bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of gelatine and chitosan spray coating for extending shelf life of vacuum‐packaged beef
Authors: Gedarawatte Shamika T.G. , Ravensdale Joshua T. , Johns Michael L. , Azizi Azlinda , Al‐Salami Hani , Dykes Gary A. , Coorey Ranil
Published: March 2021

The effects of applying gelatine (10%) and chitosan (1%) as spray coatings to extend the shelf life of vacuum‐packaged beef was studied and compared against uncoated vacuum‐packaged beef for up to 21 days. The impact of edible coatings on the water‐holding properties of vacuum‐packaged beef was investigated by LF‐NMR together with physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial assessments. Chitosan coating significantly reduced lipid oxidation by ~30% to 36% and inhibited the growth of lactic acid bacteriaby ~ 1–2 log cfu compared to purge collected from uncoated and gelatine coated samples. It did not negatively affect the meat pH, tenderness and colour, and exhibited significantly higher sensorial acceptance compared to beef coated with gelatine. Both coatings were not effective in reducing purge loss in vacuum‐packaged meat as the storage time increased. This study suggests that chitosan spray coating could be easily adapted to industrial plant settings as an antioxidant and antimicrobial application before carrying out meat vacuum packaging operation.
Anti‐hyperglycaemic effects of Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) leaf flavonoids through inhibiting α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase
Authors: Cui Jue , Zeng Siman , Zhang Chuyun
Published: March 2021

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) leaves are a polyphenol‐rich and underutilised by‐product of burdock. To exploit the use of burdock leaves, inhibitory effects of burdock leaf flavonoids (BLF) on α‐amylase (α‐A) and α‐glucosidase (α‐G) activities and starch digestion were investigated. The findings revealed that BLF exhibited promising α‐A (IC50 value of 92.01 μg mL−1) and α‐G (IC50 value of 29.49 μg mL−1) inhibitions in a mixed‐type manner. Fourteen compounds in BLF were identified, and apigenin glycosides, morin, kaempferol and quercetin 3‐O‐rhamnoside were the predominant compounds in BLF. The key active compound existing in BLF was morin which possessed the highest inhibition of α‐A and α‐G activities followed by quercetin 3‐O‐rhamnoside and kaempferol. Kinetic and spectroscopic studies verified that morin could bind to the two carbohydrate digestive enzymes to form the complexes, causing declines in α‐A and α‐G activities. The results of starch digestion in vitro showed that the addition of 4% BLF and morin significantly reduced the content of rapidly digestible starch in wheat flour. The above results suggest that BLF can become a new functional ingredient which may help in the design of lower glycaemic‐response foods.
Food market segmentation based on consumer preferences using outranking multicriteria approaches
Authors: Casas‐Rosal José Carlos , Segura Marina , Maroto Concepción
Published: March 2021

Market segmentation is a key concept in marketing that groups consumers by their needs, characteristics, or purchasing behavior. The objectives of this research are to develop outranking multicriteria models based on preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) in order to segment food consumers and apply them to a survey of healthy and sustainable meat. The models consider two categories of purchasing criteria; one related to product and another to the distributor process. One model generates ordered segments of consumers, while the other obtains four segments according to consumer performance in both criteria categories. An extension of FlowSort method for the sorting problems with Likert scale data is also contributed. The profile of segments shows the significance level of variables such as gender, but mainly those related to food‐related lifestyles, when characterizing the consumer groups. This proposal represents a robust approach, which is useful in the effective design of marketing campaigns and policies.
Effects of nest predation on a south temperate house wren population
Authors: Fernández Gustavo J. , Carro Mariana E.
Published: March 2021

Nest predation can have several effects on breeding birds. It reduces breeding success but also, it can strongly affect parental investment and reproductive decisions. Here we tested the extent of effects of nest predation on south temperate house wrens Troglodytes aedon bonariae by comparing the nesting success and breeding decisions of pairs breeding in plots that differed in nesting failure rates. During 2007 and 2008 breeding seasons we monitored nests built in nest boxes with a 27 mm entrance hole in a plot (E1) and with a 54 mm entrance hole in another plot (E2). At the end of the 2008 breeding season we reduced entrance holes of nest boxes at E2 to 27 mm. During 2007 and 2008 breeding seasons, nest failures were higher at E2 than E1 (70.6% and 25.8% respectively). Clutch sizes, brood sizes and number of fledgling produced per nest were smaller in E2 than in E1. However, females at E2 laid bigger eggs. Hatching success was lower at E2 than at E1, but fledgling success was similar between sites. Females nesting at E2 performed less frequently a second brood than those at E1. We did not detect differences between sites in individual breeding dispersal, mate change, apparent adult survival and offspring survival and recruitment. As a consequence of a reduced clutch size, higher hatching failures and lower frequency of double broods, individuals nesting at E2 had a lower annual productivity than those at E1. No differences in nest failure frequency and productivity were found between sites during the 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons. Our results provide experimental evidence of the existence of reproductive costs beyond nest loss associated with nesting in areas with high risk of nest predation in house wrens.
Sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women tested positive for COVID‐19 admitted to a referral center in Northern Italy during lockdown period
Authors: D'Ambrosi Francesco , Iurlaro Enrico , Tassis Beatrice , Di Maso Matteo , Erra Roberta , Cetera Giulia E. , Cesano Nicola , Di Martino Daniela , Ossola Manuela W. , Ferrazzi Enrico Maria
Published: March 2021

Introduction

We investigated association between sociodemographic characteristics and COVID‐19 disease among pregnant women admitted to our unit, the largest high‐risk maternity unit in the Milan metropolitan area.

Methods

Between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020, 896 pregnant women were admitted to our Institution and tested for COVID‐19. We collected information regarding their sociodemographic characteristics. Additional information on geographical area of residence, number of family members, number of family members tested positive for COVID‐19, and clinical data was collected for women tested positive for COVID‐19. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of developing COVID‐19 according to sociodemographic characteristics were estimated by unconditional logistic regression models.

Results

Among the 896 women enrolled, 50 resulted positive for COVID‐19. Pregnant women aged ≥35 years had a significantly lower risk of developing the infection (crude OR = 0.29; 95% CI:0.16–0.55). Conversely, foreign women (crude OR = 3.32; 95% CI:1.89–5.81), unemployed women (crude OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.77–5.40), and women with an unemployed partner (crude OR = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.48–6.79) showed a significantly higher risk of infection. Ethnicity was positively associated with the risk of developing COVID‐19 (mutually adjusted OR = 2.15; 95% CI:1.12–4.11) in the multivariate analysis. Foreign women with COVID‐19 were more likely to have a lower education level (p < 0.01), to be unemployed (p < 0.01), and to live in larger families (p < 0.01) compared to Italian pregnant women.

Conclusions

The socioeconomic conditions described are characteristic of immigration patterns in our metropolitan area. These factors may increase the risk of viral transmission, reducing the effectiveness of lockdown and social distancing.
The generalization of intergroup contact effects: Emerging research, policy relevance, and future directions
Authors: Boin Jessica , Rupar Mirjana , Graf Sylvie , Neji Sybille , Spiegler Olivia , Swart Hermann
Published: March 2021

Intergroup contact is one of the most promising and effective strategies for reducing prejudice. Importantly, intergroup contact not only improves attitudes towards an encountered outgroup member but also to the outgroup as a whole (i.e., primary transfer effects), to other outgroups (i.e., secondary transfer effects), and even enhances cognitive functioning beyond intergroup relations (i.e., tertiary transfer effect). In this article, we first review the recent developments on primary, secondary, and tertiary contact generalization. We then summarize mechanisms that underlie and condition each of these generalizations. Third, we highlight key critiques against the contact literature identifying avenues for future research on generalization processes. Lastly, we underline the policy value of research on generalization effects.
Salivary levels of last generation specific pro‐resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) (protectin and maresin) in patients with cardiovascular and periodontal disease: A case‐control study
Authors: Önal Mehmet Artuğ , Fentoğlu Özlem , Aksoy Fatih , Calapoğlu Mustafa , Varol Ercan , Orhan Hikmet
Published: March 2021

Background and Objective

Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which are both deemed to be triggered by inflammation, are recognized as public health problems. Evidence of host modulation via pro‐resolving lipid shown in previous studies supports a two‐way relationship between periodontitis and CVD. Last generation endogenous specific pro‐resolution lipid mediators (SPMs) such as protectins (PDs) and maresins (MaRs) may have potential effects on inflammatory pathogenesis via activation and resolution mechanisms. Currently, there are no data on SPM levels in patients with CVD and periodontal disease. We aimed to evaluate salivary levels of PD and MaR in patients with CVD and periodontal disease.

Materials and Methods

At total of 181 individuals comprising of 79 healthy controls (C) and 102 patients with diagnosed CVD were included cross‐sectionally. Unstimulated total salivary samples were obtained, and clinical periodontal parameters were determined. Salivary levels of PD and MaR were evaluated by ELISA. The periodontal status of the study population was classified as gingivitis (g) or periodontitis (p).

Results

Patients with CVD showed lower sociodemographic characteristics, increased clinical periodontal parameters (p < .05), decreased salivary PD (p < .001), and increased salivary MaR levels (p > .05). In the CVDg group, leukocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and high‐density lipoprotein values were higher (p < .05). The CVDp group had a higher neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (p < .05). While the PD level was highest in the Cg group, MaR was highest in the CVDp group. The salivary levels of PD and MaR were independent of other confounders in CVD and periodontal disease (p > .05).

Conclusion(s)

PDs and MaRs may play effective roles in pathogenesis associated with worsening cardiometabolic and periodontal status. These SPMs could also be predictors for conversion from a healthy (systemically and periodontally) to diseased state (CVD and/or periodontitis). Elucidation of the role of SPMs in the relationship between periodontal disease and CVD will enable the development of new host modulation strategies in the prevention and treatment of both diseases, and may also constitute an important public health step by increasing the quality of life of patients with CVD and periodontal disease.
Migrating grass awn within the intraconal part of the retrobulbar space in a dog
Authors: Collard C. , Garnier P. , Gory G. , Cabon Q.
Published: March 2021

A 1.5‐year‐old MC Cardigan Welsh Corgi was presented for a right oral fistula associated with left tonsil enlargement that responded to medical treatment. A first computed tomography scan was performed and showed no signs of a foreign body. Medical treatment was continued for 2 additional weeks and the dog was free of clinical signs for 3 months. The dog was presented again for a 3‐day history of anorexia and marked pain when opening the jaw. The repeat computed tomography scan revealed a migrating foreign body near the optic canal of the right eye, and surgical exploration confirmed that it was trapped within the intraconal part of the retrobulbar space, abutting the optic nerve. The foreign body was surgically removed through an osteotomy of the zygomatic bone. The dog fully recovered with no vision loss. Based on the literature search, this is the first published report describing a migrating grass awn located in the intraconal part of the retrobulbar space, abutting the optic nerve.
Effect of CFTR correctors on the traffic and the function of intracellularly retained ABCB4 variants
Authors: Ben Saad Amel , Vauthier Virginie , Tóth Ágota , Janaszkiewicz Angelika , Durand‐Schneider Anne‐Marie , Bruneau Alix , Delaunay Jean‐Louis , Lapalus Martine , Mareux Elodie , Garcin Isabelle , Gonzales Emmanuel , Housset Chantal , Aït‐Slimane Tounsia , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Di Meo Florent , Falguières Thomas
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background & aim

ABCB4 is expressed at the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. This ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter is responsible for the secretion of phosphatidylcholine into bile canaliculi. Missense genetic variations of ABCB4 are correlated with several rare cholestatic liver diseases, the most severe being progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3). In a repurposing strategy to correct intracellularly retained ABCB4 variants, we tested 16 compounds previously validated as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) correctors.

Methods

The maturation, intracellular localization and activity of intracellularly retained ABCB4 variants were analyzed in cell models after treatment with CFTR correctors. In addition, in silico molecular docking calculations were performed to test the potential interaction of CFTR correctors with ABCB4.

Results

We observed that the correctors C10, C13, and C17, as well as the combinations of C3 + C18 and C4 + C18, allowed the rescue of maturation and canalicular localization of four distinct traffic‐defective ABCB4 variants. However, such treatments did not permit a rescue of the phosphatidylcholine secretion activity of these defective variants and were also inhibitory of the activity of wild type ABCB4. In silico molecular docking analyses suggest that these CFTR correctors might directly interact with transmembrane domains and/or ATP‐binding sites of the transporter.

Conclusion

Our results illustrate the uncoupling between the traffic and the activity of ABCB4 because the same molecules can rescue the traffic of defective variants while they inhibit the secretion activity of the transporter. We expect that this study will help to design new pharmacological tools with potential clinical interest.
The wolf you feed: Challenging intraprofessional workplace‐based education norms
Authors: Stalmeijer Renée E. , Varpio Lara
Published: March 2021

Context

The trajectory towards becoming a medical professional is strongly situated within the clinical workplace. Through participatory engagement, medical trainees learn to address complex health care issues through collaboration with the interprofessional health care team. To help explain learning and teaching dynamics within the clinical workplace, many scholars have relied on socio‐cultural learning theories. In the field of medical education, this research has largely adopted a limited interpretation of a crucial dimension within socio‐cultural learning theory: the expert who guides the trainee into the community is almost exclusively from the same profession. We contend that this narrow interpretation is not necessary. This limited focus is one we choose to maintain—be that choice intentional or implicit. In this cross‐cutting edge paper, we argue that choosing an interprofessional orientation towards workplace learning and guidance may better prepare medical trainees for their future role in health care practice.

Methods

By applying Communities of Practice and Landscapes of Practice , and supported by empirical examples, we demonstrate how medical trainees are not solely on a trajectory towards the Community of Physician Practice (CoPP) but also on a trajectory towards various Landscapes of Healthcare Practice (LoHCP). We discuss some of the barriers present within health care organisations and professions that have likely inhibited adoption of the broader LoHCP perspective. We suggest three perspectives that might help to deliberately and meaningfully incorporate the interprofessional learning and teaching dynamic within the medical education continuum.

Conclusion

Systematically incorporating Landscapes of Competence, Assessment, and Guidance in workplace‐based education—in addition to our current intraprofessional approach—can better prepare medical trainees for their roles within the LoHCP. By advocating and researching this interprofessional perspective, we can embark on a journey towards fully harnessing and empowering the health care team within workplace‐based education.
Testing the generality of sea otter‐mediated trophic cascades in seagrass meadows
Authors: Raymond Wendel W. , Hughes Brent B. , Stephens Tiffany A. , Mattson Catherine R. , Bolwerk Ashley T. , Eckert Ginny L.
Published: March 2021

The presence and strength of trophic cascades can be a function of the local abiotic environment and relative abundance of key species. The reintroduction and expansion of sea otters Enhydra lutris, a known keystone species in kelp ecosystems, in southeast Alaska provides a rare natural experiment to test the generality of a apex‐predator – seagrass trophic cascades across a broad spatial scale. We conducted an in‐depth seagrass community survey at 21 sites spanning ~100 km with variable sea otter presence to test for patterns of alternating abundance and direct relationships between species indicative of trophic cascades. Our analysis revealed some of the trophic relationships predicted by the apex predator–seagrass trophic cascades theory, including a strong negative relationship between sea otters and crabs and many of the expected relationships between nitrate, seagrass, epiphytes and epifauna. Other expected relationships within a trophic cascade, however, were not supported – including no relationship between crabs and epifauna, a critical link in the trophic cascade. Given the lack of evidence for all hypothesized direct relationships, we conclude that a sea otter mediated trophic cascade may not be present in southeast Alaska and could be due to local scale factors including the spatial heterogeneity, low resource availability and non‐linear food chains in southeast Alaska seagrass communities. However, correlation analyses suggest further interactions among biological and environmental variables in southeast Alaska seagrass communities, including a positive correlation between sea otters and seagrass biomass. These results suggest that the effects of recovering apex‐predator populations may not be generalizable across regions and spatial scales, highlighting a need for local assessment on the ecology and management of these populations.
Tips for addressing common conditions affecting pediatric and adolescent patients with skin of color
Authors: Grayson Ciara , Heath Candrice
Published: March 2021

Pediatric and adolesent patients with skin of color are seen by dermatologists for common complaints such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and traction alopecia. Combining the understanding of cultural practices, empathetic patient communication, and social implications is useful in counseling and treating pediatric and adolescent patients with skin of color.
The supercritical question for pyroclastic dune bedforms: An overview
Authors: Douillet Guilhem Amin
Published: March 2021

Sedimentary structures deposited from dilute pyroclastic currents are largely dominated by the products of metre‐scale dune bedforms containing backset lamination. Since the first seminal works in the 1970s, the vast majority of the literature called these structures antidunes and chutes‐and‐pools. This consensus led to a loose terminology, either as descriptive terms for structures containing backset beds or as an interpretation of hydrodynamic conditions related to Froude‐supercritical flows. Here, the main characteristics of pyroclastic dune bedforms are summarized and classified under four categories. The literature is examined and a discussion is provided regarding a possible interpretation in terms of supercritical‐flow bedforms, including antidunes, chutes‐and‐pools and cyclic steps. The interpretation of pyroclastic dune bedforms as related to supercritical conditions is a possibility among others, yet open questions remain, and under the present state of knowledge alternative interpretations are equally valid. There is consensus that an interpretation of pyroclastic dune bedforms as related to supercritical flows implies deposition from a basal underflow supporting an internal free‐surface formed at a density interface within the overall current structure. Antidunes are likely to be limited to low‐angle, incipient bedforms. Chutes‐and‐pools may occur in the form of series of steep truncations formed by an erosive supercritical ‘chute’, with a depositional signature occurring exclusively in the subcritical ‘pool’ of a Froude jump. Rare examples of cyclic steps may be found as large‐scale undulations with superimposed metre‐scale bedforms, or for short‐scale, fully‐aggrading structures in periodic trains. Additionally, some pyroclastic bedforms may be formed by granular flows passing granular Froude jumps or as frozen granular stationary waves. The dominance of chute‐and‐pool structures over bedforms characterized by relatively more stable morphodynamics (antidunes and cyclic steps) could be the likely result of pulsating flow conditions and abrupt high‐rate deposition, impeding stable flow conditions. In a majority of cases, the growth of pyroclastic bedforms appears triggered by the influence of an inherited bed topography and by bed‐flow feedback effects. Apart from a possible interpretation as supercritical bedforms, other specific dynamics of dilute pyroclastic currents may well explain the characteristics of pyroclastic dune bedform structures. In particular, the inherent turbulence fluctuations, internal organization and highly depositional dynamics may be key to the formation of pyroclastic dune bedforms. In this respect, rather than solely focusing on the Froude dimensionless number of the formative current, theoretical considerations accounting for the Reynolds, Richardson and Rouse dimensionless parameters may be also implemented for the understanding of pyroclastic bedforms.
Skin tactile surface restoration using deep learning from a mobile image: An application for virtual skincare
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Ko Myeongseob , Kim Kwangtaek
Published: March 2021

Background

For virtual skincare using a touch feedback interface, reconstructing a 3D skin tactile surface from a mobile skin image is imperative for a dermatologist to palpate the skin surface that presents tactile characteristics of the subcutaneous tissues. However, the precise tactile reconstruction from a single view image is a challenging research problem due to varying illumination conditions.

Methods

In this study, a deep learning–based tactile reconstruction scheme is proposed to restore tactile properties from light distortion and reconstruct the 3D tactile surface from a mobile skin image. Our method consists of light distortion removal using deep learning, cGAN, and 3D tactile surface generation based on image gradients.

Results

The proposed method was tested by conducting two evaluation experiments in terms of removing light distortion and reconstructing 3D skin tactile surface in comparison with other well‐known methods. The results demonstrated that our method outperforms existing other methods in both illumination‐free image restoration and 3D surface reconstruction.

Conclusion

The proposed method is a promising approach in that tactile property distorted by illuminations can be completely restored using deep learning with a smaller training set and the precise reconstruction of 3D skin tactile surface can be achieved to be ready for a remotely touchable interface for virtual skincare applications.
Self-management for youth and young adults with special health needs: protocol for a scoping review of health care transition planning literature
Authors: Betz Cecily L. , Mannino Jennifer E. , Cleverley Kristin , Young Cara C. , Ridosh Monique , Kysh Lynn , Hudson Sharon M.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this scoping review is to explore the extent to which self-management of youth and young adults with special health care needs is reported in the health care transition literature.

Introduction:

It is essential for youth and young adults with special health care needs to learn the self-management skills, to the extent possible, that are essential in maintaining the stability of their chronic condition to seamlessly transfer to adult care and live independently. Acquisition of self-management competencies for chronic care management is an essential component of health care transition preparation.

Inclusion criteria:

The inclusion criteria will be based upon age and condition designation. The age range of participants will include youth and young adults, aged nine to 35 years, who have special health care needs. Inclusion criteria consists of both non-categorical and diagnostic specific terminology for youth and young adults with a childhood acquired chronic condition. Non-categorical terms used include “long-term chronic condition,” “special health care needs,” “medical complex condition,” “complex care needs,” “developmental disability,” “intellectual disability,” “mental health condition,” “emotional disabilities,” “physical disabilities,” “chronic illness,” and “chronic condition.”

Methods:

The following databases will be accessed for this health care transition scoping review: CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Relevant gray literature will be accessed as well. The Covidence software platform will be used to review citations and full-text articles. Two reviewers will independently review abstracts and full texts of studies, and extract data using the data extraction tool. Any conflicts will be resolved with a third reviewer. Review findings will be presented in tabular format and narrative synthesis based upon the scoping review objective.
Electrocardiographic changes in the acute hyperkalaemia produced by intragastric KCl load in rats
Authors: Fazan Frederico , Colombari Débora Simões de Almeida , Menani José Vanderlei , Fazan Rubens , Colombari Eduardo
Published: March 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

This study presents a new model for studying the rapid onset of severe, acute hyperkalaemia in rats with intact kidney function by administering an intragastric KCl load.

What is the main finding and its importance?

This new model of intragastric KCl load produces a reliable and reproducible model for studying the rapid onset of severe, acute hyperkalaemia in rats with intact kidney function. We report unprecedented rapid changes (30 min) in ECG, blood pressure and various arterial blood analyses with this new model, providing a solid foundation for future experiments in this field.

A variety of animal models have been proposed to study hyperkalaemia, but most of them have meaningful limitations when the goal is to study the effect of potassium overload on healthy kidneys. In this study, we aimed to introduce a new approach for induction of hyperkalaemia in a reliable and reproducible animal model. We used intragastric administration of potassium chloride [KCl 2.3 M, 10 ml/(kg body weight)] to male Holtzman rats (300–350 g) to induce hyperkalaemia. The results showed that this potassium load can temporarily overwhelm the renal and extrarenal handling of this ion, causing an acute and severe hyperkalaemia that can be useful to study the effect of potassium imbalance in a variety of scenarios. Severe hyperkalaemia (>8 meqiv/l) and very profound ECG alterations, characterized by lengthening waves and intervals, were seen as early as 30 min after intragastric administration of KCl in rats. In addition, a transient increase in arterial blood pressure and time‐dependent bradycardia were also seen after the KCl administration. No metabolic acidosis was present in the animals, and the potassium ion did not increase proportionally to chloride ion in the blood, leading to an increased anion gap. In conclusion, the results suggest that intragastric KCl loading is a reliable model to promote rapid and severe hyperkalaemia that can be used for further research on this topic.
Analysis of Effect of Wire Curvature on Allowable Stresses in Helical Springs
Authors: Wahl A. M.
Published: March 2021

The author suggests a method for determining the effect of wire or bar curvature on allowable stresses in helical springs, based on the endurance properties of the material. The method is based on the assumption, in agreement with available fatigue-test data, that stress-concentration effects produced by wire curvature may be neglected in calculating the static component of applied stress; also, it is assumed that the relation between the static- and variable-stress components at failure follows a linear law. On this basis, charts are given for determining maximum allowable stress as a function of spring index, ratio of minimum to maximum stress, and ratio between yield point and endurance limit. The effect of sensitivity of the material to stress concentration is taken into account by introducing a sensitivity-index q. Results calculated by means of the equations given show good agreement with results from tests of springs of different indexes. Some of the limitations of the method are discussed, and suggestions are made for future testing work.
Numerical and Graphical Method of Solving Two-Dimensional Stress Problems
Authors: Poritsky H. , Snively H. D. , Wylie C. R.
Published: March 2021

In developing his numerical and graphical method for solving two-dimensional stress problems, while the authors use a tension member with a semicircular notch as an example, the procedure actually has a wide range of application. Comparison of the calculated results and those obtained from photoelasticity shows close agreement. The maximum value of the stress in the plate used as an example obtained by this method is 3.25. This compares with a maximum of 3.20 obtained photoelastically by Wahl and Beeuwkes and a maximum of 3.05 obtained in the same manner by M. M. Frocht.
Analysis of Spherical Shells of Variable Wall Thickness
Authors: Spotts Merhyle F.
Published: March 2021

This article presents a solution to the problem of finding the forces and moments which occur in a spherical shell which is axisymmetrically loaded, when the variation in wall thickness is taken as a quadratic function of the coordinate of latitude.

The so-called Love-Meissner differential equations for the case of nonuniform wall thickness are derived herein. By appropriate substitutions these are reduced to one linear equation of the fourth order having constant coefficients. The solution to this equation when taken in the homogeneous form is first given. This homogeneous solution will be the general solution for all problems where the shell surface is free from external force, and the only loads on the shell consist of forces and moments applied at the boundaries.

When, however, the shell surface itself is loaded, a particular integral, which will depend upon the type of loading, must also be obtained for the nonhomogeneous equations.

The solution contained herein is illustrated by a numerical example for a shell of one boundary when acted upon by dead-load forces, and the results are plotted.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of a Turbine Foundation
Authors: Vesselowsky Sergius
Published: March 2021

This paper contains the results of a study made on a turbine foundation for the purpose of elucidating conditions which favor the building up of excessive vibrations when the unit is in operation. The structure studied was a steel framework supporting a concrete table with a turbogenerator erected on it. The experimental part consists of (a) dynamical loading of the structure and (b) determination of its elastic constants. The theoretical treatment of the problem consists of the determination of the frequencies and the modes of the natural vibrations by analytical methods. A comparison of the theoretical results obtained with the experimental findings is made. The results of the study indicate that vibrations of a turbogenerator on its foundation, for units of conventional design, can be treated as vibratory motion of a deformable body supported by a system of massless springs. Some rules to be followed in designing and means of changing a critical frequency in a desired sense also are included.

The present investigation was undertaken in an effort to eliminate the uncertainty which exists in the design of the foundations for turbogenerators, particularly where a steel substructure is used.
Generating coherence-constrained multisensor signals using balanced mixing and spectrally smooth filters
Authors: Mirabilii Daniele , Schlecht Sebastian J. , Habets Emanuël A. P.
Published: March 2021

The spatial properties of a noise field can be described by a spatial coherence function. Synthetic multichannel noise signals exhibiting a specific spatial coherence can be generated by properly mixing a set of uncorrelated, possibly non-stationary, signals. The mixing matrix can be obtained by decomposing the spatial coherence matrix. As proposed in a widely used method, the factorization can be performed by means of a Choleski or eigenvalue decomposition. In this work, the limitations of these two methods are discussed and addressed. In particular, specific properties of the mixing matrix are analyzed, namely, the spectral smoothness and the mix balance. The first quantifies the mixing matrix-filters variation across frequency and the second quantifies the number of input signals that contribute to each output signal. Three methods based on the unitary Procrustes solution are proposed to enhance the spectral smoothness, the mix balance, and both properties jointly. A performance evaluation confirms the improvements of the mixing matrix in terms of objective measures. Furthermore, the evaluation results show that the error between the target and the generated coherence is lowered by increasing the spectral smoothness of the mixing matrix.
Exponential spectro-temporal modulation generation
Authors: Stavropoulos Trevor A. , Isarangura Sittiprapa , Hoover Eric C. , Eddins David A. , Seitz Aaron R. , Gallun Frederick J.
Published: March 2021

Traditionally, real-time generation of spectro-temporally modulated noise has been performed on a linear amplitude scale, partially due to computational constraints. Experiments often require modulation that is sinusoidal on a logarithmic amplitude scale as a result of the many perceptual and physiological measures which scale linearly with exponential changes in the signal magnitude. A method is presented for computing exponential spectro-temporal modulation, showing that it can be expressed analytically as a sum over linearly offset sidebands with component amplitudes equal to the values of the modified Bessel function of the first kind. This approach greatly improves the efficiency and precision of stimulus generation over current methods, facilitating real-time generation for a broad range of carrier and envelope signals.
Specificity and Selective Advantage of an Exclusion System in the Integrative and Conjugative Element ICE
Bs1
of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Davis Kathleen P. , Grossman Alan D.
Published: March 2021

Horizontal gene transfer is a driving force in bacterial evolution, responsible for the spread of many traits, including antibiotic and heavy metal resistance. Conjugation, one type of horizontal gene transfer, involves DNA transfer from donor to recipient cells through conjugation machinery and direct cell-cell contact.
Preventing the induction of acid saline-induced fibromyalgia pain in mice by electroacupuncture or APETx2 injection
Authors: Yen Liang-Ta , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Hsu Hsin-Cheng , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: March 2021

Background:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome involving chronic pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, morning stiffness and muscle cramping lasting longer than 3 months. The epidemiological prevalence is approximately 3–5% in women and increases with age. Antagonism of acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) reportedly attenuates acid saline-induced FM pain in mice.

Aims:

Whether pre-treatment with electroacupuncture (EA) or APETx2 can attenuate mechanical hyperalgesia in this murine model remains unknown.

Methods:

Accordingly, we examined the analgesic effect of EA in a murine model of FM pain induced by dual injections of acid saline and investigated whether EA or APETx2 can attenuate FM pain via the ASIC3 channel.

Results:

EA significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia in this model. ASIC3 antagonism, induced by injecting APETx2, also significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia. The expression of ASIC3 in the dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord and thalamus was increased after FM model induction. Over-expression of these nociceptive channels was attenuated by pre-treatment with EA or an ASIC3 antagonist.

Conclusion:

Our data reveal that both EA and ASIC3 blockade significantly reduce FM pain in mice via the ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 signalling pathways. Moreover, our findings support the potential clinical use of EA for the treatment of FM pain.
Effect of electroacupuncture on sedation requirements during colonoscopy: a prospective placebo-controlled randomised trial
Authors: Eberl Susanne , Monteiro de Olivera Nelson , Bourne Danielle , Streitberger Konrad , Fockens Paul , Hollmann Markus W , Preckel Benedikt
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Propofol provides excellent sedation during colonoscopy. However, its application, namely when used together with an opioid, is associated with cardiopulmonary depression. Acupuncture is used nowadays for the treatment of pain and anxiety, and also to induce sedation. We hypothesised that electroacupuncture (EA) during colonoscopy would have sedative effects, thereby reducing propofol requirements to achieve an adequate level of sedation.

Method:

The study was designed and conducted as a single centre, patient and observer blinded, sham- and placebo-controlled randomised trial. Patients scheduled for elective colonoscopy under deep propofol/alfentanil sedation were randomly assigned to receive unilateral EA, sham-acupuncture (SA) or placebo-acupuncture (PA) at ST36, PC6 and LI4. The primary outcome parameter was the total dosage of propofol. Secondary outcomes included the patients’ and endoscopists’ satisfaction levels evaluated by questionnaires.

Results:

The dosage of propofol required (median [IQR]) was not significantly different between the three groups (EA group 147 μg/kg/min [109–193] vs SA group 141 μg/kg/min [123– 180] vs PA group 141 μg/kg/min [112–182]; P=0.776). There was also no significant difference in alfentanil consumption (P=0.634). Global satisfaction (median [IQR]) among patients (EA group 6.6 [6.0–7.0] vs SA group 6.8 [6.0–7.0] vs PA group 6.5 [6.0–7.0]; P=0.481) and endoscopists (6.0 [5.0–6.0] for all groups; P=0.773) did not significantly differ between the three groups. There was no significant difference in the number of cardiorespiratory events.

Conclusion:

For colonoscopy, the applied mode of EA did not show any propofol-sparing sedative effect compared with sham or placebo acupuncture.

Trial registration:

The trial is registered in the Netherland’s Trial Registry (NTR4325).
Benefits of dry needling of myofascial trigger points on autonomic function and photoelectric plethysmography in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Castro-Sánchez Adelaida María , Garcia-López Hector , Fernández-Sánchez Manuel , Perez-Marmol José Manuel , Leonard Guillaume , Gaudreault Nathaly , Aguilar-Ferrándiz María Encarnación , Matarán-Peñarrocha Guillermo Adolfo
Published: March 2021

Background:

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a condition characterised by the presence of chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain, low pain threshold and hyperalgesia. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) may worsen symptoms in patients with FMS.

Objective:

The purpose of this randomised controlled trial was to compare the effects of dry needling and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain intensity, heart rate variability, galvanic response and oxygen saturation (SpO2).

Methods:

74 subjects with FMS were recruited and randomly assigned to either the dry needling group or the TENS group. Outcomes measures (pain intensity, heart rate variability, galvanic skin response, SpO2 and photoplethysmography) were evaluated at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. 2×2 mixed-model analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were performed.

Results:

The mixed-model ANOVAs showed significant differences between groups for the sensory dimension of pain, affective dimension of pain, total dimension of pain, visual analogue scale (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI) (P=0.001). ANOVAs also showed that significant differences between groups were achieved for very low frequency power of heart rate variability (P=0.008) and low frequency power (P=0.033). There were no significant differences in dry needling versus TENS groups on the spectral analysis of the photoplethysmography and SpO2.

Conclusions:

This trial showed that application of dry needling therapy and TENS reduced pain attributable to MTrPs in patients with FMS, with greater improvements reported in the dry needling group across all dimensions of pain. Additionally, there were between-intervention differences for several parameters of heart rate variability and galvanic skin responses.

Trial registration number:

NCT02393352
Incidence of iatrogenic pneumothorax following acupuncture treatments in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Shun-Ku , Liu Jui-Ming , Hsu Ren-Jun , Chuang Heng-Chang , Wang Ying-Xue , Lin Po-Hung
Published: March 2021

Background:

Pneumothorax is a rare complication of acupuncture and the risk factors are unclear.

Objective:

This study analysed the incidence of post-acupuncture pneumothorax requiring hospitalisation in a one-million-sample cohort derived from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database.

Methods:

We tracked this cohort between 1997 and 2012 and recorded all medical insurance information. Subjects were categorised according to gender, insurance amount, comorbidities, residential area, and number of acupuncture treatments. Pneumothorax risk was evaluated according to different demographic and medical variables by logistic regression analysis using an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results:

Overall, 411 734 patients undergoing 5 407 378 acupuncture treatments were identified with data collected over the first 7 days after acupuncture. The incidence rates of iatrogenic pneumothorax were 0.87 per 1 000 000 acupuncture treatments overall and 1.75 per 1 000 000 acupuncture treatments in “at-risk” anatomical areas. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that a history of thoracic surgery (aOR 7.85, 95% CI 3.49 to 9.25), chronic bronchitis (aOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.03 to 6.87), emphysema (aOR 4.87, 95% CI 1.03 to 7.96), pneumonia (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.72), tuberculosis (aOR 3.65, 95% CI 1.39 to 9.56), and lung cancer (aOR 3.85, 95% CI 1.53 to 9.73) may increase the post-acupuncture risk of iatrogenic pneumothorax. Men had a higher risk of pneumothorax than women (aOR 3.41, 95% CI 1.36 to 8.57). The number of treatments was not associated with risk of pneumothorax.

Conclusions:

Patients with a history of lung disease including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, tuberculosis, lung cancer and pneumonia, and a history of thoracic surgery, might have an increased post-acupuncture risk of pneumothorax. This information may possibly help physicians avoid post-acupuncture pneumothorax.
TMJ pain as a presentation of metastatic breast cancer to the right mandibular condyle
Authors: Chang Victor Ken On , Thambar Samuel
Published: March 2021

Cancer metastasis to the oral and maxillofacial region is uncommon, and metastasis to the mandibular condyle is considered rare. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of invasive ductal cell carcinoma of the right breast, 10 years in remission, presenting with a 6-month history of symptoms typical of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Imaging revealed an osteolytic lesion of her right TMJ and subsequent open biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Despite the rarity of metastatic cancer to the head and neck region, it is still important for clinicians from both medical and dental backgrounds to consider this differential diagnosis, particularly in patients with a history of hormonal positive subtype of breast cancer. Given that bony metastasis can manifest even 10 years after initial diagnosis, surveillance which includes examination of the head and neck region is important, and may include routine plain-film imaging surveillance with an orthopantomogram (OPG).
Clubroot in Brassica: recent advances in genomics, breeding, and disease management
Authors: Hasan Jakir , Megha Swati , Rahman Habibur
Published: March 2021

Clubroot disease, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, affects Brassica oilseed and vegetable production worldwide. This review is focused on various aspects of clubroot disease and its management, including understanding the pathogen and resistance in the host plants. Advances in genetics, molecular biology techniques, and omics research have helped to identify several major loci, QTL, and genes from the Brassica genomes involved in the control of clubroot resistance. Transcriptomic studies have helped to extend our understanding of the mechanism of infection by the pathogen and the molecular basis of resistance/susceptibility in the host plants. A comprehensive understanding of the clubroot disease and host resistance would allow developing a better strategy by integrating the genetic resistance with cultural practices to manage this disease from a long-term perspective.