bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-energy ion scattering from quasicrystals
Authors: Bastasz Robert
Published: December 2021

Determining whether surface atoms actually occupy fivefold symmetry sites was one of the first challenges posed following the discovery of quasicrystals. Professor Pat Thiel’s group was instrumental in finding out if this is the case. They initiated a research collaboration that used low-energy ion scattering (LEIS) measurements of an Al–Pd–Mn quasicrystal to show that surface atoms indeed exist in a fivefold local environment. Subsequent work utilizing LEIS has helped us to understand the composition of the surface layer, its diffusion properties, and interactions with adsorbates. This work is reviewed, focusing on the pioneering studies of the Thiel group.
Ribociclib-associated organising pneumonia
Authors: Rajendran Arjun , Kunoor Akhilesh , Pushpa Ragahavan Roshini , Keechilat Pavithran
Published: December 2021

A 63-year-old woman with grade 2 infiltrating left breast carcinoma who was started on ribociclib complained of exertional dyspnoea along with dry cough. There were bilateral interscapular crackles and chest X-ray evidence of bilateral mid and lower zone non-homogeneous opacity. The patient’s pulmonary function test (PFT) showed moderate restrictions and desaturation. CT was suggestive of organising pneumonia and drug administration was stopped. The patient was treated with steroids in tapering doses, which led to improvements. The drug was restarted with the probability of other aetiologies for interstetial lung disease (ILD). It was also considered the superior efficacy of ribociclib in managing breast cancer. But due to evidence indicating the reappearance of organising pneumonia following drug administration, it was again stopped, and steroid use was restarted for treatment. The patient showed improvements in subsequent follow-ups.
Reflecting on experiences of care: an exploratory qualitative descriptive study of the perspectives of stroke survivors, families and staff
Authors: Bulsara Caroline , Saunders Rosemary , Emery Laura , Etherton-Beer Christopher
Published: December 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify barriers and enablers from the perspectives of stroke survivors, carers and staff to understand the experiences of care.

Design

The study used a qualitative descriptive methodology and employed semistructured interview technique.

Setting

A metropolitan stroke rehabilitation unit in Western Australia providing rehabilitation services for inpatients and outpatients.

Participants

Overall, 10 participants (four staff, four stroke survivors and two primary carers) were interviewed. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Experiences of care focused on lack of time, urgency to regain mobility, postshock recovery, uncertainty about the future and the importance of accepting help once home. There was a degree of mismatch between staff experiences of the reality of what can be provided and the experiences and expectations of stroke survivors and families. However, the benefits of a specialised rehabilitation unit were found to contribute to a positive patient experience overall. The specialised unit demonstrated that services must optimise staff time with patients and carers in the poststroke rehabilitation journey to ensure benefits for the long-term well-being for both.

Conclusion

Seeking patient, family and staff experiences of care can provide valuable insights into facilitating better patient, family and staff engagement for preparation for home-based rehabilitation for stroke survivors and their caregivers. Further research with a larger sample across diverse hospital settings would provide even greater insight into strategies to best address the reality of rehabilitation care and readiness of patients when returning home to the community.
Risk factors associated with the coexistence of stunting, underweight, and wasting in children under 5 from 31 sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Amadu Iddrisu , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Duku Eric , Boadu Frimpong James , Hagan Jnr. John Elvis , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Ampah Belinda , Adu Collins , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study investigated the risk factors associated with the coexistence of stunting, underweight, and wasting among children under age 5 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design

Data of 127, 487 under-5 children from 31 countries in SSA were pooled from the Demographic and Health Surveys collected between 2010 and 2019. We examined the risk of coexistence of stunting, underweight, and wasting using multinomial logistic regression models. The results were presented using relative risk ratios (RRR) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs).

Setting

Thirty-one sub-Saharan African countries.

Participants

Children under age 5.

Outcome measures

The outcome variables were three child anthropometrics: stunting (height-for-age z-scores); underweight (weight-for-age z-scores) and wasting (weight-for-height z-scores).

Results

The prevalence of coexistence of stunting, underweight, and wasting varied across countries, with the highest (12.14%) and lowest (0.58%) prevalences of coexistence of stunting, underweight and wasting in Benin and Gambia respectively. The risk of coexistence of the three indicators of undernutrition was higher among children aged 1 year (RRR=3.714; 95% CI 3.319 to 4.156) compared with those aged 0. The risk of coexistence of the three dimensions was lower among female children (RRR=0.468 95% CI 0.420 to 0.51), but higher for those with small size at birth (RRR=3.818; CI 3.383 to 4.308), those whose mothers had no education (RRR=3.291; 95% CI 1.961 to 5.522), not working (RRR=1.195; 95% CI 1.086 to 1.314), had no antenatal visits during pregnancy (RRR=1.364; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.541), children delivered at home (RRR=1.372; CI 1.232 to 1.529), those from poor households (RRR=1.408; 95% CI 1.235 to 1.605), those whose mothers had no access to media (RRR=1.255; 95% CI 1.144 to 1.377) and living in households with an unimproved toilet facility (RRR=1.158; 95% CI 1.032 to 1.300).

Conclusions

Findings suggest the urgent need for consideration of the coexistence of stunting, wasting and underweight among under-5 children in policy design and programming of interventions to eradicate child malnutrition in SSA. In the short-term, national-level policies and interventions need to be well tailored considering the compositional characteristics.
Assessment of the effect of a comprehensive chest radiograph deep learning model on radiologist reports and patient outcomes: a real-world observational study
Authors: Jones Catherine M , Danaher Luke , Milne Michael R , Tang Cyril , Seah Jarrel , Oakden-Rayner Luke , Johnson Andrew , Buchlak Quinlan D , Esmaili Nazanin
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been developed to detect imaging features on chest X-ray (CXR) with a comprehensive AI model capable of detecting 124 CXR findings being recently developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-world usefulness of the model as a diagnostic assistance device for radiologists.

Design

This prospective real-world multicentre study involved a group of radiologists using the model in their daily reporting workflow to report consecutive CXRs and recording their feedback on level of agreement with the model findings and whether this significantly affected their reporting.

Setting

The study took place at radiology clinics and hospitals within a large radiology network in Australia between November and December 2020.

Participants

Eleven consultant diagnostic radiologists of varying levels of experience participated in this study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Proportion of CXR cases where use of the AI model led to significant material changes to the radiologist report, to patient management, or to imaging recommendations. Additionally, level of agreement between radiologists and the model findings, and radiologist attitudes towards the model were assessed.

Results

Of 2972 cases reviewed with the model, 92 cases (3.1%) had significant report changes, 43 cases (1.4%) had changed patient management and 29 cases (1.0%) had further imaging recommendations. In terms of agreement with the model, 2569 cases showed complete agreement (86.5%). 390 (13%) cases had one or more findings rejected by the radiologist. There were 16 findings across 13 cases (0.5%) deemed to be missed by the model. Nine out of 10 radiologists felt their accuracy was improved with the model and were more positive towards AI poststudy.

Conclusions

Use of an AI model in a real-world reporting environment significantly improved radiologist reporting and showed good agreement with radiologists, highlighting the potential for AI diagnostic support to improve clinical practice.
Cohort study to explore the association between the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and admissions for violence in North East and North Cumbria
Authors: Brown Andrea , Collingwood Paul , Newton Julia L
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Explore the association between the first national lockdown associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on admissions for violence and the relationship with deprivation.

Design

Population-based longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

North East and North Cumbria (NENC) area of England.

Participants

All individuals living in the NENC (total population 3.1 million) admitted 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020.

Main outcome measures

Hospital Episode Statistics were extracted at Lower Layer Super Output Area and the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019 decile applied. Directly standardised rates were explored for number of accident and emergency (A&E) attendances (per 1000); Alcohol-related admissions using Public Health England (PHE) Fingertips tool (per 100 000, ID 91414) and emergency admissions for violence (including sexual violence) (per 100 000) (ID 11201 classified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD)10 codes X85 to Y09).

Results

A&E attendances are higher in NENC compared with England (409.9 per 1000 v 359.2). A&E attendance was 81% higher in 2019/20 in the most deprived compared with the least deprived. Attendances dropped during the first national COVID-19 lockdown and by September 2020 had not returned to ‘normal’ levels.

Admissions related to violence are a third higher in NENC (29% to 34% higher across 3 years) rates 7–10 times higher in most deprived than least deprived areas. Admission rates reduced during the first UK lock down but this bounced back by August higher than any of the previous 12 months.

Conclusion

Emergency admissions with violence appear to associate with the COVID-19 pandemic being initially higher than before the first national lockdown. This is in the context of overall A&E attendances which are lower post lockdown. Given that emergency admissions with violence have been consistently higher in the NENC compared with England over recent years, we suggest that targeted action is required in NENC to address health inequalities.
Trajectories of success and/or distress: protocol for an observational cohort study investigating changing psychological distress among emerging Ecuadorian adults over a year
Authors: Paz Clara , Osejo-Taco Gabriel , Evans Chris
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Emerging adulthood is a period of instability with changes in personal relationships and often a series of job changes before life trajectories clarify and more lasting decisions are possible. These changes often produce distress, and they might explain why most of the symptoms that impact the individual’s mental health throughout their lives appear at this stage, although full-blown disorders are often only diagnosed subsequently. The objective of this study is to analyse the intraindividual changes in psychological distress and health-related quality of life in both student and non-student emerging adults over 1 year. Between-individual differences in variability will be analysed and life events will be recorded to identify possible associations.

Methods and analysis

Participants will be emerging adults (18–29 years of age) students and non-students. The primary outcome will be psychological distress measured using the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure and the secondary outcome will be health-related quality of life measured by the EuroQol five-dimension-three-level. Sociodemographic and life events will be recorded. Information will be collected using an online survey.Analyses, described in a data analysis plan with the registration, will check the psychometric properties of the measures, describe the distribution of scores on the outcome measures, their relationship to group and other demographic variables and how they change over the seven assessment points across a year and explore any relationship between scores and life events.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received ethical approval by the Comité de Ética y Bioética (Ethics and Bioethics Committee) of the Universidad de Las Américas, Quito-Ecuador (2020-0807). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant meetings. Brief reports of these publications will be disseminated using social media to reach the community and private or public organisations interested in emerging adults.

Trial registration number

NCT04596345
Chameleon project: a children’s end-of-life care quality improvement project
Authors: Wolff Toni , Dorsett Caroline , Connolly Alexander , Kelly Nicola , Turnbull Jennifer , Deorukhkar Anjum , Clements Helena , Griffin Hayley , Chhaochharia Anjana , Haynes Sarah , Webb Kerry , Manning Joseph C
Published: December 2021

In response to there being no specialist paediatric palliative care (PPC) team in a region of England, we undertook a 12-month quality improvement project (funded by National Health Service England’s Marginal Rate Emergency Threshold and Readmission fund) to improve children’s end-of-life care.

Improvements were implemented during two plan–do–study–act (PDSA) cycles and included specialist experts, clinical champions, focused education and training, and tools and materials to support identification, care planning and communication. A lead paediatrician with expertise in PPC (10 hours/week) led the project, supported by a PPC nurse (3 days/week) and a network administrator (2 days/week).

Children who died an expected death were identified from the child death review teams. Numbers of non-elective hospital admissions, bed days, and costs were identified.

Twenty-nine children died an expected death during the 12 months of the project and coincidentally 29 children died an expected death during the previous 12 months. The median number of non-elective admissions in the last 12 months of life was reduced from two per child to one. There was a reduction in specialist hospital (14%) and district general hospital (38%) bed days. The percentage of children who died an expected death who had anticipatory care plans rose from 50% to 72%.

The results indicate that a network of clinicians with expertise in PPC working together across a region can improve personalised care planning and reduce admissions and bed days for children in their last year-of-life with reduced bed utilisation costs.
Deviated and early unsustainable stunted development of gut microbiota in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lou Mingxing , Cao Aihua , Jin Cuiyuan , Mi Kai , Xiong Xiyue , Zeng Zhaoyang , Pan Xu , Qie Jinlong , Qiu Shangfeng , Niu Yaofang , Liang Hao , Liu Yanping , Chen Lin , Liu Zhi , Zhao Qing , Qiu Xiyan , Jin Yuanxiang , Sheng Xiaoqi , Hu Zhibin , Jin Gulei , Liu Jingshi , Liu Xingyin , Wang Yichao
Published: December 2021

Objective

Recent studies have provided insights into the gut microbiota in autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, these studies were restricted owing to limited sampling at the unitary stage of childhood. Herein, we aimed to reveal developmental characteristics of gut microbiota in a large cohort of subjects with ASD combined with interindividual factors impacting gut microbiota.

Design

A large cohort of 773 subjects with ASD (aged 16 months to 19 years), 429 neurotypical (NT) development subjects (aged 11 months to 15 years) were emolyed to determine the dynamics change of gut microbiota across different ages using 16S rRNA sequencing.

Result

In subjects with ASD, we observed a distinct but progressive deviation in the development of gut microbiota characterised by persistently decreased alpha diversity, early unsustainable immature microbiota, altered aboudance of 20 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), decreased taxon detection rate and 325 deregulated microbial metabolic functions with age-dependent patterns. We further revealed microbial relationships that have changed extensively in ASD before 3 years of age, which were associated with the severity of behaviour, sleep and GI symptoms in the ASD group. This analysis demonstrated that a signature of the combination of 2 OTUs, Veillonella and Enterobacteriaceae, and 17 microbial metabolic functions efficiently discriminated ASD from NT subjects in both the discovery (area under the curve (AUC)=0.86), and validation 1 (AUC=0.78), 2 (AUC=0.82) and 3 (AUC=0.67) sets.

Conclusion

Our large cohort combined with clinical symptom analysis highlights the key regulator of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of ASD and emphasises the importance of monitoring and targeting the gut microbiome in future clinical applications of ASD.
Disrupted reward processing in Parkinson’s disease and its relationship with dopamine state and neuropsychiatric syndromes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Costello Harry , Berry Alex J , Reeves Suzanne , Weil Rimona S , Joyce Eileen M , Howard Robert , Roiser Jonathan P
Published: December 2021

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and predict poorer outcomes. Reward processing dysfunction is a candidate mechanism for the development of psychiatric symptoms including depression and impulse control disorders (ICDs). We aimed to determine whether reward processing is impaired in PD and its relationship with neuropsychiatric syndromes and dopamine replacement therapy.

Methods

The Ovid MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo databases were searched for articles published up to 5 November 2020. Studies reporting reward processing task performance by patients with PD and healthy controls were included. Summary statistics comparing reward processing between groups were converted to standardised mean difference (SMD) scores and meta-analysed using a random effects model.

Results

We identified 55 studies containing 2578 participants (1638 PD and 940 healthy controls). Studies assessing three subcomponent categories of reward processing tasks were included: option valuation (n=12), reinforcement learning (n=37) and reward response vigour (n=6). Across all studies, patients with PD on medication exhibited a small-to-medium impairment versus healthy controls (SMD=0.34; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.53), with greater impairments observed off dopaminergic medication in within-subjects designs (SMD=0.43, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.57). Within-subjects subcomponent analysis revealed impaired processing off medication on option valuation (SMD=0.57, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.75) and reward response vigour (SMD=0.36, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.59) tasks. However, the opposite applied for reinforcement learning, which relative to healthy controls was impaired on-medication (SMD=0.45, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.65) but not off-medication (SMD=0.28, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.59). ICD was the only neuropsychiatric syndrome with sufficient studies (n=13) for meta-analysis, but no significant impairment was identified compared tonon-ICD patients (SMD=−0.02, 95% CI −0.43 to 0.39).

Conclusion

Reward processing disruption in PD differs according to subcomponent and dopamine medication state, and warrants further study as a potential treatment target and mechanism underlying associated neuropsychiatric syndromes.
Medical management for the prevention of kidney stones
Authors: Finger Mark , Finger Evan , Bellucci Alessandro , Malieckal Deepa A
Published: December 2021

The alarming fact is that approximately one out of every 10 of us will have a kidney stone during our lifetime. The increasing prevalence and associated costs of kidney stones have resulted in it being one of the most commonly encountered and impactful medical conditions. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, diet, climate, genetics, medications, activity and underlying medical conditions. Symptoms generally parallel stone size. Treatment varies from supportive to procedural (invasive and non-invasive). Prevention remains the best way to avoid this condition especially given the high recurrence rate. First time stone formers require counselling regarding dietary adjustments. Certain risk factors ultimately require a more in-depth metabolic investigation, especially if stones are recurrent. Ultimately, management is defined by stone composition. Where appropriate, we review both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options. Pivotal to successful prevention is patient education and the encouragement of compliance with the appropriate regimen.
Cigarette smoking and misperceived norms among adults in rural Uganda: a population-based study
Authors: Perkins Jessica M , Kakuhikire Bernard , Baguma Charles , Evans Claire Q , Rasmussen Justin D , Satinsky Emily N , Kyokunda Viola , Juliet Mercy , Ninsiima Immaculate , Bangsberg David R , Tsai Alexander C
Published: December 2021

Background

Little is known about perceived norms about cigarette smoking in Uganda or the extent to which perceptions drive personal cigarette smoking behaviour.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2016–2018 that targeted all adults who resided within eight villages in Rwampara District, southwestern Uganda. Personal cigarette smoking frequency was elicited by self-report. We also asked participants what they believed to be the cigarette smoking frequency of most other adult men and women in their villages (i.e., perceived norms). Frequent cigarette smoking was defined as 4+ times/week. We compared perceived norms to cigarette smoking frequency reports aggregated at the village level. We used multivariable Poisson regression to estimate the association between perceived norms and personal cigarette smoking behaviour.

Results

Among 1626 participants (91% response rate), 92 of 719 men (13%) and 6 of 907 women (0.7%) reported frequent smoking. However, 1030 (63%) incorrectly believed most men in their villages smoked cigarettes frequently. Additionally, 116 (7%) incorrectly believed that most women in their villages smoked cigarettes frequently. These misperceptions were pervasive across social strata. Men who misperceived frequent cigarette smoking as the norm among other men in their villages were more likely to smoke frequently themselves (adjusted relative risk=1.49; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.97).

Conclusions

Most adults overestimated cigarette smoking frequency among village peers. Men who incorrectly believed that frequent smoking was the norm were more likely to engage in frequent smoking themselves. Applying a ‘social norms approach’ intervention by promoting existing healthy norms may prevent smoking initiation or motivate reductions in smoking among men in rural Uganda.
Computed tomography angiography is associated with low added utility for detecting clinically relevant vascular injuries among patients with extremity trauma
Authors: Brian Riley , Bennett Daniel J , Kim Woon Cho , Stein Deborah M
Published: December 2021

Background

Extremity CT angiography (CTA) is frequently used to assess for vascular injury among patients with extremity trauma. The injured extremity index (IEI), defined as the ratio of systolic occlusion pressure between injured and uninjured extremities, has been implemented to screen patients being considered for CTA. Physical examination together with IEI is extremely sensitive for significant extremity vascular injury. Unfortunately, IEI cannot always be calculated. This study aimed to determine whether patients with normal pulse examinations and no hard signs of vascular injury benefitted from further imaging with CTA. We hypothesized that CTA has become overused among patients with extremity trauma, as determined by the outcome of vascular abnormalities that underwent vascular intervention but were missed by physical examination.

Methods

The charts of traumatically injured patients who underwent extremity CTA were retrospectively reviewed. This study was performed at a level 1 trauma center for patients who presented as trauma activations from September 1, 2019 to September 1, 2020.

Results

One hundred and thirty-six patients with 167 injured limbs were included. Eight limbs (4.8%) underwent an open vascular operation, whereas five limbs (3.0%) underwent an endovascular procedure. One of the 167 limbs (0.6%) had a vascular injury seen on CTA and underwent intervention that was not associated with a pulse abnormality or hard signs of vascular injury. This patient presented in a delayed fashion after an initially normal IEI and examination. Proximity injuries and fractures alone were not highly associated with vascular injuries.

Discussion

Many patients with normal pulse examination and no hard signs of vascular injury underwent CTA; the vast majority of these patients did not then have a vascular intervention. Given the consequences of missed vascular injuries, further work is required to prospectively assess the utility of CTA among patients with extremity trauma.

Level of evidence

III.
Thirty-year effects of liming on soil and foliage chemistry and growth of northern hardwoods in Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Long Robert P. , Bailey Scott W. , Horsley Stephen B. , Hall Thomas J.
Published: December 2021

The longevity of a single 22.4 Mg·ha−1 application of dolomitic limestone at four northern hardwood stands was evaluated over 30 years (1986–2016) to determine whether changes in soils, foliage, and tree growth were sustained on the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau in northern Pennsylvania, USA. In limed plots, soils, sampled to 45–55 cm depth, and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) foliage had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) through 2016 compared with samples from unlimed plots. Ca and Mg capitals (g·m−2) in the Oi through A horizons combined were greater on limed plots than unlimed plots, largely due to increases in the thickness and nutrient concentration in the A horizon. Over 30 years, sugar maple basal area increment (cm2·year−1 BAINC) was greater in limed plots (30.6 cm2·year−1 vs unlimed 13.3), American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) BAINC was unaffected by lime application, and black cherry BAINC was reduced in limed plots compared with unlimed plots. The sustained effect of this one-time lime treatment shows the strong role of efficient nutrient cycling in forests and suggests that the benefits over a substantial portion of a stand rotation may increase the feasibility of operational liming.
Fixing the functoriality of Khovanov homology: A simple approach
Authors: Sano Taketo
Published: December 2021

Khovanov homology is functorial up to sign with respect to link cobordisms. The sign indeterminacy has been fixed by several authors, by extending the original theory both conceptually and algebraically. In this paper, we propose an alternative approach: we stay in the classical setup and fix the functoriality by simply adjusting the signs of the morphisms associated to the Reidemeister moves and the Morse moves.
Spatial graph as connected sum of a planar graph and a braid
Authors: Bardakov Valeriy G. , Kawauchi Akio
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we show that every finite spatial graph is a connected sum of a planar graph, which is a forest, and a tangle. As a consequence, we get that any finite spatial graph is a connected sum of a planar graph and a braid. Using these decompositions it is not difficult to find a set of generators and defining relations for the fundamental group of compliment of a spatial graph in 3-space [Formula: see text].
Frequencies of astrophysical jets and gravitational strengths in the octonion spaces
Authors: Weng Zi-Hua
Published: December 2021

This paper focuses on applying the octonions to explore the electromagnetic and gravitational equations in the presence of some material media, exploring the frequencies of astrophysical jets. Maxwell was the first to use the algebra of quaternions to describe the electromagnetic equations. This method encourages scholars in adopting the quaternions and octonions to study the physical properties of electromagnetic and gravitational fields, including the field strength, field source, linear momentum, angular momentum and so forth. In this paper, the field strength and angular momentum in the vacuum can be combined together to become one new physical quantity, that is, the composite field strength within the material media. Substituting the latter for the field strength in the vacuum will deduce the field equations within material media, including the electromagnetic and gravitational equations in the presence of some material media. In terms of the electromagnetic fields, the electromagnetic equations in the presence of some electromagnetic media are able to explore a few new physical properties of electromagnetic media. Especially, in case the magnetic flux density and magnetization intensity both fluctuate at a single frequency, their frequencies must be identical to each other within electromagnetic media. In some extreme cases, the electromagnetic equations within electromagnetic media will be degenerated into Maxwell’s equations in the vacuum. The above reveals that the electromagnetic equations within electromagnetic media are capable of extending the scope of application of electromagnetic theory. For the gravitational fields, there are some similar inferences and conclusions within gravitational media. Further they can be utilized to research the frequencies of astrophysical jets.
AT-DIFC
+
: Toward Adaptive and Trust-Aware Decentralized Information Flow Control
Authors: Skandylas Charilaos , Khakpour Narges , Andersson Jesper
Published: December 2021

Modern software systems and their corresponding architectures are increasingly decentralized, distributed, and dynamic. As a consequence, decentralized mechanisms are required to ensure security in such architectures. Decentralized Information Flow Control (DIFC) is a mechanism to control information flow in distributed systems. This article presents and discusses several improvements to an adaptive decentralized information flow approach that incorporates trust for decentralized systems to provide security. Adaptive Trust-Aware Decentralized Information Flow (AT-DIFC
+
) combines decentralized information flow control mechanisms, trust-based methods, and decentralized control architectures to control and enforce information flow in an open, decentralized system. We strengthen our approach against newly discovered attacks and provide additional information about its reconfiguration, decentralized control architectures, and reference implementation. We evaluate the effectiveness and performance of AT-DIFC
+
on two case studies and perform additional experiments and to gauge the mitigations’ effectiveness against the identified attacks.
Plasma FGF21 concentrations and spontaneous self-selection of protein suggest that 15% protein in the diet may not be enough for male adult rats
Authors: Gehring Josephine , Azzout-Marniche Dalila , Chaumontet Catherine , Gaudichon Claire , Even Patrick C.
Published: December 2021

Under dietary self-selection, rats choose to ingest 25%–30% of energy as protein, a value higher than the protein requirement (10%–15%). According to our results, this higher spontaneous intake reflects the fact that rats fed a 15% protein diet, compared with high-protein diets, tend to bind more fat and have higher concentrations of FGF21, a hormone signaling protein deficiency. A 15% protein diet appears to be sufficient for protein homeostasis but not for optimal energy homeostasis.
Reflection Crack Analysis of Asphalt Overlay on Cement Concrete Pavement Based on XFEM
Authors: Li Qiang , Chen Zhixiang , Luo Shaohui
Published: December 2021

Based on the improved Paris formula, the reflection cracking characteristics of asphalt overlay on the cement concrete pavement are carefully scrutinized. The fatigue life is also predicted through the indoor simulation tests and establishing the two‐ and three‐dimensional extended finite‐element method (XFEM) models. Four fracture factors of the Paris formula in the asphalt mixture are appropriately calculated by fitting the N‐a curve of the indoor test, and their predicted values are then exploited in the numerical simulations. The obtained results show that the numerical model can successfully predict the results of the indoor simulation test. It indicates that the XFEM has apparent advantages in examining the reflection cracking of the asphalt overlay on the cement concrete pavement.
Evaluation of Electrochemical and Anticorrosion Properties of Polyaniline-Fly Ash Nanocomposite
Authors: Shetty Karthika , Jayadev  , Raj Kalyan , Murthy H. C. Ananda
Published: December 2021

In India, the thermal station generates approximately

6.9
×

10

7

tons of fly ash (FA) as a waste by-product. As part of this work, little attempt was made to produce useful materials from waste material. In our current research, polyaniline- (PANI-) fly ash (FA) nanocomposite (PFNC) was synthesized using an in situ polymerization method. The synthesized composites were characterized by employing advanced analytical, microscopic, and spectroscopic tools. The results of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirm the effective reinforcement of FA into PANI in PFNC. The presence of functional groups in PFNC has been confirmed by Raman and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. The SEM micrographs of the nanocomposite revealed the presence of agglomerated and fragmented structures in PFNC. The weight loss for PFNC was observed to occur in three stages as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). UV-visible spectra for PFNC proved that FA stabilized the PANI in emeraldine form. Electrodynamic polarization studies were conducted to explore the corrosion resistance of nanocomposite-coated mild steel. The corrosion current density (

i

corr

) for PFNC-coated mild steel (MS) specimens was found to decrease when compared to the bare substrate, indicating superior corrosion resistance in PFNC-coated substrate. Similarly, Tafel and cyclic polarization studies too confirmed superior anticorrosion property for MS coated with PFNC.
Failure Mechanisms of Structural Bamboo Using Microstructural Analyses
Authors: Chahrour Mutaz K. , Hosen Md. Akter , Goh Yingxin , Tong Teong Yen , Yap Soon Poh , Khadimallah Mohamed Amine
Published: December 2021

Bamboo is deemed an emerging constructional material with promising application projections due to the reliable natural properties and advantageous structural characteristics. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on the mechanical characteristics of the bamboo species from a microstructural scale. Hence, this paper investigated the primary mechanical properties of the bamboo specimens (Dendrocalamus asper) with further microstructural analysis on the bamboo failure. The direct tensile strength of bamboo specimens was about 226.45 MPa, while the final splitting tensile modulus was found to be 2.88 MPa. Microstructural characterisation of the failed tensile specimens indicates that fibre debonding is the main failure mechanism under tensile conditions. On the other hand, splitting and end bearing failure were found on compression test specimens. In addition, nanoindentation tests were carried out on different cell structures to articulate the hardness and Young’s modulus. The elastic modulus of the fibre cell walls is three times that of the parenchyma cell walls, yet the hardness values are comparable. This confirms that the specimen failure of previous macromechanical testing is due to crack propagation along the parenchyma cells, instead of the cell walls. Based on the experimental studies discussed in this paper, the conclusion can convey a positive message regarding the ability of bamboo as a primary sustainable substitute for conventional construction materials.
Analysis and Implementation of Thermal Heat Exchanger Tube Performance with Helically Pierced Twisted Tape Inserts Using ANFIS Model
Authors: Altarazi Faisal , Kumar Sunil , Gupta Gaurav , Gulzar Muhammad , Gaba Yaé Ulrich , Kumar Anil , Maithani Rajesh
Published: December 2021

The present work used ANFIS, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system modeling to analyze the effect of the variable parameters of helically pierced twisted tape inserts on the Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermo-hydraulic heat exchanger tube performance. The experimental data utilized for ANFIS modeling considered a diameter ratio ranging from 0.57 to 0.80, a relative pitch ratio ranging from 0.046 to 0.107, a perforation index ranging from 5% to 20% as variable twisted tape parameters and flow parameters. The Reynolds number varies from 4000 to 30000. The analysis showed that the maximum thermo-hydraulic performance was obtained at a diameter ratio of 0.65, a relative pitch ratio of 0.085, and a perforation index equal to 10%. The result predicts that the ANFIS model and experimental results are in good agreement as they have only ±0.53% deviations.
Low-Dose Albendazole Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Melanoma Cells by Enhancing Phosphorylated GSK-3β/Tyr216 Accumulation
Authors: He Zhiqiang , Lei Shun , Liang Fucheng , Tan Liuchang , Zhang Weinan , Xie Luoyingzi , Zheng Hong , Lu Yuangang
Published: December 2021

Albendazole (ABZ) is an effective broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent that has been widely used for humans and animals. Previous studies have reported that ABZ exhibits antitumor effects against melanoma and other different cancer types; however, it is unknown whether ABZ exerts the inhibitory effect against melanoma metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of ABZ on melanoma cells. Through in vitro studies, we discovered that low-dose ABZ treatment significantly inhibited the migration and invasion, but not the proliferation, of A375 and B16-F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further analysis revealed that ABZ treatment reduced the expression level of snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (Snail) in the cytoplasm and nucleus by decreasing the levels of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) Ser473/GSK-3β (pGSK-3β) Ser9 and increasing pGSK-3β/Tyr216, resulting in a significant upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin and ultimately reversing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of melanoma cells. In contrast, the continuous activation of AKT via transfected plasmids elevated the protein levels of pAKT Ser473/pGSK-3β Ser9 and Snail and antagonized the inhibitory action of ABZ. We also confirmed that ABZ treatment effectively inhibited the lung metastasis of melanoma in nude mice in vivo. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis verified the decreased pAKT Ser473/pGSK-3β Ser9 and increased pGSK-3β/Tyr216 levels in ABZ-treated subcutaneous tumors. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that ABZ treatment can suppress the EMT progress of melanoma by increasing the pGSK-3β/Tyr216-mediated degradation of Snail, which may be used as a potential treatment strategy for metastatic melanoma.
Calculation of the Neutron Parameters for Accelerator-Driven Subcritical Reactors
Authors: Tran Minh Tien , Tran Quoc Dung
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the accelerator-driven subcritical reactor (ADSR) is simulated based on structure of the TRIGA-Mark II reactor. A proton beam is accelerated and interacts on the lead target. Two cases of using lead are considered here: firstly, solid lead is referred to as spallation neutron target and water as the coolant; secondly, molten lead is considered both as a target and as a coolant. The proton beam in the energy range from 115 MeV to 2000 MeV interacts with the lead to create neutrons. The neutron parameters as neutron yield Yn/p, neutron multiplication factor k, the radial and axial distributions of the neutron flux in the core have been calculated by using MCNPX program. The results show that the neutron yield increases as the energies of the proton beam increases. When using the lead target, the differences between the neutron yield are from 4.2% to 14.2% depending on the energies of the proton beam. The proportion of uranium in the mixtures should be around 24% to produce an effective neutron multiplier factor greater than 0.9. The neutron fluxes are much higher than the same calculations for the TRIGA-Mark II reactor model using tungsten target and light water coolant.
Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Induced by Antituberculosis Drugs
Authors: Wu Yuqing , Xiao Guangming , Zong Peilan , Jiang Guoqiang , Liao Yongmei , Liu Zhou , Zhou Yanhong
Published: December 2021

Objective. To explore the clinical value of the specific plasma cell detection and specific T lymphocyte detection test in diagnosing hypersensitivity caused by antituberculosis drugs. Methods. A total of 266 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who developed hypersensitivity during the treatment of primary pulmonary tuberculosis in our hospital and 266 patients without hypersensitivity during the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in our hospital were selected as the control group. The admission time is from January 2013 to June 2020. The specific plasma cell test and specific T lymphocyte test were used as the criteria to determine which drugs induced hypersensitivity, and the diagnostic value of these two methods in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity induced by four first-line antituberculosis drugs (isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), rifampicin (RFP), and pyrazinamide (PZA)) was analyzed. Results. The sensitivity of the specific plasma cell test in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity induced by INH, EMB, RFP, and PZA was 63.42%, 51.20%, 47.81%, and 56.37%, respectively, and the specificity was 95.33%, 99.87%, 96.52%, and 99.99%, respectively. The sensitivity of the specific T lymphocyte test in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity induced by INH, EMB, RFP, and PZA was 66.47%, 52.88%, 49.91%, and 58.54%, respectively, and the specificity was 97.28%, 99.99%, 98.38%, and 100.00%, respectively. Conclusion. The specific plasma cell test and specific T lymphocyte test have high specificity in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity caused by antituberculosis drugs, and the specific T lymphocyte test is better than the specific plasma cell test. It is of great significance to guide the clinical application of antituberculosis drugs.
Effect of Scraper Geometry on Scraping HAP/ZrO2 Slurry in Digital Light Processing
Authors: Gu Hai , Zhang Jie , Sun Jianhua , Huang Tiancheng , Jiang Jie , Li Bin , Wu Weiwei
Published: December 2021

Digital light processing (DLP) can be used to form HAP/ZrO2 mixed ceramic slurry. In the printing technology, the scraper geometry has an important effect on the scraping process; thus, it is necessary to conduct analysis. A modified lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is proposed to conduct the numerical simulations according to the non-Newtonian behavior of the slurry. The Cross behavior of the slurry is viewed as a special external force; then, the traditional LBM including the true external force can be utilized effectively. The triangle, rectangle, trapezium, and rounded rectangle are the main considered section geometries of the scraper. When the flow velocity is set to 0.1 m/s, the results show that the maximum velocity occurs near the bottom surface of the scraper. In four situations, the velocity peak of the triangle case is 0.6270 m/s, which is the maximum, and much larger than the flow velocity of 0.1 m/s. The velocity peak of the rectangle case is 0.0466 m/s, which is the minimum. Although the velocity peak of the rounded rectangle case is 0.0556 m/s, the second velocity peak is 0.0465 m/s; the difference is smaller than that of the rectangle case. In addition, the streamlines figures show that the sharp corner leads to the obvious velocity change. In summary, the rounded rectangle is considered to be more suitable for scraping the HAP/ZrO2 mixed slurry.
Accuracy of Fetal Weight Estimation by Ultrasonographic Evaluation in a Northeastern Region of India
Authors: Konwar Ranjumoni , Basumatary Bharati , Dutta Malamoni , Mahanta Putul
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives. Fetal weight evaluation in utero is a significant component in obstetric practices. The present study aims to estimate the fetal weight (EFW) by evaluating two available formulas using ultrasound parameters and comparing them with actual birth weight (ABW) after delivery. The accuracy and efficacy of both EFW formulas in detecting intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and macrosomia were also compared in our local sample of the population. Methods. The cross-sectional study included 100 pregnant women aged 20–45 years from the Kamrup district admitted to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, Assam. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 16. The EFW at term was calculated using Shepard’s formula and Hadlock’s formula. Differences in means are compared using the one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test and paired t-test. The accuracy of the two procedures was evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). A

p

value<0.05 was considered significant. Results. The present study included 100 pregnant women aged 21–38 years with term or postterm pregnancies subjected to ultrasonographic evaluation within 72 hours of delivery. The mean (±s.d.) EFW by Shepard’s formula was 2716.05 (±332.38) g and Hadlock’s formula was 2740.44 (±353.23) g, respectively. For Hadlock’s formula, MAE ± s.d. was found to be higher (overall 84.59 ± 76.54) specifically in the weight category less than 2500 (106.42 ± 88.11) as compared to Shepard’s (overall MAE ± s.d = 79.86 ± 64.78, and among ABW < 2500 g, MAE ± s.d = 65.04 ± 61.02). The overall MAPE of Hadlock’s formula was 3.14% and that for Shepard’s formula was 2.91%, and the difference was not statistically significant. Both Shepard’s formula and Hadlock’s formula had a sensitivity of 92.85% in detecting IUGR, but Hadlock’s method had higher specificity (66%), higher PPV (86.67%), and higher NPV (80%). Conclusion. The ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal weight helps predict fetal birth weight precisely and can influence obstetric management decisions concerning timing and route of delivery, thus reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality.