bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Dynamical Behavior of Rotating Shafts Driven by Universal (Hooke) Couplings
Authors: Rosenberg R. M.
Published: June 2021

The system considered here is a massless, uniform elastic shaft carrying at its mid-point a disk (having mass) and supported at the ends by universal (Hooke) joints. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the effect of Hooke-joint angularity (as obtained by design, or from faulty alignment) on the bending stability of the rotating shaft. It is found that separate investigations are required for shafts not transmitting axial torques and for those required to transmit torques. Each gives rise to instabilities which are absent when the Hooke joint is straight. In the absence of axial torques, the shaft develops unsuspected mild critical speeds at odd integer submultiples of the “familiar” critical speed found with a straight Hooke joint. When the shaft is required to transmit moderate axial torques, the joint angularity produces true instabilities near all integer submultiples of the familiar critical speed. Surprisingly, these instabilities vanish for sufficiently large axial torques.
Axial-Temperature-Gradient Bending Stresses in Tubes
Authors: Hammitt F. G.
Published: June 2021

A study is conducted of the bending stresses induced in a thin-walled tube adjacent to a joint between the tube and a heavier section by an axial temperature gradient imposed across the assembly. A solution is shown utilizing basic relations taken from the existing literature for a tube of uniform wall thickness attached at either end to a flange of infinite stiffness. Both long and short tubes are considered. The possibility of substantial reductions of stress through the use of a tapered wall thickness is discussed. Approximate methods are developed for the calculation of stress and wall thickness under conditions in which the wall thickness is varied in each instance to give (a) constant radius of curvature (or arbitrary radii of curvature), (b) constant stress, and (c) arbitrary stress distribution.
Displacement Discontinuity on the Interface of Two Joined Dissimilar Semi-Infinite Elastic Solids
Authors: Frasier J. T.
Published: June 2021

The Papkovitch functions are given for a displacement discontinuity over a portion of the interface of two dissimilar isotropic semi-infinite elastic solids joined across a plane.
Stress-Strain Relations for a Simple Model of a Granular Medium
Authors: Deresiewicz H.
Published: June 2021

A granular assemblage is represented by a model consisting of like spheres in contact arranged in a simple cubic lattice. Based on consideration of local contact forces and concomitant deformations, incremental stress-strain relations are derived and subsequently integrated, for certain types of loading, to yield total stress-strain relations. The integration is carried out for both a loading and an unloading process. A criterion of failure for the model is set up and the theory applied to a regimen of loading which gives rise to a plane state of stress.
On Plane Stress Solution of an Elastic, Perfectly Plastic Wedge
Authors: Naghdi P. M.
Published: June 2021

With the use of Tresca’s yield function and its associated flow laws, the complete solution is obtained for an isotropic elastic, perfectly plastic wedge (with an included angle β < π/2) subjected to a uniform traction in the state of plane stress. Unlike its corresponding plane strain solution, the state of stress in a portion of the plastic domain of the wedge is at a corner of Tresca’s yield hexagon where, in general, the normal to the yield surface is not defined uniquely.
A Refined Theory of Elastic, Orthotropic Plates
Authors: Medwadowski S. J.
Published: June 2021

A refined theory of elastic, orthotropic plates is presented. The theory includes the effect of transverse shear deformation and normal stress and may be considered a generalization of the classical theory of von Karman modified by the refinements of the Levy-Reissner-Mindlin theories. A nonlinear system of equations is derived directly from the corresponding equations of the three-dimensional theory of elasticity in which body-force terms have been retained. Next, the system of equations is linearized and reduced to a single sixth-order partial differential equation in a stress function. A Levy-type solution of this equation is discussed.
The Stresses in a Thick Cylinder Having a Square Hole Under Concentrated Loading
Authors: Seika Masaichiro
Published: June 2021

This paper contains a solution for the stress distribution in a thick cylinder having a square hole with rounded corners under the condition of concentrated loading. The problem is investigated by the complex-variable method, associated with the name of N. I. Muskhelishvili. The unknown coefficients included in the solution are determined by the method of perturbation. Numerical examples of the solution are worked out and compared with the results available.
Genetically engineered cell membrane–coated nanoparticles for targeted delivery of dexamethasone to inflamed lungs
Authors: Park Joon Ho , Jiang Yao , Zhou Jiarong , Gong Hua , Mohapatra Animesh , Heo Jiyoung , Gao Weiwei , Fang Ronnie H. , Zhang Liangfang
Published: June 2021

Genetically engineered cell membrane–coated nanoparticles enable targeted drug delivery to sites of inflammation.
Time-resolved dissolution elucidates the mechanism of zeolite MFI crystallization
Authors: Bozhilov Krassimir N. , Le Thuy Thanh , Qin Zhengxing , Terlier Tanguy , Palčić Ana , Rimer Jeffrey D. , Valtchev Valentin
Published: June 2021

Unbiased zeolite dissolution removes defects in the structure, enabling retroactive assessment of crystallization history.
Nano-to-micro spatiotemporal imaging of magnetic skyrmion’s life cycle
Authors: Shimojima Takahiro , Nakamura Asuka , Yu Xiuzhen , Karube Kosuke , Taguchi Yasujiro , Tokura Yoshinori , Ishizaka Kyoko
Published: June 2021

The unique life cycle of the skyrmions was precisely tracked by pump-probe Lorentz transmission electron microscopy.
Spatially structured inhibition defined by polarized parvalbumin interneuron axons promotes head direction tuning
Authors: Peng Yangfan , Barreda Tomas Federico J. , Pfeiffer Paul , Drangmeister Moritz , Schreiber Susanne , Vida Imre , Geiger Jörg R.P.
Published: June 2021

Anatomical organization of an inhibitory cortical microcircuit suggests an intrinsic compass supporting spatial navigation.
Hormonal control of motivational circuitry orchestrates the transition to sexuality in
Drosophila
Authors: Zhang Stephen X. , Glantz Ethan H. , Miner Lauren E. , Rogulja Dragana , Crickmore Michael A.
Published: June 2021

In
Drosophila
males, the changes that give rise to reproductive behaviors are activational rather than organizational.
MAB_2355c Confers Macrolide Resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus by Ribosome Protection
Authors: Guo Qi , Zhang Yongjie , Fan Junsheng , Zhang Haonan , Zhang Zhemin , Li Bing , Chu Haiqing
Published: June 2021

Macrolide resistance is always a concern when treating
Mycobacterium abscessus
infections. MAB_2355c was identified previously as a possible new factor that confers the intrinsic resistance of 194 clinical
M. abscessus
isolates to clarithromycin.
Comparison of the Acinetobacter baumannii Reference Strains ATCC 17978 and ATCC 19606 in Antimicrobial Resistance Mediated by the AdeABC Efflux Pump
Authors: Lucaßen K. , Gerson S. , Xanthopoulou K. , Wille J. , Wille T. , Seifert H. , Higgins P. G.
Published: June 2021

The
Acinetobacter baumannii
RND efflux pump AdeABC is regulated by the 2-component regulator AdeRS. In this study, we compared the regulation and expression of AdeABC of the reference strains ATCC 17978 and ATCC 19606.
CYP2C19 Phenotype and Body Weight-Guided Voriconazole Initial Dose in Infants and Children after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Takahashi Takuto , Mohamud Maryam A. , Smith Angela R. , Jacobson Pamala A. , Jaber Mutaz M. , Alharbi Abeer F. , Fisher James , Kirstein Mark N.
Published: June 2021

Prophylactic voriconazole use is recommended for children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Dosing considerations are essential, due to the narrow therapeutic window of voriconazole.
Toward New Transmission-Blocking Combination Therapies: Pharmacokinetics of 10-Amino-Artemisinins and 11-Aza-Artemisinin and Comparison with Dihydroartemisinin and Artemether
Authors: Watson Daniel J. , Laing Lizahn , Gibhard Liezl , Wong Ho Ning , Haynes Richard K. , Wiesner Lubbe
Published: June 2021

As artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) are compromised by resistance, we are evaluating triple combination therapies (TACTs) comprising an amino-artemisinin, a redox drug, and a third drug with different mode of action. Thus, here we briefly review efficacy data on artemisone, artemiside, other amino-artemisinins, and 11-aza-artemisinin and conduct absorption, distribution, and metabolism and excretion (ADME) profiling
in vitro
and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiling
in vivo
via intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration to mice.
Prediction of Human Pharmacokinetic Profiles of the Antituberculosis Drug Delamanid from Nonclinical Data: Potential Therapeutic Value against Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Shibata Masakazu , Masuda Masatoshi , Sasahara Katsunori , Sasabe Hiroyuki , Sasaki Tomohiro , Kim Seongryul , Takeuchi Kenji , Umehara Ken , Kashiyama Eiji
Published: June 2021

Delamanid has been studied extensively and approved for the treatment of pulmonary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis; however, its potential in the treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis remains unknown. We previously reported that, in rats, delamanid was broadly distributed to various tissues in addition to the lungs.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Meropenem and Vaborbactam Based on Data from Noninfected Subjects and Infected Patients
Authors: Trang M. , Griffith D. C. , Bhavnani S. M. , Loutit J. S. , Dudley M. N. , Ambrose P. G. , Rubino C. M.
Published: June 2021

Meropenem-vaborbactam is a broad-spectrum carbapenem–beta-lactamase inhibitor combination approved in the United States and Europe to treat patients with complicated urinary tract infections and in Europe for other serious bacterial infections, including hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Population pharmacokinetic (PK) models were developed to characterize the time course of meropenem and vaborbactam using pooled data from two phase 1 and two phase 3 studies.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids as a Potential Treatment for Infections: a Closer Look at the Lungs
Authors: Machado Marina Gomes , Sencio Valentin , Trottein François
Published: June 2021

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main metabolites produced by the gut microbiota via the fermentation of complex carbohydrates and fibers. Evidence suggests that SCFAs play a role in the control of infections through direct action both on microorganisms and on host signaling.
Class B Scavenger Receptors BI and BII Protect against LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice by Mediating LPS
Authors: Baranova Irina N. , Bocharov Alexander V. , Vishnyakova Tatyana G. , Chen Zhigang , Birukova Anna A. , Ke Yunbo , Hu Xuzhen , Yuen Peter S. T. , Star Robert A. , Birukov Konstantin G. , Patterson Amy P. , Eggerman Thomas L.
Published: June 2021

Recent studies suggest an anti-inflammatory protective role for class B scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) in endotoxin-induced inflammation and sepsis. Other data, including ours, provide evidence for an alternative role of SR-BI, facilitating bacterial and endotoxin uptake and contributing to inflammation and bacterial infection.
Spore-Associated Proteins Involved in c-di-GMP Synthesis and Degradation of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Hermanas Timothy M. , Subramanian Sundharraman , Dann Charles E. , Stewart George C.
Published: June 2021

The genus
Bacillus
is composed of Gram-positive, rod shaped, soil-dwelling bacteria. As a mechanism for survival in the harsh conditions in soil, the organisms undergo sporulation, and the resulting spores permit the organisms to survive harsh environmental conditions.
Putative Spanner Function of the
Vibrio
PomB Plug Region in the Stator Rotation Model for Flagellar Motor
Authors: Homma Michio , Terashima Hiroyuki , Koiwa Hiroaki , Kojima Seiji
Published: June 2021

The biological flagellar motor resembles a mechanical motor. It is composed of a stator and a rotor.
Nanopore Sequencing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a Critical Review of the Literature, New Developments, and Future Opportunities
Authors: Dippenaar Anzaan , Goossens Sander N. , Grobbelaar Melanie , Oostvogels Selien , Cuypers Bart , Laukens Kris , Meehan Conor J. , Warren Robin M. , van Rie Annelies
Published: June 2021

The next-generation, short-read sequencing technologies that generate comprehensive, whole-genome data with single nucleotide resolution have already advanced tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and source investigation. Their high costs, tedious and lengthy processes, and large equipment remain major hurdles for research use in high tuberculosis burden countries and implementation into routine care.
Clinical Decision Support Trees Can Help Optimize Utilization of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing
Authors: Hamilton Robert , Pandora Torrie R. , Parsonnet Jeffrey , Martin Isabella W.
Published: June 2021

Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne illness caused by
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
(AP), presents with nonspecific clinical symptoms, including fever and headache, and is often accompanied by laboratory abnormalities of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and mildly elevated liver function tests (LFTs). Laboratory confirmation of acute infection occurs with nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
HIV-1 Nef Induces Hck/Lyn-Dependent Expansion of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Associated with Elevated Interleukin-17/G-CSF Levels
Authors: Priceputu Elena , Cool Marc , Bouchard Nathalie , Caceres-Cortes Julio Roberto , Lowell Clifford A. , Hanna Zaher , Jolicoeur Paul
Published: June 2021

HIV-1 and SIV infection often lead to myelodysplasia, anemia, and accumulation of inflammatory monocytes (CD14+CD16+), with the latter likely involved in neuroAIDS. We found that some transgenic (Tg) mouse models of AIDS also develop accumulation of mature and immature cells of the granulocytic lineage, decreased erythroid precursors, and expansion of MDSC (equivalent to human CD14+CD16+cells).
Loss of the Bacterial Flagellar Motor Switch Complex upon Cell Lysis
Authors: Kaplan Mohammed , Tocheva Elitza I. , Briegel Ariane , Dobro Megan J. , Chang Yi-Wei , Subramanian Poorna , McDowall Alasdair W. , Beeby Morgan , Jensen Grant J.
Published: June 2021

The bacterial flagellar motor is a complex macromolecular machine whose function and self-assembly present a fascinating puzzle for structural biologists. Here, we report that in diverse bacterial species, cell lysis leads to loss of the cytoplasmic switch complex and associated ATPase before other components of the motor.
A TonB-Like Protein, SjdR, Is Involved in the Structural Definition of the Intercellular Septa in the Heterocyst-Forming Cyanobacterium
Anabaena
Authors: Schätzle Hannah , Arévalo Sergio , Flores Enrique , Schleiff Enrico
Published: June 2021

Multicellularity in bacteria confers an improved adaptive capacity to environmental conditions and stresses. This includes an enhanced capability of resource utilization through a distribution of biochemical processes between constituent cells.
Managing Contamination and Diverse Bacterial Loads in 16S rRNA Deep Sequencing of Clinical Samples: Implications of the Law of Small Numbers
Authors: Dyrhovden Ruben , Rippin Martin , Øvrebø Kjell Kåre , Nygaard Randi M. , Ulvestad Elling , Kommedal Øyvind
Published: June 2021

There has been a gradual increase in 16S deep sequencing studies on infectious disease materials. Management of bacterial DNA contamination is a major challenge in such diagnostics, particularly in low biomass samples.
Analysis of the Oxidative Stress Regulon Identifies
soxS
as a Genetic Target for Resistance Reversal in Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Anes João , Dever Katherine , Eshwar Athmanya , Nguyen Scott , Cao Yu , Sivasankaran Sathesh K. , Sakalauskaitė Sandra , Lehner Angelika , Devineau Stéphanie , Daugelavičius Rimantas , Stephan Roger , Fanning Séamus , Srikumar Shabarinath
Published: June 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health challenge. Few new antibiotics have been developed for use over the years, and preserving the efficacy of existing compounds is an important step to protect public health. This paper describes a study that examines the effects of exogenously induced oxidative stress on
K. pneumoniae
and uncovers a target that could be useful to harness as a strategy to mitigate resistance.
YeiE Regulates Motility and Gut Colonization in Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhimurium
Authors: Westerman T. L. , McClelland M. , Elfenbein J. R.
Published: June 2021

The ability to finely tune virulence factor gene expression is required for bacterial pathogens to successfully colonize a host. Flagellum-mediated motility is critical for many gut pathogens to establish productive infections.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli Strains Representative of Major Enteroinvasive
E. coli
Clades
Authors: Sikorski Michael J. , Hazen Tracy H. , Vyas Gopi , Michalski Jane M. , Rasko David A.
Published: June 2021

There are six described pathotypes of
Escherichia coli
that cause significant clinical illness in humans. Enteroinvasive
E. coli
(EIEC) strains have been shown to be separated into three phylogenomic clades. To add to a limited body of EIEC genomic data, we report two high-quality draft genomes representing different EIEC phylogenomic clades.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus qingshengii Strain PN_19, Isolated from a Moribund Individual of Pinna nobilis in Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Scarpa Fabio , Sanna Daria , Azzena Ilenia , Cossu Piero , Mugetti Davide , Cerutti Francesco , Prearo Marino , Peletto Simone , Casu Marco
Published: June 2021

During an epidemiological survey that aimed to discover the causes for the mass mortality of
Pinna nobilis
, a strain of
Rhodococcus
was found in a moribund individual. Here, we report its 7,037,134-bp draft genome sequence, which, after the annotation and genome survey, was identified as
Rhodococcus qingshengii
PN_19.
Draft Genome Sequence of Sicyoidochytrium minutum DNA Virus Strain 001
Authors: Murakoshi Yumi , Shimeki Takayuki , Honda Daiske , Takao Yoshitake
Published: June 2021

Sicyoidochytrium minutum
DNA virus strain 001 (SmDNAV 001) is a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus that infects the marine fungoid protist
Sicyoidochytrium minutum
. We report the draft genome sequence of SmDNAV 001. The 236,345-bp genome contained 358 coding sequences (CDSs) and three tRNA-coding sequences.
Colistin Sensitivity and Factor H-Binding Protein Expression among Commensal
Neisseria
Species
Authors: Clark Stephen A. , Gray Steve , Finn Adam , Borrow Ray
Published: June 2021

This study highlights the need for further work to accurately determine the pharyngeal carriage prevalence of
Neisseria
commensal bacteria (e.g.,
N. cinerea
and
N. polysaccharea
) among the general population. Previous studies have clearly demonstrated the suppressive effect these commensal species can have on meningococcal colonization, and so the carriage prevalence of these species could be an important factor in the spread of meningococci through the population.
Enterococcal PrgU Provides Additional Regulation of Pheromone-Inducible Conjugative Plasmids
Authors: Lassinantti Lena , Camacho Martha I. , Erickson Rebecca J. B. , Willett Julia L. E. , De Lay Nicholas R. , ter Beek Josy , Dunny Gary M. , Christie Peter J. , Berntsson Ronnie P.-A.
Published: June 2021

Bacteria utilize type 4 secretion systems (T4SS) to efficiently transfer DNA between donor and recipient cells, thereby spreading genes encoding antibiotic resistance as well as various virulence factors. Regulation of expression of the T4SS proteins and surface adhesins in Gram-positive bacteria is crucial, as some of these are highly toxic to the cell.
Phylogenomic Characterization of a Novel
Corynebacterium
Species Associated with Fatal Diphtheritic Stomatitis in Endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguins
Authors: Saunderson Sarah C. , Nouioui Imen , Midwinter Anne C. , Wilkinson David A. , Young Melanie J. , McInnes Kate M. , Watts Jim , Sangal Vartul
Published: June 2021

Yellow-eyed penguins,
Megadyptes antipodes
, are endangered species with a sharp decline in the numbers of breeding pairs over last 2 decades. Diphtheritic stomatitis, characterized by a thick fibrinopurulent exudate in the oral cavities and symptoms, including inanition and significant weight loss, is responsible for significant mortality among the young chicks.
Integrated Multi-omics Investigations Reveal the Key Role of Synergistic Microbial Networks in Removing Plasticizer Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate from Estuarine Sediments
Authors: Wei Sean Ting-Shyang , Chen Yi-Lung , Wu Yu-Wei , Wu Tien-Yu , Lai Yi-Li , Wang Po-Hsiang , Ismail Wael , Lee Tzong-Huei , Chiang Yin-Ru
Published: June 2021

Xenobiotic phthalate esters (PAEs) have been produced on a considerably large scale for only 70 years. The occurrence of endocrine-disrupting di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in environments has raised public concern, and estuarine sediments are major DEHP reservoirs.
Transmission of Seed and Soil Microbiota to Seedling
Authors: Rochefort Aude , Simonin Marie , Marais Coralie , Guillerm-Erckelboudt Anne-Yvonne , Barret Matthieu , Sarniguet Alain
Published: June 2021

Seed microbiota can have a crucial role for crop installation by modulating dormancy, germination, seedling development, and recruitment of plant symbionts. Little knowledge is available on the fraction of the plant microbiota that is acquired through seeds.
A Community Effort: Combining Functional Amplicon Sequencing and Metagenomics Reveals Potential Biosynthetic Gene Clusters Associated with Protective Phenotypes in Rhizosphere Microbiomes
Authors: Winter Jaclyn M.
Published: June 2021

Soil-dwelling microorganisms associated with plant roots carry out essential processes that promote plant growth and productivity. In addition to these beneficial functions, the rhizosphere microbiome also serves as the first line of defense against many plant pathogens.
Dissecting Disease-Suppressive Rhizosphere Microbiomes by Functional Amplicon Sequencing and 10× Metagenomics
Authors: Tracanna Vittorio , Ossowicki Adam , Petrus Marloes L. C. , Overduin Sam , Terlouw Barbara R. , Lund George , Robinson Serina L. , Warris Sven , Schijlen Elio G. W. M. , van Wezel Gilles P. , Raaijmakers Jos M. , Garbeva Paolina , Medema Marnix H.
Published: June 2021

Soil-borne plant-pathogenic fungi continue to be a major threat to agriculture and horticulture. The genus
Fusarium
in particular is one of the most devastating groups of soilborne fungal pathogens for a wide range of crops.
Characterization of the Differential Pathogenicity of Candida auris in a Galleria mellonella Infection Model
Authors: Garcia-Bustos Victor , Ruiz-Saurí Amparo , Ruiz-Gaitán Alba , Sigona-Giangreco Ignacio Antonio , Cabañero-Navalon Marta Dafne , Sabalza-Baztán Oihana , Salavert-Lletí Miguel , Tormo María Ángeles , Pemán Javier
Published: June 2021

Candida auris
is an emergent fungus that has become a global threat due to its multidrug resistance, mortality, and transmissibility. These unique features make it different from other
Candida
species, but we still do not fully know the degree of virulence and, especially, the host-pathogen interactions.
The KSHV ORF20 Protein Interacts with the Viral Processivity Factor ORF59 and Promotes Viral Reactivation
Authors: Hoffman D. , Rodriguez W. , Macveigh-Fierro D. , Miles J. , Muller M.
Published: June 2021

Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a herpesvirus that induces lifelong infection, and as such, its lytic replication is carefully controlled to allow for efficient dissemination from its long-term reservoir and for the spread of the virus to new hosts. Viral DNA replication involves many host and viral proteins, coordinating both in time and space to successfully progress through the viral life cycle.
Characterisation of retained energised fragments from explosive devices in military personnel
Authors: Breeze John , Steel C J , Streit A , Sarber K M
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Characterising the shapes, dimensions and overall numbers of fragments produced by explosive devices is important for determining methods of potential mitigation, such as personal armour. The aim of this investigation was to compare the mass of excised fragments with that predicted from CT to ascertain the validity of using such an approach to measure retained fragments for multiple body areas using CT alone.

Method

27 retained fragments excised from consecutive patients treated at a US Role 3 Medical Treatment Facility in Afghanistan were examined. Each fragment was measured in three dimensions and the mass was obtained to estimate the density and thereby probable composition. These same excised fragments were identified radiologically and their predicted masses calculated and compared with the known masses with a paired t-test. The total numbers of retained fragments in each of four body areas for 20 casualties were determined radiographically and the mass of the largest fragment in each body region estimated.

Results

Excised fragments were most commonly metallic (17/27, 63%), with masses ranging from 0.008 to 37.6 g. Mean mass predicted from CT was significantly different from than that measured (p=0.133), with CT underestimating true mass by 5%–17%. 889/958 (93%) retained fragments appeared metallic on imaging, with the most commonly affected body areas being the torso and upper extremity (45% of casualties).

Conclusions

Predicting the mass of metallic fragments from CT was possible with an error margin of up to 5%, but was less accurate for non-metallic fragments such as stone. Only 3% of fragments were removed through debridement or purposeful excision; these were not just the largest or most superficial. This suggests that future retrospective analysis of the dimensions and predicted masses of retained fragments in larger casualty cohorts of service personnel is potentially feasible within a small margin of error.
Comparing the medical coverage provided by four contemporary military combat helmets against penetrating traumatic brain injury
Authors: Breeze John , Fryer R N , Russell J
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Modern military combat helmets vary in their shapes and features, but all are designed to protect the head from traumatic brain injury. Recent recommendations for protection against energised projectiles that are characteristic of secondary blast injury is to ensure coverage of both the brain and brainstem.

Method

Graphical representations of essential coverage of the head (cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum and brainstem) within an anthropometrically sized model were superimposed over two standard coverage helmets (VIRTUS helmet, Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH)) and two ‘high-cut’ helmets (a Dismounted Combat Helmet (DCH)) and Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet), both of which are designed to be worn with communications devices. Objective shotline coverage from representative directions of projectile travel (−30 to +30 degrees) was determined using the Coverage of Armour Tool (COAT).

Results

VIRTUS and ACH demonstrated similar overall coverage (68.7% and 69.5%, respectively), reflecting their similar shell shapes. ACH has improved coverage from below compared with VIRTUS (23.3% vs 21.7%) due to its decreased standoff from the scalp. The ‘high-cut’ helmets (DCH and CVC) had reduced overall coverage (57.9% and 52.1%), which was most pronounced from the side.

Conclusions

Both the VIRTUS and ACH helmets provide excellent overall coverage of the brain and brainstem against ballistic threats. Coverage of both would be improved at the rear by using a nape protector and the front using a visor. This is demonstrated with the analysis of the addition of the nape protector in the VIRTUS system. High-cut helmets provide significantly reduced coverage from the side of the head, as the communication devices they are worn with are not designed to provide protection from ballistic threats. Unless absolutely necessary, it is therefore recommended that high-cut helmets be worn only by those users with defined specific requirements, or where the risk of injury from secondary blast is low.
Correlation between CSF and blood neurofilament light chain protein: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alagaratnam Jasmini , von Widekind Sophia , De Francesco Davide , Underwood Jonathan , Edison Paul , Winston Alan , Zetterberg Henrik , Fidler Sarah
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess the overall pooled correlation coefficient estimate between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood neurofilament light (NfL) protein.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase and Web of Science for published articles, from their inception to 9 July 2019, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Studies reporting the correlation between CSF and blood NfL in humans were included. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the overall pooled correlation coefficient estimate, accounting for correlation technique and assay used. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2statistic test. In sensitivity analyses, we calculated the pooled correlation coefficient estimate according to blood NfL assay: single-molecule array digital immunoassay (Simoa), electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay or ELISA.

Results

Data were extracted from 36 articles, including 3961 paired CSF and blood NfL samples. Overall, 26/36 studies measured blood NfL using Simoa, 8/36 ECL, 1/36 ELISA and 1 study reported all three assay results. The overall meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled correlation coefficient estimate for CSF and blood NfL was r=0.72. Heterogeneity was significant: I2=83%, p<0.01. In sensitivity analyses, the pooled correlation coefficient was similar for studies measuring blood NfL using Simoa and ECL (r=0.69 and r=0.68, respectively) but weaker for ELISA (r=0.35).

Conclusion

Moderate correlations are demonstrated between CSF and blood NfL, especially when blood NfL was measured using Simoa and ECL. Given its high analytical sensitivity, Simoa is the preferred assay for measuring NfL, especially at low or physiological concentrations, and this meta-analysis supports its use as the current most advanced surrogate measure of CSF NfL.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019140469
Heart rate variability, exercise capacity and levels of daily physical activity in children and adolescents with mild-to-moderate cystic fibrosis
Authors: de Freitas Coelho Pitiguara , Barbosa Roberta Ribeiro Batista , dos Santos Lugao Rodrigo , Liberato Fernanda Mayrink Gonçalves , Vidal Pâmela Reis , de Cássia Nunes Cruz Melotti Roberta , Donadio Márcio Vinícius Fagundes
Published: June 2021

Background: Autonomic nervous system balance is altered in cystic fibrosis (CF), although its influence on physical fitness has been poorly explored.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association of heart rate variability (HRV) with exercise capacity and levels of daily physical activity in children and adolescents with mild-to-moderate CF.

Methods: A cross-sectional study including individuals with CF aged 6–18 years, not under CFTR modulator therapy, was performed. Sociodemographic (age, sex) and clinical information (airway colonization, pancreatic insufficiency, and genotyping) were collected. In addition, exercise capacity (modified shuttle test — MST), lung function (spirometry), body composition (bioimpedance), levels of daily physical activity (5-day accelerometer), and HRV (both at rest and during the MST) were evaluated.

Results: 30 individuals (20 females) aged [Formula: see text] years, mean FEV[Formula: see text]%, were included. A sympathovagal balance (LF/HF) increase ([Formula: see text]) during the MST was shown, indicating a predominance of sympathetic modulation. The standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN) and the high frequency (HF) index during exercise correlated significantly with FEV1 ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]; respectively). MST distance also correlated positively and significantly with SDNN ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), square root of the mean of the sums of squares of frequencies between RR intervals greater than 50[Formula: see text]ms — RMSSD ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), low frequency — LF ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), HF ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), dispersion of points perpendicular to the short-term identity line — SD1 ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and negatively with LF/HF ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Regarding daily physical activity, SDNN at rest ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and exercise ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) showed positive correlations with time in moderate-to-vigorous activities. When normalizing the SDNN and classifying individuals as normal or altered, those presenting altered SDNN showed poorest FEV1 ([Formula: see text]) and lower exercise capacity ([Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: HRV correlates with lung function, exercise capacity and levels of daily physical activity in children and adolescents with CF. The study highlights the influence of CF on autonomic function and suggests HRV measurement as an easy tool to be used in clinical settings as an alternative marker to monitor CF individuals.
GTAE: Graph Transformer–Based Auto-Encoders for Linguistic-Constrained Text Style Transfer
Authors: Shi Yukai , Zhang Sen , Zhou Chenxing , Liang Xiaodan , Yang Xiaojun , Lin Liang
Published: June 2021

Non-parallel text style transfer has attracted increasing research interests in recent years. Despite successes in transferring the style based on the encoder-decoder framework, current approaches still lack the ability to preserve the content and even logic of original sentences, mainly due to the large unconstrained model space or too simplified assumptions on latent embedding space. Since language itself is an intelligent product of humans with certain grammars and has a limited rule-based model space by its nature, relieving this problem requires reconciling the model capacity of deep neural networks with the intrinsic model constraints from human linguistic rules. To this end, we propose a method called Graph Transformer–based Auto-Encoder, which models a sentence as a linguistic graph and performs feature extraction and style transfer at the graph level, to maximally retain the content and the linguistic structure of original sentences. Quantitative experiment results on three non-parallel text style transfer tasks show that our model outperforms state-of-the-art methods in content preservation, while achieving comparable performance on transfer accuracy and sentence naturalness.
Dietary Vitamin C and Age-Induced Lipid and Hormonal Metabolic Changes in a Humanized Mouse Model Not Synthesizing Vitamin C and Producing Lipoprotein(a) [Gulo (−/−); Lp(a)+]
Authors: Shi Lei , Rath Matthias , Niedzwiecki Aleksandra
Published: June 2021

The lack of ability to produce vitamin C innately and the ability to synthesize human lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) are two unique metabolic features present in humans, compared with most other animal species. The Gulo (-/-) and Lp(a)+ mouse model displays these two features and is therefore suitable for the study of metabolic aspects relevant to human metabolism. It is a well-known fact that vitamin C is essential in collagen synthesis, and in maintaining extracellular matrix integrity, as well as being a powerful antioxidant and cofactor in many metabolic pathways, which makes it a critically important micronutrient for health and healthy aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of a long-term intake of high and low doses of vitamin C on age-related metabolic lipid and hormonal changes in young (eight to nine months), mid-aged (one year), and old (two years) Gulo (−/−) and Lp(a)+ mice. We observed that chronic vitamin C deficiency resulted in a less healthy metabolic lipid profile, impaired serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and sex-hormones secretion, all of which can accelerate the development of various pathological conditions in the aging process. The most susceptible to the negative impact of vitamin C deficiency were the young (eight to nine months) and old (two years) mice. Our study conducted in this humanized mouse model indicates that sustained adequate vitamin C intake is essential in maintaining a healthier metabolic profile, important in preventing age-related pathologies throughout the aging process.
Bilateral Lung Artery Embolization Mimicking an Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Paparoupa Maria , Aldemyati Razaz , Theodorakopoulou Myrto
Published: June 2021

Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with massive pulmonary embolism are common and unspecific. An 80-year-old woman was admitted to our department with severe respiratory insufficiency and hemodynamic instability. Abnormal high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and ST-segmental elevation in II, III, aVF, and V3–V6 were present on admission. Segmental motion abnormalities of the left ventricular wall were not detectable in echocardiography. Instead, the presence of a right ventricular strain raised the suspicion of a lung artery embolization. The diagnosis was confirmed by a computed tomography of the chest, and a thrombolytic therapy with 100 mg recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was administered. Though respiratory and hemodynamic stability were established, electromechanical disassociation suddenly occurred 30 hours later and the patient died. Electrocardiographic changes mimicking a myocardial infarction may occur after a massive pulmonary embolism and constitute a diagnostic challenge for clinicians being active in the field of emergency medicine and intensive care.
Molecular Characterization of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in the Shenzhen Population
Authors: Gao Jian , Lin Sheng , Chen Shiguo , Wu Qunyan , Zheng Kaifeng , Su Jindi , Guo Zhaopeng , Duan Shan
Published: June 2021

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is caused by one or more mutations in the G6PD gene on chromosome X. This study aimed to characterize the G6PD gene variant distribution in Shenzhen of Guangdong province. Methods: A total of 33,562 individuals were selected at the hospital for retrospective analysis, of which 1,213 cases with enzymatic activity-confirmed G6PD deficiency were screened for G6PD gene variants. Amplification refractory mutation system PCR was first used to screen the 6 dominant mutants in the Chinese population (c.1376G>T, c.1388G>A, c.95A>G, c.1024C>T, c.392G>T, and c.871G>A). If the 6 hotspot variants were not found, next-generation sequencing was then performed. Finally, Sanger sequencing was used to verify all the mutations. Results: The incidence of G6PD deficiency in this study was 3.54%. A total of 26 kinds of mutants were found in the coding region, except for c.-8-624T>C, which was in the noncoding region. c.1376G>T and c.1388G>A, both located in exon 12, were the top 2 mutants, accounting for 68.43% of all individuals. The 6 hotspot mutations had a cumulative proportion of 94.02%. Conclusions: This study provided detailed characteristics of G6PD gene variants in Shenzhen, and the results would be valuable to enrich the knowledge of G6PD deficiency.
Utilization, Costs, and Outcomes of Conscious Sedation Versus General Anesthesia for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Herrmann Howard C. , Cohen David J. , Hahn Rebecca T. , Babaliaros Vasilis C. , Yu Xiao , Makkar Raj , McCabe James , Szerlip Molly , Kapadia Samir , Russo Mark , Malaisrie S. Chris , Webb John G. , Szeto Wilson Y. , Kodali Susheel , Thourani Vinod H. , Mack Michael J. , Leon Martin B.
Published: June 2021

Background:

The potential advantages for conscious sedation (CS) as compared to general anesthesia (GA) have not been evaluated in studies with core laboratory echocardiographic assessments and monitored end points. We compared CS versus GA for SAPIEN 3 transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients at intermediate- and low-surgical risk.

Methods:

This analysis included patients in the PARTNER 2 (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valve Trial) intermediate-risk registry and the PARTNER 3 randomized low-risk study. CS was compared to GA with respect to death, stroke, bleeding, paravalvular regurgitation, length of stay, and costs. Outcomes were assessed by a core echocardiographic laboratory, and clinical events were independently adjudicated.

Results:

Baseline characteristics were similar between the CS and GA groups. Postprocedure hospital length of stay was significantly shorter for CS versus GA both in intermediate-risk patients (4.4±0.2 and 5.2±0.2 days, respectively,
P
<0.01) and low-risk patients (2.7±0.1 and 3.4±0.2 days, respectively,
P
<0.001). There were no significant differences between CA and GA patients in either the 30-day or 1-year rates of death, stroke, rehospitalization, or paravalvular aortic regurgitation ≥moderate. In the intermediate-risk cohort, adjusted 30-day health care costs were $3833 lower per patient in the CS group.

Conclusions:

The selective use of CS is associated with shorter procedure times, shorter intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, lower costs, and no difference in clinical outcomes to 1 year, including ≥moderate paravalvular regurgitation. Our data demonstrate similar safety profiles with both approaches and support the continued use of CS for most patients undergoing the procedure.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT03222128 and NCT02675114.
Is Senegal a Consolidated Democracy? Alternations, Corruption and Cultural Relativism
Authors: Sappleton Shan J.
Published: June 2021

For the last two decades, scholars within the dominant, largely Western, approaches to democratic consolidation have considered the consolidation of democracy in sub-Saharan Africa to be stymied, if not impossible. Drawing on the various models of this democratic consolidation, this article seeks to examine whether African (and Latin American) democracies have really failed to meet all the necessary criteria of democratic consolidation, or whether the measures and/or application of the dominant approaches are methodologically flawed in their application to non-Western cases. The case study analysis suggests that while Senegal has sufficiently met the ‘alternation of power’ requirement as well as demonstrating significant deepening of democracy, it has failed to maintain low levels of governmental corruption – a necessary criterion for consolidation according to the dominant approaches. Moreover, given their contagion effect, larger regional instabilities pose a significant threat to the country’s democratic survivability. However, as the case study analysis suggests, while these factors remain a matter of concern, when comparisons are drawn with countries such as Italy, Greece and Spain, they may not be as crucial in explaining why Senegal and other new democracies are not considered consolidated democracies as they may initially seem.
Street Authority and the Politics of Everyday Policing
Authors: Hendriks Maarten
Published: June 2021

Through the ethnographic lens of so-called gangs and anti-gangs, this doctoral thesis investigates the politics of everyday policing in the conflict-affected city of Goma (Democratic Republic of Congo) and the distinct style of street authority it produces. The gangs and anti-gangs focused upon in this doctoral study are marginalised youths from Goma’s popular neighbourhoods, who see it as their mission to protect the cities’ inhabitants from the everyday “crime” and violence committed by maibobo (street children) and other gangs. To understand how gangs and anti-gangs carve out a political space for themselves within Goma’s broader policing environment, and impose themselves as street authorities, I draw from three main theoretical concepts: liminality, performance and the political imagination. The doctoral thesis is situated in bodies of literature around urban violence and (in)security, conflict studies, vigilantism and civilian policing groups, governance, and the exercise of public authority. Methodologically, besides the main method of ethnography, this PhD relies also on visual methodologies – in particular a collaborative filmmaking methodology that was developed during the course of the research.
Two new Palaearctic species of moth flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Psychodinae) from the Caucasus Mts.
Authors: JEŽEK JAN , OBOŇA JOZEF , MANKO PETER
Published: June 2021

Psychodid specimens were sorted from samples collected during fieldwork in areas in and around the Caucasus Mountains in 2019. Thornburghiella montana sp. nov. (from Georgia) and Pericoma inopinata sp. nov. (from Azerbaijan and Georgia) are described. Differential diagnoses are given and diagnostic characters illustrated.
On the correct authorship, spelling, and type species of genus Dasongius (Pauropoda: Pauropodidae)
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-MUÑOZ CARLOS A. , BU YUN
Published: June 2021

The genus Songius Sun & Guo in Guo et al., 2010 (Pauropoda: Pauropodidae) was established for two new species from China: Songius rugosus Sun & Guo in Guo et al., 2010 and Songius bicruris Guo & Sun in Guo et al., 2010. The manuscript was received by the journal Zoological Science on 7th April 2010 and the article is displayed on the BioOne platform with the publication date of 1st November 2010. In the same year, Yin et al. (2010) established the genus Songius Yin & Li in Yin et al., 2010 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae).
A new species of the genus Cylindratus Meng, Qin et Wang, 2020 from northern Vietnam, with first description of 5th instar larva and a key to Vietnamese Caliscelini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Caliscelidae)

Authors: GNEZDILOV VLADIMIR M.
Published: June 2021

Cylindratus fansipan sp. nov. is described from Lao Cai Province of Northern Vietnam. It is the first record of the genus Cylindratus Meng, Qin et Wang, 2020 from Vietnam and the fourth genus of the subfamily Caliscelinae known from the country. A 5th instar larva of the genus Cylindratus is described and illustrated for the first time. A key to the Vietnamese Caliscelini is given.
Recovery of Pediatric Patients After Firearm Injury: Can Health Systems Do More?
Authors: Borthwell Rachel M. , Olanrewaju Samuel , Putnam Brant A. , Kim Dennis Y. , Chong Vincent E.
Published: June 2021

Background

Firearm injuries are the second leading cause of death among youth in the United States. Nonfatal firearm injuries far outnumber fatalities, yet data detailing the recovery and post-injury needs of pediatric patients after hospital discharge are limited. This study evaluated health system support of pediatric patients after firearm injury, from acute hospitalization to outpatient follow-up.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients <18 years who presented to an urban level 1 trauma center between 2014 and 2019. Cases were categorized as accidental or intentional (stratified as assault-related or “crossfire” injuries). Outcomes included biopsychosocial assessment (BA) utilization, trauma psychology service consultation, and linkage to outpatient services.

Results

Among 115 patients, 94% were victims of community violence. Black (50%) and Latinx (44%) patients were disproportionately affected, as were males aged 15-16 years (71%). Overall mortality was 8%. Biopsychosocial assessment and trauma psychology consultations occurred in 43% and 20% of cases, respectively. Of eligible patients, 71% received referral to post-hospitalization support services. The most commonly identified needs were counseling, gang intervention, and help with the carceral system.

Conclusion

Health systems should support long-term recovery of pediatric patients after firearm injury, particularly addressing social and structural determinants of health. Inpatient-to-outpatient linkages should be strengthened, and prospective follow-up is needed.