bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface modification by poly(ethylene glycol) with different end-grafted groups: Experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Han Xia , Yuan Zhaobin , Niu Yapeng , Chen Xueqian , Liu Honglai
Published: March 2021

Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) is extensively reported to be a surface-independent anchor molecule in bioadhesive surface modification and antifouling biomaterial fabrication. However, the mechanisms of DOPA adsorption on versatile substrates and the comparison between experimental results and theoretical results are less addressed. We report the adsorption of DOPA anchored monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (DOPA-mPEG) on substrates and surface wettability as well as antifouling property in comparison with thiol and hydroxyl anchored mPEG (mPEG-SH and mPEG-OH). Gold and hydroxylated silicon were used as model substrates to study the adsorptions of mPEGs. The experimental results showed that the DOPA-mPEG showed higher affinity to both gold and silicon wafers, and the DOPA-mPEG modified surfaces had higher resistance to protein adsorption than those of mPEG-SH and mPEG-OH. It is revealed that the surface wettability is primary for surface fouling, while polymer flexibility is the secondary parameter. We present ab initio calculations of the adsorption of mEGs with different end-functionalities on Au and hydroxylated silicon wafer (Si-OH), where the binding energies are obtained. It is established that monomethoxy ethylene glycol (mEG) with DOPA terminal DOPA-mEG is clearly favored for the adsorption with both gold and Si-OH surfaces due to the bidentate Au—O interactions and the bidentate O—H bond interactions, in agreement with experimental evidence.
Characterization of an underwater metamaterial made of aluminum honeycomb panels at low frequencies
Authors: Cushing Colby W. , Wilson Preston S. , Haberman Michael R. , Shen Chen , Li Junfei , Cummer Steven A. , Tan Zheng Jie , Ma Chu , Du Huifeng , Fang Nicholas X.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a method to characterize the effective properties of inertial acoustic metamaterial unit cells for underwater operation. The method is manifested by a fast and reliable parameter retrieval procedure utilizing both numerical simulations and measurements. The effectiveness of the method was proved to be self-consistent by a metamaterial unit cell composed of aluminum honeycomb panels with soft rubber spacers. Simulated results agree well with the measured responses of this metamaterial in a water-filled resonator tube. A sub-unity density ratio and an anisotropic mass density are simultaneously achieved by the metamaterial unit cell, making it useful in implementations of transformation acoustics. The metamaterial, together with the approach for its characterization, are expected to be useful for underwater acoustic devices.
Interleukin-7 protects CD8
+
T cells from adenosine-mediated immunosuppression
Authors: Koyas Altay , Tucer Suat , Kayhan Merve , Savas Ali Can , Akdemir Imran , Cekic Caglar
Published: March 2021

Signaling by the cytokine IL-7 counteracts the immunosuppressive effects of adenosine on antitumor T cells.
Increased Listeria monocytogenes Dissemination and Altered Population Dynamics in Muc2-Deficient Mice
Authors: Zhang Ting , Sasabe Jumpei , Hullahalli Karthik , Sit Brandon , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: March 2021

The mucin Muc2 is a major constituent of the mucus layer that covers the intestinal epithelium and creates a barrier between epithelial cells and luminal commensal or pathogenic microorganisms. The Gram-positive foodborne pathogenListeria monocytogenescan cause enteritis and also disseminate from the intestine to give rise to systemic disease.L. monocytogenescan bind to intestinal Muc2, but the influence of the Muc2 mucin barrier onL. monocytogenesintestinal colonization and systemic dissemination has not been explored.
Regulation of the
Nfkbiz
Gene and Its Protein Product IkBζ in Animal Models of Sepsis and Endotoxic Shock
Authors: Casas Arturo , Hawisher Dennis , De Guzman Christian B. , Bickler Stephen W. , De Maio Antonio , Cauvi David M.
Published: March 2021

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises from a poorly regulated inflammatory response to pathogenic organisms. Current treatments are limited to antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and other supportive therapies.
Elevated Extracellular cGMP Produced after Exposure to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Heat-Stable Toxin Induces Epithelial IL-33 Release and Alters Intestinal Immunity
Authors: Motyka Natalya I. , Stewart Sydney R. , Hollifield Ian E. , Kyllo Thomas R. , Mansfield Joshua A. , Norton Elizabeth B. , Clements John D. , Bitoun Jacob P.
Published: March 2021

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is a major diarrheal pathogen in children in low- to middle-income countries. Previous studies identified heat-stable enterotoxin (ST)-producing ETEC as a prevalent diarrheal pathogen in children younger than 5 years.
The Increased Accumulation of Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Factors Is Maximized in a
purR
Mutant by the Increased Production of SarA and Decreased Production of Extracellular Proteases
Authors: Alkam Duah , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Ramirez Aura M. , Beenken Karen E. , Spencer Horace J. , Smeltzer Mark S.
Published: March 2021

Mutation of
purR
was previously shown to enhance the virulence of
Staphylococcus aureus
in a murine sepsis model, and this cannot be fully explained by increased expression of genes within the purine biosynthesis pathway. Rather, the increased production of specific
S. aureus
virulence factors, including alpha toxin and the fibronectin-binding proteins, was shown to play an important role.
Cutibacterium acnes
: the Urgent Need To Identify Diagnosis Markers
Authors: Mongaret C. , Velard F. , Reffuveille F.
Published: March 2021

Cutibacterium acnes
role is well described during acne but remains a mystery regarding its implication in bone and prosthesis or cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections. The main issue is that these low-grade symptom infections are difficult to diagnose and lead to irreversible and grave sequelae for patients. Consequently, there is an urgent need to find new biomarkers to accelerate the diagnosis of disease, an issue addressed by Beaver et al. thanks to a promising proteomic approach.
Phenotypic and Genomic Profiling of Staphylococcus argenteus in Canada and the United States and Recommendations for Clinical Result Reporting
Authors: Eshaghi AliReza , Bommersbach Carl , Zittermann Sandra , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Patel Robin , Schuetz Audrey N. , Patel Samir N. , Kus Julianne V.
Published: March 2021

Staphylococcus argenteus
is a newly described species, formerly known as
S. aureus
clonal complex 75 (CC75). Here, we describe the largest collection of
S. argenteus
isolates in North America, highlighting identification challenges.
Human Papillomavirus Infection Requires the CCT Chaperonin Complex
Authors: Bugnon Valdano Marina , Massimi Paola , Broniarczyk Justyna , Pim David , Myers Michael , Gardiol Daniela , Banks Lawrence
Published: March 2021

Several of the mechanisms that function during the infection of target cells by HPV particles have been previously described. However, many aspects of this process remain unknown.
Machine Learning Prediction and Experimental Validation of Antigenic Drift in H3 Influenza A Viruses in Swine
Authors: Zeller Michael A. , Gauger Phillip C. , Arendsee Zebulun W. , Souza Carine K. , Vincent Amy L. , Anderson Tavis K.
Published: March 2021

Influenza A viruses (IAV) in swine constitute a major economic burden to an important global agricultural sector, impact food security, and are a public health threat. Despite significant improvement in surveillance for IAV in swine over the past 10 years, sequence data have not been integrated into a systematic vaccine strain selection process for predicting antigenic phenotype and identifying determinants of antigenic drift.
Suvorexant improves intractable nocturnal enuresis by altering sleep architecture
Authors: Matsumoto Tohru
Published: March 2021

Little is known about sleep-based approaches to the treatment of nocturnal enuresis (NE). This report is the first to describe the successful use of suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, in a 12-year-old boy with intractable NE. With suvorexant, the frequency of NE gradually decreased from 14 of 14 days (100%) to 5 of 14 days (35.7%). Sleep polysomnography indicated that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep increased from 101.5 min (19.9%) before suvorexant to 122.1 min (24.9%) with suvorexant. Furthermore, N2 increased from 233 min (45.6%) to 287.5 min (58.7%) during non-REM sleep. In contrast, N3 decreased from 160 min (31.3%) to 65 min (13.3%) during non-REM sleep. Suvorexant appeared to lighten the depth of sleep and alter sleep architecture. Although the application of an insomnia medication for treating NE seems paradoxical, suvorexant reduced the frequency of NE in patients with severe intractable NE. Thus, this treatment strategy warrants further examination.
Antiphospholipid syndrome leading to paradoxical embolus and stroke via secundum atrial septal defect
Authors: Campbell Amy , Kanodia Avinash Kumar , Gingles Christopher Robert , Chandrashekar Harinath
Published: March 2021

We have presented a case of a 22-year-old man, presenting with cerebral infarct, subsequently found to have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and atrial septal defect (ASD), thereby confirming the presence of infarct due to paradoxical embolism in this patient. The importance of ASD in the patients of APS, resulting in paradoxical embolism is debatable, with recent studies undermining its importance. We have demonstrated that it does indeed happen. This would have implications in the risk assessment and management of ASD in such patients. This case report is intended to serve as a reminder of this association and the need to perform further research in this area.
Isolated deafness as a presenting symptom in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Kousha Amy , Reed Michael , Else Sara
Published: March 2021

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare small vessel vasculitis commonly affecting the lungs, upper respiratory tract and kidneys. It is an idiopathic condition but likely due to an autoimmune process, resulting in granulomatous lesions and glomerulonephritis. Upper respiratory tract involvement is commonly seen in patients with GPA. Our case is that of an elderly lady (Mrs C) presenting with sudden onset bilateral deafness. She was later found to have extensive lower respiratory tract involvement although she was never particularly symptomatic of this. The presentation suggested a single organ disorder and led to some initial diagnostic uncertainty. Imaging and laboratory investigations eventually led to the diagnosis and she was successfully treated with corticosteroids and rituximab with good response and hearing improvement. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis in a rapidly progressive disease which undetected can lead to catastrophic end organ damage and disability.
Adolescent health in the Sustainable Development Goal era: are we aligned for multisectoral action?
Authors: George Asha , Jacobs Tanya , Ved Rajani , Jacobs Troy , Rasanathan Kumanan , Zaidi Shehla Abbas
Published: March 2021

Adolescents are an increasing proportion of low and middle-income country populations. Their coming of age is foundational for health behaviour, as well as social and productive citizenship. We mapped intervention areas for adolescent sexual and reproductive health, including HIV, mental health and violence prevention to sectors responsible for them using a framework that highlights settings, roles and alignment. Out of 11 intervention areas, health is the lead actor for one, and a possible lead actor for two other interventions depending on the implementation context. All other interventions take place outside of the health sector, with the health sector playing a range of bilateral, trilateral supporting roles or in several cases a minimal role. Alignment across the sectors varies from indivisible, enabling or reinforcing to the other extreme of constraining and counterproductive. Governance approaches are critical for brokering these varied relationships and interactions in multisectoral action for adolescent health, to understand the context of such change and to spark, sustain and steer it.
Standard maintenance therapy versus local consolidative radiation therapy and standard maintenance therapy in 1–5 sites of oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer: a study protocol of phase III randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tibdewal Anil , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Srinivasan Shashank , Mummudi Naveen , Noronha Vanita , Prabhash Kumar , Patil Vijay , Purandare Nilendu , Janu Amit , Kannan Sadhna
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Two-phase II randomised studies have shown a significant benefit of local consolidation therapy in oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This phase III randomised controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate the efficacy of local consolidation radiation therapy (RT) in oligometastases (OM) NSCLC after completion of initial systemic therapy.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre phase III RCT of OM NSCLC patients. One hundred and ninety patients will undergo 1:1 randomisation to either standard maintenance therapy (control arm) or local consolidation RT and standard maintenance therapy (experimental arm). Patients will be stratified into the number of OM sites (1–2 vs 3–5), nodal metastases (N0–N1 vs N2–N3) and presence or absence of brain metastases. Stereotactic body radiation therapy to all the oligometastatic sites and definitive RT to primary disease will be given in the experimental arm. The primary endpoint is overall survival and secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, local control of OM sites, new distant metastases free survival, objective response rate, toxicity and quality of life. Translation endpoint include circulating tumour cells and radiomics using texture analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

All patients will be provided with a written informed consent form which needs to be signed before randomisation. The study is approved by the institutional ethics committee-II (project number 3445) and registered with Clinical Trials Registry—India, dated 21 April 2020.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2020/04/024761; Pre-Results.
UK advanced practice nurses’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods cross-sectional study
Authors: Wood Emily , King Rachel , Senek Michaela , Robertson Steve , Taylor Bethany , Tod Angela , Ryan Anthony
Published: March 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to understand the experiences of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the UK during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to safety, shortages and retention.

Design

A cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey.

Setting

APNs in any UK setting.

Participants

The survey was sent to an existing UK-wide cohort of APNs. 124 APNs responded (51%).

Results

UK-based APNs in this study reported shortages of staff (51%) and personal protective equipment (PPE) (68%) during the first 3 months of the coronavirus outbreak. Almost half (47%) had considered leaving their job over the same 3 months. Despite difficulties, there were reports of positive changes to working practice that have enhanced care.

Conclusion

UK APNs report COVID-19-related shortages in staff and equipment across primary and secondary care and all regions of the UK. Shortages of PPE during a pandemic are known to be a factor in the development of mental health sequelae as well as a risk factor for increased turnover and retention issues. Half of APNs surveyed were considering a change in job. The UK risks a further crisis in staff morale and retention if this is not acknowledged and addressed. APNs also expressed concern about patients not receiving routine care as many specialties closed or reduced working during the crisis. However, there were also many examples of good practice, positive changes and innovation.
Improving the quality of self-management support in ambulatory cancer care: a mixed-method study of organisational and clinician readiness, barriers and enablers for tailoring of implementation strategies to multisites
Authors: Howell Doris , Powis Melanie , Kirkby Ryan , Amernic Heidi , Moody Lesley , Bryant-Lukosius Denise , O'Brien Mary Ann , Rask Sara , Krzyzanowska Monika
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Improving the quality of self-management support (SMS) for treatment-related toxicities is a priority in cancer care. Successful implementation of SMS programmes depends on tailoring implementation strategies to organisational readiness factors and barriers/enablers, however, a systematic process for this is lacking. In this formative phase of our implementation-effectiveness trial, Self-Management and Activation to Reduce Treatment-Related Toxicities, we evaluated readiness based on constructs in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) and developed a process for mapping implementation strategies to local contexts.

Methods

In this convergent mixed-method study, surveys and interviews were used to assess readiness and barriers/enablers for SMS among stakeholders in 3 disease site groups at 3 regional cancer centres (RCCs) in Ontario, Canada. Median survey responses were classified as a barrier, enabler or neutral based on a priori cut-off values. Barriers/enablers at each centre were mapped to CFIR and then inputted into the CFIR-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change Strategy Matching Tool V.1.0 (CFIR-ERIC) to identify centre-specific implementation strategies. Qualitative data were separately analysed and themes mapped to CFIR constructs to provide a deeper understanding of barriers/enablers.

Results

SMS in most of the RCCs was not systematically delivered, yet most stakeholders (n=78; respondent rate=50%) valued SMS. For centre 1, 7 barriers/12 enablers were identified, 14 barriers/9 enablers for centre 2 and 11 barriers/5 enablers for centre 3. Of the total 46 strategies identified, 30 (65%) were common across centres as core implementation strategies and 5 tailored implementation recommendations were identified for centres 1 and 3, and 4 for centre 2.

Conclusions

The CFIR and CFIR-ERIC were valuable tools for tailoring SMS implementation to readiness and barriers/enablers, whereas NPT helped to clarify the clinical work of implementation. Our approach to tailoring of implementation strategies may have relevance for other studies.
The effect of dairy products and non-dairy snacks on food intake, subjective appetite and cortisol levels in children: a randomized control study
Authors: Gheller Brandon J.F. , Li Athena C. , Gheller Mary E. , Armstrong Tove , Vandenboer Erik , Bellissimo Nick , Anini Younes , Hamilton Jill , Nunes Fernando , Mollard Rebecca C. , Anderson G. Harvey , Luhovyy Bohdan L.
Published: March 2021

Dairy snacks are available in various physical forms and their consumption is linked to improved metabolic health. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dairy snacks of different physical forms on short-term food intake (FI), subjective appetite, and the stress hormone, cortisol, in children. Following a repeated-measures crossover design, 40 children aged 9–14 years randomly consumed 1 of 5 isoenergetic (180 kcal) snacks per study session. These snacks included solid (potato chips, cookies, and cheese), semi-solid (Greek yogurt), and fluid (2% fat milk) snacks. FI was measured 120 min after snack consumption. Subjective appetite was measured at 0 (immediately before the snack), 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. Salivary cortisol (n = 18) was measured after the Greek yogurt and cookie snacks at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. FI did not differ between snacks (P = 0.15). The Greek yogurt (P < 0.0001) and cheese (P = 0.0009) snacks reduced average appetite compared with the 2% fat milk snack. Salivary cortisol levels were not affected by snack (P = 0.84). This study demonstrates that dairy snacks are as effective as other popular snacks at influencing subsequent FI. However, solid and semi-solid dairy snacks are more effective at repressing subjective appetite than a fluid dairy snack. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02484625).

Novelty: Milk, Greek yogurt and cheese have a similar effect on short-term food intake in children as popular potato chips and cookie snacks. Solid, semi-solid and liquid snacks have a similar effect on short-term food intake in children.
Chaotic motion of scalar particle coupling to Chern–Simons invariant in Kerr black hole spacetime
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Chen Songbai , Jing Jiliang
Published: March 2021

We present firstly the equation of motion for the test scalar particle coupling to the Chern–Simons invariant in Kerr black hole spacetime by the short-wave approximation. We have analyzed the dynamical behaviors of the test coupled particles by applying techniques including Poincaré sections, fast Lyapunov exponent indicator, bifurcation diagram and basins of attraction. It is shown that there exists chaotic phenomenon in the motion of scalar particle interacted with the Chern–Simons invariant in a Kerr black hole spacetime. With the increase of the coupling strength, the motion of the coupled particles for the chosen parameters first undergoes a series of transitions betweens chaotic motion and regular motion and then falls into horizon or escapes to spatial infinity. Thus, the coupling between scalar particle and Chern–Simons invariant yields the richer dynamical behavior of scalar particle in a Kerr black hole spacetime.
Electronic noise analysis and in-orbit resolution verification of an electrostatic accelerometer
Authors: Wang Zuo-Lei , Min Jian ,   On behalf of The Taiji Scientific Collaboration
Published: March 2021

Based on the working principle of the signal detection and servo feedback control of the electrostatic accelerometer, in this paper, the main electronic noise components affecting the measurements of the accelerometer are analyzed and the corresponding expressions are determined. The resolution of the designed electrostatic accelerometer is lower than 10[Formula: see text]m/s2/Hz[Formula: see text], which cannot be verified directly due to limitations imposed by the vibration of the ground environment. However, it can be evaluated indirectly by the testing of electronic noise under open-loop conditions. Through this process, the resolution of 3× 10[Formula: see text]m/s2/Hz[Formula: see text] of the Taiji-1 inertial sensor was verified and found to be in agreement with results obtained in orbit.
A NONAUTONOMOUS MODEL FOR THE INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF FEAR, REFUGE AND ADDITIONAL FOOD IN A PREY–PREDATOR SYSTEM
Authors: SK NAZMUL , TIWARI PANKAJ KUMAR , KANG YUN , PAL SAMARES
Published: March 2021

The importance of fear, refuge and additional food is being increasingly recognized in recent studies, but their combined effects need to be explored. In this paper, we investigate the joint effects of these three ecologically important factors in a prey–predator system with Crowly–Martin type functional response. We find that the fear of predator significantly affects the densities of prey and predator populations whereas the presence of prey refuge and additional food for predator are recognized to have potential impacts to sustain prey and predator in the habitat, respectively. The fear of predator induces limit cycle oscillations while an oscillatory system becomes stable on increasing the refuge. The system first undergoes a supercritical Hopf-bifurcation and then a subcritical Hopf-bifurcation on increasing either the growth rate of prey or growth rate of predator due to additional food. Increasing the quality/quantity of additional food after a certain value causes extinction of prey species and rapid incline in the predator population. An extension is made in the model by considering the seasonal variations in the cost of fear of predator, prey refuge and growth rate of predator due to additional food. The nonautonomous model is shown to exhibit globally attractive positive periodic solution. Moreover, complex dynamics such as higher periodic solutions and bursting patterns are observed due to seasonal variations in the rate parameters.
SO RARE, WHO CARES? A STUDY ON STRESS AND DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY THE PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH A RARE DISEASE IN HONG KONG
Authors: LEE JOHNSON CHEUK KIU
Published: March 2021

Rare diseases are a group of chronic and complex genetic disorders characterized by low prevalence rate. About half of new cases present at birth and affect children with severe disabilities. There has been scant research studying the stress and problems of the parents of children with a rare disease. In Hong Kong, the government has no established policy for rare disease management. The special needs of people with a rare disease are undermined in the current healthcare and social welfare systems. A descriptive qualitative research approach was conducted to investigate the experience of the parents. Sixteen parents were recruited, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was performed with the Supportive Care Need Framework. Major stress encountered by the families was identified, i.e., delay in diagnosis, lack of professional support, financial stress of paying for expensive drugs, and medical expenses. Also, family relationship problems, psychological impact, depression, and suicidal thoughts were pervasive among the parents. This study demonstrates that rare diseases bring enormous stress to families. Early intervention of healthcare professional and social workers is essential in empowering these families. The Hong Kong SAR government has the responsibility to take an active stance: to establish a clear definition of rare diseases and establish a policy in rare disease management.
A REVIEW OF CORRELATES OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN CHINESE ADOLESCENTS IN HONG KONG
Authors: TAM NELSON W.Y. , KWOK SYLVIA Y.C.L.
Published: March 2021

Adolescent depression has been shown to be increasing in Hong Kong. There is a need to address this problem. The studies of the risk and protective factors have focused on how individual, peer, and family predictors are related to depressive symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. Specifically, this study presents a brief review of protective and risk correlates of depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong, with an ecological perspective. Individual risk correlates, such as low self-esteem and high levels of rumination; peer correlates, such as social withdrawal and limited social networks; family correlates, such as parent-child triangulation and high parental expectations, are significantly associated with adolescent depression. Moreover, individual protective correlates, such as hope and positive affect; social-related correlates, such as extensive social network and peer support; and family correlates, such as high parental warmth and family cohesion, were considered factors to reduce the risk of depression.

Several limitations of previous studies are noted. First, the sample size is small and targets are limited to children and youth. They were also limited by the locations and times at which questionnaire distribution was conducted. Second, most studies are not theory-driven and have failed to examine adolescent depression with sophisticated statistical analyses; for example, some cross-sectional studies were unlikely to establish causality between the identified factors and symptoms of depression. Therefore, future study could attempt to fill in the knowledge gap by integrating the ecological model and wellness theory as a theoretical framework to explain adolescent depression, and could consider a relatively larger and different sample with longitudinal studies. More sophisticated analyses are needed to examine the indirect and interactive effects of different variables (e.g. family, peer, and individual factors) as mediators and moderators to help understand the underlying mechanism related to adolescents' depression.
虛擬科技在培育高齡友善素養之同理能力上的應用構想
Authors: 鄭 佩芬
Published: March 2021

依據社會暨人口發展趨勢，未來社會除了人口結構偏移外，世代差距以及多元化趨勢都將不斷增大，使得可能肩負提供高齡友善服務的年輕世代難以同理高齡長者的需求與困境，既無法換位思考，自然也缺乏具體投入高齡服務的綜融素養。素養導向的學習以學生為本且強調問題的解決，並重視對於情境的理解。本論文從經驗學習的脈絡出發，旨在嘗試藉由虛擬科技以培育高齡友善服務人才的同理能力，培育的人才對象不只社會工作，更可涵括照護服務，甚至擴大及於住宅設計、交通運輸等等所有食衣住行面向，凡與高齡友善環境創建關聯者皆然，甚且期待能促使不同專業背景的高齡服務人才得以藉此形成跨域合作的可能。模型構思的想像與框視主要涵括以下三大軸線：1.專業素養培育，主要為專業領域的價值/態度、知識及技術；2.虛擬科技融滲，包括虛擬科技運用以及資訊共創，並能反思科技運用服務倫理議題等；3.高齡服務層次，包括透過科技運用促使經驗高齡者生活情境，以及實驗服務歷程等。
Event-driven Programming in Programming Education
Authors: Lukkarinen Aleksi , Malmi Lauri , Haaranen Lassi
Published: March 2021

During the past two decades,
event-driven programming
(EDP) has emerged as a central and almost ubiquitous concept in modern software development: Graphical user interfaces are self-evident in most mobile and web-based applications, as well as in many embedded systems, and they are most often based on reacting to events. To facilitate both teaching practice and research in programming education, this mapping review seeks to give an overview of the related knowledge that is already available in conference papers and journal articles. Starting from early works of the 1990s, we identified 105 papers that address teaching practices, present learning resources, software tools or libraries to support learning, and empirical studies related to EDP. We summarize the publications, their main content, and findings. While most studies focus on bachelor’s level education in universities, there has been substantial work in K-12 level, as well. Few courses address EDP as their main content—rather it is most often integrated with CS1, CS2, or computer graphics courses. The most common programming languages and environments addressed are Java, App Inventor, and Scratch. Moreover, very little of deliberate experimental scientific research has been carried out to explicitly address teaching and learning EDP. Consequently, while so-called experience reports, tool papers, and anecdotal evidence have been published, this theme offers a wide arena for empirical research in the future. At the end of the article, we suggest a number of directions for future research.
2020 ACM Sigmobile Outstanding Contribution Award
Authors: Kodukula Venkatesh
Published: March 2021

There are more smartphones than people today and communication technologies powering these phones help us stay connected all over the world. Perhaps one of the most fundamental aspects for mobile communication is the ability to make phone calls on-the-go. We take this for granted today, but someone has built that technology for us. That someone is Marty Cooper, who invented the first handheld cellular phone - DynaTAC - back in 1973.
Advances and Open Problems in Backscatter Networking
Authors: Talla Vamsi , Smith Joshua , Gollakota Shyamnath
Published: March 2021

Despite significant research in backscatter communication over the past decade, key technical open problems remain underexplored. Here, we first systematically lay out the design space for backscatter networking and identify applications that make backscatter an attractive communication primitive. We then identify 10 research problems that remain to be solved in backscatter networking. These open problems span across the network stack to include circuits, embedded systems, physical layer, MAC and network protocols as well as applications. We believe that addressing these problems can help deliver on backscatter's promise of low-power ubiquitous connectivity.
Open Problems Column
Authors: Gasarch William , Metz Erik
Published: March 2021

I invite any reader who has knowledge of some area to contact me and arrange to write a column about open problems in that area. That area can be (1) broad or narrow or anywhere inbetween, and (2) really important or really unimportant or anywhere inbetween.
Scaling Genetic Counseling in the Genomics Era
Authors: Amendola Laura M. , Golden-Grant Katie , Scollon Sarah
Published: March 2021

The development of massively parallel sequencing–based genomic sequencing tests has increased genetic test availability and access. The field and practice of genetic counseling have adapted in response to this paradigm-shifting technology and the subsequent transition to practicing genomic medicine. While the key elements defining genetic counseling remain relevant, genetic counseling service delivery models and practice settings have evolved. Genetic counselors are addressing the challenges of direct-to-consumer and consumer-driven genetic testing, and genetic counseling training programs are responding to the ongoing increased demand for genetic counseling services across a broadening range of contexts. The need to diversify both the patient and participant groups with access to genetic information, as well as the field of genetic counseling, is at the forefront of research and training program initiatives. Genetic counselors are key stakeholders in the genomics era, and their contributions are essential to effectively and equitably deliver precision medicine.
Applications of Single-Cell DNA Sequencing
Authors: Evrony Gilad D. , Hinch Anjali Gupta , Luo Chongyuan
Published: March 2021

Over the past decade, genomic analyses of single cells—the fundamental units of life—have become possible. Single-cell DNA sequencing has shed light on biological questions that were previously inaccessible across diverse fields of research, including somatic mutagenesis, organismal development, genome function, and microbiology. Single-cell DNA sequencing also promises significant future biomedical and clinical impact, spanning oncology, fertility, and beyond. While single-cell approaches that profile RNA and protein have greatly expanded our understanding of cellular diversity, many fundamental questions in biology and important biomedical applications require analysis of the DNA of single cells. Here, we review the applications and biological questions for which single-cell DNA sequencing is uniquely suited or required. We include a discussion of the fields that will be impacted by single-cell DNA sequencing as the technology continues to advance.
Ensheathment and Myelination of Axons: Evolution of Glial Functions
Authors: Nave Klaus-Armin , Werner Hauke B.
Published: March 2021

Myelination of axons provides the structural basis for rapid saltatory impulse propagation along vertebrate fiber tracts, a well-established neurophysiological concept. However, myelinating oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells serve additional functions in neuronal energy metabolism that are remarkably similar to those of axon-ensheathing glial cells in unmyelinated invertebrates. Here we discuss myelin evolution and physiological glial functions, beginning with the role of ensheathing glia in preventing ephaptic coupling, axoglial metabolic support, and eliminating oxidative radicals. In both vertebrates and invertebrates, axoglial interactions are bidirectional, serving to regulate cell fate, nerve conduction, and behavioral performance. One key step in the evolution of compact myelin in the vertebrate lineage was the emergence of the open reading frame for myelin basic protein within another gene. Several other proteins were neofunctionalized as myelin constituents and help maintain a healthy nervous system. Myelination in vertebrates became a major prerequisite of inhabiting new ecological niches.
Investigation on a Novel Direct Liquid Fuel Cell Feeding on Oxalyl Dihydrazide
Authors: Zhuang Tingjun , Yuan Lei , Wan Qiqi , Zhang Yang , Li Jin , Zhang Longhai , Hou Junbo , Ke Changchun , Zhang Junliang
Published: March 2021

Direct liquid fuel cells (DLFCs) are promising candidates for portable applications, because they have high energy density which means long runtime, high energy efficiency, and don’t require time-consuming recharging. At present, several types of DLFCs have been invented such as Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs), Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells (DFAFCs), Direct Sodium Borohydride Fuel Cells (DSBFCs), Direct Hydrazine Fuel Cells (DHFCs) and so on. In this work, we propose a novel direct liquid fuel cell feeding on oxalyl dihydrazide which presents as solid power at room temperature and can be easily dissolved in alkali solution, without any emitting toxic gases. Several potential anode catalysts such as Pt/C, PtRu/C and Au/C are evaluated using a three-electrode cell. The results show that Pt/C is more suitable for the electrochemical oxidation of oxalyl dihydrazide than PtRu/C and Au/C. Using Pt/C as anode catalyst, we designed and fabricated two types of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) of different structure, one-catalyst-layer MEA (MEA-1CL) and two-catalyst-layer MEA (MEA-2CL). The single cell tests show MEA-2CL obtain higher I–V performance.
Effect of Haemophilus influenzae Type b Vaccination on Nasopharyngeal Carriage Rate in Children, Tehran, 2019
Authors: Tabatabaei Sedigheh Rafiei , Mohammadzadeh Sara , Zahraei Seyed Mohsen , Mahmoudi Sussan , Ghandchi Ghazaleh , Hoseini-Alfatemi Seyedeh Mahsan , Karimi Abdollah , Shamshiri Ahmadreza
Published: March 2021

Background. Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) strains, which commonly reside as commensals within the human pharynx and can remain as an asymptomatic carrier, but become invasive leading to pneumonia, septic arthritis, or meningitis. The Pentavac (pentavalent vaccine, manufactured by India, SII (DTwP‐HepB‐Hib)) was introduced to the Iranian National Immunization Plan in November 2014. The aim of this study is to investigate H. influenzae type b (Hib) carrier rate among children under 6 years old in Tehran. Methods. This cross‐sectional study was performed on 902 children including vaccinated/unvaccinated in the age of 6 months to 6 years, in Tehran. Sampling was performed from July 2019 to September 2019. Nasopharyngeal samples were taken from children by sterile swab. The PCR method was used to extract DNA. Then, all H. influenzae isolates were initially confirmed by molecular tests. BexA was used to distinguish typeable H. influenzae strains from nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). Results. A total of 902 children were enrolled in the study: 452 were female (51%). H. influenzae carriage rate was 267 (29%), of that 150 samples (16.6%) were typeable. The nasopharyngeal Hib carrier rate in the children was 2.6% (24/902). 262 cases did not receive Hib vaccine. Analysis in nonnursery’s children aged 4 to 6 (unvaccinated) years showed that the lower educational level of father, mother, and family number correlated with increased odds of colonization of children with Hib. Conclusion. Our findings showed a significant decrease (60%) in the overall Hib nasopharyngeal carriage in healthy children under six years after 5 years after the start of Hib vaccination.
Global Existence and Decay Estimates of Energy of Solutions for a New Class of
p
-Laplacian Heat Equations with Logarithmic Nonlinearity
Authors: Boulaaras Salah Mahmoud , Choucha Abdelbaki , Zara Abderrahmane , Abdalla Mohamed , Cheri Bahri-Belkacem
Published: March 2021

The present research paper is related to the analytical studies of

p

-Laplacian heat equations with respect to logarithmic nonlinearity in the source terms, where by using an efficient technique and according to some sufficient conditions, we get the global existence and decay estimates of solutions.
The Role of lncRNA AF117829.1 in the Immunological Pathogenesis of Severe Aplastic Anaemia
Authors: Li Yang , Deng Ling , Pan Xiaofeng , Liu Chunyan , Fu Rong
Published: March 2021

Objective. Severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) is an autoimmune disease with immune tolerance dysfunction mediated by hyperactivated T lymphocytes that target the haematopoietic system. Numerous studies suggest that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in almost every level of gene function/regulation. However, their specific mechanisms in SAA remain undetermined. This study is aimed at determining the role of key lncRNAs in CD8+ T lymphocytes in the mechanisms of SAA. Methods. RNA‐seq was performed to detect all lncRNAs and mRNAs in peripheral CD8+ T lymphocytes from SAA patients and healthy controls. The lncRNA targets were predicted by bioinformatics, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. RT‐qPCR was used to verify the expression of key lncRNAs and their predicted targets. We screened lncRNA AF117829.1, which was correlated with autoimmune diseases and downregulated in CD8+ T lymphocytes, and further validated its effects on CD8+ T lymphocytes from SAA patients. Results. We systematically described the lncRNA/mRNA expression changes in CD8+ T lymphocytes in SAA patients and assessed their possible biological functions and signalling pathways. A total of 194 lncRNAs and 2099 mRNAs were changed in SAA patients versus healthy controls. These differentially expressed lncRNAs/mRNAs were associated with organelle components, catalytic activity, the response to stimulation, signal transduction, the immune system and metabolic processes. The downregulated expression of one altered factor, lncRNA AF117829.1, in CD8+ T lymphocytes from SAA patients increased CD8+ T lymphocyte immune function by promoting RIP2 expression. lncRNA AF117829.1 overexpression in CD8+ T lymphocytes reduced perforin and granzyme B expression. The same effect was achieved with GSK583, a RIP2 kinase inhibitor. Conclusions. The proliferation and overactivation of CD8+ T lymphocytes, also known as cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), directly induce bone marrow (BM) failure in SAA patients, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. We found that lncRNA AF117829.1 and its target genes were associated with T cell proliferation, differentiation, and immune dysregulation and that lncRNA AF117829.1 regulated CD8+ T lymphocyte function in SAA patients by promoting RIP2 expression. These findings improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of immune pathogenesis and provide potential targets for SAA diagnosis and treatment.
Hadamard and Fejér–Hadamard Inequalities for Further Generalized Fractional Integrals Involving Mittag-Leffler Functions
Authors: Yussouf M. , Farid G. , Khan K. A. , Jung Chahn Yong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, generalized versions of Hadamard and Fejér–Hadamard type fractional integral inequalities are obtained. By using generalized fractional integrals containing Mittag-Leffler functions, some well-known results for convex and harmonically convex functions are generalized. The results of this paper are connected with various published fractional integral inequalities.
A Residual Learning-Based Network Intrusion Detection System
Authors: Man Jiarui , Sun Guozi
Published: March 2021

Neural networks have been proved to perform well in network intrusion detection. In order to acquire better features of network traffic, more learning layers are necessarily required. However, according to the results of the previous research, adding layers to the neural networks might fail to improve the classification results. In fact, after the number of layers has reached a certain threshold, performance of the model tends to degrade. In this paper, we propose a network intrusion detection model based on residual learning. After transforming the UNSW-NB15 data set into images, deeper convolutional neural networks with residual blocks are built to learn more critical features. Instead of the cross-entropy loss function, the modified focal loss is calculated to address the class imbalance problem in the training set and identify minor attacks in the testing set. Batch normalization and global average pooling are used to avoid overfitting and enhance the model. Experimental results show that the proposed model can improve attack detection accuracy compared with existing models.