bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional continuous glucose monitoring: A retrospective cohort study comparing one vs two pharmacist‐driven encounters
Authors: Sherrill Christina H. , Houpt Christopher T. , Dixon Elisabeth M. , Richter Scott J.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a burgeoning approach to measuring glycemia, but the ideal implementation method to optimize outcomes while streamlining clinical procedures is unknown. Furthermore, literature on the impact of pharmacist‐driven professional CGM (proCGM) is lacking.

Objectives

The primary objective was to compare the change in hemoglobin A1c from baseline to 6 months after pharmacist‐driven proCGM implementation with one vs two proCGM data interpretation encounters. A secondary objective was to describe changes in proCGM report metrics for participants with two encounters.

Methods

In this retrospective single‐center study, adults with diabetes identified via Current Procedural Terminology code 95250 or 95251 undergoing pharmacist‐driven proCGM implementation with A1c measured within 6 months were included. Patients with additional CGM during the follow‐up period were excluded. Patients were categorized as having one pharmacist‐driven (RPh1) or two pharmacist‐driven (RPh2) encounters for proCGM data analysis for a single sensor. A1c change was analyzed via paired and independent sample t tests and analysis of covariance. ProCGM report metrics were analyzed via paired t tests.

Results

Sixty‐six RPh1 and 56 RPh2 patients were included. Demographics were similar between groups, except RPh1 patients were younger, had higher body mass index, used less bolus insulin, and had less baseline hypoglycemia (P = .003, P = .008, P = .002, and P = .001, respectively). Baseline A1c was 8.2% and 8.3% with a mean reduction by 6 months of 0.75% and 0.87% for RPh1 and RPh2, respectively, and a mean follow‐up A1c of 7.4% for both groups. Significant A1c improvement was seen in each group compared with baseline (P < .001), with no significant difference between groups (P = .655). There was a significant rise in time in range from the first to second encounter without a significant increase in time below range (P < .001 and P = .34, respectively).

Conclusion

Pharmacist‐driven proCGM implementation can significantly improve glycemic control, but no difference was seen in A1c lowering between the two implementation methods.
Collagen signature as a novel biomarker to predict axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer using multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Fang Ye , Kang Deyong , Guo Wenhui , Zhang Qingyuan , Xu Shuoyu , Huang Xingxin , Xi Gangqin , He Jiajia , Wu Shulian , Li Lianhuang , Han Xiahui , Chen Jianhua , Zheng Liqin , Wang Chuan , Chen Jianxin
Published: January 2022

Accurate identification of axillary lymph node (ALN) status is crucial for tumor staging procedure and decision making. This retrospective study of 898 participants from two institutions was conducted. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of clinical parameters combined with collagen signatures (tumor‐associated collagen signatures [TACS] and the TACS corresponding microscopic features [TCMF]) in predicting the probability of ALN metastasis in patients with breast cancer. These findings suggest that TACS and TCMF in the breast tumor microenvironment are both novel and independent biomarkers for the estimation of ALN metastasis. The nomogram based on independent clinical parameters combined with TACS and TCMF yields good diagnostic performance in predicting ALN status.
Pandemic preparedness in dental education: A US‐based national survey
Authors: Bahdila Dania , Ticku Shenam , Nath Sapna , Aflatooni Nikki , Dolce Maria C. , Hackley Donna M. , Barrow Jane R.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The Coronavirus Disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic highlighted the need for pandemic preparedness (PP) in health professions training. We aimed to (1) establish a current profile on curricular content of PP in US dental schools and (2) examine how schools were adapting their curricula in response to COVID‐19.

Methods

An online survey was developed and sent to senior leadership to all 66 Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)‐accredited US dental schools including Deans of Academic or Clinical Affairs from November 2020–February 2021. Questions addressed PP curricular content, teaching methods, and evaluation. Participants were asked about the barriers and facilitators for the inclusion of this content. The survey also included questions on redeployment of the clinical workforce in response to the pandemic.

Results

The response rate was 31.8% (n = 21) with representation from every US Census Bureau‐designated division. While all responding dental schools agreed that dental professionals can play an important role during pandemics, 38.1% reported including content on PP into their pre‐ or postdoctoral curriculum. In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, approximately 47.6% indicated redeployment of their clinical workforce to participate in disaster life support, assisting physicians in COVID‐19 cases, and assisting hospitals with personal protective equipment (PPE).

Conclusion

There was general agreement that dental professionals can play an important role during pandemics. The participating US dental schools responded to the COVID‐19 pandemic by integrating novel clinical activities. More efforts are required to include PP in dental education.
Approach for patch‐clamping using an upright microscope with z‐axis movable stage
Authors: Perić Mina , Bataveljić Danijela , Bijelić Dunja , Milićević Katarina , Andjus Pavle R. , Bogdanović Pristov Jelena , Nikolić Ljiljana
Published: January 2022

We describe an approach for studying the physiology of single live cells using the conceptionally novel upright microscope/patch‐clamp configuration. Electrophysiology experiments typically require a microscope with the fixed stage position and the motion control of the microscope objective. Here, we demonstrate that a microscope with a z‐axis movable stage and a fixed objective can also be efficiently used in combination with the patch‐clamp technique. We define a set of underlying principles governing the operation of this microscope/patch‐clamp configuration and demonstrate its performance in practice using cultured astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. Experimental results show that our custom configuration provides stable recordings, has a high success rate of the whole‐cell patch‐clamp trials, can be effectively applied to study cellular physiology of glial cells, and provides comparable performance and usability to the commercially available systems. Our system can be easily replicated or adapted to suit the needs of the research groups and can be cost‐effective in reducing the investments in purchasing additional equipment. We provide step‐by‐step instructions on implementing an upright microscope with z‐axis movable stage as a routine workhorse for patch‐clamping.

Research Highlights

Approach for efficient patch‐clamping using an upright microscope with a z‐axis movable stage.

Routine study of live cell physiology.

Custom microscope/patch‐clamp configuration that is cost‐effective and overcomes equipment limitations.
Performance of C‐SENSE Accelerated Rapid Liver Shear Stiffness Measurement Using Displacement Wave Polarity‐Inversion Motion Encoding: An Evaluation Study
Authors: Pednekar Amol , Gandhi Deep , Wang Hui , Tkach Jean A. , Trout Andrew T. , Dillman Jonathan R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Liver shear stiffness measurement using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) aids in the noninvasive diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis. Inadequate breath‐holds can lead to inaccurate stiffness estimation and/or failed MRE exams.

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate the performance of compressed sensitivity encoding (C‐SENSE) accelerated rapid MRE measurement of liver shear stiffness using displacement wave polarity‐inversion motion encoding.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Eleven with liver disease and 10 asymptomatic subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T; gradient‐recalled‐echo (GRE) MRE.

Assessment

All participants underwent: 1) two‐dimensional (2D) GRE MRE with inflow saturation using SENSE acceleration factor (R) of 2 (standard of care [SC]); 2) 2D rapid MRE with (RwS); and 3) without (RnS) inflow saturation using C‐SENSE R = 3; and 4) spatial three‐dimensional (3D) rapid MRE with inflow saturation (R3D) using C‐SENSE R = 4; with nominally identical spatial resolution and coverage. Image analyst (D.G., 2 years of experience) drew identical and maximal regions of interest (ROIs) in right hepatic lobe.

Statistical Tests

Linear regression, intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland–Altman analyses, and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test were used to assess consistency and agreement of liver stiffness measurements for manually drawn identical and maximal ROIs.

Results

In 21 participants (37 ± 14 years) with liver stiffness (2.3 ± 0.7 kPa), body mass index (BMI 27 ± 7 kg/m2), proton density fat fraction (PDFF 9 ± 9%), and T2* (27 ± 4 msec); rapid MRE sequences showed excellent agreement (ICC > 0.95) with SC MRE and no correlation (r2 < 0.1) of the differences (mean difference <0.2 kPa, <6%; limits of agreement <0.4 kPa, <16%) with BMI, PDFF, and T2*. Breath‐hold times were: 14 seconds (SC), 5 seconds (RnS), 7 seconds (RwS) per slice, and 16 seconds for the R3D acquisition.

Data Conclusions

C‐SENSE accelerated GRE MRE sequences, using displacement wave polarity‐inversion motion encoding, produce equivalent measurements of liver stiffness and have potential clinical benefit in patients with limited breath‐holding capacity.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
High resolution ultrasound for the evaluation of radial nerve pathology adjacent to metallic hardware
Authors: Fort Nicholas M. , Victoria Christian , Ko Lydia , Wolfe Scott W. , Lee Steve K. , Nwawka O. Kenechi
Published: January 2022

Accurate localization and characterization of peripheral nerve injuries adjacent to metallic hardware is difficult with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to susceptibility artifact. This study sought to present the use of high‐resolution ultrasound (US) in accurate characterization of radial nerve injury adjacent to metallic hardware, using findings at the time of operative exploration as confirmation of the US assessment. A retrospective chart review of cases with clinically identified radial nerve injuries evaluated by the high‐resolution US was performed from January 2015 through December 2019. Preoperative clinical data, US reports, MRI reports, electrodiagnostic (EDx) reports, and operative reports were reviewed for each case. Preoperative US correctly characterized the affected nerve component, type, and location of injury in all 13 cases (100%), when correlated with intraoperative findings. Nerve injury was directly adjacent to metallic hardware in 12 cases (92%). Out of the seven cases evaluated by both US and MRI, US correctly accurately diagnosed radial nerve injuries in all cases, whereas MRI accurately diagnosed in four cases (57%). In 3/7 cases (43%) MRI was nondiagnostic due to susceptibility artifact. MRI evaluation of the nerve was limited to some degree by metallic artifact in 6/7 cases (85%).
Chronically elevated contact stress exposure correlates with intra‐articular cartilage degeneration in patients with concurrent acetabular dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Aitken Holly D. , Westermann Robert W. , Bartschat Nicholas I. , Meyer Alex M. , Brouillette Marc J. , Glass Natalie A. , Clohisy John C. , Willey Michael C. , Goetz Jessica E.
Published: January 2022

Hip dysplasia is known to lead to premature osteoarthritis. Computational models of joint mechanics have documented elevated contact stresses in dysplastic hips, but elevated stress has not been directly associated with regional cartilage degeneration. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between elevated contact stress and intra‐articular cartilage damage in patients with symptomatic dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement. Discrete element analysis was used to compute hip contact stresses during the stance phase of walking gait for 15 patients diagnosed with acetabular dysplasia and femoral head‐neck offset deformity. Contact stresses were summed over the duration of the walking gait cycle and then scaled by patient age to obtain a measure of chronic cartilage contact stress exposure. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between contact stress exposure and cartilage damage in each of six acetabular subregions that had been evaluated arthroscopically for cartilage damage at the time of surgical intervention. A significant correlation (R2 = 0.423, p < 0.001) was identified between chondromalacia grade and chronic stress‐time exposure above both a 1 MPa damage threshold and a 2 MPa‐years accumulated damage threshold. Furthermore, an over‐exposure threshold of 15% regional contact area exceeding the 1 and 2 MPa‐years threshold values resulted in correct identification of cartilage damage in 83.3% (55/66) of the acetabular subregions loaded during gait. These results suggest corrective surgery to alleviate impingement and reduce chronic contact stress exposures below these damage‐inducing thresholds could mitigate further cartilage damage in patients with hip dysplasia.
Peninsular southern Europe refugia during the Middle Palaeolithic: an introduction
Authors: Bicho Nuno , Carvalho Milena
Published: January 2022

Neanderthals faced great environmental and climatic instability during the Pleistocene, which may have influenced their lithic technology, subsistence patterns, mobility, behaviour and survival. Modern research assessing the effect of climate and environment on the Middle Palaeolithic and transition to the Upper Palaeolithic has often turned to southern Europe, specifically peninsular southern Europe (Iberia, Italy and the Balkans). These are regions typically regarded as refugia during periods of unfavourable climatic conditions, inspiring hundreds of palaeoenvironmental studies at Neanderthal sites and hypotheses on late Neanderthal survival in locations with relative ameliorated conditions. Here, we present the topic of the special issue focusing on peninsular southern Europe refugia during the Middle Palaeolithic covering the three main peninsulas. Its 16 contributions discuss relevant data on peninsular southern Europe as possible refugia during periods of unfavourable climate during the Middle Palaeolithic and transition to Upper Palaeolithic.
The ‘Semi‐Sterile Mousterian’ of Riparo Bombrini: evidence of a late‐lasting Neanderthal refugium in Liguria
Authors: Riel‐Salvatore Julien , Negrino Fabio , Pothier Bouchard Geneviève , Vallerand Amélie , Costa Stefano , Benazzi Stefano
Published: January 2022

Constrained by the Maritime Alps and a steep coastal shelf, Liguria served as a biogeographic corridor linking mainland Western Europe to peninsular Italy throughout the Late Pleistocene. It may also have served as a biogeographic refugium for Neanderthals, since sites in the region have yielded some of the latest Mousterian dates in Western Europe and, paradoxically, some of the earliest dates for Protoaurignacian occupations. This paper presents an overview of the Neanderthal presence in Liguria between Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 and MIS 3, with a particular focus on the record from the Balzi Rossi site complex. This permits a critical evaluation of diachronic shifts in the Neanderthal occupation of Liguria. This is followed by an analysis of new data from ‘semi‐sterile Mousterian’ Level MS at Riparo Bombrini that show it was occupied very ephemerally by the end of the Mousterian, highlighting major late Neanderthal behavioral shifts. We conclude by proposing that this behavioral pattern is best explained by the last Neanderthals of the Balzi Rossi having occupied the region as an ecologically stable, taxon‐specific in situ micro‐refugium. This has implications for our understanding of Paleolithic refugia more broadly and of the social and ecological conditions in place during the terminal Mousterian period in western Liguria.
Effects of cuticular wax on the postharvest physiology in fragrant pear at different storages
Authors: Mao Huijuan , Lv Yunhao , Chen Guogang , Jiang Ying
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Epidermal wax is an important factor affecting the storage quality of fruits and vegetables. Previous studies have shown that the epidermal wax of fruits undergoes significant changes during storage, but there are few studies on the effects of different storage methods on the changes in waxes and the relationship with storage quality. To investigate the effect of cuticular wax on the postharvest physiology in fragrant pear, equal numbers of fragrant pear fruits were stored in room temperature storage (control), cold storage and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage environs, respectively.

RESULTS

Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the prevailing compositions of cuticular wax of fragrant pear were alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, esters and fatty acids. Compared with the control, cold storage and CA storage significantly inhibited changes in postharvest physiology, total wax contents and wax compositions of fragrant pear, and the effects of CA storage were more pronounced than cold storage. Under different storage methods, total wax contents and wax compositions show different correlations with various physiological indicators.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study indicate that cold storage and CA storage altered the fragrant pear cuticular wax contents and constituents, thus changing the postharvest physiology quality. The changes in the metabolism of wax components caused by the changes in storage environment mainly affect the changes in the hardness of fragrant pears. The present study provides a theoretical basis for the preservation and storage of fruits. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry
Using Danish national registry data to understand psychopathology following potentially traumatic experiences
Authors: Gradus Jaimie L. , Rosellini Anthony J. , Szentkúti Péter , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsébet , Smith Meghan L. , Galatzer‐Levy Isaac , Lash Timothy L. , Galea Sandro , Schnurr Paula P. , Sørensen Henrik T.
Published: January 2022

Research on posttraumatic psychopathology has focused primarily on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); other posttraumatic psychiatric diagnoses are less well documented. The present study aimed to (a) develop a methodology to derive a cohort of individuals who experienced potentially traumatic events (PTEs) from registry‐based data and (b) examine the risk of psychopathology within 5 years of experiencing a PTE. Using data from Danish national registries, we created a cohort of individuals with no age restrictions (range: 0–108 years) who experienced at least one of eight possible PTEs between 1994 and 2016 (N = 1,406,637). We calculated the 5‐year incidence of nine categories of ICD‐10 psychiatric disorders among this cohort and examined standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs) comparing the incidence of psychopathology in this group to the incidence in a nontraumatic stressor cohort (i.e., nonsuicide death of a relative; n = 423,270). Stress disorders (2.5%), substance use disorders (4.1%), and depressive disorders (3.0%) were the most common diagnoses following PTEs. Overall, the SMRs for the associations between any PTE and psychopathology varied from 1.9, 95% CI [1.9, 2.0], for stress disorders to 5.2, 95% CI [5.1. 5.3], for personality disorders. All PTEs except pregnancy‐related trauma were associated with all forms of psychopathology. Associations were consistent regardless of whether a stress disorder was present. Traumatic experiences have a broad impact on psychiatric health. The present findings demonstrate one approach to capturing trauma exposure in medical record registry data. Increased traumatic experience characterization across studies will help improve the field's understanding of posttraumatic psychopathology.
Codimension growth for polynomial identities of representations of Lie algebras
Authors: da Silva Macêdo David Levi , Koshlukov Plamen
Published: January 2022

Let K be a field of characteristic zero. We study the asymptotic behavior of the codimensions for polynomial identities of representations of Lie algebras, also called weak identities. These identities are related to pairs of the form where A is an associative enveloping algebra for the Lie algebra L. We obtain a characterization of ideals of weak identities with polynomial growth of the codimensions in terms of their cocharacter sequence. Recall that such a characterization was obtained by Kemer in [12] for associative algebras and by Benediktovich and Zalesskii in [2] for Lie algebras. We prove that the pairs , and generate varieties of pairs of almost polynomial growth. Here E denotes the infinite dimensional Grassmann algebra with 1. Also is the associative subalgebra of M2 (the 2 × 2 matrices over the field K) consisting of upper triangular matrices and is the Lie subalgebra of of the traceless matrices.
Hypersurface arrangements of aCM type
Authors: Ballico Edoardo , Huh Sukmoon
Published: January 2022

We investigate the arrangement of hypersurfaces on a nonsingular varieties whose associated logarithmic vector bundle is arithmetically Cohen–Macaulay (for short, aCM), and prove that the projective space is the only smooth complete intersection with Picard rank one that admits an aCM logarithmic vector bundle. We also obtain a number of results on aCM logarithmic vector bundles over several specific varieties. As an opposite situation we investigate the Torelli‐type problem that the logarithmic cohomology determines the arrangement.
Restraining patients in acute care hospitals—A qualitative study on the experiences of healthcare staff
Authors: Siegrist‐Dreier Sandra , Barbezat Isabelle , Thomann Silvia , Richter Dirk , Hahn Sabine , Schmitt Kai‐Uwe
Published: January 2022

Aim

The focus was to explore the perceptions and experiences of healthcare workers with respect to the use of restraints in acute care hospitals.

Design

The study followed a qualitative design.

Methods

Three topic‐based focus group interviews were conducted, involving 19 participants from the fields of nursing, physical therapy and medicine. For data collection and analysis, the method of mapping techniques for rapid qualitative data analysis was used. After discussing and validating the individual mind maps, all data were condensed to identify the key findings.

Results

Participants described restraints as safety measures for the patients. The implementation of most restraints was led by nurses. The use of restraints differed significantly, even in the interprofessional team. Attitudes and experiences were the main determinants for restraint use. Nurses asked for more discussion about restraints in the team, for more support at an interprofessional level and for better guidelines to help with the decision‐making process.
Correlations between uncertainty in illness and anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cheng Jingxia , Yang Dongju , Zuo Qiantao , Peng Weixu , Zhu Longling , Jiang Xiaolian
Published: January 2022

Aim

To investigate the uncertainty in illness, anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis and confirm the correlations between these variables.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 396 patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis in four tertiary hospitals in China.

Methods

Uncertainty in illness was measured by Mishel's uncertainty in illness scale. The scores of self‐rating anxiety scale, self‐rating depression scale and medical outcomes study short form 36 were collected and compared with available norms. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to investigate the correlation between uncertainties in illness with these vital variables.

Results

The mean score of uncertainty in illness was 78.16 out of 160. Compared with the norm, patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis had a statistically significantly lower score of depression and higher scores of most domains of quality of life. Uncertainty in illness is corrected with anxiety, depression positively and with quality of life negatively.
MiR‐195 promotes pancreatic β‐cell dedifferentiation by targeting Mfn2 and impairing Pi3k/Akt signaling in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Xu Yuhua , Tang Zixuan , Dai Hui , Hou Jue , Li Fangqin , Tang Zhuqi , Zhang Dongmei
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to research the role and underlying mechanism of miR‐195 involved in pancreatic β‐cell dedifferentiation induced by hyperlipemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

High‐fat‐diet‐induced obese C57BL/6J mice and palmitate‐stimulated Min6 cells were used as the models of β‐cell dedifferentiation in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The expression of miR‐195 and insulin secretion during β‐cell dedifferentiation were measured. Also, the influence of regulated miR‐195 expression on β‐cell dedifferentiation was examined. Meanwhile, the IRS‐1/2/Pi3k/Akt pathway and mitofusin‐2 (Mfn2) expression were investigated during β‐cell dedifferentiation.

Results

MiR‐195 was upregulated during lipotoxicity‐induced β‐cell dedifferentiation in both in vivo and in vitro experiments, and miR‐195 functionally contributed to lipotoxicity‐induced β‐cell dedifferentiation. Furthermore, miR‐195 inhibited IRS‐1/2/Pi3k/Akt pathway activation, which accompanied β‐cell dedifferentiation. Mfn2, a target of miR‐195, was found to be downregulated and was associated with increased mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species during β‐cell dedifferentiation. Instructively, inhibition of miR‐195, at least partially, reversed the downregulation of Mfn2, restored IRS‐1/2/Pi3k/Akt pathway activation, and prevented β‐cell dedifferentiation.

Conclusions

MiR‐195 promoted β‐cell dedifferentiation through negatively regulating Mfn2 expression and inhibiting the IRS‐1/2/Pi3k/Akt pathway, providing a promising treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Model predictive control of a dual fuel engine integrated with waste heat recovery used for electric power in buildings
Authors: Reddy Chethan R. , Bonfochi Vinhaes Vinicius , Naber Jeffrey D. , Robinett Rush D. , Shahbakhti Mahdi
Published: January 2022

Waste heat recovery (WHR) system uses the thermal energy from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine (ICE) to assist in the electricity generated by the ICE generator in buildings. This paper presents a model predictive control (MPC) framework to minimize the fuel consumption of an ICE by integrating it with a WHR system. To this end, a control oriented model of a WHR system is developed and then integrated to a control oriented model of a turbocharged dual fuel diesel‐natural gas ICE. The ICE model is derived based on experimental data collected from a 6.7 L Cummins ISB engine modified for dual fuel operation. The designed MPC framework optimizes the ICE combustion, turbocharger, and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system in the WHR to minimize fuel consumption of the ICE. The designed control framework also allows to meet time‐varying exhaust gas temperature requirements of the ICE to meet exhaust emission constraints. The results show that the optimal operation of the WHR and the ICE reduces the fuel consumption of the ICE by 6.7%.
Effect of weave pattern on high strain rate performance of glass/polytetrafluoroethylene composites
Authors: Bandaru Aswani Kumar , Chouhan Hemant , Prasad Sanjay , Weaver Paul M. , Bhatnagar Naresh , O'Higgins Ronan
Published: January 2022

An investigation of the effect of strain rate on the dynamic compressive behavior of glass/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite is presented. Experimental studies were carried out on two dimensional (2D), satin weave (SW) and three dimensional (3D) woven glass/PTFE composites using split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus. Commercial grades of glass/PTFE fabrics were autoclaved to prepare the composite laminates and circular specimens were cut out using a high‐pressure water jet. High strain rate studies confirmed the rate‐dependent behavior of all the woven composite systems under consideration. The highest rates of loading were attained by 3D woven specimens for identical incident energies. The highest peak stress attained by 3D woven specimens was 501 MPa, which was trailed by 2D woven specimens with 482 MPa stress. The advantage of satin weave was not reflected in the small specimens as the peak stress attained for identical loading was limited to 405 MPa. Similarly, the highest strain and toughness were recorded for 3D woven composites. However, the SW pattern unlocked a new possibility of controlling the primary damage axis. Furthermore, an analytical method is presented based on variable rate power law to predict the dynamic compressive stress of glass/PTFE.
Trends in the use of disease‐modifying therapies among reproductive‐aged women with multiple sclerosis in the United States from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Duchesneau Emilie D. , Kinlaw Alan C. , Jonsson Funk Michele , Pate Virginia , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that disproportionately affects women, with typical onset during reproductive age. Several disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) are FDA‐approved to slow disease progression, but are not indicated for use during pregnancy. Our objective was to describe trends over time (2010–2019) in monthly point prevalence of DMT use among reproductive‐age women, overall and by generic name.

Methods

This study used administrative claims data from the US during 2009–2019 to identify women age 15–44 with MS and continuous insurance coverage for ≥12 months. DMTs were identified using prescription fills and procedural claims for alemtuzumab, daclizumab, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, glatiramer acetate, interferon beta, mitoxantrone, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, and teriflunomide. Monthly prevalent use was defined as ≥1 days' supply of a DMT in the month. Age‐ and region‐standardized monthly prevalence was estimated nonparametrically.

Results

Among 42 281 reproductive‐aged women over 818 179 person‐months, DMT use increased from a minimum monthly prevalence of 49.3% (February, 2011) to a maximum of 58.7% (April, 2019). In 2010, prevalence of injectable DMTs was 43.1% compared to 2.5% for oral DMTs; by 2014, however, oral DMTs (26.5%) surpassed injectable DMTs (23.7%) as the most common route of administration. In the most recent data available (December, 2019), the most common DMTs were dimethyl fumarate, glatiramer acetate, and fingolimod.

Conclusions

DMT use among reproductive‐aged women has rapidly evolved during the past decade. Collaborative treatment decision making between women with MS and clinicians may help optimize MS care and improve DMT uptake during reproductive years.
Measuring the impact of an empiric antibiotic algorithm for pulmonary exacerbation in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kennedy Charles , Greenberg Isabella , Perez Geovanny F. , Chaney Hollis , Sami Iman , Ogunlesi Folasade , Koumbourlis Anastassios C. , Hammer Benjamin , Hamdy Rana F. , Cogen Jonathan D. , Payne Asha S. , Hahn Andrea
Published: January 2022

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship is a systematic effort to change prescribing attitudes that can provide benefit in the provision of care to persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). Our objective was to decrease the unwarranted use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics and assess the impact of an empiric antibiotic algorithm using quality improvement methodology.

Methods

We assembled a multidisciplinary team with expertise in CF. We assessed baseline antibiotic use for treatment of pulmonary exacerbation (PEx) and developed an algorithm to guide empiric antibiotic therapy. We included persons with CF admitted to Children's National Hospital for treatment of PEx between January 2017 and March 2020. Our primary outcome measure was reducing unnecessary broad‐spectrum antibiotic use, measured by use consistent with the empiric antibiotic algorithm. The primary intervention was the initiation of the algorithm. Secondary outcomes included documentation of justification for broad‐spectrum antibiotic use and use of infectious disease (ID) consult.

Results

Data were collected from 56 persons with CF who had a total of 226 PEx events. The mean age at first PEx was 12 (SD 6.7) years; 55% were female, 80% were white, and 29% were Hispanic. After initiation of the algorithm, the proportion of PEx with antibiotic use consistent with the algorithm increased from 46.2% to 79.5%. Documentation of justification for broad‐spectrum antibiotics increased from 56% to 85%. Use of ID consults increased from 17% to 54%.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial stewardship initiatives are beneficial in standardizing care and fostering positive working relationships between CF pulmonologists, ID physicians, and pharmacists.
Monolayer NbNSe with High Fermi Velocity and Anisotropic Properties
Authors: Zhang Cheng-gong , Zhao Di-di , Ji Wei-xiao , Zhang Chang-wen , Wang Pei-Ji
Published: January 2022

2D materials with high carrier mobility and anisotropy have attracted extensive research interest. The single‐layer NbNSe has anisotropic elasticity, and the Young's modulus is up to 106 N m−1. The Fermi velocity is as high as 3.5 × 105 m s−1, and the transition between semiconductor and metallic states can be achieved by applying a uniaxial tensile strain of 2%. In addition, anisotropic electron transport properties indicate that currents along the b direction can reach 12.4 μA under a bias voltage of 2.0 V. These findings provide a physical basis for the design and synthesis of a new 2D material.
Single‐Photon Emitters in Layered Van der Waals Materials
Authors: Michaelis de Vasconcellos Steffen , Wigger Daniel , Wurstbauer Ursula , Holleitner Alexander W. , Bratschitsch Rudolf , Kuhn Tilmann
Published: January 2022

Single‐photon emitters (SPEs) have recently been discovered in various atomically thin materials. Their properties, controllability, and the possibility of their monolithic integration in electronic and photonic device structures make them attractive candidates for a wide range of applications in quantum information and communication, and also in other fields of physics and technology. In this review article, an overview of SPEs in layered van der Waals materials and their physical properties is given, theoretical concepts for the modeling of their level structure and their coupling to phonons are presented, and techniques for the creation and localization of these emitters in the host material are described. Perspectives for their application in various fields, such as their coupling to photonic resonators and waveguides, their control by external electric fields or strain, and their integration in optomechanical devices are discussed. Finally, functionalities relying on properties beyond single‐photon emission are briefly addressed.
Deterministic Photon Storage and Readout in a Semimagnetic Quantum Dot–Cavity System Doped with a Single Mn Ion
Authors: Cosacchi Michael , Seidelmann Tim , Mielnik‐Pyszczorski Adam , Neumann Miriam , Bracht Thomas K. , Cygorek Moritz , Vagov Alexei , Reiter Doris E. , Axt Vollrath M.
Published: January 2022

Light trapping is a crucial mechanism for synchronization in optical communication. Especially on the level of single photons, control of the exact emission time is desirable. In this paper, a single‐photon buffering device composed of a quantum dot doped with a single Mn atom in a cavity is theoretically proposed. A method to detain a single cavity photon as an excitation of the dot is presented. The storage scheme is based on bright to dark exciton conversion performed with an off‐resonant external optical field and mediated via a spin‐flip with the magnetic ion. The induced Stark shift brings both exciton states to resonance and results in an excitation transfer to the optically inactive one. The stored photon can be read out on demand in the same manner by repopulating the bright state, which has a short lifetime. The results indicate the possibility to suspend a photon for almost two orders of magnitude longer than the lifetime of the bright exciton.
Adaptive friction compensation for a class of mechanical systems based on LuGre model
Authors: Chen Pengnian , Liu Xiangbin , Yan Qiuzhen
Published: January 2022

This paper deals with the problem of friction compensation for a class of uncertain mechanical systems based on LuGre model. The objective is to develop control laws such that the position variable of the system tracks a periodic desired signal or a constant desired signal. Since the friction behavior of the system with periodic desired signals is largely different from that of the system with constant desired signals, two different adaptive control methods are presented for the two cases, respectively. For the case of periodic desired signals, an adaptive repetitive learning control method is presented, and for the case of constant desired signals, an adaptive dynamic state feedback control method is presented. Both the control laws can guarantee that all the signals in the closed loop system are bounded and the tracking errors converge to zero. Several numerical simulations are carried out to show effectiveness of the proposed control algorithms.
Estimating the health effects of environmental mixtures using principal stratification
Authors: Peng Roger D. , Liu Jia C. , McCormack Meredith C. , Mickley Loretta J. , Bell Michelle L.
Published: January 2022

The control of ambient air quality in the United States has been a major public health success since the passing of the Clean Air Act, with particulate matter (PM) reductions resulting in an estimated 160 000 premature deaths prevented in 2010 alone. Currently, public policy is oriented around lowering the levels of individual pollutants and this focus has driven the nature of much epidemiological research. Recently, attention has been given to viewing air pollution as a complex mixture and to developing a multi‐pollutant approach to controlling ambient concentrations. We present a statistical approach for estimating the health impacts of complex environmental mixtures using a mixture‐altering contrast, which is any comparison, intervention, policy, or natural experiment that changes a mixture's composition. We combine the notion of mixture‐altering contrasts with sliced inverse regression, propensity score matching, and principal stratification to assess the health effects of different air pollution chemical mixtures. We demonstrate the application of this approach in an analysis of the health effects of wildfire PM air pollution in the Western US.
Bicyclol Alleviates Atherosclerosis by Manipulating Gut Microbiota
Authors: Li Xiao‐Lin , Cui Jin‐Jin , Zheng Wen‐Sheng , Zhang Jin‐Lan , Li Rui , Ma Xiao‐Lei , Lin Miao , Guo Hui‐Hui , Li Cong , Yu Xiao‐You , Du Peng , Zhao Li‐Min , He Shuwang , Lan Pei , Jiang Jian‐Dong , Che Yongsheng , Wang Lu‐Lu
Published: January 2022

Atherosclerosis (AS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, thus imposing a growing burden on modern society. Herb‐derived bicyclol (BIC) is a versatile bioactive compound that can be used to treat AS. However, its efficacy in AS is not yet described. Here, it is shown that BIC normalizes gut microflora dysbiosis induced by a high fat diet in Apoe(−/−) mice. Metagenome‐wide association study analysis verifies that the modulation on carbohydrate‐active enzymes and short‐chain fatty acid generating genes in gut flora is among the mechanisms. The gut healthiness, especially the gut immunity and integrity, is restored by BIC intervention, leading to improved systemic immune cell dynamic and liver functions. Accordingly, the endothelial activation, macrophage infiltration, and cholesterol ester accumulation in the aortic arch are alleviated by BIC to lessen the plaque onset. Moreover, it is proved that the therapeutic effect of BIC on AS is transmissible by fecal microbiota transplantation. The current study, for the first time, demonstrates the antiatherosclerotic effects of BIC and shows that its therapeutic value can at least partially be attributed to its manipulation of gut microbiota.
Extradosed cable‐stayed Pelješac Bridge in Croatia – Fabrication of steel box girders and on‐site installation
Authors: Tang Bicheng , Wang Xuefeng , Zuo Yuequan , Zhang Quan
Published: January 2022

The new Pelješac Bridge and access road project, which links Mainland Croatia to the Pelješac Peninsula, is the most significant social infrastructure project in Croatia under construction at present. The bridge site lies in the highly active seismic region with ground acceleration ag = 0.34g and a maximum average ten‐minute wind speed above 33.7 m/s. As a result, the execution class for the steel structure was judged to be EXC4 based on the recommended matrix in standard EN 1090‐2, which defines execution classes according to consequence class, service category, and production category. The correspondingly determined quality level was class B+, which equates to quality class B under ISO 5817 with supplementary requirements for bridge decks from EN 1090‐2. This article describes the whole fabrication process in the workshop, the long‐distance transportation and the installation on the bridge site. To satisfy such high‐quality technical requirements, the heavy steel structures were fabricated using a wide variety of mechanized equipment and automatic welding techniques. This helped to ensure a more efficient fabrication process and more consistent product quality. The length of the large side span segments was designed to suit the capabilities of the floating cranes and transit barges, thereby making on‐site installation more efficient. Against the backdrop of the global Covid‐19 pandemic, the contractor CRBC overcame seemingly unsurmountable obstacles beyond their control to successfully complete this challenging assignment in two years.
Motivational outcomes of the science outreach lab S'Cool LAB at CERN: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Woithe Julia , Müller Andreas , Schmeling Sascha , Kuhn Jochen
Published: January 2022

Previous studies highlight the positive effects of science outreach labs, in particular on students' motivational variables. However, out‐of‐school learning is generally associated with high novelty and specific setting characteristics that can impact learning and development. Indeed, previous studies call for further research on students' perception of the learning settings to ensure the best possible use of science outreach labs. This study aims to take this call up by analyzing motivational outcomes (situational interest and self‐concept) together with an unprecedented number of carefully chosen student and setting factors supposed to contribute to students' experience at science outreach labs. This study involved 509 high‐school students from 13 countries who took part in a half‐day hands‐on session at the particle physics outreach lab S'Cool LAB at CERN and a single group longitudinal pre‐ and post‐test research design. The results confirm that this intervention led to very high situational interest and self‐concept, even for a student sample that showed higher‐than‐average dispositional interest and self‐concept beforehand. Moreover, the initial motivational gender gap was closed after the intervention. To take the nested data into account, multilevel models were employed to study the predictive power of a set of student factors as well as students' perception of setting factors. Here, even after controlling for student factors such as their dispositional interest, support by the learning environment and educators was a crucial setting factor and was associated with especially high situational interest. Furthermore, students' cognitive preparedness and cognitive load were vital with respect to their situational self‐concept. Overall, regression models account for almost 60% of the variance of both motivational outcomes. We conclude that a systematic measurement of student and setting factors together with a multilevel approach provides highly valuable information about science outreach labs and how to optimize their effectiveness.
Robust control of three‐degree‐of‐freedom spherical actuator based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Fusayasu Hirotsugu , Heya Akira , Hirata Katsuhiro
Published: January 2022

Multi‐degree‐of‐freedom (multi‐DOF) spherical actuators have been developed for the fields of robotics and industrial machineries. We have proposed an outer rotor type three‐DOF spherical actuator that can realize a high torque density. Each coil input current is calculated using a torque generating equation based on the torque constant matrix. The permanent magnet type actuators have a problem with generating unexpected cogging torque due to various manufacturing errors. Manufacturing errors mainly mean differences between the ideal dimensions at the motor design stage and the actual dimensions in mass production. In this case, the actuator would exceed the limitations of classical proportional‐integral‐differential (PID) controllers. Therefore, we propose a current compensator using reinforcement learning by introducing a deep neural network that is expected to improve the robustness of spherical actuators. This current compensator was applied to uncertainty problems such as manufacturing fluctuations of cogging torque. We examined the reward, which is the main parameter of deep reinforcement learning, and reduced the control error compared to classical PID controller and simple neural network (NN) controller. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Cotransport of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and formaldehyde in saturated and unsaturated columns packed with quartz sand
Authors: Chrysikopoulos Constantinos V. , Fountouli Theodosia V.
Published: January 2022

Laboratory‐scale experiments were conducted to investigate the simultaneous transport of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and formaldehyde (FA) in columns packed with quartz sand under water saturated and unsaturated flow conditions. The effects of interstitial velocity and solution ionic strength on the TiO2 and FA cotransport were examined. The experimental results indicated that substantial retention of TiO2 nanoparticles occurs in both saturated and unsaturated porous media. The solution ionic strength was found to have a noticeable effect on the retention of TiO2 nanoparticles in the packed columns. Moreover, the results from the TiO2 nanoparticle transport experiments in water‐saturated packed columns suggested that the TiO2 nanoparticle mass recoveries increased with increasing flow rate. The results from the TiO2 nanoparticles and FA cotransport experiments in both water saturated and unsaturated packed columns did not reveal a distinct relationship between mass recoveries and flow rate. The transport of FA in both saturated and unsaturated packed columns was hindered in the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles, especially at high ionic strength. This work provides useful insights into fate and transport of TiO2 nanoparticles and FA in saturated and unsaturated porous media.