bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between baseline axial length and axial elongation in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology
Authors: Lin Weiping , Li Na , Lu Kunpeng , Li Zhaochun , Zhuo Xiaohua , Wei Ruihua
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To investigate the correlation between the baseline axial length (AL) and axial elongation in myopes undergoing orthokeratology (ortho‐k).

Methods

This was a retrospective study. During the 1‐year follow‐up, 1176 children (aged 8–14 years) were included and divided into an ortho‐k group (n = 588) and a single‐vision spectacle group (n = 588). The ortho‐k group participants (8–11 years of age) who completed the 3‐year follow‐up (n = 150) were further divided into three subgroups stratified by their baseline AL: subgroup 1 (AL < 24.5 mm), subgroup 2 (24.5 ≤ AL < 26 mm) and subgroup 3 (AL ≥ 26 mm). AL was measured at baseline and during the annual visit.

Results

The ortho‐k group exhibited slower 1‐year axial elongation (39% reduction) than the spectacle group. The 1‐year axial elongation was negatively correlated with initial age in both groups. A negative association between 1‐year axial elongation and baseline AL was observed in the ortho‐k group but not in the spectacle group. However, this relationship only existed in ortho‐k participants 8–11 years of age. For the younger ortho‐k participants who completed the 3‐year follow‐up, the annual axial elongation was significantly higher in subgroup 1 for the first and second years but not in the third year compared with subgroups 2 and 3.

Conclusion

Axial elongation was negatively correlated with baseline AL in the ortho‐k group. Children aged 8–11 years with longer baseline AL (≥24.5 mm) demonstrated slower annual axial elongation during the first 2 years of ortho‐k treatment, which may provide insight into establishing individual guidelines for controlling myopia using ortho‐k in children with different baseline characteristics.
Grass pollen exposure is associated with higher readmission rates for pediatric asthma
Authors: Batra Mehak , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Newbigin Edward , Tang Mimi , Abramson Michael J. , Erbas Bircan , Vicendese Don
Published: November 2022

Background

Pediatric asthma hospital readmission is a burden on the individual and costly for Australian hospitals. Grass pollen's role, a known trigger for asthma admissions, is unexamined in readmissions. We examined the association between grass pollen and pediatric asthma readmission.

Methods

The Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset was used to identify all primary admissions with a principal diagnosis of asthma in children aged 2–18 years between 1997 and 2009. Readmissions were defined as subsequent admissions within 28 days of index admission discharge. Generalized additive models were used to assess associations between readmission, grass pollen season, and daily grass pollen counts, lagged and cumulative. Models were further stratified by sex and age group.

Results

Mean daily readmission was higher during grass pollen season than other times of the year, incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.44 (95% CI, 1.03, 2.02) and for children aged 2–5 years, IRR 1.99 (1.26, 3.14). Same day grass pollen was nonlinearly associated with daily readmission for the 13–18 age group between 110 and 256 grains/m3, p < .01. Lag 2 grass pollen was nonlinearly associated with daily readmissions overall (p = .03), boys (p = .01), and younger age groups 2–5 (p = .02) and 6–12 (p < .001).

Conclusions

Grass pollen exposure was associated with higher readmission rates for pediatric asthma. Treatment plans prior to discharge could be implemented to reduce the likelihood of readmission by younger children during the pollen season.
Upgrading the genome of an elite japonica rice variety Kongyu 131 for lodging resistance improvement
Authors: Wang Chen , Feng Xiaomin , Yuan Qingbo , Lin Kangxue , Zhang Xiaohui , Yan Li , Nan Jianzong , Zhang Wenqi , Wang Rongsheng , Wang Lihong , Xue Qian , Yang Xiaowen , Liu Zhixia , Lin Shaoyang
Published: November 2022

Developing a new rice variety requires tremendous efforts and years of input. To improve the defect traits of the excellent varieties becomes more cost and time efficient than breeding a completely new variety. Kongyu 131 is a high‐performing japonica variety with early maturity, high yield, wide adaptability and cold resistance, but the poor‐lodging resistance hinders the industrial production of Kongyu 131 in the Northeastern China. In this study, we attempted to improve the lodging resistance of Kongyu 131 from perspectives of both gene and trait. On the one hand, by QTL analysis and fine mapping we discovered the candidate gene loci. The following CRISPR/Cas9 and transgenic complementation study confirmed that Sd1 dominated the lodging resistance and favourable allele was mined for precise introduction and improvement. On the other hand, the Sd1 allelic variant was identified in Kongyu 131 by sequence alignment, then introduced another excellent allelic variation by backcrossing. Then, the two new resulting Kongyu 131 went through the field evaluation under different environments, planting densities and nitrogen fertilizer conditions. The results showed that the plant height of upgraded Kongyu 131 was 17%–26% lower than Kongyu 131 without penalty in yield. This study demonstrated a precise and targeted way to update the rice genome and upgrade the elite rice varieties by improving only a few gene defects from the perspective of breeding.
Clinical approach to acute cellular rejection from the pediatric heart transplant society
Authors: Bansal Neha , Everitt Melanie D. , Nandi Deipanjan , Spinner Joseph , Conway Jennifer , Magnetta Defne A. , Profita Elizabeth L. , Townsend Madeleine , Alejos Juan Carlos , Deshpande Shriprasad R.
Published: November 2022

Background

Early detection of cardiac allograft rejection is crucial for post‐transplant graft survival. Despite the progress made in immunosuppression strategies, acute cellular rejection remains a serious complication during and after the first post‐transplant year, and there is a continued lack of consensus regarding its treatment, especially in pediatric transplant patients.

Methods

An open request was placed via the listserv to the membership of the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society (PHTS). Along with a broad literature search, numerous institutional protocols were pooled, analyzed and consolidated. A clinical approach document was generated highlighting areas of consensus and practice variation.

Results

The clinical approach document divides cellular rejection by International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grades and provides management strategies for each, including persistent cellular rejection.

Conclusions

Cellular rejection treatment can be tailored to the clinical status, graft function, and the grade of cellular rejection. A case of mild and asymptomatic rejection may not require treatment, whereas a higher‐grade rejection or rejection with graft dysfunction or hemodynamic compromise may require aggressive intravenous therapies, changes to maintenance immunosuppression therapy and augmented surveillance.
Data‐driven collusion and competition in a pricing duopoly with multinomial logit demand
Authors: Loots Thomas , denBoer Arnoud V.
Published: November 2022

We consider dynamic pricing and demand learning in a duopoly with multinomial logit demand, both from the perspective where firms compete against each other and from the perspective where firms aim to collude to increase revenues. We show that joint‐revenue maximization is not always beneficial to both firms compared to the Nash equilibrium, and show that several other axiomatic notions of collusion can be constructed that are always beneficial to both firms and a threat to consumer welfare. Next, we construct a price algorithm and prove that it learns to charge supra‐competitive prices if deployed by both firms, and learns to respond optimally against a class of competitive algorithms. Our algorithm includes a mechanism to infer demand observations from the competitor's price path, so that our algorithm can operate in a setting where prices are public but demand is private information. Our work contributes to the understanding of well‐performing price policies in a competitive multi‐agent setting, and shows that collusion by algorithms is possible and deserves the attention of lawmakers and competition policy regulators.
Molecular analysis of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) isolates from healthy food‐producing animals and humans with diarrhoea
Authors: Beraldo Livia Gerbasi , Borges Clarissa Araújo , Maluta Renato Pariz , Cardozo Marita Vedovelli , de Ávila Fernando Antônio
Published: November 2022

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a pathogen associated with acute diarrhoea in humans. To determine whether EPEC isolated from healthy food‐producing animals possesses the same virulence gene repertoire as EPEC isolated from human with diarrhoea, we compared six typical EPEC (tEPEC) and 20 atypical EPEC (aEPEC) from humans with diarrhoea and 42 aEPEC from healthy animals (swine, sheep and buffaloes), using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), virulence markers, serotyping and subtyping of eae and tir genes. We found that human and animal isolates shared virulence genes, including nleB, nleE and nleF, which were associated with human diarrhoea. Serogroups and serotypes identified in isolates of food‐producing animals such as O26:H11, O128:H2, O76:H7, O103, O108, O111 and O145, have previously been implicated in human disease. The subtypes eae and tir were also shared between human and animal isolates, being eae‐γ1 and eae‐β1 the most prevalent in both groups, while the most common tir subtypes were α and β. Despite PFGE analysis demonstrating that EPEC strains are heterogeneous and there was no prevalent clone identified, EPEC isolated from humans and food‐producing animals shared some characteristics, such as virulence genes associated with human diarrhoea, indicating that food‐producing animals could play a role as reservoirs for those genes.
Emergency Repair of a P-381 River Water Supply Line at a Refinery in Belle Chasse, LA
Authors: Larsen Mike , Engindeniz Murat
Published: November 2022

A refinery in Belle Chasse, LA had a leak on a 30 in. (0.76 m) cement mortar lined and coated river water supply line in a pipe rack 40 ft (12 m) in the air. The water supply line was a P-381 Pretensioned Pipe. An attempt to wrap the line externally with a bi-directional glass FRP system was completed by others during a turnaround but the wrap failed when put under pressure, which created an emergency for the Belle Chasse Refinery. The refinery was interested in other options and this failure was a top priority to repair in place or it would have delayed startup.

The P-381 water supply line had two locations that needed to be addressed. One location had spalled mortar in the coating exposing the steel cylinder and reinforced bar, the other location had a sizeable hole/breach in the pipe and the existing wrap was drooping down from the breach, the wrap had delaminated from the host pipe.

Attendees will learn more about this emergency repair, which had to be completed within seven (7) days including step by step construction procedures that were used for this repair: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) technology including design considerations, design methodology and the QA/QC process.
Sex Differences in Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters of Transtibial Amputees
Authors: Carswell Tess M.R. , Hordacre Brenton G. , Klimstra Marc D. , Giles Joshua W.
Published: November 2022

Research addressing lower limb amputee gait and prosthetic design often focuses on men, despite female lower limb amputees having different risk factors and lower success with their prosthetics overall. It is widely agreed that sex differences exist in able-bodied gait, but research analyzing sex differences in amputee gait is rare. This study compared male and female transtibial amputee gait to ascertain potential sex differences. Forty-five transtibial amputees were asked to walk at their self-selected speed, and spatiotemporal gait data were obtained. Both the mean and variability metric of parameters were analyzed for 10 male and 10 female participants. For all participants, amputated limbs had a shorter stance time, longer swing time, and larger step length. Females had a 10% shorter stance time and 26% larger normalized step and stride length than males. Female participants also walked over 20% faster than male participants. Finally, significant interactions were found in the mean and variability metric of stride velocity, indicating greater variability in women. These findings suggest that sex differences exist in transtibial amputee gait, offering possible explanations for the different comorbidities experienced by female lower limb amputees. These results have major implications for female amputees and for sex-specific research, rehabilitation, and prosthetic design.
Metabolic Flexibility During Exercise in Children with Overweight/Obesity Versus Children who are Lean
Authors: Dykstra Brandon , Kuszmaul Dillon , Mahon Anthony D.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This study examined metabolic flexibility with respect to fat metabolism during exercise in children who are lean (n=11; 10.9[0.9] y) and overweight/obese (OW/OB; n=9; 10.3[1.2] y). Method: Participants were grouped based on body mass index percentiles for age and sex. Groups were mixed in age and sex. Participants completed two 20-minute exercise bouts on a cycle ergometer, separated by a 10-minute rest. Bout 1 consisted of 10 minutes at 50% VO2peak and 10 minutes at 75% VO2peak. Bout 2 was 20 minutes at 50% VO2peak. Absolute fat oxidation rate (FOR), FOR relative to body mass, FOR relative to fat-free mass, and proportional fat use were measured at 10 minutes of bout 1 and 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes of bout 2. Results: Absolute FOR was higher in the OW/OB group (range: 117.8 [55.1]–206.2 [48.3] mg·min−1) than in the lean group (81.1 [32.2]–152.2 [38.2] mg·min−1); however, there were no significant main effects for group or significant interactions for proportional fat use, FOR relative to body mass, or FOR relative to fat-free mass. Conclusion: Children in this age range who are overweight/obese do not display impaired metabolic flexibility with respect to fat metabolism during exercise.
Integration of Esports in Educational Innovation: A Design-Based Research Approach
Authors: Wells Janelle E. , Harrolle Michelle G. , MacAulay K. Doreen , Greenhalgh Gregory , Morgan Samuel C.
Published: November 2022

To meet the growing and innovative career opportunities in technology and sport, particularly in electronic sports, both practitioners and scholars must engage in an iterative process to analyze, design, and evaluate educational interventions and innovations with design-based research. Being in a young academic discipline, sport management faculty shape the next generation of practitioners, so the purpose of this research was to examine faculty’s openness to innovation through an andragogical teaching approach and the incorporation of the business of electronic sports within the curriculum. Through a two-part study, results revealed that faculty had a balanced teacher- and learner-focused approach, which demonstrated that advancement of electronic sports can transcend all types of faculty in a young field. Implications from this novel, yet extremely relevant, research will help both practitioners and scholars innovatively and collaboratively navigate institutional complexities.
Exposure to BA.4/5 S protein drives neutralization of Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4/5 in vaccine-experienced humans and mice
Authors: Muik Alexander , Lui Bonny Gaby , Bacher Maren , Wallisch Ann-Kathrin , Toker Aras , Couto Carla Iris Cadima , Güler Alptekin , Mampilli Veena , Schmitt Geneva J. , Mottl Jonathan , Ziegenhals Thomas , Fesser Stephanie , Reinholz Jonas , Wernig Florian , Schraut Karla-Gerlinde , Hefesha Hossam , Cai Hui , Yang Qi , Walzer Kerstin C. , Grosser Jessica , Strauss Stefan , Finlayson Andrew , Krüger Kimberly , Ozhelvaci Orkun , Grikscheit Katharina , Kohmer Niko , Ciesek Sandra , Swanson Kena A. , Vogel Annette B. , Türeci Özlem , Sahin Ugur
Published: November 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its sublineages show pronounced viral escape from neutralizing antibodies elicited by vaccination or prior SARS-CoV-2 variant infection owing to over 30-amino acid alterations within the spike (S) glycoprotein. Breakthrough infection of vaccinated individuals with Omicron sublineages BA.1 and BA.2 is associated with distinct patterns of cross-neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). In continuation of our previous work, we characterized the effect of Omicron BA.4/BA.5 S glycoprotein exposure on the neutralizing antibody response upon breakthrough infection in vaccinated individuals and upon variant-adapted booster vaccination in mice. We found that immune sera from triple mRNA-vaccinated individuals with subsequent breakthrough infection during the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 wave showed cross-neutralizing activity against previous Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4/BA.5 itself. Administration of a prototypic BA.4/BA.5-adapted mRNA booster vaccine to mice after SARS-CoV-2 wild-type strain-based primary immunization is associated with broader cross-neutralizing activity than a BA.1-adapted booster. Whereas the Omicron BA.1-adapted mRNA vaccine in a bivalent format (wild-type + BA.1) broadens cross-neutralizing activity relative to the BA.1 monovalent booster, cross-neutralization of BA.2 and descendants is more effective in mice boosted with a bivalent wild-type + BA.4/BA.5 vaccine. In naïve mice, primary immunization with the bivalent wild-type + Omicron BA.4/BA.5 vaccine induces strong cross-neutralizing activity against Omicron VOCs and previous variants. These findings suggest that, when administered as boosters, mono- and bivalent Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted vaccines enhance neutralization breadth and that the bivalent version also has the potential to confer protection to individuals with no preexisting immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
Pharmacodynamics and Bactericidal Activity of Combination Regimens in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Application to Bedaquiline-Pretomanid-Pyrazinamide
Authors: Lyons Michael A.
Published: November 2022

A critical barrier to codevelopment of tuberculosis (TB) regimens is a limited ability to identify optimal drug and dose combinations in early-phase clinical testing. While pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) target attainment is the primary tool for exposure-response optimization of TB drugs, the PD target is a static index that does not distinguish individual drug contributions to the efficacy of a multidrug combination.
Efficacy of Crushed Delayed-Release Posaconazole Tablets in Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis
Authors: Manesh Abi , Devasagayam Emily , Bhanuprasad Kundakarla , Mathew Sumith K. , Karthik Rajiv , Mathew Binu S. , Varghese George M.
Published: November 2022

A significant proportion of patients with Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) develop oroantral fistulas. Due to the unclear efficacy of crushed delayed-release posaconazole tablets (DRPT) via nasogastric tube in this group of patients, clinicians often use inferior alternatives like posaconazole suspension. In this prospective study, we report good plasma concentrations (median, 2,639 ng/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 1,690 to 3,575 ng/mL; and range, 1,004 to 4,835ng/mL) and complete cure and survival at 3 and 6 months in 19 such patients.
Population Pharmacokinetic Model and Optimal Sampling Strategies for Micafungin in Critically Ill Patients Diagnosed with Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Boonstra J. M. , van der Elst K. C. , Zijlstra J. G. , van der Werf T. S. , Alffenaar J. W. C. , Touw D. J.
Published: November 2022

Candida
bloodstream infections are associated with high attributable mortality, where early initiation of adequate antifungal therapy is important to increase survival in critically ill patients. The exposure variability of micafungin, a first-line agent used for the treatment of invasive candidiasis, in critically ill patients is significant, potentially resulting in underexposure in a substantial portion of these patients.
Species-Specific Effects of Planktonic Bacteria on the Predator-Induced Life-History Defense of
Daphnia
: Based on Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Structural Equation Model
Authors: Liu Qi , Ding Zihao , Gu Lei , Sun Yunfei , Zhang Lu , Yang Zhou
Published: November 2022

This study is the first to reveal the differential effects of different species of planktonic bacteria on fish kairomone-induced defense traits and energy redistribution in
Daphnia
. Our results not only help deepen the understanding of
Daphnia
’s inducible defenses in environments containing a variety of bacteria but also provide insights into the energy reallocation involved in anti-predator defenses.
Cronobacter sakazakii Cue for the Attraction and Its Impact on the Immunity of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Muthubharathi Balasubramanian Chellammal , Ravichandiran Velayutham , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy
Published: November 2022

Cronobacter sakazakii
, an opportunistic foodborne pathogen prevalently detected in contaminated powdered infant formula, is associated with different diseases, including meningitis. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and affects the CNS.
Deciphering Structure-Function Relationship Unveils Salt-Resistant Mode of Action of a Potent MRSA-Inhibiting Antimicrobial Peptide, RR14
Authors: Kao Chih-Chuan , Lin Tzu-Lu , Lin Chi-Jan , Tseng Tien-Sheng
Published: November 2022

Many antimicrobial peptides have been observed to become inactive in the presence of high salt concentrations. To further develop new and novel AMPs with potent bactericidal activity and salt insensitivity, understanding the structural basis for salt resistance is important.
Transient T Cell Expansion, Activation, and Proliferation in Therapeutically Vaccinated Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Macaques Treated with N-803
Authors: Harwood Olivia E. , Balgeman Alexis J. , Weaver Abigail J. , Ellis-Connell Amy L. , Weiler Andrea M. , Erickson Katrina N. , Matschke Lea M. , Golfinos Athena E. , Vezys Vaiva , Skinner Pamela J. , Safrit Jeffrey T. , Edlefsen Paul T. , Reynolds Matthew R. , Friedrich Thomas C. , O’Connor Shelby L.
Published: November 2022

While antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress HIV replication, it is not a cure. It is therefore essential to develop therapeutic strategies to enhance the immune system to better become activated and recognize virus-infected cells.
Postinfluenza Environment Reduces Aspergillus fumigatus Conidium Clearance and Facilitates Invasive Aspergillosis
In Vivo
Authors: Liu Ko-Wei , Grau Madeleine S. , Jones Jane T. , Wang Xi , Vesely Elisa M. , James Matthew R. , Gutierrez-Perez Cecilia , Cramer Robert A. , Obar Joshua J.
Published: November 2022

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a common respiratory virus that causes seasonal illness in humans, but can cause pandemics and severe infection in certain patients. Since the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strains, there has been an increase in clinical reports of IAV-infected patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) developing secondary pulmonary aspergillosis.
Deletion of Double Copies of the US1 Gene Reduces the Infectivity of Recombinant Duck Plague Virus
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Wu Ying , Tan Silun , He Qing , Wang Mingshu , Chen Shun , Jia Renyong , Yang Qiao , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Zhao Xinxin , Zhang Shaqiu , Huang Juan , Ou Xumin , Mao Sai , Gao Qun , Sun Di , Tian Bin , Cheng Anchun
Published: November 2022

Duck plague virus contains nearly 80 genes, but the functions and mechanisms of most of the genes have not yet been elucidated, including those of the newly identified immediate early gene US1. Here, we found that US1 deletion reduces viral gene expression, replication, and virus production both
in vitro
and
in vivo
.
Tracing Foodborne Botulism Events Caused by Clostridium botulinum in Xinjiang Province, China, Using a Core Genome Sequence Typing Scheme
Authors: Ma Xin , Li Kexin , Li Fang , Su Jing , Meng Weiwei , Sun Yanming , Sun Hui , Sun Jiazheng , Yuan Yonghe , Lin Yujia , Hu Songnian , Xu Xuefang , He Zilong
Published: November 2022

In this study, we analyzed 59 foodborne botulism (FB)-related strains isolated in Xinjiang Province, China. Our findings not only reveal the group classification, neurotoxin locus organization, antibiotic resistance and virulence factors of these strains but also establish a set of core gene markers for tracing foodborne botulism events, which was verified using published genomes.
CycA-Dependent Glycine Assimilation Is Connected to Novobiocin Susceptibility in Escherichia coli
Authors: Shi Hongmei , Zhang Ling , Gu Jing , Li Jinyue , Liu Zixiang , Deng Jiao-Yu
Published: November 2022

Novobiocin (NOV) has been used in clinical practice as an ATPase inhibitor for decades. However, because it has been withdrawn from the market, pharmaceutical companies are searching for other ATPase inhibitors.
In Vitro
Profiling of the Synthetic RNA Polymerase Inhibitor MMV688845 against Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Mann Lea , Ganapathy Uday S. , Abdelaziz Rana , Lang Markus , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Dartois Véronique , Dick Thomas , Richter Adrian
Published: November 2022

Infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria are an increasing health problem, and only a few new drug classes show activity against these multidrug-resistant bacteria. Due to insufficient therapy options, the development of new drug leads is necessary and should be advanced. The lead compound MMV688845, a substance active against
M. abscessus
complex, was characterized in depth. In various assays, it showed activity against
M. abscessus
, synergy with other antibiotics, and bactericidal effects.
Genomic Insights into the Mobilome and Resistome of Sentinel Microorganisms Originating from Farms of Two Different Swine Production Systems
Authors: Mencía-Ares Oscar , Borowiak Maria , Argüello Héctor , Cobo-Díaz José Francisco , Malorny Burkhard , Álvarez-Ordóñez Avelino , Carvajal Ana , Deneke Carlus
Published: November 2022

This study provides the first integral genomic characterization of the resistome and mobilome of sentinel microorganisms for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance from two different swine production systems. Relevant differences were observed among taxa in the resistomes and mobilomes they harbored, revealing their distinctive risk in AMR dissemination and spread.
Barriers to access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among adolescents in Ethiopia: a sequential mixed-methods study
Authors: Wakjira Daniel Bekele , Habedi Debbie
Published: November 2022

Objective

To investigate and explore the barriers of access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among adolescents.

Design

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was implemented with two phases. The questionnaire was created and used by five trained research assistants for the quantitative component of the study (phase I). In phase II, the qualitative component of the study included focus group discussions (FGDs) with adolescents.

Setting

This study was conducted in rural areas of five secondary schools in Arsi zone, Ethiopia.

Participants

In both phases, 15–19 years adolescents participated in the study. For the quantitative phase, a total of 800 randomly selected adolescents responded to the questionnaire, while 24 adolescents participated during FGDs until data saturation was reached.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

For outcome variables, the respondents were asked if they used any SRH services in the past 12 months. It was recorded as 0=no and 1=yes.

Results

Overall, SRH service utilisation was 208 (26.1%) among adolescents. Being aged 17–19 years (adjusted OR, AOR 3.44, 95% CI 2.15 to 5.51). Grades 11 and 12 (AOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.32). Lack of income (AOR 0.0.43, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.61). Ever had sexual contact (AOR 3.04 CI 95% CI 2.15 to 4.29) and being knowledgeable on SRH service (AOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.05) were factors associated with outcome variable. The barriers hindering access and use of SRH services were found at the facility level, provider level, community level and personal level.

Conclusion

The research found a low level of SRH services access and utilisation among adolescents due to several factors. Interventions to design-specific policies and educational programmes are needed to promote healthy practices.
Assessing knowledge, attitudes and belief toward HPV vaccination of parents with children aged 9–14 years in rural communities of Northwest Cameroon: a qualitative study
Authors: Elit Lorraine , Ngalla Calvin , Afugchwi Glen Mbah , Tum Eric , Domgue Joel Fokom , Nouvet Elysée
Published: November 2022

Background

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination is essential for the WHO cervical cancer elimination initiative. In Cameroon, HPV vaccine uptake is currently 5%. To assess the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of parents of young girls aged 9–14 years about HPV vaccines within rural communities in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

Methods

During January–May 2022, we conducted 45 one-on-one interviews using a semistructured interview guide in the localities of Mbingo, Njinikom and Fundong. Participants were parents of girls aged 9–14 years who speak English or Pidgin English. Healthcare workers were excluded. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using ATLAS.ti V.9. Member checking was conducted presenting our findings and getting feedback from a focus group of parents.

Results

Thirty-five mothers and 10 fathers were interviewed with a mean age of 42 years. Ninety-one per cent of parents had ever been vaccinated. Seventy-seven per cent had no or only primary school education. Thirty-two parents (71.12%) had daughters who had not been vaccinated against HPV. The themes identified include: perceived effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, affective behaviour (how they feel about the vaccine), accessibility (ability to get the vaccine), intervention coherence, ethicality (including parental informed consent), opportunity cost (future potential financial implications of cancer prevention), decision-making in the home (predominantly paternalistic), self-efficacy (extent to which education initiatives were effective) and quality initiatives (use of village infrastructure including fons/qwifons, village crier, healthcare worker presenting at the njangi house, schools and churches). Member checking with 30 women from two other communities confirmed our findings.

Conclusions

Lack of awareness concerning the availability and purpose of the HPV vaccination was prevalent. Use of mainstream media and top-down health education activities are not effective. Novel approaches should engage local community health workers and use established community social and leadership structures.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05325138).
Surficial liquefaction manifestation severity thresholds for profiles having high fines-content, high-plasticity soils
Authors: Upadhyaya Sneha , Maurer Brett W. , Green Russell A. , Rodriguez-Marek Adrian , van Ballegooy Sjoerd
Published: November 2022

The severity of surficial liquefaction manifestation was significantly over-predicted for a large subset of case histories from relatively recent earthquakes that impacted the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Such over-predicts generally occurred for profiles having predominantly high fines-content (FC), high-plasticity soil strata. Herein, the liquefaction case histories from the Canterbury earthquakes are used to investigate the performances of three different manifestation severity index (MSI) models. The prevalence of high FC, high-plasticity strata in a profile is quantified through the soil behavior type index averaged over the upper 10 m of a profile ( Ic10). It is shown that for each MSI model (1) the threshold MSI value distinguishing cases with and without manifestation increases as Ic10 increases and (2) the ability of the MSI to segregate cases with and without manifestation decreases with increasing Ic10. Additionally, probabilistic models are proposed for evaluating the severity of surficial liquefaction manifestation as a function of MSI and Ic10. The approaches presented in this study allow better interpretations of predictions made by existing MSI models, although their efficacy decreases at sites with high Ic10. An improved MSI model is ultimately needed that better accounts for the effects of high-FC, high-plasticity soils more directly.
The formation of phase transitions in CuNiS under the influence of gamma irradiation
Authors: Damirov G. M.
Published: November 2022

The concentrations of forming defects during phase transitions (PTs) and elastic coefficients in the [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]S compound were determined based on differential thermal analysis (DTA) data [Formula: see text]. The sample was studied under the influence of [Formula: see text] irradiation (at a dose of 25 Mrad) and it was shown that the [Formula: see text] curves coincide each other before and after irradiation. It was established that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] modifications are commensurate when heating the sample. A certain number of defects in S atoms at lattice sites and defects in Cu atoms (also Ni atoms) in interstitial sites of the sublattice are some of the causes of lattice rearrangement.
Hopping thermopower in FEGA3
Authors: Kajikawa Yasutomo
Published: November 2022

A narrow-gap semiconductor FeGa3 has attracted much interest for its unusual physical properties, in particular, for its colossal thermopower at low temperatures for which the origin has not been elucidated yet. In this study, the temperature-dependence data of the conductivity, the Hall coefficient, and the Seebeck coefficient on FeGa3 samples reported by Wagner-Reetz et al. [Phys. Rev. B 90, 195206 (2014)] have been analyzed with including the effects of impurity Hubbard bands. As a result, it is shown that, contrary to the claim by Wagner-Reetz et al., the large negative peak of the Seebeck coefficient is not due to the phonon-drag effect but due to hopping conduction in the impurity Hubbard bands. The significant effect of nonpolar-optical-phonon scattering on free-electron conduction is also pointed out.
Chemical reaction, Soret and Dufour impacts on magnetohydrodynamic heat transfer Casson fluid over an exponentially permeable stretching surface with slip effects
Authors: Goud B. Shankar , Reddy Y. Dharmendar , Asogwa Kanayo Kenneth
Published: November 2022

This paper discusses the impacts of velocity, temperature, and solutal slip on the mass and heat transfer characterization of MHD mixed convection Casson fluid flow along an exponential permeable stretching surface with chemical reaction, Dufour and Soret effects. The Casson fluid is supposed to flow across an exponentially stretched sheet, together with the exponential temperature and concentration fluctuations of the fluid. As governing equations, the momentum, energy and species concentration equations are constructed and represented as PDEs. Following that, these equations were converted via the similarity transformation into ODEs. Finally, the ODEs are numerically solved using the Keller-box method with MATLAB software’s algorithm. Expressions are produced for the fluid flow, temperature and concentration gradients. We also determined the physical variables from which the friction factor, rate of mass and heat transfer are attained for engineering purposes. Using graphs and tables, the impacts of altered physical characteristics on flow amounts are explored. The consistency and validity of our outcomes revealed a significant degree of agreement when comparing them to previously published studies. The findings reveal that raising the Soret and Dufour parameter enhances the velocity profile at the wall, but the converse is true for increasing the velocity slip factor.
Features of liquid-phase epitaxy of new solid solutions of (GaAs)1−y−z(Ge2)y(ZnSe)z and their photoelectric properties
Authors: Saidov A. S. , Saparov D. V. , Usmonov Sh. N. , Razzakov A. Sh. , Kalanov M.
Published: November 2022

In this work, the physical features of growing epitaxial layers of new solid solutions of (GaAs)[Formula: see text](Ge[Formula: see text](ZnSe)[Formula: see text] from the liquid phase of the tin solution-melt on GaAs (100) substrates were investigated. The conditions required for the formation of the solid solution of molecular substitution were revealed. A possible configuration of the crystal structure of the solid solution (GaAs)[Formula: see text](Ge[Formula: see text](ZnSe)[Formula: see text] is presented. In the spectral photosensitivity of the [Formula: see text]-GaAs–[Formula: see text]-(GaAs)[Formula: see text](Ge[Formula: see text](ZnSe)[Formula: see text] structures, peaks with maxima at photon energies of 1.37 eV and 2.62 eV were found. The band diagram of the solid solution (GaAs)[Formula: see text](Ge[Formula: see text](ZnSe)[Formula: see text] was presented.
Studies on the Performance of Equal Strength Cantilever Beam-Based FBG Acceleration Sensors
Authors: Qin Heying , Tang Pengfei , Lai Danping , Shi Jiahui , Luo Boguang
Published: November 2022

Based on the principle of FBG sensing and classical mechanics model of acceleration,the fundamental frequency and acceleration sensitivity coefficient of the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) acceleration sensor are theoretically analyzed in this study. An equal strength cantilever beam-based FBG acceleration sensor was designed based on the vibration frequency of conventional bridges and carried out experimental research. The results show that the fundamental frequency of the sensor increases when the cantilever beam thickness increases, while the sensitivity coefficient decreases. However, when the block mass increased, the fundamental frequency decreased in contrast to an elevated sensitivity coefficient. The experimental findings were found to be in line with the theoretical hypothesis. The sensors had good signal response performance and anti-transverse interference performance. In order to solve the problem of low sensitivity coefficient of sensor, the sensor was optimized and tested following the plane section assumption principle of classical mechanics. The result shows that the fundamental frequency of the optimized sensor remains unchanged, the sensitivity coefficient is increased by 2.6 times. The research provided an FBG acceleration sensor with suitable fundamental frequency, high sensitivity and other excellent performance for bridge monitoring.
Pyrite oxidation under a carbonate buffer and its environmental implications: a case study from the Shangmanggang gold deposit, SW China
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Liu Xuemin , Li Qi
Published: November 2022

Understanding the process and influencing factors of the oxidation of pyrite is beneficial for the management of environmental problems in mining areas. In this study, we investigated the morphology and geochemistry of the pyrite and related goethite from the weathering crust of the Shangmanggang (SMG) gold deposit, SW China, via petrographic work, electron microprobe analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and PHREEQC geochemical modelling. The weathering profile of the SMG is composed of the unweathered Carlin-type zone, the semi-weathered zone, and the highly weathered red-clay zone, and different types of pyrite, framboidal pyrite (Py1), cube pyrite (Py2) and zoned pyrite (Py3), were differentially oxidized and transferred into corresponding pyrite–pseudomorphic goethite commonly comprised of the early and late phase. Furthermore, the stronger oxidation is related to more late goethite with more Al and Si content. The ubiquitous dolomite buffer kept the pH of the pore fluid neutral, resulting in the precipitation and accumulation of a goethite coating around the pyrite, which further reduced the oxidation rate and formed pyrite–pseudomorphic goethite ultimately via coupled dissolution–reprecipitation reactions. In addition, the different mineralogical properties resulted in the differential oxidation of pyrite such that the smaller grains oxidized faster, and As within the pyrite accelerated the oxidation. Moreover, the rate-limited oxidation of pyrite under a carbonate buffer prevents acid mine drainage from forming and limits As release from arsenian pyrite into the external environment.

Supplementary material:
Supplement 1, the EMPA data of goethite and pyrite from the SMG; Supplement 2, the size of pyrite and goethite from the SMG and Supplement 3, PHREEQC code of pyrite oxidation in the SMG are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6267700
Constructing Neural Network Based Models for Simulating Dynamical Systems
Authors: Legaard Christian , Schranz Thomas , Schweiger Gerald , Drgoňa Ján , Falay Basak , Gomes Cláudio , Iosifidis Alexandros , Abkar Mahdi , Larsen Peter
Published: November 2022

Dynamical systems see widespread use in natural sciences like physics, biology, and chemistry, as well as engineering disciplines such as circuit analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and control. For simple systems, the differential equations governing the dynamics can be derived by applying fundamental physical laws. However, for more complex systems, this approach becomes exceedingly difficult. Data-driven modeling is an alternative paradigm that seeks to learn an approximation of the dynamics of a system using observations of the true system. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in applying data-driven modeling techniques to solve a wide range of problems in physics and engineering. This article provides a survey of the different ways to construct models of dynamical systems using neural networks. In addition to the basic overview, we review the related literature and outline the most significant challenges from numerical simulations that this modeling paradigm must overcome. Based on the reviewed literature and identified challenges, we provide a discussion on promising research areas.
Evaluation of Electrochemical Properties of Aluminum Electrolytes with Ammonium Salt Using an Ultramicro Disk Electrode
Authors: Matsuda Junichi , Okamoto Atsushi , Akahoshi Haruo , Shironita Sayoko , Umeda Minoru
Published: November 2022

Cyclic voltammetry of a DMSO2–AlCl3 electrolyte was performed using an ultramicro disk electrode to evaluate the effects of ammonium salts on the Al electrodeposition reaction. A side reaction in the electrolyte at potentials more negative than −0.8 V (vs Al-wire) was found to suppress the Al electrodeposition reaction. The addition of even a small amount of NH4Cl promoted an Al electrodeposition reaction, which proceeded at more positive potentials than the side reaction. With the excessive addition of tetramethylammonium chloride (TMAC) electrolyte, the Al electrodeposition reaction was also suppressed, proceeding in the negative potential region where a side reaction occurs. In the electrolyte containing 0.02-mol NH4Cl and 1.0-mol TMAC, a decrease in the deposition overpotential on the reducing side and an increase in the dissolution current on the oxidizing side were observed simultaneously.
Multifunctional Estimation and Analysis of Lithium-Ion Battery State Based on Data Model Fusion under Multiple Constraints
Authors: Li Bohao , Hu Chunsheng
Published: November 2022

To overcome the problems of over-idealised estimation results, low efficiency, and insufficient reliability of traditional battery state estimation methods, this study proposes a multifunctional estimation and analysis model of battery state of charge (SOC), battery capacity, and state of power (SOP), based on data model fusion. First, the data-driven multi-scale extended Kalman filter (MDEKF) was used to de-noise the original data with random errors observed by the sensor in each cycle. The de-noised data were input to a temporal convolutional network (TCN) as training samples, and the estimation model was obtained through TCN neural network machine learning. Furthermore, a peak power estimation method based on multiple constraints was used. The accurate SOC estimation results obtained through the TCN network were used to describe and enhance the relationship between the SOC, voltage, and peak power. Therefore, the proposed method avoids the disadvantage of TCN relying excessively on the accuracy of the training data and retains the advantages of MDEKF efficiency and low cost. The experimental results show that this method can obtain accurate estimations of multi-states of battery. The dangers of over-charging and over-discharging are effectively avoided, and the safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries are improved.
Adsorption Properties of NF3 and N2O on Al- and Ga-Doped Graphene Surface: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Yi Qilin , Wei Gang , Cao Zhengqin , Wu Xiaoyu , Gao Yuanyuan
Published: November 2022

SF6/N2 gas mixture decomposition components can reflect the operation status inside GIS, and be used for fault diagnosis and monitoring inside GIS. NF3 and N2O are the characteristic decomposition components of SF6/N2 mixed gas. In order to find a potential gas sensitivity material for the detection of NF3 and N2O. This paper investigated the adsorption properties of NF3 and N2O on Al- and Ga- doped graphene monolayers based on density functional theory. Through the analysis of adsorption distance, charge transfer, adsorption energy, energy band structure, etc., the results indicated that the adsorption effect of Al- and Ga-doped graphene to NF3 and N2O are probably good, and these nanomaterials are potential to apply for the monitoring of GIS internal faults.
Activation of Sirtuin-1 by Pinocembrin Treatment Contributes to Reduced Early Brain Injury after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Zeng Yile , Fang Zhongning , Lai Jinqing , Wu Zhe , Lin Weibin , Yao Hao , Hu Weipeng , Chen Junyan , Guo Xieli , Chen Xiangrong
Published: November 2022

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as a devastating neurological disorder is closely related to heightened oxidative insults and neuroinflammatory injury. Pinocembrin, a bioflavonoid, exhibits different biological functions, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and cerebroprotective activities. Herein, we examined the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of pinocembrin in a murine model of SAH. Using an endovascular perforation model in rats, pinocembrin significantly mitigated SAH-induced neuronal tissue damage, including inflammatory injury and free-radical insults. Meanwhile, pinocembrin improved behavior function and reduced neuronal apoptosis. We also revealed that sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) activation was significantly enhanced by pinocembrin. In addition, pinocembrin treatment evidently enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator expression and suppressed ac-nuclear factor-kappa B levels. In contrast, EX-527, a selective SIRT1 inhibitor, blunted the protective effects of pinocembrin against SAH by suppressing SIRT1-mediated signaling. These results suggested that the cerebroprotective actions of pinocembrin after SAH were through SIRT1-dependent pathway, suggesting the potential application of pinocembrin for the treatment of SAH.
A Complete Normed Space of a Class of Guage Integrable Functions
Authors: Alzubaidi Yassin
Published: November 2022

The space of all gauge integrable functions equipped with the Alexiewicz norm is not a Banach space. This article defines a class of gauge integrable functions that pose a complete normed space under a suitable norm. First, we discuss how the introduced space evolves naturally from the properties of the gauge integral. Then, we show that this space properly contains the space of all Lebesgue integrable functions. Finally, we prove that it is a Banach space. This result opens the gate for further studies, such as investigating the verity of convergence theorems on the presented space and studying its other properties.