bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static Analysis of an All-Movable Rudder with Rotational Clearance based on Contact Algorithm
Authors: Wu Yiting , Niu Yaobin , Wang Zhongwei , Zou Xuan
Published: July 2021

The air rudder system is essential to the performance and safety of the aircraft, and the basis of the research about it is to establish a suitable mechanical model. To accurately simulate the contact behavior with gaps in the actual process, the contact algorithm is used to construct the connection between the support and the rudder’s contact surface based on the finite element model, and the mechanical relationship between the two is analyzed. The results show that under different gaps and different friction coefficients, the contact algorithm has high accuracy and credibility for describing the mechanical behavior between the support and the rudder and the presentation of the contact state. This article fully demonstrates the advantages of the contact algorithm in solving the problem of modeling with gaps, and can be a reference for the research of other similar issues.
Research and application of a new type of aqueduct concrete non-destructive inspection robot based on the principle of coherent frequency
Authors: Huang Tao , Yao Qifa , Zhao Xiaopeng , Song Wenjie
Published: July 2021

The concrete aqueduct has some quality problems such as lacuna and cavity during construction or operation, which seriously affects the safety of aqueduct operation. How to quickly detect the defects of aqueduct is of great significance to provide the basis for the repair and reinforcement of aqueduct. In this paper, based on the coherent frequency method, the automatic walking robot device for concrete nondestructive testing is integrated and assembled. Through wireless communication, the automatic excitation, acquisition and imaging of elastic wave are completed, so as to realize the rapid detection of uniformity and compactness defects of aqueduct concrete structure. Through the test and engineering demonstration application, the detection results are reliable, and the detection efficiency is improved by more than 50%. And the follow-up improvement plan of the system hardware should strengthen the maneuverability of the car, realize precise positioning, strengthen the energy of the seismic source, and improve the overall reliability of the system.
Experimental Research on Mechanical Performance of New Modular Steel Frame Joint
Authors: Lin Peng , Jun Cong , Lei Zhang , Wenqiang Chen
Published: July 2021

Aiming at the problems of large interlayer displacement angle and low rotational stiffness of modular steel frame connection nodes, a new type of grouted interlayer joint was proposed, and the experimental study was carried out to observe the failure form and mechanical performance of the node. In order to study the stiffness and bearing capacity characteristics of the new grouting interlayer connection, 4 different joint specimens were tested and studied. The influence of the bolt connection at the node on the bearing capacity, rotation stiffness and ultimate rotation capacity of the grouting node is analyzed. The test results show that the bolt connection can ensure the integrity of the node and improve the stiffness of the node; Whether the column is filled with concrete has little effect on the mechanical properties of bolted joints, but has a more obvious effect on boltless joints, and the initial stiffness is increased by 20%.
Effect on the Model of Government-Subsidized Dual-Channel Closed-loop Supply Chain: Taking Automobile Tire Recycling as an example
Authors: Ran Wenxue , Yin Weili
Published: July 2021

The speed of product updating iteration is getting faster and faster, which leads to more and more serious problems of waste of resources and carbon emissions, and the increasing attention to the sustainable use of resources in all countries of the world, and from the concept of sustainable development, many new ideas have been formed. At present, China’s economy is facing severe environmental pollution and resource shortage, and recycling waste resources is the key for enterprises to obtain better development prospects, so the closed-loop supply chain model has become the focus of enterprises. For enterprises, the problem of recycling and manufacturing is also quite cumbersome and complex, the government can intervene to solve the problem, with subsidies to promote the recycling of waste goods. Therefore, this study mainly from the two-channel supply chain, closed-loop supply chain and government intervention three angles, to car tire recovery as the research object, using the relevant theory of the Stackelberg game to study the differences between channels. By constructing the model without government subsidy and the model with government subsidy, this paper studies the role of government subsidies in the recycling process of waste tires, and analyzes the influence of government intervention measures on the game among manufacturers, retailers and consumers. The results show that the government subsidy will improve the overall profit level, increase the total demand for tires in the market, and reduce the environmental impact of used tires. By using the theory of dual-channel closed-loop supply chain and other relevant knowledge, the concrete application of closed-loop supply chain in waste material recovery will be promoted.
Analysis on excavation stability of tunnel portal with different design methods
Authors: Zhang Junwu , Shi Wenyang , Xie Xin , Bao Junchao , Song Zhanping
Published: July 2021

The stability of tunnel portal has its particularity. Due to the influence of natural or human factors, it is easy to produce cracking, landslide, collapse and other diseases. Taking the No.5 highway tunnel of F3 bid in Georgia as the background, using the finite element analysis software MIDAS-GTS to establish a three-dimensional model to simulate the tunnel construction process. The tunnel portal adopts two design schemes of micro pile wall support and bolt mesh shotcrete support. Through the analysis and comparison of the transverse and vertical displacement and stress field characteristics of surrounding rock caused by two schemes of tunnel excavation, the influence of tunnel excavation on the stability of tunnel portal is studied. The numerical results show that the maximum transverse and longitudinal displacements of surrounding rock are 3.55mm and 8.73mm respectively, and the maximum tensile stress is 1.91mpa. Compared with the micro pile wall support design, the bolt mesh shotcrete support scheme is more feasible. The conclusion has a certain guiding role for the construction of highway tunnels in mountain areas.
Fast calculation of average slope of river channel based on digital elevation model
Authors: Meng Xiangyong , Zhu Yindi
Published: July 2021

The calculation of average slope drop is one of the important parameters of design flood calculation in engineering hydrology. Conventional calculation of average slope drop of river course is usually carried out by using CAD topographic map. The river length is divided section by section and the elevation of starting point is determined, and then the average slope drop of river course can only be calculated by single river course, which has low efficiency and great artificial influence. On the basis of the river basin DEM (digital elevation model), the elements and tools needed in the calculation are connected in turn in the ArcGIS, and the calculation program of the average slope drop of the river is run according to the specified process, and the calculation results are obtained successfully. By comparing the typical river calculation examples with the data of Zhejiang River Manual, it is shown that the average slope drop calculation model constructed by the Model Builder can realize the rapid calculation of the longitudinal slope drop of the river and ensure the calculation accuracy.
Numerical study on the morphological evolution of the Qingshuigou channel on the Yellow River Delta in response to changing water and sediment regimes
Authors: Chen Sisi , He Zhiguo
Published: July 2021

The Qingshuigou channel is the longest channel in the modern Yellow River Delta since its diversion in 1976. To explore the morphological evolution of the Qingshuigou channel on the Yellow River Delta in response to changing water and sediment regimes, we applied the two-dimensional hydro-sediment-morphodynamic coupling model to simulate the characteristics of bed erosion and deposition in Qingshuigou channel and its estuary in different water and sediment regimes. The results demonstrate that regarding the seasonal difference of the year, the sediment deposition in the estuary during the flood season is larger than the non-flood season, and the former accounts for 88% of the annual estuary deposition. On a long-term scale, the erosion of the river channel becomes considerable and the sediment deposits rapidly in the estuary with high water discharge and sediment concentration.
The Three-dimensional Simulation of Granular Mixtures Weir
Authors: Shen Zhen-Dong , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2021

In recent years, with the development of ecological water conservancy engineering, many new weir designs have also emerged. This paper has put forward a new kind of granular mixtures weir based on the systematic carding weir researches, combined with investigation. The numerical simulation of granular weir is carried out by using Flow-3D, and the results are compared with the physical model experiment results. The numerical simulation results of the flow velocity, flow distribution and the failure of the weir are in good agreement with the experimental results, which indicates that the 3-D mathematical model can be combined with physical model experiments to simulate the granular mixtures weir in all directions. Using this method to analysis the characteristics and hydraulic parameters can provide technical support for the follow-up research of ecological weir.
Evaluation of the Impact of High-Speed Train Service Level on Passenger Flow
Authors: Yan Wang , Lei Nie , Yu Ke
Published: July 2021

Quantitative analysis of the relationship between high-speed train service level and passenger flow is the cornerstone of the scientific and reasonable formulation and optimization of train operation plan. The two most critical elements of train service level are travel speed and train service frequency. Based on the city level, the number of departure trains per day, and the number of departure passengers per day, the stations are divided into three classes: large stations, medium stations and small stations. Aiming at large stations OD (Origin-Destination), a Logit model was constructed to quantitatively analyze the impact of travel speed on passenger flow. Aiming at medium and small stations OD, the gravity model is constructed to quantitatively analyze the impact of train service frequency on passenger flow. Taking China’s Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line as an example, the results show: Large stations OD should reduce train stops and increase travel speed overall to attract more transferring passengers; Medium and small stations OD should increase train stops and increase service frequency to induce more potential passengers.
Analysis on the impact of ship oil spill pollution on marine environmental risk
Authors: Zhu Yuxin , Shou Youping
Published: July 2021

In this study, Zhanjiang port is taken as a typical sea area to study the influence of oil film on marine environment under the joint action of current and wind. In the simulation process, the final destination of the oil film after evaporation, emulsification, dissolution and sedimentation is considered. fter the oil spill accident, the probability of oil spill in the range of 1 ∼ 5km to the west of the leakage location is more than 70%; in dongtoushan Island, the probability of being affected by the oil spill can reach more than 40%; the probability of being affected by the oil spill in the marine reserve of Techeng island is more than 20%; the probability of the impact of oil spill on the restricted red line area of Mangrove in Nanshan island is less than 10%. In the sea area affected by oil spill, its marine life and ecology will also be affected.
Microwave Irradiation Assisted Synthesis of Gallium Aluminum Oxide Using Metal Acetylacetonate Precursors, Peculiar Observations and Safety Guidelines for Young Scientists
Authors: Punetha Pooja , Jaiswal Piyush
Published: July 2021

Microwave-assisted nano-particle synthesis has seen a boom in recent decade. Different variants are being tested all over the world, be it microwave-irradiation-assisted solvothermal synthesis, thin-film deposition using microwave plasma-assisted CVD, microwave-assisted combustion synthesis, or mist CVD. This technology induces self-catalysis, faster reaction time, less energy and is considered safer from other purely chemical variants. Gallium-Aluminum Oxide is an oxide of vital importance. Gallium Oxide in its most stable form, β-Ga2O3, has a band-gap of ∼4.8 eV and cannot be used for deep ultra-violet (UV) applications (i.e., below 250 nm). Aluminum oxide is a wide band-gap material. The ionic radius of Aluminum ions is similar to that of Gallium ions. Therefore, according to Hume-Rothery rule, Aluminum ion can substitute Gallium in its lattice structure and vice-versa. This gives the possibility of band-gap engineering from 4.6 eV (band-gap, β-Gallium Oxide) to 8.8 eV (band-gap, α-Aluminum Oxide), extending the application of Gallium Oxide to deep UV applications. In present work, three different compositions of Gallium-Aluminum Oxide thin films (varied by mass) are deposited, using microwave-irradiation-assisted solvothermal thin-film deposition technique and metal acetylacetonate precursors. A stoichiometric ratio of ∼5:1 is obtained for 90:100 variation. For 50:50 and 10:90, the stoichiometric ratio remained close to 5:5 and 1:9, respectively, showing good agreement with the Gallium to Aluminum ratio in precursor solution. The investigation is done by using energy dispersive X-Ray analysis. A particle variation from 5 nm to 500 nm was obtained as calculated from Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) results. In second part of the work, the corresponding author wants to strongly argue that “Microwave in kitchen is not same as microwave in lab” and report some of the observations from lab to pave a way towards a truly Green or safer technology.
What Is Being Reported About Vaginal “Lasers”?: An Examination of Adverse Events Reported to the Food and Drug Administration on Energy-Based Devices
Authors: Burkett Linda , Moalli Pamela , Ackenbom Mary
Published: July 2021

Background

A description of energy-based genitourinary non-surgical devices (energy-based devices) safety data is outlined given their rapid adoption.

Objectives

The authors sought to describe adverse events for energy-based devices in the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database and to compare with similar devices and other subspecialty applications. We hypothesized that products with genitourinary applications had similar adverse events to dermatologic or general surgery applications.

Methods

The authors used Reed Tech Navigator to compile adverse events reports for all registered energy-based devices. Individual adverse events reports associated with (1) non-ablative, (2) fractionated, (3) unfractionated, (4) radiofrequency, and (5) hybrid laser technologies were categorized. Adverse event characteristics were compared among genitourinary applications (n = 39) and other subspecialty applications within the same devices (n = 79).

Results

Eighteen manufacturers were identified, which collectively manufacture 43 products with genitourinary applications. Thirty-nine genitourinary adverse events were reported and isolated to 6 manufacturers with 11 products, of which 82% (n = 32) were injuries, 15% (n = 6) were device malfunction, and 3% (n = 1) were related to improper maintenance. Local treatment reactions were the most commonly reported injury (62%, n = 21). Adverse events varied by device type, with CO2 lasers having more burns and radiofrequency devices having higher rates of sensation loss. Comparing similar technology types, genitourinary energy-based devices had the fewest adverse events reports per device in the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database.

Conclusions

Adverse events were reported for one-quarter of the products currently available, and most were local treatment reactions. The reporting of adverse events is equal to that of other subspecialties, suggesting similar risk profiles. Improved reporting is needed to fully evaluate the safety of individual energy-based devices.

Level of Evidence: 4
High-Definition Lipoplasty in Male Patients: A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques and Outcomes
Authors: Escandón Joseph M , Vyas Krishna S , Manrique Oscar J
Published: July 2021

Background

Lipoplasty has undergone a series of refinements since its inception. It is now possible to apply superficial suction to enhance the outline of a muscle in order to improve the results of aesthetic lipoplasty.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to summarize the available evidence on the techniques and surgical outcomes of high-definition lipoplasty (HDL) in male patients.

Methods

A systematic search across PubMed MEDLINE, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, and SCOPUS was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Data regarding the surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications were extracted.

Results

Thirteen studies comprising 1280 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The age of patients ranged from 18 to 71 years. The average BMI was 26.5 kg/m2. The follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 10 years. The liposculpting concepts reported were abdominal etching, high-definition, muscular sculpture, and dynamic definition. Four studies used conventional liposuction, 3 used VASER-assisted HDL, and 6 studies used power-assisted liposculpting. Eight studies reported the use of fat grafting. All studies reported the use of postoperative garments and a well-established wound treatment protocol. Overall satisfaction ranged from 84% to 100%. The most common complications reported were fluid collection, hyperpigmentation, contour irregularities, anemia, and port dehiscence.

Conclusions

A wide variety of techniques are available to perform HDL with a variable degree of definition. Careful patient selection is critical for successful results because HDL is not suitable for every patient. Finally, proper training and adequate knowledge of abdominal anatomy is necessary to avoid complications.

Level of Evidence: 4
Detecting methylation quantitative trait loci using a methylation random field method
Authors: Lyu Chen , Huang Manyan , Liu Nianjun , Chen Zhongxue , Lupo Philip J , Tycko Benjamin , Witte John S , Hobbs Charlotte A , Li Ming
Published: July 2021

DNA methylation may be regulated by genetic variants within a genomic region, referred to as methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTLs). The changes of methylation levels can further lead to alterations of gene expression, and influence the risk of various complex human diseases. Detecting mQTLs may provide insights into the underlying mechanism of how genotypic variations may influence the disease risk. In this article, we propose a methylation random field (MRF) method to detect mQTLs by testing the association between the methylation level of a CpG site and a set of genetic variants within a genomic region. The proposed MRF has two major advantages over existing approaches. First, it uses a beta distribution to characterize the bimodal and interval properties of the methylation trait at a CpG site. Second, it considers multiple common and rare genetic variants within a genomic region to identify mQTLs. Through simulations, we demonstrated that the MRF had improved power over other existing methods in detecting rare variants of relatively large effect, especially when the sample size is small. We further applied our method to a study of congenital heart defects with 83 cardiac tissue samples and identified two mQTL regions, MRPS10 and PSORS1C1, which were colocalized with expression QTL in cardiac tissue. In conclusion, the proposed MRF is a useful tool to identify novel mQTLs, especially for studies with limited sample sizes.
rPanglaoDB: an R package to download and merge labeled single-cell RNA-seq data from the PanglaoDB database
Authors: Osorio Daniel , Kuijjer Marieke L , Cai James J
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Characterizing cells with rare molecular phenotypes is one of the promises of high throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) techniques. However, collecting enough cells with the desired molecular phenotype in a single experiment is challenging, requiring several samples preprocessing steps to filter and collect the desired cells experimentally before sequencing. Data integration of multiple public single-cell experiments stands as a solution for this problem, allowing the collection of enough cells exhibiting the desired molecular signatures. By increasing the sample size of the desired cell type, this approach enables a robust cell type transcriptome characterization.

Results

Here, we introduce rPanglaoDB, an R package to download and merge the uniformly processed and annotated scRNA-seq data provided by the PanglaoDB database. To show the potential of rPanglaoDB for collecting rare cell types by integrating multiple public datasets, we present a biological application collecting and characterizing a set of 157 fibrocytes. Fibrocytes are a rare monocyte-derived cell type, that exhibits both the inflammatory features of macrophages and the tissue remodeling properties of fibroblasts. This constitutes the first fibrocytes’ unbiased transcriptome profile report. We compared the transcriptomic profile of the fibrocytes against the fibroblasts collected from the same tissue samples and confirm their associated relationship with healing processes in tissue damage and infection through the activation of the prostaglandin biosynthesis and regulation pathway.

Availability and implementation

rPanglaoDB is implemented as an R package available through the CRAN repositories https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=rPanglaoDB.
The power and the promise of circRNAs for cancer precision medicine with functional diagnostics and prognostic prediction
Authors: Ma Yu-Shui , Cao Yong-Feng , Liu Ji-Bin , Li Wen , Deng Jing , Yang Xiao-Li , Xin Rui , Shi Yi , Zhang Dan-Dan , Lv Zhong-Wei , Fu Da
Published: July 2021

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a large class of covalently closed circRNA. As a member of competitive endogenous RNA, it participates in the regulation of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and plays an important role in the regulation of physiology and pathology. CircRNA is produced by the reverse splicing of exon, intron or both, forming exon or intron circRNA. Studies have shown that circRNA is a ubiquitous molecule, which exceeds the linear mRNA distributed in human cells. Because of its covalent closed-loop structure, circRNA is resistant to RNase R, which is more stable than linear mRNA; circRNA is highly conserved in different species. It was found that circRNA competitively adsorbs miRNA, as a miRNA sponge, to involve in the expression regulation of a variety of genes and plays an important role in tumor development, invasion, metastasis and other processes. These molecules offer new potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention and serve as biomarkers for diagnosis. In this paper, the origin, characteristics and functions of circRNA and its role in tumor development, invasion and metastasis, diagnosis and prognosis are reviewed.
Effect and quality of couple-based interventions of middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a scoping review
Authors: Wang Caixuan , Wu Min , Yang Yung-Jen , Liao Jing
Published: July 2021

Background

Studies have shown the existence of health concordance between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their spouses, and also that spouses could influence the effect of self-management, benefiting patients’ health. However, these studies are heterogeneous and the evidence is inconclusive.

Objective

To synthesize evidence from published randomized controlled trials: the interventional effects and the quality of study performance, also to identify the research gap and the directions for future studies.

Methods

We performed the scoping review by following the PRISMA-ScR guidance. We searched and examined the reports from MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL Plus by the pre-specified criteria. Key characteristics and information of eligible reports were extracted, analysed and synthesized comprehensively, and the results were presented in the form of words and diagrams.

Results

We identified 5 reports from 4 studies out of 3479 records included. Qualified studies indicated a positive effect of couple-based interventions on couples’ distress. Insufficient evidence on physiological health or health behaviours was identified owing to the small number of included studies and inconsistent assessment outcomes. The methodological quality across these studies was generally low due to inadequate reporting of study process and substantial biases.

Conclusions

Couple-based interventions for patients with T2DM showed small effects on the couple’s distress while the effects of other outcomes were inconclusive. Future studies should strengthen methodologies by using standard measures of core diabetic outcomes, including detailed assessments of implementation process, and taking a dyadic approach to systematically examine the effects.
Shifting proteomes: limitations in using the BioID proximity labeling system to study SNARE protein trafficking during infection with intracellular pathogens
Authors: Jorgenson Lisa M , Olson-Wood Macy G , Rucks Elizabeth A
Published: July 2021

We hypothesize that intracellular trafficking pathways are altered in chlamydial infected cells to maximize the ability of Chlamydia to scavenge nutrients while not overtly stressing the host cell. Previous data demonstrated the importance of two eukaryotic SNARE proteins, VAMP4 and syntaxin 10 (St × 10), in chlamydial growth and development. Although, the mechanism for these effects is still unknown. To interrogate whether chlamydial infection altered these proteins' networks, we created BirA*-VAMP4 and BirA*-St × 10 fusion constructs to use the BioID proximity labeling system. While we identified a novel eukaryotic protein-protein interaction between St × 10 and VAPB, we also identified caveats in using the BioID system to study the impact of infection by an obligate intracellular pathogen on SNARE protein networks. The addition of the BirA* altered the localization of VAMP4 and St × 10 during infection with C. trachomatis serovars L2 and D and C. burnetii Nine Mile Phase II. We also discovered that BirA* traffics to and biotinylates Coxiella-containing vacuoles and, in general, has a propensity for labeling membrane or membrane-associated proteins. While the BioID system identified a novel association for St × 10, it is not a reliable methodology to examine intracellular trafficking pathway dynamics during infection with intracellular pathogens.
Factors Associated With Assisted Living Facility Closure
Authors: June Joseph W , Dobbs Debra , Molinari Victor , Meng Hongdao , Bowblis John R , Hyer Kathryn
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) have experienced rapid growth in the past few decades. The expansion in the number of ALFs may cause markets to become oversaturated, and a greater risk of unprofitable ALFs to close. However, no studies have investigated ALF closure. This study adapted a model developed for the nursing home market for the ALF market to examine the organizational, internal, and external factors associated with closure.

Research Design and Methods

Data on 1,939 ALFs operating in 2013 from Florida were used to estimate a logistic regression to examine the organizational, internal, and external factors that were associated with closure between 2013 and 2015.

Results

During the 2-year study period, 141 ALFs (7.3%) closed. Significant factors associated with increased odds of closure included fewer beds, not accepting Medicaid, and more deficiencies. Two factors (market concentration and population density) were marginally significant.

Discussion and Implications

The results of this study confirm the usefulness of a model that includes organizational, internal, and external factors to predict ALF closure. These outcomes highlight the concerns that closure can affect access to community-based long-term care, especially for rural older adults, and indicate an expansion of Medicaid acceptance in ALFs could be protective against closure.
Influences on the physical activity of Syrian migrants in Germany: results of a qualitative study
Authors: Sauter Alexandra , Kikhia Salma , Loss Julika
Published: July 2021

Due to the ongoing Syrian conflict, Syrian migrants represent the third-largest group of immigrants in Germany. They are, therefore, potential addressees for health-promotion programs, such as physical activity (PA). Thus, this study aimed to explore the relevance of PA, how PA may change with increasing length of stay and what are the facilitators and barriers of PA in the host country. Using a longitudinal, qualitative study design, 30 semi-standardized qualitative interviews with Syrian migrants were conducted in 2018 and 17 migrants could be followed-up after 12 months in 2019 and were asked for changes in their PA-behavior. Interviews were conducted in German, English or Arabic, transcribed and translated into English if necessary. For analysis, an abbreviated version of the Grounded Theory was used. We identified three PA phases that Syrian immigrants underwent during their first years in Germany. Phase 1 includes bureaucratic matters. Health-promoting behaviors, such as PA, are not relevant. Phase 2 comprises the establishment of basic structures. PA can gain importance and (new) behaviors can be established. In Phase 3, immigrants feel under pressure to successfully complete an (academic) education in Germany. Feelings toward PA can become ambivalent. Overall, health-promoting behaviors, such as PA, are often of secondary priority and factors influencing PA are heterogeneous not only on an individual but also societal and institutional level. PA-programs should be advertised bilingually, offered low-threshold and at low cost in order to reach the target group. In addition, there is a high demand for mental health services.
Effects of Mixing Energy Drinks With Alcohol on Driving-Related Skills
Authors: Pérez-Mañá Clara , Mateus Julián Andrés , Díaz-Pellicer Patricia , Díaz-Baggerman Ariadna , Pérez Marta , Pujadas Mitona , Fonseca Francina , Papaseit Esther , Pujol Jesús , Langohr Klaus , de la Torre Rafael
Published: July 2021

Background

Energy drinks (EDs) reduce sleepiness and fatigue and improve driving performance whereas alcohol does just the opposite. Although it is a trendy combination among young people, the effects of alcohol mixed with EDs on driving performance have been poorly studied. The aim was to assess if there is an interaction between the effects of both drinks on driving-related skills as well as perceptions about driving ability.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled 4-way crossover clinical trial. Participants were 16 healthy volunteers. Interventions of 60 g of ethanol and 750 mL of Red Bull (RB) were administered in 2 separated doses. Conditions were alcohol + RB placebo, alcohol + RB, alcohol placebo + RB, and both placebos. Objective performance was assessed using a tracking test and simple reaction time, N-Back, and movement estimation tasks. Additionally, willingness to drive, other subjective effects, and ethanol and caffeine blood concentrations were also measured.

Results

Alcohol increased the time outside the road in the tracking test and increased simple reaction time, but the addition of RB had no main or interaction effects on performance. Nonetheless, driving-related skills after alcohol + RB were better than after alcohol alone. Willingness to drive increased with the combination of drinks. RB also reduced alcohol-induced sedation whereas drunkenness did not change. These effects were seen even though alcohol + RB increased alcohol (14.8%) and caffeine plasma concentrations (17.6%).

Conclusions

Mixing EDs with alcohol predisposes consumers to drive under alcohol influence, perhaps in part because EDs counteract its detrimental effects on driving-related skills.

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02771587.
Improving postpartum hemorrhage risk prediction using longitudinal electronic medical records
Authors: Zheutlin Amanda B , Vieira Luciana , Shewcraft Ryan A , Li Shilong , Wang Zichen , Schadt Emilio , Gross Susan , Dolan Siobhan M , Stone Joanne , Schadt Eric , Li Li
Published: July 2021

Objective

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of preventable maternal mortality in the United States. We sought to develop a novel risk assessment tool and compare its accuracy to tools used in current practice.

Materials and Methods

We used a PPH digital phenotype that we developed and validated previously to identify 6639 PPH deliveries from our delivery cohort (N = 70 948). Using a vast array of known and potential risk factors extracted from electronic medical records available prior to delivery, we trained a gradient boosting model in a subset of our cohort. In a held-out test sample, we compared performance of our model with 3 clinical risk-assessment tools and 1 previously published model.

Results

Our 24-feature model achieved an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.72), higher than all other tools (research-based AUROC, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.66-0.69]; clinical AUROCs, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.54-0.56] to 0.61 [95% CI, 0.59-0.62]). Five features were novel, including red blood cell indices and infection markers measured upon admission. Additionally, we identified inflection points for vital signs and labs where risk rose substantially. Most notably, patients with median intrapartum systolic blood pressure above 132 mm Hg had an 11% (95% CI, 8%-13%) median increase in relative risk for PPH.

Conclusions

We developed a novel approach for predicting PPH and identified clinical feature thresholds that can guide intrapartum monitoring for PPH risk. These results suggest that our model is an excellent candidate for prospective evaluation and could ultimately reduce PPH morbidity and mortality through early detection and prevention.
The invisible child of personalized medicine
Authors: Ó Cathaoir Katharina
Published: July 2021

This article seeks to bring the invisible child of personalized medicine out from the shadows through legal analysis and empirical data. It uses Denmark as a case to argue that existing policies, laws and practices on personalized medicine neglect the legal and ethical issues specific to children. The article investigates Danish laws and practices in clinical genetics and describes how the law neglects children’s right to self-determination in three ways. Firstly, while child participation is provided for by law, no guidelines have been created to operationalize this norm. Secondly, children’s right not to know is inadequately reflected in current policies. Thirdly, the storage of information from prenatal genetic sequencing raises important issues that are in need of reflection. Several recommendations are made, including for strengthening children’s participation and limiting parents’ access to secondary findings where they relate to untreatable or unpreventable conditions. It furthermore recognizes, however, that children’s self-determination in some circumstances should be viewed relationally due to the interconnected nature of genetics.
Longitudinal Investigation of Early Motor Development in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Pardej Sara K , Glad Danielle M , Casnar Christina L , Janke Kelly M , Klein-Tasman Bonita P
Published: July 2021

Objective

Research indicates that children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) have weaknesses in fine and gross motor development in early childhood; however, little is known about the stability and developmental trajectory of motor functioning. We investigated (1) whether motor difficulties are evident and stable in the preschool period in children with NF1 and (2) whether there are particular patterns of motor development in this population.

Methods

Participants with NF1 and a control group of unaffected siblings were enrolled at ages 3–8 years and were assessed yearly. Motor functioning was assessed longitudinally using the Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised Motor Scale and the Differential Ability Scales-II Copying subtest. Wilcoxon sign tests were used to compare motor functioning at 3 or 4 years to 5 or 6 years old for children with NF1 seen during both time periods (N = 27). Linear mixed model growth curve analyses were used to compare trajectories for both children with NF1 (N = 62) and unaffected siblings (N = 37).

Results

Children with NF1 made relative gains in raw scores, but not standard scores, across measures. Growth curve analyses revealed a significant effect of NF1 status on gross motor, fine motor, and copying scores, as well as an age by NF1 status effect on fine and gross motor scores.

Conclusions

Motor difficulties are evident early in life in children with NF1. Though children with NF1 clearly acquire motor skills over time, they continue to fall behind unaffected siblings, with the gap potentially widening over time. Further implications are discussed.
NGSocomial Infections: High-Resolution Views of Hospital-Acquired Infections Through Genomic Epidemiology
Authors: Greninger Alexander L , Zerr Danielle M
Published: July 2021

Hospital outbreak investigations are high-stakes epidemiology. Contacts between staff and patients are numerous; environmental and community exposures are plentiful; and patients are highly vulnerable. Having the best data is paramount to understanding an outbreak in order to stop ongoing transmission and prevent future outbreaks. In the past 5 years, the high-resolution view of transmission offered by analyzing pathogen whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly part of hospital outbreak investigations. Concerns over speed and actionability, assay validation, liability, cost, and payment models lead to further opportunities for work in this area. Now accelerated by funding for COVID-19, the use of genomics in hospital outbreak investigations has firmly moved from the academic literature to more quotidian operations, with associated concerns involving regulatory affairs, data integration, and clinical interpretation. This review details past uses of WGS data in hospital-acquired infection outbreaks as well as future opportunities to increase its utility and growth in hospital infection prevention.
The GpIA7 effector from the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida targets potato EBP1 and interferes with the plant cell cycle
Authors: Coke Mirela C , Mantelin Sophie , Thorpe Peter , Lilley Catherine J , Wright Kathryn M , Shaw Daniel S , Chande Adams , Jones John T , Urwin Peter E
Published: July 2021

The potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida acquires all of its nutrients from an elaborate feeding site that it establishes in a host plant root. Normal development of the root cells is re-programmed in a process coordinated by secreted nematode effector proteins. The biological function of the G. pallida GpIA7 effector was investigated in this study. GpIA7 is specifically expressed in the subventral pharyngeal glands of pre-parasitic stage nematodes. Ectopic expression of GpIA7 in potato plants affected plant growth and development, suggesting a potential role for this effector in feeding site establishment. Potato plants overexpressing GpIA7 were shorter, with reduced tuber weight and delayed flowering. We provide evidence that GpIA7 associates with the plant growth regulator StEBP1 (ErbB-3 epidermal growth factor receptor-binding protein 1). GpIA7 modulates the regulatory function of StEBP1, altering the expression level of downstream target genes, including ribonucleotide reductase 2, cyclin D3;1, and retinoblastoma related 1, which are down-regulated in plants overexpressing GpIA7. We provide an insight into the molecular mechanism used by the nematode to manipulate the host cell cycle and demonstrate that this may rely, at least in part, on hindering the function of host EBP1.
On assessing metadata completeness in digital cultural heritage repositories
Authors: Lorenzini Matteo , Rospocher Marco , Tonelli Sara
Published: July 2021

Metadata allows access to a wide variety of cultural heritage resources made available through repositories, digital libraries, and catalogues. Usually taking the form of a structured set of descriptive elements, metadata assist in the identification, location, processing, tracking, preserving, sharing, and retrieval of information, while facilitating content and access management. However, low metadata quality, such as the lack of mandatory information, incorrect information, or inconsistency, is still an open issue in many repositories. In this article, we present our ongoing work aiming at automatizing the metadata quality analysis, and the preliminary results on metadata completeness for the Italian digital library ‘Cultura Italia’.
On the secular evolution of the ratio between gas and dust radii in protoplanetary discs
Authors: Toci Claudia , Rosotti Giovanni , Lodato Giuseppe , Testi Leonardo , Trapman Leon
Published: July 2021

A key problem in protoplanetary disc evolution is understanding the efficiency of dust radial drift. This process makes the observed dust disc sizes shrink on relatively short time-scales, implying that discs started much larger than what we see now. In this paper, we use an independent constraint, the gas radius (as probed by CO rotational emission), to test disc evolution models. In particular, we consider the ratio between the dust and gas radius, RCO/Rdust. We model the time evolution of protoplanetary discs under the influence of viscous evolution, grain growth, and radial drift. Then, using the radiative transfer code radmc with approximate chemistry, we compute the dust and gas radii of the models and investigate how RCO/Rdust evolves. Our main finding is that, for a broad range of values of disc mass, initial radius, and viscosity, RCO/Rdust becomes large (>5) after only a short time (<1 Myr) due to radial drift. This is at odds with measurements in young star-forming regions such as Lupus, which find much smaller values, implying that dust radial drift is too efficient in these models. Substructures, commonly invoked to stop radial drift in large, bright discs, must then be present, although currently unresolved, in most discs.
Detection of an extremely strong magnetic field in the double-degenerate binary merger product HD 144941
Authors: Shultz M E , Kochukhov O , Labadie-Bartz J , David-Uraz A , Owocki S P
Published: July 2021

HD 144941 is an extreme He (EHe) star, a rare class of subdwarf OB star formed from the merger of two white dwarf (WD) stars. Uniquely amongst EHe stars, its light curve has been reported to be modulated entirely by rotation, suggesting the presence of a magnetic field. Here, we report the first high-resolution spectropolarimetric observations of HD 144941, in which we detect an extremely strong magnetic field both in circular polarization (with a line-of-sight magnetic field averaged over the stellar disc 〈Bz〉 ∼−8 kG) and in Zeeman splitting of spectral lines (yielding a magnetic modulus of 〈B〉 ∼17 kG). We also report for the first time weak H α emission consistent with an origin and a centrifugal magnetosphere. HD 144941’s atmospheric parameters could be consistent with either a subdwarf or a main-sequence (MS) star, and its surface abundances are neither similar to other EHe stars nor to He-strong magnetic stars. However, its H α emission properties can only be reproduced if its mass is around 1 M⊙, indicating that it must be a post-MS object. Since there is no indication of binarity, it is unlikely to be a stripped star, and was therefore most likely produced in a WD merger. HD 144941 is therefore further evidence that mergers are a viable pathway for the generation of fossil magnetic fields.
Chemical abundances in Seyfert galaxies – VI. Empirical abundance calibration
Authors: Dors Oli L
Published: July 2021

We derived a bi-dimensional calibration between the emission-line ratios $R_{23}= ([\mathrm{ O}\, {\small {\rm II}}]\,\lambda 3726 +\lambda 3729 +[\mathrm{ O}\mathrm{ }\, {\small {\rm III}}]\,\lambda 4959 + \lambda 5007)/\rm H\,\beta$, ${\it P}=[([\mathrm{ O}\, {\small {\rm III}}]\,\lambda 4959+\lambda 5007)/{\rm H}\,\beta ]/R_{23}$ and the oxygen abundance relative to hydrogen (O/H) in the gas phase of Seyfert 1 and 2 nuclei. In view of this, emission-line intensity ratios for a sample of objects taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 measured by the MPA/JHU group and direct estimates of O/H based on Te-method, adapted for active galactic nuclei (AGNs), are considered. We find no variation of R23 observed along the radii of AGNs, which shows that this line ratio is a good oxygen abundance (O/H) indicator for the class of objects considered in this work. The derived O/H = f(R23, P) relation produces O/H values similar to estimations via Te-method in a wide range of metallicities [$\rm 8.0 \: \lesssim \: 12+\log \,(O/H) \: \lesssim \: 9.2$]. Conversely to star-forming regions in the high-metallicity regime, R23 shows a positive correlation trend with O/H in AGNs. This indicates that the hardness of ionizing radiation is not affected by the metallicities in these objects or narrow-line regions are not significantly modified by changes in the spectral energy distribution due to metallicity variations.
Optical photometry of two transitional millisecond pulsars in the radio pulsar state
Authors: Stringer J G , Breton R P , Clark C J , Voisin G , Kennedy M R , Mata Sánchez D , Shahbaz T , Dhillon V S , van Kerkwijk M , Marsh T R
Published: July 2021

We present ULTRACAM multiband optical photometry of two transitional millisecond pulsars (tMSPs), PSR J1023+0038 and PSR J1227−4853, taken while both were in their radio pulsar states. The light curves show significant asymmetry about the flux maxima in all observed bands, suggesting an asymmetric source of heating in the system. We model the light curves using the icarus binary code, using models with an additional ‘hotspot’ heating contribution and an anisotropic heat redistribution model to treat the asymmetry. Our modelling reveals companion stars with underfilled Roche lobes in both PSRs J1023+0038 and J1227−4853, with Roche lobe filling factors in the range f ∼ 0.82−0.92. While the volume-averaged filling factors are closer to unity, significant underfilling is unexpected from tMSPs as they must rapidly overfill their Roche lobes to start transferring mass, which occurs on time-scale of weeks or months. We discuss the motivation and validity of our extensions to the models and the implications of the underfilled Roche lobe, and suggest future work to further investigate the role of the filling factor in the tMSP cycle.