bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contact allergy to haptens in the Swedish baseline series: Results from the Swedish Patch Test Register (2010 to 2017)
Authors: Andernord Daniel , Bruze Magnus , Bryngelsson Ing‐Liss , Bråred Christensson Johanna , Glas Bo , Hagvall Lina , Isaksson Marléne , Matura Mihály , Nyman Gunnar , Stenberg Berndt , Svedman Cecilia , Lindberg Magnus
Published: October 2021

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis has considerable public health impact and causative haptens vary over time.

Objectives

To report the prevalence of contact allergy to allergens in the Swedish baseline series 2010 to 2017, as registered in the Swedish Patch Test Register.

Methods

Results and demographic information for patients tested with the Swedish baseline series in 2010 to 2017 were analysed.

Results

Data for 21 663 individuals (females 69%) were included. Females had significantly more positive patch tests (54% vs 40%). The reaction prevalence rates were highest for nickel sulfate (20.7%), fragrance mix I (7.1%), Myroxylon pereirae (6.9%), potassium dichromate (6.9%), cobalt chloride (6.8%), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI; 6.4%), MI (3.7%), colophonium (3.5%), fragrance mix II (3.2%), and formaldehyde (3.2%). Myroxylon pereirae reaction prevalence increased from 5% in 2010 to 9% in 2017 and that for methyldibromo glutaronitrile from 3.1% to 4.6%. MCI/MI and MI reactions decreased in prevalence after 2014. Nickel reaction prevalence decreased among females aged 10 to 19 years.

Conclusions

Nickel remains the most common sensitizing agent, with reaction prevalence decreasing among females younger than 20 years. The changes in MCI/MI and MI reaction prevalence mirrored those in Europe. The register can reveal changes in contact allergy prevalence over time among patients patch tested in Sweden.
Apocalypse now, apocalypse when? Economic growth and structural breaks in Argentina (1886–2003)
Authors: Campos Nauro F. , Karanasos Menelaos G. , Karoglou Michail , Koutroumpis Panagiotis , Zopounidis Constantin , Christopoulos Apostolos
Published: October 2021

Argentina is the only country in the world that was developed in 1900 and developing in 2000. Although there is widespread consensus on the occurrence and uniqueness of this decline, an intense debate remains on its timing and underlying causes. This paper provides a first systematic investigation of the timing of the Argentine debacle. It uses an array of econometric tests for structural breaks and a range of GDP growth series covering 1886–2003. The main conclusion is the dating of two key structural breaks (in 1918 and 1948), which we argue support explanations for the debacle that highlight the slowdown of domestic financial development and trade protectionism (after 1918) and of institutional development (after 1948).
High residual inflammation despite HIV viral suppression: Lessons learned from real‐time adherence monitoring among people with HIV in Africa
Authors: Castillo‐Mancilla Jose R. , Musinguzi Nicholas , Asiimwe Stephen , Siedner Mark J. , Orrell Catherine , Bangsberg David R. , Haberer Jessica E.
Published: October 2021

Background

Lower antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is associated with higher systemic inflammation in virally suppressed people with HIV (PWH); however, previous studies have mostly relied on subjective adherence measures and have not assessed this association by disease stage upon ART initiation.

Methods

In the Monitoring Early Treatment Adherence study, adherence was monitored electronically in real time among adult, treatment‐naïve PWH in Uganda and South Africa who initiated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/efavirenz during early‐stage (CD4 > 350 cells/µL) or late‐stage (CD4 < 200 cells/µL) disease. Participants who achieved viral suppression (< 400 copies/mL) at 6 months and remained suppressed after 12 months were analysed. The association between average ART adherence and plasma concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL‐6), soluble CD14 (sCD14) and D‐dimer was evaluated using adjusted multivariable linear regression, stratified by disease stage.

Results

In all, 488 PWH (61% women, mean age 35 years) were included in the analysis. Median ART adherence overall was 87%. In adjusted models, every 10% increase in average adherence was associated with a 3.0% decrease in IL‐6 [95% confidence interval (CI): −5.9 to −0.01, p = 0.05] at 12 months. This relationship was observed in PWH with both early‐stage (5.9%, 95% CI: −10.1 to −1.6, p = 0.009) and late‐stage disease (3.7%, 95% CI: −7.2 to −0.2, p = 0.039). No significant associations were found with sCD14 or D‐dimer.

Conclusions

Objective ART adherence measurement was inversely associated with systemic inflammation in PWH who achieved viral suppression after ART initiation in sub‐Saharan Africa, with a greater association in those with early‐stage HIV. This finding underscores the importance of ART adherence beyond establishing viral suppression.
Influenza clinical testing and oseltamivir treatment in hospitalized children with acute respiratory illness, 2015–2016
Authors: Hamdan Lubna , Probst Varvara , Haddadin Zaid , Rahman Herdi , Spieker Andrew J. , Vandekar Simon , Stewart Laura S. , Williams John V. , Boom Julie A. , Munoz Flor , Englund Janet A. , Selvarangan Rangaraj , Staat Mary A. , Weinberg Geoffrey A. , Azimi Parvin H. , Klein Eileen J. , McNeal Monica , Sahni Leila C. , Singer Monica N. , Szilagyi Peter G. , Harrison Christopher J. , Patel Manish , Campbell Angela P. , Halasa Natasha B.
Published: October 2021

Background

Antiviral treatment is recommended for all hospitalized children with suspected or confirmed influenza, regardless of their risk profile. Few data exist on adherence to these recommendations, so we sought to determine factors associated with influenza testing and antiviral treatment in children.

Methods

Hospitalized children <18 years of age with acute respiratory illness (ARI) were enrolled through active surveillance at pediatric medical centers in seven cities between 11/1/2015 and 6/30/2016; clinical information was obtained from parent interview and chart review. We used generalized linear mixed‐effects models to identify factors associated with influenza testing and antiviral treatment.

Results

Of the 2299 hospitalized children with ARI enrolled during one influenza season, 51% (n = 1183) were tested clinically for influenza. Clinicians provided antiviral treatment for 61 of 117 (52%) patients with a positive influenza test versus 66 of 1066 (6%) with a negative or unknown test result. In multivariable analyses, factors associated with testing included neuromuscular disease (aOR = 5.35, 95% CI [3.58–8.01]), immunocompromised status (aOR = 2.88, 95% CI [1.66–5.01]), age (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.91–0.96]), private only versus public only insurance (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI [0.63–0.98]), and chronic lung disease (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI [0.51–0.81]). Factors associated with antiviral treatment included neuromuscular disease (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI [1.04, 3.31]), immunocompromised state (aOR = 2.63, 95% CI [1.38, 4.99]), duration of illness (aOR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.84, 0.99]), and chronic lung disease (aOR = 0.60, 95% CI [0.38, 0.95]).

Conclusion

Approximately half of children hospitalized with influenza during the 2015–2016 influenza season were treated with antivirals. Because antiviral treatment for influenza is associated with better health outcomes, further studies of subsequent seasons would help evaluate current use of antivirals among children and better understand barriers for treatment.
Research topics in intellectual disabilities in North Korea: A scoping review
Authors: Kim Taehoon , Choi Soyoung , Lee Jun‐Young
Published: October 2021

Background

Research outcomes on intellectual development and related disabilities in North Korea are not widely known. Therefore, the current scoping review aimed to provide preliminary insight on research topics concerning intellectual disabilities in North Korea.

Method

A six‐stage framework for scoping review was adopted to examine research trends. Articles were categorised based on the era of supreme leader and research topic.

Results

There is a greater amount of research regarding intellectual disabilities in the recent Kim Jong‐un era compared to the period of the previous leader where research outcomes on general intelligence were the focus. Significant qualitative progress was similarly found.

Conclusions

The current analysis on research outcomes provides meaningful insights to aid in understanding the atmosphere in North Korea surrounding intellectual disabilities. Follow‐up studies and open discussions are necessary for further progress.
Argumentum ad populum: A reply to Bonikowski and DiMaggio
Authors: Eger Maureen A , Hjerm Mikael
Published: October 2021

Our reply to Bonikowski and DiMaggio (2021) is in three parts. First, we clarify the aim of our research note (Eger & Hjerm, 2021). Our original critique was based on a replication of their inductive analysis, and we evaluated their work using best practices for the methodology that they chose. Our argument is straightforward: If one is going to use inductive methods to say something meaningful about the real world, one needs to make sure that the model being advanced fits the data. We present additional evidence supporting our original critique. Second, we discuss whether their new analyses bolster their original results and conclusions. Third, because their own results actually suggest that different levels of American nationalism exist rather than qualitatively different types, we question their claim of convergent validity. In short, we stand by our original critique.
Well‐being during the Great Recession: new evidence from a measure of multi‐dimensional living standards with heterogeneous preferences*
Authors: Boarini Romina , Fleurbaey Marc , Murtin Fabrice , Schreyer Paul
Published: October 2021

We develop a distribution‐adjusted welfare measure that aggregates income, unemployment, and longevity using individual weights that reflect heterogeneous preferences. The measure is implemented for 28 OECD countries for 2008–2013 to gauge the welfare effects of the Great Recession. Estimated shadow prices of one percentage point of unemployment and one year of longevity average 3.1 percent and 5.7 percent of household income, respectively. We find that the rate of GDP growth poorly reflects the social cost of the Great Recession. On average, GDP per capita stagnated across OECD countries between 2008 and 2013 while living standards of poor households fell by 5.3 percent annually.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DPA1 allele, DPA1*02:53 by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Galluccio Tiziana , Giustiniani Paola , Bianculli Antonio , Testa Giuseppe , Andreani Marco
Published: October 2021

The novel HLA‐DPA1*02:53 allele differs from HLA‐DPA1*02:01:01:02 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 3.
Limiting factors for panicle photosynthesis at the anthesis and grain filling stages in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Qiangqiang , Tang Wei , Peng Shaobing , Li Yong
Published: October 2021

Panicle photosynthesis is crucial for grain yield in cereal crops; however, the limiting factors for panicle photosynthesis are poorly understood, greatly impeding improvement in this trait. In the present study, pot experiments were conducted to investigate the limiting factors for panicle photosynthesis at the anthesis stage in seven rice genotypes and to examine the temporal variations in photosynthesis during the grain filling stage in the Liangyou 287 genotype. At the anthesis stage, leaf and panicle photosynthesis was positively correlated with stomatal conductance and maximum carboxylation rate, which were in turn associated with hydraulic conductance and nitrogen content, respectively. Panicle hydraulic conductance was positively correlated with the area of bundle sheaths in the panicle neck. During grain filling, leaf and panicle photosynthesis remained constant at the early stage but dramatically decreased from 8 to 9 days after anthesis. The trends of variations in panicle photosynthesis were consistent with those in stomatal conductance but not with those in maximum carboxylation rate. At first, the maximum carboxylation rate and respiration rate in the panicle increased, through elevated panicle nitrogen content, but then drastically decreased, as a result of dehydration. The present study systematically investigated the limiting factors for panicle photosynthesis, which are vital for improving photosynthesis and crop yield.
Subradiant resonances in Au and Ag bipartite lattices in the visible spectrum
Authors: Warren Aran , Alkaisi Maan M. , Moore Ciaran P.
Published: October 2021

Subradiant surface lattice resonances are of interest due to their remarkably high quality factors. In this work, these high quality resonances are experimentally investigated in the visible spectrum with Au and Ag bipartite disk lattices fabricated with electron beam lithography. Subradiant resonances are also compared to unipartite surface lattice resonance with angle-resolved extinction measurements, which are supported by numerical models. Finally, the lattice parameters are optimized to show high quality factors in lattices where the elements have a diameter difference as small as 10 nm.
Tandem Mass Tag-Based Quantitative Proteomics and Virulence Phenotype of Hemolymph-Treated Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki Cells Reveal New Insights on Bacterial Pathogenesis in Insects
Authors: Sun Yanyan , Yang Linlin , Rodríguez-Cabrera Lianet , Ding Yushan , Leng Chaoliang , Qiao Huili , Huang Siliang , Kan Yunchao , Yao Lunguang , Wright Denis J. , Li Dandan , Ayra-Pardo Camilo
Published: October 2021

After ingestion by a susceptible insect and damaging its midgut epithelium, the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) reaches the insect blood (hemolymph), where it propagates despite the host’s antimicrobial defenses and induces insect death by acute septicemia. Although the hemolymph stage of the Bt toxic pathway is determinant for the infested insects’ fate, the response of Bt to hemolymph and the latter’s role in bacterial pathogenesis has been poorly explored.
An Assessment of Serological Assays for SARS-CoV-2 as Surrogates for Authentic Virus Neutralization
Authors: Wohlgemuth Nicholas , Whitt Kendall , Cherry Sean , Kirkpatrick Roubidoux Ericka , Lin Chun-Yang , Allison Kim J. , Gowen Ashleigh , Freiden Pamela , Allen E. Kaitlynn ,   St. Jude Investigative Team,, Gaur Aditya H. , Estepp Jeremie H. , Tang Li , Mori Tomi , Hijano Diego R. , Hakim Hana , McGargill Maureen A. , Krammer Florian , Whitt Michael A. , Wolf Joshua , Thomas Paul G. , Schultz-Cherry Stacey
Published: October 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Prior infection or vaccination can be detected by the presence of antibodies in the blood.
RNase Z Oxidative Degradation Impedes tRNA Maturation and is Involved in Streptococcal Translation Regulation in Response to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Dong Yuzhu , Tong Huichun , Hu Qingqing , Dong Xiuzhu
Published: October 2021

Translation regulation is a common strategy used by organisms to reduce oxidative damage. Catalase-negative streptococci produce as well as tolerate high levels of H
2
O
2
.
Phenotypic Detection of Hemin-Inducible Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Heteroresistance in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nurjadi Dennis , Chanthalangsy Quan , Zizmann Elfi , Stuermer Vanessa , Moll Maximilian , Klein Sabrina , Boutin Sébastien , Heeg Klaus , Zanger Philipp
Published: October 2021

Staphylococcus aureus
is one of most important pathogens in clinical medicine. Besides its virulence, the acquisition or emergence of resistance toward antibiotic agents, in particular to beta-lactam antibiotics (methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
[MRSA]), poses a major therapeutic challenge.
Supplemental Material: Neogene sedimentary record of the evolution of a translated strike-slip basin along the Denali fault system: Implications for timing of displacement, composite basin development, and regional tectonics of southern Alaska
Authors: Allen Wai K.
Published: October 2021

Ar/Ar geochronologic and U-Pb detrital zircon geochronologic ages.
‘Hybrid Survey’ approach to non-communicable disease surveillance in the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands
Authors: Cash Haley L , De Jesus Stacy , Durand A. Mark , Tin Si Thu Win , Shelton Dana , Robles Rebecca , Mendiola Amber R , Brikul Suzette , Ipil Maybelline , Murphy Molly , Hunt Leiema S S , Nielsen Lesa Farrah , Sigrah Cecilia A , Waguk Robina , Abraham Delpihn , Kapiriel Stephanie F , Camacho Janet , Chutaro Emi
Published: October 2021

In 2010 the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) declared a regional state of health emergency due to the epidemic of non-communicable disease (NCD) and an NCD monitoring and surveillance framework was developed that includes adult NCD risk factor and disease prevalence indicators to be collected every 5 years using a population-based survey. On evaluation of existing data from adult population-based NCD surveys, it was found that there was a lack of valid, available and consistently collected data. Therefore, a new model was developed to combine various indicators and survey tools from different partner agencies into one survey. After the report was endorsed by local health leadership, a dissemination workshop was conducted. In 2015 (baseline for Hybrid Survey implementation), three out of nine jurisdictions (33.3%) had completed a population-based survey in the past 5 years. Four (44.4%) had no adult prevalence data at all, two (22.2%) had data sets from their surveys and four (44.4%) had at least two surveys ever collected that could be used for comparison. As of 2020, all nine jurisdictions have, or are in the process of completing an adult population-based survey. Eight (88.9%) have data sets from their surveys, and five (55.6%) have at least two surveys collected that can be used for comparison. This Hybrid Survey model has helped to improve adult NCD surveillance in the USAPI by more efficiently using limited resources. This model could be considered in other small island nations, or rural areas where adult NCD surveillance is challenging.
Outcomes among adult survivors of total cavopulmonary Fontan palliation for single ventricle
Authors: Anigwe Christopher , Yogeswaran Vidhushei , Moon-Grady Anita , McAllister Sophie , Aggarwal Anika , Blissett Sarah , Harris Ian S , Kouretas Peter C , Mahadevan Vaikom S , Sabanayagam Aarthi , Agarwal Anushree
Published: October 2021

Objective

This tertiary centre study aims to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes in adult survivors with total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) Fontan palliation for single ventricle.

Methods

This retrospective review of medical records identified adult (≥18 years) survivors of TCPC Fontan palliation who were followed at a single tertiary centre between 1 January 2000 and 1 July 2019. Adverse outcomes were defined as arrhythmia, pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement, liver cirrhosis, protein losing enteropathy, hospitalisation for heart failure, thromboembolic complication and/or death.

Results

160 adult TCPC patients met the inclusion criteria: 117 (73.1%) extracardiac and 43 (26.9%) lateral tunnel. The median (IQR) duration of follow-up since TCPC palliation was 17.5 (11.8–21.3) years. An adverse outcome occurred in 87 (54.4%) patients. Adverse outcome-free survival rates at 10, 20 and 25 years post TCPC were 89% (95% CI 82% to 93%), 60% (95% CI 50% to 69%) and 24% (95% CI 15% to 35%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, extracardiac Fontan (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.20 to 4.08, p=0.011) was observed to be an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes after adjusting for age, race, morphology of the systemic ventricle and history of fenestration.

Conclusions

In this single-centre retrospective study of adult survivors of TCPC palliation, extracardiac Fontan was associated with an increased hazard for adverse outcomes. This finding could guide clinicians in developing risk modification strategies and management decisions to improve long-term outcomes in these patients.
Real-world performance of blood-based proteomic profiling in first-line immunotherapy treatment in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Rich Patricia , Mitchell R Brian , Schaefer Eric , Walker Paul R , Dubay John W , Boyd Jason , Oubre David , Page Ray , Khalil Mazen , Sinha Suman , Boniol Scott , Halawani Hafez , Santos Edgardo S , Brenner Warren , Orsini James M , Pauli Emily , Goldberg Jonathan , Veatch Andrea , Haut Mitchell , Ghabach Bassam , Bidyasar Savita , Quejada Maria , Khan Waseemullah , Huang Kan , Traylor Linda , Akerley Wallace
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy has improved patient outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but better biomarkers are needed. A clinically validated, blood-based proteomic test, or host immune classifier (HIC), was assessed for its ability to predict ICI therapy outcomes in this real-world, prospectively designed, observational study.

Materials and methods

The prospectively designed, observational registry study INSIGHT (Clinical Effectiveness Assessment of VeriStrat® Testing and Validation of Immunotherapy Tests in NSCLC Subjects) (NCT03289780) includes 35 US sites having enrolled over 3570 NSCLC patients at any stage and line of therapy. After enrolment and prior to therapy initiation, all patients are tested and designated HIC-Hot (HIC-H) or HIC-Cold (HIC-C). A prespecified interim analysis was performed after 1-year follow-up with the first 2000 enrolled patients. We report the overall survival (OS) of patients with advanced stage (IIIB and IV) NSCLC treated in the first-line (ICI-containing therapies n=284; all first-line therapies n=877), by treatment type and in HIC-defined subgroups.

Results

OS for HIC-H patients was longer than OS for HIC-C patients across treatment regimens, including ICI. For patients treated with all ICI regimens, median OS was not reached (95% CI 15.4 to undefined months) for HIC-H (n=196) vs 5.0 months (95% CI 2.9 to 6.4) for HIC-C patients (n=88); HR=0.38 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.53), p<0.0001. For ICI monotherapy, OS was 16.8 vs 2.8 months (HR=0.36 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.58), p<0.0001) and for ICI with chemotherapy OS was unreached vs 6.4 months (HR=0.41 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.67), p=0.0003). HIC results were independent of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). In a subgroup with PD-L1 ≥50% and performance status 0–1, HIC stratified survival significantly for ICI monotherapy but not ICI with chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Blood-based HIC proteomic testing provides clinically meaningful information for immunotherapy treatment decision in NSCLC independent of PD-L1. The data suggest that HIC-C patients should not be treated with ICI alone regardless of their PD-L1 expression.
Long-term steam conditioning is needed to maximize the nutritional value of expander-processed soybean expellers
Authors: Espinosa Charmaine D. , Oliveira Maryane S.F. , Limbach Joseph R. , Fanelli Natalia S. , Wiltafsky-Martin Markus K. , Stein Hans H.
Published: October 2021

Two experiments were conducted to determine standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and the concentration of metabolizable energy (ME) in non-heat-treated and heat-treated soybean expellers (L-0, L-12, and L-48). L-0 underwent short-term steam conditioning for 60 s, whereas L-12 and L-48 underwent short-term steam conditioning for 60 s and long-term steam conditioning for 12 or 48 min. All heat-treated soybean expellers were expander processed. In experiment 1, 10 ileal-cannulated barrows (54.22 ± 4.54 kg) were allotted to a replicated 5 × 4 Youden square design with eight replicate pigs per diet. Each source of soybean expellers was included in one diet, and a nitrogen-free diet was also used. Results indicated that the SID of AA in non-heat-treated soybean expellers was less (P < 0.01) than in heat-treated soybean expellers. In experiment 2, 40 barrows (17.52 ± 1.63 kg) housed in metabolism crates were allotted to a corn-based diet or four corn–soybean expellers diets. Feces and urine were collected with 5 d adaptation and 4 d collection periods. The ME in non-heat-treated soybean expellers was less (P < 0.01) compared with L-0, L-12, or L-48. In conclusion, the SID of AA and the ME in heat-treated soybean expellers were greater than in non-heat-treated soybean expellers.
Estimating abundance, temporary emigration, and the pattern of density dependence in a cyclic snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) population in Yukon, Canada
Authors: Oli Madan K. , Kenney Alice J. , Boonstra Rudy , Boutin Stan , Chaudhary Vratika , Hines James E. , Krebs Charles J.
Published: October 2021

Estimates of demographic parameters based on capture–mark–recapture (CMR) methods may be biased when some individuals in the population are temporarily unavailable for capture (temporary emigration). We estimated snowshoe hare abundance, apparent survival, and probability of temporary emigration in a population of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Erxleben, 1777) in the Yukon (Canada) using Pollock’s robust design CMR model, and population density using spatially explicit CMR models. Survival rates strongly varied among cyclic phases, seasons, and across five population cycles. We found strong evidence that temporary emigration was Markovian (i.e., nonrandom), suggesting that it varied among individuals that were temporary emigrant in the previous sampling period and those that were present in the sampled area. The probability of temporary emigration for individuals that were in the study area during the previous sampling occasion (γ″) varied among cycles. Probability that individuals that were temporarily absent from the sampled area would remain temporary emigrants (γ′) showed strongly seasonal pattern, low in winter and high during summers. Snowshoe hare population density ranged from 0.017 (0.015–0.05) hares/ha to 4.43 (3.90–5.00) hares/ha and showed large-scale cyclical fluctuations. Autocorrelation functions and autoregressive analyses revealed that our study population exhibited statistically significant cyclic fluctuations, with a periodicity of 9–10 years.
An in-flight plasma diagnostic package for spacecraft with electric propulsion
Authors: Trottenberg Thomas , Bansemer Florian , Böttcher Stephan , Feili Davar , Henkel Hartmut , Hesse Marcel , Kersten Holger , Krüger Tony , Laube Jens , Lazurenko Alexey , Sailer Daniel , Schuster Björn , Seimetz Lars , Spethmann Alexander , Weis Stefan , Wimmer-Schweingruber Robert F.
Published: October 2021

The plasma diagnostics presented in this article target the plasma surrounding a spacecraft that is created by the electric thruster and its surface modifying effects. The diagnostic package includes a retarding potential analyzer, a plane Langmuir probe, and an erosion sensor. The paper describes the instrument as well as suitable test environments for mimicking the effects expected in space and shows test results. The system is to fly for the first time on the Heinrich Hertz satellite, which is scheduled to be launched in 2023. The spacecraft will be equipped with a pair of Highly Efficient Multistage Plasma Thrusters (HEMPT) and a pair of Hall thrusters for redundancy.
An Overview of Recent Advances in Distributed Coordination of Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Yang Ruohan , Liu Lu , Feng Gang
Published: October 2021

Distributed coordination of multi-agent systems (MASs) has received considerable attention and advanced rapidly in the past years. This paper reviews the recent results on cooperative control of MASs, and in particular cooperative control under various agent dynamics, under communication transmission delays, and under event-triggered strategies. In addition, different coordination tasks, such as consensus, cooperative output regulation, formation control, and containment control, are also taken into consideration. Finally, some open problems on cooperative control of MASs are suggested.
Nanomaterial Antibacterial Technology in the Design of Antibacterial Fabrics for Sports Clothing
Authors: Feng Yuan
Published: October 2021

In recent years, nanomaterials have been widely used in sports equipment, and their application in sportswear has also attracted wide attention. This research mainly discusses the application of nanomaterial antibacterial technology in the design of antibacterial fabrics for sports apparel. The method of adding nano‐TiO2 to the antibacterial textiles varies with the type of fiber or fabric, and the finishing method also changes accordingly. For chemical fibers, the method of blending spinning is mainly used. By adding nano‐antibacterial particles in the spinning solution, the polymer is ejected from the spinneret to make antibacterial fibers. This processing method is characterized by good antibacterial durability. The preparation of antimite finishing agent is mainly the dispersion of nanopowder. The selection of the best dispersant is mainly determined by measuring the change of the volume sedimentation rate of TiO2 after 5 days under different dosage and pH value of each dispersant. Then, the particle size of nano‐TiO2 and Ag in different dispersing conditions was tested by TEM, and finally, the best dispersing agent and dispersing process were determined. The optimum of nano‐antimite and antibacterial finishing agent is as follows: the dispersing agent is TW‐80, the amount of anhydrous ethanol in dispersing medium is 5 times that of powder, the amount of dispersing agent is 1.5 times that of powder, the pH value is 7, and the stirring time is not less than 30 min. In the preparation of nano‐antimite and antibacterial finishing agent, nanomaterials were used. The weight of nano‐TiO2 powder was 20 grams and that of Ag was 20 grams. The dispersion medium (absolute ethanol) was 100 mL of dispersant. The amount of TW‐80 was 30 g, the amount of citric acid was 60 g, the emulsion was very stable, and there was only a small amount of precipitation after being static for 5 days. Considering the characteristics of silk knitted fabric, this experiment uses the exhaustion method in the finishing process to finish the silk knitted fabric. After 50 times of washing, the antibacterial rate of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reached 95.13% and 87.44%, respectively. This study provides guidance for the application of nanomaterials in the antibacterial field of sports clothing.
Chest Computed Tomography Images in Neonatal Bronchial Pneumonia under the Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm
Authors: Sun Ying , Wu Liao , Tian Zhaofang , Bao Tianping
Published: October 2021

This study was to explore the application value of chest computed tomography (CT) images processed by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in the diagnosis of neonatal bronchial pneumonia (NBP). The AI adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR) algorithm was adopted to reconstruct the chest CT image to compare and analyze the effect of the reconstruction of CT image under the ASiR algorithm under different preweight and postweight values based on the objective measurement and subjective evaluation. 85 neonates with pneumonia treated in hospital from September 1, 2015, to July 1, 2020, were selected as the research objects to analyze their CT imaging characteristics. Subsequently, the peripheral blood of healthy neonates during the same period was collected, and the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were detected. The efficiency of CT examination, CRP, ESR, and combined examination in the diagnosis of NBP was analyzed. The results showed that the subjective quality score, lung window subjective score, and mediastinal window subjective score were the highest after CT image reconstruction when the preweight value of the ASiR algorithm was 50%. After treatment, 79 NBP cases (92.9%) showed ground-glass features in CT images. Compared with the healthy neonates, the levels of CRP and ESR in the peripheral blood of neonates with bronchial pneumonia were much lower (

P
<
0.05

). The accuracy rates of CT examination, CRP examination, ESR examination, CRP + ESR examination, and CRP + ESR + CT examination for the diagnosis of NBP were 80.7%, 75.3%, 75.1%, 80.3%, and 98.6%, respectively. CT technology based on AI algorithm showed high clinical application value in the feature analysis of NBP.
Contribution of Nanotechnologies to Vaccine Development and Drug Delivery against Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Ftouh Mahdi , Kalboussi Nesrine , Abid Nabil , Sfar Souad , Mignet Nathalie , Bahloul Badr
Published: October 2021

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus disease 2019, a respiratory viral illness linked to significant morbidity, mortality, production loss, and severe economic depression, was the third-largest cause of death in 2020. Respiratory viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, and adenovirus, are among the most common causes of respiratory illness in humans, spreading as pandemics or epidemics throughout all continents. Nanotechnologies are particles in the nanometer range made from various compositions. They can be lipid-based, polymer-based, protein-based, or inorganic in nature, but they are all bioinspired and virus-like. In this review, we aimed to present a short review of the different nanoparticles currently studied, in particular those which led to publications in the field of respiratory viruses. We evaluated those which could be beneficial for respiratory disease-based viruses; those which already have contributed, such as lipid nanoparticles in the context of COVID-19; and those which will contribute in the future either as vaccines or antiviral drug delivery systems. We present a short assessment based on a critical selection of evidence indicating nanotechnology’s promise in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections.
Exploring Africa's Agency in International Politics
Authors: Coffie Amanda , Tiky Lembe
Published: October 2021

A protracted conventional knowledge within mainstream International Relations (IR) has been that African agents (states, organizations, and diplomats) are consumers of international norms and practices designed in the affluent countries of the Global North. Papers in this special issue present a challenge to this view; they discuss the active role and the influence of African actors in international politics and renew a call for the development of IR theories, concepts, and methods that reflect Global Southern and African experiences, ideas, institutions, actors and processes.
Market Definition: Implementing the Department of Justice Merger Guidelines
Authors: Kaserman David L. , Zeisel Hans
Published: October 2021

My lament is that this battle on market definitions … has received virtually no attention from us economists. Except for a casual flirtation with cross elasticities of demand and supply, the determination of markets has remained an undeveloped area of economic research at either the theoretical or empirical level.
The color matching design based on polynomial regression
Authors: Ran Jianguo , Liu Heng , Luo Jiqing
Published: October 2021

Camouflage spots are mostly color patches of different colors. Compared with the traditional empirical color matching method, computer color matching can quickly and effectively calculate the proportion of red, yellow, and blue primary colors. In general, camouflage computer color matching in the practical application of the initial formula is not accurate and multiple color modification still cannot match. First, we measured the chroma coordinates of 98 standard swatches made of red, green, and blue coatings in different proportions by the OHSP-660 spectral reflectance tester. Then, we adopted polynomial regression algorithm by Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) to obtain the regression equation between [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. Finally, the fitting equation is used to obtain the paint color scheme in the coordinates of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] in arbitrary uniform color space, so as to realize the purpose of computer color matching. The experimental results show that the minimum color difference is 1.691 ( L* a* b* unit) the maximum color difference is 2.497, which meets the design requirements of camouflage and target color difference being no more than 3. Our work provides a theoretical basis for the further development of computer color matching system in camouflage.
Microwave Heating of Human Milk With Direct Temperature Monitoring
Authors: Yoshida Yurika , Azuma Minami , Furukawa Kazuna , Mizuno Katsumi , Den Hiroki , Kamiya Taro , Izumizaki Masahiko
Published: October 2021

Background:

Microwave heating can be effective in preventing cytomegalovirus infection transmitted via human milk. Temperature changes during microwaving using different containers, in different areas inside a container, or using milk from different mothers are not well studied.

Research Aim:

To determine temperature changes of human milk during microwaving using different containers, in different container areas, using different human milk, and in a 30-ml soft polypropylene bag (sachet) immersed in water.

Methods:

In this experimental in vitro study, human milk (100 ml) was poured into six different bottles. The temperature was monitored simultaneously at each bottle’s bottom and surface (microwaving at 600 W) and at nine places inside the container (microwaving at 500 W). Human milk (20 ml) from six participants was inserted into a sachet, then immersed in 80 ml of human milk or water in a bottle, and the temperatures inside and outside the sachet during microwaving (at 500 W) were monitored.

Results:

The temperature changes at the surface were significantly larger than those at the bottom. Temperatures at the bottoms of different bottles, of human milk from different participants, or inside and outside the sachet, did not differ significantly. No temperature outliers inside the bottle were observed.

Conclusion:

Microwaving at 500 W and 600 W for 60 s was not significantly different in temperature changes among different areas inside bottles or among milk from different participants. A small volume of human milk (up to 100 mL) can be heated using a sachet.
The Effectiveness of Personalisation on Health Outcomes of Older People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fatoye Clara T. , Gebrye Tadesse , Fatoye Francis
Published: October 2021

Purpose

As people get older, they tend to have long-term conditions requiring health and social care intervention such as personalisation. Personalisation is person centred ensuring independence and control. To date, no systematic review has examined the effectiveness of personalisation. This review examined the effectiveness of personalisation in older people.

Methods

A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was undertaken. Databases searched included: Science Direct and Medline (PubMed) NHSEED and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were older people living in their own homes receiving personalisation. Excluded were studies carried out in nursing homes. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality of assessment.

Results

Search yielded 151 published studies with titles and abstracts; 143 studies were excluded and eight included. Studies included showed health outcomes of older people receiving personalisation improved significantly.

Conclusions

Review found evidence of improvement in quality of life and mobility in older people.
Variational Bayesian inference-based polynomial chaos expansion: Application to time-variantreliability analysis
Authors: Zhou Yicheng , Lu Zhenzhou , Shi Yan , Zhou Changcong , Yun Wanying
Published: October 2021

In the time-variant systems, random variables, stochastic processes, and time parameter are regarded as the inputs of time-variant computational model. This results in an even more computationally expensive model what makes the time-variant reliability analysis a challenging task. This paper addresses the problem by presenting an active learning strategy using polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) in an augmented reliability space. We first propose a new algorithm that determines the sparse representation applying statistical threshold to determine the significant terms of the PCE model. This adaptive decision test is integrated into the variational Bayesian method, improving its accuracy and reducing convergence time. The proposed method uses a composite criterion to identify the most significant time instants and the associated training points to enrich the experimental design. By simulations, we compare the performance of the proposed method with respect to other existing time-variant reliability analysis methods.
The Utility of the Omentum Flap for Complex Intrathoracic Problems
Authors: Kreutz-Rodrigues Lucas , Gibreel Waleed , Moran Steven L. , Mardini Samir , Bite Uldis , Stulak John M. , Wigle Dennis , Pochettino Alberto , Bakri Karim
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Omentum flap is a viable reconstructive option for complex chest wall and mediastinal reconstruction. The impact of vasoconstrictors and the laminar pattern of blood flow associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) on the outcomes of reconstructions has not been thoroughly evaluated. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent chest wall or mediastinal reconstruction using pedicled omentum flaps between 2003 and 2019. Results: Forty patients (60% males) underwent chest wall or mediastinal reconstruction using a pedicled omentum flap at a mean age of 58 years. The median follow-up was 24.3 months. The most common indication was the reconstruction of anterior chest wall/sternal defects (n = 16), followed by coverage of repaired bronchopleural fistula (n = 6), osteoradionecrosis of the anterolateral chest wall (n = 5), reconstruction of anterior/lateral chest wall following oncologic resections (n = 5), coverage of replaced infected LVAD (n = 4), and coverage of exposed/replaced aortic root vascular grafts (n = 4). Vasoconstrictors were used in 26 patients (65%). Eight flaps had partial necrosis, and none of the flaps had complete necrosis. There was no difference in flap complication rates in patients who received vasoconstrictors during the case compared to those who did not ( P = 1.0). Thirteen (33%) flaps were skin grafted at a median of 13 days with 100% skin graft viability. Abdominal incisional hernia developed in 8 patients. In patients with LVADs, the omentum remained viable during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The ability of the omentum to easily reach various regions in the chest and the low failure rate make this flap a reliable reconstructive method.
Vaccine and COVID-19 Trajectories
Authors: Choi Kate H. , Denice Patrick A. , Ramaj Sagi
Published: October 2021

Vaccine equity holds the key to ending the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Yet most prior work on vaccine equity has compared vaccine uptake across neighborhoods with varying sociodemographic composition or assessed whether vaccine disparity across neighborhoods has diminished over time. Researchers seldom examine the extent to which vaccination helps reduce inequalities in the prevalence of COVID-19 across neighborhoods. Using administrative data from the City of Toronto, the authors compare the vaccine trajectories of neighborhoods with low, moderate, and high COVID-19 rates. The authors also examine whether disparities in COVID-19 rates have narrowed or widened as vaccinations have become more available. By mid-June 2021, differences in vaccination rates by neighborhoods’ COVID-19 levels were small, but disparities in COVID-19 rates across neighborhoods persisted. Equality in vaccination rates is not a silver bullet to reducing inequalities in COVID-19 infections across neighborhoods with varying sociodemographic characteristics and likely variations in exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
Elucidation of the molecular responses during the primary infection of wild blueberry phenotypes with Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi under field conditions
Authors: Jose Sherin , Abbey Joel , Jaakola Laura , Percival David
Published: October 2021

Background

Monilinia blight caused by Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi (Reade) Honey (M.vc) is a major disease of wild blueberry that can result in severe crop losses in the absence of an integrated disease management programme. The fungus causes blight in the emerging floral and vegetative buds, but the degree of susceptibility varies among the different wild blueberry phenotypes, ranging from the highly susceptible V. a. f. nigrum to the moderately susceptible V. angustifolium and the least susceptible V. myrtilloides.

Results

The present study evaluated the defense responses of these major phenotypes during their primary infection (floral buds) with M.vc. The temporal expression profiles of PR genes (PR3 and PR4) and the flavonoid pathway structural genes (CHS, ANS, ANR, DFR and FLS) were analysed. The PR3 and PR4 gene expression profiles revealed that V. myrtilloides responded to M.vc infection by activating the expression of both PR genes. V. a. f. nigrum, on the other hand, failed to activate these genes, while V. angustifolium, exhibited an intermediate response. Our study with the flavonoid pathway genes indicated variability in activation of the genes during post-infection time points with ANS and ANR in V. myrtilloides, FLS in V. angustifolium and no response observed in V. a. f. nigrum.

Conclusions

Altogether, this study highlights that the degree of phenotype susceptibility is associated with the timely activation of host defense responsive genes. Data obtained in this study provided a starting point for a better understanding of the wild blueberry- M. vaccinii-corymbosi pathosystem.