bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Experimental Dynamic Force Performance of a Squeeze Film Damper Supplied Through a Check Valve and Sealed With O-Rings
Authors: Andrés Luis San , Rodríguez Bryan
Published: July 2021

In rotor-bearing systems, squeeze film dampers (SFDs) assist to reduce vibration amplitudes while traversing a critical speed and also offer a means to suppress rotor instabilities. Along with an elastic support element, SFDs are effective means to isolate a rotor from its casing. O-rings (ORs), piston rings (PRs), and side plates as end seals reduce leakage and air ingestion while amplifying the viscous damping in configurations with limited physical space. ORs also add a centering stiffness and damping to a SFD. The paper presents experiments to quantify the dynamic forced response of an O-rings sealed ends SFD (OR-SFD) lubricated with ISO VG2 oil supplied at a low pressure (0.7 bar(g)). The damper is 127 mm in diameter (D), short in axial length L = 0.2D, and the film clearance c = 0.279 mm. The lubricant flows into the film land through a mechanical check valve and exits through a single port. Upstream of the check valve, a large plenum filled with oil serves to attenuate dynamic pressure disturbances. Multiple sets of single-frequency dynamic loads, 10 Hz to 120 Hz, produce circular centered orbits with amplitudes r =0.1c, 0.15c, and 0.2c. The experimental results identify the test rig structure, ORs, and SFD force coefficients, namely, stiffness (K), mass (M), and viscous damping (C). The ORs' coefficients are frequency independent and show a sizeable direct stiffness, KOR ∼ 50% of the test rig structure stiffness, along with a quadrature stiffness, K0 ∼ 0.26KOR, demonstrative of material damping. The lubricated system damping coefficient equals CL = (CSFD + COR); the ORs contributing 10% to the total. The experimental SFD damping and inertia coefficients are large in physical magnitude; CSFD slightly grows with orbit size, whereas MSFD is relatively constant. The added mass (MSFD) is approximately fourfold the bearing cartridge (BC) mass; hence, the test rig natural frequency drops by ∼50% once lubricated. A computational physics model predicts force coefficients that are just 10% lower than those estimated from experiments. The amplitude of measured dynamic pressures upstream of the plenum increases with excitation frequency. Unsuspectedly, during dynamic load operation, the check valve did allow for lubricant backflow into the plenum. Post-tests verification demonstrates that, under static pressure conditions, the check valve does work since it allows fluid flow in just one direction.
Depth profile reconstruction of YCrO3/CaMnO3 superlattices by near total reflection hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Cambou Léo , Lee Jin-Hong , Bibes Manuel , Gloter Alexandre , Rueff Jean-Pascal
Published: July 2021

We have determined the depth profile of YCrO3/CaMnO3 superlattices by hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy in near total reflection conditions. YCrO3/CaMnO3 is prone to exhibit interesting magnetotransport properties owing to the large amount of electron transfer expected between Cr3+ and Mn4+. The depth profile was reconstructed by simulating the rocking curves of the different core levels using the YXRO software and fine-tuning the structural model. The results globally conform to scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis, except for the top layer, whose structure and stoichiometry are found to be preserved in contrast to microscopy.
An Educational Game Evening for Medical Residents: A Proof of Concept to Evaluate the Impact on Learning of the Use of Games
Authors: Ghelfenstein-Ferreira Théo , Beaumont Anne-Lise , Dellière Sarah , Peiffer-Smadja Nathan , Pineros Nicolas , Carbonnelle Etienne , Greub Gilbert , Abbara Salam , Luong Nguyen Liem Binh , Lescat Mathilde
Published: July 2021

Insufficient knowledge of bacteria and antimicrobials leads to the emergence of multidrug-resistant-bacterium infections. Diversification of the teaching forms, such as the use of games, could be a solution.
Persistent Miscalibration for Low and High Achievers despite Practice Test Feedback in an Introductory Biology Course
Authors: Osterhage Jennifer L.
Published: July 2021

Students’ ability to accurately judge their knowledge is crucial for effective learning. However, students’ perception of their current knowledge is often misaligned with their actual performance.
Current and sea level control the demise of shallow carbonate production on a tropical bank (Saya de Malha Bank, Indian Ocean)
Authors: Betzler Christian , Lindhorst Sebastian , Lüdmann Thomas , Reijmer John J. , Braga Juan-Carlos , Bialik Or M. , Reolid Jesus , Eisermann Jan Oliver , Emeis Kay , Rixen Tim , Bissessur Dass
Published: July 2021

Carbonate platforms are built mainly by corals living in shallow light-saturated tropical waters. The Saya de Malha Bank (Indian Ocean), one of the world's largest carbonate platforms, lies in the path of the South Equatorial Current. Its reefs do not reach sea level, and all carbonate production is mesophotic to oligophotic. New geological and oceanographic data unravel the evolution and environment of the bank, elucidating the factors determining this exceptional state. There are no nutrient-related limitations for coral growth. A switch from a rimmed atoll to a current-exposed system with only mesophotic coral growth is proposed to have followed the South Equatorial Current development during the late Neogene. Combined current activity and sea-level fluctuations are likely controlling factors of modern platform configuration.
Efficient release of bromine by super-eruptions
Authors: Waelkens Clara M. , Stix John , Monteleone Brian , Burckel Pierre
Published: July 2021

Bromine is a key halogen element in the quantification of volcanic volatiles, but analytical difficulties in measuring its very low abundances have prevented progress in understanding its behavior and its role in volcanic emissions. We present a new data set of bromine, chlorine, and fluorine concentrations in melt inclusions and matrix glasses for two rhyolitic super-eruptions from the Toledo and Valles calderas, New Mexico, USA. We show that before eruption, Br and Cl were efficiently partitioned from the gas-saturated magma into a separate fluid phase, and we calculate the mass of halogens in the fluid phase. We further demonstrate that syn-eruptive magma degassing was negligible during the super-eruptions, so that the main source of halogen emissions must have been the fluid phase. If the fluid phase were erupted, the large mass of Br and Cl could have severely impacted the atmospheric chemistry upon eruption.
Diffuse spreading, a newly recognized mode of crustal accretion in the southern Mariana Trough backarc basin
Authors: Sleeper Jonathan D. , Martinez Fernando , Fryer Patricia , Stern Robert J. , Kelley Katherine A. , Ohara Yasuhiko
Published: July 2021

South of the latitude of Guam, the Mariana Trough exhibits both trench-parallel and trench-normal extension. In this study, we examined the locus of trench-normal extension separating the Philippine Sea plate from the broadly deforming Mariana platelet. Along this boundary, we identified three distinct modes of extension and described their distinguishing characteristics using deep- and shallow-towed side-scan sonar and ship multibeam data along with regional geophysical, geochemical, and seismicity data. In the west, the Southwest Mariana Rift is an active tectonic rift exhibiting abundant strong earthquakes up to mb 6.7 and limited evidence of volcanism. In the east, the Malaguana-Gadao Ridge is a seafloor spreading center producing few and weak earthquakes less than mb 5. Between these zones, there is an ~20–40-km-wide and ~120-km-long area of high acoustic backscatter characterized by closely spaced volcano-tectonic ridges and small volcanic cones with distributed intermediate-strength seismicity up to mb 5.7. Fresh-looking volcanic rocks with high water contents and strong arc chemical affinities have been recovered from the high-backscatter zone. We interpret this morphologically and geophysically distinct zone as undergoing diffuse spreading, a distributed form of magmatic crustal accretion where new crust forms within a broad zone tens of kilometers across rather than along a narrow spreading axis. Diffuse spreading appears to be a rheological threshold effect enabled by slow opening rates and a high slab-fluid flux that facilitate the formation of a broad zone of weak hydrous lithosphere, within which new crust is accreted. Our findings describe a poorly understood process in plate tectonics, and observations of similar terrains in other backarc basins suggest that this process is not unique to the Mariana Trough.
31Р NMR Spectroscopy of Adsorbed Probe Molecules as a Tool for the Determination of the Acidity of Molecular Sieve Catalysts (A Review)
Authors: Zasukhin D. S. , Kostyukov I. A. , Kasyanov I. A. , Kolyagin Yu. G. , Ivanova I. I.
Published: July 2021

The review analyzes the potential of 31Р MAS NMR spectroscopy of adsorbed trisubstituted phosphines and phosphine oxides for the investigation of the acidic properties of molecular sieve catalysts. The main methodological approaches to identifying sites of different types are considered. The assignment of signals in the 31Р MAS NMR spectra of methyl-, ethyl-, n-butyl-, and phenyl-substituted phosphines and their oxides adsorbed on zeolites of different structural types and other molecular sieves to Lewis and Brønsted acid sites is reported, and the potential of 31Р MAS NMR spectroscopy as a tool for the determination of the strength of these sites and their amount is analyzed. It is shown that varying the size of the substituent allows assessment of the localization and accessibility of acid sites in zeolites.
Synthesis and Photoluminescent Properties of 2-(3-Carboxymethylindazol-1-yl)anilines
Authors: Shetnev A. A. , Panova V. A. , Kutuzova P. M. , Tarasenko M. V. , Zhmykhova M. V. , Baykov S. V. , Filimonov S. I.
Published: July 2021

A two-stage method for the preparation of
2-(3-carboxymethylindazol-1-yl)anilines using the N-arylation reaction of 3-carboxymethylindazoles with o-nitrohaloarenes and subsequent reduction of
nitro-containing intermediates with tin(II) chloride was developed. The
experimental results showed that the use of the synthesized compounds as
fluorophores in the visible region of the spectrum is promising.
Outcomes of very preterm infants with neonatal hyperglycaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rath Chandra Prakash , Shivamallappa Madhusudhan , Muthusamy Saravanan , Rao Shripada C , Patole Sanjay
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore the association between hyperglycaemia and adverse outcomes in very preterm infants.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data were pooled separately for adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) using random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on study design (cohort and case control).

Main outcome measures

Association between hyperglycaemia in preterm neonates (<32 weeks or <1500 g) and mortality and morbidities.

Findings

Forty-six studies (30 cohort and 16 case control) with data from 34 527 infants were included. Meta-analysis of unadjusted ORs from cohort studies found hyperglycaemia to be significantly associated with mortality, any-grade intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), severe IVH, any-stage retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), severe ROP, sepsis, chronic lung disease and disability. However, pooling of adjusted ORs found significant associations only for mortality (adjusted OR (CI): 2.37 (1.40 to 4.01); I2: 36%; 6 studies), ‘Any grade IVH’ (adjusted OR (CI): 2.60 (1.09 to 6.20); I2: 0%; 2 studies) and ‘Any stage ROP’ (adjusted OR (CI): 3.70 (1.55 to 8.84); I2: 0%; 2 studies). Meta-regression analysis found glucose levels >10 mmol/L to be associated with increased odds of mortality compared with <10 mmol/L. Pooled analysis from case–control studies were similar to cohort studies for most outcomes but limited by small sample size. Longer duration of hyperglycaemia was associated with adverse outcomes. GRADE of evidence was ‘Low’ or ‘Very low’.

Conclusion

Hyperglycaemia in very preterm infants is associated with higher odds of mortality, any-grade IVH and any-stage ROP. A limitation was lack of availability of adjusted ORs from many of the included studies.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020193016.
Assessment of optimal chest compression depth during neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomised controlled animal trial
Authors: Bruckner Marlies , Kim Seung Yeon , Shim Gyu Hong , Neset Mattias , Garcia-Hidalgo Catalina , Lee Tze-Fun , O'Reilly Megan , Cheung Po-Yin , Schmölzer Georg M
Published: July 2021

Aim

The study aimed to examine the optimal anterior-posterior depth which will reduce the time to return of spontaneous circulation and improve survival during chest compressions. Asphyxiated neonatal piglets receiving chest compression resuscitated with a 40% anterior-posterior chest depth compared with 33%, 25% or 12.5% will have reduced time to return of spontaneous circulation and improved survival.

Methods

Newborn piglets (n=8 per group) were anaesthetised, intubated, instrumented and exposed to 45 min normocapnic hypoxia followed by asphyxia and cardiac arrest. Piglets were randomly allocated to four intervention groups (‘anterior-posterior 12.5% depth’, ‘anterior-posterior 25% depth’, ‘anterior-posterior 33% depth’ or ‘anterior-posterior 40% depth’). Chest compressions were performed using an automated chest compression machine with a rate of 90 per minute. Haemodynamic and respiratory parameters, applied compression force, and chest compression depth were continuously measured.

Results

The median (IQR) time to return of spontaneous circulation was 600 (600–600) s, 135 (90–589) s, 85 (71–158)* s and 116 (63–173)* s for the 12.5%, 25%, 33% and 40% depth groups, respectively (*p<0.001 vs 12.5%). The number of piglets that achieved return of spontaneous circulation was 0 (0%), 6 (75%), 7 (88%) and 7 (88%) in the 12.5%, 25%, 33% and 40% anterior-posterior depth groups, respectively. Arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, carotid blood flow, applied compression force, tidal volume and minute ventilation increased with greater anterior-posterior chest depth during chest compression.

Conclusions

Time to return of spontaneous circulation and survival were similar between 25%, 33% and 40% anterior-posterior depths, while 12.5% anterior-posterior depth did not result in return of spontaneous circulation or survival. Haemodynamic and respiratory parameters improved with increasing anterior-posterior depth, suggesting improved organ perfusion and oxygen delivery with 33%–40% anterior-posterior depth.

Trial registration number

PTCE0000193.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in accidental chlorine gas inhalational injury: case report and review of literature
Authors: Akhlaq Safia , Ejaz Taymmia , Aziz Adil , Ahmed Arslan
Published: July 2021

A young man presented in emergency department with shortness of breath and cough after accidental inhalation of chlorine gas. Initial presentation was unremarkable; therefore, he was kept under observation for 8 hours and was later discharged. After 5 hours, the patient presented again in emergency department with sudden-onset shortness of breath and chest discomfort. On examination, subcutaneous crepitation around the neck and chest was found. Chest and neck X-ray revealed subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. CT neck and chest was done, which revealed subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum and a linear air density in close approximation to right posterolateral wall of trachea at the level of superior margin of sternum was reported. These findings raised the possibility of tracheal injury which was later confirmed by fiberoptic laryngoscopy. The patient was intubated due to hypercapnic respiratory failure resulting from hypoventilation and respiratory distress. Bilateral chest tube insertion was done due to worsening subcutaneous emphysema, high ventilator parameters and prevention of progression to pneumothorax. He was extubated after 5 days; bilateral chest tubes were removed before discharge and underwent uneventful recovery.
Vagal paraganglioma clinically presenting as a persistent dry cough
Authors: Heleno Caio , Lasley Katharine , Low Michelle , Singh Pranav
Published: July 2021

Vagal paragangliomas (VPs) are a rare subset of neuroendocrine tumour derived from paraganglia located in the head/neck that are usually indolent in nature. Typical clinical presentations include pulsatile tinnitus or hoarseness associated with a neck mass. Surgery and radiation therapy remain the primary treatment modalities but come with significant morbidity including cranial nerve damage. We describe a unique case of VP in which cough was the only presenting symptom, that was exacerbated by enlargement of the tumour. Symptoms improved following radiation treatment.
Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome: a case of rare genetic mutation
Authors: Sangeetha Geminiganesan , Jayaraj Jaippreetha , Ganesan Swathi , Puttagunta Sreeapoorva
Published: July 2021

Complement-mediated kidney disease has been an evolving area in the field of nephrology. Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare thrombotic microangiopathy that affects multiple organs, particularly kidneys. The disease is characterised by a triad of haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury (AKI). aHUS is most commonly caused by dysregulation of alternative complement pathway. In contrast to shiga toxin-associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome, diarrheal prodrome is usually absent in children with aHUS. We report a 2-year, 9-month-old boy who presented with acute dysentery and AKI. He had an unusual prolonged course of illness with hypocomplementaemia; hence, genetic testing was performed. He had a storming course in the hospital and succumbed to complications of the disease. Genetic study revealed digenic mutation inComplement Factor I and C3. Therefore, it is important to differentiate aHUS from other thrombotic microangiopathies to improve the outcome.
1 Prospective associations of aerobic fitness and lipoprotein subclasses in a cohort of norwegian schoolchildren: the active smarter kids (ASK) study
Authors: Jones PR , Rajalahti T , Resaland GK , Aadland E , Steene-Johannessen J , Anderssen SA , Bathen TF , Andreassen T , Kvalheim OM , Ekelund U
Published: July 2021

Aim

Aerobic fitness is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children. Associations with traditional measures of lipid metabolism are uncertain. We investigated whether higher levels of fitness benefit lipid metabolism by exploring cross-sectional and prospective associations between aerobic fitness and a comprehensive lipoprotein profile.

Methods

We used targeted proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy to profile 29 measures of lipoprotein metabolism for 811 fifth-grade Norwegian schoolchildren (50.1% girls; mean age 10.2 years). Serum samples were taken on two occasions across the academic year. Aerobic fitness was measured at baseline using the Andersen aerobic fitness test. We used multiple linear regression adjusted for potential confounders to examine both cross-sectional and prospective — adjusted for baseline lipoprotein measure — associations between aerobic fitness and lipoprotein profiles.

Results

Higher levels of aerobic fitness were associated with all measures of lipoprotein metabolism in the cross-sectional analysis. There were inverse associations with the apolipoprotein B-containing (apo B) lipoprotein subclasses, including cholesterol and triglyceride concentration. The associations between aerobic fitness and the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles were divergent between larger and smaller subclasses. In the prospective analysis, the inverse associations between aerobic fitness and the measures of larger apo B-containing lipoprotein subclasses persisted as did all but one of the associations with triglyceride concentrations. Additional adjustment for adiposity attenuated most associations in both cross-sectional and prospective models, but an independent effect of fitness remained for certain measures.

Conclusions

Higher levels of aerobic fitness are associated with a favourable lipoprotein profile, partly independent of adiposity. Associations tended to be stronger and more consistent over time for the larger apo B-containing lipoprotein measures and those of triglyceride concentration. Our results suggest that improving children’s fitness levels should have beneficial effects on lipoprotein metabolism, though a concomitant reduction in adiposity would likely be more effective.

References

Anderssen SA, Cooper AR, Riddoch C, Sardinha LB, Harro M, Brage S,et al. Low cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor for clustering of cardiovascular disease risk factors in children independent of country, age and sex.Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil2007.

Mintjens S, Menting MD, Daams JG, van Poppel MNM, Roseboom TJ, Gemke RJBJ. Cardiorespiratory fitness in childhood and adolescence affects future cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review of longitudinal studies.Sports Med2018 Nov 1;48(11):2577–605.
4 Return to golf post arthroplasty
Authors: Frankland S , Hoggett L , Hughes P , Nevill C
Published: July 2021

Aim

To determine the impact of arthroplasty on player handicap, frequency of golf played, return to club competitions and overall mental and physical health using the SF-12.

Method

A three page, 30 item, open access survey was sent to a community of over 500,000 golfers via the newsletter for the HowDidIDo® app between 18/04/2019–30/04/2019, inviting users who had undergone a joint replacement to complete. Responses were analysed using Microsoft excel and StatsDirect.

Results

A total of 3043 valid responses were received, the majority were male (n=2392). Mean age was 70 years (25–92). Most respondents had only a single joint replacement (n=1977). Within the cohort, there were mostly hips (n=2092) and knees (n=2069) replaced with far fewer shoulders (n=101), although this concurred with NJR population data. Across the whole cohort, most respondents were playing more (40%) or the same (44%) amount of golf following arthroplasty. Across the cohort only 4% were assumed unable to return to club competitions, while 76% of respondents returned to competitions within six months. Mean handicap prior to arthroplasty was increased (17.6 to 18.9) with no significant difference between hips, knees and shoulders. The SF-12 results were completed for 1094 respondents which when matched for age, demonstrated higher physical (48.59 vs. 43.65) and mental health (55.59 vs.52.10) scores.

Conclusions

Joint replacement enables the vast majority of patients to continue or increase the amount of golf played with most returning to club competitions within six months. A slight increase in handicap is demonstrated following surgery in this cohort, with stabilisation after this initial increase. Patients playing golf following arthroplasty demonstrate better physical and mental health than their age matched counterparts.
6 Plantar plate repair – a single centre, single procedure case series
Authors: Bernardotto M , Hodder S , Thomas R , Barlow-Kearsley E
Published: July 2021

Aim

The plantar plate (PP) is an important structure that maintains stability of the metatarsophalangeal joints1and is commonly injured in athletes such as sprinters and ballet dancers. However, clinical outcomes following plantar plate repair are limited due to the lack of studies and the heterogeneity of surgical procedures.2This retrospective case series reviews the pre- and post-operative outcomes of a single-procedure PP repair series.

Methods

Patients who underwent PP repair using the Arthrex Complete Plantar Plate Repair System (CPR™) were identified in a single academic hospital centre. Pre- and post-operative outcomes were compared using clinical notes, radiological evaluation and the national podiatry surgery clinical outcomes database (PASCOM-10). Parameters measured included PP rupture grading, congruence, alignment, joint stability and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) scores.

Results

A total of 20 patients with confirmed PP rupture underwent CPR™ procedure with a team comprising 4 surgeons. Post-operative congruence correction was achieved in 95% of patients, whereas average alignment score (range 0–4) improved from 2.7 to 0.5 and joint stability score (range 0–4) from 2.6 to 0.25. MOXFQ functional outcome scores were available for 65% of patients, showing a 42%, 53% and 42% improvement for weightbearing (W/S), pain and social interaction (SI) domains respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first single-centre, single procedure PP repair case series. Objective radiological and clinical measures showed good improvement in the majority of patients. Functional outcome scores were more heterogeneous and limited by incomplete data collection. Our results appear replicable with no difference between surgeons performing the same procedure.

References

Nery C, Coughlin M, Baumfeld D, Raduan F, Mann TS, Catena F. How to classify plantar plate injuries: parameters from history and physical examination.Rev Bras Ortop2015;50(6):720–728.

Elmajee M, Shen Z, A’Court J, Pillai A. A Systematic Review of Plantar Plate Repair in the Management of Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability.The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery2017;56(6):1244–1248.
Identifying neighbourhood and individual resilience profiles for cardiovascular health: a cross-sectional study of blacks living in the Atlanta metropolitan area
Authors: Ko Yi-An , Shen Jenny , Kim Jeong Hwan , Topel Matthew , Mujahid Mahasin , Taylor Herman , Quyyumi Arshed , Sims Mario , Vaccarino Viola , Baltrus Peter , Lewis Tene
Published: July 2021

Objective

To simultaneously examine multiple individual-level neighbourhood perceptions and psychosocial characteristics and their relationships with cardiovascular health (CVH) among blacks.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Subjects were recruited between 2016 and 2018 via convenience sampling.

Participants

385 Black men and women, age 30–70 living in the Atlanta metropolitan area (Georgia, USA).

Primary outcome measure

Individual’s CVH was summarised as a composite score using American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) metrics.

Methods

We implemented unsupervised learning (k-means) and supervised learning (Bayesian Dirichlet process clustering) to identify clusters based on 11 self-reported neighbourhood perception and psychosocial characteristics. We also performed principal component analysis to summarise neighbourhood perceptions and psychosocial variables and assess their associations with LS7 scores.

Results

K-means and Bayesian clustering resulted in 4 and 5 clusters, respectively. Based on the posterior distributions, higher LS7 scores were associated with better neighbourhood perceptions and psychosocial characteristics, including neighbourhood safety, social cohesion, activities with neighbours, environmental mastery, purpose in life, resilient coping and no depression. Taken together, the first principal components of neighbourhood perceptions and psychosocial characteristics were associated with an increase of 0.07 (95% CI −0.17 to 0.31) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.55) in LS7 score, respectively, after accounting for age, sex, household income and education level.

Conclusion

Both neighbourhood perception and psychosocial domains were related to CVH, but individual psychosocial characteristics appeared to contribute to CVH most. Approaches that acknowledge the importance of factors in both domains may prove most beneficial for enhancing resilience and promoting CVH among black communities.
Hands-Up program: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a combined 6-week exercise and education intervention in adults aged 50–65 with a distal radius fracture
Authors: Ziebart Christina , MacDermid Joy , Bryant Dianne , Szekeres Mike , Suh Nina
Published: July 2021

Introduction

This pilot study will determine the feasibility of recruitment, retention and adherence for the online combined exercise and education programme (Hands-Up) compared with usual care.

Methods and analysis

The proposed randomised controlled trial will be a pilot feasibility study with a 1:1 randomisation to the Hands-Up programme or usual physical therapy. The programme setting is an online home exercise and education program. Outcome assessments will take place at the Roth|McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Clinic in London, Ontario, which is a tertiary care academic centre. 74 people aged 50–65 years after distal radius fracture will be recruited. Purposeful recruitment will be conducted to include a sufficient number of men in the study. The Hands-Up program includes both exercise and education. Participants will engage in approximately 45 min of a full-body home exercise routine followed by 30 min of education in an online program. The educational modules will focus on fall prevention, nutrition for osteoporosis and learning about osteoporosis. Participants will engage in the program online, twice a week for 6 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome of the study is feasibility. The study will be considered feasible if participants attend >60% of the sessions, 74 participants are enrolled in 12 months and >75% of participants attend the final study visit. For the secondary outcome, physical and self-report outcomes will be assessed.

Ethics and discussion

This study has been approved by the institutional ethics review board. The viability of an online exercise and education program for people after distal radius fracture between the ages of 50 and 65 will be evaluated in an attempt to help better prevent, diagnose and manage osteoporosis. This study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences and social media.

Trial registration number

NCT03997682.
To be, or not to be? The role of the unconscious in transgender transitioning: identity, autonomy and well-being
Authors: Lemma Alessandra , Savulescu Julian
Published: July 2021

The exponential rise in transgender self-identification invites consideration of what constitutes an ethical response to transgender individuals’ claims about how best to promote their well-being. In this paper, we argue that ‘accepting’ a claim to medical transitioning in order to promote well-being would be in the person’s best interests iff at the point of request the individual is correct in their self-diagnosis as transgender (i.e., the distress felt to reside in the body does not result from another psychological and/or societal problem) such that the medical interventions they are seeking will help them to realise their preferences. If we cannot assume this—and we suggest that we have reasonable grounds to question an unqualified acceptance in some cases—then ‘acceptance’ potentially works against best interests. We propose a distinction between ‘acceptance’ and respectful, in-depth exploration of an individual’s claims about what promotes their well-being. We discuss the ethical relevance of the unconscious mind to considerations of autonomy and consent in working with transgender individuals. An inquisitive stance, we suggest, supports autonomous choice about how to realise an embodied form that sustains well-being by allowing the individual to consider both conscious and unconscious factors shaping wishes and values, hence choices.
Data for sale: trust, confidence and sharing health data with commercial companies
Authors: Graham Mackenzie
Published: July 2021

Powered by ‘big health data’ and enormous gains in computing power, artificial intelligence and related technologies are already changing the healthcare landscape. Harnessing the potential of these technologies will necessitate partnerships between health institutions and commercial companies, particularly as it relates to sharing health data. The need for commercial companies to be trustworthy users of data has been argued to be critical to the success of this endeavour. I argue that this approach is mistaken. Our interactions with commercial companies need not, and should not, be based on trust. Rather, they should be based on confidence. I begin by elucidating the differences between trust, reliability, and confidence, and argue that trust is not the appropriate attitude to adopt when it comes to sharing data with commercial companies. I argue that what we really should want is confidence in a system of data sharing. I then provide an outline of what a confidence-worthy system of data sharing with commercial companies might look like, and conclude with some remarks about the role of trust within this system.
Spanish regulation of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
Authors: Velasco Sanz Tamara Raquel , Pinto Pastor Pilar , Moreno-Milán Beatriz , Mower Hanlon Lydia Frances , Herreros Benjamin
Published: July 2021

In March 2021, the Spanish Congress approved the law regulating euthanasia, that regulates both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS). In this article, we analyse the Spanish law regulating euthanasia and PAS, comparing it with the rest of the European laws on euthanasia and PAS (Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg). Identified strengths of the Spanish law, with respect to other norms, are that it is a law with many safeguards, which broadly recognises professionals’ right to conscientious objection and the specification that it makes on the prior comprehensive care of the patient, including the approach to care dependency. Regarding its shortcomings, the law does not differentiate well between euthanasia and PAS; it barely assigns a role to the healthcare team as a whole (similar to other regulations); it does not clarify the functions of the different professionals involved; it does not detail the specific composition and duration of theevaluation commission; it has not been accompanied by a prior or simultaneous regulation of palliative care; and, lastly, the period of time to implement the law is too short.
Properties of mine tailings for static liquefaction assessment
Authors: Macedo Jorge , Vergaray Luis
Published: July 2021

Static liquefaction has been associated with numerous recent failures of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) around the world (e.g., the 2019 Brumadinho failure). These failures lead to devastating consequences for the environment and civil infrastructure as well as the loss of human lives. In this study, we present trends for the mechanical response of mine tailings considering (i) triaxial tests, (ii) bender element tests, and (iii) consolidation tests on 53 mine tailings materials (including recent case histories). These materials have a broad range of states, particle size distributions, and compressibility. The trends are evaluated in the context of static liquefaction using critical state soil mechanics concepts, focusing on the variation of the shear strength (residual and peak), state and brittleness soil indexes, excess pore pressure indexes, instability stress ratios, and dilatancy. In particular, we highlight that mine tailings’ mechanical properties reflect both the properties of the particles themselves and the relative proportions of different particle sizes. For instance, the observed trends suggest that particle gradation influences the small strain stiffness and dilatancy; the proportion of voids to the size of fine particles influences strength, and particle shape affects dilatancy. Finally, we propose static liquefaction screening indexes based on the observed trends.
Towards Kitaev spin liquid in 3d transition metal compounds
Authors: Liu Huimei
Published: July 2021

This paper reviews the current progress on searching the Kitaev spin liquid state in 3[Formula: see text] electron systems. Honeycomb cobaltates were recently proposed as promising candidates to realize the Kitaev spin liquid state, due to the more localized wavefunctions of [Formula: see text] ions compared with that of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ions, and also the easy tunability of the exchange Hamiltonian in favor of Kitaev interaction. Several key parameters that have large impacts on the exchange constants, such as the charge-transfer gap and the trigonal crystal field, are identified and discussed. Specifically, tuning crystal field effect by means of strain or pressure is emphasized as an efficient phase control method driving the magnetically ordered cobaltates into the spin liquid state. Experimental results suggesting the existence of strong Kitaev interactions in layered honeycomb cobaltates are discussed. Finally, the future research directions are briefly outlined.
Acid-based modified NiCo2O4 as high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Geng Wenbo , Wang Qing , Dai Jianfeng , Gao Haoran
Published: July 2021

The performance of supercapacitor electrode materials was greatly affected by the specific surface area. The urchin-like NiCo2O4 was transformed into porous NiCo2O4 (AA-NiCo2O[Formula: see text] using the acid–alkali treatment method. The specific surface area of AA-NiCo2O4 was 165.0660 m2/g, which was about three times larger than that of NiCo2O4. The specific capacitance of the AA-NiCo2O4 was enhanced significantly (1700 F/g at 1 A/g), and AA-NiCo2O4 possesses good rate capacitance (1277 F/g at 10 A/g). This is mainly attributed to the larger specific surface area, fast and convenient electron–ion transport and redox reaction. Therefore, AA-NiCo2O4 is a promising high-performance supercapacitor electrode material.
Structure-induced features of transport processes in an electroconsolidated FeNi composite
Authors: Khadzhai G. Ya. , Vovk S. R. , Vovk R. V. , Gevorkyan E. S. , Kislitsa M. V. , Dukarov S. V. , Petrushenko S. I. , Feher A. , Dobrovolskiy O. V.
Published: July 2021

The structure and processes of mass, charge and heat transfer are investigated in an equiatomic Fe–Ni composite fabricated by electroconsolidation using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology. The system contains regions of almost pure Fe and Ni, separated by areas with variable concentration of components, formed in consequence of the interdiffusion in the electroconsolidation process. The interdiffusion coefficient of the Fe–Ni system has been revealed to be significantly higher than that of an alloy of a similar composition at the same temperature, which is likely the result of the employed SPS technology and the enhanced diffusion along the grain boundaries. The concentration dependence of the interdiffusion coefficient passes through a maximum at a Ni concentration of [Formula: see text]70 at.%. The electrical and thermal conductivity of the studied system is significantly higher than that of an alloy of the same composition. The temperature dependence of the resistivity of the sample in the range 5–300 K is due to the scattering of electrons by defects and phonons, and the scattering of electrons by phonons fits well to the Bloch–Grüneisen–Wilson relation. The boundaries of the conductivity of the investigated composite correspond to the Hashin–Shtrikman boundaries for a three-phase system, if Fe, Ni and the FeNi alloy are selected as phases.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ESSENTIAL TREMOR DURING CLINICAL SPIRAL DRAWING TASK USING GYRO SENSORS
Authors: KWON YU-RI , EOM GWANG-MOON , KO JUNGHYUK , KIM JI-WON
Published: July 2021

The spiral drawing task is a representative clinical test used to assess essential tremor. Many clinicians have used spirography to assess through visual rating of the drawings. We quantitatively investigated the clinical characteristics of action tremors during spiral drawing tasks using 3-axis gyro sensors. Eighteen essential tremor patients with sensors attached to their forefinger, dorsum of the hand, and forearm participated in a spiral drawing test. As quantitative variables, the average speed, maximum frequency and maximum power were derived from the gyro sensor signals. The average speed and maximum power were also logarithmically transformed. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with tremor direction and joint (attachment location) as independent factors was performed to evaluate the main and interactive effects of direction and joint. Also, Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the quantitative variables and visual rating scores. The average speed showed a significant main effect of direction ([Formula: see text]). Logarithmic variables showed interactive effects ([Formula: see text]) as well as main effects ([Formula: see text]). The interactive effects were attributed to no significant difference among the joints particularly in the roll direction ([Formula: see text]). The logarithmic variables of roll direction were significantly greater than that of the other directions ([Formula: see text]). Also, the quantitative variables were moderately correlated with visual rating scores ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). These results indicate that kinetic tremor during spiral drawing mainly appears in the roll direction and may contribute to the determination of sensor location and direction for continuous monitoring of patients with essential tremor.
Response Suppression of FGM Plate Using Piezoelectric Layers Under Parametric Uncertainty Conditions with Markovian Jump Approach
Authors: Arabi Habib , Bagheri Ahmad , Zarepour Gholam Reza
Published: July 2021

It should be noted that in addition to the geometry, constituent material also affects the strength and rigidity of the cylindrical shell, some factors that determine the transient response are its geometry and the constituent material. The capability of piezoelectric materials to adept their properties in reaction to environmental factors including electricity and loading is one of the major reasons for using in this work. Therefore, in this study, the transient response of a symmetric annular sandwich plate incorporating functionally graded core and piezoelectric layers under external harmonic force and electrical voltage is investigated. The properties of the core material vary along its thickness according to a power law model. The displacement field is represented by the third-order shear deformation theory. With the aid of Hamilton’s principle, the structural equations are obtained in terms of displacement components, then solved using the differential quadrature method. In addition, the time response is evaluated with respect to effective parameters including the internal radius, power law index, core thickness, and external voltage. According to the simulation results, the oscillation amplitude decreases as the internal radius of the plate increases over the desired time interval. Also, a higher index parameter is associated with a wider time response range. Moreover, the stability analysis of a piezoelectric system with [Formula: see text] performance is considered based on the theory of Markovian jump systems. To this end, a Markovian jump state-space model of the piezoelectric system obtained using system identification under the effect of external disturbance is presented. The [Formula: see text] stability index is selected based on a candidate Lyapunov function that leads to a set of linear matrix inequalities for each region. The uncontrolled and controlled transient responses of the coupled system under external disturbance are calculated and compared, indicating the satisfactory controller performance in the presence of external disturbance and jump in the sensor and system dynamics.
Blunted heart rate recovery to spontaneous nocturnal arousals in short-sleeping adults
Authors: Bigalke Jeremy A. , Greenlund Ian M. , Nicevski Jennifer R. , Smoot Carl A. , Oosterhoff Benjamin , John-Henderson Neha A. , Carter Jason R.
Published: July 2021

Short habitual sleep is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes, but mechanisms remain equivocal. The present study used objectively measured habitual sleep via wrist actigraphy, and reports that habitual short sleepers have augmented heart rate recovery responses to spontaneous arousals as determined by gold-standard polysomnography. There were no reported sex differences. The augmented heart rate recovery to spontaneous cortical arousals may be an important mechanism contributing to the associations between insufficient sleep and cardiovascular risk.
Gene Characteristics and Prognostic Values of m6A RNA Methylation Regulators in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Na , Chen Xiaojuan , Liu Yanhong , Zhou Tieming , Li Wei
Published: July 2021

Background. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal modiﬁcation present in mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, little is known about the roles of m6A and its regulatory genes in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we systematically explored the roles and prognostic significance of m6A-associated regulatory genes in NSCLC. Methods. The copy number variation (CNV), mutation, mRNA expression data, and corresponding clinical pathology information of 1057 NSCLC patients were downloaded from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. The gain and loss levels of CNVs were determined by utilizing segmentation analysis and GISTIC algorithm. The GSEA was conducted to explore the functions related to different levels of m6A regulatory genes. Logrank test was utilized to assess the prognostic significance of m6A-related gene’s CNV. Results. The genetic alterations of ten m6A-associated regulators were identified in 102 independent NSCLC samples and significantly related to advanced tumor stage. Deletions or shallow deletions corresponded to lower mRNA expression while copy number gains or amplifications were related to increased mRNA expression of m6A regulatory genes. Survival analysis showed the patients with copy number loss of FTO with worse disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS). Besides, copy number loss of YTHDC2 was also with poor OS for NSCLC patients. Moreover, high FTO expression was significantly associated with oxidative phosphorylation, translation, and metabolism of mRNA. Conclusion. Our findings provide novel insight for better understanding of the roles of m6A regulators and RNA epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of NSCLC.
Relationship between the Plasma Levels of Catecholamines and Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Ichikawa Yumi , Sawada Yusuke , Nakajima Jun , Isshiki Yuta , Fukushima Kazunori , Aramaki Yuto , Oshima Kiyohiro
Published: July 2021

Purpose. The dynamic state of epinephrine (Ep) in the plasma of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the plasma levels of catecholamines (such as epinephrine (Ep), norepinephrine (Nep), and dopamine) and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone (ADH)) and the acquisition of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in OHCA patients. Methods. This was a prospective, observational clinical study. Patients with OHCA transferred to our hospital between July 2014 and July 2017 were enrolled. The levels of catecholamines and ADH in the plasma were measured using blood samples immediately obtained on arrival at our hospital and before the administration of Ep. Patients in whom Ep was already administered prior to obtaining blood samples were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: with and without ROSC, that is, ROSC (+) and ROSC (−) groups, respectively. The plasma levels of these agents and the conditions of resuscitation were compared between the two groups. Results. A total of 96 patients with OHCA were analyzed. The ROSC (+) and ROSC (−) groups included 34 and 62 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences observed between the two groups in age, cause of cardiopulmonary arrest, and prehospital resuscitation time. The plasma levels of Ep and Nep were significantly lower in the ROSC (+) group than in the ROSC (−) group. However, there were no significant differences in the plasma levels of dopamine and ADH between the two groups. Conclusion. Increased levels of Ep in the plasma may not be associated with the acquisition of ROSC in patients with OHCA.