bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human inspired fall arrest strategy for humanoid robots based on stiffness ellipsoid optimisation
Authors: Cui Da , Peers Christopher , Wang Guoqiang , Chen Zeren , Richardson Robert , Zhou Chengxu
Published: August 2021

Falls are a common risk and impose severe threats to both humans and humanoid robots as a product of bipedal locomotion. Inspired by human fall arrest, we present a novel humanoid robot fall prevention strategy by using arms to make contact with environmental objects. Firstly, the capture point method is used to detect falling. Once the fall is inevitable, the arm of the robot will be actuated to gain contact with an environmental object to prevent falling. We propose a hypothesis that humans naturally favour to select a pose that can generate a suitable Cartesian stiffness of the arm end-effector. Based on this principle, a configuration optimiser is designed to choose a pose of the arm that maximises the value of the stiffness ellipsoid of the endpoint along the impact force direction. During contact, the upper limb acts as an adjustable active spring–damper and absorbs impact shock to steady itself. To validate the proposed strategy, several simulations are performed in MATLAB & Simulink by having the humanoid robot confront a wall as a case study in which the strategy is proved to be effective and feasible. The results show that using the proposed strategy can reduce the joint torque during impact when the arms are used to arrest the fall.
A direct transfer solution for digital laser printing of CVD graphene
Authors: Papazoglou Symeon , Kaltsas Dimitrios , Logotheti Adamantia , Pesquera Amaia , Zurutuza Amaia , Tsetseris Leonidas , Zergioti Ioanna
Published: August 2021

State-of-the-art methods for printing highly resolved pixels of two-dimensional (2D) materials on technologically important substrates typically involve multiple and time-consuming processing steps which increase device fabrication complexity and the risk of impurity contamination. This work introduces an alternative printing approach based on the laser induced forward transfer (LIFT) technique for the successful digital transfer of graphene, the 2D material par excellence. Using LIFT, CVD graphene pixels of 30 μm × 30 μm in size are transferred on SiO2/Si and flexible polymer substrates. The potential of upscaling this novel approach by reaching sizes of up to 300 μm × 300 μm for transferred graphene patches is also demonstrated. The feasibility of laser-induced transfer of graphene is corroborated with ab initio molecular dynamics simulations which elucidate atomic-scale details of the seamless detachment of the monolayer from a metallic donor surface and its subsequent attachment to a receiver substrate.
Study of ‘one-step’ preparation of r-PET fiber-reinforced PE composites
Authors: Mao Yapeng , Cao Wei , Li Qiuying , Wu Chifei
Published: August 2021

In this paper, ‘one-step’ molding process was used to prepare r-PET fiber-reinforced PE composites. Effects of compatibilizer HY-3308 and fiber content on interfacial properties, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and the fiber dispersion of the composites were studied. FTIR, contact angle test, and SEM results indicated that the compatibilizer improved the interfacial combination between the PET fiber and PE matrix. DMA, DSC, mechanical properties, density, and SEM results indicated that with an increase of HY-3308 content, bonding between the fiber and matrix became tight; the phase interface became blurred, and the mechanical properties were gradually improved. Such a ‘one-step method’ preparation of the r-PET fiber-reinforced PE composites is simple, which is beneficial for the industrialization of recycling processes for r-PET fiber.
Element-specific magnetic hysteresis loops observed in hexagonal ErFeO3 thin films
Authors: Yokota Hiroko , Kobori Yu , Jitsukawa Shunsuke , Sakai Seiji , Takeda Yukiharu , Mitsui Takaya , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Kitao Shinji
Published: August 2021

We investigated the magnetic properties of multiferroic hexagonal ErFeO3 thin films by using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy. In order to reveal the element-specific magnetic properties, temperature-dependent XMCD experiments were conducted at the Fe L
2,3 and Er M
4,5-edges. Apparent magnetic hysteresis loops appear for both ions below the Néel temperature, which suggests the existence of ferromagnetism. The temperature evolutions of the coercive field and spontaneous magnetization for both ions show similar behavior. These results indicate that Fe ions influence the magnetism of Er ions. Our results deepen the understanding of the physical properties of hexagonal rare-earth ferrite system.
Fe-Mn based catalytic ceramic filters with SO2 resistance for NH3-SCR at low temperature
Authors: Li Kun , Jin Jiang , Li Kun , Wu Ruian , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2021

The Fe-Mn based catalyst was loaded on porous ceramic filter with impregnation method to prepare a catalytic ceramic filter which integrates the denitration and dust removal at low temperature. The effect of the Fe/Mn ratio and doping Sm on the catalytic performance of Fe-Mn based catalyst were studied. In the temperature range of 120 °C–220 °C, the Fe2Mn1Sm0.2Ox catalytic filter exhibited over 90% NO removal efficiency. When 100 ppm SO2 and 7vol.% H2O in the flue gas, the NO removal efficiency still maintained above 89% at 200 °C. These results proved that the Fe2Mn1Sm0.2Ox catalytic filter has excellent catalytic performance and excellent H2O and SO2 resistance at low temperature. In addition, the dust collection efficiency reached 99.99%. The NH3-TPD, H2-TPR and XPS confirmed that the Fe2Mn1Ox catalysts doped with Sm have stronger surface acid, more surface absorbed oxygen and more oxygen vacancy, which lead to higher NH3-SCR activity and better SO2 and H2O resistance.
Averaging method and coherence applied to Rabi oscillations in a two-level system
Authors: Chalkopiadis L , Simserides C
Published: August 2021

We study Rabi oscillations in a two-level system within the semiclassical approximation as an archetype test field of the Averaging Method (AM). The population transfer between the two levels is approached within the first and the second order AM. We systematically compare AM predictions with the rotating wave approximation (RWA) and with the complete numerical solution utilizing standard algorithms (NRWA). We study both the resonance (Δ = 0) and out-of-resonance (

Δ
≠
0

) cases, where Δ = ω − Ω, and ℏΩ = E
2 − E1 is the two-level energetic separation, while ω is the (cyclic) frequency of the electromagnetic field. We introduce three types of dimensionless factors ϵ, i.e., ΩR/Δ, ΩR/Σ, and ΩR/ω, where ΩR is the Rabi (cyclic) frequency and Σ = ω + Ω and explore the range of ϵ where the AM results are equivalent to NRWA. Finally, by allowing for a phase difference in the initial electron wave functions, we explore the prospects coherence can offer. We illustrate that even with equal initial probabilities at the two levels, but with phase difference, strong oscillations can be generated and manipulated.
Quantitative annular dark-field imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope—a review
Authors: Dwyer Christian
Published: August 2021

This article provides a review of quantitative annular dark-field imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope, paying particular attention to the methods of image quantification, and the application of quantitative data, including the use of density functional theory calculations, to relate the properties of nanomaterials to atomic-level structure.
Patients’ preferred place of death: patients are willing to consider their preferences, but someone has to ask them
Authors: van Doorne Iris , van Rijn Marjon , Dofferhoff Sjoerd M , Willems Dick L , Buurman Bianca M
Published: August 2021

Background

end-of-life care is not always in line with end-of-life preferences, so patients do not always die at their preferred place of death (PPD). This study aims to identify factors associated with patients’ PPD and changes in PPD.

Methods

we prospectively collected data on PPD at four time points within 6 months from 230 acutely hospitalised older patients who were part of the control group in a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial. Associations between patient characteristics and preferences were calculated using multivariable (multinomial) logistic regression analysis.

Results

the mean age of participants was 80.7 years. 47.8% of the patients had no PPD at hospital admission. Patients previously admitted to hospital preferred to die at home (home versus no preference: odds ratio [OR] 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–4.92; home versus healthcare facility: OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.15–9.16). Patients with more chronic diseases preferred the healthcare facility as their PPD (healthcare facility versus no preference: OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.09–1.61; healthcare facility versus home: OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.00–1.47). 32 of 65 patients changed their preference during follow-up, and most of these had no PPD at hospital admission (home versus no preference: OR 0.005, 95% CI ≤0.001–0.095) and poorer self-rated well-being (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.07–3.08).

Conclusions

almost half of the patients had no PPD at baseline. Previous hospital admission, having more chronic diseases and living alone are associated with having a PPD. Introducing PPD could make older people aware of PPD and facilitate optimal palliative care.
Molecular design in drug discovery: a comprehensive review of deep generative models
Authors: Cheng Yu , Gong Yongshun , Liu Yuansheng , Song Bosheng , Zou Quan
Published: August 2021

Deep generative models have been an upsurge in the deep learning community since they were proposed. These models are designed for generating new synthetic data including images, videos and texts by fitting the data approximate distributions. In the last few years, deep generative models have shown superior performance in drug discovery especially de novo molecular design. In this study, deep generative models are reviewed to witness the recent advances of de novo molecular design for drug discovery. In addition, we divide those models into two categories based on molecular representations in silico. Then these two classical types of models are reported in detail and discussed about both pros and cons. We also indicate the current challenges in deep generative models for de novo molecular design. De novo molecular design automatically is promising but a long road to be explored.
Clinical Outcomes, Echocardiographic Findings, and Care Quality Metrics for People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Rheumatic Heart Disease in Uganda
Authors: Chang Andrew Y , Rwebembera Joselyn , Bendavid Eran , Okello Emmy , Barry Michele , Beaton Andrea Z , Haeffele Christiane , Webel Allison R , Kityo Cissy , Longenecker Chris T
Published: August 2021

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) affects 41 million people worldwide, mostly in low- and middle-income countries, where it is co-endemic with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is also a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with cardiovascular complications, yet the epidemiology of patients affected by both diseases is poorly understood.

Methods

Utilizing the Uganda National RHD Registry, we described the echocardiographic findings, clinical characteristics, medication prescription rates, and outcomes of all 73 people carrying concurrent diagnoses of HIV and RHD between 2009 and 2018. These individuals were compared to an age- and sex-matched cohort of 365 subjects with RHD only.

Results

The median age of the HIV-RHD group was 36 years (interquartile range [IQR] 15), and 86% were women. The HIV-RHD cohort had higher rates of prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (12% vs 5%, P = .02) than the RHD-only group, with this association persisting following multivariable adjustment (odds ratio [OR] 3.08, P = .03). Prevalence of other comorbidities, echocardiographic findings, prophylactic penicillin prescription rates, retention in clinical care, and mortality were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Patients living with RHD and HIV in Uganda are a relatively young, predominantly female group. Although RHD-HIV comorbid individuals have higher rates of stroke, their similar all-cause mortality and RHD care quality metrics (such as retention in care) compared to those with RHD alone suggest rheumatic heart disease defines their clinical outcome more than HIV does. We believe this study to be one of the first reports of the epidemiologic profile and longitudinal outcomes of patients who carry diagnoses of both conditions.
Balancing Is in the Eye of the Beholder: Explaining the Critical Case of Late Imperial China
Authors: Wojciuk Anna
Published: August 2021

Balancing is at the core of the realist approach to the behaviour of states in international relations. Excluding cases of state incoherence, states are expected to balance promptly and infallibly whenever the balance of power shifts to their disadvantage. In this article, I explain a critical puzzle: why did China not respond to the external shock of Western military intervention between the 1840s and 1900 with a more robust balancing response? I argue that, in order to start balancing, China needed to abandon its Confucian ideational structures and replace them with ones resembling contemporary realism. I demonstrate that such structures were adopted after the acquisition of Chinese versions of social Darwinism. My argument, therefore, is that balancing occurs only as long as the structure of the international system is in sync with the affected actors’ ideational structures.
Walking Back Dissents on the European Court of Human Rights: A Rejoinder to Alec Stone Sweet, Wayne Sandholtz and Mads Andenas
Authors: Helfer Laurence R , Voeten Erik
Published: August 2021

Over the last decade, scholars have debated whether the shifting landscape of individual rights protection in Europe has influenced the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). In our article, ‘Walking Back Human Rights in Europe?’, we analysed every minority opinion of the ECtHR Grand Chamber between 1998 and 2018. We found a substantial increase in what we labelled as ‘walking back dissents’ – minority opinions asserting that the Grand Chamber has overturned prior case law or settled doctrine in a way that favours the government. In their Reply, Stone Sweet, Sandholtz and Andenas (SSA) offer two principal critiques. First, they assert that they could not ‘replicate’ our coding. Second, SSA challenge our claim that legal and political developments in Europe have incentivized the ECtHR to move in a rights-restrictive direction. These claims are inaccurate and mischaracterize our article. First, SSA do not ‘replicate’ our study. Instead, they code a very small subset of judgments using more restrictive, subjective and vague criteria – which, unsurprisingly, yield fewer walking back dissents. Second, SSA narrowly focus on the Brighton and Copenhagen conferences, ignoring numerous other changes at the national and regional level that have created a more constrained environment for the ECtHR.
Germline Alterations in Patients With IBD-associated Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Biscaglia Giuseppe , Latiano Anna , Castellana Stefano , Fontana Rosanna , Gentile Annamaria , Latiano Tiziana , Corritore Giuseppe , Panza Anna , Nardella Marianna , Martino Giuseppina , Bossa Fabrizio , Perri Francesco , Mazza Tommaso , Andriulli Angelo , Palmieri Orazio
Published: August 2021

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), are at risk of developing a colorectal cancer (CRC). No information is available on the contribution of patients’ genetic background to CRC occurrence. This study investigates germline alterations in patients with IBD-associated CRC.

Methods

We profiled a panel of 39 genes potentially involved in cancer predisposition and searched for germline variants in IBD patients with CRC or high-grade dysplasia.

Results

After clinical exclusion of genetic cancer syndromes, 25 IBD patients (4 CD and 21 UC) with CRC or high-grade dysplasia were studied. After excluding variants with low likelihood of pathogenicity (classes 1 or 2 according the International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC]), the panel identified pathogenic variants, likely pathogenic, or variants with unknown significance in 18 patients (72%). Six patients (24%) carried pathogenic or likely variants (IARC class 5 or 4). Of the identified variants, 4 encompassed the APC region, 3 the MLH1 gene, and the remaining ones the MSH2, MSH3, monoallelic MUTYH, EPCAM, BRCA1, CHEK2, POLD1, POLE, CDKN2A, and PDGFRA genes. Four patients carried at least 2 variants in different genes. Duration of IBD was significantly shorter in carriers of 4 or 5 IARC variants (7 years; range 0–21; P = .002) and in those with variants with unknown significance (12 years; range 0–22; P = .005) compared with patients without or with only benign variations (23.5 years; range 15–34).

Conclusions

In silico analysis and sequence-based testing of germline DNA from IBD patients with CRC or high-grade dysplasia detected 24% of variants positioned in pathogenic classes. In patients with type 3, 4, and 5 variants, the onset of high-grade dysplasia or CRC was significantly earlier than in patients with benign or unidentified variants. The screening for these genes could identify IBD patients requiring a more intensive endoscopic surveillance for earlier detection of dysplastic changes.
A Novel Gaze Input System Based on Iris Tracking With Webcam Mounted Eyeglasses
Authors: Yildiz Metin , Yorulmaz Muhammet
Published: August 2021

Due to the high cost of eye-tracking systems based on pupillary corneal reflections, efforts to develop a webcam-based eye-tracking system have increased to provide an affordable alternative to disabled people in recent years. However, due to the camera specification and location, ambient light changes and positional changes of the users, the gazing point of the eyes has not yet been determined precisely by such a system. Therefore, only 8 different gaze directions or up to 10 gaze regions could be detected in the previous webcam-based human–computer interaction studies. In this study, a novel gaze input system has been proposed to make the best use of the limited performance of webcam-based eye tracking and offer an economical alternative for disabled people. To reduce the impact of head movements, the webcam has been mounted to an ordinary glasses frame and positioned in front of the eye. For estimation of the gaze regions, a feature-based method (Hough transformation) was used by considering the circular shape of the iris and the contrast between the iris and sclera. The central coordinates of the iris image captured by the webcam were given to the k-nearest neighbor classifier. We performed a series of experiments with 20 subjects to determine the performance of the system and to investigate the effect of ambient light on the system’s accuracy. The 23 regions that were gazed at by subjects were determined with an average accuracy of 99.54%. When the ambient light level was reduced by half, the accuracy decreased to 94.74%. As a result, it has been found that the proposed prototype allows more accurate recognition of a larger number of regions on the screen than previous webcam-based systems. It has been observed that system performance decreases if the ambient light is reduced byhalf.
Antisense inhibition of the Escherichia coli NrdAB aerobic ribonucleotide reductase is bactericidal due to induction of DNA strand breaks
Authors: Campion Christopher , Charbon Godefroid , Thomsen Thomas T , Nielsen Peter E , Løbner-Olesen Anders
Published: August 2021

Background

Antisense peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) constitute an alternative to traditional antibiotics, by their ability to silence essential genes.

Objectives

To evaluate the antibacterial effects of antisense PNA-peptide conjugates that target the gene encoding the alpha subunit (NrdA) of the Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase (RNR).

Methods

Bacterial susceptibility of a series of NrdA-targeting PNAs was studied by MIC determination and time–kill analysis. Western-blot analysis, gene complementation and synergy with hydroxyurea were employed to determine the efficiency of NrdA-PNA antisense treatment. The effect on chromosome replication was addressed by determining the DNA synthesis rate, by flow cytometry analysis, by quantitative PCR and by fluorescence microscopy. The use of DNA repair mutants provided insight into the bactericidal action of NrdA-PNA.

Results

Treatment with NrdA-PNA specifically inhibited growth of E. coli, as well as NrdA protein translation at 4 μM. Also, the DNA synthesis rate was reduced, preventing completion of chromosome replication and resulting in formation of double-stranded DNA breaks and cell death.

Conclusions

These data present subunits of the NrdAB RNR as a target for future antisense microbial agents and provide insight into the bacterial physiological response to RNR-targeting antimicrobials.
Debt, Growth and Stability in Africa: Speculative Calculations and Policy Responses
Authors: Devarajan Shantayanan , Gill Indermit S , Karakülah Kenan
Published: August 2021

Since 2014, almost all African countries have experienced an increase in public debt and a change in its nature. The ratio of public debt to GDP has doubled, and sovereign debt is changing from concessional credit provided by official agencies to market-based loans from private institutions. This paper attempts to answer three questions that are being asked with increasing urgency in this setting. First, has the quality of institutions and policies, critical to sustaining higher levels of debt, improved since the debt relief era of the early 2000s? Second, will debt markets get to know emerging Africa well enough before the next crisis? Third, have resolutions of defaults in Africa been orderly so that debtor governments are not herded into traps set by foreign creditors? Our calculations suggest that the answer to all three questions is ‘no’. To avoid another debt crisis, the paper recommends preventive measures. The policy responses involve full transparency in debt accounting, greater realism in growth forecasts and diligence in matching the region’s seemingly limitless public investment needs with limited long-term development finance and weak public-sector capacity to manage infrastructure investments. More specifically, we recommend that African governments treat increases in commodity prices as temporary—not permanent—shocks; that in deciding how to finance public investment, governments compare the marginal cost of funds from taxation with market terms; and that governments not finance long-term infrastructure projects with short-term money from abroad, regardless of the conditions on which these loans can be contracted.
Rembrandt was here
Authors: Campbell Louise
Published: August 2021

In 1911 visitors to the Amsterdam house where Rembrandt lived between 1639 and 1658 were disappointed to find no working studio, bedroom or personal collections. In his design for the Rembrandthuis museum, the architect K.P.C. de Bazel had chosen not to create a period interior, but instead combined domestically scaled rooms with a museum displaying Rembrandt’s prints. The project registered early twentieth-century perceptions of Rembrandt as a modern, and contemporary debates about the restoration of historic buildings. Unlike many nineteenth-century house museums, it was designed to focus attention on the work rather than the life of the occupant. However, in 1998, the museum was reconfigured as a simulacrum of a seventeenth-century house, with a new annex for displaying prints and drawings and for exhibitions. The history of the Rembrandthuis illuminates changing approaches to the artist over time and their implications for architecture and museology in the age of modernism.
Maternal-Offspring Interactions: Reciprocally Coevolving Social Environments
Authors: Wade Michael J
Published: August 2021

Maternal-zygotic co-evolution is one of the most common examples of indirect genetic effects. I investigate how maternal-zygotic gene interactions affect rates of evolution and adaptation. Using comparably parameterized population genetic models, I compare evolution to an abiotic environment with genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E) to evolution to a maternal environment with offspring genotype-by-maternal environment interaction (G × Gmaternal). There are strong parallels between the 2 models in the components of fitness variance but they differ in their rates of evolution measured in terms of ∆p, gene frequency change, or of ∆W, change in mean fitness. The Price Equation is used to partition ∆W into 2 components, one owing to the genetic variance in fitness by natural selection and a second owing to change in environment. Adaptive evolution is faster in the 2-locus model with G × Gmaternal with free recombination, than it is in the 1-locus model with G × E, because in the former the maternal genetic environment coevolves with the zygotic phenotype adapting to it. I discuss the relevance of these findings for the evolution of genes with indirect genetic effects.
Novel MRI technique for the quantification of biochemical deterioration in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head: a prospective diagnostic trial
Authors: Han Xiaorui , Hong Guoju , Guo Yuan , Wu Hongzhen , Sun Ping , Wei Qiushi , Chen Zhenqiu , He Wei , Liu Zaiyi , Liang Changhong
Published: August 2021

To explore the novel magnetic resonance imaging techniques, IVIM-DWI and IDEAL-IQ in detecting bone marrow fat and microcirculation in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SIONFH). In this prospective study, 49 patients (80 hips) with SIONFH taking glucocorticoids and 24 healthy volunteers (48 hips) were recruited and assessed by T1WI, T2WI/fs, IDEAL-IQ and IVIM-DWI. The affected hips, contralateral asymptomatic hips and normal hips, as well as normal, penumbra and necrotic areas in the affected hips, were classified and evaluated. Imaging results were compared with histologic bone sections obtained from SIONFH patients undergoing surgery. The fat fraction (FF) and perfusion fraction (f) differences between groups were analyzed using analysis of variance, the LSD t-test, Pearson correlation analysis and ROC curve analysis. Our results demonstrate that IDEAL-IQ (FF) and IVIM-DWI (f) enable the classification of SIONFH at different ARCO stages. The FF was positively associated with the progression of the disease (r = 0.72), in contrast to f (r = −0.17). The FF and f were significantly different among the necrotic, penumbra and normal areas, and they were negatively correlated with each other (r = −0.37). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of IDEAL-IQ were 96.9% and 86.7%, and those of IVIM-DWI were 72.34% and 58.33%, respectively. The FF in contralateral asymptomatic hips was significantly higher than in normal hips, but no difference was found for f. IDEAL-IQ, and not IVIM-DWI, was identified to successfully detect bone marrow fat, which is beneficial to the diagnosis of the severity of SIONFH.
Toxicity From Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) After Ingestion or Inhalation: A Case Series
Authors: Schimpf Mackenzie , Ulmer Thomas , Hiller Hugh , Barbuto Alexander F
Published: August 2021

Plant extracts and other novel psychoactives can be ingested, vaped, injected, or insufflated. This includes products such as extracts from the blue lotus flower (Nypmhaea caerulea), which is known to produce euphoria and hallucinations at high doses. Blue lotus is sold in several forms, including dried plant material, teas, and extracts for use in electronic cigarettes. Because newer generations of electronic cigarettes can deliver a variety of substances, practitioners need to be mindful of toxicity from a growing number of psychoactives, some of which are not detectable by standard urine drug screens. This case series describes five active duty patients who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status following the use of blue lotus products, four after vaping and one after making an infused beverage. Patients displayed similar symptoms, including sedation and perceptual disturbances. The patients in our series were successfully managed with supportive measures without the need for sedating agents. Recognizing and identifying new trends in substance use can help to provide directions in undifferentiated altered mental status.
Prospective Evaluation of Health Outcomes in a Nationwide Sample of Aeromedical Evacuation Casualties: Methods From a Pilot Study
Authors: Walker Lauren E , McCabe Cameron T , Watrous Jessica R , Poltavskiy Eduard , Howard Jeffrey T , Janak Jud C , Migliore Laurie , Stewart Ian J , Galarneau Michael R
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Although retrospective analyses have found that combat-injured service members are at high risk for mental and physical health outcomes following injury, relatively little is known about the long-term health of injured service members. To better understand long-term health outcomes after combat injury, a large, prospective observational cohort collecting both subjective and objective health data is needed. Given that a study of this nature would be costly and face many logistical challenges, we first conducted a pilot to assess the feasibility of a larger, definitive study.

Materials and Methods

We ran a prospective, observational pilot study of 119 combat-injured service members and veterans who completed (1) at least one set of laboratory measurements (blood and urine sample collection and vitals measurements) at Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988 compliant laboratory locations and (2) at least one online assessment for the Wounded Warrior Recovery Project (WWRP), a 15-year examination of patient-reported outcomes among service members injured on combat deployment. We recruited the pilot study cohort from WWRP participants who met eligibility criteria and indicated interest in additional research opportunities. We collected laboratory values and patient-reported outcomes at baseline and again 1 year later, and obtained demographic, injury, and military service data from the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database. The David Grant USAF Medical Center Institution Review Board (IRB) and the Naval Health Research Center IRB reviewed and approved the study protocols.

Results

During recruitment for the pilot study, 624 study candidates were identified from WWRP. Of the 397 candidates we contacted about the pilot study, 179 (45.1%) enrolled and 119 (66.4%) of those who enrolled completed the first year of participation. The second study year was suspended due to the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. At the time of suspension, 72 (60.5%) participants completed follow-up laboratory appointments, and 111 (93.3%) completed second-year WWRP assessments. Participants in the pilot study were predominately male (95.0%) and non-Hispanic White (55.5%), with a median (interquartile range) age of 38.3 (34.1-45.4) years.

Conclusions

Collection of patient-reported outcomes and laboratory samples in a geographically dispersed cohort of combat-injured service members is possible. While significant challenges exist, our pilot study results indicate that a larger, longitudinal, cohort study is feasible.
Measuring the vertical response of the Galactic disc to an infalling satellite
Authors: Poggio Eloisa , Laporte Chervin F P , Johnston Kathryn V , D’Onghia Elena , Drimmel Ronald , Grion Filho Douglas
Published: August 2021

Using N-body simulations of the Milky Way interacting with a satellite similar to the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy, we quantitatively analyse the vertical response of the Galactic disc to the satellite’s repeated impacts. We approximate the vertical distortion of the Galactic disc as the sum of the first three Fourier azimuthal terms m = 0, 1, and 2, and observe their evolution in different dynamical regimes of interaction. After the first interaction, the m = 0 term manifests itself as outgoing ring-like vertical distortions. The m = 1 term (S-shape warp) is prograde when the impacts of the satellite are more frequent, or in general close to an interaction, whereas it is slowly retrograde in the most quiescent phases. The m = 2 term is typically prograde, and close to an interaction it couples with the m = 1 term. Finally, we find that the vertical response of the disc can be recovered in an unbiased way using the instantaneous positions and velocities of stars in a limited volume of the Galactic disc, analogous to real data, and that the measured vertical pattern speeds have a constraining power in the context of a Milky Way–satellite interaction.
An optimal non-linear method for simulating relic neutrinos
Authors: Elbers Willem , Frenk Carlos S , Jenkins Adrian , Li Baojiu , Pascoli Silvia
Published: August 2021

Cosmology places the strongest current limits on the sum of neutrino masses. Future observations will further improve the sensitivity and this will require accurate cosmological simulations to quantify possible systematic uncertainties and to make predictions for non-linear scales, where much information resides. However, shot noise arising from neutrino thermal motions limits the accuracy of simulations. In this paper, we introduce a new method for simulating large-scale structure formation with neutrinos that accurately resolves the neutrinos down to small scales and significantly reduces the shot noise. The method works by tracking perturbations to the neutrino phase-space distribution with particles and reduces shot noise in the power spectrum by a factor of $\mathcal {O}\left(10^2\right)$ at z = 0 for minimal neutrino masses and significantly more at higher redshifts, without neglecting the back-reaction caused by neutrino clustering. We prove that the method is part of a family of optimal methods that minimize shot noise subject to a maximum deviation from the non-linear solution. Compared to other methods, we find per mille level agreement in the matter power spectrum and per cent level agreement in the large-scale neutrino bias, but large differences in the neutrino component on small scales. A basic version of the method can easily be implemented in existing N-body codes and allows neutrino simulations with significantly reduced particle load. Further gains are possible by constructing background models based on perturbation theory. A major advantage of this technique is that it works well for all masses, enabling a consistent exploration of the full neutrino parameter space.
Linking Uranus’ temperature profile to wind-induced magnetic fields
Authors: Soyuer Deniz , Helled Ravit
Published: August 2021

The low luminosity of Uranus is still a puzzling phenomenon and has key implications for the thermal and compositional gradients within the planet. Recent studies have shown that planetary volatiles become ionically conducting under conditions that are present in the ice giants. Rapidly growing electrical conductivity with increasing depth would couple zonal flows to the background magnetic field in the planets, inducing poloidal and toroidal field perturbations $\boldsymbol {B}^{\omega } = \boldsymbol {B}^{\omega }_\mathrm{ P} + \boldsymbol {B}^{\omega }_\mathrm{ T}$ via the ω-effect. Toroidal perturbations $\boldsymbol {B}^{\omega }_\mathrm{ T}$ are expected to diffuse downwards and produce poloidal fields $\boldsymbol {B}^{\alpha }_\mathrm{ P}$ through turbulent convection via the α-effect, comparable in strength to those of the ω-effect, $\boldsymbol {B}^{\omega }_\mathrm{ P}$. To estimate the strength of poloidal field perturbations for various Uranus models in the literature, we generate wind decay profiles based on Ohmic dissipation constraints assuming an ionically conducting H2–He–H2O interior. Because of the higher metallicities in outer regions of hot Uranus models, zonal winds need to decay to ∼0.1 per cent of their surface values in the outer 1 per cent of Uranus to admit decay solutions in the Ohmic framework. Our estimates suggest that colder Uranus models could potentially have poloidal field perturbations that reach up to $\mathcal {O}(0.1)$ of the background magnetic field in the most extreme case. The possible existence of poloidal field perturbations spatially correlated with Uranus’ zonal flows could be used to constrain Uranus’ interior structure, and presents a further case for the in situ exploration of Uranus.
81 New candidate fast radio bursts in Parkes archive
Authors: Yang X , Zhang S-B , Wang J-S , Hobbs G , Sun T-R , Manchester R N , Geng J-J , Russell C J , Luo R , Tang Z-F , Wang C , Wei J-J , Staveley-Smith L , Dai S , Li Y , Yang Y-Y , Wu X-F
Published: August 2021

We have searched for weak fast radio burst (FRB) events using a data base containing 568 736 756 transient events detected using the Parkes radio telescope between 1997 and 2001. In order to classify these pulses, and to identify likely FRB candidates, we used a machine-learning algorithm based on ResNet. We identified 81 new candidate FRBs and provide details of their positions, event times, and dispersion measures. These events were detected in only one beam of the Parkes multibeam receiver. We used a relatively low S/N cut-off threshold when selecting these bursts and some have dispersion measures only slightly exceeding the expected Galactic contribution. We therefore present these candidate FRBs as a guide for follow-up observations in the search for repeating FRBs.
Detailed evolutionary models of massive contact binaries – I. Model grids and synthetic populations for the Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Menon Athira , Langer Norbert , de Mink Selma E , Justham Stephen , Sen Koushik , Szécsi Dorottya , de Koter Alex , Abdul-Masih Michael , Sana Hugues , Mahy Laurent , Marchant Pablo
Published: August 2021

The majority of close massive binary stars with initial periods of a few days experience a contact phase, in which both stars overflow their Roche lobes simultaneously. We perform the first dedicated study of the evolution of massive contact binaries and provide a comprehensive prediction of their observed properties. We compute 2790 detailed binary models for the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds each, assuming mass transfer to be conservative. The initial parameter space for both grids span total masses from 20 to 80$\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ , orbital periods of 0.6–2 d and mass ratios of 0.6–1.0. We find that models that remain in contact over nuclear time-scales evolve towards equal masses, echoing the mass ratios of their observed counterparts. Ultimately, the fate of our nuclear-time-scale models is to merge on the main sequence. Our predicted period–mass ratio distributions of O-type contact binaries are similar for both galaxies, and we expect 10 such systems together in both Magellanic Clouds. While we can largely reproduce the observed distribution, we overestimate the population of equal-mass contact binaries. This situation is somewhat remedied if we also account for binaries that are nearly in contact. Our theoretical distributions work particularly well for contact binaries with periods <2 d and total masses $\lessapprox 45\, \mathrm{M}_\odot \,$. We expect stellar winds, non-conservative mass transfer, and envelope inflation to have played a role in the formation of the more massive and longer-period contact binaries.
A small-molecule fluorescence probe ANP77 for sensing RNA internal loop of C, U and A/CC motifs and their binding molecules
Authors: Das Bimolendu , Murata Asako , Nakatani Kazuhiko
Published: August 2021

Small-molecules interacting with particular RNAs and modulating their functions are vital tools for RNA-targeting drug discovery. Considering the substantial distribution of the internal loops involving two contiguous cytosines opposite to a single-nucleotide base (Y/CC; Y = C, U or A) within the biologically significant functional RNAs, developing small-molecule probes targeting Y/CC sites should provide profound insight into their functions and roles in biochemical processes. Herein, we report ANP77 as the small-molecule probe for sensing RNA internal loop of Y/CC motifs and molecules binding to the motifs. The Y/CC motifs interact with ANP77 via the formation of a 1:1 complex and quench the fluorescence of ANP77. The flanking sequence-dependent binding to C/CC and U/CC sites was assessed by fluorometric screening, provided the binding heat maps. The quenching phenomena of ANP77 fluorescence was confirmed with intrinsic potential drug target pre-miR-1908. Finally, the binding-dependent fluorescence quenching of ANP77 was utilized in the fluorescence indicator displacement assay to demonstrate the potential of ANP77 as an indicator by using the RNA-binding drugs, risdiplam and branaplam.
Cascade-responsive nanobomb with domino effect for anti-tumor synergistic therapies
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Yinghui , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie
Published: August 2021

The development of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation agents that can selectively produce sufficient ROS at the tumor site without external energy stimulation is of great significance for the further clinical application of ROS-based therapies. Herein, we designed a cascade-responsive ROS nanobomb (ZnO2@Ce6/CaP@CPPO/BSA, designated as Z@Ce6/CaP@CB) with domino effect and without external stimulation for the specific generation of multiple powerful ROS storms at the tumor site. The calcium phosphate shell and ZnO2 core gradually degrade and release Ca2+, Zn2+ and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under acid stimulation. On the one hand, Zn2+ can enhance the generation of endogenous superoxide anions (·O2–) and H2O2 through the inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. On the other hand, the generation of large amounts of exogenous H2O2 can cause oxidative damage to tumor cells and further activate bis[2,4,5-trichloro-6-(pentyloxycarbonyl)phenyl] oxalate (CPPO)-mediated chemiexcited photodynamic therapy. In addition, the oxidative stress caused by the generated ROS can lead to the uncontrolled accumulation of Ca2+ in cells and further result in Ca2+ overload-induced cell death. Therefore, the introduction of Z@Ce6/CaP@CB nanobombs triggered the ‘domino effect’ that caused multiple heavy ROS storms and Ca2+ overload in tumors and effectively activated anti-tumor immune response.
Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Identified From Nontargeted Screening Among Adult Visitors in an Academic Appalachian Regional Emergency Department
Authors: Daniel Moore J , Galbraith James , Humphries Roger , Havens Jennifer R
Published: August 2021

Background

We describe the initial results of an adult academic emergency department (ED) nontargeted hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening program serving Appalachia, which is disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic.

Methods

The study was a retrospective screening study of ED systematic, nontargeted, opt-out HCV testing outcomes from July 2018 through September 2020. Eligibility requirements for “nontargeted” HCV testing included age ≥18 years, verbally able to communicate, receiving bloodwork already as part of routine clinical care, and not opting out of testing. For eligible individuals who did not opt out of testing, an HCV antibody (Ab) test was performed. Reactive Ab tests were confirmed with reflexive HCV RNA testing. The primary study outcome was the characterization of HCV Ab and RNA prevalence.

Results

There were 75 722 unique adult visitors during the period studied. Of these, 54 931 individuals were verbally engaged regarding testing and did not opt out. A total of 34 848 individuals received HCV Ab testing, with 3665 patients (10.5%) having reactive results. RNA confirmatory testing was reflexively performed in all Ab-positive patients, with 1601 (50.3%) positive. The majority of HCV Ab– and RNA-positive patients were young, born after 1965, and were more likely to be White, male, Medicaid insured, and report a history of injection drug use.

Conclusions

ED nontargeted, opt-out testing can identify a high prevalence of HCV infection among adult visitors. HCV infection was disproportionately high among younger, White individuals, likely reflecting the escalating syndemic of opioid injection and HCV transmission in Appalachia.
Lung Abscess and Recurrent Empyema After Infection With Mycoplasma hominis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Moneke Isabelle , Hornuss Daniel , Serr Annerose , Kern Winfried V , Passlick Bernward , Senbaklavaci Oemer
Published: August 2021

Mycoplasma hominis is a rarely identified cause of respiratory infection that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. It is often missed due to the difficult detection of the organism with routine laboratory methods.

We present the case of a 63-year-old male with a history of lymphoma who was transferred to our hospital with recurrent right-sided empyema and lung abscess in the right lower lobe. Advanced microbiological analysis finally revealed infection with M hominis. Despite appropriate antibiotic treatment, prolonged drainage as well as repeated surgery, which eventually resulted in right lower bilobectomy, were necessary for clinical improvement of our patient.

Infection with M hominis may be more prevalent than previously indicated and can cause severe morbidity and mortality in thoracic surgery patients. Due to the diagnostic challenge, the appropriate antimicrobial treatment is often delayed. Inherent resistance to macrolides and inactivity of cell wall-active agents potentially complicate empiric antibiotic therapy. A review of the currently available literature enables a better understanding of the diagnostic difficulties and importance of this infection.
Moral Epistemology and the Revision of Divine Law in Islam
Authors: Siddiqi Ahmed Ali
Published: August 2021

This essay explores the relationship between moral epistemology and legal theory in Islamic thought. Reviewing selected works of Khomeini, Maududi, and Qutb, I show that Islamism, drawing upon certain currents of Muslim intellectual tradition, presupposes a rejection of moral rationalism and on that basis opposes the permanent alteration of explicit divine injunctions. Next, I argue that the unwillingness of ‘Abduh, Iqbal, and Soroush to articulate a consistent moral rationalism prevents these reformists from offering a tenable theoretical alternative to Islamist legalism. I subsequently consider the moral epistemology of classical Mu‘tazili scholar ‘Abd al-Jabbar in order to show how a robust moral rationalism justifies the prudential revision of divine law. On that basis, I suggest that moral rationalism is the necessary epistemic basis of any legal theory that stands as a clear alternative to Islamism while still remaining grounded in the most fundamental tenets of Muslim piety.
Blurrings Of The J-Function
Authors: Aslanyan Vahagn , Kirby Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Inspired by the idea of blurring the exponential function, we define blurred variants of the j-function and its derivatives, where blurring is given by the action of a subgroup of $\mathrm{GL}_2({\mathbb{C}})$. For a dense subgroup (in the complex topology) we prove an Existential Closedness theorem which states that all systems of equations in terms of the corresponding blurred j with derivatives have complex solutions, except where there is a functional transcendence reason why they should not. For the j-function without derivatives we prove a stronger theorem, namely, Existential Closedness for j blurred by the action of a subgroup which is dense in $\mathrm{GL}_2^+(\mathbb{R})$, but not necessarily in $\mathrm{GL}_2({\mathbb{C}})$.

We also show that for a suitably chosen countable algebraically closed subfield $C \subseteq {\mathbb{C}}$, the complex field augmented with a predicate for the blurring of the j-function by $\mathrm{GL}_2(C)$ is model theoretically tame, in particular, ω-stable and quasiminimal.