bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paired Pressure–Volume Loop Analysis and Biaxial Mechanical Testing Characterize Differences in Left Ventricular Tissue Stiffness of Volume Overload and Angiotensin-Induced Pressure Overload Hearts
Authors: Childers Rachel C. , Trask Aaron J. , Liu Jun , Lucchesi Pamela A. , Gooch Keith J.
Published: March 2021

Pressure overload (PO) and volume overload (VO) of the heart result in distinctive changes to geometry, due to compensatory structural remodeling. This remodeling potentially leads to changes in tissue mechanical properties. Understanding such changes is important, as tissue modulus has an impact on cardiac performance, disease progression, and influences on cell phenotype. Pressure–volume (PV) loop analysis, a clinically relevant method for measuring left ventricular (LV) chamber stiffness, was performed in vivo on control rat hearts and rats subjected to either chronic PO through Angiotensin-II infusion (4-weeks) or VO (8-weeks). Immediately following PV loops, biaxial testing was performed on LV free wall tissue to directly measure tissue mechanical properties. The β coefficient, an index of chamber stiffness calculated from the PV loop analysis, increased 98% in PO (n = 4) and decreased 38% in VO (n = 5) compared to control (n = 6). Material constants of LV walls obtained from ex vivo biaxial testing (n = 9–10) were not changed in Angiotensin-II induced PO and decreased by about half in VO compared to control (47% in the circumferential and 57% the longitudinal direction). PV loop analysis showed the expected increase in chamber stiffness of PO and expected decrease in chamber stiffness of VO. Biaxial testing showed a decreased modulus of the myocardium of the VO model, but no changes in the PO model, this suggests the increased chamber stiffness in PO, as shown in the PV loop analysis, may be secondary to changes in tissue mass and/or geometry but not an increase in passive tissue mechanical properties.
Nonlinear Measure for Nonlinear Dynamic Processes Using Convergence Area: Typical Case Studies
Authors: Xavier Joanofarc , Patnaik S. K. , Panda Rames C.
Published: March 2021

Several industrial chemical processes exhibit severe nonlinearity. This paper addresses the computational and nonlinear issues occurring in many typical industrial problems in aspects of its stability, strength of nonlinearity, and input output dynamics. In this article, initially, a prospective investigation is conducted on various nonlinear processes through phase portrait analysis to understand their stability status at different initial conditions about the vicinity of the operating point of the process. To estimate the degree of nonlinearity, for input perturbations from its nominal value, a novel nonlinear measure Δ0 is put forward that anticipates on the converging area between the nonlinear and their linearized responses. The nonlinearity strength is fixed between 0 and 1 to classify processes to be mild, medium, or highly nonlinear. The most suitable operating point, for which the system remains asymptotically stable, is clearly identified from the phase portrait. The metric Δ0 can be contemplated as a promising tool to measure the nonlinearity of Industrial case studies at different linear approximations. Numerical simulations are executed in matlab to compute Δ0, which conveys that the nonlinear dynamics of each industrial example is very sensitive to input perturbations at different linear approximations. In addition to the identified metric, nonlinear lemmas are framed to select appropriate control schemes for the processes based on its numerical value of nonlinearity.
An Experimental Method for Fast Evaluating Thermoelectric Generators Using One Pair of P- and N-Type Legs
Authors: Zhao Ting , Li Kewen , Zhu Yuhao , Jia Lin , Hou Xiaoyong , Wang Shuai , Kaita Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are widely used in many industries. The voltage and output power of TEG chips are critical indicators to evaluate the performance of TEGs. The conventional method is to directly test the output voltage and power of the whole TEG chip that contains 127 pairs of P- and N-type (PN) legs (127-PN-TEG). However, the assembling of these PN legs is very time-consuming. In order to reduce experimental time and the consumption of TEG materials, we proposed an experimental method. We developed the test apparatus for the rapid evaluation of TEG performance using a TEG chip with a single pair of PN legs (1-PN-TEG). We made several 1-PN-TEGs and 127-PN-TEGs using the same thermoelectric material (bismuth telluride). We then measured the voltage and the power of these 1-PN-TEGs and 127-PN-TEGs, respectively. The experimental results were compared and analyzed. The comparison showed that the voltage of 127-PN-TEG is equal to the voltage of 1-PN-TEG times 127, which implies that we could use the test data of 1-PN-TEG to evaluate the performance of 127-PN-TEG. Using the experimental device developed in this paper, we also studied the effects of the PN leg area (cross-sectional area of PN legs) and the pressure applied over the TEGs on the output power of 1-PN-TEG. The experimental results showed that the power per unit area decreases with an increase in the 1-PN-TEG's PN leg area when the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides was constant. Under specific temperature difference conditions, the open-circuit voltage and the output power will increase with the pressure applied on the TEG chips.
Experimental Investigation of Combustion Characteristics of a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine at Altitude
Authors: Liu Zhentao , Liu Jinlong
Published: March 2021

Concern over the change of atmospheric conditions at high altitudes prompted interests in the deteriorated efficiency and emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines. This study utilized a single-cylinder, four-stroke, direct injected diesel engine to experimentally investigate the altitude effects on the combustion characteristics. High altitude operations were simulated via reducing the intake pressure but maintaining constant engine speed and load. The results suggested a reduced in-cylinder pressure trace but an increased bulk cylinder temperature as the altitude rose. The combustion analysis indicated a slight longer ignition delay, raising and retarding the pressure rise rate and energy release rate in the premixed combustion process. A smaller excess air ratio contributed to the combustion deterioration, reflected from a retarded end of combustion, a longer combustion duration, a reduced thermal efficiency, and an increased level of incomplete combustion. However, the phasing and combustion profile were not significantly impacted, when the altitude was elevated from sea level to 2000 m, at least for the engine and conditions investigated in this study. Consequently, it is not necessary to adjust the engine electric control unit (ECU) when operated in the USA, considering that the mean elevations of most states are lower than 2000 m.
Thermogravimetric Devolatilization Behavior of Agricultural Residue for Generation of Syngas
Authors: Kumar P. , Subbarao P. M. V. , Kala L. D. , Vijay V. K.
Published: March 2021

The thermal degradation characteristics of eucalyptus, pearl millet cob, and corncob were investigated using the nonisothermal thermogravimetric method. This investigation was performed to carry out the thermochemical conversion for obtaining syngas. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) analyses were carried out to understand thermal devolatilization behavior and estimation of various thermophysical properties of the biomasses. The degradation behavior was analyzed in the light of lignocellulosic composition that was found to have a definitive influence on degradation outcomes. The TG analysis has been utilized to obtain the proximate analysis of biomass. Activation energy using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method has been estimated and found to be 201, 150, and 68 kJ/mol for eucalyptus, pearl millet cob, and corncob, respectively. The TG analysis and activation energy together indicated that corncob is easiest for thermochemical conversion among the three biomasses. The TG curve also confirms the same.
Machine Learning-Based Improved Pressure–Volume–Temperature Correlations for Black Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Tariq Zeeshan , Mahmoud Mohamed , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez
Published: March 2021

Pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) properties of crude oil are considered the most important properties in petroleum engineering applications as they are virtually used in every reservoir and production engineering calculation. Determination of these properties in the laboratory is the most accurate way to obtain a representative value, at the same time, it is very expensive. However, in the absence of such facilities, other approaches such as analytical solutions and empirical correlations are used to estimate the PVT properties. This study demonstrates the combined use of two machine learning (ML) technique, viz., functional network (FN) coupled with particle swarm optimization (PSO) in predicting the black oil PVT properties such as bubble point pressure (Pb), oil formation volume factor at Pb, and oil viscosity at Pb. This study also proposes new mathematical models derived from the coupled FN-PSO model to estimate these properties. The use of proposed mathematical models does not need any ML engine for the execution. A total of 760 data points collected from the different sources were preprocessed and utilized to build and train the machine learning models. The data utilized covered a wide range of values that are quite reasonable in petroleum engineering applications. The performances of the developed models were tested against the most used empirical correlations. The results showed that the proposed PVT models outperformed previous models by demonstrating an error of up to 2%. The proposed FN-PSO models were also compared with other ML techniques such as an artificial neural network, support vector regression, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, and the results showed that proposed FN-PSO models outperformed other ML techniques.
Effects of task and language nativeness on the Lombard effect and on its onset and offset timing
Authors: Villegas Julián , Perkins Jeremy , Wilson Ian
Published: March 2021

This study focuses on the differences in speech sound pressure levels (here, called speech loudness) of Lombard speech (i.e., speech produced in the presence of an energetic masker) associated with different tasks and language nativeness. Vocalizations were produced by native speakers of Japanese with normal hearing and limited English proficiency while performing four tasks: dialog, a competitive game (both communicative), soliloquy, and text passage reading (noncommunicative). Relative to the native language (L1), larger loudness increments were observed in the game and text reading when performed in the second language (L2). Communicative tasks yielded louder vocalizations and larger increments of speech loudness than did noncommunicative tasks regardless of the spoken language. The period in which speakers increased their loudness after the onset of the masker was about fourfold longer than the time in which they decreased their loudness after the offset of the masker. Results suggest that when relying on acoustic signals, speakers use similar vocalization strategies in L1 and L2, and these depend on the complexity of the task, the need for accurate pronunciation, and the presence of a listener. Results also suggest that speakers use different strategies depending on the onset or offset of an energetic masker.
Delivery Approaches Within Exercise Referral Schemes: A Survey of Current Practice in England
Authors: Rowley Nikita , Steele James , Mann Steve , Jimenez Alfonso , Horton Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Background: Exercise referral schemes in England offer referred participants an opportunity to take part in an exercise prescription in a nonclinical environment. The aim of these schemes is to effect clinical health benefits, yet there is limited evidence of schemes’ effectiveness, which could be due to the heterogeneity in design, implementation, and evaluation. Additionally, there has been no concerted effort to map program characteristics. Objective: To understand what key delivery approaches are currently used within exercise referral schemes in England. Methods: Across England, a total of 30 schemes with a combined total of 85,259 exercise referral scheme participants completed a Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template-guided questionnaire. The questionnaire explored program delivery, nonexercise components, and program management. Results: Results found that program delivery varied, though many schemes were typically 12 weeks in length, offering participants 2 exercise sessions in a fitness gym or studio per week, using a combination of exercises. Adherence was typically measured through attendance, with nonexercise components and program management varying by scheme. Conclusion: This research provides a snapshot of current delivery approaches and supports the development of a large-scale mapping exercise to review further schemes across the whole of the United Kingdom in order to provide evidence of best practice and delivery approaches nationwide.
Coding Body Language in Sports: The Nonverbal Behavior Coding System for Soccer Penalties
Authors: Furley Philip , Roth Alexander
Published: March 2021

Nonverbal behavior (NVB) plays an important role in sports. However, it has been difficult to measure, as no coding schemes exist to objectively measure NVB in sports. Therefore, the authors adapted the Body Action and Posture Coding System to the context of soccer penalties, validated it, and initially used this system (Nonverbal Behavior Coding System for Soccer Penalties [NBCSP]) to explore NVB in penalties. Study 1 demonstrated that the NBCSP had good to excellent intercoder reliability regarding the occurrence and temporal precision of NVBs. It also showed that the coding system could differentiate certain postures and behaviors as a function of emotional valence (i.e., positive vs. negative emotional states). Study 2 identified differences in NVB for successful and missed shots in a sample of penalties (time spent looking toward the goal, toward the ground, right arm movement, and how upright the body posture was). The authors discuss the utility of the coding system for different sport contexts.
On-chip torsion balances with femtonewton force resolution at room temperature enabled by carbon nanotube and graphene
Authors: Cong Lin , Yuan Zi , Bai Zaiqiao , Wang Xinhe , Zhao Wei , Gao Xinyu , Hu Xiaopeng , Liu Peng , Guo Wanlin , Li Qunqing , Fan Shoushan , Jiang Kaili
Published: March 2021

On-chip torsion balance with a CNT suspension wire and a graphene/Al ultrathin mirror is capable of detecting femtonewton force.
A towering genome: Experimentally validated adaptations to high blood pressure and extreme stature in the giraffe
Authors: Liu Chang , Gao Jianbo , Cui Xinxin , Li Zhipeng , Chen Lei , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Yaolei , Mei Liangwei , Zhao Lan , Cai Dan , Hu Mingliang , Zhou Botong , Li Zihe , Qin Tao , Si Huazhe , Li Guangyu , Lin Zeshan , Xu Yicheng , Zhu Chenglong , Yin Yuan , Zhang Chenzhou , Xu Wenjie , Li Qingjie , Wang Kun , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Heller Rasmus , Wang Wen , Huang Jinghui , Qiu Qiang
Published: March 2021

A chromosome-level giraffe genome assembly and gene-edited mice reveal molecular mechanisms underpinning its high stature.
Temporal mechanisms of myogenic specification in human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Nayak P. , Colas A. , Mercola M. , Varghese S. , Subramaniam S.
Published: March 2021

Mechanisms of myogenic commitment are deciphered through omics analysis of hiPSC-specific lineage specification measurements.
Three-dimensional, multifunctional neural interfaces for cortical spheroids and engineered assembloids
Authors: Park Yoonseok , Franz Colin K. , Ryu Hanjun , Luan Haiwen , Cotton Kristen Y. , Kim Jong Uk , Chung Ted S. , Zhao Shiwei , Vazquez-Guardado Abraham , Yang Da Som , Li Kan , Avila Raudel , Phillips Jack K. , Quezada Maria J. , Jang Hokyung , Kwak Sung Soo , Won Sang Min , Kwon Kyeongha , Jeong Hyoyoung , Bandodkar Amay J. , Han Mengdi , Zhao Hangbo , Osher Gabrielle R. , Wang Heling , Lee KunHyuck , Zhang Yihui , Huang Yonggang , Finan John D. , Rogers John A.
Published: March 2021

3D multifunctional frameworks, as flexible as a single strand of silk, modulate and measure neural activity of brain spheroids.
Deletion of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Cytoplasmic Tail Increases Infectivity in Pseudovirus Neutralization Assays
Authors: Yu Jingyou , Li Zhenfeng , He Xuan , Gebre Makda S. , Bondzie Esther A. , Wan Huahua , Jacob-Dolan Catherine , Martinez David R. , Nkolola Joseph P. , Baric Ralph S. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: March 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The development of a high-throughput pseudovirus neutralization assay is critical for the development of vaccines and immune-based therapeutics. In this study, we show that deletion of the cytoplasmic tail of the SARS-CoV-2 spike leads to pseudoviruses with enhanced infectivity. This SΔCT13-based pseudovirus neutralization assay should be broadly useful for the field.
The Furin-S2′ Site in Avian Coronavirus Plays a Key Role in Central Nervous System Damage Progression
Authors: Cheng Jinlong , Zhao Ye , Hu Yanxin , Zhao Jing , Xue Jia , Zhang Guozhong
Published: March 2021

Coronaviruses have broken out three times in 2 decades. Spike (S) protein plays a key role in the process of infection.
Complete Genome Analysis of Campylobacter jejuni subsp.
jejuni
Isolated from Bloodstream Infection
Authors: SS Jaya Lakshmi , Muthuirulandi Sethuvel Dhiviya Prabaa , Baskaran Ashtawarthani , Veeraraghavan Balaji
Published: March 2021

We report here the complete genome analysis of a clinical
Campylobacter jejuni
strain sequenced by a hybrid assembly approach. A hybrid assembly approach provided a complete genome sequence of
C. jejuni
that contains a 1,681,375-bp chromosome and 47,467-bp plasmid carrying various virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants.
Deletion Mutants, Archived Transposon Library, and Tagged Protein Constructs of the Model Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough
Authors: Wall Judy D. , Zane Grant M. , Juba Thomas R. , Kuehl Jennifer V. , Ray Jayashree , Chhabra Swapnil R. , Trotter Valentine V. , Shatsky Maxim , De León Kara B. , Keller Kimberly L. , Bender Kelly S. , Butland Gareth , Arkin Adam P. , Deutschbauer Adam M.
Published: March 2021

The dissimilatory sulfate-reducing
deltaproteobacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough (ATCC 29579) was chosen by the research collaboration ENIGMA to explore tools and protocols for bringing this anaerobe to model status. Here, we describe a collection of genetic constructs generated by ENIGMA that are available to the research community.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Uropathogenic Klebsiella quasipneumoniae Strains Isolated from Postmenopausal Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Venkitapathi Sundharamani , Sharon Belle M. , Ratna Tahira A. , Arute Amanda P. , Zimmern Philippe E. , De Nisco Nicole J.
Published: March 2021

Recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) poses a major health issue, especially among postmenopausal women. We report complete genome sequences of three
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
strains isolated from the urine of postmenopausal women with rUTI.
K. quasipneumoniae
is a recently identified
Klebsiella
species with clinical and virulence characteristics distinct from
K. pneumoniae
.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Penicillin-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strains Isolated in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1994
Authors: Murphy Thomas C. , Mortimer Tatum D. , Nicholas Robert A. , Wadsworth Crista B.
Published: March 2021

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three penicillin-resistant
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
isolates. We include associated data on MICs and genetic relationships to other
N. gonorrhoeae
strains collected from across the United States. Resistance mutations known to contribute to reduced penicillin susceptibility are annotated in each genome.
Genome Sequence of
Clostridium
sp. Strain P21, a CO-Fermenting Acetogen Isolated from Old Hay
Authors: Doyle D. Annie , Duncan Kathleen E. , Tanner Ralph S.
Published: March 2021

Here, we report the genome sequence of
Clostridium
sp. strain P21, isolated from old hay from Stillwater, Oklahoma. This announcement describes the generation and annotation of the 5.6-Mb genomic sequence of strain P21, which will aid in studies targeting genes involved in the enhancement of acid-alcohol production.
Supplemental Material: Similar curvature-to-width ratios for channels and channel belts: Implications for paleo-hydraulics of fluvial ridges on Mars
Authors: Hayden Alistair , al. et
Published: March 2021

Additional description of previous work, our methods for curvature determination, a fractal geometry description of channel belts, martian ridge descriptions, and the measured data.
Supplemental Material: Alternating wet and dry depositional environments recorded in the stratigraphy of Mount Sharp at Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Rapin William , al. et
Published: March 2021

Additional tables of stratigraphic elements, and close-up figures highlighting more details on RMI images.
Therapeutic hypothermia and outcome in hyponatraemic encephalopathy secondary to maternal water intoxication
Authors: Alake Oluwaseyi , Rana Reena , Jain Anoo , Chakkarapani Ela
Published: March 2021

Misguided encouragement to consume large volumes of water during labour for pain relief results in dilutional hyponatraemia in mothers and their babies presenting with neurological dysfunction. We report three babies who were encephalopathic with seizures in the background of hyponatraemia secondary to maternal ingestion of large volumes of water and mild perinatal asphyxia. All babies underwent therapeutic hypothermia in addition to sodium supplementation with fluid restriction. Their neurodevelopment was appropriate for age. This case series highlights the dilemma that could arise with hyponatraemic encephalopathy and mild perinatal asphyxia in the first 6 hours of life, which is the window of opportunity for therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. It is important to educate pregnant mothers in labour on the adverse effects of excessive fluid ingestion.
Growing teratoma syndrome in mixed hepatoblastoma with teratoid features
Authors: Khera Sanjeev , Singh Vikram , Parikh Badal , Chand Karunesh
Published: March 2021

Mixed epithelial mesenchymal (MEM) hepatoblastoma with teratoid features is rare histological variant of hepatoblastoma and described in case reports. Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is a rare and often unrecognised phenomenon generally associated with less than 5% of germ cell tumour. It is defined by enlarging tumour mass which is generally mature teratoma with normal or significantly decreasing tumour markers during chemotherapy. The treatment outcomes in GTS are dependent on early recognition and complete surgical excision. We describe a rare case of MEM hepatoblastoma with teratoid features with GTS in an infant who had a delay in definitive management due to late diagnosis of GTS.
Promoting exercise in patients with cancers of the head and neck during COVID-19 and beyond
Authors: Sindhu Kunal K , Nehlsen Anthony D , Bakst Richard L
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the benefits of exercise in patients with cancer have increasingly been recognised. Unfortunately, patients with, and survivors of, cancers of the head and neck often face a constellation of symptomatic and nutritional obstacles that can interfere with their ability to adhere to structured exercise regimens. The spread of COVID-19 has only added to these challenges. In this Viewpoint, the authors detail the impediments faced by patients with cancers of the head and neck in obtaining sufficient exercise, review the evidence supporting the benefits of exercise in patients with cancer and discuss interventions to promote exercise in this patient population.
Serious Illness Conversations in advanced kidney disease: a mixed-methods implementation study
Authors: Thamcharoen Natanong , Nissaisorakarn Pitchaphon , Cohen Robert A , Schonberg Mara A
Published: March 2021

Objective

Advanced kidney disease is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Consequently, invasive treatments such as dialysis may not yield survival benefits. Advance care planning has been encouraged. However, whether such discussions are acceptable when done earlier, before end-stage kidney treatment decision-making occurs, is unclear. This pilot study aimed to explore whether use of the Serious Illness Conversation Guide to aid early advance care planning is acceptable, and to evaluate the information gained from these conversations.

Methods

Patients with advanced kidney disease (stage 3B and above) and high mortality risk at 2 years were enrolled in this mixed-methods study from an academic nephrology clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using the adapted Serious Illness Conversation Guide. Thematic analysis was used to assess patients’ perceptions of the conversation. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing conversation acceptability.

Results

Twenty-six patients participated, 50% were female. Participants felt that the conversation guide helped them reflect on their prognosis, goals of care and treatment preferences. Most did not feel that the conversation provoked anxiety (23/26, 88%) nor that it decreased hopefulness (24/26, 92%). Some challenges were elicited; patients expressed cognitive dissonance with the kidney disease severity due to lack of symptoms; had difficulty conceptualising their goals of care; and vocalised fear of personal failure without attempting dialysis.

Conclusions

Patients in this pilot study found the adapted Serious Illness Conversation Guide acceptable. This guide may be used with patients early in the course of advanced kidney disease to gather information for future advanced care planning.
End-of-life care in natural disasters including epidemics and pandemics: a systematic review
Authors: Kelly Marguerite , Mitchell Imogen , Walker Iain , Mears Jane , Scholz Brett
Published: March 2021

Background

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, and place additional strains on end-of-life care services and users. Although end-of-life and palliative care are considered essential components of disaster planning and response, there are gaps in understandings about their real-life application, and how natural disasters impact end-of-life care.

Objective

To synthesise existing evidence of the impacts of natural disasters (eg, bushfires, communicable pandemics, etc) on end-of-life care.

Methods

A systematic review with a narrative synthesis was undertaken. The review was registered on PROSPERO (registration: CRD42020176319). PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Science Direct and Web of Science were searched for studies published in English between 2003 and 2020, with findings explicitly mentioning end-of-life care impacts in relation to a natural disaster. Articles were appraised for quality using a JBI-QARI tool.

Results

Thirty-six empirical studies met the inclusion criteria and quality assessment. Findings were synthesised into three key themes: impacts on service provision, impacts on service providers and impacts on service users. This review demonstrates that natural disasters impact profoundly on end-of-life care, representing a stark departure from a palliative care approach.

Conclusions

Clinical practitioners, policy makers and researchers must continue to collaborate for viable solutions to achieve universal access to compassionate and respectful end-of-life care, during natural disasters. Using models, policies and practices already developed in palliative care, involving those most impacted in disaster planning and anticipating barriers, such as resource shortages, enables development of end-of-life care policies and practices that can be rapidly implemented during natural disasters.
Communities and service providers address access to perinatal care in postconflict Northern Uganda: socialising evidence for participatory action
Authors: Belaid Loubna , Atim Pamela , Atim Eunice , Ochola Emmanuel , Ogwang Martin , Bayo Pontius , Oola Janet , Wonyima Okello Isaac , Sarmiento Ivan , Rojas-Rozo Laura , Zinszer Kate , Zarowsky Christina , Andersson Neil
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Describe participatory codesign of interventions to improve access to perinatal care services in Northern Uganda.

Study design

Mixed-methods participatory research to codesign increased access to perinatal care. Fuzzy cognitive mapping, focus groups and a household survey identified and documented the extent of obstructions to access. Deliberative dialogue focused stakeholder discussions of this evidence to address the obstacles to access. Most significant change stories explored the participant experience of this process.

Setting

Three parishes in Nwoya district in the Gulu region, Northern Uganda.

Participants

Purposively sampled groups of women, men, female youth, male youth, community health workers, traditional midwives and service providers. Each of seven stakeholder categories included 5–8 participants in each of three parishes.

Results

Stakeholders identified several obstructions to accessing perinatal care: lack of savings in preparation for childbirth in facility costs, lack of male support and poor service provider attitudes. They suggested joining saving groups, practising saving money and income generation to address the short-term financial shortfall.

They recommended increasing spousal awareness of perinatal care and they proposed improving service provider attitudes. Participants described their own improved care-seeking behaviour and patient–provider relationships as short-term gains of the codesign.

Conclusion

Participatory service improvement is feasible and acceptable in postconflict settings like Northern Uganda. Engaging communities in identifying perinatal service delivery issues and reflecting on local evidence about these issues generate workable community-led solutions and increases trust between community members and service providers.
CT coronary angiography and COVID-19: inpatient use in acute chest pain service
Authors: Cronin Michael , Wheen Peter , Armstrong Richard , Kumar Rajesh , McMahon Alannah , White Max , Sheehy Niall , McMahon Geraldine , Murphy Ross T , Daly Caroline
Published: March 2021

Objectives

CT coronary angiography (CTCA) is a well-validated clinical tool in the evaluation of chest pain. In our institution, CTCA availability was increased in January 2020, and subsequently, expanded further to replace all exercise testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to assess the impact of increased utilisation of CTCA on length of stay in patients presenting with chest pain in the prepandemic era and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Study design was retrospective. Patients referred for cardiology review between October 2019 and May 2020 with chest pain and/or dyspnoea were broken into three cohorts: a baseline cohort, a cohort with increased CTCA availability and a cohort with increased CTCA availability, but after the national lockdown due to COVID-19. Coronary angiography and revascularisation, length of stay and 30-day adverse outcomes were assessed.

Results

513 patients (35.3% female) presented over cohorts 1 (n=179), 2 (n=182), and 3 (n=153). CTCA use increased from 7.8% overall in cohort 1% to 20.4% in cohort 3. Overall length of stay for the patients undergoing CTCA decreased from a median of 4.2 days in cohort 1 to 2.5 days in cohort 3, with no increase in 30 days adverse outcomes. Invasive coronary angiogram rates were 45.8%, 39% and 34.2% across the cohorts. 29.6% underwent revascularisation in cohort 1, 15.9% in cohort 2 and to 16.4% in cohort 3.

Conclusions

Increased CTCA availability was associated with a significantly reduced length of stay both pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 lockdown, without any increase in 30-day adverse outcomes.
Reliability-based formulation of building vulnerability to debris flow impacts
Authors: Luo H.Y. , Zhang L.M. , He J. , Yin K.S.
Published: March 2021

Physical building vulnerability to debris flows is defined as the potential damage degree of buildings for a given debris flow intensity. In this paper, the physical characteristics of both debris flow intensity and building response are considered. Uncertainties in building capacity and debris flow intensity are explicitly quantified to evaluate the damage probability of a typical reinforced concrete building subjected to debris flow impact. Four damage states with clear failure mechanisms are defined using multi-source information from field observations, numerical simulation, and expert experience. Two series of fragility models are proposed based on practical debris flow impact pressure models. Several debris flow intensity measures are investigated. A better indication can be provided using the intensity measure that represents a specific failure mechanism; e.g., impact force (hv2) for force-dominated failures or overturning moment (h2v2) for moment-dominated failures, where h and v are debris flow depth and velocity, respectively. The corresponding fragility surfaces best express potential building damage. The intensity thresholds in the proposed fragility curves are consistent with those in empirical vulnerability curves. The methodology presented in this paper promotes vulnerability assessment using physics-based modeling, leading to a more reliable evaluation of building damage caused by debris flows.
Spatial and temporal variability in the diet of Pacific marten (Martes caurina) on Haida Gwaii: an apex predator in a highly modified ecosystem
Authors: Breault David N. , Johnson Chris J. , Todd Melissa , Verenitch Sergei S. , Gillingham Michael P.
Published: March 2021

Knowledge of the diet ecology of apex predators in insular island ecosystems has direct applications to the conservation of endemic species at risk of extinction. We used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to infer resource-use strategies of an indigenous predator, the Pacific marten (Martes caurina (Merriam, 1890)), in a highly modified ecosystem on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada. We used Bayesian isotopic mixing models to estimate the relative contributions of different food sources to marten diet across seasons and during overall lifetime, and to determine how diet varied with different levels of access to marine resources. Isotopes of carbon and nitrogen measured in hair and muscle tissue suggested that marten consumed salmon (3%–17%) and berries (25%–37%) seasonally; these diet groups were relatively minor components of the lifetime diet. Analysis of bone collagen suggested that terrestrial fauna — including birds, deer, small mammals, and invertebrates — contributed the most to diet (41%–55%), and marine invertebrates (38%–48%), not salmon (0%–3%), were the main allochthonous marine nutrient subsidy to lifetime diet. Plasticity in foraging ecology, combined with a broad dietary niche, introduced prey, notably the invasive Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis Merriam, 1898), as well as abundant marine resources, may allow marten to outcompete other indigenous and endemic carnivores on Haida Gwaii.
Null geodesics in five-dimensional Reissner–Nordström anti-de Sitter black holes
Authors: González P. A. , Olivares Marco , Vásquez Yerko , Villanueva J. R.
Published: March 2021

The study of the motion of photons around massive bodies is one of the most useful tools to find the geodesic structure associated with said gravitational source. In the present work, different possible paths projected in an invariant hyperplane are investigated, considering a five-dimensional Reissner–Nordström anti-de Sitter black hole. Also, we study some observational tests, such as the bending of light and the Shapiro time delay effect. Mainly, we found that the motion of photons follows the hippopede of a Proclus geodesic, which is a new type of trajectory of the second kind, the Limaçon of Pascal being their analog geodesic in four-dimensional Reissner–Nordström anti-de Sitter black hole.
Optimal locally resonant bandgaps in a windmill-like phononic crystal structure
Authors: Ma Xingfu , Xiang Hang , Yang Xiane , Xiang Jiawei
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a windmill-like phononic crystal (PC) structure with optimal locally resonant bandgaps (LRBGs) is proposed. By analyzing the variation trend of BGs, three geometric parameters (the side length and height of cuboid scatterer, and the width of elastic beams) are found to be key factors for the determination of BGs. Using response surface methodology (RSM), 3-factor and 7-level experiment are designed to obtain experimental data with the help of finite element simulations. Three relationships (fitting equations) between the three factors and the second BGs terminating frequency, the first BGs bandwidth, and the second BGs bandwidth, are further obtained by fitting the simulation data. Based on the three fitting equations, the optimal LRBGs are finally obtained using a simple optimization method. The proposed windmill-like structure PC is demonstrated to possess an optimal range of BG.
THE CHARACTERISTICS THAT AFFECT AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION IN GREECE AND RISK WILLINGNESS
Authors: FALARAS ATHANASIOS , MOSCHIDIS ODYSSEAS
Published: March 2021

Agriculture is traditionally a major form of entrepreneurship in rural Greece. However, this economic sector has been underachieving in the last decades. Nevertheless, there are always entrepreneurs who will find a way to get over various obstacles despite a likely difficult business environment. One of these ways is innovation, which is regarded as a path for economic bliss. But what affects innovation? Also innovation needs investment and investment requires risk. Therefore, it is interesting to study various farmer’s characteristics and risk willingness’s effect on innovation. In this context a research took place on almost all regions of Greece, collecting a sample of 1023 respondents via Google forms. Data were analyzed using the consistent PLS algorithm. The results confirmed most of the hypotheses and there is interesting output regarding risk willingness.
AC0 Unpredictability
Authors: Viola Emanuele
Published: March 2021

We prove that for every distribution
D
on
n
bits with Shannon entropy ≥
n
−
a
, at most
O
(2

d

a
log

d
+1

g
)/γ
5
of the bits
D

i

can be predicted with advantage γ by an AC
0
circuit of size
g
and depth
D
that is a function of all of the bits of
D
except
D

i

. This answers a question by Meir and Wigderson, who proved a corresponding result for decision trees.

We also show that there are distributions
D
with entropy ≥
n
−
O
(1) such that any subset of
O
(
n
/ log
n
) bits of
D
on can be distinguished from uniform by a circuit of depth 2 and size poly(
n
). This separates the notions of predictability and distinguishability in this context.
A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective for Conducting Artificial Intelligence-enabled Privacy Analytics
Authors: Samtani Sagar , Kantarcioglu Murat , Chen Hsinchun
Published: March 2021

Events such as Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal and data aggregation efforts by technology providers have illustrated how fragile modern society is to privacy violations. Internationally recognized entities such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) have indicated that Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled models, artifacts, and systems can efficiently and effectively sift through large quantities of data from legal documents, social media, Dark Web sites, and other sources to curb privacy violations. Yet considerable efforts are still required for understanding prevailing data sources, systematically developing AI-enabled privacy analytics to tackle emerging challenges, and deploying systems to address critical privacy needs. To this end, we provide an overview of prevailing data sources that can support AI-enabled privacy analytics; a multi-disciplinary research framework that connects data, algorithms, and systems to tackle emerging AI-enabled privacy analytics challenges such as entity resolution, privacy assistance systems, privacy risk modeling, and more; a summary of selected funding sources to support high-impact privacy analytics research; and an overview of prevailing conference and journal venues that can be leveraged to share and archive privacy analytics research. We conclude this paper with an introduction of the papers included in this special issue.
A Bacteriophage-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Patel Dhara , Zhou Yan , Ramasamy Ramaraja P.
Published: March 2021

Bacterial pathogens are important targets for detection and early diagnostics of infection in healthcare. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that can cause severe complications such as pneumonia and septicemia from surgical site infections. In this work, a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based impedimetric biosensor using SATA-8505, a bacteriophage, as a recognition element was developed for the detection of MRSA USA300, a common strain of MRSA found in surgical infections. The biosensor allows for fast and selective detection of viable MRSA cells by measuring impedance changes on the electrode surface as a result of bacterial capture by the phage-functionalized CNT electrode. The immobilization of the bacteriophage was achieved by inducing an electric-field and using a charge-directed orientation strategy, and activity of the immobilized phage was confirmed by an infectivity study using disk diffusion methods. The biosensing platform showed high selectivity and sensitivity toward MRSA USA300 with a limit of detection of 1.23 × 102 CFU/ml in aqueous solution and 1.29 × 102 CFU/ml in blood plasma. The biosensing platform could potentially be integrated into a lab-on-a-chip platform for point of care use and for other pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella and Listeria monocytogenes.
Liver injury after small bowel resection is prevented in obesity-resistant 129S1/SvImJ mice
Authors: Onufer Emily J. , Han Yong-Hyun , Courtney Cathleen , Steinberger Allie , Tecos Maria , Sutton Stephanie , Sescleifer Anne , Ou Jocelyn , Sanguinetti Czepielewski Rafael , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Warner Brad W.
Published: March 2021

Unlike C57BL/6 mice, the 129S1/SvImJ strain is resistant to liver inflammation and injury after small bowel resection. These disparate outcomes are likely due to the accumulation of hepatic free fatty acids as well as increased endotoxin-driven inflammatory pathways through PPARα and TLR4 in C57BL/6 mice with short bowel syndrome.
Mitochondrial DNA enables AIM2 inflammasome activation and hepatocyte pyroptosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Xu Lu , Zhou Jingyang , Che Jinhui , Wang Haihong , Yang Weizhong , Zhou Wuyuan , Zhao Hongying
Published: March 2021

Mitochondria damage exacerbates NAFLD through trigerring AIM2 inflammasome activation and hepatocyte pyroptosis. This study provides novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial DNA synthesis in NAFLD and also suggests potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of NAFLD.
Mechanotransduction in gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells: role of mechanosensitive ion channels
Authors: Joshi Vikram , Strege Peter R. , Farrugia Gianrico , Beyder Arthur
Published: March 2021

Mechanosensation, the ability to properly sense mechanical stimuli and transduce them into physiologic responses, is an essential determinant of gastrointestinal (GI) function. Abnormalities in this process result in highly prevalent GI functional and motility disorders. In the GI tract, several cell types sense mechanical forces and transduce them into electrical signals, which elicit specific cellular responses. Some mechanosensitive cells like sensory neurons act as specialized mechanosensitive cells that detect forces and transduce signals into tissue-level physiological reactions. Nonspecialized mechanosensitive cells like smooth muscle cells (SMCs) adjust their function in response to forces. Mechanosensitive cells use various mechanoreceptors and mechanotransducers. Mechanoreceptors detect and convert force into electrical and biochemical signals, and mechanotransducers amplify and direct mechanoreceptor responses. Mechanoreceptors and mechanotransducers include ion channels, specialized cytoskeletal proteins, cell junction molecules, and G protein-coupled receptors. SMCs are particularly important due to their role as final effectors for motor function. Myogenic reflex—the ability of smooth muscle to contract in response to stretch rapidly—is a critical smooth muscle function. Such rapid mechanotransduction responses rely on mechano-gated and mechanosensitive ion channels, which alter their ion pores’ opening in response to force, allowing fast electrical and Ca2+responses. Although GI SMCs express a variety of such ion channels, their identities remain unknown. Recent advancements in electrophysiological, genetic, in vivo imaging, and multi-omic technologies broaden our understanding of how SMC mechano-gated and mechanosensitive ion channels regulate GI functions. This review discusses GI SMC mechanosensitivity's current developments with a particular emphasis on mechano-gated and mechanosensitive ion channels.
Lipid oxidation during thermogenesis in high-altitude deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Authors: Lyons Sulayman A. , Tate Kevin B. , Welch Jr. Kenneth C. , McClelland Grant B.
Published: March 2021

When at their maximum thermogenic capacity (cold-induced V̇o2max), small endotherms reach levels of aerobic metabolism as high, or even higher, than running V̇o2max. How these high rates of thermogenesis are supported by substrate oxidation is currently unclear. The appropriate utilization of metabolic fuels that could sustain thermogenesis over extended periods may be important for survival in cold environments, like high altitude. Previous studies show that high capacities for lipid use in high-altitude deer mice may have evolved in concert with greater thermogenic capacities. The purpose of this study was to determine how lipid utilization at both moderate and maximal thermogenic intensities may differ in high- and low-altitude deer mice, and strictly low-altitude white-footed mice. We also examined the phenotypic plasticity of lipid use after acclimation to cold hypoxia (CH), conditions simulating high altitude. We found that lipids were the primary fuel supporting both moderate and maximal rates of thermogenesis in both species of mice. Lipid oxidation increased threefold in mice from 30°C to 0°C, consistent with increases in oxidation of [13C]palmitic acid. CH acclimation led to an increase in [13C]palmitic acid oxidation at 30°C but did not affect total lipid oxidation. Lipid oxidation rates at cold-induced V̇o2max were two- to fourfold those at 0°C and increased further after CH acclimation, especially in high-altitude deer mice. These are the highest mass-specific lipid oxidation rates observed in any land mammal. Uncovering the mechanisms that allow for these high rates of oxidation will aid our understanding of the regulation of lipid metabolism.
Periodic unitary synaptic currents in the mouse globus pallidus during spontaneous firing in slices
Authors: Higgs Matthew H. , Jones James A. , Chan C. Savio , Wilson Charles J.
Published: March 2021

Brain circuits are often quiet in slices. In the globus pallidus, network activity continues because of the neurons’ rhythmic autonomous firing. In this study, synaptic currents generated by the network barrage were measured in single neurons. Unitary synaptic currents arising from single presynaptic neurons were identified by their unique periodicity. Periodic synaptic currents were large and reliable, even at the cell’s natural firing rates, but arose from a small number of other globus pallidus neurons.