bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new design for testing the gravitational inverse-square law at the sub-millimeter range with a 32-fold symmetric attractor
Authors: Du An-Bin , Tan Wen-Hai , Dong Wen-Can , Huang Hao , Zhu Lin , Tan Yu-Jie , Shao Cheng-Gang , Yang Shan-Qing , Luo Jun
Published: April 2022

Short-range tests of the gravitational inverse-square law are very important for finding new interactions. In order to further improve the constraints on the Yukawa-like gravitational force, we propose a new scheme based on the torsion balance, where the speculative Yukawa-like gravitational force between the pendulum and the attractor is substantially increased by increasing the area of the test mass and the source mass. A dual-compensation design is used to realize a null experiment, which can release the accuracy requirement on some geometric parameters. The calculation result shows that, at the 95% confidence level, the new design can establish the strongest bound on the magnitude α of the Yukawa violation at the range of 40–800 μm with the total error of about 2.0 × 10−17 N m, and improve the previous bounds about one order of magnitude at the length scale λ ≈ 300 μm.
Discrete element method to simulate interface delamination and fracture of plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Leclerc W , Ferguen N , Lamini E-S
Published: April 2022

This contribution deals with a discrete element method (DEM) framework to simulate and investigate the mechanisms leading to the failure of plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems. A hybrid lattice-particle approach is proposed to determine residual stress fields induced by the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch during a cooling-down phase. Besides, this is combined with a mixed-mode cohesive zone model to simulate interface delamination, and the removed discrete element failure criterion to model crack initiation and propagation in TBC system. The context of a unit cell model with a perfectly sinusoidal interface profile is first investigated to highlight the suitability of the proposed DEM-based approach in terms of stress fields and failure process. The case of a real microstructure reproduced by the image processing is then discussed. This underlines the effect of porosity and surface asperities on the failure mechanisms. Results exhibit the potential of the proposed DEM approach to model complex cracks phenomena occurring in TBC systems under thermal loading.
Classification of ECG using ensemble of residual CNNs with or without attention mechanism
Authors: Nejedly Petr , Ivora Adam , Viscor Ivo , Koscova Zuzana , Smisek Radovan , Jurak Pavel , Plesinger Filip
Published: April 2022

Objective. This paper introduces a winning solution (team ISIBrno-AIMT) to the official round of PhysioNet Challenge 2021. The main goal of the challenge was a classification of ECG recordings into 26 multi-label pathological classes with a variable number of leads (e.g. 12, 6, 4, 3, 2). The main objective of this study is to verify whether the multi-head-attention mechanism influences the model performance. Approach. We introduced an ECG classification method based on the ResNet architecture with a multi-head attention mechanism for the official round of the challenge. However, empirical findings collected during model development suggested that the multi-head attention layer might not significantly impact the final classification performance. For this reason, during the follow-up round, we removed a multi-head attention layer to test the influence on model performance. Like the official round, the model is optimized using a mixture of loss functions, i.e. binary cross-entropy, custom challenge score loss function, and custom sparsity loss function. Probability thresholds for each classification class are estimated using the evolutionary optimization method. The final architecture consists of three submodels forming a majority voting classification ensemble. Main results. The modified model without the multi-head attention layer increased the overall challenge score to 0.59 compared to the 0.58 from the official round. Significance. Our findings from the follow-up submission support the fact that the multi-head attention layer in the proposed architecture does not significantly affect the classification performance.
Optical trapping core formation and general trapping mechanism in single-beam optical tweezers
Authors: Huang Di , Wan Pengcheng , Zhou Ling , Guo Haiqin , Zhao Ruihuang , Chen Jun , Ng Jack , Du Junjie
Published: April 2022

The working mechanism of single-beam optical tweezers is revisited using a recently established method. The optical force is split into conservative and nonconservative components, and these components are explicitly calculated for particles in the Rayleigh, Mie and geometrical optics regimes. The results indicate that optical trapping is attributable to the formation of an ‘optical trapping core’. Stable trapping is achieved when the conservative forces are larger than the nonconservative forces in the core region centered at the beam centers for all particle sizes. According to the conventional understanding, stability is a result of the conservative force overcoming the nonconservative force. In comparison, the concept of the optical trapping core more accurately illustrates the physical mechanism of optical trapping, for not only single-beam optical tweezers but also optical trapping settings.
Reduced density matrix approach to ultracold few-fermion systems in one dimension
Authors: Knight Mitchell J , Quiney Harry M , Martin Andy M
Published: April 2022

The variational determination of the two-fermion reduced density matrix (2-RDM) is described for harmonically trapped, ultracold few-fermion systems in one dimension with equal spin populations. This is accomplished by formulating the problem as a semi-definite program, with the 2-RDM being subject to well-knownN-representability conditions. The ground-state energies, as well as the density, pair-correlation function, and lower-order eigenvalues of the 2-RDM of various fermionic systems are found by utilising an augmented Lagrangian method for semi-definite programming. The ground-state energies are found to match well to those determined by full-configuration interaction and coupled-cluster calculations and the density, pair-correlation function, and eigenvalue results demonstrate that the salient features of these systems are well-described by this method. These results collectively demonstrate the utility of the reduced density matrix method firstly in describing strong correlation arising from short-range interactions, suggesting that the well-knownN-representability conditions are sufficient to model ultracold fermionic systems, and secondly in illustrating the prospect of treating larger systems currently out of the reach of established methods.
Sliding wear characteristics of Al-4032/SiC/GMP hybrid composites using L-16 orthogonal array
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Singh Pradeep K
Published: April 2022

The wear characteristics of the aluminium alloy (Al-4032) matrix-based hybrid composites (AMHCs) has been investigated through the DUCOM pin-on-disc tribometer. The AMHCs have been fabricated through the bottom pouring vacuum stir casting set up, using the mixture of silicon carbide (SiC) and granite marble powder ceramic particles in equal proportion, as the hybrid reinforcement at 0, 3, 6, 9 weight%. The mass loss has been considered as the response parameter and ‘Smaller-the-Better’ criteria has been adopted as the objective model in the study. The optimization of the control parameters i.e., composition, normal load, sliding time and sliding speed has been produced using main effect of means and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) methods. It is observed that all four control parameters have considerable influence on the wear characteristics of the AMHCs. The wear resistance of the AMHCs increases with increase in the amount of reinforcement up to 6%, followed by a decreasing trend beyond this value. This may be due to agglomeration of the reinforced particles at higher weight fraction. The percentage contribution of the control parameters such as composition, normal load, sliding time and sliding speed is 39.78%, 20.91%, 17.39% and 20.02% respectively.
Short-term exposure to air pollution and mental disorders: a case-crossover study in New York City
Authors: Yoo Eun-Hye , Roberts John E , Eum Youngseob , Li Xiaojiang , Chu Lingzhi , Wang Pin , Chen Kai
Published: April 2022

There is growing evidence suggesting that exposure to air pollutants is associated with mental disorders. We investigated the impact of short-term exposures to both fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) assessed at fine spatiotemporal resolutions on emergency room (ER) visits related to mental disorders using 475 755 records from New York City between 2010 and 2016. We assessed the short-term impact of daily air pollution exposure on ER visits using a case-crossover design with conditional logistic regression. We further tested whether the impact of PM2.5 and O3 varied by individuals’ age, sex, and race/ethnicity, and if associations were modified by the degree of visibility of greenspace at individuals’ residences. Results suggested that the relative risk of visiting an ER for mental-disorders increased by 2.78% (95% CI: 1.82%–3.76%) with a 10

μ

g

m

−
3

increase in ambient PM2.5 concentration over a 4 day (d) moving average (lag 0–3 d) and increased by 0.71% (95% CI: 0.28%–1.15%) with a 10 ppb increase in O3 concentration on a single day lag (lag 1 d), and that these effects were modified by age and race/ethnicity, but not by sex or surrounding greenery. Specifically, we found that age group 19–35 years old and non-Whites were more susceptible to the effects of ambient air pollution exposure. In terms of specific disorders, we found that both PM2.5 and O3 have an effect on ER visits for psychotic disorders, but not dementia. Our findings suggest that short-term exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with increased ER visits for mental disorders. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms by which exposure to PM2.5 and O3 is linked to these ER visits.
Auditory experience modulates fronto-parietal theta activity serving fluid intelligence
Authors: Heinrichs-Graham Elizabeth , Walker Elizabeth A. , Taylor Brittany K. , Menting Sophia C. , Eastman Jacob A. , Frenzel Michaela R. , McCreery Ryan W.
Published: April 2022

Children who are hard of hearing are at risk for developmental language and academic delays compared with children with normal hearing. Some work suggests that high-order cognitive function, including fluid intelligence, may relate to language and academic outcomes in children with hearing loss, but findings in these studies have been mixed and to date, there have been no studies of the whole-brain neural dynamics serving fluid intelligence in the context of hearing loss. To this end, this study sought to identify the impact of hearing loss and subsequent hearing aid use on the neural dynamics serving abstract reasoning in children who are hard of hearing relative to children with normal hearing using magnetoencephalography. We found significant elevations in occipital and parietal theta activity during early stimulus evaluation in children who are hard of hearing relative to normal-hearing peers. In addition, we found that greater hearing aid use was significantly related to reduced activity throughout the fronto-parietal network. Notably, there were no differences in alpha dynamics between groups during later-stage processing nor did alpha activity correlate with hearing aid use. These cross-sectional data suggest that differences in auditory experience lead to widespread alterations in the neural dynamics serving initial stimulus processing in fluid intelligence in children.
Application research of compressed-air energy storage under high proportion of renewable energy
Authors: Feng Bin , Yu Bo
Published: April 2022

China will strive to achieve a ‘dual carbon’ target: ‘carbon peak’ by 2030 and ‘carbon-neutral’ by 2060. In this context, improving the efficiency of renewable energy and reducing the use of thermal power are important ways to achieve the target. Clean, efficient and large-capacity energy-storage technology is the key to improving the utilization rate of renewable energy. First, this paper proposes to use compressed-air energy-storage technology instead of the old energy-storage technology to build an economical and environmentally friendly comprehensive energy park capacity optimization configuration model. Second, this paper uses the newly proposed improved chicken swarm optimization algorithm to solve the model, which is more accurate and faster. Finally, this paper analyzes a comprehensive energy park in north-west China. Through case analysis, it can be seen that the average utilization rate of renewable energy can reach 73.87% through the model proposed in this paper, while the average power-abandonment rate is only 9.32%.
Antibodies as biomarkers for cancer risk: a systematic review
Authors: Monroy-Iglesias Maria J , Crescioli Silvia , Beckmann Kerri , Le Nga , Karagiannis Sophia N , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Santaolalla Aida
Published: April 2022

Increasing evidence has linked the humoral immune response with the development of various cancers. Therefore, there is growing interest in investigating the predictive value of antibodies to assess overall and tissue site-specific cancer risk. Given the large amount of antibody types and the broad scope of the search (i.e. cancer risk), the primary aim of this systematic review was to present an overview of the most researched antibodies (i.e. immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes (IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE), tumour and self-antigen-reactive antibodies, infection-related antibodies) in relation to overall and site-specific cancer risk. We identified various antibody types that have been associated with the risk of cancer. While no significant associations were found for IgM serum levels, studies found an inconsistent association among IgE, IgA, and IgG serum levels in relation to cancer risk. When evaluating antibodies against infectious agents, most studies reported a positive link with specific cancers known to be associated with the specific agent recognized by serum antibodies (i.e. helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer, hepatitis B virus and hepatocellular carcinoma, and human papillomavirus and cervical cancer). Several reports identified autoantibodies, as single biomarkers (e.g. anti-p53, anti-MUC1, and anti-CA125) but especially in panels of multiple autoantibodies, to have potential as diagnostic biomarkers for specific cancer types. Overall, there is emerging evidence associating certain antibodies to cancer risk, especially immunoglobulin isotypes, tumour-associated antigen-specific, and self-reactive antibodies. Further experimental studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of specific antibodies as markers for the early diagnosis of cancer.
Bacteremia With Anaerobic Bacteria and Association With Colorectal Cancer: A Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Justesen Ulrik S , Nielsen Stig L , Jensen Thøger G , Dessau Ram B , Møller Jens K , Coia John E , Andersen Steen L , Pedersen Court , Gradel Kim O
Published: April 2022

Background

There is a well-described association between bacteremia with bovis group streptococci or Clostridium septicum and an increased probability of a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. We wanted to investigate the existence of a similar association between CRC and bacteremia with other bacteria belonging to the gut microbiota..

Methods

A population based cohort study in a population about 2 million people including 45 774 bacteremia episodes and 231 387 blood culture negative cases was performed in the Region of Southern Denmark and Region Zealand from 2007–2016. Episodes of bacteremia were combined with the Danish central register for CRC. We performed Cox’s regression analysis with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The study results confirmed previous findings of an increased risk of a CRC diagnosis after bacteremia with the bovis group streptococci (risk within a year: 4.3%; HR [95% CI]: 8.46 [3.51–20.4]) or C. septicum (20.8%; 76.2 [42.0–138]). Furthermore, Bacteroides ovatus (6.7%; 20.3 [5.04–81.8]), Bacteroides uniformis (5.4%; 16.2 [4.02–65.7]), Clostridium tertium (3.6 %; 13.9 [1.96–99.4]), Fusobacterium spp. (excluding F. necrophorum) (3.0 %; 8.51 [2.73–26.5]), and Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (3.6 %; 10.9 [4.50–26.3]) were also associated with an increased risk of a CRC diagnosis compared to patients with negative blood cultures (0.4%).

Conclusions

Bacteremia with specific gut microbiota anaerobic bacteria is associated with a high risk of a diagnosis of CRC, indicating the need for colorectal workup. Importantly, this strategy also holds the possible additional benefit of detecting adenomas or other premalignant conditions, which were not included in the present study.
Slow Recoveries and Unemployment Traps: Monetary Policy in a Time of Hysteresis*
Authors: Acharya Sushant , Bengui Julien , Dogra Keshav , Wee Shu Lin
Published: April 2022

We analyse monetary policy in a model where temporary shocks can permanently scar the economy’s productive capacity. Workers lose skill while unemployed and are costly to retrain, generating multiple steady-state unemployment rates. Following a large shock, unless monetary policy acts aggressively and quickly enough to prevent a significant rise in unemployment, hiring falls to a point where the economy recovers slowly at best—at worst, it falls into a permanent unemployment trap. Monetary policy can only avoid these outcomes if it commits in a timely manner to more accommodative policy in the future. Timely commitment is essential as the effectiveness of monetary policy is state dependent: once the recession has left substantial scars, monetary policy cannot speed up a slow recovery, or escape from an unemployment trap.
Benchmarking the Middle Ages: fifteenth century Tuscany in European perspective
Authors: van Zanden Jan Luiten , Felice Emanuele
Published: April 2022

The article presents GDP estimates for fifteenth century Tuscany, based on the 1427 Florentine Catasto. In per capita GDP, Tuscany was only slightly above England and Holland. Furthermore, when compared to England and Holland, Tuscany was characterized by high extractive rates in favor of Florence, to the detriment of the subdued cities and the countryside, and by subsequent market blockades. This may explain why previous estimates, partly based on the construction wages in Florence, can lead to an overestimate of GDP. It may also explain the exceptional artistic blossoming of fifteenth century Florence, despite only a small lead in average GDP.
Frequency information extraction based on time-frequency ridges for characterizing thin sand bodies
Authors: Liu Lifeng , Guan Meng , Zhang Xiangtao , Zhu Yanhui , Lv Huaxing , Meng Chang
Published: April 2022

Time-frequency analysis (TFA) is a widely used reservoir prediction technology. During the identification of sand bodies using TFA, abnormally high values in the high-frequency portion of the spectrum usually indicate the presence of thin sand bodies. However, owing to the complexity of the depositional environment, the spatial distribution of thin sand bodies is often variable, and multiple phases of sand bodies—superimposed on each other—can occur with uneven thicknesses. A frequency information extraction technique based on time-frequency ridges (TFRs) is proposed in this study to identify stable TFRs in the time-frequency spectrum of a rearranged smooth pseudo-Wigner–Ville distribution with high energy aggregation, as well as to extract the main- and high-frequency energy contents relative to them. To enhance the ability of these energy components to detect thin sand bodies, a frequency-energy weighting factor is computed. By performing the aforementioned steps, information about each frequency band can be obtained and a comprehensive depiction of sand bodies with different thicknesses achieved. It is concluded that by using the proposed method thin sand bodies such as small riverbeds can be effectively characterized using seismic data.
High-mass pulsators in eclipsing binaries observed usingTESS
Authors: Southworth John , Bowman Dominic M
Published: April 2022

Pulsations and binarity are both common features of massive stars. The study of pulsating massive stars in eclipsing binary systems holds great potential for constraining stellar structure and evolution theory. However, prior to the all-sky Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission, few such systems had been discovered or studied in detail. We have inspected the TESS light curves of a large number of eclipsing binaries known to contain high-mass stars, and compiled a list of 18 objects which show intrinsic variability. The light curves were modelled both to determine the physical properties of the systems, and to remove the effects of binarity in order to leave residual light curves suitable for asteroseismic analysis. Precise mass and radius measurements were obtained for δ Cir, CC Cas, SZ Cam V436 Per and V539 Ara. We searched the residual light curves for pulsation signatures and, within our sample of 18 objects, we find six definite and eight possible cases of β Cephei pulsation, seven cases of stochastic low-frequency (SLF) variability, and eight instances of possible slowly pulsating B (SPB) star pulsation. The large number of pulsating eclipsing systems we have identified makes asteroseismology of high-mass stars in eclipsing binaries a feasible avenue to constrain the interior physics of a large sample of massive stars for the first time.
Systematic exploration of heavy element nucleosynthesis in protomagnetar outflows
Authors: Ekanger Nick , Bhattacharya Mukul , Horiuchi Shunsaku
Published: April 2022

We study the nucleosynthesis products in neutrino-driven winds from rapidly rotating, highly magnetized and misaligned protomagnetars using the nuclear reaction network SkyNet. We adopt a semi-analytic parametrized model for the protomagnetar and systematically study the capabilities of its neutrino-driven wind for synthesizing nuclei and eventually producing ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). We find that for neutron-rich outflows (Ye < 0.5), synthesis of heavy elements ($\overline{A}\sim 20-65$) is possible during the first $\sim 10\, {\rm s}$ of the outflow, but these nuclei are subjected to composition-altering photodisintegration during the epoch of particle acceleration at the dissipation radii. However, after the first $\sim 10\, {\rm s}$ of the outflow, nucleosynthesis reaches lighter elements ($\overline{A}\sim 10-50$) that are not subjected to subsequent photodisintegration. For proton-rich (Ye ≥ 0.5) outflows, synthesis is more limited ($\overline{A}\sim 4-15$). These suggest that while protomagnetars typically do not synthesize nuclei heavier than second r-process peak elements, they are intriguing sources of intermediate/heavy mass UHECRs. For all configurations, the most rapidly rotating protomagnetars are more conducive for nucleosynthesis with a weaker dependence on the magnetic field strength.
Kinematics of the molecular interstellar medium probed by Gaia: steep velocity dispersion–size relation, isotropic turbulence, and location-dependent energy dissipation
Authors: Zhou Ji-Xuan , Li Guang-Xing , Chen Bing-Qiu
Published: April 2022

The evolution of the molecular interstellar medium is controlled by processes such as turbulence, gravity, stellar feedback, and Galactic shear. AL a part of the ISM-6D project, using Gaia astrometric measurements towards a sample of young stellar objects (YSOs), we study the morphology and kinematic structure of the associated molecular gas. We identify 150 YSO associations with distance $d \lesssim 3 \,\,\rm kpc$. The YSO associations are elongated, with a median aspect ratio of 1.97, and are oriented parallel to the disc mid-plane, with a median angle of 30°. The turbulence in the molecular clouds as probed by the YSOs is isotropic, and the velocity dispersions are related to the sizes by σv, 2D = 0.74 (r/pc)0.67 (km s−1) . The slope is on the steeper side, yet consistent with previous measurements. The energy dissipation rate of turbulence $\dot{\epsilon } = \sigma _{v,{\rm 3D}}^3 /L$ decreases with the Galactocentric distance, with a gradient of 0.2 $\rm dex \,\, kpc^{-1}$, which can be explained if turbulence is driven by cloud collisions. In this scenario, the clouds located in the inner Galaxy have higher chances to accrete smaller clouds and are more turbulent. Although the density structures of the complexes are anisotropic, the turbulence is consistent with being isotropic. If the alignment between density structures and the Galactic-disc mid-plane is due to shear, we expect $t_{\rm cloud} \gtrsim t_{\rm shear}\approx 30\,\, \rm Myr$. This cloud lifetime is longer than the turbulence crossing time, and a continuous energy injection is required to maintain the turbulence.
The symbiotic X-ray binaries Sct X-1, 4U 1700+24, and IGR J17329−2731
Authors: Bozzo E , Romano P , Ferrigno C , Oskinova L
Published: April 2022

Symbiotic X-ray binaries are systems hosting a neutron star accreting form the wind of a late-type companion. These are rare objects and so far only a handful of them are known. One of the most puzzling aspects of the symbiotic X-ray binaries is the possibility that they contain strongly magnetized neutron stars. These are expected to be evolutionary much younger compared to their evolved companions and could thus be formed through the (yet poorly known) accretion induced collapse of a white dwarf. In this paper, we perform a broad-band X-ray and soft γ-ray spectroscopy of two known symbiotic binaries, Sct X−1 and 4U 1700+24, looking for the presence of cyclotron scattering features that could confirm the presence of strongly magnetized NSs. We exploited available Chandra, Swift, and NuSTAR data. We find no evidence of cyclotron resonant scattering features (CRSFs) in the case of Sct X−1 but in the case of 4U 1700+24 we suggest the presence of a possible CRSF at ∼16 keV and its first harmonic at ∼31 keV, although we could not exclude alternative spectral models for the broad-band fit. If confirmed by future observations, 4U 1700+24 could be the second symbiotic X-ray binary with a highly magnetized accretor. We also report about our long-term monitoring of the last discovered symbiotic X-ray binary IGR J17329−2731 performed with Swift/XRT. The monitoring revealed that, as predicted, in 2017 this object became a persistent and variable source, showing X-ray flares lasting for a few days and intriguing obscuration events that are interpreted in the context of clumpy wind accretion.
Tracing astrophysical black hole seeds and primordial black holes with LISA-Taiji network
Authors: Yang Yuchan , Han Wen-Biao , Yun Qianyun , Xu Peng , Luo Ziren
Published: April 2022

In this work, we discuss the improvement that the joint network of LISA and Taiji could provide on exploring two kinds of black hole formation mechanisms. For astrophysical origin, we consider light seed and heavy seed scenarios, and generate populations accordingly. We find that the joint network has the potential to observe growing light seeds in the range 15 < z < 20, while single detector can hardly see, which would shed light on the light seeding mechanism. For the heavy seeds, the joint network only improves the signal-to-noise ratio. For primordial origin, we calculate the event rate at z > 20 and detection rates of LISA and the joint network. The joint network expands LISA’s horizon towards lower mass end, where the event rate is high, so we have better chance observing primordial black holes with the joint network. We also estimate the parameters using Fisher matrices of LISA and the joint network, and find that the joint network significantly improves the estimation.
Distinguishing Volcanic Contributions to the Overlapping Samoan and Cook-Austral Hotspot Tracks
Authors: Price Allison A , Jackson Matthew G , Blichert-Toft Janne , Konrad Kevin , Bizimis Michael , Koppers Anthony A P , Konter Jasper G , Finlayson Valerie A , Sinton John M
Published: April 2022

To deconvolve contributions from the four overlapping hotspots that form the “hotspot highway” on the Pacific plate—Samoa, Rarotonga, Arago-Rurutu, and Macdonald—we geochemically characterize and/or date (by the 40Ar/39Ar method) a suite of lavas sampled from the eastern region of the Samoan hotspot and the region “downstream” of the Samoan hotspot track. We find that Papatua seamount, located ~60 km south of the axis of the Samoan hotspot track, has lavas with both a HIMU (high μ = 238U/204Pb) composition (206Pb/204Pb = 20.0), previously linked to one of the Cook-Austral hotspots, and an enriched mantle I (EM1) composition, which we interpret to be rejuvenated and Samoan in origin. We show that these EM1 rejuvenated lavas at Papatua are geochemically similar to rejuvenated volcanism on Samoan volcanoes and suggest that flexural uplift, caused by tectonic forces associated with the nearby Tonga trench, triggered a new episode of melting of Samoan mantle material that had previously flattened and spread laterally along the base of the Pacific plate under Papatua, resulting in volcanism that capped the previous HIMU edifice. We argue that this process generated Samoan rejuvenated volcanism on the older Cook-Austral volcano of Papatua. We also study Waterwitch seamount, located ~820 km WNW of the Samoan hotspot, and provide an age (10.49 ± 0.09 Ma) that places it on the Samoan hotspot trend, showing that it is genetically Samoan and not related to the Cook-Austral hotspots as previously suggested. Consequently, with the possible exception of the HIMU stage of Papatua seamount, there are currently no known Arago-Rurutu plume-derived lava flows sampled along the swath of Pacific seafloor that stretches between Rose seamount (~25 Ma) and East Niulakita seamount (~45 Ma), located 1400 km to the west. The “missing” ~20-million-year segment of the Arago-Rurutu hotspot track may have been subducted into the northern Tonga trench, or perhaps was covered by subsequent volcanism from the overlapping Samoan hotspot, and has thus eluded sampling. Finally, we explore tectonic reactivation as a cause for anomalously young volcanism present within the western end of the Samoan hotspot track.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome, Identification, and Wound Care
Authors: McKeown Katherine E. , Baker Rachel B.
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections cause diseases ranging from localized skin infections to serious invasive infections. Neonates are immunosuppressed, placing them at increased risk for MSSA infections, including staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), a rare severe skin presentation of MSSA.

Clinical Findings:

We present a case series of 3 preterm infants with SSSS receiving care at a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit.

Primary Diagnosis:

The infants presented with symptoms of sepsis, including temperature instability, apnea, and bradycardia episodes. The infants had peeling skin at sites of external pressure, including peripheral intravenous (IV) sites, under dressings, or where devices had been in contact with skin.

Interventions:

The infants were soaked in a tub with gel baby wash and water to remove leads without traumatizing the skin. Laboratory values were drawn, and cultures were obtained. Wound care was provided using mupirocin, soft silicone mesh wound contact layer, and soft cotton bandage gauze. Supportive respiratory care was provided, and IV antibiotics were administered.

Outcomes:

The infants were discharged to their homes with intact skin. One infant experienced a loss of pigment that persisted several weeks. All patients were without scarring by early childhood.

Practice Recommendations:

Thorough assessment and careful hygiene of neonates' skin is crucial. MSSA is an infection that can appear on the skin. It is important to quickly diagnose and treat this type of infection, especially when it presents as a localized pustule, boil, tear, peeling, or crust before it becomes systemic.
Noise in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Sabetsarvestani Raheleh , Köse Semra , Geçkil Emine , Tosun Esra Ertürk , Tokan Özkılıçaslan Fatma , Karaarslan Fatih , Altunhan Hüseyin
Published: April 2022

Background:

Concerns regarding the environmental noise issue in neonatal units and an interest in developing strategies to reduce this noise have motivated researchers to conduct comprehensive qualitative research to elucidate the current situation and help improve it.

Purpose:

This study aims to explore the current state of noise and possible solutions in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Konya, Turkey.

Methods:

In 2021, a descriptive exploratory study was conducted with a qualitative content analysis approach. Eighteen nurses, three physicians, seven staff members, and four mothers were selected to participate in the study via purposeful sampling. The data were collected from two semi-structured interviews, six focus groups, six observations, and sound source level measurements using a sound decibel meter. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results:

Three main themes and seven major categories emerged from the data analysis. The themes wereovert and covert sources, pan-negative effects, andholistic modification. All recorded sound levels exceeded the recommended noise level of 45 dB. Fifty-seven percent of sound sources were in the range of 45–65 dB, and 43% were higher than 65 dB.

Implications for Practice and Research:

This study showed that NICU has a noisy environment with hidden sound sources that can negatively affect all people. This situation must be approached seriously by holistic modification involving environmental modification, behavioral modification, and resource management. It highlighted that each environment is unique and needs to be carefully evaluated to find a suitable and cost-effective solution.
Profound Hypothermia Concomitant With Severe Coagulation Dysfunction and Leukopenia in a Preterm Infant
Authors: Tao Enfu , Chen Caie , Chen Yunqin , Xie Dengpan , Yuan Tianming , Fu Qibo , Jiang Mizu
Published: April 2022

Background:

Neonatal hypothermia is common around the world; however, profound hypothermia is a very rare—but life-threatening—event.

Clinical Findings:

This was a very rare case involving a 15-day old preterm infant diagnosed with profound hypothermia (rectal temperature, 27°C) concomitant with severe coagulation dysfunction and leukopenia on admission.

Primary Diagnosis:

Profound hypothermia together with severe coagulopathy, leukopenia, late-onset sepsis, and pneumonia.

Interventions:

The patient was rewarmed slowly, with a rectal temperature rising at a rate of 0.5°C/h < R < 1°C/h. Vital signs were closely monitored. Coagulation factors were supplemented by intravenous infusion of fresh frozen plasma. Supportive treatment with intravenous infusion of immunoglobulin was provided, and antibiotics were used empirically. Nil per os and intravenous rehydration were also implemented.

Outcomes:

The condition of the preterm infant gradually improved and was successfully discharged.

Practice Recommendations:

Profound hypothermia is very rare in preterm infants. However, once it occurs, it may be concomitant with severe coagulopathy and leukopenia. Successful management involves slow rewarming, prompt supplementation of coagulation factors, empirical antibiotics, and supportive treatment.
Validation of a Wound Tool for Assessment of Surgical Wounds in Infants
Authors: Kernaleguen Guen , Yaskina Maryna , Fox Miriam , Dicken Bryan J. , van Manen Michael
Published: April 2022

Background:

Wound assessment is a critical part of the care of hospitalized infants in neonatal intensive care. Early recognition and initiation of appropriate treatment of wounds are imperative to facilitate wound healing and avoid complications such as secondary infection and wound dehiscence. There are, however, no validated tools for assessing surgical wounds in infants.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to develop and interrogate a tool for the assessment of surgical wounds. Specific aims for the tool included interrater reliability (give a consistent and dependable result independent of user) and test criterion validity (give an accurate assessment of the wound compared with an expert).

Methods:

This was an exploratory cohort study involving a structured wound tool applied by nursing staff to 40 surgical wounds. The wounds were also assessed by wound experts (a pediatric wound care nurse and a pediatric surgeon). Comparisons were made to elucidate estimates of reliability and validity.

Results:

The wound tool demonstrated interrater reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.775 (95% CI, 0.665-0.862) as well as criterion validity with rank correlation coefficient of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.34-0.76) to 0.71 (95% CI, 0.53-0.88). To obtain 100% sensitivity to distinguish mild from moderate-severe wounds, a low cutoff score was needed.

Implications for Practice and Research:

Wound assessment continues to be a subjective exercise, even with the utilization of a tool. Additional research is needed for strategies to support the assessment of surgical wounds in infants. Such tools are needed for future research, particularly when multiple institutions are involved.
Mechanical Analysis of 3 Posterior Fusion Assemblies Intended to Cross the Cervicothoracic Junction
Authors: Sherrill John T. , Bumpass David B. , Mannen Erin M.
Published: April 2022

Study Design:

This was a biomechanical comparison study.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to evaluate the mechanical properties of 3 posterior spinal fusion assemblies commonly used to cross the cervicothoracic junction.

Summary of Background:

When posterior cervical fusions are extended into the thoracic spine, an instrumentation transition is often utilized. The cervical rod (3.5 mm) can continue using thoracic screws designed to accept the cervical rods. Alternatively, traditional thoracic screws may be used to accept thoracic rods (5.5 mm). This requires the use of a 3.5–5.5 mm transition rod or a separate 5.5 mm rod and a connector to fix the 3.5 and 5.5 mm rod together. Fusion success depends on the immobilization of vertebrae, yet the mechanics provided by these different assemblies are unknown.

Materials and Methods:

Three titanium alloy posterior fusion assemblies intended to cross the cervicothoracic junction underwent static compressive bending, tensile bending, and torsion as described in ASTM F1717 to a torque of 2.5 Nm. Five samples of each assembly were attached to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene blocks via multiaxial screws for testing. Force and displacement were recorded, and the stiffness of each construct was calculated.

Results:

The 2 assemblies that included a 5.5 mm rod were found to be stiffer and have less range of motion than the assembly that used only 3.5 mm rods.

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that incorporating a 5.5 mm rod in a fusion assembly adds significant stiffness to the construct. When the stability of a fusion is of heightened concern, as demonstrated by the ASTM F1717 vertebrectomy (worst-case scenario) model, including 5.5 mm rods may increase fusion success rates.

Level of Evidence:

Level V.
Variation of Global Sagittal Alignment Parameters According to Gender, Pelvic Incidence, and Age
Authors: Charles Yann P. , Bauduin Eloïse , Pesenti Sébastien , Ilharreborde Brice , Prost Solène , Laouissat Féthi , Riouallon Guillaume , Wolff Stéphane , Challier Vincent , Obeid Ibrahim , Boissière Louis , Ferrero Emmanuelle , Solla Federico , Le Huec Jean-Charles , Bourret Stéphane , Faddoul Joe , Abi Lahoud Georges N. , Fière Vincent , Vande Kerckhove Michiel , Campana Matthieu , Lebhar Jonathan , Giorgi Hadrien , Faure Aymeric , Sauleau Erik A. , Blondel Benjamin ,   The French Spine Surgery Society (SFCR)
Published: April 2022

Study Design:

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Objective:

The aim was to describe existing global sagittal alignment parameters across ages and to analyze differences according to gender and pelvic incidence (PI).

Summary of Background Data:

Variability with age has been reported. It remains unclear how gender and spinopelvic morphology could additionally influence global alignment parameters.

Materials and Methods:

Radiographs of 2599 individuals (5–93 y) were analyzed. Translation parameters were: Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA)-C7, SVA-C2, SVA-Center Acoustic Meatus (CAM), C7/Sacrofemoral Distance (SFD) ratio. Inclination parameters were: C7-Vertical Tilt (VT), T1-VT and T9-VT, Odontoid-Hip Axis (OD-HA), OD-CAM. Pelvic compensation parameters were: T1-Pelvic Angle (TPA), Global Tilt (GT), Spino-Sacral Angle (SSA). Global sagittal alignment (GSA) was considered among formulae. The distribution of parameters was analyzed using a Bayesian inference. Correlations with spinopelvic parameters were investigated.

Results:

SVA-C7, SVA-C2, SVA-CAM were larger in males and high PI, and increased significantly after 50 years (Pr>0.9999). C7/SFD decreased during growth and was larger in low PI (Pr=0.951). There was no correlation with spinopelvic parameters. Age-related variations of inclination parameters were nonsignificant. T1-VT and T9-VT increased with PI and were significantly larger in high PI (Pr>0.95). C7-VT was significantly larger in low PI (Pr>0.9999). OD-HA and OD-CAM were constant and increased after 80 years. TPA and GT increased with PI (Pr>0.9999) and age after 35 years (Pr>0.9999). SSA decreased nonsignificantly after 50 years. TPA correlated with PI (ρ=0.6130) and pelvic tilt (PT) (ρ=0.8375). GT correlated with PI (ρ=0.5961) and PT (ρ=0.8996). SSA correlated with sacral slope (ρ=0.9026). GSA was larger in high PI (Pr>0.9999) and increased after 35 years (Pr>0.9999). GSA correlated with PT (ρ=0.7732).

Conclusion:

Translation parameters increase with age, more prominently in males and high PI. Variations of inclination parameters are smaller. Pelvic compensation parameters and GSA increase with age and are closely related to PT and spinopelvic morphology.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Retrograde Intramedullary Antibiotic Impregnated Cement Nailing for Treatment of Infected Primary Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis
Authors: Agarwal Abhinav , Singh Neha , Andrews Nicholas A. , Young Sean , Scott Christine S. , Jacob Roshan A. , Littlefield Zachary , Shah Ashish
Published: April 2022

The management of infected primary tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is a daunting task for foot and ankle surgeons. For the last 2 decades, antibiotic bone cement nails have become a method to treat intramedullary infections, such as those seen in infected TTCA, as they provide the dual benefits of eluting high amounts of antibiotics into medullary canal while providing some stability to the bone. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this salvage technique in treating infected primary TTCA. Because of the lack of commercially available antibiotic impregnated nails for this procedure, there is significant variation in techniques utilized. In addition, the rarity of these cases can make execution of this technique difficult and time consuming. To date there is no comprehensive technique guide for this procedure. We present a detailed photographic record and technical details of a modified technique for employing an antibiotic spacer nail for a 64-year-old female patient undergoing revision TTCA. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative clinical course with no evidence of wound infection. Her osteomyelitis subsequently resolved, and she was able to ambulate with minimal pain with a Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker. Surgeons can utilize the technical pearls presented herein to help reduce the amount of time spent in the operating room performing these clinically challenging revisions.

Level of Evidence:Diagnostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A Flexible Statistical Framework for Estimating Excess Mortality
Authors: Acosta Rolando J. , Irizarry Rafael A.
Published: April 2022

Quantifying the impact of natural disasters or epidemics is critical for guiding policy decisions and interventions. When the effects of an event are long-lasting and difficult to detect in the short term, the accumulated effects can be devastating. Mortality is one of the most reliably measured health outcomes, partly due to its unambiguous definition. As a result, excess mortality estimates are an increasingly effective approach for quantifying the effect of an event. However, the fact that indirect effects are often characterized by small, but enduring, increases in mortality rates present a statistical challenge. This is compounded by sources of variability introduced by demographic changes, secular trends, seasonal and day of the week effects, and natural variation. Here, we present a model that accounts for these sources of variability and characterizes concerning increases in mortality rates with smooth functions of time that provide statistical power. The model permits discontinuities in the smooth functions to model sudden increases due to direct effects. We implement a flexible estimation approach that permits both surveillance of concerning increases in mortality rates and careful characterization of the effect of a past event. We demonstrate our tools’ utility by estimating excess mortality after hurricanes in the United States and Puerto Rico. We use Hurricane Maria as a case study to show appealing properties that are unique to our method compared with current approaches. Finally, we show the flexibility of our approach by detecting and quantifying the 2014 Chikungunya outbreak in Puerto Rico and the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. We make our tools available through the excessmort R package available from https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/excessmort/.
Results of different therapeutic strategies for left ventricular aneurysm with mitral regurgitation
Authors: Ma Hao , Zhang Shicheng , Chen Liangcai , Nan Yifeng , Tiemuerniyazi Xieraili , Huang Siyuan , Zhao Dong , Feng Wei
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aims to compare the midterm outcomes of left ventricular reconstruction (LVR) added to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with those of CABG alone in patients with left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) and mild or moderate mitral regurgitation (MR). We also assessed the impact of LVR on the degree of MR.

Methods

A total of 130 patients (77 who underwent CABG plus LVR and 53 who underwent CABG alone) with concomitant mild or moderate MR were included in the study population. All-cause mortality was considered the primary endpoint. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and subsequent mitral valve surgery, were considered secondary endpoints. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to evaluate event-free survival. MR was graded 0 to 4+ by echocardiogram.

Results

The median follow-up time among all patients was 22 months. There was a significant difference between the CABG plus LVR and CABG alone groups with regard to all-cause mortality (P = 0.019). However, the statistical difference was not observed in cardiogenic mortality (P = 0.186) and MACCEs (P = 0.107). In the grade of MR, the two groups both resulted in the decreased grade of MR, but the CABG plus LVR group had a significant number of patients improving to 0 or 1+ (P = 0.030).

Conclusion

The clinical outcomes of CABG alone are comparable with those of CABG plus LVR in patients with LVA and mild or moderate MR. However, CABG+LVR demonstrated greater reduction in MR severity after surgery than CABG alone.