bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Behavior of Buried Pipelines Subjected to Faults
Authors: Wei Xiaolong , Jiao Wenshuai , Zeng Xi , Zhang Danfu , Du Guofeng
Published: June 2021

The length of buried pipelines usually extends thousands of meters or more in engineering, and it is difficult to carry out full‐scale tests in the laboratory. Therefore, considering the seriousness of pipeline damage and the difficulty of operating tests and other test limitations, it is necessary to develop a reasonable method to simplify the length of the model for a practical lab test. In this research, an equivalent spring model was established to simulate the small deformation section of the pipeline far away from the fault and the effect of fault displacements, pipeline diameters, wall thicknesses, buried depths, soil materials, and spring constraints on the mechanical properties of pipelines was analyzed. Based on the finite element model using ABAQUS software, the results of the shell model with fixed boundary at both ends were compared; in addition, the dynamic effect of pipelines was investigated. The results show that the two‐end spring device can better control the size of the test model and enhance the reliability of the test results. The vibration response of the pipeline mainly depends on the inconsistent movement of soil at both ends of the fault. The analysis results show that choosing a larger pipeline diameter, smaller buried depth, noncohesive backfill soil, and spring with a smaller elastic coefficient is beneficial to reduce pipeline strain and resist pipeline deformation. A simplified formula of the axial compressive strain of buried pipelines across oblique‐slip fault is obtained.
Cytokine Release Syndrome By T-cell–Redirecting Therapies: Can We Predict and Modulate Patient Risk?
Authors: Van De Vyver Arthur J. , Marrer-Berger Estelle , Wang Ken , Lehr Thorsten , Walz Antje-Christine
Published: June 2021

T-cell–redirecting therapies are promising new therapeutic options in the field of cancer immunotherapy, but the development of these modalities is challenging. A commonly observed adverse event in patients treated with T-cell–redirecting therapies is cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Its clinical manifestation is a burden on patients, and continues to be a big hurdle in the clinical development of this class of therapeutics. We review different T-cell–redirecting therapies, discuss key factors related to cytokine release and potentially leading to CRS, and present clinical mitigation strategies applied for those modalities. We propose to dissect those risk factors into drug-target-disease–related factors and individual patient risk factors. Aiming to optimize the therapeutic intervention of these modalities, we illustrate how the knowledge on drug-target-disease–related factors, such as target expression, binding affinity, and target accessibility, can be leveraged in a model-based framework and highlight with case examples how modeling and simulation is applied to guide drug discovery and development. We draw attention to the current gaps in predicting the individual patient's risk towards a high-grade CRS, which requires further considerations of risk factors related, but not limited to, the patient's demographics, genetics, underlying pathologies, treatment history, and environmental exposures. The drug-target-disease–related factors together with the individual patient's risk factors can be regarded as the patient's propensity for developing CRS in response to therapy. As an outlook, we suggest implementing a risk scoring system combined with mechanistic modeling to enable the prediction of an individual patient's risk of CRS for a given therapeutic intervention.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Poststroke Aphasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Zhijie , Jiang Xudong , Lv Zimeng , Wang Lin , Lu Liming
Published: June 2021

Background: Aphasia is one of the common complications of stroke, and it considerably influences the quality of life of patients. Acupuncture, a therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine for aphasia after stroke, has potential therapeutic effects. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on individuals with poststroke aphasia. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for poststroke aphasia (either alone or combined with other therapies) were included and compared. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching databases, such as MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang, from inception to July 15, 2019. No language restrictions were applied in this study. Results: Fourteen trials involving 936 participants had poor reporting and methodological quality. Our meta-analysis showed that compared to the speech and language therapy (SLT) group, acupuncture combined with SLT could improve the rate of Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) (OR: 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04–0.25, p = 0.005), scores of Aphasia Battery of Chinese (ABC) which includes repeating ability (SMD: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.24–1.69, p < 0.00001), reading ability (SMD: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.25–1.90, p < 0.00001), writing ability (SMD: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.19–1.86, p < 0.00001), naming ability (SMD: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.04–1.76, p < 0.00001), and listening comprehension ability (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.22–0.92, p = 0.001). All RCTs were considered at high risk of biased assessment. Conclusions: Acupuncture (either alone or combined with SLT) may be effective for poststroke aphasia. In the future, rigorous clinical trials with an accurate method design and high reporting quality are required to validate our results.
Aging and Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges in the Older Group
Authors: Chen Huan , Liu Ousheng , Chen Sijia , Zhou Yueying
Published: June 2021

With aging, a portion of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), become senescent, and these senescent cells accumulate and promote various age-related diseases. Therefore, the older age group has become a major population for MSC therapy, which is aimed at improving tissue regeneration and function of the aged body. However, the application of MSC therapy is often unsatisfying in the aged group. One reasonable conjecture for this correlation is that aging microenvironment reduces the number and function of MSCs. Cellular senescence also plays an important role in MSC function impairment. Thus, it is necessary to explore the relationship between senescence and MSCs for improving the application of MSCs in the elderly. Here, we present the influence of aging on MSCs and the characteristics and functional changes of senescent MSCs. Furthermore, current therapeutic strategies for improving MSC therapy in the elderly group are also discussed.
Complicated Pneumococcal Meningitis: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Al-Doory Sura Ahmed , Magzoub Alia , Pawar Nikhil , Radaideh Mahmoud , Saleh Shafeeka Mohammed , Al Sabbah Mohammed Ali , Mir Fatima
Published: June 2021

Meningitis is an uncommon complication of head trauma. Vasculitis in bacterial meningitis is seen in 9–25% of adults while neurological deficits in bacterial meningitis are seen in about one-third of children. We report a 5-year-old boy, previously healthy who was admitted in March 2019 to Latifa Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Dubai, UAE, with pneumococcal meningitis. One day before presentation, he had a history of fall with head trauma while running at school. Initial brain CT scan was normal. Few hours after admission, the child was noticed to be drowsy with cold extremities and mottled skin. He was shifted to PICU and, ultimately, he required intubation and mechanical ventilation. The child continued spiking high-grade fever with deterioration in the neurologic status. His GCS deteriorated to 4/15 with decerebrations posture. He underwent serial brain imaging which revealed multiple chronic infarcts with hydrocephalic changes due to ongoing cerebral vasculitis. The child was started on steroid therapy on 28 April 2019 after which his condition improved at an incredible pace.
Metabolism as Disease Tolerance: Implications for Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Huen Sarah C.
Published: June 2021

Sepsis is a significant cause for mortality among critically ill patients. Metabolic derangements that develop in sepsis are often considered to be pathologic, contributing to sepsis morbidity and mortality. However, alterations in metabolism during sepsis are multifaceted and are incompletely understood. Acute anorexia during infection is an evolutionarily conserved response, suggesting a potential protective role of anorexia in the host response to infection. In animal models of bacterial inflammation, fasting metabolic programs associated with acute anorexia such as those regulated by fibroblast growth factor 21 and ketogenesis are associated with improved survival. Other fasting metabolic pathways such as fatty acid oxidation and autophagy are also implicated in preventing acute kidney injury (AKI). Global metabolic changes during sepsis and current clinical interventions can potentially affect disease tolerance mechanisms and modify the risk of AKI.
Effects of a Video-Based mHealth Program for Homebound Older Adults: Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ching Wong Arkers Kwan , Yuet Wong Frances Kam , Sum Chow Karen Kit , Man Wong Siu
Published: June 2021

Background: Although homebound older adults are among the highest users of hospital services, the existing health and social services that are provided to them in the community are limited and fragmented. This study attempts to bring this group of older adults to providers’ attention by designing a health-social-oriented self-care mobile Health (mHealth) program and subjecting it to empirical testing. The aim of this study is to shift the current reactive, cure-oriented approach to a preventive and health-promoting model, empowering homebound older adults to take an active role in their health, be responsive to their care needs, and subsequently improve their holistic health. Methods: This is a pilot randomized controlled trial. The study is supported by 5 community centers with an estimated sample size of 68 subjects. The subjects will be randomly assigned to video-based mHealth or control groups when they (1) are aged 60 or over, (2) go outdoors less than once a week in the current 6 months, (3) live within the service areas, and (4) use a smartphone. Subjects in the video-based mHealth group will receive a 3-month program comprising 2 main interventions: nurse case management supported by a social service team and video messages covering self-care topics, delivered via smartphone. The control group will receive usual care. Data will be collected at 2 time points – pre-intervention (T1) and post-intervention (T2). The primary outcome will be self-efficacy, and secondary outcomes will include health outcomes (activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and medication adherence), perceived well-being outcomes (quality of life and depression), and health service utilization outcomes (outpatient clinic, emergency room, and hospital admission). Discussion: The current study will add to the knowledge gap in using mHealth supported by a health-social team to enhance quality of life and self-care and meet the needs of these particularly vulnerable older adults.
Variation in Ontogenetic Facial Suture Fusion Patterns in Catarrhines
Authors: Parker Madeline F. , Pitirri M. Kathleen , Smith Timothy D. , Burrows Anne M. , Cray Jr. James J.
Published: June 2021

Timing of craniofacial suture fusion is important for the determination of demographics and primate ontogeny. There has been much work concerning the timing of fusion of calvarial sutures over the last century, but little comprehensive work focusing on facial sutures. Here we assess the relationships of facial suture fusion across ontogeny among select catarrhines. Fusion timing patterns for 5 facial sutures were examined in 1,599 crania of Homo, Pan, Gorilla, Pongo, Hylobatidae, Papio, and Macaca. Calvarial volume (early ontogeny) and dental eruption (late ontogeny) were used as indicators of stage of development. General linear models, test for homogeneity of slopes, and ANOVA were used to determine differences in timing of fusion by taxon. For calvarial volume, taxonomic groups segregated by regression slopes, with models for Homo indicating sutural fusion throughout ontogeny, Pongo, Macaca, and Papio representing earlier and more complete suture fusion, and Pan, Gorilla, and Hylobatidae indicating very early facial suture fusion. Similar patterns are observed when dental eruption is used for developmental staging. Only Gorilla and Hylobatidae are observed to, generally, fuse all facial suture sites in adulthood. Finally, Homo appears to be unique in its delay and patency of sutures into late ontogeny. The taxonomic patterns of facial suture closure identified in this study likely reflect important evolutionary shifts in facial growth and development in catarrhines.
The Efficacy and Safety of Chitosan on Facial Skin Sebum
Authors: Theerawattanawit Chinathip , Phaiyarin Punnawich , Wanichwecharungruang Supason , Noppakun Nopadon , Asawanonda Pravit , Kumtornrut Chanat
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Seborrhea or oily skin has been one of the most common complaints affecting both men and women physically and psychologically. Chitosan is a biopolymer obtained from the alkaline deacetylation of chitin. Due to its positively charged nature, chitosan can effectively bind to lipids. Therefore, chitosan nanoparticle (CN) formulation may benefit in the reduction of skin sebum. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CN formulation in the reduction of skin sebum. Method: The study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 24 participants aged 18–40 years with clinical seborrhea. Participants were randomly assigned to apply the CN and gum (CN-G) or placebo (gum alone) twice daily for 4 weeks. Sebum level, corneometry, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and clinical seborrhea grading were evaluated at baseline and week 2 and 4. Results: In the T-zone, sebum levels in the CN-G group were significantly lower than the placebo group at week 4 (p = 0.043), while for the U-zone, sebum levels were not different between groups. There were no statistical differences in corneometry and TEWL at any visit. Although the clinical seborrhea grading in CN-G was lower, it was not significantly different from the placebo. A few cases reported mild and self-limiting scaling and acneiform eruption. Conclusion: The CN-G gel could significantly reduce sebum levels on seborrhea patients with acceptable safety profiles.
KLF2 Mediates the Suppressive Effect of Laminar Flow on Vascular Calcification by Inhibiting Endothelial BMP/SMAD1/5 Signaling
Authors: Huang Juan , Pu Yujie , Zhang Hongsong , Xie Liping , He Lei , Zhang Cheng-Lin , Cheng Chak Kwong , Huo Yingsong , Wan Song , Chen Shaoliang , Huang Yuhong , Lau Chi Wai , Wang Li , Xia Yin , Huang Yu , Luo Jiang-Yun
Published: June 2021

Rationale:

Vascular calcification in arterial intima is closely associated with atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells (ECs) sense blood flow and respond to the mechanical cues generated by different flow patterns. Laminar flow induces an anti-atherosclerotic EC phenotype whereas disturbed flow exerts an atheroprone effect. However, the contribution of blood flow to calcification in atherosclerotic arteries remains to be evaluated.

Objective:

We aim to investigate whether blood flow plays a determinant role in the distribution of vascular calcification and the underlying mechanisms involved.

Methods and Results:

Computed tomography angiography analysis of human coronary arteries (n=48) shows that calcification preferentially develops at flow perturbated sites. Similar phenomenon was observed in calcified human aortic valves and mouse arteries. Nonuniform shear stress produced in Y-shaped slide simulating live conditions in branched arteries promotes calcification in human umbilical vein ECs. The expression of KLF2 (Krüppel-like factor 2), a transcription factor inducible by laminar flow, is reduced in ECs of calcified human aortic valves and in endothelial calcification model, suggesting that KLF2 downregulation is likely involved in intimal calcification. Indeed,
KLF2
silencing induces endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and accelerates osteoinduction in both human aortic ECs and human umbilical vein ECs. EC-specific KLF2 knockdown promotes whereas AAV9 (adeno-associated virus serotype 9)-mediated EC-KLF2 overexpression ameliorates vascular calcification in
ApoE
−/−
mice. Global mRNA profiling in human umbilical vein ECs reveals that KLF2 inhibits the BMP (bone morphogenetic proteins)/SMAD1/5 pathway which is critical in vascular calcification. Furthermore, KLF2 mediates laminar flow-induced inhibition of the BMP/SMAD1/5 pathway. By contrast, disturbed flow-induced activation of BMP/SMAD1/5 pathway is suppressed by KLF2 overexpression. Mechanistically, KLF2 binds to the promoters of
BMP4
,
BMPER
, and
SMAD1
to directly regulate their expression in ECs.

Conclusions:

Vascular calcification prefers to occur at branched or bifurcated areas of vasculature. Laminar flow inhibits vascular calcification through KLF2-mediated inhibition of endothelial BMP/SMAD1/5 signaling. Targeting KLF2 may represent a novel therapeutic approach against vascular calcification.
Association of Meal and Snack Patterns With Mortality of All‐Cause, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer: The US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003 to 2014
Authors: Wei Wei , Jiang Wenbo , Huang Jiaxin , Xu Jiaxu , Wang Xuanyang , Jiang Xitao , Wang Yu , Li Guili , Sun Changhao , Li Ying , Han Tianshu
Published: June 2021

Background

Although accumulating evidence has demonstrated that consumption time of energy and macronutrients plays an important role in maintaining health, the association between consumption time of different foods and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all‐cause mortalities is still largely unknown.

Methods and Results

A noninstitutionalized household population of the US 21 503 participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was included. Meal patterns and snack patterns throughout a whole day were measured using 24‐hour dietary recall. Principal component analysis was performed to establish dietary patterns. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between dietary patterns across meals and cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and all‐cause mortalities. During the 149 875 person‐years of follow‐up, 2192 deaths including 676 deaths because of CVD and 476 because of cancer were documented. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants consuming fruit‐lunch had lower mortality risks of all‐cause (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72–0.92) and CVD (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49–0.87); whereas participants who consumed Western‐lunch were more likely to die because of CVD (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10–1.89). Participants who consumed vegetable‐dinner had lower mortality risks of all‐cause, CVD, and cancer (HR
all‐cause
, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60–0.78; HR
CVD
, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61–0.95; HR
cancer
, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48–0.83). For the snack patterns, participants who consumed fruit‐snack after breakfast had lower mortality risks of all‐cause and cancer (HR
all‐cause
, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66–0.93; HR
cancer
, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.39–0.78), and participants who consumed dairy‐snack after dinner had lower risks of all‐cause and CVD mortalities (HR
all‐cause
, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72–0.94; HR
CVD
, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52–0.87). Participants who consumed a starchy‐snack after main meals had greater mortality risks of all‐cause (HR
after‐breakfast
, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.24–1.82; HR
after‐lunch
, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.27–1.81; HR
after‐dinner
, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.25–1.80) and CVD (HR
after‐breakfast
, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.08–2.24; HR
after‐lunch
, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.03–2.02; HR
after‐dinner
, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.10–2.23).

Conclusions

Fruit‐snack after breakfast, fruit‐lunch, vegetable‐dinner, and dairy‐snack after dinner was associated with lower mortality risks of CVD, cancer, and all‐cause; whereas Western‐lunch and starchy‐snack after main meals had greater CVD and all‐cause mortalities.
The Use of Design in Business Strategy: What's Beneath the
Surface?
Authors: Monteiro Guilherme Fowler A.
Published: June 2021

For a growing number of managers, a good strategy is supposedly one that is planned by heterogeneous groups in a design studio and one that manifests itself through a creative flash that can only be expressed in colorful Post-it notes. However, what does this mean exactly? Starting from this fundamental question, this article sketches the broad contours of a more theoretically grounded dialogue between the fields of design and strategy. The article highlights the examination of strategy problems as design problems, the role of paradoxes in strategy thinking, and the nature of design as a strategic meta-capability.
A Commander’s Motivations and Geographical Remoteness under Command Responsibility: An Analysis of Controversial Issues of the Bemba Appeal Judgment
Authors: Colorio Matteo
Published: June 2021

The Bemba Appeal Judgment undermines confident prospects that the International Criminal Court could make a greater use of charges alleging command responsibility. This judgment introduces serious uncertainties in the law on command responsibility, in particular by reflecting long-lasting disputes concerning this doctrine on the ‘all necessary and reasonable measures’ element under Article 28 of the Rome Statute. The Bemba Appeal Judgment, indeed, includes a controversial evaluation of the relevance of a commander’s motivations in taking measures and of her geographical remoteness from the crime scene. This Article analyses these issues through the lenses of International Humanitarian Law and of fundamental principles of International Criminal Law, in particular the principle of legality and the principle of individual culpability.
Description and taxonomic analysis of a tuberculated turtle leech from the Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA, provisionally identified as Placobdella multilineata Moore, 1953 (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae)
Authors: SAWYER ROY T.
Published: June 2021

A tuberculated species of turtle leech is indigenous to the Great Dismal Swamp and environs of northeastern North Carolina, and differs from other known species of Placobdella. This study of hundreds of specimens for more than a decade documents its unexpected taxonomic complexity. In fact, this seemingly innocuous leech undergoes radical transformations in terms of morphology and behaviour, each adapted to a different phase of its life cycle. Biological observations reveal a progressive darkening with age which imposes taxonomic uncertainties. Furthermore, some commonly used characters are found to be unsound for taxonomic diagnosis in that they do not occur in all individuals of this species. The primary objective of this paper is a comprehensive description of this Albemarle turtle leech. The question is then asked, what distinguishes it from allied species? Toward this end, a formal taxonomic diagnosis is proposed based on details of the proboscis complex and crop-related tuberculation. This species is allied to the northern P. rugosa (Verrill, 1874) or its southern counterpart P. multilineata Moore, 1953. However, synonymy to either of these forms is problematical due to inadequacy of type descriptions. Nonetheless, in view of habitat similarity the Albemarle leech is provisionally identified as P. multilineata pending comparable studies of variability and development of other tuberculated Placobdella.
Synthesis of Bi2MoO6/BiOI Composites for Visible Light Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Zhang You , Xie Ning , Zhang Lu , Wu Fenghuang , Xie Zifei , Fu Qibin , Wang Yuxiang , Liu Jiaxiu , Fan Wenjie
Published: June 2021

Bi2MoO6/BiOI composites were synthesized by solvothermal method and photocatalytic performances were evaluated by degrading methylene blue (MB). Experiment results show that Bi2MoO6/0.5BiOI has the best photocatalytic efficiency for eliminating
92% MB in 2 h under the excitation of visible light. Such superior photocatalytic performance is due to the significantly enhanced ability to absorb visible light and separated efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes.
Effects of Sizes and Anisotropy Constants of Magnetic Nanoparticles on Hyperthermia Temperature Increase with Time
Authors: Qiao Dongkai , Deng Yu , Ho Chia-Chieh , Ho Ching-Yen , Chen Bor-Chyuan , Wen Mao-Yu , Xiong Chang-Wei
Published: June 2021

Cancer cells can be killed by magnetic-nanoparticles-induced hysteresis heat under an external alternating magnetic field. However, the hysteresis heat-induced temperature must be precisely controlled to prevent damages to the ambient normal tissue from cancer cells. Therefore, this
study employs a heat model to analyze the variation of temperature with time in magnetic nanoparticles within cancer. Results show that the temperature increase with time predicted from this study is consistent with the available experimental data. The effect of anisotropy constant on temperature
rise with time is presented. The anisotropy constant makes the behaviours of temperature variation significantly different.
Preparation and Chemical Protective Clothing Application of Sulfonated Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenyleneoxide)
Authors: Zhao Yue , Li Lei , Wang Ling-Yun , Li Xiao-Peng , Wang Xin-Bo , Ji Zuo-Hui , Li He-Guo , Men Quan-Fu , Zhong Jin-Yi
Published: June 2021

The preparation of chemical protective clothing (CPC) materials with excellent protective performance and physiological comfort have always been a global challenge. The selective permeability of organic matter and water shown by polyelectrolyte membranes in fuel cells and other applications
provides ideas for solving this problem. This research focused on sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (SPPO), a polyelectrolyte membrane material with excellent performance, and carried out different counter-ion substitutions to prepare a series of membrane materials, and their
mechanical properties, contact angle, permeability, and selectivity. The performance was tested and compared with Nafion, a typical commercial membrane. The results show that the SPPO membrane has the potential of CPC application and the performance of the membranes can be controlled by the
simple method of adjusting the counter-ion exchange of the membrane material.
Research Progress of Liquid Crystal Polymer Composites in Augmented and Virtual Reality
Authors: Liu Xiao-Min , Zhang Bing-Bing , Niu Zi-Yang , Du Meng-Zhu , Li Su-Xiao
Published: June 2021

The three-dimensional (3D) display technology has always been a hot spot in the display field. The core of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and naked-eye 3D display are to visually regulate the light entering the human eye to form a binocular parallax, that is, a visual
deviation in the image of the two eyes, which produces a stereoscopic sense in the human brain. In the AR and VR display field, we always pursue a perfect immersive visual experience, which poses great challenges to the wide field of view (FOV) and high resolution of the system. As a new type
of polymer material, liquid crystal polymers are widely used in AR and VR because of their unique optoelectronic properties, such as scattering or transparency with the change of an applied electric field. In this paper, we review some key challenges in the field of AR and VR display, such
as the well-known vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC), and propose solutions that have been proven effective. We introduce the important functions and optoelectronic properties of liquid crystal (LC) materials by describing in detail the working principle of polymer dispersed liquid crystal
(PDLC), doublet geometric phase (GP) lens, and polymer-stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC). Finally, we summarize and discuss the main uses and challenges of liquid crystal materials in the field of AR and VR displays.
Effect of C:SiO2 Ratio on Heating Behavior and Photoluminescence Property of SiC by Microwave
Authors: Zhang Xin-Yue , Gao Qian-Cheng , Song Bo-Zhen , Guan Li , Fan Lei , Zhao Biao , Fan Bing-Bing , Wang Hai-Long , Sun Hua-Zhen , Chen Lei-Ming , Zhang Rui
Published: June 2021

Coal minerals and tetraethoxysilane were used to prepare SiC by microwave heating. Different C:SiO2 ratios of raw mixed powders were selected to investigate changes in the heating behavior and photoluminescence property. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction
(XRD) Raman Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometer. It was found that distinct heating behavior appeared for different C:SiO2 ratios, including the time taken to reach ~600 °C, performance of the thermal runaway, and heating
rate. The changes in the complicated heating behaviors are determined by different microwave coupling, microwave plasma, and E-field intensification effects within samples with different C:SiO2 ratios. When the molar ration of carbon and silicon is 5:1, the intensity of light emission
reaches maximum.
Achieving Atom Localization in Noise Spectrum from a Loop Three Level Atom
Authors: Zhang Xue-Hua , Jin Wen-Tao , Zheng Li-Min , Feng Jun-Lan
Published: June 2021

A scheme for achieving atom localization in the noise spectrum in phase quadrature of resonance fluorescence from a three-level A atom is suggested. We add a microwave field to the lower energy states in the three-level A atom localization scheme, and form a three-level loop atom system.
When spontaneous emission photons are detected, by changing the relative phase between the three nonresonant fields, the atom is located in one of two half wavelengths, so the probability of atomic localization is 50%. We also see that the intensity and the detuning of the microwave field
affect intensively localization probability. Compared with the scheme based on electromagnetically induced transparency, the detection probability of atoms in the sub wavelength range is only 25%, and the resonance condition is useless.
Zoom Unit in Augmented Reality: Liquid Lens
Authors: Liu Xiao-Min , Niu Zi-Yang , Zhang Bing-Bing , Du Meng-Zhu , Chen Peng-Bo
Published: June 2021

With the development of modern technology and people’s demand for improving living standards, the traditional 2D display cannot meet the needs of people, so the augmented reality (AR) technology which combines virtual objects with real environment arises at the historic moment.
AR technology sprouted in the 1960 s, and ushered in rapid development in the 21st century through continuous technical iteration. However, the traditional AR system cannot solve the vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC), to solve which, researchers introduced liquid lens into the optical
system of AR. The methods and materials of making liquid lens are different. In this paper, the research progress of liquid lens is summarized from three aspects. Firstly, the research progress of liquid lens is briefly reviewed. Secondly, the classification and typical preparation technology
of liquid lens are introduced, and different requirements for performance are described. Finally, the performance and testing method of liquid lens is introduced.
AC Impedence Properties of Multifunction Ceramics ZrScMo2VO12
Authors: Ge Xiang-Hong , Ding Xing-Xing , Yuan Bao-He , Liu Xian-Sheng , Cheng Yong-Guang , Liang Er-Jun
Published: June 2021

Alternating current (AC) impedance properties of negative expansion material ZrScMo2VO12 are studied with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The conductivity is measured as 2.49×10-4 Ohm-1cm-1K at 673 K and 4.15×10-4
Ohm-1cm-1K at 773 K. We have also elucidated that the conduction of ZrScMo2VO12 come from defects and the co-doping of N and P type in semiconductors. The Schottky defect and Frenkel defect in the material lead to O2- ion conduction, and
co-doping leads to electron conduction. And the grain boundary barrier could limit the conduction of electron and hole. This work may be useful for the application exploration of ZrScMo2VO12 in fuel cell and corresponding energy conversion fields.
Star-Fruit-Shaped CuO Structures for High Performance Ethanol Gas Sensor Device
Authors: Umar Ahmad , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Kumar Rajesh , Algadi Hassan , Albargi Hasan , Alhamami Mohsen A. M. , Nakate Umesh T. , Baskoutas Sotirios
Published: June 2021

In this paper, star-fruit-shaped CuO microstructures were hydrothermally synthesized and subsequently characterized through different techniques to understand morphological, compositional, structural, crystal, optical and vibrational properties. The formation of star-fruit-shaped structures
along with some polygonal and spherical nanostructures was confirmed by FESEM analysis. XRD data and Raman spectrum confirmed the monoclinic tenorite crystalline phase of the CuO with crystal size 17.61 nm. Star-fruit-shaped CuO microstructures were examined for ethanol gas sensing behavior
at various operating temperatures and concentrations. The gas response of 135% was observed at the optimal temperature of 225 °C. Due to excellent selectivity, stability and re-usability, the as-fabricated sensor based on star-fruit-shaped CuO micro-structures may be explored for future
toxic gas sensor applications.
Stratospheric Mountain Waves Trailing across Northern Europe
Authors: Dörnbrack Andreas
Published: June 2021

Planetary waves disturbed the hitherto stable Arctic stratospheric polar vortex in the middle of January 2016 in such a way that unique tropospheric and stratospheric flow conditions for vertically and horizontally propagating mountain waves developed. Coexisting strong low-level westerly winds across almost all European mountain ranges plus the almost zonally aligned polar-front jet created these favorable conditions for deeply propagating gravity waves. Furthermore, the northward displacement of the polar night jet resulted in a widespread coverage of stratospheric mountain waves trailing across Northern Europe. This paper describes the particular meteorological setting by analyzing the tropospheric and stratospheric flows based on the ERA5 data. The potential of the flow for exciting internal gravity waves from nonorographic sources is evaluated across all altitudes by considering various indices to indicate flow imbalances as δ, Ro, Roζ, Ro⊥, and ΔNBE. The analyzed gravity waves are described and characterized. The main finding of this case study is the exceptionally vast extension of the mountain waves trailing to high latitudes originating from the flow across the mountainous sources that are located at about 45°N. The magnitudes of the simulated stratospheric temperature perturbations attain values larger than 10 K and are comparable to values as documented by recent case studies of large-amplitude mountain waves over South America. The zonal means of the resolved and parameterized stratospheric wave drag during the mountain wave event peak at −4.5 and −32.2 m s−1 day−1, respectively.
Abundant Cold Anticyclonic Eddies and Warm Cyclonic Eddies in the Global Ocean
Authors: Ni Qinbiao , Zhai Xiaoming , Jiang Xuemin , Chen Dake
Published: June 2021

Mesoscale eddies are ubiquitous features of the global ocean circulation and play a key role in transporting ocean properties and modulating air–sea exchanges. Anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies are traditionally thought to be associated with anomalous warm and cold surface waters, respectively. Using satellite altimeter and microwave data, here we show that surface cold-core anticyclonic eddies (CAEs) and warm-core cyclonic eddies (WCEs) are surprisingly abundant in the global ocean—about 20% of the eddies inferred from altimeter data are CAEs and WCEs. Composite analysis using Argo float profiles reveals that the cold cores of CAEs and warm cores of WCEs are generally confined in the upper 50 m. Interestingly, CAEs and WCEs alter air–sea momentum and heat fluxes and modulate mixed layer depth and surface chlorophyll concentration in a way markedly different from the traditional warm-core anticyclonic and cold-core cyclonic eddies. Given their abundance, CAEs and WCEs need to be properly accounted for when assessing and parameterizing the role of ocean eddies in Earth’s climate system.
Does Medical School Geography and Ranking Influence Residency Match in Otolaryngology?
Authors: Goshtasbi Khodayar , Tsutsumi Kotaro , Merna Catherine , Kuan Edward C. , Haidar Yarah M. , Tjoa Tjoson
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To elucidate the associations between geographic locations, rankings, and size/funding of medical schools and residency programs among the current otolaryngology residents.

Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study queried otolaryngology residency program websites for relevant publicly accessible information. Location was categorized as Midwest, Northeast, South, and West. Ranking was according to Doximity (residency) and US News and World Report (medical school). Medical school and residency programs were labeled large if they had >704 students or >15 residents, respectively.

Results:

A total of 1413 residents from 98 (89%) otolaryngology residency programs were included. Residents attending their home medical schools (18%) were equally distributed among regions ( P = .845). Residents who attended medical schools in the same US regions (54%) were more likely from top-25 ( P = .001) or private ( P < .001) medical schools. Southern residents were most likely (64%) and Western residents were least likely (39%) from regional medical schools ( P < .001), while residents from Midwest and Northeast had similar rates (54%-55%). The percentage of Midwest residents coming from regional medical schools has decreased from the 2013 to 2014 residency cycle ( P = .037). Completing undergraduate school, medical school, and residency in the same region (38%) was also highest in the South (45%) and lowest in the West (25%) ( P < .001). Residents at top-ranked residency programs were more likely from top-ranked ( P < .001), large ( P = .025), and private ( P = .018) medical schools.

Conclusion:

There exist significant associations between otolaryngology residents’ medical school location, ranking, size, and funding source and their residency destination. More than half of the current otolaryngology residents attended medical school in the same geographic region, and about one-fifth have attended medical school and residency at the same institution. Future studies are warranted to evaluate how these results change as the match process evolves in the future.

Level of Evidence:

N/A.
Dysphagia Severity and Outcomes Following Iatrogenic High Vagal Nerve Injury
Authors: Miles Ethan R. , Krishna Priya D. , Inman Jared C. , Lee Steve C. , Walker Paul C. , Simental Alfred A. , Crawley Brianna K.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To examine severity of dysphagia and outcomes following iatrogenic high vagal nerve injury.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of all patients with iatrogenic high vagal nerve injury that were seen at a tertiary referral center from 2012 to 2020.

Results:

Of 1304 patients who met criteria for initial screening, 18 met all inclusion criteria. All 18 required intervention to address postoperative dysphagia. Eleven required enteral feeding tubes with 7 eventually able to advance to exclusively per oral diets. Fourteen underwent vocal fold injection and 6 underwent laryngeal framework surgery. Sixteen pursued swallowing therapy with speech language pathology. Patients lost a mean of 8.6 kg of weight in the 6 months following the injury. Swallowing function on the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) was 4.4 and 2.4 respectively immediately following the injury and improved to 1.9 and 5.3 at the last follow-up. No patients had complete return of normal swallowing function at last follow up.

Conclusion:

Iatrogenic high vagal injury causes significant lasting dysphagia which improves with intervention but does not completely resolve. Interventions such as vocal fold injection, medialization laryngoplasty, cricopharyngeal myotomy, or swallowing therapy may be required to reestablish safe swallowing in these patients.
Stick Versus Carrot: Comparing Structural Antitrust and Behavioral Regulation Outcomes
Authors: Majumdar Sumit K.
Published: June 2021

Debates on whether structural antitrust remedies or behavioral regulatory remedies should be used to implement institutional mandates are long-standing. Historical data for an entire population of firms for a fourteen-year period have been used, in a natural experiment format, to evaluate the impacts of both (a) structural antitrust policy (stick) and (b) behavioral regulation (carrot), for (i) exactly the same efficiency outcome, (ii) for the same firms, and (iii) at the same time. The results indicate that the stick has been less effective than the carrot. Implementation of regulations has had a significantly larger economic impact relative to implementing structural antitrust remedies on firm efficiency. Fiscally, annual incremental gains generated by the regulatory approach versus the antitrust approach have been over US$2 billion. Behavioral institutional design, implementation, and outcome assessments could be based on dynamic evolutionary process ideas situated within a managed incentive regulation framework. Given recent clamor for actions against technology companies, the facts suggest that behavioral regulations could constrain unacceptable firm behaviors and the results question contemporary antitrust remedies’ relative efficacy.
Opening the doors: Critically examining the locked wards policy for public mental health inpatient units in Queensland Australia
Authors: Gill Neeraj S , Parker Stephen , Amos Andrew , Lakeman Richard , Emeleus Mary , Brophy Lisa , Kisely Steve
Published: June 2021

The Queensland Government issued a policy directive to lock all acute adult public mental health inpatient wards in 2013. Despite criticism from professional bodies and advocacy for an alternative, the policy has been retained to this day. A blanket directive to treat all psychiatric inpatients in a locked environment without individualised consideration of safety is inconsistent with least restrictive recovery-oriented care. It is against the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which Australia is a signatory. It is also contrary to the main objects of the Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld). Queensland Health has reported a reduction in ‘absences without permission’ from psychiatric inpatient wards after the introduction of the locked wards policy; however, no in-depth analysis of the consequences of this policy has been conducted. It has been argued that patients returning late or not returning from approved leave is a more common event than patients ‘escaping’ from mental health wards, yet all may be counted as ‘absent without permission’ events. A review of the international literature found little evidence of reduced absconding from locked wards. Disadvantages for inpatients of locked wards include lowered self-esteem and autonomy, and a sense of exclusion, confinement and stigma. Locked wards are also associated with lower satisfaction with services and higher rates of medication refusal. On the contrary, there is significant international evidence that models of care like Safewards and having open door policies can improve the environment on inpatient units and may lead to less need for containment and restrictive practices. We recommend a review of the locked wards policy in light of human rights principles and international evidence.
Reading The Bible With African Lenses: Exodus 20:1–17 As Interpreted by Simon Kapwepwe
Authors: Kangwa Jonathan
Published: June 2021

The bible has been differently received, read, interpreted and appropriated in African communities. Political freedom fighters in Zambia used the bible to promote black consciousness and an awareness of African identity. The first group of freedom fighters who emerged from the Mwenzo and Lubwa mission stations of the Free Church of Scotland in North Eastern Zambia read and interpreted the bible in a manner that encouraged resistance against colonialism and the marginalization of African culture. This paper adds to current shifts in African biblical scholarship by considering Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe’s interpretation of Exodus 20:1–17 in the context of Zambia’s movement for political and ecclesiastical independence. Kapwepwe belonged to the first group of freedom fighters - fighting alongside Kenneth Kaunda who would become the first President of Zambia. The present paper shows how Kapwepwe brought the biblical text into dialogue with the African context to address urgent issues of his time, including colonialism.
LncRNA Nron Inhibits Bone Resorption in Periodontitis
Authors: Li J. , Jin F. , Cai M. , Lin T. , Wang X. , Sun Y.
Published: June 2021

Periodontitis is the most common chronic oral disease and is characterized by active osteoclast activity and significant alveolar bone resorption. However, the key regulatory factors of periodontal bone loss have yet to be determined, and reasonable intervention methods for periodontitis have not been developed. Currently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have shown a remarkable ability to maintain normal cell and tissue homeostasis. Interestingly, we recently found that the lncRNA Nron is negatively correlated with alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis model. To explore the role of Nron in periodontal bone loss, osteoclastic-specific Nron knockout mice and osteoclastic-specific Nron transgenic mice were generated. Nron effectively inhibited osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption. Mechanistically, Nron was found to effectively promote the nuclear transport of NF-κb repressing factor (NKRF). In addition, NKRF in the nucleus significantly repressed the transcription of Nfatc1, which is a major NF-κb signaling molecule. Importantly, local injection of the Nron overexpression vector significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption, which indicated the translational application potential of lncRNAs in the treatment of bone resorption in periodontitis.
Accelerating Socket Repair via WNT3A Curtails Alveolar Ridge Resorption
Authors: Arioka M. , Dawid I.M. , Cuevas P.L. , Coyac B.R. , Leahy B. , Wang L. , Yuan X. , Li Z. , Zhang X. , Liu B. , Helms J.A.
Published: June 2021

Tooth extraction triggers alveolar ridge resorption, and when this resorption is extensive, it can complicate subsequent reconstructive procedures that use dental implants. Clinical data demonstrate that the most significant dimensional changes in the ridge occur soon after tooth extraction. Here, we sought to understand whether a correlation existed between the rate at which an extraction socket heals and the extent of alveolar ridge resorption. Maxillary molars were extracted from young and osteoporotic rodents, and quantitative micro–computed tomographic imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry were used to simultaneously follow socket repair and alveolar ridge resorption. Extraction sockets rapidly filled with new bone via the proliferation and differentiation of Wnt-responsive osteoprogenitor cells and their progeny. At the same time that new bone was being deposited in the socket, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–expressing osteoclasts were resorbing the ridge. Significantly faster socket repair in young animals was associated with significantly more Wnt-responsive osteoprogenitor cells and their progeny as compared with osteoporotic animals. Delivery of WNT3A to the extraction sockets of osteoporotic animals restored the number of Wnt-responsive cells and their progeny back to levels seen in young healthy animals and accelerated socket repair in osteoporotic animals back to rates seen in the young. In cases where the extraction socket was treated with WNT3A, alveolar ridge resorption was significantly reduced. These data demonstrate a causal link between enhancing socket repair via WNT3A and preserving alveolar ridge dimensions following tooth extraction.