bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration Analysis of Nanostructural Members Using the Hermite–Ritz Method
Authors: Jena Subrat Kumar , Chakraverty Snehashish
Published: December 2021

In this chapter, a numerically efficient Hermite–Ritz method has been used to investigate the vibration characteristics of a nanobeam exposed to a longitudinal magnetic field and a linear hygroscopic environment. The nanobeam is modeled with the Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation and nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The governing equation of motion of the proposed model has been derived using Hamilton's principle, and non-dimensional frequency parameters for hinged–hinged (H–H), clamped–hinged (C–H), and clamped–clamped (C–C) boundary conditions have been computed. Hermite polynomials are considered as shape functions, and orthogonal properties of these functions make the technique more computationally efficient and avoid ill conditioning for higher-order value polynomials. The proposed model is validated against the existing model in special cases, which exhibits excellent agreement, and is then followed by a convergence analysis to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the method. In addition, a comprehensive parametric study has been conducted to assess the impact of various characteristics such as small-scale parameter, Winkler modulus, shear modulus, magnetic parameter, and hygroscopic parameter.
Vibration and Buckling Analyses of Reddy Nanobeams Embedded in Elastic Medium
Authors: Behera Laxmi , Chakraverty Snehashish
Published: December 2021

In this chapter, vibration and buckling of nanobeams embedded in elastic medium under the influence of temperature have been investigated using the differential quadrature method. The present formulation is based on Reddy beam theory in conjunction with nonlocal elasticity theory. An eigenvalue equation has been developed for the buckling and vibration analyses. The frequency and critical buckling load parameters are shown to be dependent on the temperature, elastic medium, small-scale coefficient, and length-to-diameter ratio. These observations are useful in the mechanical design of devices that use carbon nanotubes.
Building a Field: Institutional support, publishing, and networks
Authors: McDermott Lillian C.
Published: December 2021

The Physics Education Group at the University of Washington has contributed nationally and internationally to the establishment of a supportive structure for Physics Education Research. This chapter describes key factors underpinning these contributions, including soliciting and receiving support from major national scientific institutions, publishing and presenting research widely while maintaining high standards, and encouraging mutual support and exchange with an emerging network of scholars and other science education research groups around the nation and the world.
UV-enhanced NO2 gas sensors based on In2O3/ZnO composite material modified by polypeptides
Authors: Ying Zhihua , Zhang Teng , Feng Chao , Wen Fei , Li Lili , Zheng Xiaolong , Zheng Peng , Wang Gaofeng
Published: December 2021

This present study reported a high-performance gas sensor, based on In2O3/ZnO composite material modified by polypeptides, with a high sensibility to NO2, where the In2O3/ZnO composite was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. A series of results through material characterization technologies showed the addition of polypeptides can effectively change the morphology and size of In2O3/ZnO crystals, and effectively improve the sensing performance of the gas sensors. Due to the single shape and small size, In2O3/ZnO composite modified by polypeptides increased the active sites on the surface. At the same time, the gas sensing properties of four different ratios of polypeptide-modified In2O3/ZnO gas sensors were tested. It was found that the In2O3/ZnO-10 material showed the highest response, excellent selectivity, and good stability at room temperature under UV light. In addition, the response of the In2O3/ZnO-10 gas sensor showed a strong linear relationship with the NO2 gas concentration. When the NO2 gas concentration was 20 ppm, the response time was as quick as 19 s, and the recovery time was 57 s. Finally, based on the obtained experimental characterization results and energy band structure analysis, a possible gas sensing mechanism is proposed.
Flexible silicon nanowires sensor for acetone detection on plastic substrates
Authors: Lan Kuibo , Wang Zhi , Yang Xiaodong , Wei Junqing , Qin Yuxiang , Qin Guoxuan
Published: December 2021

Acetone commonly exists in daily life and is harmful to human health, therefore the convenient and sensitive monitoring of acetone is highly desired. In addition, flexible sensors have the advantages of light-weight, conformal attachable to irregular shapes, etc. In this study, we fabricated high performance flexible silicon nanowires (SiNWs) sensor for acetone detection by transferring the monocrystalline Si film and metal-assisted chemical etching method on polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The SiNWs sensor enabled detection of gaseous acetone with a concentration as low as 0.1 parts per million (ppm) at flat and bending states. The flexible SiNWs sensor was compatible with the CMOS process and exhibited good sensitivity, selectivity and repeatability for acetone detection at room temperature. The flexible sensor showed performance improvement under mechanical bending condition and the underlying mechanism was discussed. The results demonstrated the good potential of the flexible SiNWs sensor for the applications of wearable devices in environmental safety, food quality, and healthcare.
Collapse arrest in a two-dimensional Airy Gaussian beam and Airy Gaussian vortex beam in nonlocal nonlinear media
Authors: Chen Ye , Ge Lijuan , Wang Xinglin , Shen Ming
Published: December 2021

Propagation dynamics of a two-dimensional Airy Gaussian beam and Airy Gaussian vortex beam are investigated numerically in local and nonlocal nonlinear media. The self-healing and collapse of the beam crucially depend on the distribution factor b and the topological charge m. With the aid of nonlocality, a stable Airy Gaussian beam and an Airy Gaussian vortex beam with larger amplitude can be obtained, which always collapse in local nonlinear media. When the distribution factor b is large enough, the Airy Gaussian vortex beam will transfer into quasi-vortex solitons in nonlocal nonlinear media.
Few-photon routing via chiral light-matter couplings
Authors: Yang Ya , Lu Jing , Zhou Lan
Published: December 2021

A quantum router is one of the essential elements in the quantum network. Conventional routers only direct a single photon from one quantum channel into another. Here, we propose a few-photon router. The active element of the router is a single qubit chirally coupled to two independent waveguides simultaneously, where each waveguide mode provides a quantum channel. By introducing the operators of the scatter-free space and the controllable space, the output state of the one-photon and two-photon scattering are derived analytically. It is found that the qubit can direct one and two photons from one port of the incident waveguide to an arbitrarily selected port of the other waveguide with unity, respectively. However, two photons cannot be simultaneously routed to the same port due to the anti-bunch effect.
Spatial Distribution of HOCN Around Sagittarius B2
Authors: Zheng Si-Qi , Li Juan , Wang Jun-Zhi , Gao Feng , Wu Ya-Jun , Liu Shu , Li Shang-Huo
Published: December 2021

HOCN and HNCO abundance ratio in molecular gas can tell us the information of their formation mechanism. We performed high-sensitivity mapping observations of HOCN, HNCO, and HNC18O lines around Sagittarius B2 (Sgr B2) with the IRAM 30 m telescope at the 3 mm wavelength. HNCO 404–303 and HOCN 404–303 are used to obtain the abundance ratio of HNCO to HOCN. The ratio of HNCO 404–303 to HNC18O 404–303 is used to calculate the optical depth of HNCO 404–303. The abundance ratio of HOCN and HNCO is observed to range from 0.4% to 0.7% toward most positions, which agrees well with the gas-grain model. However, the relative abundance of HOCN is observed to be enhanced toward the direction of Sgr B2 (S), with HOCN to HNCO abundance ratio of ∼0.9%. The reason for that still needs further investigation. Based on the intensity ratio of HNCO and HNC18O lines, we updated the isotopic ratio of 16O/18O to be 296 ± 54 in Sgr B2.
Optical Properties of C-rich (12C, SiC and FeC) Dust Layered Structure of Massive Stars*
Authors: Wu Rui-Qing , Long Meng-Qiu , Zhang Xiao-Jiao , Wang Yun-Peng , Yao Meng-Li , Li Ming-Ming , Zhu Chun-Hua , Lü Guo-Liang , Wang Zhao-Jun , Zhang Ju-Jia , Wang Zhao , Chen Wu-Jin
Published: December 2021

The composition and structure of interstellar dust are important and complex for the study of the evolution of stars and the interstellar medium (ISM). However, there is a lack of corresponding experimental data and model theories. By theoretical calculations based on ab-initio method, we have predicted and geometry optimized the structures of Carbon-rich (C-rich) dusts, carbon (12C), iron carbide (FeC), silicon carbide (SiC), even silicon (28Si), iron (56Fe), and investigated the optical absorption coefficients and emission coefficients of these materials in 0D (zero-dimensional), 1D, and 2D nanostructures. Comparing the nebular spectra of the supernovae (SN) with the coefficient of dust, we find that the optical absorption coefficient of the 2D 12C, 28Si, 56Fe, SiC and FeC structure corresponds to the absorption peak displayed in the infrared band (5–8) μm of the spectrum at 7554 days after the SN1987A explosion. It also corresponds to the spectrum of 535 days after the explosion of SN2018bsz, when the wavelength was in the range of (0.2–0.8) and (3–10) μm. Nevertheless, 2D SiC and FeC correspond to the spectrum of 844 days after the explosion of SN2010jl, when the wavelength is within (0.08–10) μm. Therefore, FeC and SiC may be the second type of dust in SN1987A corresponding to infrared band (5–8) μm of dust and may be in the ejecta of SN2010jl and SN2018bsz. The nano-scale C-rich dust size is ∼0.1 nm in SN2018bsz, which is 3 orders of magnitude lower than the value of 0.1 μm. In addition, due to the ionization reaction in the supernova remnant (SNR), we also calculated the Infrared Radiation (IR) spectrum of dust cations. We find that the cation of the 2D layered (SiC)2+ has a higher IR spectrum than those of the cation (SiC)1+ and neutral (SiC)0+.
tACS facilitates flickering driving by boosting steady-state visual evoked potentials
Authors: Liu Bingchuan , Yan Xinyi , Chen Xiaogang , Wang Yijun , Gao Xiaorong
Published: December 2021

Objective. There has become of increasing interest in transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) since its inception nearly a decade ago. tACS in modulating brain state is an active area of research and has been demonstrated effective in various neuropsychological and clinical domains. In the visual domain, much effort has been dedicated to brain rhythms and rhythmic stimulation, i.e. tACS. However, less is known about the interplay between the rhythmic stimulation and visual stimulation. Approach. Here, we used steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), induced by flickering driving as a widely used technique for frequency-tagging, to investigate the aftereffect of tACS in healthy human subjects. Seven blocks of 64-channel electroencephalogram were recorded before and after the administration of 20min 10Hz tACS, while subjects performed several blocks of SSVEP tasks. We characterized the physiological properties of tACS aftereffect by comparing and validating the temporal, spatial, spatiotemporal and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) patterns between and within blocks in real tACS and sham tACS. Main results. Our result revealed that tACS boosted the 10Hz SSVEP significantly. Besides, the aftereffect on SSVEP was mitigated with time and lasted up to 5 min. Significance. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of facilitating the flickering driving by external rhythmic stimulation and open a new possibility to alter the brain state in a direction by noninvasive transcranial brain stimulation.
Engineering sensitivity and spectral range of photodetection in van der Waals materials and hybrids
Authors: Sett Shaili , Parappurath Aparna , Gill Navkiranjot Kaur , Chauhan Neha , Ghosh Arindam
Published: December 2021

Exploration of van der Waals heterostructures in the field of optoelectronics has produced photodetectors with very high bandwidth as well as ultra-high sensitivity. Appropriate engineering of these heterostructures allows us to exploit multiple light-to-electricity conversion mechanisms, ranging from photovoltaic, photoconductive to photogating processes. These mechanisms manifest in different sensitivity and speed of photoresponse. In addition, integrating graphene-based hybrid structures with photonic platforms provides a high gain-bandwidth product, with bandwidths ≫1 GHz. In this review, we discuss the progression in the field of photodetection in 2D hybrids. We emphasize the physical mechanisms at play in diverse architectures and discuss the origin of enhanced photoresponse in hybrids. Recent developments in 2D photodetectors based on room temperature detection, photon-counting ability, integration with Si and other pressing issues, that need to be addressed for these materials to be integrated with industrial standards have been discussed.
JEBIN: analyzing gene co-expressions across multiple datasets by joint network embedding
Authors: Wu Guiying , Li Xiangyu , Guo Wenbo , Wei Zheng , Hu Tao , Shan Yiran , Gu Jin
Published: December 2021

The inference of gene co-expression associations is one of the fundamental tasks for large-scale transcriptomic data analysis. Due to the high dimensionality and high noises in transcriptomic data, it is difficult to infer stable gene co-expression associations from single dataset. Meta-analysis of multisource data can effectively tackle this problem. We proposed Joint Embedding of multiple BIpartite Networks (JEBIN) to learn the low-dimensional consensus representation for genes by integrating multiple expression datasets. JEBIN infers gene co-expression associations in a nonlinear and global similarity manner and can integrate datasets with different distributions in linear time complexity with the gene and total sample size. The effectiveness and scalability of JEBIN were verified by simulation experiments, and its superiority over the commonly used integration methods was proved by three indexes on real biological datasets. Then, JEBIN was applied to study the gene co-expression patterns of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on multiple expression datasets of HCC and adjacent normal tissues, and further on latest HCC single-cell RNA-seq data. Results show that gene co-expressions are highly different between bulk and single-cell datasets. Finally, many differentially co-expressed ligand–receptor pairs were discovered by comparing HCC with adjacent normal data, providing candidate HCC targets for abnormal cell–cell communications.
TransportTools: a library for high-throughput analyses of internal voids in biomolecules and ligand transport through them
Authors: Brezovsky Jan , Thirunavukarasu Aravind Selvaram , Surpeta Bartlomiej , Sequeiros-Borja Carlos Eduardo , Mandal Nishita , Sarkar Dheeraj Kumar , Dongmo Foumthuim Cedrix J , Agrawal Nikhil
Published: December 2021

Information regarding pathways through voids in biomolecules and their roles in ligand transport is critical to our understanding of the function of many biomolecules. Recently, the advent of high-throughput molecular dynamics simulations has enabled the study of these pathways, and of rare transport events. However, the scale and intricacy of the data produced requires dedicated tools in order to conduct analyses efficiently and without excessive demand on users. To fill this gap, we developed the TransportTools, which allows the investigation of pathways and their utilization across large, simulated datasets. TransportTools also facilitates the development of custom-made analyses.

Availability and implementation

TransportTools is implemented in Python3 and distributed as pip and conda packages. The source code is available at https://github.com/labbit-eu/transport_tools. Data are available in a repository and can be accessed via a link: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5642954.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The effects of vitrification on oocyte quality
Authors: Chang Ching-Chien , Shapiro Daniel B , Nagy Zsolt Peter
Published: December 2021

Vitrification, is an ultra-rapid, manual cooling process that produces glass-like (ice crystal-free) solidification. Water is prevented from forming intercellular and intracellular ice crystals during cooling as a result of oocyte dehydration and the use of highly concentrated cryoprotectant. Though oocytes can be cryopreserved without ice crystal formation through vitrification, it is still not clear whether the process of vitrification causes any negative impact (temperature change/chilling effect, osmotic stress, cryoprotectant toxicity, and/or phase transitions) on oocyte quality, which translates to diminished embryo developmental potential or subsequent clinical outcomes. In this review, we attempt to assess the technique’s potential effects and the consequence of these effects on outcomes.
Tourists’ Digital Footprint: Prediction Method of Tourism Consumption Decision Preference
Authors: Sun Qiong , Huang Xiankai , Liu Zheng
Published: December 2021

Digital footprints converge into a complex individual and group behavior picture, which truly reflects the user’s choice preference and deep-seated behavior law. However, its application in tourism needs to be further explored. Based on the core characteristics of consumption footprint, this paper applies it to tourism field to analyze tourists’ consumption behavior based on the theory of digital footprint and consumer behavior. This study aims at mining text data, analyzing its characteristics, creating a digital footprint integrated learning model and developing the mining and analysis technology of tourism digital footprints. This method can improve the accuracy of consumer decision-making tendency prediction, and the prediction results can be used to formulate targeted consumption strategies, so as to effectively stimulate consumption vitality and improve consumer satisfaction.
Hypoplastic coronary artery disease and hypertension in a child: a case report
Authors: Doi Yuji , Waki Kenji , Ogino Kayo , Hayashi Tomohiro
Published: December 2021

Background

Hypoplastic coronary artery disease (HCAD) is an extremely rare disease associated with a risk of sudden cardiac death. It is rarely recognized in a live paediatric patient.

Case summary

We report a case of HCAD in a patient who first presented with vomiting and poor feeding, suggestive of acute heart failure due to cardiomyopathy or acute myocarditis in infancy. Hypertension and signs of ischaemia became evident on electrocardiography and scintigraphy after his cardiac function fully recovered, and he was diagnosed with HCAD by angiography performed at the age of 8 years. He has remained under close observation with anti-hypertensives, aspirin, and exercise restriction.

Discussion

Although HCAD is a rare disease, it may not only cause ischaemia but may also result in heart failure and sudden cardiac death. It should be considered in any paediatric patient with heart failure. Mid-term follow-up visits might be necessary to detect signs of ischaemia in paediatric patients presenting with features of heart failure.
An autopsy case of pulmonary arterial hypertension in an elderly patient with multimorbidity: a case report
Authors: Yokose Masashi , Tomoe Takashi , Yamaguchi Takehiko , Yasu Takanori
Published: December 2021

Background

There is an increasing number of elderly patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and their characteristics differ from those of young or middle-aged patients with this condition.

Case summary

A 73-year-old woman with a history of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular risk factors was admitted to the hospital with 2-week exertional dyspnoea. Her initial diagnosis was heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, but the symptoms persisted despite receiving treatment with diuretics. Additional tests showed a significant decrease in diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide and findings suggestive of severe pulmonary hypertension (PH). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest, and pulmonary angiography, showed no narrowing or obstruction of the pulmonary arteries. Right heart catheterization revealed haemodynamic data implying pre-capillary PH. Her condition gradually deteriorated to World Health Organization functional class IV, and sequential combination therapy with tadalafil, macitentan, and selexipag was initiated with a PAH diagnosis; however, she died 1 month later. Pathological findings in autopsy were consistent with PAH, and some parts of the lungs revealed the presence of obstructive and interstitial lung disease.

Discussion

The majority of elderly patients with PAH might have multimorbidity. However, there is no specific treatment strategy. It is associated with diagnostic delay and worse prognosis; therefore, early suspicion and comprehensive tests, including right heart catheterization, are essential for better management.
Multi-organ assessment in mainly non-hospitalized individuals after SARS-CoV-2 infection: The Hamburg City Health Study COVID programme
Authors: Petersen Elina Larissa , Goßling Alina , Adam Gerhard , Aepfelbacher Martin , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Cavus Ersin , Cheng Bastian , Fischer Nicole , Gallinat Jürgen , Kühn Simone , Gerloff Christian , Koch-Gromus Uwe , Härter Martin , Hanning Uta , Huber Tobias B. , Kluge Stefan , Knobloch Johannes K. , Kuta Piotr , Schmidt-Lauber Christian , Lütgehetmann Marc , Magnussen Christina , Mayer Carola , Muellerleile Kai , Münch Julia , Nägele Felix Leonard , Petersen Marvin , Renné Thomas , Riedl Katharina Alina , Rimmele David Leander , Schäfer Ines , Schulz Holger , Tahir Enver , Waschki Benjamin , Wenzel Jan-Per , Zeller Tanja , Ziegler Andreas , Thomalla Götz , Twerenbold Raphael , Blankenberg Stefan
Published: December 2021

Aims

Long-term sequelae may occur after SARS-CoV-2 infection. We comprehensively assessed organ-specific functions in individuals after mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with controls from the general population.

Methods and results

Four hundred and forty-three mainly non-hospitalized individuals were examined in median 9.6 months after the first positive SARS-CoV-2 test and matched for age, sex, and education with 1328 controls from a population-based German cohort. We assessed pulmonary, cardiac, vascular, renal, and neurological status, as well as patient-related outcomes. Bodyplethysmography documented mildly lower total lung volume (regression coefficient −3.24, adjusted P = 0.014) and higher specific airway resistance (regression coefficient 8.11, adjusted P = 0.001) after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cardiac assessment revealed slightly lower measures of left (regression coefficient for left ventricular ejection fraction on transthoracic echocardiography −0.93, adjusted P = 0.015) and right ventricular function and higher concentrations of cardiac biomarkers (factor 1.14 for high-sensitivity troponin, 1.41 for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, adjusted P ≤ 0.01) in post-SARS-CoV-2 patients compared with matched controls, but no significant differences in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings. Sonographically non-compressible femoral veins, suggesting deep vein thrombosis, were substantially more frequent after SARS-CoV-2 infection (odds ratio 2.68, adjusted P < 0.001). Glomerular filtration rate (regression coefficient −2.35, adjusted P = 0.019) was lower in post-SARS-CoV-2 cases. Relative brain volume, prevalence of cerebral microbleeds, and infarct residuals were similar, while the mean cortical thickness was higher in post-SARS-CoV-2 cases. Cognitive function was not impaired. Similarly, patient-related outcomes did not differ.

Conclusion

Subjects who apparently recovered from mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection show signs of subclinical multi-organ affection related to pulmonary, cardiac, thrombotic, and renal function without signs of structural brain damage, neurocognitive, or quality-of-life impairment. Respective screening may guide further patient management.
Primary COVID-19 vaccine cycle and booster doses efficacy: analysis of Italian nationwide vaccination campaign
Authors: Mattiuzzi Camilla , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

We provide here an updated analysis of primary COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine booster doses efficacy, emerging from the ongoing Italian nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Primary COVID-19 vaccination efficacy was 76–92% within 6 months, decreasing to 34–80% after 6 months. Administration of vaccine booster doses decreased SARS-CoV-2 infections by 65%, COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths by 69% and 97% compared with vaccine efficacy after 6 months, but also decreased SARS-CoV-2 infections by 39% compared with vaccine efficacy within 6 months. These results suggest that COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are important for restoring vaccine efficacy and further limiting virus circulation.
Clinimetric Evaluation of the Experienced Communication in Dementia Questionnaire
Authors: Olthof-Nefkens Maria W L J , Derksen Els W C , Lambregts Britt , de Swart Bert J M , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W G , Kalf Johanna G
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives

Tools to measure self-perceived communication between persons with early-stage dementia and their caregivers are lacking. Therefore, we developed a questionnaire for Experienced Communication in Dementia (ECD) with a patient version (ECD-P) and a caregiver version (ECD-C), which contains items on (a) caregiver competence, (b) social communication, (c) communication difficulties, and (d) experienced emotions. This article describes the feasibility and clinimetric evaluation of this instrument.

Research Design and Methods

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted with 57 dyads (community-dwelling person with dementia and primary caregiver). ECD-P, ECD-C, and measures on quality of life, caregiver burden, cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and functional independence were administered. After 2 weeks, the dyads filled out the ECD again. Feasibility (completion time and missing values per item), internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]), and construct validity (hypotheses testing with Spearman’s r) were evaluated.

Results

Mean completion time was 10 min per questionnaire. ICCs for test–retest reliability ranged from 0.67 to 0.78, except for ECD-P2 (ICC = 0.31). Internal consistency ranged from α = 0.75 to 0.82 for ECD-P1 and all parts of ECD-C, except for ECD-P2 (α = 0.66). Correlation coefficients for convergent validity ranged from r = 0.31 to 0.69 and correlation coefficients for divergent validity were r < 0.20 and statistically insignificant.

Discussion and Implications

Pending future research, the ECD, except part ECD-P2, seems to be a promising tool to measure experienced communication between persons with early-stage dementia and their caregivers.
FHIRedApp: a LEAP in health information technology for promoting patient access to their medical information
Authors: Khurshid Anjum , Oliveira Eliel , Nordquist Eric , Lakshminarayanan Vidya , Abrol Vishal
Published: December 2021

Objective

Our aim is to develop a patient engagement technology that makes it easy for patients to access their own medical information and share it with others.

Materials and Methods

This paper describes our design through an adapted Community Engagement Studio methodology to identify the needs and preferences of a diverse group of Latinx, African–American, and Asian–American individuals in the community. We use Human-Centered Design to interpret these needs and preferences to build a digital app platform, using national data standards, clinical data aggregators, and privacy-preserving solutions while maintaining the security and confidentiality of patients.

Results

We designed and developed FHIRedApp, an app platform, that allows patients to access their data and to share that access as HL7® FHIR® application programming interfaces with third-party app developers. We accomplished 2 major tasks: first, to demonstrate the use of interoperability and authentication standards, such as HL7® FHIR and OAuth2, to help develop patient engagement technologies, and second, to co-develop and co-design FHIRedApp with active involvement of African–American, Latinx, and Asian–American community members. Usability results show high satisfaction rates for FHIRedApp.

Conclusion

The development of FHIRedApp demonstrates how technology innovations using national interoperability standards can be informed through a methodology of community engagement and human-centered design that involves local racial and ethnic groups.
International COVID-19 mortality forecast visualization: covidcompare.io
Authors: Akre Samir , Liu Patrick Y , Friedman Joseph R , Bui Alex A T
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 mortality forecasting models provide critical information about the trajectory of the pandemic, which is used by policymakers and public health officials to guide decision-making. However, thousands of published COVID-19 mortality forecasts now exist, many with their own unique methods, assumptions, format, and visualization. As a result, it is difficult to compare models and understand under which circumstances a model performs best. Here, we describe the construction and usability of covidcompare.io, a web tool built to compare numerous forecasts and offer insight into how each has performed over the course of the pandemic. From its launch in December 2020 to June 2021, we have seen 4600 unique visitors from 85 countries. A study conducted with public health professionals showed high usability overall as formally assessed using a Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire. We find that covidcompare.io is an impactful tool for the comparison of international COVID-19 mortality forecasting models.
Altered fecal microbiota, IgA, and fermentative end-products in adult dogs fed prebiotics and a nonviableLactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Panasevich Matthew R , Daristotle Leighann , Quesnell Rebecca , Reinhart Gregory A , Frantz Nolan Z
Published: December 2021

A study investigating the use of a nonviable Lactobacillus acidophilus (NVL: Culbac; TransAgra, Storm Lake, IA) and a mixed prebiotic (MP) blend (beet pulp, fructooligosaccharide (FOS), mannanoligosaccharide (MOS), inulin, and kelp) was done to evaluate changes in fecal microbiota, fermentative end products, and gut immune health in healthy female and male adult Beagle dogs (n = 24; 5.74 ± 2.18 yr; 9.30 ± 1.32 kg). The study protocol was first approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (Summit Ridge Farms; Susquehanna, PA) and followed throughout. Each of four test diets (control, NVL, MP, and MP + NVL [formulated to crude protein 25%, crude fat 14%, crude fiber 10% as-fed]) was fed once daily to maintain body weight for 21 d in a randomized-crossover design (four treatment periods and four washout periods). Fecal samples were collected on days 0 and 21 only for immunoglobulin A (IgA) and microbiota evaluation (16S rRNA V4 region and qPCR for Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium), and fecal fermentative end-products and fecal pH were assessed only on day 21. Over the test periods, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and stool quality were assessed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (SAS v9.4, Cary, NC) or Kruskal–Wallis for between-diet effects, and paired t-test or Wilcoxon for time effects. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Apparent total tract nutrient digestibility revealed feeding MP-containing diets resulted in lower (P < 0.05) crude protein and fat digestibility vs. control and NVL diets. When dogs were fed MP, they had lower (P < 0.05) fecal pH compared with control and NVL diets, whereas fecal pH was lower in (P < 0.05) MP + NVL- vs. NVL-fed dogs. Fecal E. coli was (P < 0.05) lower at day 21 vs. day 0 when dogs were fed MP. Fecal Fusobacterium spp. was lower (P < 0.05) in both MP diets vs. control. Fecal Lactobacillus spp. increased (P < 0.05) from baseline with MP. Both diets with MP elicited greater (P < 0.05) fecal acetate and propionate concentration vs. control diet. At day 21, fecal IgA was greater (P < 0.05) in MP and MP + NVL compared with NVL diet. Only when dogs were fed MP did they have increased (P < 0.05) fecal IgA from day 21 vs. day 0. The MP + NVL diet decreased (P < 0.05) fecal isovalerate, isobutyrate, phenol, and indole vs. control. Overall, the MP elicited the most changes on microbiota, fermentative end-products, and IgA. Further investigation into NVL’s gut health benefits is warranted.
Crystal structure of Tam41 cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol synthase from a Firmicutes bacterium
Authors: Kimura Keisuke , Kawai Fumihiro , Kubota-Kawai Hisako , Watanabe Yasunori , Tomii Kentaro , Kojima Rieko , Hirata Kunio , Yamamori Yu , Endo Toshiya , Tamura Yasushi
Published: December 2021

Translocator assembly and maintenance 41 (Tam41) catalyses the synthesis of cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG), which is a high-energy intermediate phospholipid critical for generating cardiolipin in mitochondria. Although Tam41 is present almost exclusively in eukaryotic cells, a Firmicutes bacterium contains the gene encoding Tam41-type CDP-DAG synthase (FbTam41). FbTam41 converted phosphatidic acid (PA) to CDP-DAG using a ternary complex mechanism in vitro. Additionally, FbTam41 functionally substituted yeast Tam41 in vivo. These results demonstrate that Tam41-type CDP-DAG synthase functions in some prokaryotic cells. We determined the crystal structure of FbTam41 lacking the C-terminal 18 residues in the cytidine triphosphate (CTP)-Mg2+ bound form at a resolution of 2.6 Å. The crystal structure showed that FbTam41 contained a positively charged pocket that specifically accommodated CTP-Mg2+ and PA in close proximity. By using this structure, we constructed a model for the full-length structure of FbTam41 containing the last a-helix, which was missing in the crystal structure. Based on this model, we propose a molecular mechanism for CDP-DAG synthesis in bacterial cells and mitochondria.
Uncertainty analysis of numerical inversions of temperature logs from boreholes under injection conditions
Authors: Wang Jia , Nitschke Fabian , Gaucher Emmanuel , Kohl Thomas
Published: December 2021

Conventional methods to estimate the static formation temperature (SFT) require borehole temperature data measured during thermal recovery periods. This can be both economically and technically prohibitive under real operational conditions, especially for high-temperature boreholes. This study investigates the use of temperature logs obtained under injection conditions to determine SFT through inverse modelling. An adaptive sampling approach based on machine-learning techniques is applied to explore the model space efficiently by iteratively proposing samples based on the results of previous runs. Synthetic case studies are conducted with rigorous evaluation of factors affecting the quality of SFT estimates for deep hot wells. The results show that using temperature data measured at higher flow rates or after longer injection times could lead to less-reliable results. Furthermore, the estimation error exhibits an almost linear dependency on the standard error of the measured borehole temperatures. In addition, potential flow loss zones in the borehole would lead to increased uncertainties in the SFT estimates. Consequently, any prior knowledge about the amount of flow loss could improve the estimation accuracy considerably. For formations with thermal gradients varying with depth, prior information on the depth of the gradient change is necessary to avoid spurious results. The inversion scheme presented is demonstrated as an efficient tool for quantifying uncertainty in the interpretation of borehole data. Although only temperature data are considered in this work, other types of data such as flow and transport measurements can also be included in this method for geophysical and rock physics studies.
Deterrence of Orchestrated Cheating: Group versus Individual Punishment
Authors: Leshem Shmuel , Wickelgren Abraham L
Published: December 2021

In the wake of a state-sponsored doping scandal, the World Anti-Doping Agency recommended banning all Russian athletes from the Rio Olympic Games. We study the circumstances in which such group penalties deter a group leader, whose payoff is tied to the group’s benefits and sanctions, from helping cheating group members avoid detection. We show that relative to individual punishment, group punishment deters orchestrated cheating and thereby increases individual deterrence for sufficiently strong enforcement and an intermediate detection-avoidance technology. Otherwise, group punishment fosters more individual cheating. Group punishment is thus a double-edged sword useful primarily as an off-equilibrium threat against orchestrated cheating but detrimental if frequently imposed on the equilibrium path. (JEL C72, K42)
Running vacuum model versus ΛCDM – a Bayesian analysis
Authors: N Sarath , Mathew Titus K
Published: December 2021

We study the significance of the running vacuum model in which the vacuum energy density depends on the square of Hubble parameter, in comparison with the ΛCDM model. The Bayesian inference method is employed to appraise the relative significance of the running vacuum model, using the combined data sets, SN1a+CMB+BAO and SN1a+CMB+BAO+OHD. The model parameters and the corresponding errors are estimated from the marginal probability density function of the model parameters. The parameter that distinguish the running vacuum model from the ΛCDM model is ν. With the SN1a+CMB+BAO data set, we have found that the parameter ν is different from zero at ∼2.7σ. With the second data set, SN1a+CMB+BAO+OHD, the significance improved considerably to 3.4σ. Marginalizing over all model parameters with suitable prior, we have obtained the Bayes factor as the ratio of Bayesian evidence of our model and the ΛCDM model. The analysis based on Jeffrey’s scale of bayesian inference shows that the evidence of our model against the ΛCDM model is weak for the data set SN1a+CMB+BAO. We have obtained a definite evidence of running vacuum model for SN1a+CMB+BAO + OHD data set. This indicates that the dark energy could be dynamical.
Evaluation of dose, volume, and outcome in children with localized, intracranial ependymoma treated with proton therapy within the prospective KiProReg Study
Authors: Peters Sarah , Merta Julien , Schmidt Laura , Jazmati Danny , Kramer Paul-Heinz , Blase Cristoph , Tippelt Stephan , Fleischhack Gudrun , Stock Annika , Bison Brigitte , Rutkowski Stefan , Pietsch Torsten , Kortmann Rolf-Dieter , Timmermann Beate
Published: December 2021

Background

Radiotherapy (RT) of ependymoma in children is an important part of the interdisciplinary treatment concept. However, feasibility and dose concepts are still under investigation, particularly in very young children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the standard dose and volume of proton therapy (PT) in children with ependymoma.

Methods

In this analysis, 105 patients with localized, intracranial ependymoma under the age of 18 years treated with PT between 2013 and 2018 were included. Patient characteristics, treatment, outcome, and follow-up data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analysis.

Results

The median age of patients at PT was 2.8 years (0.9-17.0 years). The molecular subgroup analysis was performed in a subset of 50 patients (37 EP-PFA, 2 EP-PFB, 7 EP-RELA, 2 EP-YAP, 2 NEC [not elsewhere classified]). The median total dose was 59.4 Gy (54.0-62.0 Gy). The median follow-up time was 1.9 years. The estimated 3-year overall survival (OS), local control (LC), and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 93.7%, 74.1%, and 55.6%, respectively. Within univariable analysis, female gender and lower dose had a positive impact on OS, whereas age ≥4 years had a negative impact on OS and PT given after progression had a negative impact on PFS. In the multivariable analysis, multiple tumor surgeries were associated with lower PFS. New ≥3° late toxicities occurred in 11 patients.

Conclusion

For children with localized ependymoma, PT was effective and well tolerable. Multiple surgeries showed a negative impact on PFS.
Long-term natural history and patterns of sporadic vestibular schwannoma growth: A multi-institutional volumetric analysis of 952 patients
Authors: Marinelli John P , Schnurman Zane , Killeen Daniel E , Nassiri Ashley M , Hunter Jacob B , Lees Katherine A , Lohse Christine M , Roland J Thomas , Golfinos John G , Kondziolka Douglas , Link Michael J , Carlson Matthew L
Published: December 2021

Background

The current study aims to characterize the natural history of sporadic vestibular schwannoma volumetric tumor growth, including long-term growth patterns following initial detection of growth.

Methods

Volumetric tumor measurements from 3505 serial MRI studies were analyzed from unselected consecutive patients undergoing wait-and-scan management at three tertiary referral centers between 1998 and 2018. Volumetric tumor growth was defined as a change in volume ≥20%.

Results

Among 952 patients undergoing observation, 622 experienced tumor growth with initial growth-free survival rates (95% CI) at 1, 3, and 5 years following diagnosis of 66% (63–69), 30% (27–34), and 20% (17–24). Among 405 patients who continued to be observed despite demonstrating initial growth, 210 experienced subsequent tumor growth with subsequent growth-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years following initial growth of 77% (72–81), 37% (31–43), and 24% (18–31). Larger tumor volume at initial growth (HR 1.13, P = .02) and increasing tumor growth rate (HR 1.31; P < .001) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of subsequent growth, whereas a longer duration of time between diagnosis and detection of initial growth was protective (HR 0.69; P < .001).

Conclusions

While most vestibular schwannomas exhibit an overall propensity for volumetric growth following diagnosis, prior tumor growth does not perfectly predict future growth. Tumors can subsequently grow faster, slower, or demonstrate quiescence and stability. Larger tumor size and increasing tumor growth rate portend a higher likelihood of continued growth. These findings can inform timing of intervention: whether upfront at initial diagnosis, after detection of initial growth, or only after continued growth is observed.
Erythema multiforme major with ocular involvement following COVID-19 infection
Authors: Maden Carla L , Ah-Kye Laura , Alfallouji Yasmin , Kulakov Elizabeth , Ellery Peter , Papamichael Esther
Published: December 2021

We report a case of membranous conjunctivitis and erythema multiforme major (EMM) after a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. A previously well 18-year-old man presented with increasingly erythematous eyes and oral and genital ulceration 2 weeks after confirmation of COVID-19 infection. Clinical examination showed sloughy membranous conjunctivitis with normal visual acuity. He was reviewed by dermatology and diagnosed with EMM secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The symptoms resolved with oral and topical steroids, lubricants and chloramphenicol eye drops. Erythema multiforme has been reported in association with COVID-19, although the major form is rare. Ophthalmologists should consider current or previous COVID-19 infection in patients presenting with conjunctivitis or pseudomembrane formation. Prompt initiation of steroids aids resolution.
Treating COVID-19 in the nursing home setting: an integrated approach for a complex and susceptible cohort
Authors: Connolly Warren , O’Keeffe Jonathan , ÓBroin Cathal , Mc Namara Rosa , Dean Jonathan , O’Shea Diarmuid
Published: December 2021

Our patient, a nursing home resident, was reviewed by our frailty outreach service in November 2020. She initially was diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in September 2020 during an outbreak in her nursing home. On this occasion, she again tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Our case report describes the resident’s poor immune response indicated by a low IgG level after her initial COVID infection as well as reinfection with a ‘non-variant’ SARS-CoV-2 lineage (B.1.177).

The case describes the importance of integration of community and secondary care. The nursing home received close monitoring and nurse supervision for the detection of potential deterioration of the patient. Exit-seeking behaviour by nursing home residents was limited effectively. The issues of low immune response to COVID-19 in older people and the emergence of variants of concern will continue to pose a threat to this susceptible group.
A rare case of pancreatic metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yehouenou Tessi Romeo Thierry , Jerguigue Hounayda , Latib Rachida , Omor Youssef
Published: December 2021

Metastases to the pancreas are rare in general and scares in cases of lungs primary lesion. They are discovered incidentally in most cases. Data on their incidence, diagnosis, prognosis and management remain insufficient. The discovery is usually made at an advanced stage of lung cancer with the presence of metastases to other organs. We reported the case of a patient undergoing oncology follow-up for lung adenocarcinoma with discovery of adrenal gland metastases and a solitary pancreatic metastatic mass. His management remains palliative chemotherapy. Surgical treatment is not yet codified in these cases and remains at the discretion of the multidisciplinary oncology teams.
Acacia pycnantha and gum arabic an alternative to antacids and proton pump inhibitors in the management of gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Hurr Thomas J , Hurr Nina E
Published: December 2021

A case report is presented where a patient with long-term gastroesophageal reflux and recently diagnosed laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) underwent an 8-week treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). On discontinuation of the PPIs, symptoms of LPR remained and the patient’s reflux symptoms returned with increased severity. Consumption of acacia gum exudates from Acacia pycnantha resolved the LPR. Acacia pycnantha or gum arabic were both found to reduced reflux symptoms to a manageable level. An evaluation of the therapeutic effect of acacia gums using questionnaires to evaluate reflux symptoms, quality of life and global refluxogenic scores was undertaken. It was found acacia gums can be taken after the evening meal in the same way as antacids to manage reflux symptoms but with more sustained overnight relief.
A case of bacterial keratitis caused by multi-drug-resistant Shewanella algae without marine exposure
Authors: Song Je Eun , Kim Sollip , Kang Hyung Koo , Chung Inkwon , Kwak Yee Gyung , Um Tae Hyun , Cho Chong Rae , Chang Jeonghyun
Published: December 2021

Shewanella are Gram-negative rods and marine pathogens. Here, we report a case of bacterial keratitis caused by Shewanella algae without marine exposure. A 66-year-old man with suspected pneumonia was sent to the emergency department from a nursing hospital. He had been in there for 2 years in a vegetative state and could not close his eyes voluntarily. Neither the patient nor his family had experienced any marine exposure. Keratitis was suspected in his right eye. Gram-negative rods grew from swab culture and identified as S. algae by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA sequencing. The patient was treated with topical tobramycin, moxifloxacin and ofloxacin as well as steroids for 14 days, and the keratitis improved. S. algae is a rare human pathogen, and most human infections involve marine exposure. This is the second report of bacterial keratitis caused by S. algae worldwide and the first in Asia.