bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning approach identifies prominent codons from different degenerate groups influencing gene expression in bacteria
Authors: Sen Piyali , Kurmi Annushree , Ray Suvendra Kumar , Satapathy Siddhartha Sankar
Published: August 2022

Unequal usage of synonymous codons is known as codon usage bias (CUB), which is generally different between the high‐expression genes (HEG) and low‐expression genes (LEG) in organisms is not yet adequately reported across different bacteria. In this study, a machine learning‐based approach was implemented initially to find out codons that are significantly different between the HEG and LEG in Escherichia coli. It identified Cys codons such as UGU and UGC, Lys codons such as AAA and AAG that were least influenced by gene expression. Codons such as UCU (Ser), CUG (Leu), GGG (Gly), CGG (Arg) etc. were identified to be influenced maximum by the gene expression. The study was extended to analyze codon usage in 683 other bacterial species. Cys (UGU/UGC) and Ser (AGU/AGC) codons were identified being the least different between the two groups of genes across these bacterial species. Codons such as CGA, CUG, GGG, GCC, ACC, AUA, and AUC were identified to be influenced by the gene expression across majority of these species. This study supports the role of CUB on gene expression across bacteria and demonstrates a commonality among bacteria regarding behavior of certain codons with regard to gene expression.
Synthesized HMGB1 peptide prevents the progression of inflammation, steatosis, fibrosis, and tumor occurrence in a non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis mouse model
Authors: Ishii Yui , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Natsui Kazuki , Koseki Youhei , Takeda Nobutaka , Tomiyoshi Kei , Yamazaki Fusako , Yoshida Yuki , Shimbo Takashi , Tamai Katsuto , Terai Shuji
Published: August 2022

Aim

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis eventually leads to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, the development of therapies other than dietary restriction and exercise, particularly those that suppress steatosis and fibrosis of the liver and have a long‐term beneficial effect, is necessary. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the HMGB1 peptide synthesized from box A using the melanocortin‐4 receptor‐deficient (Mc4r‐KO) NASH model mouse.

Methods

We performed short‐ and long‐term administration of this peptide and evaluated the effects on steatosis, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis using Mc4r‐KO mice. We also analyzed the direct effect of this peptide on macrophages and hepatic stellate cells in vitro and performed lipidomics and metabolomics techniques to evaluate the effect.

Results

Although this peptide did not show direct effects on macrophages and hepatic stellate cells in vitro, in the short‐term administration model, we could confirm the reduction of liver damage, steatosis, and fibrosis progression. The results of lipidomics and metabolomics suggested that the peptide might ameliorate NASH by promoting lipolysis via the activation of fatty acid β‐oxidation and improving insulin resistance. In the long‐term administration model, this peptide prevented progression to cirrhosis but retained the steatosis state, that is, the peptide prevents the progression to “burnt‐out NASH.” This peptide inhibited carcinogenesis by about one‐third.

Conclusion

This HMGB1 peptide can reduce liver damage, improve fibrosis and steatosis, and inhibit carcinogenesis, suggesting that the peptide would be a new treatment candidate for NASH and can contribute to the long‐term prognosis for patients with NASH.
Melanoma arising in extracutaneous cellular blue naevus: report of two cases with comparison to cutaneous counterparts and uveal melanoma
Authors: Jo Vickie Y , Russell‐Goldman Eleanor , Yoon Charles H , Doyle Leona A , Hanna John
Published: August 2022

Aims

Blue naevi are benign melanocytic lesions that typically occur in the dermis. Melanoma arising in blue naevus is rare, and shows a molecular profile distinct from conventional forms of cutaneous melanoma and more similar to uveal melanoma and central nervous system (CNS) melanocytomas. In contrast to conventional cutaneous melanoma, these tumour types typically show activating driver mutations in GNAQ or GNA11, a low mutational burden without evidence of a UV signature and a reproducible pattern of chromosomal copy number changes. Blue naevi can also occur at extracutaneous sites. Here we report two cases of melanoma arising in extracutaneous blue naevus and compare their molecular features to cohorts of melanoma arising in cutaneous blue naevus (five patients) and uveal melanoma (six patients).

Methods and results

We describe the clinical, histomorphological, immunohistochemical and molecular findings in these two cases of melanoma arising in extracutaneous blue naevus. We compare their molecular profiles to melanomas arising in cutaneous blue naevus and uveal melanoma using a targeted next‐generation DNA sequencing platform and find striking similarities between all three groups.

Conclusions

The close relationship between blue naevus‐associated melanomas, regardless of their anatomical site, supports and validates the concept of melanoma arising in extracutaneous blue naevus and suggests that the two groups share common pathogenic mechanisms. The similarity of both groups to uveal melanoma in turn supports the close relationship between blue naevus‐associated melanoma, uveal melanoma and CNS melanocytoma, and their distinction from conventional UV‐associated melanoma. These findings have important implications for prognosis and therapy.
Effector Th1 cells under PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 checkpoint blockade abrogate the upregulation of multiple inhibitory receptors and by‐pass exhaustion
Authors: Horzum Utku , Yanik Hamdullah , Taskiran Ekim Z. , Esendagli Gunes
Published: August 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy relies on the restoration of T‐cell functions. The ICI receptors are not only found on exhausted T cells but also upregulated upon activation and reach high levels on effector T cells. In an ex vivo model, this study explored the consequences of PD‐1 and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen (CTLA‐4) blockade applied during specific time frames of T‐cell stimulation that coincide with distinct functional phases in type 1 helper T (Th1) cells. When applied at an early stimulation stage, the checkpoint blockade interfered with the upregulation of multiple inhibitory receptors such as PD‐1, LAG3, TIM‐3 and CTLA‐4. Moreover, extension of the blockade period restricted the hyporesponsiveness in T cells. Alternatively, a short‐term ICI treatment was advantageous when applied at late time frames of Th1 cell stimulation. Here, a transition phase from effector to exhausted state, which coincided with the late time frames of Th1 stimulation, was clearly determined together with the transcriptomics data demonstrating the initiation of significant alterations in metabolic pathways, genetic information processes, effector and exhaustion specific pathways. Applied in this transition phase, PD‐1 and/or CTLA‐4 blockade downregulated the inhibitory receptors which were already present on the effector Th1 cells, potentially through endocytic pathways. Therefore, the efficacy of ICI therapy was modulated by the functional status of T cells and can be improved by modifying the timing and duration of PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 blockade. In conclusion, the ICI therapy not only supports the reactivation of T cells but can also constrain de novo exhaustion.
Relationships among social support, coping style, self‐stigma, and quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A multicentre, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Luo Ruzhen , Ji Yunan , Liu Yan‐hui , Sun Hongyu , Tang Siyuan , Li Xuechun
Published: August 2022

Patients with diabetic foot ulcer have a significantly lower quality of life. Quality of life could be connected to other psychological or social processes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between social support, decision regret, self‐stigma, and quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. The sample of the study consisted of 229 diabetic foot ulcer patients. Data were collected from September 2019 to March 2020. The demographic and clinical information, the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness, Medical Coping Scale, Social Support Scale, and Quality of Life scale were used to assess the quality life for diabetic foot ulcer. Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modelling were used for data analysis. The quality of life was negatively correlated with self‐stigma, positively correlated with social support, giving up coping, and not significantly correlated with confrontation coping and avoidance coping. Self‐stigma has significant indirect effects on quality of life through social support and coping style. Further clinical intervention strategies for decreasing self‐stigma as well as strengthening social support and positive coping styles are needed to inform diabetic foot ulcer patients, thus improving their quality of life.
Wild vegetation and ‘farming with alternative pollinators’ approach support pollinator diversity in farmland
Authors: Sentil Ahlam , Reverté Sara , Lhomme Patrick , Bencharki Youssef , Rasmont Pierre , Christmann Stefanie , Michez Denis
Published: August 2022

Several management practices have been suggested to mitigate the global pollinator decline in agro‐ecosystems, including wildflower strips and Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP). FAP proposes to dedicate 25% of the field area to seed Marketable Habitat Enhancement Plants (MHEP) around the main crop, occupying 75% of the field. However, wild pollinators may not rely fully on the resources that fields provide due to differences in flying period and host‐plant preferences, and need additional resources from wild flowering plant communities. Here we aim to compare wild pollinator communities between FAP fields, monoculture of pollinator dependent crops and the nearby wild flowering plants. We developed two experimental trials with two main crops (faba bean and eggplant) in 16 fields in North‐West Morocco and we compared wild pollinator richness and wild pollinator specialization between FAP fields, control fields and the nearby wild flowering plants. We recorded a significantly higher pollinator richness in FAP fields compared to wild flowering plants and monoculture. Pollinator specialization index (i.e. degree of interaction specialization at the species level) did not differ significantly between the three treatments in faba bean trial (i.e. FAP, control and wild plants), whilst in eggplant trial, wild plants harboured significantly more specialist species than FAP fields. Yet, no significant differences in pollinator specialization index were reported between the other treatments in eggplant trial (i.e. FAP vs. control and control vs. wild plants). Moreover, 28% of the pollinator species collected, were only observed on wild plants, particularly thistles. These results highlight the potential of FAP approach as a tool for pollinator conservation in farmlands. However, the FAP approach alone is not sufficient to cater the diverse pollinators present in the agro‐ecosystem, and hence, the maintenance of the surrounding wild flowering plants is necessary to support pollinators in farmlands.
Circles in the sea: annual courtship “torus” behaviour of basking sharks Cetorhinus maximus identified in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Sims David W. , Berrow Simon D. , O'Sullivan Ken M. , Pfeiffer Nicholas J. , Collins Richard , Smith Kev L. , Pfeiffer Brianna M. , Connery Paul , Wasik Shane , Flounders Lois , Queiroz Nuno , Humphries Nicolas E. , Womersley Freya C. , Southall Emily J.
Published: August 2022

Groups of basking sharks engaged in circling behaviour are rarely observed, and their function remains enigmatic in the absence of detailed observations. Here, underwater and aerial video recordings of multiple circling groups of basking sharks during late summer (August and September 2016–2021) in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean showed groups numbering between 6 and 23 non‐feeding individuals of both sexes. Sharks swam slowly in a rotating “torus” (diameter range: 17–39 m), with individuals layered vertically from the surface to a maximum depth of 16 m. Within a torus, sharks engaged in close‐following, echelon, close‐flank approach or parallel‐swimming behaviours. Measured shark total body lengths were 5.4–9.5 m (mean LT: 7.3 m ± 0.9 s.d.; median: 7.2 m, n = 27), overlapping known lengths of sexually mature males and females. Males possessed large claspers with abrasions that were also observed on female pectoral fins. Female body colouration was paler than that of males, similar to colour changes observed during courtship and mating in other shark species. Individuals associated with most other members rapidly (within minutes), indicating toroidal behaviours facilitate multiple interactions. Sharks interacted through fin–fin and fin–body contacts, rolling to expose the ventral surfaces to following sharks, and breaching behaviour. Toruses formed in late summer when feeding aggregations in zooplankton‐rich thermal fronts switched to non‐feeding following and circling behaviours. Collectively, the observations explain a courtship function for toruses. This study highlights northeast Atlantic coastal waters as a critical habitat supporting courtship reproductive behaviour of endangered basking sharks, the first such habitat identified for this species globally.
The Metaphysics of gender is (Relatively) substantial
Authors: Richardson Kevin
Published: August 2022

According to Sider, a question is metaphysically substantive just in case it has a single most natural answer. Recently, Barnes and Mikkola have argued that, given this notion of substantivity, many of the central questions in the metaphysics of gender are nonsubstantive. Specifically, it is plausible that gender pluralism—the view that there are multiple, equally natural gender kinds—is true, but this view seems incompatible with the substantivity of gender. The goal of this paper is to argue that the notion of substantivity can be understood in a way that accommodates gender pluralism. First, I claim that gender terms (at least as used in the ontology room) are referentially indeterminate, where referential indeterminacy holds in virtue of the way the world is. Second, I propose a degree‐theoretic (or scalar) account of metaphysical substantivity; genders are substantial to the degree that they are determinate. I conclude that gender is relatively, although not absolutely, substantial.
Quantification of rosmarinic acid from different plant species of lower Himalayan region and expression analysis of underlying L‐Phenylalanine pathway
Authors: Mughees Muhammad , Farooq Muhammad Asad , Haq Ihsan Ul , Zeb Iftikhar , Ali Muhammad , Hussain Zahoor , Shahzadi Irum , Shah Mohammad Maroof
Published: August 2022

This study adopts a very effective high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique for the quantitative determination of rosmarinic acid (RA) and PCR‐based amplification of biosynthetic key regulators in Isodon rugosus, Daphne mucronata, and Viburnum grandiflorum from the lower Himalayan regions. Rosmarinic acid is engaged in a variety of biological processes and has significant industrial significance. In this study, it was identified from crude methanolic extract using thin‐layer chromatography with a standard, and its content was quantified using HPLC without interrupting spikes using a mixture of methanol and deionized water containing acetonitrile (70:30 v/v) and acetic acid (0.1% v/v) at UV 310 nm absorption. We used RT‐PCR to identify cDNAs encoding PAL, C4H, and RAS, and Image J's semi‐quantitative analysis to quantify the expression levels of genes involved in RA production from chosen plant material. The highest levels of PAL, C4H, and RAS were detected, by band intensity, in the leaves and flowers of I. rugosus, which also exhibited a substantial quantity of RA. However, in V. grandiflorum and D. mucronata the transcript of the given genes was low. The concentration of RA ranged from 187.7 to 21.2 mg g−1 for I. rugosus, 17.42 to 5.42 mg g−1 for V. grandiflorum, and 15.19 mg g−1 for D. mucronata. This study demonstrated that the method for quantifying RA from a crude methanolic extract was effective, indicating that I. rugosus might be used as an indigenous alternative source of RA.
Regulating ethics in financial services: Engaging industry to achieve regulatory objectives
Authors: McGrath Joe , Walker Ciaran
Published: August 2022

This article addresses the issue of renewing a sense of vocation in finance. Drawing on experiences in the UK, Australia, and Ireland, three common law jurisdictions at various phases of developing “an ethical esprit de corps” to professionalize the banking industry, it argues that adopting some aspects of a profession, a “trajectory towards professionalization” of the banking industry, could serve, at least to some extent, to improve the industry‐wide norms that influence firms' cultures and individual behaviors. It contends that professionalization could help to develop bankers with a professional, pro‐social identity, in which there is a recognition of broader obligations to society, that exists independently of the profit‐driven nature of banking and the hierarchy of their own firms. This analysis is informed by an integration of regulatory theory, which casts doubt on the utility of sanctions except as a last resort, behavioral science, which offers insights into how ethics and culture, not just law and markets, can constrain irresponsible behavior in the financial services sector, and criminological theory, which emphasizes that particular types of controls, including individual attachments to groups, build “stakes in conformity” which encourage law abiding and responsible behaviors.
The association of soluble Klotho levels with anemia and hemoglobin variability in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Topal Mustafa , Guney Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The anti‐aging protein Klotho levels are decreased, and Klotho deficiency is associated with cardiovascular diseases in patients with chronic kidney disease. There are recent studies about the relation between soluble Klotho levels and anemia. We aimed to investigate the correlation of anemia and hemoglobin variability with soluble Klotho levels in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Ninety‐one hemodialysis patients were included in this study. The mean hemoglobin value, hemoglobin variability, and coefficient of variation of hemoglobin for each patient were calculated. According to mean hemoglobin levels, two groups were defined as under 11 and ≥11 g/dl. Soluble Klotho levels of each patient were studied.

Results

Mean hemoglobin levels, hemoglobin variability, and coefficient of variation of hemoglobin were not significantly correlated with soluble Klotho levels. According to mean hemoglobin levels under 11 and ≥ 11 g/dl, there was no statistically significant correlation between anemia and soluble Klotho levels.

Conclusion

Soluble Klotho levels were not associated with anemia and hemoglobin variability in hemodialysis patients. Further studies are needed to reveal the complicated relation between anemia and soluble Klotho levels.
Polynesianising and regenerating urban spaces: An analysis of the artworks and interventions of the Centre des Métiers d'Art de Polynésie française and of its artists
Authors: Castro‐Koshy Estelle , Devatine Tokainiua
Published: August 2022

This article studies the relationships that the Centre des Métiers d’Art de la Polynésie française (CMA—Centre for Arts and Crafts of French Polynesia), five contemporary artists connected to it, and their artworks, have with the city of Pape'ete and its urban environment. The first part analyses the teaching philosophy of the CMA and foregrounds its role as a tool of social mobility for its students and in reinforcing positive representations of Indigenous Polynesians and heritage. The second part examines how the initiatives led by the CMA in Pape'ete are invitations to a shift in mindset. The third part explores how the artists express and reflect on their sense of belonging and highlights how their relationship with urban areas is enriched by their life experiences and their family roots in broader territories.
Military policing and labour extraction in the north‐west Kimberley
Authors: Redmond Anthony
Published: August 2022

This paper explores the political economy of Australia's prison industrial complex and its severe impact on Indigenous communities. Taking a historical perspective, the paper moves between a broader analysis of the forced extraction of Indigenous labour by the state and private enterprise and the violence against Indigenous people which accompanies it.
The novel HLA‐C*06:02:102 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Gao Wen‐hui , Wang Jing , Zheng Zhong‐zheng , Du Ke‐ming , Hu Jiong
Published: August 2022

HLA‐C*06:02:102 differs from HLA‐C*06:02:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 2.
Racial differences in transfusion practices: Time to address structural racism
Authors: Miller Yvette Marie , Butler‐Foster Terrie , Montemayor‐Garcia Celina
Published: August 2022

See article on page 1519–1526, in this issue
Electrochemical characterization of ZnO-based transparent materials as recording electrodes for neural probes in optogenetics
Authors: Miwa Yuki , Kino Hisashi , Fukushima Takafumi , Tanaka Tetsu
Published: August 2022

In the elucidation of brain functions, neuroscience has garnered attention in the realization of brain-machine interfaces, deep brain stimulation, and artificial intelligence. Optogenetics is a biological technique used to control neural activities via optical stimulation. It is one of the most effective approaches used to investigate brain functions. This study proposed to employ the transparent recording electrode to enhance the performance of neural probes for optogenetics. Compared with conventional metal recording electrodes, the proposed transparent recording electrodes have the potential to obtain higher signal-to-noise ratios when placed over optical stimulation points. To develop transparent recording electrodes, we used ZnO-based materials with good biocompatibility and transparency for utilization as biomedical electrodes. Considering saline as one of the main components of living organisms, we investigated the fundamental electrochemical characteristics of ZnO-based electrodes in saline through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that nondoped ZnO and Al-doped ZnO, deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering, exhibited a broad potential window. An electrical double layer was found to strongly act on the interface between the electrodes and solution rather than a redox reaction. In addition, this study reports the effects of crystallization and dopant on the electrochemical characteristics of the ZnO-based electrodes. The transparent ZnO-based electrode developed herein is a promising candidate to enhance the performance of neural probes for optogenetics and can be effectively applied in biological devices.
Study on ultrasonic wave propagation in equine leg bone for screening bucked shin
Authors: Miyashita Kazuki , Suzuyama Hidehisa , Chiba Ko , Osaki Makoto , Mita Hiroshi , Tamura Norihisa , Matsukawa Mami
Published: August 2022

For simple, safe, portable, and inexpensive evaluation suitable for leg bone diseases of racehorses in the field, an ultrasonic measurement technique was applied to evaluate wave velocities. A digital model of the third metacarpal bone with the bucked shin was fabricated using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computerized tomography data of a racehorse. This model was anisotropic and heterogeneous, and was constructed using the measured ultrasonic wave velocities in the bone. With this model, ultrasonic wave propagation along the bone axis was simulated using the elastic finite-difference time-domain method. We found two main waves with different propagation velocities. The fast-waves showed a wave velocity close to the longitudinal wave in the axial direction. However, the apparent velocities changed dramatically owing to bone surface irregularities (changes of the shape) in the area of bucked shin. The slow-waves showed a wave velocity close to the shear wave, which was unaffected by the bone surface irregularities. The simple comparison of different wave behaviors may be a suitable parameter for the initial in vivo screening of bucked shin in the legs of racehorses, which can be performed in the field.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulation of Rifapentine Supports Concomitant Antiretroviral Therapy with Efavirenz and Non-Weight Based Dosing
Authors: Pham Michelle M. , Podany Anthony T. , Mwelase Noluthando , Supparatpinyo Khuanchai , Mohapi Lerato , Gupta Amita , Samaneka Wadzanai , Omoz-Oarhe Ayotunde , Langat Deborah , Benson Constance A. , Chaisson Richard E. , Swindells Susan , Fletcher Courtney V.
Published: August 2022

The Brief Rifapentine–Isoniazid Efficacy for TB Prevention/A5279 trial demonstrated a 1-month daily regimen of rifapentine and isoniazid was noninferior to 9 months of isoniazid alone for preventing TB in persons living with HIV (PLWH). Our objective was to evaluate rifapentine pharmacokinetics in trial participants receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and perform simulations to compare weight-based rifapentine dosing with a standard, fixed dose.
Pleiotropic Roles of Cholesteryl Sulfate during
Entamoeba
Encystation: Involvement in Cell Rounding and Development of Membrane Impermeability
Authors: Mi-ichi Fumika , Tsugawa Hiroshi , Arita Makoto , Yoshida Hiroki
Published: August 2022

Entamoeba histolytica
causes a parasitic infectious disease, amoebiasis. Amoebiasis is a global public health problem with a high occurrence of infection and inadequate clinical options.
Differential Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Isolates, Namely, the Wuhan Strain, Delta, and Omicron Variants on Erythropoiesis
Authors: Saito Suguru , Shahbaz Shima , Sligl Wendy , Osman Mohammed , Tyrrell D. Lorne , Elahi Shokrollah
Published: August 2022

Silent hypoxia has been the hallmark of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Red blood cells (RBCs) work as gas cargo delivering oxygen to different tissues.
Proton Motive Force Inhibitors Are Detrimental to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains
Authors: Mohiuddin Sayed Golam , Ghosh Sreyashi , Kavousi Pouria , Orman Mehmet A.
Published: August 2022

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) emerged as a major hypervirulent pathogen that causes severe health care-acquired infections. These pathogens can be multidrug-tolerant cells, which can facilitate the recurrence of chronic infections and the emergence of diverse antibiotic-resistant mutants.
KOOS-Child exhibits inadequate structural validity in a cohort of paediatric patients with ACL deficiency
Authors: Hansen Christian Fugl , Østergaard Madsen Maria , Warming Susan , Rathcke Martin Wyman , Krogsgaard Michael , Christensen Karl Bang
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)-Child is a modification of the adult KOOS aiming to evaluate knee injury, including ACL deficiency. However, the measurement properties of KOOS-Child have not been assessed in a cohort of children with ACL deficiency. We aimed to study the structure of KOOS-Child using modern test theory models (Rasch analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)).

Methods

Data were collected prospectively in a cohort of children with ACL deficiency at three time points: before-and-after ACL surgery, and at 1-year follow-up. For each subscale, structural validity through the fit of a CFA model was evaluated for 153 respondents. Modification indices were examined to find the model of best fit, confirmed using Rasch analysis. Responsiveness was reported for each subscale. Reliability was calculated for each item. Floor and ceiling effects, and Person-item distribution were reported.

Results

All subscales showed inadequate fit to a unidimensional CFA model. Rasch analysis confirmed these results. Adjusting the subscales improved model fit, although this was still quite poor, except for the quality of life subscale. With one exception, all items demonstrated ceiling effects. Person-item distribution confirmed this. Due to lack of fit, reliability was not reported. All subscales were able to detect change from baseline to 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

KOOS-Child exhibits inadequate measurement properties in its current form for children with ACL deficiency. Suggestions to make the subscales fit the models better and improve accuracy of KOOS-Child are presented. However, the large ceiling effects observed may reduce sensitivity and induce type 2 errors.
Perinatal excellence to reduce injury in preterm birth (PERIPrem) through quality improvement
Authors: Glover Williams Alessandra , Tuvey Sam , McBain Hayley , Menzies Noshin , Hedge Sally , Bates Sarah , Luyt Karen
Published: August 2022

Perinatal Excellence to Reduce Injury in Premature Birth (PERIPrem) is an 11-element perinatal care bundle designed to improve outcomes for preterm babies, in line with the National Health Service (NHS) Long Term plan. Designed in collaboration with 12 NHS Trusts (secondary care hospitals), South West and West of England Academic Health Science Networks, South West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network, parent partners and clinical experts, implementation was via bespoke quality improvement (QI) methodology. Before project initiation, there was regional variation in uptake of elements, evidenced by baseline audit. Optimisation of the preterm infant is complex; eligibility for treatments is dependent on gestation and local policies. Preterm infants experience variability in care dependent on the place of birth, and there remains an implementation gap for several effective, evidence-based treatments.

The PERIPrem ambition is to reduce severe brain injury and death caused by prematurity by at least 50% through the delivery of a perinatal care bundle. The PERIPrem approach resulted in improved element implementation by 26% (from 3% to 29%) between 2019 and 2021, with dyads significantly more likely to receive the full bundle in 2021 compared with 2019 (probability=0.96 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.99), p<0.001). When examining the impact on psychological safety and team-working of PERIPrem, linear mixed models indicated an improvement in team function (p=0.021), situation monitoring (p=0.029) and communication within teams (p=0.002). Central to success was the development of a committed multiorganisational collaborative that continues to drive perinatal improvement using a common language and streamlining processes. In addition to saving the lives of the most vulnerable babies, PERIPrem aims to improve the chances of disability-free lives and is successfully nurturing high-functioning perinatal teams with enhanced QI skills.
Conceptual change in chemistry schematic modelling: a cross-sectional study of 10th–12th-grade Belgian students
Authors: Karous Hamad , Nihant Brigitte , Leyh Bernard
Published: August 2022

Practice-oriented studies on conceptual change in chemistry education remain relatively scarce. In agreement with the constructivist approach, in which learners build their own cognitive structure, many results have shown that learning through modelling positively contributes to conceptual adaptation. From this point of view, this study presents a cross-sectional study of secondary school learners’ schematic modelling abilities in the upper secondary school. The schematic modelling skills and competences of 216 students (15–18 years old, 10th–12th grade), ranging from purely macroscopic conceptions to an adequate interplay between the three levels of Johnstone’s triangle, have been assessed within selected contextualized situations. The data were collected using a three-part instrument, namely the analysis of the information contained in a graphical scheme, the perception of the role and relevance of schematic modelling, and the autonomous production of schematic modelling. The collected data show that 12th-grade students have a significantly higher capability of analysing the information of a scheme compared to 10th and 11th grades. Moreover, autonomous schematic modelling skills follow the same trend. The data also provide some evidence that students with better model analysis competences design higher quality autonomous models at the submicroscopic level.
Quantum Hall effect in q-formalism based on Fermi gas model
Authors: Mohammadikhabaz E. , Lari B. , Hassanabadi H.
Published: August 2022

To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, the quantum Hall effect (QHE) is considered in thermal non-equilibrium conditions (TNEC) via [Formula: see text]-algebra. The [Formula: see text]-algebra is a topological tool that provides a controlling [Formula: see text]-parameter to approximate theoretical results to the laboratory ones. We obtain the QHE spectrum and [Formula: see text]-deformed Hall potential (or Hall potential in TNEC) via the density probability current. Because of the Pauli Exclusion Principle, we model the QHE using relativistic Fermi electron gas and the [Formula: see text]-deformed Fermi–Dirac distribution. We find the dependence of deformed Hall potential to temperature and magnetic field for different geometric [Formula: see text]-regions. Further, we geometrically prove that the magnitude of the Hall potentials depends on the [Formula: see text]-regions (i.e. [Formula: see text]). We find that for some [Formula: see text]-amounts, the Landau energy gap on graphene-based materials can be explained in the room-temperature quantum Hall effect (RTQHE). Our method may be applied to analyze new electronic devices based on graphene in TNEQ.
Insight into the motion of Water-Copper nanoparticles over a rotating disk moving upward/ downward with viscous dissipation
Authors: Sharma Kushal , Kumar Sanjay , Vijay Neha
Published: August 2022

Some of the fundamental properties of the nanofluids affect not only the transport phenomenon but also enhance the the heat transfer characteristics. The advancement in Rotatory machine technology can also be attributed mainly to a lot of research work that had been done on rotating disk flows with addition of nanoparticles in the base fluid. Taking cue of these developments, we examined the nanofluid (Cu+H2O) flow over a rotating disk moving upward/ downward with viscous dissipation by reducing the governing Navier–Stokes equations into ordinary differential equations using appropriate transformations and then numerically evaluated them by the BVP Mid-rich scheme in Maple software. The study of velocity and thermal profiles is carried out and examined graphically. The results show that the upward movement of the disk escalates the radial and azimuthal velocity profiles along with the thermal gradient. In contrast, the addition of nanoparticles decreases the heat transfer rate at a constant disk movement.
Cache-oblivious Hilbert Curve-based Blocking Scheme for Matrix Transposition
Authors: Alves João Nuno Ferreira , Russo Luís Manuel Silveira , Francisco Alexandre
Published: August 2022

This article presents a fast SIMD Hilbert space-filling curve generator, which supports a new cache-oblivious blocking-scheme technique applied to the out-of-place transposition of general matrices. Matrix operations found in high performance computing libraries are usually parameterized based on host microprocessor specifications to minimize data movement within the different levels of memory hierarchy. The performance of cache-oblivious algorithms does not rely on such parameterizations. This type of algorithm provides an elegant and portable solution to address the lack of standardization in modern-day processors. Our solution consists in an iterative blocking scheme that takes advantage of the locality-preserving properties of Hilbert space-filling curves to minimize data movement in any memory hierarchy. This scheme traverses the input matrix, in
O(nm)
time and space, improving the behavior of matrix algorithms that inherently present poor memory locality. The application of this technique to the problem of out-of-place matrix transposition achieved competitive results when compared to state-of-the-art approaches. The performance of our solution surpassed Intel MKL version after employing standard software prefetching techniques.
Enhancement-Mode High-Frequency InAlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT Fabricated by Implementing Oxygen-Based Digital Etching on the Quaternary Layer
Authors: Tsai Ping-Yu , Nguyen Hoang-Tan-Ngoc , Nagarajan Venkatesan , Lin Chun-Hsiung , Dee Chang-Fu , Chen Shih-Chen , Kuo Hao-Chung , Lee Ching-Ting , Chang Edward Yi
Published: August 2022

A high frequency enhancement mode quaternary InAlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT with recessed gate (Lg = 150 nm) processed using an oxygen-based digital etching technique is presented. The digital etching was performed by cyclic ICP oxygen treatment to oxidize InAlGaN barrier and HCl wet etching to remove the oxidized layer. In this study, we have demonstrated that the threshold voltage can be adjusted in a wide-range from depletion mode to enhancement mode with a nanometer scale gate for high frequency InAlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT using the digital etching technique. In addition, the etch rate can be controlled from 0.7 nm/cycle to 3.6 nm cycle−1 with RF bias power changing from 0 W to 40 W with high flexibility in etching rate. The post-etching surface roughness was around 0.12 nm regardless of the ICP oxidation voltage. The enhancement-mode InAlGaN quaternary GaN HEMT with maximum drain current of 955 mA mm−1, gm−1 peak of 440 mS mm−1, Vth of 0.2 V, and ft/fmax of 45/59 GHz were achieved using the digital etching for the gate recess structure.
Effect on Etch Rate and Surface Roughness of Crystal Orientation of Polycrystalline Silicon Used for Consumable Parts of Reactive Ion Etching Equipment
Authors: Matsumoto Tetsuyuki , Homma Tetsuya
Published: August 2022

Silicon is used for consumable parts in reactive ion etching (RIE) equipment because it generates fewer particles, which decrease the yield, than other materials. Polycrystalline silicon is usually used for top electrodes, especially in high-aspect-ratio RIE, to increase the wafer’s self-bias. In this study, the relationships among the crystal orientation of the polycrystalline silicon used in RIE equipment, grain size, grain boundary length, etch rate, and surface roughness were investigated. The grain size and the etch rate decreased as the percentage of Si(111) in the polycrystalline silicon increased. The grain size and etch rate for 47% Si(111) decreased to 66.4% and 84.7%, respectively, compared with 8% Si(111). Moreover, the grain boundary length and surface roughness increased as the percentage of Si(111) increased. The grain boundary length and surface roughness for 47% Si(111) increased by 1.8 and 19.6 times, respectively, compared with 8% Si(111). Therefore, as the percentage of Si(111) increased, the grain size and etch rate decreased, whereas the grain boundary length and surface roughness increased.
Effect of Slurry Additives on Co-BTA Complex Stability and Inhibition Property During Co CMP Process
Authors: Jalalzai Palwasha , Ryu Heon-Yul , Sahir Samrina , Meethal Ranjith Punathil , Hamada Satomi , Kim Tae-Gon , Park Jin-Goo
Published: August 2022

The stability of the cobalt surface after the CMP process is crucial to prevent the corrosion of the surface during the wafer transfer step. The stability of the Co-BTA complex is investigated in this work by using various experimental and surface analysis techniques. The higher inhibition efficiency of the Co-BTA complex observed at pH 7 was further investigated, and a more passive Co surface was observed during the de-ionized water (DIW) rinsing step. The low stability of the Co-BTA complex in the presence of slurry additives was confirmed from the accelerated oxidative dissolution of the Co surface compared to the adsorption of BTA. Ex-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was further performed to analyze the stability of the Co-BTA complex to confirm the passivation of Co during the DIW rinsing step. The corrosion resistance of the Co surface during the rinsing step is further enhanced by reducing the dissolved oxygen content.
A Data Acquisition and Processing Method for Edge Computing Robotic Arm Behavior Recognition
Authors: Zhang Yinhuan , Xiao Qinkun , Liu Xing , Wei Yongquan , Chu Chaoqin , Xue Jingyun
Published: August 2022

Edge computing refers to the use of an open platform on the side close to the object or data source to integrate network, computing, storage, and core application functions to provide the latest nearby services. With the development of edge computing, the cost of data acquisition has been reduced, and the efficiency has been improved. However, at present, there is no in-depth research on edge computing for robot arm behavior recognition. This paper aims to study the data acquisition and processing methods of robotic arm behavior recognition through edge computing technology. A gesture recognition method based on Cauchy distribution and grey correlation threshold is proposed, which improves the efficiency of data processing and has great research significance. In edge computing, the use of Cauchy distribution processing is more impressive; compared with empirical distribution, the algorithm optimization can reach at least 10%. Experiments show that the static gesture recognition method used in this paper is simple and high in recognition and has good robustness and the accuracy rate can basically reach more than 90%. In the case of different threshold values, when the gray correlation threshold is 0.75, the MAE value reaches the minimum value, which means that the gap between the predicted score and the actual score is the smallest, which means that the predicted result is accurate, which can prove that the recommendation of the algorithm has relatively superior performance.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Ibuprofen plus Traction, Reposition, and Hip Spica Cast in the Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Feng Dachang , Liu Zhaofa , Chen Haitao , Wang Huanhuan
Published: August 2022

Objective. To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of ibuprofen plus traction, reposition, and hip spica cast in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. Between January 2019 and July 2020, 60 children with DDH treaded in department of orthopedics of our institution were assessed for eligibility and recruited. They were assigned at a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive either traction + reposition + hip spica cast plus analgesia pump (observation group) or traction + reposition + hip spica cast plus analgesia pump and oral ibuprofen (control group). The outcome measures included clinical efficacy, pain scores, unexpected pain calls, the dosage of analgesia pump, and adverse events. Results. The two groups had similar clinical efficacy (

P
>
0.05

). The patients given oral ibuprofen were associated with significantly lower pain scores at 24 h and 72 h postoperatively versus those without oral ibuprofen (

P
<
0.05

). Analgesics with oral ibuprofen resulted in fewer unexpected pain calls versus analgesics without oral ibuprofen within 72 h postoperatively (

P
<
0.05

). The application of oral ibuprofen in the analgesia pump showed great improvement in lowering the dosage of analgesia pump versus the absence of ibuprofen (

P
<
0.05

). The incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups of patients (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. Traction + reposition + hip spica cast plus analgesia pump and oral ibuprofen effectively mitigated postoperative pain in children with DDH and reduces analgesic drug dosage with a high safety profile.
Sports Personnel Health Monitoring Application Based on Biometric Data Collection Model
Authors: Hu Xueqing
Published: August 2022

In order to improve the health monitoring effect of sports personnel, this study combines the biometric data acquisition model to construct the sports personnel health monitoring application program. Moreover, this study uses the iterative conjugate gradient method ICGM to prove the correctness of the biometric data acquisition algorithm from the changes of the residual and the objective function in the iterative process. Finally, the optimized cosine similarity is substituted into the SBGI model, and better results are obtained than using the weighted cosine similarity as input. The research shows that the sports personnel health monitoring application based on the biometric data collection model proposed in this study has a good health monitoring effect, and has an important supporting role in improving the fitness effect of group sports.
A Study on the Preventive Effect of Esketamine on Postpartum Depression (PPD) after Cesarean Section
Authors: Wang Qiwei , Xiao Maoxin , Sun Hao , Zhang Pengcheng
Published: August 2022

Objective. The purpose of this study is to explore and analyze the preventive effect of esketamine on postpartum depression (PPD) after cesarean section. Methods. A total of 138 puerperae who underwent cesarean section in our hospital from February 2020 to January 2022 were selected as the research subjects. The control group was given intravenous injection of 2 ml of normal saline after the fetus was delivered. Meanwhile, the observation group was given intravenous injection of a small dose of esketamine (esketamine 0.5 mg/kg+ 2 ml of normal saline) after the delivery of the fetus. The changes of blood pressure and heart rate, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire scores and the incidence of postpartum depression were compared between the two groups. At the same time, the incidence of postoperative adverse events in the two groups was observed. Results. There was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) between the two groups at T1-T3 (

P
>
0.05

). Compared with the control group, the SBP, DBP, and HR at T4 and T5 in the observation group were higher (

P
<
0.05

). There was no significant difference in SBP, DBP, and HR at T3, T4, and T5 in the observation group (

P
>
0.05

). Compared with T3, SBP, DBP, and HR were lower in control group T4 and T5, respectively. There was no significant difference in the EPDS scores between the two groups on the 1st day before delivery (

P
>
0.05

). The EPDS scores of the two groups were higher at 3d postpartum and 42d postpartum, respectively, than at 1d before delivery. The EPDS scores of the observation group at 3d and 42d after delivery were lower than those in the control group (

P
<
0.05

). Compared with the control group, the incidence of postpartum depression was higher in the observation group at 3 days postpartum and 1 month postpartum, respectively (

P
<
0.05

). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postpartum adverse reactions between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. The application of esketamine after cesarean section can effectively reduce depression-related scores and the risk of postpartum depression without increasing adverse reactions and has high safety.