bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated P‐CR domain‐specific engineering of CESA4 heterodimerization capacity alters cell wall architecture and improves saccharification efficiency in poplar
Authors: Nayeri Shahnoush , Baghban Kohnehrouz Bahram , Ahmadikhah Asadollah , Mahna Nasser 
Published: March 2022

SummaryCellulose is the most abundant unique biopolymer in nature with widespread applications in bioenergy and high‐value bioproducts. The large transmembrane‐localized cellulose synthase (CESA) complexes (CSCs) play a pivotal role in the biosynthesis and orientation of the para‐crystalline cellulose microfibrils during secondary cell wall (SCW) deposition. However, the hub CESA subunit with high potential homo/heterodimerization capacity and its functional effects on cell wall architecture, cellulose crystallinity, and saccharification efficiency remains unclear. Here, we reported the highly potent binding site containing four residues of Pro435, Trp436, Pro437, and Gly438 in the plant‐conserved region (P‐CR) of PalCESA4 subunit, which are involved in the CESA4‐CESA8 heterodimerization. The CRISPR/Cas9‐knockout mutagenesis in the predicted binding site results in physiological abnormalities, stunt growth, and deficient roots. The homozygous double substitution of W436Q and P437S and heterozygous double deletions of W436 and P437 residues potentially reduced CESA4‐binding affinity resulting in normal roots, 1.5–2‐fold higher plant growth and cell wall regeneration rates, 1.7‐fold thinner cell wall, high hemicellulose content, 37%–67% decrease in cellulose content, high cellulose DP, 25%–37% decrease in cellulose crystallinity, and 50% increase in saccharification efficiency. The heterozygous deletion of W436 increases about 2‐fold CESA4 homo/heterodimerization capacity led to the 50% decrease in plant growth and increase in cell walls thickness, cellulose content (33%), cellulose DP (20%), and CrI (8%). Our findings provide a strategy for introducing commercial CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated bioengineered poplars with promising cellulose applications. We anticipate our results could create an engineering revolution in bioenergy and cellulose‐based nanomaterial technologies.
Government‐led innovation acceleration: Case studies of US federal government innovation and technology acceleration organizations
Authors: Roberts Patrick S. , Schmid Jon 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHow can agencies that have operational activities as a primary focus improve the procurement and transition of innovative technologies, particularly from the private sector? This study seeks to inform scholars and public‐sector managers about organizational design for innovation and technology acceleration using a systems approach. It examines three organizations responsible for mission‐oriented innovation: In‐Q‐Tel, stood by up the Central Intelligence Agency; the FBI's Operational Technology Unit; and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It finds that collaboration and mission‐inspiration can bridge public–private sector divides, but that distance from operators can slow technology adoption. It recommends establishing metrics for innovation investments and outcomes and gaining a better understanding of end user needs. Venture capital characteristics in quasi‐government innovation organizations show promise but are untested outside of defense and intelligence. This study contributes to the literature by analyzing technology acceleration rather than initiation, development, adoption, or diffusion. It also adds to the study of technology acceleration in mission‐oriented agencies that are less often the focus of R&D scholarship on big science.
Chikungunya and Mayaro infective viruses in components of blood
Authors: dos Anjos Souza Ana Beatriz , Thomazelli Victória , Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveEvaluate the infectivity of Alphavirus Chikungunya and Mayaro in blood products in plaque forming units (UFP/ml).BackgroundArboviruses are responsible for sporadic diseases or epidemics which cause serious public health issues. Due to the high number of asymptomatic infections and high viremia, blood donors may pass on these viruses by transfusion.Methods/MaterialsThis study used blood bags that would be discarded after evaluation and certification of the absence of infections. The blood products obtained by centrifuging a unit of whole blood were called blood components. All blood bags were infected with viable viruses (previously quantified) compatible with Chikungunya and Mayaro viremia.ResultsBlood bags inoculated with both Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses were able to keep infective viruses during the processing of blood products (red blood cell concentrate, platelet concentrate and fresh frozen plasma) and also after the recommended storage for each component, which may infect individuals transfused with those.ConclusionThe results indicate that in order to prevent infections by Mayaro and Chikungunya viruses in blood products it is necessary to stimulate the development and use of diagnostic tests for these pathogens in donated blood.
Insight Into the Interaction Between Flow Field and Acoustic Field of Turning Flow Into a Side Branch Against a Deadleg
Authors: Botros K. K. , Clavelle E. , Satish H. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Acoustic resonances in internal flows can cause noise, vibration, and even equipment damage. One geometry prone to acoustic resonance is a deadleg at the point where the main flow turns into a side branch. Here, we report experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies of flow-generated pulsation in such a geometry over a wide range of mean flow velocities. Experimental results of the normalized pulsation pressure amplitudes (P*) versus Strouhal number characterized the flow–acoustic field for acoustically tuned and detuned systems and for branch to main pipe diameter ratio of 1.0. The unsteady CFD simulations revealed the characteristic volume integral of the cross-product of the vorticity field and the velocity field (ω×U) in the vicinity of the T-junction which helped in quantifying the acoustic source power for different conditions. In addition, the cross-product (ω×U) in the direction along the main line is almost exactly out of phase with the acoustic velocity at the T-junction. The pressure amplitude at the closed end of the deadleg reaches maximum when two conditions are met: (i) the system overall acoustic resonance frequency matches closely the frequency of the oscillating component of the cross-product (ω×U) characterized by a Strouhal number and (ii) the deadleg length is tuned to an odd number of ¼ wavelength of this frequency such that maximum acoustic velocity is reached at the T-junction. Synchronized images generated from the unsteady CFD simulations revealed valuable insight into the velocity and vorticity field in the region of the T-junction in support of Howe's acoustic source power equation.
Effect of Dynamic Load on Adhesive Friction at the Interface Between Friction Lining and Wire Rope of Hoist
Authors: Feng Cunao , Zhang Dekun , Chen Kai , Wang Dagang , Li Xiaowei , Cao Yang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The acceleration, deceleration, and inertia of the friction hoist during lifting and lowering will cause the vibration of the wire rope. This vibration will cause the lifting load to become dynamic, which adversely affects the stability of the friction interface. In this paper, the relationship between the dynamic alternating load and the frictional vibration was established. The fully sliding critical value of dynamic alternating load was revealed. At the fully sliding critical value, the friction force and friction coefficient were the smallest, the adhesive friction was the smallest, and the vibration amplitude increased sharply. This is the most dangerous situation for friction systems. The fully sliding critical value is of great significance to the anti-skidding design of the hoist.
Dynamic Stress Concentration Factor Around a Spherical Nanocavity Under a Plane P-Wave
Authors: Jia Ning , Peng Zhilong , Yao Yin , Wei Peijun , Chen Shaohua 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Scattering of an elastic wave by cavities yields dynamic stress concentration around the cavities. When the characteristic size of the cavities shrinks to the nanometer scale, the surface effect becomes prominent. Based on a recently proposed theory of surface elastodynamics, the dynamic stress concentration factor (DSCF) in the scattering of a plane P-wave by a spherical nanocavity has been investigated. Not only the surface energy effect but also the surface inertial effect is considered. The former depends on two easily determined surface material parameters, namely, the bulk surface energy density and the surface relaxation parameter, whereas the latter is related to the surface mass density. Interestingly, due to the surface relaxation of nanocavity, a constant elastic field exists in the elastic medium even without any dynamic loadings. Furthermore, it is found that when the radius of the cavity is at the nanoscale, the surface energy effect as well as the surface inertial effect has a significant influence on DSCF. The former attenuates the maximum DSCF, whereas the latter enhances it. With the increasing incident P-wave frequency, the dominant role transits from the surface energy effect to the surface inertial effect. This indicates that the DSCF around the nanocavity can be properly tuned by adjusting the incident wave frequency, the cavity radius, and the surface material parameters. The results can not only enable a deeper understanding of the surface effects on DSCF around the nanocavities but also provide a guide for designing nanoporous materials exhibiting efficient dynamic performance.
A Commentary on Whitall and Colleagues’ 2020 Article “Motor Development Research: II. The First Two Decades of the 21st Century Shaping Our Future”
Authors: Gabbard Carl 
Published: March 2022

This commentary reflects on the discussions of Whitall et al.’s paper “Motor Development Research: II. The First Two Decades of the 21st Century Shaping Our Future.” Comments focus on (a) the emergence and importance of the Developmental Systems approach to motor development, (b) the perceived ambiguity between Dynamic and Developmental Systems approaches, and (c) a case for the evolution of Developmental Motor Neuroscience from the field of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience.
Electromyostimulation Application on Peroneus Longus Muscle Improves Balance and Strength in American Football Players
Authors: Lima Yavuz , Ozkaya Ozgur , Balci Gorkem A. , Aydinoglu Ramazan , Islegen Cetin 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 5 weeks of electromyostimulation (EMS) of the peroneus longus muscle on balance and muscle strength in American Football (AmF) players. Methods: Thirty-two healthy male athletes (4 American Football team training sessions per week, college level) were randomly divided into the EMS and control groups. The EMS applications were conducted on the dominant peroneus longus muscle 3 times per week for 5 weeks, with each application lasting 25 minutes. Before and after the interventions, the strength of ankle dorsiflexion–plantar flexion and foot eversion–inversion was measured with isometric dynamometer and anterior–posterior sway, mediolateral sway, perimeter, and ellipse area were measured with the Technobody Balance System in unilateral stance positions, while eyes were open. Results: Changes between initial and final tests for dorsiflexion and eversion strength, and mediolateral sway for dynamic balance in the groups were significantly different (P = .039, P = .027, P = .030, respectively). Conclusion: The EMS application had positive effects on muscle strength and dynamic balance of AmF players. The EMS can be used to improve isometric strength and dynamic balance in AmF players.
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) associated with COVID-19 infection that resolved without treatment in a child
Authors: Kanou Samir , Wardeh Lama , Govindarajan Sandhya , Macnay Kayleigh 
Published: March 2022

A 9-year-old boy presented with unbalanced gait, back pain and lower limb weakness. His physical examination revealed almost absent lower limbs reflexes and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) showed albuminocytologic dissociation. The brain and spine MRI with contrast illustrated abnormal enhancement—suggestive of Guillain-Barré syndrome.The case had limited distribution and it did not progress beyond the presenting clinical involvements. They did not need immunotherapy, self-recovered, managed conservatively using painkillers and gabapentin along with physiotherapy—with a wait and see approach. The child is now almost back to normal after 8–12 weeks.
13q32.1 as a candidate region for physiological anisocoria
Authors: Bosten Jenny M , Lawrance-Owen Adam J , Bargary Gary , Goodbourn Patrick T , Mollon John D 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundPhysiological anisocoria is an asymmetry of pupil size in the absence of pathology.MethodsImages of the pupils under standard illumination were collected in the course of a whole-genome association study of a range of visual functions in 1060 healthy adults. DNA for each participant was extracted from saliva samples.ResultsWe found no relationship between anisocoria and the difference in refraction between the eyes, nor between anisocoria and difference in acuity. There was a small but significant relationship with lightness of the iris, in that the eye with the smaller pupil was associated with the lighter iris. There was a strong association between anisocoria and a local region of chromosome 13 (13q32.1), a region lying between the genesGPR180andSOX21. The strongest association was with the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs9524583.ConclusionThe very specific region associated with anisocoria is one where microdeletions (or microduplications) are known to lead to abnormal development of pupil dilator muscle and hence to the autosomal dominant condition of microcoria. It is possible that alterations at 13q32.1 act by altering the expression ofSOX21, which encodes a nuclear transcription factor.
Prescribing of antipsychotics among people with recorded personality disorder in primary care: a retrospective nationwide cohort study using The Health Improvement Network primary care database
Authors: Hardoon Sarah , Hayes Joseph , Viding Essi , McCrory Eamon , Walters Kate , Osborn David 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate the extent of antipsychotic prescribing to people with recorded personality disorder (PD) in UK primary care and factors associated with such prescribing.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingGeneral practices contributing to The Health Improvement Network UK-wide primary care database, 1 January 2000–31 December 2016.Participants46 210 people registered with participating general practices who had a record of PD in their general practice notes. 1358 (2.9%) people with missing deprivation information were excluded from regression analyses; no other missing data.Main outcome measuresPrescriptions for antipsychotics in general practice records and length of time in receipt of antipsychotic prescriptions.ResultsOf 46 210 people with recorded PD, 15 562 (34%) were ever prescribed antipsychotics. Among the subgroup of 36 875 people with recorded PD, but no recorded severe mental illness (SMI), 9208 (25%) were prescribed antipsychotics; prescribing was lower in less deprived areas (adjusted rate ratio (aRR) comparing least to most deprived quintile: 0.56, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.66, p<0.001), was higher in females (aRR:1.25, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.34, p<0.001) and with a history of adverse childhood experiences (aRR:1.44, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.56, p<0.001). Median time prescribed antipsychotics was 605 days (IQR 197–1639 days). Prescribing frequency has increased over time.ConclusionsContrary to current UK guidelines, antipsychotics are frequently and increasingly prescribed for extended periods to people with recorded PD, but with no history of SMI. An urgent review of clinical practice is warranted, including the effectiveness of such prescribing and the need to monitor for adverse effects, including metabolic complications.
Age and gender differences in diagnostic decision-making of early heart failure: results of a mixed-methods interview-study using video vignettes
Authors: Marx Gabriella , Koens Sarah , von dem Knesebeck Olaf , Scherer Martin 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesMen and women at any age show similar symptoms and signs of heart failure (HF). Since early HF symptoms are ambiguous, doctors may overlook HF as possible cause and misinterpret the signs. The aim was to analyse differences in general practitioners’ (GPs) HF diagnosis and diagnostic certainty by patient age and gender and to identify reasons for possible differences.DesignFactorial design with video vignettes presenting patients (played by professional actors) with early HF symptoms was used. Video vignettes differed regarding patients’ gender (male/female), age (55 years/75 years) and migration background (no/yes: Turkish), while the dialogue was identical. GPs were asked about possible diagnoses and certainty of diagnoses (quantitative) and to narrate their thoughts on considered diagnoses (qualitative).SettingGeneral practices in northern Germany.Participants128 GPs stratified by gender and length of clinical experience (≤15 years or >15 years).ResultsGPs considered HF more often in women than men (predicted probabilities with 95% CI: 0.83 (0.68 to 0.92) vs 0.63 (0.44 to 0.79), p=0.02), especially in older women compared with younger men (predicted probabilities with 95% CI: 0.89 (0.68 to 0.96) vs 0.52 (0.31 to 0.72), p=0,03). Suspected HF was not reasoned by the patient’s gender and only seldom by the patient’s age, but by reported symptoms. Diagnostic certainty of HF was higher in women than in men (predicted proportions with 95% CI: 0.48 (0.39 to 0.58) vs 0.36 (0.27 to 0.45), p=0.01), with highest certainty in older women and lowest in younger men (0.57 (0.45 to 0.69) vs 0.27 (0.17 to 0.37), p<0.01). GPs explained their certainty referring to both typical HF symptoms and their gut feeling.ConclusionDespite an identical dialogue, the study showed differences by patients’ gender and age in frequency and certainty of HF diagnosis. In order to avoid that GPs overlook or misinterpret early signs of HF, it is important to critically reflect diagnostic decisions and possible social influences.
Quantifying the indirect impact of COVID-19 pandemic on utilisation of outpatient and immunisation services in Kenya: a longitudinal study using interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Wambua Steven , Malla Lucas , Mbevi George , Kandiah Joel , Nwosu Amen-Patrick , Tuti Timothy , Paton Chris , Wambu Bernard , English Mike , Okiro Emelda A 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveIn this study, we assess the indirect impact of COVID-19 on utilisation of immunisation and outpatient services in Kenya.DesignLongitudinal study.SettingData were analysed from all healthcare facilities reporting to Kenya’s health information system from January 2018 to March 2021. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data, interrupted time series analysis was used to quantify the changes in utilisation of services and sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess robustness of estimates.Exposure of interestCOVID-19 outbreak and associated interventions.Outcome measuresMonthly attendance to health facilities. We assessed changes in immunisation and various outpatient services nationally.ResultsBefore the first case of COVID-19 and pursuant intervention measures in March 2020, uptake of health services was consistent with historical levels. There was significant drops in attendance (level changes) in April 2020 for overall outpatient visits for under-fives (rate ratio, RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.57), under-fives with pneumonia (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.47), overall over-five visits (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.75), over-fives with pneumonia (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.70), fourth antenatal care visit (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.93), total hypertension (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.96), diabetes cases (RR 0.95 95% CI, 0.93 to 0.97) and HIV testing (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99). Immunisation services, first antenatal care visits, new cases of hypertension and diabetes were not affected. The post-COVID-19 trend was increasing, with more recent data suggesting reversal of effects and health services reverting to expected levels as of March 2021.ConclusionCOVID-19 pandemic has had varied indirect effects on utilisation of health services in Kenya. There is need for proactive and targeted interventions to reverse these effects as part of the pandemic’s response to avert non-COVID-19 indirect mortality.
HIV viral load non-suppression and associated factors among pregnant and postpartum women in rural northeastern South Africa: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ngandu Nobubelo Kwanele , Lombard Carl J , Mbira Thandiwe Elsie , Puren Adrian , Waitt Catriona , Prendergast Andrew J , Tylleskär Thorkild , Van de Perre Philippe , Goga Ameena Ebrahim 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesWe aimed to measure the prevalence of maternal HIV viral load (VL) non-suppression and assess associated factors, to evaluate progress towards United Nations-AIDS (UNAIDS) targets.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe eight largest community health centres of Ehlanzeni, a rural district in northeast South Africa.ParticipantsPregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV) in their third trimester and postpartum WLHIV and their biological infants, recruited equally across all stages of the first 24 months post partum, were included. A sample of 612 mothers participated from a target of 1000.Primary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was maternal VL (mVL) non-suppression (defined here as mVL >1000 copies/mL). We collected information on antiretroviral use, healthcare visits and sociodemographics through interviews and measured plasma mVL. Descriptive statistics, χ2tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted.ResultsAll mothers (median age: 30 years) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 24.9% were on ART ≤12 months. The prevalence of mVL non-suppression was 14.7% (95% CI: 11.3% to 19.0%), while 13.8% had low-level viraemia (50–1000 copies/mL). Most (68.9%) women had initiated breast feeding and 37.6% were currently breast feeding their infants. Being younger than 25 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 6.4)), on first-line ART (AOR: 2.3 (95% CI: 1.1 to 4.6)) and married/cohabiting (AOR: 1.9 (95% CI: 1.0 to 3.7)) were significantly associated with increased odds of mVL non-suppression.ConclusionsThe prevalence of mVL ≤1000 copies/mL of 85.3% among pregnant and postpartum WLHIV and attending public healthcare centres in this rural district is below the 2020 90–90–90 and 2030 95–95–95 UNAIDS targets. Given that low-level viraemia may also increase the risk of vertical HIV transmission, we recommend strengthened implementation of the new guidelines which include better ART options, improved ART regimen switching and mVL monitoring schedules, and intensified psychosocial support for younger women, while exploring district-level complementary interventions, to sustain VLs below 50 copies/mL among all women.