bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sound insulation and mechanical properties of epoxy/hollow silica nanospheres composites
Authors: Xuejun Shi , Ren Shuang , Du Xiangxiang , Han Yongjun 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles into a polymer is an effective way to improve its performances. It is common sense that tiny bubbles in epoxy resin will seriously affect the mechanical properties of composites. Based on this common sense, building a small space inside the epoxy resin will obtain some exciting results, because the small space could effectively block the propagation path of sound, and build a small space in the epoxy resin through nano hollow particles, it will be realized sound isolation without sacrificing the mechanical properties of the composites. If this assumption is verified, it will open up a new route to prepare sound insulation materials using thermosetting resin. In this work, two types of nanoparticles of equal size of the hollow silica nanospheres (HSN) and solid silica nanospheres (SN) were synthesized via sol-gel method. Epoxy Resin (EP) matrix composites containing these HSN or SN particles were designed and fabricated as sound insulation materials. The sound transmission loss (STL) properties were investigated using the impedance tubes. The sound insulation results showed that the STL values of neat EP and EP/SN composites with SN content of 2.0 vol% were up to 17.2 dB and 33.9 dB, respectively, while the EP/HSN composites with the same content of HSN was raised to 44.3 dB for the 3 mm thickness samples. Simultaneously, the mechanical properties of the EP/HSN composites were also improved as the certain addition of HSN in epoxy matrix. And the EP/HSN composites hold a potential for outstanding performance soundproofing application.
Unveiling the growth mode and structure relaxation of Polytetrafluoroethylene film by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering
Authors: Ma Yi , Wu Yifan , Yu Yueling , Song Yuxuan , Lu Congda 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Relying on radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films with a series of thicknesses in the range from 80 to 2000 nm were prepared on silicon substrates. The surface morphology and roughness of the PTFE films were measured by atomic force microscope (AFM) technology at microscale. Results indicated that the PTFE film grew in an island pattern during sputtering, while the surface roughness of PTFE films was almost invariable throughout the sputtering process. Then the structure relaxation of PTFE film annealed at 100 °C for 15–480 min was investigated. Annealing treatment induced columnar protrusions on the PTFE surface, which was due to the flow and rearrangement of molecules. During annealing duration, the columnar structures could continuously rearrange and decompose, and therefore lowering film thickness from 2000 to 1110 nm with increasing annealing time. Due to molecule flow and redistribution of the annealed film, the columnar structures were formed on the surface, which resulted in the higher roughness. Finally, the effects of film thickness and annealing time on the hydrophobicity were also studied.
Image-Based Sexual Abuse: Online Communities and the Broader Misogynistic Landscape
Authors: Huber Antoinette Raffaela 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis article offers an in-depth examination of user motivations and misogynistic online cultures drawing on data collected from two websites that openly condone the sharing and viewing of non-consensually shared sexual images. Analysed using a feminist lens, findings show significant cultural differences and motivations for engagement across the two websites indicating that these online spaces should not be understood as homogenous. Findings also demonstrate the increasing ‘pornification’ of these images as they are marketed, traded, and used as commodities. The article also considers how we might contextualize non-consensual image sharing within the broader misogynistic landscape and how male peer support theory and digital criminology can help to understand current, and future, forms of online misogyny.
Virologic Failure Following Low-level Viremia and Viral Blips During Antiretroviral Therapy: Results From a European Multicenter Cohort
Authors: Elvstam Olof , Malmborn Kasper , Elén Sixten , Marrone Gaetano , García Federico , Zazzi Maurizio , Sönnerborg Anders , Böhm Michael , Seguin-Devaux Carole , Björkman Per 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
It is unclear whether low-level viremia (LLV), defined as repeatedly detectable viral load (VL) of &lt;200 copies/mL, and/or transient viremic episodes (blips) during antiretroviral therapy (ART), predict future virologic failure. We investigated the association between LLV, blips, and virologic failure (VF) in a multicenter European cohort.

Methods
People with HIV-1 who started ART in 2005 or later were identified from the EuResist Integrated Database. We analyzed the incidence of VF (≥200 copies/mL) depending on viremia exposure, starting 12 months after ART initiation (grouped as suppression [≤50 copies/mL], blips [isolated VL of 51–999 copies/mL], and LLV [repeated VLs of 51–199 copies/mL]) using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, injecting drug use, pre-ART VL, CD4 count, HIV-1 subtype, type of ART, and treatment experience. We queried the database for drug-resistance mutations (DRM) related to episodes of LLV and VF and compared those with baseline resistance data.

Results
During 81 837 person-years of follow-up, we observed 1424 events of VF in 22 523 participants. Both blips (adjusted subhazard ratio [aHR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–2.2) and LLV (aHR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6–3.0) were associated with VF, compared with virologic suppression. These associations remained statistically significant in subanalyses restricted to people with VL &lt;200 copies/mL and those starting ART 2014 or later. Among people with LLV and genotype data available within 90 days following LLV, 49/140 (35%) had at least 1 DRM.

Conclusions
Both blips and LLV during ART are associated with increased risk of subsequent VF.
Assessment of a Simplified Cell-Free DNA Method for Prenatal Down Syndrome Screening
Authors: Palomaki Glenn E , Eklund Elizabeth E , Kloza Edward M , Lambert-Messerlian Geralyn M 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
Prenatal screening for common trisomies via cell-free (cfDNA) is usually implemented by technologies utilizing massively parallel sequencing, stringent environmental controls, complex bioinformatics, and molecular expertise. An alternative and less complex methodology utilizes rolling circle amplification (RCA). Further evaluation of its performance and related requirements are warranted.

Methods
At 16 sites, women at 10 to 20 weeks gestation provided informed consent, relevant information, and 2 to 3 blood samples. Samples shipped for testing were processed and stored. Women were enrolled at primary cfDNA screening, or following such screening at referral for diagnostic testing. RCA testing occurred post-enrollment, over 11 months. Diagnostic results and delivery notes determined clinical truth. Detection rates were based on confirmed trisomic pregnancies; false-positive rates were based on unaffected pregnancies from the general population.

Results
Detection rate for the common trisomies was 95.9% (117/122, 95% CI, 90.5%–98.5%); overall false-positive rate was 1.00% (22/2,205, 0.65%–1.51%). Test failure rate after repeat testing was 0.04%. When assay standard deviations were below pre-specified levels, the overall false-positive rate was much lower at 0.30% (P &lt; 0.001). Fetal sex calls were correct for 99.7%. One technician analyzed 560 samples over 2 weeks, a rate of 14 000/year.

Conclusions
Our assessment of this simplified cfDNA-based system for prenatal screening for common trisomies performed in a prenatal screening laboratory is encouraging. Improved detection, low failure rates and rapid reporting can be achieved by collecting 2 samples. Future priorities should include achieving higher run precision using a single collection tube.

Clinicaltrials.gov Registration Number
NCT03087357.
Identifying Clinically Relevant Bacteria Directly from Culture and Clinical Samples with a Handheld Mass Spectrometry Probe
Authors: Povilaitis Sydney C , Chakraborty Ashish , Kirkpatrick Lindsey M , Downey Rachel D , Hauger Sarmistha B , Eberlin Livia S 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundRapid identification of bacteria is critical to prevent antimicrobial resistance and ensure positive patient outcomes. We have developed the MasSpec Pen, a handheld mass spectrometry-based device that enables rapid analysis of biological samples. Here, we evaluated the MasSpec Pen for identification of bacteria from culture and clinical samples.MethodsA total of 247 molecular profiles were obtained from 43 well-characterized strains of 8 bacteria species that are clinically relevant to osteoarticular infections, including Staphylococcus aureus, Group A and B Streptococcus, and Kingella kingae, using the MasSpec Pen coupled to a high-resolution mass spectrometer. The molecular profiles were used to generate statistical classifiers based on metabolites that were predictive of Gram stain category, genus, and species. Then, we directly analyzed samples from 4 patients, including surgical specimens and clinical isolates, and used the classifiers to predict the etiologic agent.ResultsHigh accuracies were achieved for all levels of classification with a mean accuracy of 93.3% considering training and validation sets. Several biomolecules were detected at varied abundances between classes, many of which were selected as predictive features in the classifiers including glycerophospholipids and quorum-sensing molecules. The classifiers also enabled correct identification of Gram stain type and genus of the etiologic agent from 3 surgical specimens and all classification levels for clinical specimen isolates.ConclusionsThe MasSpec Pen enables identification of several bacteria at different taxonomic levels in seconds from cultured samples and has potential for culture-independent identification of bacteria directly from clinical samples based on the detection of metabolic species.
Comparative Effect of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibition on B-type Natriuretic Peptide Levels Measured by Three Different Assays: The PROVE-HF Study
Authors: Myhre Peder L , Prescott Margaret F , Claggett Brian , Felker G Michael , Butler Javed , Piña Ileana L , Maisel Alan S , Williamson Kristin M , Ward Jonathan H , Solomon Scott D , Januzzi James L 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
Several different B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assays are used clinically for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of heart failure (HF). BNP binds weakly to neprilysin and is cleaved in multiple areas adjacent to the binding sites for the antibodies used in these immunoassays. We assessed the changes in BNP following neprilysin inhibition as measured by 3 immunoassays that recognize different epitopes.

Methods
Among 130 participants with HF with reduced ejection fraction, blood was collected prior to treatment with sacubitril/valsartan (sac/val) and then repeatedly measured through 52 weeks of treatment. BNP concentrations were measured with 3 widely used BNP assays (Siemens, Abbott, and Quidel).

Results
Study participants had a mean age of 65 ± 13 years and 76% were men. The median BNP concentration at baseline was 133 ng/L by the Siemens assay, 127 ng/L by the Abbott assay, and 141 ng/L by the Quidel assay. Following initiation of sac/val, there were significantly greater declines in BNP measured by Quidel and Abbott (P = 0.009 and P &lt; 0.001), respectively (both with N-terminal capture antibodies), compared to Siemens (with C-terminal capture antibodies). The difference from baseline was not statistically significant until after week 12 (mean –10.1% for Quidel and –14.3% for Abbott) compared to non-significant differences before 12 weeks (mean –4.5% for Quidel and –6.0% for Abbott).

Conclusions
Following initiation of sac/val, BNP measurements may modestly differ depending on the assay method used, particularly after a few months of treatment. Whether these differences relate to neprilysin-mediated degradation of antibody binding sites deserves further study.

Study registration
PROVE-HF ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02887183.
The French Covid-19 vaccination policy did not solve vaccination inequities: a nationwide study on 64.5 million people
Authors: Débarre Florence , Lecoeur Emmanuel , Guimier Lucie , Jauffret-Roustide Marie , Jannot Anne-Sophie 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
To encourage Covid-19 vaccination, France introduced during the Summer 2021 a ‘Sanitary Pass’, which morphed into a ‘Vaccine Pass’ in early 2022. While the sanitary pass led to an increase in Covid-19 vaccination rates, spatial heterogeneities in vaccination rates remained. To identify potential determinants of these heterogeneities and evaluate the French sanitary and vaccine passes’ efficacies in reducing them, we used a data-driven approach on exhaustive nationwide data, gathering 141 socio-economic, political and geographic indicators.

Methods
We considered the association between vaccination rates and each indicator at different time points: before the sanitary pass announcement (week 2021-W27), before the sanitary pass came into force (week 2021-W31) and 1 month after (week 2021-W35) and the equivalent dates for the vaccine pass (weeks 2021-W49, 2022-W03 and 2022-W07).

Results
The indicators most associated with vaccination rates were the share of local income coming from unemployment benefits, overcrowded households rate, immigrants rate and vote for an ‘anti-establishment’ candidate at the 2017 Presidential election. These associations increase over time. Consequently, living in a district below the median of such indicator decreases the probability to be vaccinated by about 30% at the end of the studied period, and this probability gradually decreases by deciles of these indicators.

Conclusions
Our analysis reveals that factors related to poverty, immigration and trust in the government are strong determinants of vaccination rate, and that vaccination inequities tended to increase after the introduction of the French sanitary and vaccination passes.
Stump Sprouting Performance of Common Tree Species in the Midstory of Hardwood Forests in Indiana
Authors: Sample Richard D , Boggess C Moriah , Brooke Jarred M , Jenkins Michael A 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Many studies have examined the performance of stump sprouts across variables such as tree diameter, light availability, and site quality. However, most of these studies created large openings following even-aged silviculture, which is not typically employed in small woodlots typical of the Midwest United States. To address this, we evaluated sprouting performance after felling stems of six common midstory species, simulating a midstory removal treatment. We created 510 stumps across nine sites in Indiana and measured the probability of stumps sprouting, sprout density, and the height of the tallest sprout after 1 year following cutting for hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), red maple and sugar maple (Acer rubrum L. and A. saccharum Marsh., respectively), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), sassafras (Sassafras albidum Nutt.), and white ash (Fraxinus Americana L.). We observed that hackberry, northern red oak, red maple, and white ash stumps sprouted prolifically, but sugar maple and sassafras stumps did not. Furthermore, we found that white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herbivory depressed sprout heights, whereas the effects of diameter and light availability were variable. Our results suggest that midstory removals may result in vigorous sprouting; thus, follow-up treatments such an herbicide may be needed to reduce competition.
Workplace empowerment, psychological empowerment and work-related wellbeing in southeast Asian employees: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hassard Juliet , Wong Iris , Wang Weiwei 
Published: September 2022

SummaryThere is a growing body of research examining the nature and correlates of salutogenic factors in the workplace and employee wellbeing, and the role of empowerment therewithin. A paucity of research has distinguished between structural and psychological forms of empowerment in the workplace and examined how they independently and collectively relate to employee wellbeing. Much of the existing research has examined such considerations in western samples, with limited exploration of eastern working populations. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between structural empowerment (SE) and employee self-reported work-related wellbeing (operationalized as psychological wellbeing and job satisfaction), and the postulated mediating role of psychological empowerment (PE). With a sample of 324 southeast Asian employees from a single organization, this study used a cross-sectional case study design using self-report measures to examine the relationships between SE, PE and employee job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. PE was postulated to mediate the relationship between SE and work-related wellbeing outcomes of job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. Mediation analyses revealed that SE was positively associated with PE which, in turn, completely mediated the positive relationships between SE, and job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. The results of this study contribute empirically and practically in the following ways: (i) it expands upon previous research on employee empowerment, (ii) contributes to the developing field of positive occupational health psychology and (iii) highlights the crucial role of organizations in creating sources of SE and PE.
Evaluation of a tailored oral health promotion intervention for Syrian former refugees in New Zealand
Authors: Al Naasan Zeina , Broadbent Jonathan , Smith Moira , Duncan Warwick 
Published: September 2022

Summary
To investigate a health promotion strategy to improve oral health among former refugees in New Zealand. Former refugees were recruited (n = 63) and answered a questionnaire about their oral home care, smoking, sugar consumption and use of dental services. Participants then joined either focus group sessions to co-design oral health educational material (n = 39) or to be dentally examined for oral hygiene, periodontal health, gingivitis and dental caries and receive motivational instructions to improve their oral health habits (n = 20). Health messages using dual-language leaflets (covering oral home care, smoking, diet and access to services) were subsequently individually delivered monthly to all participants via a mobile phone application. After 6 months, follow-up questionnaires were sent to all participants and those who had been dentally examined were re-examined. Half of those who did not brush twice daily at baseline (54.1%) had increased brushing to at least twice daily by follow-up; 76.9% of those who consumed sugary drinks at least twice daily, reduced their sugar intake. No smokers quit smoking, however, 52.4% reported reducing the number of cigarettes or engaging in smoking cessation activities. Among those who had been dentally examined, plaque scores, gingivitis and periodontal pocketing all decreased significantly. Culturally and linguistically tailored oral health promotion interventions led to improved oral health behaviours for this group of former refugees over a 6 months follow-up period. We expect this to not only improve the oral health quality of life for this population, but also reduce the burden on the health system.
Hepatitis B Virus Flares After Nucleot(s)ide Analogue Cessation Are Associated With Activation of Toll-Like Receptor Signaling Pathways
Authors: Hall Samuel A L , Burns Gareth S , Mooney Benjamin J , Millen Rosemary , Morris Rachel , Vogrin Sara , Sundararajan Vijaya , Ratnam Dilip , Levy Miriam T , Lubel John S , Nicoll Amanda J , Strasser Simone I , Sievert William , Desmond Paul V , Ngu Meng C , Angus Peter , Sinclair Marie , Meredith Christopher , Matthews Gail , Revill Peter A , Jackson Kathy , Littlejohn Margaret , Bowden Scott , Locarnini Stephen A , Thompson Alexander J , Visvanathan Kumar 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
We evaluated the patterns of peripheral Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling activity and the expression of TLRs and natural killer (NK) cell activation in a cohort of patients experiencing severe hepatitis flares after stopping nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) therapy.

Methods
Samples were collected longitudinally from patients with chronic hepatitis B who were enrolled in a prospective study of NA discontinuation. Patients experiencing hepatitis flares were compared with patients with normal alanine aminotransferase. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with TLR ligands and cytokine secretion in the cell culture supernatant measured. Expression of TLR2/4, NKG2D, NKp46, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) on monocytes, NK, and NK-T cells was measured.

Results
Seventeen patients with severe reactivation hepatitis flares were compared to 12 nonflare patients. Hepatitis flares were associated with increased activity of TLR2–8 and TLR9 signaling in PBMCs at the time of peak flare compared to baseline. Hepatitis flares were also associated with (1) upregulation of TLR2 and (2) TREM-1 receptor expression on NK. There were no differences at baseline between flare patients and nonflare patients.

Conclusions
Hepatitis flares off NA therapy have a significant innate inflammatory response with upregulation of TLR signaling on peripheral monocytes and TLR2 and TREM-1 expression on NK cells. This implicates the innate immune system in the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis B flares.
Identification of Key Genes Related to Skin Burns Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhu Boheng , Zhang Gaofei , Li Wuquan , Cao Wende , Zhang Jinglin , Wang Hong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
To further understand the regulatory network and molecular mechanisms of gene expression after skin burns, we performed bioinformatics analysis of gene expression profiles of skin burn samples and identified key genes associated with skin burns. The GSE8056 and GSE139028 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for analysis and validation. The limma package was used to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses (KEGG) were then performed. Subsequently, LASSO regression analysis was performed on DEGs and a regulatory network map of skin burn-related genes was constructed. Finally, the infiltration of immune cells was calculated and coexpression network maps of immune-related key genes and skin regeneration genes were constructed. Analysis of the GSE8056 dataset showed that 432 genes were upregulated and 351 genes were downregulated. The DEGs were mainly focused on immune response and skin regeneration. Meanwhile, these two groups of pivotal genes were significantly associated with abnormal infiltration of nine immune cells. GSE139028 validation revealed that three hub genes associated with skin burn immunity were differentially expressed, except for S100A8, while only the DPT gene was differentially expressed among the seven hub genes associated with skin regeneration. In short, the effect of skin burn on patients is to regulate the expression of immune-related genes UPP1, MMP1, MMP3, and skin regeneration-related gene DPT, which may be the key target for the treatment of skin burn.