bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity measured with an accelerometer in dogs following extracapsular stabilisation to treat cranial cruciate ligament rupture
Authors: Schuster L. A. H. , de Carvalho A. L. , dos Santos E. A. R. , de Oliveira M. P. , Camacho‐Rozo C. A. , Raposo Monteiro E. , Ferreira M. P. , Alievi M. M.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To quantify the physical activity levels in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture before and after lateral fabellar suture stabilisation surgery.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen dogs (mean weight, 12.3±5.1 kg) with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were fitted with an accelerometer for seven consecutive days at four different time points: before surgery (T0), one (T1), three (T3) and six (T6) months after surgery. The total activity and times spent in sedentary activity, light to moderate activity and vigorous activity were recorded by the accelerometer, and preoperative and postoperative data were compared. At all time points, dogs underwent clinical evaluations (lameness score, stifle pain score and thigh circumference) and their owners were asked to respond to questionnaires to subjectively score the physical activity and quality of life of the dogs.

Results

At the four time points, the dogs spent between 21.2 and 21.4 hours on sedentary behaviour, 2.3 and 2.5 hours performing light to moderate activity, and 13 to 15 minutes performing vigorous activity. There was no increase in physical activity variables or decrease in sedentary behaviour over time. Lameness scores, pain score and dogs' quality of life improved significantly during the postoperative period. At T6, 17 (100%) of 17 dogs presented no lameness, 16 (94%) of 17 dogs presented no stifle pain, 16 (94%) of 17 owners rated the quality of life as very good and excellent, and 16 (100%) of 16 owners reported a total return to normal activity levels.

Clinical Significance

The clinical recovery after extracapsular stabilisation of the stifle joint was not associated with a spontaneous increase in physical activity or a decrease in sedentary behaviour.
Contribution of alcohol use in HIV/hepatitis C virus co‐infection to all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality: A collaboration of cohort studies
Authors: Trickey Adam , Ingle Suzanne M. , Boyd Anders , Gill M. John , Grabar Sophie , Jarrin Inma , Obel Niels , Touloumi Giota , Zangerle Robert , Rauch Andri , Rentsch Christopher T. , Satre Derek D. , Silverberg Michael J. , Bonnet Fabrice , Guest Jodie , Burkholder Greer , Crane Heidi , Teira Ramon , Berenguer Juan , Wyen Christoph , Abgrall Sophie , Hessamfar Mojgan , Reiss Peter , d’Arminio Monforte Antonella , McGinnis Kathleen A. , Sterne Jonathan A. C. , Wittkop Linda ,   the Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration
Published: June 2023

Among persons with HIV (PWH), higher alcohol use and having hepatitis C virus (HCV) are separately associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether the association between alcohol use and mortality among PWH is modified by HCV. Data were combined from European and North American cohorts of adult PWH who started antiretroviral therapy (ART). Self‐reported alcohol use data, collected in diverse ways between cohorts, were converted to grams/day. Eligible PWH started ART during 2001–2017 and were followed from ART initiation for mortality. Interactions between the associations of baseline alcohol use (0, 0.1–20.0, >20.0 g/day) and HCV status were assessed using multivariable Cox models. Of 58,769 PWH, 29,711 (51%), 23,974 (41%) and 5084 (9%) self‐reported alcohol use of 0 g/day, 0.1–20.0 g/day, and > 20.0 g/day, respectively, and 4799 (8%) had HCV at baseline. There were 844 deaths in 37,729 person‐years and 2755 deaths in 443,121 person‐years among those with and without HCV, respectively. Among PWH without HCV, adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for mortality were 1.18 (95% CI: 1.08–1.29) for 0.0 g/day and 1.84 (1.62–2.09) for >20.0 g/day compared with 0.1–20.0 g/day. This J‐shaped pattern was absent among those with HCV: aHRs were 1.00 (0.86–1.17) for 0.0 g/day and 1.64 (1.33–2.02) for >20.0 g/day compared with 0.1–20.0 g/day (interaction p < .001). Among PWH without HCV, mortality was higher in both non‐drinkers and heavy drinkers compared with moderate alcohol drinkers. Among those with HCV, mortality was higher in heavy drinkers but not non‐drinkers, potentially due to differing reasons for not drinking (e.g. illness) between those with and without HCV.
Clustering heterogeneous financial networks
Authors: Amini Hamed , Chen Yudong , Minca Andreea , Qian Xin
Published: June 2023

We develop a convex‐optimization clustering algorithm for heterogeneous financial networks, in the presence of arbitrary or even adversarial outliers. In the stochastic block model with heterogeneity parameters, we penalize nodes whose degree exhibit unusual behavior beyond inlier heterogeneity. We prove that under mild conditions, this method achieves exact recovery of the underlying clusters. In absence of any assumption on outliers, they are shown not to hinder the clustering of the inliers. We test the performance of the algorithm on semi‐synthetic heterogenous networks reconstructed to match aggregate data on the Korean financial sector. Our method allows for recovery of sub‐sectors with significantly lower error rates compared to existing algorithms. For overlapping portfolio networks, we uncover a clustering structure supporting diversification effects in investment management.
Evolutionary history of the extinct wolf population from France in the context of global phylogeographic changes throughout the Holocene
Authors: Doan Karolina , Schnitzler Annik , Preston Francesca , Griggo Christophe , Lang Gérard , Belhaoues Fabien , Blaise Emilie , Crégut‐Bonnoure Evelyne , Frère Stéphane , Foucras Sylvain , Gardeisen Armelle , Laurent Alain , Müller Werner , Picavet Regis , Puissant Stéphane , Yvinec Jean‐Hervé , Pilot Małgorzata
Published: June 2023

Phylogeographic patterns in large mammals result from natural environmental factors and anthropogenic effects, which in some cases include domestication. The grey wolf was once widely distributed across the Holarctic, but experienced phylogeographic shifts and demographic declines during the Holocene. In the 19th–20th centuries, the species became extirpated from large parts of Europe due to direct extermination and habitat loss. We reconstructed the evolutionary history of the extinct Western European wolves based on the mitogenomic composition of 78 samples from France (Neolithic‐20th century) in the context of other populations of wolves and dogs worldwide. We found a close genetic similarity of French wolves from ancient, medieval and recent populations, which suggests the long‐term continuity of maternal lineages. MtDNA haplotypes of the French wolves showed large diversity and fell into two main haplogroups of modern Holarctic wolves. Our worldwide phylogeographic analysis indicated that haplogroup W1, which includes wolves from Eurasia and North America, originated in Northern Siberia. Haplogroup W2, which includes only European wolves, originated in Europe ~35 kya and its frequency was reduced during the Holocene due to an expansion of haplogroup W1 from the east. Moreover, we found that dog haplogroup D, currently restricted to Europe and the Middle East, was nested within the wolf haplogroup W2. This suggests European origin of haplogroup D, probably as a result of an ancient introgression from European wolves. Our results highlight the dynamic evolutionary history of European wolves during the Holocene, with a partial lineage replacement and introgressive hybridization with local dog populations.
A scoping review exploring the impact and negotiation of hierarchy in healthcare organisations
Authors: Essex Ryan , Kennedy Jack , Miller Denise , Jameson Jill
Published: June 2023

Healthcare organisations are hierarchical; almost all are organised around the ranking of individuals by authority or status, whether this be based on profession, expertise, gender or ethnicity. Hierarchy is important for several reasons; it shapes the delivery of care, what is prioritised and who receives care. It also has an impact on healthcare workers and how they work and communicate together in organisations. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore the qualitative evidence related to hierarchy in healthcare organisations defined broadly, to address gaps in macro‐level healthcare organisational research, specifically focusing on the (1) impact of hierarchy for healthcare workers and (2) how hierarchy is negotiated, sustained and challenged in healthcare organisations. After a search and screening, 32 papers were included in this review. The findings of this review detail the wide‐reaching impacts that hierarchy has on healthcare delivery and health workers. The majority of studies spoke to hierarchy's impact on speaking up, that is, how it shaped communication between staff with differential status: not only what was said, but how it had an impact on what was acceptable to say, by whom and at what time. Hierarchy was also noted to have substantial personal costs, impacting on the well‐being of those in less powerful positions. These findings also provide insight into the complex ways in which hierarchy was negotiated, challenged and reproduced. Studies not only detailed the way in which hierarchy was navigated day to day but also spoke to the reasons as to why hierarchy is often entrenched and difficult to shift. A number of studies spoke to the impact that hierarchy had in sustaining gender and ethnic inequalities, maintaining historically discriminatory practices. Importantly, hierarchy should not be reduced to differences between or within the professions in localised contexts but should be considered at a broad organisational level.
Older adults' support from children and loneliness: Roles of social media and partnership status
Authors: Keenoy Jaclyn E. , Ermer Ashley E.
Published: June 2023

The present study examined the association between positive social support from children and loneliness for older adults and whether social media communication with children moderated this association. We additionally considered the role that partnership status plays in these associations. A structural equation modeling (SEM) framework was used to conduct path modeling and multi‐group modeling on a nationally representative sample of 5480 adult respondents aged 55 and over residing in the United States, using data from the Health and Retirement Study. We found a negative association between positive social support from children and loneliness; this association did not differ based on partnership status. The negative association between lower positive social support from children and loneliness was weakened by higher levels of communication with children through social media, but only for widows. This was stronger for widows who communicated with their children via social media at higher levels. The present study shows how social interactions may differ depending on partnership status. Additionally, this study underscores the role of relationship types (children) in social network structure, and how family roles may differ depending upon partnership status.
Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy as bridging therapy for liver transplantation in an infant with an advanced hepatic rhabdoid tumor
Authors: Uesato Yasunori , Ono Shinichiro , Kawamata Futoshi , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kuda Masaaki , Kasahara Mureo , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa
Published: June 2023

Background

Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRTs) are rare, aggressive tumors that mainly affect children and currently lack effective chemotherapeutic regimens. Liver MRTs are particularly challenging to manage due to the difficulty of performing one‐stage liver resection, and preemptive liver transplantation is associated with high recurrence rates. However, the associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) technique offers a promising surgical approach for advanced‐stage liver tumors where conventional liver resection is not feasible.

Case Report

A patient with a large liver rhabdoid tumor that had invaded the three main hepatic veins underwent four courses of cisplatin‐pirarubicin chemotherapy. ALPPS was performed due to insufficient residual liver capacity, with hepatic parenchymal dissection between the anterior and posterior liver zones in the first stage of surgery. After confirming adequate remaining liver volume, the liver was resected except for S1 and S6 on postoperative day 14. LDLT was performed 7 months after ALPPS due to the gradual deterioration of liver function caused by chemotherapy. The patient was recurrence‐free 22 and 15 months after ALPPS and LDLT, respectively.

Conclusions

The ALPPS technique is a curative option for advanced‐stage liver tumors that cannot be managed with conventional liver resection. In this case, ALPPS was used successfully to manage a large liver rhabdoid tumor. Then, liver transplantation was performed after chemotherapy. The ALPPS technique should be considered a potential treatment strategy for patients with advanced‐stage liver tumors, particularly those who can undergo liver transplantation.
Seed coat composition in black and white soybean seeds with differential water permeability
Authors: Vijayan S. S. , Nagarajappa N. , Ranjitha H. P.
Published: June 2023

The seed coat composition of white (JS 335) and black (Bhatt) soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) having different water permeability was studied.

Phenols, tannins and proteins were measured, as well as trace elements and metabolites in the seed coats.

The seed coat of Bhatt was impermeable and imposed dormancy, while that of JS 335 was permeable and seeds exhibited imbibitional injury. Bhatt seed coats contained comparatively higher concentrations of phenols, tannins, proteins, Fe and Cu than those of JS 335. Metabolites of seed coats of both genotypes contained 164 compounds, among which only 14 were common to both cultivars, while the remaining 79 and 71 compounds were unique to JS 331 and Bhatt, respectively.

Phenols are the main compounds responsible for seed coat impermeability and accumulate in palisade cells of Bhatt, providing impermeability and strength to the seed coat. JS 335 had more cracked seed coats, mainly due to their lower tannin content. Alkanes, esters, carboxylic acids and alcohols were common to both genotypes, while cyclic thiocarbamate (1.07%), monoterpene alcohols (1.07%), nitric esters (1.07%), phenoxazine (1.07%) and sulphoxide (1.07%) compounds were unique to the JS 335 seed coat, while aldehydes (2.35%), amides (1.17%), azoles (1.17%) and sugar moieties (1.17%) were unique to Bhatt seed coats. This study provides a platform for isolation and understanding of each identified compound for its function in seed coat permeability.
Analysis of facial redness by comparing VISIA and YLGTD
Authors: Ma Lei , Huang Xin , Qiu Yuanyuan , He Yu
Published: June 2023

Background

Erythema, characterized by redness of the skin, is a common symptom in various facial skin conditions. Recent advancements in image processing and analysis techniques have led to the development of methods for analyzing and assessing skin texture. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the parameters of “You Look Good Today” (YLGTD) and VISIA in the detection and assessment of facial redness.

Materials and Methods

Thirty female subjects participated in this experiment, undergoing assessments using both YLGTD and VISIA. The subjects were evaluated for facial redness, and the feature count results within the red zone were measured by VISIA. YLGTD analyzed the number and percentage of red zone pixels. The assessments were conducted between [specific dates] in [location].

Results

The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the feature count results within the red zone measured by VISIA and the number of red zone pixels. Similarly, YLGTD exhibited a significant positive correlation with the number and percentage of red zone pixels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our findings suggest a correlation between YLGTD and VISIA in the measurement of facial erythema. YLGTD can serve as a portable device for primary screening assessments, offering a convenient and reliable method to evaluate facial redness. This research contributes to the development of non‐invasive techniques for assessing and monitoring facial skin conditions, providing valuable insights for dermatological diagnosis and cosmetic testing.
Quantification of circulating tumour cells over time in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma
Authors: Wright Tanya F. , Brisson Brigitte A. , Belanger Catherine R. , Tiessen Angela , Sabine Victoria , Skowronski Karolina , Wood Geoffrey A. , Oblak Michelle L. , Mutsaers Anthony J. , Sears William , Bienzle Dorothee
Published: June 2023

Enumeration of circulating tumour cells (CTC) has shown promise for prognostication and guidance of therapeutic decisions in human cancers. The objective of this study was to enumerate CTC over time in dogs with naturally occurring osteosarcoma (OSA), and to determine correlation with patient outcome. Twenty‐six dogs with OSA and no evidence of metastatic disease at the time of amputation were enrolled. Dogs were assessed for lung metastases and CTC prior to and following amputation, and at each chemotherapy visit. Twenty‐one dogs completed the study. Nineteen dogs were euthanized and two were alive and free of metastases. Overall survival time ranged from 88 to 1058 days (median survival time (MST) 374 days). Increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity, advanced age, and higher body weight were significantly associated with lower MST. Dogs with OSA had a mean of 356 (0 to 4443) CTC/106leukocytes. In 12 of 15 dogs that developed radiographic evidence of metastasis, a pre‐metastatic CTC spike was retrospectively detectable on average 36.5 (1–100 days) days prior to metastasis and was associated with significantly shorter MST (301 ± 64 vs. 626 ± 55 days;p = .0107). In a multivariable analysis, dogs with a CTC spike were 10× more likely to die compared with those without. These results suggest that a spike in CTC frequency precedes detection of metastasis in dogs with OSA and is associated with shorter survival. More frequent enumeration of CTC in a larger cohort of dogs with OSA may be warranted.
Humeral intracondylar fissures and intracondylar sclerosis are common CT findings in the limb contralateral to a humeral condylar fracture in French bulldogs and spaniel breeds
Authors: Davenport Amy , Clements Dylan , Dancer Sumari
Published: June 2023

French bulldogs (FBD) are reported to be at an increased risk of developing humeral condylar fractures (HCF). Spaniel breeds have been reported to be at increased risk of HCF due to a high prevalence of humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF), which can predispose to fracture. The aims of this retrospective, single center, observational study were twofold. First, to compare the signalment, fracture configuration, and etiology of populations of FBD and spaniel breeds presenting with HCF at a single hospital. Second, to evaluate the computed tomographic (CT) findings of the contralateral elbow joints of FBD and spaniel breeds presenting with HCF for concomitant pathology. FBDs were overrepresented for HCF, most commonly presenting when skeletally immature, with a median age of 3.7 months. Fractures of the lateral condyle were the most common configuration for both breed groups. Sclerosis at the fracture site was identified in 62% of FBD and 95% of spaniels undergoing CT scans. Humeral intracondylar fissures and intracondylar sclerosis were commonly observed in the contralateral elbows of FBD (44% and 50%, respectively) and spaniel breeds (58% and 95%, respectively). Medial coronoid pathology, elbow incongruency, and periarticular osteophytes were not identified in the contralateral elbows of FBD but were identified in 29%, 4%, and 20% of spaniels, respectively. The high prevalence of HIF in the FBD group may be a predisposing factor for HCF in this breed.
UK‐wide risk factor study of broiler carcases highly contaminated withCampylobacter
Authors: Smith R. P. , Lawes J. , Davies R. H. , Hutchison M. L. , Vidal A. , Gilson D. , Rodgers J.
Published: June 2023

Campylobacteris a major cause of food poisoning and is typically the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the UK. Data collected at broiler farm and abattoir level, for slaughter batches that were sampled for UK‐wide monitoring, were used to generate two epidemiological risk factor models. A total of 483 batches slaughtered between January 2016 and March 2017 were used in the analysis, coming from 19 abattoirs representing more than 85% of UK broiler production. For each selected slaughter batch, one carcase was sampled after primary chilling and 10 randomly sampled birds had caecal samples collected at the evisceration point. Samples were used forCampylobacteridentification and quantification. Two multivariable mixed‐effects models were designed, one with the binary outcome for the detection of a highly contaminated (>1000 colony forming units (CFU)/g)Campylobacter‐positive carcase, whereas the other used theCampylobactercolony count (CFU/g) carcase outcome. The results suggest that caecal colonization within the batch was a key factor for the occurrence ofCampylobacteron carcases, and many factors that were identified in the model were also likely to be related to colonization or related to the risk of introduction ofCampylobacterfrom partial depopulation (referred to as thinning) of ~30% of the flock approximately 1 week before full flock depopulation events. The amount of neck skin in the sample was another key factor identified and was included in both models as a risk factor. The models have also identified other factors which may be related to the general health and husbandry on‐farm (use of prebiotics or vaccines, and identification of the product used for drinking line cleaning), whereas the other factors may identify control points related to transmission within a farm. The identification of these variables could help focus control efforts on‐farm, especially for relatively easy improvements, such as improving the provision of house‐specific bird‐weighing buckets/cages in houses.
Sand fly bionomics, geospatial investigation and risk factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis in district Mardan, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Khurshaid , Qadeer Mehreen
Published: June 2023

The present investigation was designed in response to the 2019 outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in 34 villages of district Mardan, Pakistan. Sand flies were collected to study their bionomics, breeding sites, and seasonal prevalence from July to September 2019. In 2020, we acquired and digitized data on CL patients in the region to assess the possible spread of the disease to new foci. In the study period, a total of 1572 sand flies were collected, comprising 11 species. Phlebotomus sergenti (827, 52.61%) was the most widespread species. The soil pH in all samples was slightly alkaline (7–8.2) and potassium (K) was the richest component (59.4%). In 2020, there were 975 reported cases, which is an increase from 536 cases in 2019. Elevations of 361–588 m, agricultural land near human settlements, and quaternary alluvium formation had maximum CL cases. In univariate analysis, age between 25 and 35, nationality, family size (7–15 individuals), knowledge of leishmaniasis, site of infection, family members suffering from leishmaniasis, knowledge of sand flies, the difference between mosquitoes and sand flies, biting times of sand flies, use of mosquito spray, an Afghan refugee in the region, preachers visiting, and material of house construction have been identified risk of getting CL (p < 0.05). In stepwise multivariate analysis, nationality, vegetation, site of infection, and material of house construction were more prone to CL (p < 0.05). This study highlights the potential risk factors and sand flies associated with the outbreak of CL in Mardan. The high abundance of P. sergenti suggests their possible role as vectors for the transmission of CL in the region. The increase in reported cases in 2020 compared to 2019 suggests a possible spread of the disease to new foci. The study also revealed that certain demographic and environmental factors were significant risk factors for contracting CL in the district.
Measurement and Modeling of Transport Across the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Fan Hanwen , Cai Qi , Qin Zhenpeng
Published: June 2023

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic regulatory barrier at the interface of blood circulation and the brain parenchyma, which plays a critical role in protecting homeostasis in the central nervous system. However, it also significantly impedes drug delivery to the brain. Understanding the transport across BBB and brain distribution will facilitate the prediction of drug delivery efficiency and the development of new therapies. To date, various methods and models have been developed to study drug transport at the BBB interface, including in vivo brain uptake measurement methods, in vitro BBB models, and mathematic brain vascular models. Since the in vitro BBB models have been extensively reviewed elsewhere, we provide a comprehensive summary of the brain transport mechanisms and the currently available in vivo methods and mathematic models in studying the molecule delivery process at the BBB interface. In particular, we reviewed the emerging in vivo imaging techniques in observing drug transport across the BBB. We discussed the advantages and disadvantages associated with each model to serve as a guide for model selection in studying drug transport across the BBB. In summary, we envision future directions to improve the accuracy of mathematical models, establish noninvasive in vivo measurement techniques, and bridge the preclinical studies with clinical translation by taking the altered BBB physiological conditions into consideration. We believe these are critical in guiding new drug development and precise drug administration in brain disease treatment.
Experimental Research on Flow Instability Mechanism of a Highly Loaded Axial Compressor
Authors: Huang Song , Han Ge , Yang Chengwu
Published: June 2023

The performance and stable operating range of compressors are critical for the efficient operation of various turbomachinery systems. To reveal the flow instability mechanism of a high-speed and high-loaded compressor, a systematic experimental study on a 1.5-stage high-loaded compressor was conducted in this paper. First, the aerodynamic design and aerodynamic performance evaluation of the compressor were carried out. At 100% corrected speed, the measured choked flowrate, peak efficiency, and stall margin were 4.59 kg/s, 87.1% and 17.5%, respectively. Second, the flow instability mechanism of the highly loaded compressor at different corrected speeds was clarified through the experiments. At 50% corrected speed, the compressor rotor developed from a spike-wave stall precursor to a rotating stall; at 70% corrected speed, the compressor developed directly from a spike-wave precursor to surge; at 90% corrected speed, the compressor has undergone the process of modal wave precursor, spike-wave precursor, and surge. Further, at 70% and 90% corrected speed, a classic surge occurred with surge frequencies of 11.91 Hz and 9.59 Hz, respectively. Through the analysis of short-time power spectrum maximum amplitude, the warning time for the surge was 6.7 ms and 15.6 ms, respectively. Finally, as the compressor throttles to stall/surge conditions, the degree of fluctuation of the autocorrelation coefficient and cross-correlation coefficient increases.
Simulated Increase in Monoarticular Hip Muscle Strength Reduces the First Peak of Knee Compression Forces During Walking
Authors: Jolas Elisa , Simonsen Morten Bilde , Andersen Michael Skipper
Published: June 2023

Reducing compressive knee contact forces (KCF) during walking could slow the progression and reduce symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. A previous study has shown that compensating for the hip flexion/extension moment could reduce the KCF peak occurring during early stance (KCFp1). Therefore, this study aimed to identify if monoarticular hip muscle could allow this compensation while considering different walking strategies. Gait trials from 24 healthy participants were used to make musculoskeletal models, and five load-cases were examined: (I) Normal, (II) with an applied external moment compensating for 100% of the hip flexion/extension moment, and (III–V) three conditions with isolated/combined 30% increase of peak isometric strength of gluteus medius and maximus. Knee contact forces, hip muscle forces, and joint moments were computed. A cluster analysis of the Normal condition was performed with hip and knee flexion/extension moment during KCFp1 as input to examine the influence of different walking strategies. The cluster analysis revealed two groups having significantly different hip and knee moments in early-stance (p < 0.01). The reduction in KCFp1 from the Normal condition, although present in both groups, was greater for the group with the highest hip and lowest knee flexion/extension moments for all conditions tested (II: –21.82 ± 8.71% versus –6.03 ± 6.68%, III: –3.21 ± 1.09% versus –1.59 ± 0.96%, IV: –3.00 ± 0.89% versus –1.76 ± 1.04%, V: –6.12 ± 1.69 versus –3.09 ± 1.95%). This reduction in KCFp1 occurred through a shift in force developed by the hamstrings during walking (biarticular) to the gluteus medius and maximus (monoarticular), whose isometric strength was increased. The differences between the groups suggest that this reduction depends on the walking strategy.
Combustion and Evaporation of Deformable Fuel Droplets
Authors: Setiya Meha , Palmore Jr. John
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on combustion and evaporation of an isolated freely deforming fuel droplet under convective flow. The droplet shape is modified by varying Weber number at moderate Reynolds numbers. A simplified chemical reaction mechanism is used for combustion modeling. The Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) results show a net positive effect of Weber number on total evaporation rate (m˙) for both pure evaporation and combustion cases. The enhancement in m˙ for higher Weber number reaches up to 9% for combustion. A nonspherical envelope flame is observed which grows with time. The Damköhler number is higher than 1 for this flame type which leads to faster reaction rates in comparison to evaporation. Hence, the combustion process is seen to be unaffected by droplet shape. An additional comparison between 3-D and 2-D combustion results is performed to understand if 2-D studies can reflect the right physical aspects of this problem. It is found that local evaporation flux in 2-D is 42.5% lower due to lower temperature gradients near the droplet surface for the same inflow velocity. The deformation of droplet is significantly different in 2-D which affects the boundary layer development and the wake flow. This is seen to affect the flame shape at the downstream of droplet. Hence, the 2-D simulations do not recover the correct behaviors.
Selection of Electrode Material for Inconel 617/P92 Steel SMAW Dissimilar Welds
Authors: Kumar Amit , Pandey Shailesh Mani , Bhattacharyya Abir , Fydrych Dariusz , Sirohi Sachin , Pandey Chandan
Published: June 2023

The present work aimed to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of the dissimilar shielded metal arc welded (SMAW) joint of Alloy 617 and P92 steel for advanced ultrasupercritical boilers. The SMAW joint was produced using three different types of electrodes, namely, ENiCrFe-3, ENiCrMo-3, and ENiCrCoMo-1. During microstructural observation of the welded joints, no possible cracking was detected in the weldments. The dissimilar metal welds (DMWs) obtained using the ENiCrCoMo-1 electrode showed the maximum tensile strength, while the minimum was obtained for the ENiCrFe-3 electrode. Among all the electrodes, the ENiCrFe-3 electrode exhibited the maximum impact toughness, while the minimum was obtained for ENiCrCoMo-1 electrodes. Based on microstructure and mechanical characterization, the ENiCrFe-3 electrode was selected as the best one among all to produce the DMW of Alloy 617 and P92 steel.
Effect of Niobium on Sintering Process of Gamma Phase Uranium Alloys Fuel Pellets
Authors: Hou Keke , Yan Chao , Wang Peng , Cao Changqing , Lin Jun , Cui Yanguang , Lu Junqiang , Zhu Libing
Published: June 2023

As a candidate material for metallic fuel, U-Mo metal fuel pellets are the most promising. U-Mo and U-Mo-Nb alloy pellets with a certain porosity were successfully prepared by the process of hydrogenation/dehydrogenation—compression molding—argon liquid-phase sintering. In order to study the effect of Nb addition on γ phase uranium alloy fuel pellets, microstructure and thermophysical properties of the samples were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurements. Results showed that with the increase of Nb content in the pellets from the nonadd to micro-adding, Nb can facilitate the diffusion of Mo into the U matrix, resulting in the formation of a metastable γ-U phase. Meanwhile, during the same liquid phase sintering process of U-Mo fuel pellets, with the increase of Nb content, the number of secondary phases in U-Mo fuel pellets gradually decreased, while the size and number of voids of the secondary phases decreased. The specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity of porous γ phase uranium alloys fuel pellets with different density were measured and thermal conductivity from 100 °C to 600 °C were calculated according to the experiment results. It is suggested that the thermal conductivity will increase with the density of pellets increasing.
Study on Performance of New Flexible Shielding Materials and First Demonstration Application in Chinese Pressurized Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Yulong Li , Feng Liu , Xiajie Liu , Li Li , Zheng Kang , Ye He
Published: June 2023

Excessive gamma rays will be emitted when a nuclear power plant is under overhaul, leading to a certain number of hotspots. To meet the shielding requirements of these hotspots, a new type of flexible shielding material with a “sandwich structure” has been developed. The new flexible shielding materials consist of two parts: one is silicone rubber with excellent physical and chemical properties by adding reasonable multicomponent additives as a matrix, and the other is lead powder as a shielding body. This kind of material, with lead powder dispersed uniformly in silicone rubber, was prepared through a mixing process. Based on this, the article has carried on the discussion with the performance of the functional layer of the new flexible shielding materials. The problem of the process stability of ultrafine powder distributed uniformly in a matrix with various densities among different regions has been solved as well. Furthermore, this kind of material has been adopted at the Chinese pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant as the first demonstration project. The site shielding effect has been recognized by the World Association of Nuclear Operators. As a result of this research, it is possible that the design of a radiation shield for a short or long time can be made quickly when a nuclear power plant is running or being overhauled. Meanwhile, this study is of great significance for the popularization and application of shielding materials.
Properties of Schottky barrier diodes on heteroeptixial α-Ga2O3 thin films
Authors: Köpp S. , Petersen C. , Splith D. , Grundmann M. , von Wenckstern H.
Published: June 2023

Schottky barrier diodes on α−Ga2O3:Sn heteroepitaxial thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition on m-plane sapphire substrates are reported. Sets of co-planar diodes were fabricated with different metals and different deposition methods. The current rectification and effective Schottky barrier height of oxidized contacts realized by reactive sputtering significantly exceed the values of non-oxidized contacts realized by thermal evaporation or sputtering in an inert argon atmosphere. The best values obtained are rectification of about eight orders of magnitude (±2 V) and 1.3 eV effective barrier height. The current-voltage characteristics of selected non-oxidized and oxidized platinum diodes have been studied as a function of measurement temperature. The temperature dependence of the effective barrier height and the ideality factor of the diodes were fitted taking into account the lateral potential fluctuations of the barrier potential. The determined mean barrier heights and standard deviations are in the range of 1.76–2.53 and 0.2–0.33 eV, respectively, and are classified with respect to the literature and fulfill a well-established empirical correlation (Lajn’s rule) for a variety of Schottky barrier diodes on different semiconducting materials.
Comparison of BCl3, TiCl4, and SOCl2 chlorinating agents for atomic layer etching of TiO2 and ZrO2 using tungsten hexafluoride
Authors: Saare Holger , Xie Wenyi , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: June 2023

Recent advances in the semiconductor industry have created an exigency for processes that allow to deposit and etch material in conformal matter in three-dimensional devices. While conformal deposition is achieved using atomic layer deposition (ALD), conformal etching can be accomplished by thermal atomic layer etching (ALE) which, like ALD, proceeds via a binary sequence of self-limiting reactions. This study explores ALE of TiO2 and ZrO2 using WF6 as a fluorinating agent, and BCl3, TiCl4, or SOCl2 as a co-reactant. The effect of co-reactant chemistry was studied using atomic force microscopy, in situ ellipsometry, and in vacuo Auger electron spectroscopy measurements along with thermodynamic modeling. All three co-reactants exhibited saturation and etch rates increasing with temperature. At 170 °C, TiO2 can be etched using WF6 with BCl3, TiCl4, or SOCl2, and the etching proceeds at 0.24, 0.18, and 0.20 nm/cycle, respectively. At 325 °C, ZrO2 ALE can occur using these same reactants, proceeding at 0.96, 0.74, and 0.13 nm/cycle, respectively. A higher temperature is needed for ZrO2 ALE versus TiO2 because the ZrCl4 product is less volatile than the corresponding TiCl4. During ZrO2 and TiO2 etching using BCl3 or TiCl4, boron oxide or titanium oxide intermediate layers, respectively, were formed on the surface, and they were subsequently removed by WF6. In contrast, for ALE of TiO2 using SOCl2, a similar intermediate layer is not observed. This study broadens the understanding of co-etchants role during thermal ALE and expands the range of reactants that can be used for vapor etching of metal oxides.
Short-term retention of learning after rapid adaptation to native and non-native speech
Authors: Bieber Rebecca E. , Makashay Matthew J. , Simpson Brian , Sheffield Benjamin M. , Brungart Douglas S.
Published: June 2023

Non-native, accented speech spoken by unfamiliar talkers can be challenging to recognize, but rapid improvements in perception are often observed after a short period of exposure. However, it is not clear whether these improvements are retained over multiple sessions. Stimulus variability facilitates learning for non-native speech, so it is possible it may also induce increased retention of learning for speech produced with an unfamiliar accent. In this paper, we conduct a retrospective analysis of a dataset well suited to examine learning of non-native English speech on both a within-session and across-session basis. During data collection, participants completed a protocol involving recognition of matrix sentences recorded by native and non-native talkers with different first languages. Listeners completed the protocol in a self-paced approach, including 15 blocks of 50 trials over 4–7 days, separated by an average of 1–2 days. Learning was strongest within the first day, and improvements were retained at subsequent test sessions. The pace of learning was faster for stimuli produced by native speakers of English as compared to non-native English speakers.
European Super League Gets a Red Card: 12 Breakaway Clubs
Authors:   Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada, Alsalous Belal , Ensign Prescott ,   Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada
Published: June 2023

On April 18, 2021, 12 of Europe’s elite men’s professional football (soccer) clubs announced they were creating a stand-alone midweek European Super League (ESL). The league would be separate and independent from existing governance bodies controlling the sport worldwide. In addition, the league would exist in a closed competition format where only member clubs played against each other. A total departure from the traditional open competition format of relegation and promotion. However, the ESL clubs also proposed to continue playing in their current national weekend leagues. During the next 72 hr an extraordinary drama played out. Enraged fans, players, and football governance officials were unrelenting in their efforts to kill the ESL. This case examines the contextual background, precipitating factors, and intense counter forces that quickly led to ESL’s demise. The case raises five questions: Were there valid reasons for the clubs to seek a new business model? Were elements in the strategic planning process missing in the decision to launch ESL? Were club owners justified in breaking away to form the ESL? Was the decision to create ESL unethical? and What actions can the clubs take to repair relationships with stakeholders?
Vaccination with a
ZNF2
oe
Strain of Cryptococcus Provides Long-Lasting Protection against Cryptococcosis and Is Effective in Immunocompromised Hosts
Authors: Pham Tuyetnhu , Li Yeqi , Watford Wendy , Lin Xiaorong
Published: June 2023

Systemic cryptococcosis is fatal without treatment. Even with the current antifungal therapies, this disease kills 180,000 of 225,000 infected people annually.
A Selective Culture Medium for Screening Cefiderocol Resistance in
Enterobacterales
, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmad , Bouvier Maxime , Sadek Mustafa , Decousser Jean-Winoc , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice
Published: June 2023

Cefiderocol (FDC) is a siderophore cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of activity against many multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Acquired resistance to FDC has been already reported among Gram-negative isolates, thus highlighting the need for rapid and accurate identification of such resistant pathogens, in order to control their spread.
A Single Oral Immunization with a Replication-Competent Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccine Protects Mice from Influenza Respiratory Infection
Authors: Goffin Emeline , Du Xiang , Hemmi Silvio , Machiels Bénédicte , Gillet Laurent
Published: June 2023

Given the constant threat of pandemics and the need for annual vaccination against influenza and possibly emerging agents such as SARS-CoV-2, new types of vaccines that are easier to administer and therefore more widely accepted are a critical public health need. Here, using a relevant animal model, we have shown that replicative oral AdV vaccine vectors can help make vaccination against major respiratory diseases more available, better accepted, and therefore more effective.
Leveraging the human microbiota to target bacterial respiratory pathogens: new paths toward an expanded antimicrobial armamentarium
Authors: Hurst Jillian H. , Kelly Matthew S.
Published: June 2023

Acute respiratory infections are the most frequent infections across the lifespan and are the leading infectious cause of death among children globally. Bacterial respiratory infections are routinely treated with antibiotics, nearly all of which are derived from microbial natural products. Unfortunately, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are an increasingly frequent cause of respiratory infections, and there are few new antibiotics in development that target these pathogens. In the article by Stubbendieck et al., the authors identified
Rothia
species that demonstrate
in vitro
and
ex vivo
growth inhibition of the respiratory pathobiont
Moraxella catarrhalis
. The authors present experiments suggesting that this activity is mediated at least in part through the secretion of a novel peptidoglycan endopeptidase that targets the
M. catarrhalis
cell wall. In this commentary, we discuss these findings in the context of the urgent threat of antimicrobial resistance and highlight the promise of the human respiratory microbiota as a source of novel biotherapeutics.
Complete and Draft Genome Sequences of 52
Bacillus
and
Priestia
Strains Isolated from West African Fermentations and 26 Reference Strains from a Public Culture Collection
Authors: Wiedenbein Emma Schack , Canoy Tessa Suzanne , Hui Yan , Parkouda Charles , Compaoré Clarisse S. , Ametefe Elmer , Jakobsen Mogens , Jespersen Lene , Nielsen Dennis Sandris
Published: June 2023

The whole genomes of 78
Bacillus
and
Priestia
strains isolated from West African fermented foods (
n
 = 52) or acquired from a public culture collection (
n
 = 26) were sequenced using long-read sequencing and assembled into draft (
n
 = 32) and complete (
n
 = 46) genomes, allowing comparative genomics and taxonomic assignment of these strains with putative uses in fermented foods.
Melanization slows the rapid movement of fungal necromass carbon and nitrogen into both bacterial and fungal decomposer communities and soils
Authors: Maillard François , Michaud Talia J. , See Craig R. , DeLancey Lang C. , Blazewicz Steven J. , Kimbrel Jeffrey A. , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: June 2023

Microbial necromass contributes significantly to both soil carbon (C) persistence and ecosystem nitrogen (N) availability, but quantitative estimates of C and N movement from necromass into soils and decomposer communities are lacking. Additionally, while melanin is known to slow fungal necromass decomposition, how it influences microbial C and N acquisition as well as elemental release into soils remains unclear. Here, we tracked decomposition of isotopically labeled low and high melanin fungal necromass and measured
13
C and
15
N accumulation in surrounding soils and microbial communities over 77 d in a temperate forest in Minnesota, USA. Mass loss was significantly higher from low melanin necromass, corresponding with greater
13
C and
15
N soil inputs. A taxonomically and functionally diverse array of bacteria and fungi was enriched in
13
C and/or
15
N at all sampling points, with enrichment being consistently higher on low melanin necromass and earlier in decomposition. Similar patterns of preferential C and N enrichment of many bacterial and fungal genera early in decomposition suggest that both microbial groups co-contribute to the rapid assimilation of resource-rich soil organic matter inputs. While overall richness of taxa enriched in C was higher than in N for both bacteria and fungi, there was a significant positive relationship between C and N in co-enriched taxa. Collectively, our results demonstrate that melanization acts as a key ecological trait mediating not only fungal necromass decomposition rate but also necromass C and N release and that both elements are rapidly co-utilized by diverse bacterial and fungal decomposers in natural settings.

IMPORTANCE

Recent studies indicate that microbial dead cells, particularly those of fungi, play an important role in long-term carbon persistence in soils. Despite this growing recognition, how the resources within dead fungal cells (also known as fungal necromass) move into decomposer communities and soils are poorly quantified, particularly in studies based in natural environments. In this study, we found that the contribution of fungal necromass to soil carbon and nitrogen availability was slowed by the amount of melanin present in fungal cell walls. Further, despite the overall rapid acquisition of carbon and nitrogen from necromass by a diverse range of both bacteria and fungi, melanization also slowed microbial uptake of both elements. Collectively, our results indicate that melanization acts as a key ecological trait mediating not only fungal necromass decomposition rate, but also necromass carbon and nitrogen release into soil as well as microbial resource acquisition.