (p<0.001) and 4% unavailable at 28 days. A lower respiratory phenotype (ie, including dyspnoea±chest pain±cough±fever) was present in 18% and associated with a higher relative risk of prolonged symptoms risk ratio 3.0 (95% CI: 1.4 to 6.5) and time loss 2.1 (95% CI: 1.2 to 3.5).

Conclusions

In this cohort, COVID-19 largely resulted in a mild, self-limiting illness. The presence of lower respiratory tract features was associated with prolonged illness and a delayed return to sport.
Law, criminalisation and HIV in the world: have countries that criminalise achieved more or less successful pandemic response?
Authors: Kavanagh Matthew M , Agbla Schadrac C , Joy Marissa , Aneja Kashish , Pillinger Mara , Case Alaina , Erondu Ngozi A , Erkkola Taavi , Graeden Ellie
Published: August 2021

How do choices in criminal law and rights protections affect disease-fighting efforts? This long-standing question facing governments around the world is acute in the context of pandemics like HIV and COVID-19. The Global AIDS Strategy of the last 5 years sought to prevent mortality and HIV transmission in part through ensuring people living with HIV (PLHIV) knew their HIV status and could suppress the HIV virus through antiretroviral treatment. This article presents a cross-national ecological analysis of the relative success of national AIDS responses under this strategy, where laws were characterised by more or less criminalisation and with varying rights protections. In countries where same-sex sexual acts were criminalised, the portion of PLHIV who knew their HIV status was 11% lower and viral suppression levels 8% lower. Sex work criminalisation was associated with 10% lower knowledge of status and 6% lower viral suppression. Drug use criminalisation was associated with 14% lower levels of both. Criminalising all three of these areas was associated with approximately 18%–24% worse outcomes. Meanwhile, national laws on non-discrimination, independent human rights institutions and gender-based violence were associated with significantly higher knowledge of HIV status and higher viral suppression among PLHIV. Since most countries did not achieve 2020 HIV goals, this ecological evidence suggests that law reform may be an important tool in speeding momentum to halt the pandemic.
Healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward deprescribing: a protocol of cross-sectional study (Desmedica Study—Brazil)
Authors: Motter Fabiane Raquel , Cantuaria Nathalia Margarida , Lopes Luciane Cruz
Published: August 2021

Background

Deprescribing is the planned and supervised process of dose reduction or stopping of medication that might be causing harm, or no longer be of benefit. It is an activity that should be a normal part of care/the prescribing cycle. Although now broadly recognised, there are still challenges in its effective implementation.

Objectives

To develop and validate an instrument to measure Brazilian healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards deprescribing.

Methods

This study will include the following steps: (1) development of the preliminary instrument; (2) content validation; (3) pilot study; (4) evaluation of psychometric characteristics. After the elaboration of items of the instrument through the literature review, we will use a hybrid Delphi method to develop and establish the content validity of the instrument. Further, a pilot survey will be performed with 30 healthcare professionals. Finally, for the evaluation of psychometric characteristics, a cross-sectional study will be accomplished with a representative sample of different healthcare professionals from different Brazilian states using respondent-driven sampling. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis will be performed. For assessing the model fit, we will use the ratio of χ2 and df (χ2/df), comparative fit index, the goodness of fit index and root mean square error of approximation. In addition, the reliability of the instrument will be estimated by test–retest reproducibility and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α).

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee for Research at the University of Sorocaba (ethics approval number: 3.848.916) approved the study. Study findings will be circulated to healthcare professionals and scientists in the field through publication in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.