bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis regarding time of tuberculosis diagnosis in Brazil
Authors: Volpe‐Chaves Cláudia E. , Venturini James , B. Castilho Suse , S. O. Fonseca Simone , F. Nunes Thiago , T. Cunha Eunice A. , M. E. Lima Gláucia , O. Nunes Maína , P. Vicentini Adriana , V. L. Oliveira Sandra M. , Carvalho Lídia R. , Thompson Luis , P. Mendes Rinaldo , M. M. Paniago Anamaria
Published: May 2022

Background

Data on the prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) in patients with active or cured tuberculosis (TB) are scarce, mainly due to diagnostic difficulties. The diagnosis of CPA is based on pulmonary symptoms and chest computed tomography (CT) scans and is considered confirmed when there is microbiological or serological evidence ofAspergillusspp. infection.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of CPA in patients treated or undergoing treatment for PTB, seen in two referral hospitals in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Patients and Methods

A total of 193 consecutive patients who were treated or previously treated for pulmonary tuberculosis underwent prospective evaluation: (a) clinical evaluation; (b) chest CT scan; (c) sputum examination—culture for fungi and smears for direct mycology; (d) detection of anti‐Aspergillus fumigatusantibodies using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay Platelia® test; and (e) anti‐Aspergillusspp. antibodies were assessed via a DID test.

Results

The global prevalence of CPA was 10.9% (95% confidence interval, 7.2%–16.1%), but it increased with the time of TB diagnosis. The variables independently associated with CPA were previous pulmonary tuberculosis over 4 years ago and haemoptysis. Cavities, pleural thickening and the presence of a fungal ball were the most frequent tomographic findings in patients with CPA.

Conclusions

The high prevalence observed and its increase over time suggest the need for continuous surveillance of CPA in patients with active or previous pulmonary tuberculosis and throughout life, with clinical, tomographic and serological evaluations (ELISA) for a timely diagnosis and a better prognosis.
Disinfection trials with terbinafine‐susceptible and terbinafine‐resistant dermatophytes
Authors: Skaastrup Kristoffer Nagy , Astvad Karen Marie Thyssen , Arendrup Maiken Cavling , Jemec Gregor Borut Ernst , Saunte Ditte Marie Lindhardt
Published: May 2022

Background

Treatment of tinea pedis and onychomycosis is complicated by high rates of reinfection and the emergence of terbinafine‐resistant strains of Trichophyton spp. Effective disinfection of contaminated socks is an important measure. Appropriate washing reduces the risk of reinfection and is paramount in treating tinea pedis and onychomycosis.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the effect of commonplace disinfection methods using socks pieces inoculated with terbinafine‐resistant or terbinafine‐susceptible isolates of Trichophyton spp.

Methods

Sock pieces were inoculated with seven terbinafine‐resistant isolates of Trichophyton spp. with known mutations in the SQLE‐gene (T. rubrum (n = 3), T. interdigitale (n = 1) and T. indotineae (n = 3)) and six terbinafine‐susceptible isolates of Trichophyton spp. (T. rubrum (n = 3) and T. interdigitale (n = 3)). Methods of disinfection included soaking in a quaternary ammonium (QAC) detergent (0.5, 2 and 24 h), freezing at −20°C (0.5, 12 and 24 h), domestic and steam washing (both at 40°C with detergent). Sock pieces were cultured for 4 weeks following disinfection. The primary end point was no growth at the end of week 4.

Results

Soaking in a QAC‐detergent for 24 h procured at disinfectant rate of 100% (13/13), whilst soaking in 0.5 and 2 h had a disinfectant rate of 46.2% (6/13) and 84.6% (11/13), respectively. Domestic washing (40°C with detergent) produced a disinfectant rate of 7.7% (1/13). Freezing at −20°C (0.5, 12 and 24 h) and steam washing (40°C with detergent) had no disinfectant properties.

Conclusions

Soaking in a QAC‐detergent for 24 h effectively disinfected sock pieces contaminated with dermatophytes.
Postoperative nursing care of a child with pulmonary artery displacement combined with slide tracheobronchial plasty
Authors: Jin Chendi , Lin Nan , Yang Shanfeng , Yan Chuanchuan , Li Shuaini , Wu Xiujing , Zhu Jihua
Published: May 2022

Generally, pulmonary artery sling operation involves the pulmonary artery transplantation to be cut off. Nursing care is focused on the postoperative pulmonary vascular anastomosis, respiratory tract, and blood pressure after surgery. We report the case of an infant who underwent pulmonary artery tracheal transposition combined with Slide keratoplasty, where the pulmonary artery transplantation was not cut off. We highlight that postoperative pulmonary artery blood flow to the unobstructed airway and airway reconstruction surgery should be focused on to help children recover and ensure successful surgery. This case study reports the postoperative nursing experience of one patient with pulmonary artery sling undergoing pulmonary tracheal transposition combined with Slide arthroplasty. This demonstrates that throughout the postoperative care, airway management should be focused on to maintain circulation stability in the early postoperative period, and corresponding measures such as posture management, atomization inhalation, and improved chest physical therapy should be applied according to the special surgical method of the case in order to reduce airway complications and to improve the surgical success rate of children with pulmonary artery sling undergoing pulmonary tracheal transposition combined with Slide arthroplasty. In similar cases, after pulmonary tracheal transposition and Slide angioplasty, the doctors and nurses should pay attention to early circulation stability and focus on airway management through careful treatment and nursing, so as to promote the child's recovery.
Effect of a carbohydrate lollipop on the gastric volume of fasted pediatric patients
Authors: Odendaal Pieter , Burke Annemie , Coetzee Johan
Published: May 2022

Background

Preoperative fasting is part of routine practice. Children subjected to prolonged preoperative fasting often suffer adverse effects. Consuming a preoperative lollipop may lessen their anxiety and have clinical benefits.

Aims

To assess the effect of consuming a lollipop on gastric volume and the feasibility of administering a lollipop to a child preoperatively.

Methods

In this prospective, repeated measures interventional study, we measured gastric antrum volume using ultrasound in children aged 2–18 years. We measured antrum volumes after participants had fasted for a minimum of 6 h for solids and 2 h for clear fluids. They then consumed a standard carbohydrate lollipop, and we repeated the antrum volume measurements after 1 h.

Results

Of the 38 patients enrolled, 32 completed the study; four had ingested additional food or liquid, and two were diagnosed with systemic disease the day after data collection. The gastric volume data were normally distributed. The mean volume change was 0.01 ml kg−1 (95% CI −0.02 to 0.05; p = .460). The mean postlollipop volume was 0.51 ml kg−1 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.58).

Conclusions

Consuming a standard lollipop did not affect the gastric volume of fasted pediatric patients.
Effects of a multicomponent day‐care program on cerebral blood flow in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Boku Youshun , Ota Miho , Nemoto Miyuki , Numata Yuriko , Kitabatake Ayako , Takahashi Takumi , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Tamura Masashi , Sekine Aya , Ide Masayuki , Kaneda Yuko , Arai Tetsuaki
Published: May 2022

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prodromal phase of dementia and is considered an important period for intervention to prevent conversion to dementia. It has been well established that multicomponent day‐care programs including exercise training, cognitive intervention and music therapy have beneficial effects on cognition, but the effects on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in MCI remain unknown. This study examined whether a multicomponent day‐care program would have beneficial effects on the longitudinal changes of CBF in MCI patients.

Methods

Participants were 24 patients with MCI attending a day‐care program; they underwent two 99mTc‐ethyl cysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography scans during the study period. We evaluated the association between the changes of regional cerebral blood flow and the attendance rate.

Results

There was a significant negative correlation between the reduction of regional CBF in the right parietal region and the attendance rate. We found no significant relation between the baseline CBF images and the attendance rate.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that continuous participation in a multicomponent day‐care program might prevent reduction in brain activity in patients with MCI.
UNIFYING ELLIPSIS AND PRONOMINALIZATION IN JORDANIAN ARABIC*
Authors: Alhailawani Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss ellipsis inside Jordanian Arabic (JA) DPs. I show that both Nominal Ellipsis (NE) and pronominalization are attested in JA. I argue following Saab & Lipták (2016) that ellipsis takes place at different heights in the extended nominal projection via the presence of an [E]llipsis feature (Merchant 2001, 2005). In particular, I argue that there are two types of ellipsis in the DP: Noun Phrase Ellipsis (NPE), which targets the noun alone; and (ii) Classifier Phrase Ellipsis (ClPE), which targets a bigger structure than the noun. I show that the application of NPE gives rise to a stranded affix scenario, and as such, an anaphoric element is inserted as a last resort strategy, yielding pronominalization. By contrast, no such stranding takes place with ClPE since the head which contains the stranded affix is contained in the ellipsis site. In support of this view, I analyze ellipsis inside simple DPs and DPs containing numerals, showing that ellipsis could be NPE or ClPE.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐DRB1*09:31:02 allele in a College of American Pathologists HLA Survey specimen
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: May 2022

One nucleotide substitution in codon 217 of HLA‐DRB1*09:31:01 results in a novel allele HLA‐DRB1*09:31:02.
Detection of an HLA‐C*01 variant, HLA‐C*01:212, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Shi Xiu‐Min , Li Pei‐Tong , Hu Rui‐Ping , Han Wei , Gao Su‐Jun
Published: May 2022

HLA‐C*01:212 differs from HLA‐C*01:02:01:01 by two non‐synonmous nucleotide changes at positions 368 and 379 in exon 3.
JA‐induced FtBPM3 accumulation promotes FtERF‐EAR3 degradation and rutin biosynthesis in Tartary buckwheat
Authors: Ding Mengqi , He Yuqi , Zhang Kaixuan , Li Jinbo , Shi Yaliang , Zhao Mengyu , Meng Yu , Georgiev Milen I. , Zhou Meiliang
Published: May 2022

Buckwheat accumulates abundant flavonoids, which exhibit excellent health‐promoting value. Flavonoids biosynthesis is mediated by a variety of phytohormones, among which jasmonates (JAs) induce numerous transcription factors, taking part in regulation of flavonoids biosynthesis genes. However, some transcriptional repressors appeared also induced by JAs. How these transcriptional repressors coordinately participate in JA signaling remains unclear. Here, we found that the disruption of the GCC‐box in FtF3H promoter was associated with flavonoids accumulation in Tartary buckwheat. Further, our study illustrated that the nucleus‐localized FtERF‐EAR3 could inhibit FtF3H expression and flavonoids biosynthesis through binding the GCC‐box in the promoter of FtF3H. The JA induced FtERF‐EAR3 gene expression while facilitating FtERF‐EAR3 protein degradation via the FtBPM3‐dependent 26S proteasome pathway. Overall, these results illustrate a precise modulation mechanism of JA‐responsive transcription suppressor participating in flavonoid biosynthesis, and will further help to improve the efficiency of flavonoids biosynthesis in Tartary buckwheat.
Multi‐omics analysis of xylem sap uncovers dynamic modulation of poplar defenses by ammonium and nitrate
Authors: Kasper Karl , Abreu Ilka N. , Feussner Kirstin , Zienkiewicz Krzysztof , Herrfurth Cornelia , Ischebeck Till , Janz Dennis , Majcherczyk Andrzej , Schmitt Kerstin , Valerius Oliver , Braus Gerhard H. , Feussner Ivo , Polle Andrea
Published: May 2022

Xylem sap is the major transport route for nutrients from roots to shoots. In the present study, we investigated how variations in nitrogen (N) nutrition affected the metabolome and proteome of xylem sap and the growth of the xylem endophyte Brennaria salicis, and we also report transcriptional re‐wiring of leaf defenses in poplar (Populus × canescens). We supplied poplars with high, intermediate or low concentrations of ammonium or nitrate. We identified 288 unique proteins in xylem sap. Approximately 85% of the xylem sap proteins were shared among ammonium‐ and nitrate‐supplied plants. The number of proteins increased with increasing N supply but the major functional categories (catabolic processes, cell wall‐related enzymes, defense) were unaffected. Ammonium nutrition caused higher abundances of amino acids and carbohydrates, whereas nitrate caused higher malate levels in xylem sap. Pipecolic acid and N‐hydroxy‐pipecolic acid increased, whereas salicylic acid and jasmonoyl‐isoleucine decreased, with increasing N nutrition. Untargeted metabolome analyses revealed 2179 features in xylem sap, of which 863 were differentially affected by N treatments. We identified 124 metabolites, mainly from specialized metabolism of the groups of salicinoids, phenylpropanoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and benzoates. Their abundances increased with decreasing N, except coumarins. Brennaria salicis growth was reduced in nutrient‐supplemented xylem sap of low‐ and high‐ NO3−‐fed plants compared to that of NH4+‐fed plants. The drastic changes in xylem sap composition caused massive changes in the transcriptional landscape of leaves and recruited defenses related to systemic acquired and induced systemic resistance. Our study uncovers unexpected complexity and variability of xylem composition with consequences for plant defenses.
Optimal Control of Active Cell Balancing for Lithium-Ion Battery Pack With Constraints on Cells’ Current and Temperature
Authors: Van Chi Nguyen
Published: May 2022

Cell balancing control for Li-ion battery pack plays an important role in the battery management system. It contributes to maintaining the maximum usable capacity, extending the cycle life of cells, and preventing overheating and thermal runaway during operation. This paper presents an optimal control of active cell balancing for serially connected battery pack that maintains the cell’s current and temperature in a suitable range during the equalizing process. Using the cell-to-cell balancing circuit based on CuK converter for two adjacent cells, the state of charge (SoC) and temperature dynamic of cells in the pack are modeled. Then, the optimal control problem for active cell balancing is established with constraints on cells’ current and temperature. The solution of this nonlinear optimal problem solved using sequential quadratic programming (SQP) is the optimal duty fed to the cell balancing circuits. The experimental test is applied to the battery pack of seven Samsung cells connected in series, and the reliable and efficient results show that the cell balancing process takes place shortly and adaptively depending on the discharge/charge current of the pack, the desired temperature increasing limit, and technical constraints of balancing circuits.
High-energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra of Al2O3 measured by Cr Kα
Authors: Hoflijk I. , Zborowski C. , Vaesen I. , Vanleenhove A. , Artyushkova K. , Conard T.
Published: May 2022

An Al2O3 sapphire sample was analyzed using high-resolution high-energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The HAXPES spectra of Al2O3 obtained using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation at 5414.8 eV include two survey scans (Al Kα and Cr Kα) and high-resolution spectra of Al 2p, Al 2s, Al 1s, and O 1s.
Realisation of nonreciprocal transmission and absorption using wave-based active noise control
Authors: Tan Joe , Cheer Jordan , Daley Steve
Published: May 2022

Nonreciprocal acoustic devices typically break reciprocity by introducing nonlinearities or directional biasing. However, these devices are generally not fully adaptable and often use resonant cavities, which only exhibit nonreciprocal behaviour over a narrow bandwidth. Therefore, to overcome these challenges, this paper investigates how wave-based active control can be used to achieve broadband nonreciprocal behaviour in a one-dimensional environment. Wave-based controller architectures are described for both transmission and absorption control and, through simulation and experimental implementations, it is shown that they can achieve broadband nonreciprocal behaviour. Importantly, the direction of nonreciprocal behaviour can be straightforwardly reversed.
The effects of noise exposure and aging on the acoustic reflex in normal-hearing people
Authors: Drennan Ward R. , Langley Lauren , Wei Zeyu
Published: May 2022

Noise exposure and aging can cause subclinical hearing problems that are not identified with conventional audiometry. Nerve damage among the normal hearing could reduce afferent auditory-nerve activity consequently reducing the middle ear muscle reflex (MEMR). It was hypothesized that normal-hearing individuals reporting more noise exposure would have slower growth of MEMR with increasing levels. Data were analyzed from sixty-one young, normal-hearing people. Each completed the four MEMR assessments and the Life-Time Exposure to Noise and Solvents Questionnaire. Reflex amplitudes were measured as a function of sound level using clinical equipment. High-pass noise stimuli (1.5-4.0 kHz) and a 1-KHz tone were used as elicitors with a 226-Hz probe tone. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model. Individuals reporting higher noise exposure with the LENS-Q had significantly reduced growth of MEMR with level, supporting the hypothesis. Independent effects of age and gender were also observed. The effect of the pure-tone average on MEMR growth functions did not reach significance at the 5% level (p = 0.052). No significant relationships were observed between the MEMR measures and extended high-frequency thresholds nor with word recognition in noise. The results suggest that the MEMR could indicate subclinical nerve damage.
Variation in Root Exudate Composition Influences Soil Microbiome Membership and Function
Authors: Seitz Valerie A. , McGivern Bridget B. , Daly Rebecca A. , Chaparro Jacqueline M. , Borton Mikayla A. , Sheflin Amy M. , Kresovich Stephen , Shields Lindsay , Schipanski Meagan E. , Wrighton Kelly C. , Prenni Jessica E.
Published: May 2022

Decrypting the chemical interactions between plant roots and the soil microbiome is a gateway for future manipulation and management of the rhizosphere, a soil compartment critical to promoting plant fitness and yields. Our experimental results demonstrate how soil microbial community and genomic diversity is influenced by root exudates of differing chemical compositions and how changes in this microbiome result in altered production of plant-relevant metabolites.
Centromere Interactions Promote the Maintenance of the Multipartite Genome in Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Ren Zhongqing , Liao Qin , Barton Ian S. , Wiesler Emma E. , Fuqua Clay , Wang Xindan
Published: May 2022

About 10% of sequenced bacteria have multiple replicons, also known as multipartite genomes. How these multipartite genomes are maintained is still poorly understood.
Harmonizing Prokaryotic Nomenclature: Fixing the Fuss over Phylum Name Flipping
Authors: Panda Adyasha , Islam Salim T. , Sharma Gaurav
Published: May 2022

Lloyd and Tahon recently criticized proposed bacterial phylum nomenclature changes (K.G. Lloyd, G. Tahon, Nat Rev Microbiol 20:123-124, 2022,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-022-00684-2
) precipitated by the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP)’s official recognition of phylum nomenclature rules. Here, we extend the critique.
Potential Cross-Transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus among Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Japan
Authors: Fujiwara Keiji , Yoshida Mitsunori , Murase Yoshiro , Aono Akio , Furuuchi Koji , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Ohta Ken , Ato Manabu , Mitarai Satoshi , Morimoto Kozo
Published: May 2022

IMPORTANCE
Although the possibility of
Mycobacterium abscessus
(
M. abscessus
) cross-transmission in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has often been reported, it is not clear whether similar events have occurred in Asian non-CF patients. Whole-genome sequencing analysis of
M. abscessus
isolates from Fukujuji Hospital in Japan indicated that genetically closely related
M. abscessus
isolates exist.
MaNCP1, a C2H2 Zinc Finger Protein, Governs the Conidiation Pattern Shift through Regulating the Reductive Pathway for Nitric Oxide Synthesis in the Filamentous Fungus Metarhizium
acridum
Authors: Li Chaochuang , Xu Dingxiang , Hu Meiwen , Zhang Qipei , Xia Yuxian , Jin Kai
Published: May 2022

Fungal conidia play important roles in the response to environmental stimuli and evasion of the host immune system. The nitrogen source is one of the main factors affecting shifts in fungal conidiation patterns, but the regulatory mechanism involved is not fully understood.
Gut Microbiota Mediates the Therapeutic Effect of Monoclonal Anti-TLR4 Antibody on Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Sun Xuewei , Cui Qian , Ni Juan , Liu Xiaoguang , Zhu Jin , Zhou Tingting , Huang HuaYing , OuYang Ke , Wu Yulong , Yang Zhan
Published: May 2022

In this study, we found the monoclonal anti-Toll-like receptor 4 antibody can alleviate APAP-induced acute liver injury through the change of the gut microbiota, metabolic pathways, and gut barrier function. This work suggested the gut microbiota can be the therapeutic target of the APAP-induced acute liver injury, and we performed the fundamental research for further research.
Variation in Survival and Gut Microbiome Composition of Hatchery-Grown Native Oysters at Various Locations within the Puget Sound
Authors: Kunselman Emily , Minich Jeremiah J. , Horwith Micah , Gilbert Jack A. , Allen Eric E.
Published: May 2022

This is the first exploration of the microbial colonizers of the Olympia oyster, a native oyster species to the West Coast, which is a focus of restoration efforts. The patterns of differential microbial colonization by location reveal microscale characteristics of potential restoration sites which are not typically considered. These microbial dynamics can provide a more holistic perspective on the factors that may influence oyster performance.
Effect of Gamma Radiation on Cytogenetic and Growth Endpoints of Allium cepa Seedlings in Long-Term Experiments
Authors: Bolsunovsky A. Ya. , Trofimova E. A. , Zueva A. V. , Dementyev D. V. , Petrichenkov M. V.
Published: May 2022

The effect of γ-radiation on the growth and cytogenetic endpoints ofAllium cepaL. seedlings in a long period after irradiation in absorbed doses from 1.0 to 10.7 Gy were examined. The chromosome aberration rate was most sensitive to the radiation: it increased immediately after exposure at all doses. In the recovery period (up to 216 h) after irradiation, the chromosome aberration frequency naturally decreased but at the end of experiment in maximum doses remained above the control values. The impact of the initial level of chromosome aberrations on the inhibition of onion roots growth in the long terms after irradiation is discussed.
The Prognostic Significance of Spliceosomal Proteins for Patients with Glioblastoma
Authors: Larionova T. D. , Kovalenko T. F. , Shakhparonov M. I. , Pavlyukov M. S.
Published: May 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is considered one of the most aggressive human cancers. Earlier, our group have demonstrated that alternative RNA splicing plays an important role in the regulation of the GBM phenotype. To continue this study, we analyzed the type of RNA splicing and the expression levels of the spliceosomal genes in a large number of tumor tissue samples and patient-derived GBM sphere lines. We demonstrated that the expression level of splicing factors allows dividing GBM patients into groups with different survival prognosis and also reflects the phenotype of the tumor. In addition, we identified the alternative splicing events that may regulate the GBM phenotype. Finally, we for the first time compared the expression profiles of the spliceosomal genes in different regions of the same tumor and identified splicing factors whose expression most significantly correlates with GBM patients’ survival. Aforementioned data emphasize the important role of pre-mRNA splicing in GBM progression.
Antimicrobial Activity of Lipid Extracts of Echinoderms in the Nhatrang Bay (South China Sea)
Authors: Obukhova E. S. , Rozhina A. M. , Voronin V. P. , Dgebuadze P. Yu. , Murzina S. A.
Published: May 2022

The obtained results on the study of the antimicrobial activity of lipid extracts of tissues of starfishes Linckia laevigata and Culcita novaeguineae and sea urchin Diadema setosum collected in the Nhatrang Bay (South China Sea) against nosocomial strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida sp., Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus are presented. The effect of the investigated extracts on Gram-positive, Gram-negative microorganisms, as well as yeast of the genus Candida, was determined. It was found that lipid extracts of echinoderms of the Nhatrang Bay exhibit the highest antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive microorganisms, namely Streptococcus pyogenes.
Ultrasound-guided selective trunk block (SeTB): a cadaver anatomic study to evaluate the spread of dye after a simulated injection
Authors: Songthamwat Banchobporn , Luangjarmekorn Pobe , Kampitak Wirinaree , Sivakumar Ranjith Kumar , Karmakar Manoj Kumar
Published: May 2022

Background and objectives

Recent reports suggest that a selective trunk block (SeTB) can produce sensorimotor blockade of the entire upper extremity, except for the T2 dermatome. There are no data demonstrating the anatomic mechanism of SeTB. This cadaver study aimed to evaluate the spread of an injectate after a simulated ultrasound-guided (USG) SeTB.

Methods

USG SeTB (n=7) was performed on both sides of the neck in four adult human cadavers with 25 mL of 0.1% methylene blue dye. Anatomic dissection was performed to document staining (deep, faint, and no stain) of the various elements of the brachial plexus from the level of the roots to the cords, including the phrenic, dorsal scapular, and long thoracic nerves. Only structures that were deeply stained were defined as being affected by the SeTB.

Results

All the trunks and divisions of the brachial plexus, as well as the ventral rami of C5–C7 and suprascapular nerve, were deeply stained in all (100%) the simulated injections. The ventral rami of C8 and T1 (86%), dorsal scapular and long thoracic nerve (71%), and the phrenic nerve (57%) were also deeply stained in a substantial number of the injections.

Conclusion

This cadaver study demonstrates that an USG SeTB consistently affects all the trunks and divisions of the brachial plexus, as well as the suprascapular nerve. This study also establishes that SeTB may not be phrenic nerve sparing. Future research to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SeTB as an all-purpose brachial plexus block technique for upper extremity surgery is warranted.

Trial registration number

Registered athttps://www.thaiclinicaltrials.orgon December 13, 2021 under the trial registration number TCTR20211213005.
SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals with rheumatic disease: results from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance provider registry
Authors: Liew Jean , Gianfrancesco Milena , Harrison Carly , Izadi Zara , Rush Stephanie , Lawson-Tovey Saskia , Jacobsohn Lindsay , Ja Clairissa , Hyrich Kimme L , Gossec Laure , Strangfeld Anja , Carmona Loreto , Schäfer Martin , Frãzao-Mateus Elsa , Bulina Inita , Stafford Frances , Tufan Abdurrahman , Graver Christine , Yardımcı Gözde Kübra , Zepa Julija , Al Emadi Samar , Cook Claire , Abutiban Fatemah , Dey Dfiza , Katigbak Genevieve , Kaufman Lauren , Kowalski Emily , Martínez-Martínez Marco Ulises , Patel Naomi J , Reyes-Cordero Greta , Salido Evelyn , Smith Ellison , Snow David , Sparks Jeffrey , Wise Leanna , Bhana Suleman , Gore-Massy Monique , Grainger Rebecca , Hausmann Jonathan , Sirotich Emily , Sufka Paul , Wallace Zachary , Machado Pedro M , Robinson Philip C , Yazdany Jinoos
Published: May 2022

Objective

While COVID-19 vaccination prevents severe infections, poor immunogenicity in immunocompromised people threatens vaccine effectiveness. We analysed the clinical characteristics of patients with rheumatic disease who developed breakthrough COVID-19 after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

We included people partially or fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 who developed COVID-19 between 5 January and 30 September 2021 and were reported to the Global Rheumatology Alliance registry. Breakthrough infections were defined as occurring ≥14 days after completion of the vaccination series, specifically 14 days after the second dose in a two-dose series or 14 days after a single-dose vaccine. We analysed patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics and COVID-19 symptoms and outcomes.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in 197 partially or fully vaccinated people with rheumatic disease (mean age 54 years, 77% female, 56% white). The majority (n=140/197, 71%) received messenger RNA vaccines. Among the fully vaccinated (n=87), infection occurred a mean of 112 (±60) days after the second vaccine dose. Among those fully vaccinated and hospitalised (n=22, age range 36–83 years), nine had used B cell-depleting therapy (BCDT), with six as monotherapy, at the time of vaccination. Three were on mycophenolate. The majority (n=14/22, 64%) were not taking systemic glucocorticoids. Eight patients had pre-existing lung disease and five patients died.

Conclusion

More than half of fully vaccinated individuals with breakthrough infections requiring hospitalisation were on BCDT or mycophenolate. Further risk mitigation strategies are likely needed to protect this selected high-risk population.
A Feed-Forward Neural Network for Increasing the Hopfield-Network Storage Capacity
Authors: Zhao Shaokai , Chen Bin , Wang Hui , Luo Zhiyuan , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2022

In the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), pattern separation mainly depends on the concepts of ‘expansion recoding’, meaning random mixing of different DG input channels. However, recent advances in neurophysiology have challenged the theory of pattern separation based on these concepts. In this study, we propose a novel feed-forward neural network, inspired by the structure of the DG and neural oscillatory analysis, to increase the Hopfield-network storage capacity. Unlike the previously published feed-forward neural networks, our bio-inspired neural network is designed to take advantage of both biological structure and functions of the DG. To better understand the computational principles of pattern separation in the DG, we have established a mouse model of environmental enrichment. We obtained a possible computational model of the DG, associated with better pattern separation ability, by using neural oscillatory analysis. Furthermore, we have developed a new algorithm based on Hebbian learning and coupling direction of neural oscillation to train the proposed neural network. The simulation results show that our proposed network significantly expands the storage capacity of Hopfield network, and more effective pattern separation is achieved. The storage capacity rises from 0.13 for the standard Hopfield network to 0.32 using our model when the overlap in patterns is 10%.
An elastomeric composite with tunable thermal and mechanical properties via liquid metal-flake graphite multiphase fillers
Authors: Li Ao , Wang Peng , Li Jin-Yang , Xiong Zheng-Quan , Huang Yin
Published: May 2022

Soft composites with improved and tunable thermal conductivity, stretchability and load-bearing capacity may find fascinating applications in soft robotics and wearable devices. Unfortunately, thermally conductive soft composites with solid fillers usually show serious degradation in stretchability, while those with liquid fillers usually possess a weak load-bearing capacity. To overcome these limitations, an elastomeric composite with solid–liquid multiphase fillers, named as pre-mixed LM&FG/SR composite, is proposed here by incorporating flake graphite (FG) with high thermal conductivity into liquid metal (LM) and then dispersing the mixture in a soft silicone elastomer (SR). In comparison with the LM/SR composite and the FG/SR composite, the pre-mixed LM&FG/SR composite gains the highest thermal conductivity under the strain-free state as it possesses both the excellent thermal conductivity of the FG filler and the high-volume fraction of the LM filler. In addition, by controlling the volume fraction of the multiphase fillers and the volume ratio of LM to FG, the pre-mixed LM&FG/SR composite can gain tunable thermal and mechanical properties under the strained state and thus be applicable to complex situations in which both excellent heat-conducting capability and certain load-bearing capacity are required.
Hybrid solutions of a (3 + 1)-dimensional generalized B-type Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhao Dan , Zhaqilao
Published: May 2022

The simplified form of the Hirota bilinear method is used to investigate a [Formula: see text]-dimensional generalized B-type Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (gBKP) equation, and the five-soliton is formally derived. Applying the long-wave limit to the five-soliton and establishing the complex conjugate relations in the parameters of the five-soliton, five types of hybrid solutions of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional gBKP equation are obtained. Furthermore, the dynamical behaviors of the hybrid solutions are systematically analyzed via numerical simulations.
Adjustable shunt-current intensity circuit and system for current conduction treatment of epilepsy
Authors: You Changhua , Xue Ning , Yao Lei , Yao Pan , Liu Tiezhu , Fang Zhen , Li Li , Ding Ping , Liang Shuli , Liu Chunxiu
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we developed a shunt-current intensity self-adjustable closed-loop control circuit system for current conduction treatment in temporal lobe epilepsy. To examine the dose-response relationship between conductive intensity and therapeutic outcomes of current conduction treatment, the control system consists of neural signal recording module for high-speed data rate acquisition, signal amplification and pre-processing, current shunt module for current conduction, data transmission and control module for real-time data communication with the personal computer and on-off of current conduction. Multithread and queue software architecture was implemented to ensure real-time data transmission, display and analysis by LabVIEW software. Results indicate that the input noise of the system is less than 2 [Formula: see text]Vrms, signal frequency bandwidth range is 1 Hz[Formula: see text]10 kHz, and the shunt-current detection range is 0.1–3000 [Formula: see text]A with the accuracy of above 99.985%, meeting the requirements for the detection of neural electrophysiological signal and the research on the dose-response relationship between conductive intensity and therapeutic outcomes of electronic conduction treatment.
Optimal system of Lie subalgebra for symmetry reductions, group invariant solutions and exact solutions to the coupled Hirota–Maccari system driving pulse propagation in optical fiber
Authors: Vinita  , Ray S. Saha
Published: May 2022

In this paper, Lie symmetry analysis has been proposed by utilizing the Lie group of continuous point transformation for obtaining the new exact soliton solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional Hirota–Maccari system. Lie infinitesimals and possible geometric vector fields are obtained by applying the third-order prolongation on this system. Also, their commutative product and adjoint relations have been presented in Tables 1 and 2. By considering the resulting symmetries, one-dimensional optimal system of Lie subalgebra is obtained. Meanwhile, the Hirota–Maccari system is reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations with the help of optimal subalgebras. Furthermore, the simplest equation method has been used to obtain the abundant exact soliton solutions of the reduced system. At last, conservation laws of Hirota–Maccari system have been extracted by utilizing the generalized “new conservation theorem” invoked by Ibragimov.
Bug-Transformer: Automated Program Repair Using Attention-Based Deep Neural Network
Authors: Yao Jie , Rao Bingbing , Xing Weiwei , Wang Liqiang
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we propose a novel transformer-based deep neural network model to learn semantic bug patterns from a corpus of buggy/fixed codes, then generate correct ones automatically. Transformer is a deep learning model relying entirely on attention mechanism to model global dependencies between input and output. Although there are a few endeavors to repair programs by learning neural language models (NLM), many special program properties, such as structure and semantics of an identifier, are not considered in embedding input sequence and designing model effectively, which results in undesired performance.

In the proposed Bug-Transformer, we design a novel context abstraction mechanism to better support neural language models. Specifically, it is capable of 1) compressing code information but preserving the key structure and semantics, which provides more thorough information for NLM models, 2) renaming identifiers and literals based on their lexical scopes, structural and semantic information, to reduce code vocabulary size and 3) reserving keywords and selected idioms (domain- or developer-specific vocabularies) for better understanding code structure and semantics. Hence, Bug-Transformer adequately embeds code structural and semantic information into input data and optimize attention-based transformer neural network to well handle code features in order to improve learning tasks for bug repair.

We evaluate the performance of the proposed work comprehensively on three datasets (Java code corpora) and generate patches to buggy code using a beam search decoder. The experimental results show that our proposed work outperforms the-state-of-art techniques: Bug-Transformer can successfully predict 54.81%, 34.45%, and 42.40% of the fixed code in these three datasets, respectively, which outperform the baseline models. These success rates steadily increase along with the increase of beam size. Besides, the overall syntactic correctness of all patches remains above 97%, 96%, and 50% on the three benchmarks, respectively, regardless of the beam size.
Train-Induced Dynamic Behavior and Fatigue Analysis of Cable Hangers for a Tied-Arch Bridge Based on Vector Form Intrinsic Finite Element
Authors: Duan Y. F. , Wu S. K. , Wang S. M. , Yau J. D. , Ni Y. Q. , Yun C. B.
Published: May 2022

This paper presents train-induced dynamic response and fatigue damage analyses for the hangers of a tied-arch railway bridge. A train–bridge interaction analysis is carried out using the vector form intrinsic finite element method, through which the inertial force effect of the moving train can be effectively analyzed. The responses of the bridge deck and its hangers are investigated at resonant train speeds. Significantly larger stresses are observed on the shorter hangers near the arch anchorages, which is primarily caused by the first two anti-symmetrical vibration modes. The fatigue damage to the hangers is estimated using the Palmgren-Miner model (PMM) for linear fatigue damage accumulation and the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) method for nonlinear accumulation. The mean stress effect is considered in the S–N curve primarily by Smith–Watson–Topper equation in terms of the effective stress range with a zero-mean stress. Two probability distributions for train speed are considered for the current and future operating conditions with mean speeds of 220 and 300[Formula: see text]km/h, respectively. This study found that the fatigue lives estimated by the nonlinear CDM are significantly shorter than those estimated by the linear PMM. It also found that the shortest hanger reflects the shortest fatigue life at the current operating speed, whereas the longer hanger near the third point of the bridge deck may have the shortest fatigue life at an increased speed in the future.
Analysis of Full-Ranged Failure Process of Bonded Pipe Joints Under Tension
Authors: Yuan Hong , Han Jun , Mo Ziyong , Zeng Lan
Published: May 2022

The mechanical properties of pipe joints are of vital importance to the performance of pipe structures. In order to further understand the whole failure process of adhesive pipe joints to maintain their good condition subjected to tensile loads, the analytical solutions are deduced in this paper, along with the parameter analysis by numerical simulations. A concise rigid-softening cohesive model was adopted to characterize the deformation of the interface. The whole failure process divided into different sections was discussed in detail and closed-form solutions of slip and shear stress were obtained. The finite element method (FEM) model for the bonded pipe joints under certain situations was established using commercial software ABAQUS, and the analytical and FEM results were accordant. The mechanism of shear stress transfer, the growth regulation of interface cracks and the mechanical performance of the joints under tensile loads were quantitatively obtained. These outcomes may help for the design, application and reinforcement of bonded pipe joints and can be compatible to other orthotropic materials.
A Tailored Method for Strategic Environmental Assessment in Maritime Spatial Planning
Authors: Calado Helena , Gutierrez Débora , Pegorelli Camila , Kirkfeldt Trine Skovgaard , Hipólito Claudia , Moniz Fabiana , McClintock Will , Vergílio Marta , Guerreiro José , Papaioannou Eva
Published: May 2022

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is used to identify the potential impacts of plans and policies such as maritime spatial planning (MSP). Studies have demonstrated ambiguity in SEA objectives and substantial knowledge gaps in existing and emerging SEA practices for MSP. The aim of this paper is to support a methodology for the development, implementation, and monitoring of SEA for MSP plans based on a stepwise, participatory mapping exercise by experts, using indicators to evaluate areas of conflicts/synergies in possible future scenarios. An overview of 16 proposed indicators identified a representative criterion. Participatory sector analyses were performed in three scenarios. Most conflicts focused on coastal areas, indicating that coastal planning should be a priority in all possible scenarios. The methodology developed in this paper uses GES indicators to perform the assessment of the three different scenarios and makes the development of a participatory mapping approach with experts in the very early stages of the process a more feasible alternative for a first assessment. This methodology was efficient in a collaborative SEA evaluation of MSPs to facilitate an ecosystem approach in an Azorean case study.
Relations between the Communist Party of China and International Organizations of Political Parties
Authors: Shan Xiaotong
Published: May 2022

International organizations of political parties are important actors in international relations, especially international politics. In recent years, international organizations of political parties have had a bigger say and greater influence in global governance. The CPC’s international relations with these organizations is a part of its 100-year history. Through various forms of exchanges with international organizations of political parties, the CPC has established a good international image, enlarged its circle of friends, fostered an environment for positive international public opinion towards China, and promoted the international community’s recognition of China’s solutions to global problems. With the urgent need to improve global governance, the CPC’s solutions to global issues, such as building a community with a shared future for mankind, have been increasingly recognized. The CPC enjoys more opportunities and broader space for exchanges with international organizations of political parties.
Application of principal component analysis and a spectrum-area fractal model to identify geochemical anomalies associated with vanadium mineralization in northeastern Jiangxi Province, South China
Authors: Li Hongli , Li Zenghua , Ouyang Yongpeng , Yang Lifei , Deng Youguo , Jiang Qibao , Deng Teng , Shang Pei , Lin Yuheng , Zeng Haoxuan
Published: May 2022

The Jiujiang region in northeastern Jiangxi Province is known for hosting many black shale-type vanadium deposits, which are mainly found in the Cambrian Hetang Formation and Sinian Piyuancun Formation. In this paper, based on stream sediment data, principal component analysis (PCA) and spectrum–area (S–A) fractal modelling are used to identify geochemical anomalies associated with vanadium (V) mineralization. First, a dataset containing 957 samples of stream sediments with 39 elements was processed using correlation analysis and cluster analysis to find the closest V-related elements, and Ag and Cd were obtained. Secondly, the raster maps of V, Ag and Cd were created using multifractal inverse distance-weighted interpolation. PCA was then employed to combine the concentration values of V, Ag and Cd into a single variable representing the internal relationships among the three elements. Finally, S–A analysis was used to decompose the first component pattern obtained through PCA and to extract anomalies from the complex background. The results show that the known V deposits are located within highly anomalous areas, which are well corelated with the distribution of black shales of the Hetang and Piyuancun Formations. It is suggested that the northeastern part of Jiangxi Province potentially hosts undiscovered V deposits, and the identified anomalies could be further used to guide mineral exploration.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Applications of Innovations in Geochemical Data Analysis collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/applications-of-innovations-in-geochemical-data-analysis
Can Artificial Intelligence Make Art?: Folk Intuitions as to whether AI-driven Robots Can Be Viewed as Artists and Produce Art
Authors: Mikalonytė Elzė Sigutė , Kneer Markus
Published: May 2022

In two experiments (total
N
= 693), we explored whether people are willing to consider paintings made by AI-driven robots as
art
, and robots as
artists
. Across the two experiments, we manipulated three factors: (i) agent type (AI-driven robot vs. human agent), (ii) behavior type (intentional creation of a painting vs. accidental creation), and (iii) object type (abstract vs. representational painting). We found that people judge robot paintings and human paintings as art to roughly the same extent. However, people are much less willing to consider robots as artists than humans, which is partially explained by the fact that they are less disposed to attribute artistic intentions to robots.