bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The anatomical features of an ultrasound‐guided erector spinae fascial plane block in a cadaveric neonatal sample
Authors: Govender Sabashnee , Mohr Dwayne , Bosenberg Adrian , Van Schoor Albert Neels
Published: September 2020

Background

Since its inception, the erector spinae plane block has been used for a variety of truncal surgeries with success in both adults and children. However, the anatomical features, route of spread, and dermatomal coverage are still not fully understood in a pediatric population.

Objectives

To identify the anatomical features of the erector spinae fascial plane space by replicating an erector spinae plane block in a fresh neonatal cadaveric sample. The primary aim was to determine the spread of the dye within the fascial plane, while the secondary aims were to determine whether the needle direction or entry site affected the spread.

Methods

The block was replicated bilaterally using 0.1 mL/kg of iodinated contrast dye in nine fresh unembalmed preterm neonatal cadavers. The dye was introduced under ultrasound guidance at vertebral level T5 and T8. Additionally, the needle was oriented cranial‐caudal vs caudal‐cranial to determine if the needle orientation influenced the spread of dye. The block was also replicated midway between the adjacent transverse processes as opposed to the lateral tip of the transverse process to determine the spread.

Results

From the total sample size, 14 “blocks” were successfully replicated, while 4 “blocks” were either incomplete or failed blocks. Contrast dye was found in the paravertebral, intercostal, and epidural spaces, including posteriorly over the neural foramina. Results revealed that the needle direction or entry site did not influence the spread within the fascial plane.

Conclusion

Contrast material was found in the paravertebral, epidural, and intercostal spaces over an average of 5 vertebral levels when using 0.1 mL/kg.
Genomic interventions for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Bohra Abhishek , Chand Jha Uday , Godwin Ian D. , Kumar Varshney Rajeev
Published: September 2020

Agricultural production faces a Herculean challenge to feed the increasing global population. Food production systems need to deliver more with finite land and water resources while exerting the least negative influence on the ecosystem. The unpredictability of climate change and consequent changes in pests/pathogens dynamics aggravate the enormity of the challenge. Crop improvement has made significant contributions towards food security, and breeding climate‐smart cultivars are considered the most sustainable way to accelerate food production. However, a fundamental change is needed in the conventional breeding framework in order to respond adequately to the growing food demands. Progress in genomics has provided new concepts and tools that hold promise to make plant breeding procedures more precise and efficient. For instance, reference genome assemblies in combination with germplasm sequencing delineate breeding targets that could contribute to securing future food supply. In this review, we highlight key breakthroughs in plant genome sequencing and explain how the presence of these genome resources in combination with gene editing techniques has revolutionized the procedures of trait discovery and manipulation. Adoption of new approaches such as speed breeding, genomic selection and haplotype‐based breeding could overcome several limitations of conventional breeding. We advocate that strengthening varietal release and seed distribution systems will play a more determining role in delivering genetic gains at farmer’s field. A holistic approach outlined here would be crucial to deliver steady stream of climate‐smart crop cultivars for sustainable agriculture.
Individual and dyadic associations among relational self‐expansion potential, affect, and perceived health
Authors: Stanton Sarah C. E. , Spence Katie , Kähkönen Jenni E. , Dobson Kiersten
Published: September 2020

A growing body of literature suggests that specific markers of relationship quality are meaningfully linked to health outcomes. We tested whether relational self‐expansion potential might be one of these markers in cross‐sectional samples of individuals and romantic couples. Study 1 found that greater self‐expansion potential was linked to better perceived physical health via both higher positive affect (PA) and lower negative affect (NA). Study 2 replicated these findings for PA (but not NA) and revealed both actor and partner effects of self‐expansion potential. Results remained robust when statistically accounting for gender, age, body mass index, agreeableness, neuroticism, and perceived partner responsiveness. These findings identify a new relationship‐level “active ingredient” associated with health and have implications for future physical health studies.
Risk factors for secondary poor graft function after bone marrow transplantation in children with acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Hama Asahito , Muramatsu Hideki , Narita Atsushi , Nishikawa Eri , Kawashima Nozomu , Nishio Nobuhiro , Kojima Seiji , Takahashi Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2020

In patients with acquired AA, PGF is a major cause of cytopenia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. An increased incidence of PGF, especially sPGF, has been noted after the introduction of the FLU/CY regimen in children with acquired AA. To clarify the risk factors for sPGF, the clinical data of 49 patients (median age, 11 years; range, 1‐19 years) with AA who received allogeneic BMT at Nagoya University Hospital from 1997 to 2016 were analyzed. Out of the 49 patients, 7 developed sPGF, and the 5‐year CI was 0.15 (95% CI, 0.04‐0.25). Five received the FLU/CY regimen, and the 5‐year CI of sPGF was significantly higher in patients who received the regimen (0.36; 95% CI, 0.12‐0.62) than in those who were conditioned with the non‐FLU/CY regimen (0.06; 95% CI, 0.01‐0.17; P = .01). The multivariate analysis confirmed that the FLU/CY regimen (hazard ratio, 6.12; 95% CI, 1.16‐32.4; P = .03) was a significant risk factor for sPGF. sPGF improved spontaneously without stem cell boost infusions in 5 patients, ranging from 460 to 3539 days after BMT. The 10‐year CI of the spontaneous trilineage recovery was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.00‐0.97), and all 7 patients are alive. The FLU/CY regimen was identified as a risk factor for the sPGF development in patients with AA. The establishment of the optimal conditioning regimens for children with AA is warranted.
Effect of Protective Measures on Eye Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Deng Yan , Zhang Chuan , Zheng Yang , Li Rui , Hua Hui , Lu Yingjie , Gurram Namratha , Chen Rentong , OuYang NanNing , Zhang Shumin , Liu Yang , Hu Liwen
Published: September 2020

In this study, ocular biologically effective exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVBE) is investigated with six kinds of sun protective measures (spectacle lenses, sunglasses, cap, bonnet, straw hat and under parasol). Ocular UV exposure measurements were performed on manikins during the summer period in Shenyang city (41.64° N, 123.50° E, 66 m a.s.l.), China. The measurements include the ocular UV exposure of an unprotected eye and the ambient UV as a control concurrently. Based on the relative spectral weighting factors of the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the ocular biologically effective UV is calculated and compared with the 8‐h exposure limits of ICNIRP (30 J m−2). The UV index (UVI) of the measurement days is 0–8, and the 8‐h (8:00–16:00 China Standard Time, CST) cumulated UVBE of the unprotected eye is 452.0 J m−2. The 8‐h cumulated UVBE of the eye with spectacle lenses, sunglasses, cap, bonnet, straw hat and under parasol are 364.2, 69.1, 51.4, 49.0, 56.8 and 110.2 J m−2, respectively. Importantly, it should be noted that the eye could be exposed to risk despite protective measures. The 8‐h cumulated UVBE of the eye with protection is ca 1.6–15.1 times the exposure limit, respectively. As indicated in the present study, during summer months, high exposure to the sun for more than 30 min without eye protection and more than 1 h with eye protection is not advisable. The protection measures could effectively reduce the UVBE reaching the eye, yet there is still a high degree of risk when compared with the ICNIRP 8‐h exposure limits.
Surface moisture increases microcracking and water vapour permeance of apple fruit skin
Authors: Khanal B. P. , Imoro Y. , Chen Y. H. , Straube J. , Knoche M.
Published: September 2020

Surface moisture induces microcracking in the cuticle of fruit skins. Our objective was to study the effects of surface moisture on cuticular microcracking, the permeance to water vapour and russeting in developing ‘Pinova’ apple fruit.

Surface moisture was applied by fixing to the fruit a plastic tube containing deionized water. Microcracking was quantified by fluorescence microscopy and image analysis following infiltration with acridine orange. Water vapour permeance was determined gravimetrically using skin segments (ES) mounted in diffusion cells.

Cumulative water loss through the ES increased linearly with time. Throughout development, surface moisture significantly increased skin permeance. The effect was largest during early development and decreased towards maturity. Recovery time courses revealed that following moisture treatment of young fruit for 12 days, skin permeance continued to increase until about 14 days after terminating the moisture treatment. Thereafter, skin permeance decreased over the next 28 days, then approaching the control level. This behaviour indicates gradual healing of the impaired cuticular barrier. Nevertheless, permeance still remained significantly higher compared with the untreated control. Similar patterns of permeance change were observed following moisture treatments at later stages of development. The early moisture treatment beginning at 23 DAFB resulted in russeting of the exposed surfaces. There was no russet in control fruit without a tube or in control fruit with a tube mounted for 12 days without water.

The data demonstrate that surface moisture increases microcracking and water vapour permeance. This may lead to the formation of a periderm and, hence, a russeted fruit surface.
Class or caste? A study on the role of caste and wealth status in school choice decision
Authors: Bhattacharya Sukanta , Dasgupta Aparajita , Mandal Kumarjit , Mukherjee Anirban
Published: September 2020

There is a strong political opinion in India in favour of replacing caste based affirmative action with an economic class based one. We contribute to this debate by looking at the interaction of caste and wealth in school choice. We show that too rich and too poor parents behave in the same way irrespective of their caste identities—rich parents sending their children to private schools while poor parents choosing public schools for their children. The caste identity, we find, plays a role for the school choice decision made by the parents belonging to the economic middle class. Among the economic middle class parents, the ones from the privileged castes send their children to private schools, while the children of the parents from the disadvantaged castes are sent to public schools. The result is robust to alternative definitions of privileged and disadvantaged castes. For school quality choice, however, we find a monotonic relationship between wealth and school quality.
Linking carbonate sediment transfer to seafloor morphology: Insights from Exuma Valley, the Bahamas
Authors: Le Goff Johan , Recouvreur Audrey , Reijmer John J.G. , Mulder Thierry , Ducassou Emmanuelle , Perellò Marie‐Claire , Hanquiez Vincent , Gillet Hervé , Cavailhes Thibault , Fabregas Natacha
Published: September 2020

The depositional record of carbonate slopes provides a valuable archive of past environmental and climatic changes. Modern carbonate slopes reveal morphological variabilities (for example, gullies and canyons) shaped by episodic slope collapses and turbidity currents. Furthermore, climate‐induced fluctuations in sea level regulate sediment availability and delivery to the deep‐sea. Morphological and climatic controls on calciclastic sediment transfer are often complex to decipher. The aim of this study is to link seafloor morphology and depositional processes in an active carbonate submarine channel (Exuma Valley, the Bahamas) over the last 40 kyr. The dataset includes multibeam and seismic surveys, and two sediment cores retrieved from the valley axis. A series of abrupt slope‐breaks, called knickpoints, occurs along Exuma Valley, and plays a key role in sediment transport and accumulation. Initiation processes proposed for knickpoint formation include bank‐collapse, side gully erosion and loss of confinement. Slope collapses detected on the bathymetry prevail in the upstream muddy section of the submarine valley, as attested to by a planktic‐rich debrite–turbidite couplet in the first core. In contrast, the second core collected downstream of the knickpoints train, includes 32 bioclastic sandy event‐beds (i.e. turbidites). Hydrodynamic sorting generates grain segregation (for example, Halimeda‐rich base versus planktic‐rich top) and geochemical contrasts (Sr/Ca) in turbidites. Turbidite frequency and grain composition within beds reflect the variation of carbonate sources during glacial–interglacial periods. This research allows to link slope morphology with deposits of a modern large‐scale carbonate factory, and to deduce sea‐level changes over that last 40 kyr in the Bahamas. These results can provide new perspectives on the understanding of ‘source to sink’ mechanisms in carbonate systems.
Calcite uranium–lead geochronology applied to hardground lithification and sequence boundary dating
Authors: Brigaud Benjamin , Andrieu Simon , Blaise Thomas , Haurine Frédéric , Barbarand Jocelyn
Published: September 2020

Hardground discontinuities within carbonate platforms form important stratigraphic surfaces which can be used at basin scale to correlate sequence boundaries. Although these surfaces are commonly used in sequence strati‐graphy, the timing and duration of hardground lithification and the crystallization of early cements remain unexplored. Here, early calcite cements were dated by U‐Pb geochronology for five Jurassic hardgrounds, interpreted as third‐order sequence boundaries, situated within a well‐constrained petrographic, sedimentological and stratigraphic framework. The consistency or the slight deviation between the age of the cements and the stratigraphic age of deposition of the formations illustrate that cementation occurred early in the diagenetic history. The ages obtained on dogtooth cements, replacing aragonite in gastropod shells and pendant cements in intergranular spaces, match those of the standard Jurassic biostratigraphic ammonite Zones, making calcite U‐Pb geochronology a promising method for dating third‐order sequence boundaries of depositional sequences and refining the Jurassic time scale in the future.
Longitudinal associations of physical fitness and body mass index with academic performance
Authors: García‐Hermoso Antonio , Martinez‐Gomez David , del Rosario Fernández‐Santos Jorge , Ortega Francisco B. , Castro‐Piñero José , Hillman Charles H. , Veiga Oscar L. , Esteban‐Cornejo Irene
Published: September 2020

No studies have analyzed the longitudinal associations of change in physical fitness components and obesity with academic performance. The aim of the study was to examine longitudinal associations of changes in physical fitness components and body mass index with academic performance among youth, and whether the physical fitness components are moderators of the longitudinal association between obesity and academic performance in youth. Longitudinal analyses (2 years) included 1802 youths. Physical fitness components were assessed following the ALPHA health‐related fitness test battery. Academic performance was assessed via school records. Youth in the persistently high cardiorespiratory fitness and motor ability categories (ie, fit at baseline and at 2‐year follow‐up) had higher academic performance at follow‐up than those in the persistently low category. Further, youth with normal weight at baseline and overweight/obesity at follow‐up had lower academic performance scores at follow‐up compared to those with normal weight. Also, cardiorespiratory fitness may ameliorate the negative influence of excess body mass index on academic performance at follow‐up. Promoting physical activity programs at school that include both aerobic exercise and motor tasks to improve physical fitness and reduce body mass index may not only improve physical health, but also contribute toward successful academic development.
Performance progression of elite jumpers: Early performances do not predict later success
Authors: Boccia Gennaro , Cardinale Marco , Brustio Paolo Riccardo
Published: September 2020

This study aimed (a) to estimate the transition rate for top 50 ranked track and field jumpers, (b) to compare the performance progression of top 50 ranked senior jumpers (top50 senior) to those who failed to be top 50 ranked in the senior category despite being top 50 ranked in the under 18 category (only U18), and (c) to verify whether relative age effect may at least partially explain the differences in the two above‐mentioned subgroups. The career performance trajectories of 5981 athletes (2837 females) competing in jump events from 2000 to 2019 were extracted from the World Athletics database. The all‐time top 50 ranked athletes for each age from 16 years to senior category were identified. Performance progression characteristics were compared using linear mixed‐effects model. Only 8% of males and 16% of females top 50 ranked at the age of 16 years managed to be included among the top50 senior. Only U18subgroup made the first appearance in the database (at 15‐16 years) and reached the peak performance (at 20 years) earlier than top50 senior (17‐18 and 26‐27 years, respectively). The relative age effect was largely present in Only U18 but not in top50 senior subgroups. Most of the early‐successful U18 world‐class jumpers did not manage to maintain the same level of competitiveness in adulthood since they experienced a plateau in performance from 20 years of age. Conversely, top 50 ranked senior jumpers continued to produce consistent performance improvement up to 26‐27 years of age.
The growth of private home care providers in Europe: The case of Ireland
Authors: Mercille Julien , O'Neill Nicholas
Published: September 2020

Private for‐profit home care providers have grown unevenly in Europe and through varied processes. Yet, more research focusing directly on private providers is needed to identify and explain European patterns in their growth and in their modes of operation. This paper examines the case of Ireland, where private providers have grown significantly in recent years and transformed the national landscape of domiciliary care. First, it is shown that the amount of public funding received by private providers increased from €3 million in 2006 to €176 million in 2019, in contrast to amounts allocated to non‐profit and public providers that have increased only slightly. Second, those trends are explained through policy analysis and by drawing on in‐depth semi‐structured interviews (n = 12) with private home care providers and government officials who have been central to the privatization of care. The paper gives a direct voice to key figures in private home care, and through a critical reading of interview materials, argues that the neoliberal nature of the Irish state has driven the growth of private provision, in particular, through policies of competitive tendering and fiscalization. Providers' own lobbying activities have also played a role, albeit a secondary one. Ireland has traditionally followed a laissez‐faire, family‐based system comparable to Southern European countries. Its experience is thus directly relevant to that region, but further research should also compare and contrast the development of private providers operating in other European long‐term care regimes.
Origin and spatio‐temporal diversification of a fishfly lineage endemic to the islands of East Asia (Megaloptera: Corydalidae)
Authors: Jiang Yunlan , Yang Fan , Yue Lu , Hayashi Fumio , Yang Ding , Liu Xingyue
Published: September 2020

Chauliodinae (fishflies), with their low capacity of long‐distance dispersal represent a suitable model insect group to investigate the biogeographical history. The genus Parachauliodes van der Weele, including the herein synonymized genus Sinochauliodes Liu & Yang, is endemic to East Asia. Here, we reconstruct the interspecific phylogeny of Parachauliodes based on mitochondrial DNA sequence data. Sinochauliodes syn.n. was recovered with a group of Parachauliodes species and not the sister group; we therefore treat it as the junior synonym of Parachauliodes. Species delimitation was performed combining the molecular identification with morphological evidence, with Parachauliodes inopinatus syn.n. treated as the junior synonym of Parachauliodes asahinai. The spatio‐temporal divergence pattern of Parachauliodes indicates that the genus might have originated from Eurasian continent no later than the early Miocene and the initial divergence within genus was likely to be correlated to the split of southwestern Japanese Islands from the continent. There likely was a southward dispersal in the Parachauliodes japonicus clade from southwestern Japan via the Ryukyus to Taiwan by the end of the Miocene. The present species diversity of the insular lineage of Parachauliodes was possibly shaped by island isolations and sympatric distribution.
Iranian kidney transplant recipients with COVID‐19 infection: Clinical outcomes and cytomegalovirus coinfection
Authors: Molaei Hamideh , Khedmat Leila , Nemati Eghlim , Rostami Zohreh , Saadat Seyed Hassan
Published: September 2020

Background

There is a high risk of COVID‐19 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) because of chronic immunosuppression and severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis.

Case presentation

A case series of 10 KTRs with COVID‐19 in Iran was developed. Participants consisted of two female and eight male patients, aged 46‐68 years old. The data related to clinical laboratory tests, outcomes, diagnosis, and drug treatments were collected. The RT‐PCR confirmed the COVID‐19 infection in KTRs. The assessment of serum biochemical and blood hematological factors showed that there was a strong correlation between COVID‐19 intensity and high serum Cr, BUN, and ALT levels, high CRP concentration, and lower lymphocyte and platelet counts in male KTRs. Ground‐glass opacity (GGO) was the main radiologic pattern visible on both chest radiographs of computed tomography scans. The COVID‐19 and CMV coinfection in KTRs resulted in large‐size kidneys with severe parenchymal echogenicity and hydronephrosis. The combined use of effective antibiotic and antiviral drugs was suitable to prevent COVID‐19 progression in KTRs.

Conclusions

The coincidence of COVID‐19 and CMV in KTRs may potentially increase the mortality risk of patients. The levels of Cr, BUN, ALT, and CRP as well as lymphocytes count in these patients should be continuously controlled.
Peripartum hyperhemolysis prophylaxis and management in sickle cell disease: A case report and narrative review
Authors: Vasanthamohan Lakshman , Choo Sheryl , Marshall Tonisha , Symons Yahui Tammy , Matsui Doreen , Eastabrook Genevieve , Solh Ziad
Published: September 2020

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with hematologic complications including delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs) and pregnancy‐related morbidity and mortality. Hyperhemolysis syndrome (HS) is the most severe form of DHTR in patients with SCD, in which both transfused and native red blood cells are destroyed. Further transfusions are avoided after a history of HS. Immunosuppressive agents can be used as prophylaxis against life‐threatening hemolysis when transfusion is necessary. There is a paucity of evidence for the use of HS prophylaxis before transfusions, the continuation of hydroxyurea (HU) in lieu of chronic transfusion, and the use of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) in pregnant SCD patients.

Case Report

We present a case of a pregnant patient with SCD and a previous history of HS. HS prophylaxis was given before transfusion with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab. In addition, HU was continued during pregnancy to control SCD, along with the use of concomitant ESA to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels and avoid transfusion. We describe a multidisciplinary approach to pregnancy and delivery management including tailored anesthetic and obstetric planning.

Conclusion

This is the first published case of HS prophylaxis in a pregnant SCD patient, with good maternal and fetal outcomes after transfusion. HU and ESAs were able to control SCD and mitigate anemia in lieu of prophylactic transfusions during pregnancy. Further prospective studies are necessary to elucidate the ideal management of pregnant SCD patients with a history of HS or other contraindications to chronic transfusion.
Dermatophytosis with concurrent Trichophyton verrucosum and T. benhamiae in calves after long‐term transport
Authors: Łagowski Dominik , Gnat Sebastian , Nowakiewicz Aneta , Osińska Marcelina , Trościańczyk Aleksandra , Zięba Przemysław
Published: September 2020

Background

Dermatophytosis is a common problem in cattle. The aetiological factors associated with this disease are filamentous fungi with the ability to digest and grow on keratinized substrates. In cattle, and less frequently in other domestic animals and people, the dermatophyte Trichophyton verrucosum is most commonly isolated from skin lesions. The dermatophyte Trichophyton benhamiae is an important zoonotic pathogen, and the main sources of transmission are guinea pigs and other small rodents.

Objectives

In this report, we show multispecies infection in calves (Bos taurus) after long‐term transport and vaccination against trichophytosis.

Animals

Sixty animals were imported of which 32 were observed to be affected with superficial infection nine to 12 days after vaccination for dermatophytosis.

Methods and materials

Diagnosis was made correlating the clinical signs with a micro‐ and macroscopic examination of cultured fungi. Molecular differentiation was used to confirm the species affiliation.

Results

Eight of the calves were infected with T. verrucosum alone, and 24 calves with both T. verrucosum and T. benhamiae. We suggest that the cause of this large outbreak was immunosuppression of the animals resulting from the stress of transport and administration of vaccine.

Conclusion

Both T. verrucosum and T. benhamiae can be seen concurrently in cattle.
Pathway to STEM
Authors: Kelly Caitlin
Published: September 2020

STEM education, encompassing engineering and technology as well as science and math, was identified as a national crisis as long ago as 2005, when the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published the report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future. In 2007, Congress passed a law intended, in part, to improve STEM teaching. Fast forward to 2020 and the question is: Has the new emphasis on STEM education changed anything?
Aspects of Gas Turbine Thermal Efficiency
Authors: Langston Lee S.
Published: September 2020

In the family of heat engines, the gas turbine is unique in that it is used to produce two different kinds of useful power. By converting combusted fuel heat into work, a gas turbine engine can produce external shaft power (e.g., to drive a connected electric generator) or jet power (e.g., as a jet engine, to produce thrust forces to propel an aircraft). This means that the gas turbine’s thermodynamic figure of merit, thermal efficiency, is multifaceted, and calls for a nuanced examination.
Structural and Electrical Study of Boron Doped Ceria Ceramics Electrolytes for SOFC
Authors: Hussain M. Jafar , Ahmed Basharat , Ahmad M. Ashfaq , Raza Rizwan , Khan M. Ajmal , Syed W. A. A. , Hussain Fida , Abbas Ghazanfar
Published: September 2020

The world’s present reserves in terms of fossil fuels are exhausting speedily. Such rapid energy consumption can be caused of unsustainable worldwide progress. Therefore, the researcher’s challenge is to identify the most efficient and economical energy conversion method to provide a viable replacement for the ongoing conventional energy converters. In this context, fuel cell technology (solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)) can play a key role and convert hydrocarbon energy into electrical energy. The conventional electrolyte YSZ based SOFCs work at high temperature ∼1000 °C. In this present research, the new ceramics electrolytes materials boron doped ceria (BDC) have been developed by auto-combustion technique. The prepared materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TEM. The crystallite sizes of all prepared samples are in the range of 50–80 nm applying Scherer’s formula. The electrical studies and fuel cell performance have been completed at temperature ≤ 700 °C. The doping of boron into ceria has significantly improved the electrical conduction of pure ceria oxide which has been studied using four-probe setup. The maximum ionic conductivity and power density of B0.20:Ce0.80 (molar ratio) electrolyte material named as E4 have been achieved and found to be 0.09 S/cm at 700 °C and 198.125 mW/cm2 at 650 °C. It has been observed that all electrochemical results are consistent with the doping of boron into ceria.
Microstructure and Corrosion of Laser Cladding Coatings on Titanium Alloy With Nd2O3
Authors: Han Guangyu , Zhang Youfeng
Published: September 2020

Composite coatings of TiB were successfully obtained on the surface of a Ti–6Al–4V alloy by in situ laser cladding technology using Ti/B/Nd2O3 powders. The microstructure and corrosion resistance of the fabricated composite coatings were investigated because relevant studies have been thus far limited in this field. The results indicate that the cladding coating and the substrate combined well via metallurgy after laser cladding treatment, and no obvious cracks were observed in the cladding coatings. The coatings comprise only the TiB and the α-Ti phase. The addition of Nd2O3 promoted the formation of a uniform and refined microstructure of the cladding coatings, and a well-defined structure was obtained when the added Nd2O3 content was 2 wt%. The microhardness of the cladding coating obviously improved by 3 to 4 fold above that of the Ti–6Al–4V substrate. Moreover, the corrosion properties significantly improved by adding Nd2O3 into the coatings. Electrical impedance spectroscopy and polarization tests showed that the best corrosion resistance of the cladding coating was achieved with the addition of 2 wt% Nd2O3. All samples revealed obvious near-capacitive behavior after immersion in a corrosive medium.
Parenting and Physics: How to Support Physics Students Who Are Raising Children
Authors: Young Rose
Published: September 2020

This study addresses the obstacles and lack of support available for physics students who are also parents. The purpose of this study is to provide physics parents with strategies that other students like them have used and provide ideas for universities and physics faculty to support physics students who are raising children. Majoring in physics could present a challenge to any parents, given the demands of the major. Further, given the low numbers of women in physics and previous research on student parents, it is likely that majoring in physics might be an extra burden for women who are parenting. Given the need for people trained as physicists and engineers, finding ways to support parents in physics could have benefits all around: It could increase the pool of highly trained STEM workers, while diversifying physics and also helping parents prepare for careers that can support their families.
The Mass of Hatchling Tyrannosaur and Sauropod Dinosaurs
Authors: Thomas Joshua D. , Lee Scott A. , Cooley Max , Irving Richard E.
Published: September 2020

Igniting excitement for physics in our students is a goal of every instructor. In this paper, we discuss a unique example of the concept of density, a subject that is rarely viewed as intriguing by students. By combining a problem involving dinosaurs and an effective density, our students’ interest is often captured through calculating an estimated mass of hatchling tyrannosaur and sauropod dinosaurs. This unusual kind of density also provides an interesting backdrop for students to test their understanding of density. We also discuss how this result can be used to learn more about dinosaurs.
Development of an Energy Science Curriculum
Authors: Binder P.-M. , Collins Topaz P. , Blacksmith Kristal
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this paper is to describe a three-year limited-run offer of an energy science certificate in the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus, along with lessons learned that can be of use to other institutions considering comparable programs. Energy science is a loosely defined discipline that traditionally straddles physics and mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, and that can be offered based in any one or a combination of the above programs. Significant components in the life sciences and social sciences can be included as well. With the global trend to switch to clean or renewable energies, a significant number of job openings in this field is expected.
Ya Basic: Examining the Duality of Minority-Serving Conference Experiences
Authors: Quichocho Xandria R.
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to critically frame the successes and failings of scientific conferences designed for underrepresented undergraduate physics students as counterspaces in physics. The beginning of the paper outlines the necessity of these counterspaces’ existence as evidenced by the literature. We apply a critical lens to the experiences of minority students who have attended these conferences to examine the ways the events support their holistic identities or fail to do so.
A Low-Cost 3D Printed Meterstick Caliper Jaw
Authors: Campolo Steve
Published: September 2020

In high school and elementary college physics labs the measurement of vertical distance is often required. Measuring the distance an object falls or the vertical displacement of springs in a Hooke’s law experiment are commonplace. Determining these distances to perhaps a millimeter or two of precision is difficult without an expensive height gauge or a “jaw” attached to a meterstick. Figure 1 shows a new meterstick caliper jaw in use measuring spring elongation. This article presents an easy self-made replacement of the author’s design fabricated on a 3D printer. The printer files are available free as described.
Reprogramming competence of OCT factors is determined by transactivation domains
Authors: Kim Kee-Pyo , Wu You , Yoon Juyong , Adachi Kenjiro , Wu Guangming , Velychko Sergiy , MacCarthy Caitlin M. , Shin Borami , Röpke Albrecht , Arauzo-Bravo Marcos J. , Stehling Martin , Han Dong Wook , Gao Yawei , Kim Johnny , Gao Shaorong , Schöler Hans R.
Published: September 2020

Transactivation domains and their functional features render OCT proteins with different reprogramming competences.
Histone exchange is associated with activator function at transcribed promoters and with repression at histone loci
Authors: Kassem Sari , Ferrari Paolo , Hughes Amanda L. , Soudet Julien , Rando Oliver J. , Strubin Michel
Published: September 2020

Histone turnover during gene transcription is mediated by regulatory proteins, not by the transcription machinery.
Autonomous robotic nanofabrication with reinforcement learning
Authors: Leinen Philipp , Esders Malte , Schütt Kristof T. , Wagner Christian , Müller Klaus-Robert , Tautz F. Stefan
Published: September 2020

Intelligent learning agent controls a scanning probe microscope and masters a nanoscale robotic task of molecule manipulation.
Globally deimmunized lysostaphin evades human immune surveillance and enables highly efficacious repeat dosing
Authors: Zhao Hongliang , Brooks Seth A. , Eszterhas Susan , Heim Spencer , Li Liang , Xiong Yan Q. , Fang Yongliang , Kirsch Jack R. , Verma Deeptak , Bailey-Kellogg Chris , Griswold Karl E.
Published: September 2020

A deimmunized lysostaphin biotherapy evades detrimental antidrug immune reactions and has improved efficacy for MRSA infections.
Paternal deprivation impairs social behavior putatively via epigenetic modification to lateral septum vasopressin receptor
Authors: Kelly Aubrey M. , Ong Jie Yuen , Witmer Ruth A. , Ophir Alexander G.
Published: September 2020

Family context and co-parent rapport alter caregiving and shape epigenetic modification in the brain and behavior of offspring.
Parabrachial neuron types categorically encode thermoregulation variables during heat defense
Authors: Yang Wen Z. , Du Xiaosa , Zhang Wen , Gao Cuicui , Xie Hengchang , Xiao Yan , Jia Xiaoning , Liu Jiashu , Xu Jianhui , Fu Xin , Tu Hongqing , Fu Xiaoyu , Ni Xinyan , He Miao , Yang Jiajun , Wang Hong , Yang Haitao , Xu Xiao-hong , Shen Wei L.
Published: September 2020

Two key brainstem neuron types were identified for heat defense, fever limiting, energy expenditure, and body weight control.
SMOC1 is a glucose-responsive hepatokine and therapeutic target for glycemic control
Authors: Montgomery Magdalene K. , Bayliss Jacqueline , Devereux Camille , Bezawork-Geleta Ayenachew , Roberts David , Huang Cheng , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Ryan Andrew , Townley Scott L. , Selth Luke A. , Biden Trevor J. , Steinberg Gregory R. , Samocha-Bonet Dorit , Meex Ruth C. R. , Watt Matthew J.
Published: September 2020

SMOC1 is a liver-secreted glucose-responsive protein that improves glycemic control through CREB-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose output.
Impact of the Human Microbiome in Forensic Sciences: a Systematic Review
Authors: García Manuel G. , Pérez-Cárceles María D. , Osuna Eduardo , Legaz Isabel
Published: September 2020

Numerous studies relate differences in microbial communities to human health and disease; however, little is known about microbial changes that occur postmortem or the possible applications of microbiome analysis in the field of forensic science. The aim of this review was to study the microbiome and its applications in forensic sciences and to determine the main lines of investigation that are emerging, as well as its possible contributions to the forensic field. A systematic review of the human microbiome in relation to forensic science was carried out by following PRISMA guidelines.
Conserved ESX-1 Substrates EspE and EspF Are Virulence Factors That Regulate Gene Expression
Authors: Chirakos Alexandra E. , Nicholson Kathleen R. , Huffman Allison , Champion Patricia A.
Published: September 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the cause of human tuberculosis, and
Mycobacterium marinum
, a nontubercular pathogen with a broad host range, require the ESX-1 secretion system for virulence. The ESX-1 system secretes proteins which cause phagosomal lysis within the macrophage via an unknown mechanism. As reported elsewhere (R. E. Bosserman et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 114:E10772–E10781, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1710167114
), we recently discovered that the ESX-1 system regulates gene expression in
M. marinum
This finding was confirmed in
M. tuberculosis
in reports by C.
A Novel Human Skin Tissue Model To Study Varicella-Zoster Virus and Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Lloyd Megan G. , Smith Nicholas A. , Tighe Michael , Travis Kelsey L. , Liu Dongmei , Upadhyaya Prashant K. , Kinchington Paul R. , Chan Gary C. , Moffat Jennifer F.
Published: September 2020

Varicella-zoster virus and human cytomegalovirus infect a majority of the global population. While they often cause mild disease, serious illness and complications can arise. Unfortunately, there are few effective drugs to treat these viruses, and many are toxic. To complicate this, these viruses are restricted to replication in human cells and tissues, making them difficult to study in traditional animal models. Current models rely heavily on fetal tissues, can be prohibitively expensive, and are often complicated to generate. While fetal tissue models provide helpful insights, it is necessary to study human viruses in human tissue systems to fully understand these viruses and adequately evaluate novel antivirals. Adult human skin is an appropriate model for these viruses because many target cells are present, including basal keratinocytes, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes. Skin models, in culture and xenografts in immunodeficient mice, have potential for research on viral pathogenesis, tissue tropism, dissemination, and therapy.
Draft Genome Sequences of 81 Salmonella enterica Strains from Informal Markets in Cambodia
Authors: Schwan Carla L. , Trinetta Valentina , Balkey Maria , Cook Peter W. , Phebus Randall K. , Gragg Sara , Kastner Justin , Vipham Jessie L. , Lomonaco Sara
Published: September 2020

Salmonella enterica
is an important global pathogen due to its contribution to human morbidity and death. The presence of
S. enterica
in Southeast Asian informal markets is amplified by cross-contamination between market surfaces and food products. Here, we describe the draft genome sequences of 81
Salmonella enterica
isolates from informal markets in Cambodia.
Supplemental Material: Petrogenesis of Ordovician granitoids in Western Kunlun, NW Tibetan Plateau: Insights into the evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhao Guochun , al. et
Published: September 2020

Table S1: Zircon U-Pb ages of igneous rocks in the Western Kunlun orogenic belt; Table S2: Results of whole-rock major- (wt%) and trace-element (ppm) data from the three intrusions; Table S3: Zircon U-Pb age of the three intrusions; Table S4: Zircon Hf isotope compositions of the three intrusions; Table S5: Whole-rock Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions of the three intrusions; Table S6: Representative analyses of feldspar, amphibole, and pyroxene from the Aqiang and Yutian intrusions; Table S7: Bulk partition coefficients used for trace-element modeling in Figure 14; Figure S1: CL images of zircons showing internal textures and ages of 206Pb/238U (Ma).
Long-term trends in the prescription of antidiabetic drugs: real-world evidence from the Diabetes Registry Tyrol 2012–2018
Authors: Engler Clemens , Leo Marco , Pfeifer Bernhard , Juchum Martin , Chen-Koenig Di , Poelzl Karin , Schoenherr Hans , Vill David , Oberdanner Juliana , Eisendle Egon , Middeldorf Klaus , Heindl Bernhard , Gaenzer Hannes , Bode Gerald , Kirchmeyr Karl , Ladner Guenther , Rieger Lisa , Koellensperger Ursula , Schwaiger Andrea , Stoeckl Florian , Zangerl Guenther , Lechleitner Monika , Delmarko Irmgard , Oberaigner Wilhelm , Rissbacher Clemens , Tilg Herbert , Ebenbichler Christoph
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Prescription patterns of antidiabetic drugs in the period from 2012 to 2018 were investigated based on the Diabetes Registry Tyrol. To validate the findings, we compared the numbers with trends of different national registries conducted in a comparable period of time.

Research design and methods

Medication data, prescription patterns, age groups, antidiabetic therapies and quality parameters (hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, complications) of 10 875 patients with type 2 diabetes from 2012 to 2018 were retrospectively assessed and descriptively analyzed. The changes were assessed using a time series analysis with linear regression and prescription trends were plotted over time.

Results

Sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) showed a significant increase in prescription from 2012 to 2018 (p<0.001), as well as metformin (p=0.002), gliptins (p=0.013) and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1a) (p=0.017). Significant reduction in sulfonylurea prescriptions (p<0.001) was observed. Metformin was the most frequently prescribed antidiabetic drug (51.3%), followed by insulin/analogs (34.6%), gliptins (28.2%), SGLT-2i (11.7%), sulfonylurea (9.1%), glitazones (3.7%), GLP-1a (2.8%) and glucosidase inhibitors (0.4%).

Conclusions

In this long-term, real-world study on prescription changes in the Diabetes Registry Tyrol, we observed significant increase in SGLT-2i, metformin, gliptins and GLP-1a prescriptions. In contrast prescriptions for sulfonylureas declined significantly. Changes were consistent over the years 2012–2018. Changes in prescription patterns occurred even before the publication of international and national guidelines. Thus, physicians change their prescription practice not only based on published guidelines, but even earlier on publication of cardiovascular outcome trials.
National registry for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Germany (ReCoVery): a valuable mean to gain rapid and reliable knowledge of the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infections in patients with IRD
Authors: Hasseli Rebecca , Mueller-Ladner Ulf , Schmeiser Tim , Hoyer Bimba F , Krause Andreas , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Regierer Anne Constanze , Richter Jutta G , Strangfeld Anja , Voll Reinhard E , Pfeil Alexander , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Specker Christof
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be at risk to develop a severe course of COVID-19. The influence of immunomodulating drugs on the course of COVID-19 is unknown. To gather knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infections in patients with IRD, we established a registry shortly after the beginning of the pandemic in Germany.

Methods

Using an online questionnaire (www.COVID19-rheuma.de), a nationwide database was launched on 30 March 2020, with appropriate ethical and data protection approval to collect data of patients with IRD infected with SARS-CoV-2. In this registry, key clinical and epidemiological parameters—for example, diagnosis of IRD, antirheumatic therapies, comorbidities and course of the infection—are documented.

Results

Until 25 April 2020, data from 104 patients with IRD infected with SARS-CoV-2 were reported (40 males; 63 females; 1 diverse). Most of them (45%) were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, 59% had one or more comorbidities and 42% were treated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Hospitalisation was reported in 32% of the patients. Two-thirds of the patients already recovered. Unfortunately, 6 patients had a fatal course.

Conclusions

In a short time, a national registry for SARS-CoV2-infected patients with IRD was established. Within 4 weeks, 104 cases were documented. The registry enables to generate data rapidly in this emerging situation and to gain a better understanding of the course of SARS-CoV2-infection in patients with IRD, with a distinct focus on their immunomodulatory therapies. This knowledge is valuable for timely information of physicians and patients with IRD, and shall also serve for the development of guidance for the management of patients with IRD during this pandemic.