Hedging in the Results and Discussion Section of English Applied Linguistics Research Articles by Vietnamese and Foreign Writers

Hedging in academic writing in general and in research article (RA) in specific has a vital role in enabling writers to minimize their opposing claims and negotiate the meaning. Nevertheless, hedging can be different from one discipline to another and from culture to another. This study, therefore, aims at examining the deployment of hedges in the Results and Discussion (R-D) section of English Applied Linguistics (AL) RAs by Vietnamese writers and their foreign counterparts. Two corpora consisting of 30 RAs written by Vietnamese writers and the other 30 ones by foreign writers were collected. The results revealed that both Vietnamese and foreign writers deployed hedges in the R-D section of English AL RAs at a similar frequency. Moreover, they shared common senses of utilizing the hedges’ types and functions in the R-D section of English AL RAs. This study has confirmed that the norms and practices of the AL, a soft science, were common among non-native English writers regardless of their culture-bound.

Fanconi Anemia Patients from an Indigenous Community in Mexico Carry a New Founder Pathogenic Variant in FANCG

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants (PV) in at least 22 genes, which cooperate in the FA/BRCA pathway to maintain genome stability. PV in FANCA, FANCC, and FANCG account for most cases (~90%). This study evaluated the chromosomal, molecular, and phenotypic findings of a novel founder FANCG PV, identified in three patients with FA from the Mixe community of Oaxaca, Mexico. All patients presented chromosomal instability and a homozygous PV, FANCG: c.511-3_511-2delCA, identified by next-generation sequencing analysis. Bioinformatics predictions suggest that this deletion disrupts a splice acceptor site promoting the exon 5 skipping. Analysis of Cytoscan 750K arrays for haplotyping and global ancestry supported the Mexican origin and founder effect of the variant, reaffirming the high frequency of founder PV in FANCG. The degree of bone marrow failure and physical findings (described through the acronyms VACTERL-H and PHENOS) were used to depict the phenotype of the patients. Despite having a similar frequency of chromosomal aberrations and genetic constitution, the phenotype showed a wide spectrum of severity. The identification of a founder PV could help for a systematic and accurate genetic screening of patients with FA suspicion in this population.

Automatic quality detection system for structural objects using dynamic output method: Case study Vilnius bridges

Paper provides an attempt to create a methodology for automated structure health monitoring procedures using vibration spectrum analysis. There is an option to use autoregressive (AR) spectral analysis to extract information from frequency spectra when conventional Fast Fourier transformation (FFT) analysis cannot give relevant information. An autoregressive spectrum analysis is widely used in optics and medicine; however, it can be applied for different purposes, such as spectra analysis in electronics or mechanical vibration. This paper presents an automated structural health monitoring approach based on the algorithm-driven definition of the first resonant frequency value from a noisy signal, acquired from traffic-created bridge vibrations. We implemented the AR procedure and developed a peak detection algorithm for experimental data processing. The functionality of the proposed methodology was evaluated by performing research on six bridges in Vilnius (Lithuania). We compared three methods of data processing: FFT, filtered FFT and AR. Bridges vibrations under different excitation conditions (wind, impulse and traffic) in normal direction were measured using accelerometers. AR provided one peak representing the lowest resonant frequency in all cases, while FFT and filtered FFT provided up to 12 peaks with similar frequency values. Such results allow implementing our method for remote automated structures health monitoring and ensure structures safety using a convenient and straightforward diagnostic method.

STXBP1 Syndrome Is Characterized by Inhibition-Dominated Dynamics of Resting-State EEG

STXBP1 syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by heterozygous variants in the STXBP1 gene and is characterized by psychomotor delay, early-onset developmental delay, and epileptic encephalopathy. Pathogenic STXBP1 variants are thought to alter excitation-inhibition (E/I) balance at the synaptic level, which could impact neuronal network dynamics; however, this has not been investigated yet. Here, we present the first EEG study of patients with STXBP1 syndrome to quantify the impact of the synaptic E/I dysregulation on ongoing brain activity. We used high-frequency-resolution analyses of classical and recently developed methods known to be sensitive to E/I balance. EEG was recorded during eyes-open rest in children with STXBP1 syndrome (n = 14) and age-matched typically developing children (n = 50). Brain-wide abnormalities were observed in each of the four resting-state measures assessed here: (i) slowing of activity and increased low-frequency power in the range 1.75–4.63 Hz, (ii) increased long-range temporal correlations in the 11–18 Hz range, (iii) a decrease of our recently introduced measure of functional E/I ratio in a similar frequency range (12–24 Hz), and (iv) a larger exponent of the 1/f-like aperiodic component of the power spectrum. Overall, these findings indicate that large-scale brain activity in STXBP1 syndrome exhibits inhibition-dominated dynamics, which may be compensatory to counteract local circuitry imbalances expected to shift E/I balance toward excitation, as observed in preclinical models. We argue that quantitative EEG investigations in STXBP1 and other neurodevelopmental disorders are a crucial step to understand large-scale functional consequences of synaptic E/I perturbations.

Wakefield stimulated terahertz radiation from a plasma grating

When a short laser pulse propagates in a corrugated plasma, its wakefield interacts with the density and electric field ripples of the plasma. In the present paper, the modulation of the plasma originates from two counter-propagating long laser pulses, i.e. the corrugated plasma can be as- sumed as a so called plasma grating. PIC (particle in cell) simulations show electromagnetic wave radiation at a frequency just above the plasma frequency when the wakefield interacts with the grating. An electromagnetic instability is proposed as the reason for the emission process. The electrostatic driver of the electromagnetic instability is the beat of wake and grating. That beat mode possess large wavenumber (originating from the small grating wavelength) and small fre- quency (of the order of the plasma frequency) when one concentrates on small ratios of the plasma modulation length to the wavelength of the wakefield. The latter situation occurs when the long laser pulses (which generate the grating) as well as the short laser pulse (which drives the wakefield) have similar frequency ω0 ≫ ωpe where ωpe is the plasma frequency. The coherent volume emission process lasts for a while. It is finally superseded by terahertz transition radiation at the boundaries of the original grating.

A 12-Month Retrospective Comparison of the Efficacy and Complications of Device-Based and Non-Device-Based MIGS Procedures

Background: Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) encompasses a group of procedures designed to reduce trauma to the target tissue and reduce the incidence of complications. MIGS procedures can be divided into two overall categories: device-based procedures and non-device-based procedures. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and complications of device-based and non-device-based MIGS procedures in eyes combined with phacoemulsification. Methods: 55 eyes from 36 patients with combined MIGS (iStent, GATT, ABIC, BANG, and KDB) and phacoemulsification were included. The glaucoma diagnoses included primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), secondary open angle glaucoma (SOAG), and combined-mechanism glaucoma (CMG). The efficacy of the device-based and non-device-based procedures was determined by the mean postoperative IOP and glaucoma medication reduction. Early complications included adverse events and IOP spikes. Late complications included additional surgeries. Results: At 12 months post-operatively, non-device-based eyes had a greater statistically significant reduction in IOP (3.6 ± 1.3 mmHg) when compared to device-based eyes (.07 ± 1.3 mmHg). There was not a statistically significant difference regarding glaucoma medication burden change between the non-device-based eyes (.58 ± .20, 29.7% reduction) and the device-based eyes (.76 ± .19, 31.7% reduction) (p = .52). The occurrence of hyphema was not statistically significantly greater in device-based eyes compared to non-device-based eyes with the sample sizes in this study. The difference between IOP spikes in the two groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Non-device-based MIGS procedures reduced the 12-month post-operative IOP more than the device-based MIGS procedures. There was not a statistically significant difference regarding glaucoma medication burden change between the study groups. Post-operative complications occurred at a similar frequency between the two groups. Clinical Impact and Implications: The results of this study can help surgeons choose the appropriate MIGS procedure for their patients depending on the efficacy and safety profile.

A Comparison of Outcomes Between Laparoscopic and Robotic Appendectomy Among ACS NSQIP Hospitals

Background/Objective: Robotic general surgery remains controversial with some employing the technology for common laparoscopic procedures such as appendectomies. Very few studies have compared robotic appendectomies to existing techniques, partly due to the relative scarcity of data. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes for robotic appendectomies versus laparoscopic appendectomies. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated procedural specific databases of ACS-NSQIP for appendectomy between 2016-2019 (inclusive). Demographic and surgical outcomes including composite 30 day complications, specific complications, and length of operation were analyzed using a univariant analysis. Results: There was no difference in the total number of comorbidities present or the severity of appendicitis (perforation/abscesses) between robotic and laparoscopic cases. Robotic appendectomy had a longer operation time (91 min vs 52 min, p < 0.001) but a shorter post-operative stay (0.66 days vs 1.27 days, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the frequency of 30-day mortality (p = 0.34), readmission (p = 0.20), or complications (p = 1) between robotically performed appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy (Table 1) Laparoscopic Robotic Complications N = 49,800 N = 50 P Value Odds ratio Any Complication 5302 (10.6%) 5 (10%) 1 1.06 Superficial surgical site infection 423 (0.8%) 0 >0.9 Organ Space SSI 1,355 (2.7%) 0 >0.9 Postoperative Intra-abdominal Abscess 1353 (2.7%) 0 >0.9 Sepsis 1,696 (3.4%) 1 (2%) >0.9 1.7 Table 1. Complications for Laparoscopic versus Robotic appendectomy. Conclusion and Potential Impact: Our results demonstrated laparoscopic and robotic appendectomy had a similar frequency and profile of complications. Robotic procedures took longer but resulted in shorter post-operative stays. Robotic appendectomies appear promising but at present, only make up a small fraction of cases (0.1%) and the widespread adoption of robotic appendectomies is difficult due to issues of cost, equipment, and training.

Post-Vaccination Symptoms after A Third Dose of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 primary vaccination among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are generally of similar frequency, severity, and duration to those reported in the general population. The symptom profile after a 3rd mRNA vaccine dose in the predominantly immune-compromised IBD population is unknown. We aimed to assess symptomology after a 3rd or booster dose of mRNA vaccination in adults with IBD. We surveyed participants of the Coronavirus Risk Associations and Longitudinal Evaluation in IBD (CORALE-IBD) post-vaccination registry for symptom frequency and severity after a 3rd mRNA vaccine dose in an observational cohort study. In total, 524 participants (70% female, mean age 45 years) reported a third dose of mRNA vaccination through October 11, 2021. Overall, 41% reported symptoms after a third dose, with symptoms generally more frequent and more severe among participants younger than 55 years. The most frequent postvaccination symptoms were injection site pain (39%), fatigue or malaise (34%), and headache (23%). These symptoms were all less frequently reported after dose 3 than after dose 2. Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported by 8.8%, which was slightly more frequent than after dose 2 (7.8%). Those with severe symptoms after dose 2 were more likely to have severe symptoms after dose 3. These findings can reassure the IBD patient and provider communities that the likelihood and distribution of symptoms after a third mRNA vaccine dose are generally similar to those after a second dose, and that the frequency of postvaccination symptoms after dose 3 are generally lower than after dose 2.

Wide Band Meandered-Loop Ground Radiation Antenna for Biomedical Applications

The concept of wireless implantable medical devices (IMDs) is becoming more popular as the world’s population ages and concerns about public health grow. Implantable antennas have figured prominently in wireless communication among IMDs and external infrastructures, yet they have subsequently become a major study area. Among the most difficult aspects of building implantable antennas is to varied physical tissues and fluids act as dielectric stress on antenna, affecting its efficiency dramatically. Ground radiation antenna was particularly designed for the antenna size reduction. The features of the ground have an impact on it. There is variance in the radiation field with similar frequency and antenna length yet varied ground conductance. It has been discovered that when the ground conductance is low, the radiation field is minimal and the orientation of the radiation field modifies. A meandered-loop ground radiation antenna (MGRA) was designed by coupling the meandered-loop structure to the ground radiating plane using only one electrical element. The proposed antenna was studied for biomedical applications at ISM band in the range between 2.4 to 2.8 GHz. The overall size of antenna is 30×24 mm2 making it suitable for the implantable applications. The bandwidth of the MGRA was further improved by using stub structures. The single layer skin model simulation showed that |S11| parameter as −21.21 dB at the resounding frequency of 2.40 GHz. Major factors like impedance match gain, radiation effectiveness and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) had also been evaluated in this study.

Energy Mechanisms of Free Vibrations and Resonance in Elastic Bodies

The scientific novelty of this work is determined by the rationale for the participation in transformations, along with the kinetic energy of particles, of four types of elastic energy, identified by the peculiarities of their phase changes in the oscillation process. Two types are converted into kinetic energy, while the other two types change the deformed state of particles in accordance with the equations of motion due to internal sources. The result is obtained based on the use of the superposition principle in the space of Lagrange variables with the imposition of forced and free oscillations, as well as a new model of mechanics based on the concepts of space, time, and energy with a new scale of average stresses that takes into account the energy of particles in the initial state. In such a model of mechanics, a generalized measure of the elastic energy of particles is a quadratic invariant of asymmetric tensor whose components are partial derivatives of Euler variables with respect to Lagrange variables. The concept of kinematic energy parameters is introduced, which differ from the corresponding volumetric energy densities by a multiplier equal to the modulus of elasticity, which is directly proportional to the density and heat capacity of the material, and inversely proportional to the volumetric compression coefficient. Comparison of the values of kinematic parameters shows that most of the energy required for oscillations is associated with the deformation of particles and comes from internal sources. The mechanisms of transformation of forced vibrations into their own for transverse, torsional, and longitudinal vibrations are considered, as well as the occurrence of resonance when free and forced vibrations are superimposed with the same or a similar frequency. The formation of a new free wave after each cycle of external influences with an increase in amplitude, which occurs mainly due to internal, and not external, energy sources is justified.