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Drought stress severely impedes plant growth, development, and yield. Therefore, it is critical to uncover the genetic mechanisms underlying drought resistance to ensure future food security.To identify the genetic controls of these responses in Sorghum, an agriculturally and economically important grain crop, an interspecific recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was established by crossing a domesticated inbred line of Sorghum bicolor (TX7000) with its wild relative, Sorghum propinquum. This RIL population was evaluated under drought conditions, allowing for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) that contribute to drought resistance.We detected eight QTL in the drought population that explain a significant portion of the observed variation for four traits (height, aboveground biomass, relative water content, and leaf temperature/transpiration). The allelic effects of, and the candidate genes within, these QTL emphasize: (1) the influence of domestication on drought‐responsive phenotypes, such as height and aboveground biomass, and (2) how control of water uptake and/or loss can be driven by species‐specific plant architecture.Our findings shed light on the interconnected roles of shoot and root responses in drought resistance as it relates to regulation of water uptake and/or loss, while the detected allelic effects demonstrate how maintenance of grain production and yield under drought is a likely result of domestication‐derived drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we provide an account of the Todd–Coxeter algorithm for computing congruences on semigroups and monoids. We also give a novel description of an analogue for semigroups of the so-called Felsch strategy from the Todd–Coxeter algorithm for groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VISTA, an inhibitory myeloid-T-cell checkpoint, holds promise as a target for cancer immunotherapy. However, its effective targeting has been impeded by issues such as rapid clearance and cytokine release syndrome observed with previous VISTA antibodies. Here we demonstrate that SNS-101, a newly developed pH-selective VISTA antibody, addresses these challenges. Structural and biochemical analyses confirmed the pH-selectivity and unique epitope targeted by SNS-101. These properties confer favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles on SNS-101. In syngeneic tumor models utilizing human VISTA knock-in mice, SNS-101 shows in vivo efficacy when combined with a PD-1 inhibitor, modulates cytokine and chemokine signaling, and alters the tumor microenvironment. In summary, SNS-101, currently in Phase I clinical trials, emerges as a promising therapeutic biologic for a wide range of patients whose cancer is refractory to current immunotherapy regimens. VISTA is a pH-dependent inhibitory checkpoint for T-cells that is abundant on myeloid lineage cells and antagonists of VISTA may successfully reinvigorate anti-tumour immunity. Here, the authors show that the antibody SNS-101, which is currently being investigated in humans in a clinical trial, is characterized by pH-sensitivity that endows it with favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, and enhanced therapeutic effect when combined with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinated mineralization of soft tissue is central to organismal form and function, while dysregulated mineralization underlies several human pathologies. Oral epithelial–derived ameloblasts are polarized, secretory cells responsible for generating enamel, the most mineralized substance in the human body. Defects in ameloblast development result in enamel anomalies, including amelogenesis imperfecta. Identifying proteins critical in ameloblast development can provide insight into specific pathologies associated with enamel-related disorders or, more broadly, mechanisms of mineralization. Previous studies identified a role for MEMO1 in bone mineralization; however, whether MEMO1 functions in the generation of additional mineralized structures remains unknown. Here, we identify a critical role for MEMO1 in enamel mineralization. First, we show that Memo1 is expressed in ameloblasts and, second, that its conditional deletion from ameloblasts results in enamel defects, characterized by a decline in mineral density and tooth integrity. Histology revealed that the mineralization defects in Memo1 mutant ameloblasts correlated with a disruption in ameloblast morphology. Finally, molecular profiling of ameloblasts and their progenitors in Memo1 oral epithelial mutants revealed a disruption to cytoskeletal-associated genes and a reduction in late-stage ameloblast markers, relative to controls. Collectively, our findings integrate MEMO1 into an emerging network of molecules important for ameloblast development and provide a system to further interrogate the relationship of cytoskeletal and amelogenesis-related defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoints and other immunoregulatory targets can be difficult to precisely target due to expression on non-tumor immune cells critical to maintaining immune homeostasis in healthy tissues. On-target/off-tumor binding of therapeutics results in significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic problems. Target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) significantly limits effective intratumoral drug levels and adversely affects anti-tumor efficacy. Target engagement outside the tumor environment may lead to severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), resulting in a narrowing of the therapeutic window, sub-optimal dosing, or cessation of drug development altogether. Overcoming these challenges has become tractable through recent advances in antibody engineering and screening approaches. Here, we review the discovery and development of conditionally active antibodies with minimal binding to target at physiologic pH but high-affinity target binding at the low pH of the tumor microenvironment by focusing on the discovery and improved properties of pH-dependent mAbs targeting two T cell checkpoints, VISTA and CTLA-4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We sought to identify the most common diagnostic categories linked to dispensed opioid prescriptions among children 1–36 months old and changes in patterns over the years 2000 to 2017. Methods: This study used South Carolina's Medicaid claims data of pediatric dispensed outpatient opioid prescriptions between 2000 and 2017. The major opioid-related diagnostic category (indication) for each prescription was identified using visit primary diagnoses and the Clinical Classification System (AHRQ-CCS) software. The variables of interest were the rate of opioid prescriptions per 1,000 visits for each diagnostic category and the relative percentage of opioid prescriptions assigned to each category compared to all categories. Results: Six major diagnostic categories were identified; Diseases of the respiratory system (RESP), Congenital anomalies (CONG), Injury (INJURY), Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs (NEURO), Diseases of the digestive system (GI), and Diseases of the genitourinary system (GU). The overall rate of dispensed opioid prescriptions per category declined significantly for four diagnostic categories throughout the study period, RESP by 15.13, INJURY by 8.49, NEURO by 7.33, and GI by 5.93. Two categories increased during the same time, CONG (by 9.47) and GU (by 6.98). RESP was the most prevalent category linked to a dispensed opioid prescription within 2010–2012 (almost 25%) but CONG was the most prevalent by 2014 (17.77%). Conclusions for practice: Among Medicaid children 1–36 months old, annual dispensed opioid prescription rates declined for most major diagnostic categories (RESP, INJURY, NEURO, and GI). Future studies should explore alternatives to current opioid dispensing practices for GU and CONG cases. Significance: Eventhough opioid is a high-risk medication for children, it is continued to be prescribed to pediatric population. A little is known about the diagnoses associated with opioid prescribing among children 1–36 months old and their trends. This study demonstrates that opioid prescriptions linked to respiratory diagnosis have become less prevalent, surpassed by opioids prescribed for surgical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and its sequelae are an increasing problem, disproportionally affecting Māori and Pacific peoples, secondary to multifactorial systemic causes, including the effects of colonisation and the impact of globalisation. There is limited synthesised evidence on interventions to address obesity in these populations. The objective of this review is to identify evaluated interventions for prevention and management of obesity amongst Māori and Pacific adults, assess the effectiveness of these interventions, and identify enablers and barriers to their uptake. Systematic review of databases (Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, CENTRAL), key non-indexed journals, and reference lists of included articles were searched from inception to June 2021. Eligibility criteria defined using a Population, Intervention, Control, Outcome format and study/publication characteristics. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and analysed using narrative syntheses. Study quality was assessed using modified GRADE approach. From the 8190 articles identified, 21 were included, with 18 eligible for quantitative and five for qualitative analysis. The studies were heterogenous, with most graded as low quality. Some studies reported small but statistically significant improvements in weight and body mass index. Key enablers identified were social connection, making achievable sustainable lifestyle changes, culturally-centred interventions and incentives including money and enjoyment. Barriers to intervention uptake included difficulty in maintaining adherence to a programme due to intrinsic programme factors such as lack of social support and malfunctioning or lost equipment. Normal weight trajectory is progressive increase over time. Modest weight loss or no weight gain after several years may have a positive outcome in lowering progression to diabetes, or improvement of glycaemic control in people with diabetes. We recommend urgent implementation of Māori and Pacific-led, culturally-tailored weight loss programmes that promote holistic, small and sustainable lifestyle changes delivered in socially appropriate contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an aircraft flies through cloud at temperatures below freezing, it encounters ice particles and supercooled droplets, which results in the accretion of ice onto its surfaces and hence deformation of its aerodynamic shape. This can, in worst cases, cause series accidents. Here, we focus on tackling the common situation where there is a thin layer of water on the aircraft surface and the particles are similarly thin such as to be able to interact with the water layer. Three-way interaction occurs between air, water, and body motion: under suitable assumptions (including that the Reynolds and Froude numbers are large, and that the body is much denser than the air), the model allows the shape of the layer interface and pressure profile beneath the body to be calculated for a given body position. Simultaneously, this in turn allows the forces on the body to be calculated and hence the motion of the particle to be computed in full. The result is a wide range of possible motions of the particle, including both "sink" cases (the particle enters the water and becomes submerged) and "skim" cases (where the particle is launched back off the surface of the water following contact). The latter cases have analogy with traditional "stone skimming/skipping" games. Repeated skims and significant wakes are accommodated rationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in the Southern United States face challenges in accessing sexual and gender affirming health care. Alternative care models, like inclusive mobile clinics, help mitigate barriers to care for SGM. There is limited data in the literature on the experience of medical referral processes for SGM individuals accessing services from mobile health clinics. Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study is to describe the medical referral experiences of SGM clients and their providers at a mobile health clinic in the Southern United States. Methods: We recruited English-speaking individuals who provided care or received care from the mobile health clinic in South Carolina between June 2019 and August 2020. Participants completed a brief demographic survey and a virtual in-depth, semi-structured individual interview. Data analysis was conducted using an iterative process to generate codes, categories, and themes. Data collection and analysis were terminated once thematic saturation was achieved. Results: The findings from this study indicated that the mobile health clinic had an inconsistent referral process that was largely dependent on providers' knowledge. Furthermore, clients and providers expressed individual barriers to the referral process, such as financial barriers, and opportunities to improve the referral process, such as an opt-in follow-up from the mobile clinic and increased mobile clinic resources. Conclusion: The findings in this study underscore the importance of having mobile clinics create a structured referral process that all medical providers are familiar with, and the value of hiring patient navigators that can support and refer clients to care that goes beyond the mobile health clinic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over many years, there has been great practical interest in how solid bodies interact with and skim on liquid layers. In the present investigation, the focus is on the important role of body mass and shape in such skimming motions. Considering a thin two-dimensional solid body that impacts obliquely and then rebounds on a shallow inviscid water layer, we develop a mathematical model to predict quantitatively the duration and evolution of the body and fluid motions and indeed the success or failure of the whole skim. In the current setting, the shallow water layer thickness is small relative to the representative body length. The combined roles of increased mass and shape are found to be crucial, governed by a similarity solution. The relationship C ~M2/3 between scaled body curvature and mass is identified and highlighted. In particular, increased convex curvature of the underbody is found to alter the interactive pressure in such a way that it inhibits the occurrence of a super-elastic response in the exit vertical velocity and height of the body, and in effect enables a much heavier body to skim successfully provided the above relationship is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of Spondias mombin (SM) on oestrous cycle, conception and pregnancy was evaluated in 25 sexually mature Chinchilla rabbit does (Mean weight: 1.94 ± 1.06kg). In phase one, fifteen rabbits were synchronized with FSH (2 mg/kg i.m.) 12 hourly for three days. They were randomly assigned into three groups of five rabbits each. Group 1 and 2 received 1ml saline solution and 800mg/kg of methanolic extract of SM (meSM) orally for thirty days respectively. Group 3 received a single treatment of melengesterol acetate (MGA; 50mg/kg i.m.). Blood was obtained from the jugular vein at ten days interval for thirty days to determine plasma concentration of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone. Thereafter, the does were mated and laparotomised was carried out one week after to determine the number of embryonal sacs. In phase two, ten does were mated and ultrasonographically confirmed to be pregnant seven days post-mating. They were treated with 800mg/kg meSM orally at ten and twenty days post-mating. The does were observed daily until they kidded or aborted. Data obtained were analysed using student's T-test and ANOVA, with significance set at P = 0.05. Mean values of LH and Progesterone significantly decreased in Group 3 and 2 compared to control group while FSH was lower significantly in Group 3 compared to other groups. The effect of meSM on oestrous cycle was not so obvious in this study. Administration of meSM 10 days post-mating caused abortion in only one doe and caused no abortion at 20 days post-mating. It was concluded that meSM did not adversely affect reproductive cyclicity and pregnancy but has potential to cause abortion during early pregnancy in Chinchilla rabbits. Further studies where hormonal assays are done more frequently than this study to be able to determine the effect of meSM on oestrous cycle are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the end of the seventeenth century, the trade monopoly of the English East India Company was increasingly under threat, both in England and overseas. This article describes voyages to India and the East Indies between 1688 and 1699 by ships commanded by Richard Etherington. Firstly, he commanded a ship chartered by the East India Company for a voyage to India, the outcome of which was shipwreck. After events in England that significantly affected the East India Company's future, he commanded a ship chartered by private merchants, voyaging to Borneo and then, rather unusually, on to Timor. English and Dutch archival sources have been put together to illustrate Etherington's voyages in relation to the various issues that influenced English trade, and also the small world of maritime and mercantile activities in the region at the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Poiseuille flow (centreline velocity Uc) of a fluid (kinematic viscosity ν) past a circular cylinder (radius R) in a Hele-Shaw cell (height 2h) is traditionally characterised by a Stokes flow (Λ = (UcR/ν)(h/R)² ≪ 1) through a thin gap (≮ = h/R ≪ 1). In this work we use asymptotic methods and direct numerical simulations to explore the parameter space Λ-≮ when these conditions are not met. Starting with the Navier-Stokes equations and increasing Λ (which corresponds to increasing inertial effects), four successive regimes are identified, namely the linear regime, nonlinear regimes I and II in the boundary layer (the 'inner' region) and a nonlinear regime III in both the inner and outer region. Flow phenomena are studied with extensive comparisons made between reduced calculations, direct numerical simulations and previous analytical work. For ≮ = 0.01, the limiting condition for a steady flow as Λ is increased is the instability of the Poiseuille flow. However, for larger ≮, this limit is at a much higher Λ, resulting in a laminar separation bubble, of size O(h), forming for a certain range of ≮ at the back of the cylinder, where the azimuthal location was dependent on ≮. As ≮ is increased to approximately 0.5, the secondary flow becomes increasingly confined adjacent to the sidewalls. The results of the analysis and numerical simulations are summarised in a plot of the parameter space Λ-≮. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When an explosive burns, gaseous products are formed as a result. The interaction of the burning solid and gas is not well understood. More specifically, the process of the gaseous product heating the explosive is yet to be explored in detail. The present work sets out to fill some of that gap using mathematical modelling: this aims to track the temperature profile in the explosive. The work begins by modelling single-step reactions using a simple Arrhenius model. The model is then extended to include three-step reaction. An alternative asymptotic approach is also employed. There is close agreement between results from the full reaction-diffusion problem and the asymptotic problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We implemented the HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care continuum among individuals receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We screened HIV-negative MOUD participants for PrEP eligibility by assessing injection drug use risk factors and sexual behaviors. Implementation of the PrEP care continuum was challenging; less than a third of MOUD participants were aware of PrEP, and very few initiated PrEP. Findings should promote the development of effective interventions to increase engagement in PrEP during MOUD treatment. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(1):34–37. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306566) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meeting global targets that maintain temperatures at 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels while adapting to the growing impacts of climate change requires significant and rapid societal change. Within this context, there has been growing interest in building community resilience to shocks and stressors and as a forward-looking process. Yet while there has been extensive attention to conceptual aspects, there has been much less on how this can be achieved in practice. This research worked with three communities in Scotland (UK) regularly exposed to flooding and other integrated challenges to learn from action about community resilience building. A carefully developed four-tiered transdisciplinary approach was applied that included: relationship-building; enhancing capacities to work with interconnections; enabling processes; and supportive action-oriented research. The findings of the analysis of the system dynamics that were occurring during the resilience-building process highlight that it is a complex and messy social process. Yet, it also shows that if quality and sufficient quantity of support and time to help surface and deliberate on underlying assumptions about communities and change is provided, it can be possible to stimulate emergence of beneficial reinforcing social dynamics that begin to support collaborative and systemic action. To further advance know how about resilience building, much greater focus will be needed on the 'how' of resilience. This, in turn, will require new framings of, and approaches for, community resilience and new framings of research, knowledge and knowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Pachyonychia congenita (PC) refers to a group of autosomal dominant disorders caused by mutations in five keratin genes (KRT16,KRT6A,KRT17,KRT6B or KRT6C). Current disease classification is based on the gene harbouring disease‐causing variants. Aims: We harnessed the International Pachyonychia Congenita Research Registry (IPCRR) containing both clinical and molecular data on patients with PC worldwide, to identify genetic variants predicting disease severity. Methods: We ascertained 815 individuals harbouring keratin mutations registered in the IPCRR. We looked for statistically significant associations between genetic variants and clinical manifestations in a subgroup of patients carrying mutations found in at least 10% of the cohort. Data were analysed using χ2 and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: We identified five mutations occurring in at least 10% of the patients registered in the IPCRR. The KRT16 p.L132P mutation was significantly associated with younger age of onset, presence of palmar keratoderma oral leucokeratosis and a higher number of involved nails. By contrast, the KRT16 p.N125S and p.R127C mutations resulted in a milder phenotype featuring a decreased number of involved nails and older age of onset. Patients carrying the p.N125S mutation were less likely to develop palmar keratoderma while p.R127C was associated with an older age of palmoplantar keratoderma onset. Moreover, the KRT17 p.L99P mutation resulted in an increased number of involved fingernails and patients demonstrating 20‐nail dystrophy, while the opposite findings were observed with KRT17 p.N92S mutation. Conclusions: We have identified novel and clinically useful genetic predictive variants in the largest cohort of patients with PC described to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sally Smith (1941-2019) was a world leader in the study of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses between plants and soil fungi that allow a wide range of plants to grow in soils low in nutrients, especially phosphate (Fig. 1). Her work has been relevant to both plant ecology and agricultural productivity. Sally obtained a tenurable position at the University of Adelaide after many years' employment on short-term contracts. She rapidly developed a large and active group that researched at scales ranging from advanced microscopy through molecular biology and physiology to plant ecology. Sally established long-standing international collaborations and was awarded many honours. She was a keen cook and gardener, and became an avid birdwatcher, travelling the world with her husband Andrew in pursuit of their hobby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of emotional adjustment after stroke is limited. Under one-third of stroke survivors reporting emotional problems receive support. The aim of this study was to explore the process of emotional adjustment post-stroke and investigate the role played by participation in an online stroke community. We applied thematic analysis to 124 relevant posts within 114 discussion threads, written by 39 survivors and 29 carers. The contribution of online community engagement to emotional adjustment was explored using the Social Support Behaviour Code. Stroke survivors share common experiences of emotional adjustment and may not necessarily reach complete acceptance. Positive and negative trajectories of emotional adjustment were identified. Survivors progressed along, or moved between, positive and negative pathways not in a time-dependent manner but in response to "trigger events," such as physical setbacks or anti-depressant treatment, which may occur at any chronological time. An adapted version of Suhr's 1990 Social Support Behaviour Code showed that support provided through the online community took many forms, including advice, teaching, empathy and normalization of concerns. Participation in the stroke community was itself deemed to be a positive "trigger event." There is need to improve awareness of emotional adjustment and their "triggers" amongst stroke survivors, carers and clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher mortality following admission to hospital at the weekend has been reported for several conditions. It is unclear whether this variation is due to differences in patients or their care. Status epilepticus mandates hospital admission and usually critical care: its study might provide new insights into the nature of any weekend effect. We studied 20,922 adults admitted to UK critical care with status epilepticus from 2010 to 2015. We used multiple logistic regression to evaluate the association between weekend admission and in-hospital mortality, comparing university hospitals with other hospitals. There were 2462 in-hospital deaths (12%). There was no difference in mortality after weekend admission to university hospitals, adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) 0.99 (0.84-1.16), p = 0.89. Mortality was less after weekend admission than after admissions Monday to Friday in hospitals not associated with a university, adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) 0.74 (0.64-0.87), p = 0.0001. There is no evidence that adults admitted to UK critical care at the weekend in status epilepticus are more likely to die than similar patients admitted during the week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older patients prescribed multiple medications commonly experience difficulties with adherence. High-quality evidence on interventions targeting older patients is lacking. Theory is rarely used to tailor adherence solutions. This study aimed to pilot test a novel intervention, developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework, which guides community pharmacists in identifying adherence barriers and delivering tailored solutions (behaviour change techniques). Key study procedures (e.g. recruitment, data collection) for a future randomised controlled trial (cRCT) were also assessed. Methods: Using purposive sampling, this non-randomised pilot study aimed to recruit 12 community pharmacies (six in Northern Ireland; six in London, England). Pharmacists were trained to deliver the intervention to non-adherent older patients (maximum 10 per pharmacy; target n = 60-120) aged ≥ 65 years (reduced to 50 years due to recruitment challenges) and prescribed ≥ 4 regular medicines. The intervention, guided by an iPad web-application, was delivered over 3-4 face-to-face or telephone sessions, tailored to specific barriers to adherence. We assessed the feasibility of collecting adherence data (primary outcome: self-report and dispensing records), health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and unplanned hospitalisations (secondary outcomes) at baseline and 6-months. The final decision on progressing to a cRCT, using pre-defined 'stop-amend-go' criteria, is presented. Results: Fifteen pharmacists from 12 pharmacies were recruited and trained. One pharmacy subsequently dropped out. Sixty patients were recruited (meeting the 'Amend' progression criteria), with 56 receiving the intervention. Adherence barriers were identified for 55 patients (98%) and a wide range of behaviour change solutions delivered (median: 5 per patient). Self-report and dispensing adherence data were available for 37 (61.7%) and 44 (73.3%) patients, respectively. HRQOL data were available for 35 (58.3%) patients. GP-reported and self-reported hospitalisations data were available for 47 (78.3%) and 23 (38.3%) patients, respectively. All progression concepts were met (nine 'Go' and three 'Amend' criteria). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of key study procedures (e.g. pharmacy recruitment) and delivery of a tailored adherence intervention in community pharmacies. However, modifications are required to enhance issues identified with patient recruitment, retention and missing data. A future definitive cRCT will explore the effectiveness of the intervention. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN73831533, Registered 12 January 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If a body enters a viscous-inviscid fluid layer near a wall, then significant effects can be felt from the presence of incident vorticity, viscous forces and nonlinear forces. The focus here is on the response in the outer edge of such a wall layer. Nonlinear two-dimensional unsteady behaviour is examined through modelling, computation and analysis applied for a thin body travelling streamwise upstream or downstream or staying still relative to the wall. The wall layer with its balance between inviscid and viscous effects interacts freely with the body movement, causing relatively high magnitudes of pressure on top of the body and nonlinear responses in the gap between the body and the wall. The study finds explicit solutions for the motion of the body, separation of the flow arising near the wall and possible instabilities occurring over the length scale of any short body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts towards hosting safety-critical, real-time applications on multicore platforms have been stymied by a problem dubbed the "one-out-of-m" problem: due to excessive analysis pessimism, the overall capacity of an m-core platform can easily be reduced to roughly just one core. The predominant approach for addressing this problem introduces hardware-isolation techniques that ameliorate contention experienced by tasks when accessing shared hardware components, such as DRAM memory or caches. Unfortunately, in work on such techniques, the operating system (OS), which is a key source of potential interference, has been largely ignored. Most real-time OSs do facilitate the use of a coarse-grained partitioning strategy to separate the OS from user-level tasks. However, such a strategy by itself fails to address any data sharing between the OS and tasks, such as when OS services are required for interprocess communication (IPC) or I/O. This paper presents techniques for lessening the impacts of such sharing, specifically in the context of MC 2 , a hardware-isolation framework designed for mixed-criticality systems. Additionally, it presents the results from micro-benchmark experiments and a large-scale schedulability study conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed techniques and also to elucidate sharing vs. isolation tradeoffs involving the OS. This is the first paper to systematically consider such tradeoffs and consequent impacts of OS-induced sharing on the one-out-of-m problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This paper describes an initiative facilitating comprehensive assessment and delivery of brief interventions for Māori youth in Northland, New Zealand. Background: The population in Northland is predominantly Māori and is one of New Zealand's most deprived populations. Māori youth have the highest youth suicide rate in the developed world and elevated numbers of youth displaying mental health issues and/or risk behaviours are of grave national concern. Like Indigenous peoples worldwide, inequities persist for Māori youth accessing and engaging with healthcare services. Description: Taking services out to Māori youth in remote and isolated areas, Northland's youth specialist nurses are reducing some barriers to accessing health care. The youth version of the Case‐finding and Help Assessment Tool is a New Zealand‐developed, e‐screening tool for youth psychosocial issues, facilitating comprehensive assessment and brief intervention delivery. Discussion: Early detection of, and timely intervention for, mental health and risk behaviours can significantly improve health outcomes in youth. However, for this to happen barriers preventing youth from accessing appropriate care need to be overcome. Conclusion: Youth specialist nurses could improve access to care for youth from ethnic minorities, rural and isolated regions, and areas of high deprivation without overwhelming the medical profession. Implications for nursing policy: Specialist nurses are trained and empowered to practice at the top of their scope. With general practitioner oversight and standing order sign off specialist nurses can work autonomously to improve access to health services, without increasing the workload of doctors. Implications for nursing practice: Encouraging continuous self‐reflection of the nurse's effectiveness in meeting patient needs, holistically and culturally, facilitates the provision of accessible care that is patient‐centred and culturally safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Courtrooms are asking for reliable scientific evidence in order to prevent wrongful convictions. Thus, a more rigorous approach to forensic science approved by scientific methods is promoted. The study of human blood dynamics in the context of forensic science is becoming a widespread research topic, although the physics behind wetting and drying of blood is not completely understood. Based on the morphological changes of drying blood pools, the following work presents a patentable method to quantitatively date these blood pools for forensic purposes. As for drying drops of blood, cracking patterns are observed but they are more disordered. Similar disordered crack patterns are observed in the case of gels, their evaporation process is, therefore, presented since this topic has been thoroughly investigated. We aim to find reliable patterns that could give information concerning the evolution of a blood pool over time to lead to practical application of this knowledge. An empirical model is established between final dried blood patterns and the generating mechanism, yielding application in bloodstain pattern analysis for forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis caused by a mutation in any one of five keratin genes (KRT6A,KRT6B,KRT6C,KRT16 or KRT17). Characteristic features of PC are painful palmoplantar keratoderma, variable nail dystrophy, cysts, follicular hyperkeratosis and often oral leukokeratosis. Although oral leukokeratosis can go unnoticed, mucosal involvement of the oral cavity and upper airways can manifest with pain during feeding, hoarseness, stridor and, occasionally, life‐threatening obstruction. Objectives: To characterize patients with PC with symptomatic mucosal involvement. Methods: We present a case series of nine children with PC with symptomatic mucosal involvement, all with heterozygous mutations in KRT6A. Seven patients complained of painful feeding problems. Four patients were diagnosed with failure to thrive, three of whom required a feeding tube. Simple feeding solutions were beneficial in most cases. Seven patients had laryngeal involvement and one patient died at 4 years of age from acute laryngeal obstruction. Conclusions: It is important for dermatologists and otolaryngologists to be aware that symptomatic mucosal involvement, and very rarely laryngeal obstruction, can occur in patients with PC. Usually simple feeding solutions may prevent complications and failure to thrive. What's already known about this topic? Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis due to a mutation in any one of five keratin genes.Symptomatic mucosal involvement is an important clinical feature of PC and appears to be more pronounced in KRT6A mutation carriers.Only leukokeratosis is frequently seen in PC and can be one of the earliest signs of disease.Laryngeal involvement is a less common feature. It might be symptomatic but usually presents as hoarseness, stridor and, occasionally, as a life‐threatening respiratory distress. What does this study add? In most cases of laryngeal involvement, there is no need for any intervention.Although pain and feeding difficulties are usually attributed to the oral leukokeratosis, they can be related to a phenomenon called 'first bite syndrome' (FBS).Symptomatic mucosal involvement with feeding difficulty is important but can be managed in most cases with simple feeding solutions (e.g. softer nipple with a larger hole, thicker formula and feeding with a syringe). Linked Comment:Youssefian and Vahidnezhad. Br J Dermatol 2020; 182:536–537. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present microbiologic and case-controlled clinical study was to examine the colonization of 2 different resorbable barrier membranes by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). The barrier membranes tested were Guidor matrix barrier and Resolut regenerative material. Ten patients exhibiting 3 Class II furcation defects and 7 intrabony defects were included in the study. The probing depth and the clinical attachment level at 4 surfaces per tooth were taken at the beginning of the study. Microbiologic samples were taken from the experimental sites and from the approximal sites of the adjacent teeth. Both types of resorbable membranes were positive for SRB colonization. The detection of SRB in 2 of 7 intrabony defects and in all defects with furcation involvement before the membrane placement indicated that these organisms are a common inhabitant of sites showing periodontal destruction and are associated with guided tissue regeneration (GTR). According to the clinical criteria for healing tendencies used in this study, the GTR procedures were less successful in the presence of SRB. There were no significant clinical effects of different resorbable membrane materials or membrane layout on attachment level changes for either the intrabony defect or furcation groups after 18 months. There were no statistical differences for sites that became exposed to SRB when compared to sites that remained unexposed after 18 months. The numeric significance of SRB in relation to the total microbial count needs to be determined to gain insight into the ecologic role of membrane resorption rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present microbiologic and case-controlled clinical study was to examine the colonization of 2 different resorbable barrier membranes by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). The barrier membranes tested were Guidor matrix barrier and Resolut regenerative material. Ten patients exhibiting 3 Class II furcation defects and 7 intra bony defects were included in the study. The probing depth and the clinical attachment level at 4 surfaces per tooth were taken at the beginning of the study. Microbiologic samples were taken from the experimental sites and from the approximal sites of the adjacent teeth. Both types of resorbable membranes were positive for SRB colonization. The detection of SRB in 2 of 7 intrabony defects and in all defects with furcation involvement before the membrane placement indicated that these organisms are a common inhabitant of sites showing periodontal destruction and are associated with guided tissue regeneration (GTR). According to the clinical criteria for healing tendencies used in this study, the GTR procedures were less successful in the presence of SRB. There were no significant clinical effects of different resorbable membrane materials or membrane layout on attachment level changes for either the intrabony defect or furcation groups after 18 months. There were no statistical differences for sites that became exposed to SRB when compared to sites that remained unexposed after 8 months. The numeric significance of SRB in relation to the total microbial count needs to be determined to gain insight into the ecologic role of membrane resorption rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robert Englebert and Andrew N. Wegmann, eds., French Connections: Cultural Mobility in North America and the Atlantic World, 1600-1875, Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 2020, 263pp. isbn 9780807169704. Robert Englebert and Andrew N. Wegmann, eds., French Connections: Cultural Mobility in North America and the Atlantic World, 1600-1875 As a result of this renewed wave of scholarly interest concerning the French Atlantic World, Robert Englebert and Andrew N. Wegmann have brought together an essay collection written by a group of (predominantly) early career scholars that examines the theme of physical and cultural mobility between French North America, the Caribbean, and West Africa. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: Drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are diffuse and complex including a range of interspecies behaviours between pet owners and their animals. We employed interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the relationship between pet owners and their companion animals in relation to AMR. Design: Cross sectional, qualitative study. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-three British pet owners, transcribed verbatim and subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: Three, inter-related Superordinate themes are presented 1) 'They're my fur babies': unconditional love and anthropomorphism; 2) 'They share everything with you': affection and transmission behaviours; and 3) 'We would err on the side of caution': decision making and antibiotic use'. Conclusions: Affectionate behaviours between companion animals and their owners pose a risk for AMR transmission but they are so deeply treasured that they are unlikely to be amenable to change. In contrast, the promotion of appropriate antibiotic stewardship for pet owners and vets may offer a viable pathway for intervention development, benefitting from synergies with other interventions that target prescribers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct a family of compact fourth order accurate finite difference schemes for the three dimensional scalar wave (d'Alembert) equation with constant or variable propagation speed. High order accuracy is of key importance for the numerical simulation of waves as it reduces the dispersion error (i.e., the pollution effect). The schemes that we propose are built on a stencil that has only three nodes in any coordinate direction or in time, which eliminates the need for auxiliary initial or boundary conditions. These schemes are implicit in time and conditionally stable. A particular scheme with the maximum Courant number can be chosen within the proposed class. The inversion at the upper time level is done by FFT for constant coefficients and multigrid for variable coefficients, which keeps the overall complexity of time marching comparable to that of a typical explicit scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly variable phenotypic responses in mycorrhizal plants challenge our functional understanding of plant‐fungal mutualisms. Using non‐invasive high‐throughput phenotyping, we observed that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi relieved phosphorus (P) limitation and enhanced growth of Brachypodium distachyon under P‐limited conditions, while photosynthetic limitation under low nitrogen (N) was exacerbated by the fungus. However, these responses were strongly dependent on host genotype: only the faster growing genotype (Bd3‐1) utilised P transferred from the fungus to achieve improved growth under P‐limited conditions. Under low N, the slower growing genotype (Bd21) had a carbon and N surplus that was linked to a less negative growth response compared with the faster growing genotype. These responses were linked to the regulation of N : P stoichiometry, couples resource allocation to growth or luxury consumption in diverse plant lineages. Our results attest strongly to a mechanism in plants by which plant genotype‐specific resource economics drive phenotypic outcomes during AM symbioses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The authors examined patient and hospitalization characteristics associated with receiving a mental health assessment and disposition to an inpatient psychiatric facility among patients hospitalized for deliberate drug overdose.Methods: This retrospective analysis of 2012-2013 South Carolina all-payer data included adults ages 18-64 with at least one inpatient admission for a primary diagnosis of deliberate illicit or pharmaceutical drug overdose (N=2,686). Outcomes were receipt of a mental health assessment and disposition to an inpatient psychiatric facility. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of patient and hospitalization characteristics on study outcomes.Results: Non-Hispanic blacks and people of other races-ethnicities were less likely than non-Hispanic whites to receive a mental health assessment (non-Hispanic blacks, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.52, 95% CI=0.34-0.81; other races-ethnicities, AOR=0.24, 95% CI=0.12-0.49). Non-Hispanic blacks were also less likely than non-Hispanic whites to be discharged to an inpatient psychiatric facility than to home (AOR=0.60, 95% CI=0.47-0.77). Compared with persons without insurance, those with insurance, except those with Medicaid, were more likely to be discharged to an inpatient psychiatric facility than to home (Medicare, AOR=3.06, 95% CI=2.36-3.96; private, AOR=2.78, 95% CI=2.23-3.47; other, AOR=7.58, 95% CI=4.21-13.6).Conclusions: Non-Hispanic white race-ethnicity and having insurance were predictive of receipt of a mental health assessment and disposition to an inpatient psychiatric facility among patients hospitalized for deliberate drug overdose. Study findings can inform clinical strategies and interventions aimed at reducing mental health care disparities among populations who are vulnerable to overdose or suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-wall behaviour arising when a finite sized body moves in a channel flow is investigated for high flow rates. This is over the interactive-flow length scale that admits considerable upstream influence. The focus is first on quasi-steady two-dimensional flow past a thin body in the outer reaches of one of the viscous wall layers. The jump conditions near the front of the body play an important part in the whole solution which involves an unusual multi-structured flow due to the presence of the body: flows above, below, ahead of and behind the body interact fully. Analytical solutions are presented and the repercussions for shorter and longer bodies are then examined. Second, implications are followed through for the movement of a free body in a dynamic fluid–body interaction. Particular key findings are that instability persists for all body lengths, the growth rate decreases like the |$1/4$| power of distance as the body approaches the wall, and lift production on the body is dominated by high pressures from an unexpected flow region emerging on the front of the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mutations in keratin genes underlie a variety of epidermal and nonepidermal cell‐fragility disorders, and are the genetic basis of many inherited palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs). Epidermolytic PPK (EPPK) is an autosomal dominant disorder that can be due to mutations in the keratin 1 gene, KRT1. Epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI), the major keratinopathic ichthyosis, is characterized by congenital erythroderma, blistering and erosions of the skin. Causative mutations in KRT1 and KRT10 have been described, with PPK being present primarily in association with the former. We report four unrelated cases (one with sporadic EI and three with autosomal dominant PPK), due to two novel and two recurrent KRT1 mutations. Mutations in KRT1 are not only scattered throughout the keratin 1 protein, as opposed to being clustered, but can result in a range of phenotypes as further confirmed by these mutations, giving a complex genotype/phenotype pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate development of tailored management strategies for bait species within Knysna Estuary (South Africa), demand for bait, harvesting activity and perceptions around conservation among recreational and subsistence bait fishers were investigated. In 2015 and 2016, bait collectors were interviewed (n = 84) and observed (n = 167) during low tides at six sites during peak and off-peak holiday periods. Significant associations among subsistence and recreational fishers and their favoured bait species, collecting spots and method, frequency of collection, views on regulations and desired daily limit for mudprawns suggest differences that may warrant different management strategies. Furthermore, observed methods and duration of bait collecting differed according to site, suggesting spatial variation in baiting pressures. Subsistence fishers potentially collect more mudprawns more frequently than do recreational fishers and consequently have a greater impact on mudprawn populations. By contrast, recreational fishers collect more polychaete worms, but because they are mainly active during holidays, their impact on these species may be localised and not yet critical. Most subsistence fishers would like increased daily bag limits, to sell bait and would welcome a rotational zonation scheme to replace the current permanent exclusion zone. The merits and disadvantages of these management options and suggestions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Recent data have suggested near‐equivalent oncological results when treating early rectal cancer by local excision followed by radio‐ ± chemotherapy rather than salvage radical surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the use of contact X‐ray brachytherapy within this paradigm. Method: All patients had undergone local excision and were referred to our radiotherapy centre for treatment with contact X‐ray brachytherapy. Postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy was also given in their local hospital in most cases. Variables assessed were local excision method, postoperative therapy received, follow‐up duration, disease‐free survival, salvage surgery and stoma‐free survival. Results: In total, 180 patients with a median age of 70 (range 36–99) years were assessed. Following local excision, pT stages were pT1 = 131 (72%), pT2 = 44 (26%), pT3 = 5 (2%). All patients received contact X‐ray brachytherapy boosting at our centre and, in addition, 110 received chemoradiotherapy and 60 received radiotherapy alone. After a median follow‐up of 36 months (range 6–48), 169 patients (94%) remained free of local recurrence. Of the 11 patients with local recurrence (three isolated nodal), five underwent salvage abdominoperineal excision. Eight patients developed distant disease, of whom five underwent metastasis surgery. At last included follow‐up 173 (96%) patients were free of all disease and 170 (94%) were stoma free. Conclusions: Contact therapy can be offered in addition to external beam radio (±chemo) therapy instead of radical surgery as follow‐on treatment after local excision of early rectal cancer. This combination can provide equivalent outcomes to radical surgery. The added value of contact therapy should be formally assessed in a clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which analyzed optical heterodyne conversion with an interdigitated-electrode photomixer made from low-temperature-grown gallium arsenide photoconductors. Applications of photomixing; Components of the photomixer; Information on a submicron-gap photomixer; Modifications in the photomixer's design.

Investigates the effects of interface alloying on the optical absorption of amorphous silicon compound multilayers. Potential applications of amorphous semiconducting multilayer films with hydrogenated amorphous silicon; Mathematical model for the experiment; Discussion on the results of the study.

Determines the optical constants of a carbon-rich hydrogenated amorphous silicon-carbon alloy film for photon energies. Method used in measuring density of the film; Film density and thickness; Observation on the transformation to a graphitic microstructure.

Presents magnetic study of carbon chars in the transition range. Method of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Discusses a study which examined the transformations of the properties of diamondlike carbon films following isothermal anneals. Description of the materials; Methods used; Findings.

Presents information on a study which developed a free energy model for the prediction of atomic bonding in amorphous carbon alloys. Background on hydrogenated amorphous carbon alloys; Discussion; Conclusion.