bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exceptional reliability of MLCCs enabled by defect‐engineered BaTiO3
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Zhang Lei , Huang Xiong , Yang Jun , Li Bo , Yu Shuhui , Sun Rong , Fu Zhenxiao , Cao Xiuhua
Published: February 2023

It has generally been believed that the reliability of BaTiO3‐based multilayered ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) is mainly contributed by hydroxyl (OH−), and the contribution of CO32− can be neglected. However, in this work, we demonstrated that the contributions of Ba/Ti ratio and CO32− play important roles in the delivering high reliability for BaTiO3‐based MLCCs. The structure and performance of MLCC devices and ceramic chips based on BaTiO3 powders prepared by different approaches were studied. It is found that the intracrystalline pores in ceramics or MLCCs are mainly derived from the decomposition of BaCO3 during sintering, which has been demonstrated by ceramic derived from hydrothermal method powder and its modified powders. The point defects of Ba and Ti vacancies mainly originating from nonstoichiometric Ba/Ti rather than thermally stimulated have substantial influence on the migration of grain boundary that determines the grain size and whether the pores can be annihilated from the bulk material. Particularly, the Ti vacancies have a strong pinning effect and inhibit the migration of grain boundary effectively, due to their shorter migration distance comparing to Ba vacancies. Therefore, the synergetic effect of the second phase BaCO3 and point defects leads to the differences in the structure and performance.
LECT2 modulates dendritic cell function after Helicobacter pylori infection via the CD209a receptor
Authors: Zhang Xiaofen , Sun Kefang , Tang Chenxi , Cen Li , Li Sha , Zhu Wei , Liu Peihao , Chen Yishu , Yu Chaohui , Li Lan
Published: February 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori, a gram‐negative bacterium persisting on the gastric mucosa, is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of gastric diseases. Leukocyte cell‐derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) treatment increased the phagocytic capacity of lymphocytes and improved immune function in bacterial infection. Whether the immune cells infected with H. pylori are affected by LECT2 is unclear.

Methods

Bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) from wild‐type C57BL/6 mice, CD209a knockout mice, or LECT2 knockout mice were exposed to H. pylori at a multiplicity of infection of 10 for 24 h. The maturity of DCs and the cytokines secreted by DCs were analyzed by flow cytometry, western blot, and real‐time PCR. The signaling pathway underlying CD209a activation after LECT2 treatment were also detected.

Results

LECT2 treatment promoted H. pylori‐induced BMDC maturation and produced a high level of anti‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐10) but a low level of pro‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐23p40). Moreover, LECT2‐pretreated DCs shifted the development of pro‐inflammatory Th1/Th17 cells to Treg cells. CD209a mediated LECT2‐induced maturation and secretion of DC in H. pylori‐primed BMDCs. LECT2 was further confirmed to induce the secretion of certain cytokines via CD209a‐JNK/P38 MAPK pathway.

Conclusion

This study reveals that LECT2 modulated the functions of H. pylori‐primed DCs in a CD209a‐dependent manner, which might hinder the clearance of H. pylori and contribute to its colonization.
Child protection contact among children of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: A South Australian linked data study
Authors: Abdul Rahim Razlyn , Pilkington Rhiannon , Procter Alexandra M , Montgomerie Alicia , Mittinty Murthy N , D'Onise Katina , Lynch John
Published: February 2023

Aim

To describe the cumulative incidence of child protection (CP) system contact, maltreatment type, source of reports to age 7 years, and socio‐demographic characteristics for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Australian children.

Methods

We used CP, education, health, and birth registrations data for children followed from birth up to age 7 from the South Australian Better Evidence, Better Outcomes, Linked Data (SA BEBOLD) platform. Participants: SA born children enrolled in their first year of school from 2009 to 2015 (n = 76 563). CALD defined as non‐Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, spoken language other than English, Indigenous or Sign, or had at least one parent born in a non‐English speaking country. Outcomes measures: For CALD and non‐CALD children, we estimated the cumulative incidence (risk) of CP contacts up to age 7, relative risk and risk differences for all levels of CP contact from notification to out‐of‐home care (OOHC), primary maltreatment type, reporter type, and socio‐economic characteristics. Sensitivity analyses explored different population selection criteria and CALD definitions.

Results

By age 7, 11.2% of CALD children had ‘screened‐in’ notifications compared to 18.8% of non‐CALD (risk difference [RD] 7.6 percentage points (95% confidence interval: 6.9–8.3)), and 0.6% of CALD children experienced OOHC compared to 2.2% of non‐CALD (RD 1.6 percentage points (95% confidence interval: 1.3–1.8)). Emotional abuse was the most common substantiated maltreatment type for CALD and neglect for non‐CALD. Among both groups, the most common reporter sources were police and education sector. Socio‐economic characteristics were broadly similar. Sensitivity analyses results were consistent with primary analyses.

Conclusion

By age 7, CALD children had lower risk of contact with all levels of CP. Estimates based on primary and sensitivity analyses suggested CALD children were 5–9 percentage points less likely to have a report screened‐in, and from 1.0 to 1.7 percentage points less likely to have experienced OOHC.
The tolerability of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 12 weeks in patients treated in the ASTRAL 1, 2 and 3 studies: A pooled safety analysis
Authors: Jacobson Ira M. , Bourgeois Stefan , Mathurin Phillipe , Thuluvath Paul , Ryder Stephen D. , Gerken Guido , Hernandez Candido , Vanstraelen Kim , Scherbakovsky Stacey , Osinusi Anu , Tedesco Dana , Foster Graham R.
Published: February 2023

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of the fixed‐dose, single‐tablet regimen sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in three Phase 3 studies in patients with and without compensated cirrhosis. Data from three registrational trials (ASTRAL‐1, NCT02201940; ASTRAL‐2, NCT02220998; ASTRAL‐3, NCT02201953) were pooled by treatment regimen. Researchers assessed treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and laboratory abnormalities in patients randomized to SOF/VEL or placebo for 12 weeks in ASTRAL‐1 and SOF/VEL for 12 weeks in ASTRAL‐2 and ASTRAL‐3. Overall, 1035 patients were treated with SOF/VEL, and 116 patients received placebo. Rates of any TEAE were generally similar between patients receiving SOF/VEL (79.4%) and those receiving placebo (76.7%). The majority of TEAEs were mild to moderate, with 23 (2.2%) treatment‐emergent serious AEs in patients treated with SOF/VEL. Of these treatment‐emergent serious AEs, none led to premature study discontinuation, nor were they considered related to treatment. Presence of compensated cirrhosis, greater age and mild renal impairment did not impact incidence or severity of TEAEs with SOF/VEL treatment. The most common TEAEs (incidence ≥10%) were headache, fatigue, nausea and nasopharyngitis in patients receiving SOF/VEL; similar rates were observed in placebo‐treated patients. Three deaths (<1%) were reported in patients treated with SOF/VEL, all posttreatment and none assessed as related to study treatment. Similar to that of placebo, SOF/VEL treatment of HCV infection had a safety/tolerability profile that was not affected by baseline factors, such as the presence of compensated cirrhosis, mild renal impairment or advanced age.
Learning by doing: A phenomenological study of medical student leaders
Authors: Annan Henry G. , Do Victor , MacLeod Anna
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Despite being recognised as a key physician competency, leadership development is an area of improvement especially in undergraduate medical education. We sought to explore the lived experience of leaders who served in elected, representative roles during their time in medical school.

Methods

We used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to uncover the essence of the medical student leader experience. From late 2020 to early 2021, we interviewed 12 medical residents who served in elected leadership roles from 2015 to 2019. Each participant graduated from a different Canadian medical school. We deliberately chose a limited and historic time period in order for participants to be able to reflect on their past experiences while accounting for differences in the medical student leadership experience over time. We then engaged in a reflexive thematic analysis to generate the final themes.

Results

We identified the following five themes: (i) living with busyness, (ii) the role of faculty mentorship and support, (iii) competing demands of leadership, (iv) medical student leadership as enriching and (v) creating better physicians. Though demanding, medical student leadership was found to be rewarding and particularly key in the development of a more well‐rounded physician. Furthermore, being well supported by faculty contributed to an overall positive leadership experience.

Discussion

In addition to describing the hardships and rewards that make up their experience, this study suggests that medical student leadership can enhance core physician competencies. The findings also support the notion that faculties have an important role to play in supporting medical student leaders.
Synbiotic supplement for treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in haemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kooshki Akram , Akbarzadeh Roya , Amin Bahareh , Tofighiyan Tahereh , Foroumandi Elaheh
Published: February 2023

Background

There is evidence that probiotics can increase the availability of iron. The aim of current study was to determine the effects of synbiotic supplementation on the haematological parameters and anaemia in haemodialysis patients.

Methods

This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Fifty patients were randomly selected from the haemodialysis section of Vaseii Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. Subjects in the symbiotic and control groups received 2 capsules of synbiotic supplement or placebo, respectively, once a day for 8 weeks. Blood samples were divided into two test tubes in equal volumes. Blood haemoglobin, haematocrit, transferrin saturation, red blood cells (RBCs), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were measured with auto‐analyser. Ferritin was determined using Sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Twenty tree patients in each group completed the study. Significant results were recorded in synbiotic groups regarding the concentration of blood haemoglobin, haematocrit, transferrin saturation, the number of RBCs, and serum ferritin compare to placebo group (P < .05). At the end of week 8, TIBC significantly decreased in synbiotic than placebo group (P < .05).

Conclusion

Synbiotic supplementation could be a safe and promising candidate in improving anaemia in CKD patients.
Object‐based image analysis (OBIA)‐based gully erosion dynamics, sediment loading rate and sediment yield study in Lake Hawassa Sub‐basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebre Agegnehu M. , Belete Mulugeta D. , Belayneh Moltot Z.
Published: February 2023

Gully erosion is a serious environmental issue in Lake Hawassa Sub‐basin. It has affected a large portion of the catchment, and a large amount of sediment has been transported into the lake. This condition needs to be addressed. However, before conservation techniques are implemented, the gully systems should be mapped, their extent and changes over time need to be measured, and their capacity to produce sediment from their catchments should be determined. The objective of this study were, therefore, to map and analyse the change in gully erosion and quantify the sediment loading rate and sediment yield from the active and connected gullies in Lake Hawassa Sub‐basin using object‐based image analysis (OBIA) with high‐resolution SPOT 5 satellite image of the years 2011 and 2020. This method was integrated with field observation for mapping gully features of the study area, in comparison with automatic digitization carried out with the help of eCogenition Developer Version 9.1 and ArcGIS tools. Overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient were determined and were found to be 85.2% and 0.81, respectively, for the image of year 2020 and 81.1% and 0.76, respectively, for the image of year 2011. Based on the OBIA method, the extent of gullies (in area) were found to be 63.5 km2in 2011 and 79.9 km2showing a rapid increase between 2011 and 2020 (an increase of 16.4 km2(24.4%) in the 10 years considered). The later result shows that 5.53% of the area of the Lake Hawassa Sub‐basin is affected by gully erosion. The maximum gully density in the study area was found to be 589 km/km2in 2011 and this increased to 884 km/km2in 2020. The sediment loading rate from the Lake's catchment was found to be in the range of 12.62 to 38.59 ton per hectare per year. The sediment yield from the Lake's catchment was 8.83 to 27.02 t/ha/year. The total annual volume‐based sediment yield at the Lake generated from the gully was 2.39 million cubic meter considering sediment delivery ratio of 70% for fully connected gullies. This result shows that 0.21% of the storage capacity of the Lake was being lost due to sedimentation from the gully system every year. From the result by dividing the total volume of the sediment by the surface area of the lake, one can see that a silt thickness of 2.51 cm was being deposited in the Lake every year.
A reinforcement sensitivity theory view of seeking behaviors at work: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sherf Elad N. , Croitoru Natalie , McElroy Terence
Published: February 2023

Scholarship on seeking behaviors, which refer to deliberate attempts to obtain information or assistance from others, has emerged in multiple silos (e.g., feedback‐seeking, information‐seeking, help‐seeking, and advice‐seeking). Furthering recent synthesis attempts, we draw on reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) to generate novel predictions concerning the causes of explicit and implicit seeking behaviors and clarify the inconsistencies between theoretical predictions and empirical findings noted in past reviews. We test our arguments through a meta‐analysis of 393 samples drawn from management and applied psychology research. In doing so, we uncover nuances in the associations between seeking behaviors and work outcomes (e.g., in‐role performance and creativity). We discuss how our theorizing and findings challenge, refine, and extend the existing knowledge concerning seeking behaviors at work, provide methodological and practical recommendations, and identify directions for future research.
Coherence and divergence in autonomic‐subjective affective space
Authors: Cuve Hélio Clemente José , Harper Joseph , Catmur Caroline , Bird Geoffrey
Published: February 2023

A central tenet of many theories of emotion is that emotional states are accompanied by distinct patterns of autonomic activity. However, experimental studies of coherence between subjective and autonomic responses during emotional states provide little evidence of coherence. Crucially, previous studies investigating coherence have either adopted univariate approaches or made limited use of multivariate analytic approaches by investigating subjective and autonomic responses separately. The current study addressed this question using a multivariate dimensional approach to build a common autonomic‐subjective affective space incorporating subjective responses and three different autonomic signals (heart rate, skin conductance response, and pupil diameter), measured during an emotion‐inducing task, in 51 participants. Results showed that autonomic and subjective responses could be adequately described in a two‐dimensional affective space. The first dimension included contributions from subjective and autonomic responses, indicating coherence, while contributions to the second dimension were almost exclusively of autonomic covariance. Thus, while there was a degree of coherence between autonomic and subjective emotional responses, there was substantial structure in autonomic responses that did not covary with subjective emotional experience. This study, therefore, contributes new insights into the relationship between subjective and autonomic emotional responses, and provides a framework for future multimodal emotion research, enabling both hypothesis‐ and data‐driven testing.
Administrative exclusion in the infrastructure‐level bureaucracy: The case of the Dutch daycare benefit scandal
Authors: Peeters Rik , Widlak Arjan C.
Published: February 2023

A key insight in the literature on administrative burdens and exclusion is that they can be a form of policy making by other means to disincentivize people's access to services, rights, and benefits. Using the case of the Dutch daycare benefit scandal, in which tens of thousands of citizens were wrongfully accused of welfare fraud and subsequently excluded from benefits, we argue for a broader understanding of the way administrative burdens can be constructed. We introduce the concept of the ‘infrastructure‐level bureaucracy’ to understand how new forms of intra‐ and supra‐organizational data exchange and algorithmic analysis can lead bureaucracies to fail to understand the reasoning underlying their own administrative decisions and, subsequently, cause Kafkaesque situations for citizens. Our findings point towards the importance of institutional analyses of the way information technologies structure political and operational behavior as well as the burdens that citizens may face in their interactions with the state.
Does constructive feedback improve idea quality in idea contests? Exploring the role of hierarchy and feedback overlap
Authors: Boënne Mathias , Leten Bart , Van Dyck Walter
Published: February 2023

To fuel the innovation process with high‐quality ideas, firms are increasingly soliciting ideas from their employee workforce and involving them in idea contests. During an idea contest employees suggest ideas on a firm‐internal, digital idea platform. Once submitted, idea holders can receive constructive feedback from colleagues on their ideas – which has been advanced as positive instrument for stimulating idea improvement and idea quality. Examining three firm‐internal, multi‐staged idea contests that generated 395 ideas from a global management consulting firm, we examine under what conditions constructive feedback positively influences idea quality. We focus on the hierarchical roles of feedback providers and receivers and the role of feedback overlap (which indicates whether feedback focuses on similar issues). We find that the effect of constructive feedback on idea quality is larger when feedback providers have a higher hierarchical rank, but that this effect does not depend on the hierarchical rank of feedback recipients. Further, we show that (partial) feedback overlap strengthens idea quality. Our results generate new insights for both idea‐contributing employees and innovation managers about the important role of managing feedback during idea contests.
Community Landscape Preferences for Reuse of Soviet‐Era Post‐Agricultural Brownfields—What's the Difference?*
Authors: Navrátil Josef , Martinát Stanislav , Hewitt Richard J. , Frazier Ryan J. , Klusáček Petr , Škrabal Jaroslav , Krejčí Tomáš , Osman Robert , Pícha Kamil
Published: February 2023

Reuse preferences for post‐agricultural brownfields on former socialist agricultural premises in CEE countries are likely to be diverse and may depend on communities' experiences. Our research question is to reveal, through a questionnaire survey of 774 respondents from 180 communities, the difference in reuse preferences among communities with different experiences: communities where former collective farm sites had been abandoned (leaving a post‐agricultural brownfield), those where such sites had remained in continuous agricultural use, and those where such sites had been abandoned and later remediated or reused. The responses from the three types of communities were compared using Kruskal–Wallis tests and the structure of preferences was analyzed by Non‐Metric Multidimensional Scaling. Communities with an existing post‐agricultural brownfield prefer housing and leisure activities, while communities with sites in continuous agricultural production prefer agrarian uses. Two main poles of choice were identified—productive and non‐productive uses. While productive uses are preferred by respondents from communities with continuous agricultural production, non‐productive uses are preferred by communities with former post‐agricultural brownfields. The presence of post‐agricultural brownfields within the community is an important factor in determining a community's preferences for its reuse. When agricultural sites are abandoned, communities' preferences for its reuse also change.
Suicidal ideation among men during COVID‐19: Examining the roles of loneliness, thwarted belongingness, and personality impairment
Authors: Ogrodniczuk John S. , Sivagurunathan Marudan , Kealy David , Rice Simon M. , Seidler Zac E. , Oliffe John L.
Published: February 2023

Suicidal ideation (SI) is a known precursor to suicide among men. While loneliness and thwarted belongingness (TB) have been identified as key factors influencing SI, no study has reported on all three constructs to investigate whether loneliness is associated with SI by way of TB. Furthermore, it is not clear whether personality impairment has a moderating role on this process. The present study examined the impact of loneliness on SI among men and whether TB mediated this relationship. Additionally, the study investigated whether personality impairment (i.e., self‐functioning, interpersonal functioning) moderated the relationship between loneliness and TB. Canadian men (N = 434) completed an online survey that included self‐report assessments of the study constructs. Conditional process modeling was used to test the indirect effect of loneliness on SI via the mediating effect of TB. Findings indicated a significant association between loneliness and SI that was mediated by TB. Further, impairment in self‐functioning moderated the relationship between loneliness and TB, indicating that the relationship was stronger among men with greater difficulties in self‐functioning. The findings are important to consider within the COVID‐19 context, as they point to the need to reduce the detrimental impacts of loneliness, thereby potentially mitigating male SI.
Defining the relevance of surgical margins. Part two: Strategies to improve prediction of recurrence risk
Authors: Bray Jonathan , Eward Will , Breen Matthew
Published: February 2023

Due to the complex nature of tumour biology and the integration between host tissues and molecular processes of the tumour cells, a continued reliance on the status of the microscopic cellular margin should not remain our only determinant of the success of a curative‐intent surgery for patients with cancer. Based on current evidence, relying on a purely cellular focus to provide a binary indication of treatment success can provide an incomplete interpretation of potential outcome. A more holistic analysis of the cancer margin may be required. If we are to move ahead from our current situation – and allow treatment plans to be more intelligently tailored to meet the requirements of each individual tumour – we need to improve our utilisation of techniques that either improve recognition of residual tumour cells within the surgical field or enable a more comprehensive interrogation of tumour biology that identifies a risk of recurrence. In the second article in this series on defining the relevance of surgical margins, the authors discuss possible alternative strategies for margin assessment and evaluation in the canine and feline cancer patient. These strategies include considering adoption of the residual tumour classification scheme; intra‐operative imaging systems including fluorescence‐guided surgery, optical coherence tomography and Raman spectroscopy; molecular analysis and whole transcriptome analysis of tissues; and the development of a biologic index (nomogram). These techniques may allow evaluation of individual tumour biology and the status of the resection margin in ways that are different to our current techniques. Ultimately, these techniques seek to better define the risk of tumour recurrence following surgery and provide the surgeon and patient with more confidence in margin assessment.
Surface Bacterium Disinfection Using Everlight 6565 UV-C SMD
Authors: Tan Tian Swee , Sheikh Jahanzeb , Saidin Syafiqah , Ahmed Malik Sameen , Chua Lee Suan , Tiong Foh Thye Matthias , Tan Jia Hou
Published: February 2023

Ultraviolet-C (UVC) sourced has been widely used for the purpose of disinfection due to its germicidal spectrum. In this study, the effectiveness of Everlight’s 275 nm Ultraviolet-C surface mounted device (UVC-SMD) to disinfect Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was investigated at three exposure durations (10, 30 and 60 s) for a standard distance of 5 cm. The inhibition zones were greater with the increment of exposure duration. The highest records of 4.53 ± 0.03 cm were achieved when 102 mJ/cm² of dose was applied at a distance of 5 cm for 60 s. Whereas, on the other side, the lowest inhibition was seen when the exposure was set for 10 s. Thus, the Everlight 6565 UVC-SMD with 275 nm of wavelength is capable in providing bacterial disinfection which could possibly be used for the development of disinfection system based on SMDs at longer exposure duration.
Hand Gesture Design Using Bionic Prosthetic Hand
Authors: Leong Kah Meng , Tan Tian Swee , Tiong Foh Thye Matthias , Sheikh Jahanzeb , Chan Bun Seng , Nordin Dalilah , Tan Jia Hou
Published: February 2023

Brain computer interface (BCI) system empowers command over external device by retrieving brain waves and interpreting them into machine instructions. The system utilizes electroencephalogram (EEG) for receiving, processing and classifying signals to control by means of brain generated signals. The paper focuses on mental task design for BCI by acquiring the signals generated by mental activity through EEG comb electrodes, placed over three-dimensional (3D) printed headset. The experiment involved the blinking of left and right eye for the forward and backward movements of the prototype wheelchair. The experimental measurement was performed using a Cyton board where the information was transmitted through Bluetooth which were later processed and translated to the wheelchair to perform activities. The system has successfully achieved the real time control of an assistive device by using signals from the brain.
Theoretical Investigation of the Gamma and Neutron Interaction Parameters of Some Inorganic Scintillators Using Phy-X/PSD and NGCal Software
Authors: Hiremath G. B. , Hosamani M. M. , Singh V. P. , Ayachit N. H. , Badiger N. M.
Published: February 2023

Inorganic scintillators are used in extreme environments and are essential in applications such as nuclear fission and fusion, radiation therapy, marine, and space exploration, etc. Radiation resistance is required for inorganic scintillators to be used in above mentioned applications. It is important to calculate the gamma buildup factors for inorganic scintillators to understand their radiation resistance behavior. The gamma-ray and neutron interaction parameters were calculated for inorganic scintillators such as BaF2, BGO, CdWO4, CaF2(Eu), CaWO4, CsI, CsI(Na), CsI(Tl), Gd2O2S, LaBr3(Ce), LaCl3(Ce), PbWO4, LSO(Ce), LYSO(Ce), NaI(Tl), YAG(Ce), ZnS(Ag), ZnWO4. The gamma-ray interaction parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, half value layer, tenth value layer, effective atomic number, equivalent atomic number, exposure buildup factor (EBF), and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) were computed using Phy-X/PSD software. The neutron interaction parameters such as fast neutron removal cross section, and mass attenuation factor for thermal and fast neutron were computed using Phy-X/PSD and NGCal software, respectively. The present calculated mass attenuation coefficient values are compared with GEANT4 code data available in the literature. The higher values of Zeff were found for PbWO4 up to 0.1 MeV and above 0.1 MeV, CsI(Tl) has higher Zeff values. However, the Zeq values were found to be higher for PbWO4 in the whole energy range. The mass attenuation factor for thermal and fast neutrons with the highest value was found for Gd2O2S and with the lowest value for BGO. The present investigation indicates that the inorganic scintillator PbWO4 has an excellent gamma-ray sensing response.
Improved Performance of Silicon Anodes Using Copper Nanoparticles as Additive
Authors: Bachand Gabrielle , Mennel Jason , Chidambaram Dev
Published: February 2023

Nanoscale copper has been successfully integrated into a silicon-based anode via a cost-effective, one-step process. The additive was found to improve the overall electrical conductivity and charge/discharge cycling performance of the anode. Analysis of the new material shows that copper particles are homogeneously interspersed into the silicon active layer. The formation of Cu3Si during the annealing step of the fabrication process was also confirmed using X-ray diffraction and is thought to contribute to the structural stability of the anode during cycling. Despite the inclusion of only small quantities of the additive (approximately 3%), anodes with the added copper show significantly higher initial discharge capacity values (957 mAg−1) compared to anodes without copper (309 mAg−1), and they continue to outperform the latter after 100 charge/discharge cycles. Results also show a significant decrease in the resistance of anodes with the additive, a contributing factor in the improvement of the electrochemical performance.
Effect of vibration and pressure on the air-bioCNG mixture inside the manifolds of dual-fuel diesel engines
Authors: Chandekar Akash Chandrabhan , Debnath Biplab K.
Published: February 2023

The vibration generated by diesel engines may influence air and gaseous fuel mixing in dual-fuel mode. This study is performed on the manifolds of single and twin-cylinder engines in diesel-bioCNG dual-fuel mode. It examines the effect of the engine vibration and variable manifold pressure on the flow behaviour of the air-bioCNG mixture. The objective is to observe the flow inside the manifolds and mixture quality at the outlet. The mentioned work has found little attention till date. The computational comparison of the flow characteristics inside the intake manifold of the single-cylinder engine is done for an F-shape manifold of the twin-cylinder engine during suction stroke. The experiments are conducted to record both the engines' vibration signature and cycle data. For this, the same operating parameters are maintained: compression ratio of 16.5, engine speed of 1500 rpm, engine load range (0 Nm to 34 Nm) and 80% bioCNG substitution. It employs the boundary conditions, such as the vibration amplitude along three axes, variable manifold pressure, and the mass flow rates of air and bioCNG. The parameters to analyse the mixture flow are pressure, velocity, turbulence, helicity and mass fraction of CH4. The mixture at the manifold outlet of the single-cylinder engine improved to average uniformity index of 0.9924, indicating better homogeneity. Further, the manifold of twin-cylinder engine attained the indexes of 0.1484 and 0.2401 for its two cylinders, showing non-homogeneity.
Keeping Girls in Sport: A Two-Part Evaluation of an E-Learning Program for Coaches and Activity Leaders
Authors: Szabo Sara W. , Owen Emily C. , Kennedy Michael D. , Knight Camilla J.
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to identify who engaged with the Keeping Girls in Sport e-learning program and, second, to evaluate coach and activity leaders’ perceptions of the program and their perceived learnings gained from completing the program. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was adopted. First, an online survey was distributed to all individuals who had participated in the program. In total, 511 (33% response rate) completed the survey. Quantitative survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with 20 survey respondents. A realist logic of analysis was applied to the qualitative data, and context–mechanism–outcome configurations were formed. Overall, survey findings indicated that most participants identified as women (56%), coaches (69%), and were between 40 and 49 years of age (37%). In general, participants had positive perceptions of the program. Participants perceived that the accessibility and flexibility of the program increased opportunities to engage with content and, thus, their learning. They described improvements in knowledge and perspective regarding working with female athletes. This increase in knowledge provided participants with confidence to establish trusting and positive relationships with others, specifically parents. Nevertheless, participants highlighted a need for more tailored but also more expansive programs.
Coaches’ Use of Need-Supportive and Need-Thwarting Behaviors Across the Developmental Continuum: A Qualitative Investigation in Figure Skating
Authors: Benish Diane , Readdy Tucker , Raabe Johannes
Published: February 2023

There is extensive evidence illustrating the influence of coach behavior on athletes’ perceived basic psychological needs. However, much of that research has been conducted with athletes of similar developmental stages (i.e., children, adolescents, or adults). In sports such as figure skating, coach–athlete relationships often span several years and developmental stages; yet, researchers have not comprehensively investigated whether coaches consider athletes’ physical, social, self, cognitive, and emotional development in their interpersonal style. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore (a) what need-supportive and/or need-thwarting behaviors coaches use with athletes in different developmental age groups and (b) whether coaches’ use of need-supportive and need-thwarting behaviors was developmentally appropriate based on theoretical implications and empirical evidence grounded in both developmental and self-determination theory. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 coach–athlete dyads (13 coaches and 13 athletes) across four age groups: middle childhood (6–10 years), early adolescent (11–14 years), mid-adolescent (15–17 years), and early adulthood (18–25 years). Deductive reflexive thematic analysis of the 26 interviews revealed four themes highlighting (a) competence-supportive, (b) autonomy-supportive, (c) relatedness-supportive, and (d) need-thwarting behaviors. There were both consistencies and variations in coaches’ use of those behaviors across the four age groups.
Physical Activity as Measured by Accelerometers Predicts Functional Improvement in Older Patients Undergoing Hospital Rehabilitation
Authors: Ohtsubo Takuro , Nozoe Masafumi , Kanai Masashi , Ueno Katsuhiro
Published: February 2023

This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) as measured using accelerometers, and functional improvement measured using a short physical performance battery in older patients undergoing rehabilitation. After admission to the rehabilitation hospital, patients were categorized into quartile groups based on their level of PA measured using accelerometers. The primary outcome was physical function measured using the short physical performance battery at hospital discharge. A total of 204 patients were included in the analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors, light-intensity PA (p < .001) and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (p < .001) were associated with a short physical performance battery at hospital discharge. In conclusion, PA at admission is positively associated with functional improvement in older patients undergoing hospital rehabilitation.
A Library of Promoter-
gfp
Fusion Reporters for Studying Systematic Expression Pattern of Cyclic-di-GMP Metabolism-Related Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Liu Dejian , Wang Di , Wei Qing , Zhang Yu , Yu Haiying , Ma Luyan Z.
Published: February 2023

The opportunistic pathogen
P. aeruginosa
can cause acute and chronic infections in humans, and it is one of the main pathogens in nosocomial infections. Biofilm formation is one of the most important causes for
P. aeruginosa
persistence in hosts and evasion of immune and antibiotic attacks. c-di-GMP is a critical second messenger to control biofilm formation.
Volatile Organic Compounds from
Pythium oligandrum
Play a Role in Its Parasitism on Plant-Pathogenic
Pythium myriotylum
Authors: Sheikh Taha Majid Mahmood , Zhou Dongmei , Haider Muhammad Salman , Hussain Sarfraz , Wang Nan , Chen Siqiao , Zhao Yishen , Wen Xian , Feng Hui , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Jinfeng , Wang Lunji , Deng Sheng , Raza Waseem , Wei Lihui , Daly Paul
Published: February 2023

Microbe–microbe interactions in nature are multifaceted, with multiple mechanisms of action, and are crucial to how plants interact with microbes. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have diverse functions, including contributing to parasitism in ecological interactions and potential applications in biocontrol.
Glycogen-Degrading Activities of Catalytic Domains of α-Amylase and α-Amylase-Pullulanase Enzymes Conserved in
Gardnerella
spp. from the Vaginal Microbiome
Authors: Bhandari Pashupati , Tingley Jeffrey , Abbott D. Wade , Hill Janet E.
Published: February 2023

Increased abundance of
Gardnerella
spp. is a diagnostic characteristic of bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance in the human vaginal microbiome associated with troubling symptoms, and negative reproductive health outcomes, including increased transmission of sexually transmitted infections and preterm birth. Competition for nutrients is likely an important factor in causing dramatic shifts in the vaginal microbial community, but little is known about the contribution of bacterial enzymes to the metabolism of glycogen, a major food source available to vaginal bacteria.
Higher-Order Clicker Questions Engage Students and Prepare Them for Higher-Order Thinking Activities
Authors: Anderson Deborah K. , Schoenleber Michelle , Korshavn Stuart
Published: February 2023

Previous research has shown that the use of clickers in the classroom enhances student engagement. However, few studies have investigated how the type of clicker question may influence learning outcomes.
Reactivation of Epstein-Barr Virus from Latency Involves Increased RNA Polymerase Activity at CTCF Binding Sites on the Viral Genome
Authors: Dunn Laura E. M. , Lu Fang , Su Chenhe , Lieberman Paul M. , Baines Joel D.
Published: February 2023

The ability of EBV to switch between latent and lytic infection is key to its long-term persistence in memory B cells, and its ability to persist in proliferating cells is strongly linked to oncogenesis. During latency, most viral genes are epigenetically silenced, and the virus must overcome this repression to reactivate lytic replication.
A Virus-Packageable CRISPR System Identifies Host Dependency Factors Co-Opted by Multiple HIV-1 Strains
Authors: Montoya Vanessa R. , Ready Trine M. , Felton Abby , Fine Sydney R. , OhAinle Molly , Emerman Michael
Published: February 2023

With a small genome of ~9.2 kb that encodes 14 major proteins, HIV must hijack host cellular machinery to successfully establish infection. These host proteins necessary for HIV replication are called “dependency factors.” Whole-genome, and then targeted screens were done to try to comprehensively identify all dependency factors acting throughout the HIV replication cycle.
Streptolysin O Deficiency in Streptococcus pyogenes M1T1
covR/S
Mutant Strain Attenuates Virulence in
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Infection Models
Authors: Langshaw Emma L. , Reynolds Simone , Ozberk Victoria , Dooley Jessica , Calcutt Ainslie , Zaman Mehfuz , Walker Mark J. , Batzloff Michael R. , Davies Mark R. , Good Michael F. , Pandey Manisha
Published: February 2023

Streptococcus pyogenes
is responsible for significant numbers of invasive and noninvasive infections which cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Strep A isolates with mutations in the
covR/S
system display greater propensity to cause severe invasive diseases, which are responsible for more than 163,000 deaths each year.
Comparative Analysis of Core Microbiome Assignments: Implications for Ecological Synthesis
Authors: Custer Gordon F. , Gans Maya , van Diepen Linda T. A. , Dini-Andreote Francisco , Buerkle C. Alex
Published: February 2023

Different methods are commonly used to assign core microbiome membership, leading to methodological inconsistencies across studies. In this study, we review a set of the most commonly used core microbiome assignment methods and compare their core assignments using both simulated and empirical data.
Phenotypic, Genomic, and Transcriptomic Comparison of Industrial Aspergillus oryzae Used in Chinese and Japanese Soy Sauce: Analysis of Key Proteolytic Enzymes Produced by Koji Molds
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Kang Le , Xu Yan
Published: February 2023

Aspergillus oryzae
is widely used as an industrial koji mold for soy sauce brewing due to its powerful raw material decomposition capability. Although various proteases in
A. oryzae
have been identified, it remains a challenge to find essential enzymes involved in soy sauce production.
Cyclic di-GMP Modulates a Metabolic Flux for Carbon Utilization in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Baek Jiwon , Yoon Hyunjin
Published: February 2023

Cyclic di-GMP is a central signaling molecule that determines the transition between motile and nonmotile lifestyles in many bacteria. It stimulates biofilm formation at high concentrations but leads to biofilm dispersal and planktonic status at low concentrations.
Characterizing Biofilm Interactions between
Ralstonia insidiosa
and
Chryseobacterium gleum
Authors: Foote Andrea , Schutz Kristin , Zhao Zirui , DiGianivittorio Pauline , Korwin-Mihavics Bethany R. , LiPuma John J. , Wargo Matthew J.
Published: February 2023

Biofilms present in drinking water systems and terminal fixtures are important for human health, pipe corrosion, and water taste. Here, we examine the enhanced biofilm of cocultures for two very common bacteria from potable water systems:
Ralstonia insidiosa
and
Chryseobacterium gleum
.
Partial response in non-resectable adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas with high tumour mutation burden treated with gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel and pembrolizumab
Authors: Paredes de la Fuente Rodrigo , Doolin James W , Peters Mary Linton
Published: February 2023

A previously healthy man in his 60s was diagnosed with a rare histological subtype of pancreatic cancer, adenosquamous carcinoma. After somatic mutation profiling, it was found that the tumour had microsatellite instability status high and a high tumour mutational burden. The patient was started on combination therapy with gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel and pembrolizumab. Tumour size and biomarkers showed a dramatic response eventually leading to the patient being transitioned to maintenance therapy with pembrolizumab. The patient has demonstrated continued response since the start of the treatment. This is the first report in the literature showing a sustained response in this type of neoplasm that was treated with a checkpoint inhibitor, and thus adds to the evidence supporting universal somatic testing in all pancreatic cancers for a tailored approach to therapy.
Long-term effects of mild cataract extraction versus laser peripheral iridotomy on anterior chamber morphology in primary angle-closure suspect eyes
Authors: Yan Chenxi , Yu Yibo , Wang Wei , Han Ying , Yao Ke
Published: February 2023

Aim

To compare lens extraction (LE) and laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) on anterior segment morphology in primary angle-closure suspect (PACS) eyes.

Methods

This prospective clinical trial included 144 patients with PACS who underwent either LPI or LE. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and gonioscopy were performed before and 1 month and 2 years after operation. Main outcomes included UBM parameters and the percentage of residual angle closure.

Results

At both 1 month and 2 years of follow-up, LE showed a better effect of relieving anterior chamber crowding and widening the drainage angle, as obtaining a larger anterior chamber depth (ACD), angle opening distance, trabecular iris angle (TIA), trabecular iris space area, trabecular ciliary process distance (TCPD) and a smaller iris curvature (I-Curv) and lens vault (LV) (p<0.001). In the LPI group, angle width increased (angle opening distance at 500 µm from the scleral spur, TIA and trabecular iris space area at 500 µm from the scleral spur) and I-Curv decreased (p<0.001) at 1 month postoperatively, with no significant changes in ACD, LV or TCPD. However, at 2 years after LPI, the angle narrowed with the increase in LV over time, and the proportion of residual angle closure also increased from 21.7% to 30.4% (p<0.001). In contrast, after LE, the widened angle width, flattened iris, deepened ACD, decreased LV and increased TCPD all showed good sustainability in the comparison between 1-month and 2-year follow-up. No residual angle closure was observed either at 1 month or 2 years after LE.

Conclusions

LE was prior to LPI in widening the drainage angle. After LPI, there was a narrowing of the angle and an increase in the proportion of residual angle closure over time. LE could achieve a wider angle with no residual angle closure, and the anterior segment parameters were sustainable.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800016511.
Diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Muratori Luigi , Lohse Ansgar W , Lenzi Marco
Published: February 2023

Autoimmune hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver of unknown cause that may progress to liver cirrhosis and end stage liver failure if diagnosis is overlooked and treatment delayed. The clinical presentation is often that of acute hepatitis, sometimes very severe; less frequently, it can be insidious or completely asymptomatic. The disease can affect people of any age and is more common in women; its incidence and prevalence seem to be on the rise worldwide. An abnormal immune response targeting liver autoantigens and inducing persistent and self-perpetuating liver inflammation is the pathogenic mechanism of the disease. A specific set of autoantibodies, increased IgG concentrations, and histological demonstration of interface hepatitis and periportal necrosis are the diagnostic hallmarks of autoimmune hepatitis. Prompt response to treatment with corticosteroids and other immunomodulatory drugs is almost universal and supports the diagnosis. The aims of treatment are to induce and maintain long term remission of liver inflammation. Treatment can often even reverse liver fibrosis, thus preventing progression to advanced cirrhosis and its complications. Most patients need lifelong maintenance therapy, and repeated follow-up in experienced hands improves the quality of care and quality of life for affected patients.