bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Recreational Interests of Black Undergraduate Students Attending Historically White Institutions
Authors: Howard Keith , Bocarro Jason N. , Floyd Myron F. , Sanderson Heather
Published: April 2022

Research shows that collegiate recreation contributes to a greater sense of campus belonging for undergraduate students. Few studies, however, have examined the recreational interests of Black undergraduate students attending four-year colleges and universities. As part of a study comparing recreational preferences of Black and White students attending historically White institutions, 150 Black and 154 White undergraduate students were surveyed related to their interest in 27 recreational activities. Significant differences existed in several categories, but overall interest in outdoor recreation among Black undergraduate students was higher than expected, compared to prior literature. Moreover, findings were notable in several sport activities when comparing gender differences. Results support the notion that social, psychological, and institutional barriers exist that limit recreational involvement for certain groups. Findings may be useful for collegiate recreation professionals looking to promote sport and outdoor opportunities for undergraduate students of color on college campuses in the U.S.
Reopening Collegiate Recreation During COVID-19: A Case Study of Plans and Policies
Authors: Lower-Hoppe Leeann M. , Farrell Annemarie , Barcelona Robert J. , Brgoch Shea M. , Lowe Chad , Dunn Domonique
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused most collegiate recreation facilities and programs to shut down to slow the spread of the virus. Public health guidelines from the state/province, federal, and global level have inundated recreation professionals with messaging to inform reopening strategies. Rasmussen’s risk management framework served as a guide to explore the stakeholders, decisions, and environmental conditions influencing COVID-19 reopening plans and policies in collegiate recreation. A case study of four collegiate recreation departments was conducted, with document analysis employed to examine and interpret reopening plans. The findings highlight campus offices and leadership as major stakeholders in reopening guidelines; risk management decisions utilizing a phased reopening approach that emphasized screening, mask mandates, social distancing and touch points, equipment and floor plans, and cleaning; and communication as a critical environmental condition. Implications for collegiate recreation practitioners include strategies for decision making, dissemination of information, staff training, risk mitigation, and policy enforcement.
The resolute Onyx drug eluting stent for neurointervention: A technical series
Authors: White Timothy G. , Shah Kevin A. , Koul Prateeka , Link Thomas , Dehdashti Amir R. , Katz Jeffrey M. , Patsalides Athos , Woo Henry H.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Current methods for angioplasty and stenting of the intracranial vasculature for neurointervention are limited. The Wingspan Stent System is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved with human device exemption for a limited patient group and despite numerous prospective registries and trials demonstrating reasonable safety, still carries warnings from the FDA for its use. Given these limitations, we present the technical nuances and outcomes of the off-label use of the Resolute Onyx drug-eluting stent (DES) for neurointerventional purposes.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing a neurointerventional procedure with the Resolute Onyx DES was done from January 2017–2021. The Resolute Onyx is a coronary balloon-mounted drug-eluting (zotarolimus) single wire laser cut stent. Technical details and procedural outcomes were collected.

Results

In total 40 patients had attempted placement of the Resolute Onyx DES with procedural success in 95% of patients. The most common vessel stented was the basilar artery, 30% (12/40). The most common indication was intracranial atherosclerotic disease in 62.5% (25/40) patients, followed by acute stroke in 17.5% (7/40) of patients. The technical and procedural outcomes were excellent with only one technical complication (2.5%).

Conclusions

This series describes the initial technical safety and utility of utilizing a new generation balloon-mounted drug-eluting stent for neurointerventional purposes. This stent offers the potential for improved navigability, delivery, and outcomes compared to current neurointerventional options and warrants further study.
Critical Narrative Inquiry: An Examination of a Methodological Approach
Authors: Pino Gavidia Lisbeth A. , Adu Joseph
Published: April 2022

While stories are a central focus in narrative inquiry to examine phenomena, storytelling deconstruct values, assumptions, and beliefs to challenge taken-for-granted meanings. The objective of this paper is to examine storytelling from the perspective of knowledge paradigms, methodology, quality criteria, and reflexivity. By recognizing the elements of stories sociality, temporality, and place, the scope of a qualitative narrative study is framed where factors are expressed, shaped, and enacted. Considerations of these elements can be linked with the critical paradigm and self-reflexivity for representing and designing narrative inquiry grounded in a set of ontological and epistemological assumptions. A significant contribution of this paper is to address a methodological approach in the form of narrative inquiry to better understand the meaning of stories as rooted expressions of participants’ lived experiences. The implications of this study are to bring critical lens to worldviews that would better inform policy.
Does jumping conducted before the swimming start elicit underwater enhancement?
Authors: Ruiz-Navarro Jesús Juan , Cuenca-Fernández Francisco , Papic Christopher , Gay Ana , Morales-Ortíz Esther , López-Contreras Gracia , Arellano Raúl
Published: April 2022

The effects of pre-activation exercises on undulatory underwater swimming (UUS) have not been studied. This research aimed to: 1) assess the effects of a jumping-exercise strategy upon UUS performance and kinematics variables; 2) test the different effects on males and females, and; 3) to explore if stronger participants exhibit greater post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). Ninety-two age-group national level swimmers randomly assigned into control (17 males and 18 females) and experimental groups (27 males and 30 females) took part in a cross-sectional study designed to test two maximal 15-m UUS performance efforts. The experimental group performed four maximal tuck jumps before the first or the second UUS effort. Performance and kinematics variables were analyzed using instantaneous velocity data via speedometer. Maximal lower-limbs force was obtained during a countermovement jump through a linear-encoder. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA test and linear regression analysis were used to explore variable interactions between baseline and PAPE, and the association between the PAPE response and strength of the swimmers, respectively. Despite trends toward improvements in push-off velocity (Δ = 1.33%; d = 0.12), the results did not show enhancements nor deterioration in UUS performance and kinematics after the tuck jumps. No specific PAPE responses modulated by sex or by the strength level of the swimmers were observed for this age-group (p < 0.05). Four tuck jump repetitions executed prior to diving could be insufficient to acutely enhance UUS performance. The fact that the exercise performed during warm-up was a body-weight based exercise, was possibly not enough to evoke PAPE.
Effects of brief periods of combined plyometric exercise and high intensity running training on the fitness performance of male U17 handball players
Authors: Gaamouri Nawel , Hammami Mehrez , Shephard Roy J. , Chelly Mohamed Souhaiel , Knechtle Beat , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Gaied Sabri
Published: April 2022

This study examined the effects of 8-week combined plyometric exercise and high intensity running training (combined training) on the performance fitness in male U17 handball players. Participants were randomly divided between experimental (E; n = 15; age: 16.5 ± 0.4 years) and control (C; n = 13; age: 16.7 ± 0.3 years) groups. The E group performed combined training (4 workshops) twice a week over 8 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 35 min. The C maintained regular in-season training. Before and after the combined training, both groups underwent repeated sprint ability (RSA), sprint performance (5m, 10m, 20m and 30m), change of direction test (Modified change-of-direction T-test (T-half)), vertical jump (squat jump (SJ), counter-movement jump (CMJ), counter-movement jump with aimed arms (CMJA)), horizontal jump (five-jump test (5JT)), strength (1-RM half squat), and 20-meter shuttle run. Group x time interaction showed significant increases on sprint performance ( p < 0.01, 8.6%; p < 0.001, 7.3%; p < 0.05, 6.9%; and p < 0.01, 8.9% over distances of 5m, 10m, 20m and 30m respectively) in E relative to C. The T-half also showed significant gains for E ( p < 0.05, 6.8%), as did vertical jumping ( p < 0.01, 32.7%; p < 0.001, 32.6% and p < 0.001, 23% for SJ, CMJ and CMJA respectively) and horizontal jumping ( p < 0.05, 13.3%) compared to C. Moreover, there were significant improvements of RSA and 20 m shuttle run in E compared to C. However, there were no significant differences in 1-RM half squat between groups. We conclude that the allocation of short periods of a combined training is effective in enhancing performance fitness and thus can be commended to male U17 Handball participants as a potentially useful component of their training.
Periodisation in professional tennis: A macro to micro analysis of load management strategies within a cluttered calendar
Authors: Perri Thomas , Duffield Rob , Murphy Alistair , Mabon Tom , Reid Machar
Published: April 2022

Aim

This study analysed the periodisation of internal loads across training and competition blocks of future top 250 (T250) professionally ranked tennis players’ professional transitions.

Methods

Retrospective data was analysed from 10 male and 8 female Australian tennis players aged between 16 to 18 who later achieved professional rankings inside the T250. Session-rating of perceived exertion training load (sRPE TL) was collected from all sessions using an online application. Data were collected from official matches, on-court skill-based training, and off-court sessions (i.e., strength, conditioning, body management) and classified according to their occurrence in either training or competition blocks. Weekly sRPE TL was quantified for respective training and competition periods. One-way analysis of variance and effect size analyses compared within-sex training loads between training and competition blocks.

Results

Training blocks lasted longer than competitions for both sexes ( p < 0.05). Training blocks for males had greater daily durations ( p < 0.01), but not sRPE TL ( p = 0.08). Total load for females was not different between periods ( p > 0.05). Training blocks had higher on-court and off-court loads compared to competition ( p < 0.05). No difference in weekly training and competition loads were observed ( p > 0.05). Skill-based sessions in training periods were longer with higher loads for both sexes ( p < 0.05), with no difference in duration, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and sRPE TL observed between periods for off-court sessions ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Future T250 players experience higher sRPE TL in training blocks, with reductions in both total on-court and off-court load during tournaments. Regardless, limited evidence of periodised weekly loads exists within training and competition periods.
Developing next generation marine risk analysis for ships: Bio-inspiration for building immunity
Authors: Ventikos Nikolaos P , Louzis Konstantinos
Published: April 2022

Research on autonomous ships has led to several ideas about how they could be operated in terms of level of automation and human presence. However, all seem to point towards systems that will be more complex due to issues such as the tighter integration with software and the interactions with humans-in-the-loop. These ships will likely be completely different compared to conventional ones, which puts into question the usefulness of our current understanding of risk and how it is managed for ensuring safe operation. By a critical review of the literature, this paper highlights the need for advanced methods that will combine machine learning and simulation for dynamically assessing risk in a life cycle context and effectively transferring acquired operational knowledge back to the design phase. The main objective of this paper is to describe a novel life cycle risk framework for developing algorithms inspired by the biological immune system, which provides lifetime protection from harmful pathogens. This framework can be used to construct machine learning algorithms for dynamic risk monitoring and adaptive risk control that address different types of risk, while enabling faster future response to previously unencountered risks and operational feedback to design through learning. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach in a specific maritime context with a case study on collision risk identification. Considering the lack of experience for autonomous ships, the benefit of our immune-inspired approach is that it departs from the classic risk scenario concept and that it does not rely on safety performance data for identifying risk factors and training the algorithms. We suggest this framework is particularly suitable for autonomous ships with high levels of autonomy, although applicable to conventional ships as well, as it can contribute to empowering them with risk awareness and the capability to deal with any risk environment.
Objectivity and reliability of the Judo Attack System Software
Authors: Kashiwagura Daniel Brandão , Kashiwagura Felipe Brandão , Agostinho Marcus Fábio , de Moraes André Luis Gomes , Franchini Emerson
Published: April 2022

In judo matches, athletes perform different technical-tactical actions according to age, sex, and competitive level. To identify these differences, the Judo Attack System Software (JASS) was developed specifically to assess the combat attack system, consisting of the tori (athlete executing the action) and uke (athlete receiving the action) approach, tori’s grip, final displacement, stance (laterality) and direction of attack. To assess the reliability of the software, the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) method was used and resulted in 100% of correct records. To verify the objectivity of the analyses, 40 international matches were used to determine inter-rater and intra-rater agreement. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) demonstrated inter-rater and intra-rater agreement between 0.89 (good) and 1 (excellent) for total attacks, scoring attacks and no-scoring attacks. For the 39 variables analyzed, Cohen’s Kappa index (κ) showed that 74.3% obtained classification almost perfect, 20.5% substantial, 2.6% fair and 2.6% poor for the intra-rater analysis. In the inter-rater analysis 15.4% had an almost perfect classification, 41% substantial, 25.6% moderate, 12.8% fair, 2.6% slight, and 2.6% poor. The Judo Attack System Software showed good objectivity inter-rater and intra-rater in most of the proposed measures, becoming an auxiliary tool to register the attack systems in judo combat.
Are We Essential, or Sacrificial? The Effects of Felt Public Gratitude on Essential Worker Recovery Activities During COVID-19
Authors: Kim Hee Young , Kim Sijun , Howell Taeya M. , Doyle Sarah P. , Pettit Nathan C. , Bizzarro Michael
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 has been characterized by unprecedented levels of public gratitude to some, but not all, essential workers. In this research, we integrate insights from the stigmatized occupations and gratitude literature to build theory on the positive and negative relationships between such displays of public gratitude and essential workers’ recovery activities. We argue that felt public gratitude positively relates to adaptive recovery activities (e.g., exercise) and negatively relates to maladaptive recovery activities (e.g., overdrinking). We further explain how felt public gratitude impacts (mal)adaptive recovery activities through (a) felt invisibility and (b) negative/positive affect. We find support for our predictions in a two-wave survey of 186 corrections officers (Study 1) and an experiment with 379 essential workers across a variety of industries (Study 2).
A Network Analysis of the Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Patient Activation Among Those With Elevated Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Lee Chiyoung , Wolever Ruth Q. , Yang Qing , Vorderstrasse Allison , Min Se Hee , Hu Xiao
Published: April 2022

Background

Network analysis provides a new method for conceptualizing interconnections among psychological and behavioral constructs.

Objective

We used network analysis to investigate the complex associations between depressive symptoms and patient activation dimensions among patients at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methods

This secondary analysis included 200 patients seen in primary care clinics. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory. Patient activation was measured using the 13-item Patient Activation Measure. Glasso networks were constructed to identify symptoms/traits that bridge depressive symptoms and patient activation and those that are central within the network.

Results

“Self-dislike” and “confidence to maintain lifestyle changes during times of stress” were identified as important bridge pathways. In addition, depressive symptoms such as “punishment feelings,” “loss of satisfaction,” “self-dislike,” and “loss of interest in people” were central in the depressive symptom–patient activation network, meaning that they were most strongly connected to all other symptoms.

Conclusions

Bridge pathways identified in the network may be reasonable targets for clinical intervention aimed at disrupting the association between depressive symptoms and patient activation. Further research is warranted to assess whether targeting interventions to these central symptoms may help resolve other symptoms within the network.
Measuring Social Acceptance of Resettlement Colonies for the Post COVID-affected Migrants in India
Authors: Mishra Umesh Chandra , Sarkar Satyaki , Nag Aditi
Published: April 2022

COVID across the world has created pandemic and a significant effect of these experiences is in the Global South. Within the Global South, the most affected are the most impoverished places in third-world countries. An unprecedented increase in the number of migrant workers has taken shelter in urban resettlement colonies in search of shelter and basic livelihood. In this scenario, India is no exception. The resettlement colonies among urban fringes have turned into large-scale urban settlements in the post COVID times. These resettlement colonies in India in post COVID times mostly display a sordid state of affairs where residents live in a state of great compromise. This article analyses the level of social acceptance in few of the resettled colonies that has been affected by addition of migrant workers during COVID. It tries to identify a methodology for measuring social acceptance in resettlement colonies and establish them through numerical analysis.
Book review: Jinee Lokaneeta, The Truth Machines: Policing, Violence, and Scientific Interrogation in India
Authors: Mudgal Vipul
Published: April 2022

Jinee Lokaneeta, The Truth Machines: Policing, Violence, and Scientific Interrogation in India (Hyderabad: Oriental BlackSwan, 2020), 264 pp. ₹795.
Characterizing Health Events and Return to Sport in Collegiate Swimmers
Authors: Trikha Rishi , Schroeder Grant G. , Greig Danielle E. , Kremen Thomas J.
Published: April 2022

Background:

There is limited literature characterizing the incidence, variety, and effects of injuries and illnesses observed in elite swimmers.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of injuries and illnesses affecting elite intercollegiate competitive swimmers.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

This retrospective study utilized a deidentified injury and illness database of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I swimmers in the Pacific Coast Conference from the academic years 2016 to 2017 and 2019 to 2020. A health event was defined as an illness or musculoskeletal injury that was identified by an athletic trainer or team physician. Musculoskeletal injuries and nonmusculoskeletal injuries and illnesses were stratified by body location. Injuries were further characterized as career-ending, season-ending, missed time but the athlete returned to sport in the same season, or those that did not cause missed time. Relative risk (RR) was used to compare the percentage of athletes affected between women and men, with statistical significance being defined by a 95% CI not including 1.

Results:

Included were 641 collegiate swimmers (301 male, 340 female). There were 1030 health events among 277 women and 173 men, with 635 (61.7%) occurring in women and 395 (38.3%) in men. There were 540 musculoskeletal injuries reported, most of which involved the shoulder (n = 126; 23.3%), spine (n = 95; 17.6%), foot/ankle/lower leg (n = 81; 15.0%), knee/thigh (n = 67; 12.4%), and hand/wrist/forearm (n = 52; 9.6%). A total of 490 nonmusculoskeletal health events were reported and included events such as respiratory tract infections (n = 119; 24.3%), unspecified medical illness (n = 93; 19.0%), concussions (n = 58; 11.8%), ear infections (n = 25; 5.1%), and gastrointestinal illnesses (n = 24; 4.9%). Compared with male swimmers, female swimmers were at a higher risk of sustaining both musculoskeletal injury (RR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.22-1.83) and nonmusculoskeletal injury/illness (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.68). There were 58 documented concussions, with 8 (13.8%) being season-ending, but not career-ending and 14 (24.1%) being career-ending. Women had a higher rate of concussion (9.1% vs 4.3% for men; RR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.13-3.96).

Conclusion:

This retrospective study identified the most common injuries and illnesses observed among elite collegiate swimmers. Awareness of the incidence and outcome of injuries and illnesses that affect competitive swimmers may allow for more targeted analyses and injury prevention strategies.
Effects of the Anterolateral Ligament and Anterior Cruciate Ligament on Knee Joint Mechanics: A Biomechanical Study Using Computational Modeling
Authors: Kang Kyoung-Tak , Koh Yong-Gon , Park Kyoung-Mi , Choi Chong-Hyuk , Jung Min , Cho Hyunik , Kim Sung-Hwan
Published: April 2022

Background:

Recent studies on lateral knee anatomy have reported the presence of a true ligament structure, the anterolateral ligament (ALL), in the anterolateral region of the knee joint. However, its biomechanical effects have not been fully elucidated.

Purpose:

To investigate, by using computer simulation, the association between the ALL and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) under dynamic loading conditions.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study; Level of evidence, 5.

Methods:

The authors combined medical imaging from 5 healthy participants with motion capture to create participant-specific knee models that simulated the entire 12 degrees of freedom of tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) joint behaviors. These dynamic computational models were validated using electromyographic data, muscle activation data, and data from previous experimental studies. Forces exerted on the ALL with ACL deficiency and on the ACL with ALL deficiency, as well as TF and PF contact forces with deficiencies of the ACL, ALL, and the entire ligament structure, were evaluated under gait and squat loading. A single gait cycle and squat cycle were divided into 11 time points (periods 0.0-1.0). Simulated ligament forces and contact forces were compared using nonparametric repeated-measures Friedman tests.

Results:

Force exerted on the ALL significantly increased with ACL deficiency under both gait- and squat-loading conditions. With ACL deficiency, the mean force on the ALL increased by 129.7% under gait loading in the 0.4 period ( P < .05) and increased by 189% under high flexion during the entire cycle of squat loading ( P < .05). A similar trend of significantly increased force on the ACL was observed with ALL deficiency. Contact forces on the TF and PF joints with deficiencies of the ACL, ALL, and entire ligament structure showed a complicated pattern. However, contact force exerted on TF and PF joints with respect to deficiencies of ACL and ALL significantly increased under both gait- and squat-loading conditions.

Conclusion:

The results of this computer simulation study indicate that the ACL and the ALL of the lateral knee joint act as secondary stabilizers to each other under dynamic load conditions.
Book review: K. S. Chalam, Political Economy of Caste in India
Authors: Sanil Akanksha
Published: April 2022

K. S. Chalam, Political Economy of Caste in India (New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2020), 270 pp. ₹1,250 (Hardcover). ISBN: 978-93-5388-407-9.
The Impact of Knowledge on the Utilisation of Programmes and Services by Persons with Disability
Authors: Lakshmana Govindappa , Panda Alaka Bhargabi , Shreekrishna C.
Published: April 2022

The study aims to discuss whether the knowledge of programmes and services increases the utilisation of them by persons with disability. By following a quasi-experimental research design, pre- and post-training interviews were conducted with 34 participants. Post-training assessments were conducted after an interval of 6 months and again after a 4-year follow-up. The analysis showed that majority of participants had 41%–74% of disability, were involved in manual work, had knowledge on free bus pass and were getting pension. The comparison of pre- and post-training data showed significant difference in knowledge ( F = 29.051, p < 0.001) and service utilisation levels ( F = 11.999, p < 0.001). It was evident that knowledge played a vital role in utilisation of the services. Hence, government and service providers need to pay more attention on creating awareness of policies, programmes and services for the better utilisation of them.
Investigation of mechanical properties of pineapple-viscose blended fabric reinforced composite
Authors: Mahmud Rois U , Momin Aminul , Islam Raijul , Siddique Abu Bakr , Khan Ayub N
Published: April 2022

Composites with regenerated fiber bonded with natural fibers have attracted growing attention as the globe becomes more sustainable, ecofriendly, and environment-friendly. Pineapple leaf fiber is used for composite in this study since it is also handled as waste nowadays. Furthermore, viscose was chosen as a study variant since no one had ever tried a pineapple and viscose mixed composite before. Due to a scarcity of natural fiber production on Earth, regenerated cellulosic fiber reinforced with natural fiber is widely employed, providing a nearly identical experience by employing partial or less natural fiber. This paper describes a study that used pineapple leaf fiber mixed with a viscose composite and reinforced with epoxy resin. Pineapple viscose blended composite is composed of 1/1 plain wave design, and epoxy resin is applied on them to make stability by the compression molding process. The tested Tensile Strength (σ), Young’s Modulus, and Eb% are 20.7 Mpa, 579 Mpa, and 9.4%, respectively. Some testing is also carried out to differentiate the properties like bending strength 23.5 Mpa, bending modulus 717.6 Mpa, and avg. The pH of the composite is 9.54. This article has different analytical parts to acknowledge the actual condition of composite behaviors. Finally, some suggestions are made as to where it may be utilized and where appropriate to use it, such as on building sites, in Geotextile materials, Coffee cups, coffee cans, and agro-textile materials.
A clinicians’ review of the respiratory microbiome
Authors: Campbell Christina D. , Barnett Clea , Sulaiman Imran
Published: April 2022

The respiratory microbiome and its impact in health and disease is now well characterised. With the development of next-generation sequencing and the use of other techniques such as metabolomics, the functional impact of microorganisms in different host environments can be elucidated. It is now clear that the respiratory microbiome plays an important role in respiratory disease. In some diseases, such as bronchiectasis, examination of the microbiome can even be used to identify patients at higher risk of poor outcomes. Furthermore, the microbiome can aid in phenotyping. Finally, development of multi-omic analysis has revealed interactions between the host and microbiome in some conditions. This review, although not exhaustive, aims to outline how the microbiome is investigated, the healthy respiratory microbiome and its role in respiratory disease.

Educational aims

To define the respiratory microbiome and describe its analysis.

To outline the respiratory microbiome in health and disease.

To describe future directions for microbiome research.
Wear Characteristics of the Nuclear Control Rod Drive Mechanism (CRDM) Movable Latch Serviced in High Temperature Water
Authors: Yu Tianda , Fu Guozhong , Yu Yanqing , Zhu Liting , Liu Maofu , Li Wei , Deng Qiang , Cai Zhenbing
Published: April 2022

The current research of nuclear control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) movable latch only makes a simple measurement of wear mass. The wear volume and difference in various claw surfaces are ignored and the degradation mechanism of each claw surface is not clear. In this paper, a detailed degradation analysis was carried out on each claw surface of movable latch combined with wear result and worn morphology. Results indicate that the boundary of carbide is preferred for corrosion because carbide presents a nobler Volta potential compared to the metal matrix or boundary region. Due to the oscillation of drive shaft between the claw surfaces of movable latch, the dominant wear mechanism on the upper surface of claw (USC) and lower surface of claw (LSC) is plastic deformation caused by impact wear. Mechanical impact wear will cause the fragmentation of carbides because of the high hardness and low ductility of carbides. Corrosion promotes the broken carbides to fall off from the metal matrix. The generated fine carbides (abrasive particles) cause extra abrasive wear on USC when the movable brings the drive shaft upward or downward. As a result, USC has a higher wear volume than LSC. This research proposes a method to evaluate the wear on the whole movable latches using a 3D full-size scanner.
Recirculation of Parallel-Connected Planetary Gear Trains
Authors: Chen Hong , Chen Xiao-An
Published: April 2022

Recirculation is expected to be identified for its possibility to dramatically decrease the efficiency of planetary gear trains (PGTs). However, it exhibits an unexplained connection with the structure, making it challenging to identify without tedious computation through tooth and speed ratios, thus complicating the design process. This study employs a generic model utilizing the mechanical balance principle and reveals the fundamental laws of the previously unexplained connection for parallel-connected ring-sun-type PGTs. Two necessary and sufficient conditions, torque and structure, were proven for multi-stage and two-stage PGTs without recirculation, respectively. This shows that the structure, specifically whether the links are central gears or carriers, and the connections between them directly impact the recirculation of these PGTs. A geometric model representing the structure and kinematics was developed to visualize the power flow. Thus, the recirculation of parallel-connected ring-sun-type PGTs can be predicted without calculations. Our results provide the underlying insights to understanding recirculation from the structural connection viewpoint, thereby contributing to the conceptual design phase where the task is to select the kinematic structure and the gear size is unknown.
Tight association of autophagy and cell cycle in leukemia cells
Authors: Gschwind Alena , Marx Christian , Just Marie D. , Severin Paula , Behring Hannah , Marx-Blümel Lisa , Becker Sabine , Rothenburger Linda , Förster Martin , Beck James F. , Sonnemann Jürgen
Published: April 2022

Background

Autophagy plays an essential role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and in the response to cellular stress. Autophagy is also involved in cell cycle progression, yet the relationship between these processes is not clearly defined.

Results

In exploring this relationship, we observed that the inhibition of autophagy impaired the G2/M phase-arresting activity of etoposide but enhanced the G1 phase-arresting activity of palbociclib. We further investigated the connection of basal autophagy and cell cycle by utilizing the autophagosome tracer dye Cyto-ID in two ways. First, we established a double-labeling flow-cytometric procedure with Cyto-ID and the DNA probe DRAQ5, permitting the cell cycle phase-specific determination of autophagy in live cells. This approach demonstrated that different cell cycle phases were associated with different autophagy levels: G1-phase cells had the lowest level, and G2/M-phase cells had the highest one. Second, we developed a flow-cytometric cell-sorting procedure based on Cyto-ID that separates cell populations into fractions with low, medium, and high autophagy. Cell cycle analysis of Cyto-ID-sorted cells confirmed that the high-autophagy fraction contained a much higher percentage of G2/M-phase cells than the low-autophagy fraction. In addition, Cyto-ID-based cell sorting also proved to be useful for assessing other autophagy-related processes: extracellular flux analysis revealed metabolic differences between the cell populations, with higher autophagy being associated with higher respiration, higher mitochondrial ATP production, and higher glycolysis.

Conclusion

This work provides clear evidence of high autophagy in G2/M-phase cells by establishing a novel cell sorting technique based on Cyto-ID.
Genome-wide identification, expression analysis and evolutionary relationships of the IQ67-domain gene family in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and its progenitors
Authors: Ke Qinglin , Sun Huifan , Tang Minqiang , Luo Ruihan , Zeng Yan , Wang Mengxing , Li Yihan , Li Zhimin , Cui Licao
Published: April 2022

Background

The plant-specific IQ67-domain (IQD) gene family plays an important role in plant development and stress responses. However, little is known about the IQD family in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L), an agriculturally important crop that provides more than 20% of the calories and protein consumed in the modern human diet.

Results

We identified 125 IQDs in the wheat genome and divided them into four subgroups by phylogenetic analysis. The IQDs belonging to the same subgroup had similar exon–intron structure and conserved motif composition. Polyploidization contributed significantly to the expansion of IQD genes in wheat. Characterization of the expression profile of these genes revealed that a few T. aestivum (Ta)IQDs showed high tissue-specificity. The stress-induced expression pattern also revealed a potential role of TaIQDs in environmental adaptation, as TaIQD-2A-2, TaIQD-3A-9 and TaIQD-1A-7 were significantly induced by cold, drought and heat stresses, and could be candidates for future functional characterization. In addition, IQD genes in the A, B and D subgenomes displayed an asymmetric evolutionary pattern, as evidenced by their different gain or loss of member genes, expression levels and nucleotide diversity.

Conclusions

This study elucidated the potential biological functions and evolutionary relationships of the IQD gene family in wheat and revealed the divergent fates of IQD genes during polyploidization.
Induce defense response of DADS in eggplants during the biotrophic phase of Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Ahmad Husain , Amin Bakht , Atif Muhammad Jawaad , Cheng Zhihui
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Verticillium wilt is a destructive vascular disease in eggplants. The complex defensive mechanisms of eggplant against this disease are very limited.

Methods

Our work examined the bioactive properties of garlic allelochemical diallyl disulfide (DADS) as potential biostimulants for defense against V. dahliae in eggplant seedlings. We, therefore, foliar sprayed DADS on eggplants to study the defense response during the early biotrophic phase of V. dahliae (a hemibiotroph).

Results

DADS application significantly increased root peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine-ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activity, and reduced H2O2 levels after 24 h of fungal inoculation. Salicylic acid (SA) in leaves and roots was significantly increased while, the jasmonic acid (JA), indole acetic acid (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were decreased. The microscopic examinations of V. dahliae infection in roots displayed that the progression of infection was restricted in DADS-treated plants. Depositions of lignin and phenolic compounds such as ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid content were significantly higher in DADS-treated plants at 48 h post-inoculation. Similarly, the DADS application up-regulated pathogenesis-related (PR1, PR2, and PR5), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MPK1), and lipoxygenase (LOX) genes. Furthermore, DADS-treated plants exhibited a lower disease severity index (23.3% vs. 57.0% in controls), indicating successful defense against V. dahliae.

Conclusions

Our findings concluded that the biological function of garlic allelochemical DADS has a prominent role in the higher defense resistance of eggplants during the early infection of V. dahliae.
Evaluating the psychometric properties of the German adaptation of the client attachment to therapist scale
Authors: Petrowski Katja , Schmalbach Bjarne , Ronel Joram , Schmalbach Ileana , Olliges Elisabeth
Published: April 2022

Background

The present study examines the psychometric properties of the German adaptation of the Client Attachment to Therapist Scale (CATS). The validity of the scale as originally proposed has recently been brought into question, as patients were identified as “pseudosecure”.

Methods

We examined the measure’s factorial structure, as well as reliability and validity towards related measures using a clinical sample of N = 354 participants.

Results

We found the original model, consisting of 36 items to be lacking in terms of model fit and construct validity. A shortened 12-item version exhibited markedly improved model fit and reliability. Correlations to related constructs demonstrated that none of the scale’s validity was lost by shortening it. Furthermore, we showed scalar invariance across groups of age and sex.

Conclusions

The shortened CATS-S can be recommended for future use in clinical research in German-speaking populations as a valid, reliable, and economical alternative to the longer version.
Mortality in nursing home residents stratified according to subtype of dementia: a longitudinal study over three years
Authors: Vossius Corinna , Bergh Sverre , Selbæk Geir , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Myhre Janne , Aakhus Eivind , Lichtwarck Bjørn
Published: April 2022

Background

There are several subtypes of dementia caused by different pathophysiology and with different clinical characteristics. Irrespective subtype, the disease is progressive, eventually leading to the need for care and supervision on a 24/7 basis, often provided in nursing homes (NH). The progression rate and course of the disease might vary according to subtype. The aim of this study was to explore whether the mortality rate for NH residents varied according to the subtype of dementia.

Methods

NH residents were followed from admission to NH over a period of 36 months or until death with annual follow-up examinations. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The diagnosis of dementia and its subtype at baseline (BL) were set according to international accepted criteria. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to estimate median survival time. A Cox regression model was estimated to assess the impact of dementia diagnosis and demographic and clinical variables on mortality.

Results

A total of 1349 participants were included. When compared to persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), persons with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and dementia with Lewy bodies or Parkinson’s disease dementia (DLB/PDD) were younger and had more neuropsychiatric symptoms. Median survival for the total sample was 2.3 years (95% confidence interval: 2.2–2.5). When compared to persons with AD, having no dementia or unspecified dementia was associated with higher mortality, while we found similar mortality in other subtypes of dementia. Higher age, male gender, poorer general health, higher dependency in activities of daily living, and more affective symptoms were associated with higher mortality.

Conclusion

Mortality did not differ across the subtypes of dementia, except in persons with unspecified dementia or without dementia, where we found a higher mortality. With a median survival of 2.3 years, NH residents are in the last stage of their lives and care and medical follow-up should focus on a palliative approach. However, identifying the subtype of dementia might help carers to better understand and address neuropsychiatric symptoms and to customize medical treatment.
Prevalence of vaginal HPV infection among adolescent and early adult girls in Jos, North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Cosmas Nanma T. , Nimzing Lohya , Egah Daniel , Famooto Ayo , Adebamowo Sally N. , Adebamowo Clement A.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Knowledge of the prevalence of HPV infection among adolescent and early adult girls is essential to determining the best age for the introduction of HPV vaccine, monitoring vaccine efficacy, and giving insight into determinants of persistent high-risk HPV infection, a necessary cause of cervical cancer. Yet, there have been limited studies of HPV infection among adolescent and early adult girls in low-and-middle-income countries.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we randomly selected 205 girls, aged 9–20 years, from 10 schools in central Nigeria. We obtained informed consent and assent, collected data, and trained participants to self-collect vaginal samples using swab stick. We genotyped HPV using SPF10-DEIA/LiPA25 and analyzed data using Stata 14®.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the girls was 14.9 (2.3) years. We found HPV in 13.2% of vaginal swabs. The earliest age at which anyHPV and hrHPV infections were detected was 10 and 12 years respectively. The prevalence of any HPV peaked at 16 and 17 years, hrHPV at 16 years, lrHPV at 17 and 18 years and multiple hrHPV 18 years of age. The prevalence of hrHPV infection was 1.5% among the 9–12 years age group, 2.9% among 13–16 years and 3.4% among 17–20 years old. The commonest hrHPV types detected were 52 (3.9%), 18 (1.5%) and 51 (2.4%). The most common lrHPV types was 6 (2.9%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of HPV infection in these urbanized young girls in Nigeria is high and commences after 9 years of age. HPV vaccination in this population should start at 9 years of age or younger to prevent the establishment of persistent HPV infection.
The epidemiology of bloodstream infection contributing to mortality: the difference between community-acquired, healthcare-associated, and hospital-acquired infections
Authors: Mun Seok Jun , Kim Si-Ho , Kim Hyoung-Tae , Moon Chisook , Wi Yu Mi
Published: April 2022

Background

The epidemiology of bloodstream infection (BSI) is well-established; however, little is known about the contribution of different pathogens to mortality. To understand true burden of BSI, pathogens contributing to mortality were investigated and compared according to where the BSI was acquired.

Methods

Data from deceased patients in two teaching hospitals in the Republic of Korea were collected. BSI contributing mortality was defined as BSI within 2-weeks before death. Cases were grouped by acquisition sites: community-acquired (CA)-, healthcare-associated (HCA)-, and hospital-acquired (HA)-BSI. Drug resistance, BSI focus, and appropriateness of empirical antimicrobial therapy were also compared.

Results

Among 1849 deceased patients in the hospitals, 280 (15.1%) patients experienced BSI within 2-weeks before death. In all, 71, 53, and 156 patients in the CA-, HCA-, and HA-BSI groups, respectively, with 316 total isolated pathogens were analyzed. The three most common pathogens wereKlebsiella pneumoniae(17.1%), Escherichia coli(16.4%), andStaphylococcus aureus(11.4%). WhileK. pneumoniaeandE. coliwere the most common pathogens in CA- and HCA-BSI,Acinetobacter baumanniiandCandidaspecies were in HA-BSI. 26.3% (41/156) of patients experienced breakthrough HCA-BSI during administration of carbapenem and/or vancomycin. The proportion of central venous catheter-related infection (0%, 3.4% and 28.3%), carbapenem resistant-Gram negative bacilli (0%, 6.9% and 21.9%), and inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy (21.1%, 37.7% and 51.9%; all P < 0.001) were more frequently observed in HA-BSI.

Conclusion

The epidemiology of BSI related to mortality had unique characteristics according to the acquisition site. Given the epidemiology of HA-BSI, infection control and antibiotics stewardship programs should be emphasized.
Immunoglobulin G passive transfer from mothers to infants: total IgG, IgG subclasses and specific antipneumococcal IgG in 6-week Malawian infants exposed or unexposed to HIV
Authors: Baroncelli Silvia , Galluzzo Clementina M. , Orlando Stefano , Mphwere Robert , Kavalo Thom , Luhanga Richard , Amici Roberta , Floridia Marco , Andreotti Mauro , Ciccacci Fausto , Marazzi Maria Cristina , Giuliano Marina
Published: April 2022

Background

The impaired transplacental passage of IgG from mothers living with HIV to their infants could be one of the causes of the high vulnerability to infections of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants, but controversial results have been obtained in different settings. The aim of this study was to assess in 6-week old HEU and HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU) Malawian infants the total IgG levels, the subclasses profile and the concentrations of global anti-pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (anti-PCP) IgG and IgG2.

Methods

Dried blood spots were collected from 80 infants (40 HEU, 40 HUU) and antibodies concentrations determined by nephelometric method (total IgG and subclasses), or using ELISA (anti-PCP total IgG and IgG2). Results are expressed as median levels with IQR, while the proportions of each subclass out of the total IgG are used to describe the subclasses profile.

Results

At 6 weeks HEU infants had higher median levels of total IgG and IgG1 and a significantly lower level of IgG2 [0.376 (0.344–0.523) g/l vs 0.485 (0.374–0.781) g/l, p = 0.037] compared to the HUU counterparts. The IgG subclasses distribution confirmed the underrepresentation of IgG2 (IgG2 represented 5.82% of total IgG in HEU and 8.87% in HUU). The anti-PCP IgG and IgG2 levels were significantly lower in HEU infants [8.9 (5.4–15.1) mg/l vs 16.2 (9.61–25.8) mg/l in HUU, p < 0.001, and 2.69 (1.90–4.29) mg/l vs 4.47 (2.96–5.71) mg/l in HUU, p = 0.001, respectively].

Conclusion

Compared to HUU infants, HEU infants have IgG abnormalities mainly represented by low IgG2 levels, suggesting that despite maternal antiretroviral therapy, the mechanisms of IgG transplacental passage continue to be impaired in women living with HIV. HEU infants also showed a significantly lower level of specific anti-PCP IgG, possibly favouring a high vulnerability to S. pneumoniae infection at an age when protection is mostly depending on maternal IgG.