bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the effects of peer status and peer victimization on perceived physical health in adolescence
Authors: de Bruine Marieke , Denissen Jaap J. A. , Giletta Matteo
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Although exposure to peer victimization during adolescence has been linked to poorer (perceived) physical health, little is known about how multiple peer stressors may independently and conjointly be related with adolescent physical health outcomes. The current study investigated the unique, interactive, and cumulative effects of peer victimization and two types of peer status (i.e., peer preference and peer popularity) on adolescent perceived physical health, while separating between‐ and within‐person effects.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty‐three adolescents (Mage = 12.7 years; 47.2% females) enrolled in two secondary schools in the Netherlands completed self‐report measures and sociometric nominations of peer status four times, every 6 months, during the first 2 years of secondary school.

Results

Multilevel analysis showed that adolescents who reported higher levels of peer victimization than their peers also reported more perceived physical health problems. Moreover, when adolescents were exposed to higher levels of peer victimization (as compared with their own average levels), they also reported poorer perceived physical health (as compared with their own average levels). No main or interactive effects of peer status were found and the effect of a cumulative peer stress score emerged to be driven by peer victimization.

Conclusions

Findings revealed both between‐ and within‐person effects of peer victimization on perceived physical health, suggesting that peer victimization may be the most salient peer stressor to affect physical health outcomes in adolescence.
Review of optical methods for fetal monitoring in utero
Authors: Gunther Jacqueline E. , Jayet Baptiste , Sekar Sanathana Konugolu Venkata , Kainerstorfer Jana M. , Andersson‐Engels Stefan
Published: March 2022

The current technology for monitoring fetal wellbeing during child birth is cardiotocography. However, CTG has high false positive rates that lead to unnecessary emergency Cesarean deliveries and false negatives that result in birth injuries. To curtail these issues, fetal pulse oximetery has been a topic of interest for many decades. Fetal pulse oximetry would yield the oxygen saturation of the fetus in utero and provide a more robust marker for clinicians to make decisions about performing emergency Cesarean deliveries. Here, we present a review of biomedical optical developments related to transabdominal fetal pulse oximetery in the biophotonics field and the challenges that must be overcome to make transabdominal pulse oximetry a clinical reality.
Identification of sacrococcygeal and pelvic abscesses infected with invasive Mycoplasma hominis by MALDI‐TOF MS
Authors: Su Fang , Zhang Junwu , Zhu Yongze , Lv Huoyang , Ge Yumei
Published: March 2022

Background

Mycoplasma hominis is the smallest prokaryotic microorganism with no cell wall, high pleomorphism, and slower reproduction than bacteria. It is difficult for clinical technicians to find M. hominis through the negative Gram staining of specimens. Therefore, it is likely to miss detection in routine clinical smear etiological examination. M. hominis is generally considered to be a common colonizing bacterium in urogenital tract with low pathogenicity, and it is usually difficult to invade submucosal tissue and enter the bloodstream.

Methods

The abscesses of the patient were examined histopathologically, and the pus in the abscesses was extracted for etiological examination. MALDI‐TOF MS was used to identify and confirmed the pathogens in the specimens. The commercial Mycoplasma isolation, culture, and drug sensitivity kit was used to determine antibiotic susceptibility.

Results

No pathogens were found after pathological and smear microscopic examination of the puncture fluid from the sacrococcygeal and pelvic abscesses. Until 48 h later, small, translucent, and gray‐white colonies were observed in the blood plate culture results. The laboratory physician ultimately determined that the pathogen was M. hominis by MALDI‐TOF MS.

Conclusion

We report a case of extra‐urogenital cystic abscesses infected by M. hominis, in order to improve clinicians’ comprehensive understanding of the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma. In addition, the clinical laboratory technician should pay attention to the role of Wright–Giemsa staining of puncture fluid smear in the preliminary detection and the application of MALDI‐TOF MS in identification of uncommon pathogenic microorganisms.
The neutrophil percentage‐to‐albumin ratio is related to the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: He Xiaojie , Dai Feifei , Zhang Xi , Pan Jiandong
Published: March 2022

Background

Among patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), no proof was available to confirm the prognostic significance of the neutrophil percentage‐to‐albumin ratio (NPAR). We hypothesized that NPAR plays a role in the incidence of DR in diabetic patients.

Methods

We extracted all diabetes mellitus (DM) data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database between 1999 and 2018, NPAR was expressed as neutrophil percentage/albumin. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized additive model were utilized for the purpose of examining the correction between NPAR levels and DR. Subgroup analysis of the associations between NPAR and DR was carried out to investigate if the impact of the NPAR varied among different subgroups.

Results

An aggregate of 5850 eligible participants were included in the present research. The relationship between NPAR levels and DR was positive linear. In the multivariate analysis, following the adjustment for confounders (gender, white blood cell, age, monocyte percent, red cell distribution width, eosinophils percent, bicarbonate, body mass index, iron, glucose, basophils percent, total bilirubin, creatinine, and chloride), higher NPAR was an independent risk factor for DR compared to lower NPAR (OR, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.00–1.39; 1.24, 1.04–1.48). For the purpose of sensitivity analysis, we found a trend of consistency (p for trend: 0.0190). The results of the subgroup analysis revealed that NPAR did not exert any statistically significant interactions with any of the other DR risk variables.

Conclusions

Elevated NPAR is associated with an elevated risk of occurrence of DR in diabetic patients.
Police as threat: The influence of race and the summer of Black Lives Matter on implicit and explicit attitudes towards the police
Authors: Verhaeghen Paul , Aikman Shelley N.
Published: March 2022

Police officers partially rely on implicit and explicit stereotypes in their interactions with the public. We investigated if these attitudes are reciprocated, specifically, if people of color implicitly fear police, and whether the events of the summer of 2020 changed the public's attitudes about police. Seven hundred and fifty‐nine college students (235 BIPOC) participated, 373 in 2019, 386 in fall 2020. BIPOC participants more readily implicitly associated police officers with threat; implicit police‐as‐threat scores increased after the summer of 2020 regardless of race. Explicit attitudes showed the same pattern: BIPOC participants had less favorable attitudes of police; participants in Fall 2020 had less favorable attitudes of police. Implicit attitudes were predicted by race, time, the experience of being treated with (dis)respect, and an emphasis on the binding aspect of morality. Explicit attitudes were predicted by the same variables, as well as specific community variables, the moral foundation of individualizing, and implicit attitudes.
Bedside critical ultrasound as a key to the diagnosis of obstructive atelectasis complicated with acute cor pulmonale and differentiation from pulmonary embolism: A case report
Authors: Zhao Haotian , Yan Yaru , Liu Yi , Long Ling , Xue Hongyuan , Zhao Heling
Published: March 2022

Acute attack of dyspnea may be combined with acute cor pulmonale (ACP). Rapid and accurate identification of the etiology of ACP is the key to its diagnosis and treatment. Echocardiography is a better imaging tool in the assessment of right ventricular function. Under the guidance of the theory of cardiopulmonary interaction, ultrasonography can detect lung lesions, which causes ACP. We report the case of a 67‐year‐old man who received mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure. Right ventricular dysfunction was detected by echocardiography. Lung ultrasound showed a high risk of pulmonary embolism. However, obstructive atelectasis should not be ruled out after increasing back area ultrasonography. To avoid pitfalls, combined cardiac and lung ultrasound should be used carefully and strictly.
Virtual segmentation of three‐dimensional ultrasound images of morphological structures of an ex vivo ectopic pregnancy inside a fallopian tube
Authors: Peters Rafael , Castro Pedro Teixeira , Matos Ana Paula Pinho , Ribeiro Gerson , Lopes dos Santos Jorge , Araujo Júnior Edward , Werner Heron
Published: March 2022

Ex vivo ultrasound (US) of human tissues has been used for decades on the study of the acoustic physical aspects of the US, to the study of the morphology of the organs. Using three‐dimensional (3D) US, we demonstrate the possibilities to study surgical specimens from gynecological conditions. 3D images of the surgical specimen were collected and virtually segmented according to the contrast of its images, providing a 3D image of the ectopic pregnancy and its effects on the fallopian tube.
The dilemma of different dental degrees: DDS and DMD
Authors: Giddon Donald B. , Lamster Ira B.
Published: March 2022

Although the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) evolved from the surgical and the Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from the medical (DMD) roots of the dental profession, dental schools in the US currently award both degrees, verified as equivalent by finding no differences between them in standards of admissions, accreditation, or state licensure requirements while continuing to be subjectively perceived as different enough to create professional and public confusion. In contrast, Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs) and Doctors of Medicine (MDs) are both objectively and subjectively perceived as different in philosophy and healthcare training while objectively passing similar examinations to be licensed as physicians.

Following from the history of both dental degrees and their implications for training and dental practice, the objective of this manuscript is to update the scientific, socio‐political, and professional reasons for awarding only the DMD for future graduates while continuing to recognize the contributions of DDS graduates to oral healthcare.

Working with the American Dental Association (ADA), American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and dental school librarians, a historical review was undertaken of the establishment of two doctoral degrees for dentists in the United States, including beliefs and attitudes of faculty and local dentists at the times of initiation or change in degrees awarded. Among the current 68 dental schools in the United States, there are approximately equal numbers of DDS‐ and DMD‐granting schools. Except for some Harvard physicians, some of whom practiced dentistry, who wanted dentistry to be a specialty of medicine and the unexpected, serendipitous substitution of “medicine” for “surgery” which could not be translated into required Latin in 1867, all dental schools would have awarded only the DDS degree. Now, with the ongoing reorganization of the healthcare workforce in the United States, a single degree with broader healthcare connotations of the DMD will facilitate the integration of dentistry with overall healthcare, without changing the fundamental oral healthcare responsibilities of both DDS and DMD graduates.
Effects of superfine pulverization technology on the morphology, microstructure, and physicochemical properties of Apium graveolens L. root
Authors: Sun Jing , Wang Ning , Wang Chunyan , Zhang Shanzi , Tian Li
Published: March 2022

In this study, the characteristics of the transverse section of Apium graveolens L. root (AR) were observed. The surface morphology, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activity of five kinds of powders obtained by superfine pulverization (850–355, 355–180, 180–125, 125–50, and <50 μm) were evaluated. Under the microscope, the transverse section of AR had distinct identification features. Parenchyma cells, cork cells, vessels, fibers, nonglandular hair, and tubing fragments were observed via powder microscopic identification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that superfine pulverization evidently changed the shape and surface morphology of the AR powders. As particle size decreased, the moisture and oil‐binding capacity (OBC) of AR powder decreased, whereas its total ash content, water solubility index (WSI), swelling capacity (SC), water‐holding capacity (WHC), bulk densities, tapped densities, repose angles, slide angles, and crash angles increased. The AR powder with a particle size of <50 μm had the highest contents of total flavonoids (30.46 mg/g), apiin (15.29 mg/g), and 3′‐methoxyapiin (6.78 mg/g). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that the chemical composition of the powder and its extracts did not notably change as particle size decreased. Meanwhile, the scavenging ability of DPPH and ABTS radicals increased with the decrease of particle size. Therefore, there are more obvious differences in physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of AR powders with different particle sizes. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of new AR products.

Research Highlights

Under the microscope, the transverse section of Apium graveolens L. root (AR) had distinct identification features.

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the morphology and microstructure of AR after superfine pulverization.

The surface morphology and physicochemical properties of the powders obtained by superfine pulverization were evaluated.

FTIR analysis revealed no notable differences in the chemical composition of the AR powders with different particle sizes.
The effect of captivity on craniomandibular and calcaneal ontogenetic trajectories in wild boar
Authors: Neaux Dimitri , Harbers Hugo , Blanc Barbara , Ortiz Katia , Locatelli Yann , Herrel Anthony , Debat Vincent , Cucchi Thomas
Published: March 2022

Deciphering the plastic (i.e., nonheritable) changes induced by human control over wild animals in the archeological record is challenging. Previous studies detected morphological markers associated with captivity in the cranium, mandible, and calcaneus of adult wild boar (Sus scrofa) but the developmental trajectories leading up to these changes during ontogeny remain unknown. To assess the impact of growth in a captive environment on morphological structures during postnatal ontogeny, we used an experimental approach focusing on the same three structures and taxon. We investigated the form and size differences of captive‐reared and wild‐caught wild boar during growth using three‐dimensional landmark‐based geometric morphometrics. Our results provide evidence of an influence of captivity on the morphology of craniomandibular structures, as wild specimens are smaller than captive individuals at similar ages. The food resources inherent to anthropogenic environments may explain some of the observed differences between captive‐reared and wild specimens. The calcaneus presents a different contrasted pattern of plasticity as captive and wild individuals differ in terms of form but not in terms of size. The physically more constrained nature of the calcaneus and the direct influence of mobility reduction on this bone may explain these discrepancies. These results provide new methodological perspectives for bioarchaeological approaches as they imply that the plastic mark of captivity can be observed in juvenile specimens in the same way it has been previously described in adults.
The Late Middle Pleistocene mammalian fauna of Oumm Qatafa Cave, Judean Desert: taxonomy, taphonomy and palaeoenvironment
Authors: Marom Nimrod , Lazagabaster Ignacio A. , Shafir Roee , Natalio Filipe , Eisenmann Vera , Horwitz Liora Kolska
Published: March 2022

The Middle Pleistocene archaeological record of the southern Levant has proven key to understanding human evolution and intercontinental faunal biogeography. Knowledge of archaeological sites of that period in the southern Levant is biased, with most Middle Pleistocene localities in the Mediterranean areas in the north, despite the mosaic of environments that mark the entire region. A key Middle Pleistocene location in the Judean Desert – on the eastern margin of the Mediterranean zone – is the site of Oumm Qatafa, excavated in the early 1900s, which yielded a faunal collection spanning an estimated time period of 600–200 kya. Here, we present a revised taxonomy of the macromammalian fauna from the site, discuss the palaeoenvironmental implications of this assemblage, and relate the finds to other Pleistocene sites from the Levant. These data enable a more precise palaeoenvironmental reconstruction which attests to an open landscape, but with the addition of a mesic Mediterranean component close by. In addition, detailed taphonomic observations on butchery marks and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of burnt bone link the fauna for the first time to anthropogenic activities in the cave.
Three‐dimensional imaging of pharmaceutical tablets using serial sectioning and Raman chemical mapping
Authors: Carruthers Hannah , Clark Don , Clarke Fiona C. , Faulds Karen , Graham Duncan
Published: March 2022

Chemical mapping by Raman spectroscopy is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to characterise the distribution of components within pharmaceutical tablets; however, current methods do not go beyond examining an exposed surface area of a sample. There are known limitations with estimating domain size and shape statistics from 2D chemical images as the values obtained will depend on where the domain is sectioned, potentially under‐ or overestimating its true value. The combination of Raman spectroscopic mapping and serial sectioning has been recently explored as an alternative method to obtain a depth profile of a sample; however, to date, this has involved instrumentation capable of automated Raman mapping with subsequent sample sectioning. A key requirement for Raman mapping is producing an optically flat surface, and this becomes increasingly challenging for larger surface areas required for the examination of a pharmaceutical tablet. Here, we describe 3D imaging of a tablet matrix by combining Raman mapping with independent sample sectioning to provide appropriate lateral and axial resolution. The approach was first validated by analysing a spherical object of known size and shape and comparing the 3D domain size statistics calculated from the reconstructed image to its absolute values. The method was then applied to a three‐component model system, simulating a pharmaceutical tablet, to determine the capability and applicability of the method for solid dosage formulations. The study demonstrated that relative differences in the size, shape and distribution of domains can be quantified enabling an enhanced understanding of the spatial arrangement of each component within the formulation and the effect of each processing condition on the final drug product. By visualising the 3D structure of a tablet matrix with demonstrable accuracy and precision using materials of known dimensions, new capabilities to enhance tablet manufacturing methods are now available.
Nowhere to run: semi‐permeable barriers affect pronghorn space use
Authors: Robb Benjamin S. , Merkle Jerod A. , Sawyer Hall , Beck Jeffrey L. , Kauffman Matthew J.
Published: March 2022

Animal movement can mediate the ecological consequences of fragmentation; however, barriers such as fences, roads, and railways are becoming a pervasive threat to wildlife. Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) habitat in western North America has been fragmented by roads, railways, and fences. Although pronghorn are sensitive to barriers, neither the relative permeability of different barriers to crossing nor their influence on space use have been quantified. We used a large global positioning system (GPS)‐collar dataset of pronghorn (n = 1,010 animal‐years) in Wyoming, USA, to first quantify the likelihood that pronghorn cross each of 5 different anthropogenic barriers, including fences, county roads, railroads, state highways, and interstate highways (i.e., interstates). Next, we assessed how each barrier influenced pronghorn space use during the winter as indexed by the area occupied, and daily displacement relative to the density of barriers on an individual's winter range. The semi‐permeability of the 5 barriers varied substantially, with the interstate being the most severe barrier to pronghorn movement. Pronghorn were >300 times less likely to cross interstates compared to state highways. Although pronghorn space use was rarely influenced by barriers within individual core winter ranges, pronghorn space use was constrained by barriers on the buffered periphery of individual winter ranges. Despite their different permeability to movement, the density of fences and combined interstates and railroads had similarly negative effects on pronghorn space use. Our results illustrate that the degree to which pronghorn avoid crossing barriers may scale up to affect access to habitat. Additionally, our results indicate that the effects of barriers on habitat access are not proportional to their permeability. Our results add to a growing consensus that effective management of mobile species depends on understanding how different kinds of semi‐permeable barriers influence access and use of habitats.
Use of Polysomnography and CPAP in Children Who Received Adenotonsillectomy, US 2004 to 2018
Authors: Qian Z. Jason , Howard Javier M. , Cohen Samuel M. , Jin Michael C. , Bhargava Sumit , Cheng Alan G. , Valdez Tulio A.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

1) To determine the prevalence polysomnogram (PSG) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy use in children who received adenotonsillectomy (AT) for sleep symptoms. 2) To identify health care disparities in these regards.

Study Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Methods

This study used data from Optum (Health Services Innovation Company) to identify 92,490 children who received AT for sleep symptoms between 2004 and 2018. Prevalence of preoperative PSG and postoperative PSG and CPAP were described. Clinical and demographic characteristics were compared between children who had preoperative PSG and those who did not. Characteristics of children with trisomy 21 (T21) were compared to assess PSG and CPAP use in a high‐risk cohort. Predictive modeling was used to identify patient characteristics associated with postoperative PSG and CPAP use.

Results

Preoperative PSG was obtained in 5.5% of children overall and 33.2% of children with T21. Male sex, obesity, other medical comorbidities, non‐White race/ethnicity, and higher parent education were associated with preoperative PSG. Fewer than 3% of children received postoperative PSGs and approximately 3% went on to receive CPAP therapy postoperatively. Multiple logistic regression showed that age at surgery, male sex, obesity, other medical comorbidities, non‐White race/ethnicity, and higher parent education were associated with postoperative PSG and CPAP use.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study described the prevalence pre‐AT PSG use and post‐AT PSG and CPAP use for persistent symptoms and identified sleep health care disparities in these regards. These results show that increased, equitable access to PSG is needed in children, particularly in the workup and treatment persistent symptoms after AT.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:184–188, 2023
Enhancing productivity of perennial aromatic grasses on marginal lands through plant growth promoting rhizobacteria
Authors: Maddhesiya Pawan Kumar , Singh Kripal , Kumar Devendra , Singh Rana Pratap
Published: March 2022

The cultivation of perennial aromatic grasses on marginal lands is a socio‐economically and ecologically sustainable approach. However, the studies on assessment of the potential efficacies of consortium of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in enhancing the productivity of perennial aromatic grasses on marginal lands are rare. In this study, therefore, we studied the effect of PGPR consortium (Pseudomonas protegens and two strains of Bacillus paramycoides) on yield and economics of four perennial aromatic grasses (Vetiveria zizanioides, Cymbopogon citratus, C. martinii, and C. winterianus) in slightly alkaline (pH >8.50) soil. A field experiment was established in a complete randomized block design with two treatments (i.e. with PGPR consortium and without PGPR consortium) and three replications. The changes in growth (height, number of slips, and leaf area index), productivity (fresh shoot‐root biomass and oil yield), quality (important secondary metabolites), and economics (cost of cultivation, gross, and net return) in response to PGPR were observed at three harvests. The species‐specific effects of PGPR were found on the growth and productivity of perennial aromatic grasses. On an average, the highest increase in growth and productivity with the effect of PGPR was found in V. zizanioides followed by other grasses. The highest oil yield 16.38, 71.14, 53.13, and 49.49 kg ha−1 were recorded at third harvest in PGPR consortium treated plots for V. zizanioides, C. citratus, C. martinii, and C. winterianus, respectively. The agronomical economics show the highest net return of 2094.95 $US in the cultivation of V. zizanioides with the application of PGPR.
NMR‐Based Cross‐Link Densities in EPDM and EPDM/ULDPE Blend Materials and Correlation with Mechanical Properties
Authors: Karekar Akshay , Pommer Reinhold , Prem Bianca , Czibula Caterina , Teichert Christian , Trimmel Gregor , Saalwächter Kay
Published: March 2022

The role of cross‐linking in dictating the microstructural and mechanical properties in ethylene‐propylene‐diene‐monomer rubber (EPDM) and EPDM/ULDPE blends cross‐linked by different sulfur amounts is investigated by solid‐state1H time‐domain NMR spectroscopy and tensile‐tests. Analyses of spin‐spin relaxation time (T2), by combining free‐induction decay (FID), magic‐sandwich echo‐FID, and Hahn‐echo experiments demonstrate a reduction in crystal‐amorphous interface regions of pure ultralow‐density polyethylene (ULDPE) upon curative addition. The blends demonstrate a complete loss of these fractions due to curative‐induced plasticization and solvation by polyethylene segments of EPDM. Cross‐link densities, quantified by the magnitude of residual dipolar coupling constant (Dres), arising from topological restrictions to segmental motions, are measured by multiple‐quantum experiments. The entanglement‐dominated EPDMs demonstrate a significant reduction in ultimate tensile properties with increasingDres. The analogous blends yield similarDresvalues up to 0.36 phr of free sulfur. Thereafter, a deviation from the cross‐linking trend of the EPDMs is observed with the blends approaching a cross‐linking limit, thus emphasizing the migration of additives to the amorphous phase of the ULDPE. From the additional contributions of solvation and complex entanglement scenarios in the blends, restoration and even significant enhancement in ultimate tensile strength are achieved. Limitations in applying the popular Mooney–Rivlin analysis are also briefly discussed.
Properties of kenaf/textile waste fibre hybridisation in a carbon nanotubes modified matrix
Authors: Suri M.S.N. , Shaari N. , Shaari N.S. , Sapiai N.
Published: March 2022

Textile waste is part of the solid waste that should be disposed of due to environmental concerns. Thus, the textile waste composite was proposed as one solution to minimise this problem. However, the properties of the composite produced is one of the issues to tackle to produce high‐quality composite materials. Fibre hybridisation and nanofiller addition have been proved to enhance the properties of polymer composites. Therefore, hybridising textile waste with kenaf fibres was expected to improve the composite‘s mechanical properties as kenaf fibres have been extensively accepted due to their flexural and tensile strength capabilities. While incorporating carbon nanotubes should enhance the properties of a matrix system. This research aims to analyse the effect of fibre hybridisation and matrix modification on the mechanical properties of kenaf/textile waste composites. The specimens were fabricated using a casting method in a silicon rubber mould. The results show that the hybrid composite had improved tensile, compressive, and impact strength up to 28.57 %, 39.15 %, and 16.33 %, respectively, compared to textile waste composites. Meanwhile, incorporating 1.0 wt. % carbon nanotubes in hybrid composite specimens improved the compressive modulus and impact strength by 108 % and 48.95 % compared to hybrid textile waste composites.
Effect of processing parameter on void content of glass fibre composite laminate
Authors: Hanafiah N.H.M. , Othman A.R.
Published: March 2022

This work investigates the effects of out‐of‐autoclave processing parameters on glass/epoxy composite void content. Void quality measurement was done via ultrasonic C‐scan combined with image processing algorithm and burn off testing. Results showed that type of mould release, edge breather, debulking and intensifier as the variable processing parameters influenced the glass/epoxy composite void content.
Automated and manual classification of metallic nanoparticles with respect to size and shape by analysis of scanning electron micrographs
Authors: Bals J. , Loza K. , Epple P. , Kircher T. , Epple M.
Published: March 2022

Automated image analysis has been applied to scanning electron micrographs (transmission mode; STEM) of metallic nanoparticles (silver and gold; about 10 nm to 20 nm). For a reliable particle identification, scanning electron microscopic images must be recorded with distinct contrast and resolution parameters. The particles were separated from the background and classified according to shape and size by machine learning (machine learning). Training images were created with model particles cut out of real electron microscopic images. The automated analysis of the particle size (expressed as area) was well possible, but overlapping particles could not be safely separated. The assignment of particle to six different shape classes (sphere, triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, rod) by automated analysis was difficult. The fact that real particles never have an ideal geometrical shape but are always distorted or have rough edges or cropped tips is the fundamental reason of this problem. This effect also occurred with human image evaluators and poses a considerable obstacle in the training process for machine learning. Image analysis by machine learning techniques is difficult if different human evaluators disagree on the shape assignment of given particles because a proper training cannot be provided.
Gait‐Related Metabolic Covariance Networks at Rest in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sigurdsson Hilmar P. , Yarnall Alison J. , Galna Brook , Lord Sue , Alcock Lisa , Lawson Rachael A. , Colloby Sean J. , Firbank Michael J. , Taylor John‐Paul , Pavese Nicola , Brooks David J. , O'Brien John T. , Burn David J. , Rochester Lynn
Published: March 2022

Background

Gait impairments are characteristic motor manifestations and significant predictors of poor quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD). Neuroimaging biomarkers for gait impairments in PD could facilitate effective interventions to improve these symptoms and are highly warranted.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify neural networks of discrete gait impairments in PD.

Methods

Fifty‐five participants with early‐stage PD and 20 age‐matched healthy volunteers underwent quantitative gait assessment deriving 12 discrete spatiotemporal gait characteristics and [18F]‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography measuring resting cerebral glucose metabolism. A multivariate spatial covariance approach was used to identify metabolic brain networks that were related to discrete gait characteristics in PD.

Results

In PD, we identified two metabolic gait‐related covariance networks. The first correlated with mean step velocity and mean step length (pace gait network), which involved relatively increased and decreased metabolism in frontal cortices, including the dorsolateral prefrontal and orbital frontal, insula, supplementary motor area, ventrolateral thalamus, cerebellum, and cuneus. The second correlated with swing time variability and step time variability (temporal variability gait network), which included relatively increased and decreased metabolism in sensorimotor, superior parietal cortex, basal ganglia, insula, hippocampus, red nucleus, and mediodorsal thalamus. Expression of both networks was significantly elevated in participants with PD relative to healthy volunteers and were not related to levodopa dosage or motor severity.

Conclusions

We have identified two novel gait‐related brain networks of altered glucose metabolism at rest. These gait networks could serve as a potential neuroimaging biomarker of gait impairments in PD and facilitate development of therapeutic strategies for these disabling symptoms. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Tunable balanced bandpass filter with wide frequency‐tuning range and high selectivity
Authors: Yang Hong , Zhang Dewei , Wang Xian , Lv Dalong , Zhang Yi , Zhou Dongfang
Published: March 2022

A tunable balanced bandpass filter (BPF) with a wide frequency‐tuning range (FTR) and high selectivity is presented. The designed BPF is implemented by utilizing varactor‐tuned square ring resonators (SRRs) with parallel‐coupled feedlines. A wide FTR with an almost constant absolute bandwidth (CABW) can be realized by varactors Cv2 connected between SRRs. Four transmission zeros (TZs) can be obtained by the mixed electric and magnetic coupling, source‐load (S‐L) frequency‐variant coupling, and four shunt quarter‐wavelength open and short stubs. Meanwhile, two TZs on both sides of the passband keep the relative position unchanged to achieve high selectivity. The other two are generated to improve the out‐band rejection. In addition, by employing additional stubs and capacitances on the symmetry plane, the common‐mode (CM) suppression can be enhanced. For verification, a tunable balanced BPF with 0.62‐1.27 GHz and four TZs was designed, manufactured, and tested. And experimental results agree well with the simulated ones.
Relationships between Gizzard Shad, Impoundment Characteristics, and Sympatric Fish Species
Authors: Klein Zachary B. , Neely Ben C. , Koch Jeff D.
Published: March 2022

Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum are a widely distributed species that can have detrimental effects on aquatic systems and associated fish populations. As a result, Gizzard Shad populations are often manipulated to improve water quality or benefit recreationally important fish populations. Unfortunately, Gizzard Shad manipulations are expensive and the results are variable. In an attempt to inform management of Gizzard Shad and associated species, we evaluated relationships between Gizzard Shad, impoundment characteristics, and sympatric species in 98 impoundments in Kansas using two-dimension Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests and multiple regression techniques. Our results indicated that Gizzard Shad abundance had a positive influence on the relative abundance of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides and did not influence other sympatric species. Impoundment characteristics (e.g., watershed : lake area ratio, mean depth, turbidity) were more strongly related to the relative abundance and condition of sympatric species than Gizzard Shad. Our results indicate that manipulation of Gizzard Shad likely has little effect on certain sympatric fish species in Kansas impoundments. Therefore, resources used to manipulate Gizzard Shad populations could be better allocated toward management actions that promote or maintain fisheries in impoundments with characteristics that benefit recreationally important species.
Psychological symptoms and related risk factors among healthcare workers and medical students during the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Tanifuji Takaki , Aoyama Shinsuke , Shinko Yutaka , Mouri Kentaro , Kim Saehyeon , Satomi‐Kobayashi Seimi , Shinohara Masakazu , Kawano Seiji , Sora Ichiro
Published: March 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the mental health status of healthcare workers and medical students during the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

An online questionnaire was administered to 637 students and 3189 healthcare workers from May to July, 2020. The patient healthcare questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and state anxiety (A‐State) of the state–trait anxiety inventory‐form (STAI) were used to assess depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Individuals were categorized into severe (15 or higher) depression and severe (50–51 or higher) anxiety groups.

Results

Healthcare workers and those taking care of COVID‐19 patients had a higher risk of severe depression (PHQ‐9 scores >15) than other comparison groups. Students and men also had a higher risk of severe anxiety (STAI > 50–51). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that healthcare workers had a fivefold higher risk of developing severe depression symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.99, confidence interval [CI] 2.24–5.97, P‐value < 0.001) and those taking care of COVID‐19 patients had 2.8‐fold higher risk of developing severe depression symptoms (OR 2.75, CI 1.36–5.53, P‐value = 0.005).

Conclusion

Both medical students and healthcare workers have been experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms during the first wave of the pandemic. Our findings showed a high rate of severe anxiety symptoms in medical students and a high rate of severe depression symptoms in healthcare workers. Those who treated COVID‐19 patients were at greater risk of developing major depressive disorder than those who treated non‐COVID‐19 patients.
Microcellular ground tire rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate compounds: Mechanical properties and structure relationships
Authors: Gámez José Francisco Hernández , Hernández Ernesto Hernández , Martínez Deidré Itandehuí Sánchez , Castillo Pablo Antonio Garza , Nieves Israel Sifuentes , Corral Florentino Soriano , Morones Pablo González , Valdés Saúl Sánchez , Rivera Javier Gudiño , Velázquez Guadalupe Neira , Vargas Eduardo Ramírez , Florido Heidi Andrea Fonseca , Zamora Miguel Ángel Mendoza
Published: March 2022

This study aims to investigate the effect of ground tire rubber (GTR) treated by acetone on mechanical and morphological properties of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) matrix. Polymeric EVA/GTR (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 phr) compounds were achieved through extrusion and batch foaming process. TGA and NMR analysis revealed that oils and additives were removed from the GTR after the acetone treatment. Morphological characterization showed cell sizes below 100 μm in the compounds with treated GTR, which improved the mechanical performance of EVA/GTR compounds. The results indicated that the acetone‐treated GTR are a suitable raw material to obtain foam compounds useful in vibrations absorber and isolation applications.
Characterization of Flow Properties of Gas‐Atomized Powder Alloys Used for Additive Manufacturing: Comparison between Traditional Methods and Vibrated Rheology
Authors: Barros Frederico Macedo Fernandes , Duc Emmanuel , Nedelec Jean‐Marie , Falk Véronique , Marchal Philippe
Published: March 2022

Powder‐based additive manufacturing is a fast‐growing technique in which complex parts with elaborate design can be obtained, saving time and costs. In order to achieve optimal processability, the powders used should have good flow properties. Quick and reproducible methods to measure the flowability of the employed alloy powders are needed to determine their behavior and the influence of parameters like particle size, shape, chemical composition, and surface state. Many techniques are available; however, their applicability is debatable. The results obtained by one technique frequently cannot be transposed to other techniques. Also, the correlation with the processing steps is often not clear. In this study, three flowability measuring methods, tapped density, FT4 Shear cell, and vibrating cell rheology, are used to measure the flowability of five different powders. The results demonstrate that their ability to flow is classified differently according to the test employed.
Combined treatment with endobronchial Watanabe spigot andN‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate for refractory pneumothorax inCOVID‐19
Authors: Morita Chie , Kitamura Atsushi , Okafuji Kohei , Ro Shosei , Imai Ryosuke , Shirasaki Kasumi , Watanabe Yu , Nishimura Naoki
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) causes pneumothorax or mediastinal emphysema in approximately 1% of patients. According to the British Thoracic Society guidelines, the next treatment option for patients with persistent pneumothorax despite chest drainage is pleurodesis or surgery. In fact, there are reports of autologous blood pleurodesis or surgery for the treatment of pneumothorax caused byCOVID‐19. However, elderly patients or patients in poor general condition may not be able to tolerate surgical invasion. In this report, we present two patients who did not respond to chest drainage or pleurodesis and who were not suitable for surgery because of their poor general condition. These patients were successfully treated with an endobronchial Watanabe spigot andN‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate. This method may be an option for the treatment of refractory pneumothorax inCOVID‐19.
Corrosion behavior of 316 stainless steel for advanced high‐temperature water‐cooled nuclear plant
Authors: Yi Guo‐Ming , Cheng Yan‐Hai , Ren Lu , Yang Jinyong , Wang Qingqing , Li Xingsheng
Published: March 2022

Corrosion occurs widely in the supercritical water system materials under high temperature and pressure. To select reliable candidate materials, corrosion behavior of many alloys was investigated. This study focused on investigating the corrosion behavior of 316 stainless steel (316 SS) in supercritical water (798 K/24 MPa). After exposed to SCW for 200 h, the oxidation kinetics, surface morphology, and diffusion of elements were investigated by weight measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface of 316 SS showed isolated and discontinued oxide scales. The oxide scale was determined to be a monolayer layer, and the main composition was determined to be Fe–Cr‐rich spinel with a few amounts of magnetite attached to the surface. A few pores due to pitting corrosion were found on the surface, and the oxidation mechanism was also investigated.
Conformation of Achiral α/β Hybrid Peptides Containing Glycine and 1‐Aminocyclohexaneacetic Acid
Authors: Shankar Sudha , Jyothi Deeti , Rahim Junaid ur , Pal Purna Chandra , Singh Umesh Prasad , Rai Rajkishor
Published: March 2022

The present work describes the conformation of achiral α/β hybrid peptides, Boc‐Gly‐β3,3‐Ac6c‐NHMe (P1), Boc‐Gly‐β3,3‐Ac6c‐Gly‐OMe (P2), and Boc‐Gly‐β3,3‐Ac6c‐Gly‐β3,3‐Ac6c‐OMe, (P3) using X‐ray crystallography. Peptides P1 and P2 adopt C11 and C12 folded conformations, respectively. The directionality of the hydrogen bond observed in P1 is opposite to that observed in peptide P2. In case of tetrapeptide P3, no such hydrogen bond is observed. Further, the solvent titration experiment establishes the similar intramolecular hydrogen bonding as observed in the crystals. In P1 and P2, the amino group of β3,3‐Ac6c occupies equatorial orientations, while in the case of peptide P3, it occupies axial and equatorial orientations for residues β3,3‐Ac6c(2) and β3,3‐Ac6c(4), respectively. The average (ϕ,θ,ψ) torsional preferences of β3,3‐Ac6c in achiral α/β peptides are somewhat different from that of chiral α/β peptides.
Characterisation of Commercial Li‐Ion Batteries Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Ezpeleta Ignacio , Freire Lorena , Mateo‐Mateo C. , Nóvoa X. Ramón , Pintos Aránzazu , Valverde‐Pérez Sara
Published: March 2022

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to characterize commercial cylindrical Li‐ion cells under different state‐of‐charge (SOC) conditions and up to 300 charge/discharge cycles to monitor state‐of‐health (SOH) status. The study included the effect of temperature to access better resolution of the time constants related to the redox reactions at the electrodes. The EIS in the 10 kHz–1 mHz frequency range allowed the elaboration of a comprehensive electrical equivalent that incorporated the geometry of the cell and the electrochemical processes occurring at the anode and cathode active material. The fitting procedure of the experimental EIS data to the equivalent circuit produced parameter values that can be used to assess the SOC and SOH of the cell. In the study example, early detection of cell degradation can be obtained using the evolution of Li+ diffusion resistance through the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer.
Nanostructured Metal Phosphide Based Catalysts for Electrochemical Water Splitting: A Review
Authors: Bodhankar Pradnya M. , Sarawade Pradip B. , Kumar Prashant , Vinu Ajayan , Kulkarni Aniruddha P. , Lokhande Chandrakant D. , Dhawale Dattatray S.
Published: March 2022

Amongst various futuristic renewable energy sources, hydrogen fuel is deemed to be clean and sustainable. Electrochemical water splitting (EWS) is an advanced technology to produce pure hydrogen in a cost‐efficient manner. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are the vital steps of EWS and have been at the forefront of research over the past decades. The low‐cost nanostructured metal phosphide (MP)‐based electrocatalysts exhibit unconventional physicochemical properties and offer very high turnover frequency (TOF), low over potential, high mass activity with improved efficiency, and long‐term stability. Therefore, they are deemed to be potential electrocatalysts to meet practical challenges for supporting the future hydrogen economy. This review discusses the recent research progress in nanostructured MP‐based catalysts with an emphasis given on in‐depth understanding of catalytic activity and innovative synthetic strategies for MP‐based catalysts through combined experimental (in situ/operando techniques) and theoretical investigations. Finally, the challenges, critical issues, and future outlook in the field of MP‐based catalysts for water electrolysis are addressed.