bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extinguishing Petroleum Vapor Intrusion and Methane Risks for Slab‐on‐ground Buildings: A Simple Guide
Authors: Davis Gregory B. , Knight John H. , Rayner John L.
Published: March 2021

The occurrence of aerobic biodegradation in the vadose zone between a subsurface source and a building foundation can all‐but eliminate the risks from methane and petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI). Understanding oxygen availability and the factors that affect it (e.g., building sizes and their distribution) are therefore critical. Uncovered ground surfaces allow oxygen access to the subsurface to actively biodegrade hydrocarbons (inclusive of methane). Buildings can reduce the net flux of oxygen into the subsurface and so reduce degradation rates. Here we determine when PVI and methane risk is negligible and/or extinguished; defined by when oxygen is present across the entire sub‐slab region of existing or planned slab‐on‐ground buildings. We consider all building slab sizes, all depths to vapor sources and the effect of spacings between buildings on the availability of oxygen in the subsurface. The latter becomes critical where buildings are in close proximity or when increased building density is planned. Conservative assumptions enable simple, rapid and confident screening should sites and building designs comply to model assumptions. We do not model the aboveground “building” processes (e.g., air exchange), and assume the slab‐on‐ground seals the ground surface so that biodegradation of hydrocarbons is minimized under the built structure (i.e., the assessment remains conservative). Two graphs represent the entirety of the outcomes that allow simple screening of hydrocarbon vapors based only on the depth to the source of vapors below ground, the concentration of vapors within the source, the width of the slab‐on‐ground building, and the gap between buildings; all independent of soil type. Rectangular, square, and circular buildings are considered. Comparison with field sites and example applications are provided, along with a simple 8‐step screening guide set in the context of existing guidance on PVI assessment.
Cutaneous mesenchymal tumors treated with Mohs micrographic surgery: a comprehensive review
Authors: Rosenfeld David J. , Cappel Mark A. , Tolkachjov Stanislav N.
Published: March 2021

Cutaneous mesenchymal tumors (CMT) are rare tumors with wide clinicopathologic heterogeneity. Treatment of malignant cutaneous mesenchymal tumors traditionally includes wide local excision (WLE), though Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has been increasingly used. A PubMed literature review of articles from inception until September 2019 related to malignant CMT and surgical treatment with MMS or WLE was completed. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans treated with MMS recurred in 1.2% of patients with no reported metastasis. Atypical fibroxanthoma treated with MMS recurred and metastasized in 2.7 and 2.5%, respectively. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma treated with MMS recurred in 32% with an unknown metastatic rate. Superficial leiomyosarcoma treated with MMS recurred in 3.8% with no reported metastasis. Cutaneous angiosarcoma and myofibrosarcoma treated with MMS have shown no recurrence or metastatic disease, but literature is sparse. The rarity of malignant CMT and the lack of comparative data on treatment make conclusive treatment recommendations difficult. However, recent literature suggests MMS is a useful option and potentially a superior treatment for primary cutaneous mesenchymal tumors.
Laparoscopic versus open radical cystectomy in 607 patients with bladder cancer: Comparative survival analysis
Authors: Huang Haiwen , Yan Bing , Hao Han , Shang Meixia , He Qun , Liu Libo , Xi Zhijun
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To compare perioperative and oncologic survival outcomes between laparoscopic radical cystectomy and open radical cystectomy.

Methods

A total of 607 patients underwent open radical cystectomy (n = 412) or laparoscopic radical cystectomy (n = 195) at a single academic institution from January 2006 to April 2017. Their medical records were retrospectively analyzed. One‐to‐one propensity score matching was carried out to reduce selection bias. Estimated blood loss and complications were compared. Overall survival, cancer‐specific survival and progression‐free survival estimates for all patients and patients with locally advanced bladder cancer were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Either before or after matching, the laparoscopic radical cystectomy group had less estimated blood loss (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) and fewer complications (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008). There was no difference in the overall survival (P = 0.216 and P = 0.961) and progression‐free survival (P = 0.826 and P = 0.462) for all the patients having either laparoscopic radical cystectomy or open radical cystectomy. However, the 5‐year progression‐free survival of open radical cystectomy was higher than that of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (P = 0.019 and P = 0.021) for patients with locally advanced bladder cancer.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is superior to open radical cystectomy in terms of perioperative outcomes, and similar to open radical cystectomy in terms of oncologic outcomes for patients with early stage bladder cancer. However, for patients with locally advanced bladder cancer, laparoscopic radical cystectomy seems to be associated with shorter progression‐free survival than open radical cystectomy.
Increased risk of rhinovirus infection in children during the coronavirus disease‐19 pandemic
Authors: Takashita Emi , Kawakami Chiharu , Momoki Tomoko , Saikusa Miwako , Shimizu Kouhei , Ozawa Hiroki , Kumazaki Makoto , Usuku Shuzo , Tanaka Nobuko , Okubo Ichiro , Morita Hiroko , Nagata Shiho , Watanabe Shinji , Hasegawa Hideki , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: March 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), was first detected in Japan in January 2020 and has spread throughout the country. Previous studies have reported that viral interference among influenza virus, rhinovirus, and other respiratory viruses can affect viral infections at the host and population level.

Methods

To investigate the impact of COVID‐19 on influenza and other respiratory virus infections, we analyzed clinical specimens collected from 2244 patients in Japan with respiratory diseases between January 2018 and September 2020.

Results

The frequency of influenza and other respiratory viruses (coxsackievirus A and B; echovirus; enterovirus; human coronavirus 229E, HKU1, NL63, and OC43; human metapneumovirus; human parainfluenza virus 1, 2, 3, and 4; human parechovirus; human respiratory syncytial virus; human adenovirus; human bocavirus; human parvovirus B19; herpes simplex virus type 1; and varicella‐zoster virus) was appreciably reduced among all patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic except for that of rhinovirus in children younger than 10 years, which was appreciably increased. COVID‐19 has not spread among this age group, suggesting an increased risk of rhinovirus infection in children.

Conclusions

Rhinovirus infections should be continuously monitored to understand their increased risk during the COVID‐19 pandemic and viral interference with SARS‐CoV‐2.
Verapamil‐containing silicone gel reduces scar hypertrophy
Authors: Choi Jangyoun , Han Yu Na , Rha Eun Young , Kang Hwi Ju , Kim Ki Joo , Park Il Kyu , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Rhie Jong Won
Published: March 2021

A hypertrophic scar is a common dermal fibroproliferative lesion usually treated with topical silicone. Verapamil, a type of calcium channel blocker, is considered a candidate drug for the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Here, we report that the addition of verapamil to topical silicone gel enhances treatment outcomes of hypertrophic scars. Upon creation of hypertrophic scars with the rabbit ear model, varying concentrations of verapamil‐added silicone gel (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/g) were applied daily for 28 days. After the animals were euthanised, microscopic measurement was performed for (a) scar elevation index (SEI), (b) fibroblast count, and (c) capillary count. On gross analysis, features of hypertrophic scars were significantly alleviated in the verapamil‐added groups. On histologic examination, verapamil‐added groups showed (a) reduced SEI (1.93 (1.79‐2.67) for control vs 1.34 (1.21‐1.51) for silicone only and 1.13 (1.01‐1.65) for verapamil‐added silicone), (b) fibroblast count 700.5 (599.5‐838.5) for control, 613.25 (461‐762.5) for silicone only, and 347.33 (182.5‐527) for verapamil‐added silicone), and (c) capillary formation (52 (35.5‐96.5) for control, 46 (28‐64.5) for silicone only, and 39.83(24‐70) for verapamil‐added silicone) (Kruskal‐Wallis test, P < .05). On western blot, expression levels of collagen I protein was lower in the 1 mg/g and 10 mg/g verapamil‐added silicone compared with control. Therefore, we suggest a therapeutic concentration of verapamil‐added silicone gel of at least over 1 mg/g. Further study regarding maximally effective concentration and deeper insight into the mechanism of action should follow.
Fit factor compliance of masks and FFP3 respirators in nurses: A case–control gender study
Authors: De‐Yñigo‐Mojado Borja , Madera‐García Javier , Becerro‐De‐Bengoa‐Vallejo Ricardo , Losa‐Iglesias Marta E. , Rodríguez‐Sanz David , Calvo‐Lobo Cesar , López‐López Daniel , Casado‐Hernández Israel , San‐Antolín Marta
Published: March 2021

Aims

To determine the fit factor and compliance with American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements of surgical masks and filtering respirators in male versus female nurses.

Design

A case–control gender study performed from 2016 to 2019.

Methods

A gender and age matched‐paired sample of 74 nurses was recruited and divided into men (n = 37) and women (n = 37). FFP3 filtering respirators and surgical masks fit factors were compared between male and female nurses by Mann–Whitney U tests. These measurements were tested to pass or fail according to the OSHA (≥100) and AIHA (≥50) criteria by Fisher exact tests for a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Global fit factor mean (standard deviation) was 2.86 (2.73) and 3.55 (6.34) for male and female nurses wearing surgical masks (p = .180), respectively, and nobody passed neither OSHA nor AIHA criteria (p = 1.00). Nevertheless, global fit factor were 30.82 (28.42) and 49.65 (43.04) for male and female nurses wearing FFP3 respirators, respectively, being significantly lower and worse in male nurses (p = .037). According to OSHA criteria, only 2.70% and 13.51% of male and females nurses, respectively, passed with non‐significant difference (p = .199), meanwhile 21.62% and 48.64% of male and female nurses, respectively, passed AIHA criteria showing significant differences (p = .027) wearing FFP3 respirators.

Conclusions

All male and female nurses wearing surgical masks failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria. Global fit factor of the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators was decreased and worse in male than female nurses.

Impact

Our recommendation is to avoid surgical masks use for protective purposes and use the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators among nurses. Each nurse should be fit tested for its own respirator with special caution in male nurses due to their lower fit factor achieved and most of them failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria, especially during COVID‐19 pandemic.
Med1 controls CD8 T cell maintenance through IL‐7R‐mediated cell survival signalling
Authors: Lei Lei , Yang Xiaofeng , Su Yanhong , Zheng Huiqiang , Liu Jun , Liu Haiyan , Zou Yujing , Jiao Anjun , Wang Xin , Zhang Cangang , Zhang Xingzhe , Zhang Jiahui , Zhang Dan , Zhou Xiaobo , Shi Lin , Liu Enqi , Bai Liang , Sun Chenming , Zhang Baojun
Published: March 2021

Under steady‐state conditions, the pool size of peripheral CD8+ T cells is maintained through turnover and survival. Beyond TCR and IL‐7R signals, the underlying mechanisms are less well understood. In the present study, we found a significant reduction of CD8+ T cell proportion in spleens but not in thymi of mice with T cell‐specific deletion of Mediator Subunit 1 (Med1). A competitive transfer of wild‐type (WT) and Med1‐deficient CD8+ T cells reproduced the phenotype in the same recipients and confirmed intrinsic role of Med1. Furthermore, we observed a comparable degree of migration and proliferation but a significant increase of cell death in Med1‐deficient CD8+ T cells compared with WT counterparts. Finally, Med1‐deficient CD8+ T cells exhibited a decreased expression of interleukin‐7 receptor α (IL‐7Rα), down‐regulation of phosphorylated‐STAT5 (pSTAT5) and Bim up‐regulation. Collectively, our study reveals a novel role of Med1 in the maintenance of CD8+ T cells through IL‐7Rα/STAT5 pathway‐mediated cell survival.
Testing the Present‐Value Model of the Exchange Rate with Commodity Currencies
Authors: DEVEREUX MICHAEL B. , SMITH GREGOR W.
Published: March 2021

Countries that specialize in commodity exports often exhibit a correlation between the relevant commodity price and the value of their currency. We explore an explanation for this correlation based on the present‐value, monetary model of the exchange rate. An increase in the commodity price leads to an increase in the expected, future policy interest rate and so to an immediate appreciation. We test the model's over‐identifying restrictions for Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There, controlling for the effect of commodity prices in predicting current and future monetary policy leaves those prices no significant, remaining role in statistically explaining exchange rates.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights into Response of Ulva compressa to Fluctuating Salinity Conditions
Authors: Xing Qikun , Bi Guiqi , Cao Min , Belcour Arnaud , Aite Méziane , Mo Zhaolan , Mao Yunxiang
Published: March 2021

Ulva compressa, a green tide‐forming species, can adapt to hypo‐salinity conditions, such as estuaries and brackish lakes. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of hypo‐salinity stress tolerance, transcriptome‐wide gene expression profiles in U. compressa were created using digital gene expression profiles. The RNA‐seq data were analyzed based on the comparison of differently expressed genes involved in specific pathways under hypo‐salinity and recovery conditions. The up‐regulation of genes in photosynthesis and glycolysis pathways may contribute to the recovery of photosynthesis and energy metabolism, which could provide sufficient energy for the tolerance under long‐term hyposaline stress. Multiple strategies, such as ion transportation and osmolytes metabolism, were performed to maintain the osmotic homeostasis. Additionally, several long noncoding RNA were differently expressed during the stress, which could play important roles in the osmotolerance. Our work will serve as an essential foundation for the understanding of the tolerance mechanism of U. compressa under the fluctuating salinity conditions.
A CSR/fair trade inspired policy for fairer geographical indications
Authors: Marsoof Althaf , Tan Li Ting
Published: March 2021

Geographical indications (GIs) come with the promise of socioeconomic development for local communities. But more often than not, GIs in the developing world have not been able to deliver on that promise. However, it is unwise to place the entire blame on GIs for this shortcoming. Instead, the problem lies in the inequitable distribution of premiums generated by GIs within supply/value chains. For that reason, we looked outside the GIs system for inspiration and were drawn towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) and fair trade. Both the CSR and fair trade examples we considered share common standards that aim to guarantee fair wages/prices, access to education and training, healthcare and safe working conditions, and human rights to stakeholders involved across supply/value chains. Our plea is for these common standards to be infused into the GIs system to benefit local communities. We have recommended a strategy to achieve that objective.
Gut microbiota, key to unlocking the door of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Peipei , Wang Ting , Zheng Xuejun , Cui Wen , Shang Jin , Zhao Zhanzheng
Published: March 2021

This review discusses the influence of gut microbiota dysbiosis on diabetic kidney disease through metabolite profile changes and immune and inflammatory mechanisms. We also elaborate on the mechanism of dysbiosis in the onset and development of other kidney diseases.
Effects of social support on mental health outcomes in disasters: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Park Suin , Kim Sunah , Kim Go‐Un , Noh Dabok
Published: March 2021

This study examined the mediating effects of social support on the association between disaster distress and mental health outcomes. We analyzed the data of 1006 participants with either direct or indirect exposure to one or more disasters. Disaster distress, social support, depression, and anxiety were significantly correlated. Multiple regression and mediation analyses with bootstrapping showed that social support was a partial mediator between disaster distress and depression, and between disaster distress and trait anxiety. It was a complete mediator between disaster distress and state anxiety. The results suggest that enhancing social support may reduce the negative effects of disaster distress on depression and anxiety. Therefore, comprehensive interventions incorporating disaster distress management and enhanced social support are essential in national disaster management policies and psychiatric and mental health nursing services for individuals who have experienced disasters.
STARCH SYNTHASE 4 is required for normal starch granule initiation in amyloplasts of wheat endosperm
Authors: Hawkins Erica , Chen Jiawen , Watson‐Lazowski Alexander , Ahn‐Jarvis Jennifer , Barclay J. Elaine , Fahy Brendan , Hartley Matthew , Warren Frederick J. , Seung David
Published: March 2021

Starch granule initiation is poorly understood at the molecular level. The glucosyltransferase, STARCH SYNTHASE 4 (SS4), plays a central role in granule initiation in Arabidopsis leaves, but its function in cereal endosperms is unknown. We investigated the role of SS4 in wheat, which has a distinct spatiotemporal pattern of granule initiation during grain development.

We generated TILLING mutants in tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum) that are defective in both SS4 homoeologs. The morphology of endosperm starch was examined in developing and mature grains.

SS4 deficiency led to severe alterations in endosperm starch granule morphology. During early grain development, while the wild‐type initiated single ‘A‐type’ granules per amyloplast, most amyloplasts in the mutant formed compound granules due to multiple initiations. This phenotype was similar to mutants deficient in B‐GRANULE CONTENT 1 (BGC1). SS4 deficiency also reduced starch content in leaves and pollen grains.

We propose that SS4 and BGC1 are required for the proper control of granule initiation during early grain development that leads to a single A‐type granule per amyloplast. The absence of either protein results in a variable number of initiations per amyloplast and compound granule formation.
Isotopic evidence for axial tree stem methane oxidation within subtropical lowland forests
Authors: Jeffrey Luke C. , Maher Damien T. , Tait Douglas R. , Reading Michael J. , Chiri Eleonora , Greening Chris , Johnston Scott G.
Published: March 2021

Knowledge regarding mechanisms moderating methane (CH4) sink/source behaviour along the soil–tree stem–atmosphere continuum remains incomplete. Here, we applied stable isotope analysis (δ13C‐CH4) to gain insights into axial CH4 transport and oxidation in two globally distributed subtropical lowland species (Melaleuca quinquenervia and Casuarina glauca).

We found consistent trends in CH4 flux (decreasing with height) and δ13C‐CH4 enrichment (increasing with height) in relation to stem height from ground. The average lower tree stem δ13C‐CH4 (0–40 cm) of Melaleuca and Casuarina (−53.96‰ and −65.89‰) were similar to adjacent flooded soil CH4 ebullition (−52.87‰ and −62.98‰), suggesting that stem CH4 is derived mainly by soil sources. Upper stems (81–200 cm) displayed distinct δ13C‐CH4 enrichment (Melaleuca −44.6‰ and Casuarina −46.5‰, respectively).

Coupled 3D‐photogrammetry with novel 3D‐stem measurements revealed distinct hotspots of CH4 flux and isotopic fractionation on Melaleuca, which were likely due to bark anomalies in which preferential pathways of gas efflux were enhanced. Diel experiments revealed greater δ13C‐CH4 enrichment and higher oxidation rates in the afternoon, compared with the morning.

Overall, we estimated that c. 33% of the methane was oxidised between lower and upper stems during axial transport, therefore potentially representing a globally significant, yet previously unaccounted for, methane sink.
Pathogenesis of IgE‐mediated food allergy and implications for future immunotherapeutics
Authors: Ramsey Nicole , Berin M. Cecilia
Published: March 2021

Our understanding of the immune basis of food allergy has grown rapidly in parallel with the development of new immune‐targeted interventions for the treatment of food allergy. Local tissue factors, including the composition of skin and gastrointestinal microbiota and production of Th2‐inducing cytokines (TSLP, IL‐33, and IL‐25) from barrier sites, have been shown not only to contribute to the development of food allergy, but also to act as effective targets for treatment in mice. Ongoing clinical trials are testing the targeting of these factors in human disease. There is a growing understanding of the contribution of IL‐13 to the induction of high‐affinity IgE and the need for continual T‐cell help in the maintenance of long‐lived IgE. This provides a strong rationale to test biologics targeting both IL‐4 and IL‐13 in the treatment of established food allergy. Various forms of allergen immunotherapy for food allergy have clearly shown that low specific IgE and elevated specific IgG4 are predictive of sustained treatment effect. Treatments that mimic that immune response, for example, lowering IgE, with monoclonal antibodies such as omalizumab, or administering allergen‐specific IgG, are in various stages of investigation. As we gain more opportunities to use immune‐modifying treatments for the treatment of food allergy, studies of the immune and clinical response to those interventions will continue to rapidly advance our understanding of the immune basis of food allergy and tolerance.
Stewart‐Bluefarb syndrome following traumatic arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Sun Helen Yiling , Kandasamy Mayooran , Zhao Cathy Yunjia , Makhija Mani , Sebaratnam Deshan Frank
Published: March 2021

Stewart‐Bluefarb syndrome is a rare angioproliferative disorder that presents as violet plaques on the extremities, due to an underlying arteriovenous malformation (AVM). We report the case of a 12‐year‐old boy who developed a traumatic AVM in a bicycle accident and presented seven years later with exophytic, violet plaques. This is the first instance of a traumatic AVM preceding Stewart‐Bluefarb syndrome in a pediatric patient in the literature. Given the typically long period required to establish this diagnosis, it is crucial for clinicians to actively interrogate a history of preceding trauma in patients presenting with acroangiodermatitis.
A framework for delivering nursing care to older adults with COVID‐19 in nursing homes
Authors: Gray‐Miceli Deanna , Rogowski Jeannette , de Cordova Pamela B. , Boltz Marie
Published: March 2021

Public health emergencies threaten the lives of U.S. citizens, often in disproportionate ways. Hardest hit are vulnerable populations of older adults (OAs) residing in nursing homes (NHs), who comprised nearly 43% of all deaths from COVID‐19 in NHs in 2020. New Jersey (NJ) ranks #2 nationally behind New York with the highest numbers of resident deaths; more than 50% of all COVID‐19‐related deaths in NJ have occurred in NHs. This public health emergency has prompted investigators to evaluate existing structural, resident, process of care, regulatory, and policy characteristics that have impacted the delivery of nursing care within NJ NHs. In this manuscript, we discuss data from NJ NHs during COVID‐19, drawing from publicly available data, state reports, and the geriatric literature to offer recommendations. Based on evidence‐based practices (EBPs), we present a series of recommendations to modify existing contextual factors in NHs to best prepare for the next health disaster.
Living with parents with problematic substance use: Impacts and turning points
Authors: Maina Geoffrey , Ogenchuk Marcella , Gaudet Summer
Published: March 2021

Background

Growing up in an environment where substance use is prevalent creates a climate for adverse childhood experiences. These experiences can contribute to mental and psychological problems later in life.

Methods

This study used an exploratory study design to explore the experiences of individuals whose upbringing was influenced by substance use at home or who had parents with addiction problems.

Results

Four themes shaped the participants' lives: (1) impact of substance use at home on children; (2) school influences on substance use; (3) aggravating traumatic life experiences, and d) rebuilding a battered life.

Conclusion

Growing up in homes with addictions created an environment for traumatic events and encounters. Participants adopted diverse strategies to cope with these experiences, such as leaving home, using substances early in life, and dropping out of school.

Screening and intervention for childhood trauma should be encouraged both in schools and community health settings. Such interventions can reduce substance use among school children to deal with ensuing trauma.
UNRWA’s role in promoting health outcomes of Palestinian refugees in Jordan: A systematic literature review
Authors: Alduraidi Hamza , Abdulla Aqel Ahmad , Saleh Zyad , Almansour Issa , Darawad Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The mandate of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency in the Near East (UNRWA) includes education and health services of registered Palestinian refugees in Jordan and other countries. UNRWA is facing limited funding because of unstable political circumstances. This review aims to spotlight the importance of UNRWA’s role in promoting Palestinian refugees’ health inside and outside camps in Jordan.

Method

This systematic review was conducted through iteratively searching electronic research databases for original, recent, full‐text literature regarding the health and social outcomes of Palestinian refugees in Jordan.

Results

The 12 reviewed studies showed that UNRWA’s programs through its clinics and schools have a crucial role in improving Palestinian refugees’ health outcomes such as adolescents’ cigarette smoking prevalence, infant mortality, non‐communicable disease management, health‐related quality of life, mental/psychological health services, and reproductive health. Access to UNRWA’s health services may account for better or comparable health outcomes among Palestinian refugees.

Conclusion

Despite the short funding and political pressures, UNRWA has provided aid and services to Palestinian refugees inside and outside refugee camps in Jordan. UNRWA's role is crucial in maintaining decent health outcomes in this vulnerable, underserved population. The further limiting of UNRWA funding may jeopardize the health of millions.
Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy (LED 630 nm) on Muscle and Nerve Histomorphometry after Axonotmesis
Authors: Della Santa Giovanna Moura Lamas , Ferreira Marcílio Coelho , Machado Thaís Peixoto Gaiad , Oliveira Murilo Xavier , Santos Ana Paula
Published: March 2021

Peripheral injuries constitute a substantial clinical problem with unsatisfactory treatment. The study’s objective was to analyze the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on median nerve regeneration and muscle recovery after axonotmesis. Twenty‐four rats were randomized into three groups: control (CG), injury (IG), and LED therapy (LEDG). A 630 ± 20 nm (300‐mW) LED was placed in contact with the skin. One point over the injury site was irradiated for 30 s, delivering 9 J (9 J cm−2). PBMT irradiation was performed once daily for 5 days followed by two‐day interval and then more five consecutive days of treatment. Proximal and distal segments of the nerve and flexors muscles were removed for histomorphometric analysis using H&E staining for muscles and osmium tetroxide for nerves. The myelinated fiber and axon diameter and the myelin sheath thickness were greater in the proximal and distal nerve segments in the LEDG compared to the IG (P ≤ 0.05). The number of myelinated fibers was greater in the distal segment of the LEDG (P ≤ 0.05). The area, circumference, and diameter of the muscle fibers were larger in the LEDG than in the IG (P ≤ 0.05). The PBMT protocol used favored axonal regeneration and muscle recovery.
Electrocortical correlates of impaired motor inhibition and outcome processing are related in high binge‐watching
Authors: Dieterich Raoul , Wüllhorst Verena , Berghäuser Julia , Overmeyer Rebecca , Endrass Tanja
Published: March 2021

Models posit problematic binge‐watching to involve a vicious circle of low motivation for alternative activities, low sensitivity for the consequences of neglected goals, and low self‐control. As such, simultaneously impaired feedback and inhibitory functioning might contribute to binge‐watching. We tested the hypothesis that blunted feedback‐related brain activity is coupled with attenuated inhibitory brain activity in binge‐watchers. High (n = 32) and non‐binge‐watchers (n = 31) performed go/nogo (inhibition) and stop signal (stopping) tasks and a flanker paradigm with performance feedback during electroencephalography. We examined how neural correlates of inhibition and stopping were associated with outcome processing in each group. We assessed the temporospatial relationship using a single‐trial regression approach. High binge‐watchers, but not non‐binge‐watchers, who differentiated less between gains and losses at the neural level (feedback‐P3b) also recruited less brain activity during both inhibition and stopping (inhibition‐P3 and stopping‐P3). Exploratory analyses suggested that these relationships were most prominent in high binge‐watchers with high loss of control over watching. Main effects of the group in performance or EEG did not emerge. These results suggest a potentially problematic interaction between outcome and inhibitory functions in binge‐watchers. Insensitivity to behavioral consequences along with inhibitory impairments may also confer a long‐term risk for compulsive watching. Our multi‐modal approach may be particularly suited to detect such an underlying risk marker.
Production of sexed bovine embryos in vitro can be improved by selection of sperm treatment and co‐culture system
Authors: Travnickova Ivona , Hulinska Pavlina , Kubickova Svatava , Hanzalova Katerina , Kempisty Bartozs , Nemcova Lucie , Machatkova Marie
Published: March 2021

The study investigated the effects of sperm sorting, capacitation treatment and co‐cultivation on sexed bovine in vitro embryo production. The effect of treatment and co‐culture on production of embryos of the preferred sex from unsorted sperm was also studied. Sperm from five breeding bulls was used for fertilization of mature oocytes as follows: Experiment 1, sorted and unsorted sperm (bulls A‐E) treated only with heparin in standard co‐cultures; Experiment 2, sorted sperm (bulls A‐E) treated with heparin‐PHE (penicillamine, hypotaurine, and epinephrine) or heparin‐caffeine in drop co‐cultures; and Experiment 3, unsorted sperm (bull E) treated with either heparin‐PHE or heparin‐caffeine in both standard and drop co‐cultures. In all bulls, treatment with heparin resulted in significantly (p < .05) reduced cleavage and blastocyst rates from sorted sperm, as compared with those from unsorted sperm. In bulls A, B, D and E, treatment of sorted sperm with heparin‐PHE in drops significantly increased the blastocyst rate (p < .05). In unsorted sperm of bull E, heparin‐PHE treatment in drops resulted in the XX/XY sex ratio inverse to that obtained by heparin‐caffeine treatment in standard co‐cultures (32.3%/67.7% and 66.7%/33.3%, respectively). In conclusion, the treatment of sorted sperm with heparin‐PHE in modified drop co‐cultures can be recommended for production of in vitro sexed embryos. The use of unsorted sperm for production of embryos of the preferred sex by selected capacitation treatment and co‐culture can be the method of choice in bulls with low IVF yields from sorted sperm.
Post‐release dispersal and breeding site suitability of reintroduced populations of the Crested Ibis in Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Wang Fang , Li Min , Zhang Ya‐Shuai , Zhao Wen‐Ai , Liu Dan‐Ni , Zhang Ya‐Zu , Zhang Hu , Ye Xin‐Ping , Yu Xiao‐Ping
Published: March 2021

Post‐release dispersal of reintroduced animals refers to the process of successful colonization and failed settlement. To ensure the establishment and persistence of a reintroduced population, the impacts of different factors on the post‐release dispersal of captive‐bred animals must be assessed. In this article, we focused on two reintroduced Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) populations in Shaanxi Province, China. We applied multiple approaches to evaluate the effects of age, body weight, sex, timing of release, size of acclimatization cages for rewilding, and duration of acclimatization on the survival rate of released populations. The results showed that the survival capacity of released individuals was negatively correlated with their age in Ningshan County (Spearman, r = −0.344, p = 0.03, n = 41). The released ibises in Ningshan and Qianyang County had an average dispersal direction of 210.53° ± 40.54° (Rayleigh's z test: z = 7.881 > z0.05, p < 0.01, n = 13) and 27.05° ± 2.85° (Rayleigh's z test: z = 5.985 > z0.05, p < 0.01, n = 6), respectively, suggesting that the dispersal tended to clump in one direction in both sites. The MaxEnt modeling results indicated that the most significant environmental factor responsible for breeding site selection in Ningshan County was paddy field. In Qianyang County, precipitation affects nest site selection through influencing food availability. In conclusion, the evaluation framework used in this study can serve as an example for developing conservation priorities on the landscape scale for more animal reintroductions.
The marked body – a qualitative study on survivors embodied experiences of a COVID‐19 illness trajectory
Authors: Missel Malene , Bernild Camilla , Westh Christensen Signe , Dagyaran Ilkay , Kikkenborg Berg Selina
Published: March 2021

Background

Research on COVID‐19 has reported data on epidemiology and pathophysiology but less about what it means to be a person living through this illness. Research involving the patients’ perspectives may help to improve healthcare professionals' understanding of ways to support patients.

Aims

To gain in‐depth understanding of the meaning of a COVID‐19 illness trajectory from the patients’ perspective.

Methods

Fifteen participants who had undergone an illness trajectory due to confirmed COVID‐19 infection participated in individual qualitative interviews. Data collection, analysis and interpretation were inspired by Ricoeur’s philosophy and Merleau‐Ponty’s phenomenology of perception and embodiment has been applied as a theoretical frame.

Findings

Being infected with coronavirus is expressed as an experience in which the participants oscillate between relief, security, imprisonment and raw fear. A predominant focus on the physical dimensions of the diseased body was found in the encounters between patient and healthcare system, and distance may furthermore be a consequence of use of protective equipment. Stigma and fear of infection were also expressed. After COVID‐19, an overwhelming feeling of a door opening to freedom is perceived. However, the body is marked, and bears witness to decay from this insidious and frightening virus. The responsibility for assessing their bodily symptoms is placed with the individual patients themselves, who feel lonely and fearful and this keeps them indoors.

Conclusions

During a COVID‐19 illness, trajectory concerns about the unknown course of this disease are highlighted. Isolation is confrontational; however, a companionship between patients might emerge. The study shed light on an unavoidable gap between the patients and healthcare professionals due to the use protective equipment. After COVID‐19, the body is labelled as something others fear and become a symbol of awe and alienation for others.
Dependence structure between oil and other commodity futures in China based on extreme value theory and copulas
Authors: Hussain Saiful Izzuan , Li Steven
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the dependence structure between oil futures with other major commodities including gold, copper, zinc, aluminium, rubber, corn, cotton and sugar in China. To this end, we apply the extreme value theory (EVT) and dynamic copula approach, which allows for measuring both average and tail dependence. Contrary to the findings in the literature on stock markets, this paper reveals significant right tail dependence rather than left tail dependence between oil futures and most of the other eight commodities. These findings provide a new insight regarding the behaviour of oil and other major commodities. This paper thus has some significant implications for investors, risk managers and policymakers.
PROCASE: A Prototype of Intelligent Case-Based Process Planning System With Simulation Environment
Authors: Yang Hao , Lu Wen F.
Published: March 2021

An intelligent case-based process planning system with interactive graphic simulation environment, PROCASE, is developed to demonstrate an integrated methodology of case-based process planning system. In PROCASE, both the mechanical part features and the machining operations are represented with a frame based scheme. PROCASE contains a retriever, a modifier, a simulator and a repairer. It distinguishes itself from traditional rule-based process planning systems by representing the process planning knowledge through previous process planning cases instead of production rules. It therefore can overcome some problems in the traditional rule-based expert systems.

PROCASE currently resides in IRIS Indigo workstation. With a user friendly graphic environment, the generated process plans can be demonstrated vividly. This simulation environment not only serves as a good assistance in debugging, but also helps the user to be convinced of the outcomes of the reasoning of PROCASE.
ELK: A Method for Eliciting Knowledge From Customers
Authors: Hauge Patrick L. , Stauffer Larry A.
Published: March 2021

A methodology of eliciting customer requirements with regard to issues confronted during the design process is presented.. Our methodology is derived from a taxonomy of design issues formulated around the needs of the customer and a method of knowledge elicitation used in the development of expert systems. The results of an experimental study using our methodology compared to a traditional qualitative marketing research strategy is also presented.
The Evolution of Function and Behavior During Mechanical Design
Authors: Ullman David G.
Published: March 2021

This paper explores the meaning and evolution of function and behavior during mechanical design. The paper is based on an example from practice. The goal is to develop a model of the information developed during the design process and thus define the types of data inherent in mechanical design. Beyond the academic interest of defining function and behavior, this work is important to the development of representations for computer based design history and design rationale tools and techniques.
Nonlinear Rolling Motion of a Statically Biased Ship Under the Effect of External and Parametric Excitation
Authors: Esparza Isaac , Falzarano Jeffrey
Published: March 2021

In this work, global analysis of ship rolling motion as effected by parametric excitation is studied. The parametric excitation results from the roll restoring moment variation as a wave train passes. In addition to the parametric excitation, an external periodic wave excitation and steady wind bias are also included in the analysis. The roll motion is the most critical motion for a ship because of the possibility of capsizing. The boundaries in the Poincaré map which separate initial conditions which eventually evolve to bounded steady state solutions and those which lead to unbounded capsizing motion are studied. The changes in these boundaries or manifolds as effected by changes in the ship and environmental conditions are analyzed. The region in the Poincaré map which lead to bounded steady state motions is called the safe basin. The size of this safe basin is a measure of the vessel’s resistance to capsizing.
Torsional Vibration Analysis of Shafts With Sections of Tapered Diameter
Authors: Baker John R. , Rouch Keith E.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the development of two tapered finite elements for use in torsional vibration analysis of rotor systems. These elements are particularly useful in analysis of systems that have shaft sections with linearly varying diameters. Both elements are defined by two end nodes, and inertia matrices are derived based on a consistent mass formulation. One element assumes a cubic displacement function and has two degrees of freedom at each node: rotation about the shaft’s axis and change in angle of rotation with respect to the axial distance along the shaft. The other element assumes a linear displacement function and has one rotational degree of freedom at each node.

The elements are implemented in a computer program. Calculated natural frequencies and mode shapes are compared for both tapered shaft sections and constant diameter sections. These results are compared with results from an available constant diameter element. It is shown that the element derived assuming a cubic displacement function offers much better convergence characteristics in terms of calculated natural frequencies, both for tapered sections and constant diameter sections, than either of the other two elements. The finite element code that was developed for implementation of these elements is specifically designed for torsional vibration analysis of rotor systems. Lumped inertia, lumped stiffness, and gear connection elements necessary for rotor system analysis are also discussed, as well as calculation of natural frequencies, mode shapes, and amplitudes of response due to a harmonic torque input.
Stability and Response of Rotors Supported on Active Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Ramesh K. , Kirk R. G.
Published: March 2021

A PC-based program has been developed which is capable of performing stability analysis and response calculations of rotor-bearing systems. The paper discusses the modeling of rotors supported on active magnetic bearings (AMB) and highlights the advantages in the modeling using the finite element method, over the transfer matrix method. An 8-stage centrifugal compressor supported on AMB was chosen for the case study. The results for the stability analysis, obtained using the finite element program was compared with those obtained by the well established transfer matrix codes. The results of unbalance response, including the effects of sensor non collocation are presented and this demonstrates how an AMB supported rotor can experience a synchronous instability for selected sensor locations and balance distributions.
The Methodology and Environment for Modeling and Implementation in Concurrent Engineering
Authors: Cha Jianzhong , Guo Wei
Published: March 2021

The Concurrent Design, characterized with the integration of a large scale information and knowledge environment in a Computer Integrated Manufacturing System (CIMS), will involve multidiscipline and multidomain of knowledge. This will lead to the difficulty to implement the concurrent design with the nature of complexity, integrality and systematicity in design process, which caused by the above mentioned knowledge integration.

This paper, based on the fundamental theory of design processes and adopted the knowledge processing theory and techniques offered by Intelligence Engineering, has investigated: the descriptive models which represent the general framework of concurrent design processes; the cognitive models that highlights the reasoning aspect performed by group of human experts from multidisciplines in concurrent design process; the prescriptive model which is prepared for being used in an computerized automated concurrent design system; the computable model represented with the object-oriented method, which can be executed in the computer world for automated concurrent design. Also this paper developed an engineering environment of analyzing, modeling and implementing with an architecture of Integrated Intelligent Unit, borrowed from the theory of Intelligence Engineering. In a separate paper, the authors apply the above methodology to a concrete concurrent design on a mechanical system to show the feasibility and advantages of the proposed method.
A Robust Optimization Procedure With Variations on Design Variables and Constraints
Authors: Sundaresan Sivakumar , Ishii Kosuke , Houser Donald R.
Published: March 2021

This paper describes a procedure that incorporates manufacturing and operational variances to achieve designs with robust and optimal performance. The procedure optimizes the expected value of a performance characteristic subject to a set of constraints. It uses concepts from statistical design of experiments to approximate the expected value of a performance characteristic. The procedure incorporates uncertainties in design variables and variations in constraints due to uncertainty in design variables. This paper discusses the following three methods to incorporate variations in constraints: 1) A method using heuristics that evaluates constraints at the worst combinations of design variables, 2) A method with built-in constraint variation that models constraints using first order Taylor expansion, and 3) A method based on differentiating KKT optimality conditions. The design of spur and helical gears with minimum transmission error serves as the target application. The key gear design research issue is to determine the optimal combination of geometric design variables like number of teeth, pressure angle that minimizes transmission error subject to constraints like minimum number of teeth to avoid undercut and maximum bending stress.
Multicriteria Optimization in Structural Design: State of the Art
Authors: Koski Juhani
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to give a general description of the research work made in the field of multicriteria structural optimization. More than eighty publications have been considered in this study where completed works rather than open questions in the field are particularly emphasized. The basic concepts, especially Pareto optimality, and the motivation of the multicriteria approach are briefly discussed. The classification of the multicriteria structural design process is proposed and it is used in describing the published applications.