bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons learned from two clinical trials on nutritional supplements to reduce aggressive behaviour
Authors: de Bles Nienke J. , Gast David A. A. , van der Slot Abe J. C. , Didden Robert , van Hemert Albert M. , Rius‐Ottenheim Nathaly , Giltay Erik J.
Published: January 2022

Background

Setting up and conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) has many challenges—particularly trials that include vulnerable individuals with behavioural problems or who reside in facilities that focus on care as opposed to research. These populations are underrepresented in RCTs.

Approach

In our paper, we describe the challenges and practical lessons learned from two RCTs in two care settings involving long‐stay psychiatric inpatients and people with intellectual disabilities. We describe five main difficulties and how these were overcome: (1) multisite setting, (2) inclusion of vulnerable participants, (3) nutritional supplements and placebos, (4) assessment of behavioural outcomes, and (5) collecting bio samples.

Conclusions

By sharing these practical experiences, we hope to inform other researchers how to optimally design their trials, while avoiding and minimising the difficulties that we encountered, and to facilitate the implementation of a trial. Both trials were registered in the Clinical Trials Register (RCT A: NCT02498106; RCT B: NCT03212092).
Evaluation of skin using infrared thermal imaging for dermatology and aesthetic applications
Authors: Vergilio Mariane Massufero , Gomes Guilherme , Aiello Laura Moretti , Fontana Monique , Aldred Alexandre , Ribeiro João Alberto de Souza , Gabbi Tatiana Villas Boas , Leonardi Gislaine Ricci
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The use of thermography in the medical field has been experiencing a renaissance due to advances in the infrared thermographic imaging technology, which improves thermographic equipment and promises cost saving and increased safety. Dermatology is one of the most promising fields of application among the medical areas with potential for the use of thermography.

Objective

To review the findings on this subject and to describe the use of such technique for dermatology and aesthetic applications.

Methods

A bibliographic survey was carried out, selecting relevant publications and guidelines, focused on monitoring medical diagnostic applications and benefits of thermography for dermatology, inflammatory skin diseases, and aesthetic applications.

Results

Inflammatory skin diseases lead to changes of the IRT image. A quantification of treatment effects and monitoring changes on skin can be possible by repeated measurements over time.

Conclusion

Infrared imaging is a noninvasive, powerful tool in the diagnosis and clinical management of skin conditions and monitoring of aesthetic procedures.
How ‘significant others’ may support parents with decision‐making about their child’s cancer care: An integrative literature review
Authors: Jestico Elizabeth C. L. , Schutz Susan E. , Finlay Teresa M. D. , Appleton Jane V.
Published: January 2022

Aim

To synthesise what is known from current international evidence about how parents are supported by significant others when they are faced with making decisions about their child's cancer care.

Background

Parents are faced with making challenging decisions when their child has cancer and may benefit from support. Whilst previous research has comprehensively explored how healthcare professionals can offer support, little attention has been given to how support may be informally provided from a parent's network of significant others.

Method

An integrative literature review was undertaken and reported following the ENTREQ framework. Literature was identified from comprehensive database searching across four relevant databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO and British Nursing Database) and hand‐searching reference lists of retrieved studies. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were critically appraised and then analysed using the Constant Comparative Analysis method.

Results

Twenty‐six articles were included in the review. Two overarching themes were identified. Theme 1—Dimensions of Decision‐Making support—included three sub‐themes: informational, emotional and instrumental mechanisms of support. Theme 2—Expectations of Decision‐Making support—identified that parents’ expectations of their own role, and the role of their significant others, affected how decision‐making was supported.

Conclusions

Parents may seek and receive support from various significant members of their network, but there is a fine line between supportive and unsupportive behaviours.

Relevance to clinical practice

Each family's unique personal, social and cultural context strongly impacts on their support needs, and nurses and other healthcare professionals should be mindful of how parents may access support from their significant others. Further in‐depth research around this area would contribute important knowledge around parents’ support needs.
Seventy years of bariatric surgery: A systematic mapping review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rives‐Lange Claire , Rassy Nathalie , Carette Claire , Phan Aurelie , Barsamian Charles , Thereaux Jeremie , Moszkowicz David , Poghosyan Tigran , Czernichow Sebastien
Published: January 2022

While research publications on bariatric surgery (BS) have grown significantly over the past decade, there is no mapping of the existing body of evidence on this field of research. We performed a systematic review followed by a mapping of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in BS for people with obesity. From January 2020 to December 2020, we performed a systematic review of RCTs evaluating BS, versus another surgical procedure, or versus a medical control group, through a search of Embase and PubMed. There was no restriction on outcomes for study selection. A total of 114 RCTs were included, most (73.7%) of which were based on a comparison with Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and conducted between 2010 and 2020. Only 15% of the trials were multicenter and few (3.5%) were international. The median number of patients enrolled was 61 (interquartile range [IQR]: 47.3–100). Follow‐up time was 1 to 2 years in 36% and 22.8% of the trials, respectively. Weight loss was the most studied criterion (87% of RCTs), followed by obesity‐related diseases, and medical and surgical complications (73%, 54%, and 47% of RCTs, respectively). Nutritional deficiency frequency, body composition, and mental health were little studied (20%, 18% and 5% of RCTs, respectively). Our literature review revealed that much research in BS is wasted because of replication of RCTs on subjects for which there is already body of evidence, with small populations and follow‐up times mostly below 2 years. Yet several research questions remain unaddressed, and there are few long‐term trials. Future studies should take into account the experience of the past 70 years of research in this field.
CO‐DESIGN‐ing a morecontext‐based, pluralistic, and participatory future for public administration
Authors: Schwoerer Kayla , Keppeler Florian , Mussagulova Assel , Puello Stephanie
Published: January 2022

Public administration (PA) increasingly faces new and emerging challenges. To address such challenges, researchers can work collaboratively with practitioners to identify and tackle the most pressing issues. Yet, intentionally establishing an ongoing dialogue not only between researchers and practitioners but between researchers, practitioners, and the communities that PA scholarship and practice are intended to impact can enhance all stakeholders' understanding of complex social problems and improve solutions. Forms of participatory and context‐based research such as this are called many things across disciplines, but PA has yet to embrace such approaches fully. Thus, we introduce a framework entitled CO‐DESIGN, intended to illustrate the process of advancing PA research through the co‐production of knowledge between researchers, practitioners, and communities. Additionally, it serves as an acronym outlining eight focal areas we argue the co‐production of knowledge can help advance. We discuss the CO‐DESIGN process and agenda, including its implications for the field.
Model Studies on the Photoreduction of the 5‐Hydroxy‐5,6‐dihydrothymine and 5‐Methyl‐2‐pyrimidone Moieties of (6‐4) Photoproducts by Photolyase†
Authors: Rodríguez‐Muñiz Gemma M. , Miranda Miguel A. , Lhiaubet‐Vallet Virginie
Published: January 2022

Photorepair mechanism of (6‐4) photoproducts (6‐4PP) by photolyase has been the subject of active debate over the years. The initial rationalization based on electron transfer to an oxetane or azetidine intermediate formed upon binding to the enzyme has been questioned, and there is now a more general consensus that the lesion is directly reduced from the excited flavin cofactor. However, the accepting moiety, i.e. the 5‐methyl‐2‐pyrimidone or 5‐hydroxy‐5,6‐dihydrothymine, has not been fully identified yet. In this work, spectroscopic experiments have been run to determine which of the 5′‐ or 3′‐base of 6‐4PP is more prone to be reduced. For this aim, the two building blocks of 6‐4PP were synthesized and used as electron acceptors. Instead of the short‐lived photolyase cofactor, which does not provide a time window compatible with diffusion‐controlled intermolecular processes, carbazole, 2‐methoxynaphthalene and phenanthrene have been selected as electron donors due to their appropriate singlet lifetimes and reduction potentials. Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence revealed that, in solution, the pyrimidone chromophore is the most easily reduced moiety. This was confirmed by transient absorption experiments consisting of quenching of the solvated electron by the two moieties of 6‐4PP.
Involvement of Type‐I and Type‐II Photodynamic Reactions in Photosensitization of Fragrance Ingredient 2‐acetonaphthone
Authors: Chandra Sonam , Qureshi Saba , Chopra Deepti , Dwivedi Ashish , Ray Ratan Singh
Published: January 2022

2‐Acetonaphthone (2‐ACN) is a synthetic fragrance material used in various cosmetics as an adulterant. Due to its frequent use, we have conducted an in‐depth study to understand the photosensitizing potential of 2‐ACN. Results of this study illustrate that 2‐ACN showed photodegradation in 4 h under ambient UV radiation (UVR) and sunlight exposure. It generated (1–25 µg mL−1) superoxide anion radical (O2·–) and singlet oxygen (1O2) in the presence of UVR/sunlight through in chemico and in vitro test systems. 2‐ACN (10 µg mL−1) showed a 43.9% and 57.4% reduction in cell viability under UVA and sunlight, respectively. Photosensitized 2‐ACN generated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) (6‐folds in UVA and 8‐folds in sunlight), which compromises the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membrane potential leading to cell death. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining and annexin‐V/PI uptake showed cell death caused via 2‐ACN under UVR exposure. The above findings signify the role of ROS via Type‐I and Type‐II photodynamic pathways in photosensitization of 2‐ACN that ultimately promotes photodamage of important cellular organelles leading to cell death. The study advocates that solar radiation should be avoided by the users after the application of cosmetic products containing 2‐ACN.
Vaginal washing behaviour and fecundability among Kenyan women in a prospective preconception cohort
Authors: Lokken Erica M. , Pulei Anne , Oyaro Brenda , Nyaigero Maureen , Jaoko Walter , Mandaliya Kishor , Kinuthia John , McClelland R. Scott
Published: January 2022

Background

Intravaginal washing, practised by a significant proportion of women globally, is associated with acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV). A single prior study among women in the United States found that vaginal washing was associated with lower fecundability.

Objective

To examine the association between vaginal washing and fecundability among Kenyan women.

Methods

HIV‐negative Kenyan women who were trying to conceive and reported no history of infertility care‐seeking were followed prospectively for incident pregnancy for up to six months. At monthly visits, participants reported the first day of last menstrual period, sexual behaviour, vaginal washing behaviour, underwent pregnancy testing and provided vaginal swabs for detection of BV by Gram stain (Nugent score ≥7). Discrete time proportional probability models were used to estimate fecundability ratio (FR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) comparing menstrual cycles when women reported vaginal washing to menstrual cycles when no vaginal washing was reported.

Results

Four hundred and fifty‐eight women contributed 1,376 menstrual cycles and 255 pregnancies. At enrolment, a third (35.2%, 161 of 458) of participants reported vaginal washing with the majority using water only (73.9%, 119 of 161). After adjustment for age, frequency of unprotected intercourse and study site, vaginal washing in the prior four weeks was associated with a 29% lower fecundability (adjusted FR [aFR] 0.71, 95% CI 0.53, 0.94), which did not change after further adjustment for BV at the visit prior to each pregnancy test (aFR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54, 0.95).

Conclusions

Periconceptual vaginal washing may reduce fecundability. Potential mechanisms include vaginal washing‐associated changes in the vaginal microbiota, inflammation, disruption of cervical mucus and effects on sperm function. Vaginal washing has no known health benefits, and cessation may improve women's likelihood of conceiving.
Meta‐analysis and validation of genomic loci governing seedling and reproductive stage salinity tolerance in rice
Authors: Prakash Nitish Ranjan , Lokeshkumar Byragondlu M. , Rathor Suman , Warraich Arvinder Singh , Yadav Satyendra , Vinaykumar Nagenahalli M. , Dushynthkumar Banur M. , Krishnamurthy Saraswathipura L. , Sharma Parbodh C.
Published: January 2022

Identification of concurrent genomic regions contributing tolerance to salinity at the seedling and reproductive stages were done using 45 quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping studies reporting 915 individual QTLs. The QTL‐data were used to perform a meta‐analysis to predict, validate and analyze the Meta‐QTLs governing component traits contributing to salinity tolerance. We predicted a total of 65 and 49 Meta‐QTLs distributed across the genome governing seedling and reproductive stage salinity tolerance, respectively. Salinity stress (EC ~10.0 dSm−1) was evaluated in a set of 32 genotypes grown hydroponically, from these eight extreme (highly tolerant and highly susceptible) genotypes were selected for validation of significant Meta‐QTLs. Another set of eight previously known and reported (highly tolerant and highly susceptible) genotypes were evaluated under saline micro plot conditions (EC ~8.0 dSm−1) and used for validation of significant Meta‐QTLs for reproductive stage salinity tolerance. The microsatellite marker “RM5635” linked to MSQTL4.2 (~295.43 kb) was able to clearly differentiate contrasting genotypes for seedling stage salinity tolerance, whereas at the reproductive stage, none of the markers were able to validate the predicted Meta‐QTL for salinity tolerance. Earlier reported, gene expression studies were used for candidate gene analysis of validated MSQTL4.2, which indicated the down regulation of Os04g0423100, a gene encoding Mono‐oxygenase‐FAD binding domain containing protein. The traits associated with this Meta‐QTL were root and shoot sodium and potassium concentration and leaf chlorophyll content. The identified and validated genomic region assumes a great significant role in seedling stage salinity tolerance in rice, and it can be used for marker‐assisted backcross breeding programs.
Nonprofit Density and Distributional Equity in Public Service Provision: Exploring Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Public Park Access across U.S. Cities
Authors: Cheng Yuan (Daniel) , Yang Lang (Kate) , Deng Shuyi
Published: January 2022

Existing research on the distributional impacts of nonprofits and philanthropy focuses on how different groups directly benefit from nonprofit service providers. Given the increasing roles nonprofits play in public service provision and urban governance, it is critical to examine how the nonprofit sector may influence the distribution of public services. Combining the literature from urban affairs and nonprofit studies, we propose a theoretical framework to articulate various pathways through which communities with a larger nonprofit sector may create favorable conditions for public services to be distributed to certain racial–ethnic groups. We further test this framework using a unique geospatial dataset of public park access by different racial–ethnic groups in 2,392 U.S. cities. Our findings indicate that communities with a higher density of park‐supporting nonprofits generate better park access for all racial–ethnic groups. However, more benefits accrue to whites than to other racial–ethnic groups.
ABO blood group does not influence the level of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in convalescent plasma donors
Authors: Žiberna Klemen , Jež Mojca , Jazbec Katerina , Mali Polonca , Potokar Urška Rahne , Rožman Primož
Published: January 2022

Background

The association of the ABO blood group with COVID‐19 disease has been confirmed by several studies, with the blood group A patients being more susceptible and prone to a more severe clinical course of the disease. Additionally, several authors also addressed the association of ABO‐types and the levels of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in convalescents, mostly supporting a theory that the non‐O blood group convalescents present with higher levels of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies.

Study Design and Methods

Since previous findings were based on small convalescent cohorts, we quantified the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody levels in a total of 3187 convalescent plasma donors with three commercial serological and one standard neutralizing antibody test. The majority of donors had undergone a mild form of the disease and the median time of sampling was 66 days after diagnosis.

Results

None of the antibody quantitation results showed any significant association with the ABO blood group types. The same result was evident in the subgroup of vaccinated individuals (n = 370) and the subgroups when stratified according to post‐COVID‐19 periods (0–60, 60–120, and 120–180 days).

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found no evidence to confirm that the ABO blood group types influence the level of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody response in COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors.
Cardiac rehabilitation program: An exploration of patient experiences and perspectives on program dropout
Authors: Lee Monica , Wood Timothy , Chan Sammy , Marziali Elsa , Tang Tricia , Banner Davina , Lear Scott A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) are effective evidence‐based secondary prevention programs that reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, participation remains suboptimal, resulting in under‐treatment and greater risk for recurrent cardiac events. Understanding the reasons behind CRP dropout is urgently needed to inform the development of programs that best meet patient needs and support sustained engagement.

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify and understand factors impacting CRP dropout from the patient perspective.

Methods

A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews was undertaken to examine the experience of 23 patients who dropped out of a CRP within a large urban hospital in British Columbia, Canada. Data were coded, analyzed using the constant comparison technique, and organized thematically.

Results

Participants described multiple challenges when attempting to complete CRP. Analysis of the data led to the identification of three main categories: (1) challenges living with CVD, (2) perceived advantages and disadvantages of CRP, and (3) unmet needs during CRP.

Linking evidence to action

In the practice setting, assessment of readiness to engage in CRP, alongside patient preferences and engagement needs, should be undertaken for maximum CRP uptake and completion. Providing diverse modes of CRP delivery, along with exploring the impact of virtual options as compared to traditional in‐person programs, will further advance the CRP evidence and may help address pervasive access barriers.
Development of the gut microbiome in early life
Authors: Ahearn‐Ford Sinead , Berrington Janet E. , Stewart Christopher J.
Published: January 2022

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The importance of the early life gut microbiome, with a focus on preterm infants and microbially related diseases. Current techniques to study the preterm gut microbiome are appraised, and the potential of recent methodological advancements is discussed.

What advances does it highlight?

Recent findings in the field achieved by the application of advanced technologies, the applicability of intestinally derived organoid models to study host–microbiome interactions in the preterm gut, and recent developments in enhancing the physiological relevance of such models. Preterm intestinally derived organoids may provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying preterm disease, as well as diagnosis and treatment opportunities. These models have huge translational potential, offering a step towards precision medicine.

Accumulating evidence affirms the importance of the gut microbiome in both health and disease. In early life, there exists a critical period in which the composition of gut microbes is particularly malleable and subject to a wide range of influencing factors. Disturbances to microbial communities during this time may be beneficial or detrimental to short and long‐term health outcomes. For infants born prematurely, naïve immune systems, immature gastrointestinal tracts and additional clinical needs put this population at high risk of abnormal microbial colonisation, resulting in increased susceptibility to diseases including necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and late‐onset sepsis (LOS). Traditional cell culture methods, gnotobiotic animals, molecular sequencing techniques (16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomics) and advanced ‘omics’ technologies (transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) have been fundamental in exploring the associations between diet, gut microbes, microbial functions and disease. Despite significant investment and ongoing research efforts, prevention and treatment strategies in NEC and LOS remain limited. Recent endeavours have focused on searching for new, more physiologically relevant models to simulate the preterm intestine. Preterm intestinally derived organoids represent a promising in vitro approach in the study of host–microbiome interactions in the preterm infant gut, offering new and exciting possibilities in this field.
Myths and methodologies: The use of equivalence and non‐inferiority tests for interventional studies in exercise physiology and sport science
Authors: Mazzolari Raffaele , Porcelli Simone , Bishop David J. , Lakens Daniël
Published: January 2022

Exercise physiology and sport science have traditionally made use of the null hypothesis of no difference to make decisions about experimental interventions. In this article, we aim to review current statistical approaches typically used by exercise physiologists and sport scientists for the design and analysis of experimental interventions and to highlight the importance of including equivalence and non‐inferiority studies, which address different research questions from deciding whether an effect is present. Initially, we briefly describe the most common approaches, along with their rationale, to investigate the effects of different interventions. We then discuss the main steps involved in the design and analysis of equivalence and non‐inferiority studies, commonly performed in other research fields, with worked examples from exercise physiology and sport science scenarios. Finally, we provide recommendations to exercise physiologists and sport scientists who would like to apply the different approaches in future research. We hope this work will promote the correct use of equivalence and non‐inferiority designs in exercise physiology and sport science whenever the research context, conditions, applications, researchers’ interests or reasonable beliefs justify these approaches.
Correlations for the Performance, Efficiency, and Energy Losses for Single Cylinder, Four-Cycle Internal Combustion Engines With Displaced Volumes Ranging From 40 to 200 cc
Authors: Blantin Jason R. , Polanka Marc D. , Ausserer Joseph K. , Baranski Jacob A.
Published: January 2022

Five commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) engines ranging from 40 to 200 cc were tested as potential power plants for Group Two RPAs. The maximum brake power ranged from 1.8 to 5.0 kW. Of the five engines, two were designed for hobby aircraft (similar in size to Group Two RPAs) while the other three were designed for powered equipment applications. These five engines were run at WOT through their respective operating speed ranges to develop energy balances, specifically quantifying the split of energy between brake power, cooling load, exhaust enthalpy, and incomplete combustion. Using the energy balance data, general correlations for BMEP and fuel conversion efficiency as functions of displaced volume were generated to compare with previous two stroke engine results. Furthermore parametric studies capturing the effects of throttle setting, combustion phasing, cylinder head temperature, and equivalence ratio on the peak BMEP and fuel conversion efficiency were performed. The study data was used to develop normalized correlations to predict peak brake power, incomplete combustion, exhaust enthalpy, and cooling load as normalized deltas from the baseline condition. These correlations can be used to help engine designers understand the effect of these parameters for four stroke engines in the size class of 40–200 cc.
Bayesian Calibration of Performance Degradation in a Gas Turbine-Driven Compressor Unit for Prognosis Health Management
Authors: Wei Tingting , van Beek Anton , Hao Jiarui , Zhang Huisheng , Chen Wei
Published: January 2022

Prognosis health management is an effective way to improve the operational safety and economy of industrial equipment. The development of an accurate and quick response model to monitor equipment health status, predict performance, and diagnose faults is key to its implementation. However, the inevitable performance degradation of industrial equipment over time poses a significant challenge to such a model. In this work, we adopt a Bayesian approach to calibrate thermodynamic simulations with time-dependent parameters that account for performance degradation. The relationship between degradation and time is modeled through an assumed functional form, referred to as a health indicator. The proposed health indicator calibration method gives a rapid assessment of degraded equipment performance and elucidates how degradation relates to time. The novelty of this paper is that it regards performance degradation as an uncertainty quantification problem rather than a deterministic problem. The health indicator calibration method is validated on a natural gas compressor and a gas turbine. The results show that when severe degradation occurs, functional calibration improves predictive performance over nonfunctional calibration (i.e., independent of time). The introduced method provides valuable decision support to extend the service life and reduce maintenance costs for industrial equipment. Its feedback in operation can also develop the service assessment criteria and inform the design of subsequent generations of industrial equipment.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigations of Benchmark Experiment of Sn-10 wt. %Pb Alloy Solidification Under Thermosolutal Convection
Authors: Abdelhakem Ab. , Nouri Ab. , Hachani L. , Fautrelle Y. , Zaidat K.
Published: January 2022

A full three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation of solidification was carried out for a benchmark experiment on a binary Sn-10 wt. %Pb alloy. The experiment process involves a melting stage, a first holding stage at constant temperature with electromagnetic stirring, setting a mean horizontal temperature difference (second holding stage), and finally solidification stage by decreasing the temperature under a imposed horizontal temperature gradient. The numerical model is applied only to investigate the solidification stage and compared with the measured temperature fields and macrosegregation obtained from the postmortem analysis. A columnar numerical model based on a two-phase volume-averaged approach is used for the numerical simulation, accounting for thermosolutal convection and assuming perfect microscopic mixing (lever rule) in the mushy zone. It demonstrates that such a model is able to predict stratification in the solute from the liquid phase and mushy zone during the solidification. The effect of the sedimentation on macrosegregations and channel segregation or freckles which develop during the solidification stage is also predicted by the model and compared with experimental data. Emphasis is given to the main factors that have a direct effect on the development and morphology of segregated channels, namely, the remelting phenomenon, dendrite fragmentation, and the solidification front instabilities.
Load Vibration Mitigation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles With Cable Suspended Load
Authors: Ogunbodede Oladapo , Singh Tarunraj
Published: January 2022

This paper addresses the problem of point-to-point path planning of a 3D model of a quadcopter carrying a suspended load by parameterizing its differentially flat outputs. The flat outputs are the Cartesian coordinates of the suspended load and the yaw angle of the quadcopter. The time integral of the absolute angular rate of the suspended load is minimized to synthesize a trajectory which minimizes the pendular oscillations of the suspended load while the quadcopter transition from one point of rest to another. An established feedback controller and an input shaped profile for the closed loop system dynamics using position as reference and also velocity as reference are also developed to compare the performance of the proposed controller. Experimental results validate results obtained via simulation showing that the differential flat solution outperforms the pure feedback and the feedback system with input shaping prefilters.
Sensitivity Analysis of Suppressing Vibration by Inducing a Node on a Harmonically Forced Euler–Bernoulli Beam
Authors: Shoyer Kevin , Nakahara Kevin , Cha Philip D.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a properly tuned vibration absorber (spring-mass system) is used to induce a point of zero vibration, or node, anywhere along an arbitrarily supported beam for the purpose of suppressing vibration. Other benefits of enforcing a node include the ability to place a sensitive instrument near or at a point where there is little or no vibration and to keep any point along the beam stationary without using a rigid support. The assumed-modes method is used to discretize the equations of motion, which conveniently leads to the beam displacement at the node location in matrix form. Exploiting the Sherman–Morrison inverse formula, one can obtain compact, closed-form expressions for the beam deflection at the node location and the displacement of the absorber mass, explicitly in terms of the absorber parameters, attachment location, excitation frequency, forcing location and the node location. The resulting expressions can then be used to systematically perform a parameter sensitivity analysis and rapid design modifications. The proposed work contributes to the parametric study of Euler–Bernoulli beams by leveraging closed-form sensitivity expressions to rapidly account for inverse problems involving parameter tolerances and perturbations. The method introduced in this paper can also be easily extended to accommodate changes in attachment location and the tolerable deflection of the absorber mass without the need to perform a potentially expensive and time-consuming re-analysis. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the utility of using the sensitivity expressions in designing an accurate and robust vibration absorber when slight modifications are introduced.
A network of Gα
i
signaling partners is revealed by proximity labeling proteomics analysis and includes PDZ-RhoGEF
Authors: Chandan Naincy R. , Abraham Saji , SenGupta Shuvasree , Parent Carole A. , Smrcka Alan V.
Published: January 2022

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) that couple to the Gα
i
family of G proteins are key regulators of cell and tissue physiology. Our previous work has revealed new roles for Gα
i
in regulating the migration of neutrophils and fibrosarcoma cells downstream of activated chemoattractant receptors. Here, we used an intact cell proximity–based labeling coupled to tandem mass tag (TMT)–based quantitative proteomics analysis to identify proteins that selectively interacted with the GTP-bound form of Gα
i1
. Multiple targets were identified and validated with a BioID2-tagged, constitutively active Gα
i1
mutant, suggesting a network of interactions for activated Gα
I
proteins in intact cells. We showed that active Gα
i1
, but not Gα
i2
, stimulated one candidate protein, PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG), despite more than 85% sequence identity between the G proteins. We also demonstrated in primary human neutrophils that active Gα
i
likely regulated the polarization of phosphorylated myosin light chain, a process critical for migration, through the activation of PRG. The identification and characterization of new targets directly or indirectly regulated by Gα
i
will aid in the investigation of the functional roles of Gα
i
-coupled GPCRs in multiple biological processes.
Considerations for the Use of Phage Therapy in Clinical Practice
Authors: Suh Gina A. , Lodise Thomas P. , Tamma Pranita D. , Knisely Jane M. , Alexander Jose , Aslam Saima , Barton Karen D. , Bizzell Erica , Totten Katherine M. C. , Campbell Joseph L. , Chan Benjamin K. , Cunningham Scott A. , Goodman Katherine E. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Harris Anthony D. , Hesse Shayla , Maresso Anthony , Nussenblatt Veronique , Pride David , Rybak Michael J. , Sund Zoe , van Duin David , Van Tyne Daria , Patel Robin ,   for the Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group
Published: January 2022

Increasing antimicrobial resistance and medical device-related infections have led to a renewed interest in phage therapy as an alternative or adjunct to conventional antimicrobials. Expanded access and compassionate use cases have risen exponentially but have varied widely in approach, methodology, clinical situations in which phage therapy might be considered, dosing, route of administration, and outcomes.
Novel Function of Avian p53 in Binding to ALV-J LTR Contributes to Its Antiviral Roles
Authors: Duan Yueyue , Cao Liyan , Yuan Cong , Suo Xuepeng , Kong Xiangyu , Gao Yulong , Li Xiangtong , Zheng Haixue , Wang Xiaomei , Wang Qi
Published: January 2022

Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)/ALV was the first retrovirus to be discovered, which was really the first hint that cancer, or a tumor, could be transmitted by a virus. The specific mechanisms that regulate ALV replication during infection remain poorly understood.
Diversification by CofC and Control by CofD Govern Biosynthesis and Evolution of Coenzyme F
420
and Its Derivative 3PG-F
420
Authors: Hasan Mahmudul , Schulze Sabrina , Berndt Leona , Palm Gottfried J. , Braga Daniel , Richter Ingrid , Last Daniel , Lammers Michael , Lackner Gerald
Published: January 2022

The microbial cofactor F
420
is crucial for processes like methanogenesis, antibiotics biosynthesis, drug resistance, and biocatalysis. Recently, a novel derivative of F
420
(3PG-F
420
) was discovered, enabling the production and use of F
420
in heterologous hosts.
Revealing General Patterns of Microbiomes That Transcend Systems: Potential and Challenges of Deep Transfer Learning
Authors: David Maude M. , Tataru Christine , Pope Quintin , Baker Lydia J. , English Mary K. , Epstein Hannah E. , Hammer Austin , Kent Michael , Sieler Michael J. , Mueller Ryan S. , Sharpton Thomas J. , Tomas Fiona , Vega Thurber Rebecca , Fern Xiaoli Z.
Published: January 2022

A growing body of research has established that the microbiome can mediate the dynamics and functional capacities of diverse biological systems. Yet, we understand little about what governs the response of these microbial communities to host or environmental changes.
A carbon-rich lithospheric mantle as a source for the large CO2 emissions of Etna volcano (Italy)
Authors: Bragagni Alessandro , Mastroianni Filippo , Münker Carsten , Conticelli Sandro , Avanzinelli Riccardo
Published: January 2022

Etna volcano in Italy releases an exceptional amount of CO2 (9083 t/day) and contributes to 10% of global volcanic emission. The reasons for its extreme CO2 degassing are not yet understood. Using high-precision high field strength element (HFSE) concentrations in magmas from volcanoes in southern Italy, we show that the high Nb/Ta of Etna (up to 26) reveals a mantle source affected by carbonatite metasomatism, which is likely responsible for the large CO2 fluxes. As observed at Etna, carbon-rich mantle domains influence CO2 degassing also outside of continental rifts and therefore play a fundamental role in explaining volcanic CO2 fluxes in different geodynamic settings. Collectively, our study demonstrates that HFSE ratios in magmatic rocks are viable tracers for volcanic carbon degassing that can be used to study present-day settings and, possibly, past emissions.
Gender data gap in military research: a review of the participation of men and women in military musculoskeletal injury studies
Authors: O'Leary Thomas J , Young C D , Wardle S L , Greeves J P
Published: January 2022

Servicewomen are at increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries compared with their male counterparts, but women are under-represented in sports medicine research. The aim of this review was to assess the representation of women in military musculoskeletal injury studies. PubMed was searched for human original research studies using the termsMilitary OR Army OR Navy OR ‘Air Force’ AND ‘musculoskeletal injury’. Each study was categorised as epidemiology (basic training), epidemiology (trained personnel), risk factors, interventions and other. The number of male and female participants was retrieved from each study. A total of 262 studies were included: 98 (37%) studies only included men, 17 (6%) studies only included women and 147 (56%) studies included both men and women. A total of 8 051 778 participants were included in these studies (men: 6 711 082, 83%; women: 1 340 696, 17%). The study theme with the greatest proportion of women was musculoskeletal injury epidemiology studies in a basic training population (20% of participants) with the lowest proportion of women in intervention trials (6% of participants). These data suggest women are not under-represented in military musculoskeletal injury studies when considering the gender representation of most militaries. Our data are, however, biased by large epidemiological trials and women were under-represented in intervention trials. The under-representation of women in intervention trials could be due to difficulties in controlling for the effects of female sex steroids on musculoskeletal outcomes, or a focus on interventions in the most arduous military roles where injury risk is highest and women have been previously excluded.
Dose–effect meta-analysis for psychopharmacological interventions using randomised data
Authors: Hamza Tasnim , Furukawa Toshi A , Orsini Nicola , Cipriani Andrea , Salanti Georgia
Published: January 2022

Objective

The current practice in meta-analysis of the effects of psychopharmacological interventions ignors the administered dose or restricts the analysis in a dose range. This may introduce unnecessary uncertainty and heterogeneity. Methods have been developed to integrate the dose–effect models in meta-analysis.

Methods

We describe the two-stage and the one-stage models to conduct a dose–effect meta-analysis using common or random effects methods. We illustrate the methods on a dataset of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. The dataset comprises 60 randomised controlled trials. The dose–effect is measured on an odds ratio scale and is modelled using restricted cubic splines to detect departure from linearity.

Results

The estimated summary curve indicates that the probability of response increases up to 30 mg/day of fluoxetine-equivalent which results in reaching 50% probability to respond. Beyond 40 mg/day, no further increase in the response is observed. The one-stage model includes all studies, resulting in slightly less uncertainty than the two-stage model where only part of the data is analysed.

Conclusions

The dose–effect meta-analysis enables clinicians to understand how the effect of a drug changes as a function of its dose. Such analysis should be conducted in practice using the one-stage model that incorporates evidence from all available studies.
Germination characteristics of three key species and their implications for vegetation restoration in northern China
Authors: Sun Qinglin , Liu Xin , Lai Liming , Zhou Jihua , Gao Yong , An Ping , Shimizu Hideyuki , Zheng Yuanrun
Published: January 2022

Seed germination is a complex physiological process that can affect species establishment as well as vegetation restoration and dynamics; however, the germination characteristics of several key species used to combat desertification remain unclear. In light, temperature, and air humidity-controlled growth chambers, four different light treatments, five alternative temperature treatments, 11 levels of water potential, and five constant temperatures were set up to study the effects of light, temperature, and water stress on the completion of germination of Medicago sativa L., Astragalus adsurgens Pall., and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. The results showed that completion of germination of G. uralensis seeds occurred significantly less than that of M. sativa and A. adsurgens. Light intensity had no significant effect on the final germination percentage of M. sativa, A. adsurgens, and G. uralensis, but the germination rate under 100 and 400 μmol·m–2·s–1 light was significantly greater than that under 25 μmol·m–2·s–1. Temperature had no significant effect on the final germination percentage of these species’ seeds, and the germination rate was greater at 15/25 °C and 20/30 °C. The germination rate decreased as the water potential decreased. The germination results indicate that late spring is a suitable sowing time for G. uralensis to obtain optimal levels of completion of germination.
Haskap maturity stages and their influence on postharvest berry quality
Authors: Leisso R. , Jarrett B. , Richter R. , Miller Z.
Published: January 2022

Limited information is available regarding haskap berry maturity and corresponding postharvest characteristics. We assessed detached berry quality, respiration rate, and ethylene production at five stages of maturity and compared postharvest storage influence on berries harvested at half-blue and softening stages. Ethylene’s increase at successive stages suggests its involvement with berry maturation, but concomitant respiration does not support classifying haskap ripening as climacteric. Results indicate harvesting at the less mature half-blue stage is not recommended, as berries had lower fresh weight and inferior quality relative to those harvested at the softening stage, both at harvest and following 14 d storage.
Targeting BET Bromodomains in Cancer
Authors: Trojer Patrick
Published: January 2022

Cancer is frequently dependent on aberrant gene expression programs that might be vulnerable to targeting with novel therapeutics. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are powerful transcriptional coregulators often found as part of oncogenic transcriptional programs. The bromodomain functionality of BET proteins is highly druggable, and several product candidates are in clinical testing. While initial clinical data created doubt about their benefit for cancer patients, more encouraging data recently reported in myelofibrosis patients may promote additional applications of BET inhibitors in oncology as monotherapy and in combination with other therapeutic agents. Moreover, a growing number of approaches to optimize the therapeutic window by tinkering with the property profiles of BET inhibitors may provide additional clinical opportunities. This review provides an update on the status of ongoing activities to exploit BET bromodomain inhibition as a mechanism for cancer therapy.
Polyphenol–Polysaccharide Complex: Preparation, Characterization, and Potential Utilization in Food and Health
Authors: Guo Qingbin , Xiao Xingyue , Lu Laifeng , Ai Lianzhong , Xu Meigui , Liu Yan , Goff H. Douglas
Published: January 2022

Polysaccharides and polyphenols coexist in many plant-based food products. Polyphenol–polysaccharide interactions may affect the physicochemical, functional, and physiological properties, such as digestibility, bioavailability, and stability, of plant-based foods. In this review, the interactions (physically or covalently linked) between the selected polysaccharides and polyphenols are summarized. The preparation and structural characterization of the polyphenol–polysaccharide conjugates, their structural–interaction relationships, and the effects of the interactions on functional and physiological properties of the polyphenol and polysaccharide molecules are reviewed. Moreover, potential applications of polyphenol–polysaccharide conjugates are discussed. This review aids in a comprehensive understanding of the synthetic strategy, beneficial bioactivity, and potential application of polyphenol–polysaccharide complexes.
Detecting COVID-19 Pneumonia over Fuzzy Image Enhancement on Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Alzahrani Ali , Bhuiyan Md. Al-Amin , Akhter Fahima
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 is the worst pandemic that has hit the globe in recent history, causing an increase in deaths. As a result of this pandemic, a number of research interests emerged in several fields such as medicine, health informatics, medical imaging, artificial intelligence and social sciences. Lung infection or pneumonia is the regular complication of COVID-19, and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and computed tomography (CT) have played important roles to diagnose the disease. This research proposes an image enhancement method employing fuzzy expected value to improve the quality of the image for the detection of COVID-19 pneumonia. The principal objective of this research is to detect COVID-19 in patients using CT scan images collected from different sources, which include patients suffering from pneumonia and healthy people. The method is based on fuzzy histogram equalization and is organized with the improvement of the image contrast using fuzzy normalized histogram of the image. The effectiveness of the algorithm has been justified over several experiments on different features of CT images of lung for COVID-19 patients, like Ground-Glass Opacity (GGO), crazy paving, and consolidation. Experimental investigations indicate that among the 254 patients, 81.89% had features on both lungs; 9.5% on the left lung; and 10.24% on the right lung. The predominantly affected lobe was the right lower lobe (79.53%).