bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of virtual care by infectious disease specialists in Canada: A national survey
Authors: Lam Philip W. , Schwartz Ilan S. , Medford Richard J.
Published: June 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to characterize the type and extent of virtual care use among infectious disease specialists in Canada, with a focus on the clinical factors that influence the decision to provide virtual versus in-person care.

Methods:

Infectious disease physicians practicing in Canada were invited to complete a survey regarding their experiences with virtual care. The survey included 14 vignettes depicting new outpatient and post–hospital-discharge referrals. Participants were asked to select which (if any) virtual care modalities they would feel comfortable using and to specify a reason if they did not feel comfortable providing care virtually. Machine learning and natural language processing techniques were used to identify themes.

Results:

In total, 57 infectious disease physicians completed the survey. Respondents reported devoting 36.5% (SD, 18.4%) of their infectious disease practice to outpatient care, with 44.2% (SD, 23.2%) of it being delivered virtually. Respondents were more comfortable providing virtual care to post–hospital-discharge referrals who had been seen by an infectious disease physician compared to new outpatient referrals. When respondents were not comfortable with using any virtual care modality, the following common themes emerged: the need for physical examination, the importance of establishing a therapeutic relationship, the need for additional in-person tests or diagnostics, and patient counselling.

Conclusion:

This study provides a glimpse into the current state of virtual care use in Canada and some of the major themes that affect decision making for virtual versus in-person care.
Contrasting haemoparasite prevalence in larid species with divergent ecological niches and migration patterns
Authors: Włodarczyk Radosław , Bouwhuis Sandra , Bichet Coraline , Podlaszczuk Patrycja , Chyb Amelia , Indykiewicz Piotr , Dulisz Beata , Betleja Jacek , Janiszewski Tomasz , Minias Piotr
Published: June 2022

Haemoparasites represent a diverse group of vector-borne parasites that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. In birds, haemoparasite infection rates may be associated with various ecological and life history traits, including habitat choice, colony size and migration distance. Here, we molecularly assessed the prevalence of 3 main haemoparasite genera (Plasmodium,HaemoproteusandLeucocytozoon) in 2 bird species with different habitat preferences and migratory behaviour: black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and common terns (Sterna hirundo). We found that gulls showed a much higher prevalence and diversity ofPlasmodiumorHaemoproteus(ca. 60% of individuals infected) than terns (zero prevalence). The prevalence ofLeucocytozoonwas low in both species (<3%). The differences in haemoparasite prevalences may be primarily driven by varying vector encounter rate resulting from different habitat preferences, as black-headed gulls mainly use vector-rich vegetated freshwater habitats, whereas common terns often use vector-poor coastal and brackish habitats. Since common terns migrate further than black-headed gulls, our results did not provide support for an association between haemoparasite prevalence and migratory distance. In gulls, we found a negative association between colony size and infection rates, suggestive of an ideal despotic distribution, and phylogenetic analyses of detected haemoparasite lineages provided evidence for higher host specificity inHaemoproteusthanPlasmodium. Our results suggest that the preference for coastal areas and less vegetated habitats in terns may reduce haemoparasite infection rates compared to other larids, regardless of their migratory distance, emphasizing the role of ecological niches in parasite exposure.
Compositionalism, Nestorianism, and the principle of no co-member parts
Authors: Hill Jonathan
Published: June 2022

Compositionalists hold that God the Son became human by acquiring all the parts that ordinarily compose a human being (his ‘human nature’). To be orthodox, though, they must deny that Christ's human nature is a person, even though it has all the parts that human persons ordinarily have. One way to do this is by appealing to the principle that no member of a natural kind can have another member of the same kind as a proper part. Since Christ is a person, he cannot have another person as a part, so if his human nature is a part of him, it cannot be a person. This principle is defended on the grounds that it can resolve metaphysical problems involving apparently multiple individuals of the same natural kind that share the same space. I argue that this is a weak strategy. First, it leaves unanswered key questions about how and why the principle applies to the incarnation. Second, counter-examples to the principle exist, suggesting that it is not true. Third, there is a better solution to the kinds of metaphysical paradoxes for which this principle is usually invoked, but this solution cannot be applied to the case of Christ. Consequently, compositionalists should not rely on this principle as a means of avoiding Nestorianism.
Which Active Labor Market Policies Work for Male Refugees? Evidence from Germany
Authors: KASRIN ZEIN , TÜBBICKE STEFAN
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we estimate the causal effects of a set of active labor market programs for male unemployed refugees on welfare who entered Germany between, 2013 and September, 2016. Using rich administrative data, we employ covariate balancing propensity scores combined with inverse probability weighting to estimate effects up to 33 months after the start of treatment. Our results show that relatively short-term training in the form of Schemes by Providers and In-Firm Training, as well as longer-term Further Vocational Training programs have a positive impact on both the employment chances as well as labor market earnings of refugees in the medium run. So-called “One Euro Jobs”, a public employment program, does not yield positive effects on employment or earnings. Sensitivity analyses confirm that our results are unlikely to be driven by unobserved confounding.
MODEL THEORY OF GALOIS ACTIONS OF TORSION ABELIAN GROUPS
Authors: Beyarslan Özlem , Kowalski Piotr
Published: June 2022

We show that the theory of Galois actions of a torsion Abelian group A is companionable if and only if, for each prime p, the p-primary part of A is either finite or it coincides with the Prüfer p-group. We also provide a model-theoretic description of the model companions we obtain.
An Efficient and Stable High‐Resolution Seismic Imaging Method: Point‐Spread Function Deconvolution
Authors: Yang Jidong , Huang Jianping , Zhu Hejun , McMechan George , Li Zhenchun
Published: June 2022

By fitting observed data with predicted seismograms, least‐squares migration (LSM) computes a generalized inverse for a subsurface reflectivity model, which can improve image resolution and reduce artifacts caused by incomplete acquisition. However, the large computational cost of LSM required for simulations and migrations limits its wide applications for large‐scale imaging problems. Using point‐spread function (PSF) deconvolution, we present an efficient and stable high‐resolution imaging method. The PSFs are first computed on a coarse grid using local ray‐based Gaussian beam Born modeling and migration. Then, we interpolate the PSFs onto a fine‐image grid and apply a high‐dimensional Gaussian function to attenuate artifacts far away from the PSF centers. With 2D/3D partition of unity, we decompose the traditional adjoint migration results into local images with the same window size as the PSFs. Then, these local images are deconvolved by the PSFs in the wavenumber domain to reduce the effects of the band‐limited source function and compensate for irregular subsurface illumination. The final assembled image is obtained by applying the inverse of the partitions for the deconvolved local images. Numerical examples for both synthetic and field data demonstrate that the proposed PSF deconvolution can significantly improve image resolution and amplitudes for deep structures, while not being sensitive to velocity errors as the data‐domain LSM.
YAP1 induces invadopodia formation by transcriptionally activating TIAM1 through enhancer in breast cancer
Authors: Shen Jie , Huang Qingwen , Jia Weiyi , Feng Shengjie , Liu Liang , Li Xiaolan , Tao Deding , Xie Daxing
Published: June 2022

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a central component of the Hippo pathway, plays an important role in tumor metastasis; however, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Invadopodia are actin-rich protrusions containing multiple proteases and have been widely reported to promote cell invasiveness by degrading the extracellular matrix. In the present study, we report that YAP1 induces invadopodia formation and promotes tumor metastasis in breast cancer cells. We also identify TIAM1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, as a target of the YAP1–TEAD4 complex. Our results demonstrate that YAP1 could promote TEAD4 binding to the enhancer region of TIAM1, which activates TIAM1 expression, subsequently increasing RAC1 activity and inducing invadopodia formation. These findings reveal the functional role of Hippo signaling in the regulation of invadopodia and provide potential molecular targets for preventing tumor metastasis in breast cancer.
Longitudinal effects of time since injury and age at injury on outcomes of people with spinal cord injury in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Kendall Melissa B. , Amsters Delena , Schuurs Sarita , Borg David N. , Pershouse Kiley , Kuipers Pim
Published: June 2022

Study design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Objectives

To investigate the longitudinal effects of time since injury and age at injury on outcomes of quality of life, physical function, secondary conditions and participation, in people with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting

Community resident people with spinal cord injury in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

A baseline sample of 270 people with SCI was recruited. Telephone surveys on measures of quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref), secondary conditions (Secondary Conditions Surveillance Instrument, subset), physical functioning (Functional Independence Measure motor subscale) and participation (Community Integration Measure) were conducted each year between 2004 and 2008, and again in 2018. Random-effect within-between models were used to determine the effect of time since injury and age at injury on each outcome variable. Inverse probability-of-censoring weights were used to correct for selection bias.

Results

There was an effect of time since injury on secondary conditions, with a one-year change associated with 9% higher odds of having worse Secondary Conditions Surveillance Instrument scores (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval = 1.02, 1.17;p = 0.006). We did not find any evidence of a time since injury effect on quality of life, physical function, or participation. Similarly, we did not find any evidence of an age at injury effect on any outcome variable.

Conclusions

Secondary conditions may increase with longer time since injury among people with SCI, suggesting appropriate formal and informal supports are required to minimise the impact of these emerging health problems as individuals age.
Host genomics of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Redin Claire , Thorball Christian W. , Fellay Jacques
Published: June 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infected a large fraction of humans in the past 2 years. The clinical presentation of acute infection varies greatly between individuals, ranging from asymptomatic or mild to life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia with multi-organ complications. Demographic and comorbid factors explain part of this variability, yet it became clear early in the pandemic that human genetic variation also plays a role in the stark differences observed amongst SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Using tools and approaches successfully developed for human genomic studies in the previous decade, large international collaborations embarked in the exploration of the genetic determinants of multiple outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a special emphasis on disease severity. Genome-wide association studies identified multiple common genetic variants associated with COVID-19 pneumonia, most of which in regions encoding genes with known or suspected immune function. However, the downstream, functional work required to understand the precise causal variants at each locus has only begun. The interrogation of rare genetic variants using targeted, exome, or genome sequencing approaches has shown that defects in genes involved in type I interferon response explain some of the most severe cases. By highlighting genes and pathways involved in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and host-virus interactions, human genomic studies not only revealed novel preventive and therapeutic targets, but also paved the way for more individualized disease management.
Different bimodal neuromodulation settings reduce tinnitus symptoms in a large randomized trial
Authors: Conlon Brendan , Hamilton Caroline , Meade Emma , Leong Sook Ling , O Connor Ciara , Langguth Berthold , Vanneste Sven , Hall Deborah A. , Hughes Stephen , Lim Hubert H.
Published: June 2022

More than 10% of the population suffers from tinnitus, which is a phantom auditory condition that is coded within the brain. A new neuromodulation approach to treat tinnitus has emerged that combines sound with electrical stimulation of somatosensory pathways, supported by multiple animal studies demonstrating that bimodal stimulation can elicit extensive neural plasticity within the auditory brain. More recently, in a large-scale clinical trial, bimodal neuromodulation combining sound and tongue stimulation drove significant reductions in tinnitus symptom severity during the first 6 weeks of treatment, followed by diminishing improvements during the second 6 weeks of treatment. The primary objective of the large-scale randomized and double-blinded study presented in this paper was to determine if background wideband noise as used in the previous clinical trial was necessary for bimodal treatment efficacy. An additional objective was to determine if adjusting the parameter settings after 6 weeks of treatment could overcome treatment habituation effects observed in the previous study. The primary endpoint at 6-weeks involved within-arm and between-arm comparisons for two treatment arms with different bimodal neuromodulation settings based on two widely used and validated outcome instruments, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Tinnitus Functional Index. Both treatment arms exhibited a statistically significant reduction in tinnitus symptoms during the first 6-weeks, which was further reduced significantly during the second 6-weeks by changing the parameter settings (Cohen’s d effect size for full treatment period per arm and outcome measure ranged from − 0.7 to − 1.4). There were no significant differences between arms, in which tongue stimulation combined with only pure tones and without background wideband noise was sufficient to reduce tinnitus symptoms. These therapeutic effects were sustained up to 12 months after the treatment ended. The study included two additional exploratory arms, including one arm that presented only sound stimuli during the first 6 weeks of treatment and bimodal stimulation in the second 6 weeks of treatment. This arm revealed the criticality of combining tongue stimulation with sound for treatment efficacy. Overall, there were no treatment-related serious adverse events and a high compliance rate (83.8%) with 70.3% of participants indicating benefit. The discovery that adjusting stimulation parameters overcomes previously observed treatment habituation can be used to drive greater therapeutic effects and opens up new opportunities for optimizing stimuli and enhancing clinical outcomes for tinnitus patients with bimodal neuromodulation.
Application of gamma irradiation on morphological, biochemical, and molecular aspects of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different seed moisture contents
Authors: Kiani Davood , Borzouei Azam , Ramezanpour Sanaz , Soltanloo Hasan , Saadati Safoora
Published: June 2022

Nuclear technology is currently used as a tool in mutation breeding to improve crops by increasing genetic variation. The ionization of gamma rays produces large amounts of free radicals, simulating stressors in the natural environment. To avoid gamma-ray-induced oxidative stress, plants use antioxidant defense systems. Exposure of plants to irradiation can affect the germination, growth, and production of metabolites. Plants' sensitivity to irradiation depends on genetic and environmental factors such as moisture content. For this purpose, the effects of different gamma irradiation doses [0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 Gray (Gy)] and different seed moisture contents (7, 13, and 19%) on traits such as seed germination, seedling growth, molecular and biochemical alterations in antioxidant enzymes were examined in the current study. Based on the results, the highest seed germination percentage was observed in the interaction effect of seed moisture at 13% with an irradiation dose of 400 Gy (98.89%). Seedling survival percent and seedling length decreased with increasing doses of gamma irradiation at different seed moisture contents. Increasing gamma irradiation doses were reduced root and stem fresh and dry weight, and root and stem length. The highest level of catalase enzyme activity and expression was observed at 200 and 300 Gy irradiation doses at different moisture contents. The peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase gene expression were reduced at all contents of gamma irradiation doses and seed moisture compared to the control. It can be concluded that the dose of 200–300 Gy of gamma irradiation reduced plant growth by 30% in terms of fresh and dry weight and length of plants, as well as enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes. The results of this study could help plant breeders select an appropriate dose rate in wheat for further research.
Mitigation of jet cross-flow induced vibrations using an innovative biomimetic nozzle design inspired by shark gill geometry
Authors: Gad-el-Hak Ibrahim , Mureithi Njuki
Published: June 2022

Shark gill slits enable sharks to eject the water after the oxygen has been removed in ram ventilation. The reduced effect of jet flow from the gill slits gives sharks smooth maneuverability. A biomimetic “shark nozzle” is proposed to improve mixing between the jet flow and surrounding fluid. Jet flow systems are an essential component of many industrial applications. The key characteristic of jet flow is the mixing process that occurs between two fluid streams to allow heat and/or mass transfer between them. Many industrial and propulsion devices that use jet flows need rapid mixing for effective and environmentally friendly operation. Fuel-injection systems, chemical reactors, and heating and air conditioning systems are examples of devices where a mixing process takes place. Recently, jet flow plays an important role in design and operation of specialized nuclear pressurized water reactors (PWRs). The loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) holes and slots machined in the core periphery baffle plates are designed to mitigate the effects of a severe LOCA event. However, in normal operation, the holes are a source of a jet flow that can induced vibrations in the fuel assemblies near the baffle before being mixed with the surrounding fluid. This may cause wear and fretting in fuel rods with their supports. The ultimate solution to prevent the fuel assembly vibrations from LOCA hole jetting in a reactor is enhancing mixing of a jet flow with ambient flow in order to rapidly reduce jet momentum. This work proposes a new shark-inspired nozzle design that exploits the observed high efficiency capacity of shark gill slits. Tests are conducted to evaluate the performance of the new design. The obtained results show that the shark-inspired biomimetic nozzle has a greater effect on the rod bundle vibration, and the critical velocity at which the unstable vibration occurs in the rod bundle is delayed by 20% using the biomimetic nozzle. In addition to delaying instability, a vibration amplitude reduction of 85% was obtained by using the proposed shark-inspired nozzle instead of the circular nozzle.
Acceptance and accessibility to the early phase COVID-19 vaccination among the healthcare workers and hill tribe population in Thailand
Authors: Wongnuch Pilasinee , Mulikaburt Thanatchaporn , Apidechkul Tawatchai , Srichan Peeradone , Tamornpark Ratipark , Udplong Anusorn , Suratana Soontaree , Kitchanapaibul Siwarak
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious emerging disease and an extreme threat to human life. This study aimed to understand the perceptions of hill tribe people living in the border areas of Thailand-Myanmar and health workers regarding the acceptability and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine and health workers’ perceptions of the readiness to implement the vaccination program during the early period of national COVID-19 vaccination. A qualitative method was applied to elicit information from key informants who lived in hill tribe villages and the health professionals who served them. The study was conducted in seven hill tribe villages located along the Thailand-Myanmar borders in Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. The participants were hill tribe villagers aged 20 years and over; public health care professionals working in village health centers who had primary roles in implementing disease prevention and control measures; and public health care professionals working in districts and provincial public health offices who had primary roles in policy development and implementation. A total of 63 participants (26 men and 37 women) from seven hill tribe villages provided information. Three acceptance choices regarding receiving the COVID-19 vaccine were found among the hill tribes: definite acceptance, likely acceptance, and no preference. Two factors related to obtaining access to the new COVID-19 vaccine were found: Thai citizenship and the level of literacy related to the vaccine. There was no process or protocol in place for implementing the new vaccine among health professionals working at the district, subdistrict, or community levels, but the national expanded immunization program (EPI) system was clearly demonstrated to extend throughout the health service chain in Thailand. During the early period of national COVID-19 vaccine implantation in Thailand, not all members of the hill tribes accepted the vaccine; participant acceptance depended on several factors, including a participant’s previous experience with vaccination, whether he or she required more information before making a decision, etc. While acceptance of the vaccine depended on the individual’s background, not everyone had an equal opportunity to access the vaccine. The new COVID-19 vaccine should be available at the village level, including in hill tribe villages, to reduce the systemic threat to the country.
Effect of nickel-coated carbon nanotubes on the preparation and wear resistance of microarc oxidation ceramic coating on ZL109 aluminum alloy
Authors: Liu Jiang , Zhu Xinhe , Ma Dengqing , Fu Jingguo , Xue Wenbin , Zhang Fan , Ma Chunsheng
Published: June 2022

In order to adapt to the development of lightweight equipment, and further improve the wear resistance of ZL109 aluminum alloy, the influence of nickel-coated carbon nanotubes as an electrolyte additive on the preparation and wear resistance of microarc oxidation ceramic coatings on ZL109 aluminum alloy surface was investigated. In this work, 0.4 g/L, 0.8 g/L, 1.2 g/L, 1.6 g/L, and 2 g/L nickel-coated carbon nanotubes were added to the electrolyte respectively. The microarc oxidation ceramic coatings were prepared under bipolar pulse constant pressure mode, which were analyzed from the aspects of morphology, chemical composition, and wear resistance property. The results show that the nickel-coated carbon nanotubes possess a great influence on ceramic coatings. The morphology of ceramic coatings was significantly changed. In this work, the coating prepared by 1.2 g/L nickel-coated carbon nanotubes exhibits excellent wear resistance property.
Paediatric and adult patients from New Caledonia Island admitted to the ICU for community-acquired Panton-Valentine leucocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus infections
Authors: Imauven O. , Colot J. , Couadau E. , Moury P.-H. , Preault A. , Vincent F. , Montravers Philippe
Published: June 2022

Severe infections involving Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus (PVL + Sa) are increasing. This monocentre, retrospective descriptive cohort assessed clinical characteristics and outcome of paediatric and adult patients admitted for community-acquired PVL + Sa infections to the unique intensive care unit (ICU) on New Caledonia Island. Overall, 72 patients (including 23 children) admitted for acute respiratory failure (42%), sepsis/septic shock (21%), and/or postoperative care (32%) were analysed. Most patients had pulmonary (64%), skin/soft tissue (SSTI) (54%) and/or osteoarticular (38%) infections. Multifocal infections (≥ 2 sites) and bacteraemia were reported in 65% and 76% of the patients, respectively. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates were reported in 61% of adult cases versus 30% in children (p < 0.05). Mechanical ventilation, vasoactive support and source control were administered in 53%, 43% and 58% of the patients, respectively. All paediatric patients received adequate empirical antibiotic therapy versus 30/49 adults (p < 0.001). Adequate documented therapy was obtained ≤ 72 h in 70/72 (97%) patients. Death was only reported in adults (n = 10 (14%)), mainly during pulmonary infection (22%), SSTIs (21%) and bacteraemia (24%)). In summary, in ICU patients from New Caledonia Island the clinical presentation of severe community-acquired PVL + Sa infections seems different from Western European observations with high rates of multifocal infections and methicillin-resistant strains.
The evolution of triphenylamine hole transport materials for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Farokhi Afsaneh , Shahroosvand Hashem , Monache Gabriele Delle , Pilkington Melanie , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: June 2022

This review article guides readers to explore new avenues for discovering efficient triphenylamine hole-transporting materials to aid in the future development and advancement of novel hole-transporting materials for the stable performance of perovskite solar cells for their commercial applications.
Charge carrier dynamics and reaction intermediates in heterogeneous photocatalysis by time-resolved spectroscopies
Authors: Ma Jiani , Miao Tina Jingyan , Tang Junwang
Published: June 2022

Time-resolved absorption and IR spectroscopies can explore the charge dynamics and kinetics of heterogeneous photocatalytic systems and elucidate the correlation between materials design, charge carrier behavior, and photocatalytic activity.
An activity-based probe targeting the streptococcal virulence factor C5a peptidase
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Sankarganesh , Steiger Andrea K. , Nelson William C. , Egbert Robert G. , Wright Aaron T.
Published: June 2022

A selective activity-based probe for C5a peptidase profiles pathogenic streptococci.
Efficient and reusable catalysis of benzylic C–H oxidation over layered [Co5(OH)6]4+ derivatives
Authors: Ma Wen , Peng Chengdong , Song Xueling , Zhang Lu , Fei Honghan
Published: June 2022

This study demonstrates the synthesis of 3D coordination polymers containing [Co5(OH)6]4+ layers and atomically thin cobaltate nanosheets by cleavage of CoII–carboxylate bonding, which are efficient and reusable catalysts for benzylic C(sp3)–H oxidation.
Temperature-induced structural transition in an organic–inorganic hybrid layered perovskite (MA)2PbI2−xBrx(SCN)2
Authors: Ohmi Takuya , Miura Tomoaki , Shigematsu Kei , Koegel Alexandra A. , Newell Brian S. , Neilson James R. , Ikoma Tadaaki , Azuma Masaki , Yamamoto Takafumi
Published: June 2022

A temperature-induced structural phase transition is reported in layered hybrid perovskite (MA)2PbI2−xBrx(SCN)2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.2). The observed transition temperature decreases with Br substitution, suggesting a weakening of bonding interaction between the molecular ions.
Electrochemical impedance analysis of the CYFRA 21-1 antigen based on doxorubicin-initiated ROP signal amplification
Authors: Yuan Xianxian , Yang Jing , Wang Xia , Zhang Yawen , Yang Huaixia , Wang Xinling
Published: June 2022

The electrochemical immunoassay based on the Dox–PCL–PEO copolymer has been firstly used in the detection of CYFRA 21-1.
Correction: Non-aqueous organic solution based large-aperture spherical electrowetting liquid lens with wide tunable focal length range
Authors: Xu Jinbo , Zhao Youran , Liu Chao , Wang Qionghua
Published: June 2022

Correction for ‘Non-aqueous organic solution based large-aperture spherical electrowetting liquid lens with wide tunable focal length range’ by Jinbo Xu et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2022, 10, 6778–6793, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TC05823A.
Highly sensitive tryptophan fluorescence probe for detecting rhythmic conformational changes of KaiC in the cyanobacterial circadian clock system
Authors: Mukaiyama Atsushi , Furuike Yoshihiko , Yamashita Eiki , Akiyama Shuji
Published: June 2022

KaiC, a core protein of the cyanobacterial circadian clock, consists of an N-terminal CI domain and a C-terminal CII domain, and assembles into a double-ring hexamer upon binding with ATP. KaiC rhythmically phosphorylates and dephosphorylates its own two adjacent residues Ser431 and Thr432 at the CII domain with a period of ∼24 h through assembly and disassembly with the other clock proteins, KaiA and/or KaiB. In this study, to understand how KaiC alters its conformation as the source of circadian rhythm, we investigated structural changes of an inner-radius side of the CII ring using time-resolved Trp fluorescence spectroscopy. A KaiC mutant harboring a Trp fluorescence probe at a position of 419 exhibited a robust circadian rhythm with little temperature sensitivity in the presence of KaiA and KaiB. Our fluorescence observations show a remarkable environmental change at the inner-radius side of the CII ring during circadian oscillation. Crystallographic analysis revealed that a side chain of Trp at the position of 419 was oriented toward a region undergoing a helix–coil transition, which is considered to be a key event to allosterically regulate the CI ring that plays a crucial role in determining the cycle period. The present study provides a dynamical insight into how KaiC generates circadian oscillation.
Cochlear Implants in Veterans: 10-Year Experience at a Single Referral Center
Authors: O'Brien Colleen A. , Waltzman Susan B. , Chodosh Joshua , Friedmann David R.
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

Severe hearing loss is particularly prevalent among Veterans. In response, the Veterans Affairs (VA) provides hearing aids and cochlear implants as part of their comprehensive hearing loss treatment. The VA's national health care system and integrated electronic health records offer a unique opportunity to examine patterns and outcomes in the management of severe hearing loss.

Method:

We retrospectively reviewed an urban VA center's database for all Veterans who underwent cochlear implantation between 2010 and 2019. We collected preoperative demographic and audiological data including cochlear implant outcomes.

Results:

During the study period, 61 Veterans received a cochlear implant, totaling 70 ears implanted. Median age at implantation was 70.2 years. Over 90% of Veterans reported preoperative hearing aid use, and median preoperative four-frequency pure-tone average and aided word recognition score in the ear to be implanted were 100 dB HL and 7%, respectively. The median onset of severe hearing loss bilaterally was over 4 years prior to cochlear implant evaluation based on available audiometric data. Postoperative word recognition score was negatively correlated with self-reported duration of hearing loss.

Conclusions:

This study provides unique insights into how Veterans with severe hearing loss are managed at one VA center. Compared to data published on cochlear implant recipients in the civilian population, Veterans in this cohort were older and had higher rates of preoperative hearing aid use. Available VA data suggest most Veterans were appropriate candidates for cochlear implant referral years prior to undergoing an evaluation. Reasons for treatment delays in this population remain to be studied.
H−/L∞ UIO‐based actuator and sensor fault diagnosis design in the finite frequency domain for discrete‐time Lipschitz nonlinear systems
Authors: Gao Sheng , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhaowei
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the problem of fault diagnosis observer design in the finite frequency domain for discrete‐time Lipschitz nonlinear systems simultaneously subjected to actuator and sensor faults and unknown input disturbances. An augmented descriptor system is developed by constructing an augmented state consisting of system states and sensor faults. A novel H−/L∞ unknown input observer (UIO) is proposed in the finite frequency domain using the generalized Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov lemma to render the residual sensitive to actuator faults and robust against disturbances, which can achieve a better fault diagnosis result compared with existing observers in the full frequency domain. In the fault diagnosis scheme, a time‐varying threshold is presented based on the L∞ performance index to detect actuator faults, and the sensor fault estimation is simultaneously achieved through an asymptotical estimation of the augmented state. Design conditions for the proposed H−/L∞ UIO are derived and converted into linear matrix inequalities to solve its design matrices together. The effectiveness of the developed H−/L∞ UIO and the fault diagnosis scheme are validated via simulations of an example of a single‐link flexible joint robot.
A low‐cost phased array antenna with axially loaded dielectric laminas
Authors: Wu Jie
Published: June 2022

A low‐cost phased array antenna, consisting of waveguide radiators, dielectric phase shifters and a cooperated feeding network, is proposed and experimentally validated in this paper. The required progressive phases are obtained by controlling the loading depths of dielectric laminas, which are axially inserted into the rectangular channels. The phase difference among channels is determined by the lamina length, the loading depth and the dielectric constant. Theoretically arbitrary phases can be achieved with these design freedoms. A validation prototype of a 1 × 4 array antenna operating around 10 GHz with an element spacing of 0.735λ0 demonstrates a continuous beam steering range of ±23°, which is consistent with theoretical predictions.
Persymmetric subspace detector for distributed target in partially homogeneous environment
Authors: Jian Tao , Xie Zikeng , Wang Haipeng , Liu Yu , He Jia
Published: June 2022

This paper deals with the problem of distributed target detection in partially homogeneous Gaussian clutter whose covariance matrix is unknown but persymmetric. It is assumed that primary data and training data share the same clutter covariance matrix structure but different power levels. The target signal is supposed to lie in a multi‐rank subspace with unknown coordinates. A persymmetric subspace detector is designed based on the generalised likelihood ratio test criteria. It is theoretically demonstrated that the proposed detector possesses constant false alarm rate property with respect to the unknown clutter covariance matrix as well as the power level. Experimental results illustrate the performance advantage of the proposed detector over the existing competitors, especially in training‐limited scenarios.
Autogenous Healing in Ultra-High-Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete: application in two reduced scale water reservoirs
Authors: Caballero-Jorna Marta , Doostkami Hesam , Roig-Flores Marta , Serna Pedro
Published: June 2022

Self-healing is defined as the capacity of a material to repair internal damage without any external intervention. In the case of concrete, this process can be autogenous, which is the natural capacity of the material. Ultra-High-Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) has a high self-healing potential due to its high binder content with a low w/b ratio and its crack pattern with multiple micro cracks. This paper describes two UHPFRC water reservoirs, which were designed to minimise the volume of concrete used. The design is made of ribbed thin walls where shrinkage cracks are likely to happen. The objective of this work is to study the autogenous healing capability of this concrete in these cracks. The two water reservoirs have internal dimensions of 1.30×0.75×0.70 m³ and with 20 mm thickness in the centre of the walls. These walls displayed cracks (w < 100 μm), which were produced just after casting. Both reservoirs were filled with water, showing apparent water leakage. The cracks were monitored for 30 days, analysing pictures taken with an optical microscope. The results show that UHPFRC is able to heal autogenously under the conditions in this work, recovering completely the water tightness required for the water reservoirs.
Data analysis of the long-term residual effect of cathodic protection on reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Cheytani Samir , Lap Ip Chan Sammy
Published: June 2022

The application of impressed current cathodic protection (CP) is a well-established technology for the corrosion protection of reinforced concrete structures situated in marine environments. While the protective benefits of cathodic protection are well known, the lasting effects following the discontinuation of CP current are not entirely understood.

This paper presents research findings on the residual protective effect which is known to occur following long durations of impressed current cathodic protection. The residual effect was replicated in university laboratories using reinforced concrete test blocks and accelerated CP testing methods. The experimental results depicted a clear improvement in the electrochemical state of the reinforcing steel with a shift of 150 to 300 mV to more positive values following CP application.

The research also involved analysis of monitoring data from six in-service cathodic protection systems which were operating in Australia for nearly two decades. The behaviour of the steel potential readings was analysed and the results of the combined research confirmed that the protection provided by cathodic protection systems does not actually cease when the CP current is switched off. Rather, the embedded steel undergoes a significant and sustained shift to more positive values and this phenomenon is documented and discussed in this paper.
Investigating the structural contribution of patch repairs to reinforced concrete elements
Authors: Naraghi Vafa , Jarratt Nicholas , Beushausen Hans
Published: June 2022

The patch repair method is one of the most common approaches used by engineers for repairing reinforced concrete structures that have been damaged. Despite its popularity, the knowledge on material properties pertinent to a durable structural repair is still lacking. Most standards and guidelines on concrete repair currently specify arbitrary limits when it comes to the properties of repair materials. In the case of structural patch repairs, these arbitrary limits have led to the development of high-strength cementitious repair mortars, often marketed as “high-performance”, that are tailored to meet the specifications and not the needs on-site. The paper discussed here forms part of a greater study that aims to increase the understanding of patch repairs and inform existing guidelines on designing structural patch repairs. Three commercially available high strength cement-based repair materials were tested for their strength, elastic modulus, shrinkage, and creep properties. These properties were then used as inputs to an analytical model that was developed to determine the distribution of stress in a repaired element over-time. The results from the analytical model suggest that high strength materials do not structurally contribute in the long term, for patch repaired concrete elements under axial compression.
Influence of cement matrix composition on early age shrinkage properties
Authors: Didulica Katarina , Baričević Ana
Published: June 2022

Early age shrinkage behaviour is an important factor in determining durability properties of cementitious composites. Shrinkage occurs in cement paste, but it can be tested in paste, mortar, and concrete. Differences in results obtained can be due to the mitigation influence of aggregates and other additions, like fibres. In order to better understand the early shrinkage properties on cementitious composites in use it is necessary to determine the influence of cement matrix composition. The use of mineral additives as a replacement for cement has been a practice for many years, which, in addition to improved mechanical properties of composites, also affects the reduction of waste and use of natural resources. Although similar to cement in composition, differences lead to variation in reactions during the hydration and thus to the shrinkage properties at early age. Delayed or accelerated reaction can be seen in temperature and humidity development and in values of shrinkage, autogenous as well as drying. Autogenous shrinkage was performed in accordance with modified HRN EN 12390-16 on prisms and ASTM C1698 on corrugated tube. Tests were performed on the cement paste of a reference mixture with w mixtures with different amounts of mineral additive as a cement replacement.
Influence of cement type on carbonation of cement mortars and concrete mixtures
Authors: Tassos Christos , Sideris Kosmas , Chatzopoulos Alexandros
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of cement type on carbonation. For this reason, mixtures of three different cement mortars and six different concretes have been prepared with three different cements. The cement mortars were produced according to the European Standard EN 196-1. The concrete mixtures belonged in the strength classes C25/30 and C30/37.Accelerated carbonation and natural carbonation measurements on mixtures exposed to open air in northern Greece for 4 years were performed. Service life against carbonation induced corrosion was calculated for all mixtures. It was revealed that the carbonation rate of the concrete mixtures is significantly influenced by the type and the strength category of the cement used. In spite of the fact that all concrete mixtures were produced according to the definitions of the European Standard EN 206, some mixturesdo not fulfill the requirement for 50 years of service life against carbonation induced corrosion if the choice of the cement type is not carefully examined.
Experimental testing of residual strain and displacement development in pretensioned BFRP reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Pavlović Ana , Donchev Ted , Petkova Diana , Hisrattally Casim
Published: June 2022

The utilisation of fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) as reinforcement for concrete elements has attracted attention mainly due to their high tensile strength, light weight and corrosion resistance. Lately, there has been an interest in basalt FRPs as a more economically competitive and environmentally friendly option. Basalt FRP is manufactured from a widely available volcanic rock in a process which does not require any additives, giving it an edge over the currently more popular glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) reinforcement.

Pretensioning of FRP reinforcement with low longitudinal modulus of elasticity, such as GFRP and BFRP has been proposed as an effective solution to the concerns regarding the serviceability performance of flexural elements reinforced with these composite materials. In previous research it has been demonstrated that prestressing even at low levels can significantly reduce deflections and postpone cracking of BFRP reinforced concrete elements.

This research presents an experimental investigation of pretensioned BFRP reinforced concrete tested under quasi-static loading and unloading cycles at 5kN load increments until failure. A comparison with an unprestressed sample is also provided to examine the effectiveness of prestressing at improving the structural performance of the beams. The samples were equipped with internal strain gauges and linear displacement transducers to monitor the development of strains in the reinforcement, deflections and concrete surface strains during testing. Close monitoring of the anchorage zone and the development of cracks was also conducted.

Based on the experimental results it can be concluded that the prestressing of BFRP reinforced beams delays the development of residual strains and residual displacements upon unloading. Furthermore, the increase in the prestress level further reduced the residual strain and displacements.
Cast – in anchor channels used to support curtain wall facades – numerical study of additional anchor reinforcement
Authors: Ciascai Oana , Toader Tudor Panfil , Mircea Călin G.R. , Hegyi Andreea
Published: June 2022

As the architectural trend for ever greater spans for glass framing elements keeps its momentum, we are dealing with larger reaction loads onto the elements connecting these to the concrete slab, respectively onto the anchoring system. Therefore, this numerical study has the scope of researching the use of standard cast-in anchor channels, commonly used to support curtain wall façade systems, that are positioned and cast-in relatively close to the edge of the reinforced concrete slab; as well as researching the evolution of the relationship between the concrete strength, slab thickness, anchorage length, the distances between the anchors, the T-bolt positioning, (lever arm of shear force on t-bolt), and the geometry of the “ski plates”. Whilst many studies have been performed regarding the performance of both the concrete and these fastening systems, there is not sufficient information/classification relating to the influence of the welded “skis “, and as to what the optimal sizes and geometries are, when used in a class of concrete where this is critical. The main conclusion desired to be achieved is to find the optimal reinforcement plate (ski) shape and position for the given concrete and anchorage depth, allowing for a more accurate connection design, and to provide options for the instances where clashes occur.
Surface resistivity for assessing the chloride transport through ultra-high-performance concrete
Authors: Ghafoori Nader , Nasiri Farzan , Hasnat Ariful
Published: June 2022

In this study, surface resistivity of the non-proprietary ultra-high-performance concretes (UHPCs) using traditional aggregates were evaluated. Four plain UHPCs were batched using various cementitious materials at a constant water-to-cementitious materials ratio of 0.21 with an aggregate-to-cementitious materials ratio of 1.20. The 28-day surface-resistivity was measured for a duration of 60 minutes (10 minutes intervals). The influence of testing time on surface resistivity of the studied UHPCs was also examined. The results of this study highlighted that surface resistivity of UHPC could be used with confidence to assess its chloride penetration resistance. The outcome of the study also revealed that the binary blend UHPC containing silica fume, as a partial replacement of Portland cement, displayed the highest surface resistivity, lowest chloride ion penetration, and highest compressive strength amongst the studied UHPCs. Time of testing had a minor effect on surface-resistivity of the studied UHPCs.