bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability Conditions and Stiffness Variability of General Tensegrity Systems With Kinematic Joints
Authors: Luo Jiahui , Ge Longqing , Xu Xiaoming , Liu Xiaodong , Zhuang Ziwei , Han Lulu , Wu Zhigang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Tensegrity systems represent promising candidate mechanisms with in situ stiffness variability through changing the cables’ prestress levels. However, prestress-based stiffness behaviors of tensegrity systems with arbitrary kinematic joints have not been analyzed systematically. This paper adopts the natural absolute coordinates for static modeling of tensegrity systems consisting of rigid members and tension elements. Then, a generic stiffness analysis method is developed to formulate the reduced-basis tangent stiffness matrix, which is found to include three parts: positive semi-definite material and geometric stiffness matrices, and an indefinite constraint stiffness matrix. Based on these findings, a systematic stability-checking procedure is derived to determine prestress and super stability, which are qualitative indicators of the softening and stiffening effects in different tensegrity systems. Then, we proceed to quantify the range of prestress-based stiffness variability by formulating semi-definite programming problems that numerically pinpoint the maximum and zero stiffness points. Furthermore, this paper reveals the composable nature of multiple self-stress states, enabling the composability of stiffness properties in mechanism designs. Several numerical examples verify the efficacy and versatility of the proposed method and demonstrate interesting stiffness behaviors of tensegrity systems with kinematic joints.
Three-Dimensional Simulation of Cavitating Flow in Reciprocating Positive Displacement Pumps With Fluid-Actuated Valves
Authors: Munsch Pascal , Kiermeir Joseph , Schilling Rudolf , Schlücker Eberhard , Skoda Romuald 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
An in-house compressible three-dimensional (3D) finite volume computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, with statistical turbulence model and moving grid capabilities, is presented and applied to the suction stroke of a simplex plunger positive displacement pump. The approach utilizes a pressure-based implicit solution algorithm and a mass transfer cavitation model. Fluid-actuated valve dynamics are approximated using a fluid-structure interaction algorithm. The closed valve and early phase of valve opening are approximated by a permeable wall. A circular segment model is introduced, significantly reducing computing time. Experimental validation is performed by time-resolved pressure and flow rate measurements, as well as high-speed visualizations of the valve dynamics. A speed variation is conducted to investigate harmless advanced and erosive distinctive partial cavitation. The simulation reproduces the delay of cavity collapse, observed with increasing speed, and reveals distinctive void patterns related to the chamber pressure time progression. These void patterns are fundamental for understanding the cavitation dynamics and potential erosion risk in the system. Deviations from data remain in the flow phase subsequent to the collapse due to overestimated wave reflection at the inlet boundary in the suction pipe.
Ethnic bias and the hidden curriculum: The impact of routine inclusion of ethnicity in medical education assessment
Authors: Pitama Suzanne , Manuel Jenni , Wilkinson Tim , Tweed Mike , Cuddy Jessica , Huria Tania , Lacey Cameron 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: In 2012, the University of Otago Medical School in New Zealand amended high stakes examination questions to routinely include ethnicity. This policy change was prompted by the assessment committee, including the Māori subcommittee. This study aimed to examine the portrayal of Māori patients and to explore the impact of routine inclusion of ethnicity.
Methods: A quantitative description of demographic variables of examination questions and responses (role-model answers, multiple-response preferred answer, guidelines for markers) from a pre policy (2009–2011), post policy (2012–2013) and follow-up period (2018–2019) was undertaken. A qualitative content analysis of Māori examination questions was conducted with consideration of trends over time.
Results: The majority (98%) of examination questions did not report ethnicity prior to the 2012 policy, whereas around 80% of cases did post policy implementation. Three themes were identified: the non-adherent Māori patient, determinants of health and the patient assigned Māori ethnicity. Examination questions and responses that portrayed Māori as being non-adherent were more common prior to the implementation of the policy. Post policy, many questions did not require students to consider the relevance of ethnicity but presented an increase in social and cultural contextual information of the patient over time.
Conclusion: Policy implementation by the assessment committee led to less racist stereotyping and “othering” of Māori patients and prompted further refinement of social and cultural determinants of health over time. Future recommendations include increasing representation of Māori as a reflection of the increased burden of disease alongside representing intersectionality using other socio-cultural indicators.
Genome sequence of multi-drug-resistant
Staphyloccocus aureus
isolated from a clinical sample collected in Maroua, Cameroon
Authors: Mohamadou Mansour , Kagning Tsinda Emmanuel , Hina Qudsia , Javed Kashaf , Dongang Nana Rodrigue Roman , Ngonde Essome Marie Chantal , Essama Sara Riwom , Sattar Sadia , Kamga Hortense Gonsu , Javed Sundus 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major pathogen of public health concern due to its implications in pathologies and its increasing antimicrobial resistance. Here, we present the draft genome of a 2.7-Mbp
S. aureus
isolate obtained from a pus swab sampled in Cameroon. The GC content of the draft genome is 32%.
Identification of
Corynebacterium ulcerans
and
Erysipelothrix
sp. in Malayan pangolins—a potential threat to public health?
Authors: Wang Hai , Wang Xiao , Cao Yilin , Chen Yiting , Zou Zanjian , Lu Xingbang , Shan Fen , Tu Jieying , Liu Jianhua , Liu Jiameng , Sa Jiaqi , Zhou Niu , Peng Shi-Ming , Zou Jie-Jian , Shen Xuejuan , Zhai Junqiong , Chen Zujin , Holmes Edward C. , Chen Wu , Shen Yongyi 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

The discovery of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2-like and Middle East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-like viruses in Malayan pangolins has raised concerns about their potential role in the spread of zoonotic diseases. Herein, we describe the isolation and whole-genome sequencing of potentially zoonotic two bacterial pathogens from diseased Malaysian pangolins (
Manis javanica
)—
Corynebacterium ulcerans
and
Erysipelothrix
sp. The newly identified species were designated as
C. ulcerans
P69 and
Erysipelothrix
sp. P66.
C. ulcerans
P69 exhibited 99.2% whole-genome nucleotide identity to human bacterial isolate 4940, suggesting that it might have zoonotic potential. Notably,
C. ulcerans
P69 lacked the diphtheria toxin (
tox
) gene that is widely used in vaccines to protect humans from corynebacterial infection, which suggests that the current vaccine may be of limited efficacy against this pangolin strain.
C. ulcerans
P69 also contains other known virulence-associated genes such as
pld
and exhibits resistance to several antibiotics (erythromycin, clindamycin, penicillin G, gentamicin, tetracycline), which may affect its effective control.
Erysipelothrix
sp. P66 was closely related to
Erysipelothrix
sp. strain 2-related strains, exhibiting 98.8% whole-genome nucleotide identity. This bacterium is lethal in mice, and two commercial vaccines failed to protect its challenge, such that it could potentially pose a threat to the swine industry. Overall, this study highlights that, in addition to viruses, pangolins harbor bacteria that may pose a potential threat to humans and domestic animals, and which merit attention.

IMPORTANCE

This study firstly reports the presence of two potentially zoonotic bacteria,
Corynebacterium ulcerans
and
Erysipelothrix
sp., in diseased Malaysian pangolins collected in 2019. The pangolin
C. ulcerans
is lethal in mice and resists many antibiotics. It clustered with a lethal human strain but lacked the diphtheria toxin gene. Diphtheria toxin is widely used as a vaccine around the world to protect humans from the infection of corynebacteria. The lack of the
tox
gene suggests that the current vaccine may be of limited efficacy against this pangolin strain. The pangolin
Erysipelothrix
sp. is the sister clade of
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
. It is lethal in mice, and two commercial vaccines failed to protect the mice against challenge with the pangolin
Erysipelothrix
sp., such that this strain could potentially pose a threat to the swine industry. These findings emphasize the potential threat of pangolin bacteria.
Aerobic adaptation and metabolic dynamics of
Propionibacterium freudenreichii
DSM 20271: insights from comparative transcriptomics and surfaceome analysis
Authors: Loivamaa Iida , Sillanpää Annika , Deptula Paulina , Chamlagain Bhawani , Edelmann Minnamari , Auvinen Petri , Nyman Tuula A. , Savijoki Kirsi , Piironen Vieno , Varmanen Pekka 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Propionibacterium freudenreichii
(
PFR
) DSM 20271
T
is a bacterium known for its ability to thrive in diverse environments and to produce vitamin B12. Despite its anaerobic preference, recent studies have elucidated its ability to prosper in the presence of oxygen, prompting a deeper exploration of its physiology under aerobic conditions. Here, we investigated the response of DSM 20271
T
to aerobic growth by employing comparative transcriptomic and surfaceome analyses alongside metabolite profiling. Cultivation under controlled partial pressure of oxygen (pO
2
) conditions revealed significant increases in biomass formation and altered metabolite production, notably of vitamin B12, pseudovitamin-B12, propionate, and acetate, under aerobic conditions. Transcriptomic analysis identified differential expression of genes involved in lactate metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and electron transport chain, suggesting metabolic adjustments to aerobic environments. Moreover, surfaceome analysis unveiled growth environment-dependent changes in surface protein abundance, with implications for adaptation to atmospheric conditions. Supplementation experiments with key compounds highlighted the potential for enhancing aerobic growth, emphasizing the importance of iron and α-ketoglutarate availability. Furthermore, in liquid culture, FeSO
4
supplementation led to increased heme production and reduced vitamin B12 production, highlighting the impact of oxygen and iron availability on the metabolic pathways. These findings deepen our understanding of
PFR
’s physiological responses to oxygen availability and offer insights for optimizing its growth in industrial applications.

IMPORTANCE

The study of the response of
Propionibacterium freudenreichii
to aerobic growth is crucial for understanding how this bacterium adapts to different environments and produces essential compounds like vitamin B12. By investigating its physiological changes under aerobic conditions, we can gain insights into its metabolic adjustments and potential for enhanced growth. These findings not only deepen our understanding of
P. freudenreichii'
s responses to oxygen availability but also offer valuable information for optimizing its growth in industrial applications. This research sheds light on the adaptive mechanisms of this bacterium, providing a foundation for further exploration and potential applications in various fields.
Characterization of Twelve Erwinia amylovora Bacteriophages
Authors: Besarab N. V. , Letarov A. V. , Belalov I. S. , Golomidova A. K. , Kulikov E. E. , Letarova M. A. , Boldyreva D. I. , Lagonenko A. L. , Evtushenkov A. N. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Erwinia amylovora bacteriophages are of interest as fire blight control agents. This paper presents data on the biology and molecular genetic properties of 12 E. amylovora tailed bacteriophages. Genome sequences of seven of them were determined and the phages were identified as the representatives of Caudoviricetes; Vequintavirinae, Ounavirinae and Autographiviridae families. The bacteriophages studied were active against E. amylovora, Pantoea agglomerans and Pantoea ananatis strains. The myovirus Hena1 had the narrowest host range lysing 12% of the bacterial cultures tested, the remaining myoviruses—had broader host ranges (56%) for this collection. The phages showed different reactions to the presence of a chelating agent in the cultivation medium. A significant proportion of phage-resistant E. amylovora cells were found both in infected liquid cultures and in the experiments on the plates with the phage agar (more than 20% in case of exposure to podoviruses), which correlates with the data of limited number of previous investigations of the phenomenon for E. amylovora interactions with phages. High prevalence of resistant cells in the host cultures suggest that they are formed not due to spontaneous mutations but result from another phenotypic or genetic dissociation mechanism(s) that remains to be identified.
Baclofen overdose with unique cardiovascular effects
Authors: Dudek Cain M , Yee Christopher H , Greenberg Max , McCarver Stewart C 
Published: September 2024

Case presentationA woman in her 70s was found unresponsive and brought to our hospital with respiratory distress, cardiomyopathy and volatile alternation between hypotension and hypertension. She was intubated and admitted to intensive care for supportive treatment of suspected baclofen overdose. She gradually recovered and was discharged 10 days after presentation. Laboratory testing confirmed baclofen overdose.ConclusionThis case illustrates the classic features of baclofen toxicity but also includes unusual features including ST elevations on ECG and apical ballooning on echocardiogram. Lack of immediate laboratory testing can be a significant diagnostic challenge, so a high index of suspicion is needed to definitively diagnose baclofen overdose. Furthermore, haemodynamic volatility requires careful and frequent re-evaluation of treatment, so early recognition and anticipation of complications are essential for effective management of this life-threatening condition.
Improving role allocation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the emergency department: a quality improvement project
Authors: Giri Sweta , Gyeltshen Dawa , Wangchuk Neten , Dorji Kinley , Drakpa Loday , Wangdi Sonam , Diyali Kiran Biswa 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionIn any healthcare setting, cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPRs) stand out as demanding and chaotic resuscitation endeavours. Emergency departments (EDs) witness a significant volume of CPRs. Given the critical nature of CPR, content knowledge and procedural skills alone fall short in delivering optimal care. Effective teamwork, complemented by a well-coordinated response, is imperative for achieving favourable patient outcomes. A survey conducted in our ED highlighted that while the majority of staff acknowledged the significance of teamwork in CPR and were aware of the whiteboard for assigning team roles, only 19% were familiar with their individual roles during CPR.MethodsTo address this gap, our project aimed to increasing the role delegation for CPR from 19% to 80% within 2 months. We formed an interprofessional team and implemented strategies through four plan–do–study–act cycles. Interventions encompassed increasing sensitisation, creating a simplified format for assigning team roles and entrusting the nursing team leader of each shift with the responsibility of role assignment for accountability. The sharing of progress charts for acknowledgment served as a motivating factor, leading to sustained adherence to the project goals without necessitating reminders in the final two weeks.ResultsThis project proved to be highly successful as our process indicator steadily increased and remained above the target for 4 consecutive weeks.ConclusionOur results underscore the importance of patience and teamwork in achieving project objectives. It serves as a good example of the efficiency of simple and cost-effective interventions, one that can be replicated and implemented in other EDs.
Prospective cohort study identifying risk factors for sports injuries in adolescent athletes: the Healthy Injury-Free Adolescent Athletes (HIFAA) study
Authors: Lindman Ida , Ryman Augustsson Sofia , Baranto Adad , Sansone Mikael , Abrahamson Josefin 
Published: September 2024

A high incidence of injuries has been reported in young athletes. Several factors have been associated with athletes’ sports injuries. However, scientific evidence is lacking, particularly for adolescent athletes. Hence, the Healthy Injury-Free Adolescent Athletes (HIFAA) was designed to evaluate sports injuries and examine associations with risk factors related to physical load and mental health. Secondary aims are to evaluate differences between sex, age, high school year and sports and examine injuries and the athletic situation 5 to 10 years after graduation. Adolescent athletes aged 15–19 years enrolled in high school and competing in sports to reach a national or international level of sports will be included. At inclusion, athletes will sign an informed consent form and fill out a baseline questionnaire addressing potential risk factors (eg, sports, training and competing health and injuries, and psychosocial status). Athletes will then prospectively be monitored weekly regarding injuries, physical (training/match/competing, perceived exertion) and psychological (fatigue, sleep, mental stress, recovery) load until graduation. A shortened version of the baseline questionnaire will be filled out every year, and a follow-up questionnaire regarding injuries, sporting situations and mental health will be filled out 5–10 years after graduation.Injuries are frequent among adolescent athletes, with consequences ranging from shorter interruptions in sports performance to mental health problems and early termination of sports. A reduction of these injuries is warranted. This study will provide a detailed understanding of risk factors, a prerequisite to introducing appropriate preventive measures.
Association of veteran suicide risk with state-level firearm ownership rates and firearm laws in the USA
Authors: Morral Andrew R. , Schell Terry L. , Scherling Adam 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundVeterans have higher suicide rates than matched non-veterans, with firearm suicides being especially prevalent among veterans. We examined whether state firearm laws and state firearm ownership rates are important risk factors for suicide among veterans.MethodsUS veteran’s and demographically matched non-veteran’s suicide rates, 2002–2019, are modelled at the state level as a function of veteran status, lethal means, state firearm law restrictiveness, household firearm ownership rates and other covariates.ResultsMarginal effects on expected suicide rates per 100 000 population were contrasted by setting household firearm ownership to its 75th versus 25th percentile values of 52.3% and 35.3%. Ownership was positively associated with suicide rates for both veterans (4.35; 95% credible interval (CrI): 1.90, 7.14) and matched non-veterans (3.31; 95% CrI: 1.11, 5.77). This association was due to ownership’s strong positive association with firearms suicide, despite a weak negative association with non-firearm suicide. An IQR difference in firearm laws corresponding to three additional restrictive laws was negatively associated with suicide rates for both veterans (−2.49; 95% CrI: −4.64 to –0.21) and matched non-veterans (−3.19; 95% CrI: −5.22 to –1.16). Again, these differences were primarily due to associations with firearm suicide rates. Few differences between veterans and matched non-veterans were found in the associations of state firearm characteristics with suicide rates.DiscussionVeterans’ and matched non-veterans’ suicide risk, and specifically their firearm suicide risk, was strongly associated with state firearm characteristics.ConclusionsThese results suggest that changes to state firearm policies might be an effective primary prevention strategy for reducing suicide rates among veterans and non-veterans.
Spectral eigenfunction decomposition of a Fokker–Planck operator for relativistic heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Rizzi A. , Wolschin G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA spectral solution method is proposed to solve a previously developed non-equilibrium statistical model describing partial thermalization of produced charged hadrons in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, thus improving the accuracy of the numerical solution. The particle’s phase-space trajectories are treated as a drift-diffusion stochastic process, leading to a Fokker–Planck equation (FPE) for the single-particle probability distribution function. The drift and diffusion coefficients are derived from the expected asymptotic states via appropriate fluctuation–dissipation relations, and the resulting FPE is then solved numerically using a spectral eigenfunction decomposition. The calculated time-dependent particle distributions are compared to Pb–Pb data from the ATLAS and ALICE collaborations at the Large Hadron Collider.
Mathematical analysis for flow of hybrid nanofluid over a vertical stretchable surface: Assisting and opposing flows
Authors: Ullah Basharat , Islam Muhammad Mudassir , Khan Umar , Mohsin Bandar Bin 
Published: September 2024

Research Problem: The importance of improving the temperature properties of commonly used fluids in industrial processes is being addressed in this research. Nanofluids, which are composed of extremely small particles dispersed in common liquids such as water or petrol, are the main subject of this area of study. Using a vertically stretchable surface subjected to thermal radiation, the study examines the heat transfer behavior and efficiency of nanofluids. Methodology: Nanofluids that convey heat are studied by applying the fundamental rules of fluid physics to the variables that control their motion. To measure the amount of energy transferred, a nanofluid model is used. Similarity transformations are used to convert the system’s differential equations into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The subsequent set of nonlinear ODEs is solved using numerical methods. Utilizing graphical analysis, patterns of velocity and temperature may be seen, and their responses to changes in other parameters can be investigated. Implications: This research has important implications for our knowledge of how nanofluids act in heat transfer applications, especially when exposed to thermal radiation and working with vertically stretchy surfaces. The effects of flow direction and thermal conductivity on distributions of velocity and temperature were elucidated, among other important results. More effective heating and cooling systems may be possible as a result of these findings, which have consequences for improving heat transfer processes in industrial environments. Future Work: To better understand how nanofluids behave in heat transfer applications, future studies might investigate more complicated situations and boundary circumstances. It may be possible to optimize nanofluid formulations by studying the impact of various nanoparticle kinds and concentrations on heat transfer efficiency. Research could be more applicable to real-world industrial processes if the numerical results were experimentally validated.