bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of mandibular trabecular bone by fractal analysis on panoramic radiograph in paediatric patients with sleep bruxism
Authors: Kolcakoglu Kevser , Amuk Mehmet , Sirin Sarıbal Gamze
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate the trabecular bone density in the mandible of paediatric patients diagnosed with sleep bruxism (SB) using the fractal analysis method on panoramic radiographs.

Methods

A total of 37 patients whose anamnesis and clinical signs were compatible with SB were diagnosed with SB using BiteStrip®. Three areas were identified on the panoramic radiographs of the patients: the geometric center of the condyle, the angulus region under the mandibular canal, and the distal region of the mental foramen. Regions of interest (ROIs) of 60 × 60 pixels were selected in these three locations, and fractal dimensions (FDs) were calculated. Results were compared with the control group.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the right and left FD values, and male and female FD values in all regions and both groups (p > .05). In the angulus (p = .03) and condyle (p = .03) regions, the SB group had a significantly higher FD value than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the SB and control groups in the corpus region (p = .98). A moderate negative correlation arose between age and condyle FD values among controls (r = −0.38, p = .02).

Conclusion

Fractal dimension values evaluating trabeculation of the mandibular bone are affected by SB in the angulus and condyle regions.
Machine learning enabled closed‐form models to predict strength of alkali‐activated systems
Authors: Han Taihao , Gomaa Eslam , Gheni Ahmed , Huang Jie , ElGawady Mohamed , Kumar Aditya
Published: February 2022

Alkali‐activated mortar (AAM) is an emerging eco‐friendly construction material, which can complement ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortars. Prediction of properties of AAMs—albeit much needed to complement experiments—is difficult, owing to substantive batch‐to‐batch variations in physicochemical properties of their precursors (i.e., aluminosilicate and activator solution). In this study, a machine learning (ML) model is employed; and it is shown that the model—once trained and optimized—can reliably predict compressive strength of AAMs solely from their initial physicochemical attributes. Prediction performance of the model improves when multiple compositional descriptors of the aluminosilicate are combined into a singular, composite chemostructural descriptor (i.e., network ratio and number of constraints); thus, reducing the degrees of freedom. Through interpretation of the ML model's outcomes—specifically the variable importance for the AAMs’ compressive strength—a simple, easy‐to‐use, closed‐form analytical model is developed. Results demonstrate that the analytical model yields predictions of compressive strength of AAMs without scarifying much accuracy compared to the ML model. Overall, this study's outcomes demonstrate a roadmap—incorporates composite chemostructural descriptors in ML models—that can be employed to design AAMs to achieve targeted compressive strength.
Association between sleep and quality of life in heart failure patient–caregiver dyads and mediation of fatigue: An actor–partner interdependence mediation model
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chai Xiaohui , Ye Yi , Zhao Qiuge , Fan Xiuzhen
Published: February 2022

Aims

Quality of life is essential to heart failure patients and their family caregivers. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of fatigue in the association between sleep and quality of life in heart failure patient–caregiver dyads.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted from November 2017 to August 2018.

Methods

A total of 269 heart failure patient–caregiver dyads at two hospitals in China were included. The Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Chalder Fatigue Scale and the 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey were used to collect data on heart failure patients and their family caregivers. The structural equation model was employed in the dyadic analysis based on the actor–partner interdependence mediation model.

Results

Regarding the actor effects, poor sleep was negatively associated with physical and mental quality of life in heart failure patients and their family caregivers, respectively, and the relationship was mediated by their fatigue. Regarding the partner effects, caregivers' fatigue was positively associated with patients' physical quality of life and mediated the association between caregivers' sleep and patients' physical quality of life.

Conclusions

Heart failure patients and their family caregivers experience reduced quality of life when they have poor sleep and fatigue, and caregivers' fatigue is related to patients' improved physical quality of life. Hence, dyadic interventions targeting to improving sleep and fatigue may be beneficial to their quality of life.

Impact

This study highlights the importance of routinely measuring and managing sleep and fatigue for heart failure patients and their family caregivers. Effective dyadic‐based interventions that maintain equal attention to family caregivers should be considered by healthcare providers to maximize the improvement of patients' quality of life.
Mcl‐1 inhibition overcomes BET inhibitor resistance induced by low FBW7 expression in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Xu , Wei Xiaolin , Cao Yu , Xing Peng
Published: February 2022

While the promise of bromodomains and extraterminal (BET) protein inhibitors (BETis) is emerging in breast cancer (BC) therapy, resistance in these cells to BETis conspicuously curbs their therapeutic potential. FBW7 is an important tumour suppressor. However, the role of FBW7 in BC is not clear. In the current study, our data indicated that the low expression of FBW7 contributes to the drug resistance of BC cells upon JQ1 treatment. shRNA‐mediated FBW7 silencing in FBW7 WT BC cells suppressed JQ1‐induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, it was revealed that this diminished FBW7 level leads to Mcl‐1 stabilization, while Mcl‐1 upregulation abrogates the killing effect of JQ1. Mcl‐1 knockdown or inhibition resensitized the BC cells to JQ1‐induced apoptosis. Moreover, FBW7 knockdown in MCF7 xenografted tumours demonstrated resistance to JQ1 treatment. The combination of JQ1 with a Mcl‐1 inhibitor (S63845) resensitized the FBW7 knockdown tumours to JQ1 treatment in vivo. Our study paves the way for a novel therapeutic potential of BETis with Mcl‐1 inhibitors for BC patients with a low FBW7 expression.
Invasive dental treatment and acute vascular events: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Luthra Shailly , Orlandi Marco , Leira Yago , Bokre Desta , Marletta Debora , Rotundo Roberto , Harden Simon , D'Aiuto Francesco
Published: February 2022

Background

Acute infection/inflammation increases the risk of acute vascular events (AVEs). Invasive dental treatments (IDTs) trigger short‐term acute inflammation.

Purpose

The aim of this work is to critically appraise the evidence linking IDTs and AVEs.

Data Sources

Six bibliographical databases were searched up to 31 August 2021. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed.

Study Selection

Intervention and observational studies reporting any AVEs following IDT were included.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently extracted data and rated the quality of studies. Data were pooled using fixed‐effect, inverse variance weights analysis.

Risk of Bias

Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for observational studies and the Cochrane Handbook–Rob 2.0 for randomized controlled trials.

Data Synthesis

In 3 out of 16 clinical studies, a total of 533,175 participants, 124,344 myocardial infarctions, and 327,804 ischaemic strokes were reported. Meta‐analysis confirmed that IDT did not increase incidence ratios (IR) for combined vascular events either at 1‐4 weeks (IR of 1.02, 95% CIs: 0.92 to 1.13) and at 5‐8 weeks (IR of 1.04, 95% CIs: 0.97 to1.10) after treatment.

Limitations

A high level of heterogeneity (study designs and time point assessments) was found.

Conclusion

Patients who received IDT exhibited no substantial increase in vascular risk over 8 weeks post treatment.
A person‐centred, theory‐based, behavioural intervention programme for improved oral hygiene in adolescents: A randomized clinical field study
Authors: Dimenäs Sandra L. , Jönsson Birgitta , Andersson Jessica S. , Lundgren Jesper , Petzold Max , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Abrahamsson Kajsa H.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To test the effectiveness of a person‐centred and theory‐based educational intervention to increase adolescents′ adherence to adequate oral hygiene behaviour, that is, self‐performed periodontal infection control.

Materials and Methods

Data were derived from a prospective, multi‐centred, two‐arm, quasi‐randomized field study in which treatment was performed by dental hygienists (DHs) within the Public Dental Service, Västra Götaland, Sweden. Adolescents with poor oral hygiene conditions were invited to participate. The test intervention was based on cognitive behavioural theory and principles, and the DHs used a collaborative communicative approach, inspired by motivational interviewing. The control intervention consisted of conventional information/instruction. Clinical assessments and oral hygiene behaviours were evaluated at 6 months.

Results

Three‐hundred and twelve adolescents were enrolled, of whom 274 followed the treatment to 6‐month follow‐up. There were significant improvements in gingival bleeding and plaque scores for both treatment groups at 6 months, with significantly greater improvements in the test group. Adolescents in the test group brushed their teeth and used interdental cleaning aids more frequently compared to participants in the control group at 6 months.

Conclusion

A person‐centred and theory‐based oral health education programme is more effective than conventional oral health education in improving adolescents' oral hygiene behaviour and periodontal infection control. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02906098).
Development and evaluation of continuous inshelled walnut processing system
Authors: Hussain Syed Zameer , Naseer Bazila , Qadri Tahiya , Reshi Monica , Amin Tawheed , Kanojia Varsha
Published: February 2022

Walnut is one of the high yielding fruit crops grown in union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India. However, processing of walnuts in J&K is being carried out manually, which is very tedious, troublesome, and time and labor consuming. Thus, the present work was undertaken with an aim to develop a single mechanized continuous system for post‐harvest handling and processing of walnuts. The innovation composed of dehulling, bleaching, washing, drying, and grading units, besides conveyors to carry walnuts from one unit to another. The dehulling efficiency (95.70%), bleaching efficiency (96.28%), washing efficiency (99.10%), and grading efficiency (97.43%) recorded for the developed system are much higher than the manual processing. Furthermore, number of partially dehulled, un‐dehulled, partially bleached, unbleached, and damaged walnut percentages were recorded significantly (p < 0.05) lower whereas fully dehulled and fully bleached walnut percentages were recorded significantly (p < 0.05) higher in case of developed system as compared with manual processing. Overall capacity and efficiency of the developed system were recorded as 800 kg/day and 97.02%, respectively. The labor requirement for processing 1 ton of walnuts using developed system was determined to be 10 man h. The economic analysis indicated that adoption of developed system for walnut processing can be highly beneficial and economic. Thus, developed system can be a feasible alternative to minimize the post‐harvest losses, to maintain the quality, and to overcome the drudgery, boredom, and constraints associated with manual post‐harvest handling and processing of walnuts.

Practical Applications

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has the largest share in India's total walnut production. However, from the last few years, there has been a setback to the export trade potential of walnuts in India, mainly due to import of walnuts from China and California. The walnuts from California and China have better consumer acceptability than walnuts of J&K, which has badly affected the walnut trade in India. In J&K, post‐harvest handling of walnuts is being done manually without any scientific and mechanical arbitration, which leads to quality deterioration of walnuts. Therefore, in order to compete at international level, there is an immediate need to shift the post‐harvest handling of walnuts from manual to mechanized. Thus, the adoption of developed continuous inshelled walnut processing system can play a vital role in sustaining the rural economy of J&K through production and sale of good quality walnuts. Furthermore, the developed system can serve as a benchmark for establishment of modern walnut processing units, which can lead to employment generation and boost the walnut trade in J&K.
Science catching up: Experiential family therapy and neuroscience
Authors: Bailey Molly E.
Published: February 2022

Experiential family therapy, pioneered by Virginia Satir and Carl Whitaker, centered the experience of the “here and now,” human authenticity and congruent communication in the work of psychotherapy. Their approach—often considered atypical and atheoretical—was popular for a while, then relegated as behavioral and cognitive theories developed. However, with the proliferation of modern neuroscience, particularly the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology, therapists can see neuroscience research providing hard data and respective frameworks delineating the underlying architecture for understanding the connections between the mind, emotions, behavior, and relationships. This article highlights the neurobiological mechanisms that explain why classic experiential family therapy was so powerful. The main tenets of both Carl Whitaker's symbolic experiential family therapy as well as Virginia Satir's model for peoplemaking are illuminated through the postulates and scientific findings of interpersonal neurobiology.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on subsistence consumers' well‐being and coping strategies: Insights from India and Bangladesh
Authors: Nath Shobod Deba , Jamshed Kazi Md. , Shaikh Javed M.
Published: February 2022

The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the overall well‐being of consumers is disastrous. However, there is limited understanding of how the COVID‐19 situation affects consumer well‐being and how subsistence consumers mitigate well‐being concerns and unique stresses. Following an exploratory, qualitative approach, 39 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with subsistence consumers were conducted in India and Bangladesh. Findings from the thematic analysis reveal that subsistence consumers experienced unique stresses and hardships during COVID‐19, which are unforeseen transitory financial stress, psychosocial stress, and marketplace and consumption‐related stresses. Drawing on the appraisal theory of stress, our analysis of the data identifies the co‐existence of two emotion‐focused coping strategies—religiosity and social support—that interplay to overcome their well‐being concerns in the emerging countries of India and Bangladesh. Therefore, it may be of particular interest to managers and policymakers who seek to address the severe consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic on socio‐economically subsistence consumers.
Trend locally stationary wavelet processes
Authors: McGonigle Euan T. , Killick Rebecca , Nunes Matthew A.
Published: February 2022

Most time series observed in practice exhibit first‐ as well as second‐order non‐stationarity. In this article we propose a novel framework for modelling series with simultaneous time‐varying first‐ and second‐order structure, removing the restrictive zero‐mean assumption of locally stationary wavelet processes and extending the applicability of the locally stationary wavelet model to include trend components. We develop an associated estimation theory for both first‐ and second‐order time series quantities and show that our estimators achieve good properties in isolation of each other by making appropriate assumptions on the series trend. We demonstrate the utility of the method by analysing the global mean sea temperature time series, highlighting the impact of the changing climate.
Associations between presence ofBartonellaspecies deoxyribonucleic acid and complete blood cell count and serum biochemical changes in client‐owned cats
Authors: Williams Maggie , Rao Sangeeta , Braff Jennifer , Buch Jesse S. , Chandrashekar Ramaswamy , Lappin Michael R.
Published: February 2022

Background

Infection withBartonellaspecies is common in cats but reported effects of bacteremia on laboratory variables differ.

Objectives

Evaluate for associations betweenBartonellabacteremia and CBC and serum biochemical changes in sick and healthy cats throughout the United States.

Animals

A total of 3964 client‐owned cats.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using submissions to a commercial laboratory between 2011 and 2017. Serum biochemistry and CBC abnormalities (categorized as above or below reference intervals), age, and location (high‐ or low‐risk state forCtenocephalides felis) in presumed healthy and sick cats were evaluated for associations with presence ofBartonellaspp. DNA, detected by PCR. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Bartonellaspp. DNA was amplified from 127 (3.2%) of 3964 cats; 126 (99.2%) of 127 were from high flea risk states and 121 (95.3%) of 127 were presumed sick. Fever of unknown origin was the most common PCR panel requested. In the multivariable analysis, neutrophilia, decreased ALP activity, clinical status (presumed sick), and young age (≤2 years) each were positively associated whereas neutropenia and hyperproteinemia both were negatively associated withBartonellaspp. bacteremia. Presence ofBartonellaspp. DNA had no association with test results for other infectious disease agents.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In both healthy and sick cats, activeBartonellainfections had minimal association with clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities. However, based on these results, in areas considered high risk forC. felis, active infection withBartonellaspp. is a reasonable differential diagnosis for cats presented with unexplained fever and neutrophilia, particularly if the cat is young.
Complex burial histories of Apollo 12 basaltic soil grains derived from cosmogenic noble gases: Implications for local regolith evolution and future in situ investigations
Authors: Nottingham Mark C. , Stuart Finlay M. , Chen Biying , Zurakowska Marta , Gilmour Jamie D. , Alexander Louise , Crawford Ian A. , Joy Katherine H.
Published: February 2022

We report the concentrations and isotope ratios of light noble gases (He, Ne, Ar) in 10 small basalt fragments derived from lunar regolith soils at the Apollo 12 landing site. We use cosmic ray exposure (CRE) and shielding condition histories to consider their geological context. We have devised a method of using cosmogenic Ne isotopes to partition the CRE history of each sample into two stages: a duration of “deep” burial (shielding of 5–500 g cm−2) and a duration of near‐surface exposure (shielding of 0 g cm−2). Three samples show evidence of measurable exposure at the lunar surface (durations of between 6 ± 2 and 7 ± 2 Myr). The remaining seven samples show evidence of a surface residence duration of less than a few hundred thousand years prior to collection. One sample records a single‐stage CRE age range of between 516 ± 36 and 1139 ± 121 Myr, within 0–5 g cm−2 of the lunar surface. This is consistent with derivation from ballistic sedimentation (i.e., local regolith reworking) during the Copernicus crater formation impact at ~800 Myr. The remaining samples show CRE age clusters around 124 ± 11 Myr and 188 ± 15 Myr. We infer that local impacts, including Surveyor crater (180–240 Ma) and Head crater (144 Ma), may have brought these samples to depths where the cosmic ray flux was intense enough to produce measurable cosmogenic Ne isotopes. More recent small impacts that formed unnamed craters may have exhumed these samples from their deep shielding conditions to the surface (i.e., ~0–5 g cm−2) prior to collection from the lunar surface during the Apollo 12 mission.
A thematic cluster analysis of parents' online discussions about fussy eating
Authors: Markides Brittany R. , Laws Rachel , Hesketh Kylie , Maddison Ralph , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth , Campbell Karen J.
Published: February 2022

Food fussiness is associated with non‐responsive parent feeding practices, such as persuasive and instrumental feeding. Although most children described as ‘fussy eaters’ are likely exhibiting developmentally typical behaviours, up to half of the parents of children 2–5 years old express concerns. Concern for fussy eating may mediate the use of non‐responsive feeding practices and so must be addressed in parent feeding interventions. Therefore, it is critical to better understand parents' concerns and how they may relate to feeding practices. This study aimed to explore how parents' feeding practices and the social cognitive factors that may drive them clustered based on parents' concern for fussy eating. Data were collected from parent discussions of fussy eating on a Reddit forum (80,366 posts). Latent Dirichlet allocation was used to identify discussions of fussy eating. Relevant posts (1542) made by users who identified as a parent of a fussy eater (n = 630) underwent qualitative coding and thematic analysis. Five clusters of parents were identified, ranging in size from 53 to 189 users. These were primarily characterised by parents' degree of concern and feeding practices: (1) High concern, nonresponsive; (2) Concerned, nonresponsive; (3) Low concern, responsive; (4) Low concern, mixed strategies; (5) Low concern, indulgent. Parents who used responsive practices tended to be less concerned for fussy eating, have greater trust in their child's ability to self‐regulate hunger, have longer‐term feeding goals, and exhibit greater ability for personal self‐regulation. Future research should further examine how these constructs may be leveraged in parent feeding interventions.
A cost–benefit analysis of leaf carbon economy with consideration of seasonal changes in leaf traits for sympatric deciduous and evergreen congeners: implications for their coexistence
Authors: Ye Yunhan , Kitayama Kanehiro , Onoda Yusuke
Published: February 2022

Deciduous and evergreen species, which have evolved repeatedly across different clades, can coexist in a given environment despite substantial differences in their leaf traits. It remains unclear how these two groups differ in the development of leaf traits over their lifespans or how their carbon economy – the balance between lifetime carbon gain and leaf construction cost – is determined.

We determined the photosynthetic rate (Aarea), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf mechanical strength and leaf water potentials and estimated the lifetime carbon gain and leaf construction cost of five closely related pairs of evergreen and deciduous species co‐occurring in a temperate forest.

Aarea of evergreen species was lower during their first spring, similar in summer and higher than the autumn until the following spring than their deciduous counterparts. Leaf mechanical strength, osmotic pressures and LMA increased continuously towards winter in evergreen species while remaining largely constant in deciduous species. The ratio of lifetime carbon gain to leaf construction cost was similar between the two groups.

The additional cost associated with enduring winter is paid back by a longer revenue of photosynthesis in evergreen species, allowing evergreen and deciduous leaf habits to coexist in the seasonal environment.
Clinical use of real‐time remote programming in pacemakers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A case report
Authors: Chen Xu , Liu Han‐xiong , Tong Lin , Yang Si‐qi , Qi Ling‐yao , Xiong Shi‐qiang , Luo Yan , Cai Lin
Published: February 2022

We report a case in which real‐time remote interrogation and reprogramming of the parameters of a dual‐chamber pacemaker was performed during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The described case demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of CIED remote programming based on the 5G cloud technology support platform (5G‐CTP), and showed that the application of real‐time remote programming would help in reducing the risk of cross‐infection between doctors and patients.
Neurological impairment in children with acute liver failure following liver transplantation—A single‐center experience
Authors: Ide Kentaro , Uchida Hajime , Sakamoto Seisuke , Nishimura Nao , Nakagawa Satoshi , Kobayashi Tohru , Ito Shuichi , Kasahara Mureo
Published: February 2022

Background

Although overall survival of ALF has improved, neurological restoration after recovery from ALF may not always be satisfactory. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence and possible causes of NI in children with ALF following LT.

Methods

We retrospectively examined all children younger than 16 years old with ALF who subsequently underwent LT at our center between January 2005 and December 2016. NI was assessed in December 2016 using the six‐point Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score and was defined as any increase in the score.

Results

There were 62 children with median age 10 months (quartile range 5–34). The etiology of ALF was indeterminate in 47 children (75.8%). The median duration from admission to LT was 5.5 days (quartile range 4–7), and 96.8% (60/62) received living donor LT. The overall survival was 83.9% (52/62) in a median follow‐up period of 4.2 years. Mild‐to‐moderate NI was observed in 23.1% (12/52) of the survivors. Possible causes of NI were underlying systemic disease (n = 3), perioperative brain lesion (n = 2), and unclassified (n = 7). All seven patients with unclassified NI were less than 12 months old. The unclassified NI causes were presumed to be ALF, its perioperative care, and the vulnerable infant brain.

Conclusions

NI in children with ALF following LT was not rare and should be prevented. Further investigations are required to clarify the characteristics of the patients with unclassified NI.
Loneliness and cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress in older adults
Authors: Brown Eoin G. , Creaven Ann‐Marie , Gallagher Stephen
Published: February 2022

Loneliness has been linked to cardiovascular health outcomes in older adulthood. One proposed mechanism by which loneliness influences cardiovascular health is through atypical cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to stress. This study is an examination of loneliness and CVR in older adults, comparing associations across two stressors and two commonly used measures of loneliness, with a particular focus on underlying hemodynamic variables including cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, and ejection time (EJT). Eighty older adults, ranging in age from 55 to 88 years (M = 68.93, SD = 8.28), completed two versions of the UCLA loneliness scale (a 20‐item and a briefer, three‐item) and took part in a laboratory stress‐testing procedure which included a mental arithmetic challenge and a public speaking task. Cardiovascular activity was monitored continuously throughout. For the 20‐item version of the UCLA loneliness scale, loneliness was not significantly related to CVR, and was only significantly associated with lower levels of overall EJT. For the three‐item version of the UCLA, no associations withstood adjustment for multiple testing. Loneliness was not reliably associated with CVR. Further, although greater loneliness was related to lower levels of overall EJT, this was only observed for the 20‐item scale. The findings do not strongly provide support for reactivity to acute stress as a pathway linking loneliness to disease outcomes, and highlight key methodological issues related to the assessment of loneliness‐reactivity associations for future.
High Temperature Degradation Modes Observed in Gallium Nitride-Based Hall-Effect Sensors
Authors: Krone Alexis , Kasitz Josh , Huitink David , Alpert Hannah , Senesky Debbie G. , Shetty Satish , Salamo Gregory
Published: February 2022

Magnetic field sensors based on the Hall-effect have a variety of applications such as current sensing in power electronics and position and velocity sensing in vehicles. Additionally, they have benefits such as easy integration into circuits, low manufacturing cost, and linearity over a wide range of magnetic fields. However, in order to use these devices in an industrial or automotive setting, the effect of high temperatures on the reliability of the Hall-effect sensors needs to be evaluated. This study focuses on the effect of high temperature on the electrical and material properties of novel gallium nitride (GaN)-based Hall-effect sensors and the impacts on the reliability of these devices. Changes in device properties such as resistance and electrical response, as well as on the metallic contacts, are examined, using two sets of devices made with different substrates and contact metals. A probe station is used to characterize electrical responses, while an X-ray photo-electron spectrometer (XPS) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) are used to characterize material interactions. The findings include saturation curves, the presence of gallium on the contacts of the octagonal device, and the activation energy of reaction responsible for resistance increase for the octagonal AlGaN/GaN devices. Additionally, the Greek cross AlGaN/GaN Hall sensors showed excellent thermal stability.
Numerical and Experimental Study on Rod-Fastened Rotor Dynamics Using Semi-Analytical Elastic-Plastic Model
Authors: Xie Wenzhen , Liu Chao , Huang Gancai , Jiang Dongxiang
Published: February 2022

Rod-fastened rotor is the core rotating section of the heavy-duty gas turbine. To accurately analyze its dynamic characteristics, the contact model for the disk contact interface needs to be defined and established. Traditional statistical contact models, including the elastic model and elastoplastic model, cannot describe microscopic atomic behavior during the contact process of asperities, while the microscopic contact behavior of the asperities is one of the main factors in affecting the contact stiffness of the rough surface. In this work, the molecular dynamics simulation of the microscopic contact behavior of the rough surface is carried out and the semi-analytical model is built upon that. The semi-analytical model is later combined with the Timoshenko beam element in modeling the rotor system. The influence of plasticity index and surface roughness on the contact model and dynamic characteristics of the rotor is analyzed. Moreover, the experimental tests of natural frequencies and mode shapes are carried out. The results show that the proposed semi-analytical contact model is effective and more accurate compared to other elastic and elastic-plastic contact models.
Moving source ocean acoustic tomography with uncertainty quantification using controlled source-tow observations
Authors: Gemba Kay L. , Vazquez Heriberto J. , Sarkar Jit , Tippman Jeffrey D. , Cornuelle Bruce , Hodgkiss William S. , Kuperman W. A.
Published: February 2022

Ocean sound speed and its uncertainty are estimated using travel-time tomography at ranges up to 2 km using a moving source in ∼600 m water depth. The experiment included two 32-element vertical line arrays deployed about 1 km apart and a towed source at ∼10 m depth transmitting a linear frequency modulated waveform. The inversion accounts for uncertainties in the positions and velocities of the source and receivers in addition to the background sound speed state. At these short ranges, the sound speed effects are small and the representational error of the candidate forward models must be carefully evaluated and minimized. This is tested stringently by a separate position parameter inversion and by cross-validating the estimates of sound speed and arrival time, including uncertainties. In addition, simulations are used to explore the effects of adding additional constraints to the inversion and to compare the performance of moving to fixed source tomography. The results suggest that the ray diversity available from the moving source reduces the posterior sound speed uncertainty compared to the fixed source case.
Multivalent Interactions Drive the
Toxoplasma
AC9:AC10:ERK7 Complex To Concentrate ERK7 in the Apical Cap
Authors: Back Peter S. , O’Shaughnessy William J. , Moon Andy S. , Dewangan Pravin S. , Reese Michael L. , Bradley Peter J.
Published: February 2022

The phylum Apicomplexa consists of obligate, intracellular parasites, including the causative agents of toxoplasmosis, malaria, and cryptosporidiosis. Hallmarks of these parasites are the IMC and the apical complex, both of which are unique structures that are conserved throughout the phylum and required for parasite survival.
Rhizobiales
-Specific RirA Represses a Naturally “Synthetic” Foreign Siderophore Gene Cluster To Maintain
Sinorhizobium
-Legume Mutualism
Authors: Liu Ke-Han , Zhang Biliang , Yang Bo-Sen , Shi Wen-Tao , Li Yu-Fei , Wang Yin , Zhang Pan , Jiao Jian , Tian Chang-Fu
Published: February 2022

Iron is a public good explored by both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The abundant ferric form is insoluble under neutral and basic pH conditions, and many bacteria secrete siderophores forming soluble ferric siderophore complexes, which can be then taken up by specific receptors and transporters.
IS
26
Veers Genomic Plasticity and Genetic Rearrangement toward Carbapenem Hyperresistance under Sublethal Antibiotics
Authors: Wei Da-Wei , Wong Nai-Kei , Song Yuqin , Zhang Gang , Wang Chao , Li Juan , Feng Jie
Published: February 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemases (KPCs) are powerful
β
-lactamases that enable Gram-negative pathogens to destroy clinically important carbapenems in antibiotic therapies. In particular, KPC-2 is difficult to detect due to a lack of instrument sensitivity in regular laboratory screens, which leads to misdiagnosis and poor treatment outcomes.
Candida albicans Induces Cross-Kingdom miRNA Trafficking in Human Monocytes To Promote Fungal Growth
Authors: Halder Luke D. , Babych Svitlana , Palme Diana I. , Mansouri-Ghahnavieh Elham , Ivanov Lia , Ashonibare Victory , Langenhorst Daniela , Prusty Bhupesh , Rambach Günter , Wich Melissa , Trinks Nora , Blango Matthew G. , Kornitzer Daniel , Terpitz Ulrich , Speth Cornelia , Jungnickel Berit , Beyersdorf Niklas , Zipfel Peter F. , Brakhage Axel A. , Skerka Christine
Published: February 2022

Over the last decade, communication between immune cells by extracellular vesicle-associated miRNAs has emerged as an important regulator of the coordinated immune response. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the conversation occurring via miRNAs, especially during infection, may provide novel insights into both the host reaction to the microbe as well as the microbial response.
SARS-CoV-2 Variants Associated with Vaccine Breakthrough in the Delaware Valley through Summer 2021
Authors: Marques Andrew D. , Sherrill-Mix Scott , Everett John K. , Reddy Shantan , Hokama Pascha , Roche Aoife M. , Hwang Young , Glascock Abigail , Whiteside Samantha A. , Graham-Wooten Jevon , Khatib Layla A. , Fitzgerald Ayannah S. , Moustafa Ahmed M. , Bianco Colleen , Rajagopal Swetha , Helton Jenna , Deming Regan , Denu Lidiya , Ahmed Azad , Kitt Eimear , Coffin Susan E. , Newbern Claire , Mell Josh Chang , Planet Paul J. , Badjatia Nitika , Richards Bonnie , Wang Zi-Xuan , Cannuscio Carolyn C. , Strelau Katherine M. , Jaskowiak-Barr Anne , Cressman Leigh , Loughrey Sean , Ganguly Arupa , Feldman Michael D. , Collman Ronald G. , Rodino Kyle G. , Kelly Brendan J. , Bushman Frederic D.
Published: February 2022

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is highly effective at reducing viral infection, hospitalization and death. However, vaccine breakthrough infections have been widely observed, raising the question of whether particular viral variants or viral mutations are associated with breakthrough.
Stratification of the Gut Microbiota Composition Landscape across the Alzheimer's Disease Continuum in a Turkish Cohort
Authors: Yıldırım Süleyman , Nalbantoğlu Özkan Ufuk , Bayraktar Abdulahad , Ercan Fatma Betül , Gündoğdu Aycan , Velioğlu Halil Aziz , Göl Mehmet Fatih , Soylu Ayten Ekinci , Koç Fatma , Gülpınar Ezgi Aslan , Kadak Kübra Sogukkanlı , Arıkan Muzaffer , Mardinoğlu Adil , Koçak Mehmet , Köseoğlu Emel , Hanoğlu Lütfü
Published: February 2022

The prevalence of AD worldwide is estimated to reach 131 million by 2050. Most disease-modifying treatments and drug trials have failed, due partly to the heterogeneous and complex nature of the disease.
Genetic mechanism of transfer zones in rift basins: Insights from geomechanical models
Authors: Liu Jingshou , Yang Haimeng , Xu Ke , Wang Zhimin , Liu Xinyu , Cui Lijie , Zhang Guanjie , Liu Yang
Published: February 2022

A transfer zone is a kind of structure that is produced to conserve deformation of a fault structure on both sides. Increasing numbers of transfer zones are being identified in rift basins, which are areas of petroleum accumulation and potential exploration targets. This paper provides a numerical simulation method for the genesis and development of transfer zones based on geomechanical modeling. On the basis of three-dimensional (3-D) seismic interpretation, using the Tongcheng fault as an example, the fault activity parameter and fault activity intensity index were established to quantitatively characterize the difference in fault activity on the two sides of a transfer zone. A geomechanical model was developed for a transfer zone in a rift basin, and the structural characteristics and genetic mechanism of a convergent fault were studied using paleostress and strain numerical simulations. Affected by different movements of boundary faults and basement faults, the evolution of the Tongcheng fault can be divided into three stages: (1) during the Funing period, which was the main development period of compound transfer faults, the activity, stress, and strain of the fault blocks on either side of the Tongcheng fault were obviously different; (2) during the Dainan period, which was the development stage of inherited compound transfer faults, the northern part of the Tongcheng area underwent local compression, and the T3 anticline began to form; and (3) during the Sanduo period, the Tongcheng fault experienced right-lateral strike-slip activity, where the activity showed two stages of change, first increasing and then decreasing, and the Tongcheng fault anticline developed. The superposition of multiple complex tectonic movements produced a transfer zone that has both strike-slip and extensional fault properties. The geomechanical model in this paper provides important insights for analyzing the evolution of transfer zones in rift basins.
Mechanical stress-related haemolysis in a paediatric haemodialysis patient
Authors: Sakhinia Faezeh , Ollerenshaw Rebecca , Wallace Dean
Published: February 2022

Haemodialysis (HD) is a common kidney replacement therapy (KRT) used in the management of children with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). We describe the case of a 2-year-old child who developed mechanical intraluminal haemolytic anaemia secondary to the acute angulation of the HD line. In contrast to reports of arteriovenous fistula-associated haemolysis, onset was insidious in nature and detected through review of subtle serial biochemical and haematological changes. Development of hyperbilirubinaemia during HD was modest due to the partial clearance of bilirubin via HD-enabled diffusion. The only persistent and consistent marker was the post-HD rise in lactate dehydrogenase in association with decreasing haemoglobin. We propose that mechanical stress-induced haemolysis should be considered in children on HD who develop unexplained or persistent anaemia with resistance to increasing doses of iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent supplementation.
Unusual primary central nervous system T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Toro Jaime , Patiño Jorge , Flórez Adriana , Rivera Juan Sebastian
Published: February 2022

We report the case of a 54-year-old immunocompetent woman who presented with a primary T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (TCHRLBCL) of the central nervous system without systemic involvement, diagnosed by means of a brain biopsy. She was treated with corticosteroids and we subsequently started chemotherapy with rituximab, methotrexate, ifosfamide and intrathecal cytarabine. The patient’s symptoms gradually improved over the first weeks and we followed-up with autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation. The patient has been in complete remission for a year. Primary TCHRLBCL of the central nervous system in an immunocompetent patient is an extremely rare condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach. This case highlights the importance of undergoing a sequential work-up and establishing a treatment despite the absence of evidence-based guidelines.
Synchronous oral squamous cell carcinoma and a lymphoproliferative disorder in an adult: a challenge in diagnosis and management
Authors: Van der Groen Troy , Shupak Raymond Patrick , Kim Roderick Y
Published: February 2022

Synchronous primary malignancies present challenges in diagnosis, treatment sequencing and management. We present a rare case of a synchronous oral cavity and lymphoproliferative malignancy in a middle-age man. Our patient presented with a primary oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and was subsequently found to have a secondary lymphoproliferative malignancy (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma). The challenge of staging and sequencing of treatment is discussed. In addition, this case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary consultation, designing a personalised treatment plan that is coincident with the standard of care for each malignancy, and close follow-up.
Parathyroid carcinoma presenting with ventricular bigeminy in pregnancy
Authors: Gumber Leher , Sivasankaran Karthikeyan , Khan Sardar Mohammad Shoaib
Published: February 2022

Parathyroid carcinoma is very rare in pregnancy. Clinical features are similar to primary hyperparathyroidism. A 38-year-old pregnant woman had repeated hospital admissions for palpitations, headaches, dizziness and polydipsia. Blood investigations showed severe hypercalcaemia with raised parathyroid hormone and 24-hour ECG showed ventricular bigeminy and premature ventricular contractions. Neck ultrasound showed a lesion in the right thyroid lobe. Consequently, she underwent an en bloc resection of the right parathyroid and thyroid lobe at 23 weeks gestation. Histology results confirmed parathyroid cancer. This case highlights the complexities of identifying hypercalcaemia in pregnancy due to the overlapping features with common disorders of pregnancy. Early recognition and timely surgical management can prevent maternal and fetal complications. Also, the case demonstrates the value of interprofessional collaboration between different specialities in providing quality care and improving outcomes. An abridged version of this case was presented at European Congress of Endocrinology 2021.
Single leg vertical jump performance identifies knee function deficits at return to sport after ACL reconstruction in male athletes
Authors: Kotsifaki Argyro , Van Rossom Sam , Whiteley Rod , Korakakis Vasileios , Bahr Roald , Sideris Vasileios , Jonkers Ilse
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Vertical jump performance (height) is a more representative metric for knee function than horizontal hop performance (distance) in healthy individuals. It is not known what the biomechanical status of athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is at the time they are cleared to return to sport (RTS) or whether vertical performance metrics better evaluate knee function.

Methods

Standard marker-based motion capture and electromyography (EMG) were collected from 26 male athletes cleared to RTS after ACLR and 22 control healthy subjects during single leg vertical jumps (SLJ) and single leg drop jumps (SLDJ). Performance outcomes, jump height and the Reactive Strength Index, were calculated. Sagittal plane kinematics, joint moments and joint work were obtained using inverse dynamics and lower limb muscle forces were computed using an EMG-constrained musculoskeletal model. Muscle contribution was calculated as a percentage of the impulse of all muscle forces in the model. Between-limb and between-group differences were explored using mixed models analyses.

Results

Jump performance, assessed by jump height and Reactive Strength Index, was significantly lower in the involved than the uninvolved limb and controls, with large effect sizes. For the ACLR group, jump height limb symmetry index was 83% and 77% during the SLJ and SLDJ, respectively. Work generation was significantly less in the involved knee compared to uninvolved limb and controls during the SLJ (p<0.001; d=1.19; p=0.003, d=0.91, respectively) and during the SLDJ (p<0.001; d=1.54; p=0.002, d=1.05, respectively). Hamstrings muscle contribution was greater in the involved compared to the uninvolved limb and controls, whereas soleus contribution was lower in the involved limb compared to controls.

Conclusions

During vertical jumps, male athletes after ACLR at RTS still exhibit knee biomechanical deficits, despite symmetry in horizontal functional performance and strength tests. Vertical performance metrics like jump height and RSI can better identify interlimb asymmetries than the more commonly used hop distance and should be included in the testing battery for the RTS.
Scoping review of evidence for managing postnatal hypoglycaemia
Authors: Horwitz Jennifer , Mardiros Linda , Musa Ahmed , Welch Vivian A , Hodgson Amanda , Narvey Michael , Ghazzawi Andrea , Shea Beverley , Saginur Michael
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To identify what is known empirically about the screening, treatment and harm of exposure to neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Design

Scoping review that applied a preregistered protocol based on established frameworks.

Data sources

Medline and Embase, up to 12 May 2020.

Study selection

Comparative and case-series studies, as well as guidelines, published in English or French, on the topic of immediate inpatient postnatal glucose screening in newborns.

Data gathering

Article selection and characterisation were performed in duplicate using predefined data extraction forms specific to primary studies and guidelines.

Results

12 guidelines and 74 primary studies were included. A neurodevelopmental outcome was primary in 32 studies: 30 observational studies followed up posthypoglycaemic, and the 2 intervention studies included 1 randomised controlled trial (RCT) about treatment thresholds. Three other RCTs assessed dextrose gel (two) and oral sucrose (one). 12 of 30 studies that evaluated non-neurodevelopmental primary outcomes were intervention studies. Only one cohort study compared outcomes in screened vs unscreened newborns. The guidelines did not arrive at a consensus definition of postnatal hypoglycaemic, and addressed potential harms of screening more often than primary studies.

Conclusions

The primary literature that informs hypoglycaemia screening is a series of studies that relate neurodevelopmental outcomes to postnatal hypoglycaemia. Further research is needed to better define an optimal threshold for hypoglycaemia that warrants intervention, based on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and a better delineation of potential screening harms.