bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral health of individuals with cerebral palsy in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review
Authors: Asiri Faris Yahya I. , Tennant Marc , Kruger Estie
Published: October 2023

Objective

This systematic review aimed to comprehensively summarize and critically assess studies conducted on oral health outcomes among individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This study followed the Participants, Exposure, Control and Outcomes (PECO) framework to formulate a focused research question. We conducted an extensive literature search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Medline, Scopus and Embase, in addition to clinical trial registers. Inclusion criteria encompassed clinical studies conducted in either English or Arabic, focusing on CP as defined by the International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD10), and examining various oral health conditions and parameters. Nonclinical studies, commentaries, other systematic reviews and letters to the editor were excluded. Data extraction included comprehensive information about the study characteristics, oral health outcomes (dental, oral or periodontal disease; changes in standardized indices; dental trauma and other types of oral diseases) and an assessment of the risk of bias using the Appraisal Tool for Cross‐Sectional Studies (AXIS).

Results

The initial search yielded a total of 879 articles, ultimately resulting seven studies that met our stringent inclusion criteria. All of these studies were conducted as cross‐sectional investigations in different cities within Saudi Arabia. The sample sizes ranged from 46 to 400 participants, all falling within the age range of 2–18 years. Notably, the prevalence of dental caries among individuals with CP in these studies varied significantly, with rates ranging from 52.9% to as high as 98.6%. Additionally, a substantial portion of CP patients exhibited poor oral hygiene, with figures ranging between 34.6% and 66.2%, and dental trauma was reported in 47.5% of the cases. Moreover, these studies underscored the influence of motor function and intellectual disabilities on the oral health status of CP individuals. Furthermore, various secondary outcomes, including periodontal parameters and oral health‐related quality of life, were also assessed. However, it is essential to acknowledge that several sources of bias were identified within these studies, raising questions about the generalisability of their findings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the systematic review revealed a concerning pattern of high dental caries prevalence and other oral health issues among individuals with CP in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, the need for comparative studies between CP patients and those without CP is evident to establish a definitive understanding of the oral health status of CP individuals. Initiating early interventions such as oral hygiene education, preventive dentistry programs, and orthodontic interventions could potentially contribute to improved oral health outcomes for individuals with CP in Saudi Arabia.
Patterns of simultaneous contact allergies in patients with contact sensitization to oxidised linalool and oxidised limonene
Authors: Sukakul Thanisorn , Bruze Magnus , Mowitz Martin , Bergendorff Ola , Björk Jonas , Dahlin Jakob , Svedman Cecilia
Published: October 2023

Background

Contact allergy rates of linalool and limonene hydroperoxides (HPs) have increased.

Objectives

To demonstrate the patterns of simultaneous positive patch test (PT) reactions and prevalences of multiple contact allergies (MCAs) in patients with contact allergy to linalool and/or limonene HPs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of consecutive dermatitis patients in 2015–2020 was performed.

Results

Of all 4192 patients, 1851 had at least one positive PT reaction. Of these, 410 (22.2%) had MCAs, significantly related to a higher age (p‐value = 0.003). Patients with an exclusively positive reaction to linalool HPs but not limonene HPs were shown to have MCAs (p‐value <0.001, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 4.15 (3.01–5.73)). Patients with simultaneous contact allergies to both linalool and limonene HPs had contact allergies to many other screening and fragrance allergens.

Conclusions

Simultaneous positive PT reactions to allergens in baseline series and fragrances are common in patients with the HPs contact allergy, especially linalool HPs. The pattern of simultaneous PT reactions principally suggested the co‐sensitization of the cosmetic allergens.
The Talmud on usury
Authors: Koehler Benedikt
Published: October 2023

A ban on usury was endorsed by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Usury was banned in the Books of Moses, but defined in the Babylonian Talmud as a ‘reward for waiting’. Conceptions of usury in early Christianity and Islam accorded with that of the Talmud. A misrepresentation of the Talmudic conception of usury by Jacob Neusner was refuted by Emil Cohn.
Resting echocardiographic parameters can exclude significant coronary artery disease: A comparison with coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Jinno Shinji , Yamada Akira , Sugimoto Kunihiko , Chan Jonathan , Nakashima Chihiro , Funato Yusuke , Hoshino Naoki , Hoshino Meiko , Takada Kayoko , Sato Yoshihiro , Kawai Hideki , Sarai Masayoshi , Ito Hiroyasu , Izawa Hideo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is known to have a high negative predictive value (NPV) in identifying coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to examine whether resting echocardiographic parameters could exclude significant CAD on CCTA.

Methods

We recruited 142 patients who had undergone both CCTA and echocardiography within a 3‐month window. Based on the CCTA findings, patients were divided into two groups: Group A (non‐significant CAD, defined as all coronary segments having <50% stenosis) and Group B (significant CAD). Resting echocardiographic parameters were compared between the two groups to identify predictors of non‐significant CAD on CCTA.

Results

A total 92 patients (mean age, 68 ± 13 years; males, 62%) were eligible for this study; 50 in Group A and 42 in Group B. Among the various echo parameters, left atrial volume index (LAVI) and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) were significantly lower in Group A (23.5 ± 7.6 vs. 33.6 ± 7.4 mL/m2, p < .001; −20.2 ± 1.8% vs. −16.8 ± 2.0%, p < .001, respectively). Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the cutoff value to exclude significant CAD on CCTA was 29.0 mL/m2 for LAVI (NPV 80.8%) and −18.1% for GLS (NPV 80.7%). The NPV increased to 95.0% when these parameters were combined (LAVI < 29.0 mL/m2 and GLS < −18.1%).

Conclusion

The combination of resting LAVI and GLS was clinically useful in excluding significant CAD via CCTA.
6G‐enabled internet of medical things
Authors: Dhanda Sumit Singh , Singh Brahmjit , Jindal Poonam , Sharma Tarun Kumar , Panwar Deepak
Published: October 2023

Healthcare is the foremost concern for any country. UN has also fixed ‘good health’ and well‐being’ as its third sustainable development goal. CoVID‐19 era has shown the vulnerability of health infrastructure worldwide. As per WHO, aging population of the world would put enormous pressure on health infrastructure in coming decades. With lack of healthcare professionals and limited budget to achieve UNSDG goal‐3, IoMT with its huge umbrella of medical services and applications can address these issues. 5G has been deployed in many countries and vision for 6G have been finalized by different research groups. 6G will help Internet of Medical Things to realize its full potential. In this work, an open ‘6G enabled IoMT’ architecture has been presented. It can integrate a wide number of services. The limitations of 5G in catering to such a network are also highlighted. The challenges and open issues are presented in the light of services and applications that can be provided by the purposed architecture. A brief overview of 6G is also provided.
CYP1A1 immunohistochemistry is highly specific for angiofibroma of soft tissue among morphological mimics
Authors: Bauer Anna H , Fletcher Christopher D M , Hornick Jason L , Papke David J
Published: October 2023

Aims

Angiofibroma of soft tissue (AFST) is a benign, morphologically distinctive tumour type that harbours recurrent AHRR::NCOA2 fusions in 60–70% of cases and shows a non‐specific immunophenotype, expressing EMA in roughly half of cases. The AHRR::NCOA2 fusion results in increased expression of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1); a recent study demonstrated CYP1A1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) to be moderately sensitive and highly specific for AFST.

Methods and results

In this study, we sought to validate these findings in a larger independent cohort of 30 AFST, as well as 215 morphological mimics, including 30 solitary fibrous tumours, 29 myxoid liposarcomas, 28 low‐to‐intermediate grade myxofibrosarcomas (MFS), 20 atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumours (ASCLT), 20 cellular angiofibromas, 10 cases each of spindle cell lipoma, neurofibroma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour, superficial angiomyxoma, cellular myxoma, soft tissue perineurioma and deep fibrous histiocytoma, and nine cases each of low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma and mammary‐type myofibroblastoma. We found CYP1A1 IHC to be 70% sensitive for AFST, with granular cytoplasmic staining in 21 of 30 tumours, and 98% specific, with staining in only five morphological mimics: two deep fibrous histiocytomas, one MFS, one cellular angiofibroma and one ASCLT.

Conclusions

These findings confirm that CYP1A1 is 70% sensitive, consistent with the prevalence of AHRR::NCOA2 fusions that up‐regulate this protein, and that it is highly specific among morphological mimics.
From academia to industry: forging a scientific career path that is uniquely you
Authors: Webb Lauren M
Published: October 2023

Over time I have recognized the value of my unique journey through science, from academia to industry, and I encourage others to appreciate how their own unique experiences shape the scientists we become. This article describes this journey.
An Assessment of Community Suicide Risk
Authors: DeGrove William
Published: October 2023

The contributions of several core variables to the white suicide rates in 24 Florida counties were examined, and a prediction equation, using multiple linear regression, was developed. Age was found to be about 50% more important than divorce. With both age and divorce controlled, loneliness and insanity were found to be significant core variables (p< .05). A prediction equation including age, crime rate, insanity, and alcoholism was found that accounted for 79% of the variation in the suicide rates across counties. The observed rates were divided by predicted rates to yield standardized mortality ratios. It is proposed that these ratios may serve to assess both the need for and the impact of community suicide prevention services by placing suicide rates in the context of relevant social conditions.
Death on Every Weekend
Authors: Kopel Robert F.
Published: October 2023

This essay is a personal account of situations experienced by a medical technician in a large emergency room. It includes examples of stressful situations that daily confront medical personnel and the inability of medical institutions to aid them in understanding and coping with death and dying. Stemming from these stressful situations, the paper illustrates the importance of the need for medical institutions to pay direct attention to the stressful topic of death itself if the medical personnel are to work efficiently in an environment where death and dying are everyday occurrences. Although some institutions do offer in‐service sessions to nurses, these services are far and few between. But the stress for all medical personnel remains high, and there remains an unfulfilled need to teach effective thanatological techniques to all medical personnel.
Multiple Suicide Attempts and Informal Labeling: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Wenz Friedrich V.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Attempted suicide is considered to be a form of deviant behavior. Multiple suicide attempts are evaluated within the labeling perspective. Specifically, it is determined if labeling theory can explain acts of repeated suicide attempts as a form of deviance. Two hypotheses are created to test the influence of informal labeling on multiple suicide attempts. Family and friends constitute the categories most important in informal labeling. Labeling by them is measurec through a series of behavioral scales. It is hypothesized that the greater the labeling by each of these categories, the greater the likelihood of recurrence of attempted suicide. It is also predicted that the greater the “self concept as suicidal,” the greater the likelihood of recurrence. Labeling by family and friends was found to be significantly related to repeat. Conclusions about the relationship between “suicidal self‐concept” and repeat were not drawn.
Further Reflections on the Suicide of Kawabata Yasunari
Authors: Iga Mamoru
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The suicide of Kawabata Yasunari has been studied in terms of loneliness, aestheticism, postwar Japan's mass democracy, and ill health and old age. This paper places focus on the Oedipus complex in relation to Kawabata's concepts of beauty, life, and death. This analysis was supported by the psychosocial data which were provided by Jiko no Tenmatsu (An Account of the Incident) by Usui Yoshimi. The book is based on the story told by a maid of Kawabata, who is believed to have played an important role in his suicide. Although it is a novel, Usui claims that he followed the events as told by the reporter as closely as possible.
Let‐7a promotes periodontal bone regeneration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell aggregates via the Fas/FasL‐autophagy pathway
Authors: Yang Shiyao , Gao Jing , Chen Meng , Sun Yuting , Qiao Xin , Mao Hongchen , Guo Li , Yu Yang , Yang Deqin
Published: October 2023

Periodontal bone regeneration using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) transplantation is a promising method; however, the method for osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs needs to be improved. In this research, we sought to identify the roles of let‐7a in the osteogenesis of BMMSCs and to provide a potential method for periodontal bone regeneration. Our previous study revealed that Fas/FasL is a target of let‐7a. In this study, we demonstrated that let‐7a overexpression significantly enhanced BMMSC‐CAs osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, upregulation of Fas/FasL using the rfas/rfaslg plasmid obstructed the osteogenesis of BMMSCs by inhibiting autophagy. Furthermore, we confirmed that overexpression of let‐7a activated autophagy and alleviated the inhibited osteogenesis by the autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA and the rfas/rfaslg plasmid of BMMSCs. In general, our findings showed that let‐7a promoted the osteogenesis of BMMSCs through the Fas/FasL‐autophagy pathway, suggesting that the application of let‐7a in BMMSC‐CAs based periodontal bone regeneration could be a promising strategy.
A distinctive subgingival microbiome in patients with periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease compared with cognitively unimpaired periodontitis patients
Authors: Na Hee Sam , Jung Na‐Yeon , Song Yuri , Kim Si Yeong , Kim Hyun‐Joo , Lee Ju Youn , Chung Jin
Published: October 2023

Aim

Periodontitis is caused by dysbiosis of oral microbes and is associated with increased cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and recently, a potential functional link was proposed between oral microbes and AD. We compared the oral microbiomes of patients with or without AD to evaluate the association between oral microbes and AD in periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Periodontitis patients with AD (n = 15) and cognitively unimpaired periodontitis patients (CU) (n = 14) were recruited for this study. Each patient underwent an oral examination and neuropsychological evaluation. Buccal, supragingival and subgingival plaque samples were collected, and microbiomes were analysed by next‐generation sequencing. Alpha diversity, beta diversity, linear discriminant analysis effect size, analysis of variance‐like differential expression analysis and network analysis were used to compare group oral microbiomes.

Results

All 29 participants had moderate to severe periodontitis. Group buccal and supragingival samples were indistinguishable, but subgingival samples demonstrated significant alpha and beta diversity differences. Differential analysis showed subgingival samples of the AD group had higher prevalence of Atopobium rimae, Dialister pneumosintes, Olsenella sp. HMT 807, Saccharibacteria (TM7) sp. HMT 348 and several species of Prevotella than the CU group. Furthermore, subgingival microbiome network analysis revealed a distinct, closely connected network in the AD group comprised of various Prevotella spp. and several anaerobic bacteria.

Conclusions

A unique microbial composition was discovered in the subgingival region in the AD group. Specifically, potential periodontal pathogens were found to be more prevalent in the subgingival plaque samples of the AD group. These bacteria may possess a potential to worsen periodontitis and other systemic diseases. We recommend that AD patients receive regular, careful dental check‐ups to ensure proper oral hygiene management.
Spatial Dependence via the Internal Capital Markets of U.S. Global Banks
Authors: D'AVINO CARMELA , SHABANI MIMOZA
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we estimate the cross‐border liquidity network created by U.S. global banks via their internal capital markets to capture the spatial dependence or bilateral proximity between branches located in different countries. Results from dynamic spatial panel regressions indicate that the foreign branches in nearby countries show common lending patterns. A 1% increase in lending in branches in proximate locations is associated with an estimated increase of 0.25% in local lending. Further interdependencies are evidenced by the positive liquidity and monetary policy spillovers on local lending, with marginal spatial effects estimated to be around 1.11% and 0.14%, respectively.
Feeding signals inhibit fluid‐satiation signals in the mouse lateral parabrachial nucleus to increase intake of highly palatable, caloric solutions
Authors: Aitken Connor M. , Jaramillo Janine C. M. , Davis Warren , Brennan‐Xie Liam , McDougall Stuart J. , Lawrence Andrew J. , Ryan Philip J.
Published: October 2023

Chemogenetic activation of oxytocin receptor‐expressing neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (OxtrPBN neurons) acts as a satiation signal for water. In this research, we investigated the effect of activating OxtrPBN neurons on satiation for different types of fluids. Chemogenetic activation of OxtrPBN neurons in male and female transgenic OxtrCre mice robustly suppressed the rapid, initial (15‐min) intake of several solutions after dehydration: water, sucrose, ethanol and saccharin, but only slightly decreased intake of Ensure®, a highly caloric solution (1 kcal/mL; containing 3.72 g protein, 3.27 g fat, 13.42 g carbohydrates, and 1.01 g dietary fibre per 100 mL). OxtrPBN neuron activation also suppressed cumulative, longer‐term (2‐h) intake of lower caloric, less palatable solutions, but not highly caloric, palatable solutions. These results suggest that OxtrPBN neurons predominantly control initial fluid‐satiation responses after rehydration, but not longer‐term intake of highly caloric, palatable solutions. The suppression of fluid intake was not because of anxiogenesis, but because OxtrPBN neuron activation decreased anxiety‐like behaviour. To investigate the role of different PBN subdivisions on the intake of different solutions, we examined FOS as a proxy marker of PBN neuron activation. Different PBN subdivisions were activated by different solutions: the dorsolateral PBN similarly by all fluids; the external lateral PBN by caloric but not non‐caloric solutions; and the central lateral PBN primarily by highly palatable solutions, suggesting PBN subdivisions regulate different aspects of fluid intake. To explore the possible mechanisms underlying the minimal suppression of Ensure® after OxtrPBN neuron activation, we demonstrated in in vitro slice recordings that the feeding‐associated agouti‐related peptide (AgRP) inhibited OxtrPBN neuron firing in a concentration‐related manner, suggesting possible inhibition by feeding‐related neurocircuitry of fluid satiation neurocircuitry. Overall, this research suggests that although palatable beverages like sucrose‐ and ethanol‐containing beverages activate fluid satiation signals encoded by OxtrPBN neurons, these neurons can be inhibited by hunger‐related signals (agouti‐related peptide, AgRP), which may explain why these fluids are often consumed in excess of what is required for fluid satiation.
Failing kidneys: Hotspots, blind spots and biopolitics of indifference
Authors: Kierans Ciara , Padilla‐Altamira César
Published: October 2023

Chronic kidney disease of non‐traditional cause (CKDnt) is commonly associated with monocropping agriculture, heat stress and impoverished working conditions, referred to as CKDnt “hotspots.” The condition is also emerging in various sites of environmental contamination, raising questions as to whether multiple variants of the condition exist as a result of different ecologies and different human‐environment interactions. This paper examines the emergence of CKDnt around Lake Chapala in Mexico, where we document local efforts to gain recognition and reparation for CKDnt. We follow the ways patients, families and activists have mobilized specific and interlocking infrastructural failures to enact complaint and confront state inaction and neglect of their bodies, communities, and environments. Though their labors have formally achieved little, we discuss how they make visible a biopolitics of indifference, one bound to the production of structural “blindspots.”
Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) as Photocatalyst: A Review
Authors: Sohaimi K. S. A. , Jaafar J. , Rosman N.
Published: October 2023

Water pollution has increased worldwide, sparking interest in photocatalysis, a viable water treatment approach. Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is a good photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation due to its excellent crystallinity, high yield and recyclability, low cost, photo-corrosion resistance, small band gap (2.3 eV), improved electron mobility, and broad absorption range. Pure V2O5's photocatalytic efficiency is limited by inefficient photonic and quantum processes, and its tiny structure enables photogenerated carriers to recombine, reducing efficiency. This prevents widespread use of V2O5. This mini-review examines V2O5 as a potent visible-light photocatalyst, focusing on its structure, synthesis methods, and modifications that improve its efficiency. Hydrothermal, sol-gel, co-precipitation, solvothermal, and others are reviewed. The methods employed affect the photocatalyst's efficiency. Photogenerated electron-hole separation, charge transfer to catalyst surface or across two-phase catalyst interfaces, and reactive species interaction with hazardous contaminants are all affected. Photoredox uses have been explored for dyes, phenols, and pharmaceutical wastes. According to a review of the past decades, V2O5 has primarily been used for the degradation of dye pollutants, with fewer applications for pharmaceutical wastes and other pollutants. More research on V2O5's capabilities and qualities on diverse target pollutants is needed. This mini-review discusses present obstacles in producing vanadium pentoxide-based systems and future research prospects. Despite its potential as a photocatalyst, V2O5 has not been thoroughly researched as an electron storage material. Numerous investigations have shown that V2O5 can store energy like lithium batteries. This finding will likely motivate researchers and newcomers to explore V2O5's potential to synthesise nanomaterials with increased electron storage capacity, making it a good day-night photocatalyst. This review should improve future V2O5 research.
Investigating the Degree of Persistence, Trend and the Best Time Series Forecasting Models for Particulate Matter (PM10) Pollutant Across Malaysia
Authors: Isma'il Lawan Adamu , Awang Norhashidah , Kane Ibrahim Lawal
Published: October 2023

Particulate matter is the most common atmospheric pollutant with some negative consequences on human health, environment, and the ambient air quality. In this study, the concentration of particulate matter in sixty-five air quality monitoring stations across Malaysia during January to December 2018 is analyzed. We investigated the degree of persistence and trend of the particulate matter series and developed a forecasting model using both the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and the autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA) time series methods for each monitoring station separately. Mean absolute deviation (MAD), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE) are used to determine the best fitted model for forecasting each monitoring station. Ljung-Box test of uncorrelated residuals confirmed the adequacy of each of the model. The results confirmed the evidence of transitory form of persistence in the level of particulate matter pollutant at sixty-four monitoring stations while trend increases in seventeen monitoring stations. Forecast error analysis indicates that ARFIMA models performed better than ARIMA models by producing smaller RMSE values in forty-two of the sixty-five monitoring stations. However, the overall result indicates that none of the model could be regarded as universal in forecasting particulate matter concentration, and their performance is independent of the category or location of a given monitoring station.
Exploring the Dynamics of Simple Inhibition Systems in Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor: Mathematical Modelling and Bifurcation Analysis
Authors: Md Desa Afifi , Mohd Mohd Hafiz , Uzir Mohamad Hekarl
Published: October 2023

The simple enzyme inhibition systems consist of competitive inhibition, noncompetitive inhibition and uncompetitive inhibition. In this work, we incorporated these simple inhibition systems in the continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) and analysed the models using some techniques from dynamical systems and bifurcation analysis. Our aim is to investigate the behaviours of such systems and compare their overall dynamics. The phase portrait is constructed to simulate possible behaviours such as stable steady states, stable limit cycle, bistability between the steady state and the stable limit cycle and bistability between two steady states. The systems undergo bifurcational changes in dynamics as enzyme concentration, dilution rate and proportional control constant are varied. Moreover, we conducted a codimension two bifurcation analysis to examine the joint effects of dilution rate and proportional control constant on the systems behaviours. Our results revealed distinct dynamics for each inhibition system. Increasing the dilution rate led to a transition from low to high substrate concentrations, with competitive inhibition showing the highest tipping (or bifurcation) point where dynamical regimes change due to intense substrate-inhibitor competition. Elevating enzyme concentration reduced substrate concentration, particularly in non-competitive inhibition systems due to higher conversion rates. Furthermore, the proportional control constant had varying effects depending on the specific inhibition system. These findings emphasize the on the combined influences of distinct chemical procoesses in controlling reactor heat and optimizing bioprocess efficiency, considering the unique characteristics of each inhibition system. Overall, the dynamical study on these simple inhibition systems enables us to improve our understanding on the chemical processes involving enzymes with multiple types of inhibitors and may give some insights in its controlling process.
HS2 Phase One: Heritage GIS Digital Archive (Data paper)
Authors: Aryankhesal Fred F.
Published: October 2023

High Speed 2 (HS2) will be the largest programme of historic environment investigation and recording works ever undertaken in the UK. It is certain that the creation of HS2's historic environment physical and digital archive (High Speed Two Ltd. 2023) is an integral part of the lasting legacy of the programme, which presents an unprecedented opportunity for significant knowledge creation. HS2 historic environment works that have been undertaken for Phase One of HS2 between London to the West Midlands has resulted in a substantial digital archive, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. This data paper highlights the GIS spatial datasets generated from the HS2 Phase One historic environment fieldwork programme. It explains the technical components of the datasets which are deposited with the Archaeology Data Service (ADS).
Mechanisms Leading to Stabilization and Incomplete Combustion in Lean CH4/H2 Swirling Wall-Impinging Flames
Authors: Fan Luming , Savard Bruno , Fond Benoît , Durocher Antoine , Bergthorson Jeffrey , Carlyle Spencer , Vena Patrizio
Published: October 2023

In gas turbines, confined highly turbulent flames unavoidably propagate in the vicinity of a relatively cool combustor liner, affecting both the local flame structure and global operation of the combustion system. In our recent work, we demonstrated, using simultaneous [OH] × [CH2O] planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and stereo-particle image velocimetry (stereo-PIV), that lean CH4/H2 flames at a high Karlovitz number can present a highly broken structure near wall, highlighted by a diffuse CH2O cloud, which suggests local quenching and incomplete oxidation. Such high Karlovitz numbers were achieved using an inclined plate, which substantially extended the lean flammability of the low swirl flames. Yet, how a cooled wall acting as a heat sink played a conducive role in stabilizing high Ka flames remains unanswered. In addition, the origin of the CH2O cloud is also unclear. Hence, in this work, we look to better understand the stabilization mechanisms for lean and ultralean flames on the same configuration, and how they may change with a parametric variation of plate incident angle, plate-nozzle distance, and bulk velocity up to the critical values that lead to flame blow off. The results show that the impinging swirling flow creates a low speed region that helps hold the flame, while the wall prevents mixing with ambient cold air. The production of diffuse CH2O, which indicates the occurrence of local quenching, is associated with a mean strain rate K beyond the extinction strain rate (ESR) Ke. For CH4 flames, most of the reaction zones reside within |K|/Ke<1; for 70% H2 flames at ϕ=0.4, the reaction zones are highly broken and scattered in a large area, where |K|/Ke<8, the interspace of which is fully filled by CH2O. In other words, high H2 fraction flames appear to be more robust to persistent strain rate, thus extending their stability envelope. However, these flames can subsist as highly broken flames featuring strong incomplete combustion.
A Literature Review of NOx Emissions in Current and Future State-of-the-Art Gas Turbines
Authors: Dennis Richard , Long Henry A. , Jesionowski Gary
Published: October 2023

Current U.S. government policy seeks to achieve a completely carbon-free economy by 2050, with a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035 (per executive orders #14008 and #14057). To address these goals, the U.S. Department of Energy is evaluating strategies and technologies that support the production, utilization, transport, and storage of hydrogen (via initiatives such as Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Earthshot—Hydrogen and various DOE funding opportunity announcements). A carbon-free fuel such as hydrogen cannot be overvalued in a dynamic electric energy sector seeking to decarbonize. One of the most important technologies needed to achieve the goal of a carbon-free electricity sector is a 100% hydrogen-fueled gas turbine. Accommodating hydrogen-based fuels has been a key goal for various original engine manufacturers (OEMs) for many years, but much more research and development (R&D) is needed. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the current state-of-the- art of hydrogen turbine technology, especially regarding nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions compared to natural gas-fueled turbines. NOX is the primary criteria pollutant from thermally driven combustion turbines and should be controlled to levels that are equivalent to or below existing standards (as reported “existing standards” for hydrogen-fueled gas turbines may need to be rebaselined). This paper will provide an overview of hydrogen as a fuel and various NOX emissions control techniques that are relevant for hydrogen-based fuels. A conclusion from this overview is that, with some level of R&D, NOX emissions from hydrogen-fueled gas turbines can be controlled to levels similar to those produced by state-of-the-art (SOTA) natural gas-fueled combustion turbines while remaining competitive in terms of performance and efficiency.
Atomic-scale imaging and spectroscopy via scanning probe microscopy: An overview
Authors: Sumaiya Saima A. , Baykara Mehmet Z.
Published: October 2023

Atomic-scale characteristics of surfaces, including their structure, chemical reactivity, and electronic properties, determine their roles in multiple fields of science and technology, e.g., as coatings, catalysts, and device components. As such, it is of utmost importance to study the atomic arrangement and atomic-scale physico-chemical properties of surfaces in real space in a robust and reliable manner. A powerful technique for achieving this goal is scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Here, we present an overview of SPM-based techniques for atomic-resolution surface imaging and spectroscopy and highlight selected advances in the field. We also discuss current challenges of SPM-based techniques for atomic-resolution surface studies.
The collapse of eastern Bering Sea snow crab
Authors: Szuwalski Cody S. , Aydin Kerim , Fedewa Erin J. , Garber-Yonts Brian , Litzow Michael A.
Published: October 2023

The snow crab is an iconic species in the Bering Sea that supports an economically important fishery and undergoes extensive monitoring and management. Since 2018, more than 10 billion snow crab have disappeared from the eastern Bering Sea, and the population collapsed to historical lows in 2021. We link this collapse to a marine heatwave in the eastern Bering Sea during 2018 and 2019. Calculated caloric requirements, reduced spatial distribution, and observed body conditions suggest that starvation played a role in the collapse. The mortality event appears to be one of the largest reported losses of motile marine macrofauna to marine heatwaves globally.
Neural inference at the frontier of energy, space, and time
Authors: Modha Dharmendra S. , Akopyan Filipp , Andreopoulos Alexander , Appuswamy Rathinakumar , Arthur John V. , Cassidy Andrew S. , Datta Pallab , DeBole Michael V. , Esser Steven K. , Otero Carlos Ortega , Sawada Jun , Taba Brian , Amir Arnon , Bablani Deepika , Carlson Peter J. , Flickner Myron D. , Gandhasri Rajamohan , Garreau Guillaume J. , Ito Megumi , Klamo Jennifer L. , Kusnitz Jeffrey A. , McClatchey Nathaniel J. , McKinstry Jeffrey L. , Nakamura Yutaka , Nayak Tapan K. , Risk William P. , Schleupen Kai , Shaw Ben , Sivagnaname Jay , Smith Daniel F. , Terrizzano Ignacio , Ueda Takanori
Published: October 2023

Computing, since its inception, has been processor-centric, with memory separated from compute. Inspired by the organic brain and optimized for inorganic silicon, NorthPole is a neural inference architecture that blurs this boundary by eliminating off-chip memory, intertwining compute with memory on-chip, and appearing externally as an active memory chip. NorthPole is a low-precision, massively parallel, densely interconnected, energy-efficient, and spatial computing architecture with a co-optimized, high-utilization programming model. On the ResNet50 benchmark image classification network, relative to a graphics processing unit (GPU) that uses a comparable 12-nanometer technology process, NorthPole achieves a 25 times higher energy metric of frames per second (FPS) per watt, a 5 times higher space metric of FPS per transistor, and a 22 times lower time metric of latency. Similar results are reported for the Yolo-v4 detection network. NorthPole outperforms all prevalent architectures, even those that use more-advanced technology processes.
Isolation and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoate-degrading bacteria in seawater at two different depths from Suruga Bay
Authors: Hachisuka Shin-Ichi , Sakurai Tetsuo , Mizuno Shoji , Kosuge Kazuho , Endo Sayaka , Ishii-Hyakutake Manami , Miyahara Yuki , Yamazaki Motoyuki , Tsuge Takeharu
Published: October 2023

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a biopolymer used as a plastic material. PHA can be a panacea for global plastic pollution as being susceptible to biodegradation in seawater besides soil and freshwater. However, the current knowledge of species that degrade PHA in marine environments is insufficient. This study first demonstrated the biodegradation of PHA in the surface and deep seawater from Suruga Bay (Shizuoka, Japan). We isolated 11 and 80 strains of PHA-degrading bacteria from the seawater and from the seawater after a biochemical oxygen demand test, respectively. Subsequent 16S rRNA analysis suggested that these strains belong to the genus
Alloalcanivorax
,
Alteromonas
,
Arenicella
,
Microbacterium
, or
Pseudoalteromonas. Arenicella
spp. and
Microbacterium
spp. have not been previously identified as marine PHA-degrading bacteria. The selected
Arenicella
sp. showed no growth at 10°C and displayed weak PHA degradation ability. This result is consistent with the fact that the strain was not isolated from the cold deep seawater but only from the surface seawater. We also predicted the domain composition of the extracellular poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) depolymerase in the type strains closest to the isolated strains. Depolymerases in the genus
Microbacterium
showed a different pattern of domain composition from those in previously identified marine bacteria, fitting a terrestrial type. Subsequently, we performed an
in vitro
assay of a depolymerase from
Microbacterium schleiferi
(DSM 20489), isolated from soil and closest to the isolated
Microbacterium
spp. in this study. The depolymerase showed substantial activity in the presence of NaCl, whereas it showed reduced activity without NaCl.

IMPORTANCE

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a highly biodegradable microbial polyester, even in marine environments. In this study, we incorporated an enrichment culture-like approach in the process of isolating marine PHA-degrading bacteria. The resulting 91 isolates were suggested to fall into five genera (
Alloalcanivorax
,
Alteromonas
,
Arenicella
,
Microbacterium
, and
Pseudoalteromonas
) based on 16S rRNA analysis, including two novel genera (
Arenicella
and
Microbacterium
) as marine PHA-degrading bacteria.
Microbacterium schleiferi
(DSM 20489) and
Alteromonas macleodii
(NBRC 102226), the type strains closest to the several isolates, have an extracellular poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] depolymerase homolog that does not fit a marine-type domain composition. However,
A. macleodii
exhibited no PHA degradation ability, unlike
M. schleiferi
. This result demonstrates that the isolated
Alteromonas
spp. are different species from
A. macleodii
. P(3HB) depolymerase homologs in the genus
Alteromonas
should be scrutinized in the future, particularly about which ones work as the depolymerase.
Insight into antimicrobial resistance at a new beef cattle feedlot in western Canada
Authors: Kos Daniel , Schreiner Brittany , Thiessen Stuart , McAllister Tim , Jelinski Murray , Ruzzini Antonio
Published: October 2023

In North America, beef production relies on the administration of antimicrobials to manage disease. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most significant disease of beef cattle, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to conventional therapies presents an existential risk to animal welfare and food production. While AMR surveillance programs are poised to help facilitate antimicrobial stewardship and decision making at feedlots, monitoring strategies for large numbers of animals at an individual or group level are time consuming and costly. Accordingly, we completed a pilot investigation of feedlot water bowls, which is an understudied interface between cattle and bacteria. By performing cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent studies, we demonstrate that water bowl-dwelling bacteria can act as sentinel organisms for clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and that cattle have an impact on the microbial communities in the bowls. Moreover, by sampling water at a feedlot site before animal arrival, we detected resistance to two antibiotics: florfenicol and tulathromycin. After just 4 weeks of operation, multidrug-resistant bacteria were routinely found in most water bowls. A comparison of ARGs encoded by five water bowl bacterial isolates along with previously reported source and wastewater metagenomes to those found in BRD pathogens confirmed the utility of using water samples for AMR surveillance.

IMPORTANCE

A better understanding of how environmental reservoirs of ARGs in the feedlot relate to those found in animal pathogens will help inform and improve disease management, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Monitoring individual cattle or small groups is invasive, logistically challenging, expensive, and unlikely to gain adoption by the beef cattle industry. Wastewater surveillance has become standard in public health studies and has inspired similar work to better our understanding of AMR in feedlots. We derived our insights from sampling water bowls in a newly established feedlot: a unique opportunity to observe AMR prior to animal arrival and to monitor its development over 2 months. Importantly, the bacterial community of a single water bowl can be influenced by direct contact with hundreds of animals. Our results suggest that water bowl microbiomes are economical and pragmatic sentinels for monitoring relevant AMR mechanisms.
In silico
virtual screening for the identification of novel inhibitors against dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DapB) of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, a key enzyme of diaminopimelate pathway
Authors: Angrish Nupur , Lalwani Neha , Khare Garima
Published: October 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
M. tb
) is one of the most devastating infectious diseases afflicting a large number of human lives. In spite of the availability of several drugs for treating TB, emergence of drug-resistant strains of the pathogen has made treatment and eradication of TB a challenging task. Hence, there is an imperative need for new intervention strategies to target
M. tb
. The enzymes of the diaminopimelate pathway, involved in lysine biosynthesis as well as in cell wall biosynthesis, have been considered as important anti-TB drug targets. One such enzyme is dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DapB), catalyzing the reduction of 2,3-dihydrodipicolinic acid to 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-dipicolinic acid by utilizing NADH/NADPH as its cofactor. Here, we have generated an antisense knockdown mutant strain of
dapB
and demonstrated a crucial role of
dapB
in the
in vitro
and intracellular growth of
M. tb
. Further,
in silico
virtual screening was performed by employing a library of ~95,000 compounds for the identification of inhibitory molecules against DapB. The molecules with high docking scores were screened against the enzymatic activity of DapB to determine their IC
50
values. Further, hit molecules that inhibited DapB were screened against the
M. tb
growth in broth culture and inside macrophages. The molecules exhibiting
M. tb
inhibition were also evaluated for their cytotoxicity against various mammalian cell lines. In summary, we have identified a lead molecule, B59, with an IC
50
value of 11 µg/mL and MIC
99
value of 20 µg/mL, which can be further optimized to develop potent inhibitory compounds against
M. tb
DapB.

IMPORTANCE

Non-compliance to lengthy antituberculosis (TB) treatment regimen, associated side effects, and emergence of drug-resistant strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
M. tb
) emphasize the need to develop more effective anti-TB drugs. Here, we have evaluated the role of
M. tb
dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DapB), a component of the diaminopimelate pathway, which is involved in the biosynthesis of both lysine and mycobacterial cell wall. We showed that DapB is essential for the
in vitro
as well as intracellular growth of
M. tb
. We further utilized
M. tb
DapB, as a target for identification of inhibitors by employing
in silico
virtual screening, and conducted various
in vitro
screening assays to identify inhibitors with potential to inhibit DapB activity and
in vitro
and intracellular growth of
M. tb
with no significant cytotoxicity against various mammalian cell lines. Altogether,
M. tb
DapB serves as an important drug target and a hit molecule, namely, 4-(3-Phenylazoquinoxalin-2-yl) butanoic acid methyl ester has been identified as an antimycobacterial molecule in our study.
Clinical effectiveness of septoplasty versus medical management for nasal airways obstruction: multicentre, open label, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Carrie Sean , O’Hara James , Fouweather Tony , Homer Tara , Rousseau Nikki , Rooshenas Leila , Bray Alison , Stocken Deborah D , Ternent Laura , Rennie Katherine , Clark Emma , Waugh Nichola , Steel Alison J , Dooley Jemima , Drinnan Michael , Hamilton David , Lloyd Kelly , Oluboyede Yemi , Wilson Caroline , Gardiner Quentin , Kara Naveed , Khwaja Sadie , Leong Samuel C , Maini Sangeeta , Morrison Jillian , Nix Paul , Wilson Janet A , Teare M Dawn
Published: October 2023

Objective

To assess the clinical effectiveness of septoplasty.

Design

Multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Setting

17 otolaryngology clinics in the UK’s National Health Service.

Participants

378 adults (≥18 years, 67% men) newly referred with symptoms of nasal obstruction associated with septal deviation and at least moderate symptoms of nasal obstruction (score >30 on the Nasal Obstruction and Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale).

Interventions

Participants were randomised 1:1 to receive either septoplasty (n=188) or defined medical management (n=190, nasal steroid and saline spray for six months), stratified by baseline symptom severity and sex.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was patient reported score on the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) at six months, with 9 points defined as the minimal clinically important difference. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and objective nasal airflow measures.

Results

Mean SNOT-22 scores at six months were 19.9 (95% confidence interval 17.0 to 22.7) in the septoplasty arm (n=152, intention-to-treat population) and 39.5 (36.1 to 42.9) in the medical management arm (n=155); an estimated 20.0 points lower (better) for participants randomised to receive septoplasty (95% confidence interval 16.4 to 23.6, P<0.001, adjusted for baseline continuous SNOT-22 score and the stratification variables sex and baseline NOSE severity categories). Greater improvement in SNOT-22 scores was predicted by higher baseline symptom severity scores. Quality of life outcomes and nasal airflow measures (including peak nasal inspiratory flow and absolute inhalational nasal partitioning ratio) improved more in participants in the septoplasty group. Readmission to hospital with bleeding after septoplasty occurred in seven participants (4% of 174 who had septoplasty), and a further 20 participants (12%) required antibiotics for infections.

Conclusions

Septoplasty is a more effective intervention than a defined medical management regimen with a nasal steroid and saline spray in adults with nasal obstruction associated with a deviated nasal septum.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry
ISRCTN16168569
.