bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parents taking action adapted to parents of Black autistic children: Pilot results
Authors: Dababnah Sarah , Kim Irang , Magaña Sandy , Zhu Yan
Published: April 2022

There is a dearth of culturally relevant, family‐centered programs for parents raising Black autistic children, despite significant racial disparities in autism diagnoses and service access. Using a mixed‐methods convergent study design, we report qualitative and quantitative findings from a pilot trial of a peer‐to‐peer program, Parents Taking Action (PTA), adapted to primary family caregivers of Black autistic children with or at increased likelihood for autism. We aimed to understand the feasibility of delivering PTA with fidelity to the manual; participants' acceptability of program strategies; and pre–post changes in child, parent, and family outcomes. Three peer mentors (“Parent Leaders”) delivered the 14‐session intervention to seven participants. All Parent Leaders and participants were mothers of Black autistic children. We interviewed participants and Parent Leaders regarding program content and outcomes. We also collected fidelity checklists and pre–post, parent‐report measures on autism knowledge, family outcomes (e.g., advocacy), stress, depression, and child behavior. Parents reported on program acceptability at post‐intervention only. We found the Parent Leaders delivered the program with overall high levels of fidelity, based on our observations and Parent Leaders' self‐reported checklists. Participants reported high acceptability of the intervention strategies and provided feedback on methods to improve application of the content. We found statistically significant pre–post quantitative improvements in parent‐reported knowledge of their rights and child advocacy, autism knowledge, and child social competence. Participants and Parent Leaders expanded on these changes in interviews, and identified improvements in autism knowledge, parent stress and depression, family outcomes, and child behavior related to program participation. We conclude PTA is a promising, culturally and contextually relevant intervention for parents of Black autistic children. A randomized controlled trial is needed to rigorously evaluate changes in child, parent, and family outcomes.
Formation of fused aggregates under long‐term microgravity conditions aboard the ISS with implications for early solar system particle aggregation
Authors: Koch Tamara E. , Spahr Dominik , Tkalcec Beverley J. , Christ Oliver , Genzel Philomena‐Theresa , Lindner Miles , Merges David , Wilde Fabian , Winkler Björn , Brenker Frank E.
Published: April 2022

In order to gain further insights into early solar system aggregation processes, we carried out an experiment on board the International Space Station, which allowed us to study the behavior of dust particles exposed to electric arc discharges under long‐term microgravity. The experiment led to the formation of robust, elongated, fluffy aggregates, which were studied by scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and synchrotron micro‐computed tomography. The morphologies of these aggregates strongly resemble the typical shapes of fractal fluffy‐type calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs). We conclude that a small amount of melting could have supplied the required stability for such fractal structures to have survived transportation and aggregation to and compaction within planetesimals. Other aggregates produced in our experiment have a massy morphology and contain relict grains, likely resulting from the collision of grains with different degrees of melting, also observed in some natural CAIs. Some particles are surrounded by igneous rims, which remind in thickness and crystal orientation of Wark–Lovering rims; another aggregate shows similarities to disk‐shaped CAIs. These results imply that a (flash‐)heating event with subsequent aggregation could have been involved in the formation of different morphological CAI characteristics.
Functional differentiation and complementation of alkaline phosphatases and choreography of DOP scavenging in a marine diatom
Authors: Zhang Kaidian , Li Jiashun , Wang Jierui , Lin Xin , Li Ling , You Yanchun , Wu Xiaomei , Zhou Zhi , Lin Senjie
Published: April 2022

Facing phosphate deficiency, phytoplankton use alkaline phosphatase (AP) to scavenge dissolved organophosphate (DOP). AP is a multitype (e.g., PhoA, PhoD) family of hydrolases and is known as a promiscuous enzyme with broad DOP substrate compatibility. Yet, whether the multiple types differentiate on substrates and collaborate to provide physiological flexibility remain elusive. Here we identify PhoA and PhoDs and document the functional differentiation between PhoA and a PhoD (PhoD_45757) in Phaeodactylum tricornutum. CRISPR/Cas9‐based mutations and physiological analyses reveal that (1) PhoA is a secreted enzyme and contributes the majority of total AP activity whereas PhoD_45757 is intracellular and contributes a minor fraction of the total AP activity, (2) AP gene expression compensates for each other after one is disrupted, (3) the DOP→PhoA→phosphate_uptake and the DOP_uptake→PhoD→phosphate pathways function interchangeably for some DOP substrates. These findings shed light on the underpinning of AP’s multiformity and have important implications in phytoplankton phosphorus‐nutrient niche differentiation, physiological plasticity, and competitive strategy.
The nature of nurture: the conserved role of tapetal‐like cells in sporogenesis between mosses and angiosperms
Authors: Levins Jonathan , Dierschke Tom , Bowman John L.
Published: April 2022

This article is a Commentary on Lopez‐Obando et al. (2022), 235: 718–731.
A Comparison Between Retaining and Resecting the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy for Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hu Wenhao , Hu Fanqi , Liu Chao , Liu Weibo , Jiang Yi , Li Jing , Wang Yan , Li Teng , Li Li , Zhang Xuesong
Published: April 2022

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of retaining the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) with resecting the PLL in inside‐out percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) surgery for lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Method

A total of 135 patients with symptomatic LDH who were treated by inside‐out PETD surgery from January 2015 to January 2017were included in this retrospective analysis. There were 38 males and 30 females in the PLL resection group (mean age = 52.40 ± 8.73 years) and 35 males and 32 females in the PLL retention group (mean age = 53.50 ± 9.24 years). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Operation time, blood loss, recurrence of LDH, and complications were recorded. Three months after surgery, magnetic resonance imaging was performed to confirm that nerve root compression was relieved.

Results

The VAS and ODI scores improved significantly immediately after surgery, at 1 month after surgery, at 3 months after surgery, and at last follow‐up compared with those before surgery (P < 0.01). The scores also improved significantly between immediately after surgery and 1 month after surgery in the two groups (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that age ≥ 50 years (odds ratio (OR) = 6.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64–21.98, P = 0.014), pain duration ≥6 months (OR = 4.68, 95% CI: 1.29–6.51, P = 0.025), pre‐ODI score ≥ 40% (OR = 5.97, 95% CI: 2.41–14.86, P = 0.003) were all associated with poor functional outcomes. There was no significant difference in the excellent/good ratio between the two groups and the mean operation time of the retention group was 71.5% of that of the resection group (82.7 ± 18.5 min vs 115.6 ± 24.6 min, P < 0.01). In the patients, no serious complications, such as dural tear, wound infection, or persistent nerve root injury, were observed during the follow‐up period. There was no significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups (6/68 vs 6/67, P = 0.979). Although the recurrence rate was higher in retention group, there was no significant difference between the two groups (1/68 vs 2/67, P = 0.551).

Conclusion

The PLL is recommended to be retained for inside‐out PETD surgery.
Full‐Endoscopic Anterior Odontoid Screw Fixation: A Novel Surgical Technique
Authors: Kotheeranurak Vit , Pholprajug Phattareeya , Jitpakdee Khanathip , Pruttikul Pritsanai , Chitragran Roongrath , Singhatanadgige Weerasak , Limthongkul Worawat , Yingsakmongkol Wicharn , Kim Jin‐Sung
Published: April 2022

Objective

First, to propose a novel minimally invasive technique of full‐endoscopic anterior odontoid fixation (FEAOF) that aims to reduce the risk of retropharyngeal approach (both open and percutaneous techniques) to anterior odontoid screw fixation. Second, to describe steps of the procedure and, lastly, to report the initial outcomes in patients treated with this novel technique.

Methods

Four non‐consecutive patients who were diagnosed with a displaced odontoid fracture (Anderson‐D'Alonzo classification type II and Grauer subclassification type A or B) from 2019 to 2020 underwent surgical fixation by our novel technique for anterior odontoid screw fixation. A detailed technical approach of FEAOF for the surgical treatment of type II odontoid fractures was described, and the patients' outcomes based on postoperative radiographic results including computed tomography (CT), clinical outcome parameters including visual analogue scale (VAS) for neck pain both preoperatively and at postoperative follow‐up, and range of neck motion at the final follow‐up were reported.

Results

The mean age was 33.5 years (24–41), three patients were male. The mean operative time was 93.75 min, and the mean blood loss was 7.5 ml. An immediate post‐operative thin‐sliced CT showed that all patients achieved satisfactory reduction and proper screw position. No screw malposition or penetration was found. At a 6‐month follow‐up, a thin‐sliced CT demonstrated solid bony union in every case. The mean VAS for neck pain was reduced from 6.5 to 0.6 at the 6‐months follow‐up. At the final follow‐up, all patients showed improvement in ranges of motion without any complications; however, one patient was lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions

FEAOF is a feasible and effective option for treating type II odontoid fractures. The procedure is less invasive than other techniques and provides clear direct visualization of the involved structures.
Change of Pelvic Sagittal Tilt after Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Bilateral Crowe Type IV Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Zhang Bohan , Du Yinqiao , Sun Jingyang , Shen Junmin , Li Tiejian , Zhou Yonggang
Published: April 2022

Objective

To explore and analyze the change of pelvic sagittal tilt (PST) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with bilateral Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Methods

The study retrospectively evaluated 43 patients with bilateral Crowe type IV DDH undergoing THA from January 2008 to June 2019 who were followed up for 12 months postoperatively. Four parameters, including the ratio between the height and width of the obturator foramina(H/W ratio), the vertical distance between the upper edge of the symphysis and the middle of the sacrococcygeal joint (SSc distance), the vertical distance between the upper edge of the symphysis and the line connecting bilateral hip centers (SC distance) and the vertical distance between the upper edge of the symphysis and the line connecting the bilateral lower ends of the sacroiliac joints (SSi distance), which could indirectly reflect the change of PST, were observed and measured by radiographs. The change of each parameter before operation, immediately after operation, and in 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively was compared and analyzed.

Results

Compared with the value before operation, the H/W ratio immediately after operation and in 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively were 0.61 ± 0.12 (t = 0.893, P = 0.377), 0.61 ± 0.11 (t = 1.622, P = 0.112), 0.67 ± 0.10 (t = 5.995, P < 0.001) and 0.76 ± 0.12 (t = −9.313, P < 0.001), respectively, and the SSc, SC and SSi distance in 6 months postoperatively were 30.12 ± 7.06 mm (t = 3.506, P = 0.002), 42.8 ± 7.7 mm (t = 5.843, P < 0.001), 129.3 ± 12.6 mm (t = 5.888, P < 0.001), respectively, and in 12 months postoperatively were 27.24 ± 7.68 mm (t = 6.510, P < 0.001), 36.1 ± 9.1 mm (t = 9.230, P < 0.001), 118.9 ± 14.9 mm (t = 8.940, P < 0.001), respectively. The radiographs obtained in 6 and 12 months postoperatively demonstrated a significantly increased H/W ratio and decreased SSc, SC and SSi distance. At the last follow‐up, the clinical evaluations significantly improved in all patients and there were no revisions.

Conclusion

The significant change of pelvic sagittal posterior tilt in patients with bilateral Crowe type IV DDH might be a significant phenomenon after THA, which could occur in 6 months postoperatively.
The Double‐Circle System in the Greater Tuberosity: Using Radius to Predict Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Ma Qi , Sun Changjiao , Liu Pu , Yu Peng , Cai Xu
Published: April 2022

Objective

In this study we concerned on the morphological characteristics of the greater tuberosity of humerus and proposed the double‐circle radius ratio as a new predictor for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears.

Methods

This was a retrospective study and patients who visited our hospital and were diagnosed with or without rotator cuff tears via magnetic resonance imaging from January 2018 to July 2021 were enrolled and classified into two groups respectively. In a standard anteroposterior view, the radius of the best‐fit circle of humeral head and the radius of the concentric circle passing through the most lateral edge of the greater tuberosity were measured in each shoulder. The ratio of these two radiuses was named as the double‐circle radius ratio. Angular parameters including the greater tuberosity angle and the critical shoulder angle were also measured in the anteroposterior view. Independent samples t tests and chi‐square tests were used to find significant differences between groups. Significant associations between those measured variables and demographic characteristics were analyzed with simple linear regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were pictured to determine applied cutoff values by using Youden index. Multivariable‐adjusted analysis for the occurrence of rotator cuff tears was carried out by using multiple logistic regression analysis. For all tests a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

One hundred and twelve shoulders with rotator cuff tears and 42 shoulders without rotator cuff tears were included. The mean value of the double‐circle radius ratio was significantly larger in shoulders with rotator cuff tears (1.42 ± 0.09 vs. 1.30 ± 0.07, P = 0.000). With simple linear regression analysis, the radiuses of the humeral head and the greater tuberosity were significantly associated with heights and weights. In receiver operating characteristic curves, the largest area was found under the curve of the double‐circle radius ratio as 0.846 (95% CI, 0.781–0.911; P = 0.000) with an applied cutoff value as 1.38 (sensitivity, 70.5%; specificity, 88.1%). Multivariable‐adjusted analysis showed that a value of the double‐circle radius ratio >1.38 resulted in 11.252‐fold odds of developing rotator cuff tears (95% CI, 3.388–37.368; P = 0.000).

Conclusion

The double‐circle radius ratio is significantly larger in patients with rotator cuff tears and could be regarded as an eligible predictor for rotator cuff tears.
Early priming of asthma and respiratory allergies: Future aspects of prevention
Authors: Wahn Ulrich , Lau Susanne , Eigenmann Philippe , Melen Erik , Krauss‐Etschmann Susanne , Lex Christiane , Matricardi Paolo , Schaub Bianca , Halken Susanne , Ege Markus , Jackson Daniel , Hamelmann Eckard , Szépfalusi Zsolt , Garcia Antonio N. , von Mutius Erika
Published: April 2022

In order to summarize recent research on the prevention of allergies—particularly asthma—and stimulate new activities for future initiatives, a virtual workshop sponsored by the EAACI Clemens von Pirquet foundation and EUFOREA was held in October 2021. The determinants of the “allergic march” as well as the key messages from intervention studies were reviewed by an international faculty of experts. Several unmet needs were identified, and a number of priorities for future studies were proposed.
The service user experience of SlowMo therapy: A co‐produced thematic analysis of service users’ subjective experience
Authors: Greenwood Kathryn E. , Gurnani Megha , Ward Tom , Vogel Evelin , Vella Claire , McGourty Alison , Robertson Sam , Sacadura Catarina , Hardy Amy , Rus‐Calafell Mar , Collett Nicola , Emsley Richard , Freeman Daniel , Fowler David , Kuipers Elizabeth , Bebbington Paul , Dunn Graham , Michelson Daniel , Garety Philippa ,   the SlowMo Patient, Public Involvement (PPI) team
Published: April 2022

Objectives

SlowMo is the first blended digital therapy for paranoia, showing significant small‐moderate reductions in paranoia in a recent large‐scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). This study explored the subjective service‐user experience of the SlowMo therapy content and design; the experience of the blended therapy approach, including the triangle of the therapeutic alliance; and the experience of the digital aspects of the intervention.

Design

Qualitative co‐produced sub‐study of an RCT.

Methods

Participants were 22 adult service users with schizophrenia‐spectrum psychosis and persistent distressing paranoia, who completed at least one SlowMo therapy session and a 24‐week follow‐up, at one of 3 sites in Oxford, London, and Sussex, UK. They were interviewed by peer researchers, using a topic guide co‐produced by the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) team. The transcribed data were analysed thematically. Multiple coding and triangulation, and lay peer researcher validation were used to reach a consensus on the final theme structure.

Results

Six core themes were identified: (i) starting the SlowMo journey; (ii) the central role of the supportive therapist; (iii) slowing things down; (iv) value and learning from social connections; (v) approaches and challenges of technology; and (vi) improvements in paranoia and well‐being.

Conclusions

For these service users, slowing down for a moment was helpful, and integrated into thinking over time. Learning from social connections reflected reduced isolation, and enhanced learning through videos, vignettes, and peers. The central role of the supportive therapist and the triangle of alliance between service user, therapist, and digital platform were effective in promoting positive therapeutic outcomes.
Distinctively political normativity in political theory
Authors: Erman Eva , Möller Niklas
Published: April 2022

Recent years' literature on distinctively political normativity raises methodological and meta‐theoretical concerns of importance for political theory. The aim of this article is to identify and critically examine the main positions in this debate as well as to analyze problems and promising ways forward. In brief, we argue that the predominant “non‐moral view” of distinctively political normativity (i.e., the view that political normativity is independent of moral normativity), is problematic in all its three versions. Further, we suggest that a reasonable approach to political normativity should adopt a “moral view” (i.e., the view that political normativity is not independent of moral normativity) and investigate two such approaches: the so‐called “filter approach” and the “role approach.” Although still much in need of further development in political theory, both of them bear promise as accounts which preserve the distinctness of the political domain while acknowledging its status as a moral kind.
Epidemiology of interstitial lung disease in systemic lupus erythematosus in France: A nation‐wide population‐based study over 10 years
Authors: Mageau Arthur , Borie Raphaël , Crestani Bruno , Timsit Jean‐François , Papo Thomas , Sacre Karim
Published: April 2022

Background and objective

Data regarding interstitial lung disease (ILD) in the setting of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are limited. We used a nationwide database to determine the incidence and the prevalence of ILD in SLE.

Methods

Characteristics of all SLE inpatients admitted between 2011 and 2012 in France were analysed through the French medico‐administrative database. Features associated with the presence of ILD were studied. Cox hazard model was used to measure the impact of ILD on survival from the first stay to 2020. The incidence of ILD in SLE was estimated by analysing the onset of ILD from 2013 to 2020 in SLE patients who had no evidence of ILD in 2013.

Results

Between 2011 and 2012, 10,460 SLE patients had at least one hospital stay and could be traced until 2020. Among them, 134 (1.2%) had an ILD diagnosed at baseline. The frequency of ILD in SLE was higher in patients who had an associated autoimmune disease such as Sjögren's syndrome or systemic sclerosis (29.9% vs. 5.9%, p < 0.0001). ILD was associated with an increased risk of death in SLE in the multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [95% CI] 1.992 [1.420–2.794]; p < 0.0001). Among the 31,029 SLE patients with no evidence of ILD at baseline, ILD occurred in 795 (2.6%) between 2013 and 2020. The incidence rate of ILD in SLE was 10.26 for 1000 patient‐years [95% CI: 10.24–10.28].

Conclusion

In SLE, ILD is exceedingly rare, often associated with another systemic autoimmune disorder and appears as a major risk factor for death.
Adjusting Misclassification using a Second Classifier with an External Validation Sample
Authors: Schenkel Jonas F. , Zhang Li-Chun
Published: April 2022

Administrative data may suffer from delays or mistakes in reporting. To adjust for the resulting measurement errors, it is often necessary to combine data from related sources, such as sample survey, administrative or ‘big’ data. However, the additional measure variable usually has a different definition and errors of its own, and the available joint data set may not have a completely known sampling distribution. We develop a modelling approach which capitalizes on one's knowledge and experience with the data source where they exist, and apply it to register- and survey-based Employed status. Comparisons are made to adjustments by hidden Markov models. Our approach is applicable to similar situations involving big data sources.
Abnormally low heat flow in Southeast China resulted from remnant slab subducted beneath the east Asian lithosphere
Authors: Gan Haonan , Wang Guiling , Wang Bo , Wang Xiao , Lin Wenjing , Yue Gaofan , Tan Xianfeng
Published: April 2022

Subducted remnant slabs play an important role in the geodynamics and evolution of the Earth, but their behaviour in the mantle is not well understood. Terrestrial heat flow and thermal lithosphere structure provide crucial constraints on lithospheric dynamics. Based on whole‐well steady‐state temperature logs and conductivity measurements of core samples from a scientific borehole, we obtained a new high‐quality terrestrial heat flow values for East Asia. The heat flow was calculated at 60.6 ± 16.0 mW/m2with a high crust/mantle heat flow ratio of 1.41, suggesting a hot‐crust‐cold‐mantle lithospheric structure. The thermal lithospheric thickness of eastern Fujian is estimated to be 152–166 km, indicating a thick and cold lithosphere. We demonstrate that the cooling of the lithosphere is caused by a remnant palaeo‐slab of the Palaeo‐Pacific plate subducted beneath SE China. The remnant slab blocked heat convection into the bottom of the lithosphere of the Eurasian Plate.
Antioxidants in single methylene‐blue‐treated plasma units cannot be used to predict pathogen inactivation treatment success
Authors: Lotens Anaïs , Prudent Michel , Rapaille André
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

Measurement of antioxidant power (AOP) can be useful to validate the execution of the pathogen inactivation (PI) treatment of plasma units. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Theraflex technology for plasma units routinely used in Belgium.

Materials and Methods

AOP was tested on plasma units treated by Theraflex with various non‐complete treatment scenarios. AOP was quantified electrochemically using disposable devices and was expressed as equivalent ascorbic acid concentration.

Results

During a complete PI treatment, AOP rose from 195 ± 32 to 230 ± 42 μmol/L eq. ascorbic acid after addition of methylene blue (MB), and decreased to 192 ± 30 μmol/L eq. ascorbic acid after illumination and finally to 177 ± 27 μmol/L eq. ascorbic acid after final filtration. Without MB, the final filtration had no effect on the plasma AOP (197 ± 22 μmol/L eq. ascorbic acid before filtration and 194 ± 22 μmol/L eq. ascorbic acid after filtration). With no MB and no illumination, there was no significant difference between the plasma AOP at the beginning (188 ± 23 μmol/L eq. ascorbic acid) and at the end of the process (179 ± 21 μmol/L eq. ascorbic acid).

Conclusion

AOP measurement may not indicate the effectiveness of the PI treatment.
Evidence of influenza A infection and risk of transmission between pigs and farmworkers
Authors: Lopez‐Moreno Gustavo , Davies Peter , Yang My , Culhane Marie R. , Corzo Cesar A. , Li Chong , Rendahl Aaron , Torremorell Montserrat
Published: April 2022

Interspecies transmission of influenza A virus (IAV) between pigs and people represents a threat to both animal and public health. To better understand the risks of influenza transmission at the human–animal interface, we evaluated 1) the rate of IAV detection in swine farmworkers before and after work during two human influenza seasons, 2) assessed risk factors associated with IAV detection in farmworkers and 3) characterized the genetic sequences of IAV detected in both workers and pigs. Of 58 workers providing nasal passage samples during 8‐week periods during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 influenza seasons, 33 (57%) tested positive by rRT‐PCR at least once. Sixteen (27%) workers tested positive before work and 24 (41%) after work. At the sample level, 58 of 1,785 nasal swabs (3.2%) tested rRT‐PCR positive, of which 20 of 898 (2.2%) were collected prior to work and 38 of 887 (4.3%) after work. Although farmworkers were more likely to test positive at the end of the working day (OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.14–3.41), there were no influenza‐like illness (ILI) symptoms, or other risk indicators, associated with IAV detection before or after reporting to work. Direct whole‐genome sequencing from samples obtained from worker nasal passages indicated evidence of infection of a worker with pandemic 2009 H1N1 of human‐origin IAV (H1‐pdm 1A 3.3.2) when reporting to work, and exposure of several workers to a swine‐origin IAV (H1‐alpha 1A 1.1) circulating in the pigs on the farm where they were employed. Our study provides evidence of 1) risk of IAV transmission between pigs and people, 2) pandemic H1N1 IAV infected workers reporting to work and 3) workers exposed to swine harbouring swine‐origin IAV in their nasal passages temporarily. Overall, our results emphasize the need to implement surveillance and transmission preventive protocols at the pig/human interface.
Fire and Explosion Risks and Consequences in Electrical Substations—A Transformer Case Study
Authors: El-Harbawi Mohanad
Published: April 2022

This study aims to find how fires and explosions can occur in enclosed spaces where electrical transformers are installed and to investigate the consequences of the damages to the surrounding areas caused by these accidents. This study began with the collection of a mineral oil waste sample from an indoor substation transformer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This sample was analyzed to determine its composition. Results revealed that 30 components ranging from C6 to C30 were detected in the sample. The mixture flammability limits, calculated using Le Chatelier rules and found to be 0.97 and 6.56, indicated that the vapor mixture for the waste oil sample was not flammable at 25 °C and 1 atm. Consequence analysis was used to predict the outcome of fire and explosion events based on a transformer with a capacity of 1100 liters. The peak overpressure generated by an explosion was estimated to be 80.97 kPa. Moreover, the thermal radiation produced by various types of fires was estimated as a function of the distance from the accident center. The thermal flux from a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) was 99.8 kW/m2, which is greater than that from jet and pool fires. The probability of an individual suffering injury or dying as a result of exposure to fire and/or an explosion was estimated using dose-response models. The results showed that the peak overpressure produced by an explosion can cause severe damage within 20 m of the explosion center. However, the results also showed that there is a 100% probability of the thermal radiation from a BLEVE causing fatalities up to a distance of 140 m. The risk due to the fragmentation of the transformer tanks was also assessed, and a majority of fragments would land within a range of 111.2 m.
A Review of Head Injury Metrics Used in Automotive Safety and Sports Protective Equipment
Authors: Rowson Bethany , Duma Stefan M.
Published: April 2022

Despite advances in the understanding of human tolerances to brain injury, injury metrics used in automotive safety and protective equipment standards have changed little since they were first implemented nearly a half-century ago. Although numerous metrics have been proposed as improvements over the ones currently used, evaluating the predictive capability of these metrics is challenging. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing head injury metrics that have been proposed for both severe head injuries, such as skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) including concussions. Metrics have been developed based on head kinematics or intracranial parameters such as brain tissue stress and strain. Kinematic metrics are either based on translational motion, rotational motion, or a combination of the two. Tissue-based metrics are based on finite element model simulations or in vitro experiments. This review concludes with a discussion of the limitations of current metrics and how improvements can be made in the future.
Role of CuO in Al2O3-B2O3 Composites: In Situ Phases, Density, Hardness, and Wear Resistance
Authors: Kasar Ashish K. , D’Souza Brian , Watson Kevin P. , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to develop a novel set of Al2O3-B2O3-CuO composites and evaluate their tribological performance at varying humidity (10–95% relative humidity) levels. First, the Al2O3-B2O3 composites were prepared using cold press sintering by varying the amount of B2O3 (5–20 wt%). The results revealed that an increase in B2O3 content in the composites increased the amount of aluminum borate in situ phase during sintering. The presence of the aluminum borate phase in the composite enhanced the hardness and wear resistance, whereas the humidity-sensitive alumina phase reduced friction at higher humidity levels. Next, CuO (5 wt%) was added to the Al2O3-B2O3 composites to form Al2O3-B2O3-CuO composites. These composites showed an increase in the percentage relative density by 16–37% and hardness by 1.2–1.9 times. Subsequently, the tribological performance was improved significantly. The underlying mechanism for improved wear resistance was discussed using the crystal-chemical approach and polarization theory to guide the design of these novel Al2O3-B2O3-CuO composites.
Gravitational effects of ice sheets on sea level
Authors: Kurtze Douglas A.
Published: April 2022

When ice melts from a large ice sheet and the melt water runs into the ocean, global-mean sea level rises but, surprisingly, local sea level near the ice sheet may well drop. This is largely because the loss of mass reduces the gravitational pull of the ice sheet. We present a simple, analytically tractable model to illustrate this effect. We look first at a flat earth with a circular continent containing an ice sheet that is modeled as a point mass at its center and then extend the calculation to a rigid spherical non-rotating earth. With a bit more mathematical sophistication, we then carry out calculations for somewhat more realistic ice distributions and include the additional gravitation of the mass of displaced sea water. We give numerical results for the “fingerprint” of sea level change resulting from a 1000-Gt (1015-kg) loss of ice on a rigid, non-rotating earth, with parameter values appropriate to the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.
Maximizing the acoustic contrast with constrained reconstruction error under a generalized pressure matching framework in sound zone control
Authors: Hu Meiling , Zou Haishan , Lu Jing , Christensen Mads Græsbøll
Published: April 2022

In sound zone control, the pressure matching (PM) algorithm is generally considered to achieve relatively low acoustic contrast (AC) regardless of the desired sound field. In this paper, we propose a generalized PM framework to generate a desired sound field with variable AC. The framework indicates that the choice of the desired sound field solely determines the AC performance of PM when the physical setting and acoustic environment remain unchanged. In the extreme, PM obtains the same AC as the acoustic contrast control method, which is widely accepted as the algorithm leading to the maximum AC. Based on the proposed framework, we design a variant coordinate descent algorithm to adjust the desired sound field by maximizing the AC under the constraint of the reconstruction error. Simulation results validate the efficacy and flexibility of the proposed framework in constrained sound zone control.
Tunable structured light with flat optics
Authors: Dorrah Ahmed H. , Capasso Federico
Published: April 2022

Flat optics has emerged as a key player in the area of structured light and its applications, owing to its subwavelength resolution, ease of integration, and compact footprint. Although its first generation has revolutionized conventional lenses and enabled anomalous refraction, new classes of meta-optics can now shape light and dark features of an optical field with an unprecedented level of complexity and multifunctionality. Here, we review these efforts with a focus on metasurfaces that use different properties of input light—angle of incidence and direction, polarization, phase distribution, wavelength, and nonlinear behavior—as optical knobs for tuning the output response. We discuss ongoing advances in this area as well as future challenges and prospects. These recent developments indicate that optically tunable flat optics is poised to advance adaptive camera systems, microscopes, holograms, and portable and wearable devices and may suggest new possibilities in optical communications and sensing.
Single-step hydrogen production from NH3, CH4, and biogas in stacked proton ceramic reactors
Authors: Clark Daniel , Malerød-Fjeld Harald , Budd Michael , Yuste-Tirados Irene , Beeaff Dustin , Aamodt Simen , Nguyen Kevin , Ansaloni Luca , Peters Thijs , Vestre Per K. , Pappas Dimitrios K. , Valls María I. , Remiro-Buenamañana Sonia , Norby Truls , Bjørheim Tor S. , Serra Jose M. , Kjølseth Christian
Published: April 2022

Proton ceramic reactors offer efficient extraction of hydrogen from ammonia, methane, and biogas by coupling endothermic reforming reactions with heat from electrochemical gas separation and compression. Preserving this efficiency in scale-up from cell to stack level poses challenges to the distribution of heat and gas flows and electric current throughout a robust functional design. Here, we demonstrate a 36-cell well-balanced reactor stack enabled by a new interconnect that achieves complete conversion of methane with more than 99% recovery to pressurized hydrogen, leaving a concentrated stream of carbon dioxide. Comparable cell performance was also achieved with ammonia, and the operation was confirmed at pressures exceeding 140 bars. The stacking of proton ceramic reactors into practical thermo-electrochemical devices demonstrates their potential in efficient hydrogen production.
Ferroelectric crystals with giant electro-optic property enabling ultracompact Q-switches
Authors: Liu Xin , Tan Peng , Ma Xue , Wang Danyang , Jin Xinyu , Liu Yao , Xu Bin , Qiao Liao , Qiu Chaorui , Wang Bo , Zhao Weigang , Wei Chaojie , Song Kexin , Guo Haisheng , Li Xudong , Li Sean , Wei Xiaoyong , Chen Long-Qing , Xu Zhuo , Li Fei , Tian Hao , Zhang Shujun
Published: April 2022

Relaxor-lead titanate (PbTiO3) crystals, which exhibit extremely high piezoelectricity, are believed to possess high electro-optic (EO) coefficients. However, the optical transparency of relaxor-PbTiO3crystals is severely reduced as a result of light scattering and reflection by domain walls, limiting electro-optic applications. Through synergistic design of a ferroelectric phase, crystal orientation, and poling technique, we successfully removed all light-scattering domain walls and achieved an extremely high transmittance of 99.6% in antireflection film–coated crystals, with an ultrahigh EO coefficientr33of 900 picometers per volt (pm V−1), >30 times as high as that of conventionally used EO crystals. Using these crystals, we fabricated ultracompact EO Q-switches that require very low driving voltages, with superior performance to that of commercial Q-switches. Development of these materials is important for the portability and low driving voltage of EO devices.
Countering the future chemical weapons threat
Authors: Nguyen Tuan H.
Published: April 2022

Shift focus from disarmament to preventing reemergence
A long evolutionary reach for fishing nets
Authors: Therkildsen Nina Overgaard , Pinsky Malin L.
Published: April 2022

Earlier maturation of Atlantic salmon is linked to indirect effects of fisheries on its prey
Inside the dinosaurs’ demise
The Last Days of the Dinosaurs: An Asteroid, Extinction, and the Beginning of Our World
Riley Black
St. Martin’s Press, 2022. 304 pp.
Authors: Arbour Victoria
Published: April 2022

A science writer offers an accessible account of the Mesozoic’s mass extinction
Bright lights, big pity
Authors: Sokol Joshua
Published: April 2022

City lights lure migratory birds, with lethal results, but weather radar and modeling can help reduce the toll
In Other Journals
Authors: Lavine Marc S. , Vinson Valda , Smith Keith T. , Vignieri Sacha , Yeston Jake , Kelly Priscilla N. , Hines Pamela J.
Published: April 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Uranus should be NASA’s top target, report finds
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: April 2022

Influential survey recommends $4.2 billion flagship mission to the ice giant Influential survey
Dutch dangle bid for gravitational wave detector
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: April 2022

Government pledges to support nearly half the cost of the Einstein Telescope
A Capsidless Virus Is
trans
-Encapsidated by a Bisegmented Botybirnavirus
Authors: Jia Jichun , Mu Fan , Fu Yanping , Cheng Jiasen , Lin Yang , Li Bo , Jiang Daohong , Xie Jiatao
Published: April 2022

RNA viruses typically encase their linear genomes in their own capsids. However, a capsidless +ssRNA virus (RnYkV1) highjacks the capsid of a nonsegmented dsRNA virus for the
trans
-encapsidation of its own RNA and RdRp.
Gut Microbiota-Testis Axis: FMT Mitigates High-Fat Diet-Diminished Male Fertility via Improving Systemic and Testicular Metabolome
Authors: Hao Yanan , Feng Yanni , Yan Xiaowei , Chen Liang , Ma Xiangping , Tang Xiangfang , Zhong Ruqing , Sun Zhongyi , Agarwal Manjree , Zhang Hongfu , Zhao Yong
Published: April 2022

HFD decreases male fertility via upsetting gut microbiota and transplantation of AOS-benefited gut microbiota (A10-FMT) improves gut microbiota to ameliorate HFD-reduced male fertility. Moreover, A10-FMT improved liver function to benefit the blood metabolome and simultaneously ameliorated the testicular microenvironment to turn the spermatogenesis process on.
Molecular Epidemiological Characteristics of Mycobacterium abscessus Complex Derived from Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patients in Japan and Taiwan
Authors: Yoshida Mitsunori , Chien Jung-Yien , Morimoto Kozo , Kinjo Takeshi , Aono Akio , Murase Yoshiro , Fujiwara Keiji , Morishige Yuta , Nagano Hiroaki , Jou Ruwen , Hasegawa Naoki , Ato Manabu , Hoshino Yoshihiko , Hsueh Po-Ren , Mitarai Satoshi
Published: April 2022

Members of
Mycobacterium abscessus
complex (MABC) are frequently isolated from patients. Studies have reported that predominant clones of MABC (known as dominant circulating clones; DCCs) are distributed worldwide and transmitted from humans to humans in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5Nx) Virus of Clade 2.3.4.4b Emerging in Tibet, China, 2021
Authors: Li Yi , Li Xiang , Lv Xinru , Xu Qiuzi , Zhao Zhenliang , Qin Siyuan , Peng Peng , Qu Fengyi , Qin Rongxiu , An Qing , Wang Meixi , Zhang Zhen , Luo Hua , Zeng Xiangwei , Wang Yulong , Hou Zhijun , Sun Heting , Wang Yajun , Xu Yu , Li Yanbing , Chai Hongliang
Published: April 2022

In this study, 15 H5N8 and two H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b were isolated from dead migratory birds and fecal samples in Tibet, China. Isolates of H5N1 virus of clade 2.3.4.4b have been rarely reported in China.
Starch Branching Enzyme 1 Is Important for Amylopectin Synthesis and Cyst Reactivation in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Yang Jing , He Zhengming , Chen Chengjie , Zhao Junlong , Fang Rui
Published: April 2022

Toxoplasmosis has become a global, serious public health problem due to the extensiveness of the host. There are great differences in the energy metabolism in the different stages of infection.
Supplemental Material: Permeability of subducted oceanic crust revealed by eclogite-facies vugs
Authors: Angiboust Samuel , Raimondo Tom
Published: April 2022

Analytical methods, details on the pseudosection modeling, and permeability calculation approaches; and a regional geological map, chemical mineral data, as well as the complete set of LA-ICP-MS maps. 
Supplemental Material: A one-million-year isotope record from siderites formed in modern ferruginous sediments
Authors: Vuillemin Aurèle , al. et
Published: April 2022

Supplemental Figures S1–S9 and Supplemental Tables S1–S5 
Epidemiology of adverse drug events and medication errors in four nursing homes in Japan: the Japan Adverse Drug Events (JADE) Study
Authors: Ayani Nobutaka , Oya Nozomu , Kitaoka Riki , Kuwahara Akiko , Morimoto Takeshi , Sakuma Mio , Narumoto Jin
Published: April 2022

Background

Worldwide, the emergence of super-ageing societies has increased the number of older people requiring support for daily activities. Many elderly residents of nursing homes (NHs) take drugs to treat chronic conditions; however, there are few reports of medication safety in NHs, especially from non-western countries.

Objective

We examined the incidence and nature of adverse drug events (ADEs) and medication errors (MEs) in NHs for the elderly in Japan.

Design, setting, and participants

The Japan Adverse Drug Events Study for NHs is a prospective cohort study that was conducted among all residents, except for short-term admissions, at four NHs for older people in Japan for 1 year.

Measurements

Trained physicians and psychologists, five and six in number, respectively, reviewed all charts of the residents to identify suspected ADEs and MEs, which were then classified by the physicians into ADEs, potential ADEs and other MEs after the exclusion of ineligible events, for the assessment of their severity and preventability. The kappa score for presence of an ADE and preventability were 0.89 and 0.79, respectively.

Results

We enrolled 459 residents, and this yielded 3315 resident-months of observation time. We identified 1207 ADEs and 600 MEs (incidence: 36.4 and 18.1 per 100 resident-months, respectively) during the study period. About one-third of ADEs were preventable, and MEs were most frequently observed in the monitoring stage (72%, 433/600), with 71% of the MEs occurring due to inadequate observation following the physician’s prescription.

Conclusion

In Japan, ADEs and MEs are common among elderly residents of NHs. The assessment and appropriate adjustment of medication preadmission and postadmission to NHs are needed to improve medication safety, especially when a single physician is responsible for prescribing most medications for the residents, as is usually the case in Japan.
A novel bionic gripper based on the front tarsi of scutigers
Authors: Cong Qian , Shi Xiaojie , Xiong Yu , Wang Ju , Yang Zhen , Tian Weijun
Published: April 2022

A novel bionic gripper with bristles is designed based on the biological structure of the front tarsi of scutigers, and its simulation model is established. It was verified that the proposed bionic gripper not only achieved the expected gripping action but also completed the pinching motion with better grasping performance. Related parameters, such as displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, and torque, were also analyzed. Friction contact finite element analysis of the bionic gripper with bristle structure was performed using ABAQUS and compared with the control group. The finite element analysis results showed that the bristles could effectively improve the capture efficiency of the bionic gripper. The diameter and density of the bristles in the bionic gripper were optimized, and their influence on the gripping efficiency was analyzed. This study provides a reference for the structural design of bionic grippers and the practical application of bionic non-smooth surfaces.
Five-dimensional Yang–Mills black holes in massive gravity’s rainbow
Authors: Aounallah Houcine , Pourhassan Behnam , Hendi Seyed Hossein , Faizal Mir
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we will analyze a five-dimensional Yang–Mills black hole solution in massive gravity’s rainbow. We will also investigate the flow of such a solution with scale. Then, we will discuss the scale dependence of the thermodynamics for this black hole. In addition, we study the criticality in the extended phase space by treating the cosmological constant as the thermodynamics pressure of this black hole solution. Moreover, we will use the partition function for this solution to obtain corrections to the thermodynamics of this system and examine their key role in the behavior of corrected solutions.
LIV effects on the quantum stochastic motion in an acoustic FRW-geometry
Authors: Anacleto M. A. , Bessa C. H. G. , Brito F. A. , Mateus A. E. , Passos E. , Santos J. R. L.
Published: April 2022

It is well known in the literature that vacuum fluctuations can induce a random motion of particles which is sometimes called quantum Brownian motion or quantum stochastic motion. In this paper, we consider Lorentz Invariance Violation (LIV) in an acoustic spatially flat Friedman–Robertson–Walker (FRW) geometry. In particular, we are looking for the LIV effects in the stochastic motion of scalar and massive test particles. This motion is induced by a massless quantized scalar field on this geometry, which in turn is derived from an Abelian Higgs model with LIV. Deviations in the velocity dispersion of the particles proportional to the LIV parameter are found.
The self-energy of Friedrichs–Lee models and its application to bound states and resonances
Authors: Lonigro Davide
Published: April 2022

A system composed of two-level systems interacting with a single excitation of a one-dimensional boson field with continuous spectrum, described by a Friedrichs (or Friedrichs–Lee) model, can exhibit bound states and resonances; the latter can be characterized by computing the so-called self-energy of the model. We evaluate an analytic expression, valid for a large class of dispersion relations and coupling functions, for the self-energy of such models. Afterwards, we focus on the case of identical two-level systems, and we refine our analysis by distinguishing between dominant and suppressed contributions to the associated self-energy; we finally examine the phenomenology of bound states in the presence of a single dominant contribution.