bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A possible mechanism for partial crowding‐out of R&D subsidies in developing countries
Authors: Rochina Barrachina María Engracia , Rodríguez Moreno Jorge Antonio 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe analyze the effectiveness of R&D subsidies on firms' R&D efforts in a developing country like Ecuador. We use the National Survey of Innovation Activities. Methodologically, we employ a structural framework that considers simultaneity and selection issues. Our results indicate that subsidies have an extensive margin effect, as they encourage firms to carry out R&D activities, and an intensive margin effect, as they increase firms' total innovation effort. However, this is compatible with partial crowding‐out of private efforts by public funds. One possible mechanism to explain this result is that, in developing countries with less developed capital markets, firms with financial constraints may divert part of the subsidy to invest in fixed capital. We find some support for this hypothesis, as the most financially constrained firms both explain the crowding‐out effect and increase their fixed capital investment when receiving a subsidy. For other firms, we observe crowding‐in, and their fixed capital investment remains insensitive to the subsidy.
Exploring intra‐ and inter‐cultural differences in toddlers’ time allocation in a Yucatec Maya and US community
Authors: Padilla‐Iglesias Cecilia , Basargekar Abha , Woodward Amanda L. , Shneidman Laura A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe extent to which toddlers have opportunities to learn in interactive, observational, and independent contexts is thought to vary by culture. However quantitative assessments of cultural variability and of the factors driving intra‐ and inter‐cultural differences in toddler's time allocation are lacking. This paper provides a comparative and quantitative examination of how toddlers spend their time and with whom (adults or children) in two communities (rural Yucatec Maya, urban United States). Additionally, it considers individual factors that predict time allocation. Results demonstrated that Maya toddlers spent more time in independent contexts compared to US toddlers and spent more time exclusively with other children than did US toddlers. Maya toddlers were more likely than US toddlers to spend time observing other people, however, when given the opportunity to observe others there were no differences in visual attentional allocation across cultures. For Maya toddlers maternal schooling related negatively to both time spent with other children and time spent in interactive contexts. The findings highlight the need for researchers to include diverse populations when considering early social experiences as well as assessing factors that may contribute differentially to variations in early experience across cultures.
In vivo evaluation of sunscreen application by multispectral imaging: A new tool for educating sunscreen users
Authors: Le Digabel Jimmy , Questel Emmanuel , Lauze Christophe , Carballido Fabienne , Josse Gwendal 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens is evaluated using standardized protocols based on the application of 2 mg/cm2 of product. However, the amount of product applied by sunscreen users in real life is likely to be much lower.ObjectivesTo evaluate a new multispectral imaging approach for determining the actual quantity of sunscreen applied by users and to assess the benefits of an application guide for the use of an SPF 50+ sunscreen.Materials and methodsAnalyses of the reflectance spectra obtained from multispectral images were used to determine the actual dose of sunscreen that 26 healthy volunteers applied to their face following three application modalities: a single application, reapplication after 30 min, and application according to an instruction guide.ResultsWithout the application guide, volunteers applied an average of 1.04 mg/cm2 of sunscreen during the single application and 1.23 mg/cm2 during the repeated application. With the application guide, the amount of sunscreen applied was 1.45 mg/cm2: around 40% higher than during the single application. Spreading of the sunscreen was also less uniform with the unguided single application than with the other application modalities.ConclusionsThis study showed that the multispectral imaging approach can be used to measure the amount of sunscreen applied in vivo. Our findings confirmed that the standard dose used for SPF measurements and other sunscreen tests is far higher than that applied by users in practice. Providing users with precise guidelines could increase the amount of sunscreen applied, resulting in more adequate photoprotection.
Biomechanical evaluation of three adjunctive methods of orthopedic tension band‐wire fixation to augment simulated patella tendon repairs in dogs
Authors: McKay Rachel M. , Duffy Daniel J. , Chang Yi‐Jen , Beamon Weston , Moore George E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of three adjunctive methods of tension band wire fixation (TBWF) on the biomechanical properties, gap formation, and failure mode in simulated canine patella tendon rupture (RPT).Study designRandomized, ex vivo.Sample populationPaired hindlimbs from 32 dog cadavers.MethodsPatellar tendons (PTs) and associated bone‐muscle‐tendon units were harvested. Each PT was transected then sutured using a core locking loop and simple continuous epitendinous pattern. Each hindlimb was randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 18 hindlimbs/group) using 18 gauge 316 L wire, anchored to the tibial crest distally, to perform transpatellar, suprapatellar, or combined tension band‐wire (TBW) augmentation. Ten hindlimbs were utilized as control specimens. Yield, peak, and failure loads, stiffness, loads to 1 and 3 mm gap formation, and failure mode were evaluated.ResultsCombined transpatellar and suprapatellar TBW augmentation was superior to transpatellar or suprapatellar groups alone. Yield (p = .0008), peak (p = .004), and failure loads (p = .005) were greater for the combined group than for the transpatellar (p = .048) and suprapatellar groups (p = .01) respectively. There was no difference regarding the occurrence of 1 or 3 mm gap formation (1 mm, p = .05; 3 mm, p = .06); however, loads required to cause gap formation were greater in the combined group (p = .036). Mode of failure differed between techniques used for PT augmentation (p < .001).ConclusionCombined transpatellar and suprapatellar adjunctive TBW augmentation for simulated PT repairs was biomechanically superior to either transpatellar or suprapatellar TBWF alone.Clinical significanceCombined suprapatellar and transpatellar TBWF may offer a viable surgical option for increased repair‐site strength and greater loads to gap formation. Further studies investigating alternative techniques and materials for RPT repair augmentation are warranted.
Multi-Objective Surrogate-Based Optimization Method for the Scaling of Combustion Chambers
Authors: Lambert B. , Eckel G. , Le Clercq P. , Zahn M. , Ripplinger T. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this study, we developed an efficient computer-aided design tool for scaling combustor designs. From a limited number of fluid simulations, an original design is scaled while preserving most of the flow properties, using a multi-objective optimization method and deep neural network or kriging surrogate models. The accuracy and robustness of the method were first tested with a simple geometry. Investigations have shown a strong sensitivity of the surrogate models to the sample distribution, which can be reduced using a strategic sampling method. Subsequently, the geometry was scaled down to a factor of two using both surrogate models while preserving most of the flow features.
On the Over-Prediction of Centrifugal Compressor Pressure Ratio in the High Impeller Tip Mach Number Regime
Authors: Qiao Bing , He Xiao , Vahdati Mehdi , Ju Yaping , Zhang Chuhua 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulation is a routinely used tool for turbomachinery research and development, but it often over-predicts the pressure ratio of centrifugal compressors especially in the high impeller tip Mach number regime. In this work, the effects of a series of geometrical and numerical uncertainties and errors on the aerodynamic performance of a centrifugal compressor are investigated systematically. The investigated compressor is the NASA CC3 centrifugal compressor under different impeller tip Mach number conditions. The investigated geometrical/numerical factors include the impeller blade fillet, the impeller hub cavity, the impeller running tip clearance, the averaging method in the post-process, the turbulence model, the inlet duct hub rotation, and the inlet turbulence boundary condition. Results show that the uncertainty of the predicted total pressure ratio generally increases with the impeller tip Mach number. Among the investigated factors, the averaging method, the impeller blade fillet, the turbulence model, and the impeller hub cavity have the most pronounced effects in determining the compressor total pressure ratio. By adopting realistic geometric features, advanced turbulence modeling treatments, and the same averaging method as the experiment, the over-prediction in the total pressure ratio can be alleviated. Detailed flow mechanism analysis with respect to the impeller hub cavity and the turbulence model has been performed. These findings provide valuable guidance for future RANS simulations of centrifugal compressors.
Feasibility of a Virtual Health-Promoting Intervention (Choose to Move) for Older Adults: A Rapid Adaptation in Response to COVID-19
Authors: Gray Samantha M. , Nettlefold Lindsay , Mackey Dawn , Gould Joanie Sims , McKay Heather A. 
Published: August 2023

To support older adults during the first wave of COVID-19, we rapidly adapted our effective health-promoting intervention (Choose to Move [CTM]) for virtual delivery in British Columbia, Canada. The intervention was delivered (April–October 2020) to 33 groups of older adults (“programs”) who were a convenience sample (had previously completed CTM in person; n = 153; 86% female; 73 [6] years). We compared implementation outcomes (recruitment, dose received, retention, and completion of virtual data collection) to predetermined feasibility targets. We assessed mobility, physical activity, and social health outcomes pre- and postintervention (3 months) with validated surveys. We met most (dose received, retention, and virtual data collection), but not all (recruitment), feasibility targets. Approximately two thirds of older adults maintained or improved mobility, physical activity, and social health outcomes at 3 months. It was feasible to implement and evaluate CTM virtually. In future, virtual CTM could help us reach homebound older adults and/or serve as support during public health emergencies.
Tixagevimab/cilgavimab for preventing COVID-19 during the Omicron surge: retrospective analysis of National Veterans Health Administration electronic data
Authors: Young-Xu Yinong , Epstein Lauren , Marconi Vincent C. , Davey Victoria , Korves Caroline , Zwain Gabrielle , Smith Jeremy , Cunningham Fran , Bonomo Robert A. , Ginde Adit A. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Little is known regarding the effectiveness of tixagevimab/cilgavimab in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated immunocompromised patients, particularly after the emergence of the Omicron variant. In this retrospective cohort study with exact matching and propensity score adjustment within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system, we selected immunocompromised veterans age ≥18 years as of 1 January 2022, receiving VA healthcare. We compared a cohort of 1,878 patients treated with at least one dose of intramuscular tixagevimab/cilgavimab to 7,014 matched controls selected from patients who met study criteria but were not treated. Patients were followed through 15 June 2022, or until death, whichever occurred earlier. The primary outcome was a composite of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-related hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. We used Cox proportional hazards modeling to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI for the association between receipt of tixagevimab/cilgavimab and outcomes. Most (73%) tixagevimab/cilgavimab recipients were ≥65 years old, and 80% had ≥3 mRNA vaccine doses or two doses of Ad26.COV2. Compared to matched controls, recipients had a lower incidence of the composite COVID-19 outcome (49/1,878 [2.6%] versus 312/7,014 [4.4%]; HR 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24–0.52), and individually SARS-CoV-2 infection (HR 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22–0.88), COVID-19 hospitalization (HR 0.24; 95% CI, 0.10–0.59), and all-cause mortality (HR 0.32; 95% CI, 0.19–0.55). In conclusion, tixagevimab/cilgavimab was associated with lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 during the Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.2.12.1 surge.

IMPORTANCE
SARS-CoV-2 remains an ongoing global health crisis that justifies continued efforts to validate and expand, when possible, knowledge on the efficacy of available vaccines and treatments. Clinical trials have been limited due to fast tracking of medications for mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic for the general population. We present a real-world analysis, using electronic health record data, of the effectiveness of tixagevimab/cilgavimab for the prevention of COVID-19 infection in the unique population of U.S. veterans. Unlike those in the PROVENT clinical trial from which the emergency use authorization for tixagevimab/cilgavimab as a preventative treatment arose, the veterans population is highly immunocompromised and nearly 96% totally vaccinated. These demographics allowed us to analyze the effectiveness of tixagevimab/cilgavimab in preventing COVID-19 under different conditions in a more fragile population than that of the initial clinical trial.
Complete genome sequence of
Proteiniclasticum
sp. QWL-01, isolated from sewage sludge
Authors: Qiu Wanling , Zhu Junyu , Shih Chao-Jen , Wu Yen-Chi , You Yi-Ting , Wu Chih-Hung , Liao Ching-Hua , Lai Shu-Jung , Chen Sheng-Chung 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Proteiniclasticum
sp. QWL-01 (= BCRC 81396), isolated from sewage sludge of the Wastewater Treatment Plant of Sanming Steel Co. Ltd., Fujian, China. The genome of strain QWL-01 was selected for further species delineation and comparative genomic analysis.
Complete genome sequence of
Brucella pseudintermedia
ASAG-D25, isolated from the wheat ear
Authors: Wang Nanxi , Wang Yang , Jin Yi , Guo Baoyuan , Cui Hua , Yang Yongtan 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Brucella pseudintermedia
ASAG-D25 was isolated from the wheat ear sample in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. The complete genome sequence of
B. pseudintermedia
will provide an important resource for better understanding of the genetic features of the species within the family of
Brucellaceae
.
The cervical microbiota of Hispanics living in Puerto Rico is nonoptimal regardless of HPV status
Authors: Vargas-Robles Daniela , Romaguera Josefina , Alvarado-Velez Ian , Tosado-Rodríguez Eduardo , Dominicci-Maura Anelisse , Sanchez Maria , Wiggin Kara J. , Martinez-Ferrer Magaly , Gilbert Jack A. , Forney Larry J. , Godoy-Vitorino Filipa 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

The cervicovaginal microbiota is influenced by host physiology, immunology, lifestyle, and ethnicity. We hypothesized that there would be differences in the cervicovaginal microbiota among pregnant, nonpregnant, and menopausal women living in Puerto Rico (PR) with and without human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer. We specifically wanted to determine if the microbiota is associated with variations in cervical cytology. A total of 294 women, including reproductive-age nonpregnant (
N
= 196), pregnant (
N
= 37), and menopausal (
N
= 61) women, were enrolled. The cervicovaginal bacteria were characterized by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, the HPV was genotyped with SPF10-LiPA, and cervical cytology was quantified. High-risk HPV (HR-HPV, 67.3%) was prevalent, including genotypes not covered by the 9vt HPV vaccine. Cervical lesions (34%) were also common. The cervical microbiota was dominated by
Lactobacillus iners
. Pregnant women in the second and third trimesters exhibited a decrease in diversity and abundance of microbes associated with bacterial vaginosis. Women in menopause had greater alpha diversity, a greater proportion of facultative and strictly anaerobic bacteria, and higher cervicovaginal pH than premenopausal women. Cervical lesions were associated with greater alpha diversity. However, no significant associations between the microbiota and HPV infection (HR or LR-HPV types) were found. The cervicovaginal microbiota of women living in Puerto Rican were either dominated by
L. iners
or diverse microbial communities regardless of a woman’s physiological stage. We postulate that the microbiota and the high prevalence of HR-HPV increase the risk of cervical lesions among women living in PR.

IMPORTANCE

In the enclosed manuscript, we provide the first in-depth characterization of the cervicovaginal microbiota of Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico (PR), using a 16S rRNA approach, and include women of different physiological stages. Surprisingly we found that high-risk HPV was ubiquitous with a prevalence of 67.3%, including types not covered by the 9vt HPV vaccine. We also found highly diverse microbial communities across women groups—with a reduction in pregnant women, but dominated by nonoptimal
Lactobacillus iners
. Additionally, we found vaginosis-associated bacteria as
Dialister
spp.,
Gardnerella
spp.,
Clostridium
, or
Prevotella
among most women. We believe this is a relevant and timely article expanding knowledge on the cervicovaginal microbiome of PR women, where we postulate that these highly diverse communities are conducive to cervical disease.
Investigation on the possibility of dynamic COVID-Zero strategy in China: a population-based transmission model analysis and economic evaluation
Authors: Wang Xuechun , Pei Shaojun , Wang Lianhao , La Bin , Zhao Mingchen , Zhang Xiangyu , Jia Zhongwei 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the feasible and cost-effective intervention strategies to achieve the goal of dynamic COVID-Zero in China.DesignA Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Recovered model combined economic evaluation was used to generate the number of infections, the time for dynamic COVID-Zero and calculate cost-effectiveness under different intervention strategies. The model simulated the 1 year spread of COVID-19 in mainland China after 100 initial infections were imported.InterventionsAccording to close contact tracing degree from 80% to 100%, close contact tracing time from 2 days to 1 day, isolation time from 14 days to 7 days, scope of nucleic acid testing (NAT) from 10% to 100% and NAT frequency from weekly to every day, 720 scenarios were simulated.Outcome measureCumulative number of infections (CI), social COVID-Zero duration (SCD), total cost (TC) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.Results205 of 720 scenarios could achieve the total COVID-Zero since the first case was reported. The fastest and most cost-effective strategy was Scenario 680, in which all close contacts were traced within 1 day, the isolation time was 14 days and 10% of the national population was randomly checked for NAT every day. In Scenario 680, the CI was 280 (100 initial infections) and the SCD was 13 days. The TC was ¥4126 hundred million and the cost of reducing one infection was ¥47 470. However, when the close contact tracing time was 2 days and the degree of close contact tracing was 80%–90%, the SCD would double to 24–101 days and the TCs increased by ¥16 505 to 37 134 hundred million compared with Scenario 680.ConclusionsIf all close contact was controlled within 1 day, the rapid social COVID-Zero can be achieved effectively and cost-effectively. Therefore, the future prevention and control of emerging respiratory infectious diseases can focus on enhancing the ability of close contact tracing.
The potential of intervening on childhood adversity to reduce socioeconomic inequities in body mass index and inflammation among Australian and UK children: A causal mediation analysis
Authors: Priest Naomi , Guo Shuaijun , Gondek Dawid , O'Connor Meredith , Moreno-Betancur Margarita , Gray Sarah , Lacey Rebecca , Burgner David P , Woolfenden Sue , Badland Hannah , Redmond Gerry , Juonala Markus , Lange Katherine , Goldfeld Sharon 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundLower maternal education is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and higher chronic inflammation in offspring. Childhood adversity potentially mediates these associations. We examined the extent to which addressing childhood adversity could reduce socioeconomic inequities in these outcomes.MethodsWe analysed data from two early-life longitudinal cohorts: the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC; n=1873) and the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC; n=7085). Exposure: low/medium (below university degree) versus high maternal education, as a key indicator of family socioeconomic position (0–1 year). Outcomes: BMI and log-transformed glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA) (LSAC: 11–12 years; ALSPAC: 15.5 years). Mediator: multiple adversities (≥2/<2) indicated by family violence, mental illness, substance abuse and harsh parenting (LSAC: 2–11 years; ALSPAC: 1–12 years). A causal mediation analysis was conducted.ResultsLow/medium maternal education was associated with up to 1.03 kg/m2higher BMI (95% CI: 0.95 to 1.10) and up to 1.69% higher GlycA (95% CI: 1.68 to 1.71) compared with high maternal education, adjusting for confounders. Causal mediation analysis estimated that decreasing the levels of multiple adversities in children with low/medium maternal education to be like their high maternal education peers could reduce BMI inequalities by up to 1.8% and up to 3.3% in GlycA.ConclusionsOur findings in both cohorts suggest that slight reductions in socioeconomic inequities in children’s BMI and inflammation could be achieved by addressing childhood adversities. Public health and social policy efforts should help those affected by childhood adversity, but also consider underlying socioeconomic conditions that drive health inequities.
Nutritional peripheral neuropathies
Authors: Kramarz Caroline , Murphy Elaine , Reilly Mary M , Rossor Alexander M 
Published: August 2023

Nutritional peripheral neuropathies are a global problem, heavily influenced by geopolitical, cultural and socioeconomic factors. Peripheral neuropathy occurs most frequently secondary to B-vitamin deficiencies, which is suspected to increase in years to come due to the popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets and increased use of bariatric surgery.This review will focus on the common B-vitamins for which a causal link to peripheral neuropathy is more established (vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9and B12). We will review the historical human and animal data on which much of the clinical descriptions of vitamin deficiencies are based and summarise current available tools for accurately diagnosing a nutritional deficiency. We will also review recently described genetic diseases due to pathogenic variants in genes involved in B-vitamin metabolism that have helped to inform the phenotypes and potential causality of certain B-vitamins in peripheral neuropathy (B2and B9).Endemic outbreaks of peripheral neuropathy over the last two centuries have been linked to food shortages and nutritional deficiency. These include outbreaks in Jamaican sugar plantation workers in the nineteenth century (Strachan’s syndrome), World War two prisoners of war, Cuban endemic neuropathy and also Tanzanian endemic optic neuropathy, which remains a significant public health burden today. An improved understanding of lack of which vitamins cause peripheral neuropathy and how to identify specific deficiencies may lead to prevention of significant and irreversible disability in vulnerable populations.