bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking Scores with Patient-Reported Health Outcome Instruments: A Validation Study and Comparison of Three Linking Methods
Authors: Schalet Benjamin D. , Lim Sangdon , Cella David , Choi Seung W.
Published: June 2021

The psychometric process used to establish a relationship between the scores of two (or more) instruments is generically referred to as linking. When two instruments with the same content and statistical test specifications are linked, these instruments are said to be equated. Linking and equating procedures have long been used for practical benefit in educational testing. In recent years, health outcome researchers have increasingly applied linking techniques to patient-reported outcome (PRO) data. However, these applications have some noteworthy purposes and associated methodological questions. Purposes for linking health outcomes include the harmonization of data across studies or settings (enabling increased power in hypothesis testing), the aggregation of summed score data by means of score crosswalk tables, and score conversion in clinical settings where new instruments are introduced, but an interpretable connection to historical data is needed. When two PRO instruments are linked, assumptions for equating are typically not met and the extent to which those assumptions are violated becomes a decision point around how (and whether) to proceed with linking. We demonstrate multiple linking procedures—equipercentile, unidimensional IRT calibration, and calibrated projection—with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression bank and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. We validate this link across two samples and simulate different instrument correlation levels to provide guidance around which linking method is preferred. Finally, we discuss some remaining issues and directions for psychometric research in linking PRO instruments.
Elaborated subloading surface model for accurate description of cyclic mobility in granular materials
Authors: Hashiguchi Koichi , Mase Tatsuya , Yamakawa Yuki
Published: June 2021

The description of the cyclic mobility observed prior to the liquefaction in geomaterials requires the sophisticated constitutive formulation to describe the plastic deformation induced during the cyclic loading with the small stress amplitude inside the yield surface. This requirement is realized in the subloading surface model, in which the surface enclosing a purely elastic domain is not assumed, while a purely elastic domain is assumed in other elastoplasticity models. The subloading surface model has been applied widely to the monotonic/cyclic loading behaviors of metals, soils, rocks, concrete, etc., and the sufficient predictions have been attained to some extent. The subloading surface model will be elaborated so as to predict also the cyclic mobility accurately in this article. First, the rigorous translation rule of the similarity center of the normal yield and the subloading surfaces, i.e., elastic core, is formulated. Further, the mixed hardening rule in terms of volumetric and deviatoric plastic strain rates and the rotational hardening rule are formulated to describe the induced anisotropy of granular materials. In addition, the material functions for the elastic modulus, the yield function and the isotropic hardening/softening will be modified for the accurate description of the cyclic mobility. Then, the validity of the present formulation will be verified through comparisons with various test data of cyclic mobility.
Validity and reliability of innovative field measurements of tibial accelerations and spinal kinematics during cricket fast bowling
Authors: Senington Billy , Lee Raymond Y. , Williams Jonathan Mark
Published: June 2021

The use of inertial sensors in fast bowling analysis may offer a cheaper and portable alternative to current methodologies. However, no previous studies have assessed the validity and reliability of such methods. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of collecting tibial accelerations and spinal kinematics using inertial sensors during in vivo fast bowling. Thirty-five elite male fast bowlers volunteered for this study. An accelerometer attached to the skin over the tibia was used to determine impacts and inertial sensors over the S1, L1 and T1 spinous processes used to derive the relative kinematics. These measurements were compared to optoelectronic and force plate data for validity analysis. Most acceleration and kinematics variables measured report significant correlations > 0.8 with the corresponding gold standard measurement, with intraclass correlation coefficients greater than 0.7. Low standard error of measurement and consequently small minimum detectable change (MDC) values were also observed. This study demonstrates that inertial sensors are as valid and reliable as current methods of fast bowling analysis and may provide some advantages over traditional methods. The novel metrics and methods described in this study may aid coaches and practitioners in the design and monitoring of fast bowling technique.

Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract illustrating the synopsis of the findings from this paper.
COVID-19 Infection and Circulating Microparticles—Reviewing Evidence as Microthrombogenic Risk Factor for Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Che Mohd Nassir Che Mohd Nasril , Hashim Sabarisah , Wong Kah Keng , Abdul Halim Sanihah , Idris Nur Suhaila , Jayabalan Nanthini , Guo Dazhi , Mustapha Muzaimi
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the global society in numerous unprecedented ways, with considerable morbidity and mortality. Both direct and indirect consequences from COVID-19 infection are recognized to give rise to cardio- and cerebrovascular complications. Despite current limited knowledge on COVID-19 pathogenesis, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy appear to play critical roles in COVID-19-associated cerebrovascular disease (CVD). One of the major subtypes of CVD is cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) which represents a spectrum of pathological processes of various etiologies affecting the brain microcirculation that can trigger subsequent neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Prevalent with aging, CSVD is a recognized risk factor for stroke, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. In the background of COVID-19 infection, the heightened cellular activations from inflammations and oxidative stress may result in elevated levels of microthrombogenic extracellular-derived circulating microparticles (MPs). Consequently, MPs could act as pro-coagulant risk factor that may serve as microthrombi for the vulnerable microcirculation in the brain leading to CSVD manifestations. This review aims to appraise the accumulating body of evidence on the plausible impact of COVID-19 infection on the formation of microthrombogenic MPs that could lead to microthrombosis in CSVD manifestations, including occult CSVD which may last well beyond the pandemic era.
The mediating role of narcissism in the effects of regulatory mode on positivity
Authors: Di Santo Daniela , Lo Destro Calogero , Baldner Conrad , Talamo Alessandra , Cabras Cristina , Pierro Antonio
Published: June 2021

Positivity (i.e., the individual tendency to positively approach life experiences) has proven to be an effective construct applied in positive psychology. However, individuals’ self-regulation may have contrasting effects on positivity. We specifically examined whether positivity could be partially explained through two aspects of motivation concerned with self-regulation: locomotion (i.e., a motivational orientation concerned with movement) and assessment (i.e., a motivational orientation concerned with comparison and evaluation). Furthermore, based on previous literature that found a link between these aspects and narcissism, we examined whether “adaptive” and “maladaptive” dimensions of narcissism could mediate the effects of locomotion and assessment on increased or decreased positivity. Narcissism was defined by previous research as adaptive or maladaptive insofar as it leads or does not lead to increased psychological well-being. We estimated a mediation model with multiple independent variables and multiple mediators in a cross-sectional study with self-reported data from 190 university students. We found that both locomotion and assessment were associated with adaptive narcissism, which in turn was positively associated with positivity. However, assessment was also associated with maladaptive narcissism, which in turn was negatively associated with positivity. Relationships between aspects of self-regulation, narcissism, and positivity can have significant implications which will be discussed.
Mitochondrien unter Stress: Die Rolle der Präsequenzprotease MPP
Authors: Vögtle F.-Nora
Published: June 2021

The majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nuclear genome, so that the nearly entire proteome is assembled by post-translational preprotein import from the cytosol. Proteomic imbalances are sensed and induce cellular stress response pathways to restore proteostasis. Here, the mitochondrial presequence protease MPP serves as example to illustrate the critical role of mitochondrial protein biogenesis and proteostasis on cellular integrity.
Multifunktionale bakterielle Nanomagnete für Biotechnologie und Medizin
Authors: Mickoleit Frank , Rosenfeldt Sabine , Schenk Anna S. , Schüler Dirk , Uebe René
Published: June 2021

Bacterial magnetosomes represent magnetic core-shell nanoparticles biomineralized by magnetotactic bacteria like Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense. The establishment of fermentation regimes for high-yield particle production, standardized isolation procedures as well as the development of a genetic toolkit for the generation of “tailored” particles might soon pave the way for the application of engineered magnetosomes in the biomedical and biotechnological field.
Implantatüberzüge für die in situ-Transfektion in der regenerativen Medizin
Authors: Husteden Catharina , Groth Thomas , Wölk Christian
Published: June 2021

A promising approach in regenerative medicine is to modify cell behaviour with growth factors. However, the side of action has to be in spatial control. We present a new strategy in the field of regenerative medicine based on the combination of implant coatings with nanoscaled gene vectors. This enables the local restricted in situ transfection of cells to induce the production of cytokines. Therewith, the migration and differentiation of cells can be controlled to support tissue regeneration.
SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1: Ein kleines Protein blockiert die Immunantwort
Authors: Sparrer Konstantin , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: June 2021

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To facilitate its own replication and avoid immune control, SARS-CoV-2 manipulates its target cells. Our results revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) plays a key role in viral immune evasion. It blocks the mRNA tunnel of the cellular ribosome, resulting in a shutdown of translation and strong attenuation of the host’s antiviral immune response.
Zelluläres Tauziehen: Wie Zellen auf mechanischen Stress antworten
Authors: Weissenbruch Kai , Hippler Marc , Bastmeyer Martin
Published: June 2021

The ability of cells to sense and respond to extracellular forces is critical for cellular and tissue homeostasis. Tension or compression act on our body ubiquitously and cells respond to such mechanical cues by producing intracellular forces on their own. In this article, we briefly highlight the cellular and physical basis driving these phenomena and discuss our recent technical advance to stimulate and monitor the cellular mechanoresponse on a molecular scale.
mRNA-Strukturen steuern die posttranskriptionelle Genregulation
Authors: Lichtenthaeler Chiara , Oberstrass Lasse , Weigand Julia E.
Published: June 2021

Posttranscriptional regulation at mRNA level is defined not only by sequence, but also by the structure of the mRNA. Structures in the untranslated regions control stability, translation and localization of an mRNA. Evolutionary conservation can be used to identify such regulatory active structures in mRNAs. For example, constitutive decay element (CDE) stem-loops are recognized by Roquin proteins in an exclusively shape-specific manner. Strikingly, some CDEs can serve a dual function in gene repression depending on their folding status.
Funktion rätselhafter Retrons entschlüsselt
Authors: Bobonis Jacob , Mitosch Karin , Typas Athanasios
Published: June 2021

VAAM-Forschungspreis 2021

Bacterial retrons are operons containing reverse transcriptases. Despite three decades of research, their physiological role remained mysterious. Recently, retrons have been uncovered as a widespread novel class of antiphage defense systems. We here discuss how high-throughput reverse genetics have enabled this discovery, illustrating the power such approaches have to illuminate the function of uncharacterized genes.
Analysis of Influencing Factors of College Students’ Intention to Repeated Blood Donation Based on Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Pan Lingling , Hu Wei , Han Wenjuan , Wang Yingying
Published: June 2021

To research the influencing factors of college students' blood donation behavior intention and propose intervention strategies to improve the repeated blood donation rate of college students. Questionnaire survey was used to research and analyze the influencing factors of behavior intention. Amos 21.0 software was used to establish structural equation modeling and perform confirmatory factor analysis. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistic. The model was proved with highly adaptability, with χ2/df = 2.956 < 3. Factors influencing college students' intention of repeat blood donation behavior can be summarized into four: attitude, external motivation, advice-taking, and perceived behavioral control. Among them, attitude and perceived behavioral control have a great direct impact on behavioral intention, while the external motivation and recommendation acceptance have an indirect impact by influencing the other two factors. In view of those evaluation items with high path coefficient in each factor, we can develop recruitment strategies to influence college students’ repeated blood donation behavior and provide scientific suggestions for improving their repeated blood donation rate.
The geography of agricultural input markets in rural Tanzania
Authors: Rutsaert Pieter , Chamberlin Jordan , Oluoch Kevin Ong’are , Kitoto Victor Ochieng , Donovan Jason
Published: June 2021

The expansion of agro-dealers into remote areas can be seen as conducive to more smallholders adopting new technologies and inputs, to include improved seed and fertilizer. However, lower travel costs may be offset by agro-dealer decisions on stocking and pricing, reflecting both travel time from wholesale markets as well as the level of competition in localized areas. This paper investigates the geographical distribution of agro-dealers and related patterns of local market competition on the availability and prices of maize seed and fertilizer. We use a unique census of agro-dealers in eight districts of Tanzania (n = 299) which maps distribution points for agricultural inputs in these areas. Results suggested that despite a high number of agro-dealers, almost 30% of farmers lived more than an hour travel time from at least one agro-dealer. Instead of wide geographical coverage, agro-dealers tended to be found in clusters, with strong variation in cluster sizes between different districts. Overall, more remote agro-dealers faced less competition, resulting in fewer stocked product choices and charging higher prices to customers, even after controlling for travel time from district headquarters. Remote farmers are disadvantaged in their uptake of new technologies and critical production inputs due to lack of competition among agro-dealers. Our results suggest that highly aggregated and/or simplified measures of market access fail to reflect important heterogeneity in the market access conditions faced by farmers; a better understanding of distribution networks and competition is needed.
The evolving species concepts used for yeasts: from phenotypes and genomes to speciation networks
Authors: Boekhout Teun , Aime M. Catherine , Begerow Dominik , Gabaldón Toni , Heitman Joseph , Kemler Martin , Khayhan Kantarawee , Lachance Marc-André , Louis Edward J. , Sun Sheng , Vu Duong , Yurkov Andrey
Published: June 2021

Here we review how evolving species concepts have been applied to understand yeast diversity. Initially, a phenotypic species concept was utilized taking into consideration morphological aspects of colonies and cells, and growth profiles. Later the biological species concept was added, which applied data from mating experiments. Biophysical measurements of DNA similarity between isolates were an early measure that became more broadly applied with the advent of sequencing technology, leading to a sequence-based species concept using comparisons of parts of the ribosomal DNA. At present phylogenetic species concepts that employ sequence data of rDNA and other genes are universally applied in fungal taxonomy, including yeasts, because various studies revealed a relatively good correlation between the biological species concept and sequence divergence. The application of genome information is becoming increasingly common, and we strongly recommend the use of complete, rather than draft genomes to improve our understanding of species and their genome and genetic dynamics. Complete genomes allow in-depth comparisons on the evolvability of genomes and, consequently, of the species to which they belong. Hybridization seems a relatively common phenomenon and has been observed in all major fungal lineages that contain yeasts. Note that hybrids may greatly differ in their post-hybridization development. Future in-depth studies, initially using some model species or complexes may shift the traditional species concept as isolated clusters of genetically compatible isolates to a cohesive speciation network in which such clusters are interconnected by genetic processes, such as hybridization.
Sensitivity of the Fragility Curve on Type of Analysis Methods, Applied Ground Motions and Their Selection Techniques
Authors: Fatimah Samreen , Wong Jenna
Published: June 2021

Fragility curves are the primary way of assessing seismic risk for a building with numerous studies focused on deriving these fragility curves and how to account for the inherent uncertainty in the seismic assessment. This study focuses on a three-story steel moment frame structure and performs a fragility assessment of the building using a new approach called SPO2FRAG (Static Pushover to Fragility) that is based on pushover analysis. This new approach is further compared and contrasted against traditional nonlinear dynamic analysis approaches like Incremental Dynamic Analysis and Multiple Stripe Analysis. The sensitivity of the resulting fragility curves is studied against multiple parameters including uncertainties in ground motion, the type of analysis method used and the choice of curve fitting technique. All these factors influence the fragility curve behavior and this study assesses the impact of changing these parameters.
Deep limitations? Examining expert disagreement over deep learning
Authors: Cremer Carla Zoe
Published: June 2021

We investigate expert disagreement over the potential and limitations of deep learning. We conducted 25 expert interviews to reveal the reasons and arguments that underlie the disagreement about the limitations of deep learning, here evaluated in respect to high-level machine intelligence. Experts in our sample named 40 limitations of deep learning. Using interview data, we identify and explore five crucial, unresolved research subjects that underpin this scholarly disagreement: abstraction, generalisation, explanatory models, emergence of planning and intervention. We suggest that such origins of disagreement can be used to form a research road map to guide efforts towards overcoming the limitations of deep learning.
Postprandial glucose and HbA1c are associated with severity of obstructive sleep apnoea in non-diabetic obese subjects
Authors: Cignarelli A. , Ciavarella A. , Barbaro M. , Kounaki S. , Di Trani A. , Falcone V. A. , Quaranta V. N. , Natalicchio A. , Laviola L. , Resta O. , Giorgino F. , Perrini S.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is an underdiagnosed condition frequently associated with glycaemic control impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Aim

To assess the relationship between glycometabolic parameters and OSA in obese non-diabetic subjects.

Methods

Ninety consecutive subjects (mean age 44.9 ± 12 years, mean BMI 42.1 ± 9 kg/m2) underwent polysomnography and a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

OSA was identified in 75% of subjects, with a higher prevalence of males compared to the group of subjects without OSA (62% vs 32%, p = 0.02). Patients with OSA had comparable BMI (42.8 kg/m2 vs 39.4 kg/m2), a higher average HbA1c (5.8% vs 5.4%, p < 0.001), plasma glucose at 120 min during OGTT (2 h-PG; 123 mg/dl vs 97 mg/dl, p = 0.009) and diastolic blood pressure (81.1 mmHg vs 76.2 mmHg, p = 0.046) than obese subjects without OSA. HbA1c and 2 h-PG were found to be correlated with the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI; r = 0.35 and r = 0.42, respectively) and with percent of sleep time with oxyhaemoglobin saturation < 90% (ST90; r = 0.44 and r = 0.39, respectively). Further, in a linear regression model, ST90 and AHI were found to be the main determinants of 2 h-PG (β = 0.81, p < 0.01 and β = 0.75, p = 0.02, respectively) after controlling for age, sex, waist circumference, physical activity, and C-reactive protein. Similarly, ST90 and AHI persisted as independent determinants of HbA1c (β = 0.01, p = 0.01 and β = 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Beyond the traditional clinical parameters, the presence of a normal-high value of 2 h-PG and HbA1c should raise suspicion of the presence of OSA in obese subjects.
Frequency vs. Size of Bank Fines in Local Credit Markets
Authors: Marchionne Francesco , Fratianni Michele , Giri Federico , Papi Luca
Published: June 2021

We examine how banking supervisors affect credit at the local level by charging fines to individual banks. Using a macro approach to capture the direct effect on the fined bank and the indirect effect on the other banks operating in the local credit market, we estimate reputational, reallocation and balance sheet effects on Italian provinces over the period 2005–2016 by a fixed effects model and instrumental variables. Provincial gross bank loans expand after a fine independently of its size. The impact of fine frequency depends on the size of the provincial banking sector, but neither on bank governance/ownership nor crises. No statistically significant evidence supports reputational or balance sheet effects. Instead, our results suggest that it would behoove bank supervisors to favor frequency over size of bank fines. Bank fines seem to work more like a good housekeeping seal of approval, enhancing transparency and effective banking practices.
On Mathematical Equalities and Inequalities in the Life Table: Something Old and Something New
Authors: Swanson David A. , Tedrow Lucky M.
Published: June 2021

This paper discusses known mathematical equalities and inequalities found within life tables and proceeds to identify two new inequalities. The first (theorem 1) is that at any given age x, the sum of mean years lived and mean years remaining exceeds life expectancy at birth when age is greater than zero and less than the maximum lifespan. The second inequality (theorem 2) applies to the entire population and shows that the sum of mean years lived and mean years remaining exceeds life expectancy at birth. Illustrations of the two inequalities are provided as well as a discussion.
Police discrimination among Black, Latina/x/o, and White adolescents: Examining frequency and relations to academic functioning
Authors: Zeiders Katharine H. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Carbajal Selena , Pech Alexandria
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Concerns regarding police brutality and violence against people of color in the U.S. remain high in the current sociohistorical moment in which the recent murder of George Floyd by a police officer is highly salient. Although the prevalence and consequences of such experiences for Black and Latina/x/o adults have been documented in the literature, there is a limited understanding of youths’ negative experiences with police.

Methods

Utilizing a sample of 1378 adolescents (Mage = 16.16 years, SD = 1.12), the current study examined Black, Latina/x/o, and White youths' self‐reports of ethnic‐racial police discrimination and linked these experiences to youths’ academic engagement and academic grades.

Results

Black and Latina/x/o youth reported significantly greater experiences of ethnic‐racial police discrimination than their White counterparts; nearly 24% of Black youth and 20% of Latina/x/o youth experienced at least one instance of ethnic‐racial police discrimination in the last year, compared to only 2.9% of White youth. Differences by gender emerged among Latina/x/o youth. Police discrimination was associated with lower academic engagement and lower academic grades among all youth.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate that the greater prevalence of ethnic‐racial police discrimination in the lives of youth of color, relative to their White counterparts, mirroring the experiences of adults. Furthermore, coupled with the significant links with academic adjustment, the current findings demonstrate an additional factor that is likely implicated in the Black and Latina/x/o vs. White academic achievement gap.
Predictors and consequences of non‐suicidal self‐injury in relation to life, peer, and school factors
Authors: Baetens I. , Greene D. , Van Hove L. , Van Leeuwen K. , Wiersema J.R. , Desoete A. , Roelants M.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Numerous life, peer, and school‐related factors have been found to be associated with non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) among adolescents; however, most studies have not explored the possible reciprocal nature of these associations. The aim of the current study was to examine bidirectional and longitudinal associations between NSSI and several life, peer, and school‐related factors (i.e., stressful life events, peer relationships, academic achievement, and attitudes towards school).

Method

Community‐based adolescents completed questionnaires assessing the variables of interest at three time points; age 12 (T1; 55.09% girls), age 13 (T2; 56.95% girls), and ages 14–15 (T3; 57.41% girls). In total, 529 adolescents provided complete data across all three‐time points.

Results

Analyses showed a bidirectional association between NSSI and both attitudes towards school and stressful life events. Specifically, stressful life events at T2 predicted engagement in NSSI at T3, and NSSI at T2 predicted increased risk of stressful life events at T3. Similarly, having negative attitudes towards school predicted NSSI at T2, which, in turn, predicted negative attitudes towards school at T3. Further, academic achievement at T1 was negatively associated with NSSI at T2. Peer relationships were neither a predictor nor a consequence of NSSI.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that NSSI can be both a predictor and a consequence of various life, and school factors. Focus on these factors in prevention and intervention efforts for NSSI among adolescents may be warranted.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sexual Function of Health Professionals From an Epicenter in Brazil
Authors: Neto Rubens Pedrenho , Nascimento Bruno C.G. , Carvalho dos Anjos Silva Gabriel , Barbosa João Arthur Brunhara Alves , Júnior José de Bessa , Teixeira Thiago Afonso , Srougi Miguel , Nahas William Carlos , Hallak Jorge , Cury José
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 resulted in worldwide social isolation and leading to significant personal distress, particularly among health professionals on the front lines. Those factors' relevance and their impact on sexual function in this population have not yet been established.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of the pandemic on sexual function in healthcare professionals and medical students at a reference center in the treatment of COVID-19 in Brazil.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis with online questionnaires about sexual function was sent to health professionals and medical students from the HC-FMUSP medical complex. The questionnaire evaluated Total Sexual and Masturbatory Frequency prior and during the pandemic, libido and sexual satisfaction changes with a detailed inquire about demographics and personal factors. An objective assessment of sexual function was also made using the validated sexual quotient questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measures

Differences in intercourse frequency, libido, and overall sexual satisfaction, in a sample of healthcare professionals particularly vulnerable to the pandemic effects.

Results

A total of 1,314 responses were available with a mean age of 37 years. Worsening of sexual satisfaction was reported by 44.5% of the participants, with the following associated factors: Lower libido, missing Nightlife, Higher Masturbatory Frequency, and isolation from the partner. Remaning sexualy actively and having higher sexual frequency appear to decrease the chance of worsening sexual function. Worsening of Libido was reported by 37% and had several associated factors, including missing of Nightlife, older age, isolation from the partner among others. Being male and sexually active was associated with a smaller chance of reporting lower libido.

Conclusion

We were able to observe a sharp drop in Libido and General Sexual Satisfaction. Although an increase in pornography consumption and masturbatory frequency did occur, these factors were not associated with greater sexual satisfaction. The impact of COVID-19 on this population's sexual health is not to be underestimated and should be further studied in the follow-up of the pandemic.
Prehospital Cross-Sectional Study of Drowning Patients Across the United States
Authors: Popp Lucas M. , Ashburn Nicklaus P. , McGinnis Henderson D. , Stopyra Jason P.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Every year drowning is responsible for 7% of injury-related deaths worldwide, making it the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death. However, in the United States, little is known regarding the prehospital presentation and management of these patients. The purpose of this study was to describe the drowning population in the United States, with a focus on prehospital time intervals, transport, and cardiac arrest frequency.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed querying records from emergency medical services encounters across the United States over 30 mo (January 2016 to July 2018) using the ESO (Austin, TX) national emergency medical services data registry. Patients with a dispatch or chief complaint of drowning were included. Descriptive statistics, binomial proportion tests, and general linear and logistic regression models were used.

Results

There were 1859 encounters that met the study criteria. Median age was 18 y (n=1855, LQ-UQ 4–46). Pediatric patients accounted for 50% (n=919, 95% CI 47–52). Cardiac arrest occurred in 29% (n=537, 95% CI 27–31), and return of spontaneous circulation occurred in 37% (n=186, 95% CI 32–41). Times were 8±5, 19±17, and 15±10 min (mean±SD) for arrival, on-scene, and transport times, respectively.

Conclusions

This national prehospital drowning study demonstrated that despite an 18% fatality rate in drowning encounters, patients were more likely to have return of spontaneous circulation when compared to the overall prehospital national average, with rates higher in pediatric patients. Future studies with outcomes data should focus on identifying factors that improve cardiopulmonary resuscitation success rates.
Debates in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea treatment
Authors: Xu Zhi‐Fei , Ni Xin
Published: June 2021

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is among the most common sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) diseases in children. Its high prevalence and multiple systemic complications lead to increasing numbers of children and families affected by OSA. Timely diagnosis and effective intervention in children with this condition is extremely important in improving their prognosis. The major approaches in the treatment of OSA in children are to eliminate the causes of upper airway obstruction and prevent and treat complications. Considering the specific individual differences in children's growth and development, as well as the diversity of etiologies in children's OSA, pediatric treatment strategies need to be precise, multidisciplinary, and individualized. First‐line clinical treatment consists of surgical (adenotonsillectomy) and non‐surgical therapies [including anti‐inflammatory medications and non‐invasive ventilation (NIV)]. However, a considerable controversy exists concerning the indications, treatment standards, and the evaluation of the efficacy of the aforementioned treatment methods. In this review, reviews and assessment of literature studies and multidisciplinary clinical experience were performed to analyze the application of each treatment and discuss controversial issues and future research directions. We suggest that the above interventions should be tailored to each child's needs, comorbidities, and the availability and expertise of the practitioner. The ideal case is when a multidisciplinary team of doctors together with the patients and their parents, or guardians, have a thorough discussion regarding the benefits and risks of all available treatment options and all agree on an effective treatment plan.
Iridium Communications Satellite Constellation Data for Study of Earth's Magnetic Field
Authors: Anderson Brian J. , Angappan Regupathi , Barik Ankit , Vines Sarah K. , Stanley Sabine , Bernasconi Pietro N. , Korth Haje , Barnes Robin J.
Published: June 2021

Characterization of Earth's magnetic field is key to understanding dynamics of the core. We assess whether Iridium Communications magnetometer data can be used for this purpose since. The 66 Iridium satellites are in 86° inclination, 780 km altitude, circular orbits, with 11 satellites in each of six orbit planes. In one day the constellation returns 300,000 measurements spanning the globe with <2° spacing. We used data from January 2010 through November 2015, and compared against International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF‐11) to inter‐calibrate all data to the same model. Geomagnetically quiet 24‐h intervals were selected using the total Birkeland current, auroral electrojet, and ring current indices. The z‐scores for these quantities were combined and the quietest 16 intervals from each quarter selected for analysis. Residuals between the data and IGRF‐11 yield consistent patterns that evolve gradually from 2010 to 2015. Residuals for each day were binned in 9° latitude by 9° longitude and the distributions about the mean in each bin are Gaussian with 1‐sigma standard errors of ∼3 nT. Spherical harmonic coefficients for each quiet day were computed and time series of the coefficients used to identify artifacts at the orbit precession (8 months) and seasonal (12 months) periods and their harmonics which were then removed by notch filtering. This analysis yields time series at 800 virtual geomagnetic observatories each providing a global field map using a single day of data. The results and CHAOS 7.4 generally agree, but systematic differences larger than the statistical uncertainties are present that warrant further exploration.
Toward Developing a Generalizable Pedotransfer Function for Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Using Transfer Learning and Predictor Selector Algorithm
Authors: Jena Suraj , Mohanty Binayak P. , Panda Rabindra K. , Ramadas Meenu
Published: June 2021

Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are being instrumental in saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) estimation. Despite various advancements, the performance of existing generic Ks predicting PTFs need augmentation. This study developed a robust Ks predicting PTF using a machine learning (ML) algorithm and exhaustive data set for 324 soils with 28 properties sampled over a tropical savanna region of India. Four ML algorithms were evaluated for this purpose, and random forest (RF) outperformed all others. A substantial improvement to the prediction by RF‐based PTF was achieved through predictor selection using a hybrid wrapper‐embedded algorithm. The predictor selection algorithm selected eight pertinent predictors (HID‐S): S, Si, C, FSF, Cu, GMD, D60, and D10. The mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) obtained as average tenfold cross‐validation scores for RF algorithm training with HID‐S were 0.87, 1.47, 0.94, and 0.94, respectively. The developed PTF (RF‐HID‐S) was evaluated alongside the recently published PTFs by Araya and Ghezzehei (2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018wr024357), within and outside the study region. In that process, it was observed that the RF‐HID‐S possessed superior prediction proficiency compared to the recently published and commonly used PTFs in both cases. These findings mark RF‐HID‐S as the most robust generalizable PTF, which may further be evaluated in different parts of the world. Moreover, looking at the performance of the eight selected predictors within and outside the study region, they can be considered for experiment design globally to make Ks estimation accurate and cost‐effective.
Higher Education During the Pandemic: Truths and Takeaways
Authors: Furman Tanya , Moldwin Mark
Published: June 2021

Students and faculty in higher education have faced countless disruptions since early 2020, exacerbating problems with mental health but also revealing positive ways to reshape teaching and learning.
Effects of Climate Change on Peatland Reservoirs: A DOC Perspective
Authors: Fenner N. , Meadham J. , Jones T. , Hayes F. , Freeman C.
Published: June 2021

Peatland reservoirs are global hotspots for drinking water provision and are likely to become more important as demand per capita rises and the climate changes. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is associated with harmful disinfection byproducts and reduced aesthetic quality, and its removal is the major treatment cost. Littoral zones are known to be disproportionately important for DOC production through macrophyte inputs, and such communities are predicted to expand with warming in northern regions. However, little is known about autochthonous DOC contributions and their response to climatic change. Here we exposed mesocosms to elevated CO2 (eCO2), warming and a combined treatment across a trophic gradient. Regression analysis indicated that while sediments, macrophytes, and phytoplankton are important DOC sources (P < 0.05), benthic algal biomass showed the strongest relationship with DOC (P < 0.05), suggesting it is an underestimated source. DOC removal indicators, namely phenol oxidase (depolymerization) and respiration (mineralization) were inversely related to DOC concentration in oligohumic (P < 0.05) and oligotrophic (P < 0.1) systems, suggesting heterotrophic processes are important in DOC removal. DOC concentrations increased across all systems (P < 0.05), irrespective of trophic status, due to increased photoautotrophic inputs (macrophyte, pelagic, and benthic algae) under eCO2, warming, and combined scenarios, with inhibited depolymerization and mineralization under eCO2, even when combined with warming (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 excepting the oligo‐mesotrophic reservoir P < 0.1 respectively). Increased DOC loads of all fractions, regardless of provenance, are predicted in a future climate and, thus, investment in techniques to remove a greater range of DOC fractions is proposed to help “future proof” drinking water supplies.
Proton Ring Evolution and Its Effect on Magnetosonic Wave Excitation: Particle‐In‐Cell Simulation and Linear Theory
Authors: Ouyang Zhihai , Yuan Zhigang , Yu Xiongdong , Yao Fei
Published: June 2021

In this letter, we used one‐dimensional (1‐D) particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations as well as linear theory to investigate the relationship between proton ring evolution and fast magnetosonic (MS) wave excitation. Simulations demonstrate that most of the ring protons can be scattered toward lower energies via MS waves excited by the initial proton ring distribution, leading to the increase of the proton ring speed corresponding to the maximum phase space density. These protons with a higher ring speed can further excite MS waves at a lower frequency. As a result, a new “double ring” distribution is found to be formed through scattering of higher energy protons by the lower frequency MS waves. The letter demonstrates the detailed evolution process of proton ring distribution and its effect on the excitation of MS waves.
Do Existing Theories Explain Seasonal to Multi‐Decadal Changes in Glacier Basal Sliding Speed?
Authors: Gimbert F. , Gilbert A. , Gagliardini O. , Vincent C. , Moreau L.
Published: June 2021

Theoretical descriptions of ice‐bed friction beneath glaciers and ice sheets are key to predict changes in sea level. Applicability of these theories at the natural landscape scale and over long periods has however not been tested. Here we test hard bed friction laws by analyzing a unique data set of in‐situ basal sliding measurements collected over three decades under an Alpine glacier enduring large changes in geometry. We report many observational features that are in striking agreement with theoretical predictions. However, we also observe an undocumented behavior where the basal stress state stabilizes near Iken's limit under meltwater input, which suggests the basal effective pressure is primarily set by bed shear stress rather than by water input and drainage specifics as commonly thought. As a result, long‐term changes in year‐averaged sliding velocities follow a simple power law scaling with bed shear stress as opposed to more complex pressure‐dependent relationships.
Delayed Collapse of the North Pacific Intermediate Water After the Glacial Termination
Authors: Zhao Debo , Wan Shiming , Lu Zhengyao , Zhai Lina , Feng Xuguang , Shi Xuefa , Li Anchun
Published: June 2021

Carbon release from the North Pacific in glacial‐interglacial cycles has been mainly linked to the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) formation and associated carbon/nutrient water upwelling and biological productivity changes. However, relationship between NPIW and atmospheric CO2 change in the early interglacial remains unclear. Here we report a high‐resolution sediment record of NPIW evolution based on paleo‐redox changes in the Western North Pacific during the last 400 ka. Our proxy and model results reveal a delayed collapse of NPIW after the glacial termination was coeval with decreased salinity of intermediate water and increased net rainfall in the North Pacific. Such weakened NPIW formation in the North Pacific probably make a contribution to maintain high atmospheric CO2 concentrations through weakened intermediate‐to‐deep ocean stratification and reduced subsurface biological pump net efficiency, countering the return to more stratified conditions in the Southern Ocean, which should drive down atmospheric CO2 during the early interglacial.
Assessing Biases and Climate Implications of the Diurnal Precipitation Cycle in Climate Models
Authors: Christopoulos Costa , Schneider Tapio
Published: June 2021

The diurnal cycle is a common benchmark for evaluating the performance of weather and climate models on short timescales. For decades, capturing the timing of peak precipitation during the day has remained a challenge for climate models. In this study, the phase and amplitude of the diurnal precipitation cycle in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) models are compared to satellite data. While some improvements align CMIP6 models closer to satellite observations, significant biases in the timing of peak precipitation remain, especially over land. Notably, precipitation over land in CMIP6 models still occurs ∼5.4 h too early; the diurnal cycle amplitude is ∼0.81 mm day−1 too small over the oceans. Further, the diurnal phase of oceanic precipitation correlates weakly with the equilibrium climate sensitivity in CMIP6 models: models with a later precipitation peak over oceans tend to exhibit a higher climate sensitivity. However, it is unclear whether this relationship is robust.
Sea Surface Height Anomalies of the Arctic Ocean From ICESat‐2: A First Examination and Comparisons With CryoSat‐2
Authors: Bagnardi M. , Kurtz N. T. , Petty A. A. , Kwok R.
Published: June 2021

Accurately resolving spatio‐temporal variations in sea surface height across the polar oceans is key to improving our understanding of ocean circulation variability and change. Here, we examine the first 2 years (2018–2020) of Arctic Ocean sea surface height anomalies (SSHA) from the photon‐counting laser altimeter onboard NASA's Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite‐2 (ICESat‐2). ICESat‐2 SSHA estimates are compared to estimates from ESA's CryoSat‐2 mission, including semisynchronous along‐track measurements from the recent CRYO2ICE orbit alignment campaign. There are documented residual centimeter‐scale range biases between the ICESat‐2 beams (in release‐003 data) and we opted for a single‐beam approach in our comparisons. We find good agreement in the along‐track estimates (spatial correlation coefficient >0.8 and mean differences <0.03 m) as well as in the gridded monthly SSHA estimates (temporal correlation coefficient of 0.76 and a mean difference of 0.01 m) from the two altimeters, suggesting ICESat‐2 adds to the CryoSat‐2 SSHA estimates.
Air‐Sea Interaction in the Western Tropical Pacific and its Impact on Asymmetry of the Ningaloo Niño/Niña
Authors: Kusunoki Hidehiro , Kido Shoichiro , Tozuka Tomoki
Published: June 2021

Ningaloo Niño/Niña is the dominant interannual sea surface temperature (SST) variability off Western Australia with the former typically stronger than the latter. Although a recent study suggested that oceanic teleconnections from the Pacific partly contribute to the amplitude asymmetry, this seems counterintuitive as La Niña, which often induces the Ningaloo Niño, is generally weaker than El Niño. Here, mechanisms of the amplitude asymmetry in the oceanic teleconnection are investigated by analyzing reanalysis data and conducting ocean model simulations. Sensitivity experiments using a linear continuously stratified model reveal that stronger easterly wind anomalies in the western equatorial Pacific contribute to the stronger oceanic teleconnection during the Ningaloo Niño. Furthermore, a mixed layer heat budget analysis with a regional ocean model shows that negatively skewed SST anomalies in the central equatorial Pacific related to the skewed wind anomalies in the western equatorial Pacific, are mainly induced by vertical advection/diffusion and entrainment.
Intermittent Reduction in Ocean Heat Transport Into the Getz Ice Shelf Cavity During Strong Wind Events
Authors: Steiger Nadine , Darelius Elin , Wåhlin Anna K. , Assmann Karen M.
Published: June 2021

The flow of warm water toward the western Getz Ice Shelf along the Siple Trough, West Antarctica, is intermittently disrupted during short events of Winter Water deepening. Here we show, using mooring records, that these 5–10 days‐long events reduced the heat transport toward the ice shelf cavity by 25% in the winter of 2016. The events coincide with strong easterly winds and polynya opening in the region, but the Winter Water deepening is controlled by non‐local coastal Ekman downwelling rather than polynya‐related surface fluxes. The thermocline depth anomalies are forced by Ekman downwelling at the northern coast of Siple Island and propagate to the ice front as a coastal trapped wave. During the events, the flow at depth does no longer continue along isobaths into the ice shelf cavity but aligns with the ice front.