bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of COVID‐19 on mastectomy and breast reconstruction rates: A national surgical sample
Authors: Rubenstein Robyn N. , Stern Carrie S. , Plotsker Ethan L. , Haglich Kathryn , Tadros Audree B. , Mehrara Babak J. , Matros Evan , Nelson Jonas A.
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic profoundly impacted breast cancer treatment in 2020. Guidelines initially halted elective procedures, subsequently encouraging less invasive surgeries and restricting breast reconstruction options. We examined the effects of COVID‐19 on oncologic breast surgery and reconstruction rates during the first year of the pandemic.

Methods

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, we performed an observational examination of female surgical breast cancer patients from 2017 to 2020. We analyzed annual rates of lumpectomy, mastectomy (unilateral/contralateral prophylactic/bilateral prophylactic), and breast reconstruction (alloplastic/autologous) and compared 2019 and 2020 reconstruction cohorts to evaluate the effect of COVID‐19.

Results

From 2017 to 2020, 175 949 patients underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy with or without reconstruction. From 2019 to 2020, patient volume declined by 10.7%, unilateral mastectomy rates increased (70.5% to 71.9%, p = 0.003), and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy rates decreased. While overall reconstruction rates were unchanged, tissue expander reconstruction increased (64.0% to 68.4%, p < 0.001) and direct‐to‐implant and autologous reconstruction decreased. Outpatient alloplastic reconstruction increased (65.7% to 73.8%, p < 0.0001), and length of hospital stay decreased for all reconstruction patients (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In 2020, there was a nearly 11% decline in breast cancer surgeries, comparable mastectomy and reconstruction rates, increased use of outpatient alloplastic reconstruction, and significantly reduced in‐hospital time across all reconstruction types.
Zeolite/Chitosan/Gelatin Films: Preparation, Supercritical CO2 Processing, Characterization, and Bioactivity
Authors: Pajnik Jelena , Dikić Jelena , Milovanovic Stoja , Milosevic Milena , Jevtic Sanja , Lukić Ivana
Published: April 2022

Chitosan/gelatin and chitosan/gelatin/zeolite films prepared by solvent casting method are impregnated with a mixture of thymol and carvacrol using a green solvent, supercritical carbon dioxide at 35 °C and 30 MPa, during 18 h. Proposed method enables preparation of biocompatible and biodegradable blends with strong antioxidant and antibacterial activity, whereby amounts of loaded thymol/carvacrol (TC) mixture are in the range from 3.3% to 6%. After initial burst release, both types of films exhibit gradual release of bioactive compounds, with around 72% and 96% of impregnated TC mixture released in water and phosphate buffered saline solution (pH 7.4) during tested period of 10 days, respectively. Results of water vapor transmission rate (>76 g m−2 day−1) confirm that prepared composites are suitable for wound dressing application. Thermal analysis shows superior properties of prepared TC loaded films compared to control samples. In addition, mechanical and structural properties, as well as solubility and swelling behavior of the obtained films are investigated in detail.
Analysis of TNFSF13B polymorphisms and BAFF expression in rheumatoid arthritis and primary Sjögren's syndrome patients
Authors: Santillán‐López Enrique , Muñoz‐Valle José Francisco , Oregon‐Romero Edith , Espinoza‐García Noemí , Treviño‐Talavera Beatriz Alejandra , Salazar‐Camarena Diana Celeste , Marín‐Rosales Miguel , Cruz Alvaro , Alvarez‐Gómez Jhonatan Antonio , Sagrero‐Fabela Nefertari , Cerpa‐Cruz Sergio , Palafox‐Sánchez Claudia Azucena
Published: April 2022

Background

The increased expression of B cell‐activating factor (BAFF) has been linked to autoantibody production in autoimmune diseases (ADs). The aim of this study was to investigate the association among TNFSF13B gene (OMIM: 603969) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), TNFSF13B mRNA, and soluble BAFF (sBAFF) expression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The diagnostic value of sBAFF also was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic or receptor (ROC) curves.

Methods

Genotypes of the TNFSF13B rs9514827 (−2841 T > C), rs1041569 (−2701 A > T) and rs9514828 (−871 C > T) SNPs were determined by PCR‐RFLP assay. TNFSF13B mRNA and sBAFF expression were performed by RT‐qPCR and ELISA, respectively. The study included 320 RA patients, 101 pSS patients, and 309 healthy subjects (HS).

Results

The rs9514828 T allele and the TAT haplotype were associated with an increased risk to develop RA. In both ADs, the TNFSF13B mRNA levels were increased in comparison with HS. The rs9514828 (−871 C > T) polymorphism was associated with increased gene expression in RA patients. Also, sBAFF levels were higher in both ADs, however pSS patients showed the highest sBAFF levels. sBAFF showed higher diagnostic performance for pSS with an AUC of 0.968, with a similar accuracy of anti‐SSA/Ro antibody diagnosis (AUC = 0.974).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the TNFSF13B rs9514828 (−871 C > T) polymorphism is a risk factor for RA in the western Mexican population. sBAFF levels may be a potential diagnosis biomarker in pSS.
Proof of linear MRI phase imaging from an internal fieldmap
Authors: Chen Zikuan , Zhai Xiulan , Chen Zeyuan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Brain MRI phase imaging assumes a linear spatial mapping of the internal fieldmap that continues to lack theoretical proof. We herein present one proof by replacing the arithmetic mean (in MRI signal formation from the intravoxel spin precession dephasing mechanism) with the geometric mean.

Methods

By replacing the complex arithmetic mean of intravoxel dephasing isochromats with a complex geometric mean, we readily derive a linear spatial mapping of MRI phase imaging from an internal fieldmap without any restriction in phase angles. To justify the replacement of the complex arithmetic mean with the complex geometric mean for realistic brain MRI, we provide numerical T2*MRI simulations to observe the similarity and difference between arithmetic‐ and geometric‐mean phase images in diverse settings with respect to spatial resolution and echo time, with or without proton density weighting.

Results

Theoretically, the complex geometric mean model offers a theoretical proof of linear spatial mapping for MRI phase imaging. Numerical simulations of T2*MRI phase imaging show that the geometric mean conforms to the arithmetic mean at a high similarity in the small phase condition (e.g., corr > 0.90 in phase pre‐wrapping status at TE < 10 ms) and the similarity falls at large phase angles (e.g., corr ≈ 0.80 in phase‐wrapped status at TE = 30 ms).

Conclusion

By replacing the arithmetic mean of intravoxel spin precession dephasing with the geometric mean, we find a theoretical proof for linear MRI phase imaging beyond the small phase condition on spin precession angles.
Frame of reference training for content analysis with structured teams (FORT‐CAST): A framework for content analysis of open‐ended survey questions using multidisciplinary coders
Authors: Galura Sandra J. , Horan Kristin A. , Parchment Joy , Penoyer Daleen , Schlotzhauer Ann , Dye Kenzie , Hill Emily
Published: April 2022

In the context of a global pandemic, the need for reliable analysis of qualitative data in healthcare has never been more pressing. Open‐ended questions are a feasible way for both researchers and organizational stakeholders to gain deeper insight into complex situations when timely research is needed. However, the interpretation of brief, textual responses can prove problematic. Both manual and automated/semiautomated methods of coding qualitative data have been associated with errors and costly temporal delays. Data obtained from the qualitative analysis of open‐ended questions have been questioned for lacking robust insights. The present article introduces an innovative, manual, team‐based method of analyzing responses to open‐ended survey questions. This method was developed and implemented at the outset of the COVID‐19 pandemic to understand the needs of nurses and their perceptions of organizational strategies that were implemented to address pandemic‐related challenges. This framework utilizes a dedicated project management structure, general purpose software for data collection and analysis, frame‐of‐reference training designed for an interdisciplinary team of coders, and data analysis procedures that align with qualitative content analysis procedures. In concert, these techniques empower researchd team members with varying backgrounds and disparate levels of experience to provide unique human insights to data analysis procedures, refine the coding process, and support the abstraction of meaningful themes that were used to prioritize organizational strategies and further support nurses as the pandemic progressed.
Selfishness and consumer ethics: Does (non)religiosity matter?
Authors: Arli Denni , Tjiptono Fandy
Published: April 2022

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, frenzied selfishness and panic buying have dominated headlines around the globe. When people hoard supplies, others (including the needy and vulnerable people) cannot find necessities. Despite repeated calls from leaders, people worldwide continue to hoard supplies, and millions of people ignore coronavirus concerns, including churches. Hence, the purpose of this study is first to investigate the impact of consumers' (non) religiosity on selfishness and, subsequently, the impact of selfishness on consumers' ethical beliefs. Secondly, we explore do people's religiosity matters? Are religious people more ethical and less selfish than atheists or vice versa? This study uses the convenience sampling approach to investigate consumers' ethical beliefs. The sample was collected through Amazon M‐Turk and totaled 235 responses. The results show that consumers' intrinsic religiosity did not significantly influence consumers' selfishness. Furthermore, extrinsic religiosity and atheism positively influence consumers' selfishness. Finally, the results show that selfishness is prevalent in every group irrespective of the group's belief or nonbelief status. The results indicate that when exploring consumer ethics, the key measure should not only focus on consumers' religiousness or lack of religiousness but, instead, it should also include consumers' selfishness. This study offers several implications for non‐profit organizations dealing with ethical issues, and secondly, the study will have implications for ethical education among religious or non‐religious consumers. Originality/value—This is one of the first few studies investigating the impact of consumers' religiosity on selfishness. In addition, this study investigates differences between religious and non‐religious consumers on consumer ethics.
Effects of improved sodium uptake ability on grain yields of rice plants under low potassium supply
Authors: Ochiai Kumiko , Oba Kousuke , Oda Kanoko , Miyamoto Takuji , Matoh Toru
Published: April 2022

Sodium uptake is a factor that determines potassium use efficiency in plants as sodium can partially replace potassium in plant cells. Rice (Oryza sativa) roots usually exclude sodium but actively take it up when the plant is deficient in potassium. In rice roots, a sodium transporter OsHKT2;1 mediates active sodium uptake. We previously revealed that variation in the expression of OsHKT2;1 underlies the variation in sodium accumulation between a low‐sodium‐accumulating indica cultivar, IR64, and a high‐sodium‐accumulating japonica cultivar, Koshihikari. In the present study, we evaluated IR64 and its near‐isogenic line IR64‐K carrying OsHKT2;1 and neighboring genes inherited from Koshihikari for grain yield. IR64‐K had a greater average grain yield and harvest index than IR64 in a pot culture experiment with three levels of potassium fertilizer. The differences were most significant under treatment without the potassium fertilizer. IR64‐K also showed a slightly higher grain yield than IR64 when grown in a paddy field without applying the potassium fertilizer. These results suggest that enhanced sodium uptake ability improves the grain yield of rice plants under low‐potassium‐input conditions.
‘ShowMeSoy 4301’: High‐yielding soybean with multiple disease resistance and elevated seed oil content
Authors: Chen Pengyin , Shannon J. Grover , Scaboo Andrew , Crisel Melissa , Smothers Scotty , Clubb Michael , Selves Stewart , Canella Vieira Caio , Ali Md Liakat , Lee Dongho , Nguyen Henry , Li Zenglu , Mitchum Melissa Goellner , Bond Jason P. , Meinhardt Clinton G. , Usovsky Mariola , Li Shuxian , Mengistu Alemu , Zhang Bo , Mozzoni Leandro Angel , Robbins Robert T.
Published: April 2022

‘ShowMeSoy 4301’ (Reg. no. CV‐544, PI 699899) is a conventional (non‐genetically modified) early maturity group IV soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar released by the University of Missouri–Fisher Delta Research Center soybean breeding program in 2019. It originated from the cross ‘S08‐17361’ × ‘S05‐11482’′ designed to develop new high‐yielding germplasm with multiple disease resistance and desirable seed composition. ShowMeSoy 4301 is resistant to charcoal rot, frogeye leaf spot, stem canker, sudden death syndrome, southern root‐knot nematode, and reniform nematode, moderately resistant to soybean cyst nematode races 1 (HG Type 2.5.7) and 2 (HG Type 1.2.5.7), and tolerant to salt stress. Seeds of ShowMeSoy 4301 have 234.9 g kg–1 of oil, 402.4 g kg–1 of protein, and 478.4 g kg–1 of meal protein content on a dry weight basis, making it a high oil cultivar based on the industry's standards. ShowMeSoy 4301 was tested from 2014 to 2019 in a total of 150 geographically diverse environments across 13 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. It demonstrated high‐yielding potential and broad adaptability across multiple states. The combination of these traits with a comprehensive disease package and desirable seed composition makes it a good cultivar choice for growers in the mid‐southern United States.
Histidine methyltransferase SETD3 methylates structurally diverse histidine mimics in actin
Authors: Hintzen Jordi C. J. , Ma Huida , Deng Hao , Witecka Apolonia , Andersen Steffen B. , Drozak Jakub , Guo Hong , Qian Ping , Li Haitao , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: April 2022

Actin histidine Nτ‐methylation by histidine methyltransferase SETD3 plays an important role in human biology and diseases. Here, we report integrated synthetic, biocatalytic, biostructural, and computational analyses on human SETD3‐catalyzed methylation of actin peptides possessing histidine and its structurally and chemically diverse mimics. Our enzyme assays supported by biostructural analyses demonstrate that SETD3 has a broader substrate scope beyond histidine, including N‐nucleophiles on the aromatic and aliphatic side chains. Quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical molecular dynamics and free‐energy simulations provide insight into binding geometries and the free energy barrier for the enzymatic methyl transfer to histidine mimics, further supporting experimental data that histidine is the superior SETD3 substrate over its analogs. This work demonstrates that human SETD3 has a potential to catalyze efficient methylation of several histidine mimics, overall providing mechanistic, biocatalytic, and functional insight into actin histidine methylation by SETD3.
Mass spectral and theoretical investigations of N–Cαbond cleavages in the disulfide‐containing peptide TTCPYCKK and its analogues
Authors: Wang Jinhu , Tian Hongwu , Li Tiejian , Sun Ying , Zhou Zongyi , Shi Tiesheng
Published: April 2022

Rationale

For disulfide‐containing peptides, mass spectrometric analyses are rarely comparably studied between their dithiol and disulfide forms. Persulfide ions afforded from peptides with a disulfide ring are from either an unusual N–Cαbond cleavage or a canonical peptide bond cleavage; their isomeric structures are, however, not identified just from peaks of mass spectra.

Methods

Isomeric structures of [C3P4X5|C6M], [C3MAP4X5|C6MB] and [P4X5C6|C3M] were identified from a series of the X5substituted dicysteine octapeptides using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for both their dithiol and disulfide forms. Formation mechanisms of different persulfide ions were investigated systematically by theoretical methods. Moreover, electrostatic potential‐mapped molecular van der Waals surfaces were used to determine the stabilities of the intermediates, which gave a further evaluation of favored bond cleavage.

Results

Mass spectral analyses indicated that the fragmented ions changed largely when an intramolecular disulfide bond was formed. New types of disulfide‐containing fragmented ions [C3P4X5|C6M] or [C3MAP4X5|C6MB] were thus proposed. Energy analysis showed that the N–Cαcleavage was not competitive energetically with that of the amide bond for Y5and its phosphorylated analogue. However, the N–Cαcleavage products dominated for the S5‐ and T5‐containing peptides. Stabilities of the intermediates were found to be related with the electrostatic potential‐mapped molecular van der Waals surfaces.

Conclusions

Persulfide ions containing more residues than previously found were proposed not only fromb7ions but also fromy6ions. In addition, a new kind of phosphorylated analogue, [C3P4pY5|C6M], is reported in this work. Our study provides convincing results for separating isomeric structures in the cases of N–Cαcleavages, which greatly assists in the structural identification of disulfide‐containing peptides.
Neurological development in 36‐month‐old children conceived via assisted reproductive technology: The Japan Environment and Children's Study
Authors: Miyake Takao , Yamamoto Midori , Sakurai Kenichi , Eguchi Akifumi , Yoshida Masashi , Mori Chisato ,   The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) Group
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate neurodevelopment in children conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with several types of embryo transfers.

Methods

We analyzed data for 77 928 children and their mothers included in a Japanese birth cohort study. Among the included children, 4071 were conceived via IVF, while 1542 were conceived via ICSI. Neurodevelopmental delay at the age of 3 years was assessed using the Japanese version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, 3rd edition.

Results

In the crude model, the odds ratios for developmental delay in 1–4 domains were higher among children conceived via IVF, ICSI, and non‐ART (ovulatory induction or intrauterine insemination) than in spontaneously conceived children. After adjusting for parental background factors and the child's sex, there were no differences in the risk of developmental delay when comparing singletons conceived by IVF, ICSI, or non‐ART and those conceived spontaneously. Higher odds ratios for developmental delay in one domain were observed in singleton girls conceived via IVF when compared with those who were spontaneously conceived.

Conclusion

Most cases of developmental delay may be associated with multiple pregnancies and factors related to infertility, such as parental age, irrespective of the use of ART.
A distributed model predictive control with neighborhood state feedback invariant set for reconfigurable networked systems
Authors: Zheng Yi , Li Shaoyuan , Hou Bei
Published: April 2022

For a class of networked systems, this article proposed a distributed model predictive control (DMPC) design where the actual control law is composed of the solution of an independent optimization problem and a neighborhood states feedback part. By the proposed method, each subsystem‐based MPC is designed in a distributed way and the neighborhood feedback provides more potential for the designed DMPC to be applied to a wider class of systems. First, an LMI optimization problem is designed for determining the parameters of the neighborhood feedback matrix and corresponding invariant sets where the information of neighboring subsystems is explicitly involved. The designed feedback control law deals with the affection of the interacted subsystems and limits the deviation between the nominal model and the real system within the robust invariant set. Then, the independent suboptimal problem is developed using a predictive model without considering interconnections among subsystems, where the state is restricted by a tightened constraint which is related to the designed robust invariant set. The feasibility and stability of the closed‐loop system are analyzed. The proposed DMPC enables the direct removal or plugging‐in of subsystems. Simulation results demonstrated the effectiveness of the method.
Remotely sensed variables explain microhabitat selection and reveal buffering behaviours against warming in a climate‐sensitive bird species
Authors: Alessandrini Corrado , Scridel Davide , Boitani Luigi , Pedrini Paolo , Brambilla Mattia
Published: April 2022

Fine‐scale habitat selection modelling can allow a mechanistic understanding of habitat selection processes, enabling better assessments of the effects of climate and habitat changes on biodiversity. Remotely sensed data provide an ever‐increasing amount of environmental and climatic variables at high spatio‐temporal resolutions, and a unique opportunity to produce fine‐scale habitat models particularly useful in challenging environments, such as high‐elevation areas. Working at a 10‐m spatial resolution, we assessed the value of remotely sensed data for investigating foraging habitat selection (in relation to topography, microclimate, land cover) in nestling‐rearing white‐winged snowfinch (Montifringilla nivalis), a high‐elevation species highly sensitive to climate change. Adult snowfinches foraged at locations with intermediate vegetation cover and higher habitat heterogeneity, also avoiding extremely warm or extremely cold microclimates. Temperature interacted with other environmental drivers in defining habitat selection, highlighting trade‐offs between habitat profitability and thermoregulation: snowfinches likely adopted mechanisms of behavioural buffering against physiologically stressful conditions by selecting for cooler, shaded and more snowy foraging grounds at higher temperatures. Our results matched those from previous studies based on accurate field measurements, confirming the species' reliance on climate‐sensitive microhabitats (snow patches and low‐sward grassland, in heterogeneous patches) and the usefulness of satellite‐derived fine‐scale modelling. Habitat suitability models built on remotely sensed predictors can provide a cost‐effective method for periodic monitoring of species' habitats both at fine grain and over large extents. Fine‐scale models also enhance our understanding of the actual drivers of (micro)habitat selection and of possible buffering behaviours against warming, allowing more accurate and robust distribution models, finer predictions of potential future changes and carefully targeted conservation strategies and habitat management.
Faster carbon turnover in topsoil with straw addition is less beneficial to carbon sequestration than subsoil and mixed soil
Authors: Dai Shan‐Shan , He Peng , Guo Xiao‐Li , Ge Tida , Oliver Margaret A. , Li Lu‐Jun
Published: April 2022

In arable soils, the topsoil and subsoil are commonly mixed in the operation of deep tillage. It is not yet clear whether the influence of crop straw on soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization of the mixed soil (from the topsoil and subsoil) is different from that of solely the topsoil or subsoil. We conducted a 120‐d incubation experiment with the addition of 13C‐labeled maize (Zea mays L.) straw to study SOM mineralization and straw decomposition in the topsoil (0–15 cm), subsoil (15–30 cm), and their mixture (0–30 cm). Straw addition promoted SOM mineralization and thus induced a positive priming effect. The mineralization of SOM in topsoil with straw addition was 122% higher than in subsoil, and 45% higher than in mixed soil. After the 120‐d incubation, 12–16% of straw C was mineralized as CO2, contributing approximately 50–70% to the total CO2 production. Furthermore, straw C was also incorporated into SOM fractions, with 34, 7, and 59% in the light fraction, particulate organic C (coarse and fine), and mineral‐associated organic C (MAOC) in topsoil, respectively. The SOM mineralization and priming were greater in the topsoil with higher dissolved organic C and NO3–N throughout the incubation. Despite more straw C retained in MAOC in topsoil, the significant decrease in total MAOC with straw addition indicated that SOM turnover induced by fresh C application was probably faster in topsoil than the subsoil and mixed soil. Our findings indicated that both subsoil and mixed soil tended to sequester C with straw addition, whereas topsoil C turnover was faster than subsoil in the presence of straw addition.
Conservation psychology strategies for collaborative planning and impact evaluation
Authors: Maynard Lily , Howorth Paige , Daniels Jaret , Bunney Katie‐Lyn , Snyder Rebecca , Jenike David , Barnhart Trent , Spevak Edward , Fitzgerald Patrick , Gezon Zak
Published: April 2022

Conservation psychology principles can be useful for aligning organizations and scaling up conservation programs to increase impact while strategically engaging partners and communities. We can use findings and recommendations from conservation psychology to inform organizational collaborations between zoos and aquariums to maximize efficiency and coordination. In this study, we developed and evaluated a collaborative conservation initiative for monarch butterflies built with conservation psychology principles. We present our process for collaborative program planning and the resultant collective conservation plan as well as our formative evaluation findings after 1‐year of collaboration. We share best practices for group facilitation and conservation planning along with our evaluation instruments to support future collaborative conservation initiatives.
Stories, Stigma and Sequences: HIV Cluster Detection and Response Activities Through a Narrative Ethics Lens
Authors: Watson Meg , Michels Emily , Spieldenner Andrew , Ortmann Leonard W. , Barrett Drue H.
Published: April 2022

Viral genetic sequences are generated as part of clinical care to treat people with HIV. Public health practitioners analyze these sequences, reported routinely through surveillance systems as part of disease reporting, to identify and respond to clusters of rapid HIV transmission. The ethical, social, and legal implications of this work have arisen against the backdrop of HIV stigma and amidst efforts to build trust with the HIV community. HIV disproportionately affects persons marginalized because of racism, homophobia, transphobia, or other socially stigmatized behaviors. The compounded effects of HIV and other stigmas result in barriers to care. This narrative explores several issues related to HIV cluster detection and response, including lack of individual consent for HIV surveillance, the collection of HIV genotype data, and the use of these data for public health purposes. Moreover, the potential use of these data for non-public health purposes which are likely to disproportionately impact marginalized populations also underscores the need for transparency. The characters in the narrative – public health agency staff and people with HIV – portray these issues from various perspectives. The narrative also illustrates ethical considerations related to public health activities, including a focus on population-level interventions, partnering with communities, and establishing trusting relationships.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study on Concrete Block Fabricated Foundation
Authors: Liu Huiyuan , Yang Xibin , Li Jie , Ding Mintao , Song Congyue , Li Yongping
Published: April 2022

The fabricated foundation can be prefabricated in the factory, so it is easy to control the size, weight and quality of components, and it’s easy to transport since the size is controllable. The operation links such as on-site concrete pouring and maintenance, on-site formwork and steel bar binding are omitted, the opening time of foundation pit is reduced, and the construction time is greatly shortened. In this paper, two different types of concrete block fabricated foundation (Foundation-A and Foundation-B) are designed. The foundation is divided into concrete blocks one by one, which are connected by bolts and steel plates on site. In order to study the connection performance and bearing capacity of the two types of foundation, the in-situ test and the numerical simulation analysis of fabricated foundations is carried out. The research shows that both foundation types can meet the requirements of bearing capacity, but Foundation-B is better than Foundation-A in bearing performance, integrity, processing difficulty and construction difficulty.
Test and Evaluation for Performance of Composite Pavement Structure
Authors: Yang Zhihao , Wang Linbing , Cao Dongwei , Li Rongxu , Yang Hailu
Published: April 2022

Perpetual pavement has become an important research field of highway development in China. Reasonable selection of pavement structure and ensuring the durability of the structure are one of the necessary measures to build perpetual pavements. The inverted asphalt pavement structure can not only provide high strength and good bearing capacity of semi-rigid base, but also make use of the graded crushed stones for restraining the reflection cracks of semi-rigid base. This paper presented a study on three pavement structures are, namely, a semi-rigid asphalt pavement and two inverted asphalt pavements. The performances of the three pavement structures after one million loading repetition are obtained. Taking rutting depth, deflection and dynamic response as evaluation indexes, the feasibility of inverted asphalt pavement structure as perpetual pavement structure is evaluated. It is found that the composite asphalt pavement structure with permeable asphalt mixture of large particle size as base and cement stabilized macadam as subbase has the best performance as perpetual pavement.
Comparative Analysis of the Displacement Dynamic Load Allowance and Bending Moment Dynamic Load Allowance of Highway Continuous Girder Bridge
Authors: Fan Kaixiang
Published: April 2022

The dynamic load allowance (DLA) of the bridge structure is an important parameter in the bridge design. In order to study the variation law of displacement DLA and bending moment DLA of continuous girder bridge, taking 2 × 30 m continuous girder bridge and five-axis vehicles as the research object, the road roughness was simulated by the trigonometric series approach. With the help of ANSYS and APDL language, the influence of vehicle speeds, vehicle weights and road roughness on the displacement DLA and bending moment DLA are studied. The results show that the displacement DLA showed increasing trend with the increase of vehicle speed, and bending moment DLA showed increasing first and then decreasing; With the increase of body weight, the displacement DLA and bending moment DLA show a gradually increasing trend; Displacement DLA and bending moment DLA do have numerical differences. And the value of the displacement DLA is slightly larger than the value of the bending moment DLA. It is suggested that the displacement DLA and bending moment DLA should be distinguished in engineering design and dynamic load test. The research conclusion can provide reference for bridge structure engineering design and dynamic load test.
Application Analysis of Several Basement Exterior Wall Construction Schemes in Compacted Pile Foundation Treatment Engineering
Authors: Yan Yatuan , Chen Chen , Xu Yufei , Li Shoufu , Wang Teng , Ding Di
Published: April 2022

Collapsible loess exists in a large area in Northwestern China. When collapsible loess exists in the ground, it is usually necessary to treat it to eliminate the collapsibility before placing the building foundation. When compacting piles are used to treat the collapsible loess foundation, there are three different construction schemes for the construction of the basement exterior wall, which are the conventional excavation scheme, the outer frame edge excavation scheme, and the unilateral support form excavation scheme. Through the detailed description of the three construction schemes, and the comparative analysis from the aspects of construction difficulty, economy, construction period, etc. It can be concluded that the conventional excavation scheme has the highest cost, the highest construction efficiency, the longest construction period, and other aspects. The frame edge excavation scheme has the lowest construction efficiency, and the unilateral formwork excavation scheme has the lowest cost and the shortest construction period.
Laboratory Model Test of Eco-Concrete Slab Slope Protection
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Fengchi , Xu Gang , Guo Lilong
Published: April 2022

In order to study the protective effects of eco-concrete slope and the influencing factors of eco-concrete slope deformation. The displacement characteristics and ultimate bearing capacity of the slope model under different geometric parameters are obtained through the laboratory model test of eco-concrete slope protection, and the influence laws of slope deformation under different protection slope conditions are summarized, as well as the influence laws of soil compaction, soil moisture content and slope ratio on the horizontal displacement restraint capacity and stability of the slope. Compared with the unprotected slope, the ultimate load of the reinforced concrete slab slope and the ordinary concrete slab slope are increased by 2.2 times and 2.4 times respectively, and the horizontal displacement restraint capacity of the slope is increased by 29.3% and 51.6% respectively. The moisture content, compactness and slope gradient of slope soil have a certain influence on the deformation restraint capacity of slope protected by vegetation concrete slab.
Influence of Fiber on Properties of Graphite Tailings Foam Concrete
Authors: Sun Xiaowei , Gao Miao , Zhou Honghong , Lv Jing , Ding Zhaoyang
Published: April 2022

The project used graphite tailings as a filler to prepare graphite tailings foamed concrete. Mainly studied the physical properties, mechanical properties and thermal properties of the foam concrete by graphite tailings, also studied the combination of polypropylene fiber and glass fiber influence of foam concrete compressive strength and cracking strength. The experimental results show that in the case of the same dry density grade, adding 20% graphite tailings can make the foam concrete strength reach its peak. When the water-binder ratio is 0.65 and the self-made chemical foaming agent content is 7%, the optimal total fiber volume blending rate is 0.18%, and the blending ratio of polypropylene fiber and glass fiber is 2:1. The compounding of polypropylene fiber and glass fiber can improve the flexural performance of foam concrete, which is not conducive to the thermal insulation performance of foam concrete, but the test results are still better than industry standards.
Influence of Oxide Molar Ratio on Size Effect of Geopolymer Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Sun Xiaowei , Bian Hongguang , Ding Zhaoyang , Qi Lin
Published: April 2022

Four different size of concrete cube (70 mm3, 100 mm3, 150 mm3, and 200 mm3) of geopolymer recycled aggregate concrete (GRAC) were prepared by replacing cement with geopolymer and natural aggregate with wast concrete. The effect of oxide molar ratio of raw material on compressive strength and its size effect of GRAC was studied.The results show the size conversion coefficient of GRAC cannot adopt the values from the current national standard GB/T50081. The relationship of size conversion coefficient α and oxide molar ratio ε of GRAC was worked out. It was found that the compressive strength of GRAC of all sizes were in line with the Bazant’s size theory. Oxide molar ratio on critical size and critical value of GRAC were calculated.
Assessment of the Influence of TH Port’s Breakwater on the Hydrodynamic Regime in Cua Lo and Cua Hoi Estuaries, Nghe an Province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Viet Thanh , Zhang Chi
Published: April 2022

TH Port is in offshore of Cua Lo estuary, Nghe An Province, Vietnam. In master plan from 2021 to 2030 and vision to 2050 years, an offshore breakwater will be built to protect the harbour basin of the port. This paper will be investigated the influence of the offshore breakwater on the hydrodynamics changes by a couple numerical model. The results indicated that the hydrodynamic regime control by the presence of offshore breakwater in monsoon and storm conditions and the offshore breakwater plays an important role in protection of TH port in NE monsoon and storm waves conditions and the presence of breakwater induced circulations in front of two estuaries and the mid area of Cua Lo beach.
Effect of Bridge Skew on the Analytical and Experimental Responses of a Steel Girder Highway Bridge
Authors: Lu Renxiang , Judd Johnn
Published: April 2022

This study examines the effect of bridge skew on the load rating and natural frequencies of a steel girder skewed highway bridge. The analytical load rating was determined based on a line-girder model and the AASHTO bridge design specification. The experimental load rating was determined based on a series of calibrated-weight truck runs. The analytical natural frequency was determined based on correlating the single span response to a continuous span response. The experimental natural frequency was obtained based on the free vibration response from the calibrated-weight truck. The frequency associated with the first spike of the frequency domain plot was identified using a Fast Fourier Transformation. The results show that the analytical load ratings and natural frequencies differed from the experimental values primarily due to effect of bridge skew, which caused the actual load path to be significantly shorter than the bridge span length that was used in the analytical calculations.
Symptom improvement with mirabegron treatment is associated with urobiome changes in adult women
Authors: Halverson Thomas , Mueller Elizabeth R. , Brubaker Linda , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: April 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

Mirabegron, a beta-3 agonist, is prescribed for urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). We assessed the correlation of symptom improvement with urobiome characteristics in adult women participants prescribed mirabegron for UUI treatment.

Methods

We enrolled participants seeking UUI treatment who selected mirabegron and agreed to participate in this 12-week, open label study conducted at the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Center at Loyola University Medical Center. Following eligibility screening and research consent, participants completed the overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-Q) and provided a catheterized urine sample at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The primary outcome, symptom improvement at 12 weeks, was based on the validated Patient Global Symptom Control questionnaire score to dichotomize symptom response (responder vs nonresponder [PGSC score ≤3]). Urine samples were processed by the Expanded Quantitative Urine Culture (EQUC) protocol.

Results

Eighty-three participants (mean age 68 years) completed baseline assessment. Of the 47 participants with primary outcome data and samples analysis, there were 16 responders and 31 nonresponders; responder groups were similar demographically. Living microbes were detected in most participants. There were no significant differences in alpha diversity (within sample) at baseline between groups. However, at the 12-week follow-up, the responder urobiome became significantly richer, with a larger number of genera (p = 0.027) and was significantly more diverse than the nonresponders.

Conclusions

Longitudinal urobiome changes are associated with symptom improvement in adult women being treated with mirabegron for UUI. The mechanism for symptoms improvement may relate to the detected changes in the urobiome and warrants further study.
The interaction of emotions and cost-shifting rules in civil litigation
Authors: Chen Ben , Rodrigues-Neto José A.
Published: April 2022

We model civil litigation as a simultaneous contest between a plaintiff and a defendant who have monetary and emotional preferences. The litigants’ emotional variables capture a non-monetary joy of winning and relational emotions toward each other. A contest success function (CSF) describes the litigants’ respective probabilities of success based on their endogenous litigation expenses and exogenous relative advantages. The model does not specify a functional form for the CSF. Instead, it accommodates any CSF that satisfies general and intuitive assumptions, which capture frequently-used functional forms. A cost-shifting rule allows the winner to recover an exogenous proportion of her litigation expenses from the loser. There exists a unique Nash equilibrium with positive expenses. In equilibrium, negative relational emotions (but not a positive joy of winning) amplify the effects of cost shifting, and vice versa. Thus negative relational emotions and positive cost shifting have a similar strategic role, and one can be a substitute for the other. If the litigants’ relative advantages are sufficiently balanced, then more cost shifting (or more negative relational emotions) increases total expenses in equilibrium.
COVID-19 Vasculitis and vasculopathy-Distinct immunopathology emerging from the close juxtaposition of Type II Pneumocytes and Pulmonary Endothelial Cells
Authors: Giryes Sami , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Bridgewood Charles , De Marco Gabriele , McGonagle Dennis
Published: April 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus ACE-2 receptor utilization for cellular entry and the defined ACE-2 receptor role in cardiovascular medicine hinted at dysregulated endothelial function or even direct viral endotheliitis as the key driver of severe COVID-19 vascular immunopathology including reports of vasculitis. In this article, we critically review COVID-19 immunopathology from the vasculitis perspective and highlight the non-infectious nature of vascular endothelial involvement in severe COVID-19. Whilst COVID-19 lung disease pathological changes included juxta-capillary and vascular macrophage and lymphocytic infiltration typical of vasculitis, we review the evidence reflecting that such “vasculitis” reflects an extension of pneumonic inflammatory pathology to encompass these thin-walled vessels. Definitive, extrapulmonary clinically discernible vasculitis including cutaneous and cardiac vasculitis also emerged- namely a dysregulated interferon expression or “COVID toes” and an ill-defined systemic Kawasaki-like disease. These two latter genuine vasculitis pathologies were not associated with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. This was distinct from cutaneous vasculitis in severe COVID-19 that demonstrated pauci-immune infiltrates and prominent immunothrombosis that appears to represent a novel immunothrombotic vasculitis mimic contributed to by RNAaemia or potentially diffuse pulmonary venous tree thrombosis with systemic embolization with small arteriolar territory occlusion, although the latter remains unproven. Herein, we also performed a systematic literature review of COVID-19 vasculitis and reports of post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination related vasculitis with respect to the commonly classified pre-COVID vasculitis groupings. Across the vasculitis spectrum, we noted that Goodpasture’s syndrome was rarely linked to natural SARS-CoV-2 infection but not vaccines. Both the genuine vasculitis in the COVID-19 era and the proposed vasculitis mimic should advance the understanding of both pulmonary and systemic vascular immunopathology.
Promoting smoking cessation in the paediatric respiratory clinic
Authors: Osinibi Mira , Lawton Adam , Bossley Cara , Gupta Atul
Published: April 2022

Exposure to tobacco smoke is harmful to children and young people (CYP). There is, to our knowledge, no published evidence quantifying the success of smoking cessation interventions targeted at both CYP and their parents or guardians in paediatric respiratory clinics. We offered 102 participants smoking cessation advice, using motivational interviewing and exhaled carbon monoxide measurements to help them quit smoking. In total, 16 of 102 participants quit smoking, with 4 lost to follow-up. A further 40 participants cut down on how much they smoked.

Conclusion: Formal screening questions on smoking and the provision of smoking cessation advice should form a regular part of all respiratory clinics where CYP and their parents are seen. Simple smoking cessation interventions can lead to reduced smoking in this population.

What is Known:• Tobacco smoking is strongly associated with significant morbidity and mortality.• Adolescents with chronic respiratory diseases may themselves smoke, or may have parents who do so.

What is New:• Smoking cessation interventions are well received in paediatric respiratory clinic by patients and their families.• Simple smoking cessation interventions can help young people and their parents to stop smoking or cut down on smoking.
Health-related quality of life in abdominal wall hernia: let’s ask patients what matters to them?
Authors: Smith O. A. , Mierzwinski M. F. , Chitsabesan P. , Chintapatla S.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Quality of Life (QoL) is an important consideration in patients with abdominal wall hernia (AWH). What matters to patients and their everyday experience living with AWH may depend on a variety of personal, psychological, social and environmental factors. At present, no study has addressed what is important to this particular group of patients by asking the patients themselves. This study aims to determine QoL from the patient’s perspective by examining the lived experience in this patient population.

Methods

We interviewed 15 patients with AWH until thematic saturation. The patients were purposively sampled from AWH clinic between February 2020 and June 2020 using topic guides and interview schedules. Verbatim interview transcripts were coded and analysed using NVivo12 software and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). We adhered to consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Results

Fifteen participants (8 men and 7 women) of age range 36–85 years, median 65 years, covering all Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) grades. Five superordinate themes were identified each with several subordinate themes, as follows: (1) body image (subthemes—‘changes to perceptions of self’ and ‘fears concerning perceptions of others’). (2) Mental health (subthemes—‘emotional responses’, ‘disruptions to previously solid aspects of identity’, ‘developing coping strategies’). (3) Symptoms (subthemes—‘managing pain’, ‘freedom of movement’, ‘restriction and adaptation of function’). (4) Interpersonal relationships (subthemes—‘difficulties socially connecting’ and ‘changes in sexual relations’). (5) Employment (subthemes—‘financial pressure’, ‘return to work issues’ and ‘costs to family’).

Conclusion

This is the first phenomenological qualitative study in the field of AWH and presents a rich account of what is important to these patients in terms of QoL. Developed from the patients’ own words, the themes are interrelated and should shape our understanding of patients with AWH. This study provides qualitative examples of each theme. This study has identified new themes (body image, interpersonal relationships and employment) that are not incorporated in existing AWH-specific QoL instruments. This is important for surgeons because the study suggests that we are currently not capturing all data relevant to QoL in this specific patient group with current tools. The wider impact of this would be to help counsel patients and support them more holistically through the disease process and it's management. Further research is needed to generate a standardised AWH QoL instrument which incorporates bio-psycho-emotional–social themes important to patients, as identified by patients.