bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The global iron industry and the Anthropocene
Authors: Mallinger Kevin , Mergili Martin
Published: December 2020

Iron ore is the most mined metal and the second most mined mineral in the world. The mining of iron ore and the processing of iron and steel increased sharply during the 20th century and peaked at the beginning of the 21st century. Associated processes along the iron ore cycle (mining, processing, recycling, weathering) such as the massive displacement of rock, the emission of waste and pollutants, or the weathering of products resulted in long-term environmental and stratigraphic changes. Key findings link the iron ore industry to 170 gigatons of rock overburden, a global share of CO2 with 7.6%, mercury with 7.4%, and a variety of other metals, pollutants, and residues. These global changes led to physical, chemical, biological, magnetic, and sequential markers, which are used for the justification of the Anthropocene. The potential markers vary significantly regarding their persistence and measurability, but key findings are summarised as TMPs (Technogenic Magnetic Particles), SCPs (Spheroidal Carbonaceous fly ash Particles), POPs (Persistent Organic Particles), heavy metals (vanadium, mercury, etc.), as well as steel input and steel corrosion residues.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Complications and Mortality After Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty in the Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture—Analysis of 1,932 Cases From the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement
Authors: Kim Ho-Joong , Zuckerman Scott L. , Cerpa Meghan , Yeom Jin S. , Lehman Ronald A. , Lenke Lawrence G.
Published: December 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Objective:

The purpose was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for complications associated with vertebroplasty (VP) or kyphoplasty (KP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database.

Methods:

A cohort of patients undergoing VP/KP was constructed from the 2011-2013 ACS-NSQIP dataset using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. The incidences of minor complications (i.e. urinary tract infection, pneumonia, renal insufficiency, superficial infection, wound dehiscence), major complications (i.e. reoperation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, dialysis, cardiac arrest, deep infection, stroke), and mortality within 30 days post-surgery were investigated, and their risk factors were assessed using logistic regression modeling.

Results:

Of 1932 patients undergoing VP/KP, 166 (8.6%) experienced a complication, including minor complications in 53 (2.7%), major complications in 95 (4.9%), and death in 40 (2.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval [CI]) of mortality was significantly associated with ASA 4: 16.604 (1.956-140.959) and increased creatinine (≥ 1.3 mg/dL): 3.494 (1.128-10.823). History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was associated with minor complications. Increased WBC count and hypoalbuminemia (<3.0 g/dL) were also associated with major complications.

Conclusions:

The major complication and mortality rates associated with VP/KP were 4.9% and 2.1% respectively, higher than previous reports. Increased creatinine and ASA 4 were independently associated with mortality after VP/KP. Therefore, cautious monitoring and counseling is needed for elderly, patients with preexisting kidney disease or ASA 4 undergoing VP/KP.
On Japanese’s quasi-characters and their representation on computer systems
Authors: Bossard Antoine
Published: December 2020

Japanese’s quasi-characters iejirushi, literally ‘house sign’, are traditional marks or logos for companies in Japan. In most cases, they involve one or a few Japanese characters, combined with other, various, non-character symbols. For different reasons as explained in this article, quasi-characters have been ignored by character encodings such as unifying ones like Unicode or local standards like JIS X 0213, and thus pose an information representation issue for computer systems. In this paper, building on previous works, we first conduct a detailed ontological analysis of Japanese’s quasi-characters in order to identify their characteristics, especially their contents and structures. This is a major part of this work. Second, we derive from this ontological discussion possible representation methods for computer systems and conduct some experiments. The experimental results show significant improvements with respect to quality, practicability and flexibility over conventional approaches.
E-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury and state-level cannabis policies
Authors: Smith Danielle M. , Goniewicz Maciej L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Multiple cases of e-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported in the USA, which have been attributed to informally obtained cannabis oil vaping devices. This report estimated whether cumulative incidence of EVALI differed according to state-level cannabis policy.

Methods

Publicly available information was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of EVALI. Odds of incident EVALI were calculated according to policy status (active, legal adult-use recreational policy vs. no legal access). Figures were statistically compared using chi-square tests.

Results

Estimated cumulative incidence of EVALI was 5.19 per 100,000 cannabis users across all states with recreational cannabis policies (95% CI 4.70–5.72), and 15.89 per 100,000 cannabis users across all states with no legal access to cannabis (95% CI 14.88–16.96). Odds of EVALI were 3.06 times higher (95% CI 2.71–3.45) among users living in states with no legal access to cannabis compared to users in states with active recreational policies, with significant differences detected according to policy exposure (χ2 = 385.57, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Estimates suggest there may have been a protective effect of state-level, recreational adult-use cannabis policies on incident EVALI. Effects of specific state-level regulations (e.g., laboratory testing, product quality standards, tracking systems) should be considered alongside additional geographic indices in future assessments of EVALI causes.
A variational principle for the (3 + 1)-dimensional extended quantum Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation in plasma physics
Authors: Wang Kang-Jia
Published: December 2020

The Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation plays a key role in the plasma physics, and its solution has always been a hot topic, however its variational principle has not been studied. So this paper develops a variational formulation for the (3+1)-dimensional extended quantum Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation by the semi-inverse method, which shows an energy conservation law for the dust-ion-acoustic solitary waves in a magnetized two-ion-temperature dusty plasma. The whole derivation process is presented in detail. The obtained results in this paper are expected to shed a bright light on the study of theoretical basis for the magnetized plasma.
Cascade or not cascade? Energy transfer and elastic effects in active nematics
Authors: Carenza L. N. , Biferale L. , Gonnella G.
Published: December 2020

We numerically study the multi-scale properties of a 2d active gel to address the energy transfer mechanism. We find that activity is able to excite long-ranged distortions of the nematic pattern giving rise to spontaneous laminar flows and to a chaotic regime by further increasing the rate of active energy injection. By means of a scale-to-scale spectral analysis we find that the gel is basically driven by the local balancing between active injection and viscous dissipation, without any signal of non-linear hydrodynamical transfer and turbulent cascades. Furthermore, elasticity may qualitatively play an important role by transferring energy from small to larger scales through nemato-hydrodynamic interactions.
Topology-transport correspondence in silicene under the modulation of electric and antiferromagnetic fields
Authors: Xu Yafang , Li Xiang
Published: December 2020

The low-buckled material silicene undergoes abundant topological phase transitions under external fields. The applications in transport related to the topological properties remain the focus of attention. Utilizing the Berry curvature formula and Boltzmann transport equation, we investigate the spin- and valley-dependent anomalous Nernst effect in silicene, which is subjected to the antiferromagnetic field and perpendicular electric field. The results reveal that the antiferromagnetic field can be used to modulate the pure spin Nernst current; the pure valley Nernst current appears only when electric field exists; the charge Nernst current needs both fields. It is found that the inflection points on the Nernst conductivity correspond exactly to the phase transformation boundary. In the quantum spin Hall (QSH) phase, the spin beam splitting can be realized, in the quantum valley Hall (QVH) phase, the valley beam is split, and in the spin-polarized quantum anomalous Hall (SQAH) phase, the single spin and valley beam can be collected. These findings related to topology are expected to facilitate some applications in spin and valley caloritronics and thermal logical devices.
Generalized maximal entropy argument for the gravity law in human mobility
Authors: Lee Ji-Hye , Won Kim Jong , Lee Keumsook , Choi M. Y.
Published: December 2020

In this work, we elaborate on the entropy argument for the trip-chain distribution and derive the unconstrained gravity model. From the most probable trip-chain configurations under the global constraints of the mean trip-chain length as well as the cost, the resulting flow is shown to follow the gravity law. We apply the model to assess the passenger flow in Seoul public transportation system. With the trip-chain cost taking into account the loss from trip time as well as the gain from visiting, the flow is estimated well from the numbers of departing and arriving passengers. It is thus concluded that the gravity model in general can be rationalized through the single paradigm of maximal entropy.
Sensitivity to strains and defects for manipulating the conductivity of graphene
Authors: Sahalianov I. Yu. , Radchenko T. M. , Tatarenko V. A. , Cuniberti G.
Published: December 2020

Implementing the quantum-mechanical Kubo-Greenwood formalism for the numerical calculation of dc conductivity, we demonstrate that the electron transport properties of a graphene layer can be tailored through the combined effect of defects (point and line scatterers) and strains (uniaxial tension and shear), which are commonly present in a graphene sample due to the features of its growth procedure and when the sample is used in devices. Motivated by two experimental works (He X. et al. Appl. Phys. Lett., 104 (2014) 243108; 105 (2014) 083108), where authors did not observe the transport gap even at large (22.5% of tensile and 16.7% of shear) deformations, we explain possible reasons, emphasizing on graphene's strain and defect sensing. The strain- and defect-induced electron-hole asymmetry and anisotropy of conductivity, and its nonmonotony as a function of deformation suggest perspectives for the strain-defect engineering of electrotransport properties of graphene and related 2D materials.
Rock-paper-scissors models with a preferred mobility direction
Authors: Avelino P. P. , de Oliveira B. F. , Silva J. V. O.
Published: December 2020

We investigate a modified spatial stochastic Lotka-Volterra formulation of the rock-paper-scissors model using off-lattice stochastic simulations. In this model one of the species moves preferentially in a specific direction —the level of preference being controlled by a noise strength parameter

(

and

corresponding to total preference and no preference, respectively)— while the other two species have no preferred direction of motion. We study the behaviour of the system starting from random initial conditions, showing that the species with asymmetric mobility has always an advantage over its predator. We also determine the optimal value of the noise strength parameter which gives the maximum advantage to that species. Finally, we find that the critical number of individuals, below which the probability of extinction becomes significant, decreases as the noise level increases, thus showing that the addition of a preferred mobility direction studied in the present letter does not favour coexistence.
Underlining possible effects of Coriolis acceleration in experiments with a Mössbauer source
Authors: Benedetto Elmo , Briscione Antonio , Iovane Gerardo
Published: December 2020

In recent years it seems that, by measuring the transverse Doppler effect in experiments with a Mössbauer source, we observe a higher blue-shift compared to that provided by the standard relativistic time dilation. If this experimental measure will be officially recognized by the scientific community, we believe that the correct explanation must be sought within Einstein's General Relativity theory. Having this in mind, the aim of this paper is to suggest a possible interpretation of the experimental results. We immediately emphasize that ours is only an idea and does not claim to be certainly the correct explanation in the case in which the experimental data will be confirmed.
Spin and charge Kondo effects in capacitively coupled double quantum dots
Authors: Sun F. L. , Wei J. H.
Published: December 2020

We investigate low-temperature spin and charge (orbital) Kondo effect of capacitively hierarchical equations of motion. In a charge stability diagram at finite interdot Coulomb repulsion, a line between triple points (LBTP) serves as the degeneracy of charge configuration states. With one electron difference on each dot, these charge configuration states can be regarded as pseudospins. It is shown that charge can also screen its counterpart through the high-order process using tunnelling-coupled reservoirs. In the charge configuration regime

, in addition to the spin Kondo effect, the degeneracy and detuning of charge configuration states

and

may also cause a charge Kondo resonance that agrees with the experiments on triple-peak structures with differential conductance.
Reduced Muscle Strength Is Associated With Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Patients With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zaharia Oana Patricia , Pesta Dominik Hans , Bobrov Pavel , Kupriyanova Yuliya , Herder Christian , Karusheva Yanislava , Bódis Kálmán , Bönhof Gidon Josia , Knitza Johannes , Simon David , Kleyer Arnd , Hwang Jong-Hee , Müssig Karsten , Ziegler Dan , Burkart Volker , Schett Georg , Roden Michael , Szendroedi Julia
Published: December 2020

Context

Type 2 diabetes is associated with a greater risk for musculoskeletal disorders, yet its impact on joint function remains unclear.

Objective

We hypothesized that patients with type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis would exhibit musculoskeletal impairment, which would associate with insulin resistance and distinct microRNA profiles.

Methods

Participants of the German Diabetes Study with type 2 diabetes (T2D, n = 39) or normal glucose tolerance (CON, n = 27), both with (+OA) or without osteoarthritis (-OA) underwent intravenous glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp tests. Musculoskeletal function was assessed by isometric knee extension strength (KES), grip strength, range of motion (ROM), and balance skills, while neural function was measured by nerve conductance velocity (NCV). Arthritis-related symptoms were quantified using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, serum arthritis-related microRNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Insulin sensitivity was lower in T2D+OA vs T2D-OA (4.4 ± 2.0 vs 5.7 ± 3.0 mg* kg–1*min–1) and in CON+OA vs CON-OA (8.1 ± 2.0 vs 12.0 ± 2.6 mg*kg–1,*min–1, both P < .05). In T2D+OA, KES and ROM were 60% and 22% lower than in CON+OA, respectively (both P < .05). Insulin sensitivity correlated positively with KES (r = 0.41, P < .05) among T2D, and negatively with symptom severity in CON and T2D (r = –0.60 and r = –0.46, respectively, P < .05). CON+OA and T2D+OA had inferior balance skills than CON-OA, whereas NCV was comparable in T2D+OA and T2D-OA. Expression of arthritis-related microRNAs was upregulated in T2D compared to CON, but downregulated in CON+OA compared to CON-OA (P < .05), and did not differ between T2D+OA and T2D-OA.

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal impairment and osteoarthritis-related symptoms are associated with insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes can mask changes in arthritis-related microRNA profiles.
Plasmatic and Urinary 5-Hydroxyindolacetic Acid Measurements in Patients With Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors: A GTE Study
Authors: de Mestier Louis , Savagner Frédérique , Brixi Hedia , Do Cao Christine , Dominguez-Tinajero Sophie , Roquin Guillaume , Goichot Bernard , Hentic Olivia , Dubreuil Olivier , Hautefeuille Vincent , Walter Thomas , Cadiot Guillaume
Published: December 2020

Context

Although 24-hour urinary 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (24u5HIAA) is a key biomarker in midgut neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), it may be inaccurate and inconvenient.

Objective

We compared the diagnostic performances of 24u5HIAA, overnight urinary 5HIAA (Ou5HIAA), and plasmatic 5HIAA (p5HIAA) in midgut NETs.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter study included 80 patients with metastatic midgut NETs and 17 control patients with irritable bowel syndrome. 24u5HIAA, Ou5HIAA, and p5HIAA were measured in urine and plasma collected on 2 consecutive days following a specific recommended diet. Reproducibility of the biomarkers was evaluated by the Spearman test. Diagnostic performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Correlations with the main clinical features and declared observance to the specific diet were assessed using AUROC and logistic regression models.

Results

The reproducibility of 24u5HIAA, Ou5HIAA, and p5HIAA were excellent (ρ = 0.916; 0.897; 0.978, respectively, P < .001) with significant discrimination between patients and controls (AUROC = 0.795, P < .001; 0.757, P = .001; 0.717, P = .005, respectively). All 3 markers were correlated with the presence of carcinoid syndrome (AUROC = 0.702, P = .006; 0.701, P = .006; 0.697, P = .007, respectively), carcinoid heart disease (AUROC = 0.896; 0.887; 0.923, P < .001, respectively, P < .001), and liver metastatic involvement greater than 30% (AUROC = 0.827; 0.807; 0.849, P < .001, respectively, P < .001), independent from other traditional prognostic factors. Biomarker levels were similar between patients with optimal or suboptimal diet observance.

Conclusion

Ou5HIAA and p5HIAA could be used as more convenient alternatives to 24u5HIAA in patients with metastatic midgut NETs. Prospective long-term studies with repeated dosages are needed.
TLR4-Associated IRF-7 and NFκB Signaling Act as a Molecular Link Between Androgen and Metformin Activities and Cytokine Synthesis in the PCOS Endometrium
Authors: Hu Min , Zhang Yuehui , Li Xin , Cui Peng , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda Nancy , Brännström Mats , Shao Linus R , Billig Håkan
Published: December 2020

Context

Low-grade chronic inflammation is commonly seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in the endometrium.

Objective

This work aimed to increase the limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying cytokine synthesis and increased endometrial inflammation in PCOS patients.

Methods

Endometrial biopsy samples were collected from non-PCOS (n = 17) and PCOS (n = 22) patients either during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle or with hyperplasia. Endometrial explants were prepared from PCOS patients and underwent pharmacological manipulation in vitro. The expression and localization of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/4, key elements of innate immune signal transduction and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) signaling pathways, and multiple cytokines were comprehensively evaluated by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence in endometrial tissues.

Results

We demonstrated the distribution of protein expression and localization associated with the significantly increased androgen receptor, TLR2, and TLR4-mediated activation of interferon regulatory factor-7 (IRF-7) and NFκB signaling, cytokine production, and endometrial inflammation in PCOS patients compared to non-PCOS patients with and without endometrial hyperplasia. In vitro experiments showed that 5-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) enhanced androgen receptor, TLR4, IRF-7, and p-NFκB p65 protein expression along with increased interferon α (IFNα) and IFNɣ abundance. The effects of DHT on IRF-7, p-NFκB p65, and IFN abundance were abolished by flutamide, an antiandrogen. Although 17β-estradiol (E2) decreased p-IRF-7 expression with little effect on TLR-mediated IRF7 and NFκB signaling or on cytokine protein levels, exposure to metformin alone or in combination with E2 suppressed interleukin-1 receptor–associated kinase 4 (IRAK4), p-IRF-7, IRF-7, IκB kinase α (IKKα), p-NFκB p65, IFNɣ, and tumor necrosis factor α protein expression.

Conclusion

Cytokine synthesis and increased endometrial inflammation in PCOS patients are coupled to androgen-induced TLR4/IRF-7/NFκB signaling, which is inhibited by metformin treatment.
Teaching Religion at Turkish Public Schools: A Theme Oscillating between Faith, Culture, and Politics
Authors: Furat Ayşe Zişan
Published: December 2020

Since the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923, many aspects of religious education in public schools, namely, those related to the status of religion courses, have been intensely discussed. However, developing sustainable policies that meet societal and political changes has not always been an achievable goal. This is evident from the interminable renewals of religious education curricula, which always evoke the same debate: “What should be the essence of religious education in public education? Should it aim to teach religion as a practice of faith, or should it approach religion as a cultural concept?” Focusing on this ongoing debate, this paper aims to offer an in-depth analysis of the Turkish endeavor to reconcile religious education with the secular schooling system. This paper concludes that these responses, although presented as part of pedagogical paradigm shifts, have not been impervious to the political turbulence in Turkey.
Socio-Economic Factors and their Influence in Adoption of Agricultural Technologies Under Subsistence Economy; A Case of Tissue Culture Banana in Uganda
Authors: Barbra Wanyana , Sam Wamani
Published: December 2020

Uptake of improved agricultural technologies like banana tissue culture still remains low despite the efforts that have been put in place to enhance its adoption. A survey was carried out on 115 smallholder farmers in central Uganda to establish the influence of various socio-economic factors on the adoption of tissue culture banana between January and July 2018. Findings from the study revealed that respondents’ main occupation (P = 0.028), market accessibility (P = 0.006) and proximity to the source of planting materials (P = 0.000) were the major drivers to adoption of tissue culture banana. The study thus recommended the establishment of regional distribution centres for tissue culture banana plantlets, increased investment in extension in order to strengthen the farmer-researcher linkage and increased market access.
Blood and synovial fluid calprotectin as biomarkers to diagnose chronic hip and knee periprosthetic joint infections
Authors: Grzelecki Dariusz , Walczak Piotr , Szostek Marta , Grajek Aleksandra , Rak Stanisław , Kowalczewski Jacek
Published: December 2020

Aims

Calprotectin (CLP) is produced in neutrophils and monocytes and released into body fluids as a result of inflammation or infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of blood and synovial CLP in the diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Methods

Blood and synovial fluid samples were collected prospectively from 195 patients undergoing primary or revision hip and knee arthroplasty. Patients were divided into five groups: 1) primary total hip and knee arthroplasty performed due to idiopathic osteoarthritis (OA; n = 60); 2) revision hip and knee arthroplasty performed due to aseptic failure of the implant (AR-TJR; n = 40); 3) patients with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic PJI awaiting surgery (n = 45); 4) patients who have finished the first stage of the PJI treatment with the use of cemented spacer and were qualified for replantation procedure (SR-TJR; n = 25), and 5) patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty (RA; n = 25). CLP concentrations were measured quantitatively in the blood and synovial fluid using an immunoturbidimetric assay. Additionally, blood and synovial CRP, blood interleukin-6 (IL-6), and ESR were measured, and a leucocyte esterase (LE) strip test was performed.

Results

Patients with PJI had higher CLP concentrations than those undergoing aseptic revision in blood (median PJI 2.14 mg/l (interquartile range (IQR) 1.37 to 3.56) vs AR-TJR 0.66 mg/l (IQR 0.3 to 0.83); p < 0.001) and synovial fluid samples (median PJI 20.46 mg/l (IQR 14.3 to 22.36) vs AR-TJR 0.7 mg/l (IQR 0.41 to 0.95); p < 0.001). With a cut-off value of 1.0 mg/l, blood CLP showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 93.3%, 87.5%, 89.4%, and 92.1%, respectively. For synovial fluid with a cut-off value of 1.5 mg/l, these were 95.6%, 95%, 95.5%, and 95%, respectively.

Conclusion

This small study suggests that synovial and blood CLP are useful markers in chronic PJI diagnosis with similar or higher sensitivity and specificity than routinely used markers such as CRP, ESR, IL-6, and LE. CLP was not useful to differentiate patients with PJI from those with rheumatoid arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):46–55.
The influence of total knee arthroplasty design on kneeling kinematics: a prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lynch Joseph T. , Perriman Diana M. , Scarvell Jennie M. , Pickering Mark R. , Galvin Catherine R. , Neeman Teresa , Smith Paul N.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Modern total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prostheses are designed to restore near normal kinematics including high flexion. Kneeling is a high flexion, kinematically demanding activity after TKA. The debate about design choice has not yet been informed by six-degrees-of-freedom in vivo kinematics. This prospective randomized clinical trial compared kneeling kinematics in three TKA designs.

Methods

In total, 68 patients were randomized to either a posterior stabilized (PS-FB), cruciate-retaining (CR-FB), or rotating platform (CR-RP) design. Of these patients, 64 completed a minimum one year follow-up. Patients completed full-flexion kneeling while being imaged using single-plane fluoroscopy. Kinematics were calculated by registering the 3D implant models onto 2D-dynamic fluoroscopic images and exported for analysis.

Results

CR-FB designs had significantly lower maximal flexion (mean 116° (SD 2.1°)) compared to CR-RP (123° (SD 1.6°)) and PS-FB (125° (SD 2.1°)). The PS-FB design displayed a more posteriorly positioned femur throughout flexion. Furthermore, the CR-RP femur was more externally rotated throughout kneeling. Finally, individual patient kinematics showed high degrees of variability within all designs.

Conclusion

The increased maximal flexion found in the PS-FB and CR-RP designs were likely achieved in different ways. The PS-FB design uses a cam-post to hold the femur more posteriorly preventing posterior impingement. The external rotation within the CR-RP design was surprising and hasn’t previously been reported. It is likely due to the polyethylene bearing being decoupled from flexion. The findings of this study provide insights into the function of different knee arthroplasty designs in the context during deep kneeling and provide clinicians with a more kinematically informed choice for implant selection and may allow improved management of patients' functional expectations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):105–112.
METHODOLOGY OF ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF EXTERNALITY EMISSIONS IN RELATION TO THE VALUE OF ELECTRIC POWER GENERATED BY THE BURNING OF BIOGAS IN THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Castro Pedro Henrique Gonçalves Rigueira Pinheiro , Barbosa do Nascimento Salvador Iago , Oliveira Filho Delly
Published: December 2020

Brazilian cattle raising needs greater automation as a way to improve productivity and at the same time new ways to meet the growing energy demand. Thus, an alternative is to use renewable sources of electric energy such as biogas. This work proposes a methodology for economic evaluation of the externality denominated emissions, originating from the generation of electric energy through the burning of biogas from residues of Brazilian livestock. Thus, an equation was proposed and applied to obtain the value of this externality as a percentage of the value of electric energy, where greater results indicate greater potential for this externality. The results showed that the emissions, assessed as an externality and quantified on the basis of carbon credits can account for up to 69.4% of the electricity price, but if quantified in relation to the social impact of carbon, the externality in reference exceeds the value of electricity, reaching 408.4%. As a result, it is clear that the use of biogas for power generation in livestock can present other valuable products in addition to electricity and, consequently, can add value to livestock activity.
Vertical field enhancement of a spot-size converter using a nanopixel waveguide and window structure
Authors: Chen Zan Hui , Li Wenying , Han Yu , Wang Leiyun , Jiang Haisong , Hamamoto Kiichi
Published: December 2020

Spot-size converter (SSC) is an essential building block for integrated photonic circuits applied as a mode transformer between optical components. One typical issue for SSC is the difficulty of broadening the vertical field profile. Herein, we propose a nanopixel SSC (1 × 2 μm2) with changing hole size and density. Unlike a typical SSC, this configuration controls both the lateral and vertical field profiles relatively easily by enhancing the nanopixel density. A vertical field expansion of 1.21 μm was obtained by enhancing the nanopixel density. In addition, we designed the optical field in the lateral direction using deep neural network (DNN)-based learning to realize a perfect circular spot for high coupling efficiency that reached -3 dB at λ0 = 1.572 μm when the optical field aspect ratio was adjusted to 1 after training for 200 epochs. Furthermore, the vertical expansion was increased from 1.21 to 4.9 μm and the coupling efficiency from -3 to -0.41 dB by combining it a silicon dioxide window structure (5 × 15 × 10 μm3). The 1-dB operating bandwidth of the designed SSC structure is 100 nm (1.5–1.6 μm), while fabrication tolerance of the nanopixels and window structure length for the designed SSC structure are ±15 nm and ±250 nm when the coupling efficiency drops by 1 dB.
Dispersion management of a nonlinear amplifying loop mirror-based erbium-doped fiber laser
Authors: Łaszczych Zbigniew , Soboń Grzegorz
Published: December 2020

We report an investigation of dispersion management of an all-polarization-maintaining Er-fiber oscillator mode-locked via a nonlinear amplification loop mirror in a figure-nine cavity configuration with two output ports. The performance of the laser was investigated within the net cavity dispersion ranging from −0.034 ps2 to +0.006 ps2. We show that the spectral and temporal phase of the pulses at both figure-nine outputs have clearly different characteristics. One of the laser outputs provides pulses with significantly better quality; nonetheless, the rejection output also offers ultrashort pulses with broad spectra. Pulses as short as 79 fs with an energy of 83 pJ were generated directly from the laser in the near-zero dispersion regime.
Correlative light electron ion microscopy reveals in vivo localisation of bedaquiline in Mycobacterium tuberculosis–infected lungs
Authors: Fearns Antony , Greenwood Daniel J. , Rodgers Angela , Jiang Haibo , Gutierrez Maximiliano G.
Published: December 2020

Correlative light, electron, and ion microscopy (CLEIM) offers huge potential to track the intracellular fate of antibiotics, with organelle-level resolution. However, a correlative approach that enables subcellular antibiotic visualisation in pathogen-infected tissue is lacking. Here, we developed correlative light, electron, and ion microscopy in tissue (CLEIMiT) and used it to identify the cell type–specific accumulation of an antibiotic in lung lesions of mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Using CLEIMiT, we found that the anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug bedaquiline (BDQ) is localised not only in foamy macrophages in the lungs during infection but also accumulate in polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells.
Vertebrate-Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera)-arbovirus transmission networks: Non-human feeding revealed by meta-barcoding and next-generation sequencing
Authors: Estrada-Franco José Guillermo , Fernández-Santos Nadia A. , Adebiyi Adeniran A. , López-López María de J. , Aguilar-Durán Jesús A. , Hernández-Triana Luis M. , Prosser Sean W. J. , Hebert Paul D. N. , Fooks Anthony R. , Hamer Gabriel L. , Xue Ling , Rodríguez-Pérez Mario A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Aedes aegypti mosquito-borne viruses including Zika (ZIKV), dengue (DENV), yellow fever (YFV), and chikungunya (CHIKV) have emerged and re-emerged globally, resulting in an elevated burden of human disease. Aedes aegypti is found worldwide in tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate areas. The characterization of mosquito blood meals is essential to understand the transmission dynamics of mosquito-vectored pathogens.

Methodology/principal findings

Here, we report Ae. aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus host feeding patterns and arbovirus transmission in Northern Mexico using a metabarcoding-like approach with next-generation deep sequencing technology. A total of 145 Ae. aegypti yielded a blood meal analysis result with 107 (73.8%) for a single vertebrate species and 38 (26.2%) for two or more. Among the single host blood meals for Ae. aegypti, 28.0% were from humans, 54.2% from dogs, 16.8% from cats, and 1.0% from tortoises. Among those with more than one species present, 65.9% were from humans and dogs. For Cx. quinquefasciatus, 388 individuals yielded information with 326 (84%) being from a single host and 63 (16.2%) being from two or more hosts. Of the single species blood meals, 77.9% were from dogs, 6.1% from chickens, 3.1% from house sparrows, 2.4% from humans, while the remaining 10.5% derived from other 12 host species. Among those which had fed on more than one species, 11% were from dogs and humans, and 89% of other host species combinations. Forage ratio analysis revealed dog as the most over-utilized host by Ae. aegypti (= 4.3) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (= 5.6) and the human blood index at 39% and 4%, respectively. A total of 2,941 host-seeking female Ae. aegypti and 3,536 Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were collected in the surveyed area. Of these, 118 Ae. aegypti pools and 37 Cx. quinquefasciatus pools were screened for seven arboviruses (ZIKV, DENV 1–4, CHIKV, and West Nile virus (WNV)) using qRT-PCR and none were positive (point prevalence = 0%). The 95%-exact upper limit confidence interval was 0.07% and 0.17% for Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively

Conclusions/significance

The low human blood feeding rate in Ae. aegypti, high rate of feeding on mammals by Cx. quinquefasciatus, and the potential risk to transmission dynamics of arboviruses in highly urbanized areas of Northern Mexico is discussed.
Nutritional combinatorial impact on the gut microbiota and plasma short-chain fatty acids levels in the prevention of mammary cancer in Her2/neu estrogen receptor-negative transgenic mice
Authors: Sharma Manvi , Arora Itika , Stoll Matthew L. , Li Yuanyuan , Morrow Casey D. , Barnes Stephen , Berryhill Taylor F. , Li Shizhao , Tollefsbol Trygve O.
Published: December 2020

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Various nutritional compounds possess anti-carcinogenic properties which may be mediated through their effects on the gut microbiota and its production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) for the prevention of breast cancer. We evaluated the impact of broccoli sprouts (BSp), green tea polyphenols (GTPs) and their combination on the gut microbiota and SCFAs metabolism from the microbiota in Her2/neu transgenic mice that spontaneously develop estrogen receptor-negative [ER(-)] mammary tumors. The mice were grouped based on the dietary treatment: control, BSp, GTPs or their combination from beginning in early life (BE) or life-long from conception (LC). We found that the combination group showed the strongest inhibiting effect on tumor growth volume and a significant increase in tumor latency. BSp treatment was integrally more efficacious than the GTPs group when compared to the control group. There was similar clustering of microbiota of BSp-fed mice with combination-fed mice, and GTPs-fed mice with control-fed mice at pre-tumor in the BE group and at pre-tumor and post-tumor in the LC group. The mice on all dietary treatment groups incurred a significant increase ofAdlercreutzia,Lactobacillusgenus and Lachnospiraceae, S24-7 family in the both BE and LC groups. We found no change in SCFAs levels in the plasma of BSp-fed, GTPs-fed and combination-fed mice of the BE group. Marked changes were observed in the mice of the LC group consisting of significant increases in propionate and isobutyrate in GTPs-fed and combination-fed mice. These studies indicate that nutrients such as BSp and GTPs differentially affect the gut microbial composition in both the BE and LC groups and the key metabolites (SCFAs) levels in the LC group. The findings also suggest that temporal factors related to different time windows of consumption during the life-span can have a promising influence on the gut microbial composition, SCFAs profiles and ER(-) breast cancer prevention.
The new silicone elastometric half-piece respirator, VJR-NMU: A novel and effective tool to prevent COVID-19
Authors: Manomaipiboon Anan , Pupipatpab Sujaree , Chomdee Pongsathorn , Chitsomkasem Anusang , Apichatbutr Yutthana , Boonyapatkul Pathiporn , Trakarnvanich Thananda
Published: December 2020

Filter facepiece respirators (FFRs) are critical for preventing the transmission of respiratory tract infection disease, especially the dreadful coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2). The N95 mask is a prototype, high-efficiency protective device that can effectively protect against airborne pathogens of less than 0.3 μm. The N95 mask is tightly fitting and has high filtration capacity. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a greater requirement for FFR. This rising demand greatly exceeds current production capabilities and stockpiles, resulting in shortages. To address this, our team has invented a new type of half-piece respirator made from silicone and assembled with HEPA or elastostatic filter. A variety of methods have been used to evaluate this new device, including a qualitative fit test with the Bitrex® test kit and filtration test. The preliminary results showed that the new elastometric respirators pass the fit test. The filtration tests also confirmed the superiority of the new respirator over traditional N95 masks, with a mean performance of protection greater than 95%. For the filters, we used two types: SafeStar, which is a kind of HEPA filter; and CareStar, which is considered an elastostatic filler. CareStar was developed to filter virus and bacteria in the operating room, with a limit duration of use up to 24 h, while the safe star was designed for 72 h use and has the quality equivalent to a HEPA filter. Our study demonstrated superior filtration efficacy of both filters, more than 98% even after 24 h of use. CareStar has significantly more filtration efficacy than a safe star (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the development of our new N99 half-piece respirator should ultimately be applicable to healthcare workers with at least non-inferiority to the previously used N 95 respirators. As a universal masking policy is generally implemented, health care workers who are at risk must be protected with appropriate devices. Currently, the adequate supply of such equipment is not feasible. The advent of the new protective device will help protect healthcare workers and replenish the shortage of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
No effect of multi-axis dot pattern symmetry on subjective duration
Authors: Makin Alexis David James , Rahman Afzal , Bertamini Marco
Published: December 2020

Previous work has shown that symmetrical stimuli are judged as lasting longer than asymmetrical ones, even when actual duration is matched. This effect has been replicated with different methods and stimuli types. We aimed to a) replicate the effect of symmetry on subjective duration, and b) assess whether it was further modulated by the number of symmetrical axes. There was no evidence for either effect. This null result cannot be explained by reduced statistical power or enhanced floor or ceiling effects. There is no obvious stimulus-based explanation either. However, we are mindful of the reproducibility crisis and file drawer problems in psychology. Other symmetry and time perception researchers should be aware of this null result. One possibility is that the effect of symmetry on subjective duration is limited to very specific experimental paradigms.
iBRAB: In silico based-designed broad-spectrum Fab against H1N1 influenza A virus
Authors: Do Phuc-Chau , Nguyen Trung H. , Vo Uyen H. M. , Le Ly
Published: December 2020

Influenza virus A is a significant agent involved in the outbreak of worldwide epidemics, causing millions of fatalities around the world by respiratory diseases and seasonal illness. Many projects had been conducting to investigate recovered infected patients for therapeutic vaccines that have broad-spectrum activity. With the aid of the computational approach in biology, the designation for a vaccine model is more accessible. We developed an in silico protocol called iBRAB to design a broad-reactive Fab on a wide range of influenza A virus. The Fab model was constructed based on sequences and structures of available broad-spectrum Abs or Fabs against a wide range of H1N1 influenza A virus. As a result, the proposed Fab model followed iBRAB has good binding affinity over 27 selected HA of different strains of H1 influenza A virus, including wild-type and mutated ones. The examination also took by computational tools to fasten the procedure. This protocol could be applied for a fast-designed therapeutic vaccine against different types of threats.
Preliminary validation of the use of IgG antibody response to Anopheles gSG6-p1 salivary peptide to assess human exposure to malaria vector bites in two endemic areas of Cameroon in Central Africa
Authors: Cheteug Glwadys , Elanga-Ndille Emmanuel , Donkeu Christiane , Ekoko Wolfgang , Oloume Martine , Essangui Estelle , Nwane Philippe , NSango Sandrine Eveline , Etang Josiane , Wanji Samuel , Ayong Lawrence , Eboumbou Moukoko Carole Else
Published: December 2020

The specific immune response to the Anopheles salivary peptide could be a pertinent and complementary tool to assess the risk of malaria transmission and the effectiveness of vector control strategies. This study aimed to obtain first reliable data on the current state of the Anopheles gSG6-P1 biomarker for assess the level of exposure to Anopheles bites in high malaria endemic areas in Cameroon. Blood smears were collected from people living in the neighborhoods of Youpwe (suburban area, continental) and Manoka (rural area, Island), both areas in the coastal region of Cameroon. Malaria infection was determined using thick blood smear microscopy, whereas the level of specific IgG response to gSG-P1 peptide was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from the dried blood spots. Of 266 (153 from Youpwe, 113 from Manoka) malaria endemic residents (mean age: 22.8±19.8 years, age range: 6 months–94 years, male/female sex ratio: 1/1.2, with Manoka mean age: 23.71±20.53, male/female sex ratio:1/1.13 and Youpwe mean age: 22.12±19.22, male/female sex ratio 1/0.67) randomly included in the study, Plasmodium infection prevalence was significantly higher in Manoka than in Youpwe (64.6% vs 12,4%, p = 0.0001). The anti-gSG6-P1 IgG response showed a high inter-individual heterogeneity and was significantly higher among individuals from Manoka than those from Youpwe (p = 0.023). Malaria infected individuals presented a higher anti-gSG6-P1 IgG antibody response than non-infected (p = 0.0004). No significant difference in the level of specific IgG response to gSG-P1 was observed according to long lasting insecticidal nets use. Taken together, the data revealed that human IgG antibody response to Anopheles gSG-P1 salivary peptide could be also used to assess human exposure to malaria vectors in Central African region. This finding strengthens the relevance of this candidate biomarker to be used for measuring human exposure to malaria vectors worldwide.
The risk factors for mortality of diabetic patients with severe COVID-19: A retrospective study of 167 severe COVID-19 cases in Wuhan
Authors: Hui Yan , Li Yi , Tong Xiwen , Wang Zhiqiong , Mao Xia , Huang Lifang , Zhang Donghua
Published: December 2020

Diabetes is one of the most common comorbidities in adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to analyze the mortality risk factors of diabetic patients with COVID-19. A total of 167 patients with severe COVID-19, including 55 diabetic patients and 112 nondiabetic patients at Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China from January 28, 2020, to March 10, 2020, were collected. The laboratory, radiological, management information, and medical history was retrospectively reviewed. Potential mortality risk factors in diabetic patients with COVID-19 were evaluated by the proportional hazard Cox model. The clinical information of 167 patients with severe COVID-19 was analyzed. The median age was 65.0 years. Approximately 32.9% of patients had diabetes. In total patients, older age, diabetes, and lymphocyte count were associated with increased risk of death. In diabetic patients, increased mortality was associated with decreased lymphocyte count (≤0.45×10⁹/L, HR 0.196, 95% CI 0.049–0.781, P = 0.021), lactate dehydrogenase >600 U/L (HR 8.010, 95% CI 1.540–41.670, P = 0.013), hsCRP >90 mg/L (HR 4.551, 95% CI 1.472–14.070, P = 0.009) and interleukin-10 >10 U/mL (HR 5.362, 95% CI 1.239–23.199, P = 0.025). COVID-19 patients with diabetes had a poor prognosis, especially when they had two or more of the following abnormalities (χ2 = 58.62, P<0.001): lymphocyte count was ≤0.45×10⁹/L, lactate dehydrogenase was >600 U/L, hsCRP was >90 mg/L and IL-10 was >10 U/mL. For diabetic patients with COVID-19, more attention should be paid to the dynamic monitoring of cytokine levels, and the control of hyperglycemia.