bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced interfacial interaction between modified cellulose nanocrystals and epoxidized natural rubber via ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Somseemee Oranooch , Saeoui Pongdhorn , Schevenels Florian T. , Siriwong Chomsri
Published: April 2022

This study aims at evaluating the reinforcement of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). Both CNCs and maleic anhydride-modified CNCs (M-CNCs) were prepared from Napier grass stems and characterized by various techniques (e.g., TEM, FTIR, TGA, etc.). They were incorporated into ENR latex at various loadings prior to casting, and then curing by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Mechanical properties of the ENR vulcanizates were finally investigated. Results revealed that the prepared CNCs had an average diameter and length of 5 nm and 428 nm, respectively. After modification, M-CNCs contained double bonds in maleate units, which could react with ENR to form covalent bonds under UV irradiation through a proposed mechanism. Regardless of the filler type, mechanical properties including hardness, modulus, and tensile strength, increased considerably with increasing filler loading. At the same filler loading, M-CNCs exhibited greater reinforcement than CNCs due to the enhanced rubber–filler interaction.
Interactive effect of soil moisture content and phosphorus fertilizer form on chickpea growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake
Authors: Chtouki Mohamed , Laaziz Fatima , Naciri Rachida , Garré Sarah , Nguyen Frederic , Oukarroum Abdallah
Published: April 2022

Water shortage and soil nutrient depletion are considered the main factors limiting crops productivity in the Mediterranean region characterized by longer and frequent drought episodes. In this study, we investigated the interactive effects of P fertilizer form and soil moisture conditions on chickpea photosynthetic activity, water and nutrient uptake, and their consequent effects on biomass accumulation and nutrient use efficiency. Two P fertilizer formulas based on orthophosphates (Ortho-P) and polyphosphates (Poly-P) were evaluated under three irrigation regimes (I1: 75% of field capacity, I2: 50% FC and I3: 25% FC), simulating three probable scenarios of soil water content in the Mediterranean climate (adequate water supply, medium, and severe drought stress), and compared to an unfertilized treatment. The experiment was conducted in a spilt-plot design under a drip fertigation system. The results showed significant changes in chickpea phenotypic and physiological traits in response to different P and water supply regimes. Compared with the unfertilized treatment, the stomata density and conductance, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis efficiency, biomass accumulation, and plant nutrient uptake were significantly improved under P drip fertigation. The obtained results suggested that the P fertilizer form and irrigation regime providing chickpea plants with enough P and water, at the early growth stage, increased the stomatal density and conductance, which significantly improved the photosynthetic performance index (PIABS) and P use efficiency (PUE), and consequently biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake. The significant correlations established between leaf stomatal density, PIABS, and PUE supported the above hypothesis. We concluded that the Poly-P fertilizers applied in well-watered conditions (I1) performed the best in terms of chickpea growth improvement, nutrient uptake and use efficiency. However, their effectiveness was greatly reduced under water stress conditions, unlike the Ortho-P form which kept stable positive effects on the studied parameters.
General cognitive decline does not account for older adults’ worse emotion recognition and theory of mind
Authors: Kong Qiuyi , Currie Nicholas , Du Kangning , Ruffman Ted
Published: April 2022

Older adults have both worse general cognition and worse social cognition. A frequent suggestion is that worse social cognition is due to worse general cognition. However, previous studies have often provided contradictory evidence. The current study examined this issue with a more extensive battery of tasks for both forms of cognition. We gave 47 young and 40 older adults three tasks to assess general cognition (processing speed, working memory, fluid intelligence) and three tasks to assess their social cognition (emotion and theory-of-mind). Older adults did worse on all tasks and there were correlations between general and social cognition. Although working memory and fluid intelligence were unique predictors of performance on the Emotion Photos task and the Eyes task, Age Group was a unique predictor on all three social cognition tasks. Thus, there were relations between the two forms of cognition but older adults continued to do worse than young adults even after accounting for general cognition. We argue that this pattern of results is due to some overlap in brain areas mediating general and social cognition, but also independence, and with a differential rate of decline in brain areas dedicated to general cognition versus social cognition.
Automatic assessment of adverse drug reaction reports with interactive visual exploration
Authors: Gao Zongyang , Yang Yu , Meng Ruogu , Yu Jinyang , Zhou Liang
Published: April 2022

A large number of adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports are collected yearly through the spontaneous report system (SRS). However, experienced experts from ADR monitoring centers (ADR experts, hereafter) reviewed only a few reports based on current policies. Moreover, the causality assessment of ADR reports was conducted according to the official approach based on the WHO-UMC system, a knowledge- and labor-intensive task that highly relies on an individual’s expertise. Our objective is to devise a method to automatically assess ADR reports and support the efficient exploration of ADRs interactively. Our method could improve the capability to assess and explore a large volume of ADR reports and aid reporters in self-improvement. We proposed a workflow for assisting the assessment of ADR reports by combining an automatic assessment prediction model and a human-centered interactive visualization method. Our automatic causality assessment model (ACA model)—an ordinal logistic regression model—automatically assesses ADR reports under the current causality category. Based on the results of the ACA model, we designed a warning signal to indicate the degree of the anomaly of ADR reports. An interactive visualization technique was used for exploring and examining reports extended by automatic assessment of the ACA model and the warning signal. We applied our method to the SRS report dataset of the year 2019, collected in Guangdong province, China. Our method is evaluated by comparing automatic assessments by the ACA model to ADR reports labeled by ADR experts, i.e., the ground truth results from the multinomial logistic regression and the decision tree. The ACA model achieves an accuracy of 85.99%, a multiclass macro-averaged area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9572, while the multinomial logistics regression and decision tree yield 80.82%, 0.8603, and 85.39%, 0.9440, respectively, on the testing set. The new warning signal is able to assist ADR experts to quickly focus on reports of interest with our interactive visualzation tool. Reports of interest that are selected with high scores of the warning signal are analyzed in details by an ADR expert. The usefulness of the overall method is further evaluated through the interactive analysis of the data by ADR expert. Our ACA model achieves good performance and is superior to the multinomial logistics and the decision tree. The warning signal we designed allows efficient filtering of the full ADR reports down to much fewer reports showing anomalies. The usefulness of our interactive visualization is demonstrated by examples of unusual reports that are quickly identified. Our overall method could potentially improve the capability of analyzing ADR reports and reduce human labor and the chance of missing critical reports.
Baseline predictors for good visual gains after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for myopic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Hsu Cherng-Ru , Lai Tso-Ting , Hsieh Yi-Ting , Ho Tzyy-Chang , Yang Chung-May , Yang Chang-Hao
Published: April 2022

To investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) biomarkers for good visual outcomes in eyes with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Patients diagnosed with mCNV via multimodal imaging were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline demographic data and biomarkers were collected. Anti-VEGF treatment based on a pro re nata (PRN) regimen was conducted on all eyes. The visual gains of ≥ 15 ETDRS letters or < 15 letters at 12-month were classified into two groups. Regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with significant best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement. Among 34 patients, 17 eyes and 17 eyes were classified into the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in qualitative OCTA biomarkers between the two groups. The ≥ 15 letters group had significantly thicker subfoveal choroid thickness (SFCT) (79.97 ± 33.15 vs. 50.66 ± 18.31, P = 0.003), more ellipsoid zone integrity (58.8% vs. 23.5%, P = 0.037) and lower levels of fractal dimension (1.45 ± 0.101 vs. 1.53 ± 0.082, P = 0.031) than the < 15 letters group. SFCT and the ellipsoid zone integrity were correlated with 15 letters or more VA improvement in both univariable and multivariable analyses (P = 0.023 and P = 0.044, respectively). Thicker SFCT and integrity of the ellipsoid zone at baseline were associated with greater visual gains at 12 months. OCTA biomarkers seem to play a less important role in predicting the visual outcome of mCNV.
Control of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase orientation by site-specific immobilization enables direct electrical contact between enzyme cofactor and solid surface
Authors: Reginald Stacy Simai , Lee Hyeryeong , Fazil Nabilah , Sharif Basit , Lee Mungyu , Kim Min Ji , Beyenal Haluk , Chang In Seop
Published: April 2022

Controlling the orientation of redox enzymes on electrode surfaces is essential in the development of direct electron transfer (DET)-based bioelectrocatalytic systems. The electron transfer (ET) distance varies according to the enzyme orientation when immobilized on an electrode surface, which influences the interfacial ET rate. We report control of the orientation of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) as a model enzyme through the fusion of gold-binding peptide (gbp) at either the N- or the C-terminus, and at both termini to strengthen the binding interactions between the fusion enzyme and the gold surface. Key factors influenced by the gbp fusion site are described. Collectively, our data show that control of the CODH orientation on an electrode surface is achieved through the presence of dual tethering sites, which maintains the enzyme cofactor within a DET-available distance (<14 Å), thereby promoting DET at the enzyme–electrode interface.
Disaggregation bands as an indicator for slow creep activity on blind faults
Authors: Brandes Christian , Tanner David C. , Fossen Haakon , Halisch Matthias , Müller Katharina
Published: April 2022

Hidden, blind faults have a strong seismic hazard potential. Consequently, there is a great demand for a robust geological indicator of neotectonic activity on such faults. Here, we conduct field measurements of disaggregation bands above known underlying blind faults at several locations in Central Europe. We observe that the disaggregation bands have the same orientation as that of the faults, indicating their close connection. Disaggregation bands develop in unconsolidated, near-surface, sandy sediments. They form by shear-related reorganization of the sediment fabric, as a consequence of grain rolling and sliding processes, which can reduce the porosity. Using an analogue shearing experiment, we show that disaggregation bands can form at a velocity of 2 cm h−1, which is several orders of magnitude slower than seismogenic fault-slip velocities. Based on the field data and the experiments, we infer that disaggregation bands can form in the process zone of active blind faults and serve as an indicator of neotectonic activity, even if the fault creeps at very low slip velocity. Disaggregation bands could open a new path to detect hidden active faults undergoing aseismic movements.
Hetero-interpenetrating porous coordination polymers
Authors: Chang Kai-Chi , Lee Li-Wei , Lin Hsiu-Mei , Yen Chih-Feng , Wang Chih-Min , Wu Jing-Yun
Published: April 2022

The interpenetration of porous coordination polymers is an appealing phenomenon; this Frontier article highlights hetero-IPCPs according to the structural features of individual networks involving the framework topology and chemical composition.
Rapid access to 9-arylfluorene and spirobifluorene through Pd-catalysed C–H arylation/deaminative annulation
Authors: Wu Yu , Wu Feng-Wei , Zhou Kun , Li Yiming , Chen Lei , Wang Shuang , Xu Zhen-Yuan , Lou Shao-Jie , Xu Dan-Qian
Published: April 2022

A rapid construction of 9-arylfluorenes and spirobifluorenes was developed through the tandem Pd-catalysed C–H arylation/demaminative annulation of 1,1-diarylmethylamines with aromatic iodides.
Water-soluble and reusable Ru-NHC catalyst for aqueous-phase transfer hydrogenation of quinolines with formic acid
Authors: Maji Babulal , Bhandari Anirban , Sadhukhan Rayantan , Choudhury Joyanta
Published: April 2022

A water-soluble Ru-NHC complex empowered with a multifunctional ligand is demonstrated as an efficient, durable, and reusable catalyst for aqueous-phase transfer-hydrogenation of quinolines and related N-heteroarenes with (buffered) formic acid.
Theoretical insight into decatungstate photocatalyzed alkylation ofN-tosylimineviahydrogen atom transfer and proton-coupled electron transfer
Authors: Meng Lingying , Dong Yujiao , Zhu Bo , Liang Yujie , Su Zhongmin , Guan Wei
Published: April 2022

A radical mechanism of photo-mediated decatungstate catalyzed alkylation ofN-tosylimineviaC–H activation of ether to construct the C(sp3)–C(sp2) bond has been theoretically disclosed.
A C,S bonded quasi-two-coordinate chromium(ii) complex showing field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behaviour
Authors: Luo Qian-Cheng , Ge Ning , Zhai Yuan-Qi , Wang Teng-Bo , Sun Lin , Sun Qi , Li Fanni , Ouyang Zhongwen , Wang Zhen-Xing , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: April 2022

The title compound was studied, which showed relatively large rhombic anisotropy and field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behaviour.
Endowment of high buoyancy and antifouling properties upon a simple superamphiphobic cotton fabric
Authors: Ai Jixin , Li Deke , Xu Chenggong , Tang Xing , Huang Jinxia , Guo Zhiguang
Published: April 2022

Functional superamphiphobic fabrics have attracted considerable attention for applications thanks to their anti-contamination and increased-buoyancy features.
Ternary-phase nanostructure W3P/WP/W for high-performance pH-universal water/seawater electrolysis
Authors: Huo Dongkui , Sun Zhichao , Liu Ying-Ya , Yu Zhiquan , Wang Yao , Wang Anjie
Published: April 2022

After more than 50 years, W3P was reproduced by a facile and flexible in situ H2-TPR method. Furthermore, W3P based catalysts show good activity in freshwater/seawater hydrogen evolution reactions.
CuCeOx/VMT powder and monolithic catalyst for CO-selective catalytic reduction of NO with CO
Authors: Li Wenjian , Liu Zhisong , Yu Feng , Pan Keke , Zhao Huanhuan , Gao Fei , Zhou Mei , Dai Bin , Dan Jianming
Published: April 2022

The reaction path of a CuCe/VMT(M) catalyst in the CO-SCR reaction at N2O low temperature was found.
F-doped zinc ferrite as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Qiong , Peng Puguang , Zhu Piao , Yang Gang , Sun Xiujuan , Ding Rui , Gao Ping , Liu Enhui
Published: April 2022

Fluorine-doped ZnFe2O4via a quick ice-cold KF/NH4F quenching method effectively improved the electrochemical performance of ZnFe2O4 for LIBs.
Enantioselective [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of quinolone using aC1-symmetric chiral phosphoric acid as a visible-light photocatalyst
Authors: Takagi Ryukichi , Tanimoto Takaaki
Published: April 2022

The enantioselective inter- and intramolecular [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of quinolone using aC1-symmetric chiral phosphoric acid as a photocatalyst has been developed.
The dual-effects of PLGA@MT electrospun nanofiber coatings on promoting osteogenesis at the titanium–bone interface under diabetic conditions
Authors: Wang Zijie , Chen Tingting , Wu Zimei , Jiang Xingzhu , Hou Qiaodan , Miao Sikai , Xia Ruihao , Wang Lin
Published: April 2022

A novel therapeutic strategy for promoting titanium–bone interface bone integration under diabetic conditions by fabricating PLGA@MT electrospun nanofiber coatings.
An overview of catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation reaction of model compounds from lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Barroso‐Martín Isabel , Ballesteros‐Plata Daniel , Infantes‐Molina Antonia , Guerrero‐Pérez M. Olga , Santamaría‐González José , Rodríguez‐Castellón Enrique
Published: April 2022

The transport sector is in all probability the one that emits the greatest amounts of CO2 and other harmful gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, the emission of greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels must be significantly reduced to mitigate their harmful effects on the environment. In this sense, bio‐fuels obtained from lignocellulosic biomass are a solution to partially replace fuels from petroleum. However, the biggest challenge facing the scientific community is to decrease the amount of oxygen in bio‐fuels through catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions. This review offers a broad perspective on the catalytic systems used so far in the HDO processes of model compounds present in bio‐fuels, analyzing in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each system to give a vision towards the future.
Coordinated investment in wind‐rich regions using dynamic line rating, energy storage and distributed static series compensation to facilitate congestion management
Authors: Keyvani Behzad , Flynn Damian
Published: April 2022

Wind farms installed at wind‐rich regions often located in remote areas increase overloads in the weak adjacent transmission network. As a result of this congestion, extra transmission capacity is required to avoid wind energy or load curtailment that can be achieved by applying some modifications. New line construction and line uprating have been recognised as conventional solutions for the transmission capacity increase. Meanwhile, in the last decade, these solutions have brought several serious issues for the network operators, forcing them to evaluate and install different types of assets based on state‐of‐the‐art technology in order to harvest the existing lines at the maximum possible level. An investment model is developed to relieve the congestion, including dynamic line rating (DLR), distributed static series compensation and energy storage systems (ESS), with a simplified unit commitment implementation. The resulting mixed‐integer linear model is then solved with the classic Benders decomposition. Installations of DLR and distributed static series compensator (DSSC) on the same line are formulated, with techno‐economic analysis performed for different asset combinations on the IEEE RTS 24 bus system, for high wind energy share scenarios. Wind curtailment levels are studied for different DLR/DSSC approaches, including the impact of practical implementation requirements. Based upon additional interlinking constraints, the robustness of investment decisions for independent DLR and DSSC investments is compared against approaches where DLR and DSSC investments are permitted on the same line. The investment based on sequential incorporation of the unit commitment in the study is also investigated to reflect the importance of the integration of the unit scheduling in the model for high renewable systems.
99 oscillating red-giant stars in binary systems with NASA TESS and NASAKepleridentified from the SB9-Catalogue
Authors: Beck P. G. , Mathur S. , Hambleton K. , García R. A. , Steinwender L. , Eisner N. L. , do Nascimento J.-D. , Gaulme P. , Mathis S.
Published: April 2022

Oscillating red-giant stars in binary systems are an ideal testbed for investigating the structure and evolution of stars in the advanced phases of evolution. With 83 known red giants in binary systems, of which only ∼40 have determined global seismic parameters and orbital parameters, the sample is small compared to the numerous known oscillating stars. The detection of red-giant binary systems is typically obtained from the signature of stellar binarity in space photometry. The time base of such data biases the detection towards systems with shorter periods and orbits of insufficient size to allow a red giant to fully extend as it evolves up the red-giant branch. Consequently, the sample shows an excess of H-shell burning giants while containing very few stars in the He-core burning phase. From the ninth catalogue of spectroscopic binary orbits (SB9), we identified candidate systems hosting a red-giant primary component. Searching space photometry from the NASA missionsKepler, K2, and TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) as well as the BRITE (BRIght Target Explorer) constellation mission, we find 99 systems, which were previously unknown to host an oscillating giant component. The revised search strategy allowed us to extend the range of orbital periods of systems hosting oscillating giants up to 26 000 days. Such wide orbits allow a rich population of He-core burning primaries, which are required for a complete view of stellar evolution from binary studies. Tripling the size of the sample of known oscillating red-giant stars in binary systems is an important step towards an ensemble approach for seismology and tidal studies. While for non-eclipsing binaries the inclination is unknown, such a seismically well-characterized sample will be a treasure trove in combination withGaiaastrometric orbits for binary systems.
Extended Mckean-Vlasov optimal stochastic control applied to smart grid management,
Authors: Gobet Emmanuel , Grangereau Maxime
Published: April 2022

We study the mathematical modeling of the energy management system of a smart grid, related to a aggregated consumer equipped with renewable energy production (PV panels e.g.), storage facilities (batteries), and connected to the electrical public grid. He controls the use of the storage facilities in order to diminish the random fluctuations of his residual load on the public grid, so that intermittent renewable energy is better used leading globally to a much greener carbon footprint. The optimization problem is described in terms of an extended McKean-Vlasov stochastic control problem. Using the Pontryagin principle, we characterize the optimal storage control as solution of a certain McKean-Vlasov Forward Backward Stochastic Differential Equation (possibly with jumps), for which we prove existence and uniqueness. Quasi-explicit solutions are derived when the cost functions may not be linear-quadratic, using a perturbation approach. Numerical experiments support the study.
Influence des conditions de durcissement et le taux d’alcalins sur les performances mécaniques des matériaux alcali-activés à base du laitier de haut fourneau
Authors: Oualit Mehena , Irekti Amar , Sarri Arezki
Published: April 2022

Dans un monde qui s’oriente davantage vers le développement durable, les matériaux alcali-activés (MAA) sont identifiés comme étant une alternative aux matériaux à base cimentaire, connus pour leur forte émission de CO2lors de leur fabrication. Bien que des efforts soient fournis pour minimiser cet impact négatif sur l’environnement par l’utilisation de sous-produits industriels lors de la fabrication du ciment Portland ou par substitution partielle du ciment dans la formulation du béton, le crédit carbone reste toutefois élevé. La présente étude vise à évaluer les propriétés mécaniques d’un matériau alcali-activé à base du laitier granulé de haut fourneau. L’activation alcaline a été réalisée par deux types d’activants à savoir une solution aqueuse de silicate de sodium et une solution d’hydroxyde de sodium à différentes concentrations molaires. Les résultats ont montré que le taux d’alcalin contenu dans l’activant ainsi que les conditions de durcissement des échantillons influe significativement sur les performances mécaniques des matériaux alcali-activés élaborés. La valeur de la résistance à la compression la plus élevée est estimée à 117 MPa, enregistrée à 28 jours de durcissement sous conditions contrôlées (humidité = 50 % ; T° = 20 °C), et ce, en utilisant un taux de silicate alcalin égal à 6 (exprimé en pourcentage de Na2O par rapport au précurseur).
Optimal policies for a deterministic continuous-time inventory model with several suppliers: when a supplier incurs no set-up cost
Authors: Gilding Brian H.
Published: April 2022

The subject is a deterministic continuous-time continuous-state inventory control model. Stock is replenished by ordering from one of a number of suppliers incurring a different cost per item and a different set-up cost. Taking the cost of procurement into account, the objective is to minimize the total discounted cost over an infinite planning horizon. The size of the order that is to be placed and the supplier with which it is to be placed are to be decided. Earlier studies of the problem have relied substantially on the assumption that the set-up cost of every supplier is strictly positive. Removing this restriction calls for a significant modification of the adopted approach. This is realized in the present study. It is shown that there is a stable unique optimal policy of a type that encompasses (s, S) and generalized (s, S) policies. Conditions that are necessary and sufficient for it to reduce to each of these types are established. The case of two suppliers is studied in detail, properties of the solution are investigated, numerical examples illustrating various aspects are included, and the connection with antecedent results is assessed.
Susac Syndrome: A Case Series
Authors: Hoogewoud Florence , Kawasaki Aki , Borruat François-Xavier , Guex-Crosier Yan
Published: April 2022

Background Susac syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder that involves the eyes, the brain, and the ears. It is a rare cause of recurrent branch retinal artery occlusion. The purpose
of this study was to report cases of SS, highlighting the clinical presentations, therapeutic options, and their outcome.

Patients and Methods Retrospective case series of patients seen at our institution for SS between 2005 and 2020. Demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome were
studied.

Results Four patients (3 females, mean age 29 years old) were included in the study. According to the recently revised diagnostic criteria, three patients had definite and one
patient had probable SS (distinctive ophthalmological and brain involvement without ear involvement). Initial visual acuity (VA) was normal in all eyes, but two patients had unilateral
visual field impairment. Gass plaques (defined as yellow-white plaques found in the arteriolar wall away from arterial bifurcations) were observed on fundus examination in all patients.
Fluorescein angiography revealed arteriolar wall hyperfluorescence and branch retinal arterial occlusions (BRAOs) in the absence of other signs of intraocular inflammation in all patients.
Initial treatment consisted of a high-dose corticosteroid (intravenous or oral) with additional immunosuppressive therapy (azathioprine, intravenous immunoglobulins, mycophenolate mofetil,
and/or cyclophosphamide). Residual symptoms were present in all patients and included scotoma (n = 2) and hearing loss (n = 3).

Conclusion SS is a rare disease with characteristic ophthalmological manifestation. The majority of patients present a crude form of the triad, and retinal findings may be the first
initial manifestation. Ophthalmologists should consider the possibility of an SS in all young patients presenting with BRAOs.
Sports Injury Surveillance Systems and Guidelines in Japan: A
Systematic Review
Authors: Mashimo Sonoko , Ogaki Ryo , Suhara Hirokazu , Yoshida Naruto
Published: April 2022

This systematic review aimed to identify sports injury surveillance systems
(ISSs) and injury surveillance guidelines (ISGs) developed and currently used in
Japan. Additionally, the extent to which ISSs and ISGs developed overseas are
employed in Japan was also examined. A systematic search of electronic databases
was performed in March 2021. Prospective studies that investigated sports
injuries and targeted Japanese athletes or sports in Japan were included to
identify the following: (1) details of the ISSs or ISGs developed among sports
in Japan, and (2) characteristics of studies focusing on sports in Japan
employing ISSs or ISGs developed overseas and the method of use. A total of five
ISSs developed among sports in Japan were included, most of which were based on
insurance benefits or condolence payment systems. In total, 23 studies used ISSs
or ISGs developed overseas, more than half of which were used as a resource for
the development of other data collection tools or methods, indicating that the
definition of injury and/or classification of items are modified based
on the needs among sports in Japan. This review highlights the necessity of
establishing club-based or organisational ISSs and ISGs that are appropriate for
sports in Japan.
Analysis of Variables that Influence the Success Rates of Induction of Labor with Misoprostol: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Corrêa Thayane Delazari , Barreto Junior Adriano Nascimento , Batista Maria Clara Mendes , Corrêa Júnior Mário Dias , Leite Henrique Vitor
Published: April 2022

Objective Determine the predictive criteria for success in inducing labor for live fetuses using misoprostol in pregnant women. Secondarily, the objective is to determine the rates of vaginal or cesarean delivery, duration of induction, interval of administration of misoprostol, the main causes of induction of labor and indication for operative delivery.

Methods Medical records of 873 pregnant women admitted for cervical maturation from January 2017 to December 2018 were reviewed in a descriptive observational study of retrospective analysis, considering the following response variables: age, parity, Bishop Index, doses of misoprostol, labor induction time. Logistic regression models were used to predict success with misoprostol in non-operative deliveries.

Results Of the 873 patients evaluated, 72% evolved with vaginal delivery, 23% of the cases were cesarean, 5% forceps or vacuum-extractor. For non-operative delivery the predictive variables at admission were age, parity, gestational age and dilation. During hospitalization, fewer vaginal touches, amniotomy or amniorrhexis with clear fluid lead to a shorter induction time and a greater chance of non-operative delivery. False positives and false negatives of the model were always below 50% and correct answers above 65%.

Conclusion At admission, age less than 24 years, previous normal births, lower the gestational age and greater the dilation, were predictive of greater probability of non-operative delivery. During hospitalization, the less vaginal touches and occurrence of amniotomy/amniorrhexis with clear liquid indicate shorter induction time. Future studies with a prospective design and analysis of other factors are necessary to assess the replicability, generalization of these findings.
Hearing Aid Outcome Measures for Children
Authors: Stelmachowicz Patricia G.
Published: April 2022

The provision of appropriate amplification for a young hearing-impaired child is critical as the aided speech signal will be used for the development of speech and language. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the complex issues surrounding the documentation of hearing aid outcomes in the pediatric population. In the first two sections of the paper, the unique characteristics and needs of the pediatric population and factors complicating the measurement of outcome are described in detail. The third section provides a review of literature on existing outcome measures for children and the fourth section is devoted to a discussion of alternative approaches. The final section is an overview of clinical and research needs in the area of hearing aid outcome measures for children.

Abbreviations: AAI = Aided Audibility Index; ABR = auditory brainstem response; Al = Articulation Index; APHAB = Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit; CL = compression limiting; COSI = Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement; DSL = Desired Sensation Level; HPIC = Hearing Performance Inventory for Children; LDL = loudness discomfort level; LIFE = Listening Instrument for Education; PC = peak clipping; SIFTER = Screening Instrument for Targeting Educational Risk; WDRC = wide dynamic range compression
Robert Elgie and the nature of political science
Authors: McMenamin Iain
Published: April 2022

I argue that Robert Elgie's late political leadership duology makes a remarkable contribution to the debate on political science methodology and the philosophy of social science. It demonstrates that a wide range of methodologies are consistent with scientific realism can speak to the same research question. I draw out implications for the methodology and organisation of political science.
Plasmonic grating for circularly polarized outcoupling of waveguide-enhanced spontaneous emission
Authors: Fradkin Ilia M. , Demenev Andrey A. , Kulakovskii Vladimir D. , Antonov Vladimir N. , Gippius Nikolay A.
Published: April 2022

Plasmonic metasurfaces form a convenient platform for light manipulation at the nanoscale due to their specific localized surface plasmons. Even despite high intrinsic Joule losses, plasmonic nanoparticles are very effective for light manipulation. Here, we show the lattice of plasmonic nanoparticles onto a dielectric waveguide that efficiently couples oppositely propagating guided modes to circularly polarized light beams of different handedness. We demonstrate 80% degree of circular polarization for the out-coupled emission of GaAs-waveguide-embedded quantum dots. The results allow us to consider the lattice as a circular-polarization-controlled grating coupler and make this structure prospective for further implementation as an efficient coupling interface for integrated devices.
Assessment of Damköhler's hypotheses in the thin reaction zone regime using multi-step chemistry direct numerical simulations of statistically planar turbulent premixed flames
Authors: Awad H. S. , Abo-Amsha K. , Ahmed U. , Klein M. , Chakraborty N.
Published: April 2022

The effects of the definition of the reaction progress variable and equivalence ratio on the validity of Damköhler's hypotheses for turbulent premixed flames belonging to the thin reaction zone regime have been studied using multi-step chemistry direct numerical simulations of statistically planar CH4–air premixed flames with equivalence ratios of 0.8 and 1.0. Although CH4–air premixed flames with equivalence ratios of 0.8 and 1.0 have effective Lewis numbers close to unity, local differential diffusion effects can play a non-negligible role in determining the turbulent burning velocity and flame surface area in all cases. However, the augmentations of burning rate and flame surface area under turbulence do not occur in equal proportion, but their ratio remains of the order of unity. This conclusion holds irrespective of the definition of the reaction progress variable for the cases considered here. Damköhler's second hypothesis, which relates the ratio of turbulent burning velocity and the unstretched laminar burning velocity to the ratio of turbulent diffusivity and molecular diffusivity, has been found not to hold in the sense of equality, but it is valid in an order of magnitude sense for all choices of reaction progress variable definition. The findings of the current analysis indicate that Damköhler's first and second hypotheses should only be interpreted in an order of magnitude sense in the thin reaction zone regime even when the effective Lewis number remains close to unity.
Measurement of corticosterone in the plasma, eggs and faeces of laying hens
Authors: Engel Joanna M. , Hemsworth Paul H. , Butler Kym L. , Tilbrook Alan J.
Published: April 2022

Context Stress responses in chickens are commonly assessed from measurements of corticosterone in blood, but there is an increasing research effort to develop non-blood means of assessing the activity of the hypothalamo–pituitary (HPA) axis. It is common to measure corticosterone in the eggs and faeces. Aims We extended previous work by undertaking a study of caged laying hens comparing basal concentrations of corticosterone in plasma, faeces, egg albumen and egg yolk on a between-cage basis. We tested the hypothesis that there are positive relationships between corticosterone in plasma and corticosterone in each of the other matrices. Methods Blood samples were collected from each bird at a single point in time. In Experiment 1, these comparisons (between plasma concentrations of corticosterone on Day 1 and egg albumen, egg yolk and faecal concentrations of corticosterone on Days 1, 3 and 4 of the study) were made for hens of two ages under basal conditions, whereas, in Experiment 2, the comparisons (between plasma concentrations of corticosterone on Day 3 and egg albumen, egg yolk and faecal concentrations of corticosterone on Days 1 and 2 of the study) were made for hens housed at different space allowances with and without access to a nest box. The birds without a nest box had not had experience with a nest box prior to sampling. Key results There was a statistically significant (P = 0.012), but limited, positive relationship between plasma and egg albumen concentrations of corticosterone under basal conditions in Experiment 2. There were no other statistically significant (P > 0.05) relationships in either experiment. These results suggest that measures of corticosterone in the albumen, yolk and faeces of laying hens are unlikely to be robust predictors of basal concentrations of corticosterone in the blood. Conclusions Although there was some indication that concentrations of corticosterone in albumen may be related to concentrations in blood under basal conditions, based on all the results, this suggestion is made cautiously. Implications More comprehensive research is required to establish if measures of corticosterone in egg components and faeces are related to chronic basal activity of the hypothalamo–pituitary axis in laying hens. There is also a need to understand the impact of corticosterone on production, reproduction and welfare in hens from measures in both blood and non-blood matrices.
Experiences of trans patients in primary care settings: findings from The OutLook Study
Authors: Mulholland Alannah D. , Coleman Todd A. , Coulombe Simon , Davis Charlie , Cameron Ruth , Travers Robb , Wilson Ciann , Woodford Michael R.
Published: April 2022

Background Relationships between primary care providers (PCP) and trans patients remain important, necessitating discussions about gender identity, health and their intersections. Methods Using an online survey, we explored socio-demographic and psycho-social factors associated with: (1) disclosing gender identity; (2) discussing gender identity-related health issues; and (3) comfort sharing gender identity with PCPs, among trans people (n = 112) over 16 years of age, sampled in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Bivariate and multivariate methods using modified Poisson regression generated effect estimates. Results Age, birth presumed gender, employment status, family support, and transphobia were significantly associated with disclosing gender identity, discussing gender identity-related health issues, and comfortability sharing gender identity with PCPs. Conclusion Increasing PCPs’ knowledge of trans-related health issues is stressed to improve access and quality for trans patients.
A unique bacterial secretion machinery with multiple secretion centers
Authors: Song Liqiang , Perpich John D. , Wu Chenggang , Doan Thierry , Nowakowska Zuzanna , Potempa Jan , Christie Peter J. , Cascales Eric , Lamont Richard J. , Hu Bo
Published: April 2022

Significance

The newly described type IX secretion systems (T9SSs) translocate virulence factors and can mediate specialized gliding motility among bacterial pathogens of the
Fibrobacteres–Chlorobi–Bacterioidetes
superphylum. We visualized the spatial organization of the T9SS in its native context in the
Porphorymonas gingivalis
cell by cryoelectron tomography. The T9SS exhibits distinct symmetries across the bacterial cell envelope: a cytoplasmic complex requiring PorL and PorM for assembly exhibits 12-fold symmetry; a periplasmic complex composed of PorM exhibits 18-fold symmetry and attaches to a PorKN ring near the outer membrane; and eight Sov translocons are arranged with 8-fold symmetry at the cell surface. The T9SS is the largest of the known bacterial secretion systems and evidently arranges as multiple, independently functioning translocation motors.
Foreign accent, comprehensibility and intelligibility, redux*
Authors: Munro Murray J. , Derwing Tracey M.
Published: April 2022

We revisit Munro and Derwing (1995a), providing retrospective commentary on our original methods and findings. Using what are now well-established assessment techniques, the study examined the interrelationships among accentedness, comprehensibility, and intelligibility in the speech of second-language learners. The key finding was that the dimensions at issue are related, but partially independent. Of particular note was our observation that speech can be heavily accented but highly intelligible. To provide a fresh perspective on the original data we report a few new analyses, including more up-to-date statistical modeling. Throughout the original text we intersperse insights we have gained since the appearance of the 1995 paper. We conclude with retrospective interpretations, including thoughts on the relevance of the study to contemporary second language teaching and especially pronunciation instruction.
Expanding the scope of L2 intelligibility research*
Authors: Nagle Charlie , Huensch Amanda
Published: April 2022

This study investigated relationships among intelligibility, comprehensibility, and accentedness in the speech of L2 learners of Spanish who completed a prompted response speaking task. Thirty native Spanish listeners from Spain were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk to transcribe and rate extracted utterances, which were also coded for grammatical and phonemic errors, and speaking rate. Descriptively, although most utterances were intelligible, their comprehensibility and accentedness varied substantially. Mixed-effects modeling showed that comprehensibility was significantly associated with intelligibility whereas accentedness was not. Additionally, phonemic and grammatical errors were significant predictors of intelligibility and comprehensibility, but only phonemic errors were significantly related to accentedness. Overall, phonemic errors displayed a stronger negative association with the listener-based dimensions than grammatical errors. These findings suggest that English-speaking learners of Spanish are not as uniformly intelligible and comprehensible as FL instructors might believe and shed light on relationships among speech constructs in an L2 other than English.
Comprehensibility and everyday English use*
Authors: Zielinski Beth , Pryor Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

In this longitudinal study we tracked change in comprehensibility and English use over a 10-month period in 14 L2 English learners (8 beginner, 6 intermediate) settling in Australia. They were interviewed 4 times during the 10 months as part of a larger longitudinal study. English use was reported at each interview using a language map and excerpts from recordings of Interviews 1 and 4 were rated for comprehensibility. Intermediate participants tended to be more comprehensible and maintain a higher level of English use over time than the beginners. Exploration of individual variation revealed a range of comprehensibility outcomes, the variable and non-linear nature of English use trajectories, and a possible relationship between comprehensibility change and English use for some participants. Important methodological implications for future studies relate to the measurement of comprehensibility and English use, the speech samples used for comprehensibility ratings, and the importance of individual variation.
Second language comprehensibility as a dynamic construct*
Authors: Trofimovich Pavel , Nagle Charlie , O’Brien Mary Grantham , Kennedy Sara , Taylor Reid Kym , Strachan Lauren
Published: April 2022

This study examined longitudinal changes in second language (L2) interlocutors’ mutual comprehensibility ratings (perceived ease of understanding speech), targeting comprehensibility as a dynamic, time-varying, interaction-centered construct. In a repeated-measures, within-participants design, 20 pairs of L2 English university students from different language backgrounds engaged in three collaborative and interactive tasks over 17 minutes, rating their partner’s comprehensibility at 2–3 minute intervals using 100-millimeter scales (seven ratings per interlocutor). Mutual comprehensibility ratings followed a U-shaped function over time, with comprehensibility (initially perceived to be high) being affected by task complexity but then reaching high levels by the end of the interaction. The interlocutors’ ratings also became more similar to each other early on and remained aligned throughout the interaction. These findings demonstrate the dynamic nature of comprehensibility between L2 interlocutors and suggest the need for L2 comprehensibility research to account for the effects of interaction, task, and time on comprehensibility measurements.
Modelling the stability and transformation kinetics of retained austenite in steels
Authors: Wong Adriel
Published: April 2022

The stability of retained austenite refers to its resistance to transform into martensite. While most models describe the thermal and mechanical influence on retained austenite stability and transformation kinetics separately, few have considered explaining both aspects in a unified model. Here, we review the factors governing austenite stability and transformation kinetics, together with models which predict these properties. By assessing the predictive capabilities of models using experimental data, several parameters have been identified as crucial in describing transformation behaviour. We anticipate that this review will stimulate further research in developing physics-based models that could improve the understanding of austenite stability and transformation.
Effect of pore density on the compressive response of open-cell Al foams
Authors: Wang Xinfu , Huang Ying , Wang Xingfu , Wang Weiguo , Hao Gangling , Wang Dan
Published: April 2022

The effects of pore density and matrix on the quasi-static and dynamic compressive behaviours of the high porosity open-cell aluminium foams were examined. The results show that pore density has little effect on the collapse strength of the samples under quasi-static conditions. However, as the strain rate increases, the collapse strength decreases with increasing pore density. The different matrix material also shows distinct strain rate response characteristics, which is related to their respective microstructures. The strain-rate sensitivity is mainly attributed to the micro-inertia effect caused by the larger aspect ratio of the cell edges, which was verified by the more transverse elongation of the dynamic compression samples. Moreover, the energy absorption capacity is also discussed in the present paper.