bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Talking While Signing: The Influence of Simultaneous Communication on the Spoken Language of Bimodal Bilinguals
Authors: Rozen-Blay Or , Novogrodsky Rama , Degani Tamar
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

This study aimed to examine how speech while sign (simultaneous communication [SimCom]) affects the spoken language of bimodal bilingual teachers and how individual differences in sign-language vocabulary knowledge, SimCom teaching experience, and the ability to perform speech under dual-task conditions explain the variability in SimCom performance.

Method:

Forty experienced teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students participated in a story narration task under different conditions. Speech rate, lexical richness, and syntactic complexity were measured and compared across speech-only versus SimCom conditions. Furthermore, participants' score on a sign-language vocabulary test, their self-reported SimCom teaching experience, and their performance in a dual-task condition were taken as predictors of SimCom narration performance.

Results:

The findings revealed slower speech rate, lower lexical richness, and lower syntactic complexity in the SimCom condition compared with the speech-only condition. Sign-language vocabulary score and SimCom teaching experience explained speech rate and lexical richness. Participant's ability to speak under a dual-task condition did not modulate performance.

Conclusions:

The findings may suggest that the production of the less dominant (sign) language during SimCom entails inhibition of the dominant (spoken) language relative to the speech-only condition. At the same time, the findings are also compatible with the suggestion that SimCom serves as a unique complex communication unit that cannot be reduced to the combination of two languages.
Quantification and characterization of hydrological drought in the Oued El-Abid watershed between 1978-2019: Statistical and GIS approaches
Authors: Layati Elhoucein , Qadem Abdelghani , El Ghachi Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Hydrological drought is considered an environmental phenomenon related to climate changes that affect natural resources in general. The evaluation of droughts is essential to in the management ofwater resources. This study aims to demonstrate the use of statistical indices (SSFI and NHI) andGIS (remote sensing) to quantify, characterize and identify hydrologic drought. These indices are applied to the watershed of OuedEl-Abid using the annual stream flows time series at the threestations studied (AitOuchen, Tilouguit, and TiziN’Isli), spanning from 1978 to 2019. Results showed that dry and very dry years occur more frequently. Because of, the lake of Bin El-Ouidane dam ismarked by a substantial regression of the water storage. Thematic maps of land use using spatialremote sensing (supervised classification) show that the years 1984, 2000, and 2017 are the driestand most vulnerable years.
Research on stimulation of injection and production capacity for single well in underground gas storage
Authors: Li Chen , Wen Xiaoyong , Shen Zhihao , Li Li , Liu Peng , Peng Hu
Published: January 2022

Underground gas storage is the best choice for natural gas resource reserve and peak value. Storage capacity of underground gas storage and single well injection and production capacity are the key indicators of shaving capacity. This paper focuses on research of expansion of gas storage and the stimulation of injection and production capacity of single well of a basin in Western China. Firstly, based on the study of two-phase seepage law of gas and water, a numerical simulation model coupling high velocity non-Darcy effect and gas-water two phase seepage is established; Secondly, the influencing factors of single well injection and production capacity are analysed. Finally, acidizing can effectively improve the single well injection and production capacity of well. The numerical simulation result shows that the injection and production differential pressure is reduced by 70%, and gas injection and production volume are increased by 14.8% and 26.9%.
Preparation of cellulose-based cationic adsorbents and their removal of Pb (II) from water
Authors: Hu Xiao , Zeng Rui , Xie Weidong , Hu Zhixin , Li Yuyuan , Wang Dong , Li Xiang
Published: January 2022

Industrial production is a double-edged sword, which not only brings convenience to human beings, but also does some harm to the environment. Water pollution, especially heavy metal pollution, has become a major environmental problem. In this paper, ionization reagent was prepared and attached to cellulose to obtain Cell-IA. The cationic Cell-IA was selected to evaluate the adsorption properties of PBII. The effect of the adsorbent on the actual sewage treatment was studied and whether the adsorbent could be applied in practice was determined.
Effects of different land consolidation methods on soil properties of cultivated land
Authors: Shen Jianglong , Dai Yilun
Published: January 2022

As an important reserve cultivated land resource in my country, its development and utilization are of great significance to ensure food security. Aiming at the problems of bare gravel leakage and shallow soil layer in the barren rock beach area, through community simulation experiments, different covering soil structures were set up on the basis of the underlying gravel, and the effects of different covering soil structures on soil physical and chemical properties and crop yield were monitored to obtain Find suitable soil structures. The results show that: when the covering thickness is 60cm, the content of total nitrogen and available phosphorus in the soil reaches the maximum; when the soil bulk density is set to 1.5 g/cm3, the content of available phosphorus in the soil reaches the maximum. The content of available potassium increased with the increase of soil bulk density.
Effect of Various Wrist and Forearm Motions on Distal Radius Forces
Authors: Chebolu Vela , Werner Frederick W.
Published: January 2022

Background Dart throw motions are frequently used during rehabilitation but the ideal orientation of a dart throw motion is unknown.

Questions/Purposes The purpose of this study was to measure the axial force on the distal radius during different dart throw motions with the wrist and forearm in various positions. Our hypothesis was that there would be a significant difference on the axial force between various forearm positions and different dart throw orientations.

Methods Eight fresh frozen cadaver wrists were moved through 10 different orientations of a dart throw motion with the forearm in neutral, in pronation, and during a dynamic forearm rotation motion while the axial force was measured.

Results Significantly smaller axial force occurred with the forearm in pronation than during the dynamic forearm motion. The shorter dart throw motions which were oriented equally toward the flexion/extension and radioulnar deviation axes had significantly smaller distal radius forces than nearly all of the other dart throw motions.

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance Rehabilitation protocols incorporating a dart throw motion may be of benefit after injury or surgery. To minimize the axial force transmitted through a healing distal radius fracture, short dart throw motions, oriented at 45 degrees from the sagittal and coronal planes, with the forearm in pronation, might be preferable for range of motion activities during rehabilitation.
Methylation related genes affect sex differentiation in dioecious and gynodioecious papaya
Authors: Zhou Ping , Zhang Xiaodan , Ma Xinyi , Yue Jingjing , Liao Zhenyang , Ming Ray
Published: January 2022

Morphological, genic and epigenetic differences often exist in separate sexes of dioecious and trioecious plants. However, the connections and relationships among them in different breeding systems are still unclear. Papaya has three sex types, which is genetically determined and epigenetically regulated, and was chosen as a model to study sex differentiation. Bisulfite sequencing of genomic DNA extracted from early-stage flowers revealed sex-specific genomic methylation landscapes and seasonally methylome reprogramming processes in dioecious and gynodioecious papaya grown in spring and summer. Extensive methylation of sex-determining region (SDR) was the distinguishing epigenetic characteristics of nascent XY sex chromosomes in papaya. Seasonal methylome reprogramming of early-stage flowers in both dioecy and gynodioecy systems were detected, resulting from transcriptional expression pattern alterations of methylation-modification-related and chromatin-remodeling-related genes, particularly from those genes involved in active demethylation. Genes involved in phytohormone signal transduction pathway in male flowers have played an important role in the formation of male-specific characteristics. These findings enhanced the understanding of the genetic and epigenetic contributions to sex differentiation and the complexity of sex chromosome evolution in trioecious plants.
In-vitro Assessments of Clot Elicitation by Thrombogenic Fibers vs. Embolization Coils
Authors: Chaput Oriane , Solt Derek , Sukavaneshvar Sivaprasad , Fenouil Nathalie , Burg Brian R. , Pouletty Philippe , Haulon Stephan , Fabre Dominique
Published: January 2022

Late and persistent type II endoleaks (EL2) following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) have been recognized as an independent and significant risk factor for aneurysm sac growth and secondary procedures. Solutions are available for treatment, with varying success rates; preventive perioperative sac embolization with coils appears safe and effective. The objective of this study is to compare whole blood coagulation elicited by a textile stent-graft equipped with thrombogenic, patented “Kardiozis” fibers (PKF) to that elicited by embolization coils in an in vitro study.

The approach is to establish an equivalence between PKF and coils in a static model, then to compare clot elicitation by both materials in a perfused model aneurysm chamber subjected to EL2.

The weight of clot elicited during exposure to blood was the primary measurement. In the static model, PKF and coils were soaked in blood for up to 90 minutes (N = 30) and elicited similar clotting. In the dynamic model, stent-grafts equipped with PKF or coils were exposed to blood flow inside an aneurysm model for up to 3h (N = 5), with generally higher clot weights for stent-grafts with PKF (non-significant). Complete thrombosis of the aneurysm model was observed in one experimental series (positive control and stent-graft with PKF).

A stent-graft with PKF elicits at least as much clot as embolization coils dispersed in an aneurysm model chamber under continuous blood flow. PKF positioned on the outer wall of stent-grafts could have a similar action as coiling of the aneurysm sac during the index EVAR.
In-Hospital Left Ventricular Assist Devices Deactivation and Death Experience: A Single-Institution Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Singh Manavotam , Rao Anirudh , Ahmed Sara , Molina Ezequiel , Sheikh Farooq H. , Groninger Hunter
Published: January 2022

Best practices for left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) deactivation at end-of-life (EOL) have yet to be elucidated. We conducted a single-institution retrospective review of patients who died following LVAD deactivation between January 2017 and March 2020. Data were obtained from institutional databases and electronic health record and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Fifty-eight patients (70% male, 70% African American, median age 62 years) were categorized by implant strategy: bridge therapy (BT, N = 22, 38%) or destination therapy (DT, N = 36, 62%). Clinical events leading to deactivation were categorized either acute (e.g., stroke [N = 31, 53%]), gradual decline (N = 12, 21%), or complications during index hospitalization (N = 15, 26%). Implant strategy was not associated with clinical trajectory leading to EOL (p = 0.67), hospital unit of death (p = 0.13), or use of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.69) or renal replacement therapy (p = 0.81) during terminal hospitalization. Overall time from admission to code status change was mean 27.0 days (SD 30.3 days). Compared with BT patients, DT experienced earlier do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders (p ≤ 0.01) and shorter survival post-deactivation (p ≤ 0.01). Deactivations after gradual decline tended to occur outside ICUs, compared with acute events or index implant-related complications (p = 0.04). Implant strategy was not associated with differences in EOL experience except regarding timing of DNR order and survival post-deactivation.
Review of the Safety Profiles of Laxatives in Pregnant Women
Authors: Brigstocke Sophie , Yu Vanessa , Nee Judy
Published: January 2022

Chronic constipation is one of the most common complaints seen in the gastroenterology clinic and is particularly prevalent in women. Women who become pregnant may suffer from existing constipation or develop constipation de novo. A thorough understanding of the safety of laxative therapies during pregnancy and the postpartum period is essential to successfully treating these women. Current understanding of the safety of both over the counter and prescription laxatives has not been adequately evaluated. In this article we provide an updated and comprehensive review of the safety profiles of laxatives that are currently used for the treatment of chronic constipation to aid the clinician in risk-benefit discussions with women who are currently or planning to become pregnant.
Particle flow modulates growth dynamics and nanoscale-arrested growth of transcription factor condensates in living cells
Authors: Muñoz-Gil Gorka , Romero-Aristizabal Catalina , Mateos Nicolas , Campelo Felix , de Llobet Cucalon Lara I. , Beato Miguel , Lewenstein Maciej , Garcia-Parajo Maria F. , Torreno-Pina Juan A.
Published: January 2022

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is emerging as key physical principle for biological organization inside living cells, forming condensates that play important roles in the regulation of multiple functions. Inside living nuclei, transcription factor (TF) condensates regulate transcriptional initiation and amplify transcriptional output of expressed genes. Yet, the biophysical parameters controlling TF condensation are still poorly understood. Here we applied a battery of single molecule imaging tools, theory and simulations to investigate the physical properties of TF condensates of the Progesterone Receptor (PR) in vivo. Analysis of individual PR trajectories at different ligand concentrations showed marked signatures of a ligand-tunable and regulated LLPS process. Using a machine learning architecture, we uncovered that diffusion within condensates follows fractional Brownian motion, reflecting viscoelastic interactions between PR and chromatin within condensates. High density single molecule localization maps further revealed that condensate growth dynamics is dominated by Brownian motion coalescence (BMC) at shorter times, but deviate at longer timescales reaching a growth plateau with nanoscale condensate sizes. To understand our observations we developed an extension of the BMC model by including stochastic unbinding of particles within condensates. The model reproduced the BMC behavior together with finite condensate sizes a steady-state, fully recapitulating our experimental data. Our results are thus consistent with droplet growth dynamics being regulated by the escaping probability of TFs molecules from condensates. The interplay between condensation assembly and molecular escaping maintains an optimum physical condensate size. Such phenomena must have implications for the biophysical regulation of other TF condensates and could also operate in multiple biological scenarios.
Encoding sensing functions into material interface for a rationally engineered integrated electrochemical liquid biopsy
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhu Hao , Ying Zi , Gao Xinghua , Chen Wei , Zhan Yueping , Feng Lingyan , Liu Chung-Chiun , Dai Yifan
Published: January 2022

Limited healthcare capacity highlights the needs of integrated and simple sensing systems for personalized health monitoring. However, only a limited set of sensors can be employed for point-of-care applications, emphasizing the lack of a generalizable engineering strategy for sensor construction. Here, we report a de novo rational engineering strategy for the construction of an integrated electrochemical liquid biopsy (ELB) platform capable of direct profiling cancer exosomes from blood. Using a bottom-up approach for sensor design, a series of critical sensing functions is considered and encoded into the material interface by programming the electrode material with different chemical and structure features. We present that the rationally engineered electrochemical liquid biopsy platform is able to achieve one-step sensor fabrication, target isolation, non-fouling and high-sensitivity sensing, direct signal transduction and multiplexed detection. Integrating the multiplexed sensing with principal component analysis, we demonstrate the capability of the programmed sensing system on differentiating cancerous groups from healthy controls by analyzing clinical samples from lung cancer patients.
Structural insights into the galanin receptors signaling
Authors: Jiang Wentong , Zheng Sanduo
Published: January 2022

Galanin is a biologically active neuropeptide, and functions through three distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), namely GALR1, GALR2 and GLAR3. GALR signaling plays important roles in regulating various physiological processes such as energy metabolism, neuropathic pain, epileptic activity, and sleep homeostasis. GALR1 and GALR3 signal through the Gi/opathway, whereas GALR2 signals mainly through the Gq/11pathway. However, the molecular basis for galanin recognition and G protein selectivity of GALRs remains poorly understood. Here, we report the cryoelectron microscopy structures of the GALR1-Goand the GALR2-Gqcomplexes bound to the endogenous ligand galanin or spexin. The galanin peptide mainly adopts an alpha helical structure, which binds at the extracellular vestibule of the receptors, nearly parallel to the membrane plane without penetrating deeply into the receptor core. Structural analysis combined with functional studies reveals important structural determinants for the G protein selectivity of GALRs as well as other class A GPCRs. In addition, we show that the zinc ion is a negative allosteric regulator of GALR1 but not GALR2. Our studies provide insight into the mechanisms of G protein selectivity of GPCRs and highlight potential novel function of the neuromodulator zinc ion as a modulator of GPCR signaling in the central nervous system.

Significance Statement

Galanin exerts various physiological functions through galanin receptors, including antinociceptive activity, depression and sleep. Here, we reveal a distinct binding site and binding pose of galanin peptide in galanin receptors from that of the published structures of peptide-bound GPCRs. Moreover, our work show that the neuromodulator zinc ion negatively modulates galanin signaling in the central nervous system, and further advances our understanding of mechanisms of G protein selectivity of GPCRs. These unique features of galanin receptors can be exploited for rational design of subtype selective ligands for treatments of neurological disorders.
Tribological investigation and process optimization of dry sliding wear behavior for WS2 solid lubricant layer deposition on Al 6061-T6 surface
Authors: R. Rajeshshyam , R. Venkatraman , S. Raghuraman
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This tribological investigation aims to identify the effect of WS2 deposition on the Al 6061 surface and optimize the dry sliding conditions to enhance the friction and abrasion wear behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

WS2-deposited Al 6061-T6 surface was considered for this tribological investigation. The design of the experiment was based on the Box–Behnken design of the response surface methodology approach, which is used to evaluate the interaction effect of input parameters on friction coefficient (COF) and specific wear rate (SWR). The abrasive wear behavior of WS2 deposition against SiC emery sheet was explored through pin-on-disc experimentation by varying applied load (L), sliding velocity (V) and distance (D). Using analysis of variance and regression model, COF and SWR were predicted.

Findings

Based on composite desirability criteria, multi-objective optimization was performed to minimize the COF and SWR. The obtained optimal sliding conditions are L = 10 N, V = 2 m/s and D = 949.49 m. The validation test results indicate that the experimental and predicted data are in good conformance. For optimized conditions, worn surface characterization was done using a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to ensure the formation of WS2 phases on worn-out surfaces. Furthermore, a counter body surface with collected wear debris has been analyzed.

Originality/value

Almost the industries are now focused on a new surface modification technique, which improves the surface and tribological characteristics. This research work specifically relates the tribological effect of WS2 deposition on an Al 6061-T6 surface through a novel electrical discharge deposition approach and optimizes the dry sliding conditions to improve the frictional and abrasive wear resistance.
Functional characterization of the methylarsenite‐inducible arsRM operon from Noviherbaspirillum denitrificans HC18
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Jian , Wu Yi‐Fei , Liu Xia , Packianathan Charles , Nadar Venkadesh S. , Rosen Barry P. , Zhao Fang‐Jie
Published: January 2022

Microbial arsenic methylation by arsenite (As(III)) S‐adenosylmethionine methyltransferases (ArsMs) can produce the intermediate methylarsenite (MAs(III)), which is highly toxic and is used by some microbes as an antibiotic. Other microbes have evolved mechanisms to detoxify MAs(III). In this study, an arsRM operon was identified in the genome of an MAs(III)‐methylation strain Noviherbaspirillum denitrificans HC18. The arsM gene (NdarsM) is located downstream of an open reading frame encoding an MAs(III)‐responsive transcriptional regulator (NdArsR). The N. denitrificans arsRM genes are co‐transcribed whose expression is significantly induced by MAs(III), likely by alleviating the repressive effect of ArsR on arsRM transcription. Both in vivo and in vitro assays showed that NdArsM methylates MAs(III) to dimethyl‐ and trimethyl‐arsenicals but does not methylate As(III). Heterologous expression of NdarsM in arsenic‐sensitive Escherichia coli AW3110 conferred resistance to MAs(III) but not As(III). NdArsM has the four conserved cysteine residues present in most ArsMs, but only two of them are essential for MAs(III) methylation. The ability to methylate MAs(III) by enzymes such as NdArsM may be an evolutionary step originated from enzymes capable of methylating As(III). This finding reveals a mechanism employed by microbes such as N. denitrificans HC18 to detoxify MAs(III) by further methylation.
Potential effects of arid shrubland degradation on habitat suitability for a declining arid zone bird, the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis)
Authors: Belder Donna J. , Paton David C. , Pierson Jennifer C.
Published: January 2022

Australia's arid shrublands have been impacted by a variety of threatening processes since European settlement, and changes to ecosystem structure and function have been observed at multiple levels. The lack of recruitment and regeneration of the perennial shrub and tree layer in these communities has implications for many shrubland birds, including species of conservation concern such as the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis: Acanthizidae). We documented foraging behaviour and habitat selection of the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill at the Arid Recovery Reserve in South Australia and surveyed vegetation characteristics within the Reserve and in an adjacent pastoral property. We found that Chestnut‐rumped Thornbills preferentially use certain plant species:Callitris glaucophylla,Acacia aneura,Acacia ligulataandAcacia tetragonophylla, and that these species were significantly less abundant at our study sites outside the Reserve than inside. Major differences in the structure and composition of the vegetation inside and outside the Reserve suggest that changes in habitat structure and composition occurring in the broader landscape (outside the fenced area) decrease the suitability of arid shrubland habitat for the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill and may contribute to their absence in unprotected areas. Our study indicates that deterioration of the perennial shrub layer could have significant consequences for the persistence of the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill in arid rangelands. Our findings highlight the importance of rangeland management and restoration of Australia's arid shrublands in preventing declines of the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill and other insectivorous birds.
Positive family relationships in a digital age: Hearing the voice of young people
Authors: Johnson Nicola F. , Francis Zoe
Published: January 2022

This study focused on young people's perspectives about family relationships and how they can be strengthened or weakened through digital media practices. Located in Melbourne, Australia, 20 participants aged between 13 and 17 years were interviewed about how digital devices and practices shaped the way they interacted with family. The thematic analysis points to the young people's commitment to family cohesion. This was demonstrated through responsible use of social media, admitting the need for device‐free time, acknowledging the challenges of being online, and their sense of responsibility as a family member, which informed and shaped the way they individually acted.
Curzerene suppresses progression of human glioblastoma through inhibition of glutathione S‐transferase A4
Authors: Cheng Bo , Hong Xiaoliang , Wang Linfang , Cao Yuanyuan , Qin Dengli , Zhou Han , Gao Dianshuai
Published: January 2022

Aims

Glioblastoma is the central nervous system tumor with the highest mortality rate, and the clinical effectiveness of chemotherapy is low. Curzerene can inhibit the progression of non‐small‐cell lung cancer, but its role in glioma has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of curzerene on glioma progression and further explore its potential mechanism.

Methods

The expression of glutathione S‐transferase A4 (GSTA4) in glioblastoma and the effect of curzerene on the expression of GSTA4 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 and the activation of the mTOR pathway were detected by Western blotting and RT‐PCR, and the effects of curzerene treatment on glioma malignant character were detected by cell biological assays. The in vivo antitumor effects of curzerene were analyzed in a nude mouse xenograft model.

Results

Curzerene was found to inhibit the expression of GSTA4 mRNA and protein in U251 and U87 glioma cells, and this effect correlated with a downregulation of the proliferation of these cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Invasion and migration were also inhibited, and curzerene treatment correlated with induction of apoptosis. Curzerene inhibited the activation of the mTOR pathway and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9, and it correlated with increased 4‐hydroxynonenal levels. In vivo, curzerene was found to significantly inhibit tumor growth in nude mice and to prolong the survival time of tumor‐bearing nude mice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, inhibition of GSTA4 correlates with positive outcomes in glioma models, and thus, this molecule is a candidate drug for the treatment of glioma.
Fires in the Amazon Region: Quick Policy Review
Authors: Eufemia Luca , Dias Turetta Ana Paula , Bonatti Michelle , Da Ponte Emmanuel , Sieber Stefan
Published: January 2022

Motivation

The combination of institutional weaknesses, climate change, and overexploitation is increasingly recognized as endangering the Amazon forest. These three factors made 2020 the worst year for forest fires recorded in the previous 60 years. We analyse environmental policies across the nine countries of the Amazon Basin to develop national and regional forest programmes to tackle this scenario.

Purpose

The study synthesizes and compares key environmental legislation concerning protected natural areas (PNAs) and fire management in the nine countries of the Amazon Basin. To this end, the research question asks what directions can be drawn from a visualization and compilation of national regulations for future policy research and practice.

Methods and approach

We undertake a critical literature review of PNAs and fire‐management policies across the nine countries of the Amazon Basin and their further alignment using analyses of previous policy reviews on forest codes and land distribution.

Findings

The article shows the heterogeneity of national fire‐use and fire‐management policies among the nine countries of the Amazon Basin. In addition, it suggests that top‐down policies and regulations are likely to be characterized by misunderstandings (either direct or indirect) of local practice, rationale, and capacity; and, in some cases, risk criminalizing local and indigenous daily subsistence.

Policy implications

The study indicates the need for more in‐depth research and policy on participatory governance platforms for the use and management of fire, rather than fire‐suppression and fire‐risk adaptation strategies. There are some positive, albeit often isolated, cases, to which scholars, policy‐makers, and environmental practitioners should pay more attention.
THE CHANGING STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION SPENDING
Authors: Moro Alessio , Rachedi Omar
Published: January 2022

We document a secular change in the structure of government consumption spending: Over time the government purchases relatively more private‐sector goods, and relies less on its own production of value added. This process alters the transmission of fiscal policy, by dampening the response of hours, public value added, and the labor share to government spending shocks, while leaving the response of total output unchanged. We rationalize these facts in a general equilibrium model where a decline of the public‐sector relative productivity drives the changing structure of government spending, which in turn modifies the transmission mechanism of government spending shocks.
Thermophysical modeling of raw glaze liquidus temperature and viscosity
Authors: Hsieh Peter Y.
Published: January 2022

Raw glazes, which do not contain pre‐melted glass frits, are widely used due to their low cost. The natural variability of the mineral compositions used in raw glazes affects their viscosity during firing. Molten glaze viscosity plays an important role in determining the final surface quality; therefore, it is important to determine how raw glaze composition and firing conditions affect viscosity. Thermophysical modeling provides a way to evaluate the liquidus temperature and viscosity of molten glazes as a function of composition and oxygen activity. Equilibrium phase volume fraction and composition of 242 raw glaze recipes were evaluated under oxidizing and reducing conditions. Undissolved or precipitation of solid phases explains the secondary flux transition from anti‐fluxing to fluxing near the liquidus temperature. The liquidus temperature and viscosity of iron glazes decrease as a function of increasing iron content under a reducing atmosphere. The empirical probability distribution of molten glaze viscosity follows a lognormal distribution, with lead glazes having significantly lower viscosity compared with glazes without lead. The peak firing temperature viscosity of lead‐free glazes is near the working point of glass. Multiple linear regression analysis shows that the peak firing temperature viscosity and liquidus temperature significantly predict the viscosity factor.
The future of long‐term monitoring after catheter and surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Baman Jayson R. , Passman Rod S.
Published: January 2022

In recent years, there has been an emergence of long‐term cardiac monitoring devices, particularly as they relate to nonprescribed, user‐initiated, wearable‐ and/or, smartphone‐based devices. With these new available data, practitioners are challenged to interpret these data in the context of routine clinical decision‐making. While there are many potential uses for long‐term rhythm monitoring, in this review, we will focus on the evolving role of this technology in atrial fibrillation (AF) monitoring after catheter and/or surgical ablation. Here, we explore the landscape of prescription‐based tools for long‐term rhythm monitoring; investigate commercially available technologies that are accessible directly to patients, and look towards the future with investigative technologies that could have a growing role in this space.
Protecting the Rhine‐Meuse delta against sea level rise: What to do with the river's discharge?
Authors: De Bruijn Karin M. , Diermanse Ferdinand L. M. , Weiler Otto M. , De Jong Jurjen S. , Haasnoot Marjolijn
Published: January 2022

Sea level rise (SLR) will affect water levels and increase flood risk in river deltas. To adapt river deltas to SLR, various strategies can be followed. Many urbanised river deltas already have flood protection in place. Continuing a protection strategy under an increasing SLR, would mean higher embankments along the coast and rivers and possibly closing off the river mouths from the sea. However, closing of rivers will hamper the river flow. How to adapt river deltas and enabling rivers to discharge into the sea is a challenging question. This paper assesses impacts of SLR on flood risks in the Rhine‐Meuse Delta in the Netherlands in case the current protection strategy is continued and explores two alternative protection strategies: (1) a closed system with pumps and discharge sluices and (2) an open system in which rivers are diverted to less densely populated areas. The second alternative results in a more flexible river delta, which can accommodate larger SLR. The paper shows that a systems approach and using quantitative assessments of the implications of strategies is possible. This is needed to further assess the adaptation options, so we can anticipate and adapt when needed and avoid regret of decisions.
Dreams of time and space: exploring digital literacies through playful transmedia storying in school
Authors: Colvert Angela
Published: January 2022

To support digital literacies in schools, fundamental reorientation and rethinking is required to develop ‘appropriate’ pedagogical practices which are aligned with (and extend) the current curriculum. To achieve this, new flexible frameworks and tools are needed to support educators to work creatively and productively within the current constraints and challenge dominant discourses. Addressing this necessity, I present the findings from a 2‐year research project, funded by the British Academy, entitled Playful Pedagogies: Developing New Literacies in the Classroom through the Design and Play of Alternate Reality Games which set out to investigate how engaging teachers in the co‐design of an alternate reality game might develop their understanding of digital literacies (their own and those of the children in their classes). The game, ‘Join the DOTS (Dreams of Time and Space)’, provides a fictional context and pedagogical framework for exploring the potential of ‘transmedia storying’ in schools. The associated planning tool and observation frame support teachers to reflect on the skills, critical questions and cultural connections shaped during play and foreground the value of noticing literacy processes as they emerge ‘in the moment’. These have significant implications educators and policy makers and those developing transmedia narratives with and for young people.
Weaving critical hope: story making with artists and children through troubled times
Authors: Stephenson Lisa , Daniel Alastair , Storey Vicky
Published: January 2022

Re‐imagining Home was a collective immersive story response for children ages 7–12 years during Covid curated by artists from The Story Makers Company. This experience focused on connecting children in new ways through the processes of drama and storying. This paper explores the nuanced responses that children and artists negotiated online/offline story spaces as they lived through these experiences. ARTography (Irwin, 2013) is used as a form of practitioner inquiry from three of the eight artists perspectives, to critically examine the tensions of embedding our affective offline practices online. This includes exploring the rhizomatic ways in which children engaged both online/offline through the artefacts that they shared. The ways in which these hybrid story spaces reflected our affective experiences are explored as the ‘richness of the meanwhile’ (Bogost in Facer 2019, p. 7), described as ‘the dense network of activity going on at any one time’. These shared ‘fragmentary’ stories are explored as a critical pedagogy of hope, considering how the Story Weave offered new possibilities for reimagining future educator practices in troubled times.
Lethal COG6‐CDG in neonatal patient with arachnodactyly, joint contractures, and skin manifestations: Founder mutation in the Southeastern European population?
Authors: Ververi Athina , Stathopoulou Theodora , Kontou Aggeliki , Farini Maria , Vlahou Georgia , Demiris Nikolaos , Sarafidis Kosmas
Published: January 2022

Herein, we report a lethal case of the ultra‐rare COG6‐congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) presenting with skin manifestations (scaling and erosions) and joint contractures in a neonate of Albanian origin. The patient was homozygous for a COG6 pathogenic variant, previously reported in another three individuals of Greek, Bulgarian and Turkish descent. The presence of a founder mutation in the geographical area is possible. The index case emphasizes the need to consider CDGs in neonatal patients with skin manifestations and joint contractures, particularly patients of Southeastern European or West Asian origin.
Estrogens in wastewaters: Can different operating conditions improve their removal in anaerobic conditions?
Authors: Louros Vitória L. , Sousa Andreia F. C. , Lima Diana L. D. , Santos Pedro M. P. , Leitão Jorge H. , Esteves Valdemar I. , Nadais Helena G. A.
Published: January 2022

The removal of estrone (E1) and 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2) from synthetic wastewater under anaerobic conditions, at environmental relevant concentrations (80 and 4 μg L−1, for E1 and EE2, respectively), was here assessed. Results indicated that the increase in temperature favoured E1 removal (complete removal at 25°C, and 34°C after 25 h), while EE2 does not seem to be affected. The lowest mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS) concentrations promoted a higher removal of E1 and EE2 (with a complete removal for E1 after 25 h and of 74% after 265 h for EE2 with a MLSS of 2 g L−1). Moreover, the presence of nitrate does not seem to have influence on E1 and EE2 removal. These studies represent a step forward in the knowledge of the influence of different conditions on the estrogens' removal under anaerobic conditions.
Three new species of Winterschmidtia Oudemans (Acari: Winterschmidtiidae) from Peru, with a key to species of the world
Authors: Kolesnikov Vasiliy B. , Khaustov Alexander A. , Petrov Alexander V. , Klimov Pavel B.
Published: January 2022

Most species of the mite genus Winterschmidtia Oudemans, 1923 are associated with bark beetles. These mites are predacious on eggs of their coleopteran hosts and may be potential biocontrol agents for pest species of bark beetles. Here we describe three new species of Winterschmidtia from Peru based on phoretic deutonymphs: W. parallela sp. nov. (from Loganius flavicornis), W. alekhini sp. nov. (from Phloeotribus biguttatus) and W. reducta sp. nov. (from Phloeotribus pilula). The name Calvolia fusiformis Zachvatkin, 1941 was recombined as Winterschmidtia fusiformis (Zachvatkin, 1941) com. nov. An illustrated key to species of the genus Winterschmidtia (phoretic deutonymphs) of the world is provided.
Cenozoic magmatism and plate tectonics in western North America: Have we got it wrong?
Authors: Glazner* Allen F.
Published: January 2022

The current tectonic framework for understanding Cenozoic magmatism in western North America was laid out in a series of influential papers in the early days of the plate-tectonics revolution. These ideas, largely developed through deductive analysis, were so revolutionary yet seemingly self-evident that they quickly passed from hypothesis to axiom. These include the following. (1) Inboard and outboard sweeps of magmatism resulted from shallowing and then rapid steepening of a subducted slab. (2) The Oligocene–Miocene ignimbrite flareup resulted from sinking and rollback of a shallow slab. (3) Late Cenozoic basaltic magmatism resulted from opening of a slab window. (4) The current Cascade arc is the remnant of a much more continuous ancestral arc that ran the length of western North America. When tested against current databases of igneous rock ages and chemical analyses, these conjectures largely fail; some are clearly contradicted, whereas others are possible but ad hoc and unfalsifiable. Ironically, the plate-tectonics revolution nicely explains plate-boundary magmatism in much of the world but is less successful in western North America, where many of these links were first developed. It is time for a second revolution.
How spin down and radioactive decay drive rocky planet evolution
Authors: Criss* Robert E. , Hofmeister Anne M.
Published: January 2022

Most differences in the gross surface morphologies, tectonic styles, overall geologic histories, and atmospheres of the rocky bodies in the solar system can be explained by contributions and dissipation of gravitational and radiogenic energy over geologic time. These two energy sources are large and measurable and can be extrapolated back in time. Accretion was likely cold, and directly converted gravitational potential energy into axial spin, a prominent feature of planets that is otherwise unexplained. Impact heating was mostly limited to planetary surfaces in the final stages of accretion. Frictional dissipation of spin contributed sufficient energy to ignite the primordial Sun and heated Earth and Venus by nearly as much as has the radioactive decay of K, U, and Th over geologic time. Energy inputs have been continuously offset by loss of heat to the surroundings. The magnitudes of most important energy contributions depend on the planet radius R and also on the distance r to the Sun. Quantitative, albeit approximate, relationships show that the net specific energy (kJ/kg) contributed to the rocky bodies over geologic time goes as: Earth ~ Venus >> Mars ~ Mercury ~ Moon >> asteroids. Net energy inputs increased the average internal temperatures of Earth and Venus by ~3000 K but heated asteroids by only a few hundred kelvins.
Study protocol of the COMPARE-Interaction study: the impact of maternal comorbid depression and anxiety disorders in the peripartum period on child development
Authors: Zietlow Anna-Lena , Woll Christian Franz Josef , Nonnenmacher Nora , Müller Mitho , Labonte Verena , Ditzen Beate , Paulus Markus , Sodian Beate , Nater Urs M , Herpertz Sabine C , Reck Corinna
Published: January 2022

Introduction

To date, there are only few studies that compare the consequences of peripartum maternal depressive disorders (PD) versus depressive with comorbid anxiety disorders (PDCA) for infant and child development. As comorbidity is associated with greater impairment and symptom severity related to the primary diagnosis, comorbidity in mothers might raise their offspring’s risk of developing internalising or externalising disorders even more than has been noted in conjunction with PD alone.

Methods and analysis

This study aims to analyse the impact of parental psychopathology, particularly peripartum depression in mothers with and without comorbid anxiety disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) on child cognitive and socioemotional development. Maternal/paternal psychopathology, mother–infant/father–infant interaction and child development are assessed at four measurement points over the first 2 years (T1: 3–4 months postpartum, T2: 12 months postpartum, T3: 18 months postpartum and T4: 24 months postpartum). The mediating role of mother–infant/father–infant interaction and infant stress reactivity in the relationship between PD/PDCA and infant cognitive and socioemotional development will be analysed. In the ongoing study, 174 families (n=58 mothers with PD, n=58 mothers with PDCA and n=58 healthy controls) will be recruited in inpatient and outpatient centres as well as maternity hospitals in Munich and Heidelberg.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is implemented in accordance with the current guidelines of the World Medical Association (revised Declaration of Helsinki) and the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union. The study procedures were approved by the independent ethics committees of the Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (74_Reck_b) and of the Medical Faculty, University Heidelberg (S-446/2017). Participation is voluntary. A signed written informed consent form must be obtained from each study subject prior to any study-specific procedure. Participants can withdraw from the study at any point in time without giving a reason or being subjected to any future disadvantages. In case of withdrawal from the study, the subject’s data and material will be kept unless the participant asks for data removal. Results will be published and disseminated to further the discussion on the effects of maternal PD and PDCA on parent–infant interaction, infant stress reactivity and child development. Furthermore, study results will be presented at international congresses and expert conferences.
Eosinopenia as a biomarker for antibiotic use in COPD exacerbations: protocol for a retrospective hospital-based cohort study
Authors: Yang Mei , Liu Xuemei , Hu Qiongqiong , Li Junjie , Fu Sijia , Chen Daohong , Wu Yanqing , Luo Ai , Zhang Xiawei , Feng Ruizhi , Xu Guo , Liu Can , Jiang Hongli , Liu Wei
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) has a seriously negative impact on patients’ healths condition and disease progression. Bacterial infection is closely related to AECOPD, and antibiotics are frequently used in clinical practice. The lack of specific biomarkers for rational antibiotics use always leads to antibiotics abuse in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups. Eosinopenia has been considered to be related to increased bacterial load of potentially pathogenic organisms at the onset of COPD exacerbations. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether eosinopenia could be used as a reference for the use of antibiotics in AECOPD.

Methods and analysis

In this study, a hospital-based retrospective cohort design will be adopted to analyse the clinical data of inpatients who are primarily diagnosed with AECOPD in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020. Relevant data will be extracted from the Clinical Big Data Platform for Scientific Research in West China Hospital, including demographic characteristics, blood eosinophil count, procalcitonin, C reactive protein, microbial cultivation, antibiotics use, length of hospital stay, non-invasive ventilation use, intensive care unit transfer and mortality, etc. The collected data will be described and inferred by corresponding statistical methods according to the data type and their distributions. Multiple binary logistic regression models will be used to analyse the relationship between blood eosinophil count and bacterial infection. The antibiotics use, and patient morbidity and mortality will be compared between patients with or without eosinopenia.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Biomedical Ethics Review Board of West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Approval No. 2020-1056). And the research results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000039379.