bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Pointing Motion during Interaction with an Autonomous Blimp
Authors: Hou Mengxue , Tao Qiuyang , Zhang Fumin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We investigate the interaction between a human and a miniature autonomous blimp using a wand as pointing device. The wand movement generated by the human is followed by the blimp through a tracking controller.The Vector Integration to Endpoint (VITE) model, previously applied to human-computer interface (HCI), has been applied to model the human generated wand movement when interacting with the blimp. We show that the closed-loop human-blimp dynamics are exponentially stable. Similar to HCI using computer mouse, overshoot motion of the blimp has been observed. The VITE model can be viewed as a special reset controller used by the human to generate wand movements that effectively reduce the overshoot of blimp motion. Moreover, we have observed undershoot motion of the blimp due to its inertia, which does not appear in HCI using computer mouse. The asymptotic stability of the human-blimp dynamics is beneficial towards tolerating the undershoot motion of the blimp.
Scattering of guided waves propagating through pipe bends based on normal mode expansion
Authors: Wu Wenjun , Dong Hao , Zhang Shangyu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The scattering of guided waves propagating through pipe bends is studied by means of normal mode expansion. First, the bi-orthogonality relationship for normal modes in pipe bends is derived, based on which the displacement and stress fields at the interfaces between the straight and curved parts are expanded with the normal modes in both parts. Then, based on the displacement and stress field continuity principle, the scattering problem is regarded as an eigenproblem of a transfer matrix, the solution of which gives the mode conversions at the interfaces. A case study is presented of the low-frequency longitudinal mode incident on a pipe bend, and it is found that the dominant mode conversions are L(0,1) reflection and mode conversion from L(0,1) to F(1,1). The theoretical predictions agree well with results from numerical simulations and experiments.
Interactions and stability of tryptophan, proline and arginine rich peptides with EGFR kinase and its anticancer activities – insilico approaches
Authors: Marimuthu Sathish Kumar , Nagarajan Krishnanand , Palanisamy Selvamani , Subbiah Latha 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Lung cancer is a major public health concern due to its high prevalence and mortality, and it is also the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for more than 80% of lung cancers. In recent years, the use of bioactive peptides in cancer therapy has widened the treatment regimen. They have been confirmed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. Furthermore, antimicrobial peptides can cause cytotoxic activity in human cancer cells by binding to negatively charged phosphatidylserine moieties on the outer surface of cancer cell plasma membranes. In the present study, we predicted the interactions of tryptophan, proline, and arginine-rich peptides with EGFR kinase and evaluated the protein-peptide complex stability through molecular dynamics simulations. From the computational study, we selected the potential peptides based on the docking score, the number of hydrogen bonds formed between the protein-peptide complexes and the stability. These results suggest that antimicrobial peptides show potential for application in lung cancer therapies.
A Cohort Study of the Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Point of Care Rapid RT-PCR at the Emergency Department on Targeted Admission
Authors: Mortazavi Susanne E , Inghammar Malin , Christansen Claus , Pesola Anne-Katrine , Stenkilsson Mikael , Paulsson Magnus 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: To prevent nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2, infection control measures are implemented for patients with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 until reliable test results are available. This delay targeted admission to the most appropriate ward based on the medical condition. SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests and point of care (POC) rapid RT-PCR were introduced at emergency departments (EDs) in late 2020, but the consequence on targeted admission is unknown.Methods: Patients presenting at the emergency department of a referral hospital (N = 2,940) between 13-Nov-2020 and 12-Jan-2021 were included. The study period was delimited by introduction of rapid antigen tests and VitaPCR. Participant data was collected retrospectively, and outcome variables were Length-of-Stay (LoS), intrahospital transfers and targeted admission to COVID-19 ward. Results: Rapid antigen tests reduced ED Length-of-Stay for participants with positive tests or that were not tested. Negative VitaPCR results reduced mean hospital Length-of-Stay by 1.5 (95%CI: 0.3–2.7) days and admissions to COVID-19 wards from 34.5 (95%CI: 28.9-40.5) to 14.7 (95%CI: 11.1-19.1) per 100 admissions. Introduction of VitaPCR reduced transfers between hospital wards in the first 5 days from 50.0 (95%CI: 45.0-55.0) to 34.0 (95%CI: 30.3-37.9) per 100 admissions.Conclusion: Rapid antigen tests enabled prompt detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection which had pronounced effects on Length-of-Stay at the emergency department. VitaPCR added the possibility of exclusion of the infection which increased targeted admissions, reduced intrahospital transfers and lead to shorter stay at the hospital.
Anxiety, Depression and the Burden of Caring for Patients with Palliative Needs - Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Pop Rodica Sorina , Tint Diana , Pop Cristina Paula , Lupu Lidia Valentina , Mosoiu Daniela 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundPrimary caregivers of patients with palliative needs experience different psycho-emotional symptoms as insomnia, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, sadness, grief, uncertainty and hopelessness. The care burden depends on the demands of the patient and has a significant impact of the psycho-emotional status of the patient’s caregiver. This study aims to measure the primary caregiver’s (PrC) anxiety, depression and burden of care and to identify the correlation between the outcomes.MethodsThis prospective observational longitudinal study assessed the burden of care for patients with palliative needs comparatively between two groups: caregivers of patients with cancer and caregivers of patients with non-malignant diseases. At the same time, the score of anxiety and depression of these caregivers was measured. The researcher used the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC) to measure the burden of care and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) to measure the anxiety and depression of primary caregivers. These questionnaires were applied at the initial moment (T0) and periodically for three months. If the patient died in this period, the caregivers were evaluated two months after the event. Statistical analysis used the Mann Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon test to compare the two groups and Pearson test to assess the correlation between burden and anxiety/ depression.ResultsThe burden assessment of caregivers for cancer patients showed a statistically significant increase over 3 months (p=0.001). At the initial moment (T0), a statistically significant difference is observed between the burden of the oncological group and the non-oncological one. The correlation between the caregiver's burden and anxiety/ depression was statistically significant (p = 0.001).Conclusions:The load had a direct and statistically significant impact on the PrC's psycho-emotional state, and there is a strong link between it and the caregiver's anxiety and sadness when caring for a palliative patient. From a practical point of view, it is important to early identify the burden of care and to know how the PrC is relating to it, as well as to assess his/her psycho-emotional state in order to act through appropriate and individualized interventions.
The Role of Contact Tracing in the Management of SARS-cov 2 Infection in Childhood: a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Gregori Giuseppe , Sacchetti Roberto , Ridella Michela , Boselli Elena , Righi Ornella , Boiardi Goffreda , Marenghi Claudio , Lenzini Sonia , Cervi Monica , Libè Maria Pia , Armani Patrizia , Corna Monica , Zanolli Laura , Allegri Valentina , Balduzzi Paola , Franzini Chiara , Folli Federica , Mura Caterina , Demuru Giovanni 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Individuation and management of the contacts of confirmed COVID-19 infection cases allows to quickly identify and isolate any secondary cases and interrupt the chain of transmission of the infection. Contact tracing is unquestionably very useful in stemming the spread of the pandemic from SARS-Cov 2 however there are no pediatric data that have measured the effectiveness of this method.MethodsFrom 30 October 2020 to 30 April 2021 ,during the second wave of the Covid pandemic, 19 primary care pediatricians reported suspected cases of SAR Cov 2 to the Public Health Service of the Piacenza district via a digital platform relating to a total pediatric population of about 17,500 children. All reported cases underwent a molecular PCR test as soon as possible and in any case within 48 hours. At the same time Public Hygiene Service implemented contact tracing in the same pediatric population in all children who were in close contact with positive cases .Results On the basis of clinical suspicion 1306 subjects underwent a molecular PCR nose pharyngeal swab for Covid -19, 107 of them tested positive (8,2% of reports-0.6% of the monitored population). In the same period, the Public Hygiene Service, through contact-tracing, identified another 1244 positive subjects in the same population of 17,500 children (7,1% of the monitored population).ConclusionsOur experience confirm that contact tracing is strongly raccomended for the managment of the SAR Cov 2 pandemic .It was about eleven times more sensitive than the clinical criteria for identifying positive subjects in pediatric age, often asymptomatic, during the second wave of the Covid pandemic.
H2A.Z deposition by SWR1C involves multiple ATP-dependent steps
Authors: Peterson Craig , Fan Jiayi , Moreno Andrew , Baier Alexander , Loparo Joseph 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The histone variant H2A.Z is a conserved feature of nucleosomes flanking protein-coding genes. Deposition of H2A.Z requires ATP-dependent replacement of nucleosomal H2A by a chromatin remodeler related to the multi-subunit enzyme, yeast SWR1C. How these enzymes use ATP to promote this nucleosome editing reaction remains unclear. Here we use single-molecule and ensemble methodologies to identify three ATP-dependent phases in the H2A.Z deposition reaction. Real-time analysis of single nucleosome remodeling events reveals an initial, priming step that occurs after ATP addition that likely involves transient DNA unwrapping from the nucleosome. Priming is followed by rapid loss of histone H2A, which is subsequently released from the H2A.Z nucleosomal product. Surprisingly, the rates of both priming and the release of the H2A/H2B dimer are sensitive to ATP concentration. This complex reaction pathway provides multiple opportunities to regulate the timely and accurate deposition of H2A.Z at key genomic locations.
Motivational telephone intervention to risk gamblers by a state-owned gambling operator in Sweden
Authors: Håkansson Anders , Franklin Katja , Dahlmström Maria , Lyckberg Axel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Few studies have tested the effect of a motivational telephone intervention from a gambling operator to clients with high-risk gambling practices. This study aimed to study subsequent gambling abstinence, limit setting and self-exclusions post-intervention, compared to controls.Methods: The study assessed a motivational, personalized telephone intervention by the state-owned Swedish gambling operator AB Svenska Spel. Clients successfully reached with the telephone intervention (n=1,420) were compared to clients who could not be reached (n=1,504). Gambling practices during eight weeks pre-intervention were assessed, and outcome measures were gambling abstinence, limit setting and self-exclusion four weeks post-intervention.Results: The telephone intervention was associated with increased gambling abstinence weeks 2-4 post-intervention (24 vs 20 percent, p=0.02), limit settings (10 vs 5 percent, p<0.001) and self-exclusions (11 vs 8 percent, p<0.01), but not significantly associated with full week 1-4 abstinence (18 vs 15 percent, p=0.07). In unadjusted analyses of sub-groups, significant associations of the intervention with full gambling abstinence were seen in online casino/bingo gamblers (19 vs 14 percent, p<0.01). In logistic regression, controlling for different gambling types, effects of the intervention were seen in the highest sub-segment with respect to gambling losses.Conclusions: A personalized motivational telephone intervention to high-risk gamblers, delivered by a gambling operator, is promising. Effects are likely more pronounced in players of online chance-based games, and in gamblers with high pre-intervention losses.
Changes in the Upper Airway Microbiota in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Xu Huajun , Li Xinyi , Fu Zhihui , Wang Fan , Huang Weijun , Zhang Xiaoman , Wu Kejia , Li Chenyang , Liu Yupu , Zou Jianyin , Zhu Huaming , Yi Hongliang , Kaiming Su , Guan Jian , Gu Meizhen , Yin Shankai 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: A few clinical studies have demonstrated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with dysbiosis of the oral and nasal microbiota. However, how upper airway microbial diversity, composition, and structure are altered in pediatric OSA has not been systemically explored.Methods: In total, 30 polysomnography (PSG)-confirmed OSA patients with adenoid hypertrophy, and 30 controls who did not snore or adenoid hypertrophy, were enrolled. Swabs from four surface oral tissue sites (tongue base, soft palate, both palatine tonsils, and the adenoids) and one nasal swab from both anterior nares were collected. The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) V3–V4 region was sequenced to identify the microbial communities. Results: Alpha and beta diversity were not significantly different between the pediatric OSA patients and controls at the five upper airway sites. However, the microbial profiles were significantly different among the five upper airway sites. The abundances of Haemophilus, Fusobacterium, and Porphyromonas were higher in the adenoids and tonsils of pediatric patients with OSA. Functional analysis revealed that the differential pathway between the pediatric OSA patients and controls involved amino acid metabolism and signal transduction.Conclusions: In this study, the upper airway microbiome of pediatric OSA patients only exhibited minor differences in composition compared with the controls. However, the microbiota data could be useful as a reference for studies on the upper airway microbiome or other relevant clinical phenomena.
Comparison of four diagnostic criteria for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis – a diagnostic accuracy study in critically ill patients
Authors: Schroeder Maria , Giese Melanie , Wijaya Charles , Winterland Sarah , Nuechtern Annika , Grensemann Joern , Matthews Hanna , Wichmann Dominic , Stamm Johannes , Rohde Holger , Christner Martin , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Steurer Stefan , Heinemann Axel , Simon Marcel , Fischer Marlene , Kluge Stefan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the absence of lung biopsy there are various algorithms for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients that rely on clinical signs, underlying conditions, radiological features, and mycology. The aim of the present study was to compare four diagnostic algorithms in their ability to differentiate between probable IPA (i.e. requiring treatment) and colonization in critically ill patients. In addition, we determined their diagnostic accuracy to detect proven IPA.METHODS: For this diagnostic accuracy study, we included a mixed ICU population with a positive Aspergillus culture from respiratory secretions that were treated in a German quarternary care hospital between 2005 and 2020. Four different diagnostic algorithms were applied to all patients. We compared agreement among the four algorithms to discriminate probable IPA from colonization. In a subgroup of patients with lung tissue histopathology available we determined the sensitivity and specificity of the single algorithms to detect proven IPA. RESULTS: A total number of 684 critically ill patients were included. The mean age of the study population was 63 years (IQR 52-73). Sixty-nine percent (n=472) were medical and 31% (n=212) were surgical ICU patients. Overall, 79% (n=543) of patients fulfilled the criteria for probable IPA according to at least one diagnostic algorithm. Only 4% of patients (n=29) fulfilled the criteria for probable IPA according to all four algorithms. Agreement among the four diagnostic criteria was low (Cohen’s kappa 0.07-0.29). From 85 patients with histopathological examination of lung tissue 40% (n=34) had confirmed IPA. The new EORTC/MSGERC ICU working group criteria had high specificity (0.59 [0.41-0.75]) and sensitivity (0.73 [0.59-0.85]).CONCLUSIONS:In a cohort of mixed ICU patients, the agreement among four algorithms for the diagnosis of IPA was low. The 2021 EORTC/MSGERC ICU working group criteria achieved the highest specificity and sensitivity to detect proven IPA. Although improved by the latest diagnostic criteria, the discrimination of invasive fungal infection from Aspergillus colonization in critically ill patients remains challenging and may require further optimization.
Soil Amelioration In Mediterranean High-Mountains Of Central Spain
Authors: Ugarte Rosina Magaña , Gavilán Rosario , Rubio Agustín 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Aim: Link the well-documented information on plant community assembly to the changes in soil properties, a relationship rarely studied in the less studied mountains of Central Spain.Methods: We assessed the shifts in soil nutrients, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil properties related to texture along an elevation gradient and two transects (Val-CH, Pan-Nav) in Sierra de Guadarrama, central Spain, between bare soil and vegetation-covered patches. Additionally, we calculated the Relative Interaction Index (RII) to evaluate the strength and direction of the dominant life-form effect of each soil variable. Results: Our results confirmed improved soil properties under vegetation-covered patches compared to bare soils, always irrespective of elevation. Soil properties and RIIs showed no relationship with the dominant life-form. Significant differences in soil chemical properties were found between transects, with more acidic soils, higher nutrients, and SOM in the herb-dominated (Val-CH) than in the cushion-dominated one. The soil amelioration effect was more pronounced at mid-elevations, resembling the humped patterns observed in the Andes, which may be related to the two severity gradients acting in Mediterranean high-mountains.Conclusions: Maintaining a high C/N ratio among elevations could indicate an excess nutrient input in these systems to benefit vegetation growth. However, we assume slow SOM decomposition rates based on the non-significant differences in the C/N ratio between microhabitats and previously reported decreased microbial activity. These results could directly associate with low mineralization rates and, thus, reduced nutrient availability for plants.
Finite-time Tracking Control for Nonholonomic Wheeled Mobile Robot Using Adaptive Fast Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode
Authors: Xie Hao , Zheng Jinchuan , Sun Zhe , Chai Rifai , Wang Hai 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
System uncertainties and external disturbances are the major causes of the trajectory tracking performance degradation in nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots (NWMRs). In this article, an adaptive fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode dynamic control (AFNTSMDC) method is proposed to provide enhanced robust and finite-time tracking performance for the NWMR. The proposed AFNTSMDC is a systematic design method based upon both the kinematic and dynamic model of the NWMR. The AFNTSMDC controller has a simple form without singularity issue in the control input, which makes it practically implementable. The finite-time stability of the proposed tracking-error function is also proved using the Lyapunov function. Finally, circular trajectory tracking experiments are conducted to validate the robustness and convergence rate of the proposed AFNTSMDC scheme in comparison with the existing methods including classic kinematic control (CKC), robust sliding mode kinematic control (RSMKC), and conventional sliding mode dynamic control (CSMDC) in the presence of uncertainties and external disturbances.
A Temporal Assessment of Risk of Non-indigenous Species Introduction by Ballast Water to Canadian Coastal Waters Based on Environmental Similarity
Authors: Song Ruixin , Tavakoli Yashar , Bailey Sarah , Soares Amilcar 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The environmental similarity scores between two locations are essential
in ballast water risk assessment (BWRA) models used to estimate the
potential for non-indigenous species introduction and guide management
strategies aiming to minimize biodiversity loss and economic impacts.
Previous BWRA models incorporate annual-scale environmental data,
which may overlook seasonal variability. In this study, the differences in
monthly sea surface temperature and salinity data were calculated at
global ports and incorporated in a BWRA model. The environmental
similarity scores were then calculated between the ballast water source
and destination locations for ships arriving at Canadian coastal ports
using monthly and annual-scale models for statistical comparison. As
salinity and temperature vary seasonally in specific regions, there were
significant differences in calculated environmental similarity risk values
using annual and monthly-scale models. The results suggest that BWRA
based on annual-scale data might underestimate environmental similarity scores. In contrast, methods incorporating monthly data can provide a more sensitive assessment to inform ballast water management practices.
Applying DNA Metabarcoding for The Diet Investigation of The Invasive Ctenophore Mnemiopsis Leidyi in A Transitional Environment
Authors: SCHROEDER ANNA , Camatti Elisa , Pansera Marco , Pallavicini Alberto 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Due to its potentially severe impacts on the functioning of the marine systems, the interest in understanding the ecology of invasive zooplanktivorous comb jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi has increased in the last decades, especially after its bloom in the Black and Caspian Sea in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In the last decade, M. leidyi has colonized most of the Mediterranean Sea, including the Adriatic Sea, and in 2016 it was firstly recorded in the Venice Lagoon (Malej et al., 2017). The impact Mnemiopsis could have especially in the Venice Lagoon as a semi-enclosed ecosystem is of concern, as it is an important nursery and foraging area for several fish species as well as an area of mussel, clam, and crab fishery and aquaculture. While in the past, to study Mnemiopsis feeding preferences, the gut content was mainly analyzed by morphological identification, this is the first study investigating the in-situ gut contents of this species utilizing DNA metabarcoding, as it overcomes the limit in identifying partially digested prey. In this study, Mnemiopsis gut contents, collected in the Venice Lagoon, were evaluated by metabarcoding and compared to the in-situ mesozooplankton community. The results indicate that the blooming period in the late summer and that Mnemiopsis feeds on a variety of prey, mostly coinciding with the zooplankton assemblage. Notably, some groups, like decapod larvae and the slow-swimming larvae of gastropods and bivalves, appear to be favored. Conversely, the relative abundance of copepods was higher in-situ than in the gut contents.