bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous noninvasive blood gas estimation in critically ill pediatric patients with respiratory failure
Authors: Dong Junzi , Xu-Wilson Minnan , Conroy Bryan R. , Khemani Robinder G. , Newth Christopher J. L.
Published: June 2022

Patients supported by mechanical ventilation require frequent invasive blood gas samples to monitor and adjust the level of support. We developed a transparent and novel blood gas estimation model to provide continuous monitoring of blood pH and arterial CO2 in between gaps of blood draws, using only readily available noninvasive data sources in ventilated patients. The model was trained on a derivation dataset (1,883 patients, 12,344 samples) from a tertiary pediatric intensive care center, and tested on a validation dataset (286 patients, 4030 samples) from the same center obtained at a later time. The model uses pairwise non-linear interactions between predictors and provides point-estimates of blood gas pH and arterial CO2 along with a range of prediction uncertainty. The model predicted within Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) acceptable blood gas machine equivalent in 74% of pH samples and 80% of PCO2 samples. Prediction uncertainty from the model improved estimation accuracy by 15% by identifying and abstaining on a minority of high-uncertainty samples. The proposed model estimates blood gas pH and CO2 accurately in a large percentage of samples. The model’s abstention recommendation coupled with ranked display of top predictors for each estimation lends itself to real-time monitoring of gaps between blood draws, and the model may help users determine when a new blood draw is required and delay blood draws when not needed.
Development and validation of a prognostic prediction model including the minor lymphatic pathway for distant metastases in cervical cancer patients
Authors: Thephamongkhol Kullathorn , Korpraphong Pornpim , Muangsomboon Kobkun , Sitathanee Chomporn , Lertkhachonsuk Arb-aroon , Phongkitkarun Sith , Srirattanapong Saowanee , Prapruttam Duangkamon , Bridhikitti Jidapa , Dendumrongsup Thaworn , Alisanant Petch , Amornwichet Napapat , Khorprasert Chonlakiet , Sasiwimonphan Kewalee , Tanprasertkul Chamnan , Dhanachai Mantana , Patumanond Jayanton , Setakornnukul Jiraporn
Published: June 2022

To develop and validate a prognostic model, including the minor lymphatic pathway (internal iliac and presacral nodes). Study design: Retrospective cohort. Participants: Locally advanced cervical cancer underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Sample size: 397 and 384 patients in the development and validation data set. Predictors: Our new nodal staging system with the minor lymphatic pathway. Outcome: Distant metastases. Statistical analysis: Cox regression; net reclassification improvement (NRI) and decision curve analysis (DCA). Our new nodal system was the strongest predictor. The predictors in the final model were new nodal system, tumor stage, adenocarcinoma, initial hemoglobin, tumor size and age. The nodal system and the pretreatment model had concordance indices of 0.661 and 0.708, respectively, with good calibration curves. Compared to the OUTBACK eligibility criteria, the nodal system showed NRI for both cases (22%) and controls (16%). The pretreatment model showed NRI for cases (31%) and controls (18%). DCA in both models showed threshold probability of 15% and 12%, respectively, when compared with 24% in OUTBACK eligibility criteria. Our new nodal staging system and the pretreatment model could differentiate between high-risk and low-risk patients, thus facilitating decisions to provide more aggressive treatment to prevent distant metastases.
Spontaneous recovery from overexpectation in an insect
Authors: Terao Kanta , Matsumoto Yukihisa , Álvarez Beatriz , Mizunami Makoto
Published: June 2022

In associative learning in mammals, it is widely accepted that learning is determined by the prediction error, i.e., the error between the actual reward and the reward predicted by the animal. However, it is unclear whether error-based learning theories are applicable to the learning occurring in other non-mammalian species. Here, we examined whether overexpectation, a phenomenon that supports error-based learning theories, occurs in crickets. Crickets were independently trained with two different conditioned stimuli (CSs), an odour and a visual pattern, that were followed by an appetitive unconditioned stimulus (US). Then the two CSs were presented simultaneously as a compound, followed by the same US. This treatment resulted in a reduced conditioned response to the odour CS when tested immediately after training. However, the response to the CS was partially recovered after 1 day. These results are the first to show overexpectation and its spontaneous recovery in an invertebrate species. While the results showing overexpectation are in agreement with the prediction by the Rescorla-Wagner model, a major form of error-based learning theories, the ones showing spontaneous recovery are not. Our results suggest that conventional error-based learning models account for some, but not for all essential features of Pavlovian conditioning in crickets.
Glycaemic variability is associated with all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients with ARDS, a retrospective subcohort study
Authors: Hartmann Bojan , Verket Marlo , Balfanz Paul , Hartmann Niels-Ulrik , Jacobsen Malte , Brandts Julia , Dreher Michael , Kossack Nils , Häckl Dennis , Marx Nikolaus , Müller-Wieland Dirk
Published: June 2022

There is high mortality among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Important factors for COVID-19 mortality are diabetes status and elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG). However, the effect of glycaemic variability on survival has not been explored in patients with COVID-19 and ARDS. This single-centre cohort study compared several metrics of glycaemic variability for goodness-of-fit in patients requiring mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19 ARDS in the ICU at University Hospital Aachen, Germany. 106 patients had moderate to severe ARDS (P/F ratio median [IQR]: 112 [87–148] mmHg). Continuous HRs showed a proportional increase in mortality risk with daily glycaemic variability (DGV). Multivariable unadjusted and adjusted Cox-models showed a statistically significant difference in mortality for DGV (HR: 1.02, (P) < 0.001, LR(P) < 0.001; HR: 1.016, (P) = 0.001, LR(P) < 0.001, respectively). Kaplan–Meier estimators yielded a shorter median survival (25 vs. 87 days) and a higher likelihood of death (75% vs. 31%) in patients with DGV ≥ 25.5 mg/dl (P < 0.0001). High glycaemic variability during ICU admission is associated with significant increase in all-cause mortality for patients admitted with COVID-19 ARDS to the ICU. This effect persisted even after adjustment for clinically predetermined confounders, including diabetes, median procalcitonin and FPG.
Using multi-parametric quantitative MRI to screen for cardiac involvement in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Huang Lu , Tao Qian , Zhao Peijun , Ji Suqiong , Jiang Jiangang , van der Geest Rob J. , Xia Liming
Published: June 2022

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) is a group of heterogeneous autoimmune systemic diseases, which not only involve skeletal muscle but also myocardium. Cardiac involvement in IIM, which eventually develops into heart failure, is difficult to identify by conventional examinations at early stage. The aim of this study was to investigate if multi-parametric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can screen for early cardiac involvement in IIM, compared with clinical score (Myositis Disease Activity Assessment Tool, MDAAT). Forty-nine patients of IIM, and 25 healthy control subjects with comparable age-range and sex-ratio were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent CMR examination, and multi-slice short-axis and 4-chamber cine MRI were acquired to evaluate biventricular global circumferential strain (GCS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Native T1 and T2 mapping were performed, and post-contrast T1 mapping and LGE were acquired after administration of contrast. A CMR score was developed from native T1 mean and T2 mean for the identification of cardiac involvement in the IIM cohort. Using contingency tables MDAAT and CMR were compared and statistically analyzed using McNemar test. McNemar’s test revealed no significant difference between CMR score and MDAAT (p = 0.454). CMR score had potential to screen for early cardiac involvement in IIM patients, compared to MDAAT.
A deep learning model identifies emphasis on hard work as an important predictor of income inequality
Authors: Sheetal Abhishek , Chaudhury Srinwanti H. , Savani Krishna
Published: June 2022

High levels of income inequality can persist in society only if people accept the inequality as justified. To identify psychological predictors of people’s tendency to justify inequality, we retrained a pre-existing deep learning model to predict the extent to which World Values Survey respondents believed that income inequality is necessary. A feature importance analysis revealed multiple items associated with the importance of hard work as top predictors. As an emphasis on hard work is a key component of the Protestant Work Ethic, we formulated the hypothesis that the PWE increases acceptance of inequality. A correlational study found that the more people endorsed PWE, the less disturbed they were about factual statistics about wealth equality in the US. Two experiments found that exposing people to PWE items decreased their disturbance with income inequality. The findings indicate that machine learning models can be reused to generate viable hypotheses.
Comparison of calcium-based technologies to remineralise enamel subsurface lesions using microradiography and microhardness
Authors: Fernando James R. , Walker Glenn D. , Park Thomas Kwan-Soo , Shen Peiyan , Yuan Yi , Reynolds Coralie , Reynolds Eric C.
Published: June 2022

Assessment of enamel subsurface lesion remineralisation is essential for the evaluation of novel remineralisation technologies. The gold standard to assess subsurface mineral gain of enamel lesions is transverse microradiography (TMR). However, some studies have utilised surface microhardness (SMH) to evaluate efficacy of remineralisation agents. The aim of this study was to assess remineralisation of enamel subsurface lesions using TMR and SMH after in vitro treatment with calcium-containing technologies, and to test correlation between the TMR and SMH measurements. The parameters obtained from the TMR and SMH analyses of enamel subsurface remineralisation were not significantly correlated. Furthermore, the enamel subsurface remineralisation as measured by TMR was significantly correlated with the water-soluble calcium concentration of the remineralisation products. Scanning electron microscopy revealed surface precipitates formed by specific remineralisation treatments obfuscated accurate assessment of remineralisation by SMH. It was concluded that TMR is a more appropriate method for analysis of enamel subsurface remineralisation, and that SMH values of remineralised enamel should be interpreted with caution. Using TMR the level of remineralisation (%R) by the different technologies was CPP-ACP/F (31.3 ± 1.4%); CPP-ACP (24.2 ± 1.4%); CaSO4/K2HPO4/F (21.3 ± 1.4%); f-TCP/F (20.9 ± 1.0%); Nano-HA/F (16.3 ± 0.3%); Nano-HA (15.3 ± 0.6%) and F alone control (15.4 ± 1.3%).
Insights into nitrogen metabolism in the wild and cultivated lettuce as revealed by transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Eriksen Renee L. , Simko Ivan , Shi Ainong , Mou Beiquan
Published: June 2022

Large amounts of nitrogen fertilizers applied during lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production are lost due to leaching or volatilization, causing severe environmental pollution and increased costs of production. Developing lettuce varieties with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is the eco-friendly solution to reduce nitrogen pollution. Hence, in-depth knowledge of nitrogen metabolism and assimilation genes and their regulation is critical for developing high NUE varieties. In this study, we performed comparative transcriptomic analysis of the cultivated lettuce (L. sativa L.) and its wild progenitor (L. serriola) under high and low nitrogen conditions. A total of 2,704 differentially expressed genes were identified. Key enriched biological processes included photosynthesis, oxidation–reduction process, chlorophyll biosynthetic process, and cell redox homeostasis. The transcription factors (TFs) belonging to the ethylene responsive factor family and basic helix-loop-helix family were among the top differentially expressed TFs. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis we constructed nine co-expression modules. Among these, two modules were further investigated because of their significant association with total nitrogen content and photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II. Three highly correlated clusters were identified which included hub genes for nitrogen metabolism, secondary metabolites, and carbon assimilation, and were regulated by cluster specific TFs. We found that the expression of nitrogen transportation and assimilation genes varied significantly between the two lettuce species thereby providing the opportunity of introgressing wild alleles into the cultivated germplasm for developing lettuce cultivars with more efficient use of nitrogen.
Machine-learning improves understanding of glass formation in metallic systems
Authors: Forrest Robert M. , Greer A. Lindsay
Published: June 2022

We train a neural-network model for glass formation in metallic systems, and probe its inner workings to extract theoretical insights.
Pre-monsoon submicron aerosol composition and source contribution in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Werden Benjamin S. , Giordano Michael R. , Goetz J. Douglas , Islam Md. Robiul , Bhave Prakash V. , Puppala Siva Praveen , Rupakheti Maheswar , Saikawa Eri , Panday Arnico K. , Yokelson Robert J. , Stone Elizabeth A. , DeCarlo Peter F.
Published: June 2022

The Kathmandu Valley in Nepal suffers from unhealthy air quality, with mean pre-monsoon submicron particulate matter concentration (PM1) of 40 μg m−3 and daily peaks over 75 μg m−3.
Astragalus mongholicus polysaccharides ameliorate hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation as well as modulate gut microbiota in NAFLD rats
Authors: Zhong Mingyue , Yan Yan , Yuan Haisheng , A Rong , Xu Guoquan , Cai Fujuan , Yang Yuning , Wang Yuzhen , Zhang Wenguang
Published: June 2022

mAPS treatment improves lipid metabolism and inflammation in NAFLDviathe gut-liver axis, which may be related to modulation of gut microbiota.
Black bean husk and black rice anthocyanin extracts modulated gut microbiota and serum metabolites for improvement in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Sun Mubai , Li Da , Hua Mei , Miao Xinyu , Su Ying , Chi Yanping , Li Yueqiao , Sun Ruiyue , Niu Honghong , Wang Jinghui
Published: June 2022

Combining signaling pathways, gut microbes and serum metabolome to comprehensively analyze the therapeutic effect and mechanism of type 2 diabetes.
Thermotolerant and Li2Sn-trapped/converted separators enabled by NiFe2O4 quantum dots/g-C3N4 nanofiber interlayers: toward more practical Li–S batteries
Authors: Peng Jieyu , Zhu Jianhui , Wang Yanlong , Xu Maowen , Jiang Jian
Published: June 2022

Thermotolerant and Li2Sn-trapped/converted separators are enabled by NiFe2O4 quantum dots/g-C3N4 nanofiber interlayers for more practical Li–S batteries.
Copper alumina @ poly (aniline-co-indole) nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization, electrical properties and gas sensing applications
Authors: Sankar S. , George Ajith , Ramesan M. T.
Published: June 2022

PANI-co-PIN/Cu–Al2O3nanocomposites synthesisedvia in situpolymerization showed excellent electrical and NH3gas sensing properties.
Low-cost prediction of molecular and transition state partition functions via machine learning
Authors: Komp Evan , Valleau Stéphanie
Published: June 2022

Deep neural networks accurately predict transition state partition functions at the low cost of reactant and product input features for organic chemistry gas phase reactions.
Synthesis and hydrogenation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-substituted diborenesviauncatalysed hydrogenative B–C bond cleavage
Authors: Okorn Alexander , Jayaraman Arumugam , Englert Lukas , Arrowsmith Merle , Swoboda Theresa , Weigelt Jeanette , Brunecker Carina , Hess Merlin , Lamprecht Anna , Lenczyk Carsten , Rang Maximilian , Braunschweig Holger
Published: June 2022

In contrast to classical B–B bond-centred diborene hydrogenation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-substituted diborenes first undergo thermal intramolecular hydroarylation, followed by hydrogenation of the remaining B–B and endocyclic B–C bonds.
Thermally fabricated cobalt telluride in nitrogen-rich carbon dodecahedra as high-rate potassium and sodium ion battery anodes
Authors: Sarkar Debasish , Das Debanjan , Nagarajan Sudhan , Mitlin David
Published: June 2022

Cobalt telluride anchored to nitrogen-rich carbon dodecahedra (CoTe@NCD) as high-rate potassium and sodium ion battery anodes.
Ambient N2-to-NH3fixation over a CeO2nanoparticle decorated three-dimensional carbon skeleton
Authors: Liu Chengchen , Li Shaoxiong , Li Zerong , Zhang Longcheng , Chen Haijun , Zhao Donglin , Sun Shengjun , Luo Yonglan , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Hamdy Mohamed S. , Liu Qian , Sun Xuping
Published: June 2022

A CeO2nanoparticle decorated three-dimensional carbon skeleton derived from Juncus performs for electrocatalytic N2-to-NH3conversion, capable of attaining a large NH3yield of 33.4 μg h−1mgcat.−1and a faradaic efficiency of 6.1% at −0.6 Vvs.RHE.
Extending the 2D conjugated microporous polymers linked by thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole for green light-driven selective aerobic oxidation of amines
Authors: Li Xia , Zhang Fulin , Wang Yuexin , Xiong Kanghui , Lang Xianjun
Published: June 2022

With pyrene as the donor, a conjugated microporous polymer linked by thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole (TzTz) is with notable green light-driven performance in the selective aerobic oxidation of benzyl amines.
An efficient Buchwald–Hartwig amination protocol enables the synthesis of new branched and polymeric hole transport materials for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ghiglietti Erika , Podapangi Suresh , Mecca Sara , Mezzomo Lorenzo , Ruffo Riccardo , Sassi Mauro , Mattiello Sara , Brown Thomas M. , Beverina Luca
Published: June 2022

Efficient and sustainable Buchwald-Hartwig amination enables the synthesis of new branched and polymeric HTL materials for perovskite solar cells with performances comparable with those of Spiro-OMeTAD.
Double bit range estimation with eight estimators for CABAC in VVC
Authors: Chan Ka‐Hou , Im Sio‐Kei
Published: June 2022

This work describes the modification of Context‐based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CABAC) using the double bit range estimation in the VVC engine and the consideration of range updates by using eight hypothetical probability estimators. The focus is on the selected adaptation rates performed in these proposed estimators, which are chosen based on memory consideration and coding efficiency. An investigation of arithmetic coding engines with multi‐hypothesis probability estimates and their consideration of contextual modeling of entropy coding at the level of transform coefficients. The proposed scheme enables a quantitative representation of probabilistic predictions linearly and describes the scalability potential for higher accuracy. In addition, this work discusses the hardware implementation, which is based on simple operations such as bitwise operations and subinterval updates. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach specified in VTM framework. The improved results show that it provides more significant gains in terms of RA and LD, which is better than the AI configuration.
Near‐field sensor based on substrate integrated waveguide microstrip cavity resonator with a circular aperture
Authors: Qi Chaoxian , Jackson David R. , Wei Yong , Chen Jiefu
Published: June 2022

A near‐field planar sensor fabricated from a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity resonator is presented. The SIW cavity resonator is a modification of a rectangular microstrip antenna. The rectangular microstrip antenna radiates from two radiating edges that produce far‐field radiation, which is undesired for near‐field sensing. To suppress the radiation from the edges, the microstrip antenna is modified to have conducting vias that short all four edges of the patch to the ground plane. A circular hole is placed on the patch surface in the middle of the patch to form a sensing aperture. The field is thus confined inside the cavity with leakage only allowed through a small aperture, which is used for sensing surrounding objects in the vicinity of the aperture. This cavity resonator operates in the TM21 mode of the SIW cavity. Full‐wave simulations are performed and the results are consistent with the theoretical analysis as well as CAD formulas that are derived. The performance of the sensor as a near‐field sensing device and as a near‐field imager is explored.
A comprehensive model for determining technological innovation level in supply chains using green investment, eco-friendly design and customer collaborations factors
Authors: Beigizadeh Razieh , Delgoshaei Aidin , Ariffin Mohd Khairol Anuar , Hanjani Sepehr Esmaeili , Ali Ahad
Published: June 2022

Technological innovations play a crucial role in designing an effective green supply chain. However, it is crucial to know the factors influencing technological innovation in a green supply chain. Some preconceptions show that technological innovation in a business can be affected by internal and external factors, and therefore there must be correlations between such factors to flourish the technological innovation and, subsequently, the green supply chain. Besides, predicting the technological innovation level in a supply chain can be vital and direct it to the Industry 5.0 goals. In this research, a 3-phased framework will be proposed to predict the Technological Innovation Level of Green Supply Chains. The scope of this research includes Green Investment, Eco-friendly Design and Customer Collaborations. In the 1st phase of the framework, dependent and independent factors considering the scope of the Research will be determined; and then, using statistical data analysis, the weight of factors, which reflects their impact on technological innovation (dependent factor), will be determined. Then, in the 2nd phase, a comprehensive model will be developed and trained. Using the data of supply chains that were gathered in the first phase, the train and test data would be selected. In continuation, the model will be trained and its performance will be evaluated using some metrics. Then, in the last phase (phase 3), the developed model will be used to predict the technological level of supply chains. The outcomes of this research can help top managers of supply chains to predict the level of technological innovation by investing a certain budget in improving the dependent variables. The outcomes demonstrated that Customer Collaboration (0.481), Eco-friendly design (0.419) and Green Investment (0.41) have significant impacts on technological innovation improvement in the studied cases, respectively. Besides, the results showed the superiority of the K-nearest Neighbor algorithm while using the Minkowski distance method and considering 5 neighbors. The findings indicated that the proposed framework could predict Technological Innovation with 0.751 accuracies. The outcomes of this research can be helpful for industry owners to predict the expected technological innovation level of their system by investing a certain budget in green investment, eco-friendly design and customer collaborations in their enterprises.
Enhancing PSMA-PET/CT with intravenous contrast: Improved tracer clearance in the prostate bed
Authors: Tulipan Andreas Julius , Guzman Angela Jaramillo , Haslerud Torjan Magne , Foldnes Kjartan , Kvernenes Ole Heine , Honoré Alfred , Brekke Njål , Reisæter Lars Anders Rokne , Biermann Martin
Published: June 2022

Aims We observed hitherto unreported layering of radioactivity in the bladder on PET/CT in prostate cancer (PC) when combined with contrast-enhanced CT (CECT). This effect facilitates assessment of the prostate bed in PC.

Methods Among 128 patients imaged with [18F]PSMA-1007, we selected all 8 studies without and 28 studies with CECT. 20 patients also underwent PET/MR. As controls, we chose 20 and 16 males studied with [18F]FDG for extrapelvic disease with and without CECT. Posterior anterior (PA) ratio was calculated as SUVpost/SUVant * 100 % based on maximal standard uptake values (SUV) in 20 mm spheres in the anterior and posterior bladder. Four nuclear physicians scored assessibility of the bladder base on a 3-point Likert scale (3 = optimal, 1 = poor). We acquired serial PET/CT over 4 hours of a flask with layering of 100 ml intravenous contrast agent and 100 ml physiological saline with 40 MBq of [18F]PSMA-1007, while a control flask was shaken at the start of the experiment.

Results Layering of tracer was observed in all PET/CT studies with CE-CT, but not in studies without contrast. Median PA ratios were 44 % (interquartile range 33–62) for [18F]PSMA-1007 and 73 % (52–67) for [18F]FDG, respectively. Intravenous contrast improved assessibility scores in PET of the bladder base, but the effect only reached significance in the PET/MR data. In the in vitro data, radioactivity was retained in the aqueous supernatant over the entire experiment whereas there was no separation of phases in the control flask over time.

Conclusion When performing PET combined with CECT, sedimentation of contrast agent in the bladder leads to upward displacement of radioactivity, enhancing clarity of PET images in the posterior bladder and the prostate bed on both PET/CT and PET/MR.
Assessment of Dentofacial Characteristics in Individuals with Different Midfacial Skeletal Morphologies
Authors: Kori Chaitra , Cheriyachan Roy , MS Ravi
Published: June 2022

Introduction An orthodontist's primary objective is to diagnose and describe the characteristics of any particular malocclusion. It has been reported that when the anteroposterior dimension of the maxilla is either reduced or increased, the measured dentoalveolar and skeletal parameters gets affected in other dimensions also.

Aim This study aims to assess and compare the dentofacial characteristics in individuals with different skeletal morphology (normal, retrognathic, and prognathic maxilla).

Materials and Methods A total of 194 individuals in the age group of 18 to 32 years were grouped as group I (34 males, 33 females) with normal maxilla, group II (30 males, 32 females) with retrognathic maxilla, and group III (34 males, 31 females) with prognathic maxilla. The measurements of N-A and anterior nasal spine to posterior nasal spine were the basis for selecting the individuals. The dentoalveolar characteristics were assessed using 17 lateral cephalometric and 08 posteroanterior (P-A) cephalometric parameters.

Results The data of the study when analyzed statistically using sample “t” test (p < 0.05), revealed significant differences between the genders within the groups. All 08 characteristics measured in the P-A cephalogram showed had significant differences. Pairwise comparison between the groups was performed using the Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05) and significant differences in various dentoalveolar characteristics were observed between the groups.

Conclusion Dentoalveolar and facial parameters showed a significant degree of sexual dimorphism associated with maxillary morphology in all three groups of individuals. The majority of the parameters showed male dominance, and the differences were statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were observed in dentofacial characteristics in individuals with different skeletal morphologies
Efficacy and Safety of Radio Frequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules: Initial Clinical Experience in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Lee Kwang Hwi , Jeon Eui Yong , Jang Sung June
Published: June 2022

Objectives Radio frequency ablation (RFA) to treat thyroid nodules is well known as one of alternative therapeutic modalities. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and complications of RFA to treat symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in United Arab Emirates.

Materials and Methods Eight-nine benign thyroid nodules of 63 patients were enrolled, who were treated by percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided RFA from 2017 to 2020, and had following US examinations during 12 months after RFA procedure. Symptomatic score with 10-cm visual scale, cosmetic score with four-point scale, and US findings (nodule diameter, volume, composition and vascularity) were compared before and after RFA procedures. RFA-related complications (hematoma, voice change, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism) were assessed.

Statistical Analysis Paired t test was applied to compare laboratory findings before and after RFA procedure. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to determine significant factors to predict the efficacy of RFA. One-way analysis of variance was applied to compare volume reduction rate (VRR) at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results Symptomatic and cosmetic scores were significantly improved (pre-RFA vs. post-RFA; 6.07 ± 1.89 vs. 2.06 ± 1.09, 2.94 ± 0.84 vs. 1.27 ± 0.51, p< 0.001). Nodule diameter (cm), volume (mL) at pre-RFA, post-RFA 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months were 3.86 ± 1.26, 2.64 ± 1.14, 2.06 ± 1.09, 1.82 ± 1.14, and 18.8 ± 18.79, 8.82 ± 12.42, 4.47 ± 5.59, 4.11 ± 9.17 (p< 0.001). VRR (%) was 52.81 ± 23.48 at post-RFA 3 months, 79.77 ± 16.91 at 6 months, and 82.08 ± 19.54 at 12 months. Composition of solidity was a significant predictive factor, related to VRR at post-RFA 12 months (p = 0.003). Complication rate was 12.7% (8 of 63 patients). Major complications did not occur.

Conclusion RFA can be an effective and safe alternative modality to treat benign thyroid nodules, and be preferable to treat symptomatic cystic thyroid nodules in Middle East population.
Influence of students’ career interests on perceived difficult concept in computer studies in Ghanaian and Nigerian secondary schools
Authors: Gbeleyi Olasunkanmi A. , Awaah Fred , Okebukola Peter A. , Shabani Juma , Potokri Onoriode Collins
Published: June 2022

There have been few studies on students’ difficulty in the computer studies curriculum of African senior secondary schools. This study attempts to fill this gap by investigating the concepts students find difficult in the Ghanaian and Nigerian computer science curriculum and the influence of students’ career interests on these perceived difficult concepts. The study is important to the extent that our understanding of “where the shirt tights” regarding topics difficulty will guide teachers, students, secondary schools’ managers, and governments in applying applicable remediating measures. The study sought to establish (a) the concepts that students perceive to be difficult in the computer studies curriculum in Ghanaian and Nigerian schools and (b) if there is a statistically significant relationship between students’ career interests and perceived concept difficulty in computer studies. Anchored on cognitive constructivism theory of Piaget, a quantitative method was employed with the sample (N = 1776). The study reports computer basics and evolution, programme development cycle, managing computer files, Developing problem-solving skills, computer ethics and human concerns, Networking, Logic circuits, Machine language, flowcharting, Algorithm and arithmetic logic unit as perceived difficult concepts. The study also found a negative statistically significant relationship between students’ career interests and perceived concept difficulty in the Ghanaian and Nigerian computer studies curriculum. Various remediating measures have been preferred.
Exploiting neutron scattering contrast variation in biological membrane studies
Authors: Lakey Jeremy H. , Paracini Nicolò , Clifton Luke A.
Published: June 2022

Biological membranes composed of lipids and proteins are central for the function of all cells and individual components, such as proteins, that are readily studied by a range of structural approaches, including x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. However, the study of complex molecular mixtures within the biological membrane structure and dynamics requires techniques that can study nanometer thick molecular bilayers in an aqueous environment at ambient temperature and pressure. Neutron methods, including scattering and spectroscopic approaches, are useful since they can measure structure and dynamics while also being able to penetrate sample holders and cuvettes. The structural approaches, such as small angle neutron scattering and neutron reflectometry, detect scattering caused by the difference in neutron contrast (scattering length) between different molecular components such as lipids or proteins. Usually, the bigger the contrast, the clearer the structural data, and this review uses examples from our research to illustrate how contrast can be increased to allow the structures of individual membrane components to be resolved. Most often this relies upon the use of deuterium in place of hydrogen, but we also discuss the use of magnetic contrast and other elements with useful scattering length values.
Continuing professional development in the COVID-19 era: evolution of the Pegasus Health Small Group model
Authors: Bidwell Susan , Kennedy Louise , Burke Marie , Collier Linda , Hudson Ben
Published: June 2022

Background and context This paper outlines the process of moving a continuing education programme for primary healthcare professionals from a fully in-person model to fully online so it could continue during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns. The programme uses a peer-led Small Group model with the leader facilitating interactive discussion based on background content researched by a team from Pegasus Health. Assessment of problem When the COVID-19 restrictions were implemented in March 2020, the usual in-person Small Group meetings could not continue. Rather than allowing the programme to lapse, a new format was needed. Strategies for improvement In response, the Pegasus Health team transitioned the programme to an eSmall Group model using Zoom. Training packages were developed and disseminated online and the interactive, real-time nature of the programme retained. eSmall Groups began in May and were evaluated late in 2020. Results The online format was strongly supported, though some attendees missed the collegiality of meeting in-person. From 2021, attendees could opt for either online, in-person, or a summer/winter split between in-person and online. The ability to return to fully online was retained, allowing a seamless transition during the periods of further restrictions that followed in 2021–22. Lessons learnt The Small Group model has evolved to a multi-format programme that suits individual preferences, but can respond to pandemic or emergency situations if needed. It continues to have a high level of engagement among primary healthcare professionals.
Fighting force and experience combine to determine contest success in a warlike mammal
Authors: Green P. A. , Thompson Faye J. , Cant Michael A.
Published: June 2022

Conflicts between social groups or “intergroup contests” are proposed to play a major role in the evolution of cooperation and social organization in humans and some nonhuman animal societies. In humans, success in warfare and other collective conflicts depends on both fighting group size and the presence and actions of key individuals, such as leaders or talismanic warriors. Understanding the determinants of intergroup contest success in other warlike animals may help to reveal the role of these contests in social evolution. Using 19 y of data on intergroup encounters in a particularly violent social mammal, the banded mongoose (Mungos mungo), we show that two factors, the number of adult males and the age of the oldest male (the “senior” male), have the strongest impacts on the probability of group victory. The advantage conferred by senior males appears to stem from their fighting experience. However, the galvanizing effect of senior males declines as they grow old until, at very advanced ages, senior males become a liability rather than an asset and can be evicted. As in human conflict, strength in numbers and the experience of key individuals combine to determine intergroup contest success in this animal society. We discuss how selection arising from intergroup contests may explain a suite of features of individual life history and social organization, including male eviction, sex-assortative alloparental care, and adult sex ratio.
Dystrophin missense mutations alter focal adhesion tension and mechanotransduction
Authors: Ramirez Maria Paz , Anderson Michael J. M. , Kelly Marcus D. , Sundby Lauren J. , Hagerty Anthony R. , Wenthe Sophia J. , Odde David J. , Ervasti James M. , Gordon Wendy R.
Published: June 2022

Dystrophin is an essential muscle protein that contributes to cell membrane stability by mechanically linking the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix via an adhesion complex called the dystrophin–glycoprotein complex. The absence or impaired function of dystrophin causes muscular dystrophy. Focal adhesions (FAs) are also mechanosensitive adhesion complexes that connect the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. However, the interplay between dystrophin and FA force transmission has not been investigated. Using a vinculin-based bioluminescent tension sensor, we measured FA tension in transgenic C2C12 myoblasts expressing wild-type (WT) dystrophin, a nonpathogenic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (I232M), or two missense mutations associated with Duchenne (L54R), or Becker muscular dystrophy (L172H). Our data revealed cross talk between dystrophin and FAs, as the expression of WT or I232M dystrophin increased FA tension compared to dystrophin-less nontransgenic myoblasts. In contrast, the expression of L54R or L172H did not increase FA tension, indicating that these disease-causing mutations compromise the mechanical function of dystrophin as an FA allosteric regulator. Decreased FA tension caused by these mutations manifests as defective migration, as well as decreased Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) activation, possibly by the disruption of the ability of FAs to transmit forces between the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton. Our results indicate that dystrophin influences FA tension and suggest that dystrophin disease-causing missense mutations may disrupt a cellular tension-sensing pathway in dystrophic skeletal muscle.
Analysing the influence of geometry and pressure on corona discharges
Authors: Riba Jordi-Roger , Bas-Calopa Pau , Moreno-Eguilaz Manuel
Published: June 2022

In this work, the authors propose an experiment aimed for undergraduate laboratories with the aim of introducing different novelties as a topic for practical sessions or student projects. The topics here investigated are appropriate for students with intermediate physics knowledge. Corona discharges are little studied in regular physics courses despite their practical importance in different areas, such as the distribution and transmission of electrical power, generation of ozone, particulate removal in air conditioning systems, improvement of wettability in polymeric materials, or the removal of electrostatic charges from the surface of airplanes among others. This work analyses the minimum voltage level leading to corona discharges and the influence of geometry and atmospheric pressure because these two factors are the most influential to determine the minimum voltage at which corona discharges appear.
Rider’s position and acceleration of bicycle
Authors: Kajiyama Yuji
Published: June 2022

We study how the acceleration of a bicycle varies as a function of the rider’s position. Since the rolling resistance of wheels depends on their deformation and therefore on the load on each wheel, the rider’s position affects the rolling resistance and the acceleration of the bicycle. The acceleration is a concave quadratic function of the rider’s position, and one can find the optimal position which maximizes the acceleration. Our study will be another topic for bicycle physics in addition to stability and aerodynamics and an example of the rolling motion of two connected objects to help students’ understanding of the rolling motion in a university physics course.
Single harmonic-based narrowband magnetic particle imaging
Authors: Janssen Klaas-Julian , Schilling Meinhard , Ludwig Frank , Zhong Jing
Published: June 2022

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) quantitatively visualizes in vivo superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), which has shown great promises in biomedicine. In this paper, we propose a single harmonic-based narrowband MPI approach via measuring a single harmonic—3f
0 harmonic—of the SPIONs induced in an excitation magnetic field with frequency f
0 = 5 kHz. The narrowband MPI scanner is built to scan the field-free-point, generated by a pair of permanent magnets, through an imaging field-of-view, and to measure the magnetic response of the SPIONs by a narrowband receive system. The narrowband MPI approach dramatically reduces the design efforts in the transmit system and noise matching in the receive system. Phantom experiments are performed with the custom-built narrowband MPI scanner to evaluate the spatial resolution and limit of detection (LOD). Experimental results indicate that the proposed single harmonic-based narrowband MPI approach allows a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm and an LOD of 27 μg (Fe) ml−1 (254 ng Fe weight) using Perimag® SPIONs, which can significantly be improved by using optimized SPIONs and by improving the detection circuitry. We believe that the proposed narrowband MPI approach minimizes the MPI hardware efforts but still allows for good performance in terms of spatial resolution and LOD.
First observation and interpretation of spontaneous collective radiation from fusion-born ions in a stellarator plasma
Authors: Reman B C G , Dendy R O , Igami H , Akiyama T , Salewski M , Chapman S C , Cook J W S , Inagaki S , Saito K , Seki R , Toida M , Kim M H , Thatipamula S G , Yun G S
Published: June 2022

During bursty MHD events, transient ion cyclotron emission (ICE) is observed from deuterium plasmas in the large helical device (LHD) heliotron-stellarator. Unusually, the frequencies of the successive ICE spectral peaks are not close to integer multiples of the local cyclotron frequency of an energetic ion population in the likely emitting region. We show that this ICE is probably driven by a subset of the fusion-born protons near their birth energy

E

H

=
3.02

MeV. This subset has a kinetic energy component parallel to the magnetic field,

m

H

v

∥

2

/

2

, significantly greater than its perpendicular energy

m

H

v

⊥

2

/

2

, for which

v

⊥

∼

V

A

, the Alfvén speed. First principles computations of the collective relaxation of this proton population, within a majority thermal deuterium plasma, are carried out using a particle-in-cell approach. This captures the full gyro-orbit kinetics of all ions which, together with an electron fluid, evolve self-consistently with the electric and magnetic fields under the Maxwell–Lorentz equations. The simulated ICE spectra are derived from the Fourier transform of the fields which are excited. We find substantial frequency shifts in the peaks of the simulated ICE spectra, which correspond closely to the measured ICE spectra following the resonance condition

ω
=

k

∥

v

∥

+
n

Ω

H

for nth proton harmonic. This suggests that the transient ICE in LHD is generated by the identified subset of the fusion-born protons, relaxing under the magnetoacoustic cyclotron instability. So far as is known, this is the first report of a collective radiation signal from fusion-born ions in anon-tokamak magnetically confined plasma. Disambiguation between two or more energetic ion species that could potentially generate complex observed ICE spectra is an increasing challenge, and the results and methodology developed here will assist this. Our approach is also expected to be relevant to ICE driven by ion beams with lower parallel velocities, for example in cylindrical plasma experiments.
Numerical simulation of a truncated cladding negative curvature fiber sensor based on the surface plasmon resonance effect
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Yuan Jinhui , Qiu Shi , Zhou Guiyao , Zhou Xian , Yan Binbin , Wu Qiang , Wang Kuiru , Sang Xinzhu
Published: June 2022

A refractive index (RI) sensor based on the surface plasmon resonance effect is proposed using a truncated cladding negative curvature fiber (TC-NCF). The influences of the TC-NCF structure parameters on the sensing performances are investigated and compared with the traditional NCF. The simulation results show that the proposed TC-NCF RI sensor has an ultra-wide detection range from 1.16 to 1.43. The maximum wavelength sensitivity reaches 12400 nm/RIU, and the corresponding R
2 of the polynomial fitting equation is 0.9999. The maximum and minimum resolutions are 2.56 × 10−5 and 8.06 × 10−6, respectively. In addition, the maximum amplitude sensitivity can reach –379.1 RIU−1 when the RI is chosen as 1.43. The proposed TC-NCF RI sensor could be useful in biochemical medicine, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
Lattice thermal conduction in cadmium arsenide
Authors: Chinnappagoudra R F , Kamatagi M D , Patil N R , Sankeshwar N S
Published: June 2022

Lattice thermal conductivity (LTC) of cadmium arsenide (Cd3As2) is studied over a wide temperature range (1–400 K) by employing the Callaway model. The acoustic phonons are considered to be the major carriers of heat and to be scattered by the sample boundaries, disorder, impurities, and other phonons via both Umklapp and normal phonon processes. Numerical calculations of LTC of Cd3As2 bring out the relative importance of the scattering mechanisms. Our systematic analysis of recent experimental data on thermal conductivity (TC) of Cd3As2 samples of different groups, presented in terms of LTC, κ
L, using a nonlinear regression method, reveals good fits to the TC data of the samples considered for T < ∼ 50 K, and suggests a value of 0.2 for the Gruneisen parameter. It is, however, found that for T > 100 K the inclusion of the electronic component of TC, κ
e, incorporating contributions from relevant electron scattering mechanisms, is needed to obtain good agreement with the TC data over the wide temperature range. More detailed investigations of TC of Cd3As2 are required to better understand its suitability in thermoelectric and thermal management devices.
Investigation of transport properties of perovskite single crystals by pulsed and DC bias transient current technique
Authors: Qin Juan , Cao Gang , Xu Run , Lin Jing , Meng Hua , Wang Wen-Zhen , Hong Zi-Ye , Cai Jian-Cong , Li Dong-Mei
Published: June 2022

Time-of-flight (ToF) transient current method is an important technique to study the transport characteristics of semiconductors. Here, both the direct current (DC) and pulsed bias ToF transient current method are employed to investigate the transport properties and electric field distribution inside the MAPbI3 single crystal detector. Owing to the almost homogeneous electric field built inside the detector during pulsed bias ToF measurement, the free hole mobility can be directly calculated to be about 22 cm2⋅V−1⋅s−1, and the hole lifetime is around 6.5 μs–17.5 μs. Hence, the mobility-lifetime product can be derived to be 1.4 × 10−4 cm2⋅V−1–3.9 × 10−4 cm2⋅V−1. The transit time measured under the DC bias deviates with increasing voltage compared with that under the pulsed bias, which arises mainly from the inhomogeneous electric field distribution inside the perovskite. The positive space charge density can then be deduced to increase from 3.1 × 1010 cm−3 to 6.89 × 1010 cm−3 in a bias range of 50 V–150 V. The ToF measurement can provide us with a facile way to accurately measure the transport properties of the perovskite single crystals, and is also helpful in obtaining a rough picture of the internal electric field distribution.