bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Numerical Study on the Flow and Heat Transfer in Wick of Loop Heat Pipe
Authors: Shao Bo , Li Nanxi , Chen Yu , Dong Deping
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a three-dimensional model for the evaporator of an ethylene loop heat pipe is developed using CFD method. The flow, heat transfer and phase change of ethylene in a cylindrical evaporator is investigated numerically. In the model of the wick of the evaporator, both the capillary force at the vapor-liquid interface and the flow resistance of the fluid in the porous medium are considered. Fluid-structure coupling heat transfer analysis is also incorporated in the evaporator model. The flow and thermal boundary conditions are determined according to previous experimental results. The shell of the evaporator is made of steel and the sintered nickel powder is used for the wick, whose porosity is 0.6 and the average diameter of the porous structure is 5 μm. The temperature, vapor-liquid phase and pressure distribution in the wick and vapor groove of the evaporator under heating power of 20 W to 60 W are investigated. The simulation results show good agreement with the experimental data. By introducing the capillary force at the two-phase interface, this model can better describe the vapor-liquid distribution in the wick of the cylindrical evaporator. The results may provide some guidance for optimizing the structural parameters of the loop heat pipe evaporator.
On a Framework to Integrate Performance of Helmet Systems for Blast, Blunt Impact and Thermal Loading
Authors: Bagchi Amit , Khine Yu Yu , Mott David R. , Tan X. Gary
Published: January 2022

Helmets have evolved through improvements in shell and suspension materials, and better designs that can absorb ballistic and blunt impact energy. In the past 20 years, threats to US Warfighters have increased with the prevalence of buried improvised explosive devices (IED) simultaneous producing overpressure, blunt and ballistic impact effects, as well as thermal loading in extreme desert conditions. To date, no research has been found in literature that integrates multiple types of loading in helmet system design and performance analysis. The scope of this paper is to integrate such loadings into a design framework that enables trade space analysis across multiple threats. Blunt impact and blast overpressure loadings are simulated using computational fluid dynamics and structural mechanics approaches presented by the authors earlier. The thermal loading and its effects are modeled as buoyancy-driven natural convection, i.e., flow generated by the body’s thermal plume, and forced convection due to ambient wind to assess each design’s efficiency in facilitating evaporative cooling via perspiration and quantified by transport of moisture-laden air away from the head. Blast overpressure and blunt impact loadings, along with thermal loading, are used for multiple configurations of the helmet suspension system as representative cases. The results from the simulated cases are integrated within a framework combining the effects of the loadings to assess helmet system design. We hope that this paper suggests ways to generate a functional representation integrating multiple loadings in protection system design.
Frequency Response of Primary Resonance of Electrostatically Actuated MEMS Circular Membranes
Authors: Caruntu Dumitru I. , Alipi Marcos , Martinez Miguel , Castorena Pedro
Published: January 2022

This paper deals with the amplitude-frequency response of primary resonance of electrostatically actuated MEMS circular plates. The partial differential equation of motion describing the motion of the membrane is nondimensionalized. The dimensionless equation includes the dimensionless parameters describing the effects of electrostatic, Casimir, van der Waals, and damping forces. The AC frequency used for actuation is near half of the natural frequency of the membrane. Two methods of investigation are used. The first is the method of multiple scales (MMS), and the second is the reduced order model (ROM). The results of this work show that the Casimir and van der Waals parameters enhance the softening effect of the amplitude-frequency response of the membrane, while the increase of the voltage parameter increases the escape band of the response.
Numerical Simulation of Solder Paste Printing on Through-Hole Components
Authors: Mateus Duarte , Teixeira Senhorinha , Rodrigues Nelson , Carvalho Violeta , Santos Duarte , Velosa Joao , Soares Delfim , Teixeira Jose
Published: January 2022

The increased demand for smaller and more reliable electronic devices, pressures companies to tune and innovate the production methodologies, always aiming to decrease the production time while maintaining the products’ quality. In the manufacturing of a Printed Circuit Board - PCB, there are two main types of electronic components, namely, Surface-Mount-Devices and Through-Hole components. Both connections are achieved through soldering, an essential manufacturing process that greatly affects the quality of the final product, and may compromise the lifetime of the PCB.

While SMD components are commonly soldered by a reflow process, TH components are generally soldered by a wave soldering process. However, a PCB is generally composed of both types of components. Since both processes are too different in nature, the manufacturing of the board requires two separated mounting lines which represent increased costs and production time. Taking this into account, the present study investigates the usage of the reflow solder printing to deposit the solder paste on through-hole apertures both experimentally and numerically. In general, the results were similar showing a tendency for the solder paste to deposit on the aperture’s right side. Nevertheless, the numerical model predicts a filling area greater (by 22%) than that verified experimentally.
Electro-Mechanical Design Toward an Open-Sourced Robotic Hand Exoskeleton for Management of Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Bednar James E. , Schwartz Matthew L. , Woo John , Dow Douglas E. , Ma Gloria , Rawlins Marisha , Cuckov Filip
Published: January 2022

Impaired hand motor function degrades performance of activities of daily living (ADL). Exoskeleton devices can assist hand function for ADL, but the associated cost and complexity limit access for many individuals who would otherwise benefit and impedes development for improved devices. A simpler, but functional, open-source design for a hand assistive exoskeleton might expand accessibility and accelerate development. In this paper, we present an electromechanical prototype of a hand exoskeleton that was designed, implemented, and tested for digit extension and flexing. The design and prototype assisted actuation of an individual finger digit using a sliding spring mechanism. The mechanism is a type of underactuated mechanism that converts one degree of freedom linear motion into rotational motion. The resulting prototype was subjected to motion and force testing, with results supporting certain functional aspects of the system. Further development and testing need to be done for the proposed exoskeleton design, especially as an open-source design. Being open-source would widen access, accelerate development, and improve the quality of life for many individuals.
Evaluating the Impact of Cyber-Attacks on Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings
Authors: Fu Yangyang , O’Neill Zheng , Wen Jin , Adetola Veronica
Published: January 2022

Grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) are not only exposed to passive threats (e.g., physical faults) but also active threats such as cyber-attacks launched on the network-based control systems. The impact of cyber-attacks on GEB operation are not yet fully understood, especially as regards the performance of grid services. To quantify the consequences of cyber-attacks on GEBs, this paper proposes a modeling and simulation framework that includes different cyber-attack models and key performance indexes to quantify the performance of GEB operation under cyber-attacks. The framework is numerically demonstrated to model and evaluate cyber-attacks such as data intrusion attacks and Denial-of-Service attacks on a typical medium-sized office building that uses the BACnet/IP protocol for communication networks. Simulation results show that, while different types of attacks could compromise the building systems to different extents, attacks via the remote control of a chiller yield the most significant consequences on a building system’s operation, including both the building service and the grid service. It is also noted that a cyber-attack impacts the building systems during the attack period as well as the post-attack period, which suggests that both periods should be considered to fully evaluate the consequences of a cyber-attack.
Drillstring Simulator: A Novel Software Model for Stick–Slip And Bit-Bounce Vibrations
Authors: Kim Baik Jin , Palazzolo Alan , Gharib Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Drillstring vibration can be highly detrimental to its mechanical integrity, and significantly reduce overall operational efficiency. Vibrations often arise due to the contact force and moment arising at the bit and formation (rock). These occur due to cutting and friction related actions. The literature has various bit-rock interaction BRI models, which may have time delay and nonlinear terms. The time delay term arises from modulation of the depth of cut per revolution by the vertical vibrations. A major inertia participating in the vibrations is the bottom hole assembly BHA, consisting of the bit, instrumentation and power subs, drill collar and stabilizers. Control of the BHA vibrations is imperative to prevent destructive vibration that may break the pipe, dull the bit and diminish hole trajectory and rate of penetration. The most severe vibration types include stick-slip, bit-bounce and lateral whirl. Stick-slip is caused by the alternate stopping of the bit due to friction and its release when the drillpipes produces a sufficient torque as it winds up. Bit-bounce occurs due to time delay in the torque and axial force due to modulation of the cutting force and torque by axial vibration. Finally, lateral whirl results from friction occurring at lateral contact points of the BHA and wellbore. Modelling of these complex, nonlinear, self-excited vibrations is a challenge given the large order models involved and nature of the BRI forces and moments. The paper provides a systematic means to accurately simulate drillstring vibrations with high fidelity and efficiency.

This is achieved using a Timoshenko beam based finite element model FEM, and is illustrated with an example containing the Detournay BRI model. High accuracy codes need user friendly interfaces to be effective for field and design use. The paper also provides algorithms and methods for programming the solution-modelling component of the code, and the user interface component.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of the Efficacy of HVAC Adjustments on Mitigating Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Woo Jaywon , Bukhari Amal , Lane Louis , Mei Lutor , Baglione Melody , Yecko Philip , Bondi Scott
Published: January 2022

Assessing and improving the safety of social settings is pivotal for the reopening of facilities and institutions during the pandemic. Recent discoveries now suggest that the predominant medium of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is exposure to infectious respiratory aerosols. Airborne viral spread is particularly effective in indoor environments — which have been strongly implicated in high transmission rates and super-spreading events. This study focuses on computational fluid dynamics models developed to study the specific ventilation features of an indoor space and their effects on indoor particle spread. A case study is conducted on a typical classroom at the Cooper Union. Masked occupants are modeled in the room as aerosol sources to compare the performance of different ventilation settings on the exhaust rates of airborne particles. Simulation results reveal that increasing ventilation rates accelerate particle evacuation. Visualization and segregated data comparisons indicate regions of particle accumulation induced by the design and geometry of the classroom in relation to its occupants. Visualization is also used to observe a uniform distribution of airborne particles after only 10 minutes of simulated time — confirming the need for safety measures beyond the six feet distancing guideline.
Green STEM: Virtual Reality Renewable Energy Laboratory for Remote Learning
Authors: Frank Kevin , Gardner Ayanna E. , Ciobanescu Husanu Irina N. , Chiou Richard Y. , Ruane Regina
Published: January 2022

In fulfilling its role as a promotor of critical thinking and of nurturer of students as problem solvers, undergraduate engineering education needs to answer modern educational demands tailoring curricula to meet industry and career requirements and student learning styles.

Extended Reality technology, including virtual and mixed reality may enable educators to create tools for multisensory teaching, enhancing learning through guided imagery and haptics. Through undergraduate research, two co-op students explored the VR technology (engine) and developed the framework for a learning module that will present fundamental notions in renewable energy sources, using scenarios based on physical experiments. We developed a virtual reality learning platform and the modeling of the VR framework and applied it to several experimental modules: wind turbine, solar cell (PV) module, a water decomposition and fuel cell module. Students explore concepts as parametric characterizations of the system as well as thermochemical characterization. The module is packed in an executable app, which is downloadable and usable in both VR STEAM immersive environments as well as in a desktop format. Future work will include beta-testing and preliminary assessment of the VR Renewable Lab, followed by its course implementation.
Advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Cardiac Sounds as a Non-Invasive Diagnosis Method
Authors: Khalili Fardin , Taebi Amirtahà
Published: January 2022

This paper provides a concise overview of the recent advances in the computational fluid dynamics modeling of flow-induced sounds, a valuable non-invasive tool that delivers complementary information for the early detection of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. An abnormal flow through an unhealthy artery consists of turbulent pressure fluctuations that interact with the arterial walls, leading to the sound waves propagated through the surrounding tissue. These sound waves recorded on the epidermal surface are vascular sounds known as murmurs. Detailed studies of the adverse flow conditions associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are vital to enhance our understanding of the mechano-acoustics mechanisms of flow-induced sound sources. This information can lead us to predictive, non-invasive techniques for diagnosing different diseases such as atherosclerosis and aneurysm before they progress to severe cases. This necessity suggests that more studies are necessary to develop strategies that can be employed to detect cardiovascular diseases without the need for invasive approaches.
Investigation of the Effect and Contribution of Process Parameters By Taguchi and ANOVA Analysis on the Morphological and Electrical Properties of RF Magnetron Sputtered SiO2 Over Si Substrate
Authors: Uchayash Sajid Mahfuz , Biswas Prosanto , Zulkarnain Meah Imtiaz , Touhami Ahmed , Islam Nazmul , Huq Hasina
Published: January 2022

In this work, we applied Taguchi Signal-to-noise (S/N) analysis to investigate the effect of varying three process parameters, namely — sputtering power, working pressure and Ar gas flow rate on the surface, morphological and electrical properties of the RF sputtered SiO2 over Si substrate. We also inspected the contribution of a particular process parameter on these properties by applying Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). SiO2 thin films were fabricated over Si substrate using RF magnetron sputtering system. Three sets of inputs for the three mentioned process parameters were chosen; for power, we chose 100W, 150W and 200W; 5mTorr, 10mTorr and 15mTorr were chosen for pressure and three Ar gas flow rate levels at 5, 10 and 15 sccm were selected. By performing Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, nine combinations of sputtering parameters were prepared for depositing SiO2/Si Thin films. The surface morphological and electrical properties (resistivity per unit area and capacitance per unit area) of the sputtered samples were therefore inspected by analyzing the Taguchi design of experiment. Signal-to-noise (S/R) analysis presents how the properties were affected by the variation of each process parameter. ANOVA analysis showed that sputtering power and working pressure are the two dominant process parameters contributing more to surface morphological and electrical properties. A regression model for surface roughness of the SiO2/Si thin film samples was also derived. The electrical properties of the SiO2/Si thin films, however, didn’t show linear properties.
Novel Functional Thermal Energy Storage Materials for Buildings Applications
Authors: Cui Shuang , Hicks Madeline , Kolari Pranvera , Kaur Sumanjeet , Vidal Judith , Jackson Roderick
Published: January 2022

The leakage of solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs) tremendously limits their long-term application in thermal energy storage (TES). In this work, we present durable and form-stable shape-stabilized PCMs (ss-PCMs) for TES in building envelopes. These ss-PCMs are fabricated by encapsulating polyethylene glycol (PEG) consisting of different molecular weights within mesoporous magnesium oxide and silica dioxide. For the first time, the phase transition temperature (Tt) of ss-PCMs has been fine-tuned synthetically to be comfortable to building occupants by utilizing PEG blends with molecular weights of 600 and 800 g/mol. Several parameters, including surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, surface area, and PCM loading percentage, have been studied to maximize the latent heat enthalpy for high energy efficiency and maintain form stability. The best ss-PCM candidate with suitable Tt and appreciable latent heat enthalpy exhibits a repeatable phase change behavior for up to 1,000 thermal cycles without leakage, which provides a promising solution for durable TES in buildings. The Tt tunability extends its application over a wider temperature range beyond buildings.
The subjective relevance of perceived sound aspects in remote singing education
Authors: Otčenášek Jan , Frič Marek , Dvořáková Eva , Otčenášek Zdeněk , Ubik Sven
Published: January 2022

One of the consequences of the pandemic is a transition to remote education and the use of network audiovisual communication tools for education in musical disciplines. The circumstances of such education can differ and might influence the perceived sound or the education. The research observes the ratings of perceived aspects in singing lessons taught in three settings (common, reference, and direct). A variance of several aspects that relate to the perceived sound (temporal qualities and qualities of the sound and room) is observed in the remote forms, suggesting that these can be impaired in some settings and significant in the experience. The findings are discussed in relation to the perceived conditions and present practice.
Performance metrics for marine mammal signal detection and classification
Authors: Hildebrand John A. , Frasier Kaitlin E. , Helble Tyler A. , Roch Marie A.
Published: January 2022

Automatic algorithms for the detection and classification of sound are essential to the analysis of acoustic datasets with long duration. Metrics are needed to assess the performance characteristics of these algorithms. Four metrics for performance evaluation are discussed here: receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves, detection-error-trade-off (DET) curves, precision-recall (PR) curves, and cost curves. These metrics were applied to the generalized power law detector for blue whale D calls [Helble, Ierley, D'Spain, Roch, and Hildebrand (2012). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131(4), 2682–2699] and the click-clustering neural-net algorithm for Cuvier's beaked whale echolocation click detection [Frasier, Roch, Soldevilla, Wiggins, Garrison, and Hildebrand (2017). PLoS Comp. Biol. 13(12), e1005823] using data prepared for the 2015 Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation Workshop. Detection class imbalance, particularly the situation of rare occurrence, is common for long-term passive acoustic monitoring datasets and is a factor in the performance of ROC and DET curves with regard to the impact of false positive detections. PR curves overcome this shortcoming when calculated for individual detections and do not rely on the reporting of true negatives. Cost curves provide additional insight on the effective operating range for the detector based on the a priori probability of occurrence. Use of more than a single metric is helpful in understanding the performance of a detection algorithm.
The Development of the Psychological Determinants of Exercise Questionnaire for Japanese Older Adults: A Questionnaire Based Upon the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Walker Robert A.J. , Harada Kazuhiro
Published: January 2022

Japan has become a super-aged society. To overcome the negative implications of this, practitioners are increasingly using exercise-based interventions to reduce the requirement for long-term care among Japanese older adults. However, no comprehensive means of assessing the wide range of exercise behavioral determinants exists for this population. Thus, the principle aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire based upon the theoretical domains framework—a framework that has synthesized a wide range of behavior change theories. Completed responses were received from 1,000 Japanese older adults who resided in the Kansai area of Japan. Findings were suggestive of good reliability and validity for seven unique psychological determinants of exercise. This study was the first to provide a measurement tool related to a distinct range of psychological determinants of exercise among Japanese older adults.
Examination of Disability-Related Content Across Sport Management Textbooks
Authors: Pitts Brenda G. , Shapiro Deborah R. , Piletic Cindy K. , Zdroik Jennifer
Published: January 2022

The sport management field of study purports to be the field that prepares professionals to work in the sport business industry. People with disabilities in sport are a growing population and segment in the industry. Thus, it is important that information about disabilities be included in the literature and materials used by professionals in the field of sport management. Using content analysis methodology, the purpose of this study was to examine the sport management textbook literature in search of content in relation to disability, disability sport, and/or people with disabilities in sport (D/DS/PWDS). Twenty-four textbooks across eight different content areas of sport management were reviewed for mentions of D/DS/PWDS. Mentions ranged from four to 925 per book. Content areas with the most mentions were sociocultural, law, and facilities while the fewest mentions were in finance, communication, and management textbooks. The most mentioned disability was intellectual disability followed by visual impairment and the most common sport reference was the Paralympics followed by Special Olympics. The total percentage of D/DS/PWDS mentions across all 24 books is six ten-thousandths of a percentage, or 0.0006. Discrepancies in mentions within- and between-content areas are addressed. Action steps and future research directions for the inclusion of D/DS/PWDS in sport management textbooks are addressed.
The SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody combination, AZD7442, is protective in nonhuman primates and has an extended half-life in humans
Authors: Loo Yueh-Ming , McTamney Patrick M. , Arends Rosalinda H. , Abram Michael E. , Aksyuk Anastasia A. , Diallo Seme , Flores Daniel J. , Kelly Elizabeth J. , Ren Kuishu , Roque Richard , Rosenthal Kim , Streicher Katie , Tuffy Kevin M. , Bond Nicholas J. , Cornwell Owen , Bouquet Jerome , Cheng Lily I. , Dunyak James , Huang Yue , Rosenbaum Anton I. , Pilla Reddy Venkatesh , Andersen Hanne , Carnahan Robert H. , Crowe James E. , Kuehne Ana I. , Herbert Andrew S. , Dye John M. , Bright Helen , Kallewaard Nicole L. , Pangalos Menelas N. , Esser Mark T.
Published: January 2022

Despite the success of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines, there remains a need for more prevention and treatment options for individuals remaining at risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the viral spike protein have potential to both prevent and treat COVID-19 and reduce the risk of severe disease and death. Here, we describe AZD7442, a combination of two mAbs, AZD8895 (tixagevimab) and AZD1061 (cilgavimab), that simultaneously bind to distinct, nonoverlapping epitopes on the spike protein receptor binding domain to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Initially isolated from individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, the two mAbs were designed to extend their half-lives and reduce effector functions. The AZD7442 mAbs individually prevent the spike protein from binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, blocking virus cell entry, and neutralize all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. In a nonhuman primate model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, prophylactic AZD7442 administration prevented infection, whereas therapeutic administration accelerated virus clearance from the lung. In an ongoing phase 1 study in healthy participants (NCT04507256), a 300-mg intramuscular injection of AZD7442 provided SARS-CoV-2 serum geometric mean neutralizing titers greater than 10-fold above those of convalescent serum for at least 3 months, which remained threefold above those of convalescent serum at 9 months after AZD7442 administration. About 1 to 2% of serum AZD7442 was detected in nasal mucosa, a site of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Extrapolation of the time course of serum AZD7442 concentration suggests AZD7442 may provide up to 12 months of protection and benefit individuals at high-risk of COVID-19.
Corrected and Republished from: “A Novel, Multiple-Antigen Pneumococcal Vaccine Protects against LethalStreptococcus pneumoniaeChallenge”
Authors: Chan Win-Yan , Entwisle Claire , Ercoli Giuseppe , Ramos-Sevillano Elise , McIlgorm Ann , Cecchini Paola , Bailey Christopher , Lam Oliver , Whiting Gail , Green Nicola , Goldblatt David , Wheeler Jun X. , Brown Jeremy S.
Published: January 2022

Current vaccination againstStreptococcus pneumoniaeuses vaccines based on capsular polysaccharides from selected serotypes and has led to nonvaccine serotype replacement disease. We have investigated an alternative serotype-independent approach, using multiple-antigen vaccines (MAV) prepared fromS. pneumoniaeTIGR4 lysates enriched for surface proteins by a chromatography step after culture under conditions that induce expression of heat shock proteins (Hsp; thought to be immune adjuvants).
Ceragenins and Antimicrobial Peptides Kill Bacteria through Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Mitchell Gabriel , Silvis Melanie R. , Talkington Kelsey C. , Budzik Jonathan M. , Dodd Claire E. , Paluba Justin M. , Oki Erika A. , Trotta Kristine L. , Licht Daniel J. , Jimenez-Morales David , Chou Seemay , Savage Paul B. , Gross Carol A. , Marletta Michael A. , Cox Jeffery S.
Published: January 2022

The development of novel antibiotics is essential because the current arsenal of antimicrobials will soon be ineffective due to the widespread occurrence of antibiotic resistance. The development of naturally occurring cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) for therapeutics to combat antibiotic resistance has been hampered by high production costs and protease sensitivity, among other factors.
Engineering T-Cell Resistance to HIV-1 Infection via Knock-In of Peptides from the Heptad Repeat 2 Domain of gp41
Authors: Maslennikova Alexandra , Kruglova Natalia , Kalinichenko Svetlana , Komkov Dmitriy , Shepelev Mikhail , Golubev Dmitriy , Siniavin Andrei , Vzorov Andrei , Filatov Alexander , Mazurov Dmitriy
Published: January 2022

HIV is a human lentivirus that infects CD4-positive immune cells and, when left untreated, manifests in the fatal disease known as AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not leading to viral clearance, and HIV persists in the organism as a latent provirus.
Proteomics and Transcriptomics Uncover Key Processes for Elasnin Tolerance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sulaiman Jordy Evan , Long Lexin , Qian Pei-Yuan , Lam Henry
Published: January 2022

Besides the excellent antibiofilm properties of elasnin, we discovered that it can also kill growing methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) planktonic cells. We subjected MRSA cells to an
in vitro
evolution experiment, and the resulting evolved strains exhibited increased elasnin tolerance, reduced growth rate, loss of pigmentation, an increased proportion of small-colony formation, and they became more sensitive toward daptomycin and lysostaphin.
Supplemental Material: Spatial skill predicts success on sequence stratigraphic interpretation
Authors: Kreager B.Z. , al. et
Published: January 2022

Figure S1: Geologic packet students completed in this study including geologic task with a sequence stratigraphic and Wheeler diagram. Figure S2: Students completed knowledge survey that assessed students' basic understanding and spatial understanding of important sequence stratigraphic concepts. Figure S3: A represents the Homoscedasticity plot for student scores on disembedding test and B represents homoscedasticity for student scores for mental folding and unfolding.
Supplemental Material: Large-scale, crustal-block vertical extrusion between the Hines Creek and Denali faults coeval with slip localization on the Denali fault since ca. 45 Ma: Hayes Range, Alaska, USA
Authors: Benowitz J.A. , al. et
Published: January 2022

Includes new and legacy geochronology and thermochronology data. Analytical and thermal modeling details and methods are also included.
Randomised controlled trial of fosfomycin in neonatal sepsis: pharmacokinetics and safety in relation to sodium overload
Authors: Obiero Christina W , Williams Phoebe , Murunga Sheila , Thitiri Johnstone , Omollo Raymond , Walker Ann Sarah , Egondi Thaddaeus , Nyaoke Borna , Correia Erika , Kane Zoe , Gastine Silke , Kipper Karin , Standing Joseph F , Ellis Sally , Sharland Mike , Berkley James Alexander
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess pharmacokinetics and changes to sodium levels in addition to adverse events (AEs) associated with fosfomycin among neonates with clinical sepsis.

Design

A single-centre open-label randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya.

Patients

120 neonates aged ≤28 days admitted being treated with standard-of-care (SOC) antibiotics for sepsis: ampicillin and gentamicin between March 2018 and February 2019.

Intervention

We randomly assigned half the participants to receive additional intravenous then oral fosfomycin at 100 mg/kg two times per day for up to 7 days (SOC-F) and followed up for 28 days.

Main outcome(s) and measure(s)

Serum sodium, AEs and fosfomycin pharmacokinetics.

Results

61 and 59 infants aged 0–23 days were assigned to SOC-F and SOC, respectively. There was no evidence of impact of fosfomycin on serum sodium or gastrointestinal side effects. We observed 35 AEs among 25 SOC-F participants and 50 AEs among 34 SOC participants during 1560 and 1565 infant-days observation, respectively (2.2 vs 3.2 events/100 infant-days; incidence rate difference −0.95 events/100 infant-days (95% CI −2.1 to 0.20)). Four SOC-F and 3 SOC participants died. From 238 pharmacokinetic samples, modelling suggests an intravenous dose of 150 mg/kg two times per day is required for pharmacodynamic target attainment in most children, reduced to 100 mg/kg two times per day in neonates aged <7 days or weighing <1500 g.

Conclusion and relevance

Fosfomycin offers potential as an affordable regimen with a simple dosing schedule for neonatal sepsis. Further research on its safety is needed in larger cohorts of hospitalised neonates, including very preterm neonates or those critically ill. Resistance suppression would only be achieved for the most sensitive of organisms so fosfomycin is recommended to be used in combination with another antimicrobial.

Trial registration number

NCT03453177.
Application of pharmacovigilance tools in a case of subacute anterior angle narrowing while under furosemide exposure
Authors: Anderssen-Nordahl Emilie , Riera-Arnau Judit , Perelló Carrascosa Manel , Gómez Muñoz Alicia
Published: January 2022

Sulfonamides have been related to drug-induced acute angle closure of the eye, but scarce reports exist concerning furosemide. We describe the second case of acute chamber narrowing (ACN) during furosemide exposure. A 65-year-old man with a renal transplant presented with ACN, after 3 months of furosemide intake. Finally, the patient required a bilateral iridotomy and right lens replacement. ACN has been associated with drugs containing sulfonamide derivatives, but an evaluation with pharmacovigilance scales for adverse drug reaction (ADR)-standardised causality assessment has not been provided. We use this case to illustrate how medicines and an ADR should be evaluated and reported. The spreading of pharmacovigilance information on what should be a rare and unexpected condition related to a drug could mean that other reports emerge about ADR with this drug and regulatory agencies perform consequently, as happened with topiramate.
Diagnostic and prognostic test assessment in emergency medicine: likelihood and diagnostic odds ratios
Authors: Marill Keith A
Published: January 2022

Emergency physicians use diagnostic and prognostic tests on a daily basis to assess for life-threatening illness and to inform clinical decisions. Current and new tests must be scientifically evaluated for their diagnostic utility. We discuss the evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic tests using the Bayesian likelihood ratio (LR) and logistic regression diagnostic odds ratio (OR) frameworks. These approaches can be applied to a single test in isolation using univariate techniques, or to a group of tests as commonly applied in clinical practice using multivariate methods. We compare and contrast the relative benefits and challenges of the LR and OR approaches, and assess their interchangeability. The concepts of diagnostic multivariate testing also underlie the framework of clinical decision rules which have gained acceptance in emergency medicine. Clinical decision rules can be viewed as a subanalysis within the joint LR framework. Ultimately, a variety of approaches may be acceptable and even complementary to assess a diagnostic test, each with its own merits and limitations.
Challenges of conflict of interest, coordination and collaboration in small island contexts: towards effective tobacco control governance in UK Overseas Territories
Authors: Barry Rachel Ann , Hill Sarah E , Williams Sarah , Collin Jeff
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) are semi-autonomous jurisdictions that face distinctive challenges in implementing tobacco control and protecting policy from industry influence. They are not eligible to become independent parties of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), although they can apply for treaty extension under the UK’s ratification. This study explores the relevance of the FCTC—particularly Article 5.3—for tobacco control governance across a sample of UKOTs.

Methods

From March to May 2019, we interviewed 32 stakeholders across four territories (Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, St Helena) at diverse stages in implementing key FCTC measures. Thematic qualitative analysis explored awareness and perceptions in relation to tobacco control.

Results

Interviewees’ accounts highlight the complexity of protecting health policy from industry influence in a context where the ‘tobacco industry’ covers a diverse range of actors. Despite not being formally covered by the FCTC, several health officials spoke about the strategic value of invoking Article 5.3 in the context of tensions with economic priorities. Nevertheless, effective tobacco control governance is complicated by territories’ reliance on local businesses—including tourism—and close social connections that occasionally blur the lines between private and public spheres.

Conclusions

The UKOTs share many characteristics with other small island jurisdictions, creating distinctive challenges for advancing tobacco control and protecting policy from industry interference. Despite their complex status in relation to WHO and its architecture, these territories benefit from the norms embedded in the FCTC and the systems that support its implementation.
Methods to identify and characterize iron–sulfur oligopeptides in water
Authors: Valer Luca , Rossetto Daniele , Scintilla Simone , Hu Yin Juan , Tomar Anju , Nader Serge , Betinol Isaiah O. , Mansy Sheref S.
Published: January 2022

Iron–sulfur clusters are ubiquitous cofactors that mediate central biological processes. However, despite their long history, these metallocofactors remain challenging to investigate when coordinated to small (≤ six amino acids) oligopeptides in aqueous solution. In addition to being often unstable in vitro, iron–sulfur clusters can be found in a wide variety of forms with varied characteristics, which makes it difficult to easily discern what is in solution. This difficulty is compounded by the dynamics of iron–sulfur peptides, which frequently coordinate multiple types of clusters simultaneously. To aid investigations of such complex samples, a summary of data from multiple techniques used to characterize both iron–sulfur proteins and peptides is provided. Although not all spectroscopic techniques are equally insightful, it is possible to use several, readily available methods to gain insight into the complex composition of aqueous solutions of iron–sulfur peptides.
Natural recovery from fire disturbance is more favorable than assisted recovery for the restoration of soil nematode-trapping fungi
Authors: She Rong , Zhou Xin-Juan , Wang Hai-Qing , Zhang Fa , Yang Xiao-Yan , Xiao Wen
Published: January 2022

A fire is usually considered a severe disturbance factor in the environment. Globally, rising temperatures and increasing human activities have intensified the severity and frequency of fire incidents, and research on post-fire recovery has inevitably become an important focus for ecologists. In terms of the restoration of burned areas, there are usually two primary approaches: natural recovery and assisted recovery. However, very few relevant studies have systematically compared these recovery alternatives, suggesting which one is more favorable to the overall restoration of an ecosystem, especially to the soil microbes that function as indispensable components of ecosystems. In this study, the restoration of soil nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) in natural and assisted recovery environments was compared. The results showed that although the NTF community structures differed among the sample sites, the counts and diversity of the NTF communities in the upper and lower soil layers in the natural recovery area were higher than those in the assisted recovery and unburned control areas. These findings suggest that artificial efforts to help ecosystem recovery after fire negatively affect the speed and quality of soil NTF community recovery. Instead, natural recovery appears to be a more suitable land management choice after fire disturbance.
Biochar mitigation of allelopathic effects in three invasive plants: evidence from seed germination trials
Authors: Bieser Jillian M.H. , Al-Zayat Maria , Murtada Jad , Thomas Sean C.
Published: January 2022

Many invasive species show allelopathic effects that contribute to competitive impacts on native vegetation for which few control measures exist. We investigated the potential for pyrolized organic material used as a soil amendment (“biochar”) to sorb allelochemicals and mitigate allelopathic effects on seed germination and early seedling development in three common invasive plants in Canada: garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and yellow sweetgrass (Melilotus officinalis). We hypothesized that biochars would mitigate effects on germination and early seedling development (radicle extension and cotyledon development) through sorption of allelochemicals. Laboratory assays of seed germination and early seedling development of two agricultural crops (Lactuca sativa and Raphinus raphanistrum) and two native grass species (Andropogon gerardi and Poa palustris) were conducted using water extracts from leaves. Seeds were treated with plant extracts exposed to four different biochars (red oak (Quercus rubra), jack pine (Pinus banksiana), shipping pallet and construction waste, and high-carbon wood ash) using a range of extract and biochar dosages. Treatment of allelopathic plant extracts by biochars significantly (p < 0.05) mitigated effects on seed germination for Alliaria and Melilotus. Effects on seed germination and early seedling development depended on extract concentration, biochar dosage, and the target species assessed. Controls treated with biochar leachate alone showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased germination for two of the biochars tested (jack pine biochar and high-carbon wood ash). Results indicated that biochars can mitigate allelopathic effects of invasive species through sorption of allelochemicals; however, this will be effective in only some cases.
A 7–9 GHz I/Q Up-Conversion Mixer Employing a Linear Voltage-to-Current Converting Baseband Input Stage for 5G New Radio Cellular Applications
Authors: Park Beomyu , Lee Donggu , Lee Jeongwoo , Han Junghwan , Kwon Kuduck
Published: January 2022

This work presents a 7–9[Formula: see text]GHz in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) direct up-conversion mixer employing a linear voltage-to-current converting baseband input stage for 5G new radio frequency range 2 cellular applications. The proposed baseband stage improves both the large-signal handling capability and small-signal linearity at the input stage of the mixer. The designed double-balanced I/Q up-conversion mixer, which is based on Gilbert-cell mixer, consists of a voltage-to-current converting input stage, switching stages, and an RLC tank. Simulated in a 40-nm CMOS process, the up-conversion mixer achieves a conversion gain of 5[Formula: see text]dB, input-referred third-order intercept point of 9.6[Formula: see text]dBm, and input 1-dB gain compression point of –0.8[Formula: see text]dBm. It draws a DC bias current of 15.8[Formula: see text]mA from a nominal supply voltage of 1.1[Formula: see text]V, and the active area is 0.129[Formula: see text]mm2.
Automatically Generating Release Notes with Content Classification Models
Authors: Nath Sristy Sumana , Roy Banani
Published: January 2022

Release notes are admitted as an essential technical document in software maintenance. They summarize the main changes, e.g. bug fixes and new features, that have happened in the software since the previous release. Manually producing release notes is a time-consuming and challenging task. For that reason, sometimes developers neglect to write release notes. For example, we collect data from GitHub with over 1900 releases, and among them, 37% of the release notes are empty. To mitigate this problem, we propose an automatic release notes generation approach by applying the text summarization techniques, i.e. TextRank. To improve the keyword extraction method of traditional TextRank, we integrate the GloVe word embedding technique with TextRank. After generating release notes automatically, we apply machine learning algorithms to classify the release note contents (or sentences). We classify the contents into six categories, e.g. bug fixes and performance improvements, to represent the release notes better for users. We use the evaluation metric, e.g. ROUGE, to evaluate the automatically generated release notes. We also compare the performance of our technique with two popular extractive algorithms, e.g. Luhn’s and latent semantic analysis (LSA). Our evaluation results show that the improved TextRank method outperforms the two algorithms.
A Fully Parallel Approach of Model Checking Via Probe Machine
Authors: Wang Dong , Liu Jing , Sun Haiying , Xu Jin , Kang Jiexiang
Published: January 2022

Model checking is a verification technique that explores all possible system states in a brute-force manner. However, the state space can be extremely large for many practical systems and the verification time grows exponentially with the size of systems. It is a major limitation for state-space search algorithms of model checking. This paper presents a novel approach to perform Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) and Computation Tree Logic (CTL) model checking by using the connective probe machine, which is a fully parallel computing model. Our state-space search algorithm is based on the semantics of CTL properties and we design transformation algorithms to transform the model of a system into the structure that can run on the existing probe machine. We propose another approach to find multiple accepting cycles in linear time, which greatly shortens the verification time of LTL model checking. Compared to the traditional model checker, our approach can find multiple counterexamples according to the given property, which can trace as many system defects as possible. Simultaneously, it can greatly reduce the verification time for systems with large state spaces. We develop a model checker called MC2PROBE based on our approach and prove the feasibility and efficiency of our checker by experiments.
ON THE ANALYSIS OF FRACTAL-FRACTIONAL ORDER MODEL OF MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATION SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS (MERS-CoV) UNDER CAPUTO OPERATOR
Authors: ZHANG LEI , SAEED TAREQ , WANG MIAO-KUN , AAMIR NUDRAT , IBRAHIM MUHAMMAD
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the dynamical behavior of Middle East respiration syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) via a sense of Caputo fractal-fractional order system of differential equation is established. A novel approach of fractional operator known as fractal-fractional Riemann–Liouville derivative is applied to the model considered. Moreover, fractal-fractional derivative is applied to the said problem. Furthermore, the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the considered model are verified by the fixed-point theory approach. The local and global stability of developed system are investigated with the help of the Ulam–Hyers stability technique from nonlinear functional analysis. The fractal-fractional type Adams–Bashforth iterative method is used to establish the numerical solution of said problem. The proposed model is simulated by considering different fractal dimensions [Formula: see text] and fractional order [Formula: see text], converging to the integer order. Hence, it is evident that all the compartmental quantities possess convergence and stability in fractal-fractional form. Moreover, the Fractal-fractional techniques may also be used as a powerful technique/tool to investigate the global dynamics of the disease. However, it can be concluded from the results that quick recovery is possible for human population in the pandemic if there is no animal interaction with humans. In future, we are planning to extend the reported analysis to other fractional (fractal-fractional) operators. Furthermore, the behavior of different infectious models can also be analyzed with the help of newly developed scheme at different fractional orders lying between 0 and 1.