bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ride comfort of heavy vehicles based on key response characteristics of multibody dynamics
Authors: Jiang Jiacheng , Li Peiqing , Chen Yikai , Li Qipeng
Published: September 2021

To effectively improve the ride comfort of heavy-duty trucks, and relieve the driver's fatigue and ensure the integrity of the cargo. In this study, first, according to the requirements of GB/T 7031-2005/ISO 8608, the random sine wave superposition method is used to determine the random excitation of a road surface and establish an FRC tyre model based on the elastic roller theory. Second, the Jiefang-6P truck is considered as an example to establish the linear model of heavy-duty trucks, conducting virtual experiments by establishing vehicle–tyre–road closed-loop system. Finally, orthogonal tests with the control parameters as variables are designed to determine the optimal combination of control parameters for best smooth driving. Thereafter, range analysis is used to determine the degree of impact of each control parameter. The effects rules of load, vehicle speed, tyre stiffness and tyre damping on ride comfort are obtained, and the results show that the best ride comfort can be obtained when the tyre stiffness is 60,000 N/m and the tyre damping is about 600 N s/m, and the tyre stiffness has the highest influence on the ride comfort.
Social workers’ attitudes toward reparations for African American descendants
Authors: Jones V. Nikki , McElderry Cathy G , Conner Laneshia R
Published: September 2021

Reparations for African Americans in its most basic form amounts to a concerted effort to repair damages from hundreds of years of exploitation and mistreatment toward people of African ancestry. The legacy of chattel slavery manifests in ongoing racial injustices, including gross disparities in health and wealth. The injustices resultant from the system of chattel slavery and its sequela have not been formally addressed by the U.S. government. As a profession, social work is dedicated to the empowerment of marginalized communities and upholds a mandate to advocate for social justice. As such, this study examines social workers’ attitudes toward reparations for African American descendants. Descriptive analyses and analyses of association were used to interpret survey data.

Findings

A convenience sample of 186 social work professionals and students participated in this exploratory study. Findings of the study suggest that a majority of social workers agree with reparations (73%) as a strategy to redress present-day disparities. Additionally, a majority of the participants agree that reparations can begin to repair racial inequality.

Applications

This groundbreaking study lays the foundation for future research about social workers’ perceptions and support of reparations. Furthermore, results of this study should encourage social work organizations to infuse scientific research in formulating position statements and advocacy on the issue of reparations.
Outlier accommodation with semiparametric density processes: A study of Antarctic snow density modelling
Authors: Sheanshang Daniel M. , White Philip A. , Keeler Durban G.
Published: September 2021

In many settings, data acquisition generates outliers that can obscure inference. Therefore, practitioners often either identify and remove outliers or accommodate outliers using robust models. However, identifying and removing outliers is often an ad hoc process that affects inference, and robust methods are often too simple for some applications. In our motivating application, scientists drill snow cores and measure snow density to infer densification rates that aid in estimating snow water accumulation rates and glacier mass balances. Advanced measurement techniques can measure density at high resolution over depth but are sensitive to core imperfections, making them prone to outliers. Outlier accommodation is challenging in this setting because the distribution of outliers evolves over depth and the data demonstrate natural heteroscedasticity. To address these challenges, we present a two-component mixture model using a physically motivated snow density model and an outlier model, both of which evolve over depth. The physical component of the mixture model has a mean function with normally distributed depth-dependent heteroscedastic errors. The outlier component is specified using a semiparametric prior density process constructed through a normalized process convolution of log-normal random variables. We demonstrate that this model outperforms alternatives and can be used for various inferential tasks.
Online Dance Therapy for People With Parkinson’s Disease: Feasibility and Impact on Consumer Engagement
Authors: Morris Meg E. , Slade Susan C. , Wittwer Joanne E. , Blackberry Irene , Haines Simon , Hackney Madeleine E. , McConvey Victor B.
Published: September 2021

Background

Therapeutic dancing can be beneficial for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet community-based classes can be difficult to access.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and impact of online therapeutic dancing classes for people in the early to mid-stages of PD.

Methods

Co-produced with people living with PD, physiotherapists, dance teachers and the local PD association, the ‘ParkinDANCE’ program was adapted to enable online delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed 8 one-hour sessions of online therapeutic dancing. Each person was assigned their own dance teacher and together they selected music for the classes. A mixed-methods design enabled analysis of feasibility and impact. Feasibility was quantified by attendance and adverse events. Impact was determined from individual narratives pertaining to consumer experiences and engagement, analysed with qualitative methods through a phenomenological lens.

Results

Attendance was high, with people attending 100% sessions. There were no adverse events. Impact was illustrated by the key themes from the in-depth interviews: (i) a sense of achievement, enjoyment and mastery occurred with online dance; (ii) project co-design facilitated participant engagement; (iii) dance instructor capabilities, knowledge and skills facilitated positive outcomes; (iv) music choices were key; and (v) participants were able to quickly adapt to online delivery with support and resources.

Conclusions

Online dance therapy was safe, feasible and perceived to be of benefit in this sample of early adopters. During the pandemic, it was a viable form of structured physical activity. For the future, online dance may afford benefits to health, well-being and social engagement.
Examining the Association of Pain and Financial Hardship Among Older Men by Race in the United States
Authors: Song Chiho , Marshall Gillian L. , Reed Alyssa , Baker Tamara A. , Thorpe Roland J.
Published: September 2021

Pain associated with financial hardship among older men varies by race. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of financial hardship with the presence of pain in men 50 years and older by race. Using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2010 wave, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between four financial hardship indicators and total financial hardship as a composite score, and the presence of pain by race. Among White men, the association between the presence of pain and hardship controlling for demographic factors was statistically significant across four indicators and one composite score: ongoing financial hardship (OR = 1.29, 95% CI [1.02, 1.64]), food insecurity (OR = 2.55, 95% CI [1.51, 4.31]), taking less medication due to cost (OR = 2.12, 95% CI [1.40, 3.22]), difficulty paying bills (OR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.07, 1.73]), and total financial hardship (OR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.12, 1.44]). Among African American men, the association between the presence of pain and taking less medication due to cost (OR = 2.99, 95% CI [1.31, 6.85]) was significant. With increasing comorbidities among older adults, particularly African Americans, it is imperative to fully understand the mechanisms of this underexplored area in both the pain and financial hardship literature.
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats for mushroom mycelium growth investigations and formation of mycelium-reinforced nanocomposites
Authors: Trabelsi Marah , Mamun Al , Klöcker Michaela , Brockhagen Bennet , Kinzel Franziska , Kapanadze Dato , Sabantina Lilia
Published: September 2021

Mycelium-bound composites are new environmentally friendly, cost-effective and sustainable materials, enable energy-saving bio-composite fabrication, and provide an alternative to synthetic materials. Current research on mycelium-based composites reports on relatively coarse material compositions such as rice husks, cotton residues, sawdust, leaves and bio-waste, etc. According to research, very few publications report on mycelium-reinforced composites with the use of nanomaterials and this topic is under-researched and this study helps to fill this gap. The focus of this study deals with the preparation of mycelium-reinforced nanocomposites including nanofiber mats and the investigation of the different nanofiber mat morphologies on the growth of fungal mycelium. The mycelium macrofibers from Pleurotus ostreatus fungi were grown on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats. Different morphologies of nanofiber mats such as fibrous and non-fibrous membrane areas or a mixture of both were used for mycelial growth with an additional nutrient. Moreover, mycelium/PAN nanocomposites were oxidative stabilized and carbonized and mycelium retains its morphology. For faster color differentiation between mycelium and nanofibers, PAN nanofiber mats were dyed in a one-step process by adding dye powder to the electrospinning solution as an additional tool. No significant differences in mycelial growth and morphology were observed regarding the different nanofiber mat types and the use of dye. These mycelium-reinforced nanocomposites are promising for many applications such as medicine and biotechnology, air and water purification and filtration, vertical farming, architecture, etc., and enable energy-saving bio-composite fabrication.
Feed-forward control of elastic-joint industrial robot based on hybrid inverse dynamic model
Authors: Zaiwu Mei , Liping Chen , Jianwan Ding
Published: September 2021

A novel feedforward control method of elastic-joint robot based on hybrid inverse dynamic model is proposed in this paper. The hybrid inverse dynamic model consists of analytical model and data-driven model. Firstly, the inverse dynamic analytical model of elastic-joint robot is established based on Lie group and Lie algebra, which improves the efficiency of modeling and calculation. Then, by coupling the data-driven model with the analytical model, a feed-forward control method based on hybrid inverse dynamics model is proposed. This method can overcome the influence of the inaccuracy of the analytical inverse dynamic model on the control performance, and effectively improve the control accuracy of the robot. The data-driven model is used to compensate for the parameter uncertainties and non-parameter uncertainties of the analytical dynamic model. Finally, the proposed control method is proved to be stable and the multi-domain integrated system model of industrial robot is developed to verify the performance of the control scheme by simulation. The simulation results show that the proposed control method has higher control accuracy than the traditional torque feed-forward control method.
Nonlinear vibration and control of maglev vehicle-switch beam coupling system
Authors: Li Zhongji , Dong Hao , Chen Zhixian , Lin Hongsong , Yang Jizhong
Published: September 2021

The electro-magnetic suspension (EMS)-based Maglev train, referred as one of the new transport mode, the two important issues are the loss of stability and the nonlinear coupled vibration because of it including suspension controller and control command. In this study, a Maglev train-controller coupled dynamic model is developed to investigate the stability of suspension controller and the coupling vibration, wherein, the tuned mass damper (TMD) control method is applied to avoid Hopf bifurcation phenomenon of the train-switch vibration. The eigenvalue and time integration methods are used to analysis the instability domain. The results demonstrate the proposed dynamic model is able to represent the loss of stability of the coupled vibration, which is comparable to those obtained via the experiments. Using this dynamic model, the dynamic performance and characteristic of the vehicle/switch coupled vibration is investigated, which further contributes to the TMD-based vibration control method for the vibration of the switch beam and the stability of the coupling system.
Investigation of particles deposition in a square duct using optimized roughness elements for a sustainable environment
Authors: Farhan Muhammad , Rizwan Hafiz M , Farooq Muhammad , Riaz Fahid , Tahir Zia ul Rehman , Sultan Muhammad , Siddiqui Farrukh A , Javaid Muhammad Yasar , Ali Qasim , Zahid Imran
Published: September 2021

A sustainable environment is one of the major challenges in developing countries especially in populated regions due to the industrialization and expansion of urban areas. The industries emit particulate matter into the atmosphere that is harmful to human health. There is a need for an efficient particle separation mechanism to improve indoor air quality. This paper presents a numerical investigation of particles deposition in a square duct with variable roughness elements. The working fluid was taken as a mixture of air and inert particles. The Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) and Discrete Particle-phase Model (DPM) were used to simulate the particle-laden flow to analyze the deposition and velocity of the particles in the duct. The diameter of the particles is taken as 5 µm. The ratio of roughness height to the diameter ( r/ D) ranged from 0.024 and 0.101 and the spacing to the diameter ratio ( s/ D) varied between 9.8 and 39.23. It was found that the roughness height has a significant effect on the fluid flow as compared to the spacing between the elements. As a result, more uniform vortices are developed across the elements increasing fluid velocity from 10 to 14 m/s, while the deposition and velocity of the particles were increased by 14% and 8%, respectively. Accordingly, the particles deposition technique helps provide clean indoor air for better environmental sustainability.
Scaling of on-board characteristics of waterjet propulsion based on bench thrust testing data and loop test results
Authors: Pan Zhongyong , Ni Yongyan
Published: September 2021

The on-board “speed-resistance-power” curves are profiled by a fitted jet thrust deduction factor relation, where the raw data are obtained from both bench thrust testing data and loop test results. Firstly, the thrust characteristics of a waterjet were tested by a thrust testing bench, while the pump performance such as capacity, head and shaft power of the waterjet was measured on a loop test rig. The useful fitted jet thrust deduction factor relation involves three related variables, that is to say, thrust coefficient, torque coefficient, and advance coefficient. Then, the best efficiency propulsion points are indicated by a collapsing technology and the subsequent results that the best efficiency propulsion points are actually existed. Cavitation margins are also noted by the two groups of data obtained by the loop data and the bench data, respectively. The discrepancy of the two margins shows the measuring error of the loop test means. In addition, the non-consistency features of the curves in the cavitation zone indicate the complex cavitation instabilities in the waterjet propulsion. At last, the bench tested thrust results are supplemented and therefore a useful map is completed.
Improvement of transmission loss of bellows through thickness improvement and structural modification
Authors: Noh Hee-Min
Published: September 2021

The bellows of the vehicle are vulnerable to noise because of the low transmission loss among the components. Therefore, in this study, we modified the thickness and the structure of the bellows to improve transmission loss. Based on the impedance tube test, the transmission loss of the silicon rubber specimen – the main material of the bellows – was analyzed; the results confirmed low transmission loss in the low-frequency region. An analysis of the natural vibration model of the simple model indicated that in the low-frequency region of the bellows, a number of vibrations occurred because of the vibration of the outer and inner components. Accordingly, to improve transmission loss, the improvement introduced by varying the thickness was analyzed, and the results confirmed that the noise performance improved by more than 3 dB for a thickness of 3.5 mm in the double-layer structure. In addition, the transmission loss improved in the low-frequency region after acoustic-structure coupling analysis was performed based on a simple model. To compare the actual performance between the existing and improved bellows, a noise comparison test was performed. The test results confirm that the existing noise reduction index improved by 3 dB from 30 to 33 dB when the thickness was increased to 3.5 mm; in the frequency domain, the highest noise performance was improved with an improvement of 5.6 dB at 160 Hz.
Parametric study of flapwise and edgewise vibration of horizontal axis wind turbine blades
Authors: Diken Hamza , Asiri Saeed
Published: September 2021

In this paper, flapwise and edgewise vibrations of a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) blade are studied. Rayleigh-Ritz method is used in which; orthogonal mode functions of the Euler-Bernoulli beam having fixed-free boundary are introduced into the Lagrange function and then the dynamic equations are derived. Effect of gravity, pitch angle, centrifugal stiffening, and rotary inertia are considered. Nondimensional equations are obtained by defining nondimensional parameters like; natural frequency, blade rotation, slenderness ratio, and simple pendulum frequency. The stiffness term of the natural frequency has two speed dependent elements and it is shown that, for small pitch angles, flapwise natural frequencies of the blade are increased by the increasing blade speed while the edgewise natural frequencies of the blade are decreased with the increasing blade speed. Pitch angle values ranging from 0° to 15° has negligible effect on the nondimensional natural frequencies of the blade up to the nondimensional blade speed of 4. Since the natural frequencies are the function of the blade speed, rotor critical speeds should be calculated with Campbell diagrams. Vibrational response of the blade tip to the gravity is dominant and much greater than that of the wind speed in the edgewise and flapwise vibration.
Antitubercular and antibacterial activities of isoxazolines derived from natural products: Isoxazolines as inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis InhA
Authors: Phanumartwiwath Anuchit , Kesornpun Chatchai , Sureram Sanya , Hongmanee Poonpilas , Pungpo Pornpan , Kamsri Pharit , Punkvang Auradee , Eurtivong Chatchakorn , Kittakoop Prasat , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: September 2021

Isoxazoline derivatives of the natural products eugenol, 1’- S-acetoxychavicol acetate and sclareol are prepared through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions in an aqueous buffered system. The compounds are evaluated for their antitubercular and antibacterial activities. Compounds 2, 2a and 3f display strong antitubercular activity with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 26.68, 17.89 and 14.58 µM, respectively. Furthermore, derivative 3f exhibits antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus (minimum inhibitory concentration value of 29.16 µM). Isoxazoline derivatives of 1’- S-acetoxychavicol acetate demonstrate improvements in cytotoxicity, and derivative 3f of sclareol demonstrates improved antitubercular and antibacterial activities. Isoxazolines derived from natural products exhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) inhibitory activity, and molecular modelling predicts that they form hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with NADH and with the key residues of the InhA binding site.
Manifesto on the overuse of SABA in the management of asthma: new approaches and new strategies
Authors: Canonica Giorgio Walter , Paggiaro Pierluigi , Blasi Francesco , Musarra Antonino , Richeldi Luca , Rossi Andrea , Papi Alberto
Published: September 2021

The risks of overusing short-acting β2-agonists (SABA), including an increase in asthma-related deaths, are many and well known. The Global Initiative on Asthma (GINA) 2019 and 2020 updates recommend as-needed inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/formoterol as the preferred rescue medication in mild asthma as monotherapy and also in moderate to severe asthma when the maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) strategy is used. Using SABA for symptom relief, however, was the standard of treatment for many years, and consequently this practice persists, particularly in patients not taking ICS regularly. Here, we examine the rationale for this shift from a long-standing recommendation for as-needed SABA treatment to the use of as-needed ICS/formoterol and consider clinical evidence on strategies for asthma treatment and patient management.
Artificial intelligence: Current and future impact on general practice
Authors: Majekodunmi Adedeji
Published: September 2021

We live in an age where a vast amount of information is being generated daily and this, combined with advances in computational power, provides fertile ground for numerous applications of artificial intelligence (AI). In medicine, we continue to see ground-breaking applications of AI, for example, in the detection of abnormalities on X-rays, skin lesion diagnostics, retinal image diagnostics and symptom triage. These applications have raised questions about the safety, ethics and limitations of AI in clinical diagnosis and patient care. There is no doubt that AI has much to offer clinicians in primary and secondary care. This article explores current and future applications of AI in primary care.
Acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Evans Victoria , King Helen
Published: September 2021

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is a common medical and/or surgical emergency that can be caused by a range of diverse pathologies. Gastrointestinal Bleeding can be divided into upper and lower in nature, presenting in sometimes subtly different fashions, but with differing requirements for investigation and management. Prompt identification, risk stratification and treatment are required in order to minimise the ongoing significant morbidity and mortality rates associated with severe presentations of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Racial formations as data formations
Authors: Phan Thao , Wark Scott
Published: September 2021

This commentary uses Paul Gilroy’s controversial claim that new technoscientific processes are instituting an ‘end to race’ as a provocation to discuss the epistemological transformation of race in algorithmic culture. We situate Gilroy’s provocation within the context of an abolitionist agenda against racial-thinking, underscoring the relationship between his post-race polemic and a post-visual discourse. We then discuss the challenges of studying race within regimes of computation, which rely on structures that are, for the most part, opaque; in particular, modes of classification that operate through proxies and abstractions and that figure racialized bodies not as single, coherent subjects, but as shifting clusters of data. We argue that in this new regime, race emerges as an epiphenomenon of processes of classifying and sorting – what we call ‘racial formations as data formations’. This discussion is significant because it raises new theoretical, methodological and political questions for scholars of media and critical algorithmic studies. It asks: how are we supposed to think, to identify and to confront race and racialisation when they vanish into algorithmic systems that are beyond our perception? What becomes of racial formations in post-visual regimes?
Urinary incontinence secondary to a suspected congenital urethral deformity in a kitten
Authors: Henry Perrine , Schiavo Luca , Owen Laura , McCallum Katie E
Published: September 2021

Case summary

A 5-month-old entire male domestic shorthair kitten was referred for investigation of a month-long history of urinary incontinence. Clinical examination, baseline blood work and imaging (plain radiography and ultrasonography) were unremarkable. Urinalysis documented a urinary tract infection and a retrograde urethrocystogram revealed an outpouching of the pelvic urethra. Surgical exploration revealed the absence of the dorsal portion of the urethral wall in this section of pelvic urethra, replaced by an epithelial lined expanded ‘pouch’. The ventral aspect of the urethra appeared grossly normal. A modified perineal urethrostomy was performed to create an anastomosis of the urethral pouch to the skin of the perineum alongside conventional castration. The kitten made a full recovery and the incontinence resolved within 48 h. A congenital urethral diverticulum and secondary urinary tract infection were deemed the most likely aetiology in this case.

Relevance and novel information

Urethral diverticuli are a rare condition in veterinary medicine. To our knowledge, it has only been reported in two dogs and presumptively in one cat, all of which made a complete recovery after surgical intervention. The present case reports an unusual urethral deformity as a potential differential diagnosis for lower urinary tract signs in a young cat.
Science popularization and its ethical standpoint
Authors: Li Zhengfeng , Ma Jianquan
Published: September 2021

Science popularization has both academic and policy implications. With the rapid development and large-scale application of science and technology, the demand for science popularization has generally increased, and its status in social development has been significantly improved. New features and challenges have emerged, such as changes in popularization content, the modernization of communication methods and the diversification of participants. In addition, science popularization is also faced with many new ethical issues. These new conditions require deeper consideration about which ethical standpoints should be established in science popularization. Beginning with an analysis of the academic and policy implications of science popularization, this study combines the new characteristics of contemporary science popularization to analyse the ethical issues it faces. Finally, it proposes an ethical standpoint that should be maintained in science popularization from the perspectives of utilitarianism, deontology, contract theory and virtue theory, and provides suggestions for converting responsible science popularization initiatives into concrete actions.
Cultural Construction of Childhood: A Study Among the Tani and Monpa Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Monia L. P. , Chaudhuri Sarit K.
Published: September 2021

The present article attempts to analyse the cultural construction of childhood in the context of a few selected tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. The study of children is not only important as a subject for chalking out policies and programmes but as a whole, they are a different set of population that could make the society understand the crux of children issues and child development better.
Night-time Screen Media Use in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Somani Arif , Wiseman Aurora , Hickman Mary-Grace , Militello Sarah J. , Wiersma Rebecca E. , Vu Michelle T. , Goertzen Lexie , Shyne Michael , Kroupina Maria
Published: September 2021

This prospective observational study quantified screen media use within the night-time pre-sleep period in a pediatric intensive care unit and postulated possible implications. Seventy-five patients between the ages of newborn to 19 years old were observed 5 evenings per week for 3 weeks. Trained observers documented the patient’s screen use, type of screen used, screen engagement, sleep state, light level, and parental presence. Patients in the ICU had on average 65 minutes of screen media use, per evening. The total screen media use averaged 59 minutes for the 0 to18-month age group; 83 minutes for the 18 to 24-month age group; 66 minutes for 2 to 6 year olds; 72 minutes for 6 to 13 year olds; and 74 minutes for those above 13. This research demonstrates that children are engaging in more screen time during the night hours than is recommended by the AAP.
Disenfranchised: How Lower Income Mothers Navigated the Social Safety Net during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Elliott Sinikka , Satterfield Sierra J. , Solorzano G. , Bowen Sarah , Hardison-Moody Annie , Williams Latasha
Published: September 2021

Government programs and other forms of assistance act as critical safety nets in times of crisis. The federal government’s initial response to coronavirus disease 2019 represented a significant increase in the welfare state, but the provisions enacted were not permanent and did not reach all families. Drawing on interviews with 54 lower-income mothers and grandmothers, we analyze how families navigated the safety net to access food during the pandemic. Pandemic aid served as a critical support for many families, but participants also described gaps and barriers. Following the argument that food is a basic human right, we identify how mothers encountered three forms of disenfranchisement: being denied or experiencing delayed public benefits, being afraid to access assistance, and receiving paltry or inedible emergency food. We conclude by arguing for an expanded social safety net that broadens access to necessary food resources before, during, and after crises such as the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Satisfaction of General Versus Specialized Continuity Clinic in Hematology Oncology Fellowship Training: A Survey
Authors: Ilyas Sama , Murphy Martina , Duff Jennifer , Close Julia
Published: September 2021

Background:

At the University of Florida (UF), hematology-oncology (HO) fellows participate in 2 general types of continuity clinic as part of their fellowship training. One clinic, at the Veterans Hospital (VA), allows fellows to care for patients with a variety of hematology oncology diagnoses in a general clinic setting. The other clinic, located at the university site, is disease or system specific (such as breast or GI clinic). Considerable research supports the value of continuity clinic in residency and fellowship training, but the differences in having a general versus specialized clinic for HO fellows have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived differences of general versus specialized continuity clinics by recent HO graduates from UF. Specifically, we were interested in learning which features of a continuity clinic they felt were most impactful for their current clinical practice.

Methods:

An anonymous survey was sent to the last 6 graduating classes of HO fellows at UF, between years of 2013 and 2018. The survey contained short demographic questions, followed by 5 open ended questions pertaining to the differing continuity clinic experiences. Graduates were asked about their opinions of both the general and specialized clinics during their training at UF. Survey responses were reviewed and coded for common themes by the authors.

Results:

Of 28 graduating fellows surveyed, 13 responded to the survey (response rate 46%). In thematic review of survey responses, the most common themes that emerged concerned autonomy, level of supervision, and the diversity of the patient population. A majority of respondents felt they had more autonomy and personal responsibility at the VA general clinic, but less direct supervision than at the specialized clinics. They also believed they got a broader exposure to different disease types at the VA general clinic. Surveyed participants also commented on the quality of educational seminars and activities, preceptor expertise and teaching, and ability to observe cutting edge practice and clinical trials.

Conclusions:

Graduated oncology fellows from UF believe that there is a balance that exists between having autonomy and ownership of their patients versus having adequate supervision. Many believe that having “controlled autonomy” and “as much independence as is safe for patients” is key to a meaningful continuity clinic experience during oncology fellowship training.
Risk Factors for 30‐Day Mortality After Head and Neck Microsurgical Reconstruction for Cancer: NSQIP Analysis
Authors: Ali Barkat , Choi EunHo Eunice , Barlas Venus , Petersen Timothy R. , Menon Nathan G. , Morrell Nathan T.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To identify the incidence and risk factors for 30‐day postoperative mortality after microsurgical head and neck reconstruction following oncological resection.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Setting

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database.

Methods

Microsurgical head and neck reconstructive cases were identified from 2005 to 2018 using Current Procedural Terminology codes and oncologic procedures using the International Classification of Disease 9 and 10 codes. The outcome of interest was 30‐day mortality.

Results

The 30‐day postoperative mortality rate was 1.2%. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified the following associations: age >80 years, hypertension, poor functional status, preoperative wound infection, renal insufficiency, malnutrition, anemia, and prolonged operating time. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to stratify further by the degree of malnutrition and anemia. Hematocrit <30% was found to be an independent risk factor for 30‐day postoperative mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 9.59, confidence interval [CI] 2.32‐39.65, P <. 1) with albumin <3.5 g/dL. This association was even stronger with albumin <2.5 g/dL (OR = 11.64, CI 3.06‐44.25, P <. 01). One‐third of patients (36.6%) had preoperative anemia, of which less than 1% required preoperative transfusion, although one‐quarter (24.6%) required intraoperative or 72 hours postoperative transfusion.

Conclusions

Preoperative anemia is a risk factor for 30‐day postoperative mortality. This association seems to get stronger with worsening anemia. Identification and optimization of such patients preoperatively may mitigate the incidence of 30‐day postoperative mortality.
Clinical and Radiological Profile of Patients Presenting With Isolated Acute Cerebellar Infarct: A Single Tertiary Center 3 Years Retrospective Study From Central Stroke Unit, Muscat, Oman
Authors: Hashmi Amal M. Al , Aaron Sanjith , Sinani Ahmed Al , Pancharatnam Divyan
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Cerebellar infarct can present with a broad spectrum of clinical and radiographic features. Recognizing this spectrum is extremely important for prompt diagnosis and to avoid morbidity and mortality.

Objective:

To identify the clinical and radiological profile of patients presenting with isolated acute cerebellar infarct.

Methods:

Retrospective study carried out at the central stroke unit of Oman over 27 months. Only patients with isolated acute cerebellar infarct confirmed by either magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography (CT) were included in this study. A total of 76 cases were identified.

Results:

Isolated cerebellar infarct constituted 4% of all acute ischemic strokes treated during the study period. Gait imbalance and difficulty in articulating were seen in 30/48 (63%) and 12/48 patients (25%), respectively. Ataxia and nystagmus were the main signs seen 30/48 (63%) and 10/48 (21%), respectively. Large artery atherosclerosis comprised 15/48 (31%), of the underlying etiology. Normal and complete posterior circulation was seen only in 6/36 (17%). Unilateral or bilateral hypoplasia or absence of posterior communicating artery (PCOM) were the commonest variants seen in our patients. The cerebellar arterial territory most commonly involved in this series was posterior inferior cerebellar artery (58%). Infarct extension was seen in 10/48 patients (21%), with 4/10 (40%) having bilateral absent PCOM followed by 2/10 (20%) normal posterior circulation.

Conclusions:

Acute gait imbalance and difficulty in articulating can be the only presenting symptoms in isolated cerebellar infarct. Plain CT in the acute phase can miss such infarcts in up to 46% cases. The majority of cases had an incomplete anatomy of the posterior circulation.
In situ synthesis of zeolites by geopolymerization with NaOH/KOH mixed solution and their potential application for Cd(II) immobilization in paddy soil
Authors: Wu Di , Huang Yi , Xiao Guqing , Li Xuan , Yao Xia , Deng Zixuan , Tan Rui
Published: September 2021

Geopolymers can be transformed into zeolites under certain synthesis conditions. However, zeolite formation is not frequently reported in KOH-activated geopolymers. This study attempted to explore zeolite synthesis through geopolymerization for a curing time of 24 h using mixed NaOH/KOH alkaline solution as an activator, and then applying the geopolymer-supported zeolites to immobilize Cd(II) in paddy soil. The K2O/M2O–H2O/SiO2 and K2O/M2O–OH–/SiO2 binary zeolite crystallization phase diagrams were obtained. Zeolite A, faujasite and sodalite formed at lower K2O/M2O molar ratios (0–0.2), ferrierite formation was favoured at a K2O/M2O molar ratio of 0.2–0.4 and zeolite K-I and zeolite F-K (both K-zeolites) were observed at a K2O/M2O molar ratio of 0.6. The geopolymer-supported zeolites had micropores and mesopores and specific surface area values of 44.2–74.8 m2 g–1. The material displayed a considerable Cd(II) immobilization efficiency (55.6–58.7% at 4–6 wt.% addition of zeolite).
Efficacy of galcanezumab in patients with migraine and history of failure to 3–4 preventive medication categories: subgroup analysis from CONQUER study
Authors: Okonkwo Rose , Tockhorn-Heidenreich Antje , Stroud Chad , Paget Marie-Ange , Matharu Manjit S. , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: September 2021

Background

Chronic migraine (CM) and episodic migraine (EM) are associated with substantial headache-related disability, poor quality of life and global societal burden. In this subgroup analysis from the CONQUER study, we report efficacy outcomes from a pre-specified analysis of galcanezumab versus placebo in patients with CM or EM and 3–4 prior preventive medication category failures due to inadequate efficacy (after at least 2 months at maximum tolerated dose), or safety or tolerability reasons. The patient population is of particular interest due to evidence of decreased quality of life and increased economic burden among patients with migraine that is inadequately managed and is of interest to decision-makers globally.

Methods

Key outcomes included overall mean change from baseline in monthly migraine headache days and proportions of patients achieving ≥30% (CM), ≥50%, and ≥ 75% reduction (response rates) in monthly migraine headache days across Months 1–3. Patient functioning and disability were evaluated at Month 3.

Results

Of the 462 randomized patients, 186 (40.3%) had a history of 3–4 preventive category failures. Galcanezumab versus placebo resulted in significantly (P ≤ .001) larger overall mean reduction in monthly migraine headache days (total: − 5.49 versus − 1.03; CM: − 6.70 versus − 1.56; EM: − 3.64 versus − 0.65). Similarly, the ≥50% response rate was significantly (P ≤ .001) higher with galcanezumab versus placebo (total: 41.0 versus 12.7; CM: 41.5 versus 8.4; EM: 41.1 versus 16.5). In the CM group, the ≥30% response rate was significantly higher in the galcanezumab group than the placebo group (CM, 57.5 versus 19.8, P ≤ .0001) as was the ≥75% response rate (13.3 versus 2.6, P ≤ .05). Galcanezumab also resulted in significant (P < .0001) improvements in patient functioning and reductions in disability.

Conclusions

Galcanezumab was effective in a difficult-to-treat population of patients with CM or EM who had failed 3–4 prior preventive medication categories.

Trial registration

CONQUER. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03559257.
Intracellular targeting of Cisd2/Miner1 to the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Bian Claudie , Marchetti Anna , Hammel Philippe , Cosson Pierre
Published: September 2021

Background

Cisd1 and Cisd2 proteins share very similar structures with an N-terminal membrane-anchoring domain and a C-terminal cytosolic domain containing an iron-cluster binding domain and ending with a C-terminal KKxx sequence. Despite sharing a similar structure, Cisd1 and Cisd2 are anchored to different compartments: mitochondria for Cisd1 and endoplasmic reticulum for Cisd2. The aim of this study was to identify the protein motifs targeting Cisd2 to the ER and ensuring its retention in this compartment.

Results

We used new recombinant antibodies to localize Cisd1 and Cisd2 proteins, as well as various protein chimeras. Cisd2 is targeted to the ER by its N-terminal sequence. It is then retained in the ER by the combined action of a C-terminal COPI-binding KKxx ER retrieval motif, and of an ER-targeting transmembrane domain. As previously reported for Cisd1, Cisd2 can alter the morphology of the compartment in which it accumulates.

Conclusion

Although they share a very similar structure, Cisd1 and Cisd2 use largely different intracellular targeting motifs to reach their target compartment (mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively).
Global identification of long non-coding RNAs involved in the induction of spinach flowering
Authors: Ghorbani Fatemeh , Abolghasemi Reza , Haghighi Maryam , Etemadi Nematollah , Wang Shui , Karimi Marzieh , Soorni Aboozar
Published: September 2021

Background

Spinach is a beneficial annual vegetable species and sensitive to the bolting or early flowering, which causes a large reduction in quality and productivity. Indeed, bolting is an event induced by the coordinated effects of various environmental factors and endogenous genetic components. Although some key flowering responsive genes have been identified in spinach, non-coding RNA molecules like long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were not investigated yet. Herein, we used bioinformatic approaches to analyze the transcriptome datasets from two different accessions Viroflay and Kashan at two vegetative and reproductive stages to reveal novel lncRNAs and the construction of the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network. Additionally, correlations among gene expression modules and phenotypic traits were investigated; day to flowering was chosen as our interesting trait.

Results

In the present study, we identified a total of 1141 lncRNAs, of which 111 were differentially expressed between vegetative and reproductive stages. The GO and KEGG analyses carried out on the cis target gene of lncRNAs showed that the lncRNAs play an important role in the regulation of flowering spinach. Network analysis pinpointed several well-known flowering-related genes such as ELF, COL1, FLT, and FPF1 and also some putative TFs like MYB, WRKY, GATA, and MADS-box that are important regulators of flowering in spinach and could be potential targets for lncRNAs.

Conclusions

This study is the first report on identifying bolting and flowering-related lncRNAs based on transcriptome sequencing in spinach, which provides a useful resource for future functional genomics studies, genes expression researches, evaluating genes regulatory networks and molecular breeding programs in the regulation of the genetic mechanisms related to bolting in spinach.
Chloroplast genomes of five Oedogonium species: genome structure, phylogenetic analysis and adaptive evolution
Authors: Xiong Qian , Hu Yuxin , Lv Wenqi , Wang Qinghua , Liu Guoxiang , Hu Zhengyu
Published: September 2021

Background

The order Oedogoniales within the single family Oedogoniaceae comprised of three genera,Oedogonium,Oedocladium,andBulbochaetebased on traditional morphological criteria. While several molecular phylogenetic studies have suggested that bothOedogoniumandOedocladiummay not be monophyletic, broader taxon sampling and large amounts of molecular data acquisition could help to resolve the phylogeny and evolutionary problems of this order. This study determined five chloroplast (cp) genomes ofOedogoniumspecies and aimed to provide further information on cp genome for a better understanding of the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of the order Oedogoniales.

Results

The fiveOedogoniumcp genomes showed typical quadripartite and circular structures, and were relatively conserved in their structure, gene synteny, and inverted repeats boundaries in general, except for small variation in genome sizes, AT contents, introns, and repeats. Phylogenetic analyses based on 54 cp protein-coding genes examined by maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses using amino acid and nucleotide datasets indicated that bothOedocladiumandOedogoniumare polyphyletic groups. A positively selected gene (psbA) was identified in the twoOedocladiumspecies and the terrestrialOedogoniumspecies, indicating that terrestrial Oedogoniales taxa may have undergone adaptive evolution to adjust to the difference in light intensity between aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

Conclusions

Our results enrich the data on cp genomes of the genusOedogonium. The availability of these cp genomes can help in understanding the cp genome characteristics and resolve phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of the order Oedogoniales.
MetaGeneBank: a standardized database to study deep sequenced metagenomic data from human fecal specimen
Authors: Shao Li , Liao Jie , Qian Jingyang , Chen Wenbin , Fan Xiaohui
Published: September 2021

Background

Microbiome big data from population-scale cohorts holds the key to unleash the power of microbiomes to overcome critical challenges in disease control, treatment and precision medicine. However, variations introduced during data generation and processing limit the comparisons among independent studies in respect of interpretability. Although multiple databases have been constructed as platforms for data reuse, they are of limited value since only raw sequencing files are considered.

Description

Here, we present MetaGeneBank, a standardized database that provides details on sample collection and sequencing, and abundances of genes, microbiota and molecular functions for 4470 raw sequencing files (over 12 TB) collected from 16 studies covering over 10 types of diseases and 14 countries using a unified data-processing pipeline. The incorporation of tools that enable browsing and searching with descriptive attributes, gene sequences, microbiota and functions makes the database user-friendly. We found that the source of specimen contributes more than sequencing centers or platforms to the variations of microbiota. Special attention should be paid when re-analyzing sequencing files from different countries.

Conclusions

Collectively, MetaGeneBank provides a gateway to utilize the untapped potential of gut metagenomic data in helping fighting against human diseases. With the continuous updating of the database in terms of data volume, data types and sample types, MetaGeneBank would undoubtedly be the benchmarking database in the future in respect of data reuse, and would be valuable in translational science.