bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Chewing Force in Geriatric Edentulous Patients
Authors: Velásquez-Ron Byron , Galárraga-Criollo María , Romero-Guerrero María , Rodriguez-Tates María , Pineda-Lopez Flavio
Published: December 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of chewing force in edentulous geriatric patients rehabilitated with complete dentures. Chewing function is compromised in individuals who lose all their teeth, as well as in those with complete dentures. The maintenance and recovery of the chewing function in these patients require replacement of the lost natural teeth.

Materials and Methods In this study, the chewing force was evaluated by electromyographic analysis of the temporalis and masseter muscle endings in 120 patients with old and new bimaxillary complete dentures.

Results Replacement of complete dentures was shown to improve stability, retention, occlusion, and support of the prosthesis. All jaw movements were evaluated using electromyography to assess the evolution of chewing force with and without occlusal adjustment, identify premature contact points, identify occlusal interference, respect the balanced occlusal scheme, and assess the increase in muscle strength. This study found that muscle strength in patients with prosthesis without occlusal adjustment was 527.1 N but was higher for prostheses with occlusal adjustment at 614.7 N, and this strength of 614.7 N was maintained after 1 month of control.

Conclusion The chewing force evolved in patients with complete dentures, and an increase was observed when occlusal adjustment was performed.
Dielectric elastomers improve and simplify rubbery electronics
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: December 2021

By acting like transistors, flexible electroactive polymers can reduce the number of circuit components.
Study on the electrowetting and beam current characteristics of externally wetted ionic liquid electrospray thruster
Authors: Xue Senwen , Duan Li , Kang Qi
Published: December 2021

It is the theoretical basis to analyze the hydrodynamics mechanism of ionic liquid in an electrostatic field to ensure that the ionic liquid electrospray thruster possesses good wettability. Stable and continuous electrowetting emitters are closely related to thrust noise, resolution, and stability. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the law of ionic liquid electrowetting emitters in an electrostatic field to improve the performance of thrusters. The article proposes a new hybrid emitter structure, which consists of a V-blade emitter and a square capillary. It also carries out numerical simulation of emitter electrowetting under normal gravity and atmospheric conditions and emission experiments to explore the process of ionic liquid layer spreading on the external surface of the emitter. The dimensions of the emitter d1, d2, and θ and the physical properties of ionic liquids jointly determine the electrowetting velocity, the threshold of wetting voltage, and the liquid layer thickness. By analyzing the influence of various variables on electrowetting, a complete emitter electrowetting law of ionic liquid electrospray thrusters is summarized, which provides an important basis for the optimization of the emitter structure. Considering the scale of the emitter and bond ≈1, the meniscus in the electrostatic field is mainly affected by gravity, surface tension, viscous force, and electrophoretic force. Accordingly, it is worth noting that electrophoretic force is calculated by the Maxwell stress tensor method that treats ionic liquids as a dielectric to ensure the continuity of the meniscus. Although it can satisfy the electrowetting study at the macroscale, the interaction between anions and cations at the micro-scale is ignored. The numerical simulation results and the experimental results are correlated. It is proved that the method used in this article is accurate enough to simulate electrowetting before the liquid layer breaks up to form ion emission.
Monolithic low-temperature fabrication of amorphous indium oxide thin-film transistors utilizing a selective hydrogen doping technique
Authors: Seo Hojun , Kim Sunjin , Lee Jeongsu , Sul Onejae , Lee Seung-Beck
Published: December 2021

Selective doping is a key technology for integrated circuit (IC) fabrication since it enables ultrahigh density transistors with various electrical characteristics to be integrated on a single substrate. Also, for vertical IC integration, low-processing temperature compatibility is an essential feature since the annealing of additional ICs fabricated on top should not compromise the characteristics of underlying ICs. For amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) thin-films, which are actively being pursued for vertical integration, a selective doping process combined with a low temperature activation thermal annealing process has not been demonstrated. In this Letter, we demonstrate a low-temperature selective doping process that enables selective multi-level n-type doping of insulating amorphous In2O3 (a-In2O3) thin-films. By applying multiple H plasma processes on lithographically defined areas, a monolithic planar In2O3 inverter circuit was demonstrated. Also, the doping process was used to fabricate and demonstrate the operation of an In2O3 thin-film transistor with a 30 nm spaced channel, showing that our process may be used for back-end-of-line vertical integration of AOS devices.
Research on key technologies of NBD storage service system based on load classification
Authors: He Qinlu , Yu Zhimin , Bian Genqing , Zhang Weiqi , Liu Kexin , Li Zhen
Published: December 2021

This paper mainly focuses on the I/O cache of the server layer device of the network block device in the embedded background. It proposes a method focusing on different read/write loading features, configuring the cache capacity ratio utilized for isolated processing reading data and writing data, and an algorithm for automatically analyzing sequential addressing writing and random addressing writing data streams. The effectiveness of the algorithm for automatically analyzing sequential addressing writing and random addressing writing data streams is verified by experiments. The experimental results show that according to the different interleaving conditions of the data stream, the proportion of the data stream can be written in sequential addressing, which can be different in all input data streams. After separating sequential data streams interleaved by three inputs, the percentage of data streams written in sequential addressing is significantly increased by 50%.
Controllable anisotropic thermoelectric properties in 2D covalent organic radical frameworks
Authors: Cao Xuan-Hao , Wu Dan , Zeng Jiang , Luo Nan-Nan , Zhou Wu-Xing , Tang Li-Ming , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: December 2021

By combining the density functional theory with the Boltzmann transport equation, thermoelectric properties of graphphenyl-based materials are investigated. The results show that anisotropic thermoelectric properties can be realized by breaking symmetry and twisting the phenyl ring. The ZT values reach 1.4 in both p- and n-type thermoelectric materials at room temperature. In addition, the thermoelectric properties of these materials can be further promoted by rotating the phenyl ring. These results demonstrate that these materials have excellent thermoelectric performance, two orders of magnitude greater than that of graphene, and have a wide range of suitable working temperatures. This work provides a way to optimize the thermoelectric performance of two-dimensional conjugated organic radical frameworks and provides theoretical support for the design of electrodes and thermoelectric components made of this organic material.
Atomically thin In2O3 field-effect transistors with 1017 current on/off ratio
Authors: Charnas Adam , Lin Zehao , Zhang Zhuocheng , Ye Peide D.
Published: December 2021

Recent advances have enabled the demonstration of record high-performance atomically thin n-type indium oxide (In2O3) field-effect transistors with low thermal budget suitable for back-end-of-line logic or memory applications. By using ultra-thin layers of In2O3, its degenerate carrier density is suppressed so that it can be modulated by conventional dielectric gating. These devices have high on-currents due to its high mobility and low contact resistance; meanwhile they can have exceptionally low off-currents due to its wide bandgap. For both low-power logic and memory, the off-state performance should be understood in more detail, although they are constrained by the limits of traditional measurement techniques. In this Letter, we systematically probe the off-current of ultra-thin In2O3 transistors by adopting a wide channel geometry with temperature-dependent electrical measurements and demonstrate the potential for record high current on/off ratios of 1017 on In2O3 transistors.
Graphics processing unit-accelerated smoothed particle hydrodynamics—Finite difference method and the application for the flow around a cylinder with forced motions
Authors: Wang Sijie , Hu Jun , Huang Can , Yu Yong
Published: December 2021

The finite difference method (FDM) is a widely used grid-based method with high computational accuracy and efficiency. Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is a meshless particle method, which can easily deal with the fluid flow with the free surface and moving boundary conditions. Considering the different advantages of the two methods, a hybrid approach is developed by coupling FDM with SPH. To improve the computational efficiency, compute unified device architecture is used to develop a graphics processing unit parallel computing model for the SPH-FDM coupling method. At low Reynolds number, some flow cases (static, rotation, and oscillation) of a cylinder are simulated. The particle shifting technology is used to maintain the uniform distribution of the particles when the cylindrical boundary moves. The results obtained by the coupling method are in good agreement with reference results, which indicates the acceptable accuracy and stability of the coupling method. Then, the flow past a translating cylinder with a constant velocity is simulated, and the influence of the translating velocity on the flow field is discussed. The results indicate that the translational velocity can accelerate the flow separation near the boundary layer of the object, speed up the vortex shedding process, and enhance the forces acting on the object. Therefore, the translating velocity can be used as an effective flow control method.
Mitigation of parasitic losses in the quadrupole resonator enabling direct measurements of low residual resistances of SRF samples
Authors: Keckert S. , Ackermann W. , De Gersem H. , Jiang X. , Sezgin A. Ö. , Vogel M. , Wenskat M. , Kleindienst R. , Knobloch J. , Kugeler O. , Tikhonov D.
Published: December 2021

The quadrupole resonator (QPR) is a dedicated sample-test cavity for the RF characterization of superconducting samples in a wide temperature, RF field, and frequency range. Its main purpose is high resolution measurements of the surface resistance with direct access to the residual resistance, thanks to the low frequency of the first operating quadrupole mode. In addition to the well-known high resolution of the QPR, a bias of measurement data toward higher values has been observed, especially in higher harmonic quadrupole modes. Numerical studies show that this can be explained by parasitic RF losses on the adapter flange used to mount samples into the QPR. Coating several micrometers of niobium on those surfaces of the stainless steel flange that are exposed to the RF fields significantly reduced this bias, enabling a direct measurement of a residual resistance smaller than 5 nΩ at 2 K and 413 MHz. A constant correction based on simulations was not feasible due to deviations from one measurement to another. However, this issue is resolved given these new results.
Unconventional bias dependence of tunnel magnetoresistance induced by the Coulomb blockade effect
Authors: Suzuki Ryota , Tadano Yuriko , Anh Le Duc , Tanaka Masaaki , Ohya Shinobu
Published: December 2021

In conventional magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) monotonically decreases with increasing bias voltage, which limits the bias voltage range for the operation of MTJs. In our study, using double-barrier MTJs composed of Fe/MgO/Fe/γ-Al2O3 grown on a Nb-doped SrTiO3 substrate, we demonstrate unconventional bias dependences of the TMR, in which the TMR ratio increases with increasing bias voltage. We reveal that this behavior originates from the sharp giant resistance peak near zero bias likely induced by the Coulomb blockade effect via Fe impurities in γ-Al2O3, which are diffused from the Fe layer. The observed TMR ratio is 23% at a bias voltage of −4 V at 3.5 K, which is a very high value in this large bias voltage range. Our results offer a novel way to improve the bias voltage dependence of TMR.
Numerical investigation of flow structure and air entrainment of breaking bow wave generated by a rectangular plate
Authors: Hu Yiding , Liu Cheng , Hu Changhong , Wan Decheng
Published: December 2021

Breaking bow waves entrain massive gas that generate ambient noise and produce spray and bubbly wake with whitecap. This study aims to give a quantitative description of the flow structures and bubble formation during the breaking process. We consider the breaking bow waves induced by a surface-piercing flat plate and perform simulations based on an in-house code. We employ a conservative coupled level-set and volume of fluid method to capture violent variation of the liquid–gas interface. A robust immersed boundary method is adopted to model the motion of the plate. To resolve very small flow structures associated with the wave breaking process with the available computational resources, a block-structured adaptive mesh refinement strategy is used. It is found that the predicted wave characteristics, such as wave height, wave crest location, and wave profile, are consistent with the experiment. A wide range of flow phenomena, including the thin liquid sheet, jet overturning, and splash-ups are well reproduced by the present simulation. In addition, we implement a bubble-droplet detection program to track single bubbles, and the characteristics of bubble cloud (entrained air volume, spatial distribution, and penetration depth) can be analyzed quantitatively. Three typical bubble creation mechanisms for the air entrainment process of the breaking bow wave are reported, and ensemble-averaged statistics of the bubble size distribution are presented. We also quantify the evolution of the bubble distribution and discuss the power-law scaling during the bow wave breaking process.
Formation of ilmenite-type single-crystalline MgTiO3 thin films by pulsed-laser deposition
Authors: Negishi Masamichi , Fujiwara Kohei , Tsukazaki Atsushi
Published: December 2021

Ilmenite structure is a good playground to explore magnetism in honeycomb lattices owing to the existence of an intriguing variety of magnetism in 3d transition metal compounds. Because of the absence of magnetic ions, ilmenite-type MgTiO3 is a promising candidate for d0 transparent insulators to reveal general features of TiO6 honeycomb layers. In this study, we found an optimum growth condition to synthesize ilmenite-type single-crystalline MgTiO3 thin films on Al2O3(0001) substrates by pulsed-laser deposition. By increasing oxygen pressure from roughly 10−6 to 10−1 Torr, we obtained (0001)-oriented MgTiO3 thin films with suppression of segregation of a Mg2TiO4 phase. On the triangular lattice of Al2O3, twin-domain formation is suppressed with decreasing deposition rate, resulting in the synthesis of single-crystalline MgTiO3 thin films. The bandgap of the MgTiO3 film was evaluated to be about 4.4 eV by optical absorption spectra, which implies d0 transparent insulator.
Approximating Diffusion Processes
Authors: Gardiner Crispin
Published: December 2021

Approximation methods are central to the practical use of any mathematics, although the near universal availability of fast scientific computing has changed the landscape considerably. It can be easier to implement a numerical result than to devise an analytic approximation. Bearing this in mind, this chapter will only consider approximation schemes that lead to simple methods in practice.
Elementary Jump Processes
Authors: Gardiner Crispin
Published: December 2021

In this chapter the aim is to describe those jump processes that form the building blocks for most modeling. All of these can be described by integer variables.
Functions with general monotone Fourier coefficients
Authors: Belov A. S. , Dyachenko M. I. , Tikhonov S. Yu.
Published: December 2021

This paper is a study of trigonometric series with general monotone coefficients in the class

with

. Sharp estimates are proved for the Fourier coefficients of integrable and continuous functions. Also obtained are optimal results in terms of coefficients for various types of convergence of Fourier series. For

two-sided estimates are obtained for the

-moduli of smoothness of sums of series with

-coefficients, as well as for the (quasi-)norms of such sums in Lebesgue, Lorentz, Besov, and Sobolev spaces in terms of Fourier coefficients.

Bibliography: 99 titles.
Novel expanded graphite with a ‘Spitball’ structure
Authors: Liu Zhen-Xue , Jiang Lin-yuan , Wang Xin-xin , Ma Min-jie , Lu Qian-qian , Liang Peng
Published: December 2021

New expanded graphite (EG) sample is synthesised by using novel methods. Scanning electron microscopy images of the EG samples are significantly different from traditional EGs which has worm-like morphology and web-like microstructure. The new EG does not exhibit such morphology and has almost no web-like microstructure. The ‘pores’ in the new EG sample result from the intervals formed from folds, bends, and squeezing of graphite flakes, which is similar to the gradual and free expansion of compact spitballs. Based on this, the new EG should be called ‘spitball’ EG, i.e. SEG.
The Role Played by Theory of Mind and Empathy in the Feigning of Psychopathology
Authors: Di Girolamo Marzia , Giromini Luciano , Bosi Jessica , Warmelink Lara , La Scala Ilaria , Loiacono Caterina , Miraglia Federica , Zennaro Alessandro
Published: December 2021

In this article, we hypothesized that in order to feign mental illness, one would need to have empathy and be able to understand other’s mental states. To test this hypothesis, we asked 432 healthy volunteers to feign depression, PTSD or schizophrenia while completing a self-report test that measures the severity of the feigned condition’s symptoms and the Inventory of Problems − 29 (IOP-29). Additionally, all participants were administered a theory of mind (ToM) task and an empathy measure with the request to respond truthfully. Results from a series of linear regression models revealed that higher cognitive empathy is associated with increased symptom endorsement on self-report symptom questionnaires and higher ToM abilities are associated with less credible feigned profiles, especially in the case of feigned depression.
The effect of visual and tactile information in motor preparation of climbing
Authors: Sugi Takahiro , Ishihara Masami
Published: December 2021

In rock climbing, an appropriate motor preparation to a given climbing hold(s) is crucial for a fluent climbing. We investigated the influence of visual‐tactile information in motor preparation of climbing, particularly the effect of the number of the holds and the tactile input of an actual hold was examined. Reaction times (RTs) under the priming paradigm were compared for climbers and non‐climbers. Participants were asked to respond to a visual target (left or right arrow) after the presentation of a picture of a single climbing hold (Single‐Prime condition: SP) or two holds (Double‐Prime condition: DP). Before commencing each trial block, the participants were also asked to touch or watch an actual hold (touch /no‐touch condition). The response based on the congruity between the orientation of the hold and that of the arrow was categorised as either congruent or incongruent. An ANOVA performed on the RTs showed the congruency effect, but this was observed only in the non‐climbers. An additional analysis revealed a marginally significant climbing experience‐related interaction. In the high‐experienced climbers, the RTs in the touch condition were slower than those in the no‐touch condition but this was only in the SP condition. In the no‐touch condition, the RTs of DP were slower than those of SP. These results therefore suggest that the motor preparation is mediated by visual and tactile inputs of a given hold. The time needed for motor preparation, particularly in highly experienced climbers, may be modulated by the representational complexity of climbing movements through tactile information.

Highlight

The number of the holds visually presented affected the motor preparation.

The tactile input of the climbing hold modulated the motor preparation only in the highly experienced climbers.

Our findings imply that climbing‐specific context (i.e. combination of the given holds) and experience (i.e. action competency) are involved in the motor preparation of climbing.
Natural rodent model of viral transmission reveals biological features of virus population dynamics
Authors: Fay Elizabeth J. , Balla Keir M. , Roach Shanley N. , Shepherd Frances K. , Putri Dira S. , Wiggen Talia D. , Goldstein Stephen A. , Pierson Mark J. , Ferris Martin T. , Thefaine Claire E. , Tucker Andrew , Salnikov Mark , Cortez Valerie , Compton Susan R. , Kotenko Sergei V. , Hunter Ryan C. , Masopust David , Elde Nels C. , Langlois Ryan A.
Published: December 2021

Emerging viruses threaten global health, but few experimental models can characterize the virus and host factors necessary for within- and cross-species transmission. Here, we leverage a model whereby pet store mice or rats—which harbor natural rodent pathogens—are cohoused with laboratory mice. This “dirty” mouse model offers a platform for studying acute transmission of viruses between and within hosts via natural mechanisms. We identified numerous viruses and other microbial species that transmit to cohoused mice, including prospective new members of the Coronaviridae, Astroviridae, Picornaviridae, and Narnaviridae families, and uncovered pathogen interactions that promote or prevent virus transmission. We also evaluated transmission dynamics of murine astroviruses during transmission and spread within a new host. Finally, by cohousing our laboratory mice with the bedding of pet store rats, we identified cross-species transmission of a rat astrovirus. Overall, this model system allows for the analysis of transmission of natural rodent viruses and is a platform to further characterize barriers to zoonosis.
Creating an enabling environment for accelerating condominium energy retrofitting: case studies in Grenoble (FR) and Brussels (BE)
Authors: Monfils S , van Zeijl-Rozema A
Published: December 2021

Energy retrofitting in condominiums involves collective decision making, the complexity of which is believed to be one of the main barriers to retrofitting projects. A strong heterogeneity among the occupants in terms of age, education, income, or occupancy status, as well as varying interests and perceptions, can make it difficult to gather people around and agree on a common project. In this paper, we present the results of two in depth case studies about condominium renovation projects that took place in Grenoble (France) and Brussels (Belgium). Those in-depth case studies investigate the elements that are needed to create an enabling environment stimulating the acceleration of energy retrofitting of condominiums, and took place within the Interreg NWE “ACE Retrofitting” project. The enabling environment surrounding a successful retrofit is shown in these case studies to be more than just providing process facilitation or a financing scheme. It takes time to put an enabling environment in place. For different locations across Europe, different enabling environments are needed. Clearly, this requires giving more attention to condominiums at the local, regional, national and European levels. Among other crucial element to look for, social acceptance is at the heart of decision-making in retrofitting projects. This study concludes with propositions and policy recommendations, at the different levels of the social-ecological model.
Efficacy of Percutaneous Intraarterial Facial/Supratrochlear Arterial Hyaluronidase Injection for Treatment of Vascular Embolism Resulting From Hyaluronic Acid Filler Cosmetic Injection
Authors: Zheng Can , Fu Qiang , Zhou Gui-wen , Lai Lin-ying , Zhang Li-xia , Zhang De-quan , Chen Guo-jie , Liang Li-ming , Chen Min-liang
Published: December 2021

Background

Vascular embolism is a serious complication of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler cosmetic injection, and hyaluronidase injection has been proposed as the treatment. Until now, there has been a lack of adequate clinical evidence regarding the benefits of treatment for HA filler-induced vascular embolism by percutaneous facial or supratrochlear arterial hyaluronidase injection.

Objectives

The authors sough to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous facial or supratrochlear arterial hyaluronidase injection as a rescue treatment for HA filler-induced vascular embolism.

Methods

We included 17 patients with vascular embolism after facial HA filler injection. Intraarterial injection of 1500 units hyaluronidase was performed via facial artery for 13 cases with skin necrosis and via supratrochlear arterial for 4 cases with severe ptosis and skin necrosis but no visual impairment. Simultaneously, general symptomatic treatment and nutritional therapy were performed.

Results

After hyaluronidase injection, facial skin necrosis in all cases was restored and ptosis in the 4 cases was also significantly relieved. Patients were subsequently followed-up for 1 month to 1 year. The skin necrosis in 16 patients completely healed, and only 1 patient had small superficial scars.

Conclusions

It is effective to alleviate skin necrosis and ptosis resulting from HA filler embolism via percutaneous facial or supratrochlear arterial hyaluronidase injection.

Level of Evidence: 4
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular mortality: a prospective cohort study among 15.8 million adults
Authors: Yi Sang-Wook , Park Hyung-Bok , Jung Mi-Hyang , Yi Jee-Jeon , Ohrr Heechoul
Published: December 2021

Aims

We aimed to investigate whether the associations between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and the optimal range differ by age and CVD subtypes.

Methods and results

Korean adults (n = 15 859 501) with no CVD/cancer who received routine health examinations during 2009–2010 were followed until 2018 for CVD mortality. During a mean 8.8 years of follow-up, 108 123 individuals died from CVD. U-curve associations were found between HDL-C and CVD mortality, regardless of sex, age, and CVD subtype. The optimal range was 50–79 mg/dL (1.29–2.06 mmol/L), while it was 40–69 (1.03–1.80), 50–79 (1.29–2.06), and 60–89 (1.55–2.32) mg/dL (mmol/L) in adults aged <45 years, 45–64 years, and 65–99 years, respectively. Assuming linear associations <60 mg/dL, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) per 39 mg/dL (1 mmol/L) higher level were 0.58 (95% confidence interval = 0.56–0.60), and they were 0.61 (0.52–0.72), 0.58 (0.54–0.62), and 0.59 (0.56–0.61) in individuals aged 18–44, 45–64, and 65–99 years, respectively [Pinteraction (age) = 0.845]. Assuming linear associations in the 60–150 mg/dL range, HDL-C was positively associated with CVD mortality (HR = 1.09, 1.04–1.14). The strongest association was for sudden cardiac death (SCD) (HR = 1.37), followed by heart failure (HF) (HR = 1.20) and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) (HR = 1.13). The HRs were 1.47 (1.23–1.76), 1.17 (1.08–1.28), and 1.03 (0.97–1.08) in individuals aged 18–44, 45–64, and 65–99 years, respectively [Pinteraction (age) < 0.001].

Conclusion

Both low and high levels of HDL-C were associated with increased mortality from CVD in the general population, especially SCD, HF, and ICH. High HDL-C levels are not necessarily a sign of good cardiovascular health, especially in younger adults.
Characterization of five marine family 29 glycoside hydrolases reveals an α-L-fucosidase targeting specifically Fuc(α1,4)GlcNAc
Authors: Schultz-Johansen Mikkel , Stougaard Peter , Svensson Birte , Teze David
Published: December 2021

$\text{L} $ -Fucose is the most widely distributed $\text{L} $-hexose in marine and terrestrial environments and presents a variety of functional roles. $\text{L} $-Fucose is the major monosaccharide in the polysaccharide fucoidan from cell walls of brown algae and is found in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and the Lewis blood group system, where it is important in cell signaling and immune response stimulation. Removal of fucose from these biomolecules is catalyzed by fucosidases belonging to different carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZy) families. Fucosidases of glycoside hydrolase family 29 (GH29) release α-$\text{L} $-fucose from non-reducing ends of glycans and display activities targeting different substrate compositions and linkage types. While several GH29 fucosidases from terrestrial environments have been characterized, much less is known about marine members of GH29 and their substrate specificities, as only four marine GH29 enzymes were previously characterized. Here, five GH29 fucosidases originating from an uncultured fucoidan-degrading marine bacterium (Paraglaciecola sp.) were cloned and produced recombinantly in Escherichia coli. All five enzymes (Fp231, Fp239, Fp240, Fp251 and Fp284) hydrolyzed the synthetic substrate CNP-α-$\text{L} $-fucose. Assayed against up to 17 fucose-containing oligosaccharides, Fp239 showed activity against the Lewis Y antigen, 2′- and 3-fucosyllactose, while Fp284 degraded 2′-fucosyllactose and Fuc(α1,6)GlcNAc. Furthermore, Fp231 displayed strict specificity against Fuc(α1,4)GlcNAc, a previously unreported specificity in GH29. Fp231 is a monomeric enzyme with pH and temperature optima at pH 5.6–6.0 and 25°C, hydrolyzing Fuc(α1,4)GlcNAc with kcat = 1.3 s−1 and Km = 660 μM. Altogether, the findings extend our knowledge about GH29 family members from the marine environment, which are so far largely unexplored.
Internationalization, value-chain configuration, and the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies
Authors: Magnani Giovanna , Denicolai Stefano , Petersen Bent
Published: December 2021

In this study, we empirically explore the relationships among process innovation, internationalization, and the reconfiguration of the firm’s activities at the global level. In particular, we analyze the extent to which these factors are related to the propensity to adopt additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. Internationalization and value-chain configuration are measured using various dimensions, and we find that the impact on the adoption of AM technologies is moderated by the firms’ absorptive capacity. Our empirical findings are drawn from a proprietary database covering 197 manufacturing firms.
Frequent Development of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies in Early Life in a Large Cohort of Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Lucier Amanda , Fong Youyi , Li Shuk Hang , Dennis Maria , Eudailey Joshua , Nelson Ashley , Saunders Kevin , Cunningham Coleen K , McFarland Elizabeth , McKinney Ross , Moody M Anthony , LaBranche Celia , Montefiori David , Permar Sallie R , Fouda Genevieve G
Published: December 2021

Background

Recent studies have indicated that broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) in children may develop earlier after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to adults.

Methods

We evaluated plasma from 212 antiretroviral therapy-naive children with HIV (1–3 years old). Neutralization breadth and potency was assessed using a panel of 10 viruses and compared to adults with chronic HIV. The magnitude, epitope specificity, and immunoglobulin (Ig)G subclass distribution of Env-specific antibodies were assessed using a binding antibody multiplex assay.

Results

One-year-old children demonstrated neutralization breadth comparable to chronically infected adults, whereas 2- and 3-year-olds exhibited significantly greater neutralization breadth (P = .014). Likewise, binding antibody responses increased with age, with levels in 2- and 3-year-old children comparable to adults. Overall, there was no significant difference in antibody specificities or IgG subclass distribution between the pediatric and adult cohorts. It is interesting to note that the neutralization activity was mapped to a single epitope (CD4 binding site, V2 or V3 glycans) in only 5 of 38 pediatric broadly neutralizing samples, which suggests that most children may develop a polyclonal neutralization response.

Conclusions

These results contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that initiating HIV immunization early in life may present advantages for the development of broadly neutralizing antibody responses.
What Happens if the Brain Goes Elsewhere? Reflections on Head Transplantation and Personal Embodiment
Authors: Cherry Mark J
Published: December 2021

Brain transplants have long been no more than the subject of science fiction and engaging thought experiments. That is no longer true. Neuroscientists have announced their intention to transplant the head of a volunteer onto a donated body. Response has been decidedly mixed. How should we think about the moral permissibility of head transplants? Is it a life-saving/life-enhancing opportunity that appropriately expands the boundaries of medical practice? Or, is it a bioethical morass that ought not to be attempted? For the purposes of this paper, I set aside questions regarding the surgical operation’s technological plausibility so as to focus on very basic questions regarding personal identity and the morality of head transplantation. The analysis begins with an exploration of the embodiment of persons. It considers whether persons can be conceptually distinguished from all parts of their body, even if they cannot be physically separated from some parts without loss of personhood. It argues that in most cases replacing body parts with reasonably similar parts will not destroy the conditions for sustaining personhood. However, as I explore, the phenomenology of personhood is such that some physical changes may prove to be too significant to maintain personal identity successfully over time. Given such complexity and the significance of the costs involved, the moral permissibility of head transplantation likely depends on recognizing that persons may give permission to collaborate in common activities, including projects with which others deeply disagree, provided that they only utilize the services and resources of free and consenting others.
The clash of ‘E’ and ‘S’ of ESG: just transition on the path to net zero and the implications for sustainable corporate governance and finance
Authors: Gözlügöl Alperen A
Published: December 2021

Climate change is one of the highest-ranking issues on the political and social agenda. Corporations are one of the main actors that will play a major role in the decarbonization of the economy. They need to put forward a net zero strategy and targets, transitioning to net zero by 2050. Yet, an important but rather overlooked stakeholder group in the sustainability debates can pose a significant stumbling block in this transition: employees. Although climate action has huge benefits by ameliorating adverse environmental events and is expected to have an overall positive impact on employment, net-zero transition in companies, especially in the energy sector in certain regions, will cause substantial adverse employment effects for the workforce. This has the potential to slow down or even derail the necessary climate action in companies. In this regard, just transition is a promising concept, which calls for a swift and decisive climate action in corporations while taking account of and mitigating adverse effects for their workforce. If well implemented, it can accelerate net-zero transition in companies. This potential clash of environmental (E) and social (S) aspects of environmental, social and governance agenda, materialized in the companies’ net-zero transition, and its potential remedy, just transition, have important implications for corporate governance and finance, especially for directors’ duties and executive remuneration, sustainability disclosures, institutional investors’ engagement and green finance.
Developing a platform for production of the oxylipin KODA in plants
Authors: Ihara Yuta , Wakamatsu Takayuki , Yokoyama Mineyuki , Maezawa Daisuke , Ohta Hiroyuki , Shimojima Mie
Published: December 2021

KODA (9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12(Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid) is a plant oxylipin involved in recovery from stress. As an agrichemical, KODA helps maintain crop production under various environmental stresses. In plants, KODA is synthesized from α-linolenic acids via 9-lipoxygenase (9-LOX) and allene oxide synthase (AOS), although the amount is usually low, except in the free-floating aquatic plant Lemna paucicostata. To improve KODA biosynthetic yield in other plants such as Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana, we developed a system to overproduce KODA in vivo via ectopic expression of L. paucicostata 9-LOX and AOS. The transient expression in N. benthamiana showed that the expression of these two genes is sufficient to produce KODA in leaves. However, stable expression of 9-LOX and AOS (with consequent KODA production) in Arabidopsis plants succeeded only when the two proteins were targeted to plastids or the endoplasmic reticulum/lipid droplets. Although only small amounts of KODA could be detected in crude leaf extracts of transgenic Nicotiana or Arabidopsis plants, subsequent incubation of the extracts increased KODA abundance over time. Therefore, KODA production in transgenic plants stably expressing 9-LOX and AOS requires specific sub-cellular localization of these two enzymes and incubation of crude leaf extracts, which liberates α-linolenic acid via breakdown of endogenous lipids.
Real-Life Effectiveness and Safety of Baricitinib as Adjunctive to Standard-of-Care Treatment in Hospitalized Patients With Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Tziolos Nikolaos , Karofylakis Emmanouil , Grigoropoulos Ioannis , Kazakou Pinelopi , Koullias Emmanouil , Savva Athina , Kranidioti Hariklia , Pelekanou Aimilia , Boulouta Anna , Pirounaki Maria , Tsiodras Sotirios , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Boumpas Dimitrios T , Kavatha Dimitra , Thomas Konstantinos , Vassilopoulos Dimitrios , Antoniadou Anastasia
Published: December 2021

Background

Therapeutic options for hospitalized patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (sCOVID-19) are limited. Preliminary data have shown promising results with baricitinib, but real-life experience is lacking. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of add-on baricitinib to standard-of-care (SOC) including dexamethasone in hospitalized patients with sCOVID-19.

Methods

This study is a 2-center, observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with sCOVID-19, comparing outcomes and serious events between patients treated with SOC versus those treated with SOC and baricitinib combination.

Results

We included 369 patients with sCOVID-19 (males 66.1%; mean age 65.2 years; median symptom duration 6 days). The SOC was administered in 47.7% and combination in 52.3%. Patients treated with the combination reached the composite outcome (intensive care unit [ICU] admission or death) less frequently compared with SOC (22.3% vs 36.9%, P = .002). Mortality rate was lower with the combination in the total cohort (14.7% vs 26.6%, P = .005), and ICU admission was lower in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (29.7% vs 44.8%, P = .03). By multivariable analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36–2.44, per 10-year increase), partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = .52–0.68, per 10 units increase), and use of high-flow nasal cannula (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, .16–0.74) were associated with the composite outcome, whereas baricitinib use was marginally not associated with the composite outcome (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, .26–1.03). However, baricitinib use was found to be significant after inverse-probability weighted regression (OR = 0.93; 95% CI, .87–0.99). No difference in serious events was noted between treatment groups.

Conclusions

In real-life settings, addition of baricitinib to SOC in patients hospitalized with sCOVID-19 is associated with decreased mortality without concerning safety signals.
Dietary exposures and allergy prevention in high-risk infants
Authors: Abrams Elissa M , Orkin Julia , Cummings Carl , Blair Becky , Chan Edmond S
Published: December 2021

Infants at high risk for developing a food allergy have either an atopic condition (such as eczema) themselves or an immediate family member with such a condition. Breastfeeding should be promoted and supported regardless of issues pertaining to food allergy prevention, but for infants whose mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed, using a specific formula (i.e., hydrolyzed formula) is not recommended to prevent food allergies. When cow’s milk protein formula has been introduced in an infant’s diet, make sure that regular ingestion (as little as 10 mL daily) is maintained to prevent loss of tolerance. For high-risk infants, there is compelling evidence that introducing allergenic foods early—at around 6 months, but not before 4 months of age—can prevent common food allergies, and allergies to peanut and egg in particular. Once an allergenic food has been introduced, regular ingestion (e.g., a few times a week) is important to maintain tolerance. Common allergenic foods can be introduced without pausing for days between new foods, and the risk for a severe reaction at first exposure in infancy is extremely low. Pre-emptive in-office screening before introducing allergenic foods is not recommended. No recommendations can be made at this time about the role of maternal dietary modification during pregnancy or lactation, or about supplementing with vitamin D, omega 3, or pre- or probiotics as means to prevent food allergy.
A Budget Impact Analysis of Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease: The Medicaid Perspective
Authors: DeMartino Patrick , Haag Meredith B. , Hersh Alyssa R. , Caughey Aaron B. , Roth Joshua A.
Published: December 2021

(Abstracted from JAMA Pediatr 2021;175(6):617–623)

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, with a promising gene therapy option for treatment likely to enter the market soon. However, this therapy is expected to cost over $1 million.
Intrauterine Device Use, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Fertility: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Peipert Jeffrey F. , Zhao Qiuhong , Schreiber Courtney A. , Teal Stephanie , Turok David K. , Natavio Melissa , Cordon Sabrina , Daggy Joanne
Published: December 2021

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021;225:157.e1–157.e9)

The perception exists among patients and their health care providers that impaired fertility and infection can be caused by intrauterine device (IUD), despite a retrospective cohort study evaluating IUD use and subsequent infertility finding of no significant association. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association of IUD use as well as past sexually transmitted infection (STI) and time to conception in a cohort of women discontinuing contraceptive IUD to attempt conception.
The Association of Preoperative Medication Administration and Preoperative and Intraoperative Factors With Postoperative Urinary Retention After Urogynecologic Surgery
Authors: Schmidt Payton , Kobernik Emily K. , Fairchild Pamela S. , Anderson Alec , Lanham Michael , Berger Mitchell B.
Published: December 2021

(Abstracted from Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2021;27:527–531)

Between 2% and 42% of women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or urinary incontinence experience postoperative urinary retention (PUR) within 4 weeks of surgery. PUR is managed by using urinary catheters to avoid bladder distension, but this increases the risk for urinary tract infections and patient dissatisfaction.
Early Predictors of Poor Neurologic Outcomes in a Prospective Cohort of Infants With Antenatal Exposure to Zika Virus
Authors: Tiene Sophia Finn , Cranston Jessica S. , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Kerin Tara , Fuller Trevon , Vasconcelos Zilton , Marschik Peter B. , Zhang Dajie , Pone Marcos , Pone Sheila , Zin Andrea , Brickley Elizabeth , Orofino Dulce , Brasil Patricia , Adachi Kristina , da Costa Ana Carolina C. , Lopes Moreira Maria Elisabeth
Published: December 2021

Background:

Identify early predictors of poor neurodevelopment in infants with antenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure.

Methods:

Analysis of a prospective cohort of infants with antenatal ZIKV exposure confirmed by maternal or infant RT-PCR or IgM during the epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Clinical findings before 3 months of age were associated with Bayley-III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development conducted after 6 months of age.

Results:

ZIKV exposure was confirmed in 219 cases; 162 infants were normocephalic, 53 were microcephalic, 4 had no head circumference recorded because of perinatal death/LTFU. Seven of the 112 normocephalic infants developed secondary microcephaly between 3 weeks and 8 months of age. Among the normocephalic at birth cohort, the mean HCZ among normal, at risk, and developmentally delayed children was significantly different (ANOVA, P = 0.02). In particular, the mean HCZ of the developmentally delayed group was significantly lower than that of the normal group (Tukey’s test, P = 0.014). HCZ was more strongly associated with lower expressive language scores (P = 0.04) than receptive language scores (P = 0.06). The rate of auditory abnormalities differed among the normal, at risk, and developmentally delayed groups (Chi-squared test, P = 0.016), which was driven by the significant difference between the normal and at risk groups (post hoc test, P = 0.011, risk ratio 3.94). Auditory abnormalities were associated with both expressive and receptive language delays (P = 0.02 and P = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions:

Clear predictors of neurodevelopment in normocephalic ZIKV-exposed children have not been previously identified. Our findings demonstrate that smaller HCZ and auditory abnormalities in these infants correlate with poor neurodevelopment as toddlers. Language delay is the most prominent developmental concern among these children, who will require frequent auditory and speech evaluations throughout childhood.