bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenging the traditional approach for interpreting genetic variants: Lessons from Fabry disease
Authors: Germain Dominique P. , Levade Thierry , Hachulla Eric , Knebelmann Bertrand , Lacombe Didier , Seguin Vanessa Leguy , Nguyen Karine , Noël Esther , Rabès Jean‐Pierre
Published: December 2021

Fabry disease (FD) is an X‐linked genetic disease due to pathogenic variants in GLA. The phenotype varies depending on the GLA variant, alpha‐galactosidase residual activity, patient's age and gender and, for females, X chromosome inactivation. Over 1000 variants have been identified, many through screening protocols more susceptible to disclose non‐pathogenic variants or variants of unknown significance (VUS). This, together with the non‐specificity of some FD symptoms, challenges physicians attempting to interpret GLA variants. The traditional way to interpreting pathogenicity is based on a combined approach using allele frequencies, genomic databases, global and disease‐specific clinical databases, and in silico tools proposed by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Here, a panel of FD specialists convened to study how expertise may compare with the traditional approach. Several GLA VUS, highly controversial in the literature (p.Ser126Gly, p.Ala143Thr, p.Asp313Tyr), were re‐analyzed through reviews of patients' charts. The same was done for pathogenic GLA variants with some specificities. Our data suggest that input of geneticists and physicians with wide expertise in disease phenotypes, prevalence, inheritance, biomarkers, alleles frequencies, disease‐specific databases, and literature greatly contribute to a more accurate interpretation of the pathogenicity of variants, bringing a significant additional value over the traditional approach.
Early first‐line treatment response and subsequent disability worsening in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Koch Marcus W. , Mostert Jop , Repovic Pavle , Bowen James D. , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Lublin Fred D. , Strijbis Eva , Cutter Gary
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

Treatment success in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is generally determined using relapse frequency and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity in the first 6 or 12 months on treatment. The association of these definitions of short‐term treatment success with disability worsening and disease activity in the longer term is unclear. In this study, we investigated risk factors associated with early first‐line treatment failure in RRMS, and the association of early treatment failure with subsequent disability worsening or "no evidence of disease activity" (NEDA‐3) status.

Methods

We used data from CombiRx (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00211887) to investigate risk factors associated with early treatment failure, and the association of early treatment failure at 6 and 12 months with subsequent disability worsening or NEDA‐3 at 36 months.

Results

CombiRx included 1008 treatment‐naïve participants with RRMS, who were randomly assigned to treatment with glatiramer acetate, interferon beta, or the combination of both. Early treatment failure at 6 or 12 months by several definitions was associated with NEDA‐3 failure at 36 months, but not with subsequent disability worsening at 36 months. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was the only baseline characteristic associated with the risk of disability worsening at 36 months. Approximately 70% of NEDA‐3 failures occurred due to MRI activity, and <10% occurred due to EDSS worsening.

Conclusions

Our investigation shows that current definitions of early treatment failure in RRMS are unrelated to patient‐relevant disability worsening at 36 months of follow‐up. Further research into useful definitions of treatment success and failure in RRMS is needed.
Predictors of willingness to communicate in a second language (L2 WTC): Toward an integrated L2 WTC model from the socio‐psychological perspective
Authors: Wei Xiaobao , Xu Qingyi
Published: December 2021

This study takes the initiative to use structural equation modeling to verify an integrated willingness to communicate in an L2 (L2 WTC) model proposed from the socio‐psychological perspective in the China's English as a second language context. A total of 1007 college freshmen (Male: n = 745; Female: n = 262) from eight universities in mainland China completed six adapted versions of questionnaires concerning L2 learners’ perception of teachers’ emotional support, the ideal L2 self, the ought‐to L2 self, the acculturation to L2 culture, L2 anxiety, and L2 WTC. It was found that the perceived teachers’ emotional support had a direct effect on L2 WTC and an indirect effect through the ideal L2 self, the ought‐to L2 self and the acculturation to L2 culture. It was also found that, although both the ideal L2 self and the ought‐to L2 self were positively related to L2 WTC, the total impact from the ideal L2 self on L2 WTC was much stronger than that of the ought‐to L2 self, with the ideal L2 self contributing more to L2 WTC through the acculturation to L2 culture while the ought‐to L2 self exerting less impact on L2 WTC by arousing higher level of L2 anxiety. Furthermore, this study added to the current literature by showing that the acculturation to L2 culture, which was significantly predicted by the perceived teachers’ emotional support and the L2 ideal self, enhanced the learners’ L2 WTC directly and indirectly by arousing lower level of L2 anxiety. Based on these results, pedagogical significance and implications for further research were suggested.
Concentrating sulphur‐containing flavour from Toona sinensis shoots using corn oil with and without aqueous dispersion
Authors: Wang Zhaogai , Jiang Pengfei , Zhao Lili , Shi Guanying , Le Zhang , Wang Xiaomin , Wang Xuzeng , Zhu Wenkui , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Xu Zhimin
Published: December 2021

Toona sinensis (TS) shoot is a seasonal and quick deteriorating vegetable with unique alliaceous flavour. In this study, corn oil was used to concentrate the sulphur‐containing compounds responsible for the unique TS flavour with and without aqueous dispersion. The level of sulphur‐containing compounds in TS shoots was 0.32 μg g−1 and concentrated to 2.34 μg g−1 in the corn oil with aqueous dispersion. The sulphur‐containing compounds, trans‐2‐Mercapto‐3,4‐dimethyl‐2,3‐dihydrothiophene and (E,Z)‐Di‐1‐propenyldisulphide, were identified in the corn oil, while they were not detected in the oil without aqueous dispersion. Based on sensory and electronic nose analysis, the aroma of corn oil with aqueous medium extraction had stronger alliaceous aroma than TS shoots and the extraction corn oil without aqueous dispersion. With aqueous dispersion assistance, the sulphur‐containing aroma compounds in TS shoots were effectively concentrated in corn oil. The flavour‐enriched oil could serve as a flavour ingredient to deliver TS shoots aroma for different food applications.
The feasibility of patient reported outcome measures for the care of penile cancer
Authors: Branney Peter , Walters Elizabeth , Bryant Eleanor , Hollhead Cyan , Njoku Kelechi , Vyas Lona , Modica Ciara , Kayes Olly , Eardley Ian , Henry Ann
Published: December 2021

When used in routine clinical practice, Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMS) can give patients tacit approval to discuss embarrassing topics, which could be particularly useful for urological nursing. The aim of this study was to assess whether it would be feasible to use two such measures for penile cancer; one for body image (the Male Genital Self‐Image Scale; MGSIS‐5) and another for lymphedema (the Groin and Lower Limb Lymphedema questionnaire; G3L‐20). Study packs were posted to penile cancer patients who had received (i) sentinel node biopsy only, (ii) inguinal node dissection only, and (iii) inguinal node dissection with post‐operative radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. The two measures (MGSIS‐5 and G3L‐20) were complemented with those specific to sexual function (IIEF) and cancer (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 version 3) and a modified Lymphoedema Genitourinary Cancer Questionnaire (mLGUCQ). Twenty patients returned questionnaires. Validity and reliability analyses are presented but low participant numbers mean that results need treating with caution. Results show sufficient feasibility for the MGSIS‐5 and the G3L‐20 to warrant another study to attract larger numbers of participants, either over a longer time frame or at multiple sites. In these further studies, we would recommend adding (1) more Likert responses, (2) the timeframe to the MGIS and (3) exploring either the use of sexual desire psychometric measures or the addition of sexual desire items to the MGSIS for this patient group.
Home Field Advantage? EU–ACP Economic Partnership Agreement Meeting Locations and Textual Tone
Authors: Brazys Samuel , Schoonvelde Martijn
Published: December 2021

The European Union's Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with countries in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group are touted as a new form of equitable engagement. However, many argue that the EPAs simply substitute a different form of political and economic domination. In this paper, we consider if the siting of meetings has a substantive impact on EPA outcomes or media reporting thereof. Using a difference‐in‐difference like approach we evaluate if the tone and polarity of media reports about the EPAs during periods of ‘home’ meetings in the ACP countries differs from media reports during ‘away’ meetings in the EU. Using two different datasets we arrive at differing results, leading to inconclusive overall findings. While we suspect that the alternating meeting site norm has implications for EPA process and outcomes, further research will be needed to uncover the precise nature of these effects.
A comment on The adaptive value of gluttony: predators mediate the life history trade‐offs of satiation threshold by Pruitt & Krauel (2010)
Authors: Postma Erik , Gonzalez‐Voyer Alejandro , Holman Luke
Published: December 2021

Inspection of the data that accompany Pruitt and Krauel's study of individual variation in satiation threshold and a comparison of these data with the Materials and Methods and Results sections of the paper have revealed a number of issues that cast doubts on the reliability of the data and any results based on these data. In particular, we show that, following our analyses, the data are unlikely to have been obtained using the study design outlined in the publication and that statistical analyses of these data provide results that differ in important ways from those reported. These findings illustrate the importance of making raw data and analysis code available for the rigour and reproducibility of the scientific literature.
POLST completion and continuity in California nursing homes
Authors: Zingmond David S. , Powell David , Jennings Lee A. , Escarce Jose J. , Liang Li‐Jung , Parikh Punam , Wenger Neil S.
Published: December 2021

This letter comments on the editorial by Lam et al. and the article by Jennings et al. in this issue.
A combined approach of subcision with either cross‐linked hyaluronic acid or threads in the treatment of atrophic acne scars
Authors: Ebrahim Howyda M. , Nassar Amany , ElKashishy Kamal , Artima Aliah Younes Mohamed , Morsi Hala Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Background

Acne scars are one of the most common cosmetic concerns causing psychosocial distress.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of subcision versus its combination with either cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (HA) or poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) threads in the treatment of atrophic post‐acne scars.

Methods

Forty patients of both genders with atrophic acne scars were subjected to subcision 1 month apart for 3 sessions. After the last session of subcision, the patients were reclassified randomly into 2 equal groups each received either HA or threads in one side of the face leaving the other side that underwent subcision before as a control. Clinical assessment was carried out by the physicians and patients. Photographs and skin biopsies were obtained. Follow‐up was 6 months.

Results

A significant clinical improvement was achieved in 67.3% of patients after subcision alone compared to 94.1%, 82.4% of subcision combined with HA or threads, respectively. Patients’ satisfaction was higher in the combined groups compared to subcision alone (p < 0.0001). Side effects were tolerable and transient.

Conclusion

Subcision combined with HA or threads could offer a higher significant clinical improvement of acne scars than subcision alone.
Poor sleep accelerates hippocampal and posterior cingulate volume loss in cognitively normal healthy older adults
Authors: Liu Che , Lee Sang H. , Loewenstein David A. , Galvin James E. , Camargo Christian J. , Alperin Noam
Published: December 2021

Poor sleep quality is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. This longitudinal imaging study aimed to determine the acceleration in the rates of tissue loss in cognitively critical brain regions due to poor sleep in healthy elderly individuals. Cognitively‐normal healthy individuals, aged ≥60 years, reported Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and underwent baseline and 2‐year follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging brain scans. The links between self‐reported sleep quality, rates of tissue loss in cognitively‐critical brain regions, and white matter hyperintensity load were assessed. A total of 48 subjects were classified into normal (n = 23; PSQI score <5) and poor sleepers (n = 25; PSQI score ≥5). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of age, gender, years of education, ethnicity, handedness, body mass index, and cognitive performance. Compared to normal sleepers, poor sleepers exhibited much faster rates of volume loss, over threefold in the right hippocampus and fivefold in the right posterior cingulate over 2 years. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the rates of volume loss in the cerebral and cerebellar grey and white matter between the two groups. Rates of volume loss in the right posterior cingulate were negatively associated with global PSQI scores. Poor sleep significantly accelerates volume loss in the right hippocampus and the right posterior cingulate cortex. These findings demonstrate that self‐reported sleep quality explains inter‐individual differences in the rates of volume loss in cognitively‐critical brain regions in healthy older adults and provide a strong impetus to offer sleep interventions to cognitively normal older adults who are poor sleepers.
Activity modulation of anti‐sigma factor via cysteine alkylation in Actinobacteria
Authors: Oh Gyeong‐Seok , Yoo Ji‐Sun , Park Joo‐Hong , Roe Jung‐Hye
Published: December 2021

σR (SigR) is an alternative sigma factor that enables gene expression in Streptomyces coelicolor to cope with thiol oxidation and antibiotic stresses. Its activity is repressed by a zinc‐containing anti‐sigma (ZAS) factor RsrA that senses thiol oxidants and electrophiles. Inactivation of RsrA by disulfide formation has been well studied. Here we investigated another pathway of RsrA inactivation by electrophiles. Mass spectrometry revealed alkylation of RsrA in vivo by N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM) at C61 and C62 located in the C‐terminal loop. Substitution mutation (C61S/C62S) in RsrA decreased the induction of σR target genes by electrophiles and made cells more sensitive to electrophiles. In contrast to stable protein of oxidized RsrA, alkylated RsrA is subjected to degradation partly mediated by ClpP proteases. RsrA2, a redox‐sensitive homolog of RsrA in S. coelicolor lacking cysteine in the terminal loop, did not respond to electrophiles. However, redox‐sensitive RsrA homologs in other Actinobacteria also harboring terminal loop cysteines all responded to electrophiles. These results indicate that the activity of RsrA can be modulated via cysteine alkylation, apart from disulfide formation of zinc‐coordinating cysteines. This pathway expands the spectrum of signals that the σR‐RsrA system can sense and reveals another intricate regulatory layer for optimal survival of Actinobacteria.
Genetic variation in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from the North Pacific with relevance to the threatened Southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment
Authors: Flannery Blair G. , Russ Ora L. , St. Martin Michelle L. , Beatty William S. , Worman Kristin K. , Garlich‐Miller Joel L. , Gill Verena A. , Lemons Patrick L. , Monson Daniel H. , Kloecker Kimberly A. , Esler Daniel , Wenburg John K.
Published: December 2021

For the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), genetic population structure is an area of research that has not received significant attention, especially in Southwest Alaska where that distinct population segment has been listed as threatened since 2005 pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In this study, 501 samples from 14 locations from Prince William Sound, Alaska to the Commander Islands in Russia were analyzed for variation at 13 microsatellite loci. Our results indicate a high degree of genetic divergence among the 14 locations (FST = 0.120) with gene flow conforming to the isolation by distance (IBD) model (r2 = 0.491, p < .05). The 14 sampling locations formed six geographic associations in clustering and ordination analyses that likely correspond to remnant population lineages: (1) Southcentral Alaska, (2) Kodiak and North Alaska Peninsula, (3) South Alaska Peninsula and Bristol Bay, (4) Eastern Aleutian, (5) Western Aleutian, and (6) the Commander Islands. Except for South Alaska Peninsula and Bristol Bay, these clusters closely agree with previously defined stock and management unit boundaries. Our results reveal significant genetic population structure and are generally congruent with current management strategies for the threatened Southwest Alaska distinct population segment.
Critical illness neuropathy: A clinicopathological case
Authors: Tateno Fuyuki , Sakakibara Ryuji , Aiba Yosuke , Nakagawa Koichi , Sugiura Yoshiya , Hiruta Nobuyuki
Published: December 2021

We report a case of an older woman who, after a long‐lasting systemic inflammation in a non‐ICU hospital ward, developed severe neuropathy and mild encephalopathy. Electrophysiology and autopsy findings confirmed the diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy, with presumed Wallerian degeneration in the spinal dorsal column.
Preoperative checklist to reduce the risk of cardiac implantable electronic device infections
Authors: Ziacchi Matteo , Massaro Giulia , Angeletti Andrea , Statuto Giovanni , Diemberger Igor , Martignani Cristian , Galiè Nazzareno , Biffi Mauro , Boriani Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection represents a dramatic event with a high mortality rate (>3x) despite antibiotic therapy and device extraction; therefore, the real winning strategy in this situation could be represented by prevention. Antibiotic prophylaxis and antibiotic‐releasing envelope are effective in improving patient outcome; however, healthcare costs related to CIED infections remain high over the years. In this review we would keep the attention on a pre‐surgical checklist to reduce the risk of CIED infections. In fact, checklist is an effective instrument for medical care quality improvement mainly used in surgery, but not very commonly in cath‐lab and electrophysiology procedures. All steps of this checklist are of proven effectiveness in reducing the risk of CIED infections but, up till now, they are not considered together in a pre‐surgical approach.
Genomic variability and plasticity of Pseudomonas causing coffee leaf spots in Minas Gerais state, Brazil
Authors: Alves Francisco Henrique Nunes da Silva , Monteiro Ana Leticia Rocha , Pereira Isadora Cristófoli , da Silva José Cleydson Ferreira , Almeida Renan N. D. , McTavish Kathryn J. , Guttman David S. , Raimundi Melina Korres , de Souza Ricardo Magela , de Resende Mario Lucio Vilela , Badel Jorge Luis
Published: December 2021

Foliar spots caused by Pseudomonas coronafaciens pv. garcae (Pcg), Pseudomonas amygdali pv. tabaci (Pat) and Pseudomonas cichorii (Pch) are major bacterial diseases that can reduce coffee production. However, little is known about the genetic diversity and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity to coffee plants of these bacteria. In this study, genome sequences of Pcg, Pat and Pch strains isolated from coffee plants in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were used to assess their variability and plasticity, and compare their type III secretion system (T3SS) and apoplastic effector repertoires as well as tabtoxin biosynthetic/detoxification genes. Genomic diversity was found for all three phytopathogens, among which Pch possesses the highest number of exclusive proteins. The Pcg genome is the most stable whereas that of Pch is the most plastic, which is related to their host ranges. When compared with those of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, hrp/hrc gene sequences are more conserved in Pcg and Pat than in Pch, which also possesses the smallest T3SS and the largest apoplastic effector repertoires. The only T3SS effector family common to all three pathogens is AvrE, suggesting that, as for other plant–Pseudomonas interactions, it may play a crucial role for pathogenicity towards coffee plants. Apoplastic proteins associated with maintaining the redox balance and degrading proteins/peptides not previously described as important in plant–bacteria interactions were found. Gain/loss of the tabtoxin biosynthetic cluster with retention of the antitoxin gene was observed, indicating that tabtoxin production is not a limiting factor for the occurrence of mixed infections.
A multicenter retrospective comparison of trauma in toy breeds versus giant breeds: A Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry study
Authors: Bell Amy L. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Babyak Jonathan
Published: December 2021

Objective

To retrospectively evaluate and stratify the differences in signalment, mechanisms, and severity of injury between toy and giant breed dogs.

Design

Retrospective, observational cohort study.

Setting

Multicenter, university veterinary teaching hospital, and private referral hospitals contributing to Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) patient registry.

Animals

Two thousand seven hundred and five (2589 toy and 116 giant breed) dogs presented for trauma with complete data entries recruited into the Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry from September 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Injury etiology in toy breeds was predominantly blunt trauma (1532/2587 [59.2%]), commonly falling from a height or motor vehicle accident, whereas in giant breeds penetrating trauma was more common (71/116 [61.2%]). Eighty‐seven percent (2231/2558) of toy breeds and 94.7% (108/114) giant breeds survived to discharge. When stratified by severity of injury (animal trauma triage [ATT] ≥ 5), mortality increased. Severely injured toy breeds had a 45.6% (200/438) survival rate, and severely injured giant breeds had a 62.5% (5/8) survival rate. Patient size did not impact survival in a logistic regression model; however, ATT score (odd ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.52–0.58; P < 0.001), modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS; odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.11–1.32; P < 0.001), and base excess (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09–1.22; P < 0.001) were predictive of nonsurvival. Surgical intervention was required in 743 of 2587 (29%) toy breeds and 65 of 116 (56%) giant breeds. Surgery was associated with an increased survival rate (odds ratio, 4.43; 95% CI, 2.45–8.83; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Evaluation of a large, multicenter dataset showed that ATT score along with base excess, plasma lactate, and mGCS were predictors of mortality independent of patient size. Severely injured dogs, as defined by an ATT score ≥ 5, were less likely to survive, and toy breed dogs had a higher mortality rate than giant breeds in the subcategory.
AN EXTENSIVE REVIEW ON: LOW NOISE AMPLIFIER FOR MILLIMETER AND RADIO FREQUENCY WAVES
Authors: Agarwal Nitin , Gupta Manish , Kumar Manish
Published: December 2021

In today’s world, radio receiver system is a prevailing wireless technology in that the major part is Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) which widely used to improve weak signals in many applications with millimeter and radio frequency waves such as optical communication, multimode transceivers and measurement instrumentations. The real drawbacks of LNA is that it fails to maintain specific properties in critical conditions like as minimum power consumption, provide low noise figure, input matching and linearity. Additionally, promoted by various application demands, design methods and control methods must require to improve performance of LNA. The performance of LNA can be improved by adding extra components in basic circuit by proper arrangement for millimeter and radio frequency waves. The review paper provides information about design methodology, optimization techniques and control techniques. The different design of LNA is reviewed and analyzed such as 3-stage near-mm Wave LNA, 5-stage near-mm Wave LNA, common-gate amplifier, shunt-feedback amplifier, Resistor-terminated common-source amplifier, Traditional inductor-less amplifiers, cascode connection and double common source. This review paper also provides the information about design circuit diagram. The performance improvement of LNA can be achieved with the help of different techniques and our review based on optimization and control techniques with parameter tuning. Finally, the direction for the future study is presented based on review analysis of LNA.
TIO2-ENABLED POLYVYNYLIDENE FLUORIDE FOR PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT TREATMENT: EFFECTS OF MEMBRANE MORPHOLOGY AND AERATION ON FLUX AND SUSPENDED SOLID REMOVAL
Authors: Yuliwaty Erna , Fauzi Ismail Ahmad , Pei Sean Goh , Martini Sri
Published: December 2021

A polyvinylidene fluoride-based mixed matrix membrane (PVDF- MMM) has been developed to treat palm oil mill effluent (POME). The addition of TiO2 into PVDF membrane was conducted. Hollow fibers were spun from a dope solution containing PVDF/PVP 30K/DMAc/additives by using a dry-jet wet spinning process at different air gaps. AFM image demonstrated that wet spun hollow fiber had a rougher outer surface than that of dry-jet wet spun fibers and exhibited symmetric cross-section structure. Experimental results showed that hydrophilicity of membranes increased with adding of TiO2 particles and the varied air gap length influenced the characteristic of membrane pore size and outer membrane surface roughness. In addition, aeration could increase the turbulence and flux and reduce membrane fouling. The values of flux and suspended solids removal were 92.04 L/m2.hr and 94.86 %, respectively, with the varied aeration flow rate of 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mL/min and bubble size distribution of 4.0 µm. Overall, this study has proven that PVDF-based MMM could achieve expected performance for POME treatment.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Three-Dimensional Printed Lattice Structures Through Machine Learning
Authors: Ma Shuai , Tang Qian , Liu Ying , Feng Qixiang
Published: December 2021

Lattice structures (LS) manufactured by 3D printing are widely applied in many areas, such as aerospace and tissue engineering, due to their lightweight and adjustable mechanical properties. It is necessary to reduce costs by predicting the mechanical properties of LS at the design stage since 3D printing is exorbitant at present. However, predicting mechanical properties quickly and accurately poses a challenge. To address this problem, this study proposes a novel method that is applied to different LS and materials to predict their mechanical properties through machine learning. First, this study voxelized 3D models of the LS units and then calculated the entropy vector of each model as the geometric feature of the LS units. Next, the porosity, material density, elastic modulus, and unit length of the lattice unit are combined with entropy as the inputs of the machine learning model. The sample set includes 57 samples collected from previous studies. Support vector regression (SVR) was used in this study to predict the mechanical properties. The results indicate that the proposed method can predict the mechanical properties of LS effectively and is suitable for different LS and materials. The significance of this work is that it provides a method with great potential to promote the design process of lattice structures by predicting their mechanical properties quickly and effectively.
Shapley Additive Explanations of Multigeometrical Variable Coupling Effect in Transonic Compressor
Authors: Wang Junying , He Xiao , Wang Baotong , Zheng Xinqian
Published: December 2021

Optimization algorithms in the compressor detailed design stage generate big data of geometries and corresponding performances, but these data are often not exploited efficiently to unveil hidden compressor design guidance. In this work, the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method from game theory is proposed as an efficient methodology to extract design guidelines from databases. A database was generated when optimizing the blade features (sweep, lean, and end-bend) of Rotor 37. Based on this, a neural network is trained to predict compressor efficiency. The SHAP method is then applied to explain the neural network behavior, which provides information on the sensitivity of single geometrical variables and the coupling effect between multiple geometrical variables. Results show that the near-tip sweep and midspan lean angles are most influential on efficiency. Within the same group of variables, the adjacent variables tend to present strong positive coupling effects on efficiency. Among different groups, evident coupling effects are observed between sweep and lean and between lean and end-bend, but the coupling effect between sweep and end-bend is negligible. Flow mechanisms behind the coupling effects are discussed. For near-tip lean angles L3 and L4, the positive coupling effect is due to the change of the passage shock. For near-tip lean angle L4 and sweep angle S4, the change of detached shock leads to a negative coupling effect. The proposed data mining method based on the neural network and SHAP is promising and transferable to other turbomachinery optimization databases in the future.
Effect of block length on the network connectivity and temperature resistance of model, soft thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: Sbrescia Simone , Nicolella Paola , Engels Tom , Seitz Michelle
Published: December 2021

We discuss the connection between high-temperature mechanics, block structure, and composition of a model series of industrially relevant, soft, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) containing polydisperse hard blocks (HBs). The high-strain deformation behavior of these materials results from the combination of multiple dynamics in the system, i.e., the HB associations and the mobile and entangled amorphous phase. Many soft-TPEs show a reduction in toughness with increasing temperature. Molecular weight (Mw) has been shown to improve the temperature-dependent mechanics by increasing network connectivity. In this work, we investigate the possibility to increase the network connectivity by tuning block length at constant Mw and composition. The average number of HBs per chain can be used to quantify network connectivity; however, by using block statistics, we show how increasing this value is not enough to increase the high-temperature mechanics, especially in the case of polydisperse HBs. Since temperature affects the HB ability to associate with each other, only the number of associated HBs per chain determines network connectivity. The experimental results are consistent with modeling predictions, revealing how decreasing the average block length influences the crystal stability, which ultimately controls network connectivity, and how this relationship is affected by temperature.
The Psychological Impact of Fitness Testing in Physical Education: A Pilot Experimental Study Among Australian Adolescents
Authors: Yager Zali , Alfrey Laura , Young Lisa
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Fitness testing is common within physical education, but there has been considerable debate about the pedagogical purpose and potential psychological implications of this practice. The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot experimental study to determine the impact of traditional fitness testing approaches on the body image, self-esteem, mood, and attitudes toward fitness testing of a sample of Australian students. Method: Fifty-one students in Grades 7–10 completed a questionnaire before and after their usual two traditional fitness testing classes at their school. Results: Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed there were no significant differences from T1 to T2 on body image, self-esteem, or mood scores. However, there were significant differences observed over time, for participants aged over 15 years, whose self-esteem, social self-esteem subscale, and attitudes toward fitness testing scores, decreased from T1 to T2. Conclusion: This study provides initial evidence that older students may experience a decline in self-esteem due to fitness testing.
UK-wide study of the opinions of gastroenterology trainees: COVID-19, Shape of Training and the future workforce
Authors: Raju Suneil A , Harris Rebecca , Cook Charlotte , Harvey Philip , Ratcliffe Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted training. Gastroenterology higher specialty training is soon to be reduced from 5 years to 4. The British Society of Gastroenterology Trainees Section biennial survey aims to delineate the impact of COVID-19 on training and the opinions on changes to training.

Methods

An electronic survey allowing for anonymised responses at the point of completion was distributed to all gastroenterology trainees from September to November 2020.

Results

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 71.0% of the respondents stated that more than 50% of their clinical time was mostly within general internal medicine. Trainees reported a significant impact on all aspects of their gastroenterology training due to lost training opportunities and increasing service commitments. During the first wave, 88.5% of the respondents reported no access to endoscopy training lists. Since this time, 66.2% of the respondents stated that their endoscopy training lists had restarted. This has resulted in fewer respondents achieving endoscopy accreditation. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused 42.2% of the respondents to consider extending their training to obtain the skills required to complete training. Furthermore, 10.0% of the respondents reported concerns of a delay to completion of training. The majority of respondents (84.2%) reported that they would not feel ready to be a consultant after 4 years of training.

Conclusions

Reductions in all aspects of gastroenterology training were reported. This is mirrored in anticipated concerns about completion of training in a shorter training programme as proposed in the new curriculum. Work is now required to ensure training is restored following the pandemic.
Interpretation of uplift pipeline–soil interaction behaviour using acoustic emission measurements
Authors: Smith Alister , Barone Giorgio , Wackrow Rene , Stanley Richard
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study was to develop quantitative acoustic emission (AE) interpretation for uplift pipeline–soil interaction behaviour, enabling early warning of serviceability and ultimate limit state failures in the field. A series of large-scale uplift experiments was performed on a steel pipe in sand with different burial depths (i.e., stress levels), and varying rates of deformation were imposed. A suite of AE parameters was compared with the pipe force and displacement behaviour. Image-based deformation measurements were used to monitor the soil displacement field. AE generation was proportional to the imposed stress level and pipe displacement rate and related to the evolution of the pipe–soil failure mechanism. Relationships have been quantified between AE generation and stress level (R2 values of 0.99), and between AE generation rate and pipe velocity (R2 values ranging from 0.95 to 0.98), enabling interpretation of accelerating deformation behaviour that accompanies progressive ground failure processes. An example interpretation framework demonstrates how AE parameters can be used to identify the mobilisation of peak uplift resistance and quantify accelerating deformation behaviour during post-peak softening.
Impact of blended learning approach on students’ achievement and mental effort
Authors: Dorocki Marina , Radulović Branka , Stojanović Maja , Gajić Olivera
Published: December 2021

Most researchers are interested in investigating the impact of a blended learning approach (BLA) on students’ performance, yet this approach’s instructional efficiency has not yet been quantified. Therefore, this research aims to determine the impact of teacher-created online Moodle-based materials in combination with face-to-face learning on student achievement and mental effort, that is, to determine the instructional efficiency of applied teaching approaches at physics classes in high school. For this research, we chose to teach students physical principles of direct current, which involves abstract concepts. Using BLA, students can prepare better for a real experiments in the lab, and this approach also creates a safe environment for students while allowing them to demonstrate the learned physical phenomena. The Moodle platform course is developed for this purpose and implemented in a BLA environment. Students are gradually guided from easier to more difficult concepts in this research, considering the working memory’s capacity and the teaching material requirements. Our results show that the students who used BLA achieved higher scores on the knowledge test, and they also used less mental effort than students that used a conventional teaching approach. We also show that instructional efficiency for BLA is positive and significantly higher than the instructional efficiency of the conventional approach. This research’s results are primarily designed for physics teachers to better understand the effects of the BLA and apply teaching approaches that respect the principles of children’s cognitive development.
Proof-of-principle demonstration of semi-quantum key distribution based on the Mirror protocol
Authors: Han Siyu , Huang Yutao , Mi Shang , Qin Xiaojuan , Wang Jindong , Yu Yafei , Wei Zhengjun , Zhang Zhiming
Published: December 2021

Semi-quantum key distribution (SQKD) is used to establish a string of shared secret keys between a quantum party and a classical party. Here, we report the first proof-of-principle experimental demonstration of SQKD based on the Mirror protocol, which is the most experimentally feasible SQKD protocol, and equipped with time-phase encoding scheme employing the method of selective modulation. The experiment was performed at a repetition frequency of 62.5 MHz and a high raw key rate arrived at 69.8 kbps, and the average quantum bit error rate was found to be 4.56% and 2.78% for the “SWAP-x-Z” ($\mathrm{x}\in \{01,10\}$
x
∈
{
01
,
10
}
) and the “CTRL-X”, respectively. The results demonstrate the feasibility of our system, and this study is helpful for future research on SQKD experiments.
The study of the refractive scattering of6Li and6He on carbon target with the S-matrix approach
Authors: Hu Liyuan , Song Yushou , Hou Yingwei , Liu Huilan , Yu Gongming
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the S-matrix parametrization is adopted to analyze the refractive scattering of [Formula: see text] at intermediate energies systematically and that of [Formula: see text] at 230 MeV. For [Formula: see text], the experimental data containing the Fraunhofer oscillations and the rainbow falloff are reproduced very well by adjusting parameters. The S-matrix parameters and the rainbow angles show evident tendencies as the bombarding energy increases, which are comparable with those of [Formula: see text] elastic scattering on carbon target. For [Formula: see text], the experimental data in the forward direction are reproduced successfully by slightly adjusting the parameters used in the calculation of [Formula: see text] at 210 MeV. The calculated results show that the [Formula: see text] scattering exhibits a comparable transparency with that of [Formula: see text] at intermediate energies.
Knots with equal bridge index and braid index
Authors: Diao Yuanan , Ernst Claus , Reiter Philipp
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we are interested in BB knots, namely knots and links whose bridge index and braid index are equal. Supported by observations from experiments, it is conjectured that BB knots possess a special geometric/physical property (and might even be characterized by it): if the knot is realized by a (closed) springy metal wire, then the equilibrium state of the wire is in an almost planar configuration of multiple (overlapping) circles. In this paper, we provide a heuristic explanation to the conjecture and explore the plausibility of the conjecture numerically. We also identify BB knots among various knot families. For example, we are able to identify all BB knots in the family of alternating Montesinos knots, as well as some BB knots in the family of the non-alternating Montesinos knots, and more generally in the family of the Conway algebraic knots. The BB knots we identified in the knot families we considered include all of the 182 one component BB knots with crossing number up to 12. Furthermore, we show that the number of BB knots with a given crossing number [Formula: see text] grows exponentially with [Formula: see text].
Critical Current Density Limitation of LLZO Solid Electrolyte: Microstructure vs Interface
Authors: Dussart Thibaut , Rividi Nicolas , Fialin Michel , Toussaint Gwenaëlle , Stevens Philippe , Laberty-Robert Christel
Published: December 2021

Al-doped Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) solid electrolyte is a promising candidate for all-solid-state lithium battery (ASSB) due to its high ionic conductivity and stability against lithium metal. Dense LLZO pellets were prepared by high-temperature sintering and a Li3BO3 melting agent was used to control the microstructure (grain size and grain boundary chemistry). An ionic conductivity of 0.49 mS·cm−1 was measured at room temperature. The LLZO/Li interface was modified by introducing an aluminum layer. The impact of the microstructure of LLZO ceramics and the chemistry of the LLZO/Li interface were discussed by measuring the critical current density (CCD). Even though secondary phases at the grain boundary lead to an increase of the electronic conductivity, no significant influence of the microstructure on the CCD value (50 μA·cm−2) has been established. The low CCD value has been improved by forming an Al-Li alloy interlayer at the LLZO/Li interface, due to a better homogenization of the Li current at the interface. In parallel, the applied pressure (0.09 MPa vs. 0.4 MPa) has been studied and did impact the CCD. A value of 0.35 μA·cm−2 was measured. These results highlight the conditions needed for keeping a good electrolyte/Li interface during the cycling of a solid state battery.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Flower-Flakes Like Nano Composites of Ni-Co Metal Organic Frameworks and Graphene Nanoplatelets for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Abdul Karim Muhammad Ramzan , Noman Muhammad , Khan Khurram Imran , Shehzad Waseem , Haq Ehsan Ul , Shahzad Nadia , Yaqoob Khurram
Published: December 2021

Solvothermal synthesis of Ni-Co-metal organic framework (MOF)/graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanocomposites was done for their potential application as electrode material in energy storage devices. Addition of GNPs and metallic precursors together with 2-methylimedazole in the same autoclave reactor produced smooth-nanoflakes like Ni-Co-MOF/GNPs nanocomposites as evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the presence of GNPs where GNPs do not affect the growth of MOF crystals and Ni-Co-MOF crystalline phases remain unaffected in the composite structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of organic links forming nickel-cobalt metal cations framework. Electrochemical testing (CV, EIS and GCD) of the produced composites demonstrated that GNPs addition can enhance the charge storage performance of MOF nanocomposites. The largest cycle area and most discharge time have been shown by Ni-Co-MOF/GNP-50 composite electrode that delivered the highest specific capacity values (313Cg−1 @1Ag−1), good reversibility and low internal resistance and charge transfer resistance, owing to efficient dispersion of flower-like flaky particles and efficient interconnected paths for ion and electron transportation. Moreover, Ni-Co-MOF/GNP-50 composite exhibited good thermal stability with 28% weight loss during thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical evaluations performed on asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) real device expressed a specific capacity of 136.5 Cg−1@0.5Ag−1, maximum energy density of 32.2 Whkg−1@425 Wkg−1 and maximum power density of 17000 Wkg−1@12.8 Whkg−1. Moreover, the device showed a stability performance of 92.5%@10 Ag−1 after 5000 CD cycles.
Optimal Electric Bus Scheduling under Travel Time Uncertainty: A Robust Model and Solution Method
Authors: Jiang Mengyan , Zhang Yi , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2021

With the increasing adoption of electric buses (e-buses), e-bus scheduling problem has become an essential part of transit operation planning. As e-buses have a limited battery capacity, e-bus scheduling problem aims to assign vehicles to timetabled service trips on the bus routes considering their charging demand. Affected by the dynamic operation environment, the travel time and energy consumption of the e-buses often display considerable randomness, resulting in unexpected trip start delays and battery energy shortages. In this paper, we addressed the e-bus scheduling problem under travel time uncertainty by robust optimization approaches. We consider the cardinality constrained uncertainty set to formulate a robust multidepot EVSP model considering trip time uncertainty and partial recharging. The model is developed based on the dynamic programming equations that we formulated for trip chain robustness checking. A branch-and-price (BP) algorithm is devised to generate provably high-quality solutions for large-scale instances. In the BP algorithm, an efficient label setting algorithm is developed to solve the robust resource-constrained shortest path subproblem. Comprehensive numerical experiments are conducted based on the bus routes in Shenzhen to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested methodology. The robustness of the schedules was evaluated through Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the trip start delay and battery energy shortage caused by the travel time uncertainty can be effectively reduced at the expense of an increase in the operational cost. A trade-off should be made between the reduction in infeasibility rate and increase in operational cost to choose a proper uncertainty budget.