bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin biopsies for diagnosing neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease: A retrospective study of 12 cases
Authors: Itamoto Sota , Yanagi Teruki , Yabe Ichiro , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Ujiie Hideyuki
Published: February 2023

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. Skin biopsies taken from the lower leg were reported to be a standard diagnostic procedure for NIID; however, no studies have addressed the optimal skin biopsy locations. We retrospectively analyzed 12 cases in which skin biopsies were performed for diagnosing NIID. We collected clinical information including age, sex, skin biopsy site, the presence of nuclear inclusion bodies, the results of p62 immunostaining, the final diagnosis from the department of neurology, and the presence of abnormal GGC repeats in the NOTCH2NLC gene. Four of the 12 cases had a final diagnosis of NIID. One of the four cases was biopsied from the lower leg, whereas the other three cases were biopsied from the abdomen or thigh. Biopsy specimens of the four definite NIID cases revealed the average rates of nuclear inclusion body‐positive cells in adipocytes, sweat gland cells, and fibroblasts to be 13.2%, 10.3%, and 6.3%, respectively. GGC repeat abnormalities in the NOTCH2NLC gene were observed in two of the four cases. The present study indicates that sites with ample subcutaneous fat tissue could be promising for diagnostic skin biopsies for NIID.
Automating seismic‐well tie via self‐supervised learning
Authors: Di Haibin , Abubakar Aria
Published: February 2023

As an essential process in subsurface interpretation, seismic‐well tie aims at calibrating the well measurements in depth domain with the seismic records in time domain for reliable reservoir mapping and modelling. Such a process usually requires massive manual efforts, primarily extracting source wavelets to synthesize seismograms from well measurements and stretching/squeezing synthetic seismograms to match actual seismic signals, and thus becomes time‐consuming and labour intensive with the amount of wells expanding in a field. This paper formulates the seismic‐well tie problem from the perspective of computer vision and, considering the lack of manually prepared training labels in most of real projects, proposes automating it by a self‐supervised workflow of two key components. The first component is to extract time‐variant wavelets in the target interval using a dual‐task autoencoder, which is optimized by maximizing the spectrum similarity between the extracted wavelet and the actual seismic. The second component is to estimate the corresponding time‐shift between a pair of the synthetic seismogram and the actual seismic using a flow net, which is trained by a pseudo dataset derived from the actual well measurements. More specifically, the data generation consists with defining one‐dimensional time‐shift curves to warp the original less accurate time‐depth relationships and then synthesizing the corresponding seismograms based on the convolutional model at all available wells. When turning to the stage of inference at a target well, the proposed workflow automatically extracts a representative wavelet, generates the corresponding synthetic seismogram from the original time‐depth relationship and estimates the time‐shift curve necessary for revising the original time‐depth relationship that would lead to an optimal tying with the actual seismic at the well. The proposed workflow is tested on two field datasets, and both results demonstrate improved tying over traditional methods such as statistical wavelet extraction and dynamic time warping.
Theological Education in Australia 1964–2020: Intellectual Authority in a Changing Socio‐Political Landscape*
Authors: Treloar Geoffrey R.
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the intellectual authority of theological education in modern Australia by tracing its provision from one set of arrangements (the first settlement) inherited from the nineteenth century to another (the second settlement) in the half century from the mid‐1960s to ca. 2020. The paper investigates what happened when the exclusion of Theology from the public higher education system was reversed by the Martin Report of 1964, with particular reference to the legitimacy and authority of Theology as public knowledge. A survey of the landmark developments in this transformation, the paper is divided into two parts. Relations of the theological education sector with the structures of the regulatory environment of higher education are examined in the first. Developments within the sector itself are considered in the second. It is argued that the confluence of these two streams has transformed the nature and public standing of Australian theological education. Paradoxically this dramatic improvement coincided with decline in the social salience of Christianity itself, a development which posed afresh the question of the legitimacy of theological knowledge in a way that raises the perennial issue of the relation between Christianity and culture.
The geography of Medicare's hospital value‐based purchasing in relation to market demographics
Authors: McLaughlin Colleen C. , Boscoe Francis P.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To illustrate the association between the sociodemographic characteristics of hospital markets and the geographic patterns of Medicare hospital value‐based purchasing (HVBP) scores.

Data Sources and Study Setting

This is a secondary analysis of United States hospitals with a HVBP Total Performance Score (TPS) for 2019 in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare database (4/2021 release) and American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2015–2019.

Study Design

This is a cross‐sectional study using spatial multivariable autoregressive models with HVBP TPS and component domain scores as dependent variables and hospital market demographics as the independent variables.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We calculated hospital market demographics using ZIP code level data from the ACS, weighted the 2019 CMS inpatient Hospital Service Area file.

Principal Findings

Spatial autoregressive models using eight nearest neighbors with diversity index, race and ethnicity distribution, families in poverty, unemployment, and lack of health insurance among residents ages 19–64 years provided the best model fit. Diversity index had the highest statistically significant contribution to lower TPS (ß = −12.79, p < 0.0001), followed by the percent of the population coded to “non‐Hispanic, some other race” (ß = −2.59, p < 0.0023), and the percent of families in poverty (ß = −0.26, p < 0.0001). Percent of the population was non‐Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native (ß = 0.35, p < 0.0001) and percent non‐Hispanic Asian (ß = 0.12, p < 0.02071) were associated with higher TPS. Lower predicted TPS was observed in large urban cities throughout the US as well as in states throughout the Southeastern US. Similar geographic patterns were observed for the predicted Patient Safety, Person and Community Engagement, and Efficiency and Cost Reduction domain scores but are not for predicted Clinical Outcomes scores.

Conclusions

The lower predicted scores seen in cities and in the Southeastern region potentially reflect an inherent—that is, structural—association between market sociodemographics and HVBP scores.
Calibrating a model to 30 years of data to capture the accumulation of chloride from winter deicers in a shallow aquifer
Authors: Cullen Cecilia , Abrams Daniel B. , Mannix Devin H. , Kelly Walton R.
Published: February 2023

Winter deicers are a major source of chloride contamination to shallow aquifers in northern latitudes. In the greater Chicago area of northeast Illinois, chloride has been accumulating for decades and in many places now exceeds the United States Environmental Protection Agency secondary standard of 250 mg/L. MODFLOW‐NWT and MT3D‐USGS were used to simulate the accumulation of chloride with 30 years of data in the shallow aquifer of Will County in northeast Illinois. This aquifer is composed of unconsolidated sediments, largely from glacial deposits, overlying a fractured dolomite bedrock. To calibrate to observed heads and chloride, the model needed refined geologic features, higher chloride concentrations on cells representing commercial or industrial lands, lower chloride concentrations on cells representing roads, and point source areas to speed chloride's emergence in the aquifer. These point sources are locally significant and could represent different anthropogenic or geologic features, such as municipal stormwater infrastructure. Future simulations indicate that chloride is not at steady state in the shallow aquifer and wells are at risk of exceeding the secondary standard if winter deicing applications are not reduced. It may take decades for the full impacts of reduced deicing rates to be observed in wells, owing to the long residence time of water in the aquifer. This transient model calibration was possible because of the 30‐year dataset collected by communities and government agencies.
A review on aero‐allergen induced allergy in India
Authors: Laha Arghya , Moitra Saibal , Podder Sanjoy
Published: February 2023

Allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma, rhinitis and eczema are an important public health issue globally in 21st century. Their prevalence and impact in India is high, in terms of total numbers of people affected. Due to diverse climate and lifestyle, the Indian population is exposed to a rich and varied range of aerobiological particles. In the last two decades in India, 83 pollens, 34 fungi, six dust mite and 19 insect species were reported as allergenic, often contributing to heavy allergenic exposure in indoor and outdoor environments. There are currently few practitioners who offer allergy diagnosis and treatment in India, but there is active basic and molecular research aiming to improve the health of allergic patients. This review explores the field of aero‐allergy in India during the last two decades, with special emphasis on prevalence across various centres and relevant scientific advances such as genetic associations and new therapeutics. This review will be helpful for clinicians to select aero‐allergens for sensitisation testing in patients suffering from symptoms in different regions of India, and to support patients undertaking prophylaxis of allergic symptoms in India according to local environmental conditions. This study also helps to define patient selection for allergy testing and the role of test results in guiding allergic disease management in the Indian context. Finally, we summarize genetic findings relevant to aero‐allergy in India and discuss the development of novel therapeutics for investigation and management of aero‐allergy in India.
Anogenital symptoms and lesions in a series of 20 patients infected with monkeypox virus
Authors: Rekik Samia , Pluart Diane Le , Ferré Valentine , Charpentier Charlotte , Laurain Anne , Ghosn Jade , Abramowitz Laurent
Published: February 2023

Aim

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has been spreading in many European countries, the USA and Canada since May 2022. General symptoms, skin and anoperineal lesions have been reported. Anal pain is often reported, but anal canal lesions have yet to be described in these patients. The aim of this study was to describe anoperineal lesions in patients infected with MPXV undergoing systematic margin and anal canal examination at a tertiary care centre in France.

Method

In this prospective descriptive study, systematic anal examination was performed in 20 patients diagnosed with MPXV infection at Bichat Hospital, Paris, France between 6 and 11 July 2022. Anal swabs were also obtained from all these patients for polymerase chain reaction testing for MPXV.

Results

All the patients were men that have sex with men (MSM). Sixteen patients had anal symptoms: 13 reported anal pain, and the other anal symptoms described were anal bleeding (n = 12), pruritus (n = 11), dyschezia (n = 10), tenesmus (n = 13), burning (n = 3), swelling (n = 9) and discharge of mucus (n = 9). Proctological examination detected: (i) anal margin lesions in 14 patients (vesicles, n = 8; pustules, n = 6; ulceration, n = 6); (ii) anal canal lesions in 16 patients (ulceration, n = 13; ulcers, n = 4; pustules, n = 1), seven of whom presented anal hypertonia; and (iii) rectal lesions in 12 patients (congested rectum, n = 6; erythema, n = 10; ulcers, n = 2; not seen in one case). the presence of mucus was noted in 10 patients and the presence of blood in six patients.

Conclusion

This is the first study to describe anal canal lesions in patients infected with MPXV. Most of the observed lesions were ulceration, accounting for the pain reported.
Progressive penality as performance
Authors: Buchan Jamie , McNeill Fergus
Published: February 2023

Scotland's prison population remains stubbornly high despite reforms to sentencing and community penalties (most recently in 2016). Seeking to advance the debate on punishment in Scotland, we use empirical data to support a novel theoretical synthesis of the ‘agonistic framework’ and ‘performative regulation’. We argue that these reforms appear oriented towards decarceration, without substantively engaging with the drivers of imprisonment, and hence exemplify the ‘performative’ nature of much Scottish penal policy. The ‘performance’ is shaped by countervailing political constraints on the Scottish Nationalist government, amid continued debate over independence – but truly progressive penal policy requires radical and substantive responses to the problems that punishment seeks to address.
Prevalence of food and beverage brands in “made‐for‐kids” child‐influencer YouTube videos: 2019–2020
Authors: Fleming‐Milici Frances , Phaneuf Lindsay , Harris Jennifer
Published: February 2023

Background

Child health experts raise numerous concerns about the negative effects of children's exposure to unhealthy digital food marketing, including advertising and branded product placements on child‐oriented videos.

Objectives

YouTube banned food advertising on “made‐for‐kids” channels in 2020, but research is needed to assess food‐related appearances on increasingly popular child‐influencer videos.

Methods

Content analysis examined a sample of videos (n = 400) uploaded in 2019–2020 by popular child‐influencers on YouTube “made‐for‐kids” channels. We identified and coded all branded and non‐branded food‐related appearances (i.e., food, beverages, restaurants), ads, promotions, and sponsorship disclosures, and compared 2019 to 2020.

Results

Two‐thirds of videos (n = 260) had at least one food‐related appearance, including branded product appearances (n = 153), other brand appearances (n = 60), and non‐branded food‐related appearances (n = 203). Branded products appeared 592 times (M = 3.9/video), including candy brands (42% of appearances) and sweet/salty snacks, sugary drinks, and ice cream (32% combined). Total food‐related appearances did not change (2019–2020), but candy brand appearances increased significantly. Videos with non‐branded healthy food category appearances also increased, but 70% also showed unhealthy branded and/or unbranded foods. Just one video disclosed a food‐brand sponsorship.

Conclusions

Additional policies are needed to protect young children from potential exposure to unhealthy branded foods on popular YouTube child‐influencer channels.
How to predict transfer of training? Investigating the application of the unified model of task‐specific motivation
Authors: de Jong Bastian , Jansen in de Wal Joost , Cornelissen Frank , van der Lans Rikkert , Peetsma Thea
Published: February 2023

Transfer motivation is an important factor influencing transfer of training. However, earlier research often did not investigate transfer motivation as a multidimensional construct. The unified model of task‐specific motivation (UMTM) takes into account that (transfer) motivation is multidimensional by including both affective and cognitive motivational components and their antecedents. Prior research has provided evidence that the UMTM can predict self‐reported transfer of training, but is unclear whether it also can predict transfer reported by expert external raters. Moreover, it is unclear whether controlling for prior knowledge matters for the relationship between transfer motivation and transfer of training. This study improves on existing research by accounting for both of these gaps in the literature. Data were collected among 299 participants who filled in a questionnaire about the UMTM components directly after attending a writing training. They also handed in written documents before, and 6 weeks after the training, which were rated on transfer by trainers. Outcomes showed that components of the UMTM positively predict externally reported transfer when prior knowledge was controlled for. The outcomes imply that the UMTM has predictive value for transfer of training and points out which factors influence whether transfer does or does not occur.
Empoderamiento colectivo de los trabajadores en las redes de producción globalizadas: análisis retrospectivo de una oportunidad fallida
Authors: SÉHIER Clément
Published: February 2023

En este artículo se examina la capacidad de las ONG para empoderar colectivamente a los trabajadores en las redes de producción globalizadas, ejerciendo presión sobre las multinacionales para poner en marcha programas de elección de comités de empresa en las fábricas. La investigación empírica realizada entre 2012 y 2019 en el sur de China muestra que se logró movilizar a los trabajadores y potenciar su capacidad de acción, pero la continuidad de los programas se vio frustrada por la desigualdad estructural del sistema productivo, la falta de protección institucional de los representantes electos y el endurecimiento del régimen.
In‐operando synchrotron experiments of flash sintering carried out in current rate mode
Authors: O'Toole Rebecca J. , Yoon Bola , Ghose Sanjit , Weimer Alan W. , Musgrave Charles B. , Raj Rishi
Published: February 2023

We report first‐time results for in‐operando flash sintering synchrotron experiments carried out in current rate mode where the specimen, held at a constant temperature, is fed current that is increased at a constant rate. These experiments are unique because the time dependence of the sintering behavior can be stretched out over a longer period (by changing the current rate) than in voltage‐to‐current experiments in which sintering occurs in a burst at the onset of the flash. Two results are presented: (i) A comparison of temperatures measured with the platinum standard to those predicted by the black body radiation model leading to estimates of the emissivity as a function of porosity whereby emissivity increases from 0.65 to 0.9 as the sample sinters from its green state to full density, and (ii) measurements of the excess lattice expansion as a function of density as the sample sinters continuously while the current is increased. The present work highlights the promise of current rate experiments to obtain results while the sample sinters gradually from its green density to full density (somewhat akin to conventional sintering) for gaining further insights into the mechanisms of flash sintering.
Development and validation of the Care Transitions Scale for Patients with Heart Failure: A tool for nurses to assess patients' readiness for hospital discharge
Authors: Yoshimura Mai , Kawamura Masumi , Hasegawa Satoko , Ito Yoichi M. , Takahashi Keita , Sumi Naomi
Published: February 2023

Aim

This study aimed to develop and assess the validity and reliability of the Care Transitions Scale for Patients with Heart Failure (CTS‐HF) as a nurse‐reported measure for evaluating patients' readiness for hospital discharge.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of cardiovascular ward nurses from 163 hospitals across Japan. Structural validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis with development participants and confirmatory factor analysis with validation participants. Convergent validity was assessed by correlation with the Discharge Planning of Ward Nurses scale (DPWN). Hypotheses testing for construct validity was performed as comparisons between subgroups of transitional care practice.

Results

Valid responses were obtained from 704 nurses (development participants, n = 352; validation participants, n = 352). The final scale comprised 21 items divided into six factors: “Clear preparation for how to manage health at home,” “Adjusting to home care/support system,” “Transitions of medication management from hospital to home,” “Dealing with patients' concerns and questions,” “Transitions of disease management from hospital to home,” and “Family support.” Indices of fit supported these results (comparative fit index = 0.944, root mean square error of approximation = 0.057). The CTS‐HF was significantly correlated with the DPWN. The nurses' subgroup with higher transitional care practice had higher CTS‐HF scores. Cronbach's alpha was .93 for the CTS‐HF.

Conclusions

The CTS‐HF showed sufficient reliability and validity for use in evaluating discharge care. Further studies are needed regarding the usefulness of this scale in nursing practice.
Of Oil and Agency: Scotland and the Material Conditions of National Imagining
Authors: Foley James
Published: February 2023

North Sea oil discoveries introduced a qualitative divide that gave rise to at least the prospect of an economically viable Scottish independence, insofar as it made the “Scottish economy” a legitimate point of contestation on constitutional lines. In turn, this problematised the nature of minority nationalism in advanced, developed, post‐imperial capitalist regional economies. The research assesses how economic factors – most notably oil – materially affected the prospects of asserting power, and thus the possibilities for imagining collective agency as a national (i.e. Scottish) project. Oil helped shift “New Left” thinking away from assimilationist and modernising projects of assimilating regional consciousness into “national” projects, while also inspiring outright nationalists to define their own project in relation to the earlier phases of nationalism. The study thus contributes to recentring the study of Scotland, with a smaller emphasis on the local dimension and identities, as against the role of national actors in untangling relationships with wider geopolitical and geo‐economic forces. The claim is not simply that global forces formed the qualitative divide that made nationalist action possible; but also that these were conscious considerations of actors in the aftermath of North Sea discoveries.
Evidence that the PatB (CnfR) factor acts as a direct transcriptional regulator to control heterocyst development and function in the cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC 7120
Authors: Rachedi Raphaël , Risoul Véronique , Scholivet Anaïs , Foglino Maryline , Latifi Amel
Published: February 2023

Under nitrogen‐limiting conditions, the filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC7120 differentiates nitrogen‐fixing heterocysts at semi‐regular intervals along filaments generating a periodic pattern of two distinct cell types. Heterocysts are micro‐oxic cells that host the oxygen‐sensitive nitrogenase allowing two antagonistic activities to take place simultaneously. Although several factors required to control the differentiation process are known, the molecular mechanisms engaged have only been elucidated for a few of them. The patB (cnfR) gene has been shown to be essential for heterocyst formation and nitrogen fixation in this cyanobacterium, but its function remains to be clarified. Here, we show that PatB acts as a direct transcriptional regulator of genes required for nitrogenase production and activity. The DNA‐binding activity of PatB does not depend on micro‐oxia as it interacts with its target promoters under aerobic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. The absence of the DNA‐binding domain of PatB can be rescued in the heterocyst but not in the vegetative cell. Furthermore, the putative ferredoxin domain of PatB is not essential to its interaction with DNA. The patB gene is widely conserved in cyanobacterial genomes and its function can be pleiotropic since it is not limited to nitrogen fixation control.
Generalized Dispositional Distrust as the Common Core of Populism and Conspiracy Mentality
Authors: Thielmann Isabel , Hilbig Benjamin E.
Published: February 2023

Populism and beliefs in conspiracy theories fuel societal division as both rely on a Manichean us‐versus‐them, good‐versus‐evil narrative. However, whether both constructs have the same dispositional roots is essentially unknown. Across three studies conducted in two different countries and using diverse samples (total N = 1,888), we show that populism and conspiracy mentality have a strong common core as evidenced using bifactor modeling. This common core was uniquely linked to (aversive) personality, namely the Dark Factor of Personality (D), beyond basic personality traits from the HEXACO Model of Personality Structure. The association between D and the common core, in turn, was fully accounted for by distrust‐related beliefs as captured in cynicism, dangerous and competitive social worldviews, sensitivity to befallen injustice, and (low) trust propensity. Taken together, the results show that populism and conspiracy mentality have a shared psychological basis that is well described as a sociopolitically flavored manifestation of generalized dispositional distrust. The findings thus underscore the value of generalized trust for societal functioning and suggest that increasing trust may simultaneously combat both populism and beliefs in conspiracy theories.
Metabolite profiling of Solanum tuberosum reveals a differential response to Phytophthora infestans dependent on host resistance and pathogen isolate
Authors: Abuley Isaac Kwesi , Pedersen Hans Albert , Lekfeldt Jonas Duus Stevens , Fomsgaard Inge Sindbjerg , Ravnskov Sabine
Published: February 2023

The genetic basis of the resistance of potatoes to Phytophthora infestans is well‐studied. Plant resistance to P. infestans is genetically controlled, and secondary metabolites play a role, but the metabolites themselves (e.g., phenylpropanoids) are poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the effects of two P. infestans isolates and host resistance on secondary metabolite expression in potato plants. To do this, the phenylpropanoid pathway, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid elicitors were characterized. The late blight‐susceptible potato cultivar (Jutlandia) responded to both isolates with changes in the levels of compounds in the early phenylpropanoid pathway, whereas the response of the resistant cultivar (Toluca) occurred later in the pathway and was more marked in the case of the A2 mating‐type isolate. The results reveal important differences in the role of secondary metabolism in resistance to P. infestans and suggest that different phenylpropanoids are affected depending on the isolate and the host's susceptibility to P. infestans.
The Historical Presidency: “Giving government to business”: Dwight Eisenhower and the Federal Highway Act
Authors: Zug Charles U.
Published: February 2023

Defenders of the modern presidency allege that Congress is ill‐equipped to design public policies adequate to a rapidly changing society. Because the president is positioned to use expertise to circumvent logrolling and horse trading—so goes this rationale—the presidency should effectively replace Congress as the polity's substantive legislator. Scholars have studied the advantages and pitfalls of this presidential model, but few have viewed the Eisenhower presidency through this lens. The case of the 1956 Federal Highway Act suggests that, like his predecessors, Eisenhower tried to supplant Congress as the polity's primary legislator. Further, seemingly self‐defeating decisions on Eisenhower's part can be helpfully interpreted as consequences of institutional and ideational forces beyond his control.
Using cloud infrastructure to facilitate data collection and conversion of HLA diagnostic data for the 18th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop
Authors: Matern Benedict M. , Niemann Matthias , Nemparis Ioannis , Schimanski Andreas , Peereboom Emma T. M. , Kramer Cynthia S. M. , Heidt Sebastiaan , Spierings Eric
Published: February 2023

The International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIW) is a recurring gathering of researchers, technologists and clinicians where participants contribute to collaborative projects with a variety of goals, and come to consensus on definitions and standards for representing HLA and immunogenic determinants. The collaborative and international nature of these workshops, combined with the multifaceted goals of several specific workshop components, necessitates the collection and curation of a wide assortment of data, as well as an adaptable platform for export and analysis. With the aim of ensuring data quality and creation of reusable datasets, specific standards and nomenclature conventions are continuously being developed, and are an integral part of IHIW. Here we present the 18th IHIW Database, a purpose‐built and extensible cloud‐based file repository and web application for collecting and analyzing project‐specific data. This platform is based on open‐source software and uses established HLA data standards and web technologies to facilitate de‐centralized data repository ownership, reduce duplicated efforts, and promote continuity for future IHIWs.
Host traits, ownership behaviour and risk factors of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in domestic pets in Mexico
Authors: Espinosa‐Gómez Fabiola Carolina , Bautista Elizabeth , Palacios‐Cruz Oscar Emilio , Téllez‐Ramírez Alejandra , Vázquez‐Briones Daniela Belem , Flores de los Ángeles César , Abella‐Medrano Carlos Antonio , Escobedo‐Straffón Jorge Luis , Aguirre‐Alarcón Héctor , Pérez‐Silva Nancy Bibiana , Solís‐Hernández Mario , Navarro‐López Roberto , Aguirre A. Alonso
Published: February 2023

SARS‐CoV‐2 can infect pets under natural conditions, which raises questions about the risk factors related to the susceptibility of these animals to infection. The status of pet infection by SARS‐CoV‐2 in Mexico is not well‐understood. We aimed to estimate the frequency of positive household cats and dogs to viral RNA and antibodies for SARS‐CoV‐2 during the second wave of human infections in Mexico, and to recognize the major risk factors related to host and pet ownership behaviour. We evaluated two study groups, cats and dogs from COVID‐19‐infected/‐suspected households (n = 44) and those admitted for veterinary care for any reason at several veterinary hospitals in Puebla City, Mexico (n = 91). Using RT‐PCR, we identified the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in swabs of four dogs (18.18%) and zero cats in COVID‐19‐infected/‐suspected households; within this group, 31.82% of dogs and 27.27% of cats were tested IgG ELISA‐positive; and neutralizing antibodies were detected in one dog (4.55%) and two cats (9.09%). In the random group (pets evaluated at private clinics and veterinary teaching hospital), 25.00% of dogs and 43.59% of cats were ELISA‐positive and only one cat showed neutralizing antibodies (2.56%). Older than 4‐year‐old, other pets at home, and daily cleaning of pet dish, were each associated with an increase in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (p < 0.05). Allowing face lick, sharing bed/food with pets and owner tested positive or suspected COVID‐19 were not significant risk factors, but more than 4 h the owner spent away from home during the lockdown for COVID‐19 (OR = 0.37, p = 0.01), and outdoor pet food tray (OR = 0.32, p = 0.01) significantly decreased the risks of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in pets, suggesting that time the owner spends with their pet is an important risk factor.
A Microrobot With an Attached Microforce Sensor for Transurethral Access to the Bladder Interior Wall
Authors: Adejokun Samson A. , Kumat Shashank S. , Shiakolas Panos S.
Published: February 2023

We present the conceptual design and limited functionality prototype and characterization of a system for application in transurethral palpation of any targeted area of the bladder interior wall tissue consisting of a robotic manipulator and a microforce sensor attached at its tip all less than 3.5 mm in diameter. A hyper-redundant ten-joint six degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) manipulator (5DOF rigid and five-joint continuum segments) is presented along with the forward and inverse kinematics analyses based on a Jacobian formulation to prevent configuration singularities. Simulated motion studies demonstrate the ability of the proposed manipulator to attain a desired pose (normal to the tissue) with any area in the bladder including the difficult to reach trigone area. A strain gauge-based microforce sensor is designed using finite element analysis (safety factor > 3), prototyped using additive manufacturing, and characterized. The characterized sensor was used to acquire in vivo measurements to evaluate human palm tissue viscoelastic properties. A single module of the continuum segment is designed and prototyped using additive manufacturing, and used to characterize its tension-bend angle behavior. Finite element analysis is used to improve structurally weak regions of the vertebra. A three-joint four-vertebrae prototype was successfully actuated to reach a bend state using tendons. The developed robot and sensor prototypes demonstrate capabilities of the proposed concept which could be a possible solution to quantitatively evaluate localized biomechanical properties of the bladder tissue to improve treatment and provide better patient care.
A Time Frequency Domain Based Approach for Ball Grid Array Solder Joint Fatigue Analysis Using Global Local Modeling Technique
Authors: Doranga Sushil , Xie Dongji , Lee Jeffrey , Zhang Andy , Shi Xue , Khaldarov Valeriy
Published: February 2023

The fatigue life prediction of the electronic packages under dynamic loading conditions is an increasingly important area of research, with direct application in packaging industries. Current life prediction methodologies are, in general, developed through a finite element (FE) model that is correlated using an experimental data measured through sweep sine testing. The frequency response function (FRF) generated by using a sweep sine testing may suffer from leakage and windowing of the signal may not work correctly, which results in the shift in the amplitude and the resonance frequencies of the package. In consequence, there will be a significant deviation between the actual and the predicted natural frequencies and the amplitude of vibration response in the given excitation range, resulting in the longer time to fail the package during the laboratory based/virtual durability testing. Thus, it is necessary to develop a suitable validation technique in time/frequency domain to address this issue. In this paper, the step sine testing procedure is utilized to validate the FE model of a test vehicle consisting of a board level ball grid array chip package and the resonance-based fatigue testing is performed in the FE-based simulation. The global–local modeling approach is utilized to model the test vehicle and the volume average von Mises stress is used to predict the life of the solder joint. Following the numerical simulations, fatigue test is carried out in the test vehicle at the first resonance frequency obtained from the step sine test. Experimental results show that there are full openings of the corner balls in a very short interval of time. The results of the life prediction from the FE model and from experiments are comparable to each other thus validating the proposed methodology.
Improved Global-Local Method for Ultrasonic Guided Wave Scattering Predictions in Composite Waveguides and Defects
Authors: Capriotti Margherita , Escalona Galvis Luis Waldo , Spada Antonino
Published: February 2023

As structures increase in complexity, in the use of high-performing materials and designs, their health assessment becomes increasingly challenging. Ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) have shown to be very promising in the inspection of large (i.e. aerospace components) attenuating (i.e. composite materials) structures and have been successfully employed for damage detection in a variety of fields. The intrinsic complex nature of UGWs, due to their dispersive behavior, combined with the structural complexity of the applications, though, makes the interpretation of UGW inspections very challenging. Numerical simulations of UGW propagation become crucial to this end and have been addressed with fully numerical, semi-analytical and hybrid approaches. The capability of predicting UGW scattering can inform experimental testing in optimizing the sensitivity of UGW inspections to specific waveguides and defects, and in interpreting the acquired data for the non-destructive identification and quantification of damages. In this work, an improved computational tool for UGW scattering predictions is presented. The approach relies on the Global-Local method and leverages the efficiency of the semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method and the parallelized implementation of the coupled solution. 2D applications of the Global-Local approach for UGW scattering predictions in composite structures over a wide range of frequencies will be presented, together with the demonstration of the improved computational performance. The computational efficiency promises feasible and reliable UGWs predictions in multi-layered complex assemblies and different damage scenarios, and enables virtual UGWs inspections and future integration in NDE testing.
Kinesiology and Physical Education: A Curriculum (Dis)Alignment Perspective
Authors: Chen Ang
Published: February 2023

This conceptual article focuses on the curriculum disalignment issue that seems to be a contributor to the marginalization of K–12 physical education. Through a brief historical review of events, especially the 1991 Critical Crossroads conference, the article explores and explains reasons that the future of K–12 physical education should rely on developing health-centered, concept-based curricula consistent with kinesiology science. In a major section, the article documents a 20-year effort and findings of curriculum intervention research in elementary, middle, and high schools to advocate and deliberate the need for a curriculum reform that should center on aligning physical education with kinesiology science. Implications of the kinesiology–physical education curriculum alignment to student learning are emphasized, and a paradigm change perspective to curriculum reform is discussed as a path to revitalize K–12 physical education.
Supplemental Material: Shallow deformation on the Kirby Hills fault, Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California (USA), revealed from high-resolution seismic reflection data and coring in a fluvial system
Authors: Klotsko S. , al. et
Published: February 2023

Includes additional information about seismic reflection data used in this study and support for interpretations, including additional figures. Description of sediment units with Munsell colors.  
Use of a paediatric advice line for parents of infants recruited to a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chan Joyce , Kirby Jordan , Gardiner Kaya Kareela , Abruzzo Veronica , Bannister Samantha , Bellamy Karen , Brophy Clare , Clifford Vanessa , Cox Lianne , Elborough Hannah , Freyne Bridget Freyne , Summons Freya , Morrison Clare , Wall Kate , Casalaz Daniel M , Curtis Nigel , Pittet Laure F
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aims to describe the use of a paediatric advice line (PAL) provided to parents whose infants were recruited to a large randomised controlled trial (RCT), including the number and types of medical concerns addressed, seasonal variability and call outcomes. Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics of the parents and children of those parents who used the PAL are compared with those who did not.

Methods

Prospective cohort of 1246 children nested in the Melbourne Infant Study: BCG for Allergy and Infection Reduction (MIS BAIR) RCT. All MIS BAIR participants were offered access to the PAL. Data were collected over the initial 2 years of a 5-year follow-up. Data were analysed using χ2tests, and ORs were calculated using multiple logistic regression.

Results

The PAL was used by 230 (18.5%) participants, who made a total of 586 calls during the 2-year study period. The reasons for calling the PAL were dermatological (24%); gastrointestinal (18%); disturbances in feeding, sleeping and crying (14%); respiratory (7%); and developmental/neurological (6%). Analysis revealed that those who used the PAL were more likely to be first-time parents (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9) and mothers who hold a university degree (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 8.4). PAL costs were minimal and comprised 15 clinicians with paediatric experience.

Conclusions

A cost-effective PAL service for clinical trial participants was used appropriately by parents for relatively minor concerns and may have a role in trials to promote participant engagement and reduce demand for other health services.
A New Design of a 3 × 3 Reversible Circuit Based on a Nanoscale Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata
Authors: Liu Ling-Li , Navimipour Nima Jafari
Published: February 2023

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is the best-suggested nanotechnology for designing digital electronic circuits. It has a higher switching frequency, low-power expenditures, low area, high speed and higher scale integration. Recently, many types of research have been on the design of reversible logic gates. Nevertheless, a high demand exists for designing high-speed, high-performance and low-area QCA circuits. Reversible circuits have notably improved with developments in complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) and QCA technologies. In QCA systems, it is important to communicate with other circuits and reversible gates reliably. So, we have used efficient approaches for designing a [Formula: see text] reversible circuit based on XOR gates. Also, the suggested circuits can be widely used in reversible and high-performance systems. The suggested architecture for the [Formula: see text] reversible circuit in QCA is composed of 28 cells, occupying only 0.04[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m2. Compared to the state-of-the-art, shorter time, smaller areas, more operational frequency and better performance are the essential benefits of the suggested reversible gate design. Full simulations have been conducted with the utilization of QCADesigner software. Additionally, the proposed [Formula: see text] gate has been schematized using two XOR gates.
Interconnection of Lagrange–Dirac systems through nonstandard interaction structures
Authors: Rodríguez Abella Álvaro
Published: February 2023

The Lagrange–Dirac interconnection theory has been developed for primitive subsystems coupled by a standard interaction Dirac structure, i.e. a structure of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a regular distribution, [Formula: see text] is its annihilator and [Formula: see text] is the configuration manifold of the theory. In this work, we extend this theory to allow for parameter-dependent subsystems coupled by nonstandard interaction Dirac structures. This is done, first, by using the Dirac tensor product and, then, by using interaction forces. Both approaches are shown to be equivalent, and also equivalent to a variational principle. After that, we demonstrate the relevance of this generalization by investigating three applications. First, an electromechanical system is modeled; namely, a piston driven by an ideal DC motor through a scotch-yoke mechanism. Second, we relate the interconnection theory to the Euler–Poincaré–Suslov reduction. More specifically, we show that the reduced system may be regarded as an interconnected Lagrange–Dirac system with parameters. The nonholonomic Euler top is presented as a particular instance of this situation. Lastly, control interconnected systems are defined and a control for a planar rigid body with wheels is designed.
New wormhole solutions using dark matter profiles with the signature of observational data in teleparallel gravity
Authors: Chen Rui-Yan , Mustafa G. , Caliskan Aylin , Güdekli Ertan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we calculate a new class of wormhole solutions in the framework of teleparallel gravity. To obtain a characteristic wormhole solution, we use anisotropic matter distribution and a specific form of two dark matter profiles (URC profile and Quantum wave dark matter). As a general strategy, we create a relationship between calculated energy density and dark matter profiles for the system and investigate the physical properties of the wormhole geometry. A detailed analytical and graphical explanation of the matter contents via energy conditions is provided. The calculated shape functions of wormhole geometry meet the required conditions in both circumstances. Several intriguing features have emerged from the investigation, as have the properties of the exotic matter within the wormhole geometry. Finally, we have concluding remarks.
Simultaneous Bilateral Avulsion of Tibial Anterior Tubercle in Adolescent: Two Case Reports and Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Giunchi Dario , Gonzalez Jorge , Odorizzi Marco , Mendoza Mario Sagaon , De Rosa Vincenzo
Published: February 2023

Fractures of the anterior tibial tuberosity are uncommon, ranging from 0.4% to 2.7% of all epiphyseal lesions reported. Bilateral sequential fractures are even rarer, with less than twenty-eight cases described to date and, as such, there is very little consensus data on their treatment as a whole. We report the first two documented cases of bilateral tibial tuberosity avulsions of the anterior tubercle in Switzerland, treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Both cases were 14-year-old healthy males with no previous medical history, who both suffered extra-articular fractures after falling from a height. The first case was treated in 2012 with a four-year long clinical follow-up and full recovery. The second, treated in 2019, was clinically followed for one year with a complete recovery and has returned to sporting activity at a pre-injury level. Due to the rarity of the condition, a lack of consensus on the optimal therapy, we believe the documentation of these two cases treated by the same team may be of clinical relevance.
Accident Diagnosis and Evaluation System in Parking Lots Using Multisource Data Based on Bayesian Networks
Authors: Zhang Yijing , Zhang Zhan , Wang Zhenyu , Lyu Tongtong , Wang Xianing , Lu Linjun
Published: February 2023

Parking lots have many complex structures, diverse functions, and plentiful elements. The frequent flow of vehicles with narrow and dim spaces increases the probability of various traffic accidents. Due to the low severity and lack of relevant data, there is limited understanding of safety analyses for parking lot accidents. This study integrates multisource data to establish a Bayesian diagnostic model for parking lot accidents. The mutual information method is used to screen the possible influencing factors before modeling to reduce the subjectivity of Bayesian networks. Studying the cause and effect analysis of accidents provides diagnosis and prediction for property damage and event causes. This provides valuable correlation information between factors and accident characteristics, as well as consequences under the influence of multiple factor chains. As the developed model has good accuracy, this study proposes a parking lot safety evaluation system with a library of countermeasures based on the model results to ensure rigorous conclusions. The combination with ITS technology gives the system high scalability and adaptability in multiple scenarios.