bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal Assisted Chemical Etch of Polycrystalline Silicon
Authors: Barrera Crystal , Ajay Paras , Mallavarapu Akhila , Hrdy Mark , Sreenivasan S. V.
Published: August 2022

Metal-assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) of silicon shows reliable vertical anisotropic wet etching only in single-crystal silicon, which limits its applications to a small number of devices. This work extends the capabilities of MacEtch to polysilicon which has potential to enable high-volume and cost-sensitive applications such as optical metasurfaces, anodes for high capacity and flexible batteries, electrostatic supercapacitors, sensors, nanofluidic deterministic lateral displacement devices, etc. This work presents a MacEtch of polysilicon that produces nanostructure arrays with sub-50 nm resolution and anisotropic profile. The three demonstrated structures are pillars of 5:1 aspect ratio and 50 nm spacing for comparison to single crystal silicon MacEtch literature, pillars of 30 nm spacing, and a diamond pillar array with sharp corners to establish resolution limits of polysilicon MacEtch.
Effect of Methane on the Ignition Process of Spray Flame Using Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Zhao Wanhui , Sun Ting , Zhou Lei , Wei Haiqiao
Published: August 2022

The ignition process of spray flame in a methane environment was studied using large eddy simulation. By comparing the combustion process of n-dodecane spray (single fuel, SF) and n-dodecane/methane dual fuels (DF), the effect of methane addition on the low- and high-temperature ignition was investigated. Results showed that although the ignition delay times (IDTs) for the SF and DF cases are very similar, methane in the ambient gas mainly prolongs the time interval between the low- and high-temperature combustion for the DF case. A high gas temperature of 900 K can increase the reactivity and promote the early oxidization of n-dodecane. Thus, the formation of formaldehyde appears very early at 900 K. Then, the interactions between the early oxidation process of methane and the multistage ignition process of spray are investigated. By delaying the n-dodecane injection timing, different active environments including intermediate radicals are created, which can delay or even shorten the ignition process of n-dodecane spray depending on the gas temperature. However, the formation of formaldehyde is less dependent on the injection timing at low temperatures, indicating that methane has a negligible influence on the onset of low-temperature reactions. But at high temperatures, the early oxidation process in methane increases the gas temperature, which plays the dominant role in shortening the IDT.
Wake Structure in Yawed Approaching Flows for an Axial-Flow Wind Turbine
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad H. B. , Yang Zhiyin
Published: August 2022

Effects of yawed wind turbines on the wake structure are not fully understood. To obtain a better understanding, numerical studies of a small-scale three-bladed horizontal axis wind turbine at tip speed ratio (TSR) = 6.7 with yaw angles of zero, 15 deg, 30 deg, and 45 deg have been carried out to investigate the wake characteristics of the turbine in the near- and farwake. A hybrid approach coupling large eddy simulation (LES) with actuator line modeling (ALM) has been employed in the present study. The predicted results confirm the previous finding that the turbine wake is asymmetric under yawed approaching flows and the wake is inclined to the direction where the rotor is yawed. The present work further demonstrates that at high yaw angles the main wake may be divided into two smaller parallel wakes further downstream that are not symmetric suggesting a dependency on the turbine rotation direction. This study quantitatively explains how the nonuniform variations of radial velocity components at the turbine plane caused by the yawed flows result in the wake deflection and intersection of hub and blade tip vortices further downstream which leads to the wake splitting at high yaw angles.
Faculty Perspectives Using Practice-Based Teacher Education in Physical Education
Authors: Ward Phillip , Dervent Fatih , Kim Insook , Ko Bomna , Xie Xiuye , Tsuda Emi , Santiago José A. , Iserbyt Peter , Devrilmez Erhan
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Practice-based teacher education (PBTE) has been proposed as an approach to combat forms of teacher education that create prescriptive understandings of teaching that are disconnected from practice. In physical education, PBTE is becoming more prevalent. Some have argued that many of its elements have been in use for some time, whereas other elements have been refined or are new. In this study, we were motivated to examine the use of PBTE by physical education teacher educators and their perceptions of PBTE. Method: Participants were nine teacher educators from the United States (n = 6), Turkey (n = 2), and Belgium (n = 1). Surveys were used to gather data on the use of PBTE and the perceptions of teacher educators. Data describing the use of PBTE in their programs were descriptively analyzed. Our perceptions were interpreted using an intrinsic case study with PBTE serving as the case. Findings: Programs adopted similar and different elements of PBTE. Four themes emerged relative to the perceptions of teacher educators about PBTE: (a) how the context of the teacher educator influences their use of PBTE, (b) teacher educators’ use of PBTE, (c) the advantages of using PBTE, and (d) a critical analysis of PBTE. Conclusion: Our approach to operationalizing PBTE may help encourage useful conversations in physical education teacher education.
The Life of Li Ning as a Reflection of China’s Transformation
Authors: Lemus-Delgado Daniel
Published: August 2022

This article analyzes the relationship between the life of Li Ning and his journey from the world of athletics to the world of business. The article explores how historical and social context is indispensable to understanding how everyone writes their history. The premise is that we cannot ignore the context of the athletes when assessing their social contributions. Li, who initially gained success as an Olympic gymnast, became a heavyweight entrepreneur, playing a significant role in the collective imagination of Chinese people. The Chinese huge economic transformations generated the opportunities for Li’s journey from athlete to businessman. As a result, the Chinese Communist Party heavily promoted the triumph of Li Ning in both stadiums and markets. The conclusions revisit the debate between determinism and free will and show how the life of Li can offer some insights into this discussion in the context of contemporary China.
Blocking beige fat biogenesis
Authors: Baek Amy E.
Published: August 2022

A ubiquitin E3 ligase complex limits the generation of beige fat.
Molecular and Kinetic Characterization of MOX-9, a Plasmid-Mediated Enzyme Representative of a Novel Sublineage of MOX-Type Class C β-Lactamases
Authors: Piccirilli Alessandra , Antonelli Alberto , D’Andrea Marco Maria , Cherubini Sabrina , Perilli Mariagrazia , Rossolini Gian Maria
Published: August 2022

The MOX lineage of β-lactamases includes a group of molecular class C enzymes (AmpCs) encoded by genes mobilized from the chromosomes of
Aeromonas
spp. to plasmids. MOX-9, previously identified as a plasmid-encoded enzyme from a
Citrobacter freundii
isolate, belongs to a novel sublineage of MOX enzymes, derived from the resident
Aeromonas media
AmpC.
Quantitative Pharmacodynamic Characterization of Resistance versus Heteroresistance of Colistin in E. coli Using a Semimechanistic Modeling of Killing Curves
Authors: Mead Andrew , Toutain Pierre-Louis , Richez Pascal , Pelligand Ludovic
Published: August 2022

Heteroresistance corresponds to the presence, in a bacterial isolate, of an initial small subpopulation of bacteria characterized by a significant reduction in their sensitivity to a given antibiotic. Mechanisms of heteroresistance versus resistance are poorly understood.
Pathogen Detection in Infective Endocarditis Using Targeted Metagenomics on Whole Blood and Plasma: a Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Flurin Laure , Wolf Matthew J. , Fisher Cody R. , Cano Cevallos Edison J. , Vaillant James J. , Pritt Bobbi S. , DeSimone Daniel C. , Patel Robin
Published: August 2022

Initial microbiologic diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) relies on blood cultures and
Bartonella
and
Coxiella burnetii
serology. Small case series and one prospective study have preliminarily reported application of metagenomic sequencing on blood or plasma for IE diagnosis.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus Culture, Genomic and Subgenomic RNA Load, and Rapid Antigen Test in Experimentally Infected Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Cui Huan , Guo Zhendong , Chen Zhaoliang , Yan Fang , Li Yuanguo , Liu Juxiang , Gao Yuwei , Zhang Chunmao
Published: August 2022

Our findings highlight the high correlation between rapid antigen test and virus culture results. The rapid antigen test would be an important supplement to real-time reverse transcription-RCR (RT-PCR) in early COVID-19 screening and in shortening the isolation period of COVID-19 patients. Because the subgenomic RNA load can be predicted from the genomic RNA load, measuring sgRNA does not add more benefit to determining infectivity than a threshold determined for gRNA based on viral culture.
Zika Virus Replicates in the Vagina of Mice with Intact Interferon Signaling
Authors: Lopez Cesar A. , Dulson Sarah J. , Lazear Helen M.
Published: August 2022

Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted by mosquitoes, similar to other flaviviruses. However, ZIKV is unusual among flaviviruses in its ability also to spread through sexual transmission.
Three-Layered Complex Interactions among Capsidless (+)ssRNA Yadokariviruses, dsRNA Viruses, and a Fungus
Authors: Sato Yukiyo , Hisano Sakae , López-Herrera Carlos José , Kondo Hideki , Suzuki Nobuhiro
Published: August 2022

A capsidless (+)ssRNA virus YkV1 (family
Yadokariviridae
) highjacks the capsid of an unrelated dsRNA virus YnV1 (proposed family “
Yadonushiviridae
”) in a phytopathogenic ascomycete, while YkV1
trans
-enhances YnV1 replication. Herein, we identified the dsRNA virus partners of three yadokariviruses (YkV3, YkV4a, and YkV4b) with genome organization different from YkV1 as being different from YnV1 at the suborder level.
N
-Succinyltransferase Encoded by a Cryptic Siderophore Biosynthesis Gene Cluster in
Streptomyces
Modifies Structurally Distinct Antibiotics
Authors: Schneider Olha , Zehl Martin , Ueoka Reiko , Rückert Christian , Buche Tobias , Jiang Yi , Li Qin-Yuan , Piel Jörn , Zotchev Sergey B.
Published: August 2022

In their natural habitats, bacteria encounter a plethora of organic compounds, some of which may be represented by antibiotics produced by certain members of the microbial community. A number of antibiotic resistance mechanisms have been described, including those specified by distinct genes encoding proteins that degrade, modify, or expel antibiotics.
Genome Sequence of a Cluster CR2 Gordonia terrae Phage, StarStruck
Authors: Cannell Wyatt , Carrolton Eleanor , Coombs Julia , Gambol Addison , Martin McHenna , Neely Melody , Molloy Sally
Published: August 2022

Bacteriophage StarStruck is a lytic
Siphoviridae
phage that infects
Gordonia terrae
3612. The 68,128-bp genome of StarStruck has a GC content of 65.4% and contains 92 protein-coding genes, including the gene for a HicA-like toxin. StarStruck was assigned to subcluster CR2 based on >35% shared gene content with other cluster CR genomes in the Actinobacteriophage Database.
A Trade-Off for Maintenance of Multidrug-Resistant IncHI2 Plasmids in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium through Adaptive Evolution
Authors: Zhang Jin-Fei , Fang Liang-Xing , Chang Man-Xia , Cheng Ming , Zhang Hui , Long Teng-Fei , Li Qian , Lian Xin-lei , Sun Jian , Liao Xiao-Ping , Liu Ya-Hong
Published: August 2022

The current idea that compensatory evolution processes can account for the “plasmid paradox” phenomenon associated with the maintenance of large costly plasmids in host bacteria has attracted much attention. Although many compensatory mutations have been discovered through various plasmid-host bacterial evolution experiments, the basis of the compensatory mechanisms and the nature of the bacteria themselves to address the fitness costs remain unclear.
Wine Yeast Cells Acquire Resistance to Severe Ethanol Stress and Suppress Insoluble Protein Accumulation during Alcoholic Fermentation
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Furutani Noboru , Imai Futsuki , Miki Takeo , Izawa Shingo
Published: August 2022

Winemaking is a dynamic and complex process in which ethanol concentrations gradually increase to reach >10% (vol/vol) through alcoholic fermentation. However, there is little information on protein damage in wine yeast during winemaking.
Smartphones as an Ecological Niche of Microorganisms: Microbial Activities, Assembly, and Opportunistic Pathogens
Authors: He Jintao , Shen Xiaoqiang , Zhang Nan , Sun Chao , Shao Yongqi
Published: August 2022

Currently, people spend an average of 4.2 h per day on their smartphones. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this figure may still be increasing.
Class A Penicillin-Binding Protein C Is Responsible for Stress Response by Regulation of Peptidoglycan Assembly in Clavibacter michiganensis
Authors: Chen Xing , Li Yao , Bai Kaihong , Gu Meng , Xu Xiaoli , Jiang Na , Chen Yu , Li Jianqiang , Luo Laixin
Published: August 2022

Peptidoglycan of cell walls in bacteria is a cross-linked and meshlike scaffold that provides strength to withstand the external pressure. The increased cross-linkage in peptidoglycan and altered structure in VBNC cells endowed the cell wall more resistant to adversities.
Capturing Structural Variants of Herpes Simplex Virus Genome in Full Length by Oxford Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Saranathan Rajagopalan , Asare Emmanuel , Leung Lawrence , de Oliveira Anna Paula , Kaugars Katherine E. , Mulholland Claire V. , Lukose Regy , Berney Michael , Jacobs William R.
Published: August 2022

With the advent of next-generation sequencing platforms, genome sequencing of viruses can be performed in a relatively shorter time frame in even the most austere conditions. Ultralong read sequencing platforms, such as Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT), have made it possible to capture the full-length genome of DNA viruses as a single read.
Late onset sclerotomy dehiscence in a patient with Marfan syndrome presenting as recurrent episodes of raised intraocular pressure
Authors: Stanciu Paul Eduard , O'Regan Amy , Cosgrave Edel
Published: August 2022

A man in his 50s presented to the eye emergency department on three separate occasions complaining of blurred vision and discomfort in the left eye. He had a history of Marfan syndrome and had undergone bilateral 20-gauge (G) pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy 20 years prior for ectopia lentis. On examination he had epithelial corneal oedema, raised intraocular pressure >40 mm Hg and conjunctival chemosis, which later appeared as a bleb-like conjunctival elevation. Acute treatment with oral acetazolamide and topical ocular hypotensive agents produced a marked reduction in intraocular pressure to 2–4 mm Hg. A presumed diagnosis of a leaking scleral wound was made. He underwent scleral exploration under general anaesthesia and a leaking sclerotomy was uncovered. The defect was repaired successfully using a scleral patch graft. Late dehiscence of a sclerotomy has been reported rarely in patients with Marfan syndrome. This is the first reported case to present atypically with intermittent episodes of raised intraocular pressure rather than with hypotony.
Protracted armed conflict and maternal health: a scoping review of literature and a retrospective analysis of primary data from northwest Syria
Authors: Basha Sara , Socarras Alex , Akhter Mohammed Waseem , Hamze Mohamed , Albaik Ahmad , Hussein Imad , Tarakji Ahmad , Hamadeh Mufaddal , Loutfi Randa , Kewara Mazen , Alahdab Fares , Abbara Aula
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Syria’s protracted conflict has devastated the health system reversing progress made on maternal health preconflict. Our aim is to understand the state of maternal health in Syria focused on underage pregnancy and caesarean sections using a scoping review and quantitative analysis; the latter draws on data from the Syrian American Medical Society’s (SAMS) maternal health facilities in northwest Syria.

Methods

We performed a scoping review of academic and grey literature on the state of maternal health across Syria since the onset of conflict (taken as March 2011). Identified articles were screened using pre-established criteria and themes identified. We also performed a retrospective quantitative analysis of maternal health data from SAMS’ facilities in a microcontext in north-west Syria between March 2017 and July 2020, analysing the trends in the proportion of births by caesarean section and age at pregnancy.

Results

Scoping review: of 2824 articles, 21 remained after screening. Main themes related to maternal mortality rates, caesarean sections, maternal age and perinatal care. 12 studies reported caesarean section rates; these varied from 16% to 64% of all births: northern Syria (19%–45%,) Damascus (16%–54%,) Lattakia (64%) and Tartous (59%.) Quantitative analysis: Of 77 746 births across 17 facilities, trend data for caesarean sections showed a decrease from 35% in March 2017 to 23% in July 2020 across SAMS facilities. Girls under 18 years accounted for 10% of births and had a lower proportion of caesarean section births. There was notable geographical and interfacility variation in the findings.

Conclusion

The quality of available literature was poor with country-level generalisations. Research which explores microcontexts in Syria is important given the different effects of conflict across the country and the fragmented health system. Our quantitative analysis provides some evidence around the changes to caesarean section rates in northwest Syria. Despite limitations, this study adds to sparse literature on this important topic.
Sufentanil target controlled infusion (TCI) versus remifentanil TCI for monitored anaesthesia care for patients with severe tracheal stenosis undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy: protocol for a prospective, randomised, controlled study
Authors: Wu Wei , Zhou Yi , Zhu Yuanjie , Liu Jianming
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The use of monitored anaesthesia care (MAC) is necessary and ubiquitous for fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Anaesthetic management of patients with severe tracheal stenosis has always been a challenge. The efficacy and safety of the MAC with sufentanil target controlled infusion (TCI) and remifentanil TCI in patients with severe tracheal stenosis are still unknown.

Methods analysis

This study is a prospective, investigator-initiated, two-arm, randomised control trial to compare the efficacy and safety of sufentanil TCI with remifentanil TCI in patients with severe tracheal stenosis undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy. 270 patients will be randomly assigned to the sufentanil TCI group or remifentanil TCI group, with a 1:1 ratio in two groups. The primary outcome is the incidence of hypoxaemia (an oxygen saturation of <90%). The secondary outcome investigates the severity of hypoxaemia, cough severity, haemodynamic variables, sedation scores and satisfaction scores.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (approval No. K19-122). The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100043380.
Prediction of late-onset fetal growth restriction by umbilical artery velocities at 37 weeks of gestation: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Hongli , Zhang Lan , Luo Xin , Li Junnan , Huang Shuai , Qi Hongbo
Published: August 2022

Objective

To explore the predictive capacity of umbilical artery (UA) velocities at 37 weeks of gestation in identifying fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

We retrospectively recruited 569 fetuses in the study. Thirty-nine FGR infants and 57 small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants with normal UA Doppler at 37 weeks, as the study groups and 473 adequate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants as a control group in a tertiary referral centre.

Methods

All the parameters of UA velocities, including the UA end-diastolic velocity (UA-EDV), UA peak systolic velocity (UA-PSV), UA mean diastolic velocity (UA-MDV) and UA time-averaged maximum velocity (UA-TAMXV), and UA Doppler were measured at approximately 37 weeks of gestation.

Results

Among the FGR, SGA and AGA groups, the UA-MDV, UA-TAMXV, UA-PSV and UA-EDV decreased with the loss of fetal weight. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the UA-TAMXV was an independent predicting factor of FGR. It had a moderate predictive value for FGR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.79 to 0.85).

Conclusions

The UA velocities decreased with the loss of fetal weight among the FGR, SGA and AGA groups and the UA-TAMXV was independently predictive of FGR. The results suggest that the UA-TAMXV might be a new parameter to predict FGR prior to delivery.
Study protocol for a real-world evaluation of an integrated child and family health hub for migrant and refugee women
Authors: Hodgins Michael , Ostojic Katarina , Hu Nan , Lawson K D , Samir Nora , Webster Amanda , Rogers Helen , Henry Amanda , Murphy Elisabeth , Lingam Raghu , Raman Shanti , Mendoza Diaz Antonio , Dadich Ann , Eapen Valsamma , Rimes Tania , Woolfenden Susan
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Continuity of child and family healthcare is vital for optimal child health and development for developmentally vulnerable children. Migrant and refugee communities are often at-risk of poor health outcomes, facing barriers to health service attendance including cultural, language, limited health literacy, discrimination and unmet psychosocial needs. ‘Integrated health-social care hubs’ are physical hubs where health and social services are co-located, with shared referral pathways and care navigation.

Aim

Our study will evaluate the impact, implementation and cost-benefit of the First 2000 Days Care Connect (FDCC) integrated hub model for pregnant migrant and refugee women and their infants.

Materials and methods

This study has three components. Component 1 is a non-randomised controlled trial to compare the FDCC model of care with usual care. This trial will allocate eligible women to intervention and control groups based on their proximity to the Hub sites. Outcome measures include: the proportion of children attending child and family health (CFH) nurse services and completing their CFH checks to 12 months of age; improved surveillance of growth and development in children up to 12 months, post partum; improved breastfeeding rates; reduced emergency department presentations; and improved maternal well-being. These will be measured using linked medical record data and surveys. Component 2 will involve a mixed-method implementation evaluation to clarify how and why FDCC was implemented within the sites to inform future roll-out. Component 3 is a within-trial economic evaluation from a healthcare perspective to assess the cost-effectiveness of the Hubs relative to usual care and the implementation costs if Hubs were scaled and replicated.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee in July 2021 (Project ID: 020/ETH03295). Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621001088831.
Associations between social fragmentation, socioeconomic deprivation and suicide risk across 1887 municipalities in Japan, 2009–2017: a spatial analysis using the Bayesian hierarchical model
Authors: Yoshioka Eiji , Hanley Sharon , Sato Yukihiro , Saijo Yasuaki
Published: August 2022

Objective

Previous studies have indicated that spatial variation in suicide mortality is associated with area-specific socioeconomic characteristics, such as socioeconomic deprivation and social fragmentation. However, most of these studies have been conducted in the West and findings from Asian countries are limited. This study aims to investigate associations between socioeconomic characteristics and suicide mortality rates across 1887 municipalities in Japan between 2009 and 2017. We also assessed these associations by gender and age group.

Methods

Suicide data were obtained from the suicide statistics of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan and included information on the number of suicides by gender, age and municipality location. Social fragmentation, socioeconomic deprivation and urbanicity were used as socioeconomic characteristics in this study and were created from survey data obtained from the 2010 census. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to examine associations between socioeconomic characteristics and suicide risk.

Results

Suicide rates were significantly higher in municipalities with higher levels of deprivation, with a rate ratio of 1.13 (95% credible interval: 1.10 to 1.17) in the highest quartile compared with the lowest. Higher levels of urbanicity had significantly lower suicide rates, with a rate ratio of 0.79 (95% credible interval: 0.77 to 0.82) in the highest quartile compared with the lowest. However, associations between exposures and suicide varied considerably by gender and age. Among both men and women aged 0–39 years, fragmentation was significantly associated with suicide, with rate ratios of 1.07 and 1.15 for men and women, respectively, in the highest quartile compared with the lowest.

Conclusion

Suicide prevention in Japan should particularly focus on areas with high levels of deprivation or low levels of urbanicity. Furthermore, young Japanese people residing in the most fragmented municipalities were also at high risk of suicide, and appropriate measures need to be taken.
Increasing test specificity without impairing sensitivity: lessons learned from SARS-CoV-2 serology
Authors: Perkmann Thomas , Koller Thomas , Perkmann-Nagele Nicole , Ozsvar-Kozma Maria , Eyre David , Matthews Philippa , Bown Abbie , Stoesser Nicole , Breyer Marie-Kathrin , Breyer-Kohansal Robab , Burghuber Otto C , Hartl Slyvia , Aletaha Daniel , Sieghart Daniela , Quehenberger Peter , Marculescu Rodrig , Mucher Patrick , Radakovics Astrid , Klausberger Miriam , Duerkop Mark , Holzer Barba , Hartmann Boris , Strassl Robert , Leitner Gerda , Grebien Florian , Gerner Wilhelm , Grabherr Reingard , Wagner Oswald F , Binder Christoph J , Haslacher Helmuth
Published: August 2022

Background

Serological tests are widely used in various medical disciplines for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Unfortunately, the sensitivity and specificity of test systems are often poor, leaving room for false-positive and false-negative results. However, conventional methods were used to increase specificity and decrease sensitivity and vice versa. Using SARS-CoV-2 serology as an example, we propose here a novel testing strategy: the ‘sensitivity improved two-test’ or ‘SIT²’ algorithm.

Methods

SIT² involves confirmatory retesting of samples with results falling in a predefined retesting zone of an initial screening test, with adjusted cut-offs to increase sensitivity. We verified and compared the performance of SIT² to single tests and orthogonal testing (OTA) in an Austrian cohort (1117 negative, 64 post-COVID-positive samples) and validated the algorithm in an independent British cohort (976 negatives and 536 positives).

Results

The specificity of SIT² was superior to single tests and non-inferior to OTA. The sensitivity was maintained or even improved using SIT² when compared with single tests or OTA. SIT² allowed correct identification of infected individuals even when a live virus neutralisation assay could not detect antibodies. Compared with single testing or OTA, SIT² significantly reduced total test errors to 0.46% (0.24–0.65) or 1.60% (0.94–2.38) at both 5% or 20% seroprevalence.

Conclusion

For SARS-CoV-2 serology, SIT² proved to be the best diagnostic choice at both 5% and 20% seroprevalence in all tested scenarios. It is an easy to apply algorithm and can potentially be helpful for the serology of other infectious diseases.
Assessing dual use research of concern (DURC)—lessons learned from the United States government institutional DURC policy
Authors: Moritz Rebecca
Published: August 2022

Life science research was analyzed for potential misuse in the 2004 report “Biotechnology Research in an Age of Bioterrorism”. However, it was not until 2015 that the United States Government (USG) Institutional Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) policy went into effect. Institutions receiving USG funding for life science research are required to scan their research portfolios for research involving one of 15 agents and subsequent 7 experimental effects described in the policy. In practice, this policy was implemented in a variety of ways with varying outcomes and lessons learned. First and foremost, reviewing research for potential DURC is a highly subjective process that differs depending on the risk tolerance, experience, and training of the individuals charged with reviewing research for an institution as well as the review process itself. The information being reviewed also lends to the subjectivity of the process, that is, the experimental data provided. It is difficult to determine whether research is potential DURC without experimental data. Any review process is hypothetical until there is data. Lastly, reviewers of the research should look beyond the research proposals, like how compounding existing research information can create new risks, potential use in other organisms or systems, or the creation of a roadmap that, for example, shows how to create a concerning organism or could be used in a pathogen.
The algebra of the Feistel-Toffoli construction
Authors: Poinsot Laurent , Porst Hans-E.
Published: August 2022

The process of replacing an arbitrary Boolean function by a bijective one, a fundamental tool in reversible computing and in cryptography, is interpreted algebraically as a particular instance of a certain group homomorphism from the [Formula: see text]-fold cartesian power of a group [Formula: see text] into the automorphism group of the free [Formula: see text]-set over the set [Formula: see text]. It is shown that this construction not only can be generalized from groups to monoids but, more generally, to internal categories in arbitrary finitely complete categories where it becomes a cartesian isomorphism between certain discrete fibrations.
Chinese (Mandarin) translation of the incremental shuttle walk test and its validity and reliability: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ang Wei Qin , Tan Hong Ting , Goh Si Min , Seng Samantha W. , Huang Katherin S. , Chan Melissa Y. , Yeung Meredith T.
Published: August 2022

Background/Purpose: To date, there are no published validated Chinese versions of the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) instructions despite its wide clinical applications. Translation of the Chinese ISWT instruction is done in an ad-hoc manner within the Chinese-speaking populations, affecting the test’s reliability and validity since translation can differ significantly between individuals. This warrants the need for psychometric testing of such translation.

Objectives: To develop a Chinese (Mandarin) version of the ISWT instructions (ISWT-CHN) that is conceptually equivalent to the original English version (ISWT-ENG) and establish its reliability and validity.

Methods: Forward and backward translations from the ISWT-ENG were done to generate the ISWT-CHN. Face and content validity was determined during the translation process. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the ISWT-CHN, construct and criterion validity were established by analysing the ISWT and the gold standard cardiopulmonary exercise test results.

Results: The Item-Content validity index (I-CVI), Scale-level-Content validity index (S-CVI), and content validity ratio (CVR) of the ISWT-CHN were 1.0. Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for inter-rater reliability between two raters were excellent ([Formula: see text], 95% CI 0.97–1.0, [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m). The intra-rater reliability of both Raters A ([Formula: see text], 95% CI 0.53–0.98, [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m) and B ([Formula: see text], 95% CI 0.76–0.96, [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m) were good. In a sample of 32 healthy participants, both ISWT-CHN and ISWT-ENG instruction results showed low-positive correlations with the VO[Formula: see text] determined from the cardiopulmonary exercise test ([Formula: see text] = 0.439, [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). There is a very high correlation between ISWT-ENG and ISWT-CHN results with no statistically significant differences ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). The construct and criterion validity of the ISWT-CHN were established.

Conclusion: This study developed the ISWT-CHN and showed that it is a valid and reliable measure conceptually comparable to the ISWT-ENG. It will benefit the determination of functional exercise capacity in Chinese-speaking populations.

Key messages • This study is aimed to develop a Chinese (Mandarin) version of the ISWT instructions. • The ISWT Chinese translation is valid and reliable that is conceptually comparable to the original English instruction. • The translated ISWT-Chinese instruction will enable the use of ISWT among the Chinese-speaking populations.
Building space for feminist solidarity
Authors: Garcia Patricia , Gonzalez Alejandra , Buford Mikayla , Erete Sheena , Thomas Jakita O. , Rankin Yolanda A.
Published: August 2022

In this forum we explore different perspectives for how to apply intersectionality as a critical framework for design across multiple contexts.
--- Yolanda A. Rankin and Jakita O. Thomas, Editors
Effects of Conditional Changes on High-Voltage Direct Current Transmission Line Characteristic
Authors: Pothisarn Chaichan , Ngaopitakkul Atthapol , Leelajindakrairerk Monthon , Phannil Natthanon , Bunjongjit Sulee , Thongsuk Surakit , Sreewirote Bancha
Published: August 2022

The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system, which links the Gurun Substation of the National Electric Authority of Malaysia (Tenaga Nasional Berhad, TNB) with the Khlong Ngae Station of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), has been extensively researched to achieve the highest quality because it is the largest of its kind in Thailand, and there is a plant to expand its transmission power. However, the impact on the whole system is under-researched. To study and develop this system, the HVDC transmission line is modelled with the MATLAB/Simulink program and a laboratory setup to investigate the effect of transmission line distance, load power, and voltage on power loss, voltage drop, and waveform. The HVDC transmission line parameters are calculated from the actual transmission line parameters and converted to the simulation model parameters using the per-unit method. The model is verified and tested by the simulation program before creating the experimental setup. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effects of changing system conditions via the three aspects. All the three conditions directly affect the HVDC transmission line; nevertheless, they affect each aspect differently.
Incidence and Predictors of Outcome in the Treatment of In-Stent Restenosis with Drug-Eluting Balloons, a Real-Life Single-Centre Study
Authors: Murnaghan Kyle , Bishop Helen , Sandila Navjot , Kidwai Bakhtiar , Title Lawrence , Quraishi Ata Ur Rehman , Kells Catherine , Beydoun Hussein , Elkhateeb Osama
Published: August 2022

Objectives. To determine the one-year and five-year occurrence and prognosticators of major adverse cardiac events (MACE: composition of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and vessel thrombosis), mortality, and target lesion revascularization (TLR) in patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR) treated with drug-eluting balloons (DEBs). Background. DEBs have become an emerging therapeutic option for ISR. We report the results of a single-center retrospective study on the treatment of ISR with DEB. Methods. 94 consecutive patients with ISR treated with the paclitaxel-eluting balloon were retrospectively studied between August 2011 and December 2019. Results. The one-year MACE rate was 11.8%, and the five-year MACE rate was 39.8%. The one-year mortality was 5.3%, and the five-year mortality rate was 21.5%. The one-year TLR rate was 4.3%, and the five-year rate was 18.7%. The univariable-Cox proportional hazard models for TLR showed lesion length, and the number of DEBs per vessel is associated with adverse outcomes with H.R. of 1.038 (1.007–1.069) and 4.7 (1.6–13.8), respectively. Conclusion. Our data indicate that at one year, DEBs provide an effective alternative to stenting for in-stent restenosis. Our five-year data, representing one of the longest-term follow-ups of DEB use, demonstrate high rates of MACE. The high five-year MACE reflects all-cause mortality in a high-risk population. This is offset by a reasonable five-year rate of TLR, indicating that DEB provides both short-term and long-term benefits in ISR.
Huayu Jiedu Fang Protects Ovarian Function in Mouse with Endometriosis Iron Overload by Inhibiting Ferroptosis
Authors: Ding Jie , Zhao Qianqian , Zhou Zhihao , Cheng Wen , Sun Shuai , NI Zhexin , Yu Chaoqin
Published: August 2022

Endometriosis (EM) is a common chronic inflammatory disease in women. Sampson’s retrograde menstruation theory is the most widely accepted theory of EM pathogenesis. The periodic bleeding of ectopic lesions is an important pathological feature of this disease, and the occurrence and progression of EM are closely associated with the iron overload caused by ectopic lesions. However, animal models that simulate menstrual-blood reflux and hemorrhage from EM lesions are lacking. In this study, we performed intraperitoneal injection of endometrial fragments and periodic intraperitoneal blood injection to simulate the real cause and disease state of EM and successfully constructed a mouse model of EM iron overload. Our research found that the number, size, and degree of adhesion of EM lesions in the iron-overload model mouse were significantly higher than those in the model mouse. Moreover, the iron concentration in the abdominal fluid and ovary significantly increased, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the ovary increased. Conversely, GPX4, GSH, and other anti-ferroptosis-related proteins were downregulated, proving the occurrence of ferroptosis. Huayu Jiedu Fang (HYJDF) is an empirical prescription for EM treatment. This study combined animal experiments, UHPLC-QE-MS analysis, and network pharmacology to analyze whether HYJDF can inhibit ferroptosis to slow down the progression of EM and protect ovarian function. Based on the constructed iron-overload model, HYJDF can reduce the volume of EM lesions and the degree of adhesion, downregulate the total iron concentration in the peritoneal fluid and ovary, upregulate GPX4 expression and GSSG in the ovary, downregulate the level of MDA in the ovary, and promote the development of follicles. We further confirmed that HYJDF can inhibit the progression of EM disease and improve the ovarian function of the model mouse by inhibiting ferroptosis. Finally, through UHPLC-QE-MS and network pharmacology analysis, the natural compounds in HYJDF were identified and verified and the regulatory effect of HYJDF on the EM ferroptosis pathway through the IL-6/hepcidin pathway was preliminarily elucidated.
Optimal Energy Management of Virtual Power Plants with Storage Devices Using Teaching-and-Learning-Based Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Krishna Raji , Hemamalini S.
Published: August 2022

In recent decades, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) have become more attractive due to the depleting fossil fuel resources and environmental issues such as global warming due to emissions from fossil fuel-based power plants. However, the intermittent nature of RES may cause a power imbalance between the generation and the demand. The power imbalance is overcome with the help of Distributed Generators (DG), storage devices, and RES. The aggregation of DGs, storage devices, and controllable loads that form a single virtual entity is called a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). In this article, the optimal scheduling of DGs in a VPP is done to minimize the generation cost. The optimal scheduling of power is done by exchanging the power between the utility grid and the VPP with the help of storage devices based on the bidding price. In this work, the state of charge (SOC) of the batteries is also considered, which is a limiting factor for charging and discharging of the batteries. This improves the lifetime of the batteries and their performance. Energy management of VPP using the teaching-and-learning-based optimization algorithm (TLBO) is proposed to minimize the total operating cost of VPP for 24 hours of the day. The power loss in the VPP is also considered in this work. The proposed methodology is validated for the IEEE 16-bus and IEEE 33-bus test systems for four different cases. The results are compared with other evolutionary algorithms, like Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm and Ant Lion Optimization (ALO) algorithm.
Dynamics and Prediction of Land Use and Land Cover Changes Using Geospatial Techniques in Abelti Watershed, Omo Gibe River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Derebe Melkamu Ateka , Hatiye Samuel Dagalo , Asres Ligalem Agegn
Published: August 2022

Ethiopia is a growing country which is in need of scientific ground for land use planning and agricultural-based economy. Evaluation of land use/land cover (LULC) changes helps for proper scheduling and use of natural resources with safe administration in accordance with time and dynamic population growth of the country, specifically in the study area. One of the detailed and useful ways to develop land use evaluation and classification maps is the use of geospatial techniques such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). The main focus of this study is to evaluate the dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Abelti Watershed, Omo-Gibe River basin, Ethiopia. Maximum likelihood algorithm approach supervised classification method was used for identifying the LULC changes using satellite data to know LULC changes in the watershed. Quantifications of spatial and temporal dynamics of land use/cover changes were accomplished by using three satellite images of 2000, 2010, and 2017 and classifying them via a supervised classification algorithm by using Earth Resources and Development System (ERDAS) software and finally applying the postclassification change detection technique was performed by using ArcGIS 10.3. From the LULC analysis, the increase was observed in the agricultural area and settlement area from 2000 to 2017. On the other hand, shrub land followed a declining trend during the study period. However, forest and bare land followed variable trends during the study period in which forest declined from 2000 to 2010 but increased from 2010 to 2017 and bare land increased from 2000 to 2010 and declined from 2010 to 2017. Generally, the driving force behind this change was population growth, rapid urbanization, and deforestation which resulted in a wide range of environmental impacts, including degraded habitat quality in the watershed.
Sparse Dictionary-Based Magnetic Resonance Superresolution Imaging with Joint Loss Function Learning
Authors: Liu Huanyu , Liu Xiaodong , Wu Jinyu , Li Lu , Shao Mingmei , Liu Yanyan
Published: August 2022

Magnetic resonance image has important application value in disease diagnosis. Due to the particularity of its imaging mechanism, the resolution of hardware imaging needs to be improved by increasing radiation intensity and radiation time. Excess radiation can cause the body to overheat and, in severe cases, inactivate the protein. This problem is expected to be solved by the image superresolution method based on joint dictionary learning, which has good superresolution performance. In the process of dictionary learning, the loss function will directly affect the dictionary performance. The general method only uses the cascade error as the optimization function in dictionary training, and the method does not consider the individual reconstruction error of high- and low-resolution image dictionary. In order to solve the above problem, In this paper, the loss function of dictionary learning is optimized. While ensuring that the coefficients are sufficiently sparse, the high- and low-resolution dictionaries are trained separately to reduce the error generated by the joint high- and low-resolution dictionary block pair and increase the high-resolution reconstruction error. Experiments on neck and ankle MR images show that the proposed algorithm has better superresolution reconstruction performance on ×2 and ×4 compared with bicubic interpolation, nearest neighbor, and original dictionary learning algorithms.
BSPPF: Blockchain‐Based Security and Privacy Preventing Framework for Data Middle Platform in the Era of IR 4.0
Authors: Chen Chuqiao , Goyal S. B. , Ramaswamy Kiran
Published: August 2022

Security and privacy issues about Big Data have emerged as one of the most pressing concerns in both academic circles and the business world in the era of IR 4.0. These worries are made worse because businesses are beginning to construct their own Big Data‐based Data Middle Platform. The research team has summarized the security and privacy protection issues of Big Data‐based Data Middle Platform by combining previous research and providing a table that lists some contributions that the blockchain uses for security and privacy protection in Big Data. A general Data Middle Platform architecture is also be given in the Methodology section. Based on this architecture, the team unveiled blockchain‐based security and privacy protection framework on the Data Middle Platform in this study. This approach emphasizes mitigating the security and privacy issues posed by sensitive data entering the Data Middle Platform and data published by the Data Middle Platform. Following that, the researchers developed a testing system based on this framework to determine whether or not the framework was both feasible and practicable. The trials revealed that the framework is applicable, even though it requires further development and refinement.
Bioactive Vitamin D Attenuates MED28‐Mediated Cell Growth and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Huang Chun-Yin , Weng Yu-Ting , Hsieh Nien-Tsu , Li Po-Chen , Lee Tzu-Yi , Li Chun-I , Liu Hsiao-Sheng , Lee Ming-Fen
Published: August 2022

Inadequate vitamin D status may increase the risk of developing multiple types of cancer. Epidemiological studies suggest an inverse association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and malignancy, including colorectal cancer. Previous studies have suggested that MED28, a Mediator subunit involved in transcriptional regulation, is associated with the growth of colorectal cancer cells; however, its role in the progression of metastasis such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration of colorectal cancer is unclear at present. The aim of this study was to investigate a potentially suppressive effect of calcitriol, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), a bioactive form of vitamin D, and the role of MED28 in the progression of EMT in human colorectal cancer cells. Suppression of MED28 increased the expression of E‐cadherin and reduced the expression of several mesenchymal and migration biomarkers and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling molecules, whereas overexpression of MED28 enhanced the EMT features. Calcitriol suppressed the expression of MED28, and the effect of calcitriol mirrored that of MED28 silencing. Our data indicate that calcitriol attenuated MED28‐mediated cell growth and EMT in human colorectal cancer cells, underlining the significance of MED28 in the progression of colorectal cancer and supporting the potential translational application of calcitriol.