bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term dynamic bearing capacity of shallow foundations on a contractive cohesive soil
Authors: Panique Lazcano Daniel R. , Galindo Aires Rubén , Patiño Nieto Hernán
Published: August 2021

The calculation of the long-term dynamic bearing capacity arises from the need to consider the generation of maximum pore-water pressure developed from a cyclic load. Under suitable conditions, a long-term equilibrium situation would be reached, when pore-water pressures stabilized. However, excess pore-water pressure generation can lead to cyclic softening. Consequently, it is necessary to define both the cohesion and the internal friction angle to calculate the dynamic bearing capacity of a foundation in the long term, being necessary to incorporate the influence of the self-weight of soil and therefore the width of the foundation. The present work is based on an analysis of the results of cyclic simple shear tests on soil samples from the port of El Prat in Barcelona. From these experimental data, a pore-water pressure generation formulation was obtained that was implemented in FLAC2D finite difference software. A methodology was developed for the calculation of the maximum cyclic load that a footing can resist before the occurrence of the cyclic softening. The type of soil studied is a contractive cohesive soil, which generates positive pore-water pressures. As a numerical result, design charts have been developed for long-term dynamic bearing capacity calculation and the charts were validated with the application of a real case study.
Eradication of endophytes from needles, their inoculation with Lophodermium piceae and persistence of this fungus in needles of Norway spruce
Authors: Müller Michael M. , Hamberg Leena
Published: August 2021

Lophodermium piceae is the most common endophyte of Norway spruce (Picea abies) needles, and it probably occurs in the total distribution area of Norway spruce. Its significance to the host tree is still largely unknown mainly because no methodology is known for generating endophyte-free saplings nor for inoculation of intact needles with this fungus. We report here how a daily heat treatment at 40 °C for 8 h eradicates endophytes of Norway spruce needles within a few days without causing visible harm to the plants. We compared various methods for inoculation of endophyte-free saplings. In order to obtain effective inocula, we investigated what factors activate dormant L. piceae infections in the needle tissue resulting in ascomata formation. Best inoculation success was achieved by suspending naturally shed, highly infected needles above the saplings. Infection frequencies of up to 70% of needles were achieved with repeated inoculations in the course of 3 years. Once established in needles, individual infections by L. piceae can persist for at least 5 years. Individual infections remain small in young needles, but at a needle age of 6 years, they start to grow and spread resulting in presence all over the needle from base to tip at a needle age of 7 years, but still without causing visible symptoms on the needles. The presented methodology for generating both endophyte-free and endophyte-infected saplings of Norway spruce provides a new approach for testing the significance of infections by L. piceae to insect herbivory and diseases of Norway spruce needles.
Biotransformation of [U-13C]linoleic acid suggests two independent ketonic- and aldehydic cycles within C8-oxylipin biosynthesis in Cyclocybe aegerita (V. Brig.) Vizzini
Authors: Karrer Dominik , Weigel Vanessa , Hoberg Nikolas , Atamasov Alexander , Rühl Martin
Published: August 2021

Although the typical aroma contributing compounds in fungi of the phylum Basidiomycota are known for decades, their biosynthetic pathways are still unclear. Amongst these volatiles, C8-compounds are probably the most important ones as they function, in addition to their specific perception of fungal odour, as oxylipins. Previous studies focused on C8-oxylipin production either in fruiting bodies or mycelia. However, comparisons of the C8-oxylipin biosynthesis at different developmental stages are scarce, and the biosynthesis in basidiospores was completely neglected. In this study, we addressed this gap and were able to show that the biosynthesis of C8-oxylipins differs strongly between different developmental stages. The comparison of mycelium, primordia, young fruiting bodies, mature fruiting bodies, post sporulation fruiting bodies and basidiospores revealed that the occurance of the two main C8-oxylipins octan-3-one and oct-1-en-3-ol distinguished in different stages. Whereas oct-1-en-3-ol levels peaked in the mycelium and decreased with ongoing maturation, octan-3-one levels increased during maturation. Furthermore, oct-2-en-1-ol, octan-1-ol, oct-2-enal, octan-3-ol, oct-1-en-3-one and octanal contributed to the C8-oxylipins but with drastically lower levels. Biotransformations with [U-13C]linoleic acid revealed that early developmental stages produced various [U-13C]oxylipins, whereas maturated developmental stages like post sporulation fruiting bodies and basidiospores produced predominantly [U-13C]octan-3-one. Based on the distribution of certain C8-oxylipins and biotransformations with putative precursors at different developmental stages, two distinct biosynthetic cycles were deduced with oct-2-enal (aldehydic-cycle) and oct-1-en-3-one (ketonic-cycle) as precursors.
Effects of Physicians’ Information Giving on Patient Outcomes: a Systematic Review
Authors: Lie Hanne C. , Juvet Lene K. , Street Richard L. , Gulbrandsen Pål , Mellblom Anneli V. , Brembo Espen Andreas , Eide Hilde , Heyn Lena , Saltveit Kristina H. , Strømme Hilde , Sundling Vibeke , Turk Eva , Menichetti Julia
Published: August 2021

Background

Providing diagnostic and treatment information to patients is a core clinical skill, but evidence for the effectiveness of different information-giving strategies is inconsistent. This systematic review aimed to investigate the reported effects of empirically tested communication strategies for providing information on patient-related outcomes: information recall and (health-related) behaviors.

Methods

The databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and relevant bibliographies were systematically searched from the inception to April 24, 2020, without restrictions, for articles testing information-giving strategies for physicians (PROSPERO ID: CRD42019115791). Pairs of independent reviewers identified randomized controlled studies with a low risk of selection bias as from the Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool. Main outcomes were grouped into patient information recall and behavioral outcomes (e.g., alcohol consumption, weight loss, participation in screening). Due to high heterogeneity in the data on effects of interventions, these outcomes were descriptively reported, together with studies’, interventions’, and information-giving strategies’ characteristics. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

Results

Seventeen of 9423 articles were included. Eight studies, reporting 10 interventions, assessed patient information recall: mostly conducted in experimental settings and testing a single information-giving strategy. Four of the ten interventions reported significant increase in recall. Nine studies assessed behavioral outcomes, mostly in real-life clinical settings and testing multiple information-giving strategies simultaneously. The heterogeneity in this group of studies was high. Eight of the nine interventions reported a significant positive effect on objectively and subjectively measured patients’ behavioral outcomes.

Discussion

Using specific framing strategies for achieving specific communication goals when providing information to patients appears to have positive effects on information recall and patient health–related behaviors. The heterogeneity observed in this group of studies testifies the need for a more consistent methodological and conceptual agenda when testing medical information-giving strategies.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019115791
Association of Social Determinants of Health and Their Cumulative Impact on Hospitalization Among a National Sample of Community-Dwelling US Adults
Authors: Wray Charlie M. , Tang Janet , López Lenny , Hoggatt Katherine , Keyhani Salomeh
Published: August 2021

Importance

While the association between Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and health outcomes is well known, few studies have explored the impact of SDOH on hospitalization.

Objective

Examine the independent association and cumulative effect of six SDOH domains on hospitalization.

Design

Using cross-sectional data from the 2016–2018 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS), we used multivariable logistical regression models controlling for sociodemographics and comorbid conditions to assess the association of each SDOH and SDOH burden (i.e., cumulative number of SDOH) with hospitalization.

Setting

National survey of community-dwelling individuals in the US

Participants

Adults ≥18 years who responded to the NHIS survey

Exposure

Six SDOH domains (economic instability, lack of community, educational deficits, food insecurity, social isolation, and inadequate access to medical care)

Measures

Hospitalization within 1 year

Results

Among all 55,186 respondents, most were ≤50 years old (54.2%), female (51.7%, 95% CI 51.1–52.3), non-Hispanic (83.9%, 95% CI 82.4–84.5), identified as White (77.9%, 95% CI 76.8–79.1), and had health insurance (90%, 95% CI 88.9–91.9). Hospitalized individuals (n=5506; 8.7%) were more likely to be ≥50 years old (61.2%), female (60.7%, 95% CI 58.9–62.4), non-Hispanic (87%, 95% CI 86.2–88.4), and identify as White (78.5%, 95% CI 76.7–80.3), compared to those who were not hospitalized. Hospitalized individuals described poorer overall health, reporting higher incidence of having ≥5 comorbid conditions (38.9%, 95% CI 37.1–40.1) compared to those who did not report a hospitalization (15.9%, 95% CI 15.4–16.5). Hospitalized respondents reported higher rates of economic instability (33%), lack of community (14%), educational deficits (67%), food insecurity (14%), social isolation (34%), and less access to health care (6%) compared to non-hospitalized individuals. In adjusted analysis, food insecurity (OR: 1.36, 95% CI 1.22–1.52), social isolation (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.08–1.26), and lower educational attainment (OR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.25) were associated with hospitalization, while a higher SDOH burden was associated with increased odds of hospitalization (3–4 SDOH [OR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.06–1.49] and ≥5 SDOH [OR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.40–2.06]) compared to those who reported no SDOH.

Conclusions

Among community-dwelling US adults, three SDOH domains: food insecurity, social isolation, and low educational attainment increase an individual’s risk of hospitalization. Additionally, risk of hospitalization increases as SDOH burden increases.
Necessitism, Contingentism, and Lewisian Modal Realism
Authors: Nencha Cristina
Published: August 2021

Necessitism is the controversial thesis that necessarily everything is necessarily something, namely that everything, everywhere, necessarily exists. What is controversial about necessitism is that, at its core, it claims that things could not have failed to exist, while we have a pre-theoretical intuition that not everything necessarily exists. Contingentism, in accordance with common sense, denies necessitism: it claims that some things could have failed to exist. Timothy Williamson is a necessitist and claims that David Lewis is a necessitist too. The paper argues that, granted the assumptions that lead to interpret the Lewisian as a necessitist, she can preserve contingentist intuitions, by genuinely agreeing with the folk that existence is contingent. This is not just the uncontroversial claim that the Lewisian, as a result of the prevalence of restricted quantification in counterpart theoretic regimentations of natural language, can agree with the folk while disagreeing with them in the metaphysical room. Rather, this is the claim that it is in the metaphysical room that the Lewisian can endorse the intuitions lying behind contingentism.
LncRNA SNHG5 promotes the glycolysis and proliferation of breast cancer cell through regulating BACH1 via targeting miR-299
Authors: Huang Shu-Lin , Huang Zhong-Cheng , Zhang Chao-Jie , Xie Jing , Lei Shan-Shan , Wu Ya-Qin , Fan Pei-Zhi
Published: August 2021

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. Accumulating studies have been reported that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG5 is highly expressed in BC. However, the specific molecular mechanism of SNHG5 in BC is unclear.

Methods

Gene and protein expressions in BC cell were detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The proliferation and cell cycle were measured using colony formation assay and flow cytometry analysis, separately. The glucose consumption and lactate production were determined by using the glucose assay kit and lactate assay kit. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to measure the interaction between miR-299 and SNHG5 or BACH1.

Results

SNHG5 and BACH1 expressions were increased in BC cell while miR-299 level was decreased. SNHG5 increased BACH1 expression by directly targeting miR-299. SNHG5 silencing or miR-299 overexpression suppressed the proliferation of BC cell, arrested the cell cycle in the G1 cell phase, and decreased the glucose consumption and lactate production of BC cell. However, inhibition of miR-299 or overexpression of BACH1 could reverse the inhibitory effects of sh-SNHG5 on cell proliferation and glycolysis in BC.

Conclusion

SNHG5 promoted the BC cell growth and glycolysis through up-regulating BACH1 expression via targeting miR-299. These findings may improve the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to BC.
Revealing ancient gold parting with silver and copper isotopes: implications from cementation experiments and for the analysis of gold artefacts
Authors: Berger Daniel , Brauns Michael , Brügmann Gerhard , Pernicka Ernst , Lockhoff Nicole
Published: August 2021

Gold parting enabled the production of very pure gold for various purposes from the sixth century BC onwards, but analytical proof of this pyrotechnical process is difficult. We describe a new analytical approach for the identification of purified gold combining silver and copper isotopic with trace element analyses. Parting experiments were performed with gold-silver-copper alloys using the classical salt cementation process to investigate potential silver and copper isotope fractionation and changes in trace element concentrations. In addition, we provide the first comprehensive dataset of silver isotope ratios of archaeological gold objects from the Mediterranean and Central Europe to test whether or not gold refining can be identified on the basis of isotope systematics. The results show that very heavy silver and copper isotopic compositions are clear evidence for parted gold, but that the application of copper isotopes might be limited.
Paying with your personal data: the insensitivity of private information provision to asymmetric benefits
Authors: Rockenbach Bettina , Sadrieh Abdolkarim , Schielke Anne
Published: August 2021

Internet services are often free of charge but ask for customers’ personal data in exchange for usage. We experimentally study whether the provision of information-based public goods is susceptible to restraint when contributions not only make contributors better off but also enable a non-contributing “big player” to acquire substantial profits. We show that the presence of the big player crowds out the willingness to provide neutral tokens, but no such effect is observed for the provision of private information. Hence, collecting anonymized personal data instead of monetary fees can be more profitable to service providers and create greater benefits for customers.
Modulation of ERG gene expression in fluconazole-resistant human and animal isolates of Trichophyton verrucosum
Authors: Gnat Sebastian , Łagowski Dominik , Dyląg Mariusz , Ptaszyńska Aneta , Nowakiewicz Aneta
Published: August 2021

Dermatophytes are a group of eukaryotic microorganisms characterized by high capacity to colonize keratinized structures such as the skin, hair, and nails. Over the past years, the incidence of infections caused by zoophilic species, e.g., Trichophyton verrucosum, has been increasing in some parts of the world, especially in Europe. Moreover, the emergence of recalcitrant dermatophytoses and in vitro resistant dermatophytes has become a cause of concern worldwide. Here, we analyzed the mechanisms underlying resistance to fluconazole among clinical isolates of T. verrucosum. Quantitative RT-PCR was carried out to determine the relative expression levels of mRNA transcripts of ERG3, ERG6, and ERG11 genes in the fungal samples using the housekeeping gene GAPDH as a reference. Our results showed that the upregulation of the ERG gene expression is a possible mechanism of resistance to fluconazole in this species. Furthermore, ERG11 is the most statistically significantly overexpressed gene in the pool of fluconazole-resistant T. verrucosum isolates. Additionally, we have demonstrated that exposure to fluconazole increases the levels of expression of ERG genes in fluconazole-resistant isolates of T. verrucosum. In conclusion, this study has shown one of the possible mechanisms of resistance to fluconazole among zoophilic dermatophytes, which involves the maintenance of high levels of expression of ERG genes after drug exposure.
Examination of Treatment Duration, Treatment Success and Obstetric Results According to the Vaginismus Grades
Authors: Kiremitli Sevil , Kiremitli Tunay
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In patients with vaginismus, the treatment becomes more challenging and the treatment may take longer as the grade of vaginismus is higher or worsens. However, the differences regarding treatment duration, success, and treatment methods by grades are not evident in the literature.

Aim

The aim of this study is to answer the question, “Does the number of treatment sessions, dilator requirement, treatment success, pre-& post-treatment FSFI scores and obstetric results of vaginismus patients change depending on the vaginismus-grade?”

Methods

The patients were divided into 4 grades according to the Lamont classification. They underwent stepwise treatment sessions by a single gynecologist. Treatment success, duration of treatment, mechanical dilator requirement, duration from marriage, pre- and post-treatment FSFI scores, pregnancy rates, and delivery types were compared between patients at different grades.

Main Outcome Measures

Assessment of the differences between vaginismus-grades by comparing clinical observations and FSFI-scores.

Results

Pain-free sexual intercourse occurred in 85 (93.4%) of 91 primary-vaginismus patients included in our study. The success rate was 100% in grade 1, 95.2% in grade 2, 92.1% in grade 3, and 92% in grade 4. Treatment session durations of the patients differed significantly by grades (P < .05). Same way the duration from marriage at the time of application differed significantly by the grade (P < .05). While there was a significant relationship between vaginismus grade and dilator requirement, there was no significant relationship between vaginismus grade and delivery type (P < .05). 54.5% of 44 patients, who got pregnant, delivered by cesarean-section. There was a significant increase in FSFI scores in all groups in the pre- and post-treatment third month (P < ,05).

Conclusion

Patients should be notified that as the grades of vaginismus progress, the duration of the treatment may extend, and its success may decrease, the requirement for mechanical dilators will increase in the advanced grade, and the grade may progress as the application period for treatment is delayed.
Longitudinal Changes in Liver Enzyme Levels Among Transgender People Receiving Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy
Authors: Hashemi Leila , Zhang Qi , Getahun Darios , Jasuja Guneet K. , McCracken Courtney , Pisegna Joseph , Roblin Douglas , Silverberg Michael J. , Tangpricha Vin , Vupputuri Suma , Goodman Michael
Published: August 2021

Background

The effect of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on clinical laboratory parameters, including levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), is an area of uncertainty in transgender health.

Aim

We sought to estimate the distribution parameters of liver enzyme levels among transmasculine (TM) and transfeminine (TF) persons receiving GAHT relative to the corresponding measures in cisgender reference groups, and to evaluate longitudinal changes in these laboratory measures following GAHT initiation.

Methods

The data for this longitudinal study included 624 TF and 438 transmasculine (TM) people as well as 4,090 cisgender males and 4,797 cisgender females enrolled in 3 integrated health systems. Time under observation was divided into 2 intervals: from the first blood test to the date of the first filled GAHT prescription and from GAHT initiation to the most recent ALT or AST measurement. Linear mixed models were used to compare changes in log-transformed ALT and AST values among transgender cohort members before and after GAHT initiation, and relative to the reference groups. The results were expressed as relative differences (in %) and the ratios of these differences (ratios-of-ratios) along with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Outcomes

Changes in ALT and AST levels among transgender people over time and relative to the corresponding changes in cisgender referents.

RESULTS

Among TM study participants, the post GAHT ratios-of-ratios for AST were 1.61 (95% CI: 1.13, 2.31) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.31) relative to cisgender males and females respectively. For ALT, the corresponding comparisons yielded the ratios-of-ratios (95% CIs) of 2.06 (1.67, 2.54) and 1.90 (1.50, 2.40). No statistically significant changes were observed among TF participants. Other factors associated with higher liver enzyme levels included alcohol use/abuse and obesity.

Clinical Implications

TM persons may experience modest increases in ALT and AST concentrations following testosterone initiation; however, clinical significance of the observed association remains unclear and requires further investigation. By contrast, feminizing GAHT is unlikely to induce appreciable changes in liver enzyme levels.

Strength and Limitations

The strengths of this study are the longitudinal design and the ability to assemble an unselected cohort nested within large health systems. The main limitations include the lack of information on hormone levels and the inability to take into account GAHT doses and routes of administration.

CONCLUSION

The influence of long-term GAHT on ALT and AST levels appears modest and not likely to reflect clinically meaningful changes in liver function.
Israel and Judah Redefined
Authors: Crouch C. L.
Published: August 2021

In Israel and Judah Redefined, C. L. Crouch uses trauma studies, postcolonial theory, and social-scientific research on migration to analyse the impact of mass displacements and imperial power on Israelite and Judahite identity in the sixth century BCE. Crouch argues that the trauma of deportation affected Israelite identity differently depending on resettlement context. Deportees resettled in rural Babylonia took an isolationist approach to Israelite identity, whereas deportees resettled in urban contexts took a more integrationist approach. Crouch also emphasises the impact of mass displacement on identity concerns in the homeland, demonstrating that displacement and the experience of Babylonian imperial rule together facilitated major developments in Judahite identity. The diverse experiences of this period produced bitter conflict between Israelites and Judahites, as well as diverse attempts to resolve this conflict. Inspired by studies of forced migration and by postcolonial analyses of imperial domination, Crouch's book highlights the crucial contribution of this era to the story of Israel and Judah.
Julius Caesar and the Roman People
Authors: Morstein-Marx Robert
Published: August 2021

Julius Caesar was no aspiring autocrat seeking to realize the imperial future but an unusually successful republican leader who was measured against the Republic's traditions and its greatest heroes of the past. Catastrophe befell Rome not because Caesar (or anyone else) turned against the Republic, its norms and institutions, but because Caesar's extraordinary success mobilized a determined opposition which ultimately preferred to precipitate civil war rather than accept its political defeat. Based on painstaking re-analysis of the ancient sources in the light of recent advances in our understanding of the participatory role of the People in the republican political system, a strong emphasis on agents' choices rather than structural causation, and profound scepticism toward the facile determinism that often substitutes for historical explanation, this book offers a radical reinterpretation of a figure of profound historical importance who stands at the turning point of Roman history from Republic to Empire.
Contemporary management of keratosis obturans: a systematic review
Authors: Harounian J A , Patel V A , Isildak H
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study aimed to examine the medical literature regarding the natural history and management of keratosis obturans.

Method

PubMed was queried via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, and the methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria.

Results

Fifty-one studies were abstracted, and dual investigator screening resulted in five retrospective studies for final analysis. All studies included patients afflicted with either unilateral (n = 75) or bilateral keratosis obturans (n = 8). The definition of keratosis obturans was present in three studies: a desquamated keratin plug within the external auditory canal. Mean and median Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scores were 9.5 and 9.5, respectively. All patients underwent keratosis obturans exenteration with microscopy. Two studies reported an outcome instrument to evaluate endpoints: marked stillette and audiometry. No complications were observed with follow-up periods from 3 weeks to 3.5 years.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review highlights a lack of published evidence relating to keratosis obturans. However, it appears keratosis obturans treatment is safe and efficacious with identifiable clinical practice patterns.
Olfactory dysfunction at six months after coronavirus disease 2019 infection
Authors: Leedman S R , Sheeraz M , Sanfilippo P G , Edgar D W , D'Aulerio G V , Robb D M , Richards T , Blyth C C , Mackey D A
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study aimed to assess olfactory dysfunction in patients at six months after confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

Methods

Coronavirus disease 2019 positive patients were assessed six months following diagnosis. Patient data were recoded as part of the adapted International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium Protocol. Olfactory dysfunction was assessed using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test.

Results

Fifty-six patients were included. At six months after coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis, 64.3 per cent of patients (n = 36) were normosmic, 28.6 per cent (n = 16) had mild to moderate microsmia and 7 per cent (n = 4) had severe microsmia or anosmia. There was a statistically significant association between older age and olfactory dysfunction. Hospital or intensive care unit admission did not lead to worse olfactory outcomes compared to those managed in the out-patient setting.

Conclusion

At six months after coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis, approximately two-thirds of patients will be normosmic. This study is the first to describe six-month outcomes for post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients in terms of olfactory dysfunction.
Quasilinear gyrokinetic theory: a derivation of QuaLiKiz
Authors: Stephens C.D. , Garbet X. , Citrin J. , Bourdelle C. , van de Plassche K.L. , Jenko F.
Published: August 2021

In order to predict and analyse turbulent transport in tokamaks, it is important to model transport that arises from microinstabilities. For this task, quasilinear codes have been developed that seek to calculate particle, angular momentum and heat fluxes, both quickly and accurately. In this tutorial, we present a derivation of one such code known as QuaLiKiz, a quasilinear gyrokinetic transport code. The goal of this derivation is to provide a self-contained and complete description of the underlying physics and mathematics of QuaLiKiz from first principles. This work serves both as a comprehensive overview of QuaLiKiz specifically as well as an illustration for deriving quasilinear models in general.
Surface waves on the inhomogeneous interface between radiative electron–ion plasma and vacuum
Authors: Maryam N. , Rozina Ch. , Arooj B. , Asma A. , Kourakis I.
Published: August 2021

The impact of temperature inhomogeneity, surface charge and surface mass densities on the stability analysis of charged surface waves at the interface between dense, incompressible, radiative, self-gravitating magnetized electron–ion plasma and vacuum is investigated. For such an incompressible plasma system, the temperature inhomogeneity is governed by an energy balance equation. Adopting the one-fluid magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) approximation, a general dispersion relation is obtained for capillary surface waves, which takes into account gravitational, radiative and magnetic field effects. The dispersion relation is analysed to obtain the conditions under which the plasma–vacuum interface may become unstable. In the absence of electromagnetic (EM) pressure, astrophysical objects undergo gravitational collapse through Jeans surface oscillations in contrast to the usual central contraction of massive objects due to enhanced gravity. EM radiation does not affect the dispersion relation much, but actually tends to stabilize the Jeans surface instability. In certain particular cases, pure gravitational radiation may propagate on the plasma vacuum interface. The growth rate of radiative dissipative instability is obtained in terms of the wavevector. Our theoretical model of the Jeans surface instability is applicable in astrophysical environments and also in laboratory plasmas.
Longitudinal symptomatic interactions in long-standing schizophrenia: a novel five-point analysis based on directed acyclic graphs
Authors: Moffa Giusi , Kuipers Jack , Carrà Giuseppe , Crocamo Cristina , Kuipers Elizabeth , Angermeyer Matthias , Brugha Traolach , Toumi Mondher , Bebbington Paul
Published: August 2021

Background

Recent network models propose that mutual interaction between symptoms has an important bearing on the onset of schizophrenic disorder. In particular, cross-sectional studies suggest that affective symptoms may influence the emergence of psychotic symptoms. However, longitudinal analysis offers a more compelling test for causation: the European Schizophrenia Cohort (EuroSC) provides data suitable for this purpose. We predicted that the persistence of psychotic symptoms would be driven by the continuing presence of affective disturbance.

Methods

EuroSC included 1208 patients randomly sampled from outpatient services in France, Germany and the UK. Initial measures of psychotic and affective symptoms were repeated four times at 6-month intervals, thereby furnishing five time-points. To examine interactions between symptoms both within and between time-slices, we adopted a novel technique for modelling longitudinal data in psychiatry. This was a form of Bayesian network analysis that involved learning dynamic directed acyclic graphs (DAGs).

Results

Our DAG analysis suggests that the main drivers of symptoms in this long-term sample were delusions and paranoid thinking. These led to affective disturbance, not vice versa as we initially predicted. The enduring relationship between symptoms was unaffected by whether patients were receiving first- or second-generation antipsychotic medication.

Conclusions

In this cohort of people with chronic schizophrenia treated with medication, symptoms were essentially stable over long periods. However, affective symptoms appeared driven by the persistence of delusions and persecutory thinking, a finding not previously reported. Although our findings as ever remain hostage to unmeasured confounders, these enduring psychotic symptoms might nevertheless be appropriate candidates for directly targeted psychological interventions.
Unsound sleep, wound-up mind: a longitudinal examination of acute suicidal affective disturbance features among an eating disorder sample
Authors: Kinkel-Ram Shruti S. , Grunewald William , Bodell Lindsay P. , Smith April R.
Published: August 2021

Background

Suicide is one of the most commonly reported causes of death in individuals with eating disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying the suicide and disordered eating link are largely unknown, and current assessments are still unable to accurately predict future suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The purpose of this study is to test the utility of two promising proximal risk factors, sleep quality and agitation, in predicting suicidal ideation in a sample of individuals with elevated suicidal thoughts and behaviors, namely those with eating disorders.

Methods

Women (N = 97) receiving treatment at an eating disorder treatment center completed weekly questionnaires assessing suicidal ideation, agitation, and sleep. General linear mixed models examined whether agitation and/or sleep quality were concurrently or prospectively associated with suicidal ideation across 12 weeks of treatment.

Results

There was a significant interaction between within-person agitation and sleep quality on suicidal ideation [B(s.e.) = −0.02(0.01), p < 0.05], such that on weeks when an individual experienced both higher than their average agitation and lower than their average sleep quality, they also experienced their highest levels of suicidal ideation. However, neither agitation nor sleep quality prospectively predicted suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

This study was the first to examine dynamic associations between interpersonal constructs and suicidal ideation in individuals with eating disorders. Results suggest that ongoing assessment for overarousal symptoms, such as agitation and poor sleep quality, in individuals with eating disorders may be warranted in order to manage suicidal ideation among this vulnerable population.
Nutritional value of child-targeted food products: results from the Food Quality Observatory
Authors: Gilbert-Moreau Joséane , Pomerleau Sonia , Perron Julie , Gagnon Pierre , Labonté Marie-Ève , Provencher Véronique
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To characterise the nutritional quality of food products targeted to children, we aimed: (1) to determine if the nutritional composition of child-targeted food products is different from those for the general population and (2) to verify differences in the nutrient content of child-targeted food products between three selected food categories.

Design:

The present study is part of the work conducted by the Food Quality Observatory, created in 2016 in the province of Quebec (Canada). Ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals (n 331), granola bars (n 310) and yoghurts and dairy desserts (n 380) were the food categories analysed.

Setting:

Nutritional values and all packaging information were obtained by purchasing every product available in supermarkets, grocery stores and specialty grocery stores. Free sugars were manually differentiated from total sugars for each product. Products were classified according to two targeted consumer groups: children or general population.

Results:

The nutrient profile of RTE breakfast cereals, granola bars and yoghurts and dairy desserts targeted to children differed from that of products intended at the general population. Child-targeted RTE breakfast cereals had the least favourable nutritional composition, with significantly higher content of carbohydrates, total sugars, free sugars and Na compared with breakfast cereals for the general population as well as child-targeted granola bars and yoghurts and dairy desserts. All child-targeted products analysed contained free sugars.

Conclusions:

The current study supports the relevance to further regulate marketing to children on food product packages to ensure that such marketing is not present on food products with poor nutritional quality.
Determining the nutritional immunity information-seeking behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in India: a Google Trends data analysis
Authors: Kushwaha Savitesh , Khanna Poonam , Jain Rachita , Srivastava Rachana
Published: August 2021

Objective:

During COVID-19, the Internet was a prime source for getting relevant updates on guidelines and desirable information. The objective of the present study was to determine the nutritional immunity information-seeking behaviour during COVID-19 in India.

Design:

Google Trends (GTs) data on relevant COVID-19 and nutritional topics were systematically selected and retrieved. Data on newly reported COVID-19 cases were also examined on a daily basis. The cross-correlation method was used to determine the correlation coefficient between the selected terms and daily new COVID-19 cases, and the joinpoint regression models were utilised to measure monthly percent change (MPC) in relative search volumes (RSV).

Setting:

Online.

Participants:

People using Google search during the period 1 January 2020–31 August 2020 in India.

Results:

The date of peak searches can be attributed to the COVID-19 guidelines announcement dates. All the nutritional terms showed a significant increase in average monthly percentage change. The higher than the average daily rise in COVID-19 cases leads to a higher than average increase in RSV of nutritional terms with the greatest association after 14–27 d. The highest mean relative search volume for nutritional terms was from Southern India (49·34 ± 7·43), and the lowest was from Western India (31·10 ± 6·30).

Conclusion:

There was a significant rise in the Google searches of nutritional immunity topics during COVID-19 in India. The local/regional terms can be considered for better outreach of public health guidelines or recommendations. Further automation of Google Trends using programming languages can help in real-time monitoring and planning various health/nutritional events.
Rationalisation of meat consumption in New Zealand adolescents
Authors: Latimer Kelly R , Peddie Meredith C , Scott Tessa , Haszard Jillian J
Published: August 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to describe meat consumption rationalisation and relationships with meat consumption patterns and food choice motivations in New Zealand adolescents.

Design:

This was a cross-sectional study of adolescents from high schools across New Zealand. Demographics, dietary habits, and motivations and attitudes towards food were assessed by online questionnaire and anthropometric measurements taken by researchers. The 4Ns questionnaire assessed meat consumption rationalisation with four subscales: ‘Nice’, ‘Normal’, ‘Necessary’ and ‘Natural’.

Setting:

Nineteen secondary schools from eight regions in New Zealand, with some purposive sampling of adolescent vegetarians in Otago, New Zealand.

Participants:

Questionnaires were completed by 385 non-vegetarian and vegetarian (self-identified) adolescents.

Results:

A majority of non-vegetarian adolescents agreed that consuming meat was ‘nice’ (65 %), but fewer agreed that meat consumption was ‘necessary’ (51 %). Males agreed more strongly than females with all 4N subscales. High meat consumers were more likely to agree than to disagree that meat consumption was nice, normal, necessary and natural, and vegetarians tended to disagree with all rationalisations. Adolescent non-vegetarians whose food choice was motivated more by convenience, sensory appeal, price and familiarity tended to agree more with all 4N subscales, whereas adolescents motivated by animal welfare and environmental concerns were less likely to agree.

Conclusions:

To promote a reduction in meat consumption in adolescents, approaches will need to overcome beliefs that meat consumption is nice, normal, necessary and natural.
Ultra-processed food intake and all-cause mortality: DRECE cohort study
Authors: Romero Ferreiro Carmen , Martín-Arriscado Arroba Cristina , Cancelas Navia Pilar , Lora Pablos David , Gómez de la Cámara Agustín
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To determine the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and all-cause mortality in a representative sample of Spanish population.

Design:

Prospective cohort design in which follow-up lasted from baseline (1991) to mortality date or 31 December 2017, whichever was first. Dietary information was collected using a validated frequency questionnaire and categorised following the NOVA classification according to the extent of food processing. The association between consumption of UPF and mortality was analysed using Cox models. Isoenergetic substitution models were constructed to compare the health effects of the NOVA groups.

Setting:

Cohort from the Diet and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) in Spain (DRECE) study, representative of the Spanish population

Participants:

Totally, 4679 subjects between 5 and 59 years old.

Results:

Average consumption of UPF was 370·8 g/d (24·4 % of energy intake). After a median follow-up of 27 years, 450 deaths occurred. Those who consumed the highest amount of UPF had higher risk of mortality. For every 10 % of the energy intake from UPF consumption, an increase of 15 % in the hazard of all-cause mortality was observed (HR 1·15; (95 % CI 1·03, 1·27);P-value = 0·012). Substitution of UPF with minimally processed foods was significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality.

Conclusions:

An increase in UPF consumption was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality in a representative sample of the Spanish population. Moreover, the theoretical substitution of UPF with unprocessed or minimally processed foods leads to a decrease in mortality. These results support the need to promote diets based on unprocessed or minimally processed foods.
Evaluation of Air and Soil Temperatures for Determining the Onset of Growing Season
Authors: Leeper Ronald D. , Matthews Jessica L. , Cesarini Maria S. , Bell Jesse E.
Published: August 2021

While air temperature has commonly been used to define the onset of the growing season (plant uptake of soil nutrients), there is evidence in the literature suggesting vegetation growth is sensitive to soil temperature. As soil temperature observations become increasingly available from monitoring networks, differences in the start of season (SOS) estimates based on both above and below‐ground temperatures should be explored. In this study, air, surface, and soil (at depths of 5, 10, and 20 cm) temperature from the U.S. Climate Reference Network were used to estimate SOS at 104 stations across the U.S.. Temperature thresholds of 0, 5, or 10°C were used to estimate the SOS as the earliest date of the year when temperatures remained above each threshold. SOS dates based on temperature were compared with MODIS‐satellite‐derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Results indicated that the day‐of‐year of SOS based on soil temperature occurred about two months earlier than SOS estimates from air and surface temperatures. Overall, 5 cm soil temperature SOS estimates using a 5°C threshold matched well with SOSNDVI; albeit, only slightly better than air temperature SOS estimates using the 0°C threshold. This was in part because air temperature conditions were more likely to dip back below a given threshold with the passage cold fronts than soil temperatures. This often resulted in later air temperature SOS estimates particularly in years with sub‐freezing late season cold fronts. This suggests soil temperature can improve SOS estimates for many locations across the U.S.
A Locally Smoothed Terrain‐Following Vertical Coordinate to Improve the Simulation of Fog and Low Stratus in Numerical Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Westerhuis Stephanie , Fuhrer Oliver
Published: August 2021

The correct simulation of fog and low stratus (FLS) is a difficult task for numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. The Swiss Plateau experiences many days with FLS in winter. Most NWP models employ terrain‐following vertical coordinates. As a consequence, the typically flat cloud top is intersected by sloping coordinate surfaces above hilly terrain such as the Swiss Plateau. Horizontal advection across the sloping coordinate surfaces leads to spurious numerical diffusion which promotes erroneous FLS dissipation. To address this problem, we propose a new vertical coordinate formulation which features a local smoothing of the model levels. We demonstrate the positive impact of the new vertical coordinate formulation on a case study in detail and for a full month using the COSMO model. The improved vertical coordinate formulation is not yet sufficient to obtain perfect FLS forecasts, it is however a crucial aspect to consider on the way thereto.
A Dynamic Light Scattering Approach for Detection of Nanomaterials in Tennessee River
Authors: Tareq Syed Mohammed , Boutchuen Armel , Roy Shuvashish , Zimmerman Dell , Jur Gitapun , Bathi Jejal Reddy , Palchoudhury Soubantika
Published: August 2021

Application of different engineered nanomaterials is fast‐growing, leading to increased chances of environmental release. Consequently, a robust preliminary detection method for nanomaterials in major ecological environments is beneficial. We report a facile strategy using intensity and number metric of dynamic light scattering to detect presence of nanomaterials in river water. Samples from eight locations of the Tennessee River within Chattanooga were analyzed using our dynamic light scattering technique as a representative assessment of an urban region of Southeastern United States. The average particle sizes (108–294 nm) indicated a possibility of nanomaterials in this region. The results were complemented via scanning electron microscopy. We found that a criteria of identifying peaks at the smallest size distribution for the intensity metric was useful in detecting presence of nanomaterials in environmental samples. The novelty of our approach is the ability to rapidly assess environmental water in solution form with minimum sample preparation artifacts.
A Simple Chamber Design for Calibrating Weiss Saturometers and Recommendations for Measuring and Reporting Total Dissolved Gases
Authors: Pleizier N. K. , Cooke S. J. , Brauner C. J.
Published: August 2021

Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation downstream of features such as hydroelectric dams can cause harmful bubbles to grow in the tissues of aquatic animals. TDG supersaturation is often measured using Weiss saturometers, but information on the calibration and use of these instruments is scarce in the literature. Regular calibration, accurate measurement procedures, and standardized TDG reporting are important for generating reliable measurements that are easily interpreted. We provide a description of low‐cost calibration equipment that practitioners can build themselves and recommend a specific two‐point calibration protocol. We also recommend methods for the more accurate measurement and reporting of TDG.