bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children With Unilateral Hearing Loss After Newborn Hearing Screening in Taiwan
Authors: Hung Yu-Chen , Chen Pei-Hua , Lin Tzu-Hui , Lim Tang Zhi
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

We explored the intervention characteristics and language outcomes of children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) in Taiwan after the implementation of universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) to highlight changes in attitudes and actions toward hearing-related treatments.

Method:

Data of 132 children with UHL in birth cohorts from 2012 to 2019 were included. This retrospective study examined differences in age at identification, hearing aid (HA) fitting, and seeking supportive services. Commonly requested attributes of services, reasons for HA rejection, and children's language performance were investigated.

Results:

The age at identification decreased from 50.3 months in 2012 to 2.6 months in 2019. Similar trends of declining age were obtained for the age at HA fitting and age at first service contact. In addition, 40% of the parents did not seek support until the child became older (
M
= 30.5 months) and showed more noticeable behaviors related to hearing loss, and only 64% of the children were consistent HA users. Children with UHL enrolled in the intervention programs approximated the average language performance of the assessment norm; however, they showed depressed language levels when compared to the norm group at the 75th percentile.

Conclusions:

UNHS had a positive impact on early identification and intervention in children with UHL. Compared to parents of children with all types of hearing loss, parents of children with UHL seemed to be more uncertain about aural habilitation at the early stage.
Feeding Skill and Behavior Changes in Children With Complex Feeding Disorders Following Therapy in an Intensive Multidisciplinary Feeding Program
Authors: Desai Hema , Lauridson Sarah , Nguyen Michelle , Ornelas Elisa , Schomberg John
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

This study aims to measure and describe changes in oral feeding skills and mealtime behaviors observed in children with complex feeding disorders and/or feeding tube dependence after participation in an intensive multidisciplinary feeding program. This is the first study to use a standardized tool to report feeding outcomes after patients received intensive feeding therapy using a combination of therapeutic strategies.

Method:

This was a prospective observational study examining the treatment outcomes of 34 patients (range: 13 months to 6.5 years) admitted into the Intensive Multidisciplinary Feeding Program using the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PediEAT). Eighteen patients were tube dependent; 16 patients were oral feeders. All patients received 19 days of intensive feeding intervention. The PediEAT was completed by patient's caregiver at admission and discharge from the feeding program. Caregiver and patient demographics were also collected.

Results:

Statistical analysis of scores at admission (prescore) and at discharge (postscore) revealed significant improvements in PediEAT total scores and across all subscales for all patients. The largest degree of change was noted in the Problematic Mealtime Behaviors subscale. Patients who were oral feeders also demonstrated significant improvements in the Oral Processing subscale in addition to Problematic Mealtime Behaviors subscale. Tube-dependent patients presented with a large degree of change in the Selective Restrictive Eating subscale and in the Problematic Mealtime Behaviors subscale.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that the use of an individualized approach using a combination of therapeutic strategies results in statistically significant improvements in multiple feeding domains as measured by a validated tool after participating in an intensive multidisciplinary feeding program. Improvement in a child's ability to manage advanced textures and consistencies can have a significant impact on their willingness to engage in mealtimes. It is important to measure and report on their skills, in addition to behavioral responses and intake.
Considerations for Specialty Education in Voice and Upper Airway Disorders
Authors: Barkmeier-Kraemer Julie M. , Hapner Edie R.
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this article was to describe the development and contributions of a voice and upper airway disorders (VUAD) grassroots committee of experts toward defining core features of a VUAD-focused clinical fellowship (CF). This group grew over 3 years to include more than 35 clinical experts representing multiple VUAD clinic sites across varied regions of the United States. This group proposed entry- and exit-level knowledge and skills and expectations for successful VUAD CF training outcomes at the 2021 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. In addition, this group formulated resources and educational support networks for VUAD CF trainees and their supervisors. Future work by this group will define the criteria by which VUAD CFs will be included as part of clinical expertise experiences evaluated by the VUAD board.

Conclusions:

A collaborative group of grassroots experts in VUAD defined core entry- and exit-level expectations for clinical competency upon completion of a VUAD CF. Future research and efforts by this group will further characterize the current VUAD CF settings, populations served, and ranges of assessment and treatment services provided. Pilot programs were conducted offering educational and supervisory resources with positive outcomes that endorse the need for these critical mechanisms for supporting VUAD trainees and colleagues.
Adaptive fuzzy tracking control for non‐strict‐feedback non‐linear systems with non‐constant delays and full state constraints
Authors: Zhuang Zhiyue , Chen Yong , Liu Yuezhi , Zhang Longjie , Gao Feng , Huang Qiuan
Published: June 2022

This paper aims at the tracking control problem of the non‐strict‐feedback non‐linear systems with non‐constant unknown delays and full state constraints. A constrained exponential Lyapunov–Krasovskii function‐based fuzzy adaptive dynamic surface control (CELK‐FADSC) method is proposed. In order to achieve the goal of full state constraints, the tan‐type Barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is used. Furthermore, to reduce the influence of the non‐constant unknown delays on the system, an exponential Lyapunov–Krasovskii function is constructed. At the same time, sliding mode differentiator is adopted to the dynamic surface control (DSC) method, by which the ‘complexity explosion’ problem in backstepping is solved. In addition, the proposed adaptive tracking controller can ensure that the states in the closed‐loop system do not violate their constraint, and the semi‐global uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB) can be achieved. Finally, simulation outcomes can prove the validity of the proposed method.
Denseformer: A dense transformer framework for person re‐identification
Authors: Ma Haoyan , Li Xiang , Yuan Xia , Zhao Chunxia
Published: June 2022

Transformer has shown its effectiveness and advantage in many computer vision tasks, for example, image classification and object re‐identification (ReID). However, existing vision transformers are stacked layer by layer, lacking direct information exchange among every layer. Inspired by DenseNet, we propose a dense transformer framework (termed Denseformer) that connects each layer to every other layer through class tokens. We demonstrate that Denseformer can consistently achieve better performance on person ReID tasks across datasets (Market‐1501, DukeMTMC, MSMT17, and Occluded‐Duke), only at a negligible increase of computation. We show that Denseformer has several compelling advantages: it pays more attention to the main parts of human bodies and obtains discriminative global features.
Improving the performance of helical motion resolver based on accurate modelling of longitudinal end effect
Authors: Zare Fateme , Nasiri‐Gheidari Zahra
Published: June 2022

Using multiple position sensors in the control system of Two‐Degrees of Freedom (2‐DOF) motors causes it more complicated than that of conventional 1‐DOF ones. However, employing a 2‐DOF position sensor in comparison with two independent sensors, reduces the complexity, mass and volume of the system. The common 2‐DOF sensors are able to determine the position in linear, rotational, and helical motion. Yet, they suffer from accuracy reduction due to the longitudinal end effect. Therefore, analytical modelling and the relevant compensation methods are discussed. The accuracy of the model is approved by comparing its results with those of 3D time transient finite element method. Afterwards, the model is used for compensating the end effects. Finally, the optimised 2‐DOF resolver is prototyped and tested. The result of experimental test shows the proposed resolver's success.
Interrupting characteristics of a DC combined apparatus for rail transit systems
Authors: Zhang Haixia , Wang Xuedong , Xiang Bin , Wang Dongyu , Li Hongxu , Liu Zhiyuan , Geng Yingsan , Wang Jianhua
Published: June 2022

The short‐circuit fault current of the urban rail transit systems is hard to interrupt due to the high amplitude and the high rising rate. The existing air DC circuit breakers applied in the rail transit DC traction system are difficult to interrupt the short‐circuit fault current quickly and reliably, and cannot meet the increasing demand of the system capacity. The objective of this paper is to design a novel DC combined apparatus including a DC fuse module and an artificial zero crossing module series‐connected to solve the problem of rapid isolation of short‐circuit fault current in DC traction systems. The DC fuse module consists of a DC fuse and a transfer switch with additional auxiliary coils. Experimental results show that the DC combined apparatus can interrupt the rated current, overload current, and short‐circuit current effectively within 6 ms. It can interrupt a 20 kA overload current within 5.12 ms, and the interrupting time of a prospective short‐circuit current of 100 kA is less than 5.08 ms. The designed DC combined apparatus has the full range of current interrupting capacity and has the advantages of low on‐state loss and low cost, which can significantly improve the reliability and stability of rail transit systems.
Multiline observations of CH3OH, c-C3H2, and HNCO toward L1544
Authors: Lin Y. , Spezzano S. , Sipilä O. , Vasyunin A. , Caselli P.
Published: June 2022

Context. Pre-stellar cores are the basic unit for the formation of stars and stellar systems. The anatomy of the physical and chemical structures of pre-stellar cores is critical for understanding the star formation process.

Aims. L1544 is a prototypical pre-stellar core that shows significant chemical differentiation surrounding the dust peak. We aim to constrain the physical conditions at the different molecular emission peaks. This study allows us to compare the abundance profiles predicted from chemical models with the classical density structure of the Bonnor-Ebert (BE) sphere.

Methods. We conducted multi-transition pointed observations of CH3OH, c-C3H2, and HNCO with the IRAM 30m telescope toward the dust peak and the respective molecular peaks of L1544. Using this data set, with nonlocal-thermodynamic-equilibrium radiative transfer calculations and a one-dimensional model, we revisit the physical structure of L1544 and benchmark the observations with the abundance profiles from current chemical models.

Results. We find that the HNCO, c-C3H2, and CH3OH lines in L1544 trace progressively higher-density gas, from ~104 to several times 105 cm−3. Particularly, we find that to produce the observed intensities and ratios of the CH3OH lines, a local gas density enhancement above that of the BE sphere is required. This suggests that the physical structure of an early-stage core may not necessarily follow a smooth decrease in gas density profile locally, but can be intercepted by clumpy substructures that surround the gravitational center.

Conclusions. Multiple transitions of molecular lines from different molecular species can provide a tomographic view of the density structure of pre-stellar cores. The local gas density enhancement deviating from the BE sphere may reflect the impact of accretion flows that appear asymmetric and are enhanced at the meeting point of large-scale cloud structures.
Solar-cycle variation of quiet-Sun magnetism and surface gravity oscillation mode
Authors: Korpi-Lagg M. J. , Korpi-Lagg A. , Olspert N. , Truong H.-L.
Published: June 2022

Context. The origins of quiet-Sun magnetism (QS) is still under debate and investigating the solar cycle variation observationally in greater detail can provide clues on how to resolve the ensuing controversies.

Aims. We investigate the solar cycle variation of the most magnetically quiet regions and their surface gravity oscillation (f-) mode-integrated energy, Ef.

Methods. We used 12 years of Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) data and applied a stringent selection criteria based on spatial and temporal quietness to avoid any influence from active regions (ARs). We developed an automated high-throughput pipeline to go through all available magnetogram data and to compute the value of Ef for the selected quiet regions.

Results. We observed a clear solar cycle dependence of the magnetic field strength in the most quiet regions containing several supergranular cells. For patch sizes smaller than a supergranular cell, no significant cycle dependence was detected. The Ef at the supergranular scale is not constant over time. During the late ascending phase of Cycle 24 (SC24, 2011-2012), it is roughly constant, but starts diminishing in 2013, as the maximum of SC24 is approached. This trend continues until mid-2017, when hints of strengthening at higher southern latitudes are seen. Slow strengthening continues, stronger at higher latitudes than at the equatorial regions, but Ef never returns to the values seen in 2011-2012. In addition, the strengthening trend continues past the solar minimum, to the years when SC25 is already clearly ascending. Hence, the Ef behavior is not in phase with the solar cycle.

Conclusions. The dependence of Ef on the solar cycle at supergranular scales is indicative of the fluctuating magnetic field being replenished by tangling from the large-scale magnetic field – and not solely due to the action of a fluctuation dynamo process in the surface regions. The absence of variations on smaller scales might be an effect of the limited spatial resolution and magnetic sensitivity of HMI. The anticorrelation of Ef with the solar cycle in gross terms is expected, but the phase shift of several years indicates a connection to the large-scale poloidal magnetic field component rather than the toroidal one. Calibrating AR signals with the QS Ef does not reveal significant enhancement of the f-mode prior to AR emergence.
Synthesizing fuzzy tree automata
Authors: Moghari Somaye
Published: June 2022

Fuzzy tree automata are mathematical devices for modeling and analyzing vaguely defined tree structures. The behavior of a fuzzy tree automaton generates a fuzzy tree language by mapping a set of regular trees on a ranked alphabet to fuzzy membership values. It calculates the membership grade of trees using a set of rules that process their structural characteristics. This paper deals with constructing fuzzy tree automata models that their behavior satisfies a set of given logical propositions (called properties) on the structure of trees. Our goal is uncertainty modeling by synthesizing fuzzy tree automata whose behavior is described by fuzzy linguistic variables. In this regard, we first provide several patterns and heuristic tricks and techniques for constructing fuzzy tree automata that satisfy simple properties. Then, we develop a method for modeling complex propositional formulas based on the conversion of a logical formula into a computation tree, as well as a step-by-step combination of models.
Oral manifestation of lymphomatoid papulosis: systematic review
Authors: Corail Diane René , Mondoloni Marine , Calvo Anne Sophie , Quilhot Pauline , Lescaille Géraldine , Baaroun Vanessa , Rochefort Juliette
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Lymphomatoid Papulosis (LyP) is a lymphoproliferative disorder with typical histopathological criteria and a spontaneous regression. Only few cases of oral involvement have been reported. We wondered about their clinical characteristics and their association with lymphoma. Method: This systematic review is conducted according to the PRISMA statement. The Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine table (OCEBM) and the scoring from the National Agency for Accreditation and Assessment in Health (ANAES) was assigned to each study. Results: We have included 16 references. LyP can occur at any age with a female predilection. Oral lesions were unique ulcer and tongue was mostly affected. Histological types A, and C were dominant and LyP resolved spontaneously. 1 case was associated with a lymphoma. Discussion: Cutaneous LyP more affects men and are mostly classified as type A while those orals are type A or C. Oral LyP is probably a progressive lesion whose evolution is not illustrated by the histological aspect which often reflects only the initial acute period. Conclusion: Our literature review has shown that the epidemiological aspects between oral and cutaneous LyP are not the same. LyP may be associated with an increased risk of developing systemic lymphoproliferative disorders.
Analysis of retrieval of dental implants displaced into ectopic locations between 2015–2017 and 2018–2020: scoping review of literature
Authors: Miyao Tadakazu , Osato Shigeo , Miyao Irika , Nakajima Yukari , Shirakawa Masayori
Published: June 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate differences in 10 items of treatment details in patient regarding cases between 2015–2017 (EP) and 2018–2020 (LP) from scoping literature review of displaced dental implant (DDI) retrievals. Materials and methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched using key words including “displaced,” “retrieved,” “migrated,” or “accidental" dental implants. Treatment details were analyzed for the differences between EP and LP in 92 cases from 32 articles published in 13 countries. Statistical significance was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: In the comparison between EP and LP, there was no significant difference in the number of publication countries (11 vs. 10), number of published articles (17 vs. 15), distributions of cases (50 vs. 42), mean age of patients (55.9 ± 1.8 years vs. 55.3 ± 2.5 years), male-female distribution (31/19 vs. 24/18), and distribution of displacement into the maxillary sinus and other regions (46/4 vs. 34/8), and no significant difference in the Pearson’s correlation between publication years and the number of articles. DDI retrievals utilized intraoral and endoscopic surgeries (61.2% and 82.5%), transoral and transnasal approaches (93.8% and 81.8%), and local and general anesthesia (64.7% and 76.3%) during EP and LP, respectively. Moreover, significant differences were observed in all distributions between the two factors (30/19 vs. 7/33 cases, 30/2 vs. 6/27 cases and 2/12 vs. 9/29 cases) in EP and LP, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusions: These results suggest that most DDI retrievals in otorhinolaryngology since 2018 have been mostly performed using transnasal endoscopic approaches under general anesthesia.
Improvement of arc burn defect of initial contact loss of electric hot incremental sheet forming
Authors: Li Zhengfang , Wu Bin , Sun Yanping , Shen Mingxiu , Gao Zhengyuan , An Zhiguo , Lu Shihong
Published: June 2022

Electric hot incremental sheet forming, which is used to form hard-to-form sheet metal, is viewed as the one of rapid prototyping manufacturing technologies. However, the non-uniform stress distribution of forming regions would cause an initial contact loss phenomenon between the tool and the sheet, and an electric arc burn of the part surface is obtained due to the contact loss. In this work, a control method of axial pressure response was proposed to judge the stability of the initial contact between forming the tool and the sheet. A power supply on-off device was designed for electric hot incremental forming, and the calculation model of the initial axial force was established during deformation. Meanwhile, two response pressure values were proposed to control the power supply starting and the current intervention and to ensure the stability of the power supply during the forming process. In addition to this, the axial force and the surface of part were analyzed further in electric hot incremental sheet forming.
Analysing data quality frameworks and evaluating the statistical output of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ reports
Authors: Al-Salim Wajdi , Darwish Abdul Salam K. , Farrell Peter
Published: June 2022

This paper evaluates the quality of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ report for 2020, and devises a new data quality assessment framework based on analysing many data quality frameworks. Data in this paper is collected from the official UN SDG official website, and the national statistics offices of the UN countries. A weighted-score sum module is also being utilized to find the best data quality dimension. These dimensions are then used to create a new data quality framework. It is found that the UN SDGs used a data quality framework that is based on statistical output factors and ignores other quality factors and therefore the score for assessing this report is 56%. The perceived identified gaps include: countries are using different quality and assessment frameworks which cause inconsistency in data quality; data is outdated and incomplete; data is not available for many indicators and countries; cost and efficiency are not part of the UN SDG data quality framework; therefore weak data management is found. Areas for improvement include creating one comprehensive data quality framework for all countries will ensure the highest data quality.
The effects of modified Taekwondo on measures of functional fitness in older adults: a pilot study
Authors: Del Vecchio Luke , Exton Ben , Climstein Michael
Published: June 2022

Functional fitness represents the physical capacity needed to perform activities of daily living, independently without undue fatigue, deteriorates with age. Taekwondo is a traditional form of martial arts training that has shown several positive effects on fitness in younger adults. However, a paucity of research has investigated the impact of modified Taekwondo training in older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to implement a modified Taekwondo program for older adults over the age of 60 and determine its impact on functional fitness. Fifteen participants from a Taekwondo exercise class (average age: 72.7 years) and 10 non-exercising controls (average age: 73.8 years) participated. Functional fitness for all participants was pre-tested and post-tested using the following measures: = finger to nose test (FTNT) = timed single-leg stance (TSLS), timed up and go (TUG) = 30-second sit to stand test (30S2ST), 30-second arm curl test (ACT), two-minute step in place (2SIPT), chair sit and reach test (CSRT), back scratch test (BST). No significant differences were found between pre-test and post-test measures for both groups. Effect sizes showed that the intervention had a small effect on hand-eye coordination, timed single-leg balance, upper limb strength, aerobic fitness, and lower limb flexibility. Despite no functional effect, six weeks of modified Taekwondo training still reached improvements in balance, aerobic fitness, and lower limb flexibility.
Covered self-expandable metal stents for pancreatic duct stricture: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tringali Alberto , Costa Deborah , Rota Matteo , Adler Douglas G. , Costamagna Guido
Published: June 2022

Background and study aims Placement of a covered (C)-self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) has been recently investigated as an alternative endoscopic treatment for main pancreatic duct stricture (MPDS) in chronic pancreatitis. Our aim was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies quantifying efficacy and safety of C-SEMSs in the management of MPDS.

Methods A multiple database search was performed, including MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library, from January 2000 to September 2020, to identify studies reporting the efficacy and safety of C-SEMSs in patients with MPDS. Stricture and pain resolution were investigated. Other outcomes included technical success, stent migration, stricture recurrence and need for repeated stent placement. Pancreatitis, severe abdominal pain requiring stent removal and de-novo stricture were recorded as complications.

Results Nineteen studies were identified, which included a total of 300 patients. C-SEMSs showed a pooled stricture resolution rate of 91 % [95 % confidence interval (CI), 85 %–96 %] and a pooled pain resolution rate of 92 % (95 % CI, 85 %–98 %). The pooled proportion for stricture recurrence was equal to 6 % (95 % CI, 1 %–14 %), while stent migration occurred in 33 of 300 patients, the pooled proportion being 7 % (95 % CI 1 %–15 %). The pooled mean stent duration was 133 days (95 % CI, 100–166 days). The most common complication was pancreatitis (3 %, 95 % CI 0 %–8 %), while de-novo stricture pooled proportion was 2 % (95 % CI, 0 %–5 %).

Conclusions C-SEMSs are effective and safe in the treatment of MPDS. However, there is a significant need for further high-quality, well-designed studies to produce evidence-based data on short and long-term efficacy, safety, costs of C-SEMSs, and also optimal stent duration.
Weight loss after endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is independent of suture pattern: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gkolfakis Paraskevas , Van Ouytsel Pauline , Mourabit Youssef , Fernandez Michael , Yared Rawad , Deviere Jacques , Huberty Vincent
Published: June 2022

Background and study aims This was a single-blind, single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing the efficacy of three different suture patterns for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty using Endomina (E-ESG).

Patients and methods The suture patterns aimed to modify gastric accommodation by increasing the fundus distention ability (Group A), to reduce gastric volume (Group B) or to interrupt gastric emptying (Group C). Patients were randomized 1:1:1 and underwent clinical follow-up, gastric emptying scintigraphy, and satiety tests at baseline and 6 and 12 months post-procedure. The primary outcome was total body weight loss (TBWL) and excess weight loss (EWL) at 12 months post-procedure. Secondary outcomes included the impact of the suture patterns on gastric emptying and satiety.

Results Overall, 48 patients (40 [83.3 %] female, aged 41.9 ± 9.5 years, body mass indexI 33.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2) were randomized (16 in each group). In the entire cohort, mean (95 % confidence interval [CI]) TBWL and EWL at the end of the follow-up were 10.11 % (7.1–13.12) and 42.56 (28.23–56.9), respectively. There was no difference among the three study groups in terms of TBWL (95 %CI) (9.13 % [2.16–16.11] vs. 11.29 % [5.79–16.80] vs. 9.96 % [4.58–15.35]; P = 0.589) and EWL (95 %CI) (34.54 % [6.09–62.99] vs. 44.75 % [23.63–65.88] vs. 46.94 % [16.72–77.15]; P = 0.888) at 12 months post-procedure. The three groups did not differ in terms of mean gastric emptying time or in terms of satiety tests at the end of the follow-up. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions Three different suture patterns during E-ESG demonstrated comparable efficacy in terms of weight loss, with an overall EWL of > 25 % and TBWL of > 10 % at 12 months.
Efficacy of Rice Husk Nanosilica as A Caries Treatment (Dentin Hydroxyapatite and Antimicrobial Analysis)
Authors: Aprillia Iffi , Alinda Sylva Dinie , Suprastiwi Endang
Published: June 2022

Objective Rice husk nanosilica has a porous, amorphous structure with a silica (SiO2) surface. Silica interacts with calcium ions to form hydroxyapatite and can induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which harm microorganisms. This research determines the effect of rice husk nanosilica on the increase in dentin hydroxyapatite and its antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus mutans.

Materials and Methods We divided 27 dental cavity samples into three groups (n = 9). Group 1: normal dentin, Group 2: demineralized dentin, Group 3: demineralized dentin treated with rice husk nanosilica. The samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate the formation of dentin hydroxyapatite. To analyze the viability of S. mutans after exposure to 2% nanosilica rice husk, we conducted an antimicrobial MTT assay.

Statistical Analysis The Kruskal–Wallis test evaluates the formation of dentin hydroxyapatite, and the t-test evaluates the viability of S. mutans.

Results There was an increase in the amount of dentin hydroxyapatite after the application of rice husk nanosilica compared with the control group (normal dentin), and 2% rice husk nanosilica had an antimicrobial effect (p < 0.005) in the group exposed to it.

Conclusion Rice husk nanosilica can induce the formation of dentin hydroxyapatite and has antimicrobial effects.
Analysis of Thrombin-Activated Platelet-Derived Exosome (T-aPDE) Potential for Dental Pulp Regeneration: In-Vitro Study
Authors: Bagio Dini Asrianti , Julianto Indah , Margono Anggraini , Suprastiwi Endang
Published: June 2022

Objective This study analyzed the potential of various concentrations of the thrombin-activated platelet-derived exosome (T-aPDE) to regenerate the dental pulp by performing an in-vitro analysis of the cell viability, migration activity, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) expression of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).

Material and Methods The hDPSCs were collected from nine third molar teeth of nine healthy donors and were isolated and cultured using the explant method. They were harvested between the third and fourth passages and starved, after which they were seeded in the following treatments: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium and 10% platelet-rich plasma-thrombin as the control groups, and 0.5, 1, and 5% T-aPDE as the experimental groups. All groups had three biological triplicates (Triplo) and two number of experiments. The T-aPDE was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy testing, particle size analyzer, and CD63 +  and CD81 +  specific immune phenotyping flow cytometry tests for plasma exosomes. The cell viability was evaluated using the colorimetric assay of activity cellular enzymes (MTT assay); the migration activity, using scratch assay; and the VEGF-A expression, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results The highest viability absorbance value of hDPSCs after 24, 48, 72 hours of observation was in the 5% T-aPDE group (p<0.05). Whereas, the closest distance result of migratory activation hDPSCs was also in the same group (p<0.05). However the highest VEGF-A expression of hDSPCs was noted in the same group at 72 hours observation (p<0.05).

Statistical Analysis The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis test. The statistical power was set at p <0.05

Conclusion The 5% T-aPDE had a higher potential to induce dental pulp regeneration than the other groups.
Understanding the Updates in the Asthma Guidelines
Authors: Lee Deborah L. , Baptist Alan P.
Published: June 2022

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that affects millions of Americans, with variable symptoms of bronchospasm and obstruction among individuals over time. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) published the 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines based on the latest research since the 2007 Expert Panel Report-3 (EPR-3). The following article reviews the 21 new recommendations on the six core topics in asthma: use of intermittent inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting muscarinic antagonist therapy, use of the fractional exhaled nitric oxide test in asthma diagnosis and monitoring, indoor allergen mitigation, immunotherapy, and bronchial thermoplasty. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate recommendations as strong or conditional based on the evidence. The recommendations were based on systematic reviews of the literature and focused on patient-centered critical outcomes of asthma exacerbations, asthma control, and asthma-related quality of life. Understanding the recommendations with consideration of individual values through shared decision-making may improve asthma outcomes.
Effect of Thickness and Bonding Technique on Fatigue and Fracture Resistance of Feldspathic Ultra-Thin Laminate Veneers
Authors: Al-Ali Amna Mohamed Ahmed Hassan , Khalifa Nadia , Hadj-Hamou Amir , Sheela Soumya , El-Damanhoury Hatem M.
Published: June 2022

Objectives To evaluate the fatigue and fracture resistance of ultra-thin laminate veneers (UTLV) with two different thicknesses and two different bonding protocols.

Materials and Methods A total of 64 flat enamel surfaces were assigned to either 0.2 or 0.4 mm UTLV. The UTLV were further subdivided and assigned to one of two bonding techniques: adhesive resin cement(RC( or preheated restorative resin composite (HC) (n = 16). Eight samples were fatigued with 750,000 mechanical cycles and 8,000 thermal cycles between 5 and 55°C in a chewing simulator, and the failure mode was evaluated using a stereomicroscope and SEM. The other eight samples from each group were loaded to failure in a universal testing machine to test the fracture resistance. Fisher's exact Probability test was used to analyze the fatigue test results, and two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's test were used to analyze the fracture resistance test results.

Results The difference in fatigue resistance between failure proportions in different groups was statistically different (p < 0.05). The 0.4-mm-thick UTLV had similar results regardless of the bonding technique, while 0.2-mm-thick UTLV only showed comparable results when cemented with preheated HC. No statistically significant difference was found in fracture resistance between the tested groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion The Bonding technique and the thickness of the UTLV had impacted fatigue resistance but had no significant effect on the fracture resistance. bonding of UTLV with preheated composite increases their fatigue resistance. Different testing approaches delivered different results.
Follistatin Protein Enhances Satellite Cell Counts in Reinnervated Muscle
Authors: Feger Mark A. , Isaacs Jonathan , Mallu Satya , Yager Dorne , Shall Mary , Patel Gaurangkumar , Protzuk Omar , Bokkisam Akhil S.
Published: June 2022

Background Muscle recovery following peripheral nerve repair is sup-optimal. Follistatin (FST), a potent muscle stimulant, enhances muscle size and satellite cell counts following reinnervation when administered as recombinant FST DNA via viral vectors. Local administration of recombinant FST protein, if effective, would be more clinically translatable but has yet to be investigated following muscle reinnervation.

Objective The aim of this study is to assess the effect of direct delivery of recombinant FST protein on muscle recovery following muscle reinnervation.

Materials and Methods In total, 72 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent temporary (3 or 6 months) denervation or sham denervation. After reinnervation, rats received FST protein (isoform FS-288) or sham treatment via a subcutaneous osmotic pump delivery system. Outcome measures included muscle force, muscle histomorphology, and FST protein quantification.

Results Follistatin treatment resulted in smaller muscles after 3 months denervation (p = 0.019) and reduced force after 3 months sham denervation (p < 0.001). Conversely, after 6 months of denervation, FST treatment trended toward increased force output (p = 0.066). Follistatin increased satellite cell counts after denervation (p < 0.001) but reduced satellite cell counts after sham denervation (p = 0.037).

Conclusion Follistatin had mixed effects on muscle weight and force. Direct FST protein delivery enhanced satellite cell counts following reinnervation. The positive effect on the satellite cell population is intriguing and warrants further investigation.
Low-Grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma Featuring an Unusual EWSR1-CREB3L2 Gene Fusion: Report of a Rare Case Arising in the Parotid Gland
Authors: Alayed Doaa M. , Pharaon Majed M.
Published: June 2022

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS), also known as Evan's tumor, is a fibroblastic tumor with a deceptively bland morphology but a high metastasizing potential and late recurrence. It presents clinically as a slowly growing mass in the deep soft tissue of extremities and trunk. Morphologically, it shows a biphasic pattern with alternating fibrous and myxoid areas, whorling growth pattern, hypocellularity, and bland fibroblasts with curvilinear or arcuate vessels in between. Collagen rosettes with central hyalinization is a helpful feature but not specific. MUC-4 is the most sensitive immunostain in LGFMS. The majority of cases harbor a gene fusion in FUS-CREB3L2. Herein, we present a 23-year-old female patient with a slow growing painless mass in the left parotid gland, which was later diagnosed as LGFMS. Involvement of the head and neck region by LGFMS is uncommonly encountered. To date, only two cases within the parotid gland have been described.
Large internal solitary waves on a weak shear
Authors: Derzho Oleg G.
Published: June 2022

Large amplitude solitary internal waves of permanent form propagating in a stratified shallow fluid between the free surface and a horizontal bottom are described by the amplitude equation obtained by a regular asymptotic procedure, which incorporates a complicated nonlinearity and Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) dispersion. It is discussed how the structure of stratification and shear affects wave properties. The particular case of a constant buoyancy frequency and a quadratic polynomial for the ambient shear for the flow under free surface is considered in detail analytically. It is shown that for such profiles, the equation for the wave amplitude reduces to the mixed-modified KdV equation and finite amplitude waves obey it up to the breaking level. Rogue waves could appear in this case, and the condition for their generation is identified. More complicated shear profiles lead to higher-order nonlinearities, which produce the multiscaled pyramidal wave patterns, asymmetric bores, and various instabilities. Such wave structures are studied numerically. An analytical bore-like solution having both exponential and algebraic asymptotes is presented.
Nonlocal thermal transport in magnetized plasma along different directions
Authors: Zhao Hanzhi , Sheng Zhengming , Weng Suming
Published: June 2022

Nonlocal thermal transport in magnetized plasmas is studied theoretically and numerically with the Vlasov–Fokker–Planck (VFP) model, in which the magnetic field has nonzero components both perpendicular to and along the temperature gradient. Nonlocal heat transport is found in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, provided the temperature gradients are sufficiently large. The magnetic field tends to reduce the nonlocality of the thermal transport in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field, i.e., the difference between the heat fluxes predicted by the Braginskii theory and the VFP simulation decreases with increasing magnetic field strength. When the initial temperature gradient is steep, the nonlocal heat flux depends not only on the present temperature profile, but also on its time history. Moreover, the contribution of high-order terms in the spherical harmonic expansion of the electron distribution function becomes important for a magnetized plasma, in particular for thermal transport in the direction perpendicular to the temperature gradient.
High-contrast phase imaging based on nonlinear holographic hot image model
Authors: Wang Hongchang , Jiao Zhaoyang , Sun Mingying , Liu Cheng , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: June 2022

Imaging for weak-phase objects is a challenging issue in the linear imaging process. Here, we demonstrate a high-contrast phase imaging method based on a nonlinear holographic hot image model. Due to the nonlinear Kerr effect, the holographic hot image can transform a weak phase into strong amplitude as a signal amplifier. The phase information is iteratively obtained from the light field distribution of the holographic hot image. The strong signal-to-noise ratio helps improve the imaging contrast. Using a tunable photorefractive crystal, we numerically and experimentally demonstrate the advantage of this method for imaging weak-phase objects. For the determined sample, our method doubles the imaging contrast. As far as we know, this is the first report using the nonlinear holographic hot image for imaging technology. This study can provide a potential strategy to achieve high-contrast imaging for various weak-phase objects applied in biomedical imaging, semiconductor metrology, and photolithography.
Machine learning-informed predictions of nanoparticle mobility and fate in the mucus barrier
Authors: Kaler Logan , Joyner Katherine , Duncan Gregg A.
Published: June 2022

Nanomaterial diffusion through mucus is important to basic and applied areas of research such as drug delivery. However, it is often challenging to interpret nanoparticle dynamics within the mucus gel due to its heterogeneous microstructure and biochemistry. In this study, we measured the diffusion of polyethylene glycolylated nanoparticles (NPs) in human airway mucus ex vivo using multiple particle tracking and utilized machine learning to classify diffusive vs sub-diffusive NP movement. Using mathematic models that account for the mode of NP diffusion, we calculate the percentage of NPs that would cross the mucus barrier over time in airway mucus with varied total solids concentration. From this analysis, we predict rapidly diffusing NPs will cross the mucus barrier in a physiological timespan. Although less efficient, sub-diffusive “hopping” motion, a characteristic of a continuous time random walk, may also enable NPs to cross the mucus barrier. However, NPs exhibiting fractional Brownian sub-diffusion would be rapidly removed from the airways via mucociliary clearance. In samples with increased solids concentration (>5% w/v), we predict up to threefold reductions in the number of nanoparticles capable of crossing the mucus barrier. We also apply this approach to explore diffusion and to predict the fate of influenza A virus within human mucus. We predict only a small fraction of influenza virions will cross the mucus barrier presumably due to physical obstruction and adhesive interactions with mucin-associated glycans. These results provide new tools to evaluate the extent of synthetic and viral nanoparticle penetration through mucus in the lung and other tissues.
Efficient hydrogen evolution reaction at the phase transition boundary of polymorphic Mo1−xWxTe2
Authors: Kim Jeong Hyo , Lee Da Yeon , Eshete Yonas Assefa , Yang Heejun , Cho Suyeon
Published: June 2022

Phase engineering of two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has been the subject of considerable interest as it represents a promising strategy for a highly active hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, various types of active sites on the basal planes and edges of TMDs have shown complicated mechanisms of the HER in TMDs, hindering the systematic engineering of the catalytic activity of TMDs. Here, we report the intrinsic basal-plane activity of a series of TMDs, Mo1−xWxTe2, whose phases can be engineered from semiconducting to metallic states by adjusting the stoichiometric ratio of tungsten atoms (x). Three forms of 2H- (semiconducting) and 1T′-(metallic) Mo1−xWxTe2, bulk, powder, and exfoliated flakes, as well as microreactors, were used to investigate the HER process of the phase-engineered TMDs. The catalytic activity of Mo1−xWxTe2 exhibits the best performance at the phase-transition boundary (i.e., x = 0.09) with a hydrogen conversion rate of 0.692 s−1, which is 10–20 times higher than that of other 2H and 1T′ samples with different x values. Our study provides a novel approach, using the phase-transition boundary, to modify the catalytic activity of polymorphic nanomaterials.
Na transport in bilayer MoS2 and MoS2-WS2 heterojunction with S vacancy defect: First-principles study
Authors: Xiao Jin , Zhou Juan , Chen Ling-Na , Chen Jian
Published: June 2022

Based on first-principles calculations, the diffusion properties of Na+ in bilayer MoS2 and the MoS2-WS2 heterojunction were investigated. Owing to the similar structures, the diffusion properties of Na are almost identical in both systems. On perfect surfaces, the diffusion energy barrier is smaller than 0.1 eV. The diffusion characteristics of Na+ ions between layers are related to the size of the system. For a small size (<3 nm2), the Na+ diffusion energy barrier is around 0.40 eV because of sliding between layers. With the size of the system increasing, the energy barrier for Na+ diffusion between layers increases to 0.90 eV. S vacancy defects can trap Na+ ions and hinder Na+ diffusion. The diffusion energy barrier on the surface with S vacancy defects will increase to around 0.5 eV. When Na ions are transported between layers, they are tightly bound by S vacancy defects. The energy barrier exceeds 2.0 eV.
Numerical analysis of the GaN trench MIS barrier Schottky diodes with high dielectric reliability and surge current capability
Authors: Zhou Yuhao , Wu Qianshu , Zhang Qi , Li Chengzhang , Zhang Jinwei , Liu Zhenxing , Zhang Ke , Liu Yang
Published: June 2022

The commercialization of GaN-based Schottky barrier diodes in middle- and high- voltage applications still faces many challenges, in which the lack of an effective selective area p-type doping method is one of the main obstacles. This paper proposes novel vertical GaN-based Schottky diodes with trench MIS structure and an embedded p-GaN protection layer (junction-trench MIS barrier Schottky diodes, J-TMBS). The trench structure and lateral p-n junctions can be achieved by selectively etching the very thin p-GaN and then regrowing n-GaN. Therefore, the fabrication technology avoids the selective area p-type doping process, and the dry etching damage and poor sidewall regrowth interface issue, which are serious in GaN Merged pn/Schottky (MPS) diodes, can also be alleviated for the proposed J-TMBS. Compared with the optimized GaN trench MIS barrier Schottky (TMBS) diodes, the surge current capability and dielectric reliability of the proposed J-TMBS are significantly improved (the electric field of the dielectric layer and maximum lattice temperature under the surge test can be reduced by 448% and 202%, respectively). In addition, the specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) and breakdown voltage remain basically unchanged compared with TMBS. Compared with the optimized GaN MPS diodes, the proposed structure improves the specific on-resistance by 17.2% benefiting from the reduced area of the JFET region without degrading the reverse I–V characteristics and surge current capability. The proposed J-TMBS exhibits potential in practical high voltage (>600 V) application of GaN Schottky power diodes.