bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Neglected Displaced Fractures of the Distal Femoral Physis
Authors: Diallo Malick , Soulama Massadiami , Sidibé Adama , Ouédraogo Souleymane , Dakouré Patrick Wendpouiré Hamed
Published: March 2021

Background:

We performed open osteoclasis, soft-tissue release, and fracture fragment reduction and fixation to treat 10 cases of neglected physeal fractures of the distal aspect of the femur with severe deformity. To our knowledge, no specific surgical procedure for this problem has been reported in the literature.

Description:

The procedure is typically performed through an extensile anterolateral approach. With use of an osteotome, the typically abundant fracture callus is disrupted and partially removed to recreate the original fracture line. Through periosteal dissection, an extensive musculoperiosteal detachment and release is achieved to facilitate fracture reduction while protecting the physis from further injury.

Alternatives:

Knee rehabilitation in closed, nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures
1
.

Open callus osteoclasis in combination with a Z-shaped quadriceps tenoplasty, reduction, and plaster cast immobilization
2
.

Open subperiosteal osteoclasis, reduction, and tibial traction
3
.

Open callus osteoclasis, reduction, and condylar plating
4
.

Sequestrectomy with preservation of a periosteal sleeve to treat osteomyelitis complicating an open fracture
1
.

Transfemoral amputation to treat gas gangrene or vascular injury following severe open injury
1,5–7
.

Rationale:

This procedure was developed in remote medical facilities where patients are often first seen >21 days after the original injury. By that time, closed reduction or standard open reduction and internal fixation techniques are no longer possible. After 6 months of fracture age, the procedure is inefficient.

Expected Outcomes:

This procedure allows correction of limb malalignment and shortening while preserving the growth plate
1
.

Important Tips:

In some cases, hypertrophic fracture callus might be mistaken for the femoral diaphysis.

An extensive musculoperiosteal release will facilitate reduction of the fracture fragments.

The adequacy of reduction must be assessed in all 3 planes intraoperatively.
The Subtle Art: Educating the Musician of the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Polisi Joseph W
Published: March 2021

The broad goals of this paper are to discuss the relation of the art of music to our society and our culture, to examine the artist as an individual in today's world, and most importantly, to present some of the personal and artistic conflicts that young musicians may experience during
their formative years. In addition, I will suggest a few general solutions that address the problems inherent in educating the performing musician of the late twentieth century. [In celebration of MPPA's 20 years of publication, we are looking back at some of the notable articles that appeared
in the early issues. This paper was published originally in December 1986 MPPA.]
Trigger Toe in a Ballet Dancer
Authors: Shybut George , Miller Clay
Published: March 2021

ALM is a 36-year-old, white, female ballet teacher who presented with pain and swelling in the right ankle and with flexor weakness in the right great toe. She reports that she has been unable to demonstrate an en pointe position to her class for the past 6 months. She has had pain,
weakness, and catching with flexion of the right great toe for the past year.
Utility of EMG to Quantify Activity Levels in Small Muscles
Authors: Shan Gongbing , Visentin Peter W , Iltis Peter
Published: March 2021

The article EMG Characterization of Embouchure Muscle Activity, by Iltis and Givens, published in the March 2005 issue [MPPA 2005;20(1):25-34], adds significantly to the body of knowledge attempting to relate muscle activity to pathologies that appear to arise from it. In their study
of embouchure dystonia, the authors focused on small/tiny muscles in the face, a goal that challenges the limits of EMG as a reliable tool. In this regard, we would appreciate the authors addressing two concerns that arise from use of a surface EMG technique.
Early Evidence of Cochlear Damage in a Large Sample of Percussionists
Authors: Pride Jodee A , Cunningham David R
Published: March 2021

Percussionists can be exposed to intermittent sound stimuli that exceed 145 dB SPL, although damage may occur to the outer hair cells at levels of 120 dB SPL. The present study measured distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in a group of 86 normal-hearing percussionists
and 39 normal-hearing nonpercussionists. Results indicate that normal-hearing percussionists have lower DPOAE amplitudes than normal-hearing nonpercussionists. DPOAE amplitudes were significantly lower at 6000 Hz in both the left and right ears for percussionists. Percussionists also more
frequently had absent DPOAEs, with the greatest differences occurring at 6000 Hz (absent DPOAEs in 25% of percussionists vs 10% of nonpercussionists). When all frequencies are considered as a group, 33% of the percussionists had an absent DPOAE in either ear at some frequency, compared to
only 23% of the nonpercussionists. Otoacoustic emissions are more sensitive to outer hair cell damage than pure-tone threshold measurements and can serve as an important measurement of sensory loss (i.e., outer hair cell damage) in musicians before the person perceives the hearing loss. DPOAE
monitoring for musicians, along with appropriate education and intervention, might help prevent or minimize music-induced hearing loss.
Slow-Down Exercise for the Treatment of Focal Hand Dystonia in Pianists
Authors: Sakai Naotaka
Published: March 2021

Twenty professional pianists (10 males, 10 females; average age, 30.0 yrs) with focal hand dystonia were treated through slow-down exercise (SDE) therapy with successful results. SDE consisted of 5 steps: (1) The patients chose the musical piece which causes a dystonic hand movement.
(2) Patients reduced the performance speed until the dystonic hand movement disappeared, and they recorded the slowed speed with a metronome. (3) At the slowed rate, patients repeatedly rehearsed the musical piece for 0.5 hr/day for 2 weeks. Other than the SDE, they were allowed to practice
playing the piano freely. (4) After 2 weeks, patients attempted to increase their speed from 10% to 20%. If symptoms did not appear under the increased movement speed, patients proceeded to increase the speed of practice for an additional 2 weeks. If the dystonic motion appeared under the
increased speed, patients returned to the slower speed of movement. (5) After 2 weeks, Step 4 was repeated and the performance speed was gradually increased. The performance speed was decreased by an average of 12.4 % of normal. Clinical results evaluated by the Arm Dystonia Disability Scale
(ADDS) indicated that prior to performing the SDE, 4 subjects experienced moderate difficulty (ADDS = 2) and 16 subjects had marked difficulty (ADDS = 3). However, after SDE therapy, symptoms improved to normal (ADDS = 0) in 12 subjects and to mild (ADDS = 1) in 8 subjects. Clinical results
evaluated by the Tubiana and Chamagne Score (TCS) showed significant (p < 0.05) improvement from 2.2 ± 0.41 to 4.6 ± 0.50.
Work and Injuries in Dancers: Survey of a Professional Dance Company in Brazil
Authors: Scialom Melina , Gonçalves Aguinaldo , Padovani Carlos Roberto
Published: March 2021

This study examined the daily life and most important physical injuries suffered and reported by the dancers of a professional (contemporary) dance company in São Paulo, Brazil. Through an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective procedure using a questionnaire that collected
qualitative and quantitative data, we were able to gather information on 30 dancers who collaborated with the survey. We determined that the injuries considered as most important by dancers were those that prevented dance activity during some months. These injuries occurred mainly during rehearsals
(which is the activity occupying the most time on the schedule). Articular injuries were the most frequent and mainly involved the knee and ankle. They were related to classical technique, in which most of the company’s artists started their dance careers. Medical care usually was sought
within 1 day, and the prescribed treatment resolved the problem, but the injury cause was not identified in all cases.
Effects of Pianism Retraining on Three Pianists with Focal Dystonia
Authors: Lisle Rae de , Speedy Dale B , Thompson John M D , Maurice Donald G
Published: March 2021

Focal dystonia is a debilitating movement disorder that occurs from many repetitions of a specific task. It typically manifests in involuntary muscle contractions and, in pianists, causes an incoordination between fingers, making it impossible to play at concert level. Prognosis is
poor, and most sufferers are forced to abandon their careers. The aim of this research was to ascertain whether pianism retraining would enable pianists affected by focal hand dystonia to play again. Three pianists with focal hand dystonia participated in a retraining programme based on a
biomechanically sound way of playing with minimal tension. Quality of scales and repertoire were assessed before and after pianism retraining by several rating systems, which included assessment by a listener blinded as to which hand was dystonic and whether the playing was pre- or post-retraining.
Scale quality improved with retraining (p < 0.0001) in all three pianists, with improvement in both hands but greater improvement in the dystonic hand. Although there was no change in the blinded listener's ability to identify the nondystonic hand from pre-retraining to post-retraining,
they could correctly identify the dystonic hand 79% of the time pre-retraining, but this decreased to 28% post-retraining. The test repertoire evaluation and the visual evaluation rating were shown to improve significantly by 1.0 and 1.3 points, respectively (on a five-point rating system),
from pre-retraining to post-retraining (p < 0.0001). Our data show that pianism retraining can improve the symptoms of focal dystonia in pianists.
Exploratory Investigation of South Indian Techniques and Neurolinguistic Programming as Methods of Reducing Stage Fright in Actors
Authors: Valentine Elizabeth R , Meyer-Dinkgräfe Daniel , Acs Veronika , Wasley David
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the potential of techniques drawn from 1) the South Indian traditions of Siddha yoga, Kuttiyattam>, and the martial arts and 2) neurolinguistic programming to reduce performance anxiety in professional actors. Fourteen actors,
with an average of 5 years professional experience, for whom stage fright was a serious problem, were assigned (randomly with a motivational constraint) to a 4- day workshop in either South Indian techniques or neurolinguistic programming. The actors performed a short monologue before and
after the workshop. A variety of physiological, behavioural, and self-report measures were taken on each occasion. Both physiological and self-report measures indicated that training in either South Indian techniques or neurolinguistic programming may have beneficial effects in reducing performance
anxiety in actors. Overall, the results favoured the former as having more potential as a therapeutic technique.
Musical Instrument Ergonomics
Authors: Manchester Ralph A
Published: March 2021

David Nabb's interview of Maarten Visser on page 159 of this issue and Brenda Wristen's article on the 7/8ths keyboard from the March issue are two recent examples of articles on musical instrument ergonomics. Ergonomics, literally the study of work, is defined as "the applied
science of equipment design intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort." When I was an undergraduate student at Tufts University in the 1970s, my engineering roommate studied "human factors engineering" (but never applied it to music, as far
as I know). In 2006, a Google search for "ergonomic musical instruments" yields over 1 million websites; a search for "musical instruments" yields 16 million websites.
Epistemology and the Performing Arts
Authors: Manchester Ralph A
Published: March 2021

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, its presuppositions and foundations, and its extent and validity. It is as relevant to performing arts medicine as it is to any other area of human inquiry, and the article by Wu in this issue is a new brick
in the foundation of what we know about risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in musicians. In this editorial I will attempt to put Dr. Wu's systematic review of the literature on this subject in context. Readers should be aware that I was a coauthor of one of the articles reviewed by
Wu and the author of others that apparently did not “make the cut.”
Hand and Upper Extremity Problems in Wind Instrument Players in Military Bands
Authors: Nemoto Koichi , Arino Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

This study examined the medical problems, especially of the hand and upper extremity, observed in wind instrument players from the military bands of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The bands included 235 wind instrument players (184 men, 51 women), whose ages ranged from 18 to 57 yrs
(average, 35 yrs). The length of their careers ranged from 6 to 41 yrs (average, 21 yrs). Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to the subjects for the health check. Results: From 235 wind instrument players, 71 (30% of the total players, 27% of the male players, and 41% of
the female players) had hand and upper extremity problems. No relationship between the problem and the age or length of career was observed. The most common complaints were pain (49%), stiffness (19%), and numbness (7%). The upper extremities accounted for 52% of the affected sites and included
the shoulder (6%), elbow (11%), forearm (4%), wrist (31%) and digit (47%). Musicians who played the flute, oboe, or clarinet were most commonly affected. The right thumb pain of clarinet and oboe players and right wrist pain of French horn players were characteristic symptoms of these instruments.
Conclusion: Physicians, musicians, and administrators should be conscious of the potential for musicians to develop a wide array of physical problems directly related to the repeated use of their musical instruments.
Solutions to Two Difficult Surgical Problems in Musicians: Modified Surgical Techniques for Basal Thumb Arthritis and Trigger Finger
Authors: Ragoowansi R , Winspur I
Published: March 2021

Basal thumb joint arthritis and trigger finger are problems encountered in musicians. Routine surgical procedures to treat these disorders in the general population yield predictable results with good functional outcome. However, in piano players, routine arthroplasty of the thumb carpometacarpal
(CMC) joint cannot meet the specific demands of full opposition/rotation and extension/span. In guitar players and string players, standard release of the A1 pulley for trigger finger can compromise fine distal control of the fingertip in extreme flexion. In this paper, we describe modifications
of these procedures tailored to meet the functional demands of pianists, violinists, and guitarists.
The Relationship Between Performance Anxiety and Flow
Authors: Kirchner Joann Marie , Bloom Arvid J , Skutnick-Henley Paula
Published: March 2021

This study examined the relationship between performance anxiety and flow proneness. Ninety undergraduate music majors (52 females, 38 males) recruited from a major research university volunteered to participate. The data collection instrument consisted of two previously established
inventories: the Performance Anxiety Inventory and the Music in Flow Inventory. As predicted, the data showed flow proneness to be significantly and negatively correlated with performance anxiety (r = −0.20, p = 0.034, one-tailed test). The data also supported a prediction
that the ability to play/sing without destructive self-criticism would be negatively related to performance anxiety (r = −0.39, p < 0.001, one-tailed). The results suggest that both musical performance anxiety and a flow state of consciousness can exist simultaneously.
It appears that creating performance conditions that foster flow may be a useful strategy for helping to alleviate the intensity of musical performance anxiety.
Body Composition and Ballet Injuries: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Twitchett Emily , Angioi Manuela , Metsios Giorgos S , Koutedakis Yiannis , Wyon Matthew
Published: March 2021

To date, the effects of body composition on injury occurrence and healing times in dancers have received limited scientific attention. The aim of the current study was to determine possible associations between somatotype, percent body fat, and self-reported injury characteristics in
dance students. Forty-two full-time ballet students (11 male, 31 female) from two vocational dance schools volunteered for the study. The Heath-Carter protocol and Siri equation were adopted to calculate somatotype and percent body fat (%BF), respectively. Injury types, together with the time
taken to recover from injury, were assessed using a recall injury questionnaire. Results revealed that the sample was classified as balanced-mesomorph somatotype (endomorphy – mesomorphy – ectomorphy = 3.4±0.9 – 3.9±1.4 – 3.2±1.2). Ectomorphy was
a strong predictor of the number of acute injuries sustained (F1,36 = 5.4, p = 0.026); these parameters also revealed a significant negative correlation (r = –0.37, p = 0.016). Significant negative correlations were observed between the dancers’
total time off due to injury and %BF (r = –0.31, p = 0.048) and between the total time off resulting from acute injury and both %BF (r = –0.32, p = 0.04) and ectomorphy (r = –0.42, p = 0.005). The number of overuse injuries sustained and time off
due to overuse injury also were correlated with mesomorphy (r = –0.38, p = 0.015 and r = –0.33, p = 0.032, respectively). It was concluded that high ectomorphy ratings, low %BF values, and low mesomorphy ratings are linked to injury. More relevant research
is required on dancers from different genres.
Keyboard Span in Old Musical Instruments: Concerning Hand Span and Overuse Problems in Pianists
Authors: Sakai Naotaka
Published: March 2021

The keyboard spans (i.e., octave spans) of old keyboard instruments was compared with those of modern pianos to explore whether the relationship between keyboard span and hand span is a contributory factor in overuse problems among pianists. The distance on the keyboard between the
left side of the C4 key and the right side of the C5 key was measured in 120 old keyboard instruments, including 26 harpsichords, 8 clavichords, 7 spinets, 4 virginals, 75 pianofortes, and 20 square pianos, manufactured from 1559 through 1929. The oldest harpsichords and pianoforte showed
a keyboard span equal to that of the modern piano. In late 18th and early 19th centuries, the span diminished by 3 to 6 mm on average. In the later 19th century, the keyboard span returned to the 188-mm modern size. Unfortunately, almost all famous piano pieces composed in that 100-year period
use a small keyboard, and this fact is compatible with the paradoxical situation that many modern pianists struggle with difficult piano techniques on a modern keyboard, which is broader than the old type that the 18th and 19th-century composers used.
Restoring Wrist Rotation in Injured Pianists and Violinists
Authors: Winspur Ian , Butler Katherine
Published: March 2021

Wrist fractures are common injuries in musicians, and a number of these fractures heal in a mal-united position, interfering with wrist rotation. This can prevent musicians who play keyboard instruments and the smaller string instruments from assuming the required wrist positions. Resection
of the distal ulna (Darrach procedure), while somewhat discredited for the general population, has proved to be the ideal operation for this problem in musicians and has been used successfully on five professional musicians. This procedure, the rationale for its use in musicians, and the important
technical details are discussed.
Occupational Stress and Coping Strategies of Professional Ballet Dancers in Korea
Authors: Noh Young-Eun , Morris Tony , Andersen Mark B
Published: March 2021

Twenty professional ballet dancers from Korea were interviewed to identify the stressors they experience and the coping strategies they use during practice and performance. Inductive content analysis of the data identified four major sources of stress: physical (i.e., physical appearance,
poor physical condition), psychological (i.e., desire, slump, personality), interpersonal (i.e., relationship with a dance director, relationship with other dancers), and situational factors (i.e., performance demands, finances). The results demonstrated that, within physical factors, physical
appearance (e.g., maintaining a particular body type, keeping low body weight) was a preeminent problem. We also found three general dimensions for coping: psychological strategies (i.e., individual cognitive and emotional strategies, avoidance strategies), behavioral strategies (i.e., dysfunctional
behavior, hobby activities, social interaction, dance-related behavior), and physical relaxation. The coping strategies mentioned most frequently were in the behavioral strategies dimension. Identifying sources of stress and coping strategies in dance can provide a basis for intervention programs,
which can help to reduce stress by developing effective coping skills.
Abstracts from the Literature, No. 44
Authors: Dawson William J
Published: March 2021

Installment 42.
Muscular Strength: Applications for Dancers
Authors: Koutedakis Yiannis , Clarke Frances , Wyon Matt , Aways Danielle , Owolabi Emmanuel O
Published: March 2021

Muscle fibers can generally be divided into slow and fast twitch according to their contraction speed. Even though an individual normally has the same ratio of slow/fast muscle fibers throughout his or her body, the lower-limb muscles are predominantly designed to provide the maximum
dynamic output in rapid movements (e.g., jumping). The limited data on dancers' muscle profiles have shown that (ballet) dancers have predominately slow fibers. Muscular strength, together with aerobic and anaerobic capacity, joint mobility and muscle flexibility, and body composition form
the continuum of physical fitness. Strength is defined as the maximum force that a muscle group can generate at a specified velocity; its levels can be affected by several factors. which include age, gender, type of muscle fiber, nutrition, and body temperature. There is no scientific evidence
suggesting that different strength training regimens should be employed for the different styles of dance. However, reduced muscular strength has been associated with greater severity of injury in dancers. Poor aerobic capabilities, high ectomorphy ratings with low percent body fat values,
and the biomechanics of different dance techniques have also been identified as underlying sources of injury in dancers. The most common location for injury in ballet dancers is the foot and the ankle, while in contemporary dancers it is the low back and knee. Little information is available
with respect to other dance styles.
Pathogenic variants identified using whole-exome sequencing in Chinese patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Ye Yutian , Huang Qijun , Chen Lipeng , Liang Chunxian , Zhuang Kaixue , Liu Tao , Yuan Fang , Zhang Xiangxia , Li Jie , Dang Hua , Chen Rongchang , Fu Yingyun , Yue Yongjian
Published: March 2021

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder. The genetic factors contributing to PCD pathogenesis remain elusive for approximately 20–35% of patients with complex and abnormal clinical phenotypes. Our study aimed to identify causative variants of sporadic PCD genes using whole-exome sequencing (WES).
Result

All patients were diagnosed with PCD based on clinical phenotype or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of cilia. WES and bioinformatic analysis were then conducted for patients with PCD. Identified candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of candidate variants was then evaluated using in silico software and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) database. In total, 15 rare variants were identified in five patients with PCD. Five new variants of CCDC40, DNAH1, DNAAF3, and DNAI1 were considered causative variants and included one splicing and three homozygous variants.
Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that patients with PCD carry rare causative variants of multiple genes. Our findings indicated that not only known causative genes but also other functional genes should be considered for heterogeneous genetic disorders.
Performance of initial LI-RADS 2018 treatment response in predicting survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma following TACE: a retrospective, single-center cohort study
Authors: Bartnik Krzysztof , Podgórska Joanna , Rosiak Grzegorz , Korzeniowski Krzysztof , Giziński Jakub , Sajdek Michał , Wróblewski Tadeusz , Zieniewicz Krzysztof , Paweł Nyckowski , Rowiński Olgierd
Published: March 2021

Purpose
Treatment response following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is frequently evaluated with Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Treatment Response (LR-TR) algorithm, but its association with patients outcomes is not supported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to provide such data.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 99 TACE patients with stage A/B hepatocellular carcinoma according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system was performed. Two radiologists assessed LR-TR, while a third radiologist re-assessed divergent results. Overall survival (OS) and time to disease progression (TTP) were the primary endpoints of the study, while the Cox proportional hazard model was used for outcome analyses.
Results
Interobserver agreement was substantial between the two readers with κ = 0.69 (95% CI: 0.58–0.81). The median OS in viable, equivocal and non-viable groups were 27, 27 and 73 months, respectively (p < 0.001). However, after adjustment for confounding factors, there was no significant association between initial viable response and OS (HR 0.98 [95% CI: 0.37–2.63], p = 0.97), while equivocal response remained statistically significant (HR 3.52. [95% CI: 1.27–9.71], p = 0.015). No significant association was noted when viable and equivocal groups were analyzed in aggregate (HR 1.03 [95% CI: 0.4–2.4], p = 0.96). The median TTP did not differ between non-viable and viable groups (23 vs 18 months, respectively; p = 0.98). None of the analyzed predictors was associated with TTP.
Conclusion
Initial LR-TR response was not an independent predictor for OS nor TTP. The preliminary results suggest the necessity for more aggressive management of equivocal patients.
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) based biosensor using MXene as a BRE layer and Magnesium Oxide (MgO) as an Adhesion layer
Authors: SRIVAST AKASH , Prajapati Y.K.
Published: March 2021

In this paper a plasmonic sensor consist of bimetallic layer of Ag and Au, a nono-thin layer of two dimension material MXene and a thin layer of Magnesium oxide (MgO) is proposed to operate in visible region. By using Kretschmann configuration based structure and transfer matrix method, the change in the refractive index of liquid Biosample have been observed at a fixed incident wavelength. By using the distinctive properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene and MgO we have investigated the performance of Surface Plasmon Resoance (SPR) biosensor. Significant performance parameters like Sensitivity, Figure of Merit (FoM) and Detection Accuracy (DA) calculated for different cases to prove the capability of proposed sensing structure. We also compared the sensitivity and sharpness of SPR curve obtained when using conventional adhesion layers like titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta). A detailed investigation is carried out to observe the role of polymer as an adhesion layer and its thickness impact on FoM and resonance angle sharpness. The concept of Long range SPR (LR-SPR) and Short range SPR (SR-SPR) also discussed.
Interspecific Variation in the Timing and Magnitude of Hydraulic Redistribution in a Forest With Distinct Water Sources
Authors: Belovitch Michael , Brantley Steven , Aubrey Doug. P.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Trees regulate water availability among their rooting strata through a nocturnal, passive transference of water known as hydraulic redistribution (HR). This study investigates differences in HR and groundwater use among common canopy species in longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris Mill., Pinaceae) woodlands and explores environmental factors influencing HR.

Methods

HR was estimated by sap flux of lateral roots and main stems of three mature canopy species ( P. palustris , Quercus laevis Walter., Fagaceae and Quercus margarettae Ashe., Fagaceae). We used δ 18 O and δD of xylem water, soil water, and groundwater to determine water source. Finally, we related HR to environmental factors (Temperature, VWC, VPD) to better understand controls of HR dynamics.

Results

Pinus palustris had higher water use than either Quercus species, and also redistributed significantly more water as a nocturnal subsidy. HR fluxes were inversely related with mean daily temperature and independent of shallow soil moisture. Stable isotope mixing models, based on δ 18 O and δD, indicated that all species have access to groundwater, but utilized shallow soil water in differing amounts when available.

Conclusions

In systems with strong water potential gradients among soil strata, any species with access to a groundwater source is likely capable of HR; however, the magnitude of HR varies significantly by species, even among closely related taxa.
Filming movies of attosecond charge migration with high harmonic
spectroscopy
Authors: Lan Pengfei , He Lixin , Sun Siqi , He Yanqing , Wang Bincheng , Wang Pu , Zhu Xiaosong , Li Liang , Cao Wei , Lu Peixiang , Lin Chii-Dong
Published: March 2021

Ultrafast electron migration in molecules is the progenitor of all chemical reactions and biological functions after light-matter interaction [1–4]. Following this ultrafast dynamics, however, has been an enduring endeavor [5, 6]. Recently, it has been shown that high-harmonic spectroscopy (HHS) is able to probe dynamics with attosecond temporal and sub-angstrom spatial resolution [7–10]. Still, real-time visualization of single-molecule dynamics continues to be a great challenge because experimental harmonic spectra are due to the coherent averages of light emission from individual molecules of different alignments. Here, we show that from high harmonics generated with single-color and two-color probe lasers in a pump-probe experiment, the complex amplitude and phase of harmonics from a single ﬁxed-in-space molecule can be reconstructed using modern machine learning (ML) algorithm. From the complex single-molecule dipoles for different harmonics, we construct a series of ﬁlm clips of hole density distributions of the cation at time steps of 50 attoseconds (1 as=10^{−18} s) to make a classical “movie” of electron migration after tunnel ionization of the molecule. Moreover, the angular dependence of molecular charge migration is fully resolved. By examining these clips, we observed that holes do not just “migrate”
along the laser direction, but they may “swirl” around the atom centers. The ML-based HHS proposed here establishes a general reconstruction scheme for studying ultrafast charge migration in molecules, paving a way for further advance in tracing and controlling photochemical reactions by femtosecond lasers.
Geostatistical strategy to build Spatial Coastal-Flooding Models
Authors: Caprario Jakcemara , Azevedo Larissa Thainá Schmitt , Santana Paula Lidia , Wu Fernando Kit , Uda Patrícia Kazue , Finotti Alexandra Rodrigues
Published: March 2021

The intensification of flooding events in urban coastal areas and the management of the extremely vulnerable ecosystems has become a global issue and has been the subject of several studies in recent decades. The combination of statistical modelling techniques and geospatial analysis has gained prominence in integrated management of natural hazards. Combined approach represents a promising strategy to reduce complexity, providing a holistic representation of the system. However, for applying planning and risk management alternatives in urban space of coastal areas, the causal relationships between environmental and anthropogenic factors distribution and the flooding sites have to be well clarified. This article aimed to propose a new strategy to build Spatial Coastal-Flooding Models based on records of flooding points occurred and environmental and anthropogenic characteristics of the area. The strategy was designed to combine simple but robust statistical techniques and relate geospatially data obtained from free and easily accessible online databases. The geostatistical strategy was applied in a coastal city of Brazil, where high environmental vulnerability and constantly flooding are observed. The strategy finds that the relationships between environmental and anthropogenic variables and flooding events are not homogeneous over space. The results indicate that the strategy can be easily replicable and refined through the inclusion of other factors of influence, obtaining good precision in the representation and explanation of the flooding events in coastal areas. In general, the strategy provides information that can support decision-making by government agencies in relation to integrated urban planning and mitigation of flooding risk coastal areas.
Biopolymer Electrolyte Based on Gellan Gum With Magnesium Chloride for Magnesium Battery
Authors: P Buvaneshwari , T Mathavan , S Selvasekarapandian , Krishna M Vengadesh , Naachiyar R Meera , Monisha S
Published: March 2021

Eco-Friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable natural biopolymer electrolyte, Gellan Gum with Magnesium Chloride has been prepared by solution casting technique. The prepared biopolymer electrolyte has been characterized by XRD, FTIR, DSC and AC impedance analysis techniques. XRD study is used to analyze amorphous nature/crystalline nature of the polymer electrolyte. Complex formation between Gellan Gum and magnesium chloride salt has been studied by FTIR technique. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer electrolytes are obtained by DSC measurement. The highest ionic conductivity 2.91×10− 2 Scm− 1 has been obtained for electrolyte of 1.0 g Gellan Gum with 0.5 M.wt% MgCl2 from AC impedance analysis at room temperature. Transference number 0.97 has been obtained by Wagner’s polarization method for high conducting sample. The Mg2+ cationic transport number 0.35 has been found by Evan’s method for high conducting sample. Magnesium ion conducting battery has been constructed using the high conducting polymer electrolyte. Its open circuit voltage 2.39 V and the battery discharge characteristics are studied.
Transcriptome analysis of flower color reveals the correlation between SNP and differential expression genes in Phalaenopsis
Authors: Ding Yu , Yang Ding-Hai , Wang Ma-Yin , Hao Dai-Cheng , Li Wei-Shi , Ling Peng , Xie Shang-Qian
Published: March 2021

Background Phalaenopsis is an important ornamental plant, which occupies an important position in the world flower market and has great economic value due to its rich and diverse flower colors. In order to investigate the flower color formation of Phalaenopsis at transcription level, the flower color formation involved genes were identified from RNA-seq in this study.Results White and purple petals of Phalaenopsis were collected in this study, and results were focused on two aspects: (1) the differential expression genes (DEGs) between white and purple flower color; and (2) association between SNP mutations and DEGs in transcriptome level. Results indicated that a total of 1,175 DEGs were identified, and the up- and down-regulation genes were 718 and 457, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment showed that the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites pathway was key responsible for color formation and twelve crucial genes (C4H, CCoAOMT, F3'H, UA3'5'GT, PAL, 4CL, CCR, CAD, CALDH, bglx, SGTase and E1.11.17) from them involved in the regulation of flower color in Phalaenopsis. Conclusion This study firstly reported that the SNP mutations strongly associated with DEGs in color formation at RNA level, and provides a new insight to further investigate the gene expression and its relationship with genetic variants from RNA-seq data in other species.
Nosocomial sepsis and drug susceptibility pattern among patients admitted to adult intensive care unit of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Dawit Tsega Cherkos , Mengesha Reiye Esayas , Ebrahim Mohamedawel Mohamedniguss , Tequare Mengistu Hagazi , Abraha Hiluf Ebuy
Published: March 2021

Objective: Developing nosocomial sepsis within intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and length of hospital stay. But information is scarce regarding nosocomial sepsis in Northern Ethiopia. Hence, this study aims to determine the prevalence of nosocomial sepsis, associated factors, bacteriological profile, drug susceptibility pattern, and outcome among patients admitted to the adult intensive care unit of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (ACSH).Method: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 278 patients admitted for more than 48 hours to adult ICU of ACSH from October 2016 to October 2017. Data were collected from charts, electronic medical records, and microbiology laboratory data registration book using a checklist. The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression using SPSS 25. Statistical significance was declared at p<0.05.Result: Of all the patients, 60(21.6%) of them acquired nosocomial sepsis. The risk of mortality was about two times higher among those who acquired nosocomial sepsis (RR=2.2; 95% CI of RR=1.3-3.5; p=0.003). The odds of acquiring nosocomial sepsis among those who were on a mechanical ventilator (MV) and stayed more than a week was 5.7 and 9.3 times higher respectively than their corresponding counterparts. Among 48 isolates, Klebsiella was the commonest. The isolated organisms had a broad antibiotic resistance pattern for cephalosporin, penicillin, and methicillin.Conclusion: Mortality due to nosocomial sepsis in adult ICU was higher. Use of MV and longer length of in-hospital stay were significant risk factors for nosocomial sepsis. The isolated organisms were resistant to several antibiotics. Therefore, strict application of infection prevention strategies and appropriate use of antibiotics is so crucial.
Cost-effectiveness and Feasibility of Conditional Economic Incentives and Motivational Interviewing to Improve HIV Health Outcomes of Adolescents Living with HIV in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekwunife Obinna Ikechukwu , Ofomata Chinelo Janefrances , Okafor Charles Ebuka , Anetoh Maureen Ugonwa , Kalu Stephen Okorafor , Ele Prince Udegbunam , Eleje George Uchenna
Published: March 2021

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, there is increasing mortality and morbidity of adolescents due to poor linkage, retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This is a result of limited adolescent-centred service delivery interventions. This cost-effectiveness and feasibility study were piggybacked on a cluster-randomized trial that assessed the impact of an adolescent-centred service delivery intervention. The service delivery intervention examined the impact of an incentive scheme consisting of conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing on the health outcomes of adolescents living with HIV in Nigeria. Method: A cost-effectiveness analysis from the healthcare provider’s perspective was performed to assess the cost per additional patient achieving undetected viral load through the proposed intervention. The cost-effectiveness of the incentive scheme over routine care was estimated using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as cost/patient who achieved an undetectable viral load. A one-way sensitivity analysis examined the effect of the regimen change to Dolutegravir-based combination (which occurred during the trial) on the ICER. An in-depth interview was conducted on the healthcare personnel in the intervention arm to explore the feasibility of implementing the service delivery intervention in HIV treatment hospitals in Nigeria.Result: The ICER of the intervention compared to routine care was US$1,593.2 per additional patient with undetectable viral load. Going by the cost-effectiveness threshold suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, the intervention was very cost-effective as it costs less than one Nigerian GDP/capita of US$2028.2. The effect of regimen change increased the ICER to US$2,094.38. Healthcare professionals reported that patients’ acceptance of the intervention was very high.Conclusion: The conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing were very cost-effective. Patients’ acceptance of the intervention was very high. However, healthcare professionals believed that sustaining the intervention may be difficult unless factors such as government commitment and healthcare provider diligence are duly addressed.Trial registration This trial is registered in the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry through the WHO International Registry Network (https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/: PACTR201806003040425).
The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE-24): Configural, measurement, and structural invariance between nulliparas and multiparas and across two measurement time points
Authors: Hada Ayako , Minatani Mariko , Yamagishi Yukiko , Wakamatsu Mikiyo , Koren Gideon , Kitamura Toshinori
Published: March 2021

Background
The severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) correlates with pregnancy complications. This study aimed to confirm the measurement and structural invariance of the 24-hour Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE-24) regarding parity and observation time among pregnant women during the first trimester.
Methods
Questionnaires including the PUQE-24 and the Health-Related Quality of Life for Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy (NVP-QOL) questionnaire were distributed to pregnant women from 10 to 13 weeks of gestation who were attending antenatal clinics. There were 383 respondents, and of these, 130 responded to the PUQE-24 again one week later.
Results
Confirmatory factor analysis of this single factor model showed good fit with the data: CFI = 1.000. The PUQE-24 factor and NVP-QOL factor were strongly correlated (r = 82). Configural, measurement, and structural invariance of the factor structure of the PUQE items were confirmed between primiparas and multiparas as well as at the test and retest observation occasions.
Conclusion
The findings suggested that using the PUQE-24 among pregnant women in the first trimester was robust in its factor structure. The PUQE-24 may be a promising tool as an easy and robust measure of the severity of nausea and vomiting among pregnant women.
Nano-SiO2/DBN: An efficacious and reusable catalyst for one-pot synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives
Authors: Mehravar Maryam , Mirjalili Bi Bi Fatemeh , Babaei Elaheh , Bamoniri Abdolhamid
Published: March 2021

Background: The nano-sized particles enhance the exposed surface area of the active part of the catalyst, thereby increasing the contact between precursors and catalyst considerably. In this study, nano-SiO2/1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-en was synthesized, characterized and used as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller plot, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis were used to discern nano- SiO2/1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-en.Results: Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans were synthesized by using nano- SiO2/1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-en via one-pot three-component condensation of malononitrile, aldehydes and dimedone in H2O/EtOH at 60 °C. The results indicate that tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans were synthesized in good to high yields and short reaction times.Conclusions: The fundamental privileges of this method are short reaction time, plain procedure, recyclability of catalyst and high yields of products.
Improvement of eco-efficient self-compacting concrete manufacture by recycling high quantity of waste materials
Authors: HILAL NAHLA Naji , Nyarko Marijana Hadzima
Published: March 2021

Recycling plastic waste to obtain new materials such as concrete or mortar seems to be one of the best solutions for disposing of plastic waste. Second, in the construction industry, due to the increasing costs of landfills and the lack of a natural large aggregate, the increased interest in crushed ceramics is significant. The third type of waste that is dealt with in this article is tea ash because tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world and large amounts of waste are generated. This article attempts to develop the appropriate characteristics of self-compacting concrete by adding the following waste materials: plastic waste, tea waste and collapsed ceramics. In this paper, Fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete with waste materials were investigated. The diameter and time of sediment flow, segregation, L-box ratio, and density of freshly compacted concrete mixtures were measured. Moreover, both 7, 14, and 28-day bending strength and 7 and 28-day bending strength of hardened self-compacting concrete samples were measured. The results proved the possibility of using plastic waste, tea waste and collapsed ceramics in self-compacted concrete, because they do not significantly reduce the hardened and fresh properties of self-compacted concrete.
Fixed-bed Adsorption of Congo red dye and Bisphenol A from solution onto surfactant modified walnut shell
Authors: Dovi Evans , Aryee Aaron Albert , Kani Alexander Nti , Mpatani Farid Mzee , Li Jianjun , Li Zhaohui , Qu Lingbo , Han Runping
Published: March 2021

Wastewater stemming from industries may contain pollutants such as synthetic dyes and endocrine-disrupting chemicals which are known to be harmful to living organisms. Therefore, to safeguard the wellbeing of humankind and environmental safety, it is imperative for industrial effluents to be sanitized before their discharged into water bodies. Furthermore, to explore the utilization of agricultural byproduct is valuable to study. To achieve this, a Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide functionalized Walnut shells (WNS-CTAB) were prepared to remove pollutants in column approach. The column work was carried out for diverse working conditions. There is in favor of adsorption at low influent pollutant concentration, low flow rate or high bed depth. As the highest breakthrough time of 113 and 23 min at flow rate 6 mL min −1 was recorded for both CR and BPA, respectively, the Yan’s kinetic model best described the breakthrough curve. The adsorbent showed better regeneration capabilities; accordingly can offer practical use for adsorption of CR and BPA from wastewaters.