bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of lipids during wet storage of the marine diatom Porosira glacialis under semi-preserved conditions at 4 and 20 °C
Authors: Dalheim Lars , Svenning Jon B. , Eilertsen Hans C. , Vasskog Terje , Olsen Ragnar L.
Published: October 2020

Cultivation of diatoms may help alleviate the pressure on wild fish stocks for marine nutrient availability in aquaculture feed and for human consumption. However, the lipids in microalgae biomass are easily deteriorated, both trough lipolysis and degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Proper storage conditions are therefore necessary to maintain the lipid quality. Additionally, the storage conditions must have a low cost and facilitate further processing of the biomass. In this study, we investigated the formation of free fatty acids, changes in lipid classes, and fatty acid composition of the psychrophilic marine diatom Porosira glacialis under storage. The wet biomass was stored for 14 days at 4 and 20 °C with either heat treatment, formic acid, or benzoic acid addition, and a control sample. Heat-treated and formic acid samples had the lowest rate of free fatty acid formation during storage. Mainly, polar lipids were hydrolyzed to free fatty acids and this occurred fastest at 20 °C. The fatty acid composition remained stable in heat-treated samples during storage, whereas a loss of PUFA was observed in the other treatments. The lack of effect from benzoic acid indicates that the loss of lipid quality stems from endogenous enzymes rather than exogenous organisms. Heat treatment and formic acid appeared to effectively reduce lipase activity, and potentially lipoxygenase and similar enzymes that affect the fatty acids. The low pH of the formic acid samples seems to have a negative effect on the PUFA content, in particular at 20 °C.
Obtaining EQ-5D-5L utilities from the disease specific quality of life Alzheimer’s disease scale: development and results from a mapping study
Authors: Rombach Ines , Iftikhar Marvi , Jhuti Gurleen S. , Gustavsson Anders , Lecomte Pascal , Belger Mark , Handels Ron , Castro Sanchez Amparo Y. , Kors Jan , Hopper Louise , Olde Rikkert Marcel , Selbæk Geir , Stephan Astrid , Sikkes Sietske A. M. , Woods Bob , Gonçalves-Pereira Manuel , Zanetti Orazio , Ramakers Inez H. G. B. , Verhey Frans R. J. , Gallacher John , Actifcare Consortium  , LeARN Consortium  , Landeiro Filipa , Gray Alastair M. ,   ROADMAP Consortium
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The Quality of Life Alzheimer’s Disease Scale (QoL-AD) is commonly used to assess disease specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as rated by patients and their carers. For cost-effectiveness analyses, utilities based on the EQ-5D are often required. We report a new mapping algorithm to obtain EQ-5D indices when only QoL-AD data are available.

Methods

Different statistical models to estimate utility directly, or responses to individual EQ-5D questions (response mapping) from QoL-AD, were trialled for patient-rated and proxy-rated questionnaires. Model performance was assessed by root mean square error and mean absolute error.

Results

The response model using multinomial regression including age and sex, performed best in both the estimation dataset and an independent dataset.

Conclusions

The recommended mapping algorithm allows researchers for the first time to estimate EQ-5D values from QoL-AD data, enabling cost-utility analyses using datasets where the QoL-AD but no utility measures were collected.
Growth hormone deficiency and replacement therapy in adults: Impact on survival
Authors: van Bunderen Christa C. , Olsson Daniel S.
Published: October 2020

In a seminal paper from 1990, Rosen and Bengtsson suggested that hypopituitary patients with a presumed growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) have an excess mortality. Later studies have confirmed this finding but have also shown that the cause of the increased risk of death in these patients is multifactorial, including unreplaced GHD as well as non-physiological replacement therapy of other deficiencies, the etiology of hypopituitarism, and the side effects of tumor treatment. Only a few studies have investigated mortality in hypopituitary patients with GHD receiving GH replacement therapy (GHRT): these studies are retrospective observational studies with a wide range of underlying diseases but most of them show a mortality that is not different from the general population. Even though the research field of survival in GHD patients with and without GHRT is lacking prospective randomized trials, the evidence suggests that GHD in hypopituitary patients contributes to an excess mortality and modern replacement therapy including GHRT will result in a mortality that is approaching normal. Herein, we review the literature in the field of survival in GHD patients with and without GHRT. In addition, we outline the most important issues when evaluating studies in this area.
Do open access journal articles experience a citation advantage? Results and methodological reflections of an application of multiple measures to an analysis by WoS subject areas
Authors: Basson Isabel , Blanckenberg Jaco P. , Prozesky Heidi
Published: October 2020

This study is one of the first that uses the recently introduced open access (OA) labels in the Web of Science (WoS) metadata to investigate whether OA articles published in Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) listed journals experience a citation advantage in comparison to subscription journal articles, specifically those of which no self-archived versions are available. Bibliometric data on all articles and reviews indexed in WoS, and published from 2013 to 2015, were analysed. In addition to normalised citation score (NCS), we used two additional measures of citation advantage: whether an article was cited at all; and whether an article is among the most frequently cited percentile of articles within its respective subject area (pptopX %). For each WoS subject area, the strength of the relationship between access status (whether an article was published in an OA journal) and each of these three measures was calculated. We found that OA journal articles experience a citation advantage in very few subject areas and, in most of these subject areas, the citation advantage was found on only a single measure of citation advantage, namely whether the article was cited at all. Our results lead us to conclude that access status accounts for little of the variability in the number of citations an article accumulates. The methodology and the calculations that were used in this study are described in detail and we believe that the lessons we learnt, and the recommendations we make, will be of much use to future researchers interested in using the WoS OA labels, and to the field of citation advantage in general.
Rotational thromboelastometry results are associated with care level in COVID-19
Authors: Almskog Lou M. , Wikman Agneta , Svensson Jonas , Wanecek Michael , Bottai Matteo , van der Linden Jan , Ågren Anna
Published: October 2020

High prevalence of thrombotic events in severely ill COVID-19 patients have been reported. Pulmonary embolism as well as microembolization of vital organs may in these individuals be direct causes of death. The identification of patients at high risk of developing thrombosis may lead to targeted, more effective prophylactic treatment. The primary aim of this study was to test whether rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) at admission indicates hypercoagulopathy and predicts the disease severity, assessed as care level, in COVID-19 patients. The study was designed as a prospective, observational study where COVID-19 patients over 18 years admitted to hospital were eligible for inclusion. Patients were divided into two groups depending on care level: (1) regular wards or (2) wards with specialized ventilation support. Conventional coagulation tests, blood type and ROTEM were taken at admission. 60 patients were included; age 61 (median), 67% men, many with comorbidities (e.g. hypertension, diabetes). The ROTEM variables Maximum Clot Firmness (EXTEM-/FIBTEM-MCF) were higher in COVID-19 patients compared with in healthy controls (p < 0.001) and higher in severely ill patients compared with in patients at regular wards (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that hypercoagulopathy is present early in patients with mild to moderate disease, and more pronounced in severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Non-O blood types were not overrepresented in COVID-19 positive patients. ROTEM variables showed hypercoagulopathy at admission and this pattern was more pronounced in patients with increased disease severity. If this feature is to be used to predict the risk of thromboembolic complications further studies are warranted.
The Memory-Modifying Potential of Optogenetics and the Need for Neuroethics
Authors: Adamczyk Agnieszka K. , Zawadzki Przemysław
Published: October 2020

Optogenetics is an invasive neuromodulation technology involving the use of light to control the activity of individual neurons. Even though optogenetics is a relatively new neuromodulation tool whose various implications have not yet been scrutinized, it has already been approved for its first clinical trials in humans. As optogenetics is being intensively investigated in animal models with the aim of developing novel brain stimulation treatments for various neurological and psychiatric disorders, it appears crucial to consider both the opportunities and dangers such therapies may offer. In this review, we focus on the memory-modifying potential of optogenetics, investigating what it is capable of and how it differs from other memory modification technologies (MMTs). We then outline the safety challenges that need to be addressed before optogenetics can be used in humans. Finally, we re-examine crucial neuroethical concerns expressed in regard to other MMTs in the light of optogenetics and address those that appear to be unique to the memory-modifying potential of optogenetic technology.
The associations between different sleep patterns and osteoporosis based on the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians
Authors: Wu Shaojun , Wang Pengbo , Guo Xiaofan , Sun Guozhe , Zhou Ying , Li Zhao , Yang Hongmei , Yu Shasha , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: October 2020

Summary

Based on the use of Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) to assess osteoporosis risk, we found that short sleep duration and taking a daytime nap had an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Purpose

To explore the associations between different sleep patterns with osteoporosis.

Methods

3659 postmenopausal women (average age of 60 years) were divided into low, middle, and high osteoporosis risk categories based on the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA). After having collected by a standard questionnaire, total and nocturnal sleep duration was collapsed to form categories of ≤ 6 h, > 6 h and ≤ 7 h, > 7 h and ≤ 8 h, > 8 h and ≤ 9 h, > 9 h, and daytime nap duration of 0 h and > 0 h.

Results

As a categorical variable, the total sleep duration of ≤ 6 h per day (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.04–1.72), nocturnal sleep duration of ≤ 6 h per night (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.24–2.18), and taking a daytime nap (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.09–1.64) had higher osteoporosis risk after adjustment for covariates. As a continuous variable, after the adjustment for covariates, both longer total (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.94) and nocturnal sleep duration (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.91) had lower risk of osteoporosis risk while taking longer daytime nap (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.19) had higher osteoporosis risk.

Conclusions

Postmenopausal women with both short total and nocturnal sleep duration (6 h or less) and taking a daytime nap had increased osteoporosis risk as assessed by OSTA.
Trends in tropospheric ozone concentrations and forest impact metrics in Europe over the time period 2000–2014
Authors: Proietti Chiara , Fornasier Maria Francesca , Sicard Pierre , Anav Alessandro , Paoletti Elena , De Marco Alessandra
Published: October 2020

In Europe, tropospheric ozone pollution appears as a major air quality issue, and ozone concentrations remain potentially harmful to vegetation. In this study we compared the trends of two ozone metrics widely used for forests protection in Europe, the AOT40 (Accumulated Ozone over Threshold of 40 ppb) which only depends on surface air ozone concentrations, and the Phytotoxic Ozone Dose which is the accumulated ozone uptake through stomata over the growing season, and above a threshold Y of uptake (PODY). By using a chemistry transport model, we found that European-averaged ground-level ozone concentrations (− 2%) and AOT40 metric (− 26.5%) significantly declined from 2000 to 2014, due to successful control strategies to reduce the emission of ozone precursors in Europe since the early 1990s. In contrast, the stomatal ozone uptake by forests increased from 17.5 to 26.6 mmol O3 m−2 despite the reduction in ozone concentrations, leading to an increase of potential ozone damage on plants in Europe. In a climate change context, a biologically-sound stomatal flux-based standard (PODY) as new European legislative standard is needed.
A Review on Recent Advances in the Constitutive Modeling of Bone Tissue
Authors: Pahr Dieter H. , Reisinger Andreas G.
Published: October 2020

Purpose of Review

Image-based finite element analysis (FEA) to predict and understand the biomechanical response has become an essential methodology in musculoskeletal research. An important part of such simulation models is the constitutive material model of which recent advances are summarized in this review.

Recent Findings

The review shows that existing models from other fields were introduced, such as cohesion zone (cortical bone) or phase-field models (trabecular bone). Some progress has been made in describing cortical bone involving physical mechanisms such as microcracks. Problems with validations at different length scales remain a problem.

The improvement of recent constitutive models is partially obscured by uncertainties that affect overall predictions, such as image quality and calibration or boundary conditions. Nevertheless, in vivo CT-based FEA simulations based on a sophisticated constitutive behavior are a very valuable tool for clinical-related osteoporosis research.
High velocity seawater air-conditioning with thermal energy storage and its operation with intermittent renewable energies
Authors: Hunt Julian David , Zakeri Behnam , Nascimento Andreas , Garnier Bruno , Pereira Márcio Giannini , Bellezoni Rodrigo Augusto , de Assis Brasil Weber Natália , Schneider Paulo Smith , Machado Pedro Paulo Bezerra , Ramos Dorel Soares
Published: October 2020

The rapid increase in cooling demand for air-conditioning worldwide brings the need for more efficient cooling solutions based on renewable energy. Seawater air-conditioning (SWAC) can provide base-load cooling services in coastal areas utilizing deep cold seawater. This technology is suggested for inter-tropical regions where demand for cooling is high throughout the year, and it has been implemented in islands with short distances from the coast and the deep sea. This paper proposes adjustments to the conventional design of SWAC plants to reduce implementation risks and costs. The approach is named high velocity SWAC and consists of increasing the excavation depth of the seawater pump station up to 20 m below the sea level, compared to 2 to 5 m in conventional SWAC projects. This allows a twofold increase in the speed of inlet pipeline seawater and cooling load of the plant. The cooling load can be expanded twofold with only 55% capital cost and 83% project costs, compared with the costs of a new system. In addition, this article shows that high velocity SWAC plants with thermal energy storage will have an important role supporting the dissemination of intermittent renewable sources of energy in regions where SWAC is a viable cooling alternative.
Conceptualizing Corporate Accountability in International Law: Models for a Business and Human Rights Treaty
Authors: Bernaz Nadia
Published: October 2020

This article conceptualizes corporate accountability under international law and introduces an analytical framework translating corporate accountability into seven core elements. Using this analytical framework, it then systematically assesses four models that could be used in a future business and human rights (BHR) treaty: the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights model, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights model, the progressive model, and the transformative model. It aims to contribute to the BHR treaty negotiation process by clarifying different options and possible trade-offs between them, while taking into account political realities. Ultimately, the article argues in favour of the BHR treaty embracing a progressive model of corporate accountability, which combines ambitious development of international law with realistic prospects of state support.
Impact of experimental thermal processing of artificially contaminated pea products on ochratoxin A and phomopsin A
Authors: Kunz Birgitta Maria , Voß Alexander , Dalichow Julia , Weigel Stefan , Rohn Sascha , Maul Ronald
Published: October 2020

Fungi of Aspergillus and Penicillium genus can infect peas (Pisum sativum), leading to a contamination with the nephrotoxic and carcinogenic ochratoxin A (OTA). Under unfavourable conditions, a fungus primarily found on lupines, Diapothe toxica, may also grow on peas and produce the hepatotoxic phomopsin A (PHOA). To study the effect of processing on OTA and PHOA content, two model products—wheat/rye-mixed bread with pea flour addition and pea pasta—were manufactured at small-business scale from artificially contaminated pea flour. The decrease of OTA and PHOA contents were monitored along the production process as indicators for toxin transformation. Pea bread dough was subjected to proofing for 30–40 min at 32 °C and baked at 250 °C to 230 °C for 40 min. OTA content (LODs < 0.1 μg/kg) showed a reduction in the bread crust (initially 17.0 μg/kg) to 88% and no reduction in the crumb (110%). For PHOA (LODs < 3.6 μg/kg), a decrease to approximately 21% occurred in the bread crust (initially 12.5 μg/kg), whilst for crumb, a less intense decrease to 91% was found. Pea pasta prepared with two toxin levels was extruded at room temperature, dried and cooked for 8 min in boiling water. In pea pasta, OTA was reduced from 29.8 to 13.9 μg/kg by 22% each after cooking, whilst 15% and 10% of the initial toxin amounts were found in the cooking water, respectively. For PHOA, 60% and 78% of initially 14.3 μg/kg and 7.21 μg/kg remained in the cooked pasta. As only the decrease of the initial content was measured and no specific degradation products could be detected, further research is needed to characterise potential transformation products. Heat treatment reduces the initial PHOA content stronger than the OTA content during pasta cooking and bread making. However, significant amounts of both toxins would remain in the final products.
A new series of axial algebras of Monster type $$(2\eta ,\eta )$$
Authors: Alsaeedi Mashaer
Published: October 2020

We construct a new series of $$n^2$$

n
2

-dimensional axial algebras of Monster type $$(2\eta ,\eta )$$

(
2
η
,
η
)

. They arise as subalgebras A of the Matsuo algebras $$M_\eta (^-O_{n+1}^+(3))$$

M
η

(
-

O

n
+
1

+

(
3
)

)

, generated by single and double axes. Also, we address the question of when these algebras are simple. While we do not solve this question, we formulate three concrete conjectures based on the calculation, using the computer algebra system GAP, of the roots of the determinant of the Gram matrix of the Frobenius form on A for several small values of n.
Basal and longitudinal changes in serum levels of TSH in morbid obese patients experiencing failure or success of dietary treatment
Authors: Croce Laura , Pallavicini Cristina , Crotti Silvia , Coperchini Francesca , Minnelli Linda , Magri Flavia , Chiovato Luca , Rotondi Mario
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The relationship between thyroid function and obesity is a widely investigated one. The impact of thyroid hormones in determining the outcome of dietary/lifestyle interventions remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare basal and post dietary-intervention circulating thyroid-function parameters, lipid profile and fasting-glucose in euthyroid obese patients according to a success or failure of a dietary intervention program.

Methods

In a retrospective longitudinal case–control study we enrolled 50 euthyroid obese patients who experienced a success in dietary intervention, as defined by a BMI reduction of at least 5% from baseline (Success Group) and 50 sex and age-matched euthyroid obese patients who experienced failure in dietary intervention as defined by either stable or increased body weight throughout the follow-up (Failure Group). Serum thyroid function parameters and metabolic profile at baseline and at the end of follow-up were collected.

Results

At baseline, the two groups showed similar BMI, total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and fasting-blood-glucose, but patients in Success Group had a significantly higher TSH as compared with Failure Group (2.20 ± 0.97 vs 1.66 ± 0.73, respectively, p < 0.001). Throughout a mean follow-up of 21.4 months TSH significantly decreased in Success Group (2.20 ± 0.97 vs 2.06 ± 0.98; p = 0.029) and increased in Failure Group (1.63 ± 0.72 vs 2.01 ± 0.99; p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that the outcome of the dietary intervention was significantly and independently related to baseline BMI (0.925; 0.861–0.993), age (0.957; 0.922–0.993), TSH (0.531; 0.290–0.973) and TSH-changes (1.011; 1.000–1.022) during follow-up.

Conclusions

Baseline serum TSH level is related to the final outcome of a dietary intervention program in obese patients.

Level of evidence III

Evidence obtained from a retrospective cohort or case–control analytic studies.
On Predicting the Ultimate Capacity of a Large-Span Soil–Steel Composite Bridge
Authors: Wadi Amer , Pettersson Lars , Karoumi Raid
Published: October 2020

The limit state design of large-span soil–steel composite bridges (SSCB) entails that understanding their structural behaviour in the ultimate state is as much needed as their performance under service conditions. Apart from box culverts, the largest loading-to-failure test was done on a 6.3-m span culvert. More tests on larger spans are believed essentially valuable for the development of the design methods. This paper presents the numerical simulation efforts of an 18.1-m span SSCB pertaining to its ongoing preparations for a full-scale field test. The effect of the different loading positions on the ultimate capacity is investigated. Comparisons are made between three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) models. The results enabled to realise the important role of the soil load effects on the ultimate capacity. It is found that the failure load is reduced when the structure is loaded in an asymmetrical manner. A local effect is more pronounced for the live load when the tandem load is placed closer to the crown. The study also illustrates the complex correlation between 3D and 2D models, especially if one attempts to simultaneously associate sectional forces and displacements.
Laser polished fused deposition poly-lactic acid objects for personalized orthopaedic application
Authors: Chai Yuan , Chen Xiao-Bo , Zhang Donghai , Lynch Joseph , Birbilis Nick , Qin Qing-Hua , Smith Paul N. , Li Rachel W.
Published: October 2020

Patient-specific surgical guides are increasingly demanded. Material Extrusion (ME) is a popular 3D printing technique to fabricate personalized surgical guides. However, the ME process usually generates deleterious surface topography which is not suitable for orthopaedic emergencies. We designed and optimized parametric combinations of a laser polishing approach as post process to improve the surface quality of ME-made poly-lactic acid (PLA) objects. In this study, we investigated the contribution of processing variables to the mechanical properties and the biocompatibilities in vitro of the ME-made PLA objects. Conventional surface grinding was conducted as comparison. The results demonstrate that the ME-made PLA samples exhibit good mechanical properties and favourable biocompatibility after being post processed using laser polishing. The post laser polishing, as a powerful tool in manufacture of ME-made PLA objects, will open a new approach with a great promise in its applications in personalized and timely management of medical emergencies.
Disentangling the path of pollinator attraction in temporarily colored flowers
Authors: Boff Samuel , Henrique Jessica Amaral , Friedel Anna , Raizer Josué
Published: October 2020

Plants may use different strategies to attract pollinators in long distance (e.g. floral display) and in short distance (e.g. ratio between differentially colored flowers) scales. The Verbenaceae Lantana canescens Kunth is a wide spread species in open sites of the Brazilian Pantanal wetland. Individuals of this generalist species can produce a variable number of open inflorescences with yellow and white flowers that are organized in whorls. In this study we tested the hypothesis that increased floral display (long distance attraction) and the ratio between yellow and white flowers (short distance attraction) enhances the number of pollinator species and individuals. We observed flower visitors and calculated floral parameters in 38 plots of 1 m2 each, that contained a varying number of flowering L. canescens individuals. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and Bray-Curtis distances were used to account for flower visitor composition and the relative visitation rate, respectively. We used a structural equation model to test the power of each predictor variable on the visitation rate and a covariance analysis to disentangle the effect of each independent variable on the frequency of plant-pollinator interactions. We found that the number of flower visitors and the visitation rate increased with increasing number of inflorescences. Disentangling long and short distance attraction indicated that the number of inflorescences (per plot) and the number of yellow flowers (yellowing effect) contributed most to flower visitation at long and short distance, respectively.
Implementation of Newton’s Algorithm Using FORTRAN
Authors: Siddiqui Shahida Anusha , Ahmad Ali
Published: October 2020

A lot of software today dealing with various domains of engineering and life sciences have to deal with non-linear problems. In order to reduce the problem to a linear problem, a lot of state of the art solutions already exist. This work focus on the implementation of Newton’s Algorithm (also known as Newton’s method), to determine the roots of a given function within a specific user defined interval. The software for this implementation is FORTRAN. Even though FORTRAN is considered to be outdated, it still has a lot of application due to its long history and the existing legacy code. The code is written in such a manner that a user can provide a function and a specific interval and the code should in turn run iterations over the interval and should display all the possible roots within that interval. The results are compared at the end for their accuracy. The program is successful in finding out all the roots within an interval.
PIMD: An Integrative Approach for Drug Repositioning using Multiple Characterization Fusion
Authors: He Song , Wen Yuqi , Yang Xiaoxi , Liu Zhen , Song Xinyu , Huang Xin , Bo Xiaochen
Published: October 2020

The accumulation of various types of drug informatics data and computational approaches for drug repositioning can accelerate pharmaceutical research and development. However, the integration of multi-dimensional drug data for precision repositioning remains a pressing challenge. Here, we propose a systematic framework named PIMD to predict drug therapeutic properties by integrating multi-dimensional data for drug repositioning. In PIMD, drug similarity networks (DSNs) based on chemical, pharmacological, and clinical data are fused into an integrated DSN (iDSN) composed of many clusters. Rather than simple fusion, PIMD offers a systematic way to annotate clusters. Unexpected drugs within clusters and drug pairs with a high iDSN similarity score are therefore identified to predict novel therapeutic uses. PIMD provides new insights into the universality, individuality, and complementarity of different drug properties by evaluating the contribution of each property data. To test the performance of PIMD, we use chemical, pharmacological, and clinical properties to generate an iDSN. Analyses of the contributions of each drug property indicate that this iDSN was driven by all data types and performs better than other DSNs. Within the top 20 recommended drug pairs, 7 drugs have been reported to be repurposed. The source code for PIMD is available at https://github.com/Sepstar/PIMD/.
Endoscopic sinus surgery and aspirin desensitization improve otologic‐specific SNOT‐22 scores
Authors: Naples James G. , Corr Andrew , Tripathi Siddhant , Berman Morgan , Brant Jason A. , Ruckenstein Michael J. , Bosso John
Published: October 2020

Objective

There are few studies evaluating the impact of Aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) treatment on otologic symptoms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and aspirin desensitization (AD) on otologic symptoms in subjects with AERD.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of adult patients diagnosed with AERD at our tertiary Care Academic Medical Center ‐ Otorhinolaryngology Department. Charts of adult patients diagnosed with AERD who underwent ESS and ASA desensitization at our institution's AERD Center from 2016 to 2019 were reviewed. Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test 22‐item survey (SNOT‐22) scores were evaluated for patients at various time points including: pre‐surgery, post‐surgery/pre‐aspirin desensitization, and various times post‐desensitization up to >12 months. Within the SNOT‐22, otologic‐specific subdomain scores were evaluated at similar time points. Patients on immunomodulatory medications other than corticosteroids were excluded from analysis.

Results

SNOT‐22 scores were analyzed for 121 patients. There was a significant improvement in overall SNOT scores from pre‐surgery (44.62) to post surgery/pre‐desensitization (23.34) (P < 0.0005). Similarly, SNOT‐22 otologic‐specific scores also improved after surgery prior to desensitization (3.19–2.04) (P = 0.005). Following AD, the improvement in the overall SNOT‐22 continued to improve for up to 12 months (P < 0.005). While the otologic‐specific SNOT‐22 scores remained stable after surgery and ASA desensitization.

Conclusion

ESS and AD reduce otologic‐specific SNOT‐22 scores and parallel trends in overall SNOT‐22 scores. The effect of treatment is durable over the course of 12 months. Future work should aim to correlate otologic SNOT‐22 scores with objective otologic data.
A Gray‐Box Model for a Probabilistic Estimate of Regional Ground Magnetic Perturbations: Enhancing the NOAA Operational Geospace Model With Machine Learning
Authors: Camporeale E. , Cash M. D. , Singer H. J. , Balch C. C. , Huang Z. , Toth G.
Published: October 2020

We present a novel algorithm that predicts the probability that the time derivative of the horizontal component of the ground magnetic fielddB/dtexceeds a specified threshold at a given location. This quantity provides important information that is physically relevant to geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), which are electric currents associated with sudden changes in the Earth's magnetic field due to space weather events. The model follows a “gray‐box” approach by combining the output of a physics‐based model with machine learning. Specifically, we combine the University of Michigan's Geospace model that is operational at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, with a boosted ensemble of classification trees. We discuss the problem of recalibrating the output of the decision tree to obtain reliable probabilities. The performance of the model is assessed by typical metrics for probabilistic forecasts: Probability of Detection and False Detection, True Skill Statistic, Heidke Skill Score, and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. We show that the ML‐enhanced algorithm consistently improves all the metrics considered.
Comparison of the Flank Magnetopause at Near‐Earth and Lunar Distances: MMS and ARTEMIS Observations
Authors: Lukin A. S. , Panov E. V. , Artemyev A. V. , Petrukovich A. A. , Haaland S. , Nakamura R. , Angelopoulos V. , Runov A. , Yushkov E. V. , Avanov L. A. , Giles B. L. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J.
Published: October 2020

One of the main sources of magnetospheric particles is solar wind penetration through the magnetopause—a current sheet separating the cold, dense magnetosheath from the hot, rarified magnetospheric plasmas. The mechanism responsible for magnetosheath particle transport across the magnetopause has been better investigated for the near‐Earth dayside magnetopause (contrary to the nightside), where it was found that such a transport is controlled by the current sheet thickness, structure, and dynamics. Because plasma properties and magnetic field intensity in the magnetosheath significantly change as a function of radial distance from the Earth, the current sheet characteristics are different near Earth and at distant nightside magnetopause. Comparative investigations between near‐Earth and distant magnetopauses, however, require statistical observations at the two locations during the same time interval, that enable control for the same upstream solar wind driving conditions. In this paper, we perform such a study using the four Magnetosheric Multiscale (MMS) and two Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) probes to compare the characteristics of magnetic field and plasma populations during magnetopause crossings, which are separated by about 50 RE. We find that the current sheet profiles is similar at two locations. We also show that the magnetopause current sheet thickness scales with the local magnetosheath ion gyroradius. A weaker magnetic field on both sides of the current sheet is correlated with smaller current density at lunar distances.
Crustal Stress State in Taiwan: Moderately Strong Crust Supporting Gravitational and Flexural Loading
Authors: Yang Yi‐Rong , Johnson Kaj M.
Published: October 2020

In Taiwan and other contractional tectonic wedges, there is evidence that the basal detachment is very weak and the overlying crust is relatively strong. In this study, we compute the absolute deviatoric 3‐D stress field in Taiwan using focal mechanism data and coseismic stress changes for the 1999 M7.6 Chi‐Chi earthquake. We estimate a minimum coefficient of friction of 0.3 in the upper 15 km crust, assuming hydrostatic pore pressure, consistent with a moderately strong crust. The estimated stress state is consistent with primary tectonic structures of Taiwan. The maximum compressive stress in the fold and thrust belt and the Coastal Range is approximately aligned with relative motion of the Eurasian and the Philippine Sea Plates, but the minimum and intermediate principal stresses vary laterally and with depth. A reverse‐faulting stress regime wraps around the Peikang high in western Taiwan suggesting inherited basement structure influences crustal stress state. Vertical maximum compressive stress is inferred under the high topography of the Central Range mountains. We present a simple stress model for Taiwan assuming spatial variations in gravitational potential energy are supported elastically. The model stress state is broadly consistent with the stress inversion result. The model shows that vertical maximum compressive stress in the Central Range is a result of high topography and thick crustal root. Consistent with a moderately strong crust, the model deviatoric stresses in areas of high seismicity in Taiwan are of the order 50–100 MPa. Lower deviatoric stresses under the Central Range are consistent with low rates of observed seismicity.
An Automatic Model Selection‐Based Machine Learning Framework to Estimate FORC Distributions
Authors: Heslop D. , Roberts A. P. , Oda H. , Zhao X. , Harrison R. J. , Muxworthy A. R. , Hu P.‐X. , Sato T.
Published: October 2020

First‐order reversal curve (FORC) distributions are a powerful diagnostic tool for characterizing and quantifying magnetization processes in fine magnetic particle systems. Estimation of FORC distributions requires the computation of the second‐order mixed derivative of noisy magnetic hysteresis data. This operation amplifies measurement noise, and for weakly magnetic systems, it can compromise estimation of a FORC distribution. Previous processing schemes, which are based typically on local polynomial regression, have been developed to smooth FORC data to suppress detrimental noise. Importantly, the smoothed FORC distribution needs to be consistent with the measurement data from which it was estimated. This can be a challenging task even for expert users, who must adjust subjectively parameters that define the form and extent of smoothing until a “satisfactory” FORC distribution is obtained. For nonexpert users, estimation of FORC distributions using inappropriate smoothing parameters can produce distorted results corrupted by processing artifacts, which can lead to spurious inferences concerning the magnetic system under investigation. We have developed a statistical machine learning framework based on a probabilistic model comparison to guide the estimation of FORC distributions. An intuitive approach is presented that reveals regions of a FORC distribution that may have been smoothed inappropriately. An associated metric can also be used to compare data preparation and local regression schemes to assess their suitability for processing a given FORC data set. Ultimately, our approach selects FORC smoothing parameters in a probabilistic fashion, which automates the derivative estimation process regardless of user expertise.
Seismic Anisotropy of Temperate Ice in Polar Ice Sheets
Authors: Llorens M.‐G. , Griera A. , Bons P. D. , Gomez‐Rivas E. , Weikusat I. , Prior D. J. , Kerch J. , Lebensohn R. A.
Published: October 2020

We present a series of simple shear numerical simulations of dynamic recrystallization of two‐phase nonlinear viscous materials that represent temperate ice. First, we investigate the effect of the presence of water on the resulting microstructures and, second, how water influences on P wave (V

p
) and fast S wave (V

s
) velocities. Regardless the water percentage, all simulations evolve from a random fabric to a vertical single maximum. For a purely solid aggregate, the highest V

p
quickly aligns with the maximum c‐axis orientation. At the same time, the maximum c‐axis development reduces V

s
in this orientation. When water is present, the developed maximum c‐axis orientation is less intense, which results in lower V

p
and V

s
. At high percentage of water, V

p
does not align with the maximum c‐axis orientation. If the bulk modulus of ice is assumed for the water phase (i.e., implying that water is at high pressure), we find a remarkable decrease of V

s
while V

p
remains close to the value for purely solid ice. These results suggest that the decrease in V

s
observed at the base of the ice sheets could be explained by the presence of water at elevated pressure, which would reside in isolated pockets at grain triple junctions. Under these conditions water would not favor sliding between ice grains. However, if we consider that deformation dominates over recrystallization, water pockets get continuously stretched, allowing water films to be located at grain boundaries. This configuration would modify and even overprint the maximum c‐axis‐dependent orientation and the magnitude of seismic anisotropy.
GFDL SHiELD: A Unified System for Weather‐to‐Seasonal Prediction
Authors: Harris Lucas , Zhou Linjiong , Lin Shian‐Jiann , Chen Jan‐Huey , Chen Xi , Gao Kun , Morin Matthew , Rees Shannon , Sun Yongqiang , Tong Mingjing , Xiang Baoqiang , Bender Morris , Benson Rusty , Cheng Kai‐Yuan , Clark Spencer , Elbert Oliver D. , Hazelton Andrew , Huff J. Jacob , Kaltenbaugh Alex , Liang Zhi , Marchok Timothy , Shin Hyeyum Hailey , Stern William
Published: October 2020

We present the System for High‐resolution prediction on Earth‐to‐Local Domains (SHiELD), an atmosphere model developed by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) coupling the nonhydrostatic FV3 Dynamical Core to a physics suite originally taken from the Global Forecast System. SHiELD is designed to demonstrate new capabilities within its components, explore new model applications, and to answer scientific questions through these new functionalities. A variety of configurations are presented, including short‐to‐medium‐range and subseasonal‐to‐seasonal prediction, global‐to‐regional convective‐scale hurricane and contiguous U.S. precipitation forecasts, and global cloud‐resolving modeling. Advances within SHiELD can be seamlessly transitioned into other Unified Forecast System or FV3‐based models, including operational implementations of the Unified Forecast System. Continued development of SHiELD has shown improvement upon existing models. The flagship 13‐km SHiELD demonstrates steadily improved large‐scale prediction skill and precipitation prediction skill. SHiELD and the coarser‐resolution S‐SHiELD demonstrate a superior diurnal cycle compared to existing climate models; the latter also demonstrates 28 days of useful prediction skill for the Madden‐Julian Oscillation. The global‐to‐regional nested configurations T‐SHiELD (tropical Atlantic) and C‐SHiELD (contiguous United States) show significant improvement in hurricane structure from a new tracer advection scheme and promise for medium‐range prediction of convective storms.
Models for Predicting Water Retention in Pyrogenic Carbon (Biochar) and Biochar‐Amended Soil at Low Water Contents
Authors: Nakhli Seyyed Ali Akbar , Imhoff Paul T.
Published: October 2020

The dry end of the soil water retention curve (WRC) plays an important role in various hydrologic, solute transport, plant, and microbial processes. Despite increasing application of biochar as a soil amendment, knowledge about water retention in biochars and biochar‐amended soils under dry conditions is lacking. Mechanistic models are presented to predict the WRC for biochars and biochar‐amended soils at matric potential (ψ) < ~−1 MPa. For biochars, the amount of water retained is linked to biochar surficial oxygen content and pore volume and surface area distributions. The WRC for soils at dry conditions is predicted using specific surface area. The WRC model for biochar‐amended soils is the sum of the contributions of models for biochar and soil. The model's utility was examined for three natural soils and a uniform sand, a wood‐based biochar, and 10 different combinations of these soils and biochar. The accuracy of the model for biochars was further tested for six other pyrogenic carbonaceous materials (PCMs). The models agreed well with experimental data: for the biochar and PCMs, soils, and biochar‐amended soils, the root mean square error normalized to the range of water content was almost always <10%. The line of best fit for predicted versus measured gravimetric water content at permanent wilting point had slope of 0.935 ± 0.013 and a coefficient of determination of 0.997. The applicability of these models for different biochars, soils, and their mixtures is discussed.
Pharmacogenetic information in Swiss drug labels – a systematic analysis
Authors: Jeiziner C. , Suter K. , Wernli U. , Barbarino J. M. , Gong L. , Whirl-Carrillo M. , Klein T. E. , Szucs T. D. , Hersberger K. E. , Meyer zu Schwabedissen H. E.
Published: October 2020

Implementation of pharmacogenetics (PGx) and individualization of drug therapy is supposed to obviate adverse drug reactions or therapy failure. Health care professionals (HCPs) use drug labels (DLs) as reliable information about drugs. We analyzed the Swiss DLs to give an overview on the currently available PGx instructions. We screened 4306 DLs applying natural language processing focusing on drug metabolism (pharmacokinetics) and we assigned PGx levels following the classification system of PharmGKB. From 5979 hits, 2564 were classified as PGx-relevant affecting 167 substances. 55% (n = 93) were classified as “actionable PGx”. Frequently, PGx information appeared in the pharmacokinetics section and in DLs of the anatomic group “nervous system”. Unstandardized wording, appearance of PGx information in different sections and unclear instructions challenge HCPs to identify and interpret PGx information and translate it into practice. HCPs need harmonization and standardization of PGx information in DLs to personalize drug therapies and tailor pharmaceutical care.
A peptide-based aggregation-induced emission bioprobe for selective detection and photodynamic killing of Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Bao Pingping , Li Cong , Ou Hanlin , Ji Shenglu , Chen Yao , Gao Jing , Yue Xin , Shen Jing , Ding Dan
Published: October 2020

A bioprobe with aggregation-induced emission characteristics is developed, which can visualize and photodynamically ablate Gram-negative bacteria in a selective manner.
A 5-fluorouracil–kaempferol drug–drug cocrystal: a ternary phase diagram, characterization and property evaluation
Authors: Lv Wen-Ting , Liu Xiao-Xu , Dai Xia-Lin , Long Xiang-Tian , Chen Jia-Mei
Published: October 2020

A drug–drug cocrystal of 5-fluorouracil and kaempferol was comprehensively investigated and exhibits optimized solubility behavior in comparison with individual APIs.
Nopinone-based AIE-active dual-functional fluorescent chemosensor for Hg2+ and Cu2+ and its environmental and biological applications
Authors: Li Mingxin , Ruan Shutang , Yang Haiyan , Zhang Yan , Yang Yiqin , Song Jie , Xu Xu , Wang Zhonglong , Wang Shifa
Published: October 2020

A nopinone-based dual-functional fluorescent probe for Hg2+ and Cu2+ and its applications in environmental analysis and bioimaging.
Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols fromGarcinia xanthochymusfruits exhibit antitumor effects through inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Jing , Jin Shan , Gan Fei , Xiong Hui , Mei Zhinan , Chen Yu , Yang Guangzhong
Published: October 2020

PPAPs from Garcinia xanthochymus fruits exhibit antitumor effects through STAT3 pathway.
Highly effective capture and subsequent catalytic transformation of low-concentration CO2 by superbasic guanidines
Authors: Zhou Hui , Chen Wei , Liu Ji-Hong , Zhang Wen-Zhen , Lu Xiao-Bing
Published: October 2020

We have developed a novel N,N′-bis(imidazolyl)guanidine-based system, which shows high performance in low-concentration CO2 capture and subsequent catalytic transformation to functionalized (4E,5Z)-4-imino-5-benzylideneoxazolidine-2-ones.
Tailoring binder–cathode interactions for long-life room-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Eng Alex Yong Sheng , Nguyen Dan-Thien , Kumar Vipin , Subramanian Gomathy Sandhya , Ng Man-Fai , Seh Zhi Wei
Published: October 2020

Strong interactions between carboxyl binder groups and short-chain sodium polysulfides prevent capacity loss and maintain structural integrity of sulfur cathodes.
Oxygen-deficient 3D-ordered multistage porous interfacial catalysts with enhanced water oxidation performance
Authors: Wang Xuemin , Liu Ming , Yu Haochen , Zhang Hang , Yan Sihao , Zhang Cui , Liu Shuangxi
Published: October 2020

Constructing ordered multistage pore structures and controllable defects is accepted as an effective strategy to optimize the activity and stability of catalysts, but it is still restricted by synthesis technology.
Efficient all-polymer solar cells based on a narrow-bandgap polymer acceptor
Authors: Yin Zhihong , Wang Yang , Guo Qing , Zhu Lei , Liu Haiqin , Fang Jin , Guo Xia , Liu Feng , Tang Zheng , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: October 2020

A new narrow-bandgap polymerized small molecule acceptor, namely PG1, was designed and synthesized. The optimal all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) based PBDB-T:PG1 achieved an outstanding PCE of 11.5% with a high Voc of 0.94 V.