bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An unusual cause of pneumomediastinum and acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Pratap U. , Ravindrachari M. , Sneha L. , Vishnukanth G.
Published: May 2022

Background

Progressive acute respiratory failure with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) in immunocompetent individuals is rare, and if detected early, diagnosis and treatment dilemmas can be limited. We report here a unique case of respiratory failure due to tubercular spontaneous pneumomediastinum complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Case presentation

A 24-year-old male of low socioeconomic background presented with shortness of breath, dry cough, and fever for 7 days, which was accompanied by weight loss and a reduced appetite. The patient had tachypnea and hypoxemia (SpO2 = 86%). The patient’s condition deteriorated (SpO2 = 72% with 12 L min−1of O2 delivered using a non-rebreather mask), and he was intubated using a lung-protective approach with a tidal volume of 350 mL (6 mL kg−1), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cm H2O, RR of 20 cycles/min, a flow rate of 35 L min−1, and FiO2 of 0.6. High-resolution computer tomography of the thorax showed multilobar consolidation, pneumomediastinum, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema with left-sided pneumothorax. Subsequently, a left-sided tube thoracostomy was carried out. The PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio immediately after intubation was 130 and rose to 170 post-thoracostomy, which was suggestive of moderate ARDS. Bacterial and fungal colonies detected from the blood and endotracheal aspirate were normal. However, for the endotracheal aspirate, the cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) detected TB with no rifampicin resistance. The patient was started on anti-tubercular therapy (ATT). Despite ATT, the patient developed circulatory shock and died after 4 days.

Conclusions

In young patients with acute spontaneous pneumomediastinum and ARDS, TB infection should be considered during initial diagnostics. This consideration may lead to timely treatments and improved patient survival.
“Effect of tungsten carbide (WC) on electrochemical corrosion behavior, hardness, and microstructure of CrFeCoNi high entropy alloy”
Authors: Khallaf A. Hegazy , Bhlol M. , Dawood O. M. , Ghayad I. M. , Elkady Omayma A.
Published: May 2022

High-entropy alloy HEA (CrFeCoNi) was reinforced with variety of weight percentages of 5:20 wt.% WC particles. The alloy samples were mechanically prepared in a ball roll mill for 25 h by 10:1 ball to powder ratio at 180 rpm. Then WC was mixed with the prepared alloys in a high-speed ball mill for 1 h by 350 rpm under a controlled atmosphere. The mixed samples were compacted by a uniaxial press under 700 MPa and then sintered at 1200 °C for 90 min under air atmosphere. The corrosion behavior of the tested samples in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was investigated using electrochemical polarization measurements. The microstructure of the sintered samples with high relative density showed three phases, which were FCC matrix, W-rich carbide, and Cr-rich carbide and homogeneously distributed all over the alloy matrix. The hardness of the (CrFeCoNi)1-X (WC)X HEAs was increased gradually with the increasing of WC content from about 336.41 HV up to 632.48 HV at room temperature. The results indicated that the addition of WC improves the corrosion resistance. Especially, the 20 wt.% of WC addition remarkably enhanced the comprehensive corrosion resistance and easy passivation of (CrFeCoNi)1-X(WC)X HEAs. Also, the wear rate of 0 wt.% WC HEA is (1.70E-04) which is approximately 4.5 times higher than the wear rate of 20 wt.% WC HEA (3.81E-05); this means that wear resistance is significantly improved with the increase of WC content.
Behavior of S waves in vicinity of singularity point in elliptic orthorhombic media
Authors: Stovas Alexey , Roganov Yuriy , Roganov Vyacheslav
Published: May 2022

In low-symmetry anisotropic models, the S waves are generally coupled and have very complex behavior due to triplications and singularity points. The presence of singularity point affects S-wave phase and group velocity surface in a simple elliptical orthorhombic model. This model has no triplications but has a singularity point in one of the symmetry planes. We find that the slowness ellipse (defined by the zero Gaussian curvature) is the image of a singularity point on the group velocity surface, and the group velocity ellipse (also known as the internal refraction cone) is the image of a singularity point on the slowness surface. The equations for the slowness and group velocity ellipses are explicitly defined. The square of S1- and S2-wave lacunae also is computed.
Backthrust play of the Chernyshev swell, Timan-Pechora Basin: Reentry into a legacy exploration site based on multidisciplinary study
Authors: Sobornov Konstantin , Korotkov Ilya , Yakovlev Denis , Kulikov Viktor , Kudriavtsev Konstantin
Published: May 2022

We have developed a new interpretation of the Povarnitsa High, located in the southern part of the transition zone between the Chernyshov swell and the Kosyu-Rogov trough in the Polar Urals foreland. Petroleum exploration in this area took place in the 1980s and resulted only in an uneconomical oil deposit. Reprocessing and reinterpretation of vintage data and a newly acquired 3D seismic survey along with nonseismic geophysical data provided new insight into the geologic setting of the area. It found a subthrust extension of the Povarnitsa High, overlain by a backthrust sheet floored by upper Ordovician evaporites. This backthrust sheet interpretably resulted from the squeezing of the salt diapir during the late Permian contraction. Stratal patterns of the Silurian-Carboniferous section adjacent to the salt structures suggest early precontraction initiation of the halokinetic deformation, which influenced the distribution of reservoirs such as reefs and oolites. We consider the salt-cored subthrust structural culmination a principal hydrocarbon prospect. It includes multiple reservoir-seal pairs in the Silurian-Permian section at depths ranging from 1 to 4 km. The updated structural model of the Povarnitsa High area suggests that the vintage wells penetrated prospective intervals at the periphery of the closure approximately 1 km downdip from the subthrust crest of the prospect.
Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Progression: What Is It and What Can We Do About It?
Authors: Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Philip Errol J. , Bergerot Paulo Gustavo , Siddiq Namrah , Tinianov Stacey , Lustberg Maryam
Published: May 2022

Patients with cancer face a trajectory marked by emotional and physical distress that can be associated with both diagnosis and treatment. Fear of cancer recurrence or progression has been considered one of the most common unmet needs reported by patients diagnosed with both localized and metastatic disease. Fear of cancer recurrence or progression has been defined as the “fear, worry, or concern relating to the possibility that cancer will come back or progress.” Often overlooked by health care teams, fear of cancer recurrence or progression has been associated with impaired quality of life and psychosocial adjustment, elevated emotional distress, and a range of physical symptoms. Several interventions for fear of cancer recurrence or progression are currently under investigation. Early recognition, support, and validation of feelings associated with fear of cancer recurrence or progression, and appropriate referrals to psychosocial oncology, can be beneficial for many patients. Assessing patients early in their cancer trajectory, and at important milestones, including a change in therapies, at the end of active treatment, and during follow-up visits, can help identify individuals at risk and help individuals engage in supportive programs.
Adoptive Cell Transfer and Vaccines in Melanoma: The Horizon Comes Into View
Authors: Betof-Warner Allison , Sullivan Ryan J. , Sarnaik Amod
Published: May 2022

Over the past four decades, cancer immunotherapy for melanoma has evolved from single-agent, type-I cytokine therapy to combination immune checkpoint inhibition. Along the way, breakthroughs in the fields of cell therapy and cancer vaccination have been made as well. The early data from adoptive cell therapy, involving the delivery of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes harvested from resected tumors, was generated at the National Cancer Institute. Subsequently, a limited number of centers across the globe have developed programs to deliver these therapies. Recently, more widespread availability of this therapy has been made possible by centralizing the growth and expansion of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte products, then distributing the products for delivery of therapy at numerous academic medical centers. Work is ongoing to optimize these treatments with additional cell types and/or modified cell products, and to determine the best ways of combining these treatments with immune checkpoint inhibition. Similarly, tumor vaccination strategies are undergoing dramatic changes, transitioning the field from peptide-based vaccines to next-generation sequencing and T-cell receptor sequencing. These changes help improve the selection of targeted antigens by finding more immunogenic options, and they help with the development of lipid nanoparticles and mRNA delivery. In short, evolution of the approaches that are revolutionizing infectious disease vaccination has been ongoing, and there are promising preliminary data in patients with melanoma.
The Multimodal Management of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Making Sense of the New Data
Authors: Zwart Wouter H. , Hotca Alexandra , Hospers Geke A.P. , Goodman Karyn A. , Garcia-Aguilar Julio
Published: May 2022

In the past 40 years, the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer has evolved with the addition of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy and providing (neo)adjuvant systemic chemotherapy to major surgery. However, recent trends have focused on improving our ability to risk-stratify patients and tailoring treatment to achieve the best oncologic outcome while limiting the impact on long-term quality of life. Therefore, there has been increasing interest in pursuing a watch-and-wait approach to achieve organ preservation. Several retro- and prospective studies suggest safety of the watch-and-wait approach, though it is still considered controversial due to limited clinical evidence, concerns about tumor regrowth, and subsequent distant progression. To further reduce treatment, MRI risk stratification, together with patient characteristics and patient preferences, can guide personalized treatment and reserve radiation and chemotherapy for a select patient population. Ultimately, improved options for reassessment during neoadjuvant treatment may allow for more adaptive therapy options based on treatment response. This article provides an overview of some major developments in the multimodal treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer. It reviews some relevant, controversial issues of the watch-and-wait approach and opportunities to personally tailor and reduce treatment. It also reviews the overall neoadjuvant treatment, including total neoadjuvant therapy trials, and how to best optimize for a potential complete response. Finally, it provides an algorithm as an example of how such a personalized, tailored, adaptive, and reduced treatment could look like in the future.
Association of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection and Antiviral Treatment With the Development of the Extrahepatic Malignancies: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Dong Hyeon , Chung Sung Won , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Kim Hwi Young , Chung Goh Eun , Kim Mi-Sook , Yang Bo Ram , Nam Joon Yeul , Lee Yun Bin , Kim Yoon Jun , Yoon Jung-Hwan
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE

Epidemiologic studies suggest that chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a risk factor for various primary extrahepatic malignancies. Our aim was to evaluate the associations of CHB and nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment with the risk of the development of extrahepatic malignancies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted an 18-month landmark analysis using nationwide claims data from the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea. Patients newly diagnosed with CHB in 2012-2014 (n = 90,944) and matched-controls (n = 685,436) were included. Patients with CHB were further classified as the NA-treated (CHB+/NA+, n = 6,539) or the NA-untreated (CHB+/NA–, n = 84,405) group. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis was applied to balance the treatment groups. Time-varying Cox analysis was performed to evaluate time-varying effect of NA treatment. The primary outcome was the development of any primary extrahepatic malignancy. Development of intrahepatic malignancy and death were considered as competing events.

RESULTS

During the study period (median = 47.4 months), 30,413 patients (3.9%) developed any extrahepatic malignancy. The CHB+/NA– group had a higher overall risk of extrahepatic malignancy than the CHB+/NA+ group (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR] = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.45; P < .001) or controls (aSHR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.26; P < .001). There was no difference in the risk of extrahepatic malignancy between the CHB+/NA+ group and the controls (CHB+/NA+ v control: aSHR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.08; P = .48). In time-varying Cox analysis, the CHB+/NA– patients were associated with a higher risk of extrahepatic malignancy than the CHB+/NA+ patients (aSHR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.52; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with CHB have an elevated risk of developing primary extrahepatic malignancy. Long-term NA treatment was associated with a lower risk of extrahepatic malignancy development among patients with CHB.
Update on Biology and Genomics of Adrenocortical Carcinomas: Rationale for Emerging Therapies
Authors: Lerario Antonio Marcondes , Mohan Dipika R , Hammer Gary D
Published: May 2022

The adrenal glands are paired endocrine organs that produce steroid hormones and catecholamines required for life. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and often fatal cancer of the peripheral domain of the gland, the adrenal cortex. Recent research in adrenal development, homeostasis, and disease have refined our understanding of the cellular and molecular programs controlling cortical growth and renewal, uncovering crucial clues into how physiologic programs are hijacked in early and late stages of malignant neoplasia. Alongside these studies, genome-wide approaches to examine adrenocortical tumors have transformed our understanding of ACC biology, and revealed that ACC is composed of distinct molecular subtypes associated with favorable, intermediate, and dismal clinical outcomes. The homogeneous transcriptional and epigenetic programs prevailing in each ACC subtype suggest likely susceptibility to any of a plethora of existing and novel targeted agents, with the caveat that therapeutic response may ultimately be limited by cancer cell plasticity. Despite enormous biomedical research advances in the last decade, the only potentially curative therapy for ACC to date is primary surgical resection, and up to 75% of patients will develop metastatic disease refractory to standard-of-care adjuvant mitotane and cytotoxic chemotherapy. A comprehensive, integrated, and current bench-to-bedside understanding of our field’s investigations into adrenocortical physiology and neoplasia is crucial to developing novel clinical tools and approaches to equip the one-in-a-million patient fighting this devastating disease.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome After Epilepsy Surgery Alerted by Low-Processed Electroencephalography Levels: A Case Report
Authors: Karan Nupur , Ramesh V. J. , Sriram Vidya
Published: May 2022

The development of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in a patient undergoing epilepsy surgery without perioperative hypertension is uncommon. A young man having epilepsy surgery with normal blood pressures had an unexplained drop in his processed electroencephalogram (pEEG) levels intraoperatively. This alerted and prompted us to search for the cause. A postoperative electroencephalogram (EEG) confirmed a diffuse slowing of cortical waves. The intraoperative findings of pEEG, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and EEG postoperatively prompted a diagnosis of PRES. The patient was managed conservatively and had a full recovery. This case report highlights the role of brain electrical activity monitors in PRES.
Not New to This: A Genealogical Approach to Black Girls’ Media Production
Authors: Wade Ashleigh Greene
Published: May 2022

During the nineteenth and early to mid-twentieth centuries, the Black press served as a cornerstone of Black social and political life in the United States. For Black Americans, newspapers and magazines functioned as both informational resources and philosophical spaces that engaged conversations of racial uplift, which often centered Black girlhood as an especially important site for assessing racial progress. Despite the evolving nature of media platforms themselves, the relationship between media and Black Americans continues to be a tool by which to measure the pulse of Black life; the role of digital media in the lives of twenty-first-century Black Americans mirrors that of Black magazines and newspapers in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Of particular note is the way that Black youth, especially Black girls, use digital media spaces to make themselves (and their experiences) visible and generate social discourse through the content they post on social media. In this article, I look at historical Black titles—the Woman's Era and the Brownies’ Book—as well as contemporary Black girls’ social media content to show how Black girls have historically developed a discourse of Black girlhood alongside their adult counterparts who were concerned with racial uplift and continue to author and theorize their lives through digital media.
Validation of the Benefits of Ambulation Within 8 Hours of Elective Cervical and Lumbar Surgery: A Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative Study
Authors: Lim Seokchun , Bazydlo Michael , Macki Mohamed , Haider Sameah , Hamilton Travis , Hunt Rachel , Chaker Anisse , Kantak Pranish , Schultz Lonni , Nerenz David , Schwalb Jason M. , Abdulhak Muwaffak , Park Paul , Aleem Ilyas , Easton Richard , Khalil Jad G. , Perez-Cruet Miguelangelo J. , Chang Victor
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

Early ambulation is considered a key element to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol after spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate whether ambulation less than 8 hours after elective spine surgery is associated with improved outcome.

METHODS:

The Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative database was queried to track all elective cervical and lumbar spine surgery between July 2018 and April 2021. In total, 7647 cervical and 17 616 lumbar cases were divided into 3 cohorts based on time to ambulate after surgery: (1) <8 hours, (2) 8 to 24 hours, and (3) >24 hours.

RESULTS:

For cervical cases, patients who ambulated 8 to 24 hours (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.38; 95% CI 1.11-1.70; P = .003) and >24 hours (aOR 2.20; 95% CI 1.20-4.03; P = .011) after surgery had higher complication rate than those who ambulated within 8 hours of surgery. Similar findings were noted for lumbar cases with patients who ambulated 8 to 24 hours (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.12-1.54; P < .001) and >24 hours (aOR 1.96; 95% CI 1.50-2.56; P < .001) after surgery having significantly higher complication rate than those ambulated <8 hours after surgery. Analysis of secondary outcomes for cervical cases demonstrated that <8-hour ambulation was associated with home discharge, shorter hospital stay, lower 90-day readmission, and lower urinary retention rate. For lumbar cases, <8-hour ambulation was associated with shorter hospital stay, satisfaction with surgery, lower 30-day readmission, home discharge, and lower urinary retention rate.

CONCLUSION:

Ambulation within 8 hours after surgery is associated with significant improved outcome after elective cervical and lumbar spine surgery.
Optimization of Energy Harvesting in Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors:   Australian College of Kuwait, Kuwait, Ka’bi Amin Al
Published: May 2022

The restricted availability of energy supplies is one of the major challenges in designing mobile wireless sensor networks. In this research work, a proposed method for extending the lifetime of energy-constrained mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) is presented. This method is based on the fact that RF signal carries both information and energy at the same time. Hence, by increasing the efficiency of energy harvesting from radio frequency (RF) signals, the lifetime of the wireless network can be significantly extended. The Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer (SWIPT) technique enables harvesting of energy by relay nodes which in turn can be used for wireless data transmission. To enhance the lifetime of the mobile wireless network, the transmitted RF energy can be recycled at the receiver side. On the other hand, a balance between energy harvesting and wireless data transmission is required in to maximize the overall efficiency of the system. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is employed to obtain the optimum resource allocation policy which maximizes the system energy efficiency. A cost function is framed for this purpose and PSO attains the maximum energy efficiency by improving the solution of the cost function at each iteration with respect to given constraints.
Adaptive Security-aware Cone-shaped Request-zone Location-aided Routing Protocol Using Agent-Based Methodology for VANETs
Authors:   Tafila Technical University, Tafila 66110, Jordan, Saleh Maen S.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we propose an agent-based adaptive security-aware enhancement algorithm with congestion control mechanism for limited resources VANETs using intelligent transportation systems. The proposed security algorithm is to be installed at a central server that receives information about the vehicle resources from distributed intelligent road side units (RSUs) in a virtual segmented road via existing wireless cellular networks (4G). The security algorithm adaptively makes a decision about the best integrity security service level a source node can adopt while encrypting its data flows according to a resource estimation congestion control mechanism. The information about the security level decision will be transferred from the central server to the RSU via wireless cellular networks (4G). From the other side, the RSU transfers it to the source vehicle node via Wi-Fi direct technology. In finding the secure route to destination, we adopt our previously proposed secure cone-shaped request-zone LAR (SCSLAR). In order to notify the destination node with the security level that was adopted by the source, we override the 1st 3 bits of the 1st payload byte of the IEEE 802.11 wireless frame format to represent the associated integrity security level. Using three main network parameters: node density, vehicular speed, and number of malicious nodes, extensive simulation results based on QualNet simulator that is based on the GloMoSim used by Scalable Network Technologies (SNT) show that the proposed secure cone-shaped request zone LAR with resource estimation methodology (SCSLAR-RE) outperforms the SCSLAR regarding data delivery and in protecting the VANET from being congested by heavy traffic load through minimizing both the buffer consumption and the average packets delays at the destination side, while providing the best integrity security level to the data streams that make them robust against the alteration threat.
The Individual Approach to the Development of Communicative Competence
Authors: Avramenko Anna
Published: May 2022

The article focuses on the strategies for the individual path of the communicative competence development. The aim of the analysis is to figure out the patterns of the process. To fulfill the goal the author dwells upon the new descriptors of the communicative competence as well as undertakes the theoretical basis for the individual learning path.
Opportunities and Problems of Teaching Professional Modules in the Period of Digital Transformation
Authors: Semenova L. , Kachans V. , Savva L.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. Digitalization has become firmly established in the world practice of higher education. Universities transform the process of teaching professional modules, replenish the educational environment with digital technologies and resources. Digital transformation in higher education contributes to the achievement of educational effects and personalization in training.

Aim. The purpose of the article is to study the possibilities and problems of teaching courses in the context of digitalization of education in the form of professional modules.

Methods. literary and bibliographic review and analysis of sources, terminological analysis, survey of students and teachers, monitoring of digital resources.

Results. The analysis of resource provision and monitoring of digital educational platforms, web applications and instant messengers was carried out, which revealed a large number of digital platforms that enable teachers to widely use digital tools. Surveys of students and teachers have shown great interest and a high need for online learning.

Scientific novelty. The novelty of the results obtained lies in the expansion of interdisciplinary knowledge about the possibilities of digital educational platforms and tools, innovative technologies.

Practical significance. The results obtained can be useful for developing ideas about the possibilities of Web resources, digital tools and choosing ways to solve these problems.
Higher Minimum Wages Reduce Capital Expenditures
Authors: T. Gustafson Matthew , D. Kotter Jason
Published: May 2022

Using cross-state and intertemporal variation in whether a state’s minimum wage is bound by the federal minimum wage, we provide evidence that minimum wage increases lead U.S. public firms in minimum-wage-sensitive industries (i.e., retail, restaurant, and entertainment) to cut capital expenditures. These effects are concentrated one to two years after the law goes into effect. Prior to the minimum wage increase, investment trends are similar across minimum-wage-sensitive firms in bound versus unbound states, and we find little evidence that minimum wage changes affect U.S. public firm investment outside of these industries.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Supplemental Material: The internet appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4430 .
Habituation of Mathematical Literacy Trained in Junior High School
Authors: Rachmaningtyas Nur Anisyah , Kartowagiran Badrun , Sugiman Sugiman , Retnawati Heri , Hassan Aminuddin
Published: May 2022

The importance of literacy is a competency requirement that must be possessed by students to face competition in the 21st century. This is directly related to the extent to which students' scientific thinking processes understand and solve problems. This study aims to describe how literacy is trained in learning in junior high schools. The approach used is a qualitative approach with the type of phenomenological research. The participants in this study were 5 junior high school teachers who teach in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Data was collected through virtual interviews with the help of the Google Meet platform. The data analysis model used is the model of Bogdan and Biklen with data collection procedures, data reduction, verification and conclusion. The results showed that literacy was trained on students with the habit of reading textbooks for 15 to 30 minutes every day by reporting their readings in student journals, teacher efforts in changing project and problem-based learning methods and strategies according to student conditions, and teacher habituation in providing HOTS level questions to train students' critical thinking processes, balance theoretical understanding and understand the surrounding environment.
Outcomes following surgical management of proximal hamstring tendon avulsions
Authors: Hillier-Smith Ryan , Paton Bruce
Published: May 2022

Aims

Avulsion of the proximal hamstring tendon origin can result in significant functional impairment, with surgical re-attachment of the tendons becoming an increasingly recognized treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of surgical management of proximal hamstring tendon avulsions, and to compare the results between acute and chronic repairs, as well as between partial and complete injuries.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTdiscuss, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched. Studies were screened and quality assessed.

Results

In all, 35 studies (1,530 surgically-repaired hamstrings) were included. Mean age at time of repair was 44.7 years (12 to 78). A total of 846 tears were acute, and 684 were chronic, with 520 tears being defined as partial, and 916 as complete. Overall, 92.6% of patients were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery. Mean Lower Extremity Functional Score was 74.7, and was significantly higher in the partial injury group. Mean postoperative hamstring strength was 87.0% of the uninjured limb, and was higher in the partial group. The return to sport (RTS) rate was 84.5%, averaging at a return of 6.5 months. RTS was quicker in the acute group. Re-rupture rate was 1.2% overall, and was lower in the acute group. Sciatic nerve dysfunction rate was 3.5% overall, and lower in the acute group (p < 0.05 in all cases).

Conclusion

Surgical treatment results in high satisfaction rates, with good functional outcomes, restoration of muscle strength, and RTS. Partial injuries could expect a higher functional outcome and muscle strength return. Acute repairs result in a quicker RTS with a reduced rate of re-rupture and sciatic nerve dysfunction. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(5):415–422.
Carbon Analysis of Wood Composite Panels
Authors: Puettmann Maureen Elaine
Published: May 2022

Wood composite panels (WCP) are well known for their environmentally friendly attributes of being sustainable, renewable, biodegradable, and predominantly made from wood residues generated during lumber and plywood production. This paper focuses on the ability of WCPs to store carbon for long periods of time in nonstructural applications such as cabinets, furniture, and flooring. WCPs, include particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), and hardboard–engineered wood siding and trim (EWST). These panels are anticipated to have an average service life of 25–30 years. In 2019, there was an estimated 291 million cubic meters (m3) of WCPs in use in North America that corresponds to a carbon pool of 354 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. This WCP carbon pool is enough to offset 24 years of cradle-to-gate cumulative carbon emissions (fossil and biogenic sources) emitted during production of these panels. In other words, producing and using WCPs stores carbon for long periods because the amount of carbon emitted during the production of the panels is far less than what the panels themselves are capable of storing over their lifetime of product use.
Bounds on mutual information of mixture data for classification tasks
Authors: Ding Yijun , Ashok Amit
Published: May 2022

To quantify the optimum performance for classification tasks, the Shannon mutual information is a natural information-theoretic metric, as it is directly related to the probability of error. The data produced by many imaging systems can be modeled by mixture distributions. The mutual information between mixture data and the class label does not have an analytical expression nor any efficient computational algorithms. We introduce a variational upper bound, a lower bound, and three approximations, all employing pair-wise divergences between mixture components. We compare the new bounds and approximations with Monte Carlo stochastic sampling and bounds derived from entropy bounds. To conclude, we evaluate the performance of the bounds and approximations through numerical simulations.
Addressing phase-curvature in Fourier ptychography
Authors: Aidukas Tomas , Loetgering Lars , Harvey Andrew R.
Published: May 2022

In Fourier ptychography, multiple low resolution images are captured and subsequently combined computationally into a high-resolution, large-field of view micrograph. A theoretical image-formation model based on the assumption of plane-wave illumination from various directions is commonly used, to stitch together the captured information into a high synthetic aperture. The underlying far-field (Fraunhofer) diffraction assumption connects the source, sample, and pupil planes by Fourier transforms. While computationally simple, this assumption neglects phase-curvature due to non-planar illumination from point sources as well as phase-curvature from finite-conjugate microscopes (e.g., using a single-lens for image-formation). We describe a simple, efficient, and accurate extension of Fourier ptychography by embedding the effect of phase-curvature into the underlying forward model. With the improved forward model proposed here, quantitative phase reconstruction is possible even for wide fields-of-views and without the need of image segmentation. Lastly, the proposed method is computationally efficient, requiring only two multiplications: prior and following the reconstruction.
Linearization of nonlinear frequency modulated continuous wave generation using model-based reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhao Haohao , Yuan Guohui , Xiao Jian , Li Junfeng , Zhang Hai , Fang Kai , Wang Zhuoran
Published: May 2022

The prevalence of machine learning (ML) opens up new directions for plenty of scientific fields. The development of optics technologies also benefits from it. However, due to the complex properties of nonlinear and dynamic optical systems, optical system control with ML is still in its infancy. In this manuscript, to demonstrate the feasibility of optical system control using reinforcement learning (RL), i.e., a branch of ML, we solve the linearization problem in the frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) generation with the model-based RL method. The experiment results indicate an excellent improvement in the linearity of the generated FMCW, showing a sharp peak in the frequency spectrum. We confirm that the RL method learns the implicit physical characteristics very well and accomplishes the goal of the linear FMCW generation effectively, indicating that the marriage of ML and optics systems could have the potential to open a new era for the development of optical system control.
Terahertz hybrid optical-plasmonic modes: tunable resonant frequency, narrow linewidth, and strong local field enhancement
Authors: Zheng Xingguo , Wu Jingrui , Zhang Jinhua , Yu Anqi , Yuan Yinghao , Guo Xuguang , Zhu Yiming
Published: May 2022

Hybrid optical-plasmonic modes have the characteristics of low loss and small mode volume, which will result in the strong localization and enhancement of electromagnetic field. Such advantages of hybrid optical-plasmonic mode are important for the enhancement of light-matter interactions. Here, terahertz (THz) hybrid modes of Fabry-Perot resonances (FPRs) and spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) in the modified Otto scheme are investigated both in theoretical and experimental aspects. The device structure is composed of a metal grating silicon waveguide (MGSW) and a metal slit grating (MSG). The two components are vertically stacked with a variable air gap between them. The THz hybrid modes are originated from the far-field coupling of the FPRs and the SSPP supported by the air gap and the MSG, respectively. By changing the thickness of the air gap, the resonant frequency of the FPR-SSPP modes can be tuned in a frequency range of about 0.1 THz. An anti-crossing behavior between two reflection dips corresponding to the guided-mode resonance in the MGSW and the FPR-SSPP mode is observed, which leads to the narrowing of the reflection dips in the anti-crossing region. Numerical simulations show that at the resonant frequencies of FPR-SSPP mode, there is a huge volume-averaged electromagnetic energy enhancement of about 1600 times in the grooves of the MSG, which is around 8.7 times larger than that induced by the SSPP directly launched by free-space electromagnetic field. The hybrid FPR-SSPP modes can be used to construct THz sensors and detectors with high sensitivity.
General design method for dynamic freeform optics with variable functionality
Authors: Shadalou Shohreh , Suleski Thomas J.
Published: May 2022

We propose and demonstrate a general design method for refractive two-element systems enabling variable optical performance between two specified boundary conditions. Similar to the Alvarez lens, small, relative lateral shifts in opposite directions are applied to a pair of plano-freeform elements. The surface prescriptions of the boundary lenses and a maximum desired shift between freeform plates are the main design inputs. In contrast to previous approaches, this method is not limited to boundaries with similar optical functions and can enable a wide range of challenging, dynamic functions for both imaging and non-imaging applications. Background theory and design processes are presented both for cases that are conducive to analytical surface descriptions, as well as for non-analytic surfaces that must be described numerically. Multiple examples are presented to demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed method.
High performance of broadband anti-reflection film by glancing angle deposition
Authors: Feng Cao , Zhang Weili , Wang Jianguo , Zhao Yuanan , Yi Kui , Shao Jianda
Published: May 2022

This study reports that SiO2 was selected to fabricate broadband anti-reflection (AR) films on fused silica substrates by using glancing angle deposition and substrate rotation. Through accurate control of the graded index of the SiO2 layer, the average residual reflectance of the graded broadband AR film can achieve an average value of 0.59% across a spectral range of 400-1800nm. By comparing the performance, the broadband anti-reflection film with substrate speed has higher stability compared with the broadband anti-reflection film without substrate speed and a higher damage threshold than the traditional anti-reflection film.
CrowdGO: Machine learning and semantic similarity guided consensus Gene Ontology annotation
Authors: Reijnders Maarten J. M. F. , Waterhouse Robert M.
Published: May 2022

Characterising gene function for the ever-increasing number and diversity of species with annotated genomes relies almost entirely on computational prediction methods. These software are also numerous and diverse, each with different strengths and weaknesses as revealed through community benchmarking efforts. Meta-predictors that assess consensus and conflict from individual algorithms should deliver enhanced functional annotations. To exploit the benefits of meta-approaches, we developed CrowdGO, an open-source consensus-based Gene Ontology (GO) term meta-predictor that employs machine learning models with GO term semantic similarities and information contents. By re-evaluating each gene-term annotation, a consensus dataset is produced with high-scoring confident annotations and low-scoring rejected annotations. Applying CrowdGO to results from a deep learning-based, a sequence similarity-based, and two protein domain-based methods, delivers consensus annotations with improved precision and recall. Furthermore, using standard evaluation measures CrowdGO performance matches that of the community’s best performing individual methods. CrowdGO therefore offers a model-informed approach to leverage strengths of individual predictors and produce comprehensive and accurate gene functional annotations.
Analysis of physiological and non-contact signals to evaluate the emotional component in consumer preferences
Authors: Laureanti Rita , Barbieri Riccardo , Cerina Luca , Mainardi Luca
Published: May 2022

Emotions are an essential drive in decision making and may influence consumer preference. In this study we assessed the influence of brands in product preference after tasting 2 soft-drinks (Coca Cola vs. Cola beverage), by using physiological measurements, namely the skin conductance, the respiratory rate and heart rate variability (HRV) extracted using contactless sensors. The experimental protocol enrolled twenty-five young subjects which were asked to taste 2 soft drinks in random order, without knowing the brand (blind condition) and then knowing the brand (not blind condition). After each phase the subject was asked to choose the preferred beverage. Our main hypothesis is that if the subject knows the brand there is an arousal effect, independently from the absolute appreciation of the product. In order to evaluate the emotional components, the skin conductance, respiratory and Video-Photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals were continuously recorded throughout the experiment. The Video-PPG was then processed to extract HRV parameters. We observed that the arousal levels changed among beverages and conditions, going from higher arousal for Coca-Cola in the blind condition, to higher arousal for Cola in the not blind condition. Moreover, 44% of the subjects changed their preference when the brand was uncovered: from blind to not blind conditions, 6 subjects went from Cola to Coca-Cola as preferred drink and 5 went from Coca-Cola to Cola. Opposite results were found for the two beverages when comparing the physiological response when the beverage was/was not preferred. Finally, differences were found also between consumers and not consumers of Coca-Cola and the blind/not blind comparison. We conclude that the brand is a fundamental element in a request for choice and it can affect the first emotional response of a subject.
Investigation of the macroscopic behaviour of laminates shells (MBLS) under varying loads using low order CSFE-sh FEM and the N-T’s 2-D shell equations
Authors: Anyi Joseph Nkongho , Pouakam Alexandra Tchamdjie , Amba Jean Chills , Eric Fongho , Nizegha Platon Dongmo , Momha Merlin Bodol , Djopkop Landry , Nzengwa Robert
Published: May 2022

The target in this survey is to investigate deformations of laminates shells (DLS), due to asymmetric and axisymmetric loads, including several other loadings using N-T shell equations. We point out here, the contribution of the metric change in thickness for the analysis of static and linear behavior of laminated composite shells. To achieve this objective, we’ve applied N-T’s shells equations on the same monolayer laminate composite shell and derive the law of MBLS. The macrostructure is analyzed under static loads and implemented using low order curved shell finite elements with shifted Lagrange (CSFE-sh). We tested this element on benchmarks found within the literature. The analysis of cylindrical and spherical shells subjected to uniform sinusoidal pressures and asymmetric pressures reveals excellent accuracy compared to others. The results found without any correction factor were compared with those obtained by the analytical method and other finite element models.
Effects of room temperature and cold storage on the metabolic and haemostatic properties of whole blood for acute normovolaemic haemodilution
Authors: Ichikawa Junko , Kouta Masaki , Oogushi Masako , Komori Makiko
Published: May 2022

Background

Acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH), as a blood-conservation technique, avoids the need for allogeneic blood transfusions. The historic practice of cold-storing type-O whole blood (WB) in military fields popularised the transfusion of refrigerated WB to treat acute bleeding. In this study, we compared the effects of room temperature (RT) and refrigeration up to 24 hours on the coagulation properties of WB for ANH.

Materials and methods

Each WB sample, collected from 12 male volunteers, was divided into two parts, one stored at RT and the other refrigerated for 24 hours. Complete blood counts (CBC), blood gas levels, and coagulation profiles were measured, and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) measurements were performed at the initial collection time point (baseline) and at 6, 12, and 24 hours after initial collection.

Results

The preservation of platelet aggregation response induced by arachidonic acid and adenosine diphosphate was better in cold-stored WB compared to that in RT-stored WB. The platelet aggregation response induced by thrombin receptor-activating peptide 6 was significantly decreased in all samples after 24 hours of storage when compared with that at baseline. The lactate levels in WB stored at RT increased significantly after 6 hours of storage compared to that of cold-stored samples. There were no significant differences in CBC, coagulation parameters, and ROTEM variables between the cold-stored and RT-stored WB samples.

Conclusion

WB for ANH stored in the refrigerator showed better metabolic characteristics after 6 hours of storage and better aggregation response after 12 hours of storage than WB stored at RT.
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the hippocampal cytoarchitecture in adult cats with regard to the pathological diagnosis of hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Zilli Jessica , Schänzer Anne , Büttner Kathrin , Kressin Monika , Schmidt Martin J.
Published: May 2022

Cats are known to be affected by hippocampal sclerosis, potentially causing antiseizure drug(s) resistance. In order to lay the foundation for a standardized, systematic classification and diagnosis of this pathology in cats, this prospective study aimed at evaluating normal reference values of cellular densities and the cytoarchitecture of the feline hippocampus. Three transverse sections (head, body and tail) of each left hippocampus were obtained from 17 non-epileptic cats of different brachycephalic and mesocephalic breeds and age classes (range: 3–17 years). Histological (hematoxylin and eosin, Nissl) and immunohistochemical (NeuN, GFAP) staining was performed to investigate neuron and astroglial cell populations, as well as the layer thickness of the pyramidal cell layer and granule cell layer. Significant differences in neuronal density (in CA2-CA4 and the granule cell layer) and layer thickness (in CA1-CA3 and the granule cell layer) were evidenced throughout the longitudinal hippocampal axis (p<0.05); on the other hand, the astrocyte density did not differ. Moreover, reference ranges were defined for these parameters in the pyramidal cell layer and in the granule cell layer. The findings did not differ according to breed or age. In veterinary medicine these parameters have not been evaluated in cats so far. As surgical treatment may become a therapeutic option for cats with temporal lobe epilepsy, estimating normal values of the hippocampal cytoarchitecture will help in the standardized histopathological examination of resected hippocampal specimens to reach a diagnosis of hippocampal sclerosis.