bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Two-Phase CFD Air/Mist Film Cooling Model With Experimental Details—Part I: Development of an Experimental Test Facility
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhao Lei , Abdelmaksoud Ramy
Published: May 2022

Film cooling is a cooling technique widely used in high-performance gas turbines to protect the turbine airfoils from being damaged by hot flue gases. Motivated by the need to further improve the turbine hot section cooling performance, a mist/air film cooling scheme is investigated. A small amount of tiny water droplets with an average diameter of about 7 µm (mist) is injected into the cooling air to enhance the cooling performance. One key feature in understanding mist cooling is the ability to capture droplet information. In order to thoroughly investigate a two-phase flow, experimental and computational studies are needed. Designing an experimental setup for a two-phase flow experiment is challenging, therefore, the authors will dedicate this paper as Part I to discuss all the challenges faced in order to create a successful experimental facility for air/mist film cooling while Part II will discuss how to conduct a high-fidelity computational model for air/mist film cooling accompanied with a validation study by including detailed experimental conditions. This paper presents the experimental facility and instrumentation of an air/mist film cooling study with both heat transfer and droplet measurements. A wind tunnel system and test facilities are built. A phase doppler particle analyzer (PDPA) system is employed to measure the two-phase flow characteristics, including droplet size, droplet dynamics, velocity, and turbulence. An infrared camera and thermocouples are both used for temperature measurements. An extensive uncertainty analysis is performed to assist in identifying large uncertainty sources and planning for an experimental procedure. It was found during the experiment design process that resolving the mist agglomeration problem is the key in successfully generating a well-controlled mist/air mixture and reducing experimental uncertainties. The test apparatus has proven to serve the purpose well to investigate mist/air film cooling with both heat transfer and droplet measurements. Selected experimental data are presented.
Validation of a Two-Phase CFD Air/Mist Film Cooling Model With Experimental Details—Part II: Computational Model Validation
Authors: Abdelmaksoud Ramy , Wang Ting , Zhao Lei
Published: May 2022

In this Part II of the paper, a numerical study has been performed to validate the multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model by comparing its results to the experimental data of an air/mist film cooling study presented in Part I. The complete experimental test section was simulated including all the details such as five holes, side walls effect, partially opened top wall, the conjugate bottom wall, the initial droplet distributions from the actual data, and the long boundary layer developing region upstream of the cooling holes. The effects of different particle distributions, the breakup and coalescence models, and the conjugate wall on the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness were investigated. The multiphase CFD model employs an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. The Eulerian method is used for the continuous phase including air and water vapor, and the Lagrangian method in terms of the discrete phase model (DPM) is used to simulate the dispersed phase of liquid droplets in a continuous phase of air–water vapor mixture. The overall consistency between the computational prediction and experimental data is within 0.2% for the air-only case and 7% for the mist case. The results showed that considering the wall using the conjugate heat transfer technique significantly provided better agreement with the experimental data than without including the wall. The non-uniform particle distribution provided better agreement with the experimental results near the film cooling hole exit.
Numerical Study of Double-Jet Film Cooling on a Semi-Cylindrical Leading Edge
Authors: Hang Jin , Zhang Jing-Zhou
Published: May 2022

A numerical investigation is performed for double-jet film cooling (DJFC) on a semi-cylindrical leading edge under four momentum flux ratios. Three rows of film cooling holes are distributed on the leading edge, wherein DJFC units are applied at ± 30 deg lines and the film cooling holes at the stagnation line remain in cylindrical shape in the baseline case. Totally, nine cases of DJFC units are designed by altering the spanwise spacing, streamwise spacing, and streamwise injection angle, while keeping the spanwise injection angle unchanged. The results show that proper layout of DJFC unit produces a “branched” spreading feature of jet trajectories, attributed to the formation of the anti-kidney vortex pair. Evaluated in the spatially averaged results on the semi-cylindrical leading-edge surface, DJFC could increase the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness up 20% at I = 1.3 with respect to the baseline case. Among the current geometric parameters in the DJFC unit, the spanwise spacing is an important parameter affecting the jet spreading feature. In relative to the spanwise spacing, the streamwise injection angle shows a weaker influence on vortical structures in the downstream flowfield. A larger spanwise spacing produces a greater adiabatic film cooling effectiveness but also a little bigger heat transfer coefficient. A similar trend is also demonstrated for the streamwise injection angle. The streamwise spacing has nearly no influence on the spatially averaged heat transfer coefficient. A smaller streamwise spacing is more promising for increasing adiabatic film cooling effectiveness.
Effect of electrochemical cycling on microstructures of nanocomposite silicon electrodes using hyperpolarized 129Xe and 7Li NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Mao Yougang , Karan Naba K. , Kumar Ravi , Hopson Russell , Guduru Pradeep R. , Sheldon Brian W. , Wang Li-Qiong
Published: May 2022

The microstructural stability of composite electrodes during electrochemical cycling is critically important as it dictates the performance of Li-ion batteries. The issue becomes even more important for the high capacity alloying anode such as silicon that typically exhibits dramatic lithiation–delithiation-induced volume changes. The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formed on the active electrode surface has a profound effect on the overall microstructural stability of composite electrodes. An ideal SEI layer allows Li+ ions in and out of the electrode, but is an insulator to electrons, preventing the electrolyte from being further reduced. However, the SEI layers formed during initial lithiation may experience changes or degradation with subsequent cycling, adversely affecting the electrode performance. A combination of hyperpolarized 129Xe and 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies was applied to probe the microstructures of nanocomposite silicon electrodes at various stages of the lithiation–delithiation cycle. The results obtained from this study shed light on the degradation mechanism of nanocomposite Si electrodes upon electrochemical cycling and should prove useful in the effort to design more robust electrodes in the future.
Statistical analysis and hybrid modeling of high-frequency underwater acoustic channels affected by wind-driven surface waves
Authors: Tu Xingbin , Xu Xiaomei , Song Aijun
Published: May 2022

High frequency is a solution to high data-rate underwater acoustic communications. Extensive studies have been conducted on high-frequency (>40 kHz) acoustic channels, which are strongly susceptible to surface waves. The corresponding channel statistics related to acoustic communications, however, still deserve systematic investigation. Here, an efficient channel modeling method based on statistical analysis is proposed. Three wind-associated environmental models are integrated into this hybrid model. The Texel-Marsen-Arsole spectral model is adopted to generate a three-dimensional shallow-water surface, which affects the Doppler shifts of large-scale paths. Small-scale micropaths are statistically analyzed and modeled according to the measured channels. The Hall-Novarini model is adopted to simulate the refraction and attenuation caused by wind-generated bubbles. An existing wind-generated noise model is applied to calculate the noise spectrum. The proposed model has been validated by the at-sea measurements collected in the Gulf of Mexico in 2016 and 2017. This model can be used to further analyze the channels at different carrier frequencies, bandwidths, and wind speeds for certain transmission conditions.
First source-to-sink monitoring shows dense head controls sediment flux and runout in turbidity currents
Authors: Pope Ed L. , Cartigny Matthieu J. B. , Clare Michael A. , Talling Peter J. , Lintern D. Gwyn , Vellinga Age , Hage Sophie , Açikalin Sanem , Bailey Lewis , Chapplow Natasha , Chen Ye , Eggenhuisen Joris T. , Hendry Alison , Heerema Catharina J. , Heijnen Maarten S. , Hubbard Stephen M. , Hunt James E. , McGhee Claire , Parsons Daniel R. , Simmons Stephen M. , Stacey Cooper D. , Vendettuoli Daniela
Published: May 2022

Until recently, despite being one of the most important sediment transport phenomena on Earth, few direct measurements of turbidity currents existed. Consequently, their structure and evolution were poorly understood, particularly whether they are dense or dilute. Here, we analyze the largest number of turbidity currents monitored to date from source to sink. We show sediment transport and internal flow characteristic evolution as they runout. Observed frontal regions (heads) are fast (>1.5 m/s), thin (<10 m), dense (depth averaged concentrations up to 38%vol), strongly stratified, and dominated by grain-to-grain interactions, or slower (<1 m/s), dilute (<0.01%vol), and well mixed with turbulence supporting sediment. Between these end-members, a transitional flow head exists. Flow bodies are typically thick, slow, dilute, and well mixed. Flows with dense heads stretch and bulk up with dense heads transporting up to 1000 times more sediment than the dilute body. Dense heads can therefore control turbidity current sediment transport and runout into the deep sea.
Valence-induced jumps in coacervate properties
Authors: Yang Mo , Digby Zachary A. , Chen Yuhui , Schlenoff Joseph B.
Published: May 2022

Spontaneous phase separation, or coacervation, of oppositely charged macromolecules is a powerful and ubiquitous mechanism for the assembly of natural and synthetic materials. Two critical triggering phenomena in coacervation science and technology are highlighted here. The first is the transition from one (mixed) to two (separated) phases of polyelectrolytes coacervated with small molecules upon the addition of one or two charges per molecule. The second is a large jump in coacervate modulus and viscosity mediated by the addition of just one additional charge to a three-charged system. This previously unknown viscoelastic transition is relevant to those aspects of disease states that are characterized by abnormal mechanical properties and irreversible assembly.
Accelerated sea-level rise is suppressing CO
2
stimulation of tidal marsh productivity: A 33-year study
Authors: Zhu Chunwu , Langley J. Adam , Ziska Lewis H. , Cahoon Donald R. , Megonigal J. Patrick
Published: May 2022

Accelerating relative sea-level rise (RSLR) is threatening coastal wetlands. However, rising CO
2
concentrations may also stimulate carbon sequestration and vertical accretion, counterbalancing RSLR. A coastal wetland dominated by a C
3
plant species was exposed to ambient and elevated levels of CO
2
in situ from 1987 to 2019 during which time ambient CO
2
concentration increased 18% and sea level rose 23 cm. Plant production did not increase in response to gradually rising ambient CO
2
concentration during this period. Elevated CO
2
increased shoot production relative to ambient CO
2
for the first two decades, but from 2005 to 2019, elevated CO
2
stimulation of production was diminished. The decline coincided with increases in relative sea level above a threshold that hindered root productivity. While elevated CO
2
stimulation of elevation gain has the potential to moderate the negative impacts of RSLR on tidal wetland productivity, benefits for coastal wetland resilience will diminish in the long term as rates of RSLR accelerate.
Advances and future outlooks in soft robotics for minimally invasive marine biology
Authors: Gruber David F. , Wood Robert J.
Published: May 2022

This Viewpoint describes interdisciplinary research that aims to maximize understanding of deep marine life, while concurrently being minimally invasive. We describe the synthesis of multiple modern approaches (spanning robotics, biology, biomechanics, engineering, imaging, and genomic sequencing) and present future directions that hold the potential for a paradigm shift in marine biology.
Partial ORF1ab Gene Target Failure with Omicron BA.2.12.1
Authors: Rodino Kyle G. , Peaper David R. , Kelly Brendan J. , Bushman Frederic , Marques Andrew , Adhikari Hriju , Tu Zheng Jin , Marrero Rolon Rebecca , Westblade Lars F. , Green Daniel A. , Berry Gregory J. , Wu Fann , Annavajhala Medini K. , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Parikh Bijal A. , McMillen Tracy , Jani Krupa , Babady N. Esther , Hahn Anne M. , Koch Robert T. , Grubaugh Nathan D. ,   Yale SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance Initiative, Rhoads Daniel D.
Published: May 2022

Mutations in the genome of SARS-CoV-2 can affect the performance of molecular diagnostic assays. In some cases, such as S-gene target failure, the impact can serve as a unique indicator of a particular SARS-CoV-2 variant and provide a method for rapid detection.
Mutations in Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus nsp1 Cause Increased Viral Sensitivity to Host Interferon Responses and Attenuation
In Vivo
Authors: Niu Xiaoyu , Kong Fanzhi , Xu Jiayu , Liu Mingde , Wang Qiuhong
Published: May 2022

PEDV causes porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) and remains a great threat to the swine industry worldwide because no effective vaccines are available yet. Safe and effective live attenuated vaccines can be designed using reverse genetics to induce lactogenic immunity in pregnant sows to protect piglets from the deadly PED.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Clostridium botulinum Group II Strains Carrying Phage-Like Plasmids
Authors: Cadieux Brigitte , Lawal Opeyemi U. , Emond-Rheault Jean-Guillaume , Jeukens Julie , Freschi Luca , Kukavica-Ibrulj Irena , Levesque Roger C. , Austin John W. , Goodridge Lawrence
Published: May 2022

Clostridium botulinum
is responsible for botulism, a potentially lethal foodborne intoxication. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of
C. botulinum
group II strains 202F (serotype F) and Hazen (serotype E). The genomes share many similarities, including multiple mobile genetic elements.
Draft Genome Sequence of Arctic, Heavy Metal-Resistant
Agrococcus
sp. Strain ARC_14 Isolated from Active Layer of Permafrost from Spitsbergen (Norway)
Authors: Dziurzynski Mikolaj , Rokowska Anna , Gorecki Adrian , Decewicz Przemyslaw , Szych Anna , Dziewit Lukasz
Published: May 2022

Extreme environmental conditions observed in polar regions create a unique ecological niche for microbial life. Bacteria living under these harsh, environmental conditions exhibit specific metabolic capabilities. In this report, we present multimetal-resistant
Agrococcus
sp. strain ARC_14, isolated from soil samples collected in Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway.
Draft Genome Sequence for Klebsiella michiganensis B199A, Originally Identified as Enterobacter aerogenes
Authors: Igo Matthew J. , Schaffner Donald W.
Published: May 2022

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of a strain of
Klebsiella michiganensis
originally identified as
Enterobacter aerogenes
B199A. This strain has been used as a
Salmonella
surrogate to study the effectiveness of handwashing and measure cross-contamination to and from a wide variety of surfaces and foods.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Tea Plant Necrotic Ring Blotch Virus
Detected from a Tea Plant in Japan
Authors: Maruyama Noriko , Iwabuchi Nozomu , Nishikawa Masanobu , Nijo Takamichi , Yoshida Tetsuya , Kitazawa Yugo , Maejima Kensaku , Namba Shigetou , Yamaji Yasuyuki
Published: May 2022

We report the complete genome sequence of a Japanese isolate of
Tea plant necrotic ring blotch virus
(TPNRBV-J). The predicted TPNRBV-J genes have the same organization as those of a Chinese isolate, and the 5′ termini of the segments have conserved nucleotide sequences.
Development of an Effective Nontoxigenic Clostridioides difficile–Based Oral Vaccine against C. difficile Infection
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Zhu Duolong , Sun Xingmin
Published: May 2022

Clostridioides difficile
is an enteric pathogen, and symptoms of
C. difficile
infection (CDI) are mainly by two exotoxins TcdA and TcdB. Active vaccination is cost-effective approach to prevent CDI and high rates of recurrence.
Utility of Polymerase Chain Reaction in Nasopharyngeal Swabs for Identifying Respiratory Bacteria Causing Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Demars Yoris , Brahier Thomas , Rotzinger David C. , Brouillet René , Jaton Katia , Opota Onya , Boillat-Blanco Noémie
Published: May 2022

Timely identification of a pathogen in patients with lower respiratory tract infections is of paramount importance to avoid inappropriate antibiotic prescription. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a rapid syndromic molecular assay in nasopharyngeal swabs for identifying the most common bacterial causes of lower respiratory tract infections in adults (
Streptococcus pneumoniae
,
Haemophilus influenzae
, and
Moraxella catarrhalis
).
Dynamic Distribution of Gut Microbiota in Pigs at Different Growth Stages: Composition and Contribution
Authors: Luo Yuheng , Ren Wen , Smidt Hauke , Wright André-Denis G. , Yu Bing , Schyns Ghislain , McCormack Ursula M. , Cowieson Aaron J. , Yu Jie , He Jun , Yan Hui , Wu Jinlong , Mackie Roderick I. , Chen Daiwen
Published: May 2022

The ban on feed antibiotics by more and more countries, and the expected ban on ZnO in feed supplementation from 2022 in the EU, urge researchers and pig producers to search for new alternatives. One possible alternative is to use the so-called “next-generation probiotics (NGPs)” derived from gastrointestinal tract.
Therapy-resistant dermatomyositis with extensive ‘lumbar belt’ calcinosis
Authors: Linan-Barroso Juan Manuel , Gonzalez-Estrada Alexei , García-Morillo Jose Salvador
Published: May 2022

Calcinosis cutis (CC) is the umbrella term for calcium salt deposition on skin and subcutaneous tissue. We present a unique case of CC associated with anti-Mi2-positive dermatomyositis, having a distinctive distribution of subcutaneous calcifications appearing as a ‘lumbar belt’. Treatment of CC remains challenging for clinicians due to a lack of high-quality evidence. Corticosteroids, methotrexate, bisphosphonates, intravenous immunoglobulin replacement, rituximab and sodium thiosulfate failed to halt calcinosis progression in this case. Newer therapies, such as Janus kinase inhibitors, should be considered.
Diagnostic evaluation and cardiopulmonary exercise test findings in young athletes with persistent symptoms following COVID-19
Authors: Moulson Nathaniel , Gustus Sarah K , Scirica Christina , Petek Bradley J , Vanatta Caroyln , Churchill Timothy W , Guseh James Sawalla , Baggish Aaron , Wasfy Meagan M
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Persistent or late-onset cardiopulmonary symptoms following COVID-19 may occur in athletes despite a benign initial course. We examined the yield of cardiac evaluation, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), in athletes with cardiopulmonary symptoms after COVID-19, compared CPETs in these athletes and those without COVID-19 and evaluated longitudinal changes in CPET with improvement in symptoms.

Methods

This prospective cohort study evaluated young (18–35 years old) athletes referred for cardiopulmonary symptoms that were present>28 days from COVID-19 diagnosis. CPET findings in post-COVID athletes were compared with a matched reference group of healthy athletes without COVID-19. Post-COVID athletes underwent repeat CPET between 3 and 6 months after initial evaluation.

Results

Twenty-one consecutive post-COVID athletes with cardiopulmonary symptoms (21.9±3.9 years old, 43% female) were evaluated 3.0±2.1 months after diagnosis. No athlete had active inflammatory heart disease. CPET reproduced presenting symptoms in 86%. Compared with reference athletes (n=42), there was similar peak VO2but a higher prevalence of abnormal spirometry (42%) and low breathing reserve (42%). Thirteen athletes (62%) completed longitudinal follow-up (4.8±1.9 months). The majority (69%) had reduction in cardiopulmonary symptoms, accompanied by improvement in peak VO2and oxygen pulse, and reduction in resting and peak heart rate (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Despite a high burden of cardiopulmonary symptoms after COVID-19, no athlete had active inflammatory heart disease. CPET was clinically useful to reproduce symptoms with either normal testing or identification of abnormal spirometry as a potential therapeutic target. Improvement in post-COVID symptoms was accompanied by improvements in CPET parameters.
Importance of sex and gender factors for COVID-19 infection and hospitalisation: a sex-stratified analysis using machine learning in UK Biobank data
Authors: Azizi Zahra , Shiba Yumika , Alipour Pouria , Maleki Farhad , Raparelli Valeria , Norris Colleen , Forghani Reza , Pilote Louise , El Emam Khaled
Published: May 2022

Objective

To examine sex and gender roles in COVID-19 test positivity and hospitalisation in sex-stratified predictive models using machine learning.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

UK Biobank prospective cohort.

Participants

Participants tested between 16 March 2020 and 18 May 2020 were analysed.

Main outcome measures

The endpoints of the study were COVID-19 test positivity and hospitalisation. Forty-two individuals’ demographics, psychosocial factors and comorbidities were used as likely determinants of outcomes. Gradient boosting machine was used for building prediction models.

Results

Of 4510 individuals tested (51.2% female, mean age=68.5±8.9 years), 29.4% tested positive. Males were more likely to be positive than females (31.6% vs 27.3%, p=0.001). In females, living in more deprived areas, lower income, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, working night shifts and living with a greater number of family members were associated with a higher likelihood of COVID-19 positive test. While in males, greater body mass index and LDL to HDL ratio were the factors associated with a positive test. Older age and adverse cardiometabolic characteristics were the most prominent variables associated with hospitalisation of test-positive patients in both overall and sex-stratified models.

Conclusion

High-risk jobs, crowded living arrangements and living in deprived areas were associated with increased COVID-19 infection in females, while high-risk cardiometabolic characteristics were more influential in males. Gender-related factors have a greater impact on females; hence, they should be considered in identifying priority groups for COVID-19 infection vaccination campaigns.
Effects of switching from a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor to oral semaglutide on glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes: protocol for a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, parallel-group comparison study (the SWITCH-SEMA 2 study)
Authors: Nomoto Hiroshi , Furusawa Sho , Nakamura Akinobu , Takeuchi Jun , Nagai So , Yokoyama Hiroki , Sakuma Ichiro , Taneda Shinji , Kurihara Yoshio , Aoki Shin , Miya Aika , Kameda Hiraku , Cho Kyu Yong , Atsumi Tatsuya , Miyoshi Hideaki
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Incretin-based therapies exert antihyperglycaemic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a blood glucose concentration-dependent fashion. The first-in-class oral glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist semaglutide has potent effects on glycaemic and weight control, but little evidence has been published for the superiority of semaglutide for glycaemic control in patients after switching from a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. Therefore, we aim to verify the efficacy of oral semaglutide in patients with T2D being treated with a DPP-4 inhibitor.

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, parallel-group trial. In total, 172 participants with T2D who have been treated with a DPP-4 inhibitor for more than 12 weeks and who have a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 7.0%–9.9% will be randomised to continue using their existing DPP-4 inhibitor or switch to oral semaglutide for 24 weeks. Biochemical analyses and physical assessment will be performed, and adverse events will be recorded at baseline and at the end of the study. The primary endpoint will be the effect of oral semaglutide on the change in HbA1c. The secondary endpoints will be the mean changes in body weight, abdominal circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, the relationship between improvement of metabolic parameters including HbA1c and patient background characteristics, side effects and other laboratory parameters.

Ethics and dissemination

This will be the first study to compare the effects of switching from a DPP-4 inhibitor to oral semaglutide on glycaemic control in patients with T2D. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. Hokkaido University Certified Review Board (CRB no.1180001) has approved the protocol (no. 020–013).

Trial registration number

UMIN000045270 in the University Hospital Medical Information Network; jRCT1011210032 in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials.
Cross-sectional internet survey exploring women’s knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding urinary tract infection-related symptoms in the Netherlands
Authors: Cox Stefan Martinus Leonardus , van Hoof Minke W E M , Lo-A-Foe Kelly , Dinant Geert-Jan , Oudhuis Guy J , Savelkoul Paul , Cals Jochen W L , de Bont Eefje G P M
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most prevalent cause for women to consult a general practitioner (GP) and are commonly treated with (broad-spectrum) empirical antibiotics, even though 50% of UTIs are self-limiting. In this study, we aim to explore women’s attitudes and experiences regarding UTIs, in order to determine patients’ willingness to accept delayed antibiotic prescriptions.

Design

An internet-based cross-sectional survey

Setting

We recruited participants during 2 weeks of March and April in 2020 through several social media platforms.

Participants

We obtained 1476 responses, of which 975 were eligible for analysis.

Results

We asked women about their knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding UTI-related symptoms. Participants ranked ‘confirmation of diagnosis’ (43.8%) as the most important reason to consult a GP with urinary symptoms, followed by ‘pain relief’ (32%), and ‘antibiotic prescription’ (14.3%). For treatment, 71% of participants reported that their GP prescribed immediate antibiotics, while only 3% received a delayed antibiotic prescription and 1% was advised pain medication. Furthermore, 50% of respondents were aware of the possible self-limiting course of UTIs and 70% would be willing to accept delayed antibiotic treatment, even if a certain diagnosis of UTI was established. Willingness to delay was lower in experienced patients compared to inexperienced patients.

Conclusions

Women are quite receptive to delayed antibiotics as an alternative to immediate antibiotics for UTIs or urinary symptoms. GPs should consider discussing delayed antibiotic treatment more often with women presenting with urinary symptoms.
Video recording as an objective assessment tool of health worker performance in neonatal resuscitation at a district hospital in Pemba, Tanzania: a feasibility study
Authors: Holm-Hansen Charlotte Carina , Poulsen Anja , Skytte Tine Bruhn , Stensgaard Christina Nadia , Bech Christine Manich , Lopes Mads Nathaniel , Kristiansen Mads , Kjærgaard Jesper , Mzee Said , Ali Said , Ame Shaali , Sorensen Jette Led , Greisen Gorm , Lund Stine
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of using video recordings of neonatal resuscitation (NR) to evaluate the quality of care in a low-resource district hospital.

Design

Prospective observational feasibility study.

Setting

Chake-Chake Hospital, a district hospital in Pemba, Tanzania, in April and May 2019.

Participants

All delivering women and their newborns were eligible for participation.

Main outcome measures

Motion-triggered cameras were mounted on resuscitation tables and provided recordings that were analysed for quality of care indicators based on the national NR algorithm. Assessment of feasibility was conducted using Bowen’s 8-point framework for feasibility studies.

Results

91% (126 of 139) of women and 96% (24 of 26) of health workers were comfortable or very comfortable with the video recordings. Of 139 newborns, 8 underwent resuscitation with bag and mask ventilation. In resuscitations, heat loss prevention measures were not performed in half of the cases (four of eight), clearing the airway was not performed correctly in five of eight cases, and all newborns were suctioned vigorously and repeatedly, even when not indicated. In a quarter (two of eight) of cases, the newborn’s head was not positioned correctly. Additionally, two of the eight newborns needing ventilation were not ventilated within the first minute of life. In none of the eight cases did ventilation appear to be performed effectively.

Conclusions

It proved feasible to use video recordings to assess quality of care during NR in a low-resource setting, and the method was considered acceptable for the delivering women and health workers. Recordings of eight resuscitations all demonstrated deviations from NR guidelines.
British Thoracic Society survey of the career intentions of respiratory medicine specialty trainees in the UK
Authors: Kumar Kartik , Dave Kavita , Loewenthal Lola , Ward Emily , Addy Charlotte
Published: May 2022

There were respiratory consultant post vacancies in 82% of surveyed UK hospitals in 2021. Understanding respiratory trainees’ career intentions is vital to plan and train a future respiratory workforce. In 2020, the British Thoracic Society surveyed trainee members (n=144) to assess career plans and perceived barriers and facilitators when applying for consultant posts. Most trainees (79, 55.6%) report intending to pursue UK-based posts with general internal medicine responsibilities. Consultant applications are influenced by location, hospital type, previous local experience and availability of subspecialty posts. Insufficient guidance is available regarding consultant applications.
129Xe MRI ventilation defects in ever-hospitalised and never-hospitalised people with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome
Authors: Kooner Harkiran K , McIntosh Marrissa J , Matheson Alexander M , Venegas Carmen , Radadia Nisarg , Ho Terence , Haider Ehsan Ahmed , Konyer Norman B , Santyr Giles E , Albert Mitchell S , Ouriadov Alexei , Abdelrazek Mohamed , Kirby Miranda , Dhaliwal Inderdeep , Nicholson J Michael , Nair Parameswaran , Svenningsen Sarah , Parraga Grace
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients often report persistent symptoms beyond the acute infectious phase of COVID-19. Hyperpolarised129Xe MRI provides a way to directly measure airway functional abnormalities; the clinical relevance of129Xe MRI ventilation defects in ever-hospitalised and never-hospitalised patients who had COVID-19 has not been ascertained. It remains unclear if persistent symptoms beyond the infectious phase are related to small airways disease and ventilation heterogeneity. Hence, we measured129Xe MRI ventilation defects, pulmonary function and symptoms in ever-hospitalised and never-hospitalised patients who had COVID-19 with persistent symptoms consistent with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS).

Methods

Consenting participants with a confirmed diagnosis of PACS completed129Xe MRI, CT, spirometry, multi-breath inert-gas washout, 6-minute walk test, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale, modified Borg scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Consenting ever-COVID volunteers completed129Xe MRI and pulmonary function tests only.

Results

Seventy-six post-COVID and nine never-COVID participants were evaluated. Ventilation defect per cent (VDP) was abnormal and significantly greater in ever-COVID as compared with never-COVID participants (p<0.001) and significantly greater in ever-hospitalised compared with never-hospitalised participants who had COVID-19 (p=0.048), in whom diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon-monoxide (p=0.009) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) (p=0.005) were also significantly different.129Xe MRI VDP was also related to the 6MWD (p=0.02) and post-exertional SpO2(p=0.002). Participants with abnormal VDP (≥4.3%) had significantly worse 6MWD (p=0.003) and post-exertional SpO2(p=0.03).

Conclusion

129Xe MRI VDP was significantly worse in ever-hospitalised as compared with never-hospitalised participants and was related to 6MWD and exertional SpO2but not SGRQ or mMRC scores.

Trial registration number

NCT05014516.
Improved cone penetration test predictions of the state parameter of loose mine tailings
Authors: Ayala Juan , Fourie Andy , Reid David
Published: May 2022

The most widely used in situ testing instrument for tailings storage facility (TSF) is the cone penetration test (CPT), which uses calibration chamber (CC) test data as the preferred method to correlate the soil's state with the CPT acquired data. Many, if not most, mine tailings are different from the soils historically used in CC studies (mainly sands). Moreover, these tests were conducted at denser states than typically found in TSFs. Additionally, CC tests cannot practically be performed for every new soil-specific project. For these reasons, practitioners usually perform numerical simulations to approximate these correlations. One of the most popular techniques for this is the spherical cavity expansion approach. This study compares novel small CC testing of two different silty mine tailings, and their respective spherical cavity expansion simulations. Since these simulations use the NorSand constitutive model, this study also presents the calibration process that includes the triaxial laboratory testing to calibrate the NorSand properties, and the corresponding iterative process to infer the additional plastic and elastic parameters of the model. Finally, an adjustment equation is introduced for the contractive state of these silty materials.
On Computational Costs for Monte Carlo Regional-Scale Simulation for Reliable Estimate of City and Urban Area Earthquake Disaster
Authors: Iryo Takamasa , Iiyama Kahori , Lalith Maddegedara , Hori Muneo
Published: May 2022

Regional-scale simulation in high spatial and temporal resolutions is being developed for a more reliable estimate of earthquake disasters in city and urban areas. Monte Carlo simulation is used to account for various uncertainties in analysis models. Since one regional-scale simulation needs a large amount of computation, it is important to estimate computational costs for the Monte Carlo simulation. In this paper, we first clarify uncertainties involved in the simulation of ground motion, structural seismic response, traffic flow, and economic recoveries. We then evaluate computational costs that are required for the reliable estimate using Tokyo Metropolis Earthquake as an example. The reliability of the Monte Carlo regional-scale simulation is discussed, considering the future trends of digital information about city and urban areas and monetized computational cost as well as the uncertainty of an earthquake scenario which is input to the regional-scale earthquake simulation.
On Equivalence of Anomaly Detection Algorithms
Authors: Jerez Carlos Ivan , Zhang Jun , Silva Marcia R.
Published: May 2022

In most domains, anomaly detection is typically cast as an unsupervised learning problem because of the infeasibility of labeling large datasets. In this setup, the evaluation and comparison of different anomaly detection algorithms is difficult. Although some work has been published in this field, they fail to account that different algorithms can detect different kinds of anomalies. More precisely, the literature on this topic has focused on defining criteria to determine which algorithm is better, while ignoring the fact that such criteria are meaningful only if the algorithms being compared are detecting the same kind of anomalies. Therefore, in this article, we propose an equivalence criterion for anomaly detection algorithms that measures to what degree two anomaly detection algorithms detect the same kind of anomalies. First, we lay out a set of desirable properties that such an equivalence criterion should have and why; second, we propose Gaussian Equivalence Criterion (GEC) as equivalence criterion and show mathematically that it has the desirable properties previously mentioned. Finally, we empirically validate these properties using a simulated and a real-world dataset. For the real-world dataset, we show how GEC can provide insight about the anomaly detection algorithms as well as the dataset.
Distance-Preserving Embedding Adaptive Bipartite Graph Multi-View Learning with Application to Multi-Label Classification
Authors: Lu Xun , Feng Songhe , Lyu Gengyu , Jin Yi , Lang Congyan
Published: May 2022

Graph-based multi-view learning has attracted much attention due to the efficacy of fusing the information from different views. However, most of them exhibit high computational complexity. We propose an anchor-based bipartite graph embedding approach to accelerate the learning process. Specifically, different from existing anchor-based methods where anchors are obtained from key samples by clustering or weighted averaging strategies, in this article, the anchors are learned in a principled fashion which aims at constructing a distance-preserving embedding for each view from samples to their representations, whose elements are the weights of the edges linking corresponding samples and anchors. In addition, the consistency among different views can be explored by imposing a low-rank constraint on the concatenated embedding representations. We further design a concise yet effective feature collinearity guided feature selection scheme to learn tight multi-label classifiers. The objective function is optimized in an alternating optimization fashion. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results on different multi-label image datasets verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.
Interpretable Embedding and Visualization of Compressed Data
Authors: Freris Nikolaos M. , Ajalloeian Ahmad , Vlachos Michalis
Published: May 2022

Traditional embedding methodologies, also known as dimensionality reduction techniques, assume the availability of exact pairwise distances between the high-dimensional objects that will be embedded in a lower dimensionality. In this article, we propose an embedding that overcomes this limitation and can operate on pairwise distances that are represented as a range of lower and upper bounds. Such bounds are typically estimated when objects are compressed in a lossy manner, so our approach is highly applicable in the case of big compressed datasets. Our methodology can preserve multiple aspects of the original data relationships: distances, correlations, and object scores/ranks, whereas existing techniques typically preserve only distances. Comparative experiments with prevalent embedding methodologies (ISOMAP, t-SNE, MDS, UMAP) illustrate that our approach can provide fidelitous preservation of multiple object relationships, even in the presence of inexact distance information. Our visualization method is also easily interpretable.
SIGCSE 2022 board election
Authors: Settle Amber
Published: May 2022

The term of the current SIGCSE Executive Board ends on June 30th, which means that it's time to elect a new one! The newly elected Board will take office July 1st.
ICER 2022 call for participation
Authors: Hauswirth Matthias , Vahrenhold Jan , Franklin Diana , Fisler Kathi
Published: May 2022

The 18th annual ACM Conference on International Computing Education Research (ICER) will be hosted by Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in beautiful Lugano, Switzerland. This hybrid conference will take place August 7-11, 2022. You can participate physically by traveling to Lugano or virtually through our conference platform.
Communication—Investigation of the Unstable Phenomenon of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Measurements for Pt Electrode in a Rotating Disk Electrode
Authors: Xia Lei , Zhou Fen , Zhang Hui , Liu Zhenbin , Li Guangfu , Li Shang , Pan Mu
Published: May 2022

The instability of Pt electrode during EIS measurement was investigated in RDE. Our results show that this unstable phenomenon is mainly reflected on charge transfer resistance (Rct). The range of Rct change exhibits a strong dependence on the applied potential. During the repeated EIS tests at above 0.8 V, Rct continuously increase as the testing time, while the double-layer capacitance of Pt electrode reduces, implying the formation of Pt-oxides on the electrode interface. Furthermore, the stability becomes worse at higher potential. After repeated experiment for eight times at 0.9 V, Rct increases to 3.5 times higher of the initial value.
From Fundamentals to Next-Generation Technology - JES/JSS Focus Issue In Honor of John Goodenough: A Centenarian Milestone
Authors: Lewis Laura H. , Zhou Jianshi
Published: May 2022

In his quest to understand, test, and ultimately engineer interactions amongst charge, spin, orbital, and chemical bonding in crystalline solids, John B. Goodenough transcended the conventional perspectives of solid state chemistry and condensed matter physics to create his own unique approach to describe physical properties in transition-metal compounds. As Guest Editors, we are extremely pleased to present this compilation of invited contributions, a subset of those comprising the published in theJournal of The Electrochemical Society(JES) and theECS Journal of Solid Science and Technology(JSS) joint focus issue in his honor on the occasion of his 100th birthday. These articles reflect the profound influence of his historic contributions to the areas of magnetism and magnetic materials, orbital physics, and to narrow-band electronic materials. Indeed, Goodenough’s contributions in these fields ultimately laid the foundation for current and next-generation technologies in communications, information storage and energy storage and transfer, advancing both science and society.
Chaperone-mediated autophagy protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxic-cell death
Authors: Ghosh Rajeshwary , Gillaspie Jennifer Jason , Campbell Kenneth S. , Symons J. David , Boudina Sihem , Pattison James Scott
Published: May 2022

Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a chaperone-dependent process of selective cytosolic protein turnover that targets specific proteins to lysosomes for degradation. Enhancing protein degradation mechanisms has been shown to be beneficial in multiple models of cardiac disease, including myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the causal role of CMA in cardiomyocyte injury and death is largely unknown. Hypoxia is an important contributor to both MI and I/R damage, which are major, precedent causes of heart failure. Upregulating CMA was hypothesized to protect against hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte death. Lysosome-associated membrane protein 2a ( Lamp2a) overexpression and knockdown were used to causally study CMA’s role in hypoxically stressed cardiomyocytes. LAMP2a protein levels were used as both a primary indicator and driver of CMA function. Hypoxic stress was stimulated by CoCl2 treatment, which increased LAMP2a protein levels (+1.4-fold) and induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis (+3.2–4.0-fold). Lamp2a siRNA knockdown (−3.2-fold) of control cardiomyocytes increased apoptosis (+1.8-fold) suggesting that loss of CMA is detrimental for cardiomyocyte survival. However, there was neither an additive nor a synergistic effect on cell death when Lamp2a-silenced cells were treated with CoCl2. Conversely, Lamp2a overexpression (+3.0-fold) successfully reduced hypoxia-induced apoptosis by ∼50%. LAMP2a was also significantly increased (+1.7-fold) in ischemic heart failure patient samples, similar to hypoxically stressed cardiomyocytes. The failing ischemic hearts may have had insufficient CMA activation. To our knowledge, this study for the first time establishes a protective role for CMA (via Lamp2a overexpression) against hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte loss and reveals the intriguing possibility that CMA activation may offer a cardioprotective treatment for ischemic heart disease.
Repeated adaptation and de-adaptation to the pelvis resistance force facilitate retention of motor learning in stroke survivors
Authors: Park Seoung Hoon , Yan Shijun , Dee Weena , Reed Renee , Roth Elliot J. , Rymer William Z. , Wu Ming
Published: May 2022

We examined whether the intermittent versus the continuous adaptation to external perturbation induces greater retention of the adapted locomotion in stroke survivors. We found that participants showed longer retention of the improved weight shift and enhanced muscle activation for the intermittent versus the continuous conditions, suggesting that repeated motor adaptation and de-adaptation to the pelvis perturbation may promote the retention of error-based motor learning for improving weight shift toward the paretic side in individuals poststroke.
Human KCNQ5 de novo mutations underlie epilepsy and intellectual disability
Authors: Wei Aguan D. , Wakenight Paul , Zwingman Theresa A. , Bard Angela M. , Sahai Nikhil , Willemsen Marjolein H. , Schelhaas Helenius J. , Stegmann Alexander P. A. , Verhoeven Judith S. , de Man Stella A. , Wessels Marja W. , Kleefstra Tjitske , Shinde Deepali N. , Helbig Katherine L. , Basinger Alice , Wagner Victoria F. , Rodriguez-Buritica David , Bryant Emily , Millichap John J. , Millen Kathleen J. , Dobyns William B. , Ramirez Jan-Marino , Kalume Franck K.
Published: May 2022

Six novel de novo human KCNQ5 variants were identified from children with neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual disability, and/or epilepsy. Expression of these variants along with four previously reported KCNQ5 variants from a similar cohort revealed GOF potassium channels, negatively shifted in V50 of activation and/or delayed deactivation kinetics. GOF is extended to KCNQ5/3 heteromeric channels, making these the predominant channels affected in heterozygous de novo patients. Kcnq5 LOF mice exhibited seizures, consistent with in vivo pathogenicity.
Microscopic Interface and Multiscale Failure Analysis of Proposed Molecular Chain Polymers Based on Aifantis Strain Gradient Theory
Authors: Li Chengxiang , Li Shuhu , Yu GuiJie
Published: May 2022

A study on the microscopic morphology of real-world polymer blends and its mechanism of change showed that the microscopic morphology of equiproportional mixtures gradually changed from a dense body structure to a network structure with the addition of the total polymer concentration up to 20%; the microscopic morphology of mixtures with different proportions was characterized by the most uniform network structure of equiproportional mixtures when the total polymer concentration was 20%. The polymer acts as a defoamer in the mixed system. In this paper, the relationship between the microscopic morphology of each mixture and the physicochemical behavior of the two polymer chains in the mixed system was investigated on the basis of the Aifantis strain gradient theory. Molecular polymer microscopic interface and multiscale failure analysis are proposed. It is shown that for the dihedral angle distribution of four consecutive coarse-grained particles, the peaks obtained from all atomic-scale simulation data are reproduced in the coarse-grained model simulations. The deviation is within 2.5% in most places, except for the local area where the deviation exceeds 5%. Therefore, we have achieved good results for large-scale failures.