bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental engagement with complementary feeding information in the United Kingdom: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Spurlock Kelly , Deave Toity , Lucas Patricia J. , Dowling Sally
Published: August 2023

Complementary feeding is the process of introducing solid foods to milk‐fed infants (also known as weaning). Current UK guidance states that complementary feeding should occur around 6 months but not before 4 months. This systematic review explores how parents in the UK, with an infant under 24 months of age, engage with sources of information and advice about complementary feeding. Engaging with sources of information can influence parents' feeding choices and so a better understanding of parents' information behaviours can improve service provisions. Six databases were searched, identifying 15 relevant qualitative studies with the predefined criteria. Data from each study were coded line by line allowing for a synthesis of higher analytical themes. Using thematic synthesis, four main themes were observed: (1) trust and rapport—parents valued information from a trusted source (2), accessibility—information needs were often time sensitive, and parents showed varying levels of understanding, (3) adapting feeding plans—often influenced by practicalities (4), being a good parent—feeding plans were changed to comply with societal ideas of ‘good parenting’. The review concluded that parents receive information and advice about complementary feeding from multiple sources and are highly motivated to seek further information. The scope of this novel review explored the parental experience of finding, receiving and engaging with information sources and how this may or may not have influenced their feeding behaviours. The review has provided a new perspective to add to the growing body of literature that focuses on the experience of feeding an infant.
Relationship between corneal tissue and shape in short‐term soft contact lens wear
Authors: Consejo Alejandra , Roman Denisa M. , Roll Vanesa , Remon Laura
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To investigate which morphometric and ocular surface tissue parameters are affected by short‐term soft contact lens (CL) wear and to assess whether they carry related or independent information.

Methods

Twenty‐two healthy participants wore silicone hydrogel (SiHy; MyDay, CooperVision) soft CLs for 8 h in their left eye. Corneal tomography and corneoscleral topography were captured before and immediately after CL wear. Central corneal thickness (CCT), corneoscleral parameters (limbus position and corneoscleral junction [CSJ] angle) and corneal tissue parameters (corneal transparency and homogeneity) were evaluated.

Results

Corneoscleral parameters (limbus position and CSJ angle) were independent of corneal tissue parameters (transparency and homogeneity) at baseline and after CL wear. CCT was independent of all the other parameters examined at baseline, but baseline values of corneal tissue parameters were moderately correlated with CCT change (transparency: r = −0.51; p = 0.007), homogeneity: r = −0.46; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

A complete characterisation of ocular surface changes following CL wear should consider corneoscleral topography and corneal densitometry simultaneously, since they carry complementary information.
Optimisation of skin phototype classification
Authors: Lim Sophie S. , Mohammad Tasneem F. , Kohli Indermeet , Hamzavi Iltefat , Rodrigues Michelle
Published: August 2023

Understanding individuals' skin pigmentation and photosensitivity is important in judging risk of skin cancer and response to certain treatment modalities. However, individuals with darkly pigmented skin are poorly represented in the widely used Fitzpatrick skin phototype (FST) system. Moreover, the FST system is prone to misuse, as it relies on subjective patient and clinician assessment of skin type, and does not clearly differentiate pigmentation from photosensitivity. By evaluating the key literature surrounding the FST system, its criticisms and proposed alternatives, this review serves to understand how skin phototype classification can be optimised.
Neonatal hyperkalemia associated with maternal ritodrine: A retrospective study
Authors: Suga Kenichi , Wakata Yoshifumi , Suzuki Manami , Takeuchi Shunsuke , Suzue Masashi , Nakagawa Ryuji , Urushihara Maki
Published: August 2023

Background

We recently reported on a late preterm infant born at 36 weeks’ gestation with serious arrhythmia due to hyperkalemia associated with long‐term maternal ritodrine administration. It is unknown whether ritodrine alone increases the risk of neonatal hyperkalemia in infants born at 34–36 weeks’ gestation.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective, cohort study enrolled late preterm infants (34–36 gestational weeks) born between 2004 and 2018. Cases with maternal magnesium sulfate use were not sufficient for statistical analysis and so were excluded from the study. Risk factors for the occurrence of hyperkalemia were determined based on clinical relevance and previous reports.

Results

In all, 212 late preterm infants with maternal ritodrine use and 400 infants without tocolysis were included in the study. Neonatal hyperkalemia occurred in 5.7% (12/212) in the ritodrine group and 1.8% (7/400) in the control group. The risk of neonatal hyperkalemia was significantly increased by maternal ritodrine administration with a crude odds ratio (OR) of 3.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30–8.69; p < 0.01) and an adjusted OR of 3.71 (95% CI: 1.41–9.74; p < 0.01) on multivariable analysis. Long‐term tocolysis (≥28 days) with ritodrine increased the risk of neonatal hyperkalemia with 9.3% (11/118) of infants developing hyperkalemia (adjusted OR 4.86; 95% CI: 1.59–14.83; p < 0.01). Neonatal hyperkalemia was not found within 2 weeks of ritodrine administration.

Conclusion

This research suggests that late preterm infants born after long‐term ritodrine administration are at risk of neonatal hyperkalemia and require special attention.
The many faces of entrepreneurial loneliness
Authors: Cardon Melissa S. , Arwine Rebecca P.
Published: August 2023

Loneliness, involving a complex set of feelings that occurs when social needs are not adequately met, has been described as a worldwide modern epidemic. Despite its infiltration into all occupations, loneliness may be especially problematic for those in extreme occupations, such as entrepreneurs, who deal with acute levels of uncertainty, resource constraints, responsibility, and time pressure. Disparate prior findings suggest that entrepreneurs may be especially prone to loneliness, less prone to loneliness, or that they may have unique coping mechanisms that allow them to effectively manage loneliness. This conflicting evidence suggests that we have an incomplete understanding of loneliness within entrepreneurship, specifically, and extreme occupational contexts more generally. Integrating literature on loneliness, well‐being, and entrepreneurship, we conduct a qualitative, inductive study analyzing over 9000 Reddit posts drawn from online entrepreneurship communities where individuals seek and offer advice on how to address entrepreneurial loneliness. In applying appraisal theory to interpret our findings, we discover that whereas some entrepreneurs experience loneliness as threatening and harmful, others experience loneliness as positive or irrelevant, contrary to existing literature that points to loneliness as wholly negative. As such, we uncover several different processes through which entrepreneurs appraise and cope with their loneliness, as well as occupationally unique outcomes for entrepreneurs if loneliness is not coped with effectively. Our findings and emergent theoretical model of the loneliness process in this extreme occupation have important implications for research and practice regarding loneliness, well‐being, and the psychological and mental health of entrepreneurs.
Characteristics of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in patients with different stages of schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Zhou Zhaoqin , Li Junhui , Jiang Jie , Luo Yulin , Yingzi Ming
Published: August 2023

Immune cells are important for the development of schistosomiasis japonica and are also critical for the treatment of schistosomiasis. The immune cells in the peripheral blood help assess the immune state. The peripheral lymphocytes in schistosomiasis mansoni were well studied; however, immune cells in patients with different stages of schistosomiasis japonica are not well analysed. Here, we performed a preliminary study to explore characteristics of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in patients with different stages of schistosomiasis japonica. 135 patients with Schistosoma japonicum infection and 25 healthy volunteers were included in this study, including 84 patients with chronic S. japonicum infection and 51 patients with advanced S. japonicum infection. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate peripheral lymphocytes including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Blood routine and liver function test data were analysed. Ultrasound examination was used to access liver fibrosis according to the World Health Organization standard about ultrasound in schistosomiasis. Demographic data analysis suggested there was no difference in age and gender in patients with S. japonicum infection and health control group. Liver function tests showed that patients with advanced schistosomiasis had a higher incidence of liver function abnormality and blood lipid than those with chronic schistosomiasis. Blood routine results reflected that haemoglobin, red blood cells, platelets, as well as lymphocytes in the advanced group were significantly less than that in the chronic group. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis indicated that the percentage of CD4+ T cells was lower in the advanced group, but the percentage of CD19+ B cells was higher in the advanced group. In addition, the number of CD3+ T cells, CD3+ CD4+ T cells, CD3+ CD8+ T cells, and NK cells was less in the advanced group when compared with those in the chronic group. In addition, there was a correlation between the decrease in CD4+ T cells and more severe fibrosis on ultrasound images. Our results indicated that the immune state in the peripheral is different in different stages of S. japonicum infection. Lymphocyte subset analysis has potential to facilitate differential diagnosis of different stages of schistosomiasis japonica and even to be a prognostic factor.
Composition of galactolipids, betaine lipids and triglyceride‐associated fatty acids of the symbiotic dinoflagellate Zooxanthella (Brandtodinium) nutricula: A glimpse into polyunsaturated fatty acids available to its polycystine radiolarian host
Authors: Graeff Jori E. , Leblond Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2023

Zooxanthella nutricula is a photosynthetic dinoflagellate symbiont of polycystine radiolarians. As such, it is hypothesized to provide fixed organic carbon, including in the form of acylglycerolipids and sterols, to its non‐photosynthetic host. We have previously characterized the sterols of Z. nutricula that may be transferred to its host and, in the present study, have turned our attention to three classes of fatty acid‐containing lipids, chloroplast‐associated galactolipids, betaine lipids, which are non‐phosphorylated phospholipid analogs present in many eukaryotes, and triglycerides. Zooxanthella nutricula was observed using positive‐ion electrospray/mass spectrometry (ESI/MS) and ESI/MS/MS to produce the galactolipids mono‐ and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG and DGDG, respectively) enriched in octadecapentaenoic (18:5(n‐3)) and octadecatetraenoic (18:4(n‐3)) acid to place it within a group of peridinin‐containing dinoflagellates in a C18/C18 (sn‐1/sn‐2 fatty acid regiochemistry) cluster, as opposed to another cluster with C20/C18 MGDG and DGDG, where the C20 fatty acid is eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5(n‐3)) and the C18 fatty acid is either 18:5(n‐3) or 18:4(n‐3). Zooxanthella nutricula was also observed to produce 38:10 (total number of fatty acid carbons:total number of double bonds), 38:6, and 44:7 diacylglycerylcarboxyhydroxymethylcholine (DGCC) as the sole type of betaine lipid. Although it is more difficult to determine which fatty acids are present in the sn‐1 and sn‐2 positions on the glycerol backbone of DGCC using ESI/MS/MS, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)‐based examination indicated the putatively DGCC‐associated polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) docosahexaenoic acid (22:6(n‐3)). Coupled with the C18 PUFAs of MGDG and DGDG, and fatty acids associated with triglycerides (also examined via GC/MS), Z. nutricula could serve as a rich source of PUFAs for its radiolarian host. These data demonstrate that Z. nutricula produces a similar set of PUFA‐containing lipids as Symbiodinium microadriaticum, a photosynthetic dinoflagellate symbiont of cnidarians, indicating a metabolic commonality in these phylogenetically discrete dinoflagellate symbionts with unrelated host organisms.
Evacuate or social distance? Modeling the influence of threat perceptions on hurricane evacuation in a dual‐threat environment
Authors: Wu Hao‐Che , Murphy Haley , Greer Alex , Clay Lauren
Published: August 2023

This study investigates how different risk predictors influenced households’ evacuation decisions during a dual‐threat event (Hurricane Laura and COVID‐19 pandemic). The Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) literature indicates that perceived threat variables are the most influential variables that drive evacuation decisions. This study applies the PADM to investigate a dual‐threat disaster that has conflicting protective action recommendations. Given the novelty, scale, span, impact, and messaging around COVID‐19, it is crucial to see how hurricanes along the Gulf Coast—a hazard addressed seasonally by residents with mostly consistent protective action messaging—produce different reactions in residents in this pandemic context. Household survey data were collected during early 2021 using a disproportionate stratified sampling procedure to include households located in mandatory and voluntary evacuation areas across the coastal counties in Texas and parishes in Louisiana that were affected by Hurricane Laura. Structural equation modeling was used to identify the relationships between perceived threats and evacuation decisions. The findings suggest affective risk perceptions strongly affected cognitive risk perceptions (CRPs). Notably, hurricane and COVID‐19 CRPs are significant predictors of hurricane evacuation decisions in different ways. Hurricane CRPs encourage evacuation, but COVID‐19 CRPs hinder evacuation decisions.
An efficient automatic clustering algorithm for probability density functions and its applications in surface material classification
Authors: Nguyen‐Trang Thao , Vo‐Van Tai , Che‐Ngoc Ha
Published: August 2023

Clustering is a technique used to partition a dataset into groups of similar elements. In addition to traditional clustering methods, clustering for probability density functions (CDF) has been studied to capture data uncertainty. In CDF, automatic clustering is a clever technique that can determine the number of clusters automatically. However, current automatic clustering algorithms update the new probability density function (pdf) based on the weighted mean of all previous pdfs , resulting in slow convergence. This paper proposes an efficient automatic clustering algorithm for pdfs. In the proposed approach, the update of is based on the weighted mean of , where is the number of pdfs and . This technique allows for the incorporation of recently updated pdfs, leading to faster convergence. This paper also pioneers the applications of certain CDF algorithms in the field of surface image recognition. The numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method can result in a rapid convergence at some early iterations. It also outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art automatic clustering methods in terms of the Adjusted Rand Index and the Normalized Mutual Information. Additionally, the proposed algorithm proves to be competitive when clustering material images contaminated by noise. These results highlight the applicability of the proposed method in the problem of surface image recognition.
Identification of the HLA‐B*15:665 and HLA‐C*12:02:02:23 alleles in individuals from the South Asia
Authors: Rajak Jyoti , Tambe Manisha , D'Silva Selma Z. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: August 2023

The novel HLA‐B*15:665 and HLA‐C*12:02:02:23 alleles were detected during the routine HLA typing process.
Research hotspot and trend of chronic wounds: A bibliometric analysis from 2013 to 2022
Authors: Chen Xinghan , Shi Xiujun , Xiao Haitao , Xiao Dongqin , Xu Xuewen
Published: August 2023

Chronic wounds have been confirmed as a vital health problem facing people in the global population aging process. While significant progress has been achieved in the study of chronic wounds, the treatment effect should be further improved. The number of publications regarding chronic wounds has been rising rapidly. In this study, bibliometric analysis was conducted to explore the hotspots and trends in the research on chronic wounds. All relevant studies on chronic wounds between 2013 and 2022 were collected from the PubMed database of the Web of Science (WOS) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The data were processed and visualised using a series of software. On that basis, more insights can be gained into hotspots and trends of this research field. Wound Repair and Regeneration has the highest academic achievement in the field of chronic wound research. The United States has been confirmed as the most productive country, and the University of California System ranks high among other institutions. Augustin, M. is the author of the most published study, and Frykberg, RG et al. published the most cited study. Furthermore, the hotspots of wound research over the last decade were identified (e.g., bandages, infection and biofilms, pathophysiology and therapy). This study will help researchers gain insights into chronic wound research's hotspots and trends accurately and quickly. Moreover, the exploration of bacterial biofilm and the pathophysiological mechanism of the chronic wound will lay a solid foundation and clear direction for treating chronic wounds.
Managerial power bases and its relationship to influence tactics and conflict management styles: Bedside nurses' perspective
Authors: Abou Hashish Ebtsam , Alnajjar Hend , Al Saddon Arwa
Published: August 2023

Background

Having robust power sources and employing effective influence tactics are essential leadership skills for nurse managers in managing human resources, providing quality care, and managing workplace conflict among nurses.

Aims

The present study aimed to investigate how bedside nurses perceived their nurse managers' power bases, influence tactics, and conflict management styles. Furthermore, the study investigated the relationship among power bases, influence tactics, and conflict management styles.

Methods

A descriptive correlational study was conducted at the inpatient care unit of a Saudi hospital. A convenient sample of n = 230 nurses completed the Power Base scale, Influence Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ‐R), and Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory‐II (ROCI‐II).

Results

Nurses believed their managers were most likely to use referent, legitimate, and expert sources to exercise their power; appreciation and consultation tactics to influence others; and an integrative style to manage conflict. Significant positive correlations were found between the perceived overall power bases and each of the influence behaviors and conflict management styles (r = .466, r = .383, p < .05, respectively). The values of the regression coefficient of power bases significantly contribute to the prediction of 67.8% and 42.2% of the explained variance of influence behaviors and conflict management styles, respectively. In addition, influence behaviors can play a mediating role in this prediction.

Linking Evidence to Action

Nurse managers should be able to demonstrate the benefit of controlling a wide range of power bases and know how to use influence behaviors and conflict management styles skillfully in each situation to achieve desired goals.
Discovery-Based Approach Combined with Active Learning to Improve Student Learning Experiences for STEM Students
Authors: Karan Ebrahim
Published: August 2023

A survey is administered to understand the application of active learning in undergraduate STEM courses. The findings observed over an academic year reflect current trends in the use of active learning. A combination of discovery-based learning and Pro-Con Grids is then used to improve long-term retention among STEM students. Students in a STEM course were provided with a course lecture prior to in-class sessions. A quiz was used for each lecture to gain insight into students’ understanding and to evaluate the effectiveness of the learning method. To measure the effectiveness of the proposed discovery-based learning two categories of metrics are used: learners' outcomes (grades) and survey (process measure) with 64 participants. The responses from the students show that discovery-based learning convinced students to find and use information rather than memorizing and repeating concepts and facilitate effective group work. In addition, the grade comparisons for three semesters indicate that the higher the use of discovery learning during the course the higher the course grades are found to be.
Transmission and contraction fatigue of rat motor units in relation to succinate dehydrogenase activity of motor unit fibres.
Authors: Kugelberg E , Lindegren B
Published: August 2023

1. The fatigue in rat anterior tibial (a.t.) motor units was studied and related to microphotometric determinations of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity of the motor unit muscle fibres. 2. Anterior tibial contains fast‐twitch type II fibre units with an average contraction time of 11 msec and about 5% slow‐twitch type I fibre units with an average contraction time of 20 msec. 3. In type II fibres stained for SDH, absorbance varied continuously from 0.046 to 0.569 and inversely to fibre size, except for the largest fibres. 4. Resistance to fatigue of fast motor units to 100 Hz intermittent stimulation varied continuously within a wide range in near linear relations to absorbance for SDH of unit fibres and inversely to tetanic tension, except for motor units with the largest fibres and the largest tetanic tension. 5. Neither resistance to fatigue nor SDH activity lent itself to any categorization of motor units or fibres into well demarcated functional or histochemical types, since both parameters varied continuously in the unit and fibre population of the muscle. 6. The direct relation between resistance to fatigue of fast‐twitch motor units and SDH activity of unit fibres appeared valid for fatigue resistance of: (a) neuromuscular transmission, tested with 100 Hz intermittent stimulation which gave concomitant failure of electrical and mechanical response, (b) excitation‐‐contraction coupling, demonstrated by post‐stimulatory depression of twitch tension with preserved maximum tetanus tension and action potential, and (c) contractile mechanism; excitation‐‐contraction coupling?, tested with low frequency stimulation which gave decline of twitch and maximum tetanus tension with preserved action potential. 7. It is suggested that the endurance of each link in the chain of events leading to contraction, including neuromuscular junction and the excitation‐‐contraction coupling system, is under aerobic conditions matched to the contractile capacity of the fibre expressed by its oxidative enzyme activity.
On the role of extracellular calcium in triggering contraction in muscle fibres from barnacle under membrane potential control.
Authors: Hidalgo J , Luxoro M , Rojas E
Published: August 2023

1. Single giant barnacle muscle fibres from Megabalanus psittacus (Darwin) were used to establish the possible role of extracellular Ca2+ in triggering the contraction. 2. Peak tension p0 during twitches elicited by depolarizing voltage clamp pulses decreases after the removal of Ca2+ from the external saline. p0 becomes too small to measure after a few minutes, when the model‐estimated level of total intracellular Ca has been reduced to 99.5% of its original value and the extracellular Ca in the clefts and/or tubules to about 10%. 3. In fibres where the outward currents were blocked by internal perfusion with Cs+, the curves of the integral of the inward current versus membrane potential and of peak tension versus membrane potential follow a similar pattern. 4. When Ca2+ in the external saline was replaced by Ba2+ or Sr2+, no twitches were generated although depolarizing voltage clamp pulses induced large inward currents comparable to those measured when Ca2+ was present. 5. It is concluded that an increase in Ca2+ in the fibre during the Ca2+ inward current is a necessary condition for the triggering of the development of tension. The data on Ba2+ inhibition is consistent with the hypothesis that there are two different intracellular sites of action for Ca2+.
The effects of acetylcholine and dopamine on carotid chemosensory activity in the rabbit.
Authors: Docherty R J , McQueen D S
Published: August 2023

1. Intracarotid (I.C.) injection of either acetylcholine (ACh) or dopamine inhibited spontaneous chemosensory activity recorded from the peripheral cut end of the sinus nerve in the anaesthetized rabbit. 2. High doses of ACh (greater than or equal to 50 micrograms I.C.) evoked a slight increase in discharge which preceded the inhibition. This excitation was attributable to a nicotinic action of the drug since it was abolished by mecamylamine. 3. The muscarinic agonist bethanechol inhibited chemoreceptor activity, an effect which was blocked by high doses of atropine, as was the inhibition caused by ACh. Dopamine‐induced inhibition was unaffected by atropine. 4. Atropine, in doses sufficient to abolish the vasodepressor effect of ACh, only slightly reduced the inhibitory action of ACh on the chemoreceptors. Also, the vasodilators sodium nitrite and sodium nitroprusside did not appreciably alter chemosensory discharge. It seems unlikely, therefore, that the inhibitory response to ACh is secondary to vascular changes. 5. The inhibitory response to dopamine, but not that to ACh, was blocked by the dopamine antagonist alpha‐flupenthixol. This implies that inhibition of chemosensory activity evoked by exogenous ACh was not secondary to dopamine release. 6. The implications of the results are discussed, particularly with regard to the possible physiological role of ACh as a modulator of carotid chemosensory activity.
Dependence of p‐aminohippurate transport on calcium in canine renal cortical slices
Authors: Baker Jeffrey T.
Published: August 2023

1. Experiments were conducted on renal cortical slices from sixty‐one adult mongrel dogs in order to evaluate the relationship between p‐aminohippurate (PAH) transport and calcium. Tissues were found to be viable for at least 180 min.

2. PAH uptake and the slice/medium (S/M) concentration ratio increased in normal tissues from 3 to 90 min whether data were expressed on a tissue weight or protein content basis. PAH uptake increased with time in calcium‐depleted tissues, but all values were lower than normal. At 90 min, PAH S/M in calcium‐depleted tissues (4·20 ± 0·18) was reduced 40% compared to normal tissues (6·90 ± 0·23).

3. Over the time period of 3‐90 min incubation, protein concentration ranged from 89·4 to 99·4 mg/g cortex in calcium‐depleted tissues. During the same time period in normal tissues, protein concentration ranged from 105 to 117·6 mg/g cortex. No change was observed in medium protein concentration of calcium‐depleted tissues.

4. Lineweaver—Burke analysis showed similar values for Km in normal and calcium‐depleted tissues (0·45‐0·50 μmole ml.−1) although Vmax fell from control values of 0·082 to 0·052 μmole g−1 min−1 during calcium depletion.

5. After 90 min incubation, addition of EGTA (7, 14 or 21 × 10−3
M) to media containing calcium was associated with decreased S/M and uptake rates compared to control values from the same animals. The decreases observed were similar to those seen in tissues incubated in calcium‐free media.

6. Increased cell volume in the presence of calcium was not associated with decreased PAH uptake. Removal of calcium in association with constant cell volume was associated with reduced PAH uptake. Replacement of calcium, but not magnesium, is associated with a return of uptake to normal rates.

7. It is concluded that (a) calcium removal causes increased water uptake into cells, (b) calcium removal causes a reduced Vmax, (c) calcium is required for maintenance of intracellular PAH, (d) the effect of calcium on PAH is specific and reversible, and (e) the effect of calcium is not mediated by volume changes.
Evidence for primary afferent depolarization of single tooth‐pulp afferents in the cat.
Authors: Lisney S J
Published: August 2023

1. Responses of single tooth‐pulp afferents to electrical stimulation of sites in the trigeminal sensory nuclear complex were recorded from caine teeth in cats. 2. Changes in the excitability of the central terminals of a pulpal afferent after stimulation of other groups of sensory nerves were taken as evidence for changes in their polarization. 3. Electrical stimulation of nerves in other teeth resulted in raised excitability of the central terminals of pulpal afferents lasting up to 300 msec. The greatest effects were observed 30‐‐100 msec after the conditioning stimulus. 4. Increased terminal excitability was also observed after the ipsilateral infraorbital nerve was stimulated. This occurred when only nerve fibres with conduction velocities in the A alpha range were excited. 5. Mechanical stimulation of a canine tooth produced increases in terminal excitability of pulpal afferents innervating the same tooth. 6. A similar effect was also observed after a brief pull on a group of ipsilateral mystacial vibrissae. 7. No evidence of decreases in the excitability of the central terminals of tooth‐pulp afferents was obtained with any of the conditioning stimuli.
The control of blood flow through human forearm muscles following brief isometric contractions.
Authors: Lind A R , Williams C A
Published: August 2023

1. The blood flow through the forearm was measured 2 sec after single, brief isometric hand‐grip contractions. The tension and duration of those contractions varied from 10 to 100% of the maximal voluntary contraction (m.v.c.) and from 2 to 12 sec, respectively. 2. The blood flow increased linearly with tension up to about 60% m.v.c. but further increases in tension, up to 100% m.v.c., did not elicit higher blood flows than were found at 60% m.v.c. The same relationship between tension and the resultant blood flow held for all durations of contractions, from 2 to 12 sec. The blood flow immediately after (2 sec) contractions at a given tension increased linearly with the duration of the contraction, from 2 to 12 sec. Maximal exercise blood flow was approached only in response to the longest contractions (12 sec) at tensions of 60% m.v.c. or higher. 3. Brief alterations (2‐‐5 sec) of transmural pressure across blood vessels did not result in a significant change of blood flow, either in the resting forearm or when the vessels were dilated by brief, isometric contractions. When the tension was applied or released either rapidly or gradually ('ramp' contractions) there was no correlation between the rate of change of stretch on arterial vessels and the resultant blood flow. However, there was a direct relationship between a force‐‐time integral (duration of contraction x peak tension) and blood flow. All these results make it clear that changes in blood flow in the forearm elicited by brief isometric contractions are not the result of a myogenic reflex but are metabolically induced. 4. Successive contractions exerted at 60% m.v.c. for 4 sec induced a blood flow of 21.2 +/‐ 1.6 ml.min‐1.100 ml.‐1 when a rest interval of 8 sec was allowed between the contractions. Blood flows remained constant at this submaximal level, even when muscular fatigue was induced, and when there was an accompanying large increase in blood pressure. 5. Isometric muscular activity by the contralateral arm which resulted in fatigue, associated with a large increase in mean blood pressure, did not alter the level of vasodilation that was induced by brief, isometric contractions in the 'test' arm. 6. It is suggested that the vasodilatation in response to intermittent isometric contractions is the result of metabolic vasodilatation of distal segments and continued sympathetic vasoconstriction of the proximal segments of the forearm vascular bed.
Augmented Reality Interface for Robot-Sensor Coordinate Registration
Authors: Nguyen Vinh , Liu Xiaofeng , Marvel Jeremy
Published: August 2023

Accurate registration of Cartesian coordinate systems is necessary to facilitate metrology-based solutions for industrial robots in production environments. Conducting coordinate registration between industrial robots and their metrological systems requires measuring multiple points in the robot’s and sensor system’s coordinate frames. However, operators lack intuitive tools to interface, visualize, and characterize the quality of the selected points in the robot workspace for robot–sensor coordinate registration. This article proposes an augmented reality system for human-in-the-loop, robot–sensor coordinate registration to efficiently record and visualize the pose-dependent quality of computing the robot–sensor transformation. Furthermore, this work establishes metrics to define the relative quality of measurement points used in robot–sensor coordinate registration, which is shown by the augmented reality application. Experiments were conducted demonstrating the augmented reality environment in addition to investigating the pose dependency of the measurement point quality. The results indicate that the proposed metrics highlight the dependency of the poses on both robot and sensor placement and that the augmented reality system can provide a human-in-the-loop interface for robot–sensor coordinate registration.
Human Digital Twin, the Development and Impact on Design
Authors: Song Yu (Wolf)
Published: August 2023

In the past decade, human digital twins (HDTs) attracted attention in both digital twin (DT) applications and beyond. In this paper, we discuss the concept and the development of HDTs, focusing on their architecture, key enabling technologies, and (potential) applications. Based on the literature, we identify personal data, model, and interface as three key modules in the proposed HDT architecture, supported by a data lake of human data and a model and interface library. Regarding the key enabling technologies that support the HDT functions, we envision that the internet of things (IoT) infrastructure, data security, wearables, human modeling, explainable artificial intelligence (AI), minimum viable sensing, and data visualization are closely associated with the development of HDTs. Finally, we investigate current applications of HDTs, with a particular emphasis on the opportunities that arise from leveraging HDTs in the field of personalized product design.
Radiation damage in GaN/AlGaN and SiC electronic and photonic devices
Authors: Pearton S. J. , Xia Xinyi , Ren Fan , Rasel Md Abu Jafar , Stepanoff Sergei , Al-Mamun Nahid , Haque Aman , Wolfe Douglas E.
Published: August 2023

The wide bandgap semiconductors SiC and GaN are commercialized for power electronics and for visible to UV light-emitting diodes in the case of the GaN/InGaN/AlGaN materials system. For power electronics applications, SiC MOSFETs (metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistors) and rectifiers and GaN/AlGaN HEMTs and vertical rectifiers provide more efficient switching at high-power levels than do Si devices and are now being used in electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure. These devices also have applications in more electric aircraft and space missions where high temperatures and extreme environments are involved. In this review, their inherent radiation hardness, defined as the tolerance to total doses, is compared to Si devices. This is higher for the wide bandgap semiconductors, due in part to their larger threshold energies for creating defects (atomic bond strength) and more importantly due to their high rates of defect recombination. However, it is now increasingly recognized that heavy-ion-induced catastrophic single-event burnout in SiC and GaN power devices commonly occurs at voltages ∼50% of the rated values. The onset of ion-induced leakage occurs above critical power dissipation within the epitaxial regions at high linear energy transfer rates and high applied biases. The amount of power dissipated along the ion track determines the extent of the leakage current degradation. The net result is the carriers produced along the ion track undergo impact ionization and thermal runaway. Light-emitting devices do not suffer from this mechanism since they are forward-biased. Strain has also recently been identified as a parameter that affects radiation susceptibility of the wide bandgap devices.
Experimental characterization of a shape optimized acoustic lens: Application to compact speakerphone design
Authors: Andersen Peter Risby , Lee Gyeong-Tae , Nielsen Daniel Gert , Kook Junghwan , Cutanda Henríquez Vicente , Aage Niels , Park Yong-Hwa
Published: August 2023

This work presents the shape optimization and subsequent experimental validation of an acoustic lens with application to a compact loudspeaker, such as found in commercial speakerphones. The shape optimization framework is based on a combined lumped parameter and boundary element method model using free form deformation geometry parameterization. To test the optimized design, the loudspeaker lens is three-dimensionally printed and experimentally characterized under anechoic conditions on a finite baffle with respect to its off-axis frequency response. The overall tendencies of the frequency responses agree well between measurement and simulations within the optimization frequency range and at low frequencies. The optimization process is applied to a model including acoustic lumped parameter approximations. The shortcomings of the assumptions made in the model are revealed by laser Doppler vibrometer measurements of the loudspeaker driver and modelling of the mechanical vibrations of the lens.
Nonadiabatically Driven Subcritical Crack Nucleation in Solids
Authors: Khon Yu. A.
Published: August 2023

This paper discusses a subcritical crack nucleation mechanism in a brittle solid within a real range of applied stress. A medium deformed by uniaxial tension is considered as an open nonequilibrium system of nuclei and electrons. Structural relaxation of the medium begins with the excitation of dynamic displacements during nonadiabatic Landau–Zener transitions. Dynamic displacements induce the instability of the medium to the longitudinal displacement wave. The kinetics of structural relaxation is described by two nonlinear parabolic kinetic equations for dynamic order parameters. Conditions are derived for the existence of localized solutions (autosolitons). The excitation of autosolitons leads to local elongation and cross-sectional reduction of the specimen. The resulting neck is a subcritical crack.
Development and internal validation of a Neonatal Healthcare-associated infectiOn Prediction score (NeoHoP score) for very low birthweight infants in low-resource settings: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Lloyd Lizel G , van Weissenbruch Mirjam Maria , Dramowski Angela , Gleeson Birgitta , Ferreyra Cecilia , Bekker Adrie
Published: August 2023

Background and objectives

Early diagnosis of neonatal infection is essential to prevent serious complications and to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. The prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among very low birthweight (VLBW; <1500 g) infants is 20%; and the mortality in low-resource settings can be as high as 70%. This study aimed to develop an Infection Prediction Score to diagnose bacterial HAIs.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of VLBW infants investigated for HAI was randomised into two unmatched cohorts. The first cohort was used for development of the score, and the second cohort was used for the internal validation thereof. Potential predictors included risk factors, clinical features, interventions, and laboratory data. The model was developed based on logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study population of 655 VLBW infants with 1116 episodes of clinically suspected HAIs was used to develop the model. The model had five significant variables: capillary refill time >3 s, lethargy, abdominal distention, presence of a central venous catheter in the previous 48 hours and a C reactive protein ≥10 mg/L. The area below the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.868. A score of ≥2 had a sensitivity of 54.2% and a specificity of 96.4%.

Conclusion

A novel Infection Prediction Score for HAIs among VLBW infants may be an important tool for healthcare providers working in low-resource settings but external validation needs to be performed before widespread use can be recommended.
H3K4 trimethylation regulates cancer immunity: a promising therapeutic target in combination with immunotherapy
Authors: Xiao Chu , Fan Tao , Zheng Yujia , Tian He , Deng Ziqin , Liu Jingjing , Li Chunxiang , He Jie
Published: August 2023

With the advances in cancer immunity regulation and immunotherapy, the effects of histone modifications on establishing antitumor immunological ability are constantly being uncovered. Developing combination therapies involving epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs) and immune checkpoint blockades or chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapies are promising to improve the benefits of immunotherapy. Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) is a pivotal epigenetic modification in cancer immunity regulation, deeply involved in modulating tumor immunogenicity, reshaping tumor immune microenvironment, and regulating immune cell functions. However, how to integrate these theoretical foundations to create novel H3K4 trimethylation-based therapeutic strategies and optimize available therapies remains uncertain. In this review, we delineate the mechanisms by which H3K4me3 and its modifiers regulate antitumor immunity, and explore the therapeutic potential of the H3K4me3-related agents combined with immunotherapies. Understanding the role of H3K4me3 in cancer immunity will be instrumental in developing novel epigenetic therapies and advancing immunotherapy-based combination regimens.
Functional tumor cell-intrinsic STING, not host STING, drives local and systemic antitumor immunity and therapy efficacy following cryoablation
Authors: Alshebremi Mohammad , Tomchuck Suzanne L , Myers Jay T , Kingsley Daniel T , Eid Saada , Abiff Muta , Bonner Melissa , Saab Shahrazad T , Choi Sung Hee , Huang Alex Yee-Chen
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite its potential utility in delivering direct tumor killing and in situ whole-cell tumor vaccination, tumor cryoablation produces highly variable and unpredictable clinical response, limiting its clinical utility. The mechanism(s) driving cryoablation-induced local antitumor immunity and the associated abscopal effect is not well understood.

Methods

The aim of this study was to identify and explore a mechanism of action by which cryoablation enhances the therapeutic efficacy in metastatic tumor models. We used the subcutaneous mouse model of the rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cell lines RMS 76-9STINGwtor RMS 76-9STING-/-, along with other murine tumor models, in C57BL/6 or STING-/-(TMEM173-/-) mice to evaluate local tumor changes, lung metastasis, abscopal effect on distant tumors, and immune cell dynamics in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Results

The results show that cryoablation efficacy is dependent on both adaptive immunity and the STING signaling pathway. Contrary to current literature dictating an essential role of host-derived STING activation as a driver of antitumor immunity in vivo, we show that local tumor control, lung metastasis, and the abscopal effect on distant tumor are all critically dependent on a functioning tumor cell-intrinsic STING signaling pathway, which induces inflammatory chemokine and cytokine responses in the cryoablated TME. This reliance extends beyond cryoablation to include intratumoral STING agonist therapy. Additionally, surveys of gene expression databases and tissue microarrays of clinical tumor samples revealed a wide spectrum of expressions among STING-related signaling components.

Conclusions

Tumor cell-intrinsic STING pathway is a critical component underlying the effectiveness of cryoablation and suggests that expression of STING-related signaling components may serve as a potential therapy response biomarker. Our data also highlight an urgent need to further characterize tumor cell-intrinsic STING pathways and the associated downstream inflammatory response evoked by cryoablation and other STING-dependent therapy approaches.
Relative importance of inflammation and cardiorespiratory fitness for all-cause mortality risk in persons with rheumatoid arthritis: the population-based Trøndelag Health Study
Authors: Videm Vibeke , Liff Marthe Halsan , Hoff Mari
Published: August 2023

Objective

Inflammation and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with increased mortality rates in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed at directly comparing the relative importance of inflammation and reduced CRF as mediators of all-cause mortality in persons with RA compared with controls, quantifying direct and indirect (mediated) effects.

Methods

Persons with (n=223, cases) and without (n=31 684, controls) RA from the third survey of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3, 2006–2008) were included. Inflammation was quantified using C reactive protein (CRP) and estimated CRF (eCRF) was calculated using published formulae. All-cause mortality was found by linkage to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry, with follow-up from inclusion in HUNT3 until death or 31 December 2018. Data were analysed using standardised equation modelling, permitting complex correlations among variables.

Results

Persons with RA had increased all-cause mortality rates (24.1% vs 9.9%, p<0.001). Both eCRF (p<0.001) and CRP ≥3 mg/L (p<0.001) were mediators of this excess mortality, rendering the direct effect of RA non-significant (p=0.19). The indirect effect of RA mediated by eCRF (standardised coefficient 0.006) was approximately three times higher than the indirect effect mediated by CRP (standardised coefficient 0.002) in a model adjusted for other mortality risk factors.

Conclusion

Even with CRP concentrations <3 mg/L in all patients with RA, excess mortality mediated by low CRF would still play an important role. Improved inflammation control in RA does not necessarily lead to better CRF. Therefore, our study strongly supports recommendations for development and implementation of exercise programmes aimed at improving CRF in persons with RA.
GENERALIZED CANTOR-INTEGERS AND INTERVAL DENSITY OF HOMOGENEOUS CANTOR SETS
Authors: CHEN JIN , WANG XIN-YU
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we study the generalized Cantor-integers [Formula: see text] with the base conversion function [Formula: see text] being strictly increasing and satisfying [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We show that the sequence [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is dense in the closed interval with the endpoints being its inferior and superior, respectively. Moreover, every homogeneous Cantor set [Formula: see text] satisfying open set condition can be induced by some generalized Cantor-integers, we get the exact point which attains the maximal interval density of the form [Formula: see text] with respect to the self-similar probability measure supported on [Formula: see text]. This result partially confirms a conjecture of E. Ayer and R. S. Strichartz [Exact Hausdorff measure and intervals of maximum density for Cantor sets, Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 351(9) (1999) 3725–3741].