bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic screening identifies a TEAD4‐S100A13 axis modulating cisplatin sensitivity of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Li Ruicen , Li Wenyu , He Fenghui , Zhang Ming , Luo Han , Tang Huairong
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aimed to screen prognosis‐related S100 protein family members in human paxpillomaviruses (HPV)‐negative oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and their molecular regulations.

Methods

Bioinformatic screening was conducted based on single‐cell RNA‐seq data from Puram 2017 dataset and bulk‐seq data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). HPV‐negative OSCC cell lines CAL‐27 and SCC‐4 were used as in vitro cell models.

Results

Among 21 S100 protein family member genes, S100A13 upregulation was associated with unfavorable progression‐free survival and disease‐specific survival of OSCC patients. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that the higher S100A13 expression group had elevated genes enriched in DNA repair and oxidative phosphorylation. S100A13 knockdown increased cisplatin sensitivity, while its overexpression decreased the sensitivity of CAL‐27 and SCC‐4 cells. S100A13 gene had complex alternative transcription patterns. ENST00000440685 is one of the major protein‐coding transcripts and was the only transcript elevated in the tumor group. TEAD4 could bind to the promoter of ENST00000440685 and increase its transcription. TEAD4 overexpression alleviated the tumor‐suppressive effect of cisplatin in terms of colony formation, the expression of apoptotic proteins, and DNA damage. However, S100A13 knockdown partly abrogated the protective effects of TEAD4 overexpression.

Conclusion

This study revealed a novel TEAD4‐S100A13 axis that might modulate cisplatin sensitivity of OSCC tumor cells.
Sibling status, home birth, tattoos and stitches are risk factors for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Senegalese children: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Périères Lauren , Protopopescu Camelia , Lo Gora , Marcellin Fabienne , Ba El Hadji , Coste Marion , Touré Kane Coumba , Diallo Aldiouma , Sokhna Cheikh , Boyer Sylvie ,   the ANRS 12356 AmBASS survey Study Group
Published: August 2021

Sub‐Saharan Africa's hepatitis B virus (HBV) burden is primarily due to infection in infancy. However, data on chronic HBV infection prevalence and associated risk factors in children born post‐HBV vaccination introduction are scarce. We estimated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence and risk factors in Senegalese children born during the HBV vaccination era. In 2018–2019, a community‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Senegal among children born between 2004 and 2015 (ie after the three‐dose HBV vaccine series was introduced (2004) but before the birth dose's introduction (2016)). HBsAg‐positive children were identified using dried blood spots. A standardized questionnaire collected socioeconomic information. Data were age‐sex weighted and calibrated to be representative of children living in the study area. Risk factors associated with HBsAg positivity were identified using negative binomial regression. Among 1,327 children, 17 were HBsAg‐positive (prevalence = 1.23% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–1.85)). Older age (adjusted incidence‐rate ratio [aIRR] 1.31 per one‐year increase, 95% CI 1.10–1.57), home vs healthcare facility delivery (aIRR 3.55, 95% CI 1.39–9.02), stitches (lifetime) (aIRR 4.79; 95% CI 1.84–12.39), tattoos (aIRR 8.97, 95% CI 1.01–79.11) and having an HBsAg‐positive sibling with the same mother (aIRR 3.05, 95% CI 1.09–8.57) were all independently associated with HBsAg positivity. The low HBsAg prevalence highlights the success of the Senegalese HBV vaccination program. To further reduce HBV acquisition in children, high‐risk groups, including pregnant women and siblings of HBsAg‐positive individuals, must be screened. Vital HBV infection prevention measures include promoting delivery in healthcare facilities, and increasing awareness of prevention and control procedures.
Clinical performance of a commercially available thymidine kinase 1 assay for diagnosis of lymphoma in 42 hospitalized horses (2017‐2020)
Authors: Moore Caitlin , Stefanovski Darko , Luethy Daniela
Published: August 2021

Background

Antemortem definitive diagnosis of lymphoma in horses is often difficult. Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) assay is a potentially useful biomarker for lymphoma in horses.

Hypothesis/objectives

To report the clinical performance of a commercially available TK1 assay for diagnosis of lymphoma in horses. We hypothesized that there would be no association between serum TK1 activity and a diagnosis of lymphoma in horses.

Animals

Forty‐two hospitalized horses, 14 with a definitive diagnosis of lymphoma, 4 with other neoplasia, and 24 with inflammatory disease.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review, groups were compared via Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney tests, and logistic regression was performed.

Results

Median (range) TK1 was 3 U/L (0.4‐17.7 U/L) in horses with lymphoma and 3.9 U/L (0.8‐94 U/L) in horses without lymphoma (P = .59). There was no significant difference in total protein between horses with and without lymphoma (6.6 g/dL [5.5‐8.3 g/dL] vs 6.6 g/dL [4.7‐10.4 g/dL]; P = .83). There was no significant difference in fibrinogen between horses with and without lymphoma (447 [100‐1364] mg/dL vs 433 [291‐2004] mg/dL; P = .47). On logistic regression, serum TK1 activity was not associated with a diagnosis of lymphoma (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.9‐1.05, P = .48).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Serum TK1 values were not predictive of lymphoma diagnosis in this cohort of horses.
Childhood stunting and micronutrient status unaffected by RCT of micronutrient fortified drink
Authors: Alfonso Mayén Victor , Ogunlusi Abimbola , Wright Charlotte Margaret , Garcia Ada Lizbeth
Published: August 2021

Micronutrient supplementation is widely used to prevent stunting in children under 5 years in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), but the impact of treatment has been disappointing, possibly due to non‐compliance. Our aim was to deliver long‐term micronutrient supplementation via a novel, culturally acceptable liquid food to improve linear growth in a high stunting prevalence region.

In a randomised control trial, 971 children aged 6–72 months received either ‘Chispuditos®’ (n = 681), a hot drink (atole) fortified with micronutrients (atole + MN) (9 mg/zinc, 12.5 mg/iron), or lactose‐free milk (n = 290) for 18 months. Primary outcomes were changes in length/height‐for‐age (HAZ) score and the prevalence of stunting at 18‐month follow‐up. Adherence was monitored monthly, and 73% children in atole + MN group consumed at least half their daily zinc and iron requirement. At 18 months, there was no difference between the treatments in growth [mean change in HAZ −0.02 (95% CI −0.12, 0.08)] or stunting [atole + MN 41%, milk 41%; RR 0.99 (95% CI 0.84, 1.19)]. There were no differences in haemoglobin (HB), ferritin or zinc. No children had iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) at outcome, but zinc deficiency remained equally prevalent in both groups: atole + MN 35%, milk 35% [RR 1.02 (95% CI 0.83, 1.24)]. There was no difference in morbidity between the groups, and micronutrient status was unrelated to HAZ. Long‐term micronutrient supplementation via a culturally acceptable food had no impact on stunting or morbidity, raising the question of whether large‐scale micronutrient supplementation is worthwhile.
Methods and priorities for human resource planning in oil and gas projects in Russia and OPEC
Authors: Fadeev Alexey , Komendantova Nadejda , Cherepovitsyn Alexey , Tsvetkova Anna , Paramonov Ivan
Published: August 2021

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the Russian Federation are the key players in the global hydrocarbon market today. The successful hydrocarbon development is inextricably linked to the provision of highly qualified personnel for projects being implemented. To develop a universal methodology for planning the number of personnel of certain qualifications for the hydrocarbon deposit development in the shelf area is the main purpose of the study. A tool for prognosis and planning the number of personnel for offshore oil and gas projects is proposed. This methodological tool is based on a model of a static balance between the available human resource potential and the personnel requirements, which is expressed by a system of equations. The calculation is carried out on the basis of an offshore project of the oil and gas company.
Estimates of the variance components, heritability and genetic gains of phenotypic traits in citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides)
Authors: Ngwepe Mantlo Richard , Shimelis Hussein , Mashilo Jacob
Published: August 2021

The present study estimated variance components, heritability and genetic advance of phenotypic traits in citron watermelon to guide selection of superior genotypes for direct production and breeding. Thirty‐six citron watermelon landrace accessions were evaluated across two seasons using a 6 × 6 alpha lattice design with three replications. High broad‐sense heritability and genetic advance as per cent of the mean were recorded for fruit length at 83.86% and 4730.45%, seed length (77.73% and 1731.27%), hundred seed weight (73.73% and 4027.36%), fruit diameter (70.44% and 2949.64%) and fruit weight (70.39% and 8490.05%), respectively. Step‐wise regression analysis revealed marketable fruit yield (Myld) and total number of fruits per plant (TNFr) explained 89% (R2 = .89) of total variation for total fruit yield per plant (TFYld), whereas number of seed per fruit (NSPFr) and hundred seed weight (HSW) explained 92% (R2 = .92) of total variation for seed yield per fruit (SYPFr). Citron watermelon landrace accessions WWM03, WWM14, WWM16, WWM39, WWM65, WWM67 and WWM79 with high TFYld and SYPFr were selected for production or breeding.
Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in pediatric migraine patients
Authors: Polat İpek , Karaoğlu Pakize , Şişman Ali Rıza , Yiş Uluç , Hız Kurul Semra
Published: August 2021

Background

Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are the suggested underlying mechanisms in migraine. Pentraxins, C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio are good indicators of inflammation. Alterations in insulin levels and insulin sensitivity may trigger endothelial dysfunction. This study evaluates the association between migraine and serum biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in children.

Methods

Children with migraine and healthy subjects were recruited. Serum samples were obtained in an attack‐free period. We collected data on serum levels of complete blood cell count, C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pentraxin‐3, and data from biochemical investigations. We compared these with clinical data such as age, sex, disease duration, attack frequency, attack duration, analgesic use, family history, and Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire scores.

Results

We assessed samples from 32 children (11 boys, 21 girls) with migraine and 19 healthy controls (8 boys, 11 girls). We found significantly higher pentraxin‐3, insulin, and insulin resistance in patients with migraine (P = 0.001, P = 0.032, and P = 0.008, respectively). A positive directional correlation is found between pentraxin‐3 and Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire scores. The best cut‐off values for pentraxin‐3 is determined between 12.75 pg/mL to 15 pg/mL in migraineurs.

Conclusions

In conclusion increased pentraxin‐3 levels support the suggestions that inflammation plays a role in pediatric migraine. The vascular endothelial dysfunction is observed by a rise in insulin and insulin resistance levels. Our findings support the idea that ongoing inflammation and vascular endothelial dysfunction between attacks may play a role in migraine pathogenesis in children.
First record of Neoporphyra haitanensis (T.J.Chang & B.F.Zheng) J.Brodie & L.‐E.Yang (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from Shikinejima Island and Hachijojima Island of the Izu Islands, southern central Japan
Authors: Sano Fumina , Ikeura Airi , Takasugi Arata , Niwa Kyosuke
Published: August 2021

We conducted a morphological observation and molecular phylogenetic analyses on bladed Bangiales collected from natural populations on Shikinejima Island and Hachijojima Island of the Izu Islands, southern central Japan. The morphological features of the gametophytic blades such as the blade shape, blade margin and reproductive cell divisions were extremely similar to those parameters of Neoporphyra haitanensis, a species cultivated in southern China, and Neoporphyra dentata. However, the blades collected from the two islands were thicker than the blades of N. dentata; this feature was the same as that of N. haitanensis. The chloroplast RUBISCO spacer sequences of present samples were identical to the sequences of N. haitanensis from China. Moreover, phylogenetic positions of three conchocelis strains isolated from the blades on the two islands were examined based on concatenated sequences of the chloroplast rbcL gene and nuclear 18S rRNA. The results showed that the strains were resolved in a clade including N. haitanensis; however, the strains were separated from N. haitanensis in China. Therefore, the bladed Bangiales from the two islands were identified as N. haitanensis. The present study is the first record of N. haitanensis in natural populations in Japan.
Feelings from the heart: Developing HRV decrease‐trigger algorithms via multilevel hyperplane simulation to detect psychosocially meaningful episodes in everyday life
Authors: Schwerdtfeger Andreas R. , Rominger Christian
Published: August 2021

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been associated with diverse psychosocial concepts, like stress, anxiety, depression, rumination, social support, and positive affect, among others. Although recent ecological momentary assessment research devoted the analysis of cardiac‐psychosocial interactions in daily life, traditional time sampling designs are compromised by a random pairing of cardiac and psychosocial variables across several time points. In this study, we present an approach based on the concept of additional heart rate and additional HRV reductions, which aims to control for metabolic‐related changes in cardiac activity. This approach allows derivation of algorithm settings, which can later be used to automatically trigger the assessment of psychosocial states by online‐analysis of transient HRV changes. We used an already published data set in order to identify potential triggers offline indexing meaningful HRV decrements as related to low quality social interactions. First, two algorithm settings for a non‐metabolic HRV decrease trigger (i.e., the number of HRV decreases in a specified time window) were systematically manipulated and quantified by binary triggers (HRV decrease detected vs. not). Second, triggers were then entered in multilevel models predicting (lower levels of) social support. Effect estimates and bootstrap power simulations were visualized on hyperplanes to determine the most robust algorithm settings. A setting associated with 13 HRV decreases out of 29 min seems to be particularly sensitive to low quality of social interactions. Further algorithm refinements and validation studies are encouraged.
The nation versus the ‘not‐quite‐nation’: A semantic approach to nationalism and its terminology
Authors: Maxwell Alexander , Záhořík Jan , Turner Molly
Published: August 2021

A ‘semantic approach’ to nationalism might focus on how political actors use the word ‘nation’ to legitimate political demands, often contrasting that word with other similar words, such as ‘ethnicity’ or ‘tribe’, which might be generalized as ‘not‐quite‐nations’. The semantic approach must also address the problem of linguistic diversity, and proposes that the word for ‘nation’ in languages other than English should be the word which bestows legitimacy. Applying this method to three case studies – Catalonia, Hungary, and Ethiopia – suggests that one particular word always emerges as the locus of sovereignty, and thus as the equivalent for ‘nation’. The method is not compatible with all scholarly approaches to nationalism, but it is consistent with the approach of both Benedict Anderson and Rogers Brubaker.
Reppin’ and Rice: How Asian and Pacific Islander American Hip Hop Fans Negotiate Their Racial Identities and Make Meaning of Their Experiences in the US Hip Hop Community
Authors: Eason Keri Koh
Published: August 2021

The US hip hop fan community maintains stereotypical representations of Asian American and Pacific Islander American (AAPI) communities that were created from the Yellow Peril and Model Minority discourses (2017, Sociological Inquiry 87(4):634). AAPI rap and hip hop fans present an image that is in opposition to the stereotypes of what fans learned and believe about AAPI communities (2017, Sociological Inquiry 87(4):634). My experiences have inspired me to seek answers to the pressing research questions: (1) how do Asian American and Pacific Islander American hip hop fans negotiate their racial identities in the hip hop community when it is an artform and culture that is historically and socially tied to Black and Brown communities? and (2) how do AAPI hip hop fans make meaning of their experiences in the multi‐racial U.S. hip hop community?
Autonomy or Domination? Two Faces of Differentiated Integration
Authors: Lord Christopher
Published: August 2021

When is differentiated integration (DI) of the European Union a source of autonomy and when is it a source of domination? Much depends on what collective goods member state democracies seek through integration. Club goods often require member state democracies to form DIs of their choice. Public goods and common resource goods may, in contrast, require limits on DI if member state democracies are to meet their own obligations to their own publics to secure rights, justice, non‐domination and democracy itself. Those differences are important to understanding how European democracies should be ‘internationally ordered’ if they are to sustain internal forms of political autonomy. They also demonstrate the importance of DI to the autonomy of member state democracies in associating together beyond the state; in defining obligations within the state; and in securing the greatest autonomy of each European democracy compatible with the greatest possible autonomy of all European democracies.
Identity and the racialized politics of violence in gun regulation policy preferences
Authors: Vidal Xavier Medina , Páez Rocío A. , Shields Todd G.
Published: August 2021

Objective

In this study, we examine how attitudes about race, as well as ethno‐racial identities, influence support for various gun regulation policies. Drawing on the Racial Resentment and identity politics literature, we argue that attitudes about gun control are not simply driven by ideological, partisan, or demographic factors, but are often influenced by attitudes about race and identity, and region.

Methods

Using data from a 2016 national survey of White, African American, and Hispanic/Latinx respondents, along with a comparable southern sample, we test for the effects of ethno‐racial identity, Racial Resentment, evaluations of the Black Lives Matter movement, and feelings about African Americans on individuals’ attitudes about background checks and banning assault weapons. Using the 2016 American National Election Study, we test the generalizability of these findings in the presence of additional controls.

Results

Overall, we find that attitudes about race, ethno‐racial identities, and in some cases regional variations, help explain support for gun regulation policies.
The classification of free algebras of orthogonal modular forms
Authors: Wang Haowu
Published: August 2021

We prove a necessary and sufficient condition for the graded algebra of automorphic forms on a symmetric domain of type IV being free. From the necessary condition, we derive a classification result. Let$M$be an even lattice of signature$(2,n)$splitting two hyperbolic planes. Suppose$\Gamma$is a subgroup of the integral orthogonal group of$M$containing the discriminant kernel. It is proved that there are exactly 26 groups$\Gamma$such that the space of modular forms for$\Gamma$is a free algebra. Using the sufficient condition, we recover some well-known results.
Thermal-Hydraulic Safety Assessment of Full-Scale ESBWR Nuclear Reactor Design
Authors: Saraswat S. P. , Ray D. , Mishra G. , Yadav D. , Bhadouria V. S. , Munshi P. , Allison C.
Published: August 2021

The economic simplified boiling water reactor (ESBWR) is a boiling water nuclear reactor of generation III+. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the ESBWR design as the world's best light-water nuclear reactor in 2014. It has the lowest core damage frequency (industry standard indicator of safety) of any Generation III or III+ reactor. It can cool automatically for more than seven days without using electricity or human intervention. During the operation, the ESBWR is designed to produce electricity while emitting almost no greenhouse gases. The energy generated by an ESBWR will prevent the emission of approximately 7.5 million metric tons of CO2 per year compared to standard electricity production on the U.S. grid. The analysis present in this paper aimed to characterize the thermal-hydraulic simulations of full-scale ESBWR design. The analysis presented will help in recognizing the improvement needed in the reactor design and its passive safety systems. The analysis is performed for normal steady-state and postulated design basis accident scenarios (break in one of the reactor main-steam lines inside the contentment). The simulation results obtained by the code REALP/SCDAPSIM/MOD3.4 are compared with the TRACG04 and MELCOR2.1 code results to determine the code predictability and accuracy under accident conditions of the newly proposed design of the ESBWR nuclear reactor. A parametric study is also carried out with different in-containment break sizes to determine code results' sensitive nature due to natural circulation flow phenomena, which are highly unstable. The analysis shows that the code has produced reasonably accurate results under the tested system thermal-hydraulic conditions compared with the TRACG04 and MELCOR2.1 code simulation results. This agreement between the three codes simulation results demonstrated that the publicly available RELAP5 code model has adequate features to simulate the ESBWR thermal-hydraulics. It has been also demonstrated that for the postulated accident conditions, the design of passive safety systems is capable to capture the accident progression without any active power.
The Effect of Oil–Water Ratio on Rheological Properties and Sag Stability of Oil-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Ofei Titus Ntow , Lund Bjørnar , Saasen Arild , Sangesland Sigbjørn
Published: August 2021

Drilling fluids for oilfield use consist of complex mixtures of natural and synthetic materials. The viscous properties along with the particle size distribution of the applied weight materials are vital in controlling the stability of the microstructure and density of the drilling fluid. Typical oil-based drilling fluids made for North Sea oilfield drilling application with oil–water ratios (OWRs) of 80/20 and 60/40 are examined with respect to their density stability. The stability was analyzed at both rest and dynamic conditions using flow and viscosity tests, oscillatory sweep tests, creep tests, and time-dependent oscillatory sweep tests using a scientific rheometer with a measuring system applying a grooved bob at atmospheric conditions. The quantities used in ranking the stability of the fluids include the yield stress, flow transition index, mechanical storage stability index, and dynamic sag index. We observed that the drilling fluid sample with OWR = 60/40 showed a more stable dispersion with a stronger structure having higher yield stress and flow transition index values, while the mechanical storage stability index and dynamic sag index recorded lower values. Furthermore, the Herschel–Bulkley parameters for yield stress and consistency index increased in fluid with OWR = 60/40, whereas the flow index values for both fluid samples were similar. The results of this study enable drilling fluid engineers to design realistic oil-based drilling fluids with stable microstructure to mitigate weigh material settling and sag of particles for North Sea drilling operation.
Experimental Study on Flow Behavior and Heat Transfer Enhancement With Distinct Dimpled Gas Turbine Blade Internal Cooling Channel
Authors: Nourin Farah Nazifa , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: August 2021

The study presents the investigation on heat transfer distribution along a gas turbine blade internal cooling channel. Six different cases were considered in this study, using the smooth surface channel as a baseline. Three different dimples depth-to-diameter ratios with 0.1, 0.25, and 0.50 were considered. Different combinations of partial spherical and leaf dimples were also studied with the Reynolds numbers of 6,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, and 50,000. In addition to the experimental investigation, the numerical study was conducted using a large eddy simulation (LES) to validate the data. It was found that the highest depth-to-diameter ratio showed the highest heat transfer rate. However, the deepest dimpled channel shows the highest pressure drop, which affects the overall thermal performance of the cooling channel. The results showed that the leaf dimpled surface is the best cooling channel based on the highest Reynolds number's heat transfer enhancement and friction factor. However, at the lowest Reynolds number, partial spherical dimples with a 0.25 depth-to-diameter ratio showed the highest thermal performance.
Modeling and Control of Flywheel-Integrated Generators in Split-Shaft Wind Turbines
Authors: Akbari Rasoul , Izadian Afshin
Published: August 2021

This paper introduces the modeling and control of split-shaft drivetrains where the system’s inertia is adjusted to store the energy. Accordingly, a flywheel is mechanically coupled with the rotor of a doubly fed induction generator. The generator is driven by a split-shaft drivetrain that decouples the turbine’s shaft from the shaft of the generator to provide independent control of their angular velocities. Hence, the turbine controller can track the point of maximum power while the generator controller can adjust the generator speed. Accordingly, the flywheel, which is directly connected to the shaft of the generator, is charged and discharged by controlling the generator speed. In this process, the flywheel can modify the electric power generation of the generator on-demand. Since the drivetrain is a split-shaft, the turbine speed is not affected by this energy storing process. This improves the quality of injected power to the grid. The structure of the flywheel energy storage can be simplified by removing its dedicated motor/generator and the power electronics driver. This significant modification can only occur in the split-shaft drivetrain. Two separate supervisory controllers are developed in the form of fuzzy logic regulators to generate a real-time output power reference. Furthermore, small-signal models are developed to analyze and improve the maximum power point tracking controller. Extensive simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of such a system and its improved quality of power generation.
Relationship Between Mechanical Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Sintered Metallic Brake Pad Under the Impact of Thermomechanical Stress
Authors: Le Tran Hoang-Long , Anne-Lise Cristol , Jérôme Hosdez , Vincent Magnier
Published: August 2021

It is well known that on the brake pad material, the triptych microstructure-properties-solicitations is the key to better understand the phenomena caused by braking stress. The challenging issues are the evolution of this triptych, i.e., the impact of thermal stress and mechanical stress on the microstructure which undoubtedly induces changes in properties. In order to solve the issues without tackling them in all their complexity, this study proposes an experimental approach where physics is decoupled but inspired by the braking sequence in terms of applied temperature gradient and braking loads. Two experimental tests were carried out. The first one is the thermal solicitation test where a temperature gradient from 400 °C to 540 °C was applied to the material. The second one is the thermomechanical test where a compressive load at 20 MPa was applied under the same thermal gradient. The experiment time is fixed for 2 min, equivalent to the time of one braking stroke. The referred material is sintered metallic composite, which is widely used as the brake pad material for high energy railway. As a result, it shows that coupled thermomechanical stress has a greater impact on material properties than decoupled one. This impact is related to the microstructure where graphite inclusions play an important role.
Growth of topological insulator Bi2Se3 particles on GaAs via droplet epitaxy
Authors: Mambakkam Sivakumar Vishnuvardhan , Nasir Saadia , Acuna Wilder , Zide Joshua M. O. , Law Stephanie
Published: August 2021

The discovery of topological insulators (TIs) and their unique electronic properties has motivated research into a variety of applications, including quantum computing. It has been proposed that TI surface states will be energetically discretized in a quantum dot nanoparticle. These discretized states could then be used as basis states for a qubit that is more resistant to decoherence. In this work, prototypical TI Bi2Se3 nanoparticles are grown on GaAs (001) using the droplet epitaxy technique, and we demonstrate the control of nanoparticle height, area, and density by changing the duration of bismuth deposition and substrate temperature. Within the growth window studied, nanoparticles ranged from 5 to 15 nm in height with an 8–18 nm equivalent circular radius, and the density could be relatively well controlled by changing the substrate temperature and bismuth deposition time.
Generalized Radon transform approach to target motion parameter estimation using a stationary underwater vector hydrophone
Authors: Sun Dajun , Lu Mingyang , Mei Jidan , Wang Shuchang , Pei Yuqing
Published: August 2021

Underwater platforms provide long-term detection of undersea targets. In this paper, we propose a method for the estimation of target motion parameters by submerged static acoustic detection equipment. The proposed method is based on the Radon transform of modeling the target moving in a uniform straight line. The heading angle, the time to the closest point of approach (CPA), and the ratio of velocity to the horizontal range of the target at the CPA to the sensor are obtained by applying the generalized Radon transform (GRT) to bearing–time records. The velocity of the target is determined by applying the GRT to the line-spectrum–time records. Furthermore, the motion trajectory of the target with respect to the detection equipment can be calculated from the above parameters. To validate the feasibility and performance of the proposed method, computer simulations and sea trials based on a fixed single vector measurement system were analyzed in this paper. The results suggest that the proposed method can accurately estimate the motion parameters and can calculate the trajectory of the moving vessel along a straight line at constant velocity.
The influence of otitis media with effusion on middle-ear impedance estimated from wideband acoustic immittance measurements
Authors: Merchant Gabrielle R. , Neely Stephen T.
Published: August 2021

The goal of this work was to estimate the middle-ear input impedance (Zme) from wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) measures and determine whether Zme improves the clinical utility of WAI. The data used in this study were from a previously reported set of WAI measurements in ears with otitis media with effusion [OME; Merchant, Al-Salim, Tempero, Fitzpatrick, and Neely (2021). Ear Hear., published online]. Ears with OME were grouped based on effusion volume, which was confirmed during tube surgery. Zme was estimated from the measured ear-canal impedance. An electrical-analog model of ear-canal acoustics and middle-ear mechanics was used to model the ear canal and Zme. The model results fit the measured responses well for all conditions. A regression approach was used to classify the responses of different variable types to effusion volume groups and determine the specificity and sensitivity of the binary classifications. The Zme magnitude increased with increasing effusion volume. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was compared for binary decisions of the OME categories. The Zme estimate resulted in a clinically meaningful improvement in the AUC for distinguishing healthy ears from ears with OME. Overall, these results suggest that Zme estimation may provide useful information of potential clinical value to improve the diagnostic utility of WAI measurements for OME.
Acoustic and speaker variation in Dutch /n/ and /m/ as a function of phonetic context and syllabic position
Authors: Smorenburg Laura , Heeren Willemijn
Published: August 2021

In forensic speech science, nasals are often reported to be particularly useful in characterizing speakers because of their low within-speaker and high between-speaker variability. However, empirical acoustic data from nasal consonants indicate that there is a somewhat larger role for the oral cavity in nasal consonant acoustics than is generally predicted by acoustic models. For example, in read speech, nasal consonant acoustics show lingual coarticulation that differs by nasal consonant, and syllabic position also seems to affect realizations of nasal consonants within speakers. In the current exploratory study, the within- and between-speaker variation in the most frequent nasals in Standard Dutch, /n/ and /m/, was investigated. Using 3695 [n] and 3291 [m] tokens sampled from 54 speakers' spontaneous telephone utterances, linear mixed-effects modeling of acoustic-phonetic features showed effects of phonetic context that differed by nasal consonant and by syllabic position. A subsequent speaker-classification test using multinomial logistic regression on the acoustic-phonetic features seems to indicate that nasals displaying larger effects of phonetic context also perform slightly better in speaker classification, although differences were minor. This might be caused by between-speaker variation in the degree and timing of lingual coarticulatory gestures.
“I’m Not Scared Anymore”: Impact of an Out-of-School Swimming Program on Children and Youth From an Underserved Community
Authors: Susnara Daniela M. , Curtner-Smith Matthew , Wind Stefanie A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To examine the impact of an out-of-school swimming program on children and youth from one underserved community. Method: Participants were 200 children and youth who attended the out-of-school swimming program during two consecutive summers. The theoretical framework employed drew from previous research on socialization. A mixed-methods design involved participants’ aquatic skill and knowledge of water safety being assessed at the beginning and end of each summer. These data were examined through descriptive and inferential statistical procedures. Qualitative methods employed were nonparticipant observation, informal interviews, and focus groups. Standard interpretive methods were employed to analyze the data these techniques yielded. Findings: Participants improved their aquatic skill and knowledge of water safety. They moved from being concerned for their safety to being confident in their aquatic ability and knowledge. The key socialization agents responsible for this shift were the instructors. Conclusion: The study suggests that an out-of-school swimming program taught by well-trained instructors can be effective.
Temperature sensitivity of permafrost carbon release mediated by mineral and microbial properties
Authors: Qin Shuqi , Kou Dan , Mao Chao , Chen Yongliang , Chen Leiyi , Yang Yuanhe
Published: August 2021

Large-scale evidence reveals that mineral and microbial properties mediate permafrost C release and its temperature response.
Beating the standard quantum limit under ambient conditions with solid-state spins
Authors: Xie Tianyu , Zhao Zhiyuan , Kong Xi , Ma Wenchao , Wang Mengqi , Ye Xiangyu , Yu Pei , Yang Zhiping , Xu Shaoyi , Wang Pengfei , Wang Ya , Shi Fazhan , Du Jiangfeng
Published: August 2021

Beating the standard quantum limit under ambient conditions with solid-state spins is realized.
Virtual memory T cells orchestrate extralymphoid responses conducive to resident memory
Authors: Hou Shiyue , Shao Tiange , Mao Tianyang , Shi Jingwen , Sun Jiahui , Mei Miao , Tan Xu , Qi Hai
Published: August 2021

CCR2
+
and CCR2
−
virtual memory T cells differentially contribute to effector and resident memory responses within infected tissues.
Taking the good with the bad
Authors: Halawi Aya , Griffin Gabriel
Published: August 2021

Tissue-resident macrophages promote early tumorigenesis in the lung.
A near-fatal consequence of chiropractor massage: massive stroke from carotid arterial dissection and bilateral vertebral arterial oedema
Authors: Yap Timothy , Feng Li , Xu Dan , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2021

A 35-year-old Chinese man with no risk factors for stroke presented with a 2-day history of expressive dysphasia and a 1-day history of right-sided weakness. The presentation was preceded by multiple sessions of neck, shoulder girdle and upper back massage for pain relief in the prior 2 weeks. CT of the brain demonstrated an acute left middle cerebral artery infarct and left internal carotid artery dissection. MRI cerebral angiogram confirmed left carotid arterial dissection and intimal oedema of bilateral vertebral arteries. In the absence of other vascular comorbidities and risk factors, massage-induced internal carotid arterial dissection will most likely precipitate the near-fatal cerebrovascular event. The differential diagnosis of stroke in a younger population was consequently reviewed and discussed.
Effectiveness of community outreach screening for glaucoma in improving equity and access to eye care in Nigeria
Authors: Olawoye Olusola Oluyinka , Fawole Olufunmilayo , Ashaye Adeyinka O , Chan Ving Fai , Azuara-Blanco Augusto , Congdon Nathan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of community outreach screening for glaucoma in improving equity and access to eye care in Nigeria.

Methodology

This was a prospective study in which two cohort of participants were recruited in Nigeria: 1 from 24 outreach screenings and another from consecutive patients presenting spontaneously to a tertiary eye clinic in Nigeria. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from participants and compared.

Results

Our sample consisted of 120 patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma (6.38% of 1881 screenees) recruited from the 24 outreach screenings, and another 123 patients with glaucoma who presented spontaneously at the eye clinic. Participants from the screenings were significantly older (p=0.012), less educated (p<0.001), had lower incomes (p<0.001), lower glaucoma knowledge scores and were less aware of their glaucoma (both p<0.001) and were more likely to be dependent on relations and children (p=0.002) compared with clinic participants. Of the 120 patients identified at the screenings and referred to the clinic for definitive care, 39 (32.5%) presented at the clinic within 3 months. Reasons for poor uptake of referral services were lack of a felt need and lack of money for transportation. Considering only patients who accepted referral, they were still less educated (p<0.001), poorer (p=0.001) and less knowledgeable about glaucoma (p=0.003) than spontaneous clinic presenters.

Conclusion

Outreach screening improved equity of access but its effects were somewhat reduced by poor uptake of referral care. Interventions such as free transportation and educational efforts may improve the uptake of referral services and maximise equity gains.
Women’s report of mistreatment during facility-based childbirth: validity and reliability of community survey measures
Authors: Leslie Hannah Hogan , Sharma Jigyasa , Mehrtash Hedieh , Berger Blair Olivia , Irinyenikan Theresa Azonima , Balde Mamadou Dioulde , Mon Nwe Oo , Maya Ernest , Soumah Anne-Marie , Adu-Bonsaffoh Kwame , Maung Thae Maung , Bohren Meghan A , Tunçalp Özge
Published: August 2021

Background

Accountability for mistreatment during facility-based childbirth requires valid tools to measure and compare birth experiences. We analyse the WHO ‘How women are treated during facility-based childbirth’ community survey to test whether items mapping the typology of mistreatment function as scales and to create brief item sets to capture mistreatment by domain.

Methods

The cross-sectional community survey was conducted at up to 8 weeks post partum among women giving birth at hospitals in Ghana, Guinea, Myanmar and Nigeria. The survey contained items assessing physical abuse, verbal abuse, stigma, failure to meet professional standards, poor rapport with healthcare workers, and health system conditions and constraints. For all domains except stigma, we applied item-response theory to assess item fit and correlation within domain. We tested shortened sets of survey items for sensitivity in detecting mistreatment by domain. Where items show concordance and scale reliability ≥0.60, we assessed convergent validity with dissatisfaction with care and agreement of scale scores between brief and full versions.

Results

2672 women answered over 70 items on mistreatment during childbirth. Reliability exceeded 0.60 in all countries for items on poor rapport with healthcare workers and in three countries for items on failure to meet professional standards; brief scales generally showed high agreement with longer versions and correlation with dissatisfaction. Brief item sets were ≥85% sensitive in detecting mistreatment in each country, over 90% for domains of physical abuse and health system conditions and constraints.

Conclusion

Brief scales to measure two domains of mistreatment are largely comparable with longer versions and can be informative for these four distinct settings. Brief item sets efficiently captured prevalence of mistreatment in the five domains analysed; stigma items can be used and adapted in full. Item sets are suitable for confirmation by context and implementation to increase accountability and inform efforts to eliminate mistreatment during childbirth.
Experiences of Australian primary healthcare nurses in using telehealth during COVID-19: a qualitative study
Authors: James Sharon , Ashley Christine , Williams Anna , Desborough Jane , Mcinnes Susan , Calma Kaara , Mursa Ruth , Stephen Catherine , Halcomb Elizabeth J
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study sought to explore the experiences of Australian primary healthcare (PHC) nurses in the use of telehealth during COVID-19. Telehealth was defined as the use of any telecommunications mode (eg, telephone and videoconferencing) to deliver healthcare.

Design and setting

Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews undertaken in Australian PHC.

Participants

Twenty-five PHC nurses who had participated in a national survey about their experiences during COVID-19 were recruited using purposive sampling.

Methods

Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted from June to August 2020. Interviews lasted a mean of 38.5 min. They were audio-recorded and transcribed before thematic analysis was undertaken. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research were followed.

Results

Four overarching themes were identified: preparedness, accessibility of telehealth, care experience and impacts on the PHC nurses’ role. Some nurses were experienced in the use of telehealth, while others indicated a lack of preparation and limited appropriate technology to support its use. Telehealth enabled patients to access care but did not support complex clinical assessment. Participants indicated that patient engagement in telehealth was dependent on access and confidence using technology, perceived safety when physically attending the practice and the value they placed on care via telehealth. Many participants expressed frustration about telehealth funding and its impact on facilitating nurses to practise to their full scope.

Conclusion

Telehealth has provided a means to continue PHC service delivery during COVID-19. While there are advantages to adopting this technology, considerations of the challenges and lessons from this experience are important to inform the future implementation of telehealth initiatives.
Characteristics and outcomes of hospitalised adults with COVID-19 in a Global Health Research Network: a cohort study
Authors: Zhu Julia , Wei Zhongyuan , Suryavanshi Manasi , Chen Xiu , Xia Qian , Jiang Jenny , Ayodele Olulade , Bradbury Brian D , Brooks Corinne , Brown Carolyn A , Cheng Alvan , Critchlow Cathy W , Devercelli Giovanna , Gandhi Vivek , Gondek Kathleen , Londhe Ajit A , Ma Junjie , Jonsson-Funk Michele , Keenan Hillary A , Manne Sudhakar , Ren Kaili , Sanders Lynn , Yu Peter , Zhang Jie , Zhou Linyun , Bao Ying
Published: August 2021

Objective

To examine age, gender, and temporal differences in baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of adult patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

Design

A cohort study using deidentified electronic medical records from a Global Research Network.

Setting/Participants

67 456 adult patients hospitalised with COVID-19 from the USA; 7306 from Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific between February 2020 and January 2021.

Results

In the US cohort, compared with patients 18–34 years old, patients ≥65 had a greater risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.73, 95% CI 1.58 to 1.90), acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)/respiratory failure (aHR 1.86, 95% CI 1.76 to 1.96), invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV, aHR 1.93, 95% CI, 1.73 to 2.15), and all-cause mortality (aHR 5.6, 95% CI 4.36 to 7.18). Men appeared to be at a greater risk for ICU admission (aHR 1.34, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.39), ARDS/respiratory failure (aHR 1.24, 95% CI1.21 to 1.27), IMV (aHR 1.38, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.45), and all-cause mortality (aHR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.24) compared with women. Moreover, we observed a greater risk of adverse outcomes during the early pandemic (ie, February–April 2020) compared with later periods. In the ex-US cohort, the age and gender trends were similar; for the temporal trend, the highest proportion of patients with all-cause mortality were also in February–April 2020; however, the highest percentages of patients with IMV and ARDS/respiratory failure were in August–October 2020 followed by February–April 2020.

Conclusions

This study provided valuable information on the temporal trends of characteristics and outcomes of hospitalised adult COVID-19 patients in both USA and ex-USA. It also described the population at a potentially greater risk for worse clinical outcomes by identifying the age and gender differences. Together, the information could inform the prevention and treatment strategies of COVID-19. Furthermore, it can be used to raise public awareness of COVID-19’s impact on vulnerable populations.