bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of two different root canal sealers on treatment outcome and post‐obturation pain in single‐visit root canal treatment: A prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Coşar Melis , Kandemir Demirci Gözde , Çalışkan Mehmet Kemal
Published: November 2022

Aim

This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)‐based bioceramic‐ and resin‐based sealers on the incidence and intensity of post‐obturation pain and treatment outcome in asymptomatic vital molar teeth in single‐visit root canal treatment.

Methodology

One hundred asymptomatic mandibular molar teeth with vital pulp were randomly assigned into two groups according to the sealer used: MTA Fillapex or AH Plus sealer. WaveOne Gold instruments were used for root canal preparations. Root canals were obturated with WaveOne Gold gutta‐percha cones corresponding in size and taper to the last instrument used. MTA Fillapex was used in the first group and AH Plus was used in the second group as the root canal sealer. The effects of age, gender, tooth types and the level of root canal filling on the treatment outcome were evaluated after 1 and 2 years. Postoperative pain at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 h, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 30 days after root canal treatment was measured with the Numerical Rating Scale. Chi‐square test was used for the treatment outcome and Mann–Whitney U, chi‐Square and Spearman correlation analyses were used for postoperative pain. α = .05 was the level of significance.

Results

Twelve patients did not complete the 2‐year follow‐up and the study finished with 88 patients. In the MTA Fillapex group 41 correct, one short, two extruded, and in the AH Plus group 40 correct, one short and three extruded root canal fillings were detected. No significant differences were observed between the first‐ and second‐year treatment outcomes between the groups (p > .05).There was no association between age, gender, tooth number, root canal filling length and the treatment success in all evaluated teeth (p > .05). The differences between the groups in terms of postoperative pain incidence and intensity at all time‐points were not significant (p > .05). There was no correlation between the age and postoperative pain (p > .05), but pain was statistically higher in women (p < .05).

Conclusions

Mineral trioxide aggregate Fillapex showed similar success rate and post‐obturation pain incidence and intensity as AH Plus sealer and can be used as a root canal sealer in asymptomatic mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis.
Imagining the ecosocial within social work
Authors: Thysell Maria , Cuadra Carin Björngren
Published: November 2022

Aiming to explore how the ecosocial is imagined within social work research, this article engages with understandings of the relationship between the social and ecological realms when responding to the call for sustainability. A theoretical framework offering five possible imaginations of the ecosocial was developed: the holistic; the anthropocentric conflictual; the anthropocentric compatible; the ‘ecocentric’ conflictual; and the ‘ecocentric’ compatible. The material consists of international peer‐reviewed articles referring to the ecosocial. The result reveals that the imagination of the ecosocial is heterogeneous. However, the holistic and anthropocentric compatible imaginations are common, while ‘ecocentric’ and conflictual understandings are rare, which confirms that nurturing social and ecological sustainability does not entail conflicting interests or rivalry but rather the opposite. This implies not only an ongoing widening of the notion of sustainability, in which the idea of limitations is re‐installed, but also a possible re‐definition of ‘the social’ so as to include the non‐human.
Higher risk for influenza‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) in asthmatic patients: A Swiss multicenter cohort study on IAPA in critically ill influenza patients
Authors: Waldeck Frederike , Boroli Filippo , Zingg Sandra , Walti Laura N. , Wendel‐Garcia Pedro David , Conen Anna , Pagani Jean‐Luc , Boggian Katia , Schnorf Madeleine , Siegemund Martin , Abed‐Maillard Samia , Michot Marc , Que Yok‐Ai , Bättig Veronika , Suh Noémie , Kleger Gian‐Reto , Albrich Werner C.
Published: November 2022

Background

Influenza‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) is an important complication of severe influenza with high morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study in tertiary hospitals in Switzerland during 2017/2018 and 2019/2020 influenza seasons. All adults with PCR‐confirmed influenza infection and treatment on intensive‐care unit (ICU) for >24 h were included. IAPA was diagnosed according to previously published clinical, radiological, and microbiological criteria. We assessed risk factors for IAPA and predictors for poor outcome, which was a composite of in‐hospital mortality, ICU length of stay ≥7 days, mechanical ventilation ≥7 days, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Results

One hundred fifty‐eight patients (median age 64 years, 45% females) with influenza were included, of which 17 (10.8%) had IAPA. Asthma was more common in IAPA patients (17% vs. 4% in non‐IAPA, P = 0.05). Asthma (OR 12.0 [95% CI 2.1–67.2]) and days of mechanical ventilation (OR 1.1 [1.1–1.2]) were associated with IAPA. IAPA patients frequently required organ supportive therapies including mechanical ventilation (88% in IAPA vs. 53% in non‐IAPA, P = 0.001) and vasoactive support (75% vs. 45%, P = 0.03) and had more complications including ARDS (53% vs. 26%, P = 0.04), respiratory bacterial infections (65% vs. 37%, P = 0.04), and higher ICU‐mortality (35% vs. 16.4%, P = 0.05). IAPA (OR 28.8 [3.3–253.4]), influenza A (OR 3.3 [1.4–7.8]), and higher SAPS II score (OR 1.07 [1.05–1.10]) were independent predictors of poor outcome.

Interpretation

High clinical suspicion, early diagnostics, and therapy are indicated in IAPA because of high morbidity and mortality. Asthma is likely an underappreciated risk factor for IAPA.
On Gratitude to Nature
Authors: Lewis Max
Published: November 2022

In this article, I argue that it cannot be fitting to be grateful to nature. I start by arguing that gratitude to someone/something can be fitting even if they do not intentionally benefit one. I then argue that a recent view on which it can be fitting to be grateful to nature faces counterexamples. Finally, I argue that it cannot be fitting to be grateful to nature, because it is fitting to be grateful to someone/something only if they manifest the right kind of goodwill or care toward one. In particular, I argue that it is fitting to be grateful to someone/something only if they manifest a level of final care toward one beyond what can be legitimately expected or demanded of them. However, because nature does not manifest any level of goodwill or care, it cannot be fitting to be grateful to nature. I end by noting that it can still be fitting to be grateful that certain things are true about nature (e.g. that it provides many benefits to humans).
The US Impact on Qatar's Foreign Policy During the Gulf Crisis
Authors: Aljassar Nouf , Rosenson Beth
Published: November 2022

This article explains the Gulf diplomatic crisis and its repercussions by tracing its various stages. It also analyzes the inconsistency of US policy during the Trump administration toward this crisis and how this taught Qatar not to rely entirely on the United States to achieve security. These challenges pushed Qatar to diversify its international alliances and to create a rapprochement with countries in the region, such as Turkey, to achieve military security. Qatar's status as an energy provider to Asia and an alternative to Russian oil and gas, along with its soft power, also strengthened its strategic position. Eventually, the article explains, Qatar was able to strengthen its relationship with the United States once the Biden administration took power. The study concludes that Qatar has become a model for small countries in the region.
Genetic time traveling: sequencing old herbarium specimens, including the oldest herbarium specimen sequenced from kingdom Fungi, reveals the population structure of an agriculturally significant rust
Authors: Bradshaw Michael J. , Carey Julie , Liu Miao , Bartholomew Holly P. , Jurick Wayne M. , Hambleton Sarah , Hendricks Dylan , Schnittler Martin , Scholler Markus
Published: November 2022

Sequencing herbarium specimens can be instrumental in answering ecological, evolutionary, and taxonomic inquiries. We developed a protocol for sequencing herbarium specimens of rust fungi (Pucciniales) and proceeded to sequence specimens ranging from 4 to 211 yr old from five different genera.

We then obtained sequences from an economically important biological control agent, Puccinia suaveolens, to highlight the potential of sequencing herbarium specimens in an ecological sense and to evaluate the following hypotheses: (1) The population structure of a plant pathogen changes over time, and (2) introduced pathogens are more diverse in their native range.

Our efforts resulted in sequences from 87 herbarium specimens that revealed a high level of diversity with a population structure that exhibited spatial–temporal patterns. The specimens sequenced from Europe showed more diversity than the ones from North America, uncovering an invasion pattern likely related to its European native host in North America. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, the specimen from France collected in c. 1811 is the oldest herbarium specimen sequenced from kingdom Fungi.

In conclusion, sequencing old herbarium specimens is an important tool that can be extrapolated to better understand plant–microbe evolution and to evaluate old type specimens to solidify the taxonomy of plant pathogenic fungi.
Complications of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta‐analysis of Single‐arm Studies
Authors: Wang Bin , He Peng , Liu Xiowei , Wu Zhengfang , Xu Bin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This article aims to summarize the incidence of these complications through a meta‐analysis, analyze the causes of complications and provide clinical promotion and recommendations.

Methods

Databases and retrieval platform including PubMed, Web of science, Springer link, Cochrane clinical trials, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Europe PMC, Wiley online, OVID, Clinical trials, CNKI and WanFang, and supplement the literature through Google Scholar, collect all the unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) controlled trials and non‐controlled trials of UBE in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The search time limit is from January 1, 2000 to December 25, 2021. After two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies, meta‐analysis was performed using Stata 15.1 software.

Results

Finally, 24 studies were included, including 999 patients. The results of a single‐arm rate meta‐analysis showed that the overall complication rate of UBE treatment of LSS was 6.27% [95% CI (0.0412, 0.0876)], and the incidence of dural tear was 2.49% [95% CI (0.0133, 0.0390)], the incidence of transient paresthesia was 0.14% [95% CI (0.0000, 0.0072)], the incidence of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma was 0.27% [95% CI (0.0000, 0.0096)], the incidence of postop headache, inadequate decompression, root injury and infection was 0.00%.

Conclusion

Current evidence shows that the complication rate of UBE in the treatment of LSS is low, mainly due to dural tears. Limited by the number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions still need to be confirmed by more studies.
Dynamic Spine Hyperflexion Is Related to Vertebral Compression Fractures in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Zheng Zhirong , Hu Wenhao , Tian Tian , Liu Weibo , Wang Xiangyu , Gao Meng , You Yonggang , Zhang Xuesong
Published: November 2022

Objective

Previous studies on osteoporotic vertebral fractures are usually based on the neutral posture of spine; however, the fractures are usually associated with the flexion posture of spine. Therefore, we aimed to ascertain the relationship between vertebral compression fractures and thoracolumbar hyperflexion Cobb angles (TLHCobb) and determine the clinical cut‐off of the TLHCobb angle.

Methods

In this retrospective case–control study, TLHCobbs were collected from 154 postmenopausal women (67.45 ± 6.68 years) with vertebral compression fractures (study group) and 310 postmenopausal women (66.57 ± 8.22 years) without vertebral compression fractures (control group) from June 2017 to July 2019. Demographic data, clinical data, and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) findings were compared between the groups. Chi‐squared tests, unpaired t‐tests, and Mann Whitney U were used to assess the group characteristics and proportions. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between vertebral compression fractures and TLHCobb. The cut‐off of the TLHCobb was determined by ROC curve and Youden's index.

Results

Fracture prevalence was higher in the higher TLHCobb study group than that in the control group [OR = 2.81 (2.15–3.67)] after adjusting for age, BMI, and QCT findings. TLHCobbs at and >20.05° were associated with an increased fracture prevalence and ORs of 2.79 (1.82–4.27) and 4.83 (3.24–7.20), respectively. TLHCobb, disk height (semiquantitative grading score) and QCT values differed between the study and control groups (p < 0.001 for all three). There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI), or coronal TLCobb between the two groups.

Conclusion

There was an association between the prevalence of vertebral compression fractures and TLHCobbs in postmenopausal women, and a TLHCobb > 20.05° can be an indicator of vertebral fracture.
A glutathione S‐transferase GhTT19 determines flower petal pigmentation via regulating anthocyanin accumulation in cotton
Authors: Chai Qichao , Wang Xiuli , Gao Mingwei , Zhao Xuecheng , Chen Ying , Zhang Chao , Jiang Hui , Wang Jiabao , Wang Yongcui , Zheng Meina , Baltaevich Ahmedov Miraziz , Zhao Jian , Zhao Junsheng
Published: November 2022

Anthocyanin accumulations in the flowers can improve seed production of hybrid lines, and produce higher commodity value in cotton fibre. However, the genetic mechanism underlying the anthocyanin pigmentation in cotton petals is poorly understood. Here, we showed that the red petal phenotype was introgressed from Gossypium bickii through recombination with the segment containing the R3 bic region in the A07 chromosome of Gossypium hirsutum variety LR compared with the near‐isogenic line of LW with white flower petals. The cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (Cy3G) was the major anthocyanin in red petals of cotton. A GhTT19 encoding a TT19‐like GST was mapped to the R3bic site associated with red petals via map‐based cloning, but GhTT19 homologue gene from the D genome was not expressed in G. hirsutum. Intriguingly, allelic variations in the promoters between GhTT19LW and GhTT19LR, rather than genic regions, were found as genetic causal of petal colour variations. GhTT19‐GFP was found localized in both the endoplasmic reticulum and tonoplast for facilitating anthocyanin transport. An additional MYB binding element found only in the promoter of GhTT19LR, but not in that of GhTT19LW, enhanced its transactivation by the MYB activator GhPAP1. The transgenic analysis confirmed the function of GhTT19 in regulating the red flower phenotype in cotton. The essential light signalling component GhHY5 bonded to and activated the promoter of GhPAP1, and the GhHY5‐GhPAP1 module together regulated GhTT19 expression to mediate the light‐activation of petal anthocyanin pigmentation in cotton. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms for anthocyanin accumulation and may lay a foundation for faster genetic improvement of cotton.
A Probabilistic Formalisation of Contextual Bias: from Forensic Analysis to Systemic Bias in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Cuellar Maria , Mauro Jacqueline , Luby Amanda
Published: November 2022

Researchers have found evidence of contextual bias in forensic science, but the discussion of contextual bias is currently qualitative. We formalise existing empirical research and show quantitatively how biases can be propagated throughout the legal system, all the way up to the final determination of guilt in a criminal trial. We provide a probabilistic framework for describing how information is updated in a forensic analysis setting by using the ratio form of Bayes’ rule. We analyse results from empirical studies using this framework and employ simulations to demonstrate how bias can be compounded where experiments do not exist. We find that even minor biases in the earlier stages of forensic analysis can lead to large, compounded biases in the final determination of guilt in a criminal trial.
Structural fabrics of carbon grains in a natural fault gouge reactivated by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Dang Jiaxiang , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: November 2022

Natural fault gouges reactivated by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake are typically rich in carbon in shallow parts of the seismogenic fault zone. Although experimental evidence indicates that amorphous carbon can be changed to graphite during seismic slips, this transformation has not yet been observed in nature. We conducted a nanoscale investigation of a carbon‐rich co‐seismic gouge from a surface rupture related to the Wenchuan earthquake using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. We found that all mineral grains were wrapped in amorphous carbonaceous materials with sinuate and straight graphene layer stacks. The sinuate layer was the transient material (~0.3456 nm) formed by amorphous carbon transforming to graphite; the graphene layer was graphite flakes (0.3354 nm). This means that graphitization occurred on the mineral grain surfaces (asperities) in the shallow slip zones during previous earthquake cycles, which could decrease the friction strength of the co‐seismic fault gouge and explain the dynamic weakness of the shallow parts of the Longmenshan seismogenic fault zone.
O Que Há Fora da Caixa do Menor Potencial Ofensivo?
Authors: Fonseca Rosenblatt Fernanda , Vieira Rodrigues Sarah , Soares Ramos Falcão Renata
Published: November 2022

Recentemente, a Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) publicou uma nova edição do seu “Manual sobre Programas de Justiça Restaurativa”. Uma grande novidade em relação à edição de 2006 foi a existência de um capítulo inteiramente dedicado ao uso da justiça restaurativa em crimes “graves”. A novidade desperta algumas curiosidades. Por exemplo, finalmente, trataria o novo Manual do encarceramento em massa, da relação que existe entre esse fenômeno e os crimes de droga, dos porquês de isso importar para a justiça restaurativa, da importância do potencial desencarcerador da justiça restaurativa? A resposta a essas indagações, argumentamos, é “não”, e o objetivo central do presente artigo é explicar esse “não”. Nesse sentido, começamos por resumir a razão do surgimento de um interesse global no modelo restaurativo. Depois, apresentamos uma síntese da história da justiça restaurativa na ONU. Discutimos, então, alguns obstáculos à introdução da lógica restaurativa no sistema brasileiro de justiça criminal. Finalmente, buscando provocar reflexões sobre a necessidade de se promover uma justiça restaurativa mais relevante ao Brasil, ensaiamos um diálogo entre ela e um dos crimes graves que mais encarceram no País, o tráfico de drogas. Conclu ímos pela necessidade de reconhecermos as lacunas existente no novo Manual, nominalmente, a ausência de discussões acerca do encarceramento em massa e do (não) lugar do crime de tráfico de drogas nas práticas restaurativas. Destacamos, então, a necessidade de documentos do alcance do novo Manual serem mais intencionalmente responsivos às crises do sistema de justiça próprias de países com uma população de maior vulnerabilidade como o nosso, crises essas ligadas a um contexto de violências institucionais que não podemos ignorar.
Proporcionalidade em Ação nos Tribunais
Authors: Pires Gavião Filho Anizio , Brasil Sá Caye Ana Adelaide
Published: November 2022

O teste da proporcionalidade tem sido amplamente adotado no contexto do constitucionalismo contemporâneo como critério metodológico para verificar a justificação de medidas estatais que afetam o escopo de proteção de direitos fundamentais. Análise de algumas decisões permite comprovar que Supremo Tribunal Federal ainda está longe de aplicar o teste da proporcionalidade conforme sua estrutura standard amplamente aceita. Isso tem autorizado críticas à correção da justificação das decisões, notadamente dirigidas à subjetividade e arbitrariedade. A discussão proposta tem o objetivo de mostrar que o teste da proporcionalidade leva antes à objetividade e ao controle racional das decisões judiciais do que à subjetividade e irracionalidade. A união entre proporcionalidade e argumentação racional implica necessariamente correção e segurança jurídica. O método de abordagem é o analítico e a técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica.
Multisensory integration of orally‐sourced gustatory and olfactory inputs to the posterior piriform cortex in awake rats
Authors: Idris Ammar , Christensen Brooke A. , Walker Ellen M. , Maier Joost X.
Published: November 2022

Flavour refers to the sensory experience of food, which is a combination of sensory inputs sourced from multiple modalities during consumption, including taste and odour. Previous work has demonstrated that orally‐sourced taste and odour cues interact to determine perceptual judgements of flavour stimuli, although the underlying cellular‐ and circuit‐level neural mechanisms remain unknown. We recently identified a region of the piriform olfactory cortex in rats that responds to both taste and odour stimuli. Here, we investigated how converging taste and odour inputs to this area interact to affect single neuron responsiveness ensemble coding of flavour identity. To accomplish this, we recorded spiking activity from ensembles of single neurons in the posterior piriform cortex (pPC) in awake, tasting rats while delivering taste solutions, odour solutions and taste + odour mixtures directly into the oral cavity. Our results show that taste and odour inputs evoke highly selective, temporally‐overlapping responses in multisensory pPC neurons. Comparing responses to mixtures and their unisensory components revealed that taste and odour inputs interact in a non‐linear manner to produce unique response patterns. Taste input enhances trial‐by‐trial decoding of odour identity from small ensembles of simultaneously recorded neurons. Together, these results demonstrate that taste and odour inputs to pPC interact in complex, non‐linear ways to form amodal flavour representations that enhance identity coding.

image

Key points

Experience of food involves taste and smell, although how information from these different senses is combined by the brain to create our sense of flavour remains unknown.

We recorded from small groups of neurons in the olfactory cortex of awake rats while they consumed taste solutions, odour solutions and taste + odour mixtures.

Taste and smell solutions evoke highly selective responses. When presented in a mixture, taste and smell inputs interacted to alter responses, resulting in activation of unique sets of neurons that could not be predicted by the component responses.

Synergistic interactions increase discriminability of odour representations.

The olfactory cortex uses taste and smell to create new information representing multisensory flavour identity.
Fast and Stable Iterative Algorithm for Searching Wheel–Rail Contact Point Based on Geometry Constraint Equations
Authors: Wang Jianbin , Song Chunyuan , Zhang Dafu , Li Dadi , Qu Sheng
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a fast and stable iterative algorithm for wheel–rail contact geometry based on constraint equations, which can be implemented in dynamic wear simulations that real-time profile updating is needed. Further, critical factors that determine convergence and iteration stability are analyzed. A B-spline is adopted for wheel–rail profile modeling because it does not contribute to changes in the global shape of curves. It is found that the smoothness of the first and second derivative curves significantly affects the numerical stability of the Jacobian matrix, which determines the increments in iterations. Moreover, a damped Newton's iteration formula with a scaling factor of 0.5 is proposed considering the convergence rate and out-of-bound issues for the updated step. The influence of the initial iteration parameters on the convergence is studied using Newton fractals. The range within ±3 mm, centered on the target contact point, is found to be an unconditionally stable domain. The proposed method could achieve convergence within 10 and 30 steps under thread and flange contact conditions, respectively.
Influence of the Phase Transformation Behaviour of NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Wires on the Predictability of Strain During Operation
Authors: Theren Benedict , Heß Philipp , Bracke Stefan , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: November 2022

Predicting the stroke (respectively the strain) of binary Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) wires is a challenging, but interesting task for designers of SMA components. Due to fatigue the resulting stroke decreases with an increasing cycle count. In the past several approaches were investigate to control the stroke of an SMA component based on models resulting from the energy conservation equation. By heating the wire energy goes into the system. Via heat content, convection, radiation the heat conduction via mechanical power (lifting a weight) and phase transformation energy leaves the system. In 2004 Oelschläger proposed a model to calculate the resulting stroke of an SMA wire based on the electric energy. The presented work aims to extend Oelschläger’s model and takes the fatigue of the phase transformation temperature (PTT) into account, by monitoring parameters such as voltage, current, electric resistance, force, temperature and the maximum strain. The leading question for this work is: How well does this model perform for SMA wires generating a full stroke within small temperature ranges? The developed model is tested based on 8 pre-cycled binary NiTi wires (diameter 0.25 mm, 350 MPa stress, 4 % strain and PTT between 120 °C and 125 °C) using two different test setups (test rigs, input parameters). Finally, all results are described and discussed in detail. The fatigue tests are analyzed using statistical methods. Peak values of all recorded parameters are extracted of the fatigue tests. Furthermore, the deviation between the experiments and the simulations are determined to compare the simulation model with the real measurement series of the performed fatigue tests. The simulation model is suitable to predict the stroke of a wire if the deviation is less than e.g. 10 %. In this context, the influence of the PTT is the focus of the analysis. The results show that the PTT has a significant impact. The narrower the PTT range is, the more acurate the simulation model and the initial parameters of the simulation have to be.
Characterization and Uncertainty Analysis of Heat Transport in 3D Printed Multifractal Media
Authors: Ramesh Dinesh , Stanisauskis Eugenia , Consoliver-Zack Jakob , Pahari Basanta R. , Oates William S.
Published: November 2022

Fractal structures represent a broad class of multiscale material structures that can find applications in stimuli-responsive materials. Design and optimization of the complex adaptive structures require understanding and tuning of multiscale transport properties of materials. Studying spatial and temporal diffusion further increases the complexity and introduces uncertainty in quantifying the model prediction. In this work, a series of 3D fractal structures with varying fractal dimensions were constructed using the diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) algorithm. The fractal structures were 3D printed with a fused filament fabrication process (FFF), and transient heat-transfer properties were analyzed using thermal imaging. The experimental results were analyzed to obtain the time constants and characteristic length scales of diffusion as a function of the average fractal dimension.
Fatigue Analysis of Bistable Composite Laminate
Authors: Chowdhury Shoab Ahmed , Li Suyi , Myers Oliver J.
Published: November 2022

Bistable composite laminates have exhibited enormous potential in morphing and energy harvesting followed by a wide range of application in aerospace, power generation and automobile industries. This study presents the fatigue analysis of bistable laminates in terms of stiffness degradation and loss of bistability. Moisture saturation of the specimens are ensured by keeping them in a controlled laboratory environment for an extended period of time. Mass of the specimens have been measured to quantify the moisture saturation. Fatigue tests are performed at 1 Hz frequency, and R = −1 stress ratio which is the ratio of minimum stress to maximum stress. Specimens are tested for 3 million cycles in displacement control. Load-displacement plot from the test is divided into 5 stiffness regions. A piecewise study of each region has demonstrated good agreement with existing analytical model. Stiffness degradation in 4 regions corresponding to 2 stable configurations follows general trend for composites up to the second stage of damage in three stage damage progression model while the remaining region corresponding to unstable configuration is not considered in this analysis. Test results have been reproduced with minor discrepancy at the specified environmental and loading condition, ply configuration, and size of the laminate. Test protocols, results, and damage analysis presented in this study can be utilized to evaluate the fatigue performance of multistable CFRP structures subjected to higher amplitudes and frequencies.
Design of a Modular Lifespan Test Bench for Shape Memory Alloy Wires
Authors: Mayer Joshua , Molitor Philipp , Goergen Yannik , Motzki Paul
Published: November 2022

To determine the lifespan of a system, the lifespan of all parts as well as the interaction of the parts as a system must be known. Accordingly, in systems where shape memory alloy (SMA) wires are used as actuator elements, their lifespan must be determined as well. Therefore, a test bench to determine the lifespan of SMA wires is needed. Since the requirements of actuator systems differ for example in stroke, response time or force, the test bench will be designed in an as modular way as possible. This allows for testing different actuator configurations as for example single wires or wire bundles of different diameters. This work outlines the development of the test bench, discusses first measurements of a 3D printed validation setup and concludes with a summary and an outlook on the optimization steps as well as the tests to be performed.
Development of Material Property Feasibility Constraints for a Multiscale Topology Optimization Framework Using Radial Basis Function Interpolations
Authors: Bielefeldt Brent R. , Beblo Richard , Lawson Kevin , Lowe Robert
Published: November 2022

Considering structural design at both the macro- and mesoscale can result in novel and non-intuitive solutions, especially for applications in which there exist multiple performance criteria and/or constraints across multiple physical fields. In such an approach, it is crucial that the bounds of the design space at the mesoscale are well-defined such that the response of the structure at the macroscale remains feasible. Previous work has demonstrated the use of radial basis function (RBF) interpolations to generate N-dimensional constraint surfaces using optimal responses from a single Pareto frontier obtained via an initial optimization study that considers mesoscale structural topologies generated using a parametric L-system approach. However, it has been determined that the responses from a single Pareto frontier allow for the RBF constraints to extrapolate into areas that remain infeasible and are thus inadequate to fully define the bounds of the design space. This work will explore the extension of this approach to consider the 2N Pareto frontiers that exist for a given problem and demonstrate that they result in more rigorous material property constraints. This method will then be applied to an academic example that considers both structural and thermal boundary conditions, and the effects of both the material property constraints and trade-offs between the two sets of boundary conditions will be detailed.
Flow-concentration coupling determines features of nonhomogeneous flow and shear banding in entangled polymer solutions
Authors: Burroughs Michael C. , Zhang Yuanyi , Shetty Abhishek , Bates Christopher M. , Helgeson Matthew E. , Leal L. Gary
Published: November 2022

Shear banding in entangled polymer solutions is an elusive phenomenon in polymer rheology. One recently proposed mechanism for the existence of banded velocity profiles in entangled polymer solutions stems from a coupling of the flow to banded concentration profiles. Recent work [Burroughs et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 207801 (2021)] provided experimental evidence for the development of large gradients in concentration across the fluid. Here, a more systematic investigation is reported of the transient and steady-state banded velocity and concentration profiles of entangled polybutadiene in dioctyl phthalate solutions as a function of temperature (T), number of entanglements (Z), and applied shear rate (Wiapp), which control the susceptibility of the fluid to unstable flow-concentration coupling. The results are compared to a two-fluid model that accounts for coupling between elastic and osmotic polymer stresses, and a strong agreement is found between model predictions and measured concentration profiles. The interface locations and widths of the time-averaged, steady-state velocity profiles are quantified from high-order numerical derivatives of the data. At high levels of entanglement and large Wiapp, a significant wall slip is observed at both inner and outer surfaces of the flow geometry but is not a necessary criterion for a nonhomogeneous flow. Furthermore, the transient evolution of flow profiles for large Z indicate transitions from curved to “stair-stepped” and, ultimately, a banded steady state. These observed transitions provide detailed evidence for shear-induced demixing as a mechanism of shear banding in polymer solutions.
Reverse Integration in Wheelchair Basketball—A Mixed-Method Spanish Stakeholders’ Perspective
Authors: Pérez-Tejero Javier , Grassi-Roig Mauro , Coterón Javier , Hutzler Yeshayahu
Published: November 2022

In Spain, wheelchair basketball competition is well developed and structured; however, reverse integration is not allowed. This study aimed to describe and synthesize the perceptions of Spanish wheelchair stakeholders (players, coaches, referees, and club managers). A mixed-method approach was used, utilizing an ad hoc survey questionnaire (n = 49) and three focus groups (n = 12). Quantitative and qualitative data were interpreted using a triangulation strategy, meaning that both sources of data were combined and analyzed. From the thematic content analysis, two main themes and several subthemes emerged: social context (audience attraction and economic impact, utility and logistics, and promoting inclusion) and sport context (grassroots and elite level). Some reservations at elite level were also reported. From the perspective of the stakeholders explored in this study, reverse integration appears to be well suited for implementation within the Spanish wheelchair basketball framework at all levels.
Intersession Variability of Knee Extension Kinetics Using a Strain Gauge Device With Differing Clinically Practical Physical Constraints
Authors: Juneau Christopher M. , Diewald Shelley N. , Neville Jonathan , Cronin John B. , Oranchuk Dustin J.
Published: November 2022

Context: Intrasession reliabilities of isometric knee extension kinetics via portable strain gauge have been reported across several knee joint angles and constraints. However, intersession variabilities, which are more valuable, have yet to be determined. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the intersession variability of knee extension kinetics over 3 testing sessions using an affordable and portable strain gauge. Design: Participants performed maximum voluntary isometric contractions of the knee extensors over 3 sessions. Methods: Eleven (6 men and 5 women; 31 [6.4] y) volunteers performed maximum voluntary isometric contractions in constrained (isokinetic setup with thigh and chest straps) and unconstrained (treatment plinth) conditions. Peak force (PF), peak rate of force development, rate of force development (RFD), and impulse (IMP) from 20% to 80% of PF were assessed. Means, SDs, percentage changes, minimal detectable changes, coefficients of variation (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated and reported. Results: PF had the lowest intersession variability regardless of condition (CV = 5.5%–13.8%, ICC = .67–.93). However, variability of peak rate of force development (CV [range] = 12.2%–24.7%, ICC = .50–.78), RFD (CV = 10.0%–26.8%, ICC = .48–.84), and IMP (CV = 15.2%–35.4%, ICC = .44–.88) was moderate at best. The constrained condition (CV [SD] = 14.1% [4.8%], ICC = .74 [.08]) had lower variability compared with the plinth (CV = 19.8% [7.9%], ICC = .68 [.15]). Variability improved from sessions 1 to 2 (CV = 20.4% [7.7%], ICC = .64 [.14]) and to sessions 2 to 3 (CV = 15.3% [6.4%], ICC = .76 [.10]). Conclusions: PF can be assessed regardless of setup. However, RFD and IMP changes across sessions should be approached with caution. Backrests and thigh straps improve RFD and IMP variability, and at least 1 familiarization session should be provided before relying on knee-extensor kinetics while utilizing a portable strain gauge.
Distraction From Smartphones Changed Pedestrians’ Walking Behaviors in Open Areas
Authors: Luo Yue , Grimaldi Nicolas , Zheng Haolan , Giang Wayne C.W. , Hu Boyi
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of phone use has become a major concern for pedestrian safety. Using smartphones while walking reduces pedestrians’ ability to perceive the environment by increasing their cognitive, manual, and visual demands. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of common phone tasks (i.e., reading, tapping, gaming) on walking behaviors during outdoor walking. Nineteen young adults were instructed to complete four walking conditions (walking only, walking–reading, walking–tapping, and walking–gaming) along an open corridor. Results showed that all three phone tasks increased participants’ neck flexion (i.e., neck kyphosis) during walking. Meanwhile, the reading task showed a greater influence on the temporal aspect during the early phases of a gait cycle. The tapping task lowered the flexion angles of the middle and lower back (i.e., torso lordosis) and induced a longer terminal double support. And the gaming task resulted in a decrease in middle back flexion, a shorter stride length, and a longer terminal double support while walking. Findings from the study confirmed our hypothesis that phone tasks changed pedestrians’ physical responses to smartphone distraction while walking. To avoid potential risks caused by the observed posture and gait adaptations, safety precautions (e.g., roadside/electronic warning signals) might be imposed depending on the workload expected by different phone tasks.
Cross-trait assortative mating is widespread and inflates genetic correlation estimates
Authors: Border Richard , Athanasiadis Georgios , Buil Alfonso , Schork Andrew J. , Cai Na , Young Alexander I. , Werge Thomas , Flint Jonathan , Kendler Kenneth S. , Sankararaman Sriram , Dahl Andy W. , Zaitlen Noah A.
Published: November 2022

The observation of genetic correlations between disparate human traits has been interpreted as evidence of widespread pleiotropy. Here, we introduce cross-trait assortative mating (xAM) as an alternative explanation. We observe that xAM affects many phenotypes and that phenotypic cross-mate correlation estimates are strongly associated with genetic correlation estimates (
R
2
= 74%). We demonstrate that existing xAM plausibly accounts for substantial fractions of genetic correlation estimates and that previously reported genetic correlation estimates between some pairs of psychiatric disorders are congruent with xAM alone. Finally, we provide evidence for a history of xAM at the genetic level using cross-trait even/odd chromosome polygenic score correlations. Together, our results demonstrate that previous reports have likely overestimated the true genetic similarity between many phenotypes.
Roles and Organization of BxpB (ExsFA) and ExsFB in the Exosporium Outer Basal Layer of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Durand-Heredia Jorge , Hsieh Hsin-Yeh , Spreng Krista A. , Stewart George C.
Published: November 2022

The genus
Bacillus
consists of spore-forming bacteria. Some species of this genus, especially those that are pathogens of animals or insects, contain an outermost spore layer called the exosporium. The zoonotic pathogen
B. anthracis
is an example of this group. The exosporium likely contributes to virulence and environmental persistence of these pathogens. This work provides important new insights into the exosporium assembly process and the interplay between BclA and BxpB in this process.
Small Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Promotes Hepatic Gluconeogenesis via Enhancing Glucagon/cAMP/Protein Kinase A/CREB Signaling
Authors: Chen Yan , Wang Biao , Ou Xiaowei , Wu Yidan , He Yun , Lin Xinjian , Lin Xu
Published: November 2022

Chronic HBV infection causes progressive liver damage and is found to be a risk factor for diabetes. However, the mechanism in the regulation of glucose metabolism by HBV remains to be established.
Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Thermal Energy Dissipation in Leaves of Two Phenotypes of Plantago media L. under Environmental Conditions
Authors: Golovko T. K. , Zakhozhiy I. G. , Shelyakin M. A. , Silina E. V. , Tabalenkova G. N. , Malyshev R. V. , Dalke I. V.
Published: November 2022

The ability to maintain the balance between the absorbed light energy and energy used in photosynthesis is a key factor of plant adaptation to variable environmental conditions. In this work, diurnal variations in photosynthesis, respiration, thermal energy dissipation, and the activity of the antioxidant system were studied in hoary plantain (Plantago media L.) growing on an open slope (sun plants) and under natural shading in the herbage (shade plants). The highest leaves net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was observed early in the morning and amounted to 2.6 and 9.2 μmol CO2/m2 s in shade and sun plants, respectively. In the daytime, the Pn values of sun plants decreased significantly (threefold) along with the decrease in stomatal conductance; changes of both parameters developed concurrently with the increase in insolation and air temperature. The Pn changes in leaves of shade plants were less pronounced and weakly dependent on stomatal conductance. The leaves of shade plants contained comparatively high amounts of soluble carbohydrates, whereas the sun plant leaves accumulated larger amounts of starch. In the daytime, nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll a fluorescence in photosystem II of sun plant leaves could be as large as 2.6 rel. units, which was four- to fivefold higher than NPQ in shade plants. In leaves of sun plants in the morning and evening hours, the ratio of cytochrome pathway (CP) and the alternative (AP) respiratory pathways was approximately 1.0, whereas this ratio decreased to 0.4 during the day, synchronously with an increase in NPQ. The CP/AP ratio in shade plant leaves remained constant throughout the diurnal cycle and equaled 1.4, indicating a comparatively high energy efficiency of respiration in shaded plants growing under the grass canopy. The leaves of sun plants featured an increased content of superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide as well as the elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase) that control the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The results emphasize the importance of coordinated changes in energy-dissipating processes and the activity of the antioxidant system for maintaining the energy and redox balance in phototrophic tissues during long-term adaptation of plants to environmental conditions, excessive insolation in particular.
Potential impacts of general practitioners working in or alongside
emergency departments in England: initial qualitative findings from a
national mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Scantlebury Arabella , Brant Heather , Anderson Helen , Leggett Heather , Salisbury Chris , Cowlishaw Sean , Voss Sarah , Benger Jonathan Richard , Adamson Joy
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To explore the potential impacts of introducing General
Practitioners into Emergency Departments (GPED) from the perspectives of
service leaders, health professionals and patients. These ‘expectations
of impact’ can be used to generate hypotheses that will inform future
implementations and evaluations of GPED.

Design

Qualitative study consisting of 228 semistructured
interviews.

Setting

10 acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and the wider
healthcare system in England. Interviews were undertaken face to face or
via telephone. Data were analysed thematically.

Participants

124 health professionals and 94 patients and carers. 10 service
leaders representing a range of national organisations and government
departments across England (eg, NHS England and Department of Health)
were also interviewed.

Results

A range of GPED models are being implemented across the NHS due to
different interpretations of national policy and variation in local
context. This has resulted in stakeholders and organisations
interpreting the aims of GPED differently and anticipating a range of
potential impacts. Participants expected GPED to affect the following
areas: ED performance indicators; patient outcome and experience;
service access; staffing and workforce experience; and resources. Across
these ‘domains of influence’, arguments for positive, negative and no
effect of GPED were proposed.

Conclusions

Evaluating whether GPED has been successful will be challenging.
However, despite uncertainty surrounding the direction of effect, there
was agreement across all stakeholder groups on the areas that GPED would
influence. As a result, we propose eight domains of influence that will
inform our subsequent mixed-methods evaluation of GPED.

Trial registration number

NCT51780222.