bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Interpretations and Implications of Coaches’ Use of Humour in Three National Paralympic Teams
Authors: Alexander-Urquhart Danielle , Bentzen Marte , Kenttä Göran , Bloom Gordon A.
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore interpretations and implications of head coaches’ use of humour in three national Paralympic teams from the perspective of athletes and integrated support staff. We conducted six focus groups with 19 Paralympic athletes and individual interviews with 10 support staff members across the teams. Our reflexive thematic analysis resulted in two overarching themes that helped us understand how humour influenced feelings of psychological safety in the team environment, as well as considerations or challenges with using humour as a coaching strategy, including miscommunication or misunderstanding. Relational awareness, emotional intelligence, and effective communication were identified as important coaching competencies to consider when implementing humour as a leadership behaviour, particularly in an environment where power differentials of status and disability were present. The study was among the first to explore interpretations and implications of humour as a coaching strategy from athletes and staff in the high-performance parasport context. Coaches who implement humour within their environments are encouraged to reflect on the receivers of the interaction and how to maximise the facilitative rather than debilitative functions of humour as a “double-edged sword” to ultimately promote team satisfaction, well-being, and success.
Directional-Specific Modulation of Postural Control and Stepping Kinematics in Multidirectional Gait Initiation
Authors: Chen Kuanting , King Adam C.
Published: August 2024

Daily living activities present a diverse array of task and environmental constraints, highlighting the critical role of adapting gait initiation (GI) for an individual’s quality of life. This study investigated the effects of GI directions, obstacle negotiation, and leg dominance on anticipatory postural adjustments and stepping kinematics. Fourteen active, young, healthy individuals participated in GI across 4 directions—forward, medial 45°, lateral 45°, and lateral 90°—with variations in obstacle presence and leg dominance. Results revealed a consistent decreasing trend in maximum center of pressure displacement, anticipatory postural adjustment duration, step distance, and swing leg velocity with lateral shifts in GI directions, yet the step duration and swing leg heel trajectory were not affected by GI directions except in lateral 90° GI. Center of pressure displacements were intricately scaled to directional propulsive forces generation, and the stepping kinematics were influenced by the directional modifications in movements. With obstacles, modifications in anticipatory postural adjustment metrics and stepping kinematics reflected the obstacle clearance movements. The dominant leg GI exhibited longer step durations and greater movement variability in medial 45° GI. The current investigation of GI factors expands our existing understanding of GI dynamics and offers valuable insights applicable to fall prevention and gait rehabilitation strategies.
A Single Bout of On-Ice Training Leads to Increased Interlimb Asymmetry in Competitive Youth Hockey Athletes
Authors: Twible Bryce D. , Ruggiero Luca , McNeil Chris J. , Dalton Brian H.
Published: August 2024

Interlimb asymmetry (ILA) refers to an anatomical or physiological imbalance between contralateral limbs, which can influence neuromuscular function. Investigating the influence of neuromuscular fatigue on ILA may be critical for optimizing training programs, injury rehabilitation, and sport-specific performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if a single bout of ice hockey-specific exercise creates or exacerbates lower-limb ILA. Before and after an on-ice training session, 33 youth ice-hockey athletes (14.9 [1.7] y; 11 females) performed 3 repetitions of a maximal vertical countermovement jump (CMJ), an eccentric hamstring contraction, and maximal isometric hip adduction and abduction contractions. Force- and power-related variables were analyzed to determine limb-specific neuromuscular function. The on-ice session reduced maximal isometric hip adduction (left: 7.3% [10.3%]; right: 9.5% [9.6%]) and abduction (left: 4.9% [6.9%]; right: 5.0% [8.1%]) force, but did not impair (P ≥ .10) CMJ performance (jump height, relative peak power, braking duration, and total duration). After the on-ice session, ILA was greater for CMJ propulsive impulse (6.3% [2.9%] vs 5.1% [2.6%]), CMJ braking rate of force development (19.3% [7.6%] vs 15.2% [6.4%]), and peak isometric hip adduction force (6.7% [5.5%] vs 6.1% [4.1%]). In conclusion, hockey-specific exercise leads to increased ILA for multiple force-related metrics, which may be a compensatory mechanism to maintain bilateral task performance when fatigued.
Characterizing the Compressive Force at L5/S1 During Patient Transfer From Bed to Wheelchair
Authors: Lee Seyoung , Lim Kitaek , Choi Woochol Joseph
Published: August 2024

The peak compressive forces at L5/S1 during patient transfers have been estimated. However, no study has considered the actual patient body weight that caregivers had to handle during transfers. We developed a simple kinematic model of lifting to address this limitation. Fifteen prospective health care providers transferred a 70-kg individual who mimicked a patient (“patient”) from bed to wheelchair. Trials were acquired with the patient donning (weighted) and doffing (unweighted) a 5-kg weight belt. Trials were also acquired with and without knee assistance and a mechanical lift. During trials, kinematics and kinetics of transfers were recorded to estimate the peak compressive force at L5/S1 using static equilibrium equations. The peak compressive force was associated with the transfer method (P < .0005), and the compressive force was 68% lower in lift-assisted than manual transfer (2230 [SD = 433] N vs 6875 [SD = 2307] N). However, the peak compressive force was not associated with knee assistance, nor with a change in the patient body weight. Our results inform that mechanical loading exceeding the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health safety criterion occurs during patient transfers, confirming a high risk of lower back injuries in caregivers. However, the risk can be mitigated with the use of a mechanical lift.
Assessing the Accuracy of Activity Classification Using Thigh-Worn Accelerometry: A Validation Study of ActiPASS in School-Aged Children
Authors: Lendt Claas , Hettiarachchi Pasan , Johansson Peter J. , Duncan Scott , Lund Rasmussen Charlotte , Narayanan Anantha , Stewart Tom
Published: August 2024

Background: The ActiPASS software was developed from the open-source Acti4 activity classification algorithm for thigh-worn accelerometry. However, the original algorithm has not been validated in children or compared with a child-specific set of algorithm thresholds. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of ActiPASS in classifying activity types in children using 2 published sets of Acti4 thresholds. Methods: Laboratory and free-living data from 2 previous studies were used. The laboratory condition included 41 school-aged children (11.0 [4.8] y; 46.5% male), and the free-living condition included 15 children (10.0 [2.6] y; 66.6% male). Participants wore a single accelerometer on the dominant thigh, and annotated video recordings were used as a reference. Postures and activity types were classified with ActiPASS using the original adult thresholds and a child-specific set of thresholds. Results: Using the original adult thresholds, the mean balanced accuracy (95% CI) for the laboratory condition ranged from 0.62 (0.56–0.67) for lying to 0.97 (0.94–0.99) for running. For the free-living condition, accuracy ranged from 0.61 (0.48–0.75) for lying to 0.96 (0.92–0.99) for cycling. Mean balanced accuracy for overall sedentary behavior (sitting and lying) was ≥0.97 (0.95–0.99) across all thresholds and conditions. No meaningful differences were found between the 2 sets of thresholds, except for superior balanced accuracy of the adult thresholds for walking under laboratory conditions. Conclusions: The results indicate that ActiPASS can accurately classify different basic types of physical activity and sedentary behavior in children using thigh-worn accelerometer data.
Noninstrumented Clinical Assessment of Static Postural Stability in Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Koshino Yuta , Kobayashi Takumi
Published: August 2024

Context: Several clinical tests are available to assess static postural stability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI); however, it is unclear which test should be used. Objective: To determine which noninstrumented clinical tests should be used to detect static postural stability deficits in individuals with CAI. Evidence Acquisition: We searched 4 databases from their inception to February 2023, and included studies comparing static postural stability in individuals with CAI and healthy controls using noninstrumented assessments. Two reviewers independently extracted study characteristics, participant information, static postural stability assessment methods, and results. We calculated the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval using a random effects meta-analysis and assessed the certainty of the evidence. Evidence Synthesis: Fourteen cross-sectional studies (293 participants with CAI and 284 healthy controls) were included. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences between the CAI and healthy groups in the double-leg stance condition of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) (SMD, −0.03; low-certainty evidence). Significant group differences were found in the BESS single-leg stance (SLS) on firm and foam surfaces (SLS firm: SMD, 0.47, very low-certainty evidence; SLS foam: SMD, 0.80, very low-certainty evidence), the tandem stance (TS) on firm and foam surfaces (TS firm: SMD, 0.39, low-certainty evidence; TS foam: SMD, 0.76, low-certainty evidence), and the total BESS in the foam conditions (SMD, 1.12, very low certainty evidence). Significant differences were also found between the CAI and healthy groups in the foot-lift (SMD, 1.24; very low certainty evidence) and time-in-balance tests (SMD, −0.94; very low certainty evidence). Conclusions: Due to the large magnitude of the differences, the SLS foam, TS foam, and the total BESS in the foam conditions, as well as the foot-lift test or time-in-balance test, may be the most appropriate to clinically identify static postural stability impairment in individuals with CAI.
A multicenter study on accuracy and reproducibility of nanopore sequencing-based genotyping of bacterial pathogens
Authors: Dabernig-Heinz Johanna , Lohde Mara , Hölzer Martin , Cabal Adriana , Conzemius Rick , Brandt Christian , Kohl Matthias , Halbedel Sven , Hyden Patrick , Fischer Martin A. , Pietzka Ariane , Daza Beatriz , Idelevich Evgeny A. , Stöger Anna , Becker Karsten , Fuchs Stephan , Ruppitsch Werner , Steinmetz Ivo , Kohler Christian , Wagner Gabriel E.
Published: August 2024

Nanopore sequencing has shown the potential to democratize genomic pathogen surveillance due to its ease of use and low entry cost. However, recent genotyping studies showed discrepant results compared to gold-standard short-read sequencing. Furthermore, although essential for widespread application, the reproducibility of nanopore-only genotyping remains largely unresolved. In our multicenter performance study involving five laboratories, four public health-relevant bacterial species were sequenced with the latest R10.4.1 flow cells and V14 chemistry. Core genome MLST analysis of over 500 data sets revealed highly strain-specific typing errors in all species in each laboratory. Investigation of the methylation-related errors revealed consistent DNA motifs at error-prone sites across participants at read level. Depending on the frequency of incorrect target reads, this either leads to correct or incorrect typing, whereby only minimal frequency deviations can randomly determine the final result. PCR preamplification, recent basecalling model updates and an optimized polishing strategy notably diminished the non-reproducible typing. Our study highlights the potential for new errors to appear with each newly sequenced strain and lays the foundation for computational approaches to reduce such typing errors. In conclusion, our multicenter study shows the necessity for a new validation concept for nanopore sequencing-based, standardized bacterial typing, where single nucleotide accuracy is critical.
Zotero as a teaching tool for independent study courses, honors contracts, and undergraduate research mentoring
Authors: Morgan Dyan E.
Published: August 2024

Managing and evaluating the literature review process can be a time-consuming challenge when working one-on-one with students to teach scientific process skills, whether through an independent study, honors contract, or undergraduate research. In this article, I share my solution to address the pedagogical and organizational challenge posed by this type of teaching and mentoring: the citation management software Zotero used in conjunction with a template worksheet. Overall, this approach will save time, introduce students to a new multipurpose software tool, and lead to a set of reusable resources for future teaching.
Genomic analysis of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in eight strains of nontyphoid
Salmonella
Authors: Liu Haibing , Zheng Lijie , Fan Huimin , Pang Ji
Published: August 2024

Nontyphoidal
Salmonella
(NTS) is the main etiological agent of human nontyphoidal salmonellosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and horizontal transfer mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes from eight strains of NTS detected in Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, China. Fecal samples from outpatients with food-borne diarrhea were collected in 2022. The NTS isolates were identified, and their susceptibility was tested with the Vitek 2 Compact system. The genomes of the NTS isolates were sequenced with the Illumina NovaSeq platform and Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform. The AMR genes and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were predicted with the relevant open access resources. Eight strains of NTS were isolated from 153 specimens, and
Salmonella
Typhimurium ST19 was the most prevalent serotype. The AMR gene with the highest detection rate was AAC(6
'
)-Iaa (10.5%) followed by TEM-1 (7.9%), sul2 (6.6%), and tet(A) (5.3%). Eleven MGEs carrying 34 AMR genes were identified on the chromosomes of 3 of the 8 NTS, including 3 resistance islands, 6 composite transposons (Tns), and 2 integrons. Eighteen plasmids carrying 40 AMR genes were detected in the 8 NTS strains, including 6 mobilizable plasmids, 3 conjugative plasmids, and 9 nontransferable plasmids, 7 of which carried 10 composite Tns and 3 integrons. This study provided a theoretical basis, from a genetic perspective, for the prevention and control of NTS resistance in Zhenjiang City.

IMPORTANCE

Human nontyphoidal salmonellosis is one of the common causes of bacterial food-borne illnesses, with significant social and economic impacts, especially those caused by invasive multidrug-resistant nontyphoidal
Salmonella
, which entails high morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial resistance is mainly mediated by drug resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements play key roles in the capture, accumulation, and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes. Therefore, it is necessary to study the epidemiological characteristics and horizontal transfer mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance genes of nontyphoidal
Salmonella
to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant nontyphoidal
Salmonella
.
Supplemental Material: Silurian ocean island basalt magmatism and Devonian–Carboniferous polymetamorphism: 100 million years in the Western Blue Ridge, USA
Authors: Yasar I. Dogancan
Published: August 2024

Analytical methods, supplemental figures, and chemical and isotopic data.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) secondary to disseminated histoplasmosis infection in a patient with HIV
Authors: Zimmerman Joel Thomas , Hanson Courtney , Iardino Alfredo
Published: August 2024

A male in his 30s who was recently diagnosed with HIV arrived at the emergency department exhibiting an altered mental state and acute respiratory distress. Initial laboratory tests revealed a high anion gap metabolic acidosis, elevated liver enzyme levels and bicytopenia. A CT scan identified a miliary pattern. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage displayed epithelial and inflammatory cells. However, subsequent tests ruled out the presence of fungi, Pneumocystis organisms, malignancies, granulomas and viral inclusions. Broad-spectrum antibiotics with emphasis onMycobacterium tuberculosisand antifungal treatments were administered. The regimen was adjusted after a positive urine test for the Histoplasma antigen.

The patient later manifested signs and symptoms, including increased ferritin level, fever, splenomegaly, diminished natural killer cell function and heightened interleukin-2 receptor levels, confirming haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Given the patient’s gravely decompensated state, the treatment incorporated dexamethasone, and the patient’s vasopressor-resistant septic shock was addressed with methylene blue.
Right putamen and claustrum infarction mimicking normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Chunga Natalia , Curtis Kyra , Tomcik Colleen B , Lizarraga Karlo J.
Published: August 2024

A woman in her 70s presented with approximately 2 years of sudden-onset gait and cognitive problems. She had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement 1 year prior. Before VPS placement, brain imaging showed ventriculomegaly and chronic infarction of the right putamen and claustrum. A lumbar drain trial resulted in modest improvement of gait dysfunction. She underwent VPS placement for suspected NPH, but her symptoms remained unchanged. Examination revealed mild cognitive impairment, left-sided and lower body predominant parkinsonism, as well as disproportionately prominent postural instability. Gait analysis showed increased gait variability, reduced velocity and shortened step length bilaterally. Motor and gait abnormalities did not change after administration of levodopa. Her symptoms have remained stable for up to 52 months since symptom onset. We postulate that the infarction affecting the right putamen and claustrum could have led to a higher-level gait disorder mimicking NPH.
Sarcoidosis with laryngeal and tracheal involvement
Authors: King Robert Bryan , Nassereddin Ali Tareq , Chheda Neil N , Robinson Michael D
Published: August 2024

A woman in her early 30s presented to her primary care physician’s office with hoarseness, joint pain and facial swelling. The objective evaluation revealed elevated inflammatory markers and angiotensin-1-converting enzyme, a chest radiograph with bilateral hilar prominence and a maxillofacial CT scan with diffuse inflammation in the upper airway. Otolaryngology evaluation revealed exophytic lesions diffusely within the nasal cavity, base of tongue, supraglottis, glottis and trachea. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. She was treated with corticosteroids with improvement in upper and lower airway symptoms. She continued to experience other extrapulmonary manifestations of sarcoidosis requiring alternative immunosuppressant therapy. At 30 months from symptom onset, her disease was noted to be in remission.
Characterising and differentiating cognitive and motor speed in older adults: structural equation modelling on a UK longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: Bundil Indra , Baltruschat Sabina , Zhang Jiaxiang
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Information processing speed (IPS) has been proposed to be a key component in healthy ageing and cognitive functioning. Yet, current studies lack a consistent definition and specific influential characteristics. This study aimed to investigate IPS as a multifaceted concept by differentiating cognitive and motor IPS.

Design, setting and participants

A retrospective data analysis using data from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development (a population-based cohort of UK adults born in 1946) at childhood (ages 8, 11 and 15) and adulthood (ages 60–64 and 68–70). Using structural equation modelling, we constructed two models of IPS with 2124 and 1776 participants, respectively.

Outcome measures

Measures of interest included IPS (ie, letter cancellation, simple and choice reaction time), intelligence (ie, childhood intelligence and National Adult Reading Test), verbal memory, socioeconomic status (SES) and cognitive functions measured by the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III, as well as a variety of health indexes.

Results

We found distinct predictors for cognitive and motor IPS and how they relate to other cognitive functions in old age. In our first model, SES and antipsychotic medication usage emerged as significant predictors for cognitive IPS, intelligence and smoking as predictors for motor IPS while both share sex, memory and antiepileptic medication usage as common predictors. Notably, all differences between both IPS types ran in the same direction except for sex differences, with women performing better than men in cognitive IPS and vice versa in motor IPS. The second model showed that both IPS measures, as well as intelligence, memory, antipsychotic and sedative medication usage, explain cognitive functions later in life.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results shed further light on IPS as a whole by showing there are distinct types and that these measures directly relate to other cognitive functions.
‘I’m looking as white and as straight as possible at all times’: a qualitative study exploring the intersectional experiences of BAME LGBTQ+ medical students in the UK
Authors: Ly Daniel , Chakrabarti Rima
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The positive formation of professional identity is considered crucial in how medical students begin to feel and act as clinicians. Although, awareness of how Professional Identity Formation (PIF) may be affected among minoritised groups is increasing, understanding from an intersectional lens remains limited. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Black, Asian, Minoritised Ethnic (BAME) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) medical students in the undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science programme.

Design

Based on the methodology of phenomenography, all medical students identifying as BAME and LGBTQ+ were eligible for participation. Semistructured interviews were conducted with data collection continuing until theoretical saturation was reached. The coding framework was developed independently by the principal researcher and supervisor before being compared to create a shared analytical framework.

Setting

University College London Medical School (UCLMS) between October 2022 and February 2023.

Participants

Six UCLMS students were recruited, one of whom was in the ‘early’ years (years 1–3) with the remainder in the ‘later’ years (years 4–6)

Results

Six main themes emerged from the data, which were categorised into three main areas: challenges to intersectionality, benefits to intersectionality and protective factors. Challenges to intersectionality included three themes, ‘The BAME identity interacting with the LGBTQ+identity’, ‘BAME background influencing LGBTQ+identity exploration’ and ‘no true safe spaces for BAME and LGBTQ+ students to be themselves’. Benefits to intersectionality included ‘greater insight into the self’ and protective factors included two themes of ‘peer support networks’ and ‘visibility within the university and clinical environments.’

Conclusion

By exploring PIF among medical students from an intersectional lens, this study highlights the increased emotional burden faced by those who identify as BAME and LGBTQ+, as they attempt to reconcile both these identities with becoming a future doctor, affecting their sense of belonging socially and within the profession. Despite being based at a single medical school, it highlights the importance of creating a truly inclusive environment through positive role modelling and increased visibility among the BAME, LGBTQ+ community in the undergraduate programme.
PEER CONNECT: a pragmatic feasibility randomised controlled trial of peer coaching for adults with long-term conditions
Authors: Dennett Rachel , Thompson Tom , Clyne Wendy , Straukiene Agne , Davies-Cox Helen , Hosking Joanne , Bones Krystina , Elston Julian
Published: August 2024

Objective

To test the feasibility of a targeted peer coaching intervention on the health and well-being of people with long-term health conditions and low activation attending outpatient clinics at a UK National Health Service (NHS) Trust.

Design

Randomised controlled feasibility trial, with embedded qualitative study.

Setting

An NHS integrated health and care organisation in the South West of England, UK, with significant areas of deprivation.

Participants

Patients (over 18 year of age) of the Trust’s rheumatology, pain or multiple sclerosis services, with a Patient Activation Measure score at level 1 or 2.

Intervention

Up to 14 sessions of peer coaching delivered in a stepped-down model delivered over 6 months.

Main outcomes

Primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, intervention adherence and peer, coach and staff experience.

Secondary outcomes included psychological well-being, resource use, long-term condition management and disease-specific measures.

Results

97 potential coaches were contacted directly. 27 (27.8%) were screened and of those 21 (77.8%) were eligible and recruited into the study. For a range of reasons, only five (23.8%) progressed through training and on to deliver peer coaching. 747 potential peers were invited to take part and 19 (2.5%) were screened. Of those screened, seven (36.8%) were eligible, recruited and randomised, all white females with median age of 50 years (range: 24–82 years). One peer in the intervention group withdrew prior to receiving the intervention, the remaining four received coaching. Peers and coaches reported a range of benefits related to their health and well-being.

Conclusion

Coach recruitment, training and study procedures were feasible and acceptable. Due to low peer recruitment numbers, it was decided not to progress to a definitive trial. Further research is required to explore how to engage with and recruit people reporting low levels of activation and the acceptability and effectiveness of peer coaching for this group.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN12623577.
Childhood Health and Educational outcomes afteR perinatal Brain injury (CHERuB): protocol for a population-matched cohort study
Authors: Rees Philippa , Gale Chris , Battersby Cheryl , Williams Carrie , Purkayastha Mitana , Zylbersztejn Ania , Carter Ben , Sutcliffe Alastair
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Over 3000 infants suffer a brain injury around the time of birth every year in England. Although these injuries can have important implications for children and their families, our understanding of how these injuries affect children’s lives is limited.

Methods and analysis

The aim of the CHERuB study (Childhood Health and Educational outcomes afteR perinatal Brain injury) is to investigate longitudinal childhood health and educational outcomes after perinatal brain injury through the creation of a population-matched cohort study. This study will use the Department of Health and Social Care definition of perinatal brain injury which includes infants with intracranial haemorrhage, preterm white matter injury, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, perinatal stroke, central nervous system infections, seizures and kernicterus. All children born with a perinatal brain injury in England between 2008 and 2019 will be included (n=54 176) and two matched comparator groups of infants without brain injury will be created: a preterm control group identified from the National Neonatal Research Data Set and a term/late preterm control group identified using birth records. The national health, education and social care records of these infants will be linked to ascertain their longitudinal childhood outcomes between 2008 and 2023. This cohort will include approximately 170 000 children. The associations between perinatal brain injuries and survival without neurosensory impairment, neurodevelopmental impairments, chronic health conditions and mental health conditions throughout childhood will be examined using regression methods and time-to-event analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has West London Research Ethics Committee and Confidential Advisory Group approval (20/LO/1023 and 22/CAG/0068 issued 20/10/2022). Findings will be published in open-access journals and publicised via the CHERuB study website, social media accounts and our charity partners.
Clinical relevance of aortic conduit and reservoir function
Authors: Assadi Hosamadin , Sawh Chris , Spohr Hilmar , Nelthorpe Faye , Nair Sunil , Hughes Marina , Ashman David , Ryding Alisdair , Matthews Gareth , Li Rui , Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Mehmood Zia , Al-Mohammad Abdallah , Kasmai Bahman , Vassiliou Vassilios S , Garg Pankaj
Published: August 2024

Background

Aortic conduit and reservoir functions can be directly measured by four-dimensional flow (4D flow) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

Twenty healthy controls (10 young and 10 age-gender-matched old controls) and 20 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) were recruited. All had 4D flow CMR. Flow was quantified at the ascending and descending aorta levels. In addition, at the ascending aorta level, we quantified systolic flow displacement (FDs) and systolic flow reversal ratio (sFRR). The aortic conduit function was defined as the relative drop in systolic flow from the ascending to the descending aorta (∆Fs). Aortic reservoir function was defined as descending aortic diastolic stroke volume (DAo SVd).

Results

Both ∆Fs (R=0.51, p=0.001) and DAo SVd(R=−0.68, p=0.001) were significantly associated with ageing. Native T1 (R=0.51, p=0.001) and extracellular volume (R=0.51, p=0.001) showed maximum association with ∆Fs. ∆Fs significantly increased in HFpEF versus age-gender-matched controls (41±8% vs 52±12%, p=0.02). In multiple regression, only ∆Fs and DAo SVdwere independent predictors of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (model R=0.77, p=0.0001). FDs was significantly associated with ∆Fs (R=0.4, p=0.01) and DAo SVd(R=−0.48, p=0.002), whereas sFRR was mainly associated with DAo SVd(R=−0.46, p=0.003).

Conclusion

Both aortic conduit and reservoir function decline with age and this decline in aortic function is also independently associated with renal functional decline. Ascending aortic turbulent flow signatures are associated with loss of aortic conduit and reservoir functions. Finally, in HFpEF, aortic conduit and reservoir function demonstrate progressive decline.

Trials registration number

NCT05114785.
Investigating the relationship between emotions and physical literacy in a quality physical education context
Authors: Woolley Adam , Houser Natalie , Kriellaars Dean
Published: August 2024

Affective experiences have been shown to influence attitudes and future behaviors related to physical activity, but no studies have related these experiences to physical literacy or examined affective experiences in quality physical education (QPE). The aim of this study was to describe emotions experienced in a QPE context and relate those emotions to students’ physical literacy and self-esteem. A cross-sectional study of 145 4th and 5th grade students was surveyed after a single PE class on their emotional experiences (positive emotions: pride, enjoyment, and relief; negative, emotions: shame, anger, and boredom; aggregate emotional experience as the sum of positive and negative emotions) physical literacy (self-description and movement valuation) and self-esteem. In this QPE context, 73% of students reported only positive emotions, 26% mixed positive and negative emotions and 1% expressed only negative emotions. Pride and enjoyment were strongly co-occurring (89%). Among students expressing mixed emotions, 90% still yielded positive aggregate emotional experiences. Positive emotions have significant ( p < 0.001), moderate to strong positive correlations with physical literacy (rho = 0.65 pride, 0.50 enjoyment) and self-esteem (rho = 0.48 pride, 0.38 enjoyment), and negative emotions have significant ( p < 0.001), moderate negative correlations with physical literacy (rho = −0.47 shame, −0.30 anger, −0.32 boredom) and self-esteem (rho = −0.33 shame, −0.29 anger, −0.21 boredom). This study reveals strong positive emotional responses by students in a purported QPE context. The presence of mixed emotions with net positive aggregate experiences highlights the importance of consideration of both negative and positive emotions in movement contexts. Affective states have been proposed as key elements of physical literacy, and this study supports this through valence matched associations between both positive/negative affect with physical literacy and self-esteem.
Photon propagation in a charged Bose–Einstein condensate model
Authors: Nieves José F. , Sahu Sarira
Published: August 2024

We consider the propagation of photons in a model of a charged scalar Bose-Einstein (BE) condensate. We determine the dispersion relations of the collective modes, as well as the photon polarization tensor and the dielectric constant in the model. Two modes correspond to the transverse photon polarizations, with dispersion relations of the usual form for transverse photons in a plasma. The other two modes, denoted as the $$(\pm )$$

(
±
)

modes, are combinations of the longitudinal photon and the massive scalar field. Their dispersion relations behave very differently as functions of momentum. The $$(+)$$

(
+
)

mode dispersion relation increases steadily and remains greater than the momentum as the momentum increases. The dispersion relation of the $$(-)$$

(
-
)

mode decreases in a given momentum range, with the group velocity being negative in that range, while in another range it increases steadily but remains smaller than the momentum, akin to the situation in a medium with an index of refraction greater than 1. We consider the non-relativistic limit of the $$(\pm )$$

(
±
)

dispersion relations and discuss some aspects of the results. We also determine the wavefunctions of the $$(\pm )$$

(
±
)

modes, which are useful to obtain the corrections to the dispersion relations, e.g., imaginary parts due to the damping effects and/or the effects of scattering, due to the interactions with the excitations of the system. The results can be useful in various physical contexts that have been considered in the literature involving the electrodynamics of a charged scalar BE condensate.
Phase change materials in building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) envelopes: A strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats analysis
Authors: Singh Digvijay , Buddhi Dharam , Rajput Pramod , Singh K. Y. , Mahor Himmat Singh , Kushwaha P. K.
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the use of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. To assess the performance of BIPV–PCM systems, the study employs a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The study features the advantages of using PCMs with BIPV envelopes. The benefits include lower heating and cooling requirements, shifted peak loads and increased thermal comfort. However, there are several challenges like heat loss and lower energy efficiency which needs to be addressed. Further, the potential for reduced PCM efficiency over time is recognized. The paper concludes by recommending further research on alternative PCM placement strategies, enhanced PCM formulations, gypsum board integration and the evaluation of PCMs combined with nanoparticles.
Size-dependent thermomechanical vibrations in rotating pre-twisted porous functionally graded thick microplates
Authors: Zhang Wuyuan , Zhang Bo , Jin Songye , Shen Huoming , Li Cheng
Published: August 2024

In this study, a thermomechanical rigid-flexible coupling vibration model of the rotating pre-twisted porous functionally graded (PP-FG) thick microplate in a thermal environment is established based on the third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT) and modified couple stress theory (MCST). Three thermal distributions are considered. The effects of temperature and porosity on the equivalent material parameters are accounted for in the modified Voigt rule of mixture. The governing equations of motion are derived using the Euler–Lagrange equation and numerically solved through the complex modal analysis method and the Chebyshev–Ritz method. After validating the convergence and accuracy of the proposed model, the effects of temperature, material length scale parameter (MLSP), rotational speed, porosity index, gradient index, presetting angle, and pre-twist angle on the vibration behavior of microplates were examined. The key findings of the study are as follows: (1) The effects of rotational speed on in-plane and out-of-plane frequencies are opposite. Temperature elevation weakens the size effect and centrifugal stiffening effect on the frequencies. (2) The effects of the porosity index on the frequencies are the opposite when the gradient index exceeds a specific critical value. (3) The effects of the presetting angle on the frequencies are periodic and symmetrical at about 0. The frequencies reach an extreme value when the pre-twist angle is approximately 2[Formula: see text]/3 for the cantilever microplate. The proposed model is more sophisticated and comprehensive than others reported in the literature. It offers a more thorough analysis and insight into the behavior and performance of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and micro air vehicles (MAVs), particularly when operating in challenging conditions.
Cryptanalyzing an Image Encryption Scheme Using Synchronization of Memristor Chaotic Systems
Authors: He Shaoxuan , Yang Hongjiao , Li Chengqing , Shen Xianhui
Published: August 2024

This paper conducts a security analysis on an image encryption scheme that incorporates chaos synchronization and DNA encoding techniques. The scheme adheres to the typical Substitution–Permutation structure by introducing the DNA operation as a nonlinear component. Compared to the traditional chaotic ciphers, the designer claims that the scheme achieved better nonlinear properties through the DNA operation. However, the characteristics of the differential between some pairs of plaintexts and the corresponding ciphertexts can be exploited to break the permutation operation. Meanwhile, the substitution operation can also be cracked by checking the mapping between the intermediate variables inversely permuted from ciphertext and the corresponding plaintext. Given the weaknesses of the encryption scheme, we introduce effective strategies for the known-plaintext attack. Both rigorous theoretical analyses and detailed experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the attacks.
Complex Dynamics of a Simple Tumor-Immune Model with Tumor Malignancy
Authors: Li Jianquan , Chen Yuming , Zhang Fengqin , Zhang Dian
Published: August 2024

One main feature of a malignant tumor is its uncontrolled growth. In this paper, we propose a simple tumor-immune model to study the progressive characteristics of malignant and benign tumors, where the anti-tumor immunity can be described by the Michaelis–Menten function or the mass action law. The model includes only two state variables for the tumor cells and the effector cells representing the immune system. Three quantities with clear biological meanings are given to determine the asymptotic states of the tumor progression. Moreover, differences in asymptotic states between the two anti-tumor immunity descriptions are drawn. Differently from existing simple models, on the one hand, the model exhibits rich dynamical behaviors including super-critical and sub-critical Bogdanov–Takens bifurcations (consisting of Hopf bifurcation, saddle–node bifurcation, and homoclinic bifurcation) and saddle–node bifurcation of nonconstant periodic solutions (leading to the appearance of two periodic orbits) as the parameters vary; on the other hand, the malignant feature, dormancy, and immune escape of the tumor are revealed with numerical simulations. Furthermore, from the perspective of qualitative analysis and numerical simulations, how the obtained results can be applied to the treatment and control of tumors is illustrated.
Limit Cycles Bifurcating from Planar Polynomial Quasi-Homogeneous Centers of Weight-Degree 3 with Nonsmooth Perturbations
Authors: Sui Shiyou , Xu Weijiao , Zhang Yongkang
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we estimate the number of limit cycles bifurcating from the periodic orbits of the weight-homogeneous polynomial centers of weight-degree 3, when they are perturbed inside the class of piecewise smooth polynomial systems of degree n. By using the first-order averaging method, we give the upper and lower bounds on the maximal number of limit cycles which can bifurcate from the period annuluses. Our results indicate that the nonsmooth systems can have more limit cycles than the smooth ones.
Spectral Signatures of Bifurcations
Authors: Guha Debajyoti , Banerjee Soumitro
Published: August 2024

One way to characterize an orbit of a dynamical system is through its frequency content. Using a “spectral bifurcation diagram”, it has been shown earlier how the frequency content changes when a system undergoes a period-doubling cascade. In this paper, we extend the scope of this technique to obtain newer insights into various bifurcations like pitchfork bifurcation, border-collision bifurcation, period-adding cascade, and various torus bifurcations. We show that applying this method can enrich our understanding of bifurcations by providing vital information about generating or annihilating frequency components in a bifurcation.
FPGA Accelerated Implementation of 3D Mesh Secret Sharing Based on Symmetric Similarity of Model
Authors: Wu Zi-Ming , Zhao Meng-Yuan , Yan Bin , Pan Jeng-Shyang , Yang Hong-Mei
Published: August 2024

Secret sharing is particularly important in the field of information security, which allows for the reconstruction of secret information from secure shares. However, due to the large amount of data and non-integer data type of 3D (three-dimensional) models, it is less efficient to perform sharing compared to the 2D(two-dimensional) digital images. In order to enable efficient sharing of 3D models as well, this article designs different circuit modules to parallelize the process of sharing 3D models. The proposed structure exploits the vertex extension to perform a complete reconstruction of the 3D model. In the sharing phase, the symmetric similarity of 3D model is exploited to realize the sharing in parallel, which improves the efficiency of sharing. In the reconstruction phase, the Strassen algorithm is used to optimize matrix multiplication, which saves circuit resources. Simulation results show that the structure performs more than 100 times faster than software. The utilization of circuit resources and the size of the share are both optimized. The validity of the designed hardware architecture is confirmed after analyzing the data from experiments performed on several 3D models.
Improving Ocean Management Using Insights from Space
Authors: McCauley Douglas J. , Andrzejaczek Samantha , Block Barbara A. , Cavanaugh Kyle C. , Cubaynes Hannah C. , Hazen Elliott L. , Hu Chuanmin , Kroodsma David , Li Jiwei , Young Hillary S.
Published: August 2024

Advancements in space-based ocean observation and computational data processing techniques have demonstrated transformative value for managing living resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems of the ocean. We synthesize advancements in leveraging satellite-derived insights to better understand and manage fishing, an emerging revolution of marine industrialization, ocean hazards, sea surface dynamics, benthic ecosystems, wildlife via electronic tracking, and direct observations of ocean megafauna. We consider how diverse space-based data sources can be better coupled to modernize and improve ocean management. We also highlight examples of how data from space can be developed into tools that can aid marine decision-makers managing subjects from whales to algae. Thoughtful and prospective engagement with such technologies from those inside and outside the marine remote sensing community is, however, essential to ensure that these tools meet their full potential to strengthen the effectiveness of ocean management.
Hierarchical Nitrogen-Doped Carbon: A Bifunctional Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions
Authors: Parkash Anand , Mukhtar Arain Adeel , Abro Masroor
Published: August 2024

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of hierarchical nitrogen-doped carbon (HCN-900), demonstrating remarkable electrocatalytic performance for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), outperforming traditional catalysts like RuO₂ and Pt/C. HCN-900 exhibits an onset potential of 0.98 V and a half-wave potential of 0.85 V for ORR, closely matching Pt/C performance while achieving an electron transfer number of 4.0, indicative of a four-electron pathway. For OER, HCN-900 achieves a current density of 10 mA cm⁻2 at an overpotential of 223 mV, significantly lower than RuO₂ (288 mV) and Pt/C (363 mV). The material also shows a Tafel slope of 87 mV dec⁻¹, indicating rapid kinetics and efficient electron transfer. This impressive performance is attributed to the optimized structural and electronic properties of HCN-900, including its high surface area, hierarchical porosity, and nitrogen doping, which enhance active site density and promote electron transport. Furthermore, HCN-900 retains approximately 96.72% of its initial performance after 10 h of continuous operation, demonstrating excellent long-term stability. The comprehensive analysis highlights HCN-900 as a promising bifunctional catalyst for advanced energy applications, providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional catalysts. Its superior electrocatalytic properties make HCN-900 an excellent candidate for integration into next-generation energy conversion and storage systems.
(Invited) 1D Oxides for Energy, Environment, and Biomedical Applications: Are They as Good as They Appear?
Authors: Subramanian Vaidyanathan
Published: August 2024

1D oxides demonstrate interesting optical, electronic, catalytic, and surface properties. They are interesting not only because they can be synthesized using cost effective methods but also appear to be useful in several technological processes. They are also amenable to doping, composite formation, and assembly as heterostructures with a variety of elements as well as pre-formed materials such as dyes, metals, and non-metals.

This talk will feature representative examples of 1D oxides and their composites in the field of energy, environment, and biomedical applications. Key findings using Titanium dioxide as the compound of focus will be highlighted. Research in this field from our group will be presented. Specific focus will be on the work involving former and current collaborators associated with India This presentation will also look into examples of work in the area that suggest not so promising benefits of these 1D oxides, thus raising the question of its actual benefits.