bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing periodontal microbial dark matter using metataxonomics and metagenomics
Authors: Kumar Purnima S. , Dabdoub Shareef M. , Ganesan Sukirth M.
Published: November 2020

Our view of the periodontal microbial community has been shaped by a century or more of cultivation‐based and microscopic investigations. While these studies firmly established the infection‐mediated etiology of periodontal diseases, it was apparent from the very early days that periodontal microbiology suffered from what Staley and Konopka described as the “great plate count anomaly”, in that these culturable bacteria were only a minor part of what was visible under the microscope. For nearly a century, much effort has been devoted to finding the right tools to investigate this uncultivated majority, also known as “microbial dark matter”. The discovery that DNA was an effective tool to “see” microbial dark matter was a significant breakthrough in environmental microbiology, and oral microbiologists were among the earliest to capitalize on these advances. By identifying the order in which nucleotides are arranged in a stretch of DNA (DNA sequencing) and creating a repository of these sequences, sequence databases were created. Computational tools that used probability‐driven analysis of these sequences enabled the discovery of new and unsuspected species and ascribed novel functions to these species. This review will trace the development of DNA sequencing as a quantitative, open‐ended, comprehensive approach to characterize microbial communities in their native environments, and explore how this technology has shifted traditional dogmas on how the oral microbiome promotes health and its role in disease causation and perpetuation.
Subgingival fungi, Archaea, and viruses under the omics loupe
Authors: Diaz Patricia I.
Published: November 2020

The microbial communities that inhabit the gingival crevice are responsible for the pathological processes that affect the periodontium. The changes in composition and function of subgingival bacteria as disease develops have been extensively studied. Subgingival communities, however, also contain fungi, Archaea, and viruses, which could contribute to the dysbiotic processes associated with periodontal diseases. High‐throughput DNA sequencing has facilitated a better understanding of the mycobiome, archaeome, and virome. However, the number of studies available on the nonbacterial components of the subgingival microbiome remains limited in comparison with publications focusing on bacteria. Difficulties in characterizing fungal, archaeal, and viral populations arise from the small portion of the total metagenome mass they occupy and lack of comprehensive reference genome databases. In addition, specialized approaches potentially introducing bias are required to enrich for viral particles, while harsh methods of cell lysis are needed to recover nuclei acids from certain fungi. While the characterization of the subgingival diversity of fungi, Archaea and viruses is incomplete, emerging evidence suggests that they could contribute in different ways to subgingival dysbiosis. Certain fungi, such as Candida albicans are suggested to facilitate colonization of bacterial pathogens. Methanogenic Archaea are associated with periodontitis severity and are thought to partner synergistically with bacterial fermenters, while viruses may affect immune responses or shape microbial communities in ways incompletely understood. This review describes the manner in which omics approaches have improved our understanding of the diversity of fungi, Archaea, and viruses within subgingival communities. Further characterization of these understudied components of the subgingival microbiome is required, together with mechanistic studies to unravel their ecological role and potential contributions to dysbiosis.
Omics and interspecies interaction
Authors: Shokeen Bhumika , Dinis Marcia Dalila Botelho , Haghighi Farnoosh , Tran Nini Chaichanasakul , Lux Renate
Published: November 2020

Interspecies interactions are key determinants in biofilm behavior, ecology, and architecture. The cellular responses of microorganisms to each other at transcriptional, proteomic, and metabolomic levels ultimately determine the characteristics of biofilm and the corresponding implications for health and disease. Advances in omics technologies have revolutionized our understanding of microbial community composition and their activities as a whole. Large‐scale analyses of the complex interaction between the many microbial species residing within a biofilm, however, are currently still hampered by technical and bioinformatics challenges. Thus, studies of interspecies interactions have largely focused on the transcriptional and proteomic changes that occur during the contact of a few prominent species, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and a few others, with selected partner species. Expansion of available tools is necessary to grow the revealing, albeit limited, insight these studies have provided into a profound understanding of the nature of individual microbial responses to the presence of others. This will allow us to answer important questions including: Which intermicrobial interactions orchestrate the myriad of cooperative, synergistic, antagonistic, manipulative, and other types of relationships and activities in the complex biofilm environment, and what are the implications for oral health and disease?
Did Omics change periodontal therapy?
Authors: Feres Magda , Retamal‐Valdes Belén , Gonçalves Cristiane , Cristina Figueiredo Luciene , Teles Flavia
Published: November 2020

The starting point for defining effective treatment protocols is a clear understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of a condition. In periodontal diseases, this understanding has been hindered by a number of factors, such as the difficulty in differentiating primary pathogens from nonpathogens in complex biofilm structures. The introduction of DNA sequencing technologies, including taxonomic and functional analyses, has allowed the oral microbiome to be investigated in much greater breadth and depth. This article aims to compile the results of studies, using next‐generation sequencing techniques to evaluate the periodontal microbiome, in an attempt to determine how far the knowledge provided by these studies has brought us in terms of influencing the way we treat periodontitis. The taxonomic data provided, to date, by published association and elimination studies using next‐generation sequencing confirm previous knowledge on the role of classic periodontal pathogens in the pathobiology of disease and include new species/genera. Conversely, species and genera already considered as host‐compatible and others less explored were associated with periodontal health as their levels were elevated in healthy individuals and increased after therapy. Functional and transcriptomic analyses also demonstrated that periodontal biofilms are taxonomically diverse, functionally congruent, and highly cooperative. Very few interventional studies to date have examined the effects of treatment on the periodontal microbiome, and such studies are heterogeneous in terms of design, sample size, sampling method, treatment provided, and duration of follow‐up. Hence, it is still difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from them. Thus, although OMICS knowledge has not yet changed the way we treat patients in daily practice, the information provided by these studies opens new avenues for future research in this field. As new pathogens and beneficial species become identified, future randomized clinical trials could monitor these species/genera more comprehensively. In addition, the metatranscriptomic data, although still embryonic, suggest that the interplay between the host and the oral microbiome may be our best opportunity to implement personalized periodontal treatments. Therapeutic schemes targeting particular bacterial protein products in subjects with specific genetic profiles, for example, may be the futuristic view of enhanced periodontal therapy.
Effects of interrupting sitting with different activity bouts on postprandial lipemia: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Ma Sheng‐Xia , Zhu Zheng , Cao Zhen‐Bo
Published: November 2020

To determine whether interrupting prolonged sitting with three different activity breaks has both acute and chronic effects on postprandial lipid metabolism immediately after the activity‐break period and on the following day, this study is a secondary analysis of an experimental research, which included 16 sedentary healthy adults (7 men, 24 ± 3 years, BMI 22.2 ± 2.3 kg/m2) who completed four 26‐h laboratory trials. Participants spent 22.5 hours in a whole room calorimeter for testing energy expenditure (EE), including a 9‐h activity‐break period: (a) 9‐h prolonged sitting (SIT); (b) 3 minutes of brisk walking (60% VO2max) in between every 30‐min sitting bout (WALK3), (c) 5 minutes every 45‐min (WALK5), and (d) 8 minutes every 60‐min (WALK8). Total area under the curve (tAUC) and incremental AUC (iAUC) for 2‐h postprandial serum triglyceride (TG) levels and non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels were examined immediately after the 9‐h trial (post‐dinner) and the next morning (post‐breakfast). WALK8 reduced the post‐breakfast TG tAUC by 11% (P = .041) relative to SIT, and the effect was attenuated after adjustment for EE. The tAUC and iAUC indicated no significant treatment effects on post‐dinner TG and NEFA, and post‐breakfast NEFA in any of the activity‐break trials. EE was positively associated with the post‐breakfast NEFA iAUC (unstandardized β = 0.17 µmol/L/MJ [0.05‐0.28],P = .006). There was a chronic effect of interrupting sitting with short bouts (8 minutes) of brisk walking every 60 minutes on postprandial lipemia the following morning after intervention, and higher activity bout‐induced EE may be more effective in sedentary, healthy adults.
Evaluation in reinforcing and resisting hierarchical relations between state and civil society
Authors: Pearce Sioned , Blakely Helen , Frayne David , Rees Jones Ian
Published: November 2020

Here we present a critical exploration of evaluation as a concept within a state‐led social policy programme. Studies critiquing this type of evaluation often assume its purpose is to provide knowledge and understanding of a given social policy, and its relative impact upon the social issue towards which it has been directed. However, drawing on the accounts of 25 community development workers gathered over the course of a 17 year state‐led, anti‐poverty programme (2001–2018), and building on existing critique of evaluation methodologies, we argue that evaluation is also instrumental in the reinforcement of hierarchical power relations between state and civil society. To develop this argument, evaluation is discussed in three related ways pertaining to hierarchy: (a) firstly, as a means of defining and ultimately producing (contested) constructions of value; (b) secondly, as a mechanism for securing forms of vertical accountability; (c) and finally, through its construction as a lost saviour: an entity with untapped potential for safeguarding the integrity of an initial political ideology. In this way, narratives from those working on the ground extend our understanding of the complexities and dualities embedded within evaluation. In light of this analysis, we argue for a more inclusive approach to evaluation practices, and the development of alternative heterarchies in the evaluation of social policy premised on processes of co‐production and collaboration.
Against the Low Periphery as Phrase Markers: Two Types of Contrastive Dislocations in Mandarin Chinese*
Authors: Wang Yuyun Iris , Liao Wei‐wen Roger
Published: November 2020

We argue that the contrastive dislocation to the low peripheral position in Mandarin Chinese does not target phrase markers, like TopicP or FocusP, contra recent proposals that attempt to extend the cartographic theory to the lowIP‐area. We argue that such dislocations are best analyzed asPFmovements, which display the total reconstruction effect and do not affect theLFinterface. We show that the contrastive dislocation to the low periphery in Mandarin Chinese is subject to the samePFlicensing condition found in the Object Shift construction in Scandinavian. Our analysis thus claims that the low periphery is not a part of the narrow syntax (unlike the left periphery). The templatic nature of the low periphery explains why it is more restricted across languages and is prone to linguistic variation.
Medics Sleep: Improving sleep education in medical training
Authors: Imani‐Masouleh Sara , Mandagere Vinay K. , Irwin Caitlin D. , Patel Ritaben G.
Published: November 2020

Sleep is essential for good health however, it is often neglected in medical education. As four students wanting to tackle this unique problem, we realised the necessity of establishing a platform dedicated to teaching about sleep.
Diversity of variant alleles encoding Kidd, Duffy, and Kell antigens in individuals with sickle cell disease using whole genome sequencing data from the NHLBI TOPMed Program
Authors: Dinardo Carla L. , Oliveira Theo G. M. , Kelly Shannon , Ashley‐Koch Allison , Telen Marilyn , Schmidt Luciana C. , Castilho Shirley , Melo Karla , Dezan Marcia R. , Wheeler Marsha M. , Johnsen Jill M. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Jain Deepti , Custer Brian , Pereira Alexandre C. , Sabino Ester C. ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study (REDS‐III) International Component‐Brazil, the Outcome Modifying Genes in SCD (OMG) study and the NHLBI Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program Sickle Cell Disease Working Group
Published: November 2020

Background

Genetic variants in the SLC14A1, ACKR1, and KEL genes, which encode Kidd, Duffy, and Kell red blood cell antigens, respectively, may result in weakened expression of antigens or a null phenotype. These variants are of particular interest to individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), who frequently undergo chronic transfusion therapy with antigen‐matched units. The goal was to describe the diversity and the frequency of variants in SLC14A1, ACKR1, and KEL genes among individuals with SCD using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data.

Study Design and Methods

Two large SCD cohorts were studied: the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study III (REDS‐III) (n = 2634) and the Outcome Modifying Gene in SCD (OMG) (n = 640). Most of the studied individuals were of mixed origin. WGS was performed as part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program.

Results

In SLC14A1, variants included four encoding a weak Jka phenotype and five null alleles (JKnull). JKA*01N.09 was the most common JKnull. One possible JKnull mutation was novel: c.812G>T. In ACKR1, identified variants included two that predicted Fyx (FY*X) and one corresponding to the c.‐67T>C GATA mutation. The c.‐67T>C mutation was associated with FY*A (FY*01N.01) in four participants. FY*X was identified in 49 individuals. In KEL, identified variants included three null alleles (KEL*02N.17, KEL*02N.26, and KEL*02N.04) and one allele predicting Kmod phenotype, all in heterozygosity.

Conclusions

We described the diversity and distribution of SLC14A1, ACKR1, and KEL variants in two large SCD cohorts, comprising mostly individuals of mixed ancestry. This information may be useful for planning the transfusion support of patients with SCD.
Use of oclacitinib as antipruritic drug during sarcoptic mange infestation treatment
Authors: Cornegliani L , Guidi E , Vercelli A
Published: November 2020

Sarcoptic mange is a parasitic disease causing severe pruritus, self‐induced skin lesions and secondary infections. In many cases, an antipruritic treatment is useful to decrease clinical signs of the disease. Oclacitinib is a synthetic janus kinase‐1 (JAK1) inhibitor, that selectively inhibits cytokines involved in inflammation and pruritus. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate efficacy of oclacitinib in alleviating pruritus and inflammation in dogs affected by scabies. Forty‐four clinical records of dogs containing the words sarcoptes and oclacitinib were selected among dermatologic cases recorded within the last 5 years (2014–2019). Thirty‐one of 44 cases with confirmed sarcoptic mange infestation were included. All dogs were treated at day (D)0 with systemic antiparasitic drugs (e.g. moxidectin, sarolaner, afoxolaner) in association with oclacitinib at 0.5 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours for 14 days followed by oclacitinib administration every 24 hours for another 14 days. Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) was recorded at D0 and D30. Selected cases were 16 females and 15 males, median age was 4.5 years, majority were crossbred dogs. Mean VAS recorded at D0 was nine, and after onemonth decreased to three. Telephone follow up information, collected seven days after discharge, reported a significative decrease in pruritus within 24 hours. Our results suggest that the association of oclacitinib inhibition of JAK1 dependent cytokines (allergic and inflammatory associated IL2, IL4, IL6, IL13 and pruritogenic associated IL31) with conventional antiparasitic treatment, may be useful to provide quick relief from pruritus and decrease inflammation in dogs with sarcoptic mange.
Vulpia myuros, an increasing threat for agriculture
Authors: Büchi Lucie , Cordeau Stéphane , Hull Richard , Rodenburg Jonne
Published: November 2020

Vulpia myuros is an annual grass species of Mediterranean origin, which has achieved a global distribution. It is a fast‐growing species, with high colonisation and competitive abilities. This species is considered an invasive weed in most countries where it has been introduced, with highly negative economic impact where it now dominates. It is increasingly found to be a problematic weed in winter cereals, especially in no‐till and reduced tillage systems, across Europe, United States and Australia. Seeds of V. myuros have reduced germination potential when buried. However, where tillage interventions are reduced, ideal conditions for V. myuros are created. Minimum and no tillage practices are increasing worldwide, with a concomitant increase in the spread and abundance of V. myuros. Effectiveness of herbicides is mostly suboptimal, in particular for well‐established populations forming dense swards, even though no herbicide resistance has yet been identified. An integrated management approach, increasing crop diversification combined with management adaptations, possibly including herbicides is suggested as an effective control strategy. Despite increasing research on V. myuros, more information is needed to optimise the management of this weed. Based on the species’ Mediterranean origins and adaptation to warm and dry environments, an increase of its global importance may be expected with climate changes. It is thus paramount to increase the awareness around this species, improve its identification in the field and monitor its spread before it becomes a concern of similar magnitude to grass weeds like Alopecurus myosuroides or Lolium rigidum.
Pancreas preservation in extracellular‐type p38 inhibitor‐containing solution improves islet yield for porcine islet isolation
Authors: Yonaha Tasuku , Miyagi‐Shiohira Chika , Kuwae Kazuho , Tamaki Yoshihito , Nishime Kai , Sakai‐Yonaha Mayuko , Saitoh Issei , Watanabe Masami , Noguchi Hirofumi
Published: November 2020

Background

For islet transplantation, pancreas preservation and islet isolation activate p38, which is a member of the stress‐activated group of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In this study, we evaluated an extracellular‐type p38 inhibitor‐containing (EP) solution with University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, the gold standard for organ preservation. The EP solution has high sodium‐low potassium composition with low viscosity compared to UW solution. Moreover, EP solution contains a recently developed p38 inhibitor (11R‐p38I110) from our laboratory.

Methods

Porcine pancreata were preserved in UW, EP, or EP‐P solution (EP solution without 11R‐p38I110), and then islet isolation was performed. An optimized number (1500 IE) of isolated islets from each group were transplanted into streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice.

Results

The islet yield before and after purification was significantly higher in the EP group than in the UW group. The islet yield before and after purification was not significantly different between the EP and EP‐P groups; however, the EP solution prevented a reduction in the number of islets during culture. Western blot analysis showed that p38 activation was attenuated by EP solution. For islet transplantation into streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice, pancreas preservation in EP solution improved the outcome of islet transplantation.

Conclusions

Pancreas preservation with EP solution preserved islet function better than with UW solution. The advantages of EP solution over UW solution may include the inhibition of p38 activity as well as the composition of the solution.
Zoonotic risk of Hansen's disease from community contact with wild armadillos: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Deps Patrícia , Antunes João Marcelo Azevedo de Paula , Collin Simon M.
Published: November 2020

Understanding and quantifying the risk of Hansen's disease (HD) through zoonotic transmission ofMycobacterium lepraeinfection from wild armadillos is important because hunting, handling and consumption of these animals is widespread in communities where HD is endemic, posing a potential threat to the health of individuals and to HD elimination. We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42019159891) of publications in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus, LILACS, Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações de CAPES, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde up to 09/05/2020 using Mesh and text terms in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. Random effects meta‐analyses were performed including of subgroups by endemicity and type of exposure. Seven of the nine included studies were case‐control, four from Brazil and three from the USA, comprising 1,124 cases and 2,023 controls in total. The other two studies, one from Brazil and one from Colombia, were cross‐sectional. The overall summary estimate (odds ratio, OR) for the relative odds of HD comparing people who had direct contact with armadillos and/or had eaten armadillo meat with those who had not was OR = 2.60 (95% CI 1.78–3.80,p < .001) with a predictive interval of OR = 1.10–6.17. Summary odds ratios for specific exposures were as follows: indirect contact, OR = 1.39 (95% CI 1.02, 1.89) (p = .04); eating, OR = 2.29 (95% CI 1.13, 4.66) (p = .02); hunting, OR = 2.54 (95% CI 1.21, 5.33) (p = .01). Most of the included studies had moderate risk of bias. Crude estimates were reduced by up to 24% when adjusted for confounders (where reported). Direct contact with wild armadillos was strongly associated with an increased risk of HD, whilst evidence for an increased risk of HD from indirect contact was weaker. The fraction of HD in endemic countries attributable to zoonotic transmission from armadillos remains unknown, but the precautionary principle needs to be adopted to protect public health.
Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Performance of Women Owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya
Authors: Kaberia Salome K. , M. A. Muathe Stephen
Published: November 2020

The year 2020 marks the silver jubilee of the Beijing Platform for Action, and was expected to be a moment to celebrate the milestones made in enhancing gender parity and opportunities. However, the effects of COVID-19 pandemic threaten to erode the minimal gains achieved this far. The pandemic, initially a health hazard, fast mutated to a twin-menace that would threaten both lives and livelihoods. Global stock markets plunged in value by about US$6 trillion in less than a week (24th to 28th February 2020), according to S & P Dow Jones Indices; with many yet to recover. The pandemic decelerated Kenya’s projected GDP growth; the Central Bank of Kenya revised its estimate for 2020 from the initial 6.2% to 3.4%. Most affected were Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; due to limited resources unable to withstand prolonged uncertainty and multi-faceted restrictions, as demanded of them by the pandemic. Key among the ventures threatened with extinction are women owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises that faced numerous pre-pandemic challenges. The inevitable priority shift for women entrepreneurs, diversion of business funds, sharp decline in demand and supply of commodities, and costly production, all stifled the mostly informal firms. Theories supporting this magnitude of impact are limited too; with the closest being resource dependency theory, structural inertia theory and real options theory. As uncertain as the viral spread is its ultimate impact on businesses and economies. This study uses available secondary multi-disciplinary resources; research papers, case studies, stakeholder reports and other online sources. Findings are that women owned businesses are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The study recommends targeted policy, research and resource interventions to help small ventures prepare for recurrence of such contagions through resurgence of the same or new pandemics in future.
Effectiveness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for detecting the staging and grading of bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ge Xinyue , Lan Zhong-Kai , Chen Jing , Zhu Shang-Yong
Published: November 2020

Aim: The study retrospectively analysed the accuracy of preoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differenti-ating stage Ta-T1 or low-grade bladder cancer (BC) from stage T2 or high-grade bladder cancer. Material and methods: We systematically searched the literature indexed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for original diagnostic articles of bladder cancer. The diagnostic accuracy of CEUS was compared with cystoscopy and/or transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT). The bivariate logistic regression model was used for data pooling, couple forest plot, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC). Results: Five studies met the selection criteria; the overall number of reported bladder cancers patients were 436. The pooled-sensitivity (P-SEN), pooled-specificity (P-SPE), pooled-positive likelihood ratio (PLR+), pooled-negative likelihood ratio (PLR−), DOR, and area under the SROC curve were 94.0% (95%CI: 85%–98%), 90% (95%CI: 83%–95%), 9.5 (95%CI: 5.1–17.6), 0.06 (95%CI: 0.02–0.17), 147 (95%CI: 35–612) and 97% (95% CI: 95%–98%) respectively. Conclusion: CEUS reaches a high efficiency in discriminating Ta-T1 or low-grade bladder cancer from stage T2 or high-grade bladder cancer. It can be a promising method in patients to distinguish T staging and grading of bladder cancer because of its high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy.
XPS characterization of Al2O3/ZnO ultrathin films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Ghods Amirhossein , Zhou Chuanle , Ferguson Ian T.
Published: November 2020

The near-surface compositional properties of double-layer Al2O3/ZnO ultrathin films, grown on the n-type GaAs substrate using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, are analyzed by means of high-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This structure has been used as the dielectric or the passivation layer in microelectronic devices, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors, field-effect transistors, and Schottky junctions. The XPS spectra of double-layer Al2O3/ZnO thin films were obtained using monochromatic Al kα monochromatic radiation at 1486.6 eV and included an overall survey scan, in addition to the high-resolution spectra of Zn 2p, Al 2p, O 1s, Ga 2p, and As 3d.
Exploration of Large Pendulum Oscillations and Damping Using a Smartphone
Authors: Li Dean , Liu Lilan , Zhou Shaona
Published: November 2020

Interest in smartphone-based learning, especially in the use of internal sensors in smartphones for physics experiments, is increasing rapidly. Internal sensors in smartphones such as acoustic sensor, optical sensor, and acceleration sensor can help researchers alleviate the problems including insufficient accuracy with low-cost equipment, high cost of sophisticated experimental equipment, and cumbersome operation of measuring software. In teaching experimental physics, researchers and educators have introduced various internal sensors in smartphones for physics experiments in different fields including acoustics, optics, mechanics, thermology, and magnetics. In this paper, the light sensor in a smartphone is used to measure the period of the oscillation of a simple pendulum. For the experimental equipment, a laser emitter and a smartphone with an internal light sensor constitute a transmitting and receiving system. We use this system to explore expanded pendulum experiments of large pendulum angle, different pendulum lengths, and damping effect.
Magnetic Force from Terminal Velocity
Authors: D’Anna Michele , Corridoni Tommaso
Published: November 2020

In a traditional teaching approach, a physics course begins with mechanics, and generally the braking effect due to magnetic interactions is not mentioned among the various types of friction presented (static, sliding, rolling) because students will discover magnetism only in later chapters. In our didactic experience this traditional choice is only partially effective for two reasons. First of all it does not distinguish between the nature of the interactions involved in friction processes and the way in which their effects appear, allowing students to believe erroneously, for example, that sliding friction (due ultimately to electrical interactions) is intrinsically “more mechanical” than the braking force produced by magnets moving over a metal surface. Secondly, the traditional approach doesn’t consider that Newtonian dynamics is sufficient to get a quantitative albeit empirical description of a magnetic braking force, without any introduction to magnetism, exactly as it is traditionally done, for example, for sliding friction, described as a force without discussing its complex electrical nature.
Arduino-Smartphone Device as a Physical Phenomena Measurer
Authors: Ballesta Sylvana Varela , Saez Raúl , Iglesias Jordi , Vernet Anton
Published: November 2020

During the last decade there has been a noticeable increase in the number and use of smartphones around the world, a fact evinced in the latest reports by the Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA). Nowadays, 1 in 2 people in the world own and use a smartphone.
Schools on Different Corners: An Investigation into the Effects of Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status on Physics Offerings in Northern California Public High Schools
Authors: Marasco David , Dreyfuss Bree Barnett
Published: November 2020

In the spring of 2018 the Northern California/Nevada Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers was alerted to a local high school’s plans to eliminate physics for the following school year. As part of the campaign to support the school’s efforts to sustain physics in the following year, the physics offerings from the surrounding schools in that district were compiled. It appeared that the demographics of the student population in the district played a role in the number of different physics courses offered within that district, particularly the percentage of Hispanic students (%Hispanic) and percentage of socioeconomically disadvantaged (%SED) students at each school. Concerned that this trend was more widespread, we reviewed physics course offerings for Northern California public high schools to determine if there were correlations between the amount of different physics class offerings and these populations. It was found that %Hispanic and %SED are strongly correlated in California public schools and, along with number of students, could be used as statistically significant predictors of a school’s physics offerings.
Demonstrating the physics involved in astronaut spacewalk training
Authors: Slisko Josip
Published: November 2020

While in space, astronauts live and function in a weightless environment, both inside and outside of their spacecraft. This situation differs greatly from Earth’s gravity-dominated environment. In order for astronauts to experience the challenges of weightlessness prior to performing actual spacewalks, it is necessary that they undergo simulated weightless conditions here on Earth. (Note: In this article the terms “weightless” and “weightlessness” are used to refer to situations in which the effects of gravity are not observed or felt. Of course, the gravitational force between bodies exists everywhere in the universe, but astronauts in space usually do not experience its effects.)
A spectral global matrix method for modelling the response of a fluid-loaded multilayered cylindrical shell excited by an acoustic plane wave
Authors: Dana Maxime , Bernard Julien , Maxit Laurent
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a numerically stable method for modelling a fluid-loaded multilayered cylindrical shell excited by a plane wave, which solves the fd instability problem that is usually observed when using the well-known transfer matrix method (TMM). In the considered modelling, each layer can be either a viscoelastic coating described by a general three-dimensional (3D) elasticity model or an intermediate perfect fluid layer. The transfer matrix of each layer relating the state vector at the layer's two interfaces is estimated with an appropriate standard method. Instead of multiplying together the layer transfer matrices in order to deduce the transfer matrix of the multilayer cylinder, we propose an alternative approach. This one consists in writing the continuity relations at each interface of the considered systems and in building a global matrix that can be solved to obtain the system response. As shown by numerical applications on typical naval test cases, the proposed global matrix assembly procedure as opposed to the classical TMM provides numerical stability over both a wide range of axial wavenumbers and circumferential orders, but also the ability to consider intermediate fluid layers. Besides, this model is well-suited to describe elastic solid layers of any anisotropy as illustrated by an additional case considering a transverse isotropic layer.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website, and also using Google Patents.
Genomic epidemiology of superspreading events in Austria reveals mutational dynamics and transmission properties of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Popa Alexandra , Genger Jakob-Wendelin , Nicholson Michael D. , Penz Thomas , Schmid Daniela , Aberle Stephan W. , Agerer Benedikt , Lercher Alexander , Endler Lukas , Colaço Henrique , Smyth Mark , Schuster Michael , Grau Miguel L. , Martínez-Jiménez Francisco , Pich Oriol , Borena Wegene , Pawelka Erich , Keszei Zsofia , Senekowitsch Martin , Laine Jan , Aberle Judith H. , Redlberger-Fritz Monika , Karolyi Mario , Zoufaly Alexander , Maritschnik Sabine , Borkovec Martin , Hufnagl Peter , Nairz Manfred , Weiss Günter , Wolfinger Michael T. , von Laer Dorothee , Superti-Furga Giulio , Lopez-Bigas Nuria , Puchhammer-Stöckl Elisabeth , Allerberger Franz , Michor Franziska , Bock Christoph , Bergthaler Andreas
Published: November 2020

Epidemiological and genomic analyses uncover viral mutational dynamics and transmission bottleneck size during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Austria.
Structure of Nonstructural Protein 1 from SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Clark Lauren K. , Green Todd J. , Petit Chad M.
Published: November 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. One protein known to play a critical role in the coronavirus life cycle is nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1).
Whole-Genome Sequence of Brevibacillus borstelensis SDM, Isolated from a Sorghum-Adapted Microbial Community
Authors: Aulitto Martina , Tom Lauren M. , Ceja-Navarro Javier A. , Simmons Blake A. , Singer Steven W.
Published: November 2020

The isolation of novel microbes from environmental samples continues to be a key strategy for the discovery of new metabolic capacities for the degradation and transformation of lignocellulose. We report the draft genome sequence of a new strain of
Brevibacillus borstelensis
isolated from a sorghum-adapted microbial community derived from a compost sample.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Japanese Clinical Isolate of Haemophilus influenzae Type a Strain TAMBA230
Authors: Kubota Mayumi , Kenri Tsuyoshi , Sasaki Yuko , Shibayama Keigo , Takayanagi Kosuke , Kenzaka Tsuneaki
Published: November 2020

Haemophilus influenzae
causes severe infections such as pneumonia and meningitis. Here, we report the complete genome of
H. influenzae
type a strain TAMBA230, which was isolated in 2019 from a patient exhibiting bacteremia. This represents the first case in Japan of a
H. influenzae
type a strain associated with invasive infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Toxic Freshwater Microcystis aeruginosa Strain PMC 728.11 (Cyanobacteria, Chroococcales)
Authors: Halary Sébastien , Duval Charlotte , Gallet Alison , Duperron Sébastien , Piquet Bérénice , Demay Justine , Bernard Cécile , Marie Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Microcystis aeruginosa
is one of the major species that causes toxic cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater systems worldwide. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
M. aeruginosa
PMC 728.11, a microcystin-producing cyanobacteria isolated from the freshwater reservoir of Juanon in Valence, France.
Differences in demographics and outcomes based on method of consent for a randomised controlled trial on heat loss prevention in the delivery room
Authors: Vohra Sunita , Reilly Maureen , Rac Valeria E , Bhaloo Zafira , Zayak Denise , Wimmer John , Vincer Michael , Ferrelli Karla , Kiss Alex , Soll Roger , Dunn Michael
Published: November 2020

Objective

Informed consent is standard in research. International guidelines allow for research without prior consent in emergent situations, such as neonatal resuscitation. Research without prior consent was incorporated in the Vermont Oxford Network Heat Loss Prevention Trial. We evaluated whether significant differences in outcomes exist based on the consent method.

Design

Subgroup analysis of infants enrolled in a randomised controlled trial conducted from 2004 to 2010.

Setting

A multicentre trial with 38 participating centres.

Participants

Infants born 24–27 weeks of gestation. 3048 infants assessed, 2231 excluded due to fetal congenital anomalies, failure to obtain consent or gestation less than 24 weeks. 817 randomised, 4 withdrew consent, total of 813 analysed.

Main outcome measure

The difference in mortality between consent groups.

Results

No significant differences were found in mortality at 36 weeks (80.2%, 77.4%, p=0.492) or 6 months corrected gestational age (80.7%, 79.7%, p=0.765). Infants enrolled after informed consent were more likely to have mothers who had received antenatal steroids (95.2%, 84.0%, p<0.0001). They also had significantly higher Apgar scores at 1 (5.0, 4.4, p=0.019), 5 (7.3, 6.7, p=0.025) and 10 min (7.5, 6.3, p=0.0003).

Conclusions and relevance

Research without prior consent resulted in the inclusion of infants with different baseline characteristics than those enrolled after informed consent. There were no significant differences in mortality. Significantly higher Apgar scores in the informed consent group suggest that some of the sicker infants would have been excluded from enrolment under informed consent. Research without prior consent should be considered in neonatal resuscitation research.
Development and evaluation of a patient-centered quality indicator for the appropriateness of type 2 diabetes management
Authors: McCoy Rozalina G , Lipska Kasia J , Van Houten Holly K , Shah Nilay D
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Current diabetes quality measures are agnostic to patient clinical complexity and type of treatment required to achieve it. Our objective was to introduce a patient-centered indicator of appropriate diabetes therapy indicator (ADTI), designed for patients with type 2 diabetes, which is based on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) but is also contextualized by patient complexity and treatment intensity.

Research design and methods

A draft indicator was iteratively refined by a multidisciplinary Delphi panel using existing quality measures, guidelines, and published literature. ADTI performance was then assessed using OptumLabs Data Warehouse data for 2015. Included adults (n=206 279) with type 2 diabetes were categorized as clinically complex based on comorbidities, then categorized as treated appropriately, overtreated, or undertreated based on a matrix of clinical complexity, HbA1c level, and medications used. Associations between ADTI and emergency department/hospital visits for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were assessed by calculating event rates for each treatment intensity subset.

Results

Overall, 7.4% of patients with type 2 diabetes were overtreated and 21.1% were undertreated. Patients with high complexity were more likely to be overtreated (OR 5.60, 95% CI 5.37 to 5.83) and less likely to be undertreated (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.68) than patients with low complexity. Overtreated patients had higher rates of hypoglycemia than appropriately treated patients (22.0 vs 6.2 per 1000 people/year), whereas undertreated patients had higher rates of hyperglycemia (8.4 vs 1.9 per 1000 people/year).

Conclusions

The ADTI may facilitate timely, patient-centered treatment intensification/deintensification with the goal of achieving safer evidence-based care.
Injury patterns in a large-scale ski resort in the host city of 2022 Winter Olympic Games: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Nayun , Yang Yuping , Jiang Yanfang , Ao Yingfang
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The aims of the study are to describe the injury patterns among recreational skiers and snowboarders in China and to provide primary data to guide the reconstruction of regional healthcare facilities to deal with the increasing number of participants in snow sports.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in Wanlong Ski Resort in Chongli, China. Data of all injured skiers and snowboarders treated in the resort clinic during the 2018–2019 season were collected. Patients’ information, including sex, age, equipment, skill level and injured body part, was analysed.

Results

A total of 753 sports injuries were recorded. The estimated incidence of injury was 1.98 per 1000 skier days. 453 cases (60.2%) were associated with skiing. The mean age of skiers was older than snowboarders (35.1±14.5 vs 29.0±8.9, p<0.01). Injury not involving others constituted 67.9% of all injuries. The most common injured body part among skiers was lower extremity, contrary to injury in the upper extremity among snowboarders. Head and cervical injury was identified in 13.7% of skiers and 13.6% of snowboarders.

Conclusion

The incidence of skiing/snowboarding injury in China was similar to other countries. Injury pattern differed among different sports and causes of injury.
Evaluation of a national complex oral health improvement programme: a population data linkage cohort study in Scotland
Authors: Kidd Jamie BR , McMahon Alex D , Sherriff Andrea , Gnich Wendy , Mahmoud Ahmed , Macpherson Lorna MD , Conway David I
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Child dental caries is a global public health challenge with high prevalence and wide inequalities. A complex public health programme (Childsmile) was established. We aimed to evaluate the reach of the programme and its impact on child oral health.

Setting

Education, health and community settings, Scotland-wide.

Interventions

Childsmile (national oral health improvement programme) interventions: nursery-based fluoride varnish applications (FVAs) and supervised daily toothbrushing, community-based Dental Health Support Worker (DHSW) contacts and primary care dental practice visits—delivered to the population via a proportionate universal approach.

Participants

50 379 children (mean age=5.5 years, SD=0.3) attending local authority schools (2014/2015).

Design

Population-based individual child-level data on four Childsmile interventions linked to dental inspection survey data to form a longitudinal cohort. Logistic regression assessed intervention reach and the independent impact of each intervention on caries experience, adjusting for age, sex and area-based Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD).

Outcome measures

Reach of the programme is defined as the percentage of children receiving each intervention at least once by SIMD fifth. Obvious dental caries experience (presence/absence) is defined as the presence of decay (into dentine), missing (extracted) due to decay or filled deciduous teeth.

Results

15 032 (29.8%) children had caries experience. The universal interventions had high population reach: nursery toothbrushing (89.1%), dental practice visits (70.5%). The targeted interventions strongly favoured children from the most deprived areas: DHSW contacts (SIMD 1: 29.5% vs SIMD 5: 7.7%), nursery FVAs (SIMD 1: 75.2% vs SIMD 5: 23.2%). Odds of caries experience were markedly lower among children participating in nursery toothbrushing (>3 years, adjusted OR (aOR)=0.60; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.66) and attending dental practice (≥6 visits, aOR=0.55; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.61). The findings were less clear for DHSW contacts. Nursery FVAs were not independently associated with caries experience.

Conclusions

The universal interventions, nursery toothbrushing and regular dental practice visits were independently and most strongly associated with reduced odds of caries experience in the cohort, with nursery toothbrushing having the greatest impact among children in areas of high deprivation.