bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Starch granule initiation in Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplasts
Authors: Mérida Angel , Fettke Joerg 
Published: May 2021

SUMMARYThe initiation of starch granule formation and the mechanism controlling the number of granules per plastid have been some of the most elusive aspects of starch metabolism. This review covers the advances made in the study of these processes. The analyses presented herein depict a scenario in which starch synthase isoform 4 (SS4) provides the elongating activity necessary for the initiation of starch granule formation. However, this protein does not act alone; other polypeptides are required for the initiation of an appropriate number of starch granules per chloroplast. The functions of this group of polypeptides include providing suitable substrates (maltooligosaccharides) to SS4, the localization of the starch initiation machinery to the thylakoid membranes, and facilitating the correct folding of SS4. The number of starch granules per chloroplast is tightly regulated and depends on the developmental stage of the leaves and their metabolic status. Plastidial phosphorylase (PHS1) and other enzymes play an essential role in this process since they are necessary for the synthesis of the substrates used by the initiation machinery. The mechanism of starch granule formation initiation in Arabidopsis seems to be generalizable to other plants and also to the synthesis of long‐term storage starch. The latter, however, shows specific features due to the presence of more isoforms, the absence of constantly recurring starch synthesis and degradation, and the metabolic characteristics of the storage sink organs.
Therapeutic relationships in speech-language pathology: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hansen Hilke , Erfmann Kerstin , Göldner Julia , Schlüter Rieke , Zimmermann Franziska 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT

Objective:
The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of empirical research regarding the therapeutic relationship between speech-language pathologists and their clients of all ages and clinical areas.

Introduction:
The influence of a positive relationship between professionals and clients on the process and outcome of interventions is well documented for many health professions. However, research in speech-language pathology predominantly focuses on the outcome of specific treatment methods and techniques. The number of empirical research studies on the therapeutic relationship within this research area is increasing. At present, existing research has not been summarized and compared.

Inclusion criteria:
The review will include all empirical research that addresses the therapeutic relationship between speech-language pathologists and their clients of all ages and clinical areas. Since speech-language pathologists often collaborate intensively with caregivers of their clients, such as parents or partners, these groups will also be included.

Methods:
Systematic searches will be conducted across seven research databases (ASHAWire, CINAHL, ERIC, Fachportal Pädagogik, LIVIVO, MEDLINE [PubMed], and PsycINFO) and four unpublished/gray literature databases (evidenssst, ndldt, OpenGrey, and SSOAR). Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers for author(s), year of publication, country of origin, research questions, participants, terminology and theoretical foundations, research design, and focus. Central findings concerning the therapeutic relationship on the input-, process-, outcome, and output-level of speech-language interventions will be analyzed. Results will be presented as a narrative summary.
Physical sequelae of growing into adolescence with perinatally acquired HIV: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Comley-White Nicolette , Potterton Joanne , Ntsiea Veronica 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT

Objective:
This scoping review aims to identify and describe the physical sequelae experienced by adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV.

Introduction:
Perinatally acquired HIV is a prevalent condition affecting adolescents. It results in neurocognitive dysfunction and mental health challenges. Data show that some of the physical challenges facing this population include stunted growth and delayed puberty; however, other physical challenges remain largely unknown.

Inclusion criteria:
This review will consider studies that include adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, with perinatally (vertically) acquired HIV. Adolescents from any geographic area, of any ethnicity or socioeconomic background will be considered. The concepts included will be all physical sequelae of perinatally acquired HIV. Studies of any research design, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, as well as systematic reviews, will be considered.

Methods:
This review will utilize a three-step search strategy. There will be an initial search of MEDLINE (PubMed), followed by a full search of MEDLINE (PubMed), PEDro, CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus (Elsevier), ScienceDirect (Elsevier), and Google Scholar. Gray literature will be searched using CDC Stacks and OpenGrey. Lastly, the reference lists of all articles will be checked for additional studies. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two independent reviewers against the inclusion criteria, and a third reviewer will resolve any discrepancies. Results will be charted on a data extraction tool and presented with a table, diagrammatic representation, and a descriptive narrative.
Patient-reported outcome measures in the emergency department: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Poulsen Ninna Rysholt , Schougaard Liv Marit Valen , Søvsø Morten Breinholt , Leutscher Peter Derek Christian , Pedersen Mona Kyndi 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT

Objective:
The objective of this scoping review is to identify and characterize validated patient-reported outcome measures used to assess adult patients’ health status in the emergency department to support clinical decision-making and to develop individual care and treatment plans.

Introduction:
In recent years, the workload in emergency departments has increased and patient management is characterized by a fast pace. The accelerated approach may lead to unintentional negligence by health care professionals of patient-reported signs and symptoms in the emergency department. Thus, use of patient-reported outcome measures in the emergency department may improve health care professionals’ attention to the needs and health status of patients.

Inclusion criteria:
Studies assessing adult patients’ health status in the emergency department using patient-reported outcome measures will be considered. The patient-reported outcome measures should be self-reported, assisted by a proxy, or administered through interviews. Only studies reporting on the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures will be included. Moreover, health-related information retrieved using patient-reported outcome measures should be applicable at an individual patient level.

Methods:
A systematic literature search will be performed primarily in the databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Both published and unpublished sources of information will be considered. Studies published from 2000 onwards in Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, German, and English will be included. Using the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, two reviewers will independently perform the study selection and data extraction. The results will be presented in a tabular form together with a narrative summary.
On State-Space Modeling and Signal Localization in Dynamical Systems
Authors: Ray Asok 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This letter focuses on two topics in engineering analysis, which are (1) degree-of-freedom (DOF) in modeling of dynamical systems and (2) simultaneous time and frequency localization of signals. These issues are explained from the perspectives of decision and control by making use of concepts from applied mathematics and theoretical physics. Specifically, a new definition is proposed to clarify the notion of “DOF,” which is consistent with the dimension of the state space of the dynamical system model. Relevant examples are presented on (finite-dimensional) vector spaces over the real field R and/or the complex field C.
The Design and Control of a Rigid-Flexible Coupling Positioning Stage for Enhanced Settling Performance
Authors: Peng Hao , Yang Zhijun , Xue Wenchao , Huang Ruirui , Huang Yi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Traditional high-speed precision motion stage (HSPMS) design pursues high-stiffness structure to achieve fast response. However, such structure leads to high-frequency disturbance near dead zone of friction, which causes poor performance in controlling HSPMS. To this end, this paper proposes the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC)-based mechanical design to reduce the bandwidth of friction disturbance and improve the control performance of HSPMS. It is proved that the low-frequency disturbance can be more effectively tackled by the extended state observer (ESO) in the frame of ADRC. In particular, rigid-flexible coupling (RFC) positioning stage is presented for converting the high-frequency friction disturbance into the low-frequency elastic deformation disturbance by flexure hinges. The experimental tests are carried out for both traditional stage and RFC stage. It is clearly shown that compared with traditional design, the control performance of RFC stage is remarkably promoted.
Influence of Fin Parameters on Melting and Solidification Characteristics of a Conical Shell and Tube Latent Heat Storage Unit
Authors: Kalapala Lokesh , Devanuri Jaya Krishna 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Augmenting meting and solidification rates of latent heat storage unit (LHSU) is very much essential for its efficient operation. By the effective utilization of natural convection, rate of heat transfer can be enhanced and the conical shell is beneficent in this regard. Using fins further improves the charging and discharging rates. Hence, the current study is focused on analyzing melting and solidification characteristics of a conical shell and tube LHSU along with the effect of fin parameters viz., fin diameter and number of fins. Numerical analysis is chosen for this purpose and the performance is compared via melting/solidification times, energy stored, energy/exergy efficiencies. Initially, the performance of unfinned conical shell is compared with the cylindrical shell without fins and then the effect of fin parameters is presented. For melting process conical shell is found to be superior to cylindrical shell. 34.46% reduction in melting time is noted by using conical shell and rate of energy stored is also higher for conical shell. Increase in fin diameter caused an increase in melting time when 20 number of fins are used, whereas melting time got decreased with the increase in fin diameter when five number of fins are used. Hence, when a greater number of fins are used, lesser diameter is preferred for melting. For discharging process, conical shell took 60% more time than cylindrical shell. Even after using fins, solidification time is not drastically reduced in comparison with cylindrical shell.
Effect of Zirconium Oxide Reinforcement on Microstructural, Electrochemical, and Mechanical Properties of TiNi Alloy Produced via Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Abbas Raza S. , Imran Khan M. , Ramzan Abdul Karim M. , Ali Rashid , Umair Naseer M. , Zameer Abbas S. , Ahmad Mairaj 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Equiatomic TiNi alloy composites, reinforced with 0, 5, 10, and 15 vol% ZrO2, were synthesized using conventional sintering approach. Equiatomic TiNi pre-alloyed powder and ZrO2 powder were mixed in planetary ball mill for 6 h followed by cold compaction and pressure-less sintering, respectively. The sintered density was found to vary inversely with the addition of ZrO2 content. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra have shown the formation of multiple-phases which were resulted from the decomposition of the B19′ and B2 phases of the equiatomic TiNi alloy due to the addition of ZrO2 and higher diffusion rate of Ni than that of Ti in the alloy composite. An increase in hardness was noted due to the addition of ZrO2, measured by micro and nanoindentation techniques. Potentiodynamic polarization scan revealed a 10% decrease in the corrosion rate of the composite containing 10 vol% ZrO2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results indicated an increase in passive layer resistance (Rcoat) due to the increase in charge transfer resistance (Rct) caused by the reduced leaching of ions from the surface.
Two-Dimensional Numerical Analysis of Gas Diffusion-Induced Cassie to Wenzel State Transition
Authors: Mayer Michael D. , Kadoko Jonah , Hodes Marc 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We develop a two-dimensional model for the transient diffusion of gas from the cavities in ridge-type structured surfaces to a quiescent liquid suspended above them in the Cassie state to predict the location of the liquid vapor-interface (meniscus) as a function of time. The transient diffusion equation is numerically solved by a Chebyshev collocation (spectral) method coupled to the Young–Laplace equation and the ideal gas law. We capture the effects of variable meniscus curvature and, subsequently, when applicable, movement of triple contact lines. Results are presented for the evolution of the dissolved gas concentration field in the liquid and, when applicable, the time it takes for a meniscus to depin and that for longevity, i.e., the onset of the Cassie to Wenzel state transition. Two configurations are examined; viz., one where an impermeable membrane pressurizes the liquid above the ridges and one where hydrostatic pressure is considered and the top of the liquid is exposed to noncondensible gas.
Anisotropy and the Onset of the Thermoconvective Instability in a Vertical Porous Layer
Authors: Barletta A. , Celli M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The thermoconvective instability of the parallel vertical flow in a fluid saturated porous layer bounded by parallel open boundaries is studied. The open boundaries are assumed to be kept at constant uniform pressure while their temperatures are uniform and different, thus forcing a horizontal temperature gradient across the layer. The anisotropic permeability of the porous layer is accounted for by assuming the principal axes to be oriented along the directions perpendicular and parallel to the layer boundaries. A linear stability analysis based on the Fourier normal modes of perturbation is carried out by testing the effect of the inclination of the normal mode wavevector to the vertical. The neutral stability curves and the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of the instability are evaluated by solving numerically the stability eigenvalue problem.
Dynamic Processes of Nanobubbles: Growth, Collapse, and Coalescence
Authors: Choi Heejun , Li Calvin , Peterson G. P. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Nanobubbles are typically classified as gas/vapor phase cavities in an aqueous solution with a characteristic length of approximately 100 nanometers (nm). The theoretical lifetime of these nanobubbles has been estimated to be less than ∼1 μs at a diameter of 100 nm based upon the Young-Laplace pressure, but experimental observations have been reported that indicate that they may exist for many hours, or even days. These nanobubbles can be generated by a number of different methods, such as solvent exchange, pressure and/or temperature variations, chemical reactions, or through the electron beam radiolysis of water. The imaging methods utilized to observe these nanobubbles have evolved from low temporal resolution/high spatial resolution, using atomic force microscopy (AFM); or low spatial resolution/high temporal resolution, using optical microscopy (X-rays); or finally, high spatial/high temporal resolution using more recent electron microscopy techniques. A review of the various methods utilized in the nucleation of nanobubbles and the different imaging technologies utilized, along with a summary of the most recent experimental and theoretical investigations of the dynamic behavior and processes of these nanobubbles, including nanobubble growth, nanobubble collapse, and nanobubble coalescence, are presented, discussed and summarized.
Clinically Applicable Multiplex PCR for Four Middle Ear Pathogens
Authors: Hendolin Panu H. , Paulin Lars , Ylikoski Jukka 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT

The multiplex PCR method for the detection of
Alloiococcus otitidis
,
Haemophilus influenzae
,
Moraxella catarrhalis
, and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(P. H. Hendolin, A. Markkanen, J. Ylikoski, and J. J. Wahlfors, J. Clin. Microbiol. 35:2854–2858, 1997) in middle ear effusions (MEEs) was modified to be better suited for clinical use. To detect false-negative results, an internal amplification was added to the reaction, and to prevent carryover contamination, the dUTP–uracil-N-glycosidase system was incorporated into the procedure. Labor was minimized by using the heat-activatable AmpliTaq Gold polymerase in order to circumvent manual hot start and by detecting the amplification products on an automated sequencer. The performance of the improved protocol was verified with MEEs from patients with otitis media with effusion. In addition, a ligase detection reaction (LDR) was developed for confirmation of the PCR products. The modifications increased the reliability of the protocol and the hands-off time significantly. However, when two DNA extraction protocols were compared, gram-negative bacteria were detected more often in phenol-treated MEEs (94 versus 46%;
P
< 0.001), and gram-positive bacteria were detected more often in MEEs dissolved in sodium dodecyl sulfate-NaOH-chaotropic salt (83 versus 27%;
P
< 0.001). The LDR was found to be 100% specific. In all, the results demonstrate the feasibility of the rapid (7-h) multiplex PCR method for routine laboratory use.
Molecular Epidemiology of Genital
Chlamydia trachomatis
Infection in High-Risk Women in Senegal, West Africa
Authors: Sturm-Ramirez Katharine , Brumblay Hunter , Diop Khady , Guèye-Ndiaye Aissatou , Sankalé Jean-Louis , Thior Ibou , N'Doye Ibrahima , Hsieh Chung-Cheng , Mboup Souleymane , Kanki Phyllis J. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT

The prevalence and heterogeneity of
Chlamydia trachomatis
infections in a cohort of female sex workers in Dakar (Senegal) were determined by using endocervical-swab-based PCR DNA amplification assays. The overall prevalence of cervical chlamydial infection was 28.5% (206 of 722), and most of these infections were asymptomatic. An increased number of sexual partners was significantly associated with infection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06 to 1.77), while the presence of a yeast infection was negatively associated with chlamydial infection (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.83). Six different
C. trachomatis
genotypes were identified based on phylogenetic analysis of the
omp1
gene sequences. Interestingly, genotype E predominated (47.6%) and was not associated with visible signs of cervical inflammation compared to non-E genotypes (
P
< 0.05). Overall, the high rate of asymptomatic
C. trachomatis
infection by genotype E may suggest genotype-specific properties that confer a transmission advantage in this high risk population.
Performance of Immunoblotting in Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-
Leishmania
sp.-Coinfected Patients
Authors: Santos-Gomes G. , Gomes-Pereira S. , Campino L. , Araújo M. De Almeida , Abranches P. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the performance of immunoblotting with
Leishmania infantum
soluble antigens for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and immunocompetent patients and assessed the humoral responses of patients coinfected with HIV and
Leishmania
. In this work, the results of the immunoblot analysis were compared to those of parasitological examination (Giemsa-stained smears and/or parasite isolation in Novy, Nicolle, and MacNeal medium from bone marrow) and indirect immunofluorescence and counterimmunoelectrophoresis techniques. Patients were considered to be infected if one or more of the comparison techniques gave a positive result. Immunoblotting was considered to be positive if at least one band was present. For 198 HIV-positive patients with a clinical suspicion of visceral leishmaniasis, immunoblot analysis had a sensitivity of 70.6%, a specificity of 73.2%, and an accuracy of 72.7%. For a separate group of 40 immunocompetent patients not infected with
Leishmania
, the immunoblot analysis was negative for all patients (100% specificity), and for a third group of 32 immunocompetent patients with confirmed visceral leishmaniasis, the immunoblot analysis was positive for all patients (100% sensitivity). Sera of coinfected patients recognized few bands and recognized bands at lower intensities compared with sera from immunocompetent patients. The most frequently detected band was 63 to 66 kDa (55.9%), with the difference being statistically significant compared to frequency of detection of the other bands. This study confirms that the humoral response in patients coinfected with HIV and
Leishmania
is much lower than that in immunocompetent patients and that the immunoblot method is a sensitive, noninvasive, and specific serological technique for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompromised patients.
Nested PCR for Rapid Detection of Mumps Virus in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients with Neurological Diseases
Authors: Poggio Gustavo Palacios , Rodriguez Claudia , Cisterna Daniel , Freire María Cecilia , Cello Jerónimo 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
In this study, we have developed a reverse transcription (RT)-nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) for the detection of mumps virus RNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with neurological infections. A specific 112-bp fragment was amplified by this method with primers from the nucleoprotein of the mumps virus genome. The mumps virus RT–n-PCR was capable of detecting 0.001 PFU/ml and 0.005 50% tissue culture infective dose/ml. This method was found to be specific, since no PCR product was detected in each of the CSF samples from patients with proven non-mumps virus-related meningitis or encephalitis. Mumps virus RNA was detected in all 18 CSF samples confirmed by culture to be infected with mumps virus. Positive PCR results were obtained for the CSF of 26 of 28 patients that were positive for signs of mumps virus infection (i.e., cultivable virus from urine or oropharyngeal samples or positivity for anti-mumps virus immunoglobulin M) but without cultivable virus in their CSF. Overall, mumps virus RNA was detected in CSF of 96% of the patients with a clinical diagnosis of viral central nervous system (CNS) disease and confirmed mumps virus infection, while mumps virus was isolated in CSF of only 39% of the patients. Furthermore, in a retrospective study, we were able to detect mumps virus RNA in 25 of 55 (46%) CSF samples from patients with a clinical diagnosis of viral CNS disease and negative laboratory evidence of viral infection including mumps virus infection. The 25 patients represent 12% of the 236 patients who had a clinical diagnosis of viral CNS infections and whose CSF was examined at our laboratory for a 2-year period. The findings confirm the importance of mumps virus as a causative agent of CNS infections in countries with low vaccine coverage rates. In summary, our study demonstrates the usefulness of the mumps virus RT–n-PCR for the diagnosis of mumps virus CNS disease and suggests that this assay may soon become the “gold standard” test for the diagnosis of mumps virus CNS infection.