bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling of torso and dual arms for a humanoid robot with fixed base by using screw theory for dexterous applications
Authors: Sulaiman Shifa , Sudheer A P
Published: May 2021

Most of the humanoid robots are facing problems due to non-dexterous arms while working in complex environments. Kinematic and dexterity analyses help to study and solve the manipulation difficulties of a robot. This paper presents the kinematic and dexterity analyses of torso and dual arms for a tree type upper body humanoid robot with fixed base using screw theory formulation. Orientation workspace and reachability analyses of the dual arms are done for determining the dexterity of the robot. In this paper, orientation workspace of the tree type upper body is obtained by converting the rotation matrix to Euler angle set representation. The upper body of the humanoid robot is designed with three Degrees of freedom (DoF) in the torso, two DoF in the neck, five DoF in each arm.
Comparative analysis of an environmentally friendly refrigerant with DI water when used in a thermosiphon heat pipe
Authors: Vivek K.S , Reji Arun Kurien , Abdulriyazdeen A , Abishek S
Published: May 2021

The focus on building better and efficient cooling techniques for electronic gadgets are gaining importance day-by-day. Among the various techniques being studied passive cooling techniques using heat pipes are gaining momentum; the challenge being finding a suitable working fluid which would enhance the performance of these devices. With the present scenario demanding eco-friendly alternatives, the researchers have tried using R600a, a hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero Ozone Depletion Potential. The optimum fill ratio of 50% was determined experimentally at an orientation of 90° from horizontal. Experiments were carried out to find the performance parameters of the thermosiphon heat pipe at the said fill ratio by varying the input heat from 20 W to 140 W with an increment of 20 W each. Next, the working fluid was replaced by de-ionized water and experiments were repeated. The results suggest that the resistance of the heat pipe thermosiphon reduced by 27% when R600a was used. Also, heat transfer coefficients at the evaporator and condenser section increased by a significant margin of 19% and 30% respectively when R600a was used in comparison to DI water.
Effect of wall-slip on natural convection in the annulus between a circular cylinder and square enclosure
Authors: Ananthapadmanabhan A S , Santhosh Sabin , Murali Damu , Ajith Kumar S
Published: May 2021

Two-dimensional natural convection in the annulus between a hot circular cylinder and cold square enclosure is numerically investigated for Rayleigh number (Ra)=106 using OpenFOAM. The Prandtl number (Pr) and radius to length (R/L) ratio are fixed at 0.71 and 0.2 respectively and slip condition is imposed by varying the Slipfactor (SF) from 0 (no-slip) to 1 (full-slip) in steps of 0.2. For each value of SF, the flow patterns are visualised using streamlines and heat transfer behaviour is examined using isotherms. The full-slip boundary condition (SF=1) witnesses significant phenomena like vortex splitting, shrinkage in thermally stagnant region and reduction in thermal boundary layer thickness. The heat transfer rate is found to increase with an increase in SF and results are quantified using local Nusselt number (Nui) and average Nusselt number (Nu
avg) along the hot wall. It is noticed that for full-slip (SF=1) configuration, the natural convection patterns and heat transfer characteristics undergo notable changes.
Binary Mn-FeOx nanoflakes supported on CNT by an one-step redox method for low temperature NO reduction with NH3
Authors: Zhang Yanbing , Chen Yingzan , Huang Jinhe , Song Chengjian , Cheng Xianglong , Ren Haibo , Wang Xie
Published: May 2021

Binary Mn-FeOx/CNT-OSR catalysts were prepared by an one-step redox method, and showed 44%–83.7% NO conversion at 80 °C–180 °C. The catalytic activity of the 0.06 Mn-FeOx/CNT-OSR catalyst is optimum and reaches 65.9%–83.7% at 80 °C–180 °C, resulting from the generation of high valence of MnO2 and Fe2O3 with weak crystallinity.
Recycling of Al chips and Al chips composites using high-pressure torsion
Authors: Abd El Aal Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: May 2021

Pure Al chip, Al chip-20% Al2O3, and Al chip-20% SiC samples were recycled using high-pressure torsion (HPT). Influence of the HPT processing on the feasibility of the consolidation, the microstructure evolution, and the hardness of pure Al chip, Al chip-20% Al2O3, and Al chip-20% SiC samples was investigated and compared with those of the as-received Al and HPTed Al solid samples. The HPT processing successfully produces approximately fully dense ultrafine-grained (UFG) microstructure Al and Al composite samples with relative densities ranged from 99.7%–98.3%. Moreover, HPTed recycled UFG Al chip, Al chip-20% Al2O3, and Al chip-20% SiC samples cost was lower by 11%–2678% than that of Al and Al composites samples produced using micro and nano-powders processed by HPT or powder metallurgy (PM). The HPT processing of the Al chip and Al chip composites samples effectively refine and fragmented the Al matrix and reinforcement particles, and so the hardness obviously increases.
Porous nonhierarchical CeO2-SiO2 nanocomposites for improving the ultraviolet resistance capacity of polyurethane coatings
Authors: Nguyen Quang Bac , Pham Ngoc Chuc , Nguyen Thi Ha Chi , Doan Trung Dung , Duong Thi Lim , Pham Ngo Nghia , Nguyen Vu Ngoc Mai , Cao Van Hoang , Tran Dai Lam , Dao Ngoc Nhiem
Published: May 2021

Polyurethane (PU) coating degrades quickly under the irradiation of ultraviolet (UV). Thus, increasing the durability of the coating is necessary. In this study, porous CeO2-SiO2 nanocomposites (CS-NCs) were used to disperse into the PU matrix. The CS-NCs were prepared by a sol-gel combustion method using polyvinyl alcohol as precursors. Prepared nanocomposites were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) as well as Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) mapping analysis. Next, the prepared nanocomposites were employed for the preparation of PU coatings. The loading of nanoparticles was varied between 0.1% and 2.0%. These coating properties were investigated by using FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopy. As also in this study, these coatings were subjected to UV exposure with accelerated weather testing. The structural changes were characterized by applying FTIR analysis and measuring gloss and color deviation. The results indicate that incorporating nanocomposites into the polymer matrix improves the UV-durable properties of the PU matrix.
Ultraviolet photodetector based on vertical β-Ga2O3 nanowire array on GaN substrate
Authors: Zeng Chunhong , Ma Yongjian , Kong Mei , Zhang Xiaodong , Lin Wenkui , Cui Qi , Sun Yuhua , Zhang Xuemin , Chen Tiwei , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Baoshun
Published: May 2021

Driven by the requirement to ultraviolet detection, β-Ga2O3 UV photodetectors have attracted great attention. Using a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) reactor, we grew β-Ga2O3 nanowires array on a GaN substrate using Ga as catalyst. The density of the nanowires was optimized employing the substrate patterning technology. A UV detector based on the graphene/β-Ga2O3-nanowire-array was realized by micro-fabrication techniques. The device has a wide range of UV response covering UVC-UVA band and the peak response reaches 30.82 mA W−1 at 258 nm corresponding to the band gap of β-Ga2O3. The rapid response speed (<1 s) is comparable to that of most reported Ga2O3 nanowire ultraviolet photodetectors.
Incorporating user preferences in rooftop food-energy-water production through integrated sustainability assessment
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Authors: Toboso-Chavero Susana , Madrid-López Cristina , Gabarrell Durany Xavier , Villalba Gara
Published: May 2021

With the overall aim to design successful implementation strategies of food-energy-water production systems on urban roofs, we propose an integrated process that includes participatory processes and a multi-dimensional sustainability assessment of environmental, social and economic indicators. The proposed framework was applied to a typical housing estate in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona made up of 201 buildings and 13,466 inhabitants and characterized by a high share of low-income families. We assess several future scenarios of joint electricity production (photovoltaic panels), vegetable production (through open-air farming and greenhouses), green roof implementation and rainwater harvesting and rank them according to non-participatory and participatory approaches. In general, there was a tendency for residents to choose strategies providing energy and water rather than the food production potential of rooftops. However, the environmental assessment indicated that the least impacting alternatives from a life cycle approach were those promoting vegetable production, meeting 42 to 56% of the residents’ fresh produce demand and reducing environmental impacts by 24 to 37 kg CO2eq m−2 of rooftop/year. Hence, we found that residents were mainly concerned with energy expenses and not so much with food insecurity, social cohesion or the impacts of long-distance supply chains. Our assessment supports urban sustainability and helps identify and breach the gap between scientific and user preferences in urban environmental proposals by informing and educating residents through a participatory integrated assessment.
Research into dye-sensitized solar cells: a review highlighting progress in India
Authors: Bera S , Sengupta D , Roy S , Mukherjee K
Published: May 2021

In the early 1800s, the industrial revolution was powered by fossil fuels as the primary energy resource. As environmental degradation started to be felt, countries began moving toward reduced emissions and carbon-neutral footprints. Subsequently, India also began to make enormous strides in nurturing the tremendous potential of renewable energy. As it has one of the most significant energy-harvesting potentials, solar energy has remained the widely accepted choice for researchers in India. In the last few years, India has witnessed tremendous research and development in solar energy, especially in the field of photovoltaics. Significant research effort has been invested in exploring the new generation of photovoltaic devices as alternatives to traditional silicon (Si)-based solar cells. Among the various new-generation photovoltaic devices, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) remain very attractive to researchers due to their easy preparation methodology, low toxicity, and ease of production. A typical DSSC is composed of a photoanode, a sensitizer, an electrolyte, and a cathode. Various research groups in India have studied the role of each individual component within DSSCs and performed research and development activities to improve their photovoltaic efficiency. The most important part of a DSSC is the dye, which is actually the source of photoexcited electrons. This topical review will provide an overview of the research efforts undertaken in India to support the optimisation of different components of DSSCs. However, emphasis has been placed on the research activities that support the exploration of different photoactive dyes as alternatives to the N3- and N719-based organometallic dyes.
Flexible pivoting of dynamin pleckstrin homology domain catalyzes fission: insights into molecular degrees of freedom
Authors: Baratam Krishnakanth , Jha Kirtika , Srivastava Anand
Published: May 2021

The role of the VL4 of PHD as the secondary/auxiliary pivot, which has not received attention in any of the experimental studies so far, is a key point of this study. We believe that this auxiliary pivot provides the requisite orientation stability to the dynamin and provides favorable conditions for effective dynamin collar formation.
Walking While Indian, Walking While Black: Policing in a Colonial City
Authors: Sellers-García Sylvia
Published: May 2021

This article focuses on policing reforms that took place during the last decades of colonial rule in Guatemala City. Based on an examination of criminal cases and legislation, it argues that these changes prompted a policing wave—rather than a crime wave—at the end of the colonial period. In this critical moment, police placed particular emphasis on arresting nonwhite men for crimes related to vagancia (being unemployed) and carrying weapons. Broadly written bans ensured that all manner of instruments—even work tools—could be construed as instruments of violence. The result of this targeted policing was the creation of a criminal profile inflected by race, gender, and class; criminals, the new policing regulations argued, were nonwhite, laboring men. This article argues that there is a longer history of racialized policing, starting in the late eighteenth century, and methods and mindsets developed then have created a legacy of colonial policing into the present.
CNVfilteR: an R/Bioconductor package to identify false positives produced by germline NGS CNV detection tools
Authors: Moreno-Cabrera José Marcos , del Valle Jesús , Castellanos Elisabeth , Feliubadaló Lidia , Pineda Marta , Serra Eduard , Capellá Gabriel , Lázaro Conxi , Gel Bernat
Published: May 2021

Germline copy-number variants (CNVs) are relevant mutations for multiple genetics fields, such as the study of hereditary diseases. However, available benchmarks show that all next-generation sequencing (NGS) CNV calling tools produce false positives. We developed CNVfilteR, an R package that uses the single-nucleotide variant calls usually obtained in germline NGS pipelines to identify those false positives. The package can detect both false deletions and false duplications. We evaluated CNVfilteR performance on callsets generated by 13 CNV calling tools on three whole-genome sequencing and 541 panel samples, showing a decrease of up to 44.8% in false positives and consistent F1-score increase. Using CNVfilteR to detect false-positive calls can improve the overall performance of existing CNV calling pipelines.

Availability and implementation

CNVfilteR is released under Artistic-2.0 License. Source code and documentation are freely available at Bioconductor (http://www.bioconductor.org/packages/CNVfilteR).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Funm6AViewer: a web server and R package for functional analysis of context-specific m6A RNA methylation
Authors: Zhang Song-Yao , Zhang Shao-Wu , Tang Yujiao , Fan Xiao-Nan , Meng Jia
Published: May 2021

Motivation

N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mammalian mRNA methylation with versatile functions. To date, although a number of bioinformatics tools have been developed for location discovery of m6A modification, functional understanding is still quite limited. As the focus of RNA epigenetics gradually shifts from site discovery to functional studies, there is an urgent need for user-friendly tools to identify and explore the functional relevance of context-specific m6A methylation to gain insights into the epitranscriptome layer of gene expression regulation.

Results

We introduced here Funm6AViewer, a novel platform to identify, prioritize and visualize the functional gene interaction networks mediated by dynamic m6A RNA methylation unveiled from a case control study. By taking the differential RNA methylation data and differential gene expression data, both of which can be inferred from the widely used MeRIP-seq data, as the inputs, Funm6AViewer enables a series of analysis, including: (i) examining the distribution of differential m6A sites, (ii) prioritizing the genes mediated by dynamic m6A methylation and (iii) characterizing functionally the gene regulatory networks mediated by condition-specific m6A RNA methylation. Funm6AViewer should effectively facilitate the understanding of the epitranscriptome circuitry mediated by this reversible RNA modification.

Availability and implementation

Funm6AViewer is available both as a convenient web server (https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/biologicalsciences/funm6aviewer) with graphical interface and as an independent R package (https://github.com/NWPU-903PR/Funm6AViewer) for local usage.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The role of Quaternary glaciations in shaping biogeographic patterns in a recently evolved clade of South American epiphytic orchids
Authors: Pessoa Edlley M , Cordeiro Joel M P , Felix Leonardo P , Lemes Priscila , Viruel Juan , Alves Marccus , Chase Mark W , Van Den Berg Cássio
Published: May 2021

To contribute to what is known about involvement of vegetation dynamics in Neotropical speciation, we used the Epidendrum latilabre complex, a taxonomically well-defined species group, to investigate past connections between Amazonian (AM) and Atlantic (AF) forests and address the following topics: (1) divergence times between sister species currently distributed in AM and AF; (2) distribution patterns of ancestral species of the E. latilabre complex and (3) potential routes connecting ancestral ranges between AM and AF. We developed a robust phylogenetic estimate for species of the E. latilabre complex by sequencing two nuclear and six plastid loci. Then, we combined divergence time estimation, ancestral range reconstruction and ecological niche modelling. Our biogeographic reconstruction exhibits a complex pattern of connections among tropical forests east of the Andes in South America. The AM and AF species of the E. latilabre complex are intermixed in the results, and climatic shifts during the Pleistocene (Chibanian) are suggested here as a major force promoting speciation. Sister species tend to be ecologically distinct in their climate niche spaces, and vicariance and peripheral isolation are reconstructed as the main drivers of speciation. There is evidence to suggest that the south-east/north-west bridge and the northern/north-eastern coastal route have been occupied by the ancestors of the E. latilabre complex, and alternative routes across the South American dry diagonal were unlikely. Further studies on Neotropical epiphytic taxa are still necessary for understanding the dynamics of historical connections between AM and AF.
The Effectiveness of the Two-Dose BNT162b2 Vaccine: Analysis of Real-World Data
Authors: Chodick Gabriel , Tene Lilac , Rotem Ran S , Patalon Tal , Gazit Sivan , Ben-Tov Amir , Weil Clara , Goldshtein Inbal , Twig Gilad , Cohen Dani , Muhsen Khitam
Published: May 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines were shown to be highly efficacious in preventing the disease in randomized controlled trials; nonetheless, evidence on the real-world effectiveness of this vaccine is limited. Study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of BNT162b2 vaccine in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19-related hospitalization and mortality.

Methods

This historical cohort study included members of a large health provider in Israel that were vaccinated with at least 1 dose of BNT162b2. The primary outcome was incidence rate of a SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR), between 7 and 27 days after second dose (protection-period), as compared to days 1–7 after the first dose, where no protection by the vaccine is assumed (reference-period).

Results

Data of 1 178 597 individuals vaccinated with BNT162b2 were analyzed (mean age 47.7 years [SD = 18.1], 48.4% males) of whom 872 454 (74.0%) reached the protection period. Overall, 4514 infections occurred during the reference period compared to 728 during the protection period, yielding a weighted mean daily incidence of 54.8 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.1–115.0 per 100 000) and 5.4 per 100 000 (95% CI: 3.5–8.4 per 100 000), respectively. The vaccine effectiveness in preventing infection was 90% (95% CI: 79%–95%) and 94% (95% CI: 88%–97%) against COVID-19. Among immunosuppressed patients, vaccine effectiveness against infection was 71% (95% CI: 37%–87%). The adjusted hazard ratios for hospitalization in those infected were 0.82 (95% CI: .36–1.88), 0.45 (95% CI: .23–.90), and 0.56 (95% CI: .36–.89) in the age groups 16–44, 45–64. and ≥75 years, respectively.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine is comparable to the one reported in the phase III clinical trial.
Why do disequilibria exist? An ontological study of Kirznerian economics
Authors: Ramoglou Stratos
Published: May 2021

In his influential critique of mainstream economics, Israel Kirzner rejected the notion of equilibrated economies in an attempt to develop a realistic account of the workings of entrepreneurial markets. Key to Kirznerian analysis are the arguments that (i) economies do not equilibrate because there always exist unexploited opportunities, and (ii) opportunities remain unexploited until ‘entrepreneurially alert’ individuals discover them. This paper draws from Tony Lawson’s philosophy of economics to explain that Kirznerian economics is no more realistic than mainstream. According to Lawson, it is the ontological commitment to closed systems thinking—not superficial theoretical features such as equilibrium—that makes mainstream economics unrealistic. I argue that Kirzner’s theoretical system similarly presupposes a closed system ontology. Whereas the mainstream worldview presumes the instant exploitation of opportunities, the Kirznerian worldview presumes their delayed yet unavoidable exploitation. The ontological critique of Kirznerian economics simultaneously facilitates the reorientation of entrepreneurship theory towards genuinely realistic modes of thought. This is feasible once we acknowledge the non-empirical ontology of ‘entrepreneurial opportunity’ and concomitant fallibility of the ‘entrepreneurial imagination’: opportunities remain unexploited because (inter alia) their existence is known only after their actualisation. The existence of economic disequilibria does not require non-actors who are blind to opportunities, and there is no mysterious force of ‘entrepreneurial alertness’ guaranteeing their eventual exploitation and inevitable movement towards economic equilibria.
Kardia Mobile and ISTEL HR applicability in clinical practice: a comparison of Kardia Mobile, ISTEL HR, and standard 12-lead electrocardiogram records in 98 consecutive patients of a tertiary cardiovascular care centre
Authors: Krzowski Bartosz , Skoczylas Kamila , Osak Gabriela , Żurawska Natalia , Peller Michał , Kołtowski Łukasz , Zych Aleksandra , Główczyńska Renata , Lodziński Piotr , Grabowski Marcin , Opolski Grzegorz , Balsam Paweł
Published: May 2021

Aims

Mobile, portable ECG-recorders allow the assessment of heart rhythm in out-of-hospital conditions and may prove useful for monitoring patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, the effectiveness of these portable devices has not been tested in everyday practice.

Methods and results

A group of 98 consecutive cardiology patients [62 males (63%), mean age 69 ± 12.9 years] were included in an academic care centre. For each patient, a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (SE), as well as a Kardia Mobile 6L (KM) and Istel (IS) HR-2000 ECG were performed. Two groups of experienced physicians analysed obtained recordings. After analysing ECG tracings from SE, KM, and IS, quality was marked as good in 82%, 80%, and 72% of patients, respectively (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between devices in terms of detecting sinus rhythm [SE (60%, n = 59), KM (58%, n = 56), and IS (61%, n = 60); SE vs. KM P = 0.53; SE vs. IS P = 0.76) and atrial fibrillation [SE (22%, n = 22), KM (22%, n = 21), and IS (18%, n = 18); (SE vs. KM P = 0.65; SE vs. IS = 0.1)]. KM had a sensitivity of 88.1% and a specificity of 89.7% for diagnosing sinus rhythm. IS showed 91.5% and 84.6% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. The sensitivity of KM in detecting atrial fibrillation was higher than IS (86.4% vs. 77.3%), but their specificity was comparable (97.4% vs. 98.7%).

Conclusion

Novel, portable devices are useful in showing sinus rhythm and detecting atrial fibrillation in clinical practice. However, ECG measurements concerning conduction and repolarization should be clarified with a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram.
Change in CAIDE Dementia Risk Score and Neuroimaging Biomarkers During a 2-Year Multidomain Lifestyle Randomized Controlled Trial: Results of a Post-Hoc Subgroup Analysis
Authors: Stephen Ruth , Ngandu Tiia , Liu Yawu , Peltonen Markku , Antikainen Riitta , Kemppainen Nina , Laatikainen Tiina , Lötjönen Jyrki , Rinne Juha , Strandberg Timo , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Vanninen Ritva , Soininen Hilkka , Kivipelto Miia , Solomon Alina ,   FINGER Study Group
Published: May 2021

The CAIDE (Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia) Risk Score is a validated tool estimating dementia risk. It was previously associated with imaging biomarkers. However, associations between dementia risk scores (including CAIDE) and dementia-related biomarkers have not been studied in the context of an intervention. This study investigated associations between change in CAIDE score and change in neuroimaging biomarkers (brain magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and Pittsburgh Compound B-positron emission tomography [PiB-PET] measures) during the 2-year Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) (post-hoc analyses). FINGER targeted at-risk older adults, aged 60–77 years, from the general population. Participants were randomized to either multidomain intervention (diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk management) or control group (general health advice). Neuroimaging (MRI and PiB-PET) data from baseline and 2-year visits were used. A toal of 112 participants had repeated brain MRI measures (hippocampal, total gray matter, and white matter lesion volumes, and Alzheimer’s disease signature cortical thickness). Repeated PiB-PET scans were available for 39 participants. Reduction in CAIDE score (indicating lower dementia risk) during the intervention was associated with less decline in hippocampus volume in the intervention group, but not the control group (Randomization group × CAIDE change interaction β coefficient = −0.40, p = .02). Associations for other neuroimaging measures were not significant. The intervention may have benefits on hippocampal volume in individuals who succeed in improving their overall risk level as indicated by a reduction in CAIDE score. This exploratory finding requires further testing and validation in larger studies.
The Immunity Clock
Authors: Martínez de Toda Irene , Vida Carmen , Díaz-Del Cerro Estefanía , De la Fuente Mónica
Published: May 2021

The immune system has been for long considered a marker of health. The age-related decline in its function results in a greater incidence of infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Nevertheless, it is still not known if immune function can be used to accurately estimate the rate of aging of an individual. A set of 14 immune function variables were measured in 214 healthy individuals ranging from 19 to 88 years old. All immune variables were selected as independent variables for the prediction of age by multiple linear regression. The Immunity Clock was constructed including the following 5 immune variables: natural killer activity, phagocytosis and chemotaxis of neutrophils, and chemotaxis and proliferative capacity of lymphocytes, reaching an adjusted R2 of 80.3% and a standard error of the estimate of 4.74 years. The Immunity Clock was validated in a different group of healthy individuals (N = 106) obtaining a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of .898 (p < .001) between chronological age and the age estimated by the Immunity Clock, the ImmunolAge. Moreover, we demonstrate that women with anxiety (N = 10) show a higher ImmunolAge than their chronological age, whereas healthy centenarians (N = 8) show a lower one. In addition, the Immunity Clock provided here proves to be useful for monitoring the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention lasting 1 month, by detecting a diminished ImmunolAge in the same individuals. Further research will be needed to ascertain if the Immunity Clock is a passive marker of the aging process or it plays an active role in it.
Spillover Benefits and Achieving Sustainability of Age-Friendly Communities
Authors: Coyle Caitlin E , Gleason Shayna R , Mutchler Jan E
Published: May 2021

As the age-friendly movement grows in its second decade, urgent questions of initiative sustainability have taken hold in the academic literature and among advocates implementing age-friendly changes. The creation of authentically age-inclusive environments requires not just the continuation of the initiative, but that its principles become embedded in formal and informal organizational processes, across sectors and beyond familiar networks focused on older populations. This embedding ensures the initiative’s values take root permanently in a community’s institutional culture. This article argues that the sustainability of age-friendly initiatives is enhanced by “spillover” effects, in which a behavioral or policy change in one environment spurs change in another environment. Evidence for such spillover and an understanding of how and when it occurs is currently limited in the context of age-friendly environments. This article draws on the experiences of Age-Friendly Boston, which has been working toward age-friendly goals for more than 5 years. Based on Boston’s experience, we identify, describe, and exemplify 3 pathways to positive spillover across environments: (a) branding positively, (b) publicizing successes, and (c) embarking on new relationships, while strengthening existing ones, in pursuit of shared goals. We also draw conclusions about what positive spillover means for the sustainability of age-friendly environments.
Consumption of antibiotics in the community, European Union/European Economic Area, 1997–2017: data collection, management and analysis
Authors: Bruyndonckx Robin , Adriaenssens Niels , Versporten Ann , Hens Niel , Monnet Dominique L , Molenberghs Geert , Goossens Herman , Weist Klaus , Coenen Samuel ,   the ESAC-Net study group, Strauss Reinhild , Vandael Eline , Sabtcheva Stefana , Payerl-Pal Marina , Kyriakidou Isavella , Vlček Jiří , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Linask Elviira , Sarvikivi Emmi , Cavalié Philippe , Feig Marcel , Kontopidou Flora , Benkő Ria , Aspelund Gudrun , Oza Ajay , Fortinguerra Filomena , Rutkovska Ieva , Kuklytė Jolanta , Bruch Marcel , Zarb Peter , Natsch Stephanie , Blix Hege Salvesen , Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Silva Ana , Iosif Ionel , Tesař Tomáš , Čižman Milan , Herreras Mayte Alonso , Bergfeldt Vendela , Hopkins Susan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This article introduces a series of articles on antibiotic consumption in the community between 1997 and 2017, which provide an update of previous articles covering the periods 1997–2003 and 1997–2009.

Methods

In this article, differences in participating countries, the ATC/DDD classification system, and data collection, validation and analysis between the current and previous series are described.

Results

In the previous series, 33 European countries provided valid data for further analysis, while the current series focused on 30 countries belonging to the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA). For both series, data were collected in accordance with the WHO ATC classification system. While the previous series reported data in accordance with the ATC/DDD index 2011, the current series employed the ATC/DDD index 2019. Both series focused on consumption of antibacterials for systemic use (ATC J01) and collected data expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day and packages per 1000 inhabitants per day. When studying consumption expressed in packages per 1000 inhabitants per day, countries reporting total care data, i.e. community and hospital sector combined, were included in the previous series but excluded in the current series. While the previous series used non-linear mixed models to evaluate time trends in antibiotic consumption, the current series allowed for inclusion of change-points with a data-driven location. In addition, both series assessed the composition and quality of antibiotic consumption in the EU/EEA.

Conclusions

The updated analyses of two decades of ESAC-Net data provide the most comprehensive and detailed description of antibiotic consumption in the community in Europe.
Consumption of antibiotics in the community, European Union/European Economic Area, 1997–2017
Authors: Bruyndonckx Robin , Adriaenssens Niels , Versporten Ann , Hens Niel , Monnet Dominique L , Molenberghs Geert , Goossens Herman , Weist Klaus , Coenen Samuel ,   the ESAC-Net study group, Strauss Reinhild , Vandael Eline , Sabtcheva Stefana , Andrašević Arjana Tambić , Kyriakidou Isavella , Vlček Jiří , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Linask Elviira , Sarvikivi Emmi , Hider-Mlynarz Karima , Richter Doreen , Kontopidou Flora , Matuz Mária , Aspelund Gudrun , Burns Karen , Fortinguerra Filomena , Dimina Elīna , Kuklytė Jolanta , Bruch Marcel , Zarb Peter , Natsch Stephanie , Blix Hege Salvesen , Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Silva Ana , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Tesař Tomáš , Čižman Milan , Navas Antonio López , Bergfeldt Vendela , Hopkins Susan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Data on antibiotic consumption in the community were collected from 30 EU/EEA countries over two decades. This article reviews temporal trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and changes in the composition of the main antibiotic groups.

Methods

For the period 1997–2017, data on consumption of antibiotics, i.e. antibacterials for systemic use (ATC group J01), in the community, aggregated at the level of the active substance, were collected using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology (ATC/DDD index 2019). Consumption was expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day and in packages per 1000 inhabitants per day. Antibiotic consumption was analysed based on ATC-3 groups, and presented as trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and compositional changes.

Results

In 2017, antibiotic consumption in the community expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day varied by a factor 3.6 between countries with the highest (Greece) and the lowest (the Netherlands) consumption. Antibiotic consumption in the EU/EEA did not change significantly over time. Antibiotic consumption showed a significant seasonal variation, which decreased over time. The number of DDD per package significantly increased over time. The proportional consumption of sulphonamides and trimethoprim (J01E) relative to other groups significantly decreased over time, while the proportional consumption of other antibacterials (J01X) relative to other groups significantly increased over time.

Conclusions

Overall, antibiotic consumption in the community in the EU/EEA did not change during 1997–2017, while seasonal variation consistently decreased over time. The number of DDD per package increased during 1997–2017.
Burn Center Organization and Cellular Therapy Integration: Managing Risks and Costs
Authors: Chemali Michèle , Laurent Alexis , Scaletta Corinne , Waselle Laurent , Simon Jeanne-Pascale , Michetti Murielle , Brunet Jean-François , Flahaut Marjorie , Hirt-Burri Nathalie , Raffoul Wassim , Applegate Lee Ann , de Buys Roessingh Anthony S , Abdel-Sayed Philippe
Published: May 2021

The complex management of severe burn victims requires an integrative collaboration of multidisciplinary specialists in order to ensure quality and excellence in healthcare. This multidisciplinary care has quickly led to the integration of cell therapies in clinical care of burn patients. Specific advances in cellular therapy together with medical care have allowed for rapid treatment, shorter residence in hospitals and intensive care units, shorter durations of mechanical ventilation, lower complications and surgery interventions, and decreasing mortality rates. However, naturally fluctuating patient admission rates increase pressure toward optimized resource utilization. Besides, European translational developments of cellular therapies currently face potentially jeopardizing challenges on the policy front. The aim of the present work is to provide key considerations in burn care with focus on architectural and organizational aspects of burn centers, management of cellular therapy products, and guidelines in evolving restrictive regulations relative to standardized cell therapies. Thus, based on our experience, we present herein integrated management of risks and costs for preserving and optimizing clinical care and cellular therapies for patients in dire need.
The bursty origin of the Milky Way thick disc
Authors: Yu Sijie , Bullock James S , Klein Courtney , Stern Jonathan , Wetzel Andrew , Ma Xiangcheng , Moreno Jorge , Hafen Zachary , Gurvich Alexander B , Hopkins Philip F , Kereš Dušan , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Feldmann Robert , Quataert Eliot
Published: May 2021

We investigate thin and thick stellar disc formation in Milky Way-mass galaxies using 12 FIRE-2 cosmological zoom-in simulations. All simulated galaxies experience an early period of bursty star formation that transitions to a late-time steady phase of near-constant star formation. Stars formed during the late-time steady phase have more circular orbits and thin-disc-like morphology at z = 0, while stars born during the bursty phase have more radial orbits and thick-disc structure. The median age of thick-disc stars at z = 0 correlates strongly with this transition time. We also find that galaxies with an earlier transition from bursty to steady star formation have a higher thin-disc fractions at z = 0. Three of our systems have minor mergers with Large Magellanic Cloud-size satellites during the thin-disc phase. These mergers trigger short starbursts but do not destroy the thin disc nor alter broad trends between the star formation transition time and thin/thick-disc properties. If our simulations are representative of the Universe, then stellar archaeological studies of the Milky Way (or M31) provide a window into past star formation modes in the Galaxy. Current age estimates of the Galactic thick disc would suggest that the Milky Way transitioned from bursty to steady phase ∼6.5 Gyr ago; prior to that time the Milky Way likely lacked a recognizable thin disc.
The GALAH survey: A census of lithium-rich giant stars
Authors: Martell Sarah L , Simpson Jeffrey D , Balasubramaniam Adithya G , Buder Sven , Sharma Sanjib , Hon Marc , Stello Dennis , Ting Yuan-Sen , Asplund Martin , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , De Silva Gayandhi M , Freeman Ken C , Hayden Michael , Kos Janez , Lewis Geraint F , Lind Karin , Zucker Daniel B , Zwitter Tomaž , Campbell Simon W , Čotar Klemen , Horner Jonathan , Montet Benjamin , Wittenmyer Rob
Published: May 2021

We investigate the properties of 1262 red giant stars with high photospheric abundances of lithium observed by the GALAH and K2-HERMES surveys, and discuss them in the context of proposed mechanisms for lithium enrichment and re-depletion in giant stars. We confirm that Li-rich giants are rare, making up only 1.2 per cent of our giant star sample. We use stellar parameters from the third public data release from the GALAH survey and a Bayesian isochrone analysis to divide the sample into first-ascent red giant branch and red clump stars, and confirm these classifications using asteroseismic data from K2. We find that red clump stars are 2.5 times as likely to be lithium-rich as red giant branch stars, in agreement with other recent work. The probability for a star to be lithium-rich is affected by a number of factors, though the causality in those correlations is not entirely clear. We show for the first time that primary and secondary red clump stars have distinctly different lithium enrichment patterns. The data set discussed here is large and heterogeneous in terms of evolutionary phase, metallicity, rotation rate and mass. We expect that if the various mechanisms that have been proposed for lithium enrichment in evolved stars are in fact active, they should all contribute to this sample of lithium-rich giants at some level.
Endometrial epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by menstruation-related inflammatory factors during hypoxia
Authors: Kusama K , Fukushima Y , Yoshida K , Sakakibara H , Tsubata N , Yoshie M , Kojima J , Nishi H , Tamura K
Published: May 2021

Endometriosis is characterised by inflammation and fibrotic changes. Our previous study using a mouse model showed that proinflammatory factors present in peritoneal haemorrhage exacerbated inflammation in endometriosis-like grafts, at least in part through the activation of prostaglandin (PG) E2 receptor and protease-activated receptor (PAR). In addition, hypoxia is a well-known inducer of fibrosis that may be associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the complex molecular interactions between hypoxia and proinflammatory menstruation-related factors, PGE2 and thrombin, a PAR1 agonist, on EMT in endometriosis have not been fully characterised. To explore the effects of hypoxia and proinflammatory factors on EMT-like changes in endometrial cells, we determined the effects of PGE2 and thrombin (P/T) on EMT marker expression and cell migration in three dimensional cultured human endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Treatment of EECs with P/T under hypoxia stimulated cell migration, increased the expression of mesenchymal N-cadherin, vimentin and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), and reduced the expression of epithelial E-cadherin. Furthermore, treatment with C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), a ligand for CXCR4, increased EMT marker expression and cell migration. In ESCs, P/T or oestrogen treatment under hypoxic conditions increased the expression and secretion of CXCL12. Taken together, our data show that hypoxic and proinflammatory stimuli induce EMT, cell migration and inflammation in EECs, which was increased by CXCL12 derived from ESCs. These data imply that inflammatory mediators in retrograde menstrual fluid contribute to ectopic endometrial EMT and migration in the presence of peritoneal hypoxia.
Property Claims on Antibiotic Effectiveness
Authors: Timmermann Cristian
Published: May 2021

The scope and type of property rights recognized over the effectiveness of antibiotics have a direct effect on how those claiming ownership engage in the exploitation and stewardship of this scarce resource. We examine the different property claims and rights the four major interest groups are asserting on antibiotics: (i) the inventors, (ii) those demanding that the resource be treated like any other transferable commodity, (iii) those advocating usage restrictions based on good stewardship principles and (iv) those considering the resource as common heritage of humankind.
Effect of exogenous glucoamylase inclusion on in vitro fermentation and growth performance of feedlot steers fed a dry-rolled corn-based diet
Authors: Pittaluga Alejandro M , Yu Shukun , Li Wenting , McCann Josh C
Published: May 2021

The objective was to evaluate the effect of adding an exogenous glucoamylase (GA) enzyme from the fungus Trichoderma reesei on in vitro fermentation, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers fed a dry-rolled corn (DRC)-based diet. Experiment 1 evaluated three levels of added enzyme (0, 0.24, and 0.72 GA enzyme units) and two corn particle sizes (CPS; 2 and 4 mm) in a factorial arrangement using a 7 h in vitro batch culture fermentation. Addition of GA increased (P < 0.01) in vitro dry matter disappearance by 13% and decreased final pH (P < 0.01). Molar proportion of propionate increased with GA inclusion (P < 0.01). A smaller CPS increased (P < 0.01) in vitro dry matter disappearance and total volatile fatty acid and decreased final pH (P < 0.01). A smaller CPS also decreased (P < 0.01) the molar proportion of acetate and increased (P < 0.01) the molar proportion of butyrate. In experiment 2, Angus × Simmental steers (n = 105; initial body weight [BW] = 329 ± 38 kg) were used to evaluate the inclusion of an exogenous GA on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Steers were fed a basal diet consisting of 60% DRC, 17.5% modified distillers grains with solubles, 12.5% corn silage, and 10% dry supplement on a dry matter basis for 136 d. Steers were blocked by weight and allotted to pens. Pens were randomly assigned to one of three treatments (5 pens/treatment): diet with no GA (CON), low inclusion of GA (122 enzyme units/kg dry matter [DM]; LGA), or high inclusion of GA (183 enzyme units/kg DM; HGA). Inclusion of GA did not affect (P ≥ 0.23) final BW, dry matter intake (DMI), or average daily gain (ADG) for the 136-d feeding period. Feed conversion was affected (P = 0.02) by treatment with steers fed HGA having ~8% greater G:F compared with LGA and CON. Treatment did not affect (P = 0.32) fecal starch. Inclusion of GA did not affect (P ≥ 0.19) carcass traits including hot carcass weight, 12th rib fat thickness, yield grade, longissimus muscle area, or marbling score. Overall, results suggest inclusion of exogenous GA enzyme increased in vitro dry matter disappearance in batch culture and improved feed conversion in steers fed 183 enzyme units/kg DM during the finishing phase.
12. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF HYPERTENSION AND ITS TREATMENT
Authors: Simatupang Abraham , Sitompul Fransiska , Tobing Linggom Kurniaty
Published: May 2021

Background:

Hypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases that is becoming a global problem. Hypertension is characterized by systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg and diastolic 90 mmHg (according to JNC VIII). Uncontrolled hypertension affects all organs with various diseases and conditions that cause stroke, ischemic heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, blindness, etc.

According to Basic Health Research (Riskesdas 2018) the prevalence of hypertension for >18 years is 8.4%. According to measurements taken in health care facilities by 34.1%. Prevalence in the city was 34.4%, in the village it was 33.7%, while according to male sex 31.3% and female 36.9%.

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to find out the knowledge and awareness of laypeople on hypertension.

Method:

This cross-sectional online study is equipped with 11 questions. Respondents were recruited from social media groups.

Results:

Four hundred and one respondents (63% female, 37% male), with the most age range 21–40 years (38%), 41–55 years (36%) and 56–65 years old (18.4%). Seventy-two percent of respondents did not have hypertension, while 19% of hypertension and 9% said they did not know. Fifty-three percent of respondents (213 people) knew the size of high blood pressure, 140/90 mmHg. 89% respondents said hypertension should be treated regularly. 77% of respondents responded when diagnosed with hypertension should take medication. The most hypertension complications answered by respondents were stroke (40%), heart attack (26%) and heart failure (16%). Amlodipine is most mentioned by respondents, the second is ACE-inhibitor, there are still mentions of omeprazole and omega-3 as anti-hypertension. Family history and a diet high in salt were risk factors that many respondents chose.

Conclusion:

Respondents have a good understanding of hypertension. Need information related to behaviour so that prevalence does not continue to increase.