bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High immature platelet fraction with reduced platelet count on hospital admission. Can it be useful for COVID‐19 diagnosis?
Authors: Introcaso Giovanni , Bonomi Alice , Salvini Laura , D’Errico Tiziana , Cattaneo Annalisa , Assanelli Emilio , Barbieri Silvia Stella , Biondi Maria Luisa
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Health professions are heavily engaged facing the current threat of SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19). Although there are many diagnostic tools, an accurate and rapid laboratory procedure for diagnosing COVID‐19 is recommended. We focused on platelet parameters as the additional biomarkers for clinical diagnosis in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED).

Materials and Methods

Five hundred and sixty‐one patients from February to April 2020 have been recruited. Patients were divided into three groups: (N = 50) COVID‐19 positive and (N = 21) COVID‐19 negative with molecular testing, (N = 490) as reference population without molecular testing. A Multiplex rRT‐PCR from samples collected by nasopharyngeal swabs was performed and the hematological data collected.

Results

We detected a mild anemia in COVID‐19 group and lymphopenia against reference population: hemoglobin (g/dL) 13.0 (11.5‐14.8) versus 13.9 (12.8‐15.0) (P = .0135); lymphocytes (109/L) 1.24 (0.94‐1.73) versus 1.99 (1.49‐2.64) (P < .0001). In addition, abnormal platelet parameters as follows (COVID group vs reference population): PLT (×109/L) 209 (160‐258) vs 236 (193‐279) (P = .0239). IPF (%) 4.05 (2.5‐5.9) versus 3.4 (2.2‐4.9) (P = .0576); H‐IPF (%) 1.25 (0.8‐2.2) versus 0.95 (0.6‐1.5) (P = .0171) were identified. In particular, COVID positive group had a high H‐IPF/IPF Ratio compared to reference population [0.32 (0.29‐0.36) versus 0.29 (0.26‐0.32), respectively, (P = .0003)]. Finally, a PLT difference of nearly 50 × 109/L between pre/postCOVID‐19 sampling for each patient was found (N = 42) (P = .0194).

Conclusions

COVID‐19 group results highlighted higher IPF and H‐IPF values, with increased H‐IPF/IPF Ratio, associated to PLT count reduction. These findings shall be adopted for a timely diagnosis of patients upon hospital admission.
Introducing a supervised alternative to forced‐choice personality scoring: A test of validity and resistance to faking
Authors: Speer Andrew B. , Delacruz Angie Y.
Published: September 2021

This paper examines a new personality assessment scoring approach labeled supervised forced choice scoring (SFCS), which aims to maximize construct validity of forced choice (FC) personality assessments. SFCS maximally weights FC responses to predict or “reproduce” honest, normative, and reliable personality scores using machine learning. In this proof of concept study, a graded response FC assessment was tested across several samples, and SFCS resulted in psychometric improvements over traditional FC scoring. Correlations with aligned single‐stimulus trait scores (taken honestly) were strong, both when the FC measure was taken honestly and when taken in induced applicant settings. SFCS scores also exhibited small shifts in average scores between honest and faked conditions and were predictive of organizational citizenship behaviors, employee engagement, and leadership emergence at work. Although SFCS showed merit in this proof of concept study, it is unclear how well results will generalize to new FC measures, and we urge more research on this scoring method.
The role of neuroimaging in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bidesi Natasha S. R. , Vang Andersen Ida , Windhorst Albert D. , Shalgunov Vladimir , Herth Matthias M.
Published: September 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Two hallmarks of PD are the accumulation of alpha‐synuclein and the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. There is no cure for PD, and all existing treatments focus on alleviating the symptoms. PD diagnosis is also based on the symptoms, such as abnormalities of movement, mood, and cognition observed in the patients. Molecular imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET) can detect objective alterations in the neurochemical machinery of the brain and help diagnose and study neurodegenerative diseases. This review addresses the application of functional MRI, PET, and SPECT in PD patients. We provide an overview of the imaging targets, discuss the rationale behind target selection, the agents (tracers) with which the imaging can be performed, and the main findings regarding each target's state in PD. Molecular imaging has proven itself effective in supporting clinical diagnosis of PD and has helped reveal that PD is a heterogeneous disorder, which has important implications for the development of future therapies. However, the application of molecular imaging for early diagnosis of PD or for differentiation between PD and atypical parkinsonisms has remained challenging. The final section of the review is dedicated to new imaging targets with which one can detect the PD‐related pathological changes upstream from dopaminergic degeneration. The foremost of those targets is alpha‐synuclein. We discuss the progress of tracer development achieved so far and challenges on the path toward alpha‐synuclein imaging in humans.

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Increased serum delta neutrophil index levels are associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Eroğlu Hasan , Şahin Uysal Nihal , Sarsmaz Kemal , Tonyalı Nazan Vanlı , Codal Bahadır , Yücel Aykan
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study aims to compare the maternal serum delta neutrophil index (DNI) levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and healthy pregnancies.

Methods

This study consisted of a group of patients (n = 40) diagnosed with isolated ICP who gave birth in our hospital and a control group (n = 60) between December 1, 2015, and June 30, 2018. The diagnosis of ICP was made based on pruritus and elevated fasting serum bile acids and liver enzymes. Laboratory tests of both groups in the hospitalization process were retrospectively examined. Maternal and neonatal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and DNI values of the two groups were compared. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.

Results

Mean maternal serum DNI levels were significantly higher in women with ICP than in the control group (0.49 ± 4.8 vs –3.99 ± 3.02, p = <0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to define the DNI value where ICP can be best predicted.

Conclusion

DNI, a new inflammatory marker, was found to be higher in women with ICP than in normal pregnancies.
Machine learning to investigate superficial white matter integrity in early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Buyukturkoglu Korhan , Vergara Christopher , Fuentealba Valentina , Tozlu Ceren , Dahan Jacob B. , Carroll Britta E. , Kuceyeski Amy , Riley Claire S. , Sumowski James F. , Oliva Carlos Guevara , Sitaram Ranganatha , Guevara Pamela , Leavitt Victoria M.
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose

This study aims todetermine the sensitivity of superficial white matter (SWM) integrity as a metric to distinguish early multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity (MD) values from SWM bundles across the cortex and major deep white matter (DWM) tracts were extracted from 29 early MS patients and 31 age‐ and sex‐matched HC. Thickness of 68 cortical regions and resting‐state functional‐connectivity (RSFC) among them were calculated. The distribution of structural and functional metrics between groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. Utilizing a machine learning method (adaptive boosting), 6 models were built based on: 1‐SWM, 2‐DWM, 3‐SWM and DWM, 4‐cortical thickness, or 5‐RSFC measures. In model 6, all features from previous models were incorporated. The models were trained with nested 5‐folds cross‐validation. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCroc) values were calculated to evaluate classification performance of each model. Permutation tests were used to compare the AUCroc values.

Results

Patients had higher MD in SWM bundles including insula, inferior frontal, orbitofrontal, superior and medial temporal, and pre‐ and post‐central cortices (p < .05). No group differences were found for any other MRI metric. The model incorporating SWM and DWM features provided the best classification (AUCroc = 0.75). The SWM model provided higher AUCroc (0.74), compared to DWM (0.63), cortical thickness (0.67), RSFC (0.63), and all‐features (0.68) models (p < .001 for all).

Conclusion

Our results reveal a non‐random pattern of SWM abnormalities at early stages of MS even before pronounced structural and functional alterations emerge.
Parental migration and care for left‐behind children in Myanmar's Dry Zone
Authors: Teerawichitchainan Bussarawan , Knodel John
Published: September 2021

Myanmar's population has been on the move at an unprecedented level since 2011. Given the country's lack of data infrastructure, little is known about how parental migration affects children in Myanmar's migration‐source areas. Based on the 2017 Dry Zone Migration Impact Survey, this study examines the extent to which parental migration is associated with the frequency of care provision for left‐behind children and the likelihood that their care needs are adequately met. Results suggest that the negative impacts of parental migration were limited to a small proportion of children whose mothers migrated (regardless of their father's migration). These children received significantly less frequent care and experienced a lower likelihood of having adequate support for daily necessities. Yet, the statistically significant negative associations between maternal migration and children's met needs for emotional and financial support were not found. On the contrary, children with migrant fathers and non‐migrant mothers enjoyed significantly more frequent care than other children. Looking ahead, Myanmar's rising trends in migration, population aging, and female labor force participation can pose new challenges in care provision for left‐behind children. Thus, continual monitoring of migration impacts and changing societal contexts is critical for formulating policies to manage risks associated with migration in developing countries.
What Are the Experiences of People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders Receiving Outpatient Mental Health Services in Singapore?
Authors: Ee Jonathan , Lim Jan Mei , Stenfert Kroese Biza , Rose John
Published: September 2021

Background

There is a lack of studies that explore the views and experiences of people with neurodevelopmental disorders of their mental health. This study explored the experiences of five adults with neurodevelopmental disorders who receive outpatient mental health services in Singapore.

Method

Two participants attended one‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews and three participants attended a focus group. The data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Four master themes emerged: (1) Sense of self, (2) people who matter to me, (3) having choice and autonomy, and (4) hopes and dreams. Three subthemes were further identified in the second master theme.

Conclusion

The themes identified the negative impact of mental illness on self‐esteem and their experiences of receiving specialist mental health service in Singapore. Participants also specified desirable traits of professional staff and expressed a wish to have greater participation in the community through employment. Implications of the findings are discussed in the context of improving services for this population and addressing their psychosocial needs during the treatment process.
Virus infection modulates male sexual behaviour in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: van Sluijs Lisa , Liu Jie , Schrama Mels , van Hamond Sanne , Vromans Sophie P. J. M. , Scholten Marèl H. , Žibrat Nika , Riksen Joost A. G. , Pijlman Gorben P. , Sterken Mark G. , Kammenga Jan E.
Published: September 2021

Mating dynamics follow from natural selection on mate choice and individuals maximizing their reproductive success. Mate discrimination reveals itself by a plethora of behaviours and morphological characteristics, each of which can be affected by pathogens. A key question is how pathogens affect mate choice and outcrossing behaviour. Here we investigated the effect of Orsay virus on the mating dynamics of the androdiecious (male and hermaphrodite) nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We tested genetically distinct strains and found that viral susceptibility differed between sexes in a genotype‐dependent manner with males of reference strain N2 being more resistant than hermaphrodites. Males displayed a constitutively higher expression of intracellular pathogen response (IPR) genes, whereas the antiviral RNAi response did not have increased activity in males. Subsequent monitoring of sex ratios over 10 generations revealed that viral presence can change mating dynamics in isogenic populations. Sexual attraction assays showed that males preferred mating with uninfected rather than infected hermaphrodites. Together our results illustrate for the first time that viral infection can significantly affect male mating choice and suggest altered mating dynamics as a novel cause benefitting outcrossing under pathogenic stress conditions in C. elegans.
Expression, prognostic significance and therapeutic implications of PD‐L1 in gliomas
Authors: Vimalathas Gayaththri , Kristensen Bjarne Winther
Published: September 2021

The advent of checkpoint immunotherapy, particularly with programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) inhibitors, has provided ground‐breaking results in several advanced cancers. Substantial efforts are being made to extend these promising therapies to other refractory cancers such as gliomas, especially glioblastoma, which represents the most frequent and malignant glioma and carries an exceptionally grim prognosis. Thus, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies with related biomarkers. Gliomas have a profoundly immunosuppressive tumour micro‐environment and evade immunological destruction by several mechanisms, one being the expression of inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules such as PD‐L1. PD‐L1 is recognised as an important therapeutic target and its expression has been shown to hold prognostic value in different cancers. Several clinical trials have been launched and some already completed, but PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors have yet to show convincing clinical efficacy in gliomas. Part of the explanation may reside in the vast molecular heterogeneity of gliomas and a complex interplay within the tumour micro‐environment. In parallel, critical knowledge about PD‐L1 expression is beginning to accumulate including knowledge on expression levels, testing methodology, co‐expression with other checkpoint molecules and prognostic and predictive value. This article reviews these aspects and points out areas where biomarker research is needed to develop more successful checkpoint‐related therapeutic strategies in gliomas.
Individualized care perceptions and moral distress of intensive care nurses
Authors: Işık Meryem Türkan , Yıldırım Gülay
Published: September 2021

Background

Intensive care settings are characterized by their structure, which constantly changes in parallel with scientific and technological developments, the uncertainty of the lifeline between birth and death, the challenges in the fair distribution of limited resources, the participation of individuals in medical decisions, and witnessing the pain experienced by individuals. These characteristics also affect the level of moral distress, which can make it difficult for ICU nurses to provide the most appropriate individualized care for their patients.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to determine the moral distress levels and individualized care perceptions of intensive care nurses.

Study design

This study employed a cross‐sectional descriptive survey design.

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted with 128 nurses working in the intensive care units of a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using an ‘Information Form’, ‘the Moral Distress Scale’, and ‘the Individualized Care Scale‐Nurse Version’.

Results

78.9% of the nurses stated that there was staff shortage, and 36.0% stated that the physical conditions were not suitable for care in the intensive care units in which they worked. The mean score on the Moral Distress Scale was 79.2 ± 46.4. The mean total score on the Individualized Care Scale‐Nurse Version was 3.5 ± 0.8.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the intensive care nurses had moderate levels of moral distress and good levels of individualized care perceptions although there was no significant relationship between their moral distress levels and individualized care perceptions. Also, the nurses adopted care behaviours supporting patients' feelings and autonomy.

Relevance to clinical practice

In our study, the intensive care nurses did not reflect their moderate‐level moral distress in the individualized care provided. It could be beneficial to measure intensive care nurses' moral distress and care levels at frequent intervals so that early precautions could be taken to prevent the accumulation of moral distress and care difficulties among intensive care nurses.
De novo genome assembly and in natura epigenomics reveal salinity‐induced DNA methylation in the mangrove tree Bruguiera gymnorhiza
Authors: Miryeganeh Matin , Marlétaz Ferdinand , Gavriouchkina Daria , Saze Hidetoshi
Published: September 2021

Mangroves are adapted to harsh environments, such as high ultraviolet (UV) light, low nutrition, and fluctuating salinity in coastal zones. However, little is known about the transcriptomic and epigenomic basis of the resilience of mangroves due to limited available genome resources.

We performed a de novo genome assembly and in natura epigenome analyses of the mangrove Bruguiera gymnorhiza, one of the dominant mangrove species. We also performed the first genome‐guided transcriptome assembly for mangrove species.

The 309 Mb of the genome is predicted to encode 34 403 genes and has a repeat content of 48%. Depending on its growing environment, the natural B. gymnorhiza population showed drastic morphological changes associated with expression changes in thousands of genes. Moreover, high‐salinity environments induced genome‐wide DNA hypermethylation of transposable elements (TEs) in the B. gymnorhiza. DNA hypermethylation was concurrent with the transcriptional regulation of chromatin modifier genes, suggesting robust epigenome regulation of TEs in the B. gymnorhiza genome under high‐salinity environments.

The genome and epigenome data in this study provide novel insights into the epigenome regulation of mangroves and a better understanding of the adaptation of plants to fluctuating, harsh natural environments.
Safety and efficacy of large balloon dilatation under fluoroscopy
Authors: Wang Shuai , Yin Meipan , Wang Meng , Tong Yalin , Zhao Yue , Ma Yaozhen , Li Xiaobing , Xie Pengfei , Wu Gang
Published: September 2021

The maximum diameter of the balloon used for balloon dilatation(BD) of esophagogastric anastomotic stricture (EAS) is generally 20 millimeters. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BD under fluoroscopy, using balloons with a diameter of 25–30 millimeters. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with benign EAS treated by large BD (balloon diameter, 25–30 mm) under fluoroscopy. The Cox proportional hazards model (PHM) was used to identify the factors associated with stricture‐free survival. The results show that a total of 127 patients were included in this study, and 204 BDs were performed. The technical success rate was 96.6%, and the clinical success rate was 99.2%. The incidence of serious adverse events was 3.4% (7/204). One patient died of massive hemorrhage during BD, and nine patients were lost to follow‐up. For the remaining 117 patients, the median stricture‐free survival period was 14.9 months. In multivariable analysis using the Cox PHM, only balloon diameter was significantly associated with stricture‐free survival. The stricture‐free survival period tended to increase as balloon diameter increased. Large BD under fluoroscopy appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of benign EAS after esophagectomy.
Nutritional status of children with primary immunodeficiency: A single center experience
Authors: Karhan Asuman Nur , Esenboğa Saliha , Gümüş Ersin , Karaatmaca Betül , Cagdas Deniz , Demir Hülya , Saltik Temizel İnci Nur , Özen Hasan , Yüce Aysel , Tezcan İlhan
Published: September 2021

Background

Nutritional status in primary immunodeficiencies (PID) is a major factor influencing immune defense. We aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with PID.

Methods

Demographic findings and anthropometric measurements of 104 patients were recorded for this cross‐sectional study.

Results

Combined immunodeficiencies (n = 49), predominantly antibody deficiencies (n = 28) and phagocytic system disorders (n = 17), were the major disease groups. In total, 44 (42.3%) patients had at least one anthropometric measurement below −2 standard deviations. Chronic, acute, and mixed‐type malnutrition were detected in 18.3%, 16.3%, and 7.7% of the patients, respectively. No significant difference was detected among groups regarding anthropometric measurements however higher malnutrition rates were observed in 'combined immune deficiency less profound than severe combined immuno deficiency' (52%), chronic granulomatous disease (66.6%), and X‐linked agammaglobulinemia (50%) patients. Severe malnutrition was present in 22 (21.2%) of the patients, although it was not significant. It was more common in the phagocytic system disorder group. All patients in the severe combined immunodeficiency group had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and 50% of them had malnutrition. There was also no significant difference regarding age, sex, anthropometric indexes (Weight for age, lenght/height for age body mass index Z‐scores), malnutrition types, and prevalence of malnutrition among three major disease groups. Only the hospitalization history inversely related to body mass index and weight for age Z‐scores (P < 0.0001). In patients with malnutrition, daily caloric intake was at least 20% or more below the requirement.

Conclusions

Regardless of the type of immunodeficiency, nutritional status was poor in PID and hospitalization is the most important determinant of nutritional status. Even after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, nutritional support should be continued.
Molecular phylogeny and morphological characterization of the aetiological agent of sour rot on fruits and vegetables in Brazil
Authors: Paes Simone Albino , Rosado André Wilson Campos , Reis Ailton , Pereira Olinto Liparini
Published: September 2021

In Brazil, sour rot is an important postharvest disease on fruits and vegetables. Geotrichum candidum (synonym Galactomyces candidus) has been reported as the main species causing this disease. However, the identity of the causal agent is still uncertain. This research aimed to determine the identity of 165 fungal isolates associated with sour rot obtained from fruits and vegetables in Brazil, and to evaluate the effect of different temperatures on the incidence of sour rot on artificially inoculated tomato fruits. Based on the phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and morphological analyses, 129 samples belonged to Galactomyces candidus, 15 to G. candidum var. citri‐aurantii, 6 to G. phurueaense, 2 to Gal. pseudocandidus, 1 to Hyphopichia burtonii, 1 to H. khmerensis, 3 to Saccharomycopsis crataegensis, 1 to S. vini, 1 to Magnusiomyces tetrasperma, 1 to Trichosporon coremiiforme, and 1 to Zygoascus meyerae. Two new species were found, namely, Geotrichum solani (on potato) and Geotrichum spondiadis (on red mombin). All isolates were pathogenic when inoculated on healthy tomato fruits, including the new species of Geotrichum, which were also inoculated into their respective hosts, that is, potatoes and red mombins. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report the presence of five other genera besides Geotrichum associated with sour rot on fruits and vegetables in Brazil, which demonstrates the diversity of fungi and yeasts associated with this disease.
Does affiliation to a cross‐sectorial lung team impact well‐being, health‐related quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression and patient involvement in patients with COPD? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Iversen Birgit Refsgaard , Løkke Anders , Bregnballe Vibeke , Rodkjær Lotte Ørneborg
Published: September 2021

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease causing limitations in daily life. A cross‐sectorial lung team was established for COPD patients at risk of hospitalisation due to exacerbation of COPD.

Aims

To investigate the impact of affiliation to a cross‐sectorial lung team on well‐being, health‐related quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression and patient involvement in patients with severe COPD.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial was conducted from September 2017 to March 2020. In total, 109 patients were included for analysis in the study: 53 patients were affiliated to a cross‐sectorial lung team and 56 patients received usual care. The patients were included for 1 year. Data were collected at baseline and at follow‐up after 1 year. Data were collected using COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EuroQol 5‐Dimensions (EQ‐5D) and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC).

Results

The questionnaire response rate was between 84% and 96%. No statistically significant differences were detected between patients affiliated to the cross‐sectorial lung team and patients receiving usual care, in either patient's well‐being, health‐related quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression, or patient involvement. However, CAT‐total score decreased with −0.21(95%CI: −1.63; 1.20) for patients affiliated to the cross‐sectorial lung team and increased with 1.44(95%CI; −0.11; 3.00) for patients receiving usual care.

Conclusion

Affiliation to the cross‐sectorial lung team seems safe as it did not deteriorate the patients' well‐being, symptoms of anxiety and depression, health‐related quality of life or patient involvement. Further research is needed and interviewing patients to obtain more knowledge on their experiences might be preferable.
The impact of regular activity and exercise intensity on the acute effects of resistance exercise on cognitive function
Authors: Engeroff Tobias , Banzer Winfried , Niederer Daniel
Published: September 2021

Beneficial acute effects of resistance exercise on cognitive functions may be modified by exercise intensity or by habitual physical activity. Twenty‐six participants (9 female and 17 male; 25.5 ± 3.4 years) completed four resistance exercise interventions in a randomized order on separate days (≥48 h washout). The intensities were set at 60%, 75%, and 90% of the one repetition maximum (1RM). Three interventions had matched workloads (equal resistance*nrepetitions). One intervention applied 75% of the 1RM and a 50% reduced workload (resistance*nrepetitions = 50%). Cognitive attention (Trail Making Test A—TMTA), task switching (Trail Making Test B—TMTB), and working memory (Digit Reading Spans Backward) were assessed before and immediately after exercise. Habitual activity was assessed as MET hours per week using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. TMTB time to completion was significantly shorter after exercise with an intensity of 60% 1RM and 75% 1RM and 100% workload. Friedman test indicated a significant effect of exercise intensity in favor of 60% 1RM. TMTA performance was significantly shorter after exercise with an intensity of 60% 1RM, 90% 1RM, and 75% 1RM (50% workload). Habitual activity with vigorous intensity correlated positively with the baseline TMTB and Digit Span Forward performance but not with pre‐ to post‐intervention changes. Task switching, based on working memory, mental flexibility, and inhibition, was beneficially influenced by acute exercise with moderate intensity whereas attention performance was increased after exercise with moderate and vigorous intensity. The effect of regular activity had no impact on acute exercise effects.
Uncalculated first‐party externalities given a beverage tax
Authors: Zeiss Jessica , Carlson Les , Ball A. Dwayne
Published: September 2021

Objective

With many characterizingobesity as a national priority, the U.S. Government is considering a 1, 2, or 3 cents‐per‐ounce (cpo) federal sin tax on soda products. Because prior research finds that consumers substitute equally, if not more, dangerous nicotine products with a tobacco sin tax and common alcohol‐like household goods with alcohol prohibition, this research sets out to determine whether the imposition of a soda sin tax produces similar first‐party externalities.

Method

Adaptive conjoint analysis is utilized among respondents across several regions of the United States, including actual soda consumers.

Results

This study finds that given a soda sin tax, soda consumers do not substitute healthier beverages, that is, beverages with relatively fewer calories and grams of sugar and sodium, such as water, pure fruit juice, or unsweetened tea. Instead, soda consumers switch to other sugary beverages not considered in most legislation, such as sweetened coffees, teas, or sports drinks, or continue consuming soda at tax rates of 2 and 3 cpo after the shock of a 1 cent tax wears off.

Conclusion

Unlike prior research examining decreased soda consumption across a general marketplace, this research offers insight into potential externalities among the key transacting actors in such an exchange: soda consumers.
Finite Element Welding Residual Stress Analysis of CRDM Penetration Nozzles
Authors: Kim Seung-Jae , Park Eui-Kyun , Bae Hong-Yeol , Kim Ju-Hee , Huh Nam-Su , Kim Yun-Jae
Published: September 2021

This article investigates numerically welding residual stress distributions of a tube with J-groove weld in control rod drive mechanisms of a pressurized nuclear reactor vessel. Parametric study is performed for the effect of the tube location, tube dimensions, and material's yield strength. It is found that residual stresses increase with increasing the inclination angle of the tube, and the up-hill side is the most critical. For thicker tube, residual stresses decrease. For material's yield strength, both axial and hoop residual stresses tend to increase with increasing the yield strength of Alloy 600. Furthermore, axial stresses tend to increase with increasing yield strength of Alloys 82/182.
Slip-Clutch Torque Estimation via Real-Time Adaptive Lookup Table
Authors: Wei Wenpeng , Dourra Hussein , Zhu Guoming
Published: September 2021

Transfer case clutch is crucial in determining traction torque distribution between front and rear tires for four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles. Estimating time-varying clutch surface friction coefficient is critical for traction torque control since it is proportional to the clutch output torque. As a result, this paper proposes a real-time adaptive lookup table strategy to provide the time-varying clutch surface friction coefficient. Specifically, the clutch-parameter-dependent (such as clutch output torque and clutch touchpoint distance) friction coefficient is first estimated with available low-cost vehicle sensors (such as wheel speed and vehicle acceleration); and then a clutch-parameter-independent approach is developed for clutch friction coefficient through a one-dimensional lookup table. The table nodes are adaptively updated based on a fast recursive least-squares (RLS) algorithm. Furthermore, the effectiveness of adaptive lookup table is demonstrated by comparing the estimated clutch torque from adaptive lookup table with that estimated from vehicle dynamics, which achieves 14.8 Nm absolute mean squared error (AMSE) and 2.66% relative mean squared error (RMSE).
Guidelines for Designing Micropillar Structures for Enhanced Evaporative Heat Transfer
Authors: Guye Kidus , Dong De , Kim Yunseo , Lee Hyoungsoon , Dogruoz Baris , Agonafer Damena
Published: September 2021

Over the last several decades, cooling technologies have been developed to address the growing thermal challenges associated with high-powered electronics. However, within the next several years, the heat generated by these devices is predicted to exceed 1 kW/cm2, and traditional methods, such as air cooling, are limited in their capacities to dissipate such high heat fluxes. In contrast, two-phase cooling methods, such as microdroplet evaporation, are very promising due to the large latent heat of vaporization associated with the phase change process. Previous studies have shown that nonaxisymmetric droplets have different evaporation characteristics than spherical droplets. The solid–liquid and liquid–vapor interfacial areas, volume, contact angle, and thickness of a droplet confined atop a micropillar are the primary parameters that influence evaporative heat transport. These parameters have a strong influence on both the conduction and diffusion resistance during the evaporation process. For example, a droplet with a higher liquid–vapor interfacial area will favorably increase heat transfer. Increased droplet thickness, on the other hand, has a detrimental influence on the evaporation rate. The dimensions of these droplets will vary in response to changes in each of the aforementioned parameters. Lowering the droplet thickness can be achieved by decreasing the liquid volume while maintaining a constant solid–liquid area. However, if the solid–liquid area and volume vary simultaneously, the average droplet thickness may increase, decrease, or remain constant. Furthermore, changes in the shape of the droplet modify the local equilibrium contact angle of the droplet for different azimuthal angles. As a result, the optimal combination of these parameters must be identified to maximize the heat transfer performance of an evaporating microdroplet. These droplet parameters can be manipulated by selecting different micropillar cross sections. In this work, we develop a shape optimization tool using the particle swarm optimization algorithm to maximize evaporation from a droplet confined atop a micropillar. The tool is used to optimize the shape of a nonaxisymmetric droplet. Compared to droplets atop circular and regular equilateral triangular micropillar structures, we find that droplets confined on pseudo-triangular micropillar structures have 23.7% and 5.7% higher heat transfer coefficients, respectively. The results of this work will advance the design of microstructures that support droplets with maximum heat transfer performance.
Vibration Monitoring of Nuclear Power Plant Containment Buildings During the Integrated Leakage Rate Test for Structural Condition Assessment
Authors: Eiras J. N. , Payan C. , Rakotonarivo S. , Spalvier A. , Garnier V.
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the use of the operational vibrations produced during the Integrated Leak Rate Test of nuclear power plant containment buildings for further informing on its mechanical condition. The experiment is performed on a 1:3-scale containment building mock-up. The results show that meaningful vibrations were generated during the pressurization test. Different features were extracted from the vibration signals and analyzed as a function of the internal pressure. Experimental modal analysis was performed and demonstrated that several frequency peaks generated during the pressurization cycle effectively corresponded to the eigenmodes of the containment building. The identified operational frequency modes exhibited remarkable hysteretic dependencies on the internal pressure. The latter was phenomenologically described through a simplified two-dimensional (2D) finite element model of the vessel. Besides, a surrogate statistical model based on the Principal Component Analysis of the vibration data was proposed as a baseline and so detect abnormal behavior. Then, different synthetic damage scenarios were created by subtlety altering the recorded signals and ultimately substantiate the capability of the statistical model to detect these odd signals. Finally, conclusions were drawn regarding the possibility of using mechanical vibrations for assisting in the licensing process of nuclear power plants and monitor the structural health condition of in-service containment buildings.
Effects of Aging and Deep Cryogenic Treatment on Wear Behavior of Al7075 Alloy
Authors: Mavi Ahmet , Kaplan Yavuz , Aksoz Sinan
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the effects of aging and deep cryogenic treatment applied to Al7075 alloy on hardness and wear behavior. In this context, two different categories were created for the aging process. For the first group, after solutionizing the samples at 520 °C for 2 h, aging was applied at 120 °C for 12 h to reach 177 HV hardness. In the second group, after solutionizing at 520 °C for 2 h, the aging process was applied at 200 °C for 8 h to reach a hardness value of 164 HV. In addition, deep cryogenic treatment (12 h, 24 h, and 36 h at −140 °C) was applied to the samples after the solutionizing and aging processes. The pin-on-disc wear test was carried out according to the ASTM G99 standard in order to examine the effects of the aging and cryogenic processes on wear behavior. The highest wear resistance was obtained with the Al7075 sample aged at 120 °C for 12 h followed by the 12-h deep cryogenic treatment. Hardness values and wear test results showed that the applied cryogenic process had positively affected the wear behavior.
Numerical investigation of the earplug contribution to the low-frequency objective occlusion effect induced by bone-conducted stimulation
Authors: Carillo Kévin , Doutres Olivier , Sgard Franck
Published: September 2021

The use of earplugs is commonly associated with an increased perception of the bone-conducted part of one's own physiological noise. This phenomenon is referred to as occlusion effect and is most prominent at low frequencies. Several factors influence the occlusion effect, such as the ear anatomy; the bone-conducted stimulation; and the type of occlusion device and its fit, insertion depth, and material properties. The latter factor is of great interest to potentially reduce the occlusion effect of passive earplugs. This paper investigates the mechanism(s) of contribution of earplugs to the objective occlusion effect. A two-dimensional axi-symmetric finite element model of the outer ear is used and investigated in an electro-acoustic framework. Simulation results are shown to compare reasonably well with measurement data, which qualifies the model to study the influence of earplugs on the occlusion effect. Two mechanisms are highlighted: (i) a Poisson effect induced by the normal component of the earcanal wall vibration and (ii) a longitudinal motion caused by the tangential component of the earcanal wall vibration. By varying the geometry of the surrounding tissues, the spatial distribution of the earcanal wall vibration is shown to influence the contribution of the earplug to the occlusion effect.
An Investigation Into Coach Developers’ Theories in Practice, Learning, and Development on a Continuing Professional Development Course
Authors: Partington Mark , O’Gorman Jimmy , Greenough Kenny , Cope Ed
Published: September 2021

Little is known about the development of coach developers despite their importance in supporting coach learning. In response, this study explored the theories in practice of 23 English coach developers who undertook a continuing professional development course. The data were collected through semistructured interviews, focus groups, and observations of coach developers’ practice and engagement on the course. The data were analysed using a phronetic-iterative approach, with Argyris and Schön’s ideas on theories in practice, mostly espoused theories and theories-in-use, providing the primary heuristic framework. The findings identified how, before the continuing professional development course, the coach developers articulated espoused theories, but as the course progressed, there was a move to theories-in-use. This was due to their (re)constructed understanding of learning and the working environment. The findings are discussed in light of how the continuing professional development course, and tutors’ pedagogic approaches, influenced the coach developers’ knowledge and understanding. Based on these findings, it seems there is much to gain from supporting coach developers with a deconstruction and reconstruction of theories in practice.
Massively parallel quantification of phenotypic heterogeneity in single-cell drug responses
Authors: Yellen Benjamin B. , Zawistowski Jon S. , Czech Eric A. , Sanford Caleb I. , SoRelle Elliott D. , Luftig Micah A. , Forbes Zachary G. , Wood Kris C. , Hammerbacher Jeff
Published: September 2021

A live-cell analysis platform measures growth rate and phenotypic properties of up to 100,000 clones per experiment.
An asymmetric mechanical code ciphers curvature-dependent proprioceptor activity
Authors: Das Ravi , Lin Li-Chun , Català-Castro Frederic , Malaiwong Nawaphat , Sanfeliu-Cerdán Neus , Porta-de-la-Riva Montserrat , Pidde Aleksandra , Krieg Michael
Published: September 2021

Functional compartmentalization of sensory axons by mechanical compression and extension tunes neuronal activity in
C. elegans
.
Volcanic CO
2
tracks the incubation period of basaltic paroxysms
Authors: Aiuppa Alessandro , Bitetto Marcello , Delle Donne Dario , La Monica Francesco Paolo , Tamburello Giancarlo , Coppola Diego , Della Schiava Massimo , Innocenti Lorenzo , Lacanna Giorgio , Laiolo Marco , Massimetti Francesco , Pistolesi Marco , Silengo Maria Cristina , Ripepe Maurizio
Published: September 2021

Escalating CO2 emissions precede basaltic explosive eruptions on time scales of weeks to months.
Ancient genomics reveals tripartite origins of Japanese populations
Authors: Cooke Niall P. , Mattiangeli Valeria , Cassidy Lara M. , Okazaki Kenji , Stokes Caroline A. , Onbe Shin , Hatakeyama Satoshi , Machida Kenichi , Kasai Kenji , Tomioka Naoto , Matsumoto Akihiko , Ito Masafumi , Kojima Yoshitaka , Bradley Daniel G. , Gakuhari Takashi , Nakagome Shigeki
Published: September 2021

Ancient genomes uncover multiple migratory pulses to Japan with the spread of wet rice farming and the rise of the state.
The role of protected areas in maintaining natural vegetation in Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves-Souza Daniel , Vilela Bruno , Phalan Ben , Dobrovolski Ricardo
Published: September 2021

Protected areas in Brazil are effective in reducing loss of natural vegetation, especially in Amazon and indigenous lands.
Open-source automated insulin delivery systems for the management of type 1 diabetes during pregnancy
Authors: Bukhari Khulood , Malek Rana
Published: September 2021

A 40-year-old woman used an open-source automated insulin delivery system to manage her type 1 diabetes (T1D) prior to conception. The code for building the iPhone application called ‘Loop’ that carried the software for the hybrid closed-loop controller was available online. Her glycated hemoglobin before conception was 6.4%. Between 6 and 12 weeks gestation, she spent 66% time-in-range (TIR), 28% time-above-range (TAR) and 6% time-below-range (TBR). Between 18 and 24 weeks gestation, she spent 68% TIR, 27% TAR and 5% TBR. During her third trimester, she spent 72% TIR, 21% TAR and 7% TBR. She delivered a healthy infant with no neonatal complications. Clinicians should be aware of this technology as it gains traction in the T1D community and seeks Food and Drug Administration approval.
Rare case of metastatic adenocarcinoma to the maxillary sinus
Authors: Prasad Apurwa , Alrifai Taha , Vijaya Rangan Sumathi , Garcia Jessica
Published: September 2021

Colorectal carcinoma metastases to the head and neck are exceedingly rare. Patients may present with vague symptoms that may lead to a delay in diagnosis. We report the case of a 51-year-old man with a known history of stage IIIB colorectal adenocarcinoma who presented with right-sided molar tooth bleeding and right-sided palate swelling that led to difficulty speaking, eating and weight-loss of 15 pounds. Imaging studies revealed a 3.1×4.8×3 cm mass that was centred around the posterior aspect of the maxilla. Pathology revealed moderately differentiated intestinal type adenocarcinoma of colonic subtype, immune histochemistry was positive for CDX2, CK20 and MUC2, thus confirming metastatic disease to the maxilla. The patient is undergoing chemoradiation therapy for palliation of his symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of this potentional site of metastatic disease and suspect the diagnosis in a timely manner to avoid delays in making a diagnosis.
Identifying undercompensated groups defined by multiple attributes in risk adjustment
Authors: Zink Anna , Rose Sherri
Published: September 2021

Objective

To identify undercompensated groups in plan payment risk adjustment that are defined by multiple attributes with a systematic new approach, improving on the arbitrary and inconsistent nature of existing evaluations.

Methods

Extending the concept of variable importance for single attributes, we construct a measure of ‘group importance’ in the random forests algorithm to identify groups with multiple attributes that are undercompensated by current risk adjustment formulas. Using 2016–2018 IBM MarketScan and 2015–2018 Medicare claims and enrolment data, we evaluate two risk adjustment scenarios: the risk adjustment formula used in the individual health insurance Marketplaces and the risk adjustment formula used in Medicare.

Results

A number of previously unidentified groups with multiple chronic conditions are undercompensated in the Marketplaces risk adjustment formula, while groups without chronic conditions tend to be overcompensated in the Marketplaces. The magnitude of undercompensation when defining groups with multiple attributes is many times larger than with single attributes. No complex groups were found to be consistently undercompensated or overcompensated in the Medicare risk adjustment formula.

Conclusions

Our method is effective at identifying complex undercompensated groups in health plan payment risk adjustment where undercompensation creates incentives for insurers to discriminate against these groups. This work provides policy-makers with new information on potential targets of discrimination in the healthcare system and a path towards more equitable health coverage.