bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resourcefulness of homeless young people who practise sex work in Pakistan: a qualitative study
Authors: Noor Muhammad Naveed , Bryant Joanne , de Wit John , Holt Martin
Published: October 2021

Background Many homeless young people in Pakistan use sex work as a way to generate income, particularly if they have few other options for work. Because it is highly stigmatised, little attention has been paid to the strategies homeless young people use to practise sex work, and what this suggests about their capacities and strengths. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 homeless young people (aged 16–25 years) from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, including nine cisgender heterosexual men, six cisgender heterosexual women, seven cisgender gay men, and seven transgender heterosexual women. Results Participants sought memberships in street-based peer groups where financial gains were contingent on dancing and sex work. To practise their work successfully, participants learned novel skills and mobilised material resources available to them on the streets. Participants talked about how they acquired and benefitted from skills related to beautification, dancing, communication, and sexual services to achieve the necessary standards for entertainment and sex work. Access to material resources like makeup, clothes, rented rooms, mobile phones and condoms made dancing and sex work possible and safer for participants. Conclusions Participants’ improvisation with limited resources on the streets has important implications for policy and programs. Showcasing the resourcefulness and capacities of young people encourages a different way of thinking about them. This potential could be utilised in productive ways if they were given the chance to receive mainstream and technical education, better health support and access to the formal job market.
Potential conditions for fire occurrence in vegetation in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Zubieta Ricardo , Prudencio Fernando , Ccanchi Yerson , Saavedra Miguel , Sulca Juan , Reupo Jorge , Alarco Glory
Published: October 2021

Fire activity in the Peruvian Andes has increased significantly in recent decades, but climatic parameters associated with drought, which may indirectly contribute to the occurrence of severe forest fires, have not yet been investigated. Because fire prevention tools are scarce, strategies for deterring burning are necessary in order to reduce impacts in regions where forest fires usually result from human activity. This study explores the conditions conducive to forest fire in the Andes of Peru. Daily precipitation and temperature observed data from the PISCO gridded dataset for the 2002–2016 period were used. In addition, MODIS satellite images (MOD09A1 product) were collected to characterise Andean vegetation using spectral indices. Analysis of daily temperature and rainfall indicates that climatic parameters such as cumulative precipitation, dry-day frequency and hot-day frequency are statistically associated with conditions that could contribute to increased forest fire occurrence. Our findings suggest that a decrease in the water content of vegetation, estimated by the Global Vegetation Moisture Index during the dry period and wet period onset, can be used to identify potential conditions for forest fire occurrence. This study suggests that forest managers should consider implementing prevention strategies that include continuous monitoring of climate and vegetation parameters.
Atomistic modelling of the immiscible Fe–Bi system from a constructed bond order potential
Authors: Liang Z B , Jiang Y C , Gong X , Gong H R
Published: October 2021

An analytical bond-order potential (BOP) of Fe–Bi has been constructed and has been validated to have a better performance than the Fe–Bi potentials already published in the literature. Molecular dynamics simulations based on this BOP has been then conducted to investigate the ground-state properties of Bi, structural stability of the Fe–Bi binary system, and the effect of Bi on mechanical properties of BCC Fe. It is found that the present BOP could accurately predict the ground-state A7 structure of Bi and its structural parameters, and that a uniform amorphous structure of Fe100−x
Bi
x
could be formed when Bi is located in the composition range of 26 ⩽ x < 70. In addition, simulations also reveal that the addition of a very small percentage of Bi would cause a considerable decrease of tensile strength and critical strain of BCC Fe upon uniaxial tensile loading. The obtained results are in nice agreement with similar experimental observations in the literature.
Surface tension of liquids and binary mixtures from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Pauletti Michela , Rybkin Vladimir V , Iannuzzi Marcella
Published: October 2021

In this work we assess and extend strategies for calculating surface tension of complex liquids from molecular dynamics simulations: the mechanical route and the instantaneous liquid interface (ILI) approach. The former employs the connection between stress tensor and surface tension, whereas the latter involves computation of instantaneous density field. Whereas the mechanical route is general, the ILI method involves system-dependent parameters restricting its original application to liquid water only. Here we generalize the approach to complex molecular liquids using atomic van der Waals radii. The performance of the approaches is evaluated on two liquid systems: acetonitrile and water–methanol mixture. In addition, we compare the effect of the computational models for interaction potentials based on semi-empirical electronic structure theory and classical force fields on the estimate of the surface tension within both stress tensor and ILI approaches.
Spatio-temporal analysis of collective migration in vivo by particle image velocimetry
Authors: Sampedro María F , Miño Gastón L , Galetto Carolina D , Sigot Valeria
Published: October 2021

Collective cell migration drives the formation of complex organ systems as well as certain tumour invasions and wound healing processes. A characteristic feature of many migrating collectives is tissue-scale polarity, whereby ‘leader’ cells at the tissue edge guide ‘followers’ cells that become assembled into polarized epithelial tissues. In this study, we employed particle image velocimetry (PIV) as a tool to quantitate local dynamics underlying the migration of the posterior lateral line primordium (pLLP) in zebrafish at a short time scale. Epithelial cadherin-EGFP was the fluorescent tracer in time-lapse images for PIV analysis. At the tissue level, global speed and directionality of the primordium were extracted from spatially averaged velocity fields. Interestingly, fluctuating velocity patterns evolve at the mesoscale level, which distinguishes the pseudo-mesenchymal leading front from the epithelialized trailing edge, and superimpose to the global deceleration of the whole primordium during the separation of a protoneuromast. Local velocity fields obtained by PIV proved sensitive to estimate the migration speed and directionality of the pLLP in zebrafish, predicting protoneuromast separation at short time scales. Finally, the PIV approach may be suitable for analysing the dynamics of other in vivo models of collective migration.
RETRACTED: Research on Virtual Reality Experience Design System Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology and Mental Model
Authors: Hou Lixia
Published: October 2021

Mental model is the development of human brain thinking. In daily life, it is expressed as the representation of surrounding objects and people in the environment, and it can also be expressed as a stable representation or image of the human brain for permanent memory. As a collection of internal factors, it helps to understand people’s motivations, thought processes, emotions, needs, etc. The mental model combined with the virtual reality system technology meets the user’s thinking mode, and the product will have an excellent user experience. This article mainly introduces the analysis and research of virtual reality experience design system based on mental model. This paper uses the analysis and research of the virtual reality experience design system based on the mental model, uses the virtual reality interactive system to design, and reasonably analyzes the feasibility of the virtual reality interface model. The human-computer interaction in virtual reality and the presentation effect of virtual scenes are the two most important aspects of virtual reality experience. The experimental results of this paper show that the analysis and research of the virtual reality experience design system based on the mental model has increased the sense of virtual reality experience by 16%. The limitations of the analysis of the virtual reality experience design system of the mental model are good for virtual reality applications. The methods and approaches of human-computer interaction are analyzed, discussed and summarized, so as to enrich the academic research results.
Heat dissipation in few-layer MoS2 and MoS2/hBN heterostructure
Authors: Arrighi Alois , del Corro Elena , Urrios Daniel Navarro , Costache Marius V , Sierra Juan F , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Garrido J A , Valenzuela Sergio O , Sotomayor Torres Clivia M , Sledzinska Marianna
Published: October 2021

State-of-the-art fabrication and characterisation techniques have been employed to measure the thermal conductivity of suspended, single-crystalline MoS2 and MoS2/hBN heterostructures. Two-laser Raman scattering thermometry was used combined with real time measurements of the absorbed laser power. Measurements on MoS2 layers with thicknesses of 5 and 14 nm exhibit thermal conductivity in the range between 12 Wm−1 K−1 and 24 Wm−1 K−1. Additionally, after determining the thermal conductivity of the latter MoS2 sample, an hBN flake was transferred onto it and the effective thermal conductivity of the heterostructure was subsequently measured. Remarkably, despite that the thickness of the hBN layer was less than a hal of the thickness of the MoS2 layer, the heterostructure showed an almost eight-fold increase in the thermal conductivity, being able to dissipate more than ten times the laser power without any visible sign of damage. These results are consistent with a high thermal interface conductance G between MoS2 and hBN and an efficient in-plane heat spreading driven by hBN. Indeed, we estimate G ∼ 70 MW m−2 K−1 for hBN layer thermal conductivity of 450 Wm−1 K−1 which is significantly higher than previously reported values. Our work therefore demonstrates that the insertion of hBN layers in potential MoS2-based devices holds the promise for efficient thermal management.
Study on the factors affecting the mechanical properties and recovery force of PLA/PEEK blends
Authors: Zhang Lan , Ma Suqian , Xiu Haohua , Lin Zhaohua , Zhang Zhihui
Published: October 2021

It has been found that PLA/PEEK blends have excellent mechanical properties and shape memory properties. In this article, the properties of PLA/PEEK blends were further studied. The mechanical properties of PLA/PEEK blends may be directly or indirectly affected by the molding temperature, molding method and heat treatment conditions. In this paper, PLA/PEEK blends were prepared under different processing conditions (molding temperature, molding method and heat treatment conditions) to evaluate the effects of different processing conditions on the mechanical properties of PLA/PEEK blends. In order to determine the lifting force of PLA/PEEK blends under different conditions, the effects of blends proportion and deformation temperature on the deformation force during the shape memory process were investigated. The experimental results show that the mechanical properties of PLA/PEEK blends can be improved by controlling the preparation conditions, and the deformation time and force can be effectively controlled by the proportion of the blends and recovery temperature.
Future sea-level rise projections for tide gauge locations in South Asia
Authors: Harrison Benjamin J , Daron Joseph D , Palmer Matthew D , Weeks Jennifer H
Published: October 2021

Local projections of future sea-level change are important for understanding climate change risks and informing coastal management decisions. Reliable and relevant coastal risk information is especially important in South Asia, where large populations live in low-lying areas and are at risk from coastal inundation. We present a new set of local sea-level projections for selected tide gauge locations in South Asia. The projections are used to explore the drivers of spatial variations in sea-level change for South Asia over the 21st century under the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Global sea-level rise for 2081–2100 is projected to be 0.39 m (0.26–0.58 m) and 0.65 m (0.47 m–0.93m) for RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 respectively. Local sea-level rise projections for the same period vary spatially over the South Asia region, with local sea-level rise in excess of projected global sea-level rise in the equatorial Indian Ocean but less than projected global sea-level rise for the northern Arabian Sea and northern Bay of Bengal. Local sea-level rise for 2081–2100 is projected to be 0.44 m (0.29–0.67 m) and 0.72 m (0.51–1.06 m) at Gan II (Maldives) under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 respectively, whereas for Diamond Harbour (West Bengal) the corresponding changes are 0.32 m (0.19–0.51 m) and 0.57 m (0.39–0.85m). We find that the sterodynamic contribution is generally the leading driver of change at any single location, with future groundwater extraction over the sub-continent landmass the main driver of spatial variations in sea-level across the region. The new localised projections quantify and enhance understanding of future sea-level rise in South Asia, with the potential to feed into decisions for coastal planning by local communities, government, and industry.
Direct fabrication and characterization of vertically stacked Graphene/h-BN/Graphene tunnel junctions
Authors: Alzahrani Ali , Alruqi Adel , Karki Bhupendra , Kalutara Koralalage Milinda , Jasinski Jacek , Sumanasekera Gamini
Published: October 2021

We have used a lithography free technique for the direct fabrication of vertically stacked two-dimensional (2D) material-based tunnel junctions and characterized by Raman, AFM, XPS. We fabricated Graphene/h-BN/Graphene devices by direct deposition of graphene (bottom layer), h-BN (insulating barrier) and graphene (top layer) sequentially using a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition on Si/SiO2 substrates. The thickness of the h-BN insulating layer was varied by tuning the plasma power and the deposition time. Samples were characterized by Raman, AFM, and XPS. The I-V data follows the barrier thickness dependent quantum tunneling behavior for equally doped graphene layers. The resonant tunneling behavior was observed at room temperature for oppositely doped graphene layers where hydrazine and ammonia were used for n-doping of one of the graphene layers. The resonance with negative differential conductance occurs when the band structures of the two electrodes are aligned. The doping effect of the resonant peak is observed for varying doping levels. The results are explained according to the Bardeen tunneling model.
Information and Deterrence in Shareholder Derivative Litigation
Authors: Curtis Quinn
Published: October 2021

Shareholder derivative litigation is often critiqued as costly to firms Special litigation committees have been devised as a means to dismiss low-value lawsuits and reduce unwanted litigation. This article presents a formal model which operationalizes the most common critiques of shareholder derivative litigation including meritless suits, value-decreasing suits, and self-interested plaintiffs’ attorneys who do not internalize the costs of litigation. Within this framework, allowing even an unbiased special litigation committee with superior information about suit quality to dismiss litigation may nevertheless decrease the value of the firm because it undercuts the firm’s ability to commit ex ante to an aggressive litigation stance regarding fiduciary breaches. Whether this is the case turns on firm-specific variables, such as transparency, the risk of management distraction caused by litigation, and sensitivity to small-scale managerial malfeasance, suggesting that a private-ordering approach to derivative litigation may be desirable.
Multi-instance learning of graph neural networks for aqueous pKa prediction
Authors: Xiong Jiacheng , Li Zhaojun , Wang Guangchao , Fu Zunyun , Zhong Feisheng , Xu Tingyang , Liu Xiaomeng , Huang Ziming , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Kaixian , Jiang Hualiang , Zheng Mingyue
Published: October 2021

Motivation

The acid dissociation constant (pKa) is a critical parameter to reflect the ionization ability of chemical compounds and is widely applied in a variety of industries. However, the experimental determination of pKa is intricate and time-consuming, especially for the exact determination of micro-pKa information at the atomic level. Hence, a fast and accurate prediction of pKa values of chemical compounds is of broad interest.

Results

Here, we compiled a large-scale pKa dataset containing 16 595 compounds with 17 489 pKa values. Based on this dataset, a novel pKa prediction model, named Graph-pKa, was established using graph neural networks. Graph-pKa performed well on the prediction of macro-pKa values, with a mean absolute error around 0.55 and a coefficient of determination around 0.92 on the test dataset. Furthermore, combining multi-instance learning, Graph-pKa was also able to automatically deconvolute the predicted macro-pKa into discrete micro-pKa values.

Availability and implementation

The Graph-pKa model is now freely accessible via a web-based interface (https://pka.simm.ac.cn/).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Molecular phylogenetics ofEuploca(Boraginaceae): homoplasy in many characters, including the C4 photosynthetic pathway
Authors: Frohlich Michael W , Sage Rowan F , Craven Lyn A , Schuster Sebastian , Gigot Guillaume , Hilger Hartmut H , Akhani Hossein , Mahdavi Parastoo , Luebert Federico , Weigend Maximilian , Thulin Mats , Doyle Jeff J , Doyle Jane L , Vogan Patrick , Forrest Alan , Fulcher Timothy K , Devey Dion S , Chase Mark W
Published: October 2021

We present a phylogenetic analysis using plastid (matK, rbcL) and nuclear (nrITS) DNA for diverse Euploca spp. (formerly Heliotropium section Orthostachys) from the worldwide distribution of a genus and including species encompassing the wide physiological and morphological diversity of the genus. Our results indicate that some remarkably complex features arose multiple times in parallel in Euploca, including attributes of its subsections under section Orthostachys, notably plants that, above ground, consist almost entirely of inflorescences. To elucidate in greater detail the distribution of C4 species in Euploca and Heliotropium s.s., we made > 800 δ 13C determinations, including some from the traditional genus Tournefortia. We greatly increase the number of proven C4 species in Euploca, but found none outside Euploca. Of the tested Euploca spp., c. 28% are C3 or intermediate in carbon fixation pathway. Our phylogenetic results indicate four parallel/convergent acquisitions of C4 photosynthesis or fewer origins with subsequent loss in some species.
A molecular phylogenetic study of African members of tribe Hypolytreae (Mapanioideae, Cyperaceae)
Authors: Mesterházy Attila , Kim Changkyun , Cabezas Francesco , Verloove Filip , Larridon Isabel
Published: October 2021

Mapanoioideae are one of two subfamilies of Cyperaceae and consist of 186 species. Molecular phylogenetic relationships in subfamily Cyperoideae have recently been studied well, whereas evolutionary relationships in Mapanioideae remain little known. Subfamily Mapanioideae include two tribes. This study focuses on Hypolytreae, which is represented by three genera in Africa (Hypolytrum, Mapania and Principina). In this paper, we present the first molecular phylogenetic study of African Hypolytreae using a Sanger sequencing approach. We aim to (1) test whether Hypolytrum, Mapania and Principina are reciprocally monophyletic; (2) investigate whether the morphologically based sections in Hypolytrum and Mapania represent monophyletic taxa; (3) resolve species delimitation where multiple accessions could be sequenced and (4) explore the relationships of species occurring in West Tropical Africa vs. Central Africa. Our phylogenetic analyses strongly support Mapania and Hypolytrum as separate genera, but Principina is nested in Hypolytrum. This result is consistent with morphological differences. Mapania spp. are obligate rainforest species, but our results show that species from West Tropical Africa and species from Central Africa do not form separate clades. Dispersal between these regions may have happened during interglacial periods when the rainforest was continuous.
Unravelling the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus
Authors: Schricker Severin , Kimmel Martin
Published: October 2021

For decades, itch related to chronic kidney disease (CKDaP) has been a clinical problem, but the aetiology and pathophysiology of CKDaP are still not yet fully understood—currently the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are thought to be multifactorial. As new therapeutic targets have recently been identified and clinical trials have shown promising results, our current understanding of the interrelationships has expanded significantly. Here we review the pathophysiology and recent findings on modulation and sensitization of itch contributing to the development of CKDaP, covering hypothesis regarding immune system dysfunction, metabolic changes, uremic toxin deposition, peripheral neuropathy and imbalances in the endogenous opioid system.
Severe mitral regurgitation from Libman–Sacks endocarditis treated with MitraClip: a case report
Authors: Ningyan Wong , Jappar Ignasius Aditya , See Hooi Ewe , Khung Keong Yeo
Published: October 2021

Background 

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) valvulopathy can manifest as a spectrum of pathologies and treatment of severe valvular dysfunction thus far has been surgical. However, surgery in patients with SLE is frequently associated with high morbidity and mortality due to the presence of significant co-morbidities.

Case summary 

We report the case of a 41-year-old woman with SLE and anti-phospholipid syndrome with extensive co-morbidities including lupus nephritis, pancytopaenia, cerebrovascular accident, and severe airway obstruction from ipsilateral lung collapse and bronchiectasis. She had severe mitral regurgitation (MR) from Libman–Sacks endocarditis and in recent months developed heart failure with progressive exertional dyspnoea from New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional Class from New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II to III. In addition, there was progressive left ventricular dilatation and reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction. In view of the high surgical risk, she underwent transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of the mitral valve with the MitraClip system. At 1-month follow-up, she was back to NYHA functional Class II with mild MR.

Discussion

Our case demonstrates that in select patient with suitable anatomy, TEER is a potential treatment option for severe MR from SLE valvulopathy.
The ISCHEMIA trial: optimal medical therapy against PTCA in the stable patient: the endless story
Authors: Santucci Andrea , Cavallini Claudio
Published: October 2021

In patients with acute coronary syndrome, an aggressive approach with coronary angiography and revascularization leads to important benefits compared to medical therapy alone. On the contrary, the prognostic impact of coronary revascularization in patients suffering from stable coronary artery disease has long been the subject of debate. The pivotal study in this area is COURAGE, published in 2007, in which coronary revascularization showed no benefit about the combined endpoint of death from all causes and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), compared to medical therapy. The ISCHEMIA study, published in 2020, compared selective coronary angiography and revascularization vs. a non-invasive approach. By protocol, the patients were initially evaluated with coronary computed axial tomography angiography: in case of coronary stenosis >50%, they were then randomized to the two strategies. While in the invasive arm patients were revascularized, in the non-invasive arm revascularization was used only in case of patient destabilization. As in COURAGE, the results of ISCHEMIA did not demonstrate superiority of revascularization over medical therapy alone for a combined endpoint of cardiovascular death, AMI, or hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure, or cardiac arrest. Based on recent evidence from ISCHEMIA, it is therefore confirmed that coronary revascularization in stable patients does not seem to improve the prognosis compared to medical therapy alone.
Surprises in cardiology: efficacy of gliflozines in heart failure even in the absence of diabetes
Authors: Bragagni Alessio , Piani Federica , Borghi Claudio
Published: October 2021

It is now well-established that the therapy of type II diabetes mellitus has undergone a radical change in the past 15 years: countless innovative drugs, such as SGLT2I, able to guarantee an optimization of glycaemic control without causing hypoglycaemia, today represent real therapeutic cornerstones not only for the intrinsic ability of these molecules to ensure better glycaemic control but also for the effects they exert on the cardiovascular system. Several pioneering clinical trials, such as EMPA-REG, CANVAS, and DECLARE-TIMI-58, have demonstrated clear benefits of empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin, respectively, in reducing cardiovascular risk and diabetes-associated macrovascular complications in the diabetic population. The promising results that emerged from these trials represent the spark that triggered a series of studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of gliflozines in the treatment of patients with heart failure even in the absence of diabetes. Preliminary results confirm the efficacy of SGLT2I in the treatment of this population, representing a real therapeutic revolution.
Moderate gradient severe aortic stenosis: diagnosis, prognosis and therapy
Authors: Rizzello Vittoria
Published: October 2021

Aortic stenosis (AS) is defined as severe in the presence of: mean gradient ≥40 mmHg, peak aortic velocity ≥4 m/s, and aortic valve area (AVA) ≤1 cm2 (or an indexed AVA ≤0.6 cm2/m2). However, up to 40% of patients have a discrepancy between gradient and AVA, i.e. AVA ≤1 cm2 (indicating severe AS) and a moderate gradient: >20 and <40 mmHg (typical of moderate stenosis). This condition is called ‘low-gradient AS’ and includes very heterogeneous clinical entities, with different pathophysiological mechanisms. The diagnostic tools needed to discriminate the different low-gradient AS phenotypes include colour-Doppler echocardiography, dobutamine stress echocardiography, computed tomography scan for the definition of the calcium score, and recently magnetic resonance imaging. The prognostic impact of low-gradient AS is heterogeneous. Classical low-flow low-gradient AS [reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)] has the worst prognosis, followed by paradoxical low-flow low-gradient AS (preserved LVEF). Conversely, normal-flow low-gradient AS is associated with a better prognosis. The indications of the guidelines recommend surgical or percutaneous treatment, depending on the risk and comorbidities of the individual patient, both for patients with classic low-flow low-gradient AS and for those with paradoxical low-flow low-gradient AS.
Long-term outcome of targeted therapy of underlying conditions in patients with early persistent atrial fibrillation and heart failure: data of the RACE 3 trial
Authors: Nguyen Bao Oanh , Crijns Harry J G M , Tijssen Jan G P , Geelhoed Bastiaan , Hobbelt Anne H , Hemels Martin E W , Mol W J Myke , Weijs Bob , Alings Marco , Smit Marcelle D , Tieleman Robert G , Tukkie Raymond , Van Veldhuisen Dirk J , Van Gelder Isabelle C , Rienstra Michiel ,   for the RACE 3 Investigators, Van Gelder I C , Alings M , Tieleman R G , Aksoy I , Linssen G C M , Bosker H A , Verdel G J E , Cramer E , Crijns H J G M , Tuininga Y S , Van Der Galiën A , Hagens V , De Ruiter G S
Published: October 2021

Aims

The Routine vs. Aggressive risk factor driven upstream rhythm Control for prevention of Early persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure (HF) (RACE 3) trial demonstrated that targeted therapy of underlying conditions improved sinus rhythm maintenance at 1 year. We now explored the effects of targeted therapy on the additional co-primary endpoints; sinus rhythm maintenance and cardiovascular outcome at 5 years.

Methods and results

Patients with early persistent AF and mild-to-moderate stable HF were randomized to targeted or conventional therapy. Both groups received rhythm control therapy according to guidelines. The targeted group additionally received four therapies: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), statins, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and cardiac rehabilitation. The presence of sinus rhythm and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality at 5-year follow-up were assessed. Two hundred and sixteen patients consented for long-term follow-up, 107 were randomized to targeted and 109 to conventional therapy. At 5 years, MRAs [76 (74%) vs. 10 (9%) patients, P < 0.001] and statins [81 (79%) vs. 59 (55%), P < 0.001] were used more in the targeted than conventional group. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/ARBs and physical activity were not different between groups. Sinus rhythm was present in 49 (46%) targeted vs. 43 (39%) conventional group patients at 5 years (odds ratio 1.297, lower limit of 95% confidence interval 0.756, P = 0.346). Cardiovascular mortality and morbidity occurred in 20 (19%) in the targeted and 15 (14%) conventional group patients, P = 0.353.

Conclusion

In patients with early persistent AF and HF superiority of targeted therapy in sinus rhythm maintenance could not be preserved at 5-year follow-up. Cardiovascular outcome was not different between groups.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00877643.
Introduction: the Franco-Prussian War in French and German History
Authors: Varley Karine
Published: October 2021

This virtual special issue brings together a selection of articles from French History and German History to mark the 150th anniversary of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. The articles centre upon some of the key themes that have driven historical research in recent years, including violence, the conduct of war, national and border identities, republicanism, liberalism and state-building. Moving beyond traditional military studies and the focus on the war itself, the articles reflect a growing scholarly interest in the wider political, social and cultural repercussions of the Franco-Prussian War.
A Drosophila RNAi screen reveals conserved glioblastoma-related adhesion genes that regulate collective cell migration
Authors: Kotian Nirupama , Troike Katie M , Curran Kristen N , Lathia Justin D , McDonald Jocelyn A
Published: October 2021

Migrating cell collectives are key to embryonic development but also contribute to invasion and metastasis of a variety of cancers. Cell collectives can invade deep into tissues, leading to tumor progression and resistance to therapies. Collective cell invasion is also observed in the lethal brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM), which infiltrates the surrounding brain parenchyma leading to tumor growth and poor patient outcomes. Drosophila border cells, which migrate as a small cell cluster in the developing ovary, are a well-studied and genetically accessible model used to identify general mechanisms that control collective cell migration within native tissue environments. Most cell collectives remain cohesive through a variety of cell–cell adhesion proteins during their migration through tissues and organs. In this study, we first identified cell adhesion, cell matrix, cell junction, and associated regulatory genes that are expressed in human brain tumors. We performed RNAi knockdown of the Drosophila orthologs in border cells to evaluate if migration and/or cohesion of the cluster was impaired. From this screen, we identified eight adhesion-related genes that disrupted border cell collective migration upon RNAi knockdown. Bioinformatics analyses further demonstrated that subsets of the orthologous genes were elevated in the margin and invasive edge of human GBM patient tumors. These data together show that conserved cell adhesion and adhesion regulatory proteins with potential roles in tumor invasion also modulate collective cell migration. This dual screening approach for adhesion genes linked to GBM and border cell migration thus may reveal conserved mechanisms that drive collective tumor cell invasion.
Safety and Immunogenicity of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Vaccine When Coadministered With a Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine
Authors: Peterson James T , Zareba Agnieszka M , Fitz-Patrick David , Essink Brandon J , Scott Daniel A , Swanson Kena A , Chelani Dhawal , Radley David , Cooper David , Jansen Kathrin U , Dormitzer Philip R , Gruber William C , Gurtman Alejandra
Published: October 2021

Background

Prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants is an unmet vaccine need, and maternal immunization is a potential strategy to address this need. This study evaluated concomitant administration of RSV stabilized prefusion F subunit vaccine (RSVpreF) and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed (Tdap) in healthy, nonpregnant women 18‒49 years of age.

Methods

In this phase 2b, multicenter, placebo-controlled, observer-blind, noninferiority study, participants were randomized to receive RSVpreF in a range of doses and formulations with Tdap or alone, or Tdap alone. Safety and immunogenicity were assessed.

Results

Local reactions and systemic events were generally similar across vaccine groups. Noninferiority of anti-RSV-A and anti-RSV-B immune responses induced by RSVpreF with Tdap was demonstrated compared to RSVpreF alone. Noninferiority of anti-diphtheria toxoid and anti-tetanus toxoid immune responses after administration of RSVpreF with Tdap was demonstrated compared to Tdap alone; noninferiority was not met for anti-pertussis component responses.

Conclusions

RSVpreF was safe and well tolerated when administered with Tdap or alone in nonpregnant women 18‒49 years of age. Immune responses induced by Tdap administered with RSVpreF were noninferior for the tetanus and diphtheria components of Tdap, but not for pertussis.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04071158.
Digestibility and nitrogen and water balance in horses fed rhizoma peanut hay
Authors: Vasco Ana Caroline C M , Brinkley-Bissinger Katy J , Bobel Jillian M , Dubeux José C B , Warren Lori K , Wickens Carissa L
Published: October 2021

Rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata) hay has the potential to meet horses’ crude protein requirements with less nitrogen excretion than other legumes. This study aimed to evaluate nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, and nitrogen balance of RP ‘Florigraze’ hay compared to alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa L. ‘Legendary XHD’) and bermudagrass (BG, Cynodon dactylon L. ‘Coastal’) hays when fed to maintenance horses at 2% BW/d on a dry matter (DM) basis. We hypothesized that nutrient intake would be comparable between the legume hays and lesser for BG, and that RP would result in reduced nitrogen excretion compared to alfalfa. Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (593 ± 40 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to one of the hays in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. A 14-d adaptation phase was followed by a 3-d total fecal and urine collection. Days 18 to 21 were used for a companion study. Intake of nutrients is reported on a DM basis. Digestible energy (DE) intakes from ALF (29.91 Mcal/d) and RP (29.37 Mcal/d) were greater (P < 0.0001) than BG (20.78 Mcal/d). Crude protein (CP) intake was greater (P < 0.0001) for ALF (2.5 kg/d), followed by RP (1.9 kg/d), and BG (1.5 kg/d). All hays exceeded maintenance requirements for DE, CP, Ca, and P. Apparent digestibility of DM and CP were greatest (P < 0.0001) for ALF (69 and 84%), intermediate for RP (61 and 72%), and least for BG (46 and 64%). Apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber did not differ (P = 0.2228) among hays, while digestibility of acid detergent fiber (P = 0.0054) was least for RP but similar for ALF and BG. Water intake (kg/d) for ALF (57) was greater (P=0.0068) than RP (45) and BG (41). Greater (P = 0.0271) water retention (kg/d) was observed for ALF (13.5), followed by RP (10.8) and BG (7.5). There was a difference in nitrogen excretion, with greatest urinary nitrogen excretion for ALF (P < 0.0001) and greatest fecal nitrogen excretion for BG (P = 0.0001). Total nitrogen excretion was greater (P < 0.0001) for ALF (278 g/d), followed by RP (211 g/d), and BG (179 g/d). Nitrogen retention was greater (P = 0.0005) for ALF when represented as g/d (ALF: 129, RP: 86, and BG: 57 g/d), but similar (P = 0.0377) to RP when presented as percent of nitrogen intake (ALF: 32, RP: 29, and BG: 24%). Results indicate that rhizoma peanut hay is a suitable legume for horses by meeting DE and CP requirements and having a significant reduction in nitrogen compared to alfalfa.
Sexually Transmitted Infections in the U.S. Military: A Sexual Health Paradigm to Address Risk Behaviors, Unintended Pregnancy, Alcohol Use, and Sexual Trauma
Authors: Boyer Cherrie B , Gaydos Charlotte A , Geller Amy B , Garges Eric C , Vermund Sten H
Published: October 2021

To address the ongoing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) conducted a consensus study on STI control and prevention in the United States to provide recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Association of County and City Health Officials. The culminating report identified military personnel as one of the priority groups that require special consideration given the high prevalence of STIs and their associated behaviors (e.g., concurrent sexual partners and infrequent condom use) that occur during active duty service. Universal health care access, the relative ease and frequency of STI screening, and the educational opportunities within the military are all assets in STI control and prevention. The report offers a comprehensive framework on multiple and interrelated influences on STI risk, prevention, health care access, delivery, and treatment. It also provides an overview of the multilevel risk and protective factors associated with STIs that could be applied using a sexual health paradigm. The military context must integrate the multilevel domains of influences to guide the effort to fill current gaps and research needs. The Department of Defense, with its large clinical and preventive medicine workforce and its well-established universal health care system, is well positioned to enact changes to shift its current approach to STI prevention, treatment, and control. STI control based on highlighting behavioral, social, cultural, and environmental influences on service members’ sexual health and wellness may well drive better STI care and prevention outcomes.
TIC 257060897b: An inflated, low-density, hot-Jupiter transiting a rapidly evolving subgiant star
Authors: Montalto M , Malavolta L , Gregorio J , Mantovan G , Desidera S , Piotto G , Nascimbeni V , Granata V , Manthopoulou E E , Claudi R
Published: October 2021

We report the discovery of a new transiting exoplanet orbiting the star TIC 257060897 and detected using TESS full frame images. We acquired HARPS-N time-series spectroscopic data, and ground-based photometric follow-up observations from which we confirm the planetary nature of the transiting body. For the host star we determined: Teff  = (6128 ± 57) K, log g  = (4.2 ± 0.1), and [Fe/H]  = (+ 0.20 ± 0.04). The host is an intermediate age (∼3.5 Gyr), metal-rich, subgiant star with M⋆  = (1.32 ± 0.04) M⊙ and R⋆  = (1.82 ± 0.05) R⊙. The transiting body is a giant planet with a mass mp =(0.67 ± 0.03) Mj, a radius rp = (1.49 ± 0.04) Rj yielding a density ρp  = (0.25 ± 0.02) g cm−3 and revolving around its star every ∼3.66 d. TIC 257060897b is an extreme system having one of the smallest densities known so far. We argued that the inflation of the planet’s radius may be related to the fast increase of luminosity of its host star as it evolves outside the main sequence and that systems like TIC 257060897b could be precursors of inflated radius short period planets found around low luminosity red giant branch stars, as recently debated in the literature.
The time-dependent Rayleigh–Taylor instability in interstellar shells and supershells, including the eROSITA bubbles
Authors: Schulreich Michael M , Breitschwerdt Dieter
Published: October 2021

The Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instability is omnipresent in the physics of inversely density-stratified fluids subject to effective gravitational acceleration. In astrophysics, a steep stratification of the ambient medium can fragment a bubble shell faster due to a strongly time-dependent RT instability, causing the classical constant gravity models to fail. We derive the time-dependent instability criteria analytically for the cases of constant, exponential, and power-law accelerations, verifying them through high-resolution numerical simulations. Our results show that (1) even in the linear phase there is a term opposing exponential growth, (2) non-linear growth approaches asymptotically the solution found by Fermi and von Neumann, (3) the interpenetrating spikes and bubbles promote a significant mixing, with the fractal dimension of the interface approaching 1.6, only limited by numerical diffusion, and (4) the probability density function for the passive scalar to study mixing becomes increasingly sharper peaked for power-law and exponential accelerations. Applying our solutions to stellar wind bubbles, young supernova remnants (SNRs), and superbubbles (SBs), we find that the growth rate of the RT instability is generally higher in the shells of wind-blown bubbles in a power-law stratified medium than in those with power-law rising stellar mechanical luminosities, Tycho-like than Cas A-like SNRs, and one-sided than symmetric SBs. The recently observed eROSITA bubbles indicate smooth rim surfaces, implying that the outer shell has not been affected by RT instabilities. Therefore, the dynamical evolution of the bubbles suggests maximum final ages that are significantly above their current age, which we estimate to be about 20 Myr.
Probing the internal structure of baryons
Authors: Huang Guangshun , Baldini Ferroli Rinaldo ,   BESIII Collaboration
Published: October 2021

Electromagnetic form factors are fundamental observables that describe the electric and magnetic structure of hadrons and provide keys to understand the strong interaction. At the Beijing Spectrometer (BESIII), form factors have been measured for different baryons in the time-like region for the first time or with the best precision. The results are presented with examples focused on but not limited to the proton/neutron, the Λ, with a strange quark, and the Λc, with a charm quark.
Proper motions of water masers in the star-forming region IRAS 23139+5939
Authors: Trinidad Miguel A , Imai Hiroshi , de la Fuente Eduardo , Toledano-Juárez Ivan , Masqué Joseph M , Rodríguez-Esnard Tatianna
Published: October 2021

We observed H2O (616→523) maser emission associated with the high-mass star-forming region IRAS 23139+5959 using the KaVA, a combination of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) arrays between the Korean VLBI Network and the VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (Japan). Through multi-epoch KaVA observations, we detected three groups of maser features, two of which coincide with those previously detected by the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. By determining the maser proper motions, we found that the first of maser groups exhibits an expanding motion that traces a wide-angle outflow almost along the line of sight, while the second one seems to be associated with the envelope of an H ii region. We discuss the star formation activity in IRAS 23139+5939, which may be reflected in the high variability of H2O masers associated with an outflow seen from the front.
Pros and cons of different stunning methods from a Halal perspective: a review
Authors: Riaz Mian N , Irshad Fariha , Riaz Nooran M , Regenstein Joe M
Published: October 2021

There has always been a debate about the acceptability of stunning methods for preparing Halal slaughtered meat. Throughout the last few decades, stunning methods have become acceptable for Halal slaughtering due to an increasing majority of Muslim countries issuing Fatwas (religious rulings) that approve of stunning methods for the Halal slaughtering of food animals. With an increasing Muslim population worldwide, Halal meat provision is important for Muslims both economically and ethically. Moreover, there have been concerns regarding traditional Halal slaughter without the use of stunning from the standpoint of the animal’s welfare. This article reviews the different stunning methods available and the associated processing practices, addressing their pros and cons in the commercial production of Halal meat.
16Affect Theory
Authors: Ahern Stephen
Published: October 2021

This chapter reviews important research in affect studies published in 2020, a year that saw the appearance of a rich selection of scholarly books that further develop the insights and methods of affect theory or that apply established approaches to investigations of affective phenomena in a variety of areas of study. The chapter is divided into the following sections: 1. Critique and Affect, which focuses on Critical Affect: The Politics of Method, by Ashley Barnwell; 2. Literary Affect, which focuses on Affect and Literature, edited by Alex Houen; 3. Cultural Histories of Affect, which focuses on Peculiar Attunements: How Affect Theory Turned Musical, by Roger Mathew Grant, and Unfelt: The Language of Affect in the British Enlightenment, by James Noggle; 4. Race and Political Affect, which focuses on Black Feelings: Race and Affect in the Long Sixties, by Lisa M. Corrigan, and Reading Affect in Post-Apartheid Literature: South Africa's Wounded Feelings, by Mark Libin; and 5. Reflections.
Effects of Actinidia Yellowing Ringspot Virus on the Yield and Quality of Kiwifruit
Authors: Wu Yi , Wang Yicheng , Sun Jiaxiu , Liu Yuling , Sujata Shrestha , Wu Yunfeng , Zhao Lei
Published: October 2021

China is the origin and distribution center of kiwifruit, as well as the country with the largest cultivated area and output of kiwifruit. A previous study found that a new kiwifruit virus, Actinidia yellowing ringspot virus (AYRSpV), has been detected in kiwifruit samples with yellowed leaves. The incidence of this virus was high in kiwifruit plantings in Shaanxi Province. To determine the symptoms of this viral infection and the effects of this virus on the yield and quality of kiwifruit, we measured leaf chlorophyll levels and the fruit yield, total sugar, total acid, and dry matter contents of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit grafted with AYRSpV-infected scions. The results showed that, after AYRSpV infection, symptoms including chlorotic ringspots were mainly observed in the spring and gradually recovered with high summer temperatures. A few of the leaves that did not recover showed symptoms of albinism, which lasted until the leaves fell. We found that AYRSpV infection could reduce the chlorophyll content of Hayward kiwifruit by 74.61 to 76.64%, fruit yield by 14.50 to 24.10%, sugar-to-acid ratio by 50.09 to 50.57%, and fruit dry matter content by 1.67 to 1.78%. Our results showed that AYRSpV infection could significantly affect the yield and quality of Hayward kiwifruit.