bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐Year Outcomes After Pediatric In‐Office Tympanostomy Using Lidocaine/Epinephrine Iontophoresis and an Automated Tube Delivery System
Authors: Waldman Erik H. , Ingram Amy , Vidrine D. Macy , Gould Andrew R. , Zeiders Jacob W. , Ow Randall A. , Thompson Christopher R. , Moss Jonathan R. , Mehta Ritvik , McClay John E. , Brenski Amy , Gavin John , Ansley John , Yen David M. , Chadha Neil K. , Murray Michael T. , Kozak Frederick K. , York Christopher , Brown David M. , Grunstein Eli , Sprecher Robert C. , Sherman Denise A. , Schoem Scott R. , Puchalski Robert , Hills Susannah , Harfe Dan , England Laura J. , Syms Charles A. , Lustig Lawrence R.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Evaluate 2‐year outcomes after lidocaine/epinephrine iontophoresis and tympanostomy using an automated tube delivery system for pediatric tube placement in‐office.

Study Design

Prospective, single‐arm.

Setting

Eighteen otolaryngology practices.

Methods

Children age 6 months to 12 years indicated for tympanostomy were enrolled between October 2017 and February 2019. Local anesthesia of the tympanic membrane was achieved via lidocaine/epinephrine iontophoresis and tympanostomy was completed using an automated tube delivery system (the Tula® System). An additional Lead‐In cohort of patients underwent tube placement in the operating room (OR) under general anesthesia using only the tube delivery system. Patients were followed for 2 years or until tube extrusion, whichever occurred first. Otoscopy and tympanometry were performed at 3 weeks, and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Tube retention, patency, and safety were evaluated.

Results

Tubes were placed in‐office for 269 patients (449 ears) and in the OR for 68 patients (131 ears) (mean age, 4.5 years). The median and mean times to tube extrusion for the combined OR and In‐Office cohorts were 15.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.41‐19.05) and 16.79 (95% CI: 16.16‐17.42) months, respectively. Sequelae included ongoing perforation for 1.9% of ears (11/580) and medial tube displacement for 0.2% (1/580) observed at 18 months. Over a mean follow‐up of 14.3 months, 30.3% (176/580) of ears had otorrhea and 14.3% (83/580) had occluded tubes.

Conclusion

In‐office pediatric tympanostomy using lidocaine/epinephrine iontophoresis and automated tube delivery results in tube retention within the ranges described for similar grommet‐type tubes and complication rates consistent with traditional tube placement in the OR.
Trends in Private Equity Acquisitions of US Otolaryngology Practices
Authors: Shah Hemali P. , Salehi Parsa P. , Torabi Sina J. , Bourdillon Alexandra T. , Wu Kane , Mehra Saral
Published: April 2023

With the increasing consolidation of physician practices, private equity (PE) firms have been playing a growing role in healthcare delivery and recently began entering the otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery space. To date, no studies have examined the extent of PE investment in otolaryngology. We assessed trends and geographic distribution of US otolaryngology practices acquired by PE using Pitchbook (Seattle, WA), a comprehensive market database. From 2015 to 2021, 23 otolaryngology practices were acquired by PE. The number of PE acquisitions increased over time: 1 practice was acquired in 2015 versus 4 practices in 2019 versus 8 practices in 2021. Nearly half (43.5%, n = 10) of acquired practices were in the South Atlantic region. The median number of otolaryngologists at these practices was 5 (interquartile range: 3‐7). As PE investment in otolaryngology continues to grow, further research is needed to assess its impact on clinical decision‐making, healthcare costs, physician job satisfaction, clinical efficiency, and patient outcomes.
Model‐based simulation to support the approval of isatuximab alone or with dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in Japanese patients
Authors: Thai Hoai‐Thu , Koiwai Kimiko , Shitara Yoshihisa , Kazama Hirotaka , Fau Jean‐Baptiste , Semiond Dorothée , Veyrat‐Follet Christine
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to support dosing regimen selection for isatuximab as a single agent or in combination with dexamethasone for Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). A joint model characterizing the dynamics of serum M‐protein kinetics and its association with progression‐free survival (PFS) was developed using data from 201 evaluable Japanese and non‐Japanese patients with RRMM enrolled in two monotherapy phase I/II trials, where Japanese patients (n = 31) received isatuximab at 10 or 20 mg/kg once weekly (qw) for 4 weeks then every 2 weeks (q2w) in subsequent cycles (10 or 20 mg/kg qw–q2w). Among non‐Japanese patients, 38 received isatuximab 20 mg/kg qw–q2w in combination with dexamethasone. Trial simulations were then performed to evaluate the effect of the isatuximab dosing regimens on both serum M‐protein and PFS with and without dexamethasone. The model identified instantaneous changes in serum M‐protein as the best on‐treatment predictor for PFS. Trial simulations demonstrated that 20 mg/kg qw–q2w induced a greater decrease (30% vs. 22%) of serum M‐protein at week 8 and prolonged median PFS by 2.4 weeks compared with 10 mg/kg qw–q2w. Although Japanese patients did not receive isatuximab plus dexamethasone in the phase I/II trial, simulations predicted that isatuximab 20 mg/kg qw–q2w plus dexamethasone would induce a greater decrease (67% vs. 43%) of serum M‐protein and a prolonged median PFS by 7.2 weeks compared with isatuximab alone. Trial simulations support the approved isatuximab 20 mg/kg qw–q2w regimen when administered as a single agent and in combination with dexamethasone in Japanese patients.
Structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Fe, Co) spinel ferrites: A density functional theory study
Authors: Munawar Hafiza Benish , Hussain Abid , Gouadria Soumaya , Noreen Shahzadi , Bibi Nazia , Tariq Amna , Tahir Muhammad Bilal , Rehman Jalil Ur , Arshad Saira , Ali H. Elhosiny
Published: April 2023

The structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Fe, Co) ferrites were investigated by employing Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package code using density functional theory. LDA+U was used to investigate the structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Fe, Co) ferrites at different pressures 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 GPa. The simulated X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Fe, Co) ferrites was investigated and the computed lattice parameters decreased 8.62–8.32, 8.68–8.35, and 8.567–8.267 Å at 0–20 GPa, respectively. XRD revealed that the unit cell's volumes (640.50–575.93, 653.97–582.182, 627.22–563.550), X‐ray densities (4.86–5.40, 4.70–5.28, 3.97–4.43), and interatomic distance (2.6099–2.5180, 2.6221–2.4260, 2.5831–2.4928) of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Fe, Co) ferrites were also decreased with the increasing pressure 0–20 GPa, respectively. The LDA+U calculations predicted that the NiFe2O4, Fe3O4, and CoFe2O4 ferrite followed the properties of a semiconductor exhibiting a direct band gap of 1.2, 1.13, and 0.710 eV at 0 GPa which were decreased to 0.846, 0.710, and 0.461 eV at 20 GPa, respectively. The computed density of states revealed that MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Fe, Co) ferrites exhibited good spin polarization behavior, and Ni–O, Fe–O, and Co–O bonds were covalent. The Mullikens investigated the ted decrease in bong length of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Fe, Co) ferrites versus 0–20 GPa as well as according to Hirschfeld analysis the magnetic moment (3.348–3.335, 4.12–4.10, 3.737–3.735) and saturation magnetization (79.06–78.7, 99.33–98.9, 88.93–88.352) of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Fe, Co) ferrites were decreased with increased pressure 0–20 GPa, respectively. The reflectivity and absorption specialize in visible and ultraviolet regions showing their stability for optoelectronics, photocatalysis, and solar cell applications.
Link budget calculation in optical LEO satellite downlinks with on/off‐keying and large signal divergence: A simplified methodology
Authors: Giggenbach Dirk , Knopp Marcus T. , Fuchs Christian
Published: April 2023

Direct‐to‐Earth transmissions with optical on/off‐keying are becoming the method of choice to realize telemetry downlinks from low Earth orbit satellites at highest data‐rates. Here, we review the calculation procedure for a practical assessment of the mean link budget in this space‐ground data communication technology. We present a comprehensive survey of the dynamic orbital and beam‐pointing effects as well as the impacts from atmospheric attenuation on the link performance. The paper provides an exhaustive review of the formulas commonly used and propounds a recipe to reliably estimate the received power on ground. An overview of typical data transmitter terminals, transmission channel parameters, and the according optical ground stations is provided. Comparison with measured received powers over transmitter elevation angle and the respective design estimates serves for verification.
Experimental investigation on flexural and direct shear behaviors of specimens made of lightweight carbon textile‐reinforced cementitious composites
Authors: Dinh Ngoc Hieu , Pham Huu Hiep , Kim Seung‐Hee , Choi Kyoung‐Kyu
Published: March 2023

Textile‐reinforced cementitious composites (TRCCs) have recently received significant attention in structural engineering as promising retrofitting materials as well as reinforcements for thin and slender structural components. For applicability in the precast industry, the weight of the structural components made of TRCCs is a major concern. In this study, lightweight (LW) TRCC materials were developed and their flexural and direct shear performances were investigated. Carbon fabric is used as the textile reinforcement of the LW TRCCs, and expanded glass aggregates made from industrial refractory materials with fine particle sizes of 0.25–0.5 mm incorporating the mineral admixture (silica fume) are used to develop the LW cement‐based matrix. The main test series in this study include the expanded glass‐to‐binder (EG/B) ratio, surface coating methods used for textile fabrics, and volume dosages of short polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers used to modify the cement‐based matrix. Three main series, including a total of 30 flexural test specimens and 30 shear test specimens, are fabricated and tested. The flexural behavior of LW TRCCs is investigated via four‐point bending tests and the direct shear behavior of LW TRCCs is investigated based on the FIP standard using one shear failure plane. The experimental results indicate that the EG/B ratio significantly affects the overall flexural and shear performances of LW TRCCs, wherein the use of higher EG/B ratios might lead to greater reduction in flexural properties as well as shear properties in the pre‐peak stage. The coating methods employed for fabric surface treatment via epoxy impregnation combined with rough layers are effective in enhancing flexural properties in terms of load and deformation capacity and shear properties in terms of peak stress compared with the counterpart using only the epoxy coating method. Additionally, incorporating short discrete PVA fibers within the LW cement‐based matrix results in outstanding performance due to improvement in bonding quality at the textile/matrix interface, which can be applied as a potential solution for fabricating LW, high‐performance TRCCs.
Emotion Labor as Professional Development Work: Insights from Teachers Doing Action Research
Authors: Nazari Mostafa , Karimpour Sedigheh , Ranjbar Mohammadali
Published: April 2023

Over the past decades, research on language teachers' engagement in action research (AR) and more recently on their emotion labor has exponentially grown. However, little research is available on how AR and emotion labor intersect to shape language teacher professional development. This study addressed this gap by reporting on how four Iranian English language teachers used emotion labor as professional development work during participation in an AR project. Data were collected from reflective journals and classroom observations as well as the associated postclass discussions during the enactment of AR, and from interviews at two junctures in time, once during the course and once longitudinally after six and 12 months. Data analyses revealed that the teachers used AR as a mechanism for minimizing the gap between their internal feelings and external expectations, and gradually developed the identity of a teacher–researcher by using the affordances emotion labor provided. Moreover, the teachers retrospectively developed emotional learning, which facilitated their response to institutional expectations in the short term and to the professional discourses of teaching in the long term. We conclude the paper with implications for teacher education to better understand how emotions feature in AR and how emotion labor could be employed for AR‐induced professional development.
Spot‐on thinking about parasite control
Authors: Whitehead Martin
Published: March 2023

Is it time the veterinary profession took a step back from advising year‐round, blanket prophylactic parasiticide treatment of companion animals and moved towards an individual animal, risk‐based approach? Martin Whitehead thinks so, and at BVA Live he will discuss some of the reasons why.
‘They think it's all over’ – but maybe it isn't!
Authors: Heath Sarah
Published: March 2023

The worst of the Covid‐19 pandemic seems to be over, but the fallout continues for vets as young dogs with challenging behaviours arrive in their practices. At BVA Live, Sarah Heath will help delegates understand some of the underlying causes and how they can support these ‘pandemic puppies’. But she will also explain that the challenges may not end with the current generation of dogs…
Teaming up to manage osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions
Authors: Innes John , Lowe Robyn
Published: March 2023

Knowledge of osteoarthritis (OA) will not be a prerequisite for attending a BVA Live presentation by John Innes and Robyn Lowe. Instead, they will use OA to describe a team‐based approach that could be applied to the management of pretty much any long‐term condition encountered in practice.
Creating good veterinary workplaces: how mentoring can offer a helping hand
Authors: Kennedy Donna
Published: March 2023

Regular mentoring should be part of the core values of a good veterinary workplace, but what benefits can it bring to individuals and practices as a whole? These benefits, and more, will be explored by Donna Kennedy, who will be one of two speakers in a careers session at BVA Live.
Conclusion
Authors: García-Sancho Miguel , Lowe James
Published: March 2023

In this concluding chapter, we explore the implications of our historical investigation for research and policies pertaining to genomic data. We outline the particular form of ‘epistemic iteration’ that operates in genomics and further develop the idea of ‘webs of reference’. Through this, we address one of the main consequences of our overarching argument: that problems in bridging ‘translational gaps’ are to a significant extent rooted in the specific model of the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium. Conversely, the alternative models of genomics that we have explored in the book provide indications as to how to configure work in the life sciences to avoid such gaps between the results of genomics research and outcomes in medicine, agriculture or other spheres of activity. Our consideration of different communities of genomicists and their heterogeneous ways of interacting with their target genomes helps in uncovering the diversity of genomics and comprehending a variety of modes of translation.
Sources, transport, and deposition of metal(loid)s recorded by sulfide and rock geochemistry: constraints from a vertical profile through the epithermal Profitis Ilias Au prospect, Milos Island, Greece
Authors: Grosche Anna , Klemd Reiner , Denkel Katja , Keith Manuel , Haase Karsten M. , Voudouris Panagiotis C. , Alfieris Dimitrios , Wiedenbeck Michael
Published: April 2023

Drill core samples from the Profitis Ilias Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag-Au vein mineralization on Milos Island, Greece provide new insights into (i) the metal sources, (ii) the primary vertical metal(loid) distribution, and (iii) the supergene enrichment processes in a transitional shallow-marine to subaerial hydrothermal environment. Metal contents of unaltered and altered host rocks combined with Pb isotope analyses of hydrothermal sulfides suggest that most metal(loid)s were derived by leaching of basement rocks, whereas the distinct enrichment of Te is related to the addition of Te by a magmatic fluid. The trace element contents of base metal sulfides record decreasing Au, Te, Se, and Co, but increasing Ag, Sb, and Tl concentrations with increasing elevation that can be related to progressive cooling and fluid boiling during the hypogene stage. The formation of base metal veins with porous pyrite hosting hessite inclusions at ~ 400 m below the surface was triggered by vigorous fluid boiling. By contrast, the enrichment of native Au associated with oxidized Fe and Cu phases in the shallower part of the hydrothermal system resulted from supergene remobilization of trace Au by oxidizing meteoric water after tectonic exhumation to subaerial levels. Disseminated pyrite with higher Tl/Pb ratios and locally elevated Hg concentrations relative to vein pyrite reflects infiltration of the host rocks by boiled liquids and condensed vapor fluids. The vertical and temporal evolution of the Profitis Ilias mineralization, therefore, provides unique insights into the transport and precipitation of Au, Ag, Te, and related metal(loid)s by multiple fluid processes.
Agarolytic Pathway in the Newly Isolated Aquimarina sp. Bacterial Strain ERC-38 and Characterization of a Putative β-agarase
Authors: Kang Ji Young , Song Ha-Yeon , Kim Jung-Mi
Published: April 2023

Marine microbes, particularly Bacteroidetes, are a rich source of enzymes that can degrade diverse marine polysaccharides. Aquimarina sp. ERC-38, which belongs to the Bacteroidetes phylum, was isolated from seawater in South Korea. It showed agar-degrading activity and required an additional carbon source for growth on marine broth 2216. Here, the genome of the strain was sequenced to understand its agar degradation mechanism, and 3615 protein-coding sequences were predicted, which were assigned putative functions according to their annotated functional feature categories. In silico genome analysis revealed that the ERC-38 strain has several carrageenan-degrading enzymes but could not degrade carrageenan because it lacked genes encoding κ-carrageenanase and S1_19A type sulfatase. Moreover, the strain possesses multiple genes predicted to encode enzymes involved in agarose degradation, which are located in a polysaccharide utilization locus. Among the enzymes, Aq1840, which is closest to ZgAgaC within the glycoside hydrolase 16 family, was characterized using a recombinant enzyme expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. An enzyme assay revealed that recombinant Aq1840 mainly converts agarose to NA4. Moreover, recombinant Aq1840 could weakly hydrolyze A5 into A3 and NA2. These results showed that Aq1840 is involved in at least the initial agar degradation step prior to the metabolic pathway that uses agarose as a carbon source for growth of the strain. Thus, this enzyme can be applied to development and manufacturing industry for prebiotic and antioxidant food additive. Furthermore, our genome sequence analysis revealed that the strain is a potential resource for research on marine polysaccharide degradation mechanisms and carbon cycling.
The Role of Zinc in Bone Tissue Health and Regeneration—a Review
Authors: Molenda Magda , Kolmas Joanna
Published: April 2023

Zinc is a micronutrient of key importance for human health. An increasing number of studies indicate that zinc plays a significant role in bone tissue’s normal development and maintaining homeostasis. Zinc is not only a component of bone tissue but is also involved in the synthesis of the collagen matrix, mineralization, and bone turnover. It has been demonstrated that zinc can stimulate runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and promote the differentiation of osteoblasts. On the other hand, zinc has been found to inhibit osteoclast-like cell formation and to decrease bone resorption by stimulating osteoclasts’ apoptosis. Moreover, zinc regulates the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway, thereby facilitating bone remodeling. To date, not all mechanisms of Zn activity on bone tissue are well understood and documented. The review aimed to present the current state of research on the role of zinc in bone tissue, its beneficial properties, and its effects on bone regeneration. Since calcium phosphates as bone substitute materials are increasingly enriched in zinc ions, the paper included an overview of research on the potential role of such materials in bone filling and regeneration.
Holding Out
Authors: Cowan Tony
Published: March 2023

This is a ground-breaking study of German operational command during a critical phase of the First World War from November 1916 to the eve of the third battle of Ypres. The situation faced by the German army on the Western Front in 1917 was very different from the one anticipated in pre-war doctrine and Holding Out examines how German commanders and staff officers adapted.  Tony Cowan analyses key command tasks to get under the skin of the army's command culture, internal politics and battle management systems from co-ordinating the troops, matériel and different levels of command needed to fight a modern battle to continuously learning and applying lessons from the ever-changing Western Front. His detailed analysis of the German defeat of the 1917 Entente spring offensive sheds new light on how the army and Germany were able to hold out so long during the war against increasing odds.
Remdesivir use and antimicrobial stewardship restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mena Lora Alfredo J. , Burgos Rodrigo , Borgetti Scott , Chaisson Lelia H. , Bleasdale Susan C.
Published: March 2023

Deploying therapeutics for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has proved challenging due to evolving evidence, supply shortages, and conflicting guideline recommendations. We conducted a survey on remdesivir use and the role of stewardship. Use differs significantly from guidelines. Hospitals with remdesivir restrictions were more guideline concordant. Formulary restrictions can be important for pandemic response.
The Western Great Basin Has an Arsenic Problem—Blame Its Geology
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: April 2023

A new study links geological factors such as faulting and geothermal activity to an elevated risk of arsenic contamination in private wells across the Great Basin.
Pore-engineered nanoarchitectonics for cancer therapy
Authors: Sutrisno Linawati , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: March 2023

Nanoarchitectonics describes the integration of nanotechnology with other fields as a postnanotechnology concept that elevates it to material science. Based on this fundamental principle, we address pore-engineered nanoarchitectonics with application targets for cancer therapy by combining basic descriptions and exemplifying therapy applications in this review. The initial two sections briefly summarize pore-engineered nanoarchitectonics basics according to classification based on (i) material porosity and (ii) material composition. Afterward, the main application-oriented section—designing mesoporous material for cancer therapy—is presented. Various types of drug delivery systems, including mesoporous nanoparticles as nanocarriers, endogenous stimuli-responsive drug delivery, exogenous stimuli-responsive drug delivery, and targeted drug delivery, are described. Importantly, the clinical translation of mesoporous materials is further discussed. Mesoporous materials are unique nanoparticles that offer a network of cavities as vehicles for drug nanocarriers. Regarding the developments that allow mesoporous nanoparticles to be broadly used in clinical settings, there are several challenges that should be solved for their clinical application. From a clinical perspective, there are tremendous processes in the development of mesoporous materials.
Interfacial electronic properties between PtSe2and 2D metal electrodes: a first-principles simulation
Authors: Tian Xinyue , Zhang Wenfei , Zhang Guang-Ping , Li Zong-Liang , Wang Chuan-Kui , Wang Minglang
Published: April 2023

Monolayer (ML) PtSe2is a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor with a modest band gap and high carrier mobility, and it is a promising 2D material for electronic devices.
GeSe-evoked synchronous strategy for electrodeposited CZGSe solar cells
Authors: Liu Jingling , Gao Kang , Cai Hang , Wu Xinyu , Liu Xinsheng , Cheng Ke , Du Zuliang
Published: April 2023

A synchronous strategy is proposed to fabricate high-quality CZGSe films and achieves a 3.69% ground-breaking efficiency for electrodeposited CZGSe-based devices.
Dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene™), a new possibility of an environmentally compatible solvent in synthetic organic electrochemistry
Authors: Ramos-Villaseñor Jose Manuel , Sotelo-Gil Jessica , Rodil Sandra E. , Frontana-Uribe Bernardo Antonio
Published: April 2023

A dihydrolevoglucosenone (DLG)/EtOH mixture resulted in a convenient solvent to carry out galvanostatic electroreductions of starting materials that exhibit high potential value.
Facile light exposure of zinc oxide via interfacial engineering for boosting responsivity and detectivity in organic photodetectors
Authors: Lim Jihyun , Jang Woongsik , Lee Junmin , Chun Ji Yun , Wang Dong Hwan
Published: April 2023

A light-exposed ZnO interface is filled with oxygen vacancies to limit surface defects, a smooth morphology is formed at an optimized time and a larger hole injection barrier is formed to suppress the dark current of an organic photodetector.
Constructing ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystals with large second harmonic generation and short absorption edges by using polar tetrahedral S2O3 groups
Authors: Ke Shixian , Fan Huixin , Lin Chensheng , Ye Ning , Luo Min
Published: April 2023

It is generally considered difficult for traditional sulfates to exhibit strong second harmonic generation (SHG) responses and large birefringence values because SO4 groups are nonpolar tetrahedral structures.
Glutathione depletion-mediatedin situtransformation of Prussian blue nanocubes for enhanced tumor-specific imaging and photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Tang Shunxin , Zhou Bo , Sun Wanying , Zhu Chengyuan , Tang Yue , Jiang Bang-Ping , Shen Xing-Can
Published: April 2023

This work provides a novel glutathione depletion-mediatedin situtransformation strategy for enhanced tumor-specific imaging and photoimmunotherapy.
A beginner’s guide to bioinformatics
Authors: Patel Krutik
Published: March 2023

Bioinformatics has revolutionized the modern life sciences and has become a component of many undergraduate training courses and post-graduate research projects. As such, we are seeing more bioinformatics and programming aspects within undergraduate training and so it is important to understand what bioinformatics is, why it is a necessity in modern research and how young academics can begin their journey as bioinformaticians. This article outlines the broad spectrum of what bioinformatics is used for within research labs and provides several resources for beginners to learn how to code and perform bioinformatic tasks.
Finite element modeling of thermal stresses in aerospace structures from polymer composite materials
Authors: Dimitrienko Yuriy , Koryakov Mikhail , Yurin Yuriy , Sborshchikov Sergey , Bogdanov Ilya
Published: March 2023

The conjugate problem of aerodynamics and heat and mass transfer in heat-shielding structures made of ablating polymer composite materials is considered. To determine the heat fluxes in the shock layer, the chemical composition of the atmosphere is taken into account. A mathematical formulation of the joint problem is formulated and an algorithm for numerical solution is proposed. An example of a numerical solution of the problem for the reentry spacecraft Stardust is presented. It is shown that due to the high temperatures of aerodynamic heating of a structure made of a polymer composite material, an intense internal generation of gas appears in the structure of the material, which can lead to the destruction of the material.
The system for assessing the socio-economic sustainability of the region for the development of entrepreneurial networks in conditions of restrictions using the methods of mathematical modeling
Authors: Jallal Mir Abdul Kayum , Gabrielyan Oleg , Burkaltseva Diana , Blazhevich Oleg , Polskaya Svetlana , Khlybova Nathalie , Bugaeva Tatyana , Kiselev Rem , Veretyokhin Andrey
Published: March 2023

The subject of the research is scientific and methodological provisions for the study of assessing the socio-economic sustainability of the region for the development of entrepreneurial networks in conditions of restrictions. The purpose of the study is to assess the socio-economic accountability of the region (using the example of the Federal Districts of the Russian Federation). The authors improved the methodology for assessing the socio-economic sustainability of the region, identified assessment indicators and substantiated their threshold values by methods of mathematical modeling. The most financially stable and unstable regions were identified. Recommendations are given for the most vulnerable regions.
Influence of casting speed change and submerged entry nozzle offset on mold flow field in unsteady-state continuous casting process
Authors: Lin Zhiqing , Yang Jian , Huang Fuxiang , Zhu Keran , Gong Jian , Liu Zhentong , Liu Fenggang
Published: March 2023

For the unsteady-state continuous casting process, the influences of changing the casting speed and the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) offset on the mold flow field are investigated with the water model experiment. The process of changing casting speed under the unsteady-state condition was divided into three phases to study the variation of the flow field in the mold, namely, the phase at the beginning of increasing or decreasing the casting speed, the phase of continuous increasing or decreasing the casting speed and the phase at the end of increasing or decreasing the casting speed. From the view point of the volumetric flow rate of the molten steel and the number of bubbles, the mechanisms for the variation of the flow field in the mold are discussed. In the industrial continuous casting process, since changing the casting speed has the greatest influence on the surface velocity and level fluctuation at the larger casting speed (1.6 m/min), the change in the casting speed should be operated more slowly at the larger casting speed. In addition, the variation of the flow field in the mold is studied when the SEN is offset to front, back, left and right on the cross section, and the mechanisms for the variation of the flow field in the mold are discussed from the view point of the number of bubbles and the kinetic energy of the jet.
In den Körper lächeln
Authors: Saldow Reinhold
Published: March 2023

Durch Hypnose induzierte Trance zählt zu den ältesten Therapie-methoden und kann über den inneren Dialog mit Organen Körperfunktionen verbessern und emotionale Konflikte lösen. Besonders das Herz steht als Sitz von Liebe und Freude und zugleich Ort der Wut, Enge, Schmerzen und Härte in einem engen Zusammenhang mit der Emotionalität. Durch Hineinspüren, -atmen und -lächeln in Organe lassen sich „eingeklemmte“ Affekte und belastende Empfindungen entdecken, lösen und „ausatmen“ – sowohl in der Arbeit mit Klienten als auch im Rahmen der Eigenarbeit.
Neue Kraft schöpfen
Authors: Stumpf Ursula
Published: March 2023

Bei andauerndem Stress oder nach einer Erkrankung fühlen wir uns häufig wie „ausgebrannt“. Es fehlt die Kraft, den Herausforderungen des Alltags zu begegnen. Dann können Heilpflanzen helfen, die für ihre stärkende Wirkung auf Körper und Geist bekannt sind. Zu diesen sogenannten Tonika gehören unter anderem Braunelle, Odermennig, Tausendgüldenkraut, Löwenzahn und Weißdorn.
Clinical Course May Be Independent from Neuroimaging in DEPDC-5-Related Epilepsy
Authors: Bartolini Emanuele , Della Vecchia Stefania , Biagioni Tommaso , Montanaro Domenico , Ferrari Anna Rita
Published: April 2023

DEPDC5 is an upstream repressor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway via the GATOR-1 complex. Pathogenic variants causing loss of function typically result in familial focal epilepsy with variable foci. Neuroimaging may either be normal or show brain malformations. Lesional and nonlesional cases may be present within the same family. Here, we describe a parent–child dyad affected by a truncating DEPDC5 pathogenic variant (c.727C > T; p.Arg243*), analyze the epilepsy clinical course, and describe neuroimaging characteristics from a 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging. Despite sharing the same variant, patients diverged both in terms of epilepsy severity and neuroimaging features. Surprisingly, the mother is still suffering from drug-resistant seizures and has normal neuroimaging, while the child has been experiencing prolonged seizure freedom notwithstanding a bottom-of-sulcus focal cortical dysplasia. An increasing gradient of severity has been proposed for families with GATOR1-related epilepsies. We confirm clinical and neuroradiological expressivities are variable and also suggest the prognostication of epilepsy outcome may be particularly difficult. The epilepsy outcome could partially be independent from brain structural abnormalities.
Time periods ranking according to the degree of the water source pollution
Authors: Yalaletdinova A V , Malkova M A , Vozhdaeva Y S , Kantor E A
Published: March 2023

The quality of river water was assessed by identifying time periods for which the values of turbidity, chromaticity, oxidizability and total hardness are maximum or minimum. Periods with high values of indicators were identified for which strict quality control of water purification is required: from January to April for total hardness and from April to July for turbidity, chromaticity and oxidizability. It was revealed that the largest deviations from the standard values in terms of indicators with their total impact on water pollution fall on the period from April to July, and the most unfavorable month is May. It has been established that the priority pollutant for the studied sections is water turbidity.
Improved insights into the SABIO-RK database via visualization
Authors: Dudaš Dorotea , Wittig Ulrike , Rey Maja , Weidemann Andreas , Müller Wolfgang
Published: April 2023

SABIO-RK is a database for biochemical reactions and their kinetics. Data in SABIO-RK are inherently multidimensional and complex. The complex relationships between the data are often difficult to follow or even not represented when using standard tabular views. With an increasing number of data points the mismatch between tables and insights becomes more obvious, and getting an overview of the data becomes harder. Such complex data benefit from being presented using specially adapted visual tools. Visualization is a natural and user-friendly way to quickly get an overview of the data and to detect clusters and outliers. Here, we describe the implementation of a variety of visualization concepts into a common interface within the SABIO-RK biochemical reaction kinetics database. For that purpose, we use a heat map, parallel coordinates and scatter plots to allow the interactive visual exploration of general entry-based information of biochemical reactions and specific kinetic parameter values.

Database URL https://sabiork.h-its.org/
Exploiting SMART pass filter deactivation detection to minimize inappropriate subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies: a real-world single-centre experience and management guide
Authors: Monkhouse Christopher , Wharmby Amy , Carter Zoe , Hunter Ross , Dhinoja Mehul , Chow Anthony , Creta Antonio , Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Ahsan Syed , Orini Michele , Lambiase Pier D
Published: April 2023

Aims

The SMART Pass™ (SP) algorithm is a high-pass filter that aims to reduce inappropriate therapy (IT) in subcutaneous internal cardiac defibrillator (S-ICD), but SP can deactivate due to low amplitude sensed R waves or asystole. The association between IT and SP deactivation and management strategies were evaluated, hypothesizing SP deactivation increases the risk of IT and device re-programming, or lead/generator re-positioning could reduce this risk.

Methods and results

Retrospective single-centre audit of Emblem™ S-ICD devices implanted 2016 to 2020 utilizing health records and remote monitoring data. Cox regression models evaluated associations between SP deactivation and IT. A total of 348 patients (27 ± 16.6 months follow-up) were studied: 73% primary prevention. Thirty-eight patients (11.8%) received 83 shocks with 27 patients (7.8%) receiving a total of 44 IT. Causes of IT were oversensing (98%) and aberrantly conducted atrial fibrillation (2%). SP deactivation occurred in 32 of 348 patients (9%) and was significantly associated with increased risk of IT (hazard ratio 5.36, 95% CI 2.37-12.13). SP deactivation was due to low amplitude R waves (94%), associated with a higher defibrillation threshold at implant and presence of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. No further IT occurred 16 ± 15.5 months after corrective interventions, with changing the sensing vector being successful in 59% of cases.

Conclusion

To reduce the risk of IT, the cause of the SP deactivation should be investigated, and appropriate reprogramming, device, or lead modifications made. Utilizing the alert for SP deactivation and electrograms could pro-actively prevent IT.
Acquisition of host-derived carbon in biomass of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus microcarpus is correlated to fungal carbon demand and plant defences
Authors: Stuart Emiko K , Singan Vasanth , Amirebrahimi Mojgan , Na Hyunsoo , Ng Vivian , Grigoriev Igor V , Martin Francis , Anderson Ian C , Plett Jonathan M , Plett Krista L
Published: April 2023

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are key players in forest carbon (C) sequestration, receiving a substantial proportion of photosynthetic C from their forest tree hosts in exchange for plant growth-limiting soil nutrients. However, it remains unknown whether the fungus or plant controls the quantum of C in this exchange, nor what mechanisms are involved. Here, we aimed to identify physiological and genetic properties of both partners that influence ECM C transfer. Using a microcosm system, stable isotope tracing, and transcriptomics, we quantified plant-to-fungus C transfer between the host plant Eucalyptus grandis and nine isolates of the ECM fungus Pisolithus microcarpus that range in their mycorrhization potential and investigated fungal growth characteristics and plant and fungal genes that correlated with C acquisition. We found that C acquisition by P. microcarpus correlated positively with both fungal biomass production and the expression of a subset of fungal C metabolism genes. In the plant, C transfer was not positively correlated to the number of colonized root tips, but rather to the expression of defence- and stress-related genes. These findings suggest that C acquisition by ECM fungi involves individual fungal demand for C and defence responses of the host against C drain.
Yca1 metacaspase: diverse functions determine how yeast live and let die
Authors: Lam Darren K , Sherlock Gavin
Published: April 2023

The Yca1 metacaspase was discovered due to its role in the regulation of apoptosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the mechanisms that drive apoptosis in yeast remain poorly understood. Additionally, Yca1 and other metacaspase proteins have recently been recognized for their involvement in other cellular processes, including cellular proteostasis and cell cycle regulation. In this minireview, we outline recent findings on Yca1 that will enable the further study of metacaspase multifunctionality and novel apoptosis pathways in yeast and other nonmetazoans. In addition, we discuss advancements in high-throughput screening technologies that can be applied to answer complex questions surrounding the apoptotic and nonapoptotic functions of metacaspase proteins across a diverse range of species.
What News Outlets do People Have in Mind When They Answer Survey Questions about Trust in “Media?”
Authors: Tsfati Yariv , Strömbäck Jesper , Lindgren Elina , Boomgaarden Hajo G , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: April 2023

While ample research on audience trust in the news media uses survey questions that ask respondents about their trust in a generic “news media,” only scant research has investigated what types of news outlets respondents have in mind when answering such questions. These previous investigations originated mostly in the US and resulted in inconsistent findings. To further investigate this question, we use data from a large-scale survey (N = 2,337), collected in Sweden, including both general media trust measures and specific measures about trust in 20 mainstream and nonmainstream news outlets. The results demonstrate that our respondents seemingly averaged across all mainstream sources when they formed their general evaluations of the news media’s trustworthiness.
Incrementally predictive runtime verification
Authors: Ferrando Angelo , Delzanno Giorgio
Published: March 2023

Runtime verification is a lightweight formal verification technique used to verify the runtime behaviour of software (resp. hardware) systems. Given a formal property, one or more monitors are synthesized to verify the latter against a system execution. A monitor can only conclude the violation of a property when it observes such a violation. Unfortunately, in safety-critical scenarios, this might happen too late for the system to react properly. In such scenarios, it is advised to use predictive runtime verification, where monitors are capable of anticipating (by using a model of the system) future events before actually observing them. In this work, instead of assuming such a model is given, we describe a runtime verification workflow where the model is learnt and incrementally refined by using process mining techniques. We present the approach and the resulting prototype tool.
A New Headache Worse at Night and When Bending Down
Authors: Ceriani Claire E. J. , Yuan Hsiangkuo
Published: March 2023

The chapter entitled “A New Headache Worse at Night and When Bending Down” discusses the variable presentations of patients with sinus disease–related headache and the clinical features that should prompt further investigation for a secondary cause; the co-occurrence of primary headache and sinus disease; the utility and limitations of published diagnostic guidelines; and the treatment and complications of rhinosinusitis. Headache due to sinus disease can be difficult to diagnose. Primary headache disorders may present with the facial pain and nasal symptoms commonly associated with sinus pathology, and rhinosinusitis may not always present with typical symptoms. Familiarity with the diagnostic guidelines and their limitations is essential to diagnosing rhinosinusitis.
An optimal envelope ejection efficiency for merging neutron stars
Authors: Tanaka Alexander M , Gilkis Avishai , Izzard Robert G , Tout Christopher A
Published: April 2023

We use the rapid binary stellar evolution code binary_c to estimate the rate of merging neutron stars with numerous combinations of envelope ejection efficiency and natal kick dispersion. We find a peak in the local rate of merging neutron stars around α ≈ 0.3–0.4, depending on the metallicity, where α is the efficiency of utilizing orbital energy to unbind the envelope. The peak height decreases with increasing electron-capture supernova kick dispersion σECSN. We explain the peak as a competition between the total number of systems that survive the common-envelope phase increasing with α and their separation, which increases with α as well. Increasing α reduces the fraction of systems that merge within a time shorter than the age of the Universe and results in different mass distributions for merging and non-merging double neutron stars. This offers a possible explanation for the discrepancy between the Galactic double neutron star mass distribution and the observed massive merging neutron star event GW190425. Within the α–σECSN parameter space that we investigate, the rate of merging neutron stars spans several orders of magnitude up to more than $1\times 10^{3} \, \mathrm{Gpc}^{-3}\, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ and can be higher than the observed upper limit or lower than the observed lower limit inferred thus far from merging neutron stars detected by gravitational waves. Our results stress the importance of common-envelope physics for the quantitative prediction and interpretation of merging binary neutron star events in this new age of gravitational wave astronomy.
Fruit crops combating drought: Physiological responses and regulatory pathways
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Gao Tengteng , Liu Changhai , Mao Ke , Gong Xiaoqing , Li Chao , Ma Fengwang
Published: April 2023

Drought is a common stress in agricultural production. Thus, it is imperative to understand how fruit crops respond to drought and to develop drought-tolerant varieties. This paper provides an overview of the effects of drought on the vegetative and reproductive growth of fruits. We summarize the empirical studies that have assessed the physiological and molecular mechanisms of the drought response in fruit crops. This review focuses on the roles of calcium (Ca2+) signaling, abscisic acid (ABA), reactive oxygen species signaling, and protein phosphorylation underlying the early drought response in plants. We review the resulting downstream ABA-dependent and ABA-independent transcriptional regulation in fruit crops under drought stress. Moreover, we highlight the positive and negative regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs in the drought response of fruit crops. Lastly, strategies (including breeding and agricultural practices) to improve the drought resistance of fruit crops are outlined.
Recent advances in epigenetic triggering of climacteric fruit ripening
Authors: Ji Yinglin , Wang Aide
Published: April 2023

During ripening, fleshy fruits undergo irreversible changes in color, texture, sugar content, aroma, and flavor to appeal to seed-dispersal vectors. The onset of climacteric fruit ripening is accompanied by an ethylene burst. Understanding the factors triggering this ethylene burst is important for manipulating climacteric fruit ripening. Here, we review the current understanding and recent insights into the possible factors triggering climacteric fruit ripening: DNA methylation and histone modification, including methylation and acetylation. Understanding the initiation factors of fruit ripening is important for exploring and accurately regulating the mechanisms of fruit ripening. Lastly, we discuss the potential mechanisms responsible for climacteric fruit ripening.