bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holographic Lieb lattice and gapping its Dirac band
Authors: Han Young-Kwon , Seo Jeong-Won , Yuk Taewon , Sin Sang-Jin
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We first point out that the Laia-Tong model realizes the Lieb lattice in the holographic setup. It generates a flat band of sharp particle spectrum together with a Dirac band of unparticle spectrum. We provided an understanding why the Laia-Tong model’s boundary condition generate a flat band and compared it with the mechanism of “compact localized orbits” in the lattice models to provide a physical reason why Lieb and Laia-Tong model should be identified based on the similarity in the flat band generation mechanism. We then construct a model which opens a gap to the Dirac band so that one can realize a well-separated flat band. We then study the phase transition between the gapped and gapless phases analytically. We also made methodological progress to find a few other possible quantizations and we express the Green functions in any quantization in terms of that in the standard quantization. Finally we carried out the problem of back reaction to show that the qualitative feature remains the same.
Neutrino magnetic moments meet precision Neff measurements
Authors: Li Shao-Ping , Xu Xun-Jie
Published: February 2023

Abstract

In the early universe, Dirac neutrino magnetic moments due to their chirality-flipping nature could lead to thermal production of right-handed neutrinos, which would make a significant contribution to the effective neutrino number, Neff. We present in this paper a dedicated computation of the neutrino chirality-flipping rate in the thermal plasma. With a careful and consistent treatment of soft scattering and the plasmon effect in finite temperature field theories, we find that neutrino magnetic moments above 2.7 × 10−12μB have been excluded by current CMB and BBN measurements of Neff, assuming flavor-universal and diagonal magnetic moments for all three generation of neutrinos. This limit is stronger than the latest bounds from XENONnT and LUX-ZEPLIN experiments and comparable with those from stellar cooling considerations.
Neutrino forces in neutrino backgrounds
Authors: Ghosh Mitrajyoti , Grossman Yuval , Tangarife Walter , Xu Xun-Jie , Yu Bingrong
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The Standard Model predicts a long-range force, proportional to $$ {G}_F^2/{r}^5 $$

G
F
2

/

r
5

, between fermions due to the exchange of a pair of neutrinos. This quantum force is feeble and has not been observed yet. In this paper, we compute this force in the presence of neutrino backgrounds, both for isotropic and directional background neutrinos. We find that for the case of directional background the force can have a 1/r dependence and it can be significantly enhanced compared to the vacuum case. In particular, background effects caused by reactor, solar, and supernova neutrinos enhance the force by many orders of magnitude. The enhancement, however, occurs only in the direction parallel to the direction of the background neutrinos. We discuss the experimental prospects of detecting the neutrino force in neutrino backgrounds and find that the effect is close to the available sensitivity of the current fifth force experiments. Yet, the angular spread of the neutrino flux and that of the test masses reduce the strength of this force. The results are encouraging and a detailed experimental study is called for to check if the effect can be probed.
B-RNS-GSS heterotic string in curved backgrounds
Authors: Berkovits Nathan , Chandia Osvaldo , Gomide João , Martins Lucas N.S.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The recently established B-RNS-GSS formalism is extended for the description of the heterotic superstring in curved backgrounds. We propose a generalized action and BRST charge defined in the small Hilbert space with the standard form of an 𝒩 = (1, 0) worldsheet superconformal theory with superconformal generator G and stress tensor T. We show that {G, G} = −2T implies the D=10 N=1 supergravity and super-Yang-Mills equations of motion, as well as holomorphicity of the BRST charge.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Dynamics During Drought Responsiveness in Tibetan Hulless Barley
Authors: Jiabu Dunzhu , Yu Mingzhai , Xu Qijun , Yang Haizhen , Mu Wang , Basang Yuzhen
Published: February 2023

Differences in drought stress tolerance within diverse grass genotypes have been attributed to epigenetic modifications. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic alteration regulating responses to drought stress. However, its effects on drought tolerance are poorly understood in Tibetan hulless barley. Here, bisulfite sequencing was conducted to profile the DNA methylation patterns of drought-tolerant variety (XL) and drought-sensitive (DQ) under drought and control conditions. A total of 5843 million reads were generated. We found the significant genome-wide changes in CHH methylation rates between XL and DQ, while CG or CHG methylation rates did not. Besides that, the two contrasting varieties do reveal distinct responses to drought stress in antioxidant activities and differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Genes in drought-tolerant varieties XL are rapidly and significantly methylated when exposed to drought stimulus. These DMRs-related genes in XL are significantly enriched in defense response and response to stimuli via gene-ontology enrichment analysis. Then, we focused on 1003 transcription factors and identified 15 specific DMRs-related transcription factors exhibiting specific methylation changes under drought stimuli. Finally, we identified three DMRs-related TFs (HvRR12, HvRR2, and HvCSP41B), where Arabidopsis homologs involve in responses to drought conditions. Altogether, abiotic stresses could be rapidly respond and mediated by methylation of transcription factors in hulless barely.
Generalised score distribution: underdispersed continuation of the beta-binomial distribution
Authors: Ćmiel Bogdan , Nawała Jakub , Janowski Lucjan , Rusek Krzysztof
Published: February 2023

Consider a class of discrete probability distributions with a limited support. A typical example of such support is some variant of a Likert scale, with a response mapped to either the $$\{1, 2, \ldots , 5\}$$

{
1
,
2
,
…
,
5
}

or $$\{-3, -2, \ldots , 2, 3\}$$

{
-
3
,
-
2
,
…
,
2
,
3
}

set. Such type of data is common for Multimedia Quality Assessment but can also be found in many other research fields. For modelling such data a latent variable approach is usually used (e.g., Ordered Probit). In many cases it is convenient or even necessary to avoid latent variable approach (e.g., when dealing with too small sample size). To avoid it the proper class of discrete distributions is needed. The main idea of this paper is to propose a family of discrete probability distributions with only two parameters that play the same role as the parameters of the normal distribution. We call the new class the Generalised Score Distribution (GSD). The proposed GSD class covers the entire set of possible means and variances, for any fixed and finite support. Furthermore, the GSD class can be treated as an underdispersed continuation of a reparametrized beta-binomial distribution. The GSD class parameters are intuitive and can be easily estimated by the method of moments. We also offer a Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) algorithm for the GSD class and evidence that the class properly describes response distributions coming from 24 Multimedia Quality Assessment experiments. At last, we show that the GSD class can be represented as a sum of dichotomous zero–one random variables, which points to an interesting interpretation of the class.
Obese elderly patients with hip fractures may have better survival outcomes after surgery
Authors: Wang Hao , Pan Liping , Li Baoqiang , Ning Taiguo , Liang Guanghua , Cao Yongping
Published: February 2023

Background

In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research on the “obesity paradox”. So our primary objective was to explore whether this phenomenon exists in our study, and secondary objective was to determine the effect of body mass index (BMI) on major complications, and the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after hip fracture surgery after controlling for confounding factors.

Methods

We included patients over 70 years old with hip fracture who were admitted to the Department of Orthopedics, Peking University First Hospital between 2015 and 2021. Patients were classified as underweight (UW, < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (NW, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (OW, 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (OB, ≥ 30.0 kg/m2). We analyzed demographic characteristics, operation information and postoperative outcomes. Using multivariate regression with normal-weight patients as the reference, we determined the odds of 1-year mortality, major complications, and AKI by BMI category.

Results

A total of 644 patients were included. Nine percent of patients died after 1 year, 18% had major postoperative complications, and 12% had AKI. There was a U-shaped relationship between BMI and the rates of major complications or AKI. However, there was a linear decreasing relationship between 1-year mortality and BMI. After controlling for confounding factors, multivariate regression analysis showed that the risk of 1-year mortality after surgery was 2.24 times higher in underweight patients than in normal-weight patients (P < 0.05, OR: 2.24, 95% CI 1.14–4.42). Compared with normal-weight patients, underweight patients had a 2.07 times increased risk of major complications (P < 0.05, OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.21–3.55), and the risk of major complications in obese patients was 2.57 times higher than that in normal-weight patients (P < 0.05, OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.09–6.09). Compared with normal-weight, underweight patients had a 2.18 times increased risk of AKI (P < 0.05, OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.17–4.05).

Conclusions

The 1-year mortality risk of patients with higher BMI was significantly reduced. Besides, compared with normal-weight patients, underweight patients and obese patients have a higher risk of major complications; low-weight and obese patients are at higher risk for AKI.
Pathogenesis of acute encephalopathy in acute hepatic porphyria
Authors: Pischik Elena , Baumann Katrin , Karpenko Alla , Kauppinen Raili
Published: February 2023

Acute encephalopathy (AE) can be a manifestation of an acute porphyric attack. Clinical data were studied in 32 patients during AE with or without polyneuropathy (PNP) together with 12 subjects with PNP but no AE, and 17 with dysautonomia solely. Brain neuroimaging was done in 20 attacks during AE, and PEPT2 polymorphisms were studied in 56 subjects, 24 with AE. AE manifested as a triad of seizures, confusion and/or blurred vision. Symptoms lasting 1–5 days manifested 3–19 days from the onset of an attack. 55% of these patients had acute PNP independent of AE. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) was detected in 42% of the attacks. These patients were severely affected and hyponatremic (88%). Reversible segmental vasoconstriction was rare. There was no statistical difference in hypertension or urinary excretion of porphyrin precursors among the patients with or without AE. In 94% of the attacks with AE, liver transaminases were elevated significantly (1.5 to fivefold, P = 0.034) compared to a normal level in 87% of the attacks with dysautonomia, or in 25% of patients with PNP solely. PEPT2*2/2 haplotype was less common among patients with AE than without (8.3% vs. 25.8%, P = 0.159) and in patients with PNP than without (9.5% vs. 22.9%, P = 0.207), suggesting a minor role, if any, in acute neurotoxicity. In contrast, PEPT2*2/2 haplotype was commoner among patients with chronic kidney disease (P = 0.192). Acute endothelial dysfunction in porphyric encephalopathy could be explained by a combination of abrupt hypertension, SIADH, and acute metabolic and inflammatory factors of hepatic origin.
Translation and validation of Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Teen in Hong Kong Chinese population [CP QoL-Teen (HK)]
Authors: Ngai Shirley P. C. , Wong L. Y. , Poon Vitti W. K. , Poon Candice Y. C. , Yiu Beverley P. H. , Wong Teresa P. S. , Chow C. P.
Published: February 2023

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an early onset, non-progressive, neuromotor disorder. Adolescence is the transition from childhood to adulthood when changes in physical and emotional aspects and self-perception occur further imposing an impact to quality of life (QoL) in individuals with CP. Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life (CP QoL) Teen is a questionnaire examining different domains of QoL for adolescents with CP. This study is aimed at translating and validating self-report and proxy-report CP QoL-Teen (HK). Prior approval of translation has been obtained. Forward and backward translations were performed following standardized translation procedures. Participants and their caregivers were asked to complete self-report and proxy-report CP QoL-Teen (HK), and Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed by Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Concurrent validity was evaluated by Spearman’s rank correlation between subscales of CP QoL-Teen (HK) and CHQ as well as expanded and revised version of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS-E&R). Ninety-six participants completed the study. Of these, twenty participants completed CP QoL-Teen (HK) twice. Cronbach’s α of CP QoL-Teen (HK) ranged from 0.84 to 0.95 suggesting excellent internal consistency. Moderate to excellent test–retest reliability were demonstrated in all subscales of CP QoL-Teen (HK) (self-report: ICC = 0.46–0.8; proxy-report: ICC = 0.40–0.72, p < 0.05). Weak to moderate association between subscales of CP QoL-Teen (HK) and CHQ (self-report: rs = 0.24–0.61; proxy-report: rs = − 0.41–0.60) was reported.

Conclusion: This study showed that CP QoL-Teen (HK) has good psychometric properties. It is a valid and reliable tool to assess quality of life of adolescents with CP.

What is Known:• Cerebral Palsy Quality of life-Teen (CP QoL-Teen) is a validated tool with strong psychometric properties and clinical utility in gauging the QoL in adolescents with CP during their transition from childhood to adulthood when changes in physical and emotional aspects and self-perception occur. Yet, a locally validated tool is lacking in measuring the QoL for adolescents with CP in Hong Kong.What is New:• The Chinese translated version CP QoL-Teen (HK) is a valid and reliable tool to assess quality of life of adolescents with CP tailoring to the local cultural and social background with good psychometric properties being demonstrated.
Kindermedika.at
Authors: Gradwohl Christina , Strommer Barbara , Male Christoph
Published: February 2023

Viele Arzneimittel sind für Kinder nicht zugelassen (off-label). Die Fachinformationen beinhalten daher keine Informationen für diese Patient*innengruppe, weshalb das Gesundheitspersonal auf andere Quellen angewiesen ist. Die Webseite Kindermedika.at stellt seit April 2021 evidenzbasierte Informationen für die Arzneimitteltherapie von Kindern kostenfrei und uneingeschränkt zur Verfügung. Das Projekt baut auf dem niederländischen Kinderformularium.nl auf und kooperiert mit weiteren Projekten in Deutschland und Norwegen. Das gemeinsame Ziel ist, Informationen für die Arzneimitteltherapie von Kindern – insbesondere Dosierungen – nach bestverfügbarer Evidenz bereitzustellen. Im Fall des Off-label-Use gelingt dies durch eine standardisierte Recherche und systematische Bewertung der Literatur gefolgt von einer Abstimmung mit der klinischen Praxis. Die Webseite wird laufend ausgebaut und aktualisiert. Die Finanzierung des Projekts ist bis 2027 durch die Sozialversicherungsträger ÖGK, SVS, BVAEB, AUVA und durch die KFA Wien gesichert.
The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children/adolescents with ASD and their family environment: a systematic review
Authors: Milea-Milea Andreea Cristiana , Fernández-Pérez Dolores , Toledano-González Abel
Published: February 2023

The main objective of the review is to analyze the impact of the pandemic in children/teenagers with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and in their family environment. An electronic search was carried out in different databases (PsycInfo, Web of Science and Scopus) in order to find publications associated with the aim of this project. The search terms used were derived from the combination of the following search string: “((Pandemic OR Epidemic OR Outbreak OR COVID-19 OR Coronavirus) AND (Children OR Adolescents OR Youth OR Child OR Teenager) AND (Autism OR ASD OR Autism Spectrum Disorder))’’. In total, 21 articles were included in this review. The findings of the different investigations included in this review show that the pandemic has produced a negative psychological impact in children/teenagers with ASD. Therefore, long-term follow-up studies should be carried out with the objective of creating effective interventions to treat this problematical.
Engaging in physical activity instead of (over)using the smartphone: An experimental investigation of lifestyle interventions to prevent problematic smartphone use and to promote mental health
Authors: Precht Lena-Marie , Mertens Franziska , Brickau Debora S. , Kramm Romy J. , Margraf Jürgen , Stirnberg Jan , Brailovskaia Julia
Published: February 2023

Aim

Tendencies of problematic smartphone use (PSU) have risen during the past decade. As PSU is consistently linked to mental health issues, measures to prevent its appearance and to promote mental health are urgently required.

Subject and Methods

The present study investigated the impact of three interventions on health behavior, PSU, positive mental health (PMH), and depression and anxiety symptoms. Overall, 503 persons from Germany (Mage = 29.19, SDage = 10.51, range: 18–79) participated in the study. Over 14 days, the three experimental groups (a) reduced their daily smartphone use time by 60 minutes, (b) increased their daily level of physical activity by 30 minutes, and (c) combined both measures. The control group continued its behavior as usual. Outcomes were assessed via online surveys at five measurement time points (baseline, intermediate, post-intervention, and 1 and 3 months after the intervention).

Results

All interventions resulted in a significant increase in weekly physical activity and in reduced symptoms of PSU, depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, the smartphone reduction and the combination of both measures contributed to a significant reduction of participants’ daily smartphone use and higher levels of PMH. The effects of the reduction of smartphone use time and its combination with increased physical activity were more stable in the longer term than the increase in physical activity only.

Conclusion

Combined with an increase in physical activity, the reduction of smartphone use time could serve as an efficient and cost-effective measure for the prevention of PSU and the promotion of mental health.
Fertility Desire and Associations with Condomless Sex, Antiretroviral Adherence, and Transmission Potential in a Cohort of Kenyan Women Living with HIV in Sero-discordant Relationships: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Eastment McKenna C. , Kinuthia John , Tapia Kenneth , Wanje George , Wilson Katherine , Kaggiah Anne , Simoni Jane M. , Mandaliya Kishorchandra , Poole Danielle N. , Richardson Barbra A. , Jaoko Walter , John-Stewart Grace , McClelland R. Scott
Published: February 2023

For women living with HIV (WLH) in serodiscordant partnerships, decisions about childbearing can challenge condom use and antiretroviral adherence. In a prospective cohort of 148 WLH in serodiscordant partnerships, 58 (39%) wanted more children in the future but were not currently trying to conceive (fertility desire), and 32 (22%) were currently trying to become pregnant (fertility intent). Detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in vaginal secretions, a marker for recent condomless sex, was lowest in women with fertility desire and highest in women with fertility intent. Detectable viral load followed a similar pattern. Risk of HIV transmission, when condomless sex and PSA detection occurred concurrently, was three to fourfold higher at visits with fertility intent compared to visits with fertility desire. Qualitative interviews underscored the importance women place on childbearing and suggested that they had limited information about the role of antiretroviral therapy in reducing sexual HIV transmission.
Affordances and organizational functions
Authors: Saborido Cristian , Heras-Escribano Manuel
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we bring together the concepts of affordance from ecological psychology and function from the organizational approach to philosophy of biology into a single integrative framework. This integration allows us to account for the biological basis of the notion of affordance, offering theoretical tools to address the normative interrelations between organisms and their environments.
Deep learn-based computer-assisted transthoracic echocardiography: approach to the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Liang Tianyi , Su Chunxiao , Qin Shiyun , Li Jingtao , Zeng Decai , Cai Yongzhi , Huang Tongtong , Wu Ji
Published: February 2023

Myocardial amyloidosis (CA) differs from other etiological pathologies of left ventricular hypertrophy in that transthoracic echocardiography is challenging to assess the texture features based on human visual observation. There are few studies on myocardial texture based on echocardiography. Therefore, this paper proposes an adaptive machine learning method based on ultrasonic image texture features to identify CA. In this retrospective study, a total of 289 participants (50 cases of myocardial amyloidosis; Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: 70 cases; Uremic cardiomyopathy: 92 cases; Hypertensive heart disease: 77 cases). We extracted the myocardial ultrasonic imaging features of these patients and screened the features, and four models of random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR) and gradient decision-making lifting tree (GBDT) were established to distinguish myocardial amyloidosis from other diseases. Finally, the diagnostic efficiency of the model was evaluated and compared with the traditional ultrasonic diagnostic methods. In the overall population, the four machine learning models we established could effectively distinguish CA from nonCA diseases, AUC (RF 0.77, SVM 0.81, LR 0.81, GBDT 0.71). The LR model had the best diagnostic efficiency with recall, F1-score, sensitivity and specificity of 0.21, 0.34, 0.21 and 1.0, respectively. Slightly better than the traditional ultrasonic diagnosis model. In further subgroup analysis, the myocardial amyloidosis group was compared one-by-one with the patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, uremic cardiomyopathy, and hypertensive heart disease groups, and the same method was used for feature extraction and data modeling. The diagnostic efficiency of the model was further improved. Notably, in identifying of the CA group and HHD group, AUC values reached more than 0.92, accuracy reached more than 0.87, sensitivity equal to or greater than 0.81, specificity 0.91, and F1 score higher than 0.84. This novel method based on echocardiography combined with machine learning may have the potential to be used in the diagnosis of CA.
Newly identified form of phenotypic plasticity of cancer: immunogenic mimicry
Authors: Tímár József , Honn Kenneth V. , Hendrix Mary J. C. , Marko-Varga György , Jalkanen Sirpa
Published: February 2023

Cancer plasticity is now a recognized new hallmark of cancer which is due to disturbances of cell differentiation programs. It is manifested not only in various forms like the best-known epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) but also in vasculogenic and megakaryocytic mimicries regulated by EMT-specific or less-specific transcription factors such as HIF1a or STAT1/2. Studies in the past decades provided ample data that cancer plasticity can be manifested also in the expression of a vast array of immune cell genes; best-known examples are PDL1/CD274, CD47, or IDO, and we termed it immunogenic mimicry (IGM). However, unlike other types of plasticities which are epigenetically regulated, expression of IGM genes are frequently due to gene amplifications. It is important that the majority of the IGM genes are regulated by interferons (IFNs) suggesting that their protein expressions are regulated by the immune microenvironment. Most of the IGM genes have been shown to be involved in immune escape of cancers broadening the repertoire of these mechanisms and offering novel targets for immunotherapeutics.
Effects of Training Body-Related Interpretations on Panic-Related Cognitions and Symptoms
Authors: Würtz Felix , Steinman Shari , Blackwell Simon E. , Wilhelm Frank H. , Reinecke Andrea , Adolph Dirk , Margraf Jürgen , Woud Marcella L.
Published: February 2023

Background

Interpretation biases (IBs) are central in panic disorder, and there is rich evidence showing that these are correlated with and predictive of panic-relevant symptomatology. However, experimental studies are needed to examine the potential causal effects of IBs, as predicted by cognitive models.

Methods

Panic-related IBs were manipulated via a sentence-completion Cognitive Bias Modification-Interpretation (CBM-I) training. The sample included N = 112 healthy participants reporting moderate levels of fear of bodily sensations. Participants were randomly allocated to a positive, negative, or control CBM-I condition. To test the trainings’ effect on panic-relevant cognitive processing, IBs were assessed via proximal and distal measures. Symptom provocation tasks were applied to test transfer to panic-relevant symptomatology.

Results

Results on the proximal measure showed that positive CBM-I led to more positive IBs compared to negative, and control training. Further, positive CBM-I led to more positive IBs on the distal measure as compared to negative CBM-I. However, there were no differential training effects on panic-related symptomatology triggered via the provocation tasks.

Conclusion

The findings indicate a limited generalization of the effects of CBM-I on IBs and panic-related symptoms. Potential means to improve generalization, such as applying more nuanced measures and combining CBM-I with psychoeducation are discussed.
Preharvest application with calcium and maturity at harvest affects postharvest fungal fruit decay of European plum
Authors: Børve Jorunn , Vangdal Eivind , Stensvand Arne
Published: February 2023

The combination of preharvest treatments with calcium chloride and fungicides, and storage of maturity graded fruit were assessed in five European plum cultivars. At harvest, samples of fruit within a commercially suitable range in ripening were divided into two categories: less-ripe (tree ripe-) and more-ripe (tree ripe+). The fruit were stored for 10–14 days at 4 °C followed by 2–3 days at 20 °C before the assessment of fungal decay. If calcium chloride was applied six times each season, postharvest fruit decay was significantly reduced in four of nine experiments, with a total mean reduction of around 50%. Two calcium applications in combination with a fungicide treatment reduced decay by approx. 60% compared to the untreated in one experiment. In six of seven experiments there was no effect of preharvest fungicide applications. In six of 10 experiments, fruit of the category tree ripe- had fewer fruit with fungal decay after storage than the tree ripe+fruit. The higher incidence in the category tree ripe+fruit was primarily due to brown rot, Mucor rot, and blue mould. For the category tree ripe+, there was two to ten times more decay than on tree ripe- fruit after a simulated shelf-life period. To ensure low incidence of fungal decay, fruit of commercial harvest maturity may thus be separated in two ripening categories, one for rapid distribution to the market (tree ripe+) and another for extended distribution time (tree ripe-).
Climate change adaptation with limited resources: adaptive capacity and action in small- and medium-sized municipalities
Authors: Fila Dennis , Fünfgeld Hartmut , Dahlmann Heindriken
Published: February 2023

Administrations in small- and medium-sized municipalities (SMM) are confronted with the impacts of climate change while having inadequate resources to adapt. In order to establish the current state of research on climate change adaptation in SMM, a systematic literature review was conducted. Using reported SMM adaptation in the peer-reviewed literature as our data base, we documented 115 adaptation initiatives between 2015 and 2021 matching our criteria, with substantial geographical and thematic differences. The qualitative analysis of highly relevant articles has shown that the specific understanding about the challenges and barriers of climate change adaptation in SMM remains limited. We highlight recent key trends and challenges and conclude by offering a refined research agenda for addressing identified knowledge gaps as well as key barriers in relation to SMM adaptation.
Language Preferences in the Dutch Autism Community: A Social Psychological Approach
Authors: Bosman Renate , Thijs Jochem
Published: February 2023

This research examined the preference for identity-first language (IFL) versus person-first language (PFL) among 215 respondents (Mage = 30.24 years, SD = 9.92) from the Dutch autism community. We found that a stronger identification with the autism community and a later age of diagnosis predicted a stronger IFL preference and a weaker PFL preference. Both effects were mediated by the perceived consequences (justice to identity, prejudice reduction) of PFL. Participants’ own explanations were in line with these statistical analyses but also provided nuance to the IFL-PFL debate. Our results are consistent with the Social Identity Approach (Reicher et al., 2010) and Identity Uncertainty Theory (Hogg, 2007) and demonstrate the value of a social psychological approach to study disability language preferences.
The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Therapy Utilization Among Racially/Ethnically and Socio-Economically Diverse Autistic Children
Authors: Gonzales Cassin W. , Simonell Jennifer R. , Lai Mark H.C. , Lopez Steven R. , Tarbox Jonathan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The purpose of current study was to evaluate change in hours of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy utilization for autistic children during the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first three months of the pandemic (crisis phase), and the following 9 months of the pandemic (mitigation phase). Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate if change in therapy utilization differed based on child race, ethnicity, and primary payer of services. Finally, we aimed to identify potential mechanisms of ABA therapy disruption by interpreting findings using an extended version of Donabedian’s structure-process-outcome model. Methods: Retrospective clinical data on client demographics and therapy utilization (n = 283) were collected from ABA clinics in California and analyzed with four piecewise growth multi-level models. Results: We found that therapy utilization dropped during the first three months of the pandemic (-10.65 h/month; p < .001) and increased during the following 9 months (2.39 h/month; p < .001). Moderator analyses revelated that Asian, Non-Latinx and school-district funded children had significantly different trajectories of change in therapy utilization compared to white, non-Latinx participants and private insurance funded participants, respectively. Conclusion: Findings suggest that utilization of ABA therapy was disrupted for a full year following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and that child race/ethnicity and primary payer influenced the degree to which autistic children were impacted by service disruption. These findings have implications for autistic children who lost therapy access during key developmental periods and for the ABA care delivery system.
Camouflaging in Autism: Age Effects and Cross-Cultural Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
Authors: Lundin Remnélius Karl , Bölte Sven
Published: February 2023

Given that camouflaging has been suggested to contribute to delayed diagnosis and mental health problems among autistic people, validated measures of the construct are needed. This study describes the psychometric evaluation of the Swedish adaptation of the self-reported Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) in autistic (n = 100) and general population (n = 539) samples aged 10 to 83 years. Analyses indicated good-to-excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was supported by autistic participants scoring higher than non-autistic, and autistic females scoring higher than autistic males on the measure. Also as expected, camouflaging was associated with theoretically linked traits, including autistic behaviors and depressive symptoms. On the other hand, the factor structure of the original CAT-Q did not provide a good fit in the Swedish data set, and validity issues were found, particularly in children younger than 15 years, warranting further investigation of the construct validity of the scale. Different age trajectories were observed, where camouflaging behaviors decreased during adulthood in non-autistic people but remained at an elevated level among autistic people.
Right to Food and Geoengineering
Authors: Kortetmäki Teea , Oksanen Markku
Published: February 2023

Climate change poses grave risks to food security, and mitigation and adaptation actions have so far been insufficient to lessen the risk of climate-induced violations of the right to food. Could safeguarding the right to food, then, justify some forms of geoengineering? This article examines geoengineering through the analytical lens of the right to food. We look at the components of food security and consider how the acceptability of geoengineering relates to the right to food via its impacts on these components. Our examination shows that results vary greatly between different forms of geoengineering: while some forms of geoengineering fail to respect the right to food, certain other forms may even become obligatory to protect the right to food. It appears that there is no support for aerosol-based solar radiation management, whereas some carbon dioxide removal methods can help protect or promote the right to food. The ethical challenges related to carbon dioxide removal methods are, we note, similar to those that will also be faced in the course of climate change mitigation.
Combined fetal fraction to analyze the Z-score accuracy of noninvasive prenatal testing for fetal trisomies 13, 18, and 21
Authors: Yang Jiexia , Wu Jing , Wang Dongmei , Hou Yaping , Guo Fangfang , Zhang Qi , Peng Haishan , Wang Yixia , Yin Aihua
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the correlation combined fetal fraction and Z-score for fetal trisomies 13, 18, and 21 of NIPT by the semiconductor sequencing platform and further analyze the differences of different sequencing depths.

Methods

A cohort of 61,581 pregnancies were recruited for NIPT. Invasive prenatal diagnostic confirmation is recommended in all high-risk NIPT cases. Logistic regression and rank correlation analysis were applied to analyze the relationship between different parameters. ROC curve analysis was adopted to analyze the cutoff values of Z-score and fetal fraction.

Results

A total of 278 common trisomy pregnancies were verified in 377 NIPT-positive results. The fitted logistic regression models revealed that Z-scores of NIPT-positive results were significantly associated with PPVs (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of Z-scores for T21, T18, and T13 was 7.597, 4.944, and 9.135 for NIPT and 9.489, 8.004, and 12.4 for NIPT-plus. If combing fetal fraction as another evaluation factor, the PPV of trisomy 21 gradually improved. We analyzed the correlation between the fetal fraction and the PPV, which revealed that the fetal fraction was significantly correlated with PPV. By analyzing the PPV of different groups divided by the associated criteria obtained from ROC curve, the PPV of high Z-score and high fetal fraction is higher in groups of Z-score > the optimal cutoff value.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that the fetal fraction is significantly correlated with the PPV. Combining fetal fraction with Z-score is significantly better than in groups of Z-score-associated criteria; clinicians can give more accurate and efficient prenatal genetic counseling.
Digital Flourishing: Conceptualizing and Assessing Positive Perceptions of Mediated Social Interactions
Authors: Janicke-Bowles Sophie H. , Buckley Tess M. , Rey Rikishi , Wozniak Tayah , Meier Adrian , Lomanowska Anna
Published: February 2023

Recent research started to apply concepts of well-being to the context of computer mediated communication (e.g., social media, instant messaging). While much research investigates negative perceptions of mediated social interactions (e.g., “problematic” or “addictive” social media use), a multi-dimensional measure that taps into users? positive perceptions is sorely lacking. The present research therefore develops the first comprehensive measure of digital flourishing, defined as positive perceptions of mediated social interactions. Building on a qualitative pre-study that aided the construction of the Digital Flourishing Scale (DFS), Study 1 (N = 474) employed exploratory factor analysis to reveal five subdimensions of digital flourishing. The preregistered Study 2 (N = 438) confirmed these five dimensions, yielding five reliable items per subscale and initial construct validity with three psychological needs from self-determination theory (SDT; competence, autonomy, relatedness) which were used as an underlying well-being framework for the development of the DFS. The preregistered Study 3 generated further construct validity by directly relating DFS to well-being. The scale is relevant for researchers and practitioners alike to better understand how users perceive their mediated interactions to impact mental health and well-being.
Production of Bacterial Cellulose Hydrogel and its Evaluation as a Proton Exchange Membrane
Authors: Ramírez-Carmona Margarita , Gálvez-Gómez María Paula , González-Perez Lina , Pinedo-Rangel Valentina , Pineda-Vasquez Tatiana , Hotza Dachamir
Published: February 2023

Production of bacterial cellulose hydrogel and its evaluation as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) was evaluated. Initially, the bacterial cellulose hydrogel membranes (BCH) was produced by fermentation in a 600 mL bioreactor with a 300 mL medium volume, 10% v/v inoculum with Komagataeibacter hansenii under static conditions, and a temperature of 30 °C. The bacteria were cultivated in Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium with pH adjustment to 6.6 with HCl and/or NaOH. Five culture media were evaluated to obtain uniformity on the surface and a rapid formation of BCH membrane: HS (M1), M1 + green tea extract (M3), M1 + mixture of extra thyme and green tea (M4), and M1 + glycerin (M5). The kinetics of BCH production was followed by digital images. Subsequently, BCH production cellulose was carried out using M5 under the same operating conditions. After 3, 5, 10 and 13 days of fermentation, the thickness of BCH formed was measured, respectively, as 0.301 ± 0.008 cm, 0.552 ± 0.026 cm, 0.584 ± 0.03 cm and 0.591 ± 0.018 cm. Finally, BCH was characterized by porosity, water absorption capacity, ion exchange capacity, mechanical strength and diffusivity. The results showed that thinner membranes favor the processes of ion exchange (0.143 H+mmol g−1) and water absorption (93%). On the other hand, thicker membranes enhance physical parameters of transport across the membrane and its operability. Nevertheless, BCH membranes can be a good alternative as PEM to microbial fuel cell once they are functionalized.
Projecting the Contribution of Assisted Reproductive Technology to Completed Cohort Fertility
Authors: Lazzari Ester , Potančoková Michaela , Sobotka Tomáš , Gray Edith , Chambers Georgina M.
Published: February 2023

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is increasingly influencing the fertility trends of high-income countries characterized by a pattern of delayed childbearing. However, research on the impact of ART on completed fertility is limited and the extent to which delayed births are realized later in life through ART is not well understood. This study uses data from Australian fertility clinics and national birth registries to project the contribution of ART for cohorts of women that have not yet completed their reproductive life and estimate the role played by ART in the fertility ‘recuperation’ process. Assuming that the increasing trends in ART success rates and treatment rates continue, the projection shows that the contribution of ART-conceived births to completed fertility will increase from 2.1% among women born in 1968 to 5.7% among women born in 1986. ART is projected to substantially affect the extent to which childbearing delay will be compensated at older ages, suggesting that its availability may become an important factor in helping women to achieve their reproductive plans later in life.
Statistical Analysis of Toxicological Data of Victims of Traffic Accidents in Galicia (Spain)
Authors: Alvarez-Freire Iván , López-Guarnido Olga , Cabarcos-Fernández Pamela , Couce-Sánchez Manuel , Bermejo-Barrera Ana María , Tabernero-Duque María Jesús
Published: February 2023

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a very common behavior in our environment and a serious problem for public health. On the one hand, in 2016, 400,000 people died in the world in traffic accidents in which ethanol was involved. On the other hand, traffic accidents in which the use of drugs of abuse other than ethyl alcohol accounted for more than 160,000 deaths worldwide in 2017. The objective of this work is to carry out a review of the 710 cases of people who died in traffic accidents received at the forensic toxicology service of the Institute of Forensic Sciences of the University of Santiago de Compostela (Galicia-Spain) over a period of 10 years (2009–2019). We performed an observational study of period prevalence, in which the following data were collected: age, sex, year, and analytical results in plasma, in the case of being positive. The data collected was subjected to statistical treatment. Of the 710 cases analyzed, 123 correspond to pedestrians and 587 to occupants of vehicles or motorcycles. A total of 77.6% of the deceased were men. At least one psychotropic substance was found in the blood of almost 40% of the victims. The most frequently found substance was ethyl alcohol, which appeared in 231 cases, more frequently in males. The second place is occupied by benzodiazepines, which appeared in 43 cases, followed by cocaine, which was detected in 25 cases. Polydrug use was found in only 44 cases, with the association of ethanol and cocaine being the most commonly found, followed by that of ethanol and benzodiazepines. Only in 5 of the cases analyzed there were 3 or more substances present. With the data obtained in this study, it is shown that in traffic accidents, the finding of different toxic or medicinal substances is frequent. Ethyl alcohol continues to be very present in road accidents (most detected substance), with the great impact that this implies. Secondly, the presence of benzodiazepines stands out, and cocaine is the third most detected toxic in this study. These results allow to obtain a profile of the substances most frequently involved in traffic accidents. Despite the surveillance, control, and information campaigns that the Spanish Government regularly carries out, the results are far from satisfactory.
Phylogenetic characterization of Orthobunyaviruses isolated from Trinidad shows evidence of natural reassortment
Authors: Foster Jerome E. , López Krisangel , Eastwood Gillian , Guzman Hilda , Carrington Christine V. F. , Tesh Robert B. , Auguste Albert J.
Published: February 2023

The genus Orthobunyavirus is a diverse group of viruses in the family Peribunyaviridae, recently classified into 20 serogroups, and 103 virus species. Although most viruses within these serogroups are phylogenetically distinct, the absence of complete genome sequences has left several viruses incompletely characterized. Here we report the complete genome sequences for 11 orthobunyaviruses isolated from Trinidad, French Guiana, Guatemala, and Panama that were serologically classified into six serogroups and 10 species. Phylogenetic analyses of these 11 newly derived sequences indicate that viruses belonging to the Patois, Capim, Guama, and Group C serocomplexes all have a close genetic origin. We show that three of the 11 orthobunyaviruses characterized (belonging to the Group C and Bunyamwera serogroups) have evidence of histories of natural reassortment through the M genome segment. Our data also suggests that two distinct lineages of Group C viruses concurrently circulate in Trinidad and are transmitted by the same mosquito vectors. This study also highlights the importance of complementing serological identification with nucleotide sequencing when characterizing orthobunyaviruses.
Extended Defects in SiC: Selective Etching and Raman Study
Authors: Weyher J. L. , Tiberj A. , Nowak G. , Culbertson J. C. , Freitas J. A.
Published: February 2023

Controlling the electrical properties of SiC requires knowledge of the nature and properties of extended defects. We have employed orthodox defect-selective etching and photo-etching methods to reveal typical and new structural defects in commercial SiC wafers. For photo-etching, the etch rate increases as the free carrier concentration decreases. The etch rate can be used to estimate the free carrier concentration with higher precision, and over a larger lateral and depth range than that accessed by Raman scattering. The logarithmic dependence of the etch rate on the free carrier concentration has been characterized.
Health Literacy is Essential to ASCVD Prevention in Youth
Authors: Mann Harnoor K. , Magnani Jared W. , Johnson Amber E.
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

Health literacy is fundamental to primary and primordial prevention of atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD) in children and adolescents. Here we summarize essential components of interventions which address health literacy challenges to reduce ASCVD risk in youth.

Recent Findings

There is a global pandemic of suboptimal health behaviors among youth that may contribute to the increasing rates of ASCVD worldwide. Deficiencies in youth cardiovascular health have promoted increased attention to health education that incorporates health literacy. Studies conducted in both the child (0 to 9 years) and adolescent (10 to 17 years) population have shown improvement in health knowledge, health behaviors such as physical activity and eating habits, and objective measures such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and serum lipid levels. The available literature affirms that the involvement of family and community members in young people’s surroundings—including parents, teachers, and peers—can influence educational interventions’ protective effects.

Educational interventions which incorporate health literacy have demonstrated potential to address ASCVD risk factors in youth and may be augmented by caregiver and community involvement.